African American History Month 2016 - Carter G. Woodson

Carter G. Woodson Image Courtesy of Ancella Bickley Collection, West Virginia State Archives - See more at: http://www.blackpast.org/aah/woodson-carter-g-1875-1950#sthash.qaCD0Cyu.dpuf

February is African American History Month

The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum join in paying tribute to the generations of African Americans who struggled with adversity to achieve full citizenship in American society.

As a Harvard-trained historian, Carter G. Woodson, like W. E. B. Du Bois before him, believed that truth could not be denied and that reason would prevail over prejudice. His hopes to raise awareness of African American's contributions to civilization was realized when he and the organization he founded, the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH), conceived and announced Negro History Week in 1925. The event was first celebrated during a week in February 1926 that encompassed the birthdays of both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. The response was overwhelming: Black history clubs sprang up; teachers demanded materials to instruct their pupils; and progressive whites, not simply white scholars and philanthropists, stepped forward to endorse the effort.

By the time of Woodson's death in 1950, Negro History Week had become a central part of African American life and substantial progress had been made in bringing more Americans to appreciate the celebration. At mid–century, mayors of cities nationwide issued proclamations noting Negro History Week. The Black Awakening of the 1960s dramatically expanded the consciousness of African Americans about the importance of black history, and the Civil Rights movement focused Americans of all color on the subject of the contributions of African Americans to our history and culture.

The celebration was expanded to a month in 1976, the nation's bicentennial. President Gerald R. Ford urged Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” That year, fifty years after the first celebration, the association held the first African American History Month. By this time, the entire nation had come to recognize the importance of Black history in the drama of the American story. Since then each American president has issued African American History Month proclamations. And the association—now the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH)—continues to promote the study of Black history all year.
(Excerpt from an essay by Daryl Michael Scott, Howard University, for the Association for the Study of African American Life and History)

Executive and Legislative Documents

The Law Library of Congress has compiled guides to commemorative observations, including a comprehensive inventory of the Public Laws, Presidential Proclamations and congressional resolutions related to African American History Month.
http://www.africanamericanhistorymonth.gov/

Black History Month 2015

Why Do We Need Black History Month?

EQUAL JUSTICE INITIATIVE - "CONFRONTING  THE LEGACY OF RACIAL TERROR"
An Alabama-based racial justice group is courting controversy for its plan to mark the locations where white mobs hung African-American men, women and children from trees and telephone poles in southern U.S. states for more than 70 years. The Equal Justice Initiative has compiled an inventory of 3,959 victims of “racial terror lynchings” that occurred in 12 Southern states from 1877 to 1950.
http://www.ibtimes.com/black-history-month-2015-racial-justice-group-plans-mark-thousands-sites-where-blacks-1811260

From the report - "...racial terror lynching was much more prevalent than previously reported."  http://www.eji.org/files/EJI%20Lynching%20in%20America%20SUMMARY.pdf

African American Lynching Victims by State, 1877-1950
Alabama 326
Arkansas 503
Florida 331
Georgia 586
Kentucky 154
Louisiana 540
Mississippi 576
North Carolina 102
South Carolina 164
Tennessee 225
Texas 376
Virginia 76
Total 3959

Lynchings were not restricted to the south as shown by this 1930 lynching in Marion, Indiana.

            
   SCOTTSBORO BOYS MUSEUM & CULTURAL CENTER

(photo by G. Morgan)

Every Sunday in February - The Scottsboro Boys Museum and Cultural Center will present programs begining at 2:30 pm.  Presented in the community where the Civil Rights era as we know it today began in America. Experience historically significant events from nationally known writers and speakers. Location and directions: 428 W. Willow St., Scottsboro, Al., 35768

Eric Garner being strangled to death by NYC Police (fair use for non-profit news reporting - photo by Ramsey Orta, video )

A discussion on Race & Police: http://journalistsresource.org/studies/government/criminal-justice/police-reasonable-force-brutality-race-research-review-statistics#

A couple of other takes from Black Folk.

Black History Month 2014

DOD Black History Month 2014

http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2014/0214_aahm/

 

"When Carter G. Woodson established Negro History week in 1926, he
realized the importance of providing a theme to focus the attention of
the public.  The intention has never been to dictate or limit the
exploration of the Black experience, but to bring to the public's
attention important developments that merit emphasis. "

"For those interested in the study of identity and ideology, an
exploration of ASALH's Black History themes is itself instructive.  Over
the years, the themes reflect changes in how people of African
descent in the United States have viewed themselves, the influence of
social movements on racial ideologies, and the aspirations of the black
community."

