Michael Bearden Instagram – HBD🎉 to one of the classiest artists I know in this crazy business. The one and only Phylicia Rashad! She’s a longtime friend and a former Howard University alumni like myself. Quick story: (And this will be in the book in full. ☺️) When I first moved to NYC, I struggled. As most do when they’re trying to make it! (Just NEVER stop y’all! But, that’s another story) Somehow, I finally started working and making enough money to move away from the drug infested neighborhood in Brooklyn where I was living. I moved just outside the city to Westchester county. Took almost every dime I had! Now I was really broke! 😩 And still a baby in the biz. ☺️ One day, my phone rang. I answered and the voice on the other end asked if I was Michael Bearden? I said yes it is. Who is this? She said, it’s Phylicia Rashad. I just about fell out! She got my number from a friend who had recommended me for a keyboard spot she was looking to fill. I needed a job so I said yes right away. She said, you have the same area code as me, where do you live? I told her and she said, oh really? We’re neighbors. Here’s my address, come over. So now I’m walking over to Phylicia Rashad’s house. What??? Lol. ☺️ Long story short. We became friends. I worked with her for a few years, in Vegas with her and Bill during the height of the Cosby Show days! And I even worked on the tv show. I met many people through her and was able to work my way more into the business. She is definitely a HUGE part of the reason I was able to keep rising in the industry! I am forever grateful to Phylicia. And yes. What you see is what you get with her! She’s the best!! A true Queen! 👸🏾 M~ [Also, a BIG s/o to one of my brothers. It’s his birthday today too! 😬]