On Monday,
January 30, 2017 Susan Taylor presented her Second Annual Fundraiser/Gala
for the National Cares Mentoring Movement, a national initiative she
started in 2006, in response to an inspired call to serve the needs
of thousands of African American children throughout the United
States desperately in need of love and guidance.
 |
SUSAN TAYLOR - CEO/FOUNDER National Cares Mentoring Movement - Greets the Audience |
Leave
it to Susan to come up with such an idea, and then to drop everything
to heed the call – including stepping down as Editor in Chief of
Essence Magazine, the premiere Black Women's magazine, to make it a
reality. I was at one of the first events Susan presented in
Brooklyn, co-hosted by then Assemblywoman Annette M. Robinson. It
was held at a local church, and the place was packed – who doesn't
love Susan Taylor – the epitome of elegance.
Well,
fast forward, 11 years later, and Cipriani's was likewise packed to
the walls – not another seat to be had – standing room taken up –
enthusiastic supporters all there to celebrate the success of this
wonderful endeavor and to raise funds to ensure it's continuation and
expansion.
It
was certainly a star-studded night – with super stars rubbing
elbows with mentors, mentees, supporters, and well wishers – one
that made you feel (know) that you were in a privileged space, and
God was smiling down on all the participants and guests.
Elegant
as ever, Susan took a slight departure from her favorite orange hues
to don an elegant, short cropped metallic leather jacket, over a
multicolored blue and purple evening gown. She floated among her
guests, with that always bright and beautiful smile, accompanied by
her handsome hubby and love of her life, Khephra Burns.
 |
| (L-R) Charles D. King, Exec. Producer of Fences, Terrie Williams of the Terrie Williams Agency, Asha Bandele, Head of Communications, National Cares; Chrystal McCrary, Hon. Co- Chair of Gala, Susan Taylor, Founder & CEO - National Cares Mentoring Movement, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Founder/CEO Rainbow/PUSH Coalition - Wall Street Project, Chivonne Williams, Exec. Dir. National Cares, Michael Eric Dyson, Author, Public Speaker, Minister, Educator & Co-Host of the Evening's Festivities |
Before
I go into the who's who and who was there, let's get serious about
what it is that Susan Taylor has been able to accomplish in just over
10 years: The
National CARES Mentoring Movement was founded in 2006 and is a
pioneering community-mobilization initiative, established to propel
impoverished Black children to succeed in school, in careers and in
life. It is the only
organization dedicated to holistically securing and transforming the
lives of Black children nationally through culturally grounded,
trauma-informed and curriculum-based group-mentoring. National CARES
envisions a world in which African American children and families are
deeply rooted in mutual love and the history of Black people; and
where they are respected for all that their foreparents withstood and
contributed to enrich the nation and the world. While National CARES
focuses on African American children and mentors, we turn away no
child in need, nor any qualified adult, and our programs are easily
adaptable to other cultural contexts.
Now,
what does that mean? It means that Susan Taylor, who has always been
a deeply compassionate, spiritual and resourceful sister, took those
wonderful character traits and applied them to a pressing problem
that has been plaguing the Black community for decades, and, in so
doing, inspired others to follow her example and make a considerable
and indelible difference in the lives of more than 200,000 children
nationally – and counting. And she did it the hard way – going
from city to city meeting with community leaders and regular people;
parents and educators – persuading them to join her in this
magnificent mission.
 |
| Gloria Dulan-Wilson (me) and Sister/Soror/Friend SUSAN TAYLOR |
This
Gala set out to raise $150,000 – a paltry sum when you think of the
intrinsic value rendered via this Magnificent Movement. And while
doing so, participants were wined, dined, entertained and made aware
of the crying need for even more to be done if our children are to
survive and thrive in an environment and culture that has for far too
long been allowed to cannibalize them. National Cares Mentoring
Movement is a lifeline, a gift that keeps on giving; for as these
children grow through the process, they are able to reach back and
bring others forward as well. (In case I forgot to mention it
earlier, Susan Taylor is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority
Inc.)
Tamron
Hall and Michael Eric Dyson served as co-hosts for the evening, which
highlighted and honored three Black men for their accomplishments and
contributions to the African American community – Russell Simmons,
Charles King and Lonnie Bunch III. To some these are household names
and you are well acquainted with their accomplishments.
 |
| Co-Host TAMRON HALL |
But to
others, who may have heard these names in passing, but have no real
concept of who they are and what their claim to fame is all about,
let alone why they should be the recipients of the NORTH STAR AWARD,
I'm sharing their brief, but comprehensive bio – can't help it, I'm
a total history buff, and think it's absolutely essential we know the
historical significance and contributions our Black brothers and
sisters have made an continue to make – and since it's so often
underrated and overlooked (or distorted) by the meanstream media,
allow me to take the liberty of including it in my Blog. And please
share this with your children and your peers – so we can't say that
nobody told us.
Charles
D. King:
Charles
D. King is Founder and CEO of MACRO.
Launched in 2015, MACRO
is a disruptive entertainment company that sits at the intersection
of content, technology and brand curation. With a focus on creating
premium film, television and digital content for African American,
Latino and multicultural (ALM) audiences, this next generation,
multi-platform media company is perfectly positioned to capitalize on
the explosive growth in this important market.
