Culture History & Public Affairs

FACTS - Factxchange.com (History,Theory & Criticism)

Culture History & Public Affairs

Featuring Los Parjaros

From TNT Leon Coldero & Posa

with Digital Seduction Riddim International

Metro Steel Orchestra

Friday, December 16th. 2005

at Prince Hall Grand Lodge 24 Washington Street

Doors open at 10:00PM

Tickets: Kays Hair 617-436-9329 or Glen: 617-288-1912

Documentation & Projects:

Detailing Chicago's Black History/NPS

for Research in Black Culture/NYPL

The Institution of Afro-America

1/04

I Joseph Edgecombe herby declare the Afro-American National Community an institution within a greater institution called America, the United States of North America. As an institution of Afro-American people we need reality and to establish the organization, business and educational institutions which carry our cultural traditions, the freedom of educational opportunity. Freedom (of good will) and independence are most important. John D. Obryant served as the pioneer of this type of ideology by his career with the City of Boston’s school committee. During the trying times of the 70’s paving the way for the 80’s when we as a people needed a foundation to build upon educationally, John D. O’bryant provided this Foundation for the residence of the City of Boston. He further graduated in his efforts by establishing a career in Higher Education also at Northeastern University.

Four Decades ago a man named Martin Luther King, had a dream just as many young high school students have today, But I must state that they are not only dreaming, they live strive and study to attain their goals and make their dreams a reality. The JDOAAI recognizes the valor and efforts of these individuals and also strives to make realities out of dreams and hopes, as Rev. Jesse Jackson would say “keep hope alive”

What we have here is the hope and aspirations of Afro-America the institutional nation of Afro-Americans and in order to recognize the declaration of reality which students participate in their daily tasks as young professionals and students in this institution of America. If America does not recognize the cultural institution within it – it cannot be seen as an institution of a democratic republic, which it has based itself upon since 1776. The dreams and hopes of the country have been made by the founding fathers during the 18^th century, The abolitionist and anti-slavery activists and facilitators of the underground railroad of the 19^th century, the citizens of the civil war and other wars as part of the what I call “the architectural dream (of America)”. The artist, writers, poets and activists of the Harlem renaissance era of the 1920’s. The early 20th century formation and activities of Marcus Garveys UNIA's Black Pride Movement, the NAACP and the leaders of the civil rights movement and desegregation of the 60’s/70’s and the afro-American pioneers of corporate America of the 1980’s “the age of Afro-American construction”, which was the time of the birth of black America as a progressive force in business and industry constructing the future.

This brings us to today (the turn of the century), where we afro-Americans are still protesting for common sense values in order not to create a cultural catastrophe as America has done regarding Native Americans and in many other cases Afro-African Americans. We need to emphasize the construction of the future by land marking what is most important to us as a people, country and institutional entity. By constructing and creating better western values, we can make hopes and dreams into realities by being the architects of our future.

The reality of the question that institutional Racism brought forward a protest and sit-in on the NU campus by the JDOAAI students – created a landmark in time – because of the overwhelming threat of corporate institutional oppression and the threat of demolition of a sacred jewel called the JDOAAI.

The intellectual fight or battle for its independence was waged between the student advisory committees and NU administrative master planning, the students and the institute were the victors and the JDOAAI survived the threat of the loss of its existence or plight as in independent institutional building. The pro-landmark community leaders, NU Alumni, students, concerned activists, and faculty signed a circulated petition to declare the building a landmark during 2001, to support this effort we formally recognize this achievement, which was generated by my own initiative of the FACTS Association thus I therefore take on the duty to formally have the institute recognized as a landmark building (as published by leading news media at the time) and as documented by the MHC from the FACTS/Association. The reason is clear the institute is a historic center for Afro-American community culture which is very unique or distinctive it has maintained its Independence due to the efforts of Justin Brown and other student leaders /committee members as America did some 228 years ago in a war for its own independence. Land marked by the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 by which a tower is to be built (in its cause) at this time in New York. African Americans have met the challenge of independence and are also rebuilding an institution which was planned for demolition, it goes by the name of the JDOAAI and it’s the center and landmark for freedom, independence and cultural growth for Afro/African Americans/NU students (and Boston’s AA community).

