Scenes From a 'Young, Fabulous and Female' Evening in Philly

Sponsored by Lincoln and held at the African American Museum in Philadelphia on Jan. 13, the evening began with a panel moderated by journalist and broadcast personality Jacque Reid, far right (The Tom Joyner Morning Show), who was joined by (from left) news anchor Sheinelle Jones (Fox 29); University of Pennsylvania professor Salamishah Tillet, Ph.D.; conductor Jeri Lynne Johnson (Black Pearl Orchestra); and The Root’s deputy editor, Sheryl Huggins Salomon.

Captions by The Root editorial staff; photographs by Lindsay MacDonald

The Root’s publisher, Donna Byrd, greeted more than 175 women who braved the icy January weather to gather at the museum. She also introduced Melvin Wilson, who, as director of interactive strategy at Uniworld, represented the sponsor, Lincoln.

Jacque Reid currently appears on The Tom Joyner Morning Show every Tuesday and Friday as a special news correspondent covering women and women’s issues for the show’s “Inside Her Story” segment. She is also a contributing editor for The Root.

The award-winning morning news anchor for Fox 29 in Philadelphia had this advice to share with the audience: “Ask for what you want. Take what you get. And use what you get to get what you want.”

Don’t worry about being perceived as an “angry black woman,” said Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra founder Jeri Lynne Johnson. When channeled properly, anger can fuel the passion that helps you overcome obstacles and pursue your dreams.

Tillet, an assistant professor of English and Africana studies at the University of Pennsylvania, is the co-founder of A Long Walk Home, Inc., which uses art therapy and the visual and performing arts to end violence against girls and women. Using her skills to bring about social change is what makes her “fabulous,” she said.

If you want a happy and balanced life, you must act with purpose and intent in all areas of your life, not just your career, advised Sheryl Huggins Salomon, deputy editor of The Root.

The panelists weighed in on topics as varied as mentorship, defying stereotypes and what they would do differently if they had it all to do again.

Moderator Jacque Reid (center, in pink) put her best foot forward with audience members during the cocktail reception.

Panelist Dr. Salamishah Tillet (center, in blue) worked the step-and-repeat with audience members.

Insights were exchanged long after the panel discussion had ended, against a backdrop of interactive black-history exhibits.

It was a perfect evening to explore the essence of “fabulous” with a friend.

After all the soul-searching and networking, it was a great opportunity to unwind.