OWED TO CICELY - an Open Letter to Soror/Sister Cicely Tyson

By Gloria DULAN-Wilson

Hello All!!

Owed to Cicely Tyson:

Dear Cicely - I hope this letter reaches you at your new address - Celestial Realm of Ancestor/Angels

I just wanted to congratulate you on your finest and most stellar accomplishment - that of ascension of the highest order after 96 highly successful, spiritual, impactful, exemplary years on this plane of action - without one taint, smirch, or blemish on you or your reputation.  

Everybody ain't able, my Sister/Soror/Diva!  And I want to make sure that it did not go unnoticed or unappreciated.

I know GOD, The Living Spirit Almighty saw you and was extremely pleased that you walked in the way of  His Wisdom and Love, always displaying the talents HE gave you to the highest level.  He was so pleased to know that his efforts were not wasted, but were expanded and exalted in your capable hands.

I know that it had a profound impact on me when I first saw you on the TV Show, EAST SIDE/WEST SIDE.  My sister, Brenda, and I were mesmerized - so was my Mom.  We always made it a policy in my family to watch any and everything that came on TV that had Black people in it.  It was rare then to see Blacks in TV programs - so when we did, we called our friends and neighbors; or they called us so we'd all be watching at the same time (and this was way before Zoom). 

And you looked absolutely stunning on TV - even though it was in Black and white.   You were articulate, intelligent, and professional in your role as Jane Foster.  I was entering imy freshman year at Hampton Institute (now University) - you gave me so much to emulate.  Not that we didn't have many beautiful, accomplished, professional women to look up to in Oklahoma City - especially our teachers and other people in our neighborhood.  But to see it reflected in a TV show, where you were speaking "proper English," and carrying yourself with dignity, pride, and just a little bit of sensuality on the side.  My Sistuh! we were looking forward to watching that series unfold.  But it was not to be. It was pulled after the first season, never to be seen again. 

Not knowing how Televisionland operated back in the day, I assumed that was the end of your career.  During that same time you, Letta Mbulu, and Miriam Mkeba were the only three Black women I knew of who wore their hair in natural styles.  It was not something I was looking forward to doing.  I was totally committed to the hair relaxer generation during those days.  But I also was in awe at how brave you were for going against the meanstream society and daring to wear your hair "nappy."  Black then, it was better to be caught naked than to be caught nappy for Negroes - our standards of beauty were clearly caucasoid - and it was strictly reinforced on both sides of the racial divide.  Thank GOD in 1966 my eyes were opened at Lincoln University when you and other avant-garde Black Women were featured in a display on Beautiful Black Women and natural hair.

Five years later, in 1968 - thanks to synchronicity - I had the great good fortune to meet you in person!  By that time I had been wearing my hair natural for two years.  In fact, there were many of us wearing natural hair styles - or Afros - as many of us called them.  We were Black and Proud.  We were wearing Afrocentric clothing, doing African dances, studying African cultures, and reuniting with our African Brothers and Sisters  - Just like you Cicely! 

You would be on the cover of a Ebony or Essence magazine, or in a newspaper column looking stunning in those wonderful African colors.  And we'd try to come up with the look - a combination of you - Afro Chique, and Angela Davis with our Afros out so big they form a natural halo around our faces.  And your expression and demeanor would always be the standard for me and some of my peers.

I was so totally blown away when I attended a graduation ceremony at famed The Harlem School of The Arts  for the first crew of African American producers who were trained at WNET Channel 13 after completing a rigorous program.  This was during the heyday of Black power, and the different industries were trying to atone for having left us out.  I went to see my sister/friend Marlayana Franklin's short that she had produced on Black History..  As I took my place at the table, there were several pleasant people seated around the table.  The room was dimly lit, so it took me a minute to see who I was sharing the table with.  When I saw you seated there, aside Lena Horne,  Ellis Haizlip, and a few other recognizable figures, all there to cheer her on - I could only think that somebody made a mistake and put me at the wrong table!  I literally couldn't catch my breath - I was so overwhelmed.  It was totally surreal!   Like true New Yorkers, you kept the  conversation casual and lighthearted.  I don't have any idea what I said if anything.  I believed I mumbled that I was supporting Marlayna.     Thankfully, I didn't have to say much of anything because they began showing the clips from each of the producers.  Everybody cheered for everybody - and I silently wished I had known about the production training program - I would have loved to have been a part of it.  When Marlayna came over to the table, there were hugs all around - with the focus on her production.  She was working with Ellis Haizlip's Black History show - one that I watched for years until it was canceled.  I left that evening thanking God for blessing me with living in New York City, and for meeting you and Lena Horne - two of the most elegant, iconic Black women on the planet. 

