Staff Writer
On February 7th, the San Diego Voice & Viewpoint Newspaper celebrated its 55th Anniversary with a gala. Around 450 people gathered to celebrate San Diego’s oldest and largest African American publication, and the accomplishments of individuals and corporations that serve the community. Emceed by the esteemed Tayari Howard, who functions as the founder of KKSDJazz.com, gracefully steered attendees through the evening with his comedic timing and ties and history with the newspaper.
When introduced, Dr. John Warren took the time to thank the attendees for coming to the affair. “This is our way of saying thank you,” he shared. “We keep the ticket prices low enough where you can come out and enjoy yourselves without breaking your pockets,” he jested. The affair gave attendees a chance to mingle and catch up with individuals that they haven’t seen in years, and even offered some room for networking. Notable individuals in attendance included Mayor Kevin Faulconer, the Fourth District Councilmember Myrtle Cole, District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis, San Diego Unified School Board President Marne Foster, and even the city’s Tax Collector, Dan McAllister. Warren allowed for Cole, Dumanis and Foster to share some welcoming words, and even speak briefly about their ties to the publication.
Entertainment was delivered exceptionally well by the likes of Naruwan Taiko Drummers, and Teye Sa Thiosanne, who brought their drums to life with sounds tracing back to Japanese and African drumming beats. The Choice Entertainers, who also brought a stellar performance with their doo wop sounds, left some attendees feeling nostalgia with their Buffalo Soldier song, sang during the soldiers’ presentation of the colors. Later on in the evening, Choice also performed some classics from the Temptations. Kristyl Smith, a young graduate of San Diego State University and a spoken word artists, shared her challenges with Sickle Cell through poetry, encouraging her listeners not to take life for granted, and to overcome whatever is keeping them captive.
Nine individuals from within the community and a corporation were acknowledged and honored for their efforts in bridging gaps, and taking strides to make San Diego a better place. The honorees included: Bishop George McKinney, Pastor Reginald Gary, Pastor James Ward and Minister Hugh Muhammad, who all received the Good Shepherd Award; Ms. Kim Moore and Ms. Christina Griffin who both received the Community Activism Award, Ms. Cassandra Countryman and the Circle of Faith African American Breast Cancer Support Group; Ms. Rebecca Charles who received the Unsung Hero Award, Frank Buncom the IV who received the Youth Excellence Award, and Cox Communications who received the Corporate Partnership Award.
Many were appreciative of the recognition that San Diego’s millennials received and even their overall participation in the program. “These young people encourage me,” Dr. Warren said. In addition to the honorees two surprise awards were given to long time photographer, Mr. Charles Lundy, and Sports Photojournalist Darrel Wheeler, for their years with the newspaper and all the dedication they’ve shown. Both were thoroughly surprised and appreciative of the recognition. After the accolades were given and history shared, DJ John Phillips cranked up the speakers and lead the after party goers in an evening of dancing a fun. “I’m glad and grateful that so many people enjoyed themselves,” shared Chida Warren-Darby, the publication’s Managing Editor. “Folks are already talking about next year,” she said. “We couldn’t have done this without great partnerships and the efforts of our staff – Sabine Kepler, Deniece Cormier, Fiorella Hodgman, Nikki Legros, and Brandon Johnson. I’m looking forward to 55 more years.”
