2013 Vol. 9 Issue 2
Feature Contents
6 Tavis Smiley “Education Under Arrest” PBS Series
Talk show host looks at the connection between the juvenile justice system and teen drop out rate
12 Hussain Najadi “Servant of Change”
Bahrain Native empowers the youth and make a change in the Midwest
14 Health and Green Friendly Carpets 15 Dr. Ian K. Smith “SHRED”
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Medical/diet expert shares health tips and healthy advice
16 Bill Duke
Legendary actor & film producer speaks on the nature of the film industry
18 Booker T Huffman “From Prison to Promise”
WWE SmackDown General Manager makes a difference in youth’s lives
22 Blair Underwood: BU Collection Veteran actor gives exclusive on clothing line
28 14th Annual Children Uniting Nation’s Oscar Party At-risk and foster care organization celebrates significant individuals
36 Harlem Globetrotter’s Paul “Tiny” Sturgess
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World tallest professional basketball player shares latest happenings
44 Finest Watches Introduce New iPhone App 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 Photo: Booker T Huffman
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Regular Content 4 Editor’s Page 5 Letters/ Awareness 11 Business 11 Words of Encouragement 14 Environmental/ Earth Talk CM Corner 15 Health Solutions 36 Sports Community 40 Remembrance / Legends 43 Album-Book-Movie Review(s) 43 Know Your Rights Teen:College Spirit Section 44 Technology
Editor ’s Note :
Making A Difference Photo: A&M Marketing Group
order for me to make a difference in other peoples lives. Although, the dream was once an idea due to the lack of resources and limited guidance; however, I overcame those notions by believing in myself and having confidence to bring the world a magnificent product, Consciousness Magazine.
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s the world turns, our at-risk youth and economically disadvantaged children tend to go on in life without a voice. Who will be the leaders of our nation of communities to take a stand and act as a ‘savior’ for our future generation? Who will take the time to make a difference for our children who are running rapidly and left unprotected, where the juvenile detention center, crime or death will lie upon them? Once as a child, I was fortunate and blessed to have risen from abject poverty in one of the poorest areas in America, Hopkins Park-Pembroke, IL. Though, I developed a vision by putting together the bits of encouragement and love from the people who came across my path in
In this edition of CM, readers will have the opportunity to receive a glance at individual’s lives and lifestyles, and witness the care in their heart that allows them to make a difference in our youth’s future. They will speak on how the importance of the education system, along with the government system has made an impact on the future of our youth’s lives. The significant individuals featured, their thoughts and belief are sure to enlighten you, as well as various stories and interviews we shared. I thank you for all of your support and effort that you have contributed over the years to Consciousness Magazine and that has made a difference in society. Enjoy!
CONSCIOUSNESS “Urban Inspiration”
STAFF
Founder & Editor Aaron Robinson
Senior Vice President
Mozella Robinson-Malone
Administrative Asst. Julia M. Robinson Josephine Robinson Consultant Andre Hill
Public Relations Marketing / Promotions A&M Marketing Group
Advertising Agency A&M Marketing Group MediaBids
Photographer
A&M Marketing Group Kevin Jones
Graphic Design / Web Designer
A&M Marketing Group
Illustrator / Comics Eric Plaut
Proofreader
Tocarra Eldridge
Writers/Journalists
Tocarra Eldridge Dr. Shanessa Fenner The Kid Elder Lee M. Harris, Sr. Sirrocco Hogue Eric Plaut
Special Correspondent Russell Norman Marva Jones Hector De La Rosa
Reviews
Hector De La Rosa Aaron Robinson
Contributors
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Special Thanks
Sergio McClain iNet Technologies Chicago
Aaron Robinson Founder & Editor
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.
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
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. ©2013 Consciousness Magazine™. All Rights Reserved.
Letters Consciousness Awareness: Determination of an Artist
Reading Jamar Rogers story and seeing him on the cover of the magazine was very impressive. His will and determination has truly inspired me. Jamar having come from a background of being addicted to crystal meth to having a successful career, I think it’s an amazing story how he overcame those obstacles. I give many thanks to the editor and founder for continuing to produce this amazing magazine.
Ricardo Richards New York
A Blessing I was shocked to read the interviews of the Stellar and Grammy Award artist. I wish more publications had more courage and would take the time to let artist share their testimony. What these courageous and significant individuals stand for means a lot to me as well as their fans and readers. I know that this publication will be a blessing to other people’s lives. Cheryl Edmunds Charlotte
Raising Awareness Consciousness Magazine has raised awareness for so many things. It’s exciting to see a publication doing so many amazing things. I’m excited to witness its growth, as it is a one of kind magazines.
Having a Voice I believe people need a publication such as this that has been a tool for those who has not been able to have a voice. There has not been a voice for those to get a lot of positive recognition and this magazine publicizes that. This media source helps man people across the world, acting as a tool to save, inspire and empower others. Cory Mathis Chicago Representation This is a wonderful magazine. I think it’s great in terms of what it stands for and what it represents. This publication brings out the quality of people and the things that they represent. Jeremiah Hamilton Los Angeles
Natalie Osborne
Atlanta
Dr. Ian Wahl: Celiac Disease Written by Elder Lee M. Harris, Sr.
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ne of the problems that doctors have is telling people to just avoid all gluten, but then they don’t know if they have Celiac or not, because they can’t be tested for it. This is a catch 22. We s e e a l o t o f k i d s w i t h ADD, ADDHD and its all food allergies or food sensitivities. When they get treated for their food sensitivities and are no longer sensitive to those foods, or, if they avoid those foods, those ADDHD behaviors go away. I think the two things when you’re traveling, you always want to speak with not just your server, but the manager also, to make sure that the kitchen staff will understand that your food needs to be prepared as safely as possible to avoid any cross contamination. Even if it’s something as simple as making eggs which are gluten free, you want to make them in a pan that you didn’t use earlier for something with gluten in it or cross contamination. The other is that it’s much easier to stay at a hotel where they have a kitchen in it, but you still have to bring your own pots and pans. You have to get into the habit of doing this and then it becomes easier. Also if your kids are going to camp or somewhere like that, you have to make sure they have all the right foods that are gluten free. (Excerpt taken from a prior interview with Consciousness Magazine.)
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 Magazine 5
Interviewed and written by Aaron Robinson - Editor
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s there a solution to counteract the teen dropout rate in America so that our ‘futures of tomorrow’ can have a better life? In the episode of Tavis Smiley Reports “Education Under Arrest,” a primetime special on PBS, Tavis Smiley will take a closer look at the education system, examining the connection between the dropout rate among American teens and the juvenile system in the sixth episode installation. Tavis Smiley travels through states such as Washington, California, Missouri and Louisiana speaking to judges, law enforcers and educators in hopes to end “the school-to-prison pipeline.” “I hope that we will raise our consciousness level in what we’re doing to our kids. I hope that we will start to focus more on our school-to-prison pipeline that is getting very crowded and that we will come to have a real conversation about how we are essentially throwing our kids under the bus,” seriously explains Smiley, who’s anticipating to bring awareness to the drop out crisis in America. “Education Under Arrest” will take a look at the consequence of “zero tolerance” that infiltrates throughout the school system, seeing how it would escalate; in which may lead a teen to appear in front of a judge to shortly having a criminal record. “One of the reasons we did this special was not to look at the problem, but at the solution. So we went to the state of Washington that has had a little problem with kids. In Washington State you’re talking mostly white kids. This is not just a problem with black and brown kids,” exclaims Tavis who later expresses the solution to the problem. “The truancy boards do a lot of work in helping these kids who are dropping out of school. The truancy boards are working to put these kids back in school,” expresses Smiley, who looks to having this particular
solution implemented in all the schools across America. With high statistics of youth crime rates, there seem to be other effective alternatives to combat youth violence; however, America continues to build more facilities to detain at-risk youth. “That’s one of the questions that we raised with this special over and over again. Our economy is stalled. The prison industry is the fastest growing industry in America. Why? Because it is a business; we incarcerate more people in the nation than any other country in the world. Like everything else, it’s all about money,” irritably says the night talk show host. He continues. “The lives of these children are dependable and it’s sad because it cost a whole lot of less money to educate these kids then it does to incarcerate these kids.” Over the years, Tavis Smiley has been an instrument to making a positive impact on the African American culture. He is the author of 16 books, such as New York Times best-sellers Covenant With Black America, What I Know for Sure: My Story of Growing Up in America and The Rich and the Rest of Us: A Poverty Manifesto, just
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to name a few. His talk show Tavis Smiley on PBS is produced by TS Media, Inc., where he has been influential to bringing awareness and concerns regarding epidemics throughout the country. Smiley speaks on the parental involvement. “Parental involvement makes a difference. In some cases you’re not going to have wonderful parental involvement like I had while growing Photo caption: Tavis Smiley talks with Kenyatta and Keneisha in the next installment of up with two parents. TAVIS SMILEY REPORTS: “Education Under Arrest.” Photo credit: TS Media, Inc./ Gus Bennett. But that still doesn’t mean that the school can throw these kids under the For more information about Tavis Smiley Reports school bus. We are still obligated to help them get a “Education Under Arrest” visit www.pbs.org/wnet/tavquality education through parental involvement. But issmiley/tsr/education-under-arrest/ or www.tavistalks.com trust me the parental involvement definitely makes the difference.” Sometimes in life, a simple ‘I love you’ can make a difference in an individual’s life. In regards to our youth, they need to know that they are looked after and cared for. Smiley shares his thought. “Young people need to know they are loved. I saw that so clearly through doing this special. They need to know that they matter. No one just wants to live a life of just being born or to be treated as an afterthought or some sort of calculation. Last thing they need is for somebody to put some expectations on them,” seriously says Smiley. Tavis Smiley Reports “Education Under Arrest,” premiers Tuesday, March 26, 2013, 8-9 p.m. ET on PBS. The special is supported by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting called American Graduate: Let’s Make it Happen, who uses public media to finding solutions to the drop out crisis. PBS will also broadcast “180 Days: A Year Inside an American School” (produced by National Black Programming Consortium) in conjunction with “Education Under Arrest.” This particular series will highlight the significant challenges of the teachers and what the administration faces with students who are from broken homes, teen mothers, and who face crime in the streets. There is a positive outcome. Consciousness Magazine 7
Interviewed and written by Elder Lee M. Harris, Sr. eternalchoice2@yahoo.com
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ollywood, Dreams and Stardom play a special role in the thought process of most of us at least once in our lifetime. Being raised in the Deep South with wealth being one of the missing parts of the puzzle, hardships both mentally and physically are bound to appear. In most cases, change is good for all involved as it was for actress Alysia Rogers.
really made an impression on me, because she saw something in me that I didn’t.
EH: So you were there and there was a friend who took a special notice in you. Where did that lead to? AR: At first it led me to dancing such as ballet, jazz, modern day dancing. I got a scholarship to go to LuLu Washington Dance Studios. Dancing After leaving the South and landing a shot in allowed me to express myself, grow into myself John Singleton’s Urban Movie, “Boyz N The a little and it was my first experience of being Hood”, life for Alysia and her family changed creative. Sometimes it takes one person seeing forever. It was Just when things were at a very something in you in order for you to bring it to high peek for Alysia, that all of a sudden her surface. career was put on hold once she put her priorities in place. Now after twenty years, Alysia Rogers EH: The whole movie thing, “Boyz N The is back and ready to pick up where she left off, Hood” and all, where did it all come from? but this time more positive, more mature and AR: I was attending Westchester High School. extremely ready for her new leading role as Actually three of the main characters, Nia, Lynda Merritt in the upcoming film entitled, Regina and I went to school together there. “Beyond Merritt.” Alysia Rogers is back and They put this thing out called, “Open call” and I didn’t have a head shot or anything, but when today I got the latest in her own words. I saw the call that was for people to submit for whatever role, I put whatever picture I had. I Elder Lee M. Harris, Sr: How are you doing? made up a little bio of what I wanted to be and Alysia Rogers: I’m good. what I saw myself being. Then I drew a boom EH: Alysia tell us just a little about growing box on the envelope that said, “Boyz N The Hood.” It was the envelope that drew the up, where you were born and so on. AR: I’m originally from Milledgeville, Georgia. attention to the casting director. It was then that After my parents divorced, my mom took a they called me in. At the time I was working at leap when I was around twelve years old by a law firm. When I got the first call I was like, us driving from Georgia to California. I went “Is this real or what?” to Audubon Jr. High and I took dance there. I thank my dance teacher Miss Stevenson that EH: There was a sad eerie feeling about the Consciousness Magazine 8
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movie that you could place inside any city in the United States, because the things that happened were so realistic. AR: It was realistic. It gave life to common news, because when we would sit and watch TV and all we would see was, “two gang members died today” or something like that. I think what “Boyz N The Hood” did was gave a story to that, and there’s history and lives behind everything.
a single mom, basically, abused as a child and went through a lot in her life. During the course of that she had kids by different fathers while in and out of crack addiction. Everything that was happening with Lynda, she stayed on course with God. Through His grace she ended up turning it around, going back to school and getting her master’s degree. Now Lynda wants to relay her story to the public, and that’s courageous.
