Whitney Houston...One Year Later

Remembering Whitney Houston. August 9, 1963 – February 11, 2012

Rest In Peace to my Dear Uncle Edgar

It feels so awkward typing this blog post. I haven't typed an "RIP" post for a relative so close to me. I still find it hard to believe that you are gone. I still can't bare the fact that I will never share another holiday or special occasion with you. I have realized now that you will be here in spiritual form but it will be hard very not seeing your smiling face. I love you and I will miss you. I do know that we will see each other again. You are now with my daddy, grandma, grandpa, auntie and all of our family who have traveled to Heaven.

Here are just a few of the times we shared together.

Whitney Houston's Home Going Service

Although it still doesn't seem real to me, Whitney Houston's home-going service was beautiful. The service was very spiritual and fit for a queen. The service took place at New Hope Baptist Church in our hometown Newark, NJ Saturday February 18, 2012. This was her childhood church and her mother Cissy Houston is still a member. There were so many kind words spoken and beautiful selections sung to her by family and friends. Notable people who were in attendance included Tyler Perry, Oprah Winfrey, T.D. Jakes, Kim Burell, and many more.



Though the service was invite only, people still managed to still pay their respects by standing up to six blocks away due to barricades keeping them from being too close. It was broadcasted live on television and you can also hear it over the radio with certain channels and stations. I was able to hear the first part over the radio while I was working for the first two hours. Then when I got home I watched the remainder. It took so much strength to hold back the tears. The pivotal moment was when they began to carry her casket out, they played "I Will Always Love You" and her mother was being escorted out behind them. I know it is so hard for her to bury her child as it was hard for Michael Jackson's mother Katherine and any other parent in the world. I began to cry at that point and also began realizing how I will never listen to the song the same way again.



Saturday night, I did stop by the church to pay my respects. It was a very spiritual moment. There were so many balloons, cards, letters, flowers, candles and more. The sign lit up with her name, the years of her birthday and death year, and then "We Will Always Love You." News crew was still outside and fans were still paying their respects as the rain began to pour and the cold took over. After all was said and done, it still doesn't feel real.






On the way home, we noticed this sign up on East Orange General Hospital in East Orange, NJ where she was raised.


A design I created for Ms. Houston on Sunday night.

Rest in Peace Whitney Houston

"I am deeply saddened by the passing of such a legendary artist. My prayers are extended to her family and friends in this difficult time." - Mikette


August 9, 1963 – February 11, 2012

I'm still in shock that the legendary singer Whitney Houston has passed away. I was just thinking about how I grew up listening to her music and watching her films. She was such an amazing singer and performer, words can't even explain. It seems like the music will forever have a gap within it. I honestly am crying as I type this post because not only have we lost her these past few months, but also Etta James (January 25, 1938 – January 20, 2012) and Don Cornelius (September 27, 1936 – February 1, 2012). I just couldn't find the strength to write any RIP posts. This is getting too sad for me. My prayers are extended to her family and friends during this difficult time. Rest in peace to the Queen of Pop.

Rest In Peace Heavy D

May 24, 1967 – November 8, 2011

I still can't believe that actor, rapper, record producer, singer and former leader of Heavy D & the Boyz, has passed away. He was only 44 years-old. I grew up listening to his music and admired his style. He had so many hit songs, such as "Now That We Found Love." He appeared in Michael Jackson's "Jam" video and Janet Jackson's "Alright" video. He will always be remembered as what he called himself the "Overweight Lover" but overall we have nothing but love for you, Heavy.

Rest In Peace Steve Jobs

February 24, 1955 – October 5, 2011


The last "RIP" blog post I did was back in August for Nick Ashford, so I was nearly floored to hear that the co-founder, chairman, and chief executive officer of Apple Inc., Steve Jobs, had passed away today. I knew even if I was only able to type something short, I'd rather have something than nothing at all. He was truly a visionary and a genius who took the computer age to new levels. He created products that were ahead of their time. He will always be remembered for his computer expertise and not just the man with the black turtleneck shirts, which he alwaya wore. Overall, I am a Mac Head and he will be missed! My prayers go out to his family and friends, also to the Apple Inc. family.



Screenshot from the Apple website


This 1977 file photo shows Apple co-founder Steve Jobs as he introduces the new Apple II in Cupertino, Calif. Apple on Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2011 said Jobs has died. He was 56. AP Photo/Apple Computers Inc., File on Yahoo News!


Quote from the famous Apple commercial I live by:
Think Different:
“Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in a square holes, the ones who see things differently, they’re not fond of rules, and they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify, or vilify them. But the only thing you can’t do is, ignore them, because they change things, they push the human race forward and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do."
-Apple’s Think Different Commercial

Tribute to Aaliyah

It is still hard to believe it has been ten years since she's been gone. She was gone way too soon as it is. I still remember that day like it was yesterday. I was in Marlo's Restaurant and I hard on the radio that she had died in a plane crash. I stopped eating my food and then a tear rolled down my face. I couldn't believe what I had just heard. Even a little earlier that day while riding in a car I thought I heard it but I shook it off not believing it. Then When I did confirm it, I was devastated. Aaliyah was such an amazing and powerful artist. She was multitalented just beginning to launch her acting career. She is definitely not forgotten. She is still our "Babygirl" and "Princess of Hip-hop and R&B." We love you Aaliyah.

Rest In Peace Nick Ashford

May 4, 1942 – August 22, 2011

It came as such devastating news that we have lost another music legend and icon, Nick Ashford, to throat cancer yesterday. He was a part of a husband and wife singing duo, Ashford and Simpson. They have penned numerous hits as well as their known hit "Solid." It was one of my personal favorites. But he will definitely be missed and he will live on forever. Our love for him is as solid as a rock.

Michael Jackson Candlelight Vigil 2011

It's hard to believe it's been two years already since the death of Michael Jackson. Of course it was my day to dress up as Michael Jackson and celebrate his life. I went to work and my co worker Deana had did my makeup for me. After that it was on. I stood outside my job and received so much love. It was amazing.




Now it was time to head over to NYC to pay my repsects to the King of Pop. On my way there we were jamming Michael Jackson tunes and waving at fans. It was amazing seeing all the reactions from fans of all ages. As we were approaching the George Washington Bridge, I looked out the window and waved at people and it helped the wait go so smoothly.



The event was held outside the Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York. There were so many people there and the energy was amazing. People were taking photos of me and with me the whole time. There were people wearing MJ shirts and accessories. There was news reporters out there and I was able to get a brief interview with a local station Televisa.

Photography by Richard Boyd
















A name you all definitely need to look up and know is Moses Harper. She is by far the best Michael Jackson tribute artist I have ever seen. She had all the moves down to a "t" and expression. It was such an honor metting and sharing the same atmosphere with her. I'm still in awe about how down to earth she was. She was helping me break out of my shell. It was also amazing how instantly we bonded. It seemed like we knew eachother for years. That's te power of Michael Jackson. She has definitely gained a new fan and friend. The energy she posessed gave me chills. I would definitely love to see her again. Remember her name: MOSES HARPER









Time to leave



Photography by Richard Boyd

Check out more photos in my Facebook album at Candlelight Vigil for Michael Jackson.