B.O.S.S. VOLUME 1
I
ISSUE 2
E-Magazine of Today’s Young Black Leaders 01 – 12
Be your Own Success Story
inspired Be
be you!
EXCLUSIVE Interview: AMERICAN IDOL 10/TOP 13
Ashthon Jones 1st Firsts:
Am I college material?
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FACEBOOK CENSOR?
January/February Special Edition
Black History
Tribute to the Past
B.O.S.S. E-Magazine of Today’s Young Black Leaders
Be your Own Success Story
What Can I Be?
January/February Special Edition
Black History 2 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine
Tribute to the Past
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...you already know :) :) :)
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the reviews are in... “INSPIRATIONAL”
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Mission Statement
O
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.
8 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine
tent con VOLUME 1 ISSUE 1
Content
Features
In Every Issue
Top 10 Mistakes you can Make on your job application.
P. 28
P. 18
Ready or not!
P. 48
P. 64
Facebook Censor?!
P. 58
P. 60
Do you believe in magic?
P. 16
P. 24
“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
Interviews:
Be Inspired, be YOU!
Community:
Can I make a Difference?
Entertainment:
Can Entertainment be Inspirational?
1st Firsts:
Am I ready for College?
52 BULLY PROOF!! Two of the most exciting young ladies that are not only helping thier community, but starting a movement!
9 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine
December 2011
B.O.S.S.
E-Magazine of Today’s Young Black Leaders
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 ART James Taylor ADVERTISING & MARKETING Marketing Director - Jeffrey Royce marketing@boss-emag.com Promotions Manager - Linda Tatum contact@boss-emag.com MARKETING TEAM Sean Pack Elizabeth Pack Pam Taylor Hollis Benard Desha Elliott Romonica Pitts Ciera McClurklin ____________________ HOW TO REACH US 849 Franklin Rd Suite #708 Marietta, GA 30067 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. an affiliate of Clay and Clay llc
10 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine
Publisher’s Page
Growing up as a young, Black man in America was difficult. There weren’t a lot of positive or influential Black men around me to really look to for, well, inspiration. As the years went by, I always looked forward to Black History Month. To me, Black History Month was more than just a “month for blacks”; it was a focused celebration of the positive contributions of those who had come before. It was a break from the norm-- a breath of fresh air. It was even very inspirational to see what individuals had done in the past to help society in the present. You see, 90% of what I learned in school about African-Americans in the ‘80s was slavery related. Then, I would come across a paragraph about Martin and Malcolm, then how thankful we should “Growing up as a young, black man in America is still difficult and I still look forward to Black History month. “ be to Abraham Lincoln for freeing the slaves. This was very discouraging and very demeaning. So, when I knew Black History was coming around, I was always excited. Finally, I got to learn about what happened AFTER the chains came off. But, seriously, we were encouraged to look at being “Black” in a different light, even though it was just for one month. There have been many times when I would hear other leaders say that this month is pointless, “everyday should be black history day.” Even though this statement may be true, don’t take away such a month where all of America stops and pays respect to a race that came to this country, not as free men, but as slaves who have triumphed and excelled when no one believed otherwise. When I used to research African-Americans as a teenager, I remember thinking, “why can’t I invent something?” “Why can’t I lead a march?” “Why can’t I stand for justice when there is none?” “Why can’t I?” Then, I would answer myself, “yes, I can!” I felt inspired, I felt enthused with power and greatness, knowing that someone like me, someone that looked, talked, and walked like me, was great, and one day, I would be great too. Before we begin to try to change Black History Month or do away with it because it doesn’t have any “relevance”, let us be reminded that just a few years ago, The United States of America elected its FIRST Black President. So, until we have represented all of the “firsts” in American history, there still is a need for inspiration, encouragement, positive focus, and awareness. There still is a need for Black History Month.
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ured Feat Intervi
VOLUME 1 ISSUE 2
BOSS E-MAGAZINE
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!
Steve Pageot Find out what the Grammy Award-winning Producer/Musician/Composer/Engineer/Clinician at Pageot Productions LLC. credits his success to and what he thinks will help you to succeed. Each of us, famous or infamous, is a role model for somebody, and if we aren't, we should behave as though we are?cheerful, kind, loving, courteous. Because you can be sure someone is watching and taking deliberate and diligent notes. ~~ Maya Angelou 12 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine
iews
Ashthon
JONES Making it to the Top 13 on season 10 of American Idol was not her most difficult challenge... not even close! This is an exclusive interview every teenager needs to read!
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Black History
Tribute to the Past
Follow us as we go on a journ of the people who ha
14 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine
ney through pictures and remember some ave inspired us to greatness...
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FIRSTS 1st In Every Issue
1st First
Preparing for College
Little Rock High School Integrates September 1957 Little Rock High attempts to integrate its first 9 black students into their well-known, all-white school. Due to a high number of protests and hatred, President Eisenhower sent in troops from the Coast Guard to allow the children to enter the school for the first time. 16 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine
Editorial
1st First
If you think going to
college is scary,
imagine being the
“1st First!!” 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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ARTICLE
1st
ARTICLE
Ready or NOT!
Fisk University students
-AdenaMarie
“I am a smart person indeed”, I think to myself as I look out into the gloomy weather, with no sun
or cloud in the sky. Every day I come to face a new obstacle of life, and since becoming an adult, I realize, ideally, I am not ready for anything. To that realization, I begin to think back along the nineteen years that I have been growing into a successful woman. When I was born August 11, 1992, how could I have determined that I was ready to be a part of a place called Earth? In my mother’s womb, I laid there growing, unknowingly aware of what nature awaits me in the outer world. I did not have a choice but to be welcomed by my mother’s love and intentions on what she could possibly make this life out for me to live. Everything from childbirth was handed to me, of course, I was being fed out of the bottle, my diapers were being changed and when I cried for attention… Well, I got the attention I wanted. Then comes the toddler years and having to learn how to use the “potty”. I became aware that responsibility plays a role beginning in our younger years. Now, who ever decided so much as to take away the advantages of wearing a diaper forever? As a toddler, reward and appreciation is what encouraged me the most to accomplish “big girl” things, as my mother would say. The adrenaline from making my parent proud, nonetheless, was the best feeling ever. As I reminisce, I imagine myself as a child in my grandmother’s kitchen sitting in the high chair as my mother feeds me spaghetti. At that moment, I knew how to hold my bottle on my own and my mother again was proud. Growing up is an unconscious, non-stop movement, that I have no control over. Was I ever ready to learn how to walk? Sing my ABC’s, count to ten, or even imagine going to daycare and starting kindergarten? Each moment as a child, all I thrived for was my mother’s approval, acknowledgement, and acceptance. Twelve years after going to school and living under her guidance, I realized I was entering a world where “Self” matters, and every decision I make is my own responsibility. Typically, I began to become an
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adult. Taking control of my life literally felt like a bird learning to flap her wings, or a butterfly finally breaking free with its beautiful colors in appearance of an expression of happiness to the world. Immediately, at the opportunity to have achieved independence, I wanted more in life. The ability to follow my dreams by working, going to school, and being independent, most importantly, was evermore than a fantastical daydream, but reality. I perceived, through watching my parents and other adults around me, that there was something bigger than the every day school building I entered. Did I understand what the theory I had accompanied truly meant? No. Was I ready to enter this field of life? No. Though, still today, I tell myself I merely have no choice but to complete whatever task is offered to me, because I am living to follow my dreams. After graduation, there was no doubt in my mind that college was going to be the next step for me. Of my accomplishments, already I was the first of my parent’s to graduate high school and consider college immediately. I knew then, just as much as now, that college requires a lot of work and responsibility. However, a challenge for me in life is like summer-time for a bear, I am always going to struggle until I get to my point of successful hibernation. In high school, I was no straight “A” student, I barely even liked going to school all the time, but my biggest motivation was always wanting to accomplish, always wanting to finish.
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Just as I was eager to have a job at the age of fourteen, I got my first apartment at eighteen, and began college immediately after the summer of 2010, graduation year. Each phase of life that I have surpassed, I was not ready for, especially college and having to juggle learning and teaching methods. Through observation of teens around me, I maintained the idea that, fear is the core of unhappiness depriving from the blinded mind that does not allow itself to seek beyond the ordinary means of being “One Individual” in this World. The bells sound with the wind outside my door and I take a quick look outside at the empty roads as trash flows through the air like traveling senses in the atmosphere. Upon knowing that fear plays a big role in one’s life, I noticed that fear is not something I allow to take a toll onto the life and social status I become accustomed to. Calming the reef of my thoughts, I imagine what stories others may have to tell. Taking leaps in my experience, has sometimes left me with good results or having to face the consequences of what decision I made. With every adventure and decision I must ask, “Am I Ready?” Honestly, the answer will always be, “No.” I, myself, cannot determine what triumphs I am going to face every day, simply as telling this story to another teen who may be asking themselves if they are ready for college. Ready or not...
