Saturday, January 28, 2012
Carver seeks history competition entries
• JOHNSON CITY — Carver Recreation Center in Johnson City is seeking entries for its Black History Month competition. The competition is open to all youth, and entries may be submitted in three categories: essay, PowerPoint and artwork. Fee is $5 per entry, and the deadline is Feb. 10. Gift certificates will be presented for first, second and third place in each category. Winners will present their works during a Black History Month program at the center, 322 W. Watauga Ave., on Feb. 23 at 6 p.m. A “Taste of the Community” will take place immediately following the presentations. Program admission is $5. For more information call Herb Greenlee, center supervisor, at 461-8830.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Jubilee Singers preserving Negro spiritual tradition: Greeneville Appearance on Saturday
On Nov. 16, 1871, a group of unknown singers — all but two former slaves and many still in their teens — arrived at Oberlin College in Ohio to perform before a national convention of ministers.
After a few standard ballads, the Jubilee Singers presented a selection of spirituals and other songs associated with slavery. It was one of the first public performances of the secret music African-Americans had been singing in the fields and behind closed doors for generations.
“All of a sudden, there was no talking,” said Horace C. Boyer, a musicologist and former musical director of the Jubilee Singers. “They said you could hear the soft weeping…and I’m sure that the Jubilee Singers were joining them in tears, because sometimes when you think about what you are singing, particularly if you believe it, you can’t help but be moved.”
Nearly a century and a half later, the Fisk Jubilee Singers — an a cappella ensemble made up of vocal artists and students from Fisk University in Nashville — remain dedicated to keeping the Negro spiritual tradition alive and well.
The Singers will perform for a local audience at 7 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 28 at Niswonger Performing Arts Center in Greeneville. The show is sponsored by Walters State Community College.
Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for students and $17 each for groups.
The original Jubilee Singers introduced “slave songs” to the world in 1871 and were instrumental in preserving this unique American musical tradition known today as Negro spirituals.
They broke racial barriers in the United States and abroad in the late 19th century and entertained kings and queens in Europe. At the same time, they raised money in support of their beloved school.
In 1999, the Fisk Jubilee Singers were featured in “Jubilee Singers: Sacrifice and Glory,” a PBS award-winning television documentary series produced by WGBH-TV, Boston.
The Jubilee Singers went on a sacred journey to Ghana in 2007 at the invitation of the U.S. Embassy. It was a history-making event, as the ensemble traveled to Ghana for the first time and joined in the celebration of the nation’s Golden Jubilee, its 50th independence anniversary.
In 2008, the Fisk Jubilee Singers were selected as a recipient of the 2008 National Medal of Arts, the nation’s highest honor for artists and patrons of the arts. The award was presented by President George W. Bush and first lady Laura Bush during a ceremony at the White House.
The Singers continue the tradition of singing the Negro spiritual around the world, allowing the ensemble to share this rich culture globally while preserving the unique music.
NPAC is located adjacent to Greeneville High School at 212 Tusculum Blvd. in Greeneville.
For tickets or more information, call the NPAC box office at (423) 638-1679 or visit www.greenevillenpac.com
Enthusiasm undaunted at belated MLK observance in SW Virginia
MLK Day observance was delayed to allow students from UVa-Wise and the Flatwoods Job Corps Center to return from the holiday break and take part.
THIS STORY COURTESY THE KINGSPORT TIMES-NEWS
By STEPHEN IGO
sigo@timesnews.net
Stephen Igo —sigo@timesnews.net
From left, UVa-Wise students Shaqueth Green of New York City, Hantz-Jerry Pierre of Haiti, Rouqui Toure of Mauritania, and Blain Bekele of Ethiopia enjoy dinner for a belated MLK Day observance Monday at the Wise Church of God.
WISE — Folks in Wise held honors for the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. a week later than the rest of the nation on Monday, but that made the tribute all the more special for the area faithful to his cause.
Sponsored by the University of Virginia’s College at Wise, MLK Day organizers wanted to hold off this year’s observances to allow students from the college and the area’s Flatwoods Job Corps Center to return from the recent holidays and take part as usual.
The wait provided some international flavor for at least one table at the annual fellowship dinner at the Wise Church of God. UVa-Wise students Hantz-Jenny Pierre, 22; Rouqui Toure, 21, of Mauritania; and Blain Bekele, 21, of Ethiopia, joined their pal Shaqueth Green, 21, of New York City to get a taste of a down-home MLK tribute, mountain style.
“I know he was an activist,” said Toure, amending her comment to “civil rights activist” prodded by discreet coaching from Green. “I know he fought his life for minorities.”
“For all people,” Green continued to coach.
