OHIO EDITION
AMPS MAGAZINE American Minority People Succeeding
Imani Capri
A Name to Remember
Big Heff Living Legend
Living Rich
Kristin
Kitchen
Volume 1, Issue 2
Page 1 www.cleveland.ampsmagazine.com
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contents VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2
What’s Inside...
MY SHELTER PETS ARE MY BIGGEST FANS
Imani Capri.................................. 1 Sir Charles Jones.......................... 5 Kristin Kitchen............................ 6 Imani Capri.................................. 9 Kidz Style Lounge...................... 10 Rudy’s Mini Mart....................... 11 An Untold Story of Redemption................................ 12 Big Heff Wins “Living Legend” Award ......................................... 13 Legendary Greats....................... 16 Kids Crusingon the Curb......... 18 Living Rich................................. 24 the AMPS Ohio Team
Publisher
Romeo Barnes
LOGAN RYAN WITH LEO AND JULIUS: ADOPTED 2014 AND 2018.
They’re a little bit of a lot of things, but they’re all pure love.
Editor
Cierra Barnes
THESHELTERPETPROJECT.ORG
Writers
Kalinda Meadows
Contributing Photographer
AMPS Ohio is a franchise of AMPS Magazine, a national entity, with headquarters in Orlando, Florida. This magazine is published bi-monthly.
Graphic Designer
AMPS MAGAZINE CORPORATE Orlando, Florida 33837 317-426-7790
Kelly Barnes
Gerald Wright
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A WORD FROM THE CEO
about the publisher Welcome to the second issue of AMPS Ohio Magazine. Thank you to everyone who contributed time and effort to get this issue out! The support I have received is simply amazing. Thank you to everyone who put together an article, submitted an ad, did interviews, or made calls. This was a real team effort and look at the results. What you have helped to create is invaluable. With AMPS Ohio Magazine we are offering something new and exciting. We will be showcasing businesses with beautifully put together Ads, every issue will feature a section on our Missing Children, there is a section on our Great Legends, every issue will feature articles on everything from music, sports, entrepreneurship and more. So Ohio get ready, AMPS Ohio Magazine has arrived. Thank for being a part of this journey. You are truly appreciated.
This is the second issue of AMPS Magazine, AMPS Ohio Magazine Publisher Romeo Barnes Ohio Edition. I wanted to take this time to introduce to you, the reader, about AMPS. Thank you for your continued support. A.M.P.S. (American-Minority People Succeeding) is where Substance and Style meets Supreme Standards. Our mission is “superior application development through dedicated professionalism while maintaining a customer-centered focus to lead the industry in ideas and creative solutions”. Our events marketing and promotions department is designed to present positive entertainment and events that the Louisiana communities deserve. We specialize in helping brands create a unique connection with consumers at our events as well as create an opportunity for you to meet other business owners, executives, present and future customers, and other socialites. Simply put, “We’re Accomplished By Making You Successful.” Gerald D. Wright CEO Page 4
SO CAN YOU.
Sir Charles Jones
The King of Southern Soul
Sir Charles Jones, also known as “The King of Southern Soul”, is a native of Akron Ohio. He has many fond memories of a childhood in Ohio with his siblings and parents and spoke highly and proudly of his parents and respects them for the wholesome values they instilled. His roots are strong and tough, and it had to be that way. His purpose, he would later find out, would require that strength. The family later moved to Birmingham, Alabama. This is when, the young Charles, noticed that he had a gift of singing. His parents saw it too. It was not until high school that the truth of his gift came to fruition. The high school band director, who had a stern no-nonsense approach, heard him singing in the hallways and took notice. Mr. Merriweather, as Sir Charles says, “put an instrument in my hand and told me that I was going to learn how to read music and he had my classes changed so that I could be in band. He woke up things in me that I knew I had, but I did not know I possessed that gift ten times better.” Mr. Merriweather, a seasoned musician, had an ear for greatness and was not giving young Charles a choice in the matter. That man saw something deep in Charles and pulled it out to surface. Greatness was most definitely on its way. Sir Charles went on to explain the beginning years of his career, saying, “One of the biggest blessings to me was when I came under the guidance of Johnny Taylor, Tyrone Davis, Marvin Sease, Latimore, Shirley Brown, Bobby Blue Bland and others. I was so thankful to them for allowing me to grace their presence because they were the elite”. They did more than grace his presence, they were indeed investing in him, teaching him the industry. They kept him close and prepared him to
