Men's Empowerment Issue 2021 by Where It Begins

2021

men of influence

The inspiration

of greatness

Mens

Empowerment Male leaders advice for the next generation

Adrian Davis

CONTENTS SEPTEMBER 2021 Adrian Ceja Terry Quintero David P Stevens Griff Galexxzee Adrian Davis Melvin Pillay Dub J Dwayne Morgan Hazel Roche Avrell Stokes Cliff Atkinson's Anthony Barrett Robert Mcrae Joe Jennings Jr Deon Robertson Steven Cleveland Xavier Keyz Joel Michaely Eric Darius Mardy Price Christian Johnston Cortney Woodruff Joey Oscar

04 06 08 11 13 16 18 20 22 24 26 29 31 33 36 38 42 44 47 52 54 58 60

11 44

31 Founder – Cece Hymes

W.I.B (Where It Begins) is an Independent agency with the aim to always be innovated in each approach taken to projects and making sure excellence is given in a projects execution when it comes to media marketing, branding, networking and management. Founded by the well experienced and ever growing force; D.C native - Cece Hymes, the most important and integral aspect of W.I.B is that branding for both Creatives and Businesses is taken to the next level with each and every project undertaken.

We’ve continued to represent a very diverse and well acclaimed roster of emerging talents in the entertainment, and businesses!

With a determined persistence for continued excellence, our Founder – Cece Hymes, with a college Degree in Business Management, has also worked within radio and with many companies such as: RDE Entertainment, H.I.G.H Entertainment and Caribbean Gospel Records Ltd.,

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Iva " i believe my life's

work is truly helping people live their

best lives through

health, fitness, and

helping them see a transformation "

"I'm an advocate for listening to one's authentic voice and living to one's full potential."

adrian ceja

Q. Thanks for interviewing with us. Please give us your backstory. What led you on the path to Fitness & Nutrition? A. Sometimes I feel like I’m still unraveling that today. In over ten years there are still things now that remind me of why my conviction is so strong. Fitness was introduced to me in my late teens, and soon realized it needed to be combined with nutrition for a more well-rounded approach. I think all this kept my 4

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interest in the beginning because there was always something I was challenged with and needed to figure out. It was sort of a thrill for me. But if I can go a bit deeper, when I was in high school my grandmother passed away from diabetes and other complications. I was devastated, and things shifted for me then.

Later, health and exercise science became my main focus of study and that was when I realized that many lifestyle diseases can be

prevented and even reversed. I learned that our eating and how we took care of ourselves played a major role in the trajectory of our lives.

The more I coach people the more I realize how susceptible we are to be outsourcing our health, and even it being hijacked by our poor eating and lifestyle habits. I believe my life’s work is truly helping people live their best lives through health, fitness, and helping them see a transformation.

and I’m so grateful. I like seeing it in parts or seasons because every part prepares us for the next. I am doing much more speaking on health and fitness these days and that is something I’ve always dreamed of before.

Q. Who inspired you to be the man you are today? A. Before I started my coaching business, I worked at a family owned gym called True Fitness. The owner, Josh, was my immediate overseer and I believe he played a major part in my development. He saw traits and characteristics in me I didn’t see in myself. He believed in my abilities more than I did, and that stretched me out of my comfort zone. But I also believe a major part of my growth into the man I am today comes from the strengthening my own faith. It was by faith that led me into what I am doing today. And it’s been a blessed and fun ride. Q. Let’s talk about your 10-week workout program and the motivation behind it. A. Yes, let’s go there. It was really birthed out of a need I discovered for people who needed fitness and nutrition to be simplified. We implement nutrition in a way that’s simple and removes the frustration and complexity, and key exercises that maximize muscle growth, and boosts fat loss for busy professionals who don’t have a lot of time.

Q. What do you feel are the most important attributes of successful leaders? A. I lead a health and fitness program today called Operation Healthy Lives. And I think a key attribute is being people oriented. Leadership speaker John C. Maxwell says, “leadership is influence” and that’s something I believe to be true because people don’t just follow you by your title, but by how you live your life. The first person we lead is ourselves and that will possess an influence where people are inspired to follow you or not. Q. Can you give us some tips on eating healthy and being fit? A. Start small and progress from there. Look at your life and decide where you’re ready, willing, and able to make changes. I believe healthy eating habits start with paying attention to your food cues and impulses; stress and emotional eating, eating out of boredom, cravings, etc. Start there and work at tackling them one at a time. Here’s also something more practical: - Start swapping overly processed foods as your main food source, and slowly start adding in proteins and leafy

green veggies. - Drink at least half your body weight in ounces of water. If you're fairly active day-to-day I would aim for more.

- Stay consistent and write your goals down. Aim for progress, not perfection.

Q. Where do you see yourself in the next five years? A. I think there’s still much to be done in the wellness space for me, so I’ll be around for a while. But I also think much more will be added. In these next five years I see myself speaking more, having mini conferences, and teaching on transformation. Oh, and building a more solidified team to make all this a reality. Q. How would you describe your future in 3 words? A. Helping people succeed. Q. Are you working on any new events or upcoming projects? A. Actually yes! I am currently preparing for a nutrition seminar held at a local church. The focus is how to have people move forward or take the next action step to living a healthier lifestyle. So, I’m preparing ways to give them solid takeaways in simple and digestible ways. You know, kind of like removing all the complexities. Q. Where can the readers follow you? A. They can find me anywhere using @officialadrianceja or visit my website at officialadrianceja.com

Q. Are you living the life of your dreams? A. I think we live our dream in parts. And I believe I am definitely living a part of mine, WIB Magazine

" Stand on what you believe in. Do not let anything stop you from your positions. "

Terry

Quintero 6

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Q. Thanks for interviewing with us. Tell everyone who you are and what you do? A. My name is Terry J QuinteroMoore, I am an actor who plays in an award-winning film called Snow Black, I’m a Model that walked in New York fashion week called Runway On Fire in New York, I am also a celebrity light Heavy Weight Champion Philly Fame boxer. I have also played in the movies called Apollo 1 and Apollo 2... I am also born on St Patrick’s Day. Q. Let’s talk about the experience you had being in the movie “Snow Black”? A. Wow! I’m glad you asked, about my experience on the Snow Black movie. I am so blessed to work with Robert Parham who is our Five-Time Kick Boxing Champion and Four Time golden gloves. Robertis an incredible writer/ producer. I made history as well. In the movie I play Swag and I fought legendary Ron Van Clief, who is known as The Black Dragon. He is our Ron Van Clief went on to become a Five-Time Karate and Kung Fu World Champion and a 15-time All-America Champion. Gloria Hendry is best known for the movie James Bond film, “Live and Let Die”. These stars have not did a film in years. I am the most luckiest person to be making history with working with them. These legends help create our Blaxploitation films. This is the reason why I am saying I am making history. Q. Who do you look up to for inspiration or mentorship? A. I have quite a few people I look up too. Here are a few people I look up to. Sindy Pointier, Denzel Washington as well Dewayne The Rock Johnson. Denzel is a great actor and I feel like I can learn so much from him. The

Dewayne The Rock Johnson because I’m a wrestler and I am a boxer. He has so many great skills. Robert Parham have mentored me in acting and me doing martial arts. I am big into healthy foods and a great workout. It is so important to workout. Q. Tell us about the new show called “The Swag Show” and the motivation behind it? A. The motivation behind “The Swag Show” is the movie Snow Black. Everyone loves me playing the character. Everyone said I was sexy, and debonair in the movie. So the “The Swag Show” is a positive show and we help bring to the public the Swag in people success. I am on the MizMacMarketing LLC Roku Channel. The MizMacMarketing team created this show for me. I am so excited about my new show. You got to have Swag to be on my show but all is welcome. Q. As a male leader what has been the most significant barrier in your career?

A. My most significant barrier has been to get those who are coming up behind me to follow their dreams. No matter what. We sometime can lose our way, but we must hold on. Q. How did you get involved with the water brand “Live Alkaline Water”? A. I got involved with the Live Alkaline Water brand because not only am I a fighter and Philly’s game light Heavy Weight Champion, but because I’m very much into fitness and health and involving myself with anything that can improve health, so we decided to team up. Q. What advice do you give to the next generation of male leaders? A. My advice to the next generation of male’s leader is to stand on what you believe in. Do not let anything stop you from your positions. Q. Are you working on any new projects or upcoming events? A. Yes, I have a few projects that’s on the table that’s still in the works of getting off the ground at the moment. Q. How would you describe your future in 3 words? A. I would describe my future in these three words. Blessed, Forthcoming, Greatness. Q. Where can the readers follow you? A. Please follow me at my social media pages on Facebook Terry J Quintero-Moore, Instagram Actor Terry J Quintero-Moore, and my Twitter @terryjquintero7.

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Photo credit: KT Jones

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David P Stevens Q. Thanks for interviewing with us. Tell us who you are and what you do? A. My name is David P Stevens, I’m a husband, father, writer, producer and performing artist! I have 8 albums released, several songs on the radio, have been in the Billboard top 10 and top 5 positions, and continue to travel the world performing in festivals and theaters. I’m from Philly but have moved my family to Los Angeles. In LA I am writing and producing music with different teams of people. We have some hot stuff coming! Q. Who motivated you to be the man you are today? A. My father is my greatest motivation. My dad was a pastor and school teacher. He taught art in the Philadelphia school district for 34 years. He is still pastoring and still active even in his 80s. He loves people and taught me to be giving and compassionate. He also taught me to be strong. To fight, to be relentless when it comes to reaching goals, raising my family etc. as busy as my pop was, he was always present. He came to every football game, every music event that he could attend, etc. He encouraged me and inspired me greatly. I still reach out to him every week to glean from his wisdom!

Photo credit: Donnell Spencer Jr. Q. All the music you have written, what has been your favorite? A. It’s hard to say. I’ve written and produced so much music!! To date, I think my album Rogue is my favorite. This album featured songs that mirror who I am as an artist. It’s jazz, but also very contemporary. You can hear my many influences. I love fusion jazz, R&B, Gospel, Pop etc. Rogue is a perfect blend of all of those and more. Eventually I’m going to revisit that with a volume 2! Q. Tell us some goals you are working on accomplishing?

A. I’m determined to write and produce major hit songs that will touch the world. The music business really isn’t set up anymore to bring messages of love, hope, healing, romance etc. I’m determined to bring that back in a major way. Babyface is a huge influence of mine. His career mirrors what I would like to accomplish. Q. As a male leader what has been the most significant barrier in your career? A. I would absolutely say finance. It’s difficult to be an artist when you are also responsible for leading your family financially.

