Embracing The Queen Within
The Vowels will help the children learn to recognize and remember the vowels as a group of letters, as distinguished from the consonants. The child will become familiar with capital letters and lowercase letterforms of vowels.
For more books from Dr. Moneshia Dashiell go here.
I was not a liar-but who believed me? Many didn’t believe me, I didn’t believe me. I questioned why I was born and I attempted to commit suicide many times because the pain was too great inside. At 5 years old I had to do strange things and was molested. I didn’t understand how I could be treated this way. Then at 8 nothing changed just a different human I was sexually abused by a religious family member. This experience made me question whether God truly loved me and if so how could he allow me to be abused? At 10, the pain still didn’t end, I was raped by a family friend; when would this betrayal of trust end. “I was a liar”, he said. I learned to be silent because although I could speak- I had no voice. That same day I was seen by a physician who used ultra-violet light to shed light on my story. The light revealed the semen & other body fluids was still left on me. It was on that day I was given my voice.
BellaDonna PrimaDonna is an International, 2x Award-Winning Accessories Company known for its timeless pieces. Each jewel demands the Queen within to rise! When wearing BDPD, you cannot help but shine! An experience that can only be described as Extraordinary!
Meet DaVonna May – Visionary, Designer & Stylist for BellaDonna PrimaDonna Accessory House. The Hawaiian born, New Jersey raised lawyer turned entrepreneur created BDPD in 2010 because she believes every woman deserves to be celebrated.
BDPD is more than luxury jewelry, it’s a ministry. When we style a client, we sow into their dreams – by the end of a session – a new woman is born – a reawakening has occurred and a movement is birthed! Our clients represent all walks of life. One thing they have in common is that they’ve turned their pain into power. Instead of becoming victims to circumstances, they determined to operate in their God-given fullness. Our jewelry is a stepping stone to self-love and discovery – a symbol of your own greatness – a reminder that the life you desire is attainable. We love taking part in that journey! BellaDonna PrimaDonna seeks to leave a legacy of faith, hope, empowerment and excellence! We are advocates of dream chasing, and our mission is to empower every woman to birth that vision within – one accessory at a time!
“Where Luxury Meets Affordability & Every Day is Extraordinary!”
It’s “the fastest growing jazz and R&B festival in the U.S.”, the 14th Annual Jazz in the Gardens Music Festival (JITG) is ushering in the 2019 festival season with the announcement of yet another “top notch” lineup. On March 9-10, 2019 the highly anticipated festival event will immerse fans in the best of R&B, soul, jazz, hip-hop, and funk genres. JITG will produce this celebrated event for an anticipated 70,000 attendees at the world-class Hard Rock Stadium located at 347 Don Shula Drive, Miami Gardens, FL 33056.
Headlining the JITG festival stage will be the much-loved voice of R&B royalty Lionel Richie, sassy songstress Brandy, Grammy award-winning singer and songwriter Teddy Riley & Friends featuring Blackstreet with Teddy Riley and Dave Hollister, Bobby Brown, and Doug E. Fresh with special guests En Vogue and Jagged Edge, the legendary smooth trio The O’Jays, the soul-stirring Stephanie Mills, eclectic violinists Black Violin and gospel sensation Tye Tribbett. Back by popular demand, this year’s Jazz in the Gardens All-Stars will feature Maysa, Chieli Minucci, Gerald Veasley, Lao Tizer, and Nelson Rangell. More artists will be announced soon.
Miami Gardens Mayor Oliver Gilbert comments “it’s JITG 2019 and we are excited about the talented artists who will be gracing the stage. The diversity in the music and talent offers something for everyone, from the most requested artist for the JITG stage, Lionel Richie, to gospel and of course jazz. The City is extremely pleased with the growth of the festival and the opportunity to showcase our home, Miami Gardens, to the thousands of patrons it attracts.”
Other JITG related events include:
THURSDAY MARCH 7, 2019
3rd Annual Film, Music, Art & Culture Conference (FMAC) is an exciting one-day multi-genre experience that will educate and showcase celebrated, diverse art forms and locally and nationally based artists. The FMAC will be held at the FIU Kovens Center- 3000 NE 151st St, North Miami, FL 33181.
3rd Annual Poetry in the Gardens- The national poetry contest is an exciting addition to Jazz in the Gardens that explores the best in spoken word. Poets and spoken word artists age 18 and over are encouraged to enter the competition for a chance to participate in the final rounds of competition during the FMAC. Prize money is $10,000 1st place, $5000 2nd place, $1500 3rd place.
