BSM_MAG - October Issue 2019

BEAUTIFULLY SAID MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2019

hello fall!

Claudia Jordan

to star in and executive produce new movie

“Dear Frank”

BSM

Beautifully Said Magazine VOL. 2, ISSUE 5 PUBLISHER BSM MEDIA GROUP

from the

editor’s desk

GROUP EDITORS-IN-CHIEF LA TRISHA MCINTOSH LA TASHA TAYLOR GROUP EDITOR BSM TEAM SENIOR WRITER LA TRISHA MCINTOSH LA TASHA TAYLOR STAFF WRITERS JASMIN URQUIZA MONTIEL CONTRIBUTING WRITER BSM TEAM TWINS OF MEDIA ENTERTAINMENT ONE SANDRA J. CHARITE DT PUBLIC RELATIONS ADMINISTRATION BSM TEAM CREATIVE DESIGNER KARLA OLVERA PHOTOGRAPHERS MAR’SHAYLA THOMAS I BSM MEDIA GROUP

VARIOUS (TALENT/PR)

Fall is a beautiful season full of rich and vibrant colors. It signals a time for cooler temperatures and cozy days nestled inside your home reading a good book.

Go outside, and you will see leaves falling by the wayside, decorating the ground in piles. For some, it’s a time of renewal because a few months later, a new year comes around; in this case, a new decade.

Who’s ready?

There’s a saying, “If you stay ready, you don’t have to get ready.” And the people in our latest issue represent the same.

Take Claudia Jordan, our cover story for October. The model turned radio host and actress is not only starring in a new movie, but she holds executive producer credits as well. Not resting on the laurels of where she is now, Jordan already has her eyes set on her next venture in the entertainment industry. Then there’s Mike Hill, the Emmy award- winning sports journalist, TV host and now an author who took a chance on love and will soon marry model and RHOA reality star, Cynthia Bailey. The story of his life in the book “Open Mike” will help a lot of people to heal. Staying ready also means thinking of others. Actress

Michelle Williams said it best when she spoke about pay equality for women at the 71st Annual Emmy Awards on Sept. 22.

We are all human beings waking up each day to live out our experiences; ones that make us laugh, learn, and grow. How will you spend the next few months leading up to a new decade? Decide now what you don’t have to put off for later. The other great thing about fall is when the leaves become too high, we can either jump in it to feel like a kid again or rake them away when there is excess clutter to remove. We encourage each of you to ready yourselves for the impossible because it’s a place that doesn’t expect you to show up. Surprise yourself. Wow others!

Thank you once again for being a part of the BSM Family and reading our latest edition.

La Trisha McIntosh La Tasha Taylor

INTERNS JASMIN URQUIZA MONTIEL AALIYAH FORD LESLIE VASQUEZ MARKETING EXECUTIVES BSM MARKETING TEAM CIRCULATION & SUBSCRIPTION BSMANDMEDIA.COM

The ‘Original’ Twins of Media - Digital, Print, and BSM Network.

Culture: Celebrity News, Entrepreneurs and Lifestyle.

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10

Photo by: getty

Photo by: Entertainment One

Photo by: Victoria Stevens for Variety

8

38 Tracee Ellis ross

26 COVER STORY

The Black-ish star launched her natural hair care line ‘Pattern’

8 felisha terrell On the season of Ambitions on the OWN Network

10 Tj jackson

Is back in the spotlight with a new single ‘Insomnia’

34 oprah winfrey 26 Claudia jordan

Jordan

40 Michelle Williams

The Emmy Winner on her support of equal pay for women

Photo Credit: Kauwuane Burton

Subscribe today www.bsmandmedia.com Print and digital subscriptions offers

Photo by: Getty Images

Claudia

The model and radio host stars in and takes on the role of executive producer in the movie ‘Dear Frank’

The media mogul announces the 2020: ‘Your Life In Focus’ Tour

Photo by: instagram

Photo by: SHUTTERSTOCK

CONTENTS

IN TRUE FASHION

JULIAN CHANG LAUNCHES FALL/ WINTER 2019 COLLECTION

Foremost Miami fashion designer, Julian Chang, launched his name-sake line’s Summer 2019 collection earlier this month in August.

flag-ship boutique, located at 7246 Biscayne Boulevard in Miami’s burgeoning Upper East Side.

The Fall/Winter 2019 collection features tropical prints as well as jewels tone colors set against a back- ground of black. Look for subtle nods to the 70s and touches like ruffle sleeves, retro inspired prints, and sequins. Fabrics include the flattering and comfortable stretch material the line is known for, as well as silks and delicate lace.

About Julian Chang:

Julian Chang is available online and in select boutiques such as the W South Beach in Miami, Novocento in Los Angeles, California, as well as 600 high-end boutiques throughout the world including the Caribbean, UAE, Mexico, South America including Bogata and Santiago de Chile, England, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, and Croatia.

Julian Chang was born in Lima, Peru and raised in a multi-cultural environment with Latin-Chi-nese heritage. At the age of 17, Julian moved to Miami, Florida to attend Miami International University of Art & Design. Not long after graduating, he launched his fashion label with a focus on glamorous eveningwear creating one-of-a-kind items that found their way onto Miami’s boldface names as well as celebrities such as Madonna, Gloria Estefan, Paris Hilton, and Janet Jackson, who have all donned Julian Chang designs. Julian opened his first boutique in Miami’s Upper East Side neighborhood in 2009, and has an atelier where much of the line is made in Miami’s Little River neighborhood. Julian has received numerous awards and accolades including Miami Fashion Week’s “Prêt-a- Porter Designer of the Year,” The Ebenezer Award of Honor World Fashion in Korea, VOGUE LaTam’s “Designer’s Choice Award,” Cadillac’s “Luxury Lifestyle Award,” and WWD has called Julian Chang a “designer to watch.”

In Miami, where the clothing is proudly made, the entire line is available at the Julian Chang

Source | Photos courtesy dtpublicrelations.com

As The designer explains his inspiration for the Fall/Winter 2019 collection, “For me, it was about feminine lines paired with a glamorous touch. I wanted a contrast between playfull and sexy to create a timeless look with new dimensions and balances.”

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bailey@

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HFPA is proud to announce @tomhanks will receive the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the 77th #GoldenGlobes on January 5, 2020!“ Perhaps Hanks fans are expecting even more awards in his latest title role The Fred Rogers biopic A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood to released in November.

Tom Hanks

To Receive Award

T

om Hanks, 63, will receive the Cecil B. DeMille honor for his career that has made a historical impact in the film industry. Over the years, Hanks has accomplished a list of awards including two Academy Awards,

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seven Primetime Emmys, four Golden Globes, and two Screen Actors Guild Awards.

The announcement was made on Tuesday by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association in a tweet. “The

HFPA president Lorenzo Soria mentioned in a press release. “For more than three decades, he’s captivated audiences with rich and playful characters that we’ve grown to love and admire. As compelling as he is on the silver screen, he’s equally so behind the camera as a writer, producer, and director.”

Previous recipients include Oprah Winfrey, Meryl Streep, George Clooney, Robert De Niro, Martin Scorsese, and Steven Spielberg.

Individuals awarded have made a lasting impact on the film industry.

Congratulations Tom Hanks! by:

Leslie vasquez Photo: OneGrandBooks.com

When Parents Abandon You By: Sandra J. Charite Despite what has happened, God wants you to become the best version of you.

Growing up, I was fueled with so much anger. From the age of seven and up, I swam through bitter waters because I watched my mom have to do things on her own. My dad was not in the picture at the time but I found myself to be so angry about his absence. It seemed like every little girl had their dads in their life but my siblings and I were left abandoned and rejected. I’m not a psychologist or therapist but I have found that kids who are abandoned by their parents at an early age are left with an uncontrollable void.

So, I had two choices on how to resolve this situation. I could remain in my bitterness and blame it on an absent father or forgive my dad for his absence and rise above this circumstance.

