From the desk of

THE CARLTON-CAREW EP FOUNDATION, INC

August 2010

SALVADOR, BAHIA-BRAZIL
Salvador is considered the cultural capital of Brazil. Its people draw their origins from Native Americans, Portuguese and Africans and present a unique ethnic and cultural mix that stands out for its harmonious and democratic coexistence. The particular traits of each ethnic group that forms the city’s population have contributed to the region’s rich music, dance and many other artistic and cultural expressions. Until 1763, Salvador was the capital of the Portuguese Crown in the Americas, with an extensive shoreline and a constant, moderate year round temperature (around 25º C/ 77º F).
Brazilian government declared Cachoeira a National Monument in 1971 and, after Salvador, it is the city that concentrates the most important architectural collection of the baroque style in Bahia.
In August, Cachoeira is home to the Our Lady of the Good Death Festival (Boa Morte). Blending religious and profane aspects, residents and visitors bring joy and faith to the streets of the city.
The festival includes Masses, samba, and a cortege representing the death of Our Lady, followed by a supper with bread, wine and seafood, according to the religious customs that forbid the use of palm oil and meat in the day dedicated to Oxalá. There is also the cortege of Our Lady of the Good Death’s funeral.

In August 2010, the Foundation participated in this event, invited to the procession by the tourism department of Bahia. We also attended a three day seminar for promoting African heritage and culture in tourism of the State of Bahia. We are currently seeking collaboration with the Taste of Seven Nations festival in Atlanta.

In September-December of 2009 the Foundation focused its efforts on Banana Island and Freetown, Sierra Leone. We hosted Annie Walsh Memorial School on the Island. The event attracted alumna and other supporters around the world for fruitful discussions and planning for the future advancement of their institution and general education in Sierra Leone. During the same trip, the Foundation educated those in attendance and rallied support for its efforts to revitalize Banana Island and reshape this unique location into a center for the study of African diaspora and a showcase of sustainable African ecotourism.

During 2009, the Foundation’s main efforts have been focused on helping Haiti, our long-suffering sister diaspora nation. Immediate after the devastating earthquake, the Foundation identified several families for targeted and sustained relief efforts – a project that is still ongoing. As the recovery and rebuilding efforts continue, we have directed our efforts to offer basic help, ranging from providing food, shelter, and medical help.

Honduras and Belize

In December 2008, the Foundation co-organized a highly successful “Education and Celebration” –event during its visit to the African diaspora community of Roatan Island in Honduras. The event was attended by the Garifunas and the Creoles of Belize. The shows, discussions, history lectures, performances, and film viewings were a success, and the Foundation created long-lasting and mutually enriching connections with its hosts and other guests. Video tapes of the meetings is uploaded on our web page.

Atlanta, GA -- On Saturday, September 6, 2008, several members of the Atlanta community gathered at Georgia State University for the screening of the dynamic, inspiring, and eye-opening documentary "Africa Investment Horizons." The film was followed by a discussion of the emerging economies and initiatives that involved viable investment opportunities in Africa.

Carlton-Carew EP Foundation organized and sponsored the event as part of its awareness campaign. The campaign seeks to build economic relations between select markets in Africa and the United States.

Participants included business executives, government officials, entrepreneurs, investors, educators and individuals from various surrounding counties of Atlanta, the business capital of the African Diaspora. Nations represented from across sub-Sahara Africa and the Caribbean included: Jamaica, Nigeria, Kenya, Sierra Leone, Virgin Island, Benin Republic, Burundi, Trinidad, Liberia, Cameroon, Ghana, Mali, Guyana, Senegal, Ethiopia, Brazil, UK, and representatives from various parts of the USA.

In addition to the invigorating documentary, participants heard from members of the panel and entrepreneurs from the audience, all offering expert insight as to why and how to invest in sub-Sahara Africa.

Sekoyeo Carlton-Carew, Esq., chairman and patriarch of the Foundation introduced the moderator of the forum, DeKalb County (GA) Chief of Staff Ann Wead Kimbrough. Kimbrough is also a doctoral candidate in international business with a dissertation focusing on business development in Nigeria, West Africa.

Members of the panel were:

Cardinal Omari Shrine of the Black Madonna. He had just completed five weeks of travel to Ghana, Togo and Benin Republic.

Ebun Aforo, attorney at law, both in Atlanta and Sierra Leone, also a small business owner.
Jean Adero, former Chairman of (AKPA) and Program Manager, Global Learning and Development.
Stephen Ndiritu, chairman of Association of Kenyan Professionals in Atlanta.
Charles Boyanton, director of the Small Business Administration’s Atlanta Small Business Development Center/ International Trade Center.
Benjamin Munjin, small business specialist, Bank of America financial services specialist in Real Estate, Banking, Personal and Business Loans.
Tim Colenzo Thorpe, manager Barclays Bank UK., and business owner and consultant between UK, Sierra Leone, and U.S.

Fred Cleveland, publisher and business strategist of "MOTHER LAND BECKONS", A Strategic Planning, Marketing and consulting Firm between U.S. and West Africa.
Modibo Traore, member, Georgia Black Chamber of Commerce International Development Program coordinator. Also, a business consultant between Mali and the U.S.
Timothy Williams, founder of Management Training & Consulting Experts, an international consulting firm that specialized in management training and strategic planning for rural and urban cities and towns in Africa.
Ron Jusu, business owner and consultant between Sierra Leone and U.S.

The documentary, produced by journalist Carol Pineau, provided a comprehensive and energizing insight into the financial victories experienced by entrepreneurs engaged in the burgeoning African market. The success stories included the President of the Congo Communications Giant VODACOM who successfully tapped into the budding appetite for telecommunications among the people in Congo. The story showed how VODACOM yielded a thriving market by lowering the price of calling cards.

Another increasing phenomenon was that of African born overseas based businessmen and women returning home to invest and to develop new economic initiatives. As one Columbia University educated MBA noted, he was able to access opportunities by returning home to Ghana, which would not have been possible in the US. Another impressive result is the willingness of small foreign companies and /or individuals, partnering with local investors to venture into areas that major foreign corporations may be unwilling or not even think about. This was highlighted by the efforts of one foreign investor who brought internet service to the farmers in a rural area in East Africa. (As the Minister of Economics from Botswana stated, “If you are not investing in Africa, you have missed the boat”).

The consensus arising from the discussion of the documentary and from the experience and vision of the participants, support the long dormant realization that opportunities for economic success are abundant on the continent of Africa.
Secondly, that those of the African Diaspora or other individuals and economic institutions interested in engaging Africa in this economic renaissance, are optimally positioned to benefit in substantial ways. It is of vital importance that effective commercial and industrial relationships be developed among entrepreneurs, and between private and public sector.
Ms Ann Kimbrough highlighted this point, by noting the concrete interest that her sector of government has in developing dynamic economic relations with Africa.

