Black focus may2014 by BLACK FOCUS MAGAZINE

Black Focus A Local, Community Lifestyle Magazine

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Forget: spotlight Makinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Moves On the scene

mentee of the month Scholarships for young ARTISTS

Michelle Obama

#ReachHigher

Shaterra Lewis

Getting back to me

Take a

through

Trip food

Charlie Strong: Making History

CONTENTS CULTURAL ARTS Artist Spotlight: LaTanya Ward-Showers - pg. 8 Nurturing Tomorrow’s Artists: Scholarships Provide Families Flexability - pg. 10 Take a Trip Through Food - pg. 12 On The Scene -pg. 17 San Antonio 2 Chicago - pg. 18 COMMUNITY Black Children Need Mentors - pg. 20 Mentee of The Month - pg. 21 Couple Shares Passion Mentoring - pg. 22

Job Training for All Kids - pg. 24 The Promise to #ReachHigher - pg. 26 SPIRTUALITY Dreams Do Come True - pg. 28 HEALTH Shaterra Lewis: Getting Back to Me - pg. 30 SPORTS High School Athlete Spotlight - pg. 32 Charlie Strong - One Mission - pg. 33 CAREER On The Rise: Tanisha Fuller-Felix - pg. 34 Makin’ Moves: Ashlei King - pg.35

HEN I think of Shaterra Lewis’ story of going from overweight to fit in order to enjoy life more with her daughter, it just proves the power of motherhood. To me the larger sacrifice in her story was she didn’t let her “single-mom status” bring her down or her weight. She identified an issue in her life and sought to change it. I’m sure she had her moments of doubt, but she kept pursuing her goal.

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I think most mothers are Super Women – married or single! When our regular day at the office is over, we go to our second and probably most important job of tending to our families. Without much recognition, we cook, clean and prepare for the next day. Not to say dads don’t do this as well, I’m not sure if they tackle that second job as a “given” but rather see it as a chore.

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Super Women

Mother’s Day is now behind us and as we prepare for Father’s Day, I hope everyone can take just a few minutes to thank their parents for the lessons learned and aspirations of wanting to be better. While my mother is no longer here, I cherish my time with her and understand her better now than when she was alive. I guess wearing that “Super Woman” hat myself – reluctantly – makes me want to be a better mom, wife and woman! Shaterra, like many of the parents featured in Black Focus are unique, because they are solving problems and helping one another. And others like Aissatou Sidime-Blanton and Stewart Blanton are filling the void of two-parent homes by mentoring to youth. We hope this issue of Black Focus inspires you to be better and give back to your community!

~ Melisssa Monroe Melissa’s Mom Minnie Monroe

STAFF Ja’Nise Solitaire Publisher/Writer Melissa Monroe Consulting Editor EDITORIAL BOARD MEMBERS Julian Anderson Dwayne Brown LaDonna David Toya Drake Kim Gardner Nikki Jefferson Stephanie Joseph Michael Melvin Rev. Douglas Randle Chantay Warren

Black Focus Magazine is the DBA of J3 Media Concepts, LLC, an informative multi-platform company. Reproduction without the expressed written permission of the publisher is prohibited. J3 Media Concepts, LLC 902 Kitty Hawk Rd. #170-492 Universal City, TX 78148 (210) 831-1204 info@blackfocusmagazine.com www.blackfocusmagazine.com

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ROM my childhood years till high school graduation, I knew I was going to college. I had two older siblings already attending universities and I loved visiting them. My favorite memory was when my sister took me to class with her. I remember taking notes, occasionally glancing back to see if my sister was paying attention. The pursuit of a higher education was always exposed to me, so when it was my turn to go to college, I couldn’t wait! I went to the University of North Texas in Denton, which is 30 minutes North of Dallas. It’s a big commuter university with the majority of their student population from the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex. I was five hours from San Antonio, but I felt further away. I had no one from San Antonio to relate to, there weren’t any H-E-B’s, no one knew of Taco Cabana and the Mexican food...what Mexican food? It was hard for me at first, but as I started to make friends, life on campus became easier. I remember calling my dad, telling him I wanted to come home and go to Texas State, but he told me no. He said he wanted me to “experience college life away from home.” I’ve had my ups and downs at UNT, but overall I’m thankful my dad told me to stay the course. I even served as a volunteer for UNT’s Diversity Department participating in the “Freshman Initiative Program” where we invited inner-city kids from North Texas and held workshops for them on college life. As I stood on the scaffold with the other journalists for “College Signing Day” hosted at the University of Texas San Antonio, I smiled at the crowd of eager first-year college students. It brought me back to 1996 and how excited I was to attend college. I thought to myself how lucky these kids are because they’re starting a new and amazing chapter in their life, one they will cherish. They may have some falls, but what’s important is that they get back up. The best advice I could give a new college student is to make sure they go to class EVERYDAY and do not pick 8am classes! Lastly, this is something my mom always told me, keep your eyes on the prize. First Lady Michelle Obama says a college degree allows us to compete in a global economy. The world is fast paced and when you #ReachHigher you dream bigger and better. Allow your kids to read “The Promise to #ReachHigher” story in this issue of Black Focus. I hope they will gain an eagerness to attend college, just like I had.

