O
ISSUE 005
E-Magazine of Today’s Young Black Leaders 05 – 12
Be your Own Success Story
How important IS
EDUCATION? Derek Anderson NBA & NCAA Champion Producer, Screenwriter, Author, and Philanthropist. CEO/Founder LoyaltyMediaGroup
Amadeus CEO of Platinum Boy Music & Sean 'Diddy' Combs' 'The Hitmen' Producer
Entreprenuer of the Month:
featuring...
Warrick Dunn
3x NFL Pro Bowler Founder of @WDCharities, published author, limited partner of the Atlanta Falcons
Dr. Adrienne Johnson GRADUATION EDITION
www.boss-emag.com
ured Feat Inter vi
Each of us, fa aren't, we shou ous. Because
Interviews are the backbone
of our magazine. The personal testimonies of the successful “Bosses” we speak with are priceless. Every issue will have featured interviews that you definitely do not want to miss! These interviews are enlightening, informative, and will, without a doubt, shape your life. All B.O.S.S. interviewees will have income in the 6 figures! What do you want to be when you grow up? Yeah, there’s an interview for that!
Dr. Adrienne Johnson
After all the success on and off the court, Derek Anderson tells of his motivation, the reason for his success, and how he truly feels about education.
Derek Anderson
2 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine
Dr. Johnson examines her road to success and the speed bumps along the way. We also find out why “Hope is not a strategy!”
amous or infamous, is a role model for somebody, and if we uld behave as though we are?cheerful, kind, loving, courteyou can be sure someone is watching and taking deliberate and diligent notes. ~~ Maya Angelou
iews Amadeus (above) Amadeus explains how one educational choice changed his life.
Warrick Dunn (left) Warrick Dunn keeps it simple and to the point, “Education first, family second, and sports last� Find out why this NFL star feels that way! 3 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine
Mission
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Mission Statement
ur Mission is to provide minority, and underserved youth with an outlet to discover their potential through literary content and accessible role models to evoke the spirit of “believing in one’s self� while teaching them how to create, pursue and believe in the path of becoming a professional.
4 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine
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Tony Gaskin
Archieved Interviews
Ashthon Jones
Daron Jones
Toya James
Steve Pageot
Cappriccieo Scates
tent con Features
In Every Issue
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74
“Every man builds his world in his own image. He has the power to choose, but no power to escape the necessity of choice.” ~ Ann Rand
Health:
Summertime’s do’s and dont’s
1st Firsts:
Graduation Pics!!! Let’s celebrate together!
34 Making a difference 12 Pillars Manhood Induction: Is this the answer for young black males? Find out more!
8 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine
B.O.S.S. ISSUE #5
B.O.S.S. PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER Howard J. Clay Jr. howard@boss-emag.com EDITORIAL Editor in Chief - Drea Elizabeth editor@boss-emag.com Editor’s Assistant - Lizzie Pack assistant@boss-emag.com
CONTENT
“My dad used to say to me, “Work hard now so you don’t have to later in life.” A lot of young people dream about being rich, successful and highly respected but they don’t realize that all of that will come naturally if they do the hard stuff now.” Read more about our International featured interview, Yanfo Hackman,
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This book is an easy read that combines first hand insight along with academic research that you will not find anywhere else. Find out more about
the B.O.S.S. “Book of the month” by Lashundra Bedell
Phone 678-995-5863 Article Submissions email proposal to submissions@boss-emag.com B.O.S.S. is a monthy publication any questions or concerns please contact us immediately. If you are interested in an Advertisement please contact marketing@boss-emag.com Entire contents © 2011 B.O.S.S. E-Mag. unless otherwise noted on specific articles. All rights reserved.
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Publisher’s Message:
B.O.S.S. E-Magazine Issue #5
"Worth the Wait"
Recently,
on Facebook, I came across a status that claimed that "Blacks" celebrated mediocre achievements like "graduation from high school" and this is the reason we are not successful as a People today. This status struck a chord in me for many different rea-
sons. In some ways, I agree with the person because I do believe that sometimes the "black community" as a whole celebrates things that are mediocre compared to the other cultures in America, but at the same time, I don’t think "graduation" at any grade level is one of them. I actually feel the opposite. Many people overlook the importance of "Graduation"- and I’m not just talking about school. Graduation is a metaphor for our lives. We all take classes (life situations) and we all try to learn from them. We keep taking tests and we try to pass them. After we have learned all we can from that particular class and pass all the tests, we graduate to the next level. But even when it comes to school, graduation is something that is not easy. It shows achievement, it shows completion, and it demonstrates the ability to follow through with a major project. These are all components of being successful and these are all a part of LIFE. All the time and energy put into actually graduating shows dedication and commitment. So, for us to NOT praise youth is a true travesty. Even from kindergarten to high school-- even to college-- this is something that should be celebrated OPENLY. It shows the graduate how much they are appreciated for their hard work and that someone is proud of them. Finally, the process of graduating sets in place a set of habits that will be necessary for the rest of our lives. These habits provide graduates with a feeling of accomplishment that will stick with them forever. So whether it’s first grade or a Doctorate, whether they are 10 or in their 40’s, never undermine the value of graduating. In life and in school, it is truly "worth the wait." Publisher:
12 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine
Howard J. Clay Jr.
s d n o c e s Every 26
. l o o h c s h g i h f o t u o s p o r a student d
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Editor’s Thoughts:
Congratulations to my fellow 2012 graduates!!
Graduation is a great accomplishment and for us to
make it to this "landmark" in our lives is something to be proud of! Regardless of if you actually participated in a graduation ceremony or received word that you will be advancing to the next level in your educational career, promoted at work, or reached a new life stage, it is important for you to recognize the fact that you have accomplished something! I had to learn this for myself recently. This past school year, I viewed my upcoming college graduation as a meaningless stepping stone that did not warrant a celebration. As the day came closer and closer, it became clear that this was about more than caps, gowns, and sheets of paper that deem you now qualified to move on in life and be paid more than someone without the diploma. It was about me finishing something I didn't believe I could finish. It was about accomplishing a task other people couldn't complete. It was about me finally succeeding and being praised for years of hardships and triumphs. It was proof that everything I went through was worth it. On graduation day, I was happy, excited, and proud of myself for reaching this milestone. Now that you have proven yourself to yourself and all your haters (lol), aside from relaxing and celebrating, this is the best time to create your game plan for how to step into your new role. I know that you will be successful in whatever it is you choose to do next, whether it is entering a new grade, starting college, going to a new school... whatever, you will be awesome at it! I know it is hard but don't discourage yourself and don't let anyone else discourage you. If you need to, get a new group of friends who will better complement you and your successful nature. Surround yourself with people who will celebrate you and lift you higher. If no one else says it to you, I will: I am proud of you and your accomplishment! I congratulate you on your achievement! I can say this wholeheartedly because for years I knew how it felt to think no one believes in you nor your dreams and actions to reach those dreams. We are proof that success is possible in unexpected places! Enjoy your celebration of you, and continue being successful!! Sincerely yours,
Drea Elizabeth
14 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine
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Interviews
WHAT CAN
Athletes & Education
I BE WHEN I
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All photos courtesy of subject.
