Newspapers / Winston-Salem Chronicle (Winston-Salem, N.C.) / Dec. 12, 2019, edition 1 / Page 2
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A2 December 12, 2019 The Chronicle Celebration From page Al type of thing she would be hosting. She said even at a young age, her sister dem onstrated a. passion for giving and helping those in need. Alana Alston, who was a native of Winston-Salem, lost her life at she would be doing if she was here. She passed away when she was 22, but even before that, as a teenager she would do anything to put a smile on a kid’s face and make them happy, so this is her ex act aura. This is her, ” Alston said. “We wanted to keep her energy alive and this was the best way to do it, doing exactly Photo by Tevin Stinson This year’s celebration hosted 20 children and their families. the young age of 22 after complications from surgery after battling necrotizing fasciitis in 2013. The Alana Alston Foun dation was started in her honor. The pur pose of the foundation is to keep Alana’s legacy alive by enriching the community, promoting excellence in youth and foster ing family relationships. “What we’re doing is exactly what what she would do if she were here.” Along with the holiday celebration, the Alana Alston Family Foundation also hosts an annual back-to-school giveaway, community Halloween party, and a win ter coat drive. For more information visit https://www.alanaalstonfamilyfounda- tion.org/. Remembering an icon City pays respects to Hashim Saleh, longtime leader of Otesha Creative Arts Ensemble BY TEVIN STINSON THE CHRONICLE Empty seats were scarce in the auditorium of the Anderson Center last Sunday evening as mourners showed up in droves to pay their last respects to Hashim Saleh, longtime leader of Otesha Creative Arts Ensemble, the state’s oldest African American drumming and dance troupe. A native of New York, Saleh moved to Winston-Salem in the 1970s and took over as artistic director of Otesha in the mid-1980s when the founder, Amatullah Salem, moved away. In an article published by The Chronicle in 2013, Saleh talks about his family’s roots that can be traced back to his great- grandmother who was born a slave in Charleston, S.C. He also mentions his other great-grandmother who was Cherokee. Under his leadership, Otesha continued to thrive and make appearances throughout the state and country. Otesha is probably most known for their performances at the opening night gala of the National Black Theatre Festival. Those who knew Saleh describe him as a kindhearted individual who touched everyone he came in contact with. When word began to surface of Saleh’s untimely passing following a sudden illness, dozens took to social media to send their condolences. County Commissioners Fleming El-Amin and Tonya McDaniel and community activist Khalid Griggs referred to Saleh as a cultural icon. City.native and local attorney Nicole Little wrote, “A wonderful spirit that I’m blessed to have connected with over the years. From Authoring Action to my West African Dance Class at Wake, you left a footprint in our hearts forever.” During Saleh’s celebration of life on the campus of Winston-Salem State University on Dec. 8, there was an energy throughout the room that seemed to take hold of everyone. As you would expect when celebrating the life of an icon, this was no ordinary memorial service. Performances by Othesa and others kept spirits high throughout the evening. Although it’s clear that Saleh’s legacy will live on through Othesa and the dozens of people he positively influenced over the years, his image will live on as well. A giant image of Saleh taken by local artist Owens Daniels hangs in the Benton Convention Center. In the picture, which is part of Daniels’ Birth of the Cool project, Saleh seems to be engulfed in flames while playing his drum. When discussing his relationship with Saleh, Daniels said, “Seeing his pictures shared makes me miss him all the more. I loved who he was and love just knowing him, I became a better me. Thank you, brother Hashim, thank you.” www.wschronicle.com DtVTA ARTS CENTER 7PM UNTIL 11PM 2611 NEW WALKERTOWN ROAD, - WINSTON-SALEM, NC 27101 GENERAL ADMISSION $25.CASH BAR.HORS D’OEUVRES TICKETS C AN ALSO BE PURCHASED A1 I1II CHRONICLE 1300 E. STH ST W INSTON-S A 1 EM, NC https:WWW.EVENTBRITE.C0M/E/831S2273689 FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT: WWW.MAXIMUMENTERPRISESINC.COM CONTACTING THE CHRONICLE www.wschronicle.com To send news items: email news@wschronicle.com 1300 E. Fifth St., Winston Salem, N.C. 27101 Main Phone Number: 336-722-8624 To send a Letter, to the Editor (350 words or less) or column (550 words or less): email letters@wschronicle.com Advertising: Ext. 113 For advertising: email adv@wschronicle.com Circulation/Subscriptions: Ext. 100 For subscriptions: email plewis@wschronicle.com Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/WSChron- icle Follow us on Twitter: WS Chronicle The Chronicle (USPS 067-910) was established by Ernest H. Pitt and Ndubisi Egemonye in 1974 and is published every Thursday by Chronicle Media Group, LLC, 1300 E. Fifth St., Winston Salem, N.C. 27101. Periodicals postage paid at Winston-Salem, N.C. An nual subscription price is $30.72. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Chronicle, P.O. Box 1636 Winston-Salem, NC 27102-1636 Editor: Ext. 108
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