Blackopps Entertainment December 2012 Edition

THE ISLEY BROTHERS NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY WHOOPI GOLDBERG LALA HATHAWAY SMOKEY ROBINSON B.B. KING

CRUSH MODEL MAGAZINE!!!

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Contributing Writers

KIEA CHANEL

BLACKOPPS ENTERTAINMENT E-Magazine www.blackopps.com

TERENCE MERRITT

PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Damien Prout CONTRIBUTING WRITER: Kiea Chanel, Terrence Merritt, Craig Butts STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS: Sierra Jackson, Toya Merritt and Damien Prout

CRAIG BUTTS

TABLE OF CONTENT CRUSH MODEL MAGAZINE

2

Cover Story - Mike Tyson

10

DPAC Concerts

16

Fall for Love

18

Conversation with Craig

22

Barack Obama - A Dream Realized

24

Hard 2 Find or Wrong Mind

28

Shop @ Blackopps.com

42

GREGORY DEVON

919 - 860 - 6200 "Call In & Let's Talk Sports!"

Bill Murphy

"The" Erroll Reese

Anna B

K-Mac

How to Listen to the Sports Shop on Saturdays from 9-11 AM: 1. 620 AM The Buzz in Raleigh Durham 2. Download Wralsportsfan App in the App store or Google Play 3. Thesportsshopradio.com (Listen) 4. Wralsportsfan.com (620 AM Listen) 5. "Tune In Radio" App on Android and Apple

Saturday Mornings 9AM - 11AM 620AM THE BUZZ

MIKE TYSON: UNDISPUTED TRUTH is a rare, personal look inside the life and mind of one of the most feared men ever to wear the heavyweight crown. Directed by Academy Award® nominee Spike Lee, this riveting one-man show goes beyond the headlines, behind the scenes and between the lines to deliver a must-see theatrical knockout.

Written by: Damien Prout / December 4, 2012 2:30pm I was fortunate enough to participate in a conference call interview with the one and only former five time world heavy weight champion Mike Tyson. The main subject of this interview was to discuss his Broadway live stage show: MIKE TYSON - UNDISPUTED TRUTH (Directed by Spike Lee) The following article is based off of that conversation with Mr. Tyson.

I think it is fair to say that people may still hold many misconceptions about Mike. Though some of those misconceptions may have been spawned by the actions of Mike in his past life. The man that I interviewed seem to be very open and brutally honest about what was his many mistakes but he also sets the record straight about what were false media reports and hype and what’s the ‘UNDISPUTED TRUTH”.

The first thing that stood out about Mr. Tyson was his general attitude which seemed to be very upbeat and he was excited to talk about his Live On Stage event.

My first question to Mike was: Before he embarked on this project did he discuss with his family and friends the ramifications of him discussing his tumultuous past?

MT:

“As told my wife, who wrote it, she probably didn’t think it was true and she tried to sugar coat it at first and I had to explain to her that people know this guy, but they do not know the guy you fell in love with. So she had to write it down as I explained it to her…what kind of guy this guy was back then.”

BOE: If you were to compare the excitement and/or anxiety of doing this live on stage event to a heavy weight fight which fight would best compare to him being on stage in front of an audience?

MT:

“Believe it or not I have the same anxieties, but uhm..the only difference like I said before is at the end I don’t have to go to the hospital. But, the anxiety of failing…when an entertainer gets applause, the only applause he hears is the one who is not applauding…he doesn’t hear the 50,000 fans that are applauding, he only hears the one who’s not applauding, he might have dosed off in his chair or something, that’s what he hears, that’s what he looks for, the one who isn’t applauding…failing like that brings the most anxiety.”

BOE: I thought you were great in the Hangover 1&2, when I was watching hang over 2 I was hoping they had you in there somewhere, I was looking forward to that. So with that being said, instead of you just having a cameo scene in a movie would you consider playing a main character in a movie?

MT:

Oh absolutely, absolutely I’m willing to do that as well, I’m open for pretty much everything, I’ve been very grateful for everything that has been happening to me…you know prior to this.

MT:

Let me tell you something brother, I appreciate that, but listen, you heard of the young football player who just kill young lady and himself; are you familiar with that guy? The guy from Kansas City Chiefs…listen right, the fact is y to go through that moment in life in order to be a man, you have to go through everything, doesn’t mean nothing un heart is totally disgusted and shattered, for life is meaningless but we come back from it!....We come back…we don full 9 yards, Everybody has to go through moments like that to become a complete human being, man and wom have to overcome it….

BOE: Yeah, you have to experience the lows in life in order to appreciate the highs in your life….

MT:

Oh absolutely, We have to realize that life is not over…it’s not over…our brains play tricks on us and sometimes w is not what it is.

