Today I awoke to a world filled with challenges both public (the government is still shutdown) and personal (can I make room in my life to finish my python class?) but I happened upon a ray of sunshine in the story of Tona Brown.

Tona Brown is an African American Transgender violinist and vocalist who has performed for North American and European audiences. She began playing the violin at the age of 10. Soon, Tona was winning music scholarships and competitions.

As an adult, Tona Brown has performed the National Anthem before President Obama. This honor makes Tona the first transgender person to perform for a US president while he is still in office.

Read more about Tona Brown, watch her youtube series and enjoy her music on itunes.