Bryan Keaton

Duke's Day Bryan Keaton

In March 1968 young Levi Brown had it "made in the shade." The flyest apartment in Washington D. C. Always cleaner than the Board of Health. Dating Pamela Owens who was fine. I mean Tami Terrell fine. Pam was the daughter of Dr. Russell Owens, chief surgeon at Freedman's Hospital. The Owens resided on the Gold Coast home of Washington's Negro elite. Last but not least Levi had landed the plum assignment of interviewing Washington's own Duke Ellington, the epitome of class, sophistication and elegance for the Washington Globe newspaper. Duke was to be honored for his lifelong contributions. Things could not be better for Levi. Even his mother's MS was in remission. A brother could be doing a lot worse. Suddenly it all shattered with a single newsflash from Memphis. Dr. King the Prince of Peace had been assassinated. Washington D. C. exploded in a torrent of violence from years of pent up frustration, hopelessness and neglect. It all unfolds right before Levi's unblinking eyes.