By Eric J. Chambers
(Hollywood, CA) The stars came out in full force in Hollywood Monday night (03-19-01) to celebrate the premiere of Essence Magazine's Hollywood issue. The exclusive, invitation-only party was the kind that fans and celebs alike dream of. It was a smorgasbord of African-American stars everywhere.
The event, held at The Deep, a trendy, unassuming night spot that sits right on the corners of Hollywood & Vine was the place to be! Famed publicist Terrie Williams was among those leading the way, welcoming guests as they strolled the sidewalk's red carpet, passing before flash photography and hot television lights to enter the gala event.
Once inside, waitresses canvassed the place offering various types of complimentary foods and drinks as the people reveled in merriment, laughing and networking at the same time. Large poster-sized replicas of the celebrated issue and previous front covers of the magazine adorned the walls, giving the place a classy ambiance.
As DJ Biz Markie played old-school sounds, a revolving door of celebs began to fill the place including Loretta Devine, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Traci Bingham, Johnnie Cochran, Kim Fields, Cedric the Entertainer and his TV wife, Terri Vaughn, who's pregnant, and was there with her real-life husband. She said her delivery due date is June 20th.
About an hour into the party, a brief presentation was made to two of the three stars who appear on the front cover of this issue: actress, Sanaa Lathan, who was present with her beau, Omar Epps and actor, Taye Diggs. The third person, actor Jeffrey Wright, was unable to attend because he was shooting a movie about Muhammad Ali in Chicago.
The men in charge of Essence, Ed Lewis and Clarence O. Smith, business partners for over 33-years, addressed the crowd, thanking them for coming out and for supporting the magazine over the years. It is their hope that this particular issue will give other up and coming African-Americans encouragement that their dreams can come true too.
"About ten days ago the idea was brought to our attention that we should do a party to celebrate this issue. We're excited that you came out to help us on such short notice," Essence publications director Susan L. Taylor told the standing room only crowd. "We know that this is the best of times and it's going to get better for African-Americans in music and entertainment," said the elegant, charming and graceful embodiment of Essence Magazine.
"There's Tavis Smiley!" exclaimed a lady sitting at the bar as she scoped the crowd while sipping an ice-cold beverage. And to his right was noted author Dr. Cornel West. Then to their left was Yolanda King, the daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. And just around the corner there was a foot-traffic logjam caused in part by those sneaking a peak at the gorgeous actress Halle Berry and her new hubby, Eric Benet. The two were very kind and gracious as the famous and not-so-famous stopped them to say hello.
While Taylor and Berry greeted each other with a hug and kiss, comedienne Mo'nique, star of UPN's The Parkers was seen on the dance floor getting her groove on. She was having a great time. Before shaking a leg she said her recent NAACP Image Award was "better than getting an Oscar because it came from our people. My mother was in the audience and it made it more special." Her co-star Dorien Wilson, fellow actor Richard T. Jones, rapper/actor Heavy D and EUR/RadioScope's Lee Bailey was also in the crowd.
This party was actually a foretaste of glory devine for Essence, as they are planning for an even bigger party--the Essence Awards Show which will be taped at Madison Square Garden in New York the last weekend in April. Barbara Wilson will produce the show. She's a veteran, lead producer of gospel music's Stellar Awards Show. "I got lucky," said Wilson, as she gathered with three or four partygoers, chit-chatting as music from Frankie Beverly & Maze filled the air. "I count it a tremendous honor and blessing that they have given me this opportunity. That's why I'm here tonight. It should be a lot of fun."
Around 10:30 some of the people began to leave while others, such as Jasmine Guy was just arriving, while stopping to do an interview with Shaun Robinson of Access Hollywood.
Like the magazine itself, the party was classy and still going strong heading into the midnight hour. Everyone who showed up not only had a wonderful time, but they received a parting gift bag which included the Hollywood issue of the magazine, an Essence writing journal and a very nice Essence ball point pen.
Eric J. Chambers is the publisher/editor-in-chief of The Jazzspel Journal Magazine in Hollywood, California and can be reached via e-mail at jazzspel@lords.com or www.jazzspel.com.
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