This is not a dream but a reality, let us not have mainstream corporate, governmental and institutional America create unfulfilled dreams out of realities by neglecting and denying to recognize the realities and the facts of black/Afro-America.

America is still be a dream if it does not or cannot live up to the reasons for or upon which it was founded and formed some 200+ years ago or until it can prove itself as an institutional reality and the meet or match educational and cultural realities of The John D. O’bryant African-American Institute and Independence Center (The Center for Independence).

Therefore, by this request, grant The JDOAAI the Landmark status it deserves.

Joseph-Victor / Edgecombe

The Revolutionary F.A.C.T.S. –

Documentary Architectural Leadership /Educational Association

Landmark Status Statement

Afro-American Institutions, the prodigy of Africa as America is the prodigy of the Western Civ. /Europe, UK/Britain-England

1/19/04

A Magnet of Assembly and Convergence:

The JDOAAI is panned to be demolished. The romantic era of American Architecture Art Deco/Art Moderne has created a connection between the building and the students / concern for the longevity of the building.

The demolition of the institute represents the demolition of African American history and studies, because the institute stood for the preservation of Afro/African-American history in essence the lives and causes of the victims of slavery and oppression have been kept alive though the scholarship, vigilance, determination and educational goals and initiatives of the JDOAAI. By destroying or demolishing the JDOAAI Building at 40 Leon Street one would be destroying the lives of those who lead the abolitionist/anti-slavery movements against slavery and the reconstruction efforts to recreate America as a fair and free country leading us into a new world of freedom.

Just as the fall of the WTC World trade Center in New York city happened and the dreams of many of the victims and America had disappeared into the dust of the aftermath of the WTC disaster, so does Afro/African American history disappear into the dust with the aftermath of the demolition of the JDOAAI/40 Leon Street Building.

To keep history alive we must landmark the time that history lived at the quaint/Art Deco building at 40 Leon Street–The JDIAAI formerly The Afro-American Institute.

We will rebuild just as the world trade center is being rebuilt, but in this case we are making a landmark of the history of afro-American black pride and independence (in Boston and in America). For many Boston is or represents the Athens of America of European heritage or prodigy, but for Boston’s Afro/African American community 40 Leon street represents the epiphany and dream of Black-Afro/African American History creating and embracing the juxtaposition of African heritage and the prodigy of Africa in Boston.

Historically and architecturally the conservative Art Deco/Moderne style of the institute building is reminiscent is the early temple styles of Egypt / Africa and has created a bond with the students, as a retreat or temple which facilitates the creation of knowledge. The Arte Deco/ Moderne style/motif could also be seen as modern temple style architecture. The vertical style emphasis of the pilasters separating the bays around the building (w/the columns on the interior) along with the other details is emphasizes the reminiscence of the early temples of Egyptian Africa of the B.C. era of architecture which predates the temples of Athens Greece and Roman Temples of Italy and Europe.

This unique relationship Between Egyptian Africa needs to be documented and Land-marked, the vigilance of the students/committees and Afro-American community helped discover this valuable link to cross-continental history / architectural history and cultural history, for these reasons and many more the JDOAAI at 40 Leon Street more than merits land mark status it merits World History.

Joseph Edgecombe, Documentary Architectural Justice/Historian

F.A.C.T.S. Association/ www.FactXchange.com (problem solving solutions)

The Revolutionary F.A.C.T.S. /Association

The 40 Leon Street Building & History of the John D. O'Bryant African American Institute at Northeastern University.

Historical Research for NU-JDOAAI 2001-2002

F.A.C.T.S. - Cultural Crisis Architecture - Historical Solutions Development & Cultural Communication

World/Community Affairs-needs based solutions - Communications, Design Development R&D advocacy & educational & consulting services - 3/16/02 - Submission client / cause NU - JDOAAI- Pride of Place

Architectural Description:

Style / Form

3 Story conservatively mild Art Deco Building Consisting of a central entrance at 40 Leon Street on the campus of NU. Windows are double hung and / or sliding windows reduced from the past original large industrial - mullioned glass window style, which is now infill brick or masonry, used to reduce window size.

