B.O.S.S. Issue 8

BOSS ISSUE 008

E-Magazine of Today’s Young Black Leaders

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Be your Own Success Story

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“...I honestly think that education saves your life.”

Lamman Rucker

10 Steps to Making a M turn!

Melinda Emerson talks about

Entreprenuership & Education!

ISSUE 8

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.

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We enhance the brands of talent, entrepreneurs, small businesses, and non-profits. Love fashion, technology and entertainment.

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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. What do you want to be when you grow up? Yeah, there’s an interview for that!

Lamman Rucker is an artist, educator, activist and entrepreneur. He was born in Pittsburgh, PA and grew up in Washington, DC. He is the handsome star of the new highly-anticipated film, “The Undershepherd” and widely known from the smash hit sitcom Tyler Perry's "Meet the Browns.” He may also be recognized as Mona’s long-awaited beau, 'Chase' on UPN’s "Half & Half " as well as his bad boy characters in the daytime dramas "As The World Turns" and "All My Children."

A proud graduate of the illustrious Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, DC, Lamman was an original member of the groundbreaking youth company - the Washington Area Improvisational Teen Theatre (W.A.I.T.T.) during his years there. The company’s primary goal was to promote sexual abstinence to teens and educate young people about their bodies, the risks of teen pregnancy, STD's and HIV/AIDS. He has since become a skilled, talented and sought-after teacher, coach, mentor and youth advocate - acquiring a Masters of Science in Education and then on to star in BET's award-winning HIV/AIDS film "Let's Talk".

Lamman has been a memorable guest star on "Law & Order", "All Of Us" and the popular television movie mini-series "The Temptations." And after starring in and contributing to the creative and business success of hit independent films like suspense-thriller, "N-Secure", and award-winning romantic comedy "I'm Through With White Girls - The Inevitable Undoing of Jay Brooks", Lamman has successfully began to Produce, as well. The adorable inspirational film, "The Greatest Song", in which he starred and co-produced, has been a top seller for its distributor since its release back in 2009.

On stage, Lamman received an Audelco nomination for his incredible portrayal of Jason in Euripides’ "MEDEA". Mr. Rucker is also a founding member of The Black Gents of Hollywood - a Los Angeles based all-Black male theatre company and service organization - whose powerful play "Black Angels Over Tuskegee" about the legendary Tuskegee Airmen has been successfully running Off-Broadway in New York since January 2010.

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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

Lamman’s accomplishments also include a NFAA Presidential Scholarship in the Arts nomination, Drama & Musical Theatre training at Carnegie-Mellon University, a full scholarship to the Berkshire Theatre Festival, Co-Chair of the National Black Theatre Festival, and having romantic/dramatic leads in several hit regional theatre and Off-Broadway plays and musicals among other accolades.

Affectionately referred to as 'Sheriff Troy' by many, Lamman gave heartwarming and intense performances in the highly successful motion pictures "Why Did I Get Married?" and its sequel, "Why Did I Get Married Too?", with an all-star cast including Jill Scott, Janet Jackson and Tyler Perry.

Lamman Rucker

iews Lamman is a passionate activist and spokesperson for several non-profit organizations and community action initiatives including Tied To Greatness, Art Creates Life, Green For All, Good Ground-Good Life, A.H.E.A.D., Inc., Inner City Industry, BET's Rap-It-Up campaign, the Black AIDS Institute, The Magic Johnson Foundation and several other grass-roots organizations across the country leading the way in uplifting communities, empowering youth, saving our environment and also encouraging prevention, education and testing initiatives for HIV/AIDS. In 2011, Lamman introduced his highly anticipated all-natural bath & body signature product line 'forplai by Lamman Rucker'. 'forplai' is a new all-natural bath & body care line for women, men and couples that encourages a daily connection between the mind, body and spirit. The paraben-free, vegan-friendly and color-free line features four distinct scents that each showcase an exfoliating body scrub, a moisturizing body butter and a conditioning body mist. The mantra is 'Purity of spirit. Passion for life. Peace of mind. Power within.'

For more information on Lamman Rucker, please contact: Keith Underwood | UMA Worldwide | Tel: 323-298-0929 | Direct: 310-995-3010 | Email: Keith@UMAworldwide.com

ARCHIVED INTERVIEWS

Tony Gaskins 8 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine

Ashthon Jones

Bianca Knight

ISSUE #8

Warrick Dunn

Education is for EVERYONE

Derek Anderson

@BOSS_EMAG

Brian Angel

Publisher’s Message:

B.O.S.S. E-Magazine Issue #8

Since the creation of B.O.S.S. E-Magazine, many people have emailed me about the importance of education and how EDUCATION has changed their lives. It's no surprise that I am a fan of education. This is not just because of what I have experienced, personally, but from what I've witnessed from so many different people. For example, the story of Michelle who took 20 years to finish her college degree because of her family situations... Obstacle after obstacle, she found a way to keep going and finish what she started.

Simply inspiring! Richard, who was born with dyslexia and struggled through high school; being label as "challenged." Against all the negativity, somehow Richard found a way to fight off the doubt and fear and succeeded in earning his high school diploma! These, along with many other examples of people beating the odds have shaped the way I understand the importance of education.

@MR_HowardClay

“Education is for EVERYONE”

Education opens doors that allow for opportunities of growth in your life. The most inspiring story that I can think of is that of my mother, Linda. After years and years of giving to others, she finally has taken a moment to return to something she truly loves, education. Linda is the mother of five children.

Trust me, we made her work hard over the years! Despite this, she never wavered and she never expected anything less than our best no matter what the situation.

Fast forward to now, 25 years later and she has put herself in a position to go back to school. While she is pursuing her Master's degree, she treats herself the same way she treated us and with the same expectations. Pushing herself to the limits, earning 4.0's every semester, and earning numerous awards, she is the example that she wants her children, friends, and family to see and emulate. She understands what education can do for her life, even in her "silver" years. It's not just education she's after, but a constant pursuit of excellence in education. My mother is truly a BOSS; a success story that continues to succeed and move toward her goals. I'm not only proud as a son, but I'm motivated as an individual to never give up and to never to settle for something just because it's easier or quicker.

