Kenny Gamble Honored by Chaka Fattah at CBC Reads Black Folks the Riot Act - or The Gospel According to Gamble!

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Hello All:

Finally getting my breath and bearings back after some real interesting chains of event over the past month and a half.  But that's another story for another time.  With all the madness and confusion, I still managed to attend the Congressional Black Caucus' Annual Legislative Week End in Washington, DC, which took place September 24-28.  This their 44th year.  It is also the year of the most pivotal mid-term election ever, which takes place November 4, 2014 - with nearly all incumbents up for re-election across the nation.

One of the biggest events, in addition to the myriad of workshops throughout the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, was the Chair's reception, hosted by Congressman Chaka Fattah of Philadelphia, PA. 

Chaka Fattah D. Philadelphia

The massive event was held at the newly minted Marriott Maquis Hotel - which sort of grew up over night and is now hip and thigh with the convention center.  A fabulous edifice that puts all the other Marriotts to shame - thus far - it boasts of ball rooms and reception areas four levels deep, and a direct conduit from the hotel to the convention center so that you don't even have to face the outside elements.  And it's co-owned by a Black man!  

Grand Lobby and Conversation Hub of the Marriott Marquis, DC

With nearly a thousand participants in attendance for the reception, live entertainment, an open bar, wine, cheese, pasta, and great conversations flowed throughout the evening.  The Chair's reception always draws a big crowd from Pennsylvania and all over the US, most of whom were congenial after having spent the entire day in workshops, round tables and forums tocused on issues and concerns about Black people, their progress, economic status, education issues, quality of life - and most of all the mid-term crisis.

The guest of honor for the evening was none other than Kenny Gamble, of Gamble and Huff /The Sounds of Philly (TSOP) fame, and his wife, Faatimah.    However this time they were being honored for their contribution as real estate and community developers, community activists, and educators and their long years of continued, distinguished service to the People of Philadelphia.  Most don't realize that they gave up a posh life in the suburbs, returned to  South Philadelphia, and have dedicated their lives to the African American communities, transforming them from blight to beauty.

Kenny Gamble 

Faatimah Gamble

A well deserved and long overdue recognition, for Gamble, who is apparently as equally skilled and adept in the realm of property development and construction as he is in the music and entertainment realm.   Though, there have been no end of recognition and awards for his work, both in the music realm as well as for being one of the largest and most prolific African American owned real estate development companies - having already developed or co-developed more than $1.5 billion in real estate, primarily in the Philadelphia area.

However, as  Congressman Fattah attempted to present him with the award, the CBC crowd continued conversing as though nothing was happening, making it difficult to hear him over the din of the crowd - a fact that did not go unnoticed by Gamble. 

After graciously accepting the award from Congressman Fattah, he turned his attention to the crowd, and in no uncertain terms told them to be quiet - not once, but twice - the second time with such consternation in his voice, everybody immediately shut up.

Since the noise of the crowd also overrode my taping of the event, I will paraphrase his remarks for you:
"African Americans in Philadelphia have a lot to be proud of - you asked for a Black mayor - you've had three; you wanted a Black President - we've had a great one who has served for two terms; you've asked for more opportunities for Blacks in businesses - you've received that as well.  You've gotten everything you asked for - but you have done nothing to make it work.  The one thing you don't have and don't seem to know how to get is Black unity.  That is seriously lacking - and you go around making noise and acting as if what you do doesn't matter as long as you have a good time.  Well it does matter, and you should be ashamed of yourselves for coming to something as important as the Congressional Black Caucus and not taking advantage of the opportunity to really forge some important, significant and pivotal programs and policies that will help Black people across the country.  Your being here is a waste of time if you go home without any plan or agenda in place as to what you are going to do going forward.

"I appreciate this award from Congressman Chaka Fattah, but I have to tell you that we have no time to waste in just frivolous matters.  Less partying and more participation will determine what happens over the next two years.  It's your responsibility."

Well, you could have heard a pen drop in the room after that.  I think I was the only one applauding his statement.   People looked around the room at each other as though saying "he can't be talking to me."  

Really?  

