Ticker Tape

Jet, April 23, 2001 by Simeon Booker

CONFIDENTIAL: With scores of former President Bill Clinton's appointees already gone from the nation's capital, attention now centers on the few who remain in government. They include the first Black ambassador to South Africa, Delano Lewis, and Ambassador to Gambia George Haley, brother of the late Roots author Alex Haley.

Both are overseas granted extensions to June ... The Black woman who served as director of administration during the 2000 GOP Convention in Philly, Jacquie Hayes-Byrd, now serves as the White House facility manager. Her hubby is David J. Byrd ... Almost forgotten is the first Black congressman from the West Coast who served more than a quarter century in the House after putting in 28 years in California's Assembly. Now 92, Augustus A. Hawkins can look back to his chairmanship of the House Education and Labor Committee and his authorship of the full employment legislation with the late Sen. Hubert H. Humphrey ... EBONY Executive Editor Lerone Bennett Jr., Civil Rights Commission Chair Dr. Mary Francis Berry, Dr. Jewelle Gibbs of the U. of California, and political scientist Eddie M. Williams will be honored at the Black Leadership Forum's 5th annual Lamplighter awards gala this Spring in New York City ... Boston's acclaimed Black clergyman the Rev. Eugene Rivers finally hit center stage for his efforts to help the city's poor. His working with gangs and police to reduce crime were praised in the national media ... Rep. John Lewis (D-GA) and other freedom riders of the '60s will celebrate their 40th anniversary at a reception and dinner on May 10 at the Washington (D.C.) Court Hotel. They will celebrate the "Last Supper" eaten by them the night before they embarked on their historic journey.