July 24, 2010: Uniquely You Beautiful, Brown and Brilliant Brunch

Okay, so I will start with the important stuff-- the food was delicious!

(Fret not, I ate-and enjoyed- every bite, as I do not believe in wasting food--LOL)

And I had great table mates who LOVED to dance and have a great time...



I warned you that we loved to dance!

and dance....

and dance...

(Check out Ms. Coles showing us how a proper Soul Train line is done)

and dance...

and dance!

Kim Coles (Living Single)

Woo, woo, woo!

Ms. Tierra West, Uniquely You committee member and my friend :)

Reeci-- a phenomenal poet and motivational speaker--and she is only 17- She's a rock star!

And we are still dancing! LOL

The Uniquely You Summit strives to open a dialogue with young girls to address pressing social issues of self esteem, sexuality, abuse, education and personal image. It is the mission of Uniquely You to develop a generation of girls that have healthy images of themselves and their fellow sisters, supported by healthy behaviors and responsible choices. The workshops during this intense weekend include aerobics, panelists discussions, beauty and personal hygeine lessons, and open discussion forums.

To support this incredible program: http://www.uniquelyyousummit.org/

In His service....

July 14, 2010: Project Forward Leap!

Project Forward Leap (PFL) is an intense multiple year academic program for students grades 5-12 that helps to create high standards and good habits that will prepare them for life after high school. PFL is committed to "closing the gaps of academic achievement by providing challenging and equal educational opportunities to students whose achievement of academic potential is put at serious risk by socio-economic disadvantages." As I learned about PFL I became increasingly impressed with their approach to academic success. The program coordinators understood that the students need year-round support, thus they organize tutoring and weekend programs throughout the school year. With this approach they have achieved a 95% high school graduation rate and an 85% college matriculation rate!! (Most of the urban areas served have about a 50% high school graduation rate.)

During our afternoon together, the PFL students and I (aka my 99 new bff's) discussed career goals, the importance of perseverance, the benefits of hardwork and most importantly how to have a holiday named in your honor (wink, wink).

To my new friends: Thank you for spending the afternoon with me :) I love your enthusiasm and I am soooo proud of each one of you. I expect GREAT things and I look forward to watching as each of you fulfill your life "platforms"!

To support Project Forward Leap's awesome mission, visit: www.projectforwardleap.org

In His service...

July 15, 2010: A Tribute to the Legends

MTV's Top Pop Group Finalists, Best Male R &B Group @ 2009 Underground Music Awards, Billboard Magazines 2009 Top 10 New R & B Artists to Watch: the ONE, the ONLY

Ju-Taun (pronounced Zhu-Tawn)

G.C. Cameron taking us on Home!

Perry Barrino of the Barrino Brothers (Yes, those Barrino Bros. aka Fantasia's Uncles!)




Joe Herndon from The TEMPTATIONS (yes, as in "My Girl" !!)

Michael Jackson--mid 80s Mikey on the left and late 90s Mikey on the Right (R.I.P )

Now featuring: Bunny Sigler!!

Ding, ding, ding! Laaaaaaaadies and Gentlemen: in this corner wearing a tan hat and dark suit we have Smokin' Joe Frazier; and in that corner wearing a sash and crown we have Miss Black Pennsylvania USA 2010, Valerie L. Moore!!
(The crowd goes Wild!)

We were having tooooo much fun! -LOL

This was supposed to be our "serious" shot--I failed hahahaha!

These were a few of the guests joining us at the original American Bandstand Studios for the Tribute to Legends Gala. A plethora of old school and new school artists paid tribute to georgie Woods, Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield, the Temptations, the Spinners, The Blue Notes, Four Tops and the Intruders!

This event provided an opportunity to not only support local artists, but to stop and appreciate the role that music has had in the African American Culture, from the strength of Negro spirituals to the smooth rhythms of modern R &B.We had an absolute blast and it was exciting to share a stage with so many legends!

To support or book a show, please visit: www.facebook.com/jutaun and www.myspace.com/jutaun (tell them I sent you! )

In His service...

Your People's Choice Delegate

The National competition is rapidly approaching (Aug. 4-9) and the ballots are officially open for the Miss Black USA People's Choice delegate! I would like to take an opportunity to thank everyone for their love and support over the past year. Your encouragement has been overwhelming and I already feel like your People's Choice!

