VIOLINIST TO APPEAR AT 2010 LEGEND'S WEEKEND

Former Cleveland TV personality Obed "Obie" Shelton will perform during The African American Legacy Project's
Legend's Luncheon on Saturday, October 23, 2010.

When Obed Shelton was seven years old, his father gave him a toy violin for Christmas. Obed showed such an interest in the toy, his parents decided to start him on the "real thing" in the Cleveland Public Schools. He soon began private lessons through the Cleveland Music Settlement, and then with private teachers in the Mansfield area where his father became a chaplain at the Ohio State Reformatory. Obed won a scholarship to study the violin at Ohio University.

Mr. Shelton's signature solo piece is the gospel standard "Amazing Grace", but his rendition is anything but standard. His sensibilities and adaptations of this traditional hymn will have you on your feet!

He has been a featured artist with Bishop T.D. Jakes. He has soloed with the Akron symphony Orchestra, the Cleveland Philharmonic, and will perform for Toledoans at the Hilton Garden, Levis Comons in Perrysburg, Ohio 1:00 p.m., Saturday, October 23, 2010. Tickets to the event are $40.00 per person and go on sale on Monday, August 2, 2010.

Obie was a guest artist, and guest M.C. with Dr. Bobby Jones a the June 2000 Gospel Celebration Chicago, and was a guest artist on the 1999 season of Cleveland Trinity Cathedral's "brown bag" lunc concerts.

After studying at O.U. for a year, he took an interest in Radi and Television, and changed his major to Communications. He still kept up his music study though, and was elected student Chairman of the University Symphony. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications, and began his broadcasting career reporting new for radio station WJMO in Cleveland. That's when he began using his high school nickname "Obie" professionally.

He joined Christian Tabernacle Evangelistic Church in Cleveland, and begin directing the choir. Working with Rev. Bill Sawyer, the choir sang annual concerts at Cleveland's Music Hall Auditorium. Obed wrote and conducted music for those concerts with 20-piece orchestra. Those concerts were recorded, and released as successful records on the Ty-Scott Label n Indianapolis.

In May of 1998, he released his first Violin Solo recording "In Hymn." He arranged and produced all the songs. In November of 2004, he released his second solo recording"What a Friend, again producing an arranging all the songs.

In broadcasting, Obed was inducted into the Northeast Ohio Broadcaster's Hall of Fame in 2004. He has reported news and hosted programs on nearly every topic from sports to politics, to religion and theology, on every major broadcasting station in Greater Cleveland including; WJMO (Radio) (Cleveland);WERE(News -Radio) (Cleveland); ABC affiliates; WYTV(Youngstown) and WEWS (Cleveland), as well as, CBS affiliate WJKW (Cleveland) Public Television station WVIZ (Cleveland), and WKYC (Cleveland).

Shelton, an accomplished professional and devout Christian, will open the luncheon with his rendition of James Weldon Johnson's Lift Every Voice and Sign, also known as, the Negro National anthem.

He will also entertain guests during a prelude to the luncheon. The prelude, beginning at 12:15 pm, traditionally called the "Historical Walk" is an opportunity for attendees to view a variety of displays including displays depicting the accomplishments of this year's celebrants and as well as some displays showing historical views of the community.

After 31 years in th broadcasting business, "Obie" now offers his own independent video services, telling the stories of people, businesses, and organizations with moving pictures and skillful and insightful writing.

Join us for the African American Legacy Project's 2010 Legend's Weekend Friday, October 22, 2010 and Saturday, October 23, 2010.

For more information, please call 419-720-4369.

The African American Legacy Project's 2010 Legend's Weekend

Each year The African American Legacy Project hosts an annual celebration known as  the Legend's Luncheon.

The luncheon has expanded since its beginning [2004] and remains a hugely popular community event.  Many attendees travel from distant parts of the country to participate in what is  now called " The Legend's Weekend!       The weekend celebration  has been sold out each of the past five years.  We expect 2010 will be no exception!  However; after generous discussion and debate, we have chosen to limit the celebration to two days for 2010.  The dates for this year's Legend's Weekend is Friday, October 22, 2010 and Saturday, October 23, 2010.

This year The Blade is our title sponsor. While the newspaper has generously supported the event in the past, their support this year elevates our Legend's Weekend and enables The AALP to increase the events reach, impact, and influence.

Each year The African American Legacy Project or "The AALP" honors individuals who have demonstrated a commitment and excellence to their profession, a demonstrated willingness to work within their community beyond their daily responsibility. This year's honorees are most deserving!

The AALP's 2010 Honorees

Mrs. Joan Coleman is a native Toledoan currently residing in Prince Falls Virgina.  Mrs. Coleman is one of the architects of the Lucas County Victim Assistance Program and served as its director for fifteen years.

