In the depths of what many have claimed to be one of the most violent cities in America, their is a silent but present revolution taking place! Averaging two murders a week, streets smelling of possibility but drowned out by past transgressions, a mayor on the rise to national acclaim while children lack the very necessities to succeed. Schools are plagued by metal detectors, security guards and police; the windows are soiled in years of abandonment and covered with gate like steel. Children establish gang like organizations out of fear and the need for protection, cars are broken into while the city sleeps, eats and awakes to sirens, whether it be fire, ambulance or police; sirens are always screaming in the air. Individuals roll out of bed and sip on the cancers alcohol, pull on the sedating marijuana, snort the coke, shoot the crack, sip the syrup or simply pop the pill to create an illusion of life; a temporary satisfaction to blind them from the truth of their tragic situations. Although in the mist of it all, there are countless amounts of individuals whom are the rising stars of this century, whom are the leaders we have all been waiting for, whom are the architects in the design of their own life. Whom anxiously await each and every opportunity to overcome, create, establish, give back and to be apart of CHANGE.
In the city of Newark, NJ, you will find some of the greatest minds ever lived, you will see individuals whom have rose from nothing acquire everything, you will see partnerships, collaborations and alliances that stretch across every issue on the table. You will find ambitious politicians, determined entrepreneurs, captivating social leaders, dedicated organization builders, talented photojournalist, photographers, actresses, designers, authors, lawyers, doctors, judges, media personalities, athletes, musicians, record label exec, principals, production companies and the list goes on & on!!! This past weekend many of these great individuals were brought together by the Founder & Executive Director of Purple Reign, Asia D. Smith, Councilmen Oscar S. James and Deshawn Wright.
Purple Reign’s “Live For Love” networking event was a phenomenally elegant event that explored relationship issues between men and women and provide a safe and exquisite environment to exchange info and to build upon relationships. The event started with wine, horderves and mingling among associates which led to a brief workshop and then to a robust exchange of meeting and greeting.
Some would say who would ever think that in the city of Newark, on Saturday evenings that there would be cocktail parties being serviced by private chefs and wait staffs going on in secluded black owned brownstones that are phenomenally restored and furnished were black socialites on the rise are laughing, celebrating, sharing and planning on how to build a better tomorrow. However, this is exactly what took place and what was reflected by Councilmen Oscar S. James, Founder of Purple Reign, Asia D.Smith and DeShawn Wright. The night was exquisite and was a great way to find out about the Who’s Who Next Door, you never know whats happening in a neighbors home but better yet it would be great to have this type of activity happening in yours! 
To learn more about the Purple R.E.I.G.N Social Service Inc. visit them at www.purplereignss.org and to find out more about the great work of Oscar S. James you can visit him at www.Oscarsjamesii.com Check out pics taken by both Lynne Holley & myself:
