San Diego Voice & Viewpoint's Diamond Gala Was A Jewel

Sixty never looked so good or meant so much.

Amid digital showers of diamonds, nine honorees showed the strength and depth of San Diego’s African American community when San Diego Voice & Viewpoint (SDV&V) threw its big 60th birthday party on Feb. 7 in the Great Room of the Jacob Center.

Dr. John Warren, CEO of Warren Communications, which publishes SDV&V, and his daughter, Latanya West, managing editor of the newspaper, shepherded a jam-packed room through a lively program punctuated by applause, laughter and affectionate shout-outs.

When not tucking into salad/rolls/chicken/beef/vegetables/cheesecake, guests were on their feet greeting each other and evincing deep enthusiasm for the paper that is part of the 193-year Black Press in America. Those with even a passing acquaintance with the hard slog involved in publishing a newspaper know that “60 years of continuous service to the San Diego community” is a feat worth praise, diamonds, joy and love.

There was laughter when Dr. Warren said he’ll never run for office (“I belong to Politicians Anonymous”), then he gave a veritable master class in how to keep a community newspaper alive and relevant, while expanding it across the digital universe (“tell our story because nobody can tell it for us”), why providing college internships is good, and continue the work of the very first Black newspaper, “Freedom Journal,” published May 16, 1827.

Dr. Warren drew tough connections: “We believe the printed word…is still powerful. As we celebrate Black History Month, we remember there was a time when we [African Americans] were not allowed to read. Today…we often don’t bother to read…remember we are still in a struggle for liberty, freedom and equality…Let us not forget that we need each other.”

Apropos, the stage was backed by SDV&V’s trademark logo and its motto, “A people without a voice cannot be heard.”

The evening’s poet-in-residence, Simone Edwards, delivered a moving paean to SDV&V. Later, the commanding backbeat of Chris White & Friends tore up the place. Glamorous saxophonist Erisa Nicole (M.A.N.D.A.T.E. Records) brought down the house. Full Gospel Ensemble, a three-member family, gave a virtuoso turn (Mother has a voice as big as Alaska; ditto, her two daughters).

But it was the heartfelt statements of the honorees, shown on a big screen and prefaced by a dazzling gold, glass and diamond medallion motif, that formed the heartbeat of the evening, starting with the distinguished Eugene “Mitch” Mitchell, SDG&E’s Vice President for Legislative & External Affairs, who received the Distinguished Business Leader Award. His modest statement belied his long career of achievement and service.

The Gerri Warren Humanitarian Award went to Kenneth Edwards, the man who graduated from Lincoln High to work for SDV&V, then a halfway house, San Diego Transit, and as a volunteer for Bethel AME Church. He went from cooking 15 lunches in his kitchen for homeless souls at transit stops to 400 lunches for as many souls at the church. His touching statement evoked the inspired service of the late Gerri Warren.

The Unsung Hero Award speaks to the ethos of SDV&V—recognize those who serve humanity with no thought of reward or recognition. Paul B. Sims is such a one. For over half a century, he has worked in and researched public health, health care technologies and medical care delivery systems, especially to African Americans. His reach is wide and deep. So is his mind. His heartrending statement indicated his terminal health issue. He was in the room, but unable to take the stage, so Dr. Warren and a big crowd went to him.

A corollary Unsung Hero Award went to Dr. Laverne G. David, President and Director of the B5 Foundation, which provides free culinary training to area students on the campus of the UDW Homecare Providers Union, where she was formerly CAO. This talented woman is a “voice for the voiceless” and recognized throughout California and the Southwest as a leader in public service.

The Legacy Award went to Judge John A. Houston, whose magisterial statement on behalf of Lady Justice (the fitting motif of his award) bespoke his long state, national and international legal career that capped 26 years in the military. Lucky is the student who responds to Judge Houston’s open-door policy and practice of hiring many African American law clerks. This remarkable jurist is just what the doctor ordered.

The Organizational Excellence Award went to Barry Edelstein, Artistic Director of The Old Globe Theatre, for its outreach to San Diego neighborhoods large and small through its Globe For All touring shows; fostering minority playwrights and giving meritorious work full-scale productions; conducting community workshops in playwrighting; and spreading the word that theatre is alive, well and relevant to all ages and ethnicities.

The Distinguished Media Award (a silver microphone) went to Dr. Leonard J. Thompson III, CEO of M.A.N.D.A.T.E. Records (Making a Necessary Difference At The End) whose adroit statement hailed the “civility and strength” of SDV&V. This academic achiever, ordained minister and musician returned gospel music and faith to area radio, and laced it with informative news, interviews, talk—and Dr. Warren, himself, whose own program on GODRadio1.com is a must-hear.

The dual Good Shepherd Awards went to the stately Bishop Ikenna Anyanwu Kokayi, President of the African American Leadership Council and chaplain and former chair of dozens of area industrial, academic and faith organizations, whose awards and achievements take up an entire page. His name in West African means “Father Power Dedicated to God Call the People to Hear.” To put it mildly, it was a pleasure to be in his company.

The Bishop was followed by Rev. Eric Lee Miller of True Vine Missionary Baptist Church, whose adorably enthusiastic statement showed why this leader in 17 area faith organizations is recognized as a “Happy Warrior” for Christ. He holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in Theology and is a Ph.D. candidate at Georgia’s Andersonville Seminary.

Dr. Warren, who forgets nobody, introduced two drop-dead gorgeous ladies, who assisted with the awards ceremony, Mrs. United States and a certain college intern.

The back cover of the gala program showcased the Huntoon-Van Rensalier Underground Railroad Historic Monument at Paterson, New Jersey. This spectacular sculpture marks a key stop on the Underground Railroad of yore and was the brainchild of Dolores Van Rensalier Warren, the founding CEO of The Huntoon-Van Rensalier Underground Railroad Foundation—and whose own forebears walked the walk. The foundation’s raison d’être is to provide college scholarships to meritorious, financially challenged students, and keep the memory of the URR alive in our history.

This great evening made a deep impression on everyone. Reservations are now rolling in for 2021. Be there.