MAGAZINE
BRONZE april 2020
Actress Jasika Nicole on her Groundbreaking Role in ABC’s The Good Doctor
Beauty Q&A Quiz
Phaedra T. Anderson Empowers Women Through Phaith
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Positivity & Hope during the “Pandemic” What is Your Skin Telling You?
"I shall pass this way but once; any good that I can do or any kindness I can show to any human being; let me do it now." Etienne de Grellet
BRONZE MAGAZINE
APRIL 2020 Editor’s Note Hello Bronze beauties, this note is delivered with a bit of a heavy heart. We are currently living in unprecedented times filled with uncertainty, fear, illness, death and isolation. The COVID19 pandemic has changed the way we operate as a society, creating a whole new normal that includes shelter in place and social distancing. How long this new normal will last, no one knows. Unfortunately, we cannot control the corona virus itself, but we can control how we react to its existence. My heart aches for those who are ill or have perished from the virus, but my heart is also warm with pride and thankfulness for all of those on the front lines who are risking their own lives to save others.
Cover Credits: Cover Model Phaedra T. Anderson Cover Photographer Moses Worrell
FOUNDER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Shawn Stuldivant CO-OWNER Barry Stuldivant ISSUE DESIGN BY shawn stuldivant WRITERS nsi amah rosalyn L. Marian Nimoh Tobbylola Oniga Patrice Rivers
I live in the state of New York, one of the main epicenters of the virus, and although it’s very disturbing that we have the highest cases of illness and death in the country, I have the utmost confidence that our state’s government and health professionals are doing the best they can, but it’s important for us to all do our parts as well, no matter where you are. As we prepare as a country for some the worst days yet of this pandemic, let us remain prayerful and faithful that better days are ahead of us. May God bless us all.
xoxo, Shawn
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Photography by Moses Worrell
Bronze Magazine: Hi Aria, how are you? Talk to us about your childhood in Atlanta. What led to your beginning in musical theaters at the age of six? Aria Brooks:
By Tobbylola Oniga Photos by Byron Brown Photography
All That,
Bronze Magazine: I understand that you knew since the age of 10 that you wanted to pursue a career in oncamera acting. How did you realize this was your calling/passion at such a young age? Aria Brooks:
Bronze Magazine: Life has definitely been good to you, from your new role, to new projects coming up. We can both agree that you have been very busy. How do you manage to still have a childhood and do regular kids things when you’re always working? How do you balance your work life and personal life? Aria Brooks:
Bronze Magazine: How did you land your latest role on the Nickelodeon hit show “All That”? Do you feel any pressure being a part of such a hit series show? What are some things you might do prior to filming to make sure you execute your role perfectly?
Bronze Magazine: What upcoming projects can we look forward to seeing you a part of? Is there anyone you would love to work with as well? Aria Brooks:
Aria Brooks:
Bronze Magazine: What advice would you give to young individuals who have the same career goals as you? Bronze Magazine: What is the most valuable advice you received throughout your career so far? Was there anyone special who might have given you this advice? Aria Brooks:
Bronze Magazine: Sometimes being the youngest in the room might mean that your colleagues might look at you as the most inexperienced. How do you prove your worthiness? Aria Brooks: All That
Bronze Magazine: You had the opportunity to be a part of the film HARRIET, based on the life of Harriet Tubman. Talk to us about your role and how this experience was for you. Aria Brooks:
Bronze Magazine: What was the most difficult thing you had to deal with in your career so far and how did you make the best of the situation? Aria Brooks:
Aria Brooks:
JASIKA NICOLE By Tobbylola Oniga Photographer: Jess Nurse Actress Jasika Nicole’s talents have landed her roles in Fringe, Scandal, Underground, Station 19, Major Crimes, and her latest role as Dr. Carly Lever in The Good Doctor. The Alabama native is not only talented on screen, but off-camera as well. She is an audio book award winner for her narration of Alice Isn’t Dead, and has a blog titled Try Curious where she reviews patterns and discusses the process of making her own clothes. We caught up with her and talked about her early beginnings in acting, her love for NYC, her many amazing hobbies, her current role on The Good Doctor and the challenges of being Queer in Hollywood.
