tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-671626733832046782024-03-13T03:58:30.064-07:00Natural QueenFeatured on Essence.com, The Examiner, Hype Hair Magazine, Mhe Magazine & Encore HD Magazine.*Natural Queen*http://www.blogger.com/profile/12436024464040076537noreply@blogger.comBlogger545125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67162673383204678.post-5119448559995306622013-08-30T14:36:00.000-07:002013-09-01T14:36:19.087-07:00A Guest on the Anthony McCarthy Show<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FRBg-dc9HX4/UiOwDC78fBI/AAAAAAAAFIs/GsEgpxGsJaE/s1600/20130830_183256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FRBg-dc9HX4/UiOwDC78fBI/AAAAAAAAFIs/GsEgpxGsJaE/s400/20130830_183256.jpg" width="300" /></a>I am so thankful for my community. So many have reached out to me to support me in my journey of being a newly published author and Mrs. Essence 2013. Thank you to Carla Blackwell for getting me on the <a href="http://www.weaa.org/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=26" target="_blank">WEAA 88.9FM Anthony McCarthy Show</a>! I had a great time discussing sexual assault and domestic violence in our community, Queendom T.E.A., my new book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Positively-Bodyful-Queendom-T-E-A-Volume/dp/1484850742" target="_blank">Positively Bodyful</a> and the Essence pageant system. I will be back on the show -- stay tuned! :)</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67162673383204678.post-83682516825695123062013-08-24T14:52:00.000-07:002013-09-01T14:53:01.817-07:00Positively Bodyful Launch <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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What a blessing to finally see my book in print! Thank you to all those who supported me in making this possible: Mardis, Dakota, Zarah, Giselle, Mica and Shuna!<div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67162673383204678.post-4402589127486324342013-08-20T14:10:00.000-07:002013-09-01T14:10:53.835-07:00Undaground Radar Magazine Shoot<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Stay tuned for my interview and cover shoot for Undaground Radar Magazine! ;) </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67162673383204678.post-76114193984146559252013-08-17T14:18:00.000-07:002013-09-01T14:19:44.636-07:00Mariah Ministries Back to School Drive<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It was a great opportunity to serve to my community by donating book bags for this great ministry!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67162673383204678.post-89502818029448829832013-08-15T23:01:00.000-07:002013-08-15T23:01:36.576-07:00Featured as a "Wonder of Our Community" in Local Newspaper <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67162673383204678.post-21175164227800283812013-08-14T22:32:00.000-07:002013-08-15T22:49:44.284-07:00WIOW Fashion Show Guest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I had a great time at the Wear it Out Wednesday Vargas Revamp by Michelle Li Murphy Fashion Show. The location of the event, the Grand Historic Venue in Baltimore, was gorgeous! Inspired by Italian artist, Alberto Vargas, Vargas Revamp conceptualizes a modern sensual aesthetic with vintage appeal through the lens of Michelle Li Murphy. As a fashion blogger, I love all things vintage and as a result was enamored at all of the attire! I was honored to meet the stylist behind many of Lady Gaga's hair styles, Elicia Moore (below)! She is such a sweetie and stylish lady!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vbS2anoPzws/Ug2x_yRFbLI/AAAAAAAAFHE/EFOkWvHIs5Q/s1600/20130814_201826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vbS2anoPzws/Ug2x_yRFbLI/AAAAAAAAFHE/EFOkWvHIs5Q/s640/20130814_201826.jpg" width="640" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67162673383204678.post-29974388890510107752013-08-14T10:38:00.000-07:002013-08-14T10:40:35.730-07:00International Virtual Sexual Abuse Awareness and Solutions Summit Speaker<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Brett Scudder, <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">president, chairman, Abuse Czar, Chief Happiness Officer “C</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; line-height: 18px;">HO” of SISFI invited me to be a part of a panel of speakers, discussing the theme, </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">"The Injustices of the US Justice System". It is an honored to be a part of such a dynamic group of advocates and distinguished people who are fighting all over the world to eradicate sexual abuse. The 3-hour summit is important because we must continue to publicly discuss this silent crime. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Speakers included: </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Ms. </span><a data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=100000674198542&extragetparams=%7B%22directed_target_id%22%3A0%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/honorablejudgebullock?directed_target_id=0" saprocessedanchor="true" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;">Mary Elizabeth Bullock</a><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">, retired federal Civil Rights Judge and Author</span><br style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Ms. </span><a data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=1374960337&extragetparams=%7B%22directed_target_id%22%3A0%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/LaQuisha.Tisdal.Hall?directed_target_id=0" saprocessedanchor="true" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;">LaQuisha Hall</a><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">, Mrs. Essence 2013, Author, Abuse Advocate</span><br style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Ms. </span><a data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=100000027387114&extragetparams=%7B%22directed_target_id%22%3A0%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/sharnae.lathan?directed_target_id=0" saprocessedanchor="true" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;">Sharnae Lathan</a><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">, CEO, Thru A Child’s Eye. Who Cares, Child Abuse Advocate</span><br style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Ms. </span><a data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=100002799358316&extragetparams=%7B%22directed_target_id%22%3A0%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/heather.hough.73?directed_target_id=0" saprocessedanchor="true" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;">Heather Hough</a><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">, mother of abused child fighting the system</span><br style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Ms. </span><a data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=100005534046655&extragetparams=%7B%22directed_target_id%22%3A0%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/nancy.kilgore.923?directed_target_id=0" saprocessedanchor="true" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;">Nancy Kilgore</a><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">, educator, public speaker, author</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">To listen to the summit, click <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/sisfi/2013/08/14/sisfis-sexual-abuse-awareness-and-solutions-summit" target="_blank">here</a>. </span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67162673383204678.post-2162070027788763942013-08-12T07:45:00.000-07:002013-08-14T07:46:56.017-07:00Miss Black USA Pageant & Meeting Deya Smith<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I was so excited to support Alexandra Morton, Miss Black Maryland USA at her national pageant. She has volunteered with me and on her own in supporting young girls. She made top 15 and I could not think of a better reason to lose my voice temporarily, lol.<br />
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It was fun hanging out with my sister queen, Mrs. Exquisite International and Mrs. Northern Virginia Essence 2013, Christina Schinner! Her and I have become so close after the Essence pageant--such a blessing. We met up with another sister queen and Essence pageant judge, Kimi Holloway, Ms. Corporate America 2013. We also ran into the Executive director of Essence Pageants, Kevin Wade, who looked fantastic. I had to give him a little peck on the cheek... :)<br />
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The highlight of my evening was meeting Deya Smith... see below!<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: start;">It was an honor to meet Deya Smith, AKA “Deya DIRECT!”, a former Miss Black USA and Ebony Magazine’s pick as a “Future Leader</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: start;">” before she was whisked away in her limo! :) Known for her direct, inspirational and provocative style, Deya works as a producer for the nationally-syndicated Tom Joyner Morning Show (TJMS). The TJMS reaches 8 million listeners daily. She is also the creator and host of Girlfriend FM, a short-form video show-commentary-blog targeting female-driven hot topics on Tom Joyner TV and BlackAmericaweb.com. </span></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67162673383204678.post-53690014792031911162013-08-11T07:38:00.000-07:002013-08-12T07:39:04.804-07:00Girl's Glam Season Finale Fashion Show <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"Thee Danielle Baker", founder and director of Girl's Glam, puts on thee best fashion shows!! I truly enjoyed participating in this event and I was delighted to donate two gift bags filled with all things glam and queenly and crown one of the participants for her hard work and helpfulness throughout the program. It is so enlightening to see community leaders continuing the work of supporting and building our youth through positive experiences. I look forward to the day when Danielle created Girl's Glam for adult women, lol. :)<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67162673383204678.post-31838290198491718822013-08-10T18:51:00.003-07:002013-08-10T18:59:09.047-07:00My First Autograph Signing at the Chick-Fil-A Anniversary Celebration <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_5aumZ1BXjw/UgbodYPammI/AAAAAAAAFEo/KYjLUyt7unE/s1600/970467_10201202998290260_1450299667_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_5aumZ1BXjw/UgbodYPammI/AAAAAAAAFEo/KYjLUyt7unE/s400/970467_10201202998290260_1450299667_n.jpg" width="325" /></a>I am so thrilled that I was able to support a sponsor of Essence Pageants today