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Q. How do you balance work and life responsibilities? A. I have always worked my schedule around family time. I have 3 children who are very active in sports and various other endeavors. I like to be present as much as possible. Because of that, I have to work during the day and then late at night to get things done. As I mentioned above, I do vacation. I’m not great with it though. I’m usually antsy and ready to get back to work. Q. What is your most memorable achievement or accomplishment you have received? A. In music I would say being booked for major jazz festivals. I grew up idolizing people like Gerald Albright, Najee, Norman Brown etc. Now performing on stages with them has been amazing! I’ve even been blessed to have some of them on my albums! For me that has been amazing! Q. How would you describe your future in 3 words? A. I Will Win!

Photo credit: Donnell Spencer Jr.

" I'm determined to write and produce major hit songs that will touch the world. " Thank God I have had an amazing partner. My wife helped me build my career in ways I couldn’t have done alone. I also recognized early on that I couldn’t make money just doing one thing. Because of that, I learned how to engineer, mix, produce, handle the business side of things etc. I also took time to get a Master’s degree

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in Business so that I could network better and build more effectively. Even with all of that, it’s still a daily grind. There is no rest/relaxation. I build some in, but with the understanding that while I’m resting, thousands of people are trying to do what I’m doing. Makes it pretty hard to vacation. LOL.

Q. Are you working on any new projects or events? A. I just released a new album called Evolution. I am in talks for the beginning of a new project, I’m pitching music to different artists and working with different people to pitch to various movies and TV shows as well. I believe 2022 will be an amazing year musically! Q. Where can the readers follow you? A. All my social media is under DavidPStevens you can also go to my website DavidPStevens.com all links are there as well.

All my music can be heard here: https://ffm. tozdpsevolution

"3 P's to success. Persistence, Patience and Passion. With this elements you can accomplish any goal. Control The Day. "

Griff

Galexxzee WIB Magazine

in the day when he was 17. This was before he put out come back season. I also would love to collab with The Weekend, Bruno Mars, Jack Harlow and Da Baby. Many of these artists I respect their craft. Q. How would you describe the music that you typically create? A. My style is old school sound from 70s, 80s and 90s with new school twist and vocals. Q. If you could open a show for any artist who would it be? A. That’s a good question…. I grew up hearing artists like Eminem, T.I, 50 and Kanye. I would love to open for these artists if they are still touring.

Q. Thanks for interviewing with us. Tell us who you are and what you do? A. Thanks for taking the time to interview me. It’s an honor and a pleasure. My name is Griff Galexxzee. I am singer song writing, producer and recording pop artist. I have been in the music industry for over a decade and now since the pandemic, I am making my debut as a solo artist. Q. What motivated you to be the man you are today? A. What motivates me, is seeing how music brings people together and having the ability to create something that is able to change lives. That’s something that keeps me motivated and driven that I am actually making a difference and bringing enjoyment. Q. Tell us about “Groove Out” and the motivation behind it?

A. The song “Groove” aka Groove Out Was inspired by one of my influences Michael Jackson. He always had songs that make you want to get down and have a good time. Also, during the pandemic, a lot of people have been stressed and this song is a reminder to let loose and let go of your worries.

Q. What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given? A. Best advice I was given was follow and take advice from the people that have what you want in life. The people that don’t have what you want in life, don’t listen to them as it won’t help you achieve your goals.

Q. Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years? A. In 5 years I see myself writing a book about my life as I have had many ups and downs a lot of learning lessons that people can apply in their personal life. I also see myself working more behind the scenes in the music industry. Producing for up and coming artists.

Q. Are you working on any new projects or events? A. I actually have my debut album “Facts Over Feelings” Coming out Sept 30th. I will be interviewing a few other radio and TV stations. Prior to that, I have a radio interview with DJ immortal on outlaw radio I also have my song “Groove” Music Video on Revolt TV in the fall. I'm also talking with Fat Joe on working with him on something. No set dates yet but in the works. When the border opens in Toronto Canada I will be looking to tour.

Q. Who are some artists you would like to collaborate with? A. I definitely would love to collaborate with Drake. We actually did a song together back

Q. Where can the readers follow you? A. They follow me on www. instagram.com/griffgalexxzee Also www.twitter.com/dcgriffy.

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Adrian Davis " To live in their truth. The more you live in your truth the easier it is to free other people that are ashamed to truthfully express themselves. "

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Q. Tell Us who you are and what you do? A. I am the owner of a branding, marketing, and creative agency by the name of, The Commas Agency. This Agency challenges you to keep in mind that we have the right to be more than what people might have known you to be. “The more you lean into every comma that God has created you to be, the more commas you will visibly see in your bank account”. This is a quote I live by as I also coach and mentor my mentees to live out as well. Q. Tell us a little bit about your journey and how you got to where you are today? A. I’m still a pastor to a certain extent, just not in the context of leading a church within the four walls. In 2020 while living in Huntsville, Alabama I decided to move to Los Angeles, California to pursue my dreams of being entranced and involved in the entertainment industry. Currently I am working on a docuseries entitled Brilliant Black Boy that displays the picture of systematic racism within the field of education for black and brown boys. During this transition I was exposed to so much information about the entertainment industry and the voice that is needed to represent black men. I realized this voice is

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needed for most black men that have a level of creativity to showcase that has overcame growing up in terrible environments, whether that be at home or at school. Q. Let’s talk about your business, The Commas Agency, and the motivation behind it? A. Well, I think the biggest motivation behind The Commas Agency is teaching people not to fall into the stigma of having to always remain the same. People will remember you from their first impression and box you in. The agency’s tagline, “the proper punctuation, gives you the right to be more” reminds you that you can be multi-faceted; it’s our birth rite. The Commas Agency is here to walk you through the discovery of self to get you branded and packaged to present you to the world! Q. As a male leader, what has been the most significant barrier in your career? A. I honestly believe the most significant barrier in my career has been struggling with the automatic perceptions and expectations we have of people. As a male leader, there’s a level of expectation that comes with being man and a black man as well. Most people do not realize there is a high expectation that is placed on black men. We expect black men to be a certain

type of way, and if they’re not then they are demonized and talked about. For example, if a black man cries then they are labeled as weak. If they show emotion, then he is labeled as being like a girl or is inappropriately labeled as something else. There are stigmas for men and there are stigmas for black men as well. Working through those stigmas and trying to walk into my identity has been one of the biggest barriers in my life. I had to understand that showing emotion does not equal weakness. I am not a weak person because I choose to express my frustrations or live in my truth of being hurt. The problem is that we are taught in mass to hide our emotions. I believe that we have the perfect opportunity to show, express, and exhibit our emotions on the front street of everything we put out. Q. What are you most grateful for? A. What I’m most grateful for, is still have a sound mind. Over the past three years I’ve experienced a lot of challenges. These past three to four years have been extreme hell for me. It just seems like it’s always an attack, a death in the family, or constant grief I had to deal with. Once again, I am most grateful for a sound mind that I have not lost yet.

Q. What advice do you give to the next generation of male leaders? A. For the next male leader, I would simply tell them to live in their truth. The more you live in your truth the easier it is to free other people that are ashamed to truthfully express themselves. I would also tell these group of leaders that they have the right to feel what you feel. You’re not crazy, you are not less than, and you’re not weak. You’re not acting like a girl; you’re not doing any of those listed because you simply express how you feel. Live in your truth because that’s what real leadership is about. Leadership is being able to lead people where they are afraid to go. Most males are afraid to go into a thing called truth because of their emotions. Q. Are you working on any new projects or upcoming events? A. I am always working. Right now, we are in production for “The Brilliant Boy”, a docu-series highlighting the effects of systemic racism. Our docu-series is what’s drawing my attention right now outside of working for my clients with The Commas Agency and outside of mentoring hundreds of individuals. My primary focus in what I’m building is the docuseries and helping these young black boys get their story out while trying to change the world in a way of touching a culture and a generation that a lot of people are afraid to touch.

taught people to seek and find your purpose while searching for only one. However, we have so many other facets to us that ignites us, makes us happy, and leaves us feeling fulfilled. So many of us are taught to just stick to one thing and disown everything else you desire to do. I believe that God is so many things. So, if I was made in the likeness the image of him, then why am I settling for one thing when he mastered many. My purpose is to live out everything that has been put on the inside of me. Q. If you could change place with one person for one day, who would it be? A. That is a great question. I would change places with Jay Z for one day and mainly just because of Beyonce... But no, really, I want to experience that level of freedom to come and go and do whatever you please. At any waking moment to

get up and say, “oh, I want to go eat dinner in Paris tonight” or “Let’s gas up the jet and let’s go”. So, I have four people. I’m just going to list out my four. You can pick whichever one you want to pick. Jay Z, Kevin Hart, because I love Kevin Hart and he’s a hard worker. I would love to see his work ethic for a day and see all he does within a day. Barack Obama, because he’s Barack Obama. And Denzel Washington, just because I would love to learn his work ethic when it comes to acting and his methods as it pertains to how he prepares for what he’s going to do next. Q. Where can the readers follow you? A. Adrian Davis now, pretty much everywhere. Instagram: @adriandavisnow. Website, adriandavisnow.com I would love to connect, so make sure you guys follow me.

Q. How do you define your purpose in life? A. I think I define my purpose in life by doing and fulfilling what I’m called to do while utilizing what I believe God has placed on the inside of me. Everyone’s purpose is different. A lot of times we have been taught to seek out one purpose. What happens if you are designed with more than just one purpose? I believe that I am an individual that was designed with more than just one thing. We’ve

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"You are wonderfully and carefully created. And there never will be another person like you ever again. So, dream big, believe in yourself, and believe in the almighty God because if you do, a day will come when I will see you at The Top!"

Melvin Pillay Q. Thanks for interviewing with us. Please give us your backstory and what led you to your career path. A. I was born into poverty in rural South Africa during the Apartheid era. I lived in a tin shack with five siblings. My family had to rely on prayer to get through our hardships. Yet, even with the unending

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challenges I had faced early in my life, I had my eye for success.

At age 7, I saw an airplane fly overhead, and I started to chase after the plane to take me away from poverty and hopelessness. I thought to myself, one day, I’m going to fly and never stop flying. That spark of belief led

me to manifest my dream decades later.

Growing up in such dire situations served to be highly enlightening. I understood that poverty is not the way for me, and that people would never listen to my ideas if I were poor. However, after the tragic death of my older brother, a

law student, and the family’s only economic hope, the entire responsibility of the family, fell on my shoulders. Q. What inspired you to become a motivational speaker? A. I experienced many misfortunes, but my uninterrupted ambitions for success led me to take up a job in New Zealand. I went door to door selling home security systems. I was a total failure. People liked me, but they didn’t like me that much to give me the money for the alarms. I was broke. I was forced to leave the boarding house. So, I slept in the board room of the sales company and had to get up very early and shower at a local gym and hit the road before the company opened daily.

