A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

Though I still had to fulfill an assignment that required I focus on writing and producing a TV segment, I was doing little sleeping (meaning no dreaming) in anticipation of this past weekend. On Friday, December 15th, New York City's Ziegfeld Theater was getting ready to unleash "DREAMGIRLS" on its most enthusiastic fans ten days before its national release (Christmas Day) and I would get the opportunity to see my 4th, 5th, and 6th installment of "DREAMGIRLS" en route to my "12 DAYS OF DREAMGIRLS" challenge. Also, after a year of constant chat about "DREAMGIRLS" and a weekend getaway back in February when my boyfriend Anthony came from across the miles to take me to see the Prince Street Theater's performance of "Dreamgirls" in Philadelphia, he managed to set up some New York City-based interviews around a piece he's producing on the movie. Unfortunately, the opening night of "DREAMGIRLS" at the Ziegfeld was sold out (as was Saturday and Sunday). But Anthony would have to leave New York to go back to Denver on Saturday morning. So, we'd have to work magic to get him into that screening as there were no set-asides and p.r. lists for these particular screenings.

First things first, though, Anthony came to town and put us both up at - where else? - a boutique hotel in midtown Manhattan called "DREAM". Special pun, wouldn't you say? But bigger than our tony digs is who he would be interviewing in the suite. It was the musician behind all of my favorite songs

in "DREAMGIRLS", Henry Krieger. Before I knew what exactly the plot of "DREAMGIRLS" was, there was Henry Krieger, whose music was married to the lyrics of his now-late creative partner Tom Eyen, he made his own DREAMS come true via a a Tony nod for Best Score in 1982 for "Dreamgirls;" and in 1998, for Best Score, his music with Bill Russell's lyrics, for "Side Show." At 12, I would listen to my "DREAMGIRLS" album over and over, taking in all of the beautiful music and - depending on the side - imagining myself "James 'Thunder' Early" on "Fake Your Way to the Top" or Curtis on "Cadillac Car" or C.C. on "Family". Truth be told, I too imagined myself Effie on "Move", "One Night Only", "I Am Changing", and the showstopper "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going". And if I'm completely honest, I did more than imagine myself Deena. I WAS DEENA JONES... and I was WONDERFUL! "What can I say, but wonderful! Yes,... wonderful!!!!!". So to know that my boyfriend would be interviewing him meant I needed to be there too, so I could meet the man behind this amazing music, which for the movie, goes even further as he composed and collaborated with different songwriters to produce four new songs for the film adaptation of "DREAMGIRLS", including a breakthrough song for Deena (per Beyonce) "Listen" (kind of a Diana Ross' "It's My Turn" for the lead character, whose loosely based on Ross). As the crew lit for the interview, I waited with baited breath for Mr. Krieger's arrival. He came in and was gracious and warm. Anthony asked some great questions and got some good insight out of Krieger, including why character Lorell's song "Ain't No Party" isn't in the movie. Basically, they felt the song was too comical and emotionally removed from where they wanted the movie to be at that point. But then, I got to weigh in and ask some quick questions as he generously signed my "DREAMGIRLS" soundtrack(s) - the original and the new. He too agreed to a picture. Then, I asked him how Diana Ross came to sing one of his "DREAMGIRLS" songs "Family" in her legendary 1983 Central Park Concert, given she was reportedly not a fan of the piece. He didn't exactly answer how 'the song found her', but pointed out that "DREAMGIRLS" and Diana had people in common, like choreographer, the late, great Michael Peters. He said that Peters invited him to Diana's Central Park Concert that July day in 1983 and she wanted to adjust a lyric in the song for her show and discuss it with him. In the musical, C.C. sings: "... you can't stop us now because of how you feel...". Diana wanted to change the "you"s to "they"s. But before Krieger could hammer this out, he waited for her with Peters in her dressing room. When Diana appeared, Peters noted "... speaking of the devil.". Krieger, ever-the-storyteller, noted that Diana replied with sass: "I am NOT the devil!!!!". They all got a laugh (and I had to pick myself up off the floor from having received such a lovely anecdote on my diva from one of my favorite composers). THIS IS "THE LIFE OF RILEY"!!!! I couldn't make it up!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZ724bS6otg

