A Dream Not Deferred

This past weekend I had the honor of interviewing some pretty spectacular people.  Celebrities, politicians and civil rights icons.  Everyone came out in celebration of the official unveiling of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. memorial site in Washington, DC.  I wasn't able to get by to see the memorial because of all the ruckus Hurricane Irene caused, but she had not yet hit the scene on Friday. So I was able to experience one of the best moments of my life.

Before attending the event, I did a lot of research.  The information I gained was really a GOD-send as I had forgotten about those who laid the foundation for me ... for us.  As most of us are aware, years ago black people weren't able to do a lot of things. We couldn't eat at lunch counters, we had to enter through back doors and even drink from a separate fountain.  Can you imagine if we still couldn't do those things in addition to the things we hope and dream for.

So many people fought, marched, and were killed so that we could have equal opportunities. It took an enormous amount of bravery and faith to be a voice for an entire race, to make justice and equality a reality for us.  Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s legacy will forever be remembered for years to come.

We don't live in a perfect world, but he fought many societal imperfections that would have otherwise kept us uneducated, poor and inferior had he not done so.  He wasn't just a beacon to black people but for all people and thats why now there is a memorial in his honor.  An african-american man, who wasn't a president or veteran,  but a man who fought effortlessly so that we could stand together as one equal nation under GOD.

I thank Dr. King and all those before me, who have helped shape and mold a path for us to be able to have opportunites, dreams and aspirations.  I will be making every effort to remember and acknowledge everything he and others have done in everything I do.

Until Next Time ... Remember those who fought tirelessly, even died, so that you may Have A Dream.

POWER in Numbers

It's amazing to me how GOD works.  How HE allows certain things to happen in your life. Putting you in certain situations that may turn out to be life changing.  I'm not sure what the future holds, but after a friend put together a group of women, including myself, to help push, promote, encourage and pray for each other ... the possibilities are endless.

It just goes to show how working together ...  BUILDING...  is more beneficial then just trying to go it alone.  Often times, Ive been asked how I deal with competition.  And I've always answered, I don't consider my counterparts competition, or anyone for that matter.  Because what GOD has for me, will be.  And no one can take that away from me.  And vice versa.

It's widely known that black women often times don't support each other.  We tear each other down. Exude jealously and envy. Traits that are unattractive and can be detrimental to our careers and friendships ... Life in general.

So after having such a successful second meeting of our creative group, it was apparent that GOD was all up in there. HE always is though. ; )  Everyone is so talented, beautiful, smart and ambitious. But we can all use some help staying consistent, focused and on top of our games.  But more importantly, we realized how as a unit we are stronger and a force to be reckoned with.

Not just black women, but all women need to work harder to find out how they can work together to build successful personal and professional relationships.  You'd be amazed how collectively, you can build upon each other and increase each others value.

Until then ... thanks for the motivation ladies!!! A fire has been lit and my thoughts are blazing!

GOD's Red Carpet

When I started my journey to being a professional model I'm not sure I really thought how far I would go.  I've added actress because of the commercials I've done, and now consultant, host and mentor.  But since I've settled into my positions and continue to grow them, I made the decision that I was not in it for the money but because I loved it.  I wasn't in it to become famous but to make my life meaningful by doing what I loved. 

I know as a child of GOD that all of my gifts won't be equipped with a pay check.  I know that to become a real star I have to seek GOD's will by continuing to stay in prayer, apply what I've learned and trust that HE is Faithful.  And in turn my relationship with HIM will be strengthened and because HE is faithful the blessings will flow.

GOD has blessed me with so many opportunities.  I know I'll have a gazillion more.  I'll be in positions that will help my career continue to flourish.  I'll meet, interview and mingle with celebrities. I may even become a celebrity myself, maybe become a household name. But my goal is to become a brand that GOD can promote and be proud of.  Whether its making moves in my career or moving on to raising a family. As long as I maintain my relationship with HIM, I will always be a star.

Until Next Time ...  Represent the ONE who has the power to make you shine. After all, HE's super famous. ; )

Humble Beginnings

I know I know. I've been slacking on the blog entries.  Just been kind of unmotivated and lazy.  After a slow period in the industry, a wonderful vacation, visits home to Maryland and some other things in between, I just completely got out of the loop.  But I'm starting to move and get busy.  Slowly but surely.  It's been 4 years and 5 months since I decided to quit my 9 to 5.  And from reading my entries, you know what I've endured, a bit financially, some personally but more professionally.  One of the weekends I went home, I came across a poem I wrote when I first started out on my journey.  I thought this would be a great way to jump back in.  Enjoy.

MY DESTINY

Did I make the right decision?
Quitting my 9 to 5 to enter this world of indecision
Thought my looks would get me right in the door
But in this industry
It takes so much more

You gotta have more than just talent
But IT!
You have to be just what they are looking for
All that and a bag of chips

This is harder than getting up to a job I use to hate
But this is my calling, what I've dreamed of doing
My fate

No one believes in me more than myself
But constantly being let down
Doesn't help

Beating the pavement to castings and auditions
Crossing my fingers
Saying prayers, in addition

Everyday running to my mailbox
Looking for a check, some money, some dinero
And all I get is junk and envelopes
With statements showing how much I owe

Leaving that consistent pay check
Am I stupid?
Why would I leave that security?
OH, that's right ... I decided to see out the plan
GOD has for me

Right now I'm living on hope and my dream
That one day I'll see my face on a billboard
Big or small screen

I can't give up now
I refuse to let "NO" tear my soul up
Just because,
A couple of doors shut

Naw, Blessings are what they are to me
Because if I didn't get that job
It just wasn't meant for me

I know I have to work harder
To see this through
If I don't work damn hard for myself
Than who?

I will stay focused
Keeping my eyes on the Prize
Even if they fill with tears
I'll continue on my grind

This business IS taking its toll on me
But this is my calling, what I've dreamed of doing
My Fate
My Destiny

Until Next time...remember where you were and how far you've come. HE didn't bring you this far to leave you.