OHIO EDITION
AMPS MAGAZINE
American Minority People Succeeding
Creative Artistry
DR. ROBIN SIMMONS
’s d n a l e v NBA e l C All-Star Weekend
Volume 1, Issue 5
Page 1 www.cleveland.ampsmagazine.com
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contents VOLUME 1, ISSUE 5
What’s Inside...
Go Get It....................................... 6 The Road to Excellence............... 7 Creative Artistry.......................... 9 Styles of Imagination................. 10 Carpentry and Building Trades Training Program Aims to Expand Opportunites.............................. 13 Fully Loaded............................... 15 Legendary Greats....................... 16 Legendary Greats....................... 17 All Star Weekend Events........... 18 All-Star Weekend....................... 22 Ms. BBC...................................... 24 Our Missing Children............... 31
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Some disasters you can prepare for. Like a big one. We’re talking about hurricanes, blizzards, blackouts, and more. Be ready and make an emergency plan today. Visit NYC.gov/readyny or call 311.
p.18
the AMPS Ohio Team
Publisher
Romeo Barnes
Editor
Mia Barnes
ELEVATED
Writers
Kalinda Meadows
Contributing Photographer Kelly Barnes Brandi Ferguson
Graphic Designer Gerald Wright
AMPS Ohio is a franchise of AMPS Magazine, a national entity, with headquarters in Orlando, Florida. This magazine is published bi-monthly. AMPS MAGAZINE CORPORATE Orlando, Florida 33837 317-426-7790
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A WORD FROM THE CEO This is the fifth issue of AMPS Magazine, Ohio Edition. I wanted to take this time to congraulate A.M.P.S. (American-Minority People Succeeding) Cleveland franchise on a great job they are doing in the community in providing good stories and educating the community.
about the publisher Welcome to the fifth 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. AMPS Ohio Magazine Publisher Romeo Barnes Thank you for your continued support.
This 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.”
Page 4 D. Wright, CEO Gerald
SO CAN YOU.
Continued on Page 5
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Go Get It D
r. Robin R. Simmons grew up in Warrensville Heights, Ohio and graduated from Warrensville Hts. High school. She attended an Historical Black College/University (HBCU) Alabama State University and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.S. in elementary education. She then attended Cambridge College in Boston Massachusetts and received her M.A. in School Administration. Lastly, she attended Argosy University in Sarasota Florida and received her Ed.S.(Education Specialist) in Curriculum K-12 and an Ed.D. (Education Doctorate) in Instructional Leadership. She currently lives in Bedford, Ohio and is a curriculum instruction specialist in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. She has one son, Quemonte Leonard who is an entrepreneur. However, her pride and joy is her 3 year old granddaughter, Aubrianna. She is also the executive director and founder of the non-profit, Raising Our Kids Inc. (ROK), president of Alabama State University Cleveland Alumni Chapter, and president of Metropolitan Cleveland Alliance of Black School Educators (Metro CABSE). In her spare time, which is rare, she loves spending time with her granddaughter, reading spiritual and self-help literature, enjoying listening to live music, and a good meal.
That picture keeps me grounded and humble. Everyday I encounter single parents and students who have a parent in prison. I don’t want to come from a place of judgment but a place of understanding but never give up attitude. If you fight through it, it does make you stronger. I’m an example.
Q: Now, how does a woman with so much on her plate keep it all together? A: It’s the God in me. I have a couple of songs, scriptures, and positive affirmations quotes on a daily basis that I have to pull from to keep me going and pushing through. I find myself frequently having to listen to “Go Get It” by Mary, Mary. The lyrics tell my whole story.
Q: What kept you from giving up? A: Through it all, I always had my faith. I wasn’t always operating in my faith but it was there. I was raised in a church. My grandfather was the pastor and my family is very spiritual. As I mature in Christ and the more life I live, it becomes more evident, “ I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me”.
It’s like you’re looking through a telescope You see where you gon’ be Growing getting better You’re not the person they see
See everybody has a season And I believe this one’s yours ‘Cause you been working, waiting This what you been praying for
Q: Tell us about your beginnings? A: I grew up in a suburb of Cleveland but as an adult I’ve had my struggles. Being a single parent, son’s father in prison, and on welfare wasn’t what I expected for myself. In my office there’s a picture of my son and I in our cap and gown. I graduated from college and Que graduated from Kindergarten. It reminds me of the struggles, deferred dreams, and the glimpse of hope during that era of my life.
