My Golden Birthday--August 25, 2008

WOW! Today, I celebrate the 50th Anniversary of my birth, which was actually Monday, August 25, 1958. This is my "Golden Birthday."

My name is Vanessa Felice (Sanders) Church

I was born in Chicago, Illinois at Rush Presbyterian St. Luke Hospital to the union of Elton Sanders, Jr. & Naomi James Sanders--Crane High School sweethearts. My proud grandparents were: Elton Sanders, Sr. & Lois Holloway Sanders; along with Lewis James, Sr. & Ruby Farmer James. At the time of my birth my paternal grandmother, Lois, commented that she had never seen a child whose eyes were as large as mine. She also felt the need to point out that I appeared to have understanding beyond my infant status, therefore "She musta been here before;" and finally, "She shole is black--but she cute, tho."

My mama called me last night on August 24th (Golden Birthday eve) and described how cute and voluptuous she was just prior to my birth. She recalled that she was particularly proud of the new bra size she commanded as a result of her natural breast augmentation due to pregnancy. She continued to stroll down memory lane and pictured herself wearing of a black & white maternity top and how cute she looked in it. I thanked her for carrying me to term. In 1958 there were already steps you could take in order to get rid of a child. How courageous my mother was as a teenaged woman to endure public ridicule at the discovery by the school of a hidden preganancy and marriage;and to face expulsion, rather than to simply abort me. My mother says she never wanted to. I am so thankful to Jesus to be alive 50 years later.

I am the first-born of five children born to my parents; the first grandchild born to my paternal grandparents; and the 3rd-born grandchild born to my maternal grandparents. I am the mother of 6 children and the grandmother of 6 children.

Today I am so thankful and grateful to be in the world, on top of the soil, in my right mind, for such a time in history as this one. I have met many wonderful, ordinary people, with extraordinary talents and gifts; some possessing celebrity status--some not. I have traveled across the nation and overseas to many foreign countries. I like animals--but I LOVE people. Truly we are God's most interesting handiwork. What I have discovered is that we are all linked and there is a commonality that is deeper than culture, language, ethnicity, economic status, complexion, or geography; we are all made by God in HIS image which makes us 'all that'--and a bag of chips!

"I sing because I'm happy; I sing because I'm free. HIS eye is on the sparrow; and I know HE watches me."

Happy Birthday Angela Bassett & Madonna!

Happy Birthday to you Angela & Madonna

Yesterday, two of my favorite entertainers, actress Angela Bassett and singer, Madonna both turned 50 years old. Hooray for 1958--which, by the way was a very good year. My favorite memories of Angela Bassett are when she played "Tina Turner" in "What's Love Got to do With It" and Stella in "How Stella Got her Groove Back." She is now a wife and mommy of not one but two children. Atta girl Angie! You go on wit yo bad self!

Madonna is the "original material girl." I loved her music and unique style from the word 'Go'. She is the proud mommy of 2 natural children and one son she adopted from Africa.

Both women look Fabulous!

May you both be richly blessed with many more birthdays.

peace and love,

Vanessa

I Remember Bernie Mac

I Remember Bernie Mac. Where were you when you got the news? When I learned that comedian/actor Bernie Mac had died, my girlfriend Patti had called me on the 'bat-phone' at 5am on Saturday, August 9, 2008 to break the news to me. I have been in a state of semi-shock ever since. In my spirit, I've had feelings that I wanted to convey, but I couldn't gather the words for a complete thought. I am always concerned when I am found to be at a loss for words--after all, I am a bonafide wordsmith. Do ya feel me?

In 1991, I returned to the Chi-town from Atlanta with 4 kids in tow, and without a clear direction of the path I would follow for the rest of my life. I just arrived on my mom's doorstep on June 21st after narrowly escaping death from an automobile accident with an 18-wheeler that totally demolished the car I was driving; left my children and I shook up a bit, but otherwise totally unharmed standing in the rain on Interstate-65 in Kentucky. Jesus is real.

When my limited funds ran out I knew I needed a job, but did not have the wherewithall to begin the search. A friend of mine from high school, David, asked if I were interested in helping 3 people start up a comedy room every weekend(actually Thursday - Sunday) at an art gallery located in downtown Chicago on South Wabash street. My job would be as a waitress. My first thoughts were "money everyday in tips!" and I quickly agreed to do it.Ray Lambert, Mary Lindsey and James Alexander had a sound vision and great attitudes. They were open to the possibilities and our vibes melded. In anticipation of our first weekend in August 1991, comedians started hanging out as we transformed the art gallery into a comedy club by placing rented tables and chairs in the space. This club would be called All Jokes Aside.