accept the “torch” when they were gone. The blues and soul music genre can be viewed as a dying genre and they were teaching him to keep it alive. He had a mission now. Just like adding fuel to fire, when his mission and his gift aligned, it was then that Sir Charles Jones, The King of Southern Soul, was on solid ground. Sir Charles also pays homage to the late Gerald Levert, who he said was one of his best friends in the industry and helped him “cross-over”. The two toured together at one time and as he explains, “I brought my Southern Soul fans and Gerald Levert brought his R&B fans and it all married well. We kept sold out shows”. They even played on The Grand Ole Opry Stage together. As his past endeavors has shown, he does not mind venturing away from the normal routines and collaborating with artists of different genres. In fact, he and rapper, Boosie Badazz, have an upcoming tribute song dedicated to their mothers that will debut on Mother’s Day. He also has Badd Newz, a promising rapper that he has brought on board who is receiving rave reviews and acceptance within the much-protected blues and soul genre. To top it all off, he has a solo CD dropping on his birthday April 25, 2021 entitled, “Chosen One”. When asked what kind of content the fans could expect, he said, to expect much of the same and “there is one song called Eternity that I feel will be big”. Sir Charles explains how he believes in and portrays through his music, that “love does exist, and it will always remain.” The Billboard charting King of Southern Soul revealed Continued on Page 26
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Kristin Kitchen Kristin Kitchen, Founder and CEO of Sojourn Heritage Accommodations is embarking on a new way of doing business in the Heritage Tourism Industry. For the last 15 years, Kristin has been the owner and operator of the Six Acres Bed & Breakfast in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Restoring this historic 6000-sq. ft. home that was once part of the Underground Railroad and turning it in to a successful business inspired Kristin to launch a new brand of boutique hotels that combine the intimacies of a bed and breakfast with the amenities of a 1st class hotel. With a background in realestate development, having owned and managed over 20 residential and commercial properties, Kristin has taken that knowledge along with her passion for entrepreneurship to the next level. By integrating a model that not only transforms blighted or underutilized historic structures in Urban communities into viable hotel lodging spaces but in doing so, helps to restore the community by creating or enhancing existing business from within the community to operate as vendors for the hotel. “We create jobs and entrepreneurs with in each community because our mission is to make our commu-
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nities better and to empower the people that live there.” “When we thrive, our community thrives.” In 2014, she launched the Sojourn Heritage Hotel Brand, a new brand of hotels focused on African American History and Culture in urban areas, to share the history while uplifting the community. The Sojourn Heritage Accommodations Hotel Group introduces the DUNNS JOSEPHINE HOTEL to the South Florida travel destination community. The DUNNS JOSEPHINE is an amazing boutique hotel, located in the blossoming, cultural garden and entertainment mecca known as Historic Overtown. The hotel had it’s soft launch December 2019. The DUNNS JOSEPHINE HOTEL is an ode to both the Miami and Harlem Renaissance periods of glitz and old world glamour from days gone by. Staying true to theme, the DUNNS JOSEPHINE HOTEL boasts (15) guest rooms dedicated and decorated to the likes of Miami and Harlem Renaissance legends such as Josephine Baker, Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, Cab Calloway, Marcus Garvey, and the iconic Duke Ellington and Billie Holiday. As a historian
and successful business woman Kristin has given lectures at various colleges and universities across the country and continues to do so. Kristin holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and a Masters in African American Studies. Kristin lives in Miami Florida with her adorable, 8 year old daughter Zahri Jean. Organizational Affiliations:
Board Member: CEIA, Inc. -Community Economic Advancement Initiative, Inc. Member: NABHOOD- National Association of Black Hotel Owners, Operators, and Developers Member: Greater Miami Visitors and Convention Bureau Member: Greater Miami Hotel and Beaches Association Member: Miami Dade Chamber of Commerce Member: ICABA- International Career and Business Alliance
Philanthropic works: She is President of Good Deeds Mission, a non-profit 501c3 organization whose mission is to serve, assist with and fight for equality for urban communities around the issues of social, political and economic justice. Kristin mentors at least 2 small business annually to support their road to success. Developed a continued partnership with Cincinnati public schools to provide field trips at Six Acres to teach children about the underground railroad.