Formerly,
King was Partner/Agent in the Motion Picture Department at William
Morris Endeavor (WME). He was the first and only African
American to rise from the mailroom to partner in the 118-year history
of the company. His career as an agent spanned over 15 years,
during which he was known for his innovative deal making and his
strategic planning in developing brands for and around his clients.
Most
recently, King was Executive Producer of the multi-award winning film
Fences,
directed
by and starring Denzel Washington. Based on August Wilson's
Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize winning play, the film, that also stars
Viola Davis, is in theaters nationwide now. The company's next
film, Mudbound,
directed by Dee Rees, and digital series "Gente-fied"
featuring America Ferrera, is being featured at the 2017 Sundance
Film Festival this week.
King
has been featured in numerous national media outlets and
publications, including Fortune magazine, who named him one of the
nation's most influential Latino, Asian or African-Americans.
He is also an active angel investor in synergistic ventures at the
nexus between the technology sector and the media content business. A
graduate of Vanderbilt University and Howard University's School of
Law, King resides in Los Angeles with his wife Stacey, a fashion
designer/executive and their two sons.
Russell
Simmons:
Entrepreneur,
author, activist and philanthropist Russell Simmons has launched
scores of groundbreaking careers and innovative enterprises in
arenas as varied as music, film, television, fashion, comedy,
poetry, digital platforms, theater and finance. His lifelong mission
has been to give voice to extraordinary talent and to empower
underserved communities as they in turn shape the mainstream
of culture. After having produced or managed artists including
Kurtis Blow, Run DMC, Whodini and Jimmy Spicer, Simmons joined
forces with producer Rick Rubin to found Def Jam Recordings. Under
Simmons’ leadership as Chairman, Def Jam signed acts including the
Beastie Boys, Public Enemy, LL Cool J, Jay Z and Kanye West.
Simmons’
long-running HBO series Def Comedy Jam helped make household names of
comics including Jamie Foxx, Chris Tucker, Martin Lawrence,
Bernie Mac, Dave Chappelle, Kevin Hart and JB Smoove. Def Poetry
Jam also on HBO, won a Peabody Award and a Broadway version
netted Simmons a Tony®. Simmons’ numerous big-screen hits
include The Nutty Professor, which grossed more than $273 million.
Simmons
is a best-selling author of three books with a newly released book,
The
Happy Vegan,
which was published in 2016. He has also launched a multitude of
diverse business ventures including pop-culture website Global
Grind, UniRush Financial Services, Simmons Jewelry, Run Athletics and
clothing subsidiaries Phat Farm, Baby Phat, Argyleculture and
American Classics. Most recently, he has been building All Def
Digital, a premium, multi-platform digital media company and
entertainment hub, curating, developing and connecting a new
generation of content creators to global fans. He also co- founded
the digital marketing firm Narrative.
A
longtime champion of social justice and equality, Simmons was honored
with the 2011 GLAAD Excellence in Media Award. He is also a leading
animal rights activist, having been named PETA Man of the Year
in 2011. His charitable endeavors include the Diamond Empowerment
Fund, a global organization that supports educational
initiatives for disadvantaged people in diamond-producing
African nations, Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation, which gives
young people opportunities to create and appreciate art, and
Foundation for Ethnic Understanding which he serves as chairman
promoting understanding and cooperation between and among
ethnic groups to help reduce the existing tensions among
diverse racial and ethnic communities. A
native of Queens, NY, Simmons has two daughters, Ming Lee and Aoki
Lee.
Lonnie
G. Bunch III:
Historian,
author, curator and educator, Lonnie G. Bunch III is the founding
director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American
History and Culture. In this position, he set the museum’s
mission, coordinated its fundraising and membership campaigns,
developed its collections, established cultural partnerships and
oversaw the design and construction of the museum’s building. Even
before the building's construction, he designed a high-profile
program of traveling exhibitions and public events, ranging from
panel discussions and seminars, to oral history and collecting
workshops.
The
museum, the 19th to open as part of the Smithsonian Institution, is
located on the national Mall, where Smithsonian museums attracted
more than 24 million visitors in 2005. It stands on a five-acre
site adjacent to the Washington Monument and opposite the National
Museum of American History in Washington, DC. The museum opened
to critical and public acclaim on September 24, 2016.
 |
| National Museum of African American History and Culture |
As
a public historian and a scholar who brings history to the people,
Bunch has spent nearly 30 years in the museum field where he is
regarded as one of the nation’s leading figures in the historical
and museum community. Prior to his July 2005 appointment as director
of NMAAHC, Bunch, served as the president of the Chicago Historical
Society - one of the nation’s oldest museums of history. There, he
initiated an unprecedented outreach initiative to diverse
communities, and launched a much-applauded exhibition and program on
teenage life titled “Teen Chicago.”
A
prolific and widely published author, Bunch has written on topics
ranging from slavery, the Black military experience, the American
presidency and all Black towns in the American West; to diversity in
museum management and the impact of funding and politics on American
museums. In 2010, he published the award-winning book “Call
the Lost Dream Back: Essays on Race, History and Museums.”
“Slave Culture: A Documentary Collection of the Slave Narratives”
was published in 2014, and in 2015 he published “Memories of the
Enslaved: Voices from the Slave Narratives.”
