I can finally cross off one of the top 3 items on my bucket list — I performed at my first open mic!!
Every year at Penn, the Inspiration and the Excelano Project collaborate for a night of love talk and slow jams. As an Inspiration alum I had already planned on attending the show, so I thought it was the perfect opportunity to take on one of my greatest fear — performing solo.
For once, right after I decided to perform, I had the perfect song in mind. “Almost Is Never Enough,” a power-ballad on Ariana Grande’s debut album Yours Truly was instantly one of my favorites off the top-charted release. The song, a duet with The Wanted’s Nathan Sykes, is the perfect mash-up of 90’s-inspired R&B, with the flair of a contemporary anthem.
Additional photos and video from the show coming soon!
Super late post! Despite being in an a cappella group on Penn’s campus for three years, two weeks ago was the first time I was able to see some groups from a different school perform at the “Cherry Tree Massacre” hosted by the Georgetown Chimes.
I wasn’t able to get any video (I was dying to pull out my phone, but for once there wasn’t a phone in sight), so I’ll skip my analysis/comparisons (for now), and focus on my stand out performance for the night by the Georgetown Phantoms!
I was blown away by their “Chain of Fools” soloist, Enushé Khan (she killed it!), and the arrangement was great as well.
Check out their site to see additional audition footage for all the competitors — I wish they had something like this at Penn when I was an undegrad! If you’re in the DC area, Battle of the Voices will be held on Feb. 28th at Georgetown University.
When my Dad came home with a flyer from the barber shop for the Empowering Through Beauty (ETB) Expo, I was extremely skeptical. The event boasted a few known names including Jen the Pen (of Love and Hip Hop New York) and Jazmine Sullivan (!!), but you don’t hear about this kind of notoriety often in the Greater-Bridgeport area. In the end, my curiosity got the best of me; I wanted to see what it was all about.
What I found out at the event.. Empowering Through Beauty is a nonprofit organization founded by Tanisha Akinloye meant to bring communities, the beauty industry and philanthropy efforts together to fulfill the hopes and dreams of underserved women in southern Connecticut. Tanisha put together the expo, entitled “A Celebration of Beauty” as a way to further her nonprofit’s mission by hosting vendors, motivational speakers, performances and a fashion show.
For what I believe was the nonprofit’s first expo, it was really well done — I only wish that there had been a larger group of young women, as we served as the target for most of messages presented by the speakers. I was presently surprised by every speaker — they all had something poignant and powerful to contribute.
Logan West, Miss Teen USA 2012, describes how she overcame years of bullying as a child.
Jen the Pen, radio host and former Love & Hip Hop NY star, spoke to”Reality v. Perception” in one of her first appearances since leaving the show.
Jen the Pen was one of the first to speak with the audience; I didn’t recognize her at all, as she rocked a new hair color and shorter cut. Jen dove into her experience as a reality star on season 3 of Love & Hip Hop NY. She expressed her surprise at how cruel and negative the response was from viewers on social media, leading her to one of the most insecure times in her life. Of course, it is hard to be sympathetic knowing her character often brought the criticism on herself (particularly with the post-show interviews all over NY radio), however, the hurt I perceived was heartfelt. I’ve never been excessively critical of celebs, but her comments made me think twice about my cheeky comments on social media.
(For anyone wondering what she’s been up to since leaving the show, she said she has focused on taking care of her son and enjoying some time away from the limelight.)
Jazmine Sullivan, Grammy Nominated R&B sensation, introducing her mother and guest speaker Pam Sullivan.
Pam Sullivan, discusses the importance of confidence and promotes her new line of personalized, talking dolls (pictured above) that encourage self-esteem.
From the moment I saw Jazmine Sullivan’s name on the flyer, I knew she was not going to perform, but that didn’t stop me from hoping and praying (and imagining our duet of “In Love with Another Man”). As expected, Jazmine only made a brief appearance to introduce her mother, and co-manager Pam Sullivan. Pam spoke to the role of a “momager,” and described how she has tried to balance the two roles that often conflict; as a mother she always looks to encourage her daughter and instill confidence, and yet as a manager in the industry, the message is always “you are never good enough.”
Dr. Tiana Von Johnson, entrepreneur and real estate guru, getting the crowd energized and reengaged before providing some tips for financial and personal success (fearlessness!).
It was quite encouraging to see Tanisha’s ability to put together such an empowering event for the up-and-coming nonprofit — I left with a million new ideas for the launch of my project later this year!
ETB CEO and Founder Tanisha Akinloye stopped to chat and take a quick photo with me at the end of the night.
Find a full listing of the guest speakers and vendors here.
In October, I took my first trip (that I can remember) to Atlanta to visit a close friend from home. One of our first stops upon my arrival was the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park. I am ashamed to say, I had no idea the magnitude of the site — it spans several blocks and includes MLK Jr.’s childhood home and church, and an interactive visitor center — I was in awe. I encourage everyone to visit this pristine historical site; when I make it back to Atlanta, I plan to spend at least one full day taking in everything there is to learn and experience.
Find more information about the historic site here.
“Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness. This is the judgement. Life’s most persistent and urgent question is what are you going to do for others.”
“You must live in the present, launch yourself on every wave, find your eternity in each moment. Fools stand on their island of opportunities and look toward another land. There is no other land; there is no other life but this.” ― Henry David Thoreau
2013 has taught me the value of living in the now; it may be different, uncomfortable and at times very lonely, but I continue to grow and come into my own. It took me awhile to get the list down to 10, but here’s a look back at some of the moments I will cherish!
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer – Alvin & the Chipmunks
O, Holy Night – Mariah Carey
I’ll Be Home for Christmas – Whitney Houston**
O, Come All Ye Faithful – Luther Vandross
Walking in a Winter Wonderland – Ashanti**
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing/Gloria (In Excelsis Deo)- Mariah Carey
Silver Bells – The Temptations
Away in a Manger – Gladys Knight & the Pips
All I Want for Christmas Is You – Mariah Carey
Seasons of Love – Rent
**In reflection, I would probably swap these two out. I like to remember Whitney at her best, and this isn’t it. And including Ashanti amongst these legends was just disrespectful.
If I burned a new CD today, I would add:
Mary, Did You Know – CeeLo Green
What Christmas Means To Me – Stevie Wonder
Santa Clause is Coming to Town – Jackson 5 (amongst a few others)
