Special Hidden Colors 2 Edition

Presented by: The Ministry of Education (MM#14) For Unity Community Outreach Corps The Hart Monitor Walk Worthy Brands CT African American Emancipation Challenge Hosted by: Brother Kelvin X. Lovejoy Conversation Facilitated by: Evelyn Richardson, Daughters of Eve Robb Hill, For Unity

Saturday, March 9, 2013 Hartford Public Library

The Hart Monitor Issue 12 March 2013

Special Appreciation goes out to our sponsors: Sankofa Kuumba Cultural Arts Consortium United Connecticut Action for Neighborhoods/Caring Families Coalition Ebony Murphy-Root
And thank you to our donors: Russell Jarvis Mary Sanders Kennard Ray Councilwoman Cynthia Jennings Councilman Larry Deutsch Sister Michelle Muhammad Nancy Bowden Ted Steege Mykal Kafi Evelyn Richardson Celestia Simmons Aquastone Graphic Arts and Print Voices of Women of Color Stop and Shop Bloomfield La Paloma Sabanera

Todays Schedule 12pm- Networking, Vending, Refreshments 12:30- Movie Presentation Part 1 2pm- Community Discussion 4:15pm- Wrap Up There will be a follow up Table Talk to continue todays discussion on Saturday March 16 at noon in the Childrens program room at the downtown library.

Todays Goals
The movie Hidden Colors 2 is the first of what we hope will be a series of events helping to raise the consciousness of the Hartford as we have planned this event.

community. We have kept several goals in mind Educating the community on the people throughout the world.

contributions and influence of African

Providing an opportunity to network. Raising awareness of the work grassroots organizations throughout the community are doing and to Announcing planned events throughout the community. encourage possible collaborations.

Encouraging cooperative economics. Obtaining support for future events planned by our coalition and grassroots organizations. encouraging support for other

The Hart Monitor Issue 12 March 2013

From the Ministry of Education (MM #14)

Greetings and Peace Be Unto You (As-Salaam-Alaikum) May these words find you in the best of health (Mind, Body and Spirit). We at the Ministry of Education at Muhammad's Mosque's #14 in Hartford, CT would like to share these words with you in the hope they will energize and inspire us to take a closer look at what we call education today.

to you that the founders of western education, the

philosophy that under girds western educationDewey, Kant and Hegelwere racists. They did not have a good view of Black people, so they promoted an educational if you are White, you are better. system that incarcerated Whites in a sick philosophy, that

At a three-day educational conference in 2008 the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan stated, Without education and the right and proper education, no human being can fulfill his or her destiny, he continued, The torchlight of civilization. Civilizations begin with originated that civilization begins to decline. Americas failing educational system Honorable Elijah Muhammad said that education is the knowledge and civilizations end when the knowledge that

Minister Farrakhan cited sobering statistics showing that Americas educational system has not only miseducated Black people but has also failed its own people by providing an inferior education to the American people rooted in the idea of White Supremacy. As a result, millions of American youth are left educationally deficient.

The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan has been a

lifelong champion of Freedom, Justice and Equality under the divine guidance of his teacher The Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad. The following are quotes from American educational system: Minister Farrakhan regarding the current state of the

In remarks during the June 16, 2005 Rainbow PUSH/Excel-sponsored educational forum, themed Incarceration or Education: The Choice is Yours, the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan pointed out that the mental incarceration of the minds of Blacks and others, including Whites, by teaching educational principles at the core. Its natural that we would choose education over tainted with racism with the doctrine of White supremacy western worlds educational system has actually produced For example, Americas 12th graders rank 19th out of 21 industrialized nations in Mathematics and 16th out of 21 in Science. Forty-two-million American adults cannot read at all and another 50 million adults are unable to high school seniors are functionally illiterate. The statistics for Black children are even more troubling. Minister Farrakhan told the crowd that only 12 percent of Black high school seniors are considered proficient

read at the 4th or 5th grade level. Twenty percent of all

incarceration, but is the present form of education another form of incarceration? the Muslim leader asked. I submit

The Hart Monitor Issue 12 March 2013

readers. Fifty-four percent have below basic reading skills. It is estimated that 40 to 44 percent of Blacks are functionally illiterate. Black children are almost 3 times more likely than White children to be labeled mentally retarded and 2 and a half times more likely to be placed in remedial classes. Even when Black students show potential 40 percent less likely to be placed in advanced or educational attainment. equal to or greater than their White counterparts, they are accelerated classes. Black males have the lowest level of

The educational system with that idea at its root is not designed to cultivate to the fullest extent the recipients of that kind and quality of education, said Minister Farrakhan. The elites were to rule the masses with a less quality education, and you have strata of elite, but at the Good education was never designed for the masses. top of that elite is Satan himself, said Minister Farrakhan.

