-NOTE-

 

THIS MEDIA AUTOBIOGRAPHY BRIEF COVERS SOME ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO THE YEAR 2004 ONLY.

 

 

 

 

Composed by: Pat Carnes

True Life City Journal

 

 

 

 

Ashili Tamique, an Entertainment Entrepreneur, from birth, always determined and head strong, has accomplished allot; but she hasn't done nothin' yet.

 

 

Ashili is the National Director of Capital Edutainment (Entertainment Entrepreneurship Service).  The company - via performances, workshops/seminars and many other services, makes a difference through entertainment. Through Capital Edutainment, Ashili, the Capital Edutainment Traveling Drama Team, Entertainment Staff and Workshop Facilitator's travel the U.S performing diverse services for several colleges, universities, child development & youth programs, high schools, grades schools, correctional centers, hospitals, conventions, festivals, retirement homes, organizations, corporations, and special events - just to name a few. Tamique is Director and contributing Writer of the Capital Edutainment Multi-Cultural Traveling Drama Team whose main goal is also service;  reaching out and teaching through expression, to keep America's communities positive and strong. Ashili also does professional acting with the team and is the Writer of six of the ten Capital Edutainment Drama Team productions; amongst her written poetry, monologues, oral interpretation, screen plays, screenwriting, novel, and children's stories. Ashili trains the Drama Team and the public on acting skills, body movement, improvisation, voice diction, and character analysis.

 

 

Ashili graduated from Bremen High School after four hard and challenging years.  She was a Cheerleader for two years for Basketball and Football.  She was active in B.A.C.O (Bremen African American Cultural Organization), Writer and Editorial Editor of ‘The Courier’ school newspaper for four years, and contributing poet for The Arrow poetry magazine.  Ashili performed in two high school stage productions: ‘Steel Magnolia’’s and ‘Murder In Bloom’. She competed in ACT-SO NAACP competitions for two years, both times winning in district and area - performing Maya Angelou’s Still I Rise which is a favorite that Ashili has always lived by and held close to heart. Competing and winning in the ACT-So NAACP written poetry competitions with her first written poem (in 6^th grade) “Keep A Climbing”. This poem also won Ashili many first place ribbons and plaques in Junior High school. Ashili mastered two main stage school plays at Bremen and won awards as a member of Group Interpretation.  She was also singing in the school choir when she ran on the Cross-Country Team. During her last year of high school at Bremen, Ashili taught pre-school twice a week at it’s day care.

 

 

Ashili recalls her first introduction to stage performance through poetry.  "My mother was a student at South Suburban College before she went on to her Bachelor's and Master's when she brought home one of her oral interpretation books and said, 'here, read this and remember it. I want you to perform it in a contest I just entered you in at your school.'  I asked her what it was; and was pleased to know I would be portraying my idol, Maya Angelou, in Phenomenal Woman. "  Ashili won the first place trophy in that 4^th grade for the oratorical competition, and despite many hardships hasn't stopped nor slowed down since.

 

 

There are many noted Suburban Star Newspaper  and Chicago Defender Newspaper articles that feature Ashili Tamique as a talent show Winner, a cultural event Performer, a daughter of the 1993 DuSable Museum Succeeding Against the Odds honorary recipient, (her mother).  Ashili is a community volunteer who shares her gifts, time, and talent to uplift the lives of others.

 

 

Ashili currently teaches Drama and Voice Diction at Cleo Johnson School of Charm Modeling Agency, with whom she is a Graduate and Professional Model herself. She is a Feature Model of and Runway Coordinator for Oui Wee Designs by NJide', of which she facilitates Charm & Etiquette and runway modeling workshops with the Models as well.

 

 

Since attending and teaching at the Agency, Ashili expressively prepares models competing in several competitions, representing Cleo Johnson School of Charm Modeling Agency in New York, New York, April 14th-19th, at the largest models convention in the world; M.A.A.I (Modeling Association of America International) held annually.  Since September 2000, when Ashili started at Cleo Johnson School Of Charm & Modeling Agency, she performed and modeled in the agency’s 45^th and 46^th Annual Graduation Dinner Fashion Show.

