Two of the most special Bean Soup Times moments for me was honoring Bernie Mac during the Bean Soup Comedy Awards show back in 2005. The winners were selected via online voting and I will never forget getting a vote from an aol email that looked like it was from Bernie Mac. Of course he voted for himself. I asked if this was THEE Bernie Mack, but no one ever responded. Nonetheless, we presented the award to a family member whom I went to high school with.

The other moment was when I was blessed to be among the comedians whom Mary Lindsey allowed to sign the wall of the Jokes and Notes Comedy club located in Bronzeville, Chicago. Bernie reminds me of my uncle Dennis, another Englewood resident who's no longer with us. Bernie as a man's man and a comedian's comedian. Real, honest, stylish and full of life. 

Comedy Central will air “‘I Ain’t Scared of You’ A Tribute to Bernie Mac” – World Premiere on Feb. 19 from 10:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. A news release they sent asks us to join Chris Rock, Cedric the Entertainer, Samuel L. Jackson, and so many more as they take a look back at the career of Bernie Mac.  Friends and family give wonderful insight into the world of Mr. Mac, with clips of this celebrated comic and his most famous performances.

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Steve Harvey at funeral of Bernie Mac