Warrick Dunn Founder of @WDCharities, published author, limited partner of the Atlanta Falcons & former NFL running back 路 http://www.wdc.org
Warrick Dunn
B.O.S.S.: What did you want to be when you were a teenager? I was like all the other kids, I wanted to grow up and be successful. For me, I’ve always wanted to be an athlete and play sports. I can remember I wanted to be like Tony Dorsett! B.O.S.S.: How did sports and education play a factor in your future? Honestly, I was okay in school... I didn’t hate going to school and I didn’t love it. I did what I had to do and I went to school, but I loved being a kid... playing outside from sun up to sun down.
I was just fascinated with computers. B.O.S.S.: When the NFL started calling did you switch your focus from grades to football? Well, I learned a lot from my freshman year of high school. I couldn’t finish the season that year because I was academically ineligible. That really opened my eyes on what my focus should always be. I always put school first, then my athletics. In my first year of college, I knew I had to get off on the right foot, so I earned a 3.28 grade point average. That set the stage for what I was going to do... Grades then football. It was my motivation. I
Playing sports in school meant you had to make the grade. So, I think that was one of the things that motivated me to be a good student. I always wanted to be on top of my [schoolwork] and make it a priority in order to be eligible to play. I actually had good grades all the way up to 8th grade. In high school, I had some issues with my grades, but got it together and graduated. Grades had to come first before I could do anything else-- that’s just the way my mom had it in my household. B.O.S.S.: When you went to college, what did you major in? I majored in Information Technology. I was in college when the internet and cell phones were just beginning so I wanted to get on top of it. I was a computer programmer first, then I switched to computer science, then informational technology.
“...I earned a 3.28 grade point average. That set the stage for what I was going to do... Grades then football. “
Donate where it counts...
Click here to find out more! thought that if I take care of my business now, it will make my life less complicated. I ended up staying in college all four years and getting my degree because I believed that once you leave school, it’s hard to go back. I graduated in four years, taking 15-18 credit hours [a semester] and attended summer school each year. Education came first. Football was just a bonus for me. That was my mind set. B.O.S.S.: What would you say was your inspiration to be successful?
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“tomorrow You won’t wake up and “bing!” you are where you want to be. It doesn’t happen like that...
it takes time. “
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I wasn’t a follower so I considered myself to be a leader. I did things because it was what I wanted to do and not because of someone else. I was going to lead by example-- I did what was best for Warrick. When people doubt you, you want to prove them wrong. I had a chip on my shoulder for the longest time for always having to prove myself. That did not change all the way up through [the
NFL]. I pride myself on always doing the best and being the best. You have to prove to people that you belong. B.O.S.S.: Do you have any advice for teens reading this interview?
I would tell them,
“you have to think about what you are going to do for the rest of your life.” Most people only think about the here and now, but you have to think about what your life is going to be like 20, 30 years from now. If you get in that mind set and want to plan for your future, you’re going to do everything necessary to put yourself in the position to be successful later on. That is a path you have to take because success is not overnight. You won’t wake up tomorrow and “bing!” you are where you want to be. It doesn’t happen like that... it takes time. Academics first, sports last. Even if you are a college athlete, that time is short lived. So, you have to think about the rest of your life you have left to live, and what you are going to do after [the here and now]. If you remain academic and get your education, you can set your life up for after you are done with sports. Academics first, family second, sports last.
www.derekandersonworks.com | Producer - Screenwriter - Philanthropist - Entrepreneur Loyalty Media Group, Inc. | 12-20 Films | Derek Anderson Foundation
Interview
Derek Anderson
Athlete & Education
B.O.S.S.: When you were young what did you want to be when you grew up? Actually, I used to tell people I wanted to be the President. I believed, even back then, that we were supposed to dream big and dream to make change. Many people only dream to a certain point and stop. When you stop dreaming is when you stop making it. B.O.S.S.: Was there anything that made you stop dreaming of becoming President? Actually my home life. I actually lived in my school gym for a couple of days when my mother didn’t come home. She was a single parent and drank... always drinking heavy. She would drink two and three nights out of the week and leave me at home. I was only 12 years old and I rarely saw her... So, I had to fend for myself. I went to the grocery store and carried customers’ bags for 50 cents and made a couple dollars every day. My thought was to get a trade and a job to make it. I was more in survival mode than in “pursue my dreams” mode. I just needed to survive at that age. B.O.S.S.: What was it like growing up in your home? Well, I saw my Dad when I was 10 and didn’t see him again until I was 27 years old. I last saw my mom when I was 12. I left home and stayed at shelter homes, foster homes, and then with my uncle. I saw her again at 22, then again when I was 26. My family never saw me play one day of basketball. I wasn’t bitter about it, I just always told myself that I would just make my own life and my own decisions. I wasn’t upset. I didn’t get mad with them because that’s the decision they made for their lives. That was their life and I have my own life to live. For me, it was important that I did the right things. I never drank, never sold drugs, never
did drugs, never smoked. I stayed away from the foolishness because I knew it was a dead end... I saw it with my parents. So, I did the opposite. I got a job in the summer to make money. B.O.S.S.: Besides the images of your parents, what inspired you to succeed? I had a son when I was 14-- he’s 24 now and I’ll be 38 in July. We are like best friends! When I had him at 14 I had to take care of him. I had to focus on getting him and I out [of that environment]. Do that, I wound up being a single parent trying to raise him. I didn’t want to go backwards--I had seen the worst of the worst. For me, I was thinking about survival again. I wasn’t thinking about basketball or even considering basketball as my way out. I was thinking I’d go to school, work hard, get good grades, stay out of trouble, and take care of my son. It was very simple. That’s why I don’t understand how people give up so quickly when the opportunity is there. My son was my determination to be successful. B.O.S.S.: We know you played basketball in high school, did that also become your focus in college? I went to Ohio State University first in the Scholars program to purse a degree in pharmacy... Ohio State has the best school for that. I got the information from a high school teacher-- those are the people who I still look up to- teachers. The only reason I left Ohio State is because I hurt my knee playing sports and the only other school I could think to go to was University of Kentucky. I knew that if I didn’t play basketball, I could still get a good degree from a good school. B.O.S.S.: So, basketball wasn’t your motivation? Was it something that just happened? 23 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine
Well, I was trying to do both, but school was my first priority. I knew I could have went to a lot of other schools but they didn’t have the right education for me. I didn’t want to go to a school where their graduation rate was 38%. [University of Kentucky’s] graduation rate was sixty percent. That’s what I needed-- a school that was going to prepare me mentally and educate me on how to get a job. I didn’t want to go to a school simply because that is where all my buddies went. It took a little while to graduate. I had another son in that time, so I had to go back to being a father. But, I went back to school and it took a little while. But that’s what happens in life-- sometimes you have to keep going. B.O.S.S.: What inspired you to go back to school since you had a lot of success in sports? Because it was what I said I was going to do. People always talk about stuff, but when you say you’re going to do something, do it. It’s hard to tell my son not to drink if I’m drinking. But when he sees me not drinking and not smoking, it’s easier for him to believe in what I’m saying. I can’t tell him to go to college if I didn’t go. So, to me, I’m making sure I did what I said I was going to do. It took a little time but time means a lot for the history. One day, he will have a son and the history will be laid for the foundation of his future. He won’t have any excuses.
