Black & Magazine NOV|2019

NOV|19

San Diego’s Premier Digital Black Lifestyle Magazine

national

NAACP

embarks on major health initiative

Local mom is outfitting young men in

jidenna,

gallant & others to hit san diego

Kool Tiezz

meet S

zac diles

of LOVE & LISTINGS

how to know if your relationship will last

www.blackandmagazine.com EDITOR & CHIEF Chida Rebecca

LEAD MAKE-UP ARTIST & STYLIST Ashli Sabree

COVER HAIR STYLIST Twyla Green Twynot Beauty Lounge

@blackandmagazine

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Derrick Chambers

the team

PUBLISHER Rebecca & Co.

Editor: Nikki Legros-Gillespie If you are interested in contributing to Black & Magazine as a writer, please feel free to email us at publisher@blackandmagazine.com. We’d love to hear from you and work with you!

Fam! Happy November!

So we are in the last stretch of the year! I swear this is bananas. I literally can remember the 2018 holiday season like it was yesterday.

I’m definitely making a concerted effort to finish the year strong and in doing so, one thing I promised myself I would do was to get more involved with some of our local organizations. The two organizations I decided to work with are the San Diego NAACP as the Economic Development Chair and the Central San Diego Black Chamber of Commerce as the Vice President of Community Development.

I believe we should always be willing to take our talents and time and find ways to give back. It makes us stronger as a community and sets an example for our youth. The worse thing we can do is to set ourselves up as a generation of men and women who are only seen as takers and not givers. In the spirit of the Thanksgiving season, find a way that you can give back to those around you, for tis’ better to give than to receive.

With love, Chida Rebecca

publisher’s letter

social

CONCERTS San Diego is not only America’s Finest City, but also a low key destination favorite of many musicians. Sometimes their visits to our city can fall under the radar. We hope from this brief listing, you’re able to add someone new to your play list, visit a venue you haven’t been to before, make some new friends and simply enjoy some great music.

SUMMER WALKER 11/05 SOMA 7PM

GALLANT 11/08 SOMA

themba 11/09 spin nightclub

sonreal 11/09 house of blues

MELII 11/05 SOMA 7PM

TAYLOR MCFERRIN 11/07 THE LOFT @ UCSD

willow smith jaden smith 11/12 soma

the o’jays 11/16 PEchanga

young thug 11/17 california coast credit union loren oden 11/17 soda bar

jidennna

11/14 house of blues coi leray 11/13 soma

deante hitchcock 11/14 house of blues

ali shaheed muhammad adrian younge 11/17 soda bar miguel lil baby 11/22 wonderfront cerissa & 332 11/30 prohibition lounge

Afternoon

Theatre Corner hosts an

Tea

Celebrating

Soprano Michelle Bradley

L

Staff Writer

ast month renowned soprano opera singer Michelle Bradley was in San Diego making her American debut in the title role of “Aida”, which opened the San Diego Opera’s 2019-2020. In an interview with the San Diego Union Tribune, David Bennett who serves as the San Diego Opera’s general director shared “This is the role that will make her career, I’m sure...Her voice is in the lineage of Leontyne Price, with a bright, gleaming top and rich and full in the middle.” Bradley’s performance was an instant success and deemed a memorable experience for all who were there to witness it.

For Michael Taylor, creator of the critically acclaimed Theatre Corner, he wanted to find a way to applaud Bradley in a way that would resonate with her and others in the local African American community.

From left to right: Creater of Theatre Corner, Michael Taylor; Mayor of Lemon Grove, Racquel Vasquez; Soprano Opera Singer, Michelle Bradley and Central San Diego Black Chamber of Commerce Chair, Bruce Mayberry .

On Saturday, October 26th, Taylor hosted Bradley in an afternoon gathering at the exquisite Westgate Hotel. In this intimate setting, friends of the arts joined Bradley and Taylor for tea, conversation and a special presentation. Guests included two San Diego Hurston Fellows from Lincoln and Hoover High Schools; Black arts philanthropist Ms. Dea Hurston, and Mayor of Lemon Grove, Ms. Raquel Vasquez. Central San Diego Black Chamber of Commerce Chair, Mr. Bruce Mayberry was in attendance presenting Bradley with a Black Excellence award from the chamber. “Michelle Bradley is such a

giving spirit. Along with maintaining readiness to perform the role Aida, she recognizes her long-term impact on the young Fellows, to meet someone who looks like them, doing what they dream to do professionally one day. Simply put, Michelle represents realistic possibilities,� Taylor shared. The event was truly a memorable once in a lifetime affair and etching hope in the hearts and minds of those there.

To learn more about the Theatre Corner, visit www.theater-corner.com Photos by Trevor Neuenswander

Announces

Rafael Payare’s First Season As Music Director

Courtesy of the San Diego Symphony

Debut of Music Director Music Director Rafael Payare will conduct 10 weeks of concerts during the highly anticipated San Diego Symphony 2019-2020 season. Payare conducts the first five weeks of the season featuring Mason Bates, Mahler, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Mozart, Bach and Strauss.

Highlights of Payare’s season include: Mahler Symphony No. 5 – one of the grandest, most ambitious and deeply personal works ever written for orchestra.

Few works can match Mahler’s Fifth Symphony in its emotional range, dramatic arc, and expressiveness. Mendelssohn’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream in semi-staged performances featuring actors and stunning projections by Chicago-based artist Mike Tutaj. Composers who represent orchestral music at its most epic and expressive: the powerful works of Russian composers Peter Ilych Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4 and No. 6, and Dmitri Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5 and No. 11. R. Strauss Don Quixote which tells the story of Cervantes great literary work through the characters performed by Alisa Weilerstein, cello, as Don Quixote and Chi-Yuan Chen, viola, as Sancho Panza.

“

It is a wondrous experience to work with an incoming music director on his very first season.

In 10 weeks of programs during the 2019-2020 season we will be immersed in Rafael Payare’s concept and vision for his future music making with our orchestra. I am so excited to hear the season unfold,” said San Diego Symphony

CEO Martha Gilmer.

“Throughout the season we will recognize Rafael’s signature composers that form a foundation in the season – Beethoven, Mahler, Strauss, Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich. In addition, there are flashes of color and variety in works by composers from all over the globe – from California to Australia, and Venezuela to Cuba. Rafael’s international perspective, and commitment to San Diego combine to make for a cohesive, varied and dynamic exploration of music with the San Diego Symphony.”

In addition, Payare will be leading the U.S. premiere of Cuban-American composer Paquito D’Rivera’s new work co-commissioned with orchestras from Spain, Mexico and Norway. This work will feature Venezuelan trumpeter Pacho Flores who was the principal trumpet in the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra, and like Payare, trained in the El Sistema program.

Payare’s programs will also include works by California composers Mason Bates and Andrew Norman. Payare’s first season as music director will end with Beethoven’s most famous and powerful Symphony No. 9.

