Click Here to register for the FREE Webinar with author Adrian Miller. It's a fun and engaging one our presentation you won't want to miss. Here are Historical insights from Adrian Miller’s new book, Soul Food: Following the example of the Caribbean planters, southern planters realized they could save money by feeding their slaves fish. The use of fish as slave rations served as the second conscious linking of fish and blackness in the slaving South. Planters like Thomas Jefferson often found fish a cheaper alternative to other meats. Other planters followed suit, and enslaved people fished on their own time to supplement their rations. Todd Savitt notes in his study of slavery, “Slaves also fished for their own meals in nearby streams, with or without the permission of overseer and master.” (Page 73) And this excerpt: Fried chicken’s long preparation time played a role in the gradual development of the Gospel Bird. Slaves, including the field cooks, had the most leisure time on weekends and holidays, which coincided with the observances of the Christian Sabbath and other days of religious importance. (Page 55) And this excerpt: Since bananas were cheap in that region, British Caribbean cooks experimented with putting bananas in their traditional desserts at a much earlier date than those in British North America. The British trifle was one such dessert that got a makeover. Banana pudding’s acknowledged immediate ancestor is the British trifle - a dessert in which a bread element (cake, shredded break, or cookies) was covered with a boiled custard and then topped off with a meringue. (Page 246) Join us for a facinating hour of food, culture and traditions with award winning writer, attorney and certified barbecue judge Adrian Miller. Even if you grew up on fried chicken, macaroni and cheese and collard greens, there is something new that you'll learn from this webinar. Insightful, eclectic and historical, Adrian Miller delves into the influences, ingredients and innovations that make up the soul food tradition. Focusing each chapter on the culinary and social history of foods--such as fried chicken, chitlins, yams, greens and "red drinks"--Miller uncovers how they got on the soul food plate and what it means for African American culture and history.
Invite your friends and colleagues to this FREE one hour webinar set for July 28th at 12 Noon Eastern. After the program you'll need to be a member of the Multicultural Symposium Series to access the archive version. (www.mssconnect.com) Bring your questions about that special soul food and Adrian will answer them. From Grandma's favorite recipe to Uncle Joe's famous barbecue sauce, Soul Food will make you hungry and happy at the same time. Join our webinar by smart phone, landline, laptop or desktop computer. We'll send you complete instructions how to join the presentation as soon as you REGISTER for the webinar. For more information email [email protected] or call Carole Copeland Thomas at 508 947-5755. Call In or Log On From Your Beach Chair, Kitchen Table or Office Cubicle About The Author: Adrian Miller is a graduate of Stanford University and Georgetown University Law School. After practicing law in Denver for several years, Adrian became a special assistant to President William Jefferson Clinton and the Deputy Director of the President’s Initiative for One America. The President’s Initiative for One America was the first free-standing White House office in history to examine and focus on closing the opportunity gaps that exist for minorities in this country. The One America office built on the foundation laid by the President’s Initiative on Race by promoting the President’s goals of educating the American public about race, and coordinating the work of the White House and federal agencies to carry out the President’s vision of One America. After his White House stint, Adrian returned to Colorado and served as the General Counsel and Director of Outreach at the Bell Policy Center—a progressive think tank dedicated to making Colorado a state of opportunity for all. In 2007, Adrian became the Deputy Legislative Director for Colorado Governor Bill Ritter, Jr. By the end of Gov. Ritter’s first term, Adrian was a Senior Policy Analyst for Gov. Ritter where he handled homeland security, military and veterans’ issues. Adrian was also Governor Ritter’s point person on the Colorado Campaign to End Childhood Hunger which significantly increased participation in the summer food and school breakfast programs. Adrian is currently the Executive Director of the Colorado Council of Churches. He is the first African American and the first layperson to hold that position. Adrian is also a culinary historian and a certified barbecue judge who has lectured around the country on such topics as: Black Chefs in the White House, chicken and waffles, hot sauce, kosher soul food, red drinks, soda pop, and soul food. Adrian’s book, Soul Food: The Surprising Story of an American Cuisine, One Plate at a Time was published by the University of North Carolina Press in August 2013. Soul Food won the 2014 James Beard Foundation Book Award for Reference and Scholarship. By Carole Copeland Thomas, MBA, CDMP The Civil War ended in 1865, and now more than 150 years later the battle flag of the Southern states is still at the crossroads in South Carolina, Mississippi, Georgia and elsewhere. From license plates to T-shirts to flags, the "stars and bars" remains a hateful symbol of slavery to the Black community.