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Imani Capri I
a name, voice and face that you will want to remember
mani Capri is an experienced speaker, award-winning writer, published author, CEO of The Courage 2 Change TLE empowerment company, on-air radio personality, Kemetic and Usui Reiki practitioner and transformation coach on a mission to elevate the voices of women and girls around the world!
As a recent featured speaker on Les Brown and Jon Talarico’s Power Voice Summit 2020, Imani’s message is simple: When you have the courage to heal and transform yourself, you can the heal and transform the world! She has appeared on various media outlets to include: CBS National Morning and Evening news, The Christian Science Monitor magazine, Cleveland news media: WKYC Channel 3, WEWS Channel 5, WERE-AM 1490 radio, and Florida radio WFSU. She has been published multiple times in The Canton Repository Newspaper, nationally distributed Buddhist publications Living Buddhism Magazine and The World Tribune Newspaper, on the website of the Chicago based Faces and Voices Project, and as a contributing author in Things We Haven’t Said: Survivors of Sexual Violence Speak, published in March 2018 with Zest Books, and is a contributing author for the upcoming 2021 book Hunger for The Hustle. The Bedford, Ohio native has created and hosts two new weekly radio shows and a twice a week inspirational morning commentary on 95.9 FM WOVU Cleveland and www.wovu.org, online; a new community based FM radio station in Northeast Ohio. Ms. Capri’s Courage to Change Commentary can be heard on 95.9 FM WOVU (Our Voices United) Cleveland, on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 8:45 a.m. EST. She can also be heard as a host of Conversations in Courage with Imani Capri and Truth Be Told.
Truth Be Told, is a new game-changing, hour long-radio show dedicated to shifting the culture and conversation around sexual assault, abuse, rape and all related issues to one of education, empowerment, healing and transformation. Follow Imani Capri on Social Media: The Imani Capri Page - Facebook iam_imanicapri - Instagram Imani Capri - YouTube Booking inquiries and requests to: (440) 941-0328 imanicapri@gmail.com
Conversations in Courage is the show where Ms. Capri interviews interesting people who are doing positive, powerful things with a courageous spirit all over the globe. Page 9
Kidz Style Lounge
Rashana Bates is an inspiring, motivational, and outgoing Cleveland native, who is also the mother of two children. Rashana Bates also graduated from Lutheran East High School in 1998, after doing so, she decided to further her education by attending Wilberforce University. Graduating from The Cut Beauty School in 2013, where she proceeded to obtain her managing license in cosmetology was the beginning of her career in the beauty industry. Rashana Bates is also the proud owner of Kidz Style Lounge. Kidz Style Lounge is a beauty and barber shop for children, “Where Children are Priority and Adults are Welcome”. The Garfield location was established in 2016, and the second location was established in 2019 located inside the Boxspot on Kinsman Road. Ms. Bates is also the CEO of KSL Designs, which is an apparel line for all things fashion. Rashana Bates is a person who seeks to promote the welfare of others, especially by giving her time, talent and monetary gifts to good causes. While being very involved with multiple school districts in regards to mentoring the youth of all ages, and being a dedicated mentor for organizations such as Youth Opportunities Unlimited (Y.O.U) of Cleveland and Tru2U Neighborhood Leadership Institute of Cleveland. She has been a motivational speaker at a variety of venues Page 10
such as churches, schools, outreach programs, and business functions. Rashana Bates hosted and participated in a numerous amount of back to school events by donating free hair services as well as free haircuts to the young men of Ginn Academy. In 2019, Rashana Bates, and Kidz Style Lounge has hosted a program named ‘Set Up Shop’ in partnership with ‘Braids by Brandy’ and ‘Economic Community Development Institute’ (ECDI) for a group of women looking to better themselves by gaining a certification to develop their skills and business. Following the success from the programs, Rashana Bates continues to certify, educate, and motivate people in the beauty industry. Her goal is to change the way people look at themselves from the inside out, speak light, positivity, and become a blessing to others while sprinkling a little bit of beauty along the way. 604 Turney Rd. Garfield Heights, Ohio 44125 Batesrashana2@gmail.com (216)225-4106
