takes fresh ideas, and is always trying to make it bigger. I want to thank you for the honor of being your mayor. I want to thank Cathy for her business sense, but also for her tremendous investment in go-go music. It was at WOL that Cathy gave go-go a special place, a platform, executive paying time on her network and on her air. It is only fitting that we be here tonight in an event that she created right here in Sycamore and Ward 8, Magic Wednesdays, to celebrate go-go music and Cathy Hughes. So, I have only given the honor of the key to the city a few times. I tell my staff, 'We reserve it for people who have done the most, who raise up our culture, who celebrate our community, and who set DC apart.' We've given it to athletes. I've given it to another person like David Rubenstein. I've given it to Dave Chappelle. And most recently, I gave it to Darrell Green of the Washington Commanders. And today, the last key to the city that I will give is to our friend, Cathy Hughes. And it says, 'With the admiration and profound gratitude for your historic, trailblazing vision and leadership while building a legendary media empire. Your unwavering dedication to amplifying our voices, a lifelong commitment to Washington D.C. Presented to Cathy Hughes, July 15, 2016.'
First and foremost, I give praise and thanks to God. Now, if I look out, I don't see my father. So, if you all just look at each other and say, 'Shh, please.' Threaten them. Ask the neighbor to turn off the radio or the band because my presidents are here. They can shut it down and we just take it back. During this important political gathering, please. You talk through the mayor. That's not right. I want to give a big round of applause to a woman who has spent half of her adult life looking out for us in this city. All right. Quiet, please. All right, if you can't GO OUTSIDE AND TALK, I'M NOT ASKING you to shut up. I'm asking you to quiet down, please. All right, we can just stand here and let y'all go home if you all are not listening. Help me, y'all. Tell the folks to be quiet. I'm talking to the people. Tell me, please. All right. Mayor Bowser what you don't know is that my full name is Muriel Elizabeth Bowser. Mayor Muriel Elizabeth Bowser, big round of applause. It is very significant that this woman spent two terms on the DC City Council. She's been the mayor for three terms. That's half of her adult life. Because she is for the people, by the people, but more importantly for the people. I need another big show of gratitude for Muriel Bowser. Nobody you and Marion Barry love this ward. You and Marion Barry love this city, and both of you made a difference in this ward. All the neighbors here in Ward 8, let's pray. Let's pray for the memory of Marion Barry. Madam Mayor, we wish you we pray for nothing but health and happiness as you go into your new term here. I hope that you will change your mind and come back. Now, I want to talk about this key. And also, could I please have my Urban One presidents join me here with Michelle, Cathy, DeAnn. I have three presidents of the company that work under Alfred. Many of you aren't aware that Alfred has been the president and CEO of our company for over 30 years. Yes, just come this way. 30 years my son has run this company. Yeah, give my baby a big round of applause.
I would like for all of my Urban One staff to please come right up here to the vacant seats. All Urban One staff. Ward 8 is so very important to this city. You are the last the last area of what this city stands for, which is true power of the people. These are all my family members. I can't take credit for running the company. Alfred actually runs the company. I can't take credit for everything. These are the people who do everything. You all come on up here. So they can see you. Okay, these are the people that made us the largest black-owned media company in the United States. But, you are the people that made that possible. It would not be possible were it not for you. Please give yourselves a big round of applause. All my little superstars coming up here. All right, come here, superstar. He calls me his supervisor. This is the baby. The baby super superstar. Born, reared, brought up right here in your community. This is the team that makes it possible for you to have a voice. For you to have a direct line of who you are, what you are about. So, we get the program who make it possible each and every day. I need more enthusiasm for my team.
We love you, too. So, I'm not going to kick you. I'm going to kick y'all if you all want to keep on talking. I said it. I'm going to beat y'all up. I said it. Remember she said it.
DC, SHUT UP. Y'ALL BE QUIET. CAN Y'ALL PLEASE give the respect? This is a really special night. So, please give the respect to my supervisor, y'all. Okay? Can y'all do that? That's all we need y'all to do. Please, okay? Thank you so much. Cuz you know I will call you out by name.
