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

#repost #share #support

Talib Kweli Raises $100k for Ferguson Defense Fund

Shout out to Talib Kweli for making major moves towards facility change for our community. He raised $100k for the Ferguson Defense Fund to help aid protestors who have been arrested in Ferguson.

We salute you!!!!! Click the link below for the full story!


Talib Kweli Raises $100k for Ferguson Defense Fund

Hip-Hop Gives Back Foundation-Dynasty Gems 2015 Community Partner

Matching efforts to uplift the youth with Dynasty Gems Pageant & Talent Showcase, Hip-Hop Gives Back Foundation and HipHopGivesBack.com will be a Winter 2015 Participant in the event set to be held in December 2015. 

HipHopGivesBack.com promotes media education and awareness, highlights contributions to the community from the Hip-Hop Industry at-large, and demonstrates charity by giving to those less fortunate.  HHGB's charitable efforts through their Hip-Hop Gives Back Foundation, are reaching the youth and making a difference. 

Their most recent efforts dubbed "hashtag" Minorities in Media (#MinoritiesInMedia), has already reached Grady High School and Charles Drew Charter School students in Atlanta, Ga.  The talk-back panel gives music industry professionals and teens the opportunity to exchange dialog regarding issues that affect the community-at-large.  In the most recent panel, students shared their thoughts about police brutality, images in the media, and how they can make a impact. 

Hip-Hop Gives Back Foundation was also very busy last Winter providing food, toys, and resources to families in need nationwide.  Giving both locally and to a family in Arizona who found their website online and reached out in their time of need. The statement from their website sums up their objective.

HipHopGivesBack.com Statement:

After many years of Hip-Hop culture and its community bearing the burden of blame of deteriorating and demoralizing the world, HipHopGivesBack.com will be the premier catalyst committed to cultivating the awareness of the positive efforts, endeavors, and accomplishments of Hip-Hop Culture and its communities.

Dynasty Gems thanks you for your past efforts and future contributions to the youth and community!

HipHopGivesBack.com
Hip-Hop Gives Back Foundation Link

Bring Back The Talent Show!!!!

I remember when a local organizations or even just a couple of parents would plan fun things for kids in the community to do. Whether it was block parties or wiener roasts. It was something fun and safe for the kids.  More importantly it showcased support for the youth.

It gave the talented kids in the neighborhood a chance to shine and compete in something other than sports.  Everyone in school knew who the best singers and dancers were.  Everyone knew who was the funniest person in the class. 

With my new venture (hosting youth events), I don't promise fame and fortune, but I do promise to give our kids an outlet to shine. If only for one night!  If you or anyone you know has a talented child: sing, dance, comedy, majic tricks, play an instrument- you name it! Register them into Dynasty Gems Pageant & Talent Showcase!

We want to create a fun family environment geared towards uplifting our youth! Visit my website today and help us BRING BACK THE TALENT SHOW!!!

We are currently seeking:

CONTESTANTS****CONTESTANTS****CONTESTANTS
Dynasty Babies: 6 months to 1 years old
Dynasty Kids: 2 - 4 years old
Dynasty Kids: 5 - 10 years old
Dynasty Teens: 11-17 years old
Dynasty College/Miss: 18-21 years old

To assist in making this event great! Please contact venusclarkesp14@gmail.com or visit www.dynastygems.org

Point Blank Period -LaTre' / Music Review

Pretty Little Mastermind
Music Review

Point Blank Period (Astro Gang/DGMG)

LaTre' 

Summer 2015

Point Blank Period is anything but simplistic as its title suggests. Its futuristic with old school roots. Heartless but heartfelt. Drenched in street anthems yet doused with R&B tracks. 

At a time when rappers typically captivate the industry with gimmicks, beefs, and controversy, LaTre' reminds rap fans of why we love rap music with heat-laced beats and tales from the hood. If the reviews and art work on Point Blank Period are any indication, rapper LaTre' a.k.a. Benji Banx will be lacing his daughter Jhy (pictured) with even more mounds of cash from his recent project. Born and raised in Jonesboro, Louisiana, artist LaTre' displays his skill by combining masterful rhythmic timing and melodic vocals. 

