Let Love...

Let love touch you and heal you.
Let love lift you and inspire you.
Let love ease your worries and calm your fears.
Let love give you a reason to persist.

Let love fill you with courage and confidence and positive purpose.
Let love fill you with peace.
When your mind is tied in knots with anger, frustration or anxiety,
let love wash those negative thoughts away.

Feel love, and feel much better.
Feel love, and feel an empowering connection to all that is.
Give love, and give the best of who you are.

Let love be, in all its splendor.
Let love live and grow in you always.

Written by Katrina "K-Rock" Clayton of Sisters Strengthening Sisters

American Delegation To Nigeria's 50th Anniversary Independence Celebration

President Barack Obama recently announced the designation of a Presidential Delegation to the Federal Republic of Nigeria to attend the 50th Anniversary Independence Celebration on October 1, 2010. The Honorable Rajiv Shah, Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, will lead the delegation.

Members of the Presidential Delegation include:
The Honorable Johnnie Carson, Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, Department of State
Mr. James P. McAnulty, Charge d’Affaires, United States Diplomatic Mission to the Federal Republic of Nigeria
The Honorable Walter C. Jones, United States Executive Director to the African Development Bank

PS: Though I'm glad President Obama felt Nigeria worthy of such a delegation. I posted this so Nigerians who need to interact with America at the presidential level know who they need to contact.

Virgin Mobile Fest 2010

Virgin Mobile Fest, the free festival with the theme was “Let Free Ring 2010” was recently held at the Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, MD on Saturday September 25. A $5 donation to RE* Generation, Virgin Mobile’s initiative to address youth homelessness was requested, but the festival was worth much more than that. This is a testament to Virgin’s charitable motto and social consciousness.

It was great event which saw a great crowd turn out. Crowds overwhelmed the downtown Columbia area, which was a nice change for the usually quiet area. I was very impressed by the “greenness” of the event. Recycling was actively encouraged by Kyocera staff giving people freebies for recycling in very visible recycle containers.

The festival included performances by Brite Lite Brite, Jimmy Eat World, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Joan Jett and the Blackheats, Matt & Kim, Pavement, LCD Sound System, The Temper Trap, Trombone Shorty, Yeasayer, Thievery Corporation, Ludacris, MIA, Will Eastman, Wolfgang Gartner, Neon India, Maximum Balloon, Chromeo, Sleigh Bells, Modeselektor, and Sharam.

There were other types of shows, such as the High Tea Toast with Jeremiah Weed of Jeremiah Sweet Tea, the 27ft Thermokraken and 30ft Tapasya fire shows sponsored by Therm, a circus show by Bindlestiff family Circus, a huge Ferris wheel and skateboarding by Skate Park of Baltimore who brought their own skate boarders, mini-ramp and DJ with great music. They are recruiting volunteers, if you’re interested; please visit their website at www.skateparkofbaltimore.com

Virgin’s Kyocera was the very visible premier wireless partner of the event. Other partners and vendors included Polaroid, Toyota, Jeremiah Sweet Tea, Statefarm, Converse, Therm, Play Station, Zync from American Express, Kyocera, Aqua Hydrate, The RE Generation, Virgin Unite, Green Chimneys, Sasha Bruce Youthwork, Naehcy.Bindelstiff family circus, Albus Cavus, Skatepark of Baltimore, Reb Bull BMX, Vevo, Sonicbids, 9:38 Night club and Megabus.

DJ Jonny Santos kept the turn tables spinning and everybody dancing at the Kyocera booth. If you need a DJ for your event, contact him by email at imakeparty@gmail.com

Again, it was a great event and I'm already looking forward to the 2011 Virgin Mobile Fest. The festival’s website is at http://www.virginmobilefestival.com/

Below are some pictures. Enjoy

PS: Polaroid said pictures from the event will be available at facebook.com/polaroid. I checked today and I didn’t see them, but feel free to check back and hopefully they’ll post them soon.

2010 Wharton Africa Business Conference

A Blueprint for Africa: Navigating the World’s Fastest Growing Continent

The Wharton Africa Business Forum (“WABF”) is a student-led conference held at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. First hosted in 1981, the forum was the first Ivy League MBA conference dedicated to Africa.

