Pics from Last Night Interview

From left to right..... UCM Graduate, Shianna Burgett, Owner of Hero's New York Griddle, Daniel Marrero, My #1 Supporter, Tre Carter and Myself 

Blessed to have the opportunity to do something I LOVE to do. Wednesdays are my FAVORITE day of the week

ALL My Grads STAND UP!!! - Shianna Burgett

What do you look forward most after graduating high school? That's a question seniors hear all the time. Whether your plans include college, heading straight to the workforce, or even taking a year off, it's all nerve wrecking. High School graduation is very important because it is the start of a new journey! 

Of course parents like to hear that their child will be going straight to college after high school. That's a ultimate goal and dream in any parents life. Some students see college as a major goal, when in all reality it is simply a stepping stone to bigger life achievements. Part of the adventure is figuring out who you are and your worth value. Some think that once they go to college, it's party time!! Yes you are an adult, and but if you are not focused and dedicated it's easy to be back on the 1st train back home. 

Going to college is a stepping stone; but actually graduating is an ACHIEVEMENT. Congrats to College Graduates!!! So, what's next for you after college?

This is Graduation Season. We have kids going from Middle School to High School, High School to College, and last but not least College Students graduating. On Wednesday, 5/20 I will have a College Graduate, Shianna Burgett in the building. This woman is very smart and educated. 

Attended University of Central Missouri (UCM) for both undergraduate and graduate studies. She received her Bachelor of Arts in English and her Master of Arts in Teaching with a certification in Secondary English (9-12). She has considered furthering her education at Indiana State University for an Urban Education Studies Doctoral Program. 

I asked her about her future plans, she smiled and said she loves serving. Meaning, she loves working in the realm of education and social services. Ultimately, she wants to start a foundation that serves underprivileged youth and young adults who are willing and ready to take an active role in becoming successful in all realms of their lives. Services will range from career and interview preparation to tutoring and financial assistance.

Shianna Burgette is a young educated African American woman. Women Empowerment best describe this 25 year old. She has goals and aspiration. 

Last question I ask, " What is your purpose in Life" She didn't have to stop and think about it, she said, "I plan on building my expertise through experiences in both the education system and urban community. Ah! I'm just a young girl trying to make a difference in my community." 

Make sure you tune into Happy Hour with Etchi this Wednesday to hear her journey and the advice she can give those who are starting their first year of college this August.

KC Gets a Taste of NYC Dominic Dishes

In Kansas City, MO, Power & Light and Westport are big spots to drink and enjoy yourself. After 2 am, there are 100's of hungry people walking around in search for food. There are at least a dozen kitchen trailers that ranges from Hot dogs to Giros. If one parties every weekend, you get tired of seeing the same trailers, sale the same food. Well, turn that frown upside down because the wait is over! KC is about to get hit with some good ole' Dominican Dishes.

Daniel Marrero is the owner of Hero's New York Griddle. It's a 16X8 family owned and operated kitchen trailer serving classic American meals with a variety of Dominican dishes. It's been a year in the making for Hero's to come to KCMO. The family is not only excited for the new venture of the business, but also for the reaction of the people. See, what sets them apart from other food trucks here in KC is their Dominican food. Hero's NY Griddle will be the first food trailer to sale Dominican food in the State of Missouri. No competition!!! 

Plus in our initial meet, Mr. Marrero stated that he guarantee that the public will hunt them down to get a plate of their finger lickin' daily special meals. I'm excited. Are you?

They intend on doing business locally in Kansas City and Independence area. They also cater!! Like their page on Facebook: facebook.com/herosnewyorkgriddle and also follow on Twitter to get their location; @herosnygriddle. Check them out on social media for the grand opening event specials. I was told to try their succulent roast pork and slamming empanadas. Uhmm... hmmm... Sounds tasty!!

So now you have it, Hero's New York Griddle will be bringing NY street eats to the corners of KC and Independence, MO.

The Marrero's will be in the building on Wednesday, 5/20 from 5-6 pm on Happy Hour with Etchi to discuss more about the business. Make sure you tune and welcome Hero's to KCMO

THIS WEEK SHOW

  
  
  
  
  

LAST WEEK RECAP

   
   

KC Poet is Taken her Talent to NYC- Chevalya Ball

So we all know the children rhyme, "Sticks and Stones may break my bones, but words will never harm me." There is one KC Poet that has DEFINITELY proved that rhyme wrong. Miss Chevalya Ball has a talent that many wish they had. She writes what is called spoken word. It's deeper than writing a 12 line poems rhyming. Spoken word poetry is poetry written to perform in front of a audience. Because it is performed, this type of poetry tends to demonstrate a heavy use of rhythm, free lancing of words, word play, slang, and the tempo in the voice adds to the mood of the poem. Chevalya Ball is a beast when it comes to the word play and expressing herself.

Of course practice makes perfect. Chevalya has been writing since the age of 14. She stated that writing her feelings down on paper, helped her cope with a lot of pain. As she gotten older, she started realizing that power lies in the power of the tongue, and started to use her voice instead of pen and paper. She uses her talent of Spoken Word Poetry to encourage, uplift, and spread the message that God is real.

I asked what or who is her biggest motivation; her answer, her beautiful three kids. Now as focused as ever, she is now chasing her dreams and won't stop until she makes it. Taking what she has been through she has created a team called Team MirrorView, " I see me, but can you see you?" Stop and reread that. It's power in that. Team MirrorView focuses on spreading the message of taking a mirror and to see yo for you because that is where the change starts. Within yourself!

