tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32938139163269314202024-03-05T07:30:14.946-08:00Blacks on Saipan!The Black experience on the US Commonwealth islands of Saipan, Tinian and Rota.Blacks on Saipanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12766504132474670312noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3293813916326931420.post-52578007355151089842010-01-18T14:28:00.001-08:002010-01-19T11:30:26.621-08:002010 MLK DAY Poster Contest Winners!Winners of Monday's MLK Day Poster Contest are:<br /><br />K-2<br />Matthew W. Thomas 2nd Grade, Grace Christian Academy, Rota<br />Angela Ann Guiang, K-5, Grace Christian Academy, Rota<br />Nadia Jade Arriola, K-4, Grace Christian, Rota<br /><br />3rd-5th<br />Maria G. Terlaje 3rd Grade, Mount Carmel<br />Rency Camacho Grace 3rd Grade, Christian Academy-Rota<br />Audrey Lok Lum Yue, 4th Grade Grace Christian, Saipan<br /><br />6th -12th<br />Chrisha Llana, 7th Grade, Grace Christian Academy, Rota<br />Glengela Guiang, 7th Grade, Grace Christian Academy, Rota<br />Carmelita Takeshi, 8th Grade, Grace Christian Academy, Rota<br /><br />Special Mention goes to <br />Shiara Reyes of Ladera International School<br />for a beautiful portrait of Martin Luther King Jr.<br />on display at www.blacksonsaipan.com<br /><br />Winners are asked to contact Joe Hill at<br />234-6806 during business hours to arrange <br />pick up of their prizes!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIgsYzN3zgl9RWTiBShCyecqG2HiNzHWYXftIib2Tl2B0eRFZBRbg6s4XnzYGWT-JgaKW9g0b-TyIKs_BOi0VWt3pQYudY48X9oM0zcjPOn85X2PTsRoImDmkdZnaJAqUqIffF7sI5sA/s1600-h/mlkentries.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIgsYzN3zgl9RWTiBShCyecqG2HiNzHWYXftIib2Tl2B0eRFZBRbg6s4XnzYGWT-JgaKW9g0b-TyIKs_BOi0VWt3pQYudY48X9oM0zcjPOn85X2PTsRoImDmkdZnaJAqUqIffF7sI5sA/s200/mlkentries.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428534753392630914" /></a><br /><br />Just a few of the 116 entries for the 2010 MLK Day Poster Contest<br /><p><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvNqM_guaIfAb0CsVIAH8o_Po8rySYG1zYslQgFenw3dqUpWpvsckJ363t6E4BSGwnGuOyhReSWRdJ2sY_r5GdYFmxJ87AwPeyqWn6QExdiiafgjd0xJpfU1GwlOdtMGJV14G1Yij5cA/s1600-h/mlkportrait.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvNqM_guaIfAb0CsVIAH8o_Po8rySYG1zYslQgFenw3dqUpWpvsckJ363t6E4BSGwnGuOyhReSWRdJ2sY_r5GdYFmxJ87AwPeyqWn6QExdiiafgjd0xJpfU1GwlOdtMGJV14G1Yij5cA/s200/mlkportrait.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428535232801509634" /></a><br />An amazing pencil drawing of MLK by 5th Grader Shiara ReyesBlacks on Saipanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12766504132474670312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3293813916326931420.post-88184042350114663682010-01-08T12:47:00.000-08:002010-01-08T12:50:54.498-08:00MLK DAY 2010 Poster Contest<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuxxlXN8G48u0wd2W8o78DU9JVWZl1PhDTOykQjhluMuWaH5jr82zHTgQKhnthFJqV9vvm7V2QK7ob_8KoNzEyQ5EMH1VzYDm7ebdARAieMZ28nsVNuN7aYrRoWHinl1TLgY4nfULR0A/s1600-h/MLK-SIGNPOST-FINAL.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 146px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuxxlXN8G48u0wd2W8o78DU9JVWZl1PhDTOykQjhluMuWaH5jr82zHTgQKhnthFJqV9vvm7V2QK7ob_8KoNzEyQ5EMH1VzYDm7ebdARAieMZ28nsVNuN7aYrRoWHinl1TLgY4nfULR0A/s200/MLK-SIGNPOST-FINAL.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424473784983965826" /></a><br />"Where Do We Go From Here?"<br />African American Cultural Preservation Committee announces MLK DAY Poster Contest!<br /><br /><br />SAIPAN-Monday, January 18, 2010 marks the 4th official Commemoration of Martin Luther King Day since Governor Benigno R. Fitial signed the bill enacting Martin Luther King Jr. Day as an official CNMI holiday. <br /><br /> This year, the African American Cultural Preservation Committee on Saipan is hosting its first MLK Day Poster Contest<br /><br /> The poster contest continues the tradition of student awareness, and participation in the annual commemoration activities started with previous years' popular essay contests. This year's theme is "Where Do We Go From Here?" the name of King's famous 1967 speech, and is meant to make students aware that every moment in life offers the opportunity to make new choices, and that they have the ability and responsibility to choose how to live their lives to determine where they go in life.<br /> New years, new administrations, new terms in office, new school semesters, and every new day, all represent ideal opportunities to decide "where do we go from here?" as a nation, as a community, and as an individual.<br /><br /> Student artists are asked to draw/paint/create their concepts of what those choices are, and/or how they affect the nation, the community, and/or the individual. Creativity, uniqueness and outside-the-box thinking is encouraged, and entries should include some reference to Martin Luther King, Jr., his vision, speeches, concept of non-violence, civil rights, etc.<br /><br /> All posters will be displayed at the American Memorial Park Visitors Center from the date of receipt through Monday Jan 18, 2010 and winners will be announced at the MLK Day event at Memorial Park on January 18, 2010.<br /><br /><br />CATEGORIES:<br />K - 2nd Grades<br />3rd - 5th grades<br />6th -12th grades<br />in all private and public schools<br /><br />GUIDELINES:<br />Minimum size: 9" x 12"<br />Maximum size: 12" x 18"<br />Medium: ANY (Paint, charcoal, ink, computer, etc.)<br />All artwork must be original, and no tracing is allowed.<br /><br />DEADLINE and SUBMISSION PROCESS:<br />Submit posters on or before Saturday, Jan 16, 2010 at<br />Joe Hill Law Offices behind Shirley's in Susupe on Tokcha Ave.