Ebony Black Family
Reunion Tour Concert
By
Tiffany A. Ford
September 19,
2006
 Ebony Magazine, the
classic African-American publication since 1945 has brought much
entertainment, stories and style through its pages to us
“Afro-Canadians”. We can indulge in pictures of the “perfect black
families” and the glamour of African American celebrities, which
provokes us to cringe in covetousness, due to Canada’s lack of a
clear black Canadian identity or a unified black community.
Attending the Ebony Black Family Reunion Concert in Atlanta,
Georgia, I’ve witnessed family love, fun, live old skool
performances by rap pioneers and a unique environment that
reinforces love, peace and soul.
 August 26th, 2006- Los Angeles born singer sensation Cherrelle, who
was announced as the “Beyonce of the 80s”, was the first performer
to grace the stage at the Ebony Family Reunion Concert, held at the
Cascade Field. Cherrelle is cousin to the former R&B singer Pebbles
ex-Ried, and has worked with legendary producers Jimmy Jam and Terry
Lewis. I recognized her hit “ I Didn’t Mean to Turn You On”, others
remember her for “Saturday Love”. Cherrelle’s vocals still hits
every note beautifully. Next up to the stage was no other than heavy
weight, but lyte as a rock, MC Lyte. Alright, so although I must
always remain professional as a publicist when it comes to meeting
celebrities, I definitely could not contain myself when I actually
met her face to face. Not only is she an amazing performer on stage,
but her personality definitely matches her (better in person)
gorgeous aesthetics. While I was waiting for my chance to speak with
MC Lyte, I met two of rap’s
 influential people of the 80s; Dj Sparky
D and MC Shan. Ms Sparky D was actually one of the first female
rappers from New York. MC Shan was a former “Juice Crew” member and
notably remembered for his diss to KRS-One during the “Bridges” feud
in New York. At first, while speaking with MC Shan, I didn’t realize
his Toronto connection. Then he began to sing “Informer” by Snow. Of
course, we all know who he is now right? Slightly older, but still
has his boyish cute looks. MC Shan is still recognizable for his rap
lyrics on one of Canada’s successful imports in a rare genre.
Interestingly, while speaking with Shan and Sparky D, a sexier
version of Suge Knight was making his way towards us. I learned
later, that it was no other than Mr. Sexy lead singer of “Freaks
Come out at Night”;Whodini.
 This free concert was now feeling more like an episode of “Surreal
Life”, with enough old skool celebrity power to make any Canadian
feel nausea. There is a huge difference between meeting hip hop
chart smashers of today, like Eric of the Ying Yang Twins or Young
Joc, from the hip hop pioneers. Anxiety and excitement is at the
tenth level, especially for those who grew up listening to these
artists. Knowing this, you can imagine my face and reaction to the
next three performers; Big Daddy Kane, Doug E. Fresh and Slick Rick.
 Now keep in mind that I did express that this concert was entirely
FREE! Imagine a concert like this held in Toronto, somewhere on an
open field of grass. The star power is created by hip hop icons,
with the theme to bring “black” people and their families together
(failing to mention, lots of BBQ!). How would our provincial and
municipal
 governments react? What safety measures would they place,
and how would the media portray this event? Evidently, we just have
to look towards the heavy police presence, surveillance cameras and
negative media at our beloved Caribana (now taken over by our
government), to understand the difference between our
“multicultural” society and America’s “melting pot”. The realities
speak for themselves. FYI, I saw barely saw any police presence or
security at the V.I.P section at the concert. Hence, the reason why
I took advantage of the situation.
 The Ebony Magazine family affair was a successful event in bringing
a community together without cursing, violence or heavy police
presence. Hopefully one day we can have an event like this in
Toronto, where our “Afro” communities can be unified and respectful
of one another, through the hypnotism of music and the aroma of BBQ
Chicken.
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