Q: Tell us about your nonprofit, Raising Our Kids INC A: We need to help kids at all costs BEFORE it costs all of us. Raising Our Kids (ROK) was started because it is detrimental to raise, rear and uplift, our kids through their positive B.E.S.T (Behavioral, Emotional, Social, Transformations). Most of our adult issues stem back to our childhood. As a young parent, I thought I was being the best mom but not knowing some of my issues were being passed down to my child. We usually don’t find out how we did as parents until our child becomes a young adult. However, there were signs some parents can look back on to reflect- suspensions, phone calls from the school, fighting, anger and others. ROK was established in 2011 and it has been a long road due to funding. We have held parent workshops and events. However, it is time for me to seek funding to have a full-time center to supContinued on Page 11
Can’t be mad at the things you been through ‘Cause they built your muscle Now you’re stronger than you’ve ever been They can’t stop your hustle Q: How have your past experiences prepared you?
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Your faith ain’t never small That’s what brought you this far See you got your dreams and you got your prayers and you got Your God He gon’ take you there
The Road to Excellence B
ob Ivory was born in Lake Village, Arkansas, and grew up in the Glenville Area of Cleveland, Ohio. He was raised by his grandparents who adopted him at the age of three years old. Each summer during his childhood and adolescent years, Bob spent memorable moments with his grandmother and relatives in Lake Village and Dermott, Arkansas. There he established a firm foundation and appreciation for the southern experience. A proud product of Cleveland Public Schools and attending Ohio University in Athens. Ohio, Bob has served in various leadership roles including developing programs for youth atrisk, group homes and closing the achievement gap initiatives. Bob served as Community Outreach Coordinator in the Cleveland Regional Office of the Governor before his promotion to Regional Project Manager in the Governor’s Initiative for Closing the Achievement Gap in Ohio in 2007. He was appointed to the role of Special Assistant to the Cuyahoga County Executive and Legislative Liaison to Cuyahoga County Council under the newly chartered County government in 2011. Bob then migrated to the San Francisco Bay area where he launched and implemented the Students of Promise Program in the San Francisco Unified School District. Bob is currently the Director of Students of Promise USA and President of Ivory Educational Consulting Group. Students of Promise currently operates and is implemented under Bob’s direct leadership within the Bedford, Maple Heights, Warrensville Heights, Cleveland Heights-University Heights and Garfield Heights City School Districts.
inal songs has charter on the Top 40 of the Smooth Jazz Network. Bob is the published author of the inspirational book “What God Has Done”. Residing in Streetsboro, Ohio with his lovely wife Tawanna, Bob is the proud father of Timothy, Kyerra, Christopher, Jasmine and Robert Jr., two grandsons Chase and.Parris, and granddaughter Jael
Bob was featured in Who’s Who Black Cleveland for his efforts in educationt to help close the achievement gap in targeted youth; received the Outstanding Mentor of the Year Award from the 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland. He serves as a board member of AmeriWell, executive committee member My Brother’s Keeper of Greater Cleveland and a Life Member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., Zeta Omega Chapter. In addition, Bob is an accomplished artist and musician. As a keyboardist, songwriter and smooth jazz vocalist his orig-
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Creative Artistry I
’m a local freelance artist from Cleveland, Ohio. I love to create art & potentially hope to become a brand & more really soon.
I draw, paint & create digital graphics. The mediums I use are framed canvases, sneakers, jackets, murals & recently basketballs & more because in my eyes everything is a canvas to paint. In my journey I’ve been blessed to get sneakers inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of fame, work with Reebok & most recently work with Mountain Dew & Ruffles
I’ve used numerous creative styles like abstract but I’ve done more commercial style art. I’m honestly still discovering my unique style. I pull inspiration from my family, hometown & that I’m also a nerd. I have something to prove; to myself, family & hometown as the underdog.
My love for comic books, video games & animation sparked the love for creating & designing growing up until now.
