AFRO-Newspaper High Tea Celebration 

The AFRO High Tea

The astounding AFRO Newspaper honored four DC Leading ladies on Saturday September 7, 2024 at the Afro High Tea. This event began was 2pm -5pm and took place in Washington DC at the Shiloh Baptist Church.  The event began with a warm welcome from the Afro CEO & Publisher Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper, followed by an exceptional greeting from the People’s Emcee in the DMV Dr. Renee’ Allen and with Ms. LaTara Harris the event’s Mistresses of Ceremonies.  I witnessed four extraordinary women receive a great honor at this event.  Prince George’s county exe Angela Alsobrooks,  Civic Leader Professor Mrs. Cora Masters Barry, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton and Attorney and Former Mayor of DC Miss Sharon Pratt were the Ladies honored.  These women have made phenomenal strides in our community, knocking down barriers and doors for so many women.  

Prince's George's County Exec Angela Alsobrooks & The Savvy Event Guru

Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton & The Savvy Event Guru

The day was filled with star studded guests, musical selections by Mr. Robert Brown, great food by Events by B & B LLC, vendors such as The Naked Face, Aramide Boutique, Lavin Designer Fashions and more. Great shopping, good company and of course Great Tea!

The People's Emcee Dr. Renee' Allen and Ms. LaTara Harris

Mistresses of Ceremonies 

The People's Emcee Dr. Renee' Allen & The Savvy Event Guru

The History

The AFRO Newspaper was started in August 1892 by Mr. John H. Murphy Sr. The AFRO Newspaper has been in service for 130 years and was started with the hope of creating a platform to offer images and stories of hope to advance the community.  https://afro.com/

Our community has thrived over the years and the AFRO Newspaper continues to contribute to the advancement of Our People, Our Culture and Our Community. For more information on the Afro Newspaper please visit https://afro.com/ 

The High Tea

The Invocation for the High Tea event was given by Ms. Lenora Howze, the Afro Executive Director & Director of Advertising.  Each honoree was honored with a gift and then each lady said a few words.  The "Superwoman" energy resonated throughout the room. Encouraging words, stories of humble beginnings and a Charge to All to get out and vote in November.

The Afro High Tea, Washington D.C.

The food was magnificent, with "High Tea" Food displays centered at each table along with a delicious array of foods waiting in the other room. Guests were greeted with only the best! 

The End Of A Great Event

The most amazing part of such a great event was the parade of High Tea "Hat Fascinators" that paraded around the room signaling the ending of a great event.  Great enthusiasm was displayed by all as the Afro High Tea event came to an end.  For more on The Afro Newspaper please visit https://afro.com/

For more on The Savvy Event Guru Blog please visit www.thesavvyeventguru.com 

 The VIP Experience from the Door to the Pew Every Sunday at Victory Grace Center with Dr. Jasmin Sculark! 

On Sunday November 12, The Savvy Event Guru had a chance to stop by and Fellowship with the GREAT Members of Victory Grace Center Church with Lead Pastor Dr. Jasmin Sculark aka Dr. Jazz!

The welcome received from the door as, I entered Victory Grace Center was both warm and welcoming. 

The Staff engaged with me immediately, welcoming me to the sanctuary.  I was then ushered into the sanctuary and quickly seated with my friend Dr. Renee Allen, who invited me. When I arrived Praise & Worship had begun, and the worship experience was welcomed. 

Hands and voices raised high, the choir sang praise and worship before the service begun. 

Most Pastors, have their own unique way of preaching the gospel and Dr. Jazz is exceptional.  Dr. Jazz brought and preached the word and I left the sanctuary feeling better than when I arrived.  

I was then given the amazing opportunity to sit with Dr. Jazz that week, after service and I got a chance to learn more about the Trinidad born Pastor.

The Savvy Event Guru:  Dr. Jazz, wonderful, wonderful service!  Thank you. I received just what I needed and a little more to carry me through the week!

The Savvy Event Guru:  Dr. Jazz, can you take me on the Journey of how you answered your "Call" to preach the Gospel?  We can actually begin with where you were born. 

