Lamar and I had the honor of being selected to the 2012 Ebony Power 100 list. Each year, Ebony reveals a list of the nation’s most influential African Americans; from politicians, athletes, entertainers to authors and thought leaders.   We are so grateful to be on the list with such accomplished and influential honorees  such as: President Obama, Tyler Perry, Oprah Winfrey and Earvin “Magic” Johnson.

We are so happy that the work that we’re doing to promote positive images and healthy marriages in the African American community is being recognized. And it is a testament to the fact that what we are doing is effective and is needed in our community .

Grateful to Just Be in the Room

But with such a star studded list of honorees, you can imagine that my inner groupie was bursting at the seams when we were invited to attend the Ebony100 Gala. When we walked in, Susan Taylor,  Editor-in-Chief Emeritus of Essence Magazine, was right next to us on the red carpet.

Lamar and I only knew a handful of people there personally. We felt like small fish in a very big pond. But it didn’t matter, I stood back and enjoyed people watching and resisted the urge to be a complete groupie when I saw Vivica Fox, Sherri Shepherd, Tom Joyner, Gayle King and host of other celebrities. We were inspired by all of the influential people. And thought…… although we’re in the room, we have a long way to go. We were both motivated to take our work to the next level.

Grateful to Meet So Many Influential People

The one thing that I really appreciate about the Ebony Power 100 list is that it doesn’t just include celebrities, but it also includes people, like Lamar and me, that are using our voices, skills or talents to make a difference. People like 15 year old Mary-Pat Hector.   She is founder of Youth in Action, an advocacy group, and was named national youth director of the Rev Al Sharpton’s National Action Network. Mary-Pat spoke during the Gala dinner and said:

“You don’t have to wait to be great. You have the power to change the world now.”

While at the event, I also met Janet Emerson Bashen, President and CEO, Bashen Corporation. She’s the first black woman to hold a patent for web-based EEO software invention. No, she was not a developer. But, she saw a need for her product and took the initiative to have it developed. She started her company in her own home with an idea and a passion to succeed.

Grateful for our family and friends.

I am also grateful for my friends and family whose support enables us to do what we do!!! They have supported us from the beginning. At first, by being the only ones reading our site everyday. But most importantly, they help us with our children so that we are able to maintain a healthy and stable home life for the kids while we work.

I am grateful for my husband. Working together with him has made our bond tighter. He’s an awesome business partner, husband and father.  And everyday, he goes above and beyond to support our business, our family, and me.

I am grateful for my 4 wonderful kids…they are driving force behind what we do.   We know that strong healthy marriages help to give our kids the foundation that they need to succeed in life. We do this for our kids and for community.

BMWK – what are you grateful for?

 

Disclosure:     This post is part of a series that is sponsored by Hallmark and the  Life is a Special Occasion  campaign.     All opinions and editorial content expressed are my own.