Phyllis Yvonne Stickney is a true renaissance woman.  Ms. Stickney’s commitment to excellence spans her professional life and is also exemplified in her community activism. While embracing Harlem as her second home Ms. Stickney has devoted time and effort to save her historic Seventh Avenue 52 unit building from greedy developers through shutting down two crack houses,  initiating and leading  the building from city to tenant management and ultimately tenant ownership so that the residents can truly have a place to call home.

Ms. Stickney has developed Alternative Careers in the Arts, an entertainment industry training program for youth at risk. Still she remains committed and active in improving the well being of the generations to come through her hands on work with Nana Kukuleko’s Harlem Birth Action Committee with in promoting natural childbirth and breastfeeding.  In recognition of how Ms. Stickney lives her life and cultivates her career she joins the list of a very select group who have been bestowed the title of African Centered Scholar (ACS).

As author Ms. Stickney’s theatrical work entitled “Big Momma and Nem” is included in the anthology entitled “Black Comedy: 9 Plays”.  Most recently she has published “Loud Thoughts for Quiet Moments” which is a collection of her poetry and personal perspectives.  She currently has two books ready for publication as well as her one woman play P.S. I’m Still Standing… that is ready for production.

Ms. Stickney is nationally and internationally recognized for her work in film, television and stage.    Her work in films such as New Jack City, Malcolm X, What’s Love Got to Do With It?, The Inkwell, and How Stella Got Her Groove Back  among others  is unforgettable and she is one of the most recognized faces in the industry. 

Never the less her commitment to making a positive difference is what brought Ms. Stickney to be chosen in the Essence 25^th Anniversary issue as “One of the 200 African American Women who has changed the World.”  Other accolades and commendations include the 1997 Zenith Award for Career Achievement, Professional Women of Color Phenomenal Women of The Year, 2003 African Voices Leeie Charles Contribution to Society and the Arts award, African Focus’ 2006 African Jewel award, and induction into the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame.

On the horizon for this dynamic sister is her own clothing line called ButterBaby, which is influenced by the styles of the 40’s and 50’s. Her project in the making is now a reality for us to celebrate and support.

Phyllis Yvonne Stickney is certainly a crowd pleaser with culture, commitment and class!

Special 2008 Guest