Pop music lovers are excited to learn that Karyn White has been named the celebrity grand marshal of the 56th annual African American Day Parade.
The hitmaker, who topped the charts singing “Superwoman” in the ’90s, will join Dr. Tony Allen, WABC TV anchor Sandra Bookman, Medgar Evers College president Dr. Patricia Ramsey, and Grambling State University president Dr. Martin Lemelle Jr. for a live stream broadcast of the annual exhibition and salute to Black excellence.
Beginning at noon from 111th Street & Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd. on Sept. 21, the AADP will focus on the theme of “Education is our #1 priority.”
The parade marshals also include Dr. Shawn Brown, principal of Uniondale High School; Francine Yaw-Costello, principal of Amber Charter School; and Jean E. Jeanty of Pugsley Preparatory Academy.
As always, pre-parade activities feature an entire week of literacy, health, and resource-related dedicated days beginning on the Thursday prior to the grand finale at 137th. St. In addition, live performances at the Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State office building plaza are scheduled for the traditional showcase of spoken word, high-energy dance routines, and singing contests.
Floats, marching bands, merchandise, and pageantry are only a fraction of the weekend procession.
Friends and familiarity will combine for the Village fete. While White is sure to belt her 1988 hit song, the singer/songwriter may even entreat with other compositions — “Secret,” “Rendezvous,” “Romantic,” and “The Way You Love Me.”
White was a contributor to the new jack swing music innovation, but was also acclaimed a foremost rhythm and blues/soul singer and songwriter.
The AADP usually spotlights steel band musicians and Panamanians wearing polleras and montunos.
Caribbean revelers often extend a Labor Day spectacle to the day’s offering by brandishing national flags and banners. Masqueraders, island/nation representatives, and other dignitaries are guaranteed participants. For more information, check Africanamericandayparade.org.
Jamaica’s “Skill”; Jamaican Shutterbug gone to glory
News of the final moments of Allan “Skill” Cole, Jamaica’s soccer legend, stirred the senses of those familiar with his gamesmanship and legacy. Allegedly early last week, his major organs failed the body of the 75-year-old reputed best friend to Bob Marley, resonating with sobering reality of the season.
Fall had arrived, darker days are ahead, and although inevitable, the shattering news also revealed that one of the finest athletes to represent the Caribbean island would no longer take the field.
Cole passed away on Sept. 9, 2025 — two days before the 38th anniversary of the death of Peter Tosh, who was allegedly another close associate of Marley’s. How ironic: perhaps the two shared more than heritage and culture.
In life, they both exalted the One Love mantra their birthplace excels in sports and music. Earlier in the month on Sept. 4. former Brooklyn, photographer Donovan Richard Gopie joined the ancestors. Reports of his ailing had permeated for years, with talks that his daughter had relocated him to South Florida.
After hearing the news of his transition, those of us who remembered his prominence outside Carib Theater in Cross Roads, Kingston following Manning Cup competitions reminisced the petite, jocular fellow, who migrated to the US to even more familiarity.
In New York City, Gopie acquired media accreditations to archive elections of the first Black mayor of the city, the first Black president of the United States, the visit of the first Black president of South Africa to NYC, and the first visit of the first female prime minister of Jamaica.
In unofficial capacities, he also provided visual images of events promoted at the first Black-owned radio stations. He was on the scene at the Beacon Theater when Michael Jackson, aka the king of pop, enticed insiders to a special preview engagement.
Needless to say, despite his small frame, Gopie maintained giant stature in the cultural community.
“Whenever I think of or see Donovan Richard Gopie, a Bible verse comes to mind, Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (King James version),” Dr. Patrick Pitter, a close friend and resident of Ocala, Florida said. “There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens — a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to laugh and a time to weep, a time to mourn and a time to dance…”
Dr. Pitter, a Godfather to Gopie’s daughter, Ashley, detailed all eight verses of the Biblical passage which he said personified the essence of his fallen friend. Gopie was a social butterfly, a photography buff, and retiree from the Human Resources Administration of NYC.
However, more than anything, Gopie maintained a notable presence among the who’s who contributors to newsworthy activities in New York City. In addition, regardless of political allegiances, through federal, state or city council campaigns, Gopie trained his lenses on Caribbean leaders as well as progressive cultural activists.
Habte Selassie, a WBAI radio producer of the program “Labbrish,” expressed solemnity at the passing of the personality with whom he shared the same Brooklyn address, saying, “Donovan was unique, special and a force to be reckoned with. I hope he rests in eternal peace.”
In a message to the grieving family, Dr. Pitter reflected: “During his journey in life, Donovan was compassionate, gentle, mild, kind, and sincere and displayed a fellowship toward mankind and with elegance which he demonstrated in his skill as a photojournalist.”
Although the medical specialist was unable to attend the south Florida home-going ceremony for his friend and former patient, he penned a message for Gopie’s grieving caretaker to read.
Along with his own message of condolence a distraught caretaker named Anne Marie to bid farewell to the companion she nursed to the end.
Her last goodbye said: “Donovan will be missed by his brothers, sisters, children, business associates, admirers and by me his soulmate.” Gopie was funeralized on Sept.13 in Hollywood, Florida.
Those wanting to offer condolences to Ashley, the daughter of Donovan R. Gopie may contact her at 954-600-8184.
Catch you On the Inside!
