National media outlets have been focused on the St. Louis area for a month now, and while most of the cameras have left the conversation about Ferguson has continued. And young leaders are continuing to show that they are dedicated to a real change and are accepting the charge given to them fueled by social media support.
Johnetta Elize, who gained national attention for her Twitter updates (from @Nettaaaaaaaa) about Ferguson, is one of the many young adults who have stepped up and used their power in the social media world to bring attention to injustice. Elize, 25, shared her pain through a national media platform when the article “[Ferguson Forward] When I close my eyes at night I see people running from teargas” was featured on Ebony.com.
She has not slowed down and continues to make her voice heard at community forums and related events. Let’s hope the momentum and support for Ferguson continues.
Fairytale ‘Friendly’ wedding. Standing room only has become ordinary protocol for Sunday service over at Friendly Temple, but the church was bursting at the seams on a Saturday August 30 when senior Pastor Michael Jones and his lovely wife Phyllis saw their eldest son Michael marry his college sweetheart, KMOV reporter Brittany Noble – who also emerged as one of the young leading voices in the Ferguson movement, and was one of the first media professionals on the scene of the Michael Brown tragedy. The two, who met and started dating in 2007 while Brittany pledged AKA and Michael received his membership to Omega Phi Psi, had a fairy tale wedding and classy reception at Norwood Hill Country Club.
These two are a lovely couple. And did I mention the groom blessed his bride with a new car as her wedding gift? Oh, I need to have a talk with my husband right now. Anyway, Ms. Brittany is already back from vacation and on the air with her new last name. Loving It!
Island nuptials. While everybody was getting the grills ready for Labor Day I had to pleasure of enjoying an island getaway, thanks to the Terrence Brownlee, who exchanged vows in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. The son of Mary Brownlee and Clifford Brownlee is a St. Louis native now living in Los Angeles with his new bride Sherise (Watson).
As many folks from the Lou that traveled to this wedding – including yours truly – they really could have had it back in his hometown, but for the sake of my “mini vacay”surroundings I’m glad he didn’t. It was a tropical who’s who guest list, typical of anybody who has truly adopted the Cali lifestyle.
My husband Boogie D (of Hot 104.1 FM) was there as well and did his throwback at noon set on the beach, and the guests and resort randoms loved it. I also had the pleasure of meeting “Let’s Stay Together” actress Erica Hubbard at the ceremony – whose newest project “Black Coffee” recently showed at the St. Louis Black Film Festival. Mr. and Mrs. Brownlee currently reside just outside of L.A., where the bride just received her masters from USC and the groom is working on several projects with his media production company. His best man and business partner, Eric Warren, who is a childhood friend, will also be tying the knot to a California native. His big day is set for June 2015.
Maya’s ‘Amazing Race.’ While in Punta Cana I tried to play detective and get the details about Maya Warren, who will be on the upcoming season of the CBS hit show “Amazing Race.” Maya, who is the younger sister of Eric and daughter of Eric Warren Sr. and Dr. Alice Price, can be seen on the reality show which airs on CBS September 26at 7 p.m. She is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Wisconsin, Madison and will appear on the show with her lab partner Amy as they race across the world completing challenges, competing for the $1 million grand prize. Now I’ve done my best to try to get some details early, but Maya isn’t talking. But you can keep up with her progress in the show by following the hashtag #SweetScientists.
TeaAndCrumpets. I have my eye on a few new bachelors that have relocated to St. Louis. Word on the street that these well-educated, well paid and well paid (yes, that’s worth a double mention) gentlemen have been seen around town, making moves in business and with the ladies. They don’t have any strong connections to St. Louis but hey, I’m betting somebody changes that very soon.
