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Mud Morganfield Kept a Legendary Legacy Alive
Kendesimohammed.con - Writer | Interviewer | Author
At the Silver Spring Blues Festival, Mud Morganfield Kept a Legendary Legacy Alive
Written By Kendesi Mohammed
On a warm summer evening in Downtown Silver Spring, the blues came alive in a way that only authentic music can. Thousands of festivalgoers gathered for the 17th Annual Silver Spring Blues Festival, a free community event that transformed the heart of Silver Spring into a celebration of one of America's most influential musical traditions. Among the evening's most anticipated performers was Mud Morganfield, the eldest son of blues legend Muddy Waters.
For blues fans, Morganfield's appearance was more than another concert. It was a living connection to the roots of Chicago blues and to a musical legacy that helped shape modern American music.
Born Larry Williams in Chicago in 1954, Mud Morganfield is the eldest son of Muddy Waters, widely regarded as the father of modern Chicago blues. Although he spent much of his early life outside the music business, Morganfield eventually embraced the family tradition and developed a successful career of his own. His deep voice and phrasing often remind audiences of his father, while his performances carry the experiences and perspective of his own journey.
The Morganfield family has played an important role in preserving the blues. Mud's half-brother, Big Bill Morganfield, became an acclaimed blues singer and guitarist, while their late brother, Mojo Morganfield, dedicated himself to both music and the preservation of his father's history. Together, they helped ensure that the influence of Muddy Waters would continue long after his passing.
When Mud Morganfield took the stage in Silver Spring, the crowd responded immediately. Families, longtime blues enthusiasts, and first-time listeners filled the festival grounds. As the music began, people danced in the streets, sang along to familiar rhythms, and celebrated a genre that continues to connect generations.
What stood out most was not simply the performance itself but the atmosphere it created. The blues has always been music born from struggle, perseverance, joy, and community. Morganfield's presence reminded the audience that these stories remain relevant today.
The Silver Spring Blues Festival has become one of the region's premier blues events, bringing together nationally recognized artists alongside local performers for an entire day of music. This year's lineup featured more than a dozen acts, culminating with Mud Morganfield's performance and an all-star blues jam led by pianist and bandleader Daryl Davis.
For those in attendance, the evening offered something increasingly rare in modern life: a chance to experience history through live music. Watching Mud Morganfield perform was not merely entertainment. It was a reminder that great cultural traditions survive because each generation chooses to carry them forward.
As the final notes echoed through Downtown Silver Spring, one thing was clear: the legacy of Muddy Waters remains alive, and through artists like Mud Morganfield, the blues continues to find new audiences while honoring its past.
The lineup featured an incredible collection of performers:
• Piedmonsters
• DRT-y Blues
• Archie Edwards Blues Heritage Ensemble
• Tom Walbank
• Lucie & Luna Blues
• School of Rock Doin' the Blues
• Cathy Ponton King featuring Curtis Pope
• Dave Cole & Main Street Blues
• Nella B. & The Noise
• Soul Crackers featuring Tommy Lepson
• Mud Morganfield with the Daryl Davis Chicago Blues Band
• SSBF All-Star Jam led by Daryl Davis
A Day with the Kings and Queens of the Blues
Kendesimohammed.con - Writer | Interviewer | Author
Photography + Written By Kendesi Mohammed
Last night, I had the privilege of being surrounded by some of the region's top photographers and the true kings and queens of the blues. It was an unforgettable experience.
The performances were breathtaking from beginning to end. I walked so much that my feet were hurting by the end of the night, but it was worth every step. Armed with my camera, I captured more than 1,000 photographs from every angle imaginable, documenting the energy, passion, and artistry that filled the streets of Downtown Silver Spring.
I attended the 17th Annual Silver Spring Blues Festival on Saturday, June 20, 2026, a day-long celebration of blues music that brought together talented musicians, devoted fans, photographers, and members of the community.