Rudy’s Mini Mart My name is Shirley A Thompson and I am the owner of Rudy’s Mini Mart, LTD and Sunoco gas station. When was the last time you stopped to get gasoline and snacks in a family oriented environment? Where there are never-ending conversations of family, local happenings, customers asking for directions to Cleveland Clinic, Shaker Square or the quickest way to Downtown Cleveland. Upon walking into the convenience store you are immediately embraced with a friendly smile and a “good morning” or “good afternoon” by the time you pay for your items you know Shirley and Rudy as if they were a part of your family. Then, you are sent on your way with a “have a wonderful day”. Well this kind of family friendly service is right here in Cleveland. We are located on the corners of East 89th and Buckeye Roads. Rudy’s Mini Mart is surrounded by historic landmarks such as St. Elizabeth Hungarian Catholic Church, Miceli’s Dairy Company, and Orlando Bakery. We are a minority-family-owned and operated business of 49 years. I have been married to my husband, Rudolph Thompson, Sr. for 50 years! We have raised four children, who have always been involved with the growth and development of the business. I have always taught my children the values of family, hard work, entrepreneurship and team work. Our first service station was established in 1972 on Miles Road. We were the first owners in conjunction with Arco as a supplier to franchise several convenient mini markets in Cleveland. In 1982, we joined Union 76 gas supplier as a Full and Self Service gas station with a convenient mini market. Today, Rudy’s Mini Mart and Sunoco gas station provide the following services to the Buckeye-Woodland commuters and neighbors: fuel, diesel, groceries, and many other automotive needs. We also provide the follow-
ing services to our community: Ohio Lottery, Western Union, Money Order and Bill Pay, Beer & Wine, Soft –Serve Ice Cream (during the summer), Beauty and Personal/Health care products, Faxing and Notary Public on site. In the midst of this COVID epidemic, I am grateful to be open to serve the many essential workers 6 days a week travelling to and from the Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals, Miceli’s Cheese company, the Cuyahoga County Juvenile Center, and 4th District Police station to name a few. Most of all I enjoy calling my customers Family as if they were my own.
Hello my name is Shawnnell Thomas I am the owner of Polish Me Pretty 2550 Noble Rd. and Polish Me pretty 2.0 at 3964 Mayfield Rd. both salons are full-service. We offer a wide range of services in the beauty industry from hair, nails, make up and eyelash services etc. We pride ourselves on professional quality service. At PMP our model is “ You look good you feel good” we’re always seeking new talent to join our team. I would like to thank Cleveland and the surrounding suburbs for always supporting us. 2021 is our 10th year in business, to God be the glory.
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About Sam Fallie
An Untold Story of Redemption
Sam Fallie, a talented musician and writer, reached a high level of success through the years, but did not get there easily. In fact, one could say he came from “deaths door”. Sam’s childhood story is heartbreaking. His parents left him as a young child. Sam recalls his father dropping him off at a family member’s house and he never saw him again. He was shuffled around to various family members who never showed much concern for him. To say the least, Sam felt unloved ad unwanted as a child. He had more alone time that any child should have to endure. During his solitude Sam learned he had a gift of singing, writing songs, and entertaining. After all, he always had to entertain himself because he had no one else who cared to be with him. When he got older, Sam found adventure and happiness through football, choir and his friends at school. This adventure, combined with the deep-rooted feelings of being unloved, were key ingredients for the perfect storm. This storm hurt many opportunities and people in its path. It was at this time that the game changed. As many youths do, Sam followed the influence of his friends and began smoking weed. His drug usage then spiraled out of control. Sam started using cocaine which then led to crack. Before long he was addicted to crack cocaine. As Sam said, “I was that typical homeless crackhead you see”. To fund his addiction, Sam did things that lead to him being incarcerated off-and-on for the next 10 years. Each time he was released Sam always felt the craving and ultimately returned to his addiction. Life for Mr. Fallie became a vicious cycle of dodging bullets and running for his life. Page 12