“Your education is how you eat, how you make money, how you make millions, how you are successful.”
B.O.S.S.: So if you could do anything different what would you do? Understanding that it’s not over until it’s over. You have to keep pushing. I was a millionaire at 22 from being homeless at 12. You take what you can take, but you also do what you say you going to do. B.O.S.S.: What advice would you give to a teenager today?
It’s your own life.
Without your education you learn nothing and you won’t get anything. Your education is how you eat, how you make money, how you make millions, how you are successful. Being successful is basically being able to take care of you and your family. For me, I would tell everyone that this is YOUR life that you live. Regardless of where you live, your home life, or what surroundings-- this is your life. Make the most of it and get something out of your education because it will take you further than any sport will. If you ask my kids why they don’t play basketball, they will tell you, “my dad told me, ‘my mind will last a lot longer than my body.’” So, I’ll tell them, “you better cherish your mind more than your body.”
27 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine
Interview Artist & Education
Amadeus CEO of Platinum Boy Music Inc. Multi-Platinum Record Producer Trey Songz Music Director/Tour Drummer TheHitmen/BadBoyManagement www.platinumboymusic.com www.twitter.com/produceramadeus www.myspace.com/produceramadeus www.youtube.com/amadeustv
Amadeus B.O.S.S.: What did you want to be when you were a teenager and why? I had a few things I wanted to do. At one point, I wanted to be in the NBA, then, I wanted to be an artist-- “artist” as in “painter”... I love to draw. Those two were the main things I wanted to be. I loved music, but I really wasn’t going in that direction at that time. B.O.S.S.: How did music become a part of your life? Was education a part of that shift? My parents were all about education and getting us the “best” education was important to them. They paid tuition for us to go to catholic school-- they were not playin’ with their expectations of us! At the catholic school, I had the opportunity to study an instrument. Fortunately, I was absent the day we were supposed to choose what instrument we wanted to learn, so on the next day, when I returned, there was only two spots left-- the violin and percussion. I knew right off the back, with me being from the South Bronx, learning the violin wasn’t going to happen, so I went with percussion. When I got to class, I found out that percussion was about drums, rhythms-- everything... That’s how I got my start in music. B.O.S.S.: Sounds like you may have liked school. I did. I did well in school, I was always the guy that was the class clown. I loved having the attention of my peers and putting smiles on people’s fac-
es. Sometimes, instead of getting in trouble, the teacher would laugh. That was the type of humor I brought to the classroom. I liked school and I did my work. But the best part was going in every day and being around my friends. That’s what made it enjoyable for me. B.O.S.S.: Tell us, what happened after high school? It’s a very peculiar story. Not anything I would encourage anyone to do, but I will tell you the truth. I signed up for Mercy College in White Plains, New York. I went every day and was on time for about 2 months. I was going through the motions and taking courses that didn’t have anything to do with music-just the requirements. So one day, I went to the advisor and said, “Listen, I want to see your studio.” He asked me if I had not yet seen the studio, and I let him know that I hadn’t. He walked with me down to the studio and I walked in and asked, “what is this? It can’t be our studio.” I told him the studio in my house, that is even not a studio, looked better than this. Afterwards, in disbelief, I made him take me to the Dean. I sat down in the Dean’s office and when he told me that the space I saw was the actual studio for the school, I asked, “I have to be here for two years before I get to even begin to learn about music and music production?” When the Dean let me know that was true, I told him, “unfortunately, I will be withdrawing from this school, today.” Surprisingly, he didn’t try to stop me-- he actually encouraged me to chase my dreams and said that he saw the passion in my eyes
and that I was going to make it. That’s my story on college. I’m not bragging about it, I’m not proud of it (withdrawing from school), but in life you are to be prayerful about the path that you will take. And you have to ask God what’s the best direction for you. My path may not work for everybody, but it worked for me. B.O.S.S.: How did your education help you after that? My education was definitely still the key to my success. I paid attention, I had good grades, and I graduated. Over that time, I matured and I consider that to be very valuable to me. Being a music producer, I learned everything in school. Time signature, theory... I’m able to apply all those fundamentals that I learned to my productions. Math is important be-
cause if I couldn't count, how could I calculate my percentages and how much I’m supposed to get paid?! English and spelling are also very important. Being able to read through my contracts and comprehend what they say is important for understanding the expectations and responsibilities my clients have of me and our relationship. English also allows me to speak well. Even though I’m from what people may call “the hood”, I know how to speak and communicate with different types of people. [Education] definitely helped me in so many ways. I take what I’ve learned and apply it to my life as a CEO and entrepreneur. B.O.S.S.: What advice would you give to the young producers reading this article?
A lot of people feel that if they are talented in something then they don’t need anything else. Unfortunately, it’s the opposite. I believe that the more talented you are as an individual, the more you need your education, a good upbringing, and spirituality. Those things will help you do the right things with your talent. I would focus on the fact that education is important. I lot of people think that they don’t have to be educated to be a producer or to make money- but that’s not true. I never entered this business thinking about the money or being famous. I just had a passion for anything that had to do with music. That passion and drive have led me to where I am today, but I can’t leave out the education. Together, they have helped me get to where I am.
So I definitely encourage young producers to stay in school.
“I believe that the more talented you are as an individual, the more you need your education...”
Antwan 'Amadeus' Thompson is the CEO of Platinum Boy Music. He serves as a record producer for Sean 'Diddy' Combs' 'The Hitmen' legendary production team and is managed by Bad Boy Management. Amadeus is a Multi Platinum record producer & his music catalog includes production credits for over 50 artists such as 50 Cent, Justin Bieber, Keyshia Cole, Jeezy, Lil Wayne, T.I, Lil'Mo,The Clipse, Cam'ron, Juelz Santana, Busta Rhymes, Jim Jones, G-Unit, Bow Wow, Red Cafe, Freeway, Cee-Lo Green, Danity Kane, Fabolous, Tyga, Chris Brown, Joe Budden, LilCease, TheOutlawz, Talib Kweli, ESPN's Sports Center, Diddy's MTV and VH1 reality shows, EA Sports Fight Night, and also Burger King. Amadeus recently served as a judge & Music Director on Diddy's Making His Band and is currently the Music Director & Drummer for Atlantic recording artist Trey Songz.
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ISSUE 006
E-Magazine of Today’s Young Black Leaders 06 – 12
Be your Own Success Story
Find out what the BOSS
BU THIAM
has to say about education!
! ! ! H ! T ! ! N ! O Y M A T D O X NE IBE T R C S B SU How important
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Community
CAN
HE REALLY MAKE
Difference Bill Green
12 Pillars Ministry: Atlanta, GA
http://the12pillars.org/
e?
Journey to
By. Howard Clay
W
When I woke up that faithful Saturday morning, I was overjoyed. I was finally going on my first actual “journalist” assignment. I had received a call from a publicist who wanted me to interview and write about this life changing event for minority youth. That morning, I got my stuff together, grabbed my bug spray, and headed to Georgia’s Stone Mountain to meet with Bill Green, the founder of this program.
