NYC Lupus Walk 2012!

Earlier this month, Kaamilah's Krew walked in the Alliance for Lupus Research (ALR) NYC walk for the fourth time! This year we had new tees and all twenty something members of "The Krew" were as excited as ever. I do not want to spend too many words on this experience, because I rather you watch the video.

PREFACE: A great time was had by all, but it is important to remember the reason we were gathered in the first place. Lupus has repeatedly devastated my family over the past fourteen years. Both my sister and Aunt were stricken with the disease. A year ago, my aunt passed away due to lupus-related complications. She is survived by 3 sons (one who is only thirteen years old) and two young granddaughters. Unfortunately, this tragic story is not uncommon. I have taken on the responsibility of spreading awareness of this disease and even worked full-time as a Patient Navigator for a local lupus organization. Please join me in educating others about this terrible disease. If you have questions or think you may have lupus and are not sure where to get help, please visit www.lupusresearch.org.

We Will Survive Cancer Fundraiser!

On Monday, October 22nd, the who's who of the DC area philanthropic scene filed into Lincoln Restaurant. While the artwork by Marat was surely a sight to see, we were all there for a great cause- We Will Survive Cancer!

We Will Survive Cancer (WWSC) is a not for profit organization whose purpose is to provide support to families of cancer victims who lack the time, financial, or other resources to adequately address their needs.

Chatting with Photo journalist Diane Crawford (M) and Gloria D'Molina, Director of Public Relations for WWSC (R)

 

It was an eventful evening as I mingled with the guests. I was in awe to see who came together for the cause. There were executives, artists, and entrepreneurs among others in attendance. I even had the opportunity to chat with pop vocalist, Lilan, who will be performing at an upcoming WWSC event. Of course, the evening was made even more enjoyable by my fellow Queen and Health Advocate!

 



America's Miss DC 2012, Sarah Elizabeth Hillware!



Attending this particular fundraiser had a special meaning for me as both my Mother and paternal-Grandmother are breast cancer survivors. I understand very well the emotional and financial toll cancer can have on families. I encourage all my readers to visit the WWSC website- www.wewillsurvivecancer.org- to learn more about how they can get involved with this wonderful organization!

 



Pictured with guests at Lincoln Restaurant-DC

 

 

 

<3 Amina Lillie



 

 





Genius for Men Awards!

On Saturday, October 13th I had the opportunity to present an award at Genius for Men presented by InSight Initiative, Inc. at THEARC of Washington DC. According to Alisha Jones, a former Miss Black Maryland USA, "GENIUS FOR MEN is an event that creates thoughtful community between high achieving men and women …” Alisha and her sister, Angela, serve as Executive producers of the show. This year’s honorees included Boys and Girls Club of Greater DC, Educator and Arts Activist Lamman Rucker of Black Gents of Hollywood, Maestro Darin Atwater of Soulful Symphony, Impact Your World, Activist and Journalist Jeff Johnson, Rev. Otis Moss III, of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, IL, Byron Nichols of BNFit Personal Fitness, and Designers Bruce and Glen Proctor of BruceGlen.



Pictured with honoree, Lamman Rucker of Black Gents of Hollywood!

 



I absolutely loved the unique format of this show. Before each honoree came to the stage, they were given a musical tribute by outstanding artists offering a range of musical talent. Styles included Broadway, opera, gospel, R&B/soul and piano. It was also a moving, humbling experience to be in the audience and listen to the journey of each honoree. It reminded  me that there is already a divine plan for everyone's life and it is up to each of us to stand up to the challenge!

<3 Amina Lillie

Glitter Part II...almost!

 

Last night on 10-11-12 (had to throw that in there somewhere), I put my crown aside to volunteer for an excellent cause...the USO Metro Area Stars & Stripes Ball in honor of our wounded veterans! I should mention however that this wasn't your normal registration or ushering or coat checking type of volunteer assignment. I had the opportunity to turn my years long obsession into real-life fun by impersonating the one & only Mariah Carey during the Hollywood themed event. At first, I wasn't too sure how MC and her right hand woman Marilyn Monroe would be received as we greeted guests on the red carpet. But, I am excited to report that we were a hit! It really gave us an opportunity to lighten the mood while in the presence of so many brave soldiers who were wounded in combat. It took a while to warm up & remember to "stay in character," but I had a blast and would play dress up again in an instant. Plus, I realized my naturally airy and slight Diva-ish personality resembles Mimi's, so it wasn't that difficult afterall...WHO KNEW?!?!? Think I could land a permanent gig? Anyways, instead of rambling on about my out of body experience I will let the photos tell the story!

 

 

<3 Amina Lillie

(VIDEO) BEHIND THE SCENES!

I was crowned on September 2, 2012! This past month has been a blast and I look forward to the remaining months of my reign. My reign doesn't end until August 2013, so stay tuned...

Thank you to Sharp Focus Photography for providing their services!

Volunteering at the Ms. Veteran America pageant!

This weekend I had the opportunity to volunteer at the inaugural  Ms. Veteran America pageant. Nearly 50 female veterans from around the country gathered to compete. I chose to sign-up as a volunteer as another way to fellowship and embrace the sisterhood of pageantry. What I gained by the end of the evening was so much more!



Posing with some of the contestants before the show started! Aren't these veterans beautiful?!?!

Seeing all of the gorge veterans in their sparkly evening gowns and performing their talents made me proud. But, at the same time it made me sad to think about everything they have sacrificed for our safety. Luckily, my feelings turned into joy once I witnessed how much the ladies were enjoying the spotlight. They walked the runway like nobody's business...making it extremely hard to imagine them as boot wearing, gun toting, super serious soldiers. Celebrities, veterans, active duty officers and many more were all in attendance to pay tribute to the contestants. The evening was focused on celebrating the poise, beauty and talent of each woman as well as raising awareness of Final Salute, Inc- an organization that provides housing to homeless female veterans and their children.

One fierce lady! Pictured with Rebecca King-Crews actor, musician, author AND wife of actor Terry Crews!

As the 400 guests anxiously awaited crowning, I couldn't help but think about how lucky I was to witness history. Besides the traditional crowning, several other awards were given including: most resilient, best fundraiser and the coveted mother of the year! I thought the idea to give more personalized recognition was truly inspired. It is so important that we celebrate our female veterans in this way and I hope to see the pageant flourish in the future!

With Ms. Gladys Hughes right before the talent portion, she was the oldest contestant at 89 years young!

The first ever Ms. Veteran America, Denyse Gordon. Congratulations!

<3 Amina Lillie