“Music has the power to change lives. It can draw us together, build new connections, and inspire us towards a better future,” said Payare. “I love new music and music that comes from where we least expect it. This is a living art and we are lucky to live in a time when all sorts of people who, in the past, might not have thought of writing their music down, are now doing so. Every year brings new sounds and new ideas. The music that we play, and the performers who play it, and the people who listen to it should all reflect the richness of opportunity and hope and change that is opening up before us all.”

“The intensity, nuance, clarity, and sense of collaboration and inclusiveness that Rafael Payare gives to the music and musicians alike will serve the orchestra very well as we continue to grow and evolve as an ensemble under his leadership,” said Jeff Thayer, San Diego Symphony concert master. “I greatly look forward to sharing the energy and exceptional music making that Payare will bring to the San Diego Symphony Orchestra.”

Visit www.sandiegosymphony.org to purchase your tickets to an amazing performance.

Ti

WHY SAN DIEGO’S

WONDERFRONT FESTIVAL

IS MAKING WAVES Courtesy of Wonderfront Festival

There’s a new festival coming to San Diego that’s unlike anything this city has ever seen and unlike any other festival of its kind. Here are just a few reasons why Wonderfront Festival is different from the rest.

LINE-UP Other Festivals: Talent buyers spend big bucks on a handful of headliners while leaving the rest of the lineup in the dust.

Wonderfront Festival: Their lineup is stacked from top to bottom with relevant, current artists–some established, some emerging, all badass.

SWITCHIN IT UP Other Festivals: Focus on the same style of music.

Wonderfront Festival: They are switching things up and keeping things fresh with a multitude of genres including Hip Hop, EDM, Indie Rock, Latin, Reggae, and a bit of Punk to top things off.

IN & OUT PRIVILEGES

Other Festivals: You enter and you do not exit, ALL. DAY. LONG. Festival fatigue, anxiety and all sorts of side effects are not uncommon with the single-entrance model.

Wonderfront Festival: They give you the power to customize your experience with our festival re-entry policy.

Hit up a local bar or restaurant in between sets, catch the ferry to Coronado Island, boat/SUP/kayak on the water, or take a nap at your hotel (which will be only steps away). Go, explore, be free–and then come back for your favorite nighttime act and the silent disco.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION Other Festivals: Far away af. Also? Hot af and dusty af.

Wonderfront Festival: You’ll be kickin’ it all weekend long along the glistening waterfront of America’s Finest City, not to mention, minutes away from the bustling downtown, a short Lyft to Little Italy and a 15 minute ferry ride to Coronado. Views for days in the blissful, sunny November San Diego weather.

P.S. Their gates are one mile from the airport with train and trolley stops in walking distance. Bam!

HAMPING Other Festivals: Laying your head down on rocks and dirt after a long day is the most luxurious sleep situation you’re going to get, unless you’ve booked an expensive hotel that is an hour away.

Wonderfront Festival: Chic, comfy hotels (with special Wonderfront package deals) are literally steps away from our festival stages and the downtown after parties. Get some deep zzz’s before going at it again on Day 2 & 3.

ALL THE THINGS Other Festivals: You listen to music, see a little art and maybe hang with some cool girls with hula hoops.

Wonderfront Festival: With them, your GA Pass gets you access to all the things; Silent Disco, Giant Sports Bar, The Hideaway, all the game zones, the yacht parties, the water taxis with bars and bands, the comedy, the

art exhibits, the lounges. ALL of it. The only extra activities would be the rental of kayaks, SUP boards, wave runners, even speed boats; which will all be offered on festival grounds.

CRUISING BETWEEN STAGES Other Festivals: Walking between stages takes up half of your day, not to mention the sand that gets in your shoes and the blisters that start to form if your shoe selection favors fashion over comfort.

Wonderfront Festival: Getting from stage to stage is part of the experience aboard water taxis with bars and bands, take scooters between the venues, jump on the festival’s Old Town Shuttle tours moving you between the venues, or take our WonderFRED electric buggies. And if you prefer to walk the beautiful promenade, check out the entertainers along the way–it’s all there for you, friends.

wonderfrontfestival.com

FOOD & FOOD

Meet the 11-Year Old Vegan Chef Who is the CEO of His Own

Plant-Based Restaurant Black & Magazine Newswire

Omari McQueen, an 11-year old entrepreneur from London, England, is considered to be the youngest award-winning vegan chef in the country. He is also one of the youngest restaurateurs in the world, as he has recently become the founder and CEO of his own plant-based restaurant called Dipalicious.

Omari was just 8-years old when he started his career as a vegan chef on his own YouTube channel. For his first video, he filmed himself creating a vegan pizza. He thought it lacked some flavor, so he decided to make his own dip he called the Carribean Kick.

Since then, he started making vegan dips, seasoning, snacks, and juice packs for sale. He also wanted to spread his passion for vegan cooking so he hosts workshops for children at his home.

Moving forward

Omari says his next step is to launch his first vegan pop-up restaurant in Boxpark, Croydon in the United Kingdom. The pop-up restaurant is slated to run for a week and will serve his plant-based specialties.

Omari has already won several awards including the TruLittle Hero Award for being the Entrepreneur Hero under twelve 2018 by Cause4Children Ltd., the Compassionate Kids award in recognition of his entrepreneurial flair to help animals, as well as the Proud and Gifted Award for being a vegan chef and a youth empowerment speaker encouraging other children to become entrepreneurs. He has also been featured on BBC Radio, ITV News, among others.

A real passion for cooking

The young entrepreneur is very passionate about cooking. His mother comments, “Omari has always had a passion for cooking but he started learning to cook meals from the age of seven after I became ill with hemiplegic migraines his father and I started to teach Omari and his older brother Laquarn how to cook meals to help me when I was unable to stand and his dad was working late.”

She continues, “Omari has gone from strength to strength and practices different cooking skills and meals daily. He researches the benefits of everything he cooks, and works out the benefits of what he eats.”

For more information about Dipalicious or to order his vegan dips online, visit www.dipalicious.co.uk or follow him on Instagram @dipaliciousltd

Pumpkin French Toast Bake

allrecipes.com

INGREDIENTS

8 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1 tablespoon white sugar 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree 1 loaf Texas toast thick-sliced bread, cut into 1-inch cubes 1/3 cup brown sugar1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon butter, softened

DIRECTIONS

Prep 15 minutes Cook 30 minutes Ready-In 45 minutes

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

• Whisk the eggs, vanilla extract, 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, the cloves, nutmeg, and white sugar together in a bowl; beat in the pumpkin until fully incorporated.

• Arrange the bread cubes in a single layer in the prepared baking dish; pour the pumpkin mixture over the bread cubes, and gently toss to coat.

• Stir 1/3 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon, flour, and butter together with a fork in a small bowl until the mixture is crumbly; sprinkle over the bread cubes.

• Bake in preheated oven until golden brown on top, 30 to 40 minutes.

