Stepin Fetchit: Hero or Hinderance

Comedic actor, Stepin Fetchit, was born Lincoln Theodore Monroe Andrew Perry on May 30, 1902 (maybe as early as 1892). There is little know about Mr. Perry’s early life, but he was born near Key West, Florida to immigrant parents. Personally, this surprised me; the man who would personify the southern jive-talkin’ “coon” was the son of a Jamaican father and Bahamian mother. Until I looked up his info, I had him growing up with Ma Rainey (see: redhotjazz.com/rainey) in Alabama or Mississippi somewhere.

Mr. Perry was better known for his stereotypical, foot shuffling, slow talkin’ – yassa bossin’ character that became synonymous with uneducated blacks in the Southern United States. It appalled and offended many African Americans, while entertaining much of white America. In fact, it entertained white America so much that Mr. Perry became the first actor in history to become a millionaire.

Interestingly, despite all the criticism and accusations for setting black folks back about a hundred years, Mr. Lincoln Theodore Monroe Andrew Perry (AKA Stepin’ Fetchit’) was praised for his part in opening doors for black actors, and notably received the Special Image Award by the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People). Also, he was elected to the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame in 1978. Mr. Perry died from congestive heart failure in Los Angeles on November 19, 1985. He was 83.

Photo source:  slate.com
Source info:  imdb.com, and redhotjazz.com

Ellington's on Eighth

This past Saturday, I had the pleasure of seeing a couple of live bands play at Ellington’s on Eighth. Ellington’s on Eighth has been located on 8th Street in Southeast Washington near the Marine Barracks since Mother’s Day in 1998. Saturday’s performances were by Nigerian singer and songwriter, Kuku and South African band, Mahala featuring the magical guitar on Mongezi “Chris” Ntaka. It was a real treat. Now, top that off with an international buffet featuring West African/Caribbean cuisine and great conversation, then you have a typical evening at Ellington’s on Eighth. This cozy little champagne lounge and garden café was started by two sisters from Iowa name, Marsha and Annette Martin. They saw Ellington’s as an opportunity to serve and give back to the community. As a matter of fact, Ellington’s staff was chosen through referrals from places like DC Central Kitchen. This fit in well with Annette’s background in Social Work. She could serve the community as a business owner and continue her mission as someone who loves to help others. I’ve never met Marsha Martin, but Annette Martin is a wonderful person. Her warm manner and ready smile reminds me of an auntie or older sister. On any given day she could be seen talking and laughing with the customers. I’m sure that she has often been mistaken for a waitress or server because she is always among the patrons making sure they are comfortable and being served. Unfortunately, Ellington’s on Eighth closed its doors after nine years of serving the Capitol Hill community. Family, friends, and patrons said their goodbyes this past Sunday on their 9th Anniversary. Ellington’s on Eighth will be missed…but only in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. Annette Martin assured me and others that she and her sister are considering other locations in the DC metropolitan area for a future location. So, all is not lost on this journey and perhaps the Ellington name will reemerge on another street closer to you or me. I hope so and I hope it’s soon. So, thank you Annette and Marsha for nine great years on 8th Street. Annette, thank you for taking the time to talk with me and for showing me your book on African Americans in Iowa. I'd also like to thank your very funny and talented staff for their service and wonderful hospitality. I wish you the very best. Peace~

Clarification and message from Annette:

"one clarifiication ... of the employees you met on Saturday ... two were from DC Third and EATS (Community Family Life Services), one from Ballou High School and another from CSOSA. I have also been fortunate to employ a number of people from the HOMELAND .... AFRICA ... this has given be great HAPPINESS . I have grown so much. Ellington's on Eighth is a special place ... I am glad to have met you."

MC Spotlight: Cathy Delaleu

Bowl Of Gathered Thoughts

Here Mom
Throw your childhood stories in this wide bowl
Fill it up with your Haitian history
I know Grandma is not here anymore
But I can still taste her pineapple kisses tattooed on your
Cheeks
When I rub your face you laugh just like her
You add baking powder to elevate this family’s heart
With your legacy for many generations to appreciate
What you are all about
The pain and sorrow you encountered
Are long forgotten but we can still mix a pinch of salt
A reminder with cherry kisses
Mix lots of sugar in this bowl since Papa walked away
He never even bothered to say goodbye
I don’t really care
Truth is…your love is plenty and thickens this dough
Filling up this bowl you flavored with your loving essence
Creating for ourselves a rich and delicious upside down
Cake

Cathy Delaleu, writer & poet “Wrapping Thoughts Beneath Emotive Rain.” (2006)

Cathy’s talent and love for her Haitian roots can be felt throughout this book of poetry. I particularly like this poem because she pays homage to the strength of the women in the Haitian community. She does this by honoring her mother and recognizing the strength and love passed down by the grandmother. There are other poems in Delaleu's book that touch on love, eroticsim, disappointment and religion. I wasn’t able to get into all of them, but this just proves that Ms. Delaleu has a little something for everyone to enjoy. Wrapping Thoughts Beneath Emotive Rain is a celebration of life with all the happiness and hurt that embodies the human spirit.

Clifford loves Cathy! *smile*

Note: If you want to know more about Cathy Delaleu and her work please visit, www.delaleuwritings.com

Columbus Day Poem and Photo

This is a poem that I posted last Columbus Day. It was dedicated to the people of the Caribbean. I hope that you enjoy it and have a great weekend.

Poetry: God's Creation

Oh, and how can I forget the plantains for NML, Geoffrey Philp and Guyana-Gyal. What is a more delicious way to celebrate the day when the indigenous people of the Caribbean discovered Columbus! *smile*