She’s Mad Real by Dr. Oneka LaBennett

Christine King, 55, is an attorney and serves as President and CEO of the nonprofit Martin Luther King Jr. Economic Development Corporation for more than a decade. The organization has run an array of social programs ranging from delivering food to seniors to funding home improvements. Christine  was born in Guyana. She grew up in the City of Miami, attending Allapattah Elementary School, Westview Middle School, and Miami Central Sr. High School. She has proudly…

Meet Domini Alleyne, 2014 Miss Barbados Senior Fitness Queen. The 30 year old fitness model, who reings from Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo and Den Amstel West Coast Demerara in Guyana, migrated to Barbados at age 13. She later returned to Guyana and in 2011 worked briefly for the local HJTV television channel and was also a fashion model. However, chronic overeating following a failed marriage propelled Domini to embark on her fitness journey. Here’s Domini…

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…

Born and raised in Guyana, South America, Onica Charles faced many disadvantages still experienced by its citizens today. When she was twelve years old, her parents brought her to the United States “to give me a chance at a good education.” Charles had no idea that one day, that opportunity would inspire her to create a similar path for others. Charles (M.P.A. ’09) made the decision to attend Nova because “I was able to begin…

Pauline Melville was born in Guyana in 1948 and has emerged as one of the most accomplished talents on the modern literary scene. Her pre-school years were spent in the then British Guiana. Her father was “mixed-race Guyanese, part South American Indian, African and Scottish”, and her mother came from a “big working-class family” in south London. The family moved to south London in the early 1950s, when she was “five or six”. A professional…

I was told by a friend that she wanted to plan a small reception for her mother’s 80th birthday; she wanted something very elegant. A Champagne Reception is ideal for this type of event. It is also perfect for small weddings or any other function, where the intention is to host a top notch classy event that has a small guest list. You will need three types of champagne: ‘Dry’ or ‘Extra Dry’ for cocktails  …

Nine-year-old award winning author and poet, Anaya Lee Willabus, will be launching her second book, ‘A Bully’s Disguise.’  Anaya Lee published her first book ‘The Day Mohan Found His Confidence,’ at the age of 8, which earned her five awards, as well as local and international recognition for her outstanding literary contribution. A Bully’s Disguise, sheds light on peer pressure and how it may influence one’s decision in elementary school.  Mohan, the nine year old…

Singing Sensation & Dancehall Artist Jackie (Jaxx)  Hanover has been heating up the airwaves in the Guyanese Music industry. Jackie, who is also a talented songwriter, reigns from Bagotville, West Bank Demerara and now lives in Georgetown.  In a 2012 interview with www.entertainmentmocco.com, Jackie shared the following about her life and music career.  Check out her story… Entertainment Macco: You recently released the song “Ladies Anthem” Why did you choose to sing this song with…

Saskia Christian is an accomplished Trauma Healing and Global Resilience Expert born in Georgetown, Guyana, and resided in Antigua and Barbuda in her early adulthood. She completed her undergraduate studies in Chemical Engineering at The University of The West Indies in Trinidad. With over 17 years of corporate visionary engineering leadership experience in the high-tech sector, Saskia has a track record of success and a passion for empowering others. Little did she know that her…

CONGRATULATIONS to the very *first* Miss Guyana Teen Excellence Pageant Queen – Trishelle Ross. Trishelle is 16 years old and attends St. Rose’s High School. The issue close to her heart is Teenage Pregnancy.  “I would like to inspire teens who do not have a chance at a decent life”, Trishelle shared.  My goal is to become a Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon.  Her personal belief is that it’s better to try and fail, rather than fail…

You should be known for the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God. 1 Peter 3:4 Look in the mirror and start loving yourself, then your inner beauty will grow and radiate to your outer self.

  Born in Guyana in January 1923,  Patricia Gomes has purposefully dedicated more than half of her life to theatre and along the way has been quite accomplished in other areas. She has, as they say, “done it all” – from stage plays to storytelling to dancing her life away, much to the enjoyment of the audiences she thrilled.  In 2010, Ms. Gomes was named by “Special Person”  by Kaieteur News, and in an interview…

Verna Walcott-White a.k.a Teacher Verna, Ms. Verna or Ms. V is versatile, creative and is truly proficient in her field. She is passionate about her profession (dance). She began dancing at the tender age of three, under numerous famous Guyanese and International Instructors and Guru. Ms. Verna joined the Guyana School of Dance as a teenager, from its inception, under the tutelage of its founder and Director, Lavina Williams famous Haitian/American Dancer/Choreographer/Director. Ms. Verna was…

During Emancipation Celebrations in Guyana in August, beautiful head wraps form part of the dress of many; but did you know? African head wraps have served as a head cover since the Early 1700s. It is interesting to note that the African head wrap (also known as Dhuku, Duku or Gele) is deep rooted in tradition and history – Each African nation has its own story to tell. While some of us look at a…

At the young age of 8, Anaya Lee Willabus will go down in US history as the  youngest published female author of a chapter book.  She was born in Brooklyn, NY to Guyanese parents, Dimple and Winston Willabus of Georgetown.  Anaya’s book, The Day Mohan Found His Confidence, tells the story of a young boy named Mohan and the many challenges he faces at home and at school. On June 9th, 2015, Anaya was recognized by Guyanese-born New York State…