<br />See or contact Alma or Lily at 234-7743,<br />Joe Hill at 234-6806 or joe.hill@saipan.com<br />Walt Goodridge at walt@saipanliving.com<br /><br />Details may be found on BlacksOnSaipan.com. By contacting AACPC President, Joe Hill at 670 234-6806, or emailing mlkcontest@blacksonsaipan.com<br /><br />The African American Cultural Preservation Committee on Saipan wishes to thank all past and present supporters of our MLK Day events including Hyatt Regency Saipan, Joe-ten Enterprises, Empty Vessel Ministry, American Memorial Park, <br />and the Northern Mariana Islands Council for the Humanities.Blacks on Saipanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12766504132474670312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3293813916326931420.post-31345705792002264422009-01-16T08:38:00.000-08:002009-01-16T12:39:41.865-08:00MLK Day Jan 19:Winners of Essay and Elocution Contest Announced<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjCRY5Z0WiC5cIz5twWOhDOCZWIUxQW2Tpv06HoeREgwK4bxC8vMJcb1onZpgGFmvKdtnDqUO3gzWfqPs3XocGZWTNnxfvCZFdyKPpyeiZ9Nc-uXatC7lw95Vut8911caxVwiiTk2Ikg/s1600-h/IMG_3003.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjCRY5Z0WiC5cIz5twWOhDOCZWIUxQW2Tpv06HoeREgwK4bxC8vMJcb1onZpgGFmvKdtnDqUO3gzWfqPs3XocGZWTNnxfvCZFdyKPpyeiZ9Nc-uXatC7lw95Vut8911caxVwiiTk2Ikg/s200/IMG_3003.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291936910351209618" /></a><br />The African American Cultural Preservation Committee on Saipan would like to congratulate the following<br />students on their winning entries for the "What Would Martin Say" Essay and Elocution Contest. These students will receive awards and prizes supplied by IT&E, MegaByte and Hollywood Theaters, as well as cash prizes!<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Elocution Contest Winners<br /></span>Category: Name Grade/School<br /><br />(6-8) Dayanara Flores (8th Grade Hopwood)<br /><br /><br />(9-12) Bianca Blanco (11th Grade, Grace Christian)<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Elocution contest winners will perform their speeches<br />on Monday during the 4pm - 6:00pm program. Everyone<br />in the community is invited to attend.<br /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Essay Contest Winners</span><br />Category: Name Grade/School<br />(3-5) Dylan Cabrera (3rd Kagman Elementary)<br /><br />(3-5) Frances Rosemarie G. Santos (3rd grade Kagman elem)<br /><br />(6-8) Yvonnalynn Salalila (8th Grade, Hopwood Jr. High ) ,<br /><br />(9-12) Joseph Martin (10th, Marianas High School) <br /><br /><br />We wish to thank the Northern Mariana Council for the Humanities,<br />and American Memorial park for their generous support.<br /><br />We wish to thank all the students from all the schools throughout<br />the CNMI who participated and encourage all to attend<br />the commemoration activities to take place at Memorial Park <br />on Monday January 19, 2009 beginning at 1:00pm.Blacks on Saipanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12766504132474670312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3293813916326931420.post-88455986112031168702009-01-12T12:36:00.001-08:002009-01-12T12:37:49.048-08:00MLK Day Jan 19: Celebration DINNER at Bud's Bar!Dear Friends,<br /><br />You are invited to join us in our “Fulfilling the Dream” Inaugural Celebration Dinner to be held on January 21, 2009 from 6pm until 8pm. Proceeds will be used for the AACPC educational and youth program activities. <br /><br />The occasion of the Inaugural Celebration of Barack Obama as President of the United States of America and the commemoration of the 2009 national holiday for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., presents a unique opportunity for us as a community to unite in the spirit of “Fulfilling the Dream” envisioned by Dr. King. <br /><br />Tickets may be purchased from committee members for $15 which includes dinner/buffet and entertainment. Mouth-watering soul food items will be presented by Chef Sean Thompson from his southern recipes, including, among others, black eyed peas, ham hocks, greens & cornbread, chitterlings and candied yams. <br /><br />Please indicate the number of tickets you would like to purchase below.<br /><br />You may contact the committee at 234-6806 should you have any questions or need additional information. You may also purchase tickets at the office of AACPC President Joe Hill located in Susupe near Mt. Carmel. Tickets may also be purchased at the new Buds Bar & Grill located on Plumeria Street at the intersection of Java Cafe in downtown GarapanBlacks on Saipanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12766504132474670312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3293813916326931420.post-63594492172112053572009-01-11T23:52:00.000-08:002009-01-11T23:53:11.077-08:00MLK Day Jan 19: Camp Susupe "Guest" Comes to Saipan for MLK DayMLK Day Jan 19: Camp Susupe "Guest" Comes to Saipan for MLK Day<br /> <br /><br />SAIPAN-As an eight-year old girl at the close of World War II, MarshaRose Joyner--daughter of a military father stationed on Saipan--has fond memories of climbing the fence around the Camp Susupe Detention Center, and sneaking in to play with the Chamorro children living within the compound. On January 19, 2009, Ms. Joyner returns to Saipan for the first time since 1949, to deliver a special keynote address for the third annual MLK Day Commemoration organized by Saipan's African American Cultural Preservation Committee, Inc. (AACPC) with support by the Northern Marianas Council for the Humanities.<br /><br /> "We're privileged and honored to have Ms. Joyner return to Saipan and share her story with us for MLK day," says Joe Hill, AACPC Committee President. "As people who actually lived during those times get harder to find, it's rare to find individual servicemen who were stationed here to tell their story, rarer still to find entire families. So to have the perspective of a civilian dependent who is also African American, and who actually spent time inside the camp, is quite unique.”