Impact Detroit Magazine Digital - Spring 2015 by Cheryl Patterson

Spring 2015

IMPACT DETROIT

A Susan Jones Publication Powered by Universal Xperience

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A Susan Jones Publication powered by Cheryl Patterson & Universal Xperience

Digital Issue

Detroit NonProﬁts Give Back! Covenant House H.A.N.D. Robert Shumake Foundation Sara’s House

Jennifer Mekel

Ft. Boys & Girls Choir of Harlem Alumni

Brenda Wilson

Daughter of Jackie Wilson Launches TV Show!

Leah Sava Jeﬀries of EMPIRE enrolls in Star Factory

All Eyes on

Levi Stephens Singer Songwriter

THE LIFE, LOVE & LAUGHS OF

CEDRIC THE ENTERTAINER

30th Annual

2015 Stellar Gospel Music Awards Impact Las Vegas

Ashley Jones

Miss Black Michigan

USA 2015

Look who’s at

JAZZ KATZ ZanYe Straight Ahead Thornetta Davis Kimmie Horne

#SOULMANLive

#SOULMANDETROIT

#DETROITWHOCED

CONTENT The Daughter of Jackie Wilson Launches New TV Show!vid quia d

Daughter of Jackie Wilson to Launch New Television Show

renda Wilson is an entertainer in

her own right, but we were surprised to learn that she does not consider herself a singer. Yes. Brenda can sing, but prefers to develop, educate and mentor outstanding young talent. Inspiring Meet Miss Michigan youngBlack performers is her true passion. She shared some exciting news with us USA Ashley Jones regarding her upcoming television show, too.

All Eyes on 15 Levi Stephens As Brenda meets with area schools, holding auditions, she is also scouting for talent to leverage on the upcoming TV show. Brenda Songwriter is Singer using her influence with area venues to give students that really have that something extra, opportunities to perform live. Brenda

Brenda is super busy replying to requests from LA television producers. “It is exciting yet very demanding going through the process of shopping for a television network,” said Brenda. The upcoming TV show Grouping It Up Showcase Showdown is presented by Brenda’s companies, Offspring of Legends and the Wilson Entertainment Group, Inc.

is looking to work with educators who support experiential learning, like Principal Lori Johnson of YES Academy in Detroit. Johnson is known and respected for her innovative ideas on education reform and parent engagement. Benda said, “Sharing how the music industry works, music history and music appreciation to aspiring performing art students, gives me a strong sense of fulfillment. Through them, I will keep my father’s legacy and spirit of music alive and flourishing.”

Star Factory Kids

Brenda is slated to host a monthly Music Review starting Sunday, May, 3, 2015, at Jazz Katz featuring live music performances from 1950, 1960 & the Motown era. She will also film interviews with guest performers and indie artists on the open mic segment. Capturing their stories for broadcasting on her upcoming TV show makes it empowering for everyone as Brenda is very big on inclusiveness.

NewMusic Jennifer Mekel W O R K S

W I T H

Most recently, Brenda organized auditions for Grouping It Up Showcase Showdown at the Charles 30thH.Annual 2015 Stellar Wright Museum of African American History and discovered some exceptional talent. The Fantastic Gospel Music Awards Four, an original Motown were& herGirls specialChior guests.of Harlem Alumni Theact Boys

Earnest Pugh

Impact Las Vegas

Brenda’s father, Jack Leroy ‘Jackie’ Wilson, also called Sonny was the most influential entertainer of his generation. Wilson was popular in the 1950s and 1960s with his influence spanning through time, impacting great entertainers like Michael Jackson. He successful impacted the genres of R&B, Soul, Pop and Rock & Roll. He was the full package and earned the name, Mr. Excitement.

Wilson had the formula to chart in the top 10 on both Billboard R&B and Pop charts simultaneously, considered to be a very rare achievement by music industry experts. After going solo in 1957, he recorded 50 HIT SINGLES out of which 16 of the singles were R&B Top 10 hits while 6 were #1 R&B hits.

Wilson’s first #1 R&B hit came one year after going solo. It was Lonely Tear Drop, December 1958. He received the Grammy Hall THE LIFE, LOVE & LAUGHS OF of Fame Award twice and in 1987 was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

CEDRIC

Jackie Wilson expired January 21, 1984. This year, family and friends join Brenda in celebrations of his 81st birthday, June 9th.

THE ENTERTAINER

Picture: In 1957, Jackie Wilson released his first solo single, "Reet Petite (The Finest Girl You Want to Meet)."

EDITORIAL Greetings! Thank you for supporting Impact Detroit Magazine. The common themes of our Spring 2015 issue are Destiny, Purpose, Passion and Belief. It is packed with inspiring stories from cover to cover. Read about four (4) nonprofits in Detroit that are giving back big. My personal experience with one of the nonprofits truly moved me to tears as I SLEPT OUT with other executives in southeast Michigan to help Covenant House increase awareness and the grave issue of homelessness among teens. This experience is something I will cherish for the rest of my life! Our cover is none other than the funny man himself Cedric the Entertainer and look who covers the back, it’s JMoss with a brand new album and brand Grown Folks Gospel. It is downloadable on digital music platforms everywhere. As you flip through the pages of IDM, you’ll discover Cedric’s story boosting your confidence to continue to walk in your purpose and believe even more in your dreams, regardless if you come from a small town nobody has heard of in Missouri, lol. As the upcoming album name of Alternative/Pop singer songwriter Levi Stephens implies, ONLY WHAT YOU DREAM, return to your first love, your passion and believe because your dreams can in fact come true. This issue introduces two (2) new Gospel artists, Clareta and Jennifer Mekel. Jennifer has a beautiful lead single expected to release March 31, 2015, Great God ft. The Boys & Girls Harlem Alumni

Ensemble. For a limited time Universal Xperience has made it possible for our readers to preview it on our website. Clareta performs on five (5) different showcases at the 30th Stellar Gospel Music Awards. How exciting for them both. Inside Impact is Miss Black Michigan USA 2015 Ashley Jones, the daughter of the legendary Jackie Wilson, Brenda Wilson and Star Factory and their star pupil, Leah Sava Jeffries (EMPIRE). Not to mention Jazz Katz is bringing you all that jazz every weekend with their Stellar Line-up! Grammy th nominated Straight Ahead performs April 4 and 5th so get your tickets fast. This is sure to sell out quickly. As Spring approaches I am gearing up for the 30th Annual 2015 Stellar Gospel Music Awards in Las Vegas. Impact Detroit Magazine is honored and proud to be selected to cover the Red Carpet for a second time! We look forward to bringing readers full details of the event. Look for my pictures from 2014 to see your favorite Gospel recording artists. If you would like to subscribe or download a copy of Impact Detroit Magazine please go to our website @ www.impactdetroitmag.com. If you would like a print issue you can pick it up at God’s World Super Store 13533 W 7 Mile Rd Detroit, MI 48235. Check for availability. They go fast! Inspiring Impact, Susan Murph - Jones

Editor-In Chief/Publisher Susan Y. Jones

President

Cheryl Patterson

Advertising Director Candace Chatman - Sims

Writing Contributors Cheryl Patterson Susan Jones Marjoni Tripp Robinson Tom Williams

