A Guest on the Anthony McCarthy Show

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 WEAA 88.9FM Anthony McCarthy Show! I had a great time discussing sexual assault and domestic violence in our community, Queendom T.E.A., my new book, Positively Bodyful and the Essence pageant system. I will be back on the show -- stay tuned! :)

NNPAAW Honoree & Interview Guest

This week I was honored by Dreamcatchers for Abused Children for National Non-Profits and Advocates Apprecilove Week, 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 here! :)

300 Men March Against Violence

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"!

High Heels for Hope

I shared a day of golf with Ms. Maryland and Ms. Maryland Classic Essence, at the Pine Ridge Driving Range in Lutherville, MD. I was more than happy to support “High Heels For Hope”, a fundraiser for the House of Ruth, a shelter for women who have been involved in domestic violence. The objective was to pay for balls and play them with heels on--even the men! This sounds very much like another event that I participate in annually, Walk a Mile In Her Shoes. 

Witnessing domestic violence in my childhood in my home was devastating to my family and has long term effects, especially on relationships. I am always seeking ways to prevent this catastrophe from occurring in other households. 

I was too excited to hit my fourth ball 100 yards--the length of a football field! (I needed support as this was my first time EVER golfing, lol) It was fun, especially sharing the experience with my sister queens. We even got sunglasses, a gift card and tote bag from DSW Shoes!! That was a hole-in-one! :)

Ms. Maryland, Ms. Classic Maryland and Mrs. Maryland Essence score with DSW Shoes!

During my first time ever playing golf, I hit 100 yards on my fourth ball! :)

With the coordinators of the event from the House of Ruth. They were so kind to us!

The men did not get off easy! Shoes in mens sizes were available for their golfing experience. ;)

Chosen as the Director of GIRL POWER 2013 Girls Conference

2008 Silent Tears No More Speaker

I am so excited that I was chosen by Carolyn, Founder of Sisters 4 Sisters, Inc., as the Director for this phenomenal and anticipated event! I am accustomed to mentoring 40 or a little more girls at a time, but I have never hosted a conference for 150 girls! It is an honor to have this organization believe in me and my work as an entrepreneur and mentor. I am grateful for those who have already reached out a hand of support. Just think, this all began in 2008 from one presentation I gave on sexual and domestic violence. My work in the community for this important cause has really paid off in a big way. If you are giving back and feel discouraged, keep going--you, too, will see outstanding results! Stay tuned for more details to come. 

O.A.B.I. Voices United Publication

Click here to read!

O.A.B.I. Voices United  is an online magazine where global voices unite against abuse and domestic violence. Breaking the silence is not a popular choice but it is the right choice. This magazine is used as a tool for the people all over the world to get educated and informed. The network is growing with various writers who bring eye opening and compelling interviews and stories. ​ Read this publication today to hear the insightful words of those who speak out against abuse, domestic violence, sexual violence, child sexual abuse, bullying, human trafficking, sex slave industry, and missing and exploited children and people. I am honored to have been published in the June 2012 issue! Check out my article, A Successful Survivor: The Queen who survived violence.

Possibiliteas Fashion Show

I enjoyed "Possibiliteas"!! I am thankful to Carolyn for wearing teal during the last weekend of Sexual Assault & Child Abuse Awareness Month. ♥ her! :)

2nd Annual Men Of Class Awards

I was very thankful to be a part of the 2nd Annual Men Of Class Awards, a ceremony to honor men that are doing great things in the community to help combat domestic violence and empower women. A live studio audience watched as the Big Sis & Company- Focused On The Issues show taped the awards that will be aired to aproximately a million plus viewers in the DMV and online! What an honor to have Big Sis invite me as a survivor to be a part of the purple fashion show! God is awesomely awesome and will continue to bless the people who are doing His work--cheers to you, Liletta BigSis Thompson! ♥

With Fashion Designer, Malcolm Barrett!

With Image Consultant, Amy McNish

The beautiful "survivor" models... We had such a great time bonding!

Live on the show!

Outfit 2

Outfit 1

Thank you to Amy McNish for dressing me up and Surpass Media Pro for the photos.

Silent Tears No More: Domestic & Sexual Violence Empowerment Breakfast

With a former Mrs. United States Queen

I love this annual event run by one of my favorite organizations, Sisters 4 Sisters, Inc., in which I have been a member of since 2008. Carolyn Washington, the founder, truly has a heart to serve the entire world and she is starting in Prince George's county! View the video of this event here!

I first presented at this breakfast in 2009 (view the blog entry here) and came back to present again this year! :) I taught the audience how to take the steps towards healing with a very interactive presentation. To date, I have always had some entertainment in my presentations here... lol. 

 Miss Montgomery County's Outstanding Teen, her mom and I. Beautiful, hard-working and powerful women in our community!

I was ecstatic to see so many men and young men in the audience. While men are also victimized, the fact is women are at a much higher risk of experiencing violence. Men who stand against violence are key to its eradication. 

 I stand against violence... forever and always. As I signed this, I had a quick thought of some friends who said that I need to take a break, sit down and enjoy life because I have done "enough". The approximate 9 seconds that it took me to sign this is the amount of time needed for another person to be raped or beaten. I am so glad I cut off naysayers (part of my presentation!).

Congratulations to the Honorable Judge Cathy Serette, who is a fair judge, offering services to victims of sexual and domestic violence, who received the Love Cares Award from Sisters 4 Sisters, Inc. just now. I thank God for people like her in our community.

Until the next event...

LOVE Makes the Difference Domestic Violence Awareness Event

http://www.sisters4sisters.com