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Past Issues
A SPECTRUM OF MEMORIES
By Vaughn Wilson
CHICAGO: - I had walked into the hall of the Charles Hayes Center on June 23rd to what looked like royalty. My eyes were affixed on garments of gold stripes, silk, cotton, double breasted suits, Dashikis and beaded gowns. Just when I thought I was dropped in the smack of a rich African country, the realization of the occasion hit me. It was African Spectrum’s second-year anniversary fundraiser. If you were not there, Miss Manners ought to slap your hand for not RSVPing. It was an evening highlighting and celebration the success of African Spectrum Newspaper.
Mr. Cyril Ibe, (of Window to Africa radio fame) kicked off the evening with comments of how important it is to have African Spectrum in existence for two years and wished its continued longevity. He then called on Mr. Percy Welsing of Detroit to lead us in a short prayer. Mr. Ibe was a superlative MC, (move over Jay Z, I think Chicago has found the real MC). Attorney Robert Bennett, the Honorary Consul of Ghana gave the keynote address. His speech was both eloquent and historic, as he traced the roots of parts of the Diaspora to the mission of African Spectrum. Another aspect of Mr. Bennett’s role at this event was that of a fundraising solicitor. He dramatically challenged those attending to not be passive in their support of the paper. He sent out a clarion call for donations. His persuasion inspired an attitude of giving, as the paper raised over $7,000 that night and I’m sure they are still counting to the get actual total.
The night was not all business. Adwoa Yeboah performed the tantalizing Adowa dance clad in a beautiful Kente cloth. Her skin is of dark, vivid creamy mocha and her dance was agile and animated. I felt like she transported me back to the motherland and with every movement of her arms, legs, hips, head and hands as her petite body graced the dance floor.
Ms. Carol Dunbar weaved commentary and fashion together to bring the audience a fashion show. The models wore stunning apparel and strutted their hues and heights across the room to pleasing pupils. Berko (The Journalist) and Pauline, as well as those in attendance, took to the dance floor to groove to the music that deejay David Danku of African Hedonist spinned.
Other highlights included a letter of congratulations to African Spectrum by Governor George Ryan for serving the community. Morsels which melted in your mouth from Vee-Vee’s African Restaurant, fun snapshots by photographer Joseph K. Sam, natural body oils and incense by Akili (Goddess of Body oil), fictional and historical books by African American Images and networking with people from the Diaspora including America, Ghana, Nigeria, Jamaica, Trinidad, Togo and Barbados. Some members of the staff including myself, Mr. Kwadwo Kyei, Francis Duah, The Journalist and Pauline as well as the vendors, volunteers, patrons and donors are owed a debt of gratitude for the synergy generated to make this fundraiser a successful and memorable evening. After the evening had climaxed in unity and crescendoed in the sound of a sound of a fundraising victory cha-ching, I was whisked away in a Mercedes (thanks Kofi Owusu Ansah) to my gold coast Bat cave to await another social opportunity to fellowship and find fundamental pride and common ground with African people from the Diaspora. This gathering of souls made me clamor for more tremendous hope and promise from mankind.
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