Book highlights remarkable lives of Valley natives

On Saturday my husband and I attended a reception marking the release of a new book, "Notable Valley African Americans."

The festive atmosphere we encountered at Molto Bene Italian Kitchen at John J. Sullivan's restaurant in Ansonia was certainly contagious.
The group celebrating the book release included those who are featured in the book as well as their friends and family members.
 

The book offers insight into accomplished Valley natives.

The 112-page, soft-cover publication is the brainchild of Ansonia resident Elezena Anderson. She deserves plaudits for her dedication as she turned her concept into a reality.

Anderson humbly said everyone involved is an "author," since the book contains a collection of biographies and photos submitted by the honorees or their families.
Individuals featured in the book include clergy members, doctors, nurses, postal workers, teachers and politicians, to list just a few.

Anderson also told me she was relieved that it was done. That's certainly understandable, since the project took several years to complete. The project was funded through a $3,000 grant from the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven.  

Anderson, a founding member of the Julian A. Taylor Scholarship Committee, said she will donate all profits from sale of the $10 book to the Julian A. Taylor Scholarship Fund.

Taylor was pastor of Macedonia Baptist Church in Ansonia for 42 years. After he died at age 79 in 1981 the scholarship fund was established in his memory.

Each July the top-ranking black students from Ansonia High School receive college scholarships at an awards dinner. High-achieving students in grades three through 11 in Ansonia also receive cash awards at the event.

Below is a photo of those who were honored at the reception for their work behind-the-scenes on the project. 

Pictured from left are Evelyn Lindsey, Jackie Blount, Sheena Graham, Wilhelmenia Christon, Patricia Reynolds, Pamela Potter, Elezena Anderson, and Diane Stroman. Photo by Patricia Villers

Anderson said copies of the book will be donated to: Ansonia High School, Ansonia Middle School, Emmett O’Brien Technical High School in Ansonia, Ansonia Library, and the Derby Historical Society in Ansonia.

To purchase a copy contact Anderson, 203-735-0421. It is well worth the $10 pricetag, and the money benefits a good cause.