Mr. Modibo Traore, representing the GA Chamber of Commerce, focused on developing ties with the USA, Canada, and Africa, including the establishment of the International Chamber of Commerce.
The panelists agreed with the documentary's assertion, that a stumbling block to investment in Africa is government regulatory restrictions. However, many African governments are becoming aware of this drawback and are rapidly undergoing some changes regarding business restrictions. Undaunted by such restrictions, participants such as Mr. Ron Jusu, pointed out that this had not stopped him. Mr. Timothy Williams noted that although his enterprise encountered setbacks five years ago when he ran into a regulatory problem in an attempt to move computer hardware to a country on the continent, he remains actively engaged in investing in Africa.
These are testimonies to the fact that like any other business initiative, investing in Africa has its risk, but as evidence offered by the documentary, the returns have been well worth the risk.
It must be noted that Africa is a continent and not a country. Different countries offer notably different experiences that for far too long stereotypical impressions of Africa, often inaccurate and inadequate, have been allowed to prevail.
Mr. Stephen Ndiritu, President of Kenyan Professionals in Atlanta, pointed out that the government of his homeland has made concrete attempts to accommodate investors and had organized a mission to Atlanta just last year aimed at developing closer commercial relations. Ms. Cynthia Jarrett-Thorpe, CEO of the EP Foundation, highlighted the fact that Sierra Leone's Ambassador to the United States is organizing an economic conference for the end of September in Washington D.C. The conference is part of the groundwork for the impending visit of the President of Sierra Leone.

Another very impressive feature of the gathering was the personal and general meaning of this resurgent return and reconnection to Africa.
In addition to the economic incentives, which clearly makes the point that Africa's economies are viable and can meet material needs and aspirations, the benefits often extend to a quantitative advancement in the quality of life. This point was heartily made by several panelists, and Ms Ebun Aforo, a practicing attorney both in Sierra Leone and Atlanta, shared about the satisfaction she has in being at home and at work in Africa.
In a more altruistic dimension, several commentaries including those from the documentary, was that getting engaged in the process of the development of Africa brings the fulfillment of making a significant contribution to the uplifting of individuals and communities. This is an opportunity not readily available in societies where the level of development is able to effectively meet the needs of the citizens, acknowledging the obvious shortcomings. In a way, the suggestion was that investing in the African continent was offering partnerships where business and economic relief was most needed, with corresponding business gains.
In conclusion of the documentary, at her introduction of the panel discussion, Ms Ann Kimbrough referred to the fact that there was a lot learned from those who we look at as being in need of help. Clearly the message that Africa was open for investment is also a salute to the creativity with which African countries and citizens have embraced the responsibility for building new opportunities for their own economic survival and success. Cynthia Jarrett-Thorpe and the Carlton-Carew EP Foundation, are urging and offering leadership in facilitating the building of relationships between entrepreneurs, government and those on the continent in pursuit of this goal for the coming forth of a revived Africa.

In summary, the event allowed participants to view examples of: successful investment in Africa, factors that could affect that goal, the importance of developing more interaction between interested parties, the need for more effective collaboration between public and private sectors in Africa, and in the more developed countries, the need to be aware of the functional impact of inaccurate representation of life and business in the African continent.  Participants also agreed on the need to have more forums to explore further avenues of investment opportunities and new business strategies in Africa.
In this light, participants shared some of the upcoming or ongoing events that meet some of the attendant objectives.

1. Visit/ Convention by the Kenyan government and private sector representatives to Atlanta
2. The engagement of Bank of America in the effort to increase its activities in Africa.
3. The interest of DeKalb County in working with diaspora communities.
4. SBDC meetings every six months that offer investors forum to discuss investment and import-export opportunities
5. The Foundation acting on behalf of organizations and individuals as an international networking organization.

Several attendees also wished for further showings of the documentary.

The formal meeting ended, but discussions did not.  Networking and free exchange of ideas continued well after the gavel marked the end of the panel. For almost a full hour afterwards, panelists and the audience mixed and mingled, exchanging contact information looking for ways to form partnerships. There was enthusiastic conversation about the ideas and opportunities raised during the film and the formal discussion, and there seemed to be real commitment to developing working partnerships for investing in Africa. We have since learned that some business relationships have already formed.

The Foundation has concluded that “This is a promising signal that work has begun in earnest, in linking the business capital of the African Diaspora and its communities, to the emerging economies of sub-Sahara Africa”.

The Carlton-Carew EP Foundation thanks the College of Education at GA State University, our illustrious moderator, our insightful panelists, the most enthusiastic and interactive members of audience, and our dedicated volunteers, for a collaborative effort in making yet another event by the Foundation, a job well done!

Tenki, tenki!

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2008

SAVE THE DATE! THIS SATURDAY
College Students and Business Minded Individuals, Business Owners and Executives, Investors, and all Friends of the African Continent, join us at this wealth creation and networking event.

September 6, 2008 ________________________________________________________________________________

NOVA SCOTIA-Black Loyalist

2008 marks the 225th Anniversary of the Loyalist Landing in NS and NB. 

AMISTAD BACK IN NOVA SCOTIA- 225TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARRIVAL OF BLACK LOYALISTS IN NOVA SCOTIA, CANADA. www.amistadamerica.org click on link for position map.

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RECENT PAST EVENTS BELOW!

THE CARLTON-CAREW EP FOUNDATION IS BACK FROM BANANA ISLAND, CELEBRATING WITH THE AMISTAD COMMUNITY IN FREETOWN, SIERRA LEONE

PLEASE CLICK ON THE NEWS PAGE FOR ARTICLE BY THE CONCORD TIMES

Follow the Trail of The Amistad Schooner an event commemerating the 200 year Anniversary of the Abolition of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade by Britain 2007, and USA 2008

click here for larger image

The Carlton-Carew-EP Foundation was part of the entourage that saw the Amistad Schooner off from Connecticut in July, 2007, on its Journey tracing the route of slaves returned to Freetown, Sierra Leone. Freetown celebrates 220 years of its establishment, in 2007.

The Schooner's first stop was Halifax, Nova Scotia, where the Black Loyalists of the American Revolutionary War were first settled, then on to England, and finally setteled in Freetown, Sierra Leone. A celebration awaited the Schooner when it arrived in Freetown on December 9, 2007.

AFTER LEAVING FREETOWN, THE AMISTAD CONTINUED ITS JOURNEY TO BARBADOS, PUERTO RICO, BERMUDA, CHARLESTON, WASHINGTON DC, NEW YORK AND ARRIVED IN CONNECTICUT ON JUNE, 2008.

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DECEMBER 14, 2007 - WAS A VERY MEMORABLE EVENT

CLICK ON THE CHRONICLE PAGE FOR OUR EVENT WITH THE AMISTAD COMMUNITY AND FRIENDS ON BANANA ISLAND.

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An invitation to the African Diaspora, Join Us!

PLACE: Freetown, Sierra Leone!

In continuation of our commemorative event “Celebrating our Ancestors” and “Completing the Circle”, the Carlton-Carew EP Foundation

INVITES YOU TO JOIN IN THE AWUJO CEREMONY, WELCOMING THE AMISTAD COMMUNITY AND FRIENDS TO

THE GROUND BREAKING OF THE SITES OF THE MUSEUM/LIBRARY AND COMMUNITY CENTER IN  DUBLIN, BANANA ISLAND, an " Isle of Remembrance"

Date: December 14, 2007, an all day affair.

Awujo: is a family gathering, cookout and feast

Other activities are planned throughout the holidays.

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THE CARLTON-CAREW EP

FOUNDATION, INC.

  Le De Roots Kam Togedda!       

     A letter of Invitation to the African Diaspora

Commemorating the bicentennial of the Abolition of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, and  the 220th anniversary of the founding of the Freetown settlement in Sierra Leone.  

