Showcase African American History on February 20
All posts by Dorris Ellis
Vote for Dorris Ellis #55 daily for Houston’s Hometown Hero
Please click and copy the below link to vote for Dorris Ellis as a Houston Home Town Hero sponsored by 97.9 The Box radio station. Place the link in your browser in the URL window to proceed. She has been nominated by her daughter, Dorcaus Robinson. How loving of her to do this. Therefore, your help is needed daily. Register first, go to the word “last” and backspace to #55 and vote for Dorris.
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Schedule for events surround Sylvester Turner’s inauguration
Houston Sun News Service
SUNDAY Jan 3 from 4:30-7PM. Mayor Elect SylvesterTurner, New Council Members, and Controllers will have a picnic in Market Square, 1001 Preston Street. Members of the public are invited to come down, take pictures, and talk with Mr. Turner and all the rest. Families of the elected officials will be there too.
6:45 PM a fireworks display takes off for a few minutes setting the stage for Monday’s inauguration.
MONDAY: Jan 4. OTR, On the Red Carpet events takes place inside the lobby of Jones Hall. Camera crews are invited in to gather video and sound bytes from the crowd.
9:30 AM Pool Cameras take over the event. Channel 13 is pool and Richard Carson, the city photographer is pool still photog. No cameras are allowed inside other than the pool cameras.
From there the new Mayor and Council travel back to City Hall where the Mayor will gavel the new council to order for a roll call. This is also an open event to the press. Families will be there to snap pictures and take turns sitting in the Mayor’s chair.
First Black Harris County Commissioner dies at 66
Commissioner El. Franco Lee, dead at 66
Houston Sun News Service
El Franco Lee, Harris County’s first African American commissioner, died this Sunday morning, January 3 of a heart attack. He was 66. Bryan McLeod, a spokesman for Harris Health System said that he was pronounced dead at 10:01 a.m. at LBJ Hospital.
Lee, a Houston native attended Wheatley High School and was a graduate of Texas Southern University, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree from the School of Technology and postgraduate studies at the TSU’s School of Public Affairs, and at the University of Houston. He began his political career in 1979 when he was elected Texas State Representative for District 142 where he served until becoming a county commissioner in 1985. He was serving his seventh term in office for Precinct One.
During his tenure, he advocated for the Street Olympics for young people, , provided transportation for senior citizens , directed money to County Parks in Precinct One, funded the Mickey Leland Plaza and provided for the new Dynamo stadium.
Houston’s newly elected mayor Sylvester Turner said, “El Franco was a beloved public servant who never sought the limelight, preferring a low-key approach that put the needs of his constituents above self-promotion.”
Turner stated that Lee defeated him in the 1984 race for county commissioner. “His passion was helping seniors and improving quality of life for underserved youth and young adults in the inner city. His unmatched programs for thousands of seniors include everything from health and fitness initiatives to arts and crafts and music tutorials to holiday celebrations and other special events.
“Commissioner Lee was a giant of a man,” U.S. State Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee said. “We could always count on his heart and his passion for the most vulnerable.” Turner has directed that flags at City of Houston facilities be lowered to half-staff.
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee said the commissioner was “a champion” of mental health resources, quality of life for seniors and intellectual and athletic development of children, focusing on “people who couldn’t speak for themselves.”
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner released this statement:
My heart is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Harris County Commissioner El Franco Lee. I first met El Franco more than three decades ago when he was serving in the State Legislature. In 1984, we ran against each other for Harris County Commissioner and he beat me.
El Franco was a beloved public servant who never sought the limelight, preferring a low key approach that put the needs of his constituents above self-promotion. His passion was helping seniors and improving quality of life for underserved youth and young adults in the inner city. His unmatched programs for thousands of seniors include everything from health and fitness initiatives to arts and crafts and music tutorials to holiday celebrations and other special events. El Franco’s dedication to improving social services, health care, educational and vocational needs for Harris County youth is exemplified by his wonderful Street Olympics Program. He grew the Street Olympics from a summer-only recreation activity into a comprehensive event that impacted the lives of more than 10,000 young adults every year.
