The San Fernando Valley Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated (SFVA Deltas) in collaboration with the Delta Research Education Foundation (DREF) presented the International Women’s Day Breakfast on Saturday, May 4, at the scenic Castaway Restaurant in Burbank.
Under the theme, “Celebrating Women’s Empowerment,” the SFVA Deltas honored two icons in entertainment, Kim Coles and Jenifer Lewis. Coles, an actress, comedienne and author, is best known for her roles in “Living Single” and “Days of Our Lives.” Lewis is renowned for her performances in “The Upshaws,” “Black-Ish,” “The Princess & The Frog” and many others shows.
The event was hosted by actress and host KiKi Shepard, a member of the sorority, who is known from the legendary television show, “Showtime at the Apollo.” Also, the program raised several thousand dollars, which will be used to award scholarships to high school girls.
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Reflecting the spirit of the breakfast, Shepard said, “We understand the struggles and the pains unique to women. Today, we are finding our voices and using them. Today, this morning we are using our voice.”
Coles accepted her award with candid and encouraging remarks about the importance of self-love, finding the lessons learned in making mistakes, and describing them as “beautiful oops.” She also joked about her personal life of “finding love again to a man who accepted all her flaws as well as her strengths.” In addition, Coles shared that her new business named ‘Haute Coles’ has helped to publish 14 New York bestselling authors.
Lewis addressed the audience with a range of emotions describing how her tragic accident flipped into her call of duty for meaning and purpose. She shared her story of falling 10 feet into a ravine in Africa, surrounded by wild animals, and hearing a lion’s roar a few feet away.
She was treated by Doctors Without Borders and shared that prior to her accident, she made a large donation to the organization because she believed in their cause.
Looking around the room, the lady known as the “Black Mother of Hollywood” declared, “Life comes full circle. I did not want anyone to know that I was down until you could see me back up.”
Lewis gracefully walked through the room and closed with a moving serenade to her captivated audience. Everyone rose to their feet with applause, wanting more. According to one attendee, guests left feeling uplifted and encouraged to thrive in their personal lives, work and community.
SFVA chapter president Fallon Nelms commented, “Thank you to all who made this breakfast prosperous.”
Proceeds from the event supports SFVA Deltas scholarship programs, social action initiatives, and community programming in the San Fernando Valley, Santa Clarita, and Burbank. To learn more or to donate, visit https://sfvadeltas.org/giving/.