No matter your age, situation, nor circumstance, pursue your dreams and push towards perfection.

Education is for everyone, don't let anyone or anything tell you different.

Howard J. Clay is available for speaking engagements, clinics/seminars, as well as appearances for organizations, corporate and school events. He may be contacted at howard@boss-emag.com for booking.

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s d n o c e s 6 2 y r e v E . l o o h c s h g i h s out of p o r d t n e d u t as

Do something about it.

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INTERVIEW

Lamman Rucker B.O.S.S.: When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Lamman: Man… I could have a lot of fun with this one! (Laughs.) I wanted to be everything from a superhero, to a fireman, to a magician. Then, of course, I used to “dream myself to sleep” with fantasies of throwing the winning touchdown in the Superbowl to catching that high leaping grab in the endzone at the end of the game… Scoring the game winning shot at the buzzer in the NBA… [I wanted to be] all those things. I’ve always had a great imagination. What I have come to realize, is that with all of those positions, in one way or another, they relate back to being a hero or helping people.

This is a very important question to ask yourself because if you really examine your childhood personality, it often suggests the purity of your intentions.

Many look at it on the surface-- wanting to be famous or wanting to be a hero for selfish reasons-- but what I have come to realize and appreciate is that what I visualized myself as when I was younger revolved around what I can do to help other people. If you really look at it, you can see a lot more than you think. For instance, now that I am an educator, I have become a protector… I’m protecting children and looking out for the youth through the eyes of a “superhero.” I’m the Hulk.

“If you

don’t understand business, you won’t understand YOUR business.”

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B.O.S.S.: How has education been of benefit to your career?

Lamman: [My career] has everything to do with education. I honestly think that education saves your life. Education helps structure your life, it helps to take imaginations and fantasies we have and gives us the tools we need to make these dreams a reality. I wouldn’t have access to the things I have without education. […] I have realized that training in the Arts enhanced my academic experience.

It made me look at things from a different point of view, which made all my other subjects more interesting.

When I was in history class, it wasn’t boring for me because I could actually visualize [what was happening] because I’ve seen a play from that time period. So, now I’m thinking, “wow. Okay. This is how they looked in medieval times with their families and culture.” For me, visualizing the stories brought history to life.

The Arts helped the way I processed history and helped to bring it all together in my mind. Even when I look at a stage today, I’m looking at it from a geometric or an architectural point of view. It all plays together.

My education has really been what has helped me to make sense of and to shape and form and polish, who and what I already naturally, intrinsically am. It just gives you the tools, vocabulary, and technique to go with your talent. And when you have the best of those things, there is nothing you can’t do. Education is actually the key!

B.O.S.S.: How has education helped with the business side of your career?

Lamman: Absolutely, no doubt about it. Absolutely. A lot of people don’t understand that business is a big part of what we do as artists. If you don’t understand business, you won’t understand YOUR business. Essentially, YOU ARE A BUSINESS; you are a corporation. I’m a product, as well-- a commodity. So, if I understand the business world and how it works, and I understand what my function is in that business or industry, it helps me to put a lot of things in perspective. When you understand the business side of this industry, you learn that not landing a role or audition and hearing “no” is something to not get

ISSUE #8

Education is for EVERYONE

depressed or upset about. When you understand that it’s strictly about business; your commodity value is not as high as someone else’s. […]

That’s okay, and you have to learn to be alright with that. But you can’t move forward with understanding this unless you are educated about the business. There is so much connected with being an actor. You have to understand the advertising industry. You have to learn about how the movies are financed, how a show or film goes through to completion, what are the production costs… All this ties into EDUCATION. Education has also taught me how to create opportunity for myself as well as how to adapt.

B.O.S.S.: What advice would you give to a young, minority student to help them succeed in life, overall?

Lamman: There are so many things I can say. Number one: Self-discipline and self-control. The thing I’m finding out more and more is that we have so many brilliant minds in our young community and they don’t even understand what it is they have.

They don’t understand their true gifts and talents and how great their destiny is. Instead of perceiving and 18 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine

@BOSS_EMAG

understanding that, they end up negating any opportunity by not having self-discipline or self-control.

They never can explore [their gifts] because of some of the choices and behaviors they exhibit. These bad decisions will either get them in trouble or put them in a situation that will delay their progress or create unnecessary obstacles that keep them from demonstrating their true potential. Whether it’s violent behavior, or even impulsive behavior, it can still be destructive without self-control.

It’s amazing on how small of a difference there is between the people who have made it and those who didn’t.

It comes down to the decisions they made. That is why mentoring or being in a healthy peer group is important. Controlling your feelings and making good decisions is key. I can honestly say that I’m having this conversation right now with you because I had the courage to step away from destructive situations and make good decisions for my life.

Next, is patience. Everything that is going to happen in your life will not happen quickly, nor easily. Many op-

“Everything that is going to happen in your life will not happen quickly, nor easily.�

portunities that come immediately and easily may disappear just as quickly. The things that will actually sustain you over time, along with the wealth you will build, take time.

Things take time to develop and cultivate. If you continue to live and make short-term plans, you will not be successful. I look at it like being a farmer. You have to plant seeds and toil at the soil over time. Then you look back and see how those seeds have grown and matured. Little by little, piece by piece, minute by minute. Everyone is in such a rush thinking everything should come quickly. I had someone complain to me that they had been doing this 20 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine

for six months… I, literally, almost laughed in their face! Six months is only a beginning. We have to understand the process of patience. We are used to an instant, “microwave society” which has, unfortunately, affected our work ethic and our capacity to be patient.

Last, but not least, number three: Give back. We don’t really encourage the service part of people’s spirit.

You have to give back. Be considerate, not selfish. I know that there is a powerful giving and loving spirit in each and every one of us and that has to be nurtured.

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@BOSS_EMAG

“If you continue to live and make short-term plans, you will not be successful.”

COMMUNITY

T N RI

P E R

Mission The mission of Usher’s New Look Foundation is to certify young people in four leadership pillars of talent, education, career and service to ensure their success as leaders throughout the world.