~ Ja’Nise Solitaire

Ja’Nise and her family

artist Spotlight A

UTHOR Latanya Ward Showers’ story begins when she was a little girl. Having been blessed with the gift of storytelling at 8-years-old, it was her third grade teacher who inspired her to express herself creatively. When Showers’ son was two-years-old, he told his mom – while looking for a book in a book store- that he wasn’t interested in any of the books because none of the characters on the cover looked like him. Showers immediately saw the need of having diversity in children’s books. She collaborated with her son, coming up with storylines. Her first book “Could It Be a Monster in the Attic” was inspired by and dedicated to the one who started it all - her son. Showers is now working on her second children’s book and is also a motivational speaker. She gives credit to those who’ve helped her be the successful woman she is today. “I recognized a need regarding the lack of diversity in children’s books and main characters and all I wanted to do was be a part of the solution,” Showers says. “It was just a simple beginning but an awesome journey.”

CULTURAL ARTS

To purchase “Could it Be a Monster in the Attic,” go to BarnesAndNoble.com or Amazon.com.

ARTS San Antonio presents JOSE JAMES

Charline McCombs Empire Theatre Sat. June 21, 2014

Nurturing tomorrow’s artists: Scholarships provide families

Flexibility By Aissatou Sidime-Blanton

ANY artists begin creating as children from an innate drive to produce a physical reflection and response to the world around them. They doodle with pencil or crayons, scribble free-hand thoughts and dreams, or belt out lyrics in time with the radio. But their artistic progress is often stymied by a lack of resources: Many parents can’t afford art classes, so most budding artists don’t receive regular, formal training until middle school. That guidance can be limited by the number of students in school classes and the instructors’ need to cover a set curriculum. Since 2006, the San Antonio Ethnic Art Society (SEAS), a multi-ethnic consortium of San Antonio-based artists and art supporters, has tackled this problem by providing scholarships to underwrite tuition for art classes taken by area youth ages 9 to 18.

scholarship program to fund one-on-one training with local, established artists. The change provided much greater flexibility, allowing students to study what they like when they are ready rather than being restricted to pre-set course curriculum. “A lot of students are just becoming aware of their art abilities and so we afford them the opportunity to experiment in different mediums,” said Gracie Poe, SEAS President and a local sculpture.

Most students have attended 6-week to 9-week courses at Inspire Community Fine Art Center or Southwest School of Art.

Unlike many scholarship programs, SEAS takes a hands-on approach to monitoring students’ progress. Each scholarship recipient gets a SEAS appointed mentor who observes the student in the classes. SEAS also collects and reviews periodic progress reports from the instructors working with their scholarship recipients as long as a student continues to demonstrate that his or her skills are progressing,

This year, SEAS, which was founded by and includes several local African-American artists, expanded the l

“SEAS will continue to fund new rounds of art classes, Poe said.

CULTURAL ARTS

Parents of scholarship recipients say the scholarship change also made it much easier to fit art training into their family’s schedules. Cynthia Green used a SEAS scholarship to schedule her grandson Bryce Holman’s personalized art training in between church functions. Now Bryce spends two-hours each Saturday afternoon completing art assignments under the guidance of award-winning SEAS portrait artist Ronnie Stevens. Green says the flexible scholarship filled a need for her grandson who obviously has a passion for art. “He draws around the house all the time. We’d been trying to find someone to teach him,” she said.

“I couldn’t believe it was his work,” said Bryce’s smiling grandmother. “Now he’s asking me for my pictures to draw me.”

artistic progress is often stymied by a lack of resources SEAS youth art scholarships are available year-round. Applicants and their parents must apply online at www. saeastx.org/scholars.html. Each applicant and parent is then invited to interview with the SEAS members at which time the student will present any artwork he or she has created until that point – although it is not necessary that the child have a portfolio, just that the applicant demonstrates a strong desire to create visual art. Scholarship recipients agree to join SEAS as associate members and are allowed to exhibit and sell their artwork during the organization’s various art shows each year. Some art scholarships are also available via Inspire Community Fine Art Center.

To begin, Stevens initially reviewed Bryce’s existing artwork. Then he decided to start the training by imparting basics drawing techniques: how to hold a charcoal pencil correctly, drawing light and shadows, positioning facial features. There are tips Stevens picked up through various art classes over the years and that he enjoys passing on. “We have a wealth of knowledge within our organization to share,” said the artist who’s taught children in the past in groups at the Carver Library, Boys Town and other venues. “I found that as I encourage youth, I encourage myself. I’m teaching them a process of how to put this art puzzle together, but all of this is life lessons that can be applied in other parts of their lives.” The personalized training has had an immediate impact on the quality of Bryce’s artwork: The 14-yearold has gone from drawing Transformer cartoons to sketching 3-D portraits of humans in just three weeks.

