Category: Multicultural

Catholic Church records

Posted on by Sylvia Wong Lewis

I wonder how many native New Yorkers looked to the Catholic Church for proof of their identity. If you are a native New Yorker, unmarried, not a parent, worked at the same job for 35 years and never learned to drive, you may not have an official identity. And to make it more interesting, what if your mother delayed naming you at birth. This happens a lot, according to NYC officials. “The focus on immigrant identity hides the number of native New Yorkers who don’t have identity papers. Many mothers delay naming their children,” said an NYC official who requested anonymity. As a genealogist trying to prove a client’s identity, my first thought was to go to church—in this case, the Roman Catholic Church.

That is how I handled my 60+ years old brother Sidney’s search for his official identity papers. His birth certificate stated his name as “Male Smith.” My mother’s maiden name, our father’s name and the date of birth was listed. Apparently our mother waited awhile before naming us. (My original birth certificate name is “Female Smith!” Our race is listed as “Colored.”)

Finally, we were able to find Sidney’s original Baptism records! (Insert a happy dance here!)  A special thank you to Mia Parker of Harlem’s All Saints Roman Catholic Church. I made many calls to All Saints, our childhood church. But, I was turned away at first. I was told that the person who searches old records only works one day per month and no one knew that person’s name! By chance on my fifth call I was connected immediately to Mia. She was so caring and helpful. Mia conducted a search and located the old church register book that contains records dating back decades! There was a small glitch with the priest’s name. The handwriting was unclear. But once that was settled, they were able to reissue my brother’s new Baptism certificate. I told Mia that she is saving my brother’s life because without identity papers, he cannot find housing, access municipal services, travel or even buy flu medication!

On Sidney’s Baptism record, his full name is stated, parent’s name, mother’s maiden, godparent’s names, priest name, and addresses of all. In addition, I noticed in the last margins of the Baptismal Register’s page is a date and place of Sidney’s Confirmation, another sacramental rite that he received. Most importantly, the newly issued Baptismal certificate is imprinted with the raised stamp of authenticity of the Roman Catholic Church!

But, this is not the end of the story. The next step is to pair this official Baptism certificate with his “no name” birth certificate and re-submit to the NYC Office of Records for a ‘correction.’ There is a small fee ($40) to request a “corrected” New York City birth certificate to be re-issued with Sidney’s name on it. Wish us luck!

This experience was a good reminder about the wealth of genealogy information that can be found in Roman Catholic Church records. I ran across an article that referenced the “three R’s” of searching Catholic Church records— registers, rites & rights and requests. This article focuses on US Roman Catholic Church records. When researching Catholic churches in other countries, you will find that accessibility and procedures may vary.

“Roman Catholic records offer a wealth of information for genealogists. They are particularly useful when official civil records of key life events (birth, marriage or death) are unattainable or unavailable. Tracing these records for your Catholic ancestors can sometimes be challenging, but worth the work.” Click here for the three “R’s” for research success, on the archive.com.

 

South Africa project

Posted on by Sylvia Wong Lewis

South Africa project – One of the many things that I love about Shared Interest,  besides the wonderful work that they do to empower South African women, is witnessing the bond between New Yorkers and South Africans grow stronger each year. This year Shared Interest celebrated its 20th year in operation. Clearly honorees Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu and his daughter Rev. Mpho Tutu were the big draw for this year’s gala event. Beaming and cheerful, “The Arch,” as he is affectionately known, still has that high-pitched giggle when he laughs!

This sold-out gala is unlike other charity galas in the city because mixed in with the fancy people, distinguished US and African leaders and top diplomats, are many former student activists. It is a reunion for anti-Apartheid revolutionaries, and former radicals who are still paying it forward.  How many of you remember Apartheid? Did you participate in “Free Mandela” or “Divest from South Africa” campaigns as a university student?  Although Apartheid only ended in 1994, for most of our sisters and brothers back in South Africa, Apartheid still exists.

