CARMELITA PITTMAN

Carmelita Pittman The Social Butterfly

BY CARMELITA PITTMAN

Being very shy as a child I would run and hide behind the furniture when visitors arrived in our home, I eventually outgrew that phase. I always admired those who were socially connected and prominent in stature, even as a youngster when I saw people like class mate Nettie Douglas in the 4th grade who was beautiful and popular. That was not me. I was in the shadows. But I had a leaning towards being religious.

I was taught in Catechism class to pray the rosary regularly no matter where , even on the bus. About eleven years of age, taking that lesson to heart, I sat on a bench minding my own business praying the rosary during recess one day. The next thing I knew a crowd was gathering to watch me pray. The crowd began to grow and youngsters were even climbing up on the chain link fence above my head to see me. The growing crowd pushed me against the fence while they tried to get a better view. Some were running across the school yard because they thought there was a fight going on. But it was just me, praying. When I finished I stood up to the curious or mockers for my belief. Now it is dangerous in certain places in the world where Self portrait oil painting/ collage 18X24 / by Carmelita Pittman

Christians are in danger of losing their lives for their faith. But there is a saying that if you deny God, you will be denied when the time comes. And when the time comes I want to hear, "Well done my servant". That will be the greatest award of all.

I am only two years away from the age that my mother was when her life was claimed by breast cancer. Because my mother sacrificed her own life so mine could be better I have remained in perpetual gratitude to her. On a secretary's salary she put me through one of the most prestigious universities in the United States of America, the University of Southern California ,USC. My mother, Juanita Zara Espinosa Uddin and my friend from England, Basil Swift, a writer for whom I worked for awhile, both insisted that I attend the reception at USC Fisher Art Gallery. I could not understand what was so urgent about me being there. Lo and behold to my surprise my art professors presented me the Ross, Spayne Perry art award which also included an art scholarship for a semester at USC. What a blessing. That was part of the pattern I became accustomed to. Beginning in elementary school I

Lady of Humanity photo and title named by Pasqual Bettio FRPS, recipient of Humanitarian of the Year award, 2010 Civic Leader 2011 Entertainer of the Year 2014 from the Southern California Motion Picture Council

became the class artist , then was selected to represent the Jr. High in the 8th grade when I was sent to Otis Art Institute to study under noted artist Joe Magnani. At Otis Art Institute I later met Charles White, famed American artist of African descent who wanted me to be an artist model for his class. I was honored but did not accept the invitation.

Also L.A. High School selected me to represent the school during a Theatrical workshop at Hollywood High School. I started out working on the sets for the performances , then switched to dancing but wound up singing "Tonight" from Westside Story with the orchestra, all made up of students who were selected for their musical ability. That production was the grand finale in the auditorium attended by the community.

Little did I know this would form the foundation of my creative life as an adult. In turn after being awarded so many times I became an award winning art educator for L.A. Unified School District leading my students to honors and art scholarships. At one time Pittman Limousine service co-owned with my husband, Jerry Pittman, transported the winners of the Bicentennial art contest who placed 1st, 2nd and 3rd to pick up their awards in the only gold limousine in town at the time. Our client, Smokey Robinson, had used the limousine the day before when he did a concert with Stevie Wonder , Teena Marie and Pattie LaBelle, all household names.

My journey alongside figures of note began early as a youngster when I watched my mother and step-father Shiraj Uddin, become hosts to prominent guests such as the Ambassador of India in our large home near Berkeley Square. My mother became a member of American wives of India and at age 9 or so I learned how to dance Hindu Manipuri style from famed dancer Bhupesh Guha , a good friend of my step-father who wanted to give me a scholarship when I became a young adult but I declined in order to pursue teaching school. Later I would perform that dance in a movie entitled "Brando Unauthorized" about Marlon Brando starring Damian Chapa produced by Peter Allman. I also sang in the Bengali language which was recognized by the observers who witnessed my performance of that dance on the borderline of Pakistan,

Tree of Life. Created at Artists for a Better World art festival on a blank canvas Redd Foxx portrait oil painting 18x24. seen on his interview on Robin Leach Rich and Famous tv show Dionne. Warwick portrait oil painting 18 x24

the country of origin of my step father. That location was part of my trip sponsored by my mother along the Marco Polo silk route in China where I was amongst the first Americans to visit remote parts.

rap when I was Ms C Rappin' Pittman, the Rapping School Teacher. Recordings including the School of Cool and my husband's production of me singing "Rosebud" and "Isn't it Lonely". all made the top 40 charts. Two of those recordings are now rare collectibles in Northern England, Australia, Japan and fetched as much as $2,000.00 per vinyl single by avid collectors.