<br /><br /> Ms. Joyner's connection to Pacific region is a unique one. MarshaRose's father—Marshall Hood—a sergeant in the US army was assigned to an ordnance unit (recovering unexploded bombs, equipment etc.) after the battle of Saipan. In 1946, after traveling on military orders with her mother cross-country by train from Maryland to California, then by steamship to Hawaii, then by seaplane to Guam--where they reunited with her dad--the family journeyed to Saipan where they stayed until 1949. Even at that young age, the experience had a profound effect on her.<br /><br /> Having lived and experienced her memorable US-to-Pacific Island journey during the "Jim Crow" era in the US, where white racism was law, she was witness to, and victim of one brand of prejudice and segregation. Then, on Saipan, she witnessed another form of segregation and discrimination at Camp Susupe. She went on to be an activist for many civil rights causes, accumulating many honors and accomplishments, and then returning to Hawaii in 1970, where she currently resides. (excerpt from her memoirs will be available online ). She is an advocate of indigenous rights as Project Director for the Pacific Justice and Reconciliation Center.<br /> This wife, mother, grandmother and cancer survivor says of her life's purpose, "I see my role in life as a grain of sand. To make a truly beautiful pearl there must be a grain of sand in the oyster. To make a truly beautiful world . . . there must be people like me . . .the irritants that keep everything growing".<br /><br /><br /> As part of this year's upcoming MLK commemorative activities in the CNMI, (this year's theme: Color of Unity, the Pacific Way) she will be sharing her lifelong perspectives on the significance of Martin Luther King, the Civil Rights Movement, and its impact on the people and way of life here in the Pacific. <br /><br /> Plans are for Ms. Joyner to conduct workshops on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. She will be arriving on Saipan on Tuesda, January 13 at 8:50pm. (All are welcome to come out to greet her at the airport; use contact number below first as some items in schedule are subject to change). The MLK Day event, mini-march, forum, essay finalist performances, and keynote address will take place on Monday, January 19, 2009 at American Memorial Park beginning with a public forum at 1:00pm. All are invited to attend and participate.<br /> Monday, January 19, 2009 marks the 3rd official Commemoration of Martin Luther King Day since Governor Benigno Fitial signed the bill enacting Martin Luther King Jr. Day as an official CNMI holiday. <br /><br />Details may be found on BlacksOnSaipan.com. Contact Joe Hill at 670 234-6806.<br /><br />The following is a tentative schedule of events. <br />(some items subject to change) <br /> Sat, Jan 10: Student Essay (“What Would Martin Say?”) Finalist Selection; Memorial Park Auditorium; 9:00AM; email mlkcontest@welovesaipan.com<br />Mon, Jan 12: AACPC Members discuss MLK event/significance/movement on Harry Blalock<br />Tue, Jan 13: MarshaRose Joyner arrives on Saipan 8:50pm<br />Wed, Jan 14: workshops at schools on Rota<br />Thur, Jan 15: MarshaRose Joyner on Harry Blalock show; 7:00AM<br /> - workshops at schools on Tinian<br />Fri, Jan 16: workshops at schools on Saipan<br />Mon, Jan 19: MLK DAY Forum: 1-2 pm; mini-March: 3- 4 pm; Program and keynote: 4-6pm<br />Tue, Jan 20--workshops at schools on Saipan<br />Wed, Jan 21—Buffet Dinner, Bud's Bar (details to follow)Blacks on Saipanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12766504132474670312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3293813916326931420.post-68107490520013739592009-01-05T12:11:00.000-08:002009-01-05T12:23:34.342-08:00MLK Day Jan 19: Activist and Camp Susupe "Guest" Comes to Saipan for MLK Workshops and Keynote<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjld3uhQwnmL5OegLOghuVgcnugtJkUxjeAOPl0zj4w2fFtKzJIP3SPFeblO8ri6W0OSDvtGfdPyfDUV_cJy8fM3rSa0hZ370ETcI1cpT2uqpgcqTB6bRWtvd1HalDipMxrznKYmzHgfA/s1600-h/Mama+%26+Me+(2).JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 370px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjld3uhQwnmL5OegLOghuVgcnugtJkUxjeAOPl0zj4w2fFtKzJIP3SPFeblO8ri6W0OSDvtGfdPyfDUV_cJy8fM3rSa0hZ370ETcI1cpT2uqpgcqTB6bRWtvd1HalDipMxrznKYmzHgfA/s400/Mama+%26+Me+(2).JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287905572247041522" /></a><br />SAIPAN-As an eight-year old girl at the close of World War II, MarshaRose Joyner--daughter of a military father stationed on Saipan--has fond memories of climbing the fence around the Camp Susupe Detention Center, and sneaking in to play with the Chamorro children living within the compound. On January 19, 2009, Ms. Joyner returns to Saipan for the first time since 1949, to deliver a special keynote address for the third annual MLK Day Commemoration organized by Saipan's African American Cultural Preservation Committee, Inc. (AACPC) with support by the Northern Marianas Council for the Humanities.<br /><br /> "We're privileged and honored to have Ms. Joyner return to Saipan and share her story with us for MLK day," says Joe Hill, AACPC Committee President. "As people who actually lived during those times get harder to find, it's rare to find individual servicemen who were stationed here to tell their story, rarer still to find entire families. So to have the perspective of a civilian dependent who is also African American, and who actually spent time inside the camp, is quite unique.”