By Theresa Fambro Hooks

Gladys Knight
Rev. Willie Barrow
Andrea Zopp
Otto Bradford
Barbara Bates
Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck
Nikki Giovanni
Tresa Dunbar Garrett
Carrie Filer Davis
Donne Trotter
Cliff Rome
Dr. Ken Warren
Dr. Mikell Pinkney

The legendary "Empress of Soul," none other than Gladys Knight herself will lend her soulful pipes to the Chicago Urban League's 51st Annual Golden Fellowship Dinner on to be staged Nov. 10 at the Hilton Chicago Hotel. At this year's gala, themed We Are One: Connected, Committed for Chicago, it's expected that a sellout crowd of 1,700-plus of Chicago's business, civic, social and political leadership will witness as the Rev. Willie T. Barrow receives the coveted Edwin C. "Bill" Berry Civil Rights Award. The late Mr. Berry, who led the Chicago Urban League from 1956-1969, was a key leader in the civil rights movement. The Berry Award is given annually to leaders who make a mark through hard work, perseverance and creativity.

Known for her successful 50-year career, both as the lead singer of Gladys Knight & The Pips and as a solo artist, Gladys' unassailable artistry has led to numerous hit recordings, Grammy Awards and has included triumphs on stage, screen and television. Previous local award winners: Linda Johnson Rice, chair, Johnson Publishing Co.; Hank R. Schwab, Holocaust survivor and civil rights activist; Cicely Tyson, stellar award-winning actress; the Rev. Addie L. Wyatt, equal rights trailblazer; and James R. Compton, who guided CUL from 1972 to 2006.

The 51st Annual Golden Fellowship Dinner, one of the city's largest and most well-attended benefits, is co-chaired by four of the Windy City's most civically engaged couples: Ellen M. Costello and Michael Judge; Joseph and Claire Gregoire; Sam and Dona Scott; and Charles and Lisa Tribbett. Committee co-chairs are Ralph Hughes and Joe Moore. The program will be hosted by Chicago comic Damon Williams, whose talent has been featured on television and radio including appearances on BET, Comedy Central, HBO and The Tom Joyner Morning Show.

Legacy sponsors for the annual dinner: Ernst & Young, PNC Bank and Loop Capital Markets; Advocacy sponsors: BMO Harris Bank, ITW, Grosvenor Capital Management, McDonald's and Target. Andrea L. Zopp is CUL's current president/CEO.

Chicago Reception – Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck, M.D. M.P.H., newly appointed director of the Ill. Dept. of Public Health, was the special guest of honor at a Welcome Reception last week at the Parkway Ballroom given by the Chicago Area Project and state Sen. Mattie Hunter.

Sponsors: Elzie Higginbottom (East Lake Management Corp.), Chef Cliff Rome, Rush University Medical Center's Urban Health Initiative and Healthcare Consortium of Illinois. Other program participants included Gov. Quinn and David Whitaker, executive director of the Chicago Area Project.

In A Motown Mood – A whopping $1,000 cash raffle prize will be awarded to one lucky guest who attends Saturday evening's 2012 benefit, "AKArama Goes Motown," sponsored by Theta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. at the Hyatt Regency Chicago in the East Tower's Grand Ballroom.

Spearheads are Tresa Dunbar Garrett, AKArama Foundation president; Frances Moore-Bond, chair; Ethel J. Collier, vice president; Yolanda Bailey, secretary; and Erika V. Everett, co-chair. And among the many on the planning committee are Frances G. Carroll, Mae R. Carr, Denise Gresham Knox,, Jacqueline Coy Gist, Ola Jean McGehee, Joyce Ewell, Elaine Chisholm, Valee Salone, Lisa Floyd, Norma Butler May, Cheryl Marshall, Patricia Marshall Holloway and Michelle Webb.

The annual benefit kick-starts with cocktails at 6 p.m. and includes dinner, raffles, a silent auction of one-of-a-kind memorabilia and exclusive Motown Music by the Ultimate Concept Band. Monies raised from this event will benefit the AKArama Foundation-Scholarship Programs, Community Outreach Programs which include but are not limited to Technology, Senior Programs, Women's Health Initiative and Economic Development Programs for residents of the Woodlawn and Englewood communities. For $100 tickets or donation info, contact (773) 363-6220.

