The illustrious Waldorf Hotel for years has catered its services to the most prominent of high society. Now after years of use, and with the renovation of the Starlight Room, it has opened its doors for Pratt's Black Alumni.

Founded in 1990, The Black Alumni of Pratt has remained constant in its goal to advance the academic and career opportunities for African American students and graduates of Pratt Institute.

This past Tuesday, April 25, the Black Alumni of Pratt celebrated its 10th Anniversary with the Creative Spirit scholarship. Among the guests and honorees were the following, who had this to say to the youth of Harlem:

Gerald Levert (R&B Singer) "Keep your head up. There is a lot of discouraging things in the world today, and you have to look past that. Keep your eyes open and look past all the discouraging things. Try to look for the positive. "	Leila Fazel (Assistant to Interior Designer Philipe Starke) "Don't let anyone stand in your way."	Omar Wasow (Founder of BlackPlanet.com) "Work hard, follow your passions and learn to think for yourself. "
Alva Chin (Fashion Model) "The most important thing to do is follow your dreams. That's the most important thing for anybody and I am not talking about nightmares. I am talking about your heartfelt, soulful dreams. The ones that make you say: that's what I want! That's the most important thing you do."	Elinor Tatum (Publisher of The Amsterdam News) "Go for your dreams. All the doors may not be open to you, but it is your job to find the people that can help open up those doors for you and let you through, so you can make the most out of whatever you want to do and be."	Marie Powell (Model for Metropolitan) "Finish school. Even if you want to become a rapper, a model or in the entertainment industry at all, I think it is always good to have something to fall back on just in case it doesn't work out."

Besides the star studded list of guest, the event offered two tremendous preformances. The first being a dance titled "Celebration of the Creative Spirit", chorographed by world renowned choreographer George Faison. Performed by Mr. Faison's personally hand picked dancers, the dance symbolized rebirth and acceptance.

The second and final performance was a rendition of Rkelly's "I Believe I Can Fly", by Gerald Levert and Yolanda Adams. Two of America's most influential performers. The song was performed in appreciation of the hard and commemerable efforts of Silvia Rhodes, CEO of ELEKTRA Records.