Once I had this moment, I needed a cigarette (because it was like good sex - having met him). But of course, I'm joking because I don't smoke. But I was "schvitzing" for sure. (Sweating... and in awe!!!). After Anthony wrapped his shoot, we still didn't have a ticket for him to accompany me that night, but trusted that we'd be able to prayerfully "bum" one a couple of hours before the 8:00 showtime. So, we made the most of what the balance of the afternoon had to offer by joining our friend Melony who we met at my Seattle-based friend Jabu's birthday party which transpired within the weekend of my own birthday extravaganza. We met Melony through Monica, my amazing grace Nichole's New Rochelle neighbor. Melony is here in America with her husband, a South African TV host. They will both pursue education and professional opportunities around their expertise in TV and film production. Anthony and I bonded with Melony the night of the party and got to further know how she ticks through our afternoon in New York City with her. We hopped in a cab down to The Village to grab a bite. She nor Anthony wanted my chosen cuisine, "Pink Tea Cup" soul food. Anthony nor I wanted her chosen cuisine, Indian. But somehow we all landed on "Thai" as a food we could each enjoy. "Lemongrass Grill" was renovating. So, we tried our luck with an unsuspecting Thai cafe on Bleecker Street. We enjoyed saki cocktails - inspired by mojitos and pina coladas. I had BBQ chicken and shrimp fried rice. And we had lovely conversation. We look forward to more times with Melony. 

Meanwhile, back at "DREAMGIRLS" headquarters, Anthony and I lucked out by bartering two extra tix that I had bought for Saturday afternoon for one young lady's sole ticket that she was poised to use on opening night. To sweeten the deal, I gave her some cash to go to dinner on that night instead. She went for it... and Anthony was in. When we walked into the regal Ziegfeld Theater lobby, there were a couple of displays and screens - highlighting the behind-the-scenes of "DREAMGIRLS" - from costumes to film sets. I ran into Luther Vandross' best friend from childhood and his often background singer Fonzi Thornton, who I had a chance to meet when I was given an opportunity to see Luther at his assisted living home before he passed away. He gave me a big hug and said "Oh, Patrick. I wish Luther was here to enjoy this. I've been waiting 25 years for this movie. And I just know he would enjoy it!". I comforted him by saying "Luther is here....!!!!". He smiled and introduced me to his movie buddy and we segued to our respective seats. One of my Morehouse best friends Michael K. Watts bought my ticket as a birthday gift, so he and I could see it together. So, unfortunately, Anthony and I couldn't sit together. But I felt his energy and he mine. Another special tale inside of this "DREAMGIRLS" mania is my friend Devon (from Cleveland. Remember? My pop culture soul mate - especially around "DREAMGIRLS" and "DIANA") made a decision to hop on a 2:00 am Friday morning Greyhound bus from Cleveland to New York City. He didn't have a ticket, but felt like he was going to get into the movie somehow. Ironically, Devon, who has seen many road tours of "DREAMGIRLS" over the years, ran into one of the guys who played C.C. in the early '90s at a New Jersey bus stop. Devon knew that was a sign. From there, he made it to NYC in record time. He still didn't have a ticket at the point which Anthony and I went into the theater, but before the house lights went down, my Devon's dream came true as a woman who played Deena in a Hackensack, NJ-run of "DREAMGIRLS" gave him an extra ticket she had. What testimonial. Afterwards, our friends Jason, Marquise, Mario, and Marlynn joined Anthony, Devon, Michael, and me for post-movie chat and chew at BBQ. We also went to my friend Brian's spot "No Parking" in Washington Heights for a night-cap.