with my sister queen, Elesia, Miss Essence 2013. We had a blast at the Chick-Fil-A Anniversary Celebration in District Heights, Maryland. This was the biggest celebration I have ever witnessed at this type of restaurant. Elesia and I signed autograph cards, thanks to our director, Sue, for getting them made for us! Side note: I have been competing in pageants since 2008 and I have never had the opportunity to participate in an autograph signing. As a matter of fact, I have never had autograph cards before outside of making some myself. Sue has already made this reign very special and memorable with even the things she considers small. Love her, and her daughter, who stole the show today with her hot dance moves and cute tutu! ;) Elesia and I also had a radio interview, hosted by DJ Dirty Rico. He was very lively and funny, as you can see from my big smiles in the photos, lol. The kids were too precious and we took lots of pictures. This was so exciting!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67162673383204678.post-12282126310054951252013-08-07T19:03:00.000-07:002013-08-09T12:16:50.425-07:00Skating Away Diabetes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I don't think I have ever been so excited for an appearance before! I had a great time helping to "Skate Away Diabetes" in support of LeKeesha Gardner's fundraiser in honor of her mother who passed away from diabetes. There was so many young girls there and a birthday girl (pictured right). They were all happy to see me and the birthday girl felt like I came for her... why not? ;) Her parents took lots of pictures of us in honor of her special day. </div>
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It had been over 10 years since I last skated. I was nervous, but I had some mini "pros" around me who wanted to show me the ropes. Thankfully, skating came back to me just like riding a bike does. When I was ready to finally skate on my own, I still could not though because the girls wanted to take turns holding my hand going around the rink. I also got to play another young lady in air hockey... and that was not easy. Even though I won the game, she definitely made me work hard, lol! I am ready to go back to the rink, just give me a reason! This night was truly memorable! </div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67162673383204678.post-57967293952430963102013-08-07T18:00:00.000-07:002013-08-09T12:28:04.186-07:00NNPAAW Honoree & Interview Guest <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This week I was honored by <a href="http://dreamcatchersforabusedchildren.com/" target="_blank">Dreamcatchers for Abused Children</a> for <a href="https://www.facebook.com/nnpaaw" target="_blank">National Non-Profits and Advocates Apprecilove Week</a>, organized and founded by Brett Scudder, also an advocate for communities and people everywhere. As a result, I was interviewed on the HoodRich Magazine Radio Show by J.R. Strongg. I am thankful for the support and the encouragement which was unexpected! :) Listen to the show <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thekeys107/2013/08/07/hoodrich-magazine-the-2013-nnpaaw-honorees-special-tribute" target="_blank">here</a>! :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67162673383204678.post-81452875770706720872013-08-03T09:46:00.000-07:002013-08-05T09:49:03.874-07:00Exquisite International Pageant 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I had such a great time at the Exquisite International pageant! Congratulations to all of the women who participated as they are all queens and super congrats to the winners of the crowns! Pinky, the director, continues to do an amazing job year after year... :)<br />
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I was so excited for Christina Schinner who won Mrs. Exquisite International. She was the first runner up to me at the Essence Pageant and now we still get to reign together! </div>
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I absolutely love my director, Su Drakeford and her precious Ava! :) The judges from the evening were beautiful and great leaders in our community. Wow! :)</div>
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Today I visited 43 beautiful young ladies who are participants in the <a href="http://lesheeainc.wix.com/design" target="_blank">Le'Sheea Fashion Design & Modeling Camp</a>. These young beauties welcomed me with open arms, literally, lol. As soon as I came in I received many hugs, questions, cell phones aimed in my direction and more! One girl even asked if I knew Tyra Banks ("I'm trying to get to know her, dear... lol.). I discussed what being truly confident means, not only on the outside, but also on the inside. These young models didn't need me--they were well versed on what needed to be done to ensure their confidence! ;) I brought an extra Queendom T.E.A. crown with me because I knew that these ladies would want pictures... I ended up taking 43 individual photos, lol. Hey, I love girls so I didn't mind. One young lady was celebrating her birthday today and she got to keep the crown! This was such a fun, important and memorable opportunity! </div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67162673383204678.post-30278080993797185982013-07-27T05:51:00.000-07:002013-07-29T05:52:55.275-07:00Hosting the "Koming