The 22nd annual MLK competition was again powerfully presented by skilled youth from across Prince William County. This year's Martin Luther King Jr. celebration took place on January 16, 2012 at Hylton Memorial Chapel in Woodbridge, Virginia. The theme for the finalists was "The Power and Purpose of Education".
Special thanks to the Prince William County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. for sponsoring this event. The Woodbridge (VA) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. supported the event along with the young men from it's Guide Right program. Congressman Gerald Connolly and members of the Prince William County School Board were also in attendance. Thanks to all the sponsors and participants' parents who helped prepare the students for this competition.
Donnella Cranford, founder of Women After God's Own Heart Inc., is the visionary of the Atlanta's Debutantes for Christ (D4C) program. The 2011 Debutantes 4 Christ event took place at Eagles Landing Country Club about 30 miles south of Atlanta, Georgia. I assisted Atlanta-based photographer Djamal Balbed with portraits for the evening while he captured the event's candid images. From the moment I entered the clubhouse, I instantly knew where portraits would be made that evening. The double staircase served well as a photography backdrop and made it easier to pose larger family groups. Congratulations to all the young ladies who participated in this year's program. Thanks to Donnella and Cathy for making Debutantes 4 Christ such a great experience for these young women after God's own heart.
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. celebrated 100 Years of Achievement this summer in Indiana where the organization was founded in 1911. This one of a kind celebration welcomed more than 15,000 Kappas to the capital city of Indianapolis. The week was filled with fraternity business sessions and a variety of social events. Among them were an awards ceremony, step show, comedy show, gospel concert, and white linen party. The comedy show was hosted by the hilarious Nephew Tommy of the Steve Harvey Morning Show. Finesse Mitchell and Cedric the Entertainer also had the audience laughing non-stop with joke after joke. Doug E. Fresh showed his beat box skills at the white linen party and demonstrated his dance "The Dougie". I was able to catch the last team to perform at the step show. They were flying high and held on to their Kanes throughout their routine. Meanwhile, in the vendor hall, Cake Man Raven spent the entire week baking and decorating a 30 foot long red velvet cake… in the shape of the Kappa Alpha Psi Coat of Arms.
Overall, it was a great time in Indianapolis. I feel blessed to have been a part of this celebration and capture moments that will last the next 100 years and beyond.
Just Luv Entertainment has done it again with another evening of good music, food, comedy and fun. Just Luv's latest event, A Black & White Mid-Summer's Night, took place on a June evening along the Occoquan River in Woodbridge, Virginia. It was quite an occasion, with everyone wearing black and/or white attire. Stacey Carver's comedy performance kept everyone in stitches, and William "Smooth" Wardlaw provided the music for the evening, singing some Luther Vandross and other hits. Thanks again to Ms. Bernice (catering) and the Harbour View staff for hosting this Just Luv Productions event.
The 2011 performance season kicked off on May 14th, with three performances in Woodbridge, Haymarket, and Fredericksburg (Virginia). Students from Drama Kids International performed their well-rehearsed lines in front of an audience of family and friends. The plays were spread out this year between two weekends and held in local venues with great lighting. Well, at least I noticed the lighting, since my goal was to capture each performance without using flash. This is a great program for kids to strengthen their public speaking and develop other valuable life skills. Many kids returned from the previous year… some of them completing their fourth year in the Drama Kids program. Thanks to the program director, Angela Myers, and all of the dedicated instructors for all they do for their community.
The Ivy Foundation of Washington hosted its biannual Tea Rose Cotillion this Spring. The event took place at the Hyatt Regency Bethesda in the presence of the ten debutantes' closest family and friends. The theme was "Cultivated PEARLS: Presenting Extraordinary and Refined Ladies to Society". The evening began with an formal group portrait of the young ladies and their escorts. After their formal introductions and a curtsey to greet their parents, the program continued with several dance routines with their dads and the escorts. The Rose Petals (in pink) performed a special routine called "Scented Memories". It symbolized them growing up and becoming the debutantes.
As with all events, it takes a lot of behind the scenes work to help everything run smoothly. I'd like to thank the cotillion co-chairs and committee for their efforts preparing for this event. Also, thanks to Donnamaria for backing me up with additional photography coverage. Congratulations to Candace, Miss Tea Rose 2011!
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