Her Journey To Now...A Blog: The Mackin Project

I had the opportunity, no scratch that, I had the honor to be the photographer at an event that, in my opinion, is truly a blessing. When I got the call from Kamaya Chapman of the Prim Agency to do this event, I admit I thought it was just another not for profit event. I'll go take a few pictures, take some actions shots and call it a day. No biggie, I've done it before this is the norm. I was totally wrong!

Tanisha Mackin, Chief Inspiration Officer

The Mackin Project.

I arrived at the agreed upon time, was greeted by Kamaya, whom introduced me to the lady pictured above, Mrs. Tanisha Mackin. She's pleasant, humble, and as some elders may say, Sweet as pie! So I began taking pre-party shots, checking my lighting, walking the area, you know, the usual. People started arriving and mingling, I captured a few of them on the "pink carpet", nothing really spectacular. Par for the course!

Then as I was taking candid action shots, I saw a poster of her upcoming book, "I Don't Look Like What I've Been Through". It got me to thinking, what have you been through? I have to admit, I hadn't done much research about The Mackin Project prior to the event. I never do! However, there was something about this book cover that had me curious. So a grabbed a pamphlet from the counter and read how it was a non-profit organization whose focus was to assist inner-city families that had lost a loved one due to violence. What would make Mrs. Mackin start this type of organization? What I learned had me almost in tears and put this woman in a totally different light!

Tanisha Mackin was made a widow after one year of marriage to the love of her life. Mr. Danyell Mackin was murdered as the couple & friends was leaving an establishment after celebrating there 1st anniversary as husband and wife. It was a senseless act of violence that took 3 other lives as well. Out of this pain, no one would have blamed Tanisha if she would have turned bitter, shut out the world, and retreated, however, she decided to turn her tragedy into triumph.

The Mackin Project Team

The Mackin Project was formed in 2010. Tanisha mentioned at the event that when you go through a tragedy as she has, you forget about self, like diapers for her youngest daughter who was only 7 months at the time. She wants to be sure that other widows have a strong support system that can provide some financial and emotional support in their time of need. The Mackin Project has programs in place to help, such as the Widows Talk. Tanisha is a certified bereavement coach who can help a widow through the 5 stages of grief. She not only understands those stages, she's been through them herself. They also hold events like the one I attended to gather donations for Widows Relief. Tanisha also spoke about having a Widow's Retreat. She's a firm believer that a strong team can help you get through these tough times. She has an outstanding team within The Mackin Project consisting of (above, l-r) Dale Stephens (chairman), Tanisha Mackin (founder), Judy "Jae" Nash (Board Member), & Nicole Stephens (vice chair).

Precious from TI & Tiny's Family Hustle

pictured with Tanish & her children Danyell, Jr & Destiny

The Mackin Project has touched the hearts of many. This event had several celebrity guest come through to bring donations and show support. The event's special guest was Precious Harris, from T.I. & Tiny's Family Hustle. Other celebrities included rapper Mykko Montana & Trice Morgan (also from T.I. & Tiny's Family Hustle). The event included a silent auction with items like massages, facials (I need those!!), gift cards, jewelry, bottles of Tiny's Tequila (who was also a sponsor), & an autographed picture along with 2 autographed books from T.I.

I believe it was a real success! Tanisha Mackin is the epitome of strength under pressure. She's not only the proud mom of two beautiful children, her son, Danyell Jr is also an author. He currently has a book out called, 'Fatherless son'. It's geared to reach children that have endured the same heartache of losing a father to violence and how to cope. He was on hand at the event signing copies for those that purchased a book. Mother & son will be doing a 4 city book tour soon, so be on the lookout for a city near you. As for the beautiful princess known as Destiny, she will dance her way into your heart!

I would like to thank all the sponsors for helping The Mackin Project be a success! They are Prim Agency, Reveal Magazine, Tiny's Tequila, Heel my Heart, Lux Shoes, Foot Kandy, & special shout out to Wednesday's Cake Design for the beautiful cake & cupcakes (that went missing before I could get to them, lol)!

So peeps, that was my weekend! I learned something new, met outstanding people, and was in awe of it all. In short, I was truly blessed! Hope you all was as well! To donate or volunteer to The Mackin Project go to their website...www.themackinproject.org, email them...info@themackinproject.org, or call 678.848.0699!!! Be Blessed! Smooches! L