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Navigating FAFSA
1st First
Preparing for College
2nd
By Drea Elizabeth
It's that time of year
ARTICLE
when high school seniors and college students begin the FAFSA process. FAFSA? What do these abstract letters mean? Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This application is oh-soimportant if you want/need to be considered for financial aid.
20 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine
1st First
Preparing for College
What you need: As a high school senior or college student you will need the following information to complete your FAFSA. 1) YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION. Make sure you have your social security or tax ID number available. Also, you will need your ID/driver's licence number as well. 2) FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR YOURSELF. Did you work in 2011? If so, you will soon receive a W-2 form from your job and if you filed an income tax return you will need those documents as well. Lastly, if you have any bank accounts in your name, you will need your current bank statements. Use this income info as needed.
3) YOUR PARENTS' PERSONAL, EDUCATIONAL AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION. Have your parent(s) or their info available while completing the application. You'll need their ID numbers, income information for 2011, and their education level. Did they complete high school, college, have a vocational certification? All that goes on your application. 4) YOUR (PROSPECTIVE) COLLEGE INFORMATION. For seniors, you most likely have a list of colleges you have already applied to and those you are planning to complete admissions applications for. To file a FAFSA you will need all the school codes for all of the schools you have and will apply to. In this section, you will need to state whether or not you will be living on or off campus.
You do not NEED information for both parents if one parent's income will not be considered as a way to pay for your education. In simple terms, if you have lived in a single parent household all of your life, you will only need the information from the parent you have lived with. Only stipulation: You must NOT be able to get parental info in order to not use it. A deceased parent, a parent who you have no contact info for apply here. For those students who have lived in foster care, or otherwise a "ward of the court" you will not need to provide any parental information. Lastly, if your grandparents or any other family outside of your biological or adoptive parents are your legal guardians, you can NOT use their information to file your FAFSA.
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LET'S GET STARTED
THE BASICS:
Federal aid comes in different forms. There are grants, work-study opportunities, subsidized loans, and unsubsidized loans.
Now, you are equipped with what you need to complete your application, it's time to log on and get started. Here is a short step by step guide on completing the FAFSA.
Grants: free money you do not have to repay; comes with stipulations- a certain amount of credit hours per semester, certain GPA, or Financial need. The money is paid directly to your college.
1) Head over to the official FAFSA website at www.
Work-study: Federal program where you apply/attain a job on-campus and use your pay to cover any needs you may have. The money is paid directly to you.
fafsa.ed.gov. This is the official site of the FAFSA application. Any other website you come across claiming to be a FAFSA site but does not include .ed or .gov in the URL, please be cautious about entering any personal information.
2) Click the "Start Here" button. You will be directed to the first "Student Information" page. Enter your name, social security number, and birthday when prompted.
Subsidized loans: money you borrow that must be repaid after graduation or if you drop below halftime student status (usually less than 6 credit hours a term). With this type of loan, the gvovernment pays interest while you are in school. Unsubsidized loans: money you borrow that must be repaid after you leave school. With this type of loan, interest accumulates while you are in school.
3) You will be prompted for a Personal Identification Number (PIN) for either the student or a parent. If this is
your first FAFSA application, you will need to apply for a PIN. Follow the prompts and enter the necessary information. You will be sent a PIN via email. Both you and your parent(s) need to apply for a PIN. Your PIN is considered your official signature for the FAFSA. This is how you will sign your application at the end of the process and how you will log in the the website when you need to make changes and renew your FAFSA for the next year.
4) Enter in the necessary information. Once you officially log on to the FAFSA application, the website will
take you step by step through each section. Before any financial sections, you will be prompted to complete a "worksheet". These worksheets help you visualize the information and then transfers the appropriate numbers to the actual application. All, and all, it is a calculator used to help you simplify the process.
5) Pay attention to your SAR , EFC, and DRN. You will get this information once you submit the application.
The SAR is the Student Aid Report. This is what gets sent to the list of universities you claimed you wanted to be considered for financial aid. It summarizes all of your information, so look it over and make sure everything is correct. If you find anything wrong with it, you can make corrections right away. Your EFC is your Expected Family Contribution. Based on the correct info you provided on your FAFSA, the EFC is the amount the system assumes your family will be able to pay out of pocket. This is no way a number you and your family should use to determine whether or not you will be able to pay for college. The computer/ FAFSA system generates it, based on this application. If you think your EFC is incorrect, re-check your SAR and make the appropiate corrections. Lastly, you will see a DNR. Along with your PIN, you will need this number to make corrections after a FAFSA is filed.
AFTER FAFSA 1) Check with each of your listed colleges. After your FAFSA has been submited and reviewed by the financial aid offices at the schools you have applied to, contact them to ask if you need to submit any other documents to complete your file. These documents can range from court documents stating that you are a ward of the court, to institutional financial aid applications, to scholarship applications. 2) The financial aid award. After you have applied, been accepted, and submitted your FAFSA, a college will now send you a financial aid award, either as a part of the admissions welcome package or electronically. Once you recieve all of your aid awards from each school you have been accepted to, review them carefully. Compare the cost of attendence (tuition, room and board, expenses) against the amount of aid a school is offering you to determine your unmet need. The FAFSA website has great information about comparing financial aid awards. Check it out at https://studentaid2.ed.gov/GetMoney/pay_for_college/award_compare. html. 3) Next year. You will have to renew your FAFSA application every year you will be in school in order to be considered for financial aid. The process is essentially the same, except most of the information will be prefilled with last year's info. Make sure you update changes in your ID/driver's licence number if you have changed your residency and school info if you plan on transferring. REMEMBER:
The application for FAFSA opens January 1st. It is advised to complete your application as soon as
possible after that to ensure you receive your maximum amout of aid. By filing a FAFSA in January of your senior year in high school, you are applying for financial aid for the following school year. For example, the senior class of 2012 will begin their financial aid applications January 2012 to receive aid for the 2012-2013 school year.
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1ST FIRST
ARTICLE
10
TOP
MISTAKES YOU CAN MAKE ON YOUR
APPLICATIO by Jeff Royce 24 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine
1st
ARTICLE
BOSS E-MAGAZINE
1
Print in each space.
3 6
2
When asked for an “available date”, put an actual date, not “ASAP”.
Use your real name on the application.
4
Only use “N/A” (not applicable) when it applies.
5
Do not fold application in any way.
Handwriting must be legible.
7
ON!
10
8
List work history and references.
No misspelled words.
9
“Open” is not a position. List an actual position title.
No side notes on the application. Only fill in the given spaces. 25 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine
Interviews IN EVERY ISSUE
INTERVIEWS
Abraham Lincoln Lewis (1865–1947) was an American businessman. He founded the Afro-American Life Insurance Company in Jacksonville, Florida and became the state's first African-American millionaire. He also founded the National Register-listed community of American Beach-- a prestigious vacation spot for blacks during the period of racial segregation... A true B.O.S.S.
BOSS E-MAGAZINE
WHAT CAN
I BE WHEN I
Lack of knowledge can be blamed for so many different things. You must be aware of the realistic possibilities your future can bring. You must not only be given a “photo” of your potential, but a “map” on how to get there.