This was not easy. The need to maintain a connection with our parents is coded into our human DNA and emotional systems. I had to fight insecurities and the lies that the enemy had spoken over my life like I was unwanted and unloved. The abandonment made me fearful of relationships as I found myself prone to meeting users or people who only needed me for something but had no desire to maintain an active relationship with me. I was guarded in my friendships to avoid having to get close to someone who didn’t plan on sticking around. But, ultimately, I chose forgiveness and rose above the situation.

I spent years crying and carrying bitterness internally. The rejection was unimaginable and there was a constant feeling that something was wrong with me or I was incomplete. The consequences of parental rejection vary depending on your situation, but whatever the reason for the rejection, there is no doubt that it is generally accompanied by pain and other emotions that can follow you into other relationships like your dating life, marriage, children, or even business deals. But, 1 Peter 2:4 says “As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him”.

Wholeness comes in identifying the issues that would cause you to break. Some things are hard to bring to the surface because they are attached with so much pain and heartache but God desires to heal you. He says, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). Despite what has happened, God wants you to become the best version of you.

Forgiveness is the beginning of healing a broken relationship.

Forgiveness doesn’t condone their behavior but it sets you free.

And honestly, we don’t even have it in us to take that first step of forgiveness without the Lord’s help. But through Christ, we can be granted the grace to forgive. Forgiveness leads to reconciliation.

You may not be able to amend the lost times with that parent but trust that God can heal what is broken, and that forgiveness is the best strategy, whatever the outcome.

I think about the story of Ishmael, who was Abraham’s firstborn but he was conceived by Sarah’s handmaiden, Hagar (Genesis 16:3). When Sarah, the wife of Abraham found herself barren, she encouraged her husband to sleep with her maidservant, Hagar, to produce an heir. But years later, Sarah gave birth, through a miracle of God, to Isaac. Suddenly, through no fault of his own, Ishmael was no longer the heir. After Isaac was weaned, things changed drastically for Ishmael as angered Sarah dealt harshly with Hagar. Sarah was determined that Ishmael would not be heir with her son, Isaac. So, she told Abraham to have Hagar and Ismael leave and they were banished. Isaac was chosen to carry on Abraham’s legacy. Nothing can feel more heart-sickening than being invalidated, pushed away, or rejected by your parent.

Whether intentional or not, the effect on a child who is rejected by one parent or both can be devastating. The result is often low self-esteem, chronic self-doubt, and depression. Without proper therapy, this impact may last into adulthood.

About the Author

The rejection and abandonment could have paralyzed or stagnated Ishmael but he grew up to become a skilled hunter and expert archer. The Lord fulfilled his promise to Ishmael and made him fruitful. The important thing is our circumstances can change quickly, and sometimes for the worse. That is when we should seek God and his wisdom and strength. Bitterness may knock on your door after what has happened but it doesn’t heal the pain from what was inflicted.

South Florida. She is a juvenile counselor and currently an active Faith and Family blogger and working on her next book.

Sandra Jean Charite is the last child of Marcel and the late Jacqueline Bertil Charite. She is a native of Miami, Fl. At an early age, Sandra displayed a strong interest in writing while her siblings spent a majority of their time outside playing with their friends in the streets of Little Haiti, Sandra was in her room lost in her dreams and writing stories.

Sandra’s mother noticed her interest in writing and purchased her first journal, in which she filled with stories, monologs, poems, and letters to God. Her passion for writing continued as she matured as a teenager, but she was very private about her writings. In 2016, she released her first book, Broken Crayons Still Color: A Journey to Restoration, and followed by Picking Up My Pearls at the Altar. Sandra still resides in

Photo I Source: Sandra Charite Instagram: jaycharite I Facebook: Sandra Charite

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FE TER

Interview By: La Trisha & La Tash Photo: OWN

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ELISHA RELL

ha “Twins of Media”

“I think life gives you little clues,” says Felisha Terrell. The actress who plays Marilyn Barnes on Own’s ‘Ambitions’ knows this to be true. In fact, the mother and avid kickboxer left behind a pharmaceutical career and hopped into her blue Ford Tempo to Los Angeles in pursuit of her acting dreams.

You play a socialite, philanthropist, sorority sister and one half of a power couple in OWN’s Ambitions. Tell us what your audition was like to land the role of Marilyn Barnes?

We recently moved to Atlanta but while I was here in L.A., last year, I actually auditioned for the role of Stephanie. It was between Robin, myself and another actress. Robin is iconic and fits the role. The thing about auditions is to do a great job in front of the producers. At times, you may not be right for a certain role, but they can find or create something else for you. I don’t know how long it took for them to decide on the character of Marilyn, but I was called to audition for the role in Atlanta, and I was on set a few weeks later.

Speaking of Robin Givens, tell us what it’s like working with the veteran actress alongside another equal talent, Essence Atkins?

I always consider myself fortunate and blessed to be working in something I am passionate about. It’s great when you get to work with kind, generous and giving people who also happen to be extremely talented. I’ve learned so much from Robin and we joke a lot on set. She has two boys and I have a son, so we always exchange stories about our kids, one minute and the next minute, we’re back in character with the claws out (laughs). Working with Essence is great too! I think most people are used to seeing her in comedies but to see her in a drama is really wonderful. She is a super talented human being. I have such a great time knowing the both of them.

Starring in one OWN show is major but you also are cast in another drama ‘Utopia’ with John Cusack and Sasha Lane. How do you balance both roles on the same network, and have you met Oprah?

It’s tough. Leaving my family is always challenging because Utopia shoots in Chicago. But then I get to wrap my head around completely different characters and genres and that’s the fun stuff. It’s like trying on a bunch of different things and there’s the one (thing) that makes you feel a certain way.

This is how I approach trying on different characters. My balance also comes from me doing the background work for myself on whose story I’m telling. I don’t care if it’s a comedy or drama, I am telling someone’s story and you have to honor that. That’s really important to me as an artist. In terms of meeting Oprah, that is a bucket list item I have not been able to scratch off but it’s going to happen. I’m putting it out there now!

What was your ‘Hot Girl Summer’ like?

My ‘Hot Girl Summer’ was in the pool with my 2-year-old son Noah (laughs).

There’s no being fierce in a swimsuit instead, I am a mom working on swim lessons with my son and having a ball with him. That’s the extent of my hot girl summer. I wish it were more exciting, but I love it!

The best part about motherhood?

Seeing the world through his eyes and watching him light up at the things we (adults) take for granted. My son loves fire trucks and anything that has to do with the water. He brings me back to those simple moments in life that we should all celebrate instead of hurrying off to the next thing. Face it, we have responsibilities and we are not always in the present moment. One of the best things about being a mom is being present in life where I can enjoy his childlike character.

As an avid boxer/kickboxer who does many of her own stunts. How do you avoid injury on the set?

You have to be smart. The stunt coordinators are phenomenal, and the sets where I work are protected. They are not going to let you do anything if they don’t think you can do it. I wouldn’t put myself in a scenario where I didn’t feel 100% confident about what I’m doing. Instead of getting ready I try to stay ready. I keep myself in shape and eat right. It’s really fun to use my physicalities, and I figure I should use it why I still have it.

Beauty and Brains. You graduated from the University of Iowa (with honors). But it’s the story of when you jumped in your blue Ford Tempo headed to Los Angeles that’s most interesting. How did you realize acting was for you after quitting Corporate America, and what advice do you have for others to literally go for it like you?

I took an elective (acting) in my senior year of college. I had never acted a day in my life unless you count the time I played the Sugar Plum Fairy in my school’s Christmas play…laughs. I fell in love with it because it was a freedom I had never experienced. I have always loved to entertain since I was a little girl and would put on fashion shows for my mom and grandmother. I think life gives you little clues. I was in Corporate America working for a Fortune 500 company doing consulting and pharmaceutical sales and it was like a slow death. This little voice inside of me was like if you don’t go now you’ll never do it. That was it for me. I’m also the type of person where if you say I can’t do it, I’m like, watch me. I’m a firm believer there is no time limit on anything.