The lineup featured an incredible collection of performers:
• Piedmonsters
• DRT-y Blues
• Archie Edwards Blues Heritage Ensemble
• Tom Walbank
• Lucie & Luna Blues
• School of Rock Doin' the Blues
• Cathy Ponton King featuring Curtis Pope
• Dave Cole & Main Street Blues
• Nella B. & The Noise
• Soul Crackers featuring Tommy Lepson
• Mud Morganfield with the Daryl Davis Chicago Blues Band
• SSBF All-Star Jam led by Daryl Davis
The festival was expertly hosted by Ida Campbell of WPFW-FM and Willie Leebel of the Archie Edwards Blues Heritage Foundation, whose passion for preserving and promoting the blues was evident throughout the event.
One of the highlights of the evening was watching Nella B. & The Noise deliver a powerful performance that energized the crowd and showcased why they continue to gain recognition throughout the blues community.
Events like the Silver Spring Blues Festival remind us that music is more than entertainment. It is culture, history, storytelling, and community all rolled into one. From the first performance of the morning to the final jam session of the night, the festival celebrated the enduring spirit of the blues and the people who keep it alive.
I left with tired feet, a camera full of memories, and an even greater appreciation for the artists, photographers, organizers, and fans who made the day such a success.
The lineup featured an incredible collection of performers:
• Piedmonsters
• DRT-y Blues
• Archie Edwards Blues Heritage Ensemble
• Tom Walbank
• Lucie & Luna Blues
• School of Rock Doin' the Blues
• Cathy Ponton King featuring Curtis Pope
• Dave Cole & Main Street Blues
• Nella B. & The Noise
• Soul Crackers featuring Tommy Lepson
• Mud Morganfield with the Daryl Davis Chicago Blues Band
• SSBF All-Star Jam led by Daryl Davis
17th Annual Silver Spring Blues Festival on Saturday, June 20, 2026
Meeting a Master Behind the Lens: John Mathew Smith
Kendesimohammed.con - Writer | Interviewer | Author!
Meeting a Master Behind the Lens: John Mathew Smith
Written By Kendesi Mohammed
At the 17th Annual Silver Spring Blues Festival, I had the opportunity to meet and speak with photographer John Mathew Smith. What started as a conversation about photography quickly became a lesson in storytelling, patience, and the art of capturing a moment that can last forever.
Smith is an accomplished American historical and celebrity photographer, publicist, and archivist based in Baltimore, Maryland. Over the course of several decades, he has built a remarkable body of work documenting some of the world's most recognizable figures. His photographs are known for their authenticity, often capturing candid and intimate moments that reveal the humanity behind public figures.
During our conversation, we discussed photography, music, and what it takes to capture the perfect shot. As someone who spent the day photographing the festival from every angle, I appreciated hearing insights from a photographer whose work has documented history itself.
Smith's portfolio includes photographs of some of the most influential people of the modern era, including Princess Diana, Coretta Scott King, John Lewis, Colin Powell, Halle Berry, James Earl Jones, Whoopi Goldberg, Patti LaBelle, John Denver, Pelé, and Yogi Berra.
His work is distributed through his archive platform and has appeared in publications, books, and media outlets around the world. Many of his photographs have also been preserved through public archives, ensuring that future generations can continue to learn from and appreciate these moments in history.
As photographers, we often focus on the technical side of the craft: cameras, lenses, lighting, and settings. But conversations like the one I had with John Mathew Smith serve as a reminder that photography is ultimately about people, stories, and preserving moments that matter.
Meeting him at the Silver Spring Blues Festival was one of the highlights of the day. It was an opportunity to learn from someone who has spent a lifetime documenting history through a camera lens and proving that one photograph can tell a story that lasts for generations.
JOHN MATHEW SMITH
Smith's portfolio includes photographs of some of the most influential people of the modern era, including Princess Diana, Coretta Scott King, John Lewis, Colin Powell, Halle Berry, James Earl Jones, Whoopi Goldberg, Patti LaBelle, John Denver, Pelé, and Yogi Berra.
No King Protest In DC - Photos By Kendesi Mohammed / Kendesi Media
smithsonian american art museum - Photo by Kendesi Mohammed
We cover what’s happening in the DMV area.