The building is square in footprint, 3 stories and 3 bays on the main facade consisting of a central entrance with a mildly detailed entablature above the entrance door. The foundation is stone and mortar/concrete.

Technically;

The building is square in footprint 65 x 65 and was built in 1930 by Scully Construction Company

From the plans of Architectural - Engineer The J. R. Worcester Co. of Milk Street in Boston

Building materials are reinforced concrete and brick with a flat roof of tar & gravel on wood & steel (the building once had a smoke stack chimney which was removed).

The building was originally designed as a commercial Laundromat Frost Laundry Company for Author R. Frost (of Frost Pilgrim / Uhaul -Standards Mass) - in support of the medical / hospital industry and other cultural institutions in that area at that time.

Before the actual construction - plans were amended to include parking for 10 cars on the ground floor, redefining the building as a laundry and garage facility.

Currently after 1970 - Interior Modifications and modernizations have taken place dropping of the ceiling /lighting, interior design / painting and partition work to accommodate University Activities - the African American Institute / Student Center in accordance with plans of Black Architectural firm Stull and Lee.

Setting.

The Building of the last few pre - 1940’s architecture / buildings adds a unique, eloquent, quaint or warm historic charm to the context of the community of buildings around it - from an older era of the architecture - the art deco 1930’s. NU campus buildings are of the 1950’s vertical / spandrel glass style of (white brick exterior) or more currently modern style or commercial style. All buildings in the area of the 40 Leon Street JDOAA Institute are higher and larger in size and proportion.

The NU campus has been made up of 1950’s style modern movement commercial / institutional buildings and the 40 Leon St. JDOAAI is reminiscent of commercial / institutional style of the 1930’s - the romantic era of American Architecture. Near the 40 Leon street building is a large new construction in a vacant lot (where other buildings have been demolished), another building in fairly close proximity is a fairly modern 3 story building and another 5 story red brick campus building - 1940’s style office building which is lacking in character architecturally speaking, behind the 40 Leon street building and block is a new high rise student residence - a yellow brick dormitory / campus building.

Characteristically, the exterior of the building in comparison to the huge surroundings buildings - seem to attract and give off an essence of vigilant independence holding ground to huge campus modernization and expansion 40 Leon street can be seen as a relief and a remote retreat from large or huge campus institutional buildings and expansion / modernization. The 40 Leon street seems to be the place where one could get an at home sense or feeling - where exterior and interior play a part in welcoming students from out of state as well as local. The building could also be described as a jewel or gem within a large modernesque institutional or cold fabric of modern movement or corporate style present. 40 Leon Street is one of only two older buildings remaining in the vicinity or this campus area. 40 Leon Street could be also seen as a centerpiece of a not to far history, which withstood the test of time and place.

Architecturally speaking and historically and educationally African Americans for example have always found refuge in the underground railroad - meeting in small quarters, additionally during slavery in the south large masters quarters and plantation houses always dominated the very small - insignificant slave quarters. This is a modern example of the growth of large dominant threatening structures surrounding and being a physical threat to smaller structures and is a juxtaposition of time and architectural importance where the smaller building 40 Leon street is architectural masterpiece or social- cultural center which should not lose its important place and should be gaining more face or attribute.

Historical Narrative:

Architecturally Cultural- Time wise as related to the commercial history of the United States and commercial business/social economic history of the era's of the first half of the 20th. Century or the renaissance / romantic era of US - Architectural history and the break / movement away form colonial / European Arch. to Art Deco or a more modern architecture separated from European history - an architecture of American heritage. This would signify a cultural and artistic - architectural chance from the past European design heritage to and American design / history and foundation of modernism.

Technically;

The Building was purchased by Northeastern University in the 1970’s and used for offices, research space and storage.

Before this / historically the building changed names /owners several times.

During 1942 United Drug Co. and for file storage,

In 1963 United Realty used the building as an office and electrical / electronics storage facility,

In 1965 the building was used as an electronics warehouse

In 1970 - after purchase of the building by Northeastern University - plans were drafted By Black architectural firm Stull and Lee to create an Afro - American Institute - Student Center (in response to student pressure and building occupation during the civil rights movement in 1968).

