February 14, 2015
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February 14, 2015
Celebrating Black History Month
REMEMBERING “BLOODY SUNDAY”
VEC sets bus pilgrimage from Atlanta to Selma, Alabama The Voter Empowerment Collaborative (VEC) is planning a bus trip on March 8 to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Selma-to-Montgomery March and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Participants will retrace the steps of the historic march, which became known as “Bloody Sunday,” after law enforcement officials attacked peaceful demonstrators on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma. Today, the bridge remains the symbol of a movement that helped ignite the fight for blacks to have first class citizenship, which included the Right to Vote. The march was ignited after a 26-year-old black man named Jimmie Lee Jackson was shot dead in a restaurant in the city of Marion, Alabama on Feb. 18, 1965. Jackson, his mother and grandfather were part of a peaceful protest of about 500 people who were walking from Zion United Methodist Church to the
Perry County Jail about a half a block away where SCLC field worker James Orange was being held. Police, sheriff’s deputies and state troopers attacked the marchers and began beating them. Jackson and his family members ran into Mack’s Café where police confronted them and shot Jackson. He died at a hospital eight days later. On March 7, 1965, 600 peaceful marchers flanked two by two, headed east out of Selma on U.S. Route 80. They got only as far as the Edmund Pettus Bridge six blocks away, where state and local lawmen attacked them on horse back with billy clubs and tear gas. That “Bloody Sunday” helped lead to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The theme for the Atlanta-to-Selma bus pilgrimage is “It’s a Family Affair” and parents and their children are invited to attend. VEC has signed up four busloads so far—220 people and VEC President, the Rev. Albert E. Love,
says there is always room for more. “Everyday we get more calls. We are still signing up people. We aren’t just going for commemoration; we are going to put voter registration laws on the forefront,” said Love. “Bloody Sunday marks 50 years ago that we went to Selma to fight for voting rights and 50 years later we go to Selma to defend them.” Buses will leave Atlanta on March 8, 6 a.m. and return at 9 p.m. The cost is $60 and includes lunch. The deadline for payment is March 4, 6 p.m. Payment may be made via Pay Pal at VEC: www.vecvoter.org or checks may be mailed to: The Voter Empowerment Collaborative, Inc. for Selma Trip, P.O. Box 310270, Atlanta, GA 31131-2213. Selma will be the site of a series of workshops, a parade, and several other events during the 50th Selma-to-Montgomery Commemoration Celebration, which runs March 5-9. For a schedule of events, visit www.selmajubilee.com.
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PBS to present legendary “Motown 25” concert PBS will take Motown music lovers on a cultural journey this month when it showcases a re-broadcast of the legendary TV special Motown 25: Yesterday · Today · Forever. The historic concert debuted on NBC on May 16, 1983 and has not been seen in the television world since that night. The special was available on DVD just last year. PBS will air Motown 25 on Feb. 28 on stations throughout the country, giving fans a second chance to see the magic and history of both, the television special and the famed record label. The PBS premiere will run throughout March. Produced by de Passe Jones Entertainment and Berry Gordy’s West Grand Media, Motown 25 was taped before a live audience at California’s Pasadena Civic Auditorium and showcases virtually every Motown artist from the company’s inception, including Michael Jackson,
Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, The Supremes, The Jackson 5, The Miracles, The Temptations, Four Tops and many others. The show also features many guests outside the Motown Records’ sphere
influenced by Motown artists, including Linda Ronstadt, who performs a memorable duet with Smokey Robinson; Billy Dee Williams; Jose Feliciano; and British new wave star Adam Ant, who was riding a wave of popularity from MTV exposure. Comedian Richard Pryor hosts the show. “With the popularity of “Motown: The Musical,” which continues to open in major markets across the U.S., and the program’s recent success on DVD, there’s never been a better time to re-air the original broadcast,” said Suzanne de Passe, executive producer of the TV show. “Whether you’re discovering that incredible night of music for the very first time, or are a huge fan of Motown who’s been eagerly awaiting the show’s return to TV, Motown 25 offers a lifetime of magic and memories for all everyone.” Check local listings for PBS information and broadcast times.
