Disclaimer: I am posting for STRUT the Magazine every Saturday. With the thought of killing two birds with one stone, I will post it here too. My weekly postings is on celebrating.
When one think of celebrations, what comes to mind?
Birthdays. Parties. Holidays. Graduations.
Weddings. According to dictionary.com,
celebrations are festivities engaged to celebrate something (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/celebration?s=t).
It is great to celebrate on a grand scale. Just last weekend, we STRUTTED in
grand fashion for the first Annual STRUT Experience in Atlanta. Every detail
for the weekend had been addressed by STRUT Founder Dr. Darcova Triplett. Here’s
a recap!
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| Mini me and me |
Friday – The weekend started with a photo shoot for
the ladies in our STRUT t-shirts. It was a wonderful experience to see old
friends and finally put a face with so many names we have seen in our Facebook
discussions. We had a great time with our individual and group shots. All the
ladies look fabulous!
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| STRUTTING/POSING |
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Keisha - The Extremist
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| Mama King surrounded by her talented Daughters |
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| Deltas STRUTTING/POSING |
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| Posing with my LS Pasta |
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| STRUT POSE |
We left the photo shoot to release our hidden
artistic abilities. Canvas by U created an original piece just for us! Of
course it was a stiletto. Every woman tweaked it to her own personality and
style. Here are some of the masterpieces.
On Saturday, the focus shifted to our health STRUT
and celebrating everyday women being extraordinary by STRUTTING in their purpose.
First thing in the morning Keisha led the women in a STRUTercise (Zumba with
the STRUT twist). We know we can’t be all we are destined to be if our health
is not in order. Later, the ladies inspired our younger ladies by supporting the
teen poets at a book signing at Tiffany’s Popcorn.
The major event was Saturday evening. We celebrated
women STRUTTING confidently in their purpose. Ladies from all walks of life was
honored for their accomplishments in education, counseling, wellness, fashion,
entrepreneurship, and overcoming life changing challenges. Shondia
McFadden-Sabari brought tears to many eyes as she told her story of being a
breast cancer survivor. I can’t put into words how I felt listening to her. It
was very moving. She, like many of the women, was a breath of fresh air. She
loves life! It is evident in her walk…STRUT, her family, her faith!
The next recipient, Mama King, followed. Before she
sat down, there definitely was not a dry eye in the house. I knew this woman
was special when I first met her years ago! She is a giver, a nurturer, a
teacher, a mother, a lover, a mother, a grandmother, a friend, a confidante, a
wise woman of God.
All the ladies who were honored deposited a nugget
in all of us. They directly or indirectly lit a fire, planted a seed, watered a
planted seed, or provided a confirmation.
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| Gamma Zeta |
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| Markisha presenting |
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| Darcova and Keisha showing those pearly whites |
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| Her STRUT brought many to tears. So inspirational |
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| CoCo!!!! |
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| Presenting |
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Mika J - looking fly as always
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| Mama King - She had the entire room in tears |
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| BBW - Big Beautiful Women |
Sunday the ladies started the day worshipping the Lord
for all He has done seen and unseen. We finished the weekend with Tea Time. The
ladies converged on the Hailey Estate for tea, light refreshments and
conversation. Kim Brannan was the guest speaker. She shared her walk with
overcoming cancer twice. Both times the doctors gave her a limited time to
live. But our God had a different plan! Kim infuses humor as she shared her
journey which included having a positive attitude/outlook no matter what. Her
faith, support system, and positive attitude pulled her through. Afterwards,
others shared their own stories. There was plenty of advice, networking and
true respect for each other. I can’t wait until next year’s events.
In closing, I am enclosing what Darcova’s niece said
to her after the weekend. It sums up what it means to celebrate each other and
what impact it has on those around us.
Out of the mouths’ of babes: “My niece said Auntie 'Trice, I like your
friends! They are so smart and educated and funny and pretty. And they own
businesses and have professional careers. And Auntie I didn't see nobody acting
jealous or no lil cliques either. Everybody just seemed happy... happy with
themselves and happy for each other. #This is why our STRUT is so important.
Our young girls are watching our every move... every step we take and every
step we don't take. They hear every word we speak... and every word we refuse
to let slip from our lips. Her Sashay develops into My STRUT. #So
Detrimental... So Much @ Stake. #You gotta STRUT because (whatever you do)
you're being imitated.”
One last thing, what are
you celebrating? Who are you celebrating? Why are you celebrating?
Enjoy your Saturday! I am celebrating different people for different
reasons. HAVE A SUPER SATURDAY!!!
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