Your past circumstance does not determine your future! You can do whatever you set your mind to as long as you have God in your life. EH: Is there something personal enough about this
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experience, about this lady’s life that makes you want to go out and talk to other people concerning her life? AR: Your past circumstance does not determine your future! You can do whatever you set your mind to as long as you have God in your life. You believe in yourself and you love who loves you. She loved her children and that was her main motivational factor. She needed to get right to take care of her babies and that’s what she did.
EH: There evidently are other things that happened, that gives the reason you stayed away so long. Please tell me what happened? AR: People did not know that I was ignorant to the industry period and I was also at that time still becoming a woman. This happens to a lot of women, but when you have a deep separation from your dad, you’ll tend to find that in other people. I found myself just really looking for love. So, in the course of that, I got into a relationship too fast and too soon. I ended up a single mother, and then I had to grow up. EH: I see people being able to get away from crack cocaine, so it’s not the end of life for some. So you EH: Still young and growing? play that role with all inside you. AR: Yes, still young and still growing, but I now AR: I’m going to play that role Lee! I also want to say had this little person that was looking up to me and Lee that I am so grateful for Reuben and Ci Ci Foster I was like, “Ooh this is a human!” (Laughing) I then for giving me this opportunity because I just kind of thought, “You know what, I have got to take care of walked in there and they just let me try my hardest to her,” so, that’s exactly what I did! All these years I just do it. I will always be indebted to them. have focused all of me on my baby. EH: Is there anything else Alysia that you want the EH: That’s beautiful! readers to know about you or your leading role as AR: Now she is a college student. She’s happy, she’s Lynda Merritt? whole, she’s genuine, she respects and loves people AR: I just want them to know that it’s never too late for who they are. She’s smart and she’s selfless! and there’s always another chance, no matter what your circumstances are or who said you couldn’t do EH: Now Alysia you have something going on now something or [who] beat your confidence down. Just that’s taking you back to the screen. You will be sit down and have a talk with God. I talk to Him out playing the character Lynda Merritt. Can you tell me loud in my own private setting and we figure it a little about her? out together. I want people to know that I want to AR: Lynda Merritt to me is my wonder woman. I touch the audience to the point where they feel they have not physically met her yet, but from what I’ve know me. read Lee, she loved her kids…even at her lowest Read Alysia Rogers full article at and having been a crack addicted mother. She was http://www.consciousnessmagazine.com/AlysiaRogers.html Consciousness Magazine 9
Business Profile
Bernard White: CEO of Nebby Beauty Care Written by Aaron Robinson Located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania strongly stands Nebby Beauty Care, known for being the largest distributor of wholesale virgin hair on the east coast. Nebby Beauty Care is a full service beauty supply store, carrying everything for customer’s needs. “Nebby,” is a greater Pittsburgh word meaning, nosey or intrusive. “We cater to a variety, particularly the natural hair and professional products,” excited says Bernard White who is the owner, and who also came up with the store name after doing extensive research to learn more about the beauty industry. Nebby Beauty Care takes pride in specializing in 3 different components, natural hair products, traditional products and professional hair products. Some of their natural products include: Miss Jessie’s, Mixed Chicks, Kinki Curly, Taliah Waajid, Jamaica Black Castor Oil, Kemi Oyl, Shea Moisture, Jane Carter, etc. Their traditional products include: Motions, Olive Oil, Crèmeof-Nature, Cantu, Dark-and Lovely, Soft Sheen-Carson, etc. And some of their professional products include: Mizani, Keracare, Syntonics, Design Essentials, Nioxin and so on. Nebby Beauty Care also carries a variety of scarf’s, jewelry, lingerie, belts, perfumes, men’s clippers, and wigs. Being the biggest distributor of selling Virgin Malaysian and Brazilian hair on the East Coast, the clever business owner who has been successful in numerous businesses in the past speaks on his products Virgin Malaysian and Brazilian hair. “Our hair is imported directly from overseas. We do not buy from the middle man or any Korean based supplier in the states,” he continues. “The quality, texture and hair pattern is unmatched; the longevity is remarkable, unlike the wasted and cheap store bought hair on every corner in cities throughout the nation,” sincerely says White who ostracize that the Malaysian and Brazilian hair is authentic hair that you can flat-iron (wear straight or curly), dye, and in essence the hair should last approximately a year. “It’s phenomenal hair; it’s not remy, and it’s not synthetic,” he exclaims.
Many times at beauty care stores, the packaged hair that you’ll find in the majority of the stores can be a huge waste of money. White speaks about the business side, mainly African American business owners who have challenges when it comes to stocking their stores with certain products. “It’s hard for us to open up new accounts because Koreans corner the market, monopolize the market and dictate who gets hair and who doesn’t get hair,” bluntly says White who looks to shed light on the situation for other hair care business owners. He continues. “Say for example, you own a store and I own a store. What you can’t get you get from me, and what I can’t get I get from from you. And it shouldn’t be that way; it should be an open market for everybody. I don’t have one contract with a traditional beauty supply hair company, but I have hair in my store. And that shouldn’t be. Those are the companies that hold you back. There are like big conglomerates in terms of selling hair, but they refuse to sale hair,” says White as he began listing some of the conglomerates such as Outre, Bobbi Boss, Model Model, Harlem 125 and Janet Collection. When it comes to Nebby Beauty Care, one of Bernard White’s goals is to grow his establishment rapidly, eventually turning the business over to his son Mainza Naeem-White who is currently in college in North Carolina, preparing for his future. White also gives credit to his friend Robert Lewis as being one of his biggest influences in regards to starting his hair business. Visit Nebby Beauty Care at 120 Meyran Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, or call 704.606.1255. For more information visit www.nebbybeautycare.com
Words-of-Encouragement
Inspirational Quote by Yolanda Adams
A lot of times we look at what we don’t have, where we wish we were and how we want to look like Halley Berry and want to sound like Mahalia Jackson. You’re missing the beauty of who God created you to be.
(Excerpt taken from an interview with Consciousness Magazine.) Consciousness Magazine 11
Interviewed and written by Aaron Robinson - Editor
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s a leader, Hussain Najadi is no stranger when it comes to overcoming life’s adversities. Seeking the important things in life, the Bahrain native endured many tasks in his home country in which he was ejected as a teenager. He holds his roots closely to his heart, being a spiritual vessel to those who are going through struggles and hardships in their life. Today, Najadi is the founder, chairman and CEO of AIAK Group, who is responsible for founding the fifth largest bank in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, called AmBank. He became the leader in the wholesale and corporate banking in Southeast Asia, creating the Arab-Malaysian Development Bank, linking business between the Middle East, Southeast and Europe. Hussian Najadi is here to share some insight regarding his recent published book “The Sea and Hills: The Life of Hussain Najadi”, his life struggles, as well as share words of encouragement that will empower the readers. I was honored to have an interview with such a man of wisdom and knowledge, whom changed the course of society in his homeland. His compelling life story of once being poor to having success will inspire many on a global basis. Aaron Robinson: What do you believe has been one of your most significant challenges in life that you have overcome? Hussain Najadi: To show that a poor boy of a small relatively unknown Island called Bahrain, [who is] self
educated, and self made could achieve so much; right up to the pillars of High Finance, in Europe, USA and Asia, all with diligence, hard work, and tenacity. I always wanted to be the man who proves his willpower and uncover my own life’s true purpose and who will take readers on a life-changing journey and adventure in my dramatic life story in “The Sea and the Hills.” www. seaandhills.com AR: What inspired you to write “The Sea and the Hills: The Life of Hussain Najadi”? HN: The legacy of my life must be recorded and published not only for the members of my family, but for the many many poor children now currently disadvantaged, living in slums all over the world. I wanted my book to become a beacon of hopes for these destitute persons the world’s over. AR: When readers read “The Sea and the Hills: The Life of Hussain Najadi,” what are some of the things you would like them to take with them? HN: My own story starts in a different era. Life then had been lived as it was by generation upon generation for perhaps a thousand years. This tradition provided society with its rules and ritual, its comfort and stability. From my youngest years onwards, I was to break the mould of that tradition... AR: As a leader and innovator, you have made history by being the first to revolt against the Arab lifestyle. You were also part of the movement that was instrumental
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in bringing about the reformation of Arab Society. How does it feel to have made such an impact on society? HN: We must break the norms, or traditions which keep a society down, no matter where. I feel I am a servant of change, through peaceful non violence methods, humbled much by my study of Mahatma Ghandi and Nelson Mandela. As a student of history myself, I feel obliged to show the path to others, and be a centre of HOPE in this life surrounded by much injustice and misery. Sometimes, a person’s life will make so much impact on the life of others. I want to be that man till I depart this life. AR: In America, there seems to be some stereotype of Arabs owning Convenient Stores and gas stations. What is your thought on this? HN: To Arabs, Africans, Latinos, Asians, in America, I say that you can make it like Hussain Najadi and even better, if you just be humble enough to learn from others, from history and perhaps from this book called “The Sea and the Hills”, my life story. Modesty is a great virtue and learning is the path to success and progress in life. AR: What business advice would you share with struggling entrepreneurs who face obstacles in business? HN: Work hard, never give up, failures are the ingredients of success of tomorrows, and depend on your own will
power, and virtues. Stay on course with your plans, and do not listen much to others. They cannot see what you see in your vision and dream. Borrow less or none if you may, and do not mortgage your future to the greedy bankers. AR: What words-of-encouragement would you share with individuals who went through similar hardships in life that you went through at an early age? HN: Same as above, and add that I never accepted defeat as the end of my dreams in my entire life. Failures enrich me and make me stronger to face the challenges in my work and in my plan. Sea and Hills here mean: downs and ups in life. So we must pass that test in life. Tenacity and will power, in whatever you decide to achieve. AR: Would you like to add anything in closing? HN: I would like to say a very big thank you for giving me the chance to air my philosophy and my humble views in life. Only through progressive Media like yours, is it possible that I could reach my poor audience. You are helping me to help others. God Bless you all. I am just a servant of change, and thus a servant of you all. AR: Hussain, thank you so much for taking out the time to pursue this interview!
The 2012 Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes winners are: Jackson Button, age 14, of Waialua, Hawaii, who founded Dream of a Better World, a non-profit group that has raised over $105,000 to build a permanent home on four fertile acres for 57 children living with HIV at an orphanage in Uganda.