The goal of the forum is to increase dialogue on business in Africa by engaging companies operating on the continent, prominent business professionals, investors interested in the region, and leaders of academic thought. In 2009 the conference welcomed over 400 speakers, professionals, and MBAs from Africa, Europe, and the Americas.

The conference is anchored by keynote addresses delivered by prominent business leaders, and features several panel discussions, a business plan competition, career fair and networking receptions. In addition to the solid programming we have offered each year, in 2010 we are excited to introduce several new features including structured 1-to-1 networking meetings, a knowledge capture portal, and new panel formats such as our Private Equity GP/LP debate

When: November 19-21st 2010
Where: The Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States

For more information visit http://whartonafrica.com/wabf/

Blues Brother's Statues and Store at Chicago's Widway Airport

 

 

I was there to visit relatives and attend a conference and just thought I'd share...  

World Bank’s Africa Region’s Chief Economist, Mr. Shantayanan Devarajan, Discusses Africa

Mr. Shantayanan Devarajan, the Sri-Lankan-born Chief Economist of the World Bank’s (WB) Africa Region whose research covers public economics, trade policy, natural resources, the environment, and general equilibrium modeling of developing countries, is a sought after authority on Africa.

Although there are many “unofficial authorities” on Africa at the WB, his name is the only one listed on the World Bank’s website as their expert on Africa.

He has a B.A. in mathematics from Princeton and a Ph.D. in economics from the University of California, Berkeley. He was a faculty member at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, Principal Economist and Research Manager for Public Economics at the Development Research Group, Chief Economist of the Human Development Network, and of the South Asia Region, and Director of the 2004 World Development Report, Making Services Work for Poor People. He has authored several publications including his blog, Africa Can…End Poverty

His education, experience and exposure, which include both aerial and ground level views of Africa gives him a very unique perspective. I recently met with him at the Young African Professionals (YAP) monthly social mixer for Africans and friends of Africa held in Washington DC, where he shared his thoughts on Africa. Below are excerpts....

What do you believe is missing in African governments’ management style?

Transparency, citizen empowerment to ask questions and accountability are missing. For example, a Ugandan newspaper published that only 13% of money allotted for education arrives in public schools. Ugandans then demanded to know how much money was received in their school district monthly. They then said to the School Principal, “We know how much money the school received; what are you doing with it?” The school then published its budget on the schoolroom door and the percentage of money received by schools rose from 13% to 90%.

Why are resource rich African countries poor?

Government mismanagement, called the “resource curse” is the reason. For example, Nigeria’s per capita income in 2000 was less than before the oil boom, which shouldn’t be. In Cameroon, oil revenues was hidden from the public, even members of the government didn’t know how much oil was being exported, and part of their foreign exchange reserves was kept in the U.S when it was supposed to be kept in the Banque de France, the central bank of France. Before African governments receive oil revenues, it’s spent. To prevent this, a theory being investigated is transferring oil revenues to the masses, using community development schemes, social transfers etc. Then the government can tax them. This gives the public a stake in revenue spending, since it’s their tax money.

Why are there few middle class in Africa?

The term “middle class” is misleading. People in the middle of the income distribution, between the 40th and 60th percentile, are not what we think of as the “middle class”. 70% of Africa lives on less than $2 daily. The “middle class” are those living on $10 daily. They are people in the 90-95 percentile of the income distribution. In developed countries, they are usually blue collar manufacturing employees. In Africa, they need productive employment in the products and services sector, but most jobs are in informal sectors, such as street hawkers, vendors, bicycle repairers and light consumer goods manufacturers of batteries, soap etc.

What do you believe is Africa’s economic future?

Many sectors are primed for growth. Educated and intelligent young Africans, who have both eye and aerial level African perspectives, are in a unique position to positively impact Africa’s economic future, by expanding the growth momentum, which started from the mid 90s till now, so the next generation can prosper. Agriculture is often focused on as the solution. However, 70% of the poor work in agriculture, so increasing agricultural productivity will alleviate poverty, but it’s difficult. India is attempting this now, but it isn’t working. If rural-urban migration increases, jobs are needed, so to enrich Africa, a holistic, multi-sector focused solutions are needed.