The event drew a diverse multi-generational crowd including such notables as Rev. James A. Forbes of Riverside Church, former NYC Mayor David Dinkins and honoree Anant Singh, producer of the acclaimed film “Mandela: The Long Walk to Freedom.” The other honorees were South African Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool and activist Rosieda Shabodien. Avon Products was presented the corporate award at the gala.

“Our honorees’ selfless efforts have helped lay the foundation for a united, democratic and equitable future in South Africa,” said Donna Katzin, Shared Interest, executive director and founder.  “In the beginning it was a struggle to free Mandela and divest from corporations. But, we have a new struggle now to help rebuild and empower the people. We protested against apartheid and urged US companies to divest from SA. Many of us were jailed for our efforts. I thank everyone for being here tonight, and I especially thank Mayor Dinkins for helping me get out of jail during those early protests,” said Katzin, a Smith College graduate.

“We must analyze South Africa as a young country,” said Charlayne Hunter-Gault, journalist and longtime South Africa resident, and host of the Shared Interest Anniversary Annual Awards Gala held February 27, 2014 at Gotham Hall.

The joyous occasion was highlighted by Charlayne’s 72nd birthday, and performances by Thokoza,  an acapella choral group composed of six South African and six African American women ‘of a certain age’ (stated by their own description) who sang a wide range of freedom songs. The Dance Theater of Harlem  also performed. Shared Interest is a New York-based social investment fund that underwrites micro-loans to poor South Africans. Their new initiative is aimed at women and the younger generation.

 

Photos by Jane Feldman: www.janefeldman.com

To see more of Jane’s photos including former South Africa President Nelson Mandela and more with Archbishop Tutu, check: http://www.yesmagazine.org/issues/the-human-cost-of-stuff/an-uncommon-view

 

 

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Show business genes

Posted on by Sylvia Wong Lewis

Show business genes – I attended a fantastic show recently called “On Kentucky Avenue – The Club Harlem Revue,” that brought back memories. It was a story about an historic African American nightclub in Atlantic City (AC) where several of my relatives performed. Club Harlem was considered the ‘Black Copacabana’ of its time–among the best of the Chitlin’ Circuit! Besides cooking genes, there seems to be a lot of show business genes in my family, especially on my father’s side (Harlem via New Orleans and Mississippi). If you were born with showbiz genes, being a performing artist or working in the entertainment industry is probably the only thing you can do or want to do. Maybe we could also call it diva or divo genes! Is the world your stage? Are you prone to drama if the right music or circumstance presents itself? If you can answer yes to any of these questions, then chances are that you were born with showbiz genes. I am related to a lot of characters like that. Even if they are too old or infirmed to dance, sing and perform, they still do. When my jazzy cousin Tempy was in her eighties she would perform high kicks and splits just to let you know she still had it! Cousin Jojo Smith at 70+ had two hip replacements and still choreographs, coaches and teaches.

Atlantic City was the Gold Coast for the rich, white international set. Films and songs have been written about this iconic seaside town. I assume that the owner of AC’s Club Harlem added the name “Harlem” to his club’s title because it gave his place the global brand for great black entertainment. The validity of AC’s Club Harlem was that it gave talented artists of color like my relatives another place to perform in the region besides the ‘real’ Harlem, other Chitlin’ Circuit venues and Europe. Like the ‘real’ Harlem in New York City, Atlantic City was racially segregated back when my relatives performed there. My Aunt Jeri Smith, was a pianist and bandleader; Uncle Joe and Aunt Helena Smith had a tap dance routine with Cab Calloway; and cousins Jojo Smith, Tempy Fletcher and Kathy Smith were dancers with the Lon Fontaine Trio, Larry Steel Dancers and in “Rio” and “Mambo” acts. They told stories about performing on the same night with such greats as Dinah Washington, Sammy Davis, Duke Ellington, Louie Armstrong, Lou Rawls, Sarah Vaughn, Gladys Knight, Ella Fitzgerald, The Hines Brothers, Moms Mabley, Slappy White and too many to list here.