It was eons before I would once again see you in person.  In the interim, I made sure that whenever you were in a movie or on TV, my family and I would watch you.  My kids grew up on you - and in some sense, I grew up on you.  The AutoBiography of Miss Jane Pittman had them mesmerized.  My son asked me whether or not there were segregated drinking water fountains in Oklahoma City - Yes!  My daughter asked about what I did during the Civil Rights Era - which prompted an entire conversation - I probably gave them more information than they really wanted.   But the entire time our eyes were glued on you and how you graciously and masterfully aged through the different eras - not a dry eye in my living room as you masterfully assumed the demeanor of a 110 year old Black woman and drank your first drink from that fountain.

You received the MLK Award from my brother/friend/impresario Jimi Holloway, alongside a previous constituent of mine, Rodney King.  You were dressed in sparkling white with sequins all over; and you flashed that beautiful smile as I took a picture of the two of you together.  (I apologize but I have no idea what happened to those pictures).  You stayed for a while to listen to the Caribbean and African music that was being played in on of the ball rooms.  

However, my next close encounter of the Blessed kind with you was when our Sister/Soror/Friend Dr. Betty Shabazz had made her transition and was being funeralized by the Muslims in New York City.  Though i had been to many an event under Minister Louis Farrakhan, I had never attended a homegoing service.  As usual, men were seated on one side, and women on the other.  Imagine my surprise when I was told I could not enter because I was wearing pants.  I had gotten there early in order to have a favorable seat - but was not expecting to be refused admission.  Nor was I aware that you were standing right behind me when they turned me away, and had overheard the whole thing.  After I tried to explain that I was the Daily Challenge News and would be willing to sit off side, did not win any concession, I started walking away.  You followed me and offered me your shawl to wrap around me so it would like a skirt.  I was so blown away again!!  ️I thanked you profusely (I'm sure I gushed - LOL) and you helped me put together a makeshift skirt, and we walked back into the services.  I don't know how many times I tried to thank you - and you just said don't mention it.  I've never forgotten it - and always treasure being the recipient of your spirit of sisterhood. 🥰

I was truly hoping that would be the beginning of a long friendship, but, alas, that was the last time I saw you in person for years.  I would catch the movies you appeared in sporadically, but never encountered you in person.  Once in a while I would glimpse you trying to blend in with the crowd at an event of importance to the Black community - you'd be wearing a 2 piece denim jean suit, and a wide brim denim hat pulled down over your face, with dark glasses.  You had a camera in your hands and would be taking canndid pictures.  I guess many weren't aware that it was you - but I knew it was you.  Of course I would never blow your cover.  I just hoped I would have the opportunity to at least say hello, or give you a hug. 

I was so happy when Tyler Perry began to include you in his movies. I have always had a great deal of respect for this brother who did not forget those who paved the way for the rest to come through.  There was a generation or two of Black youth who had never seen your work.  I was so glad to see that you were energetic and just as beautiful as ever.  It took me a minute to adjust to the new hair style.  But you look beautiful regardless of what your hairstyle was.  I enjoyed you and Maya Angelou and the banter between you.  Tyler must have been an old soul to have had the wisdom to pair you two together.

Soror Cicely Tyson - I kept saying that over and over and over.  Had I known during all the times you and I had cross paths, I would have definitely hugged you.   I was so happy that I bragged to the point of annoyance - I'm sure several of my friends were tired of hearing it.  But you have no idea how proud I felt/feel.

Our last in person encounter was at Soror Susan Taylor's Fund Raiser for National Cares Mentoring Gala in 2018.  I had the great good fortune to take some candid shots of you and greet you.  You gave me that beautiful smile of yours!! I wanted to, but your body guards would not let me give you a hug.  Not that I could blame them.  I could not help but notice how tiny you had become - like a sprite dressed in heavenly blue satin outfit you were wearing.

This is supposed to be a short letter - but all my friends know that I don't know how to write "short."  I tend to write like the New York Times - all the Thoughts That's Fit to Share. 

And now that you have made your transition before I could tell you, up close and personal, how much your being on this planet has meant to me, this is my next best opportunity.   