BOE: Actually, I really understand that. Being a Black man and dealing with the things I had to deal with in life.

MT:

That is so interesting that you say that; Black Americans look at themselves as “Americans” then Black too…we loo ourselves in 2 perspectives.

BOE: Yeah, a friend of mine put it in an interesting perspective…he said that we have to be at least 3 different people all a once….One is the professional person when dealing with business, then we have to tone it down a bit so we won’t i date other people then we are also that person who can still be down with our boys and our people.

MT:

…and while doing all three of those aspects we also have to allow our consciousness to supersede our color and loo life for what it is.

BOE: Well Mike, I really appreciate your time and we look forward to you coming to Durham….

MT:

Do you know any Kirkpatricks from Charlotte, NC? My father’s a Kirkpatrick…

BOE: Not off the top of my head…but I know a lot of people, so I’m sure I know someone who probably knows a Kirkpat MT:

Yeah, my father is a Charlotte Kirkpatrick, he had a lot of kids so there’s a lot of us. (chuckle)

BOE: Thanks for making time for me and again I look forward to seeing you when you come to Durham.

MT:

Thank you very kindly

MIKE TYSON - UNDISPUTED TRUTH Live On Stage (Directed by Spike Lee) will arrive at The Durha Performing Arts Center (DPAC) on April 23rd 2013. Tickets are currently ON SALE NOW. If you are in ed in learning more about this larger than life icon Mike Tyson; I would definitely recommend checking o historic and eye opening performance.

We at Blackopps Entertainment are deeply appreciative to all of those involved with setting up this inter would like to specifically thank: Suzanne Golden of Golden Relations, Emily Fox of Sunshine Sachs course the former 5 time World Boxing Champion Mr. Mike Tyson.

Written by: Damien Prout—for Blackopps Entertainment

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Don’t miss out on all of these great events listed in this edition of:

BLACKOPPS ENTERTAINMENT

By: TERENCE MERRITT

Continue on page 20.

Hello readers, I want to help you open your mind and hearts to the fall of winter. At this time of the year, people should be around friends, family, and not alone. So in this month’s issue of Blackopps, I am asking that you look forward to those that are in your world and those that you may meet this winter. If you are alone, I would love for you to not be upset, but to reach out to your inner love of self and know that love is just one cold breeze away.

Winter is the best and worst time of the year for a single person. Be it male or female. There are poems about it, songs about It, and years and years of advice given about it. Well, as they do in Rome so shall I. Give advice on it! This is the most brilliant time of the year for us all, but for those that are alone it can be the worst time of the year. We all have our opinions on this topic and we all have mix emotions during this time of the year as well. My friends I ask know, I demand that you do not spend all of your time glued to the computer or reading books. If it snows where you are this year, go for a nice morning or star filled night walk. Get lost in the world of the winter joy. If it does not snow, you can still have that walk, but please enjoy the beautiful colors that fall and winter brings us all. Life is new this time of year. Because what was done in the months before are soon pushed to a year gone. Please do not find yourself lying in your families or friends spare bedroom on a twin bed. But find others like you, the lonely, the heartbroken and the hopeless romantics. “Remember if you can’t be with the one you love, love the one your with”.

How far and how much would There is so much that falling in love can ing in love can produce not only the sam as using some drugs, but also affects ce brain. The feeling of falling in love is a not be matched or really describe by an ment, uplifting, pleasurable and meanin I ask that if you are seeking to fall in as it comes. Even though the feeling filling, you have to make the right choic

Remember that this is the time f food and the warmth of another person many will not have this, and if you are me, you should seek to find peace in your friends and family. If not, a perso face or one on one. Seek a new group o you never been and always wanted to more then you know. Also, please if yo cial person; spend more time with him o side the fireplace or a walk in tall b hands, I ask that you do not just spend doors because the weather is cold.

If we must fall this winter, let’s member, all we should regret in this life not take. So take that risk to fall. Fall your leaves change into beautiful colors

Your man in the streets and in y Thanksgiving and more to come for Chr Terence Merritt

you do for love? n do for you. Fallme ecstatic feeling erebral areas of the a feeling that cannyone. It is enjoyngful. This winter, n love you take it is great and fulces in your mate.

for coziness, good by your side. But e one of them like n GOD, yourself, on to love face to or travel to a place go. You may find ou are with a speor her. Talking beboots and gloved d all your time in-

fall for love! Ree is the risk we did l for love and see s all year round.

your heart! Happy ristmas!

BLACKOPPS ENTERTAINMENT is proud to present this new and innovative discussion platform We’ve taken the social media platform discussions and merged it within our own digital publications.

