Readers React to the Shirley Sherrod Case

I have written today to the White House asking them to reverse their position on
Ms. Sherrod who was unfairly treated by the Agricultural Secretary and the
President without (them) at least looking at her speech in its entirety.  I would
think that before terminating someone they should at least allow them to respond
to the charges lodged against them and not to be summarily dismissed without
some kind of hearing. If the Republicans got over on the administration, it was
due to the unfair way Ms. Sherrod was treated in the fist place.  What kind of
tyrannical regime is in power in Washington and is this what I voted for in the
last election?

Herbert Smith

Maryland

July 21, 2010

 

Perhaps a forum can be held on this episode as well.

Edward Sargeant

Washington, D.C.

July 21, 2010

 

I am again not shocked to see this happening from FOX news. As a biracial or
Black man, I can see these biases of the media continuing to hurt our people
in general, and, in particular, those of us in positions of high
responsibility. I believe that Ben Jealous and the NAACP have been very
responsive to the Tea Party issues concerning our race. Just as a
suggestion, I wonder if BET could air the truth about Shirley Sherrod. Our
people deserve a fairer chance in the midst of the media's interpretation of
the fact

Jim Durante

New Jersey

July 21, 2010

 

Thank you.  Now I know much more about this issue

Joyce

July 21, 2010

 

The question you asked, is one in whichI would love to hear the answer. What happened to investigating things in its entirety before making a rash decision? Folks need to stop taking excerpts and investigate..

Afra Vincent

Matteson, IL

July 21, 2010.

 

Thanks for the Shirley Sherrod Snippet.

Norman West

Washington, DC

July 21, 2010
 

First Black Valedictorian at Notre Dame

Congratulations on the success of your high school alumnus. I know you must be very proud and deservedly so. May her good deeds inspire the youth of Gary. I hope the media there gave her the amount of publicity they shower upon athletes and those who get caught up in the wrong stuff. This is as significant as President Obama having been elected to the presidency of the Harvard Law Review. Since I doubt media in Indiana have done what they should have or be should be doing in Ms. Washington's behalf, you get extra kudos for putting out the good news.

Ronald King

Washington, D.C.

April 29, 2010
 
Easy Tools to Help Yourself and Others Vote History

Thanks for your always timely and informative newsletter.  Where can you get voter registration forms for new voters? I am attending "One D.C.'s Community School" this Saturday and thought that I would try to register voters.

Lee Hairston
Washington, D.C.
September 16, 2008

Guyana Pride

I want to thank Port of Harlem for hightlighting Guyana's Indpendence Celebrations in New York!  I'm a proud 1st generation American with deep roots in this beautiful, under-estimated West Indies jewel.  Guyana isn't  a big tourist attaction so we don't usuallly get a lot of press in The United States.  Unfortunately, most Americans only know of Guyana via the Jim Jones tragedy.  Thanks again, Port of Harlem for bringing some postive attention to this beautiful country, with her rich history and equally beautiful people!

Philippa Stuart
Hyattsville, MD
May 30, 2008

Moved to The Gambia 

I have been reading Port of Harlem for some time now.  I am highly inspired by your relationship with The Gambia and the work you are doing there.  I am an African American  married to a Gambian, and we recently left the so called comforts of our American life in Maryland and moved to the Gambia with our three children.  We built a home in the country and still we are building our lives there. 

In The Gambia, I sew very few Black Americans and it startles me to see so many Europeans taking advantage of what we should rightly be doing.  Unfortunately, many Gambians know very little about African Americans outside of the popular culture of hip hop/rap.

 I am looking to partner with groups such as yours to bring more awareness for African Americans to come home, to visit, to invest, or to just see for themselves.  Gambia is beautiful and so are her people.
 
Michelle King-Jobe
Brusubi, The Gambia
March 24, 2008

Karibu Closes

I was truly saddened to read about the closing of Karibu.  To me it is as though a member of the family had passed.   This touches me very deeply because my family supported these brothers when they had a kiosk in Landover Mall.  I also read where there was fierce competition from the mocha chocolate and frappacino factions.  This closing is VERY serious to the survival of our community.  In these latte factions, our story is relegated to one section in the store.  I have seen where these "one" sections are getting even smaller. 

Is there not something we as a community can do to at least keep ONE these stores open and support it like our lives depend on it?   We constantly complain that there are not enough stores in our community.  Furthermore,  we say that we do not support those of us who are business.  I would hate for us to be content sipping on our "mint juleps" on the verandas of these chai lattes  while our history is being relegated to one shelf.  This day I am going to Karibu to at least touch base with Mr. Simba to convince him to keep at least ONE of the stores open.
 
