This was a very special day! As a part of a speaker series sponsored by Washington Wizard's young star Kelly Oubre Jr., I was invited out to be a guest speaker at Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, D.C. The campus alone was a site to behold. I couldn't believe the state of the art architecture and sophisticated technology that graced every hallway and turn in the building. Truly breathtaking, truly the perfect environment for education and creativity.
The theater where I would perform was packed with young men from the school and I was set to speak to them about my book, "Dear Father," and the power of forgiveness. It's always a blessing to have the opportunity to share my gift, but this day was extra special because Kelly Oubre Jr. and his father Kelly Oubre Sr. participated with Dear Father Letters, by not only sponsoring the event, but by writing letters to one another and sharing them with the audience. It was a powerful moment and very inspiring. And based on comments and questions from students in the crowd, I know that lives were changed on that day.
A special thanks goes out to the Oubre's, Principal Sandi Logan, Brittany Roberston, to Tia Powell Harris for the introduction to this special place, and to all the young men and ladies that came out, listened, shared their stories, their thoughts, and their art. If any of you are in the area, and are looking somewhere to devote some of your energy and resources, be sure to knock on their door. Much Love Duke Ellington! See you all soon.. J. Ivy