BLACK GLITTERATI

New Film on Black Marriage Hits the Big Screen

2009-07-22T06:17:00.002-04:00

My friends over at Black and Married with Kids.com have created this ground-breaking video about a subject that is rarely discussed in the general media-black marriages and families. To be released in July, couples and experts discuss topics such as the image and portrayal of black marriages and families, the effect the Obamas will have on marriage in the black community and the importance of parenting.

Please log onto their web site at www.blackandmarriedwithkids.com for more information or check out their Facebook page to add your own wedding photos or information about your marriage.

North Jersey Jack and Jill 60th Anniversary Tea

2009-07-01T05:42:00.011-04:00

Eastern Region Protocol Chair Karen Chaplin of the Stamford, Ct. Chapter and Eastern Region Teen Advisor Tammy King of the Bergen-Passaic NJ Chapter.
Going over the final details are committee member Margaret Marshall , Ethelyn Bowers past president (3times), Denise Gray-Felder committee co-chair, and current president Brenda Scotland
Young alumnae at the registration table: seated l to r : Erin Marshall, Tufts '11, Kristina Felder U. of Mich. '12; standing l to r: Alayjah Watson, USC '12, Paige Franklin, Dartmouth '12, Justine Kay, Quinnipiac U. '12
Andrea Fant-Hobbs describes "The Ritual of Tea"
Past and present North Jersey presidents gather for photo
Current member Robyn Dawson Bryant and charter member Daisy Douglas
Secretary of State Nina Mitchell Wells, Esq. poses with Associate members Beverly Cotton and past president Connie McAllister
Past president Gayle Thigpen-Allen and guest Frazeal Harris
Young North Jersey alumnae Justine Kay, Quinnipiac '12, Paige Franklin Dartmouth '12, and Maya Smith, Kent Place School '10

The Orange Lawn Tennis Club in South Orange, NJ never looked move lovely than on Sunday, June 28th at the 60th Anniversary Jack and Jill Luncheon and Tea. Nearly 100 hat and glove wearing guests from the current chapter, alumnae, and associate members gathered for a festive lunch that included mescalin salad, tea sandwiches, grilled chicken and salmon, and onion and tomato foccacia. The day was a salute to a chapter that has been in existence(1949) almost as long as the national organization (1938). NJ Secretary of State and former associate (former) club member Nina Mitchell Wells, Esq. was honored along with charter member Daisy Douglas who is the only living founding member of the chapter. Committee co-chair Andrea Fant-Hobbs instructed guests on "The Ritual of Tea" as members sipped various flavors of herbal tea and munched on short bread cookies and chocolate covered strawberries. The chapter celebrated in true North Jersey style with mimosas, lots of laughter, hugs and memories of raising children in a chapter with a very rich history.

The End of an Era

2009-07-01T05:36:00.003-04:00

There really is not much left to say about the passing of Michael Jackson. We are all heartbroken in a way. It's the end of an era, and certainly the end of those fun, moon walking, childhood days for most of us under the age of 50.

So Black Glitterati's tribute to him is in those photos from those happy childhood days made up of the Jackson 5, especially dear Michael.

THE JACKIE ROBINSON FOUNDATION 'S ANNUAL AWARDS DINNER

2009-03-29T05:32:00.010-04:00

The Jackie Robinson Foundation held its 2009 Annual Awards dinner at the Waldorf-Astoria in Manhattan on March 16th. This year's honorees included Robin Roberts, Dr. Benjamin Carson, Sr.,
and Robert Redford.

This organization serves as an advocate for youth through the granting of four-year scholarships for higher education.

Pictured to the right: The Gonsalves Family surround Mrs. Rachel Robinson, Founder of The Jackie Robinson Foundation. Gregg Gonsalves is a member of the JRF Board of Directors. Photo courtesy of newyorksocialdiary.com

BERGEN COUNTY JACK AND JILL'S 55TH ANNIVERSARY GALA

2009-03-02T15:06:00.013-05:00

The women of the Bergen-Passaic Chapter of Jack and Jill hosted an elegant gala on February 28th to celebrate their 55th Anniversary. Guests enjoyed an opulent cocktail hour which featured a pasta station, asian station, carving station, and seafood station. An Open Bar and dinner followed with baby field greens with asparagus tips and hearts of palm, tournedo of prime filet mignon and chicken marsala, mashed potatoes infused with garlic and chives, and chef composed vegetables( my guess was broccoli rabe). The desserts were incredible-molten chocolate lava cake with fresh berries and apple tart with almond ice cream.