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29 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine
ARCHITECT
INTERIOR DESIGN
B.O.S.S.: When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up? When I was three years old, I started practicing and playing music. My dad taught me how to play the guitar. I thought that was what I was going to do for the rest of my life. I didn’t know there were other [career] choices. I was doing it every day, so I figured that’s what I’m going to do-- be a musician. It was what I was exposed to. B.O.S.S.: So, as you got older and went to high school, what did you do to get better at music? I went to a public performing arts high school called, Pierre Laporte. It was like a French private school-- We had ballet dancers, music students and regular students [who didn’t have a concentration]. As a music student, I had music classes on top of my regular classes, like English, math, history-the whole nine yards. Even before high school, I was playing the recorder. So, when I went for my high school audition, I told them I wanted to keep playing it, but they wouldn’t let me. From there, I started playing the concert flute [since it was the closest thing to the recorder]. And that’s how it all started; I was twelve years old. B.O.S.S.: What helped you realize you could be “great” at what you were doing? Well, I practiced every day... We had music classes every single day, and once a week; we had private lessons with our teachers. It was so competitive. Everybody was trying to be the best at Pierre Laporte. Practicing every single day... and just by being around other great musicians, it made me want to practice even harder to also become great. Every year, we would practice to get a chance to play at the school’s Gala Concert. If you were in the 11th grade, a great student and a great musician, you got to play in the Gala in front of thousands of people. That was what everybody was aiming for. From the day you start high school, you think about playing at this Gala [for a large audience]. That was the motivation to practice, motivation to try harder. That was the inspiration. B.O.S.S.: So, when you finished high school, what happened after that? Junior year (11th grade) was my last competent grade, so the highlight [of high school] was the Gala where my parents came to see me perform. In my mind, I wanted to impress my father so I could convince him to let me go to Julliard [for college] in New York City. So, after my Gala per-
Steve
Pageot ARCHITECT
INTERIOR DESIGN
All photos courtesy of subject.
formance, I received a standing ovation! On our way home, I said, “Dad, are you convinced to let me go to Julliard?” He told me no. When he said no, I was very disappointed. Then he said, “I’d rather you go to college and have something to fall back on, just in case the music doesn’t work out.” I was so disappointed. But, I went to college and majored in electronics and computers, not knowing that electronics and computers would play a major role in my career. So, it turned out perfectly for me. B.O.S.S.: What college did you go to since you couldn’t go to Julliard? I went to Vanier College, in Montréal (Québec, Canada). B.O.S.S.: When did you finally move to New York? It was in 1998. I moved to New York, when I got signed to [Ron “Amen Ra” Lawrence)] [Ron Lawrence Productions]. He was one of Diddy’s Hitmen producers. When I was in New York, I was kind of scared. Ron asked me, “do you want to do music for a living?” And I said, yeah, but I’m scared. I was scared because I couldn't see where the money would come from because I didn’t have a job at that time. And he was like, “you can’t be scared if this is what you want to do.” It’s one thing to follow your dreams, but when reality sets in, you have to make something happen. That’s when I made the decision to relocate to New York-- because I had no choice but to be on the field. B.O.S.S.: Besides your father not believing in you, were there any other struggles that made you think that music may not be for you? No, my dad did believe in me. He was scared and worried and he didn’t want me to suffer. He knows that it’s either a hit or a miss in the music industry. He totally believed in me, that’s why he encouraged me to be in music. But, he wanted me to learn something else, just in case it didn’t work out. There are so many great musicians in this world, but only a few of them will make it.
INTERVIEW
VOLUME 1 ISSUE 2
The only struggle I had was to convince people that I was good at what I was doing but after getting signed to Ron it became easier. When you don’t have a name in the industry people are reluctant to give you a break but as long as there is a cosigner even if they have never heard of you, they will take you right in. B.O.S.S.: What’s your official title, right now and some of your most proud accomplishments? Right now, I’m a Grammy Award-winning Producer/ Musician/Engineer and Composer. My most proud accomplishments are the Grammy with Aretha Franklin for the song called “Wonderful” on the ‘So Damn Happy’ album and the song I produced on Krayzie Bone’s ‘Thug Mentality 1999’ album on the song called “The War Iz On” that featured Snoop Dogg, Kurupt and Layzie Bone. The reason I’m so proud of it is because it was my very first project in the game as a producer and it went platinum. So,
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from the gate, I was a platinum producer. It solidified all the hard work and lack of sleep I had from the years working on my craft. It was a stamp of approval. B.O.S.S.: How many years had you done music before that platinum album? All together, starting at age 3. (Laughter) 25 years. B.O.S.S.: Congrats on that! What would be one thing you would say to a teenager who is pursuing their dreams, but have a few obstacles in their way? To continue in school. The longer you stay in school, the better off you are going to be. The reason I say that is because from elementary, middle, high school and especially college, [you will take classes] that will help you prepare for the real world. For instance, the more essays you do, your writing becomes better. Communicating with your teachers will help you learn how to communicate in life when
All photos courtesy of subject.
“...Without education you will only be known locally...”
All photos courtesy of subject.
you are speaking to someone. Nowadays, it is really about becoming a brand. If you don’t know how to express yourself or how to represent yourself, no one will want to work with you or invest in you. B.O.S.S.: That’s major advice! Excellent, that is really what artists need to hear. They feel that their talent will speak for themselves. Another thing, too, your education will determine how far you will go in this world. As an artist the question you must ask yourself is “do I want to be known locally or internationally?” Leave the streets behind. You have to know how to “flip it”. We all have some street in us, but when it’s time to conduct yourself in a professional way like in the corporate world, you can’t come across uneducated. Talent and education are not the only things you need. You have to believe in yourself and in God, you have to pray every day. No matter what you are going through, you have to ask God to lead the way. Without Him, none of these wonderful things would have happened to me.
imdb page: http://www.imdb.me/StevePageot Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Steve-Pageot/109793855792389 Twitter: @stevepageot
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“...It didn’t happen like a “Cinderella Story” for me. It definitely wasn’t a beautiful story...” 34 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine
JONES
B.O.S.S.: What did you want to be when you grew up? I actually have been singing since I could remember. I grew up in church and I always thought that one day I would be a singer. However, growing up in church, you really don’t see the stardom [of being a singer]. Because you are there singing in the choir, you’re around the preacher and the church ladies and they want to keep you in church. But, I always thought I would be a singer. It didn’t happen like a “Cinderella story” for me. It definitely wasn’t a beautiful story. I actually went through a lot of [hardships] before I became a professional singer. A lot of things... B.O.S.S.: Tell us a little about your high school experience. Did you do anything special to help you pursue your dream of becoming a professional singer? Or is it something that just happened? Actually, I have-- really a testimony behind my “schooling.” I went to Mt. Juliet High in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee. My mom had me going back and forth from Georgia to Nashville to Mt. Juliet. I was in the 9th grade in ROTC and the choir. But, I was a high school dropout... Yeah, [pause] and this is why I love talking to kids, because I have an amazing story to tell! I believe [my story] can really help kids that are looking and thinking about dropping out of school. So, I dropped out and I ran away from home. I had a lot of things going on at home. My mom and I were not getting along and my father-- he wasn’t my biological father, but he was my dad who I knew since birth-- he passed away when I was 14. It really struck some “nerves” in me and I wasn’t very happy. I really wasn’t happy as a teen. My mom put me in ROTC to try to “straighten me up,” but it didn’t work. I dropped out and I ran away. I was gone for about 2 ½ years without anyone knowing where I was. B.O.S.S.: WOW! Yeah... I really, I really, really really, really, really could have been dead. I really could have been dead. I went through so much stuff, went through so many obstacles, and met people that I wasn’t supposed to be around. I got into the things that teenagers get into when they are with the wrong people. Drugs, alcohol-- all that jazz. Really, God had his hand on my spirit, on my life, because he allowed a certain situation to happen that allowed my family to find me! We all reunited and I went to stay with my grandfather in Georgia when I began to change my life. I ended up getting my GED and I got
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Ashthon
INTERVIEW
VOLUME 1 ISSUE 2
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“Saved.” I gave my life to Christ. I took a class at a technical school in Georgia because I knew I had to get back on my education. Then, afterwards, I moved back to Nashville, and basically, started working with my mom. I had planned to go to the Military, but while I was working with my mom, I met a producer and that’s when my career started. I was 18 or 19 years old and I’ve been doing music ever since. I was also working with a guy, called BARNONE, who got me involved with a publishing company. I signed my first publishing deal at the age of 19. B.O.S.S.: That’s amazing! I know thanks! I know it sounds amazing, but it was not how everyone thinks it is. They look at American Idol and they look at artists and celebrities and say, “aww, man, they probably been doin’ that and they had it good!” No. It has not been all good. I’ve made some bad decisions, but one thing I know is that, it was meant for me to be a singer; it was meant for me to go on American