Lamont Roach Jr. Sharpens His Skills Ahead of March 1 Showdown at Barclays Center
Lamont Roach Jr. Sharpens His Skills Ahead of March 1 Showdown at Barclays Center
Lamont Roach Jr. Sharpens His Skills Ahead of March 1 Showdown at Barclays Center
Photos from Lamont Roach Jr.’s workout at his gym capture his preparation for his upcoming fight against Gervonta “Tank” Davis ahead of their March 1 matchup at the Barclays Center. The images were taken during open media workout sessions at NoXcuse Boxing Club in Marlow Heights and Temple Hills, Maryland, where Roach trained in front of the press. The workout highlighted his heavy bag work, speed and power drills, pad work, and overall conditioning as he dialed in before fight week.
Tim Day Hosts Paul D. Barrow and Kendesi Mohammed at WBGR.TV Studios
Lamont Roach Jr. Sharpens His Skills Ahead of March 1 Showdown at Barclays Center
Lamont Roach Jr. Sharpens His Skills Ahead of March 1 Showdown at Barclays Center
Tim Day recently gave Paul D. Barrow and Kendesi Mohammed an exclusive tour of the WBGR.TV Studios, located at 5900 Princess Garden Parkway, Suite 64, Lanham, Maryland 20706. The visit highlighted the growing role of WBGR.TV as a powerful platform for community-focused media in Prince George’s County.
Real Power
Real Power Comes from Building
Written By Kendesi Mohammed
We can protest and march all we want to, but when we create businesses, jobs, nonprofit organizations, churches, banks, and real economic power, the world will listen to us.
I am not saying it will be easy. I am very aware that we have done it before. But today is a new day, and we must be willing to change and grow if we want the world to respect us.
We must take care of our own no matter what others are doing or trying to do to us. That does not mean we should not collaborate with people from different ethnicities and backgrounds. Cooperation is important in a global world.
But the world is always watching us. How we treat each other is often how others will treat us.
Let us start with respect, trust, love, and loyalty. From that foundation we can build strong families, strong businesses, and strong communities that will stand for generations.
#EconomicPower #CommunityBuilding #BlackUnity #BuildTogether #OwnershipMatters #GenerationalWealth #StrongerCommunities
#IndependentMovement #Entrepreneurship #MediaRevolution #HealthcareInnovation #EconomicGrowth #Empowerment
Healing the Bond Between Black Men and Black Women
Written By Kendesi Mohammed
Black men must learn to lead with responsibility, discipline, and integrity. Leadership is not just about strength. It is about character, protection, wisdom, and accountability. When Black men commit themselves to growth and responsibility, they help build a stable foundation for families and communities.
Black women must also be mindful of how they speak about Black men. We are the sons of Black women, and much of what we learn about life, love, and resilience begins at home with our mothers. The words spoken in our homes shape confidence, identity, and direction.
The relationship between Black men and Black women is one of the most important bonds in our community. When that bond is healthy, children grow up with stronger values, clearer identity, and greater confidence in themselves. When the bond is broken through disrespect, division, or misunderstanding, the entire community feels the consequences.
True progress requires mutual respect, communication, and unity. Black men and Black women must learn to uplift each other, protect each other, and work together to build families, businesses, institutions, and opportunities for the next generation. When we strengthen our bond with love, respect, and purpose, we strengthen the entire community.
#BlackUnity #BlackLove #BlackFamilies
#CommunityHealing #StrongerTogether #FamilyFirst
#BuildTheCommunity #BlackExcellence
Let God Fight Your Battles
Faith, Trust, and Letting God Fight Your Battles
Written By Kendesi Mohammed
Jesus said that with faith as small as a mustard seed you can tell a mountain to move. He also said that He could call more than twelve legions of angels, over 72,000 angels, to fight for Him. Yet He chose not to, showing that God’s plan is greater than our own strength.
So many of us worry about our enemies or friends who misrepresent us. Instead, we should focus on our relationship with God and doing what He has commanded. He knows the future and the path He wants us to walk. If you love God, before taking action on earth, pray and seek His guidance. Many in positions of power act first and consider consequences later, but God’s wisdom ensures the right timing and direction.
The lesson is clear. If you truly believe in God it does not matter how big your enemy’s army is. You do not have to fight your own wars. Trust in God and He will fight for you. Faith is not about the size of your power. It is about surrendering to God’s. Even the smallest faith, fully trusted, can overcome the impossible, move mountains, and bring victory.
Believe. Trust.
Let God fight your battles.
