Nov 2017 digital issue by Bronze Magazine

MAGAZINE

BRONZE NOVEMBER 2017

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A Question of Faith’s Marliss Amiea discusses her role in the recently released film

2017 Miss India America

India LaRoda uses her voice to empower women & children

Dr. Sheron Brown’s “Chocolate Therapy” provides a state of bliss for practicing forgiveness

“The Pink Panther Clique” urban fiction book series inspired by former inmates Aisha Hall, Sunshine Smith-Williams & Jamila T. Davis with Wahida Clark

FEATURING

“The Walking Dead’s”

SYDNEY PARK NOVEMBER 2017

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BRONZE MAGAZINE

NOVEMBER 2017 Editor’s Note Hello Bronze Beauties! I hope everyone is feeling inspired and living empowered! This month marks our 7- year anniversary and we are so happy and humbled to remain relevant for all these years while continuously spreading inspiration to you, our readers. In celebration of our anniversary, we recently hosted a very successful pop up event earlier this month in Brooklyn NY! We had such a good time that we are planning to do it again in February, so stay tuned.

CO-OWNER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Shawn Stuldivant CO-OWNER Barry Stuldivant GRAPHIC DESIGNER Sheena Tadifa WRITERS Cenithia Bilal Shadea L. Blyther Dr. Sheron M. Brown Quinn Diaz Taylor Johnson Mya Kay Tanasia Patterson Aisha Powell Jamelia Thompson

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As you prepare for the upcoming holiday season, try not to allow all the planning overwhelm you. Just take a step back and remember to make yourself the priority. Be realistic about what you can and cannot do, and don’t be too proud to reach out to family and friends for support. In this month’s issue, our cover star is the beautiful, young and talented actress, Sydney Park, who recently played the role of Cyndie, one of Oceanside’s rebel survivors in season 7 of The Walking Dead. Hands down, one of my favorite shows, I admired the strength that Sydney brought to Cyndie’s character and I truly hope to see her again in season 8. In our interview with Sydney, she talks about things like her role on the show, growing up as a child star, her comedic roots and what she likes to do when she’s not filming. Also be sure to read about all of the other amazing women in this issue whose stories will inspire and motivate you. I wish each and every one of you a very happy Thanksgiving holiday and I look forward to seeing you again in December. As always, happy reading!

xoxo, Shawn ant v i d l u St

CONTENT

NOV 2017 6. Marketing Expert LyToya Parker Says the Key to Success are Happiness and Self Love 10. Rising Star: Q&A with India LaRoda 14. From Youtube to Forbes — Muhga Eltigani and NatuAll Club 20. Juliet Hall on Conquering the Hallways of Success 26. Sterling Rhyne Talks ‘Remedy’ 38. Chocolate Therapy: A Blissful Path to Forgiveness 42. Martine Mayas on Being a Conqueror

featuring

SYDNEY PARK

46. Three Former Inmates on Becoming Published Authors 56. Tamara Charles: I am a Survivor 60. A Conversation with actress Marliss Amiea

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Marketing Expert LyToya Parker Says the Key to Success are Happiness and Self Love Written by Taylor Johnson Photos by Unlock Your Dreams LyToya Parker is a marketing expert and the CEO of Gorja RCC management. LyToya has launched several brands such as, Unlock Your Dreams, Still I Stand, and Recognize Real. She has used her experience in marketing and entrepreneurship to help celebrities like Tami Roman and Beverly Bond reach their goals. LyToya is dedicated to helping the black community and black owned businesses thrive and achieve success. This is what LyToya Parker had to say about starting a company and being successful... How did you get started in marketing and entrepreneurship? I got started around 5 years old as a entrepreneur! I was blessed with a family and a mom that allowed me to earn my own money! As a teen and young adult, I’ve always had a business and/or side hustle! However, when I was 20 years old it truly took off for me when I decided to embark in Network Marketing (Legal Shield). In 2005 when I launched my Marketing Firm, it wasn’t intentional, I was simply assisting my business partner and friend Sheneese Starr produce her conference. Another friend, ShaChena Gibbs saw something exceptional in me and said, “Hey,

you should start a Marketing Consulting Firm.” It has been a powerful journey ever since, filled with learning, growing, expanding and being. What inspired you to create Unlock Your Dreams? The initial inspiration, “Producing Unlock Your Dreams, will be the fastest way to make 7 million dollars to save myself, my family and my community,” however, what keeps me going with Unlock Your Dreams is the opportunity to honor and highlight amazing black men and women and a platform for hundreds to attend to receive the inspiration, knowledge and association to Unlock & Expand their dreams.

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How have people benefited from Unlock Your Dreams? I am unsure of how many but I will say that since between 2008, 2013 & 2015 there have been 49 Honorees and over 800 attendees who have benefited, in addition to Social Media and global coverage, thousands have benefited from the stories and testimonials. How would you describe success? Happiness & Self Love! In my opinion, there isn’t a measurement or a formula to success, I authentically believe as long as you’re happy and possess self love, you are SUCCESS! What do you consider the keys to success to be? Happiness, self-love, clarity, authenticity, belief, and enjoyment of the journey! What steps did you take to establish your brand? Research, obedience, creativity, consistency and change. Building any brand comes with research; having an ‘idea’ of your industry but most importantly, being obedient to YOUR spirit regardless of what the demographics and your marketing research states! Also, the ability to imagine and exercise your creative muscle is important! Lastly, consistency is important while still being open to change!

Building a team and MONEY has been my expanding areas! Money to make big investments and a PowerTeam that believes just as much or MORE than you believe! Do you think technology is changing the way people are marketing themselves? Absolutely! Technology has been a benefit and non beneficial. I believe that technology has been amazing at reaching thousands and thousands of people instantly! The ability to grab your cell phone and make a post and/or post a marketing flyer with the power of instant success is POWER! However, with that in mind, we are also becoming less human and having less conversations and building with one another! What advice do you have for other people trying to start their own business? Focus and work more on knowing, loving and believing in yourself. The more moments you spend loving and growing YOU, the easier the journey to build your business will be. Where do you see your business in the future? My dream is to produce award shows similar to the caliber of the Emmy’s and the Oscar’s and running a full service distribution company where I’m able to hire and truly be an asset to our community by providing jobs to formerly incarcerated men and women and the youth.

What are some things you struggled with when you were creating your brand?

“As long as you’re happy and possess self love — you are success.”

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Rising Star: featuring Miss India America

India

LaRoda by Shadea L. Blyther

History was made after Miss India LaRoda became the first African-American and East Indian woman to win The 2017 Miss India America title in 25 years! Not only did the 22 year old full-time student strut her stuff in a remarkable red sequined dress, but she became a strong voice for the youth, to advocate for women’s empowerment. During the 25th Anniversary Gala, held in Los Angeles, California, India LaRoda explained her passion to make a difference in the world that lead her to the crown for Miss India America. We got the inside scoop with India on how she grew her love to become an advocate for women’s empowerment and why she uses her powerful voice for underprivileged women and children. Congratulations on making history by becoming the first African-American and East Indian to win the title of Miss India America in 25 years. What inspired you to represent your voice for underprivileged women and to be a voice for the youth? I read that you went through a spiritual pilgrimage to India at the age of 10 years old? Please share with us what your experience was like at that time. My parents, myself, and my two younger brothers traveled a few times to India; our

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spiritual pilgrimage entailed visiting historical landmarks and various positive energy points to refuel our souls, and connect with our Gods. Within that time, I experienced a culture shock as I witnessed a lot of underprivileged women and children; from banging on our taxis to pulling on our clothes for food or money. Seeing families live in abject poverty, I knew I wanted to help but didn’t know how. By age 8, I knew I wanted to be a doctor. At the age of 10, after my trip to India, I knew I wanted to implement a difference and to make a change in the community

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What challenges did you go through during your childhood that lead you to be a spokesperson for the youth today? I had a great childhood and had a balance of being spoiled where I was “daddy’s girl” but my mother would constantly remind me, “look India, don’t just ask your dad for things. Get it done yourself.” I was blessed to be able to travel at a young age where I observed a variety of diverse communities and witnessed their conditions of poverty. My escapades inspired me to make a difference in the communities and cultures that I represent. You also represent diversity by being born and raised within two strong and fairly strict cultural backgrounds. Your father is AfricanAmerican and your mother is East Indian. What have you valued from your culture overtime that embraces you to stand for what you are as a woman of color? As far as the East Indian side of my life, I graduated from Sathya Sai Baba Bal Vikas which is a program equivalent to Sunday school. I learned the five humanistic values which are peace, love, truth, non-violence and right conduct. That is where my adrenaline, my passion, my care, and my love comes from and everything I stand for. I have family in India and family in Mauritius, which is an island next to Africa. As far as my AfricanAmerican side, I am very thankful for my father and everything that he has taught me. He grew up practicing Christianity, however after meeting my mom, he turned over to Hindusim. When I attended a private Catholic school, my father would provide me with the tools in respecting one’s religion, while continuing to hold my values as a Hindu. That’s why I believe I am a good representation of what Miss India America stands for because I encompass two different cultures and unify my backgrounds respectively. Miss India America stands for embracing diversity and unifying with love.

