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Uphams Corner InSight into the News
Declaration of Independence - Equality for All
Celebrating Black History Month represents a continuing journey forward
for black people's equal inclusion in a society that declared at its
birth: 'All men are created equal.'
For black people, the celebration of Black History is a light that
shines for those who give its history resonance and character.
Interviews with a small group of white and black people reveal very
different feelings about celebrating Black History Month - a call to
reach out across the aisles toward understanding, in the direction of
common ground.
From Carter G. Woodson's Negro History Week to a month-long celebration
of a people once enslaved, the history of black people is becoming
owned, loved and appreciated by all.
Posted: February 28, 2013
Awakening the Conscience of America
by G. Michael Tzerai
In the first 150 years of our history, the free labor of slaves
generated much wealth for the slave owners. At the Revolutionary
war, the question of slavery was not addressed because other more
pressing issues faced the founders of our country.
A century later, the Emancipation Proclamation ended slavery but not well.
Another century passed to create the Civil Rights movement, yet
contributions of Black People have yet to be fully recognized.
Black History Month helps awaken the conscience of America and remember
to address the injustices of the past.
Series: Community Voices Initiative
Posted: February 27, 2013
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Image Courtesy http://www.mass-vacation.com
Black History Index
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"What is Black History?"
by Latorial Faison (2012):
What is Black History?
It is the dirt road our forefathers trod, Memories of their lives branded in our hearts.
It is a word, a place, a state of mind. Black history is a peek into
our ancestors' time. . .
It is a plantation overseer and back door crumbs, Weeping and wailing, a beating of drums.
It is a troubling truth, an unapologetic past. Black history is an
entire race struggling to last.
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Should We Celebrate Black History Month?
by Carolle Nau
Yes, we should celebrate Black History Month. Barely 100 years
into 350 years of enslaved Black People, and with Black America
characterized by gaps and huge chasms, we must stay the course of
seeking to balance America's scales of justice.
We all bore the labor pains of freedom, independence and inalienable
rights that sparked the American revolution. Let us set a milestone of
350 yrs of celebrating Black History.
Part of the Community Voices Initiative Series
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"Beautiful Black Women"
by Tonya Jordan-Wilkerson
Beautiful Black Women
don't cry.
Beautiful Black Women
even when he lies.
Beautiful Black Women
stand tall and don't die.
Beautiful Black Women
with low self-esteem hold your head up.
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"Chalk Lines"
by Carolle Nau
Dreaming in a rain of bullets. how do i dodge the flying missiles threatening to foil my dreams?
creative thoughts of gifted young people fly faster than metal jacket
enemies . . . what color should these street figures be?
should they be lined so the black of the street answers the obvious or
should they be painted in yellow so the satellite can see them, send
them to the news reel of a consolidated media field?
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"Remember"
Dedicated to the makers of Black History by Robby Thomas
Remember when justice was partial to Langston's hue, and the world made Billie Holiday blue,
. . .
when Malcolm went to Mecca - changed his mind, Cassius became Ali - Liston passed his prime,
. . .
And, it was to help a son who with Dreams from his father, Dared to
become the most powerful vision of hope in America, if not the
world
Remember?
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"I Need to Know"
by Latorial Faison (2008)
I need to know My original name. I need to know without any shame.
I need to know About African slave castles; I need to know About White slave masters
I need to know About the slave trade. I need to know How America was made.
I need to know About the Middle Passage. I need to know About lynching and lashes. (more)
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" I AM "
- by Latorial Faison
I am somebody on my way somewhere, I am she who interrogates those who stare,
I am too much for this wayward world to digest, With pen and paper, I
paint pictures with frankness.
I am the pages, I am the pens. What whiteness begins, my blackness ends.
I am the journey, the memory of yesterdays . . .
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Black History Month - Began 1926 in the United States
Black History Month was established more than 350 years after the first
African slaves arrived in the US in Virginia in 1619. Historian Carter
G. Woodson's ground-breaking announcement of 'Negro History Week' in
1926 marked the first public focus on Black History in the US.
Pres. Gerald Ford made the month-long designation official during the
Bi-Centennial celebrations in 1976. Black History Month is also
celebrated in Canada (February) and in the United Kingdom (October).
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"Don't Let it be a Mystery"
by Brian T. Williams
Parents talk to ur kids, don't let it be a mystery. Don't be afraid to
let them know their own black history.