As a result, I want us to continue our efforts to make every child aware of just how special he/she is! So, let's start a movement: Instead of spending $1 to help me earn an award, I would like everyone to use that $1 to take one of the favorite young people in your life out for an ice cream cone! While on your ice cream date, be sure to ask about what is going on in that young person's life, tell him/her that they are unique--with gifts and talents, and tell him/her that they are YOUR People's Choice! Let's uplift our next generation of leaders :)

Be sure to post the details of your ice cream dates in the comment section!

Ready, set, GO!!

To view my bio, visit:

www.missblackusa.org

Scroll down to find my delegate information

(Delegates are in alphabetical order)

In His service...

June 28, 2010: Center for Literacy Commencement Ceremony

Introducing your graduating class of 2010!!

If life has taught me one thing, it is that each of us are on our own journey, with our unique purpose. Each of the distinguished graduates represented different walks of life that met at a point of resolve: a commitment to face challenges head on and complete their high school diploma. I would especially like congratulate the class valedictorian Tiffani Gunner (pictured) on her outstanding achievement--continue striving for excellence (and of course consider Drexel Univ. for your next step!)

Our commencement speaker for the evening was the one and only, activist and writer extraordinare Sonia Sanchez (pictured)! Her creative energy and enthusiasm were the perfect catalyst to the conferral of diplomas.

An emphasis on education ( in any form) is a major part of my platform because it affords one the ability to view and interact with the world around you in ways previously unimaginable. Thus it is a critical component of restoring our communities. Kudos and kudos again to all of the graduates---this is only the beginning!

For additional info, visit:

soniasanchez.net

www.centerforliteracy.com

In His service...

June 17, 2010: Brides Against Breast Cancer

Every 2 1/2 minutes a person in the United States is diagnosed with breast cancer. It is estimated that this year alone, over 200,000 women and nearly 1,200 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer; with 40,000 people in the United States losing their battle with the disease annually.

Brides Against Breast Cancer (BABC) is a heart-warming organization that provides an opportunity for metastatic breast cancer patients' dream or wish to be fulfilled by providing special time of "Making Memories" together with their families. BABC receives donations of gently used weddings gowns from individuals and designers like Vera Wang, Priscilla of Boston, Monique Lulillier, and David's Bridal, and offer them to soon-to-be brides at heavily discounted prices (I sold a gorgeous Vera Wang gown for $600!!!). ALL (yes, 100%) of the proceeds go towards making dreams come true for breast cancer patients---some simply want a new washer and dryer to teach their children how to do laundry, while others wish for a last family vacation to Disney.

Having known many breast cancer survivors, it was an honor and a privilege to help women find their wedding dress--arguably the most important part of their wedding day (besides the groom), while simultaneously fundraising for an excellent cause! I highly encourage you to find when the Brides Against Breast Cancer tour comes to your town and VOLUNTEER!! You will not regret it :)


For more information about Brides Against Breast Cancer, visit: www.bridesagainstbreastcancer.org.


In His service...

June 9, 2010: Awareness and Self Defense Program for Women

On Tuesday, June 1, 2010, 20 year old Sabrina Rose O'Donnell was sexually assaulted and murdered in the northern section Philadelphia. This tragic loss left a family devastated and a neighborhood stunned and angry. While the suspect has since been apprehended, the brutal murder understandably resonates uneasy feelings in the hearts of women everywhere. In response, Master Lawrence Whitaker at the Urban Defense Center hosted a Self Defense course to teach basic readiness assurance techniques to use in emergent situations. In addition to the physical moves, Master Whitaker also discussed the importance if intuition and making smart decisions when moving about in public. We must EDUCATE ourselves to PROTECT ourselves!

A few take home points:

1. Ladies: Arrive together, leave together

2. Always be aware of your surroundings

3. Do not ignore your "spidey-sense" --if it is tingling, something is probably wrong!

4. Do not worry about "offending" a potential attacker--anyone who does not mean you harm will understand and not be offended

For additional information about Urban Defense Center, visit: www.phillyurbandefense.com.

In His service...