From the Mic: The JDew Blog

Speaking, hosting, and storytelling

Women Who Move the Room: Why Women’s History Month Hits Different on Stage

JDew

Published on: 19/03/2026

March shines a spotlight on the impact of powerful women, but the real difference happens in the room—where their stories are shared, felt, and remembered. This post dives into how women honored on stage are not just being recognized, but are actively leading, building, and shifting the energy of entire spaces. It highlights the role of a host in setting the tone, giving weight to those moments, and making sure the audience truly understands the significance behind each story. More than a celebration, it’s about creating experiences that last—and keeping those voices elevated long after March ends.

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Invited Back — This Time as Keynote Speaker

JDew

Published on: 01/03/2026

I recently had the honor of returning to Greenville Technical Charter High School, this time not just as a guest, but as the keynote speaker for their student-led Black History program organized by the Black Student Union. Entrusted to help set the tone for the day, I delivered Dr. King’s Dream speech under the theme of “The Moral Leader,” challenging students to see history not as something to admire, but something to advance. Sharing the stage with 86-year-old civil rights veteran James Felder, who served during the era and witnessed pivotal national moments firsthand, made the experience even more powerful. Coming just one day after the passing of Greenville native Jesse Jackson, the program felt less like reflection and more like responsibility. It was a reminder that keynote speaking is about stewardship, honoring the past, elevating the present, and calling the next generation forward.

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Sometimes You Want to Go Where Everybody Knows Your Name

JDew

Published on: 23/02/2026

On January 16, I returned to my alma mater, Hampton Park Christian School, to emcee their basketball homecoming celebration as the Panthers hosted Veritas Academy. The gym was packed with students, alumni, families, and faculty, creating the kind of energy that makes a night like that unforgettable. From hyping up starting lineups to leading halftime games and senior recognitions, the evening was full of school spirit and full-circle moments. Standing alongside classmates from the Class of 2002 and seeing friends now cheering on their own children was a powerful reminder of how time moves, but community remains. While not every team secured a win on the scoreboard, the night itself was a victory—an opportunity to reconnect, reflect, and give back to a place that helped shape my foundation.

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Hosting a Moment That Matters: MLK Day in Greer

JDew

Published on: 21/01/2026

A reflection on hosting the City of Greer’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Life and Legacy Event for the third year in a row, this post explores what it means to lead a moment rooted in responsibility, reverence, and community. Set against Greer’s 150th anniversary, it highlights the power of civic gatherings, multi-generational presence, and Dr. King’s enduring question, “Where do we go from here?”—reminding us that the most meaningful events are not about volume or applause, but about stewardship, connection, and honoring a legacy that still calls us forward.

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