Several hours later, my boo had to get on a flight back West. And I would soon have to turn it around to enjoy the 2:00 pm matinee of "DREAMGIRLS". This time, I was attending with my friends Tata, Ern, and Kimberly Jajuan, who played Michelle some years ago in a road tour of "DREAMGIRLS". This was screening #5 for me... and I must admit, I cried this time. It was nice to share it with Ern who knows to what degree I have loved "DREAMGIRLS" and has jumped aboard recently with his appreciation for the piece, especially after American Idol's Jennifer Hudson came to be cast. We loved Jennifer Hudson on the show and grew to love her more and more after she was booted off. That screening was special. (The pic of Kimberly, Ern, and me is from "The Color Purple" Tony Awards after party)

Then, last night, I went back to the 8:00 pm show with my Frankie Edozien, who bought my ticket. We went with his boyfriend Enye. And a couple of their friends Albert and Ricky joined us. My Mario came back. I ran into another "DREAMGIRLS" soul mate Lee, who was seeing it for the first time. Also, a new friend Roderick was there. And I stumbled into my Spelman sister Toni Herron who was there to meet her friends. When she told me she had an extra ticket, I called Devon, who was staying with Michael, to have him come down and see "DREAMGIRLS" again. I figured since he came from Cleveland all the way on a bus, he should see it twice. So, that was a blessing I was thrilled to help facillitate. Meanwhile, it was in this - my 6th - screening, where I realized how powerful "DREAMGIRLS" is showing up. As a film, it is shattering the figurative fourth wall and bringing the viewing audience inside in a way that I've never experienced in a film. The audiences are clapping, cheering, and giving standing ovations to people who are not on stage. The performers are inside a screen. And yet, different than a camp classic like "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" where everybody sings along and pulls out umbrellas when it's raining on the screen, "DREAMGIRLS" - from the six screenings I've seen of it - is offering an inspired, energized, and - like theater - elegant version of that. And the audiences are just taken under the spell of these magical artists - the men and the women - and given something that is so exciting to experience in a theater. The audience is now a member of the cast of "DREAMGIRLS". And for me (and many I've polled), it's something to see again and again and again... with loved ones and strangers. I am so invested in "DREAMGIRLS" now, I am almost now going to see it for the film and the audience energy after Jennifer Hudson's powerful scenes, but also each and every one of the other players in the stellar cast. "DREAMS see us through to forever", sings Diana Ross in her international hit "If We Hold On Together". And I think "DREAMGIRLS" is a vessel to ensure that. One need look no further than the Golden Globe nominations to know that more DREAMS are on order. Beyonce is nominated for Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical. Same for Eddie Murphy in his category. But the beginnings of Oscar buzz for Jennifer Hudson is that much closer to a reality as she too was nominated for a Best Supporting Actress Golden Globe.

After the screening, Lee, Roderick, Devon, and I were joined by Michael K. Watts, who wanted to participate in our post-viewing chat. We had a late dinner at a diner. From there, we all ventured down to bid my friend Diaz a Happy Birthday at the STAY Lounge on Houston between Avenues A & B. We danced and enjoyed lots of eye candy. We too appreciated seeing some of our favorites like one of the former 3 'MO TENORS Victor Trent Cook and Mariah Carey's background singer and singer in his own right (with a new album in stores now), Trey Lorenz. Writer Keith Boykin was there as well as Derrick Briggs whose become one to watch with his book club and evening events for the "children". With one more "No Parking" night cap and some food to soak up the gin & juice (Tanquery and cranberry), it was 6:00 am as I found myself coming in this morning. So, "DREAMS" see us through to forever (and sometimes keep us up and away from the rapid-eye-movement version of our "DREAMS"). I'll catch up on my sleep yet and - trust me - I'll be having SWEET ones.