With the execution of nine innocent African Americans merely attending Bible study at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina on June 17, 2015, the killer was a 21 year old White supremacist who cherished the Confederate flag. With racial hatred and gun violence robbing this country of true progress, it’s time to take down the Confederate Flag and park it in a museum where it belongs. ===================== For More On The Various Versions of the Confederate Flag Visit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flags_of_the_Confederate_States_of_America http://confederatemuseum.com/collections/flags http://www.confederatemuseumcharlestonsc.com/about.html Perhaps you saw the award winning movie, “Glory” when it debuted in 1989 or later on DVD or On Demand. Starring Denzel Washington, Matthew Broderick and Morgan Freeman, the film celebrates the heroic efforts of one of the first all Black regiments during the Civil War. The Massachusetts 54th Regiment victories came at a heavy price, including the death of their White commander, Colonel Robert Gould Shaw who died during the 1863 attack of Fort Wagner, South Carolina. The men who fought and died helped to ultimately win the Civil War, and their struggles, setbacks and amazing levels of courage should never be forgotten.
I often pass the monument that was erected on Beacon Street in Boston across from the Massachusetts State House. It pays tribute to the men of the 54th who fought, lived and died so that ultimately all men and women could be free in America. As we close out our tribute to Memorial Day, we pay tribute those who sacrificed their lives in all wars fought by Americans. We pay a special tribute to the Civil War era men of the Massachusetts 54th Regiment. Read More About Them Below… -Carole Copeland Thomas ======================= The Massachusetts 54th Regiment The Robert Gould Shaw and Massachusetts 54th Regiment Memorial, located across Beacon Street from the State House, serves as a reminder of the heavy cost paid by individuals and families during the Civil War. In particular, it serves as a memorial to the group of men who were among the first African Americans to fight in that war. Although African Americans served in both the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, northern racist sentiments kept African Americans from taking up arms for the United States in the early years of the Civil War. However, a clause in Abraham Lincoln’s 1863 Emancipation Proclamation made possible the organization of African American volunteer regiments. The first documented African American regiment formed in the north was the Massachusetts 54th Volunteer Infantry, instituted under Governor John Andrew in 1863. African American men came to enlist from every region of the north, and from as far away as the Caribbean. Robert Gould Shaw was the man Andrew chose to lead this regiment. Robert G. Shaw was the only son of Francis George and Sarah Blake (née Sturgis) Shaw. The Shaws were a wealthy and well connected New York and Boston family. They were also radical abolitionists and Unitarians. Robert did not blindly follow his parents ideological and religious beliefs, but all recognized the importance and responsibility involved in leading the Massachusetts 54th Regiment. The Massachusetts 54th Regiment became famous and solidified their place in history following the attack on Fort Wagner, South Carolina on July 18, 1863. At least 74 enlisted men and 3 officers were killed in that battle, and scores more were wounded. Colonel Shaw was one of those killed. Sergeant William H. Carney, who was severely injured in the battle, saved the regiment’s flag from being captured. He was the first African American to be awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. The 54th Regiment also fought in an engagement on James Island, the Battle of Olustee, and at Honey Hill, South Carolina before their return to Boston in September 1865. Only 598 of the original 1,007 men who enlisted were there to take part in the final ceremonies on the Boston Common. In the last two years of the war, it is estimated that over 180,000 African Americans served in the Union forces and were instrumental to the Union’s victory. Augustus Saint-Gaudens took nearly fourteen years to complete this high-relief bronze monument, which celebrates the valor and sacrifices of the Massachusetts 54th. Saint-Gaudens was one of the premier artists of his day. He grew up in New York and Boston, but received formal training at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts Paris. In New York, forty men were hired to serve as models for the soldiers’ faces. Colonel Shaw is shown on horseback and three rows of infantry men march behind. This scene depicts the 54th Regiment marching down Beacon Street on May 28, 1863 as they left Boston to head south. The monument was paid for by private donations and was unveiled in a ceremony on May 31, 