Touched by the spirit of our African Ancestors, the CARLTON-CAREW EP
FOUNDATION will host five days of celebration and learning, Le De Roots Kam Togedda “Completing the Circle,” of the Trans Atlantic Slave Trade. This event will commemorate the bicentennial of the abolition of the Transatlantic slave trade by Britain in 1807, followed by the United States in 1808; and will celebrate our ancestors’ bravery, determination and the will to survive. Two days of historical interactive conference, viewing of related films, families across the seas–festival and feast, and concluding with a commemoration Thanksgiving service.

This family gathering of the African Diaspora will be held August 29th-September 2nd, 2007 in Atlanta, GA (Labor Day weekend), and December 14th, 2007 in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Hotel Accommodation and sight seeing tours can be arranged.

The Foundation is working fervently to connect our families, especially those
who over the centuries have preserved their historical heritage and cultural identity, such as the Maroons of the mountains of Jamaica; the Nova Scotians in Canada; the Gullah/Geechee communities in South Carolina, Florida and Georgia; the Black Seminoles of Oklahoma and Texas; the Garifunas and Kriols- Creoles of Belize,  the Creoles- Krios of Freetown- Sierra Leone; and the Americo-Liberians of Monrovia – Liberia.  Furthermore, we are passionately triving to bring together all other descendants of the African Diaspora.

This celebration will nurture the ties that bind us, offering an opportunity for our different communities to embrace each other, learn from and about each other, and conduct educational, business and cultural exchanges. Together, let us educate our children and the rest of the world about our life’s journey, Lest We Forget.  Let us celebrate in the spirit of our ancestors,  Le De Roots Kam Togedda!

Email: info@cc-epfoundation.org www.cc-epfoundation.org Ph: 404-569-0229

P.O. Box 3353 Decatur, GA, 30031.

PROGRAM OF EVENTS

CARLTON-CAREW EP  FOUNDATION

COMMEMORATING THE 200 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE ABOLITION OFTHE TRANS-ATLANTIC SLAVE TRADE AND THE 220TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF FREETOWN SETTLEMENT IN SIERRA LEONEINTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE AND FESTIVAL

August 29 - September 2, 2007

Le De Roots Kam Togedda– "SHAPING OUR FUTURE" CONFERENCE

MOREHOUSE COLLEGE, LEADERSHIP BUILDING- EXECUTIVE CONFERENCE CENTER.

August 29 –Wednesday -Registration & Roots workshop, DNA testing, film viewing,        

Powwow: Young Minds (ages 12-22), discussions among students.         

 Tour City of Atlanta Historic sites; on your own or organized.

3p.m. – 5 p.m.     Registration and Roots Workshop – Kam meet U peeple den:  The Maroons, Nova Scotians, Gullah/Geechees, Black Seminoles, Americo-Liberians, Creoles-Kriols and others- Morehouse College                       

3.00 p.m. – 7.30 p.m.             DNA Testing – Atl. Univ. Center’s Morehouse School of Medicine

5.00 p.m. – 7.00 p.m.            Powwow-Young Minds:Bridging the History Gap-Morehouse

7.30 p.m. – 9.00 p.m.  Know U Roots: Film- Clark Atlanta University, Science & Tech

 August 30 – Thursday - Conference, Workshop, DNA Testing, and Film viewing

8a.m. – 9 a.m.            Continental Breakfast and Registration- Morehouse College

9 a.m. – 12.30 p.m.            Conference Open – Morehouse College, Leadership building

1 p.m. – 3 p.m.            Roots Workshop – Kam meet U peeple den- Morehouse College

8 a.m. – 6.30 p.m.            DNA Testing – Morehouse School of Medicine

6.30 p.m. –8.00 p.m.   Know U Roots: Film– Clark Atlanta University.

August 31 - Friday – Conference, Workshop, DNA Testing, and film viewing

8a.m. – 9 a.m.            Continental Breakfast and Registration- Morehouse College

9 a.m. – 12.30 a.m.    Executive Conference  – Morehouse College 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.            Roots Workshop – Kam meet U peeple den- Morehouse College

8 a.m. – 6.30 p.m.      DNA Testing - Morehouse School of Medicine

6.30 p.m. – 8.00 p.m.   Know U Roots: Film– finale, Clark Atlanta Univ.

September 1 – Saturday– Abolition-Conciliation 5mi Walk/Run, Roots Family BBQ,    Cultural Night

7 a.m. – 9 a.m.    Abolition-Conciliation 5mi Run/Walk - Stone Mountain park

9.00 a.m. – 2.00 p.m.  Roots Family BBQ - Stone Mountain Park, Studdard picnic area

6.00 p.m. – 12 a.m.     African Diaspora Cultural Night – A Taste of Seven Nations Feast and Festival at the Gwinnett Center, Sugarloaf  Pk/way

September 2 - Sunday-Commemoration Memorial Thanksgiving Service

11 a.m. –           Memorial and Thanksgiving Service -Morehouse College – MLK International Chapel, Dr.Charles Finch.

Tour of the Atlanta historic sites, on your own or organized

www.cc-epfoundation.org  info@cc-epfoundation.org  404-569-0229

Press Release

 May 30, 2007

Young Minds 

CARLTON-CAREW EP FOUNDATION, Inc

Commemorates the Bicentennial of the Abolition of the Trans–
Atlantic Slave Trade and the 220th anniversary of the founding of Freetown, Sierra Leone Atlanta, GA. - August 29 – September 2, 2007

LABOR DAY WEEKEND

Powwow: Ages 12-22:  Bridging the History Gap and Engaging the Young Minds!

Inviting all 12-22 year old to Morehouse College, on Wednesday, August 29, (Labor Day week) at 5.p.m , to a Powwow or Forum where young minds will air out their opinions and frustrations to their counterpart - college students. It will be a dynamic, interactive and informative forum.  Young publishers, poets, activists and historians are some of the  participants at this event.Participants will discuss the history of  their African ancestors, enslaved African people, and watch documentary films.  Other discussions will cover current affairs relevant to the youth – music, internet,  politics, economy, lifeexperience,leadership, and their vision for the next 20 years of living in America.Speakers and participants include students from Morehouse College, Clark Atlanta, Spelman, GA. State, Emory, UGA,  GA. Tech, DeKalb Tech, Clayton State, NAACP youth and other youth organizations, including various public and private Schools. This is a forum for young people to speak their minds and interact with college students. There will be surprise celebrities among participants. The powwow will generate relevant position papers.

At the conclusion , there will be refreshments and snacks before joining the Film Festival across campus at Clark Atlanta University. Please arrive between 3.30-4.00pm to browse the traveling museum, pick up memorabilia and enjoy a complementary light dinner.

Meanwhile, adults are invited to visit the museum, participate in the ancestral DNAtestingat Morehouse School of Medicine and the Film Festival at Clark Atlanta University.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the foundation’s Executive Director, Cynthia Jarrett-Thorpe by phone, at 404-569-0229, or email:  info@cc-epfoundation.org  Our web pages are viewable at www.cc-epfoundation.org.

LE DE ROOTS KAM TOGEDDA! ( Let The Roots Come Together!)

SHAPING OUR FUTURE - CONFERENCE

August 30, 2007 - 9am to 12.30pm

Main speakers at conference: Shaping our Future

Colin A Palmer PhD is the Dodge Professor of History at Princeton University. He was Formerly a William Rand Kenan Professor at the University of North Carolina and a Distinguished Professor at the Graduate School of the City University of New York. A specialist in the study of the African Diaspora, Professor Palmer has written or edited  a dozen books, including  Slaves of the White God: Eric Williams and the making of the Modern Caribbean. He served as editor in chief of the six volume Encyclopedia of African American Life and Culture.