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Styles of Imagination C
leveland’s very own Fashion Designer, Diane Linston, steps out as one of the most talented fashion designers in the State of Ohio. In 2010, Diane was diagnosed with a horrible disorder called Trigeminal Neuralgia, which is universally acknowledged as one of the most painful afflictions known to adults, aka “the suicide disease.” Affecting 1 out of 25,000 people a year, Diane never gave up faith. In 2011, she had brain surgery to correct damaged nerves, and within 4 months she was doing what she loved to do, “Designing Women’s” clothing. Diane Linston opened her manufacturing & showroom on June 1, 2015, at 3500 Payne Ave, Cleveland, Ohio. She is the only African American female-owned manufacturing company in Cleveland Ohio. March 2, 2019, Styles of Imagination Boutique opened in the city of Beachwood. Styles of Imagination is the flagship brand for all of Diane’s collections, and the N.G.U. Design label is her signature line. N.G.U. stands for Never Give Up, and has been Diane’s rallying cry throughout her pursuit of becoming a high-fashion designer. “My dreams are more than just being a fashion designer,” states Diane, “It’s a dream come true for me. My career has not been easy; I have learned everything about fashion the hard way and I never gave up on my dreams, hence N.G.U. was born!” Linston has garnered many awards and honors in her time as an entrepreneur. She was honored by the City of Cleveland as a Female Business Enterprise, presented with the the award by Mayor Frank Jackson in May 2017. Diane became the wardrobe stylist for the movie ‘Single and Ready,’ and was the wardrobe stylist for the movie: ‘State of Mind,’ dressing celebrities such as Elise Neal of The Hughleys, released June 2020. Diane Linston’s talents are not limited to fashion design. She became a contributing author of the released book for 2018, “Purpose Matters Anthology Project.” This book features fifteen contributing authors who talk about their purposes in life, to live your dreams and never give up. On February 23, 2019, the Mayor of the City of Beachwood, Ohio, Martin S. Horwitz, presented a proclamation
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to Diane Linston, naming it Styles of Imagination Boutique Day in the city. February 19, 2022, Diane Linston, created a fashion show during the NBA All- Star weekend in Cleveland Ohio The actress Eva Marcelle from American Next Top Model hosted the show. There were more than 16 fashion designers from all over the world. Nigeria Africa & Puerto Rico. Most of the fashion designers were from Cleveland Ohio, along with Diane’s collection herself. Linston, has a talk show called “Cleveland Fashions & Styles” The show airs on WKYC channel 3, every Saturday morning also on Roku, Facebook and Youtube. Some Additional Awards and Accomplishments • Featured in many magazines nationally and internationally • Participated in New York Fashion Week • Participated in 2018 Harlem Fashion Week, with the daughters of Malcolm X collection • Signature line, NGU Collections, garnered national attention and developed into work with local and national celebrities • Showcased fashions at the Cincinnati Jazz festival as opening act for rapper MC Lite and DJ Jazzy Jeff • Featured fashion designer at the Essence Festival July 6, 2019, New Orleans • Featured on New Day Cleveland on FOX 8 and Sunny Side up Channel 19 News. • Featured in 2018, 13th anniversary edition of Who’s Who in Black Cleveland, Ohio • 2019, the14th edition of Who’s Who in Black Cleveland & Akron • Blacknew.com 2021 • Breaking News 2022 • Sister2Sister magazine 2021 • AMPS Cleveland Magazine 2022 • Luxe Magazine 2022 • Slink Magazine 2022 • The Nikki Rich show 2022
Continued from Page 6 port parents and when a child gets suspended from school they will come for positive B.E.S.T practices. COVID-19 has exacerbated our kids B.E.S.T. This pandemic has forever changed the way we operate daily. It’s going to be a time when kids are going to need a mental health day off. ROK services are needed like ever before and If Not Now then When? If not us then Who? Go get it, go get it, go get it, go get it, go get it Go get your blessing Go get it, go get it, go get it, go get it, go get it, go get it It’s your time, it’s your time, say it’s your time, it’s your time It’s my time! Q: Tell us about the Metropolitan Cleveland Alliance of Black School Educators. A: In addition to being the executive director and founder of ROK, I am the president of Metropolitan Cleveland Alliance of Black School Educators (Metro CABSE). I became the president prior to the pandemic in August 2019. This is the local affiliate of the state and national alliance. There are over a thousand local affiliates in the US and Canada. Metro CABSE just had its 40th year celebration in December of 2021. Our main initiatives are education policy and legislation, parent commission, and Black Men Teach in CLE (BMT in CLE) campaign. It’s a great feeling to live IN purpose. I hear people talk about our