ACTIVIST OF THE YEAR:

Toussaint Romain, Esq came full circle that day. From presenting the same award to his friend Braxton Winston three years ago to receiving his own. This Civil Rights Advocate was recognized for his dedication and hard work in the community.

ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR:

Bless Spencer, founder of Way Up Basketball and Club Performance Charlotte, shares his Pro Ball skills with the community, building endurance and self esteem in the city’s youth.

PEOPLES CHOICE AWARD:

Rashamod Torrance, founder of Active Dad was overwhelmingly nominated for his work with changing the narrative of Black Fatherhood.

SURROGATE FATHER OF THE YEAR:

Watching Dennis Reed Jr receive this award brought joy to my heart. Especially seeing his face when he realized former Panther Jonathan Stewart was presenting it.

Dennis is one of my most treasured friends. I’ve seen first hand how much his ‘kids’ look up to him.

He has hundreds of children. Yet none of them are biological. They’re all part of his Community Program ‘Inspire The Fire’.

Jonathan Stewart is one of their biggest supporters. He knows how much Dennis means to them.

I’ve spent a lot of time with him and his kids. Dennis proves that a Father is not always blood related.

COMEBACK FATHER OF THE YEAR:

After being presented the award by his close friend Sport E. Odie, Charles Whitfield told the story of his fight to come back after a horrific accident. A fight fueled by his desire to continue being a father to his daughter.

SENIOR FATHER OF THE YEAR:

Willie Ratchford proved that Senior doesn’t mean old. Distinguished, knowledgeable, experienced… these are all words that can easily take the place of the title Senior.

FATHER OF THE YEAR:

Dr. Stacy Lemay is well deserving of this. Hearing his children speak about him as they presented him with his award just confirmed what the community already knows. The Pastor is passionate about family and believes being a good father starts with loving the child’s mother.

I believe a Ninth award is needed to bestow up on our beloved founder Ryan Jor El.

Without his vision none of this would have taken place.

Seeing men grateful for the recognition that no one has ever given them is heartwarming. Ryan has given them much more than an award to place upon their shelf. He’s given them validation.

To Ryan, the award winners, and black fathers around the world…you ROCK!!!

A special thank you to Fin & Fino for providing the venue, our host for the event, the sponsors and my fellow committee members who made this event outshine the Sun!

For more information on our community projects or to donate to the program click Here

It’s an odd time of year. For the rest of the world it’s still the dead of Winter. But in the Fashion world it is SPRING!!!

This white Faux Leather Moto jacket is the perfect transition piece. It provides the warmth we still need while giving you a bright, cheery canvas to build your spring looks.

I added another transitional piece. The sleeveless, turtleneck sweater in Camila Rose adds the perfect pop of color.

To keep this look fun and casual I added the Granger Tech Sneaker in Optic White.

You don’t have to dress drab and boring this time of year. Somewhere between parkas and sundresses, Michael Kors can create really cute outfits in the middle!

Shop this look:

Michael Kors at SouthPark Mall will ship anywhere in the US for FREE for KORSVIP members!

Not a member? Give them a call at (704) 362-7000 and they will sign up up!!! It’s fast, free, and there’s a lot of perks!!!

Or shop online Here

Spring is just around the corner (it really is I promise) and the color I keep seeing in stores is Lavender.

So when I saw this beaded, sequined floral print dress I knew I wanted to style it.

I added the Adele Smart phone wristlet for a carefree, casual vibe in the same Lavender Mist.

Add a few spritz of Twilight Shimmer. It’s fruity notes mixes with dark wood nuances for a sexy Spring smell.

I know it’s hard to believe it now but Spring will be here before you know it!!! And Michael Kors will make sure you’re ready!!

Shop this look:

Michael Kors at SouthPark Mall will ship anywhere in the US for FREE for KORSVIP members!

Not a member? Give them a call at (704) 362-7000 and they will sign you up!!! It’s fast, free, and there’s a lot of perks!!!

Or shop online Here

I’ve always wanted to ski. Swooshing down the mountain in a fashionable snow suit.

