On February 11th, the retired brothers of Omega Psi Phi fraternity hosted their Valentine’s luncheon at the Omega Activity Center. Everyone entered a room decorated elegantly in red and white. Needless to say, filling the room with jazz was the Psi Phi Band. Johnny Stepherson, emcee, brought everyone to order and Richard Mitchell gave the invocation, followed by Harcourt Clark who introduced vice-president Earl Daniels who in turn introduced Stacey W. Jones, chairman.
When dancing time got started, Ronald Byrd and his wife were the first couple on the floor. Joining them were Stacey and Mary Jones, Anthony and Caroline Simons, while Thelma Gibson led the electric slide line with her moves from the good ole days. Others included Carolyn King and Clifford Brown, Dr. Malcolm and Emma Black, Michael Emmanuel and guest; Anita Harrell, Beverly Johnson, Daphne Johnson, Edna Pratt, Earl and Alice Daniels, Oscar and Mary Jessie, Mary Singletary, Loretta Whittle, Arthur and Ruth Simms, Dr. Astrid and Carolyn Mack.
Ted Blue recognized the brothers with certificates for their love and hard work in the fraternity. Acknowledgements were given to guests and brothers in attendance. Among them were Ed. Braynon, Shirley McLean, Nancy Brown, Barbaretha Freeman, Carliss and Odessa Cook, Verna Eddington, Norma Mims, Nancy Dawkins, Mary Mitchell, Leo and Charlie Albury, Johnny Davis, Elston Davis, Harry and Carmen Dawkins, Andrew Forbes, Peter Harden, Leonard and Billye Ivey, Ric Powell, Salluda-Din, Katrena Washington and J. Williams.
The highlight of the affair focused on Jones who wore a hat for entertainment. Guests were pleasantly surprised when President Baljean Smithentered. Because of recent health issues, he was not expected to attend and was welcomed by everyone with love.
The Historic Hampton House Community Trust (HHHCT) recently held their meeting with Dorothy “Dottie” Johnson, chairperson, Dr. Enid C. Pinkney, president, Charlayne Thompkins, and board members including Ruby Rayford, Isabelle Rosete, Dianne Rolle, Dr. Larry Capp, Oliver Pfeffer, Francisco Rojo, Gladys Diaz, Roy Borden, Albert Kolski, Jessica Heinecker, and Everett Stewart.
According to the men at Leo’s Barber Shop, the problems with Lincoln Cemetery continues and incidences of vandalism is causing excessive problems for Ellen Johnson, owner. There were situations with two persons buried in the same plot as reported by the late Benny O’ Berry who visited his plot and found someone buried in his plot. Louise S. McCoy and Inez S. Rowe attempted to move their parents to the family plot in Delray Beach. They have inquired about the plots and are still trying to locate them.
Business at Michael’s Diner has increased since the retired coaches began meeting weekly on Wednesdays and Thursdays for their specialty, boiled fish and grits. A regular is William Evans, a former track star, who graduated from North Dade Jr. Sr. High School. And, of course, he will never forget running against Bob Hayes in the SIAC. After graduating from college, he met the love of his life, Gloria, a former principal at Booker T. Washington Sr., Miami Edison, and presently, Dorsey Skill Center. They have four children, Erinn, Erica, Keisha and Corey.
Last Sunday, a Gospel Extravaganza was sponsored by Rev. James Pacley and first lady Gloria Pacely, at New Born Faith Deliverance MBC. Johnny Taylor was the emcee. Artists included The Heavenly Angels, Appointed Gospel Singers, Little Rev. Brother Smith, Rev. Cross, Sis. McEveen, and Patricia McDuffy who experienced a stroke several years ago and thanked God for healing her as she sang, “I’ve Been Redeemed” to the delight of a standing audience. The Singing Angels inspired everyone by singing, “Great Is The Lord”, “How Great Thou Art”, and ”Enjoy Jesus”.
Some of those in attendance were Tillie Stibbins, Anton Bell, Evelyn Dorsett, Mamie Horne, Mamie Ivory, Daphne Johnson, Mae Etta Lowery, Joe and Shelia Mack, June Miller, Nettie Murphy, Lonnie McCartney, Ramona Varner, Henry Williams, Samuel Williams, Tommie Walker, Annie Adams, and best dresser, Lucious Rose.
The wedding of the century between Minister Gregory Robinson and Minister Teresa Martin-Majorwill take place on Saturday, March 3rd at Ebenezer UMC at 3 p.m. The reception will be held at The Omega Activity Center. The public is invited to the wedding ceremony, but the reception is invitational.
By Dr. Richard Strachan
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