Say It Loud

I'm black, and I'm proud!

 WHAT I WORE: tip to toe!

jacket- Target

top- Madness Boutique (NYC)

bag- Romeo and Juliet Couture

jeans- Grey Ant

shoes- Nine West

Capitol Skyline Hotel's new chef prepares beef hotdogs, hamburgers and veggie burgers on the grill! He's been cooking at the hotel's restaurant LAPIDUS for just 2 months, but as a trained pastry chef his fresh-from-the-oven strawberry and white chocolate cookies already have a cult following!

 The Howard University "Showtime" marching band played classic 80s R&B ballads as well as soulful hits from the 60's all while multi-tasking...playing their instruments AND dancing! The dancers showed off some moves (and weaves) that would put Beyonce to shame!

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I've been a member of the Corcoran Gallery of Art, thanks to a group coupon from Living Social, for several months, but it wasn't until recently that I'd ever used it. I had the opportunity to attend a member preview for an upcoming exhibit and a fundraiser for this exhibit the following night. 

The fundraiser, Rebirth of the Cool, benefited the 30 Americans exhibit currently at the Corcoran through February 12; the theme of the exhibit is based on the James Brown song "Say it Loud". 

The 30 Americans exhibit features works of the 30 most influential black artists of the last 30 years including Jean-Michel Basquiat and other works of the Rubell Family Collection, one of the world's largest privately owned contemporary art collections, started by husband and wife Donald and Mera Rubell shortly after their wedding in 1964. 

Rebirth of Cool was hosted by Kehinde Wiley, of the famous Miami Beach Art Basel Fish Frys, whose work is featured in the 30 Americans exhibit. The event's title refers to Birth of the Cool, an exhibition of works by Barkley Hendricks, which eludes to a Miles Davis album, of the same name. Hendricks are is also featured in the 30 Americans exhibit. The event raised money for upcoming artists programs affiliated with this exhibit. 

The Washington Post reports that Corcoran museum director and president, Fred Bollerer, calls these artist programs "the culmination of one of the most extensive planning events in Corcoran history." Find a complete schedule of events related to the 30 Americans exhibit here. 

As a member of the 1869 society at the Corcoran, I had a chance to preview the exhibit prior to its public opening. Check out WHAT I  WORE: tip to toe! the previous day to the museum opening!