Camara Phyllis Jones MD, MPH, PhD is a research Director at the CDC, a family physician and epidemiologist whose work focuses on the impacts of racism on the health and well-being of the nation. As a teacher, her allegories on "race" and racism illuminate topics that are otherwise difficult for many Americans to understand or discuss. She hopes through her work to initiate a national conversation on racism that will eventually lead to a National Campaign Against Racism.

1pm – 4pm
Workshop- Activists of various local communities.

Community speakers:Nova Scotia, Maroons, Sierra Leone and Liberia.

August 31, 2007 - 9am to 12.30pm

Juliet E. K. Walker PhD is a Professor in the Department of History at the University of Texas at Austin and the Founding Director of the Center for Black Business History, Entrepreneurship and Technology (CBBH) at the University of Texas. Professor Walker is author of The History of Black Business in America: Capitalism, Race, Entrepreneurship,. She is editor of the Encyclopedia of African American Business History and author of some ninety published articles, essays and encyclopedia entries.

Ezrah Aharone Philosopher is a leading scholar and worldwide political lecturer on sovereignty, and author of Pawned Sovereignty: Sharpened Black Perspectives on Americanization, Africa, War and Reparations
He speaks on the concept and consciousness of sovereignty as a lens to examine the historical and future development of Africa and Africans in the U.S.   Aharone has lived and worked on development initiatives in Africa for the past 26 years. His discussion will also include Sovereign Evolution: From Civil Rights to Sovereign Rights.

Community speakers: Brazil, Gullah/Geechee, Belize, Dominica

1pm – 4pm
Workshop-Activists of various local communities.

CONFERENCE END

From the desk of

THE CARLTON-CAREW EP FOUNDATION, INC.

WELCOMING THE AMISTAD COMMUNITY TO FREETOWN AND

DUBLIN, BANANA ISLAND-“ISLE OF REMEMBERANCE”

December 9-16, 2007

The Carlton-Carew EP Foundation found it most fitting to welcome the Amistad Schooner and entourage when they arrived in Freetown, Sierra Leone, on December 9, 2007, and include them as part of the program on Banana Island.  Early evening on the 9th, at the British Council, the Mayor of Freetown, his worship Winstanley Bankole Johnson held a symposium entitled “Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, What It Means to Me”. At the Mayor’s request, Mrs. Cynthia Oremi Jarrett-Thorpe, vice chairperson of the Carlton-Carew EP Foundation, had the privilege and honor of opening this very important event.  The panel of speakers included Dr. Talabi A.C. Lucan, author and noted historian; Professor Eldred Jones, past principal of the Fourah Bay College; Dr. A. Allie, head of history dept of the Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone; and Ms Willie Lee Heart of Chicago Friends of the Amistad.  Impressive presentations, in addition to the session of questions and answers, further enlightened the audience.  A very educational evening it was.

December 14, 2007 was a day to remember in Dublin, Banana Island, now known as the “Isle of Remembrance”.  The Carlton-Carew EP Foundation unveiled various projects on the Island as it sponsored an Awujoh and hosted guests from Freetown and the Amistad community from Connecticut.  

In keeping with the tradition put in place by the descendants of the enslaved people to honor and celebrate the lives of our African Ancestors, the Foundation assembled on  Friday the 14th, for the traditional feast known as Awujoh.  The descendants of Dublin, Banana Island showed much enthusiasm and exuded such pride as they prepared for the Friday Awujoh to welcome guests to the Island, and show off their artifacts in the Isle of Remembrance. Indeed, their hard work and collaboration with the EP Foundation paid off for this almost-forgotten Island, as their guests felt so comfortable that they participated in various aspects of the festivities.

In preparation for Friday’s Awujoh, also known as ‘big cook’, women from the nearby peninsula villages, and from the famous historical “big market” in Freetown, traveled to Banana Island on Thursday evening.  At the crack of dawn the next day, the women were set to prepare the scrumptious traditional feast.  By 7.00 A.M, rice pap, akara, stew gravy, and bread were ready for all present to satisfy the early morning hunger.  At 11.30 am the buffet table was loaded with a wide selection of delicious traditional food and drinks. Foofoo, Bitter Leaves, Krain-Krain, Alapa, Palmoil Stew, Fish Stew, Jollof Rice and Stew, Plantains, Sweet Potatoes, Olele, Rice and Beans Akara, accompanied by Ginger Beer, and last but not least, the most important meal, the Beans (black eyed peas).  All food takes subordinate position in relation to the all importance Beans.  In fact, the alternative name for Awujoh, is “Cook Beans.” “Beans” is a must for the Ancestors to feast on!.

The first boat load arrived at 8.00 A.M. with the musical ensemble of twenty musicians from Freetown.  By 9:00 A.M. the whole Island was livened up by their Gumbe drum beat, sounds of Reggae and Calypso.  The temporary Museum and Library was already set up, and so was the health center - both awaiting official opening.

By noon, the guests and dignitaries had arrived.  Among special guests were the Minister of Lands and Survey, a retired mariner, Capt. Benjamin O. Davis.  He performed the ground breaking ceremony for both the Museum/Library and Community Center, and launched the Carlton-Carew EP Foundation, Freetown branch.  The deputy Minister of Health, Honorable Sheiku Koroma, was on hand to open the health center, and Mr. Al Marder, head of the Amistad committee was ready to open the temporary Museum/Library.  These were some of the highlights of the Awujoh feast at the Isle of Remembrance. 

A very memorable event was the tour the Islanders gave their guests of the most important and sacred area of the Island, the slave fort and a mass grave (dumping hole) of our African Ancestors.  The Rev. Poet Johnnie Brown, pastor of the Island’s church led all in prayers, and the chairman of the Foundation, Sekoyeo H. Carlton-Carew Esq., poured the libation.  Cynthia Oremi Jarrett-Thorpe, vice chairperson of the EP Foundation, explained the significance of the ground everyone was standing on, and guests were in awe as they realized the sacredness of the soil.  Spiritual singing led by Professor Patricia Kempson, Mrs. Althea Norcott, president of Freetown-New Haven sister cities (both from the Amistad delegation); Mrs. Gloria Mitchell, President Youthnet Children USA-Freetown; and Mr. Adekunle Carlton-Carew, Coordinator of the Foundation’s Freetown branch, kept every one singing, with tears streaming down our cheeks, as we looked down on the clogged dumping hole, similar to a water well.  A minute of silence was observed in respect for the Ancestors who were dumped inside the hole.  Next to this sacred ground is the crumbled Slave Fort, which Cynthia Oremi explained, is marked for reconstruction.  She went on to read a poem written by Mrs. Rachel Lyttle of Florida, which spoke of the remembrance of our Ancestors, and the need to rebuild this significant monument “one stone at a time”.  Cynthia Oremi urged all well-wishers to purchase a stone in the name of their Ancestors or loved one, and to volunteer time and talent to rebuild the Fort.  A wall will be constructed next to the hole with names of Ancestors and loved ones, by those who purchase the stones.

