Ebony: on the scene - Front Row

IN SPRINGFIELD, ILL.,Gov. Rod Blagojevich (2nd fr. l.) and ocher state officials join Nora Brooks Blakely, daughter of poet Gwendolyn Brooks, at dedication of the Gwendolyn Brooks Illinois State Library. Also pictured: Senate President Emil Jones Jr. (l.), House Speaker Michael Macligan (r.) and his wife, Shirley Madigan. Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White welcomed the crowd.

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IN NEW YORK CITY, diva LaBelle, in a sparkling, floor-length, gold gown, received a Lifetimement Award from the Songwriters of Fame.

In LAS VEGAS (left to right), Mary J. Blige, Whitney Houston and Ashanti make fashion statements in varying eye-catching gowns at the VH I Divas Duets performance.

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CELEBRATING THE NEW EBONY, corporate and cultural leaders hailed the magazine's new graphics and features at reception at Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem. Pictured (I. to r.) are Managing Editor Walter Leavy, Executive Editor Lerone Bennett Jr., Motown artist Kem, who performed a medley of songs, Chief Howard Dodson of the Schomburg Center, Associate Publisher Jeff Burns Jr. and Managing Editor Lynn Norment. Vickie Winans (right) brought the evening to a climax with a rousing performance.

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EBONY PHOTOGRAPHERS AND EDITORS attending included (l. to r.) photographer Frederick L. Watkins Jr., Creative Art Director Raymond A. Thomas, Food Editor Charlotte Lyons, Senior Editor Kevin Chappell and photographer Tyrone Rasheed.

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EDUCATIONAL LEADERS included (l. to r) Dean Janette Dates of Howard University's John H. Johnson School of Communications, CIAA Commissioner Leon G. Kerry, President Algeania W Freeman of Livingstone College and President Dorothy Yancy of Johnson C. Smith University.

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CORPORATE LEADER Noel Hankin (above, 2nd fr. r.), vice president of multicultural marketing, Schieffelin & Somerset Co., posed with former Manhattan Borough President Percy Sutton and two Schieffelin & Somerset executives, Sybil Chester (l.), market development, corporate affairs, and Liz Sorota, senior vice president, product group director. Hennessy sponsored the reception.

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PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS included (above left) presidential candidate the Rev. Al Sharpton and Lloyd Williams, president of the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce; master of ceremonies Tony Perkins (above) of ABC's Good Morning America; and (left) spoken word star Versaytle.

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