Edition - 2016 Vol. 12 Issue 5
Feature Contents
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06 A Conversation with Kimberly Chapman Meet the owner of Chapman Products and Sheen Magazine
08 Professional Racecar Driver Nicolas Hamilton Sim Racing Changes the Life of a Young Man with Cerebral Palsy
10 Grammy-Award winning rapper Krayzie Bone
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony member speaks about health & new projects
13 Health: Dental Care for Poor Children 14 Businessman & Music Producer Mr. OTG The Day and Life of Mr. OTG [Exclusive Interview]
18 Rising Star Guy Nardulli Q&A
Aspiring actor on new roles and humble beginning
20 David “Dino” Wells Jr.
Honorary WBC World Champion discuss life and challenges
26 Infinite Inception 2: The Lost: Review pg
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Regular Content Just Thinking
By Dorothy Robinson
Life is full of surprises, happiness, heartaches and pain. Life is more important than you think it is. What you make of it… I could go on and on but I must stop there. And always remember, Life is no game. Take it serious not delirious
Cover Photo: MR. OTG
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04 Editor’s Page 05 Letters/ Awareness 09 Business/ Profile 09 Words of Encouragement 16 Technology / Arts and Culture 13 Health Solutions 20 Sports Community 22 Remembrance / Legends 26 Album-Book-Movie Review(s) 26 Know Your Rights Teen: College Spirit Section
Editor ’s Note :
CONSCIOUSNESS
Greatness
“Urban Inspiration”
STAFF
Founder & Editor Aaron Robinson
Senior Vice President Mozella Malone
Administrative Asst. Julia M. Robinson Josephine Robinson Consultant Frank Robinson Fred Robinson
Public Relations Marketing / Promotions A&M Marketing Group
Advertising Agency A&M Marketing Group MediaBids
Photographer
Sometimes in life we gain knowledge and wisdom from prior experiences or the trials-and-tribulations that we may have gone through, in order to strengthen us to become good or successful at our future endeavors, roles or our career.
A&M Marketing Group
My foray into the publishing business was after the last year of my undergrad studies during college. As the vision of publishing a magazine later set on my heart, I eventually had to take actions to pursue this calling. In order to do so, I had to use prior experiences, as well as knowledge and skills that I acquired from past endeavors, such as music and arts and failing at businesses that I tried to attempt. I entwined those past experiences with my new skills of graphic design, allowing me to paint a mental picture of the completed product that eventually came into a reality. Nonetheless, I had help along the way with remarkable people who believed and supported the vision.
Illustrator / Comics
In this edition of Consciousness Magazine, we will share with you individuals who have made significant transitions in their life while using their past experience that have molded them to become who they are today. Some of the things that they have experienced along their journey have made a positive difference not only in their lives, but also in others around the world. I thank the most high for putting me in a position to have crossed paths with such amazing and influential individuals, writers, contributors, artist, mentors, advisors, friends, associates, supporters, readers and everyone who has shown interest in this publication. I thank you all. Enjoy!
Graphic Design / Web Designer
A&M Marketing Group Eric Plaut
Proofreader
Tocarra Eldridge
Writers/Journalists
Tocarra Eldridge Dr. Shanessa Fenner Elder Lee M. Harris, Sr. Sirrocco Hogue Darnell Jodan Eric Plaut
Special Correspondent Russell Norman Hector De La Rosa
Reviews
Tocarra Eldridge Darnell Jordan Hector De La Rosa Aaron Robinson
Contributors
Dr. David Satcher
Special Thanks
Readers and Supporters
Aaron Robinson Founder & Editor
About Consciousness Magazine™
“Keeping our Pen on the Pulse of the Community” Consciousness Magazine “Urban Inspiration,” is committed to raising the level of consciousness of the residents in our community. The mission of Consciousness Magazine is to promote understanding, make a difference in society, touch hearts, as well as, emphasize positive celebrities and significant social figures through strong articles and compelling visuals. This publication embraces ethnicity and multicultural, in hopes of bringing different cultures together in peace and friendship. Consciousness Magazine 4
Views expressed by advertisers and/or press release are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Consciousness Magazine™. Consciousness Magazine™ will not be held responsible or liable for advertisers misinformation, misprints, or typographical errors, etc., herein contained. Consciousness Magazine™ requires that all advertisement be in compliance with all applicable laws and be truthful and not offensive or detrimental to individuals, groups, or businesses. Consciousness Magazine™ reserve the right to revise, delete, objectionable words or phrases, and refuse any advertising it deems unacceptable. Subscription rates; $24.00 per year (6 Issues) Consciousness Magazine™ ISSN:1553-5568 is published by Robinson Publishing, Inc. Postmaster: Send address Change and Subscription Orders to: P.O. Box 2496, Kankakee, Illinois 60901, Phone: (312) 715-7884 Email: info@consciousnessmagazine.com. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the Publisher. ©2016 Consciousness Magazine™. All Rights Reserved.
Coping with Diabetes I have learned so much by reading Dominique Wilkins’ article. I didn’t know that he was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes soon after his NBA career. He gives insight and so much knowledge on how to live a healthy life while living with diabetes. I thank you for this informative article. Toni Richardson New York
Living with Type 2 Diabetes NBA legend and NBA Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins is a great advocate when it comes to living with and battling diabetes. His interview was a great read. He gives valuable and insightful information on this disease. He also shares tips and has an informative guide out that he wrote that helps many to overcome and live with this disease. Alice Morgan Los Angeles
Positive Information Over the years, I have been a loyal reader of Consciousness Magazine. The articles, interviews and tips in this inspiring and empowering publication have inspired me throughout the years. Continue to release great information. In the present day, many people need positive and meaningful information. Sara Livingston Atlanta
A Great Read I really loved reading the article on Sounds of Blackness director Gary Hines and how he recaptured an overview on Prince’s life. I learned so much about him. I also enjoyed reading Maurice G. Smith’s interview. He is such a humble guy. Keep up the great work. Mitchell Parker Chicago
Write to us: We want to know what you’re thinking.
Send emails to info@consciousnessmagazine.com. Include your name, address, and telephone number. Letters may be edited for clarity and/or length. For Customer Service and Subscriptions visit us at www.consciousnessmagazine.com.
Consciousness Awareness:
Seattle Sutton “Beating Cancer”
Mrs. Sutton was diagnosed with breast cancer in November of 1999 by a routine mammogram. After consulting with her late husband, who was a physician, and her surgeon, Mrs. Sutton decided to undergo a modified radical mastectomy. She shares her initial reaction after her cancer was discovered and diagnosed. “My first reaction was Oh No! I knew that I had to move forward quickly. In fact that same day a sonogram was done, and I was directed to my physician, plus a surgeon. Things moved very swiftly,” expresses Mrs. Sutton who was determined to fight and beat the battle of breast cancer. Mrs. Sutton’s strong support system was very vital to her treatment and recovery course. Her husband and three daughters were right by her side every step of the way, cheering her on throughout the entire process. Mrs. Sutton did very well as far as the modified radical mastectomy surgery was concerned. Soon after surgery she was given a choice to follow up with chemo therapy. No words can describe the fatigue and side effects in which chemo therapy brings. “I had a few doses of chemo and felt miserable!” She continues to speak. “My surgeon told me that he thought it was simply a bump in the road and that they think they removed all of the cancer. During the surgery they checked my lymph nodes and they were all clean. I ended up dropping the chemo therapy and going on Tamoxifen for 5 years,” genuinely says Mrs. Sutton. -By Tocarra Eldridge-
Written and interviewed by Dr. Shanessa Fenner
“Someone You Should Know
K
imberly Chapman is the epitome of beauty, brains, and ambition. Having a successful hair care line, Chapman Products and Sheen Magazine keeps her busy these days. Let’s learn a little more about this Renaissance woman and how she manages it all. Dr. Shanessa Fenner: When did you first realize you wanted a magazine and a line of hair care products? Kimberly Chapman: I married William Chapman who had already started the hair care products so I just came in and made it better. He is the one who focuses on the products in preparing them with the ingredients and I deal with the management part. We have a great partnership. We started the magazine because I needed advertisement for the hair care products so I went to certain magazines and Essence was one of them and they wanted too much for the ads so I said to myself that I will do my own magazine and do my own ads. Dr. Shanessa Fenner: Tell me about the Chapman Foundation.
