Coming Together for peace

interviews/
performances

Coming together for peace

I lost my grandmother the Wednesday before this event and didn't want to be surrounded by the sad stories that I knew the Peace Rally would present. I decided to suck it up and do what I had no idea would become transformative for my purpose on earth. I felt my grandmother's peaceful spirit embrace us as I had the opportunity to speak to artists, speakers, acivists, and vendors about how we can make this world a safer and more peaceful place to live. It helped me realize that I want to be more then a media personality, but an activist.

The red carpet was amazing! I had the opportunity to converse with some amazing people - Freeway Ricky Ross, Haziq Ali, Diamond P, and Kimberly inspired my need to have a bigger voice in our struggle. At the same time, it was so good pulling out more then the album drops with the artists and celebrities. I was able to tap into a much more important spaceFinding out violence has affected their lives and what #AllLivesMatter was therapeutic for us all. Although I was on the red carpet for most of the evening, I was able to watch a few of the performances and speakers, there were particular moments on stage that really stood out to me. Atlanta legend, Malachi, set the ambiance when he opened up for the speakers by singing Boyz II Men's "Hard to Say Goodbye" in acapella. The first speaker, was the brother of Nick Thomas, Tristan aka TJ Makin Moves, whom shared the tragic death of his brother over a warrant for a $109 ticket. His story was gripping and his message of peace was humbling during such a painful experience. Kimberely Crawford brought me to tears as she spoke about the brutal murder of Dee (Keebo Gotti's brother - whom was shot 19 times with his daughter in his arms) and urged us to do better. Many artists graced the stage, and although their messages weren't always ones of peace, the CEO of Voltron Productions' vision was met. Everyone has a voice. Every one can benefit from coming together in solidarity. When I explained my chargrin to the fact that so many people were on stage rapping about things that didn't align with our goal, he asked me if he thought we'd be better off with a room full of people that were already involved in the struggle, as opposed to those that are finding their way to the struggle, despite how clumsily. That was a huge paridigm shift for me and one I feel many can benegit from. Preaching to the choir is one thing, but reaching the streets brings more people to the cause. 

Special Thanks

1. I would like to thank Antoine of Voltron Productions for allowing me to run the red carpet for this amazing event. If he didn't sacrifice his birthday party for this awesome cause, I would've never been able to experience such a pivotal moment in my career during the #PeaceRallyConcert201
   
2. Super big special thank yous to Telly Boone of 03C Entertainment for sponsoring the red carpet and producing this show for me. As the founder of PEACE FEST, he was also the inspiration behind this peace rally and I can't wait to be part of PEACE FEST 2015 in Sparta, GA. Our partnership means the world to me!
3. Special love to my sister MIA of MIA Entertainment for being video producer for the night. You took great photos and I know your arms are probably still sore from not bringing a tripod. Your positive energy and hard work ethic make you a force to be reckoned with. Thank you for being a part of so many of my journies. You are also a great friend and words will never express the gratitude I have for you picking up the phone and checking on me when you knew my grandmother passed. I will also never forget that you were at the hospital on Christmas day when you knew I was there with my brother when he was fighting for his life. You are more then a colleague and friend - you are a soul sister. 
4. And to a new partner in crime, OLIVIA. Girl - you beat that face RIGHT! My face was on FLEEK (not sure if that's the right way of using that expression). Not only did you match and conture my face perfectly - you also made it sweat proof. Lawd knows Club Enclave was hotter then HELL and everyone was super sweating and shiny, but somehow, without making it feel heavy, I didn't even have to pat dry my face. You are the truth. You also helped out more then you had to with the stage when you saw us struggling to keep it together. Most people only do what they came to do. The fact that you went beyond that AND stayed all night means that I am officially sponsoring your ass! Enjoy the rise to the top honey!