T

Courtesy of the San Diego Wine +Food Festival

his fall, travel to San Diego and arrive at awesome for a hot fall getaway perfect for foodies! Southern California’s largest culinary classic, the San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival®, returns this fall for its 16th season, November 9-17, 2019.

The destination event invites travelers and culinary enthusiasts to experience San Diego and its buzzing dining scene with exciting getaway and ticket packages.

The weeklong experience takes attendees throughout the city and features over 40 events that range from an immersive expedition series, wine tastings, chef dinners, hands-on classes and more. For weekenders, a ticket package offers the perfect way to stay and play with ticket packages that include the festival’s signature events.

The festival weekend kicks off on Friday, November 15 at the Grand Decant for a walk around tasting featuring over 200 domestic and international wineries and over 500 wines to taste from. On Saturday, November 16, the Grand Tasting takes center stage on the scenic San Diego Bay with over 700 wines, 60 of San Diego’s top chefs, and over 30 gourmet food companies. The celebrations continue at the Nightcap: An After Party, for a truly memorable experience overflowing with late night libations, award-winning whiskey, picture-perfect desserts and delicious bites. On Sunday, November 17, Taco TKO brings together some of the most celebrated taco makers for a competition to find San Diego’s most awesome taco. Taco TKO features beer, tequila and live music.

Packages include:

Awe-mazing Premium Package $915 VIP access to exclusive tastings and signature events including: • Exclusive rates on accommodations at the InterContinental San Diego.

• Two tickets to the Grand Decant VIP ($175 value) • Two tickets to the Grand Tasting VIP ($250 value) • Two tickets to the Nightcap: An After Party ($85 value) Two-Day Weekend Pass - $175 An action-packed weekend celebrating San Diego’s finest culinary offerings including: • Grand Tasting General Admission ($135 value) • Taco TKO Admission ($55 value) Three-Day Weekend Pass - $250 Three incredible days filled with all things food and wine including: • Grand Decant Admission ($75 value) • Grand Tasting General Admission ($135 value) • Taco TKO Admission ($55 value) Grand Tasting FOMO Four-Pack - $525 The best way to experience San

Diego’s culinary scene with friends including: • Four tickets to the Grand Tasting General Admission ($525 value) To preview the schedule of events and featured celebrities, visit the San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival® at https://www.sandiegowineclassic.com/

SAN DIEGO BAY WINE + FOOD FESTIVAL®

Travel to San Diego. Arrive Awesome. The 16th Annual San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival® is an international showcase of the world’s premier wine and spirits producers, chefs and culinary personalities, and gourmet foods.

Held November 9-17, 2019 the event benefits culinary arts and enology scholarships awarded by Fast Forward Futures, the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs and the Berry Good Night Foundation. Over 200 wineries, breweries, and spirit companies and 50 of San Diego’s top fine-dining restaurants will participate in the 2019 Festival.

For more information visit www. sandiegowineclassic.com Produced by World of Wine Events and Fast Forward. For more information call 619-312-1212.

living

meet S

ZAC DILES

I

f you’ve watched reality tv in the last year, then you should be familiar with the debonair Zac Diles from VH-1’s Love & Listings. Based in Los Angeles, “Love & Listings chronicles the lives of a group of young and ambitious real estate agents as they cater to celebrities, athletes and the elite in Southern California.” Through the camera’s lens we get to see more into the life and mindset of this articulate, driven and sharply dressed ex-NFL star turned real estate mogul, who’s making a name for himself these days off of the field.

Born in Texas and raised in Tulare, California, Diles has had lasting success over almost a decade in the NFL. However, his love for real estate began way before his time on the football field came to an end.

“Real estate was something I knew I wanted to get into when I was done playing football.” Diles shares that the off season after his seventh season of football, he sought to do some real estate internship work in Los Angeles but found that due to timing, an internship was hard to pull off. “Before I signed to go into my eighth year, I was already doing my

real estate principles. I had already signed up for my classes and was doing the work,” he recalled. But to his surprise, his plans were slightly interrupted when he received a call from his agent that the Cleveland Browns wanted to sign him. Even after signing he made sure to keep real estate at the forefront of his mind and stayed active with it. He finished his courses, got his license and ultimately gained his first client – a fellow teammate. In retrospect, he says that eighth year with Cleveland jumpstarted his career, landing him a $4.3 million deal, six months after fully gaining his footing in the real estate industry. Though he was juggling a lot both on and off the field, he shares that his transition was seamless, primarily because he says he’s not scared of doing work. “For 16 straight years I played football. That’s what I knew.

Going into real estate, I knew it would be difficult and a transition. But anything new is going to be tough.” When day one hit fresh out of the league, Diles maintained his same football schedule and focus that he had while in the NFL. It’s this system of discipline that has paid off for him significantly.

But what made him venture to Los Angeles? From being raised in the state, Diles says that he still has a host of family members that call California home. With that said, he ultimately became tired of watching his nieces and nephews grow up online, in addition to not being able to spend extended amounts of time with his family. He simply missed home. On the business front he shares “I noticed that there was a trend with my teammates coming out here to train.” It was a no brainer to make himself a liaison between the people that he had grown to know through his professional football ca-

reer and their need to find a home in the area. He knew Los Angeles and he could handle meeting their real estate needs.

Now as far as the reality show, Diles humbly takes the credit for helping the show to grow legs. From planting himself in the local L.A. market, he established lasting relationships with other prominent realtors in the area, and soon a beautiful opportunity presented itself. Love & Listings brought to us by VH-1, courtesy of Zac Diles. Though the show had a successful first season, Diles isn’t sure what the future holds for it next. “To see it grow from concept to a show was really cool.” He hopes that if the show lands another season that there will be more business content involved, but he’s glad that he was able to be apart of a show that highlighted individuals of color in the industry and “doing it”. “I’m happy with how things turned out – and going forward I know that there is more that we can do,” he shares.

In addition to real estate, Diles has found an interest in the world of fash-

ion, landing ownership in a luxury hat company called Melin Brand (www.melinbrand.com). “We’re about 150 lids nationwide,” he shares. “We’re in Bloomingdales, Saks 5th Avenue in addition to about 50 of the top country club golf courses nationwide.” From the finest of leather and suede exterior fabrics, to Sherpa fleece lining, these hats are nothing short of perfection. “The quality of fabrics that we use is crazy,” with their least inexpensive hat pricing at about $60 on upwards to almost $200. About 5 years in, Diles says that he’s most pleased when he sees that Melin Brand is getting out there amongst some notable names. “I saw 50 Cent wearing one of our hats, Aaron Rodgers walked into a locker room with one, Phil Mickelson… so it’s growing. Last year we did about $1.6 million gross. We’re adding more and more people, like athletes, to help brand our company.”

For budding entrepreneurs, Diles gives this piece of advice: “Don’t be scared. A lot people are afraid of failure… everything isn’t going to be perfect. You’re gonna make mistakes and you’re going to struggle through things. In order to get where you want to go ultimately, there’s going to be a period of time where you’re going to have to thug it out. I watched my mom raise two kids by herself and get two master’s degrees.

