Mrs. Ila & The Ladies

I began this photo project in earnest.
I thought I’d be able to get all of my mother’s old film developed and have a grand time reliving some memories, getting to know her in a new way, and sharing with family and friends.
HOWEVER, what I didn’t take into consideration is that all packages of film come with a handy lil’ expiration date coded on the side.
Unfortunately that expiration date is real and true.
The images in the first two batches I had processed were completely indecipherable.
But in this latest batch I got ONE very hazy, grainy image. My bf edited it as best he could.
This is the final result.

How fitting that it would be a picture of Mom with her girlfriends.
For those unfamiliar, Mom is sitting, bottom left.
It is certainly no surprise they were attending the Black & White Ball. This was by-far Mom’s favorite social event, a reunion of Douglass High School students occurring every few years since 1960.
I will complete a more in depth look at the Black & White Ball later this Summer when the upcoming one is held.

You can clearly make out the massive smile of Mrs. Raynelle standing above her. Are those pearls, Ma’am?
Some of the rest of the ladies look familiar. All decked out in their sequins & finery.
I just am not able to name them.
It pleases me to see this image of Mom. Healthy. Happy & smiling. Hair laid as usual, lol.
My guess is that it was taken in early 2000’s.
But I need your help.
Who knows more about this image?
Please share all you remember.
Or feel free to chime in with your own Mama Memory.
I’d love it and would be most grateful.
Let’s honor them today and make them proud.

**UPDATE 2-25-19**
Mrs. Raynelle reached out after seeing this post and sent me a pic of Mom at the Black & White Ball from 1978. She’s in the top left corner looking FINE, right? I was only 4 years old when this was taken. Good stuff. Thanks Mrs. ‘Nell!!

the ladies in a pic from the 1978 Black & White Ball