From Afrika" Premiere <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I was honored to be asked by Blaise Christian Sitchet, the director and producer of the film, <i>Koming From Afrika</i>, to be the hostess of the premiere! It was too cool to interview the actors and actress while having my own microphone and camera follow me around, lol. I was also interviewed by a local network and was asked this question: Can you share your thoughts on immigration? I will tell you that pageantry really prepares queens for the work that lies ahead, lol! I felt like I was asked an onstage question, but I answered very confidently and fluidly that we need to support and strengthen whoever is living in our communities so that they will not be divided or dilapidated. <i>Koming From Afrika</i> was very educational, while entertaining at the same time. I can't tell you how many times I laughed during humorous scenes! I also learned a lot about immigration. I loved every moment of this experience.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67162673383204678.post-10451856045953512692013-07-27T05:29:00.000-07:002013-07-29T05:31:00.467-07:00Sara Sara Makeup Launch <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I had a fantastic time at the Sara Sara Cosmetics Makeup Launch! Congratulations to the CEO and Owner, Moniette Laury, and her beautiful daughter, Monet Horton. This collection contained beautiful, mature colors, which included those featured on my face in this photo. Crystal Parson of SYLK Cosmetics, beat my face with Shimmery Mint! I would have never thought I could wear a mint lip color, but it was done by an expert and complimented my dress well! I look forward to more from this makeup line! :)<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67162673383204678.post-7156323401778357432013-07-26T14:12:00.000-07:002013-07-26T15:59:00.650-07:00Keynote Speaker at JHU "REACH" Closing Ceremony<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today I was the keynote speaker for the Johns Hopkins Summer "REACH" Program. For 19 years, Baltimore City students have worked during the summer in this program to propel them in the area of medicine. This summer, more 250 interns participated in the program and attended the closing. </div>
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Anthony Pena, a mentor and creator of Brothers in Action Male Mentoring Program, also supported the program with me this summer by working with the male interns. It was a great reunion today!<br />
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I find offering words of encouragement to youth to be simple. However, this time I was saddened by the recent death of an intern who attended my first workshop about leadership, yet was killed the following week after being violently raped. Speaking out against violence is what I have done for years and I wished there was something more I could have said or done for this young lady, Diamond Williams. But God has a purpose for all things and I was relieved to not only participate in the memorial at this ceremony, but offer words to the friends she left behind to motivate them. I believe that they will honor her life and give back to their community as a result. </div>
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What a great feeling to have the opportunity to allow these ladies to feel like queens! Today was a very special day. </div>
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This young lady told me she did the Miss Pre-teen Maryland pageant years ago and that I inspired her to want to get back into pageantry. Of course I welcomed to the Essence Pageant system... ;)</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67162673383204678.post-88801986836905098052013-07-25T13:52:00.000-07:002013-07-26T13:54:25.656-07:00Curves Rock Runway Show<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am not very curvy, but I love and participate in all women's empowerment! I was honored to participate in the Curves Rock Runway show that was for women of all sizes. Tonight's event was the kickoff for a long weekend of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CurvesRockFashionWeekend" target="_blank">Curves Rock Fashion Weekend</a>. The organizers did a great job and I appreciate the introduction and the opportunity to model in this stellar event.<br />
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You must check out the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10201776527719641&saved" target="_blank">video </a>of me modeling in this show. The audience's cheers were very motivating! This team is destined to have a weekend of curvy success! :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67162673383204678.post-80118890697771033932013-07-24T21:03:00.000-07:002013-07-24T21:08:20.433-07:00Pageant Insider News Interview with Tamika Hall<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Tamika Hall, a courageous woman in which I have seemed to follow in the footsteps of since 2009, is my favorite radio personality! This is why I readily said yes to being interviewed on her show, <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/pageantinsider/2013/07/24/meet-the-new-essence-queens" target="_blank">Pageant Talk Live</a>! Tamika interviewed my sister queens and I about our preparation and future