<br /><br /> Ms. Joyner's connection to Pacific region is a unique one. MarshaRose's father—Marshall Hood—a sergeant in the US army was assigned to an ordnance unit (recovering unexploded bombs, equipment etc.) after the battle of Saipan. In 1946, after traveling on military orders with her mother cross-country by train from Maryland to California, then by steamship to Hawaii, then by seaplane to Guam--where they reunited with her dad--the family journeyed to Saipan where they stayed until 1949. Even at that young age, the experience had a profound effect on her.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMV5t5Kv-MwFN4lrfIxo4UKwMXpTkzhVx1iIU9W0y7LY3kb3_3Pp8uUDKmOY5q3l6HUl526aH9aAN11UJYK_EM6jtAvzeVZ6WrUbAzKpogveapjAgswLNCbLj4vGAxV-cvb9v5SD3pCw/s1600-h/Sentor+Obama-4.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 378px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMV5t5Kv-MwFN4lrfIxo4UKwMXpTkzhVx1iIU9W0y7LY3kb3_3Pp8uUDKmOY5q3l6HUl526aH9aAN11UJYK_EM6jtAvzeVZ6WrUbAzKpogveapjAgswLNCbLj4vGAxV-cvb9v5SD3pCw/s400/Sentor+Obama-4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287905574506645874" /></a><br /> Having lived and experienced her memorable US-to-Pacific Island journey during the "Jim Crow" era in the US, where white racism was law, she was witness to, and victim of one brand of prejudice and segregation. Then, on Saipan, she witnessed another form of segregation and discrimination at Camp Susupe. She went on to be an activist for many civil rights causes, accumulating many honors and accomplishments, and then returning to Hawaii in 1970, where she currently resides. (excerpt from her memoirs will be available online ). She is an advocate of indigenous rights as Project Director for the Pacific Justice and Reconciliation Center.<br /><br /> This wife, mother, grandmother and cancer survivor says of her life's purpose, "I see my role in life as a grain of sand. To make a truly beautiful pearl there must be a grain of sand in the oyster. To make a truly beautiful world . . . there must be people like me . . .the irritants that keep everything growing".<br /><br /> As part of this year's upcoming MLK commemorative activities in the CNMI, (this year's theme: Color of Unity, the Pacific Way) she will be sharing her lifelong perspectives on the significance of Martin Luther King, the Civil Rights Movement, and its impact on the people and way of life here in the Pacific. <br /><br /><br /> Plans are for Ms. Joyner to conduct workshops on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. She will be arriving on Saipan on Tuesda, January 13 at 8:50pm. (All are welcome to come out to greet her at the airport; use contact number below first as some items in schedule are subject to change). The MLK Day event, mini-march, forum, essay finalist performances, and keynote address will take place on Monday, January 19, 2009 at American Memorial Park beginning with a public forum at 1:00pm. All are invited to attend and participate.<br /> Monday, January 19, 2009 marks the 3rd official Commemoration of Martin Luther King Day since Governor Benigno Fitial signed the bill enacting Martin Luther King Jr. Day as an official CNMI holiday. <br /><br />Details may be found on BlacksOnSaipan.com. Contact Joe Hill at 670 234-6806.<br /><br />The following is a tentative schedule of events. <br />(some items subject to change) <br /> <br />Sat, Jan 10: Student Essay (“What Would Martin Say?”) Finalist Selection; Memorial Park Auditorium; email mlkcontest@welovesaipan.com<br /> <br /> <br />Tue, Jan 13: MarshaRose Joyner arrives on Saipan 8:50pm<br /> <br />Wed, Jan 14: workshops at schools on Rota<br /> <br />Thur, Jan 15: workshops at schools on Tinian<br /> <br />Fri, Jan 16: workshops at schools on SAIPAN<br /> <br />MLK DAY Mon, Jan 19--Forum: 1-2 pm; mini-March thru Garapan: 3- 4 pm; Program and keynote: 4-6pm<br /> <br />Tue, Jan 20--workshops at schools on SAIPAN<br /> <br />Wed, Jan 21—Dinner (details to follow)Blacks on Saipanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12766504132474670312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3293813916326931420.post-9086499220873866702008-11-11T01:07:00.000-08:002008-11-11T02:01:55.962-08:00MLK Day 2009 Essay and Elocution Contest!This coming January 19, 2009 marks the 3rd official commemoration of Martin Luther King Day since Governor Fitial signed the bill enacting Martin Luther King Jr. Day as an official CNMI holiday. In honor of this approaching Commonwealth-wide commemoration, the African American Cultural Preservation Committee (AACPC) is pleased to announce the 3rd Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Essay & Elocution Contest open to all students of the CNMI. <br /><br />The theme of this year’s Essay & Elocution Competition is “What Would Martin Say?”<br /><br />We’d like to request that the attached information be shared with all schools within the CNMI.<br /><br />Thank you<br /><br /><br />Joe Hill<br />The African American Cultural Preservation Committee<br /><br /><br />Contacts:<br />• Mr. Samuel Joyner, Kagman, Elementary School; <br />• Mr. Ambrose Bennett; Kagman High School;<br />• Walt Goodridge; Tel. <br />• Mrs. Hilda Joyner; Chacha Oceanview Jr. High; <br /><br />Entries may also be submitted via email to mlkcontest@welovesaipan.com, <br /><br /><br /><hr><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmCMdQYIASGV9PDOTYQOoT8IZOhR68jcUd93WxXo43OJyj08kFINU5NxZHyX7vFPXkTT1EKul45czdi-tqOsuBDWLDdkNK_L1u_bWvG0ECuiL08NenNj6YfhyatT9ybJWb1BTYKh9Tag/s1600-h/mlkcontestbanner.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 64px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmCMdQYIASGV9PDOTYQOoT8IZOhR68jcUd93WxXo43OJyj08kFINU5NxZHyX7vFPXkTT1EKul45czdi-tqOsuBDWLDdkNK_L1u_bWvG0ECuiL08NenNj6YfhyatT9ybJWb1BTYKh9Tag/s320/mlkcontestbanner.