Children’s book author T.A. Barron believes that today’s youth can make a difference in their world. To inspire young people, he created the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes. The Barron Prize honors young people ages 8 to 18 who have made a significant positive difference by helping others and/or the environment through a service project. Every year, ten national winners each receive $2,500 to support their service work or higher education. Nominations can be made by teachers, advisers or activity leaders and the entry deadline is April 30th. For more information and nomination packets, visit: http://www.barronprize.org
Brooklyn Wright, age 9, of Powder Springs, Georgia, who acts as Earth Saver Girl in teaching thousands of elementary students about ways they can help save the planet. She has written a book, created an Earth Saver Girl skit and costume, and developed a website to support kids who want to protect the Earth. Max Wallack, age 15, of Natick, Massachusetts, who founded PuzzlesToRemember, a non-profit organization that has distributed over 14,600 new jigsaw puzzles free of charge to facilities that care for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. Avalon Theisen, age 11, of Tampa, Florida, who founded Conserve it Forward in order to share her passion for protecting frogs, raise money for conservation causes, and inspire other kids to take care of the natural world. Consciousness Magazine 13
Healthy and green friendly carpeting I like the feel of carpeting, but I’m concerned about all the chemicals. What are some good non-chemical (but still soft!) options? -- Jennifer Jones, Madison, WI
Modern day carpets, in all their plush and stain-resistant glory, are wonders of technology and help make our homes and workplaces more comfortable. But the typical carpet, made from petroleum-based synthetic fibers, contains dozens of chemicals and gases, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other potential toxins—and they can compromise indoor air quality for years on end and cause dangerous reactions in the sensitive among us, including little ones and the elderly. Fortunately today there are many green options when it comes to carpeting and alternative floor coverings. Green Depot—the nation’s leading supplier of environmentally friendly building products, services and home solutions with 13 retail stores nationwide—sells a lot of wool carpeting, which is typically all-natural, renewable and is the most logical option for those who want the look and feel of real carpet without the chemical impact. Wool carpeting is pricier than synthetic, but those seeking peace-of-mind might not mind paying a premium. Some leading makers of all-natural wool carpeting include Bloomsburg, Earth Weave, Helios, Natural Home and Woolshire. Wool is also a great material for rug pads, as it dampens sound, inhibits mold and provides insulation. Green Depot’s favorite is Whisper Wool Underlayment.
Photo: iStockPhoto/Thinkstock
Environmental: EarthTalk
Some other choices in all-natural carpet include sisal, coir and seagrass— though these all-natural materials tend to be harder than traditional carpeting and as such might take some getting used to underfoot. Contempo Floor Coverings is one of the leaders in this up-and-coming segment of the flooring industry. Another green option is carpet tiles, because small sections rather than entire carpets can be replaced when stains or other problems occur. One particularly green carpet tile manufacturer is FLOR, whose products are made with renewable, recycled and recyclable content. The company also takes back its old carpet tiles for recycling and reconstitution into new recycled fibers and backing materials. FLOR’s products use some synthetic materials, but most styles meet or exceed the Carpet and Rug Institute’s “Green Label Plus” standards for low VOCs. Greenfloors. com offers yet another option for synthetic carpeting made from recycled and recyclable materials, while Mohawk’s Aladdin carpet is made from recycled PET soda bottles. While carpeting in one form or another is no doubt the softest option, cork flooring is also warm and somewhat cushy. Cork is inherently green because it’s made from the bark of the cork oak tree which grows back every
CM Corner w/Tocarra Eldridge
three years with little to no fertilizer or pesticides needed. It’s also resistant to mildews, molds and other unwelcome microbes. Cork flooring is also a nice choice to “warm up” kitchen and bathroom floors. U.S. Floors offers a wide variety of cork and other sustainable flooring options. Of course, keeping tidy is also key to a healthy indoor environment: Frequent vacuuming of rugs and cleaning of flooring can help reduce exposure to toxins like lead and pesticides that can be tracked in from outside. Using doormats and removing shoes when coming inside can also help mitigate such risks. --------------------------------------------CONTACTS: Green Depot, www.greendepot.com; FLOR, www.flor.com; The Carpet and Rug Institute, www.carpet-rug.org; Greenfloors.com, www.greenfloors.com; U.S. Floors, www.usfloorsllc.com. EarthTalk® is written and edited by Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss and is a registered trademark of E - The Environmental Magazine (www.emagazine.com). Send questions to: earthtalk@emagazine.com. Subscribe: www.emagazine.com/subscribe. Free Trial Issue: www.emagazine.com/trial.
R&B Singer Tweet
It was a pleasure to meet R&B singer and a youth foundation. Her spirit was at ease soul songwriter Tweet. I was granted the as she was grateful and treated her fans opportunity to see her perform at a venue and others with kindness. as she was in support of a fundraiser for Consciousness Magazine 14
HEALTH Solutions
Written by Aaron Robinson
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hen Dr. Ian K. Smith began writing a program where he sent bits and pieces of weight loss tips to his social network friends, he didn’t realize the amount of attraction that he would receive. “I found out that people on the program were sending me in the results of how much they lost and how much exercise they did eventually. At the end of 6 weeks their actual weight lost was 20 pounds, 4 inches and 2 sizes,” says the medical/diet expert. The program has also caught individual’s attention such as Dr. Oz. “Dr. Oz heard about the program that became a phenomenal. He actually gave it to some of his viewers and he saw the same results. They did an entire show on SHRED in January.” Today, SHRED, The Revolutionary Diet: 6 Weeks 4 inches 2 Sizes is still #1 on the New York Times bestseller list, helping thousands of people (SHREDDERS) on the SHRED program lose weight. “When it comes to dieting, a diet should not be expensive or complicated and it should not ask you to eat perfectly. SHRED asks you to eat a little better but not perfectly,” exclaims the creator and founder of The 50 Million Pound Challenge and The Makeover Mile. Having written nine well-known books, he gives two greatly distinctions of SHRED, The Revolutionary Diet. “On the SHRED program you eat four meal replacements and 3 snacks a day. You eat 3-4 times a day. You keep your metabolism ravished [and] you keep your insulin levels nice and stable.” He continues. “The second thing the program does is called ‘Diet confusion’…that’s very analogous to the concept of muscle confusion that weight-lifters use…use the type of food that you eat and the calories that you count in day to day, week to week. That keeps your body up tittered,” plainly he expresses. Sometime people become bored with their food while they’re on their diet. Dr. Ian K. Smith is a strong believer in switching up foods and encouraging people to change up the type of foods they eat over a period of time. However, there are cases when an individual may have a tough time beginning a diet. Enthused to empower and help others, Dr. Ian K. Smith gives advice. “I always said that diet is 80% mental and 20% physical. People have to start dieting when it’s the best time for them. You don’t start dieting when you’re going through some type of hardship. Diet requires all of your focus.” Dr. Ian K. Smith is also a humanitarian. He has won numerous awards for his work, as well as teaming up with notable organizations that have made a remarkable difference to mankind. He was recently appointed to the
President’s Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition by President Obama. He shares with the readers his experience. “Well it has been a wonderful experience. When the president appointed me I was very honored. We worked very closely with the first lady Let’s Move campaign. I’m very excited that we have a first family that’s not only verbalizing their interest in people eating healthy but they also live that kind of life,” excitedly the doctor conveys who is proud of being on the council with like-minded people who are trying to get the country to eat better. Many times in the black community, people tend to not be conscious of the importance of health issues. The United States census reports that there is a far less number of males than women who visit the doctor’s office. Unfortunately, in underprivileged areas the seriousness of the health issues tend to go ignored. “I think that as either African American males or females, we have to eliminate these fears about becoming health conscious by having a better understanding of who we are and what we are, and what makes us tick from a stemological standpoint. We as a community in order to live happier, healthier and longer, we have to be invested in who we are and what we are in an extreme of knowledge. Medical knowledge and having an understanding of what’s going on with you may be a little scary at times, but the knowledge itself is what people need to actually call for a resolution to live a Before and After healthier life,” sharply says Dr. Ian K. Smith. Every since a youth, Dr. Ian K. Smith wanted to become a surgeon due to his curiosity of how the body works from a scientific and education standpoint. During his later days in life he changed his specialty from a surgeon as he was becoming a medical correspondent for NBC News. Dr. Ian K. Smith concludes our interview by saying. “I am a believer that we all have some control of our health destiny. I don’t believe in residing our self. When it comes to our health, we should try to control as much as possible.” Visit Dr Ian K. Smith at www.doctoriansmith.com Twitter:@doctoriansmith
Consciousness Magazine 15
Bill Duke: Legendary Actor and Film Producer [Exclusive Interview]
Interviewed and written by Elder Lee M. Harris, Sr. eternalchoice2@yahoo.com
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he racial lines between who we are and who we want to be or become can sometimes confuse our way and process of thinking. The person God made us and who society has programmed us into suiting their approval has truly damaged and pained many hearts. Growing up in a world where we have been tuned in and programmed to believe that people of a darker skin complexion is not worthy of the best God has to offer is absurd! During the many years of slavery and even until this day people of color are being made to feel less qualified, less wanted and less beautiful than people of lighter skin complexion. Much of this way of thinking began at a very young age and society is not trying to change this, but is trying to enhance it on every level. Bill Duke is on a mission to bring this documentary to the forefront and needs your help so the world can see and help change its negative way of accepting others. I had a conversation with Bill giving him the opportunity to talk with you, the reader, about his much needed film, “Dark Girls.” Elder Lee M. Harris, Sr.: Tell me a little about yourself Bill. Bill Duke: I was born in Poughkeepsie, New York, February 26, 1943. I lived there until I was maybe eighteen years old. I then attended Douglas Community College. Then I received a Martin Luther King Scholarship and attended Boston University, where I received my bachelor’s degree. I then earned my first master’s degree at NYU School of the Arts and I followed Lloyd Richards out to Los Angeles and stayed.
EH: I feel there is something sensitive you were feeling when you came up with this entire idea or intake on “Dark Girls.” This is concerning a situation that has been out there all our lives. I really admire you for doing this, because it needed to be done. BD: I was observing what my sister went through along with my nieces, nephews, uncles and aunts and other people, because of their regard to complexion. What I and friends also went through being darker complexioned just said, “they never had a voice.” This film is created to give a voice to the voiceless. There are a lot of people who suffer from not only racism from outside entities, but from within our own communities with colorism, which is the preference of light over dark. EH: So, is there any particular reason Bill why you chose Black Girls and not Dark Boys or other particular people? BD: Well, there are several projects, one is called, “Dark Girls”, another is called, “Yellow Gals”, the next is called, “What is a Man?” and the other is called, “What is a Woman?” Those films address the issues one at a time. We wanted to be very specific in calculating, in terms of, addressing these things when we have like seventy minutes to address it. We wanted to attack each issue and examine it from a media standpoint; sociological, psychological, psychiatric, quantum physics and global perspective. To do that takes time. We decided to focus on just this one this time, but we have other documents that we’re putting together that address all issues. EH: Is there anything that we can do by listening to these ladies to help forward what they’re saying about their feelings to change anything?
Consciousness Magazine 16
BD: We can really create curriculums in school that really talks about these issues. In one of the audiences we have chosen Q & A’s. We screen our film in different parts of the country and a lady who was black got up one night and said, “Why are you airing our dirty laundry?” I told her, “Because it’s stinking up the house!” The fact of the matter is, that as a people we have a tendency that some of the grievous things that are happening to us we don’t talk about them. We don’t address them. We act as if they are not there. As a result, they cancerously grow into virus. We have to stop it because we’re in a crisis as a culture. Black folks have a tendency to say, “Oh well, President Obama is in office so racism is a thing of the past,” or these kind of absurdities. Statistics are that one out of every four black men in Washington, DC is HIV positive, okay! Out of all the Aids cases in America 75 % are black women. Grandmas in many of our communities are 32%. In many high schools 40% of our children are dropping out before they graduate without a high school degree in a global economy. Don’t you think we should have some concerns? EH: Yes we should, I totally agree with you! BD: But we’re not! I talk to people and they tell me, “Well you know it’s going to be resolved” and I’m saying, “by whom?” The government is not going to resolve it, the state is not going to resolve it, and I’ll go further and say this, “In most cultures, they save themselves. The leaders of those cultures are the men!” Why aren’t black men stepping up and caring enough about their own children’s culture to do what every other culture does?
down the beach in a Paul Revere fashion and they’re saying, “There’s a tsunami coming!” and we all look and there’s this big wave which is about a mile away. We can see the top of it as it blows the sand on the beach a bit and we still have time to get off the beach and go to the higher point. Me personally, I’m getting in the vehicle and I’m going to say, “Folks, I’m going to the mountains and anybody who wants to join me let’s go now but, I’m not waiting!” There are some people that when you tell them the Tsunami is coming, they will say to you, “Yea thanks, could you pass me those Jordan’s?” EH: The documentary, you are trying to raise a particular amount of money. How is that going and how are you requesting that donation be done? BD: Go to officialdarkgirls.com and hit the donation button. We’re putting our own money into this project. We tried to get investors and they were scared of the topic. So, we got tired of begging. But guess what? “We’re going to do this!” Now we’re trying to go around the country and have screening, and get our investment back and also talk to people about this topic. We want to get the topic in curriculums in schools who will listen. We
EH: “Dark Girls”, what would you like to see come from this documentary? BD: I would like to see a dialogue created; I would like to see parents began to take on a responsibility of letting their children know that God does not make mistakes and that their little babies are beautiful no matter what color they are. No matter how big their noses and lips are, they are beautiful and that their hair is fine. They do not have to meet some fashion industries standard of anorexia that says ‘you’re beautiful and if you’re not that then you’re ugly.’ It’s a parental responsibility. In addition, schools and society has an obligation and so does the media. EH: Are there ever times when you feel alone in this fight? BD: The thing is that if you speak up then you’re isolated. We all have to compromise in this life to a certain extent. What’s disturbing is that if we do not stand up as men to a greater degree, our young boys are watching us. So, it’s almost like we’re all on a beach and someone is running Consciousness Magazine 17
(Continue on page 33)
Interviewed and written by Aaron Robinson - Editor Consciousness Magazine 18
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any may know Booker T Huffman as being a professional wrestler, TV commentator and General Manager of the WWE brand name SmackDown, as well as for the signature phrase “Can you dig it, Sucka!” However, when the cameras are turned off, Booker T is traveling around the country visiting schools, juvenile detention centers and attending youth summits. He takes his time to enlighten and empower the youth about the harsh reality of the street life and the importance of education, sharing his past life story which consisted of poverty, drug use and crime.