The fact was that he was talking to all of us who, every year, come to DC to style and look cute, be seen on camera, and gather business cards; make all the galas and receptions, but go back to the communities and constituencies from which we came with a hand full  of souvenirs, business cards, expense receipts and not much else.  

My question is always, what did you get from the Caucus this year? What did you learn?  What's the plan going forward?  Who is your congressman or woman?  Did you get a chance to speak with them?  But no one has ever called them out and made them look at and face their responsibility in this manner.  And it definitely needed to be said. 

In the 70's the late, great Ossie Davis made the famous speech "It's not the man, it's the plan.  If not us, who; if not now, when?" during the first Congressional Black Caucus.  It appears, however, that many have either forgotten what their basic mission is, or have gotten caught up in the glamor. 

We have now had the Congressional Black Caucus for 44 years - and I've been covering it for 29.  Next year is pivotal milestones for us both.  There are, of course, some congressional officials who are consistent in delivering great workshops during the caucus, and walking their talk in between - Maxine Waters D. Cal.; Yvette Clarke, D. NY, former Congresswoman Diane Watson (ret'd) D. Cal, Donald Payne (Deceased); all  receive high marks from me.  

But, the Caucus has not come out with an overarching, comprehensive master plan in quite some time.  And while I admit I love attending the caucus, I love covering it, and love the fact that it brings Black businesses, activists, community leaders and congressional officials together - with a dinner culminating in  a keynote speech from President Obama; it falls flat when it comes to having developed an overarching national agenda for African Americans.  Though they're small in numbers, they have the capacity to affect great policy changes - at least within their own constituencies. 

Gamble asked at the end of his speech - "so, what's your plan?"  

That question, still hangs in the air.  What are we going to do?  Which way are we headed?  This is a pivotal election year.  If the few CBCF members are not re-elected, with additional ones to strengthen their numbers, Blacks will be totally behind the 8-Ball and even more at the mercy of rapacious repuglycons.  This is no laughing matter.  We all  like to feel good, and have good times.  But we definitely need to have a more strategic way of making good happen for each other across the board.

Kudos to Kenny Gamble for keeping it real.  Kudos to Universal Companies for stepping into the fray and developing homes and communities in the Philadelphia area.  And congratulations to him and his lovely wife for the award.  Well deserved.  

For those of you unfamiliar with Brother Gamble outside the realm of the music industry, let me catch you up on what he's been up to for the past 20 years.  This is an overview statement from Universal Companies:

Kenny & Faatima Gamble co-founders of Universal Companies

OUR COMPANY: Universal Companies is in the business of helping people. Our mission is to improve communities and change lives, by creating cultural and entrepreneurial opportunities that break the cycle of generational poverty within historically disenfranchised communities. To accomplish this, Universal focuses on the identification and removal of systemic barriers to wealth creation within urban settings. We are committed to a comprehensive approach to neighborhood revitalization that embraces education as its foundation for economic transformation. Universal works in collaboration with community stakeholders to create an environment where all children are achieving academically, socially, and emotionally at a high level. We have maintained a proven track record of turning around under-achieving schools since 1999. 

Not only do they have eight charter schools throughout Philadelphia which educate more than 4500 students, providing them with quality education, but they maintain an employee base of 650 people.  And while meanstream whites rail at Gamble for doing too much in the South Philadelphia area, he has definitely made a considerable difference in a community that had all but been left to die in squalor and substandard housing.  

The words of Kenny Gamble echo in my mind whenever I meet political figures or community activists - regardless of where they are, who they are or how long they've been in office.  Their track record can be reflected in the results in the communities they serve.  How are the people faring under their watch.  Also, how galvanized are the people under their watch to be part of the solution, as opposed to part of the problem.  How hands on are they in their respective communities - not just when the cameras are on, but during the down times as well.

Those of you interested in finding out more about Kenny Gamble and Universal Companies, may do so by logging on to www.universalcompanies.com; or Google Kenny Gamble Universal Companies; or stop by 800 S. 15 St., Philadelphia, PA 19146 and take a look for your self.

It's clear we need many more Kenny Gamble examples in all of our cities - he's already laid out the blueprint; we have but to follow and connect the dots.  