What do you think of Africans’ pessimism of the WB’s role in their countries?

It stems from the structural adjustment policy (SAP) era, when countries hit by terms of trade shocks or debt crises had to undertake severe SAPs, such as cutting the budget deficit and eliminating subsidies, often as part of WB programs. The shocks were not the WB’s fault, but it was associated with the necessary SAPs to respond to it. Furthermore, some of these SAPs were imposed by the WB and International Monetary Fund (IMF), from a non-domestic political consensus, so, many didn’t work and some were reversed.

What changed in the WB’s and IMF’s interaction with African countries?

The difference is the decision makers and greater ownership of policies by the countries implementing them. In the 70s and 80s their roles were advocacy and policy imposition. Decisions were made in Washington, London and Paris; consensus reached there and imposed on African nations who ignored or implemented, then reversed them. The policies are now owned by the countries.

What changed to make more Africans supportive of implemented policies in their countries?

Many governments became democratic. For example, Ghana’s military government was serving the urban elite who kept food prices down while farmers suffered. With democracy, politicians needed farmers’ votes and farmers demanded higher food prices to reduce their poverty before voting for them.

What are your thoughts on South Africa’s strike?

South Africans are angry because many expectations made by the ANC government such as higher wages are unfulfilled. There’s also 25% unemployment, with 40% in the black community. It was bound to happen. I understand President Jacob Zuma’s public image is also suffering. For example, he recently went on an expensive state visit to China with a staff of 100, 8 ministers and his fiancée.

How can South Africa level the playing field?

With their good infrastructure and coastline they should be a manufacturing powerhouse, but unions keep real wages high, while 4-5 million people don’t have jobs. There is a wage premium instead of market clearing wages. It’s a deeply political problem. Wages are kept high for few to enjoy. The evidence seems to indicate that the current labor regulations are not good for the whole country.

What are your thoughts on Dambisa Moyo’s book, Dead Aid: Why Aid Is Not Working And How There Is A better Way For Africa?

She’s asking if aid has helped or hurt Africa and says aid should be replaced with private capital flows (PCF). Though I sympathize with her, the book’s publishing was imperfectly timed, right before PCFs dwindled. PCF is preferable to aid, but it isn’t available. Less aid may be needed, but African governments also lose revenue by not charging full price for utilities. For example, some governments subsidize electricity but if the government can’t pay the subsidies, electricity cutoffs occur.

What are your thoughts on William Easterly’s book, The White Man's Burden: Why the West's Efforts To Aid The Rest Have Done So Much Ill And So Little Good?

He also says aid isn’t effective because it’s an enabler; suppresses self sufficiency and creates dependency. The donor expects to give and the recipient expects to get, so no 10 or 20 year benchmarking or exit strategy is created. For example, Kenya reformed in 1991 because donor aid dwindled. A former chief economist of the bank said “We did more for Kenya by pulling out in 1991 than we did in the previous 20 years.” Aid is now less than 2% of Kenya’s GDP and they are doing well.


Do the governments of African countries need advice?

Yes they do, from their citizens. We are providing evidence to nourish domestic debate on policy issues. Now through social networking sites, broad based consultations are occurring, so what is adopted is right and has a chance to succeed, because it’s from collective experiences and perspectives.

How does Africa differ from other developing continents?

Africa hasn’t developed a productive manufacturing sector, which is critical. This distinguishes it from other regions, such as South East Asia.

What do you think of China’s purchase of African lands?

"Land grabbing" or more politically correctly speaking "land acquisition" is an issue, but the more important issue is the farmers receiving fair prices for their lands. If China wants to buy land, fair prices should be paid, so everyone is happy. However, land ownership is often ambiguous. Some governments own the land and lease them to farmers and efficient land titling isn’t practiced. However, geo references are now being used to assist in developing land titling and it will get better.

What do you think of the focus on agriculture for food security?

