I had the awesome opportunity to cover The Oracle Group International 10th Anniversary Celebration. The Oracle Group International (Oracle Group) presented “An Evening with Taraji P. Henson in Conversation with NY Times Bestselling author, Awesomely Luvvie Ajayi”. The event was held on Saturday, October 22nd at the lovely and historic Howard Theatre in Washington, DC.
The founder, Mocha Ochoa-Nana, who is affectionately known as “The Book Whisperer”, had on a beautiful custom made dress. Her entire family had on matching outfits.
Each guest was given a copy of Taraji’s new book, Around the Way girl, which she signed at the close of the night as well as a gift bag with hair care products from CURLS.
VIP guests were treated to a private reception as well as a quick meet and greet with Taraji. MYX Fushion Moscato was given to the VIP guests. Since I love coconut and I love Moscato, I tried the coconut Moscato. It was delicious. I also tried the MYX sangria, which was yummy as well.
Taraji kept it all the way 100 with the audience about what she had to do to get to where she is today. She said she is a regular woman who happens to act as a profession. She reminded us that she is trained in her craft and therefore, no one can take that from her. We were encouraged to not listen to or entertain the “haters” because they will always be there with something negative to say.
Famed choreographer, producer Debbie Allen made an appearance during the event as well as Mrs. Virginia Ali. Virginia Ali and her husband Ben founded the world famous Ben’s Chili Bowl in Washington, D.C. in 1958.
The evening was filled with cocktails from MYX Fushions Moscato. The DJ had the crowd bopping to his funky mixes. From Go-Go to jazz to R&B, he kept the atmosphere one of celebration.
The fantastic part of this event is that a portion of the proceeds will benefit Hurricane Matthew relief efforts in Haiti.
Several media outlets were in attendance to cover this event, such as ABC7 WJLA and 89.3fm WPFW.
ABOUT THE BOOK
From Academy Award nominee and Golden Globe winner, Taraji P. Henson, comes an inspiring and funny book about family, friends, the hustle required to make it from DC to Hollywood, and the joy of living in your own truth.
Around the Way Girl is also a classic actor’s memoir in which Taraji reflects on the world-class instruction she received at Howard University and the pitfalls that come with being a black actress. With laugh-out-loud humor and candor, she shares the challenges and disappointments of the actor’s journey and shows us that behind the red carpet moments, she is ever authentic. She is at heart just a girl in pursuit of her dreams.
THE ORACLE GROUP INTERNATIONAL
The Oracle Group is an internationally recognized literary public relations and marketing agency that specializes in producing events that promote literacy.
Our primary focus is to connect authors with events that engage and uplift the local, national and global community.
LUVVIE AJAYI
Luvvie Ajayi is a New York Times best-selling author, speaker and digital strategist who thrives at the intersection of comedy, technology and activism.
This event was sponsored by the world famous Ben’s Chili Bowl, MYX Fushions Moscato, DC Public Library, Curls Inc. and Believe in African Foundation.
I’m such a fan of Taraji, what you see is what you get with her. I can’t wait to crack the spine on my book.
Me too! Fall/winter time is when I get in some mad reading.
Awesome! I see BBL girls in the house. Love Mocha and I am so happy to see her celebrate 10 wonderful years.
Yes, we were in full effect! I love that we often occupy the same space. #BBL
I am such a big fan of Taraji and I can’t wait to get my hands on her books!
http://www.distinguisheddiva.com/2016/10/girls-bosses-how-to-use-your-wings-to.html
Yes, she looks great too! Very down to earth.
Great coverage, Tanya! When was this event? I can hardly wait to read her book. I’ve always been a fan. I like the quote about her being just a regular woman who just happens to be a professional actor.
It was Saturday! Oops, forgot to put the date. I liked that too….she said she is no different than anyone else.
Now this is an event I would have loved to attend! The chance to meet and see Taraji in person would have been awesome!
Hey Stacy! It was very cool to be in the same space as them.
Wow! I would have loved the opportunity to meet Taraji and Luvvie. Great coverage! I have to check out both of their books.
I started Luvvie’s book and it is funny. I think you will enjoy it.
Wow this seems great to be surrounded my wonderful women. I like Taraji and she is a fellow Howard Alumni! Now I’m missing Bens Chilli bowl! The howard theatre wasn’t open when i was there I will have to check it out when I make it back to DC! I remember hearing Gogo music blaring in the streets and men dancing on the corner to the music! Cant you tell I’m missing D.C.!?
Girl, I love DC so much! It has been my hang out spot since I was a teenager skipping school. LOL! Now, hubby and I hang out in DC all the time.
I just read Mimis recap on Tarajis Book and now yours! Wow this girl is amazing and you did a good job with the recap!
Thanks lady! The night went by so fast. I wish I had gotten more pictures.