With that said Brother and Sisters we encourage you to come out and support events like Hidden Colors and other future events. If you would like more information on the and the teachings of the Most Honorable Elijah Nation Of Islam, The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan Muhammad visit our national website at www.noi.org May God's Blessing be with you in 2013, Ministry of Education (MM #14)

Of those who have gone on to higher education, only 26 percent of Blacks who finish high school go to college and Historically Black Colleges and Universities. After college and upon entering the workforce, statistics show that Blacks are only 3.2 percent of lawyers, 3 percent of doctors and less than 1 percent of architects. Black women make up 60 percent of the enrollment at the

With statistics like this, if I were a doctor, and the country were a patient, we could say that America has flatlined, said Minister Farrakhan.

From For Unity Community Outreach Corps

In 2011 Anthony Maye had a vision of making a change in his community. He started doing extensive research on how to do so. He also recruited close friends and family to assist him with his idea. With the knowledge and skills of himself, his friends and family they all laid down the foundation to attempt to make a change. We wanted to start something that would be set in stone and set the tone for others to step up and get involved. With this For Unity Community Outreach Corps was created. From that day forward we have been full steam ahead to better ourselves Minister Farrakhan went on to point out that the and community. In the process of making his dream a reality, his dream has also become the vision for the whole organization as well. For Unity Community Outreach Corps is a non-profit organization that resides in the Hartford area. Our objective is to foster awareness of neighborhood issues and promote diversity by providing social functions and educational system designed with the idea of White Supremacy at its root was designed to make the masses This subjugation extends throughout the entire globe subservient to the classes with higher quality education. because those who come to America from Africa, Asia and other foreign lands for education are baptized into the idea of American domination.

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recreational activities. Our aim is to enhance self-esteem and circulate peace and unity throughout the community of Hartford.

know the truth about where they come from and change their frame of thought as to where theyre going. This is powerful knowledge that everyone should possess and share.

The best way to get involved with For Unity Community Outreach Corps would be to email us at We have and continue to host a variety of events for our community. Some of our past events include: Walk and Double Dutch Club- which is the health and wellness component of our organization You need to know- which is our educational component and open forum on race relations and current events Peace Rally- which is our proactive approach to violence by gathering the community for a fun filled day of activities, performances, speakers and food Our most recent project is the viewing of Hidden Colors 2 which is a collaboration with a few other organizations to educate our community. This is important to show to our community so we know the true history of our ancestors. It will really capture your attention throughout the whole documentary. It makes you think and educates you. This is especially important for our youth to see because it will teach them historical events they will never learn in school. Our youth along with our people need to for.unity@aol.com or message us on facebook at www.facebook.com/4ucommunity. We invite all people to come and get involved in our community no matter what race, gender or religious beliefs. .Our motto is that we are attempting to put the unity back in community starting with U-N-I.

From The Hart Monitor

The Hart Monitor was started in March of 2012 by Joanna Iovino, Larry Risby and another partner who is no longer part of the project. The goal of the newsletter was to showcase the voices of community activists working in Hartford and beyond, and to discuss the issues that are important to racial justice and liberation. In the beginning, we had a different subtitle: Tracking the Health of Race Relations in Hartford, and a different symbol on our logo. We changed to the current symbol, fawohodie, an adinkra symbol from western Africa that stands for freedom, because it better embodies the goals we are attempting to achieve. We also now use the subtitle

The Hart Monitor Issue 12 March 2013

Voices of Liberation because we strive to feature the many and varied voices of people in the community who are working towards justice. And, we have a partnership with the Connecticut African American Emancipation Challenge. For many years, the founding members of the Hart Monitor wanted to become community activists and advocates for justice, but did not know how. At the suggestion of an original partner, the Hart Monitor was born, in order to put to use the organizational and writing skills of the editors. It has grown exponentially since its inception.

will be on March 27.

Today, the Hart Monitor is proud to be part of the coalition presenting the movie Hidden Colors 2 to the community. This movie is vital to the education of all

Fawohodieindependence freedom emancipation

people, since this is NOT information that can be learned in the American school system. We hope that by raising the level of consciousness in Hartford, we can galvanize people to create change in the city and beyond. We also have plans that this coalition will continue to work together to host events in the future on a regular

Today, the Hart Monitor prints every month, and distributes 500 copies throughout Hartford. We also have a website at www.thehartmonitor.com. And, as the ultimate goal is to become a full-fledged grassroots organization devoted to the community and to the ideals of liberation, we have also begun to host events, The first event the Hart Monitor helped to organize was a rally for justice for Trayvon Martin. We then helped organize an action against the DCF. We were part of a coalition that hosted a mental health awareness day in December, and recently started the Mass Incarceration Roundtable, which meets on the fourth Wednesday of every month at the SAND/Ropkins Library at 6pm. We hope that this project will grow and that we will eventually produce policy recommendations and implement direct service programs. Our next roundtable

basis. So, please keep up with us on facebook (www.facebook.com/thehartmonitor), on our website, AND in our print editions to see what we having planned next! If you are interested in becoming involved in the Hart Monitor, please contact Joanna at 860-461-2611 or email info@thehartmonitor.com. We are always looking for people to write, to help organize and attend events, and to assist in producing or distributing the newsletter. We are also available to help plan events in conjunction other organizations that are devoted to the community.