You can comb social media and see 85-year-old women who are in the gym and can show us up. It’s never too late to push through what you know you’re called to do, but we all have to watch our expectations. Nothing trumps hard work. Don’t worry about how to do something today. Do it. Hone your craft in whatever it is you love.

Favorite food and vacation spot?

It’s a close tie between sushi and tacos. My family eats tacos all the time, the old school way with fried corn shells. They’re delicious. My favorite vacation spot is the city of Paris. Though I love the beach, I also love the culture, food, and history of Paris. It’s a sexy and romantic city. We did our babymoon there, and it holds a special place in my heart.

Why should people tune in every Tuesday to watch the drama series?

You already know Ambitions is juicy, scandalous and ruthless, particularly between myself and Robin. If you don’t watch people are going to be talking about it the next day, and you will have missed out.

This interview took place before season 1 ended.

BSM MAGAZINE I 9

TJ JACKSON N JACKSON DRO TJ Jackson remembers a memory of his uncle Michael that many fans don’t know. It was around the time of ‘Thriller’ says the youngest son of Tito Jackson. My brothers and I were in his car, and he suddenly stops, turns around to look at us and says, “I’m not like other guys.”

The King of Pop, of course, was taking a line from his infamous song that redefined the art of video making. We all laughed and started throwing things at him while telling him to start driving again, says TJ (laughs). It’s stories like this that TJ reflects upon when discussing the close bond he had with the man so many people idolized. It would prove true when TJ and his brothers had to deal with the unthinkable.

Their mother Dee Dee passed away in 1994 from a drowning accident. Here my uncle was performing all over the world, and he still found time to console his nephew. So, for him, it came as no surprise when the superstar died in 2009, he would step up to raise his uncle’s kids Paris, Joseph “Prince” Michael, and Prince Michael II along with his children with wife Frances. For so long TJ admits he tried to distance himself from the Jackson look and sound while still seeing many up and coming artists like Usher and Chris Brown emulate his family member through their songs and dance moves. Though he’s performed with his brothers in the R&B group 3T in the 90’s— TJ now embraces the Jackson musical traits that made his family famous as evident with his new single ‘Insomnia’ that debuted Friday, Sept 6.

Twins of Media: You took time off to raise your uncle’s children but are now back with new music. Tell us about your new single.

TJ: I think people are shocked. The last time they heard me sing was in the group 3T with my brothers and it was very youthful. Now time has passed and I’m an adult doing more grown folks music. It’s sultry. That’s the best way to describe it.

Twins of Media: How did you choose the title?

TJ: I remember experiencing a couple of nights where I couldn’t go to sleep. I was up with my wife and we were like kids not wanting

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NEPHEW OF MICHAEL ROPS NEW SINGLE ‘INSOMNIA’

Interview by La Trisha and La Tasha “Twins of Media” Photo: TJ Jackson/Insomnia

the night to end. To me, it was a story that hasn’t been told. Insomnia always has a negative connotation and I wanted something to kind of reverse the meaning. The tagline is ‘beautiful insomnia’ and I wanted to show that it can be a good thing as well.

Twins of Media: What do you miss about the group 3T and will you and your brothers perform new music in the future?

TJ: We’re brothers so we are always one unit. A lot of people think we have broken up, but I don’t use that term especially with my brothers. They’re my partners, and we’re just taking time away for our projects, and following other passions of ours. What I miss is touring with them. There is nothing like being on stage with my brothers either singing and smiling or sharing inside jokes. That’s something I do miss, but I’m excited to venture out on my own with my sound. In 3T it’s a collective group, it’s not one-hundred percent TJ Jackson, but Insomnia is, and that’s what I’m excited to share with the world.

Twins of Media: What do you like most in creating music?

TJ: I’ve always written, and I’ve always created music since me, and my brothers were very young. We started the group when I was 5-years-old. Music has always been a part of me, but in the last couple of years, I have come to appreciate that you can have ideas in your head, and within hours have it formulated as something you can listen to and get a reaction. I’ve respected that more as I have gotten older. My brothers and I work at a slower pace because we are very meticulous with every sound, words or melody, but the writing team I used this go-round, we were quick. We did a lot of songs in a quick amount of time. That’s when I learned that being a producer and creator is a special thing and something that I truly cherish.

Twins of Media: August 29, was Michael Jackson’s birthday. How do you continue to honor him on this day and every day afterward?

TJ: After my parents, there was no one more influential to me than my uncle. Music is one way, but even outside of music he influenced the way I thought and approached things. He influenced my desire to give back and make a positive impact in the world. He was always there for me. I remember when I was struggling with certain things, he was checking on me. At the time, it was Uncle Michael being Uncle Michael. As I’ve gotten older, I realized he was the legend that he was and selling out stadiums throughout the world, and he still had the audacity to call his 16-year-old nephew to make sure I was okay. It inspired me and it amazed me more. Everyone in the world appreciated him as the artist, but to me, he was a person. He was a gem of a person, and I owe so much to him. I will always feel I owe so much to him because he shaped my life.

Twins of Media: What is a funny story you can share of your uncle?

TJ: There are so many (laughs). One that I can share is I remember when Thriller came out around 83’ or 84’ when I was 5 or 6-yearsold. The song was scary, but even then I understood that my family was artists and musicians. My brothers were older than me, and they knew it as well. I remember us driving back with our uncle, and he pulled over on the side of the street near the Havenhurst house, and he stopped the car and he turned around and said, “I have something to tell you guys.” The first time, we were like, “What?” He then used his favorite line from Thriller, I’m not like other guys. It got to the point where he kept doing it (in character), and we were throwing things at him and saying, “Can we go already!” That is something I will always cherish. It’s who he was, he loved to play pranks (laughs).

Twins of Media: How does your Uncle impact your music today?

TJ: He impacts my music every day of my life in terms of approaching songs from every aspect such as the melodies, rhythms, and lyrics.

I hear his voice often when I’m recording and him instructing me and giving me advice. I’m blessed and grateful for it. When he spoke it was impactful, and it made a lot of sense. He was a genius. He will always be close to my heart, and I will always respect him. His influence is definitely in all my music. I tried to still be myself, but I can’t help it that it feels right to do certain things that many will think is a Jackson trait. There was a long time where I was trying to deny it and forge my own little thing, and to be honest, I would see everyone from the Weekend to Chris Brown and Usher resembling that, and here I am trying to do something completely different. Eventually, I asked myself, Why am I trying to avoid this? I ended up following my heart and doing me, and I’m getting that now where people tell me, you sound like Michael and it’s just me being me now.

Twins of Media: What’s next?

TJ: I’ve done a lot of music, so I have a lot of material coming around.

I will be releasing an EP later this year, and I will have an album dropping in 2020. I’m doing an acoustic record in February which I’m excited about. I’m also going to start walking in the acting world.

It’s something I’ve always wanted to do. It’s going to be a busy time for me, but I’m rejuvenated and excited, and I’m ready to do it!

Twins of Media: We wish you nothing but success! Please tell your father we said hello.

TJ: I will. Thank you, ladies, so much. Take care of yourselves and love each other.

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BSM Business Services email: info@beautifullysmagazine.com BSM MAGAZINE I 41

MUSIC NEWS

JAMES FORTUNE James Fortune’s 10th studio album “Dream Again” debuts at #10 on Billboard’s top Gospel albums & Gospel album sales charts New Album Features Billboard Gospel Top-Ten Hit “I Am (Feat. Deborah Carolina)” Special Features Include Collaborations with Zacardi Cortez, Todd Galberth, Keith “Wonderboy” Johnson, Minon Sarten, Lisa Knowles Smith and More Entertainment. One cel-

ebrates reaching #1 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Album Sales and Gospel Album Sales chart with GRAMMY-nominated James Fortune’s 10th album, Dream Again. Fortune’s 10th effort is available now on all major digital retailers and in select stores.

