Cleveland Volume 2, Issue 1

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about the publisher

A WORD FROM THE CEO

This is the seventh 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.

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.”

Gerald D. Wright, CEO

Welcome to the seventh 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.

Thank you for your continued support.

SO CAN YOU.

AMPS Ohio Magazine Publisher Romeo Barnes

Akira Lovett

Akira Lovett is the Founder and CEO of Kainali Expressions. She is the creative mind behind many of the custom gifts and decorations that you will see from Kainali Expressions. Akira Lovett is a strong and resilient woman who has overcome many challenges on her journey to success. She was a single mother of three who struggled with homelessness and surviving an extremely volatile domestic violence relationship. Despite the many obstacles she faced, Akira never gave up on her dreams. Akira is a Mental Health Professional who, with her unique and captivating creations, incorporates art therapy as an effective method to address the needs of her clients. Akira Lovett received her A.A in Business from Lakeland Community College, her B.A. in Urban Studies from Cleveland State University, and now currently working on her Master’s Degree in Social Work. She aspires to be a Daymaker in the lives of everyone she touches.

Her relentless pursuit of her dreams served as a shining example to her children that nothing is impossible, regardless of the obstacles one may have to overcome. Inspired by her Mother’s creative flair, Akira, as a young child, began experimenting with her own levels of creativity in the world of art, music, and poetry. Having the outlet of art as an added means of expression, has helped to give Akira forward motion in life, and to overcome the many challenge she has faced. Akira’s journey is a powerful reminder to anyone that even in the face of adversity, it is possible to overcome any obstacle and achieve their dreams with the right mindset and a strong work ethic. Mrs. Lovett’s vision is to create generational wealth for her children and Kainali Expressions is only the beginning.

Making custom handmade gifts puts a little something special in each occasion when gifting someone one of KE’s creations. The opportunity to create something new each day is the challenge that ignites the passion behind Kainali expressions. Akira Lovett was born in New York, raised in Ohio and now on her new journey in North Carolina. Akira is a loving wife, and a mother to 4 beautiful children and a bonus mom to her 4 bonus babies. She loves spending her free time singing and traveling with her family.

“At Kainali Expressions, we put a great deal of passion and commitment into each and every creation and decoration that we make. We take pride in our work and strive to create unique, high-quality pieces that will bring joy and inspiration to those who see them. We pay close attention to detail and carefully craft each item with the utmost care and precision. Our passion and commitment to the craft are evident in the final product and are a testament to our dedication to creating beautiful, oneof-a-kind pieces that will be treasured for years to come. Stop by our website kexpressions.com and check out our Product of the Month and save 20% off by clicking the link in the banner!”

Clifford Oliver

Clifford Oliver grew up in the inner streets of East Cleveland where gang fights, drug activity, robberies and other crime related factors were prominent. Reluctantly he chose not to fall victim to the stereotype and be a product of his environment. He was able to remain focused academically as well as develop other outlets such as art, writing and playing sports with neighborhood friends. “I like to say it’s not always about where you live, but how you live”.

While recently working with B. B. LOTT which stands for, Building Better Leaders of Tomorrow Today located at 503 E. 200th Street Suite 103, a program ran by Ms. Montana and Vernon Tyus that teaches entrepreneurship and financial literacy. Inspired by the information given Mr. Oliver plans on restoring value within the East Cleveland community within the near future; working alongside the youth and his peer group through organizations such as Elevated Milestones and other collaborations helping to take pride in unity again.

Elevated Milestones is an up and coming Non Profit Organization looking to develop programs to help expand the culture of black minorities in a positive direction through mentoring and fun educational activities, pride regarding ownership, self awareness and finance.

BIG WALT

LAWD HAV MERCY

Childhood memories

Brianna reveals in the interview that she did not have the most fantastic childhood memories, but it was not bad for her. Since she has a stepdad and was never aware of her birth father’s identity, it was difficult for her to get along with her stepfather. Her stepfather, for the record, was not the most polite person and was very abusive in all manners.

