Vol 15 (Issue 7) |
February 16 -February 22, 2007 |
TMA Offers Youthful Outlook
for Black History Month |
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Members of the local chapter of Jack and Jill Inc. who will be featured in the celebration. |
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TYLER—In its ongoing recognition and celebration of Black History Month, the Tyler Museum of Art will feature a special presentation by young members of the Tyler/East Texas Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. on February 18 at 2 p.m. at the Museum located at 1300 S. Mahon, adjacent to the Tyler Junior College campus. Young people from the ages of 2 to 18 will entertain and educate the public with speeches about several important African American inventors, and with excerpts from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have A Dream” speech. Members of the Jack and Jill organization will also introduce and honor Evelyn Granville, Ph.D., a noted mathematician and educator.
After a 10-year hiatus, the local group of Jack and Jill of America was officially reactivated as a nationally affiliated chapter in November 2006. Prior to 1996, the organization had long been active in the Tyler area, supporting educational opportunities, leadership and community service for African American children. Founded in Philadelphia in 1938, the organization is dedicated to improving quality of life, particularly of African American children ages 2 to 19, through educational, cultural, civic, recreational, social and service programs for children. The group also provides support for mothers in learning more about their children, and supports national legislation aimed at improving living conditions for all children.
In addition to the oratory presented by the young people, attendees to the event will also be entertained by the Greater Saint Mary’s Baptist Church Choir, which will begin its presentation at 3 p.m. This is the sixth year for the choir members, under the direction of Dorothy Boyd, to present their blend of gospel and special selections as part of the TMA’s recognition of artistic contributions by black Americans.
“We’re a very family-oriented congregation with great continuity of service and historic ties to this community,” said the Rev. Michael Mast, church pastor. “We’re pleased as always to contribute to this celebration at the Museum and we’re eager to encourage these young people to learn more about their heritage.”
Kimberley Tomio, TMA director, similarly emphasized that the Museum encourages family involvement by sponsoring several Family Art Activity Days throughout the year, and presenting fine art to thousands of area school children as they tour through TMA exhibitions.
“The Tyler Museum of Art is always eager to collaborate with other groups who support the arts and are committed to improving our communities by improving our quality of life,” Tomio said. She added that to encourage attendance at this year’s Black History Month event, the Museum will have a drawing to give away three free family memberships to the Museum, valued at $50 each. Families must be present at the February 18th event to win.
A reception with light refreshments will also be provided. There is no charge, but reservations are requested by calling (903)595-1001. To learn more about the Tyler/East Texas Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. contact event organizer Dorothy Hubbard at (903)595-3616 or club president Jeanette Calhoun at (903)565-5422. . Greater St. Mary Baptist Church is located at 1615 Texas College Road, Tyler.
For more information about this TMA event, the current exhibition of “James McNeill Whistler: Selected Works from the Hunterian Art Gallery”, the Museum Gift Shop or the Museum Café, call the TMA at 903-595-1001 or visit tylermuseum.org. The Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sundays 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and is closed Mondays and major holidays.
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Tina Wesley |
It was the story of Harriet Tubman, a slave that found her way to freedom and later led more than 300 other slaves to their freedom by way of the Underground Railroad, and Tina Wesley captured the attention of all who watched. The congregation erupted in thunderous, standing applauses.
Wesley (actress/storyteller/writer/producer) is a dynamic and engaging storyteller who brings to life Bible characters, storybook characters, present day/pass people, and folk tales to entertain, inspire, and empower listeners with wit and wisdom.
Another time, it was the story of the woman with an issue of blood as she was healed by Jesus, and Tina Wesley had the attention of everyone in the Bible Study class. There was a standing ovation and applauses.
She brings to life stories and monologues for people of all ages. She makes her characters come alive.
Wesley has written and performed a one-woman show entitled Miss Mollie’s Magical Kitchen” with the topic being “Today’s Choices = Tomorrow’s Future” This production incorporates stories and songs for young children as it merges with the unique flavor of gospel chords and hip-hop beats. Tina Wesley’s Magical Kitchen brings storybook characters to life.
In addition to Wesley’s other performances, she has written a one-act play entitled Stewardship: Give Your Best to the Master, for which she has received many accolades.
Wesley’s shows have been performed at schools, churches, civic groups, women’s retreats, and at the Tyler Museum of Arts. She is a retired school teacher and a member of Miles Chapel CME Church.
To view some of her performances go to www.wesleyandwesleyproductions.com To contact Mrs. Wesley about a performance for your church, school, business or organization call 903-561-4060 or send an e-mail to 2WProd@sbcglobal.net.
Wesley is one of the owners of Wesley and Wesley Production Inc., a family owned business, which she operates with her husband and son.
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