Celebrating Adolf DULAN's 88th Birthday Anniversary in Heaven

By Gloria DULAN-Wilson

Hello All!

 

Today, June 18th, marks the 88th Birthday Anniversary of my favorite uncle, Adolf Dulan - He made his transition to the realm of the Ancestor/Angels in May of 2017.  He was not only my favorite uncle, he was my Mentor, Friend, and standard by which I viewed other men.  

Below is the salute I wrote for him on his 77th Birthday Anniversary.  Interestingly enough, June 18th is also the birthday of my Maternal Grandfather, Enoch Gaines  - my Mom's Dad - another personal hero of mine.  So I'm saluting and commemorating these two wonderful/FINE BLACK MEN!

Adolf A DULAN - King of Soul Food

 

Gloria Dulan-Wilson Blog/ ECLECTICALLY BLACK NEWS
For Eclectic Black People
VIP: Views . Interests . Perspectives

6.18.2011

HAPPY BIRTHDAY UNCLE ADOLF - WE LOVE YOU

By Gloria DULAN-Wilson

This is personal: I am sending a special birthday greeting to my favorite uncle, and favorite person on the planet - outside my Mom, Dad, Brother,Sisters, Man, God & my kids - My uncle Adolf Dulan - my Dad's baby brother, who has the distinction of being the stalwart patriarch of the family, is celebrating his 77th birthday today, June 18, 2011, in Los Angeles, California. I want to salute him. So join me in doing so.

When I say they don't make them like him any more, I'm not exaggerating. He's a fine Black man - not just playboy, pretty boy fine - he's that kind of fine that just mellows and gets better looking with age. He's articulate, intelligent, educated, principled, and a gentleman - definitely a lady's man - in that he knows how to treat a lady like a lady, and respect her as a woman at the same time.

He's managed to be successful on so many levels - in his business - he owns Dulan's Soul Food Kitchen in Los Angeles - which started out as Hamburger City, evolved into Aunt Kizzy's Back Porch (now owned by my cousins - Tiffany and Danielle Dulan); he's raised 5 kids, and taught them each positive work ethics, the value of family and the importance of keeping your word.

He's got jokes - a great sense of humor; and great taste in clothes, friends, and his lady - he always manages to be involved with someone who is intelligent, articulate, stylish and an asset (Dorothy, you rock!)

My Uncle Adolf, son of Zady and Silas Dulan, brother of Warner Hale Dulan (my Dad), Alene Dulan (Talton) and Zethel Dulan (Thomas) were all raised on Oklahoma Soil in a shack on the prairie - for real!! No electricity, no gas,no plumbing - basically a sod house that my grandparents built themselves - with an outhouse, no less, in a little town called Luther, Oklahoma.

Oklahoma, which means land of the red people, has soil that is as red as our Indian heritage, and as richly Black as the African heritage, and the mixed bloodlines that course through our veins.

My granddaddy was a stickler for education, and we are all the same way. He put all his kids, as well as his brothers and sisters through college - Langston University, in Oklahoma.

When Adolf relocated to California after the Korean War, to put down roots, he became a social worker, and worked for years in the community trying to help others have a better life. When he decided to go into business for himself, he took a big dose of his own medicine - his own advice - and began to look for ways to develop an autonomous business that others would resonate to. He never stopped learning, exploring, inquiring, trying new things. Though the beginning was initially rather rocky - with some hit or miss efforts - when he evolved into Aunt Kizzy's he found he had a hit on his hands. Those cabins you see on the walls at Aunt Kizzy's and Dulan's Soul Food Kitchen are real - my Uncle literally went from rags to riches, using his ingenuity, talent, and the foundation laid by my Grandaddy Silas.

Soul food (comfort foods) that appealed to African Americans, as well as to the broader population, was based on old family recipes that had been shared down through our collective families; it was such a hit, that he began to be mentioned on such television shows of the day as Arsenio Hall and others.

Not one to rest on his laurels, when he decided to go the way of just soul food to go, Dulan's was born - just 7 years ago - when most people would be hanging up their hats and putting themselves out to pasture - not my uncle.

Adolf is better than the energizer bunny - he has taken that energy and ingenuity to a whole 'nutha levul.'

I recently told my daughter that if there was a way to clone him I would do it - just so young ladies her age could experience what it is like to be treated with respect, dignity, and have fun doing it - but, I observed, if they were able to clone Adolf, the rest of the guys her age would never stand a chance. They'd either have to step up their game or step off.

