N EWSLET TER

N OV . 2011-J AN . 2012 V OL . 2, I SSUE 2

Where Black History Never Ends.

Www.aahact.org

www.aahafilmworks.org

www.aahamuseum.org

F OR S OME , THE A ME RICAN D REAM S TARTS IN B RIDGEPO RT

By Gilbert L. Davis
There was a time when the American dream was a reality for some, but not for all. If people of color in America were finding hindrances in their way, then what would immigrants from Africa and the West Indies face? Bridgeport, Connecticut was a beacon for many Europeans, who wanted to achieve the American dream. You could hear the many European accents, Polish, Italian, Irish etc. It wasnt unusual to hear that southern accent. The accent you hear today may well be French or Creole, Yoruba or Spanish. Bridgeport and Fairfield County in general has seen a flood of immigrants from Africa, Central America, the West Indies, and South America. To keep up with it all, you

Out of Many People, One Position on the Map: As Bridgeport, Connecticut continues to serve as a beacon of hope to many people of color from around the globe, how should we remain aware of the lines of thought which both connect and separate us all?
need to know your geography as well as history. The West Indies has supplied most of the black immigrants. Many have come from Jamaica, Haiti, Puerto Rico, Cuba and the Dominican Republic. Still, some of these immigrants have come from some of the smaller islands: St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, Antiqua, Dominica, The Bahamas, St. Kitts, Trinidad, Tobago, St. Lucia and others. Central America is another area where black immigrants are making their way to Bridgeport. Some persons well known in Bridgeports black community come from this region. In our survey on black immigrants we found people from Panama, Costa Rica, Belize and Honduras living here. (CONT ON PG.2) I N SIDE
T H IS ISSUE :

T HE F IR ST B APTIST C HURCH

OF

B RIDG EPORT Bridgeport, CT One of Bridgeports

most stately religious institutions, the First Baptist Church of Bridgeport at 126 Washington Avenue had also served as the site of the AAHAs 5th Annual Day of Remembrance event on October 22nd, 2011.

AAHA S AL UTES ... 3 O UR P RESIDENT O UR B.I.O. C O OKING

W / JO Y

4 4 6 7 9 11

AAHA N EW S
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WE MOUR N

T HINK & T HRIVE

DETAILS ON Pg. 5

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Many have turned out to be very successful, such as Mr. Edward Anderson. Mr. Anderson is a very successful man from Liberia, West Africa. After coming to America, he met his lovely wife Marcia, who migrated from Jamaica. They started a family and melted right into society here in Bridgeport. They are shinning examples of immigrants who became model citizens, here in Bridgeport. Despite some hardships, they have made it. They are proof that the American dream is achievable to all, even those who come from far away. Faith in God, hard work and perseverance does pay off. You dont have to always run to big cities, the American dream is waiting for you here. [E-mail:gdavis@aahact.org]

For black immigrants the struggles back home were against poverty, tribalism and disease. Sometimes war and political oppression drove them out of their countries. A man from Uganda refused to We sometimes forget that they accept visits from a fellow Ugancome from foreign countries. dan, because he didnt like his Our humor may not be their tribe. humor. They come here for so many different reasons. We exA woman from Ethiopia and I pect them to relate to a struggle were having dinner, she suddenly The New Immigrants they dont even know about. felt very uncomfortable. When I dont always see themRemember, they come from all asked her why, she said the waitselves as black Ameriress was from her country, but black nations. cans from a different tribe and we Most of these immigrants have would never socialize with them never felt the sting of racial reback home. All of these countries had enjection or discrimination based slaved people from Africa working on race. They wonder what we The new immigrants dont alon plantations. The people coming are complaining about. Poverty ways see themselves as black to Bridgeport are the descendents in Africa or Haiti is very different Americans, they see themselves as from those slaves. Then there is than poverty in America. A Haitian Americans or Nigerian Africa. Many people still think Af- young man from the nation of Americans. African American rica is one big country, it is not. Burundi had no idea about our refers to native borne. Persons Continent with fifty-four nations history here. We watched the and thousands of tribes. Its citizens movie Amistad together and he who have descended from those come in every shade of black, yelwept and kept repeating I just enslaved Africans brought to low, red, and brown. In our survey didnt know! That same man America in sixteen, seventeen and we found people from over twenty- asked me if I could help his fam- eighteen-hundreds. They didnt five of those countries living here in ily back in Burundi, East Africa. I come all the way to Bridgeport to Bridgeport and other parts of Fair- said I would, and asked for their get caught up in our struggle. field County. These immigrants are address. He told me, where They are too busy trying to fit in, having an impact on Bridgeports they live they dont have a real feed their families and survive. African American community. address. Black South Americans have also made their way to Bridgeport. We found some from Brazil, Guyana, Colombia, Venezuela and Ecuador. Many of our readers not familiar with the history of nations may be surprised, that these countries have any black people at all.

