If you know Shanelle Gabriel, you know she's no stranger to elleELLEeye. You may also know that May is National Lupus Awareness Month. In the efforts to help raise money and awareness, Shanelle will be hosting an After-work Social Event to benefit the Alliance for Lupus Research.
Here are the details:Wednesday, May 18th || Honey Lounge || 243 West 14th St. New York, NY 10011 || Hosted by Shanelle Gabriel (Singer / HBO Def Poet/ Lyricist) || Music by the one and only DJ COMMISH || Suggested donation: $10+ (All door proceeds go to the Alliance for Lupus Research) || 21+ Over Only
|| Dress code: Sexy and chic, Gents: Collared shirt, No sneakers, No hats || Drink and food specials all night! || Also, bracelets and information on Lupus will be distributed
Lupus is an auto-immune disease that affects 1.5 million Americans each year. Join us as we raise money for a cure
Visit: www.shanellegabriel.com/Lupus for more information
Not in NYC or busy that night? Please still DONATE for a cure for LUPUS by visiting: www.walk.lupusresearch.org/goto/shanellegabriel2011
A phenomenal woman, that's who she is, but it doesn't stop there. She's an advocate for lupus awareness, a singer and a great poet. In honor of National Poetry Month we want to reintroduce you to Shanelle Gabriel.
If you love a good poem on relationships and love, Shanelle's got you covered. No matter who you are, it's safe to say that you've had a crush before. I've had a few and when I heard this poem I felt like I wrote it. If you haven't experienced a crush, maybe Shanelle will be able to illustrate what it's like in her piece "Crushing Hard". Check it out, leave your thoughts and feel free to share it with others. Happy watching!
In the month of October, Breast Cancer Awareness usually wins the popular vote for awareness. But, breast cancer isn't the only disease that is acknowledged during this month. October is also National Lupus Awareness Month. We've listed some facts about both diseases below. If you know anyone or if you were affected by Lupus or breast cancer, make sure you spread the word!
The facts:
Lupus:In lupus, the immune system loses its ability to tell the difference between foreign substances, such as viruses or bacteria, and the body’s healthy tissue. The result is the production of auto antibodies that attack healthy tissue.
African Americans, Hispanics/Latinas, Asians, and Native Americans are two or three times more likely to develop lupus than Caucasians; however, lupus affects people of all races and ethnicities.You can find more Lupus facts here.
Breast cancer:Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in women between the ages of 15 and 54, and the second cause of cancer death in women 55 to 74.
A breast cancer is a malignant tumor that starts from cells of the breast. A malignant tumor is a group of cancer cells that may grow into (invade) surrounding tissues or spread (metastasize) to distant areas of the body. Breast cancer occurs mainly in women, but men can get it, too. Many people do not realize that men have breast tissue and that they can develop breast cancer.You can find more breast cancer facts here.
If you haven't caught on by now, or if you're just tuning in to elleELLEeye's blog, the "eye" in elleELLEeye stands for "inspire". Once again we have gathered some quotes from our past interviews with Ayindé, Iran Ortiz, Shanelle Gabriel, the Oxymorrons and the poets, Kesed and Marcus Wright, of Parlé. In addition to their responses and comments on the subject of inspiration, the eyes in our team ♥ t i f f a n y, DANiE, Aliciia, and Perlita gave their own personal quotes on inspiration. We have a quote from a friend and supporter of elleELLEeye, Keemie Heart and singer, Priscilla Renea - who we hope to work with in the future. We hope that our words inspire you, as you all have us within this past year. If you are nothing else at this moment, Be Inspired.
"It is an amazing feeling when you produce something that is actually BETTER than your BEST work. That's what inspires me!" - Priscilla Renea
Three things that inspireAyindé: 1. Good instrumentation 2. Conversation 3. Looking around and looking at buildings and what’s going on around me.
"I am inspired by plenty; and they are all different when it comes to my writing, fashion, role models and such. I'm inspired by classic pieces such as Mrs. Dalloway and magazines such as TIME magazine. They help me relax and come intact with my personal writing skills and form of writing. With Fashion I am not inspired by a particular person, but by
eras and different aspects of it; such as the 90s or the 50s. I am also inspired by brands such as American Apparel that offer the overall. I'm inspired by those that succeed in life, and use their knowledge and connections to help out the community." - Perlita
There's so many people in this world. Everyone different, with different lives and different agendas. However, when I close my eyes, I'm in a Me and Myself moment with I alone. I see dreams of success, love, and happiness. How will I get to that place, you ask? By living for my own desires, loving God and others and being inspired by the images which take hold of my heart. L.L.I. - Aliciia
"I'm inspired by tragedies and mind boggling obstacles. Something about a challenge makes my fingers tingle...bad news has a way of making me work that much harder, because when I succeed my accomplishments feels so much more rewarding." - Keemie Heart
What are 5 Things that INSPIRE you? Kesed: Water because it can take any form, gentle or rough. Kesed: Nature, in humans. I'm amazed by creativity and stupidity. Sometimes you have to do something stupid to get something creative. Marcus: Everything I see, that's why I really feel [bad] for blind people. Marcus: People who have thoughts and don't speak their mind. Marcus: Parlé
One designer that does inspire me is Kerin Rose. I heard her story through a friend of mine and soon after was following her on Twitter. She inspires me because she goes the extra mile in everything that she does. Not only are her products beautiful but they are also of high quality. Kerin Rose is a true hustler. - Iran Ortiz
elleELLEeye: What inspires you guys? Oxymorrons: Ony - Life. K.I - Anything we do is an extravaganza. D - Everywhere we go something is happening to us and we're like "Why is this happening?" Ony - Being an artist is a lifestyle within itself. If you're not inspired by life, you're not you! I remember K.I. was having a bad day and he came to me and I made the beat - just from that situation... But we're inspired by everything, life, fashion...
