Cover image: Portrait of James Baldwin by Stéphane Martin
© Entrée to Black Paris

The gala for the James Baldwin Centennial Festival was the halfway point of the week-long series of events that began on Monday, September 9 and are slated to end on Friday, September 13.

It took place at Titi Palacio, a spacious contemporary facility with an enclosed outdoor terrace, brightly colored lampshades and banners, lots of greenery, and an extremely long bar on the second floor at 17, boulevard Morland in the 4th arrondissement.

Titi Palacio interior
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The evening began with hors d'oeuvres and champagne on the terrace.  MC Brian Scott Bagley called attendees together to hear La Maison Baldwin's executive director, Tara Phillips, open the evening by greeting guests and presenting the work the organization is planning for the future. 

Phillips spoke of the artwork that was being offered for sale as part of its fundraising campaign and told attendees that a free copy of Baldwin's book Little Man Little Man would be made available to everyone at the end of the evening.

Tara Phillips
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Attendees were then invited to go inside for more hors d'oeuvres and mingling as well as to view the artwork that is being sold for the benefit of the organization. 

Photographs of James Baldwin for fundraising
Images © Entrée to Black Paris

The pièce de résistance of these works is a portrait of Baldwin executed by Stéphane Martin.

Portrait of James Baldwin by Stéphane Martin
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The U.S. Embassy's Minister Counselor of Public Policy, Lawrence M. Randolph, was instrumental in organizing the festival's welcome reception, which took place at the U.S. Ambassador's residence on Monday, September 9.  Phillips asked him to address event attendees before the music began.

Minister Counselor Lawrence Randolph
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Entertainment was provided by saxophonist Dr. Ozzie Smith, Jr., pianist Michael Dravigny, and vocalist Linda Lee Hopkins. 

Saxophonist Dr. Ozzie Smith, Jr., vocalist Linda Lee Hopkins, and pianist Michael Dravigny
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Hopkins sang several classic R&B tunes, including Marvin Gaye's "What's Goin' On" and Stevie Wonder's "Superstition." At one point during the evening, she was joined by MC Brian Scott Bagley for a rousing rendition of Edith Piaf's "La Vie en Rose."

Brian Scott Bagley and Linda Lee Hopkins
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The crowd got on its feet and danced to Hopkins' interpretation of "Sweet Home Chicago."

When the musical interlude was over, MC Bagley invited guests to enjoy dessert and more champagne before leaving the premises.

Brian Scott Bagley
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Toward the end of the event, I had the great pleasure of meeting James Baldwin's nephew, Trevor Baldwin. 

Monique Y. Wells and Trevor Baldwin
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We talked about the ongoing work the family is undertaking to preserve James Baldwin's legacy and possible synergies with the work I do to preserve Beauford Delaney's legacy.

It was a joyous evening!