Valerie Adams and The Dimension Band had the place rockin' and a great silent auction included wonderful packages from local businesses and artisans. A great time was had by all! Thanks to our hosts Murshell and Sam Bland. Murshell was the president of this chapter for two terms and continues to be an active member. I have posted a few pictures. Enjoy.

Exciting News from The Historical Alpha Lodge

2008-11-22T07:22:00.000-05:00

Thanks to an avid BG follower, I have news about a family legacy within the Alpha Lodge No. 116 (Free and Accepted Masons, Grand Lodge of NJ) as well as its upcoming installation of officers.

Dr. Ralph Rogers, a world-reknowned sports and musculoskeletal physician was raised at Alpha Lodge No. 116 in the early 80's in East Orange. Readers from the Montclair community may remember his father who was also a member and past master as well as a Medical Doctor and primary figure in historic town of Montclair. For many years, the Rogers family was active in both the .Prince Hall lodges of Jepthah and Eureka in Montclair and Alpha Lodge No. 116 in East Orange. Ralph Rogers has worked for three separate police forces in the United Kingdom and the Ministry of Defense. Currently he has his own practice in London. Despite his very busy lecture tour and medical practice, Dr. Rogers will attend the upcoming installation of officers at Alpha Lodge in December. Their incoming Master will take the oath on the George Washington Inaugural Bible. For more information about Alpha Lodge, check out www.alphalodgeno116.blogspot.com .

Change

2008-11-07T07:27:00.000-05:00

Those who know me well know that I always, always believed that God had his hand on Barack Obama and would lead him to ultimately become the President of our country. But even with the conviction in my heart and soul, it is still incredible. I have never been so elated in all of my days. The people that I see on the street, in the grocery store, and in restaurants are all chattering with excitement and hope like I have never seen before.

It is this hope and excitement that I also see in my son. This is a win for him personally, and it validates him in ways that have not manifested yet. However, in the short term, he can skate as the only African-American on his hockey team a little faster, he can throw his lacrosse ball a little farther, and most importantly he can stand firm in his belief that he is smart, well-spoken, and striving to be a straight A student. My son is a young man who comes from a loving home with two parents, a sister, and a large extended family. However, the validation that will now come from the fact that we have our first African-American President has already helped him to see himself as a stronger more respected human being in the United States of America.

Thank you President Elect Obama and congratulations to you and your family.

THE BIBLIOPHILES 20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

2008-10-20T16:16:00.002-04:00

This weekend, The Bibliophiles, the oldest continuously operating incorporated Black Book club in America will celebrate their 20th anniversary. This powerful and committed group of African-American women will celebrate at an invitation-only event at the NJ Historical Society in Newark surrounded by past and present members, local dignitaries, and the who's who of Essex County, NJ. Expected at this exclusive fete are Bibliophiles Joyce Harley, Essex County Business Administrator and a member of the Essex County Links,Inc., Doris Boyer, immediate past-president of The North Jersey Chapter of Jack and Jill, Inc. and many others.

To learn more about The Bibliophiles and their history, log onto www.thebiliophiles.org .

The 2nd Annual "Back in the Day" Party

2008-09-13T21:44:00.004-04:00

Join the many graduates and supporters of Montclair High School for a fundraiser that's still being talked about a year later. November 1st is the date and The Commonwealth Club in Montclair is the venue for this event that will benefit a deserving scholar from Montclair High School.

Whether you live in Montclair or graduated from MHS in 1950 or 2000, this is the ticket to buy. Just click on the save-the-date which will take you to brownpapertickets.com to process your payment.

See you there!

BLACK GLITTERATI ON FACEBOOK

2008-09-05T11:16:00.003-04:00

Hey BG Fans,

We are now on Facebook! If you have an account, you can simply add us to your list. If you don't have an account, its time for you to get with it and keep up with us and 80 million others from around the world! Click the pic to get you there..

Back from the Underground!

2008-08-24T03:51:00.003-04:00

Candace Pryor and Mark Brown

Hey Black Glitterati Fans!