Never a 4-letter word, a b-word, a n-word from his mouth. Always a smile; always a compliment; always that great sense of humor. Always listening, and reflecting back to you so that you know you're communicating and comprehending.

The kids call my generation "old school", while we call Adolf's generation "real school".

Make no mistake about it, though, he's no pushover - he is from Oklahoma - and we don't play. The school of life he comes from is a combination of the Code of the West; the nobility of the Indian Nations (Creek); and the "gentility" of of the South. (Notice I put "gentility in quotes - the South was anything but genteel).

Black Indians (whites had another name for us) are a totally different breed of cat - we used to say, he laughs, and he jokes, but he don't play.

Does it sound like I'm bragging about my uncle - of course I am - and who better than me - the first born niece!! Proud of him - proud he's my uncle - he's stood with and by the family in good and bad times, and we have stood by him. Our tribe is tight!

And my admiration for him doesn't stop with me. He's loved by so many in the greater Los Angeles area. But he's never lost his down home touch. And that's part of his charm. Elegance, style - with just a touch of humility. Not only will he feed you some of the finest Southern Soul cuisine west of the Mississippi (T-Bone Steak, catfish, swai fish, collard greens, candied yams, real corn bread, okra, corn & tomatoes, short ribs, ox tails, smothered chicken, mac & cheese, black eyed peas, friend chicken, not to mention my Cousin Greg's Salmon Croquets, biscuits and grits!!!; with Ice Cold Watermelon, an avocado salad - by my cousin Ling; deep dish peach cobbler by "xxx" - are you hungry yet?)

And while you're washing it down with lemonade, Adolf will regale you with stories about growing up in Oklahoma, and our relatives that will keep you cracking up the entire evening.

I wish I could be there in person to celebrate this wonderful occasion with him and the family. Since I can't be there in person, I'm writing this article to give him his props, and to let him and the world know how special he is to me and all the family: Mom Ruby Love, Warner Jr., Brenda Nell, Sylvester, Kira, Rais, Adiya, LaDonne, and the rest of the crew in New York, Oklahoma City, Texas, Maryland, Philadelphia, DC, Virginia, Chicago, Detroit.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY UNCLE ADOLF!!!!

I love you muchly. May you have many more wonderful, blessed, fun filled and love filled years to come.

From Gloria Jeanne

PS: This salute was written in 2014 for Adolf on his 80th Birthday 

https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8661755859413500477/3503753504289281828

PS: If you are traveling to LaLa Land stop by and tell them Gloria DULAN-Wilson sent you. Dulan's Soul Food Kitchen - (310) 671-3345 - GDW

We are now in 2022 and the legacy of my Uncle, Adolf DULAN continues to rise and expand - through Gregory, Jeff, Terry, Tiffany and Danielle - Dulan's on Crenshaw was recently celebrated as the LA Ram's favorite Soul Food Restaurant during the 2022 Superbowl - which, by the way, the Ram's won.  They were also nominated for a James Beard Award for Culinary Excellence.  Can't you just see him beaming down with wonderfully handsome face and that great smile of his?

 

NOW THAT YOU KNOW

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?

 

Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gloria Dulan-Wilson

 

 

 

 

 

 

GDW ICYMI: DULAN FAMILY NAMED LA FIRST FAMILY OF SOUL FOOD ON GMA and are SPECIAL GUEST AT SUPERBOWL LVI

By Gloria DULAN-Wilson

Hello All!!

HAPPY BLACK HISTORY MONTH

And for those of you who follow it - HAPPY SUPER BOWL SUNDAY!!

 

 

My Uncle Adolf DULAN started a Soul Food Empire in LA

This Super Bowl Sunday is especially special for me and my cousins in Los Angeles, the other members of the DULAN Family - who were featured Wednesday, February 9, 2022 on Good Morning America as DULANS LOS ANGELES FIRST FAMILY OF SOUL FOOD, AND THE LA RAMS FAVORITE SOUL FOOD RESTAURANT.

The restaurants, started by their dad, my Uncle Adolf DULAN, the youngest son of my grandparents, Zady and Silas DULAN, born and raised in Luther, Oklahoma, were based on my Grandmom's wonderful recipes.  She only had a woodburning stove, in a one room home that housed 16 kids - including my Dad, Warner, his sisters Alene and Zethel, and my uncle Adolf - plus my granddad's orphaned siblings whom he took responsibility for and raised until they could fend for themselves.