THE CELEBRATION LASTS 28 DAYS; THE CONTRIBUTION, A LIFETIME. Lou Walker Senior Center Presents
“Afro-American Culture through Song & Dance”
No amount of time would be sufficient to recognize all of the trailblazers who saw what no one else could, did what no one else dared and gave us all what we needed most. Georgia Power is proud to honor the achievements of African-Americans throughout Black History Month and more importantly beyond.
The Lou Walker Senior Center Performing Arts Group will present “Afro-American Culture Through Song & Dance,” Feb. 23, 2 p.m. An adaptation from its “Unveiling Contribution Series” inspired by cast member Irmogene Alexander, the narratives and musical arrangements of this performance are produced and directed by Gwendolyn F. Thomas. Visitors to the center may also experience diversified dance instruction by volunteers Taliah Hasan, Sharon Patterson, Gwendolyn F. Thomas, Ruth Mayo, Johnnie Kimbrough, Yvonne Eversley and Senella Watson. In addition to the dance performances, the afternoon will feature Negro Spirituals from the “Wings Over Jordan” collection, and educational narratives of the AfroAmerican culture in the states of Georgia and Alabama, which include the periods of slavery through the present. The Lou Walker Senior Center is located at 2538 Panola Road, Lithonia. Admission and parking is free.
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February 14, 2015
Johnson, ABL celebrate black business in DeKalb DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson and the Atlanta Business League will host “A Business Empowerment Summit” on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 6:30 p.m., at the Porter Sanford Performing Arts and Community Center, 3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur. The event will give an introspective look at the history of African American business development in DeKalb County. Keynote speakers will be Leona Barr-Davenport, president and CEO of the Atlanta Business League (ABL), and Milton Jones, chairman of the ABL Board of Directors.
The event will also honor the first female president of the ABL, Alice White Bussey, co-owner of Bussey Florists & Gifts; R.L. Brown, president and CEO of R.L. Brown & Associates; and C.D. Moody, president and CEO of Moody Construction. Other topics of discussion include economic development opportunities for the Ellenwood community and South DeKalb, as well as upcoming opportunities for small businesses. A reception with light refreshments will be served at 5:30 p.m. 404-288-4440 or 404-371-2425.
Underground Atlanta to host celebrity moms for parade Underground Atlanta will host a Black History Month Parade with celebrities and the mothers of Atlanta celebrities leading the way. The parade is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 23, noon at Underground Atlanta, 50 Upper Alabama St., S.W., Atlanta. Four-time Emmy-Award winner Eric Chambers; “Housewives of Atlanta” cast member Erica Pinkett; and Carl Anthoy Payne--“Cole” from the “Martin” show will lead the way for the parade, along with R&B singers Nicci Gilbert and Tony Terry. The “Celebrity Moms of Atlanta”
also will be at the forefront of parade participants. The moms are: Mama Joyce (mom of Kandi Burruss); Mama
APEX Museum offers free display at Underground Atlanta The APEX Museum will host two displays at Underground Atlanta, 50 Upper Alabama St., Atlanta, during Black History Month. The first exhibit is entitled “Music Master: Celebrating African American Composers.” The second exhibit is entitled “Voices of Influence.” “Music Master” is a pictorial exhibition that highlights the accomplishments of some of the greatest African American composers and performers. The panels contain musical genres such as Negro spirituals, jazz, gospel, opera, R&B and the blues. “Voices” is a pictorial exhibition that captures timeless, quotes from various influential African Americans, from Mary McCloud Bethune and Mary J. Blige, to Dr. CT Vivian and Andre and Big Boi (of Outkast). The exhibits run concurrently on
Diane (mom of Tiny); Mama Shirley (mom of Rasheeda); Mama Camp (mom of K-Camp); Mama Cash (mom of Cash-Out); Mama Holiday (mom of J-Holiday); Mama Wyatt (mom of Keke Wyatt); and Mama Brenda (Syleena Johnson’s mom). The celebrities and “celebrity moms” will be joined by DJ Greg Street, the Atlanta Falcons “Birdlady” and members of the WNBA Atlanta Dream to walk in the parade. The Fulton County Sheriff’s Office and members of the Atlanta Caribbean Carnival will also walk in the parade,
as well as marching bands from Atlanta, North Carolina, New York and Maryland. Billed as the largest celebration of Black History Month in America, the parade features marching bands, entertainers and dignitaries. The parade will begin in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Historic District near the King Memorial site and continue to the Underground Atlanta plaza, where the festivities will continue with live entertainment. For more information, call 404-523-2311.
