“It’s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting…Before a dream is realized, the Soul of the World tests everything that was learned along the way. It does this not because it is evil, but so that we can, in addition to realizing our dreams master the lessons we have learned as we have moved toward that dream. That’s the point at which most people give up…. At this point tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself. And that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams, because every second of search is a second’s encounter with God and with eternity.”–Paulo Coelho
As we close out the month of the official recognition of African- American’s contributions in Black History, we remember those who have made a difference whose influence may have gone unnoticed.
“Until lions have their own historians, the tale of the hunt will always glorify the hunters.”-African Proverb
People like Emily Perez, who at age of 23, was the first female African-American Cadet Command Sergeant Major of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point who died in combat in the Iraq war; or John Wesley Gilbert, the first African-American to receive a master’s degree from Brown University and the first African-American classical scholar and archaeologist who discovered the ancient Greek city, Eretria, and produced the first map of the ancient structure. The next time you watch a western, remember George McJunkin, an African -American cowboy in New Mexico, who discovered the Folsom Site in 1908. His discovery changed archaeology, showing that people had inhabited North America 7000 years earlier than previous archaeologist had thought. Thank George Crum, an African- American man, the next time you bite into a potato chip for inventing the first potato chip.
“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.”-Harriett Tubman
“Keep on Trucking” At 15 years of age Lorenzo “Truck” Simpson’s dreams are becoming a reality when he won his sixth ringside national silver glove championship. A native Baltimorean, Lorenzo is the son of Danica Carroll and Lorenzo Simpson said he learned a valuable lesson at the championship fight when he was knocked down for the first time in his career in the last round. “It just goes to show you that I can’t relax at all until that final bell.” Lorenzo’s coaches Calvin Ford and Kenny Ellis at Upton Boxing Center are so proud of Truck, who has been competing in boxing tournaments since the age of 10, and the positive recognition he brings for Baltimore and the Upton gym.
In 2008 Daryl and Rochelle Smith’s dream was realized when they found Deeandro, an organization focused on motivating youths and young adults through mentorship, youth advocacy and charitable contributions to local youth programs. The mission of the organization is to support youth by highlighting their talent and empowering their decision-making through real world experiences and mentorship.
“We all have dreams. But in order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline, and effort.”-Jesse Owens
This is the fifth year for their Dreams of Tomorrow Youth and Jazz concert at the Gordon Center with young musicians Keith Davenport, Darren Guest, Brandon Gatewood, Chekera “Star” Barrett and Jordan and Jayla Waters. Also performing at this spectacular event will be Isaac Parham, Rodney Kelly, Secret Society Band, Meredith Seidel, Ki Ki Merritt, Tiara Waters, Suga Shang, Duane Nelson, Amij, Jheni Gibson and Manny Sullivan with a special appearance by 5-time Emmy winner Ashanti Floyd. Baltimore comedian Greg Alexander will be the host for this outstanding evening on Sunday April 3, 2016. Go to dreamsdoexist.com or call 410-984‐8444 for more information.
“You’ve heard of the three ages of man…youth, age and you’re looking wonderful.”-Francis Cardinal Spellman
Ed “Caddy” Oliver thought he was giving his sister away in marriage when he arrived at his surprise 80th birthday party attended by more than 200 people. The spry 80 year old was, as folks say, casket sharp in a black tailor made suit as he greeted family and friends. The deejay kept dancers on the floor with the latest line dances and old school moves including the cha cha. Guests dined on baked and fried chicken, fish, macaroni and cheese, Swedish meatballs and other delicious items. Among the guests were members of the Wednesday Group, former post office coworkers and union representatives. Special thanks to Caddy’s daughter Sharon and grandson Darryl Strange for coordinating an awesome evening.
“If it’s your birthday, make some noise!” Happy birthday to William “Smoky” Robinson, John Gilliam, Gabrielle Gilliam, Edna Smith, Alice Taylor, Dr. Heyward Burrell, Gerald “Captain” Brown”, William Jackson, Cori Ramos, Rev. Joan Wharton, Rev. Maurice Blackwell, Tony Randall, and a special birthday to our Leap Year birthday friends Terrence “Mickey” Shields, and Jai Matthews.
“I’m not here for a long time; I’m here for a good time.” Rest in paradise Big Ang
Sending our prayers of condolences to Patricia Stokes and family on the death of her husband Edward Stokes.
“Even when the polls are open to all, Negroes have shown themselves too slow to exercise their voting privileges. There must be a concerted effort on the part of Negro leaders to arouse their people from their apathetic indifference…. In the past, apathy was a moral failure. Today, it is a form of moral and political suicide.”-Martin Luther King Jr.
Please vote. Many have died so you could vote and it’s free!
Valerie and the Friday Night Bunch Aleut a Continua