1897. Sources: National Park Service Wikipedia One of the major battles and turning points of the Civi War was the Battle of Gettysburg fought over three days from July 1-3 1863. It marked the turning point in the War Between The States, giving the Union Army the winning advantage in the months and years that would remain. Bloody and hard fought, both sides extracted terrible losses in the dead, wounded and missing. It has gone down in history as one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War and has been associated with one of the reasons why Memorial Day was founded. In November 19, 1863 at the Soldiers National Cemetery near the battlefield two great speeches were made in honor of the dead and wounded. One was the 1 hour 57 minute speech by political statesman Edward Everett of Massachusetts. He was followed by the speech that lasted less than three minutes…made by President Abraham Lincoln. The President’s speech was so short that the photographers didn’t have time to set up their cameras to take pictures of him delivering his message. It didn’t matter. It was so profound that it has gone down to become one of the greatest speeches in American history, recited by politicians and school children alike, including my daughter, Lorna, when she was in middle school. Below are the highlights of The Battle of Gettysburg. As you continue with your picnics, barbecues and visions of the upcoming summer season, think on these words and why Memorial Day will forever honor those who died in military service in America. -Carole Copeland Thomas, MBA, CDMP ================== The Battle of Gettysburg Fought over the first three days of July 1863, the Battle of Gettysburg was one of the most crucial battles of the Civil War. The fate of the nation literally hung in the balance that summer of 1863 when General Robert E. Lee, commanding the "Army of Northern Virginia", led his army north into Maryland and Pennsylvania, bringing the war directly into northern territory. The Union "Army of the Potomac", commanded by Major General George Gordon Meade, met the Confederate invasion near the Pennsylvania crossroads town of Gettysburg,and what began as a chance encounter quickly turned into a desperate, ferocious battle. Despite initial Confederate successes, the battle turned against Lee on July 3rd, and with few options remaining, he ordered his army to return to Virginia. The Union victory at the Battle of Gettysburg, sometimes referred to as the "High Water Mark of the Rebellion" resulted not only in Lee's retreat to Virginia, but an end to the hopes of the Confederate States of America for independence. The battle involved the largest number of casualties of the entire war and is often described as the war's turning point.Union Maj. Gen. George Meade's Army of the Potomac defeated attacks by Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia, ending Lee's attempt to invade the North. The battle brought devastation to the residents of Gettysburg. Every farm field or garden was a graveyard. Churches, public buildings and even private homes were hospitals, filled with wounded soldiers. The Union medical staff that remained were strained to treat so many wounded scattered about the county. To meet the demand, Camp Letterman General Hospital was established east of Gettysburg where all of the wounded were eventually taken to before transport to permanent hospitals in Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington. Union surgeons worked with members of the U.S Sanitary Commission and Christian Commission to treat and care for the over 20,000 injured Union and Confederate soldiers that passed through the hospital's wards, housed under large tents. By January 1864, the last patients were gone as were the surgeons, guards, nurses, tents and cookhouses. Only a temporary cemetery on the hillside remained as a testament to the courageous battle to save lives that took place at Camp Letterman. How many casualties were there in the Battle of Gettysburg? How many people died at Gettysburg? Gettysburg was the bloodiest battle of the Civil War. Until Gettysburg that title had gone to the Battle of Chancellorsville, fought just two months before. And although later battles such as The Wilderness and Spotsylvania would surpass Chancellorsville, Gettysburg would remain the costliest Civil War battle. It is estimated that there were at least 45,000 and possibly as many as 51,000 casualties in the two armies at Gettysburg. Note: the term “casualties” means not just people who were killed, but also includes men who were wounded (many of whom may have died of their wounds later), soldiers who were captured, and even men who ran away. It’s impossible to calculate an exact number because of missing or incomplete records. This estimate is one of the more conservative and probably significantly understates Confederate missing and wounded: Were any civilians killed in the Battle of Gettysburg?
