Jackson Free Press

On Saturday, April 2, the stars will shine for those looking for a glamorous, star-studded way to spend the evening when Tougaloo College hosts the third annual Two Rivers Gala fund raiser featuring Jeffrey Osborne, Najee and Shirley Brown, among other entertainers. Proceeds from the annual event benefit the private, historically black liberal-arts institution.

Tougaloo's rich history has thrived for more than 130 years, and, during the 1960s, the college played a major part in the Civil Rights Movement and became a safe haven for leaders such as Medgar Evers, Martin Luther King Jr., Fannie Lou Hamer, and a place where civil rights fighters of different races could unite for the cause. Its graduating products of academic excellence have contributed greatly to the state of Mississippi's highest number of health professionals, attorneys and educators.

Tougaloo also takes pride in its appreciation for the arts—as home of one of the most exquisite African American art collections in the region. It hosts the Tougaloo Art Colony once a year during the summer where potential and seasoned artists can come and learn about art and showcase their work.

The school boasts partnerships with Ivy League universities such as Brown University in Providence, R.I. Every year, students are picked to spend one semester at the university, gaining an in-depth knowledge in their academic specialty.

This month, Tougaloo announced its latest partnership with Brown—a partnership that started in the 1960s when the two schools united in civil rights efforts. Now the two colleges have together posted a Freedom Now! Web site with Mississippi Freedom Movement-related documents from students and faculty of the two universities. Visit the site at http://www.brown.edu/freedomnow to see scanned documents from the era—from Citizens Council flyers to materials distributed by the Republic of New Afrika (RNA).

As Tougaloo continues in its efforts to be the best, it recognizes and values those who support the institution in ways that have allowed it to reach outstanding heights. This year, the "Two Rivers Gala" fund raiser will once again provide good food and entertainment while benefiting a wonderful place to grow, live and learn.

Attendees will enjoy nationally acclaimed R&B, jazz and blues performers. Special guests in entertainment will include R&B soloist Jeffrey Osborne, Grammy-nominated jazz saxophonist Najee and blues sensation Shirley Brown. The event will also tickle your funny bone with guest actor and comedian Reynaldo Rey from hit movies such as "Harlem Nights" and "Friday." He can also currently be seen on BET's "Comic View."

The event also features local entertainment, including jazz musicians Jessie Primer III along with his quartet and Andy Hardwick and Friends, blues musicians Henry Rhodes with the Mo-Money Band and R&B group Compozitionz. Also featured will be Hunter Gibson and the Gators, along with local Mississippi comedian Tim "the Poet." Alice Marie and sports commentator Rob Jay from 99 Jams WJMI will be in attendance.

This year's gala will be held at the Jackson Medical Mall and individual tickets are $100. Call 601-977-7836 for more details.