Brother Kenny Gamble made an extremely important statement, and issued a challenge to us all:  What are we doing?  Where are we going?  WE have the tools, WHERE IS OUR UNITY?

WHAT IS YOUR ANSWER?

NOW THAT YOU KNOW, WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?

Stay Blessed & 

ECLECTICALLY BLACK 

Gloria Dulan-Wilson

www.gloriadulanwilson.blogspot.com/ECLECTICALLY BLACK NEW 

 




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Berry Gordy Master of Transforming Obstacles into Opportunities Receives the Prestigious 2013 Marian Anderson Award

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Hello All:

Philadelphia's Kimmel Center was full of the who's who of society yesterday (November 19) as they turned out to celebrate the lifetime achievement of recording mogul and Motown founder, Berry Gordy. 
It was hard to say who the crowd was more excited about:  Berry Gordy, hitmaker extraordinaire, or the fact that his lifelong friend, Smokey Robinson was also going to be in attendance.  Either way, the turn out was tremendous.  

BERRY GORDY

Berry Gordy has been legendary in his recognition and nurturing of  raw Black talent, many of whom have become household names, including:  Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, Diana Ross, the Supremes, Michael Jackson, The Jackson Five, Martha and the Vandellas, Gladys Knight and the Pips, The Temptations, The Four Tops, Rick James, Stevie Wonder, among so many others.  He started out as a song writer, having collaborated successfully with Jackie Wilson (Lonely Tear Drops, To Be Loved), among other greats songs.  He established Motown in 1959, with the help of his sister.   It was the beginning a lifelong collaboration with then 16 year old Smokey Robinson.   Most of the aforementioned artists who would have never had a chance in the mainstream realm,  found the nurturing, mentoring and management style of Gordy to be the foundation that launched their careers.

In his acceptance speech, Gordy mentioned the principle of "overcoming obstacles" as what drove him  on, regardless of what was thrown in his way.  He stated he had grown up hearing about Marian Anderson, who was a legend in his family because of her many  accomplishments. "I viewed Ms. Anderson as the activist of my time because she overcame racial barriers during a time when things were so much more different." 

But he also said that his dream to do something great actually began as a child, when, at the age of eight, Joe Louis knocked out Max Schmelling, the the German heavyweight champion, symbolizing a blow for American democracy against Nazi imperialism.  "When Joe Louis fought, it was always a holiday for Black people back then.  When he knocked out Schmelling, the whole world called Joe Louis a hero, a champion.  I wanted to be viewed as a champion like my hero, Joe Louis."  And that's what he did, only in a different genre - the realm of music and entertainement.

He also attributed his vision of Motown to having worked at the Ford Motor Company.  He found the working on the assembly line a metaphor for what needed to happen to produce stars.  They come in like the car as raw metal, they go through different levels of transformation, including the design of the body, the engine type, the outer appearance, and when they emerge they are a beautiful car that everybody wants.  Gordy saw that in terms of the raw talent who came to Motown:  They were raw talent when they arrived, but were taught poise, how to dress, how to interact with the public, choreography, style, voice and diction; when they came out the other side, they were superstars - just like the assembly line.  The formula worked and took many a wannabe, mediocre talent from the sideline to stardom.

Berry Gordy Black in the day

He spoke humbly of how the board, as they called themselves, would meet, listen to a song or an idea; decide how to utilize it, showcase it; what the talent needed to become successful.  They worked as a unit.  They looked at the talent, the music, and everything wholistically.  This was not just a piece of talent, this was a whole person who had much to bring to the table, and whose very life was now about to be changed - they were all in it together.  Where others might have been discouraged, or turned away, Berry Gordy would take the leap of faith, make the investment, bring in the experts, and make magic. 

Berry Gordy With Diana Ross at the NY Premiere of MOTOWN THE MUSICAL

He acknowledged that he and Diana Ross had a romance, but his lifelong friendship with Smokey Robinson was what could be considered a  straight "bro-mance;" and that both had very special places and meanings in his life.

