Happy Veterans Day 2019, and More History We Never Learned

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Associated Article PRESS HERE!

Eddie Bradford - Community Champion

https://www.wvtm13.com/article/community-champion-eddie-bradford/29304946?fbclid=IwAR3K1k1KbohWKRKF43oAXqLYbMVCRGKUobX2YuQ43Qa6KSjD8frN-cxJN5o

A BIG SHOUT OUT to cousin Eddie Bradford sharing the importance of Family and mentoring. Can't wait to see him in Birmingham next year, if not before!

Thought for Wednesday, May 8, 2019

Not everything that is faced can be changed. But nothing can be changed until it is faced.

James Baldwin – 1924-1987, Novelist

Thought for Thursday, April 25, 2019

A champion is defined not by their wins but by how they can recover when they fall.

Serena Williams
Professional Tennis Player

Community LEAP Program - 4-22-2019 - Speaker Professor David A. Thompson

Additional photos and video clips - Click Here!

The Community LEAP Program took a giant step forward at its April 22nd meeting at the Twinsburg Community Center.  Professor David A. Thompson, CCE, delivered an informative, inspiring, and potentially life changing presentation to program participants.  

The program entitled Find Yourself and Be That, left participants and LEAP staff members alike challenged to discard negativity and embrace their true self, in order to grow personally and professionally.  His informative and pointed presentation touched the minds and hearts of all in attendance.

I showed up to capture a few photos and video clips, and became so caught up in the program content, that I nearly forgot my original purpose for being there.  The timely presentation left no dreams shattered, and no possibilities eliminated.  Professor Thompson's casual, low-key delivery put attendees at ease and allowed information and ideas to flow freely.

Not one to stand on formality, Professor Thompson began his presentation by suggesting that he be referred to as David, as opposed to Mr. Thompson. I only discovered he was a professor because I visited his Facebook Timeline before beginning this article.  I may find myself in a little "trouble" if I keep referring to him as professor in this article.  Accompanying and assisting David, was his equally talented and very personable wife.  

For those who are on a journey of self-discovery (as we all should be), I strongly recommend following and seeking the services of David A. Thompson.  

Congratulations Lakia Johnson of Beauty On The Go

Congratulations to

Ms. Lakia Johnson

Founder and CEO of Beauty On The Go

To learn more about Beauty On The Go, visit: https://www.instagram.com/beautyon_thego/

Thought for Thursday, April 18, 2019

I

Warning: Pursuing your dream can cause temporary discomfort.  Failing to pursue your dream can cause permanent pain. 

Henry Ford - Author, Speaker, Consultant

Thought for Wednesday, April 17, 2019

When you step outside your comfort zone, the comfort zone expands and engulfs you; and your new comfort zone becomes the launch pad for future growth.

Henry Ford - Author, Speaker, Consultant

Logan Lesley - Artist Display at Twinsburg Public Library

  

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On April 2nd I had the pleasure of posting a blog entry about Logan Lesley, a very talented and personable young artist I met at the Twinsburg Public Library.  On April 11, I was able to photograph Logan along with a few of her paintings.  It was great to be at a place where talent, passion, humility, and charm meet.

If you have an opportunity before the end of April, please visit Logan's gallery display at the library.

- Email Logan at: lofiiart@gmail.com -

- Visit Logan's Website at lofiiart.wixsite.com/mysite -

See my original post at
http://blackhistory247.blogspot.com/2019/04/logan-lesley-artist-library-display.html

Thought for Friday, April 5, 2019

If you don't have any critics you'll likely have no success.

Malcolm X - 1925-1965
Minister-Human Rights Activist

Thought for Thursday, April 4th

If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Logan Lesley - Artist Library Display

As I was removing items I'd had on display at the Twinsburg Library, I was blessed to meet talented and personable Logan Lesley, as she was hanging some of her fantastic work. Naturally I did not have my camera with me, but I returned and snapped these photos. Visit the library and check out her display.

These photos can also be viewed in larger size on my photo site at: https://henryford.zenfolio.com/p581276018

- Email Logan at: lofiiart@gmail.com -

- Visit Logan's Website at lofiiart.wixsite.com/mysite -

See my updated post on Logan at:

https://blackhistory247.blogspot.com/2019/04/logan-lesley-artist-display-at.html

Logan Lesley - Talented Northeast Ohio Artist

The Twinsburg Library continues to yield great rewards. As I was removing items I've had on display over the past two months, I met a fantastic artist hanging her artwork. I could not have timed my visit any better if I had a stopwatch. 

Her name is Logan Lesley. If your are in the Twinsburg area, you will want to see her display, just inside the entrance. No matter where you are, you can visit her website at https://lofiiart.wixsite.com/mysite.

Community L.E.A.P. (Leadership-Education-Achievement-Purpose) Twinsburg Heights, Ohio

In moving from Black History Month and through Women’s History Month, it is tempting to focus on thoughts of Spring, and forget a cold and stormy winter.  It is also easy and convenient to forget the hard-won challenges, the sacrifices, and the often-hidden accomplishments whose memory have been squeezed into two of the coldest (and one being the shortest) months of the year.  