plans for the Essence Pageants. Tamika also reigned as Mrs. Essence 2010 serving the system well. Being on this call reminded me all over just how exciting it is to be an Essence queen! :) Check out the interview <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/pageantinsider/2013/07/24/meet-the-new-essence-queens" target="_blank">here</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67162673383204678.post-42265767176361471172013-07-23T12:54:00.000-07:002013-07-24T13:12:41.516-07:00Christmas in July Doll Delivery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">I had a great time playing with the big and little dolls of The Black Doll Affair</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">! We had an intimate discussion about complexion and feeling b'huetiful, polishing our nails pink and opening new dolls with the young beauties of Daughters of Destiny in the Sisters 4 Sisters, Inc. organization! We have done our doll deliveries here for the past few summers and I must say that today was the best by far! We even worked with the "teen dolls". </span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67162673383204678.post-60208779630339148062013-07-23T11:46:00.002-07:002013-07-24T12:47:41.655-07:00Crowned Mrs. Essence 2013<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">On Tuesday, Mardis and I got the keys to our first home! Wednesday
morning, we found our truck vandalized. Friday, I found out that a mentee had
been raped and killed. Saturday morning, I got an email stating that I did not
get the job that I thought would be my ticket out of Baltimore City Public
Schools. My week started out wonderful and became sour. However, it ended just
as wonderful because I won the title of Mrs. Essence 2013! (Lesson: Keep the Faith!)</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YSYW_bM6MdI/Ue7Nz7w9_vI/AAAAAAAAE2w/OH1FfWmxJII/s1600/164257_10201099586865643_495522039_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YSYW_bM6MdI/Ue7Nz7w9_vI/AAAAAAAAE2w/OH1FfWmxJII/s320/164257_10201099586865643_495522039_n.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">On Friday, I arrived at the luncheon with Blessing, my bag, and my
afro. They say first impressions are important and I wanted everyone to know
that I do it BIG, lol. Anyways, we got to hear from each of the national queens
about their experiences during their year. I was too nervous to eat… as a
matter of fact, I paid to eat all weekend, but did not. Those butterflies were
killing me! I met Su, the pageant director, for the first time in person. She is such a
natural beauty—flawless skin, curly hair, bright smile. I was impressed. She
shared that she would be giving awards throughout the weekend and began during
this luncheon. I was not sure what type of awards she would give that early in
the pageant weekend, but it made sense: She was making sure everyone felt
appreciated for the effort they put into the Essence pageant system. I received
a media award and got a pin for my sash! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Afterwards we began Boot Camp. Although I have participated
in a number of pageants, I still find it necessary to make improvements and
learn about new systems. During this boot camp, hosted by the 2012 national
queens and Essence Pageant Staff, I learned that there are 7 values that the
system wants their queens to embody. I had no idea about this prior to the boot
camp and found this very valuable. After doing my research, I believed that I
embodied these qualities and wanted to ensure that the judges knew that. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Next we began Orientation. After checking in, each of us
received gift bags filled with little things that queens love! (How sweet!) All
of the contestants arrived and everyone looked beautiful and refreshed. We
heard tips from the 2012 national queens and more awards were distributed. This
time I received a business award for my ad pages in the program book. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I have always hated rehearsals in pageantry, primarily
because I cannot dance. However, this dance that we learned to Robin Thicke’s
<i>Blurred Lines</i> was simple enough for me to show off just a tad—if you consider
clapping with your hands over your head instead of in front of you showing off,
lol. The real dancing was displayed at the mixer we participated in that
evening. I killed the Wobble and other popular line dances. I just sit down
when it is time to free style because I stopped learning new dances after the
Harlem Shake era, lol. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Most find it very difficult to sleep on the night before a
pageant. I slept fine until 3:00 a.m. I don’t want to get all spiritual on you,
but what I am getting ready to share is the absolute truth. I have been reading
this book, over and over for the past few months called <i>Draw the Circle: The 40 Day Prayer Challenge</i> by Mark Batterson.
This book has changed the life of both my husband and I. It has caused us to
pray more and have more faith in our everyday experiences. <span style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Batterson
explains the importance of having faith when we pray. Meaning if we are going
to pray to God asking for a miracle, shouldn't we have faith that God will do it?