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Life wasn’t always grand for the Houston, Texas native, who had yet to overcome the harsh reality of life after losing his father at 11 months. After losing his mother as a teenager, he and his siblings were left to be raised by their older brother. Eventually, life took its toll. Booker T was slammed by adversities. Crime followed the ‘future world wrestling star” to his adult hood, landing him in prison for nearly two years.
Before the superstar rose to celebrity status, he had to put his life into perspective, diverting the negatives in his life to a positive. From that point forward, the sky was the limit as Booker T Huffman became king of his destination. He attended the World Wrestling Alliance, later finding success as a professional wrestler. He went on to win numerous championships with TNA, WCW and the WWE, whether solo or with tag team groups. And when one mentions the duo words tagteam, it is likely that the group Harlem Heat, which includes him and his brother Lane ‘Stevie Ray’ Huffman, will come up in a conversation. I (Consciousness Magazine) was able to catch up with Booker T Huffman as he was on his traveling route to empower the youth. Having a kind and humble spirit, it was as if we had known one another for years. Here is what ‘The Champion of Defeating Adversities’ had to say about his latest endeavors, as well as his role as author of his new autobiography Booker T: From Prison to Promise. Aaron Robinson: Hello Booker T, I appreciate you for wanting to pursue the interview and reaching out to me. Booker T: Oh definitely! Aaron: What was it that came to you when you realized that you had to make a positive difference within yourself?
Booker T: Ah man, just going back to my mother’s wishes for me to just be a good person in life. My mother use to always tell me I was getting into a lot of trouble, that I would go to jail or will end up dead somewhere. I ended up in jail. I realized that it shouldn’t [have taken] being in that cell that I had to change my ways. My son was on the outside and I was always thinking about my mother being a single parent to raise 8 kids. What kind of father, what kind of man would I be if I didn’t raise one. That was wearing on my mind. Right there [I realized that I had] to just come out and change my life, or do something positive.
That’s why I reached out to write the book and write it from a raw real perspective, to let the readers know that if Booker T could do it, it’s possible.
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Aaron: While being incarcerated, did you ever have a vision of foreseeing yourself becoming successful? Booker T: No no, that was something I had never foreseen. I just wanted to come out and make a better life for myself. Fame was the last thing on my mind. At that time my brother was telling me that he was going to help me get a job, and the job was at an apartment complex. He said ‘whatever, no matter what that job is, do the job to the best of your ability ‘til something else better comes along!’ I just always kept that attitude right there. Aaron: Booker T, you have an autobiography called Booker T: From Prison to Promise, what inspired you in wanting to share your life story? Booker T: I use to always say that I was a huge fan of Muhammad Ali. He was like my idol; I mean he couldn’t do no wrong. I use to get into a lot of trouble and my mother couldn’t tell me to do right nor my
brothers and sisters, preacher or the pastor; nobody could. I would have said if Muhammad Ali said that exact same thing that everybody else was saying, I would have taken it and I would have run with it. Now, I feel like I’m in that position where other people are looking at me. For many years, a lot of kids, a lot of minority troubled kids, in such troubled areas hear my story and know that I’ve been there. That’s why I reached out to write the book and write it from a raw real perspective, to let the readers know that if Booker T could do it, it’s possible. Aaron: When speaking to the youth, what advice would you give to them that they could remember for the rest of their life? Booker T: Watch the news. (Laugh) Know what can happen to you. Like for myself, for aggravated robbery, I didn’t know that charge carries through to 99 years. I didn’t know that with capital murder there was a death penalty charge. I didn’t know that. Simple robbery comes with 5 to 15. I didn’t know that kind of stuff. If you learn it, it would literally divert you of ever wanting to go down that path; I think. Aaron: You rose to General Manager of SmackDown. How has that experience been for you as oppose to wrestling? Booker T: I’m embracing my role and my place in a position in professional wrestling these days. As a young man sport, I tend to apply much knowledge as general manager. It’s been very very cool! It’s great actually! I’m totally embracing my position and I hope to have tenure to somewhat like Teddy Long. I’m looking to have a string of that longevity.
ing and talk to some young kids from the hall rooms in the high school. Then I’m going to another youth summit, then a detention center. I’m trying to save the youth of America and put them on the right track as far as knowing what life is all about. I was talking to a friend of mines. Me and her, we were talking about gang members. Gang members don’t realize though when they are young; that they are 18, they are 21 years…25. The years kept going on, they are still in a gang, they are still banging. Then they wake up. A lot of gang bangers don’t think they are going to live past 30. You know what I mean. They don’t know how to think about life past that. Then they wake up and they are in their forties…they don’t have a strategic plan. See it’s all about, no matter what form of life it is, you have to prepare yourself, be educated on life. Otherwise, life is going to really give you a bad bad headache. That’s the next goal of what Booker T is into, saving. Saving America if I can! Aaron: That’s great! That’s a wonderful thing! Would you like to add anything else that we didn’t cover or with your fans before we close the interview? Booker T: I want to send a shout out to my fans; I appreciate the love and respect for so many years. Many fans always say that ‘I appreciate the entertainment that you have given me for so many years.’ That tells a compliment more for a professional wrestler and entertainers. I just want to ask the fans to keep speaking bluntly and [I’m going to] keep doing what I’m doing. Aaron: Thanks Booker T. This means a lot to me. Booker T: Appreciate it man. No doubt. And stay up!
Aaron: Do you have any words of encouragement for the up-and-coming wrestlers whose trying to get in the field that you’re in? Booker T: The best advice I could tell them is make sure that your heart is serious about this business. Make sure your body is right. No one can tell you when you look in the mirror how good you look. You have to be ready when that opportunity comes. The only way you’re going to be ready is when you train properly. Aaron: What’s next for Booker T Huffman in the future? Can we expect any new exciting things from you? Booker T: Right now I’m on my way on the plane to Chicago. I’m going to do some motivational speakConsciousness Magazine 20
Interviewed and written by Aaron Robinson - Editor
C
onfident, eloquent and classy are some of the
words that describe one of Americas most exceptional actors and directors, Blair Underwood. The veteran actor gives the exclusive on his spring line of the BU Collection, which launched at K&G Fashion Superstore, February 15, 2013, an addition to the BU Collection that launched in 2011. Having a career of 28 years as an actor, the Golden Globe nominee speaks on what inspired him to create the tailored clothing line. “A lot of roles I play are like white collar character, you know, professional characters, doctors, lawyers and presidents. After a while, I looked up and was like well wait a minute, you don’t have to wear 2000 dollar suits, and you don’t have to pay 2000 dollars plus more for good quality suits. If you can create something that’s still of quality b u t i s affordable and accessible to the masses, then I think that
is worth doing,” brilliantly says Underwood who has also been vividly inspired by his mother who is a fashion designer. Having a successful acting career, the movie star has come a long way from playing Russell Walker in the 1985 movie release Krush Groove to appearing in films such as Woman Thou Art Loosed and TV series such as Thunder and Lightning and The Event. With sincerity and integrity, the accomplished actor brings forth enlightenment to the meaning of his fashion line. “It’s more than just a fabric and thread that are put together in a very classy type of way. BU Collection is all about a lifestyle, an aspiration lifestyle, looking to inspire, [to] feel good about yourself.” He continues to speak, “the executive line that we launched in 2011 had two burgundy flip button holes off the sleeves of all the suits and that represented ‘out of many we are one’. Two of the multiple clips represent ‘many’. The color with the burgundy the same color represented ‘the blood’, which we all share that intimate color. We all have that in common. The same kind of color blood lives through all as a human race.” Blair describes the expansion of his tailored clothing line as self-reliance, unity and humanity, self-awareness, strength and focus, which are mere qualities of himself. “When we launched the BU Collection 2011, we only had the suits; we had dress suits, ties and cuff links. As of today we’ve broaden and expanded the line to jeans, casual shirts and hats, leather hats and leather shoes,” says
Consciousness Magazine 22
the brand spokesperson. The BU Collection is 100% wool suits. They are also available for big and tall men. The average cost is $280 in price and $180 for the blended suites. Also available are apparels and accessories such as sports coats, denim, linen, sweaters, pools, knit tops, and belts. “When we embarked upon this whole path for 2011, [it was] not just to call it a clothing line for a reason but with a purpose, to purchase with a purpose. We have a lot of affiliations by the way: community partners and corporate partners, so we try to do whatever we can to make sure that we’re giving back on the cloth that we are selling; whether we are giving back to the community or some support service or foundation. There’s a lot of thought that went into launching BU collection 2011,” excitingly he expresses. Over the years, Blair has been involved in numerous charitable organizations, as well as initiatives that has empowered and educated the youth. In 1993, he won the Humanitarian Award for his work with the Muscular Dystrophy Association. His track record of being active for the betterment of mankind runs long, as he continues to give back.
The talented Image Award nominee speaks on the excitement of having his own clothing line and how K&G Fashion Superstores founder George Zimmer played an important role in his vision. “Because of his willingness, it happened. He took a chance on me…there hasn’t been a lot of challenges in that aspect,” self-assuredly says Underwood. Purchase BU Collection at www.kgstores.com
We try to do whatever we can to make sure that we’re giving back on the cloth that we are selling. BU Collection is available online at www.kgstores. com. Underwood articulates why he chooses to make the products available online for his valuable customers. “Every Christmas, especially for the holidays, you see more and more every year, people are buying online. That’s what they look forward to. We wanted to make that available. We launched the online store last year and that’s doing incredibly well.” Being in business, there are always challenges to producing and marketing a product; however, Blair Underwood and his partner Gary Reeves has been successful with their business initiatives. Eloquently, he speaks. “There are always challenges. What I can tell you, there’s been a great working relation with K&G. That’s what I’m excited about, and starting a relationship with my business partner Gary Reeves.” Consciousness Magazine 23
Interviewed by Elder Lee M. Harris, Sr.