In
service to the historical and cultural community, Bunch has served on
the advisory boards of the American Association of Museums, the
African American Association of Museums, the American Association of
State and Local History, and the ICOM-US. Among his many
awards, he was appointed by President George W. Bush to the
Commission for the Preservation of the White House in 2002 and
reappointed by President Barack Obama in 2009. In recent years, Bunch
has been honored with: Visionary History Award, DC Historical Society
(2016), Rainbow Push Torchbearer Award (2016), Delta
Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Remembering Our Heritage Award (2016),
and National Newspaper Publishers Association Torch Award (2016). In
2016, Bunch was listed as #1 in the Washington Business Journal’s
Power 100 ratings and in Vanity Fair’s Hall of Fame.
Born
in the Newark, N.J. area, Bunch has held numerous teaching positions
across the country including The American University in Washington,
D.C. (1978-1979); the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth
(1979-1981); and The George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
(1989-2000). He received undergraduate and graduate degrees
from The American University in Washington, D.C. in African American
and American history. He
is married to Maria Marable Bunch, a museum educator. They have
two daughters, Sarah and Katie.
Now
you can say “WOW – I didn't know that!!”
There were some other heroic young men who are making their mark on the world,
including young student
ambassador, Teonte Miller who, three years ago, was in a gang and
aspired to be a drug seller when The Rising program was started in
his school on Chicago’s South side.
 |
| Teonte Miller |
“The Rising saves lives! It saved my life,” the now 21-year-old said, before sharing that in March he will have achieved his associate’s degree and he has plans to complete his bachelor’s immediately thereafter.
Here
are some other accomplishments you may not be aware of: Since
2006, National CARES has recruited, trained and connected more than
200,000 Caring Mentors to local youth-serving programs in 58 U.S.
Cities, from Seattle to San Diego; Boston to Chicago; and New York to
Atlanta. Funds raised at this year’s gala will directly
support these efforts and other programs, including The
Rising: Elevating Education, Expectations and Self-Esteem, University
for Parents, and
HBCU Rising -
a program that mentors middle-school children in STEM and literacy,
and prepares college students for career success.
Tamron
Hall made the call for online donations – teasing Russell Simmons
and challenging others to match his donation – but she brought a
sense of seriousness and reality to the event as well by asking
donors to drop their success mode for the moment and “imagine
they were a kid in Brooklyn who thought no one was rooting for you.
Imagine you lived in Alabama and you thought that there was no way
that Jesse Jackson came out tonight for you. Or you're a kid in
Flint, Michigan and you think they don't even care if I have water.
So Susan Taylor brought us all here to show Black children need adult
love and caring; and this is the first step that we can take.”
Johnny
Furr, Jr. (Anheuser Busch) and first Board Chair
of the organization, stated, “Susan believed that if each of us,
who are fortunate and blessed could just give a little from our
overflow, we could help end the pain and poverty that some of our
children are struggling with. Since she first shared that thought,
National Cares has grown to become the only organization to provide
holistic support to (Black) children living in poverty.” Furr
announced that because of a grant made to the organization by Sylvia
and Eddie Brown, founders of Brown Capital Management (recipients of
the first North Star Award in 2016), they were able to hire,
Chivonne Williams, a top-tier executive director dedicated to
ensuring the sustainability and growth of Cares.
Chivonne
Williams, newly minted Executive Director of the National Cares
Mentoring Movement, quoted some strong stats about the effectiveness
of the organization and its impact on the youth it serves:
“Nearly 90% of our children increased their critical thinking
skills. The same amount felt a new pride in themselves, their
heritage, and a sense of self worth and hope for their future that
they had never felt before. All of this is as the result of
repealing the effects felt from socio-economic poverty in one
youngster at a time, and making their new focus academic success.”
This lead to the realization that they needed to impact their very
first mentors – their parents. They established a program that
trains moms and dads to become mentors to their children by
establishing a parent mentorship university. They are also focusing
on STEM education to help young people establish themselves and
compete in the global marketplace. “The mission of Cares is to end
the cycle of intergenerational poverty, and the harm that it causes
them, so that all of our children can live the full measure of their
dreams. With your help, and despite any political agenda, we will
realize our mission.”
Rev.
Al Sharpton, who gave the blessing for the meal, had some accolades of his own to
impart:
“Before we dine we must recognize the contribution of Khephra Burns, her husband".
 |
| Susan Taylor and Hubby, Khephra Burns |
He continued after the applause:
"This power couple has taught us how a man
and woman can work together and support one another. The power of
their mentoring is the that they give and they give real Black love,
and that should not go unnoticed. In this time when young people in
our community – some that have never ever seen this nation before
like they see it now, we need to support this national effort that's
affecting them.
There are some so young that they are used to looking at a Black family in the White House, that are now feeling for the first time something that is strange and hostile. So we need stability that Susan Taylor has given us.
So as we bless the food,
let us also remember that the stability she gives in an unstable time
– a time where they're trying to deport some, an vet others –
after vetting the former President of the United States for six
years, now they want to vet everybody else – Susan, we need you
more than ever. We've got to put our money where our mouth is -
look at your neighbor and ask how much are you going to donate. Don't
just eat, go into your pockets and bring out some unhidden figures
(audience cracked up with laughter). I've been asked to give the
blessing and prayer – I've been doing a lot of praying since
November 8.”
