d-mars.com Business Journal 38

Feb. 15 - mar. 15 2010

Inspire, Inform & Educate

38

Edition

INSIDE

Proud

to Be . . .

Proud to be a Partner in Diversity

By Christina R. Grochett Without its rich mixture of religions, races, and cultures, the United States would not be the nation that it is today.

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Representing men and women across Texas

By Tammy E. Henderson Peden I work to help change the lives of men and women who were poorly represented from the beginning or who are often misunderstood by their families and communities alike.

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“Make the most of yourself, for that is all there is of you” –Ralph Waldo Emerson Ron Reynolds & MR. D-MARS

GPC 2010 Reloaded The premier government contracting event of the year for small, minority, women-owned and disadvantages businesses is fast approaching.

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James Dykes Cullen Care Pharmacy

Jennifer Grimes Sure Placement

Tammy Henderson The Law Office of Tammy Henderson Peden

Understanding Your Health Care Options

By Victor Walker Though it may be subject to dramatic changes in the future, many people struggle to interpret the current system and determine the best most cost-efficient health care options to fit their unique circumstances.

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Larry Vincent Green CEO HOUSTONWORKS, USA

Damiane Curvey Banieh

311th Family District Judge Candidate

Barbara Calbert The Jazz Bistro

Darrell Jordan 180th Criminal District Judge Candidate

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Publisher’s Message

Keith J. Davis, Sr. SR. PUBLISHER Keith J. Davis, Sr. JR. PUBLISHER Keith J. Davis, Jr. VICE PRESIDENT Kevin Davis EDITING CONSULTANT ReShonda Tate-Billingsley Sales Team Mike Jones Lucas Keizer Operations Coordinator Heather Haukaas ACCOUNTING MANAGER Eugenie Doualla PHOTOGRAPHY Leon Galbreath MARKETING CONSULTANTS Johnny Ray Davis, Jr. MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR Andrea Hennekes LAYOUT & GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Ghuzzala Malik (Faith) Myron Davis DISTRIBUTION Booker T. Davis, Jr. Rockie Hayden CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Charlotte Jackson Diedria Joseph Dr. D.L. Jones Pastor Maceo W. Smedley Carla Lane P. Vaness Hall Noel Pinnock T.Q. Doyle Christina Robinson Grochett Druennette Lewis Victor Walker Franklin J. Anderson Burnett Jackson Michelle Rodriguez Jarret Williams

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It has been just over a year since President Barack Obama took the oath of office. And while our country is still in economic turmoil, I can’t help but be proud as I watch our Commander-in-Chief navigate these turbulent waters. It’s not my intention to look at this from a political perspective, because I think there’s something to be learned from the president, whether you’re Democrat, Republican or Independent. Anyone who has an interest in business can learn how to remain steadfast in troubled times.

Regardless of where our country ends up, individually we can reach our respective goals by remaining steadfast. Collectively, I’m confident that things will eventually turn around. That, in and of itself, is enough to make you proud.

That’s why, once again, D-Mars.com is utilizing the theme of “Proud to Be.” We are proud of where we hope that our country is headed, we are proud of the opportunities we have that our ancestors only dreamed about. We are simply proud to be.

This issue looks at why entrepreneurs throughout our city are proud. What gives them a sense of pride and the things they are thankful for in their lives.

Of course, we have stories to take your business to the next level, everything from making your business shine to making sure you have career satisfaction. There’s something in this issue for everyone!

As always, I have to ask that you support the advertisers in this, and all the D-Mars Business Journals.

Because of their support, as well as yours, we’re able to continue to bring you a product that makes us all extremely proud!

CONTENTS

We all Stand On the Shoulders of Giants....................................................4 Proud to Be… Building a High Quality, High Performance Workforce...….5 Taking Pride in Yourself..............................................................................11 The Legacy Continues………………………………......…….......................12 From the Bottom Up... Thou Art Beautiful.................................................13 Proud to be Greatful…………...............................................................…..13 Learning from the Past and Giving to the Future…...................….........…14 Ask Carla Lane…………………………………………………..………...……15 Proud to be a Life-long Student of Opportunity……………….....…. ...…..16 Proud to Be “Of Voice”..............................................................................16 Upgrade your lifestyle by paying yourself first………………..…...………..18 Keep Your Business Alive..........................................................................23 Let your whites shine……………………………………………….……….…24 Two Sisters Proud to be Inspiring and empowering the lives of women...26 Be Proud of your E-Newsletter………………………………………....….…27 Family Reunion: Pass it on!.......................................................................28 Tough Times……………………………………………….........................….28 Recycling Life’s Experiences to Create Happiness………………………...29 Proud to Be Challenging The Younger Generation……………....….…......30 More Than Your Local Pharmacy...............................................................30 Obtaining and securing employment for individuals with disabilities........36 Don’t Stress Out on Stress........................................................................37

MR. D-MARS D-MARS.com Business Journal Tip of the Month “Pride is a personal commitment. It is an attitude which separates excellence from mediocrity”

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7322 Southwest Fwy, Suite 806 Houston, Texas 77074 713-272-9511 . Phone 713-272-6364 . Fax 1-800-453-8752 . Toll Free www.d-mars.com 3.

We all Stand on the Shoulders of Giants

By Ronald E. Reynolds, Esq.

We ALL stand on the shoulders of giants. For so many that came before us; made sacrifices so that we would have freedom!!

Dr. Martin Luther King stated “injustice anywhere, is a treat to justice everywhere!!! We must take time to remember, celebrate and act!

Left to Right: Helen Henry, Ron Reynolds & Cathy Lang

REMEMBER: There was a time when Jim Crow was a way of life; when lynchings were all too common; and when race riots were shaking cities across a segregated land. It was in this America where an Atlanta scholar named W.E.B. Du Bois, a full of intellect and a fierce passion for justice, sparked what became known as the Niagara movement. From the beginning, Du Bois understood how change would come – just as King and all the civil rights giants did later. They understood that unjust laws needed to be overturned; that legislation needed to be passed; and that Presidents needed to be pressured into action. They knew that the stain of slavery and the sin of segregation had to be lifted in the courtroom and in the legislature. But they also knew that here, in America, change would have to come from the people.

It would come from people protesting lynching, rallying against violence, and walking instead of taking the bus. People like Rosa Parks, Fannie Lou Hamer, Medger Evers, Thurgood Marshall and oh yes…Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It would come from men and women – of every age and faith, race and region – taking Greyhounds on Freedom Rides; taking seats at Greensboro lunch counters; and registering voters in rural Mississippi, knowing they would be harassed, knowing they would be beaten, knowing that they might not never return.

CELEBRATE: Because of what they

people made the civil rights movement their own, Barack Obama became the 44th President of the United States of America. Something that my Grandmother never thought that she would live to see!!!

And yet, even as we celebrate the remarkable achievements of the past; even as we inherit extraordinary progress that cannot be denied; even as we marvel at the courage and determination of so many plain folks – we know that too many barriers still remain. We know that even as our economic crisis batters Americans of all races, African Americans are out of work more than just about anyone else.

We know that even as spiraling health care costs crush families of all races, African Americans are more likely to suffer from a host of diseases but less likely to own health insurance than just about anyone else. We know that even as we imprison more people of all races than any nation in the world, an African-American child is roughly (5) times as likely as a white child to see the inside of a jail.

And we know that even as the epidemic of HIV/AIDS devastates nations abroad, particularly in Africa, it is devastating the African-American community here at home with disproportionate force. These are some of the barriers of our time. They’re very different from the barriers faced by earlier generations.

They’re very different from the ones faced when fire hoses and dogs were being turned on young marchers. But what is required to overcome today’s barriers is the same as was needed then.

The same commitment. The same sense of urgency. The same sense of sacrifice. The same willingness to do our part for ourselves and our community.

did, we earned our freedom. Because Jim Crow laws were overturned, black CEOs today run Fortune 500 companies. Because civil rights laws were passed, black mayors, governors, and Members of Congress serve in places where they might once have been unable to vote. And because ordinary ACT: The question, then, is where Feb. 15 - mar. 15 2010

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do we direct our efforts? What steps do we take to overcome these barriers?

How do we move forward and make positive changes in our community?

The first thing we need to do is increase our faith in God. For God said, if ye have the faith of a mustard seed, then you can move mountains. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen!!!