eternalchoice2@yahoo.com
“Wholeheartedly Receiving his Mission Directly from the Lord!!!” In the minds of us all, God has given us messages in many different ways. Some have said, “God told me” and some have even said, “I was led by the spirit”, but regardless to how God’s messages and directions to us are interpreted, I find it easy to say, “Follow your intuition” which is more than less God’s way of saying, “Do this or that!” Sometimes much hurt, pain and disappointment can arise when we continue to ignore the urges of our intuition. Sanchez Gardner was one of those people who allowed himself to end up stuffed with so much of God’s gifts that it almost drove him out of his mind, until he relieved himself by just acknowledging the voice of the Lord. I had the opportunity to speak with Sanchez and am very pleased to say that the lessons he learned will be a testimony of just how powerful God really is and how blessed we all would be if we just recognize His calling! Introducing Mr. Sanchez March Gardner: Elder Lee M. Harris, Sr.: Tell us a little about family and growing up. Sanchez Marche Gardner: [I was] born in Greenville, South Carolina and raised there with my family. I did live in Atlanta, Georgia for about six years and then came back home. I have one brother and three sisters. EH: As children, somewhere during our life time, there was something that we wanted to be or to become when
we grew older, “what was yours?” SG: My dream was to become a football player. I wanted to make it to the pros and it caused me to work out constantly and play every aspect of the game. I remember coming home one summer after spring break and I had a motorcycle accident, which pretty much knocked me out of pursuing my career, as far as playing football. EH: What hit your mind after you realized football was all over for you? SG: The motorcycle put me in the hospital for about a week and a half. I lost a lot of weight while scrapping my skin up pretty bad. I couldn’t wear shoulder pads; I couldn’t wear clothes either. It left me very frustrated with life itself. I sort of alienated myself from everyone, because I didn’t want to be around certain people. I stopped trusting people, which sort of left me a loner. EH: Would it be fair to say that once you had your accident and ended up in your quiet alone zone, you then turned to the only God you knew and continue today to trust and have faith in that God? SG: I would say that. At first, I really didn’t know what to do. I would spend a lot of time drinking…taking drugs, which eventually manipulated me into wanting to kill myself. I was at a point where I just wanted to cut my veins and bleed to death. I just wanted to leave this place. I was tired. I couldn’t play football anymore. I just didn’t know what to do. When I’d wake up in the morning, I would start drinking. When I’d lie down at night I was drinking. I guess I was in a bit of
Consciousness Magazine 24
depression and flat-out disgusted with myself. EH: What would you say happened that turned everything around in your mind and heart to where it sets today? SG: I picked up the scriptures and I started to read them. At that point it changed my life and my way of thinking. I started reading the scripture from the beginning and I had many questions that many people didn’t want to answer. So, being a researcher myself, I would look up my own questions and find the answers while praying and meditating. I felt God would show me the things He wanted me to know. When I reached Exodus, I started sharing many of the things God was showing me with other people. Inside my head, I started hearing poetry and then started putting Bible verses inside poems and was giving them to people. EH: What happened to make you start writing poems? SG: I was in prison for the first time and my girlfriend said to me, “Sanchez, I’m going to need some help with the bills, so I’m going to have to get me a sugar daddy to help me out!” I really got mad and then she hung up on me. This guy came through and said, “Son, when it gets quiet read this book!” The book was the Holy Bible. I went to the book of Matthew 7:6, which says, ‘Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.’ I went to sleep, but when I woke up I started writing my first poem, which I titled “Pearl.” EH: Now, do you always share these messages with people or do you hold them in? SG: I share an expression of poetry on the 2nd and 4th Sunday with the congregation. I took a second look at all my work and decided to self-publish a book of poetry. This made me start to contact celebrities such as Tyler Perry, Oprah and others to see if they had an interest in my work. Out of all the people I tried to contact, a call came to me from the poet Nikki Giovanni. One day she called me and told me she had my package and was looking at my poetry. She then asked me what inspired me to write. I told her that I write what I hear. She was very impressed. She has been kind of like a mentor for me now. She told me that the work I was doing was obviously divine intervention, which could be from an ancestor or someone in the spiritual realm. But, it’s definitely not from here. EH: Where would you say this is leading you to with people, as far as information for them to follow? SG: Stay focused and pay more attention to God, because He’s talking to us all day long. Most people are so bombarded with the things of this world such as paying bills, listening to the radio and just things this world has. So, they are missing God. This is like: Back and forth and around we go Will it ever stop do you really know Your thoughts constantly spin like a radio dial You don’t have the patience to be still for a while So busy you could challenge from here to there
Your mind is all clogged there’s too much static in the air He’s sending you a message you’ll probably never hear He constantly focus on the world and the message is unclear He’s sending you a message you just don’t understand Because the music that you hear are the sounds of a man TV or Radio, which one will you do Once you find the right station His voice will come through
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Stay focused and pay more attention to God, because He’s talking to us all day long.
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EH: The self-published book you wrote, what’s the title of the Book and where can this book be purchased? SG: My first book was called, “Hidden Treasure” and you can Google my name Sanchez Gardner or you can go to Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Amazon or any major book store. This book is sold in seventy five different languages all over the world. The second book is called, “Breaking the Chain,” the third is called, “The Pearls of Marche,” the fourth is called, “Route 4” and the fifth is called, “The Book of Sanchez,” which was motivated by the book of Eli, because it remind me of myself. Eli had to go through all these things, but he kept all these scriptures inside his brain, which became a part of him. EH: What I would like to do Sanchez is give you an opportunity to say what it is that you want the readers to understand most about Sanchez Gardner, and the things you have done and things you plan to do with your gifts? SG: I used to hear my grandmother singing this song, but I never understood what it meant. I heard it again three weeks ago. This song I believe is by the Williams Brothers. I think it goes like this, “I’m just a nobody trying to tell everybody, about somebody, who can save anybody!” God takes not the people with the largest titles or the largest bank accounts, but He sometimes uses the smallest individuals and does many magnificent things with them. Many people, because they do not have the big titles, positions or the accent to speak fluently intellectual as some people, they sit back and will not exercise what God has given them. EH: We’re coming to a close Sanchez, so how can fans and readers reach you in regards to you sharing your poetry with them? SG: My contact number is 864-382-9875. My email is chez.4@ hotmail.com. As long as the event is a spiritual one, just provide my transportation and a hotel, and I will come. The poems God has given me are not mine, I’m willing to share them with any church or spiritual organization. I cannot ask for money for what God has freely given to me to share with His people. Read Full interview at http://www.consciousnessmagazine.com/SanchezGardner.html
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Written and interviewed by Tocarra Eldridge & (Aaron Robinson-Editor)
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ike a prophet walking down from the top of the mountains with a staff in his hands leading nations of people into blessings, while forever touching them with his empowering messages full of enlightenment, stands Sergio McClain. The 6 feet 4 inches Peoria, Illinois native who looks over the Champaign-Urbana horizon is definitely heaven sent. Existing with purpose, it’s no doubt why he is forever intuitive while making a difference in society. I had the opportunity to spend a day in the life of King Sergio McClain. His ambition is sure to have you inspired. He reflects on some of the greatest moments that made him who he is today. “Winning four straight championships in a row in high school with my father [Wayne McClain]] was one of the greatest accomplishments in my life, being Mr. Basketball of Illinois, [and] receiving a scholarship to play on a higher level collegiately. Sergio McClain graduated from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana where he took his team to four NCAA titles along with the help of teammates Marcus Griffin and Frank Williams. He continues to state his accomplishments. “And also, graduating from a
prolific college! That was very important for me, my family, and my community. I can go to the south side of Peoria Illinois and say I’m a college graduate. That’s pretty fascinating to me.” Sergio McClain has been the only college student in Illinois to became listed in the Hall of Fame, as well as the only college student with the first triple double in Illinois history. Throughout our journey of the day, the past NBA D league player has shown appreciation and hospitality. With manner and class, Sergio drives through the city with the confidence of a king, having style and grace. “Since the day my son was born [I have been] gaining a new responsibility and seeing life in a different way. Also, knowing that I have to provide for my seed in order for my heritage and the black men in my family to keep existing and have an everlasting life in this world,” elaborated Sergio who takes social responsibility as a man and father. As an entrepreneur, McClain has had the opportunity to rise to an elevated level of success. He explains the importance of what aimed him to go down an affluent road. “My father was a great business man; he did a lot of things off the court that many people didn’t see or could ever understand. So for me to be around a black male and seeing the progression on a day to day basis, and seeing how he carried himself and the statute of his character, you can’t help but try to go past that shoe size and build a bigger boat,” excited says McClain. McClain has also been a driving force behind Illbois, an organization where he recruits small businesses and talents
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within Illinois, pushing them into the right direction. Over Sergio’s career, he has coached for teams such as Parkland College in Champaign-Urbana; he has been an assistant coach at his alma mater Peoria Manual and an instructor at Metler Athletic Center. His dream is to be the head coach of U of I. As a man of integrity and filled with the utmost qualities, McClain has made it his purpose to provide to the youth of his community, presently active as founder of his 501(c)(3) organization 217 309 Pipeline. “[The 217 309 Pipeline] is a nonfor-profit after school program. I try to target urban youth, kids that are not well-off. We provide free tutoring for the Unit 4 School District here in Champaign. We also implement exercise and nutrition as well. I also feed the kids when they come on Tuesday and Thursday, because I know that might be their best meal of the week or for the day. We want to give our kids the opportunity to view different cultures and other opportunities in this world that they may have never seen, outside of this box that they’re put in.” He continues to speak exceptionally on the importance of mentorship and other leadership roles. “I had a lot of friends that didn’t have father figures. Even when he [my father] couldn’t make the games, he was on the phone encouraging me. I appreciate my dad being a man and stepping up and being able to keep a relationship with my mother, and them being on the same team in order for me to come home and be proud that I’m not called a statistic,” sincerely says McClain. Many times black males in America seem to neglect their responsibilities. McClain shares advice with black males. “I would advise more black males to be a part of their kid’s lives, even if they’re not getting along with the mother. No matter what a woman puts you through, you have to be strong enough as a black male to be a father to your child, and be his strength when he’s weak,” straightforwardly speaks the king.
that were thought provoking and meaningful, having purpose. Sergio talks about the reality of him pursuing a career in music. “We used to play around with it when I was in college. After we’d win a game we’d be on the bus and we’d be free styling. I’d say some slick stuff, and they’d be like dang you said that! Or, they’d say that was nice Serg! I was like I can do this! I’m not an individual that just jumps into something. I do my research.” The multi-talented prodigy speaks about the difficulties of pursuing a career as an artist “I think the hardest part about it is that label; the label of being an athlete. The label of you need to stick with what you do best, and that’s basketball. I don’t believe in that,” McClain articulates. For those who are looking to be a winner in their life and a team player, the champion gives advice. “Learn how to be a team player. Team wins! No matter how much of an individual you are, if you have good people around you ready to knock down shots when people are guarding you tough, you’re still scoring; you’re still winning. You’re gonna win!” clearly expresses McClain. I’m grateful that I was able to spend a day in the life of King Sergio McClain as I had the opportunity to witness his determination and persistence. Never giving up and being an extraordinary frontrunner in life, McClain ends the interview with a powerful and encouraging statement. “It’s been a tough road. Don’t be discouraged; don’t let anybody kill your confidence. Don’t let anybody tell you that what you’re doing is garbage. Keep on working on your craft and eventually your skills will be honed. Keep your options open and just keep on working hard!” For more information visit www.peoriaking.com
Continuing our journey throughout the day, I was able to witness McClain indulged in his craft as a recording artist in the studio. Impressively, he came up with catchy and intelligent rhymes and phrases
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14th Annual Children Uniting Nations 2013 Viewing Dinner and After Party Article & comments written by Marva Jones Photos: Kevin Jones
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hildren Uniting Nations 2013 Awards Celebration and Viewing Dinner was a night to remember, as stars and significant individuals packed the Harry Warner estate in Hollywood. Daphna Ziman, founder of Children Uniting Nations, opened the evening stating why she holds this event. She explained that she has worked closely with Hilary Clinton to help at risk children. 78.8% of children are from the welfare system. The Children Uniting Nations helps them to graduate from school and gain life skills. The award recipients included NBA Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas for the Lifetime Humanitarian Award, Roderick Sherwood for the Corporate Excellence Award, and Marvin Markowitz for the Distinguished Service Award. President Bill Clinton via satellite spoke highly of the event and how deserving Isiah Thomas was of receiving this award (Awesome for him to take the time to speak on Isiah’s behalf). Larenz Tate presented Isiah with his award. The event was followed by performances such as Dennis Quaid & The Sharks, Miki Howard, Kenny Lattimore and Blush. Daphna Ziman comments on the night of the Oscars as she says “Without dreams you cannot win an Oscar. You have to be able to read and write to win an Oscar. And the press are the gatekeepers of our causes.” Here are some of the comments from some of the attendees of the CUN Awards hosted on Sunday, February 23, 2013: April Sutton (First BET reporter, and currently the Goodwill Ambassador of Kenya) - “This is one of the more elaborate humanitarian events.” Anytime children who are in need she makes time to support. Ammaya Calhoun (Upcoming singer/actress) - “I lend support to events to help children.” Ammay has worked with Michelle Obama in Atlanta in 2011 on the “Let’s Move” campaign. Finola Hughes (Soap opera star) - “I love to watch the Oscars and participate in charitable events, too.” Finola supports charities that benefit children, particularly adoption. She has two adopted children of her own and will be hosting an event in May to benefit abused children. Suelyn Mederios (Brazilian cover model) - “I participate in charities that benefit children.” Suelyn has a clothing line called Bomb. It is Brazilian inspired sexy grown lounge wear and evening gowns. Ariane Bellamar (Actress and Model) - “I love to support charity events that benefit children.” Ariane is involved in an organization, called Peace Over Violence that helps victims of domestic abuse. Isiah and Lynn Thomas - “I consider this one of the best awards of recognition.” Isiah and his lovely wife became involved in organizations that support education and youth against violence.
