Phylicia Rashad, then known as Phylicia Allen, discovered her passion for performing at a student music festival in 1959 Houston. Winning a contest to be the mistress of ceremonies at just 11 years old, Rashad meticulously prepared and wore a special outfit for the event. Overwhelmed by the spotlight, she recalled speaking to the light rather than the audience. Leaving the venue, she overheard compliments from others about her performance and beauty, a moment that helped her begin to see herself differently, overcoming her insecurities about her darker skin tone compared to her siblings.
When I walked out to the microphone to speak, I was suddenly in the spotlight for the first time, the light was so bright, I couldn't see anybody in the audience.
There she is, gesturing toward her. There's that little girl who spoke so beautifully. Isn't she beautiful? Rashad had never thought of herself as beautiful.
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