Kimberly Chapman: We started it because most of our clients are customers, barbers, or stylists. I wanted to give back to the barbers and stylists and help their children go to school to be barbers, stylists, or any occupation they want to become. We wanted to help those who are the main ingredients of our company. We give scholarships to beauty and barber schools. We also do an HBCU tour each year that starts in August and ends in October. Every year we go to visit HBCUs because we believe in them and we want to bring back the focus on them. I thoroughly enjoyed going to an HBCU and that is one of the best educations that you can have. I attended South Carolina State and it gave me more confidence in who I am and my people. We are great people. We have been told for so many years that we are less than but now I see a lot of us are changing that ideology that they have given us for so many years. Dr. Shanessa Fenner: Are there any current projects you are working on?
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Kimberly Chapman: We are working on a project all the time but right now we are coming up with an antiaging skin care line called Akura. We are preparing for the HBCU tour in August. In August we will be in Atlanta for the Bronner Brothers hair show displaying our products. Dr. Shanessa Fenner: What makes you get up in the morning? What motivates you? Kimberly Chapman: I try to believe that being spiritual is possible. I try to work on myself all day every day. I get up every day because I am not finished with my journey that I am continuously working on which is being a better Kim Chapman. What motivates me is knowing there is a purpose for me being here. I’ve learned that if it is hard and it takes a lot of effort then it is not worthy. I think that when God put you here if you are following his direction then life is easier. When you make those choices that go against him you will start to go through a lot of turmoil. Dr. Shanessa Fenner: What has been your biggest life lesson? Kimberly Chapman: My children. They teach me every day and I know that they have to go through their journey like I had to go through mine. I don’t want to see them hurt because I have been through certain things and I see them going through it and want to stop them and I can’t. Learning to be Mama and standing on the sideline is a lesson I have to learn.
Kimberly Chapman: I think I can write a book on that. It is a lot of stuff. I have learned that if you say you are going to do something, do it. Be a woman or a man of your word. If I expect something from someone they should in return be able to expect what I say to them. The commitment is everything unless you go in and have another conversation don’t just change things without communicating. Communication is very key. When it doesn’t work go ahead and eliminate the relationship without a problem. If it doesn’t work you have got to go. Dr. Shanessa Fenner: What is the single most important thing to you? Kimberly Chapman: My good health. Dr. Shanessa Fenner: What kind of legacy would you like to have? Kimberly Chapman: That I was a good spirit, a woman of my word, and I cared and serviced people. Dr. Shanessa Fenner: Final thoughts? Kimberly Chapman: I just enjoy life and I think people should concern themselves mainly for being able to think and make sound decisions for themselves that will be a lifetime because you have to live your life as so you are making decisions just for the moment it may not be something that will be beneficial for you in years to come. Think and use your brain.
Dr. Shanessa Fenner: Who has been your mentor? Kimberly Chapman: Everybody has been my mentor. Everybody that I meet gives my something to take. I did not understand my mom but now that she has passed I thought that she should have been doing different things as a mother for me such as be there more. She was there less and I think if she had been there more I would not have been the person that I am now. My parents and my children have been mentors because I take a little bit of everybody with me. Dr. Shanessa Fenner: What is the one thing that people would be surprised to know about you? Kimberly Chapman: That I am shy. I like being by myself and just being alone. Dr. Shanessa Fenner: What have you learned in the process of building a business?
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Dr. Shanessa Fenner
Nicolas Hamilton: Inspired to Drive Interviewed and Written by Aaron Robinson – Editor
B
orn with cerebral palsy, young world-class professional race car driver Nicolas Hamilton would spend the majority of his early life in a wheelchair and was told that he would never be able to walk. Having a disability, along with enduring many challenges and obstacles in his life, Hamilton would eventually exchange his wheelchair for the cockpit of his specially modified race car. Today, Hamilton can be seen racing in man competitions and adds his voice on British TV for Formula One Broadcasting, the world’s most watched motorsport series. I had the opportunity to speak with Nicolas Hamilton about his amazing life, exciting professional career and his inspiring story concerning his newly released short film “Inspired to Drive.” Here is what he has to share. Aaron Robinson: You have accomplished a tremendous endeavor as a world-class professional race car driver. What type of gratification do you receive when you look over the course of your career of living your dream? Nicolas Hamilton: I didn’t definitely realize the magnitude of what I achieved until I sit here and sort of tell people about it in interviews. I really realized the mountain that I had to climb to overcome everything. In fact, at the start of my life, I was told that I would never walk - I would never talk. I can sit here now and say I’m a professional race car driver and race against athletes. It’s very phenomenal to be honest because I think that just in general life you don’t realize it because you’re always focused on improving
and reaching a goal - you don’t think to take the time to give yourself a pat on the back and realize what you have achieved already. Aaron: While working on your craft, you had the will power to stay persistent, determined, motivated, inspired and encouraged. What made you not want to give up on your dream as a world-class professional race car driver? Nicolas: The amount of obstacles I’ve had to overcome, just to walk, generally as a young child until now - the amount of times I was falling over, I was hurting myself, hitting my head, operations and all of these sort of things. I always had the determination to never give up and really focus on pushing myself to the best of my ability. I think I just used that mentally. I had to grow up and live. I used that mentality to move forward to what I wanted to do as a career. If it really wasn’t for my condition and the determination that I had to overcome to enjoy my life, then I wouldn’t be probably so dedicated to what I had to achieve in my career. [I give credit] to my family for really being dedicated to me -just to treat me normally and no different than anybody else. [I also give] credit to myself to go thru the pain, strains and struggles. It sort of makes you realize regardless of how hard things are sometimes. It may suck at the time and you might want to give up, but giving up is the easiest way out; it’s the easiest option. The harder you push, the greater the reward is eventually. Sometimes it just takes some time to get there. Aaron: Most individuals label disabled people as being disadvantaged and often times feel as though they are Continue on page 22
Photo: Nic Hamilton: (London office of Slightly Mad Studio where Nic consult on physics in the game) Consciousness Magazine 8
Business Profile
ROOT FOR A FEW UNDERDOGS Written by Eric Plaut