Thank you for allowing me to vent.  A people without knowledge will truly perish.

June Williams
Washington, D.C.
February 21, 2008

Karibu Closes

Mr. Simba, I am one of the millions of your Black patrons and like everyone else I want to know why you are closing your business?  It goes without saying that if there is anything we, the people, can do to help you we will, but we need some answers.

Thank you and may God bless you for the fine service that Karibu has afforded us for your 15 years.  Perhaps with everyone's assistance, you can make it to 15 more.

Kelly-Marie Berry
Washington, D.C.
February 21, 2008

Karibu Closes

I am sad, not just because of this recent news, but also because of the state of Black-owned businesses in general and the seeming lack of awareness/interest within the larger Black community to recognize the need for our conscious and constant patronage to support these institutions.  We have got to show our children that they can succeed at owning and operating businesses rather than just sending them off to college so they can eventually work for others.  That is not the hopes and dreams of our forefathers and mothers who worked so hard for us to achieve equality within this system.   And we’ve got to show them the way, first through our examples of supporting those who look like we do and provide good service.

Donna M. Smith
Washington, D.C.
February 21, 2008

Our Children, Our World Photography Exhibit Was Special

Wayne, I finally made it to the library on Saturday to see your photo exhibit. Thank you so much for sharing it. It was truly special. I hope to see you soon.

Donald Burch III
Washington, D.C.
December 3, 2007

Winner of Jewels:  50 Phenomenal Black Women Over 50 Finds POH Resourceful

Thank you!  I'm looking forward to picking up my copy of Jewels ... !  POH and Snippets continue to be very helpful resources.

Jackie Johnson
Washington, D.C.
April 25, 2007

African Americans Must Reach Out to Continental Africans

It's really sad that nearly all of the Sudanese who have come here have been "adopted" by White families instead of Black families. I always make it a point to reach out to Africans whenever I come across them so they will know we care.  So many of our brothers and sisters keep their distance.
 
Ronald King
Washington, D.C.
Mar 24, 2007

Reader Likes Iran

Herb, my husband, and I just got back from the Middle East.  We visited Dubai, Jordan, Syria and Iran.  Each country has its own story but I wanted your readers to consider going to Iran.  This country is not only rich in its 5,000 year history but the people are friendly and there are many parallels between our culture and theirs.  The country is safe and not at all like the Iran portrayed in our media.

I found that I attracted some attention simply because I was Black.  I asked our tour guide about this and she responded "Black people don't come here.”  I feel it is worthwhile for people of African descent to experience this rich (non-Arabic) culture that did not utilize slavery in its development.  Please share this with your readers however you see fit.

Kym Chandler
Redding, CA
Dec 5, 2006

From  A Veteran Journalist

Keep up your strong stream of positive information.

Askia Muhammad
Washington, DC
July 1, 2006

Glad That Port of Harlem Exists

I want to take this opportunity to compliment you on your great website.  It is nice to know that such an informative magazine about our Black community exists.

Jim Durante
Cedar Knolls, New Jersey
May 9, 2006

Good Graphics

You have a beautiful magazine.  The graphics are articles are very professional.

Judine Slaughter
Mt. Rainier, MD, Maryland
May 3, 2006

Snippets Keep Me Close to America

[While on travel] Port of Harlem Snippets keep me as close to America as can be imagined and I am deeply appreciative.

David Kosoko
Washington, D.C.
March 19, 2006

Snippets are Rich!

POH Snippets are wonderful and rich.  I will present that story on Lucy, our 3.8 million-year-old Ethiopian ancestor, to my friends. Thank you so much.

Ebrima Kebbeh
Banjul, The Gambia
March 10, 2006

Praising the Past

After reading your February-April print edition, I thought this may be of interest.  We come from Farmville, Virginia and are currently living in different states, however, we twice a year to celebrate our past and rejoice in the present.
-------
On the banks of Buffalo Creek in Farmville, Virginia, lies a few acres of land we call “home.”  The creek provided water for the plow horses, a place for us to swim, and a meeting place of leisure.  It was also an enemy, with the heavy rains our creek would overflow its banks and flood the corn Grandpa had planted.

Laughter, talk, and exclamations of fun covered the sound of the rippling waters as nightfall quietly crept from the lowlands and nudged us indoors.  The song of the bob white and whippoorwill harmoniously blended with the spring frogs and crickets.  With sunrise, the rushing waters ran freely as the crowing of roosters and lowing of cows greeted another day.