Bronze Magazine: Let’s rewind a bit to your earlier career and your move to NYC to work in theatre. What was that like? Jasika Nicole: It was one of the scariest and most exciting times of my entire life. NYC doesn’t wait for you to figure things out, you just show up and dive in; then a few years later you wake up and think, “Wow, I guess this is who I am now!” I had so many ups and downs there. I was on top of the world one minute and crying on the subway the next; but I loved every minute of it. There was a freedom of self, of thought, of spirit in NYC that I had never experienced before, and I can’t imagine I would be the person I am today without the formative years I spent there. I live in L.A. now and have a quality of life that I simply can’t have in NYC, but it will always be my favorite city. Even when I’ve been away for a while and the city seems to have changed so much, it still feels like home. Bronze Magazine: You started off focusing on theatre, performing in off Broadway musicals and plays. What led you to getting more involved in TV and film? Jasika Nicole: The opportunities! I was (and still am) a theatre nerd and I miss being onstage so much, but I never quite found my niche in the theatre scene before I started booking more work in commercials and TV/ film projects. I wasn’t interested in derailing whatever journey I was heading on. In some ways, I feel like I am just along for the ride, waiting to see where I land. Bronze Magazine: Talk to us about your podcast “Alice Isn’t Dead.” Your character is searching for her wife named Alice who was thought to be dead. Were there any challenges to doing a voiceover role? How does it compare to prepping for a physical role? Jasika Nicole: Voiceover roles are not really challenging for me in the same way that onscreen roles are- I get to concentrate on one aspect of my physicality instead of several, so for me it’s mostly about vocal technique, lubrication, and sustaining the quality of my voice over a long period of time.
Bronze Magazine: You have identified yourself as Queer. Are there any challenges you have faced due to your identity? What advice might you give to someone who wants to be in this industry but is scared to reveal their true identity? Jasika Nicole: Although we may be more visible and more comfortable with being open about our sexuality, we still face a lot of backlash from homophobic audiences. We are still type-cast, and we still aren’t offered the same caliber of roles as our heterosexual peers. That’s just what I know about. Additionally, I am a woman and a person of color, which are two more identities that face both cultural and institutional discrimination. I think there has been a huge shift over the years whereas productions are interested in hiring more diverse actors for their projects because that’s what many audiences want to see, but there are still huge disparities in our pay, the ways we are treated by other actors, and the ways our characters are written. I am thankful to the pioneers who have paved the way for me to have a career in the TV and film industry, but I think there is still a long way to go before we experience true equality. The best advice I can offer to young people is to protect your spirit and your connection to your art. The world may or may not be interested in what you have to offer, but that should have no impact on your need to create and share your voice, which deserves to be out there whether it garners a huge audience or not.
Bronze Magazine: Your career path has been quite impressive. What do you want to accomplish and what are your future goals? Jasika Nicole: I am changing all the time learning, growing, gaining perspective, connecting more deeply to myself and the people in my life that I love the most. Because of this, the way I do my job is always changing too. I would approach a role today much differently than the way I might have played it ten years ago, and I'm sure the work I create today will feel very distant to me in another 5 years. I guess my goal is to never reach the end of what I am capable of, of how I challenge myself, in any area of my creative life. Bronze Magazine: Your character Carly, on “The Good Doctor,” who is the love interest of the show's main character played by actor Freddie Highmore has been generating a lot of buzz lately. How has it been being a part of the show? What is your best memory of your experience on the show so far? What can fans look forward to next season? Jasika Nicole: The show has been a bit of a whirlwind in a lot of ways, but overall, the production itself is one of the best and most fun I have ever been a part of. My best memory is probably working with Freddie Highmore, who plays Dr. Shaun Murphy. He is a dream scene partner and I have grown to feel so comfortable
I have no idea what will be happening next season, but I have my fingers crossed that they explore more of Carly’s character outside of her relationship with Shaun, hopefully through the lens of her relationships with other characters. Bronze Magazine: Your blog displays some of your DIY crafts and outfits. What made you start a blog? Jasika Nicole: I am very interested in participating in a world that exists outside of television and film, so I have worked to create one for myself. I do lots of things that I don’t necessarily intersect with my work, and I am happiest that way, which is why I started my blog. The online sewing community is vast and impressive and inspiring, and I wanted to become a part of it.
and confident with the work we do together on set. I really couldn’t ask for a better leading man!