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267337626021499506" /></a><br /><br><p><br /><font size=4>ESSAY CONTEST: Topic: WHAT WOULD MARTIN SAY?</font size><br><br />Barack Obama has won the 2008 election for president of the United States of America.<br />What do you think civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. would say? What would he say to the American people, to the world, to president-elect Obama himself? Do you have a creative way to answer that question? If so, share it with the CNMI! Submit your answer for the CNMI’s 3rd Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Commemoration, for prizes and prestige! <br /><br />CRITERIA:<br />• Essay must be relevant to theme; double-spaced, typed; 12pt font<br />• Essay must be well-written (follow proper conventions of language, usage and grammar)<br />• Include Student’s Name, School, Grade Level, Teacher’s Name, and Principal’s name<br />• Each school is allowed to submit 3 entries per Grade Level category.<br />-3rd to 5th Grade: 150-250 words<br />-6th to 8th Grade: 250-350 words<br />-9th to 12th Grade: 350-500 words<br />PRIZES: <br />• One winner will be selected for each grade level.<br />• A prize of $100 will be awarded to the three overall winners; consolation prizes to others.<br />Among other prizes to be announced, winners of the contest will receive: <br />- Freedom Fighter Award (An MLK legacy award honoring youth as well as adults)<br />- Excerpts of their essay published in local media <br />- On-stage recognition during the MLK Day Rally & Presentation scheduled for Memorial Park <br />- various gift certificates, coupons & free passes donated by local businesses <br /><br />SUBMISSION: <br />Participants are asked to inform their teachers of their intent to compete in the contest as soon as possible. <br />Students may enter EITHER the Essay OR the Elocution portion of the contest, but not both.<br />Teachers are asked to judge all entries and submit 3 finalists per grade level category. <br /> Entries will be collected from your school or must be delivered by Monday, December 15, 2008 to:<br />• Mr. Samuel Joyner, Kagman, Elementary School; <br />• Mr. Ambrose Bennett; Kagman High School; <br />• Walt Goodridge; <br />• Mrs. Hilda Joyner; Chacha Oceanview Jr. High; <br /><br />Entries may also be submitted via email to mlkcontest@welovesaipan.com<br /><br /><br /><HR><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmCMdQYIASGV9PDOTYQOoT8IZOhR68jcUd93WxXo43OJyj08kFINU5NxZHyX7vFPXkTT1EKul45czdi-tqOsuBDWLDdkNK_L1u_bWvG0ECuiL08NenNj6YfhyatT9ybJWb1BTYKh9Tag/s1600-h/mlkcontestbanner.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 64px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmCMdQYIASGV9PDOTYQOoT8IZOhR68jcUd93WxXo43OJyj08kFINU5NxZHyX7vFPXkTT1EKul45czdi-tqOsuBDWLDdkNK_L1u_bWvG0ECuiL08NenNj6YfhyatT9ybJWb1BTYKh9Tag/s320/mlkcontestbanner.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267337626021499506" /></a><br /><font size=4>ELOCUTION CONTEST: Topic: WHAT WOULD MARTIN SAY?</font size><br><br /><br />Barack Obama has won the 2008 election for president of the United States of America.<br />What do you think civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. would say? What would he say to the American people, to the world, to president-elect Obama himself? Do you have a creative way to answer that question? CAN YOU DELIVER IT IN A MEMORIZED SPEECH LIKE MARTIN WOULD? If so, share it with the CNMI! Enter the ELOCUTION COMPETITION as part of CNMI’s 3rd Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Commemoration, for prizes and prestige! <br /><br />CRITERIA:<br />• Imagine YOU are Martin Luther King Jr, and give the speech just as he might<br />• Appropriate gestures, confidence, feeling, enunciation, and interpretive excellence are the prime criteria for this competition.<br />• Maximum time: five minutes; Students are encouraged to top-end limit of allowable time.<br />• Each school is requested to submit 3 entries per Grade Level category.<br />-3rd to 5th Grade; 6th to 8th Grade; 9th to 12th Grade<br /><br />SUBMISSION: <br />Participants are asked to inform their teachers of their intent to compete in the contest as soon as possible. <br />Students may enter EITHER the Essay OR the Elocution portion of the contest, but not both.<br />Names of entrants may be submitted via email to mlkcontest@welovesaipan.com<br /><br />DEADLINE:<br />Schools are asked to FORM A JUDGING COMMITTEE to judge all entrants and submit the names of the 3 finalists per grade level category by Dec 15, 2008. Contest judging will be on January 10, 2009. Location to be announced. Questions may be directed to:<br />• Mr. Samuel Joyner, Kagman, Elementary School; <br />• Mr. Ambrose Bennett; Kagman High School; <br />• Walt Goodridge; <br />• Mrs. Hilda Joyner; Chacha Oceanview Jr. High; <br /><br />PRIZES: <br />• One winner will be selected for each grade level.<br />• A prize of $100 will be awarded to the three overall winners; consolation prizes to others.<br />Among other prizes to be announced, winners of the contest will receive: <br />- Freedom Fighter Award (An MLK legacy award honoring youth as well as adults)<br />- Excerpts of their essay published in local media <br />- On-stage recognition during the MLK Day Rally & Presentation scheduled for Memorial Park <br />- various gift certificates, coupons & free passes donated by local businessesBlacks on Saipanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12766504132474670312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3293813916326931420.post-2883047474048217262008-08-13T03:50:00.000-07:002008-08-13T03:59:11.571-07:00John Davis Runs!