Dr. Jasmin Sculark: Okay that will be perfect!  Well, I was born in Trinidad, in a village called Laventille.  I never really knew my father and tragically my mother passed away when I was 14 years old. 

The Savvy Event Guru:  I am so very sorry to hear that.

Dr. Jasmin Sculark: No, it's okay.  

The Savvy Event Guru: You know sometimes life circumstances can be used as fuel to go "Forward" and do great things in life. 

Dr. Jasmin Sculark: One day when I was fourteen years old, I was invited to church.  Little did I know that day I would be so impacted by the service.  I knew then that was going to Preach!

The Savvy Event Guru:  WOW, that is amazing.  Sometimes it takes some people a lifetime to recognize their calling and you found your within only a few minutes.

Dr. Jasmin Sculark:  I knew then that I wanted to make an impact on people.

The Savvy Event Guru: So, after God spoke to you about your calling, what happen next?

Dr. Jasmin Sculark:  I knew that I needed to come to the United States. I was denied entry into the US 6 times and finally was given the opportunity to come in 1985.  

Dr. Jasmin Sculark:  Once I was in the United States I went to New York and applied to a Bible school and was accepted to an All-White Bible School. 

The Savvy Event Guru:  You sound like a force to be recon with.  You knew the assignment and wasted no time in getting started! 

Dr. Jasmin Sculark:  Thats right!

The Savvy Event Guru: Can you take me on the journey of how you started Victory Grace Center? 

Dr. Jasmin Sculark: Yes, definitely.  So, 8 years ago, Bishop TD Jakes prophesied over me and said "a GREAT door is going to open for me." This was something that stuck by me and in me. 

Dr. Jasmin Sculark: In 2015, I Pastored Jericho City of Praise and left after 1 year.  Then in 2016 in September on Labor Day to be exact, I started Victory Grace Center! 

The Savvy Event Guru: That is amazing Congratulations!  It sounds like that door opened up! 😊 

Dr. Jasmin Sculark: Thank you thank you it has been a blessing! 

Dr. Jasmin Sculark: When Victory Grace Center was started, we began in Bladensburg High School and was there for 2 years. Then we moved to Springdale High School for 1 year. 

Dr. Jasmin Sculark: Not only were we in the building every Sunday but we at Victory Grace Center feed 500-600 people every Saturday. 

The Savvy Event Guru: Only great things will happen when you sow into others.

Dr. Jasmin Sculark:  When the pandemic hit everything shut down and we went Virtual.  For 3 years 120 people met via Zoom for Sunday Service. 

The Savvy Event Guru: The level of commitment and the power of God's Word spoken through you has made such an impact, even during the Pandemic when everything was shut down.

The Savvy Event Guru: So, when did you come back to the building?

Dr. Jasmin Sculark: In August 2022 the Lord said that it is time for you to go back in the building, it's time for you to go back in person.

Dr. Jasmin Sculark:  In January 2023 Victory Grace Center began in person worship services once a month at Restoration Praise Center.

The Savvy Event Guru: There is nothing like the voice of God.  So, when did you moved into the location that you are in today?

Dr. Jasmin Sculark: We began Services every Sunday at 8am at Higher Calling November 5, 2023, so this is our second Sunday at this location. 

The Savvy Event Guru:  Congratulations.  I love your new location. 

The Savvy Event Guru: When people come through those doors on Sunday, what type of experience do you want your guests and members to have?

Dr. Jasmin Sculark: We want people to have a VIP experience!  Everyone is a VIP when they walk through that door. Our Motto is that we treat everybody as a VIP regardless of status, gender, sexuality or color. 

The Savvy Event Guru:  And the VIP Experience is definitely what I experienced when I walked through those doors.

The Savvy Event Guru:  What's Next for Victory Grace Center?  What's next on your agenda?

Dr. Jasmin Sculark: Within the next 90 Days we want to build on the local experience for our guests and members. We want to build a Victorius Experience. 