Her stepfather was also in the military, and they had to move a lot because of that. Later, she also joined the military. There was a lot going on there, and Brianna did not lose hope and strength and kept going to make her path.

Process of joining the military

After graduating from high school, she attended Bowie Sate University in Maryland instead of returning to Virginia. But the first semester does not go as planned, and due to some wild behavior. Brianna had to return home. Her parents refused to pay for her school, so she attended Southern Maryland College.

Experience in HBCU

It was not a bad experience for her over there, but it was crazy to some extent. Since Brianna was a fair-skinned black woman and very attractive, her specific skin color got her into trouble. Also, it spread a lot of rumors about her relationship with other men. She also sat in a panel where she talked about her skin and the insecurities other darkskinned women have about her, and the whole experience was pretty shocking for her.

Brianna started working as a cashier at Dollar General and was later promoted to manager. It was imperative for her to do the full-day job with the full-day school since she had to pay for

Brianna

the school by herself.

At that particular time, Brianna thinks hard about her life decision and refuses to spend her life like this. That’s when she decided to join the military because joining the military just made sense to her. Brianna chose to join the Air Force, which was also considered the hardest one to get into, but that’s what also triggered her to get in, and she did it pretty well.

Being an inspiration

Brianna wants to inspire other women who are also facing the same problems related to skin color discrimination, abusive behavior, and other issues. Since Brianna has experienced all

of these terrible things in her life experience, including being in an abusive relationship, she can understand the feelings of other people really well. Moreover, Brianna gives a lot of her time to love her son matter what the situation is, and that’s what keep her going in these difficult times.

Brianna wants to create a platform by starting a podcast for the women who are trying hard to get somebody’s attention by exposing them to others. She wants to become the hope for the women who want the proper attention that they lack in their homes. She wants to inspire other women to love themselves the way they are and to accept themselves and become worthy. Brianna put a lot of effort into making her life more disciplined and planned for her and her child. She has been doing it by paying proper attention to her sleep, meals, and other essentials to maintain a good-quality life. She is motivated about starting her podcast soon.

Personal preferences

Brianna also tells about her preferences for food, movies, songs, and other things. Brianna prefers some types of seafood and is picky about her food choices. Brianna is really into soulful music and likes to play it in the background while working. Brianna’s favorite movie is “The Notebook,” and she has a celebrity crush on Chris Brown. She loves to live in the country just like her grandparents, but she also likes to live in DC. Moreover, she also likes to listen to Maya Angelou and is really into her poetry. Angelou’s way of writing and reading her poetry inspires Brianna to do the same. Brianna is also trying her best to interpret her thoughts into poetry.

Inspirational quote

Brianna believes in god and believes that God loves his creation because he gives us birth. And if you think you deserve a luxurious life and want some rest and peace in life, then you must make some efforts to get it. In short, if you ever want something in life, you must first make up your mind to get it and remain motivated.

She also wants the same sort of thinking for her next man if she ever wants to be in a relationship again and also wants him to be hygienic and contain some leadership traits.

Military career

Brianna wants to remain motivated and continue her 20 years in the military until or unless god has some other plans for her.

SCAN WITH PHONE

SCAN WITH PHONE

Big Heff

Quincy Big Heff Taylor, a staple in the midwest culture has worked with Tee Grizzley, Megan Thee Stallion, Tk Kravitz, Yk Osiris, and more. Heff got his start working at LandSpeed Records in 2001. Working at Shady Records in 2002 as project manager for Big Proof of D12. Being a part of the Anger Management Tour and Roc Da Mic Tour. Heff soon got a call to join the D12 World Tour which featured Slum Village & more. In 2006 Heff created the Ohio Hip Hop Awards with D Lorand, Majestic, and Garbs to bring awareness to the Ohio Music Scene. Working at Eone, Def Jam, Epic Records, Heff would like to introduce some new midwest talent.

