Letters/Notes: from Bianca Singleton

Dearest Bianca,

Do you remember in Mr. Fishweicher's class where he had the whole class write a letter to themselves that he would mail at a later date? Well, this is just like that only a. better and b. you'll actually receive it. I mean really Mr. Fishweicher totally never mailed that letter. What a bummer because that may have been pleasant. Any who, right now you're smack dab in the middle of operation get it together so that you can get out of Brooklyn, WOOT! and you're doing pretty well. How do I know? Because I am a Cyborg sent from the future to tell you all of this, I'm like Neo from the Matrix, time doesn't exist, you took the red pill kiddo. Ok, ok, ok I'm joking, obviously, but wouldn't that be awesome?!?!? I think it would be awesome, I'm sure you think it would be awesome. 

Now on to serious business, in 12 years you will be writing this letter to yourself. Right now everything seems overwhelming and like it will never get easier, but know that your situation will change, your perspective will change, and you will change. With hindsight being 20/20 there are a lot of decisions that you have yet to make that may in fact cause more harm than good. And while I am not a person of regret, and obviously you aren't either, I've compiled a list of things that you should know.

Hopefully you will make many of the same decisions because where you end up in life is pretty awesome, but I hope the following points will help you reach the same destination easier and more fulfilled.  Here it goes:  1. Do not engage in the foolery of this summer. Yes you will be tempted to prove your "courage" and you will even feel provoked, but "hood cred" will be worth absolutely nothing in a few years.  2. Your next boyfriend is a dud. You will know this in your heart from the beginning but you will try to convince yourself that entering this relationship will not hurt anyone, you're wrong.  It will hurt more people than you could even imagine and the lasting effects will be great. He's not worth it, trust me!  3. Appreciate your real friendships starting today. Pay attention! The people that are in your life right now, will be gone soon. Those that will enter in the next year, the ones who really are a part of your everyday life, are the ones that will be there 10+ years from now. Treasure them. You will lose people that are not right for you, and that is ok. Follow your instincts. Accept it and move on, no guilt, no regrets, because you will never understand the actions of these people.  4. Forgive. It is completely ok to not forget what has happened, but you will become a prisoner to the resentment that lives in your heart if you don't forgive. People can and will change, and it will be because you showed them the way with your own forgiveness. Yes, forgive her, him, and him too.  5. Spend time with your family especially your little siblings. They will not be small forever, and these years are crucial for them. You can help them avoid a lot of hardship and mistakes.  6. Join as many clubs as you can stand, and follow as many passions as you can think up. You have real passion and vision right now, and you will be intimidated and/or talked out of a lot of things in the next few years due to fear.  Don't be afraid! Dare to be great! You will go to College and do all of the "right" things, but don't let anyone but you dictate your path.  7. Think long and hard about what makes you happy. Study abroad, learn 5 languages, write, paint, explore, stay on top of those academic advisors though, because no one has the time to play with Temple for more than 4 years. You will not become a forensic Anthropologist because the money is not going to work for you, so save yourself some trouble, major in computer science or engineering, or move to an island and get your Bohemian on. But not for long because again your life will be pretty darn fantastic a few years after College graduation.  8. Over the next few years, the world will become a very strange place, but remember the following: Facebook- a social media site that will take over the Universe that allows everyone to stay connected. Next year Go to Harvard, find Mark Zuckerberg and be awesome!  YouTube- a site that will be the go to resource for songs, music videos, and random video content that will cause you to literally waste 18 million hours of your life, but you'll totally be ok with it.  Instagram- facebook but with pictures and memes of ridiculous things.  Snapchat- Instagram on speed, 15 seconds and then self destruction... I think. I'm not really sure how it works. Twitter- facebook with a 140 character limit, you will think it's lame, but it is worth it. Oovoo and Skype- both enable you to video chat. Yes you read that right, you can see the person you are talking to, no more calls from the toilet... but then again..., ok never mind. Apple- you don't need to know anything else but iPhone, Linkedin=facebook for corporate/working folk, pick 1 or all of them and either come up with it first *cough* Instagram *cough*, or be an investor and you shan't be disappointed. 9. You will attend Temple University, TU, and have some of the best times of your life, immerse yourself in the college experience and enjoy. You will have the rest of your life to be responsible and work and pay bills, but you will regret all of the memories you never got to have because you were busy being an adult long before you had to. 10. When all else fails, listen to your instincts. Whenever you get a feeling in your stomach and chest, do not ignore it no matter how ridiculous you may think you are being.