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In October, you received the “Woman of Purpose International Award” at the Be It Purpose Excellence Recognition Award c e re m o n y i n L o n d o n f o r b e i n g a l e a d e r for representing multi-racial women and encouraging women to strive for greatness. To enlighten women on their internal and eternal beauty. What inspired you to want to be an advocate for women’s empowerment? It actually started during my pageant journey in 2016. I always wanted to do something productive but have fun at the same time. My mother convinced me to join the pageant even though I was hesitant. But I realized in order for me to grow, I had to step out of my comfort zone and that’s exactly what it did. When I entered the pageant and realized that I was the only biracial contestant, my mentality and purpose shifted. I knew this pageant was bigger than me. I had to stand for all women of color and to stand for unity. I want to continue to use my platform and voice as a leader representing two powerful democratic countries and cultures, to make positive and drastic changes for women respectively. You’re a 22-year-old full-time student double majoring in English and Biology with a minor in French. You’ve won this year’s title for Miss India America. You continue to receive outstanding awards all with the pursuit to become a pediatrician in the future to work with children that have special needs. What more can we expect from Miss India LaRoda as you rise to be an influential public figure to the community?

for individuals with special needs, primarily autism between the ages of 4 to 23 year olds. I loved it because I learned how to navigate a variety of ways to teach communication skills in a way that each individual could comprehend and benefit from. So far, my influential outline entails advocating for a non-profit organization such as Smile Train. They provide free cleft lip surguries for children in over 85 countries, which include India. I’ll be celebrating World Smile Day at an event the organzation is holding with Smile Train’s young leadership circle as a representative for young women. I also contribute with another non-profit organization that I advocate for that strives to uplift young girls and women to be strong and independent. What advice would you give to underprivileged women and children across the world on how they can reach their goals in life? Never let fear get in the way of your goals because it can hold you back. Remember, in order to grow, step out of your comfort zone and be open minded. Keep pushing and strive for your dreams because you never know where experience can lead you to something new. You might find yourself doing something completely different that may lead you to love what you do. Catch the pageant on air broadcast on Bollywood’s television network B4U to check out India LaRoda compete with other contestants for the crown of Miss India America 2017.

Yes, I used to work as a behaviroral interventionalist

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I want to continue to use my platform and voice as a leader representing two powerful democratic countries and cultures...

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From Written by Cenithia Bilal Muhga Eltigani, the Founder and CEO of NaturAll Club, began chronicaling her natural hair journey via YouTube in 2012 by usuing only fresh and natural ingredients in her hair. The channel has since garnered 45,000 subscribers and 2.5 million views. It all started as a personal challenge in college. Eltigani hated how most hair products made her hair feel unhealthy, so she cut off her hair and started fresh. Instead of spending money at the beauty supply store, she decided to embark on the ultimate DIY challenge: her hair regimen. F ro m s h a m p o o s a n d c o n d i t i o n e r s t o styling products, Eltigani made everything herself with natural ingredients for the next 6 months. Throughout that time, she filmed videos to document her journey. These video journals weren’t just about trims and length-checks, they were also extremely personal. She was teaching herself how to take care of her hair and, most importantly, how to love it. After encouragement from her roommate, Eltigani created her YouTube channel, PictureMeNatural, and started posting. There, she found a community of black women who resonated with her story and with her content. YouTube was how she joined the natural haircare movement, where black women were the teachers and the students, constantly sharing recipes and tips with each other across internet platforms.

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Youtube to Forbes

Muhga Eltigani and NaturAll Club

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As her DIY videos became more and more popular, Eltigani saw a common trend throughout the comments: many women j u s t d i d n ’t h a v e t h e t i m e . T h i s w a s a revelation and an opportunity to fill a gap that no one in the natural haircare industry had considered. So Eltigani and her partner Sam Roberts launched NaturAll Club, “the next L’Oreal for natural products,” in 2016. Using both the meat of the avocado and its oil, the company currently offers a hair mask solution box that targets three major hair issues (dryness, dullness and damage) and a leave-in serum with a shea butter base. With products that require immediate refrigeration upon delivery, NaturAll Club is changing the black haircare market. When it comes to the startup world, it’s difficult to be the only one in the room. “I’m a black woman making hair products for other black women,” Eltigani said. According to Mintel, consumers will spend an estimated $2.54 billion on black haircare. It’s undeniable that the market exists, with conditioner sales among black consumers expected to reach an estimated $491 million this year alone. As for raising money, Eltigani doesn’t have to

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prove that the market is there, she just has to prove that her team and her products meet the market’s demands. So how does she approach investors? Well first, it’s about bridging that education gap. As a black founder providing products to black consumers, it would be ideal to find black investors. But the reality is that, as Eltigani lamented, “for every 1 black investor there’s 100 white men.” Finding those connections means traveling to different cities and spending a lot of time creating that network. But she often finds herself pitching to white investors who just can’t relate to the products and don’t understand that the need is there. Eltigani put it this way, “[I] have to prove that black women are worthy to invest in.” Raising money from the community you’ll be servicing, grants and pitch competitions are really great options for anyone with a great idea, incredible passion and little money to get it off the ground. Without the startup capital that many founders have access to, Eltigani raised NaturAll Club’s first $10,000 from crowdfunding.

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For every one black investor there’s 100 white men. I have to prove that black women are worthy to invest in.

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“I think that your hair journey isn’t just about [the] product, it’s about [the] community that you surround yourself with,” Eltigani said. NaturAll Club has set itself apart from its major competitors like Shea Moisture or Meille Organics. It’s established a community of black women that advocate f o r e a c h o t h e r a n d g e n u i n e l y g ro w s through word of mouth. Its transparency and authentic, natural ingredients will only make the brand grow faster. Because that’s what most of us want, an ingredient list that we can actually pronounce. Eltigani was selected to be a Forbes 30 Under 30 this year. When asked on h o w s h e m e a s u re s s u c c e s s , E l t i g a n i replied, “Success for me has always been somewhat connected to happiness.” The 25-year-old has plans for NaturAll Club that go beyond e-commerce and the United States. She wants NaturAll Club to be the next global brand for natural beauty products. The company is only a year old, but Eltigani doesn’t think it’s too early to have big dreams. She always remembers what someone told her, that “an overnight success took 10 years in the making.” Bronze Beauties, head on over to https://naturallclub.com/ and use the code bronzefam to get 15% off your order!

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JUL IE T

Photography by Jack Manning, III of JAXONPHOTOGROUP

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Conquering the hallways of success Interview by Mya Kay Mya Kay, born and raised in North Philadelphia, is a best-selling celebrity author, speaker and literary coach who believes everyone has a story to tell. She has been honing her craft since she first discovered her calling for writing and publishing ten years ago. She has published eleven books and a non-fiction guide, Don’t Time Your Masterpiece, Take Time to Write It: From The Inside Out. Mya Kay is currently signed to The TMG Firm as an author and was the first person in literature to release three books on the same day (April 4, 2017). Mya helps others bring their stories to life through coaching and workshops. You can check out her services at www.masterpieceinkedpublications.com. @writermya | www.writermya.com After spending 17 years at a corporate entity such as Chick-Fil-A, you would think Juliet Hall would take a leap of faith and decide to franchise a few locations of her own. But when you know that God gave you wings to soar as high as you want, you leap right into a place of freedom – owning your own business and taking all that you learned to help others take steps toward their own destiny. Own Your Opportunities (OYO), a self-empowerment company started by Juliet, pushes women to leverage their value, use their talent to drive results and seize the moment that they are currently in. A woman driven by leadership and purpose, Juliet wanted to create a company that would take her beyond the corporate walls. Her story is the perfect testament to what it means to conquer the “hallways” of success, (that place in between now and next that prepares you for destiny). With all that you’ve done and experienced, what do you believe your purpose is today? I believe I was put on this earth to be a voice and a presence that represents God’s Kingdom. I want to be God’s spokesperson/representative here on this earth. Not to be overly religious or pushing my beliefs on people, but to truly exhibit the lifestyle of living the abundant life God created us to live. There is no lack in the Kingdom of heaven and I believe that I’m called to bring that type of culture to the people that I interact with. God has given me the gift of speaking and writing as the vehicles He will use to bring that purpose to pass.