On that first night I recall meeting many comedians including: George Wilborn, Dos, Robert Hines, Shay Shay, James Hannah, Evan, Godfrey& Alexander, Tony Sculfield, Adell Givens, Elizabeth Woods, Andre and Bernie Mac. Each of these comics were hilarious beyond belief. And even at that early stage of the game, when everyone was hungry, talented and open to the possibilities, Bernie Mac stood out as Chicago's "King" of Comedy."

The atmosphere was electric with promise and anticipation. The political climate was bleak and people in America--specifically in Chicago, Illinois needed to laugh. Bernie Mac was a comic's comedian. As I had never heard of him, or seen him perform, the others alerted me that I was definitely in for a treat. At that point Bernie had been in the game about 15 years and was regularly appearing in comedy rooms and private shows.He was the show's headliner or last featured act. And although I would have described him as well-dressed, tall, dark and handsome; he described himself as 'big-boned', gifted and as 'black as 40 midnites'. The boy was a mess. His timing was impeccable and his routines were polished; in other words-- he was funny as hell. He would step out on stage, pick up the microphone, look at the audience and say, I ain't scared of you 'mfs'. The audience would roll with laughter.He was also a gentleman and a notorious flirt. And even though it was obvious that I was a female he called me what he called everybody else--'homes'.

When I first met Bernie, before he knew I had children, I told him that my ex-husband left me because he discovered that I was a transgendered female. I swore him to secrecy. He promised to never tell anyone. The following week when I arrived at the club the comics were all looking at me strangely when I walked through the door. I returned the strange stare and they all busted out laughing at Bernie. The other comics already knew what he didn't. That I had 4 kids and was a single mom. Bernie offered up a high-five to me and said, "Good joke, homes."

There were many comedians who came through All Jokes Aside. Several were destined for stardom. Bernie Mac was one of them. I remember asking him why his mama had named him Bernie because the name reminded me of old Jewish guys. He told me his name was Bernard McCullough. The way he said it I just cracked up. "Stick to Bernie Mac," I chided--"It sounds cool."I was also intrigued by how paralleled our lives were to that point but how our paths had not crossed. We were both a product of Chicago's Englewood community. We were both 34 years old. We were both married with children (he had 1 I had 4). And we both had dreams and goals that were way bigger than our 1991 circumstances were. Bernie saw himself as an actor and successful Las Vegas act. He was not simply bound by the stand-up comedy stage. I saw myself as a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist--although I had yet to begin to write. He encouraged me to dream and to dream big because it cost the same thing as small dreams.

Bernie went on to do all the things he said he would do. He developed a 'Las Vegas' act and took his show on the road. It included a jazz band led by Reggie McCants that he called "The Mac Men" and dancers he called "The Macaronis" (I think). I saw his show performed at Milt Trenier's club in Chi-town one time. I didn't understand why he had all these folks when all he really needed was a microphone and his words. The show was a creative effort and I enjoyed it. He would always yell from the stage, "Who you wit?" The answer was, "Bernie Mac." By the time folks began to understand it--Bernie was off to the next thing--movies and television.I was very proud of Bernie Mac and all of the comedians I'd met who went on to live their dreams. I appreciated the fact that I got to meet him and have conversations with him. He was smart, confident and special. He was misunderstood--the hallmark of a true genius.

On Saturday, August 16th he received a statesman's memorial service at Chicago's House of Hope. Only royalty, a politician or a 'king' would need venue that has 10K seats for his homegoing service. Mayor Richard Daley attended as did Chicagoans from all walks of life. celebrity friends turned out and spoke.Among those who put a comma in their day and attended his service were: Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr, Steve Harvey, Cedric the Entertainer, D.L. Hughley, Mr & Mrs. Chris Rock, BruceBruce, Juwan Howard (NBA player), Samual L. Jackson, George Wallace, Ali LeRoi, Don Cheadle (Ocean's Eleven), Kelita Smith (TV wife, Wanda), Jeremy Suarez (TV nephew, Jordan), and Ramonski Love, just to name a few.

"Bernie, 50 is very young but you packed a helluva lot of stuff in your 50 years. Now I have just two questions: 1) Can any good thing come out of Chicago's Englewood community?; and 2) WHO YOU WIT?

Partying With a Purpose: Steppin' In the Name of Breast Cancer Awareness

I have come to the conclusion that Chicagoans are all that--and a bag of chips!
This past Thursday evening I attended a stepper's set downtown in the South Loop on Michigan Avenue. I was chasing down an interview with Howard Hewitt, the R&B vocalist, who was scheduled to make an appearance. To say I was excited at the thought of meeting him is an understatement of the highest order. I was a Shalimar fan and a Howard groupee back in the day. I've seen him perform live at least a half dozen times over the years.
We never met although he sang to me once--years ago during a concert at a small club. We've never met, however.