Creative Designs Impact Designs

Proof Reader Dahene Gustave

Photographer Rodrick Murphy Robert Jackson

PR . Marketing . Sponsorships Universal Xperience Website: www.impactdetroitmag.com Email: susantheeditor@gmail.com 313- 978-7174 IMPACT DETROIT MAGAZINE

Impact Detroit Magazine A Movement ! Catch On!

www.impactdetroitmag.com

IT’S YOUR TURN TO IMPACT As the new president of Impact Detroit Magazine (IDM) I encourage you to utilize our magazine’s print, digital and social media versions to create and/or increase awareness about your brand. Got a special event? Why do the same old boring sovereign book or a ‘mock magazine’ when you can be on the cover of your very own event magazine? Let me know how we can gain your business. Make me an offer and I’ll match it not only with extra visibility with IDM, but with our supporting partners in radio, television and special events we attend like the 2014 Stellar Gospel Music Awards, for example. IDM has a new publishing timeline. As a potential advertiser, you can expect six (6) seasonal publications along with six (6) social media editions and holiday special editions. We are the ones to watch because Impact Inspires. Just ask any of our national covers: KEM, DeVon Franklin, Karen Clark Sheard, Roland Martin, Kerriah Sheard, JMoss, Cedric the Entertainer, Darrin Henson and that is the short list. Here’s something to consider from James Baldwin, a world renowned literary impacter I admire. Those who say it cannot be done are interrupted by those doing it. Which are you? And, as always discover more about Universal Xperience partner Who Ced, the fashion savvy hat line by Cedric the Entertainer. www.whoced.com. Cheryl Patterson

Cheryl Patterson President

Universal Xperience . 313.434.3589 . universalxperience@gmail.com

WALKING WITH H.A.N.D. Homeless Action Network Detroit With Tasha Gray Since 1996, HAND has served as the lead entity for the Continuum of Care for the cities of Detroit, Hamtramck, Highland Park and Michigan. HAND works with a wide range of organizations including service providers, community development organizations, local, state and federal government entities, to find and implement solutions to homelessness in our community and to move forward our 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness. Tasha Gray, executive director of HAND said, “We work with about 70 Agencies and anyone providing Homeless Service Housing in the city of Detroit. We help to coordinate them to get the resources that are needed to provide housing. We provide training. We’re really a planning and correlating body. We have been a worked closely with the Development of Permanent Supportive Housing for many years. For example: The Bell building is owned by Neighbourhood Service Organization. They built 155 units of permeant housing which got 155 homeless people off the streets of Detroit. Also, Piquette Square - that’s Southwest Counselling & Housing Solutions which helps Veterans. A hundred and fifty units of housing got a 150 Veteran off the streets in Detroit.” Over the course of a year HAND and their agencies have served over 16,000 people. HAND brings in about 28 million dollars to help homeless programs 8

and impact housing in Detroit. HAND works with HUD and the Michigan State Housing Development Authorities and the City of Detroit to make sure those resources are received. If you are looking to start a program here in Detroit to help the Homeless, you should first start by attending a HAND meeting. They have 5 monthly meetings and bring service providers together to discuss the industry and best practices. All meeting are open to the public. Visit www.handdetroit. org to find out about meetings. HAND welcomes everyone and is a very approachable and friendly organization. HAND has an annual Walk. This is the 18th year for the Walk which occurs to increase awareness about homelessness and to let people know that there are solutions to ending homelessness. Permanent housing is working well. HAND provides housing and the services needed to sustain housing. If you know someone who is homeless and you want to help them call 313-305-0311 for assistance in finding shelter. Tamika also shared, “In our minds, we have this image that all homeless people are thugs, standing street corners holding signs that say, WILL WORK FOR FOOD. I’m here to tell you that just is not

true. Homelessness effects everyone. We have families that are homeless. About 25% of the people that experienced homelessness in the City of Detroit were families, so that means children. Did you know that every time a child switches schools they fall 6 months behind? Imagine being homeless and moving from place to place. It not only effects adults, homelessness effects children in a very dramatic and disheartening way.” Impact Detroit Magazine discovered that about 11% of the homeless population are Veterans! These are the brave people who served our Country. We were shocked to learn that 15% of homeless people are employed, working every day. Tasha said, “You just really don’t know you could be going to work and your co-worker maybe sleeping in the car, homeless. One of the reason people can end up on the streets, homeless is because they didn’t have a support system. Support from family is important.” Thank you so much Ms. Tasha Gray for sharing with Impact Detroit Magazine. Let’s remember to help each other. Next time it could very well be you in need of assistance and support.

Covenant House Sleep Out MICHIGAN I slept out so “HOMELESS YOUTH DON”T HAVE TO!”

One out of every 45 children – some 1.6 million – in the United States is homeless, according to a report released by the National Center on Family Homelessness. The majority of the children are under age 7. The number of homeless children in 2010 exceeded even the total in 2006, when thousands of families displaced by hurricanes Katrina and Rita produced a historic spike in homelessness. Last year, at least 60,000 more children were homeless. The facts about homelessness are staggering ... but acknowledging the depth of the problem is the first step in fixing it. Gerald J. Piro Executive Director Covenant House Michigan

cross the U.S. and Canada, dedicated men and women slept out for one night, raising critical funds and awareness, to make sure homeless kids have a safe place to stay. Impact Detroit Magazine’s Founder/Publisher Susan Jones slept out with 42 other brave individuals in Detroit on a 18 degree night with sleeping bags and cardboard box to serve as their beds. They laid on the sidewalks of the city, looking up at the Covenant House building where 64 young people were safe and warm inside. Together, these men and women raised more than $211,000 to continue the vital work of Covenant House Michigan.

57% of homeless kids spend at least one day every month without food. In the United States, as many as 20,000 kids are forced into prostitution by human trafficking networks every year. According to a study of youth in shelters, nearly 50% reported intense conflict or physical harm by a family member as a major contributing factor to their homelessness. More than 25% of former foster children become homeless within two to four years of leaving the system. 50% of adolescents aging out of foster care and juvenile justice systems will be homeless within six months because they are unprepared to live independently and have limited education and no so-

cial support. Almost 40% of the homeless in the United States are under 18. In addition to these heartbreaking statistics, a study issued by the Covenant House Institute revealed that: 41% of Covenant House kids witnessed acts of violence in their homes. 36% of Covenant House kids indicated that someone in their family used drugs regularly. 19% of Covenant House kids reported being beaten with an object. 19% of Covenant House kids reported that they have endured sexual abuse. 15% of Covenant House kids reported that someone close to them had been murdered. Covenant House Michigan is a sanctuary for young people who have nowhere else to go. Most are victims of abuse and neglect. Their stories are heart-breaking, yet admirable. Our kids are survivors. Since 1997, we have provided help to more than 54,000 youth who often feel abandoned by those who were supposed to care about them the most. Covenant House Michigan sits on a 5.3 acre campus that houses two residential programs, a dining and recreation center, and job development center. They provide shelter and support programs to help homeless kids overcome the hurdles of unemployment, inadequate education, violence, drugs, and gangs.The Covenant house patrols the streets on a mission looking and asking question to find homeless teens. They are committed to searching for teenagers who are homeless.

