Are you a teen girl with big dreams of going to prom, but has a small budget? If so, Princess Closet is the answer to your dream!

With over 1,50o dresses plus shoes and accessories to choose from, you will be sure to find at least one dress you like. There are two little problems, though. Dresses sizes 14 and up are scarce and more shoes are needed. No worries. Maria Davalos, a proud mommy and the Founder of Princess Closet, is working on that.  Also, be sure to enter one of their contests they have going on right now: the Curvy Girl Design Your Own Prom Dress Contest and the Ultimate Prom Package (details below). One more thing, be sure to spread the word to other girls with big dreams and small budgets.

To learn more about how the organization started and how it helps to make girls’ big prom dream come true, listen to my interview with Maria Davalos. Then, visit Princess Closet to find out how to get the dresses; to learn about upcoming events; and to find out how to contribute.

Image: Princess Closet

Does your community have a newspaper?

Is there a blogger covering your neighborhood?

If you answered “no” or “I don’t know” to either question, you might want to look into it. If there isn’t one, consider creating at least a newsletter to get started.

Ok, I’m about to jump on my soapbox.

You do realize that mainstream media – Channels 2, 5, 7 and 32 – don’t give a hoot about your community? Unless they are sharing negative news and images, your neighborhood or anything good going on it, may not be covered. You may get a little coverage from Channel 9.

As you should be well aware right about now, no one cares about your community like you do.  And if you want good news, community events and other opportunities to spread, you have to ignite the fire. Yeah, I know leadership stinks to the high heavens, but you have to step out of your comfort zone if you want to get something done. And it won’t be easy.

Ok, I’m going to get off my soapbox now. I just wanted to plant the seed that if your community is not getting media coverage, than you may be the one to provide it. Otherwise, the only way people will know what’s happening in your community is by watching the mainstream media messages provided. And believe me, people judge you by what they see on TV whether it’s accurate or not. If you want change, you have to create it.

Again, I ask, who’s  writing stories about your community?

Image: karachicorner

Image: clipartspace

Image: askmen

If you were a Soul Train Dancer from any era, please share your memories, images and videos. We would love to hear from you!

Shorty’s note: As you can see, the outfits got a little smaller over the years, but nothing beats good music and watching people have a great time. Well, except being one of those people having a great time.

Images: chicagoist, exxtrafoxxmusic, flickr

True Stories of ‘The Underground Railroad’ will be celebrated at a dramatic reading for Black History Month to be held on Saturday, February 11 at 1 PM at Southside Hub of Production (SHoP), 5638 S. Woodlawn.

Written by Hyde Parker Osa Buchner, the Underground Railroad, tells the true stories of the heroic people who helped enslaved African Americans escape to freedom. Featured characters include Harriet Tubman, Thomas Garrett and Henry Box Brown. The parts will be read by Hyde Park residents Richard Buchner, Marcus-David Brown, Judith Heineman, Brian Phillips and Brenda and Rod Sawyer; and by South Sider Alma Washington.

We need to support this local playwright as she works to inspire and enlighten audiences with stories about the people “who helped in the struggle for freedom.” Be sure to put The Underground Railroad on your event list for Saturday.
Image: tntwebs

Elmhurst College College Night will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, February 8, 7:00 p.m., Village Center. To RSVP, call  773-966-1508 or e-mail thecevents@thec4success.org.