Bronze Magazine: What upcoming projects can we look forward to seeing you a part of? Jasika Nicole: I am recording YA audio books this Spring, which I am very excited about! Recording the book for Alice Isn’t Dead got me hooked in a major way, so I am excited to lend my voice to some very different but very powerful books following young heroines coming into their own power.
Internationalism may be boosted. I hope so. But if we’re all locked up with one another in local quarantine, we might get to know the neighbors and the family members we’ve always ignored. We might distribute ourselves less widely, and so be more present to the people around us.
In the midst of the fear, worry, and uncertainty surrounding the Coronavirus pandemic, each day seems to bring news that’s worse than the day before. The cause for concern is justified. But, as in most major disasters, tragedies, and public health threats, there are reasons for hope, and even optimism. They may be hard to see, even if you’re a “cup-half-full” or “it could always be worse” type of person. But they are there. We currently have ways to practice social distancing that preserve at least some social and medical connections. People in isolation or quarantine can ask for help, visit friends, “see” family and doctors virtually, and provide updates on their condition. Make no mistake: the new Coronavirus epidemic is a big problem that’s expected to become bigger in the weeks and months to come. For those who are infected as well as those trying to avoid infection, these are trying times. But amid all the doom and gloom, there are some positive stories, positive messages and reasons to remain hopeful. At a time when the citizenry of this country is so politically divided, we can also hope that this threat brings us together in ways that help us to better recognize commonalities: we’re all human, we get sick, and we worry about loved ones. As social creatures, we try to help one another when bad things happen. If that happens, it would be good news that could not have been foreseen before the pandemic.
We might even find out that our local woods are more beautiful than foreign beaches, and that local farmers grow better and cheaper food than that which is shipped (with the associated harm to the climate) across the globe. The lessons learned from the coronavirus epidemic will pay dividends in the future. We will be more realistic about the dangers of viruses crossing the barriers between species. Recognizing this might make us more aware of our vulnerabilities. The consequences of that are difficult to predict, but living in the world as it really is, rather than in an illusory world, is probably a good thing. And recognizing our own vulnerability might make us more humble. We are strong and God is in control.
A POSITIVE PERSPECTIVE DURING THIS PANDEMIC BY ROSALYN L. (@MSROSALYN_OFFICIAL) PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREA PIACQUADIO
What is your Skin Telling You? By Nsi Amah Photography by Anna Shvets from Pexels
Your skin is one of the first things people notice when they look at you, so it's very important that you pay attention to your skin as well. Your skin's appearance says a lot about your diet habits and your health. We are often not aware of the subtle changes to our skin that may give off clues about our overall well-being; and if neglected for too long, these changes can become a serious issue. Here are some signs and conditions that will let you know your skin needs your attention and care.
Hyper pigmentation
Acne spots Acne can tell you several things about your skin and can show up in the form of clogged pores, excessive oil production and hormonal changes. It is important to wash your face twice a day, especially if your skin produces excessive oil. This will keep your pores clean and free of any bacteria or debris that you have collected from the outdoors. Acne on your forehead is usually caused by stress or poor eating habits that should be nipped in the bud as soon as possible. Acne on the cheeks is often caused by debris from outdoors because it is linked to your respiratory system. Your chin area can be the result
common skin condition that can be treated. One way is by prolonged sun exposure, which makes the skin produce more melanin to protect it from any more UV ray damage. It is best to limit your sun exposure and protect your skin with SPF sunscreen. Your skin could also be inflamed from bacteria, eczema, lupus or injury to the skin like a scar. In some cases, it can be a reaction to drugs like medication. The chemicals in medication can make your skin react or turn gray.