Condolences – to the family of a good buddy, Otto Bradford, retired south suburban high school principal, former treasurer of the City of Markham and an Alpha, who passed last week. Our sympathy goes out to his daughter, Wanda Bradford; son, Dietrich; and his special friend, Anna Francis ("Fran") Gibbs. Visitation is Thursday, 4-8 p.m., Holt Funeral Home, 175 W. 159th St., in Harvey; funeral, Friday, 11 a.m., Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 13939 S. Claire Blvd., in Robbins.

Newsy Names – Happy b'day to a favorite octogenarian, awe-inspiring educator and inspirational motivator, Dr. Carrie Filer Davis, who loves assisting young folk and providing scholarships via her National Women of Achievement, Inc. organization. She just returned from a NWOA Leadership Conference in Houston, and soon will be cruisin' the Caribbean with her kin to celebrate her natal day "Dr. Carrie style." She inspires us all! ...

Friends of state Sen. Donne E. Trotter toss a Unity Fundraiser for him this Thursday, 5:30-8:30 p.m., at Norm's Bistro, 1001 E. 43rd St. RSVP: (773) 933-0333 ...

The 48th Chicago International Film Festival will present the Founder's Award to acclaimed filmmaker and Chicagoan Robert Zemeckis and his latest movie "Flight" on Closing Night, Thursday, at 7 p.m., at the AMC River East 21, 322 E. Illinois St. The Founder's Award is given to that one film across all categories that capture the spirit of the Chicago International Film Festival for its unique and innovative approach to the art of the moving image.

"Flight" stars Oscar winner Denzel Washington ... Chef Cliff Rome of Rome Joy's Catering, Chef Kris Murray of Washburn Katering and Chef Allison of Ruth & Phil's Gourmet Ice Cream host Octoberfest Bronzeville Beef & Brats Bash this Friday, 6-9 p.m., and Saturday, noon-3 p.m., at H-Dogs, 4656 S. King Dr., with sample gourmet brats and boutique beers. Help yourself ... Nikki Giovanni, renowned poet, writer, activist, commentator and educator, comes this way Nov. 7, 6 p.m. to speak at Governors State University on "The Courage for Quality: Love, Work Society," followed by a Q & A and book signing.

Barbara Bates Foundation (she's the top notch fashion designer) in conjunction with the Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation to benefit the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University and the Sinai Health System host a Fall 2012 Fundraiser/Fashion Show of beautiful and courageous breast cancer survivor models on Sunday. Reception @ 4 p.m.; fashion show, 5-8 p.m., at Prentice Women's Hospital (level 3), 250 E. Superior. To purchase $250 tickets, visit www.barbarabates.org. Hooray for Barbara! She is, herself, a breast cancer survivor.

Panel Talk -- Eta Creative Arts Foundation presents a panel discussion exploring plays from the Black theatre canon that are reflective of an African American blues aesthetic. Shades of Blues: A Conversation on the Classic Works of August Wilson and Lonne Elder III from a Blues (Music) Perspective takes place Nov. 3, 4-6 p.m., at The Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts, 915 E. 60th St, @ Drexel Blvd., room 801.

Discussants are Dr. Ken Warren, University of Chicago, and Dr. Mikell Pinkney, University of Florida; moderator is Lincoln Beauchamp, Jr., aka Chicago Beau. Free and open to the public, it is sponsored by the Center for the Study of Race, Politics & Culture and the Logan Center for the Arts at the University of Chicago and eta Creative Arts Foundation. For information, call (773) 752-3955 or visit www.etacreativearts.org.

