NYS Senator Kevin Parker’s partnership with Delta Rho Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and community vendors, has once again yielded success, while putting smiles on the faces of young ladies who joined a long line at the entrance of Samuel J. Tilden High School for an opportunity to sparkle in outfits of their choosing.

The 15th Annual Prom Dress Giveaway, on Saturday, May 18, from noon – 3:00 p.m. at the Tilden Educational Campus at 5800 Tilden Ave., was full of excitement with music by DJ Enuff, treats, a raffle, and giveaways, as students prepared for their prom experience.

A young lady is photographed after selecting a prom gown at Sen. Kevin Parker’s 15th Annual Prom Dress giveaway, at Samuel J. Tilden Educational Campus, Tilden Avenue on May 18. Photo by Tangerine Clarke

Many were seen eagerly going through racks of dresses of all shapes, sizes, and glittering designs. As they stepped from behind the curtain, photographer, Solwazi Afi Olusola was there to capture them against a glittering backdrop.

Students were treated to hairstyling and make-up tutorials, and free giftbags loaded with make-up kits, lipstick, press-on nails, and nail polish, to make the young ladies look elegant, for an unforgettable experience on prom day.

Many of the ensembles were donated by Macy’s Department store, a generous donor who has partnered with the politician for many years. Brooklyn Level-Up also gladly donated shoes, and dresses.

And while the day was set aside to choose a prom dress, Sen. Parker ensured that students were educated about everything they needed to know about the college experience. Pamphlets, on prom night safety, financial aid application, and choosing a college, among other subjects, were readily available to prepare the students for the journey.

The Stuy Park Lions Club, of which Sen. Parker is a member, shared beauty tips, and gift bags.

Members of the Stuy Park Lions Club, Rachelle Easie, Emily Barro (Leo), and Elizabeth Shade, handing out beauty tips and nail polish.Photo by Tangerine Clarke

Chair of the Prom Project Committee, Quin Welch, a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc, Delta Rho Omega, who has collaborated with the politician for ten years, told Caribbean Life that the organization, desires students to have a lasting experience at the prom. “We tell them to be confident, stay the course, and anything you put your mind to, you can achieve,” she said.

Alpha Kapp Alpha Sorority Inc., members Quin Welch, and Janai Jeter, with a student, handed out gift bags, during Sen. Kevin Parker’s 15th Annual Prom Dress giveaway, at Samuel J. Tilden Educational Campus. Photo by Tangerine Clarke

Allyson Martinez, co-founder of Brooklyn Level-up Inc. a community development corporation and community land trust, was pleased to participate in the initiative for the first time, noting that it was wonderful to donate dresses, footwear, and jewelry to enhance the young ladies’ beauty.

Makeup artist and esthetician, Abryana Henry, said she was happy to be partnering for the second year with Sen. Parker, and felt it was important to offer free treatments and makeup tutorials, and looked forward to attending the event every year.

Raven Robinson, Sen. Parker’s staff member, described the prom dress giveaway as an amazing event. “It’s very important to have community partners come together and donate 300 dresses to girls in need, because prom season could be very expensive. Sen. Parker don’t want the girls to feel that their efforts are in vain, so we plan events like this so the young ladies can come out and have a good time,” said Robinson.

“We want to thank Sen. Parker for making sure that we can bring resources to the girls,” said Robinson, CEO of PR-Politics, a public relations firm founded in 2009 to manage the image of brands and public figures using a strategic process that emulates political campaigns.

Kamla Millwood, Palatial Publishing LLC president, told Caribbean Life that this year’s Prom Dress Giveaway was more than just an event, it was the truth to the power of community, the importance of giving, and the joy of coming together to support one another.

“The collective effort and enthusiasm of everyone involved made it an extraordinary day, leaving an indelible mark on all who attended. It was a shining example of what can be achieved when we join forces to uplift and inspire each other, truly embodying the spirit of togetherness and generosity,” she said.

Miss Full-figured queens donated an assortment of gifts and treats, during Sen. Kevin Parker’s 15th Annual Prom Dress giveaway, at Samuel J. Tilden Educational Campus, Tilden Avenue on May 18. Photo by Tangerine Clarke

Miss Full Figured USA Pageant Queens generously donated an assortment of gifts for the raffle, while members of the New York City Board of Elections were also on hand to inspire the youths to register to vote.