Ain’t no party like a Melky Jean party, ‘cuz a Melky Jean party don’t stop! And party is what Melky Jean did last night at her eighth annual Carma Foundation Gemini’s Give Back birthday party at the Griffin night club and lounge.
The mission of Carma is to measurably improve the health of poor and vulnerable women and children in the Caribbean and inner cities of the United States.
Although it was a party that featured delectable Caribbean Cuisine sponsored by Chef Annesha of Annette’s Tasty Home and featured a performance by The Product G&B, folks were honored for their care, diligence and daily philanthropic work.
This year, Jean, sister of Wyclef Jean and her Carma foundation honored Philadelphia Eagles’ Walter Thurmond III, Sports Illustrated model and beauty icon Ashley Graham, actor and writer Gbenga Akinnagbe, community activist Johanna Wright, humanitarian Fabrice Armand, and WeTV’s Cutting it in the ATL’s Mushiya Tshikuka. “We’re all equal at the end of the day,” said Thurmond.
Thurmond’s philanthropic endeavors cannot go unnoticed particularly in the greater New York metro area. A member of the New York Giants last season, the corner recently inked a new deal with Philadelphia Eagles during the offseason. A former Super Bowl Champion as a member of the Seattle Seahawks, his Walter Thurmond Foundation has been highly successful active particularly in Harlem. He was honored for his work with the Harlem-based Impact Repertory Theater, a performing arts company that gives kids a safe place to follow their passion. “Everyone needs that little nudge to improve themselves and better themselves. It’s leaving an impact.
Sports Illustrated model Ashley Graham visited Melky and Wyclef’s native Haiti before the Hurricane ripped that nation and took place in a myriad of initiatives in strengthening the country. According to the dashing beauty, the give back is enriching in necessary as part of the role she place as a public figure. “Giving back is important because I live in a world that is all about the exterior and not about the interior,” said Graham. “If I didn’t give back there would be no significance to what I did.”
Speaking of Wyclef, the Fugees representer was in the building with his wife by his side at his sister’s party. As a matter of fact, ‘Clef took two planes to arrive in New York to get there. “I always support everything she does so it’s important,” he said. A stickler for community service, the give back is a no-brainer. “That’s what you’re required to do. We grew up in the projects in Brooklyn, then we moved to Jersey, we saw people that grew up like us and we saw circumstances and how government funds don’t go to certain cities and it’s really messed up.”
Miami radio personality K. Foxx and Jay Leopardi joined Jean as hosts for the party which even had a singing competition, quality drinks, a dj and a ton of dancing all night long. Other celebrity notable in attendance included rapper, Kazzie who’s getting a buzz with his recent Rodeo single with fellow New Jerseyan Fetty Wap. “They were definitely giving back to the community and culture, he said.
Actor John Amos was in the building and no he wasn’t serving up lettuce, cheese, pickles, special sauce without the sesame seed bun like Cleo McDowell, the character he played in Coming To America! However, he did serve up knowledge on the importance of sending the elevator back down the higher a celebrity’s success elevates going up. elevator. “If we don’t do it, who’s going to do it,” said Amos.
In the wake of the devastating earthquake to Haiti in 2010, Carma was one of the first foundations formed to address the needs of Haitian people. Melky Jean’s commitment to Haiti is unyielding and exemplified in events like the Geminis Give Back Event where she dedicates her birthdays to hold fundraisers for Haiti in lieu of receiving gifts. “We started it knowing that we wanted to make a difference in the world,” said Jean.
“Eight years later for us to be here and knowing that people are here for the cause, it’s a great feeling!”
Worth mentioning: The cake and tasting station was sponsored by Taste and See by Audrey.
Other Sponsors Include: Sockgang.com, Vamp Life, Bad Boy Branding, Love Logan Productions, Be the Difference, Contraband, Toast Vodka, The Griffin and Pray Urban Attire.
Photo Credit: Eric Salvary