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@UshersNewLook

World Class Program Model New Look’s core programs—Powered By Service, New Look Leadership Academy, Moguls in Training and the annual World Leadership Conference— comprise a continuum of learning experiences through which young people – middle school through college – achieve competency in the four leadership pillars. As they progress through the curriculum, youth gain self-confidence, accumulate knowledge, develop skills and bring their experience full circle by training and mentoring younger students entering the leadership pipeline.

Leadership Certification The certification process is an important –and distinctive—element of the New Look model.

Developed in partnership with Emory University’s Goizueta Business School, New Look offers three levels of certification, each signifying that students have successfully completed a comprehensive course of study and practice:

P E R

T N RI

1. Local Leadership Certification – Through peer-to-peer training, youth develop critical thinking, communication and self-assessment skills that allow them to address the root causes of local issues affecting their communities.

2. National Leadership Certification – Youth learn to set personal goals, gain project management skills and practice mobilizing their peers to solve issues of national concern.

3. International Leadership Certification – Youth learn how to develop strategic partnerships, embrace cultural differences and scale innovation to affect change on major issues on an international level.

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Brotha Magazine specifically targets the African American male committed to a Christian lifestyle. Brotha magazine is intended as an empowerment tool to comprehensively address, without restrictions, complex issues providing resources to resolve any of life challenges.

Stay True to You…

John Patrick Adams, Contributing Writer to www.christianbloggerscafe.com

As men, there are so many expectations, limitations, and perceptions of who and what we should be. Society has been guilty of defining men based on color, age, and appearance. We are expected to be the provider and strength of our families; however, we have been limited to what they have trained us to believe is strength. Vulnerability is not an option and tears of grief and happiness are beyond the limitations set for masculinity. Perceptions are created based upon attire, haircuts, skin color, and any visible characteristic that can be targeted. But who are we once we remove our daily facades and mask?

Are we being true to the being we were created to be?

Your entire life, you have most likely heard “honesty is the best policy”. Whether it was at home, school or church, choosing to own and acknowledge the truth was the best solution to any problem one could face. Honesty with God and others has always been stressed; however, what about honesty to your inner being? Where does this fall into place? In most cases, the greater part of our lives we have been dishonest. Not so much with the world, but with ourselves. Some of you reading today may find this applicable to your own life. Hopefully after reading this article, you will be on a journey of truth.

The biggest lie I’ve ever told was to me. For years I lived my life based on the standards and beliefs of my parents, friends, and those who played a part in me becoming the man I was. I adopted their beliefs, their limitations, and in some cases, I inherited their fears. I was domesticated. “Domestication” is described as taking on the beliefs and behavior of those who are responsible for our upbringing and

teaching (in every day terminology this would be described as our “morals”). As I grew older, I struggled with the conflict between my parent’s beliefs and what I was learning through my own experiences. For years I did not know who I was because I lived the life set for me. My main goal was to be perceived as the “good son, great brother or great friend”. I exhausted so much energy trying to keep up the façade of happiness, while inwardly I was miserable. Today, I have finally reached the place in which I can now live my life in honesty. No more lies! If I can be honest with God and myself, it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks.

As a young boy, I was small in stature and in some ways a little timid. If I cried it was perceived as weak and I was told “boys don’t cry, are you a little girl???” So for years, I held back my tears. I didn’t cry because I didn’t want to show any signs of weakness. As I watch my sisters and nieces raise their sons, I’m convicted and empowered to break that cycle. So many marriages today are hurting because we have been told “boys don’t cry”. We have become numb to the world, emotions and feelings, and as a result, our homes and futures are hurting tremendously. This standard has caused so many divorces and split so many father/son relationships because we’ve been trained as men to show no form of compassion. But who are you? And are you being true to yourself?

Some cultures and ethnic groups find it weak if a man takes care of his appearance; they are labeled as “Metro sexual”. If a suit is worn to work, we’re labeled as “Businessmen”. If we have swag, corn rolls, or even a gold plated tooth, we’re labeled as “Thugs”.

So many of us have fallen prey to the stereotypes and therefore, do not live our lives based on our own beliefs and principles. This is a true tragedy, and if not recognized, it will bring much chaos and turmoil to our inner being.

Are you currently allowing the world’s perception to define who you are? Will you continue to follow or will you become the leader of your own inner being? Staying true to you, in my opinion, is one of the greatest accomplishments a person can achieve. Once you have learned to be honest with yourself, the thoughts of others lose its power over you. You are then free to express love, affection, and compassion to your wives, sons and daughters publicly and privately. You can wear the color pink and not worry if you are perceived as being gay. Truth brings freedom, and freedom brings power. Are you empowered to live your life in truth? Or, will you continue to look in the mirror not recognizing the man looking back at you? Honesty is truly the best policy when it applies to being honest with you. Are you willing to tell the truth?

If you ever choose to lie, make sure it’s not to yourself. Stay true to you…

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Education is for EVERYONE

Check out more from Brotha Magazine! www.brothaonline.com

@BOSS_EMAG

“After 28 years of serving as a school administrator, I highly recommend the motivational programs presented by Michael Harris, of Harris Influence. This program is an excellent teaching/motivational tool for students and faculty. It ranks as one of the best I have seen in my many years serving as a principal.�

Robert W. Burnett Retired High School Principal Pittsburgh, Pa.

Michael Harris is available for speaking engagements, clinics/seminars, as well as appearances for organizations, corporate and school events. He can be contacted at info@harrisinfluence.com

Michael Harris www.harrisinfluence.com

@harrisinfluence

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Children Books

Self-Knowledge The ability of knowing one's "self ". Knowing what you are capable of and knowing what you want out of life. You need to know what direction you are to travel before you reach your destination. If you are not aware of what you want to be in life, or where you want to go and accomplish, then everything else on this list does not matter.

Belief You have to have a belief in yourself. You have to have belief in what you can be. To believe in something even if it is not physically in front of you. You have to have a strong belief in your goals or it will be easier and more tempting to give up. When Kobe Bryant was 16, he believed he was going to be a pro, and the be the best... No doubt in his mind.

He believed that when he retired, children would want to be like “Kobe” instead of wanting to be like “Mike”

Hope Hope is what I used when things were down. I learned hope when I was locked up as a juvenile delinquent. I had hope that things would not stay the same as they were. It was that hopefulness that helped me to become what I am today.