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS_ejVG5w9IE2ckRY_wQ-ye2B8Rgqs0iuljgiqgxLkPIkXasH_HFutN0XQhrdcJmwY12ph-b_bsoVKSqTFutm_ehLb9lkP8ZPMJ7xRIXlMT9btUst0ihp37Nkyd_f-Na1_BXx-mpKc4g/s1600-h/johndavis.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS_ejVG5w9IE2ckRY_wQ-ye2B8Rgqs0iuljgiqgxLkPIkXasH_HFutN0XQhrdcJmwY12ph-b_bsoVKSqTFutm_ehLb9lkP8ZPMJ7xRIXlMT9btUst0ihp37Nkyd_f-Na1_BXx-mpKc4g/s320/johndavis.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233955139790090226" /></a><br />Here is a letter from John Davis who is running for the position of US Congress delegate for the CNMI.<br /><br />Hello, <br />As you probably already know, I am running for the seat of CNMI Delegate to the U.S. Congress. However, you probably don’t know much about me. And since I am not as well known as some of the other candidates I thought I’d better start catching up in the “who I am” department.<br /><br />I have been a resident of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands for twenty-two years. I arrived in the CNMI in September1986 to assist in the opening of the Commonwealth Health Center. I was the CHC’s first Radiology Department Manager. If you are 21 or 22 years old and were born in the Commonwealth, I probably took the first pictures of you (using ultrasound). I was later the resident manager for FHP when it moved to its current location in the Oleai Center. I have also worked as a taxi driver, courier, fitness trainer, bartender as well as other so-called “ordinary everyday jobs.” <br /><br />Until recently I was very actively involved in sports. I have competed in football, wrestling, boxing, and track. I have competed internationally in track and boxing. I represented the CNMI in bodybuilding and weightlifting. I have been a sport parachutist, and taikwondo “breaking” demonstrator, and I have skied the Alpspitz (a mountain in Germany) from top to bottom.<br /><br />I retired from the U.S. Army after twenty years of service. I earned the Combat Medic’s Badge and Bronze Star with “V’ Device while serving one and a half tours with the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam from 1966 to 1968. I have earned All-American status on two separate occasions as a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Saipan Post 3457.<br /><br />My children are all adults and, except for my youngest, live in the mainland United States. I raised three children here in the Commonwealth. My baby is now a sophomore at Northern Marianas College. My family ties within the Commonwealth are limited. I am not a member of any political party or political organization. I live in the CNMI because I like it here (the sun, the ocean, the beaches, the laid-back lifestyle that sometimes is laid-back a little too much). I don’t owe money or favors to anyone. I speak my mind and sometimes from my heart.<br /><br />I have a Master’s degree in Education and I teach Advanced Placement Language Arts (English) and Advanced Placement Government and Politics at Marianas High school.<br /><br />Two years is a very short time to claim that I am going to move the earth. So aside from my pledge to faithfully represent all of the people of the CNMI with truth, honesty, and integrity, I will also promise not to use the office to maximize my photo opportunities, not to use the office to maximize my time on the golf courses, not use the office to assault my subordinates, and not to use the office to line my own or my family’s pockets.<br /><br />What I will do is:<br />(1) Introduce legislation for the transfer of the control of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and submerged lands surrounding the CNMI from the United States to the CNMI.<br />(2) Immediately introduce legislation to have an office of the Small Business Administration open in the CNMI.<br />(3) Immediately introduce legislation to have a Veterans Administration Hospital built in the CNMI. <br />(4) And, if it is still an issue, work to have green cards and/or passports granted to non-American individuals who have immediate relative status in the CNMI.<br /><br />I think that getting these issues resolved will be a full time endeavor. If anyone is promising more, he is either lying, has no concept of the nature of the office, or he is a superhero.<br /><br />Well, that’s me, John H. Davis, Jr. in a very small nutshell. But, at least you have an idea of who I am.<br /><br /> I will be happy to meet with anyone or any group to elaborate on my positions. If you are inclined to hear more, please contact Jeanne Rayphand at 235-9115, 235-5123 or 287-9807 and she will set a time and date. Thank you for your time and no matter for whom you vote, please VOTE.<br /><br />John H. Davis, Jr.Blacks on Saipanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12766504132474670312noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3293813916326931420.post-12822560891539876172008-06-23T00:13:00.000-07:002008-06-23T00:40:53.821-07:00How did I get here?So far removed from the lush brown dirt of the Mississippi Delta where I dug bait worms for my grandmother. Coral sand pillowing my feet instead of the cool Mississippi soil of my great aunt's garden. So far away yet so close to home. Perhaps Saipan is the closest answer to the pondering of "What if black folks ran things." An experiment that african americans will never be able to conduct. <br /><br />So....things are slow here and many folks don't know what to call people who look "black". I had to really think what I should call my self out here. How could I describe myself accurately to someone who didn't really have a concept of what "black" means. Sometimes when I said "Black" they still looked at me curiously. "Black" to a Russian, Japanese, Korean, or Chinese person really didn't mean much. So I started calling myself a "Black American" Because...afterall...Black IS Black and nothing is any cooler or more aesthetically pleasing than that. And American because God knows I can't escape it. I am uniquely American and can finally accept it. <br /><br />Locals (people of island decent) would often stumble a bit when trying to say that they knew "Black" people back in the states. They'd stammer and look at me apologetically and say "I knew someone like you." The truly didn't know what to call me and didn't want to offend. It made me smile. Here I can be "Black" and also be in peace. Despite the fact that people often had no idea what to call me, they welcomed me. I not been any place on the islands here and not felt welcome. It's the familiar smell of food cooking, cold drinks and feel of Southern Hospitalty. MMMmmmm.