In an example of the complexity that is Point Blank Period, a solidified street album, LaTre' scores a 10 with his female fans with tracks like "Go to War"  featuring Hot Boy Tay (Hu$$le Fam) and "Trouble" a 2015 rendition of Wyclef Jean's featuring Mary J. Blige. LaTre' gives a view into his heart and love life, yet boasts his sexual prowess in tracks like "Famous".

LaTre' captivates in "Devils" -a spiritual introspective about haters, private struggles, and murdered friend Lil Snupe (Hu$$le Fam/Dreamchasers).  R&B singer Reggie Recc connects the verses with a harmonious confessional that mirrors the track's theme of spiritual battle. The song induces chill bumps as featured artist/producer C'Nyle (RNIC) catapults a verse from the pits of his soul claiming his position as the 'meek' that shall inherit the Earth. 

Point Blank Period's most infectious track "Mud" is produced by Cruz Davinci and features Kevin Gates (Atlantic Records). After an intro that sounds like it came straight from the music sheets of rap-induced Mozart, LaTre's hook "Ain't Nan Nigga Gave Me Shit", gets straight to the point (as his album title promises).  "Mud" is a declaration of the artist's years of grinding to make his way to the top and gives the track certified anthem status.  Both Gates and LaTre' dirty up this track with semi-automatic style lyrical assaults on the mic. Gates emerges in the first verse like a monster from the depths of the trap and LaTre' follows with a plethora of unstoppable metaphors and innuendos that makes listeners scramble for the pause and repeat buttons!

With multiple successful self-released projects, a solid following, and unlimited talent, LaTre' proves he is a force to be reckoned with. Gaining more traction, while keeping just enough 'mud' on his boots to stay motivated. Visit the link below to listen to the whole album.

Listen to Point Blank Period Now

LaTre' Booking

Instagram @benjibanx

Twitter @benjibanx

Dynasty Gems Pageant & Talent Showcase

Our children are our greatest investment.  What we invest into their minds and spirits will carry over into their future sense of self-worth. With discrimination, violence, and systematic oppression a part of everyday life in our community, I think we could use something uplifting that highlights how great our kids are, while bringing families together for something both entertaining and competitive.

Growing up, some of my fondest memories were of community-organized events like wiener roasts, lock-ins, dances, and talent shows.  It gave parents a safe place to send their kids, while promoting unity among the youth.  As a result, I have created a fun, competitive, and worthwhile series of quarterly events.

Dynasty Gems Pageant & Talent Showcase will seek to highlight beauty, talent, and character within our most valuable treasures- The Youth.  Boys and Girls (Baby/Child/Teen/College/Miss) will participate in a four-part competition that focuses on:

1. Beauty
2. Character
3. Talent

Cash prizes, trophies, tiaras/crowns, and bragging rights are up for the taking! Register your child today! The first pageant is scheduled for December 2015 in the Greater Atlanta Area.  Now registering all age groups with an *Early Bird Special* Entry Fee of only $25!!! Visit www.dynastygems.org now for more information!

Social Media Reprieve

Hello World!

I'm happy to report that I was granted an unusually gracious pass by a social media site as of late. In my first post I mentioned how I was given seven days to prove my name via Government ID for a popular social media site. Of course, I elected to NOT send them my ID.

Well the seven day grace period came and there it was, a 2nd request to confirm my "real" name.  I confirmed my birth name by clicking a button, and was allowed to log back in.

This is a-typical of many experiences that I have heard about and read about online. Many people complain that they are not allowed to revert back to their birth name without documentation. So imagine my surprise when I was allowed to!

Oh well, I will hold on to hope that there will be no future schenanigans. If so, I will be more than ready to make a very grand exit.