The only thing you have when you absolutely lose everything is “hope”.

Surround yourself with good people This thought actually came about after reading different books and understanding it. It’s almost common sense, but it’s not. Take this example: If you are around a group of people who do drugs and commit crime, if given the opportunity, you are more likely to do the same things. However, if you surround yourself with doctors and lawyers and educators, the same can be said. If given the opportunity you are more likely to pursue the same things.

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@BOSS_EMAG

Integrity Integrity is something that is difficult to explain in detail. More or less, it means that you have to take action, even when you really don’t want to. You can accomplish a lot of things in life, but you won’t be truly successful unless you have integrity. Given the opportunity, always try to do the right thing. That’s integrity.

Adaptability A good example of adaptability would be my professional career. I started with music-- Boyz 2 Men-- and then I moved to working with entertainers, then with athletes. I had to adapt. After working with Daymond John, marketing for FUBU, I adapted when he started his show, “Shark Tank,” and continued marketing in a different direction. You have to develop and adapt to situations that happen. When your environment changes, you change with it.

Humility Humility is simply recognizing where you came from. Every great person has a humble beginning. You don’t do it alone, so no matter what you accomplish, understand that you are not an island. Don’t become so arrogant that you believe that you did it all yourself and that you can step on the little people. Even your talents and gifts came from God, so don’t take all the credit.

Endurance Endurance is exactly that, being able to hold on until the end, or until you are finished. I had to learn through various aspects in my life, from juvenile jail, to college, to work, to the lockout, that you have to never give up. Regardless of your shortcomings and others saying that you can’t make it, never give up.

Purpose A lot like knowing yourself, you have to have a PURPOSE in life. I’ve found out that the best way to know yourself is to give and do something for others. You won’t know your true purpose until you are of service to others.

Resilience Resilience is the ability to work with adversity in such a way that you come through it unharmed or even better for the experience... refusing to give up! It is the quality of character that allowed me to rebound from misfortune, hardships, and trauma.

When you have a clear sense of identity and purpose, you are more resilient, because you can hold fast to your vision of a better future. Resilience is rooted in a tenacity of spirit - a strong determination to embrace all that makes life worth living even in the face of overwhelming odds.

Your Ad Here Interested in advertising in a national magazine for an affordable price?

Contact us Marketing@boss-emag.com 38 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine

Are you an entrepreneur ready to start your own business but need a little help? Introducing Tony Gaskins Jr.s Entrepreneur University!

A six week correspondence course outlining the steps to help you succeed!

All participants will receive a one- hour dream session with Tony Gaskins, a 50% reduced price on website design and promotional materials, and a chance at receiving a $1000 investment in their company!

Visit www.tonygaskins.com today for more information and let them know B.O.S.S. sent you!

Classes start soon!!!

The mission at iCAN is to identify, evaluate and promote healthy nutrition and physical activity to diminish the popularity of childhood obesity. iCAN Foundation is dedicated to creating a more active lifestyle within the youth of today through various

40 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine

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programs: It's Geaux Time!, Reviving Recess, I Can Grow - Community Garden Project and Football Skills Day, encouraging the youngsters to participate in sports and other games so they will grow up happier and healthier and will courageously pursue their dreams.

@BOSS_EMAG

www.believeican.org

PLEDGE TODAY

www.26bmore.com

Travina Hall “Ladies, it’s important that we have fun,” Travina tells a group of girls 3-17. Excitement, nervousness and anticipation are on the faces of these girls as they prepare to do a fashion show fundraiser. As the girl’s mentor and fashion show coordinator, Travina juggles the task of preparing the girls and going over the logistics with the other coordinators with style and grace. How is it that this woman, who was a teenage mother, is able to inspire and lead others?

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by @drdesha

Diamond In The Rough

Special Report BY: DRDESHA

B: Tell us about your background. Where are you from? How did you grow up?

T: I was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. I moved into a foster home when I was about fifteen years old. I already had one baby and was pregnant with another. My mother was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and she had serious mental health issues. Because she had such bad mental health, one day she choked me and I passed out. I was pregnant with my second child, and the state was involved.

I think the state was involved long before that, I just didn’t know. They took me away from my mom where I went to go live with my foster mother. My kid’s father was twenty-one years older than me, he would give my mom big bags of marijuana, and I’d go off with him for days at a time. So, looking back now, I can clearly see that was a form of child prostitution. Before my grandparents passed away, when I was younger, that was a good time; I could remember holidays, Sunday mornings, getting my dresses from Polly Flinders. Polly Flinders was a store downtown and they sold these really big “foofoo” dresses, and I had the patent leather shoes with the ankle socks. Life was good at that point up until my grandparents passed away--I was twelve and a half, thirteen... That’s when life changed, that’s when I became pregnant and dropped out of school in the 9th grade. I went back and got my GED. Langston Hughes has this poem called Crystal Stare. It talks about how life has thorns, mishaps, and misfortunes, but you keep moving forward to get to where you want to be. When I consider being a homeowner, a registered voter, a government employee for the last fourteen years, now working on my Master’s degree, that is very liberating to me. It makes me appreciate the things I went through, I turned out better than even I could have even expected or imagined.

B: Why did you feel like you had to drop out in the 9th grade?

T: The kids were mean, I didn’t have the support that I needed, and I had a child of my own. I was pregnant with my second child by the time I was in 9th grade. The other kids, their parents considered me “the hot girl” or “the fast girl.” I was the one who parents didn’t want their kids around because I was the bad influence. But, what people didn’t know was how I was growing up. My mother was abusive and she had a lot of different boyfriends. Sometimes we didn’t eat. Like, when I went back today and realized that I didn’t have on deodorant... see we didn’t have those kinds of things. It was just so much.

I didn’t have the support that I needed and I wouldn’t have done well in school. People look down on you when you have a kid when you are young. Even the teachers, they feel like you are old enough and you can control (yourself). You can’t control if your gas and electric are on when you’re in the 9th grade. While I was making bottles, everyone else was at the football game. I didn’t go to my first high

school basketball game until I was thirty-two or thirty-four years old. That was my first opportunity to go, I never really went to high school. I didn’t fit in. It wasn’t designed for people like me.

