Dynasty Gems-Update

Hello World!

My Winter Event was postponed due to last minute changes with sponsors. There is an event in the works. I will update you as soon as I have more information.

Thanks!

I'm Back!

Hello World,

I'm back! I looked at the day of my last post, and it is literally a week before I started my new job. This has been the most challenging career move, that I have ever made!!! It has literally halted my existence for the last 6 months!

Anyway, so much has gone on in my world and the world around me. I would never be able to go back and play catch up, but I can certainly pick it up from here! Writing is so liberating to me. Ready to break free of the monotony of the everyday, and utilize the gift that I was given.

Thank you for tuning in and taking this ride with me. X.0X0X0X0X0 -The Mastermind

Competiting in Pageants for Beginners

Competing in pageants is fun, rewarding, and beneficial for kids (specifically young ladies) of all ages.  Pageants are used to display style, highlight beauty, and often earn money that can be used towards scholarships.

More often than not, new pageant participants may have questions about things like fees.  Here are some Q&A's that may be helpful:

1. Why do I have to pay a fee to compete? Much like many competitive sports, there is overhead involved to host an event: Venue, Decorations, Trophies, Crowns, Advertising, and Cash Prizes for winners.  In order to remain in business, Pageant Directors must cover their expenses. 

2. How are pageants scored? Pageants are scored in different manners. Some follow strict point systems and others go by stack rankings.  Prior to the event, Pageant Directors normally provide parents with insight on how upcoming pageants will be scored.

3. Can I compete in the same pageant circuit twice? Yes and no. Depending on the circuit, you may not be eligible to compete more than once. However, there are many pageants that are held locally and welcome return participants.

4. Do I need a sponsor? Yes and no.  Larger regional or national pageants can be very costly.  Unless you have the disposable income, getting a sponsor (local business) to help you is a good idea. However, there are many local pageants that make competing affordable through fundraisers and discounts at local retailers. 

Preparation is key.  With ample time to prepare, saving, and smart shopping, pageants of all kinds can be made easy!

Hopefully this helps! If you have a little one or teenager who is outgoing and wants to start saving for college, I strongly suggest participating in pageants. They are memorable events that can be attended time and time again.

Visit www.dynastygems.org to participate in our upcoming event in Jan 2016! We'd love to see you there!

Vanessa Williams-The Rise and Fall and Rise of a Queen

I had to be about five years old when Vanessa Williams was crowned Miss America. Watching the Miss America pageant was a tradition in my household -that and watching the apple drop in Time Square on New Year's Eve. 

I remember my parents cheering and shouting about the 'first black Miss America'! They ooo'd and awe'd about how beautiful she was during the pageant. They talked about her poise and how she killed the talent competition with her beautiful singing voice.

I also remember the scandal that soon followed. At the time, I didn't understand the full details, but I remember someone saying something about "bad pictures" that she had taken in college.  I remember thinking how unfair that sounded, but it wasn't until later in life did I get to see the real picture. There were a lot of racist people upset about a black woman being crown "Miss America".  They dug until they found the "dirty photos", which really were photos taken for artistic purposes-not pornographic.

After the 'scandal', Vanessa Williams took the R&B world by storm. She wasn't just a mediocre singer, she had a very successful singing career.  It seemed as though she didn't miss a step.  I remember thinking how brave she was. Later in her career, she began acting in movies and TV shows (Soul Food, Hoodlum, Ugly Betty, Desperate Housewives and many more).  She also had major beauty endorsements.  She could have decided to life a life of obscurity, instead she proved that she didn't need anyone to be successful. She let her talent pave the way.

My dad called me last night after seeing the Miss America Pageant CEO apologize to Vanessa.  I must admit I was surprisingly emotional about it, but more so inspired.  I hope that the pageants and talent showcases that I will host under my new venture Dynasty Gems will also serve as a platform for young girls in the community.

Perhaps the girls will chose to compete in pageants as means to win scholarship money throughout college.  Maybe one of them will be crowned the next Miss America.  Perhaps one of them will gain the confidence to be the next Mayor of the city! Perhaps will gain the confidence to be an entertainer.  The possibilities are endless!

Cheers to a classy, talented woman-Vanessa Williams.  She carved the way for many women after her in the pageant and entertainment industry. Shout out to the Miss America Pageant for getting it right. Vanessa Williams in the MOST recognized and successful Miss America Queen of all times- black or white!

Funny fact... A couple of weeks ago, I found the above picture for Vanessa Williams while looking for pictures for my pageant and talent show website and saved it.  But today (after the apology) I can only find black and white pictures of her in her crown.  Pictures in color are now listed under "Vanessa Williams Miss America Scandal".  I just have to laugh. Even today they want to strip her of her dignity, but it is all in vain. We loved Vanessa then, and we love her now. You can't stop a train with a pinto!

Freddie Gray Family Settles Lawsuit for $6.4 Million

Thank God! A glimmer of retribution to the family of Freddie Gray.

Click the link below to get the full details.


http://a.msn.com/r/2/AAe45sk?a=1&m=EN-US

Prosperity Park Properties -1st Annual Dynasty Gems Showcase Community Partner

Generosity and passion for the community is what separates local "businesses" from local heroes.  Dynasty Gems Pageant & Talent Showcase thanks Prosperity Park Properties for their constant contributions to the community-at-large and is honored to partner with them for the 1st Annual Dynasty Gems Showcase this December. 

Sir Charles Martin, Prosperity Park Properties' firm leader, is the very proud father of a teenage daughter and is an advocate for youth.  He frequently supports Historically Black Colleges & Universities FAMU and TSU, as well as, various churches whose purpose is to help form and mold today’s youth into tomorrow’s leaders.   

Not only is Martin an advocate for the youth, he recently came to the aid of the elderly-housing community Friendship Towers in Atlanta.  The facility has gone without air-conditioning and other major repairs for months.  Martin has participated in several rallies with other community activists to aid the residents at Friendship Towers. 

Martin who has a dual community investment strategy – properties and people.  In addition to its development activities, the firm makes various community investments via charitable donations and community advocacy in D. C., Baltimore, P. G. County, Maryland, Memphis, and Atlanta.

Prosperity Park Properties, LLC is a private real estate development firm specializing in acquiring distressed real estate assets of all types (single-family, condos, land, apartments, and commercial retail properties), re-positioning the properties with renovations or tear-downs to new construction, then selling, renting, and leasing those assets for the company’s own account.  The firm owns assets in several states and is set to open its newest office in Atlanta in January, 2016.  

Prosperity Park Properties, LLC is on the web at www.p3dc.com. To reach Mr. Martin call 404.444.6163.

ESPA Theatre partners with Dynasty Gems Pageant & Talent Showcase

Eagles Soar Performing Arts Theatre (ESPA) has partnered with us for the 1st Annual Dynasty Gems Showcase. They share a devotion to the Arts as well as a passion for the Youth.

ESPA's founder Zakiya Williams has been making her mark on stage and film for many years through her acting, writing, and producing credits. Williams is most recognized for her role "Tina" in Tyler Perry's 2002 Madea's Family Reunion.

Aside from her onstage accolades, Williams is a star in the community for teaching professional acting and dance skills to her students each summer. We thank ESPA Theatre for making an impact in the lives of Youth everyday and we are honored to have them play an integral part in this event!

Visit http://www.espatheatre.com/ today!!

Contact 404-447-3396

camp@espatheatre.com

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