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For every one black investor there’s 100 white men. I have to prove that black women are worthy to invest in.

Speak a little bit about your past and upbringing and touch on some of the obstacles you faced on the way to your way to destiny. My parents separated when I was 10 and officially divorced when I was 13. For three years, I watched my support system split. What was stable became destabilized and it was painful, because I was a daddy’s girl. I felt alone a lot, especially after my mother remarried. It was tough with her new marriage because things weren’t always the best and I found myself looking for my father to rescue me. At some point, I realized that no matter who was or wasn’t there consistently, my Heavenly Father was that support system that I needed to fill my voids. when I was a child, my father had challenges with addictions that resulted in him not being there for me when I needed him the most. This left me feeling abandoned, but all of those experiences made me into the resilient woman I am today, but I am in no way a victim. I learned to channel my life of pain into a life of promise, even though at that time, I didn’t know what I was called to do. Which is why I’m always encouraging women to write down their goals even while going through hardships. Goals keep you focused even with the turmoil. How do you believe growing up in a single parent home or having divorced parents affected you (and affects other women)? When you face something like that, there’s a feeling of unworthiness that begins to play on your psyche. You start to wonder even as you get older, “God, is there a man that

wants to marry me,” because the absence of that first male figure in your life makes you question your worth. There are even times where you may feel like you aren’t worthy to be rescued and that’s why we have so many women out there compromising their modesty and beauty just to be noticed. They are looking for a level of adoration that they probably just didn’t get at home. There were times, even in my 20’s and 30’s where I got stuck in that place. I have since resolved that my life isn’t defined by who I’m married to or the company I work for. That’s not my identity. My identity is in Christ. It may take some time to get that rooted in your spirit, but it will happen. Talk to me about the vision for Own Your Opportunities (OYO), especially since you are a great example of someone who has done exactly that. I got the name about a year ago. I wanted to create a platform to inspire and mobilize women. I noticed the same theme was playing over and over throughout my life. It was the theme of “self-empowerment.” I never felt like someone else could define my future and that was something I saw a lot in corporate America. People would ask questions about how they could advance or how they could get a higher position, but to me, they weren’t seeing the bigger picture. I didn’t need someone giving me a title in order to feel fulfilled. Either way, I was going after what I wanted. I believe that you should take advantage of opportunities and even creating opportunities at your place of work, that don’t already exist. Own it and stop waiting for someone to own it for you.

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How has your experiences at Chick-Fil-A, and in life, prepared you for what you are doing with OYO? There’s a difference between your livelihood and your calling. I knew that I wasn’t going to retire in a company because I had a vision to do other things. I started to try my hand at things I always wanted to do, including acting. As long as I wanted to do it, I did it. My journey with Chick-Fil-A lasted for 17 years and I had a tremendous experience. The benefits of working for another company before going out on your own is that you develop all the skills you need for your next level. You have to learn to let the company you work for work for you. Don’t despise those tough moments at your day job, make them work to your advantage. Develop the skills and things that God has given you so that you can be prepared for the business that you want. I’ve been able to visit all the continents except for Antarctica. With all of that experience and all of the skills I developed, I was ready for Own Your Opportunities as soon as God opened the door. What are three things that you would say to women that they can do right now to own their opportunities? SURRENDER The first thing I did was pray and ask God to give me His plan and purpose for my life. It was a very specific, short prayer, but it was passionate. I had to surrender everything that wasn’t for me for everything that He wanted to give me. You have to decide in your mind that you’ve had enough and that you won’t conform to other people’s blueprint for success but submit to a divine one. As soon as I prayed that prayer, an opportunity opened up at my company where I could utilize my gifts more often.

WORK ON YOUR POSITIONING I didn’t know when I was going to transition out of corporate America, but I knew it would happen. I started to take steps toward what God had told me. For me, that positioning was financial. I started to prepare by saving, handling the bills I needed to handle and being wise about my finances. For others, it may be going back to school and taking a few classes or obtaining the necessary resources for what you will need. FIND OUT YOUR GIFTS This is different from skills. Skills can be developed, but your gifts really give you the identity of who you are. Your gifts are the nature of what you do and who you are. Start operating in your gifts. If you can’t find it on the job, find it outside the job. It’s your gifts that make room for you. Not your education, your title or your money. It’s your gift. Your gift creates space for you in the world. People will find you and pay you for your gifts and you will know that you are operating in your gift when you are able to serve humanity. Since Juliet started to hone her gift of writing and speaking, she’s taken leaps beyond measure. As Juliet has taken the time to inspire the readers of Bronze Magazine, her own inspiration came from her maternal grandmother, the late Ethel Henderson Taylor, a fierce woman who had dual careers in education and radio broadcasting, who was the voice of her time (she was also inducted into the South Carolina Broadcasters Hall of Fame). Because her grandmother didn’t allow the atrocities of her era to deter her from fulfilling her purpose, it’s safe to say that Juliet is following strongly in her footsteps. To find out more about Juliet Hall and Own Your Opportunities, visit her website at www.juliethall.com. Follow her on social media @juliet.hall.

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Sterling Rhyne Talks About Her Debut Song ‘Remedy’ Written by Jamelia Thompson Today, genres like R&B, hip-hop, pop, and even reggae have been dominating our musical platforms. Whether being played on the radio or on our cellphones, such genres are a staple part of our lives. In spite of this, those artists who represent other genres of music have been standing their ground, attracting audiences with a different approach and sound. Sterling Rhyne, a folk/soul musician, is one of those artists who captivates her audiences with music outside of these norms. In an interview with Rhyne, BronzeMagazine had the opportunity to learn more about her musical journey and her recent debut, “Remedy”. Where were you born and raised? I was born in Fort Worth Texas and raised in a small town east of Dallas called Mesquite. Have you always aspired to become a singer? Why? Not always. When I was a kid I was actually very shy and didn’t like singing in front of people. The only time I really liked to sing was if I was singing with an ensemble or choir. If performing solo, I had much more confidence playing an instrument. As I grew older and continued to perform, I fell in love with how the human voice can command the attention of a room. Especially as an introvert, I loved the idea of using my voice to tell stories and tapping into this alter ego on stage that had more of an extroverted energy. So I decided to focus on performing as a singer-songwriter and accompanying myself while singing. What attracts you to the folk/soul genre in comparison to other music genres? When writing, I think more about the mood I would like to create sonically instead of genre. The pieces I have written over the last few years have seemed to naturally gravitate towards and have been described as having a folk/soul vibe but this also continues to evolve.

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Do you remember the first song you ever wrote? What was it about? I wrote a lot of compositions on piano and violin throughout my childhood, but the first singersongwriter style song that I wrote on guitar with lyrics was this tune called “Sunrise” when I was about 16. It was inspired by bird calls that I heard during my journey to Monterrey, Mexico. How did the opportunity to work with Afropunk come about? It was great working with Afropunk. Just as I was about to release my single “Remedy,” Afropunk reached out, letting me know that they wanted to premiere the single. I’ve been an avid follower of Afropunk for a long time, so it was exciting, to say the least. Can you briefly describe what your experience was like working with Afropunk on your single “Remedy”? When it came time for Afropunk to premiere “Remedy,” I shared details of the song’s background, including my inspiration for the music and lyrics. We also discussed parts of the recording process (which took place in New York City) and how all of these elements helped the song come together.