Thanks for hanging in there during our hiatus. Between work, kids going off to camp and college, and life in between, it's been an eventful three months to say the least. It's been a great summer.
This first end-of-summer post brings me great joy! For those of you who thought that marriage over 40 is impossible, well guess again. Candace Pryor of West Orange and Mark Brown of Montclair are over 40 and tied the knot (first time for both) yesterday. They met at the Gary Whitlock Memorial Scholarship Fundraiser/"Back in the Day Party" last November. As a member of the benefit committee, I was surprised at the number of single men over 40 who were purchasing tickets. I called Candace (my cousin) and told her to come and check it out. It had to be better than Internet dating. To her credit, Candace took the bull by the horns and introduced herself to her future husband. That was on November 3, 2007.

They waisted no time and less than a year later, walked down the aisle with an announcement in the NY Times to boot. It was one of the most joyous celebrations I have ever attended.

Never give up hope. God will always deliver, right on time!

"SMOOTH SAILING" ROCKS THE BOAT WITH JACK AND JILL!

2008-05-09T18:23:00.001-04:00

Over 300 people danced the night away aboard the World Yacht on Saturday, May 3, 2008 with members of The North Jersey Chapter of Jack and Jill at their "Smooth Sailing" benefit gala. With retro-tunes spinning by NJ's own "JJ", a sumptuous late night supper, and a fabulous silent and live auction, the members of this organization raised funds for the Greater Newark Charter School and Communication for Social Change. Event co-chairs Cathy Garrison and Monique Pryor along with committee members Angela Adderley, Regina Bey, Charlynne Carson, Tanya Carter, Tracy Flowers, Joanne Freeman, Kim Fusaro, and Flora Taylor, created a delightful evening of fun that is still the talk of the town!

HOMECorp Celebrates 20th Anniversary

2008-04-09T17:56:00.003-04:00

Bonnie Carter, President of the Junior League of Montclair-Newark and auctioneer for the evening poses with HOMECorp's Executive Director, Beverly Riddick.

According to my colleague at http://www.theblacksocialite.blogspot.com/, to be a socialite one must volunteer often and work very hard. Well, that's what fifteen other very committed women and I did throughout the Fall which culminated in a wonderful event for HOMECorp of Montclair. On March 13th over 250 people attended the HOMECorp 20th Anniversary Gala at Mayfair Farms in West Orange. There was a live auction (Bonnie Carter, president of the Junior League of Montclair-Newark, was the auctioneer extraordinaire!!), silent auction, and wonderful video which showcased the organization. HOMECorp provides affordable housing for low and middle income residents of Montclair which seems oxymoronic but between the cost of homes/apartments and the taxes-HOMECorp is in need more now than ever. To find out more about HOMECorp, check out www.homecorp.org.

Jazz Ensemble Raises Money for Spelman

2008-04-01T14:50:00.006-04:00

The Spelman College Jazz Ensemble performed at the Alexander Kasser Theater at Montclair State University on March 15 to raise scholarship funds for New Jersey students who attend Spelman. The event was sponsored by the Northern New Jersey Chapter of the National Alumnae Association of Spelman College of which my cousin soror Candace Pryor (soon to become Candace Pryor Brown) is a member. Thank you Candace for the pics and for your chapter's hard work and persistence in raising funds for our girls!

Montclair Art Museum Celebrates Jazz for Art Education

2008-02-28T05:10:00.015-05:00

Jazz for Art Education Committee Members gather for photo

Guests enjoy the evening at MAM!

Jazz for Art committee members Betty Jagoda Murphy, Rhonda Peters, Richard Titus (background) Claire Walls and MAM supporter Sigrid Gabler

Co-Chairs Michael Heningburg and Jeanine Downie address the crowd

Guests enjoying the evening

Kuae and Tedd Mattox greet Adunni and Herman Anderson

MAM supporters Terri Borden, Tammye Jones, and Joyce Wade

Bahir Kamil, Esq., Dr. Ruby Sampson, and Adunni Anderson

MAM Executive Director Patterson Sims, The Honorable Nina Wells, MAM Emeritus Trustee Nathaniel Harris, and Jazz for Art committee member Sharon Burton-Turner

MAM supporter Paula Tuffin, Junior League of Montclair President Bonnie Carter, and Co-Chairs Dr. Jeanine Downie and MAM Trustee Michael Heningburg

Despite last Friday's snow storm, cocktails and tapas flowed at The Montclair Art Museum's signature winter event Jazz for Art Education. Co-chaired by Museum Trustee Michael Heningburg, Jr. and his wife Dr. Jeanine Downie, this successful event gave guests the opportunity to bid on exclusive auction packages and listen to world-renowned jazz artists Claudio Roditi and Dave Valentin. Montclair's own accomplished jazz musicians Steve and Iqua Colson also performed, and Dr. Ruby Sampson of South Orange serenaded the audience as well.

