Go with the Flo

FLO

ANTHONY

According to multiple reports, Denzel Washington hit Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on Aug. 13 for the grand opening of the August Wilson House, which was the childhood home of the renowned multiaward winning playwright for the first 12 years of his life. Washington co-chaired the event with Constanza Romero Wilson, August’s widow and collaborator. Said Denzel, who helped lead the fundraising campaign to restore the house, “I want to thank the community. Because he’s yours, you’re his, and you just shared him with the rest of us. I personally thank you for that.” The twotime Academy Award winner portrayed Troy Maxson in the Broadway version of Wilson’s “Fences,” which opened in 2010, then directed and starred in the play’s cinematic adaptation, which was filmed in Pittsburgh. Washington also produced Wilson’s movie “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.”

Charlie Wilson’s “No Stoppin’ Us,” featuring Babyface, Johnny Gill, and K-Ci Hailey is No. 1 on Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart, making Wilson Billboard’s Top Adult Male R&B Artist with the most No. 1’s ever on the chart. “No Stoppin’ Us” additionally makes history as Billboard’s first song ever with four credited artists to reach No. 1 on the chart. This accomplishment also gives K-Ci Hailey his first No. 1 song as a solo artist. All four artists are managed under P. Music Group which is promoting the record, which was released via the Paradise imprint, giving the label its first No. 1 song and P Music Group its eighth No. 1.

The Southampton African American Museum (SAAM) held its second annual fundraiser hosted by Jean and Martin Shafiroff, Aisha Christian and Michael Steifman at Blu Mar restaurant in Southampton, New York. The reception was a celebration of the museum’s second year in its historic landmarked building in Southampton, and continued efforts to support the Founder’s Campaign. Those attending included Brenda Simmons, the hosts, NY Assemblywoman Rebecca Seawright, Judith KasenWindsor, Zach Erdem and more. Silent auction items included merchandise from Leila Pinto Fine Art, Jennifer Miller Jewelry, Jet Blue, Hidden Gems and others.

It was the party of the summer as Roz Live/Keeping Artists on Stage celebrated the music of Grover Washington Jr. featuring Patience Higgins on Aug. 11 at Row House in Harlem. Guests included “What’s Happening” star Haywood Nelson, socialite/style diva Connie Drayton Kennedy, who was celebrating her birthday, former WBLS radio personality Debi Jackson, singer Priceless, who portrays Gladys (in the new “Gladys Knight Show”) and brand marketing specialist L. Marilyn Crawford.

Albert Vann life celebration at Boys & Girls High School

On Friday, Aug. 12, 2022, Brooklyn’s Boys and Girls High School celebrated the life and legacy of the Honorable Albert Vann.

Former Assemblyman and City Council member Vann, “a political bedrock of Bed-Stuy and Crown Heights,” died peacefully on July 14, 2022.

The wonderful Brooklyn-notables-packed event was hosted by Attorney General Letitia James. With typical Brooklyn flair and energy, she kept the full program flowing. Speakers included: the Rev. Herbert Daughtry; Vann family members including children such as daughter Binta Vann, grands Najah and Naim Vann; Dr. Esmeralda Simmons; the Hon. Annette Robinson; Dr. Adelaide Sandford by video; Debra Fraser-Howze; Marilyn Reid; Councilwoman Stefani Zinerman; City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams; Mayor Eric Adams; and NYS Speaker Carl Heastie.

Condolences came from Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden, read by AG James. Also sending best wishes were Nandi Mandela, grand-daughter of Nelson; and Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, former deputy president of South Africa.

The next day on Saturday, Aug. 13, the Vann family and AG James hosted a community block party at Restoration Plaza with music, food, dancing, and powerful remembrances.

Debra Fraser-Howze

Mildred Vann (C) with family members