Micole Williams's Blog

Let's keep the pages turning as we embark on the next chapter of #BYOBookClub for Busybodies" #breakfastandbooks! 
I must say that this has been a very fulfilling experience that I look forward to every month. I started BYOBookClub for Busybodies with the desire to be a regular member of a book club, and the reality of a jam-packed schedule and tons of required reading associated with my job keeping me from easily doing just that!

I have enjoyed this easy-going reading experience. I truly believe breakfast is the most important meal of the day and it is such a delight talking books over breakfast. Hearing about what everyone else is reading along with learning more about the world around me through their reads is one of the many highlights. I am so grateful that those who take part in this unique monthly meet-up feel the same way!
   
The past chapters of the new series have been AWESOME and now on to the next! Bring your book-of-choice! Bring a friend! Bring your conversation! It is sure to be a great time for book-lovers to unwind! 

-Micole Williams

For more info on BYOBook Club for Busybodies , contact info@micolewilliams.com or sign up at www.micolewilliams.com!

The 2015 ESSENCE Festival in New Orleans, Louisiana was a weekend filled with ideas, flavor and happy people! In order to let the good times roll, the timing really has to be...good - and it was! The July 2-5th celebration, for me, was part girls' trip, part overdue family reuniting and part opportunity to soak up extra empowerment for my spirit!Like many women, ESSENCE Magazine has always been a big sister. For a total of 14 years, it has been on my agenda to attend an event that celebrates the publication's core initiatives. This Independence holiday, all the needed pieces fell together effortlessly in order for it to happen. From the annual event that brings thousands to the Big Easy every year, here are some personal highlights at a gathering that promoted #bringthelove as a fitting hashtag!
 








1. FAMILY: It is a top priority of mine and it was great to reunite with my paternal side I had not seen in years: my aunt since my biological dad's passing twenty years ago and my grandmother since my high school graduation in 2001, so it was definitely time! It was great seeing salvaged pictures from the unforgettable Hurricane Katrina. This year marked the ten year anniversary of the devastation. It was a blessing seeing the storm didn't stop the people of NOLA from pressing on! Such a gift it was catching up with my dad's side and the different guests who made sure my friends and I made the most of the trip. Seeing this side of me added an element that has been missing all of my life and I am grateful to God that we reconnected last summer in order for us all to have those necessary pieces of each other. 

2. EMPOWERMENT: Gems were dropped all over the pink and purple empowerment floor at ESSENCE Fest! I am a firm believer that information changes everything and is good for the spirit, so I am always seeking it. I was adamant about getting the most out of the stroll - there is so much to take in, so much to see: I will tell you this...*of course, comfy shoes are A-MUSTbut the two things that came in handy (no pun intended) were*the #Essencefest app for your phone - it let you schedule and keep track of events you wanted to hit*and so did a selfie stick my parents got me as a souvenir from their trip the week before! 




World Renowned Deejay and Black Girls Rock Founder, Beverly Bond kept the jams comingThe Empower U seminars were a string of panels held in the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. The seminars were top of the line and they were my main reason for attending this year. Oh, and did I mention, they were FREE! I tweeted what wealth of knowledge I could and captured the rest through lens and natural memory.
Savvy Communicators: Patrice Washington, Deborah Elam, Karla Martin, Monique Greenwood, Honorable La Doris "Dot" Harris, Carla Harris interviewed by ESSENCE Editor-in-Chief, Vanessa K. Bush
Actress, Lynne Whitfield and Model/Reality Star, Cynthia Bailey with their daughters Empire star, Jussie Smollett tackled an issue that continues to plague the community Deepak Chopra discussed his new book3.  A CHANCE AT LOVE: I have played cupid a time or two and I enjoyed the live dating show hosted by mega host, Steve Harvey. It was a personal favorite because aside from seeing a possible love connection brewing or sparking before your eyes, the constant laughter that erupted from the building was such a fun experience to take part in during this occasion. Three lucky females and three lucky male attendees played the love game in order to win a date with stars, Chef Roble and actress Keke Palmer.The contestants' responses were very entertaining and we already know Steve Harvey's southern- style, shock antics had their effect. In between wise-cracks, the funny man got serious as he shared some real wisdom when it came to the power of ideas. Quite inspiring it was.



