On Friday October 9th, Hampton University crowned their newest ambassador.  Nikole Churchill was crowned Miss Hampton University 2009-2010 at the annual scholarship pageant.  The event began with all 10 contestants participating in an opening number, then introducing themselves one-by-one to the judges and audience.  Each of the young ladies competed in the categories of swimsuit, talent, and evening wear.  The final segment of the pageant was a question & answer competition, hosted by Shannon Cooper (Miss Hampton University 2008-2009).

Laisha served as production director, creating this year’s theme “Beauties of the Desert Sand”.  Once again, the historic Ogden Hall was selected as the pageant’s venue on Hampton’s campus.  Thanks to Dr. Maye and all others who helped make the pageant successful.  Congratulations to Nikole Churchill, Miss Hampton University 2009-2010!

During the last couple of weekends, Drama Kids International hosted their spring performances in northern VA.  The plays were held at Stonewall Middle School in Manassas VA and Walker-Grant Middle School in Fredericksburg VA.  The Drama Kids program teaches acting and public speaking skills to students 3-18.  Some students may choose to pursue acting as a career, while others will use these new skills at school or work.

After 9 weeks of after-school rehearsals, it was time to perform for their families and friends. The younger kids (5-8) performed the play “Paradesia”, which answers the question “Can shells talk?”.  The 9-11 year olds performed as pirates in the play “Bold Buccaneers”.  The older students (12-18) performed a play about a dress rehearsal gone wrong.

Thanks to Angela, Silver Sound, all the volunteers, and parents for the work you do with Drama Kids.  It was amazing to see the choreography and hear the lines that these students learned… the teachers did a GREAT job.  It’s good to see these students being introduced to the arts at an early age.  Here are some photos from the May 9th and 16th performances.

The Ivy Foundation’s Tea Rose Cotillion was a success!  The event took place on May 3rd at the Hyatt Regency Bethesda.  Thanks to all of the committee members and parents for all you’ve done to help this year’s event run smoothly.  This year’s theme was “Presenting Our Pearls: The Next Generation of Hope”.

The cotillion began with introductions of the debutantes and younger Rose Petals.  The young ladies Waltzed with their fathers, then did the Tango and Grand Promenade with their escorts.  Several awards were presented, including best scrapbook, highest GPA, and debutante spirit.  At the end, one debutante was crowned… Congratulations to LaShae, Miss Tea Rose 2009!  Thanks to Precious of Precious Perspectives Photography for assisting with candid photography.  Also, thanks to the string quartet for providing music for the guests throughout the evening.

On January 20th, I had the opportunity to be among the millions of people gathered on the National Mall for the swearing in ceremony of our 44th U.S. President, Barack Obama.  My journey began at 4am on the way to the Metro station, and included hours of waiting in lines for the 11:30am inauguration.  At the end of the day, it was ALL worth it.

During the ceremony, I was standing in the section directly behind the seats.  I must say, after being a part of the crowd and witnessing the emotion that day, I will never look at those DC monuments and Capitol building the same again.

The crowd was about four or five times larger than at the Lincoln Memorial concert two days earlier.  Here are some images from Inauguration day in DC.

Waiting in line before sunrise.

Secret Service and the back of the line for my gate.

The view from where I stood

Another view from the same place, zoomed in.

The moment of the day

People taking photos with the presidential seal

I was there!

Colin Powell waving to the crowd, while waiting to do a TV interview

The view of the Mall from the Capitol

The beginning of the parade route, view from the Capitol

People were walking on the frozen reflecting pool, some more nervous than others.

Kodak moments everywhere…

Even police officers couldn’t resist.

Lots of interesting signs being displayed

Steady stream of people exiting the subway station, just after sunset.

On Sunday afternoon, the city of Washington DC hosted an opening ceremony on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, to kick-off the 2009 Inaugural festivities.  The star-studded event included performances by Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Bono, Garth Brooks, Sheryl Crow, Renee Fleming, Herbie Hancock, John Legend, Shakira, Bruce Springsteen, will.i.am, and Stevie Wonder to name a few.  Jamie Foxx, Martin Luther King III, Queen Latifah and Denzel Washington also made special appearances during the program.  Barack Obama addressed the crowd with a speech near the end of the program. Here are some images I captured at the event.

Metro… The best way to get to the monuments.

The line

Overflow crowd viewing one of the many jumbotrons

Martin Luther King III speaking at the Lincoln Memorial

Mary J. Blige performing

Joe Biden speaking at the Lincoln Memorial

On November 3rd 2008, Senator Barack Obama made the last stop of his presidential campaign in Manassas, Virginia.  The energetic rally took place at the Prince William County Fairgrounds, with an estimated 80,000+ people in attendance.  Here are some photos I captured during the historic rally.

Governor Tim Kaine introducing Senator Obama, Mark Warner sharing the stage

Barack Obama speaking at the rally

Barack Obama, shortly after his speech

The stage view from where I stood

The crowd behind me

Obama takes one final look at the crowd before leaving

The Miss Hampton University Pageant took place on October 11th at Hampton University’s Ogden Hall. Fourteen contestants competed for the chance to be crowned the next University queen.  The theme for the event was “An Evening With The Stars”.  Thanks to Dr. Maye and Jerrica for organizing and producing such a great pageant!

Former Miss Hampton University 2001-2002, Tiffany Jenkins Leatherberry, was the honored guest for the pageant.  Tiffany had the honor of asking the contestants their questions during the on-stage question segment.  Congratulations to Shannon Cooper, Miss Hampton University 2008-2009!

My work has been published in the June 30, 2008 issue of JET Magazine. One section features several of this year’s commencement speeches by prominent African-Americans. Among them are Christopher Gardner, who was the speaker at Hampton University’s 2008 Commencement Exercises. You can check out his photo on page 19, along with a quote from his speech. Commencement quotes from Barack Obama, Maxine Waters, Tom Joyner and others were also featured.