As a kid we all loved "helping" our grandmother in the kitchen.  In fact, it was mandatory that we all learn to cook growing up - just as it was mandatory that we all get a college education.  Each Christmas we'd gather and share our dishes in a great Christmas feast, that rotated between each other's homes.  Apparently, my Uncle treasured Grandmom's recipes and cooking to take it beyond just a memory, to establishing one of the most prominent soul food restaurants in Marina Del Rey in the 70s, called AUNT KIZZY'S BACK PORCH.  It was the first (only) Black owned restaurant and Soul Food restaurant in the Marina, and was there for 20 years, until he and his former wife, Mary DULAN, decided on an amicable divorce. 

Later, in the 90s, Adolf DULAN started a new genre of restaurant that specialized solely in Soul Food - Adolf DULAN'S King of Soul Food was opened on LaCienega Blvd.  followed by my cousin Gregory DULAN's DULAN'S ON CRENSHAW - and later DULAN'S SOUL FOOD KITCHEN.  When Adolf made his transition in 2017, my cousins, Gregory and Terry DULAN continued the tradition of fine Soul Food cuisine inspired by our Grandmom's recipes, as well as other family members who had developed unique recipes of their own.  My personal favorite is short ribs,  with Black eyed peas, collard grees, rice and REAL CORN BREAD (from scratch) washed down with fresh squeezed lemonade.  The restaurants have been a staple in Los Angeles for more than 20 years - but many don't realize that prior to their establishment, Adolf also had HAMBURGER CITY - which was in Inglewood - it was the best hamburger in the world - with fresh ground beef, secret sauce, and oversized sesame seed buns - there were lines around the block for them as well - however, it was during an period when the area was experiencing serious gang turmoil, making it relatively safe to maintain the business.  Nevertheless, the popularity was such that Arsenio Hall used to frequently refer to them on his Talk Show. 

Now, fast forward to today - and we are so proud of our cousins - and so elated that the Los Angeles Rams have recognized DULAN'S SOUL FOOD AS ONE OF THEIR FAVORITE HERITAGE RESTAURANTS. 

Talk about CONTEMPORARY BLACK HISTORY - My Uncle Adolf DULAN is a fine example of what happens when Black people take something ordinary and does something special with in an extraordinary way.  It's not the first time the DULANs have made history, and won't be the last.  The wonderful thing is that my cousins are carrying forward a tradition that has long been established by our family and our OKLAHOMA ROOTS!!

If you're in LA, you might want to stop by and experience the magic.  I used to go by the restaurant on the way LAX  airport and have my cousins prepare me a "ToGo box" and sit on the plane and eat, while everyone else was trying to make do with those jive peanuts and other junk they give for a five hour flight back to the east coast.  Talk about people's mouths watering.  LOL

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO SEE THE VIDEO:

https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/food/video/gma-surprises-inspiring-family-super-bowl-tickets-82795288

So while you're enjoying the SUPER BOWL today keep an eye out for my Cousins in the VIP Box - or go by DULAN's Soul Food Kitchen and try it for yourselves!!

 

While you're watching SUPER BOWL LVI - WATCH FOR MY COUSINS - TERRY, GREGORY AND TIFFANY DULAN - who are special guests of the LA RAMS  - GO RAMS!!

 

 

NOW THAT YOU KNOW

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?

 

STAY BLESSED &

ECLECTICALLY BLACK

 

 

Gloria DULAN-Wilson

 

Saluting My Dad, Warner Hale Dulan and my Uncle Adolf Dulan on VETERANS DAY 2021

By Gloria DULAN-Wilson

HELLO ALL:

Usually, when you celebrate VETERANS Day, you generally think of commemorating those fallen soldiers who have given their lives in service to their country - the USA.  I salute my Dad and my Uncle who are now  ANCESTOR ANGELS, and WHO HAVE GONE BEFORE US AND TRIED TO MAKE A WAY FOR US BY RAISING, NURTURING, EDUCATING, DEFENDING AND LOVING US TO LIFE.

In keeping with the tradition of honoring those who served in the Military, I am honoring my father, Warner Hale DULAN, Sr., who served in WWII

 

He was stationed in Camp Seibert Army Base in Gasden, Alabama; served as a Military Policeman (MP), and probably experienced more racism in his young life there, than he ever did growing up in Oklahoma.  In fact, his experiences there shaped his militancy for the rest of his life.  He had enlisted to save the country that rejected him - and got a full dose of racism during the time he was there.  Of course, he was not the only one; and it was not something he discussed with us until I was well into my teens and participating in the Sit-ins, and Civil Rights activities in Oklahoma City, under the mentorship and leadership of Ms. Clara Luper.  

