User:Golf58/Gloria Curry

GLoria A.Curry 1926-1990.It took the foresight, interest, determination, and the resources of a number of people to create the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame. In the late 1960,s Gloria Curry,along with a few like minded friends organized the Social Arts Club. The purpose of this organization was to encourage and aid local young Black artist. In 1970 Gloria was given the Silver Bowl as a special award by the Birmingham Festival of Arts for her activities in the field of arts. She had won several first place awards for needlecraft,(afghans)at the State Fair in Birmingham. Later she would enter the afghans noncompetitively for exhibition only. In 1983 Gloria Served on the board of the Greater Birmingham Arts Alliance. Jothan Callins, a Birmingham musician and recording artist suggested that music be included and pointed out that Birmingham had produced an inordinate number of professional jazz musicians for a city of this size,and this fact should be recognized. This idea was taken to J.L.Lowe,a retired school principal,excellent musician,and administrator. In 1978, under the guidance of J.L.Lowe,with the aid of community organizations,Mayor David Vann,and Mayor Richard Arrington,the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame was founded. On December 12th, 1983 the State of Alabama Jefferson County issued the documents of incorporation making The Alabama Jazz of Fame a non-profit corporation. There were three(3)signatures to the document of incorporation,J.L.Lowe,Gloria A.Curry,and Amos F. Gordon. Gloria Curry was inducted into the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame in 1985 as a honorary member. In recognition of her service as a board member and project director,a portrait of her is prominently displayed in the museum. One of the most striking displays in the museum is a quilt made for Gloria Curry in recognition of her long, faithful,and dedicated service. This quilt was made by the internationally known quilt maker Nora Ezell. Some of the yarn used in this quilt was from Gloria's leftover yarn from her prize winning afghans. References: The Birmingham News October 14, 1979. The Birmingham Post Herald Feb.23rd.1970. Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame. Articles of Incorporation 2431 page 82 State of Alabama Jefferson Co. Dec.12,1983. Minutes Greater Birmingham Arts Alliance May 25th, 1983.Golf58 (talk) 15:23, 27 July 2009 (UTC)