SloeWyne's Living History - All photos (c)1995-97 SFP Productions, Ltd.

~ Living History ~
I call these photos "Living History" because, with two exceptions, these luminaries of literature, civil rights, politics are the living legends who have helped shape the history of African Americans...to Dr. Shabazz, I say, Rest in Peace, Sister...in the arms of your (and our) beloved Brother Malcolm...I feel blessed and honored to have been in your presence...to Brother Kwame Ture, I say Keep fighting that revolution from on High, Brother!
This lady is, simply, my hero. She is the reason I write. DR. MAYA ANGELOU, during her electrifying visit to Southwestern College in February 1995. Dr. Angelou mesmerized her audience , reciting, singing and DANCING her poetry, making it come alive!
(Click HERE for my review of Dr. Angelou's speech for the San Diego Monitor News!)

DR. BETTY SHABAZZ, at the opening of San Diego's Malcolm X Library, January, 1996. We will NEVER forget you!

DR. MAULANA KARENGA,architect of Kwanzaa, at the Million Man March Statewide Conference hosted by the San Diego Local Organizing Committee - August 10, 1996 (NOTE: The U.S. Postal Service recently recognized our holiday (10/97) with a special KWANZAA STAMP, featured in the new Holiday Stamp Series...Thank you, Dr. Karenga!

Best remembered as the fiery leader of the Black Panther Party, STOKELY CARMICHAEL (who later took the name KWAME TURE) was still "ready for the Revolution" even though battling prostate cancer. His speech at the 1996 MMM Statewide Conference here in San Diego may have been made from a chair, but the passion was still very much present! A true revolutionary until the day he left this Earth!
The Rev. Al Sharpton, controversial and combustible civic servant, speaking out against California's Proposition 209 (the anti-affirmative action initiative) at the Pilgrim Progressive Baptist Church, August of 1996. We lost the battle, but Rev. Sharpton is a FASCINATING orator! And like him or not, the brother gets HEARD!

In a sparkling white suit (symbolic of his new attitude, perhaps?), embattled Washington, DC mayor MARION BARRY is greeted by (l-r): San Diego insurance entrepreneur Curtis Moring, Sr.; City Councilman George Stevens (the only African American on the Council); and head of the San Diego Black Chamber of Commerce, John Warren. Mayor Barry was here to give a speech at Faith Chapel Church of God in Christ in August of 96, promoting economic cooperation between his city and ours.