"A Night To Remember"
by Tia Hall-Brown
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I was reminded a few days ago of how this all started. A brain child of my sister
and a creative freight train for me, the Top 25 Awards was thought of and literally
outlined at the table of one of the very restaurants later nominated. My nephew
Malcolm said, “Remember T.T.? We were at Ruby Tuesday’s and you were writing
down the categories? “I suggested best restaurant,” he gloats. I was instantly
transported to that moment, when one of our greatest ideas was birthed onto my
legal pad. We were off to the races. And like a flower, the idea grew from a
notional seed to a full-bloom blossom.
Things started to develop quickly and the manifestation of our simple idea was
beginning to unfold. We spent a lot of money and stressed even more than that,
but as the days flew by, so did the anxiety of failing. More and more people became
interested and signed on for our first ever, one of a kind event.
I felt a rush of sweat to my brow.
It seemed all at once, a slew of people clamored at the door of Trinity UMC to get
in. Dressed to the nines, with silk and lace, mink and cashmere, ties and suit
jackets, a flow of some of the most prominent African-Americans in our community
were there to support the unknown. At that point, it could have gotten ugly. They
filed into the venue, two and three, and some, a table-full at a time. Glitter and
gold. It was turning into a true “Night Of Stars.” Music lightly played as people
found their seats, led by smiling ushers, the event planner, Creative Expressions
by Angela, and her staff. The occasional shuffle of chairs soon turned into a light
roar of greetings and conversation. The greeting was made and the prayer was
delivered. The night had finally begun.
The tables were excused for dinner. And while it took longer than we had expected,
a delicious reward of tender roast and seasoned chicken awaited. An extremely
moist cake from Cakes by Deborah topped off the meal. I again revert to our brain
storming session at Ruby Tuesday’s and remember Denise saying to “keep it
simple.” Mission accomplished. Robbin Hill, of Teenie’s Catering, calmly directed
her staff of family and close friends, as a maestro directs her orchestra. She has a
calming effect, even on me.
The food lines delayed the show a bit, but most people were enjoying the company
of their tables. They reminisced about old times, new lives and most importantly
the anticipation of the awards that were to come. The pride of the room was energy
enough to allow me to sing, “A Change Is Gonna Come” to open the show. This
too was discussed during early developments of the Awards. Nerves were
replaced with thankfulness and appreciation for the many people who sat before
me. So, I sang, like I’d never sung before. I shocked myself really. But, it certainly
set the mood for the rest of the night. The people were ready to know the winners!
The mistress of ceremonies, Sonja Brown-Jenkins, began the night with some
light humor to rival any Oscars or Golden Globes. Then she read the winners of
the corporate awards (Best Restaurant, Steak, Burger, Chicken, BBQ/Ribs), none
of which were present. The show continued with an address from the CEO of
BlackFrederick.com, Denise Hall Brown. In a moving speech, she spoke of
change in the community and a celebration of our own. She acknowledged some
nominees, like Derwin Hill (nominee for Best Coach) and other individuals in the
community as well, like Miss Anne Coates of Brunswick. Denise outlined the
BlackFrederick.com mission to connect the community via the Internet and
expressed the need to utilize the services that BlackFrederick.com does and will
provide in the future.
BlackFrederick.com Page Editor, Derek Shackelford and Corporate Sponsor,
Marvia Sawyer presented Community Awards (Community Activist, Teacher, Civic
Organization, Politician/Civil Services, Coach). A humble Bill Hall accepted the first
award of the night. And as it may have seem rigged that my father would win that
award, I remembered the struggle to get more people to vote in the initial stages of
the Awards. And I also remembered that the votes were tallied by an automated
system that only I knew the outcome of. And I sighed and clapped even harder as
he made his way to the stage. “Pluck” as he is affectionately referred to was
unprepared, which lent a sense of authenticity immediately to the moment. He
bumbled through a thank you and parted the stage, led by the hand-chosen mini-
model, Chastyn Brown Thomas. Bonnie Sanders took the Best Teacher Award.
Ms. Sanders has worked at Lincoln Elementary School (formerly South Frederick)
for 29 years. She graciously accepted her award thanking God, her co-workers,
family, friends and kids. Best Coach rounded out the first set of awards
recognizing TJ JV Basketball Coach, Darryl Whiten. Mr. Whiten was empowering
as he thanked his brother and family for their support. He reminded us that if you
“believe it, you can achieve it!”
Sam Bennett, BlackFrederick.com Page Editor and Lisa Gritton, Corporate
Sponsor, presented the next set of awards (Doctor, Dentist, Lawyer, Misc. Service
Provider), most of which were also not present. Dr. Renee Thomas Spencer,
although not present, took the Best Doctor award and drew an overwhelming
response from the crowd. We could not get a satellite feed to Peru, where she is
currently performing missionary work with a local church, so Mr. Bennett accepted
the award on her behalf. The set ended with Best Miscellaneous Service Provider
being awarded to Gary Rollins, Rollins Funeral Home, who accepted his award
with esteem.