B: Did you go back to get your GED because you were living with your foster mother?

T: Actually, I was twenty, twenty-one when I received my GED. I had also bought my first car, all in the same week. It was a ’85 white Chevy Nova! The reason I went back was because I knew that I always wanted something more. I didn’t want to be like the other people that I would see down at Job and Family Services. Ironically, I work there now, but I didn’t want to be like the people on the other side of the desk. I knew that getting $341 a month, getting subsidized housing- I just knew that there was something other than that. I wanted it. I didn’t know what “it” was, but I knew that when I found “it” it was what it was. I didn’t know what it tasted like, but when I was able to taste it then that’s what it was.

I just wanted to do something different, go somewhere different and be someone different. People say I am a drama queen, flamboyant, wild and crazy, but that’s a part of me wanting to be something different. To be something other than what people expected me to be. I remember one time I had a social worker tell me to not worry about school but just focus on taking care of my kids. “You can get welfare, just focus on your kids,” I remember her telling me that and that was deep to me, and I couldn’t believe she actually told me that. Like, who wants to be on welfare their whole life? Who wants to be content with that? There are some people who are content with that. They are content with $1 rent, subsidized housing, subsidized medical, subsidized food stamps, subsidized gas and electric. There are people content with that, and even though I’m not living in a chalet for the rich and the famous, I think I do okay with what I’ve been given.

B: What made you want to go to Xavier? That’s a division one private school.

T: It is. I wanted to go to the best, the best of the best. I am like that now. I went to Xavier because they told me I couldn’t go to Xavier. I bought a house because they told me that I couldn’t buy a house, a brand new house that no one had ever lived in. So that’s why I did it... because they told me I couldn’t.

It’s kind of like when you go buy a car and they say you can only buy the cars on this side of the lot.

You can’t buy anything on the other side. Well, I would come back when I can buy the cars on the other side. I obtained a Bachelor’s degree in 2009. It’s a liberal arts degree, but my focus and concentrations were on Organizational Leadership and Professional Communications. Right now, I’m working on obtaining my MBA (Masters of Business Administration), but I am considering changing that to an MPA (Masters of Public Administration) because I enjoy people. I enjoy public affairs. I have been working in the nonprofit arena so long, I think that I could use my business degree, social work background and Public Administration formal education to curtail and use that for something specific. Ultimately, I want to go back and get my Doctorate so I can teach. I want to teach adults and a part of me would love to work in a women’s prison. I want to work with other women, teenagers, or young women to help move them forward. I think often times you have role models that are not accessible. You have people on television but you can’t get to them. That’s why I don’t mind if a teen mom comes and stays (in my house). I want to be accessible to her. Usually, it’s by word of mouth, where someone says they know a lady that can house a teen mom. I understand since I was a former teen mom myself. I do it to prevent what happened to me from happening to someone else. I also feed the homeless. My avocation and vocation are so close together, that I want to go outside of non-profit work. I want to do whatever 46 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine

ISSUE #8

Education is for EVERYONE

@BOSS_EMAG

God directs me to doing.

B: How did you juggle having kids and going to school?

T: My son was ten years old and my daughters were like twenty and twenty-one. My daughters helped me a lot with my son. I went to school on Saturdays. I did a weekend degree program, which was an accelerated program. It was hard program because you are in school from 8 in the morning until like four-thirty almost five o’clock, all day, every Saturday. Since I had to work full-time, that was the only option I had and it worked out. I didn’t want to be gone in the evening. I wanted to be home with my kids in the evening. I encourage anyone who has a family, to go through a weekend degree program.

There were times when my son had to sit in the hallway, or come to class, but then he was able to stay home with the girls or with my husband at the time. My job was a no-brainer; I would stay late and study at work sometimes. If I was off work at three-thirty, I’d stay until five-thirty and do homework, then pick my son up from daycare at six. I had Sunday through Friday to do homework. Have the house together, cook four days’ worth of meals and make Friday a pizza night. The girls would have homework as well. You just had to manipulate it so it would work out. The goal was to finish school.

You do X, Y, Z, and having a plan.

B: Where do you see yourself in ten years?

T: In ten years, I’ll have my Ph.D. I’ll be married again, traveling, teaching, and still doing a lot of community service since my heart will always be with the people. My son, who I think walks on water will be 24, will be getting ready to come out of college. My daughters will be 35 and 34, and I’ll be 49. And of course, I’ll still look fabulous.

B: What would you say to your 13-year-old self?

T: I would hug her. Jill Scott has a song called The Thickness. She’s talking about young girls who have the big breast, butt and hips. From the neck down they look like grown women but from the neck up they look like babies. She was saying how we don’t celebrate these babies and how they are exploited.

If I could sit down and talk to my 13-year-old self, I would explain that to her. I would celebrate her. I would show her that her value is not her sexuality. Her value is so much deeper than that. That she’s so much more beautiful than what she thought she was. I would have her commit to herself and tell her to have some type of vision to where she wants go. I would get her to see who she was. She was not who people said who she was, nor who she is, but that she is this wonderful and beautiful diamond in the rough. Not to crack under pressure, because in the end, she will be this diamond. I would encourage her to stay in school. I would encourage her to find someone safe to talk to and to find herself a safe haven. She doesn’t have to isolate herself and she can truly be anything that she wants to be. She can truly go anywhere she wants to go. You know people say “you can be anything you want to be when you want to be” but then people say “don’t say that, that’s not true.” Yet, it really is true. If I could sit with my 13-year-old self I would just love on her, I would celebrate her, I would protect her and encourage her. I would put people in her way. Every corner she turned there would be someone there with some type of positive affirmation, nudge or stroke. I would just pour positivity in her, and I would over love

and protect her. She would have parties for bringing home good grades, and not for baby showers.

Somebody would help her get her hygiene together and get herself together. I would give her attention, a new word to learn every day and I would expose her. Show her the difference between a salad fork and a dinner fork. Let her know that she is irreplaceable and not expendable. I would step in and tell her that it’s okay. That what her mother was doing was wrong, but that it’s okay.

