January 1, 2008, may not be significant for many people, but for me, it marked a crucial point in my life that I will never forget.
On that date, Tampa, FL, hosted the annual Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium, featuring #18 Wisconsin against #16 Tennessee. The city was buzzing with fans leading up to the game. For those unfamiliar with the area, Tampa has a vibrant part called Ybor City, similar to New Orleans' French Quarter, with its restaurants, clubs, and shops. It’s an especially lively place during the holidays and New Year's Eve.
This New Year's Eve was memorable for me because I was about to do something I had never done before: podcasting on location at an event in Ybor City. I owe this opportunity to a dynamic group of women known as the 6 FOOTAHS, prominent figures in Tampa's professional social scene, especially among African American professionals. Despite their name, which suggests they are all six feet tall, these women were much more. They were prominent young professionals, many of them attorneys, making significant strides in the community.
The 6 FOOTAHS had been hosting successful social events, gaining popularity and prestige with each one. Their New Year's Eve event in Ybor City, during the week of a major bowl game, was a testament to their growth and influence. So, you can imagine my delight and surprise when I was given the chance to podcast live from their event.
I vividly remember that night. There were four of us: my wife, who helped me engage with people and served as a backup host; my friend Stacy, also an attorney, who was there to assist; and my fraternity brother Ian, who was my co-host and engineer. Although I had heard much about the 6 FOOTAHS’ events, I had never attended one, and my friends often praised how powerful and engaging these events were.
We decided to have dinner at 7:00 PM so we could take our time and then head to the event, which started at 9:00 PM. Ybor City was packed with fans from the University of Wisconsin and the University of Tennessee, making it a challenge to find a restaurant. Despite the chaos, we were excited about what the night would bring.
The 6 FOOTAHS had secured a steakhouse in the heart of Ybor City for their event. The venue, located on the second floor, had windows on all sides, offering views of the bustling streets below. We arrived a little after 9:00 PM, and the place was already crowded, nearly at capacity.
We set up our equipment and prepared to broadcast from 10:00 PM until the ball dropped at midnight. The ladies were gracious, and we interviewed as many of them as possible. Being in the middle of such an extraordinary event was overwhelming and exhilarating.
By the end of the night, I was convinced of the significance of the 6 FOOTAHS. This experience, surrounded by young, up-and-coming black professionals on one of the biggest party nights of the year, left a lasting impression on me. As someone who graduated from undergrad and graduate school in Tampa, it was thrilling to be part of such a special New Year's Eve event.
Looking back, I realize I could have leveraged this opportunity to advance my podcast in a different capacity. Nevertheless, I was grateful to be there and experience something so unique.
Life presents many opportunities, and often, we don't recognize their greatness until years later. That night, I was part of something very special, and I remain forever grateful to those remarkable women who made it possible.
#Podcasting #NewYearsEve #TampaBay #YborCity #OutbackBowl #6FOOTAHS #ProfessionalWomen #BlackProfessionals #MemorableMoments #LiveBroadcast
Comments
Post a Comment