ACT WITHOUT EXPECTATION

We live in a society where the cultural norm is to give with the expectation of receiving.

I call it the “what’s in it for me?” syndrome.

Although this doesn’t change my mind about moving there, as much as I love California, that attitude was one that I noticed to be most prominent of many during my visits. I know that it’s not just Cali but worldwide. Especially in America, unfortunately.

In these situations I  can’t help but to wonder what happen to “giving to give”? Whether it be information, referrals, advice or monetary support.

I often meet people that respond to my candidness of sharing information as unbelievable and even questioning my “expertise”, as if to think there’s no way I can have knowledge in so many different areas (thankfully I live outside the box). Going deeper, when I volunteer my time to help children and those less fortunate that I, I’m simply helping just to help. I can care less about what looks good on my resume, or capturing images of me volunteering… I just want to make a difference in the lives of others.

When I launched a campaign for Keep a Child Alive, I did just that. Despite the fact that my initial introduction to the organization was a result of my research for Alicia Keys contact information in order to interview her about her “No-Makeup Movement“, I saw the significance and wanted to be involved.

I said all that to say, please consider giving to my campaign without the expectation of getting something in return. Knowing that you’re helping to make a difference in the lives of children and families affected by HIV is life transforming for those on the receiving end.

So I ask that, for a moment, we maneuver out of our bubbles and give to those in need. I hope that you will join me in successfully funding my campaign for Keep a Child Alive and other organizations you feel most passionate about. Please show your support (with a little as $5) here. My campaign ends approximately at 11:59pm on World AIDS Day, Thursday December 1, 2016.

Thank you,
Alyscia Cunningham

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In Youth We Learn, In Age We Understand

As an adult, and mom, I can’t help but to notice the unquestionable character traits about children that I truly admire.

Children are honest and care free.

Their personalities are actually very similar to that of our elders. In other words, you don’t have to guess how they feel if asked (most times you don’t even have to ask, they’ll tell you), because they won’t hesitate to explain or give you their opinion.

But then again, I’m straight forward, I value authenticity and prefer direct communication. This way you avoid anyone having to second guess your intentions.

For my campaign, I captured video footage of children sharing their message of encouragement for the youth of Keep a Child Alive. The only direction I gave was to “What message would you tell a child, your age, to make her/him feel be happy?”

They didn’t prepare, or think twice…they simply answered to what they felt.

Here’s their response…

Throughout filming for my campaign for Keep a Child Alive I’ve noticed that although the messages come from various individuals, they are interconnected with one another.

Victoria speaks on “Flight”

Nyuma speaks on our “Power”

On World AIDS day, Thursday, December 1, 2016 at 11:59PM, my campaign for Keep a Child Alive ends. It is my hope that you will join me in the support for the youth, and give without expectation by making a monetary contribution towards my campaign. http://support.keepachildalive.org/goto/Alyscia

Thank you for your support!

MoCo Grantee Awards

Last week I attended Montgomery County’s 15th Annual County Executive Awards for Excellence for the Arts & Humanities (#ExecAwards2016). This event recognizes the individual artist, art organizations and art projects awarded grants for the 2016-2017 fiscal year.

It includes the grant I was awarded to cover production cost of I Am More Than My Hair. Seeing my name on the screen at the ceremony, as an individual artist grantee award recipient, was confirmation that I’m headed in the right direction.

In that moment, I felt an immense amount of gratification as I thought back to all of the hard work and time I’ve invested, and continue to invest, into my art. Not only has it opened a new door and path for me but also also proven that passion and dedication makes dreams come true.

I’m feeling thankful!