DuSable Museum’s Night of 100 Stars-The Stars Shine Bright!
April 14, 2012
DuSable Museum’s Night of 100 Stars-The Stars Shine Bright!
The DuSable Museum of African American History and its annual Night of 100 Stars 2012 was full of good vibrations from all sides of its foundation. This event was held on April 14, 2012 which marked the30th year in which the gala has been held honoring African American Chicagoans who have made noticeable contributions to society through their career and civic involvement.
The Night of 100 Stars honored the likes of Syndicated Radio Personality, Author and Producer, Michael Baisden, Harry J. Lennix, Award-winning Actor, The Honorable Judge Greg Mathis, Author, Humanitarian and Star of the” Judge Mathis Show”, “Rising Star”, Jabari Ali Parker, a junior at Simeon Career Academy and The Honorable Deval L. Patrick, Governor of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts. All of these honorees shared their fond memories of Chicago and how it is nice to come back home, especially for those that don’t currently reside in the area any longer. The reception was hosted by Charles Thomas from ABC-News and Val Warner, co-host of Windy City Live, ABC-7.
At the close of the reception there was an acknowledgment of Dorothy Myree for establishing the “Dr. Margaret T. G. Burroughs Scholarship Fund which was one of Ms. Burroughs last wishes.
The museum was visually transformed into hues of many colors; the palate was satisfied by tantalizing cuisine and filled with voices of jovial guests of the museum. The cuisine was assorted and stationed all around. The music varied from room to room. The gala offered live music performed by The Ginza Music Project in the Fifth Third Martini Tent. This tent was” rockin” with the dance floor full of bodies moving in unison to the rhythmic sounds provided. Terisa Griffin Show provided jazz, R&B and soul in the main tent.
As a volunteer of this event I was able to help target potential members who would help with the museums mission. This event also gave me yet another opportunity to deepen my sincere love for the DU and its growing volunteers and staff. For those who have never attended “The Nite of the Stars, please consider it for the coming year because it will give you a new appreciation for our heritage and of our people that are making a difference.
April 1, 2012
DuSable Museum of African American History
A look at the 21st Century Sistah
The DuSable Museum and WVON 1690 partnered to celebrate Women’s History Month in a lively and powerful way. This meeting of the minds was held on March 29, 2012. Speak Sistah Speak was the second annual event held by WVON 1690 and it highlighted the likes of Karyn Calabrese, the raw food expert as well as Hermene Hartman, Editor and Chief of N’Digo Magpaper. The conversation between the two was comical as well as informative. It also featured Black Women in business and media discussing real issues that not only plaque women in power but the “everyday woman”. It was an open discussion with eleven very prominent women in our Chicagland area who are all in different stages of life with different perspectives on how to maintain their careers, rear families as well as taking care of themselves.
It was a phenomenal meeting. Bonnie DeShong, set the tone. She made all us know we were to relax and imagine we were in her living room just having “girl talk”. The ladies were “real” with us regarding what it takes to be successful, which embodied determination and support. They discussed how we as women need to know who we are above anything else. Evelyn Holmes from ABC 7 News, spoke very eloquently about finding a man, she simply stated “be about your business and that he would come”. Effie Rolfe, Gospel Radio host on V-103 and Gospel Radio 1390, had this to say” that we must pray for ourselves and place a prayer covering over our children and families”. That really hit home for me because we all need prayer; some us know the path we are meant to follow and some of us are still trying to figure out what this life is all about.
This event simply had my adrenaline pumped and my soul satisfied because I am a member of the museum and I am an active volunteer. My membership allowed me to attend and bring my daughter and her friend so that they too could possibly see themselves in the women that were there to share a part of themselves. I can’t say enough about how my decision to become a member of the DuSable Museum, has enlightened me and allowed me to share information about exciting exhibitions, events and programs with those around me. It is simply the BEST!
Sharron A. Grant
Sharron A. Grant has been a DuSable Museum volunteer since January of 2012. She is an alumni of an HBCU- Texas Southern University and posses a Master’s degree in Communications and Training from Governors State University. She is the parent to one beautiful and talented daughter. She adores cooking, entertaining, traveling, laughter, encouraging others and exploring new things. Sharron is an avid reader and considers the library her own candy store. Her other passions lie in Black film (Mahogany), theater and music, in particular Neo-Soul, and shouts out to my kindred soul, Jill Scott. She believes the poem by Langston Hughes entitled “Harlem Sweeties” describes her and a myriad of other women like herself. As a DuSable Museum volunteer, Sharron will be blogging on DuSable events, programs and exhibitions.