Sisters at the Well - 5th Annual We See You Awards Gala

It was a crisp, cool, rainy, Sunday evening here in Southern California. There was just no way of getting around driving in the rain, Southern California style, to one of the most anticipated events - the 5th Annual Friends of Sisters at the Well, Inc. We See You Awards Gala Event, which takes place every year at the beautiful Skirball Cultural Center.

You guessed it - it was a full house and everyone was dressed for success. Barbara A. Perkins, Founder and President of Friends of Sisters at the Well, Inc., looked magnificent and truly was the perfect Hostess, making everyone feel so welcomed.

The Mistress of Ceremony was Erica Alexander, Actor/Producer/Activist/Advocate. (Great job, Erica!) The Announcer was the incomparable Ms. KiKi Shepard, who knocked everyone out with her grace and style.

The event started out beautifully with Rev. Andriette Earl speaking true words of wisdom with such a positive spirit.

Branice McKenzie's voice reminded me of a Mother's love. Everyone should hear her sing at least once in their lifetime!

Next, Eartha Robinson, dancing to the rhythm of vocalist Laurnea's tone/beat - as Laurnea
ascended from the depths of the theater using her vocal range to control the motions, then the two of them joining in unison, mid stage, stepping together in a syncopated rhythm, then separately - still feeling the vibe as Eartha continued to move to the mellifluous voice of Laurnea, and it was so exhilarating!

The world renown Artist Synthia St. James, who designed the first Kwanzaa Stamp for the U.S., Postal Service and whose art work graces the cover of 70 books, including Alice Walker and Terry McMillan, created the most beautiful paintings that were specifically for the Honorees at this We See You Awards Gala Event and are not for sale. When I tell you that Synthia St. James had so much positive energy and a light hearted spirit - simply going with the flow of things - you see, Barbara A. Perkins had stated that Synthia St. James really could dance up a storm, and when Synthia took the stage, to our surprise, she started dancing, and it just made so many of us laugh because the woman was smooth!

The Harpist from the Hood, Destiny, the Sound Sculptress ,who is also a vocalist, performed with friends. The Honorees for 2010:
Honorable Congresswoman Diane E. Watson, a lifetime resident of the 33rd California Congressional District, currently serves on the International Relations and Government Reform Committees.

Charisse Bremond-Weaver, President of the Brotherhood Crusade, the community service and development organization founded by her late father, Walther Bremond, in 1968.

Denise Pines, President of denise+pines inc., a brand strategy, media development and event production firm. Previously, Denise served as the President of The Tavis Smiley Group, Inc. for 15 years.

Kimberly Freeman, Director of Community relations Southern California Gas Company. Kimberly is the "Go to person" with regards to charitable donations in the community.

Lady Yvette Williams, Chairperson of the Women's Ministry at Ward AME Church. Lady Yvette is fortunate enough to wake up every morning blessed to be a role model in the community, assisting and leading others on the path of righteousness.

There was a lovely Tribute to the late Dr. Dorthy I. Height, a pioneer of change who worked closely with Mary McLeod Bethune, both women broke the ground and set the pavement for better education and equal rights for women in the USA.

Susan L. Taylor, Founder/ CEO of The National CARES Mentoring Movement, spoke of the importance of everyone of us taking an active part in mentoring our youth. Susan showed a moving video with so many celebrities - Danny Glover, Harry Belafonte, Oprah Winfrey -

all unitedly supporting Susan's initiative to improve the odds of children matriculating through the educational system; inviting all of us to spend just one hour a week mentoring a child. This will most certainly make a difference given the odds that are currently stacked against the children who are being educated in our public school system.

I solute Susan L. Taylor Founder/ CEO, Barbara A.Perkins, Executive Director and Brent Burton, Chairman of The National CARES Mentoring Movement.

What will you do to help our youth today? Please get in contact with The National CARES Mentoring Movement and volunteer ONE hour a week. It could change a child's life.

Love & light,

Carla