Get your mask and your beads and dress for our Mardi Gras ZOOM! We will learn Mardi Gras history and get a delicious Gumbo recipe from our "Queens" of Mardi Gras!

Link Sisters & Friends Community ZOOM!

Dorothy Cravey - Gumbo Queen on the Left!

A toast from the Mardi Gras House

Virginia Jackson, Event Manager, Mobile Convention & Civic Center

We are celebrating Mardi Gras during our ZOOM Meeting! Sisterfriends from Mobile, the birth of Mardi Gras, will share the history of African American participation in the celebration. Did you know the birth of Mardi Gras is in Mobile Alabama and people of color were not allowed to participate in most festivities at the beginning of the celebration? Virginia Jackson will share how Black people found a place and meaning in Mardi Gras. During our trip to Martha's Vineyard we had a Mardi Gras celebration from decorating umbrellas and a second-line parade, (looking cute marching around the block tossing candy!) to southern gumbo, to a beautiful table display. Join us, on February 15, we will learn a lot about the history of this uniquely southern event!

Stephanie El, Inspiring Empowered Woman

First, on ZOOM we'll be inspired by world Traveler, Stephanie El! She is always celebrating the cultures she discovers and has visited over 45 countries! Stephanie earned her bachelor's degree after attending Fisk University and the University of Pittsburgh. Originally from Pittsburgh, she moved to Charlotte, North Carolina 23 years ago, alone and on unemployment. Attending school full-time, Stephanie obtained her Masters's Degree at the University of North Carolina at the age of 57, and launched a new career that landed her dream job of traveling overseas!

A shopping stop in Viet Nam.

At Shukkeien Garden. Hiroshimo, Japan, so peaceful and senior citizens get in free!

Currently, working on another contracted 10-month assignment on a military base in Sasebo, Japan as a counselor to elementary school students, Stephanie's journey in life encourages us to step out on faith. "I am spontaneous and adventurous, traveling to many countries alone." Stephanie travels from her base during holidays and in between contracts. Now at 74 years young, she is thinking of spending more time stateside with her children.

A trip to the Motherland.

What's remarkable is that Stephanie's overseas adventures began in her mid 50's after she earned her master's degree! We will learn a lot from Stephanie about life, taking that leap of faith, and appreciating the contributions of other cultures.

May 17-22 GETAWAY TO JAMAICA

We will give an update on Sisters & Friends Getaway to Jamaica during our ZOOM meeting! How exciting it is to be going back to the beautiful Tree House in Negril! It is a great place to be to chill for Sisters & Friends Yoga on the Beach, dip in the blue beautiful ocean, 7-mile beach walk, the hot tub, pool and venture out on a tour of the island! Come alone or with friends! We are planning some fun, and inspiring activities. As always, join in or create your own agenda! For information email caportis@gmail.com or call me at (412) 400-8809 or click here for details.