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Saluting Black History Month Rosa Parks Civil Rights Activist
Big Boi and Mary Bethune Wednesdays, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., and on Fridays and Saturdays, 12 – 6 p.m. 404523-2311.
Shirley Chisholm First Black U.S. Congresswoman
Mae C. Jemison First Black Female Astronaut
Hon. Ruth Wilson
Rockdale County’s First Black Clerk of Courts and Constitutional Officer
Serena Williams World Tennis Champion
America’s First Lady Michelle Obama
Honoring Our Past, Celebrating Our Future
Our Heritage Is Rich, Our Nation Is Stronger
W.E.B. DuBois Civil Rights Activist, Orator
RJ Hadley Rockdale County’s First Black Tax Commissioner
Frederick Douglass Abolitionist Leader
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Civil Rights Activist Nobel Peace Prize Recipient
As the Sheriff of Rockdale County, I ask the citizens to stand with me and the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office in celebrating Black History month. This is a celebration to recognize the many accomplishments and achievements of black Americans in history.
Jackie Robinson First Black MLB Player
We Celebrate Our Inspiration
Sheriff Eric J. Levett
We thank the people of yesterday and today for taking us to where we are and to the young people who will lead us in the future. I will always require my staff to treat citizens fairly and without prejudice.
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Celebrating Black History Month
“Freedom Riders” to join Rep. Johnson at DeKalb schools On Tuesday, Feb. 17, Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) will conduct two, one-hour programs for Black History Month featuring two original Freedom Riders – Hank Thomas and Charles Person. The programs coincide with Johnson’s bipartisan resolution calling on Congress to award the Freedom Riders the Congressional Gold Medal. More than 135 members of Congress from both sides of the aisle joined Johnson to cosponsor his bill, H.R. 671. The Freedom Rides, which lasted from May to November 1961, included more than 400 black and white Americans who risked their lives to challenge Jim Crow laws – particularly public transportation – in the
South. Despite enduring vicious attacks and imprisonment for simply traveling together on buses and trains as they traveled through the Deep South, the Freedom Riders challenged bitter racism and mob violence with nonviolent activism. “The Freedom Riders were heroes who rode buses and trains in the South to break the back of segregation,” said Johnson. “The riders – including my constituent Hank Thomas and my friend and colleague John Lewis – endured insults and beatings and risked their lives more than 50 years ago because they believed in a different future for their children and their grandchildren. I’m pleased to be able to bring two of these heroes into our schools
Rep. Hank Johnson so young people can understand their history – where we’ve been and where we’re going.” Johnson will host his Black History Month Program on Tuesday, Feb. 17, at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. High School from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., and Arabia Mountain High School from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Celebrating Law Trailblazers HONORABLE PHINIA ATEN Rockdale Chief Magistrate Judge Rockdale’s First Black Female Judge
HONORING OUR
TRAILBLAZERS We proudly celebrate the achievements of African American trailblazers during this time that we observe as Black History Month.
Many have paved the way with their contributions to our country and inspire us even today. Let us honor and remember them for their bold courage.
Hon. Leah Ward Sears First Black Female Georgia Justice
Hon. Robert Benham First Black Male Georgia Justice
“Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable... Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.”
