Party With A Purpose: I was on-hand for many of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's festivities and gatherings for its 38th Annual Legislative Conference.
I attended almost twelve parties throughout the five day conference. Among my favorites was Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr.'s Cigar Party at Ozio. Though I dispute cigar smoke, the overall party was really hot!
There was also the infamous Black Party that featured performances by Chrisette Michele, Ledisi, Mike Phillips and Raheem Devaughn at
The CBC Spouses held their soiree at the Women's
Congressman Bobby Rush had his annual celebration at the J.W. Marriott and his special guest was Ricky Dillard & New Generation Choral. The Chicago-based choir had good ole fashioned church and had the sometimes-stuffy political crowd up on their feet, particularly while New G singer Lillian Lloyd delivered her gospel theatrics on the powerful, 'One More Chance.'
The CBC Awards Dinner, where they present the Phoenix Awards, is the hottest ticket during caucus weekend. More than 5,000 people dressed formally attend the dinner in the ballroom of the
The awa 
rds were hosted by Holly Robinson Peete and Rodney Peete and featured a performance by Patti LaBelle, who sang three songs including Sam Cooke's 'A Change Is Gonna Come,' 'Lady Marmalade,' and 'The Lords Prayer.' (Only LaBelle can sing a song about prostitutes and then transition into a tune about God.)
Democratic Presidential Nominee Barack Obama, with wife Michelle Obama by his side, was given The Harold Washington Award. I sat at Congressman Jackson's table and was captivated by Senator Obama's acceptance speech as he spoke about the recent debate with Republican Presidential Nominee John McCain, talked about McCain's camp stealing his "Change" slogan and spoke on economic and racial injustices.
Actress Kerry Washington was also honored for her commitment to social advocacy and was presented the CBCF's Chair's Award by Congressman Kendrick Meek.
After the awards, there was an official after party at the convention center and soul veteran Betty Wright performed. The
Throughout the course of CBC weekend a host of other celebrities and personalities were on hand. Among those I spotted included Isaiah Washington ('Grey's Anatomy'), Kym E. Whitley ('Til' Death'), reality star Omarosa, Giancarlo Eposito ('School Daze'), CNN host Roland Martin, domestic maven B. Smith, syndicated radio host Tom Joyner with wife, fitness guru Donna Richardson Joyner, Wendell Pierce ('The Wire'), singer Shirley Murdock, BET news reporter Andre Showell, Rev. Jesse Jackson, John Amos ('Good Times') and author Lyah Leflore.
For more details on the Congressional Black Caucus, go to www.cbcfinc.org.
*****
Birthday Bash: Gospel icon Dr. Bobby Jones has had quite an illustrious career in music and television. On Sept. 18, Dr. Jones celebrated his 70th birthday – can you believe he's that old? – and had a two-day celebration in
The weekend kicked off with a gospel musical at Dr. Jones' church,
That Sunday, Lexi and I hosted the red carpet for a formal banquet at the Mt. Zion Church Antioch. The lavish affair was hosted by Out of Eden singer Lisa Kimmey, who also co-hosts 'Bobby Jones: Next Generation' on the Gospel Music Channel.
Kimmey, who is now married to Winans Phase 2 member Juan Winans, dazzled the crowd with an impromptu rendition of 'Unforgettable.'
The BET talent was shocked when retired country singer Barbara Mandrell surprised him as his special guest. The two won a Grammy Award for Best Soul Gospel Performance By A Duo Or Group in 1984.
The night also included performances by Melvin Williams of The Williams Brothers, the dynamic Z'iel, Micah Stampley, the eccentric Kitra Williams, the Nashville Super Choir and the Atlanta African Urban Legacy Orchestra.
In his signature fashion, Dr. Jones created an extemporized sing-a-long with all of the artists on-hand. In addition to those who sang, the 70-year-old music vet had Maurette Brown-Clark, VaShawn Mitchell, Lexi, Ann McCrary,
Among the others gospel personalities and business types who traveled near and far to celebrate Dr. Jones included Donna Richardson Joyner, Cara Wallace, Neily Dickerson, Veda Brown, Humilitee Campbell, Al "The Bishop" Hobbs, Andre Gates, Tammy Taylor, Merdean Gales and Albert and Carolyn Tucker.
Dr. Jones' birthday weekend was organized by his longtime assistant Danyelle Haley.
*****
Whimsical Wedding: Baltimore Raven tight-end Daniel Wilcox appears on the debut episode of 'Whose Wedding Is It Anyway' on The Style Network on Tuesday, Oct. 7. Wilcox and his bride, former Ms.
*****
Comments: (1)
Add a comment
By: Payday Loan Advocate on 10/08/2008 1:51AM
If you are erroneous on the facts of an issue, it can create an unsteady repercussion, predominantly on occasion when you take a course of action based on deceiving information. The positives and negatives of cash advances, and what the future holds for the business often can suffer from this. Some politicians from both parties are making an effort to pass legislation that would confine or take away from your capability to get a payday loan. Sadly, some of these politicians have accomplished passing their legislation. Some politicians have even gone as far as banning the industry all together. Many of these laws are based on the supposition that payday lenders are run by the same principles as illegal loan sharks. Please don’t be mislead by the facts, and inform yourself, family, and friends on the right to financial liberty.
Reply to this Comment | Report This