Baby boomers grew up with and know Ben Vereen ; American Actor, dancer, and singer who carved out quite a resume for himself. Vereen was born in 1946 in Miami Florida and trained on stage. Vereen is credited with numerous broadway shows, television programs and films.
Most notable film roles include song-and-dance men in Funny Lady and All that Jazz. He appeared on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air episode, “ Papa’s Got a Brand New Excuse”, in which he played Will Smith’s biological father. He starred in the television series “Tenspeed and Brown” but is best know for his role as “Chicken George” Moore in Roots.
Vereen was nominated for a Tony Award for Jesus Christ Superstar in 1972 and won a Tony for his appearance in Pippin in 1973.
Recently Vereen coached singing sensation ” Usher” as an entertainer and actor.
http://www.benvereen.com/
Another well known Vereen in South Florida is Roderick Vereen. Ben and Roderick are cousins. Born 17 years later (than Ben) , he too carved out quite a resume for himself as a lawyer advocating on behalf of the underprivileged and neglected.
Defense attorneys Albert Levin, attorney for defendant Patrick Abraham, left, Nathan Clark, attorney for defendant Rotschild Augustine, center, and Roderick Vereen, attorney for defendant Stanley Phanor prepare to leave federal court in Miami (Picture from AP)
Roderick Vereen placed his proverbial hat in the bid for the upcoming congressional race in district 17 against the Hat Lady, Senator Frederica Wilson where the voters of District 17 get an opportunity to vote for the candidate of their choice as opposed to being stuck with the same old Career Politians.
Roderick Vereen will use his skills as an attorney to fight for District 17 with the same fervor he fought for clients in court. Vereen is young, energetic and adept in getting results…..
Vereen went up against the Bush Administration as they sought to prosecute young Black men in the "Liberty City 7" cases on terror tried twice with both ending in two mistrials. "Liberty City 6" cases resulted in 5 guilty verdicts…
But the case most dearest to the hearts of the community is that of the Edison Senior High school fiasco covered by CNN and other national media
ALEXIA FODERE/FOR THE MIAMI HERALD-- A Miami Edison Senior High school student looks down as she is accused of resisting a police officer with violence. The 15-year-old girl suffered injuries during an arrest in school Feb. 29 2008.
Roderick Vereen stepped up to the plate in the Miami Edison incident in district 17 volunteering to help in the Black and Haitian communities in Miami.
In several articles written by the Miami Herald this one highlighted Vereen's efforts: Vague arrests muddle Edison High caseby Evan Benn and Trenton Daniel Sunday, Mar. 09, 2008 at 12:45 PM
ebenn@miamiherald.com
" The arrest forms don't even identify which officers were hit or pushed or struck," said Rod Vereen, a Miami attorney who volunteered to represent some of the students. "It's going to be hard for the officers to testify as to who did what among 200 children in a fight."
"If prosecutors decide to file formal charges against any of the students, Vereen said he's willing to take the cases to trial."
"I can't see a jury, made up of mothers and fathers, wanting to ruin these children's lives because of a fight that got out of hand," Vereen said"
Miami Herald staff writer Susannah A. Nesmith contributed to this report.
http://www.bloggingblackmiami.com/2008/03/arrests-of-miam.html
Vereen is a surname that personifies accomplishment, talent(s) and skill(s) with a strong commitment to community.
Roderick Vereen is what District 17 in Florida needs in Washington DC fighting for them !
TIP:
Enter the amount, and click "Tip" to submit!
T-Bucket
Susan Creamer Joy
Emily Holleman
Kat Hudson
Willett .
RARobertsJr.
Salon.com
Comments