Alas I realized, with my lack of coordination, I’d even be laughed off the Bunny Slopes.

Being made fun of by a group of 10 year olds isn’t my idea of a good day.

So why not just look the part???

This Faux Fur Hooded Jacket will make you look stylish on (or in my case off) the slopes.

With the Carmen Color Block Saffiano Leather Belted Satchel hanging from your arm, you will look like you belong at even the most exclusive ski resort.

Sun bouncing off snow is the most blinding combination.

To shield your eyes, and hide your shame, throw on a pair of Stowe sunnies in white.

You can fake it til you make it with this stylish combination!

To shop this look:

Michael Kors SouthPark will ship anywhere in the US for FREE for KORSVIP members.

Not a member?

They can sign you up over the phone! It’s fast, free and there a lot of benefits.

Call (704) 362-7000

Or shop online Here

It’s February. Stores are filled with heart shaped candy boxes and stuffed animals holding plush hearts declaring their love for you.

But did you know February is also Heart Health Month?

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in both men and women.

The American Heart Association urges us to wear red all month. To encourage conversations and education about this number one killer of our loved ones.

So I’ve gathered a few items in red from some of my favorite brands.

This Handkerchief Hem Wrap Dress from Banana Republic is a definite attention grabber. Perfect for dancing. Take the lady in your life out dancing regularly. It’s great cardio!

The Whitney is one of Michael Kors most popular bags. The red will add a pop of color to any outfit.

Kendra Scott has a wide variety of jewelry in different metals and stones. The Elisa Pendant in Ruby Red definitely makes a statement.

Pucker up for your loved one with Clinique Chubby Stick in Super Strawberry. It’ll keep your lips soft and kissable!

A healthy heart starts with a healthy diet. Frutta Bowls has lots of delicious options. During February they are offering the Chocolate Covered Strawberry Bowl. A yummy way to show your love.

Heart shaped boxes of candy are nice. But a freshly baked, all natural Vegan bun from Cinnaholic is tastier and better for you.

This wreath made of buns is topped with cream cheese frosting, raspberries, graham crackers and raspberry jam!!

These are just a few ways to introduce red into your life this month. Let them start much needed conversations about our hearts. Encourage healthier lifestyles and talk about ways to make small changes. Show someone you love that you care about them and their health.

Sometimes, all you need is Love.

Growing up, my favorite show was Captain Kangaroo. One of my most beloved characters was Mr. Green Jeans.

Oh how I wanted a pair of Green Jeans!!

But they weren’t very flattering on girls.

Recently I spotted the Michael Kors relaxed Carrot Jeans.

This cute pair tapers from the waist and cuffs for a casual, cropped look.

The Manhattan makes another appearance this week. This time in Optic White.

The pops of color on the straps is the perfect contrast to the green.

I just had to add the Pearson Sandal in Persimmon!

The Gladiator straps are perfect for the cropped jeans.

This outfit has me looking forward to Spring. And looking back to my childhood.

To shop this look:

Michael Kors at SouthPark Mall will ship anywhere in the US for free for KORSVIP members!!

Not a member? Give them a call and they can sign you up over the phone. It’s fast, free and there’s a lot of perks!!!

(704) 362-7000

Or shop online Here

Chinese New Year is also known as Lunar New Year. The date is determined by the Lunar calendar and falls between the third week of January and mid to late February.

One of the most colorful, as well as loudest, ceremonies is The Lion Dance.

Firecrackers are set off to scare any evil spirits away from the business.

During Chinese New Year the Lions visit shops in the Asian community to perform Cai Qing, which means ‘plucking the greens’.

Businesses tie greens, often Boi Choy, to the front of their stores, along with Hong Bao, a red envelope filled with money, in order to lure the lions into their shop.

The Lion’s presence grants the shop Good Luck and Fortune for the year ahead.

Hong Bao is a traditional Chinese way to give a gift. Weddings, graduations, holidays, etc are often a time to give money.

The red symbolizes good luck and it also is thought to ward off evil spirits.

