Umoja Soul Kids Fashion Show

Its time again for the Because of Them, WE Can Fashion Show

Youth ages 3 and up and some Adults too, will get a chance to model historical people from the past and present

Children will also be a part of the “Because of Them, We Can Fashion Show in which children will dress up similar to characters such as George Washington Carver, Rosa Parks, Harriet Tubman, President Barack Obama, Michael Jackson, and more. 

It will allow diversity in which all races of children will march as Selma Marchers, Freedom Riders, Selena, Eva Longoria, Oscar De La Hoya, Abraham Lincoln, Mother Teresa and more.

Please have the picture of the person that your child is modeling to be emailed to Leora Jackson, Missy Womack, Latoya Haliburton, or LaTrisha Harris (Fashion Show Coordinators) at umojasoulnwa@yahoo.com. This will allow us to project the picture on screen as the child walks the runaway.  You would wish to have your child dressed and matched closely to the picture that you send. Also, please send a short 3-5 sentence bio of that person to the email as well. If you can't send a bio, the coordinators will find a bio of that person.

During the fashion show, the MC will say, next we have Alisha Smith as Rosa Parks. The child will walk runaway and come to the mic and say, “My name is Rosa Parks. I am the mother of the Civil Rights Movement. (Each child is to give a one sentence statement or quote of their character) The MC will read a brief bio and then turn to Alisha and say, Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls, Alisha Smith as Rosa Parks! Alisha will then say, “Because of Rosa Parks, I Can! Then she walks off stage. If the child does not wish to say anything, they don’t have to The MC will introduce the child as they walk back and forth and read the bio and child will bow and exit the stage.

We are very excited and can’t wait to have your child perform in honor of Historical Characters of the Past.

Volunteers are needed to help with recruitment at the 3 Boys & Girls Clubs in NWA: Fayetteville, Bentonville and Rogers. Please contact umojasoulnwa@yahoo.com if you wish to help.

Fashion Show 1 will be held from 6-8pm at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church on Saturday Feb 20, 2016

Fashion Show 2 will be held from 11sm-1pm at the Fayetteville Boys & Girls Club on Saturday March 12, 2016. 

Rehearsals are on Saturdays from 3-5 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

Let your children, BECOME something greater.

Check out the website by Eunique Jones who created photography to capture children dressed up as people of past and present. Ms. Jones will be visiting the UA on Feb 25. It is open to the public.

 If you wish your child to participate, please email umojasoulnwa@yahoo.com.

MLK Events 1-18-16

MLK EVENTS Today

Here are some more events for MLK Day! Get out and service. If you have kids, bring them to the Fayetteville Boys and Girls club to get some food serviced by Dwelling Place Church and they can sign up for the BHM Showcase. Volunteers will be available to help sign your child up for a role in the Fashion Show.

Dwelling Place Feed HOPE Event

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

Join us as we FEED HOPE & FIGHT HUNGER (A Day of Service)

Monday, January 18th

Feed Hope & Fight Hunger with Us.

3:00 p.m.

Location: Boys and Girls Club - Fayetteville. AR

Description:

Feeding At-Risk Children and Teens while Affirming Every Child at the Boys and Girls Club

(Come Serve with Us)

This is a day of Service. Come out and March, go to the Boys and Girls club and have some fun servicing others today and continue your service throughout the year.

Umoja Soul BHM Showcase with the

Because of Them, WE can Fashion Show

Your child can sign up for performances in 2 Fashion Shows by signing up at the desk at the Boys & Girls Club. Or you can email umojasoulnwa@yahoo.com and sign your child up for a character Past or Present. Deadline to sign up February 6.

 

THE NWA Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. COUNCIL

PRESENTS

20TH ANNUAL CELEBRATION

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. HOLIDAY

2016 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Theme: “Celebrating our Past, Recommitting to His Dream"

Friday, January 15th

“I Have A Dream Speeches”

Center1101 SW Citizens Circle ~ Bentonville, AR,

5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Co-sponsored by Bentonville Community

Saturday, January 16th

Community Service Project

Seven (7) Hills Day Center for the Homeless

1555 W. MLK Blvd ~ Fayetteville, AR

9:00 a.m.