Follow your intuition, it will not mislead you. 

You are more awesome and amazing than even you know, and you will do amazing things. Make a difference, follow my advice, and help make me rich, financially that is, because you are already and will continue to be extremely rich in even more important ways.  Love always.

Over and Out!

Learn more about Bianca HERE!

Meet the Womyn: Shanel Sherese

Shanel Sherese grew up in the Wynnefield section of West Philadelphia.  Her immediate family included mother, grandmother, great great grandmother and two aunts all living together under one roof.  Shanel’s childhood consisted of a slue of other cousins, aunts which doubled when her mother married her step-father when Shanel was seven.  She attended a magnet school in center city from fifth to twelfth grade and began to cultivate her passion for everything that is life.  From playing clarinet and piano to acting in plays, volleyball, roller blading and tae kwan do, to dance and acrobatics class, Shanel’s parents encouraged her to be a jill of all trade.  As a teen Shanel was silly, upbeat, athletic and curious.  The one thing that stayed consistent was her love for movies, creative writing and entertaining.  After she begrudgingly declined an acceptance to NYU Tisch for film, she attended a local Liberal Arts College to pursue exercise science, the career her family wanted.  It made sense to them from her active upbringing, but it did not satisfy her passion.  Freshman year was rough but Shanel started relaxing in her skin and living her life.  By her eighteenth birthday she was free from the expectations of others and looked inside to make herself happy.  

Feeling too stifled and unfulfilled in the Exercise and Health Promotion Industry, Shanel returned to the city to enter the Philly Drag King competition in 2011.  Since then, Shanel has not only won several awards in Drag, but her exposure on stage alone has lead to opportunities as a photographer, model and actor.  Her passion for entertainment finally returned as fulfilling activities in and around the community that accepted her first.  Shanel Sherese has regained her wholehearted, bright love of life that continues to be blessed with a supportive partner, opportunities for growth and a universe that listens to her happy song of peace. 

Letters/Notes: from Maleka Diggs

Dearest Self,

Your name is Maleka Moniece Gilbert. Your first name means, queen. Your middle name means, to advise and your last name means, bright pledge of German lineage. Walk in the power of your name. Never let anyone destroy that light.

Maleka, you were born into poverty and adversity. Your mother, of African descent; has a high school education and birthed you just after she graduated high school. Your father is from St. Vincent & The Grenadines and came to the United States of America as a Military Police Officer for the United States Army. You are the first grand-daughter on your father's side to be born in this country.

As you journey through life, many obstacles will challenge you. Though I cannot change what those surround you do; I can say to be strong and brave. The mental struggle that you will encounter will test every fiber of your being. You will find days that all hope seems lost. You will question everything; but feel stifled due to age, gender, size, race and culture. Do not give up. 

Always follow your instincts. Never feel less than; even in the face of those that see you as such. The understanding of yourself, history and environment will play a pivotal role in your future. The interests, skills and talents you possess will not be common, even deemed weird in the environment in which you live. Do not give up. 

No one has more control over you then yourself. The moment that lesson is lost; your view will become foggy. This does not mean, its over. Learn from every moment and you will shine. Please understand, that everyone on this earth has their own challenges and when you look past the superficial; you are one.

I will not share the stories that have allowed me to craft this letter to you. If I have learned anything; it's that everything happens for a reason. It frustrates me that I have made that decision; but just getting the answers and not the experience will be of no benefit to you. In fact, it is an extreme detriment. Their are no failures; but moments to raise to the occasion.

