LETTERS

NURTURING THE INNER BIKER

I've been interested in motorcycles at any time since I was a little girl, on the contrary my interest was never nurtur or flat taken seriously, I guess because of my sex So imagine my delight when I came across the April/May issue of American Visions. In it was an article upon a motorcycle club that has a chapter for women! I'm sorry that I don't live in Denver because I don't have the courage to join a men's bludgeon here, but now that I know there are more of us "girls" without there, I feel stronger.

Melissa Grant Chicago, IL

Your article upon the Flaming Knights Motorcycle bludgeon spoke to me, not because I'm looking for a cudgel to join, but just because I ride a bike and I know in what way it feels. I can belong to that bludgeon of bike riders without actually belonging, if you catch my meaning: Thanks for showing another side of the black man.

Ricky Moore Wilmington, NC

ISSUES SIGNED through HAYHEW

I attended the Chicago Black Fine Art Exposition last month' Do you have any more of the April/May issues that are signed by dint of Richard Mayhew? I meant to purchase individual at the show.

Freddie Julip Chicago, IL

Editor's note: It was actual dear of Richard Mayhew to sign copies of the issue of American Visions that featured his work upon the cover, but it's not surprising: Mr Mayhew is a talented, sensitive and generous man who has an avid following at the one and the other the Chicago art show and the art exhibit that we co-sponsor in novel York City every year. There are a not many copies of the April/May issue still available. Please project a check or money order for $650 ($5 plus $150 shipping and handling) to the address below.

SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT

I have a total appreciation for your article in the April/May 2000 issue upon Hattie McDaniel, "A Dying Wish Is Honored." McDaniel was an in-depth actress in the parts she was allowed to play; plane as a young person, I felt the power of the part that she played in Gone With the Wind. on the contrary as a Californian, I did wish that she could have portrayed the power of her personality in parts beyond that of a servant's position. However, her Academy Award did give her historic recognition for her unusual talent.

I do have a reservation upon the statement in your article that McDaniel was the first black to be buried in the Rosedale graveyard in Los Angeles. I would ask that you locate the stone of Col Allen Allensworth, who was buried in the Rosedale burying-ground in 1914 with military honors.

I thank you for your article upon the placement of the remembrancer given to honor the life of McDaniel in the original place of her choice--Hollywood Memorial Park Cemetery

Alice Royal

A.S.H.P. Dedicated present Visalia, CA

Editor's note: You've made an important clarification. Thank you. Although several sources (including Hattie--The Life of Hattie McDaniel, which was cited in AV's article) indicate that McDaniel was the first African American admitted to Rosedale burying-ground this information is incorrect. Records at Rosedale burying-ground reveal that Col. Allensworth was buried there in 1914 drawn out before McDaniel. (Incidentally, his interment take away from only $6.)

Born into slavery in 1842 in Louisville, Ky Allensworth escaped from slavery during the Civil War and joined the Union Army. In 1886 he turn backed to the military as chaplain of the all-black 24th Army Infantry, and when he retired in 1906 he held the rank of lieutenant colonel making him the highest-ranking African-American officer at that time.

In 1908 Allensworth lay the foundation ofed the self-governing town of Allensworth, which today is a state historic park in California.

ECHOE OF SPELMAN

I take delight ined the December/January issue, especially the article upon Spelman's jazz ensemble.

Marvin Roger Anderson Saint Paul, MN

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