Written by | Ray Cornelius
I had the pleasure of attending a viewing party Saturday night for the fourth and final episode of “Iyanla Fix My Life: House of Healing.” The four-part season premiere was used to dispel the myth of the “Angry Black Woman” and featured eight African-American women who have been associated with that stereotype including “Players Club” actress and reality star Chrystale Wilson and Rick Ross’ former fiancée Lira Galore.
The private screening took place at YOMI Gaming Atlanta and was attended by three of the “House of Healing” stars including Chrystale, Gloria and Jaimeka. The event was hosted by YouTube sensation Funky Dineva and featured Caribbean cuisine provided by Farmer’s Gourmet Catering and cocktails by Plush Vodka.
The women from “The House of Healing” were able to overcome a myriad of deeply rooted issues including molestation, spousal abuse, abandonment, shame from teenage pregnancy, low self-esteem, self hate and negative body image. For Jaimeka, who was molested at eight-years-old by her mother’s boyfriend, the entire experience allowed her to finally see her self-worth as a Black woman.
“Iyanla does not do this for the cameras! She does this from the heart,” said the newly engage mother of three. “The biggest lesson I learned from this show was to vote for myself and stand up for myself and to put myself first because I have not been doing that in the past.”
Other special invited guests included BET/Centric’s “From the Bottom Up” star Stacii Jae Johnson, cast members from BET’s newest reality series “Ink, Paper, Scissors,” Grammy winning songwriter and producer Fred Jerkins (Rodney Jerkins brother) and SWV member and reality star LeLee Lyons.
Check out more pictures below:
Mona Stephen, LeLee Lyons and Stacii Jae Johnson
Last night’s screening was sponsored by PLUSH Vodka
Funky Dineva with Jaimeka and Chrystale
Food was provided by Farmer’s Gourmet Catering
Cast members from BET’s new reality series “Ink, Paper, Scissors“
“Q in the Streets” Radio hosts
Funky Dineva hosting the post screening Q&A session with show producer
Renicia Daniels and “House of Healing” cast Gloria and Jaimeka
Mona Stephen asking a question during the Q&A session
Renicia Daniels with Gloria and Jaimeka
Funky Dineva with Jaimeka, Renicia and Gloria
Funky Dineva with Mona Stephen and Stacii Jae Johnson
Photo Credits: RayCornelius.com