Dr. Jasmin Sculark: We also want to do more Global preaching. We want to build the online victorious experience.  So, our members will be able to get the Victory in Person experience and the Victory Online Global experience. 

Dr. Jasmin Sculark: We have been fortunate to have over 30 countries and several states represented at Victory Grace Center! Texas, New Jersey, New York, South Africa, Trinidad to name a few. 

Dr. Jasmin Sculark: We want our members to know that they can always stay connected with Victory Grace Center. People will have 3 options to connect online.  Members can connect through Our YouTube Channel, our Facebook Page and Zoom. On both YouTube and Facebook people will get to experience First-hand preaching and on Zoom people will get to experience Engagement. 

The Savvy Event Guru:  Wow Dr. Jazz!  People like variety and Victory Grace Center offers what people want. 

The Savvy Event Guru:  Thank you Dr. Jazz for taking the time out of your busy schedule to speak with me today. I appreciate you tremendously.  

Dr. Jasmin Sculark:  No problem. Thank you!

The Savvy Event Guru:  For more information on Victory Grace Center please visit Victory Grace Center – It’s A Victory Day! and for more information on Dr. Jasmin Sculark aka Dr. Jazz please visit Dr Jasmin Sculark (iamdrjazz.org)

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For More from The Savvy Event Guru check out Our website at www.thesavvyeventguru.com and also check us out on THE SAVVY EVENT GURU YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe-Ya14sTzPi-1qzz3BSSWQPhoto by Ms. Jackie Hicks, Make-up by Ms. Letitia Thornhill

Grand Opening Celebration for "New" Carolina Kitchen Restaurant! Now offering Plant Base Food Options!

    On Friday October 20, 2023, Dr. Lance London celebrated the "Grand Opening" of a New Carolina Kitchen Restaurant that now offers guests' Plant Base Food options.

    A good business owner recognizes the needs of their customers and works to provides the need. Dr. London answered the "Request" of his customers!

Photo Curtesy of Joshua with Crank Media

    This Grand Opening event was an event fit for Royalty! Who's Who in the DMV area was definitely in the building for this celebratory event. The Grand Opening Celebration also included a Birthday Celebration for Dr. Lance London as well!

Photo Curtesy of Joshua with Crank Media

Background

    In 1996, Dr. London opened his first Carolina Kitchen Restaurant in Silver Spring, MD and today the Carolina Kitchen Restaurant Brand has 5 locations in and around the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area.  Some of the restaurant favorites include their "Signature" Southern Fried Chicken, Creole Grill Salmon, Cajun Grilled Pork-Chop and BBQ Chicken.     

In 2012 Carolina Kitchen won the "Hoodie Award" for Best Soul Food Restaurant, a Neighborhood Award Show created by Talk Show Host and Radio Personality Steve Harvey. Carolina Kitchen continues to capture both new and old customers with their Southern Comfort food selections. 

    The Carolina Kitchen Brand continues to forge ahead creating a permanent placement in people's mind. "When you have a taste for a good Southern Cuisine meal, you know to come to Carolina Kitchen!" The New Carolina Kitchen Restaurant is located at 9009 Central Ave Capital Heights, MD.

The GRAND Opening

    Guests gathered, waiting for the arrival of Dr. London, in a decked-out event tent transformed into an elegant ballroom space, outline with dinner tables set for 6, clothed in black linen with red napkins on one side and high-top tables dressed in black linen on the other side of the space. There were 2 bars situated in opposite ends of the room with a succulent fruit exhibit nestled in the corner of the space. To the far let a buffet line, dressed in red & black linen sat prepared and ready to welcome guests. In the front, a stage was dressed and ready for the arrival of the "Man of the Hour" & DJ E-Square was situated left of the stage ready to entertain the guests.  Black and Gold Balloons columns outlined the space and a Carolina Kitchen "STEP & REPEAT" and a Red Carpet welcomed Guests at the entrance of the door.    

