My story of faith, vision, and the transformative power of music
When I was 16, my mom launched the publication Esther Magazine for Urban Teenage Girls of Faith. She was then and still is now a visionary who empowered and equipped me, my sisters, our teenage friends, and teenage girls all throughout Philadelphia to write and share our own stories, conduct interviews with celebrities, and even design and run our summer conference, teaching us invaluable leadership skills.
But where she has had the most lasting impression on me is her unwavering faith. She adores CeCe Winans! I can still hear us singing the song Alright in the car together at the top of our lungs! And despite the doubters, Mom found a way (before social media existed) to invite her to perform at our very first Esther conference.
And guess what?
CeCe showed up! And she not only showed up but also graced us with a soul-stirring mini-concert. What struck me most about Cece was her humility and kindness. She didn't demand anything; she was just so excited to be with us teenage girls, speak life into us, and share her gift. She chatted with us and even took a picture with us (see photo above, lol)!
Today, Cece's music continues to encourage me, my mom, and millions of people across the globe. From a teenage girl to now a whole grown woman, she has inspired me to my highest and comforted me in my lowest moments, reminding me that all things are possible.
“From a teenage girl to a whole grown woman, she has inspired me to my highest and comforted me in my lowest moments, reminding me that all things are possible.”
So, I'm thrilled to celebrate CeCe Winans (Auntie Cece in my head, lol) this Black Music Month.
And, as we enter the last week of June, I invite you to check out stories, playlists, and wellness tips to see how music can boost your mood and brighten your day.
Read more here about how listening to music can make you healthier!
Check out these 5 ways to de-stress and enjoy the music:
Breathe Deeply: Try a 5-minute breathing exercise.
Stretch: Gentle stretches to relax your muscles.
Listen: Put on our playlist and lose yourself in the music.
Dance: Let loose and dance like no one's watching.
Unplug: Disconnect from devices and immerse yourself in sound.
And unplug and relax with our specially curated Hey Auntie! playlist featuring the best of Black music across generations. Listen Now.
Let's embrace the healing power of music to uplift our spirits, improve our mental health, and celebrate the enduring legacy of Black artistry.