Sunday, July 6, 2008
Saturday, June 21, 2008
THE DIASPORA RECONCILATION TEAM PREPARES FOR MUSICAL RECORDING PROJECT
ARTISTS JOIN CULTURAL FORCESFOR
CD & VIDEO
"JE SUIS TOI" (I AM YOU)
MEMBERS OF THE TEAM
DIANE CAMERON, USA ARTIST IN RESIDENCE TO BENIN
K-SIM, BENIN WEST AFRICAMATHIAS DANGBE, BENIN, WEST AFRICA
ATCHADE, BENIN/NEW YORK, 2 SQUAD, NIGERIA/BENIN
FOR INFORMATION ON CD RELEASE DATE
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS WELCOMES BENIN STAR MUSICIAN - K-SIM TO JUNETEENTH IN ALABAMA
K-SIM
BENIN STAR MUSICIAN & SINGER
APPEARING
JUNE 21st 2008
at
CLUB ILLUSIONS
Club Illusion 3679 Airport Boulevard
Mobile, AL 36608
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS WELCOMES ELISE AYOKO DOSSEH - THE BENINESE REPRESENTATIVE TO JUNETEENTH FOR MADAME GRACE LAWANI
MADAME ELISE AYOKO DOSSEH
REPRESENTATIVE FOR
MADAME GRACE LAWANI
OF BENIN
JUNETEENTH TOGO/BENIN REPRESENTATIVE
THE COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS WELCOMES MICHEL KOUKOUI TO THE ALABAMA JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION
MR. MICHEL KOUKOUICONSULTANT
EXPORT, AGOA PRODUCTS
CULTURAL PROMOTER
THE COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS WELCOMES THOMAS WILLIAMS OF VIRGINA TO ALABAMA FOR JUNETEENTH
Thomas L. Williams (Tmos)
PRESIDENT
NEW AFRICA, INC.
Tmos is blessed to be the visionary for the New Africa Project, an endeavor to unit the African Diaspora and thereby impacting the spiritual, economic and social conditions of our people on a global scale. Tmos has dedicated his life to the Creator and a devoted follower of the ways and philosophy of Jesus the Christ. He is a devoted family man, husband, father of three and grandfather to three. He has attended Pepperdine University, West Chester State University and St Leo College where he majored in Religious Studies, Sociology and History.
Tmos has served in the United States Marine Corps for 24 years, where between 1992 and up until his retirement in 1994, He was assigned as a Military Liaison to the President of the United States, serving both Presidents Bush and Clinton.
His passion is now for the Creator’s desire to bring healing and closure to the devastation inflicted upon the world, by the sins of slavery and colonialization. He is currently serving the campaign efforts of the honorable Senator Barrack Obama’s efforts to win the state of Virginia in the Senator’s quest for the Presidency of the United States.
Tmos’ favorite statement is that “As Americans of African Ancestry we believe in the United States of America not for what it is but what it has the potential of becoming.”
Tmos is blessed to be the visionary for the New Africa Project, an endeavor to unit the African Diaspora and thereby impacting the spiritual, economic and social conditions of our people on a global scale. Tmos has dedicated his life to the Creator and a devoted follower of the ways and philosophy of Jesus the Christ. He is a devoted family man, husband, father of three and grandfather to three. He has attended Pepperdine University, West Chester State University and St Leo College where he majored in Religious Studies, Sociology and History.
Tmos has served in the United States Marine Corps for 24 years, where between 1992 and up until his retirement in 1994, He was assigned as a Military Liaison to the President of the United States, serving both Presidents Bush and Clinton.
His passion is now for the Creator’s desire to bring healing and closure to the devastation inflicted upon the world, by the sins of slavery and colonialization. He is currently serving the campaign efforts of the honorable Senator Barrack Obama’s efforts to win the state of Virginia in the Senator’s quest for the Presidency of the United States.
Tmos’ favorite statement is that “As Americans of African Ancestry we believe in the United States of America not for what it is but what it has the potential of becoming.”
THE COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS COMMITTEE WELCOMES THOMAS AKODJINOU - THE PRESIDENT OF COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS IN BENIN - WELCOME TO ALABAMA
MR. THOMAS AKODJINOUPRESIDENT OF COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS/BENIN
MINISTER OF CULTURE OF THE ALABAMA BENIN FORUM/BENIN IN ALABAMA FOR THE JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION
Saturday, June 14, 2008
AFRICATOWN, USA WELCOMES AFRICAN DELEGATION FROM BENIN
ROBERT E. BATTLES, SR.DIRECTOR & CEO
AFRICATOWN WELCOME CENTER
251-518-1262
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WELCOME TO ALL OF OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS
FROM BENIN, TOGO, NIGERIA & GHANA
OUR ARMS & OUR HEARTS
REACH OUT TO GREET YOU...
ON BEHALF OF THE AFRICATOWN WELCOME CENTER
BIENVENUE
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Friday, June 13, 2008
BENIN, WEST AFRICA DRUMMER, DANCER & SINGER MATHIAS DANGBE IN MOBILE TO PERFORM FOR JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION
MATHIAS DANGBE Le GROUPE GANTCHEWE DU BENIN
Le Groupe GANCHEWE du Benin est Composé de Sept Personnes
En Action Avec la Danse traditionnel du Bénin avec la danse contemporaine Yoruba Fon Tipéti Agbadja Ganhoun :Ces différente sortes de danse à une religion traditionnel de coutume familiales,que cela soit Yoruba ou Fon car tout ne se mélange pas mais le groupe GANTCHEWE du BENIN. La danse fait vivre et grandis et mettre la joie dans le cœur des pauvres personnes qui n’ont pas eu cette opportunité d’être un danseur. Mais Dés Aujourd’hui la jeunesse se donne à font à ce savoir faire, intéressant la cultures Africaines mais sauvons le respect de notre richesse traditionnel. En Action avec les tambour parlant du Bénin un travail Approfondis à été fait par Ces Quatre percussionnistes Béninois, Démontre une partie chorégraphe de leur particularité traditionnel, L’origine de cet instrument est les Porto_novienne et Nordisse autre fois. Que le Vent, le Ciel l’embellissent avec la vibration de nos Ancêtres Qui se sacrifice leur vie à la music traditionnel de leur religion, un mélange profondément à été fait pour ce tambour. Quand les percussionnistes révolte leur rythme d’accélération sans cesse le publique ne se motive pas l’ambiance, quel plaisir de nourri son oeil avec tant de concentration de la force physiques.
by Dangbe Yres Mathias
Thursday, June 12, 2008
AFRICAN ROYALTY - ALABAMA JUNETEENTH STYLE
THE ROYAL COURT OF PRINCESS THEOPATRA
In African Culture, all festivals and major events are presided over by a Godmother and a Godfather. This is a position of honor and esteem. Their main duty is to officiate over the entire event. The Community Connections Juneteenth Celebration is proud to announce the Godmother for the 2008 term is Princess Theopatra. In true royal style the ladies shown above are part of her Royal Court. You don't have to go all the way to England to see the queen.....we have our own in Alabama.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
ELDER MAKINDE A. GBOLAHAN, FOUNDER & DIRECTOR OF OSANYIN INSTITUTE OF HEALTH HOSTS HEALTH FAIR FOR JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION WEEK
ELDER MAKINDE A. GBOLAHANTuesday, June 17- 12:00 - 3:00pm
Wellness & Holistic Health Fair
Liberating Ourselves thru Alternatives & Prevention,
Elder Makinde A. Gbolahan
Plateau Community Center
850 Edwards St
Mobile, AL 36610
Elder Makinde A. Gbolahan, a resident of Mobile for over thirty years, is a native of Georgia and the Sea Islands which are a chain of islands off the Atlantic Coast of South Carolina, Georgia and Northern Florida, has done extensive study on the Gullah history and culture of that area. He also resided in Olatungi for a short duration where he studied both the West African language (primarily Yoruba), culture, and history. He is a traditional African percussionist and storyteller. His study in traditional medicines has extended over a period of forty years. Elder Gbolahan’s studies include herbology, nutrition, food science, drug prevention, environmental diseases, preventative medicines, stress management and the Eight Basic Laws of Health. He was actively involved in the early beginnings of Franklin Memorial Health Clinic where he was a volunteer instructor in nutrition, hygiene and food preparation and coordinated a community block program that cared for outpatients. He is the founder of Osayin Institute of Health, a Health Advocacy and Preventive Care Agency. He also had Certified Nursing Training by the Mobile County Health Department on Heart Health and Stroke Prevention.
He is the founder of the Universal Childhood Enlightenment Council, an organization which focuses on the development of character and families and the social development of African American youth. Elder Gbolahan also completed a course on therapeutic counseling. He does extensive lecturing in Mobile and Baldwin County public school systems, Mobile Public Libraries, churches and community organizations. He has hosted several local radio public affairs programs and has recently become a regular contributor to the Trinity Broadcasting Network on health prevention and interdiction issues.
He was actively involved in the early stages of the African Town USA development, where he functioned as a tour guide who delivered historical presentations to the community, school system and conducted guided tours of the historical landmarks and settlements. He is currently the official historical guide and past manager for the Alabama Benin Forum and a present member of the steering committee of Community Connections. He is the Chairman of The Mobile Kwanzaa Committee, which was established in 1984, and which promotes various cultural heritage awareness programs, and celebrates an annual Kwanzaa community festival.
He is a community empowerment specialist who promotes community problem-solving by utilizing proactive strategies, planning, and communication. Through this position, he coordinates strategies by aligning local, state, and national initiatives to solve problems. Elder Gbolahan has been instrumental in conducting successful public planning meetings designed for community involvement. The Mobile Area Association of Urban Bankers recognized him as an outstanding minority entrepreneur in 1999. He is a widower and father of three children, (Dara, Talia and Ridwan) and an elder and former Health Ministries leader at Emmanuel Seventh Day Adventist church
Sunday, June 8, 2008
DIANE CAMERON PRESIDENT OF COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS WELCOMES THE WEST AFRICAN GUESTS TO JUNETEENTH IN MOBILE, ALABAMA
DIANE CAMERONPRESIDENT, COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
On behalf of the Community Connections Family, we extend our arms of welcome to our family.