El Franco served Harris County well for 30 years and will be greatly missed. On behalf of the City of Houston, I send condolences and prayers to his family. I have directed that flags at City of Houston facilities be lowered to half-staff.
With his death, comes an opening in the March primary election for Harris County Precinct One. Commissioner.
Audrey H. Lawson, dead at 83
Dorris Ellis
The Houston Sun
Audrey Hoffman Lawson died of natural causes on December 12 in her home surrounded by her family. She was age 83. She was born March 20, 1932 in St. Louis, Missouri, one of nine children of John Henry and Alma Hoffman. She married William “Bill” Lawson and they remained united for 61 years. Mrs. Audrey Hoffman Lawson held many titles. She was First Lady Emeritus of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church for 40 years. She was one of the founders of WABC along with her husband, Rev. Dr. William A. “Bill” Lawson, Pastor Emeritus of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church in 1962. She is the mother of Melanie, Cheryl, Eric, and Roxanne Lawson. She was “Maka” to granddaughters Robyn and Raven. And she was the founder of the WALIPP-TSU Preparatory Academy.
She attended Tennessee State University in Nashville, Tennessee and received a B. A. in Social Work. While she was in her Social Work studies at TSU, she began a long distance correspondence with a TSU alumnus, now a graduate student in theological seminary, William “Bill” Lawson, who lived in Kansas City. That correspondence would endure for over two years, involve over 600 letters, and result in their marriage in January of 1954. The Lawson Letters, three volumes, now archived by the Houston City Library, are a major feature in Audrey’s biography. She began her career at the St. Louis YMCA. When she married Bill and the two of them moved to Houston, Texas, she became a Social Worker at what was then called The Negro Child Center, part of the DePelchin Children’s Center. She worked at what was then called Vocational Guidance Center, later expanded to Career and Recovery Resources of Houston.
Shortly before the birth of their youngest child, Roxanne, the two of them established Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. Audrey was the reason for the nature of the ministry of that church. Community services and ministries with children were almost automatic. Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops were born virtually with the church. Normally Pre-school began at three years old. But Audrey conceived of school beginning almost at birth, which would require toilet training. And she set the pattern for such birth-to three-years care, and created the Wheeler Avenue Infant School, which is now WACA, Wheeler Avenue Children’s Academy.
In 1996 the Houston community celebrated the 50th anniversary of the entry into the ministry of Bill Lawson. As a gift they gave him a fully-funded 501c3 non-profit, to use in any way he saw fit. Audrey saw an opportunity to use it to establish a Charter Middle School for boys, and created the WALIPP Preparatory Academy for Boys, later to be identified with Texas Southern University, as WALIPP-TSU Preparatory Academy, and finally to be taken over by their daughter Cheryl, promoted to a State Charter, which required a parallel girls’ middle school. It currently is comprised of both boys’ and girls’ schools. Audrey had another passion that leaves a major legacy for the City of Houston: black theatre. The Ensemble Theatre was the creation of a brilliant writer-director, George Hawkins. But it was struggling to survive, and he was mortally ill. Audrey loved George, and knew the Ensemble was an extremely valuable institution.
She commandeered two fellow board members and an aged but passionate lover of theater. Under her leadership, the seemingly insurmountable debts were paid off. The huge, ugly building was purchased and remodeled into a theater. A small staff was hired, and the Ensemble became an icon of Houston’s Midtown. When METRO opened its light rail along Main Street in 2004, the stop between Alabama and Holman Streets was named Ensemble-HCC. Audrey is now Chair Emeritus of the Board of Directors of the Ensemble, but all who know the history of this highly-respected arts institution call her the Mother of the Ensemble Theater. Houston would not be what she is today without the multiple contributions of Audrey Hoffman Lawson.
In June 2015, the Houston League of Business and Professional Women, Inc. under the anniversary leadership of Dorris Ellis Robinson, Juanita Harang and President Patricia Sullivan, presented Audrey Lawson with its most prestigious award, the Sojourner Truth Award. During the Houston Sun’s 30th anniversary, the paper presented the Lawsons with its Infinity Award.