 

 

Ashili has been professionally modeling for fashion shows since summer 1998, while designing her own ensembles, hats, decorative pillows, sleep wear, and baby garments.

 

 

Ashili has done numerous stage performances, including South Suburban Colleges Annual African American Cultural Celebration (which is televised every February) as a distinguished performer.  As was one of the Colleges main stage productions she acted in as Beneatha in Dreams Deferred: Scenes of Longing & Hope (A montage of scenes from two American classics - ‘A Raisin In the Sun’ and ‘The Glass Menagerie’).  Ashili Tamique also wrote for The Courier Newspaper at the college. She acted in SSC’s Campus Safety Video as Sally Do, which is still televised on local stations (and on B.E.T as an advertisement commercial for the college).

 

 

Ashili was a student there before transferring to Western Illinois University (W.I.U) where she was Founder and Co-Coordinator of a monthly poetry reading: Cultural Expressions; of which she would facilitate a different theme for each show - such as: The Essence of Love,  In Touch With Reality,  Sankofa,  The Essence of Life, Honoring Our Existence. The monthly Cultural Expressions event grew so large that she won awards (including ‘Best First Year of Involvement Award – Ashili Tamique ’, ‘Best Multi-Cultural Program – Cultural Expressions’, ‘Best School Organization – Cultural Expressions’, etc, etc.). And was recognized by the President of the University, who also attended the set; along with over half the universities football team.  Ashili Tamique also re-established (it would come and go over 10 years before Ashili got there) and directed the  Cultural Drama Team, Brooks Players (named after one of Ashili's favorite poets Gwendolyn Brooks) for four successful semesters.  This was among two main stage productions of which she did all fundraising and managing for, with community service performances, including Dixon Prison, and retirement homes, etc, etc.

 

 

As the organization grew from 7 to 26 cast members, Ashili coordinated and directed Dreams Deferred: Scenes of Longing & Hope, and Say It Loud A Series of Dramatic Pieces.  Ashili Tamique was nominated for Most Outstanding Student Involvement Award. Both organizations Ashili started were nominated for Most Outstanding Multi-Cultural Program Award, and Most Outstanding Organization Award, amongst other recognition's.  At W.I.U, Ashili was a Resident Assistant (R.A) for two upper classman floors, and active on the student Hall Government.  She was one of only four African American students at the university who qualified academically to compete for Miss Black Western. She wrote freelance for the Western Courier Newspaper, and sang in the Heritage Ensemble Choir.

 

 

Noted at W.I.U, are Ashili Tamique’s several campus wide presentations of oral interpretation, inspirational speaking (including Martin Luther King Birthday Celebrations), workshop facilitations, and theater department main stage performances. She was prayer warrior for Sisters In Christ Ministry, while singing in the gospel choir of CSFC (Campus Students for Christ Ministry), which included gospel workshops at neighboring universities- including Bradley University and the University of Illinois Bloomington/Normal.

 

 

Ashili acted in a main stage production ‘The Great American Justice Game’, and a studio stage production ‘The Bald Soprano’ through the W.I.U Theater Department.  She also won a third place award for a written essay on Paul Robeson Commemorative Essay Competition and was chosen to give the honorary speech for his Celebration Gala, in addition to the Martin Luther King Annual Commemorative Celebration.  Ashili performed two African Folk Tales for a video that was distributed to several kindergartens and pre-schools across the U.S: ‘Tales From Timbuktu, African Folk Tales’.  Her first semester at Western, Ashili was hired as the News Broadcaster of ‘The Breakfast Club’ radio show for the campus radio station W.I.U.S.   She also won the first place plaque for the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. annual founders week Oratorical Contest Honoring Our Existence.