By Theresa Fambro Hooks

As the 2012 President's Election fast approaches, the Chicago Chapter of National Ass'n of Black Journalists (NABJ) will explore the challenges and oppositions that confronted President Barack Obama once the glow of his historic 2008 election wore off -- from the efforts by some to verify voting eligibility to the Tea Party effect and its "birther" movement to plans to discredit President Obama among white voters by reminding them of his link with the Rev. Jeremiah A. Wright Jr.
This Wednesday, Oct. 10, 6-8 p.m., NABJ Chicago and Columbia College Chicago present a panel, Racism and the Presidency: A Failed Strategy, moderated by Maudlyne Ihejirika, Sun-Times reporter, at the college, 33 E. Congress (at Wabash), in room C-101. Panelists: Monroe Anderson, former Tribune political reporter, blogger and press secretary to Mayor Harold Washington; Kimbriell Kelly, editor-publisher, The Chicago Reporter; and Charles Butler, conservative political radio talk show host (WIND and formerly WVON). Admission is free for NABJ members; $5 for non-members.
Political commentators and pundits have been blatantly racist in their comments, and even some military officers have been disrespectful in their statements and actions. These, among others, are failed strategies, says Melissa Perry-Harris, MSNBC's news anchor. What does this blatant disrespect of the Office of the President say about racism in our country today? Are we really on the eve of a post-racial America? Come out and hear the panel's views!

Congrats – to a fave friend, Bill Williams, on his retirement as l-o-o-o-o-n-g-time vice president of the Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau. He celebrates "big time" Oct. 30 at a gigantic McCormick Place farewell shindig hosted in his honor by the City of Chicago, he proudly boasts ... Also congrats to Kenneth Hill, founder/president of Chicago Pre-College Science & Engineering Program (ChiS&E). He was honored by his alma mater, Howard U., when Chicago Alumni Club hosted an Inaugural Who's Who Gala ...

Bronzeville Art – A new art exhibit, Dreams in Jay-Z Minor opened in Bronzeville Friday at Blanc Gallery, 4445 S. King Dr., (thru Dec. 29), featuring nationally acclaimed Chicago-based artists Armanda Williams and Krista Franklin's interpretation of the music of the rapper, songwriter, record producer and entrepreneur who has had such a significant impact upon popular culture. Exhibit title came from the discovery that both artists were simultaneously dreaming about Jay-Z and what his music means to them and their culture. It's part of Chicago Artists Month, which will give art patrons a chance to come to Bronzeville to see the exciting, extraordinary quality happening in the community as well as the vibrant art scene at Blanc Gallery.
The exhibit, curated by Camille Morgan and sponsored by Ill. Service Federal, explores upward mobility and aspirations of people of African descent in America and worldwide, Black excellence and excess. A variety of mediums are used: paintings, handmade paper, print, altered books and collage. Visit www.blancchicago.com.

Making History – The legendary record producer and founder of the Motown label, will be interviewed by award-winning journalist, Gwen Ifill, managing editor and moderator of Washington Week and senior correspondent for the PBS NewsHour, when The HistoryMakers presents "An Evening with Berry Gordy" (a PBS-TV taping} at The Art Institute of Chicago on Nov. 17, 6:30 p.m.; no entry after taping begins. Tickets: $1,000. Call (312) 674-1900.
Heading the annual event: Julieanna L. Richardson, founder and executive producer; Ray Chew (remember "& The Crew"?), music producer; Clarence Avant, Kelly McNamara Corley, Michele Coleman Mayer and Carol H. Williams, event co-chairs; and Michelle Boone, Lucian Grange, Christie Hefner, Steven McKeever, Suzanne de Passe, Richard Parsons, honorary chairs. And among those on the benefit committee: Dr. Walter and Shirley Massey, Connie Lindsey, Dee Robinson Reid, Risa Davis, Brenda Gaines, Kimberly McCullough, Katey Assem, Sandy Matthews, Brenda Russell and Cheryl Mayberry McKissack.

