The late Dr. Abigail H. Jordan (1925-2019), who led the decade-long battle to erect the African-American Family Monument in Savannah, Georgia, and who in 1991 founded the Consortium of Doctors, was duly honored in the city July 25-28, 2019, with the unveiling of a new plaque for the monument and other noted events celebrating her legacy.
​ Savannah Mayor Eddie DeLoach, along with Dr. Jordan's son, Atlanta businessman Ken Jordan, and members of the Consortium of Doctors all participated in the historic event. Mr. Jordan noted the new plaque corrected the previous omission not only of his mother's name, but that of sculptress Dorothy Spradley, also present for the unveiling.
From the inscription: "Educator, Leaders, Trailblazer, and community activist Dr. Jordan's vision, tenacity, and financial contributions were the driving force that ensured the Savannah Riverfront was the home of the first statue in Savannah that honors African Americans. The Consortium of Doctors, Ltd, an organization that Dr. Jordan founded in 1991, made significant contributions to this effort. Sculptress: Dorothy Spradley. This plaque unveiled July 26, 2019." (Photograph by Aberjhani)
​The occasion marked the Consortium's 28th conference anniversary. A television cameraman and crowd of excited onlookers recorded videos, took photographs, and applauded as the covering was removed from the new plaque.
​Artwork Added ‘Strong Sense’ of Jordan’s Presence to Event
​One key component to the weekend of festivities was the artwork by Aberjhani titled "Historic Triumph of Dr. Abigail Jordan," a multimedia composition which includes original interpretations of images of Abigail H. Jordan and the African-American Monument combined with original abstract art. The piece was used on large framable cards, a poster, a tapestry draping the speaker’s podium at the Bouquet of Doctors banquet in the DeSoto Hotel, and on the cover of the banquet program. The artwork, according to various attendees, evoked a strong sense of Dr. Jordan's spiritual presence.
"As many people know already, Dr. Jordan is a principal subject of the story titled "The Bridge and the Monument: A Tale of Two Legacies," published in Dreams of the Immortal City Savannah," said Aberjhani. "It was my great honor and pleasure to count myself among the foot soldiers who assisted her however we could when completing preparations for the dedication of the African-American Monument in 2002. I'm happy to see that honor extended to this very special moment."
​​In addition to the unveiling of the new plaque and the Bouquet of Doctors Banquet (for induction of new Consortium members), conference events included a Think Tank session held at the historic First African Baptist Church and a Youth Summit at Savannah's famous Beach Institute. Among the attendees at the banquet was former Savannah mayor Edna Jackson, who was presented with a special award. ​ For more information on the Consortium of Doctors please visit: https://www.consortiumofdoctors.com/ Bright Skylark News Notes
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The Gift of Human Unity Art Sale sponsored by Bright Skylark Literary Productions kicked off November 1, 2017, and will run until January 7, 2018, as a tribute to the many members of diverse global communities working to encourage the adoption of nonviolent solutions to various forms of conflict. To take advantage of this opportunity, simply enter the discount code MEKCFJ to receive 40% off when purchasing any Postered Chromatic Poetics artwork by Aberjhani at Fine Art America, whether listed under the brand’s name or that of the artist. These include everything from: fleece blankets framed prints, wood prints, and greeting cards to T-shirts, coffee cups, phone cases, and items for the home, like decorative throw pillows. Stories about Our Better NatureThroughout the event, the Postered Chromatic Poetics Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/ChromaticPoetics/) will feature links to stories about communities promoting unity and striving to overcome volatile conditions through communication and creativity. In addition, a percentage of sales in the Chromatic Poetics series have been pledged to the humanitarian organization Charter for Compassion since the opening of the art store earlier this year. These images are: “Glowing Bird of Midnight Love,” “How to Hear Each Other,” and “Love is the Music.” Why This Event NowMany of the top news headlines from the year 2017––like the one describing the deadly truck attack massacre in Manhattan, New York City, October 31––deal with destructive conflicts and make it easy to believe such things as Love, Compassion, and Beauty no longer exist in the world. They do, and have been known to make a positive healing difference in how people treat each other. Although the time-frame does include several major holidays––Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and New Year’s among them–– the event is more about employing the transformative energies of grace and harmonious beauty to reverse the destructive patterns of chaos and divisiveness which have defined so much of the modern era. The images showcased in the Postered Chromatic Poetics online galleries are particularly suitable for an event like the Gift of Human Unity Art Sale because of the their strong blend of social awareness and political consciousness combined with creative appeal and universal spiritual values. Images such as Talmadge Bridge Number 2 have already demonstrated their value in the worldwide movements for social justice and equality. Please note that the regular base price of the Postered Chromatic Poetics artwork is subject to increasing after the Gift of Human Unity event ends on January 7, 2018 so you are encouraged to take advantage of it before that time.
Social media users and organization strategists who have long expressed appreciation of creative visual art combined with texts by Aberjhani can now purchase a wide range of items featuring both visual and literary creations by the author-artist at Fine Art America and the Charter for Compassion Marketplace.
​ Aberjhani first experimented with abstract poster art as a visual platform for poetry several years ago. The new Official Postered Chromatic Poetics outlet includes selections of fine-art styled images, photography, and digital art which may be customized for different items. Among the choice art gifts to which designs may be applied are: tote bags, towels, duvet covers, apparel, iPhone cases, Galaxy phone cases, and shower curtains.
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​The author-poet's work with different artists is well-known so the move to create a line of gift art items surprised many. In a blog on LinkedIn, he pointed out that, "In more recent times, the construction of visual images using photography, self-styled digital chromatics, poetry, collage, and found objects has insisted on sharing equal time and energy with literary endeavors." Awarded with Early Recognition
In less than a month since the opening of Postered Chromatic Poetics at Fine Art America, half a dozen groups have elected to feature different works by him. The groups include: Art District, Contemporary, Your Very Best Photography, Diversity and Social Justice, The Black Artists Guild, and USA Photographers.
"Seeing my visual art featured along with that of professionals who have worked at this far longer than I truly is an unexpected honor," said Aberjhani, "and I'm grateful for it." ​He added, "I also welcome the opportunity to donate part of the proceeds from the sales of images featured at the Charter for Compassion Marketplace to the organization. Helping increase our capacity for exercising greater compassion towards each other may be one of the most useful things any of us can do during these scary violent times." The images embedded below (like the ones above also) are some of the ones either currently featured by different groups or recently have been featured. At present, prices are considered introductory and subject to possible increase in the future:
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