Co-sponsored by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Sunday, January 17th

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Service

St. James Missionary Baptist Church ~ 764 W. North Street ~ Fayetteville, AR

3:00 p.m.

Featured Speaker: Rev. Dr. Jeff Flannigan

Co-sponsored by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Monday, January 18th

MLK Dream Keepers’ Community Service Programs

Youth Prayer Breakfast

Janelle Y. Hembree Alumni House ~ 491 N. Razorback Rd ~ Fayetteville, AR

8:00 a.m.

Youth Activity

University of Arkansas HPER Building ~ Fayetteville, AR

9:30 a.m.

Co-sponsored by UA Intramural Sports and Intercollegiate Athletes

Monday, January 18th

MLK Freedom March

Corner of MLK Blvd & Razorback Road ~ Fayetteville, AR

11:15 a.m.

Inclement Weather Location: University of Arkansas Union - Verizon Ballroom

Noon-Day Vigil

University of Arkansas Union - Verizon Ballroom ~ Fayetteville, AR

12:00 noon

Sponsored by UA Associated Student Government & Black Students Association

ARVEST Service of Reflection

ARVEST Plaza, Downtown Location~ 75 North East Street~ Fayetteville, AR

2:00 p.m.

Featured Speaker: Mrs. Betty Davis, Retired Practical Nurse and Navy Veteran

20th Annual Recommitment Banquet

Fayetteville Town Center

15 West Mountain ~ Fayetteville, AR, 7:00 p.m.

The Northwest Arkansas Martin Luther King, Jr. Council presents "Celebrating Our Past, Recommitting to his Dream". Our keynote speaker will be Sam's Club CEO Rosalind Brewer. In addition, the MLK Scholarships will be awarded and the 2016 Salute to Greatness honorees will be recognized for outstanding community service.

News

2016 Recommitment Banquet Tickets SOLD OUT!

Get Social.

Connect with us on Facebook & Twitter to learn about upcoming events and volunteer opportunities.

Follow us on: Follow nwamlk on Twitter

Contact Us

Please email us at contactus@nwamlk.org

Northwest Arkansas MLK Council

PO Box 3453

Fayetteville, AR 72702

http://www.nwamlk.org/news-events/

Kwanzaa Celebration in NWA

Kwanzaa NWA Celebration

Habari Gani?

Nia!

Fayetteville, AR. Participants of the Kwanzaa Celebration repeated the Swahili Word Nia (Purpose) thought out the evening as the hostess led the program with Habari Gani” which means, Whats the News”  and the news was Purpose! This event was held December 30 in Fayetteville at Dwelling Place Church under the leadership of Pastor Marcus Carruthers.

Kwanzaa Committee: Dr. Charlene Johnson-Carter, Jimmye Whitfield, & Leora Jackson

“This is my 3^rd time participating in Kwanzaa since Dr. Charlene started hosting Kwanzaa in NWA,” said Marilyn Smith. “ I enjoy renewing my knowledge and experiencing the culture, but the crafts though, it’s not my specialty area.”

Marilyn Smith

Mariyah Smith

Trey Smith

Dr. Charlene Johnson, Associate Professor at the University of Arkansas was one of the hostesses of the event and started planning for Kwanzaa in September 2015 with Jimmye Whitfield, Yoga Instructor and Leora Jackson, Umoja Soul NWA Blogger.

“We had the largest turn-out in all the years I have celebrated Kwanzaa in Northwest Arkansas.  I think folks not only enjoyed the celebration but also learned about our heritage and its importance for our movement further as a people, said Johnson.

The participants of the Kwanzaa celebration had a chance to eat dinner which symbolizes karamu or the great feast. After feasting, Dr. Johnson gave the history of Kwanzaa and discussed the seven principles or Nguzo Saba.

Ms. Jimmye Whitfield, one of the elder members of program, was giving the Unity cup as a way to pay tribute and honor to the elders.