They bring their culture: languages, customs, food, dress and religions. Many are highly educated, so why come to Bridgeport? You might ask.

Attention All Readers The A.A.H.A. Newsletter has been facing financial difficulties. If you would like to keep receiving this publication, your subscription of only $5.00 will secure four quarterly issues for the entire year. Let's keep a good thing going.

T HE L EPLAGE S YSTEM -T HE E VIL

The racial and sexual abuse of women of color during and after slavery, is a well known and documented fact. However, in the City of New Orleans a whole different system emerged and was accepted. Even though the consequences were the same as anywhere else. The French had colonized Louisiana and built New Orleans. They had a different slant on things, than their English brethren. They had a system known as the LePlage, which rhymes with

BEHIND THE

E LEGANCE

By Gilbert L. Davis

Painting of a Quadroon woman Circa 1800s. Courtesy of maggiemcneil wordpress.com

massage. When the bloody slave revolt broke out on the Isle de Santa Doming, (today known as Haiti and the Dominican Republic) with their families to New Orleans. They brought their mixed race mistresses with them. Some of these women were amongst the most beautiful women in the world. These women were a mixture of French, African, Spanish and Taino Indian. The selective breeding kept their skin very light, as they were not allowed

to mix with darker skinned black people, even though they all had African blood. They were known as Quadroons. A quadroon is a person one quarter African. That means one Grandparent was black. In New Orleans the term was used for all women of mixed race, rather they were Mulatto, Quadroon or Octoroon (a person with one eighth African blood). Every year quadroon balls were (CONT on PG. 3)

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held in New Orleans. These were classy elegant affairs, where wealthy white men could come and meet these beautiful women of color. The young women would be chaperoned by their mothers, aunts or grandmothers. Many of these young women had been trained and saved their virginity

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T HE L EPLAGE S YSTEM C ONTINUED

sire. He, in turn would build or buy them a house, give them land and money. These women would be given black slaves or servants to wait on them. The women benefitted from this system, but the white men would not or could not marry them, or give the children borne out of such unions their last names. The French men kept black male lovers as well as did some white women. But the Laplace was an acceptable system of sexual exploitation, which reduced black women to being permanent concubines and reduced their mothers and aunts to being There have been several novels written about quadroon women of New Orleans. Author Ann Rice who wrote The Vampire There have been several novels written about quadroon women time of the Civil War. Southern white American men did not look on LePlage as fondly as the French. They were used to having their way with slave women. White women were offended by these beautiful women of color who were free, owned property and in many cases practiced voodoo. They were relieved to see the system brought to an end. When the LePlage was over, many if not most of these women went on to marry darker skinned men. But some held on to their original beliefs and blocked dark skinned people from marrying into their families. In turn the quadroons kept inter-marrying over and over with the same families to keep their blood lines light.

FROM PG .

These girls, once selected by a wealthy white man...would be the white mans mistress for a price.
for this moment. Their mothers would negotiate with the white men on their behalf. The girls, once selected by a wealthy white man, would enter into an agreement called the LePlage. They would be the white mans mistress for a price. The Leplage meant they would always be there for the white man, to fulfill his every sexual fantasy or de-

The Leplage reduced black women to being permanent concubines and their mothers and aunts to being pimps.
of New Orleans. Author Ann Rice who wrote the vampire chronicles, also wrote about them in her novel The Feast of All Saints. Yes, the insidious LePlage System did bring a measure of prestige and wealth to New Orleanss women of color, but only after a degrading price had been fulfilled. [e-mail:gdavis@aahact.org]

