THE ROAR FOUNDATION, INC. has, officially, ended its protest against The City of Cleveland, Mississippi, Cleveland-Bolivar County Chambers of Commerce and Mr. Jimmy Williams (Owner of The Country Platter) as of Tuesday, July 26, 2005.
Two of the three issues that led to the protest have been resolved as Cleveland's Mayor David Work and friends stepped forward with a substantial donation to ROAR for granite sign in Amzie Moore Park. "We are certainly elated to see our new Mayor take a lead in resolving this matter", stated Patricia M. Thompson, after receiving confirmation that final payment had been made. "It is encouraging, to say the least, that Mayor Work see the significance of joining the citizens of Cleveland (all races donated) investment in Amzie Moore Park".
Moreover, ROAR assisted Amzie Moore Estate in June 2005 in negotiations for the purchase of Amzie Moore's house where many strategies for the Civil Rights Movement in Mississippi were planned during the 1960's. Amzie's Estate will organize and operate programs which will include a fair representation of what took place. This includes working with Cleveland-Bolivar County Chambers of Commerce when possible. ROAR will serve as a Consultant to Amzie's Estate.
Regarding the Oral History of Civil Rights Veterans who lived or worked in Mississippi, ROAR remains committed to collecting that information for our Civil Rights Museum which is in its development stages. However, in an effort to continue working with Delta State University, we offered in February 2005 to consider having a Capps Archives Annexation. Thus, because Bolivar and Sunflower Counties (home of Amzie Moore and Fannie Lou Hamer) were "hot beds" during the civil rights movement, there are residual racial issues though some improvements have been made.
Delta State University is a fine institution with great potentials and perhaps will continue to strive toward maximizing them. Moreover, maybe Luther Brown, Executive Director of the Culture Center for Learning at DSU, will explore the possibility of bringing the 52 students (or however many are still alive) who were suspended from Delta State in 1969 for organizing the Black Student Organization back to DSU at some point. The students were arrested and tried in court for breaking the law in a demonstration. After appearing in court they were carried to Parchman State Penitentiary because of lack of rooms at the local jail. All entered a not guilty plea and was released on $200 bonds. A large number of the students still live in or near Cleveland and went on to do great things with their lives. ROAR believes it will work wonders for race relations on both sides of the railroad tracks. As a product of Delta State, I remain hopeful.
Hence, in the past, ROAR has treated its guests to The Country Platter (Jimmy Williams-part owner) which was formerly, Lily's Soul Food Cafe. Civil Rights Veterans who came to or lived in Mississippi have eaten a many meals at Lily's. We will continue to list The Country Platter as a place where one can get good food while in Cleveland.
Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to seeing you at ROAR'S 6th Annual Fannie Lou Hamer Celebration September 29 - October 1, 2005 in Ruleville,MS (Hamer Day October 1st 10:00 AM) and the 5th Annual Amzie Moore/Fannie Lou Hamer Day (October 1st 2:00 PM) in Cleveland, MS at Amzie Moore Park.
If you have questions, comments or suggestions, please don't hesitate to submit them by using the information below.
ROARFULLY YOURS,
Patricia M. Thompson
Executive Director/Founder
Repaying Our Ancestors Respectfully
P. O. Box 1884
Cleveland, MS
Or
P. O. Box 581712
Minneapolis, MN 55458-1712
(662) 641-0758
Email: roar@fannielouhamer.info
www.fannielouhamer.info
Copyright © 2005
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