ALL RISE FOR KANSAS CITY'S OWN, JUDGE JALILAH OTTO

Today at 3:00 p.m., Jalilah Otto will officially be sworn in as Associate Circuit  Judge in the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit of Missouri. It will all happen at the downtown Jackson County Courthouse. The room will be packed with fellow attorneys, current judges, and many who have worked with or for Judge Otto, over the years. But while all the formal proceedings are being carried out, the Judge will be reflecting on how she arrived at her “big dream” stage in life. How did it all happen? What made it happen? Who assisted? Where did it all begin?

Of course, the questions deserve a much deeper analysis than this space will permit. But quickly, the Judge notes that Louis and Amelia Chilcoat, her parents and physician-sister have been the most solid influences in her life. Being thirty six and one of the youngest judges ever selected, the Judge reflects on her many experiences and exposures at  Lincoln College Preparatory Academy, way back in the mid-nineties. She remembers the career days and the early trips to nearby universities and the constant barrage of encouragement she received from her “amazing teachers.” Of course, she was an excellent student and easily coached…but those early days were crucial in getting her to the coveted judicial bench, she will occupy starting today.

But there’s more to the Judge, than just her educational and parental “head start.”

Anyone who knows Judge Otto knows that she exists in “hard work.” That coupled with an unmatched tenacity, the Judge has as good a reputation as anyone can possibly have. Starting out as a judicial law clerk for Missouri Appellate Court Judge, Lisa White Hardwick, this young Judge has excelled everywhere she has gone. As an Assistant Prosecutor  and as a Special Assistant to the United States Attorney, she has drawn difficult and involved cases. After uniquely applying herself, she quickly found herself back at Jackson County…this time, in 2013 as Chief Trial Assistant, reporting only to the Jackson County Prosecutor. All of this happened in a short twelve year period. But through it all, her superiors and colleagues knew that “today” would eventually arrive for her.. Her broad level of local, state, and federal judicial experiences have assisted her in this journey, not to mention her unrelenting daily support from her attorney-husband, Jon Otto.. But there’s even more.

Finally, this “native daughter” has shared her story, in more ways than can be placed on a resume. Long before this day was likely, she could be observed escorting young aspiring teenagers throughout the courtrooms at Jackson County. And it was not uncommon to hear her tutor the young panelists on the popular radio show, Generation Rap. More important, she has appeared before many community groups, explaining in detail the complex judicial process. And at other times, she has been observed, mentoring young professionals and younger attorneys  in their aspiring quests. Anyone knowing Judge Otto knows that she will keep on “living out her youthful experiences”. But constantly driving home the point that public school can produce gifted and talented contributors.

But today at 3:00 p.m., many of us will be saluting her and we will all rise…when someone says….”all rise”.  They’ll be talking about one of Kansas City’s own, Judge Jalilah Otto.

ALVIN AILEY'S TYRONE AIKEN: ATHLETE, ARTIST, ADMINISTRATOR

By Jim “Grand Dad” Nunnelly

Tyrone Aiken is a triple-A type of guy. He’s been that way all of his life. Always moving up and forward. And certainly achieving and contributing along the way. His life all  started in Amityville, New York before settling down, here in Kansas City in 1995. From a large family of sixteen, Tyrone was clearly his mother’s choice to lead the fatherless family, in her absence. Today, he smiles widely  about that designation, mainly because he was neither the oldest or youngest sibling. Fortuitously,  that  challenge really was the beginning of his leadership “coming of age”, here in Kansas City. And his mother’s  wisdom continues to have a dailyl impact, even in  his current position, as well. So what follows is a trajectory, built on some solid, motherly advice,that has vaulted him from athlete to artist to administrator. Let’s look in closer.