Time and circumstances moved us to other states and cities.  Now we meet twice a year to celebrate our past, our love, our kinship, our accomplishments and survival.  Our meetings have taken us to Alabama, New York City, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and in April to North Carolina.

Here we are today – sisters, sister-in-laws, friends, and Cousins.

Gloria Jackson Gibson
Alexandria, VA 22309
March 9, 2006

Great Event

Thanks for putting on a great event.  I have been telling everyone about it and to go see the play.
 
Nigel Simon
Upper Marlboro, Maryland
January 24, 2005

Symposium Opened Doors

Wayne, I want to thank Port of Harlem for giving me the opportunity to be a member of the "Women, Down-Low Men, and HIV/AIDS Symposium."  I believe the symposium touched a lot of people and opened the door to a greater understanding of the issues. On behalf of the Straight Spouse Network and myself.  Thank you.  You and your staff did a wonderful job.
 
Randy Spires
Waldorf, Maryland
January 22, 2006

Thanks for Underground Railroad Story

Thanks for the nice article in the February-April 2006 edition of Port of Harlem.  I am continually inspired by the reconnection of Allen’s family and mine and the wonderful Underground railroad story that this is.  The reconnection amounts to unique history that does a particularly good job of telling the Underground Railroad story.  Thank you for getting the story out to your readers.

Pete Michael
Adamstown, MD
January 19, 2006

Congratulations!

Congratulations on your 10-year anniversary!

Jim Gary
Ft. Washington, MD
November 7, 2005

POH Gets Even Better

I got the latest edition of POH magazine, and it is fabulous!  This thing is simply getting better.  You all did a fantastic job with the layout and the photographs, and the stories.  I definitely look forward to the next issue.

Jeri Green
Washington, D.C.
November 7, 2005

Does Port of Harlem still issue a hardcopy publication?

Hope all is well. Does Port still issue a hard copy publication?  I haven't seen it recently, it 's a great source of information for the community.

Anthony Jones
Lanham, MD
October 25, 2005

Editor's Note:  We release our 10th Anniversary issue, November 4, 2005.  Click here to subscribe.

Like Exhibit and Want Issue for Her Students

I am  a photographer and I teach at Greenbelt Middle School.  I  also saw the exhibition at the Children's Hospital and am very excited about sharing the work with my students.  If it is at all possible, I would like to have 35 copies of the issue that has the article about the exhibit in it.  I plan to teach a lesson on the work of the children and would like to have each student have a magazine to read.

Lydia Ann Douglas
Greenbelt, MD
October 3, 2005

Reverend Wilson and Hustle and Flow

I found the Snippets interesting, (Bishop Cheeks on D.C.'s Rev. Wilson's Comment on Woman Becoming Lesbians (7/29/2005 - 08/11/2005)). I forwarded it to others, especially the rebuttal to Reverend Wilson's comments and the review of Hustle and Flow.

Miriam DeCosta Willis
Washington, D.C.
July 26, 2005

New Reader

I'll be excited to receive the on-line edition and enjoyed reading the (print issue of the) magazine.  I will sign up for the magazine's (print) issue.  Continue the good work.

Yvonne Brooks-Little
Silver Spring, MD
May 4, 2005

Brown Skin

Congratulations on the full color printed issue of your magazine.  It is beautiful.  The model that you featured on your cover is strikingly beautiful! It's so refreshing to see brown and ebony skin Black women get some recognition and respect for their beauty.

Peggy Seats
Washington, D.C.
April 22, 2005

Stay the Course

I'm still appreciating the super polished collector's edition (January - April 2005 issue).  Stay the course, stay strong, and keep breaking the silence about so many things that need to be told.

Omar Ashaka
Ft. Washington, MD
February 29, 2005

Proud of Port of Harlem

It makes me proud to see the work you are doing.  I was wondering how I would be able to reach you after Kym's wedding - - now I see how.

Luther Harris
Dallas, TX
January 14, 2005

Shirley Chisholm

Thanks for spreading the news on the broadcast of the Chisholm documentary.  I'll definitely add this "must see" to my calendar.  Like Colin Powell, and my 2 sons, she was a Caribbean decedent.  Her eloquence, defiance and sense of purpose were simply astounding.