My status as a fine and performing artist, composer, producer, dancer , actress expanded over the years with several credits. I stayed the course as a supporter and committee member of Vonny Hilton Sweeney's Pre-Grammy Music Industry celebrations since the 80's. 1998 I sponsored and chaired the event at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel which attracted attendance of at least 1,000 in black tie and elegant gowns and flashy outfits. I was invited the 3rd year on the production and participated all 23 years which were a launching pad for the "sung and unsung heroes" as Vonny used to say. Grammy nominees and aspiring talent were in attendance. She taught me how to walk on faith. Our events grew a reputation nationwide and hosted and awarded many household names. I had to stay strong however when my mom was preparing to make her transition and graduated from the planet Nov 16, 1997.

A globe trotter , I taught the Mongolian soldiers how to

Because my mother loved roses and because of her dream of the mythological Phoenix Bird which became the name of "Phoenix Rising Antiques and Art" shop in the Antiquaries building near Doheny, I used both symbols to represent The Rose Breast Cancer Society. The organization is arts based and is a 501.c3 non-profit which has produced several "Rose Variety Art Shows", all themed events which have blended the Fine and Performing Arts with the Wellness Community. It has served "EDU-tainment", a word I coined to present an Art & Wellness Expo in inspiring locations. The 14th Rose Variety Arts Show was presented on six and a half acres on the grounds of the Virginia Robinson Gardens just North of the Beverly Hills Hotel. I believe these have occurred with the guidance of my mom from above. Each one have been mini miracles. Dr. Cherilyn Lee who I met in our little shop was introduced to me by Loray White, Sammy Davis's first wife. Dr. Lee has since become a top Honorary member of several years and keynote speaker of the organization.

Juanita Zara Espinosa Uddin on the cover of the 14th Rose Variety Arts Show souvenir booklet Still life painting as a demonstration partially painted in front of art students in the classroom. Portrait of Juanita Zara Espinosa Uddin. 18x24 oil painting/ collage of roses from her garden and gold leaf

Katrina Hope painted following the hurricane in Louisiana to portray hope following disaster. Oil on canvas 30 x40 Portrait of Michael Jackson oil painting/ collage 30 x40 Carmelita Pittman standing with Michael Bush designer of Michael Jackson’s military style

Seen in the photos are samples of my art as well as the beginnings of the Gardens of Life/ Alley-O-Graphy mural started 2015. Senior Senator Pasqual Bettio FRPS and Debora Gillman co-founded ARTery USA and are associates of the project sponsored by The Rose Breast Cancer Society which is being developed by talented artists such as Katherine Arion of Romania, Emmy Lu of Uganda and Armand Michael Sears Jr.. On the line-up to join the project is Gustavo Vasquez and others. As art director and visual artist I have also put my hand into the project and will return to it as soon as I complete my next portrait. There is scientific evidence that the arts can heal. Currently the Mid-City neighborhood and Longwood Conveslescent Hospital where the mural is developing in the alley are enjoying the fruits of our labor and have expressed deep appreciation and respect for the project. Please consider contributing to the cause. www.rosebreastcancersociety.org.

My journey has been long but space here short so may the accompanying photos help describe my journey. As a talk show host of Carmelita's Corner on http://www. ezwaybroadcasting.com since 2016 I invite you to tune in Monday mornings to hear my wonderful guests which have also included household names. The topics are varied and meant to inform , inspire, and entertain. My show is a segment of Radio Boomers Live hosted by Jim Zuley and Reatha Grey of Betty White's Off Your Rocker. which airs 10:00 a.m. pst. http://www.ezwayradio.com iHeart radio.

Gardens of Life/ Alley -O-Graphy mural

Presentation of check from The Rose Breast Cancer Society at Eric Zuley’s birthday event in Anaheim. Photo by Doug Ferguson

By Katherine Arion of Romania “Pasqualized” with mirrors by Pasqual seen here with appreciative neighborhood children. Photo by Tom Porter

By Emmy Lu of Uganda. Photo by Tom Porter

Iron Eyes Cody and Juanita Zara Espinosa Uddin with Marlynn Northcutt in the Antiquarius building

Elaine Young’s wedding. Elaine’s book, a million dollars down tells the story of her days as a premiere realtor of Beverly Hills with clients like Elizabeth Taylor, Elvis Presley, tragically OJ Simpson, Nicolle Simpson and Sharon Tate. Seen next to Elaine is her husband Sal Valachi on the right is mom and I. Sammy Davis’s first wife Member of the http://www.ezwaywalloffame.com and contributing author of the best seller The Influence Effect. Please visit http://ericzuley.com/book Victorian Interiors co-owned

Janeese Bland Johnson of Chicago at the Phoenix Rising Antiques and Art shop in the Antiquaries building

Princess Karen Cantrell with Carmelita Pittman at the Royal Society’ of St. George event at the Peninsula Hotel, Beverly Hills. Photo by Ralph Jarrells Loray White introduced me to Dr. Cherilyn Lee who became a close friend and top Honorary member of The Rose Breast Cancer Society

between Doheny and Robertson On March 8th, 2020, Carmelita Pittman received an award from the International Woman’s Day event which was produced by Natalya Korol and Lana Gutman.