We live in a Global Society...Our neighbors are next door or a continent away. Our prayers should not be just for our children...but also for the children we may never meet. When I eat a meal and drink clean water, I should be mindful that my neighbors across the waters may not have eaten in a week. When I am tempted to complain about the rain, I repent and remember that my sisters and brothers in other countries may be praying for rain. As musical artists, we are the modern day griot....we must sing the stories...the mantle is in our hands. Music is my contribution to my collective earth family....Its the least I can do....." Diane Cameron
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS WELCOMES ANTOINE ATINKPAHOUN - CHAIRMAN OF THE BENIN DIASPORA, USA TO MOBILE JUNETEENTH WEEK
ANTOINE ATINKPAHOUNPRESIDENT OF BENIN DIASPORA USA
He Went to Saint Francois-Xavier catholic elementary school in Port-Novo (Benin), and attended the reputable “Lycée Béhanzin” high school of Porto-Novo where he obtained his high-school diploma. He then obtained a Master degree in Mathematics from Benin University (in Togo) and a DES (Post Master degree) in applied geology from Bordeaux University 1 (in France) in 1978. In 1981, he obtained, from the same University a Ph.D. in applied geology with option geophysics. He then went to work as a full-time teacher in Cote-d’Ivoire (Lycée d’Adzopé) from 1981 to 1984. In September 1984, he decided to come to New-York City at Columbia University to study American language (English) and Computer Science. After a year at Colombia University where the tuition were too high for his pocket he went to Brooklyn College (City University of New York) where he graduated in 1988 with a Master degree in Computer Science. He then continued his graduate studies (while teaching in various high schools in New York City) at the Graduate School and University Center of the City University of New York where he graduated in June 1985 with a Ph.D. in Computer Science. He is currently an adjunct assistant professor at Lehman College (department of Mathematics and Computer science), the mathematics coordinator for the Step Program at Purchase College (State University of New York), and a full time mathematics teacher at Lincoln High School in Yonkers. He is a consultant for the New York State Education Department for the writing and the review of mathematics items for various New York Regents Examinations. He is an active member of the Harlem community in New York City and also the President of the Beninese Alliance of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS WELCOMES FELIX EKLU AND THE DELEGATION FROM TOGO, WEST AFRICA TO JUNETEENTH IN MOBILE ALABAMA
Mr. Florent Assou -Hamezo/Tourism Committee
Mr. Abdoulaye Boukari - Educational Exchange
Mr. Segla Yawovi/Banking Relations Committee
Mr. Yendame/Import/Export - Vechicles
Mme. Gnim Bello - Beauty & Fashion Industry
Miss Allevi Akouyo Claudia - Beauty & Fashion Industry
Miss Dedevi Abiassi - Culinary
Mr. Felix Eklu, Chairman of Community Connections/Togo
JAMII-AFRICA CHAIRMAN CONSTANTINE DAVID-GNAHOUI TO REPRESENT ORGANIZATION AT ALABAMA JUNETEENTH CELEBRATON
HENRY MUNGAI - PRESIDENT OF JAMII-AFRICA (l)CONSTANTINE DAVID-GNAHOUI - CHAIRMAN (r)
The lessons of history are calling on the world'sAfrican peoples to unite. It is generally accepted that unity of purpose and pooling of the resources of people of African descent are the prerequisite for our social, technological, economic, and political development.
Jamii Africa is formed to promote such unity, from the standpoint that we are one family. Of course, under God, all humankind is one family. As Africans, African-Americans, or peoples of African descent from the Caribbean, we are conjoined by common distinctive historical circumstances and conditions that create the potential for deep and mutually beneficial bonds.
The core bond that exists is a blood bond. Whatever part of the world we find ourselves at the present time, we can trace our roots to a common land and ancestry. We are a people that knows hardship. We have demonstrated to ourselves our resilience in the face of daunting challenges.
"Jamii" is a Kiswahili (or Swahili) word that means family. Kiswahili is the most widely spoken African language, with over 130 million speakers in East, Central, and Southern Africa.
Jamii is commonly used to reference both the unit family, and our broader community of neighbors and associates. In this age of globalization and the ease of communications, people of African descent are, in effect, neighbors and associates, therefore, Jamii.
Let our unity, our celebrated cultural diversity, our cooperation and progress be the pride of Africa. God Bless Africa.
The lessons of history are calling on the world'sAfrican peoples to unite. It is generally accepted that unity of purpose and pooling of the resources of people of African descent are the prerequisite for our social, technological, economic, and political development.
Jamii Africa is formed to promote such unity, from the standpoint that we are one family. Of course, under God, all humankind is one family. As Africans, African-Americans, or peoples of African descent from the Caribbean, we are conjoined by common distinctive historical circumstances and conditions that create the potential for deep and mutually beneficial bonds.
The core bond that exists is a blood bond. Whatever part of the world we find ourselves at the present time, we can trace our roots to a common land and ancestry. We are a people that knows hardship. We have demonstrated to ourselves our resilience in the face of daunting challenges.
"Jamii" is a Kiswahili (or Swahili) word that means family. Kiswahili is the most widely spoken African language, with over 130 million speakers in East, Central, and Southern Africa.
Jamii is commonly used to reference both the unit family, and our broader community of neighbors and associates. In this age of globalization and the ease of communications, people of African descent are, in effect, neighbors and associates, therefore, Jamii.
Let our unity, our celebrated cultural diversity, our cooperation and progress be the pride of Africa. God Bless Africa.
MR. LODE AOUISSI, MAYOR OF LOME, TOGO SEEKS TWINNING RELATIONSHIP WITH THE CITY OF MOBILE, TOGOLESE DELEGATES TO ARRIVE FOR JUNETEENTH IN ALABAMA
MR. LODE AOUISSI
THE HONORABLE MAYOR OF LOME TOGO
SEEKS TWINING RELATIONSHIP WITH
CITY OF MOBILE, ALABAMA
CLICK DOCUMENT TO ENLARGE
REPUBLIC OF BENIN MINISTER OF CULTURE TO VISIT MOBILE ALABAMA FOR COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION
SOUMANOU SEIBOU TOLEBAMinister of Tourism and Craft Industries
On the Independence Day, the 1st of August 2006, President has named the tourism beside the agriculture. That was a strong sign coming from the high State Authority. Therefore, it's our duty to do our best for praising Benin inside as well as outside, in order to attract many tourists. Currently, we have 170,000 visitors per year. To achieve our ambition, we should improve hotel infrastructures, quality of reception, and work on a more attractive program using decentralized bases and trying to assess the potentialities of each commune, each department.
Naturally, we should lay all the work on cultural tourism, sea tourism with the fishing road and the echo tourism. We'll focus the development of our tourism on many elements, namely, the wonderful parks of W and of Pendjari in the North of Benin.
As for the cultural tourism, we're thinking to those living in Haïti and USA who would like to know their sources. So, we'll develop the tourism through kings' palaces, in Ouidah for those interested. We're also developing the religious tourism. With all that mentioned above, we're sure of the increasing of visits in our country. Nevertheless we are facing the problem of air tickets cost. However, we're dealing with airline companies for the reduction of the cost so that tourists can massively come to Benin.
Beyond all those branches, there is internal tourism. Private societies, public sectors should organize touristic travels towards the inner country for Benineses' visits. Students and pupils we'll be interested too. For that purpose, we'll conceive a certain number of projects that we'll start from echo tourism to the purchase of own buses, air conditioned, for a safe journey of people. We're working to that jointly with private operators and we're sure of the success thanks to them. Politic will is real, we have the support of the Chief of the State, of the government and what we have to do is to facilitate access to financial institutions for privates so that they can invest in hotel business.
The firm will of the President of leading Benin towards the progress will help the building of presidential residences. That will therefore, lead to the organization of tourism congress. It's very important that organized meetings take place here, to get the agro-food moving, and deal with transport issues, especially the employment of our drivers.
So, we want to transform our country in a meeting center in order to hold international meetings such as the African Union. That's our projects for the next years.
We've written a certain number of things in the tourism projects among the big works of the country. Roads, bridges, big sites should be improved. There is not only a pure and a hard tourism. We should think about the improvement of airlines, land and sea transport. Beside, we have the flying boats project that the Chief of State had introduced in order to better our sea sides but also allow people and tourists move easily from a point to another inside the country. For that aim, we have a cleaning out project for our riversides.
Inhabitants should clean out the riversides to allow the development of the places for the tourism purpose.As for the seaside resorts, we're studying the technologies to delimitate some areas where people can safely bath or swim because it's dangerous to wash oneself in the sea. Otherwise we have some of the most wonderful beaches in the world.
Concerning the big projects, we planned the building of roads, sanitization of the environment, making potable water, electricity and phone distribution. What is important by now is that the government is studying the way to compensate the landowners for them to clean out and give space to the government. A governmental seminary will be held in a few time and we believe that the problem will find its solution. From there on, we could move forward thanks to investors who are already waiting to finance those works. We plan to associate the former seaside populations to the works. In other words, we want to built a five-star structure and, in the same time, create an environment which integrates those people. So, we can state that we're implementing there a rural development and seaside resorts. Of course, a clean seaside resort under the coconut trees you've seen.
Interview excerpt taken from New York Times Interview
Friday, June 6, 2008
AZINSOU THOMAS AKODJINOU, CHAIRMAN OF COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS/BENIN WILL ARRIVE IN MOBILE, ALABAMA ON JUNE 9TH FOR JUNETEENTH
Azinsou Thomas AKODJINOU
Filmmaker, Chairman Community Connections
Committee Historical African Diaspora
Minister of Culture of Alabama-Benin Forum
Chevalier de l'ordre National du Merite du Benin
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Mr. Akodjinou is the Chairman of Community Connections in Benin. He has been to America twice in his effort to document the history of Africatown and African American History in Alabama as it relates to the relationship between the descendants of the Clotilde and the residents of the Magazine Point, Happy Hill and Plateau communities. He had an extremely close relationship with the late Mayor of Prichard, John Smith whom he met in Benin in 2005. In 2006 Mr. Akodjinou and Togolese Director Felix Eklu donated to Africatown, 2 marble statues of his friend John Smith and Cudjo Lewis. In 2005 he embarked on a 3-state tour with Alabama Community Connections President, Diane Cameron. Their journey carried them to some of the major cities in Alabama, South Carolina and Georgia researching African American History for their documentary.