Next, we must also do our part to fight against racial discrimination. I understand there may be a temptation among some to think that discrimination is no longer a problem in 2010.

And I believe that overall, there’s probably never been less discrimination in America than there is today. But make no mistake: the pain of discrimination is still felt in America.

By African-American men paid less for doing the same work as colleagues of a different race and ethnicity.

Left to Right: Edwina Clark, Dr.

Jonita Reynolds, Ron Reynolds, Katie Herrington & Cathy Lang On the 45th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act, discrimination must not stand. Not on account of race or color. Prejudice has no place in the United States of America. But we also know that prejudice and discrimination

are not even the steepest barriers to opportunity today. The most difficult barriers include structural inequalities that our nation’s legacy of discrimination has left behind; inequalities still plaguing too many communities and too often the object of national neglect.

Still, even if we do it all, the AfricanAmerican community will fall behind in the United States and the United States will fall behind in the world unless we do a far better job than we have been doing of educating our sons and daughters. In the 21st century – when so many jobs will require a bachelor’s degree or more, when countries that out-educate us today will outcompete us tomorrow – a world-class education is a prerequisite for success. You know what I’m talking about. There’s a reason the story of the civil rights movement was written in our schools. There’s a reason NAACP and Thurgood Marshall took up the cause of Linda Brown and argued Brown vs. Board of Education to the Supreme Court of the United States. There’s a reason the Little Rock Nine defied a governor and a mob. It’s because there is no stronger weapon against inequality and no better path to opportunity than an education that can unlock a child’s God-given potential. Yet, more than a half century after Brown v. Board of Education, the dream of a world-class education is still being deferred all across this country. African-American students are lagging behind white classmates in reading and math – an achievement gap that is growing more and more today. Over 50% of all African-American students are dropping out of school in some places. There are overcrowded classrooms, crumbling schools, and corridors of shame in America filled with poor black children.

The state of our schools is not an African-American problem; it’s an American problem. All of us can agree that we need to offer every child in this country the best education the world has to offer from the cradle through a career. That is our responsibility!!!

Finally, we must set the example.

And we must do our part by not only helping our own children, but volunteering in our church and civic organizations like Big Brothers & Sisters, 100 Black Men of American, so that we can be role models and mentors for young black boys and girls, encouraging them to stay in school and get a college education. Lack of positive role models –or exposure to an abundance of role models who exemplify negative and superficial values-can severely alter an African American child’s self-image and expectations. Many may come from homes without a father or other adult male fig4.

ures to help a boy shape and understand his life. Schools may not provide black male teachers to whom black boys can relate.

Without the protection of strong families and communities, not to mention the self-knowledge that simply comes with maturity, black boys are vulnerable. They can become trapped by a popular American culture of undeniable richness, one that saturates the media with commercialism, glorifies the violence and aimlessness of the “street,” and obsesses with athletes and entertainment figures at the expense of far more worthy African Americans. They look up to rappers like 50 cent and Dr. Dre instead of Obama and Jesse Jackson.

That why a parents and as community leaders, we must do our part by encouraging excellence in our children.

We cannot leave it up to teachers alone to raise our children and get them to the Promised Land. We need a new mindset, a new set of attitudes – because one of the most durable and destructive legacies of discrimination is the way that we have internalized a sense of limitation; how so many in our community have come to expect so little of ourselves. We have to say to our children, Yes, if you’re African American, the odds of growing up amid crime and gangs are higher.

Yes, if you live in a poor neighborhood, you will face challenges that someone in a wealthy suburb does not. But that’s

not a reason to get bad grades, that’s not a reason to cut class, that’s not a reason to give up on your education and drop out of school. No one has written your destiny for you. Your destiny is in your hands – and don’t you forget that.

To parents, we can’t tell our kids to do well in school and fail to support them when they get home. For our kids to excel, we must accept our own responsibilities. That means putting away the Playstation and putting our kids to bed at a reasonable hour. It means attending those parent-teacher conferences, reading to our kids, and helping them with their homework. And it means we need to be there for our neighbor’s son or daughter, and return to the village concept, the day when parents let each other know if we saw a child acting up. That’s the meaning of community.

That’s how we can reclaim the strength, the determination, the hopefulness that helped us come as far as we already have. It also means pushing our kids to set their sights higher. They might think they’ve got a pretty good jump shot or a pretty good flow, but our kids can’t all aspire to be the next LeBron James or Lil Wayne. I want them aspiring to be scientists and engineers, doctors and teachers, not just ballers and rappers.

I want them aspiring to be a Supreme Court Justice. I want them aspiring to be President of the United States.

Ultimately, if we are to be true to

PROUD TO BE…..

Building a High Quality, High Performance Workforce

Larry Green

By Larry Green CEO HoustonWorks, USA

while programs that our citizens need and impact Houston’s workforce so profoundly. In today’s economic climate, HoustonWorks USA’s focus on jobs is I’m proud to be….Leading an orga- key to the future of a prosperous city and nization that operates so many worth- nation. A national leader in workforce Feb. 15 - mar. 15 2010

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our past, then we also have to seize our own destiny, each and every day. We must STOP making excuses. Excuses are the tool of the incompetent for which they use to build moments of nothing, and those that use them, seldom accomplish anything!!!

Every child deserves the chance to succeed and be successful in life. The Lord never said that the road would be easy. It will take time. Doubts may rise and hopes recede. But if John Lewis could brave Billy clubs to cross the Edmond Pettis Bridge, then I know young people today can do their part to lift up our communities. If Emmet Till’s uncle Mose Wright could risk his life and summon the courage to testify against the White men who killed his nephew, I know we can be better fathers and brothers in our own families. If three civil rights workers in Mississippi

– black and white, Christian and Jew, city-born and country-bred – could lay down their lives in freedom’s cause, I know we can come together to face down the challenges of our own time.

We can fix our schools, heal our sick, and rescue our youth from violence and despair. When our time is up and God calls us home; let it be said that this generation did its part; that we too ran the race; that full of faith we persevered and made our communities better than we inherited them!

Remember, if it is to be, then it’s up to me! Like Gandi said, WE must be the change We wish to see in the World!

Like Dr. Martin Luther King said long ago, “The ultimate measure of a man, is not where he stands in times of comfort and convience, but where he stands in moments of challenge and controversy!!

development and human services that is dedicated to building a high-quality, high-performance workforce, HoustonWorks USA (HWUSA) operates nine Workforce Solution offices around the city. These offices offer a wide range of services for job seekers as well as employers looking for trained workers. Last year HWUSA placed 23-thousand job seekers in positions throughout the city.

From its inception in 1984, HWUSA has served job seekers from all backgrounds, at varied educational levels, from baby boomers to generation “why not” and of every ethnicity. In 2008, alone, HWUSA touched the lives of nearly one million people who visited our centers seeking job placement, continuing education and vocational training. In our 25-year history, we have made it our business to invest in future generations. Over the years, HoustonWorks has served more than 250,000 at-risk youth.

In today’s highly competitive and increasingly global workforce, our youth face a challenging future. Employers also face challenges in their search for qualified employees with reading and math skills, as well as a working knowledge of international economics and world trade. HWUSA is committed to meet-

ing these challenges by providing innovative programs to prepare youth for the challenges of the economy and the workplace. HWUSA’s Youth Programs expose students to science and engineering, address financial literacy issues, and teach leadership skills that not only prepare them to understand their role in society as contributing members of the economy but also to become productive citizens. I’m proud to be a part of an organization with a longstanding history of providing opportunities to youth and adults that will empower and equip them to succeed in their professional and personal lives.

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Proud to represent men and women across the state of Texas in an effort to secure a favorable release

Tammy E. Henderson Peden Attorney Tammy E. Henderson Peden received her J.D. from Texas Southern University, Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Magna Cum Laude.

As an honor student, Attorney Peden held many distinguished clerk positions, including valuable experience as a clerk for now Texas Supreme Court Justice Michael Schneider while he served on The State of Texas, First Court of Appeals. Additionally, she served as a clerk for United States Trustee Region 7.

I have been a licensed attorney for over seven years. Additionally I am a wife and mother of two children. Being a wife, mother, as well as a professional, owning and operating my own practice is very demanding. Therein lie the challenges of balancing all facets of a very

rewarding life.

I decided to become an attorney years ago however there were several goals I achieved before doing so. I worked as a licensed insurance adjuster for nine years before attending law school and graduating with honors.