It can be done. You just have to want it.”

To keep up with Diles, be sure to follow him on Instagram: @zacdiles

1

Way to Determine if Your The Relationship Will Last

By Marshaun Olaniyan Life & Relationship Strategist

R

elationships. A very familiar word in our society. When most people think of the word “relationship” we automatically think about each other’s and our own love life. How our love life is going or lack thereof altogether. Many of us want to get into a loving relationship. Once we are there, meaning in a relationship, we often wonder how to keep this relationship afloat. We ponder over a great many things when it comes to keeping the relationship fun, exciting, intimate and spicy.

Everyone talks about getting into a relationship but not many people talk about how to stay in that relationship! What determines if the relationship you’re in will last? Are there classes on this subject or do we figure things out along the way, creating unnecessary mistakes that could’ve been avoided if someone would only share their wealth of knowledge so we could apply this very thing, increasing our odds of living happily ever after.

There is a way to determine if your relationship will last and stand the test of time. According to Dr. John Gottman of The Gottman Institute, he and his partner, Robert Levenson, started studying couples after they were asked to solve a conflict in 15 minutes. He followed up with the couples 9 years later and was able to predict with 90% accuracy the couples who’d still be together and those who’d be divorced. The discovery was pretty simple. Dr. Gottman discovered that the #1 predictor to determine if your relationship will last is how you and your spouse interact during conflict.

If you responded with mostly negativity then you’d more than likely become a statistic, i.e. a divorcee. However, if you and your spouse had positive and negative interactions during the conflict, then this would increase your odds of staying married. Additionally, the positive interactions had to be more than the negative ones. The ratio of positive to negative interactions had to be 5:1. He found that unhappy couples usually have a ratio of 1:1.

To read more about Dr. Gottman’s research visit www.gottman.com.

So, now that you know what the #1 predictor to determine if your relationship will last, how will you behave during an argument with each other? Will you incorporate more laughter into your relationship? Will you make sure you touch your spouse during the conflict to let him/her know you understand how they feel? How intently will you listen to make sure you actually hear what he/ she is saying versus listening to respond?

If you’re ready to create your healthy romantic relationship full of trust and intimacy, then contact me.

3

ways to prepare children for jobs of the future

3 ways to prepare children for jobs of the future

T

oday's technology evolves so rapidly, it's impossible to predict what new inventions are coming. How can parents and educators today prepare children for technology and jobs that may not even exist yet? A recent education study by Harris Poll reveals that hands-on, collaborative learning experiences increase children's confidence and ability to learn new things. The study showed that children worldwide who are confident learning STEAM subjects (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) feel more confident about their ability to learn overall.

And that confidence translates into a willingness to try new things - an essential trait in education and business, where changes occur at a rapid pace.

LEGO Education Master Educator Aaron Maurer provides tips for teachers and parents on fostering confidence in STEAM subjects, drawing on his many years of experience using LEGO Education solutions and as a FIRST LEGO League robotics coach.

1. Let children try - and fail Children build confidence when they're given the opportunity to try new things, even if they feel unsure of themselves. Experiencing trial and error, and learning from setbacks, means children can also fully own their successes. If kids are free from the pressure of needing to achieve constant success, they are more willing to learn from their failures.

The Harris Poll found that most parents, children and educators from several countries acknowledge the role of failure as a necessary part of learning.

And overcoming that failure is the foundation for genuine confidence.

As Maurer describes, "When something doesn't work and kids have the opportunity to troubleshoot and make it work, you can see their confidence light up."

2. Encourage hands-on experiences

While the study found that the vast majority of educators worldwide (95%) highly value hands-on learning, teachers said their schools did not provide enough hands-on learning experiences, due to time limitations and curriculum constraints.

What do children gain by engaging in concrete learning experiences, as opposed to passive activities like listening to a teacher or reading a book?

Maurer explains, "Hands-on learning - learning through building, through trial and error, through collaboration - has the power to engage kids in a way that lectures and worksheets simply don't. Getting hands-on with a challenge or a task allows them to explore and realize there isn't just one answer. It allows them to experience failure in a healthy way and realize that failing at a task is a natural part of the learning process and does not mean a subject is out of their reach."

Parents wanting their children to experience more hands-on learning may want to seek after-school classes and clubs, or games and activities to do at home that foster more handson experiences in a variety of subjects.

For example, parents can find af-

ter-school clubs such as a FIRST LEGO League, which lets kids of all ages work out solutions to real-world problems in a fun team environment.

3. Encourage development of soft skills While we can't anticipate every technological advance that may occur in our children's lifetimes, one thing doesn't change: Communicating and collaborating with others is a vital part of any job, in any field.

How can you help children develop these skills? Provide opportunities where kids work together to solve problems, create - or just play together. Try a sports team, music group or social club. Any opportunity to interact with others positively, working toward common goals, can boost their confidence and ability to be part of a team.

Future jobs may be hard to predict, but helping kids develop confidence and their ability in STEAM skills and soft skills - will provide a strong foundation to tackle future challenges. For more ways to boost your children's confidence in learning, visit LEGOeducation.com.

LOCAL AUTHOR

SPOTLIGHT

Minister Adrian C. Walker II From his youthful perspective, Author Adrian C. Walker II—who is the eldest of thirteen siblings —instantaneously and subconsciously discovered that growing up sooner than later was his determining factor. In retrospect, leading a sheltered way of living was inevitable but normal, up until his vibrancy became unexpectedly shifted at the age of twelve.

The plague of bad news surfaced when he and his parents got a diagnosis of Walker having a bone tumor, which doctor’s expected to end his life or leave him to live his life as an amputee. Unfortunately Walker’s distressful event of receiving this diagnosis was nothing short of the storms he faced in years to come: cancer, two failed marriages, multiple near-death experiences, alcoholism, non-illusionary premonitions, and more.

As a reader of this story by Walker, you will be guided through the fire and into his journey as a survivor of many events that were deemed to be his breaking points in life itself.

His hope is for you to master the art of humbly doing the same.

For books and other inquiries visit acwalkertheauthor.com

haute

5

tips to keep vintage clothing fresh anytime

(BPT) - Vintage clothing, while beautiful and unique, can be tricky to take care of. No one knows how to properly take care of these delicate items better than luxury vintage clothing retailer, What Goes Around Comes Around. Below you will find simple ways their team keeps clothing in the top condition that it deserves: 1. Wear layers: With packed schedules and hectic work days, you often end up wearing the same thing from the office to your evening plans. To ensure garments stay fresh and odorless during those long days (and nights!), try layering your vintage pieces over camis and slips.

2. Try gentle steaming: Should you need to do a quick outfit change during the day, try this: instead of spending hours steaming your clothes or racking up the dry-cleaning bills, consider LG Styler - an at-home steam closet that reduces light wrinkles and odors, and sanitizes fabric items in 20 minutes with the gentle power of steam - no chemicals!

