Another pioneering trailblazer has just been added to the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum (NGBW) located on E. North Ave. in Baltimore. That wax figure is that of Baltimore Times Publisher Joy Bramble. Prior to its installation this week in the museum, the breathtaking likeness was unveiled during an Official Unveiling ceremony held on Wednesday, March 27, 2019 at The State House in Annapolis, MD.
Joy’s cheering section— her grandchildren (left to right) Vera, Jonah, Sydney, great niece Reagan and Dean.
“People are calling from all over the world,” said Bramble. “It was a very humbling experience.”
Several noted dignitaries which included Maryland Speaker Pro Tem Adrienne A. Jones, members of the business community, and Bramble’s family and friends, were in attendance. The event was also attended by current and past employees of the paper.
Gar Roberts
(Left to right) Speaker Pro Tem Adrienne Jones of The Maryland House of Delegates presents the House Resolution to Joy Bramble in recognition 33 years of publishing the Baltimore Times and the unveiling of her Wax Figure as a Woman in The Media.
“Everyone is talking about fabulous the event was,” said Bramble, who is a native of the Caribbean island of Montserrat. “The wax figure has captured the very essence of our family. I am grateful to the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum. I never imagined myself being important enough to be in the Great Blacks in Wax Museum. It’s a crowning accomplishment.”
Bramble’s Baltimore Times Newspaper Group began with a simple, yet extraordinary goal: counter the negative images often portrayed of African Americans in the media by highlighting and celebrating the positive contributions made by blacks to their community, their workplace, their churches and in their families.
(Left to right) Denise Rolark Barnes, publisher, The Washington Infomer; Joy Bramble; Wax figure of Joy Bramble; and Dr. Ben Chavis, President and CEO the National Newspaper Publishers Association
The Baltimore Times publication was birthed on the kitchen table of Bramble, and her husband, The Rev. Peter Bramble, in November 1986. The Brambles began printing “positive stories about positive people” and watched their company grow from a one-computer operation in their kitchen, to one of the largest circulated African American publications on the East Coast.
“I thank my husband, and all the people of Baltimore who helped me to do this,” said Bramble. “They understood my desire to give a better picture of Baltimore. The event was unbelievable.”
Gar Roberts
Recording artists “Serenity” provided lovely melodies with comic relief. critical to the success of the skit.
Bramble’s accomplishments were highlighted in a skit, entitled “Not Good, But Greater.” The skit was written by this reporter, and was performed during the occasion. Directed by Dr. Gregory Branch, the skit featured the gospel trio ‘Serenity’, and chronicled how Bramble proved her naysayers wrong time and time again.
“The skit was amazing,” said Bramble. “People can’t stop talking about it.”
In addition to the unveiling of the wax figure and the skit presentation, the event also featured entertainment by Joystar, and vocalist Imani Wj Wright accompanied by guitarist Muammar Muhammad. The historic occasion also featured lunch, which was catered by Agape House.
The event was a collaborative effort, which included Bramble’s Family, NGBW, and Baltimore Times Business Manager Dena Wane.
Bramble’s son David was among those who spoke during the event.
The Cast and crew of the skit “Not Good But Greater,” which highlighted the remarkable accomplishments of Joy Bramble. Written by Ursula Battle of Battle Stage plays, they brought the house down!
“What is so amazing about The Baltimore Times is that it was literally started with nothing,” said the younger Bramble. “Not just no money, but no experience, no special relationships, no rich uncle to back you up when there was trouble, no parents to provide money, no friends with great advice – just a bold idea, self-confidence and an unbelievable worth ethic that carries with my mother till this day.”
Prior to the unveiling, Bramble was recognized with proclamations in the House Chambers in the Senate presented by Senator Shirley Nathan-Pulliam and in the House of Delegates presented by Speaker pro tem Adrienne Jones.
“From the moment we started in the House and Senate with the Resolution noting Joy’s accomplishments, every aspect of the event was amazing,” said Dr. JoAnne Martin, Co-Founder of The National Great Blacks in Wax Museum. “Annapolis was such an appropriate setting.”
She added, “The mood was right, the entertainment was right, and the food was right. Everything was impeccably organized. The play was the icing on the cake. It was extraordinary.”
Several wax figures from the museum were on display just outside of the suite where the ceremony took place. Following the program, Bramble’s figure was placed amongst them. Attendees posed for photos with the figures.
Dr. Joanne Martin, President and CEO of The National Great Blacks In Wax Museum
“The wax figures looked great,” said Dr. Martin. “I was proud for the museum to have that kind of presence.”Victoria Harper portrayed Bramble in ‘Not Good, But Greater.’
“It was an incredible moment in time to have the opportunity to play the role of Joy Bramble and share her remarkable success story,” said Harper who is also from the Caribbean. “She may have had her set of naysayers and doubting Thomas’ along the way, but she had a quality I truly admire, which is determination. No matter what, Joy remained focus on fulfilling the dreams God put in her heart.”
Carol Williams, who also participated in the skit added, “It was a blessing to participate in this skit, which paid tribute to Joy’s many accomplishments. She is an inspiration to us all, and a shining example of what can happen when you are determined, and never give up on your dream.