In high school, Tyrone was involved deeply. He was part of the German and the Humanities Clubs. Actually, he was a yearly “A” student, always, working hard for his teachers and school administrators, alike. In fact, he was so impressive in high school that he joined the Track unit and excelled. He ran the 220 yard and the 440 yard dashes and was exceptional in the triple jump. In fact, he medaled in all those events. But, he would have done better had he not missed school so much. In one year, he was absent 25 % of the time, leading teachers to wonder what he would have like, had his attendance been  up-to-par. But, nothing was going to stop Tyrone from achieving in everything he attempted. His next event of life, was that of becoming an artist.

After high school, Tyrone received a scholarship to the Eglevsky School of Ballet. Having all that prior athletic ability made him a “natural” at the dancing art. As usual, he was impressive and actually went on to receive an additional scholarship at the Ailey School in Manhattan, New York. There he studied under icons of dancing, including Alvin Ailey, himself.  This association actually led to his coming to Kansas City, as the resident teacher here, basically under the sponsorship and direction of the Kansas City School District. And since 1989, this  residency has became known as “Alvin Ailey’s second home”. As planned,, it was Tyrone who instructed and brought the “Ailey Camp” concept into being. Each summer, well over 200 local middle schoolers  rush to be a part of the dance instruction, abstinence training and drug resistance skills that go to make up the activities in this widely-respected camp.  And it was in this “new beginning” that his athletic and artistic skills would take him to the top.

At some point, Tyrone began to think and act strategically. Applying his mother’s faith in him and assembling his experiences as an athlete and an artist, Tyrone became the Administrator/Executive of the local Alvin Ailey operations, in 2006. He had a lot to do with the present Eighteenth and Woodland location for he wanted to be close to and a part of the other artistic offerings i.e. the American Jazz Museum. To date, he has scheduled four, significant upcoming events:   a block party, a concluding Ailey Camp finale, a symposium town hall and a landmark Alvin Ailey dance event. 

These are all testimonies to the support and guidance he has received from his forward-thinking, board, his very capable staff and his Eighteenth Street neighbors. Though he has received national attention for his for his many contributions to and opportunities through the art of dance, he really works the long hours for the 30,000 children who appear at his door every year. And again, his mother adds leadership thinking to his gifted skill set.

You see, Alvin had an older brother who was hooked on heroin, at an early age. While everyone looked the other  way and even denied his brother’s addiction , Tyrone’s mother advised him “ to never give up on any child, no matter how severe the problem”.  And so when someone tells Tyrone that some child is not performing or acting appropriately, he still hears those guiding words of his mother.

So while Tyrone may have climbed professionally, he is yet wise enough to hold onto the timeless words, spoken by his wiser mother. While her counsel cannot be put on his resume, Tyrone recognizes fully that it was his mother, who really is rated “AAA”.  And he smiles when he says it. 

LADY D: LIVING AND SINGING “IN THE DAY”

By Jim “Grand Dad” Nunnelly.

Debra Lunn, better known as Lady D, spends all of her time, in three places….at home, at work or “on stage” up and down Eighteenth street. However, she is three different people, all depending on where she is, at the time. All are important to this richly-smooth song stylist and at any hour, one may exceed the other. But inside she is all three and each has a “separate but equal” spot in her life. Let’s dig deeper into the mystique and mystery, behind this ever-promising, Kansas City celebrity. After a few basic facts, we will delve into home, work, and stage life.  Most important, we will see how her parents play a part in all three.

Lady D is a product of the Kansas City Public Schools, graduating with honors from Southeast High School, graduating with honors back in the eighties. She was part of the National Honor Society and was a four-year, Varsity cheerleader for both varsity basketball and football teams. And she was heavily involved in her love of music. Modestly, she shares a little-known fact about her leadership i.e. she was President of her entire School, her last year there. She grew up in a modest neighborhood near the school and attended local colleges after graduation. Both parents were and are ever-present and  in her life. In fact, her parents, Julia and Arthur Wheeler, are the source of both her musical and spiritual inspiration. Mother Julia assisted Lady D with her public confidence, requiring participation in both church and community activities. As a child, her parents would take her to the Foster’s Record Shop on Brooklyn and Garrett’s on Prospect to buy records. Then, they would return home and in karaoke-style, sing, dance and perform to the recently-acquired music. These childhood events actually became the “alpha and omega” of Lady D, when she is on- and off-stage. They definitely set the tone for her family life.

