Over the weekend I was invited to the 5th Annual Sista-2-Sista Youth Summit at St. Francis College in Brooklyn.  The purpose of the Sista-2-Sista Youth Summit is to empower 125 young high school women by engaging them in panel discussions, workshops, live entertainment and reflective activities. The Sista-2-Sista Youth Summit was founded by The Gye Nyame Empowerment Project (GNEP) founder, Akua Soadwa. The summit has offered support and empowerment for over 250 young women in New York City since 2008.

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Susan L. Taylor, Editor-in-Chief Emeritus of Essence Magazine and founder of National Cares Mentoring Movement was the keynote speaker of the event. Miss Taylor ( I feel like I have to call her that) offered candid motivation to the young ladies that evening. Her delivery was matter of fact and straight the point. No sugar coating and honest. I was inspired myself after hearing her journey and advice. I jotted down a few of Miss Taylor’s quotes.

"The truth is, life is biased on the side of healing and regeneration"

"Gratitude makes everything you have more than enough."

“Pain is nothing more than information. You body or soul giving you information.Pain is information. Suffering is a choice.”

"God is alive in you."

You have everything you need in you. Learn to love what god made.

Aren’t these quotes great?? They are perfect affirmations too.

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Image Activist Michaela Angela Davis was there to accept the My Sister’s Keeper Award for her work in mentoring.  Michaela is a another ‘keep it real’ person. I truly enjoyed her honesty when I got to sit down and chat with her for a bit.  She is a fashion stylist that has worked with Oprah, Beyonce, Prince and others. Currently, Davis works with BET Network in rebranding. 

Davis talked about having a creative spirit and art saved her life during high school.  She also said that people should mentor early in life. They will always have something to offer someone.

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Here is Miss Davis accepting her award for her mentoring work.  All of the young ladies were adorable and full of life.  I was glad to see that many of them were natural too.

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DJ Beverly Bond (pictured right) and the young ladies of Black Girls Rock rocked the turn tables for the event.  I absolutely love what Beverly is doing for these young ladies by giving them a creative outlet. I was so honored to attend the last Black Girls Rock Awards back in November.

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Rhyme Like A Girl performed.

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Poet Queen Godis entertained the young ladies.

Chrisette Michele was the highlight for the girls after a long day. I love Chrisette Michele. I think she has a beautiful voice. She sounds even better live than her records. How is that possible? This is my 2nd time seeing Chrisette live. The 1st time was at the Red Rooster Grand Opening.

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I was able to chat with her backstage and we talked natural hair and clothes. She complimented me on my hair and I was taken back. She mentioned that she watches YouTube for hair inspiration and especially loved KimmayTube. We both talked about how we love Kimmay’s leave in conditioner recip. Chrisette also said that Old Navy is one of her favorite low end retailers. She said that their t-shirts and denim are great. Their t-shirts fit as good as a James Perse tee. I love it when celebs mix high with low end retailers.

Her mother is natural too and we were trying to tell her to wear her hair curly.  But her mom wasn’t convinced she would be able to achieve the style she wanted.  I told Chrisette’s Mom nothing beats a failure but a try.  My interview with Chrisette was awesome. She is so down to earth and her mother was a cutie pie.