I spent the better part of my last two weeks on the road. I went to Baton Rouge and Cleveland with two long stretches of Chicago woven in the mix. I wasn’t able to quite find my balance in any of the locales, which made me not the happiest camper. Moreover, it snowed cats and dogs in Ohio, and I was sliding a bit in my rental car to get to my assignment which was 30 miles due south of Cleveland. My “DREAMGIRLS” soundtrack helped me get through the blah-ness of it all, even when I was sometimes veering off the road. Additionally, my dear friend and Morehouse brother Devon helped me lift my spirits in Cleveland as - at least - this unwelcome dispatch gave us a chance to catch up on our jones for all things “DREAMGIRLS”. We don't talk or see each other often. So, when we get together at times like these with a mutually invigorating project like "DREAMGIRLS" coming out, it's special and we come together and process it all. We deconstructed the new disc from beginning to end. Because I had – at that point – seen “DREAMGIRLS” three times, Devon wanted to know what from the original stage hit is in the movie, etc. Because Devon is a bit of a pop culture soul mate for me, we had a serious talk about what of this piece is “… based on Diana Ross and the Supremes” and what other composites are showing up through these familiar-but-fictional characters.  We talked about Jennifer Hudson’s promise as Effie White in the movie “DREAMGIRLS” and how there was similar optimism about our other favorite Jennifer Holliday when she originated the role on Broadway in 1981. As a result, Devon and I have been Holliday’s biggest fans – knowing the few R&B hits she had during that time, like “I Am Love” from her 1982 debut album “Feel My Soul”. But because Devon and I go deep, we know all the sides and tracks that weren’t hits, but to us, are classics and masterpieces, like “Just For A While” (also on the first album) and “Love Stories” from her Arista debut in 1991 when she revealed her new slim physique and a spirited remake of Angela Bofill’s “I’m On Your Side”, which carried promise but didn’t land Holliday back in the mouths of the masses as a household name. But trust! Her name was coming off of Devon’s and my tongue… and still. And if only for her show stopping rendition of “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going”, she is forever a legend in the history of music and theater.

One thing Devon and I pointed out is how “DREAMGIRLS” is going to focus America back on the wonder of the world’s real-life #1 girl group, “The Supremes”. And any marketing person worth his or her weight in gold would seize the moment. Exploitation? Maybe… but for the fans, it means more product. I just landed the new DVD “The Supremes: REFLECTIONS – The Definitive Performances 1964 – 1969” from my favorite “record” store “Record Runner” (www.recordrunner usa.com). It’s where I get all my favorite “diva imports”. And in large order, anyone can see the degree to which the “DREAMGIRLS” are “SUPREMES”-knock-offs i.e. costume, cosmetics, choreography, and song-style. It’s quite a treat to see Diana lead the girls through an exhaustive, entertaining tour of their TV appearances. While at the store, I managed to secure the lion’s share of Diana’s TV specials, which I did not have on DVD. Dating back to the first special she did with the Supremes and the Temptations (TCB) and leading all the way to 1987’s “Red Hot Rhythm & Blues”, I now have some wonderful comfort viewing to keep my nightmares at bay and my DREAMS sweet… like “soul music”. Speaking of dreams, I even picked up her Japanese import “When You Dream”, an E-P with companion children’s book that features an animated image of Diana with her sons Ross and Evan. This is a rare children’s recording and book she did in the mid-‘90s. And I’m also looking forward to the release of “SPARKLE”, a mid-‘70s film starring Irene Cara, Lonette McKee, Phillip Michael Thomas, etc. It’s a film of three “sisters” who sing in a Supremes-style singing group and the challenging turns they face as they grow into their success. Like my “Lady Sings the Blues”, “Mahogany”, and “Claudine”, “Sparkle” is one of my favorites and a classic in black cinema terms. It too featured – at the time – a soundtrack of Curtis Mayfield music as sung by Aretha Franklin. But they are now going to release an expanded version of that soundtrack with Irene Cara, Lonette McKee, and the rest of the cast’s voices on them. Though we loved Aretha’s turns on “Giving Him Something He Can Feel” and “Hooked on Your Love” (both of which En Vogue went on to remake in the ‘90s on their “Funky Divas” album), it will be nice to have a CD with the movie memories woven into it. And the biggest “DREAM” come true…around new releases is MISS ROSS is FINALLY going to make her "I Love You" album of classic and contemporary love song covers available to the U-S market via  Manhattan/EMI in CD and deluxe CD/DVD packages and digitally on January 16. There are 14 songs personally selected for the album by Diana Ross in appreciation of their timeless, classic expressions of love and romance, including a brand new song, "I Love You (That's All That Really Matters)," a gentle ballad that captures the emotion of romance. The CD's package includes stunning photos by Herb Ritts, Randee St. Nicholas and Douglas Kirkland and a letter to fans from Ms. Ross, who executive produced "I Love You." I've been admiring this project via imports that I've bought from Japan and Europe. I'm excited to see if this collection has the magic that will allow Miss Ross - in some way - to "comeback" stateside. Don't we love a diva comeback in America????? 