Cicely you have been a lifelong inspiration and a great source of my Pride in being a Black woman.  I hope that I have, in some measure, replicated that demeanor of genteel Black womanhood who was not to be trifled with, but who definitely knew who she was/is and loved it.  You exemplified the Black woman who stood by her man regardless of his deficits, and could see through his tragedy to his heart (of course, on the flip side, who also had the wisdom to hear her friends, who loved her so much, to save her from her own generous soul - been there, done that.   To see that you were willing to be vulnerable and not concerned with the general public in following your heart - that made me love you even more, my sister.

At Susan Taylor's National Cares Mentoring Gala 2018

 

I am also so happy that you showed me that you are never too old, it's neve too late, and that you never give up, but continue to expand and evolve your talent and energies.  To see you - like the true New Yorker that you are - hanging out with the rest of us - enjoying the evening - Not too tired, not too stressed - but totally engaged with the events of the evening.  Awesome!️

And as your last act you actually completed your memoirs -JUST AS I AM (c)-  right up to the very last minute - I plan to read and re-read it to get the very essence of all that you have been trying to teach us through word and example.

So, my congratulations to you for all you've accomplished over these years, despite the insanity going on around you.  Congratulations to you for receiving the Congressional Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama; for being a consistent presence in Tyler Perry's wonderful movies. 

Thanks so much for being you - one of the most wonderful, fantastic Ladies on the Planet and from being a DIVAS - Dynamic, Intelligent, Vivacious, African Sister.

As you ascend your throne in the REALM OF THE ANCESTOR/ANGELS with your peers Maya Angelou and  Ruby Dee Davis just take a glance once in a whitle down here on us and send us some of your aura and energy. 

We, your family, friends, fans and associates love you dearly and are going to miss you muchly - so please understand if this is not a joyous moment for us.  For, while we most certainly celebrate your life, and all that you've been and one, not having you among us is quite painful and is going to take some major adjustment.  Years - perhaps.  You will be in our thoughts and in our hearts - because legends such as yourself never really die - you are the gift that keeps on giving through your legacy - but it will be painful never the less. 

Much Luv4U

Rest in continued Power

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Gratitude and Respect

Gloria DULAN-Wilson

Use this great FREDERICK DOUGLASS QUOTE the next time someone says something ugly about President Barack OBAMA

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

I recently wrote a piece that appeared in one of my personal emails about a quote from the great Frederick Douglass. It was sent to me by Jimi Holloway, the Empresario, who gives those great parties in New York City. And it was sooooo true. I sent it out online, and got some very positive responses; then I got some very ascerbic ones. This one, that I'm responding to from Kamm Howard, really was out of line as far as I'm concerned. So the following is my response to him:

You know my brother, I do believe in giving credit where credit is due. And I also believe that charity and love begin at home, amongst us -we who call ourselves Black people. But we have the irritating habit of being our own worst critics. We are amazing in that regard.

Your statement about President Barack Hussein Obama is not only offensive, it's totally erroneous! Where do you come off saying the Brother has no race ( I assume by that you mean "Black") consciousness? It shows that you have no understanding of what Black consciousness is in the truest sense of the word.

Not only is he an exemplar of the statement quoted from Frederick Douglass, but you by your own words of criticism, have proven Douglass' point. I couldn't have done it or argued it better myself. Thank you! As the late Johnnie Cochran said, let me refresh your recollection:

"Though the colored (Black) man is no longer subject to barter and sale, he is
surrounded by an adverse settlement which fetters(ties up/hampers) all his movements. In his downward course he meets with no resistance, but his course upward is resented and resisted at every step of his progress. If he comes in ignorance, rags and wretchedness he conforms to the popular belief of his character, and in that character he is welcome; but if he shall come as a gentleman, a scholar and a statesman, he is hailed as a contradiction to the national faith concerning his race, and his coming is resented as impudence. In one case he may provoke contempt and derision, but in the other he is an affront to
pride and provokes malice.” Frederick Douglass, September 25, 1883

You stated, and I quote, "Barac Obama in this context, he is no Frederick Douglass. He does not possess a race consciousness in no shape, form or fashion..." And you're absolutely right (by the way you misspelled his name).

Barack Obama is not Frederick Douglass. He is most definitely his own man. He has not tried or pretended to be Frederick August Washington Bailey (a/k/a Douglass), but his wit, wisdom, courage, vision do most definitely match his. And while Mr. Douglass was taking his life in his hands through the promulgation of freedom and later integration and equality for former slaves; don't you ever think that Barack Obama is taking any less of a risk as the first BLACK President of the United States, trying to bring about just for all in a system that was/is build on injustice, inequality and lies. And don't you think for one moment that he does not know that his life is on the line.