education system and the inequalities for kids of color, particularly those of African descent. Metro CABSE is talking, walking, and doing the work. We are currently fighting to oppose a proposed policy that would prohibit educators for teaching or discussing truths about American history- slavery, segregation, social justices. Our parent commission works on how to distribute this information to families and support parents through this pandemic and beyond. Our BMT in CLE campaign is supporting districts to recruit, engage, and sustain more Black male teachers. We work with districts who only have one to no Black male teachers in their high schools or elementary schools. Metro CABSE is trying to change this narrative. You were made to live a good life And that’s what I believe So hit the floor say a prayer start working You gotta do something
It’s alright to crawl before you walk It’s alright to walk before you run But if you wanna get what you never got Gotta do something that you never done Q: What sounding words/advice would you like to end with? A: “To much is given much will be required” Luke 12:48 When you live IN purpose you have to remember that scripture. In addition to all of my other obligations, I am the president of my HBCU alumni chapter, Alabama State University (ASU). The picture of my son and I also reminds me of one of the proudest moments of my life, graduating from ASU with honors (Magna Cum Laude). ASU gave me a single-parent on welfare, an opportunity and a chance in life. I was a full-time student on an academic scholarship, at times working full-time, along with my full-time responsibility- being a parent of a toddler. How did I do it? It’s the God in me. How did I make it? I just kept on crawling. Go get it, go get it, go get it, go get it, go get it Go get your blessing Go get it, go get it, go get it, go get it, go get it, go get it Go get your blessing It’s your time, it’s your time, it’s your time, it’s your time It’s my time! You’ve been qualified But his mercy multiplied You cannot be denied ‘Cause you’re finally certified It’s official Go ahead and testify He’s gon’ bless you You gon’ bless him Now God be glorified When you go get it, go get it, go get it, go get it, go get it Go get your blessing Go get it, go get it, go get it, go get it, go get it, go get it Go get your blessing It’s your time, it’s your time, say it’s your time, it’s your time It’s my time! Go get it, go get it, go get it, go get it, go get it Go get that blessing Go get it, go get it, go get it, go get it, go get it, go get it Go get your blessing It’s your time, it’s your time, say it’s your time, it’s your time It’s my time! Go get it
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Carpentry and Building Trades Training Program Aims to Expand Opportunites
As our community begins its recovery from the COVID - 19 Pandemic, many people are talcing time to explore careers that will have more sustainability in the years to come. With this in mind, Career Development and Placement Strategies (CDPS) is encouraging individuals to explore the opportunities in the skilled trades such as their upcoming course, Carpentry and Building Trades Training. The training will take place at their new training site located at 221 Beaver Street in Akron. The in-person training will follow COVID-preventive policies and procedures established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The course runs for 12 weeks, at 24 hours per week, from 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. The 288-hour course allows for both classroom and hands-on training from master instructors in carpentry and building trades. The work-based training is a pathway to apprenticeships, allowing students to earn while they learn. According to Maurice Stevens, President and CEO ofCDPS, “Students will earn an industry-recognized certification from the National Center for Construction Education and Research.” CDPS is on a mission to integrate workforce development with economic development Growth in the building trades and residential and commercial carpentry sector is often limited by shortages of a skilled workforce. Opportunities for individuals are limited by a lack of training and credentials. Apprenticeships can often address the shortage of skilled workers while expanding opportunities for communities to provide needed training. CDPS’s own pathway to this training started with being awarded a start-up grant to develop Expert Reclaim, a social enterprise working to redevelop homes in the Greater Cleveland Community. Expert Reclaim’s social enterprise allowed COPS to train individuals for employment and business start-up opportunities in the remodeling industry. Today’s expansion into apprenticeship programming builds on its original mission while developing options for individuals to earn while learning through apprenticeships. Following the related instruction in Carpentry and Building Trades Training, successful graduates will be matched with companies offering apprenticeships in residential and commercial carpentry.
