“This is the source of our confidence–the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.” – President Barack Obama
I arrived early to attend Morgan State University’s inauguration of their 12th president, Dr. David Wilson of this historical college. The impressive 40-minute processional included faculty, students, colleges and university presidents proudly strutting their academia colors, representing their academic degrees.
“Farewell the neighing steed, and the shrill trump, the spirit-stirring drum, the ear-piercing fife; ?the royal banner, and all quality, pride, pomp, and circumstance…”- Othello
The pomp and circumstance of the day was befitting royalty, as indicated by the standing ovations the audience bestowed upon Morgan’s students. The talent represented by the students performing in the orchestra, marching band and the choir was astounding.
“Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.” -Langston Hughes
The story of Dr. Wilson’s early life is amazing. Tears flowed freely when he told of the day he left for college and his dad, a sharecropper, proudly gave him a folded five-dollar bill that he had saved for that special day.
“Once I was looking through the kitchen window at dusk and I saw an old woman looking in. Suddenly the light changed and I realized that the old woman was myself. You see, it all happens on the outside; inside one doesn’t change.” – Molly Keane
When we left the inaugural luncheon at the Calvin & Tina Tyler Ballroom, I suggested that we walk back to Murphy Fine Arts Center for the afternoon concert. Years ago, the walk across campus did not appear to be as far. We started out at a brisk walk but by the time we passed Hill House the gusto was slowly dissipating. Just then, one of the staffers approached on a golf cart. He took Leah to the building and came back for Laura as we slowly inched closer. By the time he came back, I had arrived at my car where I quickly changed into a pair of real shoes and walked to join the others.
A bouquet of violets to Cheryl Hitchcock, vice-president of Institutional Advancement, Monica McKinney Lupton and the Morgan staff on an outstanding job.
People enjoying the inaugural day were Frank Coakley, Reggie Thomas, Walter Carr, June Brown, Leah Hasty, Laura Knight, Anne Davis, Ron Owens, Dr. Anne Emery, Dr. Vallen Emery, Earl Graves, Ed Hitchcock, John Wood, Jean Hitchcock, Dr. Thelma Daley, Eleanor “Pete” Matthews, William “Junior” Jackson, Ann Parker, Doris Cole, Jennye & Donald Patterson and Morgan Alexander.
The win over Delaware State University at homecoming, the inauguration and the gala were a picture perfect Morgan weekend.
“And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.” – Matthew 7: 25
“Up above my head I hear music in the air.” I am driving towards Liberty Road when I came upon the most spectacular view of New Psalmist’s new church home, the Holy City of Zion. The full moon cast a magical glow over the massive edifice. I was “spellbound” like Dorothy when she saw the emerald city or when we see the Mormon Cathedral ascending into the clouds on I- 270 with the lights dazzling. “With a song in my heart” I started singing “we’re marching to Zion; the beautiful city of God.” Congratulations Bishop Walter Scott Thomas, Lady Patricia and the New Psalmist family “to God be the glory” for the good works you have done in Jesus’ name, Amen
“Age is not measured by years. Nature does not equally distribute energy. Some people are born old and tired while others are going strong at seventy.” – Dorothy Thompson
Friends are still talking about the grand style with which our good friend John Wood celebrated his 75th birthday. Way to go Sir John, glad to see you back “on the good foot.”
“It’s your birthday make some noise.” Happy birthday Grace Grant, Leah Goldsborough Hasty, Zelda Brown, James “Dickie” Harris, Gary Gray, Harold Glasgo, Rudy Dillard, Willard Wright, Allan McDowall, Lyn Jackson, Geraldine Thompson and Ralph Wright.
“Mother Nature is providential. She gives us twelve years to develop a love for our children before turning them into teenagers.” – William Galvin?
The Scott quadruplets Alexis, Brandon, Christina, and Dominique are now teenagers as they celebrated their 13th birthday with mom and dad, Adam and Lisa Scott, grandparents David and Norma Scott, and Irma Browne.
“When the first baby laughed for the first time, the laugh broke into a thousand pieces and they all went skipping about, and that was the beginning of fairies.”- James M. Barrie
The smile on Becky Dorman’s face when you ask her about her new twin great granddaughters Kayden and Karla Dockett is priceless. Welcome to the world Kayden & Karla.
“A friendship counting nearly forty years is the finest kind of shade tree I know.” – James Russell Lowell
The members of the Sequoia Civic, Service & Charity Club culminated the yearlong celebration of their organization’s 60th anniversary at the Prime Rib. Four of the original members Lorraine Dorsey, Ellaweise Minser, Bernice Bradshaw and Doris Pollard along with other club members Margerea Green, Jean Scott, Geraldine Wiggins, Shirley Shelton and Ophelia Brown-Carter enjoyed travelling, dining out and worshipping together to commemorate this historic milestone.
Prayers of condolence to Cleve Brister on the death of his cousin Fay Branday; to Barry, Eric, Tracy, Jill and Rhonda on the death of their mom, my longtime friend, jazz aficionado Ruth N. Perkins; to Coretha, Renee, Paula and Brenda on the death of William “Billy” Spears.
“I’ll be there” Valerie and the Friday Night Bunch