Eastern Shore Network for Change

04/16/2025

Exciting News from our President and Co-founder, Dion Banks!

I’m thrilled to announce the launch of my newly released book, Kofi: The Wind Whisperer! This story is more than just a tale; it’s a powerful journey that intertwines historical truth and magical realism, inspired by the incredible Harriet Tubman and the visionary storytelling of my favorite author, Octavia Butler.

In a land shackled by cruelty, our hero Kofi, once full of laughter and joy, is stolen from his family and thrust into the brutal reality of slavery. Yet, amidst the suffering, a whisper from the wind calls to him, awakening a hidden power within. As Kofi learns to listen to the elements that once danced through his village, he transforms into a liberator, a tempest of hope and strength. His story carries the promise that even in darkness, heroes rise.

Kofi: The Wind Whisperer is the first of three books that encompass Kofi's journey, each installment remaining true to the theme of hope. Through Kofi’s trials and triumphs, readers will experience his struggles for freedom and the profound connections that bind us to our past and to each other. I can't wait for you to join Kofi on this transformative journey and discover the magic that awaits in the next tales!

I’d love your support in sharing this release with your networks! Encourage your friends, family, and colleagues to dive into the world of Kofi: The Wind Whisperer and anticipate the next adventures in the series. Together, let’s inspire a passion for reading and a deeper connection to our shared history.

If you know of any podcast platforms or events where I could share Kofi's story, please let me know!Thank you for your support in amplifying the voices of dreamers everywhere. Remember, we were all born to fly!

🕊️ State of Maryland Voices of the Civil Rights Movement Black History Maryland Governor's Office of Community Initiatives Maryland Historical Trust Leadership Maryland Chesapeake Heartland: An African American Humanities Project Black History Museum Groove City Black Heritage & Culture Group Governor Wes Moore WBAL African American History Museum, Washington D.C. WBOC TV 16 Delmarva's News Leader Life Magazine Maryland Humanities Maryland Maryland Governor's Office on Service & Volunteerism I Love Dorchester Heritage & Tourism Dorchester Star Dorchester County Public Library Progressive of Dorchester Temple #224 Dorchester Chamber of Commerce Black Eastern Shore Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Maryland Commission on Civil Rights Student Non-violent Action Committee Amazon Books

06/23/2024

🌟 Grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with Exelon and Pepco on Juneteenth! 🌟

Thank you to Exelon and Pepco for partnering with the Eastern Shore Network for Change as we shared the rich history of our community in a particular Juneteenth program. Together, we reclaimed our narrative and celebrated stories of faith, community, and change. It was truly inspiring to witness everyone engaging with our civil rights history in Cambridge.

We hope that this event left each of you with a deeper understanding of our shared past and a renewed sense of purpose. Let's all be voices for the voiceless and change agents in our own communities. Together, we can make a difference! 💫

A special to our community supporters who came out to assist! Everyone did a fantastic job! Kisha, and Dion appreciate you all!

Maryland Governor's Office of Community Initiatives Maryland Humanities Maryland Historical Trust Maryland Commission on Civil Rights State of Maryland Cambridge, Maryland Maryland Leadership Maryland Voices of the Civil Rights Movement BLACK HISTORY AWARENESS! ! POSITIVE ONLY! ! Groove City Black Heritage & Culture Group WBOC TV 16 Delmarva's News Leader

2024 Juneteenth Event, facilitated by Alvitra Drake, Manager, Electric Ops Project Ex*****on, & Nadine Boston, Real Estate Advisor, and Network of Exelon Wom...

07/26/2023

Another evening of cataloging some of Ms. Shirley’s collection she left to me, and I stumble across this! What a treasure!!!

Not only is this a beautiful tribute to an amazing man who left his mark on Cambridge, but it was published by another beloved soul who is no longer with us, Dr. Kay McElvey.

This would be a great opportunity for others to share their memories of these two amazing people.

Our history matters! I’m committed to keeping it alive!

07/24/2023

Remembering the Fire on Pine Street and “The Long Hot Summer of 1967”.

The long hot summer of 1967 was a period of civil unrest and racial tensions in the United States. It was characterized by numerous protests, riots, and incidents of violence in various cities across the country. One notable event during this time was the fire that occurred in our community on Pine Street in Cambridge, Maryland on July 24, 1967.

The fire on Pine Street was significant because it was a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement, highlighting the deep-seated racial divisions and inequality prevalent at the time. Pine Street was an African-American neighborhood, and tensions had been simmering for a while due to racial discrimination and economic disparities.

The fire on Pine Street and the events surrounding it served as a wake-up call for the nation, shedding light on the urgent need for change and civil rights reform. It brought national attention to the racial tensions and social injustices faced by African-Americans, leading to increased activism and efforts for change.

The Eastern Shore Network for Change has worked diligently to address mistruths about what happened and how the fire started. One myth is that H. Rap Brown has something to do with the fire. This is not true. In 2017 Peter B. Levy, author of “The Civil
War on Race Street”, debunked this theory with many others as he reviewed what happened that night, in 1967. I encourage anyone to purchase his book if you want to learn more.

Pictures include images from that night of local residents trying to extinguish the fires with no help from the local fire department. Other pictures are of Pine St., the morning after the fire, followed by an article in Life Magazine where Cambridge, Maryland was the lead story.

It’s important that we continue to share our communities story to educate and empower others to do more to create change and rebuild what was lost.