ROBERT SHUMAKE FOUNDATION Robert S. Shumake is CEO of Inheritance Capital Group; a Michigan based private equity real estate investment and development firm. Shumake manages nearly 3 million sq.ft with a real estate portfolio worth $200 million dollars. Shumake is the author of For Entrepreneurs Who Considered Suicide When Business Got Tough! The book is a guide for entrepreneurs, containing quotes, helpful advice, interactive pages to record personal and professional goals; all based on his experiences as an entrepreneur and wealth builder. The Robert Shumake Foundation gives back big in Detroit. His foundation sponsors a special event called Scholarship Relays in Detroit every year. The goal is to help kids earn college scholarships. This year, Shumake and his team fed over 5,000 people at their Red Carpet Backyard Barbecue event. They gave away over 8,000 bags of groceries to the underserved. Shumake said, "I came up with this idea many years ago, growing up homeless myself. When I was able to move into my own home, I still couldn’t afford to buy food. This event is unique and it is designed to impact and inspire the homeless and those that are hungry." The significance of the Red Carpet element is to celebrate others regardless of where they may be in their life journey. Shumake feels that everybody deserves to be treated like a VIP. Shumake said, "The significance of the Backyard element is to remind ourselves that we should all have each other’s backs, so when you look at our back a little yard makes a difference. A little inch makes a difference.

Shumake shared that his childhood influence was the ‘Book” the Bible and also his parents. As a child, he liked to read. Some of his favorite authors are Zig Giggler and Wayne Dyer. They taught him that no matter what his circumstances, if you thought positive and moved forward with a positive message, you could achieve and make it. Shumake discussed the concept of leading through service and shared a wonderful book by John Maxwell called The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership. No matter where a person is in their life or circumstances, leadership is about giving and moving forward. For example, "A mother’s leadership role is leading her children. A pastor's is to guide and lead his congregation. A business person leads his employees and a child learns leadership and leads right in his own home. We all have a uniqueness we can add value to," expressed Shumake. His passion to give back and to make a difference, stems from the simple fact that Detroit impacted him. Shumake said, "Detroit is the most loving and contributing city on this planet. We had over 600 volunteers to help us Impact families in Detroit through the Red Carpet Backyard Barbecue event. Now that fact alone says something very positive about the people in our city and its surrounding communities. Impact Detroit Magazine thanks Mr. Robert Shumake for taking time to speak with us.

Sara’s House The mission is simple yet impactful. The mission was handed down from a grandmother, the late Sara B. Coats, to a granddaughter and for ten years, Sara’s House has positioned itself to be a great resource to pregnant women and teenagers in crisis. Sara’s House inspires hope and empowers women to live a life of wholeness. In an annual community baby shower, Sara’s House helps expecting mothers celebrate the life of their soon-to-be-born child with joy and dignity. Sara’s House says, “Sometimes in life, all we need is a little help, and Sara’s House is the place to start. We are the place of new beginnings.” This executive director and founder, Geneva Jackson is raising the bar to be even more impactful. Sara’s House is preparing to provide enormous resources to over 100 plus expecting mothers in transition this year during their 6th Annual Community Baby Shower, Saturday, May 2, 2015 from 12:00p – 4:00p in the Banquet Hall of MountainTop International Word Ministry, 24061 Coolidge, Oak Park, MI 48237. Jackson has gained support from UAW-Ford, Gardner White, Universal Xperience PR Marketing and Children’s Hospital. This year UAW-Ford is proud to be the official 2015 sponsor. The support is an added value and allows Sara’s House to better meet the needs of expecting mothers who are coming out of tragic situations. Many are homeless, others are fleeing domestic violence while some are runaway pregnant teenagers, struggling with depression, suicide and feeling alone. In an interview with Rhonda Walker, WDIV TV 4 Detroit News Anchor, Jackson expressed, “The main thing the girls said over and over again, besides needing housing, was how badly they needed items for their babies and FOR THIS POPULATION THERE IS NO BABY SHOWER. This population can’t afford to CELEBRATE A NEW LIFE because they’re living minute by minute. They’re situations are TRAGIC.”

THE NEW PROCESS: HOW EXPECTING MOTHERS CAN PARTICIPATE Sara’s House carefully screens each mother to ensure she meets the qualifiers to attend the community baby shower. Starting this year, after an expecting mom qualifies, she must attend a MANDATORY Financial Empowerment Workshop where she learns about saving, investing, budgeting, life insurance, the law of reciprocity and more. By attending the workshop moms are officially registered and obtain their VIP invitations. As an added value, moms who attend the Financial Empowerment Workshop are: • guaranteed a FREE CAR SEAT! Car seats distributed at the baby shower. .  • entered into a drawing to win baby furniture at Gardner White! Winners announced at the baby shower.

All Financial Empowerment Workshop are free and 2 hours in duration. Workshops start March 21 – April 24, 2015 and will be offered at various locations throughout southeast Michigan. Workshop sites TBA.

6TH ANNUAL COMMUNITY BABY SHOWER FACTS • Occurs Saturday, May 2, 2015 from 12:00pm – 4:00pm  • Moms check-in at 11:00am  • Complimentary lunch and complimentary Mommy Portrait  • Health and Wellness Fair Vendors  • Joanne Moss from Children’s Hospital instructs on Car Seat Safety, SIDS & Perils of Sleeping with your Baby  • Celebrity Host is Comedian CoCo from Mason & CoCo in The Morning – 105.9 KISS FM  • Honorary Chairwoman is Tracey McCaskill, Promotions Director/On Air Host FM 98 WJLB and WMXD Mix 92.3  • Key Note Speaker is Melvenna Fant-Jones. Her riveting story proves she has walked a mile in their shoes yet emerged 12

victorious and empowered through the help of organizations like Sara’s House. She is an associate of the American Bar Association and a member of the National Paralegal Association at a major law firm in southeast, MI.

BECOME A SARA’S HOUSE WORKSHOP SITE When a Church, School or Community Center becomes a Sara’s House Workshop Site, they help Sara’s House help pregnant mothers celebrate the life of their unborn child in dignity and with joy. To become a site, please review the information provided below and call anytime to register and confirm your organization’s participation.  • Sara’s House Workshops are 2 hours in length.  • Sara’s House Workshop can be held any day of the week.  • Sara’s House Workshop has an attendance of 25-50 participating mothers.  • You provide the space, tables and chairs. We provide the rest.  • Sara’s House Workshops can begin at your organization starting March 16 – April 24, 2015 Contact Sara’s House at P.O. Box 21907, Detroit, MI 48221 and www.sarashouse.org Call 313.473.7814 gjackson@sarashouse.org.

