Posted on 11/01/2001 7:23:37 PM PST by kristinn
FReepers and lurkers were in attendance at the Centre for New Black Leadership's Excellence in Leadership Awards and 4th Annual Scholars Event held at the J.W. Marriott hotel in Washington, D.C. on the night of October 17.
Vice President Dick Cheney made his first public social appearance since September 11 to speak at the event and present the Inaugural Thomas Sowell Award to Justice Clarence Thomas. Mr. Cheney was escorted and introduced by Rep. J.C. Watts. The event was emceed by Phyllis Berry Myers, Executive Director of CNBL. Amb. Alan Keyes, member, CNBL Advisory Board, gave the salutory address.
Also honored that evening were Jennifer Carroll, Executive Director, Florida Department of Veteran's Affairs; Ruben Van Mitchell, Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics, U.S. House of Representatives; and W. Gregory Wims, Hammer and Nails, Inc.
FReepers present (whom I recall) were Clinton's a liar (event co-organizer), L. Jean Lewis, Howard Law, trueblackman (Project 21), tgslTakoma and Kristinn.
My apologies, I didn't take notes, only pictures, so this isn't the usual detailed report.
Notables in attendance (whom I recall)were Solicitor General Ted Olson, HUD Undersecretary Alphonso Jackson, Bob Woodson, C. Boyden Gray, Virginia Thomas, Sean Hannity, Rita Cosby, Juan Williams, Bill Sammon, Paul Sperry, Peter Roff.
In many ways, this was a reunion of old friends who supported Justice Thomas during the tribulation of his Senate confirmation hearings 10 years ago that month. Justice Thomas made special note of one person whom he didn't know at the time, but became great friends with because of her efforts on his behalf: Barbara K. Olson. He also thanked those present who stood by him during those dark days.
Mr. Jackson read a stirring tribute to Justice Thomas written by Thomas Sowell, who was unable to be there.
Justice Thomas was given a hero's reception by his friends.
Vice President Cheney kidded about getting out from his undisclosed location , and gave serious remarks about the terrorist attacks and the war that we had recently embarked on.
BTW, that's the Vice President's podium -- the whole danged thing is set up with armor behind everything, including the little blue curtains! LOL What a detailed and extensive ordeal it is to deal with the Secret Service for one of these events -- but they're FANTASTIC... and thorough!
How are you?
Dr. Keyes gives remarks
Clinton's a liar and Dr. Keyes
Beautiful pictures....BTW kristin looks very scholarly with a beard! And as always Connie looks lovely!
I did get to speak with Rita, though. After I jogged her memory, she remembered meeting me outside 'Cheney's House' the night Al Gore gave his concession speech. I came away impressed with her as a reporter, but without her phone number :-(
The after-party:
GO JUSTICE THOMAS GO!
Glad we all got to share such a special night together. Hugs.
It went off without a hitch, dio! WHOOO HOOO!
You told her about me, right?
>:P
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