These are the people who have murdered and martyred four heroes in the 60's two white and two Black (and those are the one who at the time were considered leaders). In case you don't recall: El Hajj Malik el Shabazz better known as Brother Malcolm X; Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; John Fitzgerald Kennedy, President of the United States; Robert Kennedy, candidate for the Presidency of the US.

It's interesting. We act like Obama is our own personal poverty program. We act as if he is the president of the Black portion of the United States - not the entire US. Sorry, my brother, that dog won't hunt: he has to handle the entire pie, not just one slice. And if it's a cherry pie, he gets to deal with the pits right along with the fruit and the crust - if you catch my drift.

It's like being the head of a poverty program in the Black community - it's really an interesting phenomena: the whites are afraid they are going to do too much, be too successful, and make things work too well. The Blacks thought things weren't moving fast enough. Yes, now they have received affordable housing, free down payments and closing costs, but now they need you to walk on the moon, cater to them all day and night, hold their hands and take their kids to school. Or, the big question was "how come they got this and we didn't?" If it was the (ethnicity), they'd have this. If I were (ethnicity) they wouldn't say, or do, or have that - whatever that is.

And, yes, I totally believe that we deserve all the reparations, compensation, genuflecting, and groveling we can make the caucasians come up with for having put us through 400+ years of hell. But that's them - not Obama. Don't get it twisted.

At some point we have to learn to sit back, relax, enjoy this little victory, while we strategize our next moves and goals. Perhaps if we take a few steps back, we can actually see that this brother has made a tremendous difference for Black people, despite Blue Dog Dems; Tea Baggers, Rep-ugh-blicans, and negroes who don't love themselves or him.

And speaking of comparisons - I doubt very seriously, if given the chance, you could have done half of what the brother did, with as much grace, wisdom, bravery, and pure machoism as he has. I doubt seriously whether or not most of his critics have the character to take the hits and still deal with the situation, running an entire country, married to one of the most beautiful sisters on the planet, raising two beautiful daughters, deal with mother-in-law issues, and look that handsome.

But, don't get me wrong. I understand your angst. I understand the umbrage we take at having to continue to put up with the crap that's spewed out via the meanstream media day in and day out. I can understand the need to see some speed in terms of the amelioration of the problems in the Black community. He has addressed that, and continues to address that daily. I am not going to post it here, because you can get the info on other Blogs - including the BlackList, BlackAmericasWeb, and other websites.

What I'd like to do is offer some suggestions that others are doing that will actually work for us, if we work them. Like the great Marcus Garvey and Elijah Muhammad, we have to DO FOR SELF (individually and collectively) Like the Japanese, develop systems of quality control that is taught across the board to adults and youth alike, so that we surpass these crappy standards that permeate the country.

Develop a community based neighborhood restoration program, if you happen to live in or near run down, dilapidated, blighted areas, where the homes have been neglected, but can be brought to life with some sweat equity. Draw straws, or lots,or whatever, and decide which worthy family deserves the home, help them to rebuild it and move in.

Now, I'm recommending this as opposed to HUD, which went over to the dark side under the Bush administration and has not found its way back to where the humans live. You can put your municipality on notice that you are willing to do the work, for the building; no more boarding up and leaving ghosts in your community. Do your own extreme home makeover.

Do some joint teach ins with your local church, so our youth begin to learn more their Black history and their role in the future of America.

Get some of your skilled craftsmen to teach these youth a marketable trade.

Make a log of gratitude. It appears we have forgotten how to give thanks - and I'm not talking about the holiday, either.

Start a Black United Fund in your areas, where people can pool their resources via a credit union type program, and in turn use the funds to take care of essential needs.

Start a real community garden, that rivals the overpriced vegetables in the supermarkets. And wean your kids away from fast foods (and if not your kids, the neighbor's kids, or the school kids). Obesity is on the rise thanks to the fact that we've either forgotten how, or are too lazy to cook nutritional food.

Start a vintage Black books club and get the adults and kids to read classic Black authors, Black Power, by Dr. Charles V. Hamilton & Stokely Carmichael; Black Like Me; any and all books by J.A. Rogers; The Philosophies and Opinions of Marcus Garvey; the MisEducation of the Negro - Carter G. Woodson; anything by W.E.B duBois.