One
of the most compelling pieces of the evening was this ensemble piece
featuring Rosie Perez, Hill Harper, Harry Belafonte, Danny Glover,
Susan Taylor and others. It was so beautifully executed, and so full
of compelling information, I'm sharing it here. Feel free to lift it
and share it with your fraternaties, sororities, church
organizations, civic organizations, activist groups, and peers. We
all have a part to play in the salvation of our own Black people:
“One
third of all Black children are living in poverty
These
are the facts; 6.6% of all African American births are to mothers
under the age of 18
The
infant mortality rate of Black babies is more than twice that of the
national average.
Nearly
half of all Black children and Latino children drop out before
graduating high school
Every
day in America more than 1000 Black children are arrested
One
in every eight Black men age 25 to 49 is incarcerated
Our
young Latinos are over incarcerated as well
For
young Black women age 25 to 34 HivAids is the leading cause of death
The
leading cause of death for our boys and for our young Black men is
homicide
The
are also the facts: From the Hundreds of rebellions that took place
on slave ships, to
the
students who sat in in Greensboro (North Carolina), and who walked
out in Soweto (South Africa),
we
have always fought back; we have always cared for our own; always
protected each other.
WE
ARE THE PEOPLE WHO REFUSED TO DIE!!!
Like
then, what's important now is that we not retreat; not surrender our
tradition of faith and that can do spirit
We
can create powerful lives and end the state of emergency among our
young
This
is the sole purpose of the National Cares Mentoring Movement
Throughout
the nation, our dedicated Cares service leaders are hard at work
They're
closing that huge gap between the few Black mentors and the many
impoverished Black children
in
need of our encouragement.
We're
working on behalf of all children who are poor and struggling
The
National Cares Mentoring Movement founded recruits caring adult to
serve as role models,
tutors,
reading buddies, guides and deploys them to schools and
organizations; and to the
academic
mentoring programs Cares is building with our partners
Disproportional
numbers of Black children are on waiting lists, and they're hoping
that a caring
adult
will soon show up.
And
there is a critical need for the wisdom and strength of our beautiful
Black men – THE CHILDREN NEED YOU SO!
All
we're asking is this:
That
you give ONE HOUR A WEEK to help save a life and heal a child
You
can mentor one of the 2.4 million children
You
can get five friends to register and vote
Failing
schools; the carnage in our communities, celebration of thug life,
The
over incarceration of Black and relentless demonization of Black
males
and
the demeaning of Black women!
NO!
NOT ON OUR WATCH!!!
You
can demand your church be open for children after school and on
Saturdays
In
order to teach our kids an accurate account of their history
Reading,
math, science, technology – High expectations
We
are partners – these are the group mentoring support that National
Cares are bringing to challenged schools
Help
grow and sustain this movement by going online and making a donation
No
amount is too small
Connect
with your local Cares circle
We've
lived through harder and harsher times than this
Like
then, the most revolutionary thing we can do right now is to
LOVE
ONE ANOTHER
Become
a MENTOR
Help
ensure the most beloved of our lives – OUR CHILDREN
OUR
BELOVED CHILDREN
So,
I'm in! ARE YOU???
Stephen
Colley – National Program Officer added that National Cares has
built holistic programs for the more than 40% of Black Children born
in poverty – transforming their lives. “The Rising, our
transformational program, that shifts the culture of old schools
with just a few mentors and a dedicated leader, salutes Principal
Ramona Outlaw of Harlem Academy on the South Side of Chicago. We
have also partnered with HBCUs to ensure that middle schoolers were
learning critical stem proficiencies, providing wrap around support
to the most marginalize moms and dads – building a web of support
to break the cycle of poverty. WE ARE CALLING BACK HOME TO
OURSELVES.”
Steve
Colley introduced Asha Bandele stating, “I'm her brother from
another mother, she's my sister from a spiritual mister, Ms. Asha
Bandele.
There's nothing like Asha Bandele's ebullient enthusiasm to
rouse a crowd – and she definitely did not disappoint: “Being
from Brooklyn – Come on now! Come on now!” I've been with the
Detroit team all night, when Brooklyn comes humble! I will tell you
about the great Detroit writer,Pearl Cleage. She wrote an essay that
I read once, years ago, about the Africans who worked with the
europeans to capture other Africans, sending them through the door of
no return and onto ships to ports that would become a 250 year
holocaust – unlike any the world has ever known – And she posited
that if they had known what their fellow Africans would face, they
would have turned the ships around.
 |
| ASHA BANDELE |
“Today,
we – you and I – stand here at the shorelines of unknown terrible
seas, while predictable and unspeakable horrors, are visited upon our
children with real world consequences, of very real adult decisions
to not only mass incarcerate, but mass criminalize an entire
generation – a whole generation written off sometime for nothing
more than standing their past!! Deeply rooted in the guiding
principles that our children must not and cannot pay for our adult
errors or our silence. When Susan put out the call a decade ago, men
and women – many of whom were not financially well endowed – but
all of whom were endowed with hearts and determination, that could
not be measured or contained, began joining us. A volunteer army –
soldiers of love; each one in fifty-eight cities, carrying our
message of love; helping people in their own community; the gathering
of the village that stands for us and for our children; and turn
these 21st Century ships around. They are
calling us from Harlem, Houston, and from Washington, DC. Our
affiliates are training and recruiting mentors, and together they are
turning the ships around!!”