Cambridge, Maryland Student Non-violent Action Committee

BLACK HISTORY AWARENESS! ! POSITIVE ONLY! !Black History Museum State of Maryland Maryland Historical Trust Maryland Governor's Office of Community Initiatives WBAL Maryland Humanities Maryland Commission on Civil Rights Cambridge, Maryland Governor Wes Moore Student Non-violent Action Committee Maryland Voices of the Civil Rights Movement WBOC TV 16 Delmarva's News Leader Life Magazine

07/20/2023

📢 **Commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the Peace Treaty of Cambridge, Maryland** 🕊️

On July, 23rd, we celebrate a significant milestone - the 60th anniversary of the signing of the peace treaty of Cambridge, Maryland. This historic event marked a turning point in the struggle for civil rights and social justice. Let us reflect on the lessons we can learn from this transformative moment and the remarkable leadership of Gloria Richardson, the head of the Cambridge Nonviolent Action Committee.

🌍 **1. The Power of Nonviolent Resistance**: The signing of the peace treaty of Cambridge demonstrated the incredible power of nonviolent resistance as a means of achieving social change. Richardson and her fellow activists showed the world that peaceful protests and civil disobedience can effectively challenge systemic oppression.

🤝 **2. The Value of Dialogue and Negotiation**: The treaty signing highlights the importance of dialogue and negotiation in resolving conflicts. It serves as a reminder that even in the face of deep divisions, meaningful conversations and compromise can lead to peaceful resolutions.

⚖️ **3. The Struggle for Equal Rights**: The treaty signing stands as a testament to the ongoing struggle for equal rights. It serves as a reminder that the fight for justice is not a one-time event but a continuous journey. The legacy of the peace treaty inspires us to continue advocating for equality and combating discrimination.

🗣️ **4. The Voices of Grassroots Activism**: Gloria Richardson's leadership and the Cambridge Nonviolent Action Committee exemplify the power of grassroots activism. They demonstrated that ordinary individuals can become catalysts for change by organizing and mobilizing their communities.

📝 **5. The Importance of Local Initiatives**: The peace treaty of Cambridge highlights the significance of local initiatives in driving social change. It underscores the power of communities coming together to challenge injustice at a grassroots level and the ripple effect that can have on a national scale.

Let us remember this historic milestone and honor the memory of Gloria Richardson and all those who fought tirelessly for a more just and equal society. May their courage and commitment continue to inspire us as we strive for a better future for all.

Cambridge, Maryland State of Maryland Maryland Humanities Maryland Governor's Office of Community Initiatives Maryland Historical Trust WBOC TV 16 Delmarva's News Leader WBAL Groove City Black Heritage & Culture Group Student Non-violent Action Committee Maryland Voices of the Civil Rights Movement Black HistoryStudies Black History Month Black History Museum BLACK HISTORY AWARENESS! ! POSITIVE ONLY! !

The Treaty of Cambridge, an agreement between Cambridge residents, officials, and the federal government was signed 60 years ago. Its legacy remains.

06/19/2023

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced that all enslaved people were now free. This came two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed by President Abraham Lincoln.

It is important to never forget the history of Juneteenth because it represents a significant moment in American history. It serves as a reminder of the struggles and oppression that African Americans faced and continue to face. It also highlights the progress that has been made towards equality and justice for all.

Here are five things we can all do to teach the next generation the importance of celebrating this holiday and preserving our history:

1. Educate ourselves: Take the time to learn more about the history of Juneteenth and the significance of this holiday. Read books, watch documentaries, and attend events to gain a deeper understanding of the struggles and triumphs of African Americans throughout history.

2. Celebrate Juneteenth: Participate in community events and celebrations to show your support for this important holiday. Attend parades, festivals, and other events to honor the legacy of those who fought for freedom and equality.

3. Share stories: Share stories with your friends and family about the history of Juneteenth and the experiences of African Americans throughout history. Encourage others to share their own stories and perspectives to promote understanding and empathy.

4. Support black-owned businesses: Support black-owned businesses in your community to promote economic empowerment and advancement. By doing so, you are helping to create a more equitable society.

5. Speak out against injustice: Use your voice to speak out against racism and injustice whenever you see it. Educate others about the importance of equality and fairness for all people, and work to promote positive change in your community.

Below are images of advertisements in a local called “The Cambridge Herald.” I have digital copies that go back to the 1840s. They announce rewards for runaway slaves and requests to purchase enslaved persons from Cambridge, MD.

Cambridge, Maryland Maryland Humanities State of Maryland

01/05/2023

Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family of Commissioner Marilyn Hatza. She inspired us in 2017 when we created our event, “Reflections on Pine.”

Her dedication to the state of Maryland and her hometown of Cambridge can be witnessed in existing projects all around us that came to fruition because of her commitment to historic preservation.

Thank you for your service Commissioner Hatza. Rest well.

Dion & Kisha

10/07/2022

Today was a great day! After working through COVID, and a year of engineering planning, we’re one step away from starting much-needed renovations at Bethel A.M.E. Church, located on historic Pine St. in Cambridge, Maryland.

The final visual inspection was performed today. I feared scope creep, which could happen in the last hour of any project. I’m happy to say that was not the case. We were all amazed at the level of engineering and ex*****on of the roof and bell tower.

This is one of many projects ESNC is managing to create the changes we want to see in our community.