If you start now, by the time the primary rolls around in 2012, you'll have a whole host of reasons to make sure that Obama is re-elected, and you and your compatriots will have added greatly to the expansion of Black empowerment in your community.

Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson

This is the onerous letter I received From: Kamm Howard on October 4, 2011 3:36 PM

Use this great FREDERICK DOUGLASS QUOTE the next time someone says something ugly about President Barack OBAMA

"Great quote and yes Frederick Douglass should be read often. However, he should be read in the context of being an integrationist who possessed a high degree of race consciousness. (Perhaps the highest degree of race consciousness that one could possess as an integrationist.) He was brilliant and his untiring work on behalf of Afrikan people, in particular to getting Ol' Abe to admit Afrikans into the Union Army for the purpose of freeing themselves, is the utltimate example of woriking the system for true freedom. For this, he must also be held as a champion of militant action on behalf of Afrikans in America.

If we look at Barac Obama in this context, he is no Frederick Douglass. He does not possess a race consciousness in no shape, form or fashion. Our gains in this country has only occurred in times when race concsciousness was the highest among the masses and the leadership. Garveyism, the New Negro are examples. The last race-conscious movement was the Black consciousness movement of the 60's and 70's. It was that time that we developed the highest degree of independence and as a result, received the greatest exertion of violent repression since enslavement by the American governmetnt - COINTELPRO and shortly thereafter, drug/chemical warfare - (that has resulted in the massive degradation of Afrikan culture and mass incarceration)

The masses have been on a downward trajectory since then. And the majority of our leaders are saying abandon race-first consciousness - strive to be a good American., (assimilate). To do so is certain death, as we see. Our salvation lies not in the salvation of America. If any one is looking, that is up in the air right now. Our salvation lies in a mass-movement fed by an Afrikan-cnetered consciousness - a 21st Century race-consciousness. See Afrikan-centered Consciousness Vs. New World Order or Blueprint for Black Power, both by Dr. Amos Wilson.

President Obama has asserted this alternative view on numerous occasions. "There is no Black America; there's just the United States of America." Aside from being the ultimate in self-delusion, this quote promotes ethnic cleansing which is a form of genocide under international law. (Ethbnic cleasening also consist of any program geared to forced assimilation or in the case of the President, decalring that we must assimilate in order to get any benefit from this country)

We have to be clear in our comparisons. Other wise we will raise one to a height he doesn't deserve, while at the same time lower one from the rightfully earned position of Sheps (Revered Ancestor). Mr. Douglass is a mighty Afrikan Sheps. Mr. Obama, history will show otherwise, although I'm sure he will be decalred a great American. A Luta Continua - The Struggle Continues, Kamm Howard NCOBRA,
"Power concedes nothing without a demand." Fredrick Douglass www.ncobra.org
Blackisbackcoalition.org Black consciousness is back; radical Black thought is back. Focused Black action is back. Black is Back!"

Now you see why I made the comments I did in my preliminary statement/response to him.

Now the following is my response to Jimi Holloway's quote from Frederick Douglass:

Hey Jimi - Wow!!

Thanks so much for this quote. Frederick Douglass is a personal hero of mine, having attended Douglass Sr. High School in Oklahoma City, which was named for him, while he was still living. I do try to re-read his book "My Bondage and My Freedom" every so often. But I have entirely missed this wonderful truism.

I am going to personally circulate it to friends and foes alike. This is a wonderful wake up call and a means by which we can deal with the continuous crap that emanates from the meanstream media, and mentally deficient, self effacing negroes at the same time. Thanx GDW

Subject: FREDERICK DOUGLASS QUOTE CAN BE ATTRIBUTED TO OBAMA

114 years ago, Frederick Douglass provided the explanation for why people
are so hard on President Obama. The quote below is worth remembering next
time we are invited to pile on.