Elected November 6, 2012 Serving 2013 - Present
Honorable Judge
Hon. Thurgood Marshall First Black U. S. Justice
Charles K. Mays Ralph Bunche Diplomat, First black to receive the Nobel Peace Prize
Phillis Wheatley Poet, First black to publish a book
Robert L. Johnson, owner of Black Entertainment Television First Black Billionaire
Oprah Winfrey First Black Female Billionaire
_ The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
rate Black History Month 20 b e l e C 15 We
Rockdale County’s First Black Probate Judge Elected Nov. 6, 2012-Present
SALUTING LIVING LEGENDS REV. JOSEPH E. LOWERY
Dean of the Civil Rights Movement Formed the SCLC with Dr. M. L. King, Jr.
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AMBASSADOR ANDREW YOUNG
Former Atlanta Mayor, U.S. Congressman
Honoring Those Who Paved The Way #1 Benjamin Banneker First Black Astronomer, Invented the Famers Almana
#2 George Washington Carter “The Plant Doctor,” Inventor of Over 300 Peanut Products
George Levett, Jr.
#3 Dr. Charles Richard Drew Inventor of the blood bank
Rockdale County’s First Black Coroner • Elected Nov. 6, 2012-Present
CEO Richard Oden
Rockdale’s County’s First Black BOC Chairman
U.S. CONGRESSMAN JOHN LEWIS
One of the “Big Six” Civil Rights Leaders
We Honor Those Who Dared To Dream
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February 14, 2015
“Twelve Years a Slave” book discussion set in Lithonia
The DeKalb County Public Library System’s Salem-Panola branch, 5137 Salem Road, Lithonia, will host a book discussion, “Twelve Years a Slave,” on Monday, Feb. 23, 6 – 7 p.m. The book, authored by Solomon Northup, will be discussed by ages 13 and older. Parents and teens are invited to pair up for the discussion. The 1853 memoir and slave narrative by Solomon Northup as told to and edited by David Wilson follows Northup, a black man who was born free in New York, detailing his kidnapping in Washington, D.C., and subsequent sale into slavery. After having been kept in bondage for 12 years in Louisiana by various masters, Northup was able to write to friends and family in New York, who were in turn able to secure his release. Northup’s account provides extensive details on the slave markets in Washington, D.C., and New Orleans and describes at length cotton and sugar cultivation on major plantations in Louisiana. The book was turned into an award-winning film in 2013. 770-987-6900.
A tribute to African American comedy in Snellville The Centerville Community Center, 3025 Bethany Church Road, Snellville, will pay tribute to African American comedy on Friday, Feb. 20, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Families are invited to a “belly full of laughs” with all-day viewings of famous TV shows: “What’s Happening,” “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” and “Everyone Hates Chris.” 770-985-4713.
Celebrate jazz in Atlanta The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library’s Southwest branch, 3665 Cascade Road, Atlanta, will celebrate the art of jazz and its roots in African American culture on Monday, Feb. 16, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. “Prodigies of Music” will trace the roots of jazz music. Jazz has its foundation in the African American-derived blues, and is a musical art form indigenous to America. The event is open to adults 18 and up. Participants are invited to come out to listen to jazz music and talk to local jazz musicians. Books about great African American jazz musicians and composers will also be on display. 404-699-6363.
GPC to showcase “dynamic” spirit of 1960s Georgia Perimeter College (GPC) invites the community to revisit the highlycharged political, social and cultural landscape of the 1960s during a weeklong symposium designed to honor the college’s 50th anniversary, Feb. 16-20. From feminism and race equality to the Vietnam War, fashion and the arts—the ’60s inarguably marked a decade of vast change across America. The 1960s Symposium at GPC will explore this evolutionary period with a number of events planned for each of its five campuses. “Civil rights, human rights, nonconformist popular culture, technology coming out of the space race, questioning authority—all these orientations that define our 21st century outlook are deeply rooted in the ’60s. And so is Georgia Perimeter College,” said Dr. Paul Hudson, history professor and Clarkston Campus symposium chair. Conference highlights include a student-led discussion on student activism
and a presentation about the evolution of 1960s icon Muhammad Ali. Other sessions will focus on ’60s pop culture, artistic expression and one entitled “Selma and Voting Rights, 1965” will be led by Nicole Cromartie of the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta. A program at Clarkston Campus will lighten the mood a bit, with three professors leading a forum entitled “Feeling Groovy, Looking Good: ’60s Fashion and Dance”. The GPC 1960s Symposium will culminate with a couple of musical events. The one at Decatur Campus on Thursday, Feb. 19, will feature ’60s “soul” music. “We are excited to have a symposium this February reflecting on the dynamic spirit of the 1960s,” Hudson said. Georgia Perimeter College opened its doors in 1964 to 763 students. For a complete schedule of events by campus (Alpharetta, Clarkston, Decatur, Dunwoody and Newton), visit www.gpc.edu (newsroom).
