The term Black Girl Magic is used to celebrate the beauty, power, resilience and accomplishments of Black women and Dr. Therese Morrison found a way to do just that with her Black Girl Magic themed birthday and graduation celebration. However, disaster threatened to strike when the dress that she ordered to reflect her theme, was a total fail. Luckily, five days before the event, she found the perfect dress! It was an off the shoulder, rose gold sequined dress that seamlessly complimented the white and metallic color palette of the event. “There’s nothing more magical than a little sequin and lots of sparkle, to evoke a whimsical feeling for the guests, and I believe it did just that,” she explained.

A full-time school psychologist and a part-time event planner, Therese used all her skills to plan a party that was magical, whimsical, gorgeous and most of all, meaningful. Each table was named after an influential Howard University graduate, the school from which Therese had just earned her doctorate in School Psychology. She also created a Black Girl Magic Bingo game, where all the bingo clues were about the amazing women in her life who had impacted her personally. The guests truly enjoyed celebrating each other’s successes and influence in her life. In lieu of favors, she had guests donate to the Unicorn Fund of a former classmate, who had recently passed away from breast cancer.

Her go-to vendors went above and beyond to actualize her vision for her celebration, with elegant balloon decor that incorporated glitter, golden tassels and orchids; and not one, but three cakes that were just as pretty as they were tasty! The DJs, who were also her brothers, kept the party going, spinning calypso and soca music, as well as classic R&B, old school reggae, christian reggae, Haitian kompa, Afrobeats and everything else in between.

She offers this tip to anyone planning an event in the future, “Always keep the important “stuff” at the forefront of your mind, particularly the importance of have fellowship and fun at your big event. Make up your mind to enjoy your special day, NO MATTER WHAT! Keep in mind that something may go wrong, but never let that steal your joy.”