The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
‘We are all human beings’
Black history celebration aims to showcase heroic achievements
MIDDLETOWN — Faith Jackson will be spreading a message of empowerment and cultural pride during a day full of events today centered on celebrating Black History Month.
The president of the Middlesex County NAACP and director of Middletown’s Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity will moderate a discussion on contributions to Middletown’s African-American history as part of a Black History Extravaganza from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Russell Library Hubbard Room at 123 Broad St.
“We should not feel bad about slavery, even though it was not a nice thing,” Jackson said. “Through slavery, we can credit ourselves for building this nation and how we got here. Other people need to recognize and accept that, and we need to prove we did great work. It was through blood, sweat and tears — and death — that this nation was built by the African-American race.”
The library is marking Black History Month with a series of programs — music, literature, talks, artwork and film screenings — throughout February. Activities were funded by the Friends of the Russell Library and a $4,270 grant from the city-based nonprofit Connecticut Humanities.
Also, nationally recognized artist and city resident Pierre Sylvain’s exhibit, “Fantastical Journey: Voodoo, Slavery, Jazz!” is on view throughout
the library until March 31.
Sylvain left Haiti in 1991, settled locally and established a reputation as an artist known as much for his altruism and his work mentoring students as for the vibrant, colorful, expressive art he creates inspired by his island heritage, according to Rolande Duprey, community services librarian.
Sylvain said the work on display is a selection of paintings and sculptures he’s done over the past eight to 10 years. It includes a black-and-white series of paintings and sculptures centered on the middle passage, when African Americans forced into slavery made the harrowing journey by ship from West Africa to the West Indies.
It includes work focused on the Underground Railroad, Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman.
Sylvain did extensive research on the topic — an intensely personal one.
“It’s my history, too,” he said.
The series was partly inspired by Sylvain’s desire to teach his two teen children about their heritage: “Where we came from and where we are going to.”
“We’re so caught up with life that it’s important to remind people about that,” especially children, who were among the more than 200 people who attended his gallery opening last weekend.
“Frederick Douglass became a scholar and wrote so many books. He did that against all odds. If you are black, white, yellow — you can use him as an example. It’s not only an inspiration for black kids, but it’s an inspiration for everyone who struggles,” Sylvain said.
“That guy had no chance: He didn’t have access to books, he didn’t have access to anything,” but still managed to succeed, he said.
“His work is so versatile and there’s so much of it,” said Duprey of Sylvain’s art. “It was very difficult to choose (what to display).”
Fifty coloring books published by the Middlesex County Historical Society, courtesy of the local NAACP, will be given out to those who attend today’s programs. Each includes details about African Americans who made significant contributions to the city’s history.
“It’s kind of a curriculum piece, too, in terms of African-American history. It’s really beautiful,” Duprey said of the book.
A section on “Three Who Cared” explains the work of William Lyman, of Middlefield, who risked his life several times in his belief that all Americans, black and white should be free, said Jackson. Also included is the stories of Carissa Beman, 1834 founder of the Colored Female Anti-Slavery Society; and Benjamin Douglas, who hosted meetings for abolitionists at his William Street factory.
Thursday, the library held a screening of the film “Whose Streets?” — a documentary about the killing of Michael Brown and the Ferguson uprising.
Gail Thompson-Allen, director of programming and community engagement, said the movie really opened her eyes to the circumstances surrounding the Aug. 9, 2014, shooting death of the 18-year-old African American in Ferguson, Mo.
“The most disturbing thing was he was on the street for four and a half hours — how disrespectful that was, (followed by the subsequent) backlash and peaceful protest,” Allen said. “The National Guard was there, and police used tear gas and rubber bullets. It was just an incredible thing. I had no idea how intense it was.”
The extravaganza will also include African dance by Youth With a Vision, choreographed by high school students Nia West, Nasharie Davis and Nyemah West “exalting in praise,” Jackson said.
“It’s my first time seeing them. It’s going to be exciting,” she said.
Other events include an African-American art display, “Colors of Cultural” presented by Woodrow Wilson High School grad and city resident Ronnie Edens; as well as comic books from the collection of William Foster III.
Other black historythemed activities include a showing of the hour-long “Veterans of Color” on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. The movie chronicles the challenges 31 African-American male and female veterans faced during their military careers and their later adjustments to civilian life.
That presentation will be followed by a discussion moderated by Gulf War veteran and Middletown Police Capt. Gary Wallace.
To complement Sylvain’s work, fellow Haitian Ibi Zoboi, author of “American Street,” will be visiting the library from Brooklyn, N.Y., Tuesday from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Zoboi was born in Haiti and immigrated to New York with her mother when she was 4.
The culmination of the month’s events will take place Feb. 24 when the Harlem Quartet will appear from 1:30 to 3:15 p.m. at First Church Middletown, 190 Court St. The group advances diversity in classical music while engaging new audiences with a varied repertoire that includes works by minority composers, according to its website.
Sylvain hopes his display — and the entire month of celebration — will unite people of all races and backgrounds.
“My paintings are never about dividing people,” he said. “It’s always to bring people together. I think we all matter. It doesn’t matter what color we are. We are all human beings.”
For more information, visit russelllibrary.org or call 860-347-2528.