State of Connecticut
African-American Affairs Commission

Friday, April 11, 2003
7:00 p.m. -10:00 p.m.
African American Achievers

 

Three Masters of American Art

The 2003 Concourse Exhibit "Celebration of Heritage" showcases the artistic achievement of three master African-American artists who have, for more than 60 years, produced art that has informed, influenced, inspired and nurtured generations of artists and everyday people.      Each of the featured artists: Elizabeth Catlett, Jacob Lawrence, and Samella Lewis celebrates through their art what it means to be African-American in America, while transcending race and embracing universal themes of love, struggle, family, community, civil rights and freedom. Through their art they have chronicled the changing landscape of America over the past 60 years - from the Depression and World War II, through the segregation of the 40's and 50's, to the Civil Rights Movement of the late 50's, 60's and beyond. Catlett, Lawrence, and Lewis have consistently painted their environment with sensitive portrayals of the poor, working class, and historical figures. Their art has helped us all to view the duality of life within and without our communities, while striving to embrace the changing and diverse world of the 21st Century.      Elizabeth Catlett was born in Washington D.C. in 1919. A prolific sculptor, graphic artist and teacher, she uses her art as a form of visual communication to stimulate thinking and promote ideas, especially those related to the economic, political and social lives of the poor. Of her work she states, "I am not consciously creating heroic imagery. I'm trying to show what I consider beautiful in Black people to other people".      Jacob Lawrence (1917-2000) was born in Atlantic City, New Jersey. His legendary career spanned more than 60 years. Like Elizabeth Catlett, Lawrence always demonstrated a strong interest in African-American history and in the struggle to attain racial equality. He is perhaps best remembered for creating powerful historical series in the late 1930's and early 1940's. The Toussaint L'Ouverture, Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, Migration, and John Brown Series established Lawrence as a visual historian and accomplished artist. Regarding his work, Lawrence stated, "My pictures express my life and experience. I paint the things I know about and the things I have experienced. The things I have experienced extend into my national, racial and class group. So I paint the American scene."      Samella Lewis was born in 1924 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Her career as a visionary teacher, scholar and artist, spans some 50 years and has garnered international recognition and acclaim. As an artist and printmaker, Lewis remains at the forefront of her field and is recognized as one of the most prominent African-American art historians and scholars of our time. Lewis commented, "Art offers avenues for exploring ideas and human experiences. It is important to Black people because it adds to the enrichment and understanding of our ancient past, and provides a significant source for documenting our contemporary present. It has been my wish to express some of what history has taught me, and to use it to better understand what life will bring."

 

"Celebration of Heritage" will be on display in the Capitol Concourse from March 1-15, 2003. Acquisition and curatorial services for "Celebration of Heritage" are provided by Gallery at 44 Capitol. The Gallery, located at 44 Capitol Avenue, Suite 101, Hartford, Connecticut specializes in the works of African- American master artists. For more information call (860) 278-1757

 

AFRICAN-AMERICAN AFFAIRS COMMISSION STATE CAPITOL HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT 06106-1591 (860) 240-8555 FAX (860) 240-8444 April 11, 2003     Dear Friends:      On behalf of the African-American Affairs Commission, it is my pleasure to welcome the citizens of Connecticut to our 4th Annual Classic Awards ceremony. This ceremony is always special, because it is one of the few opportunities that honor African?Americans for their positive contributions to the community.        The 2003 Classic Awards utilizes images from the Freedom Quilt, originally sewn by community groups in 1998. The image of a lantern is especially pertinent, because it represents the struggles, both past and present, which Connecticut African?Americans have had to endure.      The symbol of the "light" represents hope, and that with determined resolve one can have a better life. The African-American Affairs Commission, as advocates, will continue to serve as a light, just as the brave souls did who brought our ancestors out of slavery.      The treasure of the four panels of the Freedom Quilt can be viewed at the Museum of Connecticut History across the street from the Capitol.   Jacqueline Dickens Chairperson

 