Jude Hankey
Essex Jct, VT
January 14, 2005

Suggests Correction in Two Trains Running Review

Richard Scott, in his review of the production of August Wilson's "Two Trains Running," writes that the characters in the drama are "trying to make sense of their lives in Post-Vietnam, 1960's America." Mr. Scott's chronology and history is wrong. By definition, post means "after, subsequent, or later." It is far better to say that the play takes place contemporaneously with the Vietnam war in as much as that war was fought during the sixties and didn't end until the early seventies.

Craig Taylor
Alexandria, Virginia
November 21, 2004

Why Not Bring POH to Phillly?

I live in Philadelphia and there is a dearth of magazinesof your format in the city, perhaps in the future you may want to think about expanding your circulation down here.  At least you could count on one loyal reader!

Robert Tatum
Philadelphia, PA
October 12, 2004

Seeks Advice For Gambian School Program

I found your website on a search for the Gambia.  It looked interesting and so I went onto it.

We were in the Gambia this past summer after having gone to Dakar, Senegal for my husband to do some work.  While in Gambia, we met a gentleman who helped run the Makasutu Lodge, which is in Serekunda, which is where we stayed.  He helped to open up a preschool for his village and his daughter attends it.

I wrote to him and asked him if there was anything that the school needed, because as you
found, I know that they have very few resources.  My children and I collected several boxes of supplies from our neighbors who donated generously.

We fell in love with the Gambia.  The people were so warm and friendly and it was wonderful for our children to experience it.  Do you have any tips for me to make this process easier and/or any tips in general.

Cindy Ruenes
Pipersville, PA.
October 12, 2004

Editors Note:  Learn more about our at:  Gambia Programs.

Snippets Electronic Check Clearing Article

Please send me the address where to send subscriptions checks and the subscriptions rates.
The electronic check clearing article was good.

Melvin Lewis
Fayetteville, North Carolina
September 24, 2004

Do You Know Ghana?

I am a Black-African from Elmina / Ghana, near the coast.  I once got [Snippets] forwarded to me and I am taking this opportunity to email you.   I am looking forward to reading the Snippets.

Well, I am a student in my second year in school.  I have one more year to complete.  Anyway, how do you know about Ghana/Africa?  I hope you will like to visit some day.  I am looking forward to reading future Snippets.

Respectfully from Ghana,

Abdul Ali
Elmina, Ghana
September 2, 2004

Peace in The Sudan

I am very happy to hear [via Snippets] about the peace settlement in the Sudan, especially in a world and on a continent like Africa which seems starved for peace.  Please join me in prayer so that the Black Sudanese in the south of the country will be allowed to return to their villages to harvest their crops an avoid starvation. In the alternative let us pray that United Nations will be permitted to deliver food to those areas in need unhampered by belligerents.    
In Love,

Herbert Smith
Millersville, Maryland
June 21, 2004

Confederate Likes Snippets

I have enjoyed reading the e-mails and going to the web page [to read Snippets].  I see a wonderfully positive magazine that teaches independence, self-reliance and pride in ones history, qualities such as these are needed now more than ever.
 
Confederately,

Alvin Lee Kyle III
Commander,
Capt. Winston Stephens Camp # 2041
Macclenny, Baker County, FL.
Sons of Confederate Veterans Member # 23 26 20
Confederate Southern-American
April 30, 2004

Like Phamily Pharmacy Story

I was very pleased with what I read about Phamily Phamacy on the Internet. [The story told] of a very cajoling approach to get kids take their drugs especially when they are afraid [to take their medicine]. God bless you.  More power to your elbow.

Aghamba Jacobel
Buea, Cameroon
April 3, 2004

Great Job!

I am really happy that I receive Snippets.  For someone like me, who recently relocated to the area, this magazine serves as a great outreach source for the African/African-American/Caribbean community.  Hopefully, [like the Our Cuban Cousins Mini-Symposium], you will have more events in the Northern Virginia region.

Kiki Taylor
Alexandria, VA
December 19, 2003

Congratulations For Growing Quarterly

Congratulations, Wayne! This [Port Of Harlem's new print issue quarterly status] is a great milestone for our people. You need to lecture to our youth. You are the type of role model they need to emulate.

Ronald King
Washington, DC
November 7, 2003

Harlemite Glad Magazine is Growing

Your magazine is really fantastic. I'm glad it's growing.

