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A Party for A Princess

By Dr. Anne Sulton, Esq.

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EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

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July 29, 2024

The Princess and her Court adorn the main entrance of Dresden Castle. Simone Farris (center) and her court (left to right) Marcel Miranda, Madelynn Sanchez, Cornel Penager-Davidson, Juliana Hernandez, Emanuel Rivera, Ilary Toro, Mason Chester Hopkins, Kaidin Brunson, and Giovani Maxey. (Photo: Dr. Anne T. Sulton, Esq.)

Cudahy, WI: On July 12th, Simone Farris celebrated her 16th birthday in grand style. Hundreds of guests arrived at the Victorian Masquerade Ball dressed in elegant long gowns, fashionable tuxedos, and dazzling masks.

Simone’s parents, Raquel and Larry Farris, smiled with great joy as guests enthusiastically greeted the “princess” Simone and her handsome court as they entered the Castle’s grand hall.

The Ball was held in the Dresden Castle – a beautiful building in Cudahy, Wisconsin converted from a Catholic Church to a unique event center in 2021. Although maintaining its gorgeous stained glass windows, the sanctuary portion of the former church was transformed, with the approval of former church members, into a room reminiscent of a huge royal dining hall.

A highlight of the marvelous festivities was the much anticipated father/daughter dance. Simone’s father Larry (principal of Milwaukee High School of the Arts and recent recipient of the Superintendent’s Spirit Award for leading with courage, passion, and enthusiasm) joined Simone in the middle of the dance floor.

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Larry looked like a powerful king and Simone a stunningly beautiful princess. Larry is not known for his dancing skills. Guests were amazed at the exquisitely choreographed dance routine he and Simone gracefully performed. His cousin Dr. James E. Sulton, III echoed the sentiment of many others in attendance, saying “I didn’t know he had moves like that!”

It was an extravagant fun-filled family event. Elders and small children too danced, played and feasted until midnight. The weather was perfect. The food was delicious and plentiful. The venue was splendid. The decorations were fantastic. The multi-colored lighting was delightful. The music selections were wonderful and the volume at which the music was played was just right, permitting even soft spoken conversations among guests.

Happy birthday Simone.

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Author

Dr. Anne Sulton, Esq.

Since receiving her law degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1985, Anne has focused her law practice on litigating civil rights cases in federal courts. In recognition of her outstanding achievements as a civil rights attorney, she received the coveted “William Robert Ming Advocacy Award” from the NAACP at its July 2007 National Convention in Detroit.

Anne also holds a Ph.D. in criminology and criminal justice from the University of Maryland-College Park. She has served as a faculty member at several colleges and universities, including Spelman College in Atlanta, Howard University in Washington, DC, and New Jersey City University. As a criminologist, Anne has conducted empirical research, and published articles and books on criminal justice topics. Anne frequently gives keynote speeches on civil rights, crime prevention, and urban education. She also serves as an expert witness.

Anne has given dozens of keynote speeches. Among her major addresses are a Wingspread Briefing on Crime Prevention and the Wilmington, Delaware NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet. She has appeared on scores of television and radio programs, including the McNeil Lehrer Newshour and CNN.

She currently serves as our Senior International Correspondent, covering stories in Japan, Thailand, India, Zimbabwe, Brazil, Dubai, France, Austria, Australia, Egypt, Turkey, and Canada. She currently is authoring our weekly column on climate change.

In 1977, Anne became the first African American female in Atlanta to earn a private pilot’s license. Since then, she has developed aviation education programs for youth. In 2005, she organized African American female pilots’ visit to Chicago and Rue, France to honor Bessie Coleman and the men making it possible for her to become the world’s first licensed African American pilot in 1921. Her name is among those included on the Wall of Honor at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.

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