Who are they?
They are the movers and shakers Brandy Donaldson shares a geographical space with, a personal space with or is otherwise acquainted with or motivated by. They are people everyone should know. They are talented, enterprising, intelligent, interesting, special. They are game-changers and change-makers. Check them out!
Jaawan Arrington
Jaawan is a master story teller using the camera lens. He manages a lifestyle brand based in the Quad Cities called The 100 Series. The mission of The 100 Series is to promote a positive way of living both mentally and physically. Jaawan expertly accomplishes this by launching projects with various themes that give people of all shapes, sizes, creeds and backgrounds an opportunity to share a portion of their lives with the hope of motivating, inspiring and empowering others. Jaawan started The 100 Series in 2015 and has since expanded it throughout the Midwest and the west coast. You must check it out, which you can do right here. Jaawan Arrington is a name you definitely want to know. He’s something special.
Royce Barnett (CrunkChocolate)
Royce is a media mogul in the making. At present, he is focused on and passionate about building the profile of the Quad Cities’ arts scene. Royce is a self-described "creative." One of his creations is called THE FESTIVAL, a monthly concert series featuring four bands/performers, all from differing musical genres. Royce also hosts two incredible podcasts. "Stuck in the Middle Pod" is a weekly podcast about life, news, pop culture, music and other interests from the prospective of two black men living in Iowa. Royce’s "What's Tappening Podcast" is a beer industry/information podcast with co-host Glenn Cole. This is a topic Royce has firsthand expertise in as head of marketing for Cat's Cradle, a microbrewery slated to open in downtown Davenport, Iowa in the spring of 2020.
Royce also is creative director for Creative Culture, a media content company; does creative marketing for local businesses; and is on the board of directors of Underground Economy and Roaring Rhetoric, both in the Iowa Quad Cities. This man is on a mission. If you’re catching him now, you’re catching a star shooting straight to the top.
Email: crunkatthefestival@gmail.com
Lekeshia Angelique Moore
Lekeshia is a life and relationship coach, U.S. Army veteran and women’s advocate. She has been mentoring women in powerful positions for more than 20 years around the globe. Lekeshia has developed a range of hugely successful workshops, presentations and special programs that have touched the lives of thousands of people. Her signature program, Love; H.E.R. (Heal, Evolve, Rediscover) takes women on an emotional wellness journey to heal from the past and live as the best versions of themselves, purposefully.
When Lekeshia enters a room, the term phenomenal woman certainly comes to mind.
Lekeshia attended Northcental University’s Marriage and Family Therapy master’s degree program and has a Master’s in Criminal Justice from Columbia College. She has a passion for people and improving relationships through effective and meaningful communication. Want to tap into Lekeshia’s skills? Check her website out here and reach her using the information below.
Rosa M. Wilson
Rosa is president of the Communications Workers of America (CWA) 7110 labor union, which represents private/public sector members in eastern Iowa. She is also a dedicated community organizer and activist. She draws inspiration for her unwavering service to her community from the following words from U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi: “Our diversity is our strength, and our unity is our power.”
One of the best words to describe Rosa is FIGHTER. Her fighting spirit is evident in all she does. At the top of that list is fighting alongside and leading CWA 7110. She is without a doubt #unionstrong. It’s more than a hashtag with Rosa. It’s a way of life. She describes it in this way:
“There’s the spirit of generosity and service to others that acts as a beacon, lighting the paths of our lives. And there’s the solidarity that comes with being part of something bigger than ourselves, that comes with fighting not just for our families but for each other and for the communities we serve. That fighting spirit has shown itself in full force in the past year. At the bargaining table, at the ballot box and in legislatures, union members have won huge victories and made great strides in growing our union and restoring our basic rights.”
#Unitedwestand #dividedwefall
Aubrey Barnes
Aubrey is a spoken word artist and creator of various art, located in the Midwest. In addition to his many many other contributions to the arts, music and cultural scenes, Aubrey also is a published author. You can buy his book I’m Not Anti-Love, I Swear here. Aubrey is currently working on a project entitled Sensei of Syllables that will drop in January 2020. This guy is a prince among men. Click below to check out some of his work.
Shellie Moore-Guy
Shelly is a storyteller, performance artist, published poet and former Poet Laureate of the Quad Cities (Illinois/Iowa) community. She is a life-long resident of Rock Island, Illinois where she is a community activist and advocate and has blended art, activism and education in many ways. She is the founder of Ebony Expressions Dinner and Book Discussion, which encourages adult reading and community fellowship. She also founded Healing Waters, an organization that uses artistic monologues of domestic violence survivors to encourage individual and community awareness and healing. Shellie created Polyrhythms, a grassroots, non-profit community and cultural arts advocacy organization. Her contributions to her community are endless. She truly is a jewel of her beloved community.
In 2019, Shellie published her first children’s book entitled How Little Billy Learned to Play, based on the story of East Moline, Illinois native, musician Bill Bell. The book can be purchased here.
TC Boyd (TC Boyd The Artist)
TC is a musician, motivational speaker, poet, author and filmmaker. He uses his talents to spread positivity to the world. TC has been featured on various online publications and television stations. Talent is an understatement when TC is the topic. His gifts are endless. And what makes him even more special is TC’s desire is to empower people, not just entertain them. TC’s book It Ain’t Easy can be purchased here. And his album Growing Pains can be purchased here. Check out TC’s website here and some of his additional work below.