Who is CRAIG BUTTS? Craig (aka Imara) is the Creator/Writer/Partner/Social-Entrepreneur/ Father/Grandfather/Urban Shaman. His publishing's can be found at: http:// www.cherrymoonpublishing.net EVENTS: Blog Talk Radio- Relationships and Interview Fresh Writers, Creative Writing Class, Book Fairs

THE CONVERSATION TOPIC IS:

Why is it that black women claim they still think black men are the “shit”, yet seem to act nicer and more polite to whites in general?

Click the FB icon to post your view.

Barack Obama "A

Everyone join me in saying WOW! Who would have ever dreamed that w African American President! Well America, we have a reason to celebrate all celebrate. The celebration should not only be because we have a black taking enormous steps towards an equal opportunity America.

A Dream Realized" Written by: Gregory DeVon

e would have an African American President; now factor in a two term for years to come. No matter if you’re black or white, we can and should k president; but also for the first time we can all see that our country is

To Black America as well as White America, we all can celebrate because we can truly look our children in the face and really mean it when we tell them they can do anything they set their minds to do. We all can see that each of us has the power to be whatever we want to be in this world. No more can any of us say that anyone is holding you down. The Bible says in Philippians 4:13 that I am able to do all things through Christ who gives me strength. I know we don’t all share the same religious beliefs, but I believe that we can all agree that we have the power operating in us to do anything.

Over 40 years ago, Dr. King had a dream. He dreamed of a future where people would be judged by the content of their character and not the color of their skin. He dreamed of a future where African Americans would be able to have the same opportunities as any other ethnic group.

Above all, Dr. King envisioned a future where all people could embody a sense of Liberty knowing that nothing and no one can hold you back from exploding into being. Dr. King envisioned a future where there would be pregnant possibilities for African Americans and all people. Today the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King has manifested itself through the work of Barack Obama. We have now realized that dreams really can come true. Let us not forget the man behind the Dream. Dr. King paved the way for President Barack Obama to be able to bring change to a country in need of it. So let us all say thank you Dr. King for being the catalyst by which Barack Obama could become America’s first Black president.

Even in a country where racism may still exist, we can see through this election that an individual can reach the highest heights of their inner most desires if they keep their eyes on the prize. There is nothing that can

keep you down when you are determined to succeed. Regardless of your ethnicity, we all are somebody. There is nothing that can hold us back from being all that we can be but ourselves.

Even if we fall victim to the injustice, prejudice, or even racism that still exists, we can rise above it all if we are determined to press toward the mark of the prize of the high calling.

other and start helping one another.

We may not share the same religious beliefs but a common golden rule amongst major religions is “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Never reach out a hand to push someone down. Instead, let us embrace the philosophy of picking each other up and helping each other get ahead.

Franklin D. Roosevelt said in his inaugural address that “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” I believe that we don’t have to fear anything, because courage overcomes fear. To fear something is to allow that thing to have authority over me or dictate or influence my actions. President Barack Obama faced insurmountable obstacles that would have instilled a level of fear in most people; but he rose above being fearful by being courageous. He rose above the uncertainty of what the future would hold for him and pressed his way toward the highest office in the country and arguably the world.

President Barack Obama should be considered a champion of change.

His win was a win for America as a whole. It proves that when it’s your time, nothing can stop progress.

Even when people despitefully misuse your name or collaborate ill intensions towards you; if you stay focused and do what you know to be right, there is no limit to what you can accomplish. God Bless America, and God Bless You!

To those of us who ethnically identify with Barack Obama, let us realize that this is indeed a time for selfexamination. Let us never do things to hold one another back or belittle each other. We would be further as a people if we would stop hindering each

Gregory DeVon

Hard 2 find or Wrong Mind?

By: Gregory DeVon Continue on page 30

...Continue from page 29 There has been much debate among singles concerning finding quality significant others. Women say a good man is hard to find, men say that women don’t know what they want.

Women say that men play games; men say that women don’t appreciate them. Is there truth to the statements made, or are we doing too much lip service and not enough praying about who we get involved with?

It is no secret that there is a major disconnect in our relationships today.

It seems as though relationships have gravitated towards just being something that we do, instead of being something that fulfills a purpose. Fifty years ago people married and stayed married. Today we marry and divorce at an alarming rate. It seems as though many marriages these days don’t last much longer than the wedding. This has become so prevalent in our society that we don’t see it as abnormal anymore. What happened to family values? What happened to loving each other through richer or for poorer? What happened to the days when we loved each other so deeply that others could feel it? It seems as if those days are long gone; but they don’t have to be!

Everyone wants a sense of belonging to something. Acceptance is something that drives us as human beings.

The need to belong to something can in certain situations make or break you. Sometimes our need to belong or be accepted causes us to connect to the wrong things. Our emotions if we’re not careful can cloud our better judgment and hinder us from hearing the voice of God. Emotional decisions lead to emotional outcomes. So many times have we allowed ourselves to

be overtaken by what we feel instead of what we know. In order to understand why so many marriages are breaking up, we have to rewind and examine how and why people got together. Relationships in any form are meant to fulfill a purpose. If there is no purpose, we should question why we are in relationship. This so often is never done leading to an endless cycle of mass confusion.

