March 2018 digital issue by Bronze Magazine

BRONZE MARCH 2018

R&B Songstress Kayla Brianna on her love for music & her legendary musical roots

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Timolin & Casey Cole:

The “Unforgettable” twin sisters on work-life balance, The Cole Family Legacy, & their personal style

‘Black Panther’ Stuntwoman Janeshia Adams-Ginyard talks about her dual roles in the record-breaking film

Dr. Sheron Brown’s Womens History Month Edition

5 ways to use your power for self-care

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On sale now at Lulu Barnes & Noble Amazon

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BRONZE MAGAZINE

MARCH 2018 Editor’s Note Happy Women’s History Month Bronze Beauties! Although Bronze Magazine celebrates, empowers and inspires women year-round, I love how the month of March brings all women together internationally. I strongly believe that 2018 is going to be the ‘year of the woman,’ and rightfully so. It’s been long overdue that women have the opportunity to assert their power and speak their truths. This issue is dedicated to all the strong, empowered women in the world!

Cover Credits: Timolin and Casey Cole Photographer: Vasi Siedman Stylist: Jo Jo Harder Assistant: William Harder Make-up: Nina Celeste Fashions: Michelle Farmer Collaborate Location: At Entrance to The Addison – Boca Raton, Florida

CO-OWNER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Shawn Stuldivant CO-OWNER Barry Stuldivant GRAPHIC DESIGNER Sheena Tadifa WRITERS Shadea Blyther Dr. Sheron Brown Jo Jo Harder Tiarsha Harrison Tanasia Patterson Aisha Powell Shawn Stuldivant

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In this month’s issue, we are so very honored to have Timolin & Casey Cole, twin daughters of the late music legend Nat King Cole and sisters to the late Natalie Cole, grace the cover of this month’s issue. Timolin & Casey are the Co-founders of Nat King Cole Generation Hope, a 501c3 nonprofit organization that enriches the lives of children through the arts and music education while also honoring the legacy of their parents. Their story is so inspiring and uplifting you will not want to miss reading it. In addition to the Cole sisters, you will also enjoy inspiring interviews with the various other empowered women in this issue including one of my favorites with Black Panther stuntwoman Janeshia Adams-Ginyard. Not only is Janeshia the stunt double for Danai Gurira’s badass character Okoye in the film, she also plays one of the equally badass allfemale guards to King T’Challa/Black Panther. Wakanda forever! I hope that you enjoy this special issue and as always, happy reading!

xoxo, Shawn ant v i d l u St

CONTENT 6. Rising Star: Kayla Brianna 10. Nicole Byer: Authentic & Unapologetic 12. New York’s very own Songbird 24. Queen Diva’s Strength of a Woman Phyllis Hyman Tribute 28. RAAAH Fashion Editorial 34. ‘Black Panther’ film Stuntwoman Janeshia Adams-Ginyard 38. 5 Ways to use your power for self-care

Photo Credits: PHOTOGRAPHER: Vasi Siedman STYLIST: Jo Jo Harder ASSISTANT: William Harder MAKE-UP: Nina Celeste

All Eyes On

Timolin & Casey Cole

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Rising Star:

KAYLA BRIANNA Interview by Aisha Powell As one of her generation’s most influential rising stars, Kayla Brianna (Smith) is no stranger to the music and entertainment industry. Her father, NBA icon Kenny “The Jet” Smith instilled in her a hard work ethic, while her grandfather, American lyricist Gerry Goffin (wrote hit songs such as “Locomotion” “Natural Woman” and “Saving All My Love for You.”) and her grandmother, singer Earl-Jean Reavis (sang backup vocals for the legendary Ray Charles) inspired her musically. Read my interview with the rising R&B songstress, whose hits do the talking for her. She candidly talks about family, music, collabs and what the future will bring.

Where are you from/ where did you grow up? I am from Houston but I grew up in L.A. Whenever people ask that question, I don’t know what to say because I am married to both. I would say I resonate more with the L.A. scene now since I live here and most of my friends are here. What was it like for you growing up with such famous and influential relatives, and how has your upbringing molded your career? Growing up, my dad was always just dad and my grandfather wasn’t always there. It was kind of bittersweet because I always wanted to have a close relationship with my grandfather and pick his mind about the industry. Whenever I went to his house, I felt the musical energy. But, my dad always taught us such hard work ethics. There was five us. A quote that sticks out that he always told us, “You can’t shoot the grind.” Even though I come from a somewhat famous family, you still have to put in the work and

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you still need to practice because there’s always other people working hard, if not harder to accomplish their dreams. When did you first realize you wanted to sing professionally? Growing up in the church, I think I was like 7 or 8, my cousin and I would pretend we were Destiny’s Child and would always just sing and practice dancing. We would be like, okay, today we are going to be Destiny’s Child or today we are going to be the Spice Girls. From there I was like, I really like this but, I was so shy. When I got out of my shyness at about 15, I was like, this is really what I want to do and took it seriously. Who has been some of your musical influences? Aaliyah, Brandy, Rihanna, Beyoncé... just powerhouse female vocalists that paved the way for me today.

Photo credit: Marcus Ezell

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“Music is the connecting point, I want to bridge that gap between music and the artist.”

Photo credit: Tyren Redd

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Describe your musical sound. What separates you from the other artists that are out right now?

sure everything sounded really good. He’s really inspiring, has a great work ethic and it was just a lot of fun to work with him.

My sound is definitely R&B. It’s my individual experiences, from my history, my grandfather, my upbringing. I sing a lot of old school and modern as well and pair them together. A lot of what I write about is what I am going through. But, the way I write about isn’t going to be the way so-and-so writes about it. So it’s coming through my eyes and I feel like a lot of girls who are in this transition stage where you’re not a teenager anymore but you’re kind of an adult. In that time where you’re like, am I in love or is it something else? I feel like a lot of my music is for that 20-something stage.

Who is your dream collaboration?