"The changes notwithstanding, the list reveals an overarching
continuity in ASALH--our dedication to exploring historical issues of
importance to people of African descent and race relations in America."

--Daryl Michael Scott, Howard University http://asalh.org/blackhistorythemes.html

SLAVERY IN AMERICA SERIES




DOD NEWS - Obama Proclaims National African American History Month - See more at:  http://www.dodlive.mil/index.php/2014/02/president-obama-issues-national-african-american-history-month-proclamation/#sthash.l6uPvXHs.dpuf

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

Americans have long celebrated our Nation as a beacon of liberty and opportunity -- home to patriots who threw off an empire, refuge to multitudes who fled oppression and despair. Yet we must also remember that while many came to our shores to pursue their own measure of freedom, hundreds of thousands arrived in chains. Through centuries of struggle, and through the toil of generations, African Americans have claimed rights long denied. During National African American History Month, we honor the men and women at the heart of this journey -- from engineers of the Underground Railroad to educators who answered a free people's call for a free mind, from patriots who proved that valor knows no color to demonstrators who gathered on the battlefields of justice and marched our Nation toward a brighter day.

As we pay tribute to the heroes, sung and unsung, of African-American history, we recall the inner strength that sustained millions in bondage. We remember the courage that led activists to defy lynch mobs and register their neighbors to vote. And we carry forward the unyielding hope that guided a movement as it bent the arc of the moral universe toward justice. Even while we seek to dull the scars of slavery and legalized discrimination, we hold fast to the values gained through centuries of trial and suffering.

Every American can draw strength from the story of hard-won progress, which not only defines the African-American experience, but also lies at the heart of our Nation as a whole. This story affirms that freedom is a gift from God, but it must be secured by His people here on earth. It inspires a new generation of leaders, and it teaches us all that when we come together in common purpose, we can right the wrongs of history and make our world anew.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim February 2014 as National African American History Month. I call upon public officials, educators, librarians, and all the people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of January, in the year of our Lord two thousand fourteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-eighth.

BARACK OBAMA

African American History Month 2013

http://nmaahc.si.edu/

AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH http://www.africanamericanhistorymonth.gov/

On August 28, 1963, at the March on Washington, Martin Luther King Jr. began his speech by declaring, "Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand, signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of captivity ... In a sense we have come to our nation's capital to cash a check."

In 2013 the country will commemorate two events that changed the course of the nation – the 1863 Emancipation Proclamation and the 1963 March on Washington. Standing as milestone moments in the grand sweep of American history, these achievements were the culmination of decades of struggles by individuals – both famous and unknown – who believed in the American promise that this nation was dedicated to the proposition that "all men are created equal." Separated by 100 years, they are linked together in a larger story of freedom and the American experience.

To commemorate these two pivotal achievements, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History in collaboration with the National Museum of African American History and Culture will present an exhibition that explores the historical context of these two crucial events, their accomplishments and limitations, and their impact on the generations that followed. The exhibition will be on view from Dec. 14, 2012 through Sept. 15, 2013. http://americanhistory.si.edu/exhibitions/changing-america

BLACK HISTORY MONTH - SCOTTSBORO, ALABAMA, Daily Sentinel
James Allen, Boys & Girls Club-Scottsboro "We do our best to keep the kids busy," says Allen. "If they're busy, you don't have to worry about them getting in trouble."  http://thedailysentinel.com/news/article_b901f154-5698-11e1-9299-001871e3ce6c.html 

Scottsboro 6th Annual MLK Day Keynote by Doug Williams

RESOLUTION TO EXONERATE THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS
"A press conference is scheduled in Montgomery on Monday, Feb. 4 to announce a resolution calling for the exoneration of the Scottsboro Boys." http://thedailysentinel.com/news/article_2fe9d33a-6bcf-11e2-a04f-0019bb2963f4.html

The exoneration effort is a feel good endeavor to bolster politicians and whites who feel guilty about racism. For some white politicians it gives them the opportunity to say: "“It’s important that we right the wrongs as best we can.”"  It does nothing toward ending racism or correcting the historical past. A real impact would be a bill in the legislature which supports and mandates state wide Race Relations education in our school system as part of American and Alabama History.

