BY TALEEF FALLS, GUEST WRITER TO THE TIMES
Photo Cutline: UCF Professor Dr. Connie Lester notes Ret. Veteran, Darryl Gray’s resemblance to explorer Matthew Henson, pictured on the framed puzzle she is holding. (Photo Credit: EYESEEIMAGES)
Darryl Gray and wife, Regina, have completed a number of puzzles for the “Puzzled Peace” exhibits. The Henson puzzle is one of several puzzles the Gray’s have completed for exhibition. “Why is teaching African American History an Issue?”, the Grays are among many who are puzzled.
Puzzle Peace at Central Florida Zoo
Photo Cutline: “Sunset at the Zoo”, featured poetry and storytelling by, Valada Flewellyn, Friday, July 26. On display was a beautiful fine art piece entitled, “The Motherland”, by Puzzled Peace artist, Linda Mills Alexander. The art depicts lovely, touchable, African scenes, lions, giraffes, monkeys, other animals, geometric shapes and forms.
Puzzle Peace at Hope Presbyterian Church in Lake Nona
Photo Cutline: Members of the Hope Presbyterian Church in Lake None gather to complete their African American themed puzzle to be on display in the Puzzle Peace exhibits in September. Photo courtesy of the Hope Presbyterian Church in Lake Nona.
Hope Presbyterian at Lake Nona joined organizations around the area participating in “Puzzled Peace” – an effort to bring unity among diverse peoples. The Hope Church members completed a shared jigsaw puzzle over a 1-month period, concluding at a Puzzle & Game Night on Tuesday, July 23, at Brewlando.
Created by poet, author, and historian Valada Flewellyn, a member of Washington Shores Presbyterian, Puzzled Peace marks a series of exhibits curated from fine art, puzzles, information, and artifacts that celebrate African American history.
Mrs. Flewellyn, an advocate for teaching African American history since she was 13 years old, noted her puzzlement over the continued controversy of teaching it — more than five decades later. She said she realized that others share her confusion or face other issues that baffle them. She envisioned the project as a way to bring people together while reminding participants that our many pieces form a whole and that every piece matters.
The Dorothy Turner Johnson Branch of Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) will celebrate its Founders Day as a part of the “Puzzled Peace” inaugural event September 1, 2024, 2:30pm at The Winter Park Community Center. Mark your Calendar.
Puzzled people will persist
Resolute to tarry long
Respect the opinion of others
Be fair, BE AWARE, be strong,
BE READY, BE SURE
Observe, relay, note,
Puzzled Peace has power
Connect and VOTE
-excerpt from poem “Puzzled Peace” by Valada Flewellyn
