Meet Nerissa Crockett, the 2012 ‘Jazz in the Gardens’ Grand Prize Winner
Rolling out recently caught up with Nerissa Crockett, this years grand prize winner of the “Jazz in the Gardens” grand prize weekend get away. Nerissa is a native of Bronx, N.Y., and currently resides in Allentown, Pa. This dynamic mother of three has a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Mercy College in New York. Read what Nerissa shared with us regarding winning the grand prize weekend getaway and jazz’s roots in the African American community.
How does it feel to be in Miami for Jazz in the Gardens?
It feels great! I was thrown off guard when Mr. Weems called, because I totally forgot that I entered, once I pressed enter really I was like what the chances I would win. When my phone rang I didn’t answer because I didn’t recognize the number and then I seen the voice mail came up, I was like I’ll check later. Something said check it, I listened to the message and he said I had one hour to call back I looked at the time I had 13 minutes I dialed so fast and now I’m the grand prize winner!
How does it feel to get away from New York?
Absolutely wonderful, this couldn’t have come a better time!!! I so needed to get away. The funny thing was on the same day, that morning I was planning on calling my cousin and asking her to find a little mini getaway to Miami since I never been and by mid-morning I get the phone call from Mr. Weems I was so excited!!
Who are some of your favorite music artists?
Mary J. Blige (top of the list) So you know I’m happy I won, Beyonce, Trey Songz, Usher, Kem, Monica, Tyrese to name a few.
What does jazz mean to the African American Community?
Jazz was away to escape our day-to- day problems. By losing ourselves in the rhythm that moved through our body. It was a way to come together as a black community to express ourselves and also tell our stories through songs. Jazz is still a part of our community today, we now hear jazz through many artist like Jill Scott, Kem and Ledesi. Also, a lot of artist sample Jazz music like Nas, Jay Z and Kanye West to name a few. Jazz will always be a staple in our community, it’s part our history, Its part of our life and Jazz will always be here to stay.
What did Whitney Houston mean to you as a person?
I grew up on Whitney Houston. Whitney Houston to me was one of the greatest voices of all time. I loved all her songs. Her songs are apart of my iTunes collection. I also loved that she was always a proud mother, always sharing the spotlight with her daughter on and off the stage. She will definitely be missed because I believe she was about to make a huge comeback
–al weems