How was it working with Chicago native Dreezy on “Luck?” Dreezy is so dope to work with. We met in the studio and that day she got on “Luck.” We were all in the studio that day for like 6-7 hours, vibing and getting to know each other. She’s just so talented. She got on the beat and recorded it and she’s like do you like it? I was so overwhelmed, I loved it and from there “Luck” was created. You’ve done some amazing collaborations. What has been your favorite collaboration to date and why? I love all my features but, definitely working with London on the track from my EP that’s coming out, which was really eye opening. He helped me find my sound and him producing it was a big part of the project and making

It would be Drake. He is such a good song writer and then he can turn around and rap. Your latest song “On and Off” has a pop/ hip-hop vibe. How was it recording that? That was really cool. It was another situation where I was thrown in the studio with Devvon Terrell, and it was like, what can you guys come up with. He wrote his verse, I wrote my verse, it was easy. People are always like, are you guys together? Are you not together, it’s like, no we are on and off (in regards to the song). It worked out and I am really happy with what we came up with. What do you want your fans to know that they might not already know about you? Whenever I get this question, it’s so hard. I would say that we are more alike than people think. I just want people to know that we can all relate through music. Music is the connecting point, I want to bridge that gap between music and the artist. What can we look forward to from you in the future? Definitely tours, including an upcoming tour with K. Michelle. A lot more music, with my EP coming out. Acting as well. I will be on the first season Black Lightening so I am excited about that.

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Nicole Byer: Authentic & Unapologetic Written by Tiarsha Harrison Photos Credit: Facebook Watch Growing up in New Jersey, Nicole Byer always was known as the“loud child.” She had no concept of an inside voice. However, instead of viewing her big personality as a downfall, she decided to channel that energy into something greater. She auditioned for her school play and when she was cast, she knew this was something she could do forever. Nicole had found her calling. Being famous and in the limelight isn’t always an easy lifestyle to uphold but Nicole knows how to remain positive through it all. She wanted to do a script comedy that explained problems of everyday life. This script comedy would be called, “Loosely Exactly Nicole.” She states, “Working with Facebook has been insanely wonderful.” The Facebook Watch show is based on her being in her early 20’s trying to become an actress, have a social life, pay bills and of course, guys. With being a celebrity, it’s also hard to juggle

relationships. When asked about keeping up with a relationship, she stated, “I think it’s hard to date in general. Truly in L.A. men have a buffet of women so I think it’s hard when there are so many options.” However, the challenge doesn’t exactly deter Nicole because she is a busy, successful, African American woman who keeps her confidence despite the obstacles. Being an African American woman alone has its good and bad times, of course. Nicole feels black women are underrepresented and underpaid. However, our stories deserve to be told. Despite the negativity, it is getting better slowly with its progression. Nicole’s biggest inspirations are her parents, Whoopi Goldberg and Monique who are great role models. Her favorite food is a Cesar salad with bacon, chicken and cheese fries with gravy on the side from Toast on 125th in New York City. Her favorite desert would be a full behind pint of oogey gooey butter cake ice cream. For Nicole’s future, she hopes to continue to strive and be ambitious. She’d like to write more and start directing the things she writes. She’d like to do a movie and continue her show. Write a book and find a man even. And of course continue inspiring young girls!

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New York’s Very Own

Songbird Written by Tanasia Patterson Photos Credit: Christine Bronico

Everyone is good at something. Whether it’s singing, dancing, or playing an instrument; it’s up to you what you want to do with your talent. When you have a talent that you’re passionate about you want to share it with the world. New York native Celeste Fleurival, better known as Cee Songbird did just that. Cee showed the world her Mezzo Soprano voice. Where are you from/where did you grow up?

What genre of music do you consider your style?

I am from the Bronx NY near the Fordham Road location. 18 years in New York and refined 20 years in the South by way of Kissimmee, Florida.

I would have to say soul, blues and R&B. I love to sing classic rock as well.

What made you want to become a singer? I basically wanted to become a singer to share my gift to inspire, encourage and uplift. I never really aspired to become a singer per say. My stepdad would make me sing Denice Williams’ “Silly” in front of the company at the age of 9. He was an excellent drummer. I guess you can say he noticed my talent before anyone. How long have you been performing? I been performing for 38 years. How did you feel when you had your very first performance?

Would you like to produce an album of your own one day? Absolutely yes. I am currently collaborating to possibly start an album. What advice can you give to other singers who are just starting out? Make sure that when you choose the option to sing, make it about purpose and not just selfgratification. Where do you see your music career in the next few years? I’d like to have just one good song on the charts.

My first professional performance was in my High school Chorus under the direction of Dianne Randolph. I was extremely nervous. Ms. Randolph helped to enhance my natural gift and confidence which then in turn made me want to sing more.

What singers did you admire growing up?

Do you write music?

Prince if he were alive. He was an amazing musician. He brings out another level of talent in his artists.

I’ve written songs.

Prince, Aretha Franklin, Natalie Cole, Patti Labelle, Angela Bofill, Phylis Hyman and Billie Holiday. If you could collaborate with any artist who would it be and why?

You never know the impact you can have on someone by just sharing your talent with them. You can teach a person a lot just by taking the time out to share your talent as well as your words of wisdom when it comes to your craft. Cee Songbird did just that by sharing her beautiful voice with others.

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n O s e y E All

TIMOLIN

CASEY COLE INTERVIEW BY JO JO HARDER

Lovely identical twins, Timolin and Casey Cole, our March Cover stars, are the youngest daughters of the late, great, Nat King Cole, whose hits “Unforgettable,” “Love,” “Mona Lisa,” and many others, captured the world’s attention and confirmed him as a music legend. Taking time out from their busy schedule with Nat King Cole Generation Hope, Inc., their nonprofit organization that funds music education for children, the Cole Twins opened up about achieving work-life balance, the Cole Family Legacy, and coping with the recent death of their sister Natalie and her only son, their nephew Robert Yancy. Meet the spirited, self-assured, and authentic Cole Twins.

