The last two weekends, I entertained a Philly State of Mind. I journeyed to Philly last week to spend time with my Mom for Mother’s Day. This week, I motored southeast, and the drive nearly came to a crawl on the Schuylkill Expressway because of the many events people were traveling to in and around Center City. I accompanied my husband to the Barristers Association of Philadelphia 2014 Scholarship Gala.
I haven’t lived in Philadelphia for over 30 years, so I enjoy rediscovering what I thought I knew about it and exploring the new. The Hyatt Hotel that we stayed at was located in Penn’s Landing, a waterfront area of Center City along the Delaware River section of Philadelphia. I don’t recall this area being this busy or developed when I did reside in Philly.
I love attending events as an observer and not a participant. The dinner was a black-tie event. I find it interesting to see the interpretation of what people think black-tie means. As a reminder, black tie is a dress code for evening events and social functions derived from British and American costume conventions of the 18th century, worn only after 6 p.m. black tie is less formal than white tie but more formal than informal or business dress. Women can wear a short cocktail dress or a long gown; men can wear black tuxedos or suits.
Attorney Benjamin Crump was the Master of Ceremonies and Special Guest for the Barristers’ Annual Awards Gala. You may recall Crump as the attorney who represented the parents of the shooting victim Trayvon Martin, who, on February 26, 2012, was killed by George Zimmerman. Crump serves on the National Bar Association as Vice President. The dais included a list of the who’s who of the Philadelphia Attorneys. A barrister is an English term for a lawyer entitled to practice as an advocate, particularly in the higher courts.