Aissatou Sidime-Blanton, RP, has been collecting art since 1996, focusing most recently on visual art by African-American women. She has assisted artists such as Louis Delsarte in documenting their artistic inspirations and influences for their records, written art reviews for The Tampa Tribune newspaper, and is a member of the San Antonio Ethnic Art Society. Her collection will have a public showing at the Carver in July 2014.

Take a TRIP By Billie Allen

food

through

ITTLE Jamaica Foods on Walzem Road has been serving the Northeast community a taste of Jamaica since 2010. Now under new ownership since July 2013, Little Jamaica has been re-invented into one of the most authentic Jamaican eateries in San Antonio. New owners Martino and Yolanda Stewart are eager to

bring a little piece of “the real” Jamaica to San Antonio. Along with Chef Cee, Little Jamaica’s original chef, they have embarked on a culinary journey to bring San Antonians an experience of Caribbean culture through some of the islands most exotic flavors. Chef Cee passionately prepares many traditional Jamaican dishes that reflect the island’s diverse culture. Dishes such as curry chicken and curry goat highlight the Indian influences in Jamaican cuisine.

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His technique of preparing these curry dishes tenderizes the meat to the point of mouth-melting goodness. He also offers a traditional Indian, inspired flat bread called, roti, that is served with a brown stew chicken. This is a favorite of the Caribbean community. With special spice blends traveling all the way from Jamaica to San Antonio, Chef Cee takes his time properly preparing the ingredients for each of his signature recipes. Marinating meats overnight with his unique blend of spices explains the explosion of flavor that comes from his dishes. Little Jamaica does serve up sauces with different levels of heat for those customers who like to take a walk on the hot side. The Stewarts and Chef Cee have put their hearts and souls into the cuisine of Little Jamaica Foods. They welcome feedback from their customers in order to provide a bona fide Jamaican experience. Little Jamaica may be a small, family establishment, but they have a passion for cooking and perfecting Jamaican cuisine.

You can visit Little Jamaica at 4929 Walzem Road or call 210-637-1293. CULTURAL ARTS

Kajun Kuisine

The Taste From The Bayou

UR next stop is Kajun Kuisine which opened its doors in October of 2013 with the mission of feeding the masses 5-star cuisine at a not so 5-star price. Owners Chef David and Helen Roberson along with Helen’s twin sister, Ellen (general manager), are seeing their dream finally fulfilled after 35 years. Originally from Opelousas, Louisiana the Roberson’s have set out to make a legacy for their children and for the community in San Antonio. “This wasn’t done for us, but it has to start somewhere,” Helen Roberson says. The couple envision their future with an empire of Kajun Kuisine Cafeterias all over the United States. The restaurant’s cafeteria-style atmosphere makes dining convenient for the patron on the go, or for the family of four looking for an “at-home atmosphere” to have dinner. Ellen says she often tells customers, “Instead of going out for fast food, come have great food fast!” Chef David started his culinary career in the United States Army and has served under many successful chefs for more than 35 years. Learning to prepare everything from scratch, Chef David prides himself on what he calls a “special way of cooking.” The misconception about Cajun food is that it has to be spicy to be good,” adds Chef David.

He creates his own special blend of spices that adds a little kick but does not overpower the true flavors present in his cooking. The menu is an eclectic mix of Cajun and soul food cuisine and has a rotation of daily specials along with everyday favorites such as: crispy fried chicken, catfish, meatloaf, dirty rice, macaroni and cheese, and sweet potatoes. Classic Cajun entrees like seafood gumbo and e’touffe are also served daily. The e’touffe had a smooth, buttery texture and the catfish was served with a tangy homemade tater sauce that could have been eaten alone with a spoon. Most recently, Chef David added his signature a creamy potato soup to the menu. Don’t forget dessert! It’s a toss between the banana pudding and the sweet potato pie. Both are made from scratch and their creamy texture could only come from the slow cook process that Helen attributes to the dessert’s luscious sweetness. Kajun Kuisine also serves up a sweet and tasty concoction of sweet tea and lemonade, called swamp water. It’s a cool and refreshing complement to the subtle spicy flavors of Chef David’s dishes.

Visit Kajun Kuisine at 2053 Universal City Blvd. or visit kajunkuisine.com (210) 236-8834 Billie is a stay at home mom who loves to cook. If you would like for Billie to review your restaurant, email her at billieallen95@yahoo. com.