During the lowest point in my life, I stumbled upon an interesting audio cassette, which I found at a public library in Auckland. The cassette tape had Zig Ziglar’s name on it, and it cost $2 to rent. So instead of using that money to eat, I invested my last two dollars and did not regret it. My education in sales and business started right there with that first audiotape. Ziglar’s thought-provoking words and charisma were exhilarating, and I knew what I needed to do for the rest of my life. It was right then when I developed my love for sales, success, and leadership. & [Zig] said, & I wish I could get my arms around you and look you in your eyes and tell you I believe in you because I truly do & I believed him.

Q. How do you ensure your speeches are captivating and informative? A. Research has shown that it takes the brain 0.07 seconds to decide whether you like the other person or not because a person’s intuition is so powerful. I believe that a captivating and informative speech must connect spiritually, mentally,

and emotionally. I spend a lot of time thinking deeply about my audience and praying for them. I always want to sense their anxieties and feel their pain. I ensure that jokes and stories, and anecdotes are precisely selected to suit my audience. My desire as a speaker is to make a friend in less than 60 seconds. But to achieve this, I must be a friend. Ninety percent of a speaker’s life is off stage, so I built my life on this philosophy. I want to have a pure heart, clean hands, and an innocent mind. Q. Where do you see yourself in the next five years? A. As a global citizen, I have been blessed with opportunities around the world. I do see myself working with World leaders and highly influential business owners. Q. What would you say has been the most challenging in your career? A. At first, it was overcoming the fear of public speaking, and then it was being unknown. But patience, perseverance and practice helped me overcome these two prevalent challenges in the professional speaking world. Q. Tell us the biggest factor that has helped you to become successful?

A. Two words. Love and Respect. I genuinely love people, and I treat every person I meet as if they are the most important people in the world. Q. Can you tell us the top three things you love about South Africa? A. People, Food and Adventure. South African people love to laugh at just about anything. We have a strange yet refreshing sense of humor.

The food is so good. A lot of it is organic and grown by subsistence farmers. You have heard of the term Wild Africa, and that it is. It’s in your blood. Africa stirs something deep in a person’s spirit.

Q. What is one message you would like to give to your fans? A. You are wonderfully and carefully created. And there never will be another person like you ever again. So, dream big, believe in yourself, and believe in almighty God because if you do, a day will come when I will see you at The Top! Q. Are you working on any new events or upcoming projects? A. At this very moment, I am in South Africa; our country has gone through a crisis. I am here helping with several projects, but my main focus is launching my Get Activated Leadership and Business Growth Seminar. I plan on hosting these events throughout Africa and America. Q. Where can our readers connect with you? A. https://www.facebook.com/melvin. pillay www.linkedin.com/in/melvinpillay https://www.melvinpillay.com/

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"Build a solid team. Don't try to do it all yourself. If you believe in it... others will too."

Dub J Coolio 18

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Q. Thanks for interviewing with us. Tell everyone who you are and what you do? A. Thanks for having me. I’m a veteran music producer in Canada of more than 2 decades. I’ve worked with pretty much every who’s who artist in Canada over the past 20+ years. Q. Who do you look up to for inspiration or mentorship? A. I gain a lot of positive energy from people I’ve worked closely with for decades. JD Era is one of those people. We feed off each other, always having new ideas or projects to work on. I look up to guys like Maestro Fresh Wes as well. He’s the OG and he’s out working us all. At this point in my career I get inspired off new talent. I love the challenge of breaking a new artist. Q. As a male leader what has been the most significant barrier in your career? A. The major barrier in this industry is snakes and evil-minded people. The industry in Toronto is very negative. A lot of artists think they are big time when they aren’t. A lot of artists don’t have good teams behind them, causing them to make extremely poor choices. Majority are in it for themselves. I still struggle to this day to help others understand that collaboration is key and that there is enough for everyone to eat. Good things happen when people work together. Bad things or nothing happens when you hold each other back. Q. Tell us about “Wish I Could” and the motivation behind it? A. Wish I Could happened because I just got really frustrated with how bad the gun violence was getting in Toronto. It’s at the point where everyone has been directly impacted or at a minimum is close to someone who has been impacted.

People outside of Toronto didn’t even know there was an issue and not enough artists in the industry were speaking up on it, so I wanted to bring together an A List group of artists to address the issue. We got the best of the best. The Godfather of Canadian Hip Hop Maestro Fresh Wes, JRDN, JD Era, Bizz Loc, Turk, Roney and Jelleestone. Wish I Could went #1 on iTunes Hip Hop and #1 on iTunes All Genres charts. The song was covered by more than 200 major news outlets. It accomplished our priority goal to bring national attention to the issue. Q. Let’s talk about your foundation “Enough is Enough” and how it got started? A. The ENOUGH IS ENOUGH movement was founded while making “Wish I Could”. We wanted to have something that lives longer than the song. We felt with our collective fan bases and contacts, we could come together with a unified team to help bring awareness to the issue of gun violence in Toronto. We’ve already done some amazing things. We held an amazing resume writing and job readiness workshop with Maestro Fresh Wes and industry leaders. We’ve had JD Era and Roney join youth sessions with various organizations. We released an app to allow users to be notified in real time when there are shootings and respond with positivity. https://

enoughisenoughto.com/app We’re just getting started. Q. What advice can you give to the next generation of male leaders? A. Build a solid team. Don’t try to do it all yourself. If you believe in it… others will too. You just need to find your followers and continue to build your loyal base. Q. Are you living the life of your dreams? A. Absolutely. I have an amazing wife and family. I’m healthy. I feel great. I have everything I could ask for… and get to make amazing music and work creatively. What more could I ask for? Q. How would you describe your future in three words? A. Family. Fun. Successful. Q. Are you working on any new events or upcoming projects? A. Absolutely. I just released a record with an upcoming artist Kastilla called Diamonds. The record is doing really well and charted to #5 on iTunes Hip Hop charts, It’s the biggest record she’s ever had so that’s exciting. I am also working with an amazing new artist Tara Lord. Her talent is off the charts. We have a ton of new records coming. I have full confidence she will be a huge success. You’ll hear her on singles I’m releasing this summer and on my upcoming album that will be released in the fall. We’re also eagerly awaiting the release of the motion picture Sons 2 the Grave this summer that houses Wish I Could as the lead song. Very exciting! Q. Where can the readers follow you? A. On IG follow @ TheRealDubJ or visit my website at DubJMusic.com WIB Magazine

"Everyday Excellence is inspirational in nature, and looks at my life, how I think and how we can keep humanity at the core of our decisions."

Dwayne Morgan Q. Thanks for interviewing with us. Tell everyone who you are and what you do? A. It is my pleasure. My name is Dwayne Morgan, and I am a spoken word artist. I use my ability

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to tell stories to bring a human touch and new perspective to a lot of complex issues that we deal with as people. I produce events, I do photography, and I parent an amazing 14-year-old daughter.

Q. Who motivated you to be the man you are today? A. My greatest motivation would have to be my grandparents, who were immigrants with nothing, but they gave everything to

those around them. From my grandparents, I learned to serve, and much of my career has been spent serving others and speaking up for those who may not have the same opportunities that I have to reach people with their words and actions. Q. How was your experience being a national poetry slam champion? A. There’s a lot of work that goes in to preparing for the competition. You really have to figure out what the best stories are that you have to tell and dig deep to write them in the most engaging way possible. Winning the title is a great affirmation, but I never put too much weight on the winning and losing, because being able to reach and connect with people is far more valuable of a victory for me. Q. What is your most memorable achievement or accomplishment you have received? A. I don’t think anything really compares to being inducted into the Walk of Fame in my hometown of Scarborough, which boasts the likes of The Weekend, Mike Myers, The Barenaked Ladies, and so many more. To see the impact of my work celebrated in that way is still surreal. My daughter knows exactly where the star is and shows it off to her friends. The star and induction serve as public recognition that will outlive me and be a part of my legacy.

poems, primarily about race, Q. How was your experience all written during the Obama performing for Barack Obama? administration. Period & Other A. It was so exciting to get the Lessons from My Daughter is opportunity to share the same my most recent collection, which stage as the former President. looks at gender and socialization We put hours in to writing and issues, which will be followed by rehearsing, and we were so my next book, All That Remains, ready for the moment. Being on which is a collection of poems stage in front of that many people written in, and inspired by, the was absolutely exhilarating, but events of 2020. maybe slightly less exciting than getting a few moments to meet Q. As a male leader what has with him personally. been the most significant barrier in your career? Q. Where do you see yourself in A. I think that my most significant the next five years? barriers have been trying to do A. I used to do a lot of performing something, and not fully knowing internationally and gave that up what it was, but learning how to cold turkey once my daughter be open to personal growth and was born. Now that I have a teen evolution and tied to that would on my hands, and technology be developing the confidence in allows us to be in constant myself necessary to perform and contact, I would love to get back achieve at a high level. Many to traveling and sharing with don’t know that I’m an extreme people. There’s so much that introvert who would never I have learned about people have chosen to do something and the world from sharing and that put me center stage in listening, so in five years, I see front of people, but I have now bigger stages, new places, and a developed the confidence host of new stories to tell. that allows me to stand in my purpose. Q. Tell us about some of your books and the motivation Q. Are you working on any new behind them? events or upcoming projects? A. In the first part of my career, most A. I have a number of projects of my books were just collections in the works. I mentioned the of poems with no themes, but new collection coming out over the last few years, I’ve this year, All That Remains, I started putting themed collections have a couple of albums done together. Everyday Excellence and ready to be released, I’m is inspirational in nature, and about to start working on a looks at my life, how I think, and documentary exploring my how we can keep humanity at journey over the last three the core of our decisions. No decades, plus a number of other Apologies was a collection of ideas that are in the early stages of their conception. Q. Where can the readers follow you? A. I try to stay active on social media, as I find it a great way to connect directly with the people who support me and the work that I do. On Twitter and Instagram, I’m at @dwayne_morgan or I can always be reached through www.dwaynemorgan.ca

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Hazel Roche Q. Who has been your biggest inspiration in boxing? A. My biggest inspiration has been Hector Camacho and Bernard Hopkins. Q. Have there been a time in your career where you felt like you wanted to give up? A. Yes, there has been a few times that I wanted to give up over people’s jealousy and negativity surrounding me, but God is good and hard work pays off. Q. What separates you from every other fighter in your division? A. I’m unique because, I have a purpose in life, and it is for the people to know to never give up and help those in need.

"I'm unique because, I have a purpose in life, and it is for the people to know to never give up and help those in need." A. Wow this is a good question! Well, just seeing people screaming my name and helping people makes me feel as the real champ. That’s my biggest achievement thus far…. Q. Are you working on any projects or upcoming events? A. I have 2 upcoming events. In Miami Florida and in New Jersey on October and November. Q. Where can the readers follow you? A. You can find me I. Fb. Hazel Roche. In Instagram hazel_ thelatinlover_roche and on TikTok hazel Roche

I want to thank Where it begins magazine for giving me the chance to express who I am. I would also like to thank my team for always assisting me in achieving greatness as an individual and CB boxer; My nephew who plays many hats Mr. Jose G. Morales, My assistant Diana Guzman, My PR assistant Cara Tavani, My friend and Champ James Salvey, CB CEO Damon Feldman and all my supporters without them there’s no ME!