3. Line your pockets: An industry-insider tip is to keep dryer sheets inside the pockets of your vintage jackets, denim and pants. This will keep your clothes smelling fresh throughout your busy day.

4. Read the labels: Always pay attention to the care instructions of your clothing. Many delicates call for dry-cleaning or hand-wash only - especially cherished vintage denim, which should be kept chemical free, and rarely (if ever) washed. LG Styler is a great option to care for these garments that you don't want to risk dry-cleaning or washing on your own. This system is gentle on clothes and chemical-free to ensure your items won't tarnish.

5. Store neatly: Store handbags and shoes in dust bags, fold sweaters neatly on a shelf or in a drawer and bring lesser worn items out to refresh every few months.

Local Mom is Outfitting Young Men with

An Interview with

Kewzah of Kool Tiezz

B&: What is the backstory behind the company?

Kewzah: I have always wanted to start my own busi-

ness but just didn’t know what it would consist of…

I knew that I needed an idea that was original and one that I could call my own but also a product that would allow me to extend the experience with my son.

After toying around with a few ideas, I had a dream about altered neckties. When I woke up, I went to the Thrift store on Fairmount & El Cajon Blvd and purchased three regular neckties. Then, I went to Walmart and purchased cardstock paper and went home and began to trace different styles.

I remember calling my son out to the living room and I showed him what I had did – he was not too impressed at the time. I left the house and went to several seamstress in the neighborhood, but they all told me that they could not make a necktie with that design.

Well, a few weeks later during a visit to Yardage Town on Plaza Blvd., the lady at the register referred me to Annie (which was a friend of hers). I went to Annie and after explaining to her my vision, she decided to take on the challenge and finally brought my vision to life. That is when I knew I had a “live” product. Shortly after, I came up with the name KOOL TIEZZ and to this very day, each time someone sees my design and says that it is “Cool”, it is further confirmation that the name is a perfect fit for the brand.

From there, I realized that the opportunities were endless and my first batch from a manufacturing company was geared towards “high

www.kooltiezz.com

Kewzah Blair Creator of Kool Tiezz

schoolers” for Prom and Homecoming. Over the years I have worked to expand my brand to toddler sizes (clip on style) and in 2019, I realized that there was still a need for young gents too. That said, my newest edition in size is styled to fit the bodies of those in 6th, 7th and 8th. Now, with Kool Tiezz on the market young gents can be stylish too. No more oversized neckties with outdated patterns. Our patterns for and fabric are handpicked and caters to the “cool kid” swag that allows Kool Tiezz to be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

So, to bring the Kool Tiezz brand full circle, we are in it to WIN it.

There are no limits to our destination. Kool Tiezz is the new fashion forward accessory for gents of all ages geared to enhance your daily & business and formal wear. Kool Tiezz slogan: ThErE’s No RiGhT Or WrOnG WaY 2 RoCk Ur TiE!

B&: What has the journey been like for you as a Black woman owned business in a male dominated industry?

Kewzah: I have had my fair share of initial hesitation, but I just keep

pushing forward. Although I have always been at the forefront of the marketing (face of Kool Tiezz), this was a shared journey that I initiated with my son, which made it much easier for me to have him as my primary model to help promote Kool Tiezz. However, over time I have found ways to maximize alternative resources like hosting photoshoots for family & friends who have young gents to showcase the various ways that Kool Tiezz can be worn and to help redirect the focus away from me and on Kool Tiezz itself.

B&: What advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs?

Kewzah: I would like to just let people know that – the reality of this journey can be lonely but if you believe in your product, don’t let anyone stand in your way. The truth of the matter is that you probably will not get as much support as you may have hoped for from all the people that you know (most people use Facebook as a gauge), do not focus on that. There is a whole world out there for you to explore. Millions upon millions of people out there to connect with. Do not put yourself in a box.

If you can stay away from digging yourself in debt, that is ideal. I have built my business on disposable income. Instead of splurging on certain items, I much rather figure out how I can apply those monies to my business, whether it be more inventory, packaging, logo, trademarking or protecting your product with a patent. If you are serious about your product and believe in it, then put your money where your mouth is…if you don’t invest in your business no one else will!

If you chase the money, you will remain empty (pockets & purpose) but if you chase your passion it will keep your fire lit and you will stay on course to complete your goal of sharing your product to the world, while getting paid to do so. Chin up – chest out!

HER

Here’s our Editor’s pick for the ladies. A lazy ‘Coffee Shop & Chill’ kinda Saturday in San Diego look that’s comfy and on the go.

SAN DIEGO

Accessories make the outfit fun and truly make what you’re wearing your own. You can NEVER accessorize too much!

Besides YOLO

BUILDING AN

EMPIRE Meet Nicole Cashmere, creator of Beauty Bakerie, a successful cosmetic brand headquartered out of San Diego with an estimated worth of $15 million. Since 2011, she has been building an empire and creating a legacy of sharing hope, love and sweetness wherever she goes. She has garnered attention from the likes of Beyonce and many other notable. While facing her own personal hardships, Nicole worked away at building her business creating a diverse line of 100% non toxic, vegan and cruelty free cosmetics delivered on a themed platform of baking and sweets.

By Cashmere Nicole CEO/Founder of Beauty Bakerie (Courtesy of BeautyBakerie.com) I began as a young entrepreneur. Some of my earliest businesses were started around the age of 9, I'd say. Every Saturday I would beg my mom to take me to the library and I'd leave with at least ten books on how to start a business, writing business plans and anything relating to business. I remember watching Nickelodeon and hearing them say, "We are coming right back with so and so and she's going to tell us how she began her brand." I would run to fill my bowl of cereal during the quick break and make a mad dash back to the television with my notepad in hand. I planned to jot down each step.

It never happened that way though. They'd always end up saying things that my pre-teen mind couldn't quite comprehend at the time. "Believe in yourself, " or, "Follow your dreams."

Very underwhelming.

As I approached my teenage years, I became a bit more advanced in how I would pursue growth and advance my brand. I would pitch ideas to the Board of Directors and wait patiently to hear back from them. I had to be about 14.

I became a young mom at 16. I remember wanting the world for my daughter and intending to give it to her. "The world" was anything I didn't have.

It was anything I ever wanted and couldn't have growing up. Having Jasmyn inspired and motivated me more than anything I pursued on my own and before her. Looking at her knowing that she could barely sit up yet, let alone, help me through understanding single teenage parenting. It was tough, but I distinctly recall telling myself one day that I didn't have time to be sad or complain. I made my bed and I would surely sleep in it, but I would not stay in it forever. I would find a way to give us a great life. I signed up for food stamps, rent, and utility assistance and worked as much as I could while taking courses to complete high school and begin college.

During my early 20s, I was just wrapping up my LPN pursuits and remembered that I once enjoyed the arts and business. I was exhausted with all of my other business pursuits and really wanted to focus only on what was for me. I decided I'd better pray about it. Thinking to myself, "it would be a travesty to go all the way through this life and miss my purpose." I wanted to know what assignment God had for me and I wanted to execute with precision on it. I wanted to complete the mission at the highest honor. There was only one problem.

