SPECIAL EDITION

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 8 MAY - JULY 2010

African American Historical Association

Ambassafor from Togolese, Africa

SPECIAL EDITION
CHOSEN ONE The Mustafa Salahuddin Story
There was celebrating in the house of Mustafa Salahuddin recently, and with good reason. After over a year of anguish and frustration, it was over. The light of day had broken through the darkness. Mustafa could claim victory, and the battle that began in May of 2008 was over. Being in the heat of battle was nothing new to Mustafa. He has been a Fighter since birth. He had to fight for life as an infant, a fight that his twin brother had lost four days after being born. He died, and Mustafa survived. Even though he lived, he faced several health problems, such as asthma, and cystic fibrosis, but nothing could stop him. He believes it was divine intervention that cured him of these health problems. He wasnt born Mustafa Salahuddin, but Paul Pryor. He was in his early teens when his parents made a decision to drop their English names. Most African Americans carry the names of their former slave owners. Their original african names were lost during slavery. Paul was given the option by his mother, to choose his own name. He chose the name Mustafa, a muslim name meaning chosen one. His parents and a brother all changed their names. Some of his siblings did not. He joined the Ansonia Police force. He went head to head with the powers that be over his beard. Beards are an important part of Islam. However, the dept. didnt see it that way. After winning that battle on religious grounds, the higher-ups were hardly amused. He continued to serve the community well, as a likable police officer.
CHOSEN ONE: The Mustafa Salahuddin Story - contd. on next page

BRINGING DOWN THE HOUSE: Songstress Sebrina Wesley rocks the house at A.A.H.A3rd. Annual Carter G. Woodson Awards Luncheon.

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

I am trying to think of adjectives to describe our Annual Carter G. Woodson Awards Luncheon. Words like classy, tasteful, and elegant just dont seem to be enough. It was all of these things and more. It was a splendid affair, definitely an affair to remember, thanks to all of you who came. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. I enjoyed every song, skit, speech, and whatever else happened. Next year, you all have to come. We wont take no for an answer. In this issue you will read about Police Officer Mustafa Salahuddin and his successful battle against racism and corruption in the Ansonia Police Dept. Also you will read about the story of Prince Abd Rahman Ibrahima. A royal African prince who became a slave in Mississippi. Loads of pictures from our 3rd. Annual Carter G. Woodson awards luncheon, and our continuing series on A.A.H.A. members. This issue we will profile our Editor Henry Timberlake. Plus Cooking with Joy and lots more. I want to close with this. We are heading for Mothers Day and Fathers Day. I miss both of my parents. My dad passed away in Feb. of 2007 at age 90. If you are a parent, particularly if you are a father. Take time to be a real father. Your children need you. Sometimes you dont have material things to give them, but make sure that child knows that he or she is loved. That doesnt cost anything. God bless you. Gilbert L. Davis President A.A.H.A.
CHOSEN ONE: The Mustafa Salahuddin Story - contd.

~ STAFF~ ~Editor in Chief~ Henry Timberlake ~Writers~ Gilbert L. Davis Joy Purdie Henry Timberlake ~Layout~ Henry Timberlake ~Graphic Designer~ Debbie Perry

INSIDE THIS ISSUE~

Few knew about the subtle harassment, and racism that he continued to face. Then came the incident that made state-wide news. While working the nightshift in May of 2008, Mustafa removed a water hose from the police station to hose down his car. He returned the hose, but put it safely in a different spot. He was seen on the monitor removing it, and to his shock the case of the missing hose became a big deal. He was accused of stealing it, even though it was returned. This touched off an agonizing, and embarrassing clash with his superiors over a twenty dollar hose. News of this suspension spread all over Connecticut, and beyond. For over a year Mustafas fate hung in the balance. On March 16, 2010 a jury found Mustafa not guilty. It took the jury only five minutes to reach that decision. Five minutes that ended over a tear and a half of sheer hell. Mustafa had found himself in a sink or swim situation, and he swam. Just like he fought as an infant, he fought again and won. Looking at Mustafa, you may not readily see a warrior. He has a movie star look, and a smile that brightens up the whole room. A disposition so cheerful, you wouldnt think he has ever had a bad day. Yet he is a fighter, the kind of fighter we all admire. The little guy who stands up against overwhelming odds, with courage and dignity. For every Goliath there is a David, and that David is Mustafa Salahuddin.