Idol. This is what God had in store for me and there was nothing I could do to mess it up! So, while I was working on my career I worked at a shoe store. My mom called me on the phone, and she said “Ashthon! American Idol is here! They’re here in Nashville!” And I said, “Mom I know, but I’m here [at work], I can’t just leave. I have to work, I have to make money.” And she said, “I know, but you know you’ve wanted to do it.” I told her that I didn’t think it was my year, and she said, “Ashthon, trust me.” My mom kept asking me to please go, please go, and so I talked with my boss. She said, “Well, you know, I don’t think you are going to be guaranteed a spot on the show (American Idol). I don’t think you will make it. You should be here, you have a secure job and...” It took her to say something like that to me to motivate me. My boss didn’t give me a chance. She didn’t even know if I could sing or not. So, that day, I quit my job. I went to get my Idol 35 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine
BOSS E-MAGAZINE
wristband and the next day I auditioned and made it. It was a life changing experience for me. I had been doing music for about 5 years, singing locally, in bars and clubs, to being on the stage in front of Jennifer Lopez and Randy and millions of viewers around the world! For me to come from being that little girl from Church of God by Faith in Cordele, Georgia, to being on American Idol. I almost felt like I didn’t deserve it, but I can’t say that, because God had a plan for me. . This is for all the teens and parents out there who don’t know that you really have to make the right decisions. It doesn’t always turn out good just like that. You have to make decisions that will help you be successful in life. I have 4 brothers and sisters that are younger than me so I try to be a role model for them. ...And that’s a little bit about ‘Ashthon Jones’. B.O.S.S.: During those times between getting your GED and being on Idol, what was your motivation and inspiration to be more? I actually have a few people in my life who have inspired and motivated me. My cousins in Georgia helped raise me as a little girl. They are all singers and they have always told me to stay driven and never give up. My producer who I met that got me the publishing deal. He has been a big part of my life since I was 19. He basically helped mold me as an artist. I felt like I could never just give up since I had all these people around who were pushing and pushing me. My mom has been a single parent for a long time, and for her to have my back like she does and working trying to make ends meet... I don’t really have a choice. I have my little sisters and brothers and I don’t want them to see me quit. All of those things around me help to mold me and drive me to keep going. B.O.S.S.: How did you finish on American Idol? I made it to the top 13! B.O.S.S.: That’s an incredible accomplishment! Yes. I really wanted to make it to the top 13 because I felt that would be the “life changer.” It would allow me to have viewers around the world to grow with me as an artist. B.O.S.S.: what would you say to a young person who is contemplating dropping out of school or is struggling to achieve their goals? It doesn’t always turn out good. If you make bad decisions, there will not always be a turning point where everything comes up roses. You have to be careful, because there are people out there who are not in your best interest and don’t love you like your family. It’s not a good thing to run out on your family, it’s not a good thing to run out on school and friends, because they will miss you. And ANYTHING can happen to you. It’s a true story, it really is. There were a lot of people I knew who hung out around me that had a lot of things happen to them-- from rape to drugs to death. And it’s a scary thing. So, you want to make sure you 36 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine
All photos courtesy of subject.
INTERVIEW
stay in school and surround yourself with people who care about you and your education and your life. And always know that you are beautiful. Whether you are a man, a woman-- you are beautiful inside. If, at any point, you don’t feel loved, always know that God loves you. I just want to tell people that. I want people to know that. Thank you, B.O.S.S. Magazine, for the opportunity to be REAL.
Ashthon Jones is currently working on a program called “A.S.I.S.T.”-- “Ashthon’s
Training”.
Stay in School
It is scheduled to begin fall of 2012. Ashthon Jones will also be giving scholarships to the school that wins the talent show that she will be putting on later in 2012. To find out more about Ashthon Jones, please take a moment to visit her on Facebook, Twitter or her Website. Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ashthon.jones Twitter: @AshthonJones
All photos courtesy of subject.
*American Idol Season 10 Top 13 *Singer/Songwriter, Actress, Motivational Speaker, & Host. *For Booking & Hosting email: Ashthonjonesinfo@gmail.com
37 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine
c a p p r icci e o s c at e s B.O.S.S.: When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?
That’s interesting. I actually wanted to be a truck driver. If I can recall correctly, that’s the thing I wanted the
most. And then, I found out later in life that my Grandfather owned trucks… I didn’t grow up with my grandfather, so I never knew he had his own trucking company. I didn’t know until I attended his funeral and I read in the obituary. I thought that was very interesting… how the gene pool works. You don’t really know it, but those things have a great affect [on you], overall. So, I wanted to be a truck driver. And of course, as many kids did, I went through the sports phase. I thought I was going to the league, the NBA. At one point, I realized about my junior year of high school that it wasn’t going to happen. I wanted to be 6’4”, I did get to 6’0”, and so I’m cool there. B.O.S.S.: So, at what point did that change? Where you had to do something different?
“Rate
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multiplied by Time equals distance. The Rate at which you spend doing something multiplied by the Amount of Time you spend doing something eventually you get to the distance. A lot of people stop and quit.”
Well, to be honest, I got married very early; I had kids very early. By the time I was 19, I was married with two kids. I think that obviously makes you grow up—[being] responsible. So, I tried to be very responsible. I got Saved early in my life, around 18, so I tried to do what I thought was the right thing. The right thing was, you know, to raise your kids and family, marry the girl that you were with, and all that sort of stuff. And I think, ultimately, that’s the type of thing in [my] life that made me have to grow up. My 19 was much different than the average 19 year old because I had responsibilities. So, that changes you. [It] makes you say [things like], “you know what, I want to join the army, so I can take care of my family!” So in essence, that is what I ended up doing. I spent six years in the army, but I think had not been for that situation, I [would have continued on the path to being an attorney]. I ultimately wanted to be a lawyer later in life and that was my goal I had started college. B.O.S.S.: Since we are already on that topic, take us through those years. From then to now. Well, from the military, initially when I joined, honestly, I didn’t have a great outlook on the military itself. I thought that the people in the military were a bunch of quitters and cop-outs who couldn’t make it in college. Or they were your
38 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine
B.O.S.S: While you were in the Army? While I was in the army, yeah. This was like 1993 and I started approaching the last years of the military […]. I was at the sixth year and I was at that point where either you reenlist for 4 [more] years and do 10 years and make this a career or you get out. So, I started my business and an interesting thing happened. I was really praying about [what decision to make] asking God for some direction and guidance, and I just picked up the Bible, I opened [it], and wherever I opened to, I started reading. I said, “This is going to be the thing that’s going to help me make my decision.” And the scripture said something to the affect of, “I already planted the seeds and the harvest is plentiful.” And it said to me, basically, that whatever is on the other side, you are fine, just go ahead and step out on faith and believe that it’s plentiful on the
other side. And so, that was the thing that made me decide to chase my dream and do the independent promotions and music business thing. It’s interesting because most of the people you turn to for advice they are going to fall into 1 of 3 categories.
Either they are going to be someone who is a dependent of someone else, someone who works until the age of 60 and retires, or someone who dies and doesn’t make it “that far”.
But the general smaller population of people who are successful, unfortunately, we don’t know those [super successful] people. So when we turn to folks for advice, we are not able to say, “hey, Donald Trump! Hey, Bill Gates!” We [typically] don’t know those people. If I would have went to Russell Simmons and said, “hey I have these ideas, I want to do this music thing,” he would have looked at my office and said, “Capp, I started in a college dorm room, look at what you have.” I had a big office compared to what he had. My office at that time was probably, 400 to 600 square feet. That was huge in comparison, but I didn’t know him [to ask]. So, the people I would turn to for advice? I’d go to my grandfather, but what’s my grandfather going to tell me? Here is a guy that worked 34 years at the steal mill, who actually retired. He was so effective, they had to call him back for six months to train because they couldn’t replace him. So, if I said, “hey granddad I’m thinking about chasing my dream in the music business,” he’s going to say, “psst, son, you better stay in the army and get your benefits!” It’s not a knock, but… I realized there weren’t too many people I could turn to for advice, so I had to look within and believe spiritually, and have faith that I could actually be successful at [my dream]. So, from there,
To continue reading Cappriccieo’s interview, click on the magazine.
39 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine
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high school athletes who didn’t make it to the League. They didn’t have a choice but to join the military. And then, I later discovered that some of the most articulate, smart, educated, well-grounded people were in the military. So, I think, that in a lot of regards, it gave me a great foundation. I learned how to be on time and I didn’t mind to cut my hair or shave my beard. It taught me that regimen, which ultimately I used. I started a company while in the military called “Precision Management” and there is a lot in [that] name. You can’t be precision if you are not on time-- if you don’t do things in a particular order. So, I think that structure [I had] came from the military. I got that precision. I started managing accounts for record labels and I started doing independent promotions, like radio, retail, club, street promotions; working for Sony, Universal, and Tommy Boy.