 

 

Ashili Tamique has written articles for StreetWise Newspaper of Chicago on Succeeding Against the Odds of Dysfunctionalism.

 

 

Ashili was secretary of the BSUC (Black Student Union of Columbia College. She is Founder and Coordinator of Columbia Players cultural drama team.  Ashili directed and produced their first main stage production at Columbia One Race oNe People onE Peace. She also helps facilitate the organizations BTW (Theater Workshop) and monologue performances.

 

 

Ashili teaches kindergarten Sunday school at C.U.T (Christ Universal Temple For Better Living), where she has attended with her parents since 1993. She is on the Advisory Board Committee for CFC (Collegians for Christ), in which she serves as a workshop facilitator on diverse college issues, including rape, time management, drugs, and peer pressure. Tamique also visits Trinity United Church Of Christ once in a while.  Ashili was the highlighted Inspirational Speaker of the first of the new millennium Youth Day at C.U.T, sharing pieces of her 7-page sermon-ic poem "To Be Renewed" that God placed on her heart in a dream, and has been acclaimed by the church and many fans ever since.

 

 

Ashili is a member of NAFE (National Association of Female Executives).  Ashili Tamique presents and is known for doing audience grabbing original poetry/song performances at several poetry sets across the U.S. Through Capital Edutainment (Entertainment Entrepreneurship Service) Ashili facilitates workshops in the following areas: Modeling, Charm & Etiquette, Acting & Voice Diction, Thought Process & Self Improvement, and Job Skills, Interviewing & Resume's.

 

 

Since fall 1999, Ashili has traveled as a professional Actress & Workshop Facilitator of theater plays, monologues, oral interpretation, skits and poetry performing at several colleges, universities and gradeschools across the U.S. - including Manhattan, Buffalo, Jamestown, and Schenectady New York. Also, West Virginia; Chicago, Illinois; Memphis, Tennessee; Birmingham, Alabama; Indiana, Pennsylvania; Louisville, Kentucky; Portland, Oregon; Ashland, Oregon, to name a few.

 

 

Ashili has coordinated and directed productions including stage plays, fashion shows, banquets, workshops and seminars, dinner shows / special events.  She has been performing sharing her acting, directing, writing, singing, speaking, dancing and modeling skills.  Along her way, she continues to encourage and uplift others in their plight to success.

 

 

Ashili Tamique was the feature high-fashion model in the "Fusion" Fashion show, and was highlighted on the front page of the Columbia Chronicle Newspaper for the statewide event, as well as the event's oral interpretation performer and designer of the Fashion Extravaganza held at the Getz Theater. Ashili coordinated the modeling techniques for the show of fifty models, in addition to presenting her own segment "Sophisticated Lady".

 

 

May 12th, 2001 Noah's Ark Cafe' proudly presented Ashili in a one-woman dinner show held there. The theme of her one-woman show was "Honoring Our Existence Building Our Future". She performed original gifts of poetry, monologue, song, inspirational speaking, interpretive praise dance, oral interpretation, and skits. Her show also featured members of the acclaimed Capital Edutainment Drama Team, as well as outstanding vocalist/singer Nygira Rae.

 

 

Ashili has, and continues to be featured since grade school in print media; presented in the Chicago Defender, Chicago Sun-Times, and Chicago Tribune newspapers as well as newspapers nationwide.

 

 

On June 9th, 2001, Ashili was honored at the Black Heritage Awards in St. Louis, Missouri at the Regal River Front Millennium Hotel. She received recognition awards for her dedication and service using her many talents, creativity, time, leadership and involvement to making a difference in the lives of others. She also received an honorable award for Fellow Youth Mentorship.