DJ Ryan Wolf

In 2020, Wolf stepped out as an artist. He released his debut album, “Dreams 2 Reality,” under Capital Structure Entertainment. The album full of hits has features from Cleveland artists Roota Bang, Ty Bri, Ray Jr., Fly Tye, and many more. In 2021, Wolf opened a haunted house themed restaurant “The Haunted” in Cleveland Heights. In 2022 Dj Ryan Wolf released his highly popular song “Hit It” feat Soula Boy, Idd Ack, and Ty Bri produced by Philly Ferrari Beatz and “It Go” feat Erica Banks, Preme Dibiasi, & Ty Bri. The songs reached radio nationally and the video made it to BET Jams. Be on the lookout for DJ Ryan Wolf’s new project “WOLF: Walking On Legit Faith”.

Ty Bri

After her debut project “Sweet Lick” reached over 12 million streams. Which featured the stand out single “Wake Up” feat Latto. Ty Bri has opened up for Megan Thee Stallion, Wale, Rubi Rose, Kash Doll, and Trina. In 2020 Ty Bri was featured on the Girls Trap Too Tour with Latto and Flo Milli. With recent features on Off The Porch, and DJ Smallz, Ty Bri has dropped some freestyles that have been featured on Shade 45, and Dash Radio. Be sure to look out for Ty Bri at SXSW.

55Bagz

CMG Affiliate 55 Bagz, returns after dropping two classic mixtapes. The new music returns with a reboot of his hit single “Purge” feat YoGotti, the new music features midwest legend Icewear Vezzo and Ripp Flamez. 55 Bagz will be one of the forces for the new year.

MG Sleepy

Columbus new star on the rise. MG Sleepy has bars on bars with his reality rap. With a new song “OJ Simpson” making a buzz in the midwest. With

over 17 million streams Sleepy is a force to be reckoned with.

Idd Ack

Cleveland native, Idd Ack with his growing club banger “Hop” started taking over the clubs in the midwest. From throwing elaborate parties at Medusa to turning up the airwaves. With songs like Hollin, Bussin It Down, and Dump The Cooler Idd Ack has certified himself as a influencer in the culture with his signature “Fvck Em” Dance.

Alylah Divine

Akron has been turning out talent and Alylah Divine has been filling the young wave with notes and hooks. Headlining her first concert at The Vortex in her hometown. Alylah released her first single “Time” produced by The Chop God and followed up with her new song “Dancin In The Dark” featured on Dj Kristyles on WOVU’s songs of the week.

Philadelphia born rapper Tone Trump has shown great things come out of Philly. This Muslim Rapper, actor, author and CEO has mastered the art of the hustle.

Tone Trump ( Abdul Sallam) continues to grind his way through many platforms and along the way continues to encourage and give back in the community and staying true to his faith.

This heavy weight hit the ground running in 2007 and has not looked back. He has several successful albums Trump Life released in 2009 and self entitled album TONY in 2015. Also look for Trump’s Mixed Tapes from 2010 to now. The CEO of his own label Top Notch Entertainment he has worked tirelessly. Signed to labels such as G- Unit Philly and Young Jezzy’s Label, CTE World, he brings much to the table.

Also an actor with credits under his belt such as CREED with Sylvester Stallone and Michael B Jordan, to the play “ A Good Man is Hard to Find,” he continues to make strides through his music with an upcoming album, the book he co-wrote “Big Halal Steppas” and by continuing to give back to the City of Philadelphia. His mottos “Lets Win” and “Hustle or Starve” is exactly what he is doing.

Tone Trump STAR SPRATT

Little Africa Food Coop started in July of 2016 in hopes of becoming a black owned and operated Grocery Co-op. After years in various communities we have come to a realization that the traditional co-op model has not been conducive in our development. We’ve come to an understanding that there is a broader need in the food system that encompasses more than a grocery store. The need is to build a food system.

One of our primary goals is and has been to work with black farmers and growers to supply retail grocery store operations. Yet there are few black farmers who can scale up to meet the demand of the food supply chain to black food cooperators and grocers. With lack of manufacturers, wholesale distributors, access to resources or the fund, how does “taking ownership in feeding ourselves” is a reality?

