SPRING 2015 NEWSLETTER

The Association of African American Cultural Gardens

THE ANNUAL MEETING Co-chaired by Johnnie Mae Wallace and Lavita Ewing was a luncheon meeting held at The

Martin Luther King Jr., Library in University Circle on January 23, 2015 . The President of

the Cleveland Federation of Cultural Gardens, Shelia Crawford was very excited to give us

an update and status of all the gardens along with a history of the Gardens. The Gardens

belong to the city of Cleveland and is managed by the Cleveland Federation of Cultural

Gardens. All plans are approved by the Federation and time table for ground breaking

completion of new designs are also approved by the Federation.

We were very pleased to be able to donate $2000.00 to the task force as part of our

$25,000 commitment for the construction of the African American Cultural Gardens. We

were very successful last year in meeting our educational and financial goals Lavita Ewing

gave an overview of activities and programs that were completed during 2014. We continue

AAACG | SPRING 2015 NEWSLETTER, PAGE 1

to market the garden through community events and community organizations.

The development committee, established this year by our president is planning a black tie

event for November 28, 2015. Members of the committee are community leaders along

with AAACG members. The goal is to raise $100,000 for the construction of phase one of

the garden. The event will be held at the Global Center of Health Innovation, which is part

of the Cleveland Convention Center.

Mr. John Anolinfo, the executive director of the Famicos Foundation as well as our fiscal

agent, was on hand to give us an update of the financial status of the task force. The

Famicos Foundation will be the project manager for the garden. The goal is to break

ground in 2015.

NEWSLETTER ARTICLES The Annual Meeting Pg.1Kwanzaa Celebration Pg.2

Home Going Celebration Pg.3Erma Howard-Pride

Mighty Scarabs Pg.4Celebrating Community Leaders Pg.5

John L. Cox AwardUpcoming Event: Pg.6

“ A Night for the African American Cultural Gardens”

AAACG | SPRING 2015 NEWSLETTER, PAGE 2

The Association of African American Cultural GardensPO BOX 20237 | Cleveland, OH | 44120 | 216-509-6427 | aaacg.org

This year’s Kwanzaa was a joint venture with The Friends of East Cleveland Library”. The activity was held on Saturday December 27, 2014 at the East Cleveland Library. We celebrated the 2nd principle Kujichagulia, which is self-determination. We had a full afternoon of activities, which consisted of a drum performance by “The Voices of the Valley” dancing, craft, entertainment and the spoken word. The program ended with a reception of a light healthy lunch. There were well over one hundred in attendance.

KWANZAA CELEBRATION

HOME GOING CELEBRATIONS

The Association lost another member, Mrs. Erma Howard-Pride was among the original members dating back over 20 year or more. Erma was very involved in her community, volunteering her skills in countless needy organizations.

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PresentsBy Cornell Calhoun III

Directed by Christopher Johnston

Twenty years have passed since Cleveland’s East Tech High School Basketball Team captured the State Championship, a source of pride for its community and followers. But did that one shining moment ultimately

contribute to their demise? Hail to the Mighty Scarabs!

When: Sunday, March 29, 2915Where: Karamu House

2385 East 89th Street, Cleveland, OH

Time: 3:00 p.m.Reception 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Cost: $35

MIGHTY SCARABS

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CELEBRATING COMMUNITY LEADERS

On Friday, December 5, 2014, the association gathered to help honor Bonnie Paul as she was recognized for her service to the community. Bonnie is a graduate of (NLC) Neighborhood Leadership Institute, class 27. She serves as a social worker for the Benjamin Rose Institute. Bonnie is a graduate of Cleveland State University with a Masters in Community Health Education. She is also co-founder of Hindsight View Initiative. Ms. Paul is a tireless advocate, reaching not only seniors, but also youth through countless mentoring programs. Association members joined a packed house at Moggiano’s Little Italy at Beachwood Place to celebrate her honor. The master of ceremonies was Harry Boomer from Channel 19 action news.

Ms. Paul is the co-founder of Hindsight View initiative, which focuses on holistic health and welfare while addressing the factors that influence the whole person-culture, race, self confidence, knowledge and attitude. Hindsight View’s current project is “Soul Food Junkie” partnering with Vel Scott’s “Healthy You” to teach seniors to prepare simple, economical dishes that promote healthy eating.

AAACG | SPRING 2015 NEWSLETTER, PAGE 5

A Night for the African American

Cultural Gardens SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2015

6:30 P.M. - 11:00PM

THE GLOBAL CENTER FOR HEALTH INNOVATION

1 SAINT CLAIR AVENUE

N.E. CLEVELAND, OH 44114

DINNER | COCKTAILS | FORMAL ATTIRE

EDITOR/ GRAPHIC DESIGNERStephanie A.Tremble

sat.gdesigns@gmail.com