According to Maurice Stevens, “our aim is to create a pathway to jobs that provide a future, not just a job. The key is to help our students start out with an industry-recognized certification that opens doors in the high growth field of carpentry:• By providing individuals with a marketable skill and certification from the National Center for Construction Education and Research, CDPS will help address the skill and wage gap for individuals. CDPS expects that not all the individuals laid off during the pandemic will return to work in their former occupation. This factor, combined with a persistent skills and wage gap for individuals struggling in today’s economy, reinforces the need for more skill training in the trades. To qualify for training, applicants must have a high school diploma or a G.E.D. Funding is provided by Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA). CDPS’s Carpentry and Building Trades Training is free to individuals eligible for funding under WIOA. The training is approved and registered by the Ohio State Board of Career Colleges and Schools. Interested individuals seeking assistance or employers interested in filling vacancies and offering onthe-job training through apprenticeships are encouraged to contact Career Development and Placement Strategies by phone at 330-752-7129 or go online at www.cdps4u.org. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply and consider building a future through apprenticeship programming.
Career Development and Placement Strategies News Release, March 10, 2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Maurice Stevens, President/CEO 330-687-6129 Direct line
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Fully Loaded B
orn August 13th 1995 at Saint Elizabeth hospital in Youngstown Ohio, started making music in 2020 and after opening up for Cleveland legend Ray Cash, the Artist started taking it to another level. His mother Jellaketa decided to become his manager once he started to take music seriously , he’s been on the Music scene heavy in 2021 and even doing bigger things 2022 ,networking with a lot of talent like joshfromync , young curl, fat boy , Dre day Williams & lQC the label , Andrew Lloyd, FLMG ,currency, young LA , Bizzy Bone and many more. Gambeno is also in a group called fully loaded music group (FLMG) with 440keynote and Tswayy. The group had been seen in a lot of different areas around Ohio like Cleveland, Kent, Youngstown, Akron, Pittsburgh PA , West Virginia, even in Miami at Lamar Odom celebrity boxing match , they perform that night also and hasn’t looked back since. Fully Loaded (FLMG) is also in a new film called get lost with fat boy sse, Bill collector and many more stars ,and also working on another big film called (one mic) with legend Fredro Starr be sure to check it out ,wanna hear more about fully Loaded and their Manager Jellaketa follow them on all platforms @gambeno330 @440keynote @tswayy
@ fullyLoaded _ FLMG
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Legendary Greats
Romeo Barnes
This legendary Great Romeo Barnes was born and raised in Cleveland Ohio. From a very early age Romeo knew what direction he wanted to take with his life and that was owning his own business, being his own boss. He had no idea that he would also have one of the most successful youth programs in the city.
In 2012 he began a community cleanup in Cleveland’s St Clair/Superior area with a group of youth and from this...Youth & Unity Stop the Violence was created. From 2012 till today he has never stopped running for our youth. Romeo has hosted over 100 events, programs and trips for children across the state and no family has ever had to pay. Through Romeo’s tireless dedication he has kept his program going through out the years. Youth & Unity does not have a 501c3 and is funded through Romeo’s hands on diligence and with the help of devoted supporters across the city like all of the areas salons and barbershops that constantly support. To each individual, group or-
Listen to some of Reaux Fareal music.
Roosevelt Wright (Ro Wright), he uses Reaux Fareal as his moniker because it connects him to his Louisiana roots and reminds him to always be himself… unapologetically. Reaux has publicly stated his greatest honor is being the father of three sons. Cadence, Ethan, and Caleb, the Godson that he always claims as his own. Reaux played a role on the HBO series, Treme, and he has also been featured on Fox Sports, MTV, TBN, and Congo TV Network. He wrote, directed, and starred in Get The Ring, now playing on Amazon Prime. “I feel I am more effective using my gifts to bridge racial gaps, empowering others through my books, and connecting people through my music and many creative Page 16” abilities.
ganization or club that has ever given he is grateful and wants to say THANK YOU for the support. In 2019 Romeo was able to open his first Youth and Unity Classroom, offering finance, entrepreneurship, mentorship, etiquette and more. Romeo is a successful entrepreneur that wants to give back to his community, the youth and help entrepreneurs succeed. In 2016 Romeo launched Youth & Unity Water with a Cause which is a purified bottled water with a portion of the proceeds donated to Cancer Research. In that same year he launched his Own line of wine called LAVISH Wine. He is a successful promoter and has ran his own shoe store LAVISH Heelz This legendary Great continues to invest in the youth and the community and today has a new Wine Foxy by LAVISH Wine and is the publisher of Cleveland AMPS Magazine.