We are intentional on keeping us with business trends from local food systems to global food supply chains to culturally relevant market research and community health.

Please join us at one of our upcoming community events as we discuss the development of our own food system centered in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood in Cleveland, Ohio.

Legendary Greats

Legendary Great Fannie Lewis is in a category all by herself. Mrs. Lewis was born in Memphis Tennessee on June 6 1926. Always a leader Fannie played sports in high school and lettered in several. At the age of 19 Fannie married Carlee Lewis. In 1951 Fannie and her husband moved to Cleveland, Ohio. Who would have known that Fannie would make history. She took a interest in her community and during the famous 1966 Hough Riots she drew attention when she was spotted talking with national guards that had been dispatched to the area.

This began Fannie’s journey to becoming one of the most influential African American Women in Cleveland history. AMPS Ohio Magazine wants to take the time to acknowledge the great work that Mrs. Lewis accomplished in the City of Cleveland. Fannie Lewis was elected to City Council and represented Ward 7 which covers the Hough Area. An area that was rich in history but in need of revitalization. Mrs. Lewis became the longest running female City Councilwoman in Cleveland, Ohio.

A true activist not only for Hough area but the City as well. Fannie was well known for being a tough cookie, but a tough cookie with a heart. Among the many things that she accomplished was the passing of the Fannie Lewis Law, which requires a portion of public works projects in Cleveland to be performed by Cleveland residents. She also fought for construction of Lexington Village, townhouses on Hough Avenue, Crawford Estates homes, and for new, expensive homes in the Hough area that has been refered to as “Fannie’s Mansions.”

Fannie represented Ward 7 for almost 30 years, and one of the things she was very passionate about was the restoration of League Park, in Hough, home to the Negro League Baseball Games…she knew it would happen but didn’t know when. Mrs. Lewis served her Ward and City until she passed away on August 11, 2008 at the age of 82.

League Park reopened in 2014. To honor this Legendary Great there is there is a Fannie M Lewis Community Park at League Park as well as a statue of Mrs. Lewis.

This Legendary Great is hailed as the FIFA Fédération Internationale de Football Association) Player of the Century: Pele. Born in Brazil Edson Arantes do Nascimento on October 23rd 1940. Very early Pele took interest in Soccer or as it is known in Brazil…Football. Having very little money he was taught by his father who was also a soccer player. From the age of 15 he began playing with Brazilian local soccer club the Santos and by the age of 16 was playing the professional soccer (football) for the Brazilian National Team Know for his skill and charisma on and off the field Pele exploded on the scene internationally and was soon loved by all. Pele is known for his love of this “ beautiful game” over time Pele won the World Cup 3 times 1958, 1962 and again in 1970, making him the only player to have done this in history. In 1961 Pele also nickname “The King” or O Rei was declared an “official national treasure” to prevent him from being transferred out of the country. Pele also holds the Guinness World Record for 1,279 goals in 1,363 games in a soccer (football). Described as spectacular and electrifying on the field Pele international fame as a melanated athletic put him in the leagues of Author Ashe, Muhammad Ali and Jackie Robinson. Always an inspiration always positive and giving a smile. Pele retired in 1977 but continued to be a great humanitarian and was for a time the UNESCO Good Will Ambassador for the United Nations as well as former Minister of Sports for Brazil. Pele passed away December 29th 2022. Leaving behind his wife Marcia Aoki whom he married in 2026 and 7 children. Pele legacy will forever carry on. AMPS LEGENDARY GREAT.

Pele Fannie Lewis

Monte Gaddis

schools in Nashville, Tennessee. The schools are Napier, Inglewood, Fall Hamilton and JE Moss with the hopes of doubling that number in the upcoming months.

The mission of the program is to provide a fun, safe, and educational atmosphere for all students. The Little Leagues teaches each student the skills necessary to function in today’s competitive world. The program now has added Pickleball, Hockey and Volleyball to its curriculum, using the sports as vehicles to show the youth about physical fitness, teamwork and the academic skills necessary for success.

You will struggle to find someone more passionate about growing the sport of Rugby League and building a future for the youth more than myself.