Special shout-out to the family of Flor “RAMITO” Morales El Jibaro de Puerto Rico and a legend of my island for being an official supporter and sponsor to all my endeavors and projects…Que Bonita Bandera MI PUERTO RICO! Gracias a DIOS!

Q. If you could have one dream fight with anyone, who would it be? A. My dream fight is not with a fighter my dream fight is to fight In Puerto Rico on a big stage with a non-profit organization to raise money for their charity… Q. Thanks for interviewing with us. Tell everyone who you are and what you do? A. My pleasure, my name is Hazel Roche also known as The Latin Lover. I’m the celebrity boxing heavy weight champ. Q. What made you want to pursue a career in boxing? A. I always been a fan of boxing actually my cousin Luis Del Valle is a professional undefeated boxer and he is my trainer for fights….

Q. Can you tell us what you want to be remembered for at the end of your career? A. I want to be remembered as a man that did it for the people. By the people for the people. Not for the money or fame but just to inspire others. Q. As a male leader what has been the most memorable achievement or accomplishment you’ve received?

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"If you make a commitment, stick to it. This builds character and resilience in the long run."

Avrell Stokes

Q. Thanks for interviewing with us. Tell everyone who you are and what you do? A. My name is Avrell Stokes. I am the Co-founder of Assemble and President of BeGreat Together. We work to uplift Black and Latino community stories and provide funding to Black and Latino community changemakers and innovative K-12 public school programs. Q. Tell us about “Assemble” and the motivation behind it? A. Assemble brings the best and brightest BIPOC experts and influencers to an online educational platform that provides culturally representative delivery and framework. People will have the opportunity to learn how to attain success in industries and trades in a way that is relatable to BIPOC experiences.

Q. How do you balance work and life responsibilities? A. I just had a son a couple of months ago so spending time with him has actually brought a lot of balance to my life. Q. What advice can you give to the next generation of male leaders? A. If you make a commitment, stick to it. This builds character and resilience in the long run. Q. Tell us a time in your career you felt like you wanted to give up? A. I was a consultant for a few years and during that time I had a tremendous workload. For a while, I was unable to volunteer in the community, specifically at a group home for children that I would volunteer with on the weekend. My workload eventually lightened up and I

was able to return to volunteering, but when I pulled up to the front of the group home, everything was boarding shut. I found out that they had lost funding. Knowing that the hours I was putting in at work had kept me away from the group home I felt like an ultimate low. Q. Let’s talk about your non- profit and how it helps others? A. Begreat Together exists with the belief that just as we have the most prominent influencers often found in celebrity spotlight and inspiring BIPOC people, the same influence and inspiration can be found every day in our own neighborhoods and schools. Q. What is your number one goal you want to accomplish in the next five years? A. I would like to create pipelines of entry for BIPOC individuals, into various industries and trades that we have historically been excluded from or underrepresented in. Q. How would you describe your future in 3 words? A. Striving for more. Q. Are you working on any new events or upcoming projects? A. Check back in about a month and I might actually have a big announcement for everyone! Q. Where can the readers follow you? A. bgtogether.org, Instagram: @BeGreatTogether_ Facebook: @BeGreatTogether

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"Build a strong team around you, especially people who want and are capable of doing your job. That should keep you motivated to always be at your best."

Photo credit: Jarrod Williams

Cliff

Atkinson’s Pennsylvania and studied Sociology and Computer Science Engineering which helped me get a job in digital media at an ad agency. I worked in digital media at various ad agencies for over 20 years leading the digital strategy for Fortune 100 companies. During the pandemic, I was moved by the stop hate for profit campaign to boycott Facebook and felt there has to be a better Social Media alternative for people. That's when I decided to focus my time to help build a better social media platform, Mesh Communities.

Q. Thanks for interviewing with us. Tell us who you are and what you do? A. Hi! I’m Cliff Atkinson. I’m a devoted father and an accomplished digital marketing executive. I’m currently the cofounder at Mesh Communities, an emerging social media platform, helping to build a fair and sustainable economy for communities and creators that

is built on trust and safety, while creating ownership for the users. I also co-founded New Flight, a non-profit organization, founded to introduce inner city students to the possibilities and opportunities within marketing and film. Q. Tell us a little of your journey and how you got to where you are today? A. I attended the University of

Q. Let’s talk about “New Flight” and how you became the CoFounder? A. I'm always looking for ways to give back to the community and especially enjoy working with the youth. Throughout my career working in advertising, I've been involved in a lot of conversations about trying to help add more diversity in the industry, but it wasn't until I had a conversation with my friend, Shon Davis, that I actually realized a way to help. Shon reached out to me to share his vision and get thoughts on a project he wanted to pitch to his company to help inner city students learn more about producing commercials. I thought it was an amazing idea and added we should also introduce them to the fundamentals of marketing as well. Shon liked the idea and we began working together and created New Flight. Q. Tell us some goals you are working on accomplishing in the next five years?

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A. A couple of my goals are: - Building a fair and sustainable economy for communities and creators via Mesh Communities - Help a new wave of diverse people into the advertising industry thru New Flight - Be a better person and father through constant self-improvement - Travel the world Q. Who do you look up to for inspiration or mentorship? A. I've always looked up to my parents for inspiration and continue to this day even though they are no longer here with me. Their words and work ethic continues to drive me daily. I try to do things that would have made them proud of me. Q. What advice do you give to the next generation of male leaders? A. My advice would be to build a strong team around you, especially people who want and are capable of doing your job. That should keep you motivated to always be at your best. Q. How was your experience working with Toyota, Honda and other companies? A. I’ve been blessed to work on such brands like Toyota and Honda. It has afforded me the opportunity to work with and meet some amazing people. I've done some of my best work on those brands and created campaigns that have impacted pop culture. I've learned so much that has contributed to the growth in my career. Q. If you could change places with one person for one day. Who would it be? A. I would go back in time and change places with Muhammad Ali. I've always been inspired by his wit and wisdom as well as a fan of his boxing skills. I would go back to a day of one of his championship fights to experience his greatness.

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Q. How do you define your purpose in life? A. I would define my purpose in life as being a positive example to my kids and others by working hard to achieve my goals; being respectful and kind to others while giving back to my community and taking responsibility for my actions.

Q. Where can the readers follow you? A. You can follow me at the following: MeshCommunities.us – User handle: CA Twitter - @Cnoter76 LinkedIn - LinkedIn.com/IN/ CLIFF- ATKINSON-549528 For more info on New Flight, visit us at www.newflight.us

"Build a team of goaloriented people who share the same desire to be great. Create a collective venture and build a legacy for your families."

Anthony Barrett WIB Magazine

Q. Thanks for interviewing with us. Tell everyone who you are and what you do? A. My name is Anthony Barrett, I’m a social entrepreneur working to advance cities and disrupt systems that cripple the advancement of Black and Brown people specifically and improve workforce pathways for all throughout Connecticut. I do that through my work as the Co-Founder of Girls for Technology and the Legislative & Community Outreach Director for the Governors Workforce Development Office. I am an ecosystem builder and I work to create workforce pathways that that are aimed at reskilling and upskilling CT talents. By working across corporate, community org, private. Q. Let’s talk about “Girls for Technology” and the motivation about it? A. Girls for Technology was cofounded by Sabrina Tucker who serves as the current President/ CEO and visionary. Girls for Technology is a catalyst for economic empowerment for women of color. We provide crucial training, resources, and support needed to build wealth through tech, entrepreneurship, workforce development and leadership. Q. Who do you look up to for inspiration or mentorship? A. For me it’s not looking up to someone, but more so the culture of black excellence. I get inspired when I see beautiful melanated people winning. I love seeing beautiful black families, entrepreneurs, kids excelling and the plight and fight of the underdog. Q. Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years? A. In the next 5 year I hope to be economically and debt free.

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Q. As a male leader what has been the most significant barrier in your career? A. For me personally, its trust and finding a good mentor to help you fulfill your dreams. I had a few mentors that I respected, and thought would embrace the role, however it never manifested the way that I envisioned. Q. How do you define your purpose in life? A. My purpose in life is to leave the world a better place that what I found it. I am a servant leader, man of faith and provider for my family. My ultimately purpose is to build a legacy for my children that they will be proud of when it’s all said and done. Q. What advice do you give to the next generation of male leaders? A. Build a team of goal-oriented people who share the same desire to be great. Create a

collective venture and build a legacy for your families. We must learn to build as a group rather than individuals. Henry Fiord once said; “If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself.” Q. Are you working on any new projects or upcoming events? A. Currently working to expand Girls for Technology into the Tri-State market (CT, NY, NJ). We have 5-week accelerator program and Pitch Competition running now. In addition, working on building an incubator for small business, creatives and the remote work. Q. How would you describe your future in 3 words? A. Purposeful, Optimistic, & Determined (POD). Q. Where can the readers follow you? A. LinkedIn: Anthony G. Barrett, MBA, Instagram: Blck_tech

"Never be afraid of failure and never back down from what you believe in. Always work toward going forward in life."

Robert Mcrae WIB Magazine

is my responsibility. She said, the blood of my ancestors was crying out for me and it is my responsibility to take the land to the next level. I am so focus and motivated to get my water out to the world. Q. Tell us some of the important benefits about the natural factors? A. Here are some of the benefits of Live Alkaline Water. The water does not have chemicals. It’s all naturally Alkaline, not infused Alkaline. Also, it has a hundred and eight different trace minerals that are all natural that helps the body immune system Some people have shared their personal testimony, saying that it helped heal some things in their body. Once again this is their statement not ours.

Q. Thanks for interviewing with us. Tell everyone who you are and what you do? A. My name is Robert MCrae and I am the owner of Live Alkaline Water LLC. located in Winston Salem. The water has been in my family over 450 years. I am excited that we can now make it available for the public. We’ve had so many testimonies about how good our all-natural alkaline water is and that it tastes great. Q. As a male leader what has been the most significant barrier in your career? A. As an indigenous Black Native American the most significant barrier in my career was staying motivated. I am working hard for the world to learn about our water. It was a struggle, but we are currently in some Wal-Mart’s stores in the United States. Q. Let’s talk about “Live Alkaline Water” and the motivation behind it? A. Live Alkaline Water is my family own springs. What’s motivated me is what my great-aunt told me. She shares that his land

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Q. Where do you see yourself in the next five years? A. I see myself in the next five years being one of the most powerful bottled water source company. The water is starting incredible movements and it is impact communities across the globe with good clean water. People are following in love with our water. Once again, we have all-natural alkaline water from the spring. Q. Can you tell us the most important attributes of a successful leader? A. Never be afraid of failure and never back down from what you believe in. Always work toward going forward in life. Q. What is your most memorable achievement or accomplishment you’ve ever received in your career? A. One of the most memorable moments in my career is when I was taking 2,000 gallons to Michigan and my son said to me, dad I want to be just like you. He was only four years old at that time. My next greatest achievement is getting one of the biggest retail stores across the world. I feel this is my beginning of something far greater than I could images. It’s like calling it my own Genesis.

