BY VALADA FLEWELLYN, GUEST WRITER TO THE TIMES
ORLANDO – Kristin Fulwylie received the “ Dr. Carter G. Woodson Award”, at the inaugural Black History Month “Kick-Off” Breakfast, hosted by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). The Central Florida Branch is named for the late Dorothy Turner Johnson (DTJ), a member of the decorated, # 6888 United States Army, Postal Battalion that served overseas during World War II. The ASALH national organization was founded by Dr. Woodson in 1915. ASALH leads the nation in the celebration of Black History.
Carter G. Woodson Award recipient, Kristin Fulwylie is a community activist, a political organizer and founder of The Black History Project, Incorporated. Through “The Black History Project” she has worked on campaigns to create solution-based initiatives with national, state, and local organizations. Her hard work has contributed to the mission of Dr. Carter G. Woodson to showcase Black History as a notable part of American History.
The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated was awarded, “The Dorothy Turner Johnson Award”, for the fraternity’s unwavering support of the Dorothy T. Johnson Branch of ASALH since the Branch was founded in 2017 by Karen Adamopoulos. Dr. Woodson (1875-1950) was a member of the fraternity. Vice Basileus, Danny Vereem accepted the award on behalf of the fraternity. ASALH DTJ Branch President Manual Jones, retired engineer, is also a member of the fraternity.
Every year the ASALH sets a theme for Black History Month. The 2024 theme is “African Americans and the Arts”. The inaugural Black History Month “Kick-Off” breakfast was held at the Shiloh Baptist Church Fellowship Hall. Tables were adorned with puzzles, some were paintings by African American artists, in keeping with the theme, “African Americans and the Arts. Some of the tables had puzzles pieces that were clear, representing the fact that it is clear, yet difficult for some to put together, the fact that “ Black History is American History”, as articulated by Mistress of Ceremony, Valada Flewellyn.
Dr. Lyman Brodie, University of Central Florida (UCF) professor, accomplished musician, and executive member of the National Board of ASALH introduced the featured speaker, Scot A. French, Ph.D. who spoke about the role music played in the development of the Town of Eatonville, Florida, the oldest self-governing community in America. French is Associate Professor of Digital and Public History and Associate Director of History UCF. He is an academic and public historian, specializing in the study of collective memory and the application of new technologies. Formerly, he was assistant professor and associate director of the Carter G. Woodson Institute at the University of Virginia. On display at the Zora Neale Hurston National Museum is an exhibit he curated: “Why Not Us”: The Association to Preserve the Eatonville Community-The Early Years”?
Well over one hundred people attended Black History Month “Kick Off” the luncheon. Represented in the audience were city and state officials along with representatives of non-profit organizations. They were all there to represent their interest in supporting the mission of ASALH to promote, research, preserve, interpret, and disseminate information about Black life, history, and culture to the global community.
On display at the Winter Park Library throughout the month of February, is an exhibit provided by the Central Florida Branch of ASALH, Dorothy Turner Johnson Branch of ASALH. The exhibit entitled, “I Love to Tell the Story”, features the art of distinguished local artists such as, Trent Tamengo, Arthur Dawson, Paulette Perkins, a member of the Hannibal Square Heritage Centers Quilters and Carol Logan, doll artist and others.
