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Reinaldo Prescott (left), son of the late Professor Reginald Prescott; band director/conductor Rolando Whittaker; and 13-year-old Eighth Grade Concert Band percussionist David Masry Panamanian community marks “Dia de la Etnia Negra” in New York by E. Jamieson, Jr.
The man who
With pomp, splendor and profound ethnic pride, Panama’s May 30 Black Ethnicity Day (Día de la Étnia Negra) was celebrated by an audience of a few thousand high-spirited people at Brooklyn’s Clara Barton High School on Saturday evening, May 14. The event was sponsored by Brooklyn’s Afro-Panamanian Chamber of Commerce USA Inc, led by president Alfonso Greaves. The keynote speaker was Cecilia Moreno, president of the Centro de la Mujer Afro-Panameña, who suggested continued cooperation of concerned citizens to achieve the goals necessary for a better Panamanian society. Some other highlights of the very varied and interesting bilingual program were the pulsating renditions of the Panamanian and United States national anthems by the colorfully attired Panamerican Marching Band; dances by several folkloric groups, including the beautiful and soul-stirrin Ballet Folklorico Norberto Basilio; a whimsical demonstration by La Asociacion Panameña de Karate; body-swaying musical renditions by Los Antillanos calypso band; and a beautiful and elaborate Heritage Fashion Show. Claral Richards, “Padre de la Étnia Negra,” and Cynthia Brown-Franklin, vice-consul general of Panama in New York, also participated. The master of ceremonies was the very talented José Brereton. A related workshop and business expo was held at the school prior to the program. The second grand commemorative event was the tribute performance of the late Professor Reginald T. Prescott's "Vespertino Colonense." The Panamanian icon's serenade was performed flawlessly by some 50 members fo the Eighth Grade Concert Band, which was skillfully directed by Panama-born musical virtuoso Ronaldo Whittaker. That performance was part of the Lawrence Middle School's May 18 Third Spring Concert. The concert's theme was "Diversity." Faculty member Whittaker, a former student of Professor Prescott, was dashing in a black tuxedo. He is also director/conductor of the school's jazz band. Outstanding performances of challenging music by the student members of those bands, of the Seventh Grade Chorus and of the Show Choir, directed by Mr. Barry Wyner; and of the Chamber Orchestra, directed by Ms. Pamela Gallopini, made this evening a most pleasant and memorable experience. The audience was very vociferous and appreciative. Panama-born Dr. Leticia Brereton, the Lawrence School District's supervisor for foreign languages, spoke briefly about Panama, its Día de la Étnia Negra and Professor Prescott. That contributed to making the event more meaningful. Vice Consul General Cynthia Brown-Franklin --- a most capable and tireless diplomat --- cited Professor Rolando Whittaker for his achievements. On behalf of the consulate, she gave him a certificate of recognition "Por sus acciones, trabajo y dedicación en proveer las raices de nuestra rica y versatíl cultura a través de la música." Reinaldo, the son of the late Professor Prescott, his wife and several other family members headed a contingent of some 20 Panamanian guests. They were welcomed warmly by the principal, Dr. Mark Kavarsky, who was master of ceremonies at this spring concert in the village of Lawrence, Nassau County, New York.
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