MoAD San Francisco, Wrap-up! Mayor Willie Brown, Wilkes Bashford, Moët Hennessy USA ~ What Does MoADSF Mean to You?

San Francisco is truly an amazing City.
Just think, the city is 59 miles in
circumference, and is so so rich in culture.

Former Mayor of SF, The Honorable Willie Brown, Pam Moore,
Fashion Icon Wilkes Bashford
(ModernLuxury.com)

There is nothing like a community of people that unite, stepping up to support an outstanding cultural expression in the heart of the downtown community, at the lovely,
Historic Palace Hotel, and I mean  in full force -  to support
the Museum of the African Diaspora San Francisco as they celebrate their 8th Anniversary. The Theme?
The World's Canvas. Moet Hennessy USA, a major sponsor, spoke of the history and their legacy of supporting African-American Arts and Culture. Hats of to
Moet Hennessy USA.

Honorees, Danny Glover & Alfre Woodard
(Drew Altizer Photography)

This year's Honorees were: Alfre Woodard
 (12 Years A Slave),
Danny Glover,(Louverture Films), and
Dr. Sandra Hernandez (The San Francisco Foundation).

Being a Native San Franciscan, it was truly a remarkable evening, running into old friends, and making new ones....

In my humble opinion, the heart of the matter was truly what the Museum of the African Diaspora meant to each of us personally. Of course I couldn't ask everyone, but I was able to ask a few of the 450+people attending the Gala Event  -

What does MoADsf mean to you?
Sandi Bethune - "My Heritage."

Italina Kirknis - "It represents History/Art/Education."

Mayor Willie Brown brought it home for so many, when he had a vision for a Museum that would be "inclusive" of all ethnic back grounds, highlighting the contributions made by people who are the descendants of Africa in America.Mayor Brown also spoke of his appreciation for the support of Moet Hennessy USA,

An excellent MC, Pam Moore, KRON 4 News,  looked absolutely fabulous! I swear, she hasn't aged a day since I moved to Southern, CA, 18 years ago!

What does MoADsf mean to you, Pam? She shared her thoughts with all of us, stating,
"When I'm driving  through the city, and I drive down Mission Street, and I see the collage of the face of the little girl that represents MoADsf, it makes me smile, knowing what's been accomplished  w/ MoADsf."

There were three women eloquently dressed in traditional African garments. Small wonder! They were from Ghana! What does MoADsf mean to you three Ladies?
Mabel, Gladys & Vivienne -
 "It speaks to our survival and represents the wonderful progress that has been made throughout the Diaspora."
Denise Bradley-Tyson, the first Executive Director of MoADsf, -  "MoADsf literally, Something connected to the African Diaspora."

Kimberly Brandon, Brenda Wright, Deborah Santana,
Fashion Icon, Wilkes Bashford
(Drew Altizer Photography)

Philanthropist Joy Venturini Bianchi
(Drew Altizer Photography)

It was really good seeing Joy Venturini Bianchi on the Red Carpet @MoADsf Gala Event! Not only is Joy Venturini Bianchi a strong supporter of the Arts and Culture in San Francisco, she was also in Beverly Hills, the same week, supporting the grand opening of the Wallis Annenberg Center for Performing Arts as well. 

Tommie Moon, Renel Brooks-Moon, Danny Glover, Wilkes Bashford, Eliane Cavallerio
(Drew Altizer Photography) 

Renel Brooks-Moon, what does MoADsf mean to you?
MoADsf moves me deeply. It represents generations of struggle and achievements, despite the adversity that we've gone through for years." Thank you, Renel. Very #powerful #words.

Do you want to talk about fabulous? Wilkes Bashford is truly a gentleman, charming, and very very stylish. Speaking of stylish, look at the photos of so many well dressed people.
San Franciscans do know how to dress for the occasion, Darling....
I promise, you, if you wish to revamp your style, please make an appointment with
 Sheree Chambers @Wilkes Bashford , this Lady sets the fashion trends....