A PRINCE AMONGST SLAVES

by Gilbert L. Davis It is not to unusual to hear an African American say we are descendants of royalty. This may seem like a vain attempt to add some dignity to a people who experienced four centuries of soul crushing humiliation, and chattel slavery. Its not a clich, its the truth. Africa was ablaze with small kingdoms during the time of The Trans Atlantic Slave Trade. The trade spawned several tribal conflicts all over West Africa. Black flesh had become the hottest commodity of the day. There was amongst the Africans an unwritten rule. No selling persons of royal heritage. Even that was discarded as the demand for labor grew in the Americas, and in the Carribean. No one was off limits. No man, woman, or child in West Africa was truly safe. One case that gained notoriety, was that of the Fulani Prince Abd Rahman Ibrahima. He was captured, and sold into slavery. He was from a kingdom called Futa Jalon, which is now part of the Republic of Guinea. He resided in the town of Timbo, and his father was a king named Sori. Prince Abd Ibrahima was educated in the cities of Jenne, and in the fabled Timbuktu, a center of culture and learning. His story would have never come to light if not for an act of kindness, on the part of his father to an Irishman years earlier. A one eyed Irish doctor, named John Cox was working on a ship doing business in West Africa, was separated from his party. They searched in vain for him, and after awhile believing he was dead, sailed away. Thus he found himself stranded in Africa. He was brought before the King Sori of Futa Jalon, sick and disoriented. For six months he was befriended by the king, and nursed back to health. When he was better, he traveled back to the coast, met his old shipmates, and returned to America. This episode is an integral part of this story. A war broke out between the Hebo tribe, and the Fulani. Prince Ibrahima led the Fulani tribesmen into several victories. However, he was captured by the Hebos, who sold him to the slave traders at the coast. Ibrahima survived the horrendous middle passage, only to be sold as a slave to a Mississippi plantation owner. Ibrahima tried unsuccessfully to escape from his master. He resigned himself to the degrading life of slavery in Mississippi, married a woman named Isabel, and had nine children together. He became the overseer of the plantation. Incredibly, Ibrahima had a meeting with the Dr. John Cox. Cox, being the doctor saved by Ibrahimas father many years earlier, recognized the prince, and began to petition for Ibrahimas freedom. Twenty-five years later, a journalist related the story to then Secretary of State, Henry Clay. Clay served under President John Adams. It was Henry Clays intervention that helped secure Ibrahimas freedom. Ibrahima made it all the way to Liberia, West Africa, which is very close to his native Timbo. He died five months later. A book about him entitled Prince of slaves was published in 1977, by Terry Alford. Prince Abd Rahman Ibrahimas story still remains fascinating even till this day.

Hello everyone. Its that time again. Time for another healthy, low cost, great tasting recipe. All the ingredients needed, can be purchased at Price-Rite, on Main St. in Bridgeport. Ingredients: 1 pound pasta ( elbow, ziti, or bowtie ) your preference. 1 can white meat chicken. ( preferably 12.5 ounces ) 1 cups sweet relish. ( strained ) cup red or yellow onion. ( finely chopped ) 4 hard boiled eggs. ( finely chopped ) 1 4 ounce jar roasted red peppers ( finely chopped ) 5 tablespoons of yellow mustard. 1 cup mayonnaise. 1 teaspoon paprika. 1 teaspoon black pepper. teaspoon garlic powder.