Daron Jones
B.O.S.S.: What did you want to be when you were young? Well, I just wanted to be an entertainer. A performer. A musician. B.O.S.S: When you were in school did you take classes or anything to prepare you for that career choice? When I was young, I was gifted in music, so I was doing a lot of different things. I was singing in the chorus. I was playing a lot of instruments. When I was in [elementary school], I was playing three instruments and I was singing. I took a lot of classes. Outside of the classes, it was just really the passion and taking instructions from other people [which] really got me to where I wanted to be. B.O.S.S. We know a lot of your accolades, but name a few that you are proud of. Well, I produced and wrote songs for 112, which was the band I was a part of in the 90’s. [I wrote songs for] Pink, Usher, Kelly Price, Monica, Notorious B.I.G., Jamie Fox, Keyshia Cole, TOTAL, The Isley Brothers… and that’s just to name a few. B.O.S.S: (Chuckle) That’s just to name a few? That’s a great list. Photo by Wil Law / www.wil-law.com
Yeah. Just to name a few. I’ve had some great opportunities. It’s just a blessing to have those opportunities and work with those people.
made a habit out of writing new songs and coming up with new material. So I always have it on deck.
B.O.S.S.: Now, when it comes to writing, how did those opportunities come about?
B.O.S.S.: Always writing so that you can be ready for your opportunities?
Just being in the right place at the right time and being ready. I had to prepare myself to be a producer, and that started with learning how to play an instrument. I had to invest a lot of time into that. I used to invest 12 to 13 hours a day just on playing the piano and learning different chords, different progressions, different songs. Once you learn a whole bunch of songs, then you can apply what you learned in your own experience and start writing your own songs. At first, start out with that-- the practice element and learning music, in general, then have an [an understanding] on how melodies and songs are supposed to be written. And after that, it was just being in the right places at the right times and getting [my music] to the people in need. It’s all about service. That’s one thing that this [music] game and life, in my opinion, is all about… is just service. So, you get yourself in position so you can serve. These people needed songs-- they needed music, so I was there. I just gave it to them.
Absolutely, you have got to be ready; you have got to figure out what you want to do as far as service... Then you have to max that talent out. A TALENT CAN BE GIVEN TO YOU, BUT YOU CAN ALSO CHOOSE A TALENT. You can [decide] tomorrow that you want to be a musician. You can get a mentor and learn to be a musician, or you can listen to musicians and build on your craft. Then, when there is an opportunity for you to use your gift to go ahead and participate.
B.O.S.S.: How many songs did you have in your catalog before your first paid assignment? Wow, I don’t even have a clue, because writing was something that I did EVERYDAY, so I can’t even give you a number... even to this day, whenever people see me [I have music]. If you were in my studio right now, I wouldn’t know how many songs were actually in the computer. It’s just an unlimited supply. Really, I really don’t know. I
B.O.S.S.: You wanted to be an entertainer from childhood and you’ve been blessed to actually put yourself in good situations to be successful. What would you say to a young person who is struggling to pursue it and doesn’t know what to do next? What would you say to them? My first thing would be to find a mentor. Find someone who is doing what you want to do, [someone who is] close to where you’re trying to be, and add to their equation. That’s the best advice I can give because starting up in the business, I worked with a lot of different companies. I worked with DefJam, I worked with Bad Boy, I worked with K. Wales Music, and I worked with 112. But, you have to understand that these are all different companies. I was [a member of ] 112, but I still provided for them what I could provide for them—[music]. […] So, if [you’re young] and you’re trying-- whatever it is you’re trying-- you have to put yourself in a place where it’s happen-
To continue reading Daron’s Interview, click on the magazine. 41 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine
T o ya J a m e s B.O.S.S: What did you want to be when you were young? Good question, actually…..I was very uncertain and indecisive, honestly. However, one thing I knew for certain, education,& the ability to retain its knowledge, came easy to me. I was always proficient in math and science, & my teachers were always reassuring me of this. They would say, “TOYA, GREAT ENGINEERS POSSES THESE SKILLS, YOU WOULD BE GREAT AT THAT”. So basically, I chose nothing, it kind of chose me, by default. But I can’t forget the teachers of course, who would encourage me constantly, planting this great idea, that they left up to me to water. B.O.S.S.: What age was that? And who told you that again?
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In sixth grade, I was selected to be a “Superstar”. By definition, this was a scholarship program designed for kids who were maintaining a pretty high grade point average quarterly. Shortly after, I was chosen to do an interview with the Cincinnati Enquirer about this program through Kroger. At that time, I was like any other typical kid, naive to life’s variety of career options, I wanted to be a one of the universally known careers, like a doctor or a lawyer. However, my teachers throughout middle school-- and even when I got into high school, they always told me they thought I would be a good engineer. B.O.S.S: Wow, that’s impressive. Once you believed that this was what you wanted to do, did you do anything different in high school to prepare for that career choice? Yes, I did...initially, I was attending a college preparatory school Walnut Hills High School (in Cincinnati), that only accepted kids who passed the entrance exam to get in the school. While I was there, my teachers continued telling me that I would be better in a math and science “challenging” environment. This was when I started looking into transferring schools, & switched my school to a strong 42 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine
math and science program, in order to prepare myself for college, geared towards physics & engineering types of jobs. B.O.S.S.: So, that helped you prepare yourself for college…how did you choose the college you went to? Well, my sixth grade Assistant Principle (Mrs. Blunt) chose me to be in a new program for minority/low income students & families, called “The Young Scholars Program”. Basically, if you had a 3.0 [grade point average] or above, you were selected for the program. At the program’s close, the students who maintained this GPA from 6-12 grade, were given a scholarship to [The Ohio State University]. Since I met all the requirements, for me, this [Young Scholars Program] was my ticket out. My mom was a single parent, but school was my strong point, and with her help and my inner determination, I […] pushed myself harder, knowing that if I were to succeed, it would be inevitable that I get a full scholarship to a very prestigious, highly regarded University. So, that’s what I did, and received an all exclusive scholarship, even my books were paid for... my mother didn’t pay for anything. Everything was free. B.O.S.S.: And that was through the Young Scholars Program? That’s a great testament for Young Scholars. Yes, it is. It’s the best thing I could have been selected for. B.O.S.S: So you went to Ohio State, and how many years did it take you? It took me 6 years... And that’s 6 ½ college years because they were [using a quarter-system calendar].
B.O.S.S: And you majored in what? I really didn’t know what I wanted to do. I knew I wanted to be in the field of engineering, but I didn’t know which one...ultimately I choose Industrial Engineering, however before doing so I took a core class at Ohio State in which this had to determined. And one of my assignments [for the career class] was to go to different [departments of engineering on campus] and get more information about them, and then try to select which one I think would be best for me. So, I looked at mechanical, electrical, chemical-- all the different types of engineering taught [at Ohio State] and I talked to the chairmen of the departments. In the end, I wrote a paper [about the experience] and I ultimately chose industrial engineering. [I chose it] because it was one area of engineering where you can improve processes and that can be done in any field. For instance, I’ve worked in the food industry, medical, and retail..... […] Industrial engineering is the most versatile engineering, and it’ is one that is needed in all facets of life. B.O.S.S: What is your official title now? My official title is Senior Industrial Engineer at J.C. Penny. B.O.S.S: How has that worked out? Were all the test and programs you did in your youth accurate? Oh, I love my job (chuckle). I love my job. I love what I do. […] As an Industrial Engineer, my primary function of my job is to improve processes, and make work environments function more efficiently. I’m analyzing constantly, which helps me determine how the “process” could be better in a
To continue reading Toya’s interview, click on the magazine. 43 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine
J ay R o d g B.O.S.S: When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up? That’s a good question. Amazingly, I wanted to be a teacher. I had a lot of cool teachers, so I felt like I wanted to be one of those cool teachers. […] I think I would relate well to the students because I’m a big kid myself. Being a teacher, working with the kids, and summers and winter breaks-- plus, I thought I could get recess as an adult! That was my big thing! (Laughs.) B.O.S.S: What changed? Nothing changed. I wanted to be a teacher. When I got to a certain age, my brother and I had this plan that he was going to be a doctor in New York and I was going to be a lawyer in California. We were going to see the whole country, and then, real life hit us. We started working early-- around the age of 13. I had actually forged a work permit! We understood the value of money because money was real to us. I ultimately found out teachers didn’t make that much money. And to be a lawyer, I would be in school a lot longer than I wanted. So, [my brother and I] had to put a plan together to figure out how we could just get some money. That was our main focus-- to get money. B.O.S.S: What was the process after that? How did restaurant ownership pop into your mind? Well, I wouldn’t advise anyone to forge a work permit like I did. My first job was at a restaurant. I worked at Long John Silvers with my buddy, Donte... We were thirteen, cooking fish and dropping fries. We also worked the register-- we were smart kids and we could do it… But, one day they fired Donte because they found out that he was too young.He never told on me, so i was able to keep working there. I went from Long John Silvers to Friches to Cheese Steaks and Fries… I think it was inevitable. I was getting [experience] towards my restaurant ownership career and I didn’t know it.
