A marriage of dashikis and denim defined the 10th annual Jazzy Jeans & Jewels, a fundraiser hosted by the Little Rock chapter of The Links Inc. in support of the state's historically black colleges and universities. The event took place June 3 at the Metroplex and bore an "Out of Africa" theme. Susan Williams and Lana Nayles were co-chairmen.
Tre Day, on-air personality for KIPR-FM, 92.3, was master of ceremonies for an evening set to music by DJ Uncle Jam, also of the station. A dozen booths featured foods prepared by Connecting Links and Heir-o-Links (spouses and children of chapter members, respectively) a well as others.
Anchor booths were Zoe's Cape Town Kitchen, serving up South African cuisine via Dr. Alonzo Williams, Alonzo Williams Jr. and Eddie Armstrong; and an elaborately decorated booth featuring a full Southern dinner by Drs. Tommy Love and Monica Love-Hall. Between those two stations, guests enjoyed crawfish kai, barbecue, sweets, bratwurst hot dogs, smoked and rotisserie meats and Louisiana meat pies. Shorter College President Jerome Green took a turn as a chef at his popular booth.
A special feature was the "Out of Africa" fashion show featuring African and denim clothing, performances by the Young Stars of Out Loud Artistry and commentary by designer Korto Momolu. Afterward, chapter President Gloria Love called Links members onstage and did a "roll call" of black colleges and universities, whose presidents and representatives joined the ladies. "We will continue to be here with you, because you are our foundation," Love told them.
An oversize check for $15,000 was presented to the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, this year's recipient of Links support. That total is expected to increase to $20,000 or more once pledges come in, Love added.
-- Story and photos by Helaine R. Williams
High Profile on 06/11/2017