BELOW IS A COPY OF THE LAST CORRESPONDENCE
SENT TO THOMAS BY JOHN SMITH THREE DAYS BEFORE HIS PASSING:
Alabama Benin Trade & Economic Cooperation Forum
550 Brady Road PO Box 1028 Bay Minette, Alabama 36507
benaminc@aol.com
The Committee on Community Conections Art and Culture
Contact Thomas Akodjinou 229-93-47-19-56
September 26, 2006
Press Release
Republic of Benin Resident Thomas Akodjinou to be Elected President of International Art Center At Alabama benin Forum
Thomas Akodjinou, Chevalier de l order National du merite du Benin will lead a delegation of Artist from Africa to establish the first World Council of Artist and to form the International Center for Ethnic Art and Cultural Design. Mr Akodjinou is expected to be elected President of the new organization according to John H. Smith Chairman of the Forum.
The Alabama Benin Forum is establish to assist the US and Benin Governments implement the African Growth and Opportunities Act. The 2nd Session of the Forum will convene in Prichard, Alabama October 25-31, 2006.
The International Center for Ethnic Art and Cultural Design is a project of the Forum to advance the Reconciliation Renaissance and is planned for construction in the Republic of Benin. Artist are a critical part of the soul of the Diaspora and we have given them the major role of bringing public awareness to the cause of the ‘Reconciliation Renaissance’ and to promote Diasjazzpora as an art form.
According to Mr. Akodjinou, the Ministers of Culture of Mali and Togo will be present to participate in the discussions and recomendations for the International Center. The acclaimed US actress and Professor Tonea Steward of Alabama State University will Chair the Committe on the Alabama Side.
The meeting will highlight the importance of the Republic of Benin in world arts and advance and agenda through the International Center for protection and enhancement of the world’s heritage in art. The AfricaTown USA Slave Route connecting Ouidah and Benin will also be discussed. According to Mr. Akodjinou ‘This has been my dream to build the Diasjazzpora arts movement worldwide and I am honored to lead these historic proceedings and bring this recognition to Benin and the Arts.
DISTRICT 98 REPRESENTATIVE JAMES GORDON TO CHAIR "LIBERATION THROUGH LEGISLATION" SYMPOSIUM AT JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION IN MOBILE, ALABMA
JAMES O. GORDONA TRUE REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE PEOPLE
TRUE TO HIS WORD * TRUE TO HIS PROMISES
Wednesday, June 18 - 12:00 noon Liberation through Legislation Alabama State Representative James Gordon, District 98 will chair a Symposium highlighting the inroads to freedom through legislative initiatives in African American History and today. The panel will consist of the local and state political community. Representatives from Benin will speak on the same subject from the African perspective. To be held at the Sunlight District Auditorium. Honorary panel members will the Minister of Culture of Benin; Mr. Soumanou Toleba and his delegation. The Alabama panel will include Councilman William Carroll and others. The public is invited to hear this informative and educational discussion.
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James is a product of the public school system and believes we all should support our schools. The weak areas in our public school system should be identified and eliminated in order to make them stronger. The public school system was good for James and his children and it will be good or made good for generations to come.Second, Programs need to be created to encourage parents to get involved with their children's education.
My promise - I will support legislation to improve public education.
INDUSTRY
First, unfortunately, the bid for the Kia plant was lost. As your next representative, I'll work hard on bringing industry and good paying jobs to lower Alabama. Second, I will continue to work with delegations from Alabama negotiating with Benin, a country with current ties to our community whose primary export is palm oil and cashews, to attract an industrial complex located in district 98.
My promise - I will lobby for industrial growth and good paying jobs in Lower Alabama.
LAW ENFORCEMENT
Since Hurricane Katrina minor crimes have increased. We need to ensure that law enforcement has the proper support to reduce these numbers.
My promise - I will support law enforcement
HEALTHCARE
First, at our senior citizen's request, I pledge to be a voice to petition for additional coverage if the current Medicare part D coverage is deemed inadequate. Our seniors have paid their dues. "Domestic aid before foreign aid!!"Second, Alabama may be able to lead the way by enacting a Small Business Health Plan; this would allow small businesses to band together throughout the state, region or country to negotiate group premiums.
My promise - take care of our seniors, take care of
Our small businesses, work to make healthcare accessible for everyone.
James is a product of the public school system and believes we all should support our schools. The weak areas in our public school system should be identified and eliminated in order to make them stronger. The public school system was good for James and his children and it will be good or made good for generations to come.Second, Programs need to be created to encourage parents to get involved with their children's education.
My promise - I will support legislation to improve public education.
INDUSTRY
First, unfortunately, the bid for the Kia plant was lost. As your next representative, I'll work hard on bringing industry and good paying jobs to lower Alabama. Second, I will continue to work with delegations from Alabama negotiating with Benin, a country with current ties to our community whose primary export is palm oil and cashews, to attract an industrial complex located in district 98.
My promise - I will lobby for industrial growth and good paying jobs in Lower Alabama.
LAW ENFORCEMENT
Since Hurricane Katrina minor crimes have increased. We need to ensure that law enforcement has the proper support to reduce these numbers.
My promise - I will support law enforcement
HEALTHCARE
First, at our senior citizen's request, I pledge to be a voice to petition for additional coverage if the current Medicare part D coverage is deemed inadequate. Our seniors have paid their dues. "Domestic aid before foreign aid!!"Second, Alabama may be able to lead the way by enacting a Small Business Health Plan; this would allow small businesses to band together throughout the state, region or country to negotiate group premiums.
My promise - take care of our seniors, take care of
Our small businesses, work to make healthcare accessible for everyone.
JAMES' SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY
Served in the U.S. Navy
Former Candidate for U.S. Congress First Congressional District
Donated Equipment for City of Prichard's Beautification Project
Donated Public Safety Vehicles to the City of Prichard
Donated a Church Steeple
Donated Over 20 Cars to Local Area Churches
Former President, Prichard Boys & Girls Advisory Board
Prichard Chamber of Commerce
Mobile Chamber of Commerce
Blount High School Partner in Education
Advisory Board Member of the Battered Women's Shelter Penelope House
Common Wealth Board Member
Advisory Board Member of the Homeless Coalition
Lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign War (VFW)
Lifetime member of the NAACP
Lifetime member and President of the Pleasant Valley Optimist Club
Lifetime member of Mobile Association of Retarded Citizens (MARC)
Member Utopia Club
Member Mobile County Executive Democratic Committee
Member Alabama Democratic Conference
State Representative for Life University (Alabama)
Former Member of Mobile AIDS Support Services (MASS)
THE HONORABLE JOHNNY FORD, MAYOR OF TUSKEGEE CONGRATULATES THE COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS COMMITTEE & WELCOMES THE AFRICAN DELEGATION TO ALABAMA
MY DEAR BROTHER AND SISTERS FROM AFRICAWELCOME TO THE JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION
& WELCOME TO ALABAMA
& WELCOME TO ALABAMA
Thursday, June 5, 2008
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS WELCOMES THE BENIN DIASPORA, USA ORGANIZATION TO JUNETEENTH
BENIN DIASPORA USA
Mission Statement
Mission Statement
Created in December 9th of 2007 the Benin Diaspora USA is a social organization seeking to organize all Beninese in the United States of America for the common good of our people and of those in Benin.
Our Goals
The goals of the organization include the following but are not limited to:
1-Assisting individuals achieve real economic independence.
2-Helping and/or assisting individuals sustain their social and economic independence through encouragement of learning trades, and formal education for all people and especially for the youth born here, or who migrated to the USA.
3- Seeking funding for fixed and mobile humanitarian programs in the Third World countries in general, and particularly in Benin.
4- Acknowledging, respecting and supporting individual rights and diversity within each person in our organization and in the communities we serve.
5- Seeking, collectively and individually, to identify, obtain and maintain competencies and the awareness needed to help each other socially and economically here in the USA and in Benin.
Integrity
We act with honesty and accountability towards each other, and seek to promote cooperation among all countries whose citizens, in the USA, share a common goal of sustainable development for our countries.
Our Programs
Here are some of the Areas of Intervention of the Diaspora Benin:
I-Investment for the future: Free Elementary school for all
Short Term Goal
1- Financial participation: The creation of a small bank in each village or group of villages.
2- Aides to deprived schools with school furniture, desks, school buildings, etc
3- Scholarships (from the USA Institutions/Universities) for our best students for undergraduate and graduates studies in the USA.
Long term Goals
Benin Diaspora USA would like to:
1- Have a positive impact on our brothers’ education by opening up and financing pilot schools. Each school will be provided with a library, computers, play grounds and others….
2- Encourage education for the disable children and young girls
3- Introduce the teaching/learning of the English language in every elementary school in the country in collaboration/partnership with Nigeria and/or other Anglophone countries.
4- Introduce the learning of the Chinese language in each secondary school as the 3rd language starting from 9th grade.
II-Investment in the Health Sector: Health Care in Benin
Short Term Goals
1- Treated mosquito nets projects
2-The acquisition (collection) of health care materials such as: Clinical gloves, thermometers, gowns, etc
3-Being able to provide health education and preventive measures
4-The treatment of the wastes products, which pollute our hospitals and our environments
5- Collect used medical equipments that can be used in our hospitals or local clinics
6- Provide workshops/seminars for hospital personnel in Benin
Long Term Goals
1- Implement two different pilot projects: one in rural area and the other in urban environment (The pilot projects will help to provide better quality of health care to the patients as well as to maintain an adequate staffing)
2-Identification of the resources and elaboration of projects with the international communities
3-Encourage intervention by members of the Benin Diaspora USA in different sectors in Benin (identified by the Benin government and other organizations)
5-Contacting institutions/companies in each state of the USA that can provide help of any kind in the field of health care in Benin.
III- The Beninese in Diaspora: From the Exodus of Competences to the Gain of Intellectuals/Knowledge
1- Encourage a legal massive arrival of the Beninese in the USA by using American companies’ sponsorship and the lottery visa system. (There should be the sensitization and orientation of the Beninese public)
2- Once arrived, put in place a structure for receiving and training them.
3- Benin Diaspora USA will establish structures for employment similar to that of the Chinese and the Spanish in the USA to help the new arrivals.
IV- Give Benin an ideal name and perspective
1) The fight against corruption
Make auditing structure independent and/or private
Computerize with perfection the activities of the customs, polices, and gendarmeries
Sensitize both the private and the public sector about tourist profession by enhancing the “MAY I HELP YOU AMERICAN” in Benin
2- Re-dynamiting the Tourism sector
Organize school vacation trips for the young Beninese leaving in America to Benin
Encourage the practice of festivals, gospels and other cultural event manifestations
3-Reinforce sport activities
Look for sponsors to help our national team and other sport activities such as baseball etc in Benin
Introduce new sport such as baseball to our youth.
