#LookBack #MiracleAlert with #LonnieBunch : A Riveting Evening at the APOLLO on October 1, 2019
Television Personality #GayleKing & #LonnieGBunchIII discussed the book…
#AFOOLSERRAND: Creating The National Museum Of African American History And Culture In The Age of Bush, Obama and Trump” by Lonnie G. Bunch, III (Founding Director #NMAAHC and Current SECRETARY of the Smithsonian
This was one of the best events I have ever attended. Many NMAAHC staff were on hand to act as hosts including Precious Gamble, Derek G. Simms and Wren Manly. Along with Billy Mitchell and other Apollo Theater Staff, they were warm, friendly and accommodating.
I attended with Carol Maillard, Founding Member, Sweet Honey In The Rock.
The mood at the Apollo packed house was one of excitement. It was like old home week. Soul music acted as background to great conversations while we awaited for Gayle King and Lonnie Bunch to come on stage.
So many of us were familiar with the difficult journey of humble visionary, Lonnie Bunch, especially because we were donors and have visited the magnificent NMAAHC in Washington, DC.
And then the moment arrived! #GayleKing looked stunning and hopeful in a beautiful green dress. #LonnieBunch looked dapper in his suit and the stage was transformed into a living room where we were privvy to the behind the scene creation of the musuem as well as Lonnie’s personal story.
I sat spellbound and amazed as he spoke of his family. Laughter filled the audience as he spoke of George Clinton and his Mothership which resides at the museum, as well as an actual Jim Crow Train.
Gayle King is a marvelous interviewer. She probed deeply.
I cried when he spoke of his friendship with #MamieTill, mother of #EmmittTill who was brutally murdered in Mississippi in 1955 and I felt a special joy when Lonnie Bunch spoke of the many families who contributed their family mementos and financial contributions. I also felt a sense of pride knowing that NMAAHC sits on the National Mall and like all of the Smithsonian Museums, it is Free to the Public!
Please let’s support and show our gratitude by purchasing “A FOOL’S ERRAND”, making contributions to NMAAHC and other Smithsonian entities, viewing exhibits and attending first class programs.
The truth of our history is #AmericanHistory. #NMAAHC is a Healing Balm of Grace that Honors Our Ancestors and Our Culture. It Will Provide Our Children with Understanding, Hope, Good Possibility, and Dreams of Excellence for MANY GENERATIONS TO COME!
Oh what a special night to savor and remember. I saw so many people including Jeff Alston and his father, Rev. Nettie Paisley Lana Turner, Clyde Bullard, Hakeem Mutlaq, Ron Alexander, Sir Louis and Kojo Ade. Christine Melton surprised me by taking this special picture of me with Mr. Bunch.
Special Thanks and BRAVO to Gayle King, Lonnie G.Bunch, III, Kinshasha Holman Conwell, Greg Bettwy, the NMAAHC and Apollo Theater teams and to a Beautiful, Receptive Audience!
Oh How MOM Betty J Tilman truly Loved the work of #LonnieGBunchIII and that night when he found out I was her daughter, he signed a book for her. What a Beautiful Blessing!
Always,
Melony 👑❤️🐢👑
Rev. Melony McGant
aka Miss Mellie Rainbow 🌈