I remember him clearly saying to me, during one of our many epochmaking debates, when he was trying to get me to stop participating in the sit-ins  - "You don't want to integrate with the kind of people these people are!!"  I was 17 years old.  Tinker Air Force Base had threatened to fire him because was an "agitator."  He asked (not told) me to stop because he could lose his position at Tinker.  He had been there for 20+ years at the time.  I looked at him like he had to be kidding, and responded, somewhat arrogantly,  that I was not going to stop - so he probably should get a different job - why would he want to work for a company that did not respect his rights?   

 

I half expected him to smack me or reprimand me, or ground me or withhold my allowance.  Instead, I saw this look of pride come across my Dad's face - he couldn't hide it.  I realized he was testing me to see how committed I was to the movement.  I later found out from my Mom that he had pretty much informed the higher ups at Tinker that it would be my own decision to stop, but he wouldn't force me to do so.  My Dad was a silent militant.  We would go walking sometimes in those racist parts of OKC, where they had the signs in the window that said "We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone we choose."  Daddy would walk into the shop, stand there, not saying a word, waiting for one of the caucasoids to refuse him service - no one ever did. 

As you can see, my Dad was a FINE BLACK MAN - he set high standards for our family, because high standards were set by his Dad, my grandfather, Silas S. DULAN, who served in WWI.  They all served their country,  in a highly racist, segregated army.   Despite that, they all had high standards, ethics and definiteness of purpose

My Dad, Warner Hale DULAN, Sr.  WWII Veteran

In addition to my Dad is his younger brother, and my favorite Uncle - Adolph A. DULAN, who served in the Korean War, following in the footsteps of his older Brother.  My Uncle was also a FINE BLACK MAN, as you can clearly see.  He  took advantage of his GI Bill, went to college, got his degree in Social Work, but decided that it was time to apply what he learned to economic development and entreprenurial endeavors.  He tried to teach other Black Vets to do the same thing.    He started a program teaching Black Men entreprenurial skills, in Los Angeles.  He had a very down to earth, Oklahoma Old Boy method that worked, and eventually led him to establish the Millionaire Men's Club, where he and his fellow Black Millionaires met and strategized how to share their knowledge and contribute to society. My favorite Uncle made his transition 4 years ago leaving a legacy of accomplishments from establishing businesses in LA, through starting organizations that empowered Black men and women to excel. My Uncle Adolf A. DULAN served in the Korean War Blessings to all the brave, loving Brothers and Sisters who dedicated their lives to ours!!!   Thank you for your love and your service.   NOW THAT YOU KNOW WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?   Stay Blessed &  ECLECTICALLY BLACK    Gloria DULAN-Wilson

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OWED TO MY UNCLE ADOLF DULAN - TRULY A FINE BLACK MAN - ON WHAT WOULD HAVE BEEN HIS 87th Birthday

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Hello All:

I ORIGINALLY WROTE THIS FOR ADOLF ON HIS 80th BIRTHDAY ON JUNE 18, 2014

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Hello All:
Today, June 18, 2021 is the 87th birthday of my late & favorite uncle, Adolf Dulan -  a FINE BLACK MAN and simultaneously suave, sophisticated, positive, powerful and empowering, generous and witty - fun and definitely a Lady's Man!

 
Below is an original piece I composed in honor of my Uncle Adolf Dulan, slightly revised - 

 

OWED TO MY UNCLE ADOLF  - TRULY A FINE BLACK MAN

Original Poem By Gloria Dulan-Wilson (c) Poetic License by gdwilson06182017

MY UNCLE ADOLF DULAN 

Today I pay homage to my Uncle Adolf the youngest son of Silas and Zady

Who today, June 18, reached the mile stone age of Eighty-Seven

Adolf Dulan who is none other

Than my dad Warner's baby brother

Whose big sisters Zethel and Alene

Had to keep him out of trouble and clean  

Who emerged from  Oklahoma to serve in Korea

And returned to embark on a different career

And I'm so proud to give you the schoolin'

On what it means to be a DULAN

My Uncle has definitely done the name proud.

