Arts & Culture

Paul “Sketch” Boyd’s

positively vibrant artwork is inspired by people watching and passing by each day on Route 13 in Salisbury, Maryland. Celebrating the ordinary and documenting the past, Sketch aims for his art to appeal to all ages and make viewers think and smile about the good things in life. Paul is not only the mastermind behind the newest mural in Salisbury, but his work extends further beginning as young as four years old. Paul’s first project was designing the door of his mother’s daycare, while simplistic in design it was grand in the sight of his mother.

Boyd comes from a long line of artist reaching back to his mother and uncle. He has always captured moments through his art and often in high school worked diligently to captivate his fellow classmates in his school with his new t-shirt designs. Often Paul gave away his t-shirts that he designed by hand the night before as a way of pushing his talent out across the region. As an avid artist, Paul is an expert

Paul Sketch BOYD

continued from pg 42 in the medium of acrylic paint and has used the paint to design clothes, canvasses, buildings, studios, cars and so much more. His work takes inspiration from art-forms as diverse as fallen rappers to great family heroes that people commission him to replicate.

If ever visiting his studio, his paintings and clothing design will take your breath away. The life like images grab your attention and pull you into the moment as expressed through his talent. Paul notably, has a clothing line that showcased a lot of his superior work. His clothing line named S’Dar has graced the stage of many performances and has had its own showcase recently. Paul has the ability to capture any image that you desire from mere photos presented to him upon commission. Yet, his desire to do more does not stop at these types of projects. Boyd desires to express himself as a major artist and hopes to really dive head first into the public art scene. His love of public art expression has grown throughout the years and often moves him to see building and potentials places to create a masterpiece for the world to see. Boyd has recreated artwork with his personal touch from images such as notable cartoon characters, fallen rappers and civic leaders and images that absolutely grasp your breath. His art can be seen not only on Rt. 13 but in different barbershops on the shore along with daycares, studios and personal homes.

Most artists are satisfied with painting on canvas or board but Paul Boyd doesn’t stop there. His paintings bring new life to every image that he recreates! Boyd also undertakes large commission projects painting office murals and wherever or whoever will allow his characters to brighten up a space. Boyd is leading the new wave of young artist here on the Eastern Shore. To watch him paint or examine the final product that he presents is phenomenal. Yes, the Rt. 13 Mural is an excellent representation of Boyd’s talent but he is so much better than his greatest painting. Inspire One is so excited to see the progression of this phenomenal artist and anticipate his talents to be nationwide in a matter of time.

Making Dreams Come True

Agroup of concerned residents in the Berlin area decided to put action to words and form a committee over 30 years ago to assist minority students in their quest to receive a degree from a university or college of their choice. Residents thought it was necessary to assist students and have for over 30 years provided resources and assistance to deserving students to attend post-secondary institutions. Greater Berlin Minority Scholarship Committee began this quest of support with the graduating class of 1989 from Stephen Decatur High School. The beginning plan arranged for students to receive $1,000 toward their entering year of college. The original members of the scholarship committee were Rev. Donald Hamilton, John Dale Smack, Samuel S. Henry, Jr., Grace Purnell, Charlotte Henry, Velda Henry, Teola Brittingham, Jessie Fassett, Linda Bowen, John Briddell, Donald Smack, William Waters, Helen Whaley, Preston Whaley, Mildred Hamilton, Elsie Briddell, and Sandra Oliver. These forward thinking members of the community formed and implemented a strategy to help the graduating seniors of Stephen Decatur enter college to obtain their degree.

Each year the committee awards at least four scholarships of at least $1,000.00. The scholarship committee raises funding through various events, galas and sporting events such as 3 point contest and slam dunk competition and an annual golf tournament. Many recipients have graduated and become extremely successful because of the kind effort given by this scholarship committee.