FRIDAY MARCH 8, 2019
8 TH Annual Women’s Impact Luncheon is back by popular demand in honor of Women’s History Month. This exciting event is an action-packed experience curated to inspire women to live centered, active, fulfilled and balanced lives. The WIL will be held at the FIU Kovens Center- 3000 NE 151st St, North Miami, FL 33181.
Official Opening Night Party – All roads lead to the Jazz in the Gardens opening night party with The Sugarhill Gang performing their wildly popular brand of old school hip hop. This party is an opportunity for Jazz in the Gardens attendees to kick off the “fun-filled” weekend of music, dancing, and great weather!
We are the sum of all our experiences, hence they are priceless. Who and what I am today is due to what I have experienced and how I decided to shape that.
Mother of 3 beautiful children, Denise Major made it her life’s mission to be the adult that she needed when she was a child and the sister and friend we all need as women. As an advocate for women and youth, Denise M. Major sees first hand just how important it is to encourage individuals to support each other as they go through life’s challenges and to celebrate each other’s successes.
Having become a teen mom at the age of 16 she is no stranger to hard work and has been working since the age of 17 first starting out as a graphic artist at the Nassau Guardian and within a few short months, she pressed her way into the newsroom. Her career in journalism and marketing/public relations lasted eight years before she transitioned into the world nonprofits. But her passion for media did not completely fade away as she continued on as the creator and host of the Youth By Youth Radio Show and is a regular talk show guest and host appearing on several radio shows throughout the Bahamas.
It was during one of the darkest periods of her life that she found her purpose in helping those in need. She began her work in nonprofits as a rape victim’s advocate and volunteer at the Bahamas Crisis Center and eventually began working fulltime at the Bahamas Urban Youth Development Center as the Program Coordinator. This opportunity opened many doors within many other reputable organizations including Field Officer at the Bahamas Red Cross, Assistant Director at Bain Grants Town Advancement Association, Program Development Consultant for the Bahamas Against Crime and the Coalition to Save Clifton, Community Outreach Worker for the PEPFAR Program. ( Presidents Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief ) and The Bahamas National HIV/AIDS Program and most recently the Executive Director for Bahamas Sexual Health & Rights Association formerly known as Bahamas Family Planning. In addition, she is the CEO of The Empowerment Group, a company whose aims it is to empower individuals so that they can be their best selves and in doing so empower others.
She has received numerous certifications through her work such as Trusted Adult Youth Communicator and Sex Educator by the American Red Cross, certified Youth Leader by the Ministry of Youth Sports and Culture, she has completed several courses in Disaster Relief, and Community Building and numerous other certifications related to HIV/ STI’s and NGO Program Development. She continuously pursues new ideas and learning best practices in these fields.
Throughout her tenure, while working with nonprofit organizations serving as a Youth Specialist, Denise has started and directed multiple mentorship programs and projects aimed at empowering young people and assisting at-risk youth and young women. In 2018 she decided to put pen to paper and share her story in an effort to reach young people she may not have gotten a chance to reach. She authored Purposefully Broken and collaborated with 4 other inspirational women from the Caribbean and USA on Rebranding My Life. Denise is passionate about her purpose and hopes to one day operate a transitional home for at-risk youth and women.
This month I AM QUEEN Magazine is celebrating Everyday Extraordinary Women. These women were nominated by their peers for their tremendous persistence in the pursuit of destiny. We understand that many times those behind the scenes are nameless because they don’t bear the name ‘celebrity’. So this month we salute the women who continue to fight for their dreams despite the obstacles. To those who continue to inspire others while they themselves are ‘going through’. These are the women who pray and cheer for you without recognition and this month we want to cheer them on!!!
