She’s Mad Real by Dr. Oneka LaBennett

As we watch more and more women throwing their hats into today’s political arena during these highly polarizing times, Lalita Etwaroo is gearing up to challenge Democratic incumbent Clyde Vanel for a New York State Assembly Legislative seat.  Born in Georgetown, Guyana, the recent college graduate is a Republican candidate for NY State Assembly in the 33rd District, which covers the neighborhoods of Cambria Heights, St. Albans, Hollis, Queens Village, Bellerose and parts of Floral Park…

“Be patient” is easier said than done but always remember that Good Things take time…

A mother, an investor, and an Associate Broker with THE SERHANT TEAM of Nest Seekers International, Sara Golan knows that the foundation of any successful relationship comes from empathy and trust. It is why she treats each of her clients—whether they be a first-time home buyer, a private seller, or a multi-million dollar developer—as a genuine partner, using her vast wealth of knowledge and experience to guide them in a way that makes sense for…

New York-based Kim A. Clarke is an internationally acclaimed multifaceted bassist, composer and educator, who counts her father, Henry Clarke, and her late Guyanese-born grandfather, trombonist/bassist Henry “Hy” Clarke, Sr., as her personal jazz heroes.”  Kim plays  the Acoustic Bass, Electric Upright and four and five-stringed Electric Bass Guitar. Her electric Bass playing has been described as soulful, funky, rich & tight. For more than 20 years Kim has performed with some of the world’s…

On the eve of the release of Marvel’s Studios Black Panther, Guyanese across the globe are beaming with pride as actress Letitia Wright gets ready to light up the big screen in her starring role as Shuri. Well little did we know that there’s another Guyanese girl, with a not so prominent role in the movie, but who also deserves to be celebrated. Meet actress Shaunette Renée Wilson who plays a member of Dora Milaje, a Wakanda’s elite special forces unit,…

Via washingtoncitypaper.com Natasha Allicock is popping up inside Valor Brewpub with shumai burgers and Asian jerk oxtail. Natasha Allicock is one of the most versatile chefs in D.C., and chances are you haven’t tried her food. The private chef was born in Guyana, a Caribbean nation in South America that is a cultural and culinary melting pot. Her father’s Chinese roots and mother’s Indian roots heavily influenced her cooking career. Through her company, iChef LLC, Allicock…

Since 2015, Anaya Lee Willabus has been known for being the youngest author in the USA to publish the first chapter book at eight years old. Today, Anaya is twelve years old and has released her fourth book. The fourth book is part of a series called- ‘Make it Happen’- Anaya Willabus by Lightswitch Learning. The book talks about the many challenges Anaya faced and how she overcame them. Anaya hopes that other children would…

With Easter Monday only a few days away, I thought it would be quite fitting to share this book and it’s author with you. Here’s an overview of the book and the author’s story … Overview: A Guyanese Girl’s Story is a series of short stories from my childhood. One of my favorite is “Kite Flying in the Village”. Kite flying is a family outing for many in Guyana, South America. Easter is a very…

In some ways, Shion Fenty’s campaign is similar to that of many others taking place this year across the U.S. She’s a 37-year-old Black woman, a first-time candidate, and is facing two middle-aged white men in the primary. But there’s something that sets her apart from the wave of other women of color running for office this year: Fenty is a Republican. The fact that she’s a Black woman and the daughter of immigrants in…

Congratulations to Rukia Henry who recently graduated at the top of her class with dual degree and high honors.  The soon-to-be Virologist earn a B.S in Biology and Magna Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa at Howard University, and a PhD in Molecular Genetics and Pharmacology at Rutgers University. Born in Guyana,  Rukia has experienced a long history of breast cancer in her immediate family and is determined to continue the fight against this terrible disease. …

Canadian actress & international fashion model, Simone Small aka “Small & Mighty” was born to a Guyanese mother and Barbadian father. She attended Humber College and Etobicoke School of the Arts in Toronto, Ontario. The only child for her parents, Simone recalled having a great childhood. She spent her school years in Toronto but every summer went to Barbados or Guyana, sometimes both, to spend time with her cousins, aunts and uncles. Simone’s mother is from…

Kenise Etwaru was born in Guyana and emigrated with her parents at age nine along with her sister who was then six in order that they would have greater education opportunities.  They wanted to ensure them having the best possible opportunities in life.  They left a very comfortable life at the church her father Pastor Lionel Etwaru and his wife Margaret had started for a completely new life in a new country.  Seeing them persevere…

High school student Kelly Hyles has made her entire family and the Guyanese community very proud after being accepted to all 8 Ivy League Colleges.  Born in Guyana, Kelly now resides in Brooklyn, New York and received a total of 21 acceptance letters, but the best arrived from America’s Top 8 Colleges. Kelly migrated to the US from Guyana with her family when she was 11 years old.  She is a former student of Vryheid’s Lust…

Afuwa Granger is a visual artist, writer, and poet who uses her work to construct a visual language around intersections of identity, particularly race and gender. She was born in Guyana to current President, David Granger and First Lady, Sandra Granger.  Afuwa studied in Jamaica at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, and lives and creates her artwork in Vancouver, Canada. Afuwa’s  art is based on her family photos and the idea of the immigrant…

Shondell ‘Mystery Lady’ Alfred is a professional boxer from Guyana. She is one of the first female boxers to represent Guyana internationally and in 2011 the “Mystery Lady” was awarded “Most Inspirational Boxer of the Year” by the Women’s Boxing Archive Network (WBAN).  Alfred’s knockout victory over Corrine Van Ryck DeGroot was largely responsible for her winning the award in front of a glamorous line up of boxers worldwide. Shondell grew up in Albouystown where she took to athletics and later karate while in…