In receipt of the news, James Fortune, took to social media saying, “[This is] Proof you can Dream Again.”

Dream Again features Fortune’s innovative style of preaching, urban gospel hip-hop soul, complete with

Fortune’s spoken, sung, and shouted encouragement. Dream Again boasts the Billboard Gospel top-ten hit, “I Am (featuring Deborah Carolina)” and incredible collaborations “It’s Gonna Happen (featuring Zacardi Cortez),” “It Will All Work Out (featuring Keith “Wonderbody” Johnson),” “Nobody Like Jesus (featuring Lisa Knowles Smith)” and more.

Fortune’s strength is in understanding how to put gospel and praise songs over to a young 21st century audience, and with his featured choir, FIYA (which stands for Free in Yahweh’s Abundance), he freely incorporates hip-hop arrangements and urban beats into his recordings. His past recordings include: The Transformation (2007) – which featured the single “I Trust You”, charted at number one on gospel radio for 25 weeks and number 30 on Urban AC charts. His first live album, the two-disc Live Through It, dropped in 2014. In early 2017, Fortune issued the single “I Forgive Me” from the critically-acclaimed album Dear Future Me, which debuted at #1 on the Billboard Gospel Top Albums chart.

James Fortunes’ 10th album, “Dream Again” is available now. Follow James Fortune on social media by using the handle @MrJamesFortuneand on Facebook at Facebook.com/JamesFortuneAndFIYAand Facebook.com/JamesFortuneMusic. For more information on Entertainment One visit: https://www. entertainmentone.com.

Photo Source: Courtesy of Entertainment One

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MS KYLA PRATT

THE VOICE OF PENNY PROUD

After 14 years the return of Proud Family is near with New Episodes

The Proud Family

tell you that The Proud Family is

an idea has been proposed for

coming back, they told me not to

the show to be placed on one

tell you.” Produced by Bruce W.

of Disney’s streaming services.

Smith, the animated show made

Back in the day all you had

its debut in 2001 and ended in

to do was turn on the Disney

2005 with a movie. Originally

Channel and the show was

the show was based upon 14

always in route, you would

year old Penny Proud voiced

never miss an episode and then

by no one other than Kyla Pratt

one day it disappeared. I admire

Comedian Tommy Davidson,

and how her family survived the

the comeback of the show

who voiced Oscar Proud in the

stages of teenage life.

being that the story line was

P

formulated around an African

cartoon ‘The Proud Family’, revealed the show will return to Disney Channel. Davidson attended the premiere for 47 meters down and in an interview stated “I forgot to

Although the return of the show has fans excited it has not been determined if it will return

American Family and in this day and age their isn’t to many shows created that way.

mainstream for Disney Channel as the parody used to be. Instead

called Disney + and subject to release on November 12, however Disney hasn’t confirmed the return of the show quite yet. If the rumor is true fans can expect a bit of change with the show and many new episodes. This cartoon in particular hits home for many people and creates a positive image children need to see. As we wait November isn’t too far away, fingers crossed that when we turn our television on were surprised with Penny Proud on the screen.

BY: Aaliyah Ford

The new streaming service is

PHOTO CREDIT: IMDb

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Contemporary Artist Reinvigorating Modern Pop and the Rebirth of Musical History By: BSM Team Photos by: Sebastian Ferreira

Introducing Sebastian Ferreira, a Venezuelan/New Jersey artist/painter currently covering many styles of art including abstract expressionism, pop art, and graffiti, capturing the beauty of rock/ rap/boxing/acting legends including The Beatles, Marilyn Monroe, Freddie Mercury, Kate Moss, Biggie, Muhammed Ali, David Bowie, Audrey Hepburn, Charlie Chaplin and more. Sebastian says,”Street art and graffiti are forever present in my work.

Art has always been a form of catharsis and escape for me. It has provided a creative outlet that led to painting. I love the process of creating something from nothing. I am still on the journey to find myself in the vastness of art and I welcome you to be a part of it.”

Sebastian grew up as an artist always sketching, and drawing mostly comics. In third grade, one of his teachers noticed and recommended he audition for a Magnet School with an art program. That was the beginning of Ferreira discovering art on a different level. In 2014, he created pieces for the restaurant Porto by Antonio in Edgewater, NJ. He began selling pieces from the restaurant and decided to drop everything to pursue his art career, which was born out of a dark and sad time in his life, including a divorce at age 27.

You are a Contemporary Artist Reinvigorating Modern Pop and the Rebirth of Musical History, Following Movie Trends (Beatles, Biggie, Freddie Mercury, Kate Moss, Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Muhammed Ali. Why did you decide on this project and in particular why did you choose to focus the individuals mentioned?

I am a contemporary artist and I am going for a rebirth of sorts with these iconic individuals. As always bringing back the old with the new, I try to put my spin and style and show these portraits in a new light. My love for graffiti and calligraphy makes its way onto these pieces fusing the two worlds.

I chose these individuals because they are giants in their respective fields. Music, film, sports, etc. The influence and impact they had lasts forever.

What do you want the people who have had the opportunity to view your work to walk away with?

I’d like to inspire others when they see my work. Pique their creative side that they may have suppressed or ignored. If I can serve as a catalyst for creativity and feeling then I know I’ve made an impact somehow.

What inspires you when it comes to creativity. How do you prepare for your next art piece?

Im also a guitar player and am very immersed in the music I listen to. I definitely need a lot of noise to get into a creative head space. I listen to music to prepare for my next art piece.

What is your most popular piece? What is your most limited piece?

Freddie Mercury has been my most popular piece to date. I have a few clients who have custom Freddie pieces and love them. My most limited pieces are much different. They are my beauty forward pieces where I work with models and create portraits based on their photography. I look a very specific mood/vibe and I do it on my own free time when im not working. So these pieces are very heavy feeling. They deal with more personal aspects of my past experiences.

What’s coming up next for you?

What is coming up next for me? Very soon Aug 17th I will be showcasing at Soho Ink along with the Jason Perez Collective as well as painting live. Check out Aced Gallery for future events! Very soon I will preparing for Art Basel Miami!

Ferreira can be found at shopurban.co, rocart.net, and signed to Aced Gallery, Jason Perez Art Collective and his website is www.artbysebastian.com, video interview here https://www.artbysebastian.com/ blog/2018/10/23/behind-the-creatorsit-down-and-chat.

This interview took place before the showcase on August 17.

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Celebrity News

Emmy Nominated Director Ava DuVernay hit the #Emmys2019 purple carpet with the Exonerated Five, Sunday, (Sept. 22). #WhenTheySeeUs Photo: Twitter

Kelly Clarkson reunited with the original judges of American Idol on Wednesday (Sept. 18). Clarkson and original ‘American Idol’ judges Paul Abdul, Randy Jackson, and Simon Cowell have not been on the stage together since 2002 and reunited for an episode of the Kelly Clarkson Show.

Photo: Adam Torgerson/NBCUniversal

Jennifer Lopez walked /the runway wearing an updated version of her iconic green Versace dress in Milan, Italy, Friday, (Sept. 20). #stillgoingstrong #20yearanniversary #VersaceSS20 Photo: Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images

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www.pure-swag.com

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MEMOIR

MIKE HILL “OPEN MIKE” Interview by: La Trisha and La Tasha “Twins of Media” Photo by: GreyHeartCreative.com

Mike Hill was readying himself to catch a plane with fiancé, Cynthia Bailey of RHOA when he connected with us on the call. In our interview, the Emmy award-winning sports journalist and television host discussed his recent engagement with the model and reality TV star, and his new book “Open Mike” where he talks about the pains of witnessing abuse as a child, and how he hopes his life is an inspiration for others not to be defined by who they once were.

Twins of Media: Hello Mike!

