Edition - 2019 Vol. 15 Issue 4
Feature Contents
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06 Pop Icon Taylor Dayne
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Grammy Winning Artist chats about New Music, Book and Career
09 Actress Desreta Jackson: [Interview]
The Color Purple Star Speaks on The Black Hair Conspiracy
11 Kevin Jones - Community & Business 13 Health: Measle Outbreak 14 Adina Howard [Exclusive Interview]
Multi-Platinum Singer discuss New music, Endeavors and much more
18 Sanchez Gardner [Q&A] Poet and Author
20 Sports: Former NFL Player Vernon Turner 22 Autism Activist & Music Producer Marcus Boyd 26 Wolf’s Mane Beard Care [Product Review] pg
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Regular Content Just Thinking
By Dorothy Robinson
Life is full of surprises, happiness, heartaches and pain. Life is more important than you think it is. What you make of it… I could go on and on but I must stop there. And always remember, Life is no game. Take it serious not delirious.
Cover: Earnest Pugh - Photographer: Jamaal D. Lathan (Jamaal D. Lathan Photography)
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04 Editor’s Page 05 Letters/ Awareness 09 Someone You Should Know 11 Words of Encouragement 11 Business/ Profile 12 Environmental Elements 13 Health Solutions 20 Sports Community 26 Album-Book-Movie Review(s) 26 Know Your Rights Teen: College Spirit Section
Editor ’s Note :
CONSCIOUSNESS
“Urban Inspiration”
From Good to Great!
STAFF
Founder & Editor Aaron Robinson
Senior Vice President Mozella Malone
Administrative Asst. Julia M. Robinson Josephine Robinson Consultant Frank Robinson Fred Robinson
Public Relations Marketing / Promotions A&M Marketing Group
Advertising Agency A&M Marketing Group MediaBids
S
Photographer
A&M Marketing Group
ometimes in life we gain knowledge and wisdom from prior experiences or the trialsand-tribulations that we may have gone through, in order to strengthen us to become good or successful at our future endeavors, roles or our career.
My foray into the publishing business was after the last year of my undergrad studies during college. As the vision of publishing a magazine later set on my heart, I eventually had to take actions to pursue this calling. In order to do so, I had to use prior experiences, as well as knowledge and skills that I acquired from past endeavors, such as music and arts and failing at businesses that I tried to attempt. I entwined those past experiences with my new skills of graphic design, allowing me to paint a mental picture of the completed product that eventually came into a reality. Nonetheless, I had help along the way with remarkable people who believed and supported the vision. In this edition of Consciousness Magazine, we will share with you individuals who have made significant transitions in their life while using their past experience that have molded them to become who they are today. Some of the things that they have experienced along their journey have made a positive difference not only in their lives, but also in others around the world. I thank the most high for putting me in a position to have crossed paths with such amazing and influential individuals, writers, contributors, artist, mentors, advisors, friends, associates, supporters, readers and everyone who has shown interest in this publication. I thank you all. Enjoy!
Aaron Robinson Founder & Editor
About Consciousness Magazine™
“Keeping our Pen on the Pulse of the Community” Consciousness Magazine “Urban Inspiration,” is committed to raising the level of consciousness of the residents in our community. The mission of Consciousness Magazine is to promote understanding, make a difference in society, touch hearts, as well as, emphasize positive celebrities and significant social figures through strong articles and compelling visuals. This publication embraces ethnicity and multicultural, in hopes of bringing different cultures together in peace and friendship. Consciousness Magazine 4
Graphic Design / Web Designer
A&M Marketing Group
Illustrator / Comics Eric Plaut
Proofreader
Tocarra Eldridge
Writers/Journalists
Tocarra Eldridge Dr. Shanessa Fenner Elder Lee M. Harris, Sr. Sirrocco Hogue Darnell Jodan Eric Plaut
Special Correspondent Lashana Barker Russell Norman Hector De La Rosa
Reviews
Tocarra Eldridge Darnell Jordan Hector De La Rosa Aaron Robinson
Contributors Judith Creed Allison Kugel
Syndicated Content Allison Kugel
Views expressed by advertisers and/or press release are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Consciousness Magazine™. Consciousness Magazine™ will not be held responsible or liable for advertisers misinformation, misprints, or typographical errors, etc., herein contained. Consciousness Magazine™ requires that all advertisement be in compliance with all applicable laws and be truthful and not offensive or detrimental to individuals, groups, or businesses. Consciousness Magazine™ reserve the right to revise, delete, objectionable words or phrases, and refuse any advertising it deems unacceptable. Subscription rates; $24.00 per year (6 Issues) Consciousness Magazine™ ISSN:1553-5568 is published by Robinson Publishing, Inc. Postmaster: Send address Change and Subscription Orders to: P.O. Box 2496, Kankakee, Illinois 60901, Phone: (312) 715-7884 Email: info@consciousnessmagazine.com. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the Publisher. ©2019 Consciousness Magazine™. All Rights Reserved.
Letters Meaningful Article Consciousness Magazine has really grown over the years since witnessing their initial start. This publication has so much to offer and teach. I’m glad there is a publication that meets so many people’s needs, as well as shares advice, inspiration and encouragement for people who can use it. Thanks for all of what you have contributed. Donna Ross New York
Expressing Yourself Many publications sometimes forget about the youth, but you guys seem to embrace that through adults who are supportive of them. You guys are very articulate in expressing yourself. I just thank you all for having such a great and exciting publication and for putting out good content. Mike Eveon Atlanta
Powerful Message I continue to share your magazines with many. I love the message, mission and what Consciousness Magazine stands for. You are truly multicultural and reach a full range of people. Keep up the good work and much success for many years to come. Blessings! A Source of Hope Congratulations for always bringing out such great editions that relate to everyone no matter what walks of life you’re enduring. This is a magazine that touches inner souls and encourages many to know that there are all kinds of resources for everyone. I love everything, from the content to the designs. Keep up the great work!!! Sherrice Hardin Chicago
Write to us: We want to know what you’re thinking.
Send emails to info@consciousnessmagazine.com. Include your name, address, and telephone number. Letters may be edited for clarity and/or length. For Customer Service and Subscriptions visit us at www.consciousnessmagazine.com.
Consciousness Awareness:
NBA Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins Living With Diabetes
I had to make a lifestyle change. When I was playing I ate anything I wanted, but I was always training so I just burned those calories off and didn’t pay close attention to my diet or how my body felt. When I retired, I wasn’t training anymore, but I was still eating the same foods – so my doctor told me one thing, he said ‘you have to make a lifestyle change right now’! I changed my diet, started exercising and I got on medication. I feel better now than I did 17 years ago. Because I made that lifestyle change. One of the things that really helped me is my partnership with Novo Nordisk. It’s been a wonderful relationship. It has given me a platform to talk about diabetes nationally, and to continue talking about my own bout with diabetes. When my pill wasn’t getting me to my goal, I worked with my doctor to find a treatment that was right for me. Now I talk with others about understanding when certain medications are not getting you to your goal, you need to find a treatment plan that works for you. One of those healthy options can be found on our website, DiabetesDreamTeam.com, which gives people the opportunity to learn how to build their own “Dream Team” through diet, exercise and education. Words of encouragement shared with individuals in hopes of battling or beating this disease: I give them the life experience that I went through with my father and grandfather both dying from diabetes. I’ve seen the hardships in a family affected by diabetes. I share my story and say look, you don’t want this to be you, and you don’t want this to be someone in your family. So, don’t wait for something bad to happen before you act. Be proactive.