SaluteS T HE R EPUBLIC OF S OUTH S UDAN

There is something new happening at the United Nations. A new flag is flying in front of the building. Inside, a new seat has been put out to seat a new member. The newest member of the U.N. is the Republic of South Sudan. The new nation received its independence from the Sudan on July 9, 2011, amid crowds wildly celebrating in its capitol of Juba. There was much to celebrate. In January 2011 Sudan held a referendum in the south. The southerners were given a choice. They could vote for independence or chose to remain part of Sudan. Over 99% vote for independence. While independence arrived peacefully, this has hardly been the case in the past. Sudan was beset with problems. For one, the country was divided between Arab Muslims in the north and black African tribesmen in the south. Most of the blacks were Christians or Animisst (traditional African religious). The Arabs had always looked down on the black southerners. It was not uncommon for the Arab northerners to keep black slaves at home. The friction over race and religion had led to two civil wars in the past

It was not uncommon for the Arabs to keep black slaves at home.
fifty years. Over two-million people died in the conflicts. The last war ended in 2005. A new A new civil war erupted in the Western Darfur region of the Sudan. Fighting has also flared up in the South Kordofan region. We are so happy said an ecstatic Garang Ariel a Southern Sudanese now a resident of Bridgeport, CT. The new nation faces many new challenges. There is the need to build. An

great help to the economy. Bridgeporters might remember Manute Bol. The 77 University of Bridgeport student who went on to become an N.B.A. star before his death in 2010. Mr. Bol was from the Southern Sudan. The nightmare of religious and racial persecution is finally over for the people of Southern Sudan. The African American Historical Association of Fairfield County has sent its congratulations to the new Ambassador of the Republic of Sudan.

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N EWSLETTER

A M ESSAGE FROM THE P RESIDENT OF THE A FRICAN -A MERICAN H ISTORICAL A SSOCIATION OF F AIRFIELD C OUNTY , C ONNECTICUT
Greetings to all of our readers and supporters! I want to thank those of you who took the time to join us for our annual Day of Remembrance program. We thank you for your patience. We had to postpone the program three times and finally held it indoors, at the First Baptist Church of Bridgeport. I also want to thank all of you who sent messages of condolences, after the death of my oldest brother, Hushel Davis, Jr. His death was so sudden and it came the week when hurricane Irene was heading up the coast. Irene wreaked havoc on our Day of Remembrance and my brothers funeral as well. His death served as a reminder to me, that life is short and every moment is precious. Too precious to spend it angry and engaging in petty squabbles over things that are meaningless. Now Id like to congratulate three individuals in our community on their recent achievements. First I want to congratulate my old friend, Bill Finch on his re-election as Mayor for the City of Bridgeport, CT. To my pal Douglas Holcomb, who was recently named C. E. O. of the Greater Bridgeport Transit Authority. And last but not least, my nephew Pastor James Shannon, who was elevated to the position of Bishop. I am confident all three men will do a fine job in their respective fields. I want to make a renewed call to some of my AfricanAmerican brothers. Take your place, your place as leaders, in your homes and
I D
L IKE TO

MA KE A R ENEWED CALL TO SO ME O F MY A FR ICAN -

A MER ICAN BRO TH ERS . T A KE

YO UR PLA CE AS L EA DER S , IN YO UR HO MES AN D FA MIL IES .

Gilbert L. Davis, Founder and President, African-American Historical Association of Fairfield County, CT.

families. Your children need you, our community needs you and our sisters need you. Take your place at the head of the table. Your women wont resent you, (unless you try to play boss) you will find she might respect you even more and so will your sons and daughters. The A.A.H.A. of Fairfield County wishes all of you a safe and happy holiday season. Dont spend them alone. Be blessed and joyful. Gilbert L. Davis

STAFF Editor-in-Chief: Henry N. Timberlake Writers: Lora Vernice Brooks Gilbert L. Davis L. Llewellyn James Henry N. Timberlake Layout: L. Llewellyn James Henry N. Timberlake BOARD MEMBERS Gilbert L. Davis Founder & President

Well, were in a new season and we have to take out our Fall clothing. It was a hectic Summer for me, how about you? I hope youve enjoyed reading Our B.I.O. In Issue 1 of VOL. 2 of the A.A.H.A. Newsletter. I talked about our skin, mainly our faces, and eating the proper foods for a healthy glow. Well when it comes to cleansing the face or our bodies, fruits and vegetables are a natural God-given remedy. Hey! Lets face it, anything that is natural for the hair face or body is a healthy approach, Amen! There are a lot of products on the market that say they have natural ingredients and will improve your skin. But, I want to tell you that there are a lot of good products in your very own kitchen. Thats right, In your kitchen! Especially, if you dont want to spend an arm and a leg, to get results. I have used some raw fruits and vegetables on my skin (facial), try them! So lets see now. We can eat and use these same foods on our bodies to benefit the appearance of our skin? Thats right! They work outside as well as inside our bodies and thats a God-given natural plan. (CONT on pg.5)

Joy Purdie Vice President Kizzy Wilcox Treasurer L. Llewellyn James Special Programs & Marketing

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O UR B EAUTY I NSIDE & O UT (C ONT .

