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.
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.
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.
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.