G IN K O O C
COOKING WITH JOY
by

Joy Purdie

Chicken Salad

Now lets begin: First you boil your eggs on medium high heat, making sure the water is covering the eggs. Next, you put on your pot of water for the pasta. To the pasta water, you add 1 teaspoon of butter & a pinch of salt. This process helps the noodles not stick together. Then you start cutting up your onion. You finely chop cup onion. Next, you put the one cup of sweet relish in a strainer. By this time, your pasta water should be boiling. Add your pasta, stirring the pot occasionally. Next, check on your eggs. When eggs are done, you de-peel them & chop them up very finely. When the pasta is done you strain it. I also rinse off my pasta. Once the water is all drain from the pasta, you pour your pasta into a large bowl. You then add your 5 teaspoons of yellow mustard, the 1 cups of mayonnaise, the teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of black pepper and 1 teaspoon of paprika. You then add your relish, onion and red peppers. Next, you add your eggs, and you stir this all together. Mix everything thoroughly. If you need to add more mayonnaise, please do so. This is your salad. Put in or take out as much as youd like. When your salad is finished, smooth over the top of the salad, add a little more paprika for decorations, and refrigerate. Whether you like it warm or cold, enjoy it !!! Whether youre a cook or not, have fun & just enjoy. God bless you all. Wishing you all the best, with love and joy..

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JANET BINGHAM AD TO GO HERE

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PAST EVENTS 3RD ANNUAL CARTER G. WOODSON AWARDS LUNCHEON

A KISS FOR AN HONOREE

A.A.H.A. President, Gilbert Davis, plants a kiss on Elmond Raiford

BEAUTY, BRAINS & CLASS

is personified by A.A.H.A. member, Angela Harrison

A REAL CLASS ACT

City Counclman Andre Baker and guest

BPT. MAYOR FINCH AND A.A.H.A. MEMBER INTERIM TREASURER, MONICA DAVIS
Takes time out to pose for the event

CHARLES B. TISDALE
Acknowledges the applause from the audience

HONOREE DR. GEORGIA DAY

Expresses her gratitude after receiving the Mary Freeman Award

A.A.H.A. CO-FOUNDER AND VICE-PRESIDENT

Joe Wilcox shares the history of the organization

MARY FREEMAN AWARD RECIPIENTS

Dr. Georgia Day, Elmon Raiford and Mr. Charles Tisdale

POLICE OFFICER VERNA KEARNEY

Nearly stole the show! Nice hat!

MAYOR WILLIAM FINCH

Reads a proclamation honoring Miss Gillan Anderson

MISTRESS OF CEREMONIES, JOY PURDIE

Gets the Awards Luncheon started with opening words

QUIET DIGNITY
A.A.H.A. member Nelson Ngoh waits patiently to present award to Elmon Raiford

DIANA BLACK
A.A.H.A.s PR person, announces speaker of the day.

A.A.H.A. MEMBERS
(Left to right) Professor Ngoh, Keith Purdie, Gilbert Davis, Joy Purdie, Debra Smith, Henry Timberlake, Joe Wilcox, Diana Black, Angela Harrison, Monica Davis

GILBERT DAVIS
A.A.H.A. President

PAST EVENTS 3RD ANNUAL CARTER G. WOODSON AWARDS LUNCHEON ....Cont.

History makers Winifred Timberlake ( front right) and Eva James ( front left) Loyse Tisdale (fourth on left)

HAVING A GOOD TIME!

Proud relatives of Elmon Raiford turned out to cheer her on.

NOTHING LIKE FAMILY!

STRIKING A POSE!
Bridgeport Mayor William Finch and A.A.H.A. President

Deputy Police Chief Patrick Ridenhour (front left) and Stratfords Deputy Fire Chief Curtis Moffet ( second from left)

STRATFORDs FINEST

Left to right: Poet Richard Fewell, Jeanette Harris, Linda Jackson, Rev. Donald Luster, Deborah & Jeffrey Tisdale

Yvonne Shannon (second from left) was one fo the many guest enjoying the luncheon

HAVING A GREAT TIME!

Left to right: Poet Richard Fewell, Jeanette Harris, Linda Jackson, Rev. Donald Luster, Deborah & Jeffrey Tisdale

NO PROGRAM WOULD BE COMPLETE WITHOUT A SKIT FROM THE TALENTED

Jeanette Harris

Gilbert Davis poses for a picwith Ambassador K. Limbiye Bariki of Togolese, Africa.

PHOTO OP!