Q. What advice would you give to the next generation of male leaders? A. My advice to the next generation of male leaders is to always step forward to make a real difference in your family, your community, and building a family business. We must also learn how to hold on to our businesses and never retreat from our responsibility. Q. Are you working on any projects or upcoming events? A. Yes, I’m always working on new projects and new upcoming events. I am always finding ways to create new things for my building and my other business. My next project is working on establishing a community’s school. I’m always moving forward and helping my community. Q. Where can the readers follow you? A. You can follow me on Instagram at Official Live Alkaline Water LLC, and you can go to our website page called www. livealkalinewaterllc.org I am also represented by MizMacMarketing LLC is my public relations.

Joe

Jennings Jr Photo credit: @blakematic

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Q. Thanks for interviewing with us. Tell everyone who you are and what you do? A. Thank you so much for the opportunity! My name is Joe Jennings, Jr. and I am a filmmaker/screenwriter from Atlanta, Georgia. My Production Partner, Sean Freelon and I are Indie Filmmakers who’ve made two award-winning shorts: ‘A Leg Up’ & ‘Change.’ Our new film, ‘#ISFJ,’ began its festival circuit this summer. Q. What made you pursue filmmaking? A. I’ve been a writer since middle school. In college, I wanted to be an author, but after I picked up a book called “Screenplay by Syd Field,” I decided I’d give screenwriting a try, and I never looked back.

We’ve always been screenwriters at heart, but we started making films because it’s easier to get people to watch films than it is to read scripts (laughs).

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Q. Tell us about your company “Blinded By Ambition” and the motivation behind it? A. When Sean and I started out, we were riddled with “no’s” and doubters who wouldn’t give us a shot or offer their support. So, we quickly had to learn how to be resilient and strong-minded in order to keep our dream alive. It was very tough because we didn’t have a lot of money and we always had one foot in the streets, barely making rent in a very expensive Los Angeles housing market (we lived separately). But we were both very ambitious and hell bent on making it at the time, so the name seemed to be fitting to our persevering mentality. No matter what the obstacle was, we kept going, and used every resource we had to make our projects. Q. Which film has inspired you the most? A. Spike Lee’s ‘Do the Right Thing’ inspired me the most, content

wise, because I had never seen a racially explosive film like that before. I was ten years old when it was released, and I hadn’t yet been exposed to racism firsthand, so it left a huge impression on me as a storyteller. It inspired me to write strong, honest dialogue about things that are actually taking place in the world. I actually wrote ‘A Leg Up’ with ‘Do The Right Thing’ in the back of my head. Q. Can you tell us more details about the film, #ISFJ? A. #ISFJ is a romantic comedy that follows Drex, a “romantic” who is hanging out with his wife, Carla, and his best friends Chris and Fred at a lounge on a Friday Night. The conversation revolves around the woes of being 30 and dating on social media, versus the old school way of meeting someone in person. A major secret gets out, and all hell breaks loose. And that’s all I can tell you!!! (laughs)

"Spike Lee's 'Do the Right Thing' inspired me the most, content wise, because I had never seen a racially explosive film like that before." Q. If you had the opportunity to remake a classic, which one would you go for? A. I was always a huge John Hughes fan, so I would take a stab at ‘The Breakfast Club.’ You have five high school students that were from all walks of life that were figuring out their differences in Saturday detention. Thirty-five years later, we have so many more social issues kids deal with today, and I think it’s important to confront them with all that’s going on in today’s society. I believe as a society; we all can treat each other better.

about yelling “cut” and asking an actor to “say it this way, or that way,” it’s his/her job to ensure that everyone shares the same vision for the project in the very beginning. That’s why chemistry built in auditions and rehearsals are vital to the filmmaking process.

Q. Where do you see yourself in the next five years? A. We hope to be making features as well as possibly writing for a television series. I would also like to travel the world and collaborate with filmmakers from other countries. Primarily London and South Africa, due to the friends we’ve made there over the years.

Q. Are you working on any new events or upcoming projects? A. Yes. We are working on a music video for upcoming Atlanta artist, SayNate. I’m also working on another feature-length screenplay.

Q. In your opinion, what is the most important quality of a film director? A. A director has to get everyone involved with the project on the same page, creatively. It’s not just

Q. Where can the readers follow you? A. Please follow me on Instagram @joejenningsjr and our Blinded by Ambition account: @bba_ent.

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" Keep God first no matter what, and find your passion, stick to it and never give up cause eventually it will come true. "

deon

robertson

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A. His or Her vision and objective, also humility towards whole cast and crew. Q. Are you working on any new events or projects? A. Yes, Multiple Ones. Q. If you can go anywhere in the world where would you go? A. Santini Greece, to experience the Kamari Black Sand.

Q. What is one message you would like to give to your fans? A. To keep God first no matter what, and find your passion, stick to it, and never give up cause eventually it will come true. Q. Where can the readers follow you? A. Instagram @Drob2k3, Facebook D Robb Robertson, Everything else Deon Robertson.

Q. Thanks for interviewing with us. Tell everyone who you are and what you do? A. My name is Deon. D Robb Robertson, I am Actor, OOOGBRAND Ambassador, Artist, and a Motivational Speaker. Q. When did you decide that you wanted to become an actor? A. When I moved to Atlanta and met my friend/big sis Sharon Tomlinson (R.I. Heaven}. Q. Who do you consider to be your acting role model? A. Denzel Washington, Clifton Powell, and Tupac Shakur. Q. Can you tell us some challenges you’ve had being in the entertainment industry? A. A lot of long days and long nights. Q. What are some of your goals for the next couple of years? A. To Direct my own films and do more godly inspired films. Q. Tell us in your opinion, is the most important quality of a film director?

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"If you want to impact the world, you just have to be willing to walk in purpose and find your audience."

steven

cleveland 38

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Q. Thanks for interviewing with us. Tell everyone who you are and what you do? A. My name is Steven “the prof” Cleveland and I am a filmmaker, educator, and lecturer at Cal State East Bay’s department of ethnic studies. I’m also an instructor in the department of history. Also, currently, the chair of, Seeds of Joy Village, which is a pre-K program that I’m proud to be able to explore and play with. I keep all those hats, and do film making in my spare time. Q. How does it feel to be the first of your family to go to college? A. It’s interesting. I don’t feel like it’s an isolated experience, it feels like a continuum of what my dad did. My dad got a GI bill he was never able to use because of racism he faced in Alabama which wouldn’t allow him to register for college. So, at six years old, my dad told me I was going to get the master’s

degree. I think the only reason why I don’t hold a doctorate is because that’s what he told me. After I was done, I was like, “Shoot! I’ve done when he asked me to do, my MFA.” For me, I feel like I’m walking in the footsteps of my ancestors in general, but specifically walking into the footsteps of Jerry Cleveland, who was very clear about expectations.

Q. Who do you look up to for inspiration or mentorship? A. I’ve been fortunate to have Charles Burnett who has inspired me to become a filmmaker as my mentor. It’s really exciting as a filmmaker to have both Charles Burnett and Larry Clark, who are legends in the black arts movement; particularly they are part of the LA Rebellion which is a group of black filmmakers that came out of UCLA in late sixties, early seventies. It’s just really awesome to have them as mentors in that journey of telling stories that deal with and explore black humanity.

Q. As a male leader what has been the most significant barrier in your career? A. I think one of the biggest challenges has been to stay leaning forward, which is the posture you must have as a leader.It is crucial to be leaning forward into the next thing, asking questions like “what’s next” and deliberating on how to answer those questions and how to move. The other barrier has been systemic racism. I think systemic racism’s most devious attribute is the fact that you can’t tell sometimes if your struggles are connected to your lack of ability, your lack of charisma, your lack of knowledge or lack of skills, or if it’s because people are racist. The biggest headwind is when you don’t find success, I use that term because there’s no such thing as failures, all of those things that don’t go the way you planned them are lessons. You can’t really get that full lesson if you can’t discern a difference between, “hey, I just didn’t have the skills,” or “wow, that was racism in place.” I think systemic racism is one of those

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ever-present beings that makes it difficult to do the process of triaging once you run into a roadblock. It’s hard to figure out “what do I do different,” when it’s not apparent how systemic racism moves. Q. Tell us some goals you are working on accomplishing? A. Right now, I have embraced building more sustainably. What I mean by that is when I was younger, I tried to do all 1315 projects on my film slate, as well as all these innovative ideas I had around promoting black excellence in collegiate space. I think now I have a different approach. I realized I don’t have to do all this stuff today, or this year. I can build things over the course of the next decade. For instance, a project I’m working on that’s exploring and amplifying the story of MLK’s five-day trip in 1959 to Hawaii is a way to begin to have conversations about what’s next for black folks in America, by granting the youth of today access to the past and the stories of the past and lessons of the past, curated by us, who are leaders in the moment. I look at how to approach that project, which has all these different arms. A younger me, would have tried to do everything in year one. Now, I have a 3-5year sense of this project. I don’t know which of those many different legs of the project are going to take off. It’s really about being obedient and listening, not only to your intellectual truth, in terms of like what you think you know about how to make things happen or not, but also listening to that spiritual truth too, about how it feels and going with the flow and not trying to push, boulders up a hill that aren’t really going smoothly. Q. What advice would you give to someone that wants to make

