Urban Grandstand Digital Issue 3 | Page 26

Meelah: Right now it’s based in Atlanta. It’s very new. I’m really new to this. I’ll be honest. It’s in the making. I’m now putting together a team that specializes in non-profit. I’m very new to this, but I’m doing everything I can to make it a global operation. There are children across the nation that need assistance. I’m looking forward to doing more in my home city of Las Vegas. Right now, I’ve only had one event in Atlanta. I have something coming up called “Walk in My Shoes” which i’m doing here in Atlanta. It’s basically me sharing and giving back to special needs moms. I would like to include the dads, I got something else for y’all, but’s it’s about the moms right now (laughing). So I’m giving away shoes, brand new shoes, and shoes that I’ve worn maybe once or twice. I have over a hundred pairs of shoes and they’re just looking at me (laughing). So it came to me, and I just want to give back. I know it’s not easy, and we have a lot of single moms doing this. I respect their struggle, and the name [Walk in My Shoes] just came to me. The idea was literally and figuratively that people don’t think, or understand the magnitude of raising a special needs child, so before you open your mouth to judge, walk in my shoes.

Urban Grandstand Digital: I appreciate you elaborating on the concept of it all.

Meelah: Yes, i’m definitely doing things annually, but also throughout the year for both the parents and the kids. I just want to do my part. All the proceeds go to Autism research, and any and everything we can get and donate to special needs parents who may be on a fixed income and just need a little assistance.

Urban Grandstand Digital: So moving forward, let’s talk about R&B Divas. How did this all come about for you? Obviously, you had the connection with Faith Evans and her being one of the creators.

Meelah: Yes, but actually, it had nothing to do with her though. One of the EP’s (executive producers) approached my management and myself about the show. My manager, Cory Taylor, brought it to me and at first, I was a little iffy because it was reality TV, but the more I thought about it, it made sense to do something capturing the lives of singers and what we have going on, as opposed to being something ratchet USA (laughing). But as you know with reality TV honey it’s going to be a little bit of drama. That’s what entertains the people I guess. That’s what brings the ratings. I will say that at this point in my career, I need some type of television platform. Let’s just be honest. That’s just what it is these days, especially if you’re an artist like myself that came out a while ago, and hasn’t been on the scene. It’s like free advertising. It’s kinda like a new record deal. Reality TV, that just is what it is. I just wanted to make sure I did the right thing. I said OK, I’ll go ahead and give it a try.

Urban Grandstand Digital: Getting back to that high road…I think a lot of people can appreciate you taking the high road a lot.

Meelah: It’s hard…(laughing)

Urban Grandstand Digital: But you still present yourself in a classy and dignified way. I know you watch reality TV like everyone else. It’s so much drama, and a lot of it is so unnecessary. You just get the feeling that people are not taking advantage of the platform in the way that it was designed.

Meelah: Exactly. Listen…I’m not perfect. I’m not here to judge. I can’t point fingers at who is doing what and how they do it. Clearly, I haven’t been 100% at all the decisions I’ve made in my life, however, it’s not always easy. Unfortunately, these shows are designed to sometimes

26