A.A.H.A. MEMBERS PAUSE TO POSE FOR A PICTURE WITH THE -TOGOLESE AMBASSADOR
Left to right: Henry Timberlake, Angela Harrison, Deboarh Williams, Ambassador K. Limbiye Bariki, Gilbert Davis, Abdule, and Joy Purdie

YOUVE GOT TO GO TO TOGO

This is the beginning of our new educational series on the Nations of Africa. You probably have never even heard of Togo, or maybe you have. Togo has been in the news in the past six months. For one, the Togolese football team was attacked in the Cabinda region of Angola. The team were on their way to the Africa Cup Football games. Two of the young athletes were killed in the ambush. When President Gnassingbe withdrew the team, Togo was fined and suspended. A move everyone thought was grossly unfair. This past March President Gnassingbe was re-elected to a second term. The election was judged free and fair by all observers. During the 1990s there were serious political problems under the former president, who was the current presidents father. President Gnassingbe was educated here in the U.S. He is young energetic and dedicated to his job. He arrives at work at 5:45 A.M. His goal is to expand the economy and try to unite the north and south of his country. Togo is known for its night life, beaches, and wildlife. For American women in search of a good man, go no further, you will find him in Togo. Togo shares a border with Ghana, and like Ghana it is an ancestreal homeland to some African Americans. People were shipped from this area to the Americas, during the Trans Atlantic Slave Trade. With beaches, nightclubs, game parks, and a friendly young American educated President, Togo has it all. If you are going to do West Africa, then Togo is a must see for you.

A DAY OF CELEBRATION AND FRIENDSHIP

There is definitely something going on between the Town of Plainfield, Connecticut and the West African Nation of Togo. Recently a program was held in Plainfield to cement that friendship. There is a small community of Togolese in the Plainfield area. The program brought out some residents, including First Selectman of the town, Mr. Paul E. Sweet. Also his excellency Mr. Limbiye K. Bariki, the ambassador of Togo to the U.S. Mr. Bariki wanted to meet members of the A.A.H.A. He asked specifically that the A.A.H.A. be invited. Mr. Zato Kadambaya was the main organizer of the event. Born in Togo, Mr. Kadambaya is a mathematician at a school in nearby Norwich, and has been very active in bringing Plainfield and Togo together. The town has made contributions to the Togolese town of Kara, and there are plans to build a road in Kara, and name it Plainfield. After the program at the Plainfield town hall, Ambassador Bariki held a private meeting with A.A.H.A. President Gilbert Davis. Bariki liked the plan, to start a museum / cultural center, and said he would do all he could to help to bring it about. He also forwarded the A.A.H.A. Newsletter to Togos President Favre Gnassingbe. The A.A.H.A. has sent a congratulatory letter to President Gnassingbe on his recent re election victory. Togo is one of the African countries the A.A.H.A. hopes to visit next year.

HENRY N. TIMBERLAKE
This is the third installment on our series: Getting to Know the A.A.H.A. members.

Sometimes the most precious gem is the one in your jewelry box. Sometimes we bypass the most important people in our lives, who love us most. This past February the A.A.H.A. gave a surprise honor to our hardest working and possibly most dedicated member. Mr. Henry Neal Timberlake was presented with just such an award. Timberlake, who was taken completely by surprise could only stand there and blush. It was a fitting tribute to a man who has been the wheels of the organization. He is also a man often overlooked, until now. Timberlake is a founding father of the A.A.H.A. He got off to a rocky start, missing meetings and coming late to the ones he did attend. Somewhere along the line there was a major switch. He has bounced from secretary to treasurer. He now serves as Editor for the organizations newsletter, and has made a significant difference in its style. He holds dual positions. He also serves as Administrative Assistant to President Davis. Call the A.A.H.A. office and youll likely get his baritone voice on the line. He makes the calls, consoles members, types, files, and represents the organization at public functions. A big change from the old Henry. A few years back he nearly died from a collapsed lung, and still has serious health problems as a result. Leadership was beckoning, and why wouldnt it. Timberlakes mother Winifred Timberlake was the first African American woman to sit on Bridgeports City Council. Henry is clearly a leader who doesnt hesitate speaking his mind. He spars with the President, sometimes fiercely. He has a soft side, he loves animals, and in February lost his beloved Chihuahua, Faun his baby. He likes to date and lately has tried his hand at cooking. Henrys chicken has become very popular, and he never gives away his secret recipe. Timberlake has come a long way, from aimlessly running the streets of Bridgeport. His wit, humor, and love for people and history has made him the model member. He hides his shyness, and his bright brown eyes are adorable. The A.A.H.A. is proud to have Timberlake as a member, a membership that has had a positive effect on the organization.