When I arrived at Stone Mountain Park, I could feel my excitement growing. I had never climbed Stone Mountain before. I had heard about it, seen pictures of it, but never experienced it for myself. I parked the car and saw a group of young black boys fishing. I knew this had to be the group I was looking for. I stopped one of the young men and asked him which person was Mr. Green. He pointed me to a group of distinguished looking men wearing yellow polo shirts and khaki shorts. I walked over to the area and picked up my phone to give Mr. Green a call just when he walked up to me with his phone to his ear. “Are you Howard? I was just about to call to make sure you made it”. We both laughed and formally introduced ourselves. I spoke with him briefly before he offered me food and invited me to take a look around while he got everyone together to head to the base of the mountain. After about ten minutes of exploring the camp site, I headed back to Mr. Green to begin the interview and my official report.
the Top “So, what exactly is going on today?” I asked Mr. Green. “Today is the 12 Pillars Manhood Induction and Retreat. There are 2 phases to what we are doing today. First is an induction to manhood for 19 young men from ages 13-17 who have participated in 5 weeks of classes, to learn about their role in Christ’s Kingdom. They have gained insights into exactly how to serve and what they are to do with their lives. They have completed their formal courses and now we will have the induction for them at the top of the mountain where they will be voted into the circle of manhood. “ Mr. Green continued, “The other phase of the program is a “manhood retreat” where we have men here from all over, who have come to fellowship, mentor, and spend some time together. Today, we will have a procession moving up the mountain and at certain stops we will have different mentors, or “pillar guides” who will be speaking to the cadets about different “pillars” from their personal perspectives. There will be 12 stops representing the 12 Pillars until we reach the top. When we get to the top of the mountain, we will have the actual induction ceremony. “How long you’ve been doing this?” I asked. Mr. Green told me that this was just the second year of the program. The first ceremony was quite intimate and involved his son, the first inductee, William Green. It was just family, friends, church members, his football team and Boy Scout troop. This year, the cadets came from all over Atlanta, from different churches, along with the pillar guides. After our brief interview, I thanked him and prepared to continue my assignment, but not before taking pictures to capture the experience at the camp site.
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“This is the 12 Pillars manhood program. Where young men and boys go through the ceremony to come into Christian manhood.� ~~ Jalen Trimble
I got into the van with Mr. Green to head to the base of the mountain. When I jumped out, I was shocked. There were around 200 people standing around, all with yellow shirts on. It was exciting to see so many people who supported the growth of these young men. I just kept thinking to myself, “wow, I wish I had something like this when I was young.” As everyone was gathering, I began to mingle and introduced myself to more of the cadets. The boys were very excited and ready to go up this mountain. After a while, Mr. Green caught back up with me and he asked, “Are you climbing the mountain today?” Without hesitation, I responded with a resounding “YES!” He smiled and walked away. Then time came to a stand still. Climb a MOUNTAIN? What had I just agreed to? I’ve never climbed a mountain before. I don’t have on boots. I’m not prepared for something like this. I looked around franticly to see who else “my age” was trying to climb this MOUNTAIN. I asked a few of the young men if they had climbed Stone
Mountain before. Some said yes and some said no. Then, out of nowhere, one of the young men looked at me and said, “you will be okay.” I guess he could see the fear in my eyes. But, for some reason, I believed him. So I tied my sneakers tight, put on my yellow shirt and headed over to the meeting place. I was ready for the challenge! ...At least I thought so. The plan was to climb the mountain and at certain points we would stop and listen to someone talk, so I figured, I’ll rest at the stops. No big deal. As Mr. Green was finishing his speech he screamed, “are y’all ready?!” Everyone replied yes with the same excitement and we started up Stone Mountain. As we begin the ascent, we stopped at the different spots and listened to the Pillar Guides talk about different topics. As the young men listened eagerly, I leaned over to listen as well. Even though I wasn’t 13, I knew I wasn’t too old to learn something. I’m here, I might as well listen.
First Pillar. Second Pillar. Third, fourth, fifth pillar. I listened. The Guides’ words were moving and inspirational. Telling their personal stories, sharing their life experiences, warning and preparing the young men at the same time. We reached the halfway point, and I will admit, I was beat-- ready to turn around But one of the Pillar Guides came over to me, put his arm around me and said, “we will make it to the top, together...” Really? I thought. These days, it’s rare for someone to help you in your time of need, so it felt kind of awkward. Then, he ended his statement with “...that’s what brothers are for.” After he said that to me, I believed him. I know it sounds crazy, but I truly felt that he was being sincere and would help me get to the top. After this Pillar stop, the young men and volunteers gathered their things, drank some water and started back up this mountain-- but now, things were serious. The climb became difficult. But every time I got tired, that Pillar Guide or another volunteer would
come to check and make sure I was okay. I talked with some of the teenagers on the way up and asked them what this climb meant to them. Many replied with words like, “life changing,” “a sense of completion,” “a journey into manhood.” I was inspired by their words. Now, about three-quarters of the way up, I just knew I had made a mistake. My body was giving up on me but I wanted to get to the top. I had slipped twice, bust my lip, and scraped my hand, but I was determined to get to the top. The mountain kept getting steeper and steeper and steeper. A few of the boys struggled but they were helping each other. No one was making fun-- they were doing it as a team-- as brothers. I looked up and finally I could see the top-- the goal. A smile came across my face. I was exhausted, tired, in pain and dehydrated (because I drank all my water at the bottom...lol) but I was determined to finish.
Then, finally, it happened! I made it to the top of Stone Mountain! Everyone came together in a semicircle as the ceremony began. The Pillar Guides, volunteers and other men spoke again, this time about completion and becoming a man. As I looked over the faces of the young boys that were being inducted that day, I could recognize an air of confidence that some did not have when they were at the base of the mountain. I cannot speak for them nor do I know what they were thinking, but I couldn’t help but interpret this trek in my own way. The metaphor of this journey could be related to my life so easily. Accepting the challenge of the climb, experiencing the mentoring from the Pillar Guides, and finding brotherhood and friendship along the way-- the
mountain is “life.”
42 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine
During the final speech, I saw a few people tearing up and a couple of the men with huge smiles on their faces. This was not only a great experience for the children, but for everyone involved. I personally think that every young man should have this experience in their adolescence. A chance to actually have a ceremony celebrating them becoming a man, “putting away childish things, and walking in their destiny. I realized something while on the top of that mountain. I went there on an assignment to witness and report the life changing event of 16 young men, but the person whose life who had changed was my own. My journey to the top had a lot of obstacles just like life. I had fallen and slipped but I kept going and I reached the top.
