MARCH
2006 - BLACK HISTORY MONTH TOUR
Well,
it is mid-March and we’re still recovering from our Black History
Month tour. I had the pleasure of meeting so many incredible people during
our screenings of “The Journey of Henry Box Brown.” The children
were so bright and enthusiastic that I can hardly wait to get back on the
road and meet more of them.
We started off in D.C. where we visited the Woodbridge Branch Library. Alexandra Dugger of the NAACP introduced me and I had the opportunity to screen the DVD for a large group of children and answer questions afterwards. The kids really enjoyed the story and had some great questions and observations of their own they wanted to share with me.
Next, I headed to Los Angeles where I appeared on Tavis Talks, Tavis Smiley’s talk show on PBS. As usual, he was a delight. Very engaging and very enthusiastic about Sweet Blackberry and what we’re trying to do.
The next morning I rolled out of bed and made my way to the KJLH radio station studios where I had a good time on-air with Cliff Winston and The Hometeam. I then headed to the Magic Johnson Theaters where “The Journey of Henry Box Brown” was being screened at the Pan African Film Festival. The Q & A was lively. A lot of kids. A lot of questions…about all sorts of things.
Next Stop, CHICAGO.
I had a great interview with Jittaun of WVEL Radio followed by a pretty amazing Saturday. I had the honor of speaking at The Rainbow PUSH Coalition during their live, weekly international TV broadcast and radio simulcast. Reverend Jackson couldn’t be there, as he was at home convalescing after a leg injury, but I look forward to meeting him next time. The response at Rainbow PUSH was fantastic. Dorothy Tucker, a local reporter and terrific lady, interviewed me for CBS and also turned out to be a trusted and helpful friend to us while in Chicago; Plus, I got a chance to make a new friend in her daughter, Nya.
After Rainbow PUSH, we headed to the African American Images bookstore for a screening and signing. African American Images was one of the first retail outlets to carry “The Journey of Henry Box Brown,” so it was a special visit for us.
Services on Sunday morning at the Carter Temple were lovely. We met Rev. Sylvester Williams and his wife, Carmen. The congregation gave us a warm reception and, once again, the response to Sweet Blackberry’s mission and our first DVD was wonderful.
After Carter, we were off to Salem Baptist’s House of Hope. We had the pleasure of experiencing Rev. Meeks’ inspiring service, as well as the opportunity to address the 20,000 member congregation from the pulpit. It was all broadcast live.
That night, we had only just arrived back at our hotel when we got a call asking if we could rush over to the Dusable Museum of African American History for their televised, black-tie gala event called “Night of 100 Stars,” which honors the contribution of African Americans from Chicago. Chicago native Michael Clarke Duncan was being honored but was held up in Toronto filming a movie, so the Dusable organizers called me to see if I would accept the award on Michael’s behalf. We had only about 20 minutes to get there! So there we were, back in the cab, no time to change my clothes or touch up my makeup. It all ended up just fine though, and I had a great time at the event. The Dusable Museum even asked us to come back in June. I can hardly wait. It’s a prestigious institution with a remarkable collection of historical information, and I’m proud Sweet Blackberry has garnered their recognition.
On our last day, we visited Superstation WGN’s Morning News Program. I think they may be the funniest morning team I’ve ever seen. Anchors Larry Potash and Roseanne Tellez provided the fun. Next, we hung out in the studio with Roland Martin at station WVON. Roland’s program (and Roland himself) is thought-provoking and fascinating. I enjoyed taking calls and hearing from his listeners.
Then it was off to Boston where we had another terrific screening with a group of librarians and children at the Codman Square Branch Library and then headed to Atlanta to have an interactive storytelling session with the children at the Imagine It! Children’s Museum. It was a great time.
As a company, we know that it is the support of Sweet Blackberry’s friends – new friends and those who have been with us since Day One – who will help us spread the word about what we’re trying to accomplish. I couldn’t end this “travelogue” without saying thank you to the people who believe in what we’re doing, and give us faith, hope and the energy to keep moving forward. So, thank you, and please keep spreading the word!
Regards,
Karyn Parsons and the Sweet Blackberry team