After I was finally able to come home from the assignments that kept me away for a couple of weeks, I hit the ground running to catch up with my New York City. I was a bit tired from the not-always-so-charming schlepping I had been doing (including a two-hour delay on the tarmac at Chicago’s O’Hare airport). But three mimosas and a substantive meal later, I was re-energized and wanted to begin the work of reclaiming my social schedule. (I was already disappointed to have missed my friends Kimberly Jajuan and Ern’s grand opening of their new business venture “Leonia Laundry” in Leonia, New Jersey. Of course, I made up for it with my six loads of wash-dry-fold, which I now sent to them). That said, a new friend Patricio Paez invited me to join his four-year-old design firm IMURI DESIGNs showcase space opening in The West Village, just south of the meat-packing district. (I met Patricio at the Hetrick-Martin Institute’s gala – the one with Kimora Lee Simmons, Margaret Cho, the Noah’s Arc guys, and B.D. Wong [pictured below with Patricio and me] - a couple of weeks prior.) Their SPACE 107 is a furniture store that sells restored 20^th century pieces. Each exhibition features a layout of furniture and wall art as created by Patricio who is a mural artist. He does all types of wall treatments from flowers to race cars. And they can work on whatever room you please. ( www.imuridesign.com ) The party was great as Patricio escorted me around the room to introduce me to many of his friends and supporters. He was quite gracious, though tired from creating all of these spaces up against the clock. One of his friends, Jennifer Ouellete, was helping serve drinks from behind the bar, and greeted me with “You look familiar. Are you on TV?” I said “Sometimes”. After a half hour, she kept trying to land on what show it could be – starting to admittedly make me uncomfortable because she wouldn’t let it go. It turns out I made more of an impression on her than even I thought. She was in the studio audience for one of my promising DREAMS a year-and-a-half ago when I co-hosted a pilot for Hurricane Productions called “tvQ” (sort of a “queer-eye-meets-the view”). We shot it at CBS Studios and she was in the audience. Though the show didn’t get picked up (temporarily deferring my DREAMS to one day have my own show), Jennifer’s memory began to thaw out and she really enjoyed my talent and began to further encourage me in that direction. She was a joyful and sweet lady. As I began to enroll Jennifer, a couture hat and accessories maker (www.jenniferouellette.com) and her friend, an artist from Santa Fe named Lisa, in what I’ve been doing of late and what I’ve been enjoying on pop culture of late (including “DREAMGIRLS” and my intention to see it 12 times before the end of the year), the ladies said they wanted to come and see “DREAMGIRLS” with me. By the way, her vintage-yet-contemporary looks are worn by Jessica Simpson, Britney Spears, and many others on the A (A-minus sometimes)-list.

That same night, I went to SPLASH for what was supposed to be a new “DREAMGIRLS” soundtrack listening party. The event was put on by party promoter and producer NATHAN SCOTT, who is known for creating the “places to be” for the “fab and fierce” (of color).( www.The7Magazine.com ) On this night, not much “DREAMGIRLS” was playing, but it did give me a chance to catch up on the Top 40 club and R&B hits as well as my friends Mario and Melvin. After I left, I understand these young ladies lip sync’d a “DREAMGIRLS” song or two:

( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dxrh4AUxR4s ). As nice as the party was, it would take “the real… DREAM” to lift me up and out of my blues. Fortunately, there was the weekend ahead.