CULTURAL ARTS

OMEGA

FIESTA

on the scene

san2antonio

CHICAGO A

By Mame M. Kwayie

T 18, I wanted the proverbial big-city move to be the beginning of my success story. I decided to attend the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) under a number of concessions: That I would transfer after two years to Howard University in Washington D.C. or Columbia College, a private arts university in Chicago. It didn’t hurt that UTSA was close to my family in Houston and that scholarships covered the costs of tuition and an on-campus apartment. I mailed transfer applications at the end of my second year, later deciding that I’d make my way in the Windy City – until I got the bill for my first year’s tuition at freshman orientation. After scholarships and financial aid, I’d still owe the university $13,125.25. I cried myself to sleep that night and decided I’d have to go head-long into making the most of my life in San Antonio, which suddenly had become more than a pit stop. Campus life had been vibrant for black students at UTSA, complete with a Black Student Network, African Student Association, and a gospel choir. I was the president of an African-American women’s group called Women of Honor that, along with its brother organization, Men of Honor, created a safety net of camaraderie for a number of African American students. I was thankful to have stayed in San Antonio, forging the truest and closest friendships I’d ever known. After beginning a career upon graduation, I was bored with the scant nightlife options for young black professionals. Sure, there was the once-a-month “Second Verse” poetry slam and live R&B/soul at Luna Music

CULTURAL ARTS

Lounge every first Friday of the month, but often in order to see popular plays and concerts, I’d have to travel to Houston, Austin, and Dallas. Despite this, I’d grown to appreciate San Antonio as a stunning locale, the rolling greens of its hill country landscape, the sound of the summertime Cicadas, he elusive scent of oak and cedar– despite the occasional allergies they triggered in the spring. Though I had settled into San Antonio pretty easily, I was still seeking the hustle and bustle of the big city. The 18-yearold in me still nudging me to do what I once said I was going to do. I moved to Chicago in December 2011, and though I absolutely adore life in the Midwest’s best, I still yearn for the sound of Cicadas, the calming drives down Babcock Drive when the street wound through trees and elevated knolls. Chicago’s deep-dish pizza is a must, but I have yet to taste a decent plate of Mexican food. Somebody tell these folks that there is supposed to be a layer of cheese on the enchiladas at least a quarter of an inch thick. Also a margarita is supposed to be as big as your head as a matter of custom and not of novelty. Though I’m glad to no longer live in a city that eats refried beans wrapped in a tortilla for breakfast, I could go for some King Kong nachos from Chacho’s right now.

Photo courtesy of chachos.com

It wasn’t until after I moved to Chicago that I started to understand the value of place in our lives. Though we may pack our belongings and leave no trace of our existence in any space we’ve inhabited, the cities of our lives can often take root in who we are. We’re pulled to new places, carrying the memories of the ones left behind. Our yearnings can create within us the right kind of place, where the Mexican food is greasy, the slam poetry is performed nightly, and where Beyoncé and John Legend are guaranteed to make a tour stop. And maybe that’s the purpose of place; it’s from new places and past experiences that our souls curate a perfect world within ourselves. Sometimes, instead of bright lights in the big city to heighten our senses, we just need some peace and quiet. Though I’m close enough to Wrigley Field to hear the bats swing, if I close my eyes real tight, I can hear Cicadas in the distance. And just like that, I’m back where I started – in a place I once called home. Houston-native Mame M. Kwayie is a freelance writer and communications professional currently living and writing in Chicago. Her work has been published in the Houston Chronicle, Madame Noire magazine, and Clutch magazine. She is currently editor-in-chief of Crook & Folly, DePaul University’s Literary and Arts Magazine.

BLACK CHILDREN need

MENTORS By Ja’Nise Solitaire

HE lack of fathers in African American homes is not a new issue, but what’s alarming is that according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, 67 percent of black children are in single-parent homes in the U.S. - a statistic that has been unchanged from 2008 to 2012.

According to the Big Brothers Big Sisters website, children who participate in their programs for a minimum of 18 months are: 52 percent less likely to skip school; 46 percent less likely to begin using illegal drugs; and 27 percent less likely to begin using alcohol.

These children, according the foundation, outranked other minority and non-minority children in single-parent homes. This is where the San Antonio African American Mentoring Initiative Advisory Council (AMMIAC) of Big Brothers Big Sisters fits in. They hope to give African American children mentors that look like them. But finding black mentors is a challenge.

With a new chairperson in place, AAMIAC decided to take on new projects for 2014 and focus on quickly matching [at risk] youth with volunteers. One of the projects is a grant-funded initiative where the matching process is expedited for kids with parents in the military or who are incarcerated or kids who are in domestic violent households.

Big Brothers Big Sisters has a waiting list of children wanting to be mentored and 20 percent of those kids are African-American. Many of them are young boys looking for African American men. Only 5 percent of its mentors are black. Despite AMMIAC has national partnerships with historically black fraternities and works with churches, there is still a struggle in recruiting mentors. “People tend to think it’s a large commitment,” says Big Brothers Big Sisters Outreach Recruitment Manager Barbie Leal-Hallum. “They think they have to be a replacement parent for foster children and take on more than they want to commit to. Everyday people are mentors. Just being a friend or advocate is all that’s needed.”

COMMUNITY

5% of its mentors are black Nspire U is another program AAMIAC plans to implement, which is in partnership with the San Antonio Independent School District and pairs a kid with a business professional. “Kids will travel to the business and meet with their mentor during their lunch hour,” Leal-Hallum says. “It exposes kids to different careers.” To become a member with Big Brothers Big Sisters or to learn about the program, go to bigmentor.org.

His mother agrees, saying it’s important her son spends time with a caring African-American male role model to keep him on the right path.