For now, I am still in both the blog and social media world, and life is great! Now let's get caught up. I've binged on social media the last few days and I'm ready to come outside and play with the real world! Happy Friday Eve everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Fall Beauty Review

Collage by Pretty Little Mastermind Images from Google Image

The Pretty Little Mastermind

Must Haves

 

Fall 2015

My favorite season is upon us! Let's pack up those shorts & maxi dresses and step into the Fall in style!


HAIR: Sweet Auburn is a bold and beautiful choice for this season. Whether darker or lighter, red heads have more fun!

THE DRESS: We love Tracee Ellis Ross in virtually whatever, but this yellow dress makes us do anything but use caution!

THE HANDBAG: This orange Jessica Simpson handbag is a luscious citrus POP to any outfit!

SKIRT SET: Jordan Sparks sets the red carpet on fire with this creme two piece!!! Long sleeves and zippers are must haves this season.

THE SHOES: These burnt orange and red tassel stilettos are a fantastically fabulous addition to any dress or skirt!

THE NAILS: Forest Green is our secret weapon color this Fall. Pop forest green on your nails or eyelids and watch heads turn!

THE LIPS: This Banana Milkshake lipstick by Ka'oir needs no introduction. Thick and smooth, this milkshake is certain to cause a double-take.

METALLIC TATTOOS: These are going to sparkle in the autumn sunset. An awesome addition to absolutely any outfit.

MIRROR SHADES: These chic and versatile lens can be worn year round, but will be especially sexy for the fall.

THE CLUTCH: This blazing red Juliette Jake crocodile clutch speaks for itself. A moment of silence while it works...

"The Game" Says Farewell in Championship Fashion - 8/10/2015 | 2:16 PM | Venus Clarke|

After eight seasons, a cancellation, a relocation, and a rebirth, The Game said farewell to their loyal fans on August 5, 2015.  To understand why fans love this show so much, one must recall its history... 

The Game began as a spin-off from one of TV’s most popular sitcoms, Girlfriends.  The 2006 Girlfriends episode entitled “The Game”, featured Melanie Barnett (Tia Mowry) who visits her cousin Joan Clayton (Tracee Ellis Ross).  Melanie is torn between pursuing a career in medicine and following her college sweetheart turned NFL player, Derwin Davis, to San Diego- and thus The Game was born!

Directed and written by power couple Salim & Mara Brock Akil, The Game debuted on The CW in October 2006, after The CW acquired The WB (previously UPN) television network.  The fanfare for the show was quieted by a thunderstorm of controversy brewing over The CW's new lineup. Despite high ratings and audience support, The CW only elected to bring Girlfriends from The WB and added The Game as a new edition.  Many fans accused The CW of deliberately white washing the network given that UPN was once home to The Jamie Foxx Show, The Wayans Bros., The Steve Harvey Show, and Sister,Sister.  And The WB was the present home to Girlfriends, One on One, Half & Half, and Eve; all tenured and popular shows.  

The CW went on to cancel The Game in 2009 after only three seasons.  This came on the heels of Girlfriends’  cancellation during the Writers Guild strike in 2008, making The CW completely void of any predominately African-American cast shows.  The fan outcry was bolstered by The Game’s nail-biting third season finale, that left many salivating for more “Sunbeams” and “Sabers”. 

BET (Black Entertainment Television) heard the cries of those fans and picked up the show for its Spring 2011 lineup.  The transition was not without a few kinks.  Many fans feared that script changes and the inclusion of a laugh track vs. a live audience were taking away from the show’s appeal.  The cast also complained in interviews that the filming regimen combined with the filming taking place in Atlanta vs. Los Angeles was hindering the authenticity of the show. 

However, by 2012, the show was nestled into their new home and gaining more fans than ever before.  After all the dust settled, lead actors Tia Mowry and Pooch Hall exited the show to pursue other ventures.  Meanwhile Brandy Norwood, Lauren London, and Jay Ellis were brought on as characters that were initially meant to extend the storylines of Jason and Malik.  However, "Chardonnay", "Keira", and "Blue" utimately solidified permanent stamps in the saga that is The Game.

