M.A.N.iFest Reflection
How do Butterflies gain their wings?
We are sure that there is a complex scientific response but a simpler perspective would be, with time. While reflecting on yesterday’s M.A.N.iFest Juneteenth Celebration, we are reminded of the beauty of time. Time provides the platform to propel us into purpose and destiny while sculpting our character, shaping our hearts, and forging meaningful relationships. Time serves us as an agent to chronologize our personal experiences into fragments of time, known as moments. Yesterday was a beautiful moment where history was embraced and precedence was set. Yesterday proved that being pro-Black is not anti-White, reflecting on history is a valuable tool in celebrating culture and togetherness.
Hard work surely does payoff but not in the ways that we would have imagined. A sparked conversation between friends, Qisoundra Flowers and Shan-Tika Watkins evolved into a two-day event that provided sustenance to an area that we may have not realized was weak. Morphing into more than an idea, under the direction of Qisoundra and Alex Flowers of BrainSTEMology, in partnership with the Cultural Arts Society of Fuquay-Varina, Inc., Fuquay-Varina Chamber of Commerce, Love Is A Parable, and Renewed Covenant Christian Center M.A.N.iFEST, a Music, Art, and Networking Festival was actualized.
With the common goal to celebrate, highlight, and share the rich African American presence and culture within the Fuquay-Varina and surrounding areas, we knew at least three things needed to be accomplished:
Historic Preservation: Commemorate the significance of Juneteenth while researching and sharing discoveries of local community legends within the Fuquay-Varina area through storytelling with the goal of preserving historic findings in the local and/or state museum(s).
Education Enrichment: Highlight the impact of performing arts within the African American community and their influence in the educational and professional areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Create and establish a future legacy scholarship for youth desiring to pursue education and careers in STEM fields.
Community Engagement: To serve an opportunity to curate a professional networking environment for STEM and Performing Arts professionals with the intent to have yearlong partnerships and workshops.
Yesterday, with varied of emotions, we saw the birth of our tough conversations, hard work, and genuine compassion for humanity manifested.
As stated by one of our participates, Sean Bates:
“I am very glad that I went …the one word I would use to describe yesterday is, wholesome. It was a wonderful display of community, faith, and entertainment. What a wonderful and revitalizing way to spend a day. I feel so peaceful today to enjoy my day. Thank you.”
Though there is still much work to be done, we acknowledge the imprint that was made and the excellence of its execution. Fuquay-Varina experienced “a dash more of us” yesterday and this is only the beginning of the strength of our fabric. See, “the fabric of our being built this place, even this place. Therefore, we must honor it, honoring it is honoring us, the unsung and hidden heroes that rose from ashes of charred remains to give way to the hope within our veins, attention to our pains, and a path to our names.” We understand that everything is part of something, which means, we are part of each other. That alone shows us the beauty of time. Because time serves us, naturally, we must reciprocate the gift. Each day, we should remind ourselves of what good are we manifesting?
Recognition and Acknowledgements
Planning Committee:
Kate Davis
Alex Flowers
Qisoundra Flowers
J. Dwayne Garnett
Emanuel Holland
Marion J. Tucker
Shan-Tika Watkins
Volunteers and Production Support:
Beth Bonar, Greeter
Garion Bunn, Backstage Assistant
Katyna Bunn, Sponsor/Hostess
Stephanie Cogdell (Katyna's sister), Hostess
Bryan Haynes, T-Shirts
Marina Lail Kelly, Switchboard operator
Dan Mercer, Videographer
Elaine Okal, Greeter
Angie Staheli, Floor Manager
Genel Webb, Sponsor/Hostess to the a Honorees
Fuquay-Varina Art Center: Dave Wright & Damion Younts, Production
Special Performances and Presentations by (In order of appearance):
Netanyah Yael
Qisoundra Flowers
J. Dwayne Garnett
Mercy & Grace
LAW Bullock
For Your Glory Mime Dancers
DS Will
Chuckey Robinson Trio
Gran'daddy Junebug
Commissioner William "Bill" Harris
FameDesired
Marcia Neal
DJ Complex
Eternal The MC
Main Man
Vision Elite Royalty Dancers
Shame Gang
Iconic Bond
Alex "ScholAr" Flowers
Ricky Prestige Leverett, Jr
Honoring our Hidden Heroes and Fabric of Fuquay-Varina:
Ms. Beatrice Lee
Ms. Cathy Stuart
Ms. Marion J. Tucker
Ms. Evelyn Smith Booker
Ms. Roberta Burton
Ms. Wilma Hunter
Ms. Jovita Simons
Dr. Evelyn Booker Wicker
Mr. Calvin Leach
Mr. Maurice Leach
Gold Sponsors:
MedScribes
Phoenix Partners NC
Katyna Bunn Legacy Partners
Platinum Partners:
Morgan & Perry, PLLC
CenterPeace Home HealthCare & Companion Services
J. Dwayne Garnett, BSRT, MHA, QP
Chief Executive Officer
Love Is A Parable
Available for Empowerment Speaking Engagements, Consultations, Uncovering Sessions, and Instruction.
Find out more about J at by clicking HERE!
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