Pop music lovers are excited to study that Karyn White has been named the movie star grand marshal of the 56th annual African American Day Parade.
The hitmaker, who topped the charts singing “Superwoman” within the ’90s, will be a part of Dr. Tony Allen, WABC TV anchor Sandra Bookman, Medgar Evers School president Dr. Patricia Ramsey, and Grambling State College president Dr. Martin Lemelle Jr. for a reside stream broadcast of the annual exhibition and salute to Black excellence.
Starting at midday from 111th Avenue & Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd. on Sept. 21, the AADP will concentrate on the theme of “Schooling is our #1 precedence.”
The parade marshals additionally embody Dr. Shawn Brown, principal of Uniondale Excessive College; Francine Yaw-Costello, principal of Amber Constitution College; and Jean E. Jeanty of Pugsley Preparatory Academy.
As all the time, pre-parade actions function a complete week of literacy, well being, and resource-related devoted days starting on the Thursday previous to the grand finale at 137th. St. As well as, reside performances on the Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State workplace constructing plaza are scheduled for the standard showcase of spoken phrase, high-energy dance routines, and singing contests.
Floats, marching bands, merchandise, and pageantry are solely a fraction of the weekend procession.
Associates and familiarity will mix for the Village fete. Whereas White is certain to belt her 1988 hit track, the singer/songwriter might even entreat with different compositions — “Secret,” “Rendezvous,” “Romantic,” and “The Means You Love Me.”
White was a contributor to the brand new jack swing music innovation, however was additionally acclaimed a foremost rhythm and blues/soul singer and songwriter.
The AADP often spotlights metal band musicians and Panamanians sporting polleras and montunos.
Caribbean revelers usually lengthen a Labor Day spectacle to the day’s providing by brandishing nationwide flags and banners. Masqueraders, island/nation representatives, and different dignitaries are assured individuals. For extra info, test Africanamericandayparade.org.
Jamaica’s “Talent”; Jamaican Shutterbug gone to glory
Information of the ultimate moments of Allan “Talent” Cole, Jamaica’s soccer legend, stirred the senses of these accustomed to his gamesmanship and legacy. Allegedly early final week, his main organs failed the physique of the 75-year-old reputed finest good friend to Bob Marley, resonating with sobering actuality of the season.
Fall had arrived, darker days are forward, and though inevitable, the shattering information additionally revealed that one of many best athletes to symbolize the Caribbean island would now not take the sector.
Cole handed away on Sept. 9, 2025 — two days earlier than the thirty eighth anniversary of the demise of Peter Tosh, who was allegedly one other shut affiliate of Marley’s. How ironic: maybe the 2 shared greater than heritage and tradition.
In life, they each exalted the One Love mantra their birthplace excels in sports activities and music. Earlier within the month on Sept. 4. former Brooklyn, photographer Donovan Richard Gopie joined the ancestors. Reviews of his ailing had permeated for years, with talks that his daughter had relocated him to South Florida.
After listening to the information of his transition, these of us who remembered his prominence outdoors Carib Theater in Cross Roads, Kingston following Manning Cup competitions reminisced the petite, jocular fellow, who migrated to the US to much more familiarity.
In New York Metropolis, Gopie acquired media accreditations to archive elections of the primary Black mayor of the town, the primary Black president of the US, the go to of the primary Black president of South Africa to NYC, and the primary go to of the primary feminine prime minister of Jamaica.
In unofficial capacities, he additionally supplied visible photos of occasions promoted on the first Black-owned radio stations. He was on the scene on the Beacon Theater when Michael Jackson, aka the king of pop, enticed insiders to a particular preview engagement.
For sure, regardless of his small body, Gopie maintained large stature within the cultural neighborhood.
“Each time I consider or see Donovan Richard Gopie, a Bible verse involves thoughts, Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (King James model),” Dr. Patrick Pitter, a detailed good friend and resident of Ocala, Florida mentioned. “There’s a time for every thing and a season for each exercise beneath the heavens — a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to tear down and a time to construct, a time to snigger and a time to weep, a time to mourn and a time to bounce…”
Dr. Pitter, a Godfather to Gopie’s daughter, Ashley, detailed all eight verses of the Biblical passage which he mentioned personified the essence of his fallen good friend. Gopie was a social butterfly, a pictures buff, and retiree from the Human Sources Administration of NYC.
Nevertheless, greater than something, Gopie maintained a notable presence among the many who’s who contributors to newsworthy actions in New York Metropolis. As well as, no matter political allegiances, by means of federal, state or metropolis council campaigns, Gopie skilled his lenses on Caribbean leaders in addition to progressive cultural activists.
Habte Selassie, a WBAI radio producer of this system “Labbrish,” expressed solemnity on the passing of the character with whom he shared the identical Brooklyn deal with, saying, “Donovan was distinctive, particular and a drive to be reckoned with. I hope he rests in everlasting peace.”
In a message to the grieving household, Dr. Pitter mirrored: “Throughout his journey in life, Donovan was compassionate, mild, delicate, sort, and honest and displayed a fellowship towards mankind and with class which he demonstrated in his ability as a photojournalist.”
Though the medical specialist was unable to attend the south Florida home-going ceremony for his good friend and former affected person, he penned a message for Gopie’s grieving caretaker to learn.
Alongside along with his personal message of condolence a distraught caretaker named Anne Marie to bid farewell to the companion she nursed to the tip.
Her final goodbye mentioned: “Donovan can be missed by his brothers, sisters, kids, enterprise associates, admirers and by me his soulmate.” Gopie was funeralized on Sept.13 in Hollywood, Florida.
These wanting to supply condolences to Ashley, the daughter of Donovan R. Gopie might contact her at 954-600-8184.
Catch you On the Inside!