Food security doesn't apply to all farmers, but increased agricultural production is a poverty alleviation tool. I’m indifferent to whether it is food or cash crops, the key is to increase agricultural productivity and raise farmers’ incomes. Food security isn’t necessarily connected to agriculture. Food can be imported. The problem is lack of income to purchase food. For example, when there’s a bumper harvest, food prices and farmers’ incomes fall, so they can't afford to buy food the next season.

What do you think of regional economic bodies?

Africa has unexploited gains from regional integration and collaboration, but the challenge is lack of inter-governmental cooperation. The African Union (AU), Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and South African Development Community (SADC) all have limited scopes. They are largely ineffective, but they can’t be blamed. Blame leaders of sovereign governments who make eloquent unity speeches, but refuse to cooperate because they must relinquish some sovereignty and autonomy to do so. For example, Senegal and Mali have a rail road which took them years to agree on a common gauge on the rail line.

What do you think of corruption in Africa?

It exists and I have personally experienced it. I was traveling from Lagos, Nigeria to Cotonou, Benin, with a colleague. As we were crossing the border into Benin, we encountered a guard with a basket who demanded $50 for our passage. My colleague said, "Your president and Nigeria's president signed an ECOWAS treaty on free passage....” The guard replied pointing to his basket, "That's their ECOWAS, this is my ECOWAS" so we had to pay.

What do you think is the relationship between African development and non- governmental organizations (NGOs)?

There are two types of NGOs; advocacy NGOs, which serve as the people’s voice and service delivery NGOs, which deliver services like education, health etc. They are both financed by donors and governments, and have important purposes. For example, in Congo, education is provided mostly by NGOs. Ghana is also doing well with advocacy NGOs. They are necessary where there is limited democracy. Some have been serving for years and can be improved, but the problem is lack of effectiveness rating, so ineffective ones can be discontinued. Also, some do both advocacy and service delivery and subsequently advocate for the service they deliver, which is a conflict of interest.

What is the World Bank doing differently now?

The WB assists through finance assistance such as loans and knowledge assistance such as reports. Most countries want loans but not knowledge assistance, but before the WB gives loans, we must understand its purpose and ensure that it is judicious. Before, we would write reports, give it to a country’s finance minister, who’d put it on his or her shelf as a book end gathering dust. Now there’s more growth and poverty reduction than before because of greater political support for pro-poor reforms. I recently toured Johannesburg, Abuja, Addis Ababa and Dakar, having meetings with people from 24 countries and consulting on new strategies to promote valuable exchange before more WB project commencements. Civil society members are the most vocal of the groups I met with. I was impressed by the similarities in our thinking. For example, Simon Brice, a young entrepreneur and civil society leader, organized a group which wrote their own report and sent them to me, because they weren’t satisfied that we’d heard them fully.

What are your thoughts on particular African countries?

Zimbabwe has turned the economic corner. Inflation, which rose to a quadrillion percent, has been brought down, but land distribution efforts have been disastrous. In South Africa there’s not been much land re-distribution occurring.

What African projects is the WB currently working on?

The WB has allocated money for developing the Nile River Basin, but the countries concerned namely, Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Egypt and Rwanda must agree, which hasn’t happened, so it’s a difficult situation. The Gibe III Dam Nile Project was built by the Chinese, but has some repair issues. The WB is giving Zimbabwe technical advice, but since they haven't paid their outstanding loans, they can't get more.

What are your thoughts on the Niger Delta?

There are different situations there, but the indigenous people feel disenfranchised. They see non-indigenous rich oil company employees and their families in good oil company schools, housing and hospitals that they don't have. They can’t be happy. The solution is to enfranchise them. Some parts are showing signs of improvement. For example, the governor of the Niger Delta’s Bayelsa state is doing the right things.

You were in Nigeria when Nigeria's former anti-corruption crusader , Nuhu Ribadu, returned, what did you perceive?

People were happy, even those who were against him before. Some say President Good luck Jonathan, the former vice president who assumed office after the untimely death of, Musa Yar A Dua last year won't be allowed to run by his party, because he's not a Northerner, but Nigerians seem to like him so he could win an election. However, if the candidacy issue isn’t resolved and Jonathan isn’t allowed to run, it may be Ribadu's opportunity since he's a northerner. He could win, which will be good for Nigeria.

