in the Mix: Female speaker series kicks off at Darryl’s, Harry Belafonte honored by Berklee
Dani Monroe, president and CEO of Center Focus International, spoke at Darryl’s Corner Bar & Kitchen on March 4 to kick of a speaker series for National Women’s History Month.
Female speaker series kicks off at Darryl’s
Darryl’s Corner Bar & Kitchen kicked off National Women’s History Month on March 4 with the first in a month-long, female-centric speaker series. Up first was Dani Monroe, president and CEO of Center Focus International and author of “Untapped Talent: Unleashing the Power of the Hidden Workforce.” She wrote the book because she saw highly skilled people not being promoted in finance or business and wanted to address this imbalance.
Attendees at a recent talk by businesswoman and author Dani Monroe at Darryl’s Corner Bar & Kitchen on March 4. The event kicked off a female-focused speaker series for National Women’s History Month.
Monroe shared her insights and observations to the crowd of mostly African American women about the difference of having a mentor versus a sponsor, decoding the corporate culture and constantly “negotiating against fit.”
If you’re looking for inspiration or just want to sharpen your networking skills, then make sure to stop by for the next series on March 25 and April 1.
Berklee honors Harry Belafonte
Harry Belafonte, musician, songwriter, actor, and activist, was honored at a March 6 concert held in his honor at the Berklee Performance Center. Belafonte was presented with a Berklee honorary doctor of music degree in recognition of his inspiring musical and humanitarian achievements over a career spanning 60 years.
The full house of Belafonte admirers, Berklee students and faculty, and members of the community were treated to over 50 Berklee students performing a retrospective of songs associated with Belafonte’s career from the “Banana Boat Song (Day-O)” to “Matilda” and “Didn’t It Rain.” The students, dressed in colorful clothing of the African Diaspora, rang their voices up to the rafters of the performance center to the delight of the audience.
When it was time for the man of the hour to come to the stage, one could feel love, appreciation and admiration as he made his way down the aisle and amid a standing ovation by the 1,000-plus crowd. And when it was time for him to speak, one could hear a pin drop in the auditorium as everyone waited for his speech with bated breath.
Musician and activist Harry Belafonte was honored last week by the Berklee College of Music with an honorary doctorate of music degree.
Belafonte didn’t disappoint. He was charming, funny and playful as he regaled his fans and admirers with stories from his career. And he was no less inspirational as he discussed the “power of art” and how “speaking truth to power is not an easy thing in America.” After accepting the honorary doctorate, Belafonte joined students on stage for the song of the night “We Are the World.” This night won’t soon be forgotten.
Coming Up
The world-famous Harlem Globetrotters take over the TD Garden with their “Fans Rule” World Tour on Saturday, March 29 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, March 30, at 1:00 p.m. To purchase tickets go to www.tdgarden.com.
Jaden’s Ladder holds their annual fundraiser “Bright Lights, Big City Black & White Gala” on Saturday, April 5, at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel. The evening will feature a silent auction, a live performance by Will Champlin from NBC’s “The Voice”, music from DJ Roy Barboza and celebrity guests. Tickets: $200 each. To purchase go to www.jadensladder.org.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre returns to the Citi Performing Arts Center May 1 to May 4. For tickets and show times, go to www.citicenter.org.
If you would like me to cover or write about your event, email me at inthemixwithcolette@gmail.com.