“It means to me , getting out of the childish things, stepping up and becoming a leader. Stop playing around like children . Great opportunity.�
“Part of the induction has been a year long training about the significance of being a man. Some of the Biblical principles that align with manhood are, for example, “honor thy father,” “control your anger,” be a good person,” “be good,” and “honor God in everything you do.” It’s not just about being a man, but being a man who is fully and completely aligned with God and His Word.” ~~ Joe Johnson
45 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine
Book of the
e Monthf Q: What made you write this book? A. After researching different avenues, I realized that there wasn't a book that takes first hand account of a college graduate. There are many books that talk about college without going in-depth about the issues facing college students. Hence, I wrote this book to share my experiences with current and future college students. Even though I graduated with a 3.9 GPA, I wish I would have purchased a book like this when I first started college. It's the little things that can make college so much easier. Many of my peers that I started college with did not finish because of a lack of understanding of the college process. College is an intricate process; hence, I wrote this book to reveal the formula needed to become a successful college graduate. Q:What is the message you want your readers to get from this? A: I want my readers to understand the structure of college. I don't want students to get to college or graduate from college and face "surprises". I take students from their Freshman to their Senior Year revealing pertinent information related to each year. Each year contains valuable information about what they should be/or shouldn't be doing during that year. For example, students should take internships no later than their Junior Year because this gives them time to take another one in a different field. Taking multiple internships allow you to find out what you want to do instead of waiting to after graduation to find out what you don't want to do. In all, regardless if you are parent, high school student, college stu-
46 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine
dent, counselor, principal, dean, teacher, professor or anybody in academia; this book has information that its readers will not want to miss. Q: Why this book, why now? A:This book is an easy read that combines first hand insight along with academic research that you will not find anywhere else. I tell you information that is only found out through trial and error. By buying this book, students can learn from the failures that I have witnessed in the college process. This book reveals information that others do not want you to know. Also, we are currently in a rebuilding economy and heavy competition exists in the workplace. This book gives you inside information that makes students stand out to future employers. If you are student attending a university, college, technical school, junior college, or any other type of higher learning institution.....THIS IS A MUST HAVE. Being only $9.95, this book is affordable and will last you throughout college and beyond! Learn more about the author, the book, and buy it today at www.collegecanbeasy.com.
47 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine
Article
Naima Woodson
S
Summer, summer, summertime…is almost here!
Graduation is near for many students, and schools across the nation are approaching summer break. By this time of year, we’re all eager to relax, recharge, and take time away from the daily grind. However, ten weeks devoid of structure can wreak havoc on your health, if you find yourself spending less time outdoors and not engaged in physical activities. Not only that, but those who cannot afford structured activities can be sentenced to months of boredom, which usually results in less than desirable behaviors. You may even find yourself gaining the ‘Freshman 15’, a term associated with the phenomenon of how college students gain weight their first semester attending a college or university, as result of a severe change in lifestyle. At this age, you may be too old for childhood games like 'tag' and 'hide and seek', but that doesn’t mean you can’t stay active during the summer, and in to college. Although your schedule may be very different, the recommendation for 60 minutes of physical activity doesn’t change! The summer is a great opportunity for you to explore new and creative ways to stay active. These are all great outdoor activities that will help you stay physically fit during the summer, and even after you’ve graduated high school. So get some friends together and stay active this summer!
48 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine
Try this…
• Taking a jog in the park • Heading to the beach to toss a Frisbee around or play volleyball in the sand • Utilizing your local bike path or basketball court • Joining a league or gathering your friends to form a softball team • Going swimming • Checking with your local recreation department for a variety of summer activities • Finding a specialty camp • Getting a part-time job to stay active
Avoid this…
* Lack of exercise *• Eating late at night *• Keeping unhealthy snacks on hand (in the dorm room) *• Eating unhealthy cafeteria food *• Drinking alcohol Naima Woodson, certified children’s fitness and nutrition specialist, is the mother of two children, and Founder and Director of Fit For a Kid, a Los Angeles based mobile fitness service provided to preschools, private schools, community recreation centers, churches, and private families. www.fitforakidla.com | 888-557-7088 | info@fitforakidla.com | facebook.com/fitforakid | @fitforakidla
Article
Dr. Pamela Jewell
"How to Keep a Balance between College Sports and Good Grades when You Are in the Game" Many college students participating with their college's
M
athletic teams experience stress. Athletic competition at the college level is far more demanding than the high school level. College is stressful enough without the added pressure of athletic competition. Stress due to college sports can lead to academic difficulties.
Another factor that is stressful to college students participating in sports is the shock of losing their "star" status. In high school, they were the star. In college, they start at the bottom and, with luck, work their way back up to "star" status. Unfortunately, this is not often the case. College sporting events that produce revenue for the college can be even more stressful for the athlete. Collegiate athletics is a business, and athletes that do not perform adequately, negatively affect the bottom line. Students are expected to perform at their greatest athletic potential. This type of stress, in addition to stress from the media and the general public can be overwhelming for many college athletes. Since college athletes know that their performance can either make or break the team, many of them develop anxiety. This can be particularly stressful for athletes who earned a full academic scholarship and could very well lose it if they don’t perform adequately in their respective college sport. Another harsh and stressful reality is that an overwhelming majority of college athletes never realize their dream of be-
50 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine
Dr. Pamela Jewell, is author of the book, “I Never Thought College Would Hurt So Good!� She is an author, educator, and speaker. Her website is www.mshurtsogood.com
coming a million-dollar professional athlete. High academic achievement should not be taken for granted. Being a college athlete does not guarantee you that your instructor is going to cut you some slack. This has been an area of controversy for years, and colleges are definitely holding their athletes accountable for maintaining good grades. The inability to cope with stress can lead to self-defeating behaviors. Many of these behaviors manifest themselves through alcoholism, drug abuse, engaging in unsafe sex, having sex with multiple partners, pathological gambling, and poor academic grades. These behaviors tend to increase during off-season, when students are not expected to perform athletically. It is imperative that college athletes manage their time. Students are expected to study at least one hour per academic class, if they expect to maintain good grades. This has to be managed while spending time practicing for athletic competition. This can be extremely stressful if time is not managed well. Pulling all-nighters can lead to an exorbitant amount of stress that affects athletes both mentally and physically. In recent years, the graduation rate of college athletes has not been very high. Discipline is the key to success in college. It is imperative to learn to balance both athletic and academic commitments. Do not sacrifice one for the other. Unfortunately, a small percentage of college athletes go professional; therefore, your degree is your ‘plan B’.
There are many methods and techniques for coping with stress. Here are some of them:
1. It is a good idea to seek involvement in volunteer and community service activities that are offered through your college. 2. Seek membership in team-building programs that have alcohol-free recreational activities. 3. Proactively get information on your college counseling center and the services they offer. 4. Identify and admit to problem behaviors, and learn behavior modification techniques. 5. If you find yourself gambling too much on sports, animals, slot machines, dice, card games, stock, or anything for that matter, do not be afraid to seek counseling. Most colleges offer counseling services to address these concerns, or will refer you to a local agency. 6. Learn coping techniques such as muscle relaxation, meditation, prayer, and biofeedback. 7. Develop and maintain a well-balanced diet and see to it that you exercise. Copyright Š 2012 by Pamela Jewell, Ed.D.