V- Leader and Entrepreneurship
1- Sensitizing and organizing of entrepreneurs in Benin
2-The creation of the Beninese chamber of commerce in the USA
3-The fight against corruption
4-Incitation of the Beninese business in the USA
VI- Real estate in Benin: The construction of a viable base
1-The reinforcement of the real estate law in Benin
2-The speeding up of the procedure of locating and giving land certificate to land owners to avoid double-dealing
3-During construction consider different public works (such as electrification, water supply, road infrastructure) and environmental norms
VII- Telecommunication and Technology in Benin: Connectivity for productivity
Benin Diaspora USA would like USA companies to invest in the enhancement of telecommunication technologies in Benin.
VIII- The Energy Resources in Benin: The Electricity Problem in Benin
Research has shown that the costs of petroleum continue to rise constantly and this has a heavy impact on the national budget. Benin Diaspora USA recommends that:
1-We will continue exploiting new and renewable sources of energy such as the solar energy and even the transformation of waste products into electricity.
2-The Government should encourage any company that is interested in exploiting the different sources of energy to do so by providing funding.
3- Benin, Togo, Nigeria, Cote-d’Ivoire and Ghana develop a partnership with Niger (which possesses Uranium) for the implementation of a single nuclear energy production plan.
4- Benin government encourages gas production in Benin.
We are delightful about the work of Alabama Benin Forum created as an entity in 2003 under the leadership of the late John H. Smith, the former Mayor of Prichard, Alabama who passed away in 2006 to celebrate the cultural ties, source economic relationships and foster camaraderie between the Diaspora in the State of Alabama and the Republic of Benin. We are also very pleased about the resolution HJR25 Sign by the Governor the 5th of May 2004. We will be please to meet with Alabama City Mayors, Alabama House of Representatives Officials, the religious, business, cultural, education and local legislative politicians etc to discuss our partnership we the people of the state of Alabama. This forum is lieu for us to introduce ourselves to you as the Fundamental Benin entity in the USA.
We are inviting everybody to joint use in our journey for the fundamental goal of restoring BENIN here and image around the world. With pride and dignity all of the people listed below have accept your invitation and will attend the event of the Juneenth in Alabama. This is our 1st years in Alabama and we hope to meet all of you. Until then let us celebrate this historical year in the USA history.
Sincerely,
Secretary of Diaspora Benin USA
Martine Megnigbeto
Delegation and Contacts
1-Dr. Antoine Atinkpahoun
President of Benin Diaspora USA,
307 west 120th street, Mailbox 7,
New York, NY, 10027.
Tel (212) 932-8859 or (917) 288-4017
Email: sdegbelo@aol.com.
2-Dr. Pierre Atchade
Vice-President of Benin Diaspora USA
2706 W. Wellington Dr.
Muncie, Indiana 47304-1273
Tel: 765-289-3955 or 765-730-5026
Email: bwpatchade@hotmail.com
3-Mlle. Martine Megnigbeto
Secretary of Benin Diaspora USA
63 Bonair Street #: 3
Somerville MA 02145
Tel: 617-629-7650 or 617-319-0792
Megnigbeto77@yahoo.fr
4-Mr. Kayeromi Gomez
Assistant Secretary of Benin Diaspora USA
9918 S Wallace Street
Chicago IL 60628
Tel: 773-349-7937
kayeromig@gmail.com
5- Mr. Elie Koukoui
Responsible of Cultural affairs for Benin Diaspora USA
1530 Fory Jhonson Rd.
Charleston SC 29412
Tel/fax: 843-577-5551 or 843-475-7568
eliekoukoui@hotmail.com
Our Goals
The goals of the organization include the following but are not limited to:
1-Assisting individuals achieve real economic independence.
2-Helping and/or assisting individuals sustain their social and economic independence through encouragement of learning trades, and formal education for all people and especially for the youth born here, or who migrated to the USA.
3- Seeking funding for fixed and mobile humanitarian programs in the Third World countries in general, and particularly in Benin.
4- Acknowledging, respecting and supporting individual rights and diversity within each person in our organization and in the communities we serve.
5- Seeking, collectively and individually, to identify, obtain and maintain competencies and the awareness needed to help each other socially and economically here in the USA and in Benin.
Integrity
We act with honesty and accountability towards each other, and seek to promote cooperation among all countries whose citizens, in the USA, share a common goal of sustainable development for our countries.
Our Programs
Here are some of the Areas of Intervention of the Diaspora Benin:
I-Investment for the future: Free Elementary school for all
Short Term Goal
1- Financial participation: The creation of a small bank in each village or group of villages.
2- Aides to deprived schools with school furniture, desks, school buildings, etc
3- Scholarships (from the USA Institutions/Universities) for our best students for undergraduate and graduates studies in the USA.
Long term Goals
Benin Diaspora USA would like to:
1- Have a positive impact on our brothers’ education by opening up and financing pilot schools. Each school will be provided with a library, computers, play grounds and others….
2- Encourage education for the disable children and young girls
3- Introduce the teaching/learning of the English language in every elementary school in the country in collaboration/partnership with Nigeria and/or other Anglophone countries.
4- Introduce the learning of the Chinese language in each secondary school as the 3rd language starting from 9th grade.
II-Investment in the Health Sector: Health Care in Benin
Short Term Goals
1- Treated mosquito nets projects
2-The acquisition (collection) of health care materials such as: Clinical gloves, thermometers, gowns, etc
3-Being able to provide health education and preventive measures
4-The treatment of the wastes products, which pollute our hospitals and our environments
5- Collect used medical equipments that can be used in our hospitals or local clinics
6- Provide workshops/seminars for hospital personnel in Benin
Long Term Goals
1- Implement two different pilot projects: one in rural area and the other in urban environment (The pilot projects will help to provide better quality of health care to the patients as well as to maintain an adequate staffing)
2-Identification of the resources and elaboration of projects with the international communities
3-Encourage intervention by members of the Benin Diaspora USA in different sectors in Benin (identified by the Benin government and other organizations)
5-Contacting institutions/companies in each state of the USA that can provide help of any kind in the field of health care in Benin.
III- The Beninese in Diaspora: From the Exodus of Competences to the Gain of Intellectuals/Knowledge
1- Encourage a legal massive arrival of the Beninese in the USA by using American companies’ sponsorship and the lottery visa system. (There should be the sensitization and orientation of the Beninese public)
2- Once arrived, put in place a structure for receiving and training them.
3- Benin Diaspora USA will establish structures for employment similar to that of the Chinese and the Spanish in the USA to help the new arrivals.
IV- Give Benin an ideal name and perspective
1) The fight against corruption
Make auditing structure independent and/or private
Computerize with perfection the activities of the customs, polices, and gendarmeries
Sensitize both the private and the public sector about tourist profession by enhancing the “MAY I HELP YOU AMERICAN” in Benin
2- Re-dynamiting the Tourism sector
Organize school vacation trips for the young Beninese leaving in America to Benin
Encourage the practice of festivals, gospels and other cultural event manifestations
3-Reinforce sport activities
Look for sponsors to help our national team and other sport activities such as baseball etc in Benin
Introduce new sport such as baseball to our youth.
V- Leader and Entrepreneurship
1- Sensitizing and organizing of entrepreneurs in Benin
2-The creation of the Beninese chamber of commerce in the USA
3-The fight against corruption
4-Incitation of the Beninese business in the USA
VI- Real estate in Benin: The construction of a viable base
1-The reinforcement of the real estate law in Benin
2-The speeding up of the procedure of locating and giving land certificate to land owners to avoid double-dealing
3-During construction consider different public works (such as electrification, water supply, road infrastructure) and environmental norms
VII- Telecommunication and Technology in Benin: Connectivity for productivity
Benin Diaspora USA would like USA companies to invest in the enhancement of telecommunication technologies in Benin.
VIII- The Energy Resources in Benin: The Electricity Problem in Benin
Research has shown that the costs of petroleum continue to rise constantly and this has a heavy impact on the national budget. Benin Diaspora USA recommends that:
1-We will continue exploiting new and renewable sources of energy such as the solar energy and even the transformation of waste products into electricity.
2-The Government should encourage any company that is interested in exploiting the different sources of energy to do so by providing funding.
3- Benin, Togo, Nigeria, Cote-d’Ivoire and Ghana develop a partnership with Niger (which possesses Uranium) for the implementation of a single nuclear energy production plan.
4- Benin government encourages gas production in Benin.
We are delightful about the work of Alabama Benin Forum created as an entity in 2003 under the leadership of the late John H. Smith, the former Mayor of Prichard, Alabama who passed away in 2006 to celebrate the cultural ties, source economic relationships and foster camaraderie between the Diaspora in the State of Alabama and the Republic of Benin. We are also very pleased about the resolution HJR25 Sign by the Governor the 5th of May 2004. We will be please to meet with Alabama City Mayors, Alabama House of Representatives Officials, the religious, business, cultural, education and local legislative politicians etc to discuss our partnership we the people of the state of Alabama. This forum is lieu for us to introduce ourselves to you as the Fundamental Benin entity in the USA.
We are inviting everybody to joint use in our journey for the fundamental goal of restoring BENIN here and image around the world. With pride and dignity all of the people listed below have accept your invitation and will attend the event of the Juneenth in Alabama. This is our 1st years in Alabama and we hope to meet all of you. Until then let us celebrate this historical year in the USA history.
Sincerely,
Secretary of Diaspora Benin USA
Martine Megnigbeto
Delegation and Contacts
1-Dr. Antoine Atinkpahoun
President of Benin Diaspora USA,
307 west 120th street, Mailbox 7,
New York, NY, 10027.
Tel (212) 932-8859 or (917) 288-4017
Email: sdegbelo@aol.com.
