Thanks for Congressman Hakeem Jeffries

NYS Attorney General Leticia James with guests L–R: Cheryl Todman with Congressman Hakeem Jeffries

Thank You Congressman Hakeem Jeffries!

Monday, February 24, 2020 was a very special day for me; I had the high honor to serve as mistress of ceremonies for Congressman Hakeem Jeffries at his 2020 State of the District Address. Constituents from the 8th Congressional District gathered at Long Island University (LIU) Brooklyn and filled the space to capacity, eager to hear a word from the Congressman. He inspired the crowd and elevated the energy in the room with his message, "Hold On, Change Is Coming."

It was my first time serving as an emcee. It's not what I'm known for; it's not what I “do.” I'm known for inspiring people to dance. But I declare that 2020 is the year for #NewAssignments. We're going to be called to do things we've never done before. And we're going to approach each new assignment with the mindset of being open, humble, and nimble. Open. Humble. Nimble. I learned this from watching the Congressman. We honored him as our Stellar Humanitarian at the “10 Years of The Stars of New York Dance” event last November. He's not known for dancing. It's not what he “does.” But, when we invited him to dance, impromptu, he accepted his assignment, rocked it, moved the crowd and deeply inspired the young people who danced alongside him, which was, after all, the ultimate goal. As a leader you must be open, humble, and nimble when advocating for issues that matter to your people

The Congressman has experience with new assignments. We've watched him succeed with every new role he has undertaken. Once again, I declare 2020 the year for #NewAssignments. Let's approach each new assignment in the same way Congressman Hakeem Jeffries has—open, humble, and nimble. BY CHERYL TODDMANN FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE PRODUCER OF THE STARS OF NEW YORK DANCE

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Celebrating the 35th Annual Stellar Awards

Grace and Peace Family, T he line up is going to be great, the votes are in, and the show will be hosted by Jonathan McReynolds and Koryn Hawthorne. Now there are going to be tough decisions in some categories with many of the people we love to sing along with regularly. With the music that’s been in rotation on the radio, and other mainstreams of sights and sounds, you can pretty much guess who is up for multiple nominations. Of course, Kirk Franklin has done it again and recreated himself with that gifted pen and outstanding background, blazing a trail with eight well-deserved nominations over several categories. Then our worship angel, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, is going hard with her worship as always—still loving the God she serves with seven nominations of her own. Tied with her and always bringing that joyful smile with that blessed classic choir is J.J. Hairston. This brother is guaranteed to take you to another level with simple lyrics with great anointing. Bishop Paul S. Morton & The Full Gospel Ministry of Worship are right behind with six nominations under his belt. I’m also excited to see a Stellar Award winner who hasn’t been active in a while but is back on the charts boasting a few nominations for his hit “I Made It Out;” legendary hit maker Pastor John P. Kee has loved on us enough to garner five nominations. The Stellars would not be complete if Donald Lawrence, Tri-City, and the vessel Le’Andria Johnson didn’t get a nod or two as well.

I have to say, when it comes to those “Named After” categories, I like to shine on them. The Albertina Walker Female Vocalist of The Year

www.thepositivecommunity.com category has powerhouses like Jekalyn Carr, Le’Andria Johnson, Maranda Curtis, and Tasha Cobbs—that’s gonna be a good one! It was good to see New York’s finest up and-coming choir, Vincent Bohanan & The Sound of Victory Fellowship Choir, nominated for The Contemporary Choir of The Year; this makes NYC proud that the young people out there have an outlet to express victory in the name of Jesus and be bold about it! The category near and dear to my oldschool heart is Quartet of The Year, I’m looking to see my peoples and they are not in the number again—my girls Lisa Knowles and The Brown Singers along with my new crew Jarell Smalls & Co. You know the hit, “Prayer Room.” They are fresh, relevant, and off the chain so next year those two groups need to be on the ballot!

It’s a privilege and an honor to see your hard work coupled with the favor of God and his elevation push you to places where people know your name. However, if they never call your name in grand places or if your name never goes up in lights, look to see what God says about you because only what you do for Christ will last.