With music being his passion during Sam’s addiction he would write and sing to entertain himself. Music was his gift, but crack was his demise. After several attempts at sobriety, and 5 rehabs, he began to see how the addiction had turned him into someone he hated. He felt death was a better reality than feeling the pain he had caused to his children and others. Sam felt life was not worth living anymore so he decided to end it. He wrote suicide letters to those important to him. After an unsuccessful suicide attempt Sam called “Ms. Clara”. What she said next would change the rest of his life. “You can’t do that. God has the power, and you have a purpose”, Ms. Clara said. As she continued speaking something was awakened deep within Sam. He had hit “rock bottom” and now something was coming alive in his soul. She was speaking life back into him. For the first time in his life Sam began to feel a “willpower”, for change. He had never felt willpower to surrender his addiction and reach for help. Sam felt he had one of two options; either live and get help or die. He chose to live. He went back to rehab, but this time he wanted it. He was desperate for life and willing to lay everything down and make a change. While in rehab, he learned a lot about himself. In fact, as he grew in his sobriety, he discovered a gift of helping others. In 2001, he officially “sobered up” and started enjoying life on clearer terms. After completing the rehab program, it was time to go home. Now he had to go home, back to the place he Continued on Page 26
Big Heff Wins “Living Legend” Big Heff Wins “Living Legend” Award and Releases The Big Heff Experience Documentary
Award
Quincy “Big Heff ” Taylor has released “The Big Heff Experience,” a documentary about his career in the music industry. At this year’s Ohio Entertainment Awards, Heff received 2 awards. First, he took home the Living Legend award. In addition, him and his team won Best Independent Radio Show. Big Heff is VP of the Nerve DJs, a Midwest based DJ Coalition that includes 2500 DJs, A DJ Conference Call, MP3 Pool, Nerve DJs Mixtapes, and yearly events at SXSW, A3C, & BET Awards. In 2015 he created the Big Heff Radio Show which is now syndicated on 9 Different Stations in Atlanta GA; Cleveland, OH; Columbus, OH; Rockford, IL; Kokomo, IN; and Charlotte, NC. In addition, he created a partnership for the Midwest Connext TV Show, a video countdown music program which highlights Midwest music. In the same year, Quincy joined forces with Altavoz Distribution to create City Music Deal to create money streams for independent artist. Big Heff also joined forces with Sonic Bids and Online Crates for the Streets Most Wanted Tour. In 2016 Big Heff also started working with 300 Ent, and developed the Streets Most Wanted Tour and has featured Lil Baby, Tee Grizzley, TK Kravitz, Megan Thee Stallion, YK Osiris, YFL Kelvin, Doughboyz Cashout, Trouble, 55 Bagz & More In 2019 he announced a partnership with Equity Distribution, Rocnation’s distribution platform. In 2020, Quincy started Capital Structure Ent and signed DJ Ryan Wolf of Radio One and the Cleveland Browns. He also signed Ty Bri and did a joint venture with District 18 Ent & RCA Records. “I’ve had great mentors with Dee Sonaram, Steve Lobel, Dee Trane, Eric Parler and I dedicate this Living Legend
award to my mother,” Big Heff contributes to his guidance in the music industry. Watch the Documentary on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSvJs2PAc-k Stream Big Heff ’s single “WINS” on Spotify: https:// open.spotify.com/track/1QShyaga3ynPHhqh4MnrjR For more information or interviews: tyra@starmusicmedia.com Page 13
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Legendary Greats
Langston Hughes
Cicely Tyson
Langston Hughes was born James Mercer Langston Hughes, on February 1, 1902 in Joplin, Missouri. This Legendary Great would go on to become one of the greatest literary poets in history. Raised by his grandmother and mother after his parents divorced Langston lived in Cleveland, Ohio and graduated from Central High School. It was during this time that he not only was writing poetry but short stores as well. It was soon after graduating from high school that he began to gain attention with his writing and his writing of “ The Negro Speaks of Rivers”. Soon after he made his to New York and attended Columbia University. It was during this time he grew to love Harlem. Langston’s journey took him from New York to Africa to Europe and back. Langston Hughes became one of the most influential figures during the Harlem Renaissance. His influence was instrumental in the art of Jazz Poetry. Writing about the African American experiences gave him a real voice during this time and beyond. Langston wrote about what was happening in the world. His writings included poetry and plays, one such play that includes his poetry and gospel traditional music. This play was about the birth of Jesus through the eyes of African Americans and is still seen around the world today is “ Black Nativity.” This play was the first to use a gospel choir. Langston wrote shorts, novels and newspaper columns. His work received critical acclaim and gained him multitudes of awards. Langston also was able to open several theater companies one in Harlem and another in L.A.