On the other side of the Fort, about 50 feet away, is the site of the proposed Museum/Library.  The Minister of Lands, Capt. Benjamin Davis, before performing the groundbreaking, spoke of the need to protect the Isle of Remembrance, as it holds so much of the history of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade.  He noted the several cannons on the ground, pointed towards the sea on that particular area alone and also found throughout the Island.  The groundbreaking ceremony speech pledging to help protect the Island, the launching of the Carlton-Carew EP Foundation, and the act of breaking of the ground by the Minister was received with great cheers, joy and statements of solidarity with the Foundation in its efforts to continue its work with the people of Banana Island. Mrs. Jarrett-Thorpe urged everyone to become part of the rebuilding of the monuments and conservation of the Island of Remembrance.

The community and guests walked to the temporary Museum/Library, where Mr. Al Marder, Chairman of Amistad Committee, was also joined by Mr. Greg Belanger, President of Amistad America. Mr. Al Marder spoke of the struggles Africans always have to go through to receive what is rightfully theirs.  He noted this to be the case in regard to the Amistad revolt, and the assimilation in the west by Africans in the Diaspora who are to be regarded with the respect and justice afforded all other race. Africans, he continued always have to fight for everything.  Mr. Al Marder turned the key and declared the temporary Museum/Library open for business.  This was met with warm applause. The Museum/Library has been named “Remembrance Harbor” Museum.  The Chairman of the Carlton-Carew EP Foundation, Mr. Sekoyeo H. Carlton-Carew, JP.CO. had the pleasure of donating the newly released book entitled “A Mixed Bag of Memories” written by him as the first book donation to the Museum/Library.

The Foundation was thanked for its donation of books and artifacts, and for its commitment to the preservation of the history of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade.  Pledges were made to donate more artifacts and books of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade.

At the Health Center, the Deputy Minister of Health, Honorable Sheiku Koroma, Spoke of the need for a Health Center on the island.  He thanked the Foundation for its initiative in getting the Center opened, and the donation of medicines.  He pledged the ministry’s support in staffing the Center. The opening was met with a round of applause of gratitude for the minister’s pledge.

The final official ceremony was the groundbreaking of the Community Center.  Again the Minister of Lands did the honors of the groundbreaking of a badly needed Community Center. This ceremony was also accepted with cheers of hope and joy.

The Awujoh continued.  The women had prepared food enough for the feast and for distribution to take home, as this tradition dictates.  Speeches were made by the oldest man on the Island, Mr. Emric O'Reilly, and other elders.  They thanked the Foundation for adopting the Island.

Interviews were conducted by the media, - BBC, Radio Democracy, Concord Times Press, among others.  Elders of the Island concluded, “We’ve never seen such activity and attention paid to our Island.  We are very pleased and thankful to the Carlton-Carew EP Foundation for coming here to EP (help) us”.  Tour of the Isle of Remembrance continued until the last call for boat departure at 6pm with everyone feeling satisfied with a day well spent!

The culminating event of the Amistad’s visit to Freetown was a church service held at the St. John’s Maroon Church, Freetown.  The church’s participation was very significant, as a church celebrating 200 years of its founding by freed slaves that were settled in Freetown.  The Amistad community, the Carlton-Carew EP Foundation, and other well- wishers were part of the congregation.  An appeal was made by the church for communion wine, and the Foundation gladly donated bottles of Communion wine which were later presented by the Foundation’s Chairman Mr. Sekoyeo H. Carlton-Carew and the coordinator of the Freetown branch, Mr. Adekunle Carlton-Carew.

The Foundation wishes to express its heartfelt thanks to:

Honorable Minister of lands, Survey and Environment: Capt. Benjamin Davis

Honorable Ministers of Health: Dr. Soccoh Kabia, deputy Minister, Hon. Sheiku Koroma

Honorable Minister of Tourism: Mr. Hindolo Trye, General Manager Mr. Cecil Williams

His Worship: Mayor Winstanley Bankole Johnson

The President Amistad America: Mr. Greg Belanger

The President Amistad Committee: Mr. Al Marder

BBC World Service- Network Africa

Radio Democracy 98.1

Concord Times Press

Pan Africa Shain Foundation band

Women of historical Big Market

Tenki, tenki, en ekushe to al man wa kam en ep wi!

SOME PHOTOS BELOW

BACKGROUND: WOMEN OF BIG MARKET AND ISLANDERS DURING FOOD TAKEAWAY

OPENING PRAYERS BY REV. JONNIE BROWN,  NEXT TO THE SLAVE FORT, AROUND THE DUMPING HOLE, A MASS GRAVE

SINGING OF SPIRITUAL SONGS AROUND MASS GRAVE (DUMPING HOLE)   

AROUND THE DUMPING HOLE

LIBATION OVER THE MASS GRAVE BY SEKOYEO CARLTON-CAREW Esq.

INTERVIEW BY RADIO DEMOCRACY AND THE  BBC, WITH MR. CARLTON-CAREW

CYNTHIA OREMI JARRETT-THORPE, READING OF A POEM, AND INTERVIEW BY BBC WORLD SERVICE

GROUND BREAKING SPEECH AND LAUNCHING OF THE CARLTON-CAREW EP FOUNDATION, FREETOWN BRANCH, BY THE MINISTER OF LANDS, HONORABLE CAPT. BENJAMIN O. DAVIS

GROUND BREAKING LIBATION OF MUESEUM/LIBRARY

PRESIDEMT AMISTAD COMMITTEE, MR. AL MARDER OPENING THE TEMPORARY MUSEUM/LIBRARY “REMEMBRANCE HARBOR” MUSEUM

MR. Al MARDER, AN INTERVIEW WITH THE BBC WORLD SERVICE

INSIDE THE MUESEUM WITH THE PRESIDENT OF AMISTAD AMERICA, MR. GREG BELANGER

MR.CARLTON-CAREW AND HIS DAUGHTER, MRS. CYNTHIA OREMI JARRETT-THORPE LOOKING ON, AS HE PRESENTS HIS BOOK, “A MIXED BAG OF MEMORIES” TO THE MUSEUM.

INSIDE THE MEUSEUM SEKOYEO WITH DAUGHTER AND SON, MR. ADEKUNLE CARLTON-CAREW

INSIDE THE HEALTH CENTER THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF HEALTH HONORABLE SHEIKU KOROMA HOLDING THE NEWEST ADDITION TO BANANA ISLAND

GROUNDBREAKING AND LIBATION OF COMMUNITY CENTER

TOUR OF THE ISLAND

AWUJOH  TABLE LINE UP

A SECTION OF ISLANDERS WAITING THEIR TURN FOR THE AWUJO TABLE LINE UP

OLDEST OF ELDERS ON DUBLIN, BANANA ISLAND, MR. EMERIC O’REILLY  

   OLDEST LADY ON BANANA ISLAND, MAMA OREKE, 86 YEARS OLD

REV. JONNIE BROWN, HEAD OF THE ISLAND CHURCH, 84 YEARS OLD

Home of Ms. Ernestine Kumba, Curator of the Museum

CHURCH BELL 1813 DUBLIN, BANANA ISLAND

THE BELL ON THE TREE, ITS PRESENT LOCATION

ONE OF MANY CANNONS ON THE ISLAND

BACK IN FREETOWN

MAROON CHURCH CELEBRATING 200 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF ITS FOUNDING BY FREED SLAVES IN FREETOWN

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From the desk of

THE CARLTON-CAREW EP FOUNDATION, INC.

