BEN GORDON WEEKEND YOUTH TALENT SHOW!!

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Ben Gordon Weekend 2008

City Hall festival celebrates Mt. Vernon' youth
Mount Vernon's City Hall Plaza was the scene of an incredible gathering of nearly 700 young people and adults that helped kick-off Ben Gordon Weekend 2008 on Thursday, August 14. The event was highly promoted as an evening of "Youthful Praise" and a festival to celebrate Mount Vernon's youth.
The Mistress of Ceremonies for the event was the inspirational Zakiyyah Modeste (a.k.a. Sista Zock), who seems to have a natural passion for people and the unique ability to connect with an audience. She always manages to inspire people from all walks of life with her vibrant personality.

The hundreds of youth in attendance experienced a unique and inspirational evening consisting of a youth talent show, motivational speakers, African dancers, youth gospel groups and a job fair.
Young people are Mount Vernon's most treasured asset and nobody understands that better than Mount Vernon native, Ben Gordon, the star guard of the Chicago Bulls. Gordon has always made children the focus of every Ben Gordon Weekend celebration.
This year's Ben Gordon Weekend was promoted heavily, since half the money raised during the three-day festivities will be going to the Save Our Sports initiative, an effort to privately fund the high school's athletic programs for the upcoming school year after a school budget was twice voted down.
The threat of rain did not keep people home, and the hundreds that attended were treated to superb entertainment during the talent show. The performers came from all across Westchester County to perform in Mount Vernon before Ben Gordon, who was one of the judges.
The following is a list of the talent show winners:

* 1st place - Unknown Dynasty (dance group), who performed to a mix of songs
* 1st place - Malik and Fam (singing group), who sang an original song, "Exposed"
* 2ns place - Bess Man (solo Reggae Rapper), who performed "Be the Bess Man"
* 3rd place - Legacy (poet), performed original poem, "My Love"
* 3rd place - The Joseph Girls (singing group), performed a Gospel song, "Jesus Alone"

Soon after the talent show ended, rained started to come down heavily, creating a long delay.
The evening ended with a terrific performance by a local African dance troupe, and great singing by youth gospel groups.