(Of
course, as you read these words just remember that her voice and
enthusiasm were escalating into a crescendo so that by the end of the
speech, everyone was clapping wildly. Asha Bandele does not half
step.) Message delivered!
Michael
Eric Dyson, who cohosted the event, commented “I ain't mad at no
other woman existing on the earth, but when God created the Black
woman – I ain't even got time! The shape of the universe becomes
the penetrating brilliance, the edifying spirituality – that's what
Black women do - all in the image of Susan Taylor, the Queen of Black
America as we celebrate her tonight.
 |
| Gloria Dulan-Wilson and Attallah Shabazz |
Producer,
director, author, actor and gala co-chair Chrystal McCrary – Thanked the Rev. Jesse Jackson for his leadership and vision – "We
need it now more than ever; Rev. Al Sharpton, thank you for your
continuity and a voice that we need now as well; and Susan – Queen
Susan – thank you for all that you do. I am honored along with my
husband, Ray McGuire, to be here to night. Thank you for choosing to
be here tonight for this critically important event in support of
this organization.” She went on to thank Susan Taylor for “always
caring about us! You care about our minds our bodies; you care about
doing what's right! She then thanked Russell for being there.
 |
The Rev. Al Sharpton of National Action Network and Rev. Jesse L. Jackson of
RainbowPUSH Wall Street Proje |
|
McCrary
first met Charles King when he was still with the William Morris
Agency and she was a young lawyer – he was a change maker. He was
that visionary that anyone who had a story to tell, they would say
have you talked to Charles King? He was in Hollywood as an agent, as
a partner.” She spoke of the married partnership between the
powercouple – Charles and his wife, Stacy: “Charles journey is
Stacy's journey and Stacy's journey is Charles's journey. We would
not be here tonight with Charles without Stacy being right here. So
I also honor you for being an extraordinary woman, an extraordinary
wife, extraordinary mother; and helping him along his journey.”
Relating how she first met Charles in his Beverly Hills office, she
was new in business. According to McCrary, when she greeted him and asked him how he was,
he responded, “I'm blessed, in a way that was humble, yet secure,
and indicative of the way he has been approached by some of the most
extraordinary talent, and greatest creative minds that he has
represented: Oprah Winfrey, Janel Monae, B Daniels, extraordinary
writers who are taking part in the canon of stories that are telling
our stories and (portraying) our images in a way that is absolutely
necessary.
"He
is the winner of the Sag Awards for the August Wilson award winning
play, FENCES, starring Denzel Washington. Denzel gave a shout out to
Charles as he received his award. One of the things that Charles has
said as a creative visionary is that we need to ensure that this
isn't just a moment; that this will be a part of the norm. That
there will be sophisticated, multi-layered, multi-dimensional movies
that represent the spectrum of all of our communities, that will be
both commercially successful, as well as part of the critically
acclaimed conversation. One more thing, Congratulation Charles.
Charles just came up from Sundance, where his film which he produced
got the highest acclaim at Sundance.
“This
evening to honor this King among men, I am deeply humbled to bring
upon the stage, the legend among legends – please join me in
welcoming the woman who set the bar high in excellence, elegance, and
dignity in craft and spirit - Ms. Cicely Tyson!“
Now of course you know that our Ms. Cicely received a standing ovation.
Stunning in her own right at 90, still beautiful, elegant, active,
vivacious - can't say enough about this Diva of all Divas (Delta) –
she puts us to shame without even trying and looks and acts and
sounds half her age.
 |
| Ms. Cicely Tyson |
She started out her tribute to Charles King in that wonderful melodious voice of hers:
“Charles D. King, my, my, my, my!!” and then pauses with a
tinkly laugh, “look at what you've done! Do you know what you've
done? Do you know what you have really done? You have brought to
millions the stories that tell the truth, the beauty, the complexity
of who we are; what we are, and why we are. So many people might
never have been able to see the play on stage; but they can see the
film. And for that; for heading the great responsibility you carry
as one who makes the beautiful happen, thank you!!
"Charles
D. King!! – I love saying that name! I come here tonight because what
you have done is already remarkable, and it's only the beginning of
what you'll do. All that I ask is that you remember, as I have tried
to remember, that you are not only an heir, but a custodian of a
great legacy and tradition. We are the keepers of our foreparents of
their memory – and we are the earth upon which our children will
either grow or perish. With every film you'll make, with each
undertaking, you'll have choices set for you; and as you confront
them, consider this question: Does this work honor the sacrifices
that were made so that I can stand here and even have the power
chose. I know you will confront those choices brilliantly Charles,
because I have seen what you have already done. And having seen it
tonight, I have come to join the hundreds of others to say simply
this: Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!!”
 |
| (L-R) Ms. Cicely Tyson, Charles D. King and Chrystal McCrary |
After
being presented with the NORTH STAR AWARD for his work to insure Our
Voices and Stories on Screen, King stated:
“I
feel like I'm having an out of body experience right now. To have a
legend, an Icon like Cicely Tyson! It's unbelievable – I can't
believe this is my life. Generations of our people will know the
power, the richness, the tenacity, and the resilience of our people.