Aunt Jeri said that black artists were always booked as performers and entertainers in the big Atlantic City venues. But because of race laws, blacks could not enter these fancy establishments. So, they needed someplace else to go ‘after-hours’  to unwind.  Can you imagine? After receiving standing ovations, the black stars had to exit through the back door. As fans clamored for their autographs, security guards harassed them until they left for AC’s all-black section on Kentucky and Missouri Avenues, a few blocks away.

Well, once inside Club Harlem on Kentucky Avenue that’s where the ‘real’ shows happened, according to family stories.  Club Harlem became THE after-hours venue for the hottest shows in AC. Many of the big white stars like Frank Sinatra, the Rat Pack, and Marilyn Monroe and others would hangout with the black stars and patrons there.

There is a Smithsonian Institute exhibit about Club Harlem in the works to tell this unique chapter of African American music history. Here’s link: http://www.atlanticcityweekly.com/news-and-views/local-history/Got-Club-Harlem-smithsonian-exhibit-museum-music-history-ac-139380708.html

The recent show (2/17/2014) portrayed a wonderful spin about an original place that had closed years ago. Set during an era when entertainers had an elegant soulful style rarely seen today, there was one fabulous act after another.  The stories within a story involved a 1969 opening night and a love triangle. I am certain that everyone in this cast was born with showbiz genes! There was plenty of drama, theater, dance and original music that brought everyone to their feet and dancing in their seats. Check listings for upcoming shows at www.onkentuckyavenue.com.

The awesome cast included, in order of appearance: Ty Stephens, Cheryl Freeman, Andrika Hall, Mindy Haywood, Brian Davis, Cassandra Palacio, Renee Ternier, Adam Bourque, Donna Clark, Gregory J. Hanks, Lee Summers. Guest star and Creator, Jeree Wade; Director Adam Wade; The Freddie Baxter Orchestra: Frank Owens, piano; Richard Cummings, synthesizer; Damon Duewhite, drums; and Wilbur Bascomb, Odell Craft-Bass.

Do you have showbiz genes in your family? Do tell!

Here are some photos from my family archives and event photos taken from a recent show at The Triad Theater, 158 West 72nd Street, 2nd Floor, NYC.

Coming to the Table

Posted on by Sylvia Wong Lewis

Watch the Episode here:

503 Coming to The Table.mpeg-2-Apple TV from Toni Williams on Vimeo.

I was honored to co-produce an edition of the TV show Brooklyn Savvy with Toni Williams, host & executive producer, for a segment called “Coming to the Table.” The title is taken from the name of an organization that I am very passionate about. I serve as one of the coordinators of the group’s local chapter. The program addressed genealogy, race relations, slavery and white privilege with candid conversations. Invited guests included colleagues from Coming to the Table (CTTT) – NYC chapter, Elizabeth Sturgess-Llerena, Julie Finch; Mitchell Woo, Hunter College/CUNY faculty, and specialist on identity, race and Asian American studies; and Denise Arbesu, the show’s regular co-host.

Sturgess-Llerena, a NYC schoolteacher, is a descendant of the DeWolf family, the nation’s largest slave-traders and founders of Brown University. She co-directed her family documentary “Traces of the Trade: A Story From the Deep North,” created and produced by her cousin Katrina Browne. Julie Finch, a Quaker from Maine, recently discovered her family’s Southern roots from old family letters that mentioned the children that they had enslaved. Julie has accused her ancestors of “rape” of the enslaved women that her family owned. She said that she also made the names available to genealogy organizations and is considering how to reach out to her linked African American ancestors.

A racially diverse group, CTTT members are descendants of enslavers and enslaved. As a mixed-heritage person, I identify as a descendant of both groups. Training and deep dialogue in a safe place is a hallmark of the organization’s model for reconciliation and healing. CTTT believes that Americans need to and should be able to talk about race in a safe way without fear, guilt, shame or ridicule.

