WHO: The Chicago Defender with its continuous Centennial Celebration.
WHAT: A Retrospective Black Tie Gala honoring seven outstanding leaders with the Newsmaker Award.
WHERE: The Harold Washington Cultural Center, that Bronzeville jewel at 47th Street and King Drive.
WHY: If a newspaper turns 100, it deserves more than one party. This one recognized the accomplishments of publisher John H. Johnson (posthumous) and Eunice Johnson, Cook County Board President John Stroger, WVON’s Melody Spann-Cooper and no-shows including the Revs. Jeremiah Wright, Jesse Jackson Sr. and talk show host Tavis Smiley-although only the handsome Smiley’s absence produced a frown.
WOW: “Everyone wants to be in Teesee’s column. But you can stop smiling, ’cause she’s not working tonight.”-Executive editor Roland Martin advising guests that longtime columnist Theresa Fambro Hooks was herself a guest.
