November 2003

Growing up in Los Angeles, it's hard not to know of Michael Stennis. We were in high school at the same time. He had blazing speed! You couldn't pick up the L. A. Times or Herald Examiner without reading about his accomplishments on the track or football fields. If you didn't know of him as an athlete, you certainly heard him on local radio promoting the family business-- Golden Bird Chicken, in radio spots. That was back in the day when there was "The Bird", Murray's, Fat Burger and Roscoe's.

I had the opportunity to photograph him on several occasions. The first time was at a political fundraiser in 1995 that he and Earvin "Magic" Johnson sponsored for then City Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas. It was a memorable moment because the event was held in the Stennis home, a dwelling in Hancock Park that was once owned by Nat King Cole.

The friendship of Earvin and Michael would create many more opportunities for me to photograph Michael Stennis.

I was truly saddened to hear this morning that he lost the battle with colon cancer on October 27. The last opportunity that I had to photograph him was in 2002 during Earvin's annual Midsummer Night's Magic. You can sense from the photos that he was fun to be around.

Our work is featured in the 2003 Crystal Stairs Annual Report. Also, look for our cover image of Ann Marcus on the November 2003 issue of the WGA's Written By Magazine. Mrs. Marcus won an Emmy for the show "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman" and she is still active in the Writer's Guild at 82.

I also had the opportunity to work with a very creative sista, Susan Bland. Her custom invites are out of this world!

 

In one week, we lost Grover Mitchell and Gregory Hines.

Mitchell is credited with returning the swing to the Count Basie Orchestra. I photographed him at the 2002 Playboy Jazz Festival.

When I think about Gregory Hines, it's not his dancing that comes to mind. I'll always remember him for his role in "Waiting To Exhale," where he played a regular guy. I've always identified personally with that type of character. Anyway, the photos are from the 29th NAACP Image Awards where he served as co-host with Vanessa Williams.

On a positive note, my niece attended Amazing Grace Conservatory this summer and was part of the summer showcase. Wendy Raquel Robinson and the entire AGC staff should be commended for putting together a wonderful show that gave the students some positive ideas about dealing with societal labels.

Lastly, Earvin "Magic" Johnson celebrated another birthday and another business accomplishment on the 32nd floor of his TransAmerica tower in Los Angeles. Natalie Cole and others were on hand to party with Earvin. Happy birthday, Earvin!