Tis the Season to Give

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November and December are my favorite months of the year besides March. While others may enjoy these months for the variety of food, family gatherings, gift wrapping and holiday shopping, I enjoy the opportunity to give. You often hear it’s better to give than it is to receive, and I believe this is true. There’s something about the power of giving that just makes me feel like I made a difference in the lives of others afterwards.

I believe sometimes we become so wrapped in the cosmetics of the holidays that we forget about the small values and lessons learned through giving. The act of giving can be completed so effortlessly, but it can touch a magnitude of people. For instance, last year, I volunteered as a gift wrapper for Orphans to Ambassadors during the holiday season. This Saturday afternoon, I will be volunteering to provide a hot meal to the local area individuals who are in need. I know regardless if I volunteer for an hour or two, someone’s life will be impacted by the gift of service.  

If you are looking for ways to serve or give during this season, here are a few ideas:

Adopt-A-Family

You are able to provide them with food, purchase presents, or make a monetary contribution to assist them in their needs.

Donate your Winter Wear

Do you have a jacket that you or someone you know can no longer wear? Or did you find gloves on sale for $.50 during Black Friday this year? Can you crochet? This would be a great time to donate jackets, gloves, and scarves to those who cannot afford to on their own.

Visit a Senior

According to the Senior Source, the majority of senior citizens in nursing homes never get visitors. If you are unable to visit a senior, send him or her a holiday card.

Toy Drive

The Marine Toys for Toys and similar foundations collect gifts for children from financial hardship families. You can simply purchase a new toy especially during Black Friday for less than $5 and donate towards the cause. If you want to be really charismatic, you can orchestrate a toy drive at your local church or school to collect donations for children in need. They are also always looking for volunteers to assist in the sorting and filing process.

Adopt-A-Pet

Animals need love too! There are ways for pet lovers to give to these fun creatures. You can volunteer at an animal shelter working in the kennel, donate animal food, or even adopt a pet.

The gift of giving goes a long way. If you are interested in learning more about it, check out http://www.volunteermatch.org for more opportunities. 

PHREAdom Leader: Daniel D., the Man Behind the Violin

Daniel Davis started playing the violin when he was 12-years-old. He did not like the strings instrument initially, but he took it as a class in middle school. The notable violinist didn’t fall for the four-stringed wooden musical instrument until he saw “an older gentleman play it in an exciting and interesting way,” he said.

“From that moment on I was hooked,” Davis, who goes by Daniel D., said.

Growing up in Charleston, S.C., Daniel D. repertoire of musical performances varies from Pop, Hip-Hop, R&B, Jazz and Gospel. He was featured on BET’s 106 & Park. He’s opened for the 2008 President Barack Obama Presidential Campaign, former Editor-in-Chief of Essence Magazine Susan Taylor’s celebration, and many others.

The musician has a few awards under his belt as well which began while in high school when Daniel D. received an award for a summer scholarship at the New York’s Julliard School of Music. He is also a two times Apollo Theater winner and a Charlotte Music Award recipient.

The now-24-year-old Daniel D. whose greatest influencers include Jean Luc Ponty, Noel Pointer, Regina Carter, Boney James, and others, released his first album called Play for Me in 2009. Within the next four years, he’s release another three albums – Serenade, Epic Sounds and Son Rise. His latest album was released this year.

Although currently promoting his current releases, the violinist is considering working on a new project in 2014, he said.

Daniel D. travels frequently for different events and shows throughout the United States including Baltimore, M.D. and Charlotte, N.C. In fact, this Friday, Daniel D. will be performing at the Holiday Jazz R&B Gospel Concert at the Charlotte Scottish Rite Temple in Charlotte, N.C. The event begins at 7 p.m. The tickets are $15 for general admission and $25 for VIP admission which includes an autographed copy of one of Daniel D.'s albums.

 “As a live performer, I like to give the audience an array of genres and emotions – R&B, Jazz, Inspirational even Pop,” he said. “I don’t want to give too much away, you have to come out to get the full experience.”

Daniel D. finds his passion from the emotion that his music draws out of himself and other individuals.

“I love moving audiences through my gift/
talent,” he said.

The music Daniel D. performances display some form of emotion which is easily felt by listening to the violinist uses his bow to compose a melody. This is exactly what he hopes individuals will receive from his craft.

“It can be a happy one from an upbeat record, or even a sad memory from a memorably song,” he said.

Daniel D. is empowered by his faith and Lord as well as the progression of those including him to success.

“[I am empowered] by seeing myself or others achieve and climb higher and higher on the ladder to success,” he said.

The contemporary violinist said his ambitions are to reach and touch as many lives as possible through his character and music.

“I think a lot of artists lead with the music,” Daniel D. said. “I believe it takes being personal with people, you leave a lasting mark on someone’s life that way.”

If you are interested in attending Daniel D.’s concert Friday, click here to purchase your ticket. To learn more about Daniel D., visit his Web site at http://www.danieldmusic.com.

Follow Daniel D.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DanielDMusic

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/DanielDsViolin

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/ddproductions2007

Starkey's Guide to an Awesome Homecoming Weekend Experience

2011 Winthrop Homecoming

As I see my fellow Winthrop University alum post pictures from past homecomings and college experience for #TBT, I decided to share with you all my guide to an awesome homecoming weekend experience. For the most part, I will reference Winthrop University, but most universities and colleges have similar events to take part in during their homecoming as well.

