“People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in; their true beauty is revealed only if there is light from within.” Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

I celebrated two special people on the same day. Four generations celebrated the patriarch of our family, my daddy Benjamin Scott Johnson’s birthday at Phillips Flagship on the waterfront in DC, in a way that was befitting a man who has done so much to shape the future of his daughters, their children and their grandchildren. It was difficult to stop “the tears on my pillow” when I realized how blessed I am to celebrate both of my parents birthday this month.

“It’s a family affair.” The “pride and joy” on daddy’s face as his grandchildren paid tribute to him, thanking him for his words of wisdom through the years, words they didn’t understand then; but has molded their lives and their children’s lives. Among the guests enjoying the extensive buffet featuring crab legs, mussels, Dungeness crabs, crawfish, and prime rib were: Jean Johnson, General Kip & Joyce Ward, Colonel James & Freddie Peaco, Deacon & Mrs. Fitzgerald, Rev Pauline Wilkins, daughter Cheryl Johnson; grandchildren, Colonel Greg & Lisa Packer, Keith Lee, Michael & Rebecca Lee, Kevin & Angela Johnson; great grandchildren Gregory & Matthew Packer and Jasmine Johnson.

“Though I am grateful for the blessings of wealth, it hasn’t changed who I am. My feet are still on the ground. I’m just wearing better shoes.” Oprah Winfrey

After daddy’s party, I left DC and headed to the 80th birthday party of Ora Washington, already in full swing at the Forum. The “belle of the ball” was “the lady in red” dancing in the middle of the magnificently decorated room, dressed in red, wearing a tiara, matching her dazzling smile. Guests partying with the diva were Joyce & Enoch Ragin, Sheila & Bill Conway, Pat & Don Leuroneq, Vashti Davis, Regina Battle, Judy & Phil Tonkins, Debbie Allen, Carlos & Aquanetta Johnson, Victor Green, Betty Green, Phil Strambler, Alma & TJ Jackson, Arvella Oats, Glenwood Oats, Pennington Hebron, Joyce Keys and daughters Verdean Cornish and Beverly Tyler

“You can’t expect to hit the jackpot if you don’t put a few nickels in the machine.” Flip Wilson

“You’re a winner” Who was America’s only chief executive never elected as president or vice president? Morgan State University’s team won $50,000 and the national title in Honda Campus All-Star Challenge academic tournament with the correct answer, Gerald Ford. Team members Craig Cornish, Michael Osikomaiya, James Hayes Barber, John-Paul Stephens and Coach Dr. OluwaTosin Adegbola competed with 250 students from HBCU around the country.

“Art is only important to the extent that it aids in the liberation of our people.” Elizabeth Catlett (RIP)

“Take me out to the ball game” I wait in anticipation as if a child waiting for the first snowflake for this annual rite of spring. The 20th anniversary of opening day at Camden Yards was a day filled with festivities, music and fun. We started the day at the outdoor party at Pickles Pub. Big Lew, who says ‘walking ain’t crowded;” should have seen the crowd at Pickles; we literally could not move.

“Ain’t the beer cold?” Chuck Thompson
After grabbing beers and Italian sausages, we inched our way to the ballpark for a winning game and hopefully a winning season.

“If you’re not using your smile, you’re like a man with a million dollars in the bank and no checkbook.” Les Giblin

“Money, Money, Money,” Congratulations to certified financial planner Nicolas Abrams, on his membership in the prestigious Million Dollar Round Table. Nicolas, the son of Brenda & Donald Abrams,’ outstanding client service, ethics and professionalism garnered him membership in this premier association of financial professionals.

“I don’t see myself being special; I just see myself having more responsibilities than the next man. People look to me to do things for them, to have answers.” Tupac Shakur

Congratulation to Kenneth Ravenell on being selected “Super Lawyer” a much-deserved honor. The celebration at the Havana Club was a list of who’s who in the legal field, as judges, attorneys and friends paid tribute to this outstanding man and son of a sharecropper.

“Whether one believes in a religion or not and whether one believes in rebirth or not, there isn’t anyone who doesn’t appreciate kindness and compassion.” Dalai Lama

Thanks Rita Selby for the wonderful letter about our friend Shirley Queen Henson celebrating her 90th birthday April 13, which is also my mom’s birthday. Many of you remember the beautiful Aunt Shirley, the owner of several beauty shops throughout the city back in the day.

Sending birthday wishes to Gloria “Tuttie” Bogan,” Danny Henson, Kim Washington, Tony Hawkins, Bishop Walter Scott Thomas, Shirley Richmond, Louise Wiley, Shirley Belton and Debbie Allen.

“The walls we build around us to keep out the sadness also keep out the joy.” Jim Rohn

Condolences to news anchor Lisa Robinson on the death of her mom Ida Robinson; Carolyn Broidy on the death of her father Alexander Ruffin and Edi Green on the death of her nephew Eric Shadd.

“Life isn’t about how you survived the storm … it’s about how you danced in the rain.” Regina Brett

Join Larry Washington and members of the Arch Social Club, Sunday April 29 as they honor the stroke survival group. Phil Butts Sunshine Band will be providing the music.

Gents on the Move spring fling cabaret is April 21, for tickets to this BYOB cabaret call AJ Miles 410-488-1674 or Larry Winkler 410-746-8961.

“I’ll be seeing you” Valerie & the Friday Night Bunch