Taylor Dayne 30th Year
Anniversaryin the Music Business (Exclusive Interview) Interviewed and written by Tocarra Eldridge Photo credited by Peter Baratti
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his year marks dance-pop icon Taylor Dayne 30 year anniversary in the music business and she is back with her new electro-pop anthem “Live Without” that is steady climbing on the Billboard charts. Taylor Dayne, is a prolific singer of our time. She is also a successful crossover artist who has accomplished music in the genres of Pop, Dance, R&B, Adult Contemporary, and Rock. She has 17 hit singles, three Grammy Nominations, an American Music Award, and has sold over 75 million albums worldwide. Some of her hit singles includes “Tell It To My Heart,” “Prove Your Love,” “Love Will Lead
You Back,” and “I’ll Always Love You.” I had the privilege to talk with Taylor Dayne about her new single, her longevity in the music industry and much more. Here is what she had to share with the readers. Tocarra Eldridge: This year marks your 30th year Anniversary in the music industry. How does that feel or what kind of gratification is this for you? Taylor Dayne: It’s a milestone. It’s incredible! I mean, it’s thirty years – wow! So, it started in 2016, kind of leading up to it. I did TEDWoman. It was so much going on in the
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industries and with awareness. I was more than ready to embrace my 30 year anniversary. Obviously the 25 year was a real kick start, but the first year was like ‘where am I creatively? What do I feel that I still need to do? Where do I feel I need to go?’, and it was writing this book, this memoir Tell It To My Heart, and releasing new records of my greatest hits. The book is really a combination of it and this tour. So, it’s been extremely exciting! Tocarra: Nice, sounds great! You just spoke of the memoir that you released. What was the inspiration behind this book? Taylor: Oh my goodness! It’s the thirty years. It’s telling the story. If anybody goes online and watch TED Talks you will really get a better understanding of what the climax and gearing of what the inspiration for this book was. If anybody goes online and pick up the book you’ll be able to get an understanding of really what the inspiration for this book was. It’s really not just about the voice; it’s a story behind it. It’s one thing to have a gift, but how do you take that gift and turn it into a career…a successful career, a place where you feel honored and more than that – you’re cherishing yourself and you’re also giving service. I feel like I know my purpose; I’ve found my purpose. Tocarra: I know the wave of music continues to change and evolve over the years and you have been successful crossover artist. How have you continued to stay relevant for 30 years? Taylor: You have to ask the fans. The point is, I continue to try to grow as an artist. You have to continue looking at your production and on stage, and what you feel. Of course, my music speaks for decades. It’s classic music that’s inspired and really helps people. They know exactly where they were when this song came out or that song came out. They’re classics. I mean, why do you go see Diana Ross after 50 years? It’s because you know exactly where you were when some of her music came out. That’s what music is, it helps us enjoy beautiful moments, joyful moments, even sad moments, and moments where we are all collectively under one roof doing beautiful things. Tocarra: You’ve recently released your new single “Live Without.” For those who haven’t heard it yet, what would you tell them? Taylor: It’s a club banger. It’s a lot of fun! It’s definitely catchy. People love it! It’s great for the clubs. It’s a summer banger. Tocarra: You’ve worked with Avedon on this project who is an amazing producer. What was that experience like? Taylor: We went in, we took care of business. He was brilliant; he was loving. He was really generous in the studio – just easy, great, fun!
Tocarra: You have had multiple smash hits from “Tell It To My heart” to “I’ll Be Your Shelter” and so on. You are considered to be one of the top successful Dance Artist of all times. During that time, where was your state of mind that later drove you to having this much longevity and success? Taylor: It’s ups and downs. If you read the book you’ll understand. The state of mind is ‘this is what I was born to do’. I was born to sing, but then again, it’s more than just singing. You find your purpose in it. The reason that I stay doing what I’m doing is because if you look at any of my shows you’ll understand. There’s a story I’m telling - the joy it brings people and the healing and the fun. It’s become being in service; it’s so different from when I first started. I was just doing it to be famous…I’m going to sing, it’s going to get me out of my home, and it’s going to give me a reason to get out and make money and do what I need to do. After five, seven, eight years of that… ten years of that, you get what that means, so what are you really doing it for? That’s the journey; that’s the looking inside; that’s figuring it out. Who doesn’t love “Tell It To My Heart,” “Prove Your Love,” and “Can’t Get Enough of Your Love.” I can go on and on. It’s been a beautiful ride, so I continue on the ride because there’s more to do, I have more to do. I have more to achieve; I really do! Now, knowing what you’re doing it for, for me, it’s different. I’ve raised kids, I’ve had my kids. I’m not in my twenties, I’m not in my thirties, I’m not in my forties – I’m in my fifties. So, what are you doing it for? I’m really doing it now because the joy of it and seeing what other goals and landmarks that I can hit 100% and how many people I can touch. That’s the game. Tocarra: Yes, it’s all about your purpose. I most definitely agree Taylor! Taylor: 100%. You know, I can go out there and sing the same songs and people ask me that all of the time. Well, it’s a different audience every night, so it never comes out the same – never! Tocarra: You are also an actor and have acted on many shows during your music career. Was acting something that you’ve always wanted to pursue? Taylor: Things kind of happened. As an entertainer, once you’re out there and you get a call and they say ‘hey, are you interested in acting or are you interested in doing Broadway?’, you don’t say no. You study and as an entertainer, as an artist, you rise to the challenge. I’m a great singer. What a joy when you’re singing and I give it 100%. My first film was with Warren Beatty - here I am getting coached by Warren Beatty. It was pretty extraordinary! So, yes it kind of just fell into place – it kind of happened, but you do the work behind it so you can actu-
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ally be prepared. I was studying acting and it just seemed like a natural extension of being on stage, and moving into it. Of course that brought theater and Broadway. It’s been amazing. A really juicy role…a really juicy fabulous TV series… wouldn’t that be fun? Tocarra: Absolutely! Sure! (laugh) Taylor: (laugh) Tocarra: What words of encouragement would you share with singers or musicians who are looking to be successful in the business such as yourself? Taylor: I share with people every day! I’m a mom of two 17 year olds. I try to teach on some level, because I have to share with them the experience and I also have to lay a boundary down and be firm with that. When other singers ask me – the theory of never giving up, it’s such a truth. However, the cheese moves, and you have to know when to move with the cheese. In my daughter’s case, I encourage her just as other singers. You have to practice, it’s the hours you put into it…those are the hours that are going to be given back to you. There’s no doubt in my mind. I don’t care if you are in the dental profession, I don’t care if you’re opening up a restaurant, it’s those hours and hours per day that you put into it, as you learn and experience, find the kinks and move sporadic – that’s why the 10,000 hours is more than a theory. It’s absolute, because to become great at something it takes those kinds of hours and that type of time. I was singing at a very young age. When you start very young obviously you have more time, the time that’s built into their passion, and that’s what you see. So, I say to all aspiring singers, to all aspiring writers and actors, whether you know it or not, whether you understand the system or science behind it, any person that’s doing great things are training for hours and hours. Their work ethic is phenomenal, and that is what is really behind any greatness. How do you improve it? Sometimes it’s a mental block or an emotional block. That’s why we’re on this journey right (laughs) and it’s not so simple.
