Spring is here, which means it’s time to clear those closets of winter wear! Pack away those down coats to make room for those lightweight leathers. As you switch from winter to spring, purge in order to make room for other fabulous pieces for the new season.

As 2012 commemorates the 100^th anniversary of the Girl Scouts organization, Barbara Wilborn traveled to Chicago to celebrate and share experiences with Girl Scouts and troop leaders at St. Mark United Methodist Church in Chatham. Andrea Brookins, a troop leader in Chicago and a former Brownie, organized the momentous event with the veteran Girl Scout and others history makers.

Actor Nadji Anthony Jeter gives the word ‘multitask’ a new meaning. Most recently known as the co-star of BET’s hit show Reed Between the Lines and movie Grown Ups, the 15-year-old manages to juggle work, school and the social life of an average, stylish teenager. What does that look like? When he’s not filming or studying, Nadji spends time with his friends or enjoys apple dippers from McDonald’s.

One morning, days after the senseless murder of Trayvon Martin, my co-workers and I discussed the incident. We all sat in disbelief and disgust as we tried to understand why this young man was senselessly pursued, attacked and murdered simply because of the color of his skin and no other reason. As I sat there and shared my experiences with racism while I lived here in Chicago and my 11 years I spent in the South, one of my co-workers jokingly (but half seriously) asked me, “Iya, what’s it like to be a black woman in today’s society?” I think it has nothing to do with gender and more to do with race. So the question is: What does it feel like to be a black person in today’s society? My answer depends on what day it is, because I have more than one response.

How many people can say they love their job and the journey it took to get where they are today? Cleo King, co-star of CBS’s Mike & Molly, exclaims it from the rooftop as she talks about her recent gig and her co-workers.

As the newest addition to VH1’s hit show Single Ladies, Terrell Tilford brings his talent, along with more excitement and suspense to the scene. With the season premiere of season two set to air on May 28, viewers may wonder if the prime time drama series could take any more intensity after the show’s first powerful season and cliffhanger finale. The L.A.-native couldn’t divulge details, but said he and the show created a great match for his character and what he will bring to the mix.

Lovers of fashion who also support awareness and education about HIV/AIDS gathered in their red attire and rocked their red pumps for the Red Pump Project’s 3^rd Annual “Rock the Red” Fashion Show in Chicago’s Society Art Gallery, produced by Benjamin Cottrell Designs.

After snaking to the back of the bus and train because inconsiderate people refuse to move, wrestling with and ducking from over-sized backpacks and handbags and shoving through those who block the exit doors, I look forward to seeing one of my favorite people who works for the city’s public transportation company during the week. He stands there, dressed in his work jumpsuit with a toothpick in his mouth and a smile to greet all of the passengers. Whether it was a wave, a friendly head nod or giving directions, he is graceful and pleasant. He has a special smile and handshake for me as he addresses me by name when he sees me walk up the stairs.

What happens when you take politics and add a dose of fashion? You get “The Politics of Fashion”, the brainchild of Aaja Corinne The Brand and Team Takeover.

Guests gathered at Chicago’s House of Blues last Thursday for “Fashion for a Cause”, presented by 3 Hearts Boutique. This charity event raised funds for the Maryville Crisis Nursery, located in Chicago, which provides short term care for the children who are experiencing crises or other family emergencies. The event raised a total of $2,200 for the program.