After law school I worked with Attorney Reginald McKamie for two years where I handled personal injury cases.

Soon thereafter I decided to pursue my career in law as a solo practitioner.

Early in my tenure as solo practitioner I decided on handling parole, probation and personal injury cases. I decided to do so after discovering first hand that the far majority of people in Texas prisons (TDCJ) do not understand the parole process and injured persons need quality representation.

Parole in Texas is a privilege and not a right. What is more disturbing is that a large number of people incarcerated in Texas don’t have a clue as to what they should do to increase their chances of securing a favorable release vote. That is where I decided to step in and help men and women in TDCJ as well as their families work to reunite their families.

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) incarcerates over

160,000 people. That is more than any other state in the United States. Additionally Harris County sentences more people to prison than any other county in state. The offenses range from minimal drug cases to serious death row cases. As such thousands of over 70,000 cases are reviewed for parole each year.

What is equally as astonishing is the fact that people are unaware that less than 5% of the people being considered for parole will actually speak with someone who will vote either to release them or vote for them to spend even more time behind bars.

I am proud to represent men and women across the state of Texas in an effort to secure a favorable release. I work to help change the lives of men and women who were poorly represented from the beginning or who are often misunderstood by their families and communities alike. I believe that everyone deserves a chance to become a better person and have another chance to be productive citizens. I am very active in prison ministry and other organizations that work with ex-offenders.

I am on the Board of Directors for Less Than The Least a prison ministry radio program, No More Victims as well as JOY Prison ministry.

Taking Pride in Yourself

By Charlotte Jackson Contributing Writer Being blessed to work on a campus of a local community college, I have the incredible opportunity to work with multiple generations of people. From the young middle school students and their parents who are looking into enrolling the student into Dual Credit Classes, to the young adults who are looking for quality child care for their Feb. 15 - mar. 15 2010

children, to the more matured individuals who are looking to return to school to brush up on their workforce skills as well as those older adults looking to donate funds for scholarships, I work with a wide variety of individuals as well as groups.

Some days there are bewildered faces trying to explain what they need and other days, there are experts sharing a wealth of knowledge with me. No matter what the situation is, I try to always take pride not only in the position that I am entrusted with, but more importantly, to do my job with the ability that has been given to me so that in time, I will receive the elevation that I know is coming to me.

Elevation? Yes, I truly believe what I have been taught, that if you perform each task to the best of your ability and take pride in what you do, many more doors will open up to you. When you do your best, you learn to be thankful www.

for every opportunity that enters into your life. Today it may be with a servant’s heart that you volunteer with a local non-profit group and two months from now, you may be invited to participate in a larger project. Along the way, as you take pride in what you do, it will not only show, but you will have more doors opened.

An example of this was several years ago, I volunteered with a fund-raising project and in conversation, a lady learned that I was willing to assist in any way possible from making phone calls to cleaning up after the event. Later, as she found a project working with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, she called to see if I was interested in participating. As the details unfolded, it involved me taking a week of vacation and flying to Boston to work with over 200 of the most fascinating people in America. The connections that were made were priceless.

Even on a more personal level, one

I am proud of my accomplishments as well as those of my staff. We work very hard with clients and family and give back to the community in many ways. In November my law office along with some of my personal friends sponsored a Thanksgiving meal for over 150 people at No More Victims a non-profit organization working with children of incarcerated persons. It was a delight to help people who appreciate something we all take for granted.

Attorney Peden is prepared to represent each of her clients at any stage of the parole process. This includes cases in both situations where the client may or may not have entered into the parole review process in TDCJ. The Attorney is prepared to speak on cases even if the client has been interviewed on the unit by the Institutional Parole Officer (IPO).

Interested persons are encouraged to contact the office at 713-476-0988.

Attorney Peden or her qualified legal assistants are willing to discuss each case confidentially. Our goal is to reunite families and give clients the opportunity to begin a new life with a promise of hope.

The Law Office of Tammy E. Henderson Peden is located at 7100 Regency Square, Suite 160, Houston, Texas 77036. The office hours are from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday thru Thursday and 9:00 am to 3:00 pm on Friday.

of the part-time positions I have involves working with youth. My job requires that I coordinate the activities for the youth but being a mother myself, I tend to get involved in their lives. I spoke with two young men yesterday who when asked to assist with something, expected money for doing it. I explained that if they volunteered, they would not only set an example to younger children but they would earn respect of them.

Later, one of the young men told me that the feeling he had after helping was worth more than the five or ten dollars he would have earned for working. I explained that “feeling” was pride and that was something that you can never put a price tag on. Taking pride in what you can do for others is much better than earning a paycheck.....the paycheck will just be an extra blessing. I went on to explain that in life you have an opportunity to make a living or to make a difference. When you are proud of what you do, the rest will all fall into place. I know in my heart, those words will stick with him much longer than whatever he would have spent the money on.

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The Legacy Continues

By Diedria B. Joseph, Contributing Writer When many reflect on the month of February as Black History Month, the first thoughts that come to mind are those of our pioneers who have fought for our civil rights when giving a “person of color” their rights was considered to be less than “civil.” We are blessed to have received the strong legacy of leaders who literally fought for us to have much of the freedom that we enjoy today.

Diversity as Strength While I was growing up in elementary, middle, high school and college, I often stood out among my peers as the only African-American student in a predominately non-African-American environment. Going to school in the same city that Ruby Bridges, a little more than 50 years ago from today walked down hate-filled tunnels of rioters who threatened her life for attending a white school, was extremely difficult despite

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being some years later. Despite knowing the correct answer in my classes, I was never called on nor ever praised for my academic ability. Making friends among my peers was as equally difficult as seeking praise from my teachers. Many times as an African-American, we can all recall times and situations where discrimination played a role in our lives. The feelings of rejection that I experienced as a young person quickly translated into feelings of acceptance and pride in my diversity. As a young adult, I felt confident and proud about who I was and who I had the potential to become.

As Dr. King dreamed of a country that would be concerned about the content of one’s character more than the color of one’s skin, I also wish for the day when the idea of diversity and inclusion in business will stretch deeper than our skin tones. There is great ideological debate being waged concerning whether Dr. King’s dream was brought to fruition through our President, Barack Obama. Whichever side you decide to take, we must acknowledge that doors of opportunity are currently be-

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our own success to remember that there are leaders in training waiting for our mentorship to thrust them to heights we could only dream of. We must work hard to ensure that we are building a lasting legacy that the next generation ing opened to black business people that will be “proud to be.” simply were not readily made available 50 years ago. Last year, Ursula Burns, a black female, became the CEO of Xerox, a major Fortune 500 company.

She started as a mechanical engineering intern in 1980 and was constantly promoted through the years, reaching CEO status on July 1, 2009. We often get too weary in the fight for inclusion in business to acknowledge the successes that have been achieved by our fellow business people.

Upon self-reflection, I am proud to be. But this sense of pride does not simply focus on who I have “become” for status purposes; instead it points back to Diedria B. Joseph is President/CEO everyone who has made me who I am. of Topp Knotch Personnel, Inc. Topp Without my loving and supportive par- Knotch Personnel offers various servicents, I would have never become who I es such as Executive Recruiting/Direct am today. To be a black, female CEO of Hire, Temporary Placement, Temp to my own company, I stood on shoulders Hire, and Contract Staffing nationwide. of two giants who worked hard to make We are the link between companies seeksure that we made it. Through count- ing diverse talent and skilled candidates less other mentors and peers, I received looking for jobs. For more information, guidance and insight about how to be please visit our website at www.topsuccessful person. My deepest prayer is pknotchpersonnel.com. that we do not become so caught up in

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FROM THE BOTTOM UP… THOU ART BEAUTIFUL

By Heather Haukaas, Contributing Writer

Sheila Sweeney After 6 Shoe Lounge

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adies, do you often find yourself in the shoe section of yet another store buying a pair of shoes that you know you do not need? I know that, like many women, shoes are my weakness and if I had to join any support group it would

most likely be shoe-holic’s anonymous!

Fortunately, there is no law against owning many pairs of shoes and looking great while wearing them. For many of us, shoes are not just an invention that we must wear to keep our feet from getting dirty; they are that boost of confidence, that essential item that pieces our whole outfit together. Mrs. Shelia Sweeney has always understood the impact that shoes, particularly heels, have on a women’s appearance. For this very reason, she created After 6 Shoe Lounge- a company that is “creating your look from the bottom up.”

