Whitney Houston...One Year Later

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

Whitney Houston, Celebration of Life Concert

Sunday August 12, 2012, at Washington Park in Newark, NJ hosted a tribute concert for the late legend Whitney Houston. The program included young talented singers performing some of Whitney Houston's hit songs. The event was also a community cookout as well. I even tried to dress like Whitney in her earlier days in the 1980s. It was a beautiful event and I definitely enjoyed myself.

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.

Flashback Movie: Waiting To Exhale

I've been wanting to do a post about this movie for the longest. What better time to do but now as we are remembering the great Whitney Houston. This movie is one of her main starring roles, like "The Bodyguard" and "The Preacher's Wife." This movie is actually my favorite movie has ever made. I do remember seeing this movie in the movies back in 1995 and when it is on television, I can't help but to see it over and over again. This movie is actually based on the book by author Terry McMillan.




The movie features an ensamble female cast with Whitney Houston, who plays Savannah. She is a successful worker who is in a relationship with a married man. Angela Bassett plays Bernadine, a housewife who had her dreams put on hold to help her husband's business to become successful for him to leave her for a caucasion women after being married eleven years with two children. Lela Rochon plays Robin a woman whose an executive of a business and is a mistress of a married man looking for real love. Then Loretta Divine who plays Gloria. She is a beautician and business owner whose ex-husband confesses he has been bisexual for years and is coming out fully gay. Through all their differences these four best friends become stronger over time to realize who they are inside to eliminate their weaknesses and know that their friendship is the best bond a person can have in there lives. This movie is definitely recommended for you to watch and feel entertained.

We Miss You, Ms. Houston!

Yesterday, I missed the Soul Night Out Tribute to Whitney Houston and Don Cornelius, but I did make it out to the Apollo Theater in Harlem to pay my respects to the Queen of Pop. I am still in a bit of disbelief about her death as I hear her songs on the radio and see her videos on television. No more than a month ago I was laughing to her in the movie "Waiting to Exhale." This past December I was playing my "The Preacher's Wife" cassette tape for the holiday season. Just seeing her name on the Apollo marquee gave me chills because it read "In Memory of Whitney Houston A True Music Icon 1963-2012."



When my friend Shauna and I arrived at the Apollo, we saw a line of poster boards attached to the fence next to the building filled with signatures from fans from all over. People were signing as we walked up. People were also selling t-shirts and buttons. I signed on one of the boards as well as Shauna. Being that she was born in Newark, NJ like we were, I mentioned that Newark will not be the same without her and I mentioned Brick City love always. I signed it "Dom. "Mikette" Wilson" as well. After we took a few photos, we were on our way back home with the lovely tunes of Ms. Houston in our heads and the love for her in our hearts.










We also ran into our peeps Raquel and Rochelle dressed as the lovely Ms. Houston

When we arrived back in Newark, NJ we were welcomed by her beautiful smiling face on the giant Prudential Center marquee.

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.

Whitney Houston's Comeback!!!

I'm so proud of Whitney Houston!!! She's looking good, doing good and singing very well. Her songs on her new album are very inspirational. She went through so much that I am glad she pulled herself together. I was getting worried about her and hearing all those reports about her. I'm so glad she rose past that. During her interview with Oprah this year, she explained her past and she knew she needed to get out of it and she did. Her performance during the American Music Awards last night was phenomenal. It brought tears to my eyes and gave me goosebumps. She performed "I Didn't Know My Own Strength" from her I Look To You album. That song touched so many people in the audience because it gave people a glimpse of her struggle with the drug addiction and how she realized she was a stronger person than that. My favorite part in the song was the hook:

"I didn’t know my own strength
And I crashed down, and I tumbled
But I did not crumble
I got through all the pain
I didn’t know my own strength
Survived my darkest hour
My faith kept me alive
I picked myself back up
Hold my head up high
I was not built to break"
The song is just awesome and she did an excellent job performing. I'm so glad I did not miss it.
Also congratulations to her receiving the International Artist Award.