To conclude this note of awareness would be impossible, so...I will continue my journey and maybe one day you will share your thoughts with the you of our future.

With Love & Admiration,

M

To learn more about Maleka, click HERE!

Meet the Womyn: Blush

Blush’s entrepreneurial endeavors began as a way to identify constructive uses of her time outside of work. She moved to New Jersey in 2002 with few obligations besides her full-time job; thus, she was able to take the time to explore many personal and professional interests. To this end, her interest in the esthetics industry was sparked while doing promotional modeling work for a well-known cosmetics brand: as a person with absolutely no formal training, she wound up doing makeup at a large event! From that very day, she began seeking out makeup artist workshops and training opportunities. Today, she is a professional makeup artist and licensed esthetician.  She makes house calls for private clients seeking corrective skin treatments and works with models and brides throughout the Delaware Valley. Blush also holds a BA from the University of Georgia and an MPA from the University of Kansas. Her professional life reflects her personal mantra: always evolving and growing.  As she blossoms, her intention to grow her business in a manner that focuses on total beauty, inside and out.  Indeed, her new motto is "Pretty Faces and Beautiful Souls" which reflects her deeply held belief that people must develop their full selves in order to achieve happiness, confidence and contentment.

Meet the Womyn: Amber West

Amber West is a feminist poet and theater-maker originally from California. Her poems have appeared in journals such as Calyx, The Feminist Wire, and Southword, and in the anthology Women Write Resistance: Poets Resist Gender Violence. Her plays and “puppet poems” have been performed on the east and west coasts. She has published essays in Episodes from a History of Undoing: The Heritage of Female Subversiveness, The Routledge Companion to Puppetry & Material Performance, Journal of Research on Women & Gender, and Puppetry International. She earned her BA in Literature/Creative Writing at UC Santa Cruz, her MFA in Poetry at NYU and her PhD in English at UConn. For many years she’s taught poetry to underserved youth through nonprofits like America SCORES. She lives in Brooklyn, NY where she is co-founder of the volunteer artist collective, Alphabet Arts, and director of Puppets & Poets, an annual festival blending poetry, puppetry, and other arts.

Meet the Womyn: Kimmika L. H. Williams-Witherspoon, PhD

PhD (Cultural Anthropology), M.A. (Anthropology), MFA (Theater), Graduate Certificate) Women’s Studies, B.A. (Journalism); is an Associate Professor in the Theater Department in the Division of Theater, Film and Media Arts at Temple University. The 2008, $50,000 Research and Creative Scholarship Seed Grant Co-recipient, 2003 Provost’s Arts Commission Grant recipient ($5000); a 2001 Independence Foundation Theater Communications Group Grant, the 2000 winner of the PEW Charitable Trust $50,000 fellowship in scriptwriting, and the 1999, winner of the DaimlerChrysler “Spirit of the Word” National Poetry Competition (Seattle), Kimmika Williams has also been the recipient of a host of awards and honors, including: the DaimlerChrysler Regional Poetry Contest (Philadelphia), the 1996, Lila Wallace Creative Arts Fellowship with the American Antiquarian Society and a two-time returning playwright with the Minneapolis Playwrights’ Center and Pew Charitable Trusts Playwrights Exchange. The author of Through Smiles and Tears: The History of African American Theater—from Kemet to the Americas. (LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing: 2011)and The Secret Messages in African American Theater: Hidden Meaning Embedded in Public Discourse” (Edwin Mellen Publishing, 2006) Williams’-Witherspoon is the author of nine books of Poetry, has published essays and articles in a host of publications and is a recipient of numerous Residency, Teaching and Community Service Awards including citations from City Council, The Goode Admin., the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom and the key to the city of Scranton, Pennsylvania (1992)