After 6 Shoe Lounge believes that once you have the right pair of shoes on your feet everything else falls into place. “I know how confident and refined I feel when I put on that gorgeous pair of heels as opposed to some tennis shoes. I wanted to help other woman obtain this same feeling and enlighten them about how an object as simple as a pair of high-heel shoes can impact their overall self-esteem.” What better way to bring awareness to the high-heel shoe than a fashion show featuring the lat-

est designer high heels and fashions! On March 6, 2010 at the Venue Lounge, After 6 Shoe Lounge will be hosting a fashion show that will feature shoes

by After 6 Shoe Lounge; clothing from White House Black Market, Material Girls, MELODRAMA Boutique; and a lecture by Andrew Drayton about the “History of High Heels.” Mrs. Sweeney understands that behind every great high heel there are trendy outfits and greatly designed clothes, “This fashion show is not just about my store but

Proud To Be Grateful

By Pastor Maceo W. Smedley Gratitude is one of the most powerful emotions that any human can experience. No one could every say that they have arrived to any level of success without having an equal level of gratitude. Those who refuse to be grateful will always be subjected to planting themselves into the mud of mediocrity.

However, those who are grateful will experience success that supersedes their expectations.

There are a number of individuals in whom our current luxuries warrant our gratitude. During this month we are undoubtedly grateful for monumental figures such as Martin Luther King and President Barack Obama. These are just two of the individuals who overcame the unbreakable barriers of this nations past, and inspired generations to believe in themselves and in the goodness of others. On the other hand, most of us have individuals in our own lives whose names and reputations may not

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about bringing awareness to the latest fashion designers.”

Gentlemen do not feel left out because this show is not focused solely on women! The latest shoes by Johnny O Men’s Shoes will be featured also.

Don’t miss out on your opportunity to be recreated from the bottom up at the Spring 2010 Fashion Show on March 6, 2010. Tickets and more information can be obtained by visiting www.After6ShoeLounge.com.

be immense, but there impact on us is immeasurable.

For me personally two of the greatest people to influence my life and to whom I am grateful are two educators.

Both of them broke color boundaries by becoming the first African Americans to hold recognizable positions in their school districts. Both of them reached beyond the walls of their classrooms to embrace those whose futures did not seem promising due to the absence of parental guidance or adequate finances.

Both of them where regulars at sporting events and extra curricular activities to support children that where not their own and raising loud voices of cheers to overcompensate for the silence of absentee parents.

For me, these two individuals where called mom and dad, but for others they where called “more than mom” and “more than dad.” These titles could not have been clearer than during the untimely death of my father this year on January 19th. Those who knew him as “more than dad,” traveled from around the country to show there gratitude for his influence on their success.

Because of their impact on me, I am proud to be the founding pastor of The Promise Church. A church that in three short years has continuously fed the hungry, provided clothes for school aged youth, and seen many lives transformed. To some I may be Pastor, but my ultimate desire is to be “more than Pastor.”

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Learning from the Past and Giving to the Future

By Heather Haukaas, Contributing Writer

Mrs. Hazel Lowe Founder of ALL F.A.C.E.S. Imagine working 20-hour days with little pay, miles and miles of travel, and nights spent sleeping in your vehicle because you were banned from some hotels due to your skin color. Imagine that no matter how hard you worked or how great you were in your profession, advancement was not even an option because you were of color. Many of us may not have persevered in these circumstances, but for the men who played in the United Negro Leagues, this was the normalcy of their lives. If it were not for these men, who knows if we would have seen social change in America. Who knows if Jackie Robinson would have had the opportunity to cross the color line and become the first African-American baseball player in the major leagues. Hazel Lowe, chairman/founder/CEO of ALL F.A.C.E.S Inter-National Educational Foundation, knows that without the struggles of these men, there may not have been social change seen in baseball or change in other aspects of life for African Americans today.

Marcus Garvey, founder of the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA), once said, “A people without the knowledge of its past is like a tree without a trunk.” Mrs. Hazel Lowe is certainly a woman that took the initiative to learn everything she could about her lineage. She is a woman that was bred from men who accomplished great things and persevered in the hardest of times. Many of her ancestors can be Feb. 15 - mar. 15 2010

found in old photographs of the Pasco Panthers, the Negro League Baseball team that was formed in Pasco, Washington by men from East Texas, Cass County.

These men and their struggles are one of the many reasons that inspired Hazel Lowe to be as active in her community as she is. Lowe is the president, CEO, and founder of ALL F.A.C.E.S. Inter-National Educational Foundation. This foundation is a national and international program that benefits all races, regardless of ethnicity. This ministry provides counseling in several areas such as health, education, employment and spiritual guidance. Lowe has made it her life’s mission to help meet the needs of all faces. Where there is an opportunity to fulfill her life’s mission she does not hesitate to act. Lowe was certainly presented with a cry for help that could not be ignored with the most recent disaster in Haiti. She is answering this cry by escorting 5,000 gallons of water to the people of Haiti, working under the Umbrella of Northside Missionary Baptist Church Education Department and Mission Auxiliary #2, Sister Una Johnson, President.

“Thou has not given water to the weary to drink, and thou hast with holden bread from the hungry.” –Job 22:7.

Hazel Lowe may not be impacting social change through baseball like her

A Tribute to

Negro League Baseball Pasco Panthers Made up of Players from East Texas Hazel Lowe’s grandfather Herbert English, Sr. (back row, 2nd person from the right) and his twin brother, Mr. Herman English (seated on the 1st row to the right).

Herman English son is pictured below

Top Row L. To R. JD Lyles, Alfred Cole, Jack Sparks, Willie (Bill) Daniels, Vanis Daniels, Middle Row, Jimmie Lee (Dee) Green, Jack Williams, Marion (Cracker) Barton, Bottom Row, Otho Patto9n, (The Child), James English Top Row Standing, L. To R. NNA, Otho Patton, Artis Miles, NNA, Booker T. Miles, NNA, EJ (Boot) Cole, NNA Second Row One Person Standing, R. Covington, Sitting, Four Players in Back PH Cole, Russell Raines, Jack Sparks, Prince Weaver, Sitting, Front Row, Vanis Daniels, Marion (Cracker) Barton, Frank Collins, Norris Mitchell (Not Pictured), C.J. Mitchell (Not Pictured) - NNA - Name Not Available There was no financing of the team from sponsors. Players purchased their own equipment and uniforms. Occasionally, there were a few dollars from gate receipts.

regardless of the color of our skin. Lowe is proud of those that she is a descendent of and contributing to amazing works that her descendents will be proud of when they trace back their roots.

For more information about volunteering or donating to the foundation, you can contact Hazel Lowe at 832.507.84700 or e-mail at hazellowe47@yahoo.com.

Rev., Dr. Cleothus Montgomery Pastoral Minister PresidentHerbert, of ALL F.A.C.E.S. relatives James, and Herman

English; instead, she is diminishing the presence of a color barrier between races by influencing us to help one another www.

Northside Missionary Baptist Church, Houston, TX

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This scenario is not at all untypical. Retaliation for reporting instances of discrimination is unlawful.

Such retaliation often comes in subtle forms. You should seek the advice of an experienced employment lawyer to provide guidance in moving forward with the employer and in evaluating the existing facts and circumstances.

Retaliation cases involving a continuing employment rela-

By Carla Lane, Contributing Writer What are considered bad reasons for leaving a previous position? Are things like layoffs or a lack of challenges considered bad reasons for leaving a company?

Honesty is always the best way to respond to this question since your application will more than likely be scrutinized through a verification process. In the current economic climate, layoffs are impacting many first-rate employees and RIF and layoffs are not being held against an applicant in any way. Similarly, resignations do not reflect negatively on an applicant.

If you resigned from a job you did not find challenging in order to accept a better opportunity, it will demonstrate your ambition, as well as your marketability, so that would be a positive reflection on you. The only time employers question resignations is when it may suggest poor judgment in selecting positions and a lack of reliability, otherwise known as job-hopping. After all, if you were the hiring manager, would you hire someone you could count on, or someone whose past behavior predicts a short stay?

Given that there seems to be an overabundance of talent, what is/are the most important factor/s to distinguish one candidate from another?

