Jeanne Parnell’s 85 Years Young Celebration in Harlem
Noted columnist Audrey Bernard brought together New York City’s Movers-Shakers-and-Makers register of ladies, from the diverse professions of Theater, Business, Sports, the Arts and Journalism, to celebrate veteran educator and radio personality Jeanne Parnell’s 85th birthday at the famed soul-food restaurant “Melba’s” in Harlem. Smiles and good wishes flowed abundantly as Jeanne with her actor and real estate broker son, Richard Parnell-Habersham, and, her delightful 10 year old grandson entered the restaurant.
Among the many celebrants: legendary TV anchor and reporter Melba Tolliver, Fashion entrepreneur Audrey Schmaltz, WNBA Hall of Fame and financial advisor Gail Marquise, business leader Harriet Michel, Broadway Theater Producer Irene Gandy, “MAMA Foundation for the Arts Vy Higgensen, Music Publicist and Real Estate Agent Barbara Harris, Harlem’s cultural keeper Lana Turner, Jazzmobile, Inc. Producer Robin Bell-Stevens and Ancestry expert Ruth Hunt.
In 1958, Jeanne Parnell graduated from Howard University where she was awarded a Fine Arts degree. Following graduation from Howard University, she attended graduate school at Columbia University/Teacher’s College. Jeanne is a long-time educator for the NYC Board of Education — singer/songwriter Alicia Keys is one of the many gifted students she’s inspired.
Today, Jeanne still hosts “Interesting People” on Wednesdays 8 am – 10 am on WHCR-FM 90.3 in Harlem. Her conversational, fun and probing interview-style is legendary. Hillary Clinton, Miles Davis and Nick Ashford & Valerie Simpson, actress dancer and choreographer Carmen De Lavallade, Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis, Bob Law, Rev. Al Sharpton, and Congressman Charles Rangel have been featured on her weekly program.
At 85 years young, Jeanne’s life revolves around active participation in her Harlem, New York community. Just as she began to cut the cake, friends and family members enthusiastically raised their glasses of champagne and chanted VIVA JEANNE PARNELL!
Photos by Coreen Simpson
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Fabulous Photographs, Fabulous Celebration and a fabulous photographer!