FROM PG .

4)

We must first find out our skin type: Oily, Normal or Dry. (Acne or combination skin basically is the same as normal) We must use the proper products, either on the market or from our own kitchen (home-made products). We cant tackle a problem if we dont address the issues. That has proven to be true for anything in our lives. The skin on our bodies which God has created, protects us from harmful things in the environment. So please, love the skin youre in. Our skin also has sweat glands, which produces perspiration. These regulate our body temperature. Try to drink plenty of water (our bodies consist of 80% water).

Yeah, stop taking those long hot showers or those Quick Hot Showers and relax into a nice bathtub.
Its important to use body deodorant to avoid body odor. Now we know a little bit more about cleansing our face and body on a regular routine, bi-weekly or daily. We have to set a schedule, time to relax and pamper ourselves Yeah, stop taking those long hot showers or those quick hot showers and Relax into a bathtub. At least once every two weeks, between showers. Release lifes stress with: a milk-bath or a soft scrub with an oatmeal-bath to remove dead skin or a nice body oil (lavender does wonders for stress). Hot showers can dry out our skin and creates more ashy looking skin. Then you need a body lotion to quench our dry ashy skin. When it comes to a scrub be gentle on our facial skin, it can cause irritations, break-outs or flaky dry skin. Dont overdue it, just once a week with sugar, oatmeal or a facial cleansing glove. A face that is sensitive can not use oatmeal or sugar, its too harsh. So, the glove would be more appropriate, because you control the rubbing on your face. It also works for the body. I use the glove sometimes, or the scrub. Do what works for your skin type. Now I will give you a list of natural ingredients from our kitchens: Cleanser: Yogurt, mayonnaise and oatmeal to cleanse dry and normal skin. Yogurt w/honey to cleanse normal, oily, sensitive and dry skin. Toners: Warm green tea for normal, oily, sensitive and dry skin. Moisturizer: The most important of them all. We can use Oil of Olay, Neutrogena, Aveeno, Mary Kay, Avon or even Ponds cold cream. We must remember, our inner beauty is our happiness. Our inside attitude of worries, fears, self-pity, doubts, anger and jealousy (for those of you who feel jealous of others) is what kills that outside beauty. We must cleanse our minds, body and spirit daily. Until next time, God bless.

P AST E VENTS

Lora Vernice Brooks had been Mistress of Ceremonies at our annual Day of Remembrance 2011.

AAHA Vice-President Joy Purdie reflects on the Middle Passage

Nigerian Filmmaker and Historian Tope Idowu has been our Guest Spezker. Special Guest Desiree Smith singing My Country Tis of Thee mixed with poetry.

Pastor Amos Taiwo sits attentively during the program AAHA Member Terri Rudd belts out spiritual tunes.

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AAHA Member Deborah Williams talks about the horrors of the Middle Passage.

(from L-R) Pastor Amos Taiwo, AAHA Newsletter Editor-In-Chief Henry Timberlake, and woman accompanying Pastor Shola Adere on far right

Guest Soloist Diboy Brooks of Long Island, New York gave a heartfelt Gospel Performance. He is the son of AAHA Member Lora Vernice Brooks.

AAHA President Gilbert L. Davis ended the ceremony with a comforting prayer and the lighting of candles, in memory of our dead ancestors.