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Currently, he is working with the city of Chicago’s Park District to construct basketball courts. He credits his wife for being his backbone as he says, “I could not do any of this without her support.” Mrs. Lynn Thomas is a lovely woman. They were both very gracious. And our Mrs. Thomas exudes a strong and quiet confidence. It is displayed in her posture and eyes.
Daphna Ziman: Founder & Chairman of Children Uniting Nation
Sandra Vidal (Actress) - “I support this great cause.” Sandra helps with “Best Buddies,” an organization that helps those with mental disabilities. They pursue bike rides to raise funds and awareness. Daphne Wayans (VH1, Hollywood Access) - “I’m good friends with founder Daphna Ziman and lends support whenever I’m asked to.” Daphne also supports Will & Jada Smith’s “Keep a Child Alive” and Alicia Keyes “New Village Learning Academy”. Rolanda Watts (Announcer of the Judge Joe Brown Show) - “I like to come out to support good causes, and this event is definitely one of the good ones.” Rolanda also host’s her own radio show on Sunday’s, www.rolanda.com.
K
Photo: Daphne Wayans & Daphna Ziman
ind, loving and caring are some of the words that describe leading woman in the entertainment industry, Daphna Ziman, who has been the driving force behind the success of companies such as Cinemoi North America LLC., Unicorn Records and founder of her Los Angeles based organization Children Uniting Nations (CUN). She has utilized her organization to help save the lives of at-risk and foster youth.
Abraham McDonald (Musician, Ambassador of Children Uniting Nations) - “I have been a part of CUN for 3 years, which is dear to my heart as it helps youths that would otherwise not be given an opportunity to reach their potential.” Abraham also supports The Dreamland Foundation for the unsung heroes. During a recent interview, I had the opportunity to speak with her in Matt Nolan (Actor) - “I love supporting charitable organizations that help young people.” Matt’s most recent role was in the Academy Award winning film Argo. He has been a part of World Vision for over 20 years. It is an organization that works to help solve world hunger and diseases, such as Malaria. He and his wife spent their honeymoon in Ethiopia.
regards to the Children Uniting Nations 2013 Awards Celebration and Viewing Dinner, as well as the significant contribution that she has provided for our youth throughout the country. “I’m very excited that we are helping thousands of foster kids. We feel like we are actually helping children that have been abused, neglected and abandoned.” Over the past decade CUN has received the support of various
Wenwa Oranga (Ambassador of Kenya) - “I am celebrities and congressional leaders throughout the country, as very happy to support children organizations.” they have taken on a role to mentor and guide at-risk foster youth Beverly Todd (Actress) - “I am a dear friend of Dapna Zima and have been participating with CUN since its inception. It has helped hundreds and hundreds of children” Ms. Todd’s current project is an exciting documentary on the life of Mary Wilson of the Supremes.
in sports, academics and life mentoring. While continuing to expand her organization to help children, Ziman elaborates on what she finds most rewarding. “You know, when a child is born we gather in the miracle of creation. We wait to look into this child’s eyes, and when those child’s eyes open we see the hope of the world. The most exciting things for me is when I see hope in the eyes of children.”
Children Uniting Nations is a proactive Non-profit 501c(3) organization that focuses on advocacy/awareness and provides academic and community based programs for at-risk and foster youth. For more information visit: http://www.childrenunitingnations.org/
While living in an unforgiving environment, sometimes situations that occur in the life of at-risk youth can be devastating, leaving a child without a voice. As an author of The Gray Zone, inspired by Ziman rescuing her soon to be daughter from a homeless Consciousness Magazine 29
shelter, Ziman talks about the beginning stages of the healing process of a child after they’ve endured horrific conditions. “Well, you know first of all, it’s a community issue because [a large percentage] of all inmates in the penitentiary come from the child welfare system. Instead of helping children and educating them, supporting them into becoming contributing citizens, we tend to turn our back onto those children who have already been hurt, abused and abandoned by the wrong parents.” Ziman speaks on the importance of helping a child. “So, the most important thing to do is to start recognizing that they are children who are our future that has no one. Every single person has to start reaching out and helping one child… somebody….one caring adult who can focus on them and help them, and be there for them. When in life, everyone has a social responsibility and that responsibility would be greater if everyone looked after a child.” Honoring individuals, it seems as though it could be a difficult choice to make. However, it’s not complicated to do when individuals are doing amazing things from their heart. During the Children Uniting Nations 2013 Awards Celebration and viewing Dinner, Isiah Thomas, Roderick Sherwood and Marvin Markowitz are honored. “Isiah Thomas is a major Hall of Fame basketball player and spending his life focusing on these very children in the community. We’re proud of the fact that someone like him goes back and helps other children to become successful in whatever their talents are. But also the fact he’s just not talking about himself, he’s thinking about our future because our future is our children. Rod Sherwood, who was a major in Wall Street and somebody who really knows how to run major companies, and for him to take time to help a charity that helps children that’s the kind of intention we want to see. And Marvin Markowitz, he owns many businesses, restaurants and deli’s. Every year he comes to the Day of the Child and he literally feeds thousands of children’s. These children never get out like we do to restaurants, so the idea that someone is there for them to make their day special and feed them, makes everything that they don’t necessarily get every day, you know, it takes a very special person to do that. To focus on that does says “thank you!” Last year Metta World Peace was presented the Humanitarian Award for his outstanding achievements. Verbalizing on purpose, Ziman takes center stage. “I would like people to leave there understanding it’s their responsibility to at least help one child, to have somebody in their life who cares about them. I think every year we need to think about those children that have very much the same talents or better, who may never get that
chance to participate in Hollywood, because they don’t have access and they are even afraid to dream. Could you image if everyone was afraid to dream? There wouldn’t be anyone receiving any awards. Our children are afraid to dream because of the hopelessness that they are surrounded by,” she explains immensely. The 2013 Awards Celebration and Viewing Dinner presented an immaculate roster of guests who were in support of the betterment of the youth. Also, Ziman has been a success in the film industry as a writer, producer and director, as her track record includes developing multiple films for CBS and so on. Diligent and persistent with her belief, she eventually becomes known throughout Hollywood, as well as internationally known. “I’m just proud of Hollywood for focusing on those movies and yester year that may have been called independent type of movies, and for celebrating those people that are courageous enough to take issues and stories that would not have been considered in Hollywood. So when you see movies that actually mean something and you see that Hollywood has allowed people into an arena that focuses of quality again, then there’s a lot to celebrate,” happily says Ziman.
For more information about Children Uniting Nations visit www.childrenunitingnations.org
----------------------------------------------------------Interviewed and Written by Aaron Robinson Photos: Kevin Jones
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Isiah Thomas
Receives Lifetime Humanitarian Award
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Photo: Lynn Thomas & Isiah Thomas
or the many years that NBA legend Isiah Thomas entered arenas across the country, deep inside he knew that he had to be a champion on and off the court. On the basketball court he became a 2x NBA Champion during the years of 1989 and 1990, earning a great amount of achievement and recognition throughout his career. Off the court he had a passion for giving back to at-risk, economically disadvantaged and underprivileged youth, leaving a legacy behind as a community hero. I had the opportunity to speak to the NBA Hall of Famer. He received the Lifetime Humanitarian Award for the Children Uniting Nations 2013 Awards Celebration and viewing Dinner. “It’s a great honor, not only is it a great honor, it’s one of those honors that was totally unexpected. You always go out in the community and you try to do good things for others and you’re never looking to be honored for the things that you do. But it’s nice that we are being recognized for the work that’s done,” proudly says Thomas. Over the years, Thomas has received a vast amount of awards for his philanthropic work; he emphasizes how this particular award is different. “A great majority of them [awards] has been about sports. What I was always taught is what my mother and father always preached, inside the household was, which to try to use the sports platform to go out and help others and to better their lives and changes lives within the community.” Thomas continues to converse on the subject of changing lives, as well as the significance and importance of his relevance of the Lifetime Humanitarian Award. “Being awarded for actually effectively changing peoples lives as oppose to entertaining them makes a huge difference. It’s definitely the type of award you want to receive because of better
humanity,” calmly says Thomas. Recently, Thomas has had a career of coaching for teams such as the Indiana Pacers, New York Knicks and Florida International University (NCAA). With a great quality of success, he never forgets where he comes from. “Every day, every inkling day of my life I reflect back to Chicago and the things and lessons that I learned growing up on the Westside of Chicago, [those] are the things that I carry with me today in terms of values ,the educational belief and the community that I came from. Although we were very poor and poverty was rampant running throughout the community, social conscious at that time has proven to the community and our family of becoming educated, and I live that today.” Isiah Thomas’ foundation, Mary’s Court Foundation (established in 2010), has provided students with paid tuition as well as scholarships to attend college. He talks excited about the inspiration of the foundation that has been a blessing and has made such a tremendous impact on so many people’s lives. “It’s basically honoring my mothers work…her lifelong work. My mother’s name is Mary Thomas. A street was named after her in Chicago for all of the community work she was doing in the neighborhood. And being her devoted son, I wanted to continue her work and continue to help others, not only in the community and the Westside of Chicago but the communities throughout the world.” In the future, Thomas is looking to expect new and exciting things to happen with his foundation as he continues to work with municipalities in different cities. He has teamed up with the Chicago mayor, Rahm Emanuel in regards to helping combat the teen violence. He talks briefly, discussing the importance of education,
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while giving advice for at-risk and underprivileged youth. “Stay connected to the educational system and you’ll have a chance to be successful. The ground is spelled out and it’s spelled out pretty specific and plainly; grade school, high school, college, graduate, get employment and enter into the workforce.” Unfortunately, there are those who fall by the wayside or stray away from the educational system. Thomas discusses the reality of those situations. “There are some of them who would try to shortcut that and that’s when you get into criminal activity. I do not believe that sports and entertainment glamorized is the way out of poverty. Now, there are some of us who has benefited from sports and entertainment; those are few and far between. There are more lawyers and doctors and journalists who are much more successful through the educational system than we have been to the sports and entertainment.” Collectively, Thomas expresses his thoughts and illustrates his deepest support to others. He applauds those who have similar backgrounds as he once had as a youth, as they overcame abject poverty and challenging moments that many may have endured while living in underprivileged areas. “The more we can talk to all youth about some of the things that you’ve gone through and how we come out of that poverty stricken environment, I think those stories are important. You know basketball is a physical platform, but it’s not the only way to be successful.” Sincere about the well-being of our youth’s future, Thomas closes by sharing top-shelf MVP advice. “Our kids are worth saving, and they’re worth fighting for and they’re worth being invested of time. If you can’t give intuitive, give them your time, having conversations and being strong mentors. You have no idea how much you’re helping that kid just by being their present and not necessarily just writing a check and hoping that someone else could show them.” -------------------------------------------------------Interviewed and Written by Aaron Robinson Photo: Kevin Jones
Roderick Sherwood Receives Corporate Excellence Award
Photo: Daphna Ziman & Rod Sherwood
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or many decades, Rod Sherwood has been a highly dynamic force behind some of the largest companies in the world, being the driving growth to many of their successes. His background consists of serving on the DIRECTV Executive Committee, Senior VP for Gateway, and Chairman and CEO of Cinemoi North America. With numerous honors in his life, Roderick was also honored for his work at the Children Uniting Nations 2013 Awards Celebration and Viewing Dinner, receiving a Corporate Excellence Award for all of his contributions and time put forward for our youth of tomorrow. I had the pleasure of speaking to Roderick Sherwood in regards to him receiving this magnificent award. He demonstrates his gratification and passion for the youth and for Children Uniting Nations (CUN). “The key thing is I just wanted to support Children Uniting Nations. Last year and at the beginning of this year we made sure that we continued to serve all of our needed children. I think the mentoring program that Children Uniting Nations does, as well as offering community sports program are key to disadvantaged youth having a much higher graduation rate in high school.” Rod expresses his contribution to CUN. “It’s central for foster care and I just want to be there to help see and provide that service to the communities. I just think that’s the primary reason that I’m being awarded. It means a great deal to me.” Roderick Sherwood is the Chairman and CEO of Cinemoi North America, a media channel that provides programming