The single distinguishing factor, after all other criteria are met and recommendations are received, is the candidate’s ability to connect with the decision maker. A smart hiring manager will ask herself, “is this someone I can trust with my XYZ assets, and is this someone I would enjoy managing/working with day in and day out?” If the answer is yes, the candidate will stand apart from the rest of finalists.

What should I put in online applications that REQUIRE a current salary and/or expected salary to be entered?

As a general rule, an application form — hard copy Feb. 15 - mar. 15 2010

or online — must be filled completely and accurately; otherwise, it may not be considered by a busy recruiter. If the salary question is a required field, and you cannot bypass it, be sure to answer the question of salary history truthfully.

Recruiters don’t like to spend time on an applicant who may not fit their salary range. It is acceptable if you ask for a lower salary from what you were last making if the job you are applying for is smaller or in a different field. If your salary requirements are significantly lower than what you were earning in your last position, it would raise a red flag for the recruiter. It could be viewed as a sign of desperation, which is not a good place to negotiate from.

My husband experienced racism at work, and reported this to his supervisors. Three weeks passes and he received no response to this issue. He then again sent a report to Human Resources, as well as the vice president of his company. The individual accused of making racists slurs towards him and others in the workplace was then fired a month after the original report was made, and two weeks after Human Resources was contacted. A week later his supervisors had a meeting with him, they expressed unhappiness about his report to Human Resources and to the Vice President.

He reminded them that he completely followed company policy in his dealing with the situation. A few days after the meeting was held, he was asked to sign a write up form. He did not agree with this, but complied out of fear of losing his job. For the pass month, he has been experiencing a very hostile work environment towards him. It seems like they are attempting to push him to quit, or are trying to now find reasons to fire him.

Do you think we should report this to human resources, or find an attorney? www.

tionship require ongoing strategic evaluation. Do not wait until a termination.

Get advice as soon as possible to make sure you make no mistakes and comply with all strategic considerations to position any retaliation case in the best light possible.

The above is not legal advice. It is offered for general discussion purposes only. Seek the advice of an experienced employment lawyer who can evaluate the specific facts involved and provide legal advice specific to the situation.

After the Recession:

Threats and Opportunities for Entrepreneurs

tirement through the sale of their business that they don’t bother to make any other retirement plans. The reality is, a sale might not be easy and there are attractive opportunities for current tax deductions through qualified retirement plans.

Traditional plans remain popular and include IRA’s, 401(k)s, SEP’s, and SIMPLEs. They allow employers to take a tax deduction on contributions. OthBy P. Vanessa Hall, er IRS-approved plans are increasing in New York Life Insurance Company popularity such as the 412(e)(3) plan.

This plan may allow certain small business owners to make potentially higher After the Recession: initial tax deductible contributions. You should consult your tax or legal advisor Threats and Opportunities for Entrepreneurs prior to establishing a qualified retireUnfortunately few operating busi- ment plan. nesses are immune to the effects of the Opportunity: recent credit crunch. As the threat of inflation continues and prices rise, of- Increased Unemployment Results in Larger Employee Pool tentimes available credit doesn’t. Small For employers looking to bring on business owners are left to restock innew employees, the down economy ventories with less liquidity. This effect can quickly snowball and cause serious may actually benefit their business. liquidity and credit problems. Keep- Increased unemployment has flooded ing lines of credit open and maintain- the employee pool with more highly ing an additional cash buffer may ease qualified candidates than ever before. the pressure a bit. Business owners can Employers shouldn’t overlook potenalso look for loans from less traditional tial candidates because of the stigma of sources. A permanent life insurance having been laid off. The job market policy, for example, provides death ben- presents the opportunity for small busiefit protection, but can build equity in ness owners to attract and retain big the form of cash value you can borrow business talent at small business costs.

It may also be wise to hire commissionagainst should you need to. based employees, often known as “pay Opportunity: for performance.” Employers will find Retirement Contribution Tax an increasing number of qualified indiDeductions viduals that may have never considered Many business owners are so cer- commission-based compensation betain they will be able to fund their re- fore, willing to give it a try.

15.

Proud to be a Life-long Student of Opportunity!

• James “Tut” Jackson (Heavy Weight Champ) • Emmett Till (Young Slave Martyr) • Benjamin O. Davis (US Army 1st Black General) • Mordecai W. Johnson (1st Black President of Howard University), • Nelson Mandela (Anti-Apartheid Activist) • President Barack Obama (1st Black President of America)

Author Noel Pinnock, B.S., M.P.A., C.A., CCC Contributing Writer

Country singer and award-recording artist Lee Greenwood wrote the venerable and profound lyrics to God Bless the USA: Proud to Be an American in the mid 80’s and it is the basis of this month’s D-mars Business Journal. I challenge you to pause and reflect on the events that have unfolded in your life that you are most proud of and have defined you as the person you are today.

For me, I found myself reflecting on the many milestones in my life: • The day I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord & Savior • My childhood in New York and Houston • High School Graduation • Obtaining numerous degrees, certifications, licensures, awards • The day I got married (13 years and one month ago) and subsequent birth of my two beautiful children I am sure you will attest that these are some major milestones in our existence that truly define our character and establish our presence amongst our family and societal circles. However, during this season of celebrating Black History, I am reminded of the many patriarchs and matriarchs that chartered a journey that change my life and the lives of God’s creatures across the globe.

If it were not for the likes of the individuals below, we would not be afforded the opportunities have contributed to our success today.

• Abraham Lincoln (Emancipation Proclamation) • Martin Luther King (Civil Rights Leader) Feb. 15 - mar. 15 2010

Everyone has a different definition of success. Success in the Merriam Dictionary is defined as a: “favorable or desired outcome; also: the attainment of wealth, favor, or eminence.” On the contrary, I define success as being able to leverage the opportunities God affords us on a daily basis because success is a journey not a destination. Therefore, I submit to you that I am proud to be a life-long student of opportunity.

Opportunity is at the core of our existence. If our forefathers/mothers did not leverage the opportunity to explore the great seas in search of a better tomorrow then we would probably not have an America today. Likewise, if it were not for my teachers of opportunity (i.e. spouse, parents, teachers, counselors, etc.) in my life then I would not be the man that I am today. Now do NOT get me wrong, I have failed, floundered, and faltered. I have not made the best of every opportunity. Like you, I am human and to err is human; however, this truism should not represent a business case NOT to get out there and grab opportunity by the horn and take the journey of success. In the midst of uncertainty and a sea of ambiguity, be encouraged that the best of life is yet to come. Joel Osteen wrote in his recent book, It’s Your Time, “Your best days (opportunities) are in front of you and not behind you. God will not let you go through more than you can handle. If you have a big challenge that is standing in your way of opportunity that just means you have a bigger destiny. Extraordinary people face extraordinary difficulties. But the good news is we serve an extraordinary God...In tough times you’ve got to draw the line in the sand. This difficulty will not bury me. This loss, this disappointment, this injustice, will not cause me to give up on my opportunities and dreams. www.

I refuse to live in self-pity. I know I am a seed. That means I cannot be buried. I can only be planted. I may be down but it is only temporary. I’m not only coming back; I will come back better than I was before.”

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, young and old, it is never to late.

For every setback, God has a predestined comeback but we have to be open and attentive because opportunity may not knock on your door or simply show up on your doorstep, especially if you are not proud to be a life-long student of opportunity. Remember, accomplishing anything requires discipline...deliberate, determined, definable action with a clear goal in mind.

Proud To Be “Of Voice”

By T. Q. Doyle, Coach and Image Consultant – MBA, SPHR Contributing Writer

“Well, from what I heard this is her second marriage and she was recently caught cheating.”

“No kidding….but it makes sense because while shooting hoops he talked about his infidelities as well.”

What’s the utterance from your mouth? Is it noise that provokes deceit or words that inspire and radiate harmony? Every action that projects life is precious so why minimize or understate the value of voice!

Be it the know-it-all big sister, the office gossip magnate, or the church house busy bee, we all talk and share gossip with one another. Experts say that gossip exists because it’s hardwired in our instinct. Is this so? Research on workplace sociability found that 65 percent of conversations in the office were people talking about themselves and, guess, OTHER PEOPLE! What makes gossip so harmful is how and why we do it, leaving communication to be either friend or foe to the ear with results

that may be lasting.

