pattricia wilson-chatani – The Family Line

Click Start: Editor’s Preview

We’re off and running! The Family Line Blog/Portal has been in the works for a few years. Things began after major news events and family moments seemed to cry out for a response beyond headlines & hugs, thoughts & prayers. From the combination of zoom/WhatsApp calls, email/text messages and one-on-one chats, the concept later took shape. It’s all tied to a dream for country and family that fuels our passion. You’ll meet and appreciate families through their journeys. The four families here are:

Steele Family of Jamaican roots, now extends from New York to Florida to California.
Salami family of Togo Africa roots is Maryland & West Virginia based.
Jackson family having African American roots, is South Carolina & New Jersey based.
Mitchell family having Guyanese roots, is Delaware & New York based.

Across the U.S. & Canada we’re living in the east, west, north and south. Then add-in multiple countries in Africa, the Caribbean and Europe. There’ll be times to learn, dance, laugh and debate like families do. Beyond ancestry info of Family Tree links, etc, you’ll sense that we’re building legacies, forging synergies and lifting energies. For more on the summer season lineup, drop your email below. Feel free to leave your comments at end of blog. Thank You!

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Lead Story: An Act of Love

It was nine years ago this June 17^th when a Charleston South Carolina family was rocked to the core. Their beloved grandmother Ms. Susie Jackson was taken from them in a tragic shooting at the Mother Emanuel AME Church. The breaking news story was tough to deal with because of the hateful motive.

**Walter Reflecting on his Grandmother**

A year ago, Charleston city officials were joined by local leaders and family members to dedicate the Susie Jackson Freedom Memorial Garden in her honor. Moreover, it was an act of love by naming a street in her memory. Ms. Jackson’s grandson Walter Bernie Jackson, a trusted advisor and supporter here at The Family Line, shared some reflections about grandma Susie (there’s more on his FB page).

The family turned tragedy into triumph that inspires the heart and fills the soul. Walter, his wife Rev. Dr. Catina Jackson and three daughters (together aka the ‘Jackson 5’), continue the legacy to “light up the world” even with the emotional pain endured. Just like the original ‘Jackson 5’ who had an Indiana street named for them, our ‘Jackson 5’ can take some comfort when they stroll down ‘Susie Jackson Way’ in Charleston.

Family Feature: “Gots to Make It”!

It might seem unusual to host a party for a loved-one who’s no longer with us. But sometimes to fill the void it helps to transform the loss and pain into purpose. That’s what members of the Steele family did on June 8^th, in support of our cousin Patricia, who lost her grandson a few years ago in a tragic accident. By bringing family and friends together, Pat has poured herself into honoring his life to boost potential in others.

**Polynesian Dancers (Daylan’s pic in background)**

The Hawaiian theme event was a fun time under the circumstances. It also creates support for scholarship awards to students. It’s what Pat as an Educator and Entrepreneur does to pay it forward. This year she presented one thousand dollars each to two students who were the valedictorian and salutatorian respectively. The annual award has been approved by the School Board as part of the Daylan Anthony Robertson Scholarship Award at his Alma Mater, in memory of his creativity and striving for excellence.

The cocktail hour, dining, dancing and timely remarks made for an inspiring evening. The band and DJ were complemented by a surprise Polynesian dance and guest reggae artist. The evening felt like a flashback to good old times with folks who’re no longer with us. We know Pat was close to her late grandmother Mildred Steele-Wilson whose favorite line was “Gots to Make It”. Words that give Pat and our fam strength and focus.

**Family Pictures provided by Paul & Shaun**

Milestone Spotlight: She Good & Ready!

Family and friends traveled to Frederick Maryland to celebrate the graduation of their own dear Anouchka. The Salami family, having ancestral homebase in Togo West Africa, were there in full effect. Nothing would get in the way of making this event happen, not even dark clouds forming. Folks traveled from all corners since “kin ties run deep”.

It wasn’t an easy road for Anouchka as she earned her bachelor’s degree in communications. So now she makes the shift from student to professional, with more things to do, people to meet, places to go and coins to bag. Plus, with the Togo winds at her back and the American Dream in front, “she good and ready” to level-up.

Congrats to Anouchka (in the middle), and shoutout to her mother Yasmine (wearing cap), sister Amaris and the entire ‘Generation Babana’ crew. Watch for more on the Dream Africa Project run by Yasmine at http://www.DreamAfrica.Africa.

Good Stuff: Saving Grace

It happened in the blink of an eye. A gym member went into cardiac arrest during an Ironman competition. No one knew where this was going, but with quick thinking he was brought back from the brink. The multiple rounds of life-saving measures worked in the nick of time, because of his fitness.

That gym member credits CEO/Owner/Coach Devon Mitchell and his wife Samantha for making this possible. They’ve been working with him on his health before the incident and even since. Devon and his team at Anytime Fitness in Newark Delaware, helped his customer get through a touch-and-go moment.

This example of leadership is how the Mitchells as a couple view community service. Their Guyanese/Jamaican upbringing and biz background helps them model the idea that your impact in life is more than just dollars and cents. Plus, he’s big on forging collabs across the diaspora, serving as co-visionary on related projects. Not surprisingly, the family-wide Mitchell motto says, “All Ah We Ah One”.

**At the Finish Line (provided by Anytime Fitness)**

Devon took things even further with a campaign in support of the American Heart Association. He ended up generating the highest level of donations and was 2023 National Impact Leader winner. So, the next time you feel like you gotta pick up the pieces of some setback, remember this moment of saving grace. We give the Mitchells much props!