In addition to raising funds for various art programs, Jazz for Art Education celebrated the accomplishments of New Jersey's Secretary of State The Honorable Nina Wells for her longstanding support of art education and cultural organizations throughout the state.

To find out more about how you can become more involved with art education programs at MAM, log onto http://www.montclairartmuseum.org/. The photos are courtesy of Mike Peters whose work you can view at http://www.mikepeters.com/ .

Plainfield Kappas Celebrate 20th Anniversary!

2008-02-23T11:56:00.005-05:00

Nupes enjoy their 2006 formal

Singing sensation Regina Belle !

If you haven't heard, the Plainfield Nupes are hosting a 20th anniversary celebration at the New Brunswick Hyatt this April which will feature the incredible singing sensation (and Rutgers Grad!) Regina Belle. Just click on the ad above for more information and more great pics of their 2006 event as well.

11th Annual Montclair Red Cross Gala

2008-02-13T15:02:00.003-05:00

375 guests attended the very popular Montclair Glen Ridge Nutley Red Cross Gala at Mayfair Farms on February 9th. Journalist and Montclair resident Mary Alice Williams was the presenter and auctioneer and Yogi and Carmen Berra were the honorary chairs. Pictured above is the extraordinary baked goods guru Miss Nicky (http://www.missnickys.com/) Mesiah with the legendary Yogi Berra and her friend Joel , and once again with make up maven Bobbi Brown. Interested in donating to The Red Cross? Click here http://montclair.redcross.org/ .

ALPHA PHI ALPHA HOSTS ANNUAL BLACK AND GOLD BALL

2008-02-09T17:36:00.000-05:00

Alpha Phi Alpha member Mark Hassell and his wife Dayna

Alpha Brother Mark Hassell and his lovely wife Dayna hosted a table of ten at the annual Black and Gold Ball given by the Montclair Alumni Chapter. Guests of the Hassells were Al and Margaret Marshall, Gabrielle and Greg Smith, Nat and Angela Adderley, and Cynthia Bailey-Manns and Michael Manns. The event was held at The Manor in West Orange.

PLANNING AHEAD FOR THE SUMMER? MV DREAM VACATION HOUSE AVAILABLE!!

2008-02-07T06:26:00.000-05:00

If you're planning ahead and thinking of those wonderful sunsets at Menemsha, it's time to take a look at this gorgeous home that is available for the entire spring/summer season! Renovated in 2007, this home was a big hit for renters last year, so prime weeks will probably go very quickly. Check out the description:

Private Development Meadow View Farms Spring,

Summer and Fall Rentals Available!!!

Two Minutes from Farm Neck Golf Club

Five Minutes from Beach and downtown Circuit Avenue

Saturday-Saturday RentalsNo Smoking – No Pets

Cleaning fee of $150..00 deducted from security deposit

Newly redecorated four bedrooms, available for rental as of May 2008.

All rooms freshly painted and carpeted with new furniture throughout. Great house for two families or three or four couples. Lots of yard space for children. Great area for walking and bike riding. Private tennis courts available for use in development.First floor: LR w/TV, Formal DR, Kitchen, Den, bedroom w/double bed futon sleeper, Laundry Room, Powder Room, Large fully furnished and enclosed screened- in porch for entertaining and relaxingSecond floor: Twin BR, Queen BR with TV, Full Bath, King BR with TV and MBthAccommodations: Wireless high speed internet access, 3 TVs, dvd player, , coffee maker, dishwasher, toaster, microwave oven, blender, mixer, pots/ pans/dishes/utensils, washer/dryer, ironing board, iron, vacuum, pillows, comforters, outdoor furniture, beach chairs, answering machine, dvd player, cable tv, cd player, a/c second floor bedrooms, parking for six vehicles in rear.

