Creative Industries Center

How inspiring!

Mark Twain and his close companion, John T. Lewis, were captured standing side by side at Quarry Farm in Elmira, New York, back in 1903. Many have speculated that Lewis served as the inspiration for the character "Jim" in Twain's famous novel, "Huckleberry Finn."

John T. Lewis, born a freedman in Maryland in 1835, eventually settled in Elmira, NY. One fateful day, as he was returning from the market, his life took an unexpected turn. A carriage pulled by a runaway horse came hurtling down the road towards him, carrying three terrified women. Reacting swiftly, Lewis leaped from his wagon and managed to grasp the bridle, bringing the horse to a stop and saving the lives of the frightened passengers.

The women turned out to be the wife, daughter, and nurse of the wealthy Charles Langdon family, residents of Quarry Farm. As Charles Langdon was related to Samuel Clemens (known by his pen name, Mark Twain), the family was deeply grateful to Lewis for his heroic act. General Langdon presented Lewis with a generous check of one thousand dollars and later gifted him a gold watch engraved with a heartfelt message, commemorating the date of the brave rescue.

During this incident, Mark Twain happened to be visiting Quarry Farm and witnessed Lewis's heroism. In admiration and appreciation, Twain personally bestowed fifty dollars and a set of books with inscriptions to Lewis. With these gifts, Lewis was able to clear his entire sixty-four-acre farm. Furthermore, he became employed by the Langdons on Quarry Farm, strengthening his bond with Mark Twain.

This bond between Lewis and Twain grew into a close and enduring friendship that lasted for over three decades. The two were often photographed together, especially during Twain's visits to the Langdon residence, where he frequently engaged in his writing. Twain once expressed, "I have not known a honester man or a more respect-worthy one." when referring to his esteemed friend John T. Lewis.

Yesterday I attended The 2nd Annual Black Non-Profit Leadership Symposium, and walked into a Black space I have needed to see in over 15 years! You see, these types of workshops were merely idea siphoning opportunities for "majority" owned corporations to showcase their "diversity and inclusion" puppets. I went to too many luncheons, handed out too many business cards and spoke to too many window dressers for "Mr. Charlie" and when it finally dawned on me I was just another number for them to click off their DIVERSITY REQUIREMENTS, I stopped going.
Terri Moore-Barnes, this Symposium offered me and others the space we needed to converse and report on our accomplishments, let us see and hear PROFESSIONALS in the non profit world who REALLY walked their talk, bought back the feeling that despite our obstacles, WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE WILL BE DONE BECAUSE WE HAVE DECIDED IT WILL! It was such a joy to hear fingers popping in agreement to what was said, high fives at the table without strange stares, natural hair, MEN with their children, all in the BEAUTIFUL library setting which welcomed all to come in to the cool air and loaded shelves of education. God bless you, The Nia Project and all your supporters. As your attempts are mimicked ( as they will be) I pray those who try bring as much honesty and integrity to our communities. Until then, I will see you next year!

2023 Nonprofit Symposium Registration for the symposium is now closed. If you would like to attend, ​please contact Terri directly at the email address below. The 2nd Black Nonprofit Leadership Symposium is a celebration...

KANSAS CITY is the ONLY UNESCO Creative City of Music in the United States! Join us in Dunbar Park for Make Music Day with the Heart of the City Neighborhood Association, UNESCO and Parks and Recreation!

To register for the conference go to: www.creativecitykc.com
It is time to change the world...

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