by S. Rotan Hale
It was a party fit for the “king of queens.” It was an affair with the grand pageantry that only Yoedie Cleveland Swain could pull off through a double celebration regarding his 50th birthday and 25 years as one of the area’s most successful hair stylists at his shop Diva’s House of Hair in Roanoke.
The “Roast and Toast,” held downtown at Charter Hall Saturday, April 1 was lavishly decorated, and flooded with balloons. The celebration attracted visitors from coast to coast and the hall was wall-to-wall with friends, relatives, clients, and several dignitaries one of which served as MC.
With his well-handled approach, Delegate Sam Rasoul did his thing as the quick-witted host who segued seamlessly from speaker to speaker as each provided their own version of humorous stories, wisecracks and some even sang to the honoree – all in the name of love.
The guest of honor entered the room in grand fashion provocatively stepping and occasionally posing for the paparazzi poised like a seasoned runway fashion model as he graced the applauding crowd that lined the path to the head table.
“This celebration just happens to be on April Fools Day,” Rasoul said, leveling the first of many humorous cracks to be heard from those chosen to speak throughout the program. Referring to his present campaign for re-election, Rasoul said, “We are gonna be acting a fool today and I am poised to lose some votes but we are gonna have a good time for a good cause.”
Rasoul was not referring to the honoree’s celebration alone as being the only “good cause” but more so to Cleveland’s sizable donation to the New Horizon Healthcare Behavioral Health program–an organization and cause of great importance to the honoree.
Leading up to the generous pledge, in a somber tone Cleveland said, “I always believe in giving back faithfully. Mental illness is a part of everyone’s family on some level. The importance of mental health is an issue that needs to be brought to every table, in every home, every church and every school especially considering the rise of school shootings. I feel that if we all play a part in helping those with mental illness it could lead to vast improvements.”
Among the representatives of the organization on hand to accept the benevolent offer was Mae Johnson, resource development manager, of New Horizon.
“We appreciate this gift that will help our Behavioral Health program and all the other services we provide at New Horizons,” said Johnson. “I believe everyone, regardless of income level, deserves a family doctor. You don’t have to wait to go to the emergency room to receive health care that’s available in our own community.”
Food stations lined the lavishly decorated hall with plenty of tasty delights by Hamms Fine Foods. The elaborate 5-hour celebration had dual DJs: Chris Wade (aka “Ten Grand”) and Tyrone Spencer (DJ Suspence) from Washington, DC who both rocked the attendants throughout the affair that of course included dancing as the party continued.
Among the city officials in attendance was one Cleveland regards as a longtime friend, City Councilwoman Trish White-Boyd, who stepped down from the head table and clarified the term “gossip” used earlier.
“When I’m in Cleveland’s shop we are not gossiping, we are talking about what he and I refer to as current affairs,” said White-Boyd. “Whether you’re talking about national or local politics Cleveland is very political and knows what’s going on,” she continued before leading the crowd in one of two champagne toasts during the celebration.
During his closing comments, Cleveland expressed his gratitude to all who have supported him over the years. He especially recognized Rasoul who he referred to as “not only a client but a trusted friend who always makes everything okay for me.” Recognizing the dignitaries in attendance he took the liberty to briefly plug and congratulate Trish White-Boyd for her historic bid as the first woman to run for Virginia Senate.
Putting the icing on the cake, Rasoul read from a resolution issued several years ago to Swain by the Virginia General Assembly for his service to the community and years of outstanding business engagement.
In official terms in a most elevating manner, the resolution noted Cleveland’s career of “helping women feel beautiful, comfortable, and competent.” It also mentioned his service to the community, Goodwill Industries, his efforts in conducting hair classes as well as his services to funeral homes – “doing your hair, live or dead” one person humorously quipped–since it was a roast.
The resolution itself classically highlighted many of the characteristics that prove the honoree worthy of such a distinct and high-level honor and one perfectly suited for such a grand celebration held honoring the one and only, Yoedie Cleveland Swain.