Classifiable as good or bad, gossip is undefined by its degree of “juiciness”, as we say. “Good” gossip guides the informal exchange of value-added information, acts as a form of social monitoring to keep groups in check, and provides insight to the idiosyncrasies of human behavior. Does this sound familiar? If so, give me a sigh of relief. If not, read on.

When you cross the line by ceasing to use gossip for good reasons it becomes “bad” gossip. People instinctively default to negative talk as an avoidance of their own personal and painful situations, for reasons of jealousy, for political or social gain, or to just get even.

Truth be told, the spreading of negative gossip does not leave you unscathed. It will shape the opinion that others have of you and in a negative way. People will also find it difficult to trust you.

For anyone with a real conscious, participating in negative gossip will leave disdain in the heart and mind, similar to a terrible after taste. The negativity you inflict on others will ultimately hurt you.

Communication absent of value equals voice that lacks pride and power.

Thus, having pride in your voice entails using it for good and in ways that will enhance your legacy and the mark you leave on the world! Use your voice to speak the truth with love, avoid angry words and bitter speech, encourage others and heal, and speak words of forgiveness. To make it more tactical, be a voice in the community by serving as an advocate for a helpless child or senior, volunteer at a crisis center, volunteer at campaign office….just to name a few. So, now I release you to go forward….do better things ….and be proud to be of voice!

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Proud to be a Partner in Diversity

such as the Houston Rockets, to promote and honor different cultures and the unique qualities of everyday heroes.

By Christina Robinson Grochett, University of Phoenix – Houston Vice President

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ithout its rich mixture of religions, races, and cultures, the United States would not be the nation that it is today. University of Phoenix recognizes the richness and depth that diversity brings to our lives and celebrates it yearround with our employees, faculty and students. Embracing diversity is what allows the University to serve 455,600 students across 200 campus and learning center locations in the U.S. and online throughout the world.

According to a 2008 report from Diverse Issues in Higher Education, the University helps students with diverse backgrounds earn degrees more than any other university in the nation. In fact, approximately 30 percent of the University’s enrollment is represented

by African American students and 11 percent represented by Hispanic students, compared to national percentages of 13 and 11 percent, respectively (based on August 2009 statistics).

The University is dedicated to “closing the gap” and making higher education accessible and attainable for individuals who would like to better themselves by earning advanced degrees.

As a result, the University has forged strong partnerships and created scholarship programs with diverse groups such as the Tuskegee Airmen Scholarship Fund, which University of Phoenix awarded a $20,000 grant to help fund this honorable organization and the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Scholarship Program, Feb. 15 - mar. 15 2010

which awards 25 scholarships annually to exceptional members of the Hispanic community. University of Phoenix also dedicates resources to help advance the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) by providing web-based advocacy and leadership training for the organization’s executives and branch officers.

Locally, the University’s Houston campuses are also committed to honoring diversity and helping the community. University of Phoenix partnered with the Houston Rockets to celebrate Black History Month by honoring everyday heroes from the African-American community during each home basketball game in February. More than 75 exceptional individuals, who have demonstrated leadership and passion in education, non-profit organization, criminal justice, student, community and military, were considered to be recognized during Black History Month.

Additionally, for the second year in a row, University of Phoenix awarded two full-tuition scholarships and laptop computers to individuals who would like to fulfill their dreams of an advanced education. The University presented the scholarships and laptops to the recipients during half-time at the Rockets’ February games. These scholarships will provide potential students with the opportunity to complete a degree program of their choice at University of Phoenix via online or at one of the six campus and learning center locations in the Greater Houston, the Woodlands or Sugarland areas. www.

University of Phoenix is proud to be a partner in diversity and a leader in higher education. As we celebrate Black History Month as a nation, we hope that companies and communities honor diversity all year long – just as we do.

Mahatma Gandhi once said, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” I believe this and, as the South Texas State Vice President for University of Phoenix, this is how I lead my team in Houston. We celebrate the unique qualities and talents of each employee and faculty member. This inclusive culture helps us learn about each other and honor each other’s achievements throughout the year. As a result, our dedication has helped thousands of students in Houston meet their personal and professional goals and become leaders in the community. We hope to continue celebrating diversity each day and partnering with leading organizations,

Christina Robinson Grochett is the State Vice President/ Director of South Texas for University of Phoenix. An accomplished leader and champion of higher learning, she was selected as a 2009 Women of Influence by Houston Woman Magazine and a Top 10 business women by the American Business Women’s Association in 2008. Under her leadership, the Houston campuses were selected as a 2009 Best Place to Work by The Houston Business Journal and were awarded with the 2009 and 2008 Alfred P. Sloan Awards from the City of Houston for Workplace Flexibility and Innovation.

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Upgrade your lifestyle by paying yourself first Money, like water, expands to fill the container in which it is placed. If you lack an objective set of financial goals for your life, you probably reach the end of each month and find yourself broke. You vow that next month will be different, but it never is.

This scenario is certainly one with which millions of people can identify.

Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be that way. One of the most powerful and effective strategies for building wealth is to pay yourself first.

Start with your monthly bills.

When you sit down to pay your bills, the first check you write should be to yourself. Decide on an amount you can commit to for at least six months and immediately pay that “bill” by depositing the money into your brokerage, mutual fund, or retirement accounts.

You must do this even if you cannot afford it! Then, pay your other bills as usual. If you find that you do not have enough money to cover all the expenses, write down the amount you are short and then find a way to raise the money.

If this means you have to recycle cans, switch to an off-brand cereal, work a few extra hours, or cancel your magazine subscriptions, do it.

Think it sounds too hard? If so, you must answer this question for yourself: is the pain of giving up your “perks” greater than the pain of being in financial bondage? If it is, you need to resign yourself to remaining in the same financial situation for the rest of your life. In fact, if you are prone to using debt as a means of upgrading your lifestyle, the problem will probably grow worse with time.

Taking control of your finances creates a sense of empowerment that will reach into every area of your life.

The freedom that comes from knowing that you and your family will be provided for regardless of what may come up cannot be expressed in words.

It is something you will experience for yourself when you make the decision that being financially independent and secure is more important than impressing your neighbors with material goods.

Once you’ve committed to paying yourself first, stick to it. In order to be successful, you must honor your commitment. You cannot cut yourself any slack. As soon as you miss one “payment”, odds are, you will miss another, then another, until you have stopped saving altogether. The secret to success in this game is not so much the amount of money you are investing, but the persistence with which you are doing it.

Feb. 15 - mar. 15 2010

The Jazz Bistro: A Classy Restaurant and Jazz Venue offers great food, a unique and cozy decor, excellent service and the best live entertainment in the City!

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any of us dream about a business we would like to start. We fantasize about the day we are our own bosses and the day when we work because we are passionate about what we are doing. We long for the day when we wake up happy to get ready for work because we are not just working to receive a paycheck. Although we long for the day when these desires become reality; the sad truth is that many of us lack the time, resources, and motivation to actually make it happen.

Barbara Calbert decided that she would not let a lack of anything or any obstacle hinder her from accomplishing the goal of adding another business venture to her portfolio.

It took ten years from the time Barbara Calbert moved to Missouri City to the day the doors opened to The Jazz Bistro Restaurant & Lounge. When Calbert, a single mother, first moved to Missouri City, she envisioned a city that could be as prosperous, productive and entertaining as any of its neighboring cities if more effort was placed on the development and keeping of businesses in the city. It was from this vision, her determination to succeed, her love of Jazz, and her mother’s marvelous recipes that resulted in the opening of “The Jazz Bistro Restaurant & Lounge.”

The Jazz Bistro is a Classy Restaurant and Jazz Venue, which offers great food, a unique and cozy decor, excellent service and the best live entertainment in the city, with a full bar. It is the Premiere Venue of Fort Bend for Live Jazz and Themed Entertainment!

“We chose jazz because we love it, it’s so soothing and soulful; it relaxes your mind and takes you to places that you’ve been before or would love to go, and allows you to fantasize about things you’ve done or would love to do.”

The Jazz Bistro has much more to offer than your typical restaurant. The day begins with lunch at 11 am to 2pm, where they offer great specials for these trying economic times with prices starting at $7.99 for a complete meal with two sides and a beverage. Happy hour starts daily from 4pm to 8pm Tuesday through Friday, with drink specials such as $2 dollar long necks and $4 margariwww.

tas and 2 delicious fish tacos for $2.99.

