Narrative Network

Flowers, parades, memories

Posted on May 22, 2015March 6, 2016 by sylviawonglewis@gmail.com

Flowers decorated the graves of dead soldiers who fought in the Civil War. It was a beautiful, lovely tribute to those who paid the ultimate price. Our national holiday was initially called ‘Decoration Day,’ named for the local flowers that were placed at those Southern burial sites. Today, the holiday is known as Memorial Day. There are many stories about how Memorial Day got started. Many of our relatives were there. But somehow, some of our stories are missing from American history texts. Click here for a link to my past post about the African American origins of Memorial Day.

They served in the Civil War and even before that, historic documents prove. One of my relatives may be in the Book of Negroes, a story featured in a recent PBS series, about Negro soldiers who fought on the British side during the American Revolution. My white ancestors served in the Civil War. I think I found at least one of my black ancestors who served in the US Colored Troops. I am still digging to find the records of those brave souls. Click here for highlights from the Book of Negroes.

But today I am taking a break from my genealogy research. While working in my flower garden, memories about Memorial Day parades came to mind. I recalled hearing drums and bugles and running towards the sounds. I saw uniformed men and women of all ethnic backgrounds marching and saluting in formation on the parkway.

Do you remember Memorial Day parades? My reflections were from childhood. Images of pageantry, uniforms, marching bands, military women and young soldiers filtered into my mind. I especially remembered the old white soldiers from the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars proudly wearing their medals. I especially loved the old Black soldiers (and Latinos too) — the Harlem Hellfighters-369^th Infantry Regiment, Buffalo Soldiers, Tuskegee Airmen, and the Montford Point Marines.

Throngs from the neighborhood would squeeze together to lean over the wooden barriers to see the action. There were black regiments and famous marching bands too. You could hear their drums and trumpets charging ahead from blocks away. They would step and strut with style! It was showtime. The crowd went crazy and joyful tears flowed. The black soldiers were the stars back then! Today, our military parades are different. America is different.

My husband said he marched in Memorial Day parades as a teen with the segregated Boy Scouts. He said his troop marched up Hillside Avenue in Queens during the 40s or some time after WWll. My memories were from 1950s Brooklyn on Eastern Parkway. I think I was with my brother Sidney and our dad.

Lots of folks claim they started Memorial Day —African Americans, Southern white women, folks from Boalsburg, Pa, Waterloo, NY and Carbondale, Ill. They all may be right! I wonder what you think. Click here for the US government’s version of Memorial Day’s history. Yes, May is a great month for flowers, parades and memories.

Top 5 Food Poems

Posted on April 26, 2015March 6, 2016 by sylviawonglewis@gmail.com

My top five food poets were chosen in honor of National Poetry Month and Earth Day. Actually, I was somewhat inspired to think about my ‘top five’ things in life after watching Chris Rock’s comedy “Top Five,” where various folks were asked to list their top five rappers.

I don’t have any top five rappers because, well, I don’t know any. I don’t listen to modern rap music. I tried once and hated it. I do prefer old-school music artists who know how to rap like Arthur Prysock, Gil Scott Heron and Marvin Gaye.

As I began to research this theme of food and poetry, I discovered that poems about food and beverage especially wine, were written since the beginning of time. I read Horace ‘Odes III.21′ that opened with a line about a wine-jar. Rumi’s poem (1207) “The Grape Cure’ is about fasting. And then there is the Bible which is full of poetry from both the New Testament and Old Testaments, especially the Hebrew Bible, Song of Songs, and Lamentations. Here is a link to a lesson plan to learn more about Biblical poetry.

But to get back on track, I do have many ‘top fives’ in a variety of categories like films, flowers, or songs. For April, I decided to draw up a short list of my top five African American poets who cooked up poems about food. I immediately saw a connection to Earth Day, another April holiday. There is a connection! Poems have a way of bringing us back to earth, the garden and memories. The poems that I chose were written by: Rita Dove, Maya Angelou, Elizabeth Alexander, Nikki Giovanni, and Langston Hughes. This was the theme of my recent story for the food magazine zesterdaily.com.

“April is National Poetry Month. For Zester foodies I bring — not a recipe — but a taste of the work of my favorite African-American poets who chose food as metaphor and main ingredient.

“I think poems return us to that place of mud and dirt and earth, sun and rain,” African-American poet Kevin Young said in an interview on National Public Radio’s “The Salt” program. “And that’s where food comes from, and so there’s this common link.

I agree.”

Click here for a link to read my complete story in Zesterdaily.com.

Slavery, genealogy meetings

Posted on April 2, 2015March 6, 2016 by Sylvia Wong Lewis

The 'circle process' is utilized for Coming to the Table's 'deep dialogues' about slavery, racism, and genealogy. — The ‘circle process’ is utilized for Coming to the Table’s ‘deep dialogues’ about slavery, racism, and genealogy.

Slavery, genealogy, race, family legacy, white privilege and healing will be among the central topics discussed at the Coming to the Table (CTTT)-New York City Metro Chapter meetings.

As co-leader with Julie Finch of the CTTT-NYC Metro Chapter, I am extending an invitation to my friends and readers of my blog to attend our upcoming meetings. The next meeting is set for Saturday, April 11, noon-4pm. We hope to recruit new CTTT members and hold public meetings every two months. Our meetings are free.

