I have began my time as a CDF lab artist elbow deep in Bronzeville. wandering across grassy lots. allowing my imagination to sprout now demolished projects back into existence. i am surrounded by a sometimes intangible history that saddens, infuritates and invigorates me all the same.
typically i would be documenting my findings on brown paper. taped to a wall. a flow map of thoughts, articles, facts, quotes and more.
this time around i'm moving that practice to The Brown Pages. Below you will find the first of many research based flow charts. LEarn Something!
"i want my people to swing out of themselves all of the mis'ry and troubles that is heavy in their hearts."
in her own words
"One Sunday morning at 2625 Cottage Grove the Lord said, 'I want you to be the Pastor and I want you to get up and tell them, precious one.' You know how embarrassing that was but I had to do it. You know some people dont care for a woman pastor."
her legacy in a nutshell
just before labor day tiff n i went to DC. i found myself thinking of this song, while staring at granite memorials of our white fathers. where All Nations once stood is now an empty lot
-established All Nations Pentecostal Church in 1918 an outdoor traveling church in Bronzeville Chicago.
-physically laid the cornerstone @ 3716 S. Langley making her the first black woman pastor in Chicago.
-All Nations was known for it's lit services. Gospel music infused with the foot stomping jazz of the time.
-All Nations was unlike any other church of it's time in that women held all leadership roles. "White-garbed women 'saints' closest ministerial and administrative compainions.
-All Nations was known for providing services + support to the community.
-first live broadcasted worship program from a black church.
research to do list
Obtain a Copy of Elder Smith's biography, From the Farm to the Pulpit. A known publication of it was published as an appendix to Samuel Strong's dissertation in 1940. (Social Types in a Minority Group Fromulation of a Method)
Look for radio recording of "The Glorious Church of the Air" broadcasted on WIND-AM 560 (1933)
Look for Louis A Dulaney letter to the Defender. Written in 9/1934. Any Defender references to Elder Lucy Smith.
below includes photos, links to books that mention Elder Lucy Smith, clippings of poems and more. just a bunch of stuff that i wanna be able to access again if needed, including information about the public housing history in Bronzeville.
i pray in leveled lots
to elder lucy smith.
to eric morse.
to gwendolyn brooks
i pray to
robert taylor
ida b wells
jackie ormes
i pray
in peach's.
i pray to a time
When Mamie Till bared her love
and Mother Smith and her saints healed nations
As Jackie Ormes outfitted Torchy
Before Robert Taylor could warn them against the dangers of rising homes.
i pray from my 3rd floor apartment. 40th & Calumet. as the greenline screeches through a burning sunset.
i prayed
in the Forum.
led by Benard as i crossed a bridge made of plywood and hope.
staring down at an unfinished basment.
i prayed in the DG. (Dollar General @ pershing -n- South Vincennes)
When an employee snapped "faggot" at a barely belligerent teen refusing to check their bag.
who then responded
as if dared to
by snatching a bag of chips off the rack and sauntering out.
i prayed when Tiff asked the Dollar General employee his name.
Martell.
i pray entering and exiting home. sweeping on and off the dan ryan.
past a boarded and barren Attucks.
i pray in the name of all my elders and ancestors.
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