Dinner starts at 6pm with smooth jazz sounds playing overhead while enjoying great conversation and delicious food consisting of seafood combos, rib eye steaks with garlic mashed potatoes and fresh asparagus, charbroiled chicken breast, or garlic roasted chicken with rice pilaf and French green beans, upon request they offer soul food favorites such as oxtails and rice, smothered chops, fried or grilled fish with sides such as mustard greens w/smoked turkey, candied yams, mac-n-cheese, and red beans and rice. A light bar menu is offered after 10pm until 1am, with drinks served until 2am on weekends. Enjoy Live Entertainment Thursday through Saturday, and Sundays by special request of parties over 25.

If you were thinking, “WOW one restaurant offers all of this?” you will be astonished to know there is more! The Jazz Bistro also offers exquisite entertainment provided with private rentals

parties over 25.)

“We had never thought or dreamed of owning a restaurant; however, my family has always pondered the idea of selling my mother’s recipes. We love the idea that others are so pleased and satisfied by cuisine that’s made with love, just as our parents did for us. My sister, Lois (head Chef ) and I love cooking and sharing ideas and we entertained and fed so many of our friends, organized parties and social events for many people, so we decided to capitalize on a concept that I had a passion for: jazz, good food and entertainment.”

If you have not had the opportunity to check out The Jazz Bistro, why not take advantage of all it has to offer this Valentines Day? “Join us for a Love filled day on February 14th, starting at 11am -3pm, with a Fabulous Champagne and Roses Brunch at $29.00 per person; includes champagne, mimosas, chocolate covered strawberries, omelet station, prime rib carving station,

of the facility along with regular bookings for themed parties for birthdays, anniversaries, wedding receptions, retirement, graduations, church and political functions and business networking events.

The Jazz Bistro is a premiere adult venue in the Fort Bend area that is a welcomed attraction for the area. It has a first class atmosphere that offers the comfort and convenience of being nestled close in the neighbor and surrounding areas without the hassles of parking blocks from your vehicle, then having to drive a long distance to get back home.

It’s a great place to meet friends, coworkers, and gather with family on Sundays for a fabulous Jazz Brunch (Sunday evening entertainment upon request of

broiled shrimp, fish n grits, chicken and waffles and assorted fruit.”

Barbara Calbert, resident of Fort Bend for over 15 years, is proud to keep making it work by keeping the Love of Jazz in the form of live entertainment, with Great food and a Classy Cozy Atmosphere Alive in an unstable economy, with the help of Partner Robert Eubanks.

“The Community has been very supportive of our business. Special thanks to everyone who supported us from the beginning and we pray to have continued support. There are several neighborhoods that have not been touched, and we hope to have as many of those as possible come support our restaurant.”

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Commercial Debt Buyers –

Bridging the Liquidity and Servicing Gap cent months with regard to the impact of the credit crisis on the global economy. As tough as things are, the real issue with regard to the easing of capital markets lies in how financial institutions balance the risk of aggressive origination against the risks of default and collections, and the impact on balance sheets and liquidity.

With increasing regulation and compliance requirements on financial institutions’, their balance sheets need to be cleaner than ever. As evidenced by the recent stress tests administered by the Federal Government, which resulted in a handful of banks having to raise an additional $75 Billion dollars in equity, it is clear that at least in the near term lenders will need to clean-up their

By Michelle Rodriguez, portfolios, and have plenty of liquidity President, HSW Financial on hand.

The fastest remedy for aligning supply-side capital with demand-side needs Selling distressed debt increases is for lenders to partner with companies liquidity and improves operating specializing in the purchase and servicefficiencies for equipment leasing of higher-risk debt. Lenders have the ing and finance companies. ability to sell both performing and nonperforming debt to investors (distressed There has been a tremendous asset buyers) to remove high risk, or amount of industry noise, consumer non-performing debt from their balance frustration, and media attention in re- sheet, alleviating servicing and adminis-

Keep Your Business Alive

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n an era where so many companies are going belly up, it’s important that you know what to do to keep your business alive.

Starting your own company is a big challenge, but staying positive could be an even bigger struggle. No matter what kind of business you have, if you are not committed to a “failure is not an option” mindset, you are setting yourself up for failure.

The reality is that only two-thirds of new small businesses survive at least two years, and just 44 percent survive at least four years, according to a study by the U.S. Small Business Association.

To avoid becoming another startup casualty, the right mental state is crucial.

So when the bills begin to pile up, and clients or customers are few and far between, don’t be tempted to throw in the towel. Instead, keep your mind and mission on track.

One of the most important elements to starting a successful business is being mentally prepared. Of course, Feb. 15 - mar. 15 2010

skills, actions and good old-fashioned luck are also important factors, but it all begins with the right frame of mind.

That means stay away from people who are negative and may try to bring you down.

People can be negative simply because they are jealous that you had the courage to follow your own dream, not just talk about it.

You’ll also want to visualize your dream. Although there will be many ups and downs, a light does exist at the end of the tunnel, and it is bright. By visualizing success, your actions will become more confident. And increased confidence breeds success.

Entrepreneurs should think about why they started a business in the first place. Perhaps going back to work for someone else is not an option. In that case, just reminding yourself of the alternatives: being at the mercy of others controlling your life, playing corporate politics or reporting to incompetent bosses should be sufficient motivation to keep your mind right. www.

tration responsibility, and most importantly generating badly needed liquidity.

In the challenging economic climate, the need is greater than ever for lenders to develop close relationships with distressed debt buyers. It is precisely this type of relationship that will freeup lenders’ balance sheets, and infuse necessary capital into the marketplace.

There is little to no downside for lenders in facilitating the sale or private label servicing of distressed assets, and in most cases, the upside is significant due to the ability to monetize on assets that would normally be written-off in their entirety.

For more information on how to maximize returns on performing and non-performing assets we invite you to visit our website at www.hswfinancial. com or call HSW toll free at 888-2178898.

Showing Your Worth on Your Résumé

From an employer’s point of view, there is no greater predictor of success than past performance. To convince potential employers that you are the best candidate for the job, you must be able to clearly articulate and sell your accomplishments.

1: Start by writing one-line statements about various aspects of your experiences (in school, at work and through community/professional activities). Use your résumé checklists to organize your thoughts.

2: Convert each activity into an accomplishment statement. Accomplishment Michelle Rodriguez is President statements usually begin with an action of HSW Financial, one of the nation’s verb, describe your activities and end leading commercial debt buyers. HSW with a statement of what you achieved. specializes in acquiring and servicing Examples: both performing and non-performing • Reduced operating expenses by 25 equipment leasing portfolios. percent by improving efficiency and decreasing expenses.

• Selected new vendors for office services, resulting in improved customA large part of the “failure is not an er service and satisfaction. option” mindset is knowing that certain personal or financial sacrifices will need • Generated $50,000 in new sales during first 12 months. to be made along the way in order to achieve your dream. Entrepreneurs who • Created media relations campaign for healthcare provider, resulting in have made sacrifices and prospered did story placements in three major metso because they realized early on that ropolitan newspapers. starting and building a great company comes with a price.

3: Make your list of accomplishment Keep in mind that success comes to statements as comprehensive as possible. those who recognize risk, are unafraid You can always make editorial changes of it, and will execute on their ideas. If later. you are not open to taking risks your 4: After you have completed your list, chances of business survival will prob- edit the statements to use the most powably be slim. erful verbiage and reflect tangible eviWhen times get tough financially, dence of results. you really have only two choices: de5: If you are using a chronological récrease your expenses or increase your sumé format, make sure that you list revenues. each accomplishment directly beneath So now you know where you want the company where you acquired it. to go. How do you plan to get there? A roadmap will lead you to success. A busi- 6: If you are using a functional résumé, ness plan, which is a written description you will need to group related accomof what you are going to do and how plishments together under functional you are going to do it, is the entrepre- headings (regardless of when and where neur’s roadmap. It forces you to think you accomplished those results). about the entire operation and come to 7: Finally, review your accomplishment terms with the businesses strengths and statements in the context of your speweaknesses. Entrepreneurs who do their cific job objective; then organize and homework increase their chances for present the statements in order of their relevance to the potential employer. business success.

About the Author

23.

