The Griot Newsletter - leecountyblackhistorysociety.org
Transcription
The Griot Newsletter - leecountyblackhistorysociety.org
THE GRIOT February 2014 Issue LEE COUNTY BLACK HISTORY SOCIETY THE “GRIOT” NEWSLETTER LEE COUNTY BLACK HISTORY’S: LEADING LADIES Only a couple years later, Dr. Anne Knight would join her on the Dais to represent the people of Fort Myers. Dr. Knight, an educator, would serve the people for 5 terms. These pioneering ladies set a great example and though it would take a while, would be joined by another. Laughs, shouts of joy and even tears were shed in November 2008, when America elected its first African American President. Fresh off a historic victory, President Obama would descend upon the Harborside Convention Center and leave many with a cherished memory. Fort Myers, however, has its own history when it comes to black politicians breaking through. It has been said, she ran, she ran, and she ran again. For 17 years Veronica Shoemaker ran and in 1982 she won the race. Elected as the first black councilperson in Fort Myers History, she left the door open for another. GRIOT (continues pg 2) DEFINITION A GRIOT (/ˈɡRI.OƱ/; FRENCH PRONUNCIATION: [ɡʁI.O]), JALI OR JELI (DJELI OR DJÉLI IN FRENCH SPELLING) IS A WEST AFRICAN HISTORIAN, STORYTELLER, PRAISE SINGER, POET AND/OR MUSICIAN. INSIDE THIS ISSUE (L) Former Councilwoman Veronica Shoemaker & (R) Dr. Ann Knight v v v v Lee County Black History’s Leading Ladies LCBHS Ball Event Calendar of Events Board of Directors THE GRIOT February 2014 Issue LEE COUNTY BLACK HISTORY’S: LEADING LADIES (cont.) I n September 1983, Governor Bob Graham appointed Melvin Morgan to the Lee County Commission. Melvin Morgan, a community stalwart, is the first and only Black to have sat on the Board of Commissioners for Lee County. Recently the county building was even renamed in her honored. The Lee County Black History Society acknowledges the impact their achievements continue to have on our community and others whom Life they have touched. They are real living Black history. Join Us on April 4, at the Carrie Robinson Center as we honor theses women at the LCBHS Black Legends Gala. It will be awesome night and worth devoting to these illustrious Ladies. THE LCBHS 1ST BLACK LEGENDS GALA On April 4, 2014 The LCBHS is putting on its first Black Legends Gala. The event hosted at The Carrie Robinson Center will Honor Councilpersons Dr. Ann Knight, Mrs. Veronica Shoemaker and Commissioner Melvin Morgan. Join us as we honor women that have contributed much to our community. The Lee County Black History Society would like to give thanks to all supporters, especially the City of Fort Myers; it is only because of your support that we continue to thrive. 2 Lee County’s First Black Woman Commissioner Melvin Morgan DID YOU KNOW … Ø McCollum Hall, Located on MLK, once a center of town welcomed talent such as Duke Ellington and Otis Redding. Ø In the 1968 Olympics, Fort Myers resident, Bob Beaumon leaped in the record books with a long jump of 29 2 1\2 inches. Ø Terry Park, located in East Fort Myers, once welcomed the Pittsburgh Pirates and Humanitarian Roberto Clemente in the 1950s and 1960s. 2 1 THE GRIOT February 2014 Issue There are many ways in which you can support Lee County Black History Society We are in need of sponsors and memberships CALENDAR OF EVENTS Membership Information BOARD MEETING SCHEDULE The Lee County Black History Society has three (1) year ST ALL BOARD MEETINGS ARE SCHEDULED FOR THE 1 TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH AT 6:30PM HELD AT: ROBERTO CLEMENTE PARK, membership tiers: • Community Torchbearer — $50 1936 HENDERSON AVENUE • Community Oracle — $20 UPCOMING EVENTS F EB . 23 TH : B LACK H ISTORY MONTH RECEPTION: “UNVEILING OF THE LEGENDS” To become a member, send check or money order, along with your name, mailing address, e-mail and phone number, to: Lee County Black History Society 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. 1936 Henderson Ave. @ The Williams Museum at the Roberto Clemente Park M arch 4 th : Lee County Black History Society Annual Meeting 6:30p.m. @The Lee County Black History Society office 2990 EDISON AVE. FORT MYERS, FL WE VOTE ON THE INCOMING BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND DISCUSS THE YEAR MOVING FORWARD. Fort Myers FL 33916 Membership application available on-line at www.leecountyblackhistorysociety.org To schedule a museum visit, call the society at 332-8778. Donations and Sponsorships (All members please be present) A PRIL 4 TH : THE BLACK LEGENDS GALA CARRIE ROBINSON CENTER 2990 EDISON AVE. FORT MYERS, FL Lee County Black History Society is in need of financial support to continue with our work to help everyone become more productive citizens through our diverse cultural education of history through the Williams Academy MULTIPURPOSE RENTAL ROOM LEASING Looking for a place to host your Birthday Party, Baby Shower or just a meeting place, LCBHS has space available. Call today and reserve your space. Multipurpose Room Rental fee is $150 for (4) hours. A $50.00 refundable deposit fee is required upon reservation. Please call (239) 332-8778 or visit Black History Museum. Benefactors can be businesses or individuals. Lee County Black History Society is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization; All gifts and contributions are 100% deductible to the extent allowed by law. The mission of the Lee County Black History Society is to preserve and commemorate cultural and educational contributions made by both locally and nationally known Black people. www.leecountyblackhistorysociety.org and download Rental Lease agreement, complete form and bring it to Lee County Black History Society, 1936 Henderson Ave. 3 1 2 THE GRIOT ☐⏎↵ February 2014 Issue ART IN THE PA RK LCBHS Past Events JUNETEENTH event 4 é HOLIDAY IN THE PARK THE GRIOT February 2014 Issue Donec interdum The Mission of the Lee County Black History Society is to preserve and commemorate cultural and educational contributions made by both locally and nationally known Black people. We want to promote positive thought about Black people in the minds of citizens in Lee County and surrounding areas, and stimulate their desire to continue to preserve an important segment of American history. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Museum/Office Hours of Operation Historian - Nina Denson-Rodgers Tuesday & Thursday 11:00am - 3:00pm Saturday 12:00pm - 4:00pm Chairman - Jarrett Eady Vice Chairman - Charles Barnes Secretary - Herbia Green Treasurer - Deborah Johnson Past Chairperson - Harriet Myers Board Members - Callie Lawrence Bennett Williams Call: 239-332-8778 www.leecountyblackhistorysociety.org Thank you for your support and commitment to the Lee County Black History Lee county Black history society 1936 Henderson Avenue Fort Myers, FL 33916