August 29-September 2, 2007

The Carlton-Carew EP Foundation successfully accomplished its mission of bringin the roots together (le de roots kam togedda!) for the Bicentennial commemoration of the Abolition of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade by Britain, and the 220 year anniversaryof the founding of the ex slave settlement of Freetown, in Sierra Leone.

The commemoration touched people worldwide, evoking feelings of respect and solidarity for each other and reverence for the struggle and contributions of our ancestors, garnering supporters from as far away as Australia, Brazil, Ghana, South Africa, Canada, Britain, Trinidad, Liberia, Puerto Rico, Sierra Leone and around the United States, to mention but a few. The Carlton-Carew EP Foundation’s five day event, “Celebrating our Ancestors” held from Wednesday August 29, to Sunday September 2, included workshop, and film festival.

These activities took place at Morehouse College, Clark Atlanta University, and Morehouse School of Medicine, are clear indications of the spirit of unity surrounding the commemoration. The establishment of these historic institutions emerged from the irrepressible desire of our ancestors to reclaim their dignity and sovereignty.

Themes covered during the workshops included the theme of the Powwow Young Minds- Bridging the History Gap, targeting ages 12-22. The forum was for students, conducted by students. Some came from as far away as New York, and Michigan. Morehouse College Students took the lead in the opening of this program. The program moved along in an impressive manner starting with a “rap history”, entitled The Lost Race, that was met with standing ovation. The students’ final analysis could be summarized in the sentiments of one participating student: “we would like to do this again, it was very informative, there is so much we did not know and did not understand.” For these younger minds, interacting with college students was thrilling as the former vicariously experienced college through their senior counterparts. The meeting inspired younger students, awakening a desire and commitment to further their education and desire to learn, lead, and contribute to their community.

Touring the traveling Slave Museum at the conference center, Young Minds became deeply and emotionally affected by the artifacts on display. A walk across campus took students to Clark Atlanta University for the kick-off of the Film Festival, the film Sankofa evoked strong emotions . Their conclusion; it brought a keen sense of connection and belonging, true understanding and realization of the connection.

The main conference, Shaping Our Future, which was open to all ages, also drew people from across the globe and cross-sections of our society. Both conferences were free of charge, because of the Foundation’s strong belief in educating all descendants of enslaved people about the roots of their African ancestry 

Thursday, August, 30

The Thursday conference opened with the main theme of the whole conference, Shaping our Future. The opening was blessed by the pouring of libation by the Foundation’s chairman and elder, Sekoyeo H. Carlton-Carew, Esq. Outside in the open air by the conference center, he called on our Ancestors to help guide us by the faith, strength and resolution they demonstrated throughout their ordeal during slavery and after the abolition. It is because of their fortitude and will that we are able to stand today as productive citizens of society. It is for this reason that we must continue to honor our ancestors and pursue the goal of shaping a better future for posterity. He continued with the traditional ceremony of asking for permission and blessings, by rolling pieces of cola nut onto the ground for the ancestors to accept, followed by the pouring of water for their consumption.

The ancestors accepted this request, allowing Mrs. Cynthia Jarrett-Thorpe, the CEO and Vice Chairperson of the Foundation, to open the conference. The Conference was opened by welcoming everyone, and an overview of the mission of the Foundation was stated, while expressing the need to celebrate our ancestors. “We celebrate our ancestors by remembering them, understanding their history, and pursuing our dream of “shaping our future”. This is the honor and respect we owe our ancestors, our ancestors that rose from the MAAFA, the black Holocaust, and those who fought to remain in the Continent. We will recognize and always remember their struggle.

In the remembrance lies our strength and salvation for future generations. As the maxim goes “if you do not know where you are coming from, you will not know where you are going”. The Foundation recognizes our responsibility as parents and teachers of the young to show them the way and model in the practice of our own lives, the values that illustrate that level of consciousness and love of our people.”

The proclamation by the City of Atlanta, recognizing the week of August 26th -September 2nd as “Le De Roots Kam Togedda week” (Let The Roots Come Together) in celebration of Our Ancestors, was presented and displayed. The city asked its citizens to join in the cultural offerings designed to educate and foster continued growth among people.

It is our hope that the City of Atlanta will acknowledge its tremendous legacy and honor it by claiming its rightful place as a beacon in the quest for the liberation of oppressed people everywhere. As the “Mecca” of African-American culture and learning, the city is well qualified to host the Commemoration of the 200th Anniversary of the Abolition of the Slave trade by the United states, next year 2008.

Dr. Evan Williams of Morehouse School of Medicine facilitated the Thursday morning conference, Shaping Our Future. The dynamic and challenging presentations were offered by:

Dr. Colin A Palmer, the Dodge Professor of History at Princeton University, took us through the middle passage and the Trans-Atlantic slave trade. His comprehensive historical analysis helped to deepen our understanding of the vast impact of the Middle Passage.

Dr. Rev. Emmanuel Obasere, Spokesperson for the Maroons of Jamaica, took us through the struggle of the Maroons and their survival. His presentation brought a new sense of awareness to the impact of this crime against humanity. We thank them for traveling all the way from Jamaica to join in the commemoration and celebration of our Ancestors.

Dr. Camara P. Jones MD, PhD, MPH research Director at the Center for Disease Control, CDC in Atlanta, spoke on the effects of institutionalized racism. Her stellar presentation and its spirit of loving solidarity brought clarity and understanding to the pervasive legacy of slavery and how the emergent racism has hampered our quest to grow to our fullest potential.

Dr. Kofi Kondwani, Professor at Morehouse School of Medicine, led us through the issue of stress, coping techniques of our ancestors, and their current applications. His presentation addressed our collective need for healing and restoration and offered empowering techniques for dealing with the inherent distress patterns.

The Friday morning Conference was facilitated by Ms. Thurya Wingate of DeKalb Prevention Alliance Inc. Her dynamic personality and insightful perception of our heritage and culture, moved the forum forward in the discussions.

Mr. Joseph Beasley, head of Rainbow Push Coalition in Atlanta, led the opening prayers and remarks, speaking of the need for people of the Diaspora and Africa to work together, the need to build solidarity and offer concrete support for our brothers and sisters on the continent.

Dr. Juliet E.K. Walker, Professor of History at the University of Texas, took us through the world of business of our ancestors, and business of the future for Africans in the Diaspora and in the African Continent. Her lecture provided us with a thorough understanding of the economic impact of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade, and how it continues to impact our lives today. The knowledge shared gives us substantial solutions to the economic challenges we face.

Mr. Ezrah Aharone, Philosopher and author of “Pawned Sovereignty”, stretch our imagination in speaking of sovereignty of Africans living in America. His presentation on sovereignty took us to a higher level of consciousness and brought into stark realism the essential status of Africans in the Diaspora.

The guest presenters of our workshops included:, Ms. Rose Grant, Spokesperson for the Belize community, Ms. Eleanor Kinlaw-Ross, Spokesperson for the Gullah/Geechee community. Elder YaChov Ben Yisrael, Elder Priest of the Cultural Center of Israel, Dr. Josephine Jackson-Smith and Ms Mozella Galloway of the National Black HerStory Task Force, Mr. Reginald Muhammad, Director of the Cheik Anta Joip Institute, Mr. Kwame Lackey, Philosopher and Scholar, and Mr. Charles Williams, Founder of Save the Family Institute.