B.O.S.S: So, if you had someone who was thinking about being an owner, what advice would you give him or her? If anyone is looking to go into the field, as with anything else in life, you have to crawl before you walk. There may be a situation where you have to work the fries, but you need to understand how to make those fries, PERFECTLY. Be the best fry maker you can be. [Make the fries so well], to the point when people only want you to make fries. If you’re making burgers, be the best burger maker you can be, to the point when people only want you to make their burger. […] Once you perfect your craft, it becomes something that you will own and no one can take that away from you. B.O.S.S: And you were able to do this in your city… tell me a little more about that. Well, I never set out to own a restaurant. I felt like my days of being in a restaurant were over [after my teenaged years]. I ran a staffing service for ten years where we did a lot of clerical and industrial professional placements. I got a lot of joy out of that. Getting work for people and seeing their faces after they started [their jobs]-- people who genuinely wanted to work and were happy about having a job. People would come in not having an income, then you put them on a job and a week later, they’re picking up paychecks on Friday! Going from there to […] throwing parties because we really didn’t have much to do in Cincinnati. So, while I was throwing parties, I was also learning about the backend of clubs and the [money] aspect. One thing about working at a restaurant, no one talks about the numbers—like the food costs. I was never concerned about that as a teenager. But, then, once
I started working with a group, I came to learn about [the numbers]. I felt that was my introduction into what I am doing now. Once I learned that part of [the business], I felt we needed to open our own nightclub. So, we opened a club-- and with Cincinnati lacking diversity, I figured that if I were Black and owned a sushi bar, it would draw [a diverse crowd]. I knew food was a common denominator for everyone. I had a strong network with the AfricanAmerican community in Cincinnati, so I tried to figure out what would bring us all together. [I took a] leap of faith with sushi, but I saw it in other cities like Atlanta, D.C., Chicago, and L.A. I felt that this was what Cincinnati needed and this is what [everyone is] eating, so…we parlayed into it. Now that I know the restaurant business, I can open a second restaurant-- once you learn something, you can apply it into what you doing now. Growing up in Evanston, a neighborhood in Cincinnati, we were always around drugs. Drugs were common knowledge for us. It was sad-- we could tell you how many ounces were in a pound, not because of school, but because of being around the drug culture. Even though knew I was not going to be a teacher […] I taught the guys how to read a ruler. I’d tell them that there are sixteen centimeters in an inch like there are sixteen ounces in a pound. I was basically taking guys who used to sell drugs and turning them into carpenters. At the end of the day, if you wanted to work for this building company, you needed to be able to read a ruler. You can’t even imagine how many people will tell you that they don’t know how to read a ruler because no one had showed it to them in that way [so they could understand]. B.O.S.S: I understand that. So you have two businesses now, so what is your official title? My official title would be… the guy with all the hats. I don’t get caught up in tittles. I know a lot of people who are CEO’s and owners; my thing is I’m the lead worker. I’m going to show you by example. If you don’t want to clean the table and I couldn’t do it, I wouldn’t ask you because I wouldn’t make you do something I wouldn’t do. I always make jokes because I’m the head worker, AND I’m the guy
To continue reading Jay’s interview, click on the magazine.
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By now, you’ve probably heard just how big a problem obesity is among young people in America. But just how big a part does proper exercise and nutrition
play in becoming a healthy adult? Well, you can’t expect that surfing the net, watching TV, and playing video games will make you feel good physically and mentally as a teen. Every time you sprawl in front of the TV, your metabolism slows to a crawl; and when you consider that the typical teen now spends almost 30 hours a week in from of the TV, you’re forced to wonder what the health of today’s youth will look like in the years to come. Nearly half of American youth aged 12-21 years are not vigorously active on a regular basis, and about 14 percent of young people report no recent physical activity at all. Also consider that inactivity is more common among minorities. The effects of physical inactivity, high-sugar, and high-fat food consumption on the African-American and Hispanic cultures have been devastating! 50 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine
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All photos copyright Cielo Roth Photography.
As young adults, you are capable of developing and maintaining your health goals by choosing activities that you enjoy to stay active. Keep in mind that you should be getting at least an hour of physical activity a day. The activity, however, does not need to be all at once, and can easily be spread throughout the day. With minimal effort, you can develop a life-long love of fitness, and reduce your risk of becoming overweight, having high blood pressure, heart disease and cancer. Physical activity does not need to be strenuous to be beneficial! So, let’s get started… ~Are you independent? Do you like variety? If yes, then aerobic exercise is perfect for you. Some activities to consider include dance, running, martial arts, skating, cycling, swimming, tennis, full-court basketball, kick-boxing, hockey, soccer, elliptical training, jumping rope, racquetball, handball, and trampoline. ~Raise your heart rate for 20 minutes without stopping, three or more times a week. When done properly, aerobic exercise shouldn't resemble running
timed laps in gym class. It’s not about “no pain, no gain”. It’s about choosing physical activities that make you breathe a little harder, and are fun for you. ~Exercise that gets your heart pumping can help make feelings of depression and frustration disappear. After 20 or more minutes of continuous movement, your body releases powerful hormones (called endorphins) that start pumping through your bloodstream, producing good feelings that do wonders for your self-esteem. ~Exercise should never hurt! A little muscle soreness is normal. This is why stretching and warming up is so important. ~Encourage your family and friends to make a commitment to their health and fitness along with you. You all can hold each other accountable, and spend quality time together. ~The more exercise you do, the more energy you'll have for hours afterwards. Your body will kick into overdrive after a few weeks of conditioning and you will feel more energized than you ever have before.
A Note to Parents… Who’s going to step in and encourage our teens to get off their cell phones, computers, and couches? That’s right…it’s up to us, as parents, to support them in finding ways to live and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Not sure where to start? Well, allow me to offer you a few simple ways to keep your family active and healthy… ~Practice what you preach! (nuff said) ~Make fitness a family affair. ~Take up a new activity or sport of equal interest with your children. ~Turn off the television and computer, and turn on life! There are so many benefits to these simple choices, which will result in better health and a better quality of life for you and your family. Your health is the basis of all things meaningful! Naima Woodson, a licensed 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 51 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine
COMMUNITY
Los Angeles
I’M
BULLY PROOF! YOU CAN’T GET
2 All photos courtesy of subject.
ME The Hill Sisters, Harmony, age 14, and Brittany, age 12, are child prodigies with interest in music, acting and making the world a better place. They use their musical talents to help everyone. They have been recording since the early ages of 3 and 6. They currently have a new inspirational song released entitled "The Volunteer Song" , which encourages everyone to volunteer and help out in their own communities. Harmony & Brittany have also recorded other songs; “I Love My Dog,”“Give Your D.J. 7 Ups,” “Move Yo Hips & Hop,” “Believe In Yourself,” “Sing and Pray 4 U”, and much more. The Hill Sisters’ music is uplifting, fun to listen to and very memorable. These girls have phenomenal vocal ability and incredible piano & guitar playing skills. Support these wonderful young humanitarians and music artists by downloading their music or purchasing T-shirts. 52 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine
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In this article, B.O.S.S. is highlighting two young ladies who are doing something extraordinary in their community. Introducing, Harmony and Brittany-- The Hill Sisters. Their outreach program is the “Bully Proof Peeps Campaign”. B.O.S.S.: What is the “Bully Proof Peeps Campaign”? Brittany: It’s a campaign to teach awareness to kids to stop bullying. B.O.S.S.: What inspired you to do this? Harmony: Well, after hearing stories from friends about the devastation that bullying has caused them, we knew we had to get involved with it. Although we have never been bullied ourselves, we wanted to be a part of the solution. So, we decided to [deliver our message] through music by recording our song called “Bully Proof”. In addition to [the song], we also have a Facebook page that lists facts about how to stop bullying, along with a petition everyone can sign to spread awareness about the issue. B.O.S.S.: When you were moving with this idea in your head, what were some of the steps, adversities, and struggles you had when trying to start this program? Harmony: Well, first [Brittany and I] went to our parents with the idea. We all agreed that we needed to help spread awareness about the problem. So, first we thought about what we could do. This was when we had the idea of writing the song. Then, we created a website so kids could share all the information with their friends to help spread awareness about how to stop bullying. B.O.S.S.: So, you were never bullied yourself? I knew about kids being bullied, but I was never inspired to write a song. What inspired you to write “Bully Proof”? Harmony: On the news we had seen a lot of [bullying] stories, but there was one in particular that [we remembered]. A young lady, around our age, was being bullied and unfortunately, she committed suicide... That really touched my sister and I. B.O.S.S.: Where do you see your initiative going in the future? Brittany: We would like to spread awareness everywhere and have it become national. B.O.S.S.: Bullying has become a National problem that seems to hold young people hostage when it comes to being themselves. What would be your advice to someone who is being bullied? Brittany: Stand strong, be yourself, and don’t let the bully win. Keep doing what you love to do. Harmony: Don’t let anyone put you down. And no matter the obstacle, or what’s going on, keep moving forward.