A University of Toledo Graduate, Ms. Coleman was more than generously involved in community and her achievements and accolades are far-reaching; yet it what stands out most about this wife and mother of three is her tenacity, her willingness to fight for those who needed a voice; a friend; an advocate.  Joan Coleman was and remains a ferocious advocate for those who need her most.

Throughout his life Judge Charles Doneghy has served the Toledo community with honor and distinction..  Graduating from the University of Toledo's Law School in 1965, the true measure of this man is the sum total of his involvement and commitment to community. He is the epitome of a servant leader and truly understands the meaning of the phrase " ... even the lest among us."

From the Boys Scouts to serving on the board of the Toledo Community Foundation. Judge Doneghy has truly given himself to community.

For nearly 20 years Mrs.Sheryl Riggs has served as Manager and Managing

Director of the Dale-Riggs Funeral Home.  Since 1992, Mrs. Riggs has counseled and served hundreds of families during their most fragile moments. She continuously supports the community through area churches and the numerous organizations which she is affiliates.  This past president of the Northwest Ohio Funeral Directors Association is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta, The Links, Girlfriends, and the Top Ladies of Distinction.

Ordained in 1964, the Rev/Dr. John E. Robert fulfilled the requirements of a Barcelona of Arts and graduated from Toledo Bible College in 1975. He also earned both a Master's and Doctorate in Biblical Theology. Among other distinctions he served on the University of Toledo's President's Advisory Board on Community Issues. He is also affiliated with the International Ministerial Alliance and the Baptist Minsters Conference. Most recently Rev. Dr. Roberts had a street named in his honor.

Mr. Prince Spencer has performed before presidents and kings, in movies and on countless television programs.  ths north Toledo resident had the audacity to dream and the talent o back it up.

He is the sole surviving member of the renowned tap dancing group The Four Step Brothers.  Retiring to Las Vegas, Mr.  Spencer managed the career of comedian Red Foxx for 18 years.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Rev./Dr. Leon Troy spent his formative years in Toledo. A graduate of Scott High School Reverend Troy received his BA degree from the University of Toledo, his B D from Oberlin Graduate School of Theology and his MD from Vanderbilt University.

Reverend Troy's honors are extensive including honorary degrees from Ohio Dominican and Franklin Universities and his Humanitarian of the Year Award from the Temple Israel.

Posthumous Award to Mr. Frank Charles Clemons 

During his lifetime , Mr. Frank Charles Clemons worked   tirelessly on behalf of this community.  Among his many affiliations he served at Braden United Methodist, the MUO Board, the UT Foundation and the Medical College Medical College Board of Trustees.

Profoundly attuned to this community, Mr. Frank Charles Clemons is the recipient of The AALP's 2010 Posthumous Honor.

For more information about the event and how to purchase tickets, please call 419-720-4369 Monday through Friday, 10:00am until 3:00 pm or Saturdays 12 Noon until 5:00 pm.

Grace Presbyterian Church Historical Link to Tatum

According to the churches "Minutes of Session" records, the first organizational meeting of Grace Presbyterian Church took place in August, 1919. Four years later, records indicate on Sunday, July 2, 1922, Grace initiated a week of services celebrating the founding of the first predominantly African American presbyterian church in Toledo, Ohio.  The church was located at the corners of City Par and Woodland Avenues.  Mr. Art Tatum Sr. was - at that time - the church treasurer.  Not coincidentally, both Art and Mildred Taylor, the parents of the legendary musician, are listed as founding members of the church. 

Grace Chose Kids to Honor Tatum

Art Tatum, Jr was about eight years old when Grace  Presbyterian was founded. It was fitting Grace Presbyterians Women's Association led by church elders, Ms. Delores Penn and Mrs. Marva Stone chose two young women to demonstrate  their piano skills and simultaneously honor the late great Tatum. 

 Ms. Sania Bauswell, one of the youth performers, is a 13 year-old eighth grade pianist   attending St Patrick of Heatherdown School.Sania's maturity and delivery, along with her vocal skills surprised and lifted the audience to new heights and confidence and comfort in knowing the youth of this community truly understand the importance of ... legacy.

Ms. Isis Darks is a senior at Start High School and a TOLEDO EXCEL Group XVIII scholar.       Ms. Darks fluid understanding of piano was exemplified as she performed her own composition entitled, "Tribute to Tatum."

Those attending Grace's special service were also treated to the exceptional talent of vocalist, Mr. Patrick Lockett, Rogers High School class of 1979, whose homecoming performance elevated the 100th birthday special celebration  of the legendary Art Tatum.

Mr. Lockett currently resides in Los Angeles, California.  Among the notables attending the morning's special service was retired Judge Robert V. Franklin,  former Toledo Mayor Jack Ford, and current State Treasurer, Kevin Boyce.