Tuesday, June 18, 2013


On Course With LaRue Temple-113th U.S. OPEN

 By Karimu Hamilton
 






There was a tinge of excitement everywhere in Ardmore P.a. The Norristown High-Speed Line was jammed pack with middle aged men and some women in khaki shorts, skirts or pants, white visors and a rainbow assortment of polo shirts. Business boomed for residents and local businesses of the region alike.  The 113th U.S. Open was held in the suburban region of Pennsylvania on the Main Line and every one was excited. “Oh I can’t really explain it…” Dale Venable of Dales Beauty Salon Reflects; “but there was a sense of excitement in the air, it would have been even better if Tiger Woods had won.” She giggled. “My daughter”, another main liner beams as she walks up Lancaster avenue actually secured a Job at the U.S. Open for the week, she sold concessions and  this was a perfect way for her to start her summer.’ These are the type of stories that are being told; generously sprinkled throughout the Main Line regarding the past U.S. Open Event in Lower Merion, Ardmore, Pa last week. The local story however that has had a lasting impact is of Temple Larue, a young gentle man, a North Philadelphia residents who works at The Merion golf course;  was solicited to  be the caddy for golfer Michael Kim at the U.S. Open. “The Caddy has knowledge of the course; he assists the golfer around the details of wind factors, club and shot selection, distance and textures.” “The caddy is sort of like an assistant or guide to the golfer.” Larue explains. Growing up Larue was a huge fan of baseball. His mother would take him to the games during the season and he would always stay after the game to get autographs of his favorite players. “There is a click of the same people that always hang around after the game to get autographs of players and that’s when I met a woman named Lisa Jinn who recommended me to work at the Merion Golf Club.” Larue has been working at The Merion Golf for 16 years. “It has been a great journey working at The Merion, you have to have discipline, be able to withstand the heat and carry heavy golf bags.” “It was an amazing experience to work with Michael Kim.” He was a great player, actually a stellar player and very easy to work with.”” We had a lot of fun on the course we were working but we were also cracking jokes.” Larue is a big fan of Tiger Woods. “Well Merion is tough and Tiger he wasn’t prepared, I think that a lot of players undermined The Merion and were just not able to gain harmony with the course.” Larue reflects. Larue is definitely a gentleman, he has an excellent work ethic, he also works as and has a passion D.J ing, and he is a bartender. He does enjoy playing golf for leisure and believes that working at The Merion Golf course is a good place for him to be, he is surrounded by successful entrepreneurs and businessman and being in that environment has place him on course.


Thursday, January 3, 2013


CELEBRATING KWANZAA AT THE IMHOTEP INSTITUTE CHARTER HIGH

the best food i ve had in a long time
mamma k live food specialist

Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble\
 Kwanzaa was established during a time period when African Americans were involved in a cultural evolution. Prior to this movement which would have begun in the early 1960’s visible African American culture had been limited to the experience of slavery and poverty. Founders of this cultural evolution had become very concerned with the negative impact that these facets of American culture would have on their children and their communities. Thus, collectively and independently a nationwide movement had been born and it cross referenced all components of culture. Kwanzaa, Jambo Means Hello, The National Black Theatre, Central Harlem Montessori Project, Afro centricity and Odunde are all examples of what the cultural evolution produced. Children were given traditional West African Names, Independent African American schools were founded and rites of passages were structured. It was an extremely successful strategy. The mission of this movement was to provide the African American community with literature, art, spirituality that goes beyond the history of slavery and explores the importance of Africa and the accomplishments of African American achievers in this country before, during and after being enslaved. Africa was no longer presented as a dark and unwanted place but a Continent that was rich in heritage, culture and resources.  This year I attended an awesome Kwanzaa celebration held at the Imhotep Institute, a charter    school in Germantown, Pa. founded by Christine Wiggins. The event was very well attended, there were a plethora of artisans whom sold thier crafts from crochet hats, homemade soaps, and self-published books and healing herbal concoctions. The cafeteria was adorned with delicious vegan and vegetarian dishes, finger foods and nutritious drinks. One vegan food vendor Mamma K an elder in the living food lifestyle says; “my introduction or education in diet and nutrition began over 40 years ago with the Nation of Islam and the guide book Eat to Live, by the Honorable Elijah Muhammad.”  “I have since evolved my practice to natural food living and host occasional vegan food prep workshops and a Friday vegan cafĂ© at my home in Willow Grove, Pa. Another outstanding vendor that embraced the spirit of this Kwanzaa celebration was Carolyn Griggs a Hospital Administrator who custom makes pens out of clay. Her creative company Posh Penique began with” a dream”, she explained. She followed through and it translated into very interesting characture pens that resemble African masks and everyday people. The auditorium was filled with drumming and dances by the Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble. Robert Dickerson, founder of Unity Community Center and The Universal Dance and Drum Ensemble was actually the Host of this event. “We have been performing for Dr.Karenga for 14 years now, “Dickerson reflects.” He actually hires our performance arts company to present before he lectures and it is an honor.”  “ This was a historic event and it is important that we engage the youth and the entire community in hearing and meeting an African American scholar and visionary.” Dickerson continues. Dr. Maulana Karenga Kwanzaa founder and developer, was the last to speak and he stood at the podium as a very powerful figure. The audience was alert, at the edge of thier seats and hung off of his every word , some shouted yes and others swayed back and forth as he spoke.” Kwanzaa should be a way of life, a daily celebration of who we are as a people.” “We must remain connected to our African roots and embrace our entire heritage.” Dr. Karenga emphasized.  In practicing values and systems that mirror greatness we will reflect that greatness in our lives and in our communities is at the core of Dr. Karenga’s message this evening. Kuumbaa which means creativity is the 6th principal that was being commemorated. This event in its entirety reflected all of the seven principles of Kwanzaa, an effective collaboration of committed individuals, die –hards to preserving, empowering African American Youth, Families and Communities. Developers of tools to assist in sustain a holistic African American Culture.