proven to become a real real spot in human trafficking for me. In this particular foundation I watched this woman save so many lives and put them under her roof. She’s truly one person that saves one young girl at a time or one young boy at a time and it’s been incredible to watch. You can see all of the actual foundations and charities and groups I work with on my website. Tocarra: That is beautiful that she is passionate about saving boys and girls from human trafficking. That’s a big deal. Taylor: Yes, it’s beautiful, it’s truthful, not so fun to see; yet, at the same time I’ve met some of these girls and they’re beautiful. They have a home now and they go to school and they’re so educated. Environment is everything. It really is. Tocarra: Taylor, before we conclude the interview, would you like to add anything that we haven’t discussed? Taylor: Yes, please, the new single is out on everything, Amazon, Spotify, etc. I’m out there on a tour and I’m selling the books. Get your copy. If you want a signed copy go directly to any of my websites or to Facebook and order online. Come see me live! For more information on Taylor Dayne please visit: www.taylordayne.com https://twitter.com/taylordayne https://www.instagram.com/therealtaylordayne
Tocarra: I want to ask this next question because our magazine is in conjunction with a nonprofit organization, where we give back to the youth and young adults. Are you involved in any organizations or community entities that you support whole-heartedly? Taylor: Oh, of course! My goodness, if you just go on my website (www.taylordayne.com) you’ll see that. I Am That Girl, Dream Foundation, The Nature Conservatory, and any foundations that are all about our earth and awareness. Another huge one, it’s called Unlikely Heros, in which human trafficking has become so large, and so deep. So, Unlikely Heroes is more grassroots, but it’s Consciousness Magazine 8
Desreta Jackson:
Strong, Innovative and Successful Businesswoman
Interviewed and written by Tocarra Eldridge
Tocarra: Great, thank you for giving us the opportunity to interview with you today! Desreta: Awww, thank you for having me! Thank you! Tocarra: You’re more than welcome. It’s an honor! So, let’s begin. Desreta, what inspired you to write your new book “The Black Hair Conspiracy”? DJ: (Laughs) So, you’re just going to dive right on in. (Laughs)
N
atural hair expert and businesswoman Desreta Jackson has recently released her new book “The Black Hair Conspiracy” in which she takes a look into natural hair and its physiological effects throughout history. The book is educational and informative as it provides a step-by-step guide to maintaining hair and disproving practices passed down by mass media. Desreta Jackson is also an amazing actress and film director. She is known for her iconic role in the film “The Color Purple” as the young Celie, where it was nominated for an Oscar. She has also landed roles on Sister Act and Mancuso FBI, just to name a few. Some of her accomplishments consist of her being awarded the 2011 Prestige Award and two MAC Awards. She is also the C.E.O. of the hair and beauty brand BlackSilk. Nonetheless, she has worked with international companies and much more. I had the opportunity to speak to the amazing and wonderful Desreta Jackson regarding her new book, her insight on black hair and much more. Here is what Desreta Jackson has to share with the readers. Tocarra Eldridge: Hello, and how are you today Desreta? Desreta Jackson: I’m doing fine.
Tocarra: Yes! (Laughs) Desreta: Actually, it was in 1997. I was pregnant with my daughter. I knew how she was going to look and I knew her hair texture and everything would be similar to mines. I literally wanted her to have some sort of reference to how to care for her hair. At the time, I was a braider. I had a home-based business in California, and I was poppin! (Laughs) I was like, I was the place you would come to if you wanted variety. Nobody even knew that I did the Color Purple. They did not know who I was. They just knew that I had ads in the yellow pages, and they knew I had a lot of experience. So, I literally thought of my daughter at the time, because I was thinking of how could I pass this to her. I was looking and researching books and I didn’t really see any books fit on my perspective as a black woman doing hair – the kind of hair I did, my culture – so it inspired me at that time to literally think about a book, and I started the process in my head. Tocarra: For many generations, when it comes to hair, the mass media has shared false images and highlighted this stigma of what African American’s hair should look like. Do you anticipate your book as being a catalyst to break the stereotype and lies concerning black natural hair? Desreta: Definitely! Ironically, in my mind at the time when I first started the journey and doing the research, I always looked at it like something that people might not get right away, but over time, after it has been published 20 or 30 years, they will understand. They will get the aspect of what I was saying and they will really understand the levels of the research, what I went through and what I was trying to communicate. I didn’t expect it to go that quick - for people to get it immediately the way they have and the way they’ve received it. So, I’m happy about that. Tocarra: For those readers who pick up the book and read it, what can they expect to take away with them? Desreta: They can expect to understand the power of their hair. It is called “The Black Hair Conspiracy” because it is literally about the color black, and how much of a power that color has to do with our universe, how frequency and mechanic physics works, and understanding why our hair is a conductor to the
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energy and why the melanin, the color of the black hair is powerful. Along with that they are going to learn that there is an actual connection to why black hair in itself, the culture of black hair – from a beginning of what we can even think of with slavery – why our hair is targeted. People think it’s just hair. That’s the point; you’ve been brainwashed to think it’s just hair. You’ve been brainwashed to destroy your hair and not understand it is so powerful. They did research in the early 16 and 1700’s on your hair. When you truly understand how your hair works, the physics behind it, what mechanic physics has discovered with your hair, you’ll understand why it is important. I kind of made it an introduction to the concept of mechanic physics. So, you’ll learn a little bit about physics and science, you will learn some facts that they have already discovered. You learn how your hair is connected to the universe and you’ll learn the proper way to care for your hair. There are actual techniques that you’ve been taught not to do that you are supposed to be doing.