A REAL MCHERO GILLIAN ANDERSON ON THE JOB

Back in September, Ms. Anderson saved a woman from choking to death by performing the Heimlech Manuever. The woman never thanked Ms. Anderson for saving her life, and continued on eating. Bridgeport Mayor William Finch read a proclamation during our 3rd. Annual Luncheon, and sent it to her. Ms. Anderson was unable to attend the luncheon.

THOSE WE MOURN
The A.A.H.A. expresses its deepest condolences to the families of the following: Esteban Perez Grace Kenny Florine Blackwell Vanessa Thigpen Bohannon Ellen Walton Barnett Lillie Duberry Jenkins Arlene ( shuggie ) Kaiser Faun D. Timberlake Helena Leslie Sina Richards Brady Barrett Emmett Johnson The A.A.H.A. also expresses its deepest condolences to some noted African- Americans who have made historical contributions through-out the United States of America Benjamin Hooks Served for many years as president of the NAACP.

Dorothy Height Dorothy Height was one of the mothers of the civil rights movement. She marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and was the long time president of the National Council For Negro Women. Ms. Height was 98 years old.

Warren Mark Helped to establish The Amistad here in the U.S.A., and was very active in the community.

Lena Horne Star of the silver screen, pianist, and jazz singer. Lena became the first African- American to live in Beverly Hills, California. A petition had been signed by some of Lenas white movie star friends, some in particular, Humphrey Bogart, and his wife, Lauren Bacall. Allowing Lena to purchase the dream home of her choice, which just so happened to be a beautiful mansion adjacent to the Bogarts property.

NIGERIAN PRESIDENT SUCCUMBS TO LONG TIME ILLNESS

The government of Nigeria announced, that its President Umaru Yar Adua has passed away. Mr. Adua had not been seen for months, and had been ill for a long time. A northerner, President Adua tried to stamp out corruption in one of the worlds most corrupt nations. President Adua was 58 years old.

A.A.H.A. NEWS
Ms. Monica Davis has been appointed as our new treasurer. We know she will be a superb treasurer. Ms. Angela Harrison will now serve as our Outreach and Development Coordinator, which will be part of our Public Relations Dept. The A.A.H.A. is proud to welcome our newest members: Mrs. Alexis Martin Mrs. Kizzy Wilcox Ms. Deborah Perry Ms. Akosua Frimpong and Ms. Maureen Sherice Simmons

The A.A.H.A. will hold its Annual Day of Remembrance A day we Honor our Ancestors. Those who have survived and those whos lives were lost in the middle passage, during the Trans Atlantic Slave Trade. This ceremonial event will be held in the month of August.

The A.A.H.A. is planning a trip to the West African Nations of Ghana, and Togo, next year in 2011. If you are interested in joining us on this historic trip, call us and let us know.

The African American Historical Association of Fairfield County P.O. Box 9235 Bridgeport, Connecticut 06601 email: aahact@yahoo.com Telephone: (203) 331-9269

NIGER PRESENTATION BOYLES BRIDGEPORT PUBLIC LIBRARY

Students journey to Africa at the Bridgeport Public Library

The journey to Africa turned out to be a lot of fun for some grade school students, and the general public, at a recent program, sponsored by the A.A.H.A. at the Bridgeport Public Library. The speakers were Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence H. Boyle of Fairfield, CT. The Boyles spent five years doing humanitarian work in a remote section of the West African Nation of Niger. The program was hosted by Public Relations Person Diana Black. In the audience were several members of the V.I.P. youth group. The Boyles told of their experiences in Niger, and stressed they were not speaking of all Africa, but the area where they resided. The Boyles possess a gift for storytelling, and left the crowd wanting more. After speaking, the Boyles asked questions from the audience. They also brought pieces from Niger to show the audience. The people of Niger warmed up to the Boyles, because of their sensitivity and willingness to help. After hearing them speak, we did too.