All of the discussions from these speakers were profound and extremely informative. Their presentations brought into stark reality the ability of our ancestors to survive, liberate themselves, and to create independent societies that honor our humanity.

DNA testing kits were very popular, and made available at the Morehouse School of Medicine throughout the conference, and are still available on the Foundation’s web site, provided as a service to its supporters.

Those who were present at the conference viewed slave relics from the traveling museum of Curator, Mr. Danny Drain of SC. The Museum put up fascinating collection of artifacts on display; enabling people to torch and feel the weight of slave chains and shackles, and imagine the pain of the ancestors. Bringing greater meaning to the understanding of the word freedom.

The nightly film festivals at Clark Atlanta University, Wednesday night kicked of an impressive selection for the three night features. Sankofa, followed by Goodbye Uncle Tom, on Thursday and Friday, the 3rd and final night the film was 500 Years Later.

These documentaries were poignant representations of our historic experience and brought home to the audience the great suffering that our ancestors endured and the unconquerable human spirit that allowed them to endure and ultimately overcome the vain attempt to dehumanize a people. The movies helped us to understand the dynamics of the personal and collective struggle we experience in contemporary times.

Saturday morning we began with our energizing 5 mile Abolition-Conciliation Run/Walk around the Stone Mountain Park, but first we received our briefing regarding the rules and precautions of the race from Joe Chevalier of Morehouse School of Medicine. GA State Representative Tyrone Brooks, with his bullhorn on hand, led us from the starting line to the finish line. Also among the crowd from the starting marker was the 86 year old chairman and elder of the Foundation, Sekoyeo H. Carlton-Carew. People were amazed to see him keep up and finish the 5 mile walk around the mountain ahead of much younger people.

We were blessed with a beautiful end of summer weather that helped to make the walk a joyful exercise. Participants were rewarded with a free cookout immediately following the walk. Participants declared it a fun and relaxing day of burning calories.

This segment of the five day event is symbolic of the progress we as a people have achieved in Georgia, by our walking around the Stone Mountain Park that was in recent past forbidden to blacks. The Foundation hopes this public exhibition contributes to the process of healing and continued reconciliation among people.

Cultural Night 6.30 pm-11.30pm

The Taste of Seven Nations Feast and Festival, at the Gwinnett Center, provided the evening with good food and merriment. Palatable array of foods from countries like Belize, Jamaica, Trinidad, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Sea Islands of Gullah/Geechee, Liberia, etc, were part of the main highlights of the evening. Additional food catered by Proof of the Pudding, was the Southern Buffet, accompanied by a variety of scrumptious deserts. Guests were entertained by the international band ensemble from New York, Drums no Guns Commission across America, Rhythms from the Heart, led by the talented Michael Mills in production of “YESTERDAY MEETS TODAY”, in celebration of our heritage and music history. On this community building concert tour the group launched the 100 year anniversary of the legendary Cab Calloway. Among celebrity performers was Cecil Lael Calloway, daughter of Cab Calloway, guests were treated to songs in the likes of “Minnie the Moocher” accompanied by the hearty sing-along of “HI DE HI DE HI DE HO”. A delightful and entertaining short clip of the life of the Legend was previewed. The wonderful and talented Gullah singer Ms. Lamoke Osalami sang away her progressive folk pop rock with a twist, she torched our hearts and feet with her jazzy soulful folk rhythms as we danced the night away. Our master DJ had time to show his talent and keep us on the floor till the closing of this fun filled entertaining evening, awesome music, dance and food to linger in our memory for a long while. We thoroughly celebrated our Ancestors.

The Next day, Sunday morning, was the culmination of the five day event. The Memorial Thanksgiving Service was held at the Morehouse college, MLK International Chapel. The Dean of the Chapel, Dr. Lawrence Carter, Sr., was at hand to see us through this memorable milestone thanking our Ancestors. He was accompanied by an impressive line up of young ministers from Morehouse College. Ms Crystal Zion treated the congregation to a heartfelt negro spiritual and an uplifting rendition of “Fly Away Butterfly” with her crystal and soulful voice; it was very touching. The main highlight of the morning service was the sermon delivered by Dr. Charles Finch III. His sermon was not a regular sermon just telling you the word as it is written, but it was also an educational and eye-opening oration. Dr. Finch’s delivery was exactly what we needed to close the Celebration of our Ancestors.

The Carlton Carew EP Foundation thanks all participants, supporters and volunteers for making the five day event a success and look forward to future works, in the spirit of our African Ancestors.

Lyndon Wilbur

Tenki, tenki

Cynthia Oremi Jarrett-Thorpe

Chief Executive Officer
Carlton-Carew EP Foundation, Inc.

Le De Roots Kam Togedda!

Email carltoncarewep@bellsouth.net www.cc-epfoundation.org Ph: 404-569-0229

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The Carlton-Carew EP Foundation January 2007 Volume 2, Issue 1
Contact Us: www.cc-epfoundation.org
Individual Highlights Symposium Sparks Dialogue A Day of Celebration Blood Diamond Movie Outing A Symposium Every Day!		Symposium Sparks Dialogue
		After much planning and thought, the Foundation hosted what is sure to be the first of many open discussions focused on the issues facing the African Diaspora. “Le De Roots Kam Togedda: A Symposium for Those in the Diaspora” The event, held at Morehouse School of Medicine on October 28, 2006, gathered a distinguished group of participants, representing various local organizations, academic institutions, Sierra Leonean heritage groups, and other relevant organizations.The event opened with a ceremony of Libation and Invocation, presided by the Honorable Elder Sekoyeo Carlton -Carew, Esq.,J.P., Commission for Oaths, Chairman of the Board, Carlton-Carew EP Foundation. After words of welcome by Cynthia Jarrett-Thorpe, Vice-Chairman and Executive Director of the Carlton-Carew EP Foundation, those in attendance were treated to a day of thought-provoking, informative, and sometimes even challenging discussion. Who can forget the wonderful skits that introduced each panel discussion in a lively way? The keynote speaker, Dr. Alpha Bah of the College of Charleston, set the framework for the day’s discussions in his opening speech: "Minorities must work together for the representation of all; there is no room for trouble, no room for discrimination."The main topics of the panel discussions, Heritage Groups – Educating or Discriminating? and Sierra Leone – Can We Stop the Brain Drain? dealt with the issues relevant to both Africans and African descendants in the diaspora. This was a wonderful prelude to our visit to the “2006 Heritage Days Celebration” at the Penn Center in St. Helena Island in Beaufort, SC.		The comments of distinguished panelists reflected the spirit of Dr. Bah’s keynote address. Different groups of Sierra Leonean people and other Africans in the diaspora should focus on finding themes that unite rather than divide their ranks. The old wisdom, “United we stand, divided we fall” applies here as well. The second panel discussion, concerning the Brain Drain out of Sierra Leone and Africa in general, is one deeply felt on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. While loss of educated, talented, and ambitious people understandably drains Africa’s resources, Ambassador George Carew reminded us that movement of peoples also offers opportunities, as long as ex-patriots do not forget their origins but contribute their talent, money, and experiences to help their native land and African brothers and sisters. The event was a thorough success, thanks to the organizational efforts of numerous honorable organizers and participants. Enormous “Tenki” to all organizers and participants of this great event. Your names are too many to mention here, but you know who you are. Gail Maunula Le De Roots Kam Togedda
		A Day of Celebration
		“Gullah-Geechee people, stand to your feet and welcome your people. These are your people!” The crowd at the Penn Center was called to welcome and embrace the Sierra Leonean delegation, and welcome us they did! The standing ovation that surrounded the more than 50 Sierra Leoneans in attendance set off a celebration of history and heritage.  For many in the audience, the link between the Gullah-Geechee and Sierra Leonean people was unknown, but by the time our presentation was complete, the bond between these two groups was known and celebrated by all.The Carlton-Carew EP Foundation was invited to the 2006 Heritage Days –celebration by the Penn Center in September.  The Foundation immediately began preparations for reaching out and teaching those present about the link that theseplaces share. The foundation has become well-known for its dramatic presentations and this event was no different. In a play written by Professor Amadu Maddy, the actors wove a tail of history and unity. The youngest of the group, eight-year old Jalia Carlton-Carew, sang her way into the hearts of observers, telling the tale her ancestors passed along for generations. "My father’s, father’s, father told me that we were taken in chains from our native land,” Jalia recounted for the audience. The skit concluded by informing the audience that… “Gullah/Geechee still living in North and South Carolina, Georgia and Florida, are the extended family of the Creole- Krio culture- the returnees in Freetown, Sierra Leone.” Acting as the wise story teller, Sekoyeo Carlton-Carew brought alive the story, history, and emotion of these ancestral stories. Other actors included Dr. Alpha Bah, Cynthia Jarrett-Thorpe, and Gail Manuala.		The fun-filled weekend also included presentations from other Sierra Leonean groups, musical performances, African dance and drumming that will not soon be forgotten. Needless to say, the weekend was also filled with heart- and stomach filling foods, libations, and an atmosphere of camaraderie. The Penn Center, nestled on St. Helena Island in Beaufort, South Carolina, offered a beautiful setting that even reminded many Sierra Leoneans of home. We thank the Penn Center for their generous invitation and hospitality. Gail Maunula “Le de Roots Kam Togedda.”