THE INDEPENDENT MOVEMENT
The Independent Movement: Good for America and Its People
Written By Kendesi Mohammed
Across America, a quiet revolution is taking place. Independent journalism, media, artists, entertainers, entrepreneurs, and business professionals are redefining the way we work, create, and consume. This movement isn’t just about personal freedom or creativity. It has the potential to leave households with more money, reshape industries, and strengthen the nation’s economy.
Traditionally, large corporations, media companies, and institutions have dictated how business is done. But as more individuals take control of their careers and businesses, these organizations are being forced to adapt. Independent creators and professionals bring innovation, competition, and new opportunities, creating a ripple effect that benefits consumers and communities alike.
Healthcare is another area poised for transformation. More doctors and nurses are opening their own practices, providing personalized care while allowing hospitals to focus on emergency situations and critical care. This shift improves efficiency, increases access to healthcare, and empowers professionals to build sustainable businesses.
The independent movement is not just a trend. It is a strategy for economic growth and societal benefit. By fostering entrepreneurship, encouraging innovation, and allowing professionals to operate on their own terms, America is creating a more dynamic and resilient economy.
Ultimately, independence in business, media, and healthcare strengthens communities, creates wealth, and empowers individuals. It is a movement that proves when people are given the tools and freedom to take control, everyone benefits.
#IndependentMovement #Entrepreneurship #MediaRevolution #HealthcareInnovation #EconomicGrowth #Empowerment
World Goes Around
Moab Low’s “World Goes Around” Speaks to Pain, History, and the Reality of Washington DC
Written By Kendesi Mohammed
Moab Low is an interesting artist with a different kind of voice. In his song World Goes Around, he touches on deep and uncomfortable topics such as greed, slavery, and the long lasting psychological damage often associated with the Willie Lynch theory. His message suggests that ever since those systems were put in place, Black communities have been struggling with the effects.
What stands out most about Moab Low is the emotion in his delivery. You can hear the pain in his voice through the lyrics he repeats and emphasizes throughout the song. The music feels raw and unfiltered, and so does his voice. It carries a weight that reflects lived experiences rather than manufactured entertainment.
For those who understand Washington DC, the message hits even harder. The city has a long history of struggle and resilience. The streets have seen everything from kingpins and hustlers to prostitution, gentrification, and ongoing tensions around policing and community relations. These realities shape the stories many artists bring to the microphone.
In World Goes Around, Moab Low manages to touch on many of these themes within a single song. That is not easy to do, yet he brings them together in a way that feels authentic. His music sounds like someone trying to make sense of the world while also challenging listeners to think beyond the box many people feel trapped in.
Washington DC has countless talented artists, each with their own story. But Moab Low sounds like someone whose story hits differently. His voice carries pain, but it also carries hope. It feels like a call for people to reflect on history, question the systems around them, and imagine something better.
Sometimes the most powerful music is not the most polished. Sometimes it is simply the most honest. Moab Low’s voice, and the emotion behind it, makes it clear that there is a deeper story waiting to be told.
#MoabLow #WorldGoesAround #WashingtonDC #DCMusic #DMVArtists #HipHopCulture #RealHipHop #ConsciousMusic #MusicWithAMessage #StreetStories #UrbanReality #DCArtists #IndependentArtists #TruthInMusic #KendesiMedia #KendesiTV #SupportIndependentArtists #DMVMusicScene
Pharice M. Brown | Author and Publishing Strategist
Pharice M. Brown | Author, Publisher, and Founder of Pain 2 Prosperity Publishing
Written By Kendesi Mohammed
Pharice M. Brown is an author, entrepreneur, and founder of Pain 2 Prosperity Publishing, a boutique firm dedicated to helping Black and Brown women transform their expertise and experiences into purpose-driven books that amplify visibility, income, and influence. A native of Northwest Washington, D.C., Brown draws on her background in A&R, public relations, and event management to guide authors in strategically positioning their work as tools for authority, business growth, and legacy building. An author herself, she penned the thought-provoking eBook You’re a Bad Wife Because You Can’t Clean the House?, reflecting her commitment to honest storytelling and empowering women to turn their stories into lasting impact.
