Blacks attend White House state dinner held for South Korean President Kim Young Sam

Jet, August 14, 1995

President Clinton and First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton recently hosted a White House State Dinner for South Korean President Kim Young Sam.

The black-tie affair, which was held in the East Room of the White House, was attended by 180 guests.

Among those invited guests attending the state dinner were: U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jesse Brown, who was accompanied by Nora Takeko Lum; Attorney Vernon Jordan and his wife Ann; Veronica Biggins, former assistant to the president, and her husband Franklin; and award-winning writer, producer and singer Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, who was accompanied by his wife Tracey.

A newcomer to the White House social scene, Edmonds said, "It was our first time being invited to a White House state dinner. We really enjoyed the experience. And it was an unforgettable evening we will be able to share with our children and grandchildren."

Guests dined on marinated shrimp and lobster, Basmati rice and summer vegetables, grilled lamb and morels, asparagus, and Vidalia onion.

The guests were treated to a pistachio dessert (which has become a trademark of Mrs. Clinton's) with nectarine Rose of Sharon with strawberry sauce and ginseng tea truffles.

Mrs. Clinton wore a sleeveless Pamela Dennis gown and gray chiffon with rhinestones. South Korean President Sam's wife, Kim Myoung Soon, wore a billowy yellow hanbok, a traditional Korean dress.