All Eyes on Levi Stephens DC Singer/Songwriter is One to Watch Discover more about this indie singer/songwriter from DC. We had an opportunity to catch up with Levi between his ‘I Want Levi College Music Tour’ where he is performing at over 200 colleges! This guy here is always on the road, making real music that inspires and rocks! On the heels of a debut album ‘This Way,’ Levi is back in the studio recording his anticipated sophomore project ‘Only What We Dream.’ We hear the lead single is slated for release April 2015. We trust the album is not too far behind. We’ll keep you posted. Levi Stephens opened for legendary BBKing and is credited with writing and arranging DC’s King of the GoGo Sound, Chuck Brown’s last single ‘Beautiful Life’ before he passed away. Levi was also part of the songwriting team for Bill Cosby’s popular movie ‘Fat Albert’ and his song ‘Come On and Join the Gang’ was selected to appear on the official song track for the mov-ie. You can catch Levi performing live in Phila-delphia, March 19 @MilkBoy and in New York, March 21 @BBKings Blues Club. 16

I’m still a child at heart. Growing up, I loved music just like any other kid. I really loved singing and performing. I felt like music could be something I’d like to do as an adult, but you know how kids are lol, they’re not thinking that far ahead. It’s all Frosted Flakes and cartoons and I still love Frosted Flakes! At the end of the day though, it’s just me. I’m just Levi. I try hard not take myself too seriously. In my opinion, one can become disingenuous. I didn’t choose music. I really feel like music chose me. Everyone is given a gift. A purpose. I feel that my gift is music. My purpose in this world is to use music to inspire people, all people of all ethnicities, ages, and cultures. When I write a song, I write about an experience that a person can identify with and possibly share with others. My music influencers are vast and come from many genres. There’s not like a top 5 or anything like Actor Comedian Chris Rock’s movie eluded to. But, since we are in that vein here’s my list: Stevie Wonder, Bill Withers, Donnie Hathaway, Marvin Gaye, Paul Simon, The Beatles, Prince, Parliament, Curtis Mayfield, Jimmy Hendrix, BB King, Bob Dillon, Tracy Chapman, Ray Charles, Bob Marley, John Mayer, Dave Matthew, Sly, Billie Joel and Bruce Hornsby. This list can go on for days!

I was raised listening to a huge variety of music. We didn’t watch a lot of television. I give that credit to my father. These artists influenced me musically. They each bring something, some element to my mu-sical make-up, writing, song production, guitar play-ing, and showmanship to include the power of impact. The recording artists that influenced me, in my opinion have all help to transcend music. They created music that became big records with the ability to influence so many people globally. When I started writing, I wanted to emulate those artists who help to transcend music. I try to do my part to help carry the torch, so to speak, for my generation. Before I was a singer and a songwriter, I was a music producer with three other business partners. When I wrote This Way it started off as a collection of songs that I wanted to shop to other artists, but I couldn’t do it. During the shop process, I begin to feel like the songs were a part of me, extensions of me because I wrote them. The songs were a part of my life experiences and no one would be able to deliver those songs the way I felt they needed to be delivered to the audience, not to mention the fact that other people began telling me that I needed to become a recording artist, so here I am! All eyes on me, lol. I am currently working on new music. This will be my sophomore album and I’m calling it Only What We Dream (OWWD). I have lived and experience the music industry in a different light after I because a recording artist. I’m blessed to have had my music make its way to various parts of the world influencing people in a broad age range of 6-80 years old. I’ve gotten feedback from concert goers experiencing my shows saying how my music has inspired them, helping them to cope and even heal. People inbox me on Facebook with their expressions and it blows and ignites me all the more. This feedback has helped me grow tremendously as a person and an artist. This business can be very rough at times, so getting that type of feedback inspires me greatly. I never thought as I follow and achieve my dream, that it would have such an impact on others.

So, now I am at a place where I want everyone to follow their dreams. Sometimes things happen in life that cause use to lose focus and stop pursuing our goals, our dreams. For example, maybe you became a father or mother earlier than planned and had to choose a job over finishing school or perhaps had to settle on a prelaw degree verses becoming a lawyer. Maybe you felt like things were getting too difficult, so you stopped pursuing your goals, your dreams. Now you find yourself doing something different than you expect. You’re feeling ok, but you’re not feeling fulfilled. You are wondering, “What if I kept going and didn’t’ stop?” Well, I want to encourage people to keep going. Do not stop. Keep pursuing your dreams. Strive to be great. Strive to create change for the better. Your dreams can impact and inspire other people. They are waiting on you to achieve your dreams. These are the thoughts that lead me to decide to call this album, Only What We Dream. (end)

DISCOVER MORE Discovering Levi Stephens’ music is like enjoying a surprisingly great meal at the local cafe you’ve passed a thousand times before finally deciding to stop in. You thought you knew what you were getting into, but this is something more. It’s refreshing --a pleasant sur-prise that a new artist in an industry plagued by dying creativity chooses to follow in the tradition of those classic singersongwriters that came before. His debut album, This Way used R&B as a foundation and seamlessly melds a variety of genres, from pop to soul to rock to gospel to folk while always remaining honest, clever and conversational. - www.levistephens.com.

Special thank you to Cheryl Patterson and Universal Xperience.

Connect with Levi Stephens Socially:

Las Vegas 2015 Check Out The 2014 RED CARPET on the next page 18

James Fortune

Patrick Dopson

Latece Crowford

Jekalyn Carr

Erica Campbell

Chanel

DA T.R.U.T.H.

Alexis Spight

Byron Cage

Pastor Charles Jenkins

Jonathan Nelson

Livre

2014

S T E L L A AWA R D S

Impact Detroit Magazine attended the 29th Stellar Awards 2014. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and anticipation. We laughed and we interviewed everyone we could grab. You can see for yourself at website and You tube channel. IMPACT DETROIT MEDIA www.impactdetroitmag.com

Sherry Shepard and Ricky Smiley Hosted 29th Stellar Awards 2014

THE LIFE, LOVE & LAUGHS OF

CEDRIC THE ENTERTAINER By Cheryl Patterson

A few months back, Cedric Antonio Kyles (Cedric the Entertainer) took time away from his very demanding schedule to participate in an in depth, transparent and yes, funny dialogue with us. Cedric is a master storyteller for certain. It is our pleasure to share it with you. I was very pleased and amazed at what we uncovered. I hope Cedric will inspire you as much as he inspired us. Most recently Cedric dedicated and is bulding the Rosetta Boyce Kyles Women’s Pavilion at SSM St. Mary’s Health Centera in honor of his mother Rosetta Boyce Kyles. Cedric appeared in Chris Rock’s film ‘Top Five’ and returns to TVLand, March 18, 2015 as the star of ‘The Soul Man’ of which he is co-creator and executive producer. On April 17, 2015, Cedric launches his own reality show ‘Barber Battle’ on the CW Network and Cedric headlines The Black & Brown Comedy Get Down Tour with George Lopez, Mike Epps and others. 23

GROWING UP CEDRIC I grew up in a single-parent household. My mother and father were separated. My mother Rosetta Boyce Kyles was an educator, an elementary school teacher. I lived in a small town of Caruthersville, Missouri for the first part of my life, until I was about 10 years old. This was the city my mother grew-up in and my grandmother Rosie lived there, too. This was in the boot hill of Missouri, so we always say in between Memphis and St. Louis. Later, we moved to St. Louis. My younger sister Sharita is three years younger than me, but she was always the ‘grownest.’ Lol, as we would say, she was the youngest, but she was the ‘grownest.’ Look, my sister was so grown, I would actually give her Mother’s Day Cards, when I was a teenager. Sharita just had a lot of uhm . . . extra parenting skills going on. Lol. As a teenager, I really didn’t need my little sister trying to tell me what I needed to be doing. As a child growing up, I had a lively household. In a single-parent household, you know there are going to be issues trying to get bills paid, but regardless of any struggles, mom was a very lively personality. She wanted to make sure my sister and I had a good life. Yeah, we laughed a lot. Growing up I found a lot of joy in our household. I appreciate my mom for that.