I have made a choice to overcome my issues instead of letting them overcome me. Robin King
Erica Bailey is an extraordinary woman and she deserves to be on this list. Robin King
I am an everyday extraordinary woman because I have defied the odds. I was born with a rare genetic syndrome called Pfeiffer syndrome, a condition the causes your bones to not properly fuse together. I was born with my skull practically crushing my brain. I have had over 30-35 operations since I was born. This condition has also caused me to be visually and hearing impaired, as well as have some facial differences. My mother was addicted to crack and my dad was an alcoholic. I was left to take care of my sister. I have been homeless, bounced from one place to another. Until I was finally placed in the system at the age of 12 where My sister and I would remain for 5 years. The bar was not raised very high for me in terms of success but I must say I have surpassed the bar set for me. Doctors said would not live past 35 – I will be 40 years old next month. I have a Bachelors and Masters degree. I am an eight-time published author as well as a disability Empowerment Coach and radio personality. The name of my show is Dreaming Beyond Your Disability. Latrea Wyche
I’ve overcome so much and just come from a mighty long way! Sasha L. Lightbourne
I am nominating my mother Vernessa Blackwell. She is the CEO of Life U Imagined Broadcasting Network. She is a military veteran and served for 24 yrs. She owns two businesses Life U Imagined Broadcasting Network and The Grief Helpline. She is a single mom, she raised me and my sister alone. My mom is a phenomenal woman. Takia Smith
I am an everyday extraordinary woman because after being in an abusive relationship, having my son taken from me, depression for 10 yrs, moved back home after 24 yrs I have finally found my way back to health & balance. Thanks be to God, and a positive change in my mindset I have been renewed and my superpowers are back in full effect. I want to inspire women young and old that it’s never too late to start loving yourself again after life’s ups and downs. LaTamra Smith
With the help of God, I am resilient. Life has thrown many punches but I continue to get up daily. I’m an overcomer of many challenges and now I’m helping women do the same thing. It’s my mission to help women break free from their past so they can have a better future. I know it’s possible because God’s helped me do just that! Natalie Louis
I would say I am an Extraordinary Woman because I was a mom at the tender age of 16. I’d go on to have 5 kids by 25, yet go to school, open a business, help my kids achieve great things, then step out on Faith believing GOD had greater, and that’s what I’m living now. Lasonya Taylor
I am an everyday extraordinary woman because I know and understand my power to create a positive transformation in every area of my life. Keeping God first, consistency, push through and vision are a few key elements in creating an extraordinary life. I am not superwoman, nor do I aspire to be. I cry, I get frustrated and there are times when I feel like giving up, but in those moments I remember who I am in God, and that I can do all things through Christ and I continue on. Win, lose, rise, fall and rise again, an extraordinary woman is going to keep going and build her sisters and family in the process. Chamar Logan
I am a 39-year-old mother of two amazing daughters. I am a wife to a king, a full-time Manager at Nassau Airport Development Company, Manager of the Year 2013. I am a recent graduate of a degree in Business Management, Valedictorian (at age 38) and I work out 4 times a week. Certified Parking Professional, National Parking Association. I am an avid runner and just completed the Bahamas Half Marathon(13.1) 14 out of 28. I am a parent assistant for the Dynamos Football Club where both my girls play soccer. I am also the Medic for the U18 girl’s soccer team. I don’t think any of these things are extraordinary I do them because I am first and foremost an example to my girls, it is my responsibility to be their role model. On my job, I do nothing extraordinary, other than do the job I love and go beyond what is expected to get the desired results. My health is important to me, so exercising 4 times a week teaches me, even at my age, further discipline, commitment, and dedication to getting results. Running is therapeutic, and it helps to clear my mind and show my girls the body does what the mind tells it to do. I don’t think of any of these things as extra, I do it because God has given me talent and ability, and I have no choice. Every day it’s not easy, up at 5:30am, on gyms days 3:30am, school drop off, I want to kiss my girl’s goodbye each day, then off to a 10-hour job I love. I then pick them up and off to soccer practice we go. I never miss a game, it is important to me that they hear me cheering for them at everything they do. Once we get home, dinner and homework, then off to bed for them. Then my husband must get some quality time, and whatever is left, I study for the next level of certification I am accomplishing at that moment, and then the house takes its rest – and we do it all over again the next day. My girls are my life, being their role model is all the thanks I need. So it is an honor to be considered an everyday extraordinary woman, but then again aren’t we all everyday extraordinary women? Nicole Henfield
I have survived, abuse, rape, homelessness. And because I am the daughter of I Am, I’m still standing! Pinkie Davis
I am “Heart”. I have a Love and Passion for Helping People. Teja T. Campbell
I am an Everyday Extraordinary Women because in spite of my diagnosis of HIV I refused to give up and die. I refuse to have a pity party instead I applied the Word of God and believed God for my healing. Everyday I use my testimony to encourage and empower women not to let their diagnosis affect their faith. I refuse to let my sisters, to allow the enemy to make them focus on their diagnosis instead of our mighty God. Jacqueline Goodwin
I am the founder of a non-profit organization called Love Shouldn’t Hurt NY, Inc which was birthed after surviving and cheating death from 2 consecutive relationships. I have dedicated my life to educating and empowering those who need to know that they can survive and be a powerful force to be reckoned with. Letting them know that their past does not define their future, through creative workshops, conferences and so much more. I AM EXTRAORDINARY!
I am the only child my Mother has on this earth. I was 36 years old when my Mother passed away. My Mother had a Stroke when my Daughter was 2 1/2 years old! Then when my Daughter was 11 years old my Mother was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer. I took care of my Mother and Daughter. I am still standing- I wanted to give up. God and my Spiritual Mother wouldn’t allow it. Now I am 52 Years old still pushing daily and encouraging women! I’m living from house to house and people outside of my life have no idea. I am a Queen! I keep shining and do not give up on life! Kari Wilson
These women are nothing short of amazing! We want you to help us crown one of these women as The Everyday Extraordinary Woman for the month of January 2019. Here’s how it works:
It’s that simple! The winner will receive a 2-page spread in I AM QUEEN Magazine’s printed issue, which releases October 2019, and a FREE copy.
Come one, come all and travel back to the magical time of days past! Whether ye be Kings or Queens, Vikings or Knights, Wizards or even Muggles, your attendance is requested at the 27th annual Florida Renaissance Festival. From February 9th through March 24th, in the two-thousandth and nineteenth year A.D you can join the merrymaking in the vast open land of Deerfield Beach’s Quiet Waters Park.
For the fourth year in a row, the timeless Florida Renaissance Festival will offer SEVEN jam-packed themed weekends to ring in its 27th season. This fantastical journey will allow attendees to be transported back into 16th-century Europe. Greeted by jesters, jugglers and jousting knights upon entering the gates, sweet melodies can be heard from every corner of the kingdom. It’s a full day of entertainment where the entire family can marvel at fan favorite acts and performances that include immersive and interactive, real audience-participation scenarios. Join in on the fun with human-powered games, artisan craft shops and enough food & drink for a royal family feast!
One of the nation’s most beloved events, with nearly 100,000 annual attendees and over two million people have participated over the festivals tenure, the Florida Renaissance Festival has devoted 27 years to capture the essence of the Renaissance through entertainment.
“We at the Florida Renaissance Fair owe our success to our loyal patrons, who have eagerly supported our mission to spread knowledge and joy using the enriched history and culture of the Renaissance.” said Bobby Rodriguez, Founder, and Producer of the Florida Renaissance Festival.“Our festival provides people of all ages the chance to escape into an alternate universe not only with invigorating activities throughout the week but also through our growing assortment of themed weekends.”
Rodriguez has helped the Florida Renaissance Fair set the standard for all festivals of this nature by going “beyond Renaissance”. Booking acts ranging from the Orient to Africa, Rodriguez has brought the Festival to new heights, continuously incorporating new experiences into the Festival. Lead by his forward-thinking, we have expanded our arsenal of avant-garde performances and diversified themed weekends. In fact, this year’s Festival will introduce a new themed weekend dedicated to the world of Game of Thrones!
The Florida Renaissance Festival 2019 themed weekends include:
Game of Thrones Adventure – February 9th – 11th
The night is dark and full of terrors. Dress in your favorite Westeros and Essos gear and lead your armies into victory for the greatest weekend in all the 7 Kingdoms! Winter is coming.
Time Travelers Weekend – February 16th – 18th
Kick this weekend into high “gear” as you travel back to the early nineteenth century, a time of British Victorian fashion, the American Wild West, and steam-powered machinery. Dedicated to adventurers across the centuries, board your favorite form of fantastical transportation, be it a submarine or steam-powered hot air balloon. Break out those top hats, goggles, corsets, petticoats, compass bracers, and monocles and join in on a “Steampunkin’” good time. Open on President’s Day, Monday, February 18th!
Viking Invasion– February 23rd and 24th
Coming from the harsh wastelands of the North, only the strongest and most courageous warriors will survive through this weekend. Fellow Scandinavian brothers and sisters will show little to no fear and enter into any skirmishes with their battleaxes in hand, all while geared in full leather and fur during this epic weekend. Onward to Valhalla!
Bodacious Bodices – March 2nd and 3rd
Behind every good man is a wench in the trench. Wenches Weekend celebrates the women of the Renaissance with hourglass curves and fiery attitudes who can go toe-to-toe with their male counterparts.
Swashbucklers and Sirens – March 9th – 10th
All hands hoay! Don’t get lost at sea as this themed weekend sees our village stormed by the deadliest pirates, buccaneers, and scallywags in all the seven seas. Raise your Jolly Roger and gather a crew to help in unearthing the mysteries and treasures the vast and deadly sea holds. However, anyone not prepared for a “salty” good time will be sent to walk the plank into Davey Jones’ Locker.
Celts and Highlanders – March 16th & 17th
Sing, dance and be merry in your finest kilt whilst bagpipes blare throughout the Shire. Celebrate the Celtic traditions of the Irish, Scots, Cornish and Welsh during this uniquely themed weekend that honors this group of European tribes that existed during the Iron Age through Medieval Times!
Harry Potter’s A Magical Finale – March 23rd and 24th
Expecto Patronum! Bring on your baddest Patronus and chase away pesky dementors during this final themed weekend! Only the most magical witches and wizards in the village can conquer, he who should not be mentioned! Wingardium Leviosa your butt off the couch as you won’t want to miss out on the most magical weekend. Muggles are welcome!
The 2019 season also includes a variety of fan-favorite acts and performances with an invigorating entertainment lineup that includes something for everyone.
The Florida Renaissance Festival 2019 Acts & Performances include:
The Mis-Adventurers – Comedy Sword Fighting
This comedy-adventure show is filled with thrills, chills and heroic hijinks. Meet the dynamic sword fighting duo, and join in on the fun as they are looking for new heroes to make it to one of their Guild Recruitment meetings! Or at least helping them settle some Dueling Disagreements! Adventure onward!
Comedy wrapped in lunacy wrapped in foolishness. This show is a combination of strength, physical agility and amazingly well-crafted routines, balancing classical theatrical training with disciplined circus physicality. It is a constantly changing series of routines, patter, physical impossibilities, unbelievable situations, and audience interactions. They are difficult to describe and impossible to forget.
Music The Gathering has a vast repertoire of original arrangements across multiple genres, from traditional Celtic to contemporary world and original parodies. In addition to mixed vocal harmonization, all three musicians play various folk and classical string, woodwind, and percussion instruments, which allows them to take familiar traditional songs and arrange them in unique ways. All members are actors with a strong background in comedy and improvisation, and they take pride in performing with all the energy and passion they can muster.
The Jackdaws deliver original, contemporary, and traditional Irish Rock to audiences across the land. This trailblazing trio will excite and have you coming back for more with their driving melodies and relentlessly aggressive lyrics. More Irish than a drunken roar, and a damned sight messier.
Lady Ophelia’s Dance Party & Maypole Dance
Lady Ophelia invites you to flirt… the old fashioned way as she is well versed and most skilled in all the current dances and royal entertainments. However, don’t forget to join in on the wonderful opportunity of going round the Maypole as you decorate the pole in spring colors. Watch, dance, and frolic as you become entwined in the history, the joy and the traditions of court and country dance.
Come witness this heart pounding medieval live action stunt show. Debracey Productions combines trick riding, vaulting, chariot racing, death-defying stunts, full contact jousting, and a gladiator style spectacle. Experience a spectacle where the winner takes all, princess, kingdom, and treasure, but is it all worth it?
The Florida Renaissance Festival is produced by the nationally acclaimed Bobby Rodriguez Productions and strives to create an entertaining and cultural experience for adults and children alike. The sponsors of the 2019 Florida Renaissance Festival include Comcast, Pepsi-Cola, Funky Buddha Brewery, Burger King, Sapporo, Barrel of Monks, Unibroue, Xtreme Action Park, Sunbelt and Pelican’s View.
Prices range from $25 for adults and $12 for children ages 6 to 11 years of age. Children 5 and younger are free. Special seasonal passes are available for $106 (adults), $59 (children) and group ticket rates are also offered.
While costumes are not necessary for admittance, thousands of people each year enhance their experience by donning garb from the Renaissance era or participating in one of the festival’s special themed weekends.
For tickets and more information visit: www.ren-fest.com; Find us on Facebook or follow @FlaRenFest on Twitter and Instagram. Download our festival mobile app by searching Florida Renaissance Festival in the Apple iTunes store or Android market. If you prefer the historical method, call 954-776-1642.