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an impact in the world? A. The one thing that’s clear to me about impacting the world is that you have to remove your ego. If you want to impact the world, you just have to be willing to walk in your purpose and find your natural audience. Avoid saying, “I want to have a million followers.” But instead say, “Hey, I want to do something in this particular field that matters.” I think that’s the important piece of it - not being stuck on size. A mother who is a stay-at-home mom has an enormous amount of input and impact on the child that she’s rearing, as opposed to a person who’s a nuclear physicist who may have a smaller part in the evolution of thought in regards to a really big item. Secondly, walk in your purpose to be open to flow into your purpose. Do not do the thing that you think is easiest or the thing that you think is going to get the most likes or follows or money per se, but trying to find the thing that fulfills you, the thing that brings you joy. Pursue whatever it is that makes you feel good physically, spiritually, and intellectually. Walk in your purpose and accept the impact as it lands. Understand that the journey and how you do things is more important than the destination and how other people may perceive it. Q. Can you give us some books you can recommend on leadership? A. I read this book called The Dream Begins: How Hawaii Shaped Barack Obama by Jerry Burris. I don’t know

if the book is on leadership per se, but it was interesting for me because it examines Barack’s leadership, who he was and who he became. It was really interesting to look at the influence of how Hawaiian culture is and how people are accepted for being who they are. To me, what I took away from this frame was an understanding of why Barack was able to have the success, the impact he had, and the impact actually came from the cultural norms that are in Hawaii. The way that diverse people interact is fascinating in how people hold onto that diversity as opposed to losing it. Whereas, the one-drop rule made it such that if you’re a black person in America, then that becomes the primary intersection for you, your primary identifying marker. Barack was in this place where that wasn’t a requirement. His choice to embrace his blackness as opposed to being forced to embrace his blackness, really led him to be a different type of leader. To me, this book really gave me an insight on leadership for black folks. It’s really shaping some of the work I’m doing in terms of A King in Paradise, now looking at ways that I can support and create that kind of space where people can choose into their Blackness as opposed to being forced to be Black. Q. What are you most grateful for? A. I’m most grateful for having a mother and father who were present for me. It’s one of the biggest blessings I think I’ve had in this world. I’ve also had the favor of people and been cared for. I’ve had Ma and Pa Lewis, who were my best friend’s mother and father, as well to be there. I’ve been fortunate to have Ms. Faust-Whitmore who was my dean in high school. I had so many people, I apologize for those who I didn’t mention. It was just this amazing list of folks that I was fortunate enough to be around, but it all started with mom & pops. I think they’re the ones that held

of the A King in Paradise project which will be rolling out over the course of the next 3-5 years. It also will include a curriculum that we’re launching in partnership with Chaminade University, a summer summit which we’re developing to bring together black students from all over the country, a documentary film, and a VR experience where you get to see MLK perform his speech in Hawaii. You have all these wonderful pieces of that. That is one big piece of what I’m doing over the next few years.

the space for me and lifted me up in a way that really helped make the things that I was able to achieve possible. Q. Are you working on any new events or upcoming projects? A. Yeah, I talk about this A King in Paradise project, and it’s got so many different legs to it. Our initial launch was going to be with a lecture series, and we actually launched it in the spring and are relaunching again for the school year. It is going to explore topics like financial literacy, health literacy, police & protest, and explaining to people what critical race theory is. Plus, there’s a virtual gallery exhibit that we’re going to be launching in January. This exhibit will challenge the notion of what people think about Black humanity and shows that we’re not a monolithic people by highlighting Black Hawaiian’s stories and their articulation of the impact of space and place on their sense of who they are. That is all part

In addition to that work, in terms of scholarship, I’m exploring Black excellence. Black excellence and the upside of it being that the idea that we feel that we have to work 10 times harder means that it pushes us to be excellent at things. However, sometimes that excellence returns results that are viewed as regular results. We shouldn’t have to work exceptionally hard to get regular results. This project is going to be exploring

that through the stories of Black students who graduate in two years as transfers and four years starting as freshmen. These students are beating the gap in terms of numbers of Black students graduating in these timeframes. We’re going to explore these stories as a way to understand, what works and what are the challenges to helping them achieve these goals. Also, the notion of “do they have to be exceptional to be able to achieve these normal goals?” The idea of graduating in two years as a transfer and four for a freshman, it’s what we would hope to be likely scenarios, but, for black students in particular this goal is not being achieved as frequently.

Q. Where can the readers follow you? A. They can check me out on Instagram & Facebook @ theproflife or @akinginparadise to learn about that project, they can also visit my website akinginparadise.com.

WIB Magazine

"Never stop believing and don't doubt your gifts because trust me they will always make room for you in any situation and put you at the head of the table every time with power."

Xavier Keyz 42

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Q. Thanks for interviewing with us. Tell everyone who you are and what you do? A. I’m Xavier Keyz I’m a singer songwriter producer from Chicago IL. I sing primarily R&B music but I do like to venture out and try new things. I’m a global entertainer, and actor helping other achieve greatness through my masterclass empowering them with the keys and knowledge on ownership of their audience. Q. What made you want to pursue a career in the music industry? A. Watching Usher as a young child & seeing him dance and sing. Right then and there I knew this is what I was sent to this planet to do, serve humanity & give them great music and entertainment. Q. Who do you look up to for inspiration or mentorship? A. Mainly Ryan Leslie - Ryan has helped me in so many ways in my career & finance as well & I would also love to include Usher, Tank, Tyrese. Those are my top 4 and each of them for different reasons. Q. Tell us about “Your Story is Mine” and the motivation behind it? A. “Your story is mine” Crazy how I got a phone call from veteran songwriter and producer Barry Coffing - he’s overseeing the entire project & things and he called me during the middle of the pandemic & asked me to be a part of a project that features indie artists to be the featured vocalist and performer for songs written by a really great songwriter named Andrew “King” Cole, all I’d have to do is fly down to Houston but we didn’t know how this was going to happen nor when because of Covid-19 so finally the time came during a time where everything slowed down as far as Covid-19 is concerned which

allowed a window to travel down to Houston TX for 3 days to record. Mainly though the motivation behind it is that without love we can progress, we are a part of each other’s stories and pushing for more love and togetherness overall.

Q. Can you tell us what you are most grateful for? A. The thing I’m most grateful for is grace. Without that I wouldn’t be here today doing this interview. Also, I’m thankful for my fans and my team. I don’t ever want to leave them out of the picture because they matter. Q. Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years? A. In the next 5 years I see myself dominating the industry and changing things in it for the betterment of other artists out there coming behind me. I also see myself starring in major films & honestly living a happy and grateful life. There’s no other way I see myself living life. Q. How do you define your purpose in life? A. Your purpose aka calling in life is what keeps calling you. I’ll never forget that – I was watching a YouTube video on inspiration, which I’m very big on; & I heard them in the video say how you know your purpose and calling is that it keeps calling you. No matter how far you run or how much time you take off it will keep calling you until you answer it. Hope that helps someone out there. Q. What is one message you want to give to your fans? A. Never stop believing and don’t doubt your gifts because trust

me they will always make room for you in any situation and put you at the head of the table every time with power. Q. Are you working on any projects or upcoming events? A. Yes, I’m working on a lot of projects at the same time producing virtual shows for artists out there as well as teaching them in my 5-week masterclass on how to build their audience with complete ownership. I will also be dropping my next album project Red Wine Part 2 very soon. I’m also excited about some awesome musical collaboration projects that I have in the works with some people that I consider to be pretty incredible in what they do as creatives. I love that I can stay busy doing what I’m extremely passionate about especially when it comes to impacting others. Q. Where can the readers follow you? A. The readers can follow me by leaving their number at http://textxavierkeyz.com and I will get back to them. I love to give them free music and build a one to one relationship with them. I know that some of them think it’s not actually me but I can say it definitely is without a shadow of a doubt one hundred percent me. I actually sit on my phone and take time to talk and communicate with fans daily in my schedule so definitely try me.

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"I was in elementary school walking talking IMDB page. (TV) is the land of the unrealistic pretty people only. I'd like to break that down one day and lead a wave of more realistic people being represented."

Joel

Michaely Photo credit: Joshua Arbour / jpshuaaphotography.com

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Q. Thanks for interviewing with us. Tell everyone who you are and what you do? A. Oh! Wow (laughs)... I’m Joel Michaely and I’m an actor and a movie producer. I’ve been fortunate enough to work in film since my first movie I was in Can’t Hardly Wait up until my current films that come out this month, Wild Indian which I costar in and executive produced with a Native American cast including Michael Greyeyes, Chaske Spencer, along with Jessie Eisenberg, Kate Bosworth, and myself. I also costar in The Card Counter by the brilliant Paul Schrader starring Oscar Isaac, Tiffany Haddish, and Willem Dafoe. So basically, I juggle two full-time careers and still just living on indie film money. Feel free to have the studios and TV networks give me a buzz.

Q. What made you want to Pursue a career in acting? A. I was one of those kids that came out of the womb singing, dancing, performing, and telling stories and jokes. My form of escapism has always been watching movies and television and reading books. So, I knew from a very early age that I wanted to perform and entertain and create things. By the time I was nine years old I had a subscription to Daily Variety and would run to the mailbox every single day looking for my newspaper discussing everything about the Entertainment industry — not the average nine-year-old reading material, but I could tell you every single movie’s box office and every single person involved in it. I was in elementary school walking, talking IMDB page. I just had to focus on the prize and am fortunate enough to have made a living in the arts, acting and producing films.

Q. Who has been some of your biggest influences? A. Oh man. Philip Seymour Hoffman has always been a role model for me as a performer. I feel like he set the bar for character actors. I looked up to a lot of character actors like myself: Charles Durning, Ned Beatty, Michael Jeter, Robin Williams. There have always been several actors who were inspiring, but I’m selecting those because they fell into the category of people who look more like me. Otherwise, film and television tend to cast prettier versions of real life, which is a category that I do not fall in. These guys were more real-life driven, appearancewise, so I gravitated towards them. On a personal level the biggest influence in my life was my grandmother, Pat Drake. Q. Let’s talk about this upcoming film “The Comeback Trail” and what we can look forward to? A. Oooooh. The Comeback Trail is a really fun jaunt. It’s the perfect cure for the blues — the blues and the blahs. It stars Robert DeNiro, Tommy Lee Jones, Morgan Freeman, Zach Braff and Emile Hirsch, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to be acting opposite all of those luminaries every single day. I got to play Andre, the first AD of the film Robert DeNiro is producing within the film, and total chaos ensues. It’s very funny, plays really well with audiences, and people seem to walk away with big smiles on their faces.

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Q. Out of all the Movies you have been in which one is your favorite? A. That’s like picking a favorite child: totally easy to do... in private. But this being public, I would say I love many of my movies for many different reasons, but the three movies I’m known for the most are probably my favorites: But I’m a Cheerleader, Can’t Hardly Wait, and The Rules of Attraction. I’m hoping that my new run of films resonates with audience’s half as much as those movies do, in which case I’ll be a very happy camper. Q. What are the most important attributes of successful leaders today? A. I think a successful leader really has to listen and accept the fact that they are flawed, and that they need to communicate with others to truly lead in a formidable fashion. Q. As a male leader what has been the most significant barrier in your career? A. I feel like from the beginning of my career because of my physicality they did not know where to put me. Am I an Orson Welles type? Am I just a comedic joke? Am I a sight gag? It was very difficult to have people not want to see me for different roles because of my physicality and the way I come across. It’s been an uphill battle from day one to be considered as more than surface level and an ability to take on more

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interesting roles, but it’s a fight I will continue to fight and hope that I can overcome it. Still, particularly in television, they do not cast actors that are more real looking or weird looking. They tend to focus on a particular aesthetic that they like to put in the television universe. For example, I could never play a role on any show on the CW network. They wouldn't even have a normal looking person play a waiter on the network. Land of the unrealistic pretty people only. I’d like to break that down one day and lead a wave of more realistic people being represented in front of the cameras. Q. What is your most memorable achievement or accomplishment you’ve received?

