Hello, everyone, how are you doing? I want to thank each of you from the bottom of my heart for purchasing my new book at the different venues where I have been invited. I am so looking forward to doing more book-signings at your event, or you can set up a book-signing party for me to talk to your guests about my new book, named “Baltimore & Maryland Black History Stories; Who, What, When & Where.” When you are ready, just call or email me. The information to contact me is at the end of my column.
Now, I want to talk to you about an interesting couple who became my friends and have some fascinating history that I want to share with you and I hope that some of those history buffs out there will support them and check them out.
Jeff and Shirley Supiks— I understand they have been called “The Twenty-First Century Station Masters.” They have owned the “Safe House” since 1980. Hidden in plain sight under a leafy canopy in the small community of Rockdale in Baltimore County, a humble house with a rich history rests. They told me they have been teaching the history of the Underground Railroad in this area, including the role the house played in that history. The Supiks hope that when you see the symbol on the brick, it will remind you that people of diverse cultures, even in the worst of times, can come together for the good of all. The Supiks will continue to preserve the legacy of the Emmart Pierpont Safe House, the freedom seekers and the Underground Railroad. Every year, a Harriet Tubman Day of Remembrance is celebrated at the “Safe House” and will continue to be an annual event.
This Safe House is unique because the Emmart family used a brick to signal to freedom seekers that they had reached a safe haven. The brick was placed in the basement stairway in a rock wall and had a raised symbol on it. When the runaways felt that symbol, they knew they were welcome and would find a place to eat, rest, and find safety. Right now, the Supiks could use your help with donations to keep this historical place maintained. For more information, contact Shirley or Jeff at 410-655-7821 or email: epsafehousesupik@verizon.net.
Beautiful Baltimore Tours Partner with Keystone Korner Jazz Club
“Beautiful Baltimore Tours” has partnered with Keystone Korner Jazz Club in creating a tour of Baltimore’s Jazz history, past and present. I think this is so Cool! Check this out! A modern coach bus will take you to Lady Day Way, where Billie Holiday lived, the Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute and Cultural Center, and along Pennsylvania Avenue, where new life is being born back into the old neighborhood and sharing its history. You’ll hear stories and music of the jazz and R&B legends, and you will also meet some of the musicians who are still around today and still performing, including yours truly, who will be autographing my first book, named; “African-American Entertainment in Baltimore,” nicknamed “The Pennsylvania Avenue Book.” So, on Tuesday, October 21, join us and hear yours truly, “Rambling Rose” stories about Pennsylvania Avenue and purchase my books, and other souvenirs such as CDs and Arts at the Harris-Marcus Center on Pennsylvania Avenue. The tour will end at the Keystone Korner Jazz Club’s “Open Jam Session” downtown. For more information, contact Donna Ann Ward, owner of “Beautiful Baltimore Tours,” who is also seeking sponsors and donations to help keep this Baltimore Tour going for all of Baltimore at 410-210-2363.
Well, my dear friend, I have to go. I am out of space, but remember if you need me, call me at 410-833-9474 or email me at rosapryor@aol.com. UNTIL THE NEXT TIME, I’M MUSICALLY YOURS.