From Walk Worthy Brands

Walk Worthy Brands, a faith-based initiative that seeks to educate and empowerment men of African descent in Hartford. We encourage men to live a life of purpose,

The Hart Monitor Issue 12 March 2013

determination and upliftment The foundation of Walk Worthy Brands is anchored by Ephesians 4:1 I, Therefore prisoner of the Lord beseech thee that you walk worthy of the vocation with which you are called. Through scriptures and examples from our rich African history we urge black men to look at themselves in a different perspective. To stimulate the thought that we all strong, powerful creatures who have survived the worst but have always endured because of our faith in God and the abilities we were naturally blessed with. We are about inspiring brothers to hold each other high and to walk with our heads high. Why? Because we were called to do so!! We were once kings and queens, so we must walk worthy of such!!!

From the CT African American Emancipation Challenge

On Saturday, February 23, 2013 the CAAEC (Connecticut African American Emancipation Challenge) had their First Anniversary celebration. Even though this was meeting featured a diverse group of organizations in a small cozy room inside of Waterburys own Cultural Pride Center, the inspiration was that permeated the atmosphere positively impacted each person present. We all received great insight from founder Jimmie Griffin, Pastor Pamela Hughes and her husband Elder Hughes, Warren Leach, James Gatling Jr., Rodney Davis, Sean Mosely, Michelle Bicking, Danina Britto and Denise Patterson. Everyone introduced themselves and shared key elements of the work they did in the community. Jimmie Griffin then led an open-discussion by asking the question, Where do we go from here? The next question he asked was What do you feel is the main issue that we should be dealing with today?

We believe that the education of our young men is critical in maintaining our heritage and encouraging our men to walk worthy of their God-given talents to empower themselves. History has taught us that education is a key factor in constituent-based initiatives and addressing the needs of our community and this is why we felt it necessary to be a part of the Hidden Colors 2 screening coalition. Daemond L. Benjamin, Founder The discussion was followed by a brief award presentation where the Founder, Jimmie Griffin and President, Kevin Muhammad handed out plaques to Pastor Pamela Hughes and Warren Leach for their community activism. The CAAEC will participate with other organizations in a showing and discussion of Hidden Colors 2, a film geared toward educating the community on Black history in Hartford, Connecticut at 12:30 pm on March 9th at the

The Hart Monitor Issue 12 March 2013

Hartford Public Library. The CAAEC is committed to the Empowerment of the Black Community. They have also taken on issues such as mass incarceration, education, employment entrepreneurship, changing the political landscape, and mental support. If you desire to become a member of the CAAEC you can call Kevin Muhammad at 203-684-4051 or e-mail him at kmuhammad1k@yahoo.com.

educating ourselves to understand ourselves and others to benefit the community and society at large. So it is with great appreciation that I have been asked by the Hart Monitor to participate in this dialogue about Hidden Colors 2 as this story is our story. The Daughters of Eve got its name because of the first woman in humanity, which signifies a deep connection to the beginning and the stories that unfold a history that evolves into our today. If anyone is interested in learning more about the Daughters of Eve or attending our book club, working on community projects with us, or joining the group please feel free to contact our directors Juanita Richardson at jcassier2001@yahoo.com, or Marina Blocker at marina.blocker@yahoo.com

From our Facilitators

Evelyn R. Richardson, founder, Daughters of Eve The Daughters of Eve are a group of women who have decided to join together and help each other grow and mature in our communities and this world that impacts our lives in so many ways. We come together to grow spiritually and address matters in the realms of self-empowerment, family, community & civic life, as well as health & wellness. Over the past 8 years we have coordinated 3 annual block parties on Pliny Street , 2 community events in Delucco playground, a summer youth activities program and hosted numerous events to get information to the community. At present we meet monthly at the Wilson Gray YMCA where we provide childcare and programming for the children while the women meet for our book club sessions. We also have our leadership development trainings that take place at Hartford Communities That Care. At all our programs we provide refreshments and childcare to make it easier for parents to attend.

Robb Hill, Director of Operations, For Unity Community Outreach Corps As a native son of Hartford, who moved away and lived on the west coast for over two decades, I feel I have a unique perspective on my home town. This viewpoint allows me to be able to dissect the town's issues with a loving yet critical eye. Volunteering my time with 4UNITY has allowed me to give back to my community and to reconnect in ways I never anticipated. I agree with 4UNITY's goals of uplifting the citizens of the Heartbeat city through faith, education, enhanced consciousness and positive encouragement. God first before anything!

Correction: In the February 2013 article Black Pain Mental Health Forum the writer neglected to mention that the forum was sponsored by the Hartford Guardian and the title was associated with the article "Black Pain: Negotiating Health Disparities in the African American Community" , first published in the Hartford Guardian.

Over the years I have always been concerned with the plight and struggle of women as I am one and in

The Hart Monitor Issue 12 March 2013

The Hart Monitor Issue 12 March 2013