How do you describe beautiful? “The Color Purple,” that’s how. The Amsterdam News Educational Foundation presented A Salute to Blacks on Broadway, honoring Stephen Byrd, Irene Gandy, Norm Lewis and the leading ladies of “The Color Purple.” The evening began with a pre-performance dinner at the famed Sardi’s restaurant, followed by the theatre performance and a post-performance champagne and dessert reception. Guests, staff, friends, family and supporters were in attendance at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre on West 45th Street, in the heart of the Broadway Theatre District. (See accompanying photos on this page and on page 9.)
“The Color Purple” is a must-see even if you think you know the story. The theme is timeless and one of which you can never get enough. Perfectly staged against a simple backdrop, nothing detracts from the performers’ amazing artistry. The voices are superb, and every nuance of emotion from the actors was enough to transform and transfix the audience’s imagination to a time not so long ago. The lead roles are played by Cynthia Erivo, Jennifer Hudson, Joaquina Kalukango, Danielle Brooks, Isaiah Johnson and Kyle Scatliffe. There couldn’t have been a better ensemble, as each is so talented in his or her own right, yet all move as one.
Cast members graced the after party, where Jennifer Hudson, whose magnificent stage performance showcases more than her vocal talents, Cynthia Erivo and Danielle Brooks all received the Amsterdam News Educational Foundation award. Each expressed that although they have numerous accolades, receiving recognition from the Amsterdam News community is closest to their hearts. Elinor Tatum, publisher of the New York Amsterdam News, who looked lovely in a long, flowing gown that gracefully fell off the shoulder, didn’t need any notes to express the spell-binding joy and heartfelt thanks for being in the presence of such luminaries as she presented the crystal plaque to each awardee.
The Amsterdam News Educational Foundation is a nonprofit organization, and although the focus is on elementary and secondary school education, the Amsterdam News archives contain more than a 500,000 photographs depicting news and life in Harlem, Black America and Black peoples throughout the world. The goal is to make this invaluable information globally accessible to everyone. Contributions are tax deductible.
Happy birthday to Lanny McCanister, Bertha McGhee, Jerry Lord, Jemel “Hed” Crumes, Tarrah Manley-Smallwood, Ralph Robinson, Ralph Benjamin and Sandra Mattison. Happy anniversary to Cyril and Deloris Poindexter, with a belated birthday wish to Deloris and a right on time wish to Cyril; they have so much going on, it’s hard to keep up.
Macy’s Department Store continues to wow and dazzle as they welcomed couture and ready-to-wear designer B Michael for a special in-store event to celebrate his new social dress collection, just in time for the holidays. B Michael is a fashion legend whose signature style is best described as a modern approach to glamour. Elegant and sophisticated, yet simplistic, his collections have garnered praises across the spectrum of women who want to dress well and feel good about what they’re wearing. With the party season upon us, need I say more?
The Brotherhood/Sister Sol presented their 10th annual Women’s Holiday Tea at the Columbia University Faculty House, hosted by Gwynn Wilcox. Proceeds from the tea benefit Brotherhood/Sister Sol, a nonprofit that has provided a comprehensive youth development program to assist Black and Latino youth with the day-to-day issues they face as they meander their way through the teen years, acquiring knowledge and skills as they speak their minds in a safe and nurturing environment. The aim of the organization is for the youngsters to “think critically and to see themselves as history makers, and overcome the negative pressures of poverty, racism, drugs and violence,” according to the mission statement. Committee members include June Blain-Joseph, Brenda Dillon Cavette, Samantha Dulaney, Farah Griffin, Dawne Marie Grannum, Carolyn Minick Mason, Iris roman, Wendell V. Shepherd and Katherine Knight Wilcox, who I saw at the Spike Lee panel discussion for his new movie “Chi-Raq” on Martha’s Vineyard this past summer.
We may be heading into the winter season, but those at The Fresh Air Fund are thinking strictly summer as they hosted the annual Fall Benefit and Silent Auction, “Le Bal Masque,” at Chelsea Piers. The event raised more than $500,000 while close to 700 supporters and friends enjoyed cocktails, dinner and dancing, all to benefit The Fresh Air Fund, an organization close to my heart. One of my earliest journalism assignments at the New York Amsterdam News was to cover the first wave of children who were off to various points outside of the sweltering heat of the city for a week or two in the country.
Unforgettable was the look of freshly cleaned faces, gathered at the Port Authority Bus Terminal, most appeared a little frightened, as it was their first time out of the city. Everyone’s hair was combed, and they were dressed as neat as a pin as they clung to their loved ones, who came to see them off. With little more than a small bag, they had no idea of what to expect but they were game for the experience. The scene would repeat itself throughout the summer. By the end of the summer, numerous tales of happy, fun times on the farm had been told, and long-lasting memories were made. There are many wonderful stories, all made possible by the Fresh Air Fund. Something so simple that makes someone so happy is a worthy cause I like to support. If only everyone felt the same.
Well Janice A. Savin-Williams and husband, Christopher J. Williams, feel the same, as do Craig Ivey, Lydia Carlston, T. Troy Dixon, Rich Thomas and Tamie Peter Thomas, all of whom were there to bid on some of the auction items, which included Adler Mountain Lodge weekend stay in Italian Alps, premiere screening of HBO’s new series “Vinyl,” premiere screening of Showtime’s new original show “Billions,” Four Seasons Vail Hotel for two nights and tickets to Cirque du Soleil, “School of Rock” and “Live! With Michael and Kelly,” along with sports experiences and fabulous fashion items. Don’t you love it!
Until next week … kisses.