Nicki Naylor, Alain Pinel Realtors & Sheree Chambers, Wilkes Bashford
- These 2 Ladies were so delightful to talk to about fashion and Travel!
(Drew Altizer Photography)

Sherri McMullen, McMullen Boutique &
 Lisa Blackwell - Fabulous!
(Drew Altizer Photography)

Carolyn Tyler, ABC7, Gary Love looked wonderful on the Red Carpet.
Carolyn interviewed Danny Glover  - for more details, go to Moadsf.org
(Drew Altizer Photography)

Derrick Muhammad,Supervisor of  District 5, London Breed
(ModernLuxury.com) 

It was really good to see Supervisor London Breed again!

Ledisi singing,"Higher Than This."
(Drew Altizer Photography)

Deborah Santana, Dr. Sandra Hernandez and Viviana Paredes truly were enjoying the evening. Mayor Willie Brown introduced Dr. Hernandez, who gave a very down to earth, compelling acceptance speech!
Deborah Santana made it a point to speak to everyone.  

Deborah Santana, Dr. Sandra Hernandez
 and Viviana  Paredes
(Drew Altizer Photography)

MoADsf not only educates those who walk through the doors physically, but also provides an educational platform via multi-media, so that everyone around the globe can visit MoADSF with the tap of an iPad, or a click of a mouse. Support the Arts. Support MoADSF.org 
Remember, WE are only as strong as our weakest link. 
With love & light, Carla
Special Thanks to:
 Michael DeFlorimonte, Michael D.Communications, 
and Cathy Adams, CDA Consulting Group.
Thank you Shiree Dyson, Curator of Public Programs MoADsf,
for always being a consummate professional
Gwen McKee, Office Manager for providing the best first impression of MoADsf
Kitsaun King, Moadsf, for taking a moment out of your busy schedule - at a moment's notice, to assist me. You are very kind. Big thank you to the entire Staff @MoADsf

Photographs: Drew Altizer Photography, 

                 San Francisco Magazine - Drew Altizer Photography

Ledisi's vocal range is so beautiful, and she got the audience up on their feet and singing the lyrics to the songs that only Ledisi can bring to life, "Pieces off Me",
 "Higher Than This", and "Alright" and something from her new joint, "I Blame You" - GO Get it on itunes now!
 Keep on doing your thing, Ledisi! 

MoADSF 8th Annual Gala Event, Honorees: Danny Glover, Alfre Woodard, Dr. Sandra Sanchez

Museum of the African Diaspora MoADSF- 8th Annual Gala Event, Oct 12, 2013 @ The Palace Hotel in San Francisco, CA. This year's theme? "MoAD: The World's Canvas" More to come....C

For tickets and information: https://moad8thannualgala.eventbrite.com/

Black Fashion Week - Paris, France 2013

Black 

Fashion
Week
Paris, France 2013
Check it out: @ ADAMA Paris Fashion Events

Paris, France - Flasback2012

 http://www.adamaparisfashionevents.com/

2013 Holy Names University Commencement Speaker, Dr. Menbere Aklilu - Honored in Little Ethiopia (LA, CA) 2013 - YES!

"There are 2 women that inspire me. First of all, my son (Christian)  introduced me to her -

Dr. Menbere Aklilu  Commencement Speaker @ Holy Names University 2013

Dr. Maya Angelou. Her books helped me to heal. Her books helped me to understand what happened to me. We have a big connection. I talk to her every single day. Every single day. When I think of her, I say,
'I am proud to be a woman.'
 Dr. Angelou says,'You may not cannot control all the evils that happen to you. But you can decided not to be reduced by them.' And another thing she said,
'Nothing will work unless you do.'
I remember that."

Dr. Maya Angelou  is one of
Dr. Aklilu's Inspirations 

Dr. Aklilu's second (First in her heart) woman that motives her?
The woman that gave birth to her, who was taken away from her, when she was a child, in Ethiopia.

That just cut me like a knife when
I heard her say that her Mother was murdered right before her eyes. Even after experiencing that kind of trauma, Dr. Aklilu keep pushing on. On to Italy, then on to The United States of America.

