Last week I introduced you to a special series for this month titled “The Women Of RVA.” There are just so many phenomenal women in RVA that deserve so much attention for their contributions to the community. I know I will probably miss a dozen or more women that I should cover, but these articles are a first step at giving all of these women their proper recognition. We need to realize the importance of our talented and goal-driven women. These are our women of Urban RVA.
Zenobia Bey (Z. Bey Da Poet)
Emcee/Motivational Speaker/Community Activist
I first heard of Zenobia Bey through a mutual friend who was from out of town letting me know about this talented and phenomenal woman and the poetry slams that she hosts. I looked Zenobia up and found a flier for a charity event she was throwing to feed the homeless through Community 50/50, the non-profit organization she founded. She is known for her positive thinking, and throws many workshops on this topic and the consequences of the choices you make in life. “Have confidence in yourself,” says Bey. “See your vision, have a strong team behind you, and build your dream.” Zenobia cites actress Halle Berry as an inspirational woman. She explained that seeing Halle's work with non-profit organizations shows the difference between helping from the heart and just writing a check. “I also work in the mental health field,” says Bey. “I had been working so hard that I got promoted to supervisor, and at that point I knew I was fully committed to helping others. So I saw it as a calling.” Zenobia Bey can be seen around RVA helping and volunteering at many workshops and youth centers, as well as emceeing at the events she hosts.
Positive Words For Women:
“Just do it, but do it all in positivity.”
“If I want it, I will get it.”
“Be A Crab Out The Barrel.”
Links:
zbeythapoet.com
community5050.org
Zenobia Bey on Facebook
Twitter: @Zbeythapoet
Deisel
Battle League Contender/Emcee
Deisel is one tough female around RVA and has a name that cannot be touched locally. She has been heavily involved with the local battle rapping scene (as I reported when I covered that scene a few months back). She’s actually so involved that it landed her a spot on WBL (World Battle League) of Philadelphia, and caught the eye of well-known female battle emcee Tori Doe. “My success stems from being focused and not worrying about being in a relationship. Follow your craft and keep to the music and grind,” says Deisel. She is nothing to play with when it comes to the battleground, but one influence she sited was former Bad Boy artist Babs Bunny from Diddy's Making The Band series, who now does battle rapping herself and hosts plenty of events. “She had one of the most powerful men in music cut her, and she still didn’t stop her grind,” says Deisel. A moment that Diesel says had a heavy impact on her was the time she battled local battle emcee Jody. “I felt like everyone there was against me. Everyone was saying she was favored, and I felt I needed to bring my all for this battle.” She definitely proved her point and started a lot of buzz around the city. I recommend you catch her at her next battle. Keep an eye on this talented woman.
Positive Words For Women:
“Let nobody discourage you from doing what you want to do.”
“Let nobody sell you a dream.”
Links:
Deisel on ReverbNation
Deisel on Facebook
Twitter: @deiselso804
Kazyona “DopePuss” Mosby
Writer/Blogger/Host/Event Planner
Have you ever heard the saying "good things come in small packages"? This young and talented RVA woman goes by Kazyona Mosby, also known as “DopePuss.” She's got a lot going on, from appearing on internet radio show Boobz N Tattooz, to planning the ever-popular Beat Battles, hosted by Charged Up Enterprises, as well as the Ladies First events, both of which take place at The Camel. DopePuss actually got her start as an album reviewer, which led to her recognition by Ipower92 host Cam Cooper. “I was listening to a Lil Wayne album and decided I was going to write my opinion about it for him. He [saw] it and then invited me to the [radio] show.” DopePuss also did mixtape drops for the late Kleph Dollaz. “Hard work and consistency is what pays off nowadays,” says Dopepuss. “I really look up to Clovia Lawrence of Kiss FM/Radio One Networks. She’s an amazing woman and does a lot for her community, and is trying to restore voting rights for [former prison] inmates. I admire that.” DopePuss continues to write reviews for her website, and has some other projects coming up this summer.
Positive Words For Women:
“Love yourself. Once you learn that everything falls into place.”
Links:
thedpmosbyshow.com
Twitter: @TheDPMosbyShow