Capital Connections: WGRG Tin Cup Awards Dinner

The Scene at the French Embassy

The Washington Government Relations Group's fourth annual Tin Cup Awards Dinner was held July 24 at the French Embassy.

Ladies of Distinction

WGRG Tin Cup Dinner Co-Chair Tiffany Moore with WGRG members Tasha Cole, Joi Sheffield and Kimberly Woodard.

Strategic Alliances

The Root's publisher, Donna Byrd (center), with Kneeland Youngblood and 2013 WGRG President's Award winner Lamell McMorris, president and CEO of Perennial Strategy Group.

Totally Talented in Teal

D.C. politicos Mariko Bennett, Jennifer Fischer and Alethia Jackson look absolutely stunning as they pose for a photo.

Dynamic Duo

Two of AT&T's "well-connected" lobbyists, Lyndon Boozer and Marie Long, attend the WGRG Tin Cup Awards Dinner.

Empire State of Mind

WGRG Tin Cup honoree Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), right, with her Deputy Chief of Staff Michele Jawando. Gillibrand was given the Adam Clayton Powell Award for Leadership in Diversity.

3 of a Kind

Former WGRG award recipient Barry Granger with Shuanise Washington, president and CEO of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, and D.C. politico Montez Anderson.

WGRG Members

D.C. politicos Clete Boykin and Montez Anderson stop for a picture at the dinner.

Empowering the Next Generation

WGRG Scholarship Coordinator David Youngblood (right) with one of this year's WGRG Terri Grier Memorial Scholarship recipients, Ocoszio Jackson, a rising senior at Morehouse College.

Queens, N.Y., in the House

Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.) gives his acceptance speech for the Adam Clayton Powell Award for Leadership in Diversity.

A Lifetime of Achievements

D.C. politico and former WGRG award recipient Lucia Riddle and WGRG Tin Cup Reginald "Reg" Gilliam Lifetime Achievement awardee Art Collins, of the Collins/Johnson Group, at the ceremony.

2 Big Smiles

D.C. politicos Norman Ross and Randy Broz flash their pearly whites at the awards ceremony.

'Banking' on Leadership

D.C. politico Sanders Adu (Wells Fargo) poses for a photo with WGRG President Marcus Mason.

Always a Power Player

The Root's D.C. insider, Nicole Venable, with former U.S. Rep. Ron Dellums.

Man of the Hour

Tin Cup honoree Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.), holding his award, poses with Tin Cup Dinner Co-Chair Sanders Adu.

Black Excellence

Tin Cup honoree Mignon Clyburn, FCC commissioner, and Tin Cup Dinner Co-Chair Tiffany Moore.

Legendary Night

On April 19, 2013, Washington, D.C.'s Howard Theatre held its second annual gala and benefit concert, honoring legendary music icons Chaka Khan, Dionne Warwick and Valerie Simpson. Proceeds will be used to build a cultural and educational center connected to the historic theater. 

Here is Rep. John Conyers (D-Mich.) with the evening's legendary honorees: Warwick, Khan and Simpson.

Energetic Guests

The Honorable Yvonne Williams, judge in the Superior Court of Washington, D.C., and senior Department of Energy official Annie Watley.

Sweet Thing

What a "Sweet Thing" it was for D.C. politico Aquila Powell to meet the amazing icon Chaka Khan, gala honoree.

Star in Reality

The Root's D.C. insider, Nicole Venable, with NBC's Celebrity Apprentice star Omarosa Manigault. Both are former Clinton administration appointees. Manigault donated her winnings on the show to the Michael Clarke Duncan Foundation. 

Girls Like Us …

Gala guests Kateri Jones, Maisha Dyson, Malaika Jones Kebede and Nia Jones.

She Gave Us 'Butterflies'

R&B singer Marsha Ambrosius, who performed at the gala in tribute to the night's honorees.

Original King of Hosting

Venable with the evening's host, D.L. Hughley, and his lovely daughter, Ryan Hughley.

Suit and Tie'd Up

Politico Tony Haywood and Democratic political strategist Jamal Simmons attend the Howard Theatre Gala.

Solid as a Rock

Chico DeBarge and Nona Hendryx, one of the original members of R&B supergroup LaBelle, pay tribute to Valerie Simpson with "Solid."

Hand Dancing

Washington, D.C.'s Mayor Vincent Gray enjoying the wonderful music at the Howard Theatre Gala. The performances had guests dancing in the aisles.

Something Special

D.C. politico Lorna Wisham and R&B legend Stephanie Mills. 

Philly's Finest

Singer Jaguar Wright and Howard Theatre Restoration Inc. volunteer Lauren Holland. Both are from Philadelphia.

Lady LaBelle

D.C. public relations executive Henry Stewart with Nona Hendryx.

Visionary

Venable and Roy "Chip" Ellis, member of the board of trustees for Howard Theatre Restoration Inc. Ellis is CEO of the development corporation that led the efforts to rebuild the theater.

Timeless

Gala Chair Marcella Jones with singer Kenny Lattimore and Dr. Lynne Lightfoote. Lattimore is from the Washington, D.C., area and participated in the evening's tribute performances.

After the Party …

At the end of the night: Singer Raheem DeVaughn hosted the celebration after the gala. He's pictured here with Venable.