COMEDIC INFLUENCERS Remember, I lived in the same town as my grandmother. I spent a lot of time with her. She enjoyed Jonathan Winters, Jackie Gleason and Johnny Carson. It was guys like that who I can remember watching as a child and liking them. Then came my man Bill Cosby. Then, the era of Richard Pryor who was the voice of a different generation that started to speak. Although I was young, I would sneak and listen to Richard Pryor’s albums, lol. I also grew up watching Billy Crystal and Robin Williams who I was introduced to by watching television shows. These were my influencers as a child. Later in my teens and young adulthood, it was Eddie Murphy, Damon Wayans and cats like that who later became greater influencers for me. As a young child, I loved to laugh and found comedy as my go-to place. I didn’t know it could be a profession! Growing up in a very small Midwest town, you didn’t identify yourself as someone who could grow-up to be on television.

CEDRIC THROWS BACK For me, it started in junior high school when we’d go to the lunch room and play the dozens. You’d start to be funny and your friends began to count on you for the jokes. Lol, I remember some of the guys saying, “You don’t want Ced to come down here. He’ll tear ya’ll up.” And, then comes the day that your boys become proud of your skills to be able to make your peers people laugh. As a child, you begin to recognize that you can do this and you’re good, so for me comedy found its way into my life in Jr. High School, that 7th 8th grade type energy. During high school, I started to identify with my personality. I was able to recognize that I was an extroverted personality type. I knew how to grab an audience and make them laugh, but it wasn’t like I was focused on comedy. Lol, I actually believed I was a singer. Singing was my focus in high school. I entered a talent show with my boys and we sang Happiness Lol, I actually believed I was a singer. Singing Togetherness by Heat Wave. We didn’t win, but was my focus in high school. I entered a talent it went very well because the next day everybody show with my boys and we sang ‘Happiness knew my name. Lol, you know how it was in high Togetherness’ by Heat Wave. school. That was a big deal for me. I did school plays, too and to some of my friends doing the thespian thing wasn’t hard, it wasn’t gangster. They thought it just wasn’t the move for a high school Black male to be making. The fact that the play was funny reinforced that comedy and acting were things I liked to do and that I also excelled in. It was during high school where I begin to realize it was ok to be me, to be Cedric and I begin to embrace who I was. Because my mom was an educator, being a comedian was not something you grew up thinking you could do comedy as a career. I was a claims adjuster for State Farm and about 2-3 months in to the job, I got encouraged to participate in a stand-up comedy competition by a guy who was a comedian. He use to borrow material from me and thought my jokes were funny. He told me he’d entered my name in the entry level open mic comedy competition. So, yeah, I went and it was 100 plus comedians trying out. On my first try, my first experience, I won the competition and $500.00. Yeah, I became hooked at my first gig.

LET THE CHURCH SAY AMEN As an actor, in the role of a pastor on television or in a movie, of course I draw on my rich upbringing of being immersed in Church culture. I draw on those experiences to keep it real, from the way a pastor speaks, his word choice, their inflections, these things are second nature for me from being immersed in Church-going and living those experiences. Anyone that has also had those types of experiences knows that in those roles as a pastor, I am hitting something that is right on the button for them because they’ve experienced it in real life. It becomes funnier because it is a lived experience. There is some truth in it. As an actor, I bring a degree of truth to those roles which allows the character I portray to resonate with the audience so that the funny is real for them.

CEDRIC ON FAITH, GOD & THE GREATER GOOD

and the greater things that exists in the world that we live in. God has the power to heal and to destroy. God is omnipresent. I always identify with the story of Christ and I try to live in a Christ-like manner in how I conduct myself and treat others.

Living in the same town as my grandmother who was very involved in my life as a child, Church was a big part of my life. Church was how she was able to get by. We The spirit of a person walked to the Baptist Church gravitates to healing and up the street from my house. love and being a good I remember it was this person. When we are Pentecostal Church Christ-like our lifestyle (Sanctified Church is what and behavior become we called it back in my day) examples and can cause and before you got to the someone to heal or be in a Baptist Church, you had to better place spiritually pass the Sanctified Church because they experienced and lol, they’d be going in. being around you. I try to They had a band, live like this. I’m not tambourines, trying to drums, and they’d project my be shouting. It spiritual When I wake-up, I’m thankful to able to do what I do sounded so much beliefs on more energetic, and that God has chosen me as a vessel to be able to others or tell but in a small town people how make people laugh and bring joy. the ‘Sanctified’ to live. I try people were the to show a ones some of the Christ-like what I’ve sustained today, the towns people felt were in a cult nature by the example I set with how Church of Christ teachings. because of the behavior, the really I live and conduct business. Although, I’m not really a Churchover the top expression of being I believe I am an example of what is goer. Once I became a celebrity, Saved/Born-again. good about the world and what is Church began to be an opportunity Most of the city was Baptist and good about you. That is what my for people to lay-hands and pray all Methodist. That was a big part of my relationship is with God. It is my over me and well, Church just didn’t upbringing. Sunday school, choir daily method of operation. When I have the same kind of organic practice the whole nine yards. When wake-up, I’m thankful to able to do spiritual experience I was we moved to St. Louis, we what I do and that God has chosen accustomed to. Maybe I’m just worshiped as Methodist and then me as a vessel to be able to make using that as an excuse for not later Church of Christ which had a people laugh and bring joy. I’m able attending Church often as I should. focus on teaching and reading the to make others laugh in the spirit of As far as my relationship with God, bible and to me it was more of an having a good time and showing I have always lived in a spiritual type adult approach to my spirituality and others that ‘this’ is what it’s about. of energy that God is about goodness belief system. That is pretty much

BALANCING ACT & BEING THANKFUL FOR WHAT YOU GOT

I’m always sharing with other people in my position that not only are they celebrities, but they are also the CEO of the business, a husband, a father a brother, a son, a business partner and a friend. The people we love have great expectations of us. I try to do everything with a spirit of love. I know I can’t do it all and try not to get frustrated, but any of the responsibilities that are mine, I take them on. The challenge is you do not get to satisfy everyone completely, but it’s somewhere in the will. I remind family and friends that I count it as joy and that they should too, when we do get an opportunity to enjoy even 5 minutes together, to laugh and talk, between all that I do and the next phone call. I remind them to appreciate the moment that we have or the times that we shared together. Those are the things that are real. It’s harder to explain that to smaller children, but as my children are getting older, I think that as they mature they understand that our time together as a family is something to cherish and be thankful for and not to throw a fit when it’s over. This is how we spend time together and balance things. I try to plan time with my kids and my wife, so it is more meaningful. For example one weekend, I booked a room for her and me. My wife is very in to our kids and I travel a lot. When I told her I booked us a room for a romantic getaway, she said, “You didn’t even ask me what I planned for the weekend.” Lol, I told her to forget all that wife stuff and that she was going to be my girlfriend this weekend. Get somebody to care of them kids because you going to be my little chick.

THE COURTSHIP OF LORNA

“IT AIN’T EVEN GONNA GO LIKE THAT”

and said, “You really don’t know who you’re talking to right now and that’s why I didn’t give you my number the first time.” Yeah. I was real wrong, lol.

