Honoring Cardinal Barbara Nandi Martin

October 26, 2013

Shrines of the Black MadonnaOf the

Pan African Orthodox Christian Church

Diamond Jubilee Anniversary Gala

Lighting the Way for a New Generation

Jaramogi Abebe Agyeman, Founder & 1st Holy Patriarch

Jaramogi Menelik Kimathi, National Presiding Bishop

An Anniversary MessageTonight, we are excited to honor the work and legacy of the Shrine Cultural Centers and Bookstores and the leadership of Cardinal Nandi aka Barbara Martin. Since 1970, the Shrine Cultural Centers and Bookstores have had a profound impact on the black community that has stretched into the four corners of the world. When black authors, artists, activists, poets, thinkers and organizers had no place to display their gifts, the Shrine Culture Centers and Bookstores gave them a hope and a home. Today many of them are celebrated authors, renowned artists, history-making activists, influential public figures and well-known radio and TV personalities. This we can measure. But what we can’t measure are the thousands of people who have been enlightened and uplifted by the cultural center’s enlightenment ministry, and in turn, the work that they have been inspired to do in our community. We can’t measure it, but we know it’s there because everywhere we go, in this country and abroad, we meet someone who has been touched by the Shrine Cultural Centers.

The Shrine Cultural Center and Bookstores have had many managers in the cities we serve, but the one constant throughout its 43-year history has been Cardinal Nandi who shared her radiant beauty, regal grace, impeccable taste and sophisticated elegance to make the culture center the best and largest black-owned bookstore and cultural venue in the country. Thank you Cardinal Nandi, all of our managers and staff for the transformative impact you have had on our people. This is a night where we attempt to express an appreciation that can never be fully conveyed.

The success of this Gala can be attributed to the diligent work of the synod planning committee and all of those who have volunteered to ensure that your evening will be enlightening and entertaining. We hope that you will continue to enjoy the Pan African Orthodox Christian Church’s 60th Anniversary and Diamond Jubilee Celebration.

Sincerely,

Jaramogi Menelik Kimathi

Lighting the Way for a New Generation

The Evening

7:00pm

Red Carpet Reception

Grand Ballroom Reception Foyer

8:00pm Welcome & Introduction Mistress & Master of Ceremonies

Adesola Holmes & Rev. Lumumba Seegars

Toast: Reflection on the Past ~ Praise for the Future D. Kamathi Nelson, Presiding Bishop & Fd. Naillah Nelson

Fashion Show Melodrama Boutique

Introduction of our Honoree One Woman’s Dream (Video Presentation)

The Rose Ceremony Rev. Randy Mwenda Brown, Pastor

Introduction of our Keynote Speaker Rev. Mbiyu Chui, Pastor

Keynote Speaker Ms. Baraka Sele

Closing Remarks Cheza & Cash Bar

Cardinal Barbara Nandi MartinCardinal Barbara “Nandi” Martin has been a central figure in the history and evolution of the Shrines of the Black Madonna for over sixty golden years. From the earliest days of the church in the old Crossman Elementary School, through our expansion in the early 70’s across Detroit, and then onward to Atlanta, Houston and Cal-houn Falls, S.C. she has been a rock steady in moving the Nation for-ward and helping to touch the lives of Africans across the Diaspora. In beginning stages of the Shrine Cultural Center & Bookstore, she created a safe haven for Black artists, jewelers, sculptors, painters, musicians, writers and other prominent personalities, both locally and nationally to come and share their gifts with our people. She mentored many who needed a jump start in getting small businesses

started, or who lacked the managerial knowledge and expertise necessary to be success-ful at their endeavors. Traveling to home on numerous occasions, she established strong partnerships with local vendors throughout West Africa, who became lifelong friends of the Shrine Cultural Centers. As Matriarch of the Black Nation, she guided and trained many young women and men, to develop their passions and to hone their skills for the benefit of the greatest good. In the words of our beloved Founder, Jaramogi Abebe Agyeman, “My sister is just a good doing booger!” Always thinking about the health and well being of others, she has been a selfless example of devotion, loyalty and steadfast faith. As a dedicated Keeper of the Culture, she has inspired many to preserve the shared values, customs and traditions of Mother Africa in our contemporary reality, and to pass on our rich heritage through all manner of creative expression to the next generation. On the occasion of our 60th Church Anniversary, we celebrate and salute one of our great sheroes, both as a church Founder, and a continued sustainer of our mission to build a Pan African World Community, and a Kingdom of GOD on Earth! May the Ancestors continue to bless, protect and keep you, Cardinal Nandi, with the divine love, grace and power of the Almighty One.

Baraka SeleBaraka Sele, a native of Detroit, Michigan, became a published poet at the age of eighteen when a poem she wrote, inspired by the 1967 riots, was printed by the Detroit News. Baraka’s first collection of poetry, Inside the Devil’s Mouth was published when she was still an undergraduate student at Eastern Michigan University. Since that time, Ms. Sele’s poems have appeared in various publications, including Black American Literature Forum; Ishmael Reed and Al Young’s Quilt 4; Nostalgia for the Present: An Anthology of Writings (from Detroit); Solid Ground: A New World Journal. Throughout a more than thirty-year career of working in the arts, including her tenure as the Assistant Vice President of Programming at New Jersey Performing Arts Center, she has presented numerous poets and spoken word artists. Baraka completed B.A. and M.A. degrees in English and Modern American Literature at Eastern Michigan University. She has taught at Eastern Michigan University, Texas Southern University, and New College of California in San Francisco. She has been a guest speaker at numerous colleges and universities throughout the United States. Baraka Sele currently works as an independent performing arts curator, a consultant, and as an independent producer.

Anniversary Gala CommitteeSister Marie Abeo Brown, Gala Chair

Sister Ayo Thomas

Mother Abeni Olushola

Sister Chekesha Meta

Sister Adero Tianyvu

Fd. Karimah Onyemachi

Special AcknowledgementsMelodrama Boutique

The PAOCC National Media Ministry

And with many thanks to all our great volunteers and supporters!