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Absolon Kent
 

Congratulations to the JMU Class of 2030! 💜💛

Congratulations to the JMU Class of 2030! 💜💛
Congratulations to the JMU Class of 2030! 💜💛
Congratulations to the JMU Class of 2030! 💜💛
Congratulations to the JMU Class of 2030! 💜💛

FAIRFAX, Va. — A huge congratulations to all the new Dukes who attended the JMU First Year Send-Off Event! 

Hosted by the JMU Office of Family Engagement and the JMU Parents Council, this special event is designed to welcome new Duke families to the JMU community and help students and families begin their journey together.

We’re excited to welcome the Class of 2030 to James Madison University and can’t wait to see all that this incredible group of Dukes will accomplish! 

📸: absolonkent.net/photogallery/index.php?/category/745

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Absolon Kent
 

My Vote; My Voice

My Vote; My Voice

FAIRFAX, Va. — Only one race on today’s primary ballot, but my vote is in.

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Absolon Kent
 

Food for Thought at Cooper Hewitt

Food for Thought at Cooper Hewitt
Food for Thought at Cooper Hewitt
Food for Thought at Cooper Hewitt
Food for Thought at Cooper Hewitt
Food for Thought at Cooper Hewitt

NEW YORK —  had the pleasure of attending the Smithsonian's Food for Thought Lecture & Luncheon at the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum. This event brought together the worlds of art, design, culture, science, and history. 

The Cooper Hewitt was a particularly fitting venue for the first program in this year's lecture series, especially with the opportunity to experience Art of Noise—an extraordinary exhibition exploring the relationship between music and design over the past 100 years. From concert posters and iconic album covers to phonographs, radios, record players, headphones, and modern digital music devices, the exhibition tells the story of how design has shaped the way we experience, share, and connect with music.

From the energy of New York City to the beauty and creativity of Cooper Hewitt, it was truly a day of food for thought, food for the soul, and inspiration for the imagination.

📸: absolonkent.net/photogallery/index.php?/category/743

      

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Absolon Kent
 

NMAAHC 10th Anniversary Celebration

NMAAHC 10th Anniversary Celebration
NMAAHC 10th Anniversary Celebration
NMAAHC 10th Anniversary Celebration
NMAAHC 10th Anniversary Celebration

WASHINGTON — Last night, Thurraya and I had the honor of attending the 10th Anniversary Celebration of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.

For the past decade, this extraordinary museum has preserved, shared, and celebrated the stories, struggles, achievements, and enduring contributions of African Americans to our nation's history. Since opening in 2016, it has welcomed millions of visitors from around the world, becoming a place of education, reflection, inspiration, and hope.

The evening brought together guests to commemorate this important milestone with opening remarks, a special anniversary program, and an opportunity to celebrate the museum's remarkable first ten years. Walking through the museum and sharing in this celebration was a powerful reminder that history is not only something we study—it is something we preserve, honor, and pass on to future generations.

  

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Absolon Kent
 

My Annandale: Cat Janice Mural

My Annandale: Cat Janice Mural
ANNANDALE, Va. — Annandale has long been home to talented artists and musicians, and few have touched hearts around the world like Cat Janice.

Born Catherine Ipsan the Annandale native was a singer-songwriter whose music inspired millions. After being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, she released her final single, Dance Outta My Head, ensuring that all proceeds would support her young son. The song became a global sensation, reaching the top of the TikTok Billboard chart and introducing her remarkable story of love, courage, and resilience to audiences worldwide.

Today, her legacy is being celebrated in Annandale with a beautiful new mural on the side of the Annandale Watch & Clock building at 4221 Annandale Road. The mural depicts Cat singing into a microphone, surrounded by flowers she loved, a star-filled night sky, and the poignant lyric, "I see you in the stars now." The project was inspired by her husband, Kyle Higginbotham, and made possible with the support of her family and the local community.

The mural is more than public art—it is a lasting tribute to an Annandale native whose music, strength, and generosity continue to inspire people around the world.

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