That Teowonna!

Just A Sister Away Little Black Dress Luncheon

Jasmine Guy

It was suggested to me that I should start a new blog called TheresNothingToDoInColumbia.com and list all of the fabulous things there are to do in our city. Fabulous things alike the Just a Sister Away Little Black Dress Luncheon.

It’s been a long time since I’ve been to an event that actually made we want to be join the organization. But the JASA luncheon did. All the members were very welcoming and every lady there was a pleasure to be around. Not often am I in a room with hundreds of women and truly feel like each of them was my sister. Every woman had a glow about her that confirmed that she was where she was supposed to be.

Perhaps the best part of the evening was seeing Columbia’s most loved and powerful women in media in the same room. It was great seeing Darci Strickland, Judi Gatson, Carolyn Sawyer and Cynthia Hardy all together loving, supporting and speaking so highly of each other. While I see them all frequently, rarely do I see them together quite like this.

I also enjoyed the vendor tables. Now, this event was a tad bit hoity toity, so I was surprised to see vendor tables. But these tables were great! It actually made sense for them to be there, like Marbella’s Fine Hats and Accessories. I can’t think of a better audience for her to display her assortment of fabulous hats and fascinators. And Paradise Interiors. Their designs made me rethink the potential of my home. There were no vendors there hocking $1 jewelry and sunglasses. These vendors knew exactly who their audience was and came prepared to display their best.

John Hobb & Weather Proof

John Hobb. Weather Proof. If you don’t know them, google them now! Weather Proof provided the entertainment for the evening. I though the jazz band is one of the best in the city. That was until John Hobb took to the stage. Then they became THE best jazz band in the city. The melodic sounds of this band and John Hobb’s vocals transformed the luncheon into something even more special.

After shopping, eating, and listening to beautiful music and generous introductions, the lady of the hour took to the stage; Ms. Jasmine Guy, but more fondly known as Whitley Gilbert. When Jasmine approached the podium, (still looking fabulous, I might add) the first thing she did was declare that this year, Whitley Gilbert turns 25 and she turns 50. Every woman in the audience gave her a round of applause in recognition of the milestone.

Ms. Guy talked about how she once thought Whitley Gilbert was bigger than she, but now she embraces Whitley for the role she played in her life and her success. Ms. Guy talked about how she came to become politically aware and subsequently involved. “I’ve been voting since Jimmy Carter; that’s the first man that I voted for. And usually I’d just vote democratic. I didn’t know that much about the candidates. This is the first time I really paid attention to everything that is going on.” Ms. Guy rounded up her speech encouraging us all to help get Barack Obama reelected.

The JASA event was a surprising bright spot in my event itinerary. Just when I thought I’d had enough of banquets and luncheons, the Little Black Dress affair showed me that they never get old when they are done right.