I wasn't aware that I was going to a stepper's set, so I was wearing my trusty jeans and jean jacket and basically dressed down. I did know that Howard was there as a part of a campaign to encourage women to have annual mammograms through an organization called Anaia's Breast Cancer Awareness Program (Abcap), headed by a delightful gentleman, Kenneth Beford.
I spoke with Kenneth on the phone briefly and explained that I was hunting Howard down for an interview and I wanted to speak with his publicist. Kenneth informed me that Howard would be there and just to come down and hang out.

I came downtown and was very amazed as the event unfolded. I hadn't been to a stepper's set in years. Actually this is a weekly stepper's set hosted by Kenneth. I saw several people that I knew and many folks that I didn't know who have some celebrity status. Among those present were radio personality and steppin empresario, Herb Kent; Casper Slide inventer, Casper; singer, Bobby Hutton; fashion designer, Marquita Kruger; author and former mayoral candidate, Bill Dock Walls; Roger Salter, Charles & Maria Taylor; fashion designer, Gabriel Williams; Ros Adams; and many others. This was an awesome networking opportunity. This set is held every Thursday, 2230 S. Michigan Avenue, (5:30 PM to 11PM) Free food and free admission.

Kenneth shared with the audience how his wife, Anaia had succumbed to Breast Cancer and that he had started the foundation in her name to honor her and to encourage women to get early detection by taking mammograms. Howard Hewitt had been one of her favorite artists. Kenneth contacted him and Howard has been a supporter ever since 2004.

Howard is very personable and down to earth. Women stood in line to sign up for mammograms and to purchase Howard's newest cd. I didn't get to interview him but I got plenty of pics of him interacting with others. I was touched by his sincerity for this cause.
I was happy I attended this party with a purpose. Thanks Kenny B.

Word Sandwiches are Hard to swallow but even more Difficult to Digest

As a news editor I receive press releases from many news sources. The following is a press release I received from Rainbow PUSH regarding some inflammatory statements made by Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. about Senator Barack Obama while speaking in confidence to Julian Bond during a FOX News segment in Chicago. Apparently the remarks were inflammatory and caused him embarrassment and negative media coverage. Rev. Jackson, while still mic'd, believed he was not 'live' as he whispered to Mr. Bond. The full audio was captured and FOX news did not hesitate to make the video and audio tapes available to other news sources across the country.

Rev. Jackson Apologizes for ‘Hurtful Words’

The following is an official statement from Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr., founder and president of Rainbow PUSH Coalition.

Madrid (July 16, 2008) - “I am deeply saddened and distressed by the pain and sorrow that I have caused as a result of my hurtful words. I apologize again to Senator Barrack Obama, Michelle Obama, their children as well as to the American public. There really is no justification for my comments and I hope that the Obama family and the American public will forgive me. I also pray that we, as a nation, can move on to address the real issues that affect the American people.”

Rev. Jackson,
Let me begin by telling you that every since I was a little girl, and went to hear you speak at a church on 46th and King Drive along with Dr. ML King, Jr., I have been a fan and a supporter. You are the same age as my parents. Over the years our paths have crossed on many ocassions. Each time was very memorable and without incident and became the source of very fond reflections.

I watched with dismay, several news accounts of the things you are credited with saying about Sen. Barrack Obama and the African American community. I watched these stories without judgement (which is very hard for a person to do because it's not natural to have no opinion). I understand your assertion that you thought you were not "live". I realize that you and Julian are friends and you were doing private sharing in a public venue. Not only were your words recorded, but because you were seated in a tv newsroom they took the liberty of videotaping you while you spoke. You did not cover your mouth as you spoke so lip readers could see your words as they flowed from your lips. As soon as you made the comments I sense you regretted you had. I concluded that you were not to blame, but the 'littlest' member of your body betrayed you.

In fact, you are not to blame at all because your occupation betrayed you. You are a 'spokesperson' and spokepersons speak--it's what they do. Because of your vast and colorful vocabulary, your intellect betrayed you. Of all the words that could've been used to decribe what you meant, you used the simplest--just like Jesus would do.

So you're not to blame at all; it was the Jesus in you that betrayed you. And what I am most impressed by is that even though it was not your fault in any way, shape or form--you were still a big enough person to eat an entire 'word sandwich'--that is, to issue an entire public apology if what you said was offensive or hurtful to Sen Obama, his wife, or his kids. You can truly tell that you are a real man of GOD. Attaboy Rev. Jackson! Go ahead and take a bow.

Memories from 2007-"The Churchlady goes to Washington DC"

The Churchlady Goes to Washington originally posted July 3, 2007

Just when I think God has done all that he could possibly do to bless me, he out does Himself and blesses me some more!Last week was one of the most awesome experiences of my life. I had the privilege of hosting 10 youth from Chicago ages 14-18 to the Nation's capital to speak to lawmakers there. The youth were a part of a Youth Empowerment Summit hosted by World Vision, a Christian humanitarian organization based in Federal Way, WA.