PHOTOGRAPHER: Vasi Siedman | STYLIST: Jo Jo Harder ASSISTANT: William Harder | MAKE-UP: Nina Celeste

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What brought you both to Boca Raton Florida? Tell us about your journey. Timolin: My husband Gary Augustus and I relocated here from New York in 1991, three months before we got married. Work brought the both of us to the South Florida area, and we had close friends who lived in Boca and Miami. I worked in entertainment public relations in New York and was traveling to South Florida for public relations conferences. Gary had a music production company and was working with a producer in Miami whose record label headquarters had relocated from Los Angeles to Miami. We loved the area and agreed it would be a great place to work, live and start a family. Casey: I moved to Boca Raton in May 2002 to be with my twin sister Timolin and her family. My husband passed away suddenly in 1997 when we were living in L.A. My son Wyatt was five months old. I decided that it would be best for my son when he turned five, to move closer to my sister, and we wanted to raise the boys together. I remarried my husband, Julian Hooker on March, 17, 2007. St. Patrick’s Day and also my father’s birthday! You both live in the same neighborhood. Do you get together often as families? We always get together as families. Sunday dinners, barbecues, pool parties. Our boys grew up together and are very close, and even though our get togethers have lessened due to the fact that the two have gone away to college, we look forward even more to those special occasions when they come home on their breaks and for the holidays. There’s nothing that makes us happier than being together! Family is everything! What do you remember about your father? Timolin: My memories of our father are very few and vague...we were only three when he died. It’s hard to discern between a memory and a photo. Somewhere in the recesses of my mind I recall Dad coming up the stairs in our house and I’m sitting

with my legs between the banister watching him come up the stairs and he’s humming a tune. I also have a vague memory of being in Mom and Dad’s bedroom and looking at him in his rocking chair... he was ill and I remember feeling sad and scared. Casey: The clearest memory I have of my father is him playing with my sister and me in our back yard with our dog. He was a Boxer and his name was Mr. Pep. We were all joking hands playing Ring Around the Rosy! Which of your father’s hits are your favorites? Timolin: There are so many favorites...Smile, Nature Boy, The Christmas Song, of course Unforgettable...the list goes on and on...but if I had to pick one I suppose it would be The Christmas Song which has been called the holiday national anthem. It’s the familiar holiday song that is the official sign that the holidays are here. The world knows and loves that song. In fact, our father just scored his first top 40-charting album on the Billboard 200 in more than 50 years with The Christmas Song! Casey: I have a lot of favorites of my dad’s songs... but the one that stands out for me is LOVE.... for obvious reasons. It resonates with me and that is what he meant to me and to everyone who’s lives he touched. His spirit was the embodiment of LOVE and he was LOVED. Your mother was a singer too. Did you see her perform? Were you close? Mom’s singing career happened before we were born. We were extremely close to our Mom. Our relationship with her was different than that of our older siblings Natalie and Carol, partly due to the fact that we were so young when our father passed and we filled that void for her. She had three-year-old twin daughters that needed her attention, and our six-year-old brother Kelly, and she felt needed and loved. She would always say we were the best thing that ever happened to her.

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This has been a very difficult time with the recent death of Natalie and her only son, your nephew Robert. How are you coping? It has been surreal. This has been a traumatic time for our family. Our nephew Robbie’s death occurred just a year and a half after Natalie’s. As identical twins my sister and I are blessed knowing we have each other’s love, support and an unending devotion to each other, along with the support and love of our husbands and sons. As the two-remaining daughters of Maria and Nat King Cole, all eyes are on you. How do you see your responsibility of carrying on your father’s legacy? Is that a comfortable position? It’s exciting although bittersweet to be in the position we are to introduce our father to a new generation... and share with the world the immeasurable impact his music and artistry still has on us all. Losing our Dad at such an early age, and all our siblings, our nephew and our Mom 5 years ago has not been an easy pill to swallow, yet we rely on each other for strength, love and continued faith and are forever grateful for the inseparable bond that we share. It is important at this time for us to preserve and honor the Cole Family Legacy. We wear this badge of honor with pride and joy. We truly have so much to be grateful for in our lives. How does one get the kind of confidence you both have if they don’t have the parents that you did? We strongly believe that confidence, determination and perseverance stems from our strong sense of faith. Self-love comes from within as human beings, we come into this world alone and we die alone. At the end of the day you must learn to be your own best friend, which is what we preach to our sons daily! We are driven by a sense of purpose and making a difference in the lives of children. You have to have a sense of purpose...that’s the key. In the words of Maya Angelou, “You may forget what someone said or what someone did, but you

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will never forget how they made you feel.” How did you come up with the idea for Nat King Cole Generation Hope? We wanted to honor and preserve our dad’s legacy so we decided to establish NKCGH in his memory, and as a response to the nationwide budget cuts to arts programs throughout the schools. Our mission is to provide music education to children with the greatest need and fewest resources.... ensuring all children are given access to a quality music education...this is our labor of love and our pride and joy! What does the future look like for Nat King Cole Generation Hope? Nat King Cole Generation Hope envisions a day when all children are given the opportunity to achieve and experience excellence in music. With support from our volunteers and the communities we serve, we will continue to provide access to quality music education to children with the greatest need and fewest resources. This year NKCGH will celebrate 10 years! What do you have planned? How are you moving forward? In 2018 Nat King Cole Generation Hope not only celebrates our 10 years as an organization, we begin plans for the 100th anniversary of our father. We began our year fortifying our volunteers, staff and installing our new National Board which will focus on expanding our efforts across the country. Our 7th year of our Summer Strings Camp is scheduled for June in Boca Raton, Florida, and plans are underway to introduce a new Summer Strings Camp in Chicago, Illinois, where our father grew up and where his career started. Music lovers can expect wonderful events, concerts and happenings leading up to a full year of Nat King Cole 100 celebrations in 2019.