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By the age of twelve, you were considered an “experienced classical pianist” and you’ve also explored with instruments such as the violin and guitar. Are there any other instruments you can play? Which is your favorite and why? I love experimenting with and teaching myself new instruments so I can understand all the nuances involved in composing for them. In the past I have experimented with or taught myself accordion, viola, bass, mandolin, drum set, congas, banjo, ukulele, 12 string guitar, other various percussion instruments. Right now I’m obsessed with harp. I wouldn’t say I have a favorite, but the instrument that I love songwriting on most right now is the guitar, because there are so many options for sounds and textures. Also I love the feeling of holding it and feeling its vibrations along my core. Your song “Remedy” is a reflection of your relocation from rural life in Texas to the bustling city life in New York.” What do you miss about living in Texas? I do miss the vast nature of Texas. The plains and skies seem to go on forever. Overall the colors are more vibrant and the sun is brighter. Also there is something very meditative about driving on the open roads and highways there. What do you enjoy about New York? Is there anything you dislike? New York City has this beautiful communitylike vibe unlike any other place I have been to. We all live on top of each other, so you really do get to know your neighbors and the people who you cross paths with. There is also an amazing energy. Everyone here is always on the go, and it is so densely populated. Many people come to New York to follow their dreams and you really do feel that energy here. So many creatives and beautiful minds convening in one area, but if you are not careful it can also send you over the edge a bit. The melody and lyrics for “Remedy” came to you in a dream one summer night. Can you briefly describe this dream? Sometimes I have these deep dreams where I see very vivid colors and hear melodies. I vaguely remember the dream, but I distinctly remember seeing floating colors, shapes and hearing the melody, harmony, and part of the

lyrics for the chorus. As soon as I woke up I immediately recorded what I could remember from the dream and wrote “Remedy.” After listening to your song “Remedy,” I truly fell in love with its upbeat vibe and instrumental exploration. When working on this track, what did you hope your audience would take away after listening? “Remedy” is a dream song. It was written after I had a dream and it is about following your dreams. Through the song, I hope to spread overall vibes of positivity, hope and inspiration. In addition to composing “Remedy” you also served as the producer. In the future do you plan to produce more of your own songs? Why or why not? I definitely plan on continuing to grow in my production chops, and developing a unique sound. It’s fun to imagine all the possibilities and avenues to take with the bare bones of a song. In your opinion, what sets aside your lyrical and musical style from other artists? I try to continually explore new rhythms and harmonic textures while staying raw and organic. Is there an artist(s) who you admire or enjoy listening to? There are so many, some of my overall inspirations are Bjork, Nina Simone, Joni Mitchell, Prince, and Alice Coltrane. Also, I grew up listening to my father’s 80s R&B, electronic, and rock music playing which I have been influenced by and love returning to listen to. If you had the opportunity to do a song collaboration with any other artist who would it be and why? I would love to collaborate with Moses Sumney. His vibe and overall aesthetic musically and philosophically is very awe inspiring. I think we could create something magical together. What is next for Sterling Rhyne’s singing career? An album? A music video? Right now I’m finishing up a music video for “Remedy” which will be released around the beginning of winter. Also currently working on an EP to share in spring of next year. NOVEMBER 2017

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SYDNEY PARK SYDNEY PARK SYDNEY PARK SYDNEY PARK SYDNEY PARK Photographer: Amina Touray @aminatphoto Makeup artist: Niehla O @niehlao Hair stylist: Marva Stokes @_marstar Stylist: Lisa Valerie Morgan @lisavmorgan Dress and necklace c/o Greigh Goods @greighgoods

Written by Aisha Powell 30

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Fearlessness. Ambition. Kindness are actress Sydney Park’s keys to success and with her impressive resume, we can say it has definitely worked. Park started as a child star doing comedy and appearances on sitcoms. She was the youngest person to do a stand-up skit at Hollywood Improv and added humor with a lot sass to the popular show “That’s So Raven.” Today, Park hasn’t slowed down a bit, staring in “The Walking Dead” as ‘Cyndie’ as well as movies and a Youtube series as well. Park shows us what hard-work, dedication and love of your craft can bring and is an inspiration to young black girls everywhere. In my interview with the talented actress, we talk about roles, inspirations, being black and her love of acting! How has growing up as a child star affected your upbringing? I’m really thankful to have gone to real school for most of my childhood. My parents were always very serious about my education – as was I! I loved going to school. It’s been a challenging and fun ride for sure but I honestly wouldn’t have had it any other way. I’m doing what less than 1% of the population is doing and that in itself is truly a privilege! At only six years old, you became the youngest person to perform standup comedy at the world-famous Hollywood Improv. What was that like? When did you realize you had a gift for making people laugh? I’ve always been very extroverted, even as a toddler! I never went through a shy phase. I didn’t move to Los Angeles for the business, it was mostly for my parents’ jobs. When my mother began working at the Hollywood Improv, I started hanging out there more and more because I loved the energy of the place. I would always do “pre-shows” in the dining room before the main show! DeRay Davis and Big Spike who are practically family told my parents that I should write a set and perform on stage. When they booked me to do a set on Mo’Betta Mondays for the first time, that completely changed my life! Growing up with some of the most amazing comedians

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really shaped me not only as an actress but also just as a person. I miss that part of my life! It was full of richness and love. I’m currently writing some stand-up material so that I can go back to my roots! What role or event solidified your love of acting? When I was two-years-old, I told my parents, “I want to be on that TV!” I’ve always had a love for performing. My first professional television gig, “That’s So Raven,” is what really got me started as an actress. Before that I had booked some cool national commercials and a few print jobs here and there, but guest-starring on that show meant the world to me. I remember to this day Raven took me under her wing on set! She showed me the ropes, ran lines with me, discussed blocking, and showed me so much love and respect. From that point on I knew I wouldn’t ever stop working towards my goals! What actors/actresses do you see as role models or as mentors? Who would your dream co-star be? I’ve got mad love for Meryl Streep, Jodi Foster, Naomi Harris, Viola Davis, Jada Pickett Smith, Christian Bale, Leonardo DiCaprio, Robin Williams, and Cuba Gooding Jr. I would love to act alongside Will Smith one day!

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How did you land the role as ‘Cyndie’ on one of the biggest cult hit TV shows, AMC’s “The Walking Dead?” How did it feel making that transition from comedy to such a dramatic role? The Walking Dead has been a household favorite ever since it debuted on my birthday, which is on Halloween, eight years ago! My mother, Kelly Park, is an amazing acting coach so we ran through the material before the audition. After one audition I got a call from my team and they said I’ll be flying to Atlanta to shoot within the week! It was a whirlwind and an incredibly surreal experience. It’s always been relatively easy for me to do both comedy and drama, but I would’ve never imagined being a kick-ass character on a number one show! ‘Cyndie’ is very headstrong and fearless, yet she seems to possess compassion and even empathy. How did you prepare yourself for this role? I really tried to embody her in a way that was true to her situation. Cyndie is someone who has experienced incredibly traumatic experiences – from being witness to her family’s death to enduring the apocalypse, she has been through way more than the average person. At the end of the day, she is still the teenage girl she was before all of the tragedies in her life who is just trying to survive. Cyndie has a big heart but she won’t take crap from anyone. These are all of the things I keep in mind when playing this role! Your movie Wish Upon seems quite eerie. Tell us a little about the movie’s premise and your character. Wish Upon centers around ‘Clare Shannon’ (played by my girl, Joey King), who is

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enchanted by an ancient Chinese “wish box” when her dad finds it and gives it to her as a gift. Clare has had a hard time growing up and she begins to use the seven wishes the box grants her. However, despite her finding out that the box says, “A blood price will be paid,” she begins to become more and more attached to the box! My character, ‘Meredith McNeil,’ is Clare’s sassy, tomboy-ish, and loyal best friend. Meredith is definitely what the director and I like to call “the truth” in this movie! She always says what everyone wants to say but doesn’t have the guts to do it. I love how crass and fun Meredith is! You are set to star in the YouTubeRed series, “Lifeline,” which is produced by Dwayne Johnson. What’s it about? Tell us about your character on the show. What is it like working with Dwayne Johnson? Lifeline is a sci-fi action thriller set in a bleak and dark city. It’s about a life insurance company that beats the system by jumping thirty-three days into the future and saving their clients. You can imagine how complicated things can get when you’re messing with other people’s fate! My character Norah has a coolness to her with a punk-rock exterior. When Norah was only ten- years-old, her father was accidentally murdered in a crossfire while another Lifeline agent Connor Hooks (played by Zach Gifford) was trying to save his wife. Six years later, Connor’s guilt and Norah’s curiosity to find out what really happened to her dad is how these characters’ worlds collide. It’s an awesome concept with a very unique cast! I have yet to meet Dwayne Johnson, but he’s making a cameo in the series as well as promoting the show with Zach and I this year! I can’t wait for you guys to see the show.

Dress by Adelina Rusu (@adelinarusuofficial) https://adelinarusu.com/ c/o Maison Privee PR (@maisonpriveepr_la) Boots by Shoe Dazzle (@shoedazzle)

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“Hollywood has a hard time thinking outside of the box.” What has been your favorite show/movie to work on? I would definitely say The Walking Dead! I’ve only done two episodes so far and yet I consider the cast and crew my family. It’s an iconic show and every single person on that set works their butt off! Every time I go back for shooting I know I’m going to have the experience of a lifetime with some of the most amazing human beings. As a bi-racial woman (Korean and AfricanAmerican), what are some of the changes you would like to see in the entertainment industry? I would mostly like to see people of color booking more universal roles and not just the “Black” or “Asian” stereotypes. There are plenty of talented and worthy actors/ actresses out there who happen to be of different races, but just haven’t gotten the opportunity to be seen. We’re constantly placed in typical situations – Hollywood has a hard time thinking outside of the box. It’s challenging but I’m thankful that I get to represent both my African-American and Korean cultures to help pave the way. We have to fight the good fight! What are some tips you can give young black actors or actresses just breaking into the industry?

