COMMUNITY

The effort Valerie Toliver puts forth every year through her non-profit Trans4mation Institute to make sure kids have the supplies they need to be successful in school is priceless and the event is growing. She teamed up with Lovolive Branches and the Outreach program at Pasadena City College.

​

This year the community give-back event focused on our youth and their early efforts in business and entertainment. It was a beautiful thing to see so many kids pushing their own products and careers.

​

Our 6-year-old local sensation ShaiStar kicked the youth showcase off by performing her new hit song "Let Em Know". It was her first live performance and she rocked it as expected. Another talented youth who performed was 21-year-old singer-songwriter AJ as he blessed the crowd with some smooth R&B.

​

11-year-old Amari Wilson was the first to showcase her product as she introduced her fanny-pack and t-shirt line called Girl Problemz. Her business helps young girls transition into womanhood. 

​

Noah DeCuir is a 12-year-old music producer and his friend, 13-year-old Manny Shorter has a t-shirt line called Manny Hope Apparel. He created it to give hope to youth who don't think they can be whatever they want in life.

14-year-old Savion Scott started Scott's Seasonal Refreshments a couple of years ago. I ordered one of his drinks and on a hot day, it hit the spot.

​

Professional dancer Rebekah Denegal taught some youth from Victory Bible Church a dance routine and killed it.   

​Cyana Edison, a 24-year-old author read an excerpt from her poetry book Undefined and she has t-shirts on sale as well.

​

Barbers and hairstylists from Lawrence & Colbert came and hooked dozens of kids up with haircuts, braids and other styles for girls.

​

The crowd was also entertained by the Star Dancers who always keep line dancing and a good time in the mix.