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that has conscious content to uplift individuals. He discusses how this company has had a connection to CUN. “Obvious our role at Cinemoi, we have some joint events with CUN, who has been a factor in terms of providing corporate support as far as the charity events are concerned. I think it’s very important for corporate to stand up to be counted. It really makes a difference in the community as in terms of positive social changes and making sure that the foster care youth or the disadvantaged youth are watched out for in proper education,” clearly expresses Roderick. Having an education in management, and graduating with high honors from Harvard Graduate School of Business and Stanford University, the master-minded business executive shares some typical advice for individuals who are looking to run a successful business. “Well I think it’s important to understand the key driving point behind a company. First, have a very clear sense of priorities and have them in sequence. Don’t try to do everything at once, but definitely drive forward; then understand what untimely makes a difference in terms of success, whether it is programming content, marketing or promotions of the various programs.” As a big supporter of Daphna Ziman, founder of Children Uniting Nations. Mr. Sherwood speaks on their collaborations and future collaborations in the
future. “I think the channel itself is a tremendous source of collaborations. That collaboration will continue on as we expand on to international areas, per say, over time. Some other things we will be looking at in the future would be possibly either a film distribution company or other potential channels.” Excited to get the word out to the people in regards to the 2013 Children Uniting Nations 2013 Awards Celebration and Viewing Dinner, Roderick Sherwood continues to share his grand support. As a candidate, to being rewarded, he expresses the anticipation of the community, in hopes that they persist on showing their support for such a wonderful event. “[I look forward to] everyone in the community, both business community and the entertainment community, being together really supporting both the Oscar events for Children Uniting Nations as well as those future events as they venture into those schools,” articulates Roderick. He voices his last thought. “At the end it makes a difference between life, a happy life and not so good or positive outcome. [We saw] how the community as a whole opened up their heart and their financial support for Children Uniting Nations and really helped put time forth for their future.” ----------------------------------------------------------------Interviewed and Written by Aaron Robinson Photo: Kevin Jones
Bill Duke: Legendary Actor and Film Producer (Exclusive Interview...continues from page 17)
are trying our best to do whatever we can to not just have a film, but to have a movement in the sense that some of these young people who are suffering today will have a voice. EH: I think what you’re doing is just absolutely wonderful, because it shows that somebody cares enough to try and make them realize that “You are somebody!” BD: I think you’re right on target, because when you don’t have self-value and self-worth, it’s hard to pass it on to your children. Again, I think media is a very important tool, so we have to start reinstalling these values of worth and let people know that God did not make mistakes. Whether we’re light skinned, dark skinned,
yellow, brown or whatever, it makes no difference because you are a product of our creator. EH: I feel I know now why you chose this particular mission Bill that I also feel was just for you. BD: I’m appreciative of your support and we’re trying our best to get the message out there. Thanks for your help! We think it’s a viable important message. We just have to make sure that the children, women and young men know that someone cares about them out here, and to remind them of their value. Read Full interview at http://www.consciousnessmagazine.com/BillDuke.html
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Interviewed and written by Aaron Robinson-Editor
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osigned by DJ Khaled, it is evident that Goldhands is not only living his dream as a producer, but has grown to a phenomenal level of success, earning a respected reputation as a talented and gifted producer. As a native of Italy, it wasn’t always an easy task for Goldhands, who eventually rose to have an international name. At the age of 12, when the harsh and rough street life tried to conquer the future chart topping producer and his family, he continued to excel and concentrated on his love for music, which became his escapism out of an unsympathetic lifestyle. With the determination and drive, today, countless fans now witness Italy’s most talented beat maker. Goldhands’ sounds of music are like no other, as he progressively set the standard in the game. He has toured Consciousness Magazine 34
throughout Europe and the United States working and collaborating with various rappers and R&B singers. I had the privilege to interview Goldhands, as he assembles his dynasty and creates a legacy. Here is what the future next greatest producer shared with Consciousness Magazine. Aaron Robinson: Having a love to produce music at a young age, what were some of the frustrations that you dealt with while being persistent to make a global name for yourself? Goldhands: I dealt with a few frustrations while trying to pursue my dream of becoming a music producer. Some struggles were dropping out of school and living the street life of selling drugs to try to make a living. Another frustration was producing music and not being noticed. I have been doing this for years and it takes a lot of hard work and determination to make a
name for yourself. Another frustration was trying to make a name for myself from Italy to America. So, then I began learning the language and shall I say the rest is history, because as you can see, I have made my dream come true. Aaron: America hip hop artist sometimes seem to be separated by coast or area when it comes to sound. Being from Italy, how did you captivate the language or history in order to grasp the attention of well-known rappers, etc.? Goldhands: I just stood true to my roots of loving music and I realized there is no separation to sound. I believe that I captivated hip hop artist because my music speaks for itself. It doesn’t matter where you are from or what language you speak, because music is universal. Aaron: To be a successful music producer takes a great amount of effort. For those who don’t know, briefly tell us what a typical working day is like for you? Goldhands: That is true that being a successful music producer takes a great amount of effort. A day in the life of Goldhands is always on the grind. My day starts off pretty early and it ends pretty late. In my normal work day it consists of working on music, being in the studio, working on melodies and reaching out to my fans. I always like to say I live the vampire life because I’m always working. Aaron: You overcame the harsh reality of the street life. Unfortunately, many youth as well as adults partake in or glamorize that lifestyle. What would you share with those who are presently where you once were, however looking for a way out? Goldhands: I would tell them that the street life can only last for so long until there is no way out. I believe that people have to want to change their life in order to actually leave that street life behind them. I left that life behind because I wanted to focus on my music and I wanted no unnecessary distractions. Aaron: What words of encouragement would you give to up-and-coming producers and artist who are grinding persistently, looking for that big break? Goldhands: The encouragement or advice that I would give to up-and-coming producers would be to always remain persistent on your grind. Make sure that you never give up because you don’t get the answer you are looking for. Just because one person doesn’t believe in you or like your music doesn’t mean no one
else would. Just keep on your grind twenty four hours, 7 days a week, and give it all you got. Aaron: What was your reaction like when DJ Khaled cosigned you? Goldhands: DJ Khaled is one of the biggest people
“
Always remain persistent on your grind. Make sure that you never give up.
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in the game and for him to recognize my sound and showing me some love was a blessing. I would like to send a shout out to, We The Best, Def Jam, YMCMB and the EMPIRE MMG. Aaron: Can we expect any new or up-and-coming projects from you in the near future? Goldhands: Right now I’m working on a project with my partner Quise (signed under MMG), he’s about to drop his album called “TUNNEL VISION” featuring a lot of artists from the MMG camp. Be on the lookout for that project, I produced the majority of the tracks. I’m also working on other singles that I can’t discuss, just be on the lookout for them. Aaron: Would you like to share anything that we haven’t covered before we close the interview? Goldhands: I only would like to say that I appreciate all of the support that I receive from my family, my friends and my fans. Thank you for taking the time out to interview me. Follow me on twitter at Goldhands and instagram at Goldhands, and stay tuned at my new website www.officialgoldhands.com. Aaron: Goldhands, thank you so much for taking out the time to pursue this interview.
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Interviewed and written by Tocarra Eldridge te_rp@yahoo.com
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eading his team to two regional championships while playing at Mountain State University in West Virginia, it was evident Paul “Tiny” Sturgess was destined to become a professional basketball player. Standing 7 feet, 8 inches, blending in with skylines of every major city, Tiny demonstrates that he can not only dunk and shoot the ball, however, he also demonstrates successful performances while playing with the iconic team that we all know as the Harlem Globetrotters.
ball player was probably possible. Things worked out pretty good for me.
When not playing the game of basketball, one may catch Tiny swimming, golfing, or playing the sport of soccer. I had the opportunity to catch up with the Loughborough, England native who wears a size 20 in shoe size. Here is what Tiny had to say.
TE: Guinness’s World Records recorded you as being the world’s tallest professional basketball player. How does that feel to go down in history? Tiny: That’s pretty cool to be recognized in something like that. Not many people get the chance to be in the Guinness World Records. So, I’m definitely honored to have that recognition! Hopefully I can break a couple more records one day.
TE: How was life for you growing up in Loughborough, England? Tiny: It was normal. I don’t really know how to describe it. I was just normal. I always had a good group of friends surrounding me and a supportive family. I was just an average kid who grew up a little bit faster than everyone else around me. (laugh) TE: What inspired you in wanting to become a professional basketball player? Tiny: When I was a little bit taller, I started playing basketball. Then I pursued a basketball scholarship over here [United States]. Once I got that [scholarship], that’s when I pursued my dreams to become a professional basketball player. I knew that I created a lot of attention, and I knew that being a professional basket-
TE: Being 7 feet, 8 inches, what type of attention do you receive on a regular basis? Tiny: I get attention all the time. I can’t walk down the street without people looking at me or speaking to me. Literally everything I do…people want to take pictures with me.
TE: You’re usually involved in community events that empower the youth. What kind of gratification is that like for you? Tiny: It’s awesome! Going to the schools is the best part of the job. We’re currently undergoing a program right now where we’re going to schools all over the country. It’s called the ABC’s of Bullying Prevention. It’s great to be able to put across a serious message, but in a fun way. Being a role model for the kids is definitely something that I enjoy. TE: What advice would you give the youth who want to become a professional basketball player? Tiny: It’s just the standards. As long as they work hard, believe in their dreams and surround themselves with positive people, anything is possible. They have to work hard and definitely remain positive. Like I said, the people around them need to have similar dreams and a good attitude. TE: Would you like to add anything else before we close the interview? Tiny: Just that we’re looking forward to coming here in Chicago at the end of the month. This is my first time here, this time, so I’m looking forward to coming back. TE: Thank you so much for your time Tiny! Tiny: No problem. Thank you!
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Interviewed and written by Aaron Robinson-Editor
R
ising star B Howard is definitely a music prodigy who has made a transition from an accomplished record producer to a successful recording artist. The talented music mastermind takes his gift global, giving listeners a sound that is unforgettable.
Howard, and various media rumors of the late Michael Jackson being his father, the extraordinary talent is confident in his future as an artist. In 2010 his album GENESIS debuted, as he quickly became an international star for the Asian Pop Music scene.
B Howard has come a long way since the age of 6, playing on a shoe box with a pair of drumsticks to having an amazing vocal and dance energy unlike any other artist of today. Inspired by music greats and artist such as Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra, the self taught keyboardist knew that it was destined to fulfill his calling as a musician. Artists he has worked with include individuals such as Ne-Yo, Trey Songz and international superstar Kumi Koda just to name a few, while having immense pride in his company, 6 Point Entertainment, with partner Jonnie Forster.
I had the opportunity to interview B Howard in regards to his inspiration and passion for creating music. Here is what the humble artist had to share with the Consciousness Magazine readers.
