Without a doubt, it’s July, and you know what that means: People are scurrying out to the Hamptons and up to the Vineyard just as fast as they can–or as their vacation schedule will allow them. Meanwhile, the rest of us have to make do with summer in the city, which is not so bad.
Guess who is coming out to Sag Harbor? No, not Bunny Ledford, although I just dropped her an email to see what she has been up to (it’s always something interesting) and what her plans are for the summer. It’s Big Maybelle, in spirit that is, as she’s being portrayed live on stage at the Bay Street Theatre Aug. 11-Sept. 2. All of those who remember Big Maybelle singing “You Can Tip Out If You Want to But Just Don’t Get Caught,” raise your hands.
Not going to the Hamptons or the Vineyard just yet were Charles and Julia, who chose to stay in the ‘hood over the weekend and catch the opening of “The Amazing Spider-Man” at the Magic Johnson Theater.
Word is, the theater’s interior is beginning to look a little shabby around the edges. Though Charles bought the tickets online prior to going to the theater, the machine to print the tickets was out of order, so that was a hassle. The refreshment counter only had two people working, so the line was long and slow. However, there is a bright side: Once seated, the air conditioner was working and the picture was of good quality. Though Charles admits to falling asleep in the middle of the show, a good time was still had by all.
Afterward, it was a skip, hop and a jump into Hue-Man Bookstore, where Julia got a Nancy Drew mystery book–yes, Nancy the super sleuth is still around. Unfortunately, there won’t be too many of these forays left, as Hue-Man is scheduled to soon close its doors for good.
Not only is this too bad, it’s disastrous! Hue-Man is the only bookstore in Harlem. What went wrong–how could we let this happen? If I see a Barnes & Noble sign go up, I’ll scream.
One Hundred Black Men of New York (OHBM), which absolutely refuses to shut its doors, has been servicing projects that focus on mentoring, education, health and wellness and economic development. OHBM has given out over $100,000 in scholarships through various programs throughout the year.
Most recently, OHBM awarded 15 college-bound graduates from the Eagle Academy for Young Men with $60,000 in scholarship grants at a special awards ceremony with civil rights trailblazer Ted Shaw delivering the keynote address. OHBM was the founder and initial sponsor of the Eagle Academy when it opened its doors in the Bronx in 2004, the city’s first all-male school in over 30 years. Scholarships have been given to Eagle Academy graduates ever since.
The awardees and their respective schools were: Kofi Boateng, Lafayette College; Gerard Carty, SUNY Delhi; Heru Coleman, Five Towns College; Devon Coombs, Delaware State University; Befadil Eustate, St. Bonaventure University; Ramel Haines, Daemen College; Akil Hollington, Syracuse University; James Kale, Boston College; Victor Martinez, St. Bonaventure University; Omashola Oroye, College of Mount Saint Vincent; Surendranauth Persaud, Syracuse University; Najee Senior, Western Oklahoma State College; Xavier Thomas, SUNY Brockport; Jevone Watt, Borough of Manhattan Community College; and Brandon Young, Albertus Magnus College. Good luck to all of the graduates, and as my grandmother used to say, “Know when to leave the party.”
The Career of Excellence Award, an annual event that takes place under the auspices of Gwen Sargeant, was bestowed upon photographer Tony Barboza at the Bryant Park Hotel. Presenting the award was Constance White of Essence magazine, with remarks from one of Barboza’s favorite muses, former supermodel Beverly Johnson. Barboza’s daughter Leticia was also on hand, and between her and Robert Hill, I don’t know who took the most photos.
Greyhound Bus Company needs to hire 600 bus drivers. No previous driving experience or commercial driver’s license is required–they will train those they hire. Applicants need to be over 25 years old and be able to pass a drug screening test. The starting salary is $25 per hour. Interested parties should contact John Hall for further information at (773) 925-1572 or (773) 972-8196 or visit www.greyhound.com/en/drivingcareers.aspx.
Bianca Jagger looked absolutely stunning at the wedding of her daughter Jade to a lad named Adrian Fillary. Can’t say I ever heard of him, but she, along with her daddy, rock star Mick Jagger, looked very sweet and very happy.
Since we’re on the subject of looking good, Frank Kelley made a men’s fashion statement by standing out from the crowd of men who looked like the usual suspects, dressed in the usual tux outfit (boring); he donned a steel gray suit, dark grey shirt and white tie, all of which looked like it was made from the finest of threads, at the 18th annual gala New York Academy of Medicine awards dinner held at the Pierre Hotel. Also enjoying themselves immensely were David Rankine, Melisa Guilliam and Mary Schmidt Campbell.
It is with profound sadness that I mention the passing of Joshua Christian Ragin Sajous, the grandson of the Rev. Barbara Williams-Herbert, who wishes to thank the many who reached out to her in her time of sorrow at his unexpected passing. Born Dec. 31, 1989, his life was short but full of accomplishments and love. A student in the School of Architecture at SUNY and Syracuse University, one of his proudest achievements was building a home as part of the Habitat for Humanity team, where he helped create a safe home for an expecting mother and child.
For all of you faithful readers who recall my asking last week, “When is Arsenio Hall returning to late night TV?” we have a winner. My editor, Kristin Fayne-Mulroy, who checks every article before it goes to print to ensure the New York Amsterdam News continues to give you the best in content and form, alerted me to the good news. Hall is coming back this fall, bigger, badder and funnier than ever. Dare I say handsome as ever as well?
Until next week…kisses.