Another viable suggestion would be an apology to African Americans in the state by the Governor and Legislature for the racist practices of Jim Crow leadership and laws in Alabama with the assurance that such injustice will never occur again. I do not think that will occur; what probably will occur is the attempt to reverse the decision of a court by an unconstitutional act violating the Seperation of Powers of our government. "Two wrongs never make a right."

The current plan to pardon or exonerate will make politicians feel good and support those who are grand standing charlatans, but it does nothing toward ending racism and fostering race relations education.

"ALABAMA CIVIL RIGHTS" How Birmingham changed our nation: http://www.al.com/civil-rights/

BLACK FOLKS AND CASH CROPS


REMEMBERING THE LEGACY - AFRICAN AMERICANS IN THE MILITARY
http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2007/BlackHistoryMonth/Index.html

AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH IMAGE GALLERY 2013 - LaBonneVivante

Black History Month 2012

BLACK WOMEN IN CULTURE AND HISTORY IS THIS YEARS THEME. ( Click here to download a pdf of the summary for this year's theme. ) This year's theme honors African American women and the myriad of roles they played in the shaping of our nation. The theme, chosen by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History urges all Americans to study and reflect on the value of their contribution to the nation.  http://www.africanamericanhistorymonth.gov/index.html 

Who founded Black History Month? The answer:  http://www.asalh.org/aboutasalhmain.html

UPDATE: Scottsboro Boys Museum and Cultural Center Black History Month Celebration.  From The Daily Sentinel, Feb 1, 2012 -  "The guest speaker for the event was Joanne Bland, the co-founder and former director of the National Voting Rights Museum and Institute in Selma. Bland was a witness and participant in the Bloody Sunday march in 1965 and the first leg of the March from Selma to Montgomery. Along the way she witnessed brutal beatings and the shootings of fellow marchers by police. "'Bloody Sunday' was by far the worst," said Bland. "I've never forgotten that day."" Daily Sentinel Link: http://thedailysentinel.com/news/article_123e0352-4d2a-11e1-9ef3-0019bb2963f4.html
(See bottom of this post for more on the "Scottsboro Boys Case.")

(Per news reports) Scottsboro Mayor Melton Potter attended as did the Chairperson of the Jackson County Commission - Ms. Sadie Bias. Scottsboro High School Choir and the Shiloh Primitive Baptist Church Choir presented the musical program for the event.

"SO MANY STARS"


"IT IS WELL"


More about the "Scottsboro Boys Case;" the case that changed American Jurisprudence. An accurate and extensive accounting of the Scottsboro Defendents case history may be found at this link: http://law2.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/FTrials/scottsboro/SB_acct.html

14th amendment Section 1 in Part, "...nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws." http://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/amendmentxiv   At that link one may find the rest of the 14th Amendment.

The "Scottsboro Boys Case" was a travesty of justice which must not be forgotten and which an accurate accounting of the case must be told.

The story is also one of bravery at great risk. Demonstrating a belief that American Justice can work. Such are the stories of Judge James Horton and Samuel Liebowitz.

Another part of the case involves Jackson County Sheriff Matt Wann. It is a story of an unsolved murder. Sheriff Wann stood in the door of the jail the night of the defendants arrest with a shotgun and prevented an angry mob of Klan and hate filled citizens from what some described committing "a lynching on the square." Early the next morning the National Guard arrived to provide enhanced security. Information concerning the Matt Wann case may be found at : http://scottsborostories.blogspot.com/2010/10/sheriff-matt-wann-brave-man-and-untold.html

The Supreme Court of the United States reversed 2 decisions of the Alabama Courts related to the "Scottsboro Boys" case as described below.