 Alumni Social Media Frenzy

Utilize such trending days like #tbt to share memories of your friends and moments while in college. It will not only bring back (hopefully) great memories, but make the anticipation of homecoming weekend so much better. Hashtags are awesome! Why don't you and your friends create a hash tag specifically for ya'll homecoming experience? It creates more memories and you can view at anytime simply by typing the hashtag. The majority of us are using social media every day even if it's just viewing a timeline for updates. So why not create a hash tag of your homecoming experience? Check out Winthrop Homecoming hashtag this weekend is #wuhomecoming13.

Network

One of the main purposes of homecoming is to network and fellowship with alums. If you were involved in a student organization or group, this would be a great time to connect with those individuals especially if you are searching for job, new opportunity, or just simply to reminiscence about college life. For instance, there is a Winthrop Alumni Charity Golf Tournament taking place Saturday. They will have a meet and greet beginning at 9 a.m. hosted by Assets Inventory in support of Alzheimer's Association. This is the perfect opportunity to network and golf before the parties and tailgating begins for a good cause. Bring your business cards and get to networking!

Tailgate

I can truly say that I didn't appreciate tailgating until I graduated from college, but personally it's the best part of the homecoming weekend experience. This is no different for Historically Black Colleges and Universities or Predominately White Institutions. There are vendors, food, alumni, current students, and visitors. We play corn hole. We share a few laughs. We take tons of pictures and hashtag. We can gather around to hear the cypher featuring Winthrop's illest lyricists.

Attend a Game or Two

What's homecoming without going to the game? The homecoming queen and king are crowned during half-time. You are able to support your alma mater in a hopeful win against their opposing teams. 

Take a tour of the campus and purchase some alumni paraphernalia

Homecoming is the best time to take a tour of the campus. Take a look at the new updates and building plans in the upcoming years. This is also a great opportunity to buy some gear. The book store may have discounts during homecoming weekend for items. 

Shake a leg or two

After all of the tailgating, networking, and attending games, it's a great time to buy a nice homecoming outfit and party with your fellow alum. There are so many different parties going on during homecoming weekend beginning Friday night. You are guaranteed to have a great time especially if you party with a group of your friends from college.

Here's Winthrop University's run down of parties that I am aware of:

Friday Night

Last Train to Paris - Soiree Noir - WU All Black Affair 

Back to the Future: Winthrop University Black Alumni "Ol’ Skool" Homecoming Party which is also the official after party for the Melanie Fiona, Silk, and J-Holiday Concert

Winthrop University's Free Homecoming Party 

Saturday Night

Stamina: Winthrop University Black Alumni Finale Party

I've shared my insight to an awesome homecoming weekend. Now I want to hear from you. 

What are some must have moments for homecoming this year?

Black Girls Rock: Starkey's Top 7 Moments

Source: www.blackgirlsrockinc.com

Last night, black girls and women gathered around the television screen to watch the Black Girls Rock! which is an awards program that honors female trailblazers who have made an exceptional contribution to the lives of those in their community and beyond. This year's event featured the following honorees: Marian Wright Edelman, Queen Latifah, Mara Brock Akil, Misty Copeland, Ameena Matthews, Venus Williams, and Patti Labelle. I don't know about you all, but I was empowered and ready to shout to the mountain top "Hey, I'm a Black Girl and I Rock!" by the end of the show. You couldn't help but be moved after hearing such great speeches and performances.

Therefore, I decided to share with you all my top 7 moments from the Black Girls Rock, and hopefully it will move you just the same.

7) The "Girlfriends" reunion. I was definitely singing the theme song while they appeared on stage to honor Mara Brock Akil.

6) Kelly Rowland and her two special guests. Rowland brought in Sevyn Streeter and Eve! I hope Eve is ready for a comeback. That was dope! I'm sure I wasn't the only person who was looking for Michelle Williams and Beyonce' to appear on stage. I just knew they were the special guests. Great teaser BET! Great teaser!

5) During Ameena Matthews’s speech, she shared a reflection where she told her daughter that they would be Black Girls Rock one year. Her daughter nodded her head with tears streaming from her eyes. Matthews said that she's the Sojourner Truth and Harriet Tubman of today while fighting for freedom in the streets of Chicago.

4) Misty Copeland, the 3rd black soloist in the American Ballet Theatre, was honored. She said, "Black girls do rock....Black girls can be ballerinas." I also loved her opening to Patti LaBelle's selection "You are my Friend."

3) Mrs. Marian Wright Edelman is history, period. She started the Children's Defense Fund and a civil rights activist. She was a member of the freedom riders. She sought for equality. I cherished it when she said, "Don't let anyone else define you."

2) Mara Brock Akil accepting her award. She said, "Even if no one else sees you, I see you." "We are worth protecting. We are worth loving. We must continue to rock," Akil continued.

1) Beverly Bond's speech where she said, "We must lift as we climb." Everything we as black woman do is a part of a platform which can make a difference in the lives of the young black girls. Bond told us to rebuild our village and create a healthy sisterhood.

What moments made you want to get up and do something after watching Black Girls Rock? If you missed it, check here to find out the details.