By Gregory Burrus | Posted Monday, March 15, 2021

"2020 was a whirlwind year of unpredictable and unexpected change, where our lives were abruptly interrupted, and our normal routines came to a grinding, screeching halt. Fatigued by setbacks, loss, grief and pain; exhausted, we held our breath waiting for any sign of relief." — Ife Basim

Enter Social Distancing

A coronavirus awareness sign around the U.S. Capitol encourages social distancing.

Per the CDC, "having to physically distance from someone you love—like friends, family, coworkers, or your worship community—can be hard.” It caused change in plans—for instance, having to do virtual job interviews, virtual dates, not being able to visit love ones in a health facility or worse we couldn't visit some of our own folks in our own home.

Refresh In Progress

Last year, right after the 2020 7th Annual Women’s History Month Celebration, the world literally shut down cold. On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared COVID-19 a global pandemic and we all went inside and hid from an unknown virus call COVID-19. As one reporter stated, “It felt like the world was falling apart" and we truly had no idea that the pandemic would last a year and that we would still be living through it today. Well, it's a year deep into the COVID-19 pandemic, the stress has been intense, and it’s time to take a break and just breathe again.

Inspiration Drives Creativity

This year, the 8th Annual Women’s History Month is being driven by inspiration and the results and rules of the COVID Pandemic. With Social Distancing in full effect, this year's event adheres to CDC Guidelines but more importantly is focused on addressing the daily ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. In our limited travel, we had a chance to interview the founder of the Annual Womens' History Month Celebration, now entering its 8th year. Enjoy the following:

Why did you start Women’s History Month — WHM2014 years ago?

Through The Years - Women's History Month Celebrations

Ife Basim: I started WHM because I believe in strengthening the bonds of Sisterhood. I wanted to create a platform for women to unite, share their gifts, talents and accomplishments, and thereby encourage others to do the same.

Which women or more inspire you?

Ife Basim: I am inspired by the goal-setters, the risk takers, the fearless, the determined and those that never lose sight of their goal. No matter how big or small the task, I am inspired by those that find new ways to live their best life.

What criteria is used to select your honoree?

Ife Basim: Many accomplishments of local women go unnoticed. I love exposing these unsung heroes, applauding them for their excellence and giving them their flowers now.

What can people look forward to this year that's new and different?

Ife Basim: Well, what's different is that we all have experienced the setback results of a Pandemic, and if you are blessed to have survived through COVID-19, you like so many others are now living a new normal. The theme "Refresh in Progress" is just a way of letting people know that now's the time to exhale, hit the reset button and refresh your life, by any means necessary.

Also, this year we will adhere to CDC Guidelines and address social distancing guidelines and live streaming our event. Our live-streamed performance talks of surviving, strengthening and, of course, the importance of sisterhood, which I am sure will not only entertain, but inspire others to begin their refresh in progress.

How can folks join in and support this year's Women's History Month Celebration?

Ife Basim: This year we hope those who have joined us over the years can join in this year's 2021 Women's History Month Celebration and help us keep this wonderful, inspiring, celebration, move forward. Please listen to our message below.

Ife Basim: Live-Streamed Celebration. The theme for this year, “Refresh in Progress.” Restoration is a process. Renewal is a process. Refreshing is a process. Start your process.

Please click here and join in the fun.

Meet Your Producer — Joy Topping-Mann (aka Ife Basim)

In her early days as a Contemporary Christian artist, songwriter and arranger, Joy Topping-Mann co-produced three CD projects of original music which she performed nationally and internationally with her band ‘Gifts.’ She has opened for other well-known Christian artists, was signed with Jamm Records, a Los Angeles, California record company, and has had her music played on radio stations throughout the U.S.

As a jazz vocalist, Joy’s rich melodic voice and unique phrasing take the listener back to the days of classic jazz, invoking shades of Sarah Vaughan and hints at the daring of Billie Holiday. Warmly embraced by enthusiastic audiences, she has appeared at several venues in the Tri-state area.

As a producer and promoter of special events, Joy has received local acclaim for the Annual Women’s History Month Celebrations held each March at the St. Joseph’s Plaza (formerly known as the Priory) located in Newark, New Jersey. These uniquely memorable experiences have focused on honoring extraordinary women for their outstanding accomplishments, while empowering and encouraging women, young and old to pursue their dreams and practice the art of protecting their peace. Audiences have been treated to virtuoso performances by the Tri-state’s most talented artists.

Joy’s prowess as a writer has been rewarded with two of her essays being selected by the Billie Holiday Theater’s 50in50. “Letters to Our Daughters” in 2019 was performed at the Kumble Theater in NY by Actress Marsha Stephanie Blake, and her submission, "Letters to Our Sons" 2020 was selected to be read by one of New York City's finest actresses on March 14th & March 15th as well as performed at the WACO Theater in Los Angeles, CA.

She has now set her sights on play writing, and her debut stage production “Storms Weathered” is quickly capturing the interest of many. One of her 10-minute plays “ELEVATE HER” was read by actors of Unidentified Stages at SOPAC.

Producer of the Annual Women's History Month Celebrations, Joy Topping-Mann's (aka Ife Basim) goal is to leave lasting impressions in whatever she does. Excitement is definitely in the air for the 8th Annual WHM2021 which will be streamed online Friday, March 26th. Come join us. You will not be disappointed.

About Gregory Burrus Productions

Gregory Burrus is a local live music producer, promoter, event planner, and community partner. Gregory Burrus combines his extensive corporate business and technology expertise with his love of live music and being a strong community advocate. He is clearly happy to support and help produce this 8th Annual Women’s History Month event led by the imaginative and very creative Ife Basim along with live music lover and promoter from the Priory, Denise McCoy.

Learn more: https://gregoryburrusproductions.com

Support our GoFundme: http://ifebasimmasterpieces.com