Both the wake and funeral will be held at Houston’s historic Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, 3826 Wheeler Ave. Her husband served there as pastor for more than 40 years. The wake is scheduled from 6-9 p.m. on Thursday. A viewing will be on Friday 9-11 a.m., and will be immediately followed by the funeral, according to Melanie Lawson, Lawson’s daughter. The services will also be streamed on WABC.org.
After quarter of a century Turner elected Houston’s Mayor
Dorris Ellis
The Houston Sun
In the packed grand ballroom at the George R. Brown Convention Center, about 1,000 citizens awaited the election returns in the mayor race between State Representative Sylvester Turner, 61 and former Kemah Mayor Bill King, 65. Turner was the front runner coming out of the November General Election and kept that lead through the runoff, albeit it was a slim 678 votes according to the Harris County election results. Even with the thin margin to victory, the crowd never lost its vigor. They danced to the music of “Tonight is going to be a good night.” They engaged in song, dance, and much chatter and moved with joy to “Can’t Touch This” while taking cellular phone selfies photos and smiles with anticipation was abound. A jubilant Maldrick Bright said, “It’s one of the most exciting and unprecedented mayoral races in the city of Houston. It’s the time and place for him [Turner] to be elected. Turner had sought the Mayor’s office and was defeated in a run-off to Bob Lanier in 1991. He ran again in 2003 where he did not make the run-off and finally making it to victory in the 2015 run-off election. Joseph Bennett said, “I believe the race is tight because people really weren’t paying attention in the beginning and when they realized what the issues were, they got on board later.”
Once entering the victory stage, Turner said that Saturday, December 12 was mostly a night for ‘thanks’ and after he expressed appreciation to many, he gave the largest “shout out” to Ft. Bend County, saying, ““I love me some Fort Bend!” where a mostly African American voter base in an incorporated section of Houston delivered him 3,728 votes to King’s 277 when there were just 500 votes separating them.
Depending on an electorate that is disengaged in civic affairs, the two candidates had to split the meager 209,794 (21.42%) who cast ballots in the run-off mayoral race. According to Harris Votes County Clerk’s office, of the 979,401 registered voters in the City of Houston, Turner garnered 104,639 votes (50.16%), to King’s 103,961 (49.84%). With the slim margin of 678 voters, Turner, a Democrat, became the 60th Mayor of the fourth largest city in the country after Turner had received 50.2% of the Harris County votes and 93% of Ft. Bend County votes. It was after 10 o’clock in the evening when King, a Republican, made the call conceding defeat to Turner.
Vicky McBride, PhD in urban planning said, “This is an opportunity of inclusion where many of us had been left out, unable to participate and make use of our talents and skills. In this election, all were a part of this victory–from baby boomers to the millenniums. It takes us all to make this a vibrant city.” Demetrious Guidry Moore said, “My view of this race is I believe that the citizens of Houston have made the best decision based on the information provided the people. The people had been misled.” In his victory speech, Turner said that he will be the mayor for all the people whether they voted for him or not.
The three-time mayoral candidate from Acres Home, with his sisters standing on the stage with him said that this campaign has been a long journey that started with him mother (who died in April) when she signed a loan paper for him to go to college at the University of Houston where he graduated magna cum laude and later received his law degree from Harvard. He told his audience with much emotion that his mother taught the children to “never overlook those who are at the bottom.” He shared the crowd that ‘everyone will be welcome at the table in a Turner administration. He continued saying, “I’ll do by very best to represent every single Houstonian. The only question I will ask, ‘Is what you are asking — is it in the best interest of the city of Houston.’”
Ending his talk to the audience who were all dressed up and nicely attired for a victory, Turner said, “Stay strong, work hard and believe.” Shelly Kennedy, a member of the State Democratic Committee said, “I am a strong supporter of our new mayor; he has the experience. He has the legislative experience that we need here in Houston. He knows where the money is and he can help us get it. He loves Houston.” Term-limited At-Large City Council member Clarence O. Bradford said that the Turner victory is great for Houston. He knows how to unify people as he did in the legislature while serving for 26-years and this will be good for Houston according to Bradford. Lawrence Payne said that Turner’s win is huge and he has what it takes to run the city. “He has the legislative skills to do the job well. He knows how to work with all people.”