Lorna and I celebrate our 16th wedding anniversary in September 2015. We were together two years before we Lorna was a true California girl. Born and raised in La. got married. Lol, Black men going to always tell you She had her own business, so she was busy with her own when they ‘got together’ because the marriage is schedule and I was busy doing movies, so it was a slow unofficial. Once a women tell courtship. Our schedules you, YOU her man, that’s competed with each other. when you’ve been locked She had expectations of what Lol, I told her to forget all that wife stuff and down. That’s when it’s official her life was supposed to be that she was going to be my girlfriend this for a brother lol. like, coming from a two-parent weekend . . . you going to be my little chick. home. I had to grow up. I was I met my wife on the set of my living that early fame life and first movie Ride (1998) with everything that comes with it. Malik Yoba, and Melissa De Lol, so you know, I had expectations, too. She slowed Sousa. She was a stylist and handled wardrobe for the me down on that though. movie. I met her when we were filming the pick-up scenes. She was busy doing her job and I thought she was I was living in two cities, St. Louis and LA. When I began cute and I thought I was famous. I tried to hit her with the having a serious relationship with her I considered “girl take my number” line and she completely ignored moving to LA. We dated for two years. She was and still me. Lol, it was not happening. She told me, “It ain’t even is a dynamic woman. Her energy influences me to think gone go like that.” Lol. She literally walked away. I was in a different kind-of manner and she is always so full of like, shocked. Just so happen a week later at a jazz event genuine love. We’re the same in that she looks for the with Cha Khan and Stevie Wonder. I see her again. I’m good in people, too. And if they are not bringing the attracted to her when I see her again thinking I’m a young good, she removes negatively from around her very Billy Dee, but I didn’t even know she was the same girl. quickly. We are very evenly yoked. I stopped her again with the same line. She looked at me

I asked her to marry me by taking her to Paris on a one-way ticket because I’m here to tell you, if she had said no, she’d be in France to this day! Because I wasn’t about to get tricked on getting her a free trip to Paris on me. That girl was going to have to learn French if she said no, lol.

The Goal for Who Ced is to continue to grow the line with accessories that are the distinguishable things about being a man, like a line of skin care, shaving creams, fragrances, other articles of clothing. I’m really about having Who Ced in the boutiques.

I planned a magical moment where the ring came out on a silver tray with me on one knee singing a love song to her like KEM. Yeah. Just like KEM, using his style, all low, silkysmooth, whispery and laid back, but nope, it wasn’t as magical as I’d planned. She was embarrassed by my singing, lol. I am a huge fan of KEM, too. That dude can sing a love song. Yeah, just like me, lol.

SWEET GEORIA BROWNS Right before you get to Greek Town, there was a restaurant named Sweet Georgia Browns. It stood out from others I’d been to. It was classy with an urban touch. Everything about it was upscale from the food to the décor and yet it was a family friendly atmosphere. The food was good. My family and I never had that experience in other cities. The fact that Sweet Georgia Browns was Black owned was an added value for us.

DESTINY & PURPOSE I encourage people to define what they are passionate about. I remind them that there is a process to purpose. I was not an overnight success. Actually, I started late. I was 26 years old when I tried stand-up comedy. I even thought about quitting my job. Mom was against me quitting. She came from a generation that believed once you got a job with a big corporation and making money, this was what life was all about. It was also an indicator that you were a responsible man. Although, I was doing those things, I still was thinking about quitting and becoming a comedian because I felt that comedy was my destiny, but I was still uncertain if it was my destiny.

It’s about brand expansion. I’ve always wore hats. When I was coming up in high school there was a group of guys who dressed impeccable. They would go to thrift shops and get some cool suits, sweaters, skinny ties and hats. We called them ‘The Good Fellas.’ They left an impression on me and when I became an adult, it became my thing to wear hats when I performed, as a way for me to stand out from the rest. St. Louis was known for men wearing hats, cool gangster hats, so I made my trademark a hat because wearing one you’d know I was from ‘The Lou.’ I remember having a conversation with Sean Combs (P Diddy) about Who Ced. Combs said, “People know you Ced for wearing hats. Do that. Do that one thing and do it well. I started Sean John with three velour sweat suits and people assumed I had other stuff.” His advice was on point and gave me valuable insight.

When I was working on a joke one day, I decided to tell the joke to my mother. To my surprise and delight, she laughed so hard that she went down to her knees! That right there, that was my defining moment. The fact that I made my mother laugh so hard, the energy of the experience which was so real and spontaneity helped me realize that comedy was my destiny. I knew comedy gave me a real sense of fulfilment that no 9-5 would ever give me. I was convinced that I was destined to be a comedian and that comedy and making people laugh was my purpose. It was during that moment that my mother knew too and begin to understand saying, “Alright Cedric, I understand now. I get it.” (end) Through Cheryl Patterson and Universal Xperience, Impact Detroit Magazine is in partnership with Who Ced Hats created by Cedric The Entertainer. Discover more about this fashion forward hat line @ www.whoced.com. - Special thanks to Marla.

CLARĒTA

CLARĒTA Breakout Year at the 2015 Stellar Awards

t's a breakout year for Clareta! She will be performing at 5 showcases at the 2015 Stellar

Awards. Yes, she's the new kid on the block but, you will see her on stage with many gospel greats including Deitrick Haddon, Karen Clark-Sheard, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Fred Hammond, Kierra Sheard, and KEM. You may have seen her on Preachers of LA or Preachers of Detroit. If not you will soon know her name. Clareta has not limited herself to just being an incredible vocalist, from the well known gospel music family "The Haddons". Beyond being the baby sister of Deitrick Haddon, She has proven that her ability to write, co-produce and act are as much a part of her artistic expression as her singing! First timers and fans alike boast of her amazing stage presence, admitting publicly that talent like hers only comes once in a lifetime. Comparing their view of her to that of the world famous, Tina Turner with her skill to capture an audience, Prince with her ability make any musical style her own; and even Michael Jackson with her fearless creativity in fashion and production. These attributes are accompanied by her amazing vocal talent and range! One fan commented, "Watching her on stage is almost hypnotic!" Clareta shares “I turn into someone different the moment I hit the stage!”Clareta was an artist and writer with “Mr Porter Productions”, a progressive production company headed by the well known and accomplished music producer/artist, Denaun “ Mr. Porter” Porter. (Porter is also known as “Kon Artis” , of the multi-platinum world-renowned rap group “D12”). Shortly after being signed Clareta landed features on tracks with heavy weight artists such as Ludacris & Eminem, proving she has what it takes to hold her own and work along with the best in the entertainment industry. Clareta is currently working to obtain roles in film, television, and music placements on many major projects. All while moving forward as the CEO of StageLife Productions where she writes, produces music, and other projects with her business partner and who is also her husband. Their company StageLife has been blessed to partner with the longest standing record label in gospel music, Tyscot Records. She also works alongside her husband as Co-Pastor of Kingdom Culture Church in Detroit, MI. Clareta is often compared that of very well known speakers such as Jaunita Bynum, Jackie McCullough, Dorinda Clark-Cole, and her mother Joyce Haddon. She is currently available for musical and ministry events. The anticipation of her solo project is creating a major buzz. Her new single “Winners Anthem” is sure to stand up to it’s name. 31

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Great Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ft. The Boys & Girls Choir of Harlem Alumni Ensemble

Jennifer Mekel welcomes interview opps through Cheryl Patterson and Universal Xperience . universalxperience@gmail.com . 313.434.3589