What inspired you to want to become a performer? I graduated in 2006 from Utica College with a degree in Communication Arts. I like working with kids and I worked at Harlem Children’s Zone. After working there, I worked at a financial company for 9 months and that just put me to sleep so I needed something that would keep me going. You should do something you love rather than what other want you to do. I didn’t fall asleep on stage so I knew that performing was it. I knew that I could write but I had to ask myself,"Can I write for people to listen to me?" and that's when I began slam poetry. - Shanelle Gabriel
"I'm so blessed to be constantly be in the midst of inspiring individuals. Our very earthly existence is awe inspiring and this world that we live in is full of things that provoke our senses. I am inspired by God, nature, colors, art, and love. Those elements, paired with family and friends (who have become family) are the very things that inspire me to inspire others." - DANiE
"In creating the elleELLEeye blog and brand, it has become my way of inspiring others that "Love to dream, Live to create, and hope to Inspire", to do what they love. No matter what their craft is, no matter male or female, teacher or dancer, we are all here for a reason. God has a plan for everyone and through Him anything is possible - if you believe. In me overcoming obstacles, being dedicated, creative and passionate, others will see that and want more for themselves. As said by Horace Bushnell, 'The more difficulties one has to encounter, within and without, the more significant and the higher in inspiration his life will be.' That's why I know that I can inspire others." - ♥ t i f f a n y
The second "L" (ELLE) in elleELLEeye stands for "Live". We've put together some answers from the eyes in our team, as well as Shanelle Gabriel, Iran Ortiz & Ayindé. As you take a look at what lives within us and what we live for, think about what it is that you're living for. Always remember to Live Life, before it passes you by.
What separates Endless Noise NYC jewelry from the rest? Iran Ortiz: It has a personal touch. I work on every piece myself so it feels like every piece has it’s own personality. Two different girls can have the same piece but it lives differently with each person.
Name three things you live for: Shanelle Gabriel: I live to: 1. make people smile. 2. prove others wrong by following my dreams. 3. enjoy life.
What are 2 things you live for? Marcus Wright: The Advancement of African American people and making art known to the world.
Three things Ayindélives by: 1. Put God first 2. Stay persistent 3. Know when to relax Kareema Bee: I live to help others. I think one of the greatest rewards someone can have is when they first give wholeheartedly.
Basquiatlives for: 1. Respect 2. Family 3. Success
♥ t i f f a n y: eyeLive to be creative, put a smile on the faces of others, come that much closer to reaching my goals, tell at least one person that I love them everyday, and become more comfortable with myself, no matter how imperfect I am. Ilive in the hopes of inspiring someone to see what they never saw in themselves before. That's all worthliving for.
The first "L" (elle) in elleELLEeye stands for "Love". Over the past year, elleELLEeye has had the privilege of interviewing some phenomenal individuals. Often we ask a question or two about "love". Here are some highlights about love from our past interviews.
elleELLEeye: How would you define love?
"My definition of love is so fly, you ready? Love is when you and your partner try to out love one another. It’s not one-sided and it's not about getting love back." - Shanelle Gabriel
"I try to put love in everything. Love hurts sometimes; it makes you happy, and sometimes it doesn't make sense." - Marcus Wright
elleELLEeye: Love, Live, Inspire is what LLI stands for. So in the group, which word would you say represents each member? Oxys: K.I.'s Love. D would be Live and I [Ony] would be Inspire. Definitely.
elleELLEeye: What are some things you LOVE? Kesed: -Love -Women -Baby sister -Mother -Family- Wisdom -Knowledge -Understanding
Three things Ayindé loves: Food, nah that’s too cliché… 1. Jesus 2. Music 3. A good cartoon
The 2010 Walk for Lupus will be taking place on June 5th, in Northern New Jersey to raise money for The Alliance for Lupus Research. A friend of elleELLEeye, Shanelle Gabriel, is heading a team called Creative Movement.
If you'd be interested in helping raise money and walking to save lives, here's your chance! Go to the Lupus Research Website and click "Register". When asked, search for Creative Movementas the team you wish to join.