Today's Quotes/News: Spotlight on Maiya Andrews

My name is Maiya Vashti Andrews.  I was born with Sickle Cell Disease. Sickle Cell Disease is an inherited blood disorder that is characterized as abnormal blood cells that are rigid and shaped like a sickle; hence the word Sickle Cell disease. There are so many formal medical terms that I could copy off the internet about the disease to define its nature and the pain that it has caused me however this disease does not define who I am.  So let me begin again. My name is Maiya Vashti Andrews. I am an honor roll student; I am the president and a member of the Macedonia Baptist church youth choir as well as a liturgical dancer. I am an active member of the Interact Club and Central Steppers step team at Central Regional High school where I attend school.

When I was much younger, I struggled with keeping up in school because I spent most days in the hospital.  I never had an issue with making friends but I worked very hard to keep them from asking too many questions about why I missed so much school.  I was smaller in stature than most of my peers and I required a lot of tutoring due to missed days of school. I spent many days worrying about whether my peers would think that there was something wrong with me and I was fearful that my peers would think they could “catch” the disease. More often than not I would lie about where I was when had to be hospitalized for days and weeks at a time. Sometimes I would tell peers that I was on vacation or I just did not feel like going to school. I felt ashamed to lie but it was the best I could do to keep kids from asking about the disease that I hated so much. Being a small kid that had to be hospitalized every 3 to 4 weeks can take its toll.

Today, I don’t have to lie to peers about being in the hospital so frequently.  Today, I am blessed to see the inside of a hospital room only once year. I don’t have to worry about going back into the hospital week after week, matter of fact I forget I have sickle cell most of the time. I use to over think things when it came to having sickle cell and by doing that, it held me back from reaching my goals. But now my mom has to actually remind me to make sure I take care of myself to avoid having to go back to the hospital. Typically my current hospitalizations are due to other minor issues unrelated to Sickle Cell. Much of this is due to the chronic blood transfusions that I receive every four weeks.  My life is blessed. I’m blessed in that I don’t think about the earlier part of my life where I struggled in pain all the time.  I can focus on here and now and the future that I feel will be so bright.  I am not defined by this disease that doctors have labeled me with.  I am so much more.  I am Maiya Vashti Andrews, student, dancer, activist, daughter, child of God.

Meet the Womyn: Awinda Otieno-Pala

Born Vanessa Awinda Otieno-Pala, but among my close friends, and colleagues, I prefer to be known by my middle name Awinda. I was raised in Nairobi, Kenya where I learned first-hand about plants mainly by climbing the avocado and loquat fruit trees in my family’s front yard, and by watching my aunt grow leafy greens and onions, in our backyard to supplement the household income & food. My real journey began when I attended college at Temple University. I was undecided on my majors my first 2 years attending. The answer to my prayer was Horticulture- Ironically; I was staring at a leaf at the exact time the answer came. From then on I began on the path to reconnect with my love for plants and nature. In 2005, I graduated Magna Cum Laude from Temple in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Horticulture. After Temple, I was introduced to Skip Weiner, Executive Director of Urban Tree Connections (UTC), and to UTC, where I have helped oversee after school programs in the Haddington area of West Philadelphia, as well as assisted with teaching a work ready summer program in South West Philadelphia. I also helped design and teach a landscape design program for the Green Jobs Training Program in the West Oak Lane area of Philadelphia funded by Foundations Inc. I strongly believe in shaping the ideas and concepts I learned throughout my career into teaching tools that can be used to strengthen or grow communities. 

Meet the Womyn: Terri Clifton

Terri Clifton is a writer of fiction and non-fiction and was awarded  a fellowship as 2013 Emerging Professional in Fiction Literature by the DDoA. Her non-fiction book,  A Random Soldier, is a memoir of her son, Chad, who was killed in action in Iraq and fulfills a promise made. She has recently completed her first adult novel and is near completion of a middle grade novel. Her interests include photography, music and time with nature and friends. She is involved with her community, literacy issues, and is the director of a foundation benefiting Veterans. She makes her home on a historic farm at the edge of the Delaware Bay with her son Ryan and husband Richard, an internationally known wildlife artist.