A. My most memorable achievement is getting to entertain people, tell stories, and hopefully impact them in a great way. My favorite thing is when people come up to me and tell me something positive about how a movie influenced them or made them happy or just say “right on, man.” That stuff is very fulfilling. Q. Are you working on any projects or upcoming events? A. I’m working on a few things I can’t speak about, but I am getting ready to direct my first movie soon and that is going be a very exciting new chapter and endeavor. Q. Where can the readers follow you? A. I would love for everyone to follow me on Instagram @JoelMichaely4real. I promise fun times!

Eric Darius WIB Magazine

Q. Thanks for interviewing with us. Tell everyone who you are and what you do? A. Hello, thank you so much for having me! I am an international recording artist & saxophonist, singer, songwriter, producer, educator, husband and CEO of my own record label, SagiDarius Music. I grew up in Tampa, FL in a musical household (my father plays the bass, mother sings and plays the piano, brother plays the drums, and sister sings) and started playing the saxophone at the age of 10. I studied both Music and Business at the University of South Florida and got signed to my first record deal in 2004. I’ve since commercially released 7 albums, have had 5 Number One hits on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Charts, and have been blessed to tour worldwide with my own band over the past 18 years in addition to performing with Grammy  award-winning artists such as Prince, Mary J. Blige, David Foster, Carlos Santana, Jamie Foxx, Babyface, George Benson, and many others. I am a recording artist who’s living his dream and God-given purpose! Q. What made you want to pursue a career in the music industry? A. I’ve always had a love and passion for music ever since I was a kid, being exposed to all styles of music by my parents growing up. It wasn’t until I was 11 years old though that while performing in Switzerland at the Montreaux Jazz Festival with Sonny LaRosa and America’s Youngest Jazz Band that I realized that I wanted to pursue a career in music. I had an epiphany while I was performing on stage in front of thousands of people at that festival when I saw the sheer joy that my music was bringing to everyone in the audience, even though most of them didn’t even speak

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"In order to be successful regardless of what field your pursing, abiding by the 7 P's of principles will guide you along your journey and put you in a position to succeed: Purpose, Practice, Passion, Persistence, Patience, Perseverance & Prayer."

English. I realized that music is a universal language and the indescribable connection I felt with the audience in that moment truly lit my desire to want to touch people’s lives through the gift of music. I knew at that point that this was my calling. Q. Let’s talk about your single “Summer Feelin” and the motivation behind it? A. Summer Feelin’ is the latest single from my upcoming album due in early 2022. I wrote it during the pandemic as I felt compelled to write a song to uplift people and provide a sense of hope and positivity during such difficult times. This song captures that feeling of togetherness, family, and backyard BBQ’s that makes summer such a special

time. Summer Feelin’ is like that warm, ray of sunshine that serves as a reminder of better days to come. Q. Which musician would you like to collaborate with next? A. There are so many artists I would love to have the opportunity to collaborate with, but if I had to only name one, it would be Bruno Mars. He has been bringing “real” music with substance to the mainstream world and I’ve always been a huge fan of his music and everything he represents. Q. What is your creative process like? A. I find that I am most creative when I have the opportunity to be still for a little bit and just reflect on my life experiences. Musical ideas and

melodies are constantly floating around in my mind, so as they come to me, I try to just hum the ideas into my phone and then at some point, I’ll re-visit those ideas and develop them into full songs. Every time I start writing a song, I visualize it as a blank canvas. As I reflect on what’s inspiring me at that moment, I start with melodic ideas that paint a vivid picture and tell a story. Just as a painter would add more colors and textures to a piece of artwork, I develop the song by adding different grooves, harmonies, layers and sounds until I feel the song is complete. Being that most of my songs have no lyrics, I feel that it’s important that my songs take the listeners on a musical journey, conveys what I’m feeling in that moment and connects them to the meaning behind each song. My music is a true, honest reflection of myself and my life experiences.

Q. Let’s talk about your tour and what your fans can look forward too? A. I officially launched my “Back 2 Work” Tour this past April and plan to continue the tour through the rest of 2021! We’re in over 40 cities this coming Summer/ Fall, so I’m really looking forward to re-connecting with all of my fans. I can’t tell you how amazing it feels to be back on the road again and doing what I truly love to do after a 15-month postponement due to the pandemic. I feel we all have so much to be grateful for, so this tour is a huge celebration of life filled with good vibes and action-packed energy! You can definitely expect to be dancing all night long! Q. Tell us one of your most memorable achievement or accomplishment you have received? A. I have truly been so blessed to have accomplished so much so far in my career from topping the

Billboard charts to sharing the stage with some of the artists who have inspired me, but one of my proudest achievements is starting my own record label and becoming an independent artist 3 years ago! After 15 plus years in the music business and being with multiple record labels during that time frame, I really felt like the time was right to take the leap of faith by embracing technology and the changes in the music business and taking full creative control of my music. It’s a huge responsibility, but I have never been more fulfilled as a recording artist.

Q. What advice would you give to the next generation of male leaders? A. I would love to share with the next generation of male leaders that in order to be successful regardless of what field you’re pursuing, abiding by these 7 P’s of principles will guide you along your journey and put you in a position to succeed: Purpose, Practice, Passion, Persistence, Patience, Perseverance & Prayer. Following these keys to success has had a profound impact in my life and I believe that it can help make a difference in other’s lives if they apply it as well.

by going to different elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, and colleges around the country and doing masterclasses with the students in an effort to help keep music alive in the schools, encourage the next generation to follow their dreams expose them to Jazz and inspire them to play musical instruments. Lastly, I plan on hosting several upcoming Jazz festivals starting with the Florida Smooth Jazz Weekend in Daytona in November, the San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival in July 2022 and several others next year. My plate is definitely full, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Q. Where can the readers follow you? A. Readers can go to my website www.ericdarius.com for all of my information and updates and connect with me on social media as well: Facebook: @officialericdarius Instagram: @ericdarius Twitter: @ericdarius

Q. Are you working on any projects or upcoming events? A. I have a lot of things in the works at the moment. I have started working on my 8th studio album, which I plan to release in early 2022. I’m really excited about this new project and feel that it is going to be my best one yet, so stay tuned for more details soon! In addition to this, I plan on expanding my record label next year and signing new, upcoming artists in an effort to create a platform for them and give them opportunities for commercial success as a recording artist. I plan on continuing my “On A Mission in the Schools” initiative which is my way of giving back to the youth in the form of education

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"I've always had musical talent in my family, but no one had just taken their talent to the music industry, So I decided I had to reach levels."

Mardy Price 52

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Q. Thanks for interviewing with us. Tell everyone who you are and what you do? A. I’m Mardy price singer song writer owner and founder of MP entertainment. Q. What made you decide to pursue a career in entertainment? A. I’ve always had musical talent in my family, but no one had just taken their talent to the music industry, So I decided I had to reach levels. Q. Tell us about “Where My Check” and the motivation behind the song? A. Where my check was a song that myself and Micah Wilson wrote during the pandemic to address the stimulus check demand during that time also had Boosie drop a verse on these to help address the issues. Q. What has been the best performance of your career so far?

A. The best performance of my life was opening up for Rod Wave money bag yo in front of 4K plus people it was a vibe. Q. Who would you like to collab with? A. I would like to work with Yo Gotti, Kevin Gates and the late Mo3 was one of my favorite artists as so Mulatto. Q. If you can perform anywhere in the world where would it be? A. I would like to Perform for rolling loud in Vegas and California it’s just always been a dream to hit them big states tbh. Q. Where do you see yourself in the next three years? A. Next three years I’d like to take my label to a bigger level MP entertainment has release features from hurricane Chris, Boosie, LiL Zane, Slimm Calhoun of the dungeon family LiL Scrappy and more so just to keep building.

Q. What do you think is missing in today’s music? A. I don’t think anything’s really missing I just feel like there’s so much more to talk about and it just take artist to speak on other things other subjects that they hide or scared to address in music. Q. Are you working on any new projects or upcoming events? A. Yes, I am currently getting ready to drop my True story project soon it’s more of a real-life selection of music that’s personal to me. Q. Where can the readers follow you? A. They can find me on Instagram: @mardy_price Spotify: Mardy price YouTube: Mardy price

WIB Magazine

"A very successful hotel designer and builder once said: " Ready, Fire, Aim' is not a bad thing. Living life whiteboarding will get you nowhere". "

Christian Johnston 54

WIB Magazine

Q. Tell everyone who you are and what you do? A. I had a very long and fruitful career as a writer, director, and producer on feature films, television, and documentaries. It led me to many places around the world from building a life-size space station in the castle in Prague with Russian Electronics, to handling complicated logistics in Morocco and Lebanon. I spent a few months in the Arctic working closely with government officials in Norway while producing and directing Time Magazine’s first documentary. The conversation overlapped in many ways with the same problems in so many places around the world: how do we quickly create affordable housing that can be independent by creating its own power and water, and processing its own waste? How do we find or train next level of technicians quickly, inexpensively and at mass scale? These essential questions led to many conversations and brainstorming sessions for solutions around sustainability and advancing sustainable economies.

Living in Los Angeles, the housing crisis is very real for everyone in

California. The homelessness issue has escalated at such a frightening pace that my team members and I realized we must try to apply our skills to try and help bring solutions and create fast-moving, affordable, and sustainable housing. This has been a 15-year side-project of research of all of the possible solutions in this space that finally led us to formalize the task five years ago. Some of our early prototypes in the Hurricaneravaged Caribbean and povertystricken communities of Los Angeles ended up becoming the blueprint for A Bridge Home, an emergency homeless shelter initiative by the state. These jump-started, high-level government conversations in many areas helped us realize that our independent filmmaker mentality combined with dozens of experts that provided support and mentorship in this space has led us to where we are today. Looking at problems from the outside-in is a major aspect of being able to solve major issues. Plans fail for lack of council, so I always felt it was just as critical to have more than a dozen experts and mentors on board as

our business plans we’re being formed. It also is very unique in that dozens, if not hundreds, of housing manufacturing solutions are needed in order to make a dent in the homelessness crisis. It is also a very critical opportunity to deploy all the most cuttingedge sustainable technology implemented into every building. This process has taken years and we are very excited about what we have created. Q. Tell us about “ARCspace” and the motivation behind it? A. ARCspace provides innovative, rapidly-delivered, low-cost steel modular buildings that include cutting-edge sustainable technology as well as gridindependent water, power, and waste solution.