Power in Words
"My Mother. Even though she wasn't there for my teenager trouble. Even though she wasn't there for my High School graduation. She wasn't there when I was abused verbally physically, sexually. She wasn't the wasn't there to protect me to dry my tears. Even though she wasn't there when I brought my son in this world, to hold him.  But she is always with me. Always. She's behind me to give me power. She's in front of me to pull me to go further. Every decision I made, every recited every step I take, she is always with me." I feel the power in your words, Dr. Aklilu. Amen?

Dr. Menbere Aklilu receiving an Honorary PhD from Holy Names University

May 2013.

So today, the love, the respect, the affection, the smile you give me remain in my heart forever. But the degree you give me, I want to dedicate to my Mother. Please allow me."

"I moved from Ethiopia to Italy. Things did not go very well. I got involved in an abusive relationship."
After realizing that things were not going to get better, and at the time, Dr. Aklilu was 9 months pregnant with her son, she went to God's house, and was sitting in a pew, crying her heart out. Then something happened. It was truly a blessing. Dr. Aklilu says,
"Father Gasparini walked into the church. 'Why are you crying?' I told him that I was homeless and 9 months pregnant."  He said, "Let me give it to the Lord, and I'll come back to you." " The next day, he came back. He said, 'Menbere, I found a place for you. It's Mother Theresa's Women's Shelter.' I said, "Thank you."
I gave birth to my son at the shelter. His name is Christian."

One morning, Sister Superior Sister Matilde, said, "Menbere you have to be here tomorrow, because Mother Theresa is coming to the shelter." I said, "Okay". The next day, when Mother Theresa arrived,
 "I was in the corner holding my baby and crying. Mother Theresa said, "Why you are crying? Give me that baby." She held him. "She said, Why you are crying?"
I said, "Mother, this it's not what I want. It's not my dream. I have a dream. I have passion. I a have fire inside me. I don't want this one."
Mother Theresa said, "Well. Have Faith. Both of you - you are God's Child. God will never abandon you. HE will take you on the right path." I got a job and started living a normal life.

"Then I decided that I must move to America. I hear it's a wonderful country. It's an opportunity land.
 I had to go. I had to take risks." Her son Christian was very upset over the idea of moving to America, leaving his church, his friends, his country. I told him, "There is a voice inside of me. I have to listen that voice. Otherwise that voice start screaming at me. I have to go. " It was 1995 when Dr. Aklilu and Christian stepped foot on American soil, making it their home.

Willing to Work
After arriving in America, she says, "I got a job paying $7.00 per hour. I asked,
"What's my job?" I was told to be a Hostess. No problem. I am an actress, I can do this. But I felt that they were paying me way too much money for what I was doing.
So I started cleaning and making sure things were in order. She got promoted. Today Dr. Aklilu owns
Salute Restaurant in the Richmond Marina Bay

"When you do a good job. People see you. People remember you."

Giving Back to the Community in Which we Serve -

Dr. Aklilu's Three Lessons For Which She Lives By:

Always Do The Right Thing

Dr. Aklilu at her Italian restaurant, Salute e Vita Ristorante,Richmond , CA Marina Bay

1) "No matter what it is you have to say and you have to do the right thing. The right thing comes back to you. It doesn't matter. Even if they don't agree, always do the right thing."

Are We Entitled to Success?
2) "Success. No one is entitled to be successful. You earn it. You earned your degree today. Success - it doesn't make you happy. When you are happy, you become successful. To be happy, you have to be in the community and you have to give back. You have to remember from where you came."

Dr. Aklilu said, "I took my son back to the shelter where he was born in Rome, Italy. The shelter looks the exact same as it did when I was there. Mother Superior is there. Mother Superior said to my son, "You have to give back. What you got, you got from the world. You have to give back to the world. You have to give back. You have to come back to the shelter, you have to give back."  Christian said to Mother Superior,
"This will be my first job."

Don't Settle For Less
3) "Don't settle. Do not settle for less. Keep looking until you find what you like.
I am an actress. I greet people and talk to people and share my story, and I am happy."

Dr. Aklilu's Two Gifts to Holy Names University Graduate Students Class of 2013:
"Always remember, when you have difficult times, you must say, 'Nothing is impossible.'"

