9 years ago, Ife Basim (Joy Topping-Mann) started a Women’s History Month Celebration because she felt that the accomplishments of many local women go unnoticed. Ife feels that bringing attention to these everyday heroes, applauding them for their excellence and recognizing them now helps build the bonds of sisterhood. By staying true to the mission, the annual WHM event has become a vehicle that encourages and helps women unite, share their gifts, talents, accomplishments and the event also motivates the young and old to share their gifts with the world.
Also in today’s environment we also figure why not applaud these local important figures while they can still appreciate it. Recent events like the worldwide pandemic clearly pointed out the need to use time wisely and appreciate eac=h other even more. We are all still adjusting to our “new normal” world and true to form WHM switched from all in person in 2019, to all online in 2020 and now in 2021 our new normal is a hybrid approach for 2022. The message and objective has not changed, which is to get the word out that we have all made it this far through the many challenges of the pandemic and we are still here. Ife Basim’s WHM platform is now in it’s 9th year and these events continue to grow our spirit.
Today in part 1 we take a look back over the years and understand the WHM spirit as we prepare for WHM2022. We talk with the founder and gain a first hand view of WHM’s past and a little bit about its future. Take a listen.
Interview with Ife Basim Founder of Ife Baisim WHM Events by Lynette Sheard
Gregory Burrus Productions Interviewer, Lynette Sheard, Singer Interviews Founder Ife Basim on the History of Women’s History Month Celebrations.
Through the Years of Ife Basim’s Womens’ History Months’ Events
Reflecting upon the 9 years of WHM events, we discuss the highlights of the first 8 years, view the beautiful poster artwork, who performed with links to all the fun we had.
2014
1st Annual Women’s History Month Celebration
Year 2014
Date: March 7, 2014
Theme: “Women in Jazz”
Featured vocalists: Jackie Jones and Cynthia Holiday
Special Tribute: Amira Baraka, Yvette Glover, Denise McCoy, Barbara Kukla, wrote The Encyclopedia of Newark Jazz and Dorthaan Kirk, NEA Jazz Master and Newark’s First Lady of Jazz.
Live Music: Girl Talk Jam Session
Review more – a taste of 2014
2015
2nd Annual Women’s History Month Celebration
Year: 2015
Date: March 13, 2015
Theme: Weaving the Stories of Women’s Lives”
Featured Vocalists: Joy Elaine and Jacque Harmon Johnson
Special Tributes: Kathy L. Spivey, Inez McClendon, Jaklyn DeVore
And Gwen Moten, ED, Mayor’s Office of Arts, Cultural Development and Tourism
Live Music: Brandon McCune, Vince Ector, Calvin Jones
Review more – a taste of 2015
20150303 2nd Annual Womens History Month – Gregory Burrus Around Town
2016
3rd Annual Women’s History Month Celebration
Year: 2016
The Date: March 11, 2016
Theme: “Her Story”
Featured Vocalists Joy Elaine, Patricia Walton, Joy F Brown, PJ Parker, Phyllis Blandford and and Omisanye Karade
Special : Vendors and After Party
Live Music:
Review more – a taste of 2016
2017
4th Annual Women’s History Month Celebration
Year: 2017
Date: March 31, 2017
Theme: “Protect Your Peace”
Featured Vocalists: Phyllis Blandford, Lynette Sheard, Patricia Walton, Jackie Gilliam,
Special: Vendors – Dance : Dana F. Hawkins
Live Music: Brianne Ford, Kim Clarke, Whisper McCray, Sheryl Bailey, Debra Kreisberg
Review more – a taste of 2017
2018
5th Annual Women’s History Month Celebration
Year: 2018
Date: March 30, 2018
Theme: “I’m Every Woman”
Featured Vocalists Joy Elaine, Patricia Walton, Joy F Brown, PJ Parker, Phyllis Blandford and and Omisanye Karade
Special Acts: “I’m Every Woman” program Ad booklet, a donation to Sierra House, a safe haven for at-risk youth and young adult women and Sierra House Representative Marcia Dash, Beautiful balloon stilettos by the Balloon Lady Jacqueline Harmon Johnson, Dwight West and @Anthony Avent, James (A-Natural) tribute song Diaspora
