The Griot Newsletter - leecountyblackhistorysociety.org

THE GRIOT
February 2014 Issue
LEE COUNTY BLACK HISTORY SOCIETY
THE “GRIOT” NEWSLETTER
LEE COUNTY BLACK
HISTORY’S: LEADING
LADIES
Only a couple years later, Dr. Anne
Knight would join her on the Dais
to represent the people of Fort
Myers. Dr. Knight, an educator,
would serve the people for 5 terms.
These pioneering ladies set a great
example and though it would take
a while, would be joined by
another.
Laughs, shouts of joy
and even tears were
shed in November
2008, when America
elected its first African
American President.
Fresh off a historic
victory, President
Obama would descend
upon the Harborside Convention Center and
leave many with a cherished memory. Fort
Myers, however, has its own history when it
comes to black politicians breaking through.
It has been said, she ran, she ran, and she ran
again. For 17 years Veronica Shoemaker ran
and in 1982 she won the race. Elected as the
first black councilperson in Fort Myers
History, she left the door open for another.
GRIOT
(continues pg 2)
DEFINITION
A GRIOT (/ˈɡRI.OƱ/; FRENCH
PRONUNCIATION: [ɡʁI.O]), JALI
OR JELI (DJELI OR DJÉLI IN
FRENCH SPELLING) IS A WEST
AFRICAN HISTORIAN,
STORYTELLER, PRAISE SINGER,
POET AND/OR MUSICIAN.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
(L) Former Councilwoman Veronica Shoemaker & (R) Dr. Ann Knight
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v
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v
Lee County Black History’s Leading Ladies
LCBHS Ball Event
Calendar of Events
Board of Directors
THE GRIOT
February 2014 Issue
LEE COUNTY
BLACK HISTORY’S:
LEADING LADIES
(cont.)
I n September 1983, Governor
Bob Graham appointed Melvin
Morgan to the Lee County
Commission. Melvin Morgan, a
community stalwart, is the first and only Black to
have sat on the Board of Commissioners for Lee
County. Recently the county building was even
renamed in her honored. The Lee County Black
History Society acknowledges the impact their
achievements continue to have on our community
and others whom Life they have touched. They are
real living Black history. Join Us on April 4, at the
Carrie Robinson Center as we honor theses women
at the LCBHS Black Legends Gala. It will be
awesome night and worth devoting to these
illustrious Ladies.
THE LCBHS 1ST BLACK
LEGENDS GALA
On April 4, 2014 The LCBHS is putting
on its first Black Legends Gala. The
event hosted at The Carrie Robinson
Center will Honor Councilpersons Dr.
Ann Knight, Mrs. Veronica Shoemaker
and Commissioner Melvin Morgan. Join
us as we honor women that have
contributed much to our community.
The Lee County Black History Society
would like to give thanks to all
supporters, especially the City of Fort
Myers; it is only because of your support
that we continue to thrive.
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Lee County’s First Black Woman
Commissioner Melvin Morgan
DID YOU KNOW …
Ø McCollum Hall, Located on MLK, once a
center of town welcomed talent such as
Duke Ellington and Otis Redding.
Ø In the 1968 Olympics, Fort Myers resident,
Bob Beaumon leaped in the record books
with a long jump of 29 2 1\2 inches.
Ø Terry Park, located in East Fort Myers, once
welcomed the Pittsburgh Pirates and
Humanitarian Roberto Clemente in the
1950s and 1960s.
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THE GRIOT
February 2014 Issue
There are many ways in which you can
support
Lee County Black History Society
We are in need of sponsors and
memberships
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Membership Information
BOARD MEETING SCHEDULE
The Lee County Black History Society has three (1) year
ST
ALL BOARD MEETINGS ARE SCHEDULED FOR THE 1 TUESDAY OF
EACH MONTH AT 6:30PM HELD AT:
ROBERTO CLEMENTE PARK,
membership tiers:
• Community Torchbearer — $50
1936 HENDERSON AVENUE
• Community Oracle — $20
UPCOMING EVENTS
F EB . 23 TH : B LACK H ISTORY MONTH RECEPTION:
“UNVEILING OF THE LEGENDS”
To become a member, send check or money order, along with
your name, mailing address, e-mail and phone number, to:
Lee County Black History Society
4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
1936 Henderson Ave.
@ The Williams Museum at the
Roberto Clemente Park
M arch 4 th : Lee County Black History Society
Annual Meeting
6:30p.m.
@The Lee County Black History Society office
2990 EDISON AVE. FORT MYERS, FL
WE VOTE ON THE INCOMING BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND
DISCUSS THE YEAR MOVING FORWARD.
Fort Myers FL 33916
Membership application available on-line at
www.leecountyblackhistorysociety.org
To schedule a museum visit, call the society at
332-8778.
Donations and Sponsorships
(All members please be present)
A PRIL 4 TH : THE BLACK LEGENDS GALA
CARRIE ROBINSON CENTER
2990 EDISON AVE. FORT MYERS, FL
Lee County Black History Society is in need of financial
support to continue with our work to help everyone
become more productive citizens through our diverse
cultural education of history through the Williams Academy
MULTIPURPOSE RENTAL ROOM LEASING
Looking for a place to host your Birthday Party, Baby
Shower or just a meeting place, LCBHS has space available.
Call today and reserve your space.
Multipurpose Room Rental fee is $150 for (4)
hours. A $50.00 refundable deposit fee is
required upon reservation.
Please call (239) 332-8778 or visit
Black History Museum. Benefactors can be businesses or
individuals.
Lee County Black History Society is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit
organization; All gifts and contributions are 100% deductible to the
extent allowed by law.
The mission of the Lee County Black History Society
is to preserve and commemorate cultural and
educational contributions made by both locally and
nationally known Black people.
www.leecountyblackhistorysociety.org and
download Rental Lease agreement, complete form and bring
it to Lee County Black History Society, 1936 Henderson Ave.
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THE GRIOT
☐⏎↵
February 2014 Issue
ART IN THE PA RK
LCBHS
Past Events
JUNETEENTH event
4
é
HOLIDAY IN THE PARK
THE GRIOT
February 2014 Issue
Donec
interdum
The Mission of the Lee County Black History Society is to preserve and commemorate cultural and
educational contributions made by both locally and nationally known Black people.
We want to promote
positive thought about
Black people in the minds
of citizens in Lee County
and surrounding areas,
and stimulate their desire
to continue to preserve an
important segment of
American history.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Museum/Office
Hours of Operation
Historian - Nina Denson-Rodgers
Tuesday & Thursday
11:00am - 3:00pm
Saturday
12:00pm - 4:00pm
Chairman - Jarrett Eady
Vice Chairman - Charles Barnes
Secretary - Herbia Green
Treasurer - Deborah Johnson
Past Chairperson - Harriet Myers
Board Members - Callie Lawrence
Bennett Williams
Call: 239-332-8778
www.leecountyblackhistorysociety.org
Thank you for your support and commitment to the Lee County Black History
Lee county Black history society
1936 Henderson Avenue
Fort Myers, FL 33916