MARCH 2007

"Living Legends"

Louis Gossett Jr. and Chaka Khan
Photos and Text by Ricky Richardson

Los Angeles -Supervisor Yvonne B. Burke- 2nd District in collaboration with the County Board of Supervisors and County Public Libraries celebrated Black History Month with its annual "Living
Legends Series" honoring Oscar-winning actor Louis Gossett, Jr., and Grammy Award winning artist Chaka Khan and community advocate Henry Porter. The event was held on Saturday, February 24, 2007 at the A.C.Bilbrew Library, 150 East El Segundo Boulevard.

This was the 28th year of the "Living Legends" Awards, which take place each year in February to observe Black History Month in the County of Los Angeles. Sponsored in part this year by Premier Corporate Sponsor, Equinaire Inc.

A standing room only crowd filled up the inside of the Library with the overflow crowd seated outside. Walter Richards, KTLA News served as Master of Ceremonies.
Reverend Alfreddie Johnson, True Faith Christian Center delivered the Invocation followed by The Posting of Colors with Locke High School Jr. ROTC.
Sensational saxophonist Mark Allen Felton performed the National Anthem to the delight of the crowd.
Recording artist Tina Leeper led the audience in singing "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing," "I'm Every Women," and "Extra-ordinary People" in tribute to the honorees.

County Librarian Margaret Donnellan Todd welcomed the audience to this outstanding event. Satori Folkes-Stone, 2006 Little Miss African American recited a heartfelt poem.

Herb J. Wesson, Jr.,- Los Angeles City Councilmember, 10th District introduced and welcomed special guest present at the Library, and introduced Supervisor Yvonne B. Burke who was greeted with a thunderous applause.

Dr. Scot Brown, Ph.D, UCLA Ralph Bunche Center spoke eloquently about the Occasion and interspersed his speech with the accomplishments of the honorees.

The wonderful West Angeles Christian Academy Dance Troupe performed a special selection.

Supervisor Yvonne B. Burke acknowledged the generous support of the Corporate Sponsors. Henry Porter - Community Advocate received the Special Service Award from Supervisor Yvonne B. Burke. Mr. Henry Porter is a long-time educator and an active resident of the Westmont-Athens area since 1965, has pro-actively striven to improve the quality of life for residents. Mr. Henry Porter has served as a member of the Safe Schools Collaborative with George Washington Preparatory High School and on the oversight Committee for the Southwest Community College Proposition A and AA expenditures.



Oscar winning actor- Louis Gossett, Jr. and Legendary Recording Artist- Chaka Khan received the "Living Legends" Awards from County Supervisor Yvonne B. Burke, and a VIP Library Card from County Librarian Margaret Donnellan Todd and Certificates of Special Achievements from the office of Councilmember Herb J. Wesson, Jr.- 10th District.

Mr. Louis Gossett, Jr. has scored well personally in his career with a string of diverse and challenging roles. In 1997 he earned an Emmy for his eloquent portrayal of Fiddler in the landmark ABC-TV mini series "Roots". Mr. Gossett, Jr. currently devotes his time to The Eracism Foundation, a non-profit entity he founded which educates youth and reconnects generations by eradicating racism.


Chaka Khan is an eight-time Grammy winner known for a catalog of classic hits that include: "Tell Me Something Good," "Sweet Thing," "Once You Get Started," "Everlasting Love," "Do You Love What You Feel," "Ain't Nobody," "I'm Every Woman," "I Feel For You," "Through The Fire," "Clouds," "I'll Be Good To You," and "Whatcha Gonna Do For Me." On Friday, February 23rd, at the City of Torrance Chamber of Commerce's 10th Annual Black History Celebration Chaka Khan was presented with the "Humanitarian Award" for her work mentoring children in South Los Angeles and aiding low-income and minority family's facing autism.

Allison Samuels, Newsweek Magazine Correspondent gave closing remarks, followed by The Benediction recited by Reverend Alfreddie Johnson, True Faith Christian Center.


Louis Gossett, Jr. and Chaka Khan joined a distinguished group of past Living Legends honorees including civil rights attorney Johnnie L. Cochran, Isaac Hayes, Cicely Tyson, James Earl Jones, William "Smokey" Robinson, Le Var Burton, Nancy Wilson, Terri McMillan, Dorothy Donegan, Mel Carter, and Dr. Mamie Clayton and Dr. James Comer.

>>>>> Ricky Richardson
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