Cicely Tyson was born on December 19th, 1924 in Harlem New York to parents that came to the United States from the West Indies. This legendary actress and fashion model is one of the most respected actress of all time. She is an ICON. She was first discovered by a photographer from Ebony Magazine who asked her if she wanted to be a model at the time she didn’t know what modeling was but took the card went to the appointment and got the job with the agency. From modeling she began to act by chance, she was told a movie company was looking for a lead and she looked like her. Cicely has always stated that she did not choose acting…acting chose her. Very early on Cicely made a choice as to what roles she would play in portraying African American Women. The roles she has chosen over her 60 year career have been strong female figures who have a story to tell. The doors that Cicely has opened for melanated actresses today is beyond the scope of reason. Her portrayals on Sounder, The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman, The Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All, Roots, The Help and more… is just a small portion of the work she has done in those 60 years. Her extensive range not only includes movies and television but the theater as well. This has gained Cicely Tyson awards ranging from Daytime Emmy Awards, Primetime Emmy Awards, Peabody Awards, a Tony Award and the Presidential Medal of Freedom to name a few.
Langston continued to write poetry until his death from prostate cancer on May 22, 1967, he was 65 years old. His poetry is read and studied today across the world. His words on the struggles and injustices in the world still rings true today.
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This Legendary Great passed away on January 28th 2021 at the age of 96 years young.
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Kids Crusing on the Curb Andrea and I have been friends for over 5 years. We met In the spring of 2015 at Cleveland State University. Both of us have a background in higher education and experience with children. I Shanay Hawkins have earned an Associates degree in Human Services, a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, several completed courses in Early Childhood Education at the Masters level, CPR/ First Aid, and certification in Early Brain Development. Andrea Brown has earned a Bachelors degree in Psychology, a Masters degree in Business, CPR/ First Aid, and certification in Early Brain Development. With a strong sense of work ethic and drive for success, we both embarked on a newly founded adventure that would help us to bring a positive light to the community that we live in and help us to create a strong foundation and brighter future for our families. The establishment of Kids Cruising on the Curb, LLC was an original idea in 2019 based on personal experiences from myself being a single mother of 3 children and understanding the struggle of finding adequate supervision for my children when having to take care of daily tasks. With the wonderful support of my good friend we’ve made this ideal into a reality and a dream come true. KCC Is a mobile drop-in center that provides supervision for parents and/or caregivers at various locations who have to take care of daily errands and are in need of temporary baby sitting services for their children. Kids Cruising on the Curb, LLC @Facebook.com
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New Era Cleveland is a pro-Black community organization that has been operating in the Greater Cleveland area since November 2016. We are the fourth chapter of New Era Nation, with 15 chapters across the country, and internationally, in Nigeria. Our focus is Black empowerment and cooperative group economics, through a proactive approach. We have programs focused on feeding our community, such as the Sankofa Ride & Feed The Soul Grocery Program, to community engagement and protection, such as our Hood 2 Hood and Safe Zone programs. Our Hood 2 Hood program is a 16 week endeavor across the spring and summer seasons where we go door-to-door in the community, provide resources, speak with our people about their needs and concerns, and remove litter from the streets. Our Safe Zone program is a partnership with local businesses in the community to help keep our most vulnerable safe, particularly women, children, and the elderly. We practice group economics through our Buy Black Tour program, where we are intentional about patronizing and promoting local Black-owned businesses. We also sponsor free self-defense classes, as well as mentoring programs for young Black men and women. We have partnered with many a-alikes, including Councilman Basheer Jones, the Cleveland Peacekeepers, the NOI, The Zulus Motorcycle Club, The Garden Valley Neighborhood House, The Missing Link, Jah’s Catering, & Feed The Soul. In short, New Era Cleveland will continue to work to better the conditions of our people for years to come.