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23rd Trumpet Awards celebrate host of African American achievers ATLANTA--The Trumpet Awards Foundation recently celebrated its 23rd Annual Trumpet Awards where an international cast of “Who’s Who” in the areas of religion, politics, public service, law, entrepreneurialism, and entertainment turned out to witness the celebration of African American achievers. The festivities took place at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre on Jan. 24. Among the VIP guests and honorees who were welcomed on the red carpet were Congressman/ Ambassador Andrew Young, Dr. Barbara King, Power Series Actress Naturi Naughton, HWOA Cynthia Bailey, Preachers of LA stars Bishop and Mrs. Ron Gibson; American Idol Ruben Studdard; and comedian Jonathan Slocumb. The event was hosted by Laila Ali, four-time Boxing World Champion, and Dolvett Quince, known for his successes with NBC’s “The Biggest Loser.” Xernona Clayton, president and CEO of the Trumpet Awards Foundation, presented the awards to honorees who included baseball legend Lou Brock; Arnold W. Donald, CEO and president of Carnival Corporation; actor/comedian Jamie Foxx; designer Tommy Hilfiger; Guy Vickers, president of PVH Foundation; The Isley Brothers, recording artists; Janelle Monáe, singer, producer, model; Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice, president/dean of Morehouse School of Medicine; and Franklyn R. Wilson, CMG, Chairman of Sunshine Holding, Ltd, Bahamas. Clayton said the event is always one that she looks forward to every year with her favorite moment being “when the curtains open and the trumpet plays because this is the time when more information comes to light telling the world about the many accomplishments of some of the most remarkable African Americans whom I know.” Presenters who handed out the coveted Trumpet Awards included Quvenzhané Wallis; Roland Martin; Dr. Rachel Ross; Lou Gossett, Jr.; Cathy Hughes; Ted
Front, L-R: Trumpet Awards CEO Xernona Clayton takes the stage with recording artist Ronald Isley; actor/comedian Jamie Foxx; baseball legend Lou Brock; Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice, President and Dean of Morehouse School of Medicine; Arnold W. Donald, CEO of Carnival Corporation; singer/model Janelle Monáe; Guy Vickers, President of PVH Foundation; singer Ernie Isley. Lange; Harry E. Johnson, Sr.; Egypt Sherrod; Jimmy Jam; and Terry Lewis. Performers at the event included award-winning recording artists Avery Sunshine; Dorinda ClarkCole; the St. Augustine School Choir; Leela James; Johnny Gill; soul/funk music sounds of The BarKays; Con-Funk-Shun; Brick; and the Dazz Band, recording artists from the 70’s and more. Other events held during the weekend included the Race Relations Symposium, entitled “The
Continuing Quest for Equality, which was held on Friday at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel downtown Atlanta. This timely discussion was moderated by Danny J. Bakewell, Sr., Los Angeles civil rights activist and entrepreneur. Panelists included State Rep. Tyrone Brooks, president of the Georgia Association of Elected Officials; Janice Mathis, Esq, representing PUSH; and Michael P. McMillian, CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan Saint Louis.
CELEBRATING
BLACK ICONS IN SPORTS Althea Gibson First Black To Cross Color Barrier ALTL Jack Jackson First Black World Heavyweight Champion Carl Lewis Olympic Track and Field Gold Medalist
State Rep. Earnest “Coach” Williams Distric 87 Stone Mountain
Charlie Sifford Golf Legend
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February 14, 2015