Meet the Womyn: Kaci Fannin

Kaci M. Fannin is a native Houstonian and independent filmmaker hailing from the University of Texas @ Austin film school.  After her education there, she spent the following 15+ years building a successful performance and filmmaking career while based in Los Angeles and New York, respectively. Kaci has worked on several studio films and more than a dozen independents as both talent and crew.  She has most recently served as Producer on the documentary DRAMA MAMAS!:The Film and as Consulting Producer for the independent feature, DREAMS AT THE END OF A ROPE, which is currently in distribution. Throughout her performance and production career, Kaci has had the good fortune to work with and be trained by industry leaders such as directors Duane Clark, Peter Werner and Paul Hunter; casting director Linda Phillips-Palo (Virgin Suicides, The Rainmaker); and broadway veterans director/choreographer Susan Stroman (The Producers, The Scottsboro Boys) and John Kander (of the legendary songwriting team Ebb & Kander, Cabaret, Chicago), to name only a few. Kaci is Founding Producer at BanjiGirl Productions, a collective committed to discovering, developing and producing new and under-represented voices/visions in independent theatre and film. www.imdb.com/name/nm0266816/

Meet the Womyn: Yarilis Vázquez Guzmán

Yarilis Vázquez Guzmán [west coast liaison] Born in Puerto Rico and raised dually on the island and in Philly, her heritage is mixed with cultural pride, musical diversity, and regional flavor.  She is committed to her arts (Music, Photography & Personal Styling above all), and is an active participant with TMC CA Productions. Raised by a single mom primarily, she learned at an early age what a powerful female looks like.  "My mom is a complete inspiration of the kind of mother I want to be.  Powerful, engaging, an excellent cook, and forever encouraging my individuality & passions.  She always reminded me to live and honor my truth, and always always allow my feelings to be felt.  'Never lose that', she'd say."  

Yarilis lives with her Fiancée, Bre, and their two dogs, Odin & Priscilla.  Passionate about supporting personal truth, she staffs weekend-long workshops that focus on identifying limiting beliefs and replacing them with the empowering truth.  Excited to come on board as the West Coast Liaison for the Sincerely, She Project.

Meet the Womyn: Lisa M. Saunders

Lisa M. Saunders, Marketing Guru, Producer, Entrepreneur and National Motivational Speaker has lent her voice in the areas of film, radio, and television for more than 30 years and now her voice can be heard through print media. Her new book, “Destiny Awaits: The Pouring Out of Wisdom for Humanity to Drink” is a spiritual and motivational book to inspire others to achieve their destiny.  She is also the producer/host of her own radio talk show, “A Date with Destiny.” Among various other positions, she is Founder and President of Master Minds, L.L.C. & Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Making It Happen, Inc., a consulting firm that specializes in helping others to achieve their dreams. She sits on the board of directors for “Angels in Disguises,” an International nonprofit organization that helps women and children with AIDS. Lisa is also a nationally recognized Motivational Speaker with a niche in the area of women empowerment.  

Meet the Womyn: Kameelah Waheed

Emcee, writer, producer and educator Kameelah Waheed from Camden, NJ began a career in the music industry over 15 years ago. She began as a solo hip-hop artist who was featured on house music artist Helen Brunner’s single Over and Over which was released on Warlock Records and then Island Records UK. In 2000 Kameelah co-founded and led political hip-hop rock group Gov’t Cheaze. The group went on to release an EP in 2003 under Larry Gold.  Gov’t Cheaze also appeared on Larry Gold presents Don Cello and Friends compilation CD (2003) that featured Black Thought, Floetry, Kindred, Jaguar Wright, and the late Gerald Levert. 