MH: Hello ladies!

Twins of Media-Trisha: You recently proposed to Cynthia Bailey from the RHOA, and you two met on the “Steve Harvey” Talk Show. What motivated you to go on TV to find love?

MH: “Oh, my God!” (laughs) — What motivated me, I was doing a radio show at Fox, and my co-host knew one of the producers from Steve Harvey, and he asked me would I go on a dating show. My response: Not really. He then told me the woman was one of the RHOA, and I’m like, hold on bro! Which one? (laughs). He told me it was Cynthia Bailey, and I was like, Okay. I expressed I liked her; I thought she was very beautiful and had a great spirit. I went on the show not expecting anything whatsoever. My thought: Why would she need to do a dating show?

She’s gorgeous. She doesn’t need help dating somebody. I was going on there to have a lot of fun. We met. She was serious about being there, and the producers told me afterward she wanted to go on a date with me. I said, “Cool!” and got her number. Things didn’t happen overnight; it took a few months of dating before we realized being together was a blessing for both of us.

Twins of Media - Trisha: You host the show Hyperdrive on Netflix. Tell us more about it.

MH: Hyperdrive is great! I’ve been on television for almost 20 years, and it is the most exciting (beautiful) thing I’ve ever done in my career. It’s an adrenaline boost. It’s a lot of fun. Even if you’re not a car enthusiast, you’re going to love this show. Ten episodes on Netflix. I describe it as “American Ninja Warriors meets “Fast & Furious.” It’s 28 drivers from around the world who use their cars. These people don’t have a lot of money, they don’t have sponsorships, but they drive obstacles courses from hell (laughs). What makes the show so great is the background of the drivers. Some are from Germany, and then there’s a 20-year woman from South Africa

who had never been outside of her country. What these drivers have gone through is exhilarating to downright heartbreaking. I guarantee if you watch this production, you will be hooked and excited to view it. It came out on August 21st, and the reaction has been simply incredible. I’m praying for a season two, so we can keep that excitement going.

Twins of Media - Tasha: Along with saying “I Do” to being engaged to your fiancé, you also said “I Do” to becoming an author. Tell us about your new book, “Open Mike.”

MH: “Open Mike” is my memoir. It’s my life. A lot of people have this perception of my image on television, which is a clean-cut guy on tv and a great father. I’m glad I am a part of all that, but there is a lot of turmoil I went through that made me the person I am now. I felt like I needed to write the book because it was something on my heart. Had I not done so, I would not be on a show like Hyperdrive or engaged to Cynthia Bailey because I would not have been ready. God placed on my heart that I needed to let go of all these demons, and past hurts to see the blessings he had for me down the road. The past that was inflicted on me and I inflicted on others.

I started the book five years ago, but two years is when I felt like I needed to get it off my chest. As I started writing the book, it was almost like I was regurgitating, and the stress and pain were coming out of my body; the issues I had and the reasons why I could never fall in love even though I’ve been married before. I could never truly give my love to anybody because I was a cheater, and I understood why I couldn’t love these women. The hurt and pain I saw my mother go through being abused by my father and stepfather, and the first memory of my life was seeing my mom get her a** kicked; my stepfather stabbing my mother and leaving her for dead.

He was a hitman who murdered people and he spent the last nine years of his life in prison for a murder for hire charge. I needed to tell my story to get it off my chest, and to help people overcome their demons much quicker than I did.

Twins of Media- Tasha: What is something you want people to takeaway having read the book?

MH: First of all, people make mistakes. We live in an Instagram world where everybody wants to be somebody else; where people only put up the good stuff, and we compare our lives to that person and think we got it bad. I’ve not always had it good; I’ve had some of the bad stuff happen to me. I’m exposing myself to say, “Despite what you see, this is what I’ve gone through, this is what I continue

to go through, and this is where I am going.” I want people to see the mistakes I made so they can learn from them. God is not through with me yet, and I am definitely trying to get there!

Twins of Media- Tasha: Women are always asked this question, but Mike, how do you plan to balance being a new husband, sports journalist, television host, and author?

MH: The balance I have now is, “Does it make me happy and does it make the woman in my life, Cynthia Bailey happy?” No matter what I am doing, and no matter how busy I am, I can’t forget I have to live my life. I have to be happy. We both do the same things, and as busy as she is—she wants to include me in everything she’s doing, and I include her in everything I do. That’s one of the reasons why we’re trying to build this empire together. We help each other out. We also come together to work on things like pitching a new dating show soon through our production company. We work and make sure each other is happy, and that’s the balance.

Twins of Media- Tasha: Last time you laughed out loud in real life?

MH: It was on the phone with Cynthia and she’s trying to tell these jokes and it’s so corny (laughs). She got so frustrated that she couldn’t make me laugh that she went on Google and started looking up jokes to tell, and they were even more horrible. It’s funny in a sense because it’s my baby trying to make me smile and laugh. She says, I always do so for her, so it did make me smile and laugh out loud afterward.

Twins of Media: Please complete this sentence, I am marrying Cynthia Bailey because...

MH: She makes me happier than anyone I’ve ever had in my life. She doesn’t complete me because I was already complete before I met her, and so was she. We make each other better if that’s even possible. There are many other reasons, but the main one is that she makes me happy. I know she is mine and I am all hers.

Twins of Media: Thank you for the interview. We wish you and Cynthia a lifetime of love and happiness.

MH: Thank you, ladies! Cynthia and I would love to speak with you after the book officially comes out.

Twins of Media: We look forward to it.

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Transitioning into

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Fall with St

As fall is here, it is time to put the vibrant colors away and bring out the muted colors like brown, beige, orange, and deep reds. Fall wardrobes usually consists of burgundys or browns, but this upcoming season has a new color combination for the fashion lovers. The unexpected color combination is bright pink and red, weird right?

During Fashion Week, the models demonstrated many statement looks using these colors. It’s actually a flattering combination, so don’t be afraid to try it out! Let’s not forget about the color red that gives you a bold look which can be paired with vinyl skirts or cute low-heeled boots.

tyle

You can keep it simple and just throw on a faux fur coat with some lowheeled boots.

If you live in a place where it doesn’t get too cold, just bring out the blazer and cute dressy skirt and pair it with the knee high boots. Keep it seasonal and classy.

Don’t be scared to be bold and wear this vibrant color! You can pair it with cute open-toed mid-heels.

So many outfits and styles that could be put together makes it exciting for Fall to arrive!

By: Jasmin Urquiza Montiel Feature Photo: Pop Sugar

Photo by: BY Frazer Harrison/ Getty Images

Fall is probably the best time of the season for fashionistas because they get to wear their faux furs, trench coats, scarfs, and high boots. Welcome to a new season where you can

style yourself however you want.

See different ways to style yourself for fall.

Bring out the mute colors and pair them with cardigans and boots.

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Claud

Jord

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dan dia

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Photos by: Kauwuane Burton @ Kauwuane

C

Many know Claudia Jordan from the RHOA reality series, but the model, actress and television and radio host is not the evil person most people think she is and laughs a bit at the notion. In an industry full of highs and lows, she’s well aware that not everyone is for you at any given time. These days, Claudia’s focus is on the big screen where she will star in, and executive produce the upcoming thriller film, Dear Frank.

Claudia: How are ya!

Twins of Media: Doing well. Hello!

You co-star in the upcoming movie ‘Dear Frank’, which is a thriller and is set to release in mid-November. What attracted you to the project?

Claudia: I read the script, and I loved it! I came on as an executive producer, and I brought along Brian White and Columbus Short. I guess people can think of it as a dark comedy, murder mystery, and who did it. It’s very edgy, and there are some shocking scenes from the movie. Wait until you see the ending. The ending is like, Whoa!

Twins of Media: How did you prepare for the role of Beth?