Legendary Greats
Katherine Johnson This legendary Great was born on August 26, 1918 and became one of the women of color who helped get man into space. Katherine discovered math came easy to her, but she worked hard on geometry and algebra. She started high school when she was just 10 years old and graduated from college at the age of 18. For a time she was a teacher but left the field when she got married and started a family. When she was 34 she learned of a job which would later become NASA who was looking for African American women with math skills. She was one of those women that was hired and used as human computers. These human computers were given all of the complicated task of configuring the calculations of space flight. Katherine along with the other women in her group, calculated the trajectory, or path, of the country’s first human spaceflight in 1961, to ensure astronaut Alan B. Shepard, Jr., had a safe and successful trip. She then helped figure out John Glenn’s orbit of the earth. Then in 1969, she calculated
the trajectories of Neil Armstrong’s historic mission to the moon on Apollo 11. It was until the movie “Hidden Figures” were Katherine and the other women in her group were finally given accolades or credit they deserved for their part in space travel. Katherine’s career with NASA spanned 33 years and her expertise was important to the launch of the Space Shuttle Program. Over the years she received many awards including the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Obama, The Congressional Gold Medal by the United States Congress and was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame. Katherine Johnson was also the first African American woman scientist at NASA. This Legendary Great lived to be 101 she passed away February 24, 2020. In her honor, NASA had dedicated the Katherine G. Johnson Computational Research Facility at the Langley Research Center.
NO ONE GETS A DIPLOMA ALONE. If you’re thinking of finishing your high school diploma, you have more support than you realize. Find teachers and free adult education classes near you at FinishYourDiploma.org.
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All Star Weekend Events
Check out more images from the events: https://amps.smugmug.com/2022-NBA-All-Star-Weekend
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Check out more images from
STYLES OF IMAGINATION FASHION SHOW
https://amps.smugmug.com/2022-NBA-All-Star-Weekend/Styles-of-Imagination-/ Page 19
ELEGANCE BEAUTY BAR 897 EAST 105TH STREET CLEVELAND, OHIO 44108 ( 216) 417-6132 ELEGANCE BEAUTY BAR is a Black Owned Business in the Glenville Neighborhood area. At our Salon We Welcome Everyone ☺. All ethnicity, gender and ages starting @ 4 years of age. We provide ELEGANT Customer Service as well as ELEGANT Performance on our clients in our cozy, comfortable, clean, quiet, yet ELEGANT Salon. Here at ELEGANCE BEAUTY BAR we “STRIVE TO PLEASE, not a FACT, but a GUARANTEE!” The services we provide at our Salon range from Basic haircare, Braids for all ages, Natural Hair Styling, all chemical services (relaxer, color, cold wave perm) all types of Locs, press & curl, custom wig units, nail services ( acrylics, mani, pedi’s) eyebrow services (arching waxing, blading) eyelash services, weaves, and much more.. We also sale retail products that are Black Owned (Decca Plus) to ensure our clients Happy Healthy Hair after Salon Care.
We are looking for experienced nail techs, 1stylist, lash-tech, & make-up artist as we continue to build our ELEGANT STYLE TEAM. For all serious inquiries please contact the number above...