The African-American Historical Association of Fairfield County, Connecticut wishes to thank Pastor Hopeton A. Scott and the entire staff of the First Baptist Church in Bridgeport, Connecticut for the use of Fellowship Hall and Kitchen. Their generosity had been instrumental in making our Day of Remembrance a success.
TURKEY MEATLOAF Hello Everyone!!! I have missed you all so much! Im back again to share another great recipe with you; my Turkey Meatloaf. Now, you dont have to use turkey. The recipe will work the same with chicken or beef. I hope you all enjoy it. Ingredients: 3 packs of ground turkey 1 lg onion 2 cloves of garlic 1 cup sliced mushrooms 2 packets of Lipton Onion Soup Mix red bell pepper yellow bell pepper green bell pepper orange bell pepper 2 eggs Barbecue sauce Honey Ketchup Mustard Now, lets begin. First, you put all 3 packs of ground turkey in a large bowl. Next, you add your 2 packets of Lipton Onion Soup Mix. Now, what I do next is I bring out my food processor. Using it will save a tremendous amount of time. In the processor, you will add your large onion, your garlic, sliced mushrooms and all your bell peppers. Dont grind your vegetables too fine though. You want your vegetables in very small bites. Next, you add your 2 eggs and you mix all your ingredients very thoroughly. You place your meatloaf into a baking pan and you shape it the way you want it. I say this, because some people like their meatloaf flatter and thats ok. You place your meatloaf in the oven uncovered at 425 for approximately 1 hours. When your meatloaf is almost done you add your sauce. Add whatever you like, its your meatloaf. I usually put cup mustard, cup ketchup, cup honey and cup barbecue sauce of your choice. I mix it all together in a small bowl and I brush the sauce over the meatloaf. I put it back into the oven for another 10-15 minutes and your meatloaf should be done. If you want to know if your meatloaf is done, you might try sticking a toothpick into your meatloaf. If the toothpick comes out clean, your meatloaf is done. You are absolutely going to love this recipe. It will melt in your mouth. Just enjoy yourself. Wishing you all many blessings and wonderful dishes. With love, Joy

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P A GE 7 Mrs. Joy Purdie has stepped into the position of Vice-President for the A.A.H.A. Mrs. Purdie has been a silent member since the organization was formed in 2005. Her husband, Keith Purdie was a founding brother of the A.A.H.A. Joy Purdie formally joined the A.A.H.A. in 2007 and was the organizations first female member. She has been Secretary since 2008. She also writes a column, (Cooking with Joy) in this quarterly newsletter. President Davis has asked Mrs. Purdie to help with personal matters, along with the usual Vice-Presidents duties. Mrs. Purdie is a volunteer parent at Luis Munoz Marin School and is currently writing a childrens book. Mr. Edward Grey has resigned his position as acting Secretary.

Former Vice-President Joseph L. Wilcox is now taking on the new job as Director of Fundraising. Mr. Wilcox is organizing a capitol campaign to raise the funds for our museum/cultural center. The campaign kickoff is scheduled for February, 2012. Mr. Wilcox is recruiting various community leaders from different backgrounds, to serve on a Friends of the A.A.H.A. advisory committee, to assist in bringing in funding to help the organization. Mrs. Kizzy Wilcox has started her duties as Treasurer. President Davis said he is pleased with Mrs. Wilcox knowledge and dedication. The A.A.H.A. has announced the names of persons selected to receive awards at its Annual Carter G. Woodson Awards Luncheon, scheduled in February. Carter G. Woodson Awards Rev. Anthony Bennett: Mount Aery Baptist Church Mr. Scott A. Hughes: Director of the Bridgeport Public Library Mr. Walter Luckett: Philanthropist

Mary Freeman Awards Rev. Kenneth Ginyard Mr. Michael Askew: C.C.A.R. Recovery program

Those selected to receive special citations: Mr.& Mrs. John and Cecelia DaRosa: Directors of The Jackie Robinson Park of Fame Inc. Stamford, CT. Mr. Ronald Preston: Treasurer for the City of Bridgeport,Connecticut Authors: Mary J. Mycek Marian OKeefe Carolyn B. Ivanoff For their book, The Life and Times of Ebenezer Bassett. Americas first African- American Ambassador to a foreign nation. The program is set for Saturday February 25, 2012 From 1:00 4:00 PM. At City Hall Annex 999 Broad ST. Bridgeport, CT. Tickets in advance are: $20.00, at the door $25.00. The A.A.H.A. is happy to report that Ms. Verna Kearneys condition is improving. She is still in Greece re-cooperating after falling ill while vacationing. Ms Kearney is a 2009 recipient of the Mary Freeman Award for work her foundation has done with the Bridgeport Public School system. A.A.H.A. President Gilbert L. Davis has urged everyone to pray for Ms. Verna Kearney until she is well and brought safely back home to us.

