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Bring Out The Gurl In You!
Ladies, it’s time to set aside the shy and bring your fly! Let go of the everyday routine, and embrace the fun, the fabulous, and the fearless you. Whether it’s twirling in a gorgeous dress, belting out your favorite song, or simply laughing with your girlfriends, this gathering is all about letting your spirit soar. It’s time to leave behind the “what-ifs” and make memories that’ll have you smiling for months. So, put on your brightest smile, show up with that sparkling energy, and let’s create an evening filled with laughter, love, and a whole lot of fun. After all, the only thing better than being a girl is being a girl who knows how to have a blast! Let’s make it unforgettable.
“I’m not the life of the party. I AM the party.” - Zora Neale Hurston
Honoring Mothers and Daughters
This is the night we will celebrate the beautiful, unbreakable bond between mothers and daughters—a relationship rooted in strength, laughter, shared lessons, and love that flows through generations of African American women. We will honor moms and daughters ranging in age from their 20s and 40s to their 80s and beyond, each bringing her own story, style, and spirit to the celebration. Some mothers and daughters will be present, side by side, ready to dance, laugh, and celebrate womanhood together, and we invite you to bring your mom and/or your daughter for a night filled with fun, joy, and unforgettable memories. We will also lovingly acknowledge the mothers and daughters who are not with us in body because they have passed on, yet whose spirits, wisdom, and love continue to guide the rhythm of our lives. With full hearts and moving feet, we will celebrate legacy, connection, and the power of women—because on this night, no one dances alone.
Let's Dance!
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A Dedication to Mom and Dad:
Honoring a Legacy of Grace, Gratitude, and Nice Things
“Hmm, I never worked. My dad said get a job AFTER you finish college. Get your education first. Then you can buy your own nice things.”
Nice things. Nice things.
You raised me up.
Knowing nice things
Doing nice things
Seeing nice things
Having nice things
Giving nice things
Buying nice things
Appreciating nice things
Now I’m turning 80, Mom and Dad
I still like Nice Things.
“You raised me up”
Gave me “the pieces I am”
Dad bought us (my two sisters, brother, and me) nice things
Told us to buy nice things
Mamielee, Get nice things
Do nice things
Say nice things
Give nice things
Appreciate nice things
Nice things. Nice things.
Mom said to the car salesman
“Naw, my husband don’t want me to drive no used car. I need a nice new car.”
My co-worker asked, “Where did you work before you started teaching?”
"A room full of sisters, like jewels in a crown: vanilla, cinnamon, and dark chocolate brown." - Mona Lake Jones
Get Down On It...featuring
Mamie's Dancing Dons
In honor of all the men who consistently ask me to dance - swing dance, cha-cha, strand, ballroom dance, freestyle dance, just dance (even tango). I never have to worry about having a dancing partner when they are around. They are my girlfriends’ husbands, boos, and honey do’s. And, of course, my honey do! (Hoping Mr. Melvin will feel like dancing on March 18!)Tonight, I am asking them to “Dance with Me!”
I Wanna Dance With Somebody
I hope you dance because I surely do.
Give me a floor, a beat, and a moment that’s mine, my own stage, my own spotlight.
When the music says get down on it, that’s my cue.
I carry the soul of a woman who knows the rhythm well.
Try me, I’ve still got steps to show.
Lose a good thing if you want, but I’ll be right here, moving easy into a good-morning groove ,jazzy, confident, just a little baddest.
Get up, get down ,get funky, get loose; shake it down, step it out.
Cha-cha smooth with my Dancing Dons, every glide and turn right on time.
This is my true story: the beat keeps me standing, keeps me smiling, keeps me ready.
On the rocks or in the pocket, swing wide, freestyle free.
This is the music I love to hear. So let’s have some fun.
If you’re asking who I wanna dance with,just look my way.
I’m already on the floor.
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A poem inspired by the rhythms of the good old-fashioned music I love.
Hey, Gurl, hey!
Here's what you need to know.
Click on the titles for additional information
Dress to Impress
Yourself
Dress to impress in your chicest attire for Mamie's Annual Girlfriends' Gathering. Whether it's elegant evening wear or casual chic, make sure to showcase your style and celebrate in fashion.
Ooh, gurl, that's so cute!
Explore the array of vendors offering unique products and services at Mamie's Annual Girlfriends' Gathering. From handmade crafts to personalized gifts, you'll find the perfect items to commemorate this special occasion.
Girls Just Wanna
Have Fun
Experience a lineup of exciting performances and activities that will keep you entertained throughout the event. From music to interactive moments of inspiration. There's something for everyone to enjoy at Mamie's Annual Girlfriends' Gathering.
Soul Food Buffet
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Discover the delectable treats that will tantalize your taste buds at Mamie's Annual Girlfriends' Gathering. Indulge in a variety of savory dishes and sweet delights that will make your celebration truly memorable.
“I’m not the life of the party. I AM the party.” - Zora Neale Hurston
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For most of my life, I've thought of myself as pretty cool." -Nikki Giovanni
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"I am so hip even my errors are correct" from "Ego Tripping" by Nikki Giovanni
​"When you take care of yourself, you're a better person for others. When you feel good about yourself, you treat others better."—Solange Knowles
Meet Your Hostesses and Greeters
These ladies are committed to getting you checked in and prepared to enjoy the evening. If you have any questions during the event, feel free to call upon one of these girlfriends!
Gallery
“Where there is a woman, there is magic.” — Ntozake Shange
“Those that don’t got it can’t show it. Those that got it can’t hide it.”
- Zora Neale Hurston
i live in music
is this where you live?
i live here in music
i live on c# street
my friend lives on b-flat avenue
do you live here in music sound
falls round me like rain on other folks
saxophones wet my face
cold as winter in st. louis
hot like peppers i rub on my lips
thinkin they waz lilies
i got 15 trumpets where other women got hips
& a upright bass for both sides of my heart
i walk round in a piano like somebody
else be walkin on the earth
i live in music
live in it
wash in it
i cd even smell it
wear sound on my fingers
sound falls so fulla music
ya cd make a river where yr arm is &
hold yrself
hold yrself in a music
i live in music
Written by Ntozake Shange (1948-2018)
Before I Leave The Stage
by Alice Walker
Before I leave the stage
I will sing the only song
I was meant truly to sing.
It is the song
of I AM.
Yes: I am Me
&
You.
WE ARE.
I love Us with every drop
of our blood
every atom of our cells
our waving particles
-undaunted flags of our Being-
neither here nor there.