In his quiet eloquent way he's drawn quite a crowd

Loving the food on which as kids we were raised

He opened Aunt Kizzy's and was highly praised

  

He took Los Angeles completely by storm

This creative brother from an Oklahoma farm

And when Aunt Kizzy had closed her doors
He opened Soul Food Kitchen with customers by the scores

Make no mistake Adolf is a Fine Black Man

As are all the men of the DULAN Clan

The envy of brothers and the target of ladies

This youngest son of Silas and Zady

His energy, wit and charm were home spun

He's a skilled poker player, but does it for "fun" -

The father of five, he taught them what he knew

So into successful men and women they each grew -

He could hold his own in any conversation

He traveled the world as well as the nation -

He shared what he knew and brought others along

His Millionaire Men's Club is still going strong -

He dressed like he just stepped out of GQ

His clothes were sharp and he was too!

He was an original son of the great Southwest

An Oklahoma Kid who didn't take no mess

It was all about family no matter where he goes

We loved him, he loved us and it definitely shows -

So I salute my Gemini Uncle who would be 87

The youngest son of Silas and Zady - together now in Heavan

And say I love you with all my heart A D

Big brother/uncle/mentor/friend – you're still watching over me -

God blessed us all, but he really wasn't foolin'

When he made you the Patriarch  of the family of DULAN-

 

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY UNCLE ADOLF 

(c) JUNE 18, 2014/Edited JUNE 18, 2021

 

FROM YOUR NUMBER ONE NIECE 

GLORIA JEANNE 

Stay Blessed &

ECLECTICALLY BLACK  

(c) Poetic License by GDWEnterprises 6/18/2014

      Original Poem by Gloria Dulan-Wilson

 No one dies til the last one on earth ceases to speak his name. Adolf may not be accessible like he once was..but he will always be with you.

ADOLF AND ME HANGING OUT IN HARLEM AT PERKS FINE CUISINE

DEDICATED TO MY UNCLE ADOLF A. DULAN 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU 

WITH MUCH LOVE AND FOND MEMORIES

I KNOW YOU AND THE ENTIRE FAMILY ARE NOW ALL TOGETHER AGAIN DECIDING ON WHERE TO HOST THE NEXT CHRISTMAS GATHERING - 

WE ALL LOVE AND MISS YOU

STAY BLESSED 

GLORIA JEANNE

JUNE 18, 2017

 

 

Gloria DULAN-Wilson

 

GDW EVENT ALERT EXTRA: iBuy Black Summit to be held Saturday March 20

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson
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Hello All:

It's been two weeks since I posted on my blog. I took a little sabbatical after my Uncle Adolf's passing - while on the West Coast and communing with my family.   We gave him a beautiful home going service, and had our own family reunion.   So this is my first posting since May 2, 2017.   I kind of left in mid-sentence with so many things in the air - but I needed to be with my family.  More about the Dulan's in another blog.

So much has been going on in the interim, and LA has set such a shining example, I thought it only fitting and proper and relevant to have the first Blog to be about us Black People as a FAMILY.  That said, let's get it going.

I just received the invite and communique (below) from the Philadelphia Council of Leaders - PCOL.  They are seriously doing something that has not been done in a long time in the Philly area - consolidating our power, strength, ingenuity and buying power in a way that empowers us all.

In California they've had Recycling Black Dollars (RBD), and the Millionaire Men's Club for quite some time - and have made a considerable difference in how things get done there - well PHILLY - IT'S YOU'RE TIME TO RISE, SHINE AND TAKE CARE OF BUSINESS! 

 iBuy Black Summit - 

Saturday, May 20th 2017 

RSVP NOW!

 https://ibuyblack-summit.eventbrite.com

Greetings IBuyBlack Family,

 

 Our next monthly meeting will take place on Saturday, May 20^th, 10AM, at the Philadelphia Technician Training Institute, 1901 W. Girard Avenue. 

The theme and title of this meeting is the first annual IBuyBlack summit. We are inviting leaders of business, community, fraternal and religious organizations to meet and hear from current IBuyBlack cardholders, participating businesses and leaders of the IBuyBlack coalition. 

Admission is free and space is limited. We are asking all those who plan to attend to register at  https://ibuyblack-summit.eventbrite.com so we can have enough refreshments to accommodate everyone.

Peace

Ali Salahuddin

Chairman / PCOL Cultural Committee

____________________________________

From: Ali Salahuddin <africangenesis2@aol.com>

Subject: iBuy Black Summit - Saturday, May 20th, RSVP NOW!

