Dear friends and associates of Worth Long,
I am writing to you regarding Worth Long. This year the American Folklore Society is holding its annual meeting in Atlanta, Georgia, from October 19-23, 2005. On Friday, October 21, I have arranged --through the Smithsonianb's Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage -- to honor Worth for his contributions to preserving American folk culture at a special reception. For many years, Worth has worked tirelessly and quietly behind the scenes to research, present, and educate the public about, African American folklife.
The exact time of the reception is Friday, October 21, from 5:30 to 7pm at the Renaissance Hotel, 590 W. Peachtree St., NW, Atlanta 30308, 404- 881-6000. As some of you may know, Worth is losing his vision, and also has diabetes. He is trying to keep his stress level down, and thus is not communicating with many people. However, he has agreed to attend this event.
Some of you may know Worth as a civil rights activist, or as an ethnomusicologist who specializes in the blues and gospel, or through his clear understanding of material culture. You may have worked with him in organizing and presenting at festivals around the country. Whatever your relationship with him, I am now asking you to write a brief testimonial/essay of one page or more. Would you also please forward this letter to anyone who knows Worth from his civil rights or folklore work.
I will be putting together an assortment of photographs to hang in the reception space that evening. I will also consolidate those images and your statements into a booklet for Worth and his family, with a copy going to the archives of the Smithsonian Institution's Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage.
It would be really helpful if you could get the piece you are writing to me by September 16. I would also appreciate your sending me this statement by email, as well as a signed hard copy on your letterhead. If you have any questions please feel free to call me at 202-882-7764. If I'm not in, please leave word as to where and when I can get back to you. I am sure Worth will appreciate whatever you do. Thank you very much for this consideration.
Best regards,
Roland L. Freeman
117 Ingraham St. NW
Washington, DC 20011
telephone (202) 882-7764
fax (202) 829-6814
email: freeroland@aol.com
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