Harvard lauds RiRi’s charity
It wasn’t Rihanna’s singing, but her caring and giving that were recognized last week when she received the 2017 Harvard University Humanitarian of the Year for her philanthropic efforts aiding adults and children around the world.
The Grammy Award-winning Barbados-born singer was presented with the Harvard Foundation’s Peter J. Gomes Humanitarian Award at a ceremony on Feb. 28.
“So, I made it to Harvard,” she said to a cheering audience. “Never thought I’d be able to say that in my life. But it feels good,” said Rihanna (photo), who was honored for several philanthropic efforts.
She built a state-of-theart center for oncology and nuclear medicine to diagnose and treat breast cancer in Barbados and created the Clara Lionel Foundation — named for her grandparents — which helps students attending college in the U.S. and Caribbean countries through a scholarship program.
Last fall, the Clara Lionel Foundation partnered with the Global Partnership for Education and Global Citizen Project to give children in more than 60 developing countries access to education.
Trinidad wraps Carnival ’17
Trinidad Carnival — the world renowned generations-old affair of colorful, intricate costumes, musical creativity and culture — culminated last week, wrapping up months of competitions and special events.
Winners range from Massy Trinidad All Stars, in the steelpan Large Conventional Band category to the Women’s Calypso Monarch Sasha Ann Moses and winners of the social, political, humorous and Extempo categories of the Kaisorama event — Terri Lyons, Maria Bhola La Caille, Myron Bruce and Winston (Gypsy) Peters, respectively.
One aspect of the carnival, the comprehensive steelpan events, was covered thoroughly by the staff of the When Steel Talks website. Through its discussion, videos, photos and events results, the website is the place to go for everything about the steel drum and its competitions. Visit the website at www.whensteeltalks.ning.com. For carnival information and results, visit the National Carnival Commission of Trinidad and Tobago website at www.ncctt.org/new.
B’klyn restaurant week
Attention all Brooklyn restaurant owners and patrons: The 2017 edition of the “Dine In Brooklyn” restaurant week is coming!
More than 60 Brooklyn eateries have already signed up to participate in the event, which will be held from March 20-30, and there’s still time to join the popular program. Restaurants can sign up for free by visiting www.dineinbk.com by March 13.
Thank you, Rep. Rangel
“Thanks for the 46 years and we’ll miss you” were the sentiments from the Metropolitan Black Bar Association to former Congressman Charles Rangel at its Black History Month affair honoring the longtime Harlem legislator at the Thurgood Marshall U.S. Courthouse in Manhattan on Feb. 16.