"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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