African-American Library to get Good Times star's memorabilia...

[KissMyGrits]

She even has a road named for her in my hometown!!

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/loc...home-headlines

FORT LAUDERDALE – The family of Esther Rolle, the bass-voiced, strong-willed mother on the '70s sitcom Good Times, is giving the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center some of the actress's personal items, including letters, memorabilia, awards, artwork and other collectibles.

"Esther was always interested in helping children and promoting education, especially for African-American children," Rolle's niece Daria Jackson, said in a prepared statement on Friday. "We thought that the African-American Research Library would be perfect for Esther's collection, especially since it's so close to the area where she grew up."

Rolle was born and raised in Pompano Beach and was the 10th of 18 children. The Rolles formed a family drama troupe that performed in churches on the East Coast. She graduated from Spellman College in 1942, and from there set out to New York City to break into performing.

Esther Elizabeth Rolle was born in 1920. She grew up in Pompano Beach with 17 other siblings in a family that immigrated from the Bahamas. She graduated from Spellman College in 1942. Rolle later moved to New York where she performed as one of the original members of the Negro Ensemble Company.

A member of the Asadata Dance troupe and later the Calypso Carousel company, Rolle performed with other African-American luminaries such as Cicely Tyson and Lou Gossett Jr. Her work on Broadway led to a chance encounter with Norman Lear and a role as the outspoken Florida Evans in Lear's sitcom, Maude. That role resulted in the creation of a black sitcom called Good Times, two words that would soon describe Miss Rolle's life as a popular televison actress.

She also appeared in feature films such I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Driving Miss Daisy and How to Make an American Quilt. She won another Emmy for her role in the TV movie Summer of My German Soldier as well as the PBS televised play A Raisin in the Sun.

Rolle died in Los Angeles from complications from diabetes on Nov. 17, 1998.

The Esther Rolle Collection contains personal letters, possessions and photos as well as an assortment of Rolle's awards and accolades such as her Emmys, NAACP Image Award statuettes, beaded gowns, commemorative T-shirts and more, fasmily members said.

An exhibit is planned for the fall that will showcase the collection and is scheduled to run approximately six to eight weeks. The exhibit will be the centerpiece of a variety of programs and events celebrating her life.

"It's such an honor to have the Esther Rolle Collection here at AARLCC," Julie Hunter, the Executive Director of the library and cultural center said in a prepared statement. "We know the collection will have a special home here in our community, and we are so pleased to be able to share this slice of history with South Florida."

The African-American Research Library and Cultural Center is located at 2650 Sistrunk Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale and can be reached at 954-625-2800.

[Ireneparalegal]

that is great news. when you get more info and such, let us know. I love reading abt stuff like this.