Julian Epstein Residence

Photos by Tony Powell

Hill Harper and Julian Epstein

THE EVENT: Local pals feted CSI:NY star Hill Harper at a party honoring his new book, Letters to a Young Sister, which shares the same message of empowerment and respect as his previous best-seller focusing on young black men, Letters to a Young Brother. THE SCENE: Guests mingled in Julian Epstein’s sleek multi-leveled Adams-Morgan loft, admiring the art and outdoor views as the author signed books and spoke of his support of Harvard Law School classmate Sen. Barack Obama’s presidential bid. THE GUESTS: Among those spotted in what was described as a “charged atmosphere” of actors, models, politicos and media types were BET’s LaToya Foster and Andre Showell, D.C. Councilwoman Yvette Alexander, Juleanna Glover and co-hosts Paul Wharton, Michael Hines, Kevin Parker and Jarvis Stewart.

Cynee Simpson, Julian Epstein and Michelle Yankey

Location: Luxe Studio, Home of Fendi Casa

WL SPONSORED – Photos by Tony Powell and Zaid Hamid

TOP OF THE HILL: Is there anything Hill Harper can’t do? The Harvard- educated star of CSI: NY is the author of two inspiring books, Letters to a Young Brother and Letters to a Young Sister, and a formidable philanthropist. This night belonged to his Manifest Your Destiny Foundation – dedicated to empowering, encouraging, and inspiring underserved youth to succeed. REPRESENTING: A heavyweight crowd showed support including hosts Tanya Lombard and Yelberton Watkins, co-host Rep. James Clyburn, Rep. Adam Schiff, Darrell Smith, Lamell McMorris, John Orlando, Marie Sylla, Peck Madigan, Tami Boyd, and Ben Jealous.

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Courtney Ford and Brandon Routh. Photo by Tony Powell.

Location: Kafé Leopold and L2, Cady’s Alley – Georgetown

WL HOSTED EVENT - Photos by Tony Powell and Ira Wexler

A-LIST INAUGURATION DINNER: Perennial Sports & Entertainment and the Impact Film Fund teamed-up with WL for its annual Pollywood dinner bringing celebrities and politicos together after the inauguraton of Barack Obama.

CO-HOSTS: Jessica Alba, Jeffrey Wright, Sarah Silverman, & Hill Harper. Others dining on artisanal cuisine and melding Hollywood and Washington power included Bethany Yarrow, John Pemberton, Jo Cooper, Arnie Wellman, Royal Roth, and Eli Pariser.

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Actress Hayden Panettiere

Location: Josephine Lounge

WL SPONSORED EVENT – Photos by Tony Powell

HOB KNOB: Hosted by New York financier and long-time Obama friend and supporter Brian Mathis and his wife Tracey Kemble, as well as Nicole Avant, Kevin Liles, Steve and Candace McKeever, Jacquie Lee, and Hill Harper, this event was one of the hardest-to-score inaugural invites.

IN THE GOLD ROOM: Kerry Washington getting cozy with Gerard Butler as the late-night crowd sipped on Ciroc vodka and Don Julio blanco nightcaps and took home a VIP gift bag that included goodies from Alberto Parada Jewelry, Votivo aromatic candles, Cucina soaps and lotions, Cibu, Bliss, Shiseido, Baby Phat, and Graf Von Faber-Castell. The night benefited Impact Film Fund and was co-produced by Straus/Baker.

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