COMMUNITY
HARLEM COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
Regal Tribute For Journalism Royalty Audrey J. Bernard show-stopping Diana Ross medley from “Lady Sings The Blues” front of 150 of her closest family (Audrey’s favorite artist) and her and friends, who all left with Henri immediate family -- Marilyn MosBendel swag bags FILLED to the ley (sister) and Dr. James Jennings Jr. (nephew), brought everyone top with FAB-U-LOUS gifts!!! NBC news anchor David Ush- to tears with their expressions of ery was a true MASTER of Cere- love...including a citation from mony for this very special tribute/ Godson/nephew NY State Assembirthday celebration. He kept blyman Walter T. Mosley. The Tate Family was out in full everyone in stitches as he led us through the jam-packed program force...my parents Sandra & Robthat included well wishes and ert Tate, AJB’s other goddaughter “Congratulations” from President and my Big Sis Jeanine Tate and Barack & Michele Obama, Gov- nephew Robbie Tate-Brickle (we ernor Cuomo, Mayors DeBlasio missed you Jian). Also Honor& Dinkins, Comptroller Scott able Suzan Johnson Cook who Stringer, Brooklyn Borough Pres- delivered an inspiring invocation, ident Eric Adams & Manhattan Katie Jones, Jim & Joanne Skeete, Borough President Gail Brewer Ruth Sanchez, Susan L. Taylor, and more...The always dapper Khephra Burns, Alma Rangel, Congressman Charlie Rangel was Sherry Bronfman, Audrey Smaltz, on hand to present AJB a dec- Barbara Harris, Ruth Innis, Veronlaration proclaiming December ica Jones, Connie Thomas Staton, 5th “Audrey J. Bernard Day!!!” Sylvia Rhone, Mae Attaway, ViviAlyson Williams performed a an Scott Chew, Ray Chew,
Text & Photos by Dedra N. Tate
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t was a tribute fit for a Queen and my Godmother Audrey J. Bernard, International Society Columnist and Photo Journalist and the New York Beacon’s esteemed Society Editor, deserved EVERY minute of it!!! Looking regal in a b michael design from his celebrated couture line, the “Always Just Beautiful” tribute/ birthday brunch that took place on Saturday, December 5, 2015 from 11:30-2:30 was a STELLAR affair. Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola was set-up beautifully and NO expense was spared in putting this event together!!! Florist to the stars and beyond Saundra Parks filled the room with Audrey’s favorite flower, Calla Lilies. The afternoon was full of love, gifts, musical tributes, proclamations, declarations, commendations and libations (compliments of Moet Hennessey USA) in
During the program, Au drey’s nephews Assemblyman Walter Mosley (l) and Dr. James Jennings Jr. (r) are joined by New York Audrey J. Bernard with Beacon Publisher Walter proud sister Marilyn D. Smith to deliver glowing Mosley remarks
La’Verne Perry-Kennedy(who designed the “Always Just Beautiful” artwork), Harriet Michel ,Jean Parnell, Karu F. Daniels , Wilson Morales, Diane Clear , Steve Manning, Pat Stevenson, Ruth Clark, Robin Verges, Ruth D. Hunt, Winnie & Mapple Walker, Cynthia Horner, Ken Harris, Irene Gandy, Mira Gandy, Thomasine Barton-Gangadeanand New York Beacon Publishers Walter & Miatta Smith, Entertainment Editor Don Thomas, Office Manager Edna Sarr, and Columnist Audrey
Congressman Charles B. Rangel presents Audrey with proclamation
Walt Disney’s representatives Carole Munroe and Annette Gibbs make presentation to Audrey
Adams (to name afew). There was even a video tribute sent in from Disney that included a special message from Princess Tiana to AJB. The Disney executives that were in attendance -- Annette Gibbs and Carol Munroe -presented her with limited edition Princess Tiana basket full of treasures and their coveted “Mouscar” which is their equivalent of the “Oscar!” HUGE KUDOS to the Chairs Reginald Van Lee & Wynton Marsalis, Co-Chairs Dwayne Ashley & Gasby Greely Brown
and the FAB-U-LOUS host committee with special mention to JALC’s Divya Kantamneni and especially our longtime family friend Diane Thompson!!! No one wanted to go home so JALC’s Dwayne Ashley extended the fun and invited guests to join him at the pristine steak restaurant Porter House on the 4th floor of the luxurious Time Life Building. And a merry good time was had by all!
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Harlem Community Newspapers | December 10, 2015
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