The Voice & Viewpoint Gala

At 59, the leading, lowest-priced (50¢, yet), weekly newspaper in San Diego County is a powerhouse of opinion, news and photojournalism. Helmed by publisher-editor Dr. John Warren, San Diego Voice & Viewpoint (V&V) is part of a 192-year-old national network of African American newspapers, covering people, events and issues generally ignored by other papers and mass media.

Examples: The death by fire of the Brazilian National Museum. The death of Zimbabwean music legend Oliver Mtudkudzi. An in-depth look at the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the story-behind-the-story of the famous “Dream” speech. And those troublesome stories about voter suppression, “driving while Black,” and multiple shootings of young Black men.

On Feb. 1, the start of Black History Month, Dr. Warren and team tossed an elegant, black tie party in the Jacob Center in the heart of southeast San Diego to celebrate 59 years of remarkable journalism. Some 500 people, replete with elected officials, thronged the hall. For those who love a well-organized event, seek no further. From the helpful parking lot attendants, to the welcoming committee in the lobby, to the can-I-help-you team in the dining room, this was a real good party and we had a real good time, to quote that old song.

The absorbing program, eloquently delivered by Dr. Warren and the dashing Dajahn Blevins (of Kuumba Fest fame), was backed by stage flats bearing the newspaper’s motto, “A people without a voice cannot be heard.”

Dylan’s Steel Band played during the reception, three remarkable drummers on conga and dayereh opened the show, two Buffalo Soldiers presented the colors, a gorgeous (unnamed) ensemble of young men sang the Black National Anthem (Lift Every Voice and Sing), Rev. John Ringgold gave the touching invocation, Dr. Warren and managing editor Latanya West welcomed the crowd, then brand new San Diego City Council member Monica Montgomery introduced elected officials.

Dinner and the ensuing awards were punctuated by the virtuoso jazz saxophonist Reggie Codrington, 12-year-old singer-keyboardist Kaleyah Ervin (was blind, but, thanks to miracle surgery, can see), the engaging quartet, Men 4 Christ, and the words of poet Kendrick Dial.

The awards were nothing if not moving. We aren’t supposed to have favorites, but we were laid waste by the Gerri Warren Humanitarian Award presented by Chida Warren-Darby (daughter of the late Gerri Warren and former managing editor of V&V) to the utterly gorgeous, expressive Dr. Suzanne Afflalo, retired Chief of Family Practice at Kaiser, and by the Organizational Excellence Award presented to 12 stalwart members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity (Zeta Sigma Lambda Chapter), who mentor young men at risk at Lincoln High School and elsewhere.

Apropos, the Unsung Hero Award was given to Roosevelt Brown, whose annual Children’s Book Party in Balboa Park has donated over a million free books in 30 years to youngsters of every race and ethnicity, and to Nyenyekevu Diane Moss, whose Project New Village is one of many initiatives she has led to conquer poor nutrition and plain old hunger in southeast San Diego.

Especially endearing was a quartet of Good Shepherd Awards (Dr. Warren copyrighted the stunningly sculptured trophies) to Pastors Artelia Korokous, Obie Tentman, Jr., Milton Chambers, Sr., and John W. Ringgold, representing four different churches.

Because a good picture is worth a thousand words, the Legacy Award for Distinguished Photojournalism went to four exemplars, Charles Lundy, Mike Norris, Rochelle Porter and Darrell Wheeler. Their heartfelt gratitude prompted both tears and chuckles in this correspondent.

Doug Moore, executive director, United Domestic Workers of America (UDW), received the Distinguished Business & Labor Leader Award for years in the trenches fighting for Social Security and recognition for nearly 100,000 home care providers. A seasoned, 30-year labor activist, Moore rebuilt the UDW from the ground up in what he terms “God’s work.” Result? The once struggling UDW is now the largest and among the most innovative locals in the Golden State.

Did we mention that the 59th birthday party was streamed live on Facebook? That each honoree gave a short, articulate acceptance speech shown on a big screen on stage? That the technical crew (we don’t know their names) was bar none? That a photo booth did brisk business all evening? That a video montage featured countless Black leaders and heroes? That the educational and professional pedigrees in the room were sensational?

We’re saving the best for last.

Dolores Van Rensalier, wife of Dr. Warren, founded and heads the Huntoon-Van Rensalier Underground Railroad Foundation, a non profit at 125 Broadway, Suite 100, Paterson, NJ 07505, commemorating her ancestors’ role in fighting slavery and racism. She commissioned famed sculptor Ed Dwight to create the magnificent sculpture that graces this national historic landmark.

Dr. Warren quoted Thomas Jefferson (“Eternal vigilance is the price of freedom”) and reminded the crowd that “today, many of us…don’t bother to read,” but must “reignite our hunger for knowledge,” remembering a time when “we were not allowed to read.” His clarion call to a decent, civilized, compassionate society drew a standing ovation:

“Let us not forget that we need each other. We are committed to being the voice of those, who can’t speak for themselves. Remember, if you are silent when they come for others, there will be no one to speak out when they come for you. Thank you for sharing your time with us and may God bless you in this new year. The best is yet to come!”

Upcoming Events for Black History Month:

Dr. Warren will address the Lemon Grove Historical Society on Feb. 7 at 7 pm in the H. Lee House Cultural Center, 3205 Olive, Lemon Grove. Ages 18 and over. Free.

The Old Globe’s workshops exploring the American-Zimbabwean play, “Familiar,”continue in the Lemon Grove Library, 3001 School Lane, on Feb. 5 and 19 at 6 pm. Ages 14 and over. Free.

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Choir will perform in the Lemon Grove Library, 3001 School Lane, on Feb. 16 at 2 pm. Free.