In Memoriam–Two of our town’s beloved and late activists and community leaders, Lu and Jorja (English) Palmer, will be honored at a memorial tribute on Saturday, 4 p.m., during a dedication ceremony hosted by Chicago Black United Communities at its headquarters, 330 E. 37th St. A reception and awards presentation will follow at the Parkway Ballroom, 4445 S. King Dr. Both event are free and open to the public.

Foundation Fundraiser–Dr. Terry Mason, Commissioner of the Chicago Dept. of Public Health, emcees “Gala 2008: Partners in Healthcare,” a fundraiser for Provident Foundation on April 26 at the Hyatt McCormick Hotel. Honorees: two husband-wife teams, Dr. Yele Akande, chair/CEO, University of Health Sciences at Antigua School of Medicine (U.S. Office), San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Dr. Deborah Robinson- Akande of Gentle Dental Services; James E. Patrick of Smart Medical Technology, Inc.; Sandra D. Patrick, R.N., of Darien Home HealthCare Inc.; and Dr. Wayne Watson, Chancellor of City Colleges of Chicago.

Benefit Bash–A fave media sis, Dori Wilson, former high-paid, high fashion model turned public relations guru, receives high honors at an evening of revelry and recognition “for her numerous contributions to the world of public relations and fashion” during the Stanley Paul/Raelene Mittelman Scholarship Benefit on May 22 at The Casino.

Dempsey J. Travis, entrepreneur, philanthropist, historian, author of over 20 best-selling books, real estate tycoon, jazz aficionado and self-made multi-millionaire, among many other interests, marked his 88th birthday at Harold Washington Cultural Center, 47th and King Dr., across the street from where it all started, his first Sivart Mortgage and Travis Realty offices.

World Premiere – I Am Who I Am (The Story of Teddy Pendergrass); written, produced and directed by Jackie Taylor, Black Ensemble Theatre’s founder and director, will have its world premiere on March 7 at BET, 4520 N. Beacon. It will feature three new songs penned for the show by Pendergrass and co-writer Bill Jolly: I Am Who I Am, This Far by Faith and A Mother’s Love.

Weekend Wow! – Legendary Dr. Margaret T. Burroughs, revered artist, educator, author, civic leader and co-founder of the DuSable Museum, will be honored when the Chicago Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority presents “Gallery D’Estee 2008,” a weekend of artistic expression, exposure and excitement” on Feb. 29, 7 p.m.–10 p.m., and March 1, 2 p.m.-8 p.m.

Celebration! – Some 100 kinfolk and friendfolk certainly put one over on one of Chicago’s fave “good guys,” none other than Larry Huggins, major domo of Rite-Way Huggins Construction Services.

Gala Gal – A fave media sistah, Merri Dee, WGN-TV/Ch. 9’s director of community relations, will receive high honor and peacock praise on March 1 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago Hotel during the annual “Dream a Bigger Dream Gala” hosted by Teen Living Programs, the only Chicago agency since 2001 that has a sole focus on helping homeless youth.