Kwanzaa Table

Jimmye Whitfield

Whitfield also brought in a Guest Speaker Mrs. Veryln Gulley to talk to kids about savings on the principle of Ujamaa or Cooperative Economics.

Gulley talked about credit and savings and a 9-year old girl raised her hand when she asked the kids, "Who has a Savings Account?"

Out of 7 kids in the room, ranging from age 5 to 13, she was the only one with a Savings account.

“It was such fun!  It seemed the grown-ups were just as involved or more as the kids,” Whitfield said. 

“Mrs. Gulley said she would love to continue with educating our people on the most important subject of money and banking.”

Verlyn Gulley talk on Savings

Veryln Gulley, Arvest Speaker

 After the presentation from Gulley, all participants were given arts and crafts to create a shield to define their purpose.

Alise Whitfield, age 9 said, “I like the event because it is a way to acknowledge our ancestors.”

Sy’ree, age 8 said “I like learning more about Kwanzaa and spend time with other people and the craft is great because you have a chance to do what you want to do. Sometimes I want to be creative to see what I can make.”

Mr. John L. Colbert & Sy'ree Colbert-Diaz

Sy'ree lights the candle of Nia

 \

Missy Womack and her son 11 year old son were at the event for the first time.

“It is lovely. It is nice that kids are enjoying themselves. I enjoyed how you allowed the kids to be part of the event to light the candles," said Womack.

Victor Quintana and his wife Jane Stitt were excited to be there as newcomers as well.

Victor and Jane Quintana

Victor Quintana

Jane Stitt

“This was something fun. It is a new holiday and it is great to learn something about a new culture,” Quintana said.

Gwen Kelley who was present at the event acknowledged that it was a great evening of community celebration.

And indeed it was!!!

All participants, including adults created crafts and had a chance to describe their crafts. Crafts of a person in the center of a snake described a teacher protecting her students from the woes, discrimination, racial injustices of society. Another craft was pictures of fashion and a child’s purpose was to become a fashion designer, another was pictures of food and different culinary dishes and this described a girls dream and purpose to become a chef. Some crafts looked at combinations of the Kwanzaa principals and elaborated with details on each one and combined elements of family togetherness on others.

Kathy Hall summed it up best, “It was such a privilege and a blessing to be part of the celebration. The more I contemplate Kwanzaa, the more genius it seems. What a beautiful and gentle way to affirm choice and purpose and how the whole community is blessed by the individuals who are its fabric.”

Dr. Johnson gathered the group together at the end of the craft presentation and had them to repeat a new word, “Harambee”, or Let’s pull together.

For the group, the community and the nation, we must pull together!

Happy Kwanzaa!

by Leora Jackson

Photos by Timberly Whitfield and Leora Jackson

Photos of Crafts that define a person's Nia or Purpose:

 

 

POETIC JUSTICE VI-Off the Heezy

Poetic Justice VI: If You Weren’t There, You Missed Out

by Tony Boyd

Tammy "Michelle" Perry, Danette Simmons at PJOM 6

F. L. Jones

Simply put, Poetic Justice VI held on Friday 12/4/15..... was off the heezy. That Groove I told you that permeates Fayetteville and beyond was in full effect. Poets, singers, and comedians graced the stage to release, educate, and entertain. Veterans and first-timers alike brought their best. A mood was set as soon as you walked through the lounge doorway, mellow 90’s R&B permeating the room. Early attendees were jamming to the rhythmic beats in their seats. More than a few “Wooo yeahs!” and “That’s what I’m talking back!” could be heard from the crowd. Seats filled up fairly quickly.  A lot of hugging, laughing, and chatting was going on. It was a family like atmosphere.

Cherokee Lian

Umoja Soul’s intrepid leader, our very own Leora “F. L. Jones” Jackson was first to take the stage to introduce the night’s Mistress and Master of Ceremony, Tina Gaston and Jared Carter. Tina and Jared’s seemingly effortless stage chemistry immediately engages the crowd and get the night’s festivities on track. Jared was first to take the stage to bring us an original untitled piece (that we will call Sweet Be Sweet) of his own. I gather it’s an ode to the women in his life, daughters, mother, aunts, grandmothers, etc. 