SMOKEY ROBINSON

Smokey Robinson, Gordy's lifelong friend, complimented him, prior to his acceptance speech, and cited his determination to overcome obstacles.  They met when Smokey, aged 16, was trying to pitch some of his "songs" to a local recording company in Detroit.  He sang a couple of them, but was given the boot.  Gordy, who was working with Jackie Wilson at the time, happened to have been there, and asked Smokey if he had any other songs.  Robinson had a looseleaf notebook with over 100 songs.  He stated that Gordy listened to every one of them patiently, and gave him constructive criticism for each one.  "He did not rush me, or ridicule me; he was very open.  He taught me how to write songs so that they had meaning.  I had so many songs that had two or three songs wrapped into one," the famous artist shared.  "This is a friendship of a lifetime.  I will admit to everyone that I love Berry Gordy - not in a gay way, but as a brother, mentor, and the best friend I ever had." He went on to state, "Berry is a champion when it comes to overcoming obstacles.  There is nothing that he will not take on, if he sees it as opportunity for something greater."  He further affirmed that for Berry, the bigger the obstacle, the more he welcomed the challenge to use his own creative - and often unorthodox - to tackle it. No was never an option; it was another opportunity forge a new path.  And that path has led to some of the most successful talents ever.

Smokey wrote a personal song for Berry that left the audience speechless, ending with how much he loved Berry for having been there for him for over fifty years, and how he considered him the best friend he ever had - for life.  Of course the audience melted.    

Marking the 15^th anniversary of the Marian Anderson Award, former Pennsylvania state governor Ed Rendell was honored as its founder and for his impact on the arts in Philadelphia, followed by a special performance by Tony Award nominee Brandon Victor Dixon, who stars as Gordy himself in “Motown The Musical.”


Keeping everything running smoothly was comedian, actor, philanthropist, Chris Tucker, who kept the audience in stitches with his zany adaptations of Motown hits:  Money:   "The best thing in life is free, But that don't mean a thing to me; I want my money - that's what I want."

Comedian/Actor Chris Tucker

Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, of the famed Gamble and Huff writing and production team, and the very underpinning of the Philly Sound, likewise congratulated Gordy on his accomplishments.  They spoke of the many times they had collaborated on work between Detroit and Philly, sharing each other's catalogues.  

Gordy later also affirmed that when he could not get acknowledged in Detroit, he came to Philadelphia and brought his music to WDAS-FM.  He was then doing his own promotions.  The DJ was on the air, and had Gordy wait outside while he previewed the record, while playing another hit of the day.  After previewing it, he got on the mike and told his listening audience that he had something great he knew they were going to love, and proceeded to play the first record by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles.  In overcoming obstacles, per Gordy, you have to be willing to travel outside your comfort zone, around the detours and cut your own path.  He also stated that when Motown was stuck for music for their talent, they would call on Gamble and Huff to see what they had that would work.  (Proving that the rivalry we now see between the various hip hop artists are totally unnecessary).

At 83, looking 60 or younger, Gordy also showed he could still make moves on the dance floor.   He had actually left the stage to return to his seat, when Kool and the Gang began playing their closing number. He jumped back onto the stage and began dancing like he was 25 years old.  Had some great moves too!! Stopped the retreating audience in their tracks as they watched in awe, this great man, whose love of music, talent and creativity, went whole souled back into the genre he loved the most:  Soul Music. 

Congratulations to Berry Gordy for an honor and acknowledgment well deserved. GDW

The Marian Anderson Award was established in 1998 by former Pennsylvania State Democratic Governor Ed Rendell, and has bestowed this award on those who have "used their talents for personal artistic expression, coupled with a deep commitment to the betterment of society.  In addition to Berry Gordy, the previous recipients are:  Harry Belafonte (1998); Gregory Peck (1999); Dame Elizabeth Taylor (2000); Quincy Jones (2001); Danny Glover (2002); Oprah Winfrey (2003); Ruby Dee & Ossie Davis (2005); Sidney Portier (2006); Richard Gere (2007); Maya Angelou and Norman Lear (2008);  Bill Cosby (2010); Mia Farrow (2011); and James Earl Jones (2012) * No awards were given in 2004 or 2009. 