To start off, I would like to thank all my supporters from all over the world, especially those in Nashville, Tennessee. At the moment, I am Monté Gaddis, the owner of Cleveland Rugby League and the founder of The Little Leagues youth program.

My journey started of with dreams of being in the NFL since the age of 10 years old, but when plans didn’t fall through, that’s where the ultimate hustle began. My name was never called in the 2014 NFL Draft or even years later but that’s not where the story stopped. My last years of football were in 2015 with the Gydnia Seahawks (Poland) and the Iowa Barnstormers (Indoor Football League).

I started playing rugby league in 2016, when I was asked to attend trials for the professional Toronto Wolfpack, who were forming a team ahead of their inaugural season the following year. The Wolfpack heard of my story with the Cleveland Browns, and gave me a tryout of a lifetime. I traveled to three Rugby League tryouts around North America, I was chosen with 17 other trialists to fly over to the United Kingdom to grind for a professional contract.

The inspiration for me founding the Rugby Club and the Youth Program came from not having rugby league in my city, I wanted to be the guy who helped create opportunity. I played at Shaw Cross (United Kingdom) after the trials and played for Red Star Belgrade (Serbia) in 2018, it was only right to being the RL culture back to Cleveland, Ohio.

The youth program launched in 2021 where we partnered with six schools in Cleveland, Ohio to teach the youth about Rugby League. Now in 2023, we have partner with more than 15 schools/organizations in Cleveland, Ohio and four elementary

The overall goal is to have more kids of all ages, genders, and ethnicities have a Rugby League ball in their hands. Doing that will change the narrative and make Rugby League a Top 3 sport in the USA. We are just growing the game the best we can and are making sure we can control everything we can control.

Please follow me on all social media platforms at @montegaddis Email montegaddis@gmail.com for any collaborations or littleleagues24@gmail.com if you are interested in the Youth Program.

AMERICA’S DEADLIEST SHOOTINGS ARE ONES WE DON’T TALK ABOUT

On any given day in America, an average of 65 of our mothers, brothers, partners, and friends are taken from us by gun suicide. And in Missouri, the majority of gun deaths are suicides. But tomorrow’s deaths could be prevented. Give your loved ones a second chance at life. Store your guns safely: locked, unloaded, and away from ammo.

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

Letha Moore - Richards (Owner) Uniek Kreations

Youngest Mayor in America

Jaylen Smith

History was made when the citizens of Earle, Arkansas elected 18 year old Jaylen Smith to be the next mayor of their city. Now Mayor Jaylen Smith is not only the youngest melanated mayor in history but the youngest Mayor in American history.

Mayor Smith graduated from Earle High School in May of 2022. When asked what inspired him to run for mayor he stated that it was his involved in student government that made him decide to run and his love of his community. Even though as a young child he knew he wanted to be mayor. As he got older he prayed on it and was lead to run in his senior year. With his family’s blessing and support, the support of his graduating class and several previous graduating classes people in the community both young and not so young supporting him and his campaign he hit the ground running. His campaign focused on public

NO ONE GETS A DIPLOMA ALONE.

safety, getting transportation getting a grocery store in their city of approximately 2,000 people, beautifying the city, housing and jobs. Jaylen won the election with 218 votes, beating his opponent Nemi Matthews, who received 139 votes according to Fox 13 News Memphis. The Major states his youthful energy, fresh new ideas, passion and drive for getting things done helped him to win but the young people’s vote was also a big part. The mayor was sworn in on January 3rd 2023. He is also continuing his education, he is doing his mayoral duties in the day time and attending college at Arkansas State College online at night. It has been a world wind ride for the young mayor with interviews, television appearances like the Jennifer Hudson show has kept him busy. He takes his job seriously. What’s next he states where ever the Lord leads him. His thoughts the State Senate, governor of Arkansas and his dream to become President. His fellow classmates already call him Mr. President. The future is bright for this incredible young mayor.

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.

MISSING CHILDREN HELP BRING THEM HOME

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.

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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