Since the beginning of his campaign 22-months ago, Turner has proclaimed that he would be the mayor for all the people and after waiting for 24 years, the people have helped him quench his thirst that started as a boy who rode the bus from Acres Homes to downtown. He now has the opportunity to lead Houston after earning more than 93% of the African American vote while King took 71 % of the white vote. He won the predominately African Americans populated city council districts precincts and the two Latino districts precincts while losing the “progressive” District C by 10% where incumbent city council member Susan Cohen was re-elected. Turner becomes Houston’s second African American mayor with Lee P. Brown being the first in 1998.
Several attendees at the watch night party were concerned, however, about Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale, the Starkville, MS native and Houston businessman,
insertion of himself into the campaign against Turner. One Acres Home residents began to discuss the location of McIngvale’s first store saying that Mack made his money off the black community and ‘he turned on us. He continued saying that ‘he should have stayed out of the race and now we should stay out of his stores.’
In other races, runoff races Steve Le defeated incumbent Richard Nguyen for the District F council seat. In open seats Karla Cisneros beat Jason Cisneroz for District H, and Mike Laster defeated Jim Bigham for District J.
In the At-Large council seats, Mike Knox narrowly defeated Georgia Provost for Position 1, while Position 2 voters returned David W Robinson in his victory over Willie R. Davis. In the open at-large seat that was filled by Clarence O. Bradford, Amanda Edwards handily defeated Roy Morales for Position 4 and Jack Christie won the Position 5 seat defeating new-comer to politics Sharon Moses. Finally, in the Controller’s race, Chris Brown narrowly defeated accountant Bill Frazer for the Controller’s office.
Turner along with the other newly elected officials will be sworn in January 4 at Jones Hall and will take office for the new term limits that were approved for 4-year terms. (This ballot issue is being challenged in court). The inauguration is free and open to the public. Guest should arrive starting at 8 AM.
The Houston Sun celebrates 32nd Anniversary Scholarship Pillar Award Luncheon
By Dianna Johnson
The Houston Sun Newspaper celebrated its 32nd Anniversary on Saturday, October 10, 2015 at the historical Buffalo Soldiers National Museum located in Houston’s Museum district. The anniversary luncheon was a celebration of recognition of THS great achievements and civic services for the community. It was also a platform to honor prominent individuals throughout the city of Houston. Educators, Doctors, Lawyers, local business owners, Executives, and Community Activist were a few among the honorees that the Sun recognizes as Pillars of Success. Young Jordan Bush got the program started by toasting the honorees with jazz and classical music during the VIP reception followed by young Marcaus Nickle’s introduction of, the Master of Ceremonies, news anchor Jose Grinan of KRIV-TV, FOX 26 morning news was the host for the afternoon.
The Pillars of Strength who hold the Light is an award created by Dorris Ellis Robinson, cofounder of The Houston Sun Newspaper to recognize the accomplishments, achievements and contributions that others have provided for the Houston community through their boundless efforts to bring forth change and positivity to the city. “Whatever you choose to do in life, do something for the people,” said Ellis Robinson, words given to her from the great Dr. Martin Luther Jr. when she was a young girl. “These honorees are holding the light by their service to Houston which illuminates the path for others.” Ellis Robinson continued. The event began with the introduction of the Pillars of Strength honorees.
Honoree are as followed: Lauren Anderson, Houston Ballet; Eugene Barrington Ph.D. Retired Texas Southern University Professor; Lois C. Ray, Realtor; Pastor Kirby John Caldwell, Windsor Village United Methodist Church; Karen Franklin, World Youth Foundation; Attorney Anthony Griffin, Kathy Johnson Green, Experience in Dance; Mark Holley, Holley’s Seafood and Oyster Restaurant; Rev. Michael Crow, Barber Memorial MBC; Rev. Samuel Smith, Mt. Horeb MBC in Freedmen’s Town; Christina Sanders, Young Political Scientist; Gladys House, Freedmen’s Town Association; Dr. Howard Harris, Jazz Professor and Founder of the People’s Workshop; Jean Jones, Educator and Community Volunteer; Power 4 Life Ministries, Rev. Catherine Smith and Minister Madelyn Traylor; Honorable Al Edwards, Fred Hoyer, VP Bayway Lincoln; Deborah Barriere, Retired educator and community volunteer; Dr. Alvia Wardlaw, PhD., Texas Southern University Museum Director and Professor, and Honorable Francis “Sissy” Farenthold
At the start of the ceremony, Mayoral hopeful Sylvester Turner, stopped by to extend congratulations on the Houston Sun Newspaper 32nd Anniversary Scholarship & Pillar Awards and to acknowledged the newspaper for its continuous support and coverage on community electoral and political campaigns throughout the city of Houston.