Attn: Jazz Junkies! – It's where such famous jazz and blues legends, such as Dinah Washington, Dizzy Gillespie, The Adderley Brothers (Cannonball and Nat), Sarah Vaughn, Miles Davis, Nancy Wilson, John Coltrane, Etta James, Muddy Waters, Louis Armstrong, Billie Holliday. et al, and others were centerstage -- the Sutherland Lounge in the hotel of the same name at 4657 S. Drexel Blvd. It was one of the first integrated hotels in Chicago, opened to Black patrons in 1952. In later years, the lounge and hotel meeting spaces were headquarters for local Black politicians and civil rights groups.
It re-opens Oct. 13-14, OpenHouseChicago weekend, as Chicago Blues Museum, presenting Architects of Jazz: The Sutherland Lounge Exhibit, launching the official re-opening of the Sutherland Ballroom. During the 50s and 60s it was the city's experimental jazz scene. The weekend programming includes rare uncut blues and jazz performances of the past played as tributes by today's musicians. The free programs are open to the public. Hours: Sat.,10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m. Call (773) 723-5031 or visit .

For Scholarships – Seven local academically qualified students pursuing post-secondary studies at a college or university will share $10,000 in scholarships when The Ora Higgins Youth Foundation celebrates its 36th Anniversary on Saturday noon at The Sabre Room, 8900 W. 95th St., in Hickory Hills. Also leadership awards will go to three distinguished citizens who are making major contributions to the growth and development of today's urban youth. The late Mrs. Higgins was the great-great aunt or Michelle Robinson Obama, "first lady" of the United States, and as an honor grad of Whitney Young High School was a Higgins Scholarship recipient.

Honorary Status – Mellody Hobson, president of Ariel Capital Management, was inducted into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, during a ceremony held in Los Angeles. The sorority's highest lifetime tribute is extended to illustrious women of noteworthy achievements, says Carolyn House Stewart, AKA's international president, who adds that since its founding in 1908, the sorority has extended honorary membership to only a select few. Also inducted: Suzanne Malveaux, CNN anchor; Carolyn Maull McKinstry, activist, author and survivor of the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing in Birmingham, Ala.

Newsy Names – Sharlean Taylor is the events manager at The Legacy, newly opened banquet facility/venue at 11901 S. Loomis, on Christ Universal Temple campus. It can accommodate dinners, luncheons, parties, meetings, gatherings, etc. of 14–700 persons (up to 1,000, if theatre-style seating). Exclusive in-house caterers are Fanfares by Faye (Faye Watson) and Melon Express (Donna Todd). Call (773) 941-6039 for a tour. Sharlean's cell is (773) 879-1936.
Pastor Corey Brooks of New Beginnings Church is seeking "ambassadors" to each raise a minimum of $1,000 to assist him in achieving his $15M goal to erect a community, economic development center in Woodlawn. Rev. Brooks returns from L.A. Monday after completing a "Walk Across America" to preach a special service at his church. He conducts an Intensive Conference with Bishop T.D. Jakes and Rev. James Meeks, Oct. 17-19 ... Urban travel girl," Maureen Jenkins, freelance food and travel writer, talks food, wine and travel – both abroad and in Chi-Town – in the 30th anniversary issue (Oct.) of Today's Chicago Woman (TCW) ... "Happy b'day to Col. Eugene Scott, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Derrick Rose, Sonja Brown, Earl Calloway, Dick Gregory, Gertrude Tucker, Heather Headley, Denise Cureton, Doris Powell, Ernest Thompson.

