university of south carolina

The World is your STAGE.

Posted on June 15, 2016 by Khadijah Dennis

On Saturday, June 11, 2016 “The Stage” was set in the private location of the Charlotte Trolley Museum on a street of Charlotte, NC filled with art and a lively energy that was infectious.

When entering the facility, attendees were greeted with the message:

“All the world’s a stage.”

And from then on, it truly was.

From the neo soul and jazz vibes of the music played, to the lovely cocktails of the contributor, “Just a Sip.” The atmosphere of #TheStage16 was created for everyone to embrace each other and, well, embrace themselves for being present and in the moment.

I found myself soaking it all in. After all, I hardly could believe I had received an invitation to this magnificent event.

The Stage was created to highlight creative + introspective individuals fulfilling their purpose.

The honoree class of #TheStage16 was a direct representation of that focus.

Each honoree has made a name for themselves and has created a positive impact in their communities. It is a positive influence for those who attended the stage like myself who are just entering the realm of “the real world” and trying to decide which path to embark on.

I took away small things from each person’s introduction and words of advice.

“Be the change that you want to see.”

“Follow your passions and dreams. Money will come. That’s not your motivation.”

“Always be a reaching hand for someone.”

“No matter what adversity comes your way, don’t worry. God isn’t going to let you fail.”

“Everyone has a responsibility to make this world a better place.”

Even getting the chance to interact with friends and people I’ve met for the first time was an enlightening experience.

I remember sitting on one of the couches as I ran into two of my colleagues from the University of South Carolina. We had a full conversation about being the change we wanted to see in our communities and challenging others to do the same.

We also discussed how difficult that could be at times when others around you are not ready to see you make those strides. I responded with a couple of quotes myself.

“You have to be your biggest supporter, your biggest investor, your biggest everything.“

I am lucky to be gravitating towards people who want to see positive change just as much as I do, but also being a new graduate and having gone through several transitions with friends and career opportunities, I realize the importance of valuing yourself.

If you see no value in yourself and who you are, what you are capable of, and you don’t believe in your own dreams and your ability to carry that out, then the journey can be even more difficult because you’re no longer fighting the world, you’re fighting against yourself.

All of these enlightening thoughts came to me in this moment. The Stage.

Having seen what it’s like to see plans fail, friends come and go, opportunities enter into my life that I never imagined would be possible to achieve, I realize that the world truly is my stage.

Coming from the small town of Kingstree, SC where not a lot of opportunities are made available for young people with dreams who want to see the world because they are made to think that it will never be possible for them to achieve greater, it meant a lot to be standing in a room looking at individuals who have defied the odds.

Even the creator who made all of this possible, Mr. Bryant Kirk White, is and has always been since our first meeting, a living example that all of my visions have a canvas.

Jeremiah 29:10 “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place.”

The next verse talks about the plans that God has once that hard work is completed. All put into perspective by this great.

Even as I am typing this, things are not all perfect, but things are all aligning in the greatest way possible, and I couldn’t be more grateful.

“All the world’s a stage. What will you do with it?”

For more information about ABevy Inc. or about one of it’s initiatives, The Stage, visit http://www.abevy.org.

To make a donation towards Abevy’s financial endowments that make young individual’s fulfilling their purpose possible, please visit: http://www.abevy.org/the-stage

More Than A Kickback

Posted on May 27, 2016 by Khadijah Dennis

“Have you ever been a part of something bigger than yourself?”

I’ve always heard this question being asked; in movies, in class rooms or casual conversation.

But Wednesday night, I actually had the opportunity to experience that feeling.

Earlier in the year, I had a sit down meeting with my good friend, DaQuan Blyther. We had worked with each other previously on his brainchild organization, Black and Consciousness Committee which raises awareness and expands consciousness about issues happening in the African American community.

He approached me about an idea. I assume because he knew that any idea he brought to me, I was sure to make sure that it happened. And indeed it did.

More Than a Kickback would ideally be the space young adults could come to and network with artists and innovators, have a drink after work and turn up in the same space.

We communicated about this for weeks — a little over a month. And then, Wednesday happened.

Through spoken word that moved you, music that grooved you and maybe a few drinks that helped make the first two things easier, it was an unforgettable night.

I’m so grateful to have been a part of such an amazing experience. Something “larger than myself.” and I hope that there’s more to come of it all soon.

-K

For more information about Smooth Ent and the purpose of the organization, follow @smooth.ent on Instagram!

The Era of Blue Reign

Posted on November 19, 2015 by Khadijah Dennis

The Era of Blue Reign – Fall 2015 Psi Eta Chapter Inductees, MIP Coordinator and Chapter President

After about a week of euphoric bliss, it’s finally settling in and becoming more real:

I am a finer woman of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

I can’t imagine going down any other road with any other group of females. The 4 women that I’ve been blessed to establish a close knit relationship with are also my sisters, and I love them so much more than either one could imagine.

