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Wednesday, March 08, 2000
Hot Happenings
Sammy Davis Jr. is honored with Ford Freedom Award; Hines carries on his legacy
Sammy Davis Jr. married the former Altovise Gore in 1970. Gore was once the lead dancer in one of Davis' revues.By Greg Dunmore.
One could not have hoped for a nicer setting. This year's recipient of the Ford Freedom Award (an honor established by Ford Motor Co. to salute African-American heroes and strengthen the aims of the Dr. Charles Wright Museum of African American History) was the incomparable Sammy Davis Jr. Carrying on the legacy of Sammy's art, is the extraordinary jack-of-all-trades (with trades being defined as dancing, acting, singing, etc.) Gregory Hines, who was Ford's year 2000 Freedom Award Scholar. Exuding the spirit of the late great entertainer, Hines, along with Davis' widow Altovise, represented Sammy in the most appropriate and heartfelt way at the museum.
Even though I have attended numerous ritzy and righteous affairs, I felt this particular event had an extra special quality. Although the usual swells, who travel this circuit with their usual cocktail chit-chat were there as expected, there was still something a little different. Something in the air was sweet, if not magical.
I know it wasn't the high-end designer fragrances or the aroma of the delicious gourmet menu that ranged from sweet potato bisque to some delicate moose-like desert. The sweetness that was so prevalent was from the heart and soul of several key figures who made this affair among the best any world class museum could hope to host.
First, Chuck Stokes, Channel 7 editorial director and star of Sunday's popular Spotlight on the News, served as master of ceremonies. He set the tone of what would be an unforgettable evening with his gentlemanly and genuinely kind and civil demeanor. Being the son of a Congressman (Ohio's Lewis Stokes) and the nephew of America's first African-American mayor (Carl Stokes of Cleveland), Chuck has the pedigree to be a snob, but is anything but. Moreover, he is one of the most talented and down-to-earth guys in television.
Representing Ford was Elliot Hall, a Ford vice-president. When Hall took center stage to greet the audience, it was obvious he was a man who knew how to underscore confidence and avoid arrogance. This is a quality far too many VIPs lack. And if I might add, this much-appreciated quality has been passed on to his son, Fred, the president of Novatech, who was also in attendance.
Welcoming everyone on behalf of the museum was Christy Matthews, the museum's new president and CEO. She was a fresh presence and a leader with the right mixture of polish, professionalism, pizazz and people skills. Unfortunately, the museum, for one reason or another, has had too many misunderstood head honchos. It appears Ms. Matthews won't experience that problem.
The proverbial icing on the cake was the Davis family (Sammy's two sons were with their stepmom) with Hines as a member of their extended family. Hines said Sammy was like a second father to him.
Mrs. Sammy Davis Jr., who I know could sing Stephen Sondheim's lyrics, I've seen good times and bum times ... But, I'm still here! with lots of emotion, is a real trouper. From the beginning to the end she was Ms. Wonderful (some of you may remember Sammy Davis, Jr. having starred in the musical Mr. Wonderful.) Sammy's two sons, products of good home training, shone as well.
Also, equally as gracious and gregarious was Hines, whose warm personality can't be bought at the five and dime. He's a class act and how appropriate it was for him to enshrine the multitalented Davis.
Among the many highlights of Sammy Davis Jr.'s Ford Freedom Award festivities was that Hollywood's Altovise Davis and Broadway's Hines dignified the importance of Detroit being the place that bestowed such an honor. Too often, we forget that Detroit is an important place with an impressive history many accomplishments. Both Davis and Hines made it clear in their kind words and acknowledgements that it was indeed a great honor to have such an event take place in Detroit.
And as good things happen to those who do good, the Charles Wright Museum of African American History may soon be the official guardian of the extensive Davis archives.
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