"I give you all Gift Certificates to my restaurant for all of you! You can come and celebrate your graduation! Bring your parents, neighbor, boyfriend, girlfriend. Your job is, pick up the phone and say,
 "I am 2013 Holy Names Graduate Student" - and I will open the door for you, you will have the best seat in the house! Thank you. Graci! Caio!"

Dr. Aklilu's Words to Live By
"The past has no power over this present moment. Because life is now. Life is this moment. You have to give back. Tell the past thank you. Tell the past, " I got the lesson, thank you."  Then tell the future I am ready." Dr. Aklilu, those are true words of wisdom. Thank you. May you continue to be blessed 1,000 fold.
WE Salute you, Lady.

Dr. Aklilu is a Mother, humanitarian, philanthropist, entrepreneur, and things globally.
Salute Marina Bay Restaurant, features Italian Cuisine and is located @ 1900 Esplanade, Dr. Richmond, CA 94804| 510.215.0803

The Southern California Community is celebrating Dr. Aklilu's philanthropic endeavors in the Los Angeles Area as well - in Little Ethiopia @ their 12th Annual Cultural Street Festival (celebrated September 8, 2013). Los Angeles City Council President, Herb J. Wesson Jr., Dr. Menbere Aklilu, and the Mayor of Los Anglees, the Honorable Eric Garcetti presented Dr. Aklilu with an honor.

(L to R.) LA City Council President, Herb J. Wesson Jr. Dr. Aklilu ,
 Mayor of Los Angeles, CA The Honorable Eric Garcetti

Special Thank You to:
Liz Carlin, Deputy-West, and Albert Edmund Lord III,  Deputy-South East, Office of Council President Herb J. Wesson Jr. Council District Ten  for consistently rolling up their sleeves and  zealously working shoulder to shoulder with the LA Community.











Love & Light,
Carla

Wayne Schoenfeld - Philanthropist | Renaissance Man & Rotaplast International - Game Changers

Wayne Schoenfeld is the man behind the lens, with insight and wisdom beyond his years. Wayne has the ability to use his 
"third eye" to enlighten us.
Join Wayne Schoenfeld  & Rotaplast International as they take us on a journey around the globe, changing up the game by
making a difference in
over 10,000 children's lives.
Hit the re-set button and get with
New Democracy Productions Why? To effect positive change in this world.

Wayne Schoenfeld 
Visionary, Philanthropist,Humanitarian
Renaissance Man

In 1992, some game-changers decided to make a difference - starting with the
Man in the Mirror, establishing 
Rotaplast International,  a 501(c)(3),

non-profit organization out of San Francisco, CA, co-founded by 
Angelo Capozzi,MD and PDG Peter C. Lagarias.

Dr. Angelo Capozzi holding a babe born
w/ a cleft lip (pre-surgery)

Dr. Capozzi has 49 years of experience as a Plastic Surgeon. PDG Peter C. Lagarias , Philanthropist, are being of like minds, envision eliminating the incidence of untreated cleft lips and palates in children worldwide by the year 2025. Rotaplast International is the vehicle that will allow Dr. Capozzi and his wonderful team of health care professionals/volunteers to make their goal a reality.

Randy Floyd, a patient transporter,
w/ baby in tote to surgery

 Where to next?

Rotaplast International and New Democracy Productions are heading to Monrovia, Liberia in September 2013 to surgically repair cleft lip and palates. So far, they've  helped to put smiles on children's faces in Vietnam, Colombia, Chile, Argentina, Mexico, Venezuela, Bolivia, Peru, Guatemala, Ecuador, El Salvador, Romania, China, Ethiopia, India, Nepal, Brazil and now Monrovia, Liberia. 

Join us on August 31, 2013  - 6:30pm - 10:00pm
 +Wayne Schoenfeld  @WSSLA @EarthWE @ Bergamot Station  @Rotaplast International

March on Washington - 1963 - 2013 - 50 Years

I remember my Aunt Bertha's (Caldwell - Sims - Rankins) reflection on the 1963 March on Washington.
Aunt Bertha said that she marched because our very human rights to exist in a country that we helped to build was under siege. Aunt Bertha said that a black man, woman and child should be treated as human beings, first class citizens in "Our Country 'tis of thee - sweet land of Liberty", and if we don't stand up for something, we will fall for anything. Aunt Bertha is 89 years old and still recalls their travels from Chicago, Il, to Washington DC.

