June is busting out all over. Now if only the sun would follow suit. While school is out for some, others are still trudging along until the bitter end. St. Charles Borromeo held a special mass acknowledging all of this year’s graduates from grade school to grad school, regardless of the year.
The Schomburg’s director, Khalil Gibran Muhammad, has returned from Washington, D.C., where he most graciously accepted the prestigious National Medal for Museum and Library Service at the White House. His return is not a moment too soon, as the Schomburg Center has just released its spring/summer schedule, which promises to be exciting. Currently, an exhibition celebrates the 75th anniversary of the American Negro Theatre, which grew out of the Schomburg—really cool stuff, so check it out. Also, the Schomburg has gone digital, so you can visit its website for a complete listing of scheduled activities and events.
If you haven’t been to Carnegie Hall and are worried that the institution might become defunct before you get a chance, don’t worry. The famous hall, whose new chairman of the board and CEO is Ronald O. Perelman, raised more than $4 million at its 2015 Medal of Excellence Gala. The money will be used to support Carnegie Hall’s artistic, education and community programs. Honored were several philanthropist and patrons of the arts, all very nice but no one we know.
Coming together at the annual Zero Tolerance Benefit were members of New York City’s philanthropic, legal, social justice, civic and business communities to call for an end to all forms of gender violence. Hosted by Sanctuary for Families, the event, held at Pier Sixty at Chelsea Piers, raised $2 million. Sanctuary for Families has helped families escape violence and build safe, independent lives for more than 30 years. These funds will be used to support critical programs dedicated to helping survivors of domestic violence and sex trafficking. Judy Harris Kluger, executive director of Sanctuary for Families, stated, “We know that gender violence remains an issue of epidemic proportions. The money raised this evening makes it possible for our staff to reach more victims, educate the community, advocate for change and bring us closer to ending the abuse forever.”
Among the more than 900 people who showed their love and support were Willie Geist, co-host of NBC’s “Today” and MSNBC’s “Morning Joe”; designer Rory Tahari; pediatrician Dr. George Lazarus; Shelly Lazarus, chairman emeritus, Ogilvy & Mather Worldwide; Ted Bunch, co-founder and co-director of A Call to Men; Chris Nordquist, creator of Domestic Daddy; David Duplantis, president, Global Marketing, Digital & Customer Experience, Coach; Academy Award-winning director Ellen Goosenberg; Jed Walentas, principal, Two Trees Management Co.; David Bloom, COO, Omega Partners; Michael Friedman, partner, Troutman Sanders; and Michael Wlody, CFO, Cushman & Wakefield. The after-dinner dance party was hosted by DJ Grandmaster Flash.
The Madison Square Boys & Girls Club is always up to something, and this time it was the third annual Youth of the Year Dinner. With more than 400 people in attendance, proceeds from the event will directly benefit programming for the Madison Square Boys & Girls Club. Special guests included Ronald C. Parker, president and CEO of the Executive Leadership Council and the Executive Leadership Foundation, who was the Champion of Youth honoree, and four Youth of the Year honorees: Walida Ali, Qiaun Francis, Isaiah Royer and Tameicka Williams. Williams stated, “The club is not only the reason I want to go to college, but the reason that I will be attending this fall.”
Robin Roberts, co-anchor of ABC’s “Good Morning America,” was the special guest speaker. Poppy Harlow, CNN anchor and correspondent, served as the master of ceremonies.
What’s going on in the hood? Not much, as all is quiet in Soulsville. Construction of the mall located around 124th street and Lenox Avenue is moving along according to schedule. Although I still love the clothes and the prices at U.S. Polo Assn., the music inside the store is way too loud. I had to complain to the manager because while in the dressing room trying to help my husband decide on a pair of khakis, the music was so loud we couldn’t hear each other speak. This, of course, was to no avail. I saw two sundresses that I seriously might have bought (really cute, comfy and only $24.99), but the music was so loud, I couldn’t convince myself to do so. We just let daddy do the shopping and got out of there.
We scurried down the street to Champs, where, yes, the music was playing but as background music at a civilized level. How else were we going to ask the salesman to bring every pair of Nike’s we saw other people wearing that looked good? This is a good time to mention that the salespeople in Champs get the medal for excellent customer service. The salespeople in Polo were nice, too, but the music was so loud it dampened the entire shopping experience. Whereas I could clearly hear a Champs salesman tell Charles to surprise me and book a trip somewhere for helping him choose his summer look. You know, I like him.
Until next week … kisses.