EET Little Brother, Elijah. This third- grader does very well in school, making mostly A’s. Elijah loves playing video games, working on the computer, playing sports and spending time outdoors. Elijah wants and needs a male role model. Living with mom and a female sibling, he would like a “guy” to hang out with.

Spending time with Elijah two to four times a month is all it takes to make a positive impact in his life. Engaging with Elijah can be as simple as playing sports, watching a movie or taking advantage of the free tickets Big Brothers Big Sisters gives away.Because the program is flexible, Elijah and his mentor can meet when it fits into both of your schedules. Be Elijah’s friend, his advocate, his guide. Volunteer to mentor Elijah by contacting Barbie LealHallam at Big Brothers Big Sisters: (210) 225-6322 or bleal-hallam@bigmentor.org.

JUNE 6TH AT&T CENTER

bad disagreement with her mother, resulting in her “running away.” Fortunately, she ran to an adult, who was a close family friend, who was able to calm her down and keep her safe overnight until she resolved the issue with her mother. Later in life, an aunt took Aissatou and her sister in and raised them to adulthood when their mom was struggling financially.

Couple Shares Passion Mentoring By Stephanie Joseph

HEY say children are our future, but what are we doing to uplift children who don’t have two parents or support network? Meet husband and wife, Aissatou Sidimé-Blanton and Stewart Blanton, a couple who have a passion for mentoring and being a positive influence in young people’s lives. Aissatou is a lively, professional woman with varied interests and an active social life. She has also been mentoring children since she was a teenager. She first got involved in mentoring as a youth counselor for a summer program to earn some extra cash. “[It was a] long-term process for me.

COMMUNITY

My first long-term mentoring position, officially, was in undergrad at Xavier University,” Aissatou says. “We mentored through Big Brothers Big Sisters’ after school program, which was in Gert Town.” Aissatou is now on her fourth match through BBBS (a match is when the organization pairs you with a youth to mentor, based on compatibility, screening, and careful consideration of what both the “big” and the “little” are hoping to accomplish).

Aissatou recognizes that either incident could have gone very badly very easily, but she had a support system of positive adults surrounding her. She wants to give someone else the same things she received. Sometimes, she even wonders if she’s not getting even more out of the experience than her “little sister.” The time Aissatou spends with her “little” fits seamlessly in her life. Some of the things they do include everyday activities, such as grocery shopping to attending community and professional events. The goal is to expose the mentee to different experiences and different lifestyles. Aissatou and her “little” also share a love of art. They can talk about all kinds of different things, including educational options and career choices, but first and foremost, they have a good time.

Aissatou’s husband -Stewart Blanton - first began mentoring about 18 years ago when Aissatou recalls her own childhood, a colleague at Louisiana State growing up partly in Klondike, University Medical Center asked a rough area of North Memphis. him to mentor her two young She considers herself fortunate grandsons. to have had an extended family and a support group beyond her Stewart says, “I guess just my mother. She even remembers one interactions with her, and my particularly positivity, when I was around her,

made her approach me, and ask if I would be willing to spend some time with her grandsons.”

There are certain benefits to getting involved and mentoring through a structured organization, such as BBBS. There is a careful screenAnd that’s exactly what Stewart ing process for all participants, did. He spent time with the two parents, children, and mentors. young men, included them in There is structure, support, and everyday life activities, and talked endless guidance available for with them. Their father was incarevery situation. There are events cerated, and they didn’t have any for all involved, parents, children, consistent or close male role models and mentors. The BBBS program in their lives. Stewart, on the other emphasizes it’s not about spending hand, says he had a great father. money or showering a child with gifts, not a babysitting alternative, “Having being raised by a father and not parenting. The “big,” who was very positive, I thought or mentor, just spends time with it was important that I try to give a young person, committing to back, or at least try to provide some participate for eighteen months. of my experience to boys that were not as fortunate.” However some “bigs” and “littles” create bonds that last for years such Both of the young men grew as in the case with Aissatou and up to become productive, Stewart. contributing members of society. Both are married and are now fathers themselves. The relationship lasted for years, and Stewart still keeps in touch to this day. Having a daughter, Stewart decided to continue mentoring young men, and became involved with BBBS. Currently, Stewart is mentoring a young man through the program, and has been for almost five years. They do activities, such as laser quest, hiking, bowling and to the movies. Stewart is able to give his “little brother” a male perspective he doesn’t have at home, in a household of women that include his grandmother, his mother, and two sisters. “Most of the time, he’s happy to get out. He just needs that freedom to be a boy,” Stewart says.

