Doing Good in the Neighborhood and “the Circle”

Posted on September 22, 2015 by Dr. Regennia N. Williams, Founder, President, and Executive Director

Never underestimate the difference that a few good men and women can make in a neighborhood and an organization.  On Saturday, September 19, 2015, current and former residents of Fairfax joined other history lovers in discussing the life stories, good works, and archival collections related to several people and organizations with ties to this historic Cleveland neighborhood, including Dr. Shirley Smith Seaton and pianist Evelyn Freeman Roberts, a 1941 alumna of the Cleveland Institute of Music who now resides in California.

 

These images document some of the memorable moments from the fourth and final event in the "Afternoons in the Archives" series at the Cleveland History Center of the Western Reserve Historical Society. (Jeff Ivey, photographer)

These images document some of the memorable moments from the fourth and final event in the “Afternoons in the Archives” series at the Cleveland History Center of the Western Reserve Historical Society. (Jeff Ivey, photographer)

“Famous in the Neighborhood and Beyond” was the fourth and final event in the “Afternoons in the Archives” series that I planned and produced in partnership with the African American Archives Auxiliary (“Quad A”) of the Western Reserve Historical Society.  In addition to highlighting some fascinating aspects of Cleveland’s past and Quad A’s 44-year history, the programs encouraged participants to consider how they might strengthen the Auxiliary, and support the library’s African American archival collections in the future.

The series also allowed participants to learn more about library archival collections at Cleveland State University, the University of California (Los Angeles), and the Cleveland Institute of Music.

 

 

Evelyn Freeman Roberts, a 1941 graduate of the Cleveland Institute of Music and a former Fairfax resident, was honored as an outstanding CIM alum in 2008. (Photo courtesy of the Cleveland Institute of Music.)

Evelyn Freeman Roberts, a 1941 graduate of the Cleveland Institute of Music and a former Fairfax resident, was honored as an outstanding CIM alum in 2008. (Photo courtesy of the Cleveland Institute of Music.)

If the inter-generational group (numbering more than 100 for the entire series) remains engaged, they will be able to make a world of difference in the life of the Auxiliary, and that will be a very good thing for Quad A, the Cleveland History Center in University Circle, and, in this digital age of online archives, history lovers the world over!

 

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Remembering the Stokes Brothers’ Smiles

Posted on August 21, 2015 by Dr. Regennia N. Williams, Founder, President, and Executive Director
Congressman Louis Stokes with Regennia (left) and Cordell Stokes

Pictured here are (left to right) Regennia N. Williams, Congressman Louis Stokes, and Cordell Stokes (c. 2002) at Cleveland State University, Library Special Collections. (Photo courtesy Bill Barrow.)

This has really been a tough week for those of who love American history and the people who make it.  Before we recovered from the shock of losing Professor Julian Bond, we discovered that Congressman Louis Stokes had passed on.

In times like these, I find myself searching for just the right piece of primary evidence to take away some of the pain and feelings of loss, and to remind me of how incredibly wonderful life can be. (I can’t help it; I guess it’s just the historian in me!)

Earlier this week, I searched in vain for a copy of a Cleveland State University Library newsletter that is more than 10 years old, because I needed to see a special photo containing the smiling face of Congressman Louis Stokes.  I never found the newsletter, but I did find the image on Facebook today!  Not only did I get to see the Congressman’s smile, I also saw another beautiful smile on the face of the Congressman’s nephew, Cordell Stokes.  Until today, I never noticed how much Cordell’s smile resembled that of his late father, Mayor Carl B. Stokes.

So here’s to life, here’s to the infectious smiles of the Stokes brothers, and here’s to Bill Barrow, creator of the Cleveland Memory digital archive.  In case you didn’t see his image on Facebook, here is what I said about Bill’s post:

Even when our hearts are heavy, Bill Barrow has a way of reminding us of why CSU’s Library Special Collections are so special! Thanks, again, Bill, for sharing this photo (c. 2002) of me with Congressman Louis Stokes and Cordell Stokes, son of Mayor Carl Stokes. I will miss the Stokes brothers, but I cannot forget their social and political accomplishments — and their smiles!

 

 

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History Gives Back Beautiful Gifts!

Posted on August 17, 2015 by Dr. Regennia N. Williams, Founder, President, and Executive Director
Jeff Ivey's photo collage from the August 15, 2015 tribute to the Honorable Leo A. Jackson.

Jeff Ivey’s photo collage from the August 15, 2015 tribute to the Honorable Leo A. Jackson.

Many years ago, I had the pleasure of attending a poetry reading by Gwendolyn Brooks.  On that wonderful afternoon at the Cleveland Public Library, she spoke volumes, when she stated, “Poetry gives back beautiful gifts!”   Today, I can honestly say the same thing about history, which gives me the gifts of inspiration and motivation on a daily basis.

