This is a T-23 day check in as we enter in the final laps of our 39th Annual Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala prep work. Sistas, how y’all feelin’? Brothers, y’all all right? Okay cool. Every year The St. Louis American Foundation comes through with a gala that has us talking until the next one. This year, the opulent turn up will be taking place at the St Louis Union Station Hotel. Right now, I’m torn between three looks. I might do a change for the reception, the program and the after party and rock all three. My second choice might be my first look. As of today, I can get it on. But if I cop a squat, I’ll bust out of it like I’m turning into the Incredible Hulk. I will keep y’all posted on my progress. Be there for my big reveal – and to help us celebrate educators, scholars and supporters. Saturday, October 17. We have a reception at 5 p.m. before the program gets going at 6 p.m. Visit www.stlamerican.com
Fried at Frizz Fest. I had an absolute blast, but I almost didn’t survive when I stopped by Frizzy By Nature’s 9th Annual Frizz Fest Saturday afternoon in Tower Grove Park. By the time I made it from my car to the stage, I had to lay out in the lounge McDonald’s had set up for the performers before and after their sets. A woman asked me if I was an artist. I said, “No, but you might wanna leave me be if you don’t want the sound of an ambulance drowning out the performers.” I got my second wind just in time for the Healthy Hair Solutions hair show. I was not expecting a real-time big chop to start the show off! Ms. Seven stepped on stage. And as the Vybe Dance Studio got it in, Tendai Morris got busy with those clippers. I know you feel lighter when you get a fade, but light enough to plop into a full split? Seven had me considering a “G.I. Jane” for summer 2027. Frizz Fest is for natural hair, but the sun felt like a hot comb on the back of my neck. Once I got to kicking it, I fought through the heat while running into some of my favorite folks. If I name them all, there won’t be room for anything else. I was sizzling like some Orville Redenbacher on the stovetop as I waited for Kirby to take the stage. Didn’t she make it worth the broil! I’m sure she made hundreds of new fans. Shout out to Leslie, Val and the whole team for another natural good time. Oh, and shout out to Don Lemon for showing the event some love. I cannot wait to see what Frizzy By Nature has up their sleeves for the 10th Anniversary.
Gala En Heat. I had to take off running after Kirby’s thrilling take on Nelly’s “Hot In Herre” and hit the highway. I was headed across the bridge to World Wide Technology Raceway for Urban Sprouts’ 7th Annual Gala En Blanc. I ain’t never been so happy for an all-white dress code after Labor Day in all my life. I would have burned to a crisp if we had been in all black! I had the time of all times with Ellicia Lanier and ‘nem. I was just bragging about telling the Whitfield twins apart. Why did I call Marlon by the wrong name at Gala En Blanc, when Mark was all the way in K.C.? But back to the event. The vibe was vibing – and the atmosphere was so cute! If somebody tries to tell you that Black St. Louis doesn’t show up and show out for worthy philanthropic causes, tell them about the $471K that was raised by a sold-out crowd!
The worth of women leaders. Speaking of sold-out crowds, I felt like a marshmallow in a pile of blackberries when I sped off from the track like Bubba Wallace was right behind me to catch the last sip of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis’ 23rd Annual Salute to Women In Leadership at the Grand Marriott. And before I get any racially charged accusations, I was talking about my attire compared to everyone else representing Black elegance with their black gowns and suits. Rita McMillan and Xernona Clayton…did y’all have to gag us like that with your glorious looks? If I thought the bedazzled material would cover more than my left shoulder blade, Ms. Xernona would have had to come up off that cape for one of my Salute looks. I’m so glad I powered through instead staying on 70, because I had the time of my life for those few little minutes. I got there just as the eternally stunning Jayne Kennedy received her lifetime achievement award. Shout out to her, fellow lifetime achievement award honoree Pam Grier as well as all the lovely ladies – from local to global – who were given their flowers in grand fashion. Ruben Studdard gave the crowd a cute bite-sized Luther tribute. My girl Rochelle Calhoun was singing along like she was on stage next to him from her seat.