Armen Babajanian, vice president of external communications for Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Texas, said the organization “absolutely adore and appreciate Aissatou and Stewart’s involvement and advocacy” and so much so that Aissatou was awarded BBBS of South Texas’ annual James Blair Award in 2013. “From the onset, Aissatou was an integral part of the council, helping to put together a marketing committee, conducting a study to see what sort of marketing

materials are appropriate for recruiting African American men,” Armen says. “I became acquainted with Stewart as he attended a great deal of our events, fundraisers and mixers. Stewart has been a Big Brother since 2008 and has been matched to his current little brother, Marco, since 2009.” Armen added it’s not too common to have married couples participating with BBBS. He says they represent less than 2 percent of the 1,400 volunteers in the San Antonio area. Aissatou and Stewart, who have been married less than two years, actually met first at a 2010 mixer for “bigs.” After some time, their paths crossed again, and they’ve been married since November 2012. Aissatou’s “little sister” was a bridesmaid in their wedding and created the artwork that was featured on their wedding invitation, and Stewart’s “little brother” attended as well. Always looking for creative ways to give back, the couple asked for donations to BBBS, in lieu of wedding gifts. The donations were enough to fund two BBBS matches for a year!

Stephanie Joseph is a communications professional. Her work has been featured in the San Antonio, New Orleans and Austin markets 23

Job training program for all kids By Ja’Nise Solitaire

T’S the summer of 2012 and Assistant Principal Sheriyln Ware of a San Antonio charter high school is about to begin her school’s annual summer program. Throughout the day she observes the interaction between her students and her summer youth employees, but she isn’t happy with how things are going. She noticed her employees, who are just a few years older than her students, lack basic workforce skills and said the effort they put forth was unacceptable. Ware didn’t agree with the criteria of some existing job programs, so she created her own nonprofit program, called Team Up 4 Kids SA. It teaches youth between the ages of 14 to 22, life and career skills. The difference with her program compared to others is that it’s opened to everyone. We want to reach out to everyone,” Ware says. “For some programs, parents need to be at a certain income level and we wanted to get away from that.” The nonprofit offers different workshops from youth employment training (their most popular) to a tutoring program. Their most recent implementation is the first generation college student workshop to help students utilize San Antonio’s Café College with the goal of applying for college. “A lot of kids don’t know how to fill out a college application. We want to be that guide for them,” Ware says. “We help them with the process and show them different avenues of finding resources.”

COMMUNITY

Ware ensures participants in the program receive the most current career advice because she partners with local human resources professionals. With a year underneath her belt, she says the nonprofit has grown and she measures success by the feedback she receives. She says her charter school, Academy of Careers and Technologies, just completed a grant to support the nonprofit increase its enrollment. “Right now we have a total of 30 kids. As we get closer to the summer, our enrollment increases,” Ware says. “We want to create more awareness to help more kids be more competitive in the job market.” Youth interested in summer employment or participating in Team Up 4 Kids SA can go to tech4tot. org and click on the employment tab. All applicants will be referred to Team Up 4 Kids SA for training and development.

Photo courtesy of UTSA

The Promise To

#ReachHigher

N May 2, the City of San Antonio held its fourth annual College Signing Day. Hundreds of area high school seniors, proudly wearing their chosen university t-shirt, packed the University of Texas at San Antonio Convocation Center with one goal, to promise they’ll continue their education. To make this fourth event more special was a special visit from First Lady Michelle Obama. Wearing her alma mater’s t-shirt, Princeton, she told the thousands of students in the audience about the importance of getting a college degree. On this same day, Obama also officially launched her new initiative, “Reach Higher,” geared to inspire students to take charge and continue their education beyond high school. “In today’s world, a high school diploma is not enough to get a job or to compete,” Obama says. “You have to reach higher. The most important person in your education is you. You decide what to do.” College Signing Day is an education initiative launched by San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro in connection with President Barack Obama’s 2020 College Completion Goal.

COMMUNITY

By Ja’Nise Solitaire

Its mission is for the United States to once again lead the world with the most number of college graduates. Currently the U.S. is ranked No. 12. “Education helps our entire country compete in a global economy,” Michelle Obama says. “We need more communities to do what San Antonio is doing. You are what Reach Higher is all about.” The focus of Reach Higher will include financial aid, supporting high school counselors and encouraging college visits. Obama also wants parents to begin reading to their children at an early age and for businesses to offer internships.

“Our kids can relate to him,” Loston says. “Some are coming from untraditional households, just like he did.”

San Antonio’s St. Philip’s College, a two-year college, which is designated a Historically Black College and University as well as a Hispanic Serving Intuition, had more than 60 students present at the event.

As Michelle Obama concluded her talk to the students, she gave one last piece of advice. She looked over the with a motherly eye and told them they better not break their promise to the First Lady.

According to the Journal of Blacks in Higher Education, Rice University tops all higher education institutions in Texas with producing the most African-American graduates. St. Philip’s President Dr. Adena Williams-Loston says with students of color, going to college provides a generational impact. “Most of our kids are first generation kids,” Loston says. “This event gets them pumped up to go to college.” Loston’s advice to kids entering college is that they can be whatever they choose to be. She says the evidence of that is right now with President Obama being the most visible role model.

Alamo Colleges Chancellor Dr. Bruce Leslie and St. Philip’s College President Dr. Adena Williams Loston

Dreams Do Come True By Rev. Douglas Randle

OW before you get too excited, let me say this -the dreams that God causes in our lives are the dreams that line up with the purpose and call he has for our futures. God will not give you something that will be to your detriment. These are the same dreams that have been bathed in fasting and prayer and revealed through God’s word and even confirmed at times by the people of God sent to speak into your life. Your dreams will come to pass because:

First you were, Predestined to Live.