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Renounce Denounce Gang Intervention Program My name is Laron Douglas and I am the founder/facilitator of the reNOUNce deNOUNce Gang Intervention Program. The program is an intensive 8-week program that helps young adult men and women get out of a gang, stop them from joining a gang, and discuss the realities and consequences of being in a gang. It also teaches them how to make good choices and decisions, differences between irrational and rational behavior, cognitive thinking, bullying, anger, peer pressure, having compassion for life, empathy, as well as conflict resolution where we teach them how to resolve conflicts in their lives peacefully and not violently and much more. While I was incarcerated in Grafton Prison I constructed and ran the Each One Teach One program in which I successfully graduated over 200 men. I was able to use a portion of my gang program within these classes. When I was released from prison in March of 2014 after doing 23 years, I immediately began implementing my reNOUNce deNOUNce Gang Intervention Program. I have been conducting seminars with my program in the East Cleveland School District, Cleveland Municipal School District, colleges, and juvenile/adult prison facilities. Renounce Denounce Gang Intervention Program works with actual gang members, those in the streets that are called, ‘shooters’ and I also mentor them closely as well. I am very grateful to be given the chance to make a difference in the lives of these young men and women. I would also like to continue to teach at risk youth/adults about the consequences of their actions as well as how to deal with their bitterness, anger, bullying, peer pressure, which is also a part of my program. Our goal is to get into school systems, churches, and the juvenile/adult rehabilitation facilities. Angela Douglas is my wife the program director and the administrator. She is a Pastor, former teacher for CMSD, owns her consulting firm and she has worked with various nonprofit organizations. She also is the executive director and founder of her own non-profit, Teaching Young Women in Society Truth, which focuses on female gang members and young ladies with behavioral problems. This is our mission to instruct and teach the youth in our city that they don’t have to go down the same roads that others have gone. I also believe our mission is a part of the great commission. Take care and have a blessed day in the Lord. I can be reached at 216-315-6842 and here is our website information: www.renouncedenouncegangprogram.org or YOUTUBE US AT: RENOUNCE DENOUNCE GANG INTERVENTION PROGRAM GRADUATION.
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Letha Moore - Richards (Owner) Uniek Kreations Uniek Kreations has been in business since 1998, I started my salon at the age of 23 without a lot of knowledge on running a business but with a lot of determination on being successful.
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2235 Southwest Boulevard, Suite H Grove City, Ohio 43123 Office: 614.298.8414 3035 Horseshoe Ln., Suite N, Charlotte, NC 28208 Office: 704.774.4884 www.eeward.com
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U.S. DOT# 1222904 U.S. DOT# 070851 PUCO# 11470-HG NCUC# C-2774 PSC/ORS# 9863
Muffin’s PlayHouse is Ohio’s First Mobile Gymnasium. We provide assembly, break down and thorough sanitation of our soft play equipment. Our mobile party includes drop off, set up and pick up. We can set up on any flat surface, indoor or outdoor. Safety padding is included with every package. We offer customizable packages to fit your needs and our bright colors are suitable for boys and girls. Please visit our website or call Tiara Henderson at 216-851-6383 to book today!
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Living Rich M
y name is Sharia Livingston. Born in Cleveland Ohio, and later moved to East Cleveland Ohio at the age of 8yrs old along with my mother and 2 siblings. Transferring from the School of Arts to Chambers elementary because my mother hated the neighborhood we lived in. I later attended Mayfair elementary school once Chambers transitioned. After graduating from elementary I then attended Kirk Middle School and was the last graduating class from the original building before they rebuilt and renamed it Heritage Middle School. I spent my High School years at Shaw High and was the last graduating class from the original building; class of 2005. I was always a tomboy in grade school. Playing sports like Basketball and could often be found hanging out with my guy friends. I had a small group of girlfriends whom I am still friends with to this day. I was never the greatest academic student, but I refused to fail and always maintained my grades just enough to pass. In my 11th grade school year things changed for me forever. I was pregnant, and my boyfriend that had already dropped out of High School and I decided we were keeping the baby. I had to get a job to prepare for this transition as well as keep up with my classes at school. This was extremely hard for me, but I managed to still graduate on time with my class. What I wasn’t prepared for was raising a kid by myself. My daughter was now 1yrs old and her father had been sentenced to 10yrs in prison. From that point on life came at me fast. Unable to sit around and wait for someone to help me, I started taking action because my child depended on me. I took a year to strictly work and was able to obtain a Low-income apartment on E. 105th and St. Clair. Although this wasn’t a good neighborhood, it was a place of my own and I could move out of my mother’s basement. I attended Remington College for Medical Assistant / Phlebotomy and graduated in 2008 with a 4.0 GPA. Obtained my first “good” job at Lake Hospital in the laboratory department which I worked for two years while obtaining my Associates degree in Nursing. I graduated from Bryant & Stratton College in December of 2010; took and passed my Nursing Boards in April of 2011. I was officially a Registered Nurse. Working at numerous hospitals in the Cleveland area I realized I had a niche for teaching. I began traveling to hospitals around the world training physicians and nurses about EMR. In my downtime I loved to explore fashion, Streetwear specifically because although I had grown up, I had always been a tomboy and loved to watch how