Jennifer Mekel

Jennifer Mekel is a native of Akron, Ohio. She has been inspired by music since the age of three. Having performed her first concert at the age of 17, leveraging original compositions; music has become Mekel’s passion. As a recording artist, Mekel brings to Inspirational music, her unique fresh style of singing. Her lyrics have powerful and transforming messages coupled with jazzy, sultry vocals which are mellow and smooth, yet inspiring and liberating. While Mekel is a prolific singer/songwriter, she is also a licensed ordained minister having graduated from the University of Akron and Ashland Theological Seminary where she is currently in pursuit of a Masters of Divinity. Mekel uses these skills and gifts in service to others at Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Akron, Ohio, in the areas of pastoral care and worship. Mekel is a worship leader and instructs Bible Study along with music workshops for the surrounding community. Mekel believes that it is through service to others that we serve God. She uses her position as Coordinator of a wonderful community initiative called The Pastors Project to create awareness, educate clergy and the community regarding drug abuse, chemical dependency and mental illness. Conducting a 200-plus voice choir accompanied by the Akron Symphony Orchestra is no small feat but the ever-skilled singer songwriter Jennifer Mekel handles it effortlessly and has done so for seven years. Mekel is the official Chorus Master for the Akron Symphony Orchestra’s Gospel Meets Symphony concert. With its rich history, Gospel Meets Symphony has all the indicators of being a music movement, as it was created 21 years ago as a way to bridge diverse communities in Akron. As we approach Passover and the Easter Holiday season celebrating Resurrection Sunday, Mekel is set to release her new single entitled Great God. This powerful single comes from the heart of a worshiper and features the voices of the famed Boys and Girls Choir of Harlem Alumni Ensemble. The single is a prelude to her upcoming album on Power Of Word And Music Ministry (POWAMM) record label. Mekel is humbled to collaborate on the album with acclaimed talents such as multi Dove and Stellar Award nominated Earnest Pugh, Swoope, Khyrie Tyler, and H. Doobie Powell. Mekel says, “This album will be an amazing compilation of songs that minister to the soul, radiating messages of hope, strength and love.” The single Great God is available for download on iTunes, Amazon and all other digital retail outlets on March 31, 2015. Catch Jennifer Mekel on 1350AM WARF every Sunday, 9:30a – 10:00a ET. - Visit Jennifermekel.com to Discover More -

ASHLEY JONES MISS BLACK MICHIGAN USA 2015

Ashley Jones

Miss Black Michigan USA 2015

Miss Black Michigan USA 2015 serves as a goodwill ambassador by taking an active role in the community thru leadership and volunteerism. She is a role model for other young woman, leading by example, encouraging them to pursue their dreams by promoting: academics, mental and physical health, and self-esteem.

Photographer Carli Wilbur

Ashley Jones is a professionally graduate May 2015. She is on the trained, multi- agency represented Deans list and maintains a 3.74 model and has walked in over GPA on a 4.0 scale. twenty runway shows in Michigan While attending East Lansing High and Illinois. She has been the School, she maintained a 3.5 GPA cover model of fashion and beauty which granted her membership magazines, has worked several into the National Honor Society promotional jobs, and is also an and consequently receiving a up and coming “Volunteering and community service “Distinguished actress, having provides a sense of togetherness. They Scholar” Award appeared in are selfless acts that serve to benefit not from the school In commercials, only those who receive, but also those district. addition, she film and stage who give of themselves.” held leadership plays. positions in Ashley was various student clubs including born in Kansas City, Missouri in June 1993 and later relocated with the Black Student Union, where her family to Michigan at the age of she served as communications six. Growing up in a single-parent officer. As an active leader in home headed by her mother, she these organizations, serving the saw first hand the amount of hard community became second nature. work and dedication that it took to Ashley strongly believes that “Volunteering and community be successful. service provides a sense of Ashley’s mother instilled in her togetherness. They are selfless a set of core values that she holds acts that serve to benefit not only close to this day. All her life Ashley those who receive, but also those has pushed herself to achieve who give of themselves.” With academically, graduating from East this in mind, she maintains an Lansing High School with honors active role in the community. On at the age of 16 taking advanced any given weekend you could find placement classes in Spanish and Ashley volunteering at the Ronald statistics. Ashley is currently a McDonald House, boxing canned Senior at Michigan State University goods at the local Greater Lansing studying Human Resources in the Food Bank, participating in the Broad College of Business and will Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 35

ASHLEY JONES

Photographer Carli Wilbur

and the Lansing Capitol City River Run, assisting in an American Red Cross blood drive, or even being a speaker at a peer workshop or seminar. During these years she not only excelled academically, but was also a member of the Elite Dance Team, JV Softball Team, and was selected by faculty and students to be on the homecoming court. Ashley also served as president of the Growing and Empowering Myself Successfully mentoring group sponsored by the Lansing chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated (Delta GEMS). Upon graduating from high school she received an academic Student Leadership Academy Scholarship to attend Lansing Community College. As part of this program, Ashley served on the advisory committee to the president and continued to do community service as a student leader. While attending Lansing Community College she was inducted into Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society. After completing her prerequisites at Lansing Community College, in the summer of 2013, Ashley transferred to Michigan State University and immediately became active in the student community working as a counselor for the Eli Broad College of Business Summer Business Institute and also

the Renewable Energy Advancement for Detroit Youth (READY) residential summer camp for the Detroit Area in the Miss Sparkle Success Self Esteem Pageant, winner of the AJ Wright National Model Search Lansing, semi-finalist in the Wet Seal National Model Search (top 100) and Southpole National Model Search (top 5) contests. Ashley is not only a beauty with brains, but she is also an up and coming actress and has been in a sitcom pilot, a short movie, worked as background in a Pure Michigan commercial, a cameo appearance in an original gospel stage play, “Not Good Enough” and most recently in Lee Daniels “Empire” pilot with Terrence Howard, Taraji P. Henson, Gabourey Sidibe, and Malik Yoba. The pilot was picked up by Fox and is currently being filmed in Chicago, Illinois. With her past success and future endeavors, she wants to send the message to everyone that “If you dream it, you can most certainly achieve it.” After completing her B.A. in Human Resources, Ashley plans to continue her education by attending graduate school. Her reign as state title holder is from August 2014-July 2015. To book Ashley email: missblackmichigan@gmail.com