2-Dr. Pierre Atchade
Vice-President of Benin Diaspora USA
2706 W. Wellington Dr.
Muncie, Indiana 47304-1273
Tel: 765-289-3955 or 765-730-5026
Email: bwpatchade@hotmail.com
3-Mlle. Martine Megnigbeto
Secretary of Benin Diaspora USA
63 Bonair Street #: 3
Somerville MA 02145
Tel: 617-629-7650 or 617-319-0792
Megnigbeto77@yahoo.fr
4-Mr. Kayeromi Gomez
Assistant Secretary of Benin Diaspora USA
9918 S Wallace Street
Chicago IL 60628
Tel: 773-349-7937
kayeromig@gmail.com
5- Mr. Elie Koukoui
Responsible of Cultural affairs for Benin Diaspora USA
1530 Fory Jhonson Rd.
Charleston SC 29412
Tel/fax: 843-577-5551 or 843-475-7568
eliekoukoui@hotmail.com
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS APPLAUDS WORK OF COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS DIRECTORS IN BENIN & TOGO, THOMAS AKODJINOU & FELIX EKLU, PAIR WILL ATTEND JUNETEENTH
ADOKINOU & EKLU VISIT DAUFUSKIE ISLAND, SOUTH CAROLINA MDDLE SCHOOLWhen two West African documentarians recently visited Daufuskie Island Elementary School, students learned they don't just share an ocean with the African coastline.
They share a history.
Republic of Benin filmmaker Thomas Akodjinou and Togolese playwright and director Felix Yao Eklu stopped by the school as part of a three-state tour to gather research for a documentary titled "Children... the artists of the world."
The film is based on tracing what happened to the descendants of the last ship that transported slaves from Africa to the New World. Information collected through interviews and visits to various cultural museums in the South -- including the Civil Rights Museum in Selma, Ala., and the Gullah Gallery in Charleston -- will be used in the documentary and will form the International Center for Ethnic Art and Cultural Design in Benin in 2008.
"Everybody doesn't know about this history, because sometimes it is not easy for them to talk about it or write about," Akodjinou explained to the students. "But now we think it is necessary to show this history. To present this history. To learn this history. ... I think it is necessary for the children to know what it was like in the past and how we are living now and how we want to build the future world."
The filmmakers learned of Daufuskie through Diane Cameron, a former Hilton Head Island resident who met Akodjinou and Eklu while working as an artist-in-residence in Africa. Upon her return to the United States, she created a Charleston-based nonprofit called Seed 2 Seed, which serves as a cultural bridge between Africa and its diaspora. She is serving as a sponsor and contact for the delegation.
"What we've come to find out in Africa is that they don't know our history," Cameron explained to the students. "They don't know what happened to us once we got on that slave ship and sailed to America, sailed to the Caribbean, Haiti, South America -- wherever we went. They don't have any true recollection of what happened to us. So (Thomas and Felix) are here to gather that information to take back to Africa to show their people. 'This is what happened to your brothers, your sisters, your mothers, your fathers, your children.
During their visit to the school, the students of Daufuskie Elementary shared a few of the songs they sang for this year's Gullah Festival and performed a portion of their Christmas program. Lead teacher Sarah Haarlow gave the crew copies of a few magazines that contained a history of the island, artwork and short stories from former Daufuskie students for their research.
In turn, Cameron taught the students a dance she learned during her time in Africa and informed them that Seed 2 Seed would be partnering each of them with a pen pal overseas.
"That way, you can learn more about their culture, their language, their lives," she said to them. "And you know what you'll find out? That they're just like you. They cry, they laugh, they play. They have the same thoughts that you have sometimes. We are more alike than we are different, but the only w know it is if we have formed these relationships."
After spending time with the students, fifth generation Daufuskian Yvonne Wilson gave Cameron and the filmmakers a tour of the island, sharing her own story of how her family came to live on Daufuskie and how many have left due to development and the cost of living.
Her great-great-grandmother, Rosetta Frazier, came to the island as a slave from Sierra Leone, but eventually worked to make it a home of her own. Wilson's grandfather, Samuel Holmes, was the only carpenter on the island for a time. Her grandson, Qur'an Greene, is one of the students at Daufuskie Elementary.
"One thing we can say about Daufuskie, it's constant change," she said, noting that only 12 African-American natives of the island still live there. "Our legacy, it's like threatened. We want to leave it for our kids for them to understand and appreciate it, but they're not here. We've got to leave it to somebody, so that's why I came back."
Wilson showed them a tabby ruin of a fireplace from an old slave house and gave them a tour of a praise house outside First Union African Baptist Church -- both emotionally wrought objects representing the island's link to a rich, albeit solemn, past. She walked them through the Mary Fields School, an old graveyard half-destroyed to make way for a golf course, and to a beach on Daufuskie that almost escaped development.
"They always say you can get out on this beach here and go straight back to Africa," Wilson told Cameron and company, as each of them stood out on the secluded strip of sand and stared out at the water. Behind them, the beginnings of a tower full of condominiums were the only aspects that would lead them to believe otherwise.
"Once we got over here, we were, I guess, never allowed to think back about where our past came from," Wilson said. "It was never talked about, Africa."
For Eklu, that was one of the most moving parts of the trip, because it defined exactly why his group was there -- to bridge a gap.
"We are gathering information to help write an important story," he said. "... As I said, we feel at home here."
THE COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS JUNETEENTH COMMITTEE PROUDLY ANNOUNCES APOSTLE ELIZABETH CASTLE TO BRING GOOD NEWS FOR HURTING WOMEN DURING JUNETEENTH WEEK
DR. ELIZABETH CASTLEHOSTS A WOMEN'S "CIRCLE OF LOVE" EMPOWERMENT SERVICE
SATURDAY, JUNE 22, 2008
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
FRANKLIN STREET BAPTIST CHURCH
2113 St. Stephens Rd. * Mobile, AL 36617
SPECIAL MINISTRY TO HURTING WOMEN
COME PREPARED TO BE DELIVERED FROM THE BONDAGES OF ABUSE
YOU CAN LIVE IN THE FULLNESS OF THE PEACE OF GOD
***JUNETEENTH IS NOT JUST A HOLIDAY***
FREEDOM IS A WAY OF LIFE
****
251-457-0701 for more information
********************************************************************
Dr. Elizabeth E. Castle
Chief Apostle of Issachar International Centers of Higher Thought, Inc.
Dr. Elizabeth E. Castle is a community activist who empowers people through their own unrealized strengths. She addresses various social issues through her radio talk program “Let’s Talk”, which is aired every Saturday on WLVV “1410” Mobile, Alabama. The Eagle Eye as she is known by her peers is the Chief Apostle of Issachar International Centers of Higher Thought, Inc.”. The concept of the Issachar’s Learning Center is to assist one in one’s empowerment through teaching them how to fish in lieu of giving them a fish as one soar to grow into a state of productive consciousness in their journey through life.
She established an inner city cleanup program called Clean Sweep in 2003, which is housed under her non-profit organization “The Agape Resource Collaborative, Inc “TARC”. TARC also serves as the umbrella for business start up programs and financial literacy programs such as “Counting the Cost”
Dr. Castle has traveled throughout the country helping community focus groups to organize and empower themselves for the betterment of the community. Amongst her latest accomplishments Dr. Castle is also the forerunner of an inner city program entitled “Jacob’s Ladder”. “Jacob’s Ladder” is a self motivating advocacy program for “at risk youth”. Each youth and their family are paired with an advocate that assist the family, as they reach to obtain educational success for the youth.
Among her many accomplishments Dr Castle was named Business Women of the year for South Carolina. The honor was granted by Senator Tom Reynolds of South Carolina. She is also listed in various Marquis Who’s Who and other distinguishes books of distinction.
Recent Honors:
Golden Key International Honor Society – Kaplan University
Alpha Beta Kappa / Delta Zeta of Florida Chapter- Kaplan University
Who’s Who’s Cambridge Professional Women of 2008.
Other Organizations associated with:
One Spirit Connects: President
The Prophetic Network: CEO
Afro American Summit: Member
GEORGE WILLIAMS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ALABAMA BENIN FORUM WELCOMES THE VISITING INTERNATIONAL GUEST TO THE COMMUNTY CONNECTIONS JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION
George E. WilliamsAlabama Benin Forum, Chairman
Alabama Republican Council, Chairman
Alabama Republican Diversity Council, Chairman
Community Connections Committee, Board Member
*************************************************************************************************
George Williams is the new Chairman of the Alabama Benin Forum. He is very active in the community as well as the legislative community. Community Connections is the organizing arm of the Alabama Benin Forum. The letter below was written by Mr. Williams soon after the Honorable Bob Riley appointed him as successor to the Chairmanship vacated by the untimely death of the Founder & Chairman, John H. Smith.
*************************************************************
Dear Alabama Benin Trade & Economic Cooperative Forum Members & Supporters:
First I would like to take this opportunity to thank so many of you for all of your phone calls and emails of congratulations and support. I also thank you very much for your vote of confidence in my leadership. 2007 will be a clean slate for the Alabama Benin Trade & Economic Cooperative Forum. We have a brand new opportunity to reach higher heights and deeper depths. I know that our dear leader and founder John Smith would want us to continue the vision in unity and with a corporate mission. Together, we can continue to make this a reality.
The dictionary definition of a chairman is "The officer who presides at the meetings of an organization. However, the remaining officers, members and friends of the organization working with the chairman help define a great organization. The challenges and exploits that lie ahead cannot be effectively achieved without the help of everyone in the organization. There are no degrees of importance in the Alabama Benin Forum among the Forum Members. You are all equally important and your input is greatly needed if we are to make our mark on the African World.
Together we will help make a difference in our neighborhood, community and state to positively effect Africa and the world. I will always avail myself to your comments, questions and concerns and look forward to serving you as your Chairman. I have been notified by the Governors office that my official letter is forthcoming. I will share this letter with you at our next meeting.
May the coming year be one of blessings, prosperity and successes as together we stand strong in dedication, perseverance and respect for each other so that through this unity we can be
First I would like to take this opportunity to thank so many of you for all of your phone calls and emails of congratulations and support. I also thank you very much for your vote of confidence in my leadership. 2007 will be a clean slate for the Alabama Benin Trade & Economic Cooperative Forum. We have a brand new opportunity to reach higher heights and deeper depths. I know that our dear leader and founder John Smith would want us to continue the vision in unity and with a corporate mission. Together, we can continue to make this a reality.
The dictionary definition of a chairman is "The officer who presides at the meetings of an organization. However, the remaining officers, members and friends of the organization working with the chairman help define a great organization. The challenges and exploits that lie ahead cannot be effectively achieved without the help of everyone in the organization. There are no degrees of importance in the Alabama Benin Forum among the Forum Members. You are all equally important and your input is greatly needed if we are to make our mark on the African World.
