African American Grandfather of Fencers Discovers Le Chevalier de Saint-Georges

[Le Mozart Noir; CBC Home Video ETART00100 (2005)]

Alfred H. Smith recently sent us an E-mail on the AfriClassical.com biography of Le Chevalier de Saint-Georges (1745-1799), and has agreed to allow AfriClassical to post his remarks: “I am an African-American Grandfather who just enrolled two of my grandchildren in fencing. While searching the Internet looking for fencing related information, I stumbled upon your site and was amazed to find out about this Afro-French fencer, composer, and violinist who existed in the 1700's. France's best fencer and a Colonel in the French Revolution who commanded a legion of Black volunteers. As we celebrate Black History, those of us of African Heritage take great pride to find that this Great Man was privileged at such an early date to be able to fence. In the African American community many perceive the sport of fencing as the other man's sport, it's wimpy and Black Folks don't Fence. Now we can historically show them the truth thanks to your website.

I also thought of the idea of using your image of Le chevalier de Saint-Georges on our Imani Fencers Foundation T-Shirts for a fundraiser, with of course your permission. Our Fencers Foundation – IMANI - is located in Oak Park (Sacramento), Ca. Our founder and instructors are volunteering their time to teach inner-city youth of diverse ethnic backgrounds the art of fencing free. There are however, other costs involved that most of the parents cannot afford.” We replied that the fencers of IMANI would no doubt benefit considerably from seeing the CBC Home Video DVD Le Mozart Noir, which sells for as little as $12 online. Excerpts are also available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sy9EBjKgN10