 

On Saturday, August 15, 2015, I shared my feelings about history’s many gifts with the near capacity crowd that joined me in honoring the Honorable Leo A. Jackson at the Western Reserve Historical Society.  Special thanks to the Jackson family, United Black Fund of Greater Cleveland, and the African American Archives Auxiliary for helping to make Judge Jackson’s papers available to students, scholars, and other members of our community.  Thanks, also, to photographer Jeff Ivey for documenting this chapter in our history.  Jeff’s photo collage, incorporates images taken before, during, and after the event.

Judge Leo A. Jackson (1920-1996). Courtesy of Linda Jackson Sowell.

Judge Leo A. Jackson (1920-1996). Courtesy of Linda Jackson Sowell.

 

Yesterday, as I thought about the August 15th tribute to the Judge Jackson and the August 15th passing of social activist Julian Bond–the voice of the “Eyes on the Prize” documentary film series, I was reminded, again, of the importance of our on-going efforts to document and preserve African American history for all time.

“Keep your eyes on the prize. . .Hold on!”

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My Declaration of Independence

Posted on August 1, 2015 by Dr. Regennia N. Williams, Founder, President, and Executive Director

A few days ago, a sister scholar wrote to say that someone told her I might be retiring soon.  While I appreciated the fact that she was concerned about my well-being, I assured her that, after spending 23 years in the same academic department, I realized that it was time for me to declare my independence–although I had not reached retirement age–and move on to life’s next great adventure. My last day on that job was May 13, 2015.

“Independent Scholar and Consultant.”  That really has a nice ring to it!  Nearly four weeks after the July 4th holiday, I am still celebrating the freedom to create, experiment, and innovate on a daily basis.  There are struggles, of course, but they are outweighed by the feelings of exhilaration that come at the completion of every successful project, and I know that I am not alone in feeling this way.

Earlier this week, I drove more than two hours from Cleveland, Ohio to Chautauqua, New

Ava DuVernay

Ava DuVernay

York, just to hear another firsthand account of the joys and challenges associated with being independent–this time from Ava DuVernay, the award-winning independent filmmaker and director of the critically-acclaimed “Selma.”  Her amphitheater presentation on the Chautauqua Institution‘s weekly theme, “Art & Politics,” was awe-inspiring, and I even had the opportunity to snap a quick photo  as she left the theater’s “back porch.”

If you want to be similarly inspired, and find out more about DuVernay’s work, please visit http://www.avaduvernay.com/.

Happy Independence Day, Every Day, to All Entrepreneurs!

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“Homegoings” for the Living: The Business of African American Funerals

Posted on June 8, 2015 by Dr. Regennia N. Williams, Founder, President, and Executive Director

homegoings documentary

When one of my cousins informed me that I was not “invited” to the December 2014 homegoing services for his father (my mother’s brother), I was forced to admit something that I had long suspected. Homegoings, in my opinion, really are for the living: a chance to mourn loss, celebrate life, and do other things that would fill a small book about Life and Death in the African Diaspora.

(As far as I know, this “un-invitation” to a homegoing was the first in our family’s rich history, which is the subject of another book.) No worry, I participated in our family’s 2014 Pre-Christmas Concert in Cleveland, and had a great time singing background for my incredibly talented siblings –since they weren’t “invited” to the services either– and I realized that I really like concerts and family reunions much better than homegoings.  Like it or not, I also understand that homegoings are a part of life.

Last week, as I prepared for our family reunion in Marianna, Arkansas​, I also found myself preparing for my former mother-in-law’s homegoing services at our family church in Cleveland — because I wanted to support my sons and their cousins, especially, in the wake of their grandmother’s passing. After all, homegoings really are, in my opinion, for the living.

Many caring, African American business professionals–and scholars– have long sought to understand the importance of these death care services in African American history and culture.  If you would like to know more about this rich cultural history, please check out the trailer for Christine Turner’s documentary film, “Homegoings,” at http://www.pbs.org/pov/homegoings/.  This work focus on Isaiah Owens and his role as a keeper of his community’s funeral traditions.

 

You are also invited to review my book Homegoings, Crossings, and Passings: Life and Death in the African Diaspora to learn more about this topic.  Available on Amazon.com.

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The Nonprofit Business of African American History and Culture

Posted on June 3, 2015 by Dr. Regennia N. Williams, Founder, President, and Executive Director

National Museum of African American History and Culture

The more I focus on the business side of nonprofit administration and leadership, the more I am impressed by the work of Dr. Lonnie G. Bunch and the staff of the National Museum of African American History and Culture.  Construction on the multi-million dollar facility is moving right along, and I am looking forward to its 2016 opening!

Dr. Regennia N. Williams

rmwbusinessenterprises@gmail.com

p.s.

They tell me that it is membership month at the museum, and you can read more about it at http://nmaahc.si.edu/.