The event proceeded with a magnificent melody by Texas Southern University’s School of Music students, Julio Peterson and Ashton Jones. Following, each honoree was given an award of recognition for their achievements and services and given a moment to embrace the audience with words of gratitude.
A silhouette saluting the honorees was presented by Freje Davis, a former student of honoree, Lauren Anderson, the first African American principal dancer for the Houston Ballet. The heartfelt performance brought tears of joy to Anderson and others in the room. Anderson was so grateful to be considered as an honoree amongst other prominent pillars of the community. “I was shocked at the invite and honored to be part of a group of distinguish men and women,” said Anderson.
As the anniversary came to an end, a Presentation of Lights ceremony began with every audience member receiving a light in representation to wish each individual a lifetime of greatness and success. Host, Jose Grinan closed by asking every veteran pillar in the room to stand for acknowledgment of their contributions for making a positive impact for bettering the community. “I want to thank you all for all that you have done,” said Jose Grinan, “because of your legacy we are able to do what we love, and because of you the Houston Sun will continue to thrive for 32 more years to come.”
Other participants in the program was second and third generation Robinsons, the children and grandchildren of Lonal Robinson and Dorris Ellis Robinson. Participants were: Sirrod and Dorcaus Robinson, and grandson of the couple, Marcaus Nickle. Present in the audience was Rashaud Williams, the 6 month old grandson of the founders and son of Dorcaus Robinson. . Each honoree brought their guests to share in his or her honor and they filled the room with positive energy and excitement.
It took a stellar Steering Committee to make the event a success and Mrs. Thelma “Lady J” Johnson lead the way as honorary chairperson with Co-chairperson Helen Graham. Other committee members were: Dorris Ellis Robinson, Dorcaus Robinson, Priscilla Graham, Patricia Sullivan, Ruby Mayes, Lakesha Lewis, Dr. Jessica Randall, Amber Cloud, Christopher Allen and Sheila Ray Reed.
At the close of the debriefing, planning began for the 33rd anniversary celebration with a presentation of the Key Stone Awards. We will be seeking to honor Houstonians who are central stones at the summit of Houston’s arch, that hold the city together. Sponsors included: Bayway Lincoln, Windsor Village UMC and Texas Legislative Black Caucus.
Dorris Ellis The Houston Sun 1520 Isabella Street Houston, TX 77004 713-524-0786 713-524-6786 Fax Serving Houston Since 1983
Freedmen’s Town case heard in appeals court
Three judges from the 14th Appellate Court listened to arguments that the Freedmen’s Town Preservation Coalition (FTPC) brought against the City of Houston’s construction company, Conrad Constructions, Thursday, October 1 in the 1910 preserved court house at 301 Fannin. Ironically, that court house was erected during the same time that the bricks were being laid in Freedmen’s Town. The FTPC brought the charges to preserve the bricks that were purchased and laid by former slaves and their descendants on January 20 with the signing of a Temporary Restraining Order to stop the city of Houston from digging up the bricks and destroying history.
Representing, the Coalition was Attorney Bill Van Fleet. Hearing the case were three judges who presided over the appeals case in the 14th Appellate Court: Martha Hill Jameson, Sharon McCally and Ken Wise. The hearing lasted about 40 minutes with each judge questioning both attorneys with members of the Coalition looking and listening. Van Fleet told his clients that a decision can be rendered quickly or it may take up to a year to get a decision. In the meantime, Freedmen’s Town Preservation Coalition, Dorris Ellis said, “We need to raise money to continue this legal battle to preserve and protect the traditional culture property that was left for all as we try to direct the City toward a different path to provide infrastructure to the residents of Freedmen’s Town.”
