A historical archive of events for which the incomparable Rayceen Pendarvis - "Goddess of DC" - has either hosted or participated in some other capacity.
IN A HURRY.....ENTER A NAME, EVENT, ORGANIZATION, OR OTHER SEARCH QUERY INTO THE BOX BELOW AND CLICK "SEARCH."
Rayceen Pendarvis was invited to serve as a celebrity judge at the Team DC Fashion Show & Model Search. The fashion show featured a wonderful collection of fashions, including swimwear, clubwear, underwear and much more.
To help a worthy cause, attendees were invited to bid for clothing right off the models backs. Proceeds from the event helped to support the Team DC College Scholarship Program for LGBT Student-Athletes, which provides financial assistance to LGBTQ student athletes who have made significant contributions to their sport.
Sponsors for the event were Town Danceboutique and Compete Magazine. The show was presented by Team DC, and held at Town Danceboutique in Washington, DC.
Rayceen Pendarvis was invited to host Reel Affirmations XTRA Presents The Black History Month Screening of: Jewel's Catch One. The documentary focused on Jewel Thais-Williams, a trailblazing nightclub owner who helped changed laws, save lives, and influence communities across the city of Los Angeles, California while operating her legendary nightclub for an impressive 42 years.
Jewel's Catch One documents the oldest Black owned disco in America. With 4 strikes against her (black, female, poor and a lesbian), Ms. Williams stood up against hate and discrimination and helped change the course of our country by breaking down racial, social, and cultural barriers.
One of the original safe spaces for both the LGBT & Black communities, “The Catch” served as a refuge for many during the AIDS crisis. As her club grew to become known as the “unofficial Studio 54 of the West Coast,” Ms. Williams became a national model for how to combat discrimination and serve the less fortunate in the community.
The documentary is a lush visual and musical journey highlighted by exclusive interviews with Sharon Stone, Thelma Houston, Evelyn “Champagne“ King, Madonna, Sandra Bernhard, Thea Austin, Jenifer Lewis,Representative Maxine Waters, and Bonnie Pointer. Actress, CCH Pounder, served as the film's narrator.
Reel Affirmations - Washington DC’s International LGBT Film Festival - is one of the largest LGBT film festivals (in terms of attendance) in the United States. Each month the organization consistently offers new and exciting international, documentary, short, and feature films, as well as panel discussions, filmmaker Q&As, and various celebrations.
The theatrical screening was held at the Human Rights Campaign Equality Center in Washington, DC. Click below to view the Official Film Trailer.
Rayceen Pendarvis was invited to serve as “Table Topics Master” for the UPO Community Leaders Toastmasters Club. The purpose of the event was to creatively extend speaking opportunities to club members and give them the chance to practice and further develop their impromptu speaking skills. Every member at the meeting had an opportunity to speak in the session if not otherwise rostered to speak.
Toastmasters International primarily provides a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater self-confidence and personal growth.
The meeting was held at the Ralph Waldo 'Petey' Greene Community Service Center in Washington, DC. Click below to view video footage of the event.