“An underdog is in a position to take a healthy bite” —Ted Seabrooke, Phillips Exeter Academy wrestling coach The late Ted Seabrooke seemed to have an answer for everything. As a former coach at this prestigious New Hampshire academy, his wrestlers tended to discuss everything under the sun with him. Whether good or bad, Ted would manage to say something positive to the boys including his above quote on underdogs. One of his protégés was John Irving, the future author of The World According to Garp and The Cider House Rules. (Irving’s stepfather Colin taught history at Exeter. John writes about his two passions—wrestling and writing—in his autobiography The Imaginary Girlfriend; Ted’s quote on underdogs is in this book.) An underdog tends to face difficulty at times. Only he or she knows they can see what they’re capable of—win or lose. Though it’s not their intention to buck the system, one tries to swim against the tide to see what they’re made of. Sometimes it’s the only way. The Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary defines an underdog as either a “loser or predicted loser in a struggle or contest” as well as a “victim of injustice or persecution”. Its origin dates back to 1887 (page 1363). So let’s dissect the word UNDERDOG. Breaking the word in two, let’s start with the word UNDER. Under tends to be below something. Like what for instance? In this case, it’s possibly below—or under—one’s expectations of somebody else. Under can also be part of mis-UNDER-stood when one is a then-unknown at the time. Also, one may not be willing to give them a chance. And now for the word that’s synonymous with “man’s best friend”: DOG. A dog is a very loving and noble animal. Our canine colleagues tend to be unbiased yet they possess many human emotions. Since being domesticated around the Fertile Crescent in Neolithic times, dogs and people have
relied on one another for centuries. Its most obvious reason is companionship. Dogs of all breeds—from German shepherds and Siberian huskies to pugs and beagles—have dominated paintings, books, television and film. Where would we be without those framed poker-playing pooches or dogs written within classic literature? We tend to tune in to dogs like Rin-Tin-Tin, Snoopy, Lassie, Toto and Ribsy to make our books and life more interesting!!! Underdogs tend to make life a lot more interesting for us, too. Believe me—this is NOT a Hollywood concept. Long before film became an art medium, adversity and struggle have been two things we face on a regular basis. Sometimes life can throw us a nasty curveball. But the higher you go, the more difficult life gets. Many underdogs refuse to run from their troubles. They know that they have everything to gain and nothing to lose. Underdogs just keep swinging at those curveballs, knowing that one of them might get hit over the backyard fence. Now back to Hollywood. There is a long list of films that tend to be about underdogs. This concept most notably applies to sports from Rudy and Hoosiers to The Rookie, Rocky and Miracle. My friend Mitch can attest to that! But there are forums other than the football field or the baseball diamond or the hockey rink where people tend to have the odds stacked against them. Other so-called “arenas” have included a job-search, the courtroom or even one’s health! Continue on page 12
Words-of-Encouragement
Inspirational Quote By Maurice G. Smith
You have to know yourself. Trust yourself. Believe in God! Have faith in it. Make sure you study your craft. Have things that you’re hoping for that you can always be excited about. Have goals. Have a plan. Stay humble; stay focused. Don’t give up.
(Excerpt taken from a prior interview with Consciousness Magazine.)
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Call 312-715-7884 or visit www.consciousnessmagazine.com Consciousness Magazine 9
Interviewed and Written by Aaron Robinson – Editor
Whenever hip hop is the subject of a conversation, Grammy Award-winning rapper Krayzie Bone would become the discussion of the dialog as being one of the only artists that has worked with 2Pac, Notorious Big, Big Pun and Eazy-E and selling out crowds around the world. Continuing to set himself apart from other artist by staying relevant in a much competitive industry for over 20 years, Krayzie Bone continues to surprise and excite his fans and listeners with his unique and distinctive harmonic rhyme flow. Recently, I had the pleasure again of speaking with the multiplatinum selling rapper of the legendary rap/hip hop group Bone Thugs-N-Harmony regarding his new projects, health issues and latest happenings. Here is what one of the greatest rappers of all times has to share with his fans and readers. Aaron Robinson: Yo Krayzie, how have you been?! Krayzie Bone: You know everything has been good! I have just been working...on the move. Aaron: Last time we spoke you released your album Chasing the Devil (Temptation) and the EP “The Quick Fix.” What’s been recently new with Krayzie Bone? Krayzie Bone: I’ve basically been busy with the Bizzy and Krayzie album. I’ve been on the road with Bone; I’m working
on a Volume II album Chasing the Devil, man just doing a lot of things....staying busy you know! I’m expanding the clothing line [The Life Apparel]. Things have been smooth! Aaron: Is Bone Thugs-N-Harmony on a world tour? Krayzie Bone: Yes definitely, the World Tour! Aaron: How has the project been going with the Bone ThugsN-Harmony album “E. 1999 Legends”? Krayzie Bone: That album hasn’t been released yet. We actually put that to the side. Actually, Bizzy Bone and I are working on a duet album right now. That’s the next Bone project that’s about to be coming out....with me and Bizzy. Aaron: There has been so many young guys making a quick name for themselves in the music industry. Many of them are around for a short period of time. How do you stay relevant in the industry? Krayzie Bone: Man, just staying true to what we do. We are never trying to be like anybody or trying to sound like anybody else. If you’re the first person that does something, you’re always going to be there with it, always. Aaron: You are featured on Z-Ro’s upcoming song “Since We Lost Y’all”. What was it like working with him?
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Krayzie Bone: Aw man! It was cool! I got the call, and he sent me the track. I’ve been knowing Z-Ro for a while. It was just that time to get it in and get something on wax. I’m glad we got together because the song is amazing. Aaron: It’s been 10 years since you all recorded the Thug Stories album in 2006. What made that album so unique and so special for you? Krayzie Bone: We actually did two of these albums like this at the same time where it just me, Wish and Lazy. And this one was a little bit undergoing because we didn’t have like a big budget. We got to go in and get on an underground level. That was the collabo, which was just us three. Aaron: Within some of your music, you share a lot of consciousness and uplifting lyrics about the music industry and life in general, as far as where you come from. Where did that positive influence come from? Krayzie Bone: Just from growing up. You know our parents being real spiritual. It was just the way we were brought up. We were always brought up to beware of what’s going on in the world, to be conscious, and to always be alert in life. Aaron: You are also a business man and run your own record label The Life Entertainment, as well as your own clothing line and store The Life Apparel. With family, business and so forth, what drives you and how do you stay focused and balanced? Krayzie Bone: You know, for one, my family drives me and my kids, the fans…just knowing that we inspire people ‘til this day. It’s really entertaining. That’s what drives me to still keep going on and still doing this. Forsho!!! Aaron: Do you have any advice or words-of-encouragement for those individuals who are looking to be successful as yourself? Krayzie Bone: I will tell them to make sure that they know this business, as well as the person that you are doing business with. You have to understand and know everything
that you’re getting yourself into. You have to understand the way that you are going to benefit from a situation and you have to understand how the other person is going to benefit from you. You have to be real smart about it and know your business. Aaron: I also have to ask you, what did you think of the movie “Straight Outta Compton”? Krayzie Bone: I think it was done very well. I think it was very accurate. I think a few scenes were over exaggerated. Overall, I think they got the whole essence of the story. Aaron: You came out open in public about your battle with the autoimmune disease called Sarcoidosis. How has your health been holding up? Krayzie Bone: You know man, it’s just something that happened. We go through stuff like this all the time. The whole thing is to try to stay as healthy as possible. If you want to live a long time, you just have to go to the doctor and get checkups and know what’s going on with yourself at all times. Aaron: Before we end the interview, would you like to add anything in closing? Krayzie Bone: I just want to thank the fans for supporting us with everything we with…looking for us, checking on us. Look out for some new music, it’s coming soon! Definitely, off the hook! Aaron: Thanks for your time Krayzie, I really appreciate this! Krayzie Bone: It’s all good bro!