Celebration attendees also ‘feed’ the lions a Hong Bao to insure their own good fortune.

The lions then enter each business, therefore insuring a prosperous year.

New Years meals are started with a bowl of tangerines or oranges.

They represent wealth and good luck.

Food is served Family style. It is a time to share with Family and friends.

There is always bright, colorful decor.

And you should never forget to wave goodbye to the Lucky Cat!

Happy Chinese New Year to everyone. May the Year of the Rat be prosperous for you all!!

We all know that one person that’s always colorful and cheerful and it’s reflected in how they dress.

This is the outfit to help you become that person!

The Keke beaded pump was my inspiration.

This classic style is taken up a notch with the colorful, beaded designs and will add that bit of ‘extraness’ to any outfit.

Of course I was drawn to the Manhattan crossbody.

This design has been a favorite of mine for awhile. The iridescent hardware and colorful trim stole the show for me.

It also comes in white which is very striking as well.

I kept the bottoms basic, with a flair.

The faux leather joggers are simple yet stylish.

Make yourself the life of any party with just a few statement pieces in your wardrobe.

To shop this look:

Michael Kors at SouthPark will ship anywhere in the US free for KORSVIP members.

Not a member? They can sign you up over the phone!! It’s fast, free and there’s lots of perks!

Give them a call at (704) 362-7000

Or shop online Here

William Shakespeare once wrote “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet”.

While I’ve been a fan of Shakespeare for a long time I must disagree with this famous line from Romeo and Juliet.

Names are more than a label. They mean something.

Have you ever looked at someone and thought “they look just like their name”?

I realized this when I gave birth to my second daughter. I had her name all picked out. But the moment I saw her I knew her name would be something else. Something strong and powerful. Like she was destined to be.

Much like the name of the little boy in this book. And the name of a beloved President.

When I heard of this book and met the author, Jean E. Caldwell, I knew I was destined to tell their story.

Yusef is her grandson. She wrote the book in honor of him.

He was named after his grandfather. And carried his name proudly.

One day, a group of his friends told him they couldn’t play with him anymore. Their parents didn’t like his name.

Yusef didn’t feel alone though. Because he was watching someone else go through the same thing.

One morning he walked proudly into the room and announced “I want to dress like President Obama”.

His image of our president was sleeves rolled up, ready to jump in and help in any situation.

So he rolled up his sleeves and held his head high.

Barack and Yusef have both faced criticism because of their names. But they chose the high road. They didn’t let the words of others affect how they felt about their names.

Words have the ability to make or break us. Just like a name, they are powerful.

Speaking with the author was like having a conversation with myself.

We finished each other’s sentences. We didn’t have to second guess something we said.

We both have given strong names to our children. And supported their journey to embrace their moniker.

I often ask the person I’m interviewing so send me pictures of things that bring them joy.

Their pictures always fit the vibe I get from them. Jean represents peace, kindness and freedom. Just as her pictures show.

Yusef is now a teenager. He hasn’t met President Obama YET. But he will.

He comes from a strong, determined, talented family.

And if he went by any other name, he wouldn’t be the same person.

Jean Caldwell lives in Concord, NC where she’s writing even more children’s books.

Yusef and The President can be purchase Here

January has always been my chill month. My time to relax after a hectic holiday season.

Basically, 31 lazy days.

But just because I’m taking it easy, that’s not an excuse to not be fashionable.

It’s Hoodie Season!!!

I practically live in hoodies three seasons out of the year.

This zippered Logo hoodie is perfect.

Sometimes you want to go out with no makeup on.

The oversized Berkshires are big enough to get by without mascara as well as carrying on the Logo theme.

The Georgie trainers with the Wedge heel give a touch of lux to the sporty look.

This pairing is a perfect example of balancing comfort and style.

To shop this look:

Michael Kors at SouthPark Mall will ship anywhere in the US for FREE for KORSVIP members.

Not a member? They can sign you up over the phone! It’s fast, free and there are a ton of benefits!!!

(704) 362-7000

Or shop online Here