Our proprietary prefabricated units are sized similar than shipping containers for efficient, cost-effective transport and to enable infinite configurability - but make no mistake, these are tremendously different from ‘upcycled’ or ‘recycled’ shipping containers that are often contaminated. Our prefab modular units are new,

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structurally superior, welded with high-grade steel, contain 50-80% recycled or sustainable materials, and are designed to withstand anything nature sends your way. Hurricanes, tornadoes, and fires ravage an already desperate affordable/homeless housing market nationally. When we factor in the astounding increases in building material costs and skilled labor shortages, our unprecedented affordable/homeless housing crisis reaches epidemic proportions. Our world is facing a new pandemic, and millions more seek affordable housing or homeless shelters. Housing is everything. One of the most critical things in the world is being able to get into an affordable housing unit. Affordable housing can become one of the greatest wealth builders or destroyers in anyone’s life. It’s not just the accumulation of wealth, but it’s also about pride. Without WIB Magazine

access to affordable housing it is more likely for someone to be forced to build wealth via other methods that might harm others or the environment. Ultimately, that is not the path to happiness. Housing affordability is so critical because it touches almost every aspect of equity and quality of life. In far too many cities around the world, families are paying 50-60% of their income on rent. Mortgages are out of reach for most, so therefore people are trapped in a lose-lose cycle. Creating pathways to supply sits at the heart of what we do because it is one of the single most critical epicenters of fixing solves most of today’s most pressing issues.

Q. What are your top 5 Values? A. Honesty, Hard Work, Compassion, Dedication & Putting greater good above the self. Q. How do you define your purpose in life?

A. I deeply value taking what skills I have of the most value and applying 18 hours a day of hard work to making the world a better place. In the last few years, my purpose has been to fundamentally change a broken system to help sustainably, affordably house as many people as possible. Next, we will be shooting a documentary series around some of these most exciting adventures. Q. What is the best piece of advice you ever received? A. A very successful hotel designer and builder once said: “‘Ready, Fire, Aim’ is not a bad thing. Living life white-boarding will get you nowhere.” Q. If you can go anywhere in the world where would it be? A. I am excited to be starting on a project in East Africa related to drought and education with our systems. I’ll get to visit a place I’ve always wanted to help and learn from culturally.

Q. What motivates you to do your best every day? A. I love seeing the thousands of people who tour our projects, many of them coming to tears to witness an affordable housing solution. Seeing the hope in their eyes because of our hard work is unmatched. Q. Tell is one fun fact about yourself? A. I have been lucky enough to work in and travel to almost 100 countries! Q. Are you working on any new events or upcoming projects? A. We have been asked by highlevel elected officials and HUD in Washington D.C. to explore different models for housing. I am excited by some of our new projects that we think will pave

the way for the communities of the future - the types of communities that people want, built for the post-pandemic world where people will live differently.

ARC1 is a project’s of ours set to redefine what we know about California’s density and gridindependent abilities within the new California state legislation with hopes to find alternative use of unused temporary and permanent sites to support what could be a historic eviction crisis on top of an already exasperated affordable housing crisis exasperated by COVID-19 and economic stress. In the San Francisco Bay Area, elected officials and our partners at a few local universities are designing a series of co-living communities where four to eight separate bedrooms are combined with a

central living area, kitchen, etc. Some Bay Area cities are promoting the idea of taxing vacant land sites unless they deploy temporary or permeant housing. Our pilot projects are rapidly installed and will share the cost of sustainable resources. They will also show how to temporarily use sites while larger projects still in the planning process, availing the affordable inventory needs immediately. These rapid response solutions seek to show the world fast-acting solutions, clean technology, and job training (residents will have a hand in many aspects of the build and maintenance of the co-living community). We expect to be deploying as many as 400 housing units per month across these sorts of important launchpad endeavors. Housing is a human right. I hope the corporations that helped create the housing crisis will rise to the occasion and be a part of the solution.

Q. Where can the readers follow you? A. Our website will be giving regular updates: www.ARCspace.io

WIB Magazine

"Ask yourself if what you are working to achieve in this moment will push society forward. Will it make the life of your kids and grandkids better? If the answer is yes, then the work will probably be hard but will always be worth it."

Cortney

Woodruff

WIB Magazine

Q. Thanks for interviewing with us. Tell everyone who you are and what you do? A. My name is Cortney Woodruff and I’m the Co-Founder and CEO of Assemble. Q. Tell us about “Assemble” and the motivation behind it? A. Assemble is our solution to the age old saying: “It’s hard to become that which you have never seen.” We’re updating the curriculum. We want to start with a visual and a dialogue and leave our viewers with a vision. Assemble is the lens into a broader perspective of what the world has to offer traditionally underserved people in professional spaces; Starting with a video platform that highlights brilliant individuals of diverse backgrounds sharing their learned knowledge and personal experience. There are thousands of careers and hundreds of business industries that have traditionally excluded minorities from participating at a meaningful level and they have also been presented in an unflattering manner. Assemble sheds a new light on the unknown for so many curious and driven people.

will push society forward. Will it make the life of your kids and grandkids better? If the answer is yes, then the work will probably be hard but will always be worth it! Last and certainly not least, treat everyone with dignity and respect because life is like a doorknob and everyone gets a turn eventually.

Q. How do you balance work and life responsibilities? A. I enjoy being on the move — handling business from my laptop or phone, honestly, almost feels like second nature. When I make time to stay active and mindful, you’ll usually find me in the gym, on the golf course, meditating or having a southern cookout at my home with family and friends (with a little Johnnie Taylor, old school R&B and OVO Radio playing in the background). As someone whose role is to stay a few steps ahead, I hold on close to the moments that keep me present in the now.

Q. Tell us a time in your career you felt like you wanted to give up? A. In 2013 I moved to San Francisco on my own to launch my first tech venture. I was a recent business school dropout, broke with nothing other than eight months of hard lessons to my name and two weeks’ worth of rent in my bank account, searching daily for something to keep me motivated and other minorities that I could hopefully connect and resonate with. Nevertheless, I got word of a meetup happening in the city that featured a prominent African American Venture Capitalist that I’d admired for years and wanted more than anything to meet this person. So after I snuck into the event and waited over an hour to meet and gathering up enough courage to introduce myself, he told me that I had 60 seconds to introduce myself, make an impression and pitch him on my idea as he waited for his car at the valet line. After doing what I thought was a decent job, he got in his car, let down his window, instructed to me to email his assistant to follow up and I simply asked “what’s her email address”; to my surprise he looked me in the eyes as he revved up the engine on his $200k sports car, and said “figure it out” then peeled off. The valet chuckled and I stood in awe. In that moment, I realized how brutal the world was and felt sorry for myself. But that only lasted for a split second as it lit a fire in me that’s still burning.

Q. What advice can you give to the next generation of Male leaders? A. Ask yourself if what you are working to achieve in this moment

Q. How does your work help others? A. I believe my teams’ work provides hope and tangible to-do’s that many people lack in order to tap

into their desired potential. My hope is that we share insight in order to educate not just those who have been overlooked for so long, but those who have been privileged enough to have a more directed path to knowing what it truly takes to break through glass ceilings. Q. What is your number one goal you want to accomplish in the next five years? A. I would love to see 1 million people watching content on Assemble and saying that we’ve had a positive impact on their respective lives. Q. How would you describe your future in 3 words? A. Humbly Displaying Success. Q. Are you working on any new events or upcoming projects? A. Right now I’m knee-deep in Assemble affairs and our company’s nonprofit BeGreat Together which is being led by our Co-Founder, Avrell Stokes. Q. Where can the readers follow you? A. @TvCort via Instagram, @Assemble.BeGreat via Instagram or www.Assemble. fyi

WIB Magazine

"Go the distance! Don't allow anyone to talk you out of your goals, visions or operating in our gifts. You are unique and every gift given is from The Most High God."

Joey Oscar 60

WIB Magazine

Hammond, Day Star Television and so many others. Truly humbled and honored!

Q. Thanks for interviewing with us. Tell us who you are and what you do? A. My name is Joey Oscar, I’m a world-renowned Professional Drummer and Music Producer. I have had the opportunity to travel the world and share my gift on many platforms and musical projects. Q. Who inspired you to be the man you are today? A. My father is my greatest inspiration! He purchased my very first drum set at the age of 3, I guess he got tired of me beating on the pots and pans with wooden spoons! Apparently, he had great plans for me and saw something in me before I even knew who I would one day become. On my 9th birthday my father passed away. I vowed to make him proud and honor him through my gift and passion for music. Q. Tell us about your company “Jomoco Music” and how it got started? A. Jomoco Music is my music production company established in 2007. My wife came up with the name, it is significant because it’s the first initial of my children’s names, my wife and I. The vision for Jomoco Music was to create a legacy for my children and the generations to come through the diverse sounds of music. Q. As a male leader what has been the most significant barrier in your career?

A. As a male leader the most significant barrier in my career probably has been the consistency and integrity when it comes to building solid partnerships of equal give and take. I believe there has been some injustices as it relates to integrity and people giving you credit for your work that you have contributed to different artists. Q. What is your most memorable achievement or accomplishment you have received? A. My most memorable achievement has been working with some of the most sought out artist in the music industry. I’ve been afforded many opportunities to work with the likes of Rodney Jerkins, James Fortune, Donell Jones, Micah Stampley, Kim Burrell, Morris Day, Dave Hollister, Denise Williams, Jaheim, Fred

Q. Tell us about your single and the motivation behind the song? A. My single THE ONE, is a R&B/ Trap tune. I wanted to bring a different sound to the listener and combine the old and new dynamic into one. I was a little hesitant to release the song because I was taking a big risk, but hey some risks yield great rewards, definitely glad I went with it! Q. Was there a time in your career you felt like you wanted to give up? A. Man, I had so many moments when I just wanted to give up. Many people who are not in this music vein do not realize the hustle and the drive it takes to simply keep going. I always kept my promise to my dad at the forefront. My dad was the ultimate provider, I watched him run businesses, work hard, and never complain. He instilled in me that same drive so even when I have those weak moments I reach back to that promise and find my inner strength to keep going. Q. Can you give us some advice to the next generation of male leaders? A. The most valuable advice I can give to the next generation is to go the distance! Don’t allow anyone to talk you out of your goals, visions or operating in our gifts. You are unique and every gift given is from The Most High God. Q. Who are some music artist you would want to collaborate with? A. I would love to collaborate with Bruno Mars, Brandy, Chris Brown, Beyoncé, Anita Baker & Joe . Q. Where can the readers follow you? A. The readers can follow me on Instagram: @joeyoscar77, Spotify: Joey Oscar, Facebook: Joey Oscar

WIB Magazine

Men's Empowerment Issue 2021

Articles inside

Joey Oscar

Cristian Johnston

Mardy Prince

Eric Darius

Cortney Woodruff

Joel Michaely

Xavier Keyz

Steven Cleveland

Joe Jennings Jr

Cliff Atkinson's

Anthony Barrett

Robert Mcrae

Avrell Stokes

Dwayne Morgan

David P Stevens

Adrian Davis

Terry Quintero

Griff Galexxzee

Dub J

Adrian Ceja

Melin Pillay