Krayzie Bone Links: Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamKrayzieBone Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krayzie_bone
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ROOT FOR A FEW UNDERDOGS (Continues from page 9) In some instances though, the underdog doesn’t win. But he or she usually gains the respect and admiration of others due to their effort. Just ask anybody who’s watched the Division I Men’s Basketball tournament over the last decade. Spectators tend to look for underdogs like the Memphis Tigers and the Butler Bulldogs to be the spoiler and win it all—both teams each earned second place twice in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Finals. Some may want to start watching Men’s D-I hockey instead. Within the last five years, the Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs, Yale Bulldogs, Union Dutchmen and Providence Friars each won their first championship! (Boston College won its fifth title in 2012.) The job market can be a feat itself—not just for an underdog. There is usually one opening yet many applicants. I wish that I had the secret formula to land the right job or even get a foot in the door. I don’t. People get stoked when someone in their intended field will take the time to talk to them. Another option would be to talk with a career counselor, one who can understand what you’re going through and where your interests and studies are. Even better—make certain to have a strong support group of family and friends to get you through this trying time. Every little bit helps. Also, during this instance, take time
for yourself. There are volunteer programs around your area. Service organizations, churches and schools always tend to look for a few good volunteers. I myself have been thinking about volunteering at the Humane Society and walking dogs. So for all you underdogs out there, keep trying to look for that dream job and volunteer and continue to help others out there—and for all of your efforts, go and take that bow. Wow! AUTHOR’S NOTES Hang in there, people! A job tends to wait all of us out there. Take time for yourself, yet go and talk to a career counselor when you need to. Also, volunteering makes a big difference whether through a service club, church or your kid’s school. It beats sitting in front of a computer or television. So shut off the electronic devices—especially after nine P.M.—and make certain to ask a career counselor for help on the job search. Best of luck on the job search. Just remember to root for a few underdogs though only help out when you’re asked to. Also, neither Consciousness Magazine nor I will take any responsibility with another person’s job search. Please talk with a licensed professional on your career search and/or when you have any questions. Thank you.
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HEALTH Solutions
Dr. Satcher Warns States to Expand Access to Dental Care for Poor Children By Dr. David Satcher
Stephen Garrett Marcus, M.D
As states wrangle with whether or not to pursue Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act, they should look carefully at the serious implications for oral health, especially for poor and minority children if Medicaid services are not expanded as originally envisioned under the ACA.
Twelve years ago, as Surgeon General of the United States, I issued a report calling attention to the profound disparities in oral health care across the country. I called it a silent epidemic. Twelve years later, some progress has been made, and it is no longer silent – but for many across the country, it is still a serious epidemic causing pain and harm to millions of poor and minority children. For instance, data from Georgia exemplifies the challenges that poor and minority children face in getting access to appropriate dental care. In 2008, 15.9 percent of Georgians did not have health insurance and almost half – 41.5 percent – did not have dental insurance (Georgia Population Survey 2008). In 2007, visits to Georgia emergency rooms for preventable dental disease cost more than $23 million. The proportion of children with untreated tooth decay has dropped from 27 percent in 2005 to 19% in 2011, but that still means that close to a fifth of our state’s children suffer unnecessary pain and health risks for something that is truly preventable. The majority of these children are poor or minority or can’t see a dentist because of financial or geographic reasons. When I issued my report, tooth decay was the single most common chronic childhood disease – five times more common than asthma. It still is. There were striking disparities in dental disease across the country. There still are. Thirty-seven percent of African American children and 41 percent of Hispanic children have untreated tooth decay, compared with 25 percent of white children. More than 50 million Americans live in areas where dentists do not practice and millions more can’t gain access due to cost reasons. It is time to get serious and pursue the framework for action that I set forth in my 2000 report. All health care professionals need to understand that good oral health means more than sound
teeth. The mouth is really a window to the whole body. Oral health affects everything from the ability to speak, eat or smile. Poor oral health is linked to heart disease, stroke and other long-term illnesses. We need to engage other health professions in working to prevent oral disease. As a country, we have made great strides in prevention, particularly with fluoride and sealants. But many do not have regular access to a dentist or school-based programs that offer some preventive care. That is why it is critical to expand access by seeking innovation on a number of fronts: in oral health policies, how we train our providers, exploring the creation of new dental providers, and building a cadre of ethnically-diverse, culturally-competent dental practitioners, as well as expanding the reach of the dental team with other health care professionals. The country has a great opportunity to increase access to dental care under the ACA, which calls for extending oral health benefits to an additional five million children. Expansion of coverage, however, won’t translate into access to care if we don’t have enough providers to meet the need. Currently just 20 percent of practicing dentists treat Medicaid patients. The country has a great opportunity to increase access to dental care under the ACA, which calls for extending oral health benefits to an additional five million children. Expansion of coverage, however, won’t translate into access to care if we don’t have enough providers to meet the need. Currently just 20 percent of practicing dentists treat Medicaid patients. How can we provide services to an additional five million children? States should explore all options that could expand access to care, including allowing midlevel dental providers such as dental therapists to practice. They are trained to provide routine services, freeing up dentists to attend to more complicated procedures. These practitioners already work in Alaska and Minnesota. And in just a number of years, they have been able to expand access in Alaska alone to an additional 35,000 people who could not get regular care in their own communities. It is imperative that everyone have access to the dental care they need. Different professionals can provide different, yet appropriate, levels of service. Our concern and approach to a solution ought to focus first on the patient, not the dental profession. We have an opportunity with the ACA to expand access. Will the medical and dental communities be ready?
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Mr. OTG
Businessman & Music Producer
Interviewed & written by Aaron Robinson - Editor
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harles Paris (a.k.a. Mr. OTG), owner of Over Time Grind Productions, LLC., an entertainment company and record label, continues to make his mark not only as an astounding record producer but also as a successful tech in the technology field. As a producer, Mr. OTG has worked with a multitude of major recording artist, as well as numerous Grammywinning writers and producers. Being a native of Champaign, Illinois who now resides in Philadelphia, it was evident that the music game chose him as he followed his heart and believed in his vision. I, Consciousness Magazine had the opportunity to interview Mr. OTG. He shares some valuable and priceless information concerning how he overcame countless struggles and obstacles to position himself as a successful businessman. He also shares with the readers how he created the worldwide App, Overtime Grind, and how he continues to give-back to uplift his community. Aaron Robinson: What was your inspiration to want to produce music? Mr. OTG: My inspiration was that I wanted to create a sound and a skill for the Midwest that I felt didn’t exist. I started back in 2002. At the time it was heavily [music from the] East Coast and the South. I felt that the Midwest had a sound that just wasn’t being public and I wanted to make that sound. I got into it just by buying nice cars and putting rims on them and putting in sound systems. At the time, we would do bass competitions and there weren’t any songs of the popular music that was out that had bass that sounded good. I could play Twista and stuff like that and it would work, so my idea was why not do an updated sound of that. That’s where it all started. I started to make songs that hit good in the car. Aaron: You’re signed to MC Lyte’s production company. Besides her, who are some of the individuals in which you have had the opportunity to work with in the past? Mr. OTG: I’m the first producer she ever signed, so I got a lifetime publishing deal with her. They still place my music on TV. Now TV wise…industry wise, I had many placements on TV: VH1, Love and Hip Hop…all of the big major shows. Music wise, I‘ve worked with Tone Trump, Rakewon the Chef, Beanie Sigel, Rsonist from The Heatmakerz, 2Chains, Fred the Godson, Carvin and Ivan and China Black. There are so many people. I’ve also worked with Dice Raw from The Roots.
