Do you remember when it was last September? I do, and my how time flies! Time’s going so fast, or is it me who stops to start and lets the moments past? (Words from a song by the Five Stairsteps. Remember them?)
Although a lot of the Labor Day crowd, like Max and Winnie, have now descended upon the island of Martha’s Vineyard, others, such as Nola Whiteman and Karen Selsey, have remained, really making it a long summer. Still others, such as Kyndell Reid, Bill Cavette and Brenda Dillon Cavette and Julio and Michelle Peterson, have returned home, the Mitchells included. Leaving the island a little early this year were documentary filmmaker Stanley Nelson and his wife Marcia because the twins are off to college. Can you believe it? Very proud is Michele Stent whose niece Imani graduated this year from Dartmouth. Gina Parker Collins also had to cut her stay short because her daughter, Elena is participating in an exchange program from Riverdale Country School and spending a semester in Napa Valley, Calif., studying art. Oh, I want to do that.
Just to let you know, it’s not all about the fluff. I overheard several very interesting conversations taking place at various points on the Vineyard this year. Each centered around how we are going to actively preserve our culture and our legacy. I found this type of discussion very fruitful because, as opposed to “down with the establishment,” the focus was on doing, not complaining. Some of the conclusions were to start building community by community. Gather all the big money makers to pool funds and start building homes, schools and businesses nationwide. Another young woman said she is determined to open her own school and furnish it with her own resources and gather our most dedicated educators to teach. Another said hire Black, buy Black. One concerned gentleman expressed that he was confounded because his organization had some scholarship money to give away to two targeted Bronx high schools but couldn’t get the students to fill out the applications. At this point, I chimed in because this one was easy. “Who is your point of contact at the schools?” I asked. “No one in particular,” he replied. “Well, that is your problem,” I said, “and here is my advice. You must create a presence at the school, talk to the students, the administration, be willing to invest some time making your intentions known, build a relationship, build trust.” He was grateful, and I was happy. Just another day on State Beach watching the clouds roll by.
Meanwhile, back on the ranch, things seem to be brewing. In addition to the 24/7 police birdcage that is permanently stationed on Fifth Avenue at 131st Street and search lights around and throughout the Lincoln Projects, two foot patrolmen have been stationed at various entrance ways. Most recently, while two such officers were on duty, a tenant, in protest, began playing rap music at top volume that resonated throughout the entire neighborhood. I will leave the lyrics to your imagination. Let me just say they weren’t talking about having a picnic. I think the orchestrator was trying to make a statement. The officers ignored the display and continued with their conversation as if nothing was disturbing their peace. It was a showdown. I left my apartment to attend to errands before the finale, but I think it is safe to say, judging by the posture of things, it was a draw.
If you are itching to get back on the social scene, it is not too late to get your ticket for the Mid-Manhattan NAACP Annual Luncheon, taking place at the beautiful Marina Del Rey Saturday, Sept. 9. Cocktails begin at noon. Among the honorees are the Tingling family and our very own Audrey Bernard. Check with headquarters to reserve your seat.
Former Chez Lucienne update. I think the new, yet-to-be-named venue will cater more to the bar scene than family dining because the newly built bar takes up twice the space as the old one. There is space on the opposite side of the wall for tables or booths of a sort, but from the look of things, seating is not the main attraction. Possibly, they are looking to accommodate the overflow crowd from their next-door neighbor, The Red Rooster.
For all of you fans out there, and I know you are there, former Beatle Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band is coming to the Beacon in November. I saw the marquee and thought it hilarious, but I am willing to bet it will be a good show, especially if you are a drummer or a drumming aficionado.
The word is just in that the recently held UNCF A Mind Is… Hamptons Summer Benefit for deserving New York area students raised more than $300,000. You might recall I wrote about the Aug. 5 to Aug. 6 benefit weekend events, which were held at the private residences of Nancy Silberkleit, co-CEO of Archie Comics, and Lyn and E.T. Williams Jr., of Sag Harbor. Remember that I told you Frank Baker, co-founder and managing partner of Siris Capital Group, LLC, and Dr. Ronald A. Johnson, president of Clark Atlanta University, were honored with the Keepers of the Flame Award for being champions of diversity and education? Of course you do.
While we are on the Hamptons, Americk Lewis was among the more than 150 collectors and artists, mostly women, in attendance at the second in a series of talks on women artists. The afternoon event was held at LongHouse Reserve in East Hampton. Shared stories of struggle and success, along with historical recounts of women artists, were told by those who’ve been there. The next conversation is Sept. 23 at 11 a.m., with artists Bastienne Schmidt, Zina Saro-Wiwa and Almond Zigmund and moderated by Pernilla Holmes. Admission is free and open to the public. RSVP, to Jack Meyer, Jack.Meyer@gsmltd.net or 212-271-4283 for location.
Continue to keep our neighbors in Houston in your prayers, now that Hurricane Harvey has passed and the work of restoring their homes and city begins. You will be glad to know that Harlem son Stanley Tarrant and his family are all safe and sound, although the extent of damage to their home is not yet known. Peace be still.
Until next week…kisses
