Circle of Sisters 2017
THE EXPERIENCE
Circle of Sisters 2017 was an amazing event! My experience was so similar to my experience at Curl Fest 2017. I just love seeing all of my people together in one room appreciating their blackness unapologetically. The event is in no way shape or form exclusive to only the black community, but it is also no secret that this event is for the promotion of black unity and spirituality. The climax of the event was the appreciation ceremony they held for Cicely Tyson, but I would like to start this adventure with her photo. Why, because she is one of many black women sitting at the pinnacle sisterhood amongst the black community. In her 92 years of living this actress has worked on films such as Sounder, The Autobiography of Miss Jane, Widow Tells All and even the 2011 American Civil Rights drama film, The Help. But she mainly praised for her choice in roles. Her decision to only take on characters that project black women in a positive light is what makes her stand out from the rest. Cicely Tyson has always been a fighter and she has definitely combatted the negative images handed to black women everywhere with her acting. For that, Cicely Tyson we all thank you!
JOHN SALLEY
John Salley came to teach us about making the transition from omnivores to vegans. Promoting the film "What the Health?", he touched on the different way that athletes are intelligently making the switch to veganism. I myself have transitioned to living a pescatarian lifestyle and even though John Salley would argue that using fish as a secondary source of protein isn't the greatest decision, he would also say that its one step closer to a healthier lifestyle than most have taken.
MISTY COPELAND
Misty Copeland is the definition of hard work paying off. During her live interview Ms. Copeland was asked a series of questions revolving around her time spent practicing and how long of a journey has it actually been to get where she is today. Smiling the entire interview she explained that being the first African American in history to be promoted to principal dancer in American Ballet Theatre (ABT) was no shortcoming. Misty stressed that her work is never actually completed. Even today she practices at least 8 hours a day pushing through blood, sweat, and tears trying to hone her craft. In doing so she's shaped her body into the perfect instrument for her sport becoming a great example of the ideology, "...no matter who you are or where you come from as long as you stay focused and you have a dream you can make it come true." All of her time and dedication has placed in a position high enough that young women will look up to her for the rest of her days. Her legacy will forever live on and she will forever be a prominent figure in the black community.
ELISE NEAL
Elise Neal "broke the internet" with her bikini photoshoot that she did for her 50th birthday. People took to Twitter, stating that "...her BLACK just refuses to crack...". And indeed it does, but not without hard work. Ms. Neal has been active her entire life and she continues to use her activities as a key ingredient to her fountain of youth. One of her biggest secrets seems to be dancing. As a dancer myslef I know dance is an amazing way to remain in shape. The greatest part is you don't even have to try to make dancing interesting, it just is. We see other celebrities with backgrounds in dance doing the same such as Teyana Taylor. Ms. Neal took her 45 minutes on stage to teach us how it's done. Rocking the classic sports clothing line PUMA, she danced and hundreds of people followed with more laughter and joy than anyone at the entire event.
EVELYN LOZADA / VIVICA FOX / STEPHEN BISHOP / ROTIMI
I appreciated this talk very much! As a young man trying to work my way into the media world I've always wondered what the life was like. Looking from the outside in its easy to see all the green grass and huge homes but this talk brought us a litter bit closer to the day-to-day experiences that celebrities have. We learned that there are of course many ups, but every "up" has its own down. These celebrities are not exempt from those downs just because they've accumulate wealth. We also learned how hard is to actually deal with negative feedback/critisism(s) of the fans watching. Not to steal a line from Spiderman , but with great power comes great responsibilty and this panel has made it clear to me that I don't want to be famous, I just want to be financially stable.
JJ & Trina hairston / name UNKNOWN /Remy Ma & Papoose
Black love is alive and well! If anyone was worried about it they should have been here to listen to this panel. JJ and Trina Hairston did a great job at showing us how important it is to be on one accord with one another. That a relationship struggles without a spiritual connection tied together by God himself. Remy Ma and Papoose did a great job at showing us that through the good and the bad you have to adapt to your situations and fight for your love. He did not give up on her and the time apart has brought them even closer together.
A. R. Bernard / Tamika D. Mallory / Al Sharpton / Ed Gordon / Bakari Sellers
This was probably the most important part of the event. Hearing from these political figures actively combatting the unjust practices of our American government gave me a sense of hope. I have always been a promoter of voting locally and working within the communities with which we live in order to make necessary advances in the black communities that exist today. This is mainly due to the fact that this country's voting system fails to prove itself a democracy. It is clearly a Republican, Oligarchal, Plutocratic, Theocracy??? Okay maybe not so clear, but the point is that this country clearly works for the betterment of itself and does not have the best interest of its people, black people at hand when making decisions. What this panel has taught me is that although working amongst ourselves seems to be the only way to make a change, it is only temporary change and the real ground will be gained once we work from the bottom and the top. Getting black politicians in office as representatives for us will prove itself crucial in the fight for a JUST America.
Kierra Sheard / Jekalyn Carr / Tina Campbell / Ricky Dillard
The event ended with a concert from these amazing artist above. I am a believer in God and trust me you did not have to believe in Jesus to be blessed by this performance.
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