Aaron: What was your influence? Mr. OTG: My influence…I started as a producer. What kind of boosted me more was my ear for music. It’s not so much the music that I’ve created, but more-so my ability to sit in the studio and help others generate better song ideas and arrangements. Aaron: You have come a long way in the music industry. What are some of the challenges or obstacles that an upcoming producer may endure or face while making a name for themselves? Mr. OTG: The biggest challenges that you’re going to face in this market now…the market is flooded. I luckily grew up before the social media market. I had a lot of street connections: I built the old wave first. By the time my name started catching buzz was in 2013, 2014. This was outside production. A lot of challenges that a lot of producers face is that they look to make money too fast. Music doesn’t make money anymore the traditional way that it use to. CD’s aren’t selling for $24.99, $19.99, $9.99 and $10 for streaming services. No one is actually getting a physical copy to open and say, “This producer made this beat, this producer made that beat.”
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Know yourself, know where you came from, know who you are and know what you bring to the planet.
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It’s not the same. The biggest thing is to find an artist that you can work with and try to build yourself a brand to make money to maintain, until you find the right guy who likes your music. You have to expand and not just be a producer or else you won’t stay afloat. When you produce you just have to have some other kind of way to make money in this music business until you get ahead. I’ve worked with Tone Trump for 6 years. That’s been a gift and a curse, a lot of people didn’t want to work with me because I worked with him and I meet a lot of people who have wanted to work with us, but you have to pick a side and stick with that side. Also, do not give up and do not be afraid to sell your beats for $20 or $30 until you get to a point where you can sell them for $10,000 or $20,000. Aaron: When you look back over the course of your
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career, what do you think has caused you to come this far, being the successful individual that you are today? Mr. OTG: Not just television. It’s fate. My grandmother and mama prayed over me. I think I have a supreme faith just to know that’s its going to be okay tomorrow. I’ll spend all of my money today and not going to have a dime to eat tonight, but I know tomorrow it’s going to be alright. I think that’s been my biggest hope to what I’m doing is just trusting my gut and having faith that it’s going to work out. Some days it’s scary but that’s been the biggest thing as I look back on it. In the moment it was just fate; it felt right; it seemed right, and that’s what I did. Aaron: You are the owner of Over Time Grind and you also have a mobile App out called Digital Kingpins. Briefly, would you like to tell the readers a little about this amazing App that you created? Mr. OTG: I’m the owner of Over Time Grind Productions, LLC. We are a local entertainment company and record label in Philadelphia. I started the Digital Kingpin App first but I no longer have the Digital Kingpin App. We decided to integrate everything into the Over Time Grind App. The Over Time Grind App houses music, sports, news, and videos. It has artist; it has free beats on there for singers and different people who are trying to get in the industry. It also has books. One of the best books I have on there is the Artist Bible. It has probably 400 of the best independent articles to help musician’s producers get into the business of music and how to make their own steps. Basically, it’s my contribution back to guys trying to get into the game and want to find a way in. We also sell services through the App. The main key of the App is the book, video and the music sections. We are the only App in the Mobile App market that can have new albums and stream these albums without having [customers] pay for them. Being a black man in the tech field and negotiating certain contracts and licenses, I’m very proud of myself to get the licenses to be able to provide these resources without having [customers] pay. I paid $300 for the Artist Bible to be able to be put inside my App and have it available for readers and guys who can’t pay that amount of money. Access to that means a lot to me. Aaron: You have overcome many obstacles in your past, what advice would you share with young African American males who have struggles overcoming their current situation and don’t believe there is any way out? Mr. OTG: I believe honestly that we are original men and our women has traded and created everything that
is living and walking on this earth. What we have to do as black men is have that sense of pride that we have every day - the sense of creativity and all of these things. We first have to understand why we have these things, because we were the first people on this planet. When you come from a system of ownership, you don’t understand the system of how money and different things work. Have knowledge of self, don’t devour yourself and sell yourself short. I turned down lots and lots of contracts and took the long road. Realigning myself with bigger companies doesn’t help me as a black man get into the field that I’m trying to be in. My first key is to know yourself, know where you came from, know who you are and know what you bring to the planet. What we bring to the planet is everything that’s entertainment and creativity. So with that, everything has a value. Place a value on yourself. Once you value yourself, just keep going. Once you understand your value, you have to understand why people want to get that from you. There were times that I didn’t have food. There were times that my lights were cut off. Last year, my biggest turn of events is when I spent most of my summer without lights, because I was investing into the Apps. I understand that I have a key in social media, so that’s about 122,000 Philadelphians. I know that there is no other company that can tie into 20 or 18 year olders to 35 year old demographics. They can get into the white demographics; they can get into the college demographics, but they can’t get into urban black demographics. That’s my value and I protect it. That’s how I’ve been able to grow as a business. Black people are not properly educated in a system that we didn’t build. We didn’t build the system of finance, that’s a Jewish built system. Not taking away from them guys, that’s just the system that they are great in…Germans, Europeans, and the banking system. We didn’t build that system, so of course we are going to struggle in finance, when that’s not where we’re good at. Black people, we came from a system of freedom, we’re Africans. We came from a system where we owned all the gold and all of the natural resources. We owned everything. Aaron: You seem to be a passionate person about life, your people and your community. Where does your inspiration come from? Mr. OTG: I came from a po family, not a poor family. Half of my family is middle-class. My mom is a professor at TWU. I grew up in low end housing, low income housing and single mother housing. Growing up, my mom was kind of not a big TV person; she just watched the news. She talked to me a lot as I started getting in trouble very young. I always have been a guy who Continue on page 24
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Interviewed and written by Tocarra Eldridge te_rp@yahoo.com Photo credit to Bobby Quillard (www.quillardinc.com)
How does it feel to be a viral sensation and finally getting the recognition that you deserve? It’s a bit surreal. I’m still getting used to the attention that I’m getting. From the gym to the local bars and restaurants, and even in my building, it’s pretty cool hearing people say “Hey! You’re the guy from the Superman ad?” To be tied to Superman is really cool. What was it like working on set with Henry Cavill and Zack Snyder? Wow! It was an amazing opportunity to work with both of these very talented men. Henry was so down to earth and easy to talk to, you would never know that he was a mega star. Just looking at him and you knew that this was Superman. He possesses all the qualities that you would think Superman would have. What can I say about working with Zack? Super talented director. I loved 300 and Watchmen, and to be able to work with the guy that directed those and now Man of Steel, was such an honor and privilege. Funny story… I didn’t know right away that Zack Snyder was the director, all I knew was there was a guy named Zack, who liked me a lot, that was directing this spot. I really didn’t know what Zack looked like. So we (Henry, Zack and myself) were talking in between takes. I was asking Henry about the Superman costume, if he can move easily in it, was it breathable… etc.. etc… Zack says “You should have seen him at the screen test, we had him (Henry) in the original Christopher Reeves outfit, he looked silly.” So I leaned in and whispered to Zack “oh did you sort of work on the Superman project?” Zack steps in, smiles and leans into me whispering the same way as I did to him..”Yeah, I kind of directed it…” I was like oh no!! ZACK SNYDER!!! Ok thats it. I’m wrapped! Time for me to go! We all got a good laugh from this. Overall, it was an amazing experience and opportunity. You played professional football in Europe on an international level. Are you still active in sports? I try to stay as active as I can. I go to the gym nearly everyday. I do a lot of running and weight training. I like to keep myself fit and I still have that football bug in me. I play flag football
in an entertainment league in Beverly Hills. Don’t know if I’ll ever stop really playing. Who knows? Maybe I’ll try and make a comeback. Is acting something that you always wanted to do? Football was my passion throughout high school and college. I did a few plays here and there but nothing that made me want to really pursue it. It wasn’t until I was in Jamaica doing a fitness calendar shoot that I was told I should try my hand at acting and move to Hollywood. So on March 3rd, 2003, I packed up my car and drove out to Hollywood from Chicago to try it out. Got out here (LA) and booked “General Hospital” right away and thought “wow this is easy!” and I liked it… Little did I know it wasn’t that easy, but it was too late. I got a huge bite from the acting bug and fell in love with it. 10 years later, I’m still here and I can’t see myself doing anything else. As a businessman and professional actor, what advice would you give to up and coming entrepreneurs and actors who are looking to be successful in their respected career? My best advice to anyone trying to go into business themselves or become an actor would be what my father has always told me… “Give it everything you have and then some.” Ignore the naysayers. It’s very tough but if it’s a passion of yours, go at it with all your life. No matter what it is, you will get out of it what you put into it. The harder you work at it, the bigger the prize. And don’t be afraid to take risks. To use a sports analogy “You can never steal second base with your foot still on first.” Would you like to add anything else before we close the interview? First off, a huge thank you to you!!!! Also a huge thank you to everyone who has been a part of this great journey that I’m on and to those who will be a part of it in my near future, I thank you in advance! If you want, follow me on twitter @guy24 and on Facebook - Guy Nardulli. One last thing… if you want to make a difference in life, make yours the best it can be and others will follow. If we all do this, what a great place it would be to live!!!