We shouldn't be doubtful of God's ability to answer our prayers just because He
may not answer them the way we expected. Batterson even suggests "drawing
a circle" around the things we are praying for. For example, Batterson is
a church planter and when his church was trying to figure out where God wanted
them to plant their next church, Batterson took a prayer walk around the
perimeter of the area they were looking at. He prayed through a 4 mile circle,
asking God to show Him where to plant their church. And God provided an answer
to Him.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When I could no longer sleep at 3:00 a.m. I got up and began
to rehearse my speech and walking patterns inside my hotel room. About 10
minutes later, I told myself that I was trying to win of my own merit and
decided to pray about the pageant instead. Encouraged by the book, I
went down to the ballroom where the stage was and circled it in prayer at least 7
times. My prayer was not that I win, but that God’s will be done and that I
would be at peace with the outcome. Once I finished walking around the stage
and praying that no one would find me doing so (lol), I went back to my room
and slept peacefully until 7 a.m.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DMqqQybUS84/Ue7OIGGcygI/AAAAAAAAE3A/npoN95EZgao/s1600/20130720_131257-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DMqqQybUS84/Ue7OIGGcygI/AAAAAAAAE3A/npoN95EZgao/s400/20130720_131257-1.jpg" width="156" /></a><span style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Saturday morning, we participated in a breakfast that included
a gift exchange. I like the way Su set the gift exchange
up. You didn’t just hand the other contestants their gift, but you explained
the meaning of the gift to everyone in the room and formally gave the
gift. It was cool to see what everyone got ranging from everyday use items to
fish, <i>real</i> fish, swimming around in a bowl… During this time, Su gave out more
awards to contestants and the national queens. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U9cPiB0YmCM/Ue7ONeRUAqI/AAAAAAAAE3U/zsBt2GF_0iw/s1600/20130720_131417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U9cPiB0YmCM/Ue7ONeRUAqI/AAAAAAAAE3U/zsBt2GF_0iw/s320/20130720_131417.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When it was time to get ready for interview, I was greeted by
Roshe’ Anthony of Roshe’ Cosmetics, who did a wonderful job on my face! She came all the way from Baltimore to Virginia just to treat my face so gingerly and her hands smelled great! LOL! Also,
some pageant pals stopped by to visit and offer encouragement… and steal my
clothes, lol.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lM9yJwCPcqM/Ue7OM-uTVBI/AAAAAAAAE3M/a-0ew4N1Zpc/s1600/20130720_131354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lM9yJwCPcqM/Ue7OM-uTVBI/AAAAAAAAE3M/a-0ew4N1Zpc/s320/20130720_131354.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit;">I was a little nervous before interview began, but I knew I
had already done all that I knew how to do to prepare for it. I just took a
deep breath, walked in and answered the questions to the best of my ability.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Now, I guess I am pretty funny because people laugh at me all of
the time, even when I am dead serious, lol. I guess that is why I was chosen as the
recipient of the Best Humor award at the final rehearsal before show time. I
felt more relaxed after making the judges laugh, twice, lol. They also seemed
very interested in what I had to say, so my fear left shortly after I
introduced myself. This was by far the BEST interview I have ever had in
pageantry! I walked out feeling very confident and calm. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I was elated to see Mardis, my husband, Candace and Naomi, my
sister and niece, Mothyna and Monokia, the founders of Heal a Woman to Heal a
Nation, Inc. and others in the audience supporting me during the pageant. This
was the most support I have had since beginning pageantry in 2008. It was such
a great feeling and I believe it caused me to stand just a little taller… ;) We
competed on stage in fitness wear, evening gown and on stage interview. Not too
difficult, right? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit;">When it was time for awards and crowning, I was overwhelmed.
I won every award in the Mrs. Division, including fitness, interview and
evening gown! It was such an honor and unexpected, lol. I knew when they
presented me with the third award that I had won the pageant. However, I
contained my excitement out of respect for my sister queens.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I4muoGlHKJQ/Ue7PBd_HpAI/AAAAAAAAE3g/jTFckcITXug/s1600/62302_207709982686522_1247145284_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="366" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I4muoGlHKJQ/Ue7PBd_HpAI/AAAAAAAAE3g/jTFckcITXug/s640/62302_207709982686522_1247145284_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It was such an honor to represent Maryland. I felt
those little purple and teal butterflies fluttering softly inside my belly </span></span><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 12.6pt;">(purple and teal are the ribbon colors of sexual assault and domestic violence awareness, two causes that I am an advocate for)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 12.6pt;">. Then, I felt a
calming and sense of accomplishment.