Now 30 years later GBMSC is still offering these $1,000.00 scholarships and one $2,000.00 scholarship. The total amount of scholarships offered since 1989 is over $150,000.00. The $2,000.00 scholarship

continued on pg 45

continued from pg 44 is given in honor of a member that was instrumental in the development of the committee and also the annual golf tournament that raises funds for each scholarship. Samuel S. Henry, Jr. a life-long resident of Berlin was a great advocate for the continuance of education beyond the secondary level. Sam, Jr. as he was affectionally called, believed that all dreams were attainable especially when one focuses and pursues their goal. As a business owner of Worcester County, Sam encouraged continuous education and professional growth. His impact is still present as those who he had mentored serve Worcester County in various professions. This is a phenomenal task that has shown the love and concern for the students in the local area.

GBMSC funds all of the scholarships through donations, events and activities held in the local community. Whether it is a bingo event or a golf tournament, GBMSC takes pride in raising funds to create a path for seniors coming out of high school to matriculate to college. For some of these students, if the committee did not award them funds to go to college, then their dream of college would be diminished. Greater Berlin, a quiet force has supported well over 120 students to reach their dream to receive a degree from a college of choice. The committee takes pride in raising the funds to offer these scholarships each year. It is amazing what a hard working group can do for the community when all are on the same page and focused on the development of the youth. Hats off to this committee for standing strong and in the gap for many of these young people. It is because of organizations like Greater Berlin Minority Scholarship Committee that makes dreams happen!

“I am not from any of those States where the slaves are said to be in their most degraded condition; but from Maryland, where slavery is said to exist in the mildest form. Yet I can stand here and relate atrocities which would make your blood boil.” -Frederick Douglas

The Eastern Shore of Maryland has a proud line of black freedom fighters, who risked life and death in the cause to end the sin of American slavery. Famed abolitionist Frederick Douglas, born in Easton. William Still, famed author, who wrote and published the harrowing ordeals of runaways which is used today as a resource for historians in the field, was born in Talbot County Maryland. But none more magnificent or awe-inspiring than the emancipator, American icon, and Union spy Harriet Tubman. Born Aramita Ross on the plantation of Edward Brodess, 10 miles south of Cambridge Maryland.

The total number of people that Miss. Tubman liberated varies, but Harriet herself puts the number of trips to and from the Mason Dixon line (an imaginary line that separates Maryland and Pennsylvania; north and south) to 300. But weather it was 300 or 30, the fact remains that her acts of immense courage to cross in and out of slave territory as a runway, as a black woman numerous times, is valor on the highest scales. These deeds were more heroic due to the fact that in 1850 Congress passed the infamous Fugitive Slave Law. Meaning a slave could be returned to its master, even if they crossed into free territory. This in essence forced Ms. Tubman’s to carry her passengers well past Pennsylvania, into Canada (which is some 700 miles from Maryland).

To most people, Maryland sits in between north and south (union and confederate) but in actuality, as a born Marylander who was roots in North Carolina, Maryland cultures and traditions have always mirrored the southern heritage. The confusion for many starts in the Civil War when Maryland stayed on the side of the Union (the North). And even though the State itself fought on the side to end slavery, many of its white residents resisted. Primarily because Maryland was and still today an agricultural society. Meaning many of the wealthy, and not so wealthy landowners relied heavily on the free labor of slaves. The decision to fight for the Union was made by politicians in Washington DC, not the people. County very complex. For example, Harriet’s exploits occurred mostly in the 1850’s, with her personal escape being in 1849. During the 1850’s the state of Maryland housed 74,000 freedmen and women, compared the 90,000 plus still enslaved. Which means that Harriet would have grown up knowing both free and enslaved. For example, Harriet’s father Ben

ARTS & CULTURE Harriet

TUBMAN

continued from pg 46 Ross achieved freedom in 1840, while his wife and her children remained enslaved. Harriet’s husband John Tubman was a freeman that worked alongside Harriet.

But these set of circumstances did not make life easier for Harriet, or any other Maryland slave for that matter.