of a hormonal imbalance due to puberty or taking oral
Blackheads and Whiteheads
contraceptives. To avoid these types of skin problems you
Black heads appear when a clog forms in the opening of a
should curb your junk food, keep your face clean and
hair follicle. Every follicle has one hair strand and oil
reduce your stress levels.
glad to produce sebum. Sebum is what keeps your skin naturally dewy and fresh. Clogged pores are the main
Dry skin
cause of white heads as well, which are painful at
This one is easy. You simply have to drink more water and watch your alcohol and coffee consumption. Coffee and alcohol can dehydrate you and your beautiful bronze skin. It is also important to keep hydrating moisturizers on hand because your skin can start itching and peeling. Sometimes, this means you could be using the wrong products for your skin. Many moisturizers and soaps have harsh ingredients that can dry out your skin. Watch out for ingredients like; alcohol, fragrance, parabens, silicons, etc.
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There are several reasons for hyperpigmentation, a
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APRIL 2020
times, especially around the mouth. Whiteheads and Blackheads are a clear sign that you have to better cleanse your skin. Blackheads can be stubborn and can stay on your skin for weeks or even months if not taken care of immediately. The best ways to get rid of them both is too exfoliate and keep your skin clean. You can steam them out with a clean cloth as well. You can also use charcoal face masks to draw out dead skin, impurities and excess oils. Pay attention to your skin, you never know what your skin is telling you.
Beauty Q&A All time fave beauty product?
Favorite beauty makeup brand?
Must-have skincare product?
Favorite beauty blogger?
What's your secret beauty weapon?
Empowers
Women through “Phaith” By Patrice Rivers
Phaedra T. Anderson is an entrepreneur and author known for her authentic writing style. The Philadelphia native has made contributions to several international publications, has been interviewed on The Word Network and was recently featured as an "Author To Watch For" in Today's Purpose Woman Magazine. Her first book, "PhaithBook" was released in 2015 and has touched the lives of women from the USA to Japan. Anderson is a graduate of “The Mel Floyd’s School of Evangelism” and has a passion for the lost. Her customized apparel company “Phashions” opened in 2015, specializing in embellished statement shirts that are designed to "Put morals and values back on the backs of our women,” and are also used as tools of evangelism. Anderson has impacted the lives of many kinmates (women in prison) inside of Riverside Correctional Facility with the Chill Out Program, where she serves as a transitional coach mentoring women behind the wall. Her annual “Phancy Dress Day” provides little girls within the community with new dresses.
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BRONZE MAGAZINE: PHAEDRA ANDERSON:
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PHAEDRA:
" Pha i th b o o k i sn ' t a t ypi c al st o r y b o ok . Th e pa ge s ar e f il l e d w it h my ph ai t h i n GOD s ha re d wit h o th e rs ."
"I kn ow wh a t i t ’s li ke to be youn g a n d d e lin q u e nt wh i ch i s wh y I g o h a rd li ke I d o fo r t h e y out h ."
Photo by Moses Worrell BRONZE MAGAZINE: PHAEDRA:
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BRONZE MAGAZINE: PHAEDRA: Lord, I Lift Your Name On High
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2020 Gathering of Virgins....A CALL TO PURITY Photographer: Photo Illusions
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"I st a r te d cr e a t in g s ta t e me n t t - sh ir t s a n d s e llin g wo me n c lot he s b ec a use th e r e w a s a n e e d ."
BRONZE MAGAZINE: "2019 Gathering of Virgins....A CALL TO PURITY Photographer, Yazimirra Copper
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A RISING STAR FROM TORONTO, CANADA- MEET ZAHRA BENTHAM by Marian Nimoh Photos by Elle Edwards
Zahra Bentham is a talented twenty-six-year-old rising star who was born and raised in Toronto, Canada. She is the youngest of three sisters who had a deep passion for basketball. Bentham attended Wexford Collegiate school for the arts where she studied drama and music theater. She also participated in extracurricular activities at school where she danced and played basketball. Bentham, who was inspired by one of her older sisters, Ayesha, had a deep love for basketball which later played a role in her decision to continue to pursue that or acting. "I was
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traveling to the states every weekend playing basketball. It was something I wanted to pursue. It became a lot and at the end of grade ten, I had to make a choice of what I wanted to focus on, whether it was sports or the arts, so I chose the arts,” says Bentham. Bentham believes that she made the right decision choosing acting. "I do miss sports; a lot. I try to still play when I can, just to keep up with it but I live, eat, breathe, and sleep acting. Acting and singing, longevity wise, was a better bet for me,” says Bentham.
Actress and rising star Zahra Bentham is currently starring alongside Tiffany Haddish and Octavia Spencer in the highly anticipated series Madam CJ. Walker.
“I had to make a choice of what I wanted to focus on, whether it was sports or the arts, so I chose the arts.”
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As an aspiring actress and rising star, Bentham has been professionally acting for nine to ten years, but her journey has not been easy, especially when she wasn’t landing gigs. In order to survive and make her dreams a reality, Bentham had side jobs in the food industry. Pouring her heart and hard work in the little acting jobs that she did receive, her big break came in 2014 where she starred in a feature film for the Toronto International Film Festival called Guidance. “It was a dark comedy and it was my first time doing a feature film where I worked closely with the director, producer, and writer. It was my first real time getting a lead character. It was one of the best experiences I had,” says Bentham. Bentham proves that hard work pays off. She currently stars in the Netflix series Self Made, inspired by the life of Madam CJ Walker, which tells the story of Sarah Breedlove, the first black woman millionaire who made a fortune with her homemade hair products for African Americans. Bentham stars alongside Tiffany Haddish and Academy Award and Golden Globe Award winner Octavia Spencer, who plays Madame CJ Walker in the series. Bentham plays Nettie, a member of the social club called the Indiana Federation of Colored Women’s Clubs, also known as the Minor House, where black women support each other and the black community. “In the story, Madam CJ Walker and I became friends during a time when a lot of people in the club didn't really believe in her,” explains Bentham. “I was her champion and gave life to the rest of the group. We helped her start her business.”
“One thing I have learned is staying true to who you are. Octavia really showed that to me. Despite the things happening on set, the long hours we were working, she kept it real all the way.” Bentham’s role in the Netflix series has been an eye opener for her, where she learned a few lessons by observing Octavia Spencer, whom she describes as one who “Takes her craft very seriously.” “One thing I have learned is staying true to who you are. Octavia really showed that to me. Despite the things happening on set, the long hours we were working, she kept it real all the way,” says Bentham. Bentham has also learned to be patient in her path and to trust the process of it.
“I believe that I am walking my purpose. There is a lot more that people do not know about me and what I have to offer.” Since starring in the Netflix series, Bentham has grown both personally and as an actress. She believes that “Everything happens for a reason,” and the work that she does is valuable. “It is more of an internal thing I have learned about myself, the hard work that I do now will be beneficial to my career,'' she says. Bentham strongly believes that she has good role models and work ethics that help her push through her career, and this will set her up for success as long as she stays in her lane. When she is not working on set, Bentham wakes up at 10:30am, eats breakfast, and shoots self-auditioning tapes. She also loves to stay home and work on her goals. “At this point in my life, I don’t really go out that much. The way I see it, there’s a lot of work that I have to do and now is the time. I need to have a narrow mindset and keep my head down and do the work,” says Bentham.
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“I believe that I am walking my purpose. There is a lot more that people do not know about me and what I have to offer,” says Bentham. A few fun facts about Bentham - she is also a singer and will be releasing her debut album this summer, which she has yet to give a title. When it comes to how she approaches her musical work, Bentham is inspired by Cardi B, whom she describes as “Real and honest.” She also loves spending time with her family and boyfriend and considers herself a very loyal person. In five years, Bentham hopes she will be living in Los Angeles, have a second album, and looks forward to her own series, as well as dabbling with producing and directing. You can find out more about Bentham on Instagram and twitter @Zahra Bentham.
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