to African American, Gregory Burrus Around Town for your fabulous photography, support, wisdom, direction, promotions, Ami Brabson of “Phenomenal Women” & DrStephanie D.Burroughs Inspirational Speaker/ Trainer/ Business & Thought Therapy Coach, Artist Cathleen McCoy Bristol and Nettie Forman. Hosted by Norman Mann
Live Music: MPACK Music Clarence Conover, Brett Caulder, Joe Scarpetto, PatriciaWalton
Review more – a taste of 2018
2018 5th-Annual-Womens-History-Month-Celebration – Gregory Burrus Around Town
2019
6th Annual Women’s History Month Celebration
Year: 2019
Date: March 1, 2019
Theme: “Representation Matters”
Featured Vocalist: Daria Jones
Special Activities: Hosted by Celeste Bateman, Casual Wear and Islamic designs by Shadiyah Cobbertt-Hutchinson, “Women Who Matter” were acknowledged for their outstanding achievements, Dramatic reading of an original play, “Storms Weathered”…. written by Ife Basim, Supported victims of domestic abuse, “Women Who Batter”
Live Music: Daria Jones Band
Review more – a taste of 2019
2020
7th Annual Women’s History Month Celebration
Year: 2020
Date: March 1, 2020
Theme: “Living Life on Purpose”
Featured Vocalists: Sheba Jordan
Special : The 7th Annual Women’s History Month Celebration (WHM2020) will be dedicated to the memory of the unforgettable Yvette Glover. Skits on Mental Health Awareness will be performed by the ‘Mental Health Players’ directed by Lynette Sheard. Mental Health Players – Lynette Sheard, Yvette Glover, Joy Elaine, Phyliis Blandford, Patricia Walton, Jacquelyn Harmond Johnson. Zakiyyah Zaimah, Omisanya Karade.
Live Music: Clarence Conover, Eddie Belton, Norman Mann, Larry Greenberg, sittin in James Gibbs and Guitar Player
We will also pay special tribute to a woman who exemplifies Living Life on Purpose.
Review more – a taste of 2020
2021
8th Annual Women’s History Month Celebration
Year: 2021
Date: March 26, 2021
Theme: Refresh in Progress” (Covid -19 Pandemic Live -streamed).
Featured Vocalists: Joy Topping Man, Zakiyyah Zaimah, Phlyllis Blanford and Patricia Walton
Special Performers: Comedian Tonya Agosto, Author Phyllis Vivens Hudson, ED readings from her book of recovery “Flying on Broken Wings”
Live Music: Pianist Brandon McCune
You can watch the “Refresh in Progress” show on:
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ifebasimproductions
Web at http://ifebasim.tv
Review more – a taste of 2021
And coming soon 2022 9th Annual Women’s History Month Celebration
We hope you come join us Friday March 4th and have some fun with us.
9th Annual Women’s History Month Celebration
Year: 2022
Date: March 4, 2022
Theme: “Just Us. Just Music”
Featured Vocalists: Joy Mann, Patricia Walton, Phyllis Blandford and and Omisanye Karade
Special Venue: At the Cricket Club Entertainment Center
Live Music: Caylen Bryant, Iyonna Herbert, Lee Odom, Kate Cosco
We hope you can join us.
Meet Your Producer Joy Topping-Mann (aka Ife Basim)
Support Us GoFundme: http://ifebasimmasterpieces.com
Stay tuned right here for part 2 as we review the event plus provide details on the performers and the new venue which we are very excited about. Check back for interview details – https://www.jerseyindie.com/ji-blogger-gregory-burrus
About the Author Gregory Burrus
Gregory Burrus is a local live music ambassador, producer, promoter, event planner, and community partner. Gregory Burrus combines his extensive corporate business and technology expertise with his love of live music and being a strong community advocate.
I love writing about it all. My mission is to help community groups, live music bands, and local nonprofits, reach their goals and accomplish their missions while enjoying the day-to-day process of life.
https://www.jerseyindie.com/ji-blogger-gregory-burrus
https://patch.com/users/gregburrus
You must be logged in to post a comment.