Several Shenandoah alumni and current students participated in RAE2018 (RAE is short for Rappers And Entrepreneurs) at Beyond Studios in Washington, D.C., which showcased the lives and work of young African-American professionals.
Shenandoah alumna Candice Hopkinson ’06, aka Candalada, organized the event, which also featured alumnus Jamil Ramseur ’09 and students Matthew Murray ’19 and Janay McMillan ’20.
Ramseur was one of four professionals interviewed by Hopkinson for a documentary she created over the process of five months, called “Minority Report.” She also curated the RAE event, which brought together the work of photographer Nikk Rich, networking opportunities, and conversations about participants’ individual journeys toward artistic and professional success.
Murray performed a passionate rendition of “The Impossible Dream,” prior to a showing of the “Minority Report” documentary. The film provided insight into the participants’ lives: their pasts, their current business endeavors and the words that they live by. The purpose of the documentary was to show how music or entrepreneurship can help solve a hardship or assist with a lifestyle change.
Gift bags were provided by in-kind sponsors, Codie Carter ’12, co-owner of In His Hands Massage Therapy; Kennie and Elle; U.S. Auto Service; Barry Fletcher Hair Products; Zayedella Essentials; and Miraculous Scents. These businesses are owned by men of color.
Due to the unique nature of the event, Hopkinson was also invited to WPGC radio to do an in-depth interview about what inspired the event and her views about why it’s important to place musicians and entrepreneurs in the same room.