Yes, it is easy and convenient to forget from where we came, and forget what we came through; but recently I attended a meeting led by three people who remembered not to forget; and also committed their expertise, hearts, and souls, to creating and expanding opportunities for others.

On March 18th, Dr. Constance Longmire, Dr. Jalil Mustaffa Bishop, and Ms. D Milburn, unveiled the Community L.E.A.P. (Leadership - Education - Achievement - Purpose) program to a group of mostly Twinsburg Heights, Ohio residents.  A common thread connecting the three is having grown up in Twinsburg Heights.  

Each of the three has achieved excellence in their professional life, and could easily have taken the road often traveled, where one puts on blinders and earplugs, and escapes the challenges and concerns of the neighborhood they left behind.  But each chose instead to come together with their expertise and passion, and help sow seeds of opportunity for others.  The three, along with others such as Filmmaker Carla LynDale Bishop (formerly Carla Lyndale Carter) and Hubert Brandon, give back to the community in ways that strengthen and inspire.  

Their commitment to making a difference has already drawn the attention of other successful former Twinsburg Heights residents.  Among them is area businessman Keith Harris, who took time from a busy schedule to be in attendance, and also committed to be personally involved.  Also supportive of the L.E.A.P. program, are twin sisters Brittani and Brandi Jackson, former Twinsburg Heights residents and star students in Twinsburg.  They are committed to inspiring the next generation of physicians, and recognize the L.E.A.P. program as a valuable tool in that effort.

More about the Community L.E.A.P. program can be seen by accessing the link at: https://henryford.zenfolio.com/p951806847 

For additional information on the program, please email: heightsleap@gmail.com.   

Lila Mills 90th Birthday Party - A Great Moment in Black History

GREAT MOMENTS in Black History include times of celebration with the powerful, the personable, and the passionate; particularly when they enjoy, entertain, and enhance each other.  What an awesome 90th Birthday Celebration for Lila Mills.  

      

- P.E.A.C.E.  -       - Walter Anthony, Jr. -

I was blessed to photograph the event, whose guest list included Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson, Entertainers P.E.A.C.E. and Walter Anthony Jr., and dozens of other friendly well-wishers.

 (L) Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson - (R) Vanessa Hinton 

Thank you to Vanessa Hinton for including us among the awesome guests.  

Photos and two short video clips can be seen at by clicking https://henryford.zenfolio.com/p352537826

African-American Genealogical Society Annual Heritage Dinner - March 3, 2019

To View Photos and Video Clips, Please visit the links Below:

AAGS Heritage Dinner Photos:

https://henryford.zenfolio.com/p687688856

AAGS Heritage Dinner Videos:

https://henryford.zenfolio.com/p581042899

Find about more about AAGS, please visit their web site at http://aagsclev.org/

Thought for Monday, March 4, 2019

If you have only one smile in you give it to the people you love. 

Maya Angelou
American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist

Skool Dayz - Twinsburg High School Stage Production - Feb. 28, 2019

To view Video Clips CLICK HERE!

To view Photo Slide Show, CLICK HERE!

Thought for Friday, March 1, 2019

Next to God we are indebted to women, first for life itself, and then for making it worth living.

Mary McLeod Bethune - 1875-1955
A leading educator and civil rights activist. She grew up in poverty, as one of 17 children born to former slaves.

Thought for Thursday, February 28, 2019

One day our descendants will think it incredible that we paid so much attention to things like the amount of melanin in our skin or the shape of our eyes or our gender instead of the unique identities of each of us as complex human beings.

Franklin Thomas
Author

Note: Yes for this I hope and pray! - Henry Ford

Thought for Wednesday, February 27, 2019

I was raised to believe that excellence is the best deterrent to racism or sexism.

Oprah Winfrey

Ashley's Art - Today's Great Moment in Black History

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Thought for Tuesday, February 26, 2019

If you are called to be a leader you must leave the comfort of the crowd. It may be more comfortable to blend in, but the conviction of your calling demands that you STAND OUT!

Danita Harris
Television News Anchor

Twinsburg Historical Society Black History Program 2-24-2019

- Video Below - To view Slide Show, Click Here! -

Thought for Monday, February 25, 2019

Get up, stand up, Stand up for your rights. Get up, stand up, Don't give up the fight. 

Bob Marley - 1945 - 1981 
Jamaican singer-songwriter, musician and guitarist

Introducting Ke’Aunte Tynette - Great Moments & People Making Black History

In a story that can best be told by Ke'Aunte Lynette herself, I urge you to visit her website at https://keauntetynette.com/about-us.  

It would be an injustice to her if I were to attempt to describe or define her, because that would in fact contain her, and she is not one to be contained.  

Ke'Aunte is a constantly evolving and dynamic young lady, who by her power, presence, passion and persistence, will inform and inspire you.

