Hello, my friend. I hope your Valentine’s weekend was as special as you hoped it would be. This is also Black History Month, so I’m going to use my space for some of the photos and information I’d like to pass on.

BLACK VETS AND ELKS ADOPT OLIVER COMMUNITY

The National Association for Black Veterans (NABVETS) and the African American Patriots Consortium joined forces with East Baltimore Elks Lodge No. 1043 and Zorah Elliott Temple No. 717 to support youth development in the Oliver community of central east Baltimore.

The veterans and Elks, primary groups in the “Save the Children, Save the Nation Coalition,” selected the Oliver Community Association to conduct its first major initiative, establishing a demonstration project targeting youth development. Recognizing the strength of the community association, the coalition believes targeting youth over a five-year period will significantly alter the quality of life for all residents of the area and impact adjacent neighborhoods.

Freddie E. Bee, the Exalted Ruler of Elks Lodge No. 1043 at the time said, “The best way to reduce crime is to stop producing criminals.”

Dr. Reuben McClain, Bee’s successor, said, “We will establish a legacy which can be duplicated in communities across the city by focusing on the untapped resources and sense of family in these old neighborhoods.”

Others involved are Reginald Frazier; Ethel Nicholson, president of NABVETS; Dorothy Smith; Lawrence Pulley and Nina Harper.

Continuing Black History Month celebrating, the 11th Annual Buffalo Soldiers Memorial Banquet will take place 4-7:30 p.m. Feb. 19 at the Forum Caterers, 4210 Primrose Ave. Ethel Nicholson is president of NABVETS, Clarence “Tiger” Davis is chairman of AAPC, and Jim Gillis and Rick Lane are the event coordinators. For more information, call Jim Gillis at 443-257-3348.

DR. H. MACEO WILLIAMS’ TO BE COMMEMORATED IN HONOR OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH

At 9 a.m. Feb. 28 at the historic Arch Social Club, on the corner of Pennsylvania and North avenues, Renaissance Productions and Tours will host a jazz breakfast commemorating the life of pioneering African-American physician Dr. H. Maceo Williams.

During the 1930s, African Americans in Baltimore suffered the highest rate of tuberculosis in the nation. Dr. Williams was credited for the reduction of the tuberculosis rate among African Americans in Baltimore City. The number of patients eventually outgrew the accommodations at the old Druid Health Center. Under Dr. Williams’ administration plans were made to move into a $1,500,000 building at North and Pennsylvania avenues. Dr. Williams was instrumental in the building of a new facility in 1959 at 1515 W. North Ave. The new clinic bears his name. Many have forgotten his name, but following the breakfast, City Council President Bernard “Jack” Young will dedicate the street in front of the clinic in his honor.

The public is invited to attend this event, however you must RSVP by calling Renaissance Productions at 410-728-3837.

Well, my dear friends, it’s about that time. I am out of space and out of time. If you need me, please contact me by e-mail at rosaopryor@aol.com or you can call me at 410-833-9474. Enjoy your week. UNTIL THE NEXT TIME, I’M MUSICALLY YOURS.
 

Dr. H. Maceo Williams, native Baltimorean, was the first African-American director of the segregated Druid Health Center in the 30’s 40’s and 50’s, which was located at 1313 Druid Hill Avenue, which served over half of a million people. Dr. Williams died on February 11, 1973 after a long lingering illness at age 74. Stella Fullwood celebrates her 65th Birthday this week. She will start her celebration on Sunday, February 20, at the Alpha Phi Omega Fraternity Annual Cocktail Sip; from 3-8 p.m. at the Forum Caterers, 4210 Primrose Avenue.