My decision to be a finer woman of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. didn’t come immediately. I hadn’t had any previous relationships with Greek life before college so my mind was open to learning a lot about what Greek life entails and more importantly if it was a good fit for me. I’m thankful for the time that I allowed myself to grow into my own as a woman FIRST before making a big decision such as this. It’s allowed me to really see what I could bring to the table to any organization, and to really look for those key qualities that define who I am as a person and who I aspire to be.

I found that Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. was the only organization that really was for me and really fit the mold of who I aspire to be as a woman. As I reflect on everything that I’ve been through to get here. I thank God that I didn’t give up on myself and that I had a good support system behind me the entire time.

Fall ‘ 15 Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc brothers of Kappa Iota (8 Phases of the Blue Moon)

Looking ahead, not only am I going to be on this journey with my 4 sisters, but I’ve been blessed with brothers as well who I also can’t wait to grow and bond with. Their hard work doesn’t go unnoticed, and I am extremely proud of the new brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. nothing is stronger than the dove love.

If I had to give any advice for choosing to be a part of Greek Life, I would say patience is key. Don’t run at the pace of others. Not all things are meant to be something that you need to be a part of. Look closely within yourself first before you decide on anything large, and most importantly, do your research! There are many people who pledge and regret the organization that they chose. You spend a lot of time and money into the organization, so it’s important to choose wisely.

BLUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU PHI

YOU KNOW!

[ZZZZZ PHI! 😉 ]

– Khadijah Dennis, Poetic JustiZ

P.S. For photos from both probates, click here.

WATCH: Moving and Grooving – Recap of #HipHopWednesday

Posted on October 23, 2015 by Khadijah Dennis

The mission of the Office of the Multicultural Student Affairs (OMSA) is to build a welcoming, accepting, and supportive environment across multiple dimensions of diversity through education, programs, and services that promote social justice, awareness, and student success. Each month, Greene Street comes alive with contemporary and ol’ skool hip hop music while students network and learn about the many opportunities to get involved with diversity activities on campus. Kicking off at 11 a.m. and wrapping up at 2 p.m. – you don’t want to miss them!

Want an event covered? Contact me at denniskm@email.sc.edu for more information.

New Content Posted + Stay Tuned!

Posted on September 30, 2015 by Khadijah Dennis

“You are your ancestor’s wildest dream.”

What does it take to start a revolution?

Work.

Passion.

A different way of thinking.

Community.

Over the past month I’ve observed a lot and have taken in a lot of valuable information that I could greatly use to impact my life and my profession. A huge part of what was learned is not being afraid to take on the very things that others won’t.

Just two weeks ago, I had the pleasure of interviewing one of the founders of the #BlackLivesMatter movement, Alicia Garza, and what a moment in time for me it was.

I was in Japan when the hashtag took over timelines all over the world. Having been back in the states for about a year now, it’s almost painful to think that a lot really hasn’t changed since then.

Garza spoke on various topics, but the main point that I took away was “these narratives are not new, but our conditions are.” We are a remake of history unfolding.

This story reminded me that this is only one of many more stories to talk about that represent our generation and the current motions we are going through as a collective. In the new stories that I’ve covered, you will see that shine through.

In addition, I’ve been on a bit of a writing journey through my transitional period, and I am opening myself up to all of you with new poetic pieces.

As usual, I am always open to comments or criticism. I enjoy what I do, and I really hope to just get better and better in my approaches of how I do things and the stories that I tell.

Thank you for your constant support in my endeavors. It really does make a difference.

P.S. Follow my brainchild, The Conqueror Movement (@conquerormovement) on Instagram for very important announcements within the next week!

iconqueror2012.tumblr.com

“The revolution will be televised.”

Because Life Is – Cheers to New Beginnings

Posted on August 28, 2015 by Khadijah Dennis

I feel like the year has started anew.

Coming back to the University of South Carolina, being in the midst of everyone I hadn’t seen in so long with a brand new mindset and purpose is one of the most amazing feelings you could ever have.

I remember, especially, just 3 years ago I was starting my undergraduate career as a student. Now, entering my 4th and final year at USC, I couldn’t be happier with the progress I’ve made and the work that I’ve done, but there is still so much work to be done.

One of the organizations that I was blessed to be apart of during my freshman year was Student Gamecock Television, a station run by students for students. I entered in with the mindset of being able to find my niche so that I could be good enough for TV and gaining skills that could allow me to one day make one cool videos. Now, my passion for this organization is far beyond what it could personally do for me, but more about how I can utilize the platform to help further allow other students to see their own passions.

I’m blessed to have found my family here.

There’s not one person in this organization that I don’t feel like I have a closeness with. I’m always looking for more and more ways to build relationships with individuals. This semester is no different. Now that my time is winding down, I really hope that everyone in this organization can adopt the same concept. If I’ve learned nothing else being in college, I realize that a big part of your success is attributed to the relationships you build.

With anything that you do, you must place focus on leaving a legacy behind. You have four years, and they go by extremely fast. Take control of the precious moments you have, and don’t be afraid to live a little in the process. It’s a journey. I’m grateful for the journey I’ve had, and the continuation of that.

Cheers to getting back to basics!

-KD

#BecauseLifeIs