Christiona Graham, 11, embraced an experience of a lifetime, the day following Easter. On April 18, rain did not stop her from displaying disc jockey (DJ) skills for the 2022 White House Easter Egg Roll. The fifth grader who is affectionately known as DJ Princess C cranked out tunes for families on the South Lawn. The fan of old school hip-hop, and new school hip-hop, participated in the EGGucation!-themed event.
“It felt good to DJ at the Easter Egg Roll because I was selected from my DJ School Bach 2 Rock and The Beat Refinery,” Christiona told The Baltimore Times. “I enjoy all types of music, so when I play music, I enjoy hearing the lyrics and the beat come together.”
According to a press release, approximately 30,000 individuals were expected to participate. Fun, educational activities were available for youth to enjoy. First Lady Jill Biden spent over 30 years working as a teacher. Presentation of the event complimented her commitment to children and education.
The Dj’s mother—Ashely Logan Graham— told The Baltimore Times that Christiona was one of two students from Bach to Rock and The Beat Refinery who were invited to participate in the historical day. Two of the school’s music teachers selected Christiona. Although the DJ is still young, she publicly displayed aptitude to play music with flair during her first event, when she was just five.
“Not only does she (Christiona) enjoy Djing, but she is always great at creating music beats with her beat machine. When she creates music to blend with the music that she plays, her face lights up. She enjoys creating and discovering her new abilities which also help with her confidence,” Logan Graham said. “Christiona practices a total of five hours a week. One hour, Monday through Friday.”
Photo by Antonio Hunt
DJ Princess C is growing up in the public eye. However, she is a down-to-earth kid who likes to play the piano, read books, and ride her skateboard. When it is time to hit the school books, Christiona is passionate about embracing academic responsibilities, too. Her mother said that she admires her daughter’s self-discipline.
“She’s a straight A student. She’s learned early how to prioritize, and she is the sweetest kid you could ever meet,” Logan Graham said. “Her heart is what I’m most proud of.”
The White House Easter Egg Roll blends the return of fun with long-standing tradition. This is another reason why Christiona’s participation was extremely significant. A White House press release stated that members of the public would be randomly selected through an online lottery.
Before egg rolling activities began, President Biden stood from a White House balcony while reminding attendees that he and First Lady Jill Biden were unable to host Easter Egg Roll events last year, due to the coronavirus pandemic. The First Lady and two Easter bunnies appeared alongside Joe Biden as he offered remarks, during the traditional event’s return.
“This year we’re finally getting together again, and it’s so special. It means to me so much to see and hear the children and all the families show up to be here today,” Biden said.
According to Insider, President Rutherford B. Hayes started one of the White House’s oldest traditions in 1878 because children were not permitted to roll eggs on Capitol Hill.
Although the White House fun ended, DJ Princess C’s in-person and virtual bookings are underway. She rocks parties for school events, birthdays, wedding receptions, and other kinds of events. Bookings in Md., D.C. and Va. are preferred locations, but the DJ may be willing to travel. Individuals who want to inquire about booking DJ Princess C may visit www.djprincessc.com for more information. Contact her team via [email protected]