We’re getting married!!!!

We officially met at the Gardena Jazz Festival in August 2019 but somehow given the nature of our professional lives, we definitely crossed paths prior to that as he noted having my contact information in his phone. We exchanged business cards at the Jazz Festival and chatted about the upcoming Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) conference scheduled for the following month. Kellie shared that she was going to CBC and Shomari was encouraged by a friend that he should connect with Kellie if he decided to attend- after all DC is Kellie’s second home.

I thought that I would text her to ask how to navigate the conference and where the cool gatherings were, not to hit on her but just get pointed in the right direction. She was thinking oh Boy, this guy is going to be a drag and I have to chaperone him all over the conference... Not FUN!! We eventually see each other at the opening reception. I approach Kellie after she appeared to be done greeting everyone and was by herself. I asked, “So what makes Kellie Hawkins tick?”. Totally thrown by the question, she paused and said confidently, “oh just spending time with family and friends”. I knew there was more to that canned answer… We continued to chat casually and go our separate ways for the evening. The following afternoon we both were at an event and as it was wrapping up, Kellie asked me what parties I was going to? I don’t know where the parties are, that’s why I was texting you lady!! Show me what’s up! I was determined to get to the happenings but Kellie was starting to intrigue me… My colleague Michael and I insisted Kellie go with us to a dinner we were heading to first; Kellie mulled it over and said what the heck. After the dinner, there was time in between parties and Kellie invited me to her hotel lobby bar for a drink before we would head out to some CBC parties. We started talking and it was a wonderful conversation. She told me how she went to Howard and worked in DC for like 6 years and all about her travels. I was very interested in her life and where she was now. Three hours into the conversation at the lobby bar, we got a call saying the parties were really crowded and it would be difficult to get in. I said “Why do we need to go to a party, we have a party right here.” Kellie suggested we take a walk on the National Mall to check out the monuments at night.

The idea of walking the National Mall at night was incredible because I loved the Monuments! Especially the MLK Memorial Stone sculpture and the WWII soldiers at night. As we walked and talked, I just started feeling like something special was happening that was unexpected and unplanned. We crossed the street and I grabbed her hand… I didn’t let go. As we walked towards this carousel, I let her walk in front of me while holding her hand. Then we extended our arms, I spun her back towards me and gave her a Kiss... I thought she’s special. As we continued walking the Mall, I took Kellie’s hand in mine never to let it go. Upon returning to Los Angeles, I asked Kellie on a date to one of their favorite places, the Hollywood Bowl. We would spend our first date back in L.A. at the NAS/Mary J Blige concert at the Hollywood Bowl that I invited her to. I continued to spend most of my time with her and we became more comfortable with each other.

The day was February 7th, Kellie’s birthday and Super Bowl Sunday. Leading up to the day, Shomari was unusually excited about the Super Bowl but we were also excited to get out for brunch to celebrate Kellie’s birthday since outdoor dining was reopening. I thought Calamigos Ranch would be a wonderful and safe venue to not only celebrate her birthday, but a beautiful backdrop to propose. I luckily have talented sons and they were gracious enough to help me sing this song that we decided would be perfect. I knew she would like the ring because on our walks in the neighborhood of Monrovia, there was a jewelry store that we passed and we looked into the window and saw some rings and talked about what she liked. It was very casual and matter of fact but I took notes.

Her girlfriends, Britany, Brandi, Lauren and Tisa were so excited after I got on a text chain with them and told them I was proposing. They were like OMG I will be there! I will change my plans to be there!!LOL!! They were awesome and not only captured the video on multiple cameras, but Britany took our amazing post proposal pictures. We all arrive to Calamigos Ranch and Kellie is noting how magical the space was. We finally get seated at one of the picnic tables and I take the beverage orders to the bar area. When I return, my sons are with me, Hasani and Justice, with balloons and flowers in tow. And then this happens… https://youtu.be/fdZcLt_vCeU