I had to leave town late last week (as you see me being driven to my destination with my Godson Owen Angelou in tow. He is the son of my friend and often driver Owen. Sometimes, he will bring Owen Angelou to see his "Godfather" (that's me) and we will hang out in the back of the sedan - playing Mario Brothers 3 or just chatting as he repeats everything I say when I'm on a conference call or what have you). We have lots of fun and I want to shout he and his parents Owen and Sandy out! THANKS GUYS for everything. That said, I am behind on and have had to miss a number of things I want to reference. So, here goes:

* WORLD AIDS DAY was DECEMBER 1^st. Though I have been holding him high and supporting his efforts to get the word out on his project, I’ve not had the chance to shout out my dear friend and fellow journalist Gil Robertson, who is the editor of “ Not in My Family: AIDS in the Black Community”, a landmark collection of personal essays, stories, brief memoirs, and polemics from a broad swath of black Americans that will galvanize public attention and support around this issue. Not in My Family breaks through the cultural inhibitions that have prevented us from dealing with HIV/AIDS head on. And it’s quite profound. Contributors include: Reverend Calvin Butts, Jocelyn Elders, Jasmine Guy, Hill Harper, Tramaine Hawkins, Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr., Patti Labelle, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Mo’Nique, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Randal Robinson, Al Sharpton, Omar Tyree, and Phil Wilson. PLUS: There’s a companion CD that arrives in stores TODAY (December 5^th). “Not in My Family: Songs of Healing and Inspiration” is a collection of music designed to echo and inspire those in and out of the African American community as it continues to battle the devastating effects of AIDS. The CD presents songs from powerful voices in Gospel music including Yolanda Adams, Byron Cage, Kirk Franklin, Natalie Wilson, Walter & Tramaine Hawkins and New Direction. New Direction’s “You Can Make It” was recorded specifically for this project and is an impassioned love offering to those personally affected by this disease. For more information: http://www.amazon.com/Not-My-Family-American-Community/dp/1932841245/sr=8-1/qid=1164339495/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-6176081-8054231?ie=UTF8&s=books

My friend Alicia Evans is President Emeritus of a group I hold dear, the Black Public Relations Society (and in this picture with John Legend). During her reign, she has invited me to moderate a series of industry panels and to even perform for one of BPRS Holiday parties a few years back. Over the years, Alicia has brought to life countless marketing programs for major corporations in America. This year, she is responsible for conceptualizing and presenting a beautiful art show that opened this past weekend while I was out of town on assignment. It’s The Morrow family hair care/African American beauty exhibit--housed quietly for years in San Diego. Now, brought to the national scenes by my friend Alicia, you can see it in New York. It features stunning, rare artifacts, memorabilia, and advertising – all around 100 years of African American Beauty in America. And it runs through January 31, 2007. I can’t wait to see it. So, get on over to Casa Frela Gallery at 47 West 119^th Street (New York, NY). 212/722-8577.