Diane Latiker, Tio Hardiman, Tim King, Dr. Doriane Miller and the Chicago Music Association/NANM all receive honors at eta Creative Arts Foundation's Annual Benefit Gala on Sept. 8, featuring fabulous food, dancing, live entertainment and an awards ceremony. General chairs are Les F. Bond Jr., CEO, Attucks Asset Management, and Atty. Anthony Schumann, owner, Grant Schumann, LLC. Coordinating chairs: sisters Gloria Jenkins-Harvey and Lola Jenkins of the Westside Association for Community Action (WACA). Event data: 7 p.m. – midnight at eta Square, 7558 South Chicago Ave. Contribution is only $125. For tickets and info, call (773) 752-3955 or visit www.etacreativearts.org .
"Our honorees this year all exemplify the power within each individual to effect change," says Phillip Thomas, eta president. "Each is using their particular discipline – music, education, medicine, activism and theater — to make a difference in their communities. Each is an example of what it takes to 'resurrect spirit and reclaim community,' the gala's theme.
Activist Diane Latiker single-handedly took the major step of opening her home to the young people in Roseland, offering them a safe haven and a sanctuary for mentoring. Community organizer Tio Hardiman took an award-winning program proven to reduce violence and expanded it, including piloting a highly specialized violence intervention program that mediates conflict on the "front end" instead of on the "back end."
Educator Tim King challenged the status quo by creating all-male charter public high schools in Chicago that for two years straight have sent 100 percent of graduating classes to four-year colleges or universities. Dr. Doriane Miller, M.D. successfully used theater to address the issue of depression in youth due to exposure to violence, and solutions for healing. Chicago Music Association, Branch #1 of the National Association of Negro Musicians Inc. is being recognized "for preserving all genres of the music of African Americans."
Held annually on the first Saturday after Labor Day, the festive gala features a silent auction, fine wine and champagne pull, a scrumptious soulful buffet catered by Fanfares by Faye, an open bar, dancing to live and recorded music, other entertainment including Muntu Dance Theatre, Khalidah's North African Dance Experience, karaoke, "Land of 100 Dances" and more. The highlight of the evening: the presentation of awards.
Established in April, 1971, eta is the first full cultural arts complex in the African American community. Widely known as one of the city's leading nonprofit tax-exempt organizations, eta's mission is to be a major cultural resource institution for the preservation, perpetuation and promulgation of the African American aesthetic nationwide. It provides professional training and performance opportunities for youth and adults, artists and technicians; arts-in-education programs; a visual arts gallery for the display and sale of original artwork, and exposure for the general public to authentic valid projections of African American lifestyles, experiences and aspirations.

All Aboard! – Nautical chic is the attire of the evening for "Rock the Boat," DuSable Museum's third annual fall fundraiser on Sept. 16 aboard one of Chicago's most popular entertainment venues, the four-story Sprint of Chicago cruise ship which is docked at Navy Pier.
The $150 per person benefit, chaired by Pamela Blackman, president of Joy Management, gets underway at 5:30 p.m. as guests pick up their boarding passes to begin a scenic cruise along the shores of Lake Michigan while enjoying a Grand Seafaring Buffet Supper, unlimited cocktails, entertainment and dancing 'til 8 p.m. The ship "drops anchor" dockside at 8 p.m. for a one-hour Coffee & Dessert Buffet.
Others on the event committee include Craig Gilmore (State Farm), Kim McCullough (AT&T), Dee Robinson Reid (Robinson Hill Hospitality Group) and Abe Thompson (Partnership Radio. Also Jerome Butler, Gwen Kenner-Johnson, Patricia Andrews-Keenan, Roderick Hawkins, Musette Henley, Dr. Bonita Carr, Diane Dinkins Carr, Fran Bell, Deborah Olivia Brown, Pam Cordier, Veronica Cunningham, Shirley Evans, Bennie Henry, Sheila King and Georgina Head-Labonne. Museum president/CEO is Dr. Carol Adams. Benefit proceeds will fund DuSable's exhibition and educational programs. Call Tracey Williams, (773) 420-2750.

Ooops! My Bad! – "An Evening of Jazza-Palooza" hosted free by Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Otis Moss (Monica) and Trinity United Church of Christ is this Friday, Aug. 24, 5 p.m., – not Saturday! (as reported here last edition) – in TUCC's main parking lot, 94th & Eggleston. (Thanks, Denise!) Gates open at 4 o'clock; live entertainment at 5, beginning with a pre-show poetry jam. Music by Smith Song Stylings, Tracye Smith, Roxanne Stevenson Band, Taylor Moore & Friends, Michael Ross Quintet, Ken Chaney Xperience w/Ari Brown.
Bring lawn seats, picnic eats, soft drinks, family and friends for what promises to be a wonderful evening of contemporary music under the stars! Also kindly bring a canned good in support of Operation Food Share where Trinity donates full Thanksgiving dinners to families in the Chicago area and Benton Harbor, Michigan.

