Apple Avenue

Cherry Blossom Festival

I was chosen at the 2013 Mississippi Cherry Blossom Princess. It was a special honor for me because I was the first African American to receive the title.

Each year, one female is selected from each state to represent their State at the festival. The festival takes place every second week in April. The festival consists of many activities including meeting the Japanese ambassador, visiting different embassies and PR events. The experience was great and I hope to continue to be involved.

Southern States Pic

My Representative, Congressman Harper was my escort for the Congressional Reception

Weeping Cherry Blossoms

"Back to Blues" Reception honoring Congressman Bennie Thompson

Congressman Thompson hosts a yearly reception during the Congressional Black Caucus Week. It took place in Downtown D.C. The music was great (Russell Thomas Band) and the reception was sponsored by companies such as Boeing, BP and Microsoft.

Musicians setting up up

India - New Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai

India was an amazing experience. I learned so much about the Indian Culture and I was able to visit some world renowned sites such as the Taj Mahal and the Gandhi Memorial.

One of the Four entrances into the Taj Mahal

The last shots that we could take before entering into the Taj Mahal where the tombs of Shah Jahah and Mumtaz Mahal.

Outside of the Taj Mahal

GANDHI MEMORIAL

Looking inside to Gandhi's Room in New Delhi

The Garden where Gandhi was assassinated

Press Releases the Day after Gandhi's Death

Gandhi's Room

His Bed

Gandhi's possessions upon his death. Those are his real glasses!

View of Mumbai's Skyline

Henna Party

A traditional custom usually performed at celebrations, particularly weddings.

I still can't believe he held the snake

India still adheres to the caste system which makes it extremely hard for citizens born into poverty to ascend into the upper class. We experienced the economic gap while traveling to the Taj Mahal in Agra.

UAE - Dubai

Our second stop was Dubai. Due to the 18 hour delay in the return of luggage, we were unable to make it to the cruise, but we had a great time at the Desert Safari.

Some of the HUMBA Family

Our rides for the Safari

Ridin Dirty

A little Belly dancing!

Oman

We visited the beautiful Country of Oman. While there we learned a lot about the culture in Oman. Women have a curfew of 4:00pm, so we had to hurry to Sohar University so that we could spend time with them as well. Sohar University is our (Howard University) sister school.