Friday, May 25, 2007

family legacy

A couple of weeks ago, my mother asked me to be a judge in her "Pitch In for a Cleaner City" Poster Contest. I remember when I was younger that I would go to the poster contest in hopes of showcasing my talent. I never got the chance to, but I was honored to be a judge. When I tell you it was a hard decision... man! Judging lil kids artwork is challenging. I was looking for creativity and a showcase of a clear message.
So we picked the winners, and we got to honor the kids at a really upscale restaurant overlooking the city...




The view was amazing! Even thought people talk bad about my city, you have to really appreciate the heart of people really trying to make it better. So I get to the ceremony, and realized that one of the winners was a girl I used to have back when I was working at the After School Program. She always into art, and remember her really getting into my art projects, but who knew I would have picked her without even knowing! Her Father was really happy to see me there.


The highlight of the experience was also how proud I was of my mother and grandmother. They are just like huge socialites! I never got that trait, lol. Here was my mother coordinating the entire event, and introducing me to all these important people in the city, and then here comes my grandmother taking pictures with councilmen and the parent of the mayor of the city! People are telling me how much they have done for the city, and I am just in aww!


I would have never thought that this Poster Contest would make me feel like my family is really amazing people, and I am just glad to be part of there legacy!

8 comments:

Jay said...

Wow...didn't know mom and grandmom were that active. Hmmm so when r u running 4 city council?

Soldier said...

look at u Mr " Big Socialite from a respected family " in ur suit and glasses, mom & grandma looking beautiful, everybody smiling n' stuff... i like this, i'm calling my mother right now

:-)

Dubbed As Trent Jackson said...

so you and your mom look just alike. I want to meet her when I come, cause she's hilarious.

and you look great in a suit.

Andre J. Allen II said...

great photography shawn

Omar Ramon said...

aww you are making your mark like your mom and grams...just in your own way.

Stop being lazy and you'll make it quicker and bigger. SLACKER!! LOL

Just kidding.

I'm sure it meant a lot to the little girl that it was you who chose her as a winner. Stuff like that sticks with kids. Pretty cool.

C. Baptiste-Williams said...

like the suit look...

Anonymous said...

1) I applaud you for taking pride in your city... no matter what people say, you are from the same place as Whitney Houston. She may have her ups and downs, but I do believe that she is one of our shining stars in the black community.

2) I like the way that the circle and the reach of the world is not as big as some perceive. For you to be reunited with that young girl from the youth program that you mentored is one of of life's little gifts. That is something one would see on a television show or something...

3) Looking spiffy in that suit there lil' Shawn.

LoLo B said...

Nice pics! Thanks for the peek into your friends and family life.