Gather together with like-minded folks interested in the Mission and Vision of Coming to the Table. Share stories, build friendships, and help us plan future meetings together. As is our tradition, we usually eat a small meal together in a gathering of multi-racial people.

Many in our group have done extensive research and can identify and document their family’s involvement with slavery—either as a descendant of former en-slavers, formerly enslaved persons or both categories. I am a descendant of both! Some of us are expert genealogists and can assist you with your family search. Some of our white members have already attended family reunions with their ‘new-found’ African American linked-ancestors! Our members include descendants of Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings, Pocahontas, American Revolution and Civil War veterans and more.

For deep sharing, please review Touchstones prior to the meeting. We use the Circle Process for at least part of our time together. So, please review our circle process that is based on Native American tradition, sometimes with a talking stick or stone, for deep dialogue.
Coming to the Table provides leadership, resources, and a supportive environment for all who wish to acknowledge and heal wounds from racism that is rooted in the United States’ history of slavery, a major part of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade.

Our approach to achieving our vision and mission involves four interrelated practices: 1. Uncovering History: researching, acknowledging, and sharing personal, family and community histories of race with openness and honesty. 2. Making Connections: connecting to others within and across racial lines in order to develop and deepen relationships. 3. Working Toward Healing: exploring how we can heal together through dialogue, reunion, ritual, ceremony, the arts, apology and other methods. 4. Taking Action: actively seeking to heal the wounds of racial inequality and injustice and to support racial reconciliation between individuals, within families, and in communities.

To learn more, and to RSVP, click here!
We’ll send info about the location (in Manhattan) to those who RSVP. We look forward to a wonderful afternoon together.

For more information send Email: office@comingtothetable.org
Phone: 1-877-540-CTTT (2888)
Toward peace!

Her Say

Posted on March 31, 2015March 6, 2016 by Sylvia Wong Lewis

Her Say: A series featuring Women of color having their say about aging and living with spirit, style, and grace. #isthatold?

June Lewis Miklau, 77, lifestyle model, tech geek

“When I was in my young 50s or 60s, my priorities were still dictated by a need to succeed. I would forego fun and was locked into competing as a black woman in the corporate world. Not anymore! At age seventy, I was signed by a major agency as a lifestyle model, I started an image consulting business and I became a tech geek. At 77, my hair may be gray, my body may ache, and I may not remember where I left my pocketbook. But, I feel young and enjoy living, laughing and loving my family and friends every day. I am always learning. I publish funny books for my grandchildren and produce movies of my family reunions.” ~June Lewis Miklau, 77, Oceanside, Ca. Lifestyle model, tech geek.

Diane Day Crump Richmond, 70, Las Vegas dancer, school teacher

“Embrace your journey at every age. Following your passion can be a hard road full of sacrifice and difficult choices. I know. I had a show business career. I also went to college and became a public school teacher after 50 years old. Dance is still my passion and I perform with the ‘Las Vegas Forever Young’ dance troupe. Our ages range from 58-80 years old! I lived through everything. I’ve been a star and on the chorus line on many stages around the world. I survived racial segregation and everything that goes with unfair treatment of women and people of color. But I feel like I’m on top. I’m still here while many from my era are long gone. A positive attitude is everything. With a great family, terrific husband, grandchildren and friends, I have no complaints! I feel privileged to be 70 and still kicking up my heels!” ~Diane Day Crump-Richmond, 70, Las Vegas dancer, school teacher.

“I believe aging is a beautiful thing when you prepare yourself to live abundantly, as God intended. Some body parts may break down, but if you keep your health in check, you can enjoy life and ignore “Arthur” when he comes around. Who’s Arthur? That the nickname for ‘Mr. Arthritis.’ I exercise and can wear a beach bikini with confidence. I live life on my own terms. I’ve been through everything–two marriages, widowhood, divorce, parenthood, death of my mother as a child and murder of my son at 18 years old. I survived many hardships. And I prevailed by God’s good grace. I have a solid education and I retired from an executive finance career. I have many blessings, talents and interests. My philosophy is simple: Do what makes you happy. I travel, dance, and hike. I winter in the Caribbean and visit family and friends as often as I can everywhere. There will come a time when I can’t do those things. So, for now, I do me. I’ve earned it.” ~Gail Gant, 65, Brooklyn snowbird.

Do you know a woman of color who should be featured in our ‘Her Say’ series? Let us know.

photo by Sylvia Wong Lewis, from ‘Flying Home’ series’ by artist Faith Ringgold’s glass mosaic panel series in the NYC subway station at 125th street.

Turks & Caicos memories

Posted on March 25, 2015March 6, 2016 by Sylvia Wong Lewis

Turks & Caicos is where I go to unwind and un-plug. “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” – Audre Lorde

Spending time at the beach is my way of caring for myself. Here are photos from a recent trip to Turks & Caicos, a favorite getaway. Usually, my husband and I wake up early, have breakfast, and stroll along the shore. Later, we find a beach lounge chair and settle in. We live a very busy New York City life. So, this is one of our ways to relax. We breathe the sea air, lay in the sun, listen to the waves and gaze at the beautiful turquois Grace Bay. Sometimes we sit in the shade by the pool. We eat the local Caribbean Creole food and drink island beer. It’s a very simple life, if only for a few weeks.
We always visit our friend Amy, who lives there. I take a taxi to a nearby hotel and we meet-up for an outdoor yoga class. Afterwards, we pick up my husband and head back to her house where she cooks us lunch. Most days end by looking at the sunset while eating dinner.