<br /><br />Mentally and physically it is as if a cage has been lifted. Racism in the states is like cholesterol. It's in you dragging you down, influencing every aspect of your well-being but you don't actually realize what it's doing. How sick it makes you. I feel it whenever I go back to visit. And am grateful every time the plane lands on saipan and that hot blast of island air hits my lungs.<br /><br />Yeah...paradise is what you make it. And in some of the least likely places.<br /><br />Big Footed Mississippi GirlBlacks on Saipanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12766504132474670312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3293813916326931420.post-42240998037065877232008-06-22T01:23:00.000-07:002008-06-24T01:28:49.645-07:00Another Jamaican!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQH7Kq0Wrc3AzPrL7hCVccdxNGgsettIxKI24ZAb3sFzTAoD3F_PmpaM4igCRyqJZ7dySfDF5b1zx0twccULZNQ1VQjnEPMXjrh5OhBuD3Tn4lXeswctd42eAXkR0yUu1lGCkFzQ_0rg/s1600-h/cardiff.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQH7Kq0Wrc3AzPrL7hCVccdxNGgsettIxKI24ZAb3sFzTAoD3F_PmpaM4igCRyqJZ7dySfDF5b1zx0twccULZNQ1VQjnEPMXjrh5OhBuD3Tn4lXeswctd42eAXkR0yUu1lGCkFzQ_0rg/s320/cardiff.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215361572493544018" /></a><br />On my recent trip to Guam, I got a nice little surprise. Turns out the chief pilot of Freedom Air, a micronesian provider that flies to Guam is none other than a Jamaican! Meet Cardiff Walker, I and I new bredrin from Yaad!<br /><br />--Posted by JamaicanonSaipanBlacks on Saipanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12766504132474670312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3293813916326931420.post-56681886163573902592008-06-13T01:15:00.000-07:002008-06-13T01:46:52.587-07:00An evening with MLK!On May 7, 2008, the Northern Mariana Islands Council for the Humanities with support from the African American Cultural Preservation Committee hosted a unique event.<div> </div><div>Bill Grimmette was invited to the island of Saipan to take us on a journey back and forwards in time. Bill does performances around the world in the character of Martin Luther King, Jr. </div><div> </div><div>Having Bill do such a performance along with the requisite audience question and answer participation, allows us to speculate and participate in discussions that might be taking place had Martin Luther King, Jr. been alive today. </div><div> </div><div>Here are a few photos from the evening's event.</div><div> </div><div> </div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijxWbaBnyL4ER7yv2yED6UB9tzN0utUefpwPTOH3YMKNUk9g_VBUg2qu1GeJNLXp8bbqQZJz3Ia84_5D9S-9piyVI3cMrFkuXLt1VPEDL-uERiJX27dEtTkcik4nYC1UV3oVB2AIgq1g/s1600-h/IMG_0707.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijxWbaBnyL4ER7yv2yED6UB9tzN0utUefpwPTOH3YMKNUk9g_VBUg2qu1GeJNLXp8bbqQZJz3Ia84_5D9S-9piyVI3cMrFkuXLt1VPEDL-uERiJX27dEtTkcik4nYC1UV3oVB2AIgq1g/s320/IMG_0707.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211282055619237890" /></a><hr><br />Willie, Joe, Rebecca and Bill<br /><hr><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg794PP-O_yH7AbCrFkMsS3M3kDDEuxTH_eNjd_mR68qLH9wBtse2Bm_Se3oqzWEGhaHzJCKKN_eYjyAZ7JdKa8OXGUUsO0LToAWJarG4c4MHSO4W885XnUaGnrWhiWngompQ8iJeo0iw/s1600-h/IMG_0710.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg794PP-O_yH7AbCrFkMsS3M3kDDEuxTH_eNjd_mR68qLH9wBtse2Bm_Se3oqzWEGhaHzJCKKN_eYjyAZ7JdKa8OXGUUsO0LToAWJarG4c4MHSO4W885XnUaGnrWhiWngompQ8iJeo0iw/s320/IMG_0710.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211282064209172498" /></a><br /><br><p><br><br><p><Br><p><hr>Point....<hr><br /><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzLIUeHfpzKP0QievxKaMg4ig8oRuvSiI9HuL36XBPqKYzPPUBlpynuHCn_GDM2Q5_LEsRhzLMM9lN4Be0QligbQur_LhP2bLra6DFExf5M6uVXpt1NoZ8wjwpOeAN_K9FmeBch1ijJQ/s1600-h/IMG_0711.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzLIUeHfpzKP0QievxKaMg4ig8oRuvSiI9HuL36XBPqKYzPPUBlpynuHCn_GDM2Q5_LEsRhzLMM9lN4Be0QligbQur_LhP2bLra6DFExf5M6uVXpt1NoZ8wjwpOeAN_K9FmeBch1ijJQ/s320/IMG_0711.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211282068504139810" /></a><br /></div><br><br><br><p><br><p><br><p><br><p><br><p><hr>Counter point<hr><br /><div> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjyULyI9NQ-Hz7mpvNmBl50Iy14tJq87r9POLuhdUZmylDHhphbPHfpR5dRGhGtzoo5lSl9PTrN5PK9O6OvH636QyxGh3BYcE2mQvwskumyx4oRaNclQZLAlreGeWhXGB2hrFUexs3Qw/s1600-h/IMG_0717.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjyULyI9NQ-Hz7mpvNmBl50Iy14tJq87r9POLuhdUZmylDHhphbPHfpR5dRGhGtzoo5lSl9PTrN5PK9O6OvH636QyxGh3BYcE2mQvwskumyx4oRaNclQZLAlreGeWhXGB2hrFUexs3Qw/s320/IMG_0717.