I was covering the Black Expo two weeks ago.  It was exciting, fun and educational.  I had so much material to put in my story but I was still looking for that “exclamation point” to make it memorable.  Then my photographer, Joe Lynch, comes over to me and says “Hey, remember Thelma from Good Times?”  I said “You bet I do!!!”  And he replied “Well she’s right over there.”  “Aw shucks” I thought.  “Thelma, Thelma, Thelma.”  (That’s actually from an episode)  Anyway, I uh, quickly (but calmly, of course) made my way over to meet her.  She was signing autographs from her new book.. looking as good as ever!!!  I told her we had met before, when I worked in Mississippi years ago (she says she remembers.  I CHOOSE to believe her!)  And then she autographed one of her new books, For Men Only, just for me.  Hah!!!  I tried to stay cool.  Honest!  But I just about lost my composure.   I mean.  This is THELMA. All my my buddies and I had a huge crush on her when the show was on in the 70’s.  It was like a flashback,  and I was getting personal attention from the star of the show.

But what was also really nice was that I was able to call my brother and let him talk to the one and only Ralph Carter.  He played Thelma’s little brother, Michael, on the show.  It was refreshing to know how approachable and down-to earth they were.  It seemed they were as happy to meet their fans as the fans were to meet them.  And, they were the perfect explanation point for my story - a true surprise for anyone who loved Good Times. 

Their older brother, J.J. used to say DYNOMITE!!!  This night truly was.