Although we will miss The Game, we appreciate its send off. The story line came full circle and all of the “players” were in there for the buzzer! Melanie, Derwin, Tasha, Malik, Jason, and Kelly took us on a funny, sexy, fashionable roller coaster ride that ended in true Championship fashion!  Hats off to the cast, crew, creator, writers, directors, and BET for bringing a great ending to a great show! The Game and its legion of fans should serve as a testament that scripted “black comedies” are still wanted and adored! This shows that when we put our voices to work, we can make tangible changes in the entertainment industry. In the infamous words of Tasha Mack (and the title of the series finale episode)... "Pow, Pow, Pow!!!!"

Help, I'm Trapped In Facebook's Absurd Pseudonym Purgatory -AUTHOR: NADIA DRAKE

So due to my recent BOOT from social media, I decided to see if their were others that shared my utter disbelief at being asked for my "Government issued ID".  I found a very good article by Nadia Drake, check it out. 

Are social media networks trying to improve their service or suppress freedom of speech and freedom of expression? Is it down right discriminatory? Or just bad business practice? You be the judge....

HELP, I’M TRAPPED IN FACEBOOK’S ABSURD PSEUDONYM PURGATORY
-by Nadia Drake-featured in Wired Magazine Online

Hello World!!!!!

Welcome to The Pretty Little Mastermind's Blog! I'm your Blogger, Venus! I should (at least) introduce myself, before giving you my opinion and asking you about yours. Through this blog I hope to inspire, learn, teach, entertain, and share life through my eyes!  First let me explain the thought process behind my unique blog name.

"Mastermind" is what landed me here in the blog world. LOL! I was booted from a popular social media site for not providing a 'Government issued ID', after it was discovered that I was using the pseudonym 'Mastermind' as my middle name.  Who knew that social media was so particular? Especially given the plethora of silly names on social media.

All throughout school, I was the smart girl with BIG opinions on social causes. I remember many debates with high school teachers regarding what we were learning and current events.  I remember debating with one teacher over the fairness of Haitian refugees being turned around as they attempted to make it to the US in tiny boats.  I felt as though it was unfair to turn Haitians around, while allowing other ethnic groups refuge here.

Keep in mind, I was in the heart of Southern Small Town, USA.  Where our school was literally split down the middle racially, but the town at that time was 100% run by white political figures. This was also a school that STILL had segregated proms in the 90's!!!! (I'll wait for that to sink in).  

I remember once, having a head-to-head debate with my 10th grade Social Studies teacher about the origin of Egyptians.  Looking back, I sincerely hope this guy is no longer molding the mind of impressionable students, because he was either under educated or deliberately passing misinformation.  Anyway, he insisted that Egyptians we not 'black', despite the mountain of historical information that clearly proves otherwise.  I remember going home and complaining to my mom. She would always smile and say, 'Venus, I don't know how you got so militant'. LOL! For as long as I had an opinion, I asked questions and debated for what I thought was fair.

In the 8th grade, I purposefully wore shorts to school to protest what I felt was a violation of my right to stay cool during the humid summer/falls days of Louisiana.  Sure enough, I couldn't wear them alone. I gathered about four other girls willing to share in my "civil disobedience" against "the man" (our principal).  Needless to say, we were all thrown in detention, but I made the point I had come to make that day.  Thus the name "Mastermind" was born. 

Lastly, the name of this blog is inspired by one of my favorite TV shows, Pretty Little Liars (ABC Family).  In addition to being socially and politically conscious, I'm just a regular girl who loves a good mystery.  Pretty Little Liars is a show with mystery, fashion, and sarcastic humor.  All categories that will be covered in this blog, in addition to current events and political and social commentary! Nothing is off limits!

Enough layers for you? Good! Now let's talk!!!! Thanks and enjoy my Blog! Share it with others and join my email list to stay up-to-date with The Pretty Little Mastermind's posts and news! Smooches!!!!!!!