The Real Founding Fathers
Wyandanch Day
I remember going to the parade as a child. This was in the early 80's when the images of us were far and few between. I can still see dancers, melinated officials and professionals, marching bands, churches, the fire department and decorated floats take over the quaint streets of Wyandach, representing us. I remember us shutting down Straight Path. I remember the food, games and fellowship in Wyandanch Park right after and as a teen, I remember the block party, the celebration of us. This was before the Juneteenth Holiday was passed. I remember walking by individuals we would watch on Yo MTV raps and BET and them treating us like fam. I remember that. I remember this event giving me a consciousness like no other, developing in me such great possibility.
Well the Forefathers of this celebration won't appear on no stamp but they have imprinted a lasting legacy in our community for over 50 years. Carl Clark, Joe Horton, Bruce Spradley and Furman Simmons, Unsung HEROS of this Strong Island Village, created "Wyandanch Recognition Day" out of High School in 1968.
They didn't capitalize on our rich culture. They gave us the spirit of the ancestors, something that couldn't be found in a history book or class. The beats, movements, the spoken words will always have a lasting impression on all that have attended. I'm all the way in Charlotte and can not be in attendance but I salute the Fathers of Our Culture today.
I remember going to the parade as a child. This was in the early 80's when the images of us were far and few between. I can still see dancers, melinated officials and professionals, marching bands, churches, the fire department and decorated floats take over the quaint streets of Wyandach, representing us. I remember us shutting down Straight Path. I remember the food, games and fellowship in Wyandanch Park right after and as a teen, I remember the block party, the celebration of us. This was before the Juneteenth Holiday was passed. I remember walking by individuals we would watch on Yo MTV raps and BET and them treating us like fam. I remember that. I remember this event giving me a consciousness like no other, developing in me such great possibility.
Well the Forefathers of this celebration won't appear on no stamp but they have imprinted a lasting legacy in our community for over 50 years. Carl Clark, Joe Horton, Bruce Spradley and Furman Simmons, Unsung HEROS of this Strong Island Village, created "Wyandanch Recognition Day" out of High School in 1968.
They didn't capitalize on our rich culture. They gave us the spirit of the ancestors, something that couldn't be found in a history book or class. The beats, movements, the spoken words will always have a lasting impression on all that have attended. I'm all the way in Charlotte and can not be in attendance but I salute the Fathers of Our Culture today.
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