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This is an incredibly competitive and sometimes heartless industry! Some word of advice is know your business as in read your scripts, study films/television, be familiar with whoever is attached to a project, and take it seriously. As a young Black actress myself, I know I always have to be 250% better than my competition. Also, make sure you’re having as much fun as possible! What are three words you would use to describe the keys to success? Fearlessness. Ambition. Kindness. In the future, are there any endeavors or ideas you want to explore? I’ve always been interested in writing/ directing my own projects one day which is a goal I’m currently working on. I love to write and I love the idea of having my own creative freedom! I also can’t wait to start exploring music. I’ve always adored singing/ songwriting! How do you like to spend your time when you are not filming? You can find me on the beach, practicing hot yoga, painting, reading, or kicking it with my home girls. I’m a very chill person and sometimes I can even be a home-body! I’m really looking forward to having some time off to travel and see the world.

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Chocolate Therapy: A Blissful Path to Forgiveness Written by DR. Sheron Brown It’s the time of year when many celebrate and show appreciation for people in their lives. Typically, based on if your religious belief allows, the celebration is expressed with thanks- and gift-giving. We show loved ones they matter by honoring their presence, making time for them, breaking bread with them, and sharing fun times and laughter. But what about people who have hurt and angered us, like past friends, past significant others or former coworkers? Do they get a space of appreciation in your life? And if they don’t, is it because there are intangible wounds that are still sore? Are you holding negative feelings toward him/her? Well, regardless of your religious belief, there is one universal giving that will heal several areas of your life: forgiving. The Bitterness of Being Unforgiving Much has been said about forgiveness, so I’ll be straightforward: if you choose to hold the hurt, if you choose to not forgive, you are choosing to make yourself sick—emotionally, mentally and physically. Emotional Sickness We use words so often that while we know how to use them correctly, we can forget their precise meaning. For example, how would you define emotion? Technically, it’s defined as a state of consciousness where feelings such as joy, sorrow, hate or fear are experienced. Being unforgiving creates negative feelings inside of you. Test it. Think about someone you’re still upset with because they hurt you—like an ex-lover or former close friend—and examine what you are feeling in this moment. Does it feel good? No? Now imagine what holding that feeling, whether consciously or unconsciously, is

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doing to your state of consciousness. Over time, you are choosing to create emotional sickness inside your being. Why? Mental Sickness Negative states such as fear, sorrow or anger negatively interfere with your mind. Likewise, positive states improve the way you feel and lightens your mental load. Reflect on yourself. When do you typically do your best work? When you are feeling good! There’s science behind this. Negative emotional states minimize the effectiveness of your executive functions—the mental skills that help you get things done, like decision making. Prolonging a negative emotional state related to being unforgiving, whether consciously or unconsciously, is actually influencing the quality of your thoughts. That’s both at home and at work. You are choosing to make yourself mentally sick and probably making poor choices on a regular basis. Is this something you want to continue?

Physical Sickness Do you believe that your emotions interplay with your body? Think about it: emotional states create the reaction of releasing chemicals—either too much or not enough. For instance, sadness results from low levels of serotonin and depresses the body’s ability to feel, think, move and digest. Furthermore, when you’re angered, catecholamine is released and your attention narrows to the target of your anger. In either case, your body suffers from the negative emotional state, physically, and overtime the intangible emotion shows up as a very tangible disease. And you are doing this by choice whether consciously or unconsciously. Again, why?

Bliss Out on Forgiving I believe that if you’ve been unforgiving, you haven’t been consciously choosing to make yourself sick. When you know better, you do better, and now that you know—what you’re doing to yourself—I believe you want to change that. Forgiving isn’t always easy, especially if you’ve been betrayed repeatedly or in a big way, but you can do it—and chocolate can help. Raw chocolate or cacao triggers the release of a chemical called anandamide. In the universal language of yoga, Sanskrit, the word ananda means bliss. It’s no coincidence that when this bliss chemical, anandamide, is released, your mind shifts into a loving state and this good feeling travels through your body.

“When you know better, you do better.”

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“You can use chocolate as emotional, mental, and physical medicine as you practice forgiveness.”

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It is in t his state of bl iss t hat you can practice lasting forgiveness. One of the best ways your brain retains learning is when it’s accompanied by an emotion. Also, it doesn’t hurt that cacao is a good source of magnesium (for your brain), antioxidants, calcium and iron. Given this, you can use chocolate as emotional, mental and physical medicine as you practice forgiveness. (Please remember that you can forgive without being a doormat.) Chocolate Therapy Session It takes love to forgive. Pure love is not about flutters in your stomach, faster heartbeats or sweaty palms. Instead, authentic love from a sacred place within, … is [a decision to be] patient. Love is kind. Love isn’t jealous. It doesn’t sing its own praises. It isn’t arrogant. It isn’t rude. It doesn’t think about itself. It isn’t irritable. It doesn’t keep track of wrongs. It isn’t happy when injustice is done, but it is happy with the truth. Love never stops being patient, never stops believing, never stops hoping, never gives up. Love never comes to an end1. With this understanding of authentic love, the path to forgiving is more accessible. Along with pure chocolate, pure love has the power to invoke lasting forgiveness and using this 1. God’s Word to the Nations (Trans.). (1995). 1 Corinthians 13. Retrieved October 20, 2017, from https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+13

chocolate therapy process can help. 1. Find a silent space where you will be undisturbed. Be sure to have your chocolate. 2.Read the description of love slowly, pausing between each sentence. 3. Reflect on the meaning of each sentence. 4. Recall the people who have displayed this type of love to you, even after you’ve wronged them or treated them poorly (e.g. parents, close friends, etc.) 5. Mindfully eat a small piece of chocolate while feeling the gratitude of receiving this type of love from someone who has forgiven you, despite your flaws. 6. Become aware of how free you feel knowing that the person who forgave you holds no animosity toward you. 7. Consider that the person you haven’t forgiven is human and that s/he is NOT without flaws. 8. Repeat “I forgive you (name)” as you visualize him/her being freed from your unforgiving hold. 9. Eat another small piece of chocolate as you mentally thank him/her for offering you the opportunity to learn to love and forgive as God. Now this is not an excuse to eat excessive amounts of chocolate. Purchase a small bark of chocolate with a minimum of 75% cacao and eat it sparingly. Be intentional in your chocolate therapy session so that the difficult act of forgiving is made easier with a loveinduced emotional state. The path to restoring your wellbeing—body, mind and spirit—can be one laced with chocolate, love and bliss.

Sheron Brown, Ph.D. is the owner of Sweet Eden by Sheron, a wellness education company. She is also the author of The WellnessPurpose 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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M a rt i n e M aya s :

I Am A Conqueror Interview by Tanasia Patterson Women are one of the strongest creatures on the planet. As a woman we endure a lot. Women take on a lot from childbirth, to raising children, to keeping a household organized and together. With all of that, what happens when a woman is sick or has to undergo a surgery that can be life changing? Martine Mayas can tell you exactly what it’s like to undergo surgery due to fibroids and come out a conqueror. How does it feel to be a conqueror? At this point, after 21 years I am totally delighted. My battle has allowed me to be put in the position of being a conqueror. Staying steadfast on a goal and facing the unknown. It took me 21 years to face it. What advice can you give women going through having fibroids now? At this time after 21 years, the advice I give is to listen to your body. Stay in tune with your mind, body, and soul. Listen to your soul. In order for me to be a conqueror I had to listen to myself. A hysterectomy wasn’t the choice for me. At 19 that wasn’t an option for me. I had to get in tune with my inner soul and speak to the God in me, so that I could be on the path I was ordained to be on. Studying myself and being in tune with my inner self relieved me from my suffering. What were your thoughts when you first found out you had fibroids? At that time I was only 19 so my mind wasn’t as open. I took it as it was. If they didn’t

bother me then I was going to leave them alone. I experienced pain. I kept hearing hysterectomy. I said to myself I’m going to have to come to a solution. It became frightening along the years. They were noncancerous. I just didn’t know what I was facing at 19. How did your family take it? At 19 I told my mom and aunt. My mother had fibroids as well. She took it lightly because of my age. At 19 she didn’t worry because I was young. Around my 30s it became relevant to everyone that it was a major issue. How old were you when you got your fibroids removed? I w a s 4 0 w h e n t h e y w e re re m o v e d o n November 16, 2016. The ones that were removed were leftovers. I started experimenting with herbs so some of them disintegrated. Some of them were in my wombs as well as some in the opening of the vagina. They stopped me from having children. It was a difficult surgery due to my case.

