Let's Movie | ebonyeinstein

Serving your community is about finding your passion, mastering it, and finding a way to pay it forward.

Many people stop themselves from serving their community because they are unsure of what they will find. We must walk boldly into our communities searching for what we have to give, rather than what we have to receive.

Service is about being willing to get a little bit uncomfortable in order to make others comfortable.

Last Spring, I was inducted into the Freddye T. Davy Honors College at Hampton University. I had the privilege of being recognized for academic excellence, initiative and drive. It was truly the cherry on top after a challenging semester. From the moment I lit that candle on induction night, I vowed to myself that I would use the opportunity, platform and resources to succeed and pay it forward.

By the end of the semester, I was already fulfilling this vow. I was elected to the Honors College Executive Board and am active with the community service committee.

One sunny Friday afternoon, my friend Taylor convinced me to accompany her and our Miss Honors College, Briana Wills, on a trip to the Boys & Girls Club. It was still early in the semester, and we were looking for opportunities to serve the community. The three of us visited two Boys & Girls club centers in the Hampton area.

I am proud to announce that I was approved to launch a film series at the Boys & Girls Club!

November 6

Our first event was a preview of the series. I compiled a presentation called "Guess that Movie". I'd previously volunteered and tutored at the Boys & Girls Club, so I was already acquainted with some of the kids. What a wonderful thing to be able to work with such a dynamic, loving group of kids! With the help of members of Honors College, we hosted a group of about fifteen young boys and girls in viewing a series of clips. I intentionally chose a selection of film clips that would be both recognizable and new. It was amazing to see their reactions to a wide range of films, from The Cheetah Girls to Malcolm X. The last clip we watched was for Disney's 1998 Ruby Bridges.

Our lovely group had some of the most awesome kids I've ever worked with!

Everyone seemed to know who Ruby Bridges was, but not many had seen the film, which excited me, as I knew that our next event would be a screening of the film. I chose to show that film for the launch because it meant a lot to me during my childhood. I respect Ruby Bridges as one of my personal heroes from the Civil Rights Era.

Here's my roomie, Mion Sade, showing me some love and support before I left for the preview event!

Go follow her IG: @mionsade| Her brand and business Styles by Mion is great - she's also got a blog! Check her out!

November 9

God is so good. To think that Ebony Einstein came into my life last year in a dream and has manifested into a community outreach series in such a short time, is an example of God working miracles. When I arrived at the Boys & Girls Club the day of the event I was bright-eyed, ambitious and eager launch the event. Learning from mistakes during the November 6 event I arrived early, supplied my own materials and attempted to get the movie display up and running. I'm so grateful that my photographer was able to help me play the movie on Xbox. I didn't expect things to be as hectic in the beginning with getting everything ready, but I whispered quiet prayers throughout the evening, and maneuvered through the center with a smile on my face. I found that it made my volunteer group and the children stay at ease- unfortunately, it didn't make me any calmer.

The objective of the "Ebony Einstein: Let's Movie" film series is to actively engage and inspire youth to have important discussions about their self-worth, experiences and role in society.

The agenda for the evening involved an opening discussion about the life of Ruby Bridges, a screening of the movie, and afterglow discussion. Throughout the movie, the children (many of whom had returned after the preview event) completed coloring sheets inspired by the film. I visited each table, navigating around the dark room, passing out popcorn and chatting with the kids. I took the opportunity to listen to their thoughts on the film and also asked what other programs they'd like to see through Ebony Einstein.

Here's a slideshow with some of the incredible kids who participated in the event.

It's such a blessing to see the logo in the hands of such beautiful youngsters!

THEY are Ebony Einstein.

I'd also like to give a big shoutout to my friend, mentor and big sis Pearis Bellamy (pictured last in the slideshow) for attending and supporting this launch event! She's such a great role model and I was proud to have her there. Pearis is the founder of Positively Pearis, providing motivational speaking services for organizations and events

The feedback I received from the event was awesome! My volunteers enjoyed themselves. The programs director was impressed by the innovative event. The kids were engaged, involved and energetic. During our afterglow conversation, they surprised me by initiating new program ideas such as putting on plays. I am definitely taking their ideas into consideration as we look forward to implementing more events during 2018!

Here are some of my fierce volunteers and peers from the

Freddye T. Davy Honors College.

This event would not have been as much fun without them!

"Cinema is a mirror by which we often see ourselves."

Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu

As a young filmmaker, I believe that representation matters.

This community outreach series means a lot to me because I use to be a kid with bright eyes and big ideas. I also use to feel very alone, almost consumed by the dreams that filled my head constantly. I lived in alternate universes that I created myself, where the characters of my stories kept me company and understood my quirky, ambitious spirit. I would awake to a reality where being an artist is often misunderstood or unappreciated.

Starting the platform of Ebony Einstein is my way of reaching young artists who have felt the same way.

I am encouraged by the early success of this community outreach series, as I believe it will give youth an outlet to share their voices and see themselves in a positive light.

"There is no greater gift than inspiration. And there is no greater comfort than knowing that you are not alone."

Kenya Cummins

More events coming in 2018!