In accordance with the 1970 plans of Black architectural firm Stull and Lee - in 1977 NU applied and was approved for a formal change of occupancy from a Laundry and Garage of 1930 to University Activities. All work in the interior, form existing building, work included new partition, work provided offices, craft rooms, conference rooms and lounge areas (under short form). Work had been done according to the 1970 plans of the Black architectural firm Stull and Lee - (Architects / Urban Planners) of 431 Marlboro Street in Boston for the owner Northeastern University - 360 Huntington Ave. in Boston.

In 1978 the property was subdivided, the 40 Leon street address was retained and a 50 Leon street address was created next door and is currently used to construct new buildings by NU as part of a 10 year Master Plan of campus / facility construction and expansion.

Socio-Cultural as related to Black/ African - American history the Civil Rights movement /era of 1968 - when the Institute was founded by five black students of NU as a meeting place for their concerns and affairs during controversial times.

During the 1970's the Institute grew into a center which recognizes and advances the educational progress or scholarship of the Black/Afro-Americans race involved in getting into or advancing to achieving a college or university education.

The Institute today operates as a center for scholarship - academic resource / information center, library and center for student - cultural events or celebrations events as well as for administrative programs and other purposes as relating to the afro American and student community.

Educational-Institutional as related to NU Modifications and Modernizations, First in the modifications & renovations in the development of academic - administrative office space during the 1960’s, then later in the development of a solution to the civil rights movement and black student concerns and affairs of 1968 as a meeting center for the black/African - American student community, then - formally named architecturally renovated or modernized into the first-generation of the Afro- American (Media Center) Institute during the 1970's / 1977, then into the second generation / renamed into the African - American Institute a resource center for student /scholars, Thirdly during the 1990's improved and renamed - The John D. Obryant African American Institute - JDOAAI, John D. Obryant was a well known leader in city of Boston - education and NU student affairs, additionally Technologically a portion of the center has been named after Reggie Lewis an NU graduate, most recently as the center of protest-movement and sit in, The Save the Institute Movement against the buildings possible demolition and diminishment of programs and was similar in many ways to the institutes beginning or founding in 1968.

Black History additionally to the founding of the institute in 1968 by student actions / in response to the Civil Rights movement of the 1960,s, much history is related to the black architectural participation since the 1960’s / 1970's or 1977 in the planning, design and development of the building / Cultural Institute by the firm of Stull & Lee who are still have been involved in the design and planning process regarding the building and alterative planning for the institute.

Area related: As relating to services supporting the art, medical / hospital district which was the vibrant essence of the buildings - area / community of the past, also including the museum square area. Architecturally the former dean of the BAC lived in the direct area. At nearby 470 Parker Street artistically was host to an arts / exhibition gallery for the city and community during the 70’s which again was Architecturally renovated and designed by Black Architect Donald Stull of Stull Associates.

Recorded by:

Joseph C. Edgecombe

Organization:

FACTS Communications & Design R &D / Exchange-Productions Center

March 2002 (Dec. 2001)

The Chronology of Revolutionary Documentation of Landmark in time and Struggle for Independence by the FACTS Documentary Association.

November 21, 2000

The Strategic planning group of The JDOAAI adoption and agreement to have the building remain a freestanding building at its current location and renovated.

Fall 2000/Spring 2001

The raising of the black pride Flag (Red, Black and Green) on the institute roof in response and protest of the adverse university (master) plans, the flag that was born out of the UNIA Movement /Harlem Renaissance Era of Black Pride during the Very Early 19^th Century (1920’s).

February 11, 2001

The Occupational protest and sit-in at the JDOAAI building.

February 16, 2001

The Occupational protest and sit-in at the building and list of demands given to Northeastern University - NU President Freeland on February, 16 2001.

April 21, 2001

Statement to the press regarding the current status of the JDOAAI forum to be held April 23 at the Egan Science Centers Raytheon amphitheater, where the struggle for equality of institutional racism was brought into question.

April 23, 2001

Forum at the Raytheon Amphitheater of the Egan Science Center in discussion of demolition issues, President Freeland’s final decision date change from June 1^st to May 10^th, The building / institutes importance significance history and Campus expansion plans.

