PHENOMENAL 1

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Shawn Marrow ……………………..Momma – Shawn as she is known most affectionately throughout her neighborhood by both the young and mature of all ages ……………… is currently a 37 year old mother that gave birth to two but plays the role of mother to many. Although her past has allowed her the many painful experiences of growing up within the system of New York’s Group Homes and Foster Homes ……. she currently serves as the Owner and Operator of the Philadelphia Child Learning Center, The Founder of the West Side Wide Teen Youth Group, The Founder of Practitioner Cares a Child Care Provider Network Group, The Founder of the 58th & Race Street Neighborhood Association as well as Block Captain to her street of residence. When asked how and why she has allowed herself to be used to such magnitude ….. she replies, “ A Blessing should always be accepted and Worked to its fullest”. I have been given a blessing whereas many assumed that I would become nothing or no one . Many thought I would not see my 19th Birthday. There was no one who felt that I would be a positive, productive, as well as a person of principle because of the hand I was dealt. I was what many considered a problem child. Expelled as well as suspended from school due to my behavior, constant fights within the neighborhood, I headed an all female gang referred to as the CC’s ( Corrupt Crusaders ) that did many snatch and grabs from people directly if we saw something they possessed that we liked. I never disrespected adults with my mouth …… For some reason my conscious would not allow for this however, my actions were way out of control” When asked what calmed her actions to allow such a change in her life ……. Shawn simply replied, “ My love for music was MUCH GREATER than my love for the streets. One of the house parents in one of the group homes I was in noticed the passion I had for music and began to use it to discipline me. If I did well and continued to do well I was rewarded with music in some form or fashion. If I acted out …… music was taken from me. Shawn performed on stage, in clubs, in the streets and snuck in a few bars to perform with then hot artist such as Queen Latifah, Mary J. Blige, L.L. Cool J, Heavy D. Busta Rhymes, Doug E. Fresh, Eric B & Rakim, M.C.Lyte, Biz Markie, Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth, Salt -n- Pepa, and many others. Because she hasn’t been on the news, on stage, or on the radio ……. It was necessary to then ask where she’s been. “Well, I was told that I was expecting my first child so everything stopped. I gave myself an ultimatum. Would I allow myself the opportunity to give my child what I never received … LOVE? Or would I allow something …… anything …… even my love of music to supercede my love for my child? Clearly the answer speaks for itself. I am now the mother of two teenage boys and I am doing my thang in a ladylike kinda way. I have experienced the what if’s many times but as luck would have it ……. My son now has the BUG. The music bug that is ….. and he has taken the very steps I once did. It’s a joy to see him at work. I believe I did take the right path instead of the wrong and the blessings continue today. I have lived in Philadelphia for the last 18 years and truly believe that I am right where I need to be at this moment in my life. I still believe that my journey has not yet ended. Allah is not done with me yet.” http://s203.photobucket.com/albums/aa222/pclcenter/?action=v iew&current=b8309889.pbw