Strategic Content Solutions for Artists & Entrepreneurs
Professional Writing and Content Solutions for Artists and Entrepreneurs
Kendesimohammed.com is a professional content creation and consulting platform dedicated to helping artists, entrepreneurs, and business professionals with all of their writing and branding needs. The company specializes in transforming ideas, visions, and experiences into clear, compelling content that positions clients for growth and opportunity.
For artists, Kendesimohammed.com provides high quality writing services including professional bios, press releases, artist write ups, social media content, articles, sponsorship packages, and event descriptions. These services help creatives communicate their brand, story, and value with confidence.
For entrepreneurs and business professionals, Kendesimohammed.com delivers strategic content such as business plans, business proposals, sponsorship decks, branded messaging, and professional narratives designed to attract clients, investors, partners, and media attention.
Kendesimohammed.com understands that strong writing is essential to credibility and success. Every project is tailored to reflect the client’s voice, goals, and industry, ensuring consistency and professionalism across all platforms.
Whether you are building a brand, launching a business, or advancing your career, Kendesimohammed.com provides writing that elevates your presence and opens doors.
Call or Text 301 500 0440
#kendesi #kendesiblog #kendesimohammed #kendesimedia
Game of Chess
Politics Is Often a Game of Chess
Written By Kendesi Mohammed
Before we know it, political rivals sometimes become allies or even friends. Many Americans remember when it seemed that Barack Obama and George W. Bush represented completely different worlds in American politics. Their policies, philosophies, and political parties placed them on opposite sides of many national debates. Yet in the years after their presidencies, the public has witnessed moments of mutual respect, shared laughter, and cooperation.
This reality reminds us that politics is often more complex than it appears on television screens or campaign stages. What looks like hostility or deep division during elections can later transform into civility and understanding. Leaders who once debated fiercely sometimes recognize the unique burden of serving as president and develop a level of respect that only a few people in the world can truly understand.
There have even been discussions over the years about distant ancestral connections among prominent American families. Genealogists have found that many individuals in the United States share distant family ties that stretch back generations. While such discoveries may surprise the public, they are not unusual in a country with centuries of interconnected history.
From the outside, politics can resemble a game of chess. Moves are calculated. Strategies unfold slowly. Alliances shift over time. The public often sees only a portion of the board while the full strategy develops behind the scenes.
Recently, the public has also seen moments of political tension between Donald Trump and Barack Obama. Political disagreements between leaders are not new in American history. But imagine a moment years from now when both men sit together quietly, sharing a simple cup of tea inside the White House. Not to debate policy or relive political battles, but to look out the windows of the residence that only a few people in history have called home. In that moment, the conversation may be less about politics and more about the responsibility of serving the nation.
In politics and in business, friendships and rivalries often shape personal growth. Sometimes the people who challenge us the most are the ones who push us to think harder, work smarter, and grow stronger. At other times, the people around us may quietly watch as we struggle without offering guidance or support.
For citizens, this reality is an important reminder to look beyond the daily headlines. Political disagreements are real and often necessary in a democracy. But beneath the surface there are relationships, negotiations, and shared responsibilities that shape how leaders interact long after the cameras stop recording.
Understanding this complexity does not mean ignoring political differences. Instead, it encourages a broader perspective about how leadership, power, and relationships evolve over time.
In the end, politics may appear to be a battlefield, but it is also a place where strategy, respect, and history intersect in ways the public does not always see.
#politics #leadership #democracy #government #washingtondc #perspective
Why Fathers Matter to a Girl Child’s Self-Esteem
Written By Kendesi Mohammed
A father’s presence in a girl’s life plays a powerful and often underestimated role in shaping her self-esteem, confidence, and sense of self-worth. From early childhood through adulthood, the way a father shows up emotionally, mentally, and physically can influence how a girl sees herself, how she allows others to treat her, and what she believes she deserves in life.
First, fathers help shape a girl’s identity and confidence. When a father consistently shows love, protection, and encouragement, a girl learns that she is valuable simply because she exists. Simple actions such as listening to her thoughts, supporting her interests, and celebrating her achievements reinforce the belief that her voice matters. This foundation of validation becomes a shield against insecurity, self-doubt, and external pressure as she grows older.