Black people have come far but there is still room to grow ... Channel
all negative energy into positive as u go.
And get off that path/stop following zeroes . . . Get on the one that
produces nothing but HEROES.
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"Freedom without Revelation"
by Latorial Faison
From the slave ship To the guilt trip. We forget our heritage Forsaking kinship.
As blood runs And the earth turns, There are many lessons To be
learned. What makes us? What breaks us? Who's the keeper of
souls? Who will forsake us?
History is potent with many lies . . . In the land of lost generations
There is no peace or salvation America finally found its freedom But
somehow lost its revelation.
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Black History Month Index 2013
Honoring Black History Month throughout February and every day of
2013. Recognizing prior achievements and contributions of Black
people and recognizing that what happens today is creating tomorrow's
Black History.
- New articles and other expressions related to Black History.
- Index of UC News articles on today's Black History in Greater Uphams Corner
The
origin of Black History, NAACP Boston activities, epitaphs for the
murdered and how their families are coping, Black Writers of Black
Poetry.
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"Touched by the Heart of Truth" by Carolle Nau
One never really knows the true
pain which strikes another.
But if your heart still beats you'll
feel it when you read someone
else's story.
I felt my heart being touched when
a well of water cupped an eye as
I read them.
Amazing people like Desmond Tutu,
Booker T Washington, and many
more changed the world just by
being alive.
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"The Sounds of Blackness"
by Latorial Faison (2006)
In my heart there lies no defeat
But in my bosom a triumphant and rhythmic beat
And while my spirit dances with gladness
I am quick to recall the sounds of blackness.
I hear the moaning and the wailing
Of native Africans held captive on ships sailing
As though it were my youth of yesterday
Whispering truths to ears in dark dismay.
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"What is Poetry?"
by Latorial Faison
When you ask me "What is poetry?"
Take a good look - it's my destiny.
Poetry is my God given seed daily reviving in me a new deed. It's the
Word growing from within the mirror reflecting my soul's sin.
Poetry is my prayer of consecration, my lit path in valleys of
desolation, it's my moving, my grooving, my balm
poetry lines my soul, God gave it to make me whole. He sent it to set
me free God made poetry my eternity
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Events Upcoming
Harriet Tubman: I Can't Die But Once
In celebration of Black History Month
Grove Hall Branch Library:
Thursday 2/28, 6:00 pm
 Harriet
Tubman followed General Butler's army through Maryland, her home
country. She operated as a scout and spy of the Union Army and helped
slaves to escape to the Union Army.
Gwendolyn Quezaire Presutti will present the life and times of Harriet
Tubman told in the oral tradition, in a 45 minute presentation.
For adults and families ages 11+. Sponsored by the City-Wide
Friends of the Boston Public Library.
Posted: Feb 25, 2013
National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day at The City School
Fri, Mar 1, 2013
 March 1 is National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness.
Join The City School in Uphams Corner for an evening of free food,
amazing education and more along with free HIV rapid testing (max
20 minutes).
The City School / Uphams Corner
March 1, 2013 / 5PM to 8PM
Black-empowered: your body, your temple.
Posted: February 22, 2013
Project Right Offers VIP Neighborhood Mobilizer Training
Thu, Mar 28, 2013
 The
Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative (VIP) is a community
organizing violence prevention strategy. VIP Mobilizers are residents
that come together to lead a community responjse when violence occurs
in their neighborhood.
Project Right is offering VIP Mobilizer training on Thursday Mar 28,
2013. Requirements to become a mobilizer include where you live,
training, community meetings and more.
Posted: February 27, 2013
Grove Hall Reading Series
Sat, Mar 30, 2:00 pm
Hosted by Dorchester poet Arthur Collins. Featuring local writers
Veronique Epiter and Kurt Klopmier.
Open mic. Writers encouraged to read their work aloud. Writing
exercise with Boston Public Library Writer in Residence Hollis
Shore. Writers of all experience levels are welcome.
Sponsored by Write on the DOT and the Grove Hall Branch Library.
Posted Feb 25, 2013
Dorchester Bay - Fundraiser Celebrating 34 Years
April 25, 2013
At their 34th Anniversary fundraiser, Dorchester Bay will be honoring
former Governor of Wisconsin, Jim Doyle. Governor Deval Patrick has
beeninvited as keynote speaker.
