Afro Lifestyle 04-05-2024

Cherry Blossom Festival brings thousands to D.C.’s Tidal Basin

By Patricia McDougall

Residents and travelers from around the world joined together to celebrate Events DC’s Preview Passport DC: Cherry Blossom Festival 2024. On April 1, despite the rain, performances took place on the Tidal Basin’s ANA Stage. D.C.’s magnificent international community—the largest in the world with 180 embassies– showcased their talents with dance, song, poetry and music from Belize, Indonesia, Panama, Mexico, Trinidad and Tobago, Azerbaijan, China and more.

Each year tourists from around the globe and residents alike enjoy the cherry blossoms of Washington, D.C. According to the National Park Service “the famous trees, a gift [from] Japan in 1912, signal Washington’s beginning of spring with an explosion of life and color that surrounds the

a sea

blossoms.”

Jan Du Plain, organizer of Events DC’s Preview Passport DC, shares a moment with Joan Brammer, of Trinidad and Tobago

Domenic Lewis, of the Positive Vibrations Youth Steel Trinidad and Tobago, plays a selection for the crowd gathered on April 1 to celebrate the cherry blossoms of Washington, D.C.

Diana Mayhew (left), president and CEO of the Cherry Blossom Festival, with Jan Du Plain.

Rafael Javadov, world renowned violinist shares his talent, in celebration of the cherry blossoms in the nation’s capital.

Young musician Kaiden MatthewsFindley performs for the crowd.

Levern Hamer serves as co-emcee for the Preview Passport DC: 2024 Cherry Blossom Festival event.

Special to the AFRO

Tidal Basin in

of pale pink and white

All photos, except background, by Patricia McDougall Background photo courtesy Bing Images

Men of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity hold Annual Lenten Faith Leaders Prayer Breakfast

By

Merrick

More than 350 guests filled the Forum ballroom for the buffet breakfast and program offered each year at the Lenten Faith Leaders Prayer Breakfast, hosted by the Delta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. This year’s event took place at the Forum Caterers on March 30 and was the culmination of the Holy Week for the chapter. Music was provided by the Alpha Chorale, under the direction of Dr. Marco K. Merrick and honorees were recognized with citations from the Office of Maryland Governor Wes Moore, a member of the Delta Lambda Chapter.

The seven honorees, symbolic of the seven founders of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, were Yvonne Fletcher, an Alpha wife; three brothers of the organization, Dr. Cecil Payton, Dr. Anthony Brown and Charles “Chazz” Scott; Jean Wilson Richie; Jesse J. Bennett Jr. and Terris King II.Several prayers were given by the Alpha brothers, for the city, the nation, families and the fraternity. A highlight of the program was the presentation of the Delta Lambda Beautillion Scholars, who are high school junior and senior males, preparing for college and successful professional careers. The students greeted the guests as they arrived and escorted them to their respective tables. The event

Marco

Special to the AFRO

All photos are courtesy of Marco Merrick

is among the signature events of Delta Lambda Chapter, established to uphold the tradition as men of faith and character, who pause during the holy season for prayer. The event is meant to encourage leaders in the community who are doing great work to benefit others.

Each year the men of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity’s Delta Lambda Chapter come together for the Lenten Faith Leaders Prayer Breakfast.

Honoree Jean Wilson Richie (left) speaks as Rev. Timothy McFadden, a member of the organization, looks on

Bro. Min. Ryan Turner (left) celebrates honoree Jesse J. Bennett Jr. with Bro. Henry Kenney III. Lisa Mills (left), Sandra Brookins, Michelle Fletcher, with Ryan Turner, who serves as president of the Delta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.

Honorees Charles “Chazz” Scott (left) and Dr. Anthony Brown display their awards with Dr. Justin Morrissette; Alpha Phi Alpha’s Lambda Chapter President Ryan Turner and other award recipients, Yvonne Fletcher; Dr. Cecil Payton; Jean Wilson Richie; Jesse J. Bennett and Terris King II.

Dr. Earl S. Richardson, former president of Morgan State University, enjoys the Lenten Faith Leaders Prayer Breakfast as a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.

Photo courtesy of APA1906.net