Together we will help make a difference in our neighborhood, community and state to positively effect Africa and the world. I will always avail myself to your comments, questions and concerns and look forward to serving you as your Chairman. I have been notified by the Governors office that my official letter is forthcoming. I will share this letter with you at our next meeting.
May the coming year be one of blessings, prosperity and successes as together we stand strong in dedication, perseverance and respect for each other so that through this unity we can be
"Our Brothers Keeper".
Best Regards,
George Williams
Alabama Benin Trade & Economic Cooperative Forum
Chairman
Best Regards,
George Williams
Alabama Benin Trade & Economic Cooperative Forum
Chairman
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
RECONCILIATION & FORGIVENESS CEREMONY
SUNDAY, JUNE 22. 2008
6:00 - RECEPTION
SUNDAY, JUNE 22. 2008
6:00 - RECEPTION
7:00 AWARDS CEREMONY
"HARAMBEE HEROES OF FREEDOM AWARDS"
FOLLOWED BY RECONCILIATION CEREMONY
EMANUEL SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
JOIN US AS WE CELEBRATE
THE GOSPEL MUSIC & NEGRO SPIRITUALS
THAT UNDERGIRDED OUR PEOPLE THROUGHOUT TIME
ACROSS THE STREET
AND ACROSS THE WATERS
GUEST MINISTERS & SPEAKERS
******************************************
2000 Dr. Martin Luther King * Mobile, AL 36605ELDER MAKINDE A. GBOLOHAN
&
ECUMENICAL MINISTERIAL STAFF WILL OFFICIATE
WE ARE OUR BROTHERS KEEPER
FORGIVENESS IS ONE OF THE POWERFUL ACTS DEEDS A HUMAN CAN PERFORM. IT INSTANTLY FREES THE ONE WHO FORGIVES FROM BITTERNESS AND ANGER WHILE SIMULTANEOUSLY FREEING THE RECIPIENT FROM THE DESTRUCTIVE BURDEN OF GUILT...
THE COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS JUNETEENTH COMMITTEE
HUMBLY WELCOMES YOU TO THE CLOSING NIGHT
"RECONCILIATION CEREMONY"
AFRICA & I'TS DIASPORA
AFRICA & I'TS DIASPORA
BROTHER TO BROTHER
SISTER TO SISTER
NEIGHBOR TO NEIGHBOR
PARENT TO CHILD
HUSBAND TO WIFE
CO-WORKERS
COME LAY YOUR DIFFERENCEES AT THE ALTAR
LET US COME TOGETHER IN THE SPIRIT OF LOVE AND ONENESS
PUT YOUR DIFFRENCES ASIDE AND FREE YOURSELF
WORDS OF MATHIEU KEREKOU, FORMER
PUT YOUR DIFFRENCES ASIDE AND FREE YOURSELF
WORDS OF MATHIEU KEREKOU, FORMER
PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF BENIN BELOW
*********************************************************
“We owe to ourselves never to forget these absent ones standing among us who did not die of their own death, to acknowledge our share of responsibility in the humiliation and opprobrium, to feel shame for what our other absent ones did, to look differently at the false images, to surrender to forgiveness in order to start afresh and pursue our goal towards progress, and free ourselves from misery without succumbing to vanity of material possession. For Africans, this awareness opens the way to forgiveness and reconciliation”.
............Former Benin President, Mathieu Kerekou
*********************************************************
“We owe to ourselves never to forget these absent ones standing among us who did not die of their own death, to acknowledge our share of responsibility in the humiliation and opprobrium, to feel shame for what our other absent ones did, to look differently at the false images, to surrender to forgiveness in order to start afresh and pursue our goal towards progress, and free ourselves from misery without succumbing to vanity of material possession. For Africans, this awareness opens the way to forgiveness and reconciliation”.
............Former Benin President, Mathieu Kerekou
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS WELCOMES THE DELEGATION FROM TOGO TO THE JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION
ALABAMA COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS SENDS GREETINGS TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF TOGO, FAURE GNASSINGBE
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS SALUTES HIS EXCELLENCY AMBASSADOR CYRILLE OGUIN FOR STRIDES IN RECONCILIATION
In an unprecedented move, Cyrille Oguin, ambassador to the United States from the African Republic of Benin, has admitted his country’s part in the trans-Atlantic slave trade that peddled millions of Africans over 300 years, and is seeking reconciliation and forgiveness.
Mr. Oguin said the loss of millions of Africans from the continent has led to its lack of development and prosperity.
"If a vital part of you was missing, would you not miss it?" asked Mr. Oguin at a press conference at the embassy of the Republic of Benin in Washington, D.C.
The slave trade—or the "Middle Passage," the journey of Africans kidnapped from their homeland and put on European vessels to be transported to Europe and the Americas for enslavement—has been described as the most horrific and disgraceful crime against human beings in history. This peddling of human beings, an untold number of African men, women and children, between the 15th and 19th centuries cost millions of lives and robbed Africa of her most valuable natural resource, her people.
What has always been clear is that Europeans implemented, organized and fueled the slave trade for their own greed and prosperity. The part that has always been unclear is the involvement of African leaders in assisting in the capture, exportation and exploitation of millions of Africans.
Mr. Oguin echoed the Republic of Benin President Mathieu Kerekou’s sentiment expressed at a 1999 reconciliation conference: "We owe to ourselves never to forget these absent ones standing among us who did not die their own deaths. We must acknowledge and share responsibility in the humiliations."
Mr. Oguin said that admitting guilt is the first step in reconciliation, to clean the blood of millions from the past from his country’s hands.
"I think that’s a very important move on his part," said A. Peter Bailey, a lecturer and editor of Vital Issues: A Journal of African American Speeches. "There has been a tendency to blur over the pivotal role that some African chiefs played in the enslavement of African people. It is a good sign to hear someone acknowledge it and express regret over what happened."
Originally called Dahomey, Benin changed its name after gaining independence from France in 1960. A country of about 6.5 million, it is between Togo, Burkina Faso, Niger and Nigeria in West Africa. It is about the size of the state of Pennsylvania and borders the Atlantic Ocean. That, said Mr. Oguin, allowed the country to be used as a major port for the slave trade. Slaves were marched down a path that cuts through his country, branded or otherwise marked, and held at holding camps in the port of Ouidah, now part of a toured slave route in Benin. From this port city, thousand of slaves were stripped, chained in pairs by the ankles and taken by canoes at night to slaving vessels anchored in the harbors.
For this assistance and for sometimes even providing the cargo for the slave merchants, Mr. Oguin says they are sorry.
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS CELEBRATES TWO POWERFUL MEN ON RECONCILIATION AND DEMOCRACY - HIS EXCELLENCY YAYI BONI & HIS EXCELLENCY MATHIEU KEREKOU
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS SENDS A SALUTE TO PRESIDENT YAYI BONI
PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF BENIN
Yayi Boni has been the President of Benin since 6 April 2006.
Running as an independent candidate supported by a coalition of both, political movements and small parties, his landslide victory shows the extent to which the “system Kérékou” under the rule of his predecessor had become unpopular.
During his campaign, he pledged to enhance governance, the development of the private sector, the education of women and the renovation of the agricultural system.
Yayi Boni holds a PhD in Economics and is a graduate of the University of Paris IX Dauphine. From 1991 to 1996, under Nicephore Soglo’s presidency, he has been technical adviser for monetary and banking affairs.
In 1994, he was elected president of the West African Development Bank (BOAD) from which he resigned in 2005 in order to run for the presidency.
During his tenure at the BOAD, he supervised the in-depth reorganisation of directions and services of the Bank so as to enhance their efficiency in the fight against poverty. Thanks to the arrival of new stakeholders, the capital of the Bank increased from 140 billion francs CFA (1994) to 700 billion (2005) francs CFA.
Moreover, to his credit, Yayi Boni managed to negotiate a deal with other financial partners such as the World Bank, the French Development Agency or the Canadian International Development Agency to finance a 200-billion project aimed at strengthening the regional financial market.
Born in 1952 in Tchaourou, in the north of the country, Mr. Yayi Boni is married and father of five children.
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS SALUTES MATHIEU KEREKOU & THE RECONCILIATION & DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
President Kerekou had invited the kings of Benin since many of their ancestors had sold Africans to Europeans. He declared: 'This conference is a spiritual conference. Listen to what your conscience will dictate to you.... The mission has been accomplished.... The forgiveness has been accepted and reconciliation made possible.'
The delegates were taken to the city of Ouidah and to the sandy shores across which Africans walked to board the ships which would separate them forever from their homeland. There, near 'The Gate of No Return', participants sang songs of faith and heard from British and American clergy.
I had noticed that, throughout the conference, only one woman had been allowed to speak. Here in the shadow of this infamous gate African men desired to kneel and offer their apologies to African Americans whose ancestors had been sold into slavery. As a cleric and a woman I noticed that there were no African women who had shared in the apology here or at the conference centre.
Each human being needs to apologize for his or her own sins. The men couldn't apologize for the women nor vice versa. I moved to the microphone and called for an African woman to come and take her place with African men in offering the apology as I had taken my place with African American men to receive the apology. For women were not innocent bystanders during the slave trade.
(The following day this was confirmed. My African guide shared the story of how the King of Abomey wondered why the King of Ouidah was getting so rich. He sent his daughter to marry into the family and 'spy out the source of his wealth' and report back to him. He then captured the King of Ouidah and took over his lucrative slave trade venture.)
I explained that in Europe and in America women shared in the horrors and the enjoyment of the wealth gained from having sold human beings into slavery. They were co-conspirators -- as Africans, as Europeans, as Americans; and, therefore, should not be left out of the process of forgiveness that leads to racial healing.
After I said this, a young African woman immediately moved from her seat, walked down the aisle and fell into my arms sobbing. As her African American sister, I needed to hear her say, 'Sorry!' We both wept deeply. The act of forgiveness was now complete: male and female.
There were fervent words of repentance steeped in agonizing cries and pleas for us to forgive. Few acts of forgiveness have ushered in more joy. There was something so right in the centre of my soul: full confirmation that God was in this process. Shouts of hallelujah concluded our time together. Reconciliation had begun.
A WITNESS
Yayi Boni has been the President of Benin since 6 April 2006.
Running as an independent candidate supported by a coalition of both, political movements and small parties, his landslide victory shows the extent to which the “system Kérékou” under the rule of his predecessor had become unpopular.