Claudia: Being in Hollywood all these years, you have to make something that’s not so good, look good. You have to keep up appearances even if things are not that way. Existing in this business will prepare you for that (laughs). I play the role of a wife who appears to have everything, but there is some darkness behind who she is. Secrets are revealed when she turns up dead, and her husband (White) reads her journal and finds a bunch of stuff about her he didn’t know. Also, at the time, I was going through a break-up. I was like sad, mad and angry and I felt stupid, so I was vulnerable that week and it helped with everything. I’m not going to lie, ladies, a lot of wine was consumed on set, and that helped. Don’t let any actors tell you they don’t drink because they do (laughs).

Twins of Media: You mentioned you are an executive producer for the film. Is this your first time producing?

Claudia: I had smaller projects but nothing that’s made it out like this. I’ve been wanting to produce for a long time and put people together for a film. I will say, with this project, there was a lot of leeway with us contributing our ideas to the film. I loved that about working with White and Josh is a great director. There is another script they sent me that I can’t wait to start reading. I will be busy with that and preparing for the next one.

Twins of Media: Tell us something you’ve learned from having been in the entertainment industry for

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two decades.

Claudia: I’ve learned to pay attention to who has your back when you’re not hot or on a show. That’s who cares about you. This business will have you on a false high when things are good, and everybody wants you, and everybody wants to invite you to everything. When that show gets cancelled, look around you and see who’s still there. I didn’t prepare myself for that when it happened before, and I was devastated. Also, I tell people not to put all their eggs in one basket. I came into this business as a model and never thought I would end up being a morning radio show host and an actress. Be willing and open to give other things a try because you never know what hidden talents you didn’t know you had. Some people cannot get out of their way, and a person may think, I see myself as a lead woman in movies when they’re more of a supporting actress. You have to lose the ego in this business.

Twins of Media: Have you always known you wanted to become an actress?

Claudia: I remember being a model and having to go into my first audition for commercials. Modeling is an industry where you don’t talk. They don’t care what you have to say just take a pretty picture and show emotion through your eyes and be silent, but with commercials and acting it’s like, now we need to get something from you and it’s not as easy as people may think because a lot of models can be stiff.

I didn’t think about being an actress growing up. I always

Interview by: La Tasha & La Trisha “Twins of Media”

Claudia: That I’m not an evil b**** that everyone is accusing me to be and I don’t like to argue with people in real life (laughs). I have a very soft side, and I don’t know why people don’t want to give me that. I like turtles and kittens, and I’m a little bit of a nerd. I will beat anyone in Trivia Pursuit and maybe Jutes. Also, I’m a fan of Jeopardy, and I can solve almost any puzzle on Wheel of Fortune with only two letters. I’m kind of a genius when it comes to that.

Twins of Media: Last best place traveled and your favorite past time.

Claudia: My mom’s from Italy, so I like the country, and I love how beautiful it is. In Rome, there is a contrast of the old buildings, and you see the Colosseum where the actual gladiators fought. I love history and I like going to castles. I like morbid dark things, and there’s a museum of torture there, and it shows you the things human beings are capable of doing. I’m always interested in the “whys” and “how could we have done something.” It’s mind-blowing to know some of the things people came up with in medieval times. I know it doesn’t sound like a great vacation endorsement, but I love going there and also, anywhere in the Carribean because I feel like I’m an island girl at heart.

My favorite past time, I like to play craps, and I like old school comedies. I think the ‘90s was the golden era of movies with “Coming to America” and “Boomerang”, and all those other great films.

“Being in Hollywood all these years, you have to make something that’s not so good, look good ..” thought that it was super hard and it is, but the best way to get into it is to try it. Get into an acting class and break down scripts.

Twins of Media: Name a person who has influenced your career and why?

Claudia: I love Halle Berry, and I’ve always been a fan.

She’s vulnerable and beautiful, and when you meet her, she’s so sweet and down to earth. You would hear people say, she’s crazy, but I know people that know her, and it’s probably the negative ones that helped her to become a good actress. I also think we need to stop judging other people. We don’t know what someone has been through to get to where they are. I know she’s dealt with abuse and some other issues along the way and she’s strong. I also love Angela Bassett, and I believe everything she does acting. She was wild in What’s Love Got To Do With It, and should have won the Oscar. When she cries, I want to cry.

When she’s mad, I’m mad (laughs). Those two people, Halle and Angela, I love watching what they do.

Twins of Media: What is something about you that most people don’t know?

Twins of Media: Why should people see ‘Dear Frank’ and what’s next?

Claudia: It’s an interesting cast. You’ve seen Brian White and Columbus Short work together, and we’re introducing some new faces. There’s never been a movie like this, and it’s shocking at the end. People will watch this movie and go, I can’t believe what I just saw. You will laugh at parts where you didn’t think you would laugh. You’re going to experience all the emotions watching this movie. It’s pretty sexy, and my mother is not allowed to watch the film (laughs).

As for me, I host my morning radio show in Dallas. There are not too many women, black females that host their morning show, so it’s a big deal because it’s still a man’s world in radio. I’m also looking to get syndicated and pitch a show, highlighting the wonderful women in Dallas.

Twins of Media: Thank you for letting us get to know you better.

Claudia: Have a good one. Thank you!

Follow @claudiajordan

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“Be willing and open to give other things a try because you never know what hidden talents you didn’t know you had”

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Art by Sebastian

www.artbysebastian.com

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O OPRAH

WINFREY

Announces 2020: ‘Your Life in Focus’ Tour For the first time in five years, Oprah Winfrey has announced her national 2020 vision: Your Life in Focus tour, in partnership with WW (Weight Watchers Reimagined).

The tour will be held in nine U.S. cities and will include a day full of events to promote a healthy lifestyle. Also, each night, Oprah will have a special guest speaker for the audience to talk about different health experiences and other successful tips.

“What I know for sure is we can all come together to support a stronger, healthier, more abundant life – focused on what makes us feel energized, connected and empowered,” said Oprah.

“As I travel the country, my hope for this experience is to motivate others to let 2020 be the year of transformation and triumph – beginning first and foremost with what makes us well. This is the year to move forward, let’s make it happen in 2020!

During each tour stop, the audience will be instructed to create an action plan going into the new year. They will also have the chance to listen in on the latest wellness research. Oprah will be interviewing “some of the biggest celebrities, headline-makers, and game-changers,” says Mindy Grossman, President, and CEO of Weight Watchers. Grossman expressed her excitement about the tour and being an inspiration for people who have set

goals. “As the leader in weight loss and the world’s partner in wellness, we look forward to giving people the tools, content, and inspiration that can help them on their journey during this tour and beyond through engaging digital experiences on our app or the faceto-face group workshops.”

“For more than three decades, Oprah has used her unparalleled gift to empower audiences to live their healthiest and best lives,” said Amy Weinblum, Chief Business Development Officer, WW. “Creating energizing events and experiences with partners like Oprah and Live Nation is the next iteration of WW showing up to inspire community, making wellness accessible to all.”

The tour will be produced by Live Nation in conjunction with Women Nation, the newly formed division dedicated to women-led and women driven live events. The day-long event will kick off Saturday, January 4 in Ft. Lauderdale, FL and make stops in St. Paul, Charlotte, Atlanta, Brooklyn, Dallas, San Francisco and Los Angeles before wrapping Saturday, March 7 in Denver, CO. Exclusive presale access for the WW community begins Monday, September 9 at 10am local time.

American Express® Card Members can purchase tickets before the general public beginning Tuesday, September 10 at 10am local time through Thursday, September 12 at 10pm local time. (livenationentertainment.com) By: Aaliyah Ford Photo: Toni Gauthier

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Democratic Deb

at texas SOUT

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bate takes place

THERN UNIVERSITY

By: Aaliyah Ford Photo: David Phillip

For the first time in history, Texas Southern University hosted the Primary Democratic Debate. The University’s campus was full of different media outlets the entire week to make this night one to remember. Student’s and staff had every opportunity to engage and network during the countdown of the debate. Ten Democratic Presidential Candidates took to the stage in TSU’s Health and Physical Education Arena, live on ABC News on September 12th.

recent Instagram post, Edy wrote, “How could I not give thanks?