It's an honor to be honored alongside Lonnie. And Russell Simmons,
as someone who grew up in the hip hop movement – to show that we
could do it our way and we can have companies. That we can do it and
always pay it forward. When I graduated from Howard Law, I had a
vision and a belief, so I decided to move to LA and took a job in the
famous William Morris mail room, making $300 a week, with a $100K
student loan, working 100 hours a week. But I went out there with a
vision, knowing the power of content.
The
power of the medium of film and television to shape lives, to impact
lives; to create content that will represent you; to show that I am
witness to who we are. I knew that if I could go into the belly of
the beast, of a place like William Morris, gain the experience and
the knowledge and work within the walls, ultimately I would take that
knowledge and all of that experience and use that to empower us to
tell our stories for ourselves. I could take that knowledge and help
those students who wanted to be executives, entertaiment lawyers,
producers, and agents. I think about the hundreds of executives
partners in agencies, media investment bankers, tech founders,
producers, publicists.
It's
our duty and our responsibility to mentor and to pay it forward, and
to uplift these kids. Now as I embark upon this next journey as CEO
and founder of MACRO, we were able to bring capital to bear to shape
and tell these stories that will reflect these kids reality; to show
them that they are kings and queens; to show the richness and the
complexities. Instead of constantly worrying about getting a seat at
their table, we should all be thinking about how to create our own
table – and perhaps than we'll invite them to join us as well.
 |
| Charles D. King of MACRO:"Instead of constantly worrying about getting a seat at their table, we should all be thinking about how to create our own table – " |
So,
let's think about it. The Millennials and Gen Z's are watching us;
they're watching our every move. They're seeing us on social media;
but they're watching what we're doing. We all know that there's
strength in numbers. We need to be reaching across industry lines,
financial sectors, the tech arena the political world and politics.
We all know that the Rev. Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton have been
ringing the alarm bells when they started to see the disparity of
what's been happening, and what's gone on in the past in Hollywood.
We need to come together to have an impact with these stories and how
we're portrayed – actually have an impact on how these kids see
themselves, so that the next kid can know that they can do it. They
can be artists, they can be story tellers, they can be media tycoons;
they can be investment bankers. Let's all work together show that we
can be an example to lift up one another; we will lift them up as
well, and they will, in turn, do the same as we continue to pay it
forward. And with that you'll know that if you have vision, faith,
preparedness, focus, determination – every and anything is
possible.
“My
parents taught me that everything is possible; to always believe in
myself. Thank you to Susan and the work that you do. And I will
commit to be there at least an hour, if not more, every week to
continue to pay it forward to open up doors and to mentor and to be a
part of uplifting this next generation of (Black) leaders.”
Best
featured actress in a musical, for her amazing role in HAMILTON,
Renee Elise Goldsberry, introduced Russell Simmons, the next
recipient of the NORTH STAR AWARD.
 |
| Renee Elise Goldsberry of Hamilton - the Musical, introduces Russell Simmons |
Renee
started off with a rift of her own: “We honor Russell Simmons for
the man he is. A crusader of social justicee, he made HipHop big
biz. Back in '84, he lifted his label, Def Jams to new heights with
that stellar stable LL, Whodini and the Beastie Boys! JayZ and he
could bring the noise! Phat Farm and Baby Phat, one-two, one-three!
And the Kings of Rock rock!! Yes!!
But
entertainment success he just has to shine. What he does with his
platform is more than just divine. The love of our children, he
loves to give back. And he keeps Krush Groovin' with every track.
The Vegan – all the books on meditation; waged a war on drugs and
mass incarceration. Reaching, preaching – inspiring near and far
to set the captives free; so he is our NORTH STAR. We are our
ancestral resilience. It is not a myth – just listen to the
testimony of our sister, Kemba Smith.”
Kemba
Smith, who is a heroine in her own right, having gone through the
tragedy of being wrongfully incarceraed for a crime that she did not
commit, and had no knowledge of had a tragic, compelling story to
share that had the audience both nearly in tears and angry at the
same time.
 |
| Kemba Smith - who triumphed over tragedy, gives a moving homage to Russell Simmons |
She stated that in 2012 she had been invited to speak at
women's federal prison in Danbury, CT. but could not have faced going
back there had it not been for Susan Taylor, who accompanied her to give her the courage she need. Ms. Smith had powerfully negative memories of that facility, because she had spent 5 years
of her young life incarcerated for a crime she did not commit. She
also related that she could not have survived being there had it not
been for Russell Simmons. While incarcerated, she picked up a pen
and wrote Simmons a letter: “I told you that I had been a
Hampton University Student, fell in love with a man who sold drugs.
Before I could say wait, please listen; I'm human being; I was about
to give birth to my son, I was sentenced to 24 and a half years in
prison. My little boy was born while I was incacerated. I was
shackled, and handcuffed immediately following his birth; and if it
hadn't been for my parents – God bless my parents who stood by my
side – he would have gone into the foster care system, as so many
children do. So that letter to you, Russell, I told you my story was
a common one; and that this was what the drug war was doing –
locking up mostly poor people, for low level, violentless crimes.
And when it came to wormen – we were locked up often for nothing
more than simply the crime of loving someone. I told you that even
when we made a mistake – a first time, low level, nonviolent
mistake – we were still sent away for a generation. Sometimes we
were sent away for life. That's why I asked you to pleaae help; to
please use your influence among celebrities to get out out stories.