If you need more information, feel free to drop a comment or email us at elleelleeye@gmail.com. You can also go to the Lupus Research Website to find out where walks will be in your area.
All the pun is intended with this one - "Open Your Eyes" is a single from HeeSun Lee featuring Miss Shanelle Gabriel (You may remember our interview with her from October. Check it out here). It's a great song and it's real! Shanelle says
"I'm sooo proud of it. It's dope, and extremely on point!"
Happy watching!
Video Link What did you think of the video? COMMENT!
Once again it's Monday and that can only mean one out of a million things...it's Music Monday! Today I have a very diverse playlist for your ears' enjoyment. The artists are Wiz Khalifa ft. Ayinde, Shanelle Gabriel (check out her our interview with her), Paramore, Jay-Z and Teyana Taylor. Happy listening!
What do Fried Twinkies, mending broken hearts, the life of a performer and concerts in Africa all have in common? They're all things that were talked about on October 2, 2009 when elleELLEeye sat down with Miss Shanelle Gabriel! Who is Shanelle Gabriel you ask? She's a poet, singer, songwriter and inspiration to anyone living with Lupus.
Here's what happened when we met up with Shanelle in NYC for an interview:
We know that you grew up singing in church, but what inspired you to want to become a performer? I graduated in 2006 from Utica College with a degree in Communication Arts. I like working with kids and I worked at Harlem Children’s Zone. After working there, I worked at a financial company for 9 months and that just put me to sleep so I needed something that would keep me going. You should do something you love rather than what other want you to do. I didn’t fall asleep on stage so I knew that performing was it. I knew that I could write but I had to ask myself,
"Can I write for people to listen to me?"
and that's when I began slam poetry.
What’s your favorite childhood memory? After Christmas, or any holiday my sisters and I would play music, sing and dance.
When did you start performing? I think I was 11-years-old.
Do you remember what your first performance was like?I was performing at Nuyorican Poetry Café and the paper in my hand was shaking. No wait...that wasn’t the first time. It was when I sang "Send Me I’ll Go" at church and I had attitude!
Do you have an alter ego when you perform? No, no Sasha Fierce here.
“I’m me!"
It’s important for me to be myself on stage because that’s what the people want to see.
Stage fright? No, but before a performance I get a little anxious.
What’s your favorite piece to perform? It changes; I’m getting a little tired of "Why I Love You". But "Possibilities" would be my favorite. It’s the first time I combined singing and poetry. Also, I think that this poem is so universal, it can apply to you whether it relates to love, work, etc. everyone can relate to it.
How’d you get started with HBO Def Poetry Jam? They didn’t find me I found them. I submitted my work and felt real excited about the whole thing...until I got to the dressing room and knew everyone that was there [laughs]. It was a lot like nationals. But Stan Lathan is cool.
How do you keep your personal and professional life separate? It’s hard to have a personal life. I bring work on stage with me and that’s what makes it great.
How would you define love?My definition of love is so fly, you ready?
"Love is when you and your partner try to out love one another. It’s not one-sided and it's not about getting love back."
What advice do you have to mend a broken heart? Just get over it! Holding onto the wrong person will only hurt you in the end. You’ve gotten over things in the past, so what makes this so different?
What's your guilty pleasure? Fried Twinkies from the "Chip Shop" in Brooklyn.
Name three things you live for. I live to: (1) make people smile, (2) prove others wrong by following my dreams and (3) enjoy life.
What’s the last song you were listening to? "'Til I Collapse" by Eminem.
Who is your favorite celebrity to hang out with?There's a few, I like hanging out with Graph. I went to a party with him and I had a blast. I also met Joe Budden and it was so funny because I didn’t know who he was at first and he’s like "Hi I’m Joe" and I kept saying "You look so familiar". I asked him where he was from and he said Jersey...after a while I realized it was Joe, Joe Budden!
If being a performer wasn’t an option, what would you be doing right now? I would probably be a teacher or a counselor. I feel like you can still be creative and I like to work with people.
What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re not performing? Eat. Food! I’m passionate about food!
If sky was the limit, what would be your dream performance? I would have a crazy dope show in Africa, the motherland, and it would be a fundraiser for the Lupus Foundation. The performers would be Stevie Wonder, Jill Scott, Michael Jackson (R.I.P.), Jay-Z, and me of course. They would be chanting "Boom Ba Yay Shanelle" and we would all rock out and all perform at the end together. That would be so dope!
What’s next for Shanelle Gabriel? I’m just working on some new tracks for the next album, performing, and writing.
Shanelle was a pleasure to interview and we wish her the best in all that she does! Before we parted ways, she decided to sing elleELLEeye a little something that she's working on. Check it out:
If you haven't realized it yet, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. However, after interviewing Shanelle Gabriel (who's feature on elleELLEeye is coming soon...), we learned that October is also Lupus Awareness month (learn more about the disease here). So here are some banners from us to you so that you can help spread the word.
