IN THE MEMORY OF SAMMIE L. THOMAS JR.
FEBRUARY 2, 1961 - MARCH 14, 1991
The life of Sammie Lee Thomas, Jr., began in the Peninsula General Hospital in Salisbury, MD, on February 2, 1961. The uniqueness of this fact was that he was the first generation to be born in this once segregated facility. Salisbury is a small town whose population is about 30 percent African-American. Sammie's mother's family has a long history in the area. Hist research has discovered origins dating back 200 years. His father's ancestry is both Cherokee and African-American and their origins come out of the Spartanburg, SC area.
Sammie woudl eventually grow to become a African-American genealogist, a historian, playwright and poet. He was socially conscious activist who contributed much through his work with local community and national associations. Sammie was a member of the Afro American Historical and Genealogical Society, The Schomburg Society for the Preservation of Black Culture, Diasphoric Africans Supporting Each Other and actively worked with his church serving in various leadership capacities to list a few of his affiliations.
Sammie authored three books on the genealogy of the African-American presence on the Maryland Eastern Shore. He had successfully traced and linked the genealogical "tree" of 13 families, a project that was ongoing at the time of his death.
A much sought after public speaker, Sammie presented many lecture and organized numerous exhibits on African-American and African history. His speeches always stress the themes of cultural pride, family, unity and spirituality.
In 1989, he co-authored a play entitled My History is Yours, along with his friend and associate Darryl Quinton. A publication was completed in the Fall of 1989 featuring a selection of some of Sammie's poetry and other writings. This collection was organized by video producer, Fred Brown, and Devendra JessRanSIngh, an associate and personal friend of Sammie.
Sammie was also involved in the restoration of the St. James Church in Oriole, Maryland. This historic church built between 1885 and 1900, was built by his forefathers. His historical exhibit "A Legacy of Struggle: 350 Years of the Afro-American Presence in the Chesapeake and Potomac Region," has been displayed at Pemberton Colonial Fair, Wesley Temple United Methodist Church (both in Salisbury), St. Luke's United Methodist Church in Hebron, Maryland; Charles W. Raymond Elemental School, the D.C. Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs and the Gallery of Good Hope located in the District of Columbia.
Sammie, we thank you dearest brother for all of your contributions, for your love, and for the inspiration that you've given so many. Peace be upon you, Amen.
Sammie woudl eventually grow to become a African-American genealogist, a historian, playwright and poet. He was socially conscious activist who contributed much through his work with local community and national associations. Sammie was a member of the Afro American Historical and Genealogical Society, The Schomburg Society for the Preservation of Black Culture, Diasphoric Africans Supporting Each Other and actively worked with his church serving in various leadership capacities to list a few of his affiliations.
Sammie authored three books on the genealogy of the African-American presence on the Maryland Eastern Shore. He had successfully traced and linked the genealogical "tree" of 13 families, a project that was ongoing at the time of his death.
A much sought after public speaker, Sammie presented many lecture and organized numerous exhibits on African-American and African history. His speeches always stress the themes of cultural pride, family, unity and spirituality.
In 1989, he co-authored a play entitled My History is Yours, along with his friend and associate Darryl Quinton. A publication was completed in the Fall of 1989 featuring a selection of some of Sammie's poetry and other writings. This collection was organized by video producer, Fred Brown, and Devendra JessRanSIngh, an associate and personal friend of Sammie.
Sammie was also involved in the restoration of the St. James Church in Oriole, Maryland. This historic church built between 1885 and 1900, was built by his forefathers. His historical exhibit "A Legacy of Struggle: 350 Years of the Afro-American Presence in the Chesapeake and Potomac Region," has been displayed at Pemberton Colonial Fair, Wesley Temple United Methodist Church (both in Salisbury), St. Luke's United Methodist Church in Hebron, Maryland; Charles W. Raymond Elemental School, the D.C. Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs and the Gallery of Good Hope located in the District of Columbia.
Sammie, we thank you dearest brother for all of your contributions, for your love, and for the inspiration that you've given so many. Peace be upon you, Amen.