After having served six and a half years of my sentence, Bill Clinton
commuted it in 2000. A miracle – it meant that I would be able to
raise my child, marry, have my daughter, and go on speaking up for
all of those who are still languishing in prison today.”
While she didn't know whether he ever received her letter, she watched as he raised his voice, and caused others to raise their
voice to end the drug war and the new jim crow – calling the US to
be a nation of freedom. “So I've come here with my son to night
to say something to you that I thought a million times – but never
in a million years would I ever have the chance to say to you in
person – (she broke down in tears momentarily) – thank you.
Thank you for the bottom of my heart for your commitment and speaking
out as you have on this issue. Thank you on behalf of the children
and families – whose sentences have been commuted – because there
was a movement of brave souls like you that knew that we deserved to
be seen as human beings. And we deserved to be treated with dignity.
Thank you Russell Simmons, and God bless you.”
Wow!
What a compelling story – not only was the audience (and yours
truly) visibly moved by her statement; we had to wonder what kinds of
miracles it took for this to have happened at all – that Susan
Taylor would be conduit through which Kemba would actually be able to
personally thank him in front of an audience. I was an amazing,
powerful, poignant moment. What was even more amazing was that I was
sitting at the table with one of her friends and classmates, who
could attest to the veracity of her story.
Renee
called Russell to the stage to receive his award, “On behalf of the
National Cares Mentoring Movement, we are so proud to present you
with the NORTH STAR AWARD tonight.”
 |
| Russell Simmons received the North Star Award from National Cares Mentoring Movement and pledged to help Susan Taylor in future efforts to save our Children |
Russell,
who was wearing his characteristic white sneakers, stated, “Most of
the time when I receive awards like this I just think it's Google
overstating my net worth. And I can be used – and I want to be
used as much as possible to help someone do the work. And when I get
these awards, it's usually because I'm a celebrity, and it's on the
backs of the people who do the work. The people who show up
everyday, and who really do the work. I had two mentors on the stage
today – Rev. Jackson, who I met when I was very, very young; and
Rev. Sharpton. And those two, along with Min. Louis Farrakhan –
these are the three men who made thei way – or made their
celebrity, through service. I made my service through music, and
other stuff that's meaningful; but I know that celebrity is very
valuable – and through it I can help do some of the work that the
real activists can do, I can do some of it as well. And so her story
is very compelling. I remember that push to change the Rockefeller
drug laws. Both Rev. Sharpton and Rev. Jackson were there as well.
So, I'm here as a servant. I come and I see this program every year
in Miami – and other than that, I have not been a great servant to
date. As a foundation, I want to commit to do more to help you Susan.
And I'm just grateful that I was given the opportunity to make the
call and do some of the work, and to work alongside some of those who
do. It's so hard to serve our community and serve the greater good –
thank you – we have our work cut out for us. We have a white
supremacist in the White House – and according to him there are no
good Jews, no good African Americans, women ain't ish; Muslims –
it's a real crisis we're facing – and all of us have to band
together – all of us want to give each other what we want for
ourselves. We have to make that our mantra. And we have to see
each other the same so that we can work together to promote the
better humanity and a better future.”
In
the midst of his speech, Russell was interrupted by a caucasian
female who obviously was a T-rump supporter, and had obviously had too much to
drink – because she started heckling him for his statements. Initially, being the gentleman he is, he
paused on several occasions to respond to her - “I'm saying that
we all have to work together – we'd all like to believe that there
are better opportunities – I was saying - “ She interrupted
him again – “I'm saying that Black people believe that
opportunities are not available - “ again she challenged his
statements.
Russell, always cool, calm and unflappable responded, finally, “Well, some of
us were born women, Muslims, African Americans - we're born unequal,
and we'll die unequal. (Audience applauded at how he was
handling her rude and ignorant behavior) and during our lifetime
we go out and promote equality that we believe in, for everyone
(more applause). I'm not saying that I suffer because of our
condition – I go to work every day – we accept the suffering as
cleansing and useful – and we go out and do the best we can with
what we have. That's all I can do – I'm going to keep doing it;
and hope that all of us band together in the push to make this
country what they promised. That's it! I'm very happy and grateful
for the opportunity to be here and be helpful. Thank you very much.”
(Note from GDW: There's nothing
worse than a white, racist, drunk female – but she came up
against a strong, fine Black man who would not be thrown off course
by her ignorance – which makes Russell Simmons an even greater hero
and even more deserving of the NORTH STAR AWARD for not stooping to
her level – as Michelle Obama always states, “When they go low,
we go high. He definitely exemplified that that evening. I seriously
doubt that she'll be invited back; and highly recommend that she
check in with AA, and watch the entire original series of Roots –
before she says anything else to anyone else Black – SMH).