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How did you keep going through it all? As I said I started experimenting with herbs. Along with that I changed my diet. I watched what I ate. I cut out sugars, inclduding white sugar. Making changes is the first step. The second step is learning how to take in certain amounts of the things you eat. I started juicing. With that I had to watch which fruits I used because fruits have sugar in them as well. The sugars can cause fibroids to multiply. What made you write a book about our journey? Well it was many different things. I didn’t know I was going to write a book about it. I joined different support groups. I had put up a gratitude post on Facebook for being out of surgery. I got a lot of good feedback but one comment asked me why I would put something so personal online. Posting it was a sign of deliverance. It turned my world. I went to sleep and I prayed on it. The best thing to do was to put faces to it. Sharing the beauty of it. I wrote an anthology, asking people to help heal and inspire others. Myself and three women shared our stories in the book. How long did it take you to get back into your everyday routine?

At first preparing towards the date I was nervous. Because it was my first surgery ever I prayed every day. I prepared myself mentally. As the day got closer I created a countdown. Who was your support system during your journey? My support system was family and close friends. How did you feel after everything was over? I love this question! It was a turning point. As I was in the recovery room my eyes opened and I didn’t realize I even went to surgery. I had to go to the bathroom and I couldn’t get up. I spoke to the nurse and she told me I was out of surgery. I thought to myself, that was a piece of cake. My aunt and mom came in after and told me I looked great. I looked in the mirror and felt like I rose again. It was a whole new beginning. You never know what a person is going through. The person next to you could be going through the same thing you are. All it takes is sharing your story. You never know how sharing your story can help someone else get through one of their own obstacles they are facing. Martine Mayas helped a lot of women who are going through the same thing she is. She didn’t get a hysterectomy but instead got her fibroids removed. Her story proves that it is never too late.

“

Recovery is supposed to be 2 months. You have to be in bed. Light walking. Your body is still healing. It is constantly working internally. After a major surgery your body needs rest. You have to prepare yourself physically, emotionally, and financially. You need assistance. Allow yourself to rest.

Being that it was your first surgery ever, what were your thoughts going in?

You never know sharing your story can help someone else get through one of their own obstacles they are facing.

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THE PINK PANTHER

CLIQUE

Misunderstood: Q&A with Three Former Inmates About Their Life Stories in Prison and How They Became Published Authors Interview by Shadea L. Blyther When you think of a reason why most people go to jail it is because he or she broke the law. Laws are vital in America because it is what keeps the people safe from others who may try to break the law again. But who is to say that all prisoners are a threat to the world? Who is to say that one simple mistake or wrong decision should cost a person their freedom? When you first think of a person in prison, you may or may not think that he or she deserves to be in jail and spend the amount of time that the individual was sentenced. In 2016, researchers found that approximately 2 million people were prisoners in jail and 1 percent of them were punished for crimes they didn’t commit. People in prison are often misunderstood or misjudged because they are in a place where freedom is taken away from them physically and financially. All over the world women, particularly women of color, are misinterpreted in a way where our voices traditionally feel marginalized. In 1920, the 19th Amendment finally granted women the right to vote. African- American women were not allowed to vote until 1960. Women didn’t gain equal access to college as much as men until 1980. Recently, although women in the United States can drive, women in Saudi Arabia have finally gained access to drive in 2017. There are still changes that need to be made so that everyone’s voice can be heard equally. Now think back to women in prison. You may not know her full story of why she is a prisoner. You may not comprehend what her background was like in her childhood. And you will never understand what she went through by herself when she was in jail. Fortunately over the years, women of color have became best-selling authors, activists, motivational speakers and philanthropists, all while being held in prison. Bestselling author, Wahida Clark, is an African-American woman who is known for her remarkable urban fiction novels and began a successful writing career while serving a 10 year prison sentence. After being released, Clark created a publishing company where she published novels that exemplified the reality on city living from the streets of New York. With her powerful voice, she became a role model to prisoners with the same vision- to dream big and how to create another path for herself. In addition to Clark’s publishing company, she teamed up with three other authors, all of whom met in prison, to discover a new series, “The Pink Panther Clique.” These stories are written by three inspirational black women who met each other behind bars and became writers to make sure their stories were heard. The series, which are displayed in an urban fiction genre, are related to their experiences as former inmates in the Federal Correction System.

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We had the opportunity to speak to these powerful women on their experiences in prison as they spread knowledge on the system that enslaved them to become published authors today. What went through your mind that made you decide to change your life around to become an author? With the tragedy that happened to both your father and brother, you could have easily given up, forgotten about everyone and finished your jail time alone. You inspire me by never losing your faith not only for yourself, but for your family. What made you want to share your life story with the world? AISHA: To be honest, I was sitting in MDC Brooklyn, which is Federal holding and I was feeling down. I had no idea how much time I would get and ended up facing 20 years. Somebody gave me one of Wahida Clark`s books. When I read the “About the Author” section and saw that she became a best selling author while incarcerated, I was inspired, to say the least. I started to write just to see if I could really do it. I would write a few chapters and then read it to some of the ladies in a group. They loved it. I loved it because it became therapeutic. It helped me do my time and not let my time do me. The rest is history. 12 books later I look back and I’m like wow! My father and brother were both killed. My brother, by the police and my father murdered in Jamaica. That is the closest I came to being completely broken. I was already in warrior mode though since I was being tested everyday in prison. I was like, life can’t get any worse and then it did when they were killed. So I thought about what the world could possibly gain from my struggle and my ability to remain strong. When you survive trauma or tragedy, I feel like you have a responsibility to share that survival story because you never know who else you may help. Do you feel like African-American women are treated slightly different in the justice

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system, not only regarding your case but observing other women of color around you that have served a significant amount of time in prison? And why is it that you feel women are targeted more? AISHA: I definitely feel like the justice system targets African-American women. I think they view us as a threat. We’re not supposed to get big money. We’re not supposed to be queen-pins, CEO`s or real estate moguls. Those are positions reserved for men in many people’s opinions, including the government. Whether involved in business that is legal or illegal they see powerful black women as an issue because powerful black women breed powerful black men. So when a woman of color rises to one of these positions, she can`t make the slightest mistake because the feds are waiting and watching. Our punishments are much more harsh than white females. I’ve met white women who have had tens and even hundreds of millions of dollars tied up in their cases, yet their sentences were only a fraction of mine. I don’t know what the statistics say, but I know what I`ve seen for almost a decade and believe me . . . the sentences are not the same. What is the first thing you plan to do once you are released and do you have any future missions to achieve? AISHA: The first thing I plan to do when I’m released is eat some of my grandmother`s cooking. I told her to bring her chicken and biscuits in the car. After that, I`ll be playing with my writing skills. I have more books to drop. And I’ll be certainly getting in the booth ASAP! I`ve been a lyricist all my life. My father was signed to Public Enemy back in the day and he put the mic in my hand at 3 years old. It`s part of my legacy. I pretty much kept a diary of my prison experience in the form of music. And while it`s fresh, I want to drop it. My biggest goal though, is to turn my books into movies. I want a hit record and a hit television series!

Aisha Hall

Aisha Hall, from Roosevelt, New York, served 10 years in prison for committing wire fraud on a federal conspiracy charge, all while writing 8 novels and continuing. Our interview took place with Aisha prior to her release in October 2017.