During his campaign, he pledged to enhance governance, the development of the private sector, the education of women and the renovation of the agricultural system.
Yayi Boni holds a PhD in Economics and is a graduate of the University of Paris IX Dauphine. From 1991 to 1996, under Nicephore Soglo’s presidency, he has been technical adviser for monetary and banking affairs.
In 1994, he was elected president of the West African Development Bank (BOAD) from which he resigned in 2005 in order to run for the presidency.
During his tenure at the BOAD, he supervised the in-depth reorganisation of directions and services of the Bank so as to enhance their efficiency in the fight against poverty. Thanks to the arrival of new stakeholders, the capital of the Bank increased from 140 billion francs CFA (1994) to 700 billion (2005) francs CFA.
Moreover, to his credit, Yayi Boni managed to negotiate a deal with other financial partners such as the World Bank, the French Development Agency or the Canadian International Development Agency to finance a 200-billion project aimed at strengthening the regional financial market.
Born in 1952 in Tchaourou, in the north of the country, Mr. Yayi Boni is married and father of five children.
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS SALUTES MATHIEU KEREKOU & THE RECONCILIATION & DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
President Kerekou had invited the kings of Benin since many of their ancestors had sold Africans to Europeans. He declared: 'This conference is a spiritual conference. Listen to what your conscience will dictate to you.... The mission has been accomplished.... The forgiveness has been accepted and reconciliation made possible.'
The delegates were taken to the city of Ouidah and to the sandy shores across which Africans walked to board the ships which would separate them forever from their homeland. There, near 'The Gate of No Return', participants sang songs of faith and heard from British and American clergy.
I had noticed that, throughout the conference, only one woman had been allowed to speak. Here in the shadow of this infamous gate African men desired to kneel and offer their apologies to African Americans whose ancestors had been sold into slavery. As a cleric and a woman I noticed that there were no African women who had shared in the apology here or at the conference centre.
Each human being needs to apologize for his or her own sins. The men couldn't apologize for the women nor vice versa. I moved to the microphone and called for an African woman to come and take her place with African men in offering the apology as I had taken my place with African American men to receive the apology. For women were not innocent bystanders during the slave trade.
(The following day this was confirmed. My African guide shared the story of how the King of Abomey wondered why the King of Ouidah was getting so rich. He sent his daughter to marry into the family and 'spy out the source of his wealth' and report back to him. He then captured the King of Ouidah and took over his lucrative slave trade venture.)
I explained that in Europe and in America women shared in the horrors and the enjoyment of the wealth gained from having sold human beings into slavery. They were co-conspirators -- as Africans, as Europeans, as Americans; and, therefore, should not be left out of the process of forgiveness that leads to racial healing.
After I said this, a young African woman immediately moved from her seat, walked down the aisle and fell into my arms sobbing. As her African American sister, I needed to hear her say, 'Sorry!' We both wept deeply. The act of forgiveness was now complete: male and female.
There were fervent words of repentance steeped in agonizing cries and pleas for us to forgive. Few acts of forgiveness have ushered in more joy. There was something so right in the centre of my soul: full confirmation that God was in this process. Shouts of hallelujah concluded our time together. Reconciliation had begun.
A WITNESS
Monday, June 2, 2008
PRINCESS THEOPATRA HONORED AS THE COMMITTEE CONNECTIONS JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION "GODMOTHER"
Princess TheopatraTHE QUEEN OF ARTS
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS JUNETEENTH “GODMOTHER”
Theola Bright returns to the cultural mainstream as Princess THEOPATRA after a 5 year hiatus. The Community Connections Juneteenth Celebration Committee is honored to announce that she will preside over the week-long event as the official godmother. In African culture, the godmother and godfather are persons of esteemed honor that preside over a festival or event. Often, gifts and other expressions of respect are bestowed upon them. She will be the official greeter for the large delegation arriving in Mobile from Benin, Nigeria, Ghana and Togo. Makinde A. Gbolahan of Osanyin Institute of Health in Mobile will reign as the godfather.
Theopatra will also perform for the “Freedom Gala” on Thursday, June 19th at the Sunlight District Auditorium at 7:00 PM. Her one hour presentation is entitled "Black Music from Slavery to Present". Theopatra is an Artiste Extraordinaire, Radio Personality, Screen Actress, Theatre Actress, Playwright, Positive Community Role Model, African Hair Braider, Poet, Model and Fashion Designer. She was Alabama’s Artist in Residence from 1990 – 2003, and has amassed an impressive lifetime of creative work. Motivational poet, speaker and vocalist with more than 20 years of experience specializing in educational entertainment...she has more than 40 career positions to draw from and is the producer of several internet radio shows. She has authored three books of self-help poetry and three CD's of poetry and songs for positive living now available at http://www.cdbaby.com/ Her gospel song “Thank You Jesus” is highly requested when she performs; the song is a lively upbeat recognition of gratitude and affirmation of her faith. Her self-help talk show, "Think About it" is syndicated on the following stations http://www.shoutoutusa.com/, http://www.fbccradio.com/ and http://www.pscradio.com/.
Princess Theopatra is available for college tours, educational institutions, book signings, speaking engagements, musical lectures, stage, screen, radio and television productions.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
CONSTANTINE DAVID-GNAHOUI TO BE AT MOBILE, ALABAMA JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION WEEK
CONSTANTINE DAVID-GNAHOUI
Deputy Secretary General for Cultural Resource Management, Travel and Tourism of the Alabama-Benin Economic Cooperative Forum. International Liaison Coordinator for the Community Connections Committee, Chairman of Jamii-Africa and General Delegate of the High Council of Beninese People Abroad
Mr. Constantine David- Gnahoui was born in Benin, West Africa and is now a resident of Silver Springs, MD. He and his delegation members from the High Council of Beninese People Abroad will be in Mobile, Alabama during the Community Connections Juneteenth Week entitled “Family Reunion”. Mr. Gnahoui’s relationship with Alabama goes back many years when he began a lifelong friendship with the late former Mayor of Prichard, John H. Smith.
Completing his Bachelor in Arts degree at the National University of Benin in 1976 with major in Translation & Interpretation. He later was sent to France where he got a Master Degree in Public Relations in 1978. From 1978 to 1980 he graduated from the National Institute ofTelecommunications in France with special emphasis on Technical Writing, Ciphering and Cryptography.His very first assignment upon his return to Benin in 1981 was at the Department of Foreign Affairs in Cotonou where he served as a Public Relations Officer and Interpreter. In that capacity, he created multi-lingual documents and reports for the office of the Foreign AffairsMinister. He helped organize international seminars and conferences as wellas assisting the Minister at official functions. From 1982 to 1987, he was appointed as a Diplomat to serve at the Benin Embassy in Washington, DC. In that capacity, he was both the Information and Cultural Affairs Officer. He assisted the Ambassador in proposing and negotiating with the World Bank and the IMF for the financing of major development projects in Benin. Most importantly, he provided assistance to Beninese citizens living, visiting or studying in the United States. He translated documents and managed classified information including contract preparation and administration.Today, Mr. Constantine Gnahoui -David is active in the private sector but he still uses his expertise and experience to provide assistance to his country in several ways. As the Chairman of the High Council of Beninese Abroad, heworks as the liaison between the Beninese government and his compatriots living abroad. He is also the chairman of Jamii-Africa which is an NGO created to bridge the gap between Africans from the Motherland and people ofAfrican origin in the diaspora. Mr. Constantine Gnahoui-David speaks several foreign languages in addition to his native African dialects.
He tells us, “I feel more than honored to be part of an organization that is making history moment by moment. The bringing together of Africa and its Diaspora for Cultural, Educational, Economic, Spiritual and Agricultural partnership is historical. Especially for an event as important as Juneteenth. My people are not aware of this history, and so it educates us to the commonalities of suffering we both share. It reunites brother to brother and sister to sister. It opens dialogue and rekindles friendships of long ago. I am also proud that the Honorable John H. Smith, my dear dear friend gave me this appointment 2 weeks before he passed away. I will insure everything he asked me to do and to carry out will be accomplished in my lifetime.”
Below is a copy of the original Letter of Appointment given to Mr. Gnahoui by John Smith
Deputy Secretary General for Cultural Resource Management, Travel and Tourism of the Alabama-Benin Economic Cooperative Forum. International Liaison Coordinator for the Community Connections Committee, Chairman of Jamii-Africa and General Delegate of the High Council of Beninese People Abroad
Mr. Constantine David- Gnahoui was born in Benin, West Africa and is now a resident of Silver Springs, MD. He and his delegation members from the High Council of Beninese People Abroad will be in Mobile, Alabama during the Community Connections Juneteenth Week entitled “Family Reunion”. Mr. Gnahoui’s relationship with Alabama goes back many years when he began a lifelong friendship with the late former Mayor of Prichard, John H. Smith.
Completing his Bachelor in Arts degree at the National University of Benin in 1976 with major in Translation & Interpretation. He later was sent to France where he got a Master Degree in Public Relations in 1978. From 1978 to 1980 he graduated from the National Institute ofTelecommunications in France with special emphasis on Technical Writing, Ciphering and Cryptography.His very first assignment upon his return to Benin in 1981 was at the Department of Foreign Affairs in Cotonou where he served as a Public Relations Officer and Interpreter. In that capacity, he created multi-lingual documents and reports for the office of the Foreign AffairsMinister. He helped organize international seminars and conferences as wellas assisting the Minister at official functions. From 1982 to 1987, he was appointed as a Diplomat to serve at the Benin Embassy in Washington, DC. In that capacity, he was both the Information and Cultural Affairs Officer. He assisted the Ambassador in proposing and negotiating with the World Bank and the IMF for the financing of major development projects in Benin. Most importantly, he provided assistance to Beninese citizens living, visiting or studying in the United States. He translated documents and managed classified information including contract preparation and administration.Today, Mr. Constantine Gnahoui -David is active in the private sector but he still uses his expertise and experience to provide assistance to his country in several ways. As the Chairman of the High Council of Beninese Abroad, heworks as the liaison between the Beninese government and his compatriots living abroad. He is also the chairman of Jamii-Africa which is an NGO created to bridge the gap between Africans from the Motherland and people ofAfrican origin in the diaspora. Mr. Constantine Gnahoui-David speaks several foreign languages in addition to his native African dialects.