Hundreds of civilians sheltered in their homes as the fighting raged around them and one, John Burns, joined the fight and was wounded. But only one civilian, Jennie Wade, was killed during the Battle of Gettysburg. She was struck by a stray shot while indoors in a house on the south side of town caring for a sick relative. Honoring The Dead After The Fight Had Ended Prominent Gettysburg residents became concerned with the poor condition of soldiers' graves scattered over the battlefield and at hospital sites, and pleaded with Pennsylvania Governor Andrew Curtin for state support to purchase a portion of the battlefield to be set aside as a final resting place for the defenders of the Union cause. Gettysburg lawyer David Wills was appointed the state agent to coordinate the establishment of the new "Soldiers' National Cemetery," which was designed by noted landscape architect William Saunders. Removal of the Union dead to the cemetery began in the fall of 1863, but would not be completed until long after the cemetery grounds were dedicated on November 19, 1863. The dedication ceremony featured orator Edward Everett and included solemn prayers, songs, dirges to honor the men who died at Gettysburg. Yet, it was President Abraham Lincoln who provided the most notable words in his two-minute long address, eulogizing the Union soldiers buried at Gettysburg and reminding those in attendance of their sacrifice for the Union cause, that they should renew their devotion "to the cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion..” Sources: The US National Park Service Wikipedia Battle of Gettysburg Facts: http://gettysburg.stonesentinels.com/battle-of-gettysburg-facts Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who died in service to their country. The holiday was officially proclaimed in 1868 to honor Union and Confederate soldiers and was expanded after World War I to honor those who died in all wars. Today, Memorial Day honors over one million men and women who have died in military service since the Civil War.
By the 20th century, competing Union and Confederate holiday traditions, celebrated on different days, had merged, and Memorial Day eventually extended to honor all Americans who died while in the military service. It typically marks the start of the summer vacation season, while Labor Day marks its end. Memorial Day is not to be confused with Veterans Day; Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving, while Veterans Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans. My Memories: Town Gatherings, Celebrations, Parades and The Gettysburg Address Remembering the Gettysburg Address is frequently a symbolic part of Memorial Day traditions. Years ago my daughter, Lorna, recited the Gettysburg Address during a town wide program, while her sister, Michelle, and brother, Mikey, played the flute and saxophone with the school band. I believe the program took place in the town cemetery to honor our war dead. From Decoration Day To Memorial Day What is “decorated?” Gravestones and cemetery plots of deceased soldiers who died in military service. Many people visit cemeteries and memorials, particularly to honor those who have died in military service. Many volunteers place an American flag on each grave in national cemeteries. The preferred name for the holiday gradually changed from "Decoration Day" to "Memorial Day", which was first used in 1882. It did not become more common until after World War II, and was not declared the official name by Federal law until 1967. On June 28, 1968, the Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which moved four holidays, including Memorial Day, from their traditional dates to a specified Monday in order to create a convenient three-day weekend. The change moved Memorial Day from its traditional May 30 date to the last Monday in May. The law took effect at the federal level in 1971. After some initial confusion and unwillingness to comply, all 50 states adopted Congress' change of date within a few years. Sources: www.census.gov and wikipedia.org Rev. Karla Cooper speaks to guests attending the Diversity and Inclusion Forum of the Northeast Human Resources Association in suburban Boston. She explains the evolution of the phrase LGBTQAI and its impact on society in the US.