Tina Gaston & Jared Gaston, 

DJ Adams

Tina followed him up with an original piece of her own entitled, “Does It Bother You?” The way I see it, it was an ode to defiance, defying negativity, hate and attempts to take away your spirit. Its also seems like an example of standing up for yourself, being strong within yourself, fighting back…for yourself. Stirring.

F. L. Jones returned to the stage to engage us with a new piece called “Why Can’t We Say Her Name?” Relatively much has been made of the male Black lives senselessly lost to police misconduct.  Jones’ piece sought to shed light on the Black female lives also lost to the same travesty. Aiyana Stanley-Jones, Sandra Bland, Adaisha Miller, Darnesha Harris, Erica Collins, etc., etc., etc. Their stories should be front page as well. As she left the stage, the crowd showed their appreciation for the knowledge she bestowed with a rousing round of snaps.

Stacy "LIFE" Harper

Jesse B

Jin

Next up, a personal favorite of mine, Cherokee Lann. This young man has an incredible natural timing and cadence that sync flawlessly with the prose he spits. He attacks the mike with the ferocity of a boxer heading into a championship bout. Left jab, left jab, feint, straight right, his words land like blows to the soul. His piece was titled “Know That I Know”. It was a one on one conversation between good friends where one is contemplating suicide and the other trying to talk them out of it. So much undercover pain and silent suffering in the world. Some folks aren’t blessed enough to have someone who knows them so well that they can tell what’s going on without being told. Cherokee’s piece struck a nerve and gave one pause. You never know who’s in need of being pulled back from the edge.

Danette Simmons

Haley Smith

J.D Rowland

From Cherokee’s lyrical poetry, we transitioned to the musical stylings of Jessie B. His first time up, he set a mellow mood by doing his rendition of “Love” by Musiq Soulchild. Channeling his inner Jon B., he graced the stage three more times belting out soulful renditions of other R&B hits. His version of “Nice and Slow” by Usher really took some audience members back.  You could tell by the swaying bodies, raised/slowly waving right arms, and the singing along. Not to mention the smiles and “Wooo yeahs!” reverberating around the room. Later, he reached a little farther back to hit us with Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come”. Last but not least, he brought our multi-talented Mistress of Ceremony, Tina Gaston to the stage with him to perform a duet. The song he chose has a special meaning to me. It  was Beyoncé and Justin Timberlake’s “Until The End of Time”.  I had to sing along to that one.  Jessie exited the stage to appreciative applause each time.

Mike Day

Steve Coger

Anne Shelley, still grooving from Jessie B’s performance, danced to the stage and dropped some powerful revelation with “My People, Chapter 1”.  Speaking as one white person to all others in attendance,  she first spoke to how some white people can be defensive, feel like they don’t see color and don’t feel responsible for the plight of Blacks and other minorities. She explained to them that being a victim of racism is a helluva lot worse than just being called a racist. She encouraged them to look at the part that they play in the perpetuation of racism, white privilege and inequality. She spoke of the very recent example of some white people protesting the all Black cast of “The Wiz”, calling it reverse racism and suggesting there should be an all White version. (Guess they are not familiar with “The Wizard of Oz”).  Shelley also pointed out something very significant. None of the problems we face in race relations today will change until the practice of America meets the promise of America. This statement has been echoed down through American history. We are still not there yet.

Anne Shelley

Brandon Watts, "Poetic Thoughts"

A first for (well at least the ones I’ve attended) Poetic Justice VI, we had comedians. First of these was J.D. Roland. His first set was about bad family get togethers. Set number 2 was about dating issues (women so argumentative, they would argue with Jesus if they dated him). The last set included some religious themed adult humor about masturbation. You could tell he had done a good job by the uninhibited laughter from the crowd.