Article
I
An Howard
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’m sure as teenagers you’ve all have heard your parents talk about the importance of not getting pregnant, girls, and for the boys, not getting a girl pregnant, and that you need to focus on your education because it’s more important. If you haven’t heard them say that, then I will be the one to say it. Sex and what you think is love can WAIT, get your education! I don’t just say this from being an older, and now wiser woman, I say this from being a teenage mother myself. I had my child at 15 years old. I had no desire to be a mother at that young age, but my hormones and peer pressure had other plans for me. I was not your typical girly girl either; I was actually a tom boy who loved to wear boy’s shorts and baggy t-shirts. Needless to say when my parents and family found out that I was pregnant they were shocked because they didn’t even know that I was interested in dating. You may be thinking, well this won’t happen to me or you may be a typical teen like I was and think that you know everything. Don’t worry it’s normal for teens to go through this “know-it-all” phase. What I would like you to know is that sometimes friends, hormones, curiosity, television, and even music can influence you into doing something that you’re not ready to handle such as sex and the consequences of it. This is where your education comes in handy. The more you learn, the more knowledgeable you are as a person to make good choices for your life. In our teenage years we haven’t lived long enough to know everything that we need to know about dating, love, relationships or sex. Your Sex-Ed. class (if it’s even called that anymore) doesn’t tell you everything you need to know about sex. It doesn’t teach you that once you start having it’s hard to stop you’re body from wanting it. The class also doesn’t teach you about taking care of a baby, and everything that comes along with one. The movies these classes make you watch try to scare you by showing you the birthing process, which is scary, but they don’t show you that your education, dreams, and life will be on hold if you become pregnant as a teen or if you got someone pregnant. What the class should be teaching is abstinence, which is not having sex, and how to maintain being a virgin in a society where everyone is doing it. Abstinence may sound lame, but if you practice it, then you won’t be at risk of being a teenage parent.
Just like I’m sure you do now, I had big dreams too. I planned to go to Howard University for college and become a lawyer, but when I got pregnant those dreams crumbled in front of my eyes because everything became about my baby. All of your extra money you earn from babysitting or doing chores now goes to your baby, and any extra time you may have can no longer be spent with your friends at the mall, it goes to your baby. When I came back to school my sophomore year pregnant I knew what everyone would think of me, including my teachers, my parent’s friends, and my classmates. They would think that I was this fast tailed girl who was hiding behind boys clothes, but having sex all along, and now ended up pregnant. That wasn’t the case, I took the same Sex-Ed. class you took, I had the same talk with my father about boys, my fall came from peer pressure and not knowing the risks of pregnancy. The father was actually my first boyfriend and five years older than me (now you see where the peer pressure came in). Unfortunately, no matter what the real story was you can’t stop people’s opinions of you-- you can only change them. So I became determined not to become a statistic or that girl that everyone assumed that I was. I had to swallow my pride and got serious about my education. I was fortunate enough to go to a high school that had a daycare (not every high school has these), so I was able to take my child with me. This was embarrassing to be 15 years old carrying a baby, and having to spend my mornings, and lunches in the daycare instead of eating lunch with my friends in the cafeteria, but I knew what I had to do. The rest of my high school days were spent in the daycare, my friends hardly ever saw me, I didn’t attend any parties or dances, and my teenage years were no longer about me. However, I did graduate high school, got a part time job, and enrolled in my local community college. I came out earning 3 Associate degrees, one being in Paralegal Studies (the assistant to the
lawyer), and I’m currently working on my Bachelors degree in Psychology. I also became a published author this year of a poetry book called, Whispers of Words Spoken, and I now on my own company. So as you can see I never let my determination of not wanting to be a statistic stop. My daughter grew up seeing this in me, and she is now 17 years old, a junior at a magnet school where she is earning college credit already. I instilled in my daughter that education is important no matter what happens to you in life, you have to get it because it’s the one thing that no one can take from you. She has taken on this same attitude and has a 3.9 GPA with 3 Honors classes. Staying in school, and not becoming a drop out because of my situation was the best decision I could have ever made. Not everyone’s life turns out like mine. I know a few girls who became pregnant, and decided dropping out was the best choice for them. Some didn’t have the supportive parents that I had, and kicked them out. These girls are now working low paying jobs because they didn’t finish their education, and they haven’t gone back to school. I say all of this to say if you haven’t had sex, DON’T it’s not worth it. Stay in school, get your education and wait to fall in love and get married. Be smarter than I was. If your friends, a boyfriend or a girlfriend is pressuring you about the subject find new people to hang around, it’s that simple. This is your life, your dreams, your goals, your reputation and your future that is at risk due to the decisions that you make now as a teen. Be wise, focus on your education, and try to get the best grades that you can because they do reflect who you are and what you will become. Be blessed!
An Howard Author, and Owner of An Howard Publishing
Article
Derrick Hayes
DROP Out:
4 Reasons Students Don’t Stay In School by Encouragement Speaker Derrick Hayes
According to the BMOR Project every 26 seconds a student is dropping out of school. Every minute we lose 2 potential Doctors and every hour that equals out to over 130 youth that could be Scientists, Lawyers or CPA’s. After 20 years of working with teenagers I still understand how important it is for a village to raise a child. Through the word DROP I give you 4 reasons why students don’t stay in school.
54 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine
D
is for Discover. For all the youth that are athletic and academic all stars there are many more that lay hidden even beneath their own surface. Peer pressure is one aspect that holds youth back from stepping up to be seen and heard. As an adult we have to do a better job of finding what our kids are good or great at. Discovery alone can open up lives to the true treasure of staying in school.
R
is for Recognize. A great coach is an excellent judge of talent. One player may not to be praised while another needs words of encouragement all throughout their career. Teens in the classroom or on the field can hear you compliment someone else but view it as favoritism. When one is not recognized, they sometimes give up all together and just sit on the sideline of life. Genuinely saying “Good job” or “You are improving” can go a long way in helping someone stay in school.
O
is for Opportunity. Even when we find talent and recognize how great they are the opportunity still has to make sense. Earl Manigault who was recognized as the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) was a superstar street ball player but when he went to a college team that didn’t play his style his dream soon became a nightmare. We have to look for ways to put people in the best position to succeed. There is an epidemic of people not seeing opportunities and letting their education go to the wayside.
P
is for Potential. Different things factor into whether a student becomes the best that they can be. Some youth have it all together it seems where they have discovered their gift, been recognized and are working in a golden opportunity. The pressure of success can come into play and someone that has worked hard in one area of their life since diapers can snap and never reach their full potential. Our job is to guide students to find potential in all areas of their life. When they see no potential they may see no possibilities and have no reason to stay in school. Let’s Discover, the talents in our youth and Recognize their success by giving them Opportunities to reach their full Potential. When this happens more children will drop in school instead of DROP Out.
Please do 1 or 2 things. DONATE or hire Derrick Hayes to speak at your next meeting, conference or event. Derrick Hayes is the Author of 1 WORD Is All It Takes, Creator of “Derricknyms”, Developer of the app Motivation To Your Mobile, Nominator of Today’s Honoree, and blogs at the Encouragement Speaker and can be reached at info@derrickhayes.com or (706) 615-1662.
