Diamond Jubilee Anniversary Gala

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Melvyn Gilbert
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1 Shrines of the Black Madonna Of the Pan African Orthodox Christian Church Jaramogi Abebe Agyeman, Founder & 1st Holy Patriarch Jaramogi Menelik Kimathi, National Presiding Bishop Diamond Jubilee Anniversary Gala Cardinal Barbara Nandi Martin Honoring October 26, 2013 Lighting the Way for a New Generation

2 An Anniversary Message Tonight, we are excited to honor the work and legacy of the Shrine Cultural Centers and Bookstores and the leadership of Cardinal Nandi aka Barbara Martin. Since 1970, the Shrine Cultural Centers and Bookstores have had a profound impact on the black community that has stretched into the four corners of the world. When black authors, artists, activists, poets, thinkers and organizers had no place to display their gifts, the Shrine Culture Centers and Bookstores gave them a hope and a home. Today many of them are celebrated authors, renowned artists, history-making activists, influential public figures and well-known radio and TV personalities. This we can measure. But what we can t measure are the thousands of people who have been enlightened and uplifted by the cultural center s enlightenment ministry, and in turn, the work that they have been inspired to do in our community. We can t measure it, but we know it s there because everywhere we go, in this country and abroad, we meet someone who has been touched by the Shrine Cultural Centers. The Shrine Cultural Center and Bookstores have had many managers in the cities we serve, but the one constant throughout its 43-year history has been Cardinal Nandi who shared her radiant beauty, regal grace, impeccable taste and sophisticated elegance to make the culture center the best and largest black-owned bookstore and cultural venue in the country. Thank you Cardinal Nandi, all of our managers and staff for the transformative impact you have had on our people. This is a night where we attempt to express an appreciation that can never be fully conveyed. The success of this Gala can be attributed to the diligent work of the synod planning committee and all of those who have volunteered to ensure that your evening will be enlightening and entertaining. We hope that you will continue to enjoy the Pan African Orthodox Christian Church s 60th Anniversary and Diamond Jubilee Celebration. Sincerely, Jaramogi Menelik Kimathi Lighting the Way for a New Generation

3 The Evening 7:00pm Red Carpet Reception Grand Ballroom Reception Foyer 8:00pm Welcome & Introduction Mistress & Master of Ceremonies Adesola Holmes & Rev. Lumumba Seegars Toast: Reflection on the Past ~ Praise for the Future D. Kamathi Nelson, Presiding Bishop & Fd. Naillah Nelson Fashion Show Melodrama Boutique Introduction of our Honoree One Woman s Dream (Video Presentation) The Rose Ceremony Rev. Randy Mwenda Brown, Pastor Introduction of our Keynote Speaker Rev. Mbiyu Chui, Pastor Keynote Speaker Ms. Baraka Sele Closing Remarks Cheza & Cash Bar

Cardinal Barbara Nandi Martin Cardinal Barbara Nandi Martin has been a central figure in the history and evolution of the Shrines of the Black Madonna for over sixty golden years.

In beginning stages of the Shrine Cultural Center & Bookstore, she created a safe haven for Black artists, jewelers, sculptors, painters, musicians, writers and other prominent personalities, both

She mentored many who needed a jump start in getting small businesses started, or who lacked the managerial knowledge and expertise necessary to be successful at their endeavors.

4 Cardinal Barbara Nandi Martin Cardinal Barbara Nandi Martin has been a central figure in the history and evolution of the Shrines of the Black Madonna for over sixty golden years. From the earliest days of the church in the old Crossman Elementary School, through our expansion in the early 70 s across Detroit, and then onward to Atlanta, Houston and Calhoun Falls, S.C. she has been a rock steady in moving the Nation forward and helping to touch the lives of Africans across the Diaspora. In beginning stages of the Shrine Cultural Center & Bookstore, she created a safe haven for Black artists, jewelers, sculptors, painters, musicians, writers and other prominent personalities, both locally and nationally to come and share their gifts with our people. She mentored many who needed a jump start in getting small businesses started, or who lacked the managerial knowledge and expertise necessary to be successful at their endeavors. Traveling to home on numerous occasions, she established strong partnerships with local vendors throughout West Africa, who became lifelong friends of the Shrine Cultural Centers. As Matriarch of the Black Nation, she guided and trained many young women and men, to develop their passions and to hone their skills for the benefit of the greatest good. In the words of our beloved Founder, Jaramogi Abebe Agyeman, My sister is just a good doing booger! Always thinking about the health and well being of others, she has been a selfless example of devotion, loyalty and steadfast faith. As a dedicated Keeper of the Culture, she has inspired many to preserve the shared values, customs and traditions of Mother Africa in our contemporary reality, and to pass on our rich heritage through all manner of creative expression to the next generation. On the occasion of our 60 th Church Anniversary, we celebrate and salute one of our great sheroes, both as a church Founder, and a continued sustainer of our mission to build a Pan African World Community, and a Kingdom of GOD on Earth! May the Ancestors continue to bless, protect and keep you, Cardinal Nandi, with the divine love, grace and power of the Almighty One.

Baraka Sele Baraka Sele, a native of Detroit, Michigan, became a published poet at the age of eighteen when a poem she wrote, inspired by the 1967 riots, was printed by the Detroit News.

5 Baraka Sele Baraka Sele, a native of Detroit, Michigan, became a published poet at the age of eighteen when a poem she wrote, inspired by the 1967 riots, was printed by the Detroit News. Baraka s first collection of poetry, Inside the Devil s Mouth was published when she was still an undergraduate student at Eastern Michigan University. Since that time, Ms. Sele s poems have appeared in various publications, including Black American Literature Forum; Ishmael Reed and Al Young s Quilt 4; Nostalgia for the Present: An Anthology of Writings (from Detroit); Solid Ground: A New World Journal. Throughout a more than thirty-year career of working in the arts, including her tenure as the Assistant Vice President of Programming at New Jersey Performing Arts Center, she has presented numerous poets and spoken word artists. Baraka completed B.A. and M.A. degrees in English and Modern American Literature at Eastern Michigan University. She has taught at Eastern Michigan University, Texas Southern University, and New College of California in San Francisco. She has been a guest speaker at numerous colleges and universities throughout the United States. Baraka Sele currently works as an independent performing arts curator, a consultant, and as an independent producer.

6 Anniversary Gala Committee Sister Marie Abeo Brown, Gala Chair Sister Ayo Thomas Mother Abeni Olushola Sister Chekesha Meta Sister Adero Tianyvu Fd. Karimah Onyemachi

7 Special Acknowledgements Melodrama Boutique The PAOCC National Media Ministry And with many thanks to all our great volunteers and supporters!

God s Messengers. To Our Visitors and Friends

God s Messengers. To Our Visitors and Friends The Shrines of the Black Madonna of the Pan-African Orthodox Christian Church 960 R.D. Abernathy Blvd., S.W. ~ Atlanta, Georgia 30310 Jaramogi Abebe Agyeman, Founder Jaramogi Menelik Kimathi, Holy Patriarch