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Sports Community
Interviewed & written by Aaron Robinson - Editor
Honorary WBC World Champion, Dino Wells Jr., star of the award-winning documentary “When the Bell Rings” is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to the entertainment industry. Over the years, the professional boxer, screenwriter and actor has partaken in many TV shows, feature films, commercials and videos. He has also been a stuntman on Chicago Fire and Empire, just to name several. Recently, Dino Wells Jr., landed his first leading speaking role in the film “Same Kind of Difference as Me” alongside many Oscar winning actors. Here is what he has to share during a recent interview with Consciousness Magazine. Aaron Robinson: What inspired you to want to become a boxer? Dino Wells Jr.: When I was 5 years old, my mom dated this gentleman who gave me some boxing gloves autographed by Sugar Ray Robinson. He use to work with me with the boxing gloves and I guess he wanted me to be a boxer. That never panned out. My mom’s broke up with him and I never seen him again, but I still had his gloves. All up until my mid teens, I use to watch boxing but my mom didn’t want me to do any physical sports; she just wanted me to play baseball. I was always interested in watching Sugar Ray Robinson’s videos. He passed away when I was 19, I will always pay homage to his career. When I left my moms home, I got into boxing. Aaron: Regarding your career, you are a honorary WBC World Champion. What was one of the most challenging factors or obstacles that you had to overcome to achieved this accomplishment? Dino: By me turning pro at 42 years old was a challenge within itself being that I was away from boxing after 15 years. It was also a challenge within itself listening to the naysayers. I just kept pushing myself. Once we finished filming this documentary “When the Bell Rings” and going through the whole process of that, I looked at the whole thing and felt like wow! The WBC, the World Boxing Council saw the documentary as it premiered in LA and honored me to be an honorary WBC World Champion. I felt a little empty because I wanted to earn it in the ring. At the same time, it felt good. Aaron: Speaking of “When the Bell Rings”, you are the star of the award-winning documentary. How did this film come into existence? Consciousness Magazine 19
Dino: Well, when I stepped away from boxing in 1996 and I didn’t make the Olympic trial I was kind of burned out by boxing. I looked at boxing in 2007 when Mayweather beat up Ricky Hatton. I was like wow, he’s still fighting! I didn’t get back into it until I was at the lowest of the lowest in my life living in California at a hotel, getting unemployment, jobs were scarce and I was in and out of relationships with women. I needed a drive and I ended up working as the production assistant at the Independent Spirit Awards. I was big and out of shape. I met the director Brad Bores. I told him my stories about me being a boxer back in the day and that I wanted to get back into it. Brad was like, “You use to box”! I told him my story because I wanted to do this documentary back in the day and people didn’t take me serious. I tried to peak his interest. Once he dug into my life story and started doing his own research to validate who I am, he said, “Hey look man, I want to film your story”. I found a gym. He filmed for almost two years - the whole process of me getting back into shape, getting back into the boxing state, getting beat up in the ring and all that [laugh]. Aaron: Are you still boxing or are you just working in the boxing arena? Dino: I have a boxing team right now. The Lethal Warrior’s Boxing Team. The team consists of my son Deshaun Wells, he’s 15; Latrell Tillis, he’s the captain of the boxing team, he’s 13; and Anthony Adams Jr. who’s my southpaw, he’s 11. I took them through an 8 week basic training testing their will, their heart, their soul, and desire for this sport. I filmed it every day and put it on my YouTube so that people can know the process from beginning to ending. Aaron: You are also an actor and screenwriter. Was this something that you always wanted to pursue? Dino: Acting is a passion of mines. My thing was to win a gold medal, turn pro in 1996, win a couple of belts, defend my belt and retire at the top of my game and use those accolades to get into acting, but Consciousness Magazine 20
it didn’t turn out quite that way. I took the hard knocks road into the film business. I’ve been in the film business off and on for about 20 years. I have a supporting role in a film called “Same Kind of Difference as Me” that is to be released in 2017. It’s a faith based film. It stars Renee Zellweger, Jon Voight, Djimon Housou and Greg Kinnear. Working with them has been great. I had another role on a TV show called Dead Line with Tamara Hall. I played a killer by the name of David. Acting is my passion, but my main goal is writing and directing. I’m writing a feature film and a pilot right now called “No Words at All” that I’m working on. It’s a serious piece about racism, injustice, cop killing and those things that are going on today. I wrote it when Mike Brown was murdered. And when my son got murdered last year on August 23rd, I started rewriting it.
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Keep pushing forth for your dreams and have the right people in your corner.
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Aaron: Do you have any advice or words of encouragement for aspiring boxers or actors who are looking to be successful in their career or endeavors? Dino: For boxers, I would say that you have to put your all into it. You have to understand the sport and learn the sport. Work with the basics first and find someone that’s going to train and teach you. Don’t let anyone astray you off your path. As far as acting, do what you have to do. Do your due diligence, stay on your path and don’t let anything deter you from your path of getting that role. Don’t get discouraged when you go into a casting call and you don’t get a call back. Keep honing in on your skills. Go to your acting and audition classes. Keep pushing forth for your dreams and have the right people in your corner.