Let your whites

SHINE… Lasting Impressions Dental Group N

Feb. 15 - mar. 15 2010

www.

othing is more eye-catching than the brilliance of a beautiful smile and flashing those pearly whites. With the growing popularity of teeth whitening products in the market, patients are confirming the fact that a great smile always leave a “lasting impression.” Now more than ever, patients are inquiring about methods to whiten their teeth and the variables that surround this process.

Just as we have different skin and hair colors, so it goes with the variation in natural tooth color. Some teeth are more yellow, and some teeth yellow with aging. Professional cleanings work to remove surface stains, whereas whitening agents get at stains beneath the tooth surface. Causes of tooth discoloration include the following: minerals

whitening procedures. Whitening may be done completely in our dental office (ZOOM!), which normally takes about an hour, or a system may be dispensed by the dentist for the patient to use at home. It is important to note that there are some people with certain dental conditions that may not be good candidates for teeth whitening. These people would included for example, those with gum recession or those who may have exposed root surfaces, which are highly sensitive that could be further irritated by the ingredients in whiteners.

The long-terms results of whitening are impacted by individual habits and maintenance regimens. Keeping in mind those things that are known to discolor teeth, it is recommended to brush twice daily, along with daily flossing and regular professional cleanings. For the

(deposits of calculus or tartar), tobacco, food and beverage stains. Discoloration of the tooth internally can results from aging, injury, excessive fluoride, certain illnesses and taking the antibiotic tetracycline during early childhood. Specific whitening processes are available and can be determined by a dental professional based on the type of tooth discoloration and the type of treatment best suited for the patient. Frequently dentists are asked, “When should I whiten my teeth?” A common treatment plan to consider may be shortly after your 6-month cleaning which in most cases is an ideal time to whiten. You may also consider whitening before cosmetic procedures such as bonding, crowns, or vaneers.

There are basically two types of

most part individuals should monitor themselves and consult with one of our dentist when you feel a “touch-up” is in order.

Get out there, smile and make a “Lasting Impression!” there is no reason why your bright smile, shouldn’t be white! Don’t miss our Valentine’s Special for the Month of February on teeth whitening products and procedures--$400.00 for the ZOOM ($200.00 savings) and $99.00 ($100.00 savings) for the take home!

Lasting Impressions Dental Group Drs. Scott Cuillier, Bautista Cedillo, and McAfee 4418 Almeda, 77004 713 528-0040 www.lastingimpressionsdental.com 24.

Proud to Be…

$487.53 million in sales in 2008.

1962- Lisa Price

Part of a long line of Phenomenal Women “I had to make my own living and my own opportunity! But I made it! Don’t sit down and wait for the opportunities to come.

Get up and make them!”

- Madame CJ Walker

my brother, sister and I excelled and thrive in school, but she also nourished our spirits and dreams with her unconditional love and by reading to us stories of those who came before us, and reminded us that if they did so much with so little, the sky was truly the limit for us, for we had been blessed with so much.

My mom always told me that God gives each of us all the tools we need to do what HE put on earth to do. Look at what these women did with their tools.

What will you do with yours?

1818-1891 Bridget “Biddy” Mason

Born a slave, with no formal education, she learned midwifery, and became a well-regarded midwife. She moved to California (a free state) and assisted in hundreds of births to mothers of all races and social classes. She soon became financially independent by saving money and living frugally. In 1866, she bought a house for $250—and became the first black woman to own land in Los AnBy Carla Lane, geles. She sold a parcel of the land for Contributing Writer $1500 and built a commercial building with rental spaces on the remaining Every February, we celebrate “Black land. She accumulated a fortune of alHistory” Month. Our children write most $300,000. (A return of 1200 times about the well known heroes of our race: her initial investment!)

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm 1827-1907 Eliza Bryant X, Mary Mc Cloud Bethune, Shirley The daughter of Polly Simmons, a Chisholm, Barbara Jordan, Oprah, and slave, and her master, after learning of the latest addition OUR president Mr. Barak Obama. All of these great Ameri- the specials needs of elderly blacks left cans are very deserving of the many ac- alone due to slavery. She established colades and praise that we bestow upon a home for aged blacks in 1897, The Cleveland Home for Aged Colored them.

But as an African American moth- People. er, wife, sister, daughter, friend, employer, confidant, and mentor, I think 1862-1931 Ida B Wells it’s important that we remember these Orphaned at 18, she completed her awesome people are not the exception studies at Rust College and became a to our history. They are the rule. The teacher, she became an editor and coimages of us that often get the most owner of a local black newspaper, and press do not accurately chronicle our she used her paper to attack the evils of history in this country, our present and lynching. She later settled in Chicago definitely do not define our future. and formed the Woman’s Era Club, So, presented with the opportunity the first civic organization for African to write a column in the, “Proud to Be” American Women.

Edition of the Business Journal, in the month deemed “Black History Month; 1867- 1919 Madame C.J. Walker I choose to share with you, why I am The daughter of slaves became the proud to be part of a long line of Phe- first widely reported self-made African nomenal Women who is continuing the American millionaire in the 20th cenlegacy of those before me and paving tury, making her fortune through hair the way for those who will come after. care products for African Americans.

Growing up I was always presented with images of our people exhibiting 1917-1977 Fannie Lou Hamer excellence, my father earned each of The twentieth child of sharecropthis 4 degrees in my lifetime, and my pers, she is well known as a fighter in the mother stood by his side and made sure Civil Rights Movements. She fought for Feb. 15 - mar. 15 2010

www.

Founder of Carol’s Daughter, one of the first African American-owned beauty product lines with a flagship store. In 1990, Price began making creams and the right to vote in 1962 as a member lotions based on natural materials in of SNCC, she promoted economic as- her kitchen. In 2008, Carol’s Daughter sistance for African Americans and cre- grossed more than $30 million in sales. ated the Freedom Farms Corporation, a 1969- Mellody Hobson land coop with the intention of having President, Ariel Capital Managepoor farmers eventually purchase a stake ment L.L.C. the nation’s largest blackin the land. She also founded the Missis- owned money management firm, Chisippi Freedom Democratic Party, when cago-based Ariel Capital, with $21.43 the Mississippi Democratic Party did billion in assets under management. not allow Blacks.

1969- Gail Warrior Lawrence 1949- Sheila Crump Johnson President and CEO of the WarBusinesswoman, musician, philan- rior Group, Inc. Founded in 1997, the thropist, and reportedly the first Afri- Warrior Group is a multi-million dollar can-American woman to become a bil- provider of premiere modular construclionaire. Sheila Crump Johnson is the tion services. Headquartered in DeSoto, cofounder of BET with former husband Texas, the company the largest womanRobert L. Johnson. owned provider of modular buildings in the United States.

1952- Janice Bryant Howroyd CEO of the Torrance, California- Let’s make HISTORY!! based Act One Personnel Services A determined professional, she expanded her small, one-phone-line office into a multimillion dollar business over a period of more than 30 years. She began ACT*1 Personnel Services, a now leading employment services agency, with $1,500 and perseverance. ACT*1 reported

25.

Two Sisters Inspiring and Empowering the lives of other women

By Druennette Lewis President / Founder of WE

Druennette Lewis

Jazmine Dow

y our very human nature we become the people we are by continually doing the things we do. Ordinary people with extraordinary faith, given a vision from God these two sisters, Druennette Lewis & Jazmine Dow, responded to a seed planted within them to began the WE Women’s Empowerment Organization.

You see these two sisters are products of a single family home, two out of six siblings Druennette and Jazmine were raised in Houston TX, Independent Heights a low-income area in Houston by their mother Esther Bernard.

As they grew older, and the lack of experience of life set in, they began to become overwhelmed with the not knowing, not knowing how to budget, not knowing how to be healthy, knowing how to give love, not knowing how to be loved. Not knowing their self worth, or how to give themselves standards or boundaries and this list goes on. In addition, as they began to reflect on the pain and agony of lacking these foundational things that are very well needed to create the makeup of a wellrounded woman.

They also began to wonder how many other women have suffered the same strongholds, and have just not been able to break free. In the year

2009, they found out that there were several; using their WE Women’s Empowerment Organization, Druennette and Jazmine began hosting monthly seminars that were geared towards inspiring and empowering the lives of other women between the ages of 11 and up. These workshops were lead by highly trained individuals that would come in and share with women the tools needed to accomplish and gain power and control in the areas of family, finance, relationships’ business/personal, health and a number of other topics that were used to give women a since of purpose and direction with the necessary tools to help guide them in life.

