THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, January 17, 1997 TAG: 9701150124
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 02 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: IDA KAY'S PORTSMOUTH
SOURCE: Ida Kay Jordan
LENGTH: 52 lines
It hardly seems like 10 years have passed since this city was all in a dither over the upcoming Portsmouth Notables banquet to honor dozens of famous people born here.
A grand event, the banquet was one of the most important events that has occurred here, as far as I'm concerned.
Sponsored by the Portsmouth Partnership, the Notables event attracted more positive attention to the city than anything in recent history. Most people, even native-borns, were amazed that so many high achievers had roots here.
In fact, the volunteer committee charged with choosing those to be honored was swamped with nominations. They had a tough job but, in the end, they picked a fine group touching on almost all walks of life - the arts, science, military, government. Portsmouth has folks in high places everywhere.
Over the past decade I have had an opportunity to talk with many of the Notables as they popped up in the news. For instance, Portsmouth-born Nathaniel Howell was ambassador to Kuwait when the embassy was under siege.
This week I've spent a lot of time talking to Charles Harris, owner of Amistad Press, a company praised for its quality books by and about African Americans. Harris left home in the 1950s to make his mark in New York, but he still comes home for special occasions - like speaking on the Second Tuesday Forum series.
As I wrote my stories about Harris, I began thinking it might be time for a followup on the Notables banquet. In the 10 years since the first and only one, many Portsmouth people probably have moved up the ladder in their fields. Two who come to mind: Karen Briggs, a jazz violinist, has appeared regularly on PBS with musician Yanni, and Nathan McCall wrote his best-selling book, ``Makes Me Wanna Holler.''
The first Notables event in 1987 dealt with hundreds of people, including some honored posthumously and some past their prime. A follow-up event every 10 years probably could be a little less onerous on the selection committee.
Some people might ask, why do this?
For one thing, the number of famous people from here truly is remarkable. Guy Friddell and Glenn Scott, two of my colleagues on this newspaper, both marvel at the fact that so many well-known persons are Portsmouth-born.
People who live here need to know about their fellow citizens who have done well. It creates a healthy sort of pride of place.
People who live elsewhere in the region need to know that Portsmouth produces much more than a high crime rate so often accounted to the city.
Furthermore, all those who were recognized as Notables were honored, and a lot of them made it a point to mention the award on the air or in newspaper articles elsewhere.
Whether the Partnership pays for the banquet, or a committee is formed to solicit sponsorships, it's time to toot our horn again.