Hundreds get turkeys from singer

Web posted Thursday, November 23, 2000

 Have a thought? Go to the @ugusta Forums.

By Clarissa J. Walker
Staff Writer

James Brown delivered butterballs, blues and unconditional blessings Wednesday afternoon to hundreds in downtown Augusta.

The Godfather of Soul was the godfather of good will Wednesday. James Brown gives a turkey to Ollie Haynes during his annual turkey giveaway at Dyess Park. MICHAEL HOLAHAN/STAFF

It's the sixth year the Godfather of Soul has organized a turkey giveaway, and by 10:30 a.m. a line of more than 300 had formed a human horseshoe in the back of Dyess Park on James Brown Boulevard.

Several donors joined Mr. Brown; in all, about 800 turkeys were provided for this year's annual event.

Joann McBride, a resident of Sunset Homes Housing Project, offered baking secrets for preparing the holiday bird.

``Well, I take my turkey and I wash it first; and then I put butter on it, and I put in bell pepper and celery and onion,'' she said, speeding through ingredients she's stuck with for years. ``Then, let it cook, and I keep basting it and keep basting it and keep basting it. I cook my turkey for about four hours.''

She said the soon-to-be delectable bird will be shared with her seven grandchildren and four daughters.

Despite public debates concerning the city's lack of support for Mr. Brown's effort, his concerts and whether the civic center should be named after the music legend, he said his commitment to feeding his community at Thanksgiving will be unfettered by controversy.

``People need to eat first,'' Mr. Brown said. ``It's God's temple, and we need to keep it in good shape.''

James Brown sways to the sounds of the Swanee Quintet during the annual turkey give away Dyess Park. MICHAEL HOLAHAN/STAFF

Clad in suede insulated gloves, Mr. Brown stood behind the tables dolling out turkeys and well wishes.

``We just love people, and we love what we are doing,'' he said. ``We thank God for people who are doing good things for us. We can't thank them enough. The more we give, the more we receive.''

Throughout the afternoon, donors walked in with turkeys to add to the pile of frozen birds stacked in bags on tabletops and on the community center's floor.

``This is the first year that we actually had enough turkeys and we did not have to turn people away,'' said Jewel Libby, comptroller for James Brown Enterprises. ``Last year, there were about 50 or 60 people we had to turn away.''

This year, Comcast, Suntrust Bank, A World of Music, Augusta Mayor Bob Young and his wife, Gwen Fulcher Young, were among a list of about 15 donors.

``I think that it's lovely and it helps people who are in need,'' Ms. McBride said. ``I think that (Mr. Brown) is a loving person for doing what he is doing, giving to the neighborhood.

``Regardless of what people say, he is still standing out there, still being strong for us.''

Reach Clarissa J. Walker at (706) 828-3851.

Submit Your Opinion Name: Email: Enter your comments here