Carol Bryant
Harlem, New York
November 4, 2003

The Solomon Islands, South Pacific - San Diego - and Port Of Harlem

I went to the Solomon Islands about a year ago.  At a village I stayed in, my host talked about an African-American that stayed at his village and how impressed he was by this man.  He talked about him a lot. The name of the visitor was [Port Of Harlem contributing photographer] Jonathan French.  My host, Joseph Riqeo, wanted to know if he was okay.  I told him that I would [look] for him.  So, I googled the name and found that he published some pictures of Solomon children for your magazine. (Surviving The South Pacific, May 2001 - October 2001) I just wanted to know if there was a way to contact him and ask him if he could send a letter to Joseph Riqeo of Nusa Roviana, New Georgia, Solomon Islands and tell him that he's fine.

Incidentally, some comments that my Solomon host made that may be of interest to you.  He (and other Solomon Islanders) feel a bond with Africans and African-Americans because of the common skin color.  Also, they had heard about the word "nigger" on rap music and asked about it.  I told them that people died over that word.  They didn't really understand how a "silly" word could cause problems like that.  Then, I taught my host to say, "Was' up niggah!"  I said that among the "rapper community" that was a way of addressing your friend.  So the young men jokingly said that to each other.  I wish you could hear them in their accents trying to say that phrase.  It was hilarious!
 
Most young people (under 25) know who Tupac is.  They don't know who Mickey Mouse is. 

One thing that Solomon people don't really understand about African-Americans and black South Africans is the whole apartheid/ racism thing.  Once my host was listening to my Lucky Dube CD and asked me, "Why is he always singing about how he's a 'slave' and how people have to be free and break out of prison?  In the Solomons, we like to sing happy songs."

They have virtually no white people in their country, so racism is not really an issue, at least not in the black/white sense. [Ethnic]  fighting (which could be considered a type of racism), however, is a major problem.

Lisa Urmston
San Diego, CA USA
November 1, 2003

Liked Cuba Exhibition

Thank-you for posting the Meridian House exhibition and reception held on October 14. The contemporary paintings from Eastern Cuba displayed a different side of the country that is not normally viewed by us. Religious, agrarian and social statements painted by the artists were strong inner emotions.

Eugene Alfonso
Washington, DC
October  23, 2003

Editors Note:  Don't miss Port Of Harlem's Our Cuban Cousins Mini-Symposium.

Correction

If candidate Herman Cain's run for the Georgia Senate seat is successful, he would be the fifth senator of African descent, rather than the third as stated in Snippets (October 9 - October 23, 2003).  To date, four African Americans have served as U.S. senators:  Hiram Revels (served one year, 1870), Blanche K. Bruce (1874-81), Edward Brooke (1967-79) and Carol Moseley-Braun (1992-99).  However, it would be historically correct to say he would be the third if you added the qualifier "since Reconstruction."

Paul R. Campbell
Fort Washington, MD
October 10, 2003

Editors Note:  We have since made correction.

Loves The Gambia Dearly

Please keep me informed of anything relating to The Gambia.  I visit there often and love it dearly.  I was very happy to see your article.  The Gambia is a wonderful country full of beauty and beautiful, friendly people.  Your article made me anxious to return.  I forwarded it to my friends there.  I plan to return in February 2004 and look forward to receiving information from you regarding your 2005 trip.  

Kebba Manneh
Lanham, MD
September 9, 2003

Met Romare Bearden

I would love to win a Romare Bearden book or calendar.  I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Bearden 25 years ago in New York.  His art is true legacy for only African-American, but for all people who love beauty.

Keep up the great work.  I look forward to your Snippets.

Pat Kabore
Spartanburg, SC
August  29, 2003

Addicted to Magazine

McKenya Dilworth said when she looks for a magazine nowadays, it has to go beyond the who's-who of the Hollywood circuit, gossip and the overly zealous hip-hop, "bling-bling" scene.

"I am addicted to this magazine.  I pick up issues from S&C Snacks at the Adam Benjamin Transportation Center and the operator there was the one to tell me that the publisher is a Gary native. I read all of the articles from beginning to end," said Dilworth.

Lisa DeNael interview of McKenya Dilworth
(Gary Daily) Post-Tribune
May 26, 2003

Emails Her Friends About Port of Harlem

I enjoyed reading the stories on Julianne Malveaux and The Gambia.  I found them to be upfront and delightful. Your magazine has truly enhanced and perked up my memory bank.  Keep up the good writing and I'll keep e-mailing my friends about Port of Harlem magazine.
Barbara Young
Washington, D.C. USA
May 10, 2003

Like Website

Your website is attractive.  I look forward to reading your issues.

Natalie Oguara
Washington, D.C. USA
February 1, 2003