Written by:
Demetria Daniels

P: 212-332-9991

718-885-6576 A chatty, informative column of New York events featuring places, people and personalities and celebrities. demetriadaniels@gmail.com

 
I attended the CORE (Congress of Racial Equality) dinner of 2,000 people at the Hilton, on the anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr day. Started by Roy Innis, many years ago, it has developed into an international organization.
The highlight at the dinner including performances of "The Color Purple", produced by OPRAH WINFRY was the phenomenal speech given by Ayan Hirst Ali,former member of Parliament from the Netherlands.

She spoke of the differences of culture in Africa and here where the policy is "ladies first". Explaining how ladies are not first, but last in so many of the African nations. This speech is in time of course with the enormous generosity of Oprah Winfry's University for women in South Africa.

She spoke of "gender inequality", and that in Africa, women are born of " a lesser god". She said "human beings are equal; cultures are not" She gave the following examples of genital mutilation, stoneing, raping, and other horors that befall women. In closing she remarked " Martin Luther King Jr's dream of racial equality has become a reality for some and remains a dream for many"...
posted by Demetria at 4:54 PM

 
HAPPY NEW YEAR - I tried something different for the eve - the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, a 200 member choir that can really jolt some electricity in your direction.
It was different, and they did send down confetti at midnight. Then on to mimosas and supper at friends. Xmas I made vegetarian lasagne for a sit-down dinner.Santa was good.
Ruffy and I are signing up with the Good Dog Foundation to make the rounds of hospitals for the New Year.
I bet you haven't heard of caralluma fimbriata-they have been eating it in India for centuries - it's a cactus ...I'll use it in the lasagne next time - if I can find it.
posted by Demetria at 12:08 PM