Lou Gossett Jr., O’Jays, Damon Williams to headline CUL’s Golden Fellowship Dinner

Louis Gossett Jr., 77, bom in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, New York, perhaps best known for his Academy Award-winning role as Gunnery Sergeant Emil Foley in the 1982 film, An Officer and a Gentleman, and his Emmy Award-winning role as Fiddler in the 1977 ABC television miniseries Roots, will receive a special honor on Saturday evening when the Chicago Urban League presents its Annual Golden Fellowship Dinner, a fundraiser at the Hilton Chicago Hotel.

The actor, who will receive his special honor from Andrea Zopp, CUL president, has also starred in numerous film productions, including A Raisin In The Sun, Skin Game, Travels with My Aunt, The Laughing Policeman, The Deep, Jaws 3D, Wolfgang Peterson's Enemy Mine, the Iron Eagle Series, Toy Soldiers and The Punisher, in an acting career that spans over seven decades.

The dinner will also feature live entertainment by the world-famous O'Jays, an R&B group from Canton, Ohio, who made their first chart appearance with Lonely Drifter in 1963, but reached their greatest level of success once Gamble & Huff, a team of producers and songwriters, signed them to their Philadelphia International label in 1972.

With Gamble & Huff, the O'Jays (now a trio) emerged at the forefront of Philadelphia soul with Back Stabbers and topped the Billboard Hot 100 the following year with Love Train. Numerous other hits followed through the 1970s and into the 80s and 90s, and The O'Jays were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2004, and The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005. Damon Williams, comic, will also perform.

For tickets and other info on the Golden Fellowship Dinner, call (773) 285-5800.

Newsy Names - Happy b'day to legendary Merri Dee, who celebrated at an honorary street signing along with tributes from the City of Chicago, AARP, Chicago Children's Advocacy Center, Easter Seal Society and her family at Tavemita and to Alvita Rhone, Chicago Defender senior account exec.

And join in an honorary street signing on Thursday at 11 a.m. for Mary Smith (Smith & Thomas Funeral Home). Signs will be placed at the comer of Waller & Washington Blvd. and at 5708 W. Madison...

The Mayor Harold Washington Legacy Committee, chaired by Josie Childs, holds its annual wreath-laying ceremony at his Oak Woods Cemetery gravesite on Nov. 25 at 11 a.m., the 25th anniversary of his death...

And congrats to Walter Crenshaw, who at age 104 is the oldest living Tuskegee Airman. May God continue to bless you, dear sir, for the invaluable service you so unselfishly rendered to your nation during World War II. May you enjoy many more natal day celebrations to come!

And finally, happy b'day to William Love, Via Thomas and to a long-time pal, Dr. Frank D. Horton IH, retired South Shore High School principal. He was honored as "Educator of the Year" by Chicago State University'sChapter of Phi Delta Kappa International (advocates for the public schools) "in research, service and leadership" at its Annual Awards Brunch at the Doubletree Hotel.

Also honored: Dr. Fonda P. Karin, Daley Academy special ed teacher; Brenda Lawrence, assistant principal, McNair Academic Center; Antoinette Perry Sigler, teacher, Mollison Elementary School; and Prof. Jacqueline Graham-Sylvestal, social services chair, Kennedy-King College.

Scholarships were recommended for high school seniors who will pursue careers in education: Deion M. Owens and Jasauri M. Tylan, of Lindblom Math & Science Academy; and Francisco Alvarez, Jessica Navareete, Norma J. Sanchez and LaShay S.D. Roberts, who will attend Carver Military Academy.

Also participating: Maudestine McLeary, historian/program co-chair, emcee; Dr. Pamela Cannamore, chapter president; Dr. Athanase Gahunga, liaison advisor, and Prof. Margaríann Connell, program chair.

Curtain Call - County of Kings, an autobiographical memoir written and performed by its author Lemon Anderson, a Tony Award-winning poet and playwright, will be performed "for one night only" on Friday at 7 p.m. at the Beverly Arts Center, 2704 W. 111th SL, by the newly formed Collective Theatre.

County of Kings is one man's journey toward self-discovery set in the 1980's and 1990's Brooklyn, NY, flowing seamlessly from hard-edged drama to street poetry. Anderson's story taps a loving relationship between a mother and son, young romance, juvenile crime, addition and personal triumph.

Tickets are $25 each for general admission; $75 for the VIP patron package with a cocktail reception following the show and a meet and greet with the cast, Anderson and the founders. Call (773) 359-2776 for tickets and/or more information.

Free Health Fair - First Baptist Church of Chicago - the oldest Baptist church in our town, 935 E. 50th St. - is preparing its free Health & Wellness Seminar on Sunday, from 1 to 3 p.m., to give the community an opportunity to learn more about the Affordable Health Care Act and how it can be accessed.

Contacts will be provided from various agencies. Enter at west-rear door. Attendees will hear the "Five Choices," documents needed to insure that wishes are carried out in case of serious accident or illness. They will be available to complete along with a notary. It will also be an opportunity to fellowship with others and to hear of other support services.

Rev. Dr. Jesse. M. Brown is pastor; Shirley McAlpin, secretary. Call (773) 536-3430 for more information.

So Sorry to Report - the passing of a longtime friend and of a loving club sister - Zinnie Hebert, retired nurse, who was found deceased in her Southside home this past weekend, and of Patricia Holloway Washington, who passed after a brief illness on Monday in Christ Hospital. Arrangements are pending for both ...

Also sincere condolences to Mae Ruth Carr on the passing of her brother in California. Our hearts are truly heavy and our prayers are with all three of the families!!!

Get Well Cheer - to Haymon Passmore, Clark Burrus, John Dixon and Jim Hinton, a quartet of gents who are temporarily under the weather but under the constant, watchful and loving care of their spouses - Juanita Passmote, Lucille Burrus, Ann Lucy Dixon and Annie Hinton. Stay strong, guys! You're in our prayers!

Theresa Fambro Hooks Email: [email protected]