Christmas Parade + an Ode to Pageant Directors...especially mine!

Since being crowned Miss Exquisite International, I have discovered many things I love about the Exquisite International System. My amazing-ambitious-focused SisterQueens, traditional pageant values, focus on volunteerism but most importantly…Madam Director. I knew that Jonzetta “Pinky” Carter was a special kind of lady, but I witnessed her superpowers firsthand at the Baltimore City Mayor’s Annual Christmas Parade on December 2^nd.

I have met a few pageant Directors in my day, but none have displayed as much passion for her pageant system as Pinky does. The 2012 Exquisite International Pageant was the first time I met Pinky in person. She did not know me from Adam, but she did know that I had decided to enter her pageant and her appreciation was immediately evident. Since that day, she has gone above and beyond to ensure that her Queens have the resources needed for as best a reign as possible. She was even able to make 8 Corvette convertibles appear out of nearly thin air the day before the Mayor’s Christmas Parade. Now that’s what I call magic!

Shortly before the Parade, Pinky was notified that the accommodations had changed and cars were no longer being provided to all parade participants. Any other Director may have threw and the towel and had a load of disappointed Queens on their hands. But not Pinky! She had promised her Queens that they would be in the Mayor’s Christmas Parade and that is what was going to happen. I can only imagine how much effort went into pulling it off, but if you ask Pinky she will just say “God is good!” Of course I agree, but we only see the end result. All the Queens arrived at the Parade just in time to see the shiny black, red and yellow Corvettes line-up in anticipation. We did not see or hear of the work that went on behind the scenes to make it happen. That day, at the parade, I was once again reminded of how thankful I am to be a part of this system. And to all Directors (local, state, national), THANK YOU for all you do to keep your QUEENS happy! J

<3 Amina Lillie

Kappa Scholarship Endowment Fund event!

About a week ago I had the most AH-mazing appearance! I attended a Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity fundraiser for a scholarship program that provides monetary support to college students. The cause itself was noteworthy, but there was a delightful twist to this one of a kind event. It was also a Soul Food Feast/Silent Auction/Live Auction all rolled into one. So much to do, so little time! Auction items ranged from jewelry to fine art to vacation packages. But of course the main draw was the down home style feast which included fried chicken, baked fish, candied yams, collard greens, beans and rice and baked mac & cheese. YUM! I'm sure both my blood pressure and cholesterol spiked that evening...but hey it was all for a good cause so its OK...right?



Pictured with one of the organizers of the event

Though I believe the scholarship recipients and event organizers were the real stars of the night, there were actual celebs in the building including DC Mayor Vincent Gray, ABC News Anchor Cynee Simpson and Academic/Author Michael Eric Dyson.

Pictured with Mayor Vincent Gray

I left he event early due to the impending arrival of Sandy, therefore I missed what was potentially the most exciting part of the evening...the live auction. No worries though, I absolutely plan to be in attendance next year!

<3 Amina Lillie

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!