Asked why they attended, Toure had a better question for her Caucasian table mates. “Why are you guys here?” she asked. “Support,” replied Sandy Meade of Pound. “Keep it alive.”
A week late or not, another upbeat crowd kept alive the Wise MLK Day observance, which would include the annual candlelight march from Wise Christian to Wise Baptist Church. Wise Baptist Pastor Ray Jones was featured speaker this year, and the always popular Mount Sinai Spirituals, an allmale gospel group from Lynch, Ky., was on hand for a sequel.
“Our group formed at our church just for us men to hang out. Then we started singing, and we’ve been at it ever since,” said Roy Stephens. “It’s a privilege to do it because we do it for God. We’re singing for the Lord.”
“It means a lot to me,” said group member Cleophas Maxie. “We like to spread God’s gospel around and just have us a time doing it.”
The group’s president, Rutland Melton, said the annual MLK observance “is a good thing, and we really enjoyed last year.”
Member Bennie Massey added the group has “been over here since they started doing it, what? Sixteen years? It’s just good to see the community coming together. That’s what it’s all about.”
Some other Spirituals members chimed in, including Patrick Perry, Ray Wilson and Terry Tinsley. “This has been going on about 16 years, so I’m very excited to be here again. Just serve the Lord, sing, and just glad to be here,” said Wilson.
Arthur Mabry of Lebanon brought his 4-year-old fireball of a son,
Peyton, for the celebration.
“I’m here about every year,” he said. “I’ll sort of get (Peyton) in on it early. Start bringing him every year so he’ll start catching on and see what it’s all about.”
Libby Stephens of Lynch brought her children, 9-year-old Carlee and 12-year-old Terrance, to partake of the celebrations as well. Libby is white and wants her children to delve into as much of their dual-race heritage as much as possible.
“Something like this helps give them some of their black heritage,” she said. “There’s not a lot in this part of the country for African Americans heritage-wise. So anything you can give them, you give them.”
THIS STORY COURTESY THE KINGSPORT TIMES-NEWS
By STEPHEN IGO
sigo@timesnews.net
From left, UVa-Wise students Shaqueth Green of New York City, Hantz-Jerry Pierre of Haiti, Rouqui Toure of Mauritania, and Blain Bekele of Ethiopia enjoy dinner for a belated MLK Day observance Monday at the Wise Church of God.
WISE — Folks in Wise held honors for the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. a week later than the rest of the nation on Monday, but that made the tribute all the more special for the area faithful to his cause.
Sponsored by the University of Virginia’s College at Wise, MLK Day organizers wanted to hold off this year’s observances to allow students from the college and the area’s Flatwoods Job Corps Center to return from the recent holidays and take part as usual.
The wait provided some international flavor for at least one table at the annual fellowship dinner at the Wise Church of God. UVa-Wise students Hantz-Jenny Pierre, 22; Rouqui Toure, 21, of Mauritania; and Blain Bekele, 21, of Ethiopia, joined their pal Shaqueth Green, 21, of New York City to get a taste of a down-home MLK tribute, mountain style.
“I know he was an activist,” said Toure, amending her comment to “civil rights activist” prodded by discreet coaching from Green. “I know he fought his life for minorities.”
“For all people,” Green continued to coach.
Asked why they attended, Toure had a better question for her Caucasian table mates. “Why are you guys here?” she asked. “Support,” replied Sandy Meade of Pound. “Keep it alive.”
A week late or not, another upbeat crowd kept alive the Wise MLK Day observance, which would include the annual candlelight march from Wise Christian to Wise Baptist Church. Wise Baptist Pastor Ray Jones was featured speaker this year, and the always popular Mount Sinai Spirituals, an allmale gospel group from Lynch, Ky., was on hand for a sequel.
“Our group formed at our church just for us men to hang out. Then we started singing, and we’ve been at it ever since,” said Roy Stephens. “It’s a privilege to do it because we do it for God. We’re singing for the Lord.”
“It means a lot to me,” said group member Cleophas Maxie. “We like to spread God’s gospel around and just have us a time doing it.”
The group’s president, Rutland Melton, said the annual MLK observance “is a good thing, and we really enjoyed last year.”
Member Bennie Massey added the group has “been over here since they started doing it, what? Sixteen years? It’s just good to see the community coming together. That’s what it’s all about.”
Some other Spirituals members chimed in, including Patrick Perry, Ray Wilson and Terry Tinsley. “This has been going on about 16 years, so I’m very excited to be here again. Just serve the Lord, sing, and just glad to be here,” said Wilson.
Arthur Mabry of Lebanon brought his 4-year-old fireball of a son,
Peyton, for the celebration.
“I’m here about every year,” he said. “I’ll sort of get (Peyton) in on it early. Start bringing him every year so he’ll start catching on and see what it’s all about.”