The former recipients each have a major track record in their own right in playing major roles in mentoring and facilitating the underwriting of countless struggling youth, and programs designed to help youth realize their dreams of using their talent and creativity.  Over the past fifteen years the Marian Anderson Awards have provided more than $560,000 in support for free public programs, commissions and grants through the awards gala.  The program administers the Young Artist Study-Grant program, which benefits financially-challenged high school aged performing and visual artists from Philadelphia and the region.  Anderson was considered  an important personality to reckon with, due to her continuous support in the struggle for Black artists, to overcome racial prejudices in U.S. "Her life is a classic example for artists, who give up after meeting a few hardships in life, to get motivated and walk towards the path of success."  

The Marian Anderson Award also celebrated the inauguration of a new chair, Nina Tinari, who will be taking the organization forward, as Pamela Browner White, who chaired the organization for twelve years, steps down. 

For those of you who may have heard the name, but are not familiar with who Marian Anderson was, or why she's so significant, and why the particular individuals selected exemplify her spirit and energy, let me give you a brief biographical profile:

MARIAN ANDERSON

I will begin by saying that when I was in elementary school in Oklahoma City, we were taught about Marian Anderson, and were encouraged to sing like her.  She was the first Black woman to sing the National Anthem at a Presidential Inauguration.  Something that, Black in the day, was totally unheard of in uber-segregated Washington, DC. 

She was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA to poor but well educated parents.  Her musical talent became evident in childhood.  She taught herself to play the family piano as a child and got odd jobs, so that she could buy herself a violin. At age 6, Marian joined the choir at the Union Baptist Church, and at the age of 8 she gave her first solo performance. As a teen,  musical talent gave her opportunity to sing in assemblies and other school functions;  and her mother was encouraged by none other than the great singer Roland Hayes to get herformal training.   However, the segregated schools in the Philadelphia area would not admit her.  She eventually studied under Italian great Guiseppe Boghetti, who encouraged her to study in Europe.  For those of you who have never heard her, Ms. Anderson had a rich contralto voice that sent chills down your spine.

Sol Hurok, a great musician and producer, was impressed by her performance in Paris, and invited Marian on a U.S. singing tour. . Marian appeared for the 2^nd time in New York’s town house on 20^th of December, 1935, and because of the overwhelming success, was booked for 2 yrs in advance and her concerts were sold out across the States. In 1936, Marian became the first African American to perform at the White House, due to the enthusiasm of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. In the year 1939, however, when Hurok tried to book a concert at Washington D.C Constitution Hall, owned by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), who turned it down by the sisters because of their racist attitudes towards Marian.

First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, along with Walter White, the executive secretary of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored people and Sol Hurok arranged for a concert on the steps of Lincoln memorial,  on April 9, 1939.  More than 75,000 people came, and it was a sensational hit with more than a million national radio audiences. 

Marian Anderson Singing at the Lincoln Memorial, 1939

On 7^th January 1955, she became the first African-American to perform with the Metropolitan Opera in New York. In 1957, she performed for President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s inauguration; she later toured India and the Far East as a goodwill ambassadress representing her country. On 20^th January, 1961 she performed for President John F. Kennedy’s inauguration, and the next year in 1962 she performed for President Kennedy and the other dignitaries in the East Room of the White House. The same year she even represented her country in Australia. In April 1965, on an Easter Sunday, Marian Anderson gave her final concert at the Carnegie Hall, followed by a yearlong farewell tour.  A commemorative stamp has been issued in her honor:

Most don't realize that Ms. Anderson had a very successful and long lasting marriage, though it came late in her life.   On July 17, 1943 Marian Anderson she married  Orpheus H. Fisher, also known as the ‘King’ to become his second wife. The two got married in Bethel, Connecticut. By this marriage she had a stepson, James Fisher. In 1986, Anderson's husband, Orpheus Fisher, died after 43 years of marriage.  Ms. Anderson lived to the age of 96, and passed at the home of her nephew in Oregon.  Her legacy is unimpeachable.

Those who are interested in contributing to the Marian Anderson Award organization, may do so by  logging on to www.marianandersonaward.com for further information.  

Stay Blessed & 
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson

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