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http://www.bmorenews.com/blog/tgr-an-evening-to-remember-the-mayor-finney-mario-.shtmlTGR: An Evening to Remember: The Mayor, Finney, Mario and Melo
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.
(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.