Lady D will quickly tell you her home-life is most important to her. She has a grown son, Brent Harris, known as a gentleman, an accomplished graphic artist and a former panelist on Hot 103’s Generation Rap.  Always at home, Debra is vigilant about her teenage daughter, Nia, who is an outstanding athlete.  Applying  old school parenting methods, Lady D’s  greatest concern for  all children is that social media has literally disrupted the natural flow of such an important time in their lives.  While they wrestle with the ways of the world, Lady D and her daughter are close and have worked out a method of communications that generally works. Make no mistake, this is where Lady D’s heart is….right with her daughter, as she grows up. Just like her parents, Lady D strives to be an active participant in her daughter’s interest.  Except for work and her rapidly-rising music career, Lady D is one hundred per cent family-focused Lady D proudly expresses her love of her entire family. Because of this special bond, she feels “blessed and fortunate”.

Speaking of work, Lady D spends most of her daylight hours, as an executive assistant to the Division President at an internationally-known company, with home offices here in the metropolitan area. Most of her week is spent, interacting with people and companies from all over the world. This position requires exactness, cordiality, and most of all, a knowledge of international and domestic business etiquette. As she does with her family and music, she is always striving for a sense of excellence and purpose. She gives a lot and speaks well of her company and most of all,  is focused on doing an excellent job, Just as she does, each week while performing at various venues in the metropolitan area.. It is from this vantage point that most of us know her. And it is here that she “brings it”, nearly every weekend. Here, her style, grace and on-stage presence emerges and illuminates.

Starting out at eight years old, she began her career in church choirs and various gospel groups. As a teenager, she even appeared on the prestigious Bobby Jones Gospel show. Further, she has always been involved in national projects that allowed her to interact with the likes of Roger Troutman and Zapp, Brian McKnight, Najee and Peabo Bryson. Her musical style is an eclectic mix of jazz, blues and R& B. Her contagious smile, coupled with her ability to be surrounded by very capable musicians, always elevates and sets Lady D apart. Her accompanying band, known as Round Midnite, includes Anthony Harvey, Eric Taylor, Travis Johnson, Kevin Johnson and Heather Jarrett. Her music director and band founder, Wes Blackman, has been a constant friend and business partner.

Specializing in songs from “in the day”, Lady D sings “to the men” and “for the women”. Her conversational style gives the audience the impression that she is singing to each of them individually. Lightly and politely, she sings songs like “Play Me Some Down-Home Blues” and “Baby, Can I Change My Mind”. Most of her songs remind her of the days when her parents bought those kind of albums, up at Foster’s. Except, she adds an endless class and a personal touch that makes them all sound brand new, to both the old and the young.  She sings like she is actively resurrecting the sounds that we used to hear at the old Jazz Festivals and at the clubs, way back in the sixties and seventies.

Always mindful of her supporters, she always recognizes her friends and family, from on-stage.. In fact, she sends a weekly text to them, letting them know her schedule and where she will be singing next As a performing musical historian, she is dedicated to keeping alive the greatest period of musical accomplishment. However, one tends to forget the original artists as she sings. For she superimposes her delightfully soft style and the listeners are forced to concentrate on her unique interpretation of the original song.  Her eyes dance while her voice soothes. It makes her listeners feel like they are actually living in those times. Heroically, she captivates her audience… by reminiscing and being in the present, at the very same time.

Finally, no one is sure exactly what Lady D has in mind, for her future in music. We do know, however, that her family comes first. And her work comes first, too. And so does her matchless music. She has a full life. A pleasant life. One that is truly based on a healthy upbringing, paying attention to work and family, at all times. But, most of all, allowing each of us to re-visit the wonderful music of music, made and sung in years gone by.

She brings that mystique and mystery, back from “in the day”.