If you are going to experience the kind of move in your life that you have been dreaming of, preparing for and expecting, you must live in the image of God. It is His desire that we live our lives in the same manner Jesus did so that we too will experience the greatest fulfillment in all that we do. Jesus loved unconditionally - we ought to love the same way. Jesus sacrificed for others - we ought to be sacrificial in our time and resources. Jesus walked by faith -we ought to live depending on God for everything we need. It is in our answering the spiritual call that we will begin to see our natural dreams come to pass. Second you were, Predestined to Change. “Justification” or being “saved by God” is representative of our being changed in the spirit after we come into a relationship with Christ.

SPIRITUALITY

Understanding the need for change is important because at one time you may not have been ready to handle your dream coming to pass, but because you have been “justified” or “saved,” you’re now ready for the reward, life or dream that you have been anticipating!

Third you were, Predestined to Win. When God glorifies us, he breaks the chains off of our lives. He gets rid of our past mistakes; he removes our old sin nature; he dissolves the corruption that used to be between our souls and his glory. Glorification is a result of being chosen, called, and saved by God. If you have been glorified - you need to know that in the end, you win! Know this, God lays out the blue print for successful living, he offers us the opportunity to take advantage of this blessed life, and he walks us through the process to ensure that we come out on top! Stay motivated and keep dreaming because after a while – dreams do come true. Rev. Douglas Randle is the pastor at Bethany Missionart Baptist Church located at 153 Lawton St. San Antonio, TX 78237. For more information call (210) 436-7296.

Shaterra

Lewis

Getting

Back to

EING a mother is a demanding job. Moms raise their children while having careers and managing their household, which can lead to little to no time for themselves. Efforts to have a healthy lifestyle can be daunting because it may feel like more being added to the plate. Single mom Shaterra Lewis, says her decision to get back in shape came after a conversation with her thensix year old daughter. “Meygan asked me to play outside with her,” Lewis says. “I told her I couldn’t because I just came home from work and I was too exhausted.” Meygan, feeling disappointed, looked up at her mother with a face that made Lewis’ drop to her knees. “That’s when I said I need to do something,” Lewis says. “Not just for myself, but for my daughter.” It’s been four years since Lewis began working out – something she did in her twenties. Lewis believes, as a single mom, it was extremely important to put herself first. If something happens to Lewis, Meygan will not have her main support system. Lewis slowly began working out and setting short-term goals. Her first goal was to lose five pounds and when she made it that far, she set a goal to lose another five pounds.

HEALTH

“It wasn’t easy,” Lewis says. “I would picture that look on Meygan’s face to keep me going.” After losing 15 pounds, Lewis began to think she could actually do this. She thought to herself if she could stay consistent, she would be able to lose the weight she gained over the years. It became a lifestyle change for Lewis. She changed her diet and began wearing her hair natural. She got excited over what she achieved thus far and pushed through, but she hit that dreadful plateau. For Lewis it was when she started dating someone who she thought was her soul mate. “I gave up a lot for him,” Lewis says. “I lost myself for a moment.”

During this time, Lewis barely worked out. She put that time into her significant other --doing things he liked to do. Everything she set out to accomplish was fading away. After some time, Lewis started having relationship problems and the man who she thought was “the one” was becoming incompatible. This triggered another revelation for the single mom. “I can never give myself to someone like that again,” Lewis says. “I learned to stay true to myself, no matter what.” After the break up, Lewis took her workouts to a new level. She hit the gym more and took up boxing and started doing boot camps. She was in the best shape of her life. Instead of giving up, she gave to herself.

“I need to do something. Not

just for myself, but for my

daughter”

Today, Lewis guides others on their path to getting in shape. She motivates and prays for those who solicit her help. “I put the names of the people I’m helping on a vision board,” Lewis says. “Every morning when I wake up I look at my board and think about them and ask God to grant them the strength and courage to accomplish their goals.” Lewis’ advice for women who want to get back in shape is to pray; get adequate amount of sleep; excercise for at least 30 minutes a day; reach out for help and look in the mirror. She says women examining themselves in the mirror will show how much attention is being paid to the one who matters the most. Lewis now incorporates her daughter in her new lifestyle: from nutrition to working out and running marathons with her mom, Meygan is learning the benefits of staying fit and healthy.

Shaterra Lewis is an Advocare Distributor. If you want her to help you on the road to get healthy and fit, visit www.nspiredbyspark.com.

High School Athlete

spotlight

NAME: Sarea Alexander HIGH SCHOOL: MacArthur EVENTS: Long Jump, triple jump, 400m relay, 800m relay, 1600m relay. COMMITTED: The University of the Incarnate Word EXPERIENCE: 9 years ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 2nd Place State Long Jump; Most Athletic Girl for the class of 2014; espnsa.com high school student athlete of the week, ESPN Award. WHY INCARNATE WORD: Because of their commitment to education and excellence and the support of female athletes. FAVORITE QUOTE: To get where you have never been, you must do what you have never done. LOOKS FORWARD TO: The next chapter in her life and what new experiences her future will bring.