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Celebrating Life and Black Music Month

Posted on June 1, 2015 by Dr. Regennia N. Williams, Founder, President, and Executive Director

It has been said that a woman’s work is never done, and I must say that this has been true for me throughout my entire adult life.  I was fortunate, however, to have people around me who loved life and brought joy to my work and my play.  In the 1980s, my work involved raising children, raising money for Cleveland State University, and raising my voice in song (my play), among other things.

I really like this 1985 picture of me holding my son, “Billy D,” while volunteering at Cleveland State University’s annual alumni phonathon. I first shared this online in a 2015 pre-Mother’s Day Facebook post, since Billy and his older brother Mike, a poet, appear to have inherited an appreciation for hard work and the arts from their mother.

The 2014 image on the right is of me with my voice teacher, Dr. A. Grace Lee Mims, whose love for the Black Arts is a strong now as it was in 1981, when I became her student.  I will be celebrating Black Music Month 2015 with Dr. Mims at a June 20th program at the Western Reserve Historical Society, 10825 East Boulevard, Cleveland  OH  44106.  The event, “The Black Arts,” starts at 1:30 p.m., and the title recognizes the fact that Dr. Mim’s, one of the founders of the African American Archives Auxiliary of the Western Reserve Historical Society, has hosted “The Black Arts” on WCLV Radio for nearly 40 years.  This event is free and open to the public, but registrations is required.  For more information, please visit www.wrhs.org.

Keep your eyes and years open in June, because you are sure to see and hear more good things during the 2015 celebration of Black Music Month.  My hope is that you will always enjoy your work and play!

photo (29)Gina-and-Grace

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National Poetry Month and Black Aspirations Week 2015

Posted on April 19, 2015 by Dr. Regennia N. Williams, Founder, President, and Executive Director

Regennia N. Williams (left) and Meryl Johnson, Cleveland-based educators and sisters in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., at Cleveland State University’s Black Aspirations Week Celebration.

Happy National Poetry Month (April) to All !  Don’t hesitate to enjoy the works of poets Maya Angelou, Langston Hughes, K.L. — a rising star in my local community of writers, and others throughout the year.

Saturday, April 17, 2015 was a very special day for me, as I joined other Greater Clevelanders in Celebrating Black Aspirations Week at Cleveland State University.

Professor and playwright Prester Pickett did an incredible job of organizing the Saturday night event, which featured performing artists of all ages and an awards program.  I was honored to have be recognized for my 23 years on the faculty of Cleveland State University.  It is wonderful to receive flowers while you can smell them!

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Hollywood, Historians, and the Business of Movie Making

Posted on January 20, 2015 by Dr. Regennia N. Williams, Founder, President, and Executive Director

Selma_poster“Selma,” is a thought-provoking new film from director Ava DuVernay.  This work is receiving a great deal of attention for both its dramatization of the events leading up to the historic 1965 Selma to Montgomery voting rights march and its depictions of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and President Lyndon B. Johnson–who often comes across as someone who is a reluctant convert to the cause of civil and political rights for all Americans.

 

While it is true that the films creators exercise some creative license in bringing this chapter in America’s history to the screen, I am convinced that, in the final analysis, this feature film — which should not be confused with a documentary, has the power to both entertain and enlighten audiences by challenging then to think seriously about the evolving role of race in the nation’s recent past.  Because of this, I am forced to admit that Ava DuVernay–with some help from Oprah Winfrey and others who are well-versed in the business of movie making–will, no doubt,  succeed in getting far greater numbers of  people interested in and excited about African American history this year than I have had the pleasure of lecturing to in all of my 23 years of teaching at the post-secondary level.  (Of course, historians have long known that there is more to teaching than lecturing!)

 

Not to be completely outdone, however, I would like to encourage the film’s fans and critics to review some of the available documentary evidence from 1965, if they would like to know exactly what President Johnson and Dr. King said — in at least one 1965 telephone conversation on on other occasions–about the urgent social, political, and economic needs of the American people in that era.

 

The University of Virginia’s Miller Center is a good place to start, and you can access many of their resources online at    http://millercenter.org/presidentialrecordings/lbj-wh6501.04-6736.

 

Dr. Regennia N. Williams, Historian

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The Beauty and Business of the Arts

Posted on December 30, 2014 by Dr. Regennia N. Williams, Founder, President, and Executive Director
Beijing, 2008

Beijing, 2008

I have traveled to Beijing, China on three different occasions, and I am always impressed by the rich history of the performing arts in that great city, especially when it comes to the Peking Opera.  Everything from the make-up and masks to the costumes and music help to make Peking Opera one of China’s best known cultural treasures.  China Day activities at Cleveland State University in 2014 and touring performing ensembles from China have, since my last visit to Beijing, reminded me that the arts of China are “big  business” in the international community, providing both entertainment and educational opportunities.  Needless to say, I am looking forward to my next Peking Opera performance — whether in Beijing, Cleveland, or some other world class city!

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