NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — “We like to party, TOO!” is a dance party for the Down syndrome community!
The event going down on World Down Syndrome Day, March 21, from 7-10 p.m.
“Down’s syndrome designed me. But it does not define me,” Lizetta Mckesson said. “That is our slogan!”
“We’re having a dance party for the Down syndrome community. The name of the event is ‘We like to party, too!’ The reason I named the event that is because sometimes people in our community don’t feel that down’s syndrome, or people with disabilities, want to do the same things they want to do,” said Mckesson.
Mckesson hosts an annual free shoe drive called 1,000 shoes for 1,000 smiles, and in the past, she organized a party just for teen.
But this is the first event of its kind.
“My sister-in-law, Diedre Lashae, is hosting the event, has always loved dance,” Mckesson said. “She asked me to go to the club. I’m really not a club person … not at this age anyway. I was like, ‘How about let’s bring the club to her?’ I talked about it with some of my friends. I reached out to the city of Norfolk. They were very excited about it. I reached out to WNSB Hot91. They were excited about it. I came to the Kroc Center. They were [excited] everybody [was]. I wasn’t getting to ‘no!’ Everybody that heard about it was so excited about it and wanted to be a part of it.”
Diedre has been asking for years to go to the club. I said, ‘let’s bring the club to her.’ They can be comfortable. We can feel comfortable [as] the guardians, parents, [or] caretakers. In a space where they know that their person is enjoying themselves and they’re safe.
-Lizetta Mckesson
The adults-only party will have a Norfolk police officer, who is also a professional DJ, playing all of the popular songs.
“They’re adults and we’re giving them the full experience. They’re going to have a mock bar with martini glasses and shot glasses,” Mckesson said. “But of course, it’s going to be soda, lemonade or tea. We’re just excited for them to have this club experience.”
Diedre Mckesson, 33, an aspiring model, will host the party.
“I like to dance,” said the stylish 33-year-old.
In an interview with WAVY.com, Diedre said Chris Brown is her favorite artist and Micheal Jackson has some of her favorite dance moves. Diedre plans to play ‘Yeah Glo!’ by GloRilla to start the party, where she will tell the crowd “Stand up. Have fun… and party with me!”
“One thing about her. She’s not scared. She loves music. You turn on the music, she starts moving,” said Mckesson. “I am so hype. I can’t wait to see this place decorated and full of her friends, her family, everybody!”
The first 91 tickets were free. Now, tickets cost $10. Those who wish to sponsor an individual by buying a ticket can go on Eventbrite.com and then sent the tickets to weliketopartytwo@gmail.com.
Continue to check WAVY.com for updates.