Meet The Womyn: LaNeshe Miller-White

LaNeshe Miller-White is a native of Bridgeport, CT, currently residing in the Philadelphia area. She is a graduate of Temple University's School of Communications and Theater. In her never ending quest to support Philly's arts community, she is the Marketing Manager at the Painted Bride Art Center, founder of Theatre in the X, and works with many theater organizations in the Philadelphia area. You can keep up with her on her blog, www.nesheaholic.com, and on Twitter and Instagram @nesheaholic.

Meet the Womyn: Isee InPoetry

A Colorado native, Kisha Jennell Thomas was born on December 14, 1982. Kisha spent most of her childhood raised the old southern way in Yoakum, Texas where most of her maternal family still resides. As a little girl she has always dreamed BIG. When asked at five what she wanted to be when she grew up she would quickly retort, the President of the United States. Now, almost three decades later she has started turning her dreams into reality with the emergence of Isee Inpoetry. Becoming the president of her divine destiny utilizing her gifts for what God intended- teach. 

This sultry, confident, and humble vixen would assist Kisha with her own therapy, save her life, and a movement would begin to form; a movement she now calls, Reflections. The concept is to encourage the youth to face their truths and tell their stories their way using art as an alternative. Utilizing her gift for story telling and poetry and her testimony, Isee hopes to help the youth gain a better awareness of self. For more on Isee and her movement visit www.iseeinpoetry.com

Meet the Womyn: Adrianna Matthews

Actress, playwright, collaborator; absolutely loves and adores theatre and the art and craft of acting, performing, creating, & writing. She has a passionate desire to create and pursue a lifetime of her own bold original art work.  It has always been her dream to build a successful career for herself in the theatre & entertainment business. All of her work derives from her life and personal experiences. She someday hopes to be an inspiration to other artist and anyone out in the world who has struggled while trying to pursue their dreams.  

Meet the Womyn: Lexa D.

My name is Lexa D and I am 8 years old. Recently, I created a blog entitled Little Hands Preserve Our World, a Facebook page; as well as Youth Blogger with the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts. I have two sisters and I am home-schooled. I enjoy exploring and having fun. When I grow up, my dreams are to become a Nuclear Physicist, Veterinarian, Chef and a Global Traveler.

Meet the Womyn: Bianca Singleton

Bianca Singleton [east coast southern region liaison] is a business consultant and the Founder/President of IAMSHE Inc; an organization dedicated to the betterment and fulfillment of women with a primary focus on Women of Color. With over 10 years of business experience, she hopes to educate women and girls on how to explore their natural talents and passions in order to use those skill sets to navigate corporate and small business worlds.  Committed to helping women and girls learn, accept and be their best selves, she has planned a series of workshops/panels that aid in a positive representation of Women of Color.

Meet the Womyn: Maleka Diggs

Maleka Diggs [artistic consultant] is a “Business Savvy Artist” who sees the art within our daily lives. Her plethora of experience in non-profit and corporate environments has led Maleka to a life of humanitarianism and entrepreneurship. She is currently the founder and owner of LMP Connections and MoLocs Natural Hair Care and Contributing Partner for PR Radio Station. If that was not enough, she is a homeschooling mother of 2 and currently manages her children’s entrepreneurial endeavors with their organization, entitled Little Hands Preserve Our World.  M, as we affectionately call her, is passionate, creative and determined to bridge gaps and spread positive awareness for global peace.

Meet the Womyn: TS Hawkins

TS Hawkins [founder/curator] is an internationally recognized author, performance poet, actor, wedding officiant and educator. Her publications, Sugar Lumps and Black Eye Blues, Confectionately Yours, Mahogany Nectar, [Lil Blæk Book] All the Long Stories Short and The Hotel Haikus have been well received in print and radio media since 2007. Expanding her writing skill set, Hawkins will release her first book for teens which will debut mid year along with her first children's book. Soon, she will be remounting the Authors Under 30 Book Tour promoting her works. In the near future, Hawkins plans to open a Charter/Boarding School. She is grateful to have traveled to share her work with other talented performers & writers! For more detailed information visit www.tspoetics.com