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He wont be back A would be robber entered a store in downtown Bridgeport where he saw a womans purse sitting on a counter. The woman, who was talking to the store owner, spotted the man trying to leave the store with her purse. The woman and the store owner both ran after him. A fight ensued and the assailant was punched, kicked, scratched and beaten until he dropped the purse and fled. Later, police picked-up the bloodied would-be robber who didnt realize that sisters dont play that. The man was taken to a near-by local hospital for injuries he suffered where he told police he intended to file charges against the women. Diboy heads to California Local singer Diboy Brooks will be heading to Los Angeles soon, after he successfully completed auditions on the east coast for Americas Got Talent. If he wins the finals, he will get one-hundred thousand dollars and a recording contract with a major recording studio. Diboy Brooks is the son of A.A.H.A. member Lora Vernice Brooks. What did he just say? Shoppers were shocked and outraged at a South Jersey Walmart Store recently. Some one announced over the P.A. system, all black people leave the store immediately! Walmart employees, along with security desperately searched for the culprit, who turned out to be a sixteen year-old prankster. He was immediately fired and Walmart quickly issued an apology to its angry customers. The boys father didnt see what all the fuss was about. He said his son is only sixteen and it was a childish prank. However, many of Walmarts black customers were not amused and vowed never to shop there ever again. Chinese men and African women, a new trend? Its no secret that China is investing heavily all over the continent of Africa. Thousands of Chinese workers are there as engineers, builders, etc. Many of them like what they see, that includes African women. Chinese engineers have been meeting and marrying girls from Africa and taking them back home to China. Its not yet a craze, but it certainly is a trend. Black wives seem to be the new thing. Sisters here in the states may want to take note. The six figure man you seek may just be in China. The Chinese men and the red carpet are waiting for women just like you. Celebrity Fundraiser Bridgeport native and Hollywood actor Michael Jai White was in town fundraising for the Ralphola Taylor Community Center. The affair was held at the Peoples United Bank in downtown Bridgeport, Conn. The Handsome star has appeared in such films as: Why I got married and Blood and Bones.

A beautiful Dance between food and Ambiance.

Wine Bar Classically-Themed Italian Caf 957 Main Street, Bridgeport, CT 203.540.5360

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P A GE 9 The A.A.H.A. expresses its deepest condolences to the families and friends of the following: Travis Blake Jacqueline A. Elliot Robin Lemdon Lucille Bruno Rev. Charles Ely Jr. Pamela Michelle Smith Eartha M. Dunbar Ruth E. Higgins Adrue Johnson

Terrence Williams

The A.A.H.A. expresses its deepest condolences to the family of 7 year-old Kyle Jean Baptiste of Bridgeport, who tragically passed on from smoke inhalation, due to a fire in the familys home.

The A.A.H.A. expresses its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Douglas Reid. Mr. Reid was a former Director of the Bridgeport Public Library system. He was also a close friend, mentor and benefactor to our A.A.H.A. President Gilbert L. Davis.

In addition, the A.A.H.A would like to express its condolences to the family of former A.A.H.A. Member Monica Wilkes, as they mourn the untimely demise of Ms. Wilkes brother, Luther Green.

Joe Frazier

Image courtesy of www.badlefthook.com

(1944 2011) Boxing legend smokin Joe Frazier became the worlds heavyweight boxing champion in 1970 and held the title for three years. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990.

Patrice O`neal

Image courtesy of www.media.gunaxin.com

(1969 2011) Stand-up comedian, radio personality and actor, Patrice O`neal died from complications from a stroke he suffered back in late October.

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Heavy D

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Image courtesy of www.allhiphop.com

Continued
(1967 2011) R & B rapper, songwriter and music executive. The four time Grammy Award nominee and two time Soul Train Music Awards winner. Heavy D (Dwight Errington Myers) was born in Mandeville, Jamaica. His parents moved to Mount Vernon, New York in the early 1970s where he was raised. Former A.A.H.A. member Monica Davis attended the funeral in Mount Vernon and had taken this photograph where many stood in line to pay their respects.

