And now for the good news! Cisa A. Mack and Kevin T. Bracey got married. On Saturday, May 21, the day when some thought the world was going to end, the world was just beginning for the lovely couple, who exchanged nuptials at Convent Avenue Baptist Church.
The bride wore a lovely strapless ball gown with gold embroidered flowers. The processional approached the altar to an instrumental version of Kirk Whalum’s “For You,” and the bride made her entrance to the tradi- tional bridal chorus, played by the organist, Minister Gregory Hopkins.
At the wedding, officiated by the Rev. Jessie T. Williams Jr., senior pastor at Convent Avenue, the guests were teary-eyed as soloist Melissa Santos- Asbell sang her rendition of Stevie Wonder’s “You and I.” After saying “I will,” exchanging rings and kisses and being pronounced husband and wife, the couple walked down the aisle to the recessional “Wedding March” by Mendelssohn.
In attendance were the bride’s parents, Patricia and James Mack; parent of the groom, Ellease Bruton; maid of honor Lisa Philips, best men Glen Parrish and Victor Belton; and Cisa’s son, Brian K. Hardy, who, even though he’s a teenager, is an absolute doll. Others there to wish the couple the best were Earnestine Bell-Temple, Lloyd Williams, Rob Lowe, Roslyn and Sandra Eddy and the Mitchells, just to name a few.
The reception was held at Hudson on the Grill, where the mimosas flowed and the brunch buffet was plentiful. The newlyweds recounted the story of how they met on a boat ride with 500 women in attendance and only 25 men. While Kevin and his best man were standing on the upper deck watching the women board, Kevin spotted Cisa, pointed her out and said, “That’s the one.”
And so she is. Much like Prince William and Kate, their honeymoon destination is a secret, though we may be able to find them if we look for the glow in the sky that was beaming from their faces.
The Brooklyn chapter of the Links hosted the 10th annual Women of Af- rican Descent Film Festival at Long Island University’s Brooklyn Campus Spike Lee Screening Room. The program featured short films by both youth and adults, covering such issues as gentrification, race, society’s perception and prejudices, family, community and self.
Engaging and compelling, each story took a poignant inside look at what filmmakers, both young and old, are reflecting on in today’s world. The nev- erending story of what it means to be Black was revealed through the eyes of young producers Daishon Hughes, Dion Gabourel, Edward Farley, Kim- berly Lyte, Krista Quarless, Niasia Ross, Ricardo Illis, Terry Obot, Tequan Lewis and William Metellus.
For one young man, it was very simple: “I love being Black because of the variety of ways I can express myself. I can say, ‘yo my brother, what up?’ or I can say, ‘hello, how do you do?’ It’s great.”
Films by adults on view were “Assata: A Reflection of Freedom,” directed by Amanda Pickens, which traces the history of Black revolutionist JoAnn Chesimard, now known as Assata Shakur; and “Dollar Van,” directed by Ekwa Msangi-Omari, which tells the story of a recently immigrated Ja- maican man working as a dollar van driver in Brooklyn and his struggle to grasp the American dream. Many of these documentaries and others like them can be found online, especially at www.documentary.org. They’re en- tertaining and enlightening-and that’s what I’m talking about.
With regret I mention the passing of Lee Dunham, the first minority business owner to open a McDonald’s on 125th Street between Seventh and Eighth avenues. In opening his business, Dunham, a former police officer, had two dreams come true-when he went to the bank to get a loan to open the franchise, he met the loan officer who was to become his wife, and the rest was history.
As we approach Memorial Day weekend, the calendar is picking up for the month of June. On June 4, the Vitruvian Collective LLC will be presenting the Passionate Collector: Images of Diversity. The event, sponsored by Morgan Stanley Smith Barney in association with the Boule, Beta Tau chapter, will showcase the works of African-American artists with music provided by the Altruism Band.
The outdoor event, for adults only (guess that means I will have to find a babysitter, while babysitters are quickly becoming an endangered species), will take place at the home of Hiram and Pat Brett in Madison, Conn. It is being hosted by their daughter, Kelly, CEO of V.C. Event Management Com- pany. For more information, email Kelly at Kelly@vceventmanagement.com.
On Friday, June 10, the Delta’s Cabaret to Benefit Scholarships and Public Service Programs will take place at Dunlevy Milbank Center, beginning at 9 p.m. There promises to be good music, camaraderie and lots of dancing, so wear your flats.
Happy birthday to Betty Bezzell, whose sister Karen hosted a family reunion birthday bash at her home in North Carolina; the Hon. Frank Morton Jr.; Frank Morton III; Donald DeWees Jr., whose bike shop is open for busi- ness at 124th Street and Marcus Garvey Park, carrying on in his father’s tradition; and Aaron Manley. Happy anniversary to Elinor and Curtis.
Until next week…kisses.