Another place I wish I was yesterday is the premiere of “DREAMGIRLS” in New York City. Scheduling around a big project that will actually give me some shine this week on the airwaves required I be away from my home base. And though I’ve seen “DREAMGIRLS” three times over (and am already committed to see it five more times towards my 12 times before the end of the year), I also missed out on another chance to see the movie “DREAMGIRLS” again as my friend Shaun Robinson (from “Access Hollywood” and who filled-in on “The View” today. YOU WERE GREAT!!!) invited me to join her for a last-Friday screening, after she and I got to bond amidst that love fest at Gerald Boyd’s Memorial service (Shaun is Robin’s cousin and by the time I got her message, I was too far from where the screening was taking place and had committed to join my friend Kimberly Jajuan and our friends Ern and Deepthi for Kimberly’s birthday celebration at “Teek on the Hudson”, an awesome Hoboken restaurant that I highly recommend). By the way, Kimberly, an actress, singer, real estate mogul, has performed in the road tour of “DREAMGIRLS”, portraying Michelle some years ago to brilliant effect. That said, I continue to be excited about the movie. And look forward to my next screenings of the special film (still before it comes out) on December 15^th and 16^th at the Ziegfeld Theater for the “DREAMGIRLS” ROAD TOUR, where in NYC, L.A., and San Francisco, audiences can see the film for $25 in just one theater (from December 15^th through the 25^th) and receive a souvenir program booklet and a glimpse of a “DREAMGIRLS” display in the lobby. The CD Soundtrack(s) for the film come(s) out today and a special edition of the original soundtrack (of the Broadway musical) came out last week with extra songs that were not included on the original cast album along with an additional CD of instrumentals (CAN YOU SAY: KARAOKE?) and a remix of Jennifer Holliday’s classic “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going”. And Beyonce performed beautifully on TODAY yesterday while I await some more of Jennifer Hudson’s press, so the world can get a glimpse of her magic. America has gotten the chance to see the "magic" of my fellow National Association of Black Journalists member Rene Syler every morning on CBS "Early Show". It was announced this week that she is leaving the show. Word has it that CBS wants to take the show in another direction sans the diversity that she brought to the table. She - ever the class act - wants no one to fret for her. She's already got a book in the works due to be released March of 2007. It's titled "Good Enough Mother"  (Simon &  Schuster) and she will tour with it in the Spring. At closer inspection, I see she is an Air Force Brat who was based in Sacramento, where my family's friends The Betheas were stationed (Remember I mentioned them in my Thanksgiving reflection?). I knew Rene came from good stock as I have had the opportunity to produce her as host of NABJ's Salute to Excellence Awards (see picture). When we worked together on this special evening in October of 2004, her flight from New York to DC was running late and she managed to leave her pressed powder. After she landed in D.C., she called from the car to see if we could quickly get her some (as she had a half-hour window to get to the hotel, changed, and behind the podium). Since no department store was available for me to secure MAC for her, I went all over asking NABJ's lady Board members if they had something even close to the texture and tone that Rene requested of me. In the end, I gathered several compacts. And in this picture, as my childhood friend Tish looks on, I am handing them over to her for quick perusal, application... and present! She was so easy, breezy, beautiful, and funny through this scenario and as she anchored us through the night. I can't imagine where CBS is coming from in letting her go. But I'm clear she's standing in God's favor and will turn the page (literally and figuratively) to a wonderful next chapter. We're CHEERING for you, RENE!!!!

On the heels of a lovely BIRTHDAY EXTRAVAGANZA and a bittersweet THANKSGIVING, I found myself on an emotional rollercoaster. From day-to-day – since last weekend – it’s been quite a ride. I’ll just reflect on what I can recall.

Early in the week, I had the chance to hit Jay Z’s club 40/40 for friend Nelson Boyce’s birthday party. He’s an exec at Nickelodeon’s tween brand N. He’s a great character of guy and I’m happy to know him through my “amazing grace” Nichole. Nelson and his wife Michelle are New Rochelle-ites, like my Nichole. With that, I’ve had the opportunity to really get to know some of her closest friends, like the guest of honor, Monica (pictured with me) & Brian; & Miss Cynthia. I invited my friend Carl Nelson to join me. He’s what I call a platonic boo as sometimes even I want someone – a social escort -- on my arm for companionship and interaction, even though there’s no hanky-panky. We all laughed and chatted as light bites were passed around Jay’s room, one of the V.I.P. spaces upstairs. And most importantly, Nelson had a great time as folks cheered him on. Though black doesn’t crack (and he’s looking good), he spoke jokingly of how each of us may be responsible for the little bits of gray that are beginning to grow onto his crown.

