By Norman Cain, November 7, 2019 — During the era when Cecil B. Ave was Columbia Ave, an era before the decimating 1964 riots, a time when both sides of the street was cluttered with bars and multitude of people, I was on my way to the famous IDA’s soul food restaurant to enjoy some of its delicious food. Suddenly, I was stopped by two men and a lady who threatened me about something I supposedly had done to them. Clearly an episode of mistaken identity.
I had to speak carefully in my attempt to convince them that I was not the culprit they were looking for, and produce identification. After they were convinced that they had embarked on a case of mistaken identity, they offered to buy [me] a drink in the bar we were fond of. I accepted. I went inside, had several drinks, and began to dance with an attractive lady. Fifteen seconds into the dance her significant other appeared. They got into an argument. I abruptly left the bar and headed home…foregoing the earlier anticipated meal at IDA’s restaurant.