 

 

September of 2001, Ashili coordinated the Capital Edutainment Talent Extravaganza & Fashion Show in Chicago, which incorporated a special tribute to late R&B Artist Aaliyah, in addition to paying tribute to the lives lost, and heroes of the September 11th (9-11-01) tragedies. The purpose of this spectacular event was to promote diverse young and mature talent of all ages, cultures, and abilities. To provide a positive, safe outlet for individuals to express themselves, and to bring people together for multi-cultural enlightenment and fun. To promote new talent to be a part of the Capital Edutainment Traveling Multi- Cultural Drama Team as well as to raise funds for their many beneficial efforts as an Entertainment Entrepreneurship Service making a difference through expression.  Despite the 9-11 tragedies occurring less than two weeks prior, the event ‘Talent Extravaganza & Fashion Show’ garnered over 300 guests, 20 monetary and prize sponsors, record labels giving away studio time and signing the winner, and out of town music industry guests seeking new talent from the show.  Ashili Tamique’s commitment through her services with her talents and teachings is giving to communities that she serves, and working hard to keep them positive.

 

 

Winning the leadership/cultural pageant on September 30, 2000, at the Spertus Auditorium, Ashili is honored to represent cultural enlightenment as a most profound Miss Mahogany U.S.A 2001-02. The pageant platform this year is 'Family'. Ashili does appearances, presentations, and performances on this topic.

 

 

Ashili appeared in the August 2000 71^st and 2001 72^nd Annual Bud Billiken Back To School Parade in Chicago as Miss Mahogany U.S.A.

 

 

January of 2002, Ashili was honored at the Black Heritage Youth Expo with a Special Achievement Award; recognizing her leadership and commitment as a role-model inspiring youth and adults to strive for excellence through families and communities. Ashili lead workshops at the Expo as well as facilitated the Youth Speak Out Forum.

 

 

April of 2002, Ashili was a Feature Performer at Isaac Hayes Theatre/Restaurant, performing her original poetry and songs.

 

 

May of 2002, Ashili was the Special Guest Host of the Red Carpet for the First Annual 2002 Chicago Fashion & Beauty Awards at the DuSable Museum Of African American History, as well as hosting the Awards Press Party in April, and the Pre-Awards Show.

 

 

As an active member of U.S. Congressman's Task Force, Ashili works directly with other volunteer members of the Force. She shares views and assists in facilitating activities, workshops and presentations, as well as discussions with the following Task Force Divisions:  Alcohol/Drugs/Substance Abuse, Family, Workforce Empowerment, Religious Affairs, Education and Public Safety.

 

 

Keeping God first and foremost, Ashili will be completing her Bachelors Degree in Communications & Organizational Leadership at Roosevelt University soon. She has background studies under her belt in Film, Television, Theater, English and Mass Media;  and in the future plans to pursue her Masters Degree in Los Angeles, California while rising in her career - as well as later earn a Law Degree in Entertainment.

 

 

Ashili practices poise, personality and charm as a refined, intelligent, multi-talented, powerful young woman.  She is a natural born Leader as a professional director, actress, poet, model, motivational speaker, and upcoming author of short and children’s stories, plays and screen. Growing up in very trying situations and home, Ashili has been writing her life story since a young child 1993, and also plans for it to be a successful film.   Her dedication and focus toward the continued success of her modeling and acting career is solid.

 

 

These are just some of Ashili's many accomplishments, all of which have been documented and kept. She says, "I plan to continue to use every gift God blessed me with to bless the world as an Entertainment Entrepreneur.  Letting my actions, not just words speak for me, and owning my own law firm in the field."   And Ashili Tamique strongly believes and exemplifies that,  "We are the thinkers, who speak the thoughts, that make the things in our lives.  So we must continue to make positive change within to experience positive change without. Our lives are God’s gift to us, and what we do with it, is our gift back to God. Just Keep A Climbing!!!"

 

 

 

 

-NOTE-

 

 

THIS MEDIA AUTOBIOGRAPHY BRIEF

COVERS SOME ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO 2004 ONLY.

 

 

TRUE LIFE CITY JOURNAL

Pat Carnes - Reporter