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International
London
Yanfo Hackman
When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up? When I was very young I wanted to be a pilot as I was so fascinated by planes, but in my high school years it was my dream to be a soccer player. I played for my high school team and I was always very passionate about the sport. However, as I grew older and the dream became less likely, I considered becoming a writer. From third grade my teachers would tell me that I was the most creative person in the class and I had a talent for writing, and seeing as it came naturally to me and I actually enjoyed it, I thought I might as well make a career out of it. My favourite class in high school was Economics, so I wanted to involve that in some capacity; my ideal job would have been as a writer for the Economist. Who was your early inspiration when it came to life, and when it came to education? My parents always made clear the importance of education and staying in school. They are both at the peak of very successful careers and they achieved that by working hard in school and making a great living for themselves. My dad used to say to me, "Work hard now so you don't have to later in life." A lot of young people dream about being rich, successful and highly respected, but they don't realize that all of that will come naturally if they do the hard stuff now. Did you like school when you were younger? When I was younger I loved school but not for the right reasons! I was really only interested in seeing my friends and playing soccer - I didn't understand why I needed stuff like math or chemistry. As I grew older and got the chance to choose my subjects in high school, I was studying things that raised my interest and challenged my intellectual capacity. That was when I got a better appreciation of school. After high school, what was your motivation to continue? The chance to better myself with a degree and an experience. I knew college would be different from high school in the sense that I would be more independent, and I would be taking classes and meeting people that would shape my future. It wasn't just about sitting in lectures all day - it was about living out of your parents home, studying things you were interested in, meeting people from all walks of life, joining groups and activities and learning how to think outside the box and interact with people; things that would prepare me for the outside world. I also realized the importance of a college degree in these competitive times; employers these days are looking for people who have had the college experience because they understand how much it shapes them. My boss said to me the other day that he doesn't look at grades when he's reading people's resumes because getting a degree in itself proves commitment to study. Going to college says so much more about an individual than people realize. What were some of your educational struggles? Trying hard not to get distracted by social activities, including soccer and parties. There were some points where I found it hard to maintain a healthy balance between the two and my grades started slipping; but then I made
“My parents always made clear the importance of education and staying in school”
a couple of sacrifices and got back on focus. Seeing bad grades is harder to take than seeing a party flop! What is your current position and how did education help you to get there? I work in London as a Marketing Executive with Volvo Cars. Education was a huge factor in getting there because I wrote my resume and cover letters with the assistance of the staff at my college Career Center - they gave me fantastic advice regarding what to put in my resume and what employers were looking for. The company was also very impressed with my senior thesis, which I presented at my interview. In addition to that, the third stage of my interview involved making a presentation to the CEO and some of the managers. I used the skills I picked up in many of my college classes where I had to do presentations. Without any of these I would never have gotten the job. I've also realized how much of what I learned in college helps me at work, and not just what I did in class. My writing, professionalism, social etiquette and approach to problem solving all improved without me even realizing it. College really does help you grow up. How is "overseas education" different from education in the States? The biggest difference is the wider range of study that the liberal arts system in the United States allows for. In Ghana and the [United Kingdom], students are encouraged to focus on a specific field and work their way up, but in the United States, they take in a bit of everything. This creates more rounded individuals and a better chance to switch careers if there is a need for it. I think this is the huge advantage students in the US have - their system creates an opportunity for them to become more intelligent, knowledgeable and enlightened individuals. This is the perfect foundation for any successful career. I've met many people here in London who have said they wished they got the opportunity to go to college in the US - just from meeting and interacting with people who did. Finally, what advice would you give to young minorities today?
You are in control of your own destiny.
Don't let anything hold you back from what you want to be. Don't look at yourself as a 'minority' - at the end of the day God has given us the same arms, legs and brain as everyone else, so we have the same potential for greatness. The next person you meet could change your life. The next idea you have could change the world. The word minority doesn't exist when companies are fighting for you and your billion-dollar idea. Go to college and get that idea and meet those people. Don't aim for money, because anyone could rob a bank. Aim for greatness because everyone can do that too - and you'll make more money than the bank.
58 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine
My name is Yanfo Hackman, 24 years old. Born in London, UK to Ghanaian parents but moved straight back to Ghana after I was born. Two younger sisters aged 23 and 21. Went to the same school (Ghana International School) all the way from middle school through to high school, and in my senior year I studied Economics, Geography and Computer Science. Got a scholarship to study at the College of Wooster, Ohio and University of Manchester, England but I chose to go to Wooster as I was attracted to the Liberal Arts system in the United States. Spent 4 fantastic years there and graduated in May 2010 with a degree in English and Communications. After I graduated I went straight back to Ghana and got a job as a Marketing Assistant at Nike Ghana. Worked there for 6 months and moved to London in 2011 to work as a Marketing Executive at Volvo Cars London.
Special Interview
By: DrDesha
Gloria J. Ladson-Billings Gloria J. Ladson-Billings is an American pedagogical theorist and teacher educator on the faculty of the University of Wisconsin– Madison School of Education. Ladson-Billings is known, amonng other things, for her groundbreaking work in the fields of Culturally Relevant Pedagogy and Critical Race Theory. “We are going to lose this generation if we don’t engage them…” B.O.S.S.: What more change would you like to see? G: Well I need to begin to see, conviction about the capacity of our young people. I think we are destroying them all. In the sense of, well we just destroy this group because they don’t have good parents, they don’t, no, no, no (or whatever) . The metaphor in my mind is that the Black and Latino students are like the canaries in a mind shaft. And if you know how old time mining use to be done, you’d take a canary down and if the canary dies, then you sound the alert. And say “Look, we all have to get out of here, because they’re a gas leak. There’s something toxic here.” And I’m suggesting that the way our schools are organized, they are toxic. And Black and Latino males in particular, are the most vulnerable in the system. Instead of saying “ Hey let’s stop and rethink this because we are going to kill everybody…” What we are saying is send us some better canaries. And we tend to be content to bring everybody into this. And here’s an indicator to me that we are doing this. I like to go around to all the high school graduations, and I see the same pattern in almost every high school graduation that I go to. That there are no boys who are valedictorians or salutatorians. None, because we have created a culture in schools in which boys are confused about masculinity. They think to be masculine means not to be smart or not to be nothing. Grabbing this generation is where my passion is.
“We are going to lose this generation if we don’t engage them…”
www.boss-emag.com
Knowledge = Power "Man's greatness consists in his ability to do and the proper application of his powers to things needed to be done." ~~Frederick Douglas
Education is a precondition to survival in America today.~~ Marian Wright Edelman
It is better to be prepared for an opportunity and not have one than to have an opportunity and not be prepared. ~~ Whitney Young, Jr.
Following your heart's desire will lead you in the direction your spirit wants to go. ~~ Oprah Winfrey
“The Black skin is not a badge of shame, but rather a glorious symbol of national greatness” ~~ Marcus Garvey
We all have ability. The difference is how we use it. ~~ Stevie Wonder
“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” ~~ Malcolm X 63 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine
Adrienne Booth Johnson , the CEO of Infinity Global Connections, LLC., has delivered hundreds of lectures, seminars, commencement and keynote speeches for colleges, major corporations and non-profit organizations. Recent speaking engagements include Livingstone College (Salisbury, NC), Kentucky State University (Frankfort, KY), Talladega College (Talladega, AL) and Southern University (New Orleans, LA). In May 2011 she was awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree at St. Paul College (Lawrenceville, VA). Adrienne earned a Certificate of Divinity at the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) in Atlanta, GA. and was licensed as a Minister in 2008. She is an Associate Minister at Zion Hill Baptist Church in Atlanta, GA. Additionally, she is an international missionary for God who works with ministers, women and children in rural villages of Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town, South Africa. She has also preached in Nairobi, Kenya. A graduate of the University of Louisville’s School of Business, Adrienne is a high-energy speaker whose enthusiasm is contagious. She was employed by The Coca-Cola Company for more than 22 years. Her passion is working with all college students but particularly Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). Of special note is her execution of the 2010 World Cup in the African American community when she accompanied 21 HBCU students to Johannesburg, South Africa on the "Coca-Cola Open Happiness Tour" to the 2010 World Cup. Adrienne co-authored a book entitled, Do’s and Don’ts of Fundraising, a practical guide to successful fundraising, along with her husband, Attorney Joseph Johnson, and her friend, Mrs. Suzanne Mayo-Theus. The book draws on their personal wealth of business wisdom to show churches and organizations how essential fundamental fundraising skills can apply to real life challenges. Her extensive community involvement includes membership in: The Links, Inc, Magnolia Chapter; Trustee of the Foundations Board for Jack and Jill of America, Inc.; Board of Directors for The House of Dawn Teen Pregnancy Program; President's Advisory Board of Livingstone College; Beta Epsilon Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority; Fundraising Board of Athletes Against Drugs; and organizer and first president of the Lake Spivey Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Adrienne Booth Johnson lives in Fayetteville, GA, with her husband. They have two children, Attorney Bill Green and Jayla Amani Johnson. They have three grandchildren, Taylor, Will and Ethan.