It’s never easy jugging work with family life. Your schedules are very busy. How do you manage? We are very fortunate that in spite of our daily commitments that we can spend quality time with our families. It’s all about quality not quantity. We are often together on the weekends. We enjoy taking family trips togethe. We love going to Wyatt’s football games in the fall. We enjoy taking walks on the beach and having ‘play dates’ with our fur babies Treble and Princeton. What are your sons up to? Timolin: Julian, 21 is pursuing a career in the music industry...out of our three boys, he is definitely the one who inherited the musical, creative genes! Justin, 19 is a sophomore at Florida State University, studying Chinese, business and finance and planning to travel to China in the spring. Casey: Wyatt Ray, is currently a junior at Boston College studying Psychology at the Lynn School of Education. He is a starter as Defensive Lineman for the Boston College Eagles Football Team. Nothing can warm a heart quite like the unconditional love of a dog, and it’s obvious that you both adore your Labrador Retrievers Treble and Princeton. What do you like to do for fun with your fur-babies?

Photo from left: Treble, Timolin, Casey, Princeton

What is your personal style? Timolin: My personal style is casual and relaxed. I’m happiest in a comfy pair of leggings or sweats with an oversized sweatshirt and flip flops! Casey: During the day, leggings and t-shirts. Evening, if going out, jeans with a wedge sandal and bright colored tops with flowing pants.

Timolin: Treble loves car rides. We ride to the beach and he likes to sit outside at outdoor cafes and people watch. He loves the attention he gets from the passersby. He loves his play dates with his ‘cousin’ Princeton. And of course he loves to swim in his pool!

Describe yourself in one word.

Casey: I enjoy taking Princeton to the park where we play fetch. I enjoy walking him in my neighborhood where we meet up with other furry friends and neighbors. I enjoy being with him at home. He is great company.

Timolin: I wish I could talk to my dad.

What do the two of you do for fun?

This month’s theme for Bronze Magazine is Women’s History Month. What does that mean to you?

Timolin: Dinners and movies with girlfriends, delving into a good book while relaxing at the beach, quiet time with my hubby, long walks with my dog and my two friends...peace and quiet! Casey: Dinners and movies. I travel every weekend during football season to see Wyatt’s games. I don’t miss one! My favorite pastime. I’m officially a BC Mama Bird! GO EAGLES!

Timolin: Compassionate. Casey: Hopeful. Fill in the blank. I wish I could: Casey: I wish I could talk to that little girl who lost her dad when she was just 3 years old...(I mean me!)

Our country is seeing a shift when it comes to the presence of women and their significance in society. We are more engaged, inspired and outspoken than ever before for a multitude of reasons and we continue to be on the rise! We’re honored that Bronze Magazine is featuring our story and our position as women...women of color, faith, strength and pride. To quote Janelle Monae’s empowering Grammy speech,“We come in peace, but we mean business.” MARCH 2018

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TIMOLIN & CASEY COLE

Reveal The Hits of the Season... Shooting our spring fashion feature in Boca Raton felt so right, as this is where Timolin and Casey Cole live and work. The Addison, a historical landmark located in Boca Raton, Florida was built by famed architect Addison Mizner in 1926 as an example of h i s a rc h i t e c t u r a l v i s i o n f o r B o c a . I t s o l d world elegance and style was the perfect backdrop for captivating apparel from Michelle Farmer Collaborate. — JoJo Harder/@jojostylemaker

PHOTOGRAPHER: Vasi Siedman | STYLIST: Jo Jo Harder ASSISTANT: William Harder | MAKE-UP: Nina Celeste

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Timolin and Casey are “Unforgettable” in Aziza white linen kaftan with custom beading by Nilufar, $875, and Hemant & Nandita’s red, white, and blue frontier cape, $475. MARCH 2018

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In the Cool of the Day

“In the Cool of the Day,” Casey and Timolin sizzle in Michelle Farmer’s yellow Nicole kaftan off the shoulder cotton gauze top, $385, and coral gauze single layer cloud top, $375; House of Lafayette Billybob raffia Frey hat, $300.

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Too Marvelous for Words

Timolin and Casey’s are “Too Marvelous for Words,” in Michelle Farmer’s ivory multi embroidered tube top dress, $1,125, and turquoise cotton gauze Kimmie dress, $310; Lola Hats Re-Coconut raffia, $250; Featured here and on the cover.

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e u l B n i y d o ps

Rha

Rhapsody in blue and white glamour on the Camino Real side outside The Addison. From left: Casey in cotton tie die Hawa caftan $1,370 and Timolin wearing Lotta Stensonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shibori poncho, $260. All fashions at Michelle Farmer Collaborate: Palm Beach, Florida; Bridgehampton, New York; International Polo Club, Wellington, Florida; The Boca Resort and Club.

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QUEEN DIVA’S ‘Strength of a Woman’ Phyllis Hyman Tribue Interview by Shawn Stuldivant Exceptional, Outstanding, Melodic and Beautiful are just some of the words often used to describe Queen Diva, whose gift of song is sure to bring you to tears. She’s often been called “A Singer’s Singer” and she loves sharing her gift of music to inspire, encourage and shower love upon all who hear her voice! Born in (Jamaica) Queens, New York with a Caribbean and French ancestry yet raised in Houston, Texas Queen Diva’s five octave range voice was classically trained in Prairie View, Texas where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts in Voice with a Minor in Fashion Merchandising & Design at Prairie View A&M University, a part of the Texas A&M University system. In our interview with Queen Diva, she chats about her love for singing, her admiration for the late great Phylllis Hyman and her upcoming singing projects. How long have you been singing? I have been singing since I was a little girl. My Mom said I started singing as young as 3 years old singing nursery rhymes and songs on the radio. When did you start singing professionally? I got my first paid gig at 15 years old at a wedding for a friend of the family. But I would say Jamie Foxx gave me my start singing professionally. LOL! I had attended his “Foxhole Tour” in 1995 at Spreckle’s Theater in San Diego, CA and he had asked for someone in the audience to serenade him a song. And NO ONE moved. LOL! No one could tell if Jaime was joking or not! He’s a comedian and although he sang at his shows you couldn’t tell if he was serious or not. So he asked again if any female comes to sing to me I will give her $50 bucks and so I got up and went to the stage. He said, “Come on up!” Now mind you, I did not know I was going to get in to see Jaime that night. I knew the security guard that worked that shift that night and he asked if I wanted to go. I was hanging around the backstage door talking to him for a while and I said sure. I was wearing black shorts, a University of Georgia T-shirt and black sweatshirt around my waist as well as combat boots. LOL! So on with the story. So I get on stage and Jaime recognizes me as the young lady who was talking to the security guard outside earlier that afternoon.

He said all loud on stage, “You didn’t know you were getting in tonight did you?” LOL! He said, “Well, with this get up you BETTA SANG!” So he gave me the microphone. I thought for a quick second and sang a little of “Always and Forever by Heatwave” and his face dropped. LOL! He said, “Well, Damn, you can really sing, keep singing!” Then he got behind me and acted like he was slow dancing with me, then put a water bottle like he was going to ejaculate and I didn’t know until the audience was cracking up laughing and I am wondering why is everyone laughing all of a sudden? OMG! I was so embarrassed! LOL! But true to his word, Jaime Foxx gave me $50 bucks and told me, “Gurl, you can really SANG! Keep singing!” I never forgot that night. I never saw Jaime Foxx again and not long after that he became a huge star. How did you acquire the name Queen Diva? LOL! Interesting story. I used to write for a Hip Hop online magazine called “OntheSneakTip.com” and I didn’t want anyone to know it was me writing for them. Hip Hop was not a genre at the time and I, a classically trained and degreed Diva, did not want to be affiliated with but I wanted to write and that was the only outlet at the time for me.

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I actually fell in love with Hip Hop writing for that magazine. But that is another story. LOL! I was always called “Queen” which means “Highest form of royalty for a woman born a female” and “Diva” which means “Star or The Best Singer or Sent By God” while I was studying Voice-Music at Prairie View A&M University, a part of the Texas A&M University system. But it wasn’t until I shared a song at Adnaya Entertainment’s Music Networking Party called “Queen” that a Broadway Baby name Kwame Michael Remy blurted out, “Hunny, You ain’t nothing but a “Queen Diva” singing that song!” LOL! I used the name as a pen name and then as a street name doing street marketing for my songwriter’s forum and then as a radio personality and then finally as a recording artist. That was 20 years ago! Oh My! Time flies! LOL! Tell us about your admiration for Phyllis Hyman and her music. When did you decide to perform musical tributes using her songs? Wow! I had been told all through high school that I look just like Phyllis Hyman and it wasn’t until I got to college that I got a cassette tape of her “Living All Alone” Album. I wore that tape out my freshman year at PVU. I

think it is so important to know the lyrics of a song, personalize it for yourself to be able to tell your version of the story in song. I learned that listening to Phyllis Hyman since college and even still today. What would you like your audience to take away from your performances of Phyllis’ music? I would love for my audience to smile the entire night thinking about the amazing musical legacy that Phyllis Hyman left behind for us to enjoy over and over again. For them to know just that I am producing and performing this tribute in love. I am a small fraction of many Phyllis Hyman tributes going on in the world but in my tribute I will always include and personally invite members of the Hyman Family, honor Phyllis Hyman’s musical legacy and also share the importance of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention. I purposely chose to do this live recording in May which is Mental Health Awareness Month. It is just so important to love Phyllis’ musical legacy and not get caught up in how she left this earth but cherish the musical legacy she left behind for us all to listen to over and over and over again.

“I am a small fraction of many Phyllis Hyman.” was trying to figure out who I was vocally in between practicing Classical music to gain vocal technique. I listened to Phyllis Hyman, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Ella Fitzgerald. But I really listened to Phyllis Hyman for phrasing and breathing and Whitney for belting out my songs and Mariah for the high notes! LOL! While I listened to more vocalists over the years I was always drawn to Phyllis’ melodic phrasing and the way she would tell a story with every single song. She had a gift to personalize each and every song as if they were specifically written for her. Some songs were and others were not but you could tell the difference between those that were really personal for her like “Betcha By Golly Wow,” “First Time Together,” “Somewhere in my Lifetime,” “Meet Me On The Moon,” “Living All Alone” and “Old Friend.” All of those songs I mentioned I now have on my song set list for my upcoming live recording on May 18, 2018 at The Triad Theater. I have to say that is what I do now is I strive to be a storyteller with each and every song that I sing. I just 26

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Do you have a favorite Phyllis Hyman song? What is it and why is it your favorite? Oh My Goodness! So many songs recorded by Phyllis Hyman I adore! Just truly adore “Old Friend,” “Betcha By Golly Wow,” “Be One” and “When You Get Right Down To It.” My favorite to sing is “Old Friend.” I think of Phyllis each and every time that I sing this song. This was one of her favorites and she would get very emotional singing it when she would think about family and friends who had passed away before her to AIDS back in the late 80’s to the early 90’s. She truly loved her fans and her friends. I wish that I had the opportunity to meet her. But when I meet people who actually knew her, many of them say that I remind them of her. The essence of Phyllis as a vocalist and a woman. I am a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to my music, fashion for this show, how I want this show to run and my image. I want to honor Phyllis in every single way of this tribute. It’s not about me looking like her or even sounding like her but paying tribute to her my way, yet staying

true to the integrity of her musical legacy and sharing it with fans and new fans who may have never heard of her. . Tell us about your upcoming live recording performance in May. Well, this is something that I have been dreaming and thinking about for 13 years when I first thought of the idea to perform a Phyllis Hyman tribute while I was living in Houston, Texas and I was cleaning my room and listening to Phyllis Hyman’s Ultimate Collection. I was thinking how come there wasn’t a true tribute to Phyllis Hyman musical legacy that included her family and honored her love for performing and singing her heart out night after night to her fans whom she adored? I clearly heard in my spirit, “Why don’t YOU do it?” LOL! I promise you I looked around the room and I said, Me? Me? Then I thought to myself, “Why not me?” That was in 2005. I researched her music, family, friends, videos, microfilm, Google, Pinterest and musicians. I finally made the decision to do it for the first time in 2013 at the Metropolitan room and only 11 people showed up. LOL! I was devastated. I practiced for months, shared on my social media but it was on July 6th on her actual birthday and people were out of town or spending time with their families. So I said okay let me do it again. So a year later I tried to do it again at the Metropolitan Room and I couldn’t get 20 tickets sold. No one would support me. So the venue cancelled my show. I was in tears. I spent weeks rehearsing with a pianist and paid him for every single rehearsal and we never performed together. Then last year I did it again at the Metropolitan Room and 60 people attended. But my sponsor for me to do a live recording pulled out on the night of the show and I was in shock. We had a wonderful show and no really good video footage. I got rave reviews from all who attended but no press or video. So now Friday, May 18, 2018 at 7 pm at The Triad Theater I will finally do a live recording of my tribute to Phyllis Hyman. This time as of February 20, 2018 we are halfway to a sold out performance and I have my two BFFs Ayanda “Funky Diva” Sunshine, my Vocal Director/ Background Vocalist, who is a well accomplished singer/ songwriter and a member of PIXAlien, an Alternative Soul Duo out of Brooklyn, who will be releasing music Summer 2018 as well as Tonya “Gospel Diva” Lewis Taylor, Background Vocalist, whose Top 15 Billboard Magazine Gospel Charting Singles “Thank You and I’m A Winner” has made her a household name as a Recording Artist with EARS Music Group. These two “Divas” I have known for years and have listened to me talk on and on about this moment. I am so blessed to have these two solid professionals singing background with me! I also will be performing with a new pianist named Devory L. Pugh, Composer/Jazz Pianist from Parkchester who has his own body of work out on Amazon.com as well.

Phyllis Hyman suffered from mental illness, which eventually caused her to take her own life. Tell us about your work with mental health awareness and why it is so important to you. While I was researching Phyllis Hyman I found out that she had a family history of Mental Illness and that it was not just her. I asked questions about my own family’s mental health history and that is when I found out that my Uncle John suffered from Post Traumatic Depression after Vietnam in the U.S. Army and killed himself not long after his return. As well as my Uncle Morris who also served in the U.S. Army came back different and started using drugs and alcohol when he return and attempted suicide by jumping in front of a subway train but he lived. He lost a leg but he lived and now lives in Houston, Texas. I was so shocked because I had no idea until I asked questions. Unfortunately, as I researched Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention is just not discussed much in the African America community unless it happens close to home. So I was determined to find out more about both causes while I was continuing on to research about Phyllis Hyman’s musical legacy. I became a Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Advocate with the National Association of Mental Illness and American Foundation of Suicide Prevention NYC chapters. I also got certified in Mental Health First Aid that was spearheaded by First Lady Chirlane and Mayor Bill de Blasio because their only daughter suffered from Mental Illness. I actually have a letter of support from Mayor Bill de Blasio and First Lady Chirlane for my Strength of a Woman: A Phyllis Hyman Tribute performance during Suicide Prevention Month in September 2017. It is very important to me because it became very personal knowing my family members have suffered from mental illness and I didn’t really know or understand. But now I do and I share my information and became an advocate all because I was researching Phyllis Hyman’s musical legacy. I am also Integrity Beauty Women of Excellence Lifetime Ambassador 2014 and the International/National Recruiter for Ambassadors for Integrity Beauty Women of Excellence Christian Women Network. My platform is Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention. I have actually dedicated my Lifetime Ambassador title to Phyllis Hyman. I want people to know that Mental Illness and Suicide Prevention is a topic that needs to be discussed and shared to all ages and races. It’s not about the outside but what is going on in the mind. So will every song that I sing I strive to honor Phyllis Hyman musical legacy and to share the importance of Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention to all.

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Fly REPLAY by UK fashion designer Rahima Mohamed is finally here, the second instalment to RAAAH’s 2014 ‘Fly/Fly High’ debut collection. Featuring 28 cutting edge and high energy pieces from form fitting silhouettes to hip denim with a hint of ‘80’s glam, the Fly REPLAY collection is the perfect ready to wear wardrobe must have this spring/ summer. Shot on the streets of New York City by celebrity photographer Antoine ‘Noemad’ Reid and styled by celebrity fashion stylist Kanayo Ebi, the contemporary 2.0 vintage collection is specially paired with RAAAH’s most popular signature pieces combined with new high fashion trend led modern day styles. The RAAAH line, a popular favourite amongst celebrities Angela Simmons, Tiwa Savage and Leslie Grace, is a collective of vintage inspired timeless pieces pooled with new-age chic. The Fly REPLAY collection is available at www.raaah.co.uk and is now housed by the Kach Me If You Can Showroom. For more information and images including loans/styling requests please contact Francesca Adjei at the Kach Me If You Can Showroom on pr@ kachmeifyoucan.com

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Photo Credit: Elton Anderson

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Black Panther Stuntwoman, Janeshia Adams-Ginyard A true definition of black excellence and female empowerment Interview/Written by Shadea Blyther As if Marvel’s latest feature film, Black Panther hasn’t already impacted America as one of the biggest eye-openers since its release in February 2018, there is a lot of controversy as to what the film represents. This fascinating and innovating movie presented a predominately all-black cast that took place in a hidden fictional city in Africa, known as Wakanda. If you didn’t watch the film yet- YOU’RE MISSING OUT! Due to the success of this killer action movie directed by Ryan Coogler, it has been the talk of the country. Some people may think that the film represents black power to promote more black people as super hero figures and role models. Others may think that the movie relates to the 1966 Black Panther party founded by Huey P. Newton. The Black Panther movement was about practicing and monitoring the behavior of officers within the Oakland Police Department to resolve the act of police brutality in Oakland, California. However, while there may be mixed emotions as to what one of the highest-grossing film entails, I looked deeper into what the movie has displayed on its own. When I watched Black Panther for the third time, not only did I recognize how powerful the Black Panther was as a king in Wakanda, but I observed the powerful elite of women that were protecting him. The women of Wakanda, known as Dora Milaje, served as the Black Panther’s personal bodyguards. I got the pleasure of interviewing the talented stuntwoman and actress Janeshia Adams-Ginyard who not only was one of the eight female bodyguards that kicked ass in the film, but also a stunt double for lead actress Danai Guirira as well. Her professional stunt skills and athleticism have gained her the success that proves how women are capable of doing anything that men can do and even better! As an active member of the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, you have a successful background as a stunt-woman, actress, and professional athlete. You performed in stunts for television including The Mindy Project, FX’s American Horror Story: Roanoke & Cult, Disney’s K.C. Undercover, HBO’s True Blood, numerous commercials and in print ads for Nike. What inspired you to want to become an established and talented stunt-woman? I have always been athletic. I was a national

athlete and competed in track and field my entire life, from youth to college. However, I actually started out in the industry first as an actress. I did commercials and athletic print work. The transition into stunt work did not happen until I watched a movie where I saw a man running horribly. At the end of the movie was all the stunt credits and I remember how awful the dude was. I said to myself, “I need to be doing stunts. I know how to run; track was my background. I could do that.” And that was when I started.

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In the latest Marvel film, Black Panther, the movie’s success and achievement lead a box office record of an estimated amount of 202 million for its opening weekend that was released on February 16th of this year. You not only executed one, but two roles as the stunt double for lead actress, Danai Gurira’s character Okoye, and as one of the eight Dora Milaje, the women of Wakanda, who serve as Black Panther’s personal bodyguards. What was it like for you to be a part of making history to contribute in an all-black superhero film? This movie has been a dream come true. God is so good! I prayed every day for the opportunity to be a part of this movie, starting back in April 2016 until my initial contact from Sarah Finn Casting around September-October of that same year. Let me tell you, the Lord answers prayers. I am living in my overflow. While we were shooting this movie, I knew it was going to be good. Because I would be on set and I could see Ryan had a plan. The way he would explain a scene; you could see how he would process exactly what he wanted. Ultimately, because he had a vision. And I was happy to be included in his vision. He was very specific in wanting the Dora Milaje to have shaved heads. No bald caps, no wigs, not even a little bit of hair. Straight shaved. He wanted us to look authentic. And boy oh boy did it work! Watching the film on the big screen allowed me and the rest of the world to witness Ryan’s vision come together. It blew my expectations out of the water. I think it’s safe to say this movie has exceeded everyone’s expectations by leaps and bounds. I believe the world was waiting for a cinematic project like this. It was necessary for the culture; our Black youth now had their own superhero, someone who looked like them. In the film, you are a part of an elite all-female guard that serves the Black Panther to help protect him and the people that live in the hidden fictional city of Wakanda in Africa. When I watched the movie for the second time, the army of women were just as strong and fearless to fight for their country just as

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much as the men. Typically, in some movies, the women would stay home and take care of their children as the men were out fighting. What is your point of view on the film’s way of promoting such black excellence and women empowerment? Well this was not that type of movie where the women stayed home. It was never presented that way at all. Based on the Black Panther comic books, it was known that the Black Panther had all female bodyguards that were skilled fighters, the Dora Milaje. The Doras have pride for their nation of Wakanda and equally for their king, and are willing to do what it takes to keep both safe. This film is the epitome of “melanin poppin!” There is dark skin representation that has never been seen before. Women in powerful positions – Okoye being the general and Nakia an undercover spy. And a cast of veteran powerhouse actors that are household names- Angela Bassett and Forest Whitaker. Yes, this was Black Excellence in every sense of the words. Because of your amazing and kick-ass work in Black Panther, you reprise another role as a stunt double for Actress Danai Gurira in the upcoming 2019 feature film “Avengers: Infinity War.” You currently perform utility stunts and as a stunt double for Aisha Hinds in FOX’s 9-1-1 and in the Michael Dougherty directed film Godzilla: King of Monsters (2019). What other specialties or craft do you like to do in your spare time? In my spare time, when I am not training, I do karaoke. Absolutely love it. It is so much fun and I put on a show. One of the spots my friends and I go to has props, so you know I go all in. And also bowling and watching Cirque du Soleil shows. I have my own bowling balls, shoes, bag, etc. And I will travel to see the different Cirque du Soleil shows. At home I have all the souvenirs from the different shows I’ve seen already. I am in the process of planning my trip right now to go see JOYA, the Cirque du Soleil show in Mexico.

Photo Credit: Elton Anderson What advice would you give to women all over the world that they can gain from due to your achievements as a black successful woman who made history? My advice is to never give up. Seriously, it is that simple. I think what separates me from most people is that I am not a quitter. My mental game compares to none. No has never been an option for me. I did not give up. You can not allow anyone to deter you from your dreams, aspirations, and goals. You just can’t. Also, remove yourself from ALL negative energy. Doesn’t matter if it’s your mother, brother, sister, best friend, or boss. Disengage. So many people have folks in their circle that don’t believe in them, ain’t speaking life, hope, or encouraging words. Why stay around that? You are doing yourself a disservice. And lastly, whatever it is you want to do, put it into the universe. You have to speak stuff into existence. That’s what I do. Been doing it my entire life. Speak what you want into existence. Claim it. Believe it. That is the key. Half the people say stuff but don’t believe what comes out their mouth. That’s wack. You have to believe what you are saying. And then walk as if it has already happened. All of that, combined with totally depending and trusting on the Lord, are my keys to continued success. I am living in my overflow because I trust and depend on God. Photo Credit: Kyle Cowgill/POPSUGAR

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TO USE YOUR POWER FOR SELF-CARE AND STOP YOUR BAD BOSS FROM MAKING YOU SICK Written by Dr. Sheron Brown “You had the power all along, my dear.” -Glenda, The Good Witch Women’s History Month reminds us to embrace the legacy of how other women have shaped our world as we step into our own power with confidence. Operating in authentic power means your soul directs how you live, love, and lead at home and at work. Unfortunately, in a work culture dominated by the idea of winners and losers, there are women who lead with their ego and show little regard for how they negatively impact others. For some this is unintentional, and for others it is extremely deliberate. Regardless of their intentions, if you are a woman who is negatively impacted by someone who leads with inauthentic power, then the chances are you experience stress and frustration, which wreak havoc on your wellbeing.

What a Bad Boss Looks Like

Perhaps you work for a passive-aggressive supervisor who is underhanded about the way she positions how you are viewed by her supervisors. She’s very careful to always remind them about protocol and rank whenever she perceives the possibility that you might outshine her. Maybe she’s a work-avoider, and instead of showing up on time and completing her responsibilities, she dumps them on you, taking all the credit when things go well, or leaving you to take the fall when things go sour. Or maybe she power-trips, period! Your supervisor may even try to act nice by invoking Jesus’ name in the conversation from time to time or share how involved she is with her spiritual community. She may do this as a way to show how loving she is, that she speaks from the seat of wisdom and that all of her decisions are divinely inspired. Either way, her leadership sucks and it’s hurting you.

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“Chronic stress destroys bodies, minds and lives. It wreaks havoc through longterm attrition. It’s the stress of poverty, of dysfunctional families, of being trapped in an unhappy marriage or in a despised job or career.” MARCH 2018

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When I worked in a nine to five setting, I experienced someone who embodied all of these characteristics. She eventually drove every member of her seven-person, highly talented team away, but not before negatively impacting them. One team member suffered anxiety. Another used to get physically ill and eating was difficult at times. Still another was required to stay home for weeks because the stress resulted in two blood clots that were almost fatal. Working for this woman who led with ego-based power was deadly—literally!

Your Bad Boss Could Be Killing You

Reporting to a bad boss is hazardous to your health for several reasons. The most prevalent is the stress that can build up and become chronic stress. You can build up stress by holding anger, worrying about not knowing what to say, or when fearing job loss. As women, sometimes we are concerned about speaking up for ourselves and we tend to hold those negative feelings. All of this shows up as stress-eating, weight gain, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, stroke or even

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some forms of cancer. You may experience lack of sleep or depression and your performance can be impeded. Chronic stress can also lead to worst case scenarios like suicide. My sisters, if you report to an ego-driven boss, none of this has to be your story. You can change this dynamic by asserting your own authentic power. A side note to bosses: if you notice you continue to lose great team members, or they are often frustrated, sick or absent, then check yourself. You could be the bad boss. You are hurting your co-workers, and I believe, you don’t deliberately want to bring harm to others. So, talk to your direct reports with a sincere heart to see if you are triggering stress, then be about the business of reinventing how you lead. I know you can do it! Now, to everyone else, here are five ways you can use your power for self-care and stop your bad boss from making you sick.

Use Your Power for Self-Care

1. Heal Your Mind and Heart You can relieve stress with meditation, yoga or silent walking. Each of these activities require you to focus on your breath and invite balance. They help you connect to your source, stabilize frazzled brain patterns, and physically relieve your heart of irregular beating patterns. Committing to a routine to heal your mind and heart is a must! 2. Retreat from the Foolishness Sometimes you’ve just got to get away, and it’s not always a trip to a warm island. When I had a bad boss, I’d retreat to the bathroom. There I would look at myself in the mirror, remind myself who I was and of my power, then after a few deep breaths, devise my strategy for peacefully making it through the day. Find your secret place at work and retreat from the foolishness daily! 3. Comfort Your Tummy Stress eating is real. You are going to want food, so you might as well prepare by having healthy comfort foods on hand. If you’re not allergic to nuts or seeds, macadamias, almonds and cashews are great to keep on hand to snack on with raisins or dates. You might also consider having papayas, a nice sweet juicy mango, sweet potatoes, mini pumpkin pie bites, jicama fries, or mashed butternut squash. These are all ways to love yourself with the comfort you need through food, but without excessive weight gain. 4. Speak Truth to Power This one might scare you, but neutralizing your emotions by talking about them is healthy. Yes,

establish venting time with someone who loves you, but beyond that, learn the protocol on your job to resolve challenges with your boss, and begin to work that protocol. The intention is to share your issues with someone beyond her, but to do so according to the rules of the job. Remember to keep your conversation focused and use a discussion framework that guides you through speaking the truth with love. A popular example of one is Crucial Conversations. The framework will help you to powerfully speak truth to power. 5. Create Your Space If you get to number four, you may need to start working on number five. You have the power to create your space around you. If the job no longer serves you then start looking for a new one and leave! In the process, pray for the lessons you are to learn so that you don’t get another boss like her, and allow silence so your internal guidance system can direct you to your right next move. You deserve a space that is more nurturing to your soul, so create it! If you feel your situation’s needs are beyond these approaches, then in addition to finding a new job, please speak with a professional. The rest of us need you to be whole so you can share your amazing gifts with the world. But if you have a feeling these approaches can work for you, then get to the work of exercising your power, because wonderful woman, you have authentic power, and you had it all along, my dear.

Sheron Brown, Ph.D. is the owner of Sweet Eden by Sheron, a wellness education company. She is also the author of The Wellness-Purpose Connection™: The Ultimate Guide to Maximizing Your Life Experience. As a certified integrative nutrition health coach and yoga instructor, Sheron teaches mindful practices that helps you heal your physical, mental, and emotional well-being so you can fully live your purpose with joy and vitality. Connect with her online on Facebook and Twitter @sheronbrownphd or Instagram @ iamagirlfrombrooklyn. You can also email Sheron for help with your organization’s or individual wellness goals at info@ sweetedenbysheron.com.

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