I wasn't happy. I wanted to be truthful with who I was inside and what could be spilling over on the continued...

Online: beautybakerie.com | Facebook: @ BeautyBakerie | Instagram: @ BeautyBakerieMakeup

outside. It took me some time but I realized I was angry about being a teen mother, about having to do everything for both of us to have very little. I was angry that mothers are expected to raise children yet we spend all of our time at an office. Letting all of that go was me acknowledging that in order to clean up the outside, I had to do something about the inside.

The journey began there. Fast forward to today. If you were to ask me what it means to be 'better, not bitter'. I'd respond with how much your success depends on the light you have within you and very little to do with anyone else. The 'Sweetlife' is a beautiful trifecta of all of my loves: giving back, arts/business and of course, pastries. I could keep you here for days walking you through the battles that ensued as I journeyed through my womanhood, battled breast cancer and more, but the treasure beneath the ruins is this. It is that Beauty Bakerie is a piece of my peace that I want to share with the world.

A near-death experience taught me that nothing is more important in this life than the moments that are gone too fast. Having long-lasting, smudge-free makeup may seem like a simple novelty to one person, but to me, the 8-15 times I would have spent touching up my makeup today are now the 8-15 opportunities I have to be in the moment. There is no more conflict about kissing my loved one or protecting the 55 minutes of makeup I worked on. I don't have to choose any longer between my looks and the precious moments that pass us by.

I can have my cake and eat it too.

INFORMED

Buy Black San Diego

BBSD

W

ith San Diego’s Black demographic consistently shrinking, it has been challenging over the years for individuals to create and maintain a space where Black locals can support each other economically and socially. But this setback doesn’t stop some from trying and even flourishing. Established in 2013 Buy Black San Diego is the brainchild of Habib Prince, a San Diego native with a heart for his community. “The site was created out of a need to unify[and]gather resources specifically for the Black community in San Diego. The idea was to bring people together use our collective networks and social influence to create a hub that would serve a positive purpose for us collectively in a major way,” Prince shared.

Proving that the need was great, he states that the feedback over these last six years “...has been amazing from the community at large. We are constantly getting emails of praise about the different opportunities and events and jobs that we come across and that we send out to people on a regular basis. We have gotten a very large response from our weekly newsletters distributed on Sundays,

which provide all the events that we know of and we care about. We also got a lot of feedback from our 2016 Black voting guide. It showed our reach and put forth a platform to carry-on for future elections to ensure that we have a Black political agenda [that is] heard and respected.”

While the site has seen success, Prince explains that it hasn’t been without its challenges. In an effort to promote and unite within the local Black community, he shares that there are those who have tried to access the resources and promotions under false pretenses, i.e. pretending to be Black and even resorting to using images of Black people while doing so. This in-

cluding any other efforts seen as anti-supportive are simply not allowed. “Let’s be clear, we provide a service to the community so any observations and or criticisms of the Black community at large is not what we partake in especially when it’s in the negative,” he shares. Prince is also hoping for stronger engagement from within local Black advocacy groups. “Other challenges are people who are in the Black empowerment spaces [who] refuse to collaborate, communicate, cooperate and develop a code of conduct so that we can actually unify and empower each other. It’s very frustrating when people say they’re rooting for everything Black but their actions show different. We understand the trauma and poverty complex that plague so many African Americans in San Diego so we deal with it in stride.”

Despite the challenges, Prince hopes to be a Black media source for the local community. When asked what the future entails, he says “Really that’s a question for the community to see what they need and how we can help. But make no mistake if this is a community effort we can go no farther than the imaginations that we have for ourselves in a way.” In the past Buy Black San Diego has promoted and hosted events in the mental health and political spaces making sure to always address issues of community empowerment, ensuring that people are properly informed. Prince has no plans of slowing down. He believes anything is possible. “The sky is the limit quite frankly. Our ears are always open to the unique needs and

ideas of the community.”

One way to jump on board with Buy Black San Diego is to simply support it. List your business in the online directory and or sign up for the newsletter and spread the word.

“There are no a fees associated with listing your business on our online directory. It is the most comprehensive directory listing around with all business information, pictures, Facebook LinkedIn etc. connected.

You can also message a business directly from their page, you don’t have to open up your email. So these are some of the things that we provide for free and that we take the cost of it. We’re not one of those groups that goes around charging for everything that we do and we largely have paid thousands upon thousands of dollars to create these services for free as a service to the local Black community

www.buyblacksandiego.com

Melanated Mindz is a Black-owned, female-owned business that honors minority diversity and achievement. Their unique designs form the creative landscape for school supplies (backpacks, notebooks, etc.) and children’s books for families of color.

M

elanated Mindz was created to highlight the beauty in positive representations of people of color and their cultures. Parents and students, alike, can find supplies and resources that bridge the gap between culture and education.

Founded in 2019, Melanated Mindz was built on the understanding that positive, uplifting, images and affirmations can change each child’s outcome. Committed to changing the way minorities are portrayed in mainstream media and in public places

and spaces, Melanated Mindz is changing the narrative by breaking down barriers and negative stereotypes of minority communities.

Through an array of products, parents are supported in helping their children see the value in their heritage and capitalize on the opportunities that education affords. Melanated Mindz believes African American, Caribbean American, Hispanic American and all children of color should appreciate their background, understand their contribution is needed, and feel supported in embracing positive visual representations.

As children of color begin to understand that education can be a life-changing tool, they are able to push beyond

systemic barriers and develop pride in their ability to study hard and make a difference.

As their thinking evolves, they begin to embrace that the essential purpose of school and an education is to make an indelible mark on the world.

Having visual representations of what they can become empowers them to attain their loftiest goals and pursue their highest purpose. Careers as future scientists, engineers, technicians, teachers, doctors, lawyers and pharmacists become a part of their educational blueprint. Melanated Mindz is more than just a bag; it is a celebration of education, cultures, heritage and growth within minority communities. A little brown skin girl will see herself and know that she is worthy of reaching higher standards. She will grow to know that her brown skin is neither a threat nor hindrance to her success.

Melanated Mindz wants the world to know that it is time to celebrate Black Excellence.

Tangela Steele, CEO and creator of Melanated Mindz and partners want to fill the gap and lack of cultural expression in the marketplace. Steele says, “Melanated Mindz takes pride in providing the appropriate educational resources that allow children of color to learn and grow through a lens reflective of their inherent value.�

All products are now available and for sale at www.melanatedmindz.com. Follow us on Instagram @melanated_mindz_ | Facebook.com/ melanatedmindz3/ | Twitter @MelanatedMindz

New State Law Restricts Payday, Other “Debt Trap” Loans

By Manny Otiko | California Black Media On Oct. 10, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 539. The legislation puts restrictions on predatory lending practices in California he says “creates debt traps for families already struggling financially.”