“This experience has concurrently broadened my skill set as well as assisted in extending my network and it has been an honor to contribute to something so monumental!”

Mayor Sylvester Turner was also one of the special guests to pop in on the debate and welcome those who came near and far to the heart and soul of Houston. “We are a city who builds on relationships and Five students from the School of not walls” said Mayor Turner.

Communication served as interns for ABC News and had the chance The ten candidates entered the to work with the production team, stage in the fight to come out on top and serve as runners for the spin and eventually become President room set up for journalist across Of the United States in 2020. the world. Senior Tamerras Edy, expressed her excitement to the Share your experience from the Houston Chronicle on being one Presidential Debate on Instagram of the interns for ABC News. In a @bsm_mag.

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TR

ELL

ROSS

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RACEE

LIS

S

by: Aaliyah Ford Photograph: david livingston

Actress Tracee Ellis Ross is finally launching her haircare line after ten years. Pattern is the new haircare brand for natural hair especially curly hair girls and women who now have a reason to embrace their coils. In a recent Instagram post on Tuesday, September 3, Ross shared the news in a nude photo shoot modeling her textured hair.

Ross has prepared for this launch for twenty years, and making it a goal to meet the expectations of curly haired women around the world. Whereas some women had to use more than one solution to meet their hair goals Pattern is for “those of us who need more than a quarter size of product,” said Ross. “@patternbeauty is the result of 20 years of dreaming, 10 years in the making (I wrote my first brand pitch in 2008, right when girlfriends finished) and 2 years of working with chemists. I’m so excited to share this with yall,” Ross captioned in her Instagram post.

After Ross went through her own personal hair journey, she felt other women of color with different grades

of hair could use her assistance. “The culture of beauty has been so steeped in patriarchy, racism and sexism for so long and it’s not that those skin tones and hair types never existed, but there hasn’t been a large space and understanding for it,” Ross told WWD. Ross expressed that wearing her natural hair had always been an issue when she was younger and she could never figure out why. “Growing up, society told me there was a right way to wear my hair and a right way to look, those ideas didn’t match what I saw in the mirror.”

Pattern launched on September 9, 2019, and will include three conditioners, one leave-in conditioner and one shampoo.

The other products will be available to texturize the hair, add volume and shine. The travel size set will include two hair oils, wash day products such as a micro- fiber hair towel, in-shower hairbrush, and a hair clip. Be the first to purchase these fine hair care products at @patternbeauty.com and Ulta Beauty. #RockYourPattern

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Michelle Williams Emmy Winner Michelle Williams on her Support of Equal Pay For Women

you for allowing her to succeed because of her workplace environment and not in spite of it.”

Emmy award winner Michelle Willams gave an emotional and empowering speech that made headlines Sunday, September 22, at the 2019 Emmy Awards. Willams took a moment to speak about the importance of believing in women’s equal pay but especially recognizing women of color.

The 39-year-old actress is not afraid to step forward about the topic. Back in 2017, she made a comment about how she was getting paid way less than her male co-star, Mark Wahlberg for the reshoots she did in the movie All the Money in the World.

“The next time a woman — and especially a woman of color, because she stands to make 52 cents on the dollar compared to her white male counterparts — tells you what she needs in order to do her job, listen to her, believe her,” Williams said. “Because one day she might stand in front of you and say thank

Williams, thanked the cast, especially co-star Sam Rockwell, and crew of Fosse/Verdon for doing the impossible to make the show come together. She thanked FX and FOX 21 station for investing in her. She ended her speech with a few words dedicated to her daughter: “Matilda this is for you, like everything else.”

By: LESLIE VASQUEZ || Photo: ARABIA BAZARRA

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NEW TALK SHOW

TAMRON HALL Is Tamron Hall getting any sleep? The award-winning journalist recently became a newlywed when she married music executive Steven Greener. The former co-host of Today’s Take also joined the motherhood club for the first time with the birth of the couple’s son Moses, and the small-town girl with dreams as big as the state of Texas where she was born launched her new daytime talk show on Monday, September 9.

Tamron Hall Talk Show will discuss a range of topics like marriage, lifestyle, and fashion. Her inspiration for the talk show is a combination of The Oprah Winfrey Show and Phil Donahue with stories that encourage the audience members to participate. The talk show will mark Hall’s return back to daytime since a couple of years after she left “Today” in February 2017, when the network decided to phase her out to bring in the now-defunct “Megyn Kelly Today.”

Welcome back to daytime Tamron Hall!

Watch the Tamron Hall Talk Show 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Check your local listings.

BY: LESLIE VASQUEZ I PHOTO BY: ABC7NY.COM

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Will Smith & Martin Law

By: Leslie Vasquez I Photo: themoviemylife.com 44 | BSM MAGAZINE

Photo: literacy.adviserwordpress.com

wrence

Bad boys for life After 16 years, Will Smith and Martin Lawrence are reuniting on the streets of Miami to solve another crime. This time the “Bad Boys for Life” trailer kicks off in classic form and with the same humor as in the previous action films. For fans, it took Smith and Lawrence years to come back together to play cops, Mike Lowrey and Marcus Barnett.

Will Smith officially added the movie trailer on his Instagram with an exciting caption “WOOOOSAAAHH, Y’all Clam Down…January is around the corner @badboys”. You can tell fans are excited about the good news.

In the film, you will alsonotice Smith and Lawrence’s characters have evolved. Both actors are in their 50’s but still, look great.“Bad Boys for Life” added a few fresh faces to join the film, Alexander Ludwig (Vikings), Vanessa Hudgens (The Princess Switch), and Charles Melton (Riverdale) play a modernized police unit that sideswipe against the old school Bad Boys (Smith and Lawrence) that is, until a new threat appears in the streets of Miami. The movie will hit theaters on January 17, 2020.

Meanwhile, sit back and enjoy the trailer…

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Priscilla Shirer

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Priscilla Shirer stars in the inspirational film Overcomer, and her previous role was in the movie War Room. The author and motivational speaker recently spoke with BSM about how acting (something she tried to avoid) is now a part of her work in ministry. Read more.

Twins of Media- La Trisha: Tell us about the new movie: OVERCOMER from the Kendrick Brothers and your character Oliva Brooks?

Priscilla Shirer: The “Overcomer” is a delightful movie. I play the school counselor, where the main character, Hannah, attends. I help her to recognize the value that she has in God. It’s an incredible storyline that surrounds Hannah, who is fifteen-years-old and struggles with a crippling identity crisis, compounded with a very difficult family situation. The circumstances make her feel a bit abandoned and displaced, and she tries to wrestle through all of it. At the same time, there are a couple of other characters that are also struggling with their identity crisis, for different reasons. One is an adult who has placed the significance of their success in a career taken away. The other person has their health taken away at a time where their significance is on being healthy and strong. All three of the characters’ lives intertwine in a way that is quite unexpected and surprising, and endearing to the audiences that see the film. It’s a great story, but it does beg a deeply spiritual question while also being entertaining.

The film will have you to ask, who or what have I, allowed to define me. Is my significance attached to something taken? If it is, am I going to be in trouble? Money comes and goes, and whether people like you today or tomorrow, it is who God says you are, and the value He has placed on you that doesn’t change. That is the movie.

Twins of Media- La Tasha: Why do you think this film will resonate with people of all ages?

Priscilla Shirer: People are looking for things their families can enjoy together. I’m a mother of three boys so I’m always like, “What can we do together where I won’t become embarrassed by what is on the screen. As a Christian, I look for messages that uplift my faith and is not a watered-down message of the gospel. That’s important to me as a mom. I

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think it resonates with people of all ages and demographics because it is faith-based. Instead of a movie purporting to be and you realize it has nothing to do with the truth of scripture and it doesn’t honor God. People will see the authenticity behind this film and not see a watered down message of the gospel. We see children intrigued by the storyline, and they can relate and identify with the young woman that is the main character. Fathers and mothers can see themselves in the couple in the story. I think all parties will appreciate that it is not just faith family-friendly, but it is faith-based as well.