Date

Advisory Committee meeting with President Freeland at the JDOAAI, Rally and Protest/March across campus into the surrounding streets. (Covered by major media).

Date

Decision to integrate the planned building at the 40 Leon street site/JDOAAI with the JDOAAI, giving the JDOAAI its own separate and independent entrance and architectural design.

Documentation of the Revolution by the FACTS/Association.

Upon the lack of support of the importance of significance of the buildings location and other proposals that would have moved the institute into a floor of another building most likely reduce ding floor space of the JDOAAI. The City and MHC Mass Historical Commission was contacted via The FACTS Association toward the documentation of the building, its address and social /Institutional use as a historic landmark and archived document of its present & past history. The city casually formed a short/vague CLG Opinion of the historical assessment of building- (denying much of its historical value. To ensure that the building be documented properly with the MHC Started-Filed 12/2001/ Completed July (March 2002).

Copies of the signatures for request for landmark designation and the (MHC) historical survey documentation were distributed to were distributed to various /important staff/faculty and student/committees of the JDOAAI.

The understanding at this time was that the building would be rebuilt at the same location along with the planned building (tower) with its own separate significance as part of the master plan.

The culmination and climax of numerous events-Protest sit-in/occupation, rally/March which happened on campus reached a climax of afro-American/black history and was similar of reminiscent of the UNIA movement/renaissance era of the early 19^th century by Marcus Garvey, the civil rights movement of MLK and the Civil Rights leaders of the 60’s and black power movement which is also reminiscent of the formation of the institute 1968-70, and represents an unprecedented fusing and plateau of afro-American history. History has repeated itself in the years of 2000-2002 as we turned into the new century and millennium on the campus of NU, Placing Boston back on the map of national history in regards to Afro/African- American historical developments, institutional and cultural affairs and protests.

Additionally through the documentation of the petition, request for landmark status with the city, NU Alumni, important black community leaders, activist, advocacy/religious organizations, NU students, faculty and surrounding Boston / Cambridge area students all convened on the NU campus concened about the threat of the demolition JDOAAI serving as a magnet of black pride for Boston’s black Afro/African American community and is representative of the state of racial issues of American business/corporate-institutional planning in the new millennium as Marcus Gravy was as America turned into the 1920’s industrialism.

This scenario of David vs. goliath of revolutionary America vs. Britain leads us to a formation of declaration of independence (of sorts) literally of the institutes community of leaders and activists demand that the building be given the important status which it deserves and that the institute not be housed or relocated within another building which will diminish its identity or be reduced in floor area or programs if moved.

The Declaration of demand for landmark status dictates the demand for the independence of the institute. This is an unprecedented event in US history and serves as a first in architectural history and creates a combination of US/Afro-American and Architectural/Historic History. The culmination of events has lead us to a situation that is similar to the formation of the country, with the leaders of the colonial affairs era of the American revolution signing the declaration of independence-served as the revolutionary signifying the separation of independence from Britain, forming the United States of America. By comparison in the events of the (Afro-American) JDOAAI Community at NU has lead us to create a multi-distributed document that signifies the independence (nature) of the institute to remain and stand as a freestanding building. In demand of its Landmark status and important entity on the campus grounds during today’s modern times of black historical reflection and the new millennium era (of fast past business) of affairs of the country and how the various nationalities/heritage of the country choose to build their future. The Petition again for Landmark status serves as a revolutionary document as well as creating a landmark in time. As Boston area black community leaders, NU Alumni, students, concerned activists, and faculty are making the statement that black/Afro-Americans prove they also can be masters of their future, with the signing of the petition for land mark status and statement that the afro-American population is rebuilding the foundation of the civil rights movement for justice and equality and perhaps most importantly making the historical cliché of the civil rights movement that “we will not be moved”.

This achievement constitutes the buildings designation as a historical Landmark and evolution into a center for independence(The Independence Center) as a result of the revolution of 2001 for the JDOAAI to remain at its current location and not be moved.

Creating a land mark in time a Revolution has happened and The Landmark designation

will complete it and bring this whole situation to a resolution.

Joseph Edgecombe, Documentary Architect/Historian

F.A.C.T.S. Association/ www.FactXchange.com

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