Rental Rate: May $2,000.00/week

June $2500.00/week

July/August $3000.00/week

Security Deposit: $500.00Interested parties: E-mail jppowell@optonline.net

SEASONS GREETINGS AND MEETINGS

2008-01-08T20:48:00.000-05:00

The North Jersey Men (The Nor-Jer-Men) held their annual ball on January 5th at the Marriott Glenpointe in Teaneck, NJ. A most coveted ticket, hundreds of North Jersey black professionals and socialites attended this swanky event which included a sumptuous cocktail hour and fabulous dinner. Members of the organization include North Jersey's most prominant African-American doctors, lawyers and entreprenuers. We were fortunate enough to have been invited by Robert Bolder and his lovely wife Catherine who were the most gracious hosts. Guests danced the night away to the sounds of Valarie Adams and The New Dimensions Band.

R&B SUPERSTAR LIVE IN MONTCLAIR!

2007-12-16T07:06:00.000-05:00

Get into the Christmas spirit this Wednesday, December 19th at Diva Lounge, Montclair with the sounds of R&B sensation Angel Williams. Not only will she sing a few Christmas classics, but you'll hear the fantastic singles from her new cd, "So Damn Sexy". The Montclair YMCA Hip-Hop Dancers will back Angel up on "The Way We Make Music" and "So Damn Sexy". For those of you who missed Angel and her dancers at the November concert, now is your chance to see and incredible show. You can hear Angel's amazing voice and see photos of the concert by clicking on her picture.

Angel's dancers consist of "regular" folks from Montclair and the surrounding area. We (I include myself in this group) are doctors, lawyers, and Indian Chiefs from ages 20-40 +. Amazing.

JAY AND BEY AT CONTINENTAL ARENA

2007-12-16T06:56:00.000-05:00

Who doesn't love Beyonce and Jay-Z? Well, here they are, courtesy of cornerofbeyonce.com, at the Nets vs. Cleveland Cavaliers game at the Meadowlands in Secaucas, NJ on December 14, 2007. They are truly hip-hop's finest-even in jeans!

BUMP TO SOME OL SKOOL FOR THE SOPHISTICATED AND SASSY!

2007-11-01T04:58:00.000-04:00

For those of you who have missed BG, here we are again. Sometimes life gets in the way of blogging, and for that we apologize. However, there is a party going on this weekend for grown folks that's not to be missed!
Rick James, Parliament Funkadelic, The Ohio Players, and Earth, Wind & Fire will all be in the house on Saturday, November 3rd at The Commonwealth Club in Montclair, NJ! The proceeds from this party will benefit The Gary F. Whitlock Memorial Scholarship which is part of the Montclair Scholarship Fund, Inc. There will be raffles for baskets from Montclair sponsors such as Semplice, Aunt Jean's Toys & Treats, Fleet Feet, Anjiru Hair Studio, Minnow-Cool Goods for Kids, and Watchung Booksellers. There is also a special raffle for an all expense paid trip to Antiqua! So come and get your groove on and do some good at the same time.

Tickets are available online at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/20866. You can purchase them at this site until 7 pm November 3rd.

See you on the dance floor!

MONTCLAIR'S OWN OPENS FABULOUS MAKE-UP STUDIO

2007-06-05T06:26:00.000-04:00

Bobbi Brown and Nicky Mesiah

Who knew that such a huge crowd of sophisticated ladies would ever gather at the corner of Lackawanna Plaza and Glen Ridge Avenues in Montclair for an evening of make-up, fantastic hors d'oerves and celebrity sightings? Thanks to make-up guru Bobbi Brown, The Studio, an upscale and very glamorous store, opened its doors on June 1 to a large crowd of Montclair's finest and most familiar faces. The food was fantastic and catered by none other than Joni Bronander.

These photos are courtesy of Montclair's own Nicky Mesiah (www.missnickys.com) who is so well known for her sugar-free and extraordinarily delicious delicacies. In fact, she has even developed a special sugar-free, low fat cheesecake for Bobbi Brown. But if you ever have a chance, don't miss out on Nicky's Sugar-Free Gourmet Toffee or the original Almond Toffee. They are also Ms. Brown's favorites and I confess that I can not keep them in my house for fear of immediate consumption!

MORE STARS FROM THE ALL-STARS

2007-05-07T16:06:00.000-04:00

Tom Reynolds & Jill Johnson

Chuck & Karen Chaplin

Joyce & Charles Wade

Tom Reynolds, Jill Johnson, All Stars Project participant, Terri & Bill Borden

Dr. Jeanine Downie & Michael Heningburg, Esq.

Cheryl Washington & Dana Rone, City of Newark Council Member for the Central Ward