Just hours after hearing the soul-crushing Supreme Court ruling that struck down affirmative action programs at colleges, came the news that Dr. Christine King Farris, the eldest sister of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., had passed away at the age of 95. Dr. Farris was a teacher of mine at Spelman College. As a civil rights activist and educator at an HBCU, Dr. Farris spent her life fighting for equality and against racism. She would always emphasize to us students that we were to excel in our studies and never take the blessing of a good education for granted. Of course, Dr. Farris knew that so many students have been denied opportunity and opening doors is what will bring equality. How disappointed she would have been at the #SCOTUS ruling. But, one thing Dr. Farris was not - and that was a quitter. On this day, she would say, “Be like Martin”, carry on and never give up the fight!
My Sister. My Friend. 💖 I thank God for family - those through blood and those through blessing. I was in my hometown Detroit this weekend where I had the honor of being a bridesmaid at the wedding of my dearest Alison Vaughn and her new husband Andre Smith. Your wish for your girlfriends is that they find someone who puts them first, who is kind to them and who supports their dreams. And Alison has found that in Andre - my new brother. I’m over the moon - thrilled for them both and their future together! 👰🏾♀️ 💍 🤵🏾♂️ I love you both so much! ❤️
This was a busy week. On Wednesday, I attended a reception for First Lady Jill Bide at the home of my dear friend and Board member of my foundation, Attorney Lisa Gilford. The First Lady was so gracious and has a wonderful sense of humor. Then, yesterday, I had the first-time opportunity to attend a Meet-and-Greet with Vice President Kamala Harris who was accompanied by Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff. It was so cool to see Air Force Two land at LAX and be escorted by, at least, 10 Secret Service cars. 🇺🇸
Every time your #BornDay comes along, I have to try to find the words describing the impact you had on my life..the deep conversations full of your wisdom about business and dealing-making; you calling me “Harriett” as in “Tubman”, me, calling you “P”; the (countless) late-night jam sessions at your house(s)…(and that particular celeb who wanted to come and you were like, “No, not ever.” *kudos*); the many friends I now have that you introduced me to; the dinners with my beloved Dad and how cool you thought he was especially when you called him onstage in Vegas. Just too many memories. No, you did not celebrate birthdays. So, on this day, I’ll just say, “Rest easy, P. Thanks for the memories.” #Prince 💜
It was an incredible day of amazing women at The Ladylike Foundation “Women of Excellence” Awards. My friend Leah Pump has built such an incredible nonprofit organization that provides scholarships, mentoring and so much more for girls. Congratulations to all the honorees. Giving back to the next generation!
It was a wonderful time celebrating the S.H.A.U.N. Foundation for Girls’ 7th Anniversary!
It was such a lovely evening celebrating our longtime pastor and First Lady - Bishop Kenneth C. Ulmer and Togetta Ulmer. So many friends came out to the backyard soirée given by Dr. Pearl Grimes including Mayor Karen Bass and Tavis Smiley.
A peek behind-the-scenes taping ‘90Day Fiance: The Other Way on TLC.
Lavender is one of the colors of my foundation - the S.H.A.U.N. Foundation for Girls - so I love being on theme when we have a celebration. Last week… Heading to our 7th Anniversary reception! 💜
Hope you can tune in to Part 2 of 90 Day Fiance: The Other Way Tell All this weekend!
Sharing a few pictures (more to come!) of our beautiful evening celebrating the 7th Anniversary of my nonprofit, the S.H.A.U.N. Foundation for Girls. So blessed and thankful for the support of dear friends since I have been on this journey to create an organization that will help uplift and empower underserved and underrepresented girls and young women. 💜 (Second pic) Our #MAGNOLIA Award honoree, my friend, the amazing Debra Lee, former CEO of BET Networks and author of the new book, ‘I AM DEBRA LEE’. The Magnolia, is the symbol of our foundation and symbolizes strength and beauty and Debra was the perfect honoree! (Third pic) I love talking about our mission! (4th pic), My gorgeous and talented friend, the incredible award-winning and former NBC’s The Voice singer Ashley Tamar serenading our guests, accompanied by Ash Jangda. (5th pic) My dear friends and board members, Secretary Lisa Gilford and #JSimoneJones. (Not pictured, Treasurer Ivy Walker). Thank you for your continued prayers and support! Photos by Joan Fuller. Event planner extraordinaire William Miller 💜
Happy Mother’s Day to the Best Mommy ever! And to my beloved grandmothers (second pic) Mama Ashie and Grandma Curry and (not pictured) Mama Nonie and Grandma Ruth - all my beloved angels 🕊️ God has blessed me with these beautiful, nurturing, protective women…I love you and cherish you! 💖 💐 #mothersday
I love this organization! I was invited to speak to the young ladies of Black Girls Film Camp during their recent field trip to LA. This incredible nonprofit is helping to nurture the next generation of female filmmakers. I spoke about my career as an Emmy Award-winning journalist and my journey to becoming a television film producer. #BlackGirlsFilmCamp is one of the S.H.A.U.N. Foundation for Girls newest partners and we are proud to support their mission!
#TB ~ In honor of the #KentuckyDerby this weekend, posting this #throwback photo from 2007 when I covered the Derby and had prime viewing of the race with Tichina Arnold, Gabrielle Union, Regina King, Essence Atkins and Star Jones. We had such a great time! 🐎 🎩 Wishing everyone a fun weekend! #kyderby