Entrepreneur of the Month: Dr. Adrienne Johnson “.. Hope is NOT a strategy.. � 65 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine
B.O.S.S.: When you were a teenager what did you want to be when you grew up? Well, I wanted to be a track star and I knew I wanted to be a professional. But, I didn’t know what that meant. When I was growing up, being a professional meant you either worked for the government or you were a school teacher. I knew there had to be more to it than that. You didn’t see a lot of black entrepreneurs except doctors and lawyers, but I wasn’t too interested in those professions. I used to look at the magazines like Jet and Ebony and I’d look at the advertisements that had black “professionals” dressed in suits and carrying a briefcase, and I knew that’s what I wanted to be. I didn’t know where they were going or what they were doing, but I knew I wanted to be that. B.O.S.S.: Did you follow any specific steps in order to reach that goal? I knew that in order to be a professional you had to have a degree. So, I knew I had to go to college and I had to get a degree. But things did not work out that simply. Dr. Johnson’s parents were not rich, but to achieve her goals she had to go to college and do whatever it took to graduate- no excuses. Her motivation, she saw it in her parents, she saw it in her aunts and uncles, and their friends. All college graduates, all successful. There was no other option. .B.O.S.S.: What happened after you started college? I majored in Sociology. One day, my father was speaking to me and asked, “You are smart, and you make great grades, why are you majoring in Sociology?” I told him, because I wanted to help people. And he said something that changed my life... he said, “If you really want to help people, major in Business. Go to the School of Business. Get a job and make a lot of money so you can help all the people you want.” And he was exactly right. Dr. Johnson comes from a long line of people helping people. From watching her grandmother who was a “domestic” do for others in the community to her mother who was an avid volunteer. Dr. Johnson has witnessed her share of altruism. “I’m from the south,” she says. “I carry a sermon in my purse.” B.O.S.S.: What lead you to become an entrepreneur? My father instilled in us that it is very important to own your OWN. That way, you don’t have to worry about getting pink slips or being fired. If you own your own business, education, degree, money, you control your own destiny. I learned early on that entrepreneurship was the way to go. I worked full- time in the day to make money to support my son because I was a single mother. Then, at night, I worked at my own company part-time. I owned a Public Relations company, but really it was just me. I needed income and working two or three jobs outside of home wasn’t an option for me because I was raising my child myself. My “in-house” PR Company provided an opportunity that didn’t take away from my son. B.O.S.S.: You began your journey as an entrepreneur as a part-time endeavor. How did you transition into doing it full-time?
“My father ins that it is very to own your O
I didn’t go into full- time self- employment until after I retired from Coca-Cola after 23 years of service. The Coke Company was a great opportunity because I learned so much. I learned great marketing and business skills from all the meetings and programs. All the experience, contacts, and classes helped me to translate [what I learned] over to my own company. [Coca-Cola] trains you well. I retired in March of 2011 and I started my business two weeks later. I definitely didn’t wait long. I just kept thinking, “God has too much for me to do... too much in store for me.” And I really wanted to begin helping people. Along with my PR Company, I also put together a business etiquette training course for the youth. There were a lot of young people interviewing at Coke and when we took them to lunch they would blow the interview, during lunch. Remember, the interview doesn’t end until you get in your car and go home. They didn’t know what to do with their napkins didn’t know what conversation to have, didn’t know how to properly behave and they were losing out on their opportunity because of it. I also specialize in motivational speaking. How to motivate someone going from ordinary to extraordinary, how to become successful, how to persevere, how never to give up, how to be empowered, how to be prepared. Being prepared means knowing a second language or getting a higher degree. It is important to go on. Being committed to the job no matter how small it is or how you think it insignificant. Lastly, I talk to students about going global, taking them from U.S. to Africa and vice versa. You need global experience in
stilled in us important OWN. “
today’s work place. B.O.S.S.: How much of your success would you credit to Luck? Luck has nothing to do with it. I always tell my students that HOPE IS NOT A STRATEGY! When you talk to people they always say “I hope to become a lawyer, or I hope to become a doctor, or executive.” Well, hope is not a strategy-- you have to plan and be prepared. 100% was my faith in God. God will open and close doors that man can do nothing about. The other part is NETWORKING. People give to PEOPLE and people hire PEOPLE. So when you go into these interviews or into these meetings, you have to show people YOU and why you are different from everyone else, not what’s on [your resume]. B.O.S.S.: Looking back, do you think you’ve made the right decisions for your life? I think the path I took was a hard path, being a teenage mother. But, the path I took was the path that was there for me. I was dreaming big dreams. There are three types of people that you have to have that are very important in being successful. Mentors, people who talk to you. Coaches, those are people who talk with you. And finally sponsors, those are people who talk for you. Many of the opportunities you have will be determined when you are not in the room, so you have to develop sponsors to speak for you when you’re not in the room. 67 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine
You have to work hard and you have to have patience. People love hard work of excellence for yourself. It’s important for students to know to not put a qu bigger and better things for you. The will of God will never take you places wh
kers. It doesn’t matter what others are doing around you-- you have to set a level uestion mark where God has put a period. Move on to the next thing-- there are here his Grace won’t keep you.
www.infinityglobalconnections.com
Top 10 Etiquette Tips
“Remember, the interview doesn’t end until you ge ~~ Dr. Johnson
1. Place napkin in your lap right after taking your seat. 2. BMW: Bread - Meal - Water 3. Always pass the salt & pepper together. 4. When leaving the table, put napkin on the left side of your plate. Place in the center of the place setting if plate has been removed. 5. Break bread into bite size pieces.
et in your car and go home...�
6. Do not put items not served with meal on table. (i.e. Blackberry, phone, glasses) 7. Do not order the host’s competitor product when dining together. 8. Treat servers with respect. 9. Always chew gum discretely, no smacking or popping EVER. 10. Do not begin eating before the HOST.
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What is the “1st First”? It’s the first child from your family who is the first to go to college. Schools and scholarship committees call this “first generation college student.” Scary thought, huh? For a lot of Minorities, it’s an unfamiliar reality.
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