A Visit With Basil Phillips
Carole J. McCollough
In the recent past whenever I come to Chicago and meet up with Satia Orange, CSK's ALA staff liaison, who is also a friend, a visit with Basil is always on the agenda. He lives in an assisted living/extended care facility in downtown Chicago. He is always glad to see us. His one room apartment is furnished with a round walnut table and four padded dining chairs. There is an upholstered easy chair and a commode that houses the television, a few books and recent issues of Ebony magazine. The windows are tastefully draped over the institutional blinds. The walls are covered with Basil's treasures, paintings, drawings and a select few photos. There are always fresh flowers on the table or at his bedside. We bring replacements. Basil does not do much walking these days so a wheelchair is also a part of the room's furnishings.
Though there is a communal dining room, Basil (being Basil), an admitted snob, takes most of his meals alone in his room. On this day, Basil was not in his room when we arrived, but at therapy. When the staff brought him back to his room he was noticeably pleased to see us. When we told him the special purpose for this visit was to deliver to him an original painting from Jerry Pinkney in appreciation of the years of corporate support he facilitated and personal support he gave to the CSK, Basil's face lit up with joy. He was visually touched by the thoughtfulness of the CSK Book Award Committee, and certainly of Jerry Pinkney himself. We assured him that all praise goes to the tenacity Henrietta Smith who used her personal relationship with Jerry to secure this special tribute. He loved the piece and was impressed that Mr. Pinkney did it specifically for him.
We stayed long enough to assure Mr. Phillips a rich and fulfilling visit, but not so long as to exhaust him. Upon leaving we both felt the type of warmth that accompanies a satisfying experience. We will visit him again, and hope you will do the same.
You may send him a holiday greeting: Basil Phillips at Warren-Barr Pavilion, 66 W. Oak St., Rm. 625, Chicago, Il 60610.
Basil Phillips and the Coretta Scott King certificate
Basil Phillips with Pinkney Painting
A Talk with Basil Philips