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SUNSHINE SMITH-WILLIAMS

Sunshine Smith-WIlliams from Jamaica Queens, New York, spent 5 months in prison due to conspiracy to pass and receive in federal reserve notes. During her time behind bars, she became a philanthropist, mentor, author, and a motivational speaker

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What do you want your readers to gain from your writing? What advice would you give to young women that may be heading on the wrong path in life to convince them in a way to change for the better? AISHA: My books are entertaining, yet cautionary. I want my readers to get several things from my books. First and foremost, I want them to see what I was able to accomplish while I was down. Sometimes the worst experiences are your greatest moments. I found myself reflecting on a much deeper level in prison. I want people to also see the struggles of my characters. How each and every decision we make in our lives, has a profound effect at some point. My stories are meant to be adventures, yet lessons at the same time. If anybody reading my books is doing something they know they shouldn’t be doing, or taking a major risk that might end their freedom, hopefully my books will make them think twice. There is always a legal way to accomplish your goals and hopefully they`ll see that patience is a virtue. Is there anything you would do differently on your journey of being incarcerated to almost being released in October 2017? AISHA: There is one thing I would have done different, and though I`ve met many people that I have come to love, I would have transferred to Danbury. Danbury Federal Prison is so much closer to New York and I would have been closer to my family. I could have seen them more often. Every trip here to West Virginia was at least 10 hours each way. I felt so guilty every time my family came to see me. I didn’t want to be a burden on them and although it was all love, I hated the fact that they had to endure that. I would have done my time closer if I could have. But once I got here I got stuck. This place is like Hotel California. They let you check in, but give you hell to check out. In your book, “The 10 Commandments of a Boss Chick,” if you could describe in general of what makes a woman a boss,

what would you say? SUNSHINE: Thou shalt love yourself, period. Loving yourself is the one primary commandment. Without loving yourself, you will lose yourself on the way. Unfortunately, I was raised in several housing projects. Being raised in poverty, you think the people surrounded by you are your friends. So you grow this bond with others thinking about the aspiration of living in and getting out of poverty. You tend to grow relationships with people just to get out. You might meet them later on in life and think they’re the same person you met before, not knowing that they have gone through things in a different direction than you. You said, “One bad decision to help someone can cost you your freedom.” What did you mean by your statement? SUNSHINE: When I say one bad decision, I’m referring to when I let my guard down that resulted in going to prison. In the time of thinking, ‘oh this is my homeboy and his character would never display that or he would never do that to me.’ I could’ve made the decision to say no, but I let my guard down because I put my trust in someone. What made you want to have a better life for yourself growing up? What drove you to want to build an empire? SUNSHINE: Education and the ability to gain knowledge and success from it. As a kid, I got tired over the bullets coming through the door and raids happening to the left of me in my building. There was prostitution going on right next door to me at 14 years old. Not only did it not intrigue me, but inspired me to want to get the hell away from this environment. Those people are examples of things I didn’t want to be around. That gave me the aspiration of how I didn’t want to live life in that way. I researched. My family wasn’t big on education. Education was the answer to get me out of the pit after graduating from college with a degree in legal studies. My plan was to go to school and get money so that I don’t have to depend on the system.

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Why is it vital to you to raise awareness on how mass incarceration impacts women of color? SUNSHINE: My passion came from when I met Jamila and she gave me an educational background about it and it blew my mind that these catastrophes were going on. Do I come back like Paul Revere and tell everybody? Realizing women alone were getting more time. The government basically was like, we’re not messing with you, we gave you a job and you want to get into trouble? Now we’re holding you accountable. Knowledge is power and maybe we can stop it from happening. I want people under me to know more about it. To feel and understand what we went through and still go through today. What challenges have you encountered since being released from prison? SUNSHINE: Challenges I had was reconnecting with my child. I had to go back and do federal time when my son was only 4 years old. He came to visit me. The visiting room was not what it’s like in the movies. When I came back he thought it was over. Having an eating disability and I couldn’t be there for him like I wanted to be. That caused him behavioral issues in school. At times, I suffered from depression and didn’t want to do anything involved in business. After coming home and still writing, I didn’t want to engage with people and isolated myself. I wasn’t able to get money or engage in businesses. I rebuilded with my child on a one on one love and for that I am forever grateful. What advice would you give to young women that may be heading on the wrong path in life to convince them in a way to change for the better? SUNSHINE: For any young lady that is doing anything illegal: step into a bathroom and observe the comparison of living in prison and see how it feels to be away from everything you once had control of. Sit in that bathroom and tell me how it feels to be alone for 24 hours in a small room. You have to look around and say ‘what are the things that you want to change in your life? If you’re not happy, then why are you going out so much? What are you doing today to move forward for tomorrow?’ Make a to-do list everyday and/or a vision board. These are things that need to aspire you to do one by one to change your life. Avoid illegal 52

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troubles. Strive for what you want to be and execute them. W h a t o b s t a c l e s d i d y o u g o t h ro u g h transforming from being a multimillionaire to not having it all or being able to control what you worked hard for? How were you able to transition from having it all to losing it all? JAMILA: Incarceration is a major problem. I valued my car and fortunes and to be taken in handcuffs took away a part of me. Having the money, having the power was what I lived for. Having it all taken away stripped me away from my identity. I had to find myself and start over in the free world. It took me some time to adjust and when I did, it made me who I am to become an author today. Because you had so many accomplishments within your self-made Diamond Star Financial, Real Estate, etc., what made you decide to switch it up and become an author? SUNSHINE: Behind bars I was taken away and got stuck on so much inside time. I had to speak for myself. Wahida Clark’s books struck me. Her books were everywhere. I read the book and her past experiences resembled me. She became successful and everything changed for me where I wanted to use my past time to start writing and see that I could develop. I started writing by reading her experiences. I want to show women that regardless of how bad you think your situation is, there is hope and I like to give inspiration to others. With your book published, “She’s All Caught Up,” is there ever a time where you feel a sense of comfort or satisfied in a way from what you went through as a young woman trying to be successful in the world? JAMILA: My whole journey looking back, God is awesome. I had a lot of money and celebrity friends. I am grateful for the experience and going through the trials and tribulations and getting to know myself. Looking out here now and having some friends that are still in the same position that I was in prior to being in jail that are still lost. I’m out here alone and realized that this is my purpose. This became fulfilling inside more than money could ever satisfy me. I’m happy for the journey. It’s almost like having a baby.

JAMILA DAVIS

Jamila T. Davis from Jamaica Queens, New York, served 12 years for bank fraudery. During her time spent in prison, she became a prison reform activist, a published author, and a motivational speaker.

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with Wahida Clark

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Being a successful business woman prior to being incarcerated, what did you not expect to see in prison? Did anything surprise you? JAMILA: When you come to a federal prison it’s very different from a state prison. When I got there, I saw something completely different than what you usually see in the movies. I met movie stars, Artists like Lauryn Hill and professors. Women in federal prison are not like how it really is. They have no clue who we really are and how intelligent we are. The people that I met and the information that I gained you would never get that in the free world. It was a great experience for me to see people embrace different lifestyles. Being in prison allowed me to accept people how they are. Our prison sisters touched my heart during our time of being locked up for so long . What advice would you give to young women that may be heading on the wrong path in life to convince them in a way to change for the better? SUNSHINE: My advice would be struggling or not struggling, find yourself. When you began to love yourself, you will do things to protect yourself. That’s when real elevation occurs; other people will love you too and will notice you too. Find yourself and the image to love in the mirror. With your story being told in various ways, do you ever still feel like you’re misunderstood and why? AISHA: I definitely feel misunderstood at times, but in some ways that can be a good thing. I like being complex, I associate simplicity with mediocrity; something I never want to be. On one end I`m very intellectual and professional but I have a

little street/ratchet side of me. Both are authentic versions of Aisha. I don’t mind being misunderstood in that regard. But there is a downside when it comes to my case. I remember people used to say to me, “there’s only two types of people in prison, drug dealers and thieves!” That used to get me so mad because I’ve never been a thief. I hate being judged. I`m here because I changed information on documentation to help people trade commodities. It`s a very high end business that netted millions of dollars. But I never stole anything. And to be labeled without someone knowing the full story is kind of annoying. But at the same time, I`ve been misunderstood my entire life so it’s nothing I can`t deal with. I`m just glad that I have a platform now where I can speak and people will listen. SUNSHINE: It’s like 50/50. I have the corporate world upset with me and then the people that I lived around the projects with upset with me as well. Being misunderstood, they would ask what would make you do that? Im used as a vessel. You can make the wrong decisions that could cost you your life, your freedom. Learn to watch your surroundings. I had a gut feeling and didn’t follow it. This is my life and this self-experience is therapeutic for me. They are judging me, but it had to happen for me in order to help you. JAMILA: I often feel misunderstood. I don’t fit in, but behind bars I got my associate’s, bachelor’s, and Master’s degree. Working on my PhD now and yet i’m still a hood chick at heart. I don’t want to be in between but I want to be in my own lane. I know my people need me. I love me and will be the best I can be. For those who like me cool and for those who don’t, that is cool too.