The Coalition meets the third Monday of each month in Freedmen’s Town at the Rutherford B. Yates Museum. Local historians want to preserve this national designated district and locate museums that tell the story of its people.
Houston Sun celebrates 32 years, honors pillars and presents scholarships
Houston Sun Presents 32nd Anniversary Scholarship and Pillar Awards Luncheon
Houston, TX- 10/06/2015- The Houston Sun Newspaper will be celebrating its 32nd anniversary this Saturday, October 10, 2015 from 2pm to 5pm at the historic Buffalo Soldiers National Museum located at 3816 Caroline Street, Houston Texas 77004. The event will serve as a platform to not only recognize the 32 years of outstanding services that the Houston Sun has provided to the community, but also to honor some of the most prominent people throughout the city of Houston. Business Executives, Lawyers, Community Activists, and Civil Rights Leaders are among a few who will be honored at the luncheon.
This event further aims to recognize the work, accomplishments, and contributions that each honoree has made through their tireless efforts to constantly make a positive change throughout the community. “I want each honoree to feel special,” said Dorris Ellis, founder of the Houston Sun. They are staples of the community who have done great work, so I want them to enjoy this experience,” said Ellis.
Among the honorees are: Lauren Anderson, Houston Ballet; Eugene Barrington Ph.D. Retired Texas Southern University Professor; Lois C. Ray, Realtor; Pastor Kirby John Caldwell, Windsor Village United Methodist Church; Karen Franklin, World Youth Foundation; Attorney Anthony Griffin, Kathy Johnson Green, Experience in Dance; Mark Holley, Holley’s Seafood and Oyster Restaurant; Rev. Michael Crow,Barber Memorial MBC; Rev. Samuel Smith, Mt. Horeb MBC in Freedmen’s Town; Christina Sanders, Young Political Scientist; Gladys House, Freedmen’s Town Association; Dr. Howard Harris, Jazz Professor and Founder of the People’s Workshop; Jean Jones, Educator and Community Volunteer; Power 4 Life Ministries, Rev. Catherine Smith and Minister Madelyn Traylor; Honorable Al Edwards, Shekira Dennis, Black Lives Matter; Fred Hoyer, VP Bayway Lincoln; Deborah Barriere, Retired educator and community volunteer; and Honorable Sissy Farenthold.
During the event there will be a special performance by Jordan Bush before the award ceremony and followed with a salute to honoree by Freje. Each honoree will be given the opportunity to provide the audience with a brief synopsis on their journey to success.
All guests are encouraged to visit the Houston Sun’s exhibit highlighting some of the newspaper’s most memorable articles and interviews in memory of the newspapers late and great founder Lonal Robinson and second generation publisher, Lonal X. Robinson.
About The Houston Sun:
The Houston Sun empowers and informs the community while serving without fear or favor! The Houston Sun has been Houston’s # 1 community newspaper for more than thirty years. From covering electoral events to covering city council to school boards to local organization to providing a platform for local businesses to advertise and grow their business, we encourage and inspire! The Houston Sun has provided the community with a voice for those who were sometimes voiceless, all-the-while honoring those who have made great contributions to this community.
Tickets and sponsorship packages can be purchased at:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/houston-sun-presents-32nd-anniversary-scholarship-and-pillar-awards-luncheon-tickets-18563532024
Credentials are required to attend this event. For those seeking interviews or who would like additional information, please contact Lakesha Lewis at lakeshalewis91@yahoo.com (713) 371-7636
Philanthropic experience and giving traditions of African Americans to be explored in new exhibition at Buffalo Soldiers Museum
HOUSTON, TX — The groundbreaking exhibition Giving Back: The Soul of Philanthropy Reframed and Exhibited will open on Tuesday, October 6, 2015 at the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum. The touring exhibition will explore the African-American philanthropy experience and giving traditions grounded in faith, mutuality, responsibility and social justice.