From the desk of

THE CARLTON-CAREW EP FOUNDATION, INC.

CONNECTING OUR ROOTS

With the

GULLAH/GEECHEE NATION

In the evening of Friday August 24, 2006, members and supporters of the Carlton-Carew EP Foundation journeyed on an overnight bus trip to Charleston, South Carolina.

On arrival at James Island at about 7am, we were greeted by the Gullah/Geechee people with drums and songs.  Because it was a sacred burial ground for our ancestors, slaves’ prayers were said and libation poured amidst speeches by various people.

We walked across the grave site to the McLeod Plantation, we looked at the big house, the cotton gin house where cotton and indigo were produced with blood, sweat and tears, we walked into one of the slave cabins where one becomes overwhelmed with the spirits of our ancestors, we were shown all aspects of inhuman treatment meted to them in blatant disregard to sexes and ages.  We felt our connection.

 The group departed on the bus for a Charleston breakfast, it was scrumptious. 

Our next stop was the historic Biro Houses, where we learned of their historic preservation and the Underground Railroad and tracks that were the path to freedom for many of our ancestors.  Sweetgrass baskets (Shukublai) and quilts were on display.

A 5.30 pm, VIP reception at the Dock Street Theater was attended by members of the EP Foundation, the deputy speaker of Parliament of Sierra Leone, Mrs. Elizabeth Lavalie and other foreign guests. The Queen of the Gullah/Geechee Nation made a presentation, followed by Cynthia Jarrett-Thorpe of the EP foundation and the Honorable Elizabeth Lavalie etc. The African drums beat to the familiar sounds of our Ancestral music as we sang along, we spoke in our intertwined language of patois (Krio and Gullah/Geechee).  The reception ended with servings of authentic Gullah/Geechee meal.

The After Party sponsored by the foundation for Creole-Krio descendants served up authentic Creole-Krio food of Jollof Rice and Stew, Groundnut Soup and Rice, Pepper Chicken, Plantains, Akara, Doughnuts and Ginger Beer.  We danced to Gumbe Music and were taught some original moves of the body, particularly the positioning of the hands, movement of the hips, and rolling of the buttocks, courtesy of our elders Mrs. Cynthia Williams and Mrs. Cassandra Garber. 

We retired to our hotel suites in the wee hours of the morning.

Saturday morning was early rise, off to the Ancestral Tribute cruise boat departing from the Charleston Maritime Center, but first we were treated to Authentic Gullah/Geechee breakfast. 

We cruised along the Charleston River, with live commentaries and history tours given by Mr. McGill, a union troop reenactor and a director in the Southeast region for the National Trust for Historic Preservation, a very knowledgeable historian.

Queen Quet performed the ancestral ceremony of libation and pointed out the Sullivan Island where the Slave ships docked and our people were herded and auctioned off as beasts of burden.   We were asked to throw in loose change into the river in memory of our ancestors. According to Queen Quet, Chieftess of the Gullah/Geechee nation, “The loose change that was cast out was to symbolize that we can no longer be bought or sold and that our ancestors’ souls are not for sale”. Spiritual songs were sung as we imagined the feelings of the ancestors’ journey down the river to the Sullivan Island all shackled and in pain. Once more the connection was made and felt by us, the descendants of Slaves. This particular event was historic, because there has never been an ancestral tribute done on the Charleston harbor. As stated by Queen Quet “This spiritual tribute was a unification of Gullah/Geechees and Creoles-Krios that reconnected all to their common ancestors”. The return journey was somber as we returned to land at the maritime center.

We pitched two 10x10 tents under the palm trees at the water’s edge,  where the lovely summer sea breeze  was blowing, and at times inviting one to a catnap. We set up Sierra Leonean food, artifacts, clothing and curios.  Our food tent was a hit with visitors as we sold Crain-Crain and Bitters with FooFoo, Stew Green and Fish Stew with Rice and Cassava Leaves with Rice. These food treats were the tastiest ever, and they showed, with patrons in line buying and devouring a taste of Sierra Leone.  The ginger beer accompanying the meal was a great hit too.

Inside the maritime center, there were cultural dancers, gospel musicals, drumming of African Sounds and individual dancing. By early evening we were exhausted from too much fun and food.

We retired to our hotel suites, rested and took off again for a night out in the town.. Sight seeing, good food and merriment, was the ambiance all around the Charleston historic district. To us, it appeared Charleston Market area, the bars and clubs had no intention of calling it a night, but we finally had to, in the early hours of the morning.

Sunday was our last day of the Festival and return day.  Our bags and equipment were loaded onto the bus after a hot breakfast at the hotel.  At the maritime center, cultural activities were under way, there we bade our farewell and departed on a very restful bus ride.  On the bus, about two hours from Atlanta, we were treated to the movie- Madea’s Family Reunion; it was a hilarious comedy, we laughed all the way. Thanks to Skip, our beloved bus driver and co-owner of the Coyote bus lines.

There were speeches and thanks as we approached Atlanta, and pledges from more supporters to work closely with the foundation in fostering its goals and objectives.

The Chairman of the Carlton-Carew EP Foundation, Mr. Sekoyeo H.Carlton-Carew thanked all of our supporters that journeyed with us to Charleston to help make it a memorable occasion of connecting with our Ancestors, our roots.

Unu tenki tenki, fo le de roots kam togedda

Cynthia Jarrett-Thorpe

Le De Roots Kam Togedda!

The Chronicle

August 29-September 2, 2007