Kitchen of Grace, a nonprofit extension of Cafe on the Corner in Marshall-Shadeland, presented its second annual Christmas Music Extravaganza on Wednesday, Dec. 19 at Alloy 26 in Nova Place.
By Ashlee Green
Community members packed into Alloy 26 on Wednesday, Dec. 19 for the second annual Christmas Music Extravaganza presented by Kitchen of Grace (KOG).
Performers for the evening included pianists, poets, artists, dancers, a spoken word artist and a mime. Some of the performers were students of the KOG program.
The goal of the night, according to Cafe on the Corner Co-Owner and KOG Founder Lateresa Blackwell, was to recognize the hardworking children in the community.
KOG is a program of Lateresa and her husband, Michael Blackwell. Its mission is to “hire and raise up indigenous leaders” and to “act as a catalyst for peace and healing in the community” by offering training in hospitality and business development. KOG is a 12-week program open to residents throughout the City of Pittsburgh. Applications are available <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label='KOG is a program of Lateresa and her husband, Michael Blackwell. Its mission is to "act as a catalyst for peace and healing in the community" and "hire and raise up indigenous leaders" by offering training in hospitality and business development. KOG is a 12-week program open to residents throughout the City of Pittsburgh and applications are available online.
The application process is online and is open to residents city-wide. According to the Blackwells, they are not selecting anyone based on race or socioeconomic backgrounds. The main intangibles they are looking for in applicants is a “passion” and drive to better oneself. Their goal with the program is to improve the lives of those involved. (opens in a new tab)’ href=”http://www.thekitchenofgracepgh.com/index.html” target=”_blank”>online.
Community members pack into Alloy 26 to witness performances celebrating Kitchen of Grace. Dr. Christine Wankirri-Hale welcomes the crowd. 
Elijah Edwards opens the evening with a prayer. 
Lateresa Blackwell, founder of Kitchen of Grace, introduces the master of ceremonies. 
Master of Ceremonies, Ta’lor Pinkston of Ladyjourney LLC, introduces each evening performance. 
Donovan (left) starts of the piano recital portion of the event, assisted by KOG student Brionna Kline-Costa. 
Olanna plays a Christmas tune. 
Ra’Mer continues the piano recital. 
Amara rounds out the group of students led by Kline-Costa. 
One final young pianist performs for the crowd. 
KOG student Kianna Copeland assists Kline-Costa as she shows off her musical talent. 
Ronald “Spoon” Taylor performs spoken word pieces about social media and communication as his partner, Domanique Goodson, draws on an easel. 
Students of KOG and New Hope Church wear masks and do a choreographed holiday dance.
