With attendees donning stunning ensembles, head-turning hats and a spirit of service, more than 500 guests gathered at the Westin Downtown DC on April 27 for the 15th annual Pink Hat Tea Scholarship Fundraiser Luncheon hosted by Pearl and Ivy Educational Foundation, Inc. (PIEF), a community partner of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.’s Xi Omega Chapter.
“For 15 years, we have remained true to our core mission through the Pink Hat Tea Scholarship Fundraiser,” said Raven L. Hill, president of Xi Omega Chapter and Pearl and Ivy Educational Foundation. “The funds raised support our scholars throughout their college journey, enabling them to thrive on campus and beyond. These remarkable students are the changemakers of tomorrow and we are proud to help them take their first bold steps toward excellence.”
Featuring 12 vendors from around the DMV area selling their wares, a luncheon with delectable high tea desserts, a fashion show with Black designers, and surprise performances, this year’s sold-out extravaganza, themed “Crowns and Couture,” was more than a moment to raise funds.
It was a celebration of Black fashion, music, scholarship, entrepreneurship, and resilience, all in the name of empowering the next generation of change makers.
At a time when there have been federal mandates to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and revoke federal funding for teaching parts of African American history, the event raised funds while celebrating the beauty, strength and boldness of Black culture.
“First, the money that’s raised is going to scholarships, which we know is very much needed, especially at this time in our country,” said Brenda Cadette, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) and founder of BExclusive Boutique, who was vending at the event. “It also helps me solidify and build my connection with my communities and helps me to build my future with my business and being an entrepreneur, which I know is needed right now.”
At a divisive time for the nation and world, Cadette emphasized the mutual benefits of participating in the event: “Bottom line we’re supporting each other.”
The entrepreneur knows all too well the importance of supporting others. Recently, Cadette, who started her business about 15 years ago, began to get serious about BExclusive after losing her job in the federal government, a challenge many Americans are facing as a result of the current Trump administration’s mandates and decisions made by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), under the direction of Elon Musk.
“So now [BExclusive Boutique] is my thing,” she told The Informer as she stood behind her booth showcasing exquisite, handmade art and jewelry. “I am so thankful to be pursuing my passion. I’ve always wanted to do this full time. And I get the opportunity to do it now.”
Since making the transition to full-time entrepreneur, Cadette said she has learned so much in a short period of time, emphasizing that faith in God and support from others has been critical in motivating her as a businesswoman and helping her thrive.
“I have learned most of all that I need to trust the Lord, and I need to trust myself and the guidance that he gives me. And I also need to trust my community because so far, although it’s been fairly recent, it has been such a blessing. A lot of that is from the community support that I’ve been getting from my sisters, my brothers, my family,” she said. “Sisters and brothers meaning people that look like me and also those who want to support me.”
Supporting Scholars, Celebrating Black Culture
As people like Cadette engaged with guests outside the Westin’s ballroom, inside the luncheon, event hosts– Adrianna Hopkins from WJLA News, the local ABC affiliate, and Dominique Moody from NBC4 Washington— encouraged attendees to support PIEF’s more than 35-year mission of supporting students from the District in their post-secondary educational goals.
“These scholars have made a lot of strides and they’re achieving their dreams because of your support,” Moody told the crowd.
In a video played during the luncheon, past scholarship recipients, including Andrew Ratcliff emphasized the importance of the funding.
“This scholarship means a lot… and the whole AKA organization,” said Ratcliff. “My mother’s an AKA herself. When I heard about this scholarship, I knew I wanted to apply [and I’m proud they recognized] my abilities.”
As much as the event worked to raise funds, it also offered education, upliftment and entertainment.
The multi-scene fashion show featured Black designers, including celebrated hat maker the Rev. Georgette Morgan-Thomas of American Hats LLC, and showcased various aspects of Black culture— from the church, to military service, and the step shows seen across college campuses performed by members of historically Black Greek-letter organizations, often called the Divine Nine.
“So we know that fashion is the way we live, driven by trends, art, world influences, family dynamics, church, music, and more,” said Jennifer Thomas, an award-winning journalist and Howard University professor, who served as the fashion show commentator. “These influences have shaped our culture, our style, and attitude.”
With the theme “Crowns and Couture,” hats were the main highlight.
“Ready to wear the crown whatever and wherever we are, there is a hat for every occasion,” Thomas continued.
During a video celebrating Morgan-Thomas’ work as a civil rights activist and hat maker, she talked about the power of the popular accessory worn on the head.
“The hat has always been an accessory of empowerment,” she said in the video. “When I put a hat on, I am reminded to sit up straight, to walk straight, to hold my head up high.”
In addition to the beautiful ensembles, guests were also entertained by comedian and multimedia host Joe Clair and WHUR’s Harold Fisher honoring Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity; students from the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center; and a performance from the award-winning steppers of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority’s Alpha Chapter at Howard University.
As the 15th annual Pink Hat Tea concluded, Hill, as Xi Omega and PIEF president, underscored the importance of the event, emphasizing hopes to continue hosting the event “15 times, 15 times, 15 years from now,” and beyond.
“Thank you for all your generosity supporting our scholars–students right here in the District of Columbia, who are not only exemplary,” she said, “but deserving of a college education.”