“Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.”
“Hey Mama” on May 9, 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a resolution in Congress to make Mother’s Day a holiday. Mothers, “everyday will be like a holiday” as we continue to celebrate, honor and salute you “endlessly.”
“She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.”
“I’ll always love my mama.”
“Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.”
“I want to thank you heavenly father” for my mommy, the Rev. Pauline Wilkins, Jean Johnson, Irene Reid, Laura Knight, Betty Dorsey, Miss Birdie, Dr. Greta Burnett, Leah Hasty, Lady Patricia Thomas, Anne Emery, Margaret Lee, Dr. Patricia Schmoke, Barbara Hill, Barbara Davis, Donnis Kinder, Lady Marla Reid, Edna Wright, Joyce Ward, Dr. Nina Rawlings, Onily Grimes Carter and first lady Michele Obama. “Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.” Proverbs 31 25:31.”
“I’d rather be prepared for an opportunity that never comes than have an opportunity come and I am not prepared.”- Whitney Young
I attended “Haiti with Love,” a private affair at the W Hotel where Danny Glover and Haitian actor Jimmy Jean Louis were the honored guests. The event was sponsored by Baltimore native Harry and Sheryl Black’s company, Global Commerce Solutions.
I was sitting at the table when coordinator, Taroue Brooks, said he was going to sit Danny at my table. I’m at the reception with my favorite actor and he’s sitting with me, but I was cool. Once he sat down throngs of media personnel converged, taking pictures and interviewing him. Suddenly he exclaims, “I didn’t say that.” I’m like whoa, this brother is a “lethal weapon.”
The mistress of ceremony, Marsha Jews, is standing at the podium in her colorful Haitian garb, gesturing for me to keep Danny quiet. I motioned to the reporter to finish later. I leaned over and said, “You are very political. He said, “Oh yeah, my mother founded the chapter of the National Council of Negro Women under Dorothy Height in Mission Bay when I was growing up.” Oops, Marsha is looking at us, so I said, “I’ll talk later.”
After the reception I said, “I have watched most of your movies. There is one movie with Jimmy Witherspoon that I can’t remember the name but I watched it three times to understand the story line.” He said it was to Sleep with Anger. Then I said, “Every time Die Hard comes on I watch it. He looked, and said, “Valerie, you mean Lethal Weapon. By now we are in hysterics and my friend Robert Overseen is whispering, “Val it’s Lethal Weapon. Where did Die Hard come from? It must have been that little voice that says the wrong thing; you know the voice. The one opportunity to meet my favorite actor and I almost blew it. I mean, I should have said The Color Purple, Rage in Harlem, Silverado or the dozens of other movies. And yes, he does look like Mister, only nicer with a great sense of humor and a political conscience.
In attendance were the Hon. Raymond Joseph, U.S. ambassador to Haiti and former Virginia Gov. Douglas Wilder now teaching at Virginia Commonwealth University.
The W Hotel is reminiscent of the glory days, red patent leather chairs trimmed in black lacquer at the lobby bar; the lounge area is accented in red, black and white zebra print, crystal lighting and elegant crown molding. The rooftop restaurant overlooking the White House is a perfect place to view D.C. and watch the sunset.
“Daddy’s girl.” Reggie and Mary Haysbert were glowing when Reggie reluctantly gave his beautiful daughter Comalita’s hand to her groom, Steve Barnes at the exquisite evening wedding at the family owned Forum Caterers. The Forum was transformed into a beautiful cathedral setting with Roman columns centered under the domed ceiling. The menu of salmon and sirloin medallions was scrumptious; no Forum world famous chicken tonight. Aunt Nikita’s special touch was evident when the bride walked down the aisle on an oriental rug. An emotional moment during the groom’s tribute to his deceased parents while professing his love and devotion to his bride.
The music by Jerry Stamper had the bridal party doing the soul train to “flashlight” flashing the “spotlight” on the fabulous couple. There was a poignant reading of the “Song of Solomon” by the bride’s uncle and aunt, Brian and Karin Haysbert showcasing the wonderful passages in the Holy Bible. The bride’s grandmother, Evelyn Haysbert, was gorgeous as she updated everyone on Ray Haysbert’ improving health.
Guests witnessing the marriage and reception were the Rev. and Mrs. St. George Cross, Betty Green, Phil Strambler, Dee Wright, Carol Hilton, Greg Williams, Tyrone Qualls, Rodney Barnes, Walter Hill, Tim Betts, Ellen Chittams, Everene Turner and Martina Clinton.
“Even death is not to be feared by one who has lived wisely.” – Buddha?
The death of Mary Brown brought memories of the first time I went to the Garrison Lounge and met this legendary lady. I played a Sinatra song and she said, “Who played that? I said, “Me.” She said anybody that likes Sinatra is OK with, me but I don’t know about the rest of these n—-r with you.”
That was Mary, “straight no chaser.”
Happy Mother’s Day
Valerie & the Friday Night Bunch