S*1368 Concurrent Resolution, By Patterson and Jackson
 A Concurrent Resolution to celebrate the life of Listervelt Middleton and to
 reflect upon the contributions he made to the African and African American
 Community and to the enlightenment and unity of all people.

   04/17/96  Senate Introduced, adopted, sent to House SJ-5
   04/17/96  House  Introduced, adopted, returned with concurrence HJ-51

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

TO CELEBRATE THE LIFE OF LISTERVELT MIDDLETON AND TO REFLECT UPON THE CONTRIBUTIONS HE MADE TO THE AFRICAN AND AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY AND TO THE ENLIGHTENMENT AND UNITY OF ALL PEOPLE.

Whereas, Listervelt Middleton passed away on Sunday, April 14, 1996; and

Whereas, Listervelt Middleton was born in Pineville, South Carolina, in 1952 and spent most of his youth there; and

Whereas, Mr. Middleton found great inspiration from his parents Seamon and Matilda Middleton; and

Whereas, Mr. Middleton is survived by his wife Ernestine Middleton and his children, Bakari and Zakiya; and

Whereas, after graduation from high school Mr. Middleton continued his education by earning his undergraduate degree in political science from Benedict College in 1972; and

Whereas, Mr. Middleton began his formal broadcasting work as News Director at WOIC in Columbia; and

Whereas, Mr. Middleton began working with South Carolina Educational Television in 1977; and

Whereas, Mr. Middleton was the producer and host of ETV'S award winning program For the People; and

Whereas, over the years For The People aired in Detroit, Memphis, Washington, D.C., Barbados, Virginia and Atlanta; and

Whereas, this program provided a intellectual forum for the understanding of African history; and

Whereas, Listervelt Middleton was viewed by some eminent scholars as being a "Record Keeper" and as being someone who left no stone unturned; and

Whereas, Mr. Middleton addressed topics like "The African Origin of Humanity" and "The African Origin of Civilization"; and

Whereas, on For the People, Mr. Middleton interviewed leading scholars from Africa and from North and South America; and

Whereas, Mr. Middleton was a prolific writer and highly respected poet; and

Whereas, Mr. Middleton is the author of three volumes of poetry: "Fatback and Caviar," "We Be Creosote People" and "Southern Winds, African Breezes"; and

Whereas, several of his poems have appeared in "Essence" magazine; and

Whereas, Mr. Middleton has given readings of his poetry at The First World African Alliance in New York, The National Black Child Development Institute in Los Angeles, and The Moja Festival in Charleston South Carolina; and

Whereas, Mr. Middleton's works have reached people of all cultures and races throughout the United States, Barbados, and Africa; and

Whereas, much of Mr. Middleton's work was directed in an attempt to clarify myths and distortions in the history of African and African American people; and

Whereas it is only fitting that the members of the General Assembly pause in reflection upon the contributions and sacrifices that Listervelt Middleton made to the understanding of African heritage and to the unity and understanding of all people. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:

That the General Assembly, by this resolution, commemorates the life and achievements of Listervelt Middleton, recognizes that he has reflected well upon this country and the people of South Carolina, and wishes his wife and children the very best of everything in the years to come.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to his wife, Ernestine Middleton and his children Bakari and Zakiya.