Critics say lenders who offer these high-interest loans target disadvantaged people, large numbers of them Black and Brown consumers living in some of the most underserved census tracts in the state. These are Californians who are typically denied traditional bank loans because of poor credit or lack of collateral. However, the high interest rates on these loans can be crippling.

According to documents provided to California Black Media, a LoanMe Inc. loan for around $5,000

would require a payback of $42,000 over seven years at a 115 percent annual percentage rate! Tacking interest rates on loans as high as 200 percent sometimes, in addition to hidden fees, predatory lenders, critics tell us, typically structure their loans in ways that force people who sign up for them to constantly re-borrow money to pay off the mounting debts they already owe.

“Many Californians living paycheck to paycheck are exploited by predatory lending practices each year,” said Newsom. “Defaulting on high-cost, high-interest rate installment loans push families further into poverty instead of pulling them out. These families deserve better, and this industry must be held to account.”

The new legislation restricts the amount of interest that can be levied on loans ranging from $2,500-10,000 to 36 percent, plus the federal funds rate.

“Gov. Newsom’s signature on AB 539 sends a strong message that California will not allow lenders to thrive on high-cost loans that often leave consumers worse off than when they started,” said Assemblymember Monique Limόn (D-Santa Barbara,) co-author of the bill. “I am grateful to the broad coalition of community groups, faith leaders, local governments, and responsible lenders who supported this historic achievement and helped us achieve strong bipartisan support of this legislation.”

Limon has been campaigning for the passage of AB 539 for more than two years now. She is also a champion for financial education that informs consumers about the dangers of high-interest loans.

Assemblymember Timothy Grayson (D-Concord), a co-author of the bill, says the governor signing the bill signals the end of the worst kinds of abusive loans in the state.

“Californians deserve real access to capital, not exploitative loans that trap them in perpetual payments and compounding debt,” said Grayson. “We must do more to protect financially vulnerable, hardworking families from predatory lenders who profit off their devastation.”

Figures from the California Department of Business Oversight (CBO) reveal that in 2016 the total dollar amount for payday loans in the state was $3.14 billion. The CBO also stated that seniors now represent the largest group taking out payday loans and more than 400,000 consumers in the

state took out 10 payday loans in 2016.

A third of those high-cost loans ended up in default.

Not everyone is cheering the passage of AB 539. Those opponents say the bill is restrictive and undermines the values of free-market capitalism.

The California-Hawaii chapter of the NAACP opposed the bill, arguing that it limits options for poor African Americans who need to borrow money in emergencies.

“We are deeply concerned about the impact AB 539 will have on small businesses and consumers. As proposed, AB 539 will limit lenders’ ability to provide a variety of short-term credit options to borrowers in need.” said the California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in an interview with California Globe.

“

According to documents provided to California Black Media, a LoanMe Inc. loan for around $5,000 would require a payback of $42,000 over seven years at a 115 percent annual percentage rate!

UNDERSTANDING OUR GOVERNMENT AND YOUR VOTE

The United States of America is considered one of the greatest nations in the world. With a myraid of people at the helm of our government in political positions of power, navigating our governement and the roles of our elected officials can prove to be an arduous task. In this issue, we simply wanted to present to some (for the first time) and outline to others, the struture of our governmental system. Election season is close by and we want to ensure that folks are properly informed on who does what.

Three Branches of

Government

Our federal government has three parts.

They are the Executive, (President and about 5,000,000 workers) Legislative (Senate and House of Representatives) and Judicial (Supreme Court and lower Courts).

The President of the United States

administers the Executive Branch of our government. The President enforces the laws that the Legislative Branch (Congress) makes. The President is elected by United States citizens, 18 years of age and older, who vote in the presidential elections in their states. These votes are tallied by states and form the Electoral College system. States have the number of electoral votes which equal the number of senators and representatives they have. It is possible to have the most popular votes throughout the nation and NOT win the electoral vote of the Electoral College.

Courtesy of the Truman Library: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov

The Legislative

Congress makes our laws.

part of our government is called Congress.

Congress is divided into 2 parts. One part is called the Senate. There are 100 Senators--2 from each of our states. Another part is called the House of Representatives. Representatives meet together to discuss ideas and decide if these ideas (bills) should become laws. There are 435 Representatives. The number of representatives each state gets is determined by its population. Some states have just 2 representatives. Others have as many as 40. Both senators and representatives are elected by the eligible voters in their states.

The Judicial

part of our federal government includes the Supreme Court and 9 Justices. They are special judges who interpret laws according to the Constitution. These justices only hear cases that pertain to issues related to the Constitution. They are the highest court in our country. The federal judicial system also has lower courts located in each state to hear cases involving federal issues.

All three parts of our federal government have their main headquarters in the city of Washington D.C.

Some notable take aways about your elected officials: • Read the biography of each elected official representing your local region and from your state.

• What 6 points interested you the most about his/her life?

• How old is the person?

• To what political party does the politician belong?

• What are his or her current favorite issues?

Voting for

President?

Make Sure Ballot has Option You Want

By Tracy DeFore, County of San Diego Communications Office The San Diego County Registrar’s office is sending nearly 1.8 million postcards to the County’s registered voters in the coming weeks to let you know that your political party registration determines which presidential primary candidates will appear on your March 3, 2020 primary election ballot.

So – who can you vote for? It depends on how you’ve registered.

All registered voters fall under one of two categories.

Registered with a Political Party If you are registered with one of the six political parties in California, your ballot will list only that party’s presidential primary candidates. You can vote only for that party’s presidential candidates.

If your party registration is different from the party of the presidential primary candidate you want to vote for, you will need to register to vote with that party.

Registered as Nonpartisan If you are registered as nonparti-

san (also known as independent or no party preference), your March 3 ballot will not list the presidential primary contest or candidates.

More than 550,000 voters in San Diego County are registered as nonpartisan. If you are one of them, you can take steps now to vote for a presidential candidate in the primary.

Political Parties Allowing Nonpartisan Voters to Cross Over This year, the American Independent, Democratic and Libertarian parties are allowing nonpartisan voters to take part in their presidential primary elections.

But nonpartisan voters must request one of these three parties’ ballots to vote for that party’s presidential primary candidate.

Selecting one of these three parties’ ballots will not register you with that party. You will remain a nonpartisan voter.

More than 300,000 nonpartisan voters are also permanent mail ballot voters. If you are one, you

will get a postcard asking you to let the Registrar’s office know your choice of party ballot before Jan. 6, so it is included in the first mailing of mail ballots going out the week of Feb. 11. Otherwise, you will receive the nonpartisan ballot, which will not include the presidential contest.

Also note that the Democratic Party is allowing nonpartisan voters to vote in its presidential contest but not its central committee contest.

If requested, you will receive the nonpartisan version of the Democratic ballot.

Political Parties Not Allowing Nonpartisan Voters to Crossover This year, the Green, Peace and Freedom and Republican Parties have closed their presidential primary to nonpartisan voters.

That means you need to be registered with one of those parties to vote for their primary election presidential candidates. Nonpartisan voters

will not be able to select one of these ballots.

