Roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer. At long last summer is here. Want to know what else is here? For all of you who appreciate art, the website www.blacknews.com/art lists a world of information regarding Black artists and galleries. There are even replicas of works such as “The Beauty of the Ghetto,” by Ernie Barnes; “Strong Black Love,” by James Loveless; and “Blue Monday,” by Annie Lee. It’s a cool way to spend some time enjoying Black art.
The Revellie hosted a wonderful affair on a beautiful Sunday afternoon that lasted well into the night at the very exclusive V.I.P. Club located on Davenport Avenue. Honored was Congressman Charles B. Rangel, presented with an award by the Hon. David N. Dinkins. With wives Alma and Joyce, respectively, in tow, Rangel and Dinkins joined Peggy and Godfrey Murrain, Daniel and Eloise Paterson, Mookie Roach, Debbie and Mel Jackson. Also there was the Hon. O. Peter Sherwood with wife Ruby and his beautiful daughter, who looked absolutely stunning as she is expecting the family’s first grandchild. The hors d’oeuvres were plentiful, dinner was delicious and the band out-of-sight. The Revellie was formed by members of the Tuskegee Airmen shortly after World War II and is based solely on the value of friendship and what it means to truly have a friend. Underscoring the commitment that has lasted throughout the years was Livingston Francis, who gave the longest speech of the evening. He expressed his gratitude and the importance of having a friend and being one.
The very next day it was early to rise as the Metropolitan Black Bar Association hosted the Honorable Ted Wells Golf Invitational Tournament at the Paramount Golf and Tennis Country Club, located in upstate New York. The weather couldn’t have been finer. The day began with a breakfast buffet that offered everything your heart desired. It was then off to the races as many raced to the golf carts to get started on their game, while others raced to get a seat at a table where the Spades Tournament took place. Personally, I raced to the pool to get my suntan on. Don’t worry, I lather myself down, head-to-toe, in Australian Gold Spray On Suntan Lotion SPF 30, and I am good to go. No one raced to the tennis courts, which I might have indulged in had I had a partner. The day was topped of with a dinner buffet that surpassed the breakfast.
For all of you early birds who are among the first to get your copy of the New York Amsterdam News, a magnificent fireworks display will be held June 30 at the Astoria Park Lawn in Astoria Park, Queens, 7:30-9 p.m., and July 1 at Coney Island at Coney Island Beach & Boardwalk. Then there is the biggest celebration of them all, July 4, Macy’s 40th Annual Fireworks launched from the East River. There are several fireworks-themed events taking place, including the Independence Day Fireworks Party aboard the Jewel Yacht, with a D.J., buffet and a perfect view of the fireworks. There is also the Pre-IndepenDANCE Party Cruise aboard the Audubon Yacht. This party includes admission for one, live D.J., full dinner buffet and cash bar.
If you want something a little bit more subdued, Take Wing and Soar Productions and Voza Rivers/New Heritage Theatre Group will present a staged reading of the Harlem Shakespeare Festival’s new 90-minute abridged version of Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing.” Abridged and directed by Associate Artistic Director Dathan B. Williams, the scene is set after the Civil War in Louisiana among the Free Blacks. The performance is one night only, June 30 (once again the early bird catches the worm), at the Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Office Building, 163 W. 125th St., 3rd Floor Executive Suite.
For those headed up to the Vineyard, you will be more than delighted to know the much petitioned for Beach Rake has arrived on the island. The Rake will be used to restore and maintain the public beaches of Oak Bluffs—that means the Ink Well should no longer be rocky, and you can finally spread a blanket without getting a headache.
Busy as ever, Dr. Marcella Maxwell, who serves as the National Links Liaison between The Links and the NAACP, also served as luncheon co-chair at the second annual legacy luncheon, Preserving The Links History, Black Lives Matter and Black Joy. Joining the Greater New York Chapter, which hosted the event, held at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, were Link members from various chapters, with a special invitation extended to the Philadelphia Founding Chapter. Greater New York Chapter President Rhonda Joy McLean,said, “I am excited about the bond that has developed between the Philadelphia and New York Chapter. I think the two founding Links would be proud of the organization we have become.” Philadelphia Chapter President Mahlene Duckett Lee concurred by stating, “Perhaps most significant at the foundation of The Links Incorporated are our core values of friendship and collaboration.”
What does 125th Street North have that 125th Street South doesn’t? Outdoor seating for its restaurants. In case you haven’t noticed, if you look closely you will notice that Settepani and Barawine don’t have their much anticipated, totally delightful, well established outdoor seating. Seems as though the required permits for outdoor seating must be renewed every year, and for some reason the permits for Settepani and Barawine (two of the most popular sites) have not been approved. What are they waiting for? Anybody want to weigh in on what’s going on?
Until next week … kisses.