Daughter of Jackie Wilson to Launch New Television Show Brenda Wilson is an entertainer in her own right, but we were surprised to learn that she does not consider herself a singer. Yes. Brenda can sing, but prefers to develop, educate and mentor outstanding young talent. Inspiring young performers is her true passion. She shared some exciting news with us regarding her upcoming television show, too. Brenda is super busy replying to requests from LA television producers. “It is exciting yet very demanding going through the process of shopping for a television network,” said Brenda. The upcoming TV show Grouping It Up Showcase Showdown is presented by Brenda’s companies, Offspring of Legends and the Wilson Entertainment Group, Inc. As Brenda meets with area schools, holding auditions, she is also scouting for talent to leverage on the upcoming TV show. Brenda is using her influence with area entertainment venues to give students that really have that something extra, opportunities to perform live. Brenda is looking to work with educators who support experiential learning, like Principal Lori Johnson of YES Academy in Detroit. Johnson is known and respected for her innovative ideas on education reform and parent engagement. Benda said, “Sharing how the music industry works, music history and music appreciation to aspiring performing art students, gives me a strong sense of fulfillment. Through them, I will keep my father’s legacy and spirit of music alive and flourishing.” Brenda is slated to host a monthly Music Review starting Sunday, May, 3, 2015, at Jazz Katz featuring live music performances from 1950, 1960 & the Motown era. She will also film interviews with guest performers and indie artists on the open mic segment. Capturing their stories for broadcasting on her upcoming TV show makes it empowering for everyone as Brenda is very big on inclusiveness. Most recently, Brenda organized auditions for Grouping It Up Showcase Showdown at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History and discovered some exceptional talent. The Fantastic Four, an original Motown act were her special guests. Brenda’s father, Jack Leroy ‘Jackie’ Wilson, also called Sonny was the most influential entertainer of his generation. Wilson was popular in the 1950s and 1960s with his influence spanning through time, impacting great entertainers like Michael Jackson. He successful impacted the genres of R&B, Soul, Pop and Rock & Roll. He was the full package and earned the name, Mr. Excitement. Wilson had the formula to chart in the top 10 on both Billboard R&B and Pop charts simultaneously. This was considered to be a very rare achievement by music industry experts. After going solo in 1957, he recorded 50 HIT SINGLES out of which 16 of the singles were R&B Top 10 hits while 6 were #1 R&B hits. Wilson’s first #1 R&B hit came one year after going solo. It was Lonely Tear Drop, December 1958. He received the Grammy Hall of Fame Award twice and in 1987 was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Jackie Wilson expired January 21, 1984. This year, family and friends join Brenda in celebration of his 81st birthday, June 9th.

ARMANDO COCHISE FRANKLIN

Armando Memphis,TN

Actor, Musician, & Singer Armando Cochise Franklin native of Memphis, TN graduate of Cordova High School 2006. Studied Business Marketing at Morehouse College Class of 2010 with a GPA. of 3.51. Armando vowed in 2004 to uplift the people of God through his ability to play piano and sing with a natural God giving anointing at the Greater Hope Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. Dannie D. Holmes (His Grandfather). Mondo is a member of the Martin Luther King “International Chapel Assistant Program”. In January 2007, Armamdo collaborated with Tristan Weemes and assisted with the writing of this year's soul revue play, "Living Fast and Dying Young!” Armando is the CEO and co-founder of AMOUR Fashion, because he has a heart and love for Fashion. Contact Info: Armando Franklin 901-282-8954 39

MAJIK ANNOUNCES SINGLE DEBUT “BEAUTIFASCINATASTIC”

Kamiylah left

Mycah

Star Factory Kids

right

One

of Detroit’s most popular tween

musical duo is pleased to announce their new Single Debut BeautiFascinaTastic. Their mission is to promote confidence building, good decision making, and leadership while eliminating bullying. Both girls inspire to become the next Disney Stars. The charming talented tweens with “Swag• Confidence• Personality.” Mycah & Kamiylah are Detroit, MI natives. Since meeting at the Star Factory Talent Got Talent Camp, they’ve worked really hard to make a career by combining their singing and dancing abilities. They meet regularly for vocal coaching, choreography, and stage presence training at Star Factory and now they’re ready to step it up a notch. From trecent cover songs like Liv & Maddie & Lip Gloss to their new single debut BeautiFascinaTastic written by Brandon Smith, artist development expert and music producer Dorohn Gough who is known for Ne-Yo’s hit song Champayne Life. Mycah & Kamiylah have performed live at several major events in Metro Detroit. Both girls possess a unique style that transcends to a Dynamic Duet. The girls admire many talented female recording artists and groups including TLC, Beyonce, Katy Perry, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Ariana Grande’, Zendaya Coleman, Iggy Azeala just to name a few. We have our eyes on these two! Contact Brandon Smith of Star Factory Phone: (248) 541-5155 40

Brandon Smith, CEO of Star Factory pictured with his newest student, Leah Sava Jeffries a.k.a. Lola Lyons from FOXTV Series EMPIRE.

THE BRAND The WHO CED line was inspired by Cedric’s keen sense of style and uncanny ability to rock just about any style of hat. In creating the line it was our goal to offer customers a large selection of quality designer and casual hats to add a special dash of style to any attire. We are a high end lifestyle brand centered around men’s fashion and accessories. We cater to upwardly mobile hardworking men from all walks of life. We strive to understand our audience and design for their changing needs. We stretch to extend the boundaries of men's fashion THE LINEUP WHO CED uses the finest worsteds and woolens in everything from our ball caps to our cut and sew fedoras. Our high end suit fabrics come in a wide variety of weaves to provide the richness and luxury our distinguishing clientele deserve. Our linings incorporate fine silk sidewalls with accented piping and a proprietary purquois color blend to distinguish our one of a kind fedoras on the inside as well as the out. Not only do we use the finest materials but we also insist on the highest standard of craftsmanship in everything from the stitching to the tips, linings, bands and notions. We know the details make the hat. That is why we meticulously design every inch from the hand stitched accents to the chenille lettering and distinctive metal notions. – www.whoced.com 42

JAZZ KATZ FEATURES HEAVY HITTERS AS HEADLINERS With its authentic Cajun Creole cuisine and original recipes from Louisiana, coupled with live entertainment in an intimate setting, many are saying that Jazz Katz is the place where food warms your body and where music heals your soul. Having only been opened since October 2014, Jazz Katz and it’s owner Dr. Tamika Scott has hitthe-ground-running featuring industry heavy hitters like: Drummer Gene Dunlap (Earl Klugh, Roy Ayers), saxophonist Randy Scott (Tim Bowman, Vicki Winans), Singer Kimmie Horn (Voted ‘Casino entertainer of the Year’ by Casino Writers Guild of America), Grammy nominated Straight Ahead (Opened for Nina Simone at the Montreaux-Switzerland Jazz Festival), Grammy Award-winner drummer/producer, Brandon Williams and Detroit Music Awardee, Singer Sky Covington. For March, RnB recording artist ZanYe (Conversations) kicks-off the month. Then the Paul Carey Trio closes March out. In April, Grammy nominated female jazz group, Straight Ahead is featured April 4th and 5th. May 10th is a very special Mother’s Day at Jazz Katz with Blues, Funk, Rock goddess, Thronetta Davis. Mid May Kimmie Horne returns by popular demand on May 15th and 16th.

Also performing in March are Sharon Love Jones, GiGi Mack & Alter Ego. Tickets for any of these shows are available at the Jazz Katz box office during regular hours of operation. Weekend show times are 8p—12a with set times of 8p, 9:30p and 11pm. Jazz Katz is open Friday and Saturday til 2am. After the live entertainment, stay over and ballroom the night away. The Jazz Katz kitchen is open til 1:30pm. RSVP to 248.295.4142 for priority seating general admission because in this intimate setting they fill up fast. Remember at Jazz Katz as an added value, can stay over for all three (3) sets at no extra cost. In February, Jazz Katz featured the legendary jazz pianist Charles Greene. Greene has toured with award-winning Motown recordings artists like The Spinners, Four Tops and Jimmy Ruffin. Greene performed on the Jazz Katz stage Friday, February 27 and returned for an encore performance Saturday, February 28. Jazz Katz has your unique dining experience, offering authentic Cajun Creole cuisine coupled with engaging live entertainment in an intimate atmosphere of sheer indulgence.

Straight Ahead

Thornetta Davis

Kimmie Horne