CHECKING IT OUT

Mustafa Salahuddin and Ann Barnes stop after work to read the A.A.H.A. Newsletter. So should you! Look whos checking us out! Dr. Jean K. Jacob RPh. Takes a little time out from his busy schedule, to check out the latest A.A.H.A. Newsletter. Dr. Jacob is the manager of the new Main St. Pharmacy, located in the newly renovated Arcade Mall in Downtown Bridgeport.

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BITS AND PIECES

Houston Booed in London R&B singer Whitney Houston flops in London. Singer Whitney Houston has been trying to make a comeback, but all she saw was the backs of her audience, as they got up and walked out of her concert. The singer was booed and heckled, after her voice strained and cracked during her performance before an audience of thousands in London, England. Voodoo in Bridgeport? Police have reportedly discovered the head of a goat, and headless chickens in Bridgeports Beardsley Park. The findings have many convinced that these animals may have been killed for some kind of voodoo ritual ceremony. Man hasnt eaten in 7 decades It might sound like something out of the National Inquirer, but a man in India claims he has not eaten anything, or drank any fluids in seventy years. The man, who is a Hindu holy man claims that he was visited by a Hindu Goddess seventy years ago, and she told him he would not have to eat or drink ever again. Yeah right! New statue sparks outrage A new statue has been unveiled in Senegals Capitol Dakar, by President Abdoulaye Wade. The statue has outraged some Senegalese. The $27 million dollar statue was built to commemorate fifty years of independence from France. Critics charge that wade will receive 40% of all tourist dollars, made from that statue. Some see the colossal statue as a colossal mistake. They claim that the hefty sum, spent building it could have been better spent if it went to jobs, education, and healthcare. Killing of white supremacist leader stirs unease in South Africa The leader of a white supremacist militia group, Eugene Terre Blanche was found beaten to death on his farm. Terre Blanche was the leader of a right wing militant group, the A.W.B. which fought hard to prevent black majority rule in that country. The group is made up of Afrikaners who ruled South Africa until 1994, when Nelson Mandela was elected by a landslide. Though Terre Blanche had advocated murders and terrorist activities against black citizens, he was praised by fellow Afrikaners as being a hero. Two black farm workers have been arrested in connection with his death. Terre Blanches death has stirred more fears that racial violence could break out in South Africa. Many Afrikaner farmers are already afraid. Since 2001 over two thousand white farmers have been murdered in South Africa. G.B.T. Diversity committee honored Congratulations to the diversity committee at the Greater Bridgeport Transit. They recently were honored by the Women in Transit (W.T.S.) with the Rosa Parks Diversity Leadership Award. The W.T.S. is an organization dedicated to women in transit. The A.A.H.A. also want to acknowledge the work of the G.B.T. Diversity Committee, and we congratulate all of you on a job well done.

Truly the Blind Side

Is this life imitating art? Yes, its true, Sandra Bullock is following in the footsteps of such famous actresses like Mia Farrow, Angelina Jolie, and Madonna by adopting a black baby. This one is not from Africa, but from right here in the good old U.S. of A. Bullock won an oscar this year for her portrayal of a real life wealthy white woman, who adopts an African American son. Its good to see that such interracial adoptions are not nearly as controversial as they were in the past. Since all that really matters is that they love the child, and have room in their heart and home for them. White women have proven they can give their black children as much love as a white child, and rear them to become successful. One raised her child so well, he eventually became President of the United States.

A.A.H.A. to take on Africa

Did you know Africa has 53 countries? Do you know which African tribe changed the face of the entire subcontinent? Do you know in what African nation, stands the worlds tallest mountain? The A.A.H.A. has begun a new series, aimed at providing information on Africa and African history. We will start a series of articles and special programs aimed at educating the public and clearing up many misconceptions about the continent. The purpose is to educate, and to make Fairfield Countys growing African population feel right at home when reading this publication.

A.A.H.A. Expresses Gratitude

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African American Historical Association

The African American Historical Association of Fairfield County P.O. Box 9235 Bridgeport, Connecticut 06601 email: aahact@yahoo.com Telephone: (203) 331-9269