On Thursday, September 19, 2024, Mayor Scott of Little Rock Arkansas presented Hahemo's Haus and the legendary reggae band Steel Pulse with a proclamation declaring that from henceforth September 19th shall be known as Steel Pulse Day.
The members of Steel Pulse were truly honored. After visiting Central High School and the Central High Museum, emotions were riding high as David Hinds, the band's lead singer and history buff, was eager to visit Little Rock's historical sites. Steel Pulse is based in the UK so try to take advantage of every opportunity to do a little exploring before every performance. There are many treasures to be discovered in Little Rock and I felt honored to be walking behind my friend Pat as he gave David the tour. My own son was there as well, soaking up the history of our great country's checkered past. He was born and raised in Germany and having him there with me learning about The Little Rock 9 was a very moving experience for the both of us.
I truly could not have been prouder because I knew Steel Pulse was not in Little Rock by chance. My dear friend Thomas Patrick Hughes had brought them there to play for the people of Little Rock. They were the main act in what we have coined "Fun Fundraising" events and concerts hosted by Hashemo's Haus. On that note, don't forget to give! If you would like to have Lucky come to a school in Little Rock (especially for English as a Second Language /Early learners) just get in touch we would love to visit you. I digress yet again.
Thursday, September 19th was special for me on so many levels that I don't know where to begin so bear with me if I stray or become overly sentimental. My name is Leonard Nimoy Slater but I am not Spock and I do have many human emotions; speaking of which, have I told you about how I met my old friend Pat? (Thomas Patrick Hughes)? Our friendship is many things but it is not logical.
I met Pat when I was 19 years old serving in the United States Army overseas. We were serving the country in Germany at that time. There was no internet and the Cold War was very real; it was 1988 and Germany had not yet been reunited. I was a rapper from Baltimore and Pat was a country music-loving kid from Little Rock with the swag of a city slickster. It was our mutual love of music and football that brought us together. He also loved Reggae Music and introduced me to a great deal of it. I was a self-proclaimed lyricist from Baltimore that had a penchant for heavy metal. We played on the company's flag football team together. The bonds that you make while serving the country together are not easily broken and they remain strong to this very day. Though Pat and I don't share the same blood, we will always be brothers. It is with great pride that I work with my brother. I would not have visited that part of our great nation had it not been for Pat and I am proud to have set up Hashemo's Haus right there in Little Rock.
Another source of pride for me was that Lucky (our ambassador) was not only in attendance but also on the stage. For readers who don't know much about Hashemo's Haus and what we do; Lucky is not only our ambassador but also our little puppet friend that we use in our English as a Second Language for children programs. It was a premier of sorts for Lucky because though he had been present for our last event (Anthony B at the Maumelle Event Center) in April of this year, it was the first time that Lucky had actually taken to the stage. I was thrilled that Lucky was so warmly received by the citizens of Little Rock. I am sure that once the children of Little Rock become more acquainted with Lucky they will love him as well.
This is only the first of a series of blog posts about the Steel Pulse in Little Rock. There is plenty more to come. So remember to give or to reach out and volunteer to work for Hashemo's Haus where we strive to make giving and fundraising "Fun"!
Leonard Nimoy Slater
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