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TA M A R A C H A R L E S :

I AM A SURVIVOR Interview by Quinn Diaz Boston native Tamara Charles is a domestic violence advocate, a women empowerment speaker and the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Sisters in Charge, Inc., a non-profit organization based in Georgia, whose mission is to give battered women with children protection from harm, a healthy start and the opportunity to learn. She also serves as Vice President of Women Supporting Women, Inc. and the author of “Unbroken, Still I Smile”, a memoir, which takes readers through her journey of pain, forgiveness and survivorship as she shares her story of experiencing sexual assault at a young age, multiple domestic violence relationships and her life today as a multiple sclerosis warrior. Here is her testimony: How has being a victim of multiple domestic violence relationships and sexual assault at a younger age made you want to step up and become a domestic violence advocate and a woman empowerment speaker? Through everything I have gone throughsurviving three domestic violence relationships and sexual assault at the age of six years old, I was so bitter for so many years, I wasn’t happy with myself. I was always angry and wanted to take my life at one point. I couldn’t break the silence to let people know what I was going through. If I would have had the resources and education, I probably would have done things differently. But because I didn’t have that, I knew what it was like to feel like you are in darkness and so

much pain, therefore I felt the need to step up and do something by being a voice for other women who are still in silence. This is my purpose. Do you place all domestic violence cases into the same category, based on how for some women it is a one-time incident they excuse, while for others it is a constant occurrence they allow? Once a man puts his hands on you the first time, I feel like that’s just the start of an abusive relationship. If they can do it once, they can do it again. Some women feel like if he hits me once, he won’t do it again. Then they make up and a couple of weeks down the line he does the same thing.

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“I would advise other single mothers not to give up.” How did you escape domestic violence and rise above everything you have been through? Something happened that changed my life completely. I woke up one Saturday morning in my bed and I was completely blind in my right eye. I yelled out to my oldest daughter and asked her to take me outside. Once outside I stood on my porch and literally screamed. Eventually the ambulance came and brought me to the nearest hospital. From there I was transferred to a major hospital in my hometown of Boston. It was from there that I received a diagnosis of MS. It turned out that the diagnosis was environmental/stress related based on the bad relationships I had been involved in throughout the whole year, which in turn brought out this illness. While in the hospital I prayed to God for my sight back and promised that in return I would never go back to my abuser. After being released from the hospital, it took about 3 months for me to regain my eyesight. This second chance gave me the wakeup call I needed. I decided that there was no way in hell I would go back to my abuser. I had to start loving me first and be there for my children. Tell us about Sisters In Charge and what made you want to start this organization? It’s a non-profit organization that I started after I picked up and left Boston for Atlanta. I woke up very early one morning and decided that I wanted to be a voice for other women. My cousin helped me come up with the name. Later that day I went to the courthouse to file the papers needed to start a non-profit and I also obtained my EIN number from online. I launched it in March of last year. It’s been successful so far. I’ve partnered with another organization called Women Supporting

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Women Association, where I am the Vice President. The long-term goal for Sisters in Charge is to open a shelter here in Georgia to give abused women a temporary haven where they can feel safe and transition back into the real world. There’s counseling, education, an empowerment network and other resources available to them. I would also eventually like to open a shelter in Massachusetts where I was raised because I feel the need to give back to my old community as well. When you are speaking to a room full of women on domestic violence what do you want them to learn from you? How do you want them to feel when they leave? I want them to learn that there is faith and hope out there. I want them to look at me, hear my testimony and be inspired. I want to empower other women to tell their stories. When they leave, I want them to be strong enough and encouraged not to go back to their abusive relationship(s). This upcoming October you and Sisters In Charge will be hosting your 2nd annual gala to increase the awareness of domestic violence. What typically takes place during the gala? We have three celebrity guests that will be speaking about their own journeys of domestic violence. We also have an actor coming from Tyler Perry Studios who will be there to show support and to speak as an advocate for ending domestic violence. There will be dinner, domestic violence awareness and a live auction. It’s a time to enjoy and support each other.

You’ve managed to attain success while being a single mother of 4. What advice can you give to single mothers balancing work, school and motherhood while still working towards their dreams? I would advise other single mothers not to give up. If you have a goal, vision, or dream, put God first in your life and the doors will open for these things to get done. Also, seek out a mentor for guidance and encouragement. Tell us about your documentary you are working on, “Unbroken, Still I Smile” and what made you want to make it? After I wrote my book I said no, I’m not done yet. I want to write a documentary for Unbroken, Still I Smile. And now, I have a writer and producer out of Miami who are writing the play for me. I’m still not done because I also want to see a movie come from this too. I don’t know how long it’s going to take, but I know I want the world to go to the movies and see Unbroken, Still I Smile because people need to know and be made aware that domestic violence is real. What more can we expect from you in the future to further the awareness on domestic violence? I have a second book, which is a collaboration with other women that came out in August, a third book that came out earlier this month and a fourth book coming out on Nov 26th. I will continue to be that voice for other women. People will continue to see plenty of me. If you could give one piece of advice to a woman who is currently a victim of domestic violence what would it be? I would tell them to love yourself and have the confidence to know that if you can love yourself first, then realize that you deserve better and don’t have to continue going through a violent relationship. Seek out help and resources that can help you escape your situation.

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A CONVERSATION WITH ACTRESS

Marliss Amiea Interview by Jamelia Thompson Marliss Amiea is certainly no stranger to the screen, big or small. She has been a part of various hit shows such as The Young & the Restless, Hollywood Heights, and Curb Your Enthusiasm. She’s also co-starred in movies including The Christmas Gift, 12 Wishes for Christmas and The Wish List. Her presence has definitely become one not to be reckoned with, especially with a trained background of performing arts and theater. Yes! You read that correctly, theater! Amiea has been a part of a wide range of productions: The Lion King, Hairspray, AIDA, Harlem Nights, Playhouse Disney Live, to name a few. Now, this triple threat takes on a strong supporting role in the recent film A Question of Faith. In an interview with Bronze Magazine, Amiea gave us the scoop on her character in the new movie and also talked about her career and what’s next to come. When did you realize your passion for acting?

role in the film A Question of Faith come about?

I realized my passion for acting during my tenure with the Lion King. That was the first time I truly understood the power of storytelling! When you do the work it takes to convey a story and capture an audience, It’s so powerful and can be life changing.

My agent called with the audition and I realized I was going in during the callback process. So, they had already started the search for Lisa Pearl. I received the call two days later that I booked the job.

Are there any actresses or actors you look to for inspiration? I love to watch actors who dig deep and aren’t afraid to be vulnerable and tell the truth. My list includes, Viola Davis, Gina Torres, Cate Blanchett, Tilda Swinton, & most recently Sterling K. Brown. There are a lot of great actors that I enjoy for various reasons. How did the opportunity for a supporting

Can you talk a bit about your character in the movie? How is she similar or different from yourself? Lisa Pearl is a confident, self motivated business woman who is of assistance to one of the families and a long dream they have. I like to say from being in the right place at the right time, something special happens to her by the end of the movie. She and I are very similar. I really brought a lot of myself to this character.

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What was it was like working alongside Kim Fields and Richard T. Jones?

Nina in her later years and what a journey it was!

Kim is a sweetheart and a very gracious woman. She gives a fantastic performance in her role as Theresa Newman. Working with Richard was like working with a big brother who you could ask absolutely anything and he would give you an honest answer. He’s very personable and easy going. Working with each of them was fantastic and effortless.

When you’re not preparing for a role, what other activities/hobbies do you enjoy doing?

How is your role in A Question of Faith different from the other roles you’ve played in the past? Lisa is very grounded when she needs to be and can let her hair down when the time is right. I tend to play characters who are upbeat with a sunny disposition! In general, The perky girl next door. I’m looking forward to branching out into more challenging roles. Until then, I’ll dance with the one that brung me! What have been some of your favorite past roles that you’ve enjoyed playing and why? This past spring, I had the opportunity to perform in a musical entitled Simply Simone. It told the story about the life and music of Nina Simone. From it, I gained a deeper appreciation of Nina and her relationship with music and the world. Along with four other woman, I played

“

I love to travel. My husband and I are constantly going somewhere. I also love food, wine tasting and spending time with my family. I like to keep life simple. If you had the opportunity to work with any actress/actor who would it be and why? I don’t have any particulars or favorites that I look forward to working with. I’m always excited to be a working actress. Every opportunity to work with other actors (no matter who they are) has the potential to be better than the last opportunity if you remain open. Wait, does “The Rock” count? What’s next for you? Are there any special projects you are working on that you can share? Along with being an actress, I sing as well and I’ve just finished recording my first single. As a teen, I had the opportunity to work wth Kenny Loggins and with the current state of society I decided to cover his song ‘Conviction of the Heart.” I’m really excited about its upcoming release as I hope to bring inspiration and healing to our nation.

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Every opportunity to work with other actors (no matter who they are) has the potential to be better than the last opportunity.

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