Motivated to move souls, Chevalya will be blessing New York this week with her words of encouragement. With her taking the leap of faith her goal is to try to go nationwide so poetry can be heard on the radio. Through Christ All things are Possible!!

Before she leaves on Thursday, she will be in the building on Happy Hour with Etchi from 5-6 pm CST on May 15,2015 spitting and reaching souls with her words of encouragement. Plus we are going to talk about her trip to NYC and Team MirrorView. You don't want to miss out because the woman is not only talented, but very inspirational. Her words are powerful. Plus KC we have to show our people some love and support.

Meet the International Haitian DJ, Vico DjFlip - On Show 5/13/15

For nine years, Vico DjFlip has thrown a Haitian Flag and Haitian Independence Day event in Kansas City, Mo. But for the first time he will be traveling 1,461 miles to Miami, FL. Book your flight now; Vico will be taking his talent as a DJ to Miami. It is the city where over 40,000 Haitian descents resides!!! 

Vico DjFlip was born in Haiti. Him and his family came to the US when he was 11 years old. He had stated that he was one among those who was blessed to have traveled to the US with his whole family. Many weren't able to do that.The family moved to the US with the motivation to have a better life. Education was #1. In Haiti education cost; but in the US it was free. His parents did what was best for their family. 

In our initial greet, he made it clear, "My Love for my Country and Flag is like going to the moon and back." 

I asked him, when did he discover the love of music. He explained that he had grown up in a Christian home and going to service hyped him up due to the beat of the drums and the rest of the instruments. So at the age of 12 he began singing in the church choir. By 16 him and a couple of his friends started a group. Tapping into his singing and rapping skills! He was that teenager walking down the street carrying their stereo around blasting music. Vico started attending events playing music that no one heard before. That lead him  to making mixed cds. His choice f music started attracting a crowd so he started throwing house parties to Receptions. But the day Vico really realized his passion as a DJ, was in 2006 when he DJ for the Haitian Independence Party. Vico DjFlip ended with, " After that year, I felt like nothing could stop me. So I kept it going and its still going!"

Make sure you tune in to Happy Hour with Etchi on May 15, 2015. Not only will we be chatting with Vico DjFlip, but he will also be spinning the 1's and 2's ALL hour!! 

History of Haiti's National Flag Day - L'Union Fait La Force ( "Unity Makes Strength")

The flag of Haiti is a bicolour flag featuring two horizontal bands; blue and red, and in the center of the flag there is a white color panel bearing the Coat of Arms. The Coat of Arms reflects a trophy of weapons ready to defend not only freedom, but also a royal palm of independence. The palm is topped with, what is known as the Cap of Liberty.At the bottom  of the white panel, There is a scroll that reads the motto, L'Union Fait La Force

("Unity Makes Strength")

The Haitian Flag is a symbol of pride for many Haitians. The Haitian Flag is the oldest flag in the world: May 18, 1803, the birth of Haiti's National Flag Day. With that being said, from that forth on, May 18th has been a very important and festive day. Just to describe in detail the importance of this day, schools all over the country have patriotic songs and dance competitions in the street, attracting thousands. It is a custom for the President to give a speech and give the history of the birth of the Haiti's flag. 

Festivals are held in cities such as; New York, Miami, Montreal, Quebec and Paris. These are cities where people of  Haitians descent are prevalent.   

Next Monday is the 212th Anniversary of the Haiti's Flag. 

This Country has truly shown and demonstrated that Unity Makes Strength!!

http://www.hougansydney.com www.crwflags.com/haiti 

Guest on the show for 5/6/15- Noelia Marrero

Noelia Marrero born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, became a mother at age 17. She is a proud mother of three young boy; 17, 14, 12 years old. Being a single parent hasn't been an easy journey. All mothers can agree to that!! Being a single mother having to work long hours to support the kids has been very hard. Something Noelia still struggles with, considering time spent with your kids is the most valuable thing you can give to a child. Having to balance putting food on the table, putting clothes on their back, and managing everything else has been a constant struggle. Noelia is the true definition of a mother. She states that her love for her children has always motivated her to never give up. She states that the guidance and help from her own mother was priceless. She appreciates her mother for the help that has been given from a child to she becoming a mother herself. At our initial meet, she praised her mother for raising her and teaching her right from wrong. Noelia feels that because her mother was such a great teacher and disciplinary: it has made it easier to teach her kids. She explained that her mother has never turned her back on her, and was always a leaning hand when her help was needed. The Golden Rule of a Mother's Love, Noelia's mother taught her: " I let you fall, not because I don't love you or don't care; but because you have to fall and get back up in order to learn." - Priceless

Make sure you tune in and listen to the stories and advise that we as mothers have to offer.

Mother's Day Special on Happy Hour with Etchi

As we know, Mother's Day is on May 10th. We will start the celebration on this Wednesday on Happy Hour with Etchi. I have a beautiful single mother of three young boys, Noelia Marrero. We will be discussing about the endless jobs of being a mother. How our Mothers taught us and raised us. We will touch the subject of how this generation of younger mothers are different. Talking from the upbringings to raising their children today. Nowadays you hear on the news how mothers are killing, misusing, and abusing their child. It is sad. But yes, this is a show you definitely do not want to miss. 

Definition of a Mother: A mother doesn't always like their child, but they LOVE them. From the day they were born, a child will test a mother's patience; that's why a mother's love is defined as unconditional. The meaning of being a mother is virtually endless. A mother is a teacher, provider, doctor, and disciplinary. A mother is the closest thing to God, because they create and give birth (life). A mother is a loving and selfless person, that sacrifices a lot of their wants to better equipped and take care of their children. Being a mother is the hardest but most rewarding job a woman will ever experience!!!