The first months of 2013 have been exciting and full of celebration of purposeful Washington Life.
By Adoria Doucette
Ray Lewis thrilled thousands of Ravens fans, with a Superbowl win this February. (Photo courtesy of Ray Lewis)
As winter comes to an end, our nation’s capital bristles with activity that will influence the lives of hundreds of millions of people around the globe. Although politicians in Congress and the White House often receive the most ink in the headlines and coverage in media, outstanding things are happening in Washington, and in many ways, it is the best of times. Following the second inauguration of a historic President, the worlds of finance, entertainment, culture, and philanthropy illustrated the vitality and exceptionalism that make Washington Life remarkable.
Power Source veteran Ray Lewis has left an indelible mark on the Washington Metropolitan area through his role of leadership on and off the field for the Baltimore Ravens. Washingtonians were blessed with an exciting and thrilling football season for the favorite Washington Redskins as our star Quarterback Robert Griffin III showcased an award-winning season, and when this season ended we had the extraordinary privilege of having our other team continue to dominate and march towards the Championship game. The Ravens triumph was the culmination of Mr. Lewis’ maturity and consistent professionalism. Speaking with him after the championship victory, Mr. Lewis wanted to assure Power Source readers that his role as a leader is just getting started.
B. Doyle Mitchell (R) enjoyed an evening of jazz with Wynton Marsalis at the Kennedy Center. (Photo by Adoria Doucette)
As the Kennedy Center continues to dominate the region in cultural relevance through showcasing the best of Global Culture, Power Source veterans B. Doyle Mitchell of Industrial Bank, and Reginald Van Lee of Booz Allen convened to witness the mastery of Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, which just released its theme for the upcoming year as “All Jazz is Modern.”
Musical genius and cultural legend Chaka Kahn personally invited me to witness the 5th Annual BET Honors ceremony. This years honorees were WNBA Superstar Lisa Leslie, Musical Legend Chaka Khan, “Godfather of Black Music” Clarence Avant, spiritual icon TD Jakes, and Hollywood legend Halle Berry. The red carpet was graced with the who’s who of African American culture, and my experience sitting front and center flanked by Halle Berry, Debra Lee, Alicia Keys, and Valerie Jarrett provided illumination that the hard-earned strides of African Americans during our nation’s history is nothing short of miraculous and inspiring.
The BET Honors is the culmination of the most successful modern African American business success story, that of Robert Johnson. As Black History Month came to a close, Mr. Johnson’s Bethesda-based investment company RLJ Companies announced another historic achievement: expanding its investment operations with a new Director of Business Development while RLJ implements its recent partnership with the worlds premier private equity firm, The Carlyle Group.
Power Source celebrated an eventful month by dancing the night away at the newly remodeled, historic Bethesda Theatre, which is home to the exceptional Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club. The theatre provides an exciting addition to the bustling scene of an ever-evolving downtown Bethesda.
A few short weeks before the gorgeous spring blossoms begin to bloom, Washingtonians have much to be thankful for, as the sophistication and meaningful activity of Washington Life continues to set an example of excellence.