Libby Stephens of Lynch brought her children, 9-year-old Carlee and 12-year-old Terrance, to partake of the celebrations as well. Libby is white and wants her children to delve into as much of their dual-race heritage as much as possible.
“Something like this helps give them some of their black heritage,” she said. “There’s not a lot in this part of the country for African Americans heritage-wise. So anything you can give them, you give them.”
Friday, January 13, 2012
Keystone residents in Johnson City dismayed by impending closure of Food Lion
THIS STORY COURTESY THE KINGSPORT TIMES-NEWS
By REX BARBER
NET News Service
Photo by Ron Campbell
Keystone area resident Delores Delaney talks about the impact that the closing of the Food Lion on East Main Street in Johnson City will have on her and her family. She will no longer be able to walk to the grocery store. Food Lion is the building on the right in the photo.
JOHNSON CITY — Keystone community resident Barbara Andes was wondering Thursday where she was going to get groceries when the nearby Food Lion closes down next month.
“I go there all the time,” Andes said. “It’s the only place around here, so that’s where we go all the time.”
Food Lion’s parent company, Delhaize America, based in Salisbury, N.C., plans to close 113 underperforming Food Lion stores, including the one at 1420 E. Main St. in Johnson City, the company announced Wednesday. This store will be closed in the next 30 days, the company said.
Andes has lived for about nine years in Keystone, a government housing complex in east Johnson City adjacent to the Food Lion. She said her family depends on Food Lion for groceries.
She had hoped the store would remain open because she has no car to conveniently go to another large grocer.
“I don’t want it to (close) because then me and my kids would be without food,” Andes said. “We don’t have no transportation to go get groceries. I don’t know what we’re going to do if we lose Food Lion.”
There are several discount stores near Keystone that sell food, and there is a gas station within walking distance. But Keystone resident Elizabeth Greer, who has nine people in her household, said those options are not sufficient because she makes one big grocery trip each month to Food Lion for everyone in her home.
“When you have to buy groceries enough for nine people, it’s going to be hard and stuff to buy that much groceries from one month to the next,” said Greer, who also has no car.
Food Lion still operates a store in Johnson City at 1320 Bristol Highway, but that is not within walking distance of Keystone. The nearest large grocery stores to Keystone would be two Hometown IGAs on North and South Roan streets and a Food City on South Roan.
Delores Delaney has lived in the Keystone community for about 17 years. She said there has always been a grocery store at the Food Lion location.
She said the loss of a convenient large grocery option within walking distance was a shock to many in the Keystone community.
“It’s going to hurt a lot of them because a lot of people around our community, they don’t have cars, and they have to walk to the store or grab a buggy and bring a buggy back with food, which is kind of inconvenient if they’re closing,” Delaney said.
Delaney goes to the store several times a week herself, she said. That loss of a grocer within walking distance will hurt, she added.
“It’s going to be a bind now because we’re probably going to have to get on the bus to go to Food City or (Hometown) IGA instead of going to Bristol Highway to the other Food Lion, which is a long distance from here,” said Delaney.
Greer agreed that it would be hard to go to another store for groceries without a car, especially carrying back a large load of groceries.
“It’d be hard to get there and back,” Greer said. “You’d have to either take transit or get food and come back in a cab.”
Other local Food Lion stores that will be closing are the Greeneville store at 2325 E. Andrew Johnson Highway and the Bristol, Va., store at 2012 Lee Highway.
For more information about the closings visit Food Lion’s Web site at www.foodlion.com.
By REX BARBER
NET News Service
Keystone area resident Delores Delaney talks about the impact that the closing of the Food Lion on East Main Street in Johnson City will have on her and her family. She will no longer be able to walk to the grocery store. Food Lion is the building on the right in the photo.
JOHNSON CITY — Keystone community resident Barbara Andes was wondering Thursday where she was going to get groceries when the nearby Food Lion closes down next month.
“I go there all the time,” Andes said. “It’s the only place around here, so that’s where we go all the time.”
Food Lion’s parent company, Delhaize America, based in Salisbury, N.C., plans to close 113 underperforming Food Lion stores, including the one at 1420 E. Main St. in Johnson City, the company announced Wednesday. This store will be closed in the next 30 days, the company said.
Andes has lived for about nine years in Keystone, a government housing complex in east Johnson City adjacent to the Food Lion. She said her family depends on Food Lion for groceries.
She had hoped the store would remain open because she has no car to conveniently go to another large grocer.
“I don’t want it to (close) because then me and my kids would be without food,” Andes said. “We don’t have no transportation to go get groceries. I don’t know what we’re going to do if we lose Food Lion.”
There are several discount stores near Keystone that sell food, and there is a gas station within walking distance. But Keystone resident Elizabeth Greer, who has nine people in her household, said those options are not sufficient because she makes one big grocery trip each month to Food Lion for everyone in her home.
“When you have to buy groceries enough for nine people, it’s going to be hard and stuff to buy that much groceries from one month to the next,” said Greer, who also has no car.
Food Lion still operates a store in Johnson City at 1320 Bristol Highway, but that is not within walking distance of Keystone. The nearest large grocery stores to Keystone would be two Hometown IGAs on North and South Roan streets and a Food City on South Roan.
Delores Delaney has lived in the Keystone community for about 17 years. She said there has always been a grocery store at the Food Lion location.
She said the loss of a convenient large grocery option within walking distance was a shock to many in the Keystone community.
“It’s going to hurt a lot of them because a lot of people around our community, they don’t have cars, and they have to walk to the store or grab a buggy and bring a buggy back with food, which is kind of inconvenient if they’re closing,” Delaney said.
Delaney goes to the store several times a week herself, she said. That loss of a grocer within walking distance will hurt, she added.
“It’s going to be a bind now because we’re probably going to have to get on the bus to go to Food City or (Hometown) IGA instead of going to Bristol Highway to the other Food Lion, which is a long distance from here,” said Delaney.
Greer agreed that it would be hard to go to another store for groceries without a car, especially carrying back a large load of groceries.
“It’d be hard to get there and back,” Greer said. “You’d have to either take transit or get food and come back in a cab.”
Other local Food Lion stores that will be closing are the Greeneville store at 2325 E. Andrew Johnson Highway and the Bristol, Va., store at 2012 Lee Highway.
For more information about the closings visit Food Lion’s Web site at www.foodlion.com.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Monday, October 24, 2011
An Open Letter to the Community
FROM THE PRESIDENT'S DESK:
TO OUR FELLOW ALUMNI, FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS IN THE DOUGLASS-RIVERVIEW-SOUTH CENTRAL COMMUNITY:
The Sons and Daughters of Douglass Alumni Executive Board is aware of an appearance scheduled for early November in Kingsport and Johnson City of Dr. Umar Abdullah Johnson, descendant of Frederick Douglass, a name we hold dear to our hearts, as our former School is named in his honor.
While we acknowledge the historical lineage of Dr. Johnson with Frederick Douglass, after further and careful examination of Dr. Johnson's views on race relations and black/white society, we the Sons and Daughters of Douglass Executive Board, on behalf of our alumni, feel that his appearance would not be appropriate for our approval and support.
Therefore, the Sons and Daughters of Douglass, Inc (also known as the Douglass Alumni Association - Kingsport) will NOT be a participant in Dr. Johnson's appearance, nor do we endorse, approve of, or otherwise support his appearance for our community or our children.
We also need to make mention that Sons and Daughters of Douglass, Inc (also known as the Douglass Alumni Association - Kingsport) has no control over the Douglass Community Room, nor the V.O. Dobbins Sr. Complex that it is housed in, including the ballfield, gymnasiums, rooms and offices. We are tenants in the building and we are governed by the same rules and regulations as all the other tenants.
Respectfully Submitted
Virginia (Jenny) Hankins, President
Sons and Daughters of Douglass, Inc.
TO OUR FELLOW ALUMNI, FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS IN THE DOUGLASS-RIVERVIEW-SOUTH CENTRAL COMMUNITY:
The Sons and Daughters of Douglass Alumni Executive Board is aware of an appearance scheduled for early November in Kingsport and Johnson City of Dr. Umar Abdullah Johnson, descendant of Frederick Douglass, a name we hold dear to our hearts, as our former School is named in his honor.
While we acknowledge the historical lineage of Dr. Johnson with Frederick Douglass, after further and careful examination of Dr. Johnson's views on race relations and black/white society, we the Sons and Daughters of Douglass Executive Board, on behalf of our alumni, feel that his appearance would not be appropriate for our approval and support.
Therefore, the Sons and Daughters of Douglass, Inc (also known as the Douglass Alumni Association - Kingsport) will NOT be a participant in Dr. Johnson's appearance, nor do we endorse, approve of, or otherwise support his appearance for our community or our children.
We also need to make mention that Sons and Daughters of Douglass, Inc (also known as the Douglass Alumni Association - Kingsport) has no control over the Douglass Community Room, nor the V.O. Dobbins Sr. Complex that it is housed in, including the ballfield, gymnasiums, rooms and offices. We are tenants in the building and we are governed by the same rules and regulations as all the other tenants.
Respectfully Submitted
Virginia (Jenny) Hankins, President
Sons and Daughters of Douglass, Inc.
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