The After Glow: Alpha Phi Alpha MLK Tribute Post Reception Event

Story/Event Coverage: Neeta Wooten

Images: Reggie Campbell

 

If you were not in Washington, DC this past weekend, you missed it. There are certain situations where words are just not enough to explain...THIS is one of those situations. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated presented the most amazing series of events  in honor of the National Memorial Dedication for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  The historical Mayflower Hotel on Connecticut Avenue, NW was the host hotel and sight for most of the private events. In addition to TV One and Radio One owner (and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority member) Cathy Hughes and I having on the same shoes, we shared a similar excitement regarding the purpose of the event for Dr. King. When Cathy Hughes was asked what Dr. King's legacy meant to her she said, "Its the inspiration to know that it is possible to do what I do, and to open doors for other individuals and to be filled with love...because love conquers everything." Nicely said soror! Cathy Hughes is s shining example of how the efforts of Dr. King have allowed others to reach the mountain top. And as Ms. Hughes so eloquently put it, it is beyond what you have accomplished for yourself, but more about how you use what you have accomplished to help others.

Inside the Mayflower Hotel during the Dr. King Tribute Weekend

"The After Glow" reception took place after the Tribute Program at the Dar Constitution Hall. Guests were adorned in ballgowns, white ties and black tails, basking in the "after glow" of the dynamic performances at Constitution Hall. Sponsored by Grey Goose, The ballrooms were filled with music, food and every type of Grey Goose flavored drink possible.

Some guests were supporting Alpha Phi Alpha member and host of the After Glow event, Hill Harper by purchasing his series of books.

I personally own all four of Hill Harper's books as he has been a friend to Ideal PR since 2003. Upon entering the After Glow, a young lady assisting the book signing did a great job of speaking to everyone who was in line waiting for Hill to personally sign their books. When I walked by she asked me if I had his "new" book, I replied, "I have all four of his books." She then said to me, "Oh I bet you don't this one (referring to "The Wealth Cure")," I replied to her by saying, "Yes, I do, in fact it arrived in the mail today...The book has been available for 3 days now, and I purchased it through Amazon.com." I watched Hill Harper interact with his supporters with a warm, genuine energy before he greeted me with a smile and friendly hug.

Model Monique Pridgeon & Cynné Simpson

After speaking to Mr. Harper I made my way into the first ballroom where a live Jazz band was playing upbeat tunes to a crowd mingling and eating sweet treats from the center piece table.The ballroom across the hall was filled with guests dancing on the dance floor to the tunes of the DJ. Then I noticed radio/TV personality Adimu on the microphone adding additional energy to the crowd's excitement. 

While enjoying the various passed hors d'oeuvres (lamb chops, chicken skewers, puff pastries, etc.) and grabbing a few slices of zucchini from massive vegetable table I ran into Mr. Media Man himself, Jawn Murray and singer Kenny Lattimore, who performed the opening song for the tribute at Constitution Hall (stay tuned for exclusive video footage). It is always a pleasure to see Jawn's smiling face as he always brings happiness into the room.

Among other notables who were at the post reception were Lalah Hathaway, Daphne and Tim Reid, Dawnn Lewis, Della Reese, Monique Pridgeon, Cynné Simpson, Omari Hardwick, Keshia Knight Pulliam, Marvin Winans, Jesse Jackson, Herman Mason and hundreds of finely dressed Alpha Phi Alpha men and their dates and others.

 

It was the sister of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Christine King Farris, the only living sibling of Dr. King, who I had the pleasure of sitting next to towards the end of the night. Speaking with her was the highlight of the evening.  To see the peace and calmness in her eyes and feel the power of her presence was truly an honor to have experienced.

Be on the look out for EXCLUSIVE images and video footage NEVER POSTED OR SEEN from this event in the Fall issue of The IDEAL Magazine, October issue of CenterStage1 Magazine and Ideal PR Media TV.