Thank you for affording Sociable Susan the opportunity to interview you.

You're welcome.


One of the mandates of Sociable Susan Magazine is to represent Africa fairly, which often times is not the case in Western media. I was very passionate about conducting this interview after reading recently read that Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton stated, “I held a roundtable for members of the White House Press Corps in – I don’t know, 1997 or ’98 – and one of the first questions one of the reporters asked me was, “What’s the capital of Africa?” I thought, oh, do I have a lot of work to do… We’ve made a lot of progress there too, but we have a long way to go. I recognized then how much work there still was to be done to educate people in my own country about Africa.”

Sociable Susan Magazine is doing its part in educating people on Africa, and having the opportunity to interview such a highly intelligent and well respected authority with an unbiased view of Africa is rare. I would like to thank Mr. Shantayanan Devarajan for his time, patience and graciousness, without which this enlightening interview would not have occurred. I would also like to thank Ehui of YAP for inviting Mr. Devarajan to the monthly networking event.

If you are seeking an expert on Africa for serious business opportunities in the continent, he may the person whose perspective will save you a lot of wasted time and effort and he comes with the World Bank's stamp of approval.

For more information on Mr. Shantayanan Devarajan or Young African Professionals Network
please visit the embedded links.

Alternative Therapies

We know alternative medicine have been used for centuries and can heal the body and mind of many ailments though the big pharmaceutical companies’ aggressive advertising and lobbying would have us think otherwise by suppressing our knowledge.

Does alternative therapy offer a cure to cancer? Or can you breathe down your blood pressure? Well, some claim this is so, but I guess there’s no one solution to everyone’s ailments, but here some that some people swear by.

For some people eating bananas can cure arthritis.
Aromatherapy oils relieve stress. Mix the oils and put on pressure points. This works because it bypasses our cortex, which is our ability to think or your thinking process.
Sage can be used in tea to help with menopausal symptoms.
Yoga is good for hypertension
If you have a cold, head to the sauna because viruses can’t survive in the heat, so this prevents colds.
Acupuncture's cupping of the skin increases blood flow. The decreased air pressure in the cup pulls the skin and increases the blood flow in the area.
Reikhi which is energy manipulation, lessens headaches.
Mix water and baking soda together and drink to settle your stomach. It works because the solution neutralize acids and stops indigestion.
To remove splinters, dab a little white glue, let dry and pull off.
For burns, cool it down with cold water and add fresh aloe.
For ear infections, use hydrogen peroxide. Put enough to fill up the ear canal such as half a teaspoon full. If you have infection it will bubble.

Feel free to send me some tried and true home remedies you have used and have seen work.

Planning a Fall Wedding & Need Some Ideas?

Fall months are hot months for weddings. The weather is especially nice and cozy for both intimate and large occasions.

For the bride:
The hot accessory of the moment is the stylish and classy faux fur scarf, and the stylish corset top is a hot romantic number. Tiered voluminous skirted wedding dresses are reigning supreme, and an autumn bouquet that ties all the colors together is a must have.

For bridesmaids:
Wearable short amethyst colored bridesmaid’s dresses with folded necklines complement the season’s colors. Teal colored jewelry and hot accessories in metallic bronzy or coppery colors look exceptionally good.

For the church:
Decorate in fall colors like burnt orange, mustard, cider and jewel tones.

For the reception:
Elegant and pretty is the way to go. Hot trends are glowing colors and tribal or exotic patterns of woven fabric. Prevalent colors include; teal, magenta, and orange. For the table center pieces, feather and floral bouquets with gold leaves stand out.

For desert:
Pie pops and mini pies are the new thing to treat your guests’ sweet tooth.

Charity:
Do some good when you say I do by putting a charity element into your wedding planning. Brides White Hot Hope is encouraging brides to shop at participating retailers where proceeds will benefit Operation Smile and Dress for Success. For more information visit http://whitehothope.com/

Good luck with your wedding plans!