THANK YOU! TO ALL WHO MADE ALL-STAR WEEKEND AT TOWER CITY A SUCCESS
RETAIL
POP UP FOOD VENDORS
COMPLEX
Ikonik Ink
Vitiman Kandie
2 You Wines
Peach Fuzz
Shoe MGK
The Lemon Lady
Ninja City Kitchen & Bar
Miamour
Xhibition
Squash The Beef
Pearl Flower Catering
Jaxon’s Closet
Cleveland Selfie Studio
Peace Love and Little Donuts
Shell Shock’d Tacos
360 Clothing
Unscript’d Boutique
Lonnie’s Boy Soul Cookin’
Heights Soul Food & Grill
City Breaks Shop
Collegiate Luxe
Nuevo Modern Mexican & Tequila Bar
Dalux Kitchen
Styles of Imagination
Living Rich
Red Velvet
Kohcoa Gourmet Chocolate Shop
Feet Geeks
Andreas Dekar Wines
Xzotik Closet Boutique
Yum Village
Page 20are interested in leasing space at Tower City reach out to JasonRussell@BedrockDetroit.com If you
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All-Star Weekend
Business Recap
Meet Cheryl Pritchard-McCauley, known in the Cleveland area as an entrepreneur, community activist and Cleveland Ambassador for The Musketeer Association and Owner of A&ACT, LLC. Production and Promotion company. At 57 years old Cheryl was one of the small black businesses that suffered during the NBA ALL-Star Weekend in Cleveland. Since September she had worked along with other local and startup businesses on a series of events that were certain to have out of towners dazzled by what Cleveland has to offer in the underground scene. Instead, what she got was a socially distant empty venue which she had to pay top dollar for due to it being All Star Weekend. After the city decided to only allow the 7 top hotels to benefit from the extended hour liquor sales there really wasn’t a chance for her events to be successful. To top the frustration off for Cheryl and other small promoters, the City allowed the NBA and its players to come in and buy up spaces from other venues for astronomical prices. Cheryl: The little man can’t compete with corporate America when it puts its’ hammer down. I heard a group of NBA Players paying 80k to someone to take over their space. Not to mention The Radio and Sponsors not supporting the small promotors and their events. Basically, it was a lose lose situation and the city and it’s event planning should be ashamed and do better. I can’t get with these organizations that do events every year and felt they had to come during this particular weekend to charge vendors and make all this money on the groupied out people of this city when they could have come the week or month after All-Star Weekend. After all they do these events annually. To Me it was being GREEDY and inconsistent with what you say you represent. Opportunities
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for small businesses. However, this experience has not deterred me from my goals and life mission which is to Inspire and Enlighten the Masses through Art and Entertainment and my Social Stance. To take us all to a Higher Level of Self Resect and Understanding of our Worth to ourselves and Society. Whether it’s encouraging people to understand what is happening in society outside of what is fed to us through media and the press. Such as education in the prison systems, or the lack of accreditations available to inmates after taking higher education classes, trades being taken out of our schools. Rather than train people of color, society would build robots to replace them. Or, the music that we are force fed that has corrupted society damn near to the point of no return. To being taxed 3 times before you walk out a store in the inner city. These along with countless other issues are what’s really important at the end of the day so that is where my focus is after the All-Star Weekend fiasco. Though I still can’t understand why people would run that situation like that on all ends. When asked what’s next Cheryl will be doing her part to support The Musketeer Association of Cincinnati as they March in Columbus to support Survivors of Crimes at their 2nd Annual Survivors Speak Advocacy Day and Healing Vigil on March 16, 2022 from (am to pm at the Ohio State House. Until Next Time…
Markee Michelle’s & Goodlife Media Presents After Party for Celevrity Game. Check out more pictures from their event.
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Ms. BBC
Reggae Artist and Serial Entrepreneur Ms. BBC, acknowledged as the first female Reggae artist with her own band in the Cleveland Ohio reggae scene, Ms. BBC & Conscious Eye Reggae Band. The band parted ways due to pandemic, she is now a solo reggae artist in search of rebuilding a new band. Ms.BBC (which stands for Beautiful Beyond Consciousness) began her music career 10 years ago as a dancehall artist in Cleveland, but soon raised into cultural & lovers rock reggae. Ms. BBC reached International status in 2018. She has opened for major artist such as Yellowman, Anthony B, Etana, not to mention Carlos Jones & The PLUS Band, Jah Messengers Reggae Band, Sunshade and DubbStarr Reggae Band, Milton Blake & Jr , Str8 Fiya River Nile and more. She also landed a performing spot on the Fox 8 Morning Show in 2020, and has interviewed with Silver B of Voice it Radio, NoStatic Radio, The Headline, as well as appearing in the Call In Post & Jamaican Observer, Clinton Lindsey. This beautiful Queen’s list doesn’t end there. This Serial Entrepreneur wears many hats. She’s owns her own businesses #BBCPROMOTIONSLLC #BODY2BODYEMPRESS and www.body2bodyempress.com She’s self published 3 novels #UGLIESOFTHEBEAUTYSALONSERIES add to her list of accomplishments and endeavors #AUTHOR #WRITER #POET #PROMOTER #REGGAEARTIST #ACTIVIST #ACTRESS Her first professional stage performance was “God’s Gift to Women” stage play by @phillyweeden. Ms. BBC has an abundance of music out, two movies, and more to come. Follow Ms. BBC Di Khalessi or Ms. BBC Official on all Social Media and music platforms to see what’s next.
