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Michigan Legislative Black Caucus Michigan Legislative Black Caucus Michigan State Representatives

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, Feb. 19, 2008

Black Caucus Plans Event to Celebrate Black History Month
First female bishop of the AME church to give keynote speech

LANSING – State Representative Brenda Clack (D-Flint) today announced that the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus (MLBC) will hold a Black History Month celebration in the Capitol rotunda on Wednesday, Feb. 27.

"We're honored to have such a distinguished keynote speaker at this year's program," said Clack, who is chair of the MLBC. "The Black History Month celebration offers the chance to enjoy a soul-stirring, enlightening experience."

The 22nd annual Michigan Legislative Black Caucus' Black History Celebration will be held on Feb. 27 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Capitol rotunda. The keynote will be delivered by Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, the first female bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal church.  When asked about the significance of her election to the office of bishop, McKenzie reportedly told Ebony magazine that the "stained-glass ceiling had been broken." Her great-grandfather, John H. Murphy, started the Afro-American Newspaper in 1892 and her grandmother, Vashti Turly Murphy, was a founding member of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority, which currently has a national membership of more than 250,000.

The theme of the event is "Embracing Our Future by Nurturing Our Youth." The event will also feature the Earl Nelson Singers, the Michigan State University Praise Singers, Peaceful Authority, dance groups and more.

The Black History Month celebration is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, Feb. 15, 2008

Film, Art at Capitol Mark
Celebration of Black History Month
Everyone welcome to watch documentary about Detroit's role in America on Feb. 19

LANSING – The Michigan Legislative Black Caucus cordially invites members of the public to visit the Capitol on Tuesday, February 19, to watch "Black Bottom and Paradise Valley: The Forgotten Legacy," a documentary written and directed by Sharon-Elizabeth Sexton of Detroit.  

There will be two showings of the movie, both in the Speaker's Library, Room 252 of the Capitol Building.

The showings will take place at 11:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. A display of photographs, quilts and paintings by Michigan artists will also be featured, and refreshments will be served.

"Black Bottom and Paradise Valley: The Forgotten Legacy" highlights Detroit from 1701 through 2007 and reveals little-known facts about the city’s role in American history.  The film features information about Black Bottom (one of Detroit’s early African-American neighborhoods from the 1920s through the 1940s) and Paradise Valley (Detroit’s entertainment district during segregation times).

In addition, the documentary also exposes the ups and downs of pre-WWII African-American life in a major northern city and shines a light on Jim Crow segregation, Prohibition and the Depression, as well as live jazz music, the Underground Railroad, race riots and more.

Legislative Power With Purpose”
State Representative George Cushingberry Jr.


Focus

We can never lose focus of who we are and our purpose to be advocates for those who are unable to speak for themselves. We must strive for excellence in all our endeavors, and work to enhance the quality of life in the communities in which we live. We must never lose sight of the issues that challenge us, and we can overcome those challenges by fighting and demanding CHANGE!

State Representative John Espinoza
Celebration

This is a great time to celebrate our history and culture. Togther we can build and expand our communities through unity and collective actions. Welcome to the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus, where we believe in "Legislative Power With Purpose"!
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