O.K., I said I was not going to tell her story; so PLEASE, check her out for yourself at https://keauntetynette.com/about-us.

Design Faze Boutique Featured in New Book

Design Faze Boutique has the distinction of being the only business featured in the recently released book The Tree She Planted, a moving historical account of the Hansie Solomon, Ford-Bryson Family Reunion.

Read about this business and the writer's account of a bonded family, its 45 consecutive annual reunions, and the impact family connections have had on his life.  For information about The Tree She Planted, Click Here!

Thought for Friday, February 22, 2019

Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken winged bird that cannot fly.

Langston Hughes

Celebrating BLACK HISTORY in Twinsburg - Sunday, February 24, 2019

Looking forward to this Sunday afternoon as we celebrate local Black History of Twinsburg. The CommUnity gathering at 7:00 p.m. is an opportunity for all friends and neighbors to come and gather together.

Pastor David Zerby

First Congregational Church

9050 Church St. (just north of Route 82)

This Historical Society is located at:

8996 Darrow Road (just south of Route 82)

FCA Kickoff at Warrensville Heights High - Feb. 20, 2019

See Photo Slide Show from this event - CLICK HERE!

Thought for Thursday, February 21, 2019

The price of hating other human beings is loving oneself less.

Eldridge Cleaver
American Writer, Political Activist
Early leader of the Black Panther Party

Thought for Wednesday, February 20, 2019

One thing is clear to me: We, as human beings, must be willing to accept people who are different from ourselves.

Barbara Jordan
Lawyer, Educator, Civil Rights Activist
Former U.S. Congressional Representative from Texas
Flashback: https://youtu.be/sKfFJc37jjQ

Barbara Jordan 1976 Keynote Address to 1976 Democratic National Convention

Thought for Tuesday, February 19, 2019

We should emphasize not Negro History, but the Negro in history. What we need is not a history of selected races or nations, but the history of the world void of national bias, race hate, and religious prejudice.

Carter G. Woodson - Historian

Thought for Monday, February 18, 2019

The sharecropper may lower his eyes, but not because he's less of a man. That's just a condition of society that such things exist.

Ernest Gaines, African-American author

Black History Month Celebration in Twinsburg, Ohio - Sunday, Feb. 24th

Speakers, ‘Voices from the Hill’ highlight Black History Month The Twinsburg Historical Society will celebrate Black History Month at the regular Feb. 24th open house. This is a joint venture with the First Congregational Church. Historical Society Trustee Dr. Constance Longmire organized the event with the Rev. Dave Zerby. The day will begin at 3:00 p.m. at the museum; located at 8996 Darrow Road, just south of Route 82. The museum is next to the Mailpouch Barn and shares a parking lot with Mr. Chicken. There will be special exhibits highlighting black history in Twinsburg. Keith Harris, R.B. Chamberlin graduate will be the featured speaker at 3:00 p.m. Harris is president of both Regal Consulting Group, LLC and Future GenComics, LLC. Both are located in Twinsburg. There will be music and videos, and local residents will be on hand to tell stories of growing up in Twinsburg Heights. Carla Carter Bishop’s award winning video “Voices from the Hill” will be on view. Rev. Zerby of the First Congregational Church plans on an Interfaith Unity Service to round out the celebration. The church is located at 9050 Church St., just north of Route 82. There are more details to come. Check out the Twinsburg Historical Society Facebook Page or visit www.twinsburghistoricalsociety.org for more information.

The Tree She Planted Book Release - Celebrating and Making Black History

Just released in eBook and Paperback format . . .

The Tree She Planted  - Celebrating and Making Black History

Click links above for information, or visit my Author's Page Here 

The Tree She Planted is an informational and inspirational history of my family reunion, including revelations of the powerful positive impact reunions can have on all families.  I share my experiences of attending all forty-five consecutive reunions, revealing rewards I've experienced in personal and professional growth.  The Tree She Planted is inspirational, historical, and visionary; and a helpful guide to reunion planners.  It includes challenges faced, solutions implemented; and reminders of your inherent power to make a difference.

The Tree She Planted is confirmation that the still small voice of our Creator wants us to be a larger and stronger part of the great institution of Family.  It is family and proper spiritual guidance, that will provide us with the ability to survive, prosper, and build upon the strong legacies we have inherited.

Dr. Robert L. Lawson to Speak at Mt. Gerizim Church

To Download, and Print, Share, or access Links, Click Here!

Thought for Friday, February 15, 2019

Real integrity is doing the right thing, knowing that nobody's going to know whether you did it or not.

Oprah Winfrey

Thought for Thursday, February 14, 2019

What a world this will be when human possibilities are freed, when we discover each other, when the stranger is no longer the potential criminal and the certain inferior!

W. E. B. Du Bois

Thought for Wednesday, February 13, 2019

I try to do the right thing at the right time. They may just be little things, but usually they make the difference between winning and losing.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – Professional Basketball Player

Thought for Tuesday, February 12, 2019

Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.

Arthur Ashe – 1943-1993, Professional Tennis Player