Friend -- Philadelphia Community of Leaders presents its first annual iBuyBlack Summit Admission is free, but space is limited! Reserve your seat at https://ibuyblack-summit.eventbrite.com or call 215-247-1545. Philadelphia Community of Leaders http://action.philadelphiacommunityofleaders.org/ Philadelphia Community of Leaders · United States This email was sent to ali@africangenesis2.org. To stop receiving emails, click here. You can also keep up with Philadelphia Community of Leaders on Twitter or Facebook.  Created with NationBuilder, software for leaders.

This weekend is CELEBRATE THE LEGACY OF MALCOLM X WEEK END  - and what better way than to attend the upcoming iBUY BLACK SUMMIT. Will definitely see you there. 

NOW THAT YOU KNOW

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?

Stay Blessed & 

ECLECTICALLY BLACK 

Gloria 

  

SAYING FAREWELL TO MY FAVORITE UNCLE ADOLF DULAN: Much Love from Gloria Jeanne

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Hello All:

Well, that dreaded day finally arrived - yesterday, May 1, 2017, my beloved Uncle Adolf Dulan made his transition to the realm of Ancestor/Angel.  I must admit, having had an initial fright about his transition a week prior, I was a lot calmer, and more prepared to handle the news.  Last Wednesday,  April 26, when I was told the family was gathering for his last breath, I came very close to being a basket case. But the collective prayers of our many friends, family members, Facebook Friends, and well wishers, gave him some additional time to make his transition.

Adolf Dulan - My Beloved Uncle - Rests in Power - 

As I'm writing this, it's so surreal that I'm sure I'm have an out of body experience.  And if I, his niece, am devastated, my cousins are even more so - having been with him through the best and worst of  it - seeing one of the most vital, vibrant, visionaries of all time, endure a prolonged illness.  They took up the slack, and maintained all that he had created, while keeping the high watch, and hoping against hope that he would rally and survive this. After all, wasn't he the dad who never failed or wavered - stared down many threats to his life, business, family, dealt with them all handily, and kept progressing - and lifting as he climbed the ladder of success?  He, the Dad who could be in the country one minute talking with his Oklahoma relatives who never left Luther; and the next minute walking the streets of Paris, rubbing elbows with ambassadors, and the uber fasionables!  

That was indeed my Uncle Adolf, and their dad.  Nothing phased him.  So when God the Living Spirit Almighty decided to call him home, none of us really believed it was happening - including Adolf.  Everything he put his hands to was  a success.  He came from the red clay of Luther, Oklahoma, and rose to be a multi-millionaire, a very successful restauranteur, a major player in the Black community of Los Angeles, where he moved after having served a stint in the Korean War.  

No one in our family had done that - gone that far, succeeded on such a major level.  Adolf did! He did it! And he did it with all the charm, grace and humor - and just plain folksiness with which he was raised.  He didn't become a nouveau riche snob - he became a mentor instead.  He didn't distance himself from his family members who hadn't done quite so well - he embraced us all even more.  He had inherited that wonderful storytelling capacity of our paternal grandfather, his dad, Silas Sylvester Dulan - and could spin a tale that would have you on the floor laughing.  But, if you were a threat to his family, he would also have you on the floor trying to find the rest of your teeth - and would continue to smile in the process.  

He graduated from Langston University, Oklahoma - as did all the Dulans - but he was more than just "book smart."  He had what was known as mother-wit - that form of wisdom that goes beyond just everyday common sense - very much like speaking in parables.  Not officious or holier than thou - but with a lot of humor and understanding, as well.

It would be an understatement to say that I absolutely loved my Uncle Adolf.  Whenever he would come to New York to visit, I would drop everything and clear my agenda so that we could hang out. After he and my Aunt Mary finished buying up all the shops,  Adolf and I would head for Sylvia's Restaurant in Harlem.  He had a particular affection for the Woods' family, because they both started from humble beginnings; and they both served food in the family tradition.  He would spend hours talking with Sylvia, taking pictures, walking around the community.  

ADOLF AND ME HANGING OUT IN HARLEM 

Later in the evening, we'd all gather for dinner - by All, I meant my cousin Terry, who lived in NYC at the time, his best friend Pierre, my three offspring - Kira, Rais and Adiya and myself, Ardjerie Ayers - and hit Jezebel's (his favorite restaurant at the time) for dinner.  We'd hang there, catching up on old times, taking photos - talking to Alberta (Jezebel's owner); and just relating as a family, the way we did growing up in Oklahoma.   After that, it was party time, and Adolf and I would hit the streets - starting at Perks Fine Cuisine in Harlem, over to Showman's and if we still felt like it, to the Lenox Lounge.  His philosophy was that since he lived in California, and there was a 3-hour difference in time, 3:00 AM in NYC was really only 12:00, so it wasn't that late to him.   He would also sample other Black restaurants, and was an avid collector of cookbooks - especially by Black authors.  There was nothing off the table for Adolf, when it came to the good life and positive people.

