Eta Eta Lambda Chapter & Foundation Bring Black Joy to Laurel: Live Your Life Day Party — February 2025

On a warm February evening in Laurel, Maryland, the Eta Eta Lambda Chapter teamed with the Eta Eta Lambda Foundation to host the Live Your Life Day Party at 5 Sister’s Restaurant and Lounge — a celebration of Black joy, community, and carefree vibes. The event was designed as both a joyful gathering and a fundraiser: proceeds benefited the Foundation’s scholarship efforts, helping students reach their educational goals.

A Night to Remember

Guests arrived ready to celebrate: the room buzzed with laughter, music, and conversation as friends and families danced, mingled, and supported a meaningful cause. DJs Brother Anthony Pittman and Brother Michael Hardman, Sr. provided an energetic soundtrack that kept the mood elevated and the dance floor moving.

Blackout? No problem!

Midway through the party, the shopping center that houses 5 Sister’s experienced a power outage. What could have stalled the evening instead became one of the night’s most memorable moments. Demonstrating the resourcefulness and calm leadership the Alpha Man is known for, the brothers quickly turned a potential setback into an improvised blackout party.

With the restaurant owner stepping in to keep water and refreshments available, a gas-powered generator brought power back to essentials, and Brothers Pittman and Hardman seamlessly shifted to a set that worked with the limited lighting and atmosphere, the celebration continued. The energy only intensified — laughter, dancing by phone and emergency lights, and the warm glow of community made the interruption feel like part of the experience. It was an all-hands moment that showcased teamwork, resilience, and joy.

Thanks and recognition Special recognition goes to Brothers Jonathan Brailsford and Trey Gross for planning and coordinating the event. Their work — and the quick-thinking responses by the chapter brothers, restaurant staff, and DJs — made Live Your Life Day Party not just a fundraiser but an unforgettable celebration of togetherness.

Impact and next steps

Beyond the stories and smiles, the evening fulfilled its goal of supporting the Eta Eta Lambda Foundation’s Scholarship Fundraising efforts. Events like this keep community support strong and help create tangible opportunities for students.

Live Your Life Day Party will be remembered for months to come — a night when the chapter and foundation provided joy, inspiration, and support, and when a blackout only amplified the light of community.