Beverly Hills was all a glow with ladies and gentlemen eloquently dressed in tailored business suits and lovely gowns. There was so much positive energy floating throughout the room and it was invigorating.The Brotherhood Crusade, a non-profit organization, http://brotherhoodcrusade.org/ annually selects an individual that best demonstrates the spirit of the founding father of the Brotherhood Crusade, Walter Bremond. Everyone was please to know that María de la Soledad Teresa O'Brien, CNN’s anchor and special correspondent, was this year’s (11/2009-11/2010) recipient of the Pioneer of African American Achievement Award. We know her as Soledad O'Brien.
Soledad O’Brien fittingly embodies the very words written by Mr. Bremond many years ago:
“We recognize it is to our benefit to participate in the architect of this country, because our need for inclusion grows out of our perspective, even in a place where seldom we are given the credit for our contributions.
Our people's perspective, which grows out of our duality of existence, which is both African and American, causes us to embrace and work towards a workable solution of peace. It is our belief in God that keeps us focus on the unknown and doing well towards our fellow human being. The African essence tell us that we are a communal people who must take care of our own and the American experience tell us we must hasten.“
A humanitarian, Ms. O’Brien has consistently
demonstrated the desire to effectively open dialogue regarding race relations in America, via documentaries that demonstrate the problems that African Americans and Latino Americans are facing and viable solutions to the problems. Soledad not only educates her audience, she provides an avenue for which they too, can assist in correcting the issues at hand.I was able to interview Ms. O’Brien shortly before the evening’s affair got started, on the red carpet.
Carla Thomas:
“Soledad, please tell me, while filming the documentary, Black in America 2, you got a chance to work with Malaak Compton-Rock, and take 30 children from a community in New Jersey to Soweto, South Africa. How was that experience?”
Soledad O’Brien:
“It was wonderful. I didn’t know Malaak Compton-Rock until I started on this documentary. Malaak is the CEO of StyleWorks, a non-profit organization that assists women with hair and wardrobes, helping them go from welfare to work. She is also a Mother of 2 beautiful girls. I actually met her in South Africa. Malaak is so organized and had this incredible book with everything planned – she is actively involved, not just standing on the sidelines directing. Malaak also spearheaded Journey for Change: Empowering Youth Through Global Service. "
Malaak Compton-Rock is the Founder and Director of The Angel Rock Project :: Projects.
Carla Thomas:
“While filming the Black in America 2 documentary, you actually spent time with the children. You were so sincere. I was especially touched by the teenager that loved Dr. Maya Angelou. Can you tell me how you felt when you met Dr. Maya Angelou?”
Soledad O’Brien (smiling):
“The first time that I met her was years ago, when I was working with Kim Bondy, (http://www.nola.com/tv/index.ssf/2009/10/uno_professor_kim_bondy_uses_i.html ) who was my Executive Producer at the time – and Maya Angelou was very kind. Dr. Angelou said to me, “I’m proud of you Soledad, look how you’ve turned out!” - And I was so honored to know that Maya Angelou felt that way !”
Yes, Soledad we too, are proud of you. Keep on rising!
C
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