All photos courtesy of subject.
Harmony is a freshman in high school and Brittany is in the 6th grade. Although both are home-schooled, they are very active in the community. Many kids who have logged into the website have contacted the Hill Sisters telling them they have used the antibully advice and that things are changing. facebook.com/bullyproofpeepscampaign twitter.com/hillsisters believeinyourselffoundation.org
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COMMUNITY
Atlanta As adolescents with goals
and ambition, we, as maturing young ladies wanted to find a way to give back to our community the most efficient way possible. All coming from different places, we found ourselves forming an extremely close bond that included our ability to help each other exceed; we wanted to pass on these lessons. Different situations that were experienced by each of us brought us to the perfect decision of forming our up and coming organization. Agreeing that confidence and scholarship were two of the most important things needed to achieve greatness, we started a non-profit organization
by the name of Cherish You. Cherish You was created with a vision to help young girls mature into young ladies with high self-esteem and rigor. Twitter, Facebook, and other rising social networks have become the downfall for our generation and generations to come. Watching these changes over a progression of time prompted us to do something about it. Although all of our peers caught our attention, we decided to target the females. We felt as if there was a cry for help for these young ladies as they discussed sex, drugs, and their extreme dependence on their male peers for happiness. Knowing that we each have 54 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine
Brittany Cornell, Diamond Hill, Kayla Heard facebook.com/thecherishyou twitter: @cherishyou_
VOLUME 1 ISSUE 2
All photos courtesy of subject.
been through our fair share of ups and downs, all different scenarios and stories, we thought it would only be right to share some of the knowledge that we have already obtained from our lessons learned. Our stories begin in high school, which was quite the experience, and graduating was just the tip of the iceberg. Individually, we all decided to further our education which we, as an organization, hold to a high standard, but we also support one doing what they feel is best for their happiness and future career. As we began to take the next step in pursuing our college degrees, we stumbled upon several problems that were a result of a lack of guidance from the adults around us. With that being said, we agreed that our organization would thrive to help girls with issues that plague them from understanding their true route to success. Our vision soon turned into a reality as we had our first event named “Pamper Me Confident.” The event began with light refreshments and an open discussion between us and the young ladies who attended. The discussion ranged from college aid to ten year goals. Afterwards, one of our own, Brittany, with Blush Bc, provided her services as the make up artist and glammed up the attendees for a photo shoot shot by Dana Simmons with iMAGES by Dana. The glam portion of the event was put into place to increase the confidence in the young ladies and ensure them that they were all beautiful! We closed the event with a ring ceremony that vowed them to make a promise to themselves of their choice. While the number of people weren’t in as much volume as we expected, the girls that did show up were more than enough. In our eyes, our first event was a success.
Cherish You continues to tackle the initiatives set forth by enhancing the confidence of high school women by pampering them and enlightening them to special skin, hair, and nail tips, defining and critiquing the do’s and don’ts of the post high school experience, and overall providing support during a time of change and transition. Since this is our first venture, we are still learning and growing together as individuals and as an up and coming non-profit. We were featured in a rising Newspaper by the name of SALT as October’s Ambitious Women of the Month. We hold Cherish You close to our hearts and hope to one day become national, who knows, even international. Hopefully, with the continuation of growth we will help and reach young ladies and help them capture what being a young women with self-esteem really means. This is only the beginning of our story. Stay tuned, you will be hearing more about Cherish You in the near future.
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Mission: Our goal is to use BlaCk OWned to create a generation that realizes the power that is within‌ through fashion.
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Entertainment IN EVERY ISSUE
ENTERTAINMENT
Etta James, born Jamesetta Hawkins (January 25, 1938 – January 20, 2012), was an American singer whose style spanned a variety of music genres including blues, rhythm and blues, rock and roll, soul, gospel and jazz. Starting her career in the mid 1950s, she gained fame with hits such as "Dance With Me, Henry", "At Last", "Tell Mama", and "I'd Rather Go Blind".
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Entertainment become INSPIRATIONAL?
Sometimes in our educational pursuit we overlook the importance of entertainment. Entertainment, done right, can change people’s lives, can give hope, can inspire generations! Join us as move through entertainment at it’s root and true purpose, to make change.
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EDITORIAL
ENTERTAINMENT BRAD ALLEN
Do You Believe in MAGIC?
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@muggy817 Sports Enthusiast, and Cleveland writer.
Tebow Sparks Old and New Debate: There is Nothing New Under the “Son” What is the point of it all? All of our labors here on Earth? All of our tasks are recorded into a book that no one seems to read as there is no remembrance of former things. So, we continue down the path of trial and error taking notes of every “new” experiment, arguing the merits of what can be seen and sensed. Vanity of vanities, all is vanity and with the same passion with which Generation X and Y argue TP2. com vs. House of Balloons, so do the sports pundits argue empiricism vs. Timothy Richard Tebow. What is the point in doing anything in life if, in the end, someone will simply tear it down? What is the point in building monuments to honor God if concrete and steel are not permanent? The haters are out. The non-believers in Tebow, equipped with their statistics and their videos of wobbly passes and horrible decisions, are everywhere. On Twitter, Facebook, ESPN and the like with their torso-less heads telling the world not to believe in “magic.” With every victory and loss the momentum sways and the argument reaches a feverish pitch. “All he does is win!!” “Why is God only 8-8?” Man vs. his father, daughter vs. mother indeed. Timothy Richard Tebow has not brought peace to the NFL, but a sword and a mandate: “Who you gonna believe, me or your lying eyes?” My personal fascination with Tebow-mania goes beyond the tongue in cheek religious metaphor and into the age old argument of empiricism vs. superstition. What can be proven by what we see/personally experience vs. what we believe to be true based on intuition/tradition etc. For me personally, a Christian whose Major was Chemical Engineering and Minor was Applied Ethics in college, I have always been fascinated by the scientific, philosophical and spiritual realms. I’ve always been the one who admires and admonishes Uncle Luke, Plato and TD Jakes alike because I always felt they never reached my entire being. When Tebow wins, it is a victory of God over statistics and when he loses the converse also seems to be true. But there are kernels of truth on each side of the debate and more importantly, great lessons for all generations if we decide to be open minded and dig a little deeper. As individuals, we have to weigh all criticisms that are levied our way. Do we use it as motivation to get better at our craft? Do we quit and try something new? Do we remember that Michael Jordan couldn’t make the varsity team at 15? We know what happened there. Or, do we look
EDITORIAL
at Antwaan Randle El, who was told he couldn’t play quarterback in the NFL? He could have continued to practice as a quarterback. Maybe he goes to the CFL. But he took the criticism in stride, converted to wide receiver and had a very productive career. Another lesson I take from Tebow-mania is that nothing is ever as good or as bad as it seems. The people of television that are paid to be experts are making educated guesses, all of which are tainted by personal bias based on things they have experienced (empiricism/religion? Hello? Is that you?). Depending on when you turn the television on, you can hear that Tim Tebow is the worst quarterback in the league or the next John Elway. The fact that we all fixated on Tebow and not the team that he plays for speaks to the import of personality, charisma and symbolism. We need our sports figures to be living examples of basic life principles. Characters in Aesop fables, the lovable loser, the talented but troubled prodigy, the over-
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achiever, the underdog that slays Goliath etc. We have all seen it and done it a thousand times. We take athletes, real living multi-dimensional beings, and we strip them of all nuance and/or ability to change or grow and force them to wear a white or black hat to make the show we watch (the games) easier to digest. My message regarding Tebow-mania is: expand your mind. See the correlation between superstition and empiricism. It’s superstition when someone says to “trust your gut” until a scientist discovers that the nerve cells in your stomach function the same way that neurons in the brain do (look it up). After watching Tim Tebow crash and burn vs. the Patriots, I understood that he reaffirms my belief in magic and science. As it were, I wouldn’t have been surprised by any outcome of that game. I also realized that Tim Tebow may never have another playoff season again. I imagine 20 years from now when a documentary is made on the lockout altered 2011 NFL regular season, my now infant son will ask me what the big deal was about Tim Tebow’s 8-8 season. I will smile, look at my son and say ‘Do you believe in magic?’ 61 magazine September 2008
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EDITORIAL DUANE L. YOUNG
Breaking through the wall 1 st ARTICLE
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hen I look back over my life-- every moment, every career move, every decision that seemed ominous, I look back at them now in hindsight and realize I was meant to be there. The beginning my career didn’t seem to make sense. I was moving from job to job, trying to make a better life for myself, but each step was a progressive move forward. Every step of my career has been highlighted by the fact I had a desire to never rest, challenge, and better myself while challenging and bettering those who I came into contact with. I currently serve as the Director of Special Projects for The Change Companies®, based in Carson City, Nevada; a publishing and multi-media company that aims to be the leader in promoting positive life changes in prevention, intervention, education and treatment in the fields of addictions, mental health, impaired driving and criminal justice. I focus on overseeing our impaired driving initiatives and managing state relationships in efforts to reduce impaired driving, problem gambling, domestic violence, and the integration of primary and behavioral care. One of the wonderful aspects of my job is that I travel the country sharing my professional and personal journey with clinicians, therapists, case managers, and criminal justice professionals.