On Nov 7, 1932 the U.S. Supreme Court in a 7 - 2 decision ruled that the right of the defendants under the Fourteenth Amendment's due process clause to competent legal counsel had been denied by the State of Alabama, Powell vs Alabama. http://law2.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/FTrials/scottsboro/SB_powus.html

On February 15, 1935, the United States Supreme Court heard arguments in the Patterson and Norris cases. Samuel Leibowitz argued that the convictions should be overturned because Alabama excluded blacks from its jury rolls in violation of the equal protection clause of the Constitution. (Equal Protection Clause, 14th Amendment: http://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/Equal_protection

The second U.S. Supreme Court decision, April 1, 1935 - Norris vs Alabama, unanimously held that the Alabama system of jury selection was unconstitutional and reversed the convictions of Norris and Patterson. http://law2.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/FTrials/scottsboro/SB_norus.html

More information about the case may be found at the University of Missouri at Kansas City web site where Professor Douglas O. Linder and students have compiled one of the most definitive and extensive data bases on the "Scottsboro Boys" Trials. http://law2.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/scottsboro/scottsb.htm

Scottsboro Boys Museum and Cultural Center Celebrates Black History Month and 1 Year of Operation

DOD-DEOMI Special Observance Art for Black History Month.

The National Theme for Black History month this year is African Americans and the Civil War.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH
February, Black History Month at the Scottsboro Boys Museum & Cultural Center, ‏ 428 W. Willow St., Historic Joyce Chapel, Scottsboro, Alabama.

Saturday, Feb. 5 - Open 10AM-4PM. Special video presentations at 11AM and 2PM on the Scottsboro Boys Case

Saturday, Feb. 12 - Open 10AM-4PM. Special video presentation at 11AM Scottsboro Boys Case; 2PM presentation on African Americans in the Civil War by Garry L. Morgan, U.S. Army Retired, Historian Scottsboro Boys Museum.

Saturday, Feb. 19 - Open 10AM-4PM. Special video presentation at 11AM on the Scottsboro Boys Case. Special presentation by Ms. Sheryl Snodgrass-Caffey at 3PM "THE IMPACT OF THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS' CASES ON CIVIL RIGHTS - - YESTERDAY & TODAY" & "A Bit of Local Civil Rights History"

Saturday, Feb. 26 - Open 10AM-4PM. Special video presentations at 11AM and 2PM on the Scottsboro Boys Case

Black History month program, click for an expanded view of the program.

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Scottsboro's Daily Sentinel Link to the story. Video's attached to the D.S. story. http://thedailysentinel.com/news/article_f9b8b444-2e53-11e0-95f6-001cc4c03286.html

WAAY TV story: http://www.waaytv.com/news/local/story/Black-History-Month-Celebration-In-Scottsboro/OgctwSYtiEmob5QH-G5w4w.cspx

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Ms. Sheila Washington, Founder and Director of the Scottsboro Boys Museum and Cultural Center

The Scottsboro Boys under guard at Scottsboro, Alabama March 26, 1931.

Tuesday, February the 1st the Scottsboro Boys Museum and Cultural Center in Scottsboro, Alabama began our celebration of Black History Month and 1 year of operation.

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Ms. Marilyn Jones Stamps was our featured speaker. Ms Stamps says, "I have a love for history." Ms. Stamps works with the Department of Tourism in Montgomery. She delivered a moving presentation.

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"We do not have to live in the past...Our heritage is defined by our forfathers." Ms. Stamps related how her father influenced her life. She told of the sacrifices her father made, Prince Albert Jones. One of her fathers quotes was "I'd rather go to jail for something I did not do rather than something I had done."

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Ms. Stamps told the story of how local law enforcement in her home town attempted to keep her father and other black citizens from registering to vote. Another one of her fathers quotes, "Do your best, be diligent, work hard, carry yourself with pride and hold your head up."

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Ms. Stamps closed with Langston Hughes' poem "Freedoms Plow." A remarkable, revealing poem, about sacrifices, struggles and the rights of African Americans. Langston Hughes lived in Jim Crow America, born in 1907, died in 1967. His ashes are interned at the Shomberg Library Center in New York, New York.

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A small part of "Freedoms Plow:"

"...Some were slave hands

Guarding in their hearts the seed of freedom,

But the word was there always:

Freedom."

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"Down into the earth went the plow

In the free hands and the slave hands,

In indentured hands and adventurous hands,

Turning the rich soil went the plow in many hands

That planted and harvested the food that fed

And the cotton that clothed America..."

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A long time ago,

An enslaved people heading toward freedom

Made up a song: Keep Your Hand On The Plow! Hold On!

The plow plowed a new furrowAcross the field of history.

Into that furrow the freedom seed was dropped.

From that seed a tree grew, is growing, will ever grow.

That tree is for everybody,

For all America, for all the world.

May its branches spread and shelter grow

Until all races and all peoples know its shade.

