Recent Events
10th Anniversary of the Maya Angelou Public Charter School…Simply Phenomenal!
Dr. Maya Angelou Saluted at Annual Fundraiser of the See Forever Foundation
by Ingrid Padgett, Director of Development
What was the first order of business on Dr. Maya Angelou Day in Washington, D.C.? A special spoken word tribute to our school’s incredibly supportive namesake, Dr. Maya Angelou! In a royal setting befitting a queen, world-class performers saluted Dr. Angelou with a ground-shaking rendition of her famed poem, “Phenomenal Woman.” The poetic tribute, read by acclaimed star of film, screen and the Broadway stage Sheryl Lee Ralph, See Forever Board Member Joan McGlockton, Emmy award-winning journalist Renee Poussaint and MAPCS alumna Sylvia Sherman, was a rousing opening that led to a stirring vocal performance from Grammy award-winning jazz vocalist Patti Austin. The night’s program also featured inspiring messages delivered by our stars and the talented students of the See Forever Foundation and Maya Angelou Public Charter School. The evening was capped by a signature performance from Dr. Maya Angelou and a special champagne and dessert birthday toast in her honor.
Dr. Maya Angelou at this year's fundraiser,
"Year of the Phenomenal Woman". |
This year’s annual fundraiser, dubbed the “Year of the Phenomenal Woman” (a nod to Dr. Angelou’s celebrated poem), was held on May 9th at the historic Lincoln Theatre in Washington, D.C.
“The event was an unprecedented chance for us to celebrate the 10th anniversary of our school and to recognize Dr. Angelou and her amazing commitment to our students. We were all so proud to have our students perform at the historic Lincoln Theatre where premier entertainers and native Washingtonians like Duke Ellington and Pearl Bailey have graced the stage,” said See Forever Board Member Jack Davies – chair of the event’s host committee. |
The day of the event – May 9, 2008 – was declared Dr. Maya Angelou Day in Washington, D.C. by Mayor Adrian Fenty and the Council of the District of Columbia. On Mayor Fenty’s behalf, Niambi Jarvis, director of women’s policy initiatives in the Office of the Mayor, read the mayoral proclamation honoring Dr. Angelou. Joining Ms. Jarvis, Ward 7 Councilmember Yvette Alexander read a resolution from the Council of the District of Columbia in recognition of our school’s namesake.
SFF/MAPCS Executive Director Cynthia Robbins pointed out that, “Our annual fundraiser is an event to experience what makes our learning community so special – our students and the transformative programs they engage in across our campuses, and beyond!” This year was no different, but the special twist of ‘taking our show on the road,’ so to speak, allowed us the opportunity to share a glimpse into the lives of our students with a broader audience. More importantly, guests were able to appreciate the dedication and commitment our students inspire in us all.
| With more than 1,200 guests in attendance, there was a full house eager to savor the uniqueness of “The Maya Way” and to help us raise the important programmatic funds that allow us to offer our blend of educational programs and wraparound supports to “at-promise” students in the District. There were some surprises on tap that evening as well, including the unveiling of the See Forever/Maya Angelou Achievement Video entitled, “Making a Difference, One Star at a Time.” In addition, special celebrity video greetings from members of Dr. Angelou’s inner circle including renowned songwriting/production team Ashford & Simpson, legendary icon Dr. Bill Cosby, and economist, author and current president of Bennett College Dr. Julianne Malveaux, helped to mark the occasion. |
Patti Austin with MAPCS-Middle School students at
Year of the Phenomenal Woman
|
All funds raised as a part of our “Year of the Phenomenal Woman” celebration support the rigorous academic program, relevant course work and important wraparound services alternative students receive across the campuses of the See Forever Foundation and Maya Angelou Public Charter School. We are grateful to our lead corporate sponsors including: WilmerHale, Plaza Construction, Random House Publishing Group and EFX Media, as well as our visionary individual sponsors: Morgan and Eileen Bramlet, Jack Davies and Shemin Proctor for their support of our work to change the “at-risk” label for our students, to one of “at-promise.”
To see a complete listing of sponsors, to review the photo gallery from the event, and to learn how you can continue to support our efforts to raise funds for Dr. Maya Angelou’s flagship school year round, visit www.seeforever.org/EVENTS/PhenomenalWoman/photoGallery.html.
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*Photograph Credit: Marirosa Anderson & Quincy Booth |