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Every job I have taken, I have never been qualified for, but once I accepted the position, I worked to overcome the learning curve. Throughout my career, I’ve found myself being the only- the only African American, the only homosexual, the only one in the room under forty. I have never allowed any of these things to stop me, but rather, push me to grow in knowledge and skill. In 2001, I graduated from Miami University (OH) without a job. Then, I began working for a behavioral health organization as a Parenting Case Manager. At 22 years old, single with no children, I did not feel I was qualified to work with mentally ill parents seeking reunification with their children. I expressed these concerns to my supervisor who said to me ,“sure you are not a parent, but you were a child. What would you have said or wanted if you were the clients’ children?” This made sense to me. I took the time to learn everything I could about mental illness, its diagnosis and treatment. I developed a parenting program that would be recognized by the Stark County Ohio Courts. I helped several parents regain custody of their children and power over their lives. However, my greatest and most defining moment of that job was telling a client it was OK not to want her children back. Her children had been taken away for the third time and
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INSPIRATIONAL
ENTERTAINMENT
she was just starting to deal with her behavioral and addiction issues honestly. She was fighting for custody because it was what was expected of her. I looked her in the eye and said, ”its OK not to want your kids back”. I knew at that moment, I had a desire to help facilitate change in others, no matter how painful or difficult. Often, we want to see people happy, but in the process we hinder their success. We agree and co-sign with every one of their bad decisions because it makes them happy in the short-term, but you have to be willing to tell them what they do not want to hear in order for them to be successful in the long-term.
All photos courtesy of subject.
“...I could look at myself as one of God’s shining moments...”
From there, I took other jobs in the Indiana Department of Corrections. After a few months as a Probation Officer in Indianapolis and seeing how behavioral care clients were being treated, I worked to develop a pre-screening assessment to rule out mental illness for those not needing behavioral services. This way, those who did not need our help would not flood the system distracting from those desperately needing counseling and medication therapy. Once again, I was not qualified for what I was asking to do, but I found a way to do it because it involved helping others make steps toward the journey of change. In the five years I was a Probation Officer, I conducted an average of 1,400 mental health and substance abuse assessments a year. Thousands of clients, each of whom shared their story and their journey with me-- from each of them I learned and I grew as a leader, as a person, as a humanitarian. I worked with clients who had been convicted for murder, rape, kidnapping, child molestation, robbery, drugs, and so forth. The one thing they all had in common was that they, too, like me, were divine creations of the Creator and had it not been for the grace of God and choices made, I would and could have been in the position they were in. I moved from Probation to work in Administration for the State of Indiana. After a year, I was
promoted to the position of Assistant Administrator, and later to Acting Administrator for the Court Alcohol and Drug Program-- the youngest and the first African-American to hold this position. I did this while completing a Master’s degree program in Management and beginning a Doctoral program in Organizational Leadership. I was responsible for certifying and training the 56 court-based programs in the state that focused on substance abuse assessment, referral, and case management. This role helped me get the attention of my current employer. I found that there were two ways to look at myself each day. I could see the scared boy from the Midwest who struggled with acceptance and esteem issues, insecurities, doubts, and voices of everyone who told me what I could not do or was not qualified for. Or, each day, I could look at myself as one of God’s shining moments; someone with endless potential that could put in the work to complete whatever tasks are set before me. The positions, the degrees, the honors-- they all came with struggles, hardships, missteps. Behind every triumph was tears. There is power in every story and I have learned that the road to success began with embracing every chapter in my story and vowing to make the next one better. 63 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine
e s a e l P n’t Do
me
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Protecting Your Social Media Rep By: DrDesha
Wait! Don’t click the submit button yet!
Before you vent your frustrations about a certain individual and their wrongdoing or before you post your partying habits on your social media page, I want you to consider how this can affect your reputation. Now, I understand that you use your Facebook and Twitter to humor your friends and keep in touch with your buddies. Yet, you need to be aware of how those in Corporate America are using your social network to determine your credibility.
Employers are taking it a step beyond the interview process to see if they are selecting employees who will represent their company well and be an asset. A recent survey commissioned by Microsoft in 2010 found that 70 percent of recruiters and hiring managers in the United States have rejected an applicant based on information they found online. What would cause an employer to reject you as an applicant? Anything considered inappropriate, lewd or unsuitable in your comments, photos or opinions stated of previous employers. How can you avoid this rejection? • Untag or remove yourself from any comment or photo that may be seen as questionable. You do not want to be associated with images pertaining to loose sexual behavior, alcohol abuse or any other misconduct. • Love sports? Love volunteer work? Only post items that bring out the positive aspects you possess and what may make an employer to respect you. • Set your privacy settings to where you have control over what others post on your page. • If it seems impossible to erase your inappropriateness then you may have to delete your pages. • Use an alias name to cover your trail. If your name was Andrew Martin then consider using the name “A-marty Martin” for your social media pages. The right to say whatever you think when you think it is a freeing experience. With such great freedom comes responsibility. Protect your social media rep to increase the possibility of impressing your employers. 64 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine
ENTERTAINMENT
Interviews
Conversations LIVE Radio is hosted and produced by Cyrus Webb, President of Shadow Play Entertainment & Conversations Book Club, as well as the Editor-In-Chief of Conversations Magazine. As with the other members of the Conversations Brand, the radio show highlights individuals and issues that matter, giving a different perspective on the events of the day, and more importantly, how together we can produce the change we want to see in ourselves and the world. For more information visit www.cyruswebbpresents.com.
Listen to the amazing interview of Howard Clay Jr. , Publisher of B.O.S.S. E-magazine. Click HERE!
Photo courtesy of subject.
Cyrus Webb
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Book of the Month
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www.manifestyourdestiny.com Manifest Your Destiny’s Mission is to provide underserved youth a path to empowerment and educational excellence through academic programming, college access skills, and personal development. Hill Harper books speak for themselves but they can’t speak to you, unless you read them.
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Knowledge = Power Following your heart's desire will lead you in the direction your spirit wants to go. ~~ Oprah Winfrey
"Man's greatness consists in his ability to do and the proper application of his powers to things needed to be done." ~~Frederick Douglas
“The Black skin is not a badge of shame, but rather a glorious symbol of national greatness” ~~ Marcus Garvey
Education is a precondition to survival in America today.~~ Marian Wright Edelman
We all have ability. The difference is how we use it. ~~ Stevie Wonder
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. “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” ~~ Malcolm X
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