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Access Atlanta > Blog > Archives > 2006 > May > 16 > Entry
John Lewis remembers King’s support for gays
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The city’s 19th annual Human Rights Campaign fund-raising dinner, held Saturday night at the Marriott Marquis downtown, was among the most emotional in the event’s history.
The mere mention of U.S. Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.) resulted in a spontaneous standing ovation before the civil rights icon ever strode onstage.
Lewis paid tribute to the late Coretta Scott King for her work on behalf of gay and lesbian rights even after she was criticized by folks within the civil rights struggle who questioned her decision to link the two movements.
“She took a stand,” Lewis told the crowd, “not just for civil rights but for human rights. She believed in the dignity and the worth of every human being. That’s why she attended one of the first [Human Rights Campaign] dinners here. She never gave up and never gave in. And in her beautiful way, she got in the way.”
In his keynote address, campaign President Joe Solmonese managed to localize his national stump speech to include former Republican gubernatorial candidate Linda Schrenko, who pleaded guilty last week to corruption charges.
“Linda Schrenko learned something recently,” quipped Solmonese. “Something we could have all told her — there’s no such thing as free plastic surgery!”
Tony Conway, owner of A Legendary Event catering company, was awarded the Dan Bradley Humanitarian Award for his philanthropic contributions to the city.
The emotional centerpiece of the evening came when Q100 “Bert Show” staffer Melissa Carter, in a gorgeous red gown, accepted the Community Leadership Award for her work as the city’s first openly gay Atlanta morning radio personality.
Tearfully recalling her high school years in Tennessee, Carter said she hid her sexuality as another female classmate — referred to as “Beth” — braved being out at school. Carter dedicated the award to that student. She said the experience inspired her to “start telling the truth about my life.”
“I just hope,” said Carter, “that I’m worthy of this award.”
The sheer volume of folks blubbering into their dinner napkins and tuxedo jacket sleeves should have answered Carter’s question for her. Buzz will formally present the DJ with our dry-cleaning invoice today.
Ecco opens in Midtown
Over the weekend we got an advance taste of Ecco, Fifth Group Restaurant’s latest concept. The former site of Haze nightclub and the Atlanta Fencing Club at 40 Seventh St. in Midtown has been transformed into a comfortable, European-inspired neighborhood eatery. Among the appetizer offerings are imported meats and cheeses and a fried duck egg with truffle and potato. The inviting bar was busy serving up signature pear martinis, made with vodka, pear liqueur and pear puree. Wood-fired pizzas and paninis (served with pommes frites) also proved to be early favorites as did entrees of braised veal with grana potatoes and balsamic marinated quail with pine nuts and roasted cauliflower entrees. Ecco makes its official public debut at 5:30 p.m. today. Call for info: 404-347-9555.
Oprah benched for Bush
Because of President Bush’s immigration speech Monday night, ABC postponed airing of the one-hour “Oprah Winfrey’s Legends Ball” until 8 p.m.on May 22.
Winfrey, one of the most powerful women on television, held a three-day celebration a year ago to honor 25 notable women in various fields. The special will feature highlights, including moments with legends such as Maya Angelou, Shirley Caesar, Roberta Flack, Lena Horne, Gladys Knight, Toni Morrison and Tina Turner. Two civil rights icons who have since died — Rosa Parks and Coretta Scott King — were there as well.
Plenty of younger stars came to honor the “legends,” including Mariah Carey, Angela Bassett, Janet Jackson and Alfre Woodard. Winfrey hosted a private luncheon, a white-tie party and a Sunday gospel brunch.
Celebrity birthdays
Actor Pierce Brosnan is 53. Singer and part-time Atlantan Janet Jackson is 40. Actor David Boreanaz (“Bones”) is 35. Actress Tori Spelling is 33. Actress Melanie Lynskey (“Two and a Half Men”) is 29.
Contributing: news services. If you have a tip, 404-526-2749. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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