Clarence B. Jones, writer - in- residence at Stanford University's Martin Luther King Jr. Institute, breaks it down when he says, "It was a stressful day." " I got a call - an urgent call - from Harry Belafonte, because we were getting enormous pressure from the parents of these kids to get them out of jail," Jones recalls.
The Rockefeller family wanted to help, so Jones had to fly to New York, go to a bank vault and sign a promissory note in exchange for $100,000 in cash. That meant, Jones explains, " when the creditor calls you and say[s], 'Pay me,' you pay that person."

So when he was helping King draft talking points for his speech, Jones suggested that event would make a powerful analogy.
"You know, coming here to Washington...is like we are coming to our nation's capitol and ask[ing] to be repaid, or ask[ing] to be paid in full, on a promissory note," Jones says. "Well, there has to be sufficient funds in the vaults of justice in this country."

Indeed, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr used that image of a bounced check to assert that America had failed to live up to its promise. "It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note insofar as her citizens of color are concerned."  Dr.King Jr. stated from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. "Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check; a check which has come back marked 'insufficient funds.'"

Food for thought: In 2013, the question is, what does Equal Rights, Fair Employment and First Class Citizenship mean to you? Who qualifies for these inalienable rights in the USA? Every American Citizen qualifies, right? ~ Your thoughts please...

Truly with Love & light,
Carla

LA Premiere of Lee Daniels 'The Butler' Starring an All Star Cast ~ 8.12.2013

Ms.Oprah was on the Red Carpet  at the Regal LA LIVE Stadium
this evening, in downtown Los Angeles - doing the Darn Thing!
GO Oprah!

Oprah Winfrey on the Red Carpet in Los Angeles, CA
(Photography by Richard Darryl Nichols)

Lee Daniels has an excellent film coming out in a theater near you on August 16, 2013- entitled, "The Butler" Written by Danny Strong and Wil Haywood., a period film based on the book, based on the life of
Mr. Eugene Allen.
Wil Haywood put to pen the book,
"A Butler Well Served by This Election".
It is astonishing that Mr.Eugene Allen - a man/husband/father - worked in the White House as a Butler for 34 years, achieving the highest level of
 Maitre d', serving 8 Presidents:
President Lyndon Johnson, President Richard Nixon,
President Gerald Ford, President Jimmy Carter,
President Ronald Reagan,
President George H. W. Bush,
President Bill Clinton, President George W. Bush,
and the highlight? President Barack H. Obama.
 "That's the man, he said, as he watched
 President Barack H. Obama being sworn into office in 2008. "Whew, I'm telling you, it's something to see. Seeing him standing there, it's been worth it all."
Yes. Mr.Eugene Allen, who lived to be a "Mighty One" - 90 years of age, laid down with our ancestors in 2010. I salute you, and the men like you, Mr. Eugene Allen, who paved the way for our generation. Rest in Peace.

The film has an all star cast:
Forest Whitaker
Oprah Winfrey
Mariah Carey
John Cusack
Jame Fonda
Cuba Gooding,JR.
Terrence Howard
Lenny Kravitz
James Marsden
David Oyelowo
Vanessa Redgrave
Alan Rickman
Liev Schreiber
Robin Williams
Clarence Williams III
Hats off to The Weinstein Company

My opinion? - And you already know I have one ~
This is truly a "Must See" film that shows how America, "The Beautiful",
 is comprised of people who have True Grit. We've got some issues to work out amongst( yes, I'm using my Grandfather's word)  ourselves, but through and through, we'll work 'em out.

Go ON with it, Lee Daniels!
Love & light, Carla

The Official Trailer for The Weinstein Company - Lee Daniels 'The Butler'

The Official Trailer for The Weinstein Company - Lee Daniels 'The Butler'