The exhibition illustrates Black philanthropy through highly innovative presentations, including luminous photographic prints on metal, iPad kiosks, video and interactive digital apps featuring music, poetry, photography, narratives and more. It comprises over a dozen vignette stories and more than 50 black-and-white images that depict facets of giving across generations. Images and stories composing the exhibit are from the book “Giving Back: A Tribute to Generations of African American Philanthropists” by author Valaida Fullwood and photographer Charles W. Thomas Jr. Monika Rhue, library director at Johnson C. Smith University, serves as project manager for the exhibit’s grant-funded tour, and Prairie View A&M University Office of Development and Buffalo Soldiers Museum are the host. “Centuries-old cultural customs and beliefs about giving, though rarely acknowledged as ‘philanthropy’ in African-American communities, have long been an integral and transformational force in lives and communities throughout American society,” Fullwood said.
“African Americans are often left out of the conversation around philanthropy unless fame and wealth are associated, or they are being portrayed only as beneficiaries or people in need,” said Fullwood. “But African Americans actually give a higher percentage of their discretionary income to charitable causes than any other racial group in this country. This exhibition will help reframe the discussion and reclaim the root meaning of the word philanthropy, which is ‘love of what it means to be human.’” News Release For Immediate Release Contact: Dr. Camillia Rodgers, Executive Director Buffalo Soldier National Museum 3816 Caroline, Houston, TX Tel: 713.942.8920.
The exhibition will be on display through November 13th before continuing traveling to several Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and cultural institutions across the South and other regions. In addition to the exhibition, corresponding public programs will allow groups to explore a broad range of topics related to philanthropy, including the Historical Characteristics of Philanthropy in the African American Community (October 13th), Next Generation Giving (October 27th), and the Corporate Impact on Philanthropy (November 10th) at Buffalo Soldiers National Museum, 6pm. To schedule a guided tour and learn more about programs and educational forums, email the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum at info@buffalosoldiermuseum.com Exhibition Sponsor and Partners Giving Back: The Soul of Philanthropy Reframed and Exhibited is made possible by a $96,665 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and $124,494 in matching funds and resources.
The James B. Duke Memorial Library at Johnson C. Smith University, in partnership with author Valaida Fullwood, photographer Charles W. Thomas Jr. and New Generation of African American Philanthropists giving circle, will manage the exhibition’s grant-funded national tour through June 2016. The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums. Its mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Johnson C. Smith University, founded April 7, 1867, is an independent urban university located in Charlotte. Under the leadership of Dr. Ronald L. Carter, the University continues to evolve into a 21st century higher education institution, building upon its long legacy of producing compassionate and forward-thinking leaders. Ranked 17th among Historically Black Colleges and Universities by U. S. News & World Report (2014), it is recognized as one of the best comprehensive colleges in the South. New Generation of African American Philanthropists is a giving circle founded in 2006 that promotes philanthropy—the giving of time, talent and treasure—among African Americans in the Charlotte region, with the goal of enhancing the quality of life within our communities. Additional sponsors and partners include, the Houston Arts Alliance, City of Houston, Association of Fundraising Professionals, Divinely Inspired Events, Ujima South, HiMac Center for Creative Thinking, Prairie View A&M School of Architecture, and the Office of Development.
Exhibition-related Programs • Tuesday, October 6, 2015 Exhibit Grand Opening Reception, Buffalo Soldiers Museum 6:00pm – 9:00pm Music by Kathleen Harrell and Award Winning Song Writer, Kathy Burrell, of Yourweh Music – more – After events on opening day, a series of scheduled programs at the museum will accompany the exhibition during its local run through November 13th. Dr. Lason Hines, Captain Paul Matthews, Dr. Camillia Rodgers, Phyllis Darden-Caldwell, Carmetha Williams, Nelson Bowman, and Dr. Lauretta Byars, the exhibit’s Houston Planning Team, is responsible for exhibit program development and coordination.
The Historical Characteristics of Philanthropy in the African American Community, Buffalo Soldier National Museum October 13th at 6:00pm Sponsored By: The HiMac Center for Creative Thinking, Entrepreneur Innovation & Organizational Development; and Divinely Inspired Events This discussion will center on the historical perspective of giving in the African American community, and the characteristics of giving back. The discussion moderator is Jeffrey L. Boney, Entrepreneur and Radio host.
The Next Generation of Giving, Buffalo Soldier National Museum October 27th at 6:00pm Sponsored By: Ujima South This discussion will focus on the charitable habits and engagement of generations Y and Z in giving within their communities