ETA's gala 'Shaping The Future' was fantastic

Three decades and one year ago a young lady Abena Joan Brown actively inaugurated her vision at the Harris YWCA. With intestinal fortitude, her objective continued to manifest itself in the year of 2002. Brown, her Board of Directors and artitist's staff can rejoice because that vision has become a reality

Saturday's ETA Gala 2002 and the entire day was evidence of her faith in the fact that she is definitely "Shaping The Future." Saturday morning ground was broken for another facility that will be housed across the street.

It is amazing that what was once a auto junk yard and a former juice factory has now been transformed into a cultural oasis where senior citizens, adults and youth may collaborate in keeping alive the genius of black tradition, the brilliance of innovative genius and the preparation of a glorious future at Creative Arts Foundation.

During the years this writer has been involved in recording the trend of African American creativity. One has witnessed hundreds of children develop and become professional artists, visually, in music, dance and the written word expressed in drama.

With the direction of Nancy C. McKeefer, chairman of the board of directors of eta Creative Arts Foundation and her members, the Chicago community has become active and the ground-breaking that morning was definitely the addition of a developing haven where the creative souls of artists will delight to keep house.

ETA's 2002 Gala was shaped in three areas, first was the reception and dinner. Not only was the food delicious, it was healthy and visually wonderful. It wasn't just a snack that individuals could taste, rather, it was a dinner in which one could really satisfy hunger.

Following this delectable dinner was the presentation of those individuals who have contributed in various ways to African American culture including Dr. Na'im Akbar, a distinguished psychology, vocalist Erykah Badu with a contemporary style, Dr. Donald Bogle who has brought to the world the facets of development of film personalities and their characters; Warrick Dunn, an All-American running backwith the Atlanta Falcons, Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, a dynamic minister and journalist, Tom Joyner, known as the "Fly Jock", humorist Bernie Mac, Artist Lorenzo Pace who has sculpted the largest outdoor site-specific bronze statue of a tribute to African Americans; Arthur Robertson, who is molding young lives, vocalist Jill Scott, a great singer, Dr. Barbara Ann Teer, a giant who has helped to sustain the artistic legacy of our people, Dr. Barbara Eason-Watkins, Chief Edication Officer for the Chicago Public Schools; Walt Whitman, Jr. a musician wh has. changed the lives of many children.

As the honorees were lauded, between the presentations, entertainers performed in a fantastic program produced by Runako Jahi, associate director of eta.

Muntu Dance Theater introduced the evening's entertainment with a provocative and elaborate dance that was fiercely intense.

Vocalist Dee Alexander, one of Chicago's most prominent jazz interpreters of songs communicated with "Black Orpheus" and "Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise".

Woody Bolar offered two songs "Close The Door" and "Hold On".

Following Bolar's songs a trio of dancers perform Brazilian style choreographic dances that was amazing including Geri Williams, Nicole Noland and Edward Johnson.

George Gershwin's "Summertime" from "Porgy & Bess" was exquisitely rendered by soprano Jessica Usherwood. Jesse Standford presented a modern version of "Angels Watching Over Me" and the gospel tune "Thank You Master For My Soul".

Evidence of Mr. Whitman's influence was witnessed when Donica T hornton sang "Next Lifetime".

The entertainment finaly was "Keep Your Head To The Sky" thatr was presented by the entire cast of performers.

Photograph (Muntu Dance Theater)