After Jessie B’s second stint, a young man who I had not seen at previous Poetic Justices followed him on stage. His name was Steve Coger. He should have been coming sooner. His inaugural foray onto the Poetic Justice stage blew me away. His piece, “Whose In Heaven”, chronicled the mistreatment of low income and Black people. It told tales of harassment, misappropriation and abuse of power by police. His voice too, had a lyrical quality with an engaging cadence. He should come back and do more.

Veronica

Jared returned to the stage to introduce the next poet but not before hitting us up with another untitled original piece of his own which we will call “Flow”. The somber theme of  “Flow” revolved around incarceration.  It was a short but poignant piece.  With that, he graciously relinquished the mic to the next one up, a poetess named Laura Weeks. Laura’s piece was simply titled “Anxiety”. Anyone familiar with anxiety, panic attacks, depression, etc. felt what Laura had to say. She saw her anxiety/panic attacks as a monster (metaphorically). Because of her “monster” she was considered weird. Though her piece was about something so negative, it also included positive outlook and about being true to your self.

Tammy Perry, another first timer, stepped to the staged to perform an original hymn of her own creation entitled “The Trinity”.  The Trinity refers to the Holy Trinity of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. Listening to Tammy sing her soulful, stirring ballad from the bottom of her heart had us all feeling “churched”. When she left the stage, it was to great applause and appreciation of a job well done.

I am thankful for the opportunity provided by Poetic Justice Open Mic night. I am glad that I was able to share my gifts and talents. Looking forward to many more. Be Blessed.  ~ Tammy Michelle Perry.

So many great performances happened at Poetic Justice VI. Dannette Simmons performed “Stardust” about a mother losing a newborn. Haley Smith performed “The Power of the Word” about former lovers not being able to be friends. F.L. Jones read another original of hers called “I Don’t Know But I Will March For You” speaking about abuse, police violence, gay rights and more. L.I.F.E. – Life In Front of Everything (Stacy Harper) performed “Midnight Moments” about the tests of life, a sink or swim kind of situation that helps you to see your own strength. She spoke of not letting the tests overwhelm you because handling the stress is how champions are created. D.J. came to the stage to read a work by Maya Angelou.  Steve Smith returned to the stage to entertain the crowd with his version of Michael Jackson’s “Human Nature”.

Tina Gaston

 Michael Day stepped to the mic with his original piece “She Can Get It” about uplifting women as opposed to the denigration that has been going on in popular music. Veronica, yet another first timer, performed “Myself”. It was a personal piece about not denying whom she was, not denying self. Our second comedian, Jin, did a set about weird eye contact and former partiers becoming parental. Brandon Watts aka Poetic Thoughts shared his untitled piece about having a testimony and opening up in a relationship. 

An effervescent Poetic Justice stage veteran, Trina, brought her own brand of knowledge in the form of an original poem called “Ignant”. In it she decried the inconsistencies in America. Stating that the whole “knowledge is power” thing is a falsehood.  L.I.F.E. returned to the stage to perform “I Will Sing Hallelujah”, an ever-changing work that incorporates current events. F.L. Jones reprised her “Shake The Hands”. Rounding out the evening, Anne Shelley returned to the mic to do a poem about love in which she states, “ Open arms are like angel wings.”

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that Umoja Soul Writers’ Group also took up donations to sponsor Christmas presents for a deserving boy and girl.  It’s a great example of some of what the organization is about.

Trina 

Yes, I know this blog is a little lengthy compared to the others. That should let you know that it really was a grand old time at Poetic Justice VI. Poets, singers, comedians, music and an appreciative audience culminated in a great night had by all. Our minds were expanded, funny bones tickled, spirits uplifted, and our groove stirred. But don’t just take my word for it.  Here is a  quote from one of our audience members:

This was my first experience with Umoja Soul.  I have always loved spoken word and am passionate about poetry. I am so happy to see a group of advocates for Justice that stands up for just us, and aids in raising awareness in an area that is deeply underrepresented for minorities. ~  Janine D. Jamison, Fort Smith

See you at Poetic Justice VII. Peace.
Tony E. Boyd

Crowd at PJOM 6

Jesse B Performance

After Show Photo

Tammy Perry & Monique Jones

Crowd at PJOM6