Tocarra: Our hair is often rated less beautiful, less sexy or attractive which impacts some individual’s confidence. What advice would you give to those who want to flaunt their natural curl pattern but are afraid to do so due to the negative stigma? Desreta: I feel like you can’t really give someone advice on how they feel; you have to actually go deeper into their psychological concept of how they’re thinking. I was hoping, with the book, if they start understanding how powerful their hair is and the importance of it, that they will start feeling more pride within themselves. That helped me personally. Once I started to study my roots and my history…I started learning about great Kings and Queens, and this was in the 90s and early 2000s. I had a different take on how I perceived myself. So, that’s one of the biggest things that I think you have to do is more self-study to determine who you are, and that will manifest. When you take it in inwardly it manifests outwardly. Tocarra: When it comes to the workplace and the social
pressures to straighten your hair for careers due to the fact that many feel as though our natural hair is not professional, how can we get sisters to break the barriers and simply be true to themselves? You stated that it comes from within, but would you mind elaborating on that a little bit? Desreta: I think Black entrepreneurs and even those in different levels of corporate America have to take a stance as well. I make it a point in my company where we wear our hair like we want to. I think for other people it is the same way. Say you’re a lawyer or say you’re a doctor, or a CEO of a company, you’re going to have to represent these things. You’re going to have to show it. They’re going to have to see it; you’re going to have to speak on it. You can’t be silent about these things. We just have to be able to make change. Just like you, in your position, you’re in a powerful position as well, so doing this piece and covering this story, this is actually a way that information is shared. It’s powerful! Tocarra: You are also the CEO of BlackSilk Products. How did this amazing product line come into existence? Desreta: Just me having a daughter. That’s what happened. I was in the need for her to find her self-love and her happiness. I really needed to make her hair be a part of how she was going to feel pride. When we get our hair done we feel good. When our hair is healthy and pretty we feel special. At the time I was doing my daughter’s hair, she had really really thick hair, and when I would comb her hair she would scream and cry. So, one day, I have a habit of always trying different experiments, so I tried an experiment on making a so called natural perm. I put it on her hair and tested it, and it didn’t really do anything. Months went by and I didn’t make the perm or apply any creams to her hair, and she started going crazy. She thought that she couldn’t comb her hair. That’s when we noticed that all of that time, the things that I was using were helping to make her hair silky and was really making a change in her hair. So, I took that and created different oils, etc. I was also a braider, so when clients came to me I would make these oils for their hair, and it naturally flowed into products. I had different products that I used for my daughter’s hair that I also used for my clients. They were loving it! We’re talking early 2000s. Coming from the Island’s, I knew certain things, so I was very accustomed to using aloe vera for scars. Growing herbs was just something that I was naturally doing. So, I literally transpired that into the products. It just somewhat layered from one product to the next product, to the next product until the point where clients would want more and more and it eventually became Black Silk Products. I want to share how I got the name Black Silk. My daughter was in junior high school attending a predominately white and Hispanic school, and I would press her hair. It would be so shiny and silky. The kids would touch her hair and ask her why it felt like silk. They would compete, the boys and girls. They would always touch hair and she would always win. Her hair felt like black silk! So, that’s how I got the name; it clicked. Tocarra: You are also the CEO of the Healthy Hair Expo. Would you like to tell us a little about this wonderful initiative? Continue on page 19
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Business Profile
Kevin Jones, CEO of KJE Inc. - Entrepreneurship Interviewed and written by Aaron Robinson – Editor
Starting from a humble beginning to a man filled with a good sense of humor and ambition, President and CEO, Kevin Jones, KJE Inc. / Business In A Bucket and Business In A Bucket Institute - B.I.B.I., (a nonprofit organization that works to develop entrepreneurial young leaders that are highly interested and engaged in advocating youth preparedness through entrepreneurship) has always been driven and goal orientated for many portions of his life. Since a young age, Jones has had the determination to become successful after experiencing many factors of harsh reality in his life as a youth. Overcoming those challenges, he has taken on odd jobs to make money for food, clothing and fun. Not taking credit for himself, there has been countless family members and mentors who has molded him into who he is today. Before Business In A Bucket was invented, the soon to be entrepreneur had hard times finding a job in his adulthood. His wife saw the passion in him for detailing cars. Eventually, she would encourage him to start his own business. At home, he would begin using their brand new towels to wash and wax the family car. It started out with friends, and then he sought out clients. Later, he became a legal business. When friends started asking him for tips on detailing, he came up with the idea to write a book. Two years later after he decided to go over the notes he wrote for his book that was stored away for nearly a couple of years, he was introduced to Dumas Martin Jr., the president of The Idea Club. Mr. Martin taught him how to market his product. “The book “The Owner’s Guide to Auto Detailing” has led to the product growth of Business In a Bucket. “I knew we needed to enhance our brand with a spokesperson. What better way to combining my childhood mentors with Uncle Shookey! He gives the company a voice,” expressively says the New Orleans native. For nearly a decade, Business In A Bucket has been a catalyst to helping many youth and adults get started with the entrepreneurial spirit. He shares words of encouragement with visionaries. “Success won’t come over night; keep working hard at it. Stay away from the dream stealers, because when they have come and gone, your dreams will have left too.”
Consciousness Magazine would also like to recognize and celebrate Kevin Jones for his initiatives as an entrepreneur. His loving and caring spirit for the youth has inspired many, while empowering them to have a prosperous and bright future. As a successful business owner, speaker, and motivator, he continues to make a difference in the community, as well as in people’s lives. Kevin, thank you for your work of excellence! For more information on Kevin Jones and the wonderful things that he has been doing for the community, please visit http://www.businessinabucket.net.
Words-of-Encouragement
Inspirational Quote
By India Arie
Everyone who was ever born is worthy of being treated with respect. For young women, you’re worthy of being treated with respect by men. Anybody who doesn’t, they don’t need to be around you period. It’s true. If I could just choose any words, the words would be you’re worthy of being treated with respect, because everyone is. You too! No matter what you’ve done, where you’ve been, what mistakes that you think you’ve made or how you look, you are worthy! But only if you act that way. I think more than anything that everything that I would ever say to a person is in my music. I make the music that I make to hopefully shift and affect culture, and especially the culture of young women. (Excerpt taken from a prior interview with Consciousness Magazine.)
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Environmental: EarthTalk
Household Cleaners I’ve heard that many household cleaners contain toxic ingredients that can pollute my indoor environment. How do I avoid such chemicals and can you suggest any safer alternatives? -- M. Sharp, Las Vegas, NV
It’s true that many common household cleaning products contain synthetic chemicals that can make the inhabitants of your home sick. The non-profit Environmental Working Group (EWG) looked into the ingredients lists of more than 2,000 cleaning supplies commonly available on store shelves across the country and found that hundreds of them contain substances linked to serious health problems. “A large and growing body of evidence links frequent use of many ordinary cleaning supplies at home or on the job with development of asthma and other respiratory problems,” reports EWG. Furthermore, many cleaning products contain carcinogenic elements like 1,4-dioxane and formaldehyde. Still others can cause chemical burns, allergic reactions or other irritations upon exposure to the skin. “Despite these health concerns, cleaning product labels often do not give consumers enough information about their ingredients to allow people to make informed decisions on which ones are safer and which ones might harm their health,” adds EWG. To fill the void, EWG launched its “Guide to Healthy Cleaning” to point consumers toward products made from natural ingredients that won’t make us sick.
This free online database provides short reviews and letter grades regarding the eco-friendliness of thousands of cleaning products. Among the dozens of products scoring an “A” grade are: Meliora’s Unscented Soap Flakes (general cleaning), Nature Clean Automatic Dishwasher Pacs (dishwasher detergent), Aura Cacia Arometherapy Mist (air freshening), MamaSuds Toilet Bombs (toilet bowl cleaner), Aspen Clean Kitchen Cleaner (kitchen disinfectant), Attitude Laundry Detergent (laundry soap) and BuggyLOVE Organic No-Wash Stain Remover (carpet and upholstery cleaner). If you are a “do-it-yourselfer” you can make your own all-natural cleaning formulations for a small fraction of the cost of what you would pay for any manufactured name brand’s version of the same thing. National Geographic suggests that a 1:1 mix of distilled white vinegar and water in a spray bottle is all you need to clean stovetops, countertops, backsplashes, porcelain and ceramic tile, and that you can dissolve mineral deposits at the base of faucets by wrapping the offending areas in a vinegar-soaked rag for a few minutes and then wiping clean. Meanwhile, freshening indoor air without compromising indoor air Consciousness Magazine 12
quality is as simple as wringing out a towel soaked in vinegar and whirling it around the room. If bad smells are coming up from the bowels of your sink, pour a 1:1 mix of baking soda and vinegar (about a quarter-cup of each) into the drain and then once the ensuing bubbles dissipate, flush with hot water. You can even avoid the nasty smell and chemical exposure inherent in using oven cleaning formulations by doing it yourself with an 8-hour, on-the-hour application of hot water and baking soda on oven splatter spots. It literally costs pennies to clean your house without any chemical exposure. With so many good all-natural, inexpensive options to choose from nowadays, why would anyone in their right mind pay the big bucks for name-brand, toxin-laden cleaners anymore? CONTACTS: EWG, ewg.org/guides/ cleaners; Meliora’s, meliorameansbetter. com; MamaSuds, mamasuds.com; Aura Cacia, auracacia.com; Nature Clean, natureclean.ca; Aspen Clean, aspenclean. com; BuggyLOVE, buggylove.com; Attitude, attitudeliving.com.
Should We Panic over the Measles Outbreaks?
HEALTH Solutions
By Jane M. Orient, M.D. In general, it is not a good idea to panic about anything. The panic itself often causes more harm than the original threat.
survived for decades with a large part of the adult population vaccinated— but not immune. So where do the mandates stop?
Crisis situations, real or contrived, lead to new intrusive laws that the public would never accept otherwise. We supposedly cherish freedom, but if we believe that the world will end if we don’t act NOW, then we may clamor for the government to save us. Cynical politicians bent on increasing their power never let a crisis go to waste.
Outbreaks have occurred in populations with a near-100 percent vaccination rate. Was it vaccine failure? Or was the vaccine not refrigerated properly? Or was a claimed outbreak real? One in Ann Arbor, Michigan, was called off when a special test, a reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) showed a vaccine-strain measles virus rather than a wild-strain measles virus. Some 5 percent of vaccinees may get an illness that looks like measles, but it is just a “vaccine reaction.” Can they shed live virus? Yes. Should you keep your immunocompromised child away from recently vaccinated people? Just asking.
Something like the Green New Deal—the end of our comfortable, prosperous lifestyle—takes a truly apocalyptic threat. But to eliminate our freedom to decline a medical treatment, the threat that “millions will die” of measles is evidently enough. Or if not millions (most older people had measles and recovered fully), a few especially vulnerable children, who can’t be vaccinated themselves, might catch measles and die. There are several hundred cases of measles nationwide, more than in 2014, and bills are being pushed through state legislatures to eliminate all but very narrow exemptions to the 60 shots now mandated for school attendance. In New York City, people are receiving summonses based on Mayor Bill de Blasio’s emergency order. Everybody, adult or child, who lives in four ZIP code areas must get an MMR shot or prove immunity, or face the prospect of a $1,000 fine ($2,000 if you don’t appear as ordered). Your religious exemption is overridden. The threat of 6 months in prison and the prospect of forcible vaccination were removed before a hearing on a lawsuit brought by five mothers. The judge dismissed the case. Health Commissioner Oxiris Barbot said that the purpose of the fines is not to punish but to encourage more people to proclaim the message that vaccines are safe and effective. Get it? If you say something to avoid a fine, that makes it true. It’s about the need for herd immunity, they say. We need a 95 percent vaccination rate for herd immunity to measles. With only 91 percent or so we are having outbreaks! If we could just vaccinate another 4 or 5 percent! Mayor De Blasio has a point about vaccinating everyone. Adults are getting measles because their shots have worn off. It is likely that we have
Like all medical treatments, vaccines are neither 100 percent effective, nor 100 percent safe. Read the FDA-required, FDA-approved package inserts. Arizona defeated a law that would have required making these available to parents in obtaining informed consent. (You can get them on the internet.) Vaccine Court has paid out about $4 billion in damages—recently for two children with severe brain damage from encephalopathy (that’s brain inflammation) after a fight lasting about 15 years. Just incidentally, they had an autism diagnosis also. Parents bring their severely injured children to hearings. You won’t see these children on tv, only pictures of babies with measles. No “fear-mongering” allowed about “rare,” possibly coincidental problems from vaccines. There are trade-offs with vaccines: risks and benefits. But in the panic about measles, the right to give or withhold informed consent—fundamental in medical ethics as well as U.S. and international law—is being sacrificed. And so is free speech. The AMA wants to censor “anti-vaccine” information on social media. I happened on a factual article by investigative reporter Sharyl Attkisson, but was not able to retweet it because it had been removed. The threat of infectious diseases is real and increasing. We need more robust public health measures, better vaccines, and improved public knowledge and awareness. Deploying vaccine police and shutting down debate will erode trust in health authorities and physicians, although more people may get their shots. But such heavy-handed measures will not defeat the enemy—measles and worse diseases.
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The Iconic Multi Platinum Singing Sensation
Adina Howard Interviewed and written by Tocarra Eldridge
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dina Howard is one of the most memorable and greatest artists that the 90’s generation has ever seen and was created from that era. As an R&B icon, the International Multi-Platinum Award-winning artist has influenced the likes of artist such as Lil Kim and Foxy Brown. Howard’s album releases includes Do You Wanna Ride?, Welcome to Fantasy Island, The Switch Up, and Resurrection, just to name several. One of her most recognized albums is Do You Wanna Ride?, which struck certified gold and platinum in 1995. She would become a household name as she eventually reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 with her single “Freak Like Me”. Some of Adina Howard’s other chart-topping singles include songs such as “T-shirt and Panties” and “Switch”. Aside from her musical artistry, being gifted and talented as she is, the Grand Rapids, Michigan native also has acting under her belt as she has appeared in films such as Casanova’s Demise, Poke the Sleeping Bear and Relaxer. She has also appeared in the stage play Man of God. Currently as she tours the globe, I had the privilege to catch up with the multi-dimensional songstress Adina Howard to discuss her new album, the key to her longevity and success, as well as her ability to empower young women. Here is what she has to share with the readers. Tocarra Eldridge: You are working on a new album and a single that is soon to be released. Would you like to tell us a little about this amazing and exciting project? Adina Howard: The project is pretty much a follow-up to the music that I’ve been releasing over the years. This project, like most of my projects, is based around my journey, and how I do what I do – how I process things. I’m very excited about it because I get to deliver music to the people that support me. It’s all about being truthful and speaking my truth. The music is always going to be about my truth. Tocarra: What do you believe makes this album different from any other project that you have ever recorded? Adina: I don’t strive to be different; I just strive to be me. My music will always have a common theme. I don’t think that I have to give you something different in order for you to pay attention to what I’m doing. Life has a tendency to be repetitious, so to speak, and we have a tendency to go through life and experience things in a certain manner. So, with this project, the only difference, if there is to be a difference, the difference would be the way I am in this particular moment in my life and what I choose to share in this moment.
Tocarra: Do you have a favorite or any favorite songs that you wrote for the project that are close to you? If so, can you tell us why? Adina: I am still in the process of creating this project, so there is not one particular song that I like. I am one of those individuals, as an artist, there is not ever one song that I fall in love with like ‘oh my God y’all gotta hear this song, this is it’! (laughs). Every song has a piece of me in it.
don’t strive to “beI different; I just
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strive to be me.
Tocarra: In the music industry you set a very attractive tone with your sexual lyrics and image. Can we expect this album to portray the same? If not, do you mind sharing the new tone or image that you will portray? Adina: See, that’s where it will be different. (laughs) I am so over the whole hypersexual active situation. My focus is going to be on where I am at this moment. Sex is so overdone at this point in the industry – what would make that stand out amongst what Beyonce, Nicki Minaj or whoever else is doing? I don’t care to do that anymore because everybody else is doing it. They can go ahead and run away with it; I’ll continue to be on my path and embrace the road or the trail that I’m supposed to be on. If I happen to do a song that has to do with something sexual – it’s not going to be the focus. If you really pay attention to the albums that I’ve done before, especially that Do You Wanna Ride, the only reason why the sexual music was highlighted is because that was what they wanted to highlight. If you listen to the other songs on the album many of the songs were not sexual. All of my projects have had songs that had nothing to do with sex. There was never an album that from start to finish [sex] was all it was. Even though that seems to be the focus, there is so many things that I deal with. I deal with heart ache, disappointment and anger. Whatever I do, it’s always going to accomplish the things that I go through on my journey because we as human beings do not just stay on one level. There are ups and downs; it’s a rollercoaster ride. That’s always what my projects are going to be because that’s my life.
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Tocarra: When your fans and listeners listen to the album, what can they anticipate hearing? Adina: They will be able to hear growth in my vocal ability. They will be able to hear my spiritual growth, my mental and emotional growth. That’s one of the things that I always strive to do, is to always present the growth that I’ve encountered in my life, because if you’re stagnant and stay still…there is no point of you even being who you are. Tocarra: Is there a projected time and date that you expect the project to be rereleased? Adina: We’re hoping that the release of the single will be second quarter, but we are not in a rush to put music out there because we have to do it right.
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myself direction. Being in the industry at the age of 21, although they said I was 19 in the industry – see that’s one thing the industry does – they love to lie. You see reality TV and they do that all the time. Simply regaining control of my life was the main thing. People fail to understand that when you’re in the industry it doesn’t matter what area of entertainment you’re in, there is a form of control that you give up because you allow people to direct you and guide you. In this sense, I’ve allowed myself to say ‘you know what, this isn’t just the sole thing I do; I am not just this’. Many people think oh she’s Adina Howard of the industry. The industry didn’t make me. The creator made me. I just wanted to continue to create and mold me into who I wanted to be, into the image that I want to be proud of.
That’s one of the things that I always strive to do, is to always present the growth that I’ve encountered in my life.
Going to Culinary School for me gave me essence of pride because I’d accomplished something that no one can take away from me. That was very important for me. I’m a control freak, and when it comes to being a freak, that’s the biggest freak I am – a control freak. To give up my control, it gets under my skin, and I had to get that back because just allowing the industry to take over and dictate ‘this is what we’re going to do, this is how we’re going to do it, and when we’re done with you, you’re done’. I will let you know I’m not! And I’m going to show y’all.
Tocarra: As an R&B artist, I know you have had many challenges while being a woman in the music industry. Adina, what has been the secret to the longevity of your success? Adina: I say this with all due respect…not giving a f--k! (laughs) I don’t care about what people think about me. I don’t care about what people say about me because what you eat doesn’t make me s--t. You don’t pay my bills; you’re irrelevant to me. So, I’m not going to focus on what people think or what people say because my life has never evolved around that. I don’t care! Ever! If you have a problem with me, you have a problem with me, take that up with the divine and keep it moving.
Tocarra: Do you have any other endeavors, hobbies, etc., that you enjoy or partake in during your spare time? Adina: One of my hobbies that I love to do is fly kites. It’s one of those things I’ve been doing since I was a little girl. Kite flying is something that’s so peaceful and intriguing to me, so I do that when I can. In life in general, in order to strive to certain heights you have to have wind beneath your wings. There’s always going to be an umbilical cord or something tethered to you, and you can only get so far. You can get high, but there’s only going to be so far you can go. The string is my creator keeping me grounded, but I am able to soar to different unknown heights. I get to appreciate that.
Tocarra: In 2010 you enrolled in Culinary School and now hold the title chef under your belt. This venture seems like a humbling experience. As an iconic figure, how was that experience for you? Adina: To get my Associates Degree in Culinary School has been a blessing because it has allowed me to regain control of my life, and that is very very important, to give
Cooking is actually a hobby of mines. I love to feed people, because it’s like a form of seduction and I’m a manipulator. (laughs) I’m just going to be truthful; I love to manipulate and I know that my food can manipulate your mind and your body and get you exactly where I want you to be. I enjoy just being at peace. There are moments when I just
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don’t want to do anything at all. I want total silence and in a place where I can just be still, and be centered, and be grounded and just listen and allow the universe and my creator to talk to me. That to me is the most amazing thing in the world. Tocarra: There are many artists striving to break into the music industry. Do you have any words-of-encouragement for upcoming or aspiring artist who are looking to have the success that you have had over the past several decades? Adina: The advice that I always love to give is to know the business. There is a line that says 90% business and 10% show. Focus on the 90% business, because with the 10% you will always be able to show up and show out. If you don’t know the business, what’s the point of you even being in it, because you’re going to end up back at ground zero because you haven’t paid your taxes, you haven’t saved any money – so know the business side. Be business savvy. Save your money and pay your taxes. Don’t hire someone who doesn’t have a track record of success, so what’s the point? If you don’t have a track record then that means you can’t get me to where I want to go. Don’t allow yourself to be a guinea pig and allow someone to use you to get to their heights. Focus on what you need to do and be a leader. There are moments when you have to follow, and that’s mandatory, but make sure if you’re going to follow someone that they’re worth you following. In
order to be a great leader you need to make sure that person you’re following is an example of that. Tocarra: Adina, before we close the interview would you like to add anything in closing that we haven’t discussed? Adina: For me, it’s all about being genuine and authentic – be true to yourself – because when it’s all said and done following another person’s lead is not going to get you where you need to be. Your spiritual GPS needs to be calibrated to where the divine wants you to go, not where somebody expects you to go and you be what someone else expects you to be. If you become what people expect you to be and you go where people expect you to go, you won’t ever arrive to your destination because it’s not where you want to go, it’s not who you expect yourself to be. It’s someone else’s provision for you. For more information about Adina Howard, please visit: Website: https://www.adinahoward.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/adinahoward Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealadinahoward
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Sanchez Gardner Poet and Author
Question: You are a good friend of Nikki Giovanni. If you would like to share, as a poet, what is some of the most inspiring or prominent advice that she has ever shared with you that may have helped change your life? Answer: Ms. Giovanni is so full of knowledge and wisdom. It’s really hard to pinpoint one moment or one quote. Every time we talk or text it’s full of advice. However, one thing she said that comes to mind is - once we were talking and I mentioned, I would like to write like her and she said, “Sanchez Question: Regarding your poems, they are truly you can never write like me.” I was really shocked a gift from God. Do you have any pieces that are until she explained. I could never write like her and dear to your heart or that you use as therapeutic to she could never write like me because we are all individuals and have different gifts. help you get through the day? Answer: There are many pieces that get me through different situations and subconsciously come to my Question: Can we expect any collaboration with rescue. However, I don’t have one in particular or you and Nikki Giovanni in the future? one that’s above others. Answer: Because of Contracts and Publishing Agreements I’m not quite sure if there will be any Question: You are very talented at your craft and have a talent that’s unlike any other when it comes to connecting words. What do you feel is your ultimate purpose or calling? Answer: Actually, I’m not sure what my calling is. I write what I hear and share it with those who are interested. It seems to me as though I’m writing pieces for a future generation. A lot of poems I’ve heard and written are about things I don’t understand or have knowledge of.
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Desreta Jackson Continue from page 10
written collaborations. We have worked on several posters and projects together. Question: You are also an author. When we last interviewed you, you released your fifth book titled “The Book of Sanchez”. Do you have any more books that you’ve published recently? Answer: I have 5 publications now and I plan on doing several more in the future. Question: You also have a clothing line called Define A Black Man & Define A Black Woman. Can you tell us a little about the inspiration behind this amazing endeavor? Answer: I started doing the T-Shirts because society has allowed a poor narrative define Black Men and Women. Its very sickening and sad. Question: I know that you have experienced many ups-and-downs on your life’s journey. What are some words-of-encouragement that you would share with individuals who are striving to be successful in their respected line of work, however, are dealing with the trials-and-tribulations of life and are going through unfortunate situations? Answer: My advice would be to anybody, Never give up on your dreams. Always strive to be the best. Question: How may your readers, etc., get in contact with you for engagements and to purchase your products? Answer: Contact me by email. Chez.4@hotmail.com. To purchase go to Google or any bookstore. Question: Would you like to add anything in closing that we haven’t talked about before we conclude the interview? Answer: I would like to thank Consciousness Magazine, Owners and Staff. It’s publications like this that allows the masses to see the greatness in others.
Desreta: I tried to get our product Black Silk into a lot of hair expos early on and they weren’t receptive to it. At the time we were one of the only natural based products that were out there on the market. I launched originally in 2010. On top of that, it wasn’t advertised a lot – some of the others had bigger campaigns. I had a different belief structure at that time, I wasn’t trying to talk about products as being healthy, I was trying to tell people that it’s not moreso the products that make your hair healthy, it’s moreso what you’re doing to the body…because your hair is a byproduct of your health. At the time, because I was getting resistance, I one day decided I would do my own expo. I basically created The Healthy Hair Expo. I didn’t want it to be just for anybody, I hooked it up for men, women…it was all cultured. For some reason because it was healthy hair, I had a wide array of people coming in from multiple cultural backgrounds. The first expo was so successful. There were so many men, I think we had close to 50% who were men, along with women. We had a diversity of cultures from Asian to Afghanistan. We had a wide variety of vendors. Everything at our expo had to be basically all natural. I would literally teach them all about the products and medications. We had doctors and it was amazing! Since then, and I like to take credit for it, I notice a lot of hair expos now do include men and try to open up more culturally. Tocarra: Desreta, when it comes to your background and all of your accomplishments, I am very enthused. As a successful actress, businesswoman and social activist, what words-of-encouragement or advice would you share with young women who are looking to follow in your footsteps? Desreta: I would tell them don’t look for the fame or the money, and don’t look for the affirmation from other people. Whatever you’re truly seeking is going to come from within. Follow your heart and whatever it is that you want to do. Follow what inspires you to get up and make things happen. Not everyone is going to see your vision or believe you or feel the way you feel. Once you do it from your heart, you’ll have the kind of duration that it’s going to take to be successful. Sometimes success comes after 20 years. You’re going to find that when you’re around 20 years later or 10 years later, people are going to see you as a overnight success, but that’s because they heard of you all of a sudden. They didn’t know that you were there for twenty years doing this. Stay focused and stay with what you believe. Stay with what you love and your passion. Know that you will always be successful because you’re doing what you love. For more information please visit Desreta Jackson at http://www.DesretaJackson.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/desretajackson Twitter https://twitter.com/DesretaJackson
Consciousness Magazine 19
Sports Community
An Interview with:
Vernon Turner “Living the Dream�
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DREAM
Vernon Turner: I tell you what…you know every kid has dreams and aspirations. Well, I didn’t have a normal kid life. Instead, I was braiding hair and changing diapers. I was care-giving at the age of 9. My mom was a prostitute and drug addict, so I had to do things that normal kids didn’t do at that age.
DETERMINATION
I knew without a shadow of a doubt [that] I had what it took] when I found out that my brothers and sisters were going to be split apart to live in different homes. It was no if’s, and’s or buts’. I set my alarm clock for 2 or 3’oclock in the morning to do workouts. I did 3 or 4 workouts per day. I ran into a tree full speed and hit my head, head first, just a part of my training regimen. I did anything and everything that I possibly could to get ready for the National Football League. It was truly the fact that I knew if I didn’t make it, I would lose my family.
PREPARATION
I turned to some unbelievable people. First off, my high school football coach was an unbelievable influence in my life. He guided me the right way the whole time when my mom and dad passed. I leaned on him just for mental guidance and strength to keep me focused. When I turned pro, he turned me on to a couple agents, and they just kept it real with me. They said, “look you are coming from a small school, you’re not gonna get drafted, nobody’s gonna ask you to go in All-Star games. No one’s gonna ask you to work out. You’re just gonna have to crash the party, but before you crash the party you have to be mentally and physically prepared.” So, they got me mentally ready for the game. And I also turned to Walter Payton. He was my idol growing up, and I wrote him a letter. And a few weeks later he replied. I couldn’t believe it! I was sitting here reading a letter from Sweet. He gave me his words of advice and words of encouragement. He also gave me his training regimen, which in turn, I don’t wish that on my worse enemy. I put my body through total pure hell. To look back and think about what I went through to get ready for the National Football League - I had to have had a few screws loose.
ADVICE
Definitely! First off, take advantage of every opportunity that is given to you. You’re not going to know when the next opportunity is going to knock on your door. When it does come before you, you take advantage of it. You respect the people that raised you. Respect your parents. Tell them you love them. You praise them. Because, I am living the rest of my life with guilt and regret that I fought with both of my parents before they died. In fact, one of the situations that I had was I used to wish my mom dead. You know, she was on drugs. The last conversation I had with my mom, I wished her dead. And 3 days later after I did that she was gone. So, I say to those young athletes and young people out there…young man, young woman, you respect the people that raised you. You pay the thing forward.
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Music Producer and Autism Activist Marcus Boyd sheds light on the autism community Interviewed and written by Aaron Robinson – Editor
7x Grammy Award-winning music producer and autism activist Marcus Boyd has been giving back and fighting for his community as a voice for autism. Beating the odds while living with autism was a challenge, however, a gift from God as he continues to live his dream and follow his passion no matter the circumstances that he may face. Recently, Marcus Boyd was honored at the Atlanta Hip Hop Day where he received a Pioneer Award. He was also honored at The Stone Awards in Memphis, Tennessee. In 2020 Marcus Boyd will begin working on his worldwide clothing brand, ART’istic Wear Clothing that will give light and honor to the autism community. That is not the only goal he looks to achieve as he sets out more goals while being the founder of A Solid Music Note Foundation. I had the opportunity to interview Marcus Boyd. Here is what he had to share with the readers regarding Autism and his amazing, yet latest happenings. Aaron Robinson: What do you feel is your ultimate purpose in life? Marcus Boyd: I use to feel like it was music. Now, it changed to being a voice, being an activist and telling my story, to help encourage and to help give knowledge and wisdom for those who are in my community - the autism community. Aaron: With all that you’ve been through at a young age, what type of gratification is it for you to be a successful producer in the music industry? Marcus: I just give all praise to God. I give praise to my grandmother; I give praise to my family that helped raise me. It’s just a lot of people in this village who helped raise me to be the guy that I am today. My only gratification is to know that one day I can reach my son or teach somebody else’s son the proper way and the best way to do this music. Aaron: When did you realize that you had a musical gift? Marcus: I didn’t start talking until I was 13 at a two year old level. I didn’t have a bunch of friends. My family were my friends. My grandma gave me a trumpet when I was in 3rd or 4th grade. Just because I couldn’t talk, that didn’t mean that I couldn’t really understand. I understood what people were saying out there mouths. The lessons that were being taught to me helped me to be able to start playing the trumpet. Aaron: Marcus, you are an educated man, a businessman, and a family man. You have accomplished many that most cannot. What do you feel was the remedy for you to overcome the adversities Consciousness Magazine 22
that most autistic people fail to overcome? Marcus: I just really had a praying grandma. She only had PBN as a television channel. Then I had the family support, my behavior aide, my speech therapist, my therapist, my doctor, and my social worker. It was a bunch of people that actually helped me with sticker notes…reading material. My therapist use to come pick me up every weekend to go over to her house with her children and family. They use to help educate me – the stuff that school wasn’t doing because I was in Special Ed and I had emotional problems. When I was having these problems in school they wanted to put me in Special Ed classrooms. Then it got to a point that they wanted me to stay home because it was getting to be too much for the other kids. I was disruptive. So, you are dealing with somebody that had severe emotional problems [jumping on people, scratching them, biting them]. I was trying to live a normal life. It was just really hard. Aaron: Do you feel that the school system failed you and that they didn’t really treat the symptoms that you had? Marcus: I mean we talking about the late 80’s, early 90’s. I didn’t even know that I was a part of the Special Olympics, but I was for years. This was way before No Kids Left Behind. I did have those special teachers where I attended a school for physical and mental disability. They had the time out rooms. They had different stuff but I don’t think it was equipped to be able to understand autism, its behavior and its dynamics. Aaron: Do you still have any symptoms that still affect your livelihood? Marcus: Yes, I still have emotional problems. I throw my bed and my TV. I still cry. I still don’t trust people. I still like certain colors. Even though I’m a music producer I still don’t like loud noises. It’s not like this is a disease. It’s a gift from God. It’s not like you give me some medicine and I’m going to get over it. I didn’t stop jumping on people, biting and scratching them until I was 24 years old. When I was 17 and 18 I was still having problems using the bathroom by myself. I’m going to be 37; I still have episodes. I still deal with it, but it’s the way you deal with it. Music is my comfort. One way I deal with my problems is that I put on my headphones and I just listen to my favorite songs until I can’t listen to them anymore. Another thing is that I talk to the people that are in my village. I call them up. I don’t care if its 4 o’clock in the morning. They know that Marcus must be having a problem if I’m calling them at 4 o’clock in the morning. They’re willing to get up and listen to me without any judgment. Aaron: Marcus, for those individuals who are living with autism, that are capable, however, who feel that they cannot fulfill their dreams and purpose as you did, what words of encouragement would you share with them? Marcus: As long as we put God first, any and all things are possible. There are parents of children with autism or parents and grown adults with autism. Even if you’re a child not at
the level of speaking at this point, never waiver your faith. Always know that God is a God of all things. They told my grandmother at 11 years old that the left side of my brain does not function correctly, and with little of education that I will always need adult care to feed me, clothe me, and bathe me. I’ve been on my own since 17. I have a college degree. Never give up on that child because you might be giving up on the next president, the next congressman, the next basketball coach, or the next football player. You’ve just seen the young man from America’s Got Talent, he’s blind and he’s got autism. And he won it! That is my inspiration. Aaron: You dedicated a lot of time by giving back to your community and beyond. Why do you feel that it’s important for you to give back? Marcus: It’s important because somebody gave to me. My behavior aide, he was a Caucasian guy, 50ish, and he use to say, “Marcus”, I was 8 years old and I couldn’t talk or anything. He said, “Marcus, if you channel yourself more, you can be more.” He use to take me to Braves and Falcons games, and Cracker Barrel. My goal was to have 8 hours of a good day. If I accomplished my goal, I would get to go to a wrestling match… a Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. That is where I was able to go to as a reward. It shouldn’t have been that, but in my case, it needed to be that. People have sacrificed their family, time, and their businesses. They had seen something more than I seen in myself.
Aaron: That’s heavy! That’s heavy! You are an activist for autism, what is your goal and where do you see yourself 10 years from now, as far as you having a voice and sharing your testimony? Marcus: One of my goals is to continue with my foundation, A Silent Music Note Foundation located in Atlanta, Georgia… to continue to give back, whether school supplies, clothes, knowledge, food or whatever the autism community needs. I’m not saying that other communities don’t need this as well, but I can only focus on the community that I was birthed into. I teamed up with my business partner Brian K. Marshall of the ATL’s Hottest Entertainment Awards in Atlanta, Georgia. This is the first year that we have an ATL’s Hottest Specials
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Awards where we are going to celebrate and give real awards to the mental health community. We want to let them know that they’re not forgotten, that they’re loved and that their voices matter. As far as 10 years from now, my goal is to keep helping improve the lives of autism people around the world.
Marcus: Of course! I have a movie project called Backwards. I’m one of the composers. We’re working on a new film with Andre Harris. I just keep on musically working. It’s just a lot going on and I’m just blessed.
Aaron: I can ask you so many questions. One speaker I listen to spoke on a situation where they are giving these kids different medications, such as Ritalin. It’s more of a, how can I say it… Marcus: A control factor. I was on Ritalin, Deflazacort, Lithium, Paxil, Sevaquil and more. So I’m telling parents; I’m telling caregivers. I know children’s attitudes may be a little rough, but don’t put them on 500 to 1000 milligrams because you will zombify them. Some people have said that they are only on 25 milligrams. Do not put them on 500 to 1000 milligrams. That’s the wrong answer. Aaron: Do you think that’s what they are doing so when they get older they won’t be able to be functional in society when they reach adulthood? Marcus: I do think that. When I was 5, 6, and 7 years old, they were giving me 250 - 300 milligrams. Most kid’s bodies cannot contain that much medication. It sounds like, okay it’s only 250 milligrams, 1 pill. No! It’s what’s inside of the medication. It’s terrible. That is the way to control them, because they can’t get the behavior in order. The deacons at my grandma’s church use to say “it’s nothing wrong with that boy, he just got a demon in him. Let’s get some holy oil on him and get a belt.” You know how many times I’ve been baptized as a child because my grandma use to listen to the deacons in the church. Every time I’ve got prayed for, I mean it’s like, “Okay! Yeah, let’s get these demons out of him!” What demons? I’m dealing with this issue! There is no demon! No one said, “Okay, he has autism.” I got diagnosed with autism on April 12th 1993. I was 10. Aaron: Interesting. I’m going to switch it up a little. Do you have any upcoming projects that you are working on, as far as music production or anything that you would like to talk about Marcus?
Aaron: For those artist and producers who’s out there grinding but say that they have no way out and would never be successful, do you have any words of encouragement for them? Marcus: Yes I do. Don’t make the same mistake that I made. Read your contracts. Read the small lines. Read all the print words before you sign anything, and get an entertainment lawyer. When you feel like you are not going to make it, that’s when you are about to make it, because nothing happens without struggle! I’ve been a music producer for almost 20 years. I was sleeping in dumpsters and eating out of trash cans for three years because I wanted to be a music producer. Nothing happens without struggle! Once you get pass your season of struggle you are going to make it! Make sure you are making the right contacts. Don’t just send your CD, USB flash drive and your thumb drive out to everybody because you feel like they may be able to give you an opportunity. Create your own. Yes!!! Create your own! Don’t wait for a door to open. You create and open that door yourself. Aaron: Absolutely, that’s great advice. And before we end the interview Marcus would you like to add anything in closing that we haven’t talked about? Marcus: Be looking out more from A Solid Music Note Foundation. Also thank you, your magazine, your team and your supporters. If you don’t support businesses out there making a way for other businesses that have a voice then there isn’t any point of you doing it.
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Article 11 account of any act or omission which did not constitute a penal offence, under national or international law, at the time when it was committed. Nor shall a heavier penalty be imposed than the one that was applicable at the time the penal offence was committed.
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