Dr. King’s Big Sister
I meant to share this picture on the official holiday for Dr. Martin Luther King as a tribute. But, here is it! This is one of one of my FAVORITE teachers from my alma mater Spelman College - Dr. Christine Farris, sister of Dr.King. As students, we use to ask her questions in class about her younger brother, Martin, and she would tell us beautiful and heart-warming stories about him. She said Martin was a regular kid, playing outside with his friends, playing pranks (like pulling her hair) and getting into mischief. It wasn’t until his family faced a stark instance of racism that Martin declared, “I’m going to turn this world upside down” and make it right, fair and just for all. Dr. Farris taught us, as students that we could all be Game Changers like Martin if we have a great concern for humanity.
Dr. Farris and I at a Spelman College reunion event in 2016
Lights, Camera, Action!
The S.H.A.U.N. Foundation for Girls is in production on a major new project that I am very excited about. Last weekend, the house was full of some amazing young women who are participating in the project and they are ROCK STARS! Can’t wait to share more details about our vision!
Ready for their closeup.
Speaking her truth
Hey Beautiful!
Camera equipment was hauled in at 6AM
My amazing partners Kelley and Capella
New friends!
Game Changer Award
This was quite and amazing day! I received the GAME CHANGER Award by MLK Community Hospital. Quite an honor! Thank you for recognizing the work of the S.H.A.U.N. Foundation for Girls in helping to improve the lives of underserved and underrepresented girls. I appreciate you and I am inspired by your amazing work improving the health of the people in your community. #shaun4girls
MLK Community Hospital Los Angeles
This month, I’m honored to receive the Game Changer Award given by Martin Luther King Community Hospital. On this day, I got to visit the facility and learn how the staff is impacting the lives of 1.3 million people in South Los Angeles. The hospital’s mission is to provide quality care and improve the health of the community.
1) Visiting the Maternity ward and meeting Tammy Turner, Manager of Perinatal Services.
2) Touring the state-of-the-art facilities with MLK Community Health Foundation President Dyan Sublett
3) Patients see beautiful artwork in the hospital like this painting by Synyhia Saint James titled “Slumber”.
4) I sat down with CEO Dr. Elaine Batchlor who spoke to me about her passion in helping those in the community.
5) This Healing Garden on the first floor is a peaceful waiting area for patients and families.
6) The Donor Wall of supporters of the hospital is growing! Staff raised $151K this summer according to Priscilla Valencia, Development Manager.
Happy New Year!
We celebrated the beginning of the New Year at Faithful Central Bible Church with Bishop Kenneth Ulmer and First Lady Togetta. We were treated to an amazing concert by gospel artist Maranda Curtis that has us all up on our feet. We have set the tone for a blessed and prosperous 2020!
Goodbye 2019!
Our Movie Tradition with Dad
This picture is special. In years past, whenever I would come home for Christmas, my Dad, sister, Jewel, brother, Kwame and I would go to the movies. It was a tradition. Since Dad passed, I try to keep that tradition going - calling Kwame and Jewel and asking them what movie they want to see. Tonight, it was “Knives Out” (really good!). The Christmas trees lighting the streets of Birmingham, the Detroit suburb, glowing in the background, present as “Orbs” - and I can’t help but think...that is Dad surrounding his children with his love. And I’m sure he liked the movie, too.
Christmas Day
Merry Christmas! 🎁 So blessed to be back home and spending the holidays with family and friends. Whenever I am home in Detroit, I’m surrounded by the love and people I have known FOREVER! I hope your Christmas was wonderful and you felt the love of people who care about you. ❤️
(From left) Aunt Betty, me, Mom, Alison, Judge Craig Strong and my little niece, Sarah
My long-time girlfriend, Dee Dee who hosted Christmas dinner with her husband, Duane.
My sister/friends Alison and Lauren
Mommy and Me
My nephews (from left) Noah, Nicholas and Nigel
Sarah with Dee Dee’s Labradoodle, Zeus
Family love ❤️
Little Sarah
Mom and I (and Aunt Betty) started the day at church with Rev. Wendell Anthony giving a beautiful sermon.
Merry Christmas!
Wishing you a Merry Christmas from me and Mom!
Church with Mom
It’s been since Thanksgiving that I have seen Mom. I landed back in Detroit for the Christmas holiday and we went to church as we do every Sunday when I’m in town. Here we are, wearing our Christmas red and white. Hope that you are spending the holidays with those you love. ❤️
Happy Thanksgiving!
Wishing you lots of happiness and love! Mom and I safely traveled to Atlanta to stay with my sister-in-law, Carolyn. We had a wonderful dinner with family and friends. #Blessed
(On right: Mom; Center: Carolyn (my sister-in-law) and in the left, Yours Truly.