ENJOYING HANGING IN HARLEM AT SHOWMAN'S CAFE

ADOLF WITH HERB WRIGHT 

I have often bragged that I come from a family of FINE BLACK MEN - well my Uncle Adolf was second in line after my Dad - which meant that both men were super-fine.  Not just in looks, but in manner, temperament, values, attitudes, self esteem - love of family was at the top of their list.  Ingrained in them by my Granddad - Silas Sylvester Dulan, and handed down to his handsome sons - Gregory, Jeff and Terry, and his two beautiful daughters, Danielle and Tiffany.  It was part of the Dulan Family Ethos - and each of his siblings were charged with passing it on to their offspring - so none of us could say we didn't know.  

Adolf was our Uncle - mine, my sister Brenda, brothers Warner Jr., and Sylvester, cousins, Lamont and Sheryl Talton, and, because of the close proximity to us in age, the interpreter to our parents when we hit adolescence.  As always, it appears that Adolf sailed through adolescence without all the hassles and hazards many of us faced later on; but when it hit me in particular, being the first born, he smoothed out the  mis-communications that my smart-mouth would often get me into between myself and my parents and grandparents.  Thank goodness for him!! I was the first born, and the ground breaker - and he had many a time to come and keep my folks from breaking my you-know-what!  No doubt dealing with my madness is what helped him become such a wise and wonderful parent when his own family started to manifest (LOL) - because I was a handful.  Thank goodness for the Civil Rights Era, Clara Luper and being occupied with the sit-ins in OKC, it kept me out of the streets.  Adolf often remarked that I was the only Civil Rights Activist in the family - he was very proud of that.

Most people know my uncle for his wonderful restaurants - the ground breaking  Aunt Kizzy's Back Porch and, later, Dulan's King of Soul Food.  Some will also remember him from Hamburger City, which Arsenio Hall used to talk about so frequently on his late night talk show.  The secret sauce was especially popular Black in the day.  Most don't know that he initially started with trying to run an Orange Julius Franchise in California.  It did not go well because their menu clashed with Black folks taste buds.  Their rigidity is what inspired Adolf to go out on his own and  start his own hamburger stand.  It was an immediate hit because he used freshly ground beef, hand formed, and a special sized hamburger bun, fresh onions, pickles, lettuce and tomatoes.  Not only was it a hit, it was the means by which his kids earned their allowances - everybody had to put their time in at Hamburger City.   However, Adolf did not start out in the restaurant business - he started out  in Day Care, augmented by teaching courses in money management - we now call it financial literacy - in a community program in LA.  The Day Care program was very successful - so we were surprised when he decided to go into the restaurant industry.

But, I guess, in retrospect, it was a natural for him.  He was Mr. Personality.  He had a fantastic smile, could charm you to the point you did not want to leave, had a million stories, and understood human nature.  I remember his business cards in later years always had a picture of him smiling - handsome, engaging brown eyes - silver fox (my Aunt Alene, his oldest sister, hated the fact that he would not colorize his hair the way she did hers.   She felt that others who knew them knew that she was dying hers - after all, how could her baby brothers hair be gray and hers still be dark brown? LOL).

ADOLF HANGING AT SHOWMAN'S CAFE IN HARLEM 

I have so many precious memories of my Uncle - the way his eyes would water up when he started laughing; the fact that he would fall asleep for about an hour after a good meal (a trait of Dulan men, I think - Daddy and Granddaddy would do it too).  The fact that he loved fine cars and jewelry.  The way he would leave a surprise tip for the maids at the hotel under the pillow when they made up the bed so they would give extra service.  The way he would focus in on what you were saying, as if you were the only one on the planet at the time.  