A Remarkable Breakfast On A Remarkable Day
Join Us At The Tuesday March 17th Black History Breakfast (With A Touch Of Irish!) The rescheduled March 17th Black History Breakfast will bring very special people together in remarkable new ways. This is the 22nd Empowerment Recognition Breakfast and the very first time since its beginning in the year 2000 that it’s been rescheduled because of Mother Nature! But what fun and excitement we plan on having on its new date: Tuesday March 17th. We’re calling this a Black History occasion with a touch of Irish since it’s also St. Patrick’s Day. And we’ll celebrate our diversity with those friends and colleagues who will attend that morning with a power packed program second to none. Special Guest Speaker: Rev. Karla Cooper of Lincoln, Nebraska I just returned from Lincoln, visited Doane College where Rev. Cooper serves as the Chaplain and Professor and visited her church, Quinn Chapel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. Trust me, you won’t want to miss Rev. Cooper’s keynote address on March 17th as she weaves in her insights of Black History with her experiences in the LGBTQ community and how she co-founded AME India (www.embracingindia.com). Read more about Rev. Cooper Here… Guest Emcee: Latoyia Edwards News Anchor NECN-TV Honorees: Lauren Greene• Intern Architect, Community & Faith Based Advocate Arnold Sapenter • Boston Chapter President & Nat’l Council of Presidents NFBPA Dr. Jacobi Cunningham • Scientist, Community & Faith Based Advocate Music By Ramu and the Crew Entertainment Tickets are still available: $60 Each ($40 for Members of the Multicultural Symposium Series) $600 For A Table of Ten Come enjoy the festivities. Bring your Colleagues and Your Team It will be an event that will jumpstart your diversity and multicultural activities for the rest of 2015. For ticket information go to www.mssconnect.com To order directly online visit: http://2015blackhistorybreakfast.eventbrite.com Questions: Call Carole Copeland Thomas at 50 947-5755 Bring young people to the Breakfast. •Bring emerging diverse staff members and leaders. •Bring your family members. •Bring community advocates. •Bring your business leaders. •Bring anyone who cares about economic development and multicultural leadership. See You On March 17th!! -Carole Copeland Thomas by Carole Copeland Thomas
Come Celebrate The Achievements Of Three Of Our Young and Seasoned Black Leaders! You are cordially invited to attend our 22nd Empowerment Recognition Breakfast that will be held during Black History Month on Tuesday February 10, 2015 at The Colonnade Boston Hotel. Our guest speaker will be Rev. Karla Cooper, a Professor at Doane College, Pastor at Quinn Chapel AME Church in Lincoln, Nebraska and Co-Founder of AME India (www.embracingindia.com). Our special Breakfast Emcee is NECN TV award winning news anchor Latoyia Edwards. Awardees include Lauren Greene, Arnold Sapenter and Dr. Jacobi Cunningham, are all dedicated leaders in the African American community. Tickets are $60 each $40 for MSS Members and $600 for a Table of Ten. Register online at www.mssconnect.com or call Carole Copeland Thomas at 508 947-5755 for ticket information. Sponsorships Are Welcome! Lead Sponsor: State Street Corporation. Co-Host: Colonnade Boston Hotel. Spread the Word!!! -Carole He covered a wide berth of information during his presentation on the impact of immigrants in Boston during the November 6th Multicultural Conference. And given President Obama’s latest executive action on our country’s need for immigration reform, Boston will remain an important international destination on the world stage. When it comes to research and expertise of immigration issues, Denzil Mohammed knows it best.
The November 6th Multicultural Conference was a treasured event. Nearly 100 attendees from all walks of life with one goal in mind: Understanding, advancing, managing and appreciating multiculturalism, diversity and inclusion. It was nonstop buzz from the early morning networking session to the close of the luncheon in the afternoon. One of the distinguished speakers who helped make this 8th conference a triumphant success was Denzil Mohammed of the Immigration Learning Center. State Street Corporation is the LEAD SPONSOR of the Multicultural Symposium Series. From Trinidad and Tobago, Denzil Mohammed is an intercultural communications professional and journalist who works to build understanding across boundaries utilizing an asset-based approach. He believes immigrants’ success is a crucial component of America's well-being. Denzil became director of The International Learning Center Public Education Institute on November 17th. More highlights from the Multicultural Conference will be uploaded to the website in the coming days. Click Here To JOIN The Multicultural Symposium Series for only $99 a Year. For further information contact Carole Copeland Thomas at 508 947-5755 or email [email protected] |
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