Amiri Baraka, poet Laureate of the State of New Jersey, recites during African Voices Awards at Columbia University. Photo by Kwame Brathwaite

The 10th Anniversary celebration of African Voices magazine and their Ellie Charles Artists Awards 2003 was a magnificent event that showered honors on two extremely creative, highly talented, well-respected artists, Poet Laureate of the State of New Jersey, Amiri Baraka and noted actress/comedienne and director, Phyllis Yvonne Stickney. Baraka is currently under attack from the conservative political establishment for his masterful poem, “Somebody Blew Up America” about the carnage at The World Trade Center. Calls for his resignation by the governor of New Jersey, for simply referring to articles that appeared in the world press, including The Jerusalem Times, smells like a sham by those with a definite racist agenda.

The affair, held at Lerner Hall of Columbia University, brought out the who’s who’ of Black culture. The award, named for the late Eleanor “Ellie” Charles, first chairperson of African Voices, and designed by artist Suncadm Bey, was first presented in 1999 to Nigerian writer Wole Soyinka and novelist Walter Mosley and in 2000 actress Ruby Dee was the recipient. The evening was a showcase of excellence in Black culture. Comedienne broadcaster, and Mistress of Ceremonies for the evening, Sabrina Lamb is a master of satirical humor with an emphasis on political current events. Her bites at the current U.S. administration left no one untouched. The program opened with a powerful rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by 2002 Audelco Award winner for her solo performance as Fannie Lou Hamer, singer, actress Mzuri. Layding Kaliba, executive publisher and Carolyn A. Butts, founder/publisher gave a welcome and opening remarks prior to the opening salvo by Abiodun Oyewole, one of the original Last Poets, and one of the most sought after poets in the U.S., performing in colleges and universities from coast to coast. Abiodun, who is also a playwright, songwriter, community activist as well as a teacher at Columbia, performed a brilliant poem of his, “Reign of Terror”, that brought practically everyone to their feet. M.C. Lamb returned with an adlib “message” from Gov. Pataki letting him know that he would definitely not be appointed as “Poet Laureate” of New York State. Mzuri performs a magnificent version of "Lift Every Voice and Sing" that had everyone up on their feet.   African Voices publishers Layding Kaliba and Carolyn Butts welcomes guest to their 10th anniversary celebration and awards program. Poet, writer Sonia Sanchez is hugged by honoree actress, comedienne, poet and director Phyllis Yvonne Stickney at African Voices’ Ellie Charles Artist Awards. Actor  Ralph Carter looks on.      Adiodun Oyewole performs his “Reign of Terror”