Dream Reach Inspire honors Vy Higginsen, Styles P, Shirleen Allicot, and Mack Wilds at a Homecoming Ceremony at St. Francis College

Short N Sweet Ent

Photo Credit: imagebyzo

On Saturday evening, in the heart of Brooklyn at St. Francis College, Emmy Award Winning Anchor and founder of Dreams Reach Inspire, Phil Taitt hosted a Homecoming ceremony that honored and celebrated change makers that are shaping our culture.       

“Dreams Reach Inspire” partnered with Abc7 News, For Smiles Inc., Savvy Bistro & Bar, Minipods, and Miss Jessie’s Original to fulfill its mission of supporting disadvantaged youth by providing them with mentorship and skill development programs to help them succeed in and out of the classroom.   

The President of St. Francis College, Tim Cecere began by expressing how important it is for students to have a safe space to come and be themselves. As an alumni of St. Francis College, Phi Taitt has proven that what he learned in school has made him extremely successful in his field but that building relationships has always been at the forefront of his journey. He stated that Phil, “shows that the world has limitless possibilities if you work hard, do the right thing, and know the right people”.

Photo Credit: imagebyzo

With a sold-out show, the evening kicked off with an inspirational message from Taitt, “Dreams are not for one just to enjoy but they are to be experienced together”. As Taitt welcomed the honorees for the evening, Vy Higginsen, Styles P, Shirleen Allicot, and Mack Wilds, everyone in the room rose to their feet and gave them a standing ovation for all their remarkable contributions to the culture. The panel discussed many thought-provoking topics such as the love of being in their respective fields, breaking generational cycles, leadership in the industry, healthy lifestyles, and the importance of mental health and wellness.   

Grammy-nominated artist, Styles P shared his thoughts on mental health in the black community.

“A lot of us strive to keep a roof over our family’s head, food on the table, and clothes, on their back, and sometimes the pressure of a 9-5 or 9-9, you don’t get to focus on yourself and what makes you tick or what makes you happy or sad. Even dealing with your own feelings, especially as black males, you don’t want to seem vulnerable, you don’t want to seem weak, you don’t want to complain, and or don’t want to cry. These things kind of take away from yourself, especially as black people. You have to find a way to get in touch with yourself, heal yourself, and how to be proud of yourself. A lot of us down ourselves more than we pat ourselves on the back. Your mental wellness is the most important thing because a lot of us have children, parents, siblings, and significant others but you have to prioritize. You are number one because if you’re not taking care of yourself to your best ability then you cannot do that for someone else. We have to make ourselves the number one priority”.

Everyone on the panel had compelling stories that outlined the highs and lows of what got them where they are in their lives. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room when it came time for each honoree to accept their award.

Lifetime Achievement Award : Vy Higginsen

Artist of the Year Award : Tristan “Mack” Wilds 

Ruschell Boone Excellence in Broadcast Journalism : Shirleen Allicot 

Health and Wellness Champion : Styles P

Photo Credit: imagebyzo

We are all thankful for all the work that each honoree has done for our communities. Congratulations and we can’t wait to support what comes next in your journeys. 

Written By: Shauntay Hallett

Until Next Post... Coach Tay