Wright Enterprises-Community Spotlight
Wright Enterprises-Community Spotlight
                                                                       
(Greatest Message of All time)                                             
Press Release

3/26/2019


Image courtesy of Alamo and Palo Alto Colleges.

Women's History Month 
Notes  Passing of Bay Area Community Leaders

San Francisco-As Black History Month led into Women's History Month, it gave pause for me to note two women who've passed into eternity. As their lives are celebrated, I keep in view that death is an enemy, an enemy the scriptures say and I believe will be conquered and destroyed. In the meantime I thank God for medical accomplishments, caution and foresight that keeps the last enemy at bay. And what do I say to these things having too recently been personally affected by the death of greatly beloved Brenda Wright, my brother Joe's wife and longtime Caltrans employee. I put the Holy scriptures with promises of life in my view as I gaze back in the rear view mirror of time and long to have spent more intimate moments with loved ones lost to me for the time being. My hope sustains me.
 
I got word from community chronicler, Johnnie Burrell of International Media TV that Dr. Julia Hare had passed and community leader Barbara Cohen confirmed that news. Who could forget Dr. Julia Hare, who could raise the hair on the back of your neck with her steely on point quips?
 
"State of Black America Tour!

Dr. Julia Hare tells it how it is...
Dr. Julia Hare "tells it Like It, T-I-S...Tis!"
 
Moderator Tavis Smiley was blown away most of the time she opened her mouth. He had a hard time containing this philosophical fury. Dr. Julia Hare put fire in fierce.
 
There was one man in her life that did not try to contain Dr. Hare and that was her husband, Dr. Nathan Hare, co-founder with her of the National Black Think Tank. In a husband, she had what she wrote about, how to find and keep a BMW, "A Black Man Working." They co-authored a book with by that name. Not only did they write "How to Find and Keep a BMW, A Black Man Working" they wrote and co-authored many other books as well. 

The article by former Essence Magazine Publisher, Susan L.Taylor during the 50th Anniversary of her marriage to Dr. Hare is worth a read: https://www.essence.com/news/to-love-and-cherish-with-dr-julia-hare/.
 
Of the men in her life, my heart sank as I thought about Mikael Wagner, founder of public relations firm, "Promotions West," whose conversations about her from time to time over the years, affirmed she was a for real leader, "tough but fair." Dr. Hare was a "Black Leader," not a "Leading Black."  She warned that there is a difference. 

Mikael saw her close up when she took him under her wings at KSOL Radio Station in the days before it became a Spanish language station...before my time here in the Bay Area; but I've seen glimpses of the former R&B power of that station and its positive force in folks like Shelly Tatum that affirmed it was a great place of creativity. A great deal of its legacy can be pointed back to Dr. Hare, who wrote the book on local community service.
 
Mikael, thanks for the tribute to Dr. Hare, a life well lived, Dr. Hare. We sing your praises on earth, but not as loud as the heavens.  Services will be 11 am at Third Baptist Church, 1399 McAllister Street, San Francisco, 94115, where Dr. Amos Brown, President of the San Francisco NAACP is Senior Pastor. 
 
Many powerful women have been noted throughout March.   Speaking of powerful and being taken under a leader's wings, I think of one of my Red Cross mentors, Norma J. Tucker, whose life was celebrated in January. The sad news coming from fellow Red Cross leaders  Cortés Saunders-Storno (Retired PG&E Executive) and Joan Kelly Williams (Retired Red Cross Employee), two phenomenal woman whose accomplishments for community are intertwined with Norma Tucker in a symphony of service with Norma Tucker as lead soprano in their cantata of good works.
 
The former Merritt College President was Chairman of the Board of Directors of the American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter when Roger Dickson was Chief Executive Officer, leading the Bay Area Chapter as one of the most exemplary innovative chapters in the nation. Dickson was more than talk when it came to leading the organization into real diversity. Norma Tucker's Chairmanship was just one example.   The chapter's annual MLK Day Celebration was instituted on his watch and opened the door for Asians, Blacks, Latinos and women to have key executive leadership roles.
 
Volunteer leadership is fundamental and essential in the American Red Cross... Norma Tucker was a wise compassionate servant leader who helped Dickson stand strong amid some tough times. As he retired, Norma was positioned to strategically lead the organization in a national search that yielded the chapter's first and to date only Black CEO, Harold Brooks, managed with accolades, the $16 million organization at that time, before taking on a role to head the International Services Department of the National Red Cross Headquarters in Washington D.C.
 
Ms. Tucker will always be be in my heart and the hearts of those who knew her. The college president kindly touched the lives of many drawing out the leader in all who were blessed to experience her quiet fierce power. Cortes, thanks for your tribute to Norma J. Tucker on Facebook.  
 
She was responsible for making award-winning leaders. May those who knew you Ms. Tucker pay tribute to your leadership by helping others become award-winning leaders. My American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter Tiffany Award for Management is thanks to your mentorship. I cry missing you. I cry celebrating you.
 
Since penning this tribute, San Francisco has lost yet another well-respected community leader in Patricia Coleman, daughter of the first African American doctor in the Bay View Neighborhood of San Francisco.
 
Wright Enterprises extends condolences to all who may be experiencing a loss at this time.


Award-winning actress, Taraji P. Henson takes to the stage at the San Francisco Commonwealth Club tonight. "Cookie" the TV Mom of Smollett's character "Jamal" is in town to discuss "Best of Enemies" with Producer Dominique Telson and Director, Robin Bissell in a conversation with INFORUM San Francisco at the Commonwealth Club.  

Will the live-stream event tonight alter as the news and reaction to Smollett's dropped charges impact headlines?  


BEST OF FRIENDS SPEAK OF "BEST OF ENEMIES"
 
Click Image for Article with Ticket Information about 3/26/19 SF Commonwealth Club Appearance.
 
 
"
Around The Way,Girl" Wins Golden Globe and Sure to Win Hearts at INFORUM SF's Commonwealth Club Appearance March 26, 2019.  It's a fitting end to Women's History Month as Henson discusses Ann Atwater subject of "The Best of Enemies." Henson will be joined by Director Robin Bissell and Producer Dominique Telson. Click Image for Media Advisory with more information about Henson, Bissell & Telson. 
 
The Best of Enemies | Official Trailer [HD] | Coming Soon To Theaters 
The Best of Enemies | Official Trailer [HD] | Starring Academy Award Winner Sam Rockwell & Academy Award Nominee & Golden Globe Award Winner Taraji P. Henson 
 
   
Other Arts News    
   
 
 
 
 
  South African News Via San Diego
Congratulations to Jennifer White, Founder of Sister Circle Noire and associate of Mrs. Mathabo Kunene of the Kunene Foundation in Durban, South Africa, as she embarks on the South African Wine and Investment Tour.  Also Thanks for being on hand at the San Diego Black Film Festival supporting sisters, Jackie Wright and Phyllis Cameron with their Film, "Love Separated in Life...Love Reunited in Honor."  
 
Author Charles Alexander, Sister Circle Noire Founder, Jennifer White and Filmmakers & Sisters: Jackie Wright and Phyllis Cameron at 2019 San Diego Black Film Festival.
 
  
Paris in the Spring Time, Oui?  Agree with Maurice?
 
Congratulations, Robin Bates, Constance Bryan and   #MaisonNoireAmericaine  


Amuses Bouches + networking mixer was a huge hit! Maison would like to thank our partners  WICE Paris   Champagne Marie Césaire   Little Africa   Treize Bakery Paris - Treize au Jardin ; our AMAZING guest Chef Jennifer Booker with support from the talented Chef Dwayne White; thank you to our supporters Sistah Circle Paris Crystal Petit-Night (who lead us in singing Stevie Wonder's "Happy Birthday" for birthday girl @Marie Inès Romelle) Camille Andrea Rich and Penelope Fletcher of The Red Wheelbarrow Bookstore; to our wonderful volunteers Phillip Bryan, Cheryl Howell, and Pamela Kelly, and lastly to all of the folks who came out to join us! We can't wait to do it again!!!