2003 AAAC Classic Awards Honorees   Woman of the Year DEPUTY MAYOR VERONICA AIREY-WILSON Community Activist/Political Leader/Entrepreneur/Financial Professional Veronica Airey-Wilson is serving in her tenth year as an elected official on the Hartford Court of Common Council. Ms. Airey-Wilson is currently Deputy Mayor and Chair of the Housing Committee. She is the owner of the Airey-Wilson Insurance Group. Deputy Mayor Airey-Wilson has held leadership roles in many organizations including the Capital Region Council of Government's Joint Policy Board, Hartford Consortium Policy Steering Committee, Association of Caribbean American Leaders (Vice President), and the NAACP. She has also served on the Hartford Public Library Capitol Campaign Committee; the Capitol Region Black Family Enrichment Advisory Board; the Greater Hartford Literacy Council; and the Connecticut Policy and Economic Council Advisory Committee. Deputy Mayor Airey-Wilson has been instrumental in developing immigration and citizenship workshops for the greater Hartford community. She has served as Co-Chair of the Camile Fisher Memorial Scholarship Fund that distributes annual scholarships to area high school students, and with the Youth Workforce Taskforce. Deputy Mayor Airey-Wilson is a member of the Rose of Sharon, Chapter #1 of the Independent United Order of Mechanics W.H., and is an American Leadership Forum Fellow. She is listed in "Who's Who in American Women". She is the mother of two children and a member of Saint Monica's Episcopal Church.

 

Man of the Year James "Jimmy" Griffin James "Jimmy" Griffin, a longtime community activist is the President of the Connecticut State Conference of NAACP branches and former President of the Greater Waterbury branch of the NAACP. Mr. Griffin served in the Vietnam War. He presently serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the Central Naugatuck Valley United Way, as a Commissioner on the Judicial Selection Commission for the State of Connecticut and is a former member of Waterbury's Charter Revision Commission. He has been honored for his many contributions to veteran affairs, as well as civil and human rights issues. Mr. Griffin received awards from the National Association of Veterans Program Administrators and the American Association of Minority Veterans Program Administrators for outstanding service to United States veterans, and was named Black Mayor for a day in Waterbury, Connecticut. He resides in Waterbury with his wife Carolyn Griffin, a longtime Waterbury schoolteacher, and his stepson Joseph Hawley a sophomore at Eastern Connecticut State University.

 

Youth of the Year Taisheema Simone Schley Taisheema "Tasha" Simone Schley was born in Hartford, Connecticut. She attended Windsor High School where she maintained honor roll status in college preparatory studies. Tasha received the Windsor High School Black Teacher Award. She also received a Windsor High School cheerleading award. In 2001, Tasha was voted captain of the cheerleading squad that became state champions in 2001. Tasha is presently attending East Hartford High School where she continues to maintain honor roll status. Tasha enjoys working with children. She has worked under the leadership of Linda O'Neal at the First Cathedral Daycare Ministries. Tasha's hobbies include dancing, reading and kickboxing. In addition to all her other activities, Tasha was a member of the Artists Collective where she studied dance for three years. Tasha attributes her success to her family, hard work and prayers. She is intelligent, honest and determined.

 

Lifetime Achievement Award Trude Johnson Mero Mrs. Trude Johnson Mero, a longtime resident of the City of Hartford, was born in Denmark, South Carolina and attended Georgian Court College in Lakewood, New Jersey. During her career, she served as an executive assistant to four former State Governors including: John Dempsey (1961-1971), Thomas J. Meskill (1971-1975), Ella T. Grasso (1975-1980), and William A. O'Neill (1980-1991). Although retired, Mrs. Mero continues to passionately pursue civic, political and community service endeavors for the betterment of her community. Currently, she is a consultant and compliance officer for the Adriaen's Landing Project in Hartford, and a Commissioner for the Metropolitan District Commission. In 1998 Senate President Pro Tempore Kevin Sullivan appointed Mrs. Mero to the African-American Affairs Commission. During her two-year tenure, she served in leadership roles as its Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson. A recipient of the 2001 Urban League Community Service Award and the Greater Hartford Chamber of Commerce Leadership Award, Mrs. Mero was an incorporator for Hartford Hospital. Her other organizational involvements include Greater Hartford Progressive Democratic Women's Club (President), Advisory Board for the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford, NAACP, Northeast Neighborhood Revitalization Zone, and the Board of Directors for Spring Grove Cemetery. Mrs. Mero is the mother of three daughters and two sons, and actively participates in the lives of her four grandchildren. She is, and has been, a dedicated member of Faith Congregational Church in Hartford for many years.