He tells us, “I feel more than honored to be part of an organization that is making history moment by moment. The bringing together of Africa and its Diaspora for Cultural, Educational, Economic, Spiritual and Agricultural partnership is historical. Especially for an event as important as Juneteenth. My people are not aware of this history, and so it educates us to the commonalities of suffering we both share. It reunites brother to brother and sister to sister. It opens dialogue and rekindles friendships of long ago. I am also proud that the Honorable John H. Smith, my dear dear friend gave me this appointment 2 weeks before he passed away. I will insure everything he asked me to do and to carry out will be accomplished in my lifetime.”
Below is a copy of the original Letter of Appointment given to Mr. Gnahoui by John Smith
Alabama Benin
Trade and Economic Cooperation Forum
550 Brady Road PO Box 1028 Bay Minette, Alabama 36507
Office of the Chairman
September 15, 2006
Constantine G. David
Chairman HCBE for the
United States and Caribbean
Washington, DC 20009
Dear Constantine:
I am honored to provide you with this letter of appointment as Deputy Secretary General for Cultural Resource Management, Travel and Tourism for the Forum. The position is at will and designates you with the responsibility to plan design, organize, manage, install and evaluate all of the activities of the Forum in the United States and in Benin related to our cultural resources tourism and travel interest. You are also designated to serve Ex Officio on any committee of the Forum where these interest are discussed and your expertise is needed. The responsibilities include but are not limited to the following.
1. Coordinate the selection, evaluation, display and management of cultural and artistic exhibits, exhibit tours, directly and indirectly with museums, hotels, and convention and exhibit centers.
2. Coordinate and manage travel directly and indirectly with travel agencies, tour companies, airlines on and in behalf of the Forum
3. Conduct tour of tourist sites and destinations for visitors, students, historians and business travelers.
4. Develop programs for tourism and travel between Benin and the State of Alabama.
5. Develop linkages between the High Council and Beninese Abroad to improve our cultural bonds.
6. Coordinate and manage all artists, cultural troupes, dancers, singers etc in furtherance of the “Reconciliation Renaissance” and Spirit of Diasjazzpora.
7. Engage in all things necessary, ethical, legal, and honorable to advance the Reconciliation Renaissance and the causes of the Alabama Benin Forum.
I want to thank you for your friendship, leadership and persistence in making our movement the success it is today and for what history will remember us for. It is because of your energy and dedication to the cause of a better humanity through reconciliation that we have come this for and in the name of God I thank you.
Respectfully
John H. Smith
Chairman
Trade and Economic Cooperation Forum
550 Brady Road PO Box 1028 Bay Minette, Alabama 36507
Office of the Chairman
September 15, 2006
Constantine G. David
Chairman HCBE for the
United States and Caribbean
Washington, DC 20009
Dear Constantine:
I am honored to provide you with this letter of appointment as Deputy Secretary General for Cultural Resource Management, Travel and Tourism for the Forum. The position is at will and designates you with the responsibility to plan design, organize, manage, install and evaluate all of the activities of the Forum in the United States and in Benin related to our cultural resources tourism and travel interest. You are also designated to serve Ex Officio on any committee of the Forum where these interest are discussed and your expertise is needed. The responsibilities include but are not limited to the following.
1. Coordinate the selection, evaluation, display and management of cultural and artistic exhibits, exhibit tours, directly and indirectly with museums, hotels, and convention and exhibit centers.
2. Coordinate and manage travel directly and indirectly with travel agencies, tour companies, airlines on and in behalf of the Forum
3. Conduct tour of tourist sites and destinations for visitors, students, historians and business travelers.
4. Develop programs for tourism and travel between Benin and the State of Alabama.
5. Develop linkages between the High Council and Beninese Abroad to improve our cultural bonds.
6. Coordinate and manage all artists, cultural troupes, dancers, singers etc in furtherance of the “Reconciliation Renaissance” and Spirit of Diasjazzpora.
7. Engage in all things necessary, ethical, legal, and honorable to advance the Reconciliation Renaissance and the causes of the Alabama Benin Forum.
I want to thank you for your friendship, leadership and persistence in making our movement the success it is today and for what history will remember us for. It is because of your energy and dedication to the cause of a better humanity through reconciliation that we have come this for and in the name of God I thank you.
Respectfully
John H. Smith
Chairman
LARGE DELEGATION FROM WEST AFRICA TO WITNESS HISTORY AT AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE TRAIL UNVEILING SUNDAY JUNE 22, 2008
DORA FINLEYDIRECTOR OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE TRAIL
MOBILE, ALABAMA
PUBLIC INVITED TO NEW UNVEILING JUNE 22nd 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
The trail is an ongoing project of the Mobile Historic Development Commission to recognize significant African- American historic sites. When completed, there will be 32 marker locations throughout the city. The latest marker sits on Bay Bridge Road in front of Union Baptist, which was founded in 1869.
“You can’t know where you are going until you know where you’ve been,” said Dora Finley, a local preservationist who has helped organize the heritage trial. By next year, Finley said she wants all fourth-graders in Mobile County public schools to be required to take a guided tour of the Black Heritage Trial. The unveiling will be attended by special guests and dignitaries from the Republic of Benin, the Republic of Togo, Nigeria and Ghana in town for the Community Connections Juneteenth Celebration Week.
Large Delegation From West Africa to Participate in Upcoming African American Unveiling June 22nd 2008
The African American Heritage Trail's Unveiling Ceremony is going to be held on Sunday, June 22nd at 2pm in front of the National African American Archives at 564 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive. The following Historic Markers will be unveiled:
Christian Benevolent Insurance Company- first Alabama funeral home owned and operated by Mrs. Pearl Madison, an African American woman in 1928.
Finley’s Drug Stores - first chain of Drug Stores owned and operated by African-Americans in the State of Alabama.
Johnson and Allen Mortuary- oldest African-American funeral home in Alabama that has been continuously operated by the same family since 1904.
National African American Archives- only library for blacks until desegregation in the mid-1960s. Today it is a museum and African-American archive of historical artifacts.
The trail is an ongoing project of the Mobile Historic Development Commission to recognize significant African- American historic sites. When completed, there will be 32 marker locations throughout the city. The latest marker sits on Bay Bridge Road in front of Union Baptist, which was founded in 1869.
“You can’t know where you are going until you know where you’ve been,” said Dora Finley, a local preservationist who has helped organize the heritage trial. By next year, Finley said she wants all fourth-graders in Mobile County public schools to be required to take a guided tour of the Black Heritage Trial. The unveiling will be attended by special guests and dignitaries from the Republic of Benin, the Republic of Togo, Nigeria and Ghana in town for the Community Connections Juneteenth Celebration Week.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
AYO HANDY KENDI SENDS GREETINGS TO THE AFRICAN DELEGATION IN MOBILE FOR JUNETEENTH
MEET AYO HANDY KENDI
AYO HANDY KENDI has assisted in the growth and development of individuals and communities for over 30 years. PositivEnergyWorks™ is her recent venture which is a health service focusing on breathwork, alternative therapies and life coaching using PositivEnergy™ Principles - a charged-up, wholistic approach to wellness, offering breathshops. transformational breathing, workshops, demo/lectures & diversity trainings. PositivEnergyWorks has acquired a wholistic health studio located at 3000 Connecticut Avenue, N.W.
AYO HANDY KENDI has assisted in the growth and development of individuals and communities for over 30 years. PositivEnergyWorks™ is her recent venture which is a health service focusing on breathwork, alternative therapies and life coaching using PositivEnergy™ Principles - a charged-up, wholistic approach to wellness, offering breathshops. transformational breathing, workshops, demo/lectures & diversity trainings. PositivEnergyWorks has acquired a wholistic health studio located at 3000 Connecticut Avenue, N.W.
As a Certified Transformational Breath Facilitator (CTBF) since 1996, she has witnessed the impact of the "power of the breath" while coaching conscious breath techniques to hundreds of people helping them transform, heal relationships and bring peace to the planet. She has appeared on radio, t.v. and in print as an authority on the breath. Her life coaching concepts to help others "relearn how to breathe for better life and health" has re-ignited Sister Ayo's, 1982 concept of PositivEnergy™. The updated PositivEnergy™ approach integrates breathwork and alternative therapies such as aroma therapy, meditation and visualization with 13 basic principles of wellness. She continues to champion the belief that wellness, especially for marginalized people, must emphasize spirituality, culture, community empowerment, stress management, conflict resolution, violence reduction and addiction monitoring along with health prevention concepts like good nutrition and exercise.
Since 1989, Ayo Handy Kendi has served as Founder/Director of the African American Holiday Association(AAHA), which perpetuates and preserves culture through traditional and non-traditional holidays, celebrations and rituals. She has been blessed to appear on radio, t.v and in print in the Washington Metropolitan area and globally as a recognized authority on cultural holidays, celebrations and rituals. In 1982, she founded the African American Holiday Expo which today provides a learning and earning experience for her Youth Entrepreneur Project (YEP). Furthermore, she is the founder of three commemorative wholydays, Black Love Day, Unity in Diversity Day and Ancestor Honor Day, in addition to a new tradition, "The Ritual of Reconciliation". Renown as "Mama Ayo, the Kwanzaa Griot", she has presented lectures, workshops, and cultural performances as a Griot (storyteller) before thousands. She also officiates ceremonies and rituals such as Libations, Kwanzaa Candlelighting ceremonies, Juneteenth celebrations, African Weddings and Rites of Passage programs.
Since the '70's, she has used her expertise as an organizer/public relations consultant, human services worker and entrepreneur to benefit the development of numerous community and business efforts.
Since the '70's, she has used her expertise as an organizer/public relations consultant, human services worker and entrepreneur to benefit the development of numerous community and business efforts.
As a communicator, she has produced "A Show of Unity" on D.C. cable television; has authored, compiled and self-published two books, "The Black Love Book" and "Positive Energy - Motivational Messages from a Sister in the Struggle". She further founded and served for 9 years as Publisher/Editor for "Positive Energy Newsletter", a cultural, health conscious, community publication.
She is a Certified Transformational Breath Facilitator (CTBF) from the International Breath Institute, Certified in Reiki I, II, Qi Gong I and is a Diversity Trainer, certified by NCBI, FECES and NMCI. She also holds a BA in Community Organizing, AA in Human Services and is spiritually degreed in overcoming the life challenges of physical abuse, domestic violence, addiction and the violent deaths of her teenage son and oldest brother. Contact her at 202-667-2577.
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