Aaron: A lot of people today say the youth are not focused and so forth. What is your thoughts regarding this? Dino: When it comes to boxing it’s all about your circumstance and situation that you are in right now. When you think of a lot of successful boxers - they come from a demented background, a terrible upbringing. Not saying you have to have a terrible upbringing to be a boxer, but it’s about your mentality and upbringing. My son, he’s fighting because he wants to box. I’m not making him box. He has a pretty good living situation. My other fighter that I have, he has some issues with his life and he’s overcoming that. Instead of playing video games and sitting in front of a TV all day, I likes that he like to get in shape, run and do what he has to do with boxing. My youngest fighter, he has a lot of issues going on in his life, but at the same time, he’s taking those distractions and negative’s and is putting them into a positive, which is in his training. I had an interesting upbringing, my father wasn’t there, and my mom was very strict. When I got into boxing I couldn’t put 100 percent in it. That’s why my record is 67-13 as an amateur. I’m a great boxer, you know. I instill values into my boys. Some kids don’t have it. They get in it because their friends are in it. They would rather play their video games and be on their cell phones all day text messaging and being on WorldStarHipHop, YouTube, watching videos and being a couch potato. However, there are some kids that want to do something constructive all day. Boxing did save my life. I did run the streets in Chicago. I was a gang banger; I did the selling drug thing. I did all that negativity at one point, but boxing can save another kid’s life. Boxing is not just a gladiator sport; it teaches these kids the value of life if it’s done correctly. That’s what I love to teach my boys because I am exited about this sport. Aaron: You are also big on giving back to the community, where did that passion and love come from? Dino: Us as black people, there’s not a lot of positive images of us that’s out
there that’s doing good things for the community. With the mainstream media today and how they look on us as people, it kind of jacked us; especially misrepresentation of black women in reality shows and the black men in general. These kids are coming up looking at these shows and they can miss how it is to be in society. My old neighborhood in Chicago, the West Pullman that use to be a prominent area on the Southside of Chicago, is like a desolate land. Businesses are closed, houses are being boarded up and there is gang violence. I feel as if I can be one positive seed in the neighborhood. I’m trying to open up a gym on the Southside of Chicago to give the kids something to look forward to. Rebellious Boxing USA from Australia is helping with opening the gym. I’m just very passionate about lifting us up as a people. I think that we are regressing and I think that we should be progressing. Aaron: Would you like to add anything in closing? Dino: I’m doing a series which is called Hoodview Mirrow: Misunderstanding of Dino Wells which is my autobiography. You can catch that on my YouTube. The Misunderstanding of Dino Wells is my whole life story. I just want to encourage everyone to be focused, go through your goals and don’t let anything turn you away. If you have a religion and believe in that, stay faithful. Stay focused and just do your thing. Check out Dino Wells Jr. links at www.twitter.com/dinowells, www.facebook.com/dwellsjr, and hwww. youtube.com/user/Mrdinowells
---------------------------aquila entertainment is currently scouting for music tracks and artists for the soundtrack for an international project. Contact: aquila entertainment c/o Bugs and Bytes LLC afilmnmusicbiz@gmail. com www.bugsnbytesllc.com for submission. Deadline for inquiries & submissions is Wednesday, October 5th by 6pm EST.
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Nicolas Hamilton: Inspired to Drive cont. from page 8 defeated before they began their endeavors. How were you able to overcome the obstacles and negative adversities that you faced while being disabled? Nicolas: I think, the first thing is the mindset and sort of realizing that it is what it is. You have what you have, you can’t change it, the only thing that you can do is live with it through the best of your abilities the best way you can. My condition is what I know. Every day I’m always learning something new, something different and something similar. There are always changes going on. I think that’s the whole fact, that’s why I’m here and I have to make do with what I have. It kind of spurred me on. Really, there’s no other way; there’s no other option. There is no other avenue that I can go down that would make my life better. Any way that I can make my life better is by overcoming obstacles and pushing through it. To get out of a wheel chair and be able to walk was the biggest obstacle that I had. The whole motor sport thing is completely a different task and goal. I sort of used the same mindset that I had to learn how to walk, to driving a race car. That’s pretty much how I did it. Aaron: At the age of 24, many young people are sometimes not focused and unsure of what they want to accomplish in life at an early age. What sets Nicolas
Hamilton apart from others as being unique and interesting as an individual?
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It’s the goals that you set and the target that you reach, which makes you unique and different from anybody else.
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Nicolas: First of all, I wouldn’t say that I am different than anybody else. I went through the same procedures of not knowing what I wanted to do. Leaving school and thinking “okay, what do I do now?” I’m unique but everybody else in the world has their own story and their own different obstacles. Mines is learning to walk and then racing. I would say that I am not any different than anybody else. That’s a natural process that you go through - not knowing where you want to be. At the end of the day, life is very unpredictable. You never predict where you will be; you never know what is going to happen tomorrow…so you better live today, the best way you can. Anything can happen if you stay focused and stay grounded, stay humble, and know the individual who you are. Aaron: Your brother Lewis Hamilton is a world champion professional race car driver, how has brotherhood and friendship been for the both of you guys while on this journey? Nicolas: Well, I think the biggest thing is we are just a normal family. We came from nothing. When Lewis was born we still had nothing; and when I was born we still had nothing. We grew up in a one bedroom flat and it was four of us. For us, it’s been a very humble journey. We never knew that we would be sitting here today. I achieved so much; I’ve overcome so much. My legs don’t get in the way; my condition doesn’t get in the way of my life. I thank not just Lewis as a brother, but my parents and all of us as Hamilton’s as a unit. We created what we created. I think it’s important. The main point that I have to make is that you have to just stay tight with your family 100 percent always through everything. I think it’s the tight knit that we have which sort of made the journey so valuable and so nice. Photo: Nic Hamilton & Ben Collins (Former “Stig” from the Top Gear show)
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Aaron: Wow! You have an amazing story! Nicolas: (Laugh) I’m just one in many man! Aaron: When fans and viewers watch the short film “Inspired to Drive”, what do you want them to take away? Nicolas: Personally, “Inspired to Drive” was about my story. People know about my story but they don’t know the ins and outs of it. Basically, my career started on gaming. I think what I want people to take away from it is that…you know what my dad told me, “That I’ll never make a career out of playing games or racing games”. He always told me to read a book or something constructive. I think from the video, you might be able to take that you can pretty much do anything that you want to do within reason as long as you have realistic targets and realistic goals. Stay realistic and grounded in what you want to do. You never know where it’s going to take you. Aaron: Do you have any advice or words of encouragement for individuals who are disabled or may not be disabled who has a dream or vision, but however feels that it’s impossible to accomplish or reach? Nicolas: My mother always told me, “When there’s a will there’s a way, as long as you have the desire to do something regardless if you area disabled or not.” There’s so much nowadays in terms of technology, experience and knowledgeable people that can really help you achieve your goals. The first thing that I have to say about able bodied people that can reach their goals, that can get up every day and don’t have to worry about stretching, being in pain, their ribs or pelvis being out of line. They can get up, they can run, and they can walk. With a disability, I
think the thing that sort of made me realize is that being disabled doesn’t make you different, it makes you unique and it makes you special. It’s the goals that you set and the target that you reach, which makes you unique and different from anybody else. Aaron: Outside of racing, what are some of the things that you enjoy doing or like to do for hobbies? Nicolas: A big hobby for me is doing stuff and movement for my legs. I like to play basketball a lot, the usual listening to music, and gaming is a big thing. I’m not much of a TV watcher. I like doing active stuff. I love playing tennis. Aaron: This was a really heartfelt interview. I really love you for what you’re doing. I appreciate individuals like you Nicolas. Nicolas: No worries buddy. Thanks a lot. Appreciate it!