Photo Curtesy of The Savvy Event Guru

Photo Curtesy of The Savvy Event GuruPhoto Curtesy of The Savvy Event GuruPhoto Curtesy of The Savvy Event Guru

The Guests

    This "Grand" affair included the BEST of Who's Who in the DC Metropolitan Area.  The likes of RADIO GIANT, Russ Parr and Miss Jamie Foster Brown, CEO of Sisters 2 Sisters Magazine attended this event. 

Photo Curtesy of Joshua with Crank Media

Photo Curtesy of Joshua with Crank Media

Photo Curtesy of Joshua with Crank MediaPhoto Curtesy of Joshua with Crank MediaPhoto Curtesy of Joshua with Crank MediaPhoto Curtesy of Joshua with Crank Media

    Other amazing guests included City Executive Angela Alsobrooks, States Attorney Aisha Braveboy, Love & Marriage DC Stars, Jamie & Erana Tyler, Bestie Roger Gore, owner of Alisar Vodka, Larry Founder and owner of Lorraines Premium BBQ Sauce, Show Producer Ron Cooke, Designer Michael Lombari, Make-Up Artist to Oprah Winfrey Derrick Rutledge, CEO & Owner of DC Fashion Week Mr. Ean Williams, BET Photographer & Lead Photographer for DC Fashion Week Phelan Marc, Celebrity Photographer Ms. Jackie Hicks, President & CEO of GO Management LLC George Onyenyeonwu, Models from the Model Agency Models Inc, were in the building, as well. 

Photo Curtesy of Joshua with Crank Media

Roger Gore, owner of Alisar Vodka and also bestie to Dr. Lance London, supplied the "Spirts" for the evening. 

Photo Curtesy of The Savvy Event Guru

To say, that it would be hard to describe the emotions and feelings of being in the room for this magnificent occasion, would be an understatement!  There was a lot of BIG Energy in the room to include a lot of Love and admiration for Dr. Lance London. 

"The CHAMP is here! " The CHAMP is here!" shouted Dr. Renee' Allen aka, The Peoples Emcee. 

Photo Curtesy of Joshua with Crank Media

    After the "Man of the Hour" made his way through the crowd, guests made their way to the stage to take in the program for the evening.  

    Senator Joanne Benson of the 24th District for Prince George's County, (where the new Carolina Kitchen restaurant is located) joined Dr. Lance London on Stage and had some profound and beautiful words to say for Dr. London on this occasion. 

Photo Curtesy of Joshua with Crank Media

    States Attorney, Aisha Braveboy then joined Dr. London on stage and presented Dr. London with a Salutation from Prince George's County. Dr. Lance London has made a tremendous contribution to not only Prince George's County but to the State of Maryland as a whole. He has provided jobs for families and has made a major impact on the lives of others. 

Photo Curtesy of Joshua with Crank Media

It's Ribbon Cutting TIME!

    After all Stage formalities were completed, to include a prayer for the delectable buffet of food that was prepared for the occasion, guests gathered to the entrance of the NEW Restaurant for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony portion of the event!

Photo Curtesy of Joshua with Crank Media

    In the space, guests were greeted with passed hors d' oeuvre, with the option of the buffet line as well. 

    Guests indulged in flavorful menu items, to include Lobster Tails, Crab Legs, Black eye peas, Potato Salad, Bake Beans, etc. 

    The night could not be complete without the celebration of the Birthday Honoree and the singing of the "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" song to Dr. Lance London! 

Photo Curtesy of The Savvy Event Guru

(Painting by Demont Pinder, @demontpinder "Curator To The Culture")Video Curtesy of The Savvy Event Guru--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Photo Curtesy of The Savvy Event Guru

This was a night of Celebration, a night of shared love and admiration for an inspirational Man who has paved the way for many in and around the DC Metropolitan Area.  Great, Food, Good Laughs, Good Company and a Great Cause for Celebration.

Photo by Ms. Jackie Hicks, Make-up by Ms. Letitia ThornhillFor More from The Savvy Event Guru check out Our website at www.thesavvyeventguru.com and also check us out on THE SAVVY EVENT GURU YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe-Ya14sTzPi-1qzz3BSSWQ