Muammar al Quaddafi

Image courtesy of www.electionsmeter. com

(1942-2011) The King of Africa A few years ago when Libyan President Muammar al Quaddafi was President of the African Union, he declared himself King of Africa. He was one of the most controversial world leaders. The uprisings that over threw the leaders of Egypt and Tunisia spread to Libya. All-out efforts were made to crush the revolt, but in the end the rebels prevailed, taking the life of Quaddafi. He was very popular with Africans because he stood up to the West. He was also popular with many African Americans. He was generous to some black organizations in the U.S. such as the Nation of Islam. Africa has been ablaze with political upheavals. Not just in the North, but also in the Ivory Coast where foreign troops helped to remove their President who stubbornly refused to leave office after losing the election.

Written and illustrated by L. Llewellyn James/ Jennifer Hudson and Her Amazing Technicolor Wardrobe Alphaholics Non-Anonymous Art Studios Even as this is a piece which I had illustrated as Jennifer Hudson had www.alphaholism.com first come to international prominence as a result of her meteoric rise in
import, I cant help but feel a bit of melancholy as I view it in light of recent events. Heres a brief summary of what I mean: scant weeks after I had posted this illustration onto my illustration and professional videography site, www.alphaholism.com, I d been contacted by a citizen journalist in Canada, requesting to allow her to use this illustration as a part of her own news coverage on the then breaking news of a large swath of Ms. Hudsons family (namely her mother, brother and nephew) being gunned to death in Ms. Hudsons family home in Chicago, Illinois. A bit flummoxed and bewildered, I found myself chafing to an inordinate extent: anyone who has ever entertained any affections or interactions with men and women who toil as I do to make a living in the realms of the creative arts can readily attest to an often world-nullifying effect on the life of a writer or artist as a result of living an often hermit -like, sedentary and sometimes blissfully-non-interactive lifestyle. In short, I had heard about this tragedy from a stranger in another time -zone, while literally corralled to my work-area and art canvas, without so much as a cautionary have you heard about introduction or note of psychic preparation. At any rate, I continued to be a good deal less than co-operative about allowing my art to be used for this persons news story until I finally ascertained the validity of the story via online media outlets: every artist needs publicitybut I, myself, DO NOT wish to receive it QUITE that badly. Thankfully, the on-line Citizen Journalist who had e-mailed me found another piece of photographic ambience for her macabre instant story on the inordinate horror which Jennifer Hudsons life had become within the grim 35 minutes or so between the world learning about the event and the moment I had been jolted out of my own professional delirium (yes, friends: lightning does, in fact, strike on a regular basis in todays fast-paced worldhowever, Thor the Norse God of Lightning has been replaced by Cable Modem, the modern worlds equivalent of absolute omniscience). Hence, as we reflect again on the reckless path of the first decade and some odd years of the 21st Century as 2011 closes, I just wish to stop and consider what the future of the collective reasoning of our people will become as we advance: since I first drew this, Jennifer Hudson has become nigh a patron saint for lithe-figured women around the globe, as her body type no longer is emulative of the sort which women of color have generally been renowned for (namely, the full-figured, vivacious and volume-absorbent beauty of color she once had been and is forever showcased as, here). In essence, I wonder if we are rapidly losing some semblance of our ability to retain our cultural identities (yet again, as people of color have all too often), as we pattern, refashion and re-imagine ourselves in ways which are (allegedly) more conscientious or agreeable to a global community. As 2012 approaches, the global economy implodes and the worrisome first term of the first man of color to ascend to the most important administrative post in the Western Hemisphere draws to a conclusion, what sort of other masks, adjustments, outer configurations and inner demons will people of color find themselves burying under a glowing, eternally radiant shroud of change? Never-ending, eternally perambulating change. Heres hoping that, this coming year of 2012, the weight stays off...for all people of color. If just a small, tiny bit.

Look whos checking us out! Meet Ms. Coraly Rodriguez. Ms. Rodriguez comes from the City of Ponce in Puerto Rico. She currently works as a bus driver for the Greater Bridgeport Transit Authority. Coraly loves history and culture. Here she pauses at a Halloween party to check out the latest A.A.H.A. Newsletter. You should follow her example and check us out too.

Our mission and/or purpose is to relate the story of how Africans and their descendents developed diverse civilizations in Africa: then were taken, yet continued to shape successive eras of economic, political and social development around the world and in Connecticut. We are committed to building a community of shared interests and values by creating an African museum and Cultural Center so as to educate both our surrounding communities and one another. Also, The AAHA of Fairfield County, CT. will be dedicated to contributing to the awareness of diversity within Fairfield County, Connecticut.