Black Heritage Gala - Soulful and Sold Out by Rajesh Barnabas
Mon, Feb 25, 2008 It was a sold out show for the 6th Annual Black Heritage Gala, Saturday, February 16, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Tickets sold for $30, but for all the entertainment and soul food you could eat, the fee was a steal.
Guests came dressed, ostentatious gowns flowing, men with their black - and some white suits, some sporting hats. We’re talking a real red carpet affair. Guests were serenaded upon entrance by the sounds of Rochester’s own hip-hop/soul group - Black August. The first hour was social hour – grab a drink, check out who’s here and who’s who. But beyond the glitz and glamour of entry, the event was rooted in meaning.
Black Heritage Committee Chair, Thomas Green, commenced the festivities with an introduction to this year’s theme – Cultivating for the Harvest. “This is a reminder that we must plant seeds in our community today in order for a change to happen tomorrow.”
A moment of silence was then taken for the news of another tragedy that had taken place on Rochester streets this night. It was reported that a white female in her 20s had been shot on Walnut St. Police had not released the name of the victim.
Bob Duffy was introduced, as the “mayor committed to making Rochester the best mid-sized city in the nation.” After highlighting the artistic talents of area youth by citing the two individuals who made national television – one on the Grammy’s and another for “Making the Band,” the Mayor got down to business. He spoke of the number of young people forced to go elsewhere for jobs and referenced the theme of the night. “It is true, in Rochester we have an abundance of harvest, but not enough laborers to bring that harvest in.”
Duffy then introduced the Superintendent of Rochester City Schools, extolling Jean Claude Brizzard for “putting education first” in his decision to keep the schools open despite a week of blistering cold weather.
“Regardless of race, gender, rich or poor, we’re being left behind as a nation, when compared to the education in other industrialized nations,” said Brizzard. He said that he would be focusing on three general areas – achievement, equity, and accountability. Brizzard said that as a community, “we need to question everything we’re doing because what we’ve been doing isn’t working.”
Rochester’s 39 percent high school graduation rate is the lowest among all New York cities. “I don’t want that distinction,” said Brizzard, “we don’t deserve it.”
It was time for a prayer, followed by a sumptuous soul food dinner – complete with yams, fried chicken, collard greens and cornbread.
Various crafters had set up tables outside the ballroom. Renita Davis of Harmony & Grace, sold a variety of handmade purses. Their “Top of the Line” brand was exclusive – only four of the purses of that style would be sold – total.
Towards the end of the dinner hour, talented spoken word artists Talitha Coverson and Javonte Adams entertained with word play and poignancy. Adams proudly introduced the first act with “this is my fiancée.”
“It is time to demand change, not from them, but from us,” said Coverson, continuing with “we have become a voiceless people.” She dealt serious criticism in her poem but ending it with, “I hate you so much because I love you.”
Adams took the stage slowly gathering tempo and responses from the crowd with rhymes like, “if we’re climbing up a mountain right, how are we going to make it up in Stiletto heels and 24 inch wheels.” Reaching a crescendo, Adams voice carried to the back row of the ballroom and out the door, “we must love ourselves before we can heal.”
Following the standing ovation, it was Coverson who had the chance to return the adoration, “That’s my fiancée.” The two are part of the poetry collective Black on Black Rhyme – which showcases top spoken word artist from around the nation.
Next up was the Realizing Others Outstanding Talents (ROOTS) Inside performance by 12 young men from School #19 and directed by Ahmon Bryant. Dressed in white shirts and black pants, the boys declared in chorus and without the need for microphones, prideful statements known as their “ROOTS Be Attitudes.”
Miss Sweet Potato Pie and the Soul Food Babies thrilled the audience with their high-flying hip-hop dance repertoire and crossed genres into classical music with a live violin accompanist riffing over the top of their beats. The stylish and funky rendering was infectious for all ages, reminding us of the great possibilities of hip-hop art.
The tenured Rochester ambassadors of soul music, Jackie Campbell and Julius Dicks concluded a night of memorable performances with the duet “You’ve Got A Friend,” - the 1970’s Carole King classic.
Among the final speakers were gala sponsor Arthur Brown – President of Teaching & Training by Design, LLC, and Iris Banister – Executive Director of Wilson Commencement Park, who gave a tribute to African-American heritage.
The 2008 Black Heritage Pioneer Honorees went to Dr. Cedric Alexander – former Rochester Police Chief, Dr. Betty Marian Anderson – former Rochester schools administrator and teacher, and Dr. David A. Anderson – Black Storyteller and chair of Rochester-Monroe County Freedom Trail Commission.
Also receiving Pioneer Honoree distinction were Floyd A. Madison – the first African American Fire Chief in Rochester, and Loretta C. Scott – former Commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Human Services for the City of Rochester.
|