Have a happy Labor Day Weekend !!

Labor Day is more than just an extra day off from work or simply the last fling of summer. It's a much-deserved rest in recognition of the hard work and daily disciplines that fuel our businesses and drive our economy.
We hope you enjoy this time relaxing with friends and loved ones.
You deserve it.

Catwalk For A Cause

Is a cocktail reception and show of fashion & style on Sunday November 14, 2010 at the Historic Tremont Hotel located at 225 N Charles Street, Downtown Baltimore, MD 21201 to benefit the Johns Hopkins Children's Center in Baltimore

Agenda
4:00PM- Doors open
4:30PM- 5:30PM- Red Carpet Arrivals, Cocktail Reception, Meet & Greet
5:30PM- Seating
6:00PM- Show Begins

The event is hosted by Erica Kane and Isis King, the most talked-about contestant from America's Next Top Model, pictured below, is the special runway guest model.
Isis King
The show will feature:
Macy's exclusive line: INC
Kantankerous Couture- Featuring medical-inspired couture wear
Kalai Kai, Winner of 2010 Artscape Designer Competition- Garments made from eco-friendly materials
Katwalk Boutique
A People United
Andrew Nowell Menswear - DC
Arenas Collection - Custom Designed Stilettos and Pumps
Brian Collins Custom Tailoring
More to be announced
.
There will be special invited VIP guests, and hair and Makeup will be provided by David Palmer Salon of Waldorf, MD
.
*All tickets purchased in advance guarantee reserved seating*

For more information, please visit www.catwalkforacause.org
For tickets or to register as a vendor, please visit www.Catwalk4aCause.eventbrite.com

About Catwalk For A Cause
Catwalk For A Cause is a new series of fashion show events that will allow us to give back to a cause that will directly affect local members of our community.
Sunday November 14, 2010 marks a special date, as the first ever fashion show fundraiser to benefit the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center in Baltimore, MD will take place- Catwalk For A Cause. Our goal is to bring awareness and raise financial support for the center through the celebration of fashion and style. With a beautiful set location at Baltimore’s Tremont, our guests will be able to mingle with the designers and special guests during the pre-show cocktail reception, get their photos taken by paparazzi on the red carpet, indulge in a some delicious finger foods and then take their seats for a memorable show of fashion and style. You can expect to see couture, high fashion, art and ready-to-wear garments on the runway.
Proceeds from this show will specifically benefit expenses not covered by the patient's insurance, may expenses of which some families are unable to cover, including programs and camps for kids with chronic illnesses, new clothing for children in the pediatric emergency department, support groups for kids with cancer and their siblings, special car seats for infants in the NICU, meal tickets for families who arrive unexpectedly and do not have the funds to purchase food, and more.

About KIS Agency
KIS Agency is a model & event management and production agency that is located in the Maryland and Washington D.C. areas with more than ten years of industry experience. One of our passions is creating exciting and on-the-edge fashion productions that leave our guests with a refreshed outlook on style and a new meaning to the word “Fashion”. Some of our recent work includes the production and model management for Fashion At Artscape, America’s largest free arts festival. At Artscape, we are the agency responsible for the production of a fashion show every thirty minutes from noon to 8:30PM each day, and the management of over 100 runway models, hair stylists and makeup artists throughout the weekend. KIS Agency is also the producer of the American Heart Associations’Go Red for Women fashion show, an event which is in conjunction with Macy’s. We are also the promotional partner of Baltimore Fashion Week. For more information about KIS Agency please visit us online at www.KISagency.com.

About Johns Hopkins Children’s Center
Hopkins Children’s cares for sick children, researches the causes of and cures for childhood illness, and trains the pediatricians of tomorrow. As Maryland’s largest pediatric hospital, it is the designated burn center for pediatric patients in MD, and is the only state-designated trauma center for children. Hopkins Children’s is consistently voted among the top children’s hospitals in the nation. The hospital was ranked number 4 in the magazine’s annual rankings of American children’s hospitals in 2008. U.S. News & World Report has ranked Johns Hopkins Hospital number one in the nation for 17 years in a row.