Twins of Media- La Trisha: What do you like most about acting movies like “Overcomer” and your previous film “War Room?”

Priscilla Shirer: For me, the whole world of film is entirely outside of my comfort zone in terms of training and skill set or what I plan to do with my life. You could have never told me in a million years that ministry for me would include acting on film. I’ve been in ministry for twenty years and have devoted my life to what I feel is the purpose God has given me. My passion is to share the truth about His word, particularly with women. I want to help them understand the value they have in Christ and to live a life with Him more than just going to church on Sundays, but a real relationship with the Lord through His word and by the Holy Spirit. God has given me the privilege and an open door to be in the War Room. When asked, I said no because I thought you’ve got to be kidding me (laughs), you know I’m not an actress, right?”

I gave them names of some actresses that I admired that fit the demographics, and who I thought would be great. The producers thought if I read the script, I would see it’s not just a movie, but it is a ministry. They know it’s what I do, and of course, when I read the script for War Room and a year later, Overcomer, I saw it wasn’t just a movie, but it’s a ministry. That’s why I do it because there are some people who will never pick up a book that I read or they may never come to a conference where I speak or teach, but they will go to a movie, and so there is a whole group of people that may never otherwise know the good news of our faith and of Jesus and the hope that we have in Him. They may never hear it any other way except in these films where we roll out the red carpet for God to introduce himself and march into their lives.

Twins of Media- La Tasha: What is the feedback from people who watch your movies?

Twins of Media- La Tasha: Tell us the last time you laughed out loud in real time.

Priscilla Shirer: That’s one of the gifts of doing projects like these and others. On days that are writing days, you’re by yourself when you are writing and studying or even when you spend 13 hours making a movie until the project finishes. Sometimes you’re tucked away in an editing booth with editors who are trying to get it all figured out and it can be isolating until you start hearing back from people.

The gift is in the process, especially when there are dozens or hundreds of tweets or comments via Instagram or emails with messages. Like someone thanking me because their daughter has been resistant to the gospel. A son who’s struggled with his identity, or a wife writing about her husband can watch this film. When I read about how God continues to bring hope to people through these messages and also through these projects, it makes the sweat and tears all worthwhile and the long days and sleepless nights as well.

God can use all of these arts and all of the mediums that he created in the first place to use them all to bring Him glory and to draw people to Himself.

Priscilla Shirer: OH mmm, that’s a good one. Let’s see when was the last time I laughed out loud? Probably yesterday watching my youngest son with our dog and they were playing tag. They play like brothers, and it’s hysterical! It’s like I have a fourth son in the house. We couldn’t get our dog to eat; he wasn’t eating for some reason, so my younger son ran into the room where his food is and pretended to eat it, and our dog saw my son, and he tore off running towards the bowl growling and barking. Watching the reaction between the two of them, it’s hysterical, so I laughed out loud watching this dog respond to the fact that somebody might eat his food [laughs].

Twins of Media- La Trisha: Who or what refuels you to continue in ministry and acting?

Priscilla Shirer: It is with my family. I love being at home.

Anybody raising teenagers knows it’s hard to get everybody together or on the same page. We do things like go to the movies together and eat together at the dinner table. The struggle is getting everybody in the same room. When it happens, nobody’s at football or basketball practice, and we’re all together. It’s a blessing. Some older and wiser women in my life have walked the road of ministry, marriage, and raising children. They’ve walked the way a little longer than me, and their encouragement is a huge blessing. It’s one of the things that drew me to the character of Olivia Brooks in the film. I loved the picture of an older woman taking an interest in and deliberately encouraging the life of a younger woman. I honestly love seeing that from an African American perspective. Seeing this black woman take an interest in a black girl to make sure there is someone that cares deeply about her to make sure she is okay.

Twins of Media- La Trisha: Your #1 reason why people should see the Overcomer?

Priscilla Shirer: You should see it because you are going to enjoy a good movie. Often with faith-based films, we have a pretty low expectation. We think the quality is going to be little, and the acting is going to be small, or the story is cheesy. I want to say I don’t think that’s the case here. I think you will enjoy it, but more than that I think it’s going to help remind you of something important, and that is you are not what you have done or what other people have called you.

You are not even what you called yourself, but who God says you are point-blank. Period. No success can change that, and there is no lack of progress or weakness or frailty or mistake that can change who God says you are. Once you get a handle on that, it can change the course of your whole life.

Twins of Media: Thank you Priscilla for speaking with us. It has been a pleasure, and we look forward to talking again in the near future.

Priscilla Shirer: You’re welcome! I’m grateful for both of you. Bye! This interview took place before this issue went to print.

INTERVIEW BY: LA TRISHA & LA TASHA “TWINS OF MEDIA” PHOTO BY: CROSSWALK.COM

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Rivers

Chrystal

On Ways to Become Financially Stable By: Jasmin Urquiza Montiel I Photo: Ken Jones

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C

How important is it for women in their 20’s and 30’s to invest in property and why?

It’s important mostly because women must invest in themselves; investments, our current state of mind, financial stability, investing in our future and making sure we have continuous success. Whatever vehicle you choose via real estate, stock market, or 401k, we need to invest in ourselves first. I chose real estate as my investment because the opportunity presented itself.

Ultimately, we determine our fate and financial stability. For me, financial independence, you can’t rely on the economy or inheritance. We have to take to do it ourselves.

What is a great benefit of working with a financial advisor that many may not consider?

Working with a financial advisor takes a lot of maturities. You have to be ready especially if you have a good one. They’re going to push you to do the hard and necessary moves to secure your future. They have the tools for financial success, limited education access and they help us plan for today and tomorrow. I need to be prepared for whatever is coming, and as I am getting older things to change health-wise, and I just need to be prepared. I wouldn’t have been able to make my decision if it wasn’t for my financial planner.

What advice would you give to adolescent girls on becoming financially healthy before marriage and kids?

Become educated on financial practices while you’re young and single. Try, fail, which I’ve done several times, course correct and move forward. That is the only way you can be an asset in a relationship either romantic or partnership. If for whatever reason the opportunity comes up in being in a relationship, you’ll be an asset to that relationship even if it doesn’t work out, you’ll be in a better financial position for your journey because you did it yourself.

Share with us why you like to give back in both your professional and personal life?

I’ve been in the position where I needed to help a friend, resources and community organizations. I’ve recognized that each one of us is a paycheck away, health scare away, or a home flood away from needing the services we provide to others. That’s important to me, keeping a forefront of my personal life, but also when it comes to my career and in a fundraiser for organizations who want to give back. It’s easy because I enjoy it. It helps to be good at it and enjoy something I am passionate about. Of course, the salary potential isn’t bad either! I am always giving to places like churches or any other type of organizations. I’ve reached a place where my financial situation put me in a situation where I was on several friends’ couches, having to live in an office room or someone house, work a couple of jobs just to be able to live.

Your dream vacation?

This is hard for me because I’ve done it all. I’ve relaxed on the beaches of Brazil, toured the temples in Korea, resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean Islands. I wouldn’t mind a trip to Canada, but I would love to go to Africa. To me what’s more important is who I go with not where I go.

What goals do you have for yourself before the new decade rolls around?

The thought of that is so scary, it puts a fire under people I think in general that gets us moving. I turn 35 this year so I have a different perspective than someone who is in their 20s or 50s, but 35 is a big turning point for me because of self- realization, self- care, using my time more wisely, and of course investing in my future. I have one large student loan I would love to pay off at the end of the year, but everything is on track. I’m going to continue the race and stay in my lane.

Thank you for interviewing with BSM Media Thank you for having me.

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