Happy Founders Day ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA!!

Soror Ethel Hedgeman Lyle, Founder of Alpha Kappa Alpha 

(also from St. Louis)

I would like to give an ear piercing SKEE WEE to all my Sorors of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.  Today, we are celebrating 102 years of service! 2010 is a big year for the AKA's, especially here in St. Louis.  In 2008 I had the distinguished honor of attending our national conference in Washington D.C. for our centennial celebration.  Although nothing will be able to cap that memorable event, this may come close as we will be hosting the Alpha Kappa Alpha national convention here in St. Louis!!  Ya'll get ready, because we are definitely going to paint the town pink and green!

Alpha Rho chapter of AKA, University of Arkansas, Pine Bluff, 1956

For those of you who don't know (and shame on you if you don't), Alpha Kappa Alpha was established on January 15, 1908 on the campus of Howard University and is the first sorority established by and for African American women.  I know I am a little biased, but we are the FIRST, FINEST, and most PREMIER sorority! If you would like a little more information on Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. please visit our national website at www.aka1908.com

For local Sorors, a few of us will be gathering in honor of Founder's Day at Applebee's on St. Charles Rock Road today at 7:00 p.m.  Email me at:  klassipearl08@yahoo.com for more info.  Hope to Skee ya there!

MLK Events

Hey Urbanistas, as you know Martin Luther King's bday is tomorrow and I wanted to share a few events going on in the next couple of days.  Now if you didn't hear, there was a kickoff celebration last Saturday at HSSU (Harris Stowe State University) that my lovely hubby took me to (which was a total surprise)!  Al Sharpton was the guest speaker, and I tell you ladies, it was truly inspirational.  The MLK kickoff celebration was hosted by the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. State Celebration Commission and there were quite a few St. Louis dignitaries in the house including Johnny and Minga Furr, Ruth Smith, Johnetta Haley (my lovely seasoned soror), Ida Woolfolk, Mayor Francis Slay, James Buford, License Collector Mike McMillian, William "Lacy" Clay Jr., and KSDK News Channel 5 emcees Sharon Stevens and Anthony Slaughter.  Rev. Al really brought me to tears when he spoke about how the older generation fought so hard for all of us to be successful; and how we tend to forget to reach back to help those who helped us get to where we are.  It was those who had little education, but a lot of heart to fight for what's right.  Basically, it is our duty to continue to give back to all who may be less fortunate.  I will definitely find more time in 2010 to give back to my people.  On another note, there are quite a few events going on in celebration of MLK day, so make sure you get out in honor of the king!  Here are some great events going on in the next few days you may want to check out::

If It Wasn't for the Women
Friday, January 15th
7:30 p.m.
St. Louis Art Museum Auditorium
One Fine Arts Drive
Forest Park

The Saint Louis Art Museum celebrates women who were, and continue to be, drum majors for justice and peace.  The honorees embody the words of Coretta Scott King, "If the nation is to be saved, women must become its soul."

RACE:  Are We So Different?
Saturday, January 16th
10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily
Missouri History Museum
5700 Lindell Blvd.


Race is a powerful concept that shapes how one see others and is seen by others, yet the public poorly understands what race is.  To clarify what race is and what race isn't, the American Anthropological Association developed this interactive museum exhibition.  Admission:  adults-$8, seniors, students, and groups $6 Contact:  314.361.7395

Live the Dream-Live United
Service Projects throughout the City of St. Louis
Monday, January 18th
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Inspired by the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. LIVE THE DREAM-LIVE UNITED is an intergenerational, interfaith, multicultural initiative that will engage volunteers in service projects and civic dialogue throughout the city of St. Louis.  Contact:  The United Way of Greater St. Louis Volunteer Center 314.539.4298 or tyler.brownfield@stl.unitedway.org

Civic Ceremony and March of Celebration
Monday, January 18th
10:00 a.m.
Old Courthouse
4th & Market
March to Powell Symphony Hall Grand and Enright

Civil Ceremony will include remarks from elected officials and dignitaries, music and statement of concern.  Following the Civic Ceremony, at 11:00 a.m., the March of Celebation will begin in the streets of downtown St. Louis with marchers and motorcades.  At. 12:30 p.m., an interfaith service will be held at Powell Symphony Hall with local choirs and profound speakers.  Admission is free.