Is a good man hard to find? Is a good woman hard to find? The answer is no to both questions. Most people when asked what they desire in a significant other state wonderful things. Some examples are, Love God, Be ambitious, Be chivalrous, Act like a lady, Know how to treat a man, Know how to treat a lady, Act like a man. 95% of the time we deal with those who have one or none of the things we say we desire in a life partner. We cause ourselves unnecessary stress by continuously dealing with people who subtract instead of add to our lives. When we experience problems from the beginning with people, God is trying to tell us something. We set ourselves us for failure at times by not sticking to what we say we desire.

Some say that friendship and companionship are synonymous, while others say the two are completely different. These two words have been debated over time. Some would say that they both have the same meaning while others would disagree. We can all agree that nearly all of us desire companionship. Through the course of life many people come into our lives; some are seasonal while others prove to be lifelong in their loyalty. Nevertheless everyone who comes into our lives makes some kind of impression and leaves some type of mark. You can never have compan-

...Continue page 32

...Continue from page 31 ionship until you have true friendship.

To be someone’s companion, you have to have established a true foundation of friendship. How can this be done in a matter of weeks? We are so quick to date people that we never realize who we are actually dating. This is why people throw us for loops; we just don’t know them and how they actually are.

Society promotes an atmosphere of jumping in and out of relationships.

There is no longevity in our relationships because there is no longevity in our thinking about what we do before we do it. If we thought about the actions we take before we took action, we would save ourselves a lot of headache.

So a man/woman thinks, so are they.

What we say manifests eventually.

When we continuously say that a good man is hard to find, or a good woman is hard to find; it becomes a selffulfilling prophesy. For us it will be hard to find because we keep telling ourselves that. There are great men all around, just as there are great women all around. We are just not always in the mind frame to want a good man or a good woman; if we were, we would not settle for anything less than that.

We sabotage our lives sometimes by dating people we really don’t know. We do this all the while putting ourselves through heartache and disappointment; but in many cases we still hold on to the relationship. We give ourselves (mind and body) over to individuals who have made no emotional or God intentioned investments into us. Our bodies are not our own, yet we give them over to people without reservation or hesitation. What happened to our self-worth and self-respect? When we don’t respect ourselves, no one else will either.

Knowing that God is not the author of confusion, we can be certain that when we experience constant turmoil, God is not in the midst of that. God has to direct us to do everything we decide if we expect it to prosper. Far too often do we make a decision or act, and then ask God to make it work. God is waiting for us to allow him to have governing power over all of us, Mind, Body and Soul!

Many of us struggle 2 claim Gods promises. If faith is defined as the substance of things hoped for, we can be sure that faith builds hope in one's heart. If faith is also the evidence of things unseen, it demands a commitment on our part to something we cannot see (God). Placing ourselves in an atmosphere of change seems easy, but if we don’t have the mind set to do that, we will never see the change we desire. Without vision, people perish.

When there is no vision, there can be no passion. Where there is no passion, there is no zeal for what we are doing. God has to give us vision for who we should be in relationship with; if there is no vision, there is no basis for why we are together and the relationship is destined to perish. Let’s open our hearts to God and allow Him to place his desires for us in our heart.

Let’s avoid frustration by delighting ourselves in the Lord, because He promised to give us what our hearts desire!

Love and Peace Gregory DeVon

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HATHAWAY

/Soul music royalty, most people know her simply as the daughter of late Soul music legend, Donny Hathae is more to her than that. A trained pianist and vocalist, she is a graduate of the Berklee School of Music and s spanned two decades. 21 years after the release of her first LP, her career continues to thrive.

when Lalah made her music debut on Virgin Records with the self-titled album Lalah Hathaway, effortlessly nts of R&B, Jazz and Pop. The resonance in her voice immediately struck a chord with music lovers and her Heaven Knows" solidified her place in R&B music. The disc also spawned the hit "Baby Don't Cry" and featured "Somethin' " and "I'm Coming Back." It was evident that Lalah not only had the voice, but the talent to carry s legacy while shaping her own musical destination. Lalah distinctly set herself apart from other R&B artists making music that was true to her heart. In 1994, Lalah released her much-anticipated 2nd album A Moment Love You" serving as the album's lead single.

solo albums to her credit including the long awaited album Outrun The Sky, yielding the #1 single "Forever, or Love" -a remake of the classic Luther Vandross tune.

tands who she is as an artist and continues to remain consistently true to her vision in song and lyric. Like ne, her voice continues to get better with time.

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