Call it kismet; call it an intersection of spatial parallels; or an artistic convergence. Whatever you call it, it happened when the August Wilson Center for African American Culture hosted the 2010 National Symposium Series, “Bearden in the Public Realm,” presented by the Romare Bearden Foundation.

KEY PARTICIPANTS—Johanne Bryant-Reid, director of the Romare Bearden Foundation in New York, John Edgar Wideman and John Brewer spoke at the event.

Bearden, regarded as one of America’s preeminent artists, is a graduate of Peabody High School and lived in East Liberty with his maternal grandparents until he went to college. His time in Pittsburgh influenced his body of paintings, murals and collages. The fruits of his 78 years influenced the work of musicians, authors and playwrights, including East Liberty neighbor, Billy Strayhorn.

It started small, with a pack of gum or a candy bar.

When you didn’t get caught, you moved to larger things: a can of soda or a game in your pocket. Most times, you didn’t need whatever it was you stole but it really wasn’t about the thing, anyhow. It was about getting away with it.

But, of course, you got caught. And just like everybody who’s been caught stealing, you had to pay for what you did, both monetarily and with punishment. Yeah, that stinks but so does stealing.

(NNPA)—Dear Gwendolyn:

One week prior to my wedding, my father had a “man-to-man” talk with me. He told me that “When you court a lady, shower her with love and affection, but when you marry, give her as little affection as possible. In doing so you forever keep her trying to hold your love.”

On the advice of my father when we went on our first year anniversary, I invited my two best buddies to come along. Once she had a bad cold and I told her I didn’t want to catch it, so I left and went to visit my buddies in another state.

This week I visited Heinz Hall in Downtown Pittsburgh, Carnegie Music Hall in Oakland, The Greater Pittsburgh Coliseum in Homewood, Tim’s Lounge in the Hill District and the North Side Elks in the Hill District.

My first stop was at Heinz Hall in Downtown Pittsburgh where the legendary Motown recording stars The Temptations and The Four Tops performed for all their fans. It was nice to hear all the old hits and some of the new. Otis Williams, the creator of the group, has been a member of The Temptations for almost 50 years.

Brotha Ash with Motown legends The Four Tops at Heinz Hall in Downtown Pittsburgh.