Soiree Calendar-January

Urbanistas, I am so super excited about the year to come!  I know I should enjoy the present moment...but it's hard to not think of Spring.  Hailing from St. Paul, MN, I am just not a big fan of the cold weather, and especially St. Louis' famous "icy mixes."  Anyhoo, I know a lot of you have some great news to share...congrats to all the Urbanistas that got engaged over the holidays.  January is one of the most popular months for bridal shows and there are several going on this month.  Although I am not engaged or planning a wedding, I still like going!  I went to Alive's Bridal Event last year and had such a great time.  Tons of vendors, yummy treats, and complimentary cocktails are my fave!  This month the Urbanistas will probably attend at least one of the bridal shows as one of our own, Ms. Jasonee Ragland is planning a wedding in May.  You will  also find us checking out the best deals at the 4th Annual Cash and Carry Boutique Sale at the Boulevard.  


Alive Bride Event
Friday, January 14th
Lumen Private Event Space
2201 Locust Street
St Louis, MO 63103
6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. 


Meet with top caterers, florists, photographers, wedding planners, bridal boutiques and other premier St. Louis bridal vendors at ALIVE Bride, the city's most stylish bridal event. Bring your bridesmaids, mother or your future groom as ALIVE and St. Louis' top bridal vendors help make your special day as chic as can be!. For complimentary admission, please RSVP to alivebride@alivemag.com.

Unveiled Bridal Show
Sunday, January 17th
Chase Park Plaza
212 North Kingshighway Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63108
12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. 


It's your day-make it perfect.  St. Louis Magazine's UNVEILED brings more than 40 of St. Louis' highest quality bridal specialists together for one day only.  Experience a runway bridal fashion show by Town & Country Bridal Boutique featuring designer gowns from Amsale, Christos, Lea-Ann Belter, Monique Lhuillier and Reem Acra as you sip on sparking champagne, sample scrumptious hors d'oeuvres, and savor decadent desserts and wedding cakes.  Plus, enjoy a look at the latest in mother of the bride/groom fashions from Distinctions.  Don't miss your opportunity to meet and mingle with the bridal experts who can make your day unforgettable.  each bride will be registered for the chance to win:  


Custom Veil Package from Town & Country Bridal Boutique ($350 value)
Overnight Stay in a Suite at the Chase Park Plaza Plus Brunch for Two
$250 Gift Card to Weinhardt Party Rentals


Tickets are $30. Limited space available. Reserve your ticket today by calling 314.918.3026.

Annual Cash  & Carry Boutique Sale

Friday, January 29th & 
Saturday, January 30th
The Boulevard

The warehouse sale will include thousands of designer items from local boutiques with mark downs from 50-90% off the retail price. Some of the designer highlights to be on sale: Lilly Pulitzer, Milly, Tory Burch, Susana Monaco, Biya, Johnny Was, What Come Around Goes Around, LaROK, Joe's Jeans, Free People, and Ella Ross.  For more information visit www.cheresseink.com

Nieman Marcus Beauty Events
Various Dates (January 6th-23rd)
Nieman Marcus-Plaza Frontenac
100 Plaza Frontenac
St. Louis, MO  63131


Urbanistas, I know how harsh winter weather can be on our complexions so if you get a chance, go and check out some of the beauty events at Neiman Marcus Plaza Frontenac!  They will be having several spa and beauty related events featuring La Mer, Clinique, Sisley Paris, Bobbi Brown, and Revive products.  Most will provide complimentary facials, but I am mostly looking forward to trying out the new Coral Collection from Bobbi Brown.  A great prelude to a fresh face for Spring! For more information visit Nieman Marcus.

New Year, New Urbanista!

Happy New Year Urbanistas!  We made it through another year, lets give all the glory to the one up above that graced us with the opportunity to see another year.  2010...can you believe it?  The year 2000 seems like a distant memory (aww, I was so young back then)!  With every new year brings new and exciting things to look forward to.  I tell you one thing, I am claiming 2010 as my year.  I am going to overcome my fears, start my business, and accomplish my goals that I have been putting off year after year.  For some reason, I made a crazy bet with my husband that I would be making enough money by the end of the year where I would be able to quit my job (if I wanted to)!  We'll ya'll get what I am saying, basically, I am doing it big for 2010, I'm claiming it and it shall be done!

Enjoy your year Urbanistas, make it memorable, tackle your dreams, believe in yourself, and most importantly believe that God can do exceeding above all that you can ever hope, think, or ask for!