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much it changed through the years. I always wanted to create my own line and hoped someday soon I could. In 2015, myself along with my now 16yr old daughter Sha’Miah Richardson, started the Streetwear Apparel line named Living Rich. Coincidently, the naming was thought about after combining my daughter and I last name together. We created this line to not only provide individuals with quality clothing, but also to encourage others to really Live Rich. Not Rich from a monetary stand point, but Rich in life. We wanted people to create their own definition of Rich because although our journey had not been easy, we’ve gained experiences you can’t put a price on. Having my
daughter at the age of 17, still in High School, still a kid myself, I started to Define my own Rich early on. I used to live in the same mindset as everyone else. Everyone I came across made me feel like my life was over, I was a failure, I couldn’t still be great because I was now a teen mom. Had I let that control my vision and my mind…I would have very well failed. When we first started, we provided apparel only for women and girls. In December of 2016 we decided to provide unisex apparel. That was huge for us because at the time we had no idea how to market to the male population. Not to mention, I was still working full-time as a Registered Nurse and couldn’t devote the time needed to grow the brand. It wasn’t until year two and noticing that we had much better outcomes when we did pop-up shops and events that I decided we need to take another approach. Deciding to take a leap of faith, In April of 2018 we opened our very first kiosk inside Beachwood Mall. Since then, we have had a kiosk at SouthPark Mall and in January of this year we opened our very first store which we won in a city Pitch Competition (Mayor Frank Jackson’s NeighContinued on Page 26
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ran from. This time, he was equipped with a different set of tools, mindset, and goals. He began ministering to those who were still in the grips of addiction. While growing and dreaming, the gift of music continued to weigh heavy on his mind. He was now able to work on his passion, the one thing that always burned in him since he was a child. Sam threw himself into the music arena and showed what he was made of. With different opportunities presented he started writing songs again for the Billboard charting group, The Bar-Kays. Sam was finally living life, a wonderful life, soberly. Growing felt good. For once, he was loving himself and moving through the waves of life. While living on the streets Sam met his wife Eugenia Fallie, “Ms Genii”. After sobering up they married in 2014. Genii’ is also a talented musician. Now, with 19 years of sobriety, the mark Sam plans to leave on earth will be very different. When asked about what he feels his purpose in life is Sam states, “to be a light of hope to other addicts and to be able
to use my passion for music”. And he is doing just that. Mr. Sam has accomplished a lot musically, with a total of 7 CD’s. Most importantly, Sam, better known as Mr. Sam, has a testimony, especially for those we look at, walk by, and never pay attention to living on the streets. Not only has he survived the odds but is a success. When asked, “what advice would you tell your younger self if you could”? Mr. Sam says, “you don’t have to impress others or be “that guy”. You are talented and a good person”. He also has a message to give to the youth, “you are never too old to get your goals”. Mr. Sam has come a long way from those days of being alone in isolation, the grips of addiction, incarceration and making a suicide plan, to living what he feels is his purpose. And what a beautiful thing it is to align purpose and passion. Now Sam lives a happy and joyous life, while never forgetting what brought him to this moment. Continued from Page 5
a few secrets, of which one can be disclosed. There are many projects lined up. However, there is a powerful tell-all book, documentary, and a movie on the horizon. He says, “I’m holding nothing back” as he describes the vision behind the upcoming project. He is unstoppable and determined and has a mission with a plan, carrying the torch with honor, pride and dignity. He believes in the blues and soul music and has stayed true to the mission. He is The King of Southern Soul, and rightfully so. Sir Charles Jones official Fan Page sircharlesjones_@instagram
BALD MAMA
Continued from Page 25 borhood Transformation Initiative). We want to be the mother daughter duo that inspire others that that they can do it too! Black Owned, Women Led… We will be the reason people Define Their Rich.
www.iamlivingrich.com http://www.baldmama.org/
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Website: www.richscholars.com Social Media: @rich.scholarsch
MISSING CHILDREN
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AMPS MAGAZINE of OHIO Romeo Barnes, Publisher Youth and Unity
(216) 414-0155
www.cleveland.ampsmagazine.com Email: romeo@ampsmagazine.com Page 28
American Minority People Succeeding