Journalists' Jam – Mix and mingle, nosh and network with some of our town's top journalists and communicators this Thursday, 6-8:30 p.m., at the Chicago Chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists' End-of-Summer Soiree in the swanky setting of the new Chicago Hilton Towers' 720 South Bar located on the northeast corner of the hotel lobby.
"Hang" with colleagues from the Chicago Defender, CBS-2, ABC-7, NBC-5, Jet and Ebony magazines, WFLD-TV, WBEZ-FM and WGN-TV. You certainly don't want to miss out on some valuable face time with fellow journalists, especially Jet Mag's Kyra Kyles, Chicago NABJ prexy. New members are encouraged to join us to make valuable career and social connections. Complimentary hors d?oeuvres and cash bar. See you there!

Newsy Names! – Joan Collaso and the hugely popular Eleven Jazzy Divas are Main Stage attractions Aug. 31, 8-10 p.m., opening night of Labor Day Weekend's 23rd Annual African Festival of the Arts in Washington Park (enter at 51st and Cottage Grove). Call ahead for half-off discount tickets, (773) 955-2787 or visit www.africanfestivalchicago.org.
Sheryl Lee Ralph, Dreamgirl actress and author, will emcee, and Roy Ayers, legendary jazz and R&B musician featuring Zzaje will be featured when the Chicago chapter of the National Association of Blacks in Human Resources hosts its Presidential Trailblazers Awards Gala on Aug. 28 at the Chicago Renaissance Hotel during its annual conference. Among conference speakers: Andrea Zopp, Chicago Urban League; Dan Duster, 3D Development Group; Tyronne Stoudemire, Aon Hewitt Associates; Pam McElvane, Diversity MBA; and Jim Norman, Kraft.
Trudy Murrell & Friends will be holding forth on Thursday at Dixie Star Restaurant & Marina, 131st and Halsted, featuring Chicago Soulcentric: HG Soul on vocals; Gerey Johnson, guitar; Lamar Jones, bass; Vince Wiley, keyboard; and Khari Parker, drums. Grab your posse, and enjoy the outdoors, drink specials and great food; no cover and plenty of parking.
A celebrated jazz great of all time, Wynton Marsalis, internationally renowned musician, composer, bandleader, educator and his trumpet take centerstage for a unique small ensemble performance on Aug, 28 at Symphony Center. It's a special contribution to Jazz Week in Chicago. Tickets start at $25; call (312) 294-3000.

Influential thought leaders are joining with the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr. this week for the 41st national dialogue on civil rights sponsored by Rainbow PUSH Coalition and Citizenship Education Fund. Running through Saturday at the Chicago Hilton & Towers

Hats off to a couple of senior citizen giants in our community -- Dr. Timuel Black and Rev. Willie Taplin Barrow – who’ll be honored and recognized for their immeasurable, countless contributions!

Dr. Sylvia Jenkins, Academic Affairs’ vice president at Moraine Valley Community College, will be named its fifth president by the Board of Trustees when it formally approves her appointment at the May 9 meeting. Dr. Jenkins succeeds Dr. Vernon O. C

Quintin E. Primo III, chair and CEO of Capri Capital Partners, speaks for Building the Peace, the 2012 Gala that celebrates "Good in the City" May 10 at Northerly Island, 1400 S. Lynn White Dr. (along Chicago's magnificent lakefront).

Halleluyer!!! --The Chicago Defender receives the coveted Legacy Award at the United Negro College Fund’s 12th Annual Black & White Ball on June 9 at The Fairmont Hotel, and slated to pick up the distinguished 2012 Harold H. Hines Jr. Benefactor&rs

Murrell J. Higgins Duster, associate vice president and dean of the Angelina Pedroso Center for Northeastern Illinois University’s Diversity & Intercultural Affairs. will be honored at a Farewell & Retirement Reception on Monday, 4-6:30 p.m., in NEU

Our deepest condolences to the family and many friends of the late Harold Johnson, co-founder of eta Creative Arts Foundation, who served as its artistic director from 1971-1989. A Memorial Service will be held Wednesday (today), beginning with a Receptio