Capital Pride Weekend: Bringing Pride to the Church Pew

On the eve of 2016 Capital Pride Weekend here in Washington, DC, I thought I'd turn the spotlight on a group whose mission to support the LGBTQ community continues throughout the year. The group is called Many Voices and their goal is to help Black churches join the struggle for social justice for gay and transgender brothers and sisters. The Rev.Cedric A. Harmon, an ordained pastor in the National Baptist and Missionary Baptist Churches, serves as Co-Director of Many Voices. I had the opportunity to experience worship with Many Voices and it was a profound joy to see worship through new eyes. Words can't capture the emotion in the sanctuary that evening, so hopefully these images will.

The Rev. Cedric A. Harmon, Co-Director of Many Voices

Many Voices has helped many gay and transgender Christians find open and accepting church communities

The Wearing of the Green: An Old Town Tradition with the Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade

The streets of Old Town Alexandria were a lovely green during the Ballyshaners' annual St. Patrick's Day parade! There were step dancers, funny dogs, tiny cars, and lots of great music with a bagpipe or two:)

For the Weekend, Winter White is Alright!

From the runways to city sidewalks, nothing is a better bridge between cold winter temps and the promises of spring than winter white. Pair it with another color, or take the look head to toe with fun textural punches. 

A look from the 2016 F/W Teatum Jones Collection

A look from Nanna Van Blaaderen's 2016F/W Collection

Tan is Tops for These Fashion Week Trendsetters

Some think that tan is bland, but I think tan is a classic. Apparently, I'm not alone, as evidenced from the fashionable crowd hopping out of Ubers and strutting down the streets of NYC during Fashion Week. Here are a few of my favorites, starting with the always impeccable actress Emmy Rossum in a sumptuous tan wrap coat.

Shannon the Photo Gal on the Scene: New York Fashion Week VS. The Polar Vortex!

It's been said that you have to suffer for fashion and this weekend, with gusty winds and Arctic temps, the fashion crowd here in NYC is suffering mightily. Want to stay warm while braving the cold, here's your quick guide as seen on the streets of New York City!

DC FashionWeek 2016 Goes Underground with Crystal Couture!

While all eyes in the fashion world will be trained on New York Fashion Week this week, the streets of Washington, DC were filled with fashion this weekend as DC Fashion Week kicked off this past week with the annual Crystal Couture Fashion Shows and sales. Featuring local designers and models, the event was fun, fierce and fashionable! Here are a few great runway looks:

Shannon Photo Gal on the Scene: The DC premiere of the Jesse Owens bio-pic, "Race"

The story of the fastest man on earth is about to hit theatre screens. "Race" tells the story of Olympian Jesse Owens, played by actor Stephan James. Mr. James, along with Stephen Hopkins, the film's director, hit the red carpet at The Newseum. 

Actor Stephan James and Director Stephen Hopkins

Actor Stephan James

Gloria Owens, daughter of Jesse Owens, surrounded by her family

Gloria Owens, daughter of Jesse Owens, greets actor Stephan James

Actor Stephan James with Congressman John Lewis