KEEP YOUR HAND ON THE PLOW! HOLD ON!

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Langston Hughes' complete poem may be found at "Old Poetry." http://oldpoetry.com/opoem/12628-Langston-Hughes-Freedom-s-Plow

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A special presentation from our celebration event on Tuesday February 1, 2011 at the Scottsboro Boys Museum & Cultural Center which was attended by 85 persons.

 

WAAY TV video

Black History Month Events at The Scottsboro Boys Museum and Cultural Center

Beginning on February the 1st, 2011 the Scottsboro Boys Museum and Cultural Center will be presenting several programs involving Black History Month. The public is cordially invited to our kick off celebration of Black History Month on Tuesday, February 1, 2011 at 10AM.

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The featured guest speaker on Tuesday the 1st of February will be Ms. Marilyn Jones Stamps. Ms. Stamps is in charge of the Publications Division of the Alabama Department of Tourism, she is the coordinator of the "Alabama Vacation Guide" and editor of the "Alabama Calender of Events." She has been employed by the State of Alabama for more than 30 years.

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Ms. Stamps has a passion for history which she attributes to growing up in the Civil Rights era of the 1950's and 60s. She grew up in a large family of 15 in the Jonesville Community of Matthews, Alabama.

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During the February 1st program guest speakers will be Senator Shad McGill, District 8 Senator representing Jackson, Dekalb and part of Madison County; Ms.Sadie Bias, Chairperson of the Jackson County Commission and the first woman Chairperson of the Jackson County Commission; Mayor Melton Potter, Mayor of Scottsboro, Alabama; Reverend Robert Shanklyn, past President of the Alabama NAACP and several other guest speakers.

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The February 1, 2011 date is a special date for the Scottsboro Boys Museum and Cultural Center as it represents the 1st year of operation. The past year has been fantastic, we have received donations to purchase the property for the Scottsboro Boys Museum and Cultural Center and many in the community have supported our cause. A cause dedicated to telling the story of "The Scottsboro Boys" and how the tragic event begining on March 25, 1931 began the modern Civil Rights era.

"The Praying Doctor" presents "Ministry in the Market Place"

"We black folks, our history and our present being, are a mirror of all the manifold experiences of merica. What we want, what we represent, what we endure is what America is. If we black folk perish, America will perish. If America has forgotten her past, then let her look into the mirror of our consciousness and she will see the living past living in the present, for our memories go back, through our black folk of today, through the recollection of our black parents, and through the tales of slavery told by our black grandparents, to the time when none of us, black or white, lived in this fertile land. The differences between black folk and white folk are not blood or color, and the ties that bind us are deeper than those that separate us. The common road of hope which we all traveled has brought us into a stronger kinship than any words, laws or legal claims."
Richard Wright - 12 Million Black Voices (1941)
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Dr. Kenneth Pitts is a very special speaker and story teller. He began his presentation with the above quote from Richard Wright. When Dr. Pitts tells a story he places you in the time and place where he was and is at the same moment. A brilliant dramatic, motivational speaker, he credits God for his special talents. It was a privilege and honor to hear and watch Dr. Pitts present his special version of this years theme for African American History Month, "The History of Black Economic Empowerment."
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The message: "Ministry in the market place, not the market place in the ministry." Dr. Pitts conveyed 4 scriptural messages in his presentation. The first- John chapter 2, verse 14-22, the story of Jesus in the Temple and the money changers. The second- Acts chapter 2, verse 1-4, The Power of God, the Enabler, the Holy Ghost. The third- John chapter 10, verse 14-18, "I am the good shepherd..." The fourth, closing- 1st Kings chapter 6, verse 11-12, "...the word of the Lord...keep all my Commandments to walk in them; then I will perform my word with thee..."
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Dr. Pitts message was simple, follow the word of God and the teachings of Jesus Christ and all will be made possible. We are fallible, we stray and we sin, but faith, prayer and placing your life into Gods hands will result in your salvation and your success. All will be made possible with this simple plan. It all begins with the miracle of salvation; John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
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Dr. Pitts' message solidifies why the Scottsboro Boys Museum's location in Joyce Chapel is so very important. African American history and Christianity in America are inseparable.