Nonpartisan voters who want one of these parties’ ballots will need to re-register with that party.

No matter what your party preference, all registered voters will be allowed to vote on nonpartisan contests and voter-nominated offices, such as U.S. congressional offices and state legislative offices. The top two vote-getters in voter-nominated contests will advance to the November general election.

Not sure how you are registered or if you are registered to vote? You can check your registration, re-register and register to vote at sdvote. com. The Registrar’s office encourages you to do so well before Feb. 17, 2020 to avoid long delays on Election Day. For more information, call (858) 565-5800 or visit sdvote.com.

Ex-Felon Taught Himself the Stock Market, and Now He’s a Wall Street Wizard

“

i survived the

hood

and started

trappin

“

on

wall

street

L

eon Howard, a New Orleans native, has a dark past that unfortunately led him to imprisonment at the early age of 16. Behind bars, he realized it was not the life he wanted and so he decided to change his life. He studied the stock market by himself, and now he is a successful investor, entrepreneur, and investing coach. He teaches one-on-one courses about investing through a movement he has created called From The Trap to Wall Street.

G

rowing up, Howard has seen a lot of chaos in his hometown of New Orleans. The worst was when he witnessed his mother being shot when he was 9-years old. Since then, Howard frequently found himself breaking the law. At the age of 16, he was charged with attempted murder and armed robbery and was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment.

While in prison, however, Howard met a fellow prisoner who had been imprisoned for embezzlement. At some point, they got into a conversation about how wealthy people earn their wealth. That’s when the stock market caught his attention and he earnestly taught himself about it.

After he was released from prison, Howard got a job as an ironworker. He allotted 70% of his salary for his investment. It eventually

grew bigger as he continuously planned his next moves. Now, he is a fulltime investor and entrepreneur and he teaches others how to achieve the financial freedom he attained.

Howard started From The Trap To Wall Street with the aim to show people that they can get away from the trap, which he defined as “a state or condition of a people being financially trapped, unable to find the path to financial freedom no matter how many jobs or side hustles worked.”

Howard delivers talks and offers one-onone courses that help people understand how to get started on Wall Street, which he describes as “a place where wealth is the norm.”

For more information, visit www.wallstreettrapping.com or follow Leon Howard on Instagram @wall_street_trapper Black & Magazine Newswire

Poetic Justices:

Two Black Women Appointed to California Superior Court Judgeships

By Tanu Henry | California Black Media

T

wo African-American women, both Democrats, are among Gov. Gavin Newsom’s 11 new appointees to California superior court judgeships in seven counties.

Newsom recently announced the appointments, his first batch of Superior Court nominations since becoming governor in January.

Eight of the 11 appointees are women. All of them are filling vacancies left open by retired justices.

Black women only make up around 5 percent of California’s more than 1,500 trial court judges. And only 19 out of the state’s 58 counties have ever had Black women superior court justices.

“Thus in 39 counties, no African-American woman’s experiences have brought life to the law,”

writes Alameda County Judge Brenda F. Harbin-Forte in the Daily Journal. Harbin-Forte, who is Black, researches and writes about the history of African Americans in the state’s judiciary.

“Gov. Gavin Newsom follows the hard act of Gov. Jerry Brown,” she added. Former Gov. Brown, Harbin-Forte says, “made many historic appointments and created the most diverse court system in the history of our great state.”

One of the two new African-American judges, Terrie E. Roberts, 54, lives in Chula Vista. She will now serve as a San Diego County Superior Court Judge.

The other, Tricia J. Taylor, 39, who lives in the city of Los Angeles, is joining two others the governor appointed to serve as Los Angeles County Superior Court judges.

“Roberts and Taylor’s appointments are significant, said Dezie Woods-Jones, state president of Black

Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA).

“These appointments speak volumes. I am extremely pleased and excited that there are two new highly professional and qualified African-American Women judges appointed to the California Superior Court.”

Roberts, a former prosecutor and public defender, and Taylor, a former deputy district attorney, both bring broad experience in private law - as well as public law - to their new roles as justices.

Since 2008, Roberts served as a commissioner at the San Diego County Superior Court. Before that, she was deputy district attorney at the San Diego County District Attorney's Office. Roberts has also worked in private practice and served as a deputy public defender in San Diego County.

Before becoming deputy D.A. in Los Angeles County, Taylor also worked in private practice and at the Children’s Law Center, a public interest law firm and advocacy group.

In California, all of the state’s 58 counties have now voted to have a single superior court in each of their jurisdictions. That county superior court serves as the main trial court for each county. In June 1998, California voters approved Proposition 220, a constitutional amendment that allowed the counties to fold their municipal and superior courts into one unified county superior court.

Annually, county superior court justices earn $213,833 and they serve nearly 34 million people across the state, according to the Judicial Council of California.

NAACP

Joins Prominent National Black Organizations to Embark on a Major Health Initiative

The Council on Black Health (CBH) has been awarded a $785,000 grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to support an inter-organizational partnership to advance a national Black health agenda. The following prominent national organizations are key partners.

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), founded in 1909, has a mission to secure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights in order to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons.

The NAACP has more than 2 million members, donors and supporters, and the NAACP Empowerment Programs address health, education, economic opportunity, environmental and climate justice, and criminal justice.

National Black Child Development Institute (NBCDI), founded in 1970, has a mission to improve and advance the quality of life for Black children and families through education and advocacy. In partnership with their National Affiliate Network, NBCDI advocates for and informs education policies at the federal, state, and local levels while developing and delivering strengths-based, culturally relevant, evidence-based, and trauma-informed curricula and programs focused on health and wellness, family engagement, and literacy.

These organizations, working together with the CBH, have unique potential and power to mobilize action within Black communities and a national voice on Black health issues. “This partnership will provide infrastructure and ensure coordinated actions to achieve health equity for the United States’ Black population,” says Shiriki Kumanyika, Ph.D., CBH founder and chair, and research professor at the Dornsife School of Public Health at Drexel University, where the Council is hosted. Together, the CBH and the five partner organizations will set a course to change Black health for the better, for the long term.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., founded in 1913, is an organization of college-educated women committed to the constructive development of its members and to public service with a primary focus on the Black community. The organization has more than 900 chapters in the United States and abroad.

100 Black Men of America, Inc. (The 100), founded in 1963, has a mission to improve the quality of life within Black communities and enhance educational and economic opportunities. The organization has more than 100 chapters and over 10,000 members.

“What They See Is What They’ll Be,” very succinctly expresses how The 100’s programmatic services impact disadvantaged, disenfranchised and low-income youth and families, positively changing their life trajectory through mentorship across a lifetime.

Black Women’s Health Imperative (BWHI), founded in 1983, has been the only national organization focused on the health and wellness of the nation’s 21 million Black women and girls. BWHI has invested more than $60 million in Black women’s emotional, physical and financial well-being in 26 states.

Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest and largest nonpartisan civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities.

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