Dr. Keith Black hosted a star-studded book launch party for his debut memoir, Brain Surgeon (Hachette) at the prestigious Club Metropolitan Towers. From Oprah's BFF, Gayle King, Star Jones, Lynn Whitfield and legendary star, Cicely Tyson to the late Johnny Cochran's wife, Dale Cochran, Denzel Washington's wife & actress, Pauletta Washington, ABC reporter Deborah Roberts and blaxploitation filmmaker, Melvin Van Peebles. They were all there and many many more to support Dr. Black's book and the charitable causes he works so diligently for.

Champagne, hors d'oeuvres and wine flowed as Star Jones interviewed Dr. Black at the exclusive shindig in front of a packed and hushed audience while he explained in surprisingly gripping terms why he became a neurosurgeon.

Some of the who's-who of publishing from Jamie Raab (Grand Central) and Frank Weimann (The Literary Group) to the most influential people of color in the city like Michelle Obama pal and socialite, Judy Byrd-Blaylock came out to support the doctor. Somehow Dr. Black had everyone in the audience gripping their seats, managing to take what could have been a rather dry topic and turning it into an emotionally compelling story.

He went on to explain his humble roots and why he is so passionate about not only saving lives but encouraging young people, especially young people of color to follow in his foot steps.

Jeff Rivera is the author of Forever My Lady and the founder of GumboWriters.com