High Street Neighborhood Newsby Adelle Foley | |
Sheila Head singing at Miracles of Faith musical celebration of Martin Luther King. Photo by Adelle Foley.
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Miracles of Music for MLK
' When I arrived at Miracles of Faith Community church on Virginia for the fifth annual musical commemoration in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., most of the pews were full. A little later the extra chairs were taken and people were standing.
' At the back of the sanctuary I found a fascinating display of black and white photographs of Dr. King's civil rights activities during the 1960s, and earlier, sometimes graphic, scenes of African-American history in the south. Berteenia Rainey explained that the photos are copies from her extensive collection. Later that afternoon she was among those to receive awards for her work as a community advocate.
' The congregation joined in "Lift Every Voice and Sing" and called out encouragement to young performers on trombone, harp, piano, horn, or drums. Gospel singer Jordana Jiltonilro's unbelievable voice glided up to a sky-high note at the end of her number, and young singer Sheila Head followed with a syncopated version of "Walk Around Heaven All Day." Other performers included a young hoofer (who brought his own board), a spoken-word artist, dancers, and jazz artist Ricardo Scales.'
' There were also awards for community service. Special honors went to Actor/Director Barry Shabaka, Councilmember Jean Quan, and Khali Shaheed of the Oaktown Jazz Workshop. Other awards recognized a variety of individuals for their work in nursing education, ministries, housing, political service, and other outreach to the community. Reverend Gregg Brown was ill and could not attend the service. Barbara Taylor filled in as MC on short notice with grace and poise. Barbara told me that Rev. Brown is recuperating from Bell's palsy and is expected to make a full recovery.
Melrose Library and Walkers Updates
' Deputy director Gerry Garzon tells me that the citywide written exams for Children's Librarian (including the long-term vacancy at Melrose Branch) are being processed. The next step—interviews—should occur by sometime in March.'
' The Melrose-High Hopes walkers expanded their group to include several with four feet and little ones in strollers and slings. They plan to walk and distribute meeting flyers each Saturday before the NCPC meeting (which is on the third Thursday of the month at Horace Mann School).
Bangles that Dangle on High Street
' When I knocked at the door of On the Runway, a new ladies' boutique in the strip mall on High St. below MacArthur, I was welcomed by owner Angela Ajetonovi. If you're going dancing, off to Vegas, a club, or a party, or gift hunting, check out these clothes and accessories. Sizes range from juniors to women's plus, the colors are vibrant, and don't miss the handmade butterfly earrings. Angela began selling out of the trunk of her car and the Berkeley Flea Market before opening Diva Darlings on High and Brookdale and expanding the business to a second store last fall.