*********************************************************

Though the colored (Black) man is no longer subject to barter and sale, he is
surrounded by an adverse settlement which fetters(ties up/hampers) all his movements. In his downward course he meets with no resistance, but his course upward is resented and resisted at every step of his progress. If he comes in ignorance, rags
and wretchedness he conforms to the popular belief of his character, and
in that character he is welcome; but if he shall come as a gentleman, a
scholar and a statesman, he is hailed as a contradiction to the national faith
concerning his race, and his coming is resented as impudence. In one case
he may provoke contempt and derision, but in the other he is an affront to
pride and provokes malice.” Frederick Douglass September 25, 1883

My subsequent message to my friends and readers:
I just received this quote from my great friend the Empresario, Jimi Holloway. Check it out, memorize it, put it on your wall, license plate, where ever. Frederick Douglass was/is deep!
And, if you want to see how truly deep we are and have been for quite some time, get a copy of any of Frederick Douglass' writing or speeches and prepare to be blown away. And I absolutely suggest you read his book "My Bondage and My Freedom." There is nothing like clarity and wisdom in the midst of confusion and lies to put you on the right path. And after you read it, don't stop there - share it with your friends, family, especially you kids - they are never too young or too old to learn. Also note, that white folks are reading our stuff - you see them on the subways, buses - they're reading Langston Hughes, Stokeley Carmichael, Frederick Douglass, and others. What are we reading? Some trash urban garbage that keeps our mindset in the lower levels of development. They are learning the lessons that were meant for us. Time to change that equation.
Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson

EVENT ALERT: Jimi Holloway's Annual Post New Years Celebration Still Going Strong - Be There

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Every year without fail Jimi Holloway, The Empresario, has thrown the most elegant party ever to start off the year. It turns out the Jimi and Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. share the same birth day. In honor of Dr. King, and partly because he just loves to see people having a good time Jimi Holloway hosts an event in the most elegant, prestigious hotels in New York.

However, with the snow seeming to overshadow so many other events, I thought it necessary to just call Jimi and check if we were still on for this week end. And of course, as I had hoped, the answer was definite and emphatic "YES!"

Of course the message was delivered in Jimi's quiet power tone of voice, one that has been the hallmark of this elegant brother ever since his emerging in New York City from Nigeria, his home.

I started calling Jimi the "Empressario" after he was able to get Trump to allow him to hold a party at their hotel, when no one else could do so - it's a combination of Emperor and Impresario (you know a business magnate of the highest order - they do kind of go together, don't they?) And the great thing about Jimi Holloway is that he is a down to earth, positive brother who enjoys his success, but does not let it go to his head.

Jimi calmly responded: "The Opulent Event must go on "snow or no snow", a lot of people had already booked their rooms. Incidentally, the rooms reservations were sold out. "I always walk with faith not by sight". It is going to be one of the best Event ever. Those who really appreciate what "Quality of Life" is all about would come, in spite of the weather. They will not be disappointed and they will be talking about this Event for a while. And to those who miss it will regret what they had missed "THE EVENT OF THE YEAR".(lol) Stay Blessed Jimi H.

Now you heard it from the "Empresario" himself. Those who have attended Jimi's parties know it's what's happening on the inside, not the weather condition on the outside. Not only that, it is one of the most elegant gathering of people for an evening of camaraderie, entertainment, fun. As he stated, "It's like a reunion! Some people only come to this event, and you don't see them until the next year. Or you have lost touch with people you usually see and they all turn up at my event.

This year as usual, Jimi has five ball rooms, each with a different theme and a different event going on simultaneously. Special guest artist Melba Moore will perform, along with Taste, and other artists be there. The festivities start at 10:00, with a buffet at 11:00, and non-stop music UNTIL 3:00am.

This year, as always, Jimi pays tribute to Blacks who have made a difference in our lives. Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks, and the late, great promoter Olin Martin Ferguson (affectionately known as Ferguson) will be honored.

From Jazz to Soul to Salsa and beyond, people will be mixing, mingling, sharing, smiling, dancing and enjoying the company of some of the finest people on earth: YOU.

So, the snow don't stop nothing!

See you at Jimi Holloway's Post New Year Celebration

If you haven't gotten your tickets, call one of the numbers listed below for a vendor in your area:

QUEENS
718.527.1127
718.528.2889
347.805.2287

BROOKLYN
718.345.6911
718.638.1357
347.350.7198

BRONX
917.459.6760
718.294.5855
347.735.7710

MANHATTAN
212.799.9897
212.862.6917
917.843.7716

LONG ISLAND
516.538.3001
516.489.0148
9117.449.5158

PHILADELPHIA
215.276.8065
215.280.8817

NEW JERSEY
201.332.0110
973.623.4162
908.810.9820

WESTCHESTER CTY
914.949.2304
914.667.5157
845.538.6078

BALTIMORE
443.858.9655

CONNECTICUT
203.237.7537

BOSTON
617.584.9706

DELAWARE
917.523.3339

GROUP RATES
718.528.2889


For additional information you can contact 718.528.2889

See you at the event of the season.
STAY BLESSED &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson