Supported Causes

AARP

A special guest and spokesperson for AARP at numerous events including the NCAA Playoffs & Annual Essence Festival speaking about Adult Empowerment and Quality of Life services. Seen here with Malcolm Jamal Warner, and representatives of our US Military.

ARTISTS AND ACTIVISTS CAUCUS

Organized by Congresswoman Maxine Waters. An audience made up of Community and Corporate representatives engage in a proactive conversation and exploration of how we may collectively tap into our grassroots and high profile circles of influence to improve communication and quality of life between cultures and economic groups. The Celebrity panel included: Glynn & Jo An Turman, Danny Glover, Dawnn Lewis & Jim Pickens Jr.

BLACK HERITAGE HONORS

An annual celebration of those serving the City of Los Angeles in the areas of Arts, Entertainment, Sports, Literature, Education and Civic Service. I was honored to also perform the National Anthem at the event. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, John Legend, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Miyae Folkes, Vanessa Bell-Calloway, Kenny Lattimore, Nia Long, Dr. George McKenna, Bernard Parks, Tiny Lister, Assemblymember Curren Price, Speaker Herb Wesson, Judge Mablean Ephraim, Community & Civic Leaders and others were in attendance and honored.

CAYMAN HEART FUND

The Cayman Islands “Red Party” hosts a huge annual event to bring awareness to the seriousness of Heart Disease and life prolonging treatment and care. I was honored to be invited to perform in concert for the event.

NATIONAL BLACK COLLEGE EXPO

For 17 years, Theresa Price – Founder & President of the National Black College Expo, has taken her mission of informing LMI high school students of the possibilities and benefits of higher education, as well as bringing representatives from more than 20 Colleges & Universities from across the country, in a “college fair” environment, to discuss their school options and offer “on the spot” scholarships and college acceptance! Rapper – Yo Yo, singer – Anthony Lewis and others.

THE A NEW DAY CONCERT FOR A CAUSE: THE ENTERTAINMENT FAMILY GIVES BACK

This bi-annual event is a unique All-Star concert experience, featuring 40+ celebrity Musicians, Civic Leaders, Singers, Artists & Performers, generously DONATING their performance/appearance to raise awareness & financial support for community based non-profit organizations that serve the Inner City Community. Past beneficiaries: Los Angeles Urban League, EMPOWHER Institute, K.I.S.Foundation For Sickle Cell Disease.” Featured performances/appearances by: Dawnn Lewis (Co-Host; Vocalist), Nolan V. Rollins (Fmr CEO, LAUL), Donald Driver (Co-Host), Patrice Rushen (Musical Director), Jeffrey Polk (Director), Ki Ki Shepherd (K.I.S. Foundation), Betty LaMarr (EMPOWHER), Angie Fisher, Erica Campbell, Paul Jackson Jr., Alphonso Johnson, Kevin Piccard, Tone Loc, Doug E Fresh, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, DJ Malski, Ellis Hall, Erica Ash, Michael Jai White, Glynn & Jo An Turman, Melissa B!, Jim Pickens Jr., Jason George, Dule Hill, Tyrel Jackson Williams, Tylen Jacob Williams, Angela & Leroy Williams, Jay Lamont, Euge Groove, Major Crimes Cast: G.W. Bailey, Kearran Giovanni, Tony Denison, Phillip P. Keene & 94.7 The Wave Radio.

GUYANA, SOUTH AMERICA MARANATHA MISSION BUILD

I traveled with my mother and aunt to our families home country of Guyana, South America, with Maranatha. Maranatha is a Seventh Day Adventist Christian Organization that travels the world bringing spiritual, medical & dental care, building schools and church’s, providing services and support to communities in need, youth organizations & schools, orphanage’s and senior citizen centers. During our 2 week stay, in addition to participating in all of the above, I sang for several worship services and led after school programs. After completing the construction on the first of four buildings in the new campus, my family & I explored the city and countryside of our families heritage. Kaiteur water fall.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

For more than 10 years I’ve participated in building homes for deserving families in the Los Angeles area. I was also honored to provide a concert at their year end gala. Jo An Turman (Exec Dir. Community Affairs Habitat For Humanity), Pat Prescott (94.7 The Wave), Kiesha Brown (former WNBA star), T’Keyah Keymah, Nyziere McGee, Rosalind Lott (niece), Anisha Bowman.

JACKSON LIMOUSINE ANNUAL THANKSGIVING DINNER GIVEAWAY

For 35 years EJ Jackson’s, Jackson Limousine company has not only been providing excellent service to the community and celebrities alike, he has fed more than 7,000 families every year, during the Thanksgiving holiday. Volunteers made of up Civil Leaders, Celebrities, businessmen & women from all walks of life and all corners of Southern California donate their time and manpower to box and distribute meals to the community in need. I’m honored to have been serving on the front lines for the last 25 years. Although we are truly saddened by the passing of Mr. Jackson a year ago, his annual tradition carries on – just as he would have wanted. Others that regularly support the event: Congresswoman Maxine Waters & her husband Sidney Williams, L’il Kim, Karen Waters, Hal Williams, Marla Gibbs, Darius McCrary, Ki Ki Sheperd, LAPD, KJLH, 94.7 The Wave.

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR MEMORIAL UNVEILING

I was honored to attend and perform in the week-long celebration of the unveiling of the Martin Luther King Jr. memorial on the Mall in Washington, DC. Marvin Winans, Kenny Lattimore, Jesse Jackson.

K.I.S. FOUNDATION FOR SICKLE CELL DISEASE

Founded by Actress Ki Ki Sheperd; I served as one of her founding Board Members for more than 10 years. Her celebrity based foundation continues to raise awareness about the disease and the importance of testing as well as support for families struggling with the challenges of Sickle Cell Disease. The annual CBC (Celebrity Bowling Challenge) is one of LA’s premiere fundraising events. Rocky Carroll also hosts an annual poker tournament that benefits the K.I.S. Foundation. Ki Ki Shepherd, Obba Babatunde’, John Voight, Wayne Brady, Quinton Aaron, Jim Pickens Jr., Salli & D’ondre Whitfield, Glynn Turman, Rocky Carroll, Timon Kyle Durrett, Donald Driver, Jeffery Anderson Gunter, Pitre Byrd, Omar Miller, Omar Dorsey, Nicolas Ashe, Mari Marrow, Christopher O’Neal.

L.O.V.E.: LET ONE VOICE EMERGE

The Entertainment industry came together to create a music video project to raise awareness about the importance of voting – particularly for women. The song was composed by Siedah Garrett, Mervyn Warren, Brenda Russell & Patti Austin. The track is performed by A-List vocalists and celebrities such as: Lalah Hathaway, Judith Hill, KeKe Palmer, Fergie, Ayana Layli, Dawnn Lewis, Sandy Simmons-Williams, Keesha Sharp, Sheila E., Patti Austin, Siedah Garrett, Brenda Russell, Ciara & Sharon Lawrence.

MAJOR CRIMES CAST

I’ve spent the last 4.5 years with this amazing and compassionate group of people. The show’s star G.W. Bailey is the Chairperson of the Sunshine Kids Organization and hosts a number of annual events to raise awareness and support for the organization. One such event is the annual “Pirate Party”. Another non profit organization that the entire cast and creative team supports is the Covenant House Foundation. I hosted the Renaissance Youth Group from the Bronx, NY, on a day long tour of the Major Crimes studios, sets and cast.

NATIONAL CENTER FOR CIVIL AND HUMAN RIGHTS NCCHR

I’ve been honored to serve on the National Advisory Board of the Center since it’s inception and participated in it’s Golden Shovel – Ground Breaking ceremony. The Center now serves as an International Exhibit and tribute to the struggles and strides toward tolerance, unity and equality made by citizens around the world. Groundbreaking ceremony: C.T. Vivian (Freedom Rider), Atlanta Mayor Kaseem Reed, Atlanta Mayor (Frmr) Shirley Franklin.

SAG AFTRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS & PENSION TRUSTEE

I am honored to continue to serve on the SAG now SAG AFTRA Board of Directors over the last 7.5 years. I participated in the successful merger of our unions, as well as serve as National Chair of the Singers Committee, a Union Delegate and now as a Trustee of the SAG Pension Fund. Representing the thousands in our performance union is a duty I am proud to perform.

UNCF

The United Negro College Fund has been on the forefront of supporting African Americans in Higher Education for decades. I’ve supported the organization for the last 30 years, as a spokesperson, lecturer, Mistress of Ceremonies and fundraiser. Maurice Jenkins (UNCF National Exec Dir), Jennifer Childress (UNCF Exec Dir Los Angeles), Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, Eric Owens (Metropolitan Opera Bass Baritone), Salli & D’ondre Whitfield, Gillian & Michael Jai White, Atlanta Mayor Kaseem Reed, Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin, Sam Burston (UNCF Dir.)

CELEBRITY CHARITY SUPPORT

Many celebs use their high profile platform to raise awareness and support for causes close to their hearts: homelessness, education, cancer, financial support, school supplies and more. Many host Golf Tournaments across the country:

Smokey Robinson Foundation – Jeffrey Osborne, Johnny Gill, Sugar Ray Leonard, Stephen Bishop, Smokey Robinson

Chris Tucker Foundation – Byron Scott, Sugar Ray Leonard, Jeffrey Osborne, Chris Tucker, Marcus Allen, Julius Irving, Wanda Durant

Los Angeles Clippers Foundation – Mike Phillips (saxophonist), Clippers Coach/NBA Allstar Doc Rivers, DeAndre’ Jordan, Blake Griffin, the Los Angeles Clippers Roster

Donald Driver Foundation – Anthony Anderson, Kim Fields, Ki Ki Sheperd, Betina Driver, Timon Kyle Durrett

Lakers Youth Foundation – Earvin “Magic” Johnson, LYF Exec Dir. Kiesha Nix, Don Cheadle, Anthony Anderson, Glynn Turman, Ki Ki Shepherd, James Worthy (NBA AllStar), Brandon Ingram (Lakers), Luol Ajou Deng (Lakers), Corey Brewer (Lakers)