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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.
We specialize in all phases of hair and nails. Located at
12814 Buckeye Rd Cleveland, Oh 44120 (216) 991-1904
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#Dadication
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AUTHENTIX BARBERSHOP 3556 Fulton Rd. Cleveland Ohio, 44109 [Instagram @authentix_barbershop]
We are always accepting new clients here at Authentix Barbershop walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are highly suggested. We have some of the best barbers in Cleveland ready to service you: Instagram @c.r.streetz216 Instagram @vance_vedo_dabarber Facebook @ Vance Vedo Thomas We pride ourselves on customer service and paying close attention to detail. We have a 5* rating on Google and service all hair types, we give services that last with great professionalism so if your looking for a reliable barber that cuts hair come to Authentix Barbershop at 3556 Fulton Rd. We are educated on how to properly apply enhancements if you use them, and you don’t have to worry about your actual haircut being painted on your head. Services available (fades, tapers, designs, facial massages, hot lather etc…). We are also looking for 2 motivated barbers to join the team, must know how to cut all hair types. Huge s/o to Romeo for blessing us with this opportunity to use & network on his platform.
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Our Missing Children I
t’s alarming the number of children that’s reported missing across the United States and the State of Ohio eac:h year. last year over 16,000 children were reported missing across the state, and it was reported that 97% by year end were accounted for, Leaving close to 1,000 children not found. The number of children that are actually missing is not always accurate there is a large number of unreported missing or presumed runaway Youth. The sheer number of young adults 18 to 21 that are missing and are listed as adults goes unnoticed and are not always searched for in the same manner. The numbers for 2021 have not been released but it is up to each of us as individuals, organizations, businesses and the community to do our part to bring each of them safely home.
a seminar here to help combat this. It is important to stay a head of the predators wrth all of the social media avenues that are available. It is vital to be able to talk with your youth about the dangers and pitfalls of social media. Know and have access to your child’s accounts, know their friends and habits. Know what your child is wearing and have an updated photo of your child. There is no reason why half of the posters for our missing youth have no pictures. We are the eyes and ears for our youth and commumty, let’s work together to bring our youth home and keep them protected. http://www.missingkids.org/home
Over the past year AMPS Ohio magazine has posted photos of missing children across the State of Ohio. Including this issue, 19 children have been highlighted and 13 have been found safe. Ohio is also a hub for Sex Trafficking and we are the eyes and ears that can change th is. Ohio is the 2nd highest ranked state in terms of new offenders. In October 2021 the largest Sex Trafficking bust in Ohio history occurred, helping over 51 sex trafficked victims and arrested 161 offenders. It has been reported that out of every 7 females that are in foster care 1 will runaway. We do not want to deliver our children into the hands of predators in the streets, we must keep our eyes and ears open in our community. Sex Trafficking does not discriminate again gender or age. Help to keep our youth safe by saying something if you see it no matter how small it may seem.
#Dadication
In the month of August 2021 over 150 new ca.ses of mi ssing and endangered children were reported in Ohio, with 40 cases being from the Cleve land/ Akron area according to the Ohio Attorney General. Special training is being given to the state, local and federal officers to better equip them in ways to help find missing and Sex Trafficked youth, In August 2021, the Attorney General David Yost and Adam Walsh of the National Center for Missing and Explorted Children hosted
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MISSING CHILDREN Let’s continue to keep our eyes, ears and hearts open to finding our missing children Children across the nation continues to disappear. It takes all of us to bring them home safely. Let’s do our part.
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HELP BRING THEM HOME
MISSING CHILDREN Let’s continue to keep our eyes, ears and hearts open to finding our missing children Children across the nation continues to disappear. It takes all of us to bring them home safely. Let’s do our part.
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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 36
American Minority People Succeeding
