A Message From The Publisher
By Bobby R. Henry, Sr.
Walking out of the immaculate Museum like, Los Angeles Sentinel Newspaper building, I was pumped up and ready for whatever the Taste of Soul had to offer. Like a young man who was just given his ‘Rites of Passage’, I received an education from Mr. Bakewell on the history of the Los Angeles Sentinel and the community’s gift; “The Taste of Soul Festival”.
As I walked down the historic Crenshaw Boulevard the explosive energy of African culture jumped through my entire being. It was a sunny Saturday in October, and I was about to hop aboard the soul train on a memorable ride. The occasion? The 18th Anniversary of the “Taste of Soul” Festival and an invitation to the prestigious Grio Awards ceremony.
As the Chairman along with local publishers Ta Lese Morrow, Inland Valley News and Ken Miller, Englewood Today and our 240 publishers of the NNPA -the Black Press of America join with you and thousands of others in sharing with immense pride and pleasure, the celebration of a remarkable achievement – the 18th anniversary of the Taste of Soul Festival, hosted by Danny J. Bakewell, Sr. founder and creator of Taste of Soul Festival and Chairman of Bakewell Media.
The Taste of Soul Festival has become a cornerstone of the community, a vibrant celebration of culture, music, food, and unity. It’s an event that brings us all together, transcending cultural boundaries and celebrating the rich diversity that makes Los Angeles so unique.
The LA Sentinel FAMILY’s-unwavering commitment to this festival has been nothing short of remarkable. Their dedication to showcasing the best of their city’s soulful spirit and heritage is truly inspiring. This event, year after year, has been a testament to the power of coming together and sharing in the joy of their shared experiences.
The “Taste of Soul” festival is an annual extravaganza celebrating African American culture, food, and music. As a guest of Danny J. Bakewell when I arrived at Crenshaw Boulevard, I was greeted by a kaleidoscope of colors, a sea of people, and the unmistakable scent of mouthwatering soul food. The streets were lined with food vendors offering everything from fried chicken to gumbo, and I couldn’t resist indulging in some authentic dishes.
As I strolled along the avenue, enjoying the live music that filled the air. The soulful melodies of local artists resonated with the crowd, creating a harmonious atmosphere. People of all ages danced to the rhythm of the music, their smiles and laughter painting a vivid picture of unity and community.
During the festivities, I couldn’t help but notice the sense of togetherness and pride that bonded each person to the event. Families gathered, friends reunited, and strangers became friends. The celebration of culture was a reminder of the richness of diversity and the strength that comes from coming together.
The Bakewell family which includes what seem like the entire community, were so gracious in sharing everything they had.
While the day turned into evening, we made our way to the glamorous venue for the Grio Awards. The Grio Awards recognized and honored individuals who had made significant contributions to the African American community in various fields, from arts and entertainment to social justice and entrepreneurship.
Inside the theater, the atmosphere was electric. Dressed in my finest attire, I took my seat among a sea of elegantly dressed attendees. The ceremony began with a captivating performance by an extraordinary array of musical, experts, setting the stage for an evening of inspiration and celebration.
One by one, the honorees took the stage, sharing their stories of triumph and dedication. From those who came from humble beginnings who rose to shattered glass ceilings to a community activist whose tireless work had brought about change, their journeys were a testament to the power of determination and resilience.
As the night unfolded, I was deeply moved by the stories of these remarkable individuals. Their accomplishments were a source of inspiration, and the awards were a symbol of recognition for their unwavering commitment to making a difference in the world.
The evening concluded with a sense of accomplishment and unity, much like the “Taste of Soul” festival earlier in the day. It was a reminder that when people come together to celebrate their culture, their achievements, and their shared values, they can create a profound sense of belonging and hope for a brighter future.
If you read this and wondered why I didn’t mention any of the evening awardees was because we all are truly awardees in our own right and we rate with the best of them. Remember without us there could be no them.
Leaving the theater, I felt a profound sense of gratitude for being a part of such a meaningful celebration. The 18th-year anniversary of the “Taste of Soul” and the Grio Awards had not only filled my heart with joy but had also left me with a renewed sense of purpose, reminding me of the importance of unity, cultural appreciation, and the power of recognition.
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