Happy Centennial Delta Sigma Theta!

This past weekend, I traveled to Washington, DC to hang out for the 100th Anniversary of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. On January 13, 1913, twenty-two Howard University students came together to form our beloved sisterhood. Since that time, Deltas have been committed to service, educational and economic development, international awareness, political awareness, physical and mental health and of course sisterhood.

I became a Delta on February 9, 1996 in the Moline-Davenport Alumnae Chapter under the guidance of some wonderful sorors two of which I saw in DC, Wendy, (below left) and Charlene (below right). I lived in Moline, Illinois (Quad Cities) at the time and if it was not for these wonderful ladies, I would have gone stir crazy. The Quad Cities is a modest town and for a young twenty something year old, there was not much to do but thanks to my sisters I was able to contribute to the community and enjoy the sisterhood.

The Celebration began on Thursday but I joined in on the festivities on Friday. There was a celebration at National Mall in front of the Lincoln Memorial it was so wonderful to see all of that crimson and cream that lined the reflection pool. We danced to many popular songs and did the wobble Delta style. The concert was the icing on the cake in which Brandy and Doug E. Fresh performed. I had fun hanging with Soror Debra Giles who I had not seen since I graduated law school 10 years ago. Debra was in a PhD program at the time but has since graduated law school herself and practicing in Mississippi.

Deltas on the National Mall

                                                                       Debra and I

I am lucky to have friends all over and in fun and far away places. When I visit DC, I always stay with one of my best friends Bridget and her family and this was no exception. Her family is so gracious and I really appreciate them. She joined me for some Delta fun on Saturday as we went to the Centennial Day Party sponsored by a Kappa who is also a Tuskegee grad. I learned of this party from my good friend Jackie who I have known since I was 15 years old. Jackie is a Tuskegee grad and they were out in full force. I had never gone to a day party before which started at 3p.m. and by 9p.m. the party was done. I really like this concept because you can have great fun and be in at a reasonable hour.

                                                         Here I am joined by Jackie and Bridget

At the party, I took this cute picture. I am not one to be vain but Bridget's cousin Patrice showed me a way to take pictures that had me feeling this picture below. Too Cute!

On Sunday, I was able to visit with my favorite Delta lady, Mrs. Gertrude Hicks and her husband Dr. Hicks. I worked for her as a student at Alabama A&M University and she has treated me like daughter every since. Whenever I visit Huntsville, I have a second home at the Hicks. We had a great dinner.

                                                                    Me and Mrs. Hicks

On Monday, I met up with some my NE4Lifer Delta sorors Sheryl and Shakira. If you know me, you know I am a the biggest New Edition fan. Lucky for me, I have met others who feel the same way via Twitter. We meet up at shows and other events so its great having others who share in this devotion to NE. We also met up with another NE4Lifer Cashana who lives in DC and was so nice showing us around etc. We say we are NE Fan-mily. I can truly say I have met some cool people because of NE.

                                             Me, Sheryl, Shakira and Cashana-NE Fan-mily

I also saw my lil godsis Kenya. When she was a little girl, I just decided she would be my godsister because she was the cutest little girl. Today she is a wonderful wife, mother and career woman. I had not seen her in so many years so it was great to run into her at the Renaissance hotel when we were shopping for more Delta paraphernalia.

                                                                     Kenya and I

                                                 

Cashana was so nice and took Sheryl and I to Howard University, the White House and the King Memorial. Here are a few shots including Fortitude, the Delta stained glass window, me posing by the Delta symbol, the White House and the Washington Monument.

ESSENCE FEST!

The Essence Festival has come and gone. It was a glorious time from July 6-8th, three days of concerts, convention center entertainment, good food and friends.

Upon arriving in New Orleans on Friday, and my crew which consisted of Sonja, Cordelia and Robyn headed over to the convention center. This is the place where you can see celebrities including singers, actors, etc. There were also concerts on the McDonalds stage of artists like Eric Benet and Fantasia. Pooch Hall and Kim Whitley hosted a dance contest which was quite entertaining. I was excited to see my lil cuz Erica in the mix who came down for the show with her friend. On the Sirus/XM stage, I saw Maxwell and a few others.

After hotel check in at La Pavillion, we made our way to the first concert. Tori joined us at the concert who then completed our group. The lineup was Brandy, LL Cool J, Jill Scott and Maxwell. All of them put on a great show. Robyn and Cordelia are big Maxwell fans and they raved about how great he was going to be. I enjoyed him but it took a while for me to get into his show.

On Saturday morning, Sonja stepped out a bit and when she came back, she was too excited. How about Mike Bivins of New Edition was walking by our hotel. He stopped and took pictures with them and was very nice. Check out her picture. I tweeted the picture and he retweeted it. It was so funny because that set us off on a rant of New Edition songs. Of course they were the headliner for the show this night so we were ready.

We had lunch at a local restaurant in which I treated myself to shrimp and grits. We then ventured back over to the convention center. I met up with Sheryl and Shakira, my Delta sorors and diehard New Edition fans. I also saw my BF Tracie. The center was far more crowded but we still had a good time. Bell, Biv, Devoe and Johnny Gill were at the center so we got to see them at the Sirus/XM stage. When they saw our NE gear they pointed to us and Mike came over, grabbed Sheryls phone and tried to take a picture. It was too close so he passed it to their manager. Unfortunately, he could not figure it out so he owes us a raincheck.

The lineup for Saturday night was Solange, Keisha Cole, Trey Songz, Charlie Wilson and New Edition.  I always enjoy Trey and Charlie Wilson. The main event was New Edition and they really rocked the house. Over 50,000 people in that joint and they were up singing and dancing from beginning to end even on slow songs. Never seen anything like the energy level there and their shows are always a blast. They did not stay on as long though but they were great and looked good. See their picture below. We went to the famous Bourbon street after the concert and of course it was crowded but with a younger crowd.

My work is never done even on vacay so even though I went to sleep close to 5am, I was up at 8am in order to grade papers and turn final grades in for one of my courses. We finally got out and about and went to eat at the Gumbo Pot in the French Quarter. We also went to Southern Candymakers for pralines and I was in line in front of my classmate Jonathan Henry and his wife Michelle. It was so nice seeing them.

Sunday night concluded with TGT (Tank, Ginuwine, and Tyrese), Janelle Monet and Beyonce. The show was great and the overall Essence experience was the best. 

 Tracie and I

 The girls: Sonja, me, Robyn, Tori and Cordelia

 

New Edition

                                                                   Mike Biv and Sonja

My NE fam: Sheryl and Shakira                                                

                                                      

 

Me and my cuz Erica

 

Sheryl and I with Mr. Marvelous, HOS manager