The Night Has Arrived...
November 16th marked the second annual Friendsgiving, now formally branded as Divasgiving, hosted at the beautiful and intimate Level K Special Event space. This event was more than I could have ever imagined, thanks to the collective energy of our incredible guests, awardees, sponsors, vendors, and crew. The crew being my event organizer, Lynn at Purple Crown Productions, my husband, sister, nephew and friend Jacynthia.
From the moment my team and I arrived at 5 p.m. to begin decorating, I could feel the magic brewing. I must admit, I had several favorite moments—from the dazzling golden shoes and the lively "Meet a Diva" Bingo with heart-shaped hole punchers to the incredible camaraderie filling the room. However, nothing topped the joy of watching our guests pour in, brimming with excitement for what was in store. Thanks to Mica at TM Photography for capturing all of the moments.
As the night began, DJ MH2DA set the vibe with infectious beats, ushering everyone towards the mixed drinks, "Diva's Zest and Berry Devine" by Naomi King and drinks served by Ciara from the Kris Williams Bartending Company, a fun photo booth by Picture Perfect 219 where guests captured memories with pictures and crazy GIFs. The program officially kicked off with the stunning marketer Porchea-Londone, who introduced Stormy Martin and her powerhouse vocals. Stormy delivered breathtaking renditions of Jill Scott’s Golden and India Arie’s Beautiful, bringing everyone to their feet. Porchea’s heartfelt blessing of Stormy’s gift was a touching moment that added to the evening's emotional depth.
Next, my mother took the stage, offering a powerful prayer that set the tone for the feast. Catered by The Barberchef, No Sauce Barbeque, and Baked IN, the food was the heart of the celebration. From savory barbecue to delectable sweet treats, every bite was enjoyed and praised by guests, vendors, and even the DJ. There’s nothing like good food to bring people together, and the caterers delivered beyond expectations.
In between bites and sips, guests shopped from our fantastic vendors:
Peace 2 Pieces
Tiffany, the creator behind Peace 2 Pieces, handcrafts a variety of items from the heart, with a special focus on unique jewelry. She believes accessories are the exclamation point of a woman’s outfit, and she invites everyone to embrace their creativity and create with her! Tiffany also made custom bracelets for our goodie bags.
CBS3 Designs
CBS3 Designs creates custom 11 x 17 prints using clipart and photos in collage format for advertising and frozen moments.
The Kaya Collection
The Kaya Kollection is not just eyewear, it's a brand and a lifestyle! We provide a beautiful selection of eyewear which creates a variety of personalities and statements from Bold and Sexy to Chic and Glam!
Shine by Mari & Toya's Tumbler's and Things
Shine by Mari deep dives into skincare, carefully selecting ingredients to benefit all skin types, —so there's always something to love!
Toya’s Tumblers and Things creates custom cups and unique items for every occasion, offering beautifully crafted products that add a personal touch to your celebrations.
Another highlight of the evening was the celebration of our phenomenal Divas with awards that honored their dedication and strength:
Sister's Keeper Award:
The Sister’s Keeper Award is an honor that celebrates women who exemplify the essence of sisterhood. The Awardee's were:
Tamika Hill, MSW, LCSW is a licensed mental health professional, author, trainer, and speaker with over a decade of experience in promoting mental wellness. Tamika Hill is the founder
of Step by Step - The Spa For Your Mind, a private group practice with multiple locations, demonstrating her commitment to making mental health support and resources accessible to all.
Asha Ntim is the Founder and Director of the Chrysalis Program, which empowers young girls through mentorship and personal development, and works as an academic coach to support student success. She is also the author of the DARK BROWN Girl Book Series and a devoted wife and mother, dedicated to creating lasting change and empowering the next generation of young women.
Woman of the Year Award
The Woman of the Year Award is a prestigious honor presented to an exceptional woman who has made significant contributions to her community, industry, or field.
Minisha D. Pernell, born and raised in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood, has dedicated her life to service, with over 20 years in customer service and a current role as a Family Support Specialist at Mental Health America of Northwest Indiana. Known for her community efforts, including feeding homeless families since 2013, she remains grounded by her motto: “Never let the things you want make you forget the things you already have.
Pervis Spann Award
The Pervis Spann Award honors the legacy of a visionary who shaped Chicago’s music scene and uplifted its people through community service and empowerment. This award recognizes innovation, cultural stewardship, and a commitment to elevating underserved communities.
Anna, a multi-award-winning podcast producer and social entrepreneur, founded E3 Radio and co-founded The Qube to amplify BIPOC and QTPOC voices through music and podcasts. Recently inducted into the Chicago LGBTQ Hall of Fame, she is driven by her passion for media and a commitment to telling underrepresented stories.
Each awardee shared moving messages of resilience, empowerment, and inspiration, leaving us all deeply touched.
The fun continued with the hilarious comedian Lyssa Laird, who had us rolling with her hilarious commentary. One of her most memorable lines: “Y’all look like Divas but eat like ninjas!” perfectly summed up the vibe—elegant, yet unapologetically real.
This year's tribute to mothers and grandmothers added a heartfelt touch, beautifully captured in photos honoring the matriarchs of each family—a true cherry on top of an unforgettable celebration.
By the end of the night, the room overflowed with sisterhood, joy, and gratitude. Divasgiving 2024 wasn’t just a gathering—it was a celebration of community, empowerment, and the strength that comes from uplifting one another. I am still floating from the overwhelming love and can’t wait to see what next year’s event holds.
To all who made it possible—thank you for making Divasgiving unforgettable. Here's to more memories, more laughter, and more powerful connections in the years to come! 🖤💫
A HUGE THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!
Don't Be Shy? Did you attend Divasgiving, if so, I would love to hear about your experience!
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