Michael
Eric Dyson, came out to bring order back to the room and said (paraphrasing here, because the cheers of the audience over his statement which follows literally obliterated some of the words):
“How y'all doing out there? – that's what we call a
historical attitude on the part of white supremacists, who, even when
faced with the truth can't handle it and have to lash out to save
their delusion of supremacy .( ..or something to that effect – the
audience and I were too busy cheering Michael's rebuttle and most of
what he said was drowned out by or cheers and applause). "And if you
don't agree, make a contribution so that we can continue to impact
their lives and change it for the better."
 |
| MICHAEL ERIC DYSON |
Now,
I don't want anyone to get the idea that this sort of thing happens
at Susan Taylor's National Cares Mentoring Movement events, or
anything else that she's involved in. Because it absolutely does not. The people gathered
to support her causes are intelligent, benevolent, intellectual,
accomplished, generous, and peaceful Black men and women – which is why this
individual thought she could take advantage of the moment with
impunity. Most of the audience was just too dignified and Obama-fied to
even suspect that any such individual would deign to invade a
peaceloving program like the ones presented by soft spoken, elegant,
Susan Taylor. And it's obvious this individual came in under false
flags. However, her attempt to disrupt the event fell flat – and
the program moved forward to the third and last awardee, Lonnie Bunch
III.
Reginald
Van Lee, Chair of the Board for National Cares Mentoring, took the
stage.
 |
| Reginald Van Lee, Chairman of the Board of National Cares Mentoring Movement |
“Tonight we are proud to make the final award to the
founding director of the 400,000 square foot National Museum of
African American History and Culture, Lonnie Bunch. Lonnie has
dedicated his entire life to ensuring that the magnficent history of
our people – the tragedies and triumphs - were told, and told by
us. His work at the 1970s at the Smithsonian National Air and Space
Museum to insure that the history of African Americans in Aviation is
told; to his work in the 1980s at the California Afro American Museum
– where he organized award winning exhibitions, including the Black
Angelinos – Lonnie has been devoted to preserving and sharing our
culture. I was fortunate to grow up in a house where my parents
instilled in us pride in our African American history. And I know
that my parents put the pieces together, because our stories cannot
be found in schools, public television, and certainly not in museums.
What my parents did give us was limited – and many children didn't
even get that. Many still don't. But today, there's a place where
we can gather and find ourselves, and find truth beyond the truth we
thought we knew. The 35,000 plus artifacts that are in the museum –
and there is more to learn and more to tell. Only did through my
visit to the Museum did I learn that they basically re-enslaved Black
people on the sugar plantation, existed only ten miles from the home
I built in Houston for my family. And that prison farm only closed
in 2010, the year I began construction on my family's home.
Ultimately, what Lonnie Bunch's burning vision has done is brought
alive to us and let us see that it's not something far away, or
disconnected from our lives. Lonnie was hoping to be with us
tonight, but the flu took him down.”
Michael Eric Dyson accepted the NORTH STAR AWARD on behalf of Lonnie Bunch III
For
those who are unfamiliar with Dr. Lonnie Bunch III, I'm posting a
youtube link: https://youtu.be/lDGii1epCeE
The
Gala Finale ended with Jon Baptiste, and his band, rocking out a Louisiana style version of the Black
National Anthem, "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing," by James Weldon Johnson - which is 100 years old this year, followed by a HAPPY
BIRTHDAY salute to Susan Taylor.
 |
| I am so happy to have a picture with one of our heroes - REV. JESSE JACKSON, SR. |
I
cannot say enough wonderful things about this event, and the
wonderful work that Susan and her wonderful army of 200,000 mentors
and growing, nationwide -
For
those of you who are interested in becoming mentors, or making a
contribution to National Cares Mentoring Movement, log onto the link
below:
www.caresmentoring.org
Make your donation today, it's up to us - the child's life that is impacted for the better by National Cares Mentoring Movement may be your own.
Now that you know, what are you going to do about it?
 |
| Susan Fales Hill |
 |
Bethann Hardison, Russell Simmons,
Susan Taylor, Danny Glover |
 |
| Hill Harper |
 |
| Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Hightower |
 |
Terrie Williams, Adriane Gaines
Rachel Noerdlinger |
 |
| Kimora Lee Simmons |
 |
| June Ambrose & Maxwell |
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| Susan Taylor and Jonelle Procope |
 |
| Jessica Care Moore |
 |
| Cicely Tyson and Terrie McMillan |
 |
Audrey Smaltz, Vy Higgensen,
Gail Marquis (Fmr. Basketball Player)
|
Among
the many heavy hitters and history makers in the audience were Ms.
Cicely Tyson, Danny
Glover, Maxwell, Kimora Lee, Audry Smaltz (fashion diva), Hill
Harper, Terrie Williams (Diva of
PR), Bethann Hardison, Debra Lee (BET), Terry McMillan, Jonelle
Procope (Apollo Theatre), Lloyd Williams (Greater Harlem Chamber of
Commerce), Lola West, Renee Elise Goldsberry (Hamilon – The
Musical), Audrey Bernard (Columnist), Asha Bandele, Joe Parello,
Susan Fales Hill, Deby Smith, Thelma Golden, June Ambrose, Jessica Care Moore, and so
many more.
Looking forward to the Third Annual Gala in 2018, in the mean time, however, you don't have to wait til next year to make your contribution or become part of the National Cares Mentoring Movement - right now things are in the "reactionary mode" trying to stem the damage already done to so many of our children - but the goal is to be proactive and begin to put in place the preventative and creative methods our children need so that the negative experiences become more and more replaced by positive, life affirming, empowering experiences. And we all have a part to play in making that a reality.
As I said before:
NOW THAT YOU KNOW, WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?
Become a Mentor and a Donor -
Share your life and your love with those who need you the most: Our Black Children
Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria
