Mount Vernon Matters

Edward Parham (my Dad!) visiting the American Legacy Mobile Tour

What do Cleveland, Baltimore, Detroit, Mount Vernon, and eight other cities have in common?

These are the places that have been stops on the inaugural 12-city national American Legacy Magazine’s “Know Your History” Mobile Tour exhibit.

Yesterday, the tour made its city debut. It was hard to miss the 18-wheel tractor-trailer in Mount Vernon High School’s student parking lot, even on an inclement day. The amazing display was on view from 10 to 5.

Rodney Reynolds, a Mount Vernon resident, and the publisher and founder of American Legacy Magazine, created this innovative black history mobile museum project. The quarterly magazine reaches an estimated 2 million readers.

In an earlier press release Mr. Reynolds said, “This is another giant step in the history of American Legacy Magazine where we move closer to our mission of teaching our history and helping to restore pride and self-esteem to those in and outside of our community, specifically our young people, who do not know their history," says Rodney J. Reynolds, founder and publisher, American Legacy Magazine. "This unique experience will be just another approach to help them feel good about where they've been and give them hope on what they can achieve."

My visit to the multi-media exhibition was a family affair, as my parents came with me. It was a wonderful opportunity to look at the magazine’s cover exhibition, which was a virtual timeline of twentieth century African American history. Magazine covers featuring iconic figures were prominently displayed with allied memorabilia included baseball player Jackie Robinson (with a baseball bat); Muhammad Ali (with autographed boxing gloves); and Duke Ellington (with a replica of a top hat). There was also a flat screen monitor that showed clips from the motion picture, The Great Debaters, adapted from a story that appeared in American Legacy Magazine in 1997.

Visitors were able to trace their ancestral roots, using computer terminals in a genealogy kiosk, linked to 1930 U.S. Census data found on ancestry.com. Another monitor looped promotions for the ground-breaking PBS series, African American Lives 2, hosted by Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. There were also photographs by famed photographer, Leon Henderson of famous African American women including former Mount Vernon resident, the late Dr. Betty Shabazz.

The true hot spot within the trailer was the Black History Trivia Wheel. Several young people, and adults (including my dad) vied to answer questions about a wide range of topics, including African American firsts to win prizes. After listening to the questions, I quickly realized that I still have so much to learn! Fortunately, my journey begins today, as I open up the pages of the Spring 2008 issue of American Legacy Magazine that was included in the complimentary gift bag.

Many thanks to Mr. Reynolds for giving this unique gift to the city and the nation. The exhibition was co-sponsored by Wachovia, Greater Philadelphia Tourism, and PBS. It will conclude at White Plains City Hall on February 29. For more information about American Legacy Magazine, please visit the official website located here.

William and Sandra Fuller

I first met William and Sandra Fuller at the Groovin on Gramatan Street Festival in September 2007. The Fullers were vendors, and had a wonderful tent, featuring silk flowers. Their display was gorgeous. I was able to take their picture. Mrs. Fuller gave me her business card, and I kept it for future reference.

When my website launched in January, Mrs. Fuller was one of the first people to contact me! She sent me a lovely note, and within a few weeks, we had a great conversation about her life here in Mount Vernon, and her business, Silk Flowers of Care - Creations By Mrs. Fuller.

A former New Rochelle resident, Mrs. Fuller has called Mount Vernon's Vernon Heights neighborhood home for more than 35 years. “I love Mount Vernon. I love the area, it is very comfortable, nice and not too far from New York.”

The Fullers have been married for 46 years. Their adult children, Dasche and Randy are graduates of the Mount Vernon City Schools. They are also proud grandparents of Amber and Kayla Gaines, who live in Georgia.

For 11 years, Mrs. Fuller cared for children in her home. “I had an upscale daycare center. I taught them both about their culture, and we did crafts.” Now in retirement, Mrs. Fuller said that she and her husband, William, have had more time to devote to their community activism work throughout the area.

Mrs. Fuller mentioned that she has had a life-long appreciation for both interior design and fashion. Five years ago, she discovered another passion, arranging silk flowers. “Initially, I started out making floral arrangements for girlfriends as gifts. In the beginning, I was inspired to create pieces for the love and feeling that I had for the person. Eventually my friends would ask me if I would ever consider selling the flowers.”

The hobby soon grew into a full-fledged business, with the dedicated support of her husband, who is also retired. He was the proprietor of a sheet metal concern located in the city. Mrs. Fuller credits him with being an integral part of the venture. “I could not do this without my husband. There is so much that you have to do to make an arrangement. He makes many of the soil mixes, the boxes, and takes pictures for the website.” Additionally, Mr. Fuller constructs the unique fountains that their business also sells.

On most days, Mrs. Fuller can be found at her in-home studio, where she devotes many hours assembling a variety of arrangements, which reflect her design philosophy. “I don’t just put flowers in a vase. I use lots of color in the floral arrangements. I try to work on the principals of blend, scale, and balance. When I walk into my studio, it’s almost like the flowers are at attention. I’m always surrounded by them.”

Mrs. Fuller explained how she selects flowers, and vases from markets and vendors nationally. Her flowers are often known for their life-like quality. Her favorite plant to work with is the bird of paradise, which is indigenous to South Africa, and known for its stalks of purple and orange flowers resembling a bird.

Customers have come to Mrs. Fuller to design arrangements for many occasions, including weddings, birthdays, and various holidays. The flowers come in an array of sizes, colors and textures. While she has some standard designs, she also works with clients to create custom orders to meet their needs.

Mrs. Fuller is often complimented on the beauty of her work. However, she is equally proud that she has received accolades for the longevity of the pieces. “Once I put my flowers into an arrangement, they stay. I only use top quality silk and other materials. I want the best.”

Mrs. Fuller’s meticulous attention to detail, and artistic vision has led to a loyal following, and a substantial roster of clients. She named several prominent New Yorkers in politics, the arts, and academia, who have her arrangements in their homes and offices.

Over the past five years, Silk Flowers with Care has received print media coverage, and the subject of a feature story on “Ancestor House” a popular Manhattan based television show. The company's customer base continues to grow, because the Fullers keep a full calendar to sell the arrangements at events throughout the New York metropolitan area.

One of the more intriguing discoveries over the course of our conversation was that Mrs. Fuller has also expanded her brand globally. For the past several years, she and her husband have traveled to Ghana. Mrs. Fuller spoke with pride of their commitment to paying tribute and honoring their African ancestry daily.

An outgrowth of this love has been their investment in the 30-room Sanaa Lodge Hotel with several long time friends. The hotel is located in Cape Coast, Ghana, and has views of the Atlantic Ocean. As hoteliers, the Fullers have had the opportunity to decorate the property with many of their silk flowers. Floral arrangements will soon be sold at the hotel’s gift shop.

Overall, Mrs. Fuller enjoys a full life as she is committed to her family, community activism, travel, and of course her flowers. “I love doing what I am doing. I can take my time.”

For more information, please visit the Silk Flowers of Care website here.
Contact Mrs. Fuller at 914.699.2246
All floral photographs courtesy of Silk Flowers of Care

I've just come in for a soft landing after many days of being out and about. There will be plenty of new notes next week. You've been joyously warned.

It's hard to believe it was 70 degrees on Monday! On this snowy Friday, I thought I'd take a moment to share some of the fun announcements that have filled my inbox and the photo archive to forget about the snow. Dream away into a wonderful reality.

Come fly with Me...

Daydreaming of seeing the stars or just the beautiful beaches and the palm trees in Southern California? Jet Blue just announced that they are now flying from JFK to LAX beginning in May. The deals are taking off right now at the SoCal is SoBlue Sale.

Do you daydream about helping New Orleans? The notNeutral folks are selling a wonderful cityscape map plate of the recovering city. The best part is that the proceeds benefit the stately and lovely City Park. The popular plate will be available again on 3.1.08 on the notNeutral website.

Are shotgun houses way cooler than MacMansions? I opened a box full of sunshine recently when my copy of New Orleans Favorite Shotguns arrived at my house. My friend Mary Fitzpatrick is the co-author of the book with Westchester native Alex Lemann. With over 100 photographs, this compact and colorful gem benefits the Preservation Resource Center of New Orleans (where I once interned). Enjoy the complex simplicity of the most memorable vernacular architecture in the Deep South. People share stories about the love of home, family, and community. It's a fabulous and happy book. More information can be found on the Preservation Resource Center's website here.

Dreaming of a short window-shopping excursion via Metro-North? The parades of Chinese New Year may have come to an end, but slightly north of Manhattan's Canal Street is the usual hustle of deep SoHo shopping traffic. If you missed it, the Pearl River Mart store can recapture the magic of Chinese paper lanterns and fans or to find a small sushi serving set too.

Another nearby hip haunt is CB2, a modern design destination of Crate and Barrel. While my heart favors the super Chicago store, the compact Manhattan outlet has created several interior spaces to equal a genuine urban sanctuary. It's a glorious moment to lazily dream about an at-home room makeover for less.

Dreaming of the glamorous fashion life instead? There is always a bliss inducing moment at Bloomingdale's SoHo.

Dreaming of an affordable iPod to play the sounds of Brazil? The iPod shuffle is now $49! New this week, iTunes is offering an exclusive live sessions album by twenty-first century whispery sweet singer Bebel Gilberto. The four song EP will transform you to the southern continent and make you think that you tracked sand into the house from the beaches of Rio de Janeiro. Click here for more details.

Finally, the dreams conclude at wishing for spring, which is always free. Here are several photographs from beautiful Wave Hill in the Bronx. ENJOY the weekend...

(l to r) Nancy E. Fitch, Dr. Nancy-Elizabeth Fitch, and Leah Morrisseau leading the audience in "We Shall Overcome"

Mrs. Nancy Fitch, a dear friend who has known me since I was born, invited me to attend this wonderful event. It was a joyous moment to see so many fellow citizens come out to pay homage to African American authors. I also had a chance to meet several readers of this website, which was really fantastic!

The Literacy Volunteers Learning Center of Mount Vernon, hosted the Sixteenth Annual National African American Read-In Chain, on February 2 at the Mount Vernon Public Library. Founded by the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English, the Read-In is a national event that promotes the importance of literacy during Black History Month. The chain involves the reading of works by African American writers.

Nancy E. Fitch, Coordinator of the Literacy Volunteers of Mount Vernon, Inc., welcomed everyone to the event. The enthusiastic participants included literacy learners, volunteers, and members of the community.

Mrs. Fitch told the audience, that the afternoon’s theme was a tribute to Dr. Melvin B. Tolson. Dr. Tolson was an American Modernist poet, educator, columnist, and politician. His early career at Wiley College, where he built an award-winning debate team, has recently been the subject of the major motion picture, The Great Debaters.

The Great Debaters has a unique Mount Vernon connection. Mount Vernon native, Denzel Washington served as the film’s director, and portrayed Dr. Tolson. The acclaimed movie itself was adapted from an article that originally appeared in American Legacy Magazine in June 1997. Mount Vernon resident, Rodney J. Reynolds is the magazine's Founder and Publisher.

Patricia P. Rajala, President and CEO of Literacy Volunteers of Westchester and Rockland Counties, offered opening remarks, “This Read-In has happened for 16 years. I am proud that Mount Vernon is still known as the first Literacy Volunteers of America program. It was founded in 1972. I am happy to be apart of this event again. Debating is something that we do all of the time. It is a wonderful concept to celebrate the life of Melvin Tolson.”

Opal Brown Lindsay, Director of the Mount Vernon Public Library, was thrilled to see the turnout of about 50 guests at the event. She said that the library hoped to have more community related activities, and said, “this is what literacy is all about.”

Dr. Marianne Russell, who wrote a critical analysis entitled Melvin B. Tolson’s Harlem Gallery, was a special guest speaker at the event. Dr. Russell said while Dr. Tolson was a contemporary of the Harlem Renaissance movement, he was never a participant. She noted, “He wrote about Harlem the way that he saw it. He knew Harlem very well. The Harlem group of writers was his masters thesis.”

Dr. Russell (pictured left) said that Dr. Tolson often had debates “about the southern condition. He also had ties to both the church, and the ordinary person. He worked to organize both black and white tenant farmers to form a union. He had a high investment in race and community.”

While Dr. Tolson’s writings have largely concentrated on the African American experience, he was also declared the poet laureate of the African nation of Liberia in 1947. Dr. Russell noted however that Dr. Tolson was “often criticized for not being black enough. This was based on how he wrote poetry. He made his language intentionally complicated.”

Mrs. Fitch praised the local White Rock Baptist Church, which also has its own literacy program. Kayla Cave, a 7-year-old author read an imaginative poem called “My Jobs.” Kayla described a variety of her future occupations, ranging from archaeologist to lawyer. Shakira Stevens, another young Mount Vernon resident, gave a brief biography of Dr. Tolson.

Several attendees took the opportunity to share passages from their favorite nonfiction works about African American life. Dr. Nancy-Elizabeth Fitch, the author of the acclaimed How Sweet the Sound: the Spirit of African American History, read from the stirring and inspirational Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave. Dr. Fitch said that she often uses the text to teach children about the importance of reading and writing skills. Many of their ancestors were denied the right to learn to read and write as a way to deny them their freedom. “Young people can now realize that they have a whole horizon, and a future.”

Long-time city resident, Herbert Mooney, had an informative discussion from two nonfiction works by Jim Haskins, and Henry Louis Gates, Jr., and read from an issue of Crisis Magazine about the concepts of race in America. Edmonia Snipe (pictured below, left) read a series of spirited poems from a book called Rooted in the Soul. Ethel Washington recited the classic Countee Cullen poem, “Simon the Syrian Speaks.”

Other speakers addressed issues about the continuation of the Civil Rights movement, and the upcoming presidential elections. A singer named Germane sang a stirring song by Sweet Honey in the Rock called “Freedom Never Dies.” She shared with the audience that she was originally from North Carolina, and had picked cotton as a child.

Mount Vernon resident Derrick Claye read a passage from the Shirlee Taylor Haizlip memoir, The Sweeter the Juice. Mr. Claye discussed how the author had sought to untangle the threads of her own family history, whose heritage combines black, white, and Indian forebears. He mentioned that often it is difficult for African Americans to construct a family tree, without having complete knowledge of ancestral origins. “In many ways, we do not know our history. The circle is not really complete. There are missing links there.”

Derrick Claye

The program concluded, as Mrs. Fitch, accompanied by her daughter Dr. Fitch, and Leah Morrisseau, joined together and led the audience in a rendition of “I Don’t Feel No Ways Tired.” The closing song was “We Shall Overcome.” It was truly a fantastic day for Mount Vernon to come together to honor the past, explore the importance of Black History, and to celebrate the written word.

This year marks the tenth anniversary of my inaugural visit to New Orleans. After I graduated from Tulane, it took me a full five years to return to the scene of the dazzle, the glitter, the charm, the excitement of the Crescent City.

Whenever I miss New Orleans, I usually manage to find a musical surrogate to guide me through the longing. Fortunately in New York, the jazz scene is deep and varied to include some of the best New Orleans musicians who manage to appear here on any given weekend. I recently had what I consider to be one of my best concert experiences ever, right at the House of Swing, Jazz at Lincoln Center.

By all accounts, my jazz knowledge is strictly cursory, but if it makes my head nod, a smile cross my face, or if I occasionally recognize a favorite song, it's all good enough for me. I had a chance to attend a rare pre-performance lecture by some of the most respected jazz musicians, who were convened to discuss the history of New Orleans Jazz. Yes, a truly expansive topic for 60 minutes, but it was a great primer for the concert.

Victor Goines (clarinet and soprano saxophone), “Papa” Don Vappie (banjo and guitar), and Wycliffe Gordon (trombone), were panelists for the lecture moderated by Ken Druker, JALC’s education director. The musicians were participants in a special concert extolling the timeless musical genius of Louis Armstrong (trumpet), Jelly Roll Morton (piano), Joe King Oliver (trumpet), and Sidney Bechet (clarinet).

Druker opened up the evening’s conversation. “Yes, it’s a rare opportunity that we have tonight to have all of these fine musicians with us.” Suddenly, Druker sent out a call, “In New Orleans, we say it’s..?” To which the audience responded, “Lagniappe!” which is Creole for a little something extra.

Vappie, a New Orleans native, discussed how New Orleans had been a global center from the time of its founding, with origins in French, Spanish, Caribbean, Native American, and African cultural traditions. New Orleans was more of a European city with as many as three opera houses in the 1800s.

Wycliffe Gordon, who originally hailed from Georgia, told the audience how his love of jazz came from listening to early Louis Armstrong recordings as a teen. He found it exciting to play New Orleans jazz because of the degree of improvisation that had been afforded them in the special series. “I understand the role of the clarinet, the trumpet, the bass, and the drums. When we play, we are the composer. Everyone takes on a role in the participation. It’s a gumbo!”

Victor Goines, grew up in New Orleans, and is now the director of jazz studies and professor of music at Northwestern University. He previously was the artistic director of the jazz program at the Juilliard School for seven years. He also served as the concert’s music director.

Goines provided commentary about one of the evening’s subjects, trumpeter Joe King Oliver. “The term ‘king’ got passed around between trumpet players. King Oliver was a very powerful leader. He was one of the most popular soloists in jazz, and he toured with Louis Armstrong.”

Druker asked the panel, “Who invented jazz?” Vappie joked, “Jelly Roll Morton said that he did!”

Victor Goines was asked about the strong soloist who was credited for moving jazz forward, Sidney Bechet. “Bechet was an innovator. He came up in his music. He said it was his band and melody. He was an outstanding individual who had one competitor, Louis Armstrong.”

Wycliffe Gordon reiterated why he had such respect for Louis Armstrong. “I feel close to Armstrong spiritually. When you see the film footage when he visited Africa on the State Department tours, warring factions called truces just to watch Louis Armstrong play. He has a sound that is noticeable. He was very distinctive. He influenced American music in general, including singers and soloists.”

Victor Goines added about Armstrong, “Pops lived his music. We just study it now.”

Gordon nodded in agreement, “Yes, the way Pops played was just melodious.”

Vappie concluded, “Jazz is part of the culture of New Orleans, so it is a part of our life. It is social music.”

Later in the evening, the party continued, as other sons of the Crescent City joined in the celebration, including Troy “Trombone” Shorty (trombone, trumpet), Jonathan Batiste (piano), Reginald Veal (bassist), Herlin Riley (drums) and trumpeter Marcus Printup. It was a jazz extravaganza of epic proportions. New Orleans native, Wendell Pierce was the evening’s host and narrator.

Pierce, best known for his work on the HBO show, The Wire, weaved bawdy,humorous,and colorful stories about each of the jazz legends of the Crescent City throughout the concert. At the concert's close, the audience erupted in thunderous applause, and gave a rousing standing ovation. Amidst cheers, everyone danced as the ensemble returned to the stage, only to proceed moments later into the audience to form a raucous second-line.

As they say in New Orleans, Laissez les bons temps rouler (let the good times roll)!

When I was six years old, I became engaged in the world, when I received a library card. It became my first connection to a supplemental educational resource that extended beyond my school. Oh how the books I had access to in the Children’s Room at the Mount Vernon Public Library felt simply limitless! This precious piece of paper, which was the size of an index card with a small metal borrow ID plate, was the key to opening up a world of books, which made my imagination soar.

However, my greatest first true taste of independence came whenever I went to the bookmobile! Yes, I know anyone who grew up in Mount Vernon remembers the scheduled day when it came to the neighborhood. It was the first unsupervised activity because it was only steps away from my elementary school every Monday. I remember balancing my marble notebooks, with four newly borrowed books on the walk home, to be returned without delay within two weeks. It was the greatest experience, and I have loved to read ever since.

The beloved bookmobile is long gone, but the treasured 112-year-old library remains. Our community has now been alerted to a $1 million funding gap, and a reduction of hours. Under the direction of Opal Brown Lindsay, and the advocacy of concerned civic-minded supporters, the library has also become a tremendous community resource. Children now have viable recreational activities such as dance, chess, and book clubs. Community organizations have a central meeting place. Job seekers have career resources. Those who do not have computers have free access to the Internet. It’s even a great place for residents like me who enjoy the recent additions of quality arts and cultural programming, offered for free!

Hopefully, there will be a resolution to this crisis soon, to prevent the demise of this vital institution. Click here for complete coverage of the story courtesy of the Journal News

[where: 10550]

Yes, a sure cure for the winter blues is a fast trip downtown to enjoy something delightful.
One of my favorite new occasional spots is Jacques Torres Chocolate.  It is the quintessential New York experience, as it celebrates the city’s industrial past, and its richly decadent present. The retail store, combined with an active chocolate candy manufacturing plant, is a sweets enthusiast’s delight.  Chocolate is processed from the bean to a finished product onsite.

Deena Parham | Comments Off | Share Article