TGR: An Evening to Remember: The Mayor, Finney, Mario and Melo
(BALTIMORE - September 4, 2009) - Yesterday was one for the record books. 'Twas a day to make most Baltimoreans smile, and maybe even shed a tear or two. And those would be tears of joy, I might add.
Let me explain. First, you gotta give it to Carmelo Anthony. The man loves his city and unselfishly gives back to it time and time again. He is one of the most philanthropic people hailing from our beloved East Coast city and has never lost sight of what's important ... like the children.
Some 300 youngsters from East Baltimore convened at the Carmelo Anthony Center to see the NBA superstar and R&B sensation Mario, another homeboy - and to receive bookbags loaded with school supplies. These two guys have put their successful impression on the world and yet have found the time to return and give something back. If you've heard Melo say it once, you've heard him say it a thousand times: "I'll never forget where I came from" ... or "I know how it is growing up in Baltimore."
Don't know about you, but that touches my soul. Here's a guy who is on top of the world but maintains his connection to his roots.
Enter Mario. Yeah, Mario rocked the mostly youth audience with his "Why You Wanna Break-up" song. However, what was most memorable to me was his insistence - while signing countless autographs - that Baltimore youngsters strive for all A's in school. Using his gift to entertain, it was simply awesome how he incorporated the message of the significance of a solid education to youth from an otherwise tough part of town. Again, Baltimore superstar stays focused on what's really important.
Let's be honest: Most of us won't make it in the NBA; nor will most of us become legendary singers. However, we can all participate in the grooming and raising of our next generation.
Big-ups to the Mayor, Sheila Dixon, for sharing pointers with students and parents alike at the Carmelo Anthony Center on how she handles her high school son. She gave a couple of points worth remembering, like making sure your youngster goes to sleep at 9ish so they can get a good 8 hours of sleep. She also spoke about the importance of a regular breakfast; for her son, that means egg whites and oatmeal.
Also in attendance at the center was City Council President Stephanie Rawlings-Blake.
About 2 hours later, Mayor Dixon was at another "keeper" event: The finale of Jazzy Summer Nights. Produced for the last decade by our beloved LaRian Finney and Visionary Marketing Group, this event has featured a host of top-notch entertainers, including my personal favorites - Chuck Brown and Fertile Ground.
I probably should mention that Finney gave BMORENEWS.com and others - including the incomparable Marcy Crump of The Flywire - a big 'thank you' on stage before one of the largest crowds ever to attend.
All this to say, despite the challenges in Baltimore, despite "The Wire" and its accompanying message, despite the hurdles we have yet to cross - we really do have some incredibly talented and loving people in my hometown who do really get it. What's 'it'? That you get by giving.
Read more from BMORENEWS.COM
TGR: Will Leronia Josey Make County History?:
Baltimore County Councilman Ken Oliver could have his hands full this election season - that is, if Ms. Josey decides to put her bid in for his seat. While Oliver is the first black to serve on the County Council, a loss to Josey would make her the first black woman to serve on the Baltimore County Council - a crew that consists mostly of white males. Move over, guys!
A black president; a possible black governor; seems only logical to me.
Read in Full >>
Op/Ed: Will the real responsible media please stand up:
Jim Morrison said that ‘whoever controls the media controls the mind!’ Yet today’s media has seemed to have shifted it’s interest from responsible investigative reporting to a more instant on-demand format of sound bytes and hybrid headlines.
From the advent of social media tools such as YouTube and Facebook to the reduction in senior staff and publications of print media, the lack of real journalism has ceased to exist. However who is truly to be blamed, the reporters’ who spew the untruth without proper fact checks or the consumers of such information who propagate this gossip as factual?
Read in Full >>
TGR: In Extraordinary Times: Proud to be Amongst the Living:
Despite all that is messed up, I am taken back to grandma’s favorite hymn, #325, in the good ol’ Baptist Hymnal: “We’ll understand it better bye and bye.” I’m taken back to the praying man’s visit every Monday at 4 pm and the long, long prayers he would utter. I think of drinking tea and eating Graham crackers with grandpop before grandma got home.
Friends, it is easy to focus on the negative. It is easy to throw the towel in on life. It is easy to concede, to give up, to quit. I don’t know about you, but I refuse to do so. I just can’t. I won’t. There is a certain sense of entitlement of expanded territory that I simply demand of myself and those around me, as ordained by God. I say, mediocrity is for the lame. This kid here expects the very best that God has to offer. Come hell or high water, I’ll just have to take the hits; but progress, I insist, is imminent.
Wedding Bells for JC & MM:
James Collins and Maria More are getting married on May 30th. Both are in the entertainment industry. While Collins is with Fertile Ground, More is from Atlanta's hot 107.9 fm. Congrats, people! Read in Full >>
What do you think?
2 comment(s) on this page. Add your own comment below.
I was born and raised in Baltimore, and I can truly say I HATE THIS TOWN!!!
Peace, Chris
I couldn't have said it better myself Doni - didn't it make you feel good to call this city home last night?
Add a Comment
Please be civil.