A performance by a Baltimore spoken word artist, Keith McBrown, gave an
entertainment break during the awards. Mr. McBrown performed two poems
embodying spirituality, self-love and empowerment. He captured the audience with
his rhythmic style and hypnotized us with a melodic string of uplifting sentiment.
Mr. McBrown currently worships under the leadership of Pastor Jamal Bryant in
Baltimore and is involved with the church’s first-of-its-kind Internet radio show. We
definitely will be seeing, or hearing, this young man again.
The next set of awards were given out by BlackFrederick.com Page Editor, S.
Renae’ Conyers and Corporate Sponsor, Terry Bowie (Salon, Stylist, Barber Shop,
Barber, Nail Salon). Creative Image Salon owner, Donna Lynn Scott accepted the
award for Best Salon, along with her team of stylistss. They resembled a posse of
the A-movie that just won for Best Picture. Mrs. Scott accepted her award with
reverence to God first and gave thanks to the work of her staff of barbers and
stylists. Kim Duvall from Creative Image Salon then won the Best Stylist award and
humbly accepted her honor. Stevie Brooks of SLB Barber Shop was not present,
but won for Best Barber Shop and Barber. His award was accepted by Aaron
Hatcher (DJ Red), a barber at SLB. He got the vote for cutest acceptance speech,
saying that he’d called Mr. Brooks for guidance on what to say if he won. He said,
“Thank you, God bless and good night.”
Ava Maria Whittimore, BlackFrederick.com Page Editor and Corporate Sponsor,
John Chaney presented the final set of awards (Cab, Club, Business Woman,
Business Man, Business). Best Cab / Transportation was awarded to Bowie Cab
Company. Mr. and Mrs. Bowie kindly accepted on behalf of the business,
expressing that it was a total surprise to them. Best Club / After Hours was won by
Café 611. Owner Rondell Jones accepted the award, offering a modest thank you
for the communities support. He also expressed that the club is a restaurant as
well, and welcomed all to taste the “best crab cakes in town.” Theresa Harrison,
Athenyx, accepted the Best Business Woman award, thanking all who have helped
her build her prominent technology based business. Gary Rollins accepted his
2nd award of the night, taking home the Best Business Man award. And before his
photo opportunity was over, he was brought back to the stage for the Best
Business award as well. Well done Mr. Rollins.
Ms. Hall Brown presented the prestigious Unsung Hero Award to John Onley, who
accepted the award for his many years of service to the community. Mr. Onley
preached as he addressed the crowd in a way I had never seen. Perhaps he was
inspired as well. He amused and enlightened as he gave homage to his humble
beginnings and thanks to his faith. He acknowledged his family, those of us who
consider ourselves his family, and especially his mother. He thanked
BlackFrederick.com and challenged us with continuing the vision of change.
Gov. Thomas Johnson High School Sophomore, Ikea Wilson presented the final
award for Best Gospel Group, which was awarded to The Tree Of Life Singers. Mr.
John Onley called for present and past members to do a beautiful rendition of
“Excellent.“ And then we had church as Mr. Onley led everyone into another song.
Denise gave a quick closing with “thank you and good night.” And then it was over.
All I saw were smiling faces. Glowing. Proud. Elated. Excited. Empowered.
Again, mission accomplished!
During the course of the night, I realized that people want to be recognized. People
want to give an acceptance speech. Perhaps to just thank God. To thank their
parents and loved ones. Perhaps to just be recognized for the hard work they put in
day in and day out. To feel like a star…even if it’s just for a moment.
Since the event, we’ve received nothing but positive feedback. And since our one
major news source in Frederick has not covered the event, I thought to continue the
positive momentum with my take on things. I can’t help to be reminded of Denise
saying “If we don’t celebrate ourselves, who will?”
LaToya Gee said, “I was very proud of the event from the organizing, singers,
awards, speakers, dinner, servers, MC, children and so much more. Everything
went well and it was an awesome turnout… the entire event was AWESOME.”
Roslyn Cooley Prayer said “Please join me in congratulating our B & P Sister
Denise Hall Brown in putting together an awesome celebration of "A Night of
Stars." If you were unable to attend, you really missed a great event. This was an
evening that marked history in the African American community. For a 1st time
event, the room was filled to capacity...sold out! Two tables were filled with club
members and their guests.”
Haley Roberts called to say "thank you" for the BlackFrederick event. Her son owns
Roberts Bail Bonds and she was just so happy that he was nominated. She said it
was just a blessing and she had a wonderful time.
BlackFrederick.com Political Page Editor Rev. Derek Shackelford sent a message
saying, “Just a note to let you know that Saturday's event was absolutely fabulous!!!
I enjoyed myself tremendously. Being a part of such an historic event was
phenomenal and I was honored that you asked me to participate... I am glad to be
a part of this endeavor on the ground floor because of where this is about to take off
to...”
All and all, it was a night to celebrate the best of the best. It was a night to show the
power of the vote. And most of all, it was a night to honor God’s many blessings. I’
m proud…proud to have planned and participated in the event. We hope that next
year’s event will be even more spectacular than this one. But it will certainly be
hard to top the excitement of the first! Thanks to everyone who supported this
event, in contribution or spirit.
God Bless.
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