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Brown Celebrates Birthday With Star-Studded Bash
Friday, 14 December 2007
RIVERSIDE

By Chris Levister

Hundreds Ring In the Holidays at Annual Tribute

Some people may be wary of turning 65, but judging by Hardy Brown's glitzy birthday bash, the co-publisher of the Black Voice News is embracing the milestone with open arms.

Dr. Ronald and Constance Bailey with Cheryl and Hardy Brown.


"I feel blessed, especially tonight, to be here with my family...and all of you who I consider a big extended family."

Brown who five years ago was diagnosed with the motor neuron disease Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or Lou Gehrig's Disease entered the room to loud cheers and said, "God has already extended my time beyond the death sentence that was given to me in 2002. He has commuted my sentence to life versus being on death row."

Brimming with the spirit of the holidays, the charity of friends and family and the star power of Hollywood the 3rd annual Hardy Brown Birthday Gala was an 'Ode to Joy'.

More than 320 guests donning black-tie and ball gowns attended this year's tribute at the Riverside Convention Center sponsored by the Black Voice Foundation.

The evening began as guests perused dozens of silent-auction items including tickets for two to the highly coveted Trumpet Awards, dinner and room at the historic Mission Inn and an evening at Oprah Winfrey's soul stirring musical The Color Purple.

Brown entered the room in a powerchair was anointed by the group Hush Evolution with a pantomime and dance routine followed by tears and cheers for his touching tribute to the J.W. Vines Medical Society and Riverside neurologist Dr. Ron Bailey.

"In 2002 I was given a death sentence of 2-5 years with ALS. Thanks to the Black doctors who rallied around me to lend moral support and medical expertise and Dr. Bailey's more accurate diagnosis of a less aggressive form of the disease, I'm still here kicking and creating ferment," said Brown.

"As Christians we are called to give the three Ts: time, talent and tithes. I can't be sure if all of the doctors tithe," he said to laughter, "but I can attest to whole lot of time and talent."

Brown said proceeds from the silent auction will be donated to the Vines' campaign against health disparities.

"This is a man of God, sent by God, shouldered by God. A man who has spent his life doing God's work," said the event's main honoree Grammy award winning jazz singer, actress Nancy Wilson. "This is a most fitting tribute."

Wilson was in turn lauded for her AIDS awareness campaign and years of community service with a medley of her tunes performed by the Scrugg Sisters seen weekly on BET's "Sunday Best".

"She is my idol, a woman who insists on giving back irrespective of her immeasurable talent and huge success," said Judge Mablean Ephriam host of TV's Divorce Court.


Temple Missionary Baptist Church Boy and Cub Scout Troops and Pastor Raymond Turner join Nancy Wilson and Judge Mablean Ephriam.

"How do you quantify a jewel like Nancy Wilson - She's priceless" said public finance veteran Napoleon Brandford III.

"She's a tireless beacon of hope, charity and kindness," said Brown's wife and BVN co-publisher Cheryl Brown. "Her positive spirit and many years of dedicated service to the Inland community help drive our commitment to give voice to the voiceless."

Guests including state and local dignitaries from San Bernardino and Riverside dined on a gourmet fare duet of petite Filet Mignon Au Poivre and Breast of Chicken with Crème Renverse to the soulful sounds of Ray Fuller and the Band featuring young saxophone sensation and UC Riverside student J. Boykin.

The event raised thousands for the Black Voice Foundation for History, Media and the Arts - a 2007 recipient of the San Bernardino Sun Newspaper's Holiday Fund.

"As we look to move forward as a community to tackle the difficult issues we need to confront in order to make this a better and safer place to live for everyone - the work of The Black Voice Foundation is absolutely essential," said Sun Editor Steve Lambert.

The crowd roared when Lambert offered a personal tribute: "I'm sure glad to be on your good side." he said referring to Brown's 'take no prisoners' editorials published weekly in the Black Voice News. "I'm glad I'm not among that crowd of 'Muppets' you like to opine about."

"The Black Voice serves as an important social and political pivot point that is a major presence in the city. It's something that everyone pays attention to not just the Black community but those at City Hall and elsewhere," said Riverside Mayor Ron Loveridge.

"He's my neighbor, my mentor, he's my rock, said San Bernardino City Councilman Rikke Van Johnson. He shares his knowledge and wisdom so easily. Through the Black media he's created a powerful magnet for change. From politicians to business moguls, people are paying attention to the Black community like never before, thanks to Hardy."

"Hardy Brown is a man for all seasons," said Southern California Edison VP for Equal Opportunity Frank Quevedo, recipient of the Hardy Brown Award. "He recognizes we are all unique. He respects the ways in which we differ. Simply put he is a champion for all of humanity."

SE Corporation president Ali Sahabi, master developer of the award winning Corona Dos Lagos luxury home community presented Foundation president Dr. Paulette Brown-Hinds with a $25,000 donation.

The Foundation provides scholarships and internships, as well as youth workshops dedicated to educating Inland residents about Black history and culture.

What started out three years ago as a fundraiser for ALS is today so much more, said Brown-Hinds, "it's a spirited holiday party, community celebration recognizing our longtime commitment to cultural leadership and a tribute to the unwavering stewardship and humanitarian contribution Hardy brings to the people in this room and around the region. Quite frankly he's a marvel."

"It feels good to look around and see Nancy Wilson and so many of my friends - coming together in my honor. Who would have thought, the Lord who sent so much anger would use me as an instrument of illumination for our people."

http://www.blackvoicenews.com/content/view/41589/4/