The way he would send a drink to a beautiful woman at a club when we were out, and invite her to join us - of course making sure she knew I was his niece.  He would then proceed to pour on the charm - and tell her that her money was no good for the evening.  He would be his most charming self, and treat her like the queen she was.  I will tell you that would spoil her for anyone who came around and treated her with less respect.  I know it spoiled me - it made it difficult to be around guys who didn't pull out my chair, wine you and dine you; compliment you - I'm sure Tiffany and Dannie have also had the opportunity to be treated like royalty by their Dad. It's so special.  It's not fake; not trying to catch - it's just that wonderful feeling that you get when a gentleman focuses on you as a lady.  I remember trying to get him to write a book, or an instruction manual so we could distribute it to the guys.  Of course, no dice.

Adolf, like most of the Dulan family of his line, was born and raised in Luther, Oklahoma.  The youngest of four kids, he grew up on an 87 acre red dirt farm, owned by my Granddaddy, Silas Dulan and my Grandmom, Zady Dulan.  Everybody had chores, from milking cows, to harvesting the watermelons, picking the corn, pitching the hay, pulling eggs, spreading the manure, you name it, he did it.  He hunted rattle snakes with granddad, helped bring water up  from the well; clean out the outhouse, chop wood for the pot belly stove and for the kitchen.  When everybody else had grown up and gone, it was all on him to help around the farm - from canning and putting up preserves, to getting the dairy products ready for delivery.  He did it all. From the son of a dairy farmer to a mogul in the realm of restaurants.  What a journey.

He grew up in an extended family of aunts and uncles who were also being raised by my grandfather - each of them attended Langston University, put through by my Grandad, which formed the basis of another family standard "Education is a non-negotiable item.  Adolf and all the Dulan family was expected to do well in school, and attend and complete college.  There were no ifs ands or buts about it.  Our family was a stickler for appropriate pronunciation and enunciation of words - and poor grammar would get you yelled at.   The only time you heard him using an Oklahoma drawl was if he was joking or making fun of something.  It was not allowed.  But the wonderful thing about Adolf was that he was both academically and street smart.  He could roll with the best of them, and then hold forth on any subject from a podium without notes.  

ADOLF AND ME HANGING AT SHOWMANS CAFE IN HARLEM WITH ONE OF OWNERS

Adolf was always trying to lift the Black community - not by activism, but by his contributions and participation in the many programs and activities that occurred throughout Los Angeles.  Whether it was food, money, speaking at, or hosting an event, he did his part to help.  He kept abreast of the issues and problems concerning Black people, and, when he became "rich and famous" preferred to remain in his own Black community than to distance himself in some opulent, isolated neighborhood where you could count the number of African Americans on one hand.  And, while he may have been the one to pioneer a concept, he also knew you couldn't get very far if you tried to go it alone.  For that reason he started the Millionaire Men's Club of California.  Now that did not mean everybody was a millionaire who belonged to the club; but it did mean that they were aspiring to be, and that they were doing business with each other on an ethical and cooperative basis.    He was also a member of Recycling Black Dollars - an organization that made it their business to spend the money in the Black community first.   He had the admiration of fellow businessmen and women, elected officials, political figures, peers - but most of all, we, his family were so proud of him. 

My Mom, Ruby Love, his sister-in-law, loved him to no end.  During his bachelor days, while at Langston University, Adolf used to hang out in Oklahoma City with his friends; and, instead of going back to dorm after partying and drinking illegal booze (Oklahoma was a "dry" state), he would crash on the living room sofa.  He would ease in about dawn, and sleep til noon, have breakfast - and praise Mother on her biscuits and grits; joke around with Daddy, tease us kids.  We would tip around him while he was sleeping, and periodically go over and say, "Adolf, are you awake yet?"  and he would say, "Not yet," and roll over for another round of z's.  But when he finally woke up, we would be jumping all over him, happy to see him, hugging and running around him!   Me, I would be doing hand stands, turning flips, and showing off:  "Adolf! Adolf! look what I can do!!  Look what I can do!!"  Swinging upside down on the backyard gym set.   "Hey Adolf! Look at me!"  

I think I've spent my whole life trying to impress my favorite Uncle - some days I did; some days I didn't.  But he always impressed me with his heart, his graciousness, his sagacity, his love of life and people, his pride of family and love and support of his kids.  And I hope as I write this, the love we all feel for him is coming through to him, even as he is charming the heck out of them in the Realm of the Ancestor Angels.  

Farewell to you, A.D. 

Thanks so much for showing us how to live life beautifully and fully.

Please say hello to Mom and Daddy, Granddaddy and Grandmom, Alene, Zethel, Sheryl, Major and all the rest of the Dulan Clan.

Lovingly from your Number One Niece

Gloria Jeanne