Well, I mentioned last week about the late, great Gerald Boyd, who was the highest ranking editor of color at the New York Times. His widow Robin Stone is a dear friend. I wanted to simply be there for her. I got the chance to be a difference inside of some components she needed for the funeral and the memorial. I initially wasn’t supposed to be in town for the memorial (as I had an assignment in Louisiana), but scheduling would change and allow me to be in place for both services, which were sad, but very inspiring as the cream of the journalism crop gathered to pay their respects. Most impressive at the funeral was Gerald and Robin’s son, 10-year-old Zach who gave a speech that made us all cry alongside smiling. Death continues to be a part of life. For me, in losing a mom in my early ‘20s, I find myself a little strange in wanting to be there for folks who lose their loved ones, but conjuring up the pain from my own losses at the same time. Feedback of all feedback in the way of love and kindness showed up when Robin asked me to ride in one of the six family cars that they had in place to commute people from the Boyd home to the church, then to the cemetery followed by a repast at soul food giant Sylvia’s. I was touched. Meanwhile, the memorial (which was open to the public), brought in 500 or more of Gerald Boyd’s friends, family, and colleagues. It was held at the Schomberg Museum in Harlem and was very much a “family reunion” for those of us who have volunteered with the New York Association of Black Journalists over the years. So great to hug these folks with whom I’ve organized dinners and panels and programs… one more time. Tomorrow isn’t promised. What a treat to see them all again.

On the heels of that very long Wednesday (of the funeral), I previously committed to attend the Emery Awards, which honor people who support LGBTQ youth. The event is put on by the Hetrick-Martin Institute, which is the umbrella to the Harvey Milk High School I attended last week on the eve of Thanksgiving. Executive Director David Mensah graciously gave me two tickets to enjoy the event. I took another platonic boo Frankie Edozien, who is founder of the African Magazine and a city hall reporter. Many of the staff and kids came up and greeted me warmly from having read the write-up I did on them here in THE LIFE OF RILEY. I appreciated that feedback. But I also got a kick out of seeing some of my favorite gays and gay supporters. Former “Oz” actor who played the priest, B.D. WONG (pictured with Frankie and me), for example, was in the house. And I got to dance with him a little bit. Margaret Cho was the host and very irreverent and funny about ‘the gays’. Whoopi Goldberg opened the night, questioning the producers on why they wrote the word “bling” for her – the black woman – to say. Funny! Also there, Kimora Lee Simmons, who I’ve interviewed before and have had the chance to know socially (along with her ex-husband Russell Simmons). She presented an award to a brilliant young man named Luna Luis Ortiz, who is a photography teacher at Harvey Milk, his alma mater. The 30-something too has been HIV + for over 20 years (having contracted it as a teen). With that and the powerful choices he’s made for his life, he is a role model for all young people and makes sure to use his art and gifts to help kids learn more about the disease and its impact on them (whether they are HIV+ or not). His work has been therapeutic to many young LGBTQ kids around town and has generated some amazing artwork and photography. After Kimora did her presentation, some “voguers” from the school came out and did a fierce “overture” for his runway to the podium. Just a lovely and lively moment for the evening, which also featured other performances of song, dance, and drama from the high schoolers. And they were just loving being in the light and receiving the standing ovations for their awesome performances. Darryl Stephens and Doug Spearman, Noah and Chase from “Noah’s Arc” were there to present an award to LOGO, which as of last Wednesday had yet to renew “Noah’s Arc”. They say the decision is coming in a few weeks. I hope it gets picked up. This last season, the second for the series, was just too exciting and short for me. Kimora also played “auctioneer” alongside Margaret Cho and came into the audience to shame some of the “big willies and willie-menias” into bidding on some pricey fare. Nothing less than $6,000 was sold. But a man at my table bid on something – I think being able to design your own pair of Levi’s jeans – for $12,000. Lots of deep pockets that benefited the Hetrick-Martin Institute, which raised $1,000,000 dollars towards its programs. Go to www.hmi.org/ for more information.