They traveled to D.C. out of their concern with the growing number of young people killed in Chicago over the past school year(35) by gun related violence. The delegation, "The Chi-Town Crew" visited with Congressmen Danny K. Davis (Dem 7th District) and Bobby Rush (Dem 1st District), and Senator Barack Obama. We also visited Cong Jesse Jackson, Jr's office and spoke with his office staff and legislative aides. They were kind enough to give audience to the delegation and encouraged them. We also watched the tv monitor while Cong Jackson addressed the House in support of Peotone Airport. Several of the youth saw him briefly in his office after he returned from the floor.Each of the youth read prepared statements to their reps, that painted pictures of what their lives have become due to gun violence. After pointing out the problems, the youth each read 3 recommendations for policy change. I especially appreciated how each of our US Congressmen and their reps gave their undivided attention to the youth and allowed each of them to present their ideas.

After this meeting our tour guide took us on the undergound journey from the House of Representatives to the Senate. There were trains to ride and tunnels to navigate, but the kids were so excited to participate in the adventure (personally, my feet were killing me but my shoes were sharp...). Along the way we met Congresswoman Carolyn Kirkpatrick of Detroit. She is the mom of Mayor Kwame Kirkpatrick of Detroit. She was very down to earth and encouraging to the kids. Although she was in a hurry, she stopped to pose with them for photos and was very generous with hugs for everyone. After meeting her we were even more excited about our meeting with the our Senator Barack Obama.

After walking for what seemed like hours (actually about 25 minutes of total travel between buildings) we arrived at Senator Obama's office. His staff greeted us and alerted us that although the Senator originally had 30 minutes, he now had only five left. We had used all of our time travelling between buildings--Can you imagine!

The staff suggested that we may want to use the five minutes as a photo op. The kids quickly decided that even five minutes with the senator listening to the issues was worth more than a photo op. We stood in the hallway while the kids decided that one student would speak for everyone and that would be Stephen Hudson or Claiborne Wade and Sharlisa Brooks if there was time.
We then proceeded into Senator Obama's inner offices and he stood in the doorway and greeted each of us personally, issuing handshakes and hugs--it was a very personal touch and it took three minutes. Once we were inside, Senator Obama had the kids sit and the adults stand. In addition to myself there was a parent volunteer, Virgil Hudson and Romanita Hairston, a VP from World Vision and Lena, another WV co-worker.

Senator Obama then asked the kids, "So, what y'all wanna talk to me about?" One of the youth explained how disturbing the recent rash of youth killings in Chicago had been to them--so much so until decided that they had to travel to DC to offer some possible solutions to our lawmakers.
Intrigued, Senator Obama had one of his staffers to bring him a chair and he sat amongst the kids and allowed the presentation for the next 27 minutes; along with dialog and questions related to his service to the youth as the possible next President of the United States. I cried as I watched the interaction between the kids and Obama. I was so incredibly proud of them both. Two of the kids were already registered voters. After explaining that he needed to get back to the Senate floor, he asked if the kids were interested in a photo . They took lots of photos with him and then we took a group photo.

In a word this experience was 'da bomb!" Senator Barack Obama is personable and warm. He is also very thoughtful and accommodating. Although I had met Senator Obama on several other occasions in Chicago, this meeting in the nation's capital is the one that will stand out in mind mind.

The Taste of Chicago Sucks

Yesterday, I attempted to participate in Chicago's largest annual festival, The Taste of Chicago. I had intentionally waited until the day before the last day. I hate crowds-period. The Taste is in essence simply a giant crowd with the potential of somebody spilling some food on my clothes and having me 'snap' on that fool who accidently did it.
Everybody who knows me knows I hate the Taste. Nevertheless, I agreed to meet my girlfriend, Dee Dee downtown so that we could trip out a minute and eat together. I was traveling by bus and ended up late meeting her due to a mishap.

When I finally arrived people were everywhere!There appeared to be utter and total chaos (although there probably wasn't) because there were so many people. I took a few pics and startd to get agitated because of the crowds.

Dee Dee and I finally hooked up but I couldn't take the crowds and ended up leaving. My conclusion is that while the prmise is very lucative for the food vendors, its very inconvenient for attendees.
Some people were smoking cigarettes, pushing strollers in the middle of the already crowded main strip, and pushing their bikes through the shoulder-to shoulder-crowd.

I did not enjoy folks' food coming so close to my clothes and standing so close to people I didn't know. It probably would have been more fun in a smaller setting. The Taste of Chicago sucked.