All hail the chief. Don’t you just love it when President Barack Obama gives a speech? First he grabs your attention with that little swagger he has as he walks up to the podium. Then he begins to engage you as he looks you straight in the eye. As his momentum builds, he no longer needs notes or a teleprompter, because he is speaking from the heart.
He knows how to cut in deep by overriding any lack of confidence, doubters or nonbelievers when he hits you with an undeniable truth—the father who fears for his son every time he walks out the door because of the color of his skin and the wife who anxiously waits for her police officer husband to walk through the door at night, both wondering and praying that their loved one will return safely. The circumstances may be different, but the feeling is the same. Can’t we build a stronger, smarter, fairer America from a feeling we all share together? Can’t we all just get along?
Keep an eye out for rising ballet stars Jahkia Robinson and Kenneth Winfrey. They are just two of the many teens studying ballet at the 92nd Street Y, who gave a rousing pas de deux performance at the Thursday evening Ballet Midyear Showcase held at the Y’s Buttenwieser Hall. They have quite an amazing ballet future ahead of them, which is why we must support the Dance Theatre of Harlem, so they will have someplace to dance, and we will have something to watch.
I so enjoy taking Julia to the movies, because children’s movies are packed with adventure, song and a message. Most recently we saw “Into the Woods,” which is a different twist on a combination of fairytale characters we all grew up with. Although the movie is full of whimsical imagery and fanciful imagination, I don’t think it is really a children’s movie. The theme is deep and the message it portrays is one that I am still pondering. It goes way over the children’s heads, and although they love to sing along with the lyrics, they have very little understanding of what they’re singing about.
So for all of you adults out there, I recommend seeing it, but not the Oscars. Boycott! No nomination for a Black actor, director, cinematographer, composer—nothing. Quelle dommage!
People are still talking about “Selma” in that it is a movie not only about a segment of the Civil Rights Movement but also about how the spirit within people was so moved, regardless of race, to get up and do something. People other than Blacks were so moved to leave their homes and travel all the way to Selma, Ala., to join the march to Montgumery. Is there anything that so moves us today, to use our hands, our heads, our bodies and our spirits to do something to make this world a better place? In the words of the late, great Michael Jackson, “I’m starting with the man in the mirror.”
The winter social season officially kicked off with the opening night exhibit of the 61st anniversary of the Winter Antiques Show, held at the Park Avenue Armory, to benefit the East Side House Settlement, located at 337 Alexander Ave., Bronx, N.Y. The East Side House Settlement was established 124 years ago, in 1891, as a nonprofit community service organization to assist newly arrived immigrants and the poor who lived in the neighborhood by offering a myriad of services to help them adjust and survive in America. Initially located on the Upper East Side, the settlement house moved to the South Bronx location in 1963. Today the “settlement houses” exist all over the city.
The success of the opening night preview of the antique show is critical to the continuation of services for the South Bronx community. Services and programs designed for early childhood, after-school, adult education, computer technology, family services and seniors have helped the community not only survive but also thrive.
Additionally, the East Side House Settlement has the Youth and Adult Education Services program for students earning their GEDs, and five high school programs in partnership with the New York City Department of Education: Mott Haven Village Preparatory High School, Bronx Haven High School, the Smith Campus Young Adult Borough Center, the High School for Excellence and Innovation and New Explorers High School.
The Museum of the Moving Image hosted its annual gala honoring actress Julianne Moore. Rudy Gaskins and Joan Baker looked exquisite in matching cobalt blue outfits, he in a suit and she in a gown. I don’t know what the benefit was for, but my guess is, it was for the museum. Among the many in attendance were Nucky Thompson, I mean Steve Buscemi (“Boardwalk Empire” was good to him), and Ellen Barkin.
Happy birthday, Elinor Tatum and Carl Simmons. Rest in peace, Melvin Coombs. Bebe Granger gave a most appropriate repast at her home on the bay in honor of Emmalina North, who was buried in the cemetery located in her beloved Sag Harbor. You will be glad to know that Walter Lowe and Cheryl Wills are OK. The fire that raged through Edgewater, N.J., was close to their home, but not that close.
Mark your calendars now for the Absolom Jones celebration coming up in February for Black History Month. Just in case you don’t know who he was, you have plenty of time between now and then to look him up.
Looking for something new and different to do during these cold and wintery days and nights? Alliance Francise, 60th Street between Madison and Park avenues, has a series of wonderful programs, from wine tastings to French films and children’s programs, open to all. Some events require the purchase of a ticket.
A new era in travel to Cuba has begun, with revised rules for U.S. citizens effective Jan. 16. Obama’s announcement in December regarding easing restrictions has generated huge interest and curiosity. Friendly Planet Travel claims to have reviewed the regulations and are now able to provide those wishing to visit the mysterious isle with a quick summary of the rules.
They are offering many different excursions and tours, including one nine-day trip to Havana, Cienfuegos, Trinidad, Cojimar and Santa Clara. Another tour highlights Havana (the city) and Varadero (the beach).
Looking for something a little more educational? Check out “Exploring Cuban Healthcare & Culture.” All trips are reasonably priced, and some include round trip airfare from Miami and many meals. Call 800-555-5765 for more information, and if you’re ready to pack your bags and go, mention the code em012215 for a package costs discount, and tell them Joe sent you.
Until next week … kisses.