Vibration celebrates 40th Anniversary
by Paul Hill

(Plain Press, May 2008) Editor’s Note: Plain Press readers are familiar with the names Don and Norma Freeman, as advocates for children frequently mentioned in Plain Press coverage of educational issues. The couple has also been involved in the publication of a magazine Vibration, which reached a milestone this year celebrating 40 years as a publication. Vibration began in 1968 and the publishers dedicated themselves to providing a forum for political commentary and for discussion of African American music and culture. As part of the 40th anniversary celebration Vibration will publish two anniversary additions, one with an essay by Don Freeman and one with an essay by Norma Freeman. The first edition is already out and is available at the Bookstore on W. 25th. Friends of Vibration held a 40th Anniversary party to celebrate with the Freeman family. The following is a reflection on that party by the host Paul Hill, Jr. of East End Neighborhood House at 2749 Woodhill Road in Cleveland.

The 40th Anniversary celebration on March 21, 2008 at East End Neighborhood House for the publication VIBRATION and its editors and publishers Don and Norma Freeman was awesome. It was a reunion and testimony to a labor of love for the publication and the union of love and marriage of soul mates, Don and Norma.

Norma provided an inspiring personal experience and life journey testimony. Her sharing focused on the importance of balance in relationships. The revolutionary couple have prioritized and balanced love for creator, community, family and each other for forty plus years. Both Norma and Don are 69 years of age and have raised three sons. Her testimony was very candid, pointed and uplifting.

Don in his usual scholarly and methodical style provided a brief chronology and evolution of VIBRATION.  He specifically echoed, “the more things change, the more they stay the same;” he shared abbreviated topics from the 40th Anniversary edition of VIBRATION, i.e. 40 Years in Retrospect; Juvenicide: Systemic Genocide of Black Youth and Observations; The Dialectic of Post Neo-Colonial Black America; and the Political American Tread Mill. He challenged the audience to continue the struggle through theory and praxis.

One of the significant aspects of the occasion was the intergenerational theme and symbolic passing of the “baton” which was symbolized by the captivating presentations of the Freeman’s son, Bilal Freeman, and Fanon Hill. Both reflect the proverb, “seeds do not fall far from the tree.” Bilal is a musician in Cleveland and Fanon a community organizer in Baltimore.

Other themes that were integrated throughout the occasion were ritual and music offered through a libation by elder John Mitchell; and phenomenal drumming by the East End Neighborhood House Youth Drumming Group (directed by elder John Mitchell); and a captivating sing performance by Hue People. The event was a historic moment! It was a teaching and celebratory moment for all past and present who are part of the struggle for the liberation and resurrection of the mentally and spiritually dead. A special commemoration acknowledgement was made for ancestor Alex Weathers.

Dr. Muhammad Ahmad, who was identified as “the most dangerous man in Amerika” by former FBI terrorist J. Edgar Hoover, briefly shared his experiences as a Vibration contributing writer and shared some of his personal experiences with the Freemans. Ahmad, who currently teaches at Temple University in Philly, expressed to the audience not to worry about Obama, “He will be alright”; however, he cautioned the audience to realize that if the, “White House was painted ‘Black’, nothing is going to change without an organized and informed bottom up movement.”

A written testimony from Crystal Lewis, who lives in Florida and could not attend the event, was emotional. References of how the Freemans, particularly Norma, served as her mentor and contributed to her success as an activist, wife and parent, was especially touching as a woman-to-woman teaching moment.

What was surprising about the vernal equinox 2008 VIBRATION celebration was it was not a typical talk or preaching fest, but a moment of mature and seasoned reflections that provided a mirror and bridge of the past and future. It was a “coming of age” experience and celebration that brought together the old and youth. It was truly a symbolic passing of the torch. It was a historical moment of regeneration. It was all video taped thanks to William Fambrough. It was an event I will never forget and always cherish.

Special thanks should be given to the planning committee: Doris Willis, Fatima Weathers, William Fambrough, Siddiquh Henighan, Alima Aziz, and Bro. Zizwe. The tireless and creative efforts of sister Doris Willis, who coordinated this event, are due special recognition. She is a true warrior queen!

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