B: Any last words for young people today?

T: I would suggest looking at where you are now and think about where you want to be later. Often, people are always trying to find ways to beat the system. To me, it’s not right; it’s about following the rules in effort to exceed. 50 Cent used the term “Get Rich or Die Tryin’”, it’s possible to get rich and not die for it. Who do you want to be? What do you want to do? When you wake up in the morning who do you want to be? If you want to feel good about yourself, what are you going to do? If you have to lie about it, if it’s going to hurt somebody else’s feelings, is it necessary? Ask yourself those three questions and you come to a certain conclusion then you may or may not want to do it. Also, contrary to what popular belief or what the news says, know that there are good people out here. Just be yourself, that’s the main thing. Even at thirty-nine years old, I am just now figuring out who Travina is. For so long, I was trying to figure out who I was or who I was supposed to be. Not the mother, not the student, not the friend, not the model, not the this or the that, but who is Travina when she’s all by herself? Who is she? And I like her. I used to never like her-- she wasn’t pretty enough, smart enough, never had it together, or important enough, but I am really starting to like her. She is good people.

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N e t w o r k

ISSUE #7

Back 2 School

@BOSS_EMAG

@HBCUNetwork

52 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine

ABOUT THE HBCU NETWORK – OUR HERITAGE. OUR LEGACY. OUR COMMUNITY. Slated to launch in the Fall of. 2012 and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, The Historically Black Colleges and Universities Network (HBCU Net) is a 24/7, 365 days a year, education, entertainment, sports & lifestyle network. Built on the 143-year-old historical HBCU Brand, the network is devoted to its 105 colleges and universities and the (4) HBCU Conferences (MEAC, SWAC, SIAC, CIAA).

The network’s platform for sports, edutainment, lifestyle and inspirational programming, is design to uplift, motivate, educate and entertain young people about the lifestyle and legacy of the HBCU community. The HBCU Network founded and comprised of cable television industry veterans, Curtis Symonds (CEO), and Clinton Evans (GM).

• HBCU Network is built on the 175-year-old historical brand and its 105 member and independent universities • The network will feature exclusive live events from the MEAC, SWAC, SIAC and CIAA Conferences • Programming to include lifestyle and “edutainment” content that captures the heritage and culture of the HBCU community

COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE: Vision: To be the leading media provider to expand the voice and experiences of the 105 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)

Mission: HBCU Network will provide a meaningful financial contribution to the HBCU population to enhance the exposure and sustainability of these American higher learning institutions For more information about the HBCU Network, please visit www.hbcunetwork.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/HBCUNetwork ### HBCU NETWORK CONTACT: Clinton Evans 860.966.1480 clinton.evans@hbcunetwork.com

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HBCU

@Divah_J

Against All Odds!

This goes out to all those people out there who felt defeated and beat the odds. I’m sure you have heard “You can’t do it,” and “ You will never amount to anything,” and the infamous, “You gonna be just like yo daddy” speeches. But, I’m here to tell you, you can be whatever you want to be. I was raised by my

“I allowed other people to ruin what I thought of myself.” mother, grandmother and greatgrandmother. Three women who were determined that I would have the best that life had to offer.

No, I wasn’t raised in the “hood of hoods,” but down the street there were shootings and drug dealers.

I had a dad and we had no relationship for various reasons, but thankfully, today he is present in my life. I was diagnosed with dyslexia at the age of 6 and it made my grammar school years hard.

I hated reading and writing because I didn’t see it like everyone and when I would read I felt very dumb. I threw my own pity parties about my situation, and to top it all off, I was a big girl. So, here I am-- can barely read and write and I’m overweight and people took every chance they could to break me down and I let them. I allowed other people to ruin what I thought of myself. High school years were better; things were not as hard, but I still hadn’t gained that confidence and I hadn’t quite

Editorial

found myself just yet. My college years were my defining points. I discovered that being in college was more than studying and going to away games. It was more than the latest fashions and more than joining organizations, it was about beating those odds and discovering who I was. I was away from home and out of my element; I had no choice but to beat those odds. You do not have to be a product of your environment and you don’t have to give others the power to defeat you. Fight back with higher learning. Fight back with the true discovery of self, right there on campus. Learn your history and learn as much as you can. Self-discovery is the key to beating the odds. People can’t defeat you when you know who you are and where you come from.

Jazmyne Courtnii Byrd.

Kingdom Voices Magazine Plus Size Fashion Writer/Personal Assistant www.kingdomvoicesmag.com

S T U D E N T S

@thefailshow

Coming

58 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine

Soon!

D.E.R.R.I.C.K.

INTERVIEW

Derrick Hayes

NEW FEATURE

Encouragement Speaker Derrick Hayes gives a D.E.R.R.I.C.K. Interview by asking 7 questions through each letter of his first name to give you an insightful perspective from other experts, entrepeneurs, celebrities and up and coming superstars.

Today's DERRICK Interview is with Dr. Benjamin Chavis, Jr. and this opportunity was made possible with the help of the TransMedia Group. Dr. Benjamin Chavis, Jr. called to interview with me right before he was about to go in and meet with Russell Simmons. Now that is something awesome to interview with Uncle Derrick and then go right in and meet with Uncle Rush.

Dr. Chavis is the President, CEO and Co-Founder with Russell Simmons, of the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network (HSAN), the world’s largest coalition of hip-hop artists and recording industry executives.

60 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine

ISSUE #8

Education is for EVERYONE

@BOSS_EMAG

D is for Dream. What is your dream, goals or what have you achieved?

My dream is similar to the one that Martin Luther King, Jr. had and that is to have total equality and equal justice for all. We still have a long way to go where one day every human being will be treated just and fair with an opportunity for economic empowerment.

E is for Encourage. What encourages you?

I get encouraged when I receive knowledge from studying the history of African people. My civil rights background is over 50 years and the struggle for freedom and economic empowerment inspires me especially when young people can go into business and be successful.

R is for Resource. What resources do you bring to the table that makes you unique or stand out?

I'm a committee organizer and knowing how to mobilize one's community is a great resource. I know how to mentor, lead, and develop the skills in others that will push them to success.