Nicolas Hamilton Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-n68xUfsKc Social Network Links: http://www.nicolashamilton.com/ https://twitter.com/nicolashamilton https://www.instagram.com/nicolashamilton https://www.facebook.com/NicolasHamilton.28/
Photo: Nic in simulator, Andy Tudor (Creative Director) on the left, Ian Bell (CEO) back, Tom Curtis (QA) standing and Darren White (Art Director). Darren White (Art Director)
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Mr. OTG (Continues from page 14) questioned the system. In class I would question why when they were telling us about Black History – none of the slaves revolted. I knew if there were 500 of my friends picking cotton, and then it’s ten white guys on horses, we are going to try to get them. So [in class] I would always get in trouble. I always thought outside of the box and questioned things that weren’t necessarily supposed to be questioned. As I got older, I just started looking for those answers and I started feeling like, honestly coming from Champaign, that I lived from a place where nobody cared. I lived from a place where they forgot about us when they talked about the East Coast, the West Coast, or about laws or new laws being passed. They were not talking about Champaign, Illinois. They are talking about New York City, Philadelphia, Miami, Los Angeles and/or Texas. They are not talking about the middle of the map. As I started going through high school, I started seeing guys getting arrested, going to jail for a very long time and I just witnessed my friends going through stuff. I felt like somebody needed to say something. I wasn’t attached to anything; I’ve always been a loner. I was never really the coolest guy but I got along with everybody. I felt like I didn’t have anything to lose. I started seeing the gangs becoming a problem and the gangs killing people. I started to realize that all the OG’s are locked up. They can’t talk to the young people; the young people are doing what they think is cool. Aaron: Is this the reason you built Over Time Grind? Mr. OTG: That’s why I made Over Time Grind. I wanted to make a logo that people can stand by and feel cool to be a part of and say “It’s okay to work.” Maybe you sell drugs – better be the best drug dealer that you know, and then transfer that into a real business. That’s Over Time Grind! Maybe you go to school; you gotta be the best guy getting grades in school. That’s Over Time Grind! Maybe you work two jobs. That’s Over Time Grind! I wanted to make something that people can be loyal to, be proud of and feel like they automatically understand. Through that, once they say, “okay I worked overtime before and have made more money when I worked harder, so I get the gist of what it means. The next part was, as a black man, let’s go against the grain and always give positive messages. 5 years of all positive, informative and motivational messages 24/7, whether its social media or it’s me talking to people, the next thing is, let’s give knowledge itself and start showing other black men who have independent businesses and who are successful. Let’s show black fathers. Every day I see black women say, “Baby dads this, they aren’t that!” Let’s show companies that put out
images of black men who are fathers and who take care of their children. Let’s start showing dark skin women they are beautiful all the time. Let’s go against the grain and question some of the things like the Meek Mills and Drake battles, is it a light skin/dark skin thing? Let’s change and challenge some of the things that go on everyday and try to make a difference slowly. I’m a black muslin man. Let’s openly talk about prayer, faith and God. Let us openly question why are there still pictures of white Jesus on the wall in black churches when we have verified proof that in 2016 that the Pope and Vatican prays to Black Madonna and Black Jesus. What are these things that are going on? As a company, me being an owner, let me challenge some of these things. When people go to Google, maybe I’ll plant a seed that opens somebody’s mind ten years from now and they’ll say “I seen this on OTG’s page. It changed my mind and it motivated me to think differently.” Aaron: Would you say this is your goal? Mr. OTG: That’s really my goal because I remembered feeling helpless and nobody cared. I remember working in the factory. When the recession came they took my job and I showed up to work every day and did everything that I was supposed to do. I remember feeling helpless and I remember feeling like I was not going to feel like that anymore, so I’m going to do what I know what I do every single day and that’s work on cars, make beats, go in the studio and try to help kids out in the neighborhood. I’m going to turn that into a business and that’s what I did. Aaron: Would you like to add anything else before we close the interview? Mr. OTG: I just would like to say I appreciate all the people who will read my interview in the magazine. I appreciate you for putting out a magazine that talks about these things and who isn’t afraid to push the limit and talk to black entrepreneurs, traditional and non-traditional. I’m a non-traditional entrepreneur. 90% of the time you won’t catch me in a suit or tie. Most of the time you might catch me looking like a regular guy. I appreciate the opportunity to have a knowledgeable interview with you. Thank you! Aaron: Thank you too!
Visit Mr. OTG links at Overtimegrind.com, Instagram.com/OverTimeGrind, Bitly.com/OTGapp1
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Reviews
Event: Infinite Inception 2: The Lost by Darnell Jordan
On June 25th, digital artist Edo held an eclectic soiree where he unveiled his latest collection, Infinite Inception 2: The Lost. Upon entering, I was greeted by a life-sized cut-out of Edo, which everyone had the chance to write a brief message on. The room was full of eager art-enthusiasts with energy that vibrated off the walls. Edo’s new collection is a raw display of his non-existent relationship with his father. It summarizes everything he has ever wanted to say to him. He cleverly expresses this by creating portraits of influential people the world has lost both literally and figuratively. A distinct emotion is embodied in each piece, and represents a different chapter in Edo’s life. He included attributes that pay homage to the subject of the portraits as well.
The viewing experience was heightened by attempting to find the subliminal messages that Edo is known to use in all of his collections. He allows you in so much through his art, that you almost feel as if you’re intruding. Edo plans to gift the “LOVE” portrait of DJ Timbuck II to DJ Timbuck II’s parents. The event was co-hosted with Jordan Chollette of Chollette Photography and Terrell Johnson, Founder and Editor-In-Chief of SWGRUS magazine. Jordan presented a new dream-like collection of photography, while Terrell displayed the newest issue of his innovative magazine. The trio are best friends, and extremely supportive of each others’ brands. In 2015, they held their very first showcases together. It was only natural for them to do it again. “Our first show was overwhelming. We didn’t expect it to do what it did. It catapulted us to another level in our respective fields. So we had to do another one, because it really just made sense. Same formula, just a higher level of work,” says Edo. Other fresh additions on display included a “Where’s Edo” jigsaw and puzzle, as well as Trilogy merchandise. A major thing that is evident to me after observing all three brands in motion is that a movement has begun. A movement with a new generation of creative minds who Cont.offrom page 9 in. are sharing a modern prospective the world we live
Public Relations Specialist Michelle Guess...
Infinite Inception 2: The Lost stood out to me, because of how Edo chose to present it. The show began with a posted statement by him explaining his inspiration behind the collection. From there, attendees were able to view each piece in a chronological order. It began with a portrait of Kurt Cobain (“SAD + UPSET”), and ended with a portrait of the late great DJ Timbuck II (“LOVE”). In between was a collection of eight other thought provoking pieces that took me on a roller-coaster ride of Edo’s self-growth. There is a bonus piece titled “Grateful”, which is dedicated to Edo’s ex-girlfriend Yani. She was a major part of his support system throughout this journey.
When it came time for me to write something on the life-sized cut-out of Edo, I briefly scanned all the other messages, hoping to find inspiration for something meaningful to say. I chose to write “Keep creating the world you want to live in”. That’s exactly what he seems to be doing. Stay tuned! Rating: Conscious: 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!
Everyone, as a member of society, has the right to social security and is entitled to realization, through national effort and international co-operation and in accordance
Article 22 with the organization and resources of each State, of the economic, social and cultural rights indispensable for his dignity and the free development of his personality.
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