BALTIMORE — On Wednesday, October 23, 2013 Associated Black Charities held its 4th Annual Girls Night Out fundraising event. Hosted by the Board of Directors, the event brings together women from all walks of life to talk about issues most important to women, in particular women of color.
This year was very special and featured an evening with Baltimore’s own, Jada Pinkett-Smith.
Befittingly, Baltimore School for the Arts, where Pinkett-Smith studied dance and acting, was also the venue for the evening’s festivities. Guests were welcomed by Associated Black Charities CEO, Diane Bell McKoy and enjoyed a wine reception along with complimentary gifts from corporate sponsors, Pandora, Covergirl, and Charm City Cupcakes. The evening included a question and answer segment from women in the audience. Yolanda Vazquez of Maryland Public Television moderated the Q&A segment and was mistress of ceremony.
Pinkett-Smith, an accomplished actress, entrepreneur, producer, director, author, and singer/songwriter shared her thoughts about balancing her busy career while maintaining her role of wife and mother. Overall, she shared that life is about embracing the journey that each woman dictates for her life. Pinkett-Smith said living a full life is one’s personal art form, and that you can create whatever life you choose.
Pinkett-Smith shared laughs and stories of raising her daughter Willow as well as urged the audience to be patient with the youth of today. Very reminiscent of her experience as a student at Baltimore School for the Arts, she noted the encouragement she received from the school’s theater director, Donald Hicken. The evening ended on a high note as Pinkett-Smith met and greeted her hometown fans.
The Associated Black Charities is a leading change agency and public foundation that advocates for measureable changes in policy that directly impact the wealth and health of communities throughout Maryland.
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