Dressed, stunningly as ever, Dr. Maya Angelou walked on the stage of the Bologna Performing Arts Center singing "When it looks like the sun wasn't shining anymore, God put a rainbow in the clouds" to a standing ovation. Though Maya had visited Mississippi before, this was her first trip to the "Heart of the Mississippi Delta", specifically, Cleveland.
Dr. Maya Angelou's appearance was made possible by a partnership between the ROAR Foundation, Inc. and Delta State University. She reminded the audience that ROAR should be commended for its work in 'honoring our ancestors respectfully.'
How appropriate to speak of rainbows in the clouds in the home of Mr. Amzie Moore and Mrs. Fannie Lou Hamer (Ruleville is 10 miles East of Cleveland). Angelou's appearance was a continuation of ROAR'S 5th Annual Fannie Lou Hamer celebration and the official kick off of ROAR'S membership drive to help support the development of the Amzie Moore/Fannie Lou Hamer National Heritage Center & Civil Rights Museum to be located in Cleveland, MS across the street from Amzie Moore Park.
This project is being made possible through a partnership between THE ROAR FOUNDATION, INC. and UNITED FAMILY LIFE CENTER/UNITED BAPTIST CHURCH. Rev. Sammie Rash is the Pastor of United Baptist Church and President of ROAR'S Cleveland Chapter. Amzie took him under his wings when Rash was only 14 years old. He describes himself as a Disciple of Amzie and a visionary. Much of the work we anticipate doing is a continuation of Amzie Moore and Fannie Lou Hamer's "Unfinished Business".
However, we need your help! On March 11-13, 2005, ROAR is sponsoring a 'Meeting of the Minds' Civil Rights Conference at the Moore/Hamer Heritage Center & Museum.
We are on a nation wide membership drive to get a minimum of 5000 members at $5.00 per month to help support the development of this project and to purchase a sign for Amzie Moore Park.
Originally, the granite sign was going to be unveiled on October 2, 2004. Thus, we adjusted the order to better reflect Amzie's legacy and the many people who worked with him. The sign is black with gold lettering. A picture of Amzie is being carved with the original date Amzie Moore Park was dedicated (September 29, 2001) on the front. A short history of Amzie Moore and the names of some of the many people who worked with him is being inscribed on the back.
The columns for the sign will stand 8 feet above the ground and the sign is 7 ft wide x 4 ft high giving the sign a total dimension of 8 feet (h) x 7 feet (w). The total cost of the sign is $7140.00. The remaining balance is $4140.00.
For more information and to see pictures of the future museum, go to www.fannielouhamer.info and click on museum. To see the news article on Dr. Maya Angelou's visit, click on Maya Angelou page and then click the link 'Maya Angelou'. For more information on ROAR'S Civil Rights Conference, 6th Annual Fannie Lou Hamer Day (Ruleville, MS) and Cleveland's 5th Annual Amzie Moore/Fannie Lou Hamer Day, click on calendar.
Can Amzie and Fannie Lou Hamer count on you? Will you join us in our efforts to preserve and commemorate the legacy of these two legendary giants of the Civil Rights Movement who just so happen to be from the heart of the Mississippi Delta?
You can support us by doing several things; become a $5.00 per month member, join us for the conference in March to share your ideas and participate in brainstorming for the development of the museum, join us for our annual celebrations and spread the word about us on how $5.00 per month can honor Amzie and Fannie!
If you have questions, suggestions or information, please forward them to me by using the information below. Thank you for your continued support and ROAR looks forward to hearing from you soon.
ROARFULLY YOURS,
Patricia M. Thompson
Executive Director/Founder
ROAR
P. O BOX 1884
Cleveland, MS 38732
Email: roar@fannielouhamer.info
www.fannielouhamer.info
(662) 846-1131
Please make checks/money orders payable to ROAR and mail to above address.
Copyright © 2005
Last Modified: January 23, 2005.
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