Ms Sheila Washington, Chairperson of the Scottsboro Jackson County Multicultural Heritage Foundation presents a welcome package to Dr. Kenneth Pitts our featured guest speaker for February 21, 2010 Black History Month. Article about Dr. Pitts http://www.al.com/religion/huntsvilletimes/news.ssf?/base/living/124600775980570.xml&coll=1
Councilman Gary Speers presents Dr. Pitts with a Key to the City.

Ms. Washington delivers a warm welcome to today's participants.

Reverend Gary Speers presents the Invocation. Rev. Speers also lead the group in singing "Lift Every Voice and Sing."

Ms. Washington gives a warm Scottsboro thank you to Dr. and Mrs. Pitts for their moving presentation at today's ceremony in the historic Joyce Chapel.

Ms. Candice Lovelady graces the church with a beautiful voice. Her rendition of "His Eye Is On The Sparrow" was a beautiful cappella presentation.

Dr. Pitts is a renowned local Obstetrician practicing in Huntsville, Alabama; Dr. Pitts is known as the "praying doctor." He related stories to the group concerning the power of prayer.

Mr. Steven Pitts, Steve is a student at Alabama A&M. Steve operated the audio visual equipment for his dad's presentation.

Mrs. Kathy Pitts, Mrs. Pitts introduced her husband and told the story of their early marriage and how God has moved their family.

This afternoons presentation at the Scottsboro Boys Museum and Cultural Center featured Dr. Kennth Pitts and family of Huntsville, Alabama. Fellowship, music and a message of prayer and faith presented by Dr. Pitts and family highlighted this evenings message.

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garrymorgan.icopyright.com

The Scottsboro Boys Museum and Cultural Center, Black History Month Program, February 14, 2010

Mrs. Doris Hutchins of Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church plays piano for the Stevenson, Alabama Youth choir.

Singers from the Stevenson Youth Choir grace the halls of Joyce Chapel with beautiful sounds of soulful music.

Rev. Gary Speers delivers welcome speech. Rev. Speers is a Scottsboro City Council Member and on the Board of Directors of the Scottsboro Jackson County Multicultural Heritage Foundation and Scottsboro Boys Museum Executive Committee member. Mr. Speers has been instrumental in assuring this museum has come to fruition.

Mrs. Kim Speers, Board of Directors Scottsboro Jackson County Multicultural Heritage Foundation and Scottsboro Boys Museum Executive Committee member. Ms. Speers spoke on African American History. Ms. Speers is a Librarian for the Scottsboro City Schools system.

How beautiful the youthful voices sounded in the 106 year old Joyce Chapel. Joyce Chapel was originally built in 1878 and rebuilt in 1904.

The Stevenson, Alabama Youth choir sung several songs.

Mrs. Hutchins tells the group of 20 on this cold February day about how special the museum is to Jackson County and our nation.

Mr. J.D. Stevens and wife. Mr. Stevens told the group about several stories he remembers from the 1940's.

The Scottsboro Boys in Scottsboro with full contingent of National Guard. This is a very rare picture from The Progressive Age, Apr. 4, 1931. Mr. Mel Klepper donated the newspaper to the museum.

Ms. Sheila Washington delivers invocation. Ms. Washington was the initial driving force for the museum. Ms. Washington also made a presentation related to little known facts of Black history in our nation.

Mr. Franklin McDaniels played several songs on the harmonica. Mr. McDaniels has a fantastic baritone voice as was evident from an archipelago presentation.. Music was a very special part of today's event.

Today's guest speaker was Ms. Frazine Taylor. Ms. Taylor will be rescheduled due to inclimate weather as she lives in Montgomery. Ms. Taylor is the Author of "Researching African American Genealogy in Alabama: A Resource Guide."

The group was small today, 20, due to inclement weather, however this was one of the most interesting and spiritually moving sessions to date.

Many thanks to all who attended and made this event possible.

Dedication of The Scottsboro Boys Museum and Cultural Center

It has been a while since Joyce Chapel has witnessed near 100 folks enter this historic church. YouTube video from "Left in Alabama" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-YFQRpq-O4 Monday's museum dedication-opening and beginning of Black History Month video links: WAFF TV 48

Updated March 19, 2021 - WAFF - TV Ch48, Historical Archives to the stories - https://www.waff.com/search/Scottsboro%20Boys%20Museum/1/

Many thanks for WAFF's historical archives. Most of the old story filings can not be found, except in WAFF's archives.

  http://www.waff.com/global/video/flash/popupplayer.asp?ClipID1=4507273&h1=Scottsboro%20museum%20opens%20to%20tell%20civil%2 WAAY-TV 31 http://www.waaytv.com/global/video/flash/popupplayer.asp?ClipID1=4508528&h1=Scottsboro%20Boys%20Museum&vt1=v&at1=News&d1=64900&LaunchPageAdTag=SearchResults&activePane=info&rnd=29640373 earlier WAAY video http://www.waaytv.com/global/video/flash/popupplayer.asp?ClipID1=4504390&h1=Scottsboro%20Boys%20Museum&vt1=v&at1=News&d1=28300&LaunchPageAdTag=Search%20Results&activePane=info&rnd=95527846

Reverend and Scottsboro City Councilman Gary Speers discusses the Scottsboro Boys Case. Rev. spears delivered the Prayer of Dedication.

Greetings and welcome. "Left in Alabama" story on the museum opening and dedication. http://www.leftinalabama.com/diary/5639/scottosboro-boys-museum-grand-opening-remembrance-prayer-song

Mrs. Louise Toliver greets folks as they enter Joyce Chapel. Mrs. Toliver is on the right of the picture.

Mayor Melton Potter delivers greetings and the Black History Month Proclamation. Left to Right, Councilman Keith Smith, Reverend and Councilman Gary Speers, Mayor Potter, Mrs. Kim Speers, Executive Committee Scottsboro Boys Museum & Cultural Center, Rev. Cliff Parrish and Ms Sheila Washington both Executive Committee Scottsboro Boys Museum & Cultural Center.

Mr. Franklin McDaniels plays Amazing Grace on the harmonica. One of the fantastic aspects of this beautiful old church is the sound.

Huntsville Times link on the opening: http://www.al.com/news/huntsvilletimes/local.ssf?/base/news/1265105722324480.xml&coll=1

WAFF-TV 48 News link: http://www.waff.com/Global/story.asp?S=11915758

UPDATE March 19, 2021 - Al.com archives link to stories about the Scottsboro Boys Museum: https://www.al.com/search/?q=Scottsboro%20Boys%20Museum

Many thanks to al.com for the historical archives

February's African American History Month events are listed. Click on the picture to view a close up of the schedule.

The museum opening times in March will be every 2nd and 3rd Saturday from 10AM to 4PM. Other times by appointment. Ph # 256-244-1310.

"Fiat justitia ruat caelum, Let justice be done though the heavens fall." http://www.law.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/FTrials/scottsboro/SB_BHort.html

Excuse my notes on the program. (Click on any picture for an expanded view.)

Judge James E. Horton's Granddaughter Mrs. Cathy Horton Garrett. Mrs. Garrett delivered a wonderful speech concerning her Grandfather's commitment to justice.

"Grandaddy blessed my life as a grandfather and blessed many in the world with his decision. He was an ordinary man who did an extraordinary thing."

Ms. Lecia Brooks, Southern Poverty Law Center, Civil rights Museum Director, Montgomery, Alabama. Ms. Brooks pointed out there are 926 hate groups which are currently known to operate in the United States. Several are located in the North Alabama area.

"It takes a strong courageous community to say we will not hide our history...to heal and say in one united voice, this will never happen again."

From left to right, State Representatives Butch Taylor, Representative John Robinson presents a check for $1000 to Ms. Sheila Washington and Mr. Gary Speers, Scottsboro Boys Museum and Cultural Center Executive Committee.

Mrs. Kim Speers, Executive Committee Scottsboro Boys Museum & Cultural Center, Librarian Brownwood Elementary School, delivers welcome speech. "The truth shall set you free."

News Crews from around North Alabama were filming the event. WAFF-48's story: http://www.waff.com/Global/story.asp?S=11915758 WAAY-31's story: http://www.waaytv.com/Global/story.asp?S=11912625 See above videos.

Many thanks to these fine people, left to right, Mr. Garrett, Ms. Brooks, Mrs. Kathy Horton-Garrett, Mrs. Horton, Judge Horton's daughter-in-law and Kathy's mother.

Rep. Robinson and Rep. Taylor.

David Brewer of the Huntsville Times, Scottsboro Mayor Melton Potter, Ms. Sheila Washington discuss the museum.

Reverend Cliff Parrish and Ms. Brooks discuss the museum.