Second, fathers influence how a girl views relationships and boundaries. A healthy father-daughter relationship often becomes a reference point for how she expects to be treated by others, especially men. When a father demonstrates respect, patience, and accountability, a girl is more likely to develop strong boundaries and avoid relationships rooted in manipulation, neglect, or abuse. She learns that love does not require suffering, silence, or self-sacrifice at the expense of her dignity.
Fathers also play a critical role in emotional resilience. Life inevitably presents challenges, rejection, and disappointment. A supportive father helps a girl navigate failure without internalizing it as a reflection of her worth. By teaching problem-solving, emotional regulation, and perseverance, fathers help daughters develop inner strength and confidence in their ability to overcome adversity.
In addition, fathers contribute to a girl’s sense of safety and stability. Knowing that a father is present, reliable, and engaged provides emotional security. This sense of safety allows a girl to explore the world, take healthy risks, and pursue her goals without fear of abandonment. Stability at home often translates into confidence in school, social environments, and future professional spaces.
It is also important to acknowledge that fatherhood is not defined solely by biology. Father figures, whether stepfathers, grandfathers, uncles, mentors, or guardians, can have the same positive impact when they show up with consistency, care, and integrity. What matters most is the presence of a responsible male role model who reinforces a girl’s worth through actions, not just words.
When fathers are absent, disengaged, or emotionally unavailable, many girls struggle with self-esteem issues that can follow them into adulthood. This absence can create feelings of rejection, unworthiness, or confusion about love and acceptance. While many women overcome these challenges with resilience and support, the impact of a present and involved father remains irreplaceable.
In conclusion, fathers are essential to a girl child’s self-esteem because they help shape her confidence, emotional health, relationship expectations, and sense of value. A father’s love, guidance, and presence send a lifelong message to a daughter: you matter, you are worthy, and you deserve respect. Investing in fathers is not just about supporting men; it is about strengthening girls, families, and future generations.
#GirlChild #SelfEsteem #FatherDaughterBond
The Traveling Letter
New Author Chyna Mone’t Explores Destiny, Healing, and Second Chances in The Traveling Letter
Written By Kendesi Mohammed
In a literary landscape increasingly shaped by stories of self discovery and resilience, emerging author Chyna Mone’t delivers a striking debut with The Traveling Letter, a novel that blends emotional depth, personal transformation, and the quiet courage it takes to confront the past.
The story follows Rayne, a disciplined and ambitious graduate student pursuing her master’s degree at South Florida University. Rayne has spent her entire life following the rules, determined to build a future defined by stability, success, and purpose. But beneath her drive lies a single unresolved mistake, a lingering regret that shadows every step she takes.
With the unexpected guidance of her Chemistry professor, Rayne is presented with a rare opportunity, the chance to face that mistake directly, to revisit a moment she once wished she could rewrite. As Rayne steps into this emotional journey, the novel asks a universal question, one that stretches far beyond fictional borders: If given the chance, can we really change our fate
Mone’t uses Rayne’s story to explore themes of accountability, healing, and the power of mentorship. The novel also reflects the pressures young women face as they strive for academic and personal excellence in a world that often demands perfection.
A Rising Literary Voice from Prince George’s County
The release of The Traveling Letter also introduces readers to Chyna Mone’t, a writer and educator whose creative roots trace back to Prince George’s County, Maryland. The founder of Dear Ms. Aphrodite, an empowerment driven platform centered on healing and global storytelling, Mone’t has dedicated much of her life to creating safe spaces for reflection and emotional growth.
Her journey as a writer began at the age of four, evolving over the years into a body of work shaped by her passion for culture, education, and human connection. The Traveling Letter is her newest offering, one that blends her academic background, her commitment to healing narratives, and her deep understanding of the quiet battles many readers will recognize in themselves.
A Novel Rooted in Real World Conversations
At its core, The Traveling Letter invites readers to examine how the past influences our present, and whether confronting old wounds can truly set us free. It is a timely release in an era when young adults face increasing pressures around identity, achievement, and emotional wellness.
Through Rayne’s journey, Mone’t presents a character who is both vulnerable and determined, a reflection of countless students navigating the challenges of higher education while shouldering personal histories that often go unseen.
Availability
The Traveling Letter is now available for pre order for 20. Early readers and educators have praised the book for its relatable themes, compelling narrative, and its ability to spark conversations about healing, accountability, and the transformative power of storytelling.