Anyways, after they tried for minutes to put the crown on my head correctly, my
next thought was: <i>Quisha, why would you wear a big bun on the side of your
head??</i> LOL…</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q6Pzka1BO_I/Ue7PNEOA1OI/AAAAAAAAE3o/jqGU0b8uis0/s1600/20130720_230311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q6Pzka1BO_I/Ue7PNEOA1OI/AAAAAAAAE3o/jqGU0b8uis0/s320/20130720_230311.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I have already learned and experienced so much in
the Essence Pageant System. Su, Kevin and the staff truly care about each
individual who signs up for the pageant. They also take great care of the
queens afterwards—and I know this after only 2 days! I loved my prizes and I
was even more encouraged to retrieve my score sheets. I earned 14 10s out of 23
sheets! I don’t think I have ever done so well in a pageant before. Afterwards,
judges offered me encouragement. One judge said after researching the
contestants online she could not wait to meet me. Another judge shared that as
soon as I walked in the room for interview she knew I was the winner… WOW. She made my night!
The saying is true: You can win over the judges in interview! ;)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you are reading this and are discouraged from past pageantry experiences, I strongly recommend this
system! “Su Valuable” (Su is not only our director, but the word su means “Its”
in Spanish) is going to be my tagline this year. After spending almost an hour
with Su on the phone, I realized just how valuable her expertise and
this overall experience will be for me. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This pageant had 21 contestants, 21 queens, 21
winners. Yes, only one person was “crowned” in each division, but I am telling
you if you met the people I met, you would know why it is so hard not see how
brightly each individual shines. I pray for each person I met, will meet and
hope to meet. God has been good to me and I am ready to do this work!</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-03DHy1EGFQg/Ue7PcGMFPBI/AAAAAAAAE3w/n__PKN-h2Mk/s1600/148500_10200971054384076_1375001185_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-03DHy1EGFQg/Ue7PcGMFPBI/AAAAAAAAE3w/n__PKN-h2Mk/s320/148500_10200971054384076_1375001185_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Now, if only Naomi would give me my crown back... ;)</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67162673383204678.post-57904569336727320042013-07-06T17:16:00.000-07:002013-07-13T09:48:56.655-07:00I Love Thrifting Day Volunteer <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bq1jJ0QYhxo/UeGBYAUIyAI/AAAAAAAAE08/YSl3yuMmJpA/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bq1jJ0QYhxo/UeGBYAUIyAI/AAAAAAAAE08/YSl3yuMmJpA/s640/006.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
So, I totally missed my calling of being a fashion stylist, which I learned as a committee member for the Fashionably Chic Tour! We celebrated "I Love Thrifting Day" by hosting festivities at Uptown Cheapskate in Timonium, Maryland. The part of the day that I mostly enjoyed (other than shopping, of course) was the Stylist Wars. I jumped in to participate last minute and styled my model in purple, black white and Jeffrey Campbell snake skin boots. I added a pop of color with neon yellow necklace. We won!! This is my second time winning a stylist challenge this year at a fashion event and I was too proud. :) We also presented give-aways, hosted a fashion show and more. I was given the opportunity to style the store mannequin! This event inspired me.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ngnj47C2KCw/UeGCJTJUvjI/AAAAAAAAE1E/hoAHlISKsgE/s1600/034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ngnj47C2KCw/UeGCJTJUvjI/AAAAAAAAE1E/hoAHlISKsgE/s640/034.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We WON!! ;)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y8F_2n1z0Tc/UeGCYmsiVNI/AAAAAAAAE1M/TQSmi0bG7c0/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y8F_2n1z0Tc/UeGCYmsiVNI/AAAAAAAAE1M/TQSmi0bG7c0/s640/002.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Styled Mannequin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67162673383204678.post-75698537200259257042013-07-05T17:15:00.000-07:002013-07-13T09:28:07.094-07:00300 Men March Against Violence <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aORV9M1nc_U/UeF8Fssn-fI/AAAAAAAAE0M/_xjh9cdlxOk/s1600/050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aORV9M1nc_U/UeF8Fssn-fI/AAAAAAAAE0M/_xjh9cdlxOk/s640/050.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
