This has to be the year of Ava DuVernay. Everyone is taking their children to see “Selma,” the movie focusing on the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s struggle, determination and ultimate victory in obtaining the right to vote for millions of Black people in the United States. It seems so long ago, as King has been dead for longer than he was alive. Voting is a right that we take for granted—like it is something we have always enjoyed. DuVernay spun theatrical magic in bringing the truth of the tale to light, least we never forget.
There have been many discussions among parents as to whether the movie is inappropriate for young children. The consensus, however, is overwhelmingly “no.” It can never be too early to teach children their history, even when it’s not so pretty.
My father was a Black Nationalist. By the time I was my daughter’s age, I knew intimately about slavery, Marcus Garvey, Father Devine, the Rev. Adam Clayton Powell Jr., Malcolm X and King. The horrors of slavery frightened me terribly, but at the same time, I learned to appreciate the struggle and the accomplishments; the beauty of an evolution and the terrors of a revolution; and what it means to be strong, have courage and hold your head up high as you walk through the night. If children can watch today’s cartoons, they can certainly see “Selma,” where at least they will learn something.
The movie seems to have made this year’s observance of King’s holiday more poignant than it has been in past years. The film’s highlighting of how King helped secure African-Americans’ right to vote is only one aspect of this leader’s accomplishments and his legacy. Did you know there was a time when Black people couldn’t work on 125th Street? King’s dedication to the passing of the Civil Rights Act is responsible for awakening America to the injustices of man against man, and still the struggle continues.
According to DuVernay, “My father was 9 when the march [from Selma to Montgomery] went through the back of his family’s farm.” Can you imagine how meaningful it was to DuVernay to shut down the state capitol to shoot the scene of the movie where victory was won? Wow!
The Black Agency Executives’ “Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Luncheon” was never more powerful than it was this year, with accolades, tributes and remembrances coming in every form and fashion. Honoree Jennifer Jones Austin, president of the Federation of Protestant Welfare Agency, emulated King in stating the agency’s goal: to help people get ahead, identify strategies to effectively eliminate poverty and help “the lowest paid workers make a living.”
Honoree Lowell Hawthrone, co-founder, president and CEO of Golden Krust, proudly stated, “I became a man because there were gentle giants who paved the way before me.” He gave thanks to the agency for supporting Black businesses and thanks to his parents who taught him to put people before profits. Did you know Golden Krust products are served in the penal system? Pass the patties, mon.
The mistress of ceremonies, NBC News correspondent Pat Battle, spoke sincerely through the laughter, encouraging everyone to “plunge into the sea of humanity that we should all succeed and not drown in the sea of despair. A great icon has come and gone, but the dream lives on.”
Conspicuously and sorely missing was honoree Vivian Manning Fox, executive director of 1199 and the first African-American woman to chair the YWCA. Though she continues to amplify the dream, she has taken a leave of absence to mourn the loss of her husband of 44 years. Through a pre-written speech, read by her assistant, Fox gave thanks to the agency, which mentored her through the early stages of her career, along with Livingston Francis and Arthur Barnes, whom she referred to as great mentors. We all need one or two.
Dr. Karla Brown gave a special award presentation to Louis Duckett, treasurer emeritus. Together, they keep the vision of King alive in their hearts everyday by believing “one’s ZIP code should not predetermine one’s destiny.” With that, there was the introduction of the Honorable David N. Dinkins, who spoke in terms of the mosaic struggle. Dinkins concluded by saying, “Things aren’t what they should be, but thank God they aren’t what they use to be.”
Should you want to get away to thaw out after a long, cold winter while feeling good about the cause, Black Agency Executives is hosting a retreat to Salvador da Bahia and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, March 6 through March 15. The itinerary is full of great amenities, and the price is right. For information, contact chair Melba Butler at mbutler522@gmail.com, co-chair Merble Reagon at mreagon@wceca.org or the BAE office at admin@blackagencyexecutives.org.
Happy birthday, Deacon Johnny Davis (Canaan B.C.), Marcie Forbers, Leonard McEntire and Gerald Savage.
It is with deepest regrets that I mention the passing of Emmalina North, wife of the late Joe North and mother of Barbara and Dr. Richard North, a dentist at Harlem Hospital. Emmalina was well known and extremely well liked among the Sag Harbor crowd. She would open her doors to friends and family, and whether it was for a game of bridge or lunch before the Labor Day races, an invitation to her house always meant there was going to be something good to eat and plenty of it.
Her smile was infectious, and she always had a kind word for everybody. Miss you, Emmalina.
Get well wishes to Mary Moultrie, mother of Aaron and Cleveland Kojack Manley and Tracey Moultrie, aunt to Kim Getty.
Raise your hand if you are ready for Idris Elba to be the new James Bond. Me, me, me. I watched a couple of the old James Bond movies not too long ago during a James Bond marathon, and in my opinion, it’s not about the color of his skin, but the content of his character.
Young bucks E. Clayton Cornelious, Jared Young and Antwaun Holley attended the New 42nd Street Gala, held at the New Victory Theater. The gala was a benefit for the New Victory Education programs in which 35,000 school kids from more than 160 schools throughout the city will see a broad spectrum of international productions for just $2 per ticket. Additionally, the benefit supports the New Victory Usher Corps, the 2014 National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award, which provides 20,000 hours of paid employment, mentoring and job training for 50 New York City youths.
The Center for Family Services of Palm Beach County’s Winter Wonderland Dinner Dance hosted more than 120 supporters at Palm Beach’s popular hot spot Club Colette. The “tres elegante” affair raised more than $120,000 for the organization, whose dedicated mission is to end the cycle of family violence and homeless intervention. Snow birds Ethel and Clarence Williams were there looking divine, as she wore a purple ensemble and he was adorned with a matching purple pocket handkerchief. Ain’t love grand?
Until next week … kisses.