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.