It is always a great feeling to be a part of something great: The 300 Men March Against Violence. The march, which attracted almost 500 men and 100 female volunteers, was a huge success! This occasion brought out the Baltimore Police Chief, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and more. As an ambassador for Heal a Woman to Heal a Nation, I volunteered, assisting with registering the 500 participants. Although the women did not march, in the end, I felt like I contributed to eliminating future catastrophes. I want to live in a safe place and I appreciate all of the men who took the first "step"!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ya4RThIrc0Y/UeF8G63RMzI/AAAAAAAAE0U/iDP3uusZv2I/s1600/107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ya4RThIrc0Y/UeF8G63RMzI/AAAAAAAAE0U/iDP3uusZv2I/s640/107.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VHEcXXqIoVE/UeF8I20kjVI/AAAAAAAAE0c/PreB0UMly2U/s1600/191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VHEcXXqIoVE/UeF8I20kjVI/AAAAAAAAE0c/PreB0UMly2U/s640/191.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-apZUD4D6nic/UeF_cuGi7EI/AAAAAAAAE0s/usMnxka_qvg/s1600/049a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-apZUD4D6nic/UeF_cuGi7EI/AAAAAAAAE0s/usMnxka_qvg/s640/049a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67162673383204678.post-18745395641385954542013-07-05T17:13:00.000-07:002013-07-13T08:08:47.534-07:00Titleless Leadership at Johns Hopkins<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QaTPn4iiDuU/UeFsWsOQCYI/AAAAAAAAEz8/XBrmf932WeM/s1600/032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QaTPn4iiDuU/UeFsWsOQCYI/AAAAAAAAEz8/XBrmf932WeM/s640/032.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iaZ-xdlWYcM/UeFsTsam7jI/AAAAAAAAEzw/vLTE-dmNZOE/s1600/934949_10201612104729169_1864354559_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iaZ-xdlWYcM/UeFsTsam7jI/AAAAAAAAEzw/vLTE-dmNZOE/s320/934949_10201612104729169_1864354559_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I was too excited to be the speaker for 150 female student interns in the Johns Hopkins Summer Jobs Program. I could not wait for them to engage in the activities I had planned for them regarding "Titleless Leadership"!</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">If you can do anything to support a young person, please do. Talk with them, listen to them, dance with them... They need us. All of these children are OUR children. The focus of my presentation to the Johns Hopkins Summer Interns was </span><span class="_58cl" style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="background-color: white;">leadership<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">, but one of the things the </span></span></span><span class="_58cl" style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span class="_58cm" style="font-family: inherit;">girls</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;"> appreciated the most was how transparent I was in sharing my story of surviving sexual abuse. I thank God for the opportunity to support them, but it takes a village. Will you open your your door?</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kr2K0dTBxww/UeFsTafqmzI/AAAAAAAAEz0/Sp3g2-7kUmA/s1600/1005428_10201621757290477_141770894_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kr2K0dTBxww/UeFsTafqmzI/AAAAAAAAEz0/Sp3g2-7kUmA/s400/1005428_10201621757290477_141770894_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">These young ladies inspired me in a major way. I appreciate their feedback, but they truly motivated me to continue this work. Check out what they had to say in this video! </span></span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Cj_vLA9rMGM" width="640"></iframe></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67162673383204678.post-44092043273754899002013-07-01T17:12:00.000-07:002013-07-03T18:23:30.528-07:00Modeling My Natural Hair on Fox 45 News<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ce6ThwqkU-Q/UdTMZtuhKTI/AAAAAAAAEw0/b5v-b52rvLw/s1600/13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ce6ThwqkU-Q/UdTMZtuhKTI/AAAAAAAAEw0/b5v-b52rvLw/s640/13.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
I was honored to be chosen as a model for the morning news!! We were featured for "Makeover Monday" on Fox 45 during a segment on how to care for and wear natural hair in the summer months. It was too cool seeing the setup of the studio, talking with my favorite news anchor, Patrice, and having my cell phone and social media blow up with messages of, "I just saw you on TV!" (lol) Even the natural hair brand, Oyin, contacted me afterwards and thanked me for doing a great job. Outside of being on TV, what I found super exciting was that Candace Dold, the fashion forward meteorologist, ran up to me right before we started filming and emphatically asked where I got my shoes! She even tweeted me later about where to get them. I was too pumped about this enlightening, positive experience! :)<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IulkpS9fYC4/UdTMWjW_IEI/AAAAAAAAEws/1pxxGPDtpGo/s508/13a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IulkpS9fYC4/UdTMWjW_IEI/AAAAAAAAEws/1pxxGPDtpGo/s400/13a.jpg" width="321" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0