JoAnn Baylor and Shawn D. Wilson will receive the 2014 STAR Award, presented by the Metro New York Chapter of the Jackson State University Alumni Association. The 26th annual STAR (Special Thanks And Recognition) program will be held at the First A.M.E. Church: Bethel on Sunday, June 15, 2014 at 3:00pm, located at 60 West 132nd Street (between Lenox & 5th Avenue) in Harlem, New York. The event is free and open to the public.
STAR annually recognizes the achievements of native Mississippians who reside in the tri-state (New York, New Jersey and Connecticut) area. Actors Marjorie Johnson and Jay Unger will return to emcee this year’s program. Guest artists scheduled to perform include Dwight Lamar, Gary Mitchell, Jr., Angela Polite, C. Niambi Steele and the cast from the musical Flambeaux.
A reception will follow with a “down home” meal provided by the JSU Metro New York Alumni Chapter in association with the newly formed STAR M.O.M. (Making Our Masterpieces) and STAR D.A.D. (Donating Appetizing Dishes). The menu includes Niambi’s delicious GREENS, Richarda’s scrumptious RUM CAKE, Sharon’s delightful FISH CAKES, Twyner’s famous PUNCH, Naylor’s savory SALAD and refreshing MISSISSIPPI SWEET TEA, L.E.’s Southern-style CHICKEN WINGS, M.J.’s delectable POTATO SALAD, and MORE.
JoAnn Baylor
JoAnn Baylor, CEO of Make My Cake, Inc., has roots in West Point, MS. Her desserts are known for their authentically soulful, homemade flavor. She honed her skills for hospitality management, nutrition and recipe development with Associate and Bachelor of Science degrees from the City University of New York (CUNY), as well as a host of continuing education courses in cake styling. After launching a successful home-based business selling holiday cakes in 1996, JoAnn expanded her enterprise into Make My Cake, Inc., a full-service retail and wholesale bakery that draws thousands of loyal visitors every year. Make My Cake, Inc. offers their clientele heavenly desserts such as the New York Times’ pick, Red Velvet Cake, Food Network favorite, German Chocolate Cake, and local best-seller, Sweet Potato Cheesecake. Currently with two thriving locations in the heart of Harlem and an ever-expanding international client base, Make My Cake, Inc. continues to make a unique imprint on the baking world and has solidified Ms. Baylor’s legacy as an inspirational and celebrated entrepreneur.
Shawn Wilson
Shawn D. Wilson, director/producer, is an award winning documentary filmmaker. Prior to pursuing his filmmaking and real estate endeavors, Shawn worked as an image and branding consultant, managing several high-profile accounts with clients such as American Express, Delta and the Department of State. After moving to New York City from his home in Mississippi to pursue a career in acting, Shawn became involved with the filmmaking industry. Over the past several years, Shawn led the production of several highly visible television projects and documentaries. He has also established himself as a noted public speaker, focusing on building communities through the art of film.
Shawn is heavily involved with several extracurricular organizations such as Family Equality, the National Action Network, and the Parent Teacher Association at Mary McDowell FRIENDS School. He currently resides in Brooklyn with his husband Martin and their son, Noble.
For more information, please call 917.690.3684.
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Lia Chang
Lia Chang is an actor, a performance and fine art botanical photographer, and an award-winning multi-platform journalist. Lia recently starred as Carole Barbara in Lorey Hayes’ Power Play at the 2013 National Black Theatre Festival in Winston-Salem, N.C., with Pauletta Pearson Washington, Roscoe Orman, Lorey Hayes, Marcus Naylor and Phynjuar, and made her jazz vocalist debut in Rome Neal’s Banana Puddin’ Jazz “LADY” at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe in New York. She is profiled in Jade Magazine.
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