Quick Facts about Johns Hopkins Children’s Center:
• More than 8,400 pediatric patients admitted
• Average length of stay: 6.5 days
• More than 25,000 kids treated in the Pediatric Emergency Department
• The Pediatric Trauma Service treated 704 inpatients and 342 outpatients in fiscal 2008
• Nearly 600 babies admitted to the NICU

Event - Fashion's Night Out 2010

IHMG recording artist The Sistah, TrakFire recording artist RacqDolo and Island/Def Jam recording artist Jay White to perform live at Fashion's Night Out 2010 at Lane Bryant, Brooklyn, NY

Iron horse Music Group alternative soul recording artist The Sistah, TrakFire Productions Pop/R&B artist Racq Dolo and Island/Def Jam inspirational recording artist Jay White will all be performing for Fashion Week's Fashion's Night Out 2010 at Lane Bryant. The free, one-night-only event is set to kick off at 7PM at the store's downtown Brooklyn, New York location on September 10th.

Lane Bryant will be offering free butterfly cocktail rings with any purchase and a free DKNY Jeans Tee with any DKNY Jeans purchase. The store will also carry an exclusive Fashion's Night out T-Shirt in Lane Bryant sizes with the proceeds benefiting the New York City Aids Fund.

For more information about Lane Bryant's Fashion's Night Out 2010 event, please call (718) 855-8301 or visit the location at 380 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, New York.

ABOUT FASHION'S NIGHT OUT 2010
Shop for something good: from Brooklyn to Brazil to Boston, the fashion industry is already buzzing about the news that this year’s globe-spanning extravaganza Fashion’s Night Out, is back! The 2010 edition of the biggest fashion party in history promises to be equally epic, splurge inspiring and full of even more stylish surprises.

ABOUT FASHION WEEK NYC
The citywide fashion event, anchored by Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Bryant Park, showcases the runway collections of many of the top designers. Fashion Week includes over 250 fashion events throughout the City, with about 70 shows taking place at Bryant Park. Fashion Week occurs semiannually every September and February, highlighting fashion trends for the following spring and fall, respectively and kicks off international Fashion Weeks, with London, Milan, and Paris following New York.

To book Jay White Contact: Intercession Management (718) 992-2200 or booking@intercessionmanagement.com

Jay White's website is www.jayLwhite.com

Being a Nigerian, I knew Fela, when I was much younger because my mum was a quiet fan of his, buying his videos and music. She could never visit the shrine because though she wanted to and asked many times no one would take her there because "respectable women" didn't visit Fela's shrine. Fela has been dead for years now, but a musical based on his life is on broadway. Continue to read to get a sense of who Fela was....

FELA! His story inspired a nation. His music inspires the world. FELA! tells the true story of the legendary Nigerian musician Fela Kuti, whose soulful Afrobeat rhythms ignited a generation.

Motivated by his mother, a civil rights champion, he defied a corrupt and oppressive military government and devoted his life and music to the struggle for freedom and human dignity. FELA! is a triumphant tale of courage, passion and love, featuring Fela Kuti’s captivating music and the visionary direction and choreography of Tony-Award® winner Bill T. Jones.

Grammy award-winning, multi-platinum recording artist Patti LaBelle will join the cast of the hit Award-winning Broadway musical FELA! on Tuesday, September 14, when she takes over the role of Fela’s mother (Funmilayo Anikulapo-Kuti)!
“I am both thrilled and honored to be joining the cast of Fela! on Broadway. After seeing the show, I was struck by the choreography and work of Bill T. Jones, and the passion and joy that overflows from the stage. Fela’s mother, Funmilayo, was a strong, truly inspiring woman and I am so privileged to be able to pay tribute to her on the Broadway stage,” says Miss LaBelle.

Fela the most critically acclaimed new musical of the season, has received three Tony Awards®: Best Choreography, Best Costume Design for a Musical and Best Sound Design of a Musical!


For more information on Fela, The Musical on Broadway in NYC visit
http://www.felaonbroadway.com/index.php

Enjoy the images below!