The Smithsonian Associates presents an evening with actor Louis Gossett Jr. Saturday May 22, 7p in the Smithsonian’s S. Dillon Ripley Center (1100 Jefferson Drive S.W.). Gossett will reflect on his career and the challenges he faced as an African American actor in the 1950s and 1960s with Dwight Bowers, curator of music, sports and entertainment at the National Museum of American History. Film clips and stage stills will illustrate his reminiscences.

Tickets for the Smithsonian presentation are $25 for general admission and $15 for Associate members. For tickets and information, call (202) 633-3030.

Anita Baker has just started work on a new album in Nashville, planned for release by Blue Note Records later in 2010. "I'm going to Nashville to mix it up, shake it and see what comes out," says the eight-time Grammy winner in her press release.

Baker will be producing the album with George Duke, Nathan East and Daniel Moore, recording in Nashville in part because, as she explains, "they still know how to make a record in analog."

The album will include Baker's collaboration with Snoop Dogg on a "big, lush" version of Curtis Mayfield's "Give You My Love" that she promises "is going to raise eyebrows." The rest of the album will be original material.

Letter from The Gambia to Port Of Harlem:

I am Matarr Joof’s brother, the boy you sponsor in the Gambia, My name is Edrissa Sarr. Our parents were so glad about your visit to our home. They all greet you. How is Washington, DC USA? Thank you.

Note: Over the years many Port of Harlem readers have sponsored the education of children in The Gambia and received a card from them every year. A British group provides most of the school’s funding for buildings and equipment. We will resume recruiting new sponsors once we help the Gambians and our British counterparts reconstitute the school.

Photo 1: Mataar Joof’s grandmother and sister.

Photo 2:

Port of Harlem Publisher Wayne Young wears his new custom made coat created by tailor Ebrima Bittaye (mobile number 703-2611), at Bittaye’s shop at 21 Spalding Street in Banjul.

Port Of Harlem magazine hosts Build/Renovate Your Own Castle IV, Saturday, June 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the exquisite Honfleur Gallery, 1241 Good Hope Road, SE.During thefree seminar homeowners and future homeowners will mingle and learn from experts on how to make their home their castle.

The Line-Up of Presenters and Topics

• Architect Genell Anderson – “What You Must Know about Building in the City”

• Mortgage consultant Noel Shepherd – “Where Can I Get the Money?”

• Contractor Jabah Nash – “Save Energy. Save Earth. Save Money.”

• Art collector and dealer Barry Lester of Attitude Exact Gallery – “Collecting Art to Beautify Your Walls and Benefit Your Pocket”

• Design principals Sherry Ways and Susan Featherstone-Schemm of Design Scheme Interiors – “How to Design a Beautiful Space”

Chief Greg of The Secret Ingredient will provide refreshments and a taste of Grilled Moroccan Chicken on Skewers that Port Of Harlem features in the May – October 2010 print issue.

Click Here To Reserve Your Seat!

Click Here To Reserve Your Seat!