As soon as the next contestants were up, the laughs continued.Who said dating couldn't be fun, or funny? 






4. THE MUSIC: What would a trip to NOLA be without great sounds to accompany it??? India Arie's performance in the intimate atmosphere hit a high note. She shared three aphorisms in between taking impromptu song requests from her endearing fans.



Melanie Fiona interacted with her engaged supporters. She belted snippets of a past hit and snuck in a bit of her new, quite enticing, island-y tune!


Chrisette Michele, before showcasing some funky upcoming fashions from her new clothing line, piped out a crowd fav and created quite a frenzy! 
Tasha Cobbs performed some of her hit,  "Break Every Chain" and another gospel tune that sent us to church!


5. RELATIONSHIP SECRETS: I love hearing couples share how they met their love and how they maintain their love. Hollywood Producer and preacher, Devon Franklin and Hollywood starlet, Meagan Good along with longtime-entertainers, Flex and Shanice Alexander disclosed details on how they relied on their faith to get the love they wanted!    


6.  THE EXHIBITS: I am a maker and love supporting other creatives. There were plenty of super-neat finds in the exhibit area! 


I was happy to find out about this artist. You can see her artistry on FOX's already-cult-classic, EmpireAs souvenirs for my family back home, I got some eye-candy art pieces from Dana Todd Pope whose work has appeared on the groundbreaking hit show, Empire!





I can't wait to wear my cute, akara print dress, the right way (a friend and I had to record the wrapping tutorial.) You can wear it many ways! I at least know three now. 7. NETWORKING: Although I wanted to make sure I didn't work on this vacation, I am glad that some networking was done. I am inspired by others doing what they love and it was great sharing missions and celebrating other's achievements while checking out the fest! awesome fitness guru, Laticia "Action" Jackson talented gospel singer, Carlett Martin

met a sweet soror, Margaret and loved her story of strength8. THE FOOD: My family hooked up us with some home-cooked, down south, breakfast! With long days ahead, that was a great start to the adventure!
And to come home to the fam's superb, Fourth of July, backyard barbeque dinner was icing on the cake, or really...barbeque sauce on the rib! NOLA sure knows how to celebrate!

We also got a taste of N'awlins at Jacques-Imos Cafe. Thanks to Ang, I was bold and tried the "alligator cheesecake" - it was actually delicious once I got over the name. Good choice!



I digress: every classroom needs one of these signs!
9. Last, but definitely not least - FRIENDS: What would this trip be without them??? It was great catching up with the girls while roadtrippin' and touring the epic fest! Our schedules are always busy and it was awesome we could get it together to go at the last minute! This was a great experience for each of us in our own way and I am glad we were able to check out the ESSENCE Festival for the first time together!  Houston's Angels in NOLA I am so not the party person, but I won't turn down being on the VIP list at a premier club! Thanks fam!  Turned out to be a great 4th of July celebration on all fronts!
While there, a friend of the family said something that stuck with me.He said, "New Orleans gets in your soul."
Anyone who has every visited or lived in this vivid and potent city will probably agree. It is a special place, with a special history and a magical presence like no other. Once you have been you can never forget it - because you don't want to. 
To me, this past weekend was more than just a trip...or a festival...It was something far greater. It was an empowering experience filled with family, friends, and fun!It came at the perfect time - God's perfect timing! I truly recognize when HE aligns things and this was one of those things.
I look forward to the 2016 ESSENCE Festival! 

Micole Williams is an  educator, author and filmmaker from Houston, Texas. Check out her book, film and web series at  www.micolewilliams.com and on YouTube@twotltseries. Follow her on Twitter @willmpower. Her articles also appear in EMPOWER magazine and Examiner.com.

These amazing group of ladies are such a treat! The book club meet was a special blend of book love, intellect, humor and personality! I am so grateful to have been invited to Mahogany Souls Book Club meeting!

Hightower High's Drama student's put on their First Annual, Poseidon's Playhouse Poetry Night, April 10, 2015. It was a night of great artistry! I was really happy to be back at a school I have fond memories of as a member of Class of 2001!!!


Proud HHS Alumnae and educators Micole Williams and Cynthia Ellis.

#HappyEaster #Booktalk