Tachelle Wilkes

This past November Ms. Wilkes received the Young Alumna Award from Brooklyn College in recognition of her commitment to improving her community. Her exemplary achievements as an author and as the founder of Femmixx.com prompted Brooklyn College to give her one if its distinguished awards.

The program was hosted by Vinnie P. Favale, east coast director of late night programming at CBS Television. Watch a clip of Tachelle receiving her award at this special event.

Happy New Year - monumental changes are underway for 2011. Lately I have been reflecting a lot - I lost my grandfather. He was 95 years old. I think about what a beautiful person he was – a family man and hard worker. Funny thing is I can still smell the sweat on my cheek when he would hug me after working in the garden in the hot Carolina sun.

I definitely got some traits from him that I am proud to possess. How precious life is and how it fleets with every moment. What a blessing he was to me and others. Let’s think about our relationships, our loved ones and really cherish each other. You never know when that knock on the door will come when they are no longer here.

We need to heal and move on from pains so we can follow our destiny. I feel like we were put here for a purpose and need to figure out what our talents and gifts are. Go after your destiny.

Recently I had a photoshoot with celebrity photographer Greg Frederick. It was great. I actually did not twist and turn as I sat in the seat for a two hour makeup session. The stage was set for the 1920’s with an urban twist. Melvin Willis kept telling me to look up as he added eyeliner. I seldom wear eyeliner, so I kept looking up to the sky. We started at 7pm and finished at 12 midnight. What a day!

So the summer is here and I have to spread my wings. All through the year I give so much to my students -- I'm busy switching lanes from being a teacher to the artist in me. It’s a blessing to have some artist time -- Through the year I see my students grow and flourish. Just as a parent I want the best for all of my students as I do for all young people. As I tell my students put the work in and watch your dreams come true.

Next on my agenda -- Check me out at the 2010 ALA Conference in DC -- Phat Fiction: Engaging Hip-Hop Literature in the Public Library --Monday, June 28, 2010-WCC Room 147B.

Check out my new single "Beautiful You", featured in the Amanda’s Ray Forthcoming Movie Trailer.

Amanda's Ray has taken me from the Brownsville Recreation Center in Brooklyn to Lawrence Academy in Miami, Florida -- the book has gotten not only gotten rave reviews, it has touched many lives. Here's what some of the young people who read Amanda's Ray had to say...

"I think the book was excellent. The story is very interesting and young people can relate to the events that take place in the life of Amanda." 
- Trudy

"I liked the book a lot because it is based on something that happens very often among us young people. It shows you or teaches the outcome of a bad situation." 
- Jaramilla

"I love the book. I loved not only because I can relate to some of the problems and issues that Amanda had in her story from my own problems. The book help me see there are more people like me."
- Javanous

"I absolutely loved the book. It was just so real. We should read more books by Tachelle Wilkes."
-Joel

"I liked the book, it kept me interested from beginning to end."
-Damian

"I liked the book because Amanda finds the true meaning of life."
-Megan