BACK AT YUH’ for another year! Quietly stepped into 2009 whereas several folks I knew and admired caught the “A’’ Train before the stroke of midnight!

FAREWELL to DR. C. DIANE HOWELL of Oakland, founder/publisher BLACK BUSINESS LISTING (BBL), and producer of the annual BLACK EXPO Business Trade Fair held annually during July at the Oakland Convention Center. Like a thief in the night, this beautiful Black SISTUH’ was taken from us Christmas Eve where she was hospitalized at Oakland Kaiser Hospital. Stunned when AVE MONTAGUE called my home early Christmas morning with the sad news. Dr. Howell died from complications of pneumonia. She was 58.

During her lifetime, Dr. Howell accomplished many feats. Hers was a PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE. AN ESSENCE WOMAN who walked among us, and made a difference! A motivational speaker, Dr. Howell’s monthly inspirational messages (editorial) were inspiring to read. Through BBL she provided a great service to the Black community in particular, for the newspaper was an “essential community vehicle for those in the African American Business, educational and social communities” stated Alameda County Supervisor KEITH CARSON (District 5) who wrote a column in BBL, comments reflected in mourning her loss.

BBL was a labor of love, embraced all aspects of the Oakland/San Francisco Bay Area community, circulated in churches, bookstores, cultural centers, and subscriptions. This writer remember when Dr. Howell started the newspaper. Saw her dedication, hard work (as one would imagine) always committed to keep it going - 2009 celebrate its 20th year! Often would see her at events, always carrying a tote bag filled with papers; remember her warm smile in greeting and conversations. I ADMIRED her unyielding spirit!

Dr. Howell recognized the need to better promote African American businesses. Launched BBL from her personal computer on her dining room table. With no staff and no capital reserves, but a strong belief, published first edition in 1989. Initially published bimonthly. 1990 began publishing 10 times a year. She was editor and publisher until her passing. AND took over the production of BLACK EXPO in 1997. A tireless advocate to increase the visibility of Black business and accomplishments. Hopefully someone will CONTINUE HER VISIONARY EFFORTS !!!

Her life overflowed in accomplishments! A native of Chicago, Illinois. Graduate of Chicago’s Hyde Park High School, earned her B.A. degree in psychology from Barnard College, Columbia University. She went on to pursue graduate studies at the University of California, Berkeley, where she completed her Ph.D. in clinical psychology.

She used her training well. A licensed clinical psychologist, Dr. Howell worked as a staff psychologist at UC. Berkeley upon completion of graduate school. Also operated a private practice in Oakland for more than fifteen years. Even after deciding to devote her energies to full-time publishing, Howell remained active in her profession. She saw clients on an ad-hoc basis and remained in good standing with the California Board of Psychology.

This past Monday morning MEMORIAL services were appropriately held at the Oakland Convention Center, downtown City Center Marriott Hotel. CROWDS estimated over 700 swarmed the center, as would be expected. She leaves to mourn her passing her mother DORIS HOWELL; sister, Lynda Middleton; her brother William Howell, and host of relatives, all residents of Chicago. My sincere condolences to the family.

Before Dr. Howell past there had been a call out to the community that she was ill, hospitalized and was in need of some financial assistance to cover the cost of her ongoing medical expenses. Plans were to hold a benefit to defray hospital bills. I’m sure there is STILL a need. The family had set up the Dr. C. Diane Howell Memorial Fund (acct. # 1800102992) established at Alta Alliance Bank, 1951 Webster Street, Oakland, 94612. Contact 510-899-7500.

CHRISTMAS Evening saddened when news came across the TV that EARTHA KITT had died that day in New York from Colon Cancer. She was 81. January 17 would have celebrated her 82nd birthday.

I have fond PERSONAL memories of the fabulous CAT WOMAN who delightfully thrilled us with her sultry voice, CAT LIKE PURR, snarled, singing hits like “Santa Baby,” “C’est Si Bon,” “St. Louis Woman,” “My Heart Belongs to Daddy,” “God Bless the Child that Got its own”.

Despite the hardships in her life Eartha overcame the odds, enjoyed a long and successful career. Born January 17, 1927 into the poverty and racism of South Carolina. Child of a White man whom she NEVER met, and BLACK cotton-picker who gave her away at age 3. She played the cards dealt her in life well!

My FIRST LIVE intro to the LEGENDARY entertainer was in the early 90s when she was headlining at KIMBALL’S EAST in Emeryville. Through connections with booking personnel, offered to PICK UP the star at the Holiday Inn and drive her to a radio interview in the City. Eartha was moody, sat in the back seat of my sparkling fairly new red and white convertible Chrysler LEBARON. SMOKED, few words exchanged; her hairdresser chatty. Returned to the hotel, no thank you, left to the stylist. For years LEFT the CIGARETTE BUTT in the ash tray!

Covered DIVA KITT’S performances whenever she was in the area, brief backstage conversations. AND proud of the marvelous picture I captured of her onstage. The legendary STAR is one of the people who make me think MORE and MORE about writing my book!!!

HEY, IT’S NICE TO BE NICE AND TO ALL OF YOU OUT THERE ... LOOK FOR ME ... I’LL BE THERE ...
E-mail Rochelle at iheard@earthlink.net