The white guests on this Brooklyn Savvy TV show talked about discovering enslaved men, women and children in their own families through genealogy research. They shared their shock about their family history. They were also very clear-headed about their “mis-education” by the American public school system and society in general. Do you recall how you were taught about slavery?

The white guests explained what is meant by the term “white privilege,” a major focus of the show. They also listed some basic privileges that white people and light-skinned people of various ethnicity can enjoy simply based on the color of their skin. Woo reflected about a historic “divide and conquer” mentality that created “disconnects” between various racial groups and opportunities. This show is definitely a must see!

Coming to the Table (CTTT) is a national organization with chapters across the nation that believes that America needs to heal from racism caused as a result of centuries of enslavement of Africans and genocide of Native Americans.

Brooklyn Savvy airs at 8 am on Sundays on Channel 25 and Cablevision (Ch 22). You can also tune into Brooklyn Savvy on NYC.gov for additional provocative conversations.

Please feel free to comment.

 

 

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Indo-Afro Dance

Posted on by Sylvia Wong Lewis

At a recent private Lincoln Center screening of dance film UPAJ, viewers witnessed the creation of India Jazz Suites, an amazing Indo-Afro collaboration starring a 68-year-old Indian Kathak icon and a 32-year-old African American tap dance star. Subtitled “the story of a friendship unlikely,” the Issie Award winning documentary, rolled out like a modern father-son love story. Upaj means ‘improvise’ in Hindi. The unlikely pair’s journey was full of magic and rhythm as these two divergent and humorous souls invented and performed unscripted lives ‘on the road’ in India and America.

The film featured my paternal cousin Jason Samuels Smith, 32, tap dance star of “Bring in Da’ Noise” fame, who comes from a family full of dancers. Pandit Chitresh Das, 68, India’s foremost Kathak dance master, is a descendant of one of India’s most prominent dance families.  

The documentary is a behind the scenes look at friendship,  family history and life as artists. We saw Jason as a child dance star on TV’s Sesame Street with dance superstar Savion Glover.  Memorable film clips and black and white family photos of Das’ parents costumed in Kathak performances during colonial India were also featured. The story inside the story portrays the struggle of all artists: sacrifice, demons, dedication, devotion to craft and most of all— the quest to engage with an audience!

Finally, they are booked to perform at a prominent Indian wedding. Thousands attended the traditional weeklong wedding event at a huge stadium. After their successful performances, Das and Jason and their accompanying musicians received several bookings throughout India—at universities, on television shows, and at a variety of venues. The camera follows them over six years, as they engage, perform and travel from place to place.

There was humor and pathos throughout the film as both men—Das colorfully costumed, barefoot with bells on his ankles and Jason in tap shoes sporting a variety of hairstyles—entertain with joy and wonder. Jason and his crew’s exhaustion from a weeklong wedding was comical.  Jason’s reactions to India’s monkeys that ran wild contrasted with his astonishment at the incredible poverty in India: “Man, I thought I came from the ‘hood until I went to India,” he said.

Archival film excerpts of tap dance giants Nicholas Brothers and Gregory Hines provided nostalgic moments. Jason lamented the loss of his mentor, Gregory Hines. Das recalled memories of his guru’s murder and eventual cremation.  There was a bit of dance history from both Indian and American cultures.  But most of all, we saw two lovable characters develop a friendship and evolve—Jason matured to manhood and Das mellowed. There were many standing ovations after the screening of this magnificent film. Kudos to the award-winning filmmakers: director Hoku Uchiyama and producer Antara Bhardwa. Jason and Das both have won numerous awards individually, and together they won the Isadora Duncan Dance Award for the Best Ensemble Performance of the Year.

Mark you calendar for this must-see film that crosses age, race and cultural boundaries. It is set for Martin Luther King Day, Monday, January 20, 2014, 8pm on PBS’s AfroPoP: The Ultimate Cultural Exchange. Do you know about other Indo-Afro collaborations? Eg. Culture, cuisine, the arts? Please describe in comments.

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