Their goal is to raise $100,000 to support work in :
- economic development,
- community organizing,
- home ownership and
- rental housing.
Dorchester
Bay EDC is a non-profit community development corporation helping to
build a strong, diverse, and thriving community in the neighborhoods of
Dorchester and Roxbury.
Posted: February 26, 2013
Boston Shines 2013, 11th Annual Citywide Neighborhood Clean-up.
April 26, April 27
 Please join Mayor Thomas M. Menino for Boston Shines 2013 the eleventh annual citywide neighborhood clean up
Friday, April 26th
Saturday April 27th
8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Contact the Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Services at 617.635.3485 to
volunteer or for more information.
This event is part of the Mayor's year-round clean up and community
service program, Boston Shines 365.
Posted: February 19, 2013
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 Boston Ballet at the Strand Theatre - Engaging and Entertaining
The February 15, 2013 ArtPlace Open House at the Strand was well
attended and encouraged visitors to answer questions about the future
of the arts in Uphams Corner.
The Dorchester audience offered high praise for the Boston Ballet's
seven dance vignettes covering classical ballet to modern dance
including a performance by "Boys in Motion", a Boston Ballet
community initiatives program.
Dances included Lost by Last, Paint it Black, Chairs in Motion, Niris,
Blue Bird Pas De Deux, Gopak and Plan to B.
Posted: February 15, 2013
Huntington & SpeakEasy - Powerful Performances at the Strand
Feb 20, 2013
"Two Plays, One House" - was an excellent, well attended, free
event at the Strand Theatre designed for the entire community as well
as in support of Black History Month.
The event provided an introduction to two plays tightly linked to each
other, "A Raisin in the Sun" and "Clybourne Park." . It also gave
an opportunity for the audience to engage in conversation about issues
raised by both plays.
Posted: February 21, 2013
Cultural Events Manager - Open Letter to Main Street - Dear Max
 Wishing you the best in finding the right person for the Cultural Events and Communications Manager (CECM) position.
Making Uphams Corner into a destination for the arts is about tapping
into the creative energies resident in the entire community and getting
the diverse, ethnically complex community of people who live here
involved.
It's about taking a risk - finding someone who can make the Strand as
vibrant as it once was. It's also about getting the businesses
and residents to buy into the idea that we are already a "destination
for the arts." We just have to start acting that way.
Posted: February 23, 2013
Successful Open Mic Poetry Night at the Uphams Corner Library
Feb 19, 2013
 More
than 15 poets, very young to mature read their poetry during Open Mic
Night on February 19, 2013 at the Uphams Corner Library.
The poems were funny, heart-warming, clever, interesting and very
creative. So many different themes and styles. Another
successful event for the community.
Posted: February 23, 2013
Uphams Corner Main Street February 2013 Board Meeting
Feb 19, 2013
 The Uphams Corner Main Street Board Meeting (2/19/13) covered several topics of interest to the general community:
- Filling the new Cultural Events and Communications Manager position,
- How to handle businesses asking to borrow money,
- The Public Works Improvement Program and
- Details on the upcoming UCMS fundraising campaign.
Posted: February 22, 2013
Boston Gets Jumpstart to Affordable Housing Construction
 Commonwealth of MA resources of $8.4 million will help jumpstart the construction of afforable housing in the City of Boston.
Mayor Menino and DND Director Sheila Dillon made the announement on Feb
19. Creating affordable rental housing is key, they say, to
Boston's economic recovery.
Additional DND funding is tied to the projects obtaining LEED Silver status.
Posted: February 21, 2013
Mayor Menino Announces Filing of Building Energy Reporting and Disclosure Ordinance
Feb 22, 2013
 The
Building Energy Reporting and Disclosue Ordinance, which would require
all large and medium sized-buildings to report their annual energy and
water use to the City of Boston, was filed with City Hall on Feb
22.
The ordiinance is a component of the City's climate action plan to meet
the Mayor's greenhouse gas reduction goals.
The City's strategy uses a "back-door" approach. Rather than
requiring building owners to set efficiency goals, the City is
requiring them to collect data and turn it in to the City for posting
on the Internet. Once this data is available, all parties
involved (City, residents/businesses and owners) can have meaningful
conversations around Boston's goal of reducing greenhouse
gases.
Posted: February 23, 2013
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