R is for Ready. When did you realize you were ready for what you are doing now?

Everyday I realize I'm ready. Readiness is a process of being educated and prepared. Being an optimist puts me in position to respond to what comes in my direction I is for Individual. Name at least one person that you know that you feel others should learn about and why?

Patrice Motsepe and the reason is that he became the first Black Billionaire in South Africa. In 1994 Patrice Motsepe started African Rainbow Minerals which now is a leading South African diversified mining and minerals company, with world-class long-life, low-cost assets.

C is for Continue. When you fail, things look bleak or are not optimistic what makes you want to continue?

One of my favorite sayings is a Portuguese slogan A luta continua which means "the struggle continues." I know the struggle continues so I must keep moving the dream forward. Life moves on and it is up to us in how it moves on.

K is for Key. What keys to success can you leave for upcoming entrepreneurs and leaders?

1. Make sure educaton is your foundaton 2. Stay focused on your success 3. Understand the importance of math and science and how they can help you maximize your education and entrepreneurial development 4. Always learn from other succeess stories Anything else that you would like to add that has not been mentioned already?

Currently I'm the Company Spokesperson for Energy Edge Solutions that is publicly traded with the stock symbol EEDG. More people should have their own companies that one day are taken public.

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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Shaneen Murray

I'm a firm believer that education IS for everyone!...

...No matter if you're an A+ or a C- student, every person is entitled to receive a good education. It's important to have excellent teachers who care about education... but it's just as important for you, the student, to be enthusiastic about learning. After all, what good is it to have a teacher who wants to teach and a student who doesn't want to learn? Understand no two students are the same, everyone won't be an all-star student but it doesn't mean you can't try to be one!

High School is tricky... there's a lot more freedom and teachers aren't going to cater to a student's every need.

It's the responsibility of the student to be on point with classes and assignments, it's up to you to make the grade! High school is a time for meeting new people and figuring yourself out. There's a lot of peer pressure too, it's easy to get distracted! That's why it's important to get involved with school teams, clubs and organizations. Those activities will help expand your personality and your interests. If you do get distracted and you find yourself failing classes or just no longer interested and wanting to drop out, please think about the consequences first: Number 1. Once you leave high school you can never go back. High school is not like college where you can attend at any age. Have you ever heard of a 30-year old high school student?

@TheWriteModel

Number 2. At the very minimum, a high school diploma is required to get a job. You'll want money when no one at home is giving it to you!

Number 3. If you're thinking about attending college think again, you need a high school diploma to get in there too!

ARTICLE

I know every student does not come from the “picture perfect home” with the “picture perfect family” and situations are so tough that going to school everyday simply may not be an option.

So.... what are you going to do with no high school diploma?? No job?? Limited education?? Ever heard of a GED? A GED is an acronym for General Education Development, an alternative test for those who didn't complete high school but still want to pursue their education or a career. Anyone who does not have a high school diploma can take this exam at any age and if passed you'll receive a certificate. While I

don't encourage students dropping out of high school and getting a GED, I am thankful the opportunity to get a GED is available.

Why am I so thankful? Because I received my GED many years ago. Why did I get a GED instead of finishing high school? Well in my case, I was very smart I just got too distracted with friends in high school and I didn't take care of my grades. I was forced to transfer schools in my junior year, I was devastated! I had to make new friends and get used to a new environment. I tried to stick it out for a year but once I became a senior I didn't want to graduate from the new school so I dropped out at 17... in my last

year of high school... I know, who does that??? Many students do.

Looking back on it now, I would've been a better student and cherished my high school years at both high schools. Once I dropped out I decided to immediately get my GED so I could be on track for college like I never missed a beat! I was fortunate with my situation, oddly my parents supported me and my decision. I took the test,

“You, too, can still feel great about yourself even if you think high school isn't for you.” passed, and instantly enrolled myself in college. I completed college with a Bachelor's degree, obtained internships, and landed excellent jobs in my field of Journalism and Communications. And guess what, today I feel great about myself and my accomplishments since I left high school!

You, too, can still feel great about yourself even if you think high school isn't for you. I strongly encourage you to think about all of the odds stacked against you if you decide to drop out of high school, it may not be as easy as my story, so think a thousand times about your decisions. If you still insist on dropping out of high school, please take the GED test, do not be embarrassed!! You never know what God has in store for you once you get the proper credentials. How you feel right now about your life may not be how you'll feel four years from now. Think about the future. You always want to be prepared for anything... Grand opportunities lie ahead but you'll need a high school diploma or GED. It's important to be able to say I've completed the basic steps and I'm ready for the next step, so don't give up!

You may have heard the line in Rapper Notorious B.I.G.'s song “The GED was the B.I.G.” There are many celebrities who didn't graduate high school and got their GED. However, just because your favorite celeb got a GED and became successful afterward doesn't mean they didn't put in the hard work and dedication to make their careers work. The GED test is not magic and you won't be successful just because you took it...

You still have to work just as hard as the person who went to high school all four years. Whatever option you choose for your life Option A: Complete 4-years of High School or Option B: Get a GED.... DO NOT stunt your own growth! No one is responsible for the outcome of your life but YOU. Be smart!

Famous High School Dropouts with a GED: Bill Cosby- Comedian/Educator | Dave Thomas- Founder of Wendy's Restaurant | Peter Jennings- News Anchor |Beyonce- Singer Notorious B.I.G.- Rapper |Vidal Sasson- Business Tycoon | Angelina Jolie- Actress |50 Cent- Rapper | Chris Rock- Comedian Danica Patrick- Indy Race Car Driver| Prince- Musician

Hairless 4 Her Awareness

By: Drea Elizabeth

How far would you go in order to stand for a cause? What would you do to show the world you are passionate about something? In what ways could you all of these and serve your community at the same time?

Today, all of these questions were answered by someone I went to school with and am now inspired by. Enter, 25-year old, Turquoise Johnson, founder and owner of Hairless 4 Her Awareness, Incorporated. Balancing being a mom to her 6-year old, autistic son, a student currently earning her BA in business administration and management with future plans of earning not only her MBA, but PhD, a volunteer, an aspiring author, and being a business owner, she is on a mission to strive for excellence. A woman with a passion and vision to change the way we view the idea and image of breast cancer.