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211282072799107122" /></a><br /></div><p><br><br><p><br><p><hr>Bill and Anna<hr>Blacks on Saipanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12766504132474670312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3293813916326931420.post-74541891825946391992008-06-13T00:53:00.000-07:002008-06-13T00:55:16.705-07:00The African American Cultural Preservation Committee on SaipanMission Statement: Awareness, Education, Community<br /><br />The CNMI African American Cultural Preservation Committee is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the experience and promoting the awareness of the African American community within the CNMI and the entire Pacific region. In addition to community support and scholarships, we offer educational programs, workshops and lectures on topics and issues including Indigenous Cultural issues, African American Culture and History, African Influence in the Pacific Region, and Mixed Parentage Challenges among other issues.<br /><br /><br />AWARENESS<br />As a vibrant community within the CNMI, our members have traditionally offered our time, talents and passion to the growth, development and prosperity of the CNMI. Through programs, press-releases and our website, we shall continue to increase the overall community's awareness of our presence, history and contributions.<br /><br />EDUCATION<br />We shall ensure that communities within and visitors to these islands are aware of the unique African and African American contribution to world and regional history. We shall promote the cultural legacy of people and cultures of distinction. Our annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration March and keynote speech is an example of this promotion. Our community's support and persistence (along with local legislators) was instrumental in the passage of legislation to recognize MLK Day as a commonwealth-wide holiday.<br /><br />COMMUNITY<br />The CNMI African American Cultural Preservation Committee is a cohesive community of and for people and families of African descent here on the Mariana Islands (Saipan, Tinian, Rota). Our welcoming committee offers information and a wealth of experience and perspectives to new arrivals to the CNMI to assist in any needed adjustments and transition. We shall promote fellowship and camaraderie among all who have chosen to live here in the CNMI. We shall meet regularly, organize events that allow members to interact, improve life and to get to know one another personally. We welcome all regardless of nationality, culture or background.Blacks on Saipanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12766504132474670312noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3293813916326931420.post-8961951721761863292008-06-13T00:33:00.000-07:002008-06-13T01:11:41.689-07:00Why "Blacks" on Saipan?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTaknvbxdb2kwGq3lyUrHMOopwpz0Yvlegu-AHKgN-Y4RPLc_J_EdD7vUEzjdrANjkwGNhLOe_SBBk8wj0p61w8Q4IiJGRKI57VbJWkBYXWDZ2OGIV5VPLXKznMTnYv5ebdEbAJB_nkg/s1600-h/images.jpeg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTaknvbxdb2kwGq3lyUrHMOopwpz0Yvlegu-AHKgN-Y4RPLc_J_EdD7vUEzjdrANjkwGNhLOe_SBBk8wj0p61w8Q4IiJGRKI57VbJWkBYXWDZ2OGIV5VPLXKznMTnYv5ebdEbAJB_nkg/s320/images.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211275769248445122" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>When we say "Blacks" (with a capital "B") on Saipan, we're not referring to a color so much as a diverse cultural identity. Because of the unique history of Blacks throughout the world as a result of forced and voluntary migration from the African continent, many Blacks now identify culturally and ethnically with countries and regions other than the motherland. As a result of the identity-robbing effects of slavery, many Blacks can no longer trace their origins to any specific country in Africa. As a result, when people within the transplanted Black community worldwide refer to themselves as "Black," it is with the tacit understanding that it is more than just a color, but a nod to an often-times lost African cultural origin, diluted as it may be through years of migration and mixing. <div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Therefore, when you see someone who appears "Black" on Saipan, they may well be from one of any number of countries on the African continent--Ghana, Kenya--the Caribbean-- Jamaica, Trinidad, Barbados--South America (Brazil) or the US mainland. <br /></div>Blacks on Saipanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12766504132474670312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3293813916326931420.post-38707555643866053562008-06-12T23:59:00.000-07:002008-06-13T00:06:34.412-07:00Welcome!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh0O6w8muHNuKS0blKOAjNLI9sJX-LPkASLk6dDb8kQ2kdQV_U3hbyDruhMLMLhpDJt6NKISMWkpYuCayY2Y-jWPWM7H4v011XUvwsvq1JH2XGzUT1RdKZ73TpqxrjYxZR9ojyd1c9VA/s1600-h/mainworld.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh0O6w8muHNuKS0blKOAjNLI9sJX-LPkASLk6dDb8kQ2kdQV_U3hbyDruhMLMLhpDJt6NKISMWkpYuCayY2Y-jWPWM7H4v011XUvwsvq1JH2XGzUT1RdKZ73TpqxrjYxZR9ojyd1c9VA/s320/mainworld.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211258975388605330" /></a><br />Welcome to the unofficial website of the African American Cultural Preservation Committee on the island of Saipan, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands ("CNMI"), USA.<div><br /></div><div>The first thing we should do is help you answer what is likely your first question: Where is Saipan?</div><div><br /></div><div>Saipan:</div><div><br /></div><br />Located in the western pacific, a short flight from Guam and 3 hours from Japan, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) is a popular tourist destination rich in history, culture and natural resources. Saipan, just 5 miles wide by 12 miles long, is the largest and most populated of the 14 islands making up an archipelago that stretches 400 miles (north to south) along the edge of the Marianas Trench.Blacks on Saipanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12766504132474670312noreply@blogger.com0