Unity 99 gets down at preview party
By Vonetta Booker
Unity 99 Convention Online Staff

During the past few days, Unity '99 has been a blur of workshops, job fairs, networking, and all that other "business" business.

But on Friday night, people went back to their hotel rooms, dropped off their briefcases and took off the power suits. They returned to the Westin Hotel, sporting fly outfits and the readiness to party.

The NABJ Phoenix Convention Preview Party was definitely a "going-out-with-a-bang" end for Unity '99. Even approaching the ballroom entrance, one could feel the heat and energy from inside. Beads of sweat ran down people's faces as they forgot to "act cute," getting their grooves on to hip-hop, R&B and classic favorites.

"All the black people, throw your hands in the air," yelled the DJ over the music's thumping bass, the floor actually bouncing to the beat under the packed crowd.

"All the Asian people, say 'Oww!' Where my Latinos at?!?" Sub-titled the "Wild, Wild West Party," it was thrown to promote next year's NABJ convention, which will be held in Phoenix, Ariz.

As the crowd partied, a raffle was held and goodies were given away from the stage--T-shirts, portable CD players, etc.

"It was really unique, because unity was there," said Philadelphia Inquirer sports writer Kalimah Redd. "Members from the different organizations dancing together -- that was the essence of it."

By far, the life of the party was scholar and "Race Matters" author Cornel West, doing his thing in the dance circle, amid shouts of, "Go head! Go head!"

West, who will speak at Saturday's W.E.B. DuBois lecture, definitely knows a little partying doesn't hurt in between teaching and lectures. When asked how he enjoyed himself at the party, West replied, "The funk was rich, and the love was real!"