Turquoise not only founded a non-profit organization through her home state of New Jersey, but became a true representative for breast cancer awareness spreading her word everywhere she goes. Turquoise has dubbed this month “30 Days of Pink” in which she will do exactly that: wear pink everyday for thirty days for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Along with this, she has shaved off all her hair! Now, readers, coming from East Orange, New Jersey, neither myself, nor Turquoise, is a stranger to appreciating our hair. Because of this, I applaud her for moving past the vanity that I know surrounded us through our friends and strangers alike, in order to share her message and prove a point with others. This may not be something I would be able to pull off with the confidence and sureness Turquoise displays, but it’s definitely an action/ lifestyle I commend and admire. So, she’s wearing pink and she cut her hair... What makes her different from other advocates? She has funded H4HA solely out of her own pocket, as well as been hands on with everything. Anything that needs money, it comes from Turquoise, personally. Imagine starting a

company on a “hunch” and running said company for a year using your own money, time, and energy. That shows dedication and faith in what she believes in.

Hairless 4 Her Awareness was started in July 2011 after years of witnessing through her jobs as a certified medical assistant working with various doctors, the way women with low income were treated when it came to healthcare as well as a personal loss of one of our favorite teachers- a drama teacher, choir director, a mother figure- to this disease. When she is not working directly on H4HA, Turquoise volunteers at the Connie Dwyer Breast Cancer Center in Newark, NJ. As a volunteer and former MA, she has become friends with the women she has come in contact with. From patient advocacy to personal friendships, Turquoise has heard their pains, their joys, and their prayers. I can think of no one better to represent these women than someone who may be considered an “outsider looking in” but understands deep in her core what it is these women are struggling with. The one thing Turquoise says is making her happy is the fact that “people are getting it. They understand what

it is we do and who we are. They are learning about breast cancer and their options.

They get it.”

At the end of 2012, H4HA is planning a benefit function where a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Connie Dwyer Breast Cancer Center in Newark. In a way, this is Turquoise’s way of giving back to the place that has motivated her to become a part of the solution. Also, she plans on securing a mammogram van to travel throughout the state to provide preliminary screenings for women aged 35 and older with low- income and/ or no health insurance.

“Did you know that a mammogram is $250, ONE vial of chemotherapy costs $1500, and a pill-- ONE pill is $2000?!” In one way or another, she wants to help offset the costs associated with this disease in order to provide more women with an opportunity to survive.

Turquoise insists that she is not “fighting for a cure” per se, but more or less, she is fighting for awareness. “All the campaigns for breast cancer speak on saving the ‘boobies.’ No,” she says. “Let’s save the women, not the boobies.”

To conclude, Hairless 4 Her Awareness, Incorporated is more than a non-profit organization. It is a product of the countless women living with breast cancer, women who have survived breast cancer, women who have lost their lives to breast cancer, women affected indirectly by breast cancer, and one woman who wants to change the way we view the image of breast cancer.

H4HA is a non-profit organization that was put in place to promote the awareness of cancer, particularly, breast cancer.

H4HA will strive to promote awareness with visual campaigns to show the world many different faces of this disease. The inspiration behind this organization came from the stories of women who have died or are in remission from this disease.

Cancer is an international problem that needs to be solved. Please help H4HA fight for a cure.

Visit Hairless for Her Awareness, Inc. on the web at www.Hairless4HerAwarenessInc.org for more information.

ENTREPRENEUR

“...I never lose. I either win or learn, but I never lose.” @SmallBizLady

P E R

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Melinda F. Emerson, SmallBizLady, is America’s #1 small business expert. She is an author, speaker and small business coach whose areas of expertise include small business start-up, business development and social media marketing. As CEO of Quintessence Multimedia, Melinda develops audio, video and written content to help her Fortune 500 clients engage small business customers. She is a weekly columnist for the You’re The Boss blog for the New York Times. She publishes a resource blog, www.succeedasyourownboss. com which is syndicated by the Huffington Post and hosts a weekly talk show on Twitter called #SmallBizChat for today’s entrepreneurs. She reaches 1.5 million small business owners weekly on the internet.

Forbes Magazine named Melinda Emerson #1 Woman for Entrepreneurs to follow on Twitter. Melinda has been featured on MSNBC, Fox News, NBC Nightly News and in The Washington Post, Fortune, Essence and Black Enterprise. She is also the author of the bestselling book “Become Your Own Boss in 12 months; A Month-by-Month Guide to a Business That Works.” Melinda is a graduate of Virginia Tech.

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B.O.S.S.: What did you want to be when you were younger?

Melinda: When I was in 8th grade, I decided I wanted to be a journalist. I wasn’t sure of what kind of journalism I wanted to do.

B.O.S.S.: What did you do to figure it out? Did you get involved in school?

Melinda: Yes! From 8th grade until I was a senior in high school, I became the chief editor of the school newspaper and I worked on the yearbook. I found that the fundamental skills for being able to write and able to communicate a thought serves me well in my career today.

B.O.S.S.: Did you take any special courses or extra curriculars?

Melinda: At that time, they were not really doing extra classes and school activities specifically for journalism, but I was involved in Girl Scouts, junior achievement, glee club... so I used my skills in other ways and volunteer opportunities, but I did not take extra courses. When I did get to college at Virginia Tech, I majored in journalism and earned a journalism degree and minored in history and political science. And if I had to do it all over again I would actually still major in journalism, but I would dual major in business, as well. Even if you are a journalist, you are in business. Even if you are whatever, doesn’t matter what your career is, you are still in business and need to know how to get paid. When I talk to young people I tell them, "if you are passionate about history, passionate about art, music, great! Double major in business. At the very least minor in marketing." I think business skills are invaluable no matter what other career you want to pursue.

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B.O.S.S.: I could have used that advice when I was young!

72 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine

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(must have an interest in Magazine Design and Sales and Marketing) Models! Photographers! Submit your pictures for consideration at contact@boss-emag.com For General Questions please contact us at Questions@boss-emag.com

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