Slave life on the Shore was harsh, no matter the proximity. C. Ashley Ellefson’s The Private Punishment of Servants and Slaves in Eighteenth-Century Maryland records that between 1726-1776 (up to the American Revolution) the state of Maryland had recorded 19 slave quartering’s, 19 gibbets, and 150 hangings. Frederick Douglas recounts his life of an Eastern Shore slave in his autobiography.

Of his master Captain Anthony Douglass of Talbot County he writes “I have known him to cut and slash a woman’s head so horribly, so that even a master would be enraged at his cruelty.” He goes on to write about his master’s perverse fascination with his aunt Hester; “Then he said to her, “Now you b-----d b-----h, I’ll learn you how to obey my orders!”.... he commenced to lay the heavy cow skin, and soon the warm, red blood (amid the heart-rending shrieks from her, and horrid oaths from him) came blood dripping from the floor.”

The actions for these punishments ranged from murder, insurrection, or even (as seen in Douglass’s case) at the whim of a jaded slave owner.

Harriet, herself, was not immune to such acts of violence. She was constantly abused by her Mistress Miss Susan for not cleaning to her standards. Also, during Harriet’s teen years she received a blow to the head from a two pound weight as she tried to shield a runaway being pursued by slave catchers. The repercussions from this incident led to Harriet suffer from Temporal Lobe Epilepsy, causing Harriet to consciously “black out”. During these episodes Harriet would see bright colors, which she attributed to visions from God. These vivid occurrences also proved to be fuel for the driving force behind her push for freedom.

Harriet Tubman fled her Cambridge area plantation in the Fall of 1849, largely due to the fear of being sold. Plantation owners on the Shore used their location to instill the fear of selling them off to plantations in the deep south. Harriet, being seen as somewhat of a troubled slave, knew her time was short after seeing her two sisters sold out of state.

Her 100 mile trip from Cambridge to Philadelphia was primarily foot and with the aid of white abolitionists. Running away from a “Shore” plantation was no easy feat in any sense. The Eastern Shore and Delaware were infested with slave catchers who routinely set up camp in these parts due to their proximity to the Mason Dixon line. Many times slaves had to be helped by whites and other free blacks in order to secure their ticket to freedom.

Harriet made it to Philadelphia, leaving her family and loved ones behind. Her brothers Benjamin and Henry were on board with her plan, but ultimately turned back, leaving Harriet alone. But this may have been the genesis for the legend as we know her today. One can surmise that if it weren’t for the boys returning Harriet would’ve never felt the loneliness in her new life which drew her to returning, ultimately being the legend of today.

One of Harriet’s most daring escapes came in 1850. Filled with suspense made perfect for Hollywood. Harriet caught wind that her niece Kessiah and her two children were to be sold by the Brodess family. And so Harriet, along with Keesiah’s free husband John Bowley devised a plan that freed her niece and her kids directly from the auction block. Somehow, through means not fully known, John was able to secretly bid for his wife and kids. After the bidding was over, and the family was moved to the side, John took his loved ones to a spot hear the court house, where a boat was waiting for them for Baltimore. The family ended safely in Philadelphia.

Harriet’s extraordinary life didn’t end there. By the time the Civil War approached in 1861, Harriet had become an evil entity for slave owners throughout the South. Her name was whispered amongst slaves, and at the dinner table of wealthy whites. And even in the dark haze of hate and fervor to see her pay for her crimes, she took to the battle field. Leading soldiers, she participated in the raids of southern plantations. Setting crops ablaze, and freeing slaves in the process.

“Moses” as she had become, had taken on a life of mythical proportions. Her courage and conviction to forcibly break the chains that had her bound cannot be put into words (although attempted). Often society fails to comprehend the horrendous conditions of American slavery. When we hear extraordinary efforts of these people, we put it in the box of a fable or a tale. Never in the realm of reality. Harriet Tubman, in all her glory, was real. Harriet Tubman walked hundreds of miles to freedom. Made her way from Maryland to Canada on multiple occasions. She was a Union spy, and fought slave masters on their plantations, taking their slaves with her. She is all the marvelous things that history says about her, and she was born here on the Eastern shore.