 |
|| Home Page | Welcome | Contents | Staff | Support Us || |
|
|
|
|
This year the United Negro College Fund held its fifty-fifth Anniversary Dinner at the Sheraton Imperial Ballroom in Manhattan, and I had the privilege to be at this momentous occasion.  Ebony Meyers with Spike Lee The purpose of the event was to recognize and honor exceptional individuals whose dedication, commitment, and generous support over the years have enabled the United Negro College Fund to provide educational opportunities to young students across the nation. This year's four honorees were John S. Reed, Shelton Jackson "Spike" Lee, Walter R. Dogan Esq., and the Honorable Louis Stokes. The evening started right away, and I was seated at table number 45 out of approximately 160 others. Sitting with me was my sister and six employees of Con Edison; including Betty Smith, who invited me. When I finally got settled, I looked over to my left and sitting at table number forty-one was Spike Lee. I was star-struck! I knew he was going to be there, but to have him sitting practically besides me was exciting. I mean Spike is one of the best black contemporary film directors and writers today! Basically I stared at him the whole night trying to get a good glimpse of him.
"This is probably going to be your first and last time hearing this," said Dogan after receiving his award, "Thank you!" The Patterson Award was also given to Shelton Jackson "Spike "Lee, a movie producer and graduate of Moorehouse College. He is known for his thought provoking movies which include "Mo Better Blues" and "Do The Right Thing". Another recipient of this award was John S. Reed, Chairman and Co-CEO of Citigroup Inc. since 1984. The President's Award, was given to former Congressman Louis Stokes, who became the First African American Congressman from Ohio in 1968. Mr. Stokes was also named one of Ebony Magazines' "One Hundred Most Influential Black Americans," every year since 1971. After the award ceremony, I got an opportunity to mingle with the guests, some of whom were presidents of well known Black learning institutions, such as the National Queen for the United Negro College Fund, Tracy Samuels Her advice to high school students was a quote from the Bible, Proverbs 3:5. It read :Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
I also had the pleasure to be introduced to an actress who has performed in many black comedy series, such as THE WAYANS BROTHERS ( known as the security guard), FRIDAY (as the mother) and AMEN (Thelma). Before the evening ended, I also had the chance to meet the Bronx District Attorney, Robert Johnson. It was nice to see many of our well accomplished African-Americans together in one room. To see all of these Black people gave me hope that there are many things in life that can be achieved despite race or financial hardships. Also for me, as a college bound student, to meet presidents of historically black colleges was a good opportunity as I enter the college selection process. |
|
|| Home Page | Welcome | Contents | Staff || Back to the top
|
However,
gazing at Spike did not stop me from paying attention to the rest of
the happenings of the night, namely, the award ceremony. This first
award of the night was the Frederick D. Patterson Award. Named after
the UNCF founder, it the college funds highest honor, and was given
to Walter R. Dogan Esq., the first African-American attorney from Charleston,
Mississippi. Before earning his Jurist Doctorate from Seton Hall, Dogan
graduated from Moorehouse College, with a bachelor's degree in Political
Science, and earned a master's degree in Criminal Justice at John Jay
Graduate School.
I
also had the opportunity to speak with Oswald P. Bronson Sr., President
of Bethune -CookMan College in Daytona Beach, Florida and Gloria Randle
Scott, President of Bennet College in Greensboro, North Carolina. According
to Ms. Scott the best advice for college bound seniors is for them to
do a personal profile to attach to their college applications.