SPORTS

Charlie Strong: One Mission By Ja’Nise Solitaire

N the past couple of years it has been highly debated if the University of Texas football program has lost its edge. Plagued by player scandals and mediocre records, the Longhorns gained a reputation of being “soft.” But this year is different and all eyes will be upon Texas. UT Athletic Director Steve Patterson saw the need for a new direction and hired the best coach he could find - University of Louisville Head Football Coach Charlie Strong. “This is a tremendous milestone and it seems we have progressed to a point where color doesn’t seem to be a factor [most of the time],” said UT fan Jason Tribble. “It appears the best candidate was chosen and the choice just happens to be black.”

Photo courtesy of UT Athletics

In effort to drum up support for the new coach, the athletic department launched the “Comin’ on Strong Tour” where Strong and many in the athletic program travelled to major cities in Texas. “You really don’t have to sell this program,” Strong says. “There’s a lot of energy from the fans and they’re really excited about the direction of the program.”

Patterson’s intentions may not be political; however, hiring Strong made history for the university and for the state. Strong is UT’s first African-American head football coach and now The State of Texas, known to produce some of the nation’s top football players, has two African-Americans heading up its most prized football programs. Kevin Sumlin is the head football coach at Texas A&M University.

Former Professional Football Player and UT alum Wane McGarity, says his alma mater is headed in the right direction.

The UT football coaching staff had minority coaches, but none were promoted to the top spot. Strong says he knows his hiring is important to some people, but he’s here to do a job.

Strong says the players understand their expectations and they are developing and understanding more – this coming off a rough start in the April 19 Orange-White Scrimmage annual game.

“I feel no added pressure,” Strong says. “At the end of the day it’s about me doing my job the right way.”

Patterson says ticket sales have surpassed last year’s number to date and everyone is looking forward to an interesting season. For UT fans what they want most is for Texas to win against OU in the Red River Showdown.

Patterson describes Strong as being intense and that he and the coaching staff are getting great reception from UT boosters and alumni as well as one time NFL Minnesota Vikings owner and Texas businessman Red McCombs. Strong has some Texas-sized shoes to fill taking the place of outgoing head coach Mack Brown, whose tenure at UT spanned 15 years.

“This is a big step for the university and it’s the right time to make this type of move,” McGarity says. “When you have a program rich in history and tradition, it’s about winning. I think Coach Strong will put in a very [strong] effort.”

“It’s time to get that game back where it needs to be,” McGarity says. “That’s the one thing I want to see… that Texas fight.”

On The Rise Tanisha Fuller-Felix

never worry about what others are doing. If I focus on me, pray for others, and walk in faith everything else will follow.

This is the motto of Tanisha Fuller-Felix, owner of Tried and True Home Care Services, LLC. Prior to becoming her own CEO, Felix worked for a nonprofit agency where she assisted in the care for people with developmental disabilities. She was responsible for the South Central Region, which included seven cities and 42 counties and led the agency in receiving a national network certification through the Council on Quality of Leadership. With over 15 years in the health and human services sector, Felix ventured out on her own to start Tried and True Home Care Services, LLC after helping her grandfather secure nursing services. “Many great home health agencies were found that did many nice things, but none of them had everything he wanted,” Felix says, adding this gave her the motivation to start her own company. Felix has a degree in Human Services from Colorado Christian University and a master’s degree in Public Administration from Concordia Lutheran University. She serves on the board for the Walzem YMCA and supports Relay for Life, The Down Syndrome Buddy Walk, Autism for Life, Top Teens and Top Ladies of Distinction and the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. She’s an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., a graduate of the African American Leadership Institute and belongs to Alamo Area Home Care Council, First Friday Network and the Alamo City Chamber of Commerce. Felix enjoys working out, reading and spending time with her husband and two children.

CAREER

Makin’ Moves Ashlei King

SHLEI King is returning home and will be the new evening reporter for KABB-TV.

She’s a military brat who spent most of her life in Schertz. She graduated from Samuel Clemons High School in 2007 and attended the University of Texas Austin where she received a bachelor’s in journalism. Prior to joining KABB, King worked for KTXS in Abilene and served as their education reporter. During her time there, she won a Texas Associated Press Award for deadline editing. She then packed her bags and headed north to Tulsa, Oklahoma. She’s a Texan at heart, but she’s no stranger to the Sooner State for her parents were born and raised in Lawton, Oklahoma. While reporting on the racially motivated shooting spree that rocked the City of Tulsa in 2012, King received national exposure reporting live on CNN. King’s career kicked off in Austin, where she served as the CBS-affiliate’s UT Reporter and the Assistant News Director for Texas Student Television’s KVR News. During her freshman year at UT, King was a member of the co-ed cheerleading squad and also ran hurdles for two years on the UT Track & Field team. King is a homebody and loves spending time with her family. In her spare time, you can find her catching up on her favorite soap opera “General Hospital.”

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