Creating a name for himself outside of his mother Miki
Aaron Robinson: Tell us a little about the talented individual we know as B Howard? B Howard: I wish I could say I’m just a normal average guy but, that would be a lie. I’ve never had a “real job” besides music and since I’ve been a teenager, I’ve been able to support myself and not be dependent on anything or anyone besides music. Despite having a home to go to, I stayed in studios, slept on couches for years so I
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could grow as a musician, vocalist and producer which all helped get me ready to share my musical gifts with the world. Stepping into the forefront of my musical creations, I now understand the artist-fan relationship directly and it’s powerful and that’s what fuels me now. Aaron: Outside of being self-taught, were there any other ways that you empowered yourself to perfect your craft as an artist? B Howard: Well, I simply feel music... at times I feel like music is what I am. It flows through so naturally, without disturbance and I always want to get better. I see all the greats around, watching them on Turner Classic Movies (my fav channel) and reading about them in history inspires me and I’d like for them to look at me one day and say... GOOD JOB! Aaron: You toured as an artist in Japan. Is there a challenge making a transition from an International audience to being recognized as an artist in the United States? B Howard: It’s not a hard transition at all. If you look at music- the universal language, it has to do with people. It’s surprising to me that when I go to Asia to record, I’m featured on Asian artists’ songs singing in English. The videos, interviews, and performances out there helped fans discover me here in the States and it just goes to show that there’s no rules on how to build your career. Go to where your audience is, get their respect, and then go to the next market and soon, the fanbase will start connecting all over the world – if they like you. I was thankful to have some early fans here in the States like MTV, Allhiphop.com, Concrete Loop and ?uestlove from The Roots. They all let me share their platform and for that, I will always be thankful. Aaron: You are also a businessman, owning the company 6 Point Entertainment with industry veteran Jonnie Forster. What type of venture has that been for you? B Howard: As a business person, it’s interesting to be involved in everything. You never know where most stuff goes. Having Jonnie there, because he’s got experience from working inside the major label system, collectively we have an edge and it makes the most sense for my individual career. Aaron: Being a “Child of the Industry”, did you feel self-compelled to partake in the music industry or was it by free will? B Howard: If everyone in your family and all those around you are doctors or mechanics, you’re most likely going to become one too. Music is all around me and that’s what I’m about. It was my own will and there
have been many bumps in the road, but this is my path. Aaron: In one of your past interviews it stated that your song “Dancefloor” has drawn comparison to the late Michael Jackson. How does it feel to be compared to a legend? B Howard: I’m fortunate that the Jacksons helped shape me as an artist and a man. Michael will always be an influence on me. How can he not. He is the greatest artist the world has ever seen. His impact on the world was felt by many generations. I hope to make all the Jackson’s proud by realizing my own potential. I’m happy that they are there rooting for me.
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Never be afraid to listen to somebody who has done it. Go for it. Aaron: Very talented you are, definitely! How do you stay humble and in good-spirit being in such an industry that could be so vicious and cold-hearted? B Howard: I don’t see it as a thing of staying humble, I think it’s just being who you are. There’s so many great people out there that have not been heard and I reflect on that and having the opportunity to be heard is something I respect and appreciate. I’m very thankful. Aaron: Having some of the world’s greatest artist as your mentors, friends and associates, what advice would you share with aspiring producers and artist who are looking to be successful in the music industry? B Howard: Never be afraid to listen to somebody who has done it. Go for it. Aaron: I thank Tanay Jackson for reaching out to you to pursue this interview and I thank you and Jonnie as well. Would you like to add anything before we close? B Howard: I’m working on a few songs I’m recording. With these songs, I’m making sure they are the best songs that everybody would enjoy that would be great for the radio and great for the clubs, songs that people will have fun with. Look for music to be released here in the States, Africa, Europe, and Asia real soon! Aaron: B Howard, I thank you so much for this interview. I mean that! B Howard: Thank you as well!
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Interviewed & written by Hector De La Rosa @11journ_list
T
wenty years in the music industry and one would presuppose any solo act/ band/ duo/ group would retire or without doubt give up on their careers after experiencing turmoil. It is not the case with the legendary hip-hop group The Pharcyde. This group known for their resilience from personal strains that cause original members to disband (making resentment an emotion kept under the carpet without resurfacing), finally break their silence. A reunion was much anticipated and a tour was formed in celebration of their 20th anniversary debut classic Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde. An interview with The Pharcyde was not so much the focus on their artistry or on the upcoming sequel to their classic debut. It was more centered on the genre of hip-hop. “I feel hip-hop has [evolved]. It has changed so much since we first came up,” adds the distinctive group member Fatlip. He emphasized technology such as the Internet not only revolutionized the genre but also marked a dent, exhausting the music industry of profit. “People no longer pay for music.” Fatlip in blank stare utters, “The record label we signed to [forecast] what would be the shake up of the music industry. I wish [the label] could have warned us.” Without being informed, “we as artists have to hustle hard. Technology took the industry to a time when artists had to get on the chitlin circuit and grind. Usually an artist would work on perfecting their craft or promoting that one single.” A positive outlook on the Internet as an important resource balances the displeasure of it. “I feel there is more creativity in hip-hop and audiences do not have to accept anything a record label pushes. They dictate to artists and labels what they want by telling them what is [hot and wack],” reveals an enthusiastic Fatlip.
Another theme concerning how the genre transformed is the minstrelsy adopted by hip-hop artists. Fatlip expresses, “There is a thin line between expressing yourself and not being afraid of putting yourself out there. I feel it is alright for artists to make party records.” Fatlip feels these records are solely for entertainment purposes. “I feel artists should have an option to talk about whatever they want to convey [in their rhymes].” Prolific producer J-Swift inserts, “As long as the public can differentiate the difference between art and reality.” Fatlip continues, “I would not rely on obtaining my knowledge from media such as MTV, BET, and Clear Channel. Hip-hop should be viewed nothing more than [a form of] escapism.” Though, the Pharcyde as a collective feel they have a social responsibility as hip-hop artists in their artistry and music. “People need to inform themselves that hip-hop did not start from corporate,” declares J-Swift. “It is a product of the ghetto,” stressed the insightful SlimKid3. He continues, “Soon as corporations caught on to how to make a profit from the genre, they [bastardized] it [bereft of a social message].” Therefore, “we as a society must be accountable for our actions. Responsibility starts with us and within our homes. We can complain about hip-hop holding back our society, youth, [foremost] culture, but the industry does not give a f--k.” Frustration abrupt. “It is crazy because this same industry, technology, and destructive content are breaking families apart. I view this [notion] as the invisible prism,” explains SlimKid3. The forces of entertainment cannot bribe The Pharcyde living up to their integrity. Fatlip jokingly pronounce, “I may be broke but I’m humble.” If asked if the group would have a reality show if a major broadcast network negotiates a deal with the group, the straight-face Fatlip gives a flat out “Hell No!”
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Interviewed & written by Hector De La Rosa @11journ_list
“N
othing is impressive concerning the entertainment industry,” states the talented Gary, Indiana native and actor William L. Johnson. The musician and filmmaker with an impressive resume and talent speak from the heart. “The entertainment spectrum has a negative influence on our culture. Media contains destructive images that get into our psyche. It’s unfortunate!” The images processed, “allow us to become the very things we gravitate to.” Largely, the youth “who live in broken households and deprived [communities] fall victim to oppression.” Johnson wishes music, television, and films would be a bit more entertaining providing an educational value. “These mediums are extremely explicit leaving little to no imagination.” As a father who lives a conscious lifestyle realizes, “entertainment [contributes] to societal problems such as the increase in teenage pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and youth violence.” His responsibility as a parent is to teach his child how to differentiate the difference between reality and the perception of reality. “Without parental guidance, a child can be easily misled.” Johnson suggests love and family are important to any child to become a productive citizen to society. “It is imperative to have both parents involved in that child’s life if possible. A child needs a strong family that shows unconditional love in order for he or she to nurture and grow.” If parents do not support or love their children, “they will depend on media to define whom they are or will get the attention somewhere else.” As a mentor, “it feels great to be an encouragement to those [uninspired] and ill-advised. It is essential to
motivate people; teaching them the things they should and should not do.” Johnson proposes, “mentorship facilitates people including the youth to do better in creating a dynamic future.” He advises upcoming talent foremost youth to “create your own avenues and surround yourselves with people that are doing what you love to do.” He emphasizes, “never lose your life to drugs, alcohol, and other illegal activities that deter you from making progress and great strides. Be yourself and always elevate!”
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Create your own avenues and surround yourselves with people that are doing what you love to do.
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Being aware of his surroundings cautions him on taking on stereotypical roles in film. “I like roles that have a certain edge to them,” states the peculiar gentleman. “I like to play characters demonstrating versatility perhaps a biopic of a boxer or be in a [martial arts] film.” The Blue Hill Avenue actor selects his roles demonstrating positivity. “I look and treat characters in films as individuals and not as objects of manipulation the way [Hollywood] treats actors especially of color.” William L. Johnson wants “audiences to remember the diversity he brings in roles and in films. I want to provoke audiences emotional chord when they view my various roles in movies and short films I’m featured.” He wants audiences to be in awe with his performance. “My overall goal is to create classic films. I ultimately want to be remembered for my positive contributions in all art forms [foremost] society.”
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REVIEWS Author: Rob Redding
Selection: Not a Nonviolent Negro: How I Survived Obama Many may say that veteran writer and radio host Rob Redding’s new book release “Not a Nonviolent Negro: How I Survived Obama” is ‘controversy’, and many may say ‘It’s the truth.’ “Not a Nonviolent Negro: How I Survived Obama” is a written composition consumed with extreme meaning, highlighting Redding’s boldness, confidence and honesty. In this attention-grabber and profound new release, Redding claims to be independent, not for the Democratic or Republican Party. He goes out on the limb not compromising his voice. The courageous author expresses his views and opinions arousing the concern and cover-ups of the Obama administration, suggesting that Obama is not for the black businesses or communities, suggesting he is in the White House while American people are in the outhouse. Redding’s emphasizes how blacks praise the president,
failing to realize that he’s not for their best interest, as black and white issues continue to occur on the regular; however, not being publicized in incomprehensible behavior. Of these concerns, a breath taking read, Redding elaborates on the matters many tend to hide or wishes not to believe as their post slavery trauma kicks in. With credible research essential to Redding’s message, he does not suppress that fact that he is a Naught Negro, bringing forth topics of people in power who receive perks and accolades. Many times, these individuals do not want to risk losing what they have, so they avoid talking about their racial or prejudice encounters which possibly could have been beneficial to other lives. “Not a Nonviolent Negro: How I Survived Obama” is definitely ground-breaking; a modern blueprint to fearless literature. Rating: Conscious: 4 out of 5 ratings
Video: Jackson Five: The Complete Animated Series Jackson Five: The Complete Animated Series is now available for the first time on DVD/Blu-ray packages through Dream Works Classics, formerly known as Classic Media. Fans of this clever and creative cartoon series that ran Saturday mornings on ABC during the years of 1971 to 1972 can enjoy all of their favorite episodes of Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael as they take you on various adventures throughout their adolescent years while on tour. It’s no doubt that this complete animated series is considered to be a classic, which
includes 23 full-length episodes along with 46 original re-mastered songs. Some of the hits are as follows: ABC, I’ll Be There, I Want You Back and The Love You Save. Inside the package includes a list of episodes of Americas most popular music family group. Jackson Five: The Complete Animated Series is developed by Motown Productions, animated by the British company Halas and Batchelor, and Rankin/Bass Productions. Purchase your copy today! Rating: Conscious: 4.5 out of 5 ratings
Parental Advisory: Views and opinions expressed in album, book or movie reviews within this publication reflect the opinion of their respective author and do not necessarily represent those of the publisher and editors.
Know Your Rights!
Education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. It shall promote
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understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations, racial or religious groups, and shall further the activities of the United Nations for the maintenance of peace.
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LATEST TECHNOLOGY
In today’s society, trends that celebrities set are expanding in a constantly growing world, leaving consumers to make decisions to likely purchase products endorsed by their favorite celebrity. Whether clothing, shoes or wearing the latest hairstyle, many fans are eager to follow the latest trends and keep up with the latest happenings that occur in this day and age, in hopes to have a connection with famous individuals. Now, you can keep up with the watches that your favorite celebrity wears due to finestwathes.com releasing a new iPhone app that displays the watches that they wear. Some of the celebrities spotted wearing their favorite watches are Brad Pitt wearing a Rolex Submariner, Jennifer Aniston wearing a Rolex Day-Date President, and Leonardo Dicaprio wearing a Master Minute Repeater, just to name a few.
This new app is rapidly morphing into a celebrity trend spotting tool, which was developed as a helpful tool when shopping for a rare timepiece or to learn more about the highend collectible watches. The Apple iPhone app was released by Finest Watches, a retailer and wholesaler based in Encino, California, known as a “go to” company for its high-end timepieces. The iPhone app contains not only a catalog of the company’s high-end watch offerings, nonetheless, displays celebrity photos beneath the watches owned by the celebrities. Other features of the Finestwatches. com iPhone app include: information and pricing on high-end watch brands, a Horology Blog covering a wide range of topics ranging from exciting innovations in watch making to other related watch business news, and pictures of watches with descriptions and features display. Download the iPhone app for free at www. tunes.apple.com.
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