On October 26, 2007, IPC-NY organized an exclusive film screening of the prize-winning documentary, James Brown: The Man, The Music & The Message. This wonderful film was produced by filmmakers and fellow Brown alums Skip Kelly ’77 and Tommy Hart ’77.
The event was hosted at The Schomburg Library for Research in Black Culture. The center, having recently undergone $ 11 million in renovations, is a beautiful venue and was the perfect place for Brown Alumni and friends to be inspired and reconnect with “Brown” folk.
The Godfather of Soul himself gave Skip and Tommy’s film company, On The Potomac Productions, the exclusive writes to tell his story. The audience at the screening was treated to exclusive interviews and classic rare footage from James Brown’s life and some of his unforgettable concert performances. If you missed the screening, I encourage you to purchase a DVD online at http://www.otpvideo.com/jb_dvd.html . The DVD, a piece of musical history, is well worth its nominal price. You will not be disappointed!!
The evening began with a wine and cheese reception in the main lobby. The Winery, a quaint wine boutique located in Harlem, sponsored free wine tasting at the reception. In support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Kadijah Carter, a breast cancer survivor, performed songs of inspiration and determination from her new CD “This Day”.
Dr. Howard Dodson, Executive Director for the Schomburg, warmly welcomed his special guests. We were treated to a private showing of two exhibitions on display, Stereotypes vs. Humantypes: Images of Blacks in the 19th and 20th Centuries and Black Art: Treasures from the Schomburg. IPC-NY, Brown Alumni, family and friends were encouraged to come back and visit future exhibitions and also utilize the world-renowned library for research in Black Culture. Dr. Dodson emphasized that “the doors of the Schomburg are always open to us”.
I am always amazed and encouraged whenever I get together with fellow IPC members and Brown grads. As a freshman entering Brown, I always felt both lucky and blessed to have been given the opportunity to learn from and interact with some of the best minds in the world. Now, close to 24 years later (Wow!), I feel an even stronger connection to Brown.
Three things I am certain to experience whenever I attend an IPC event are:
#1: CONNECTION - an almost instant connection with other alumni regardless of class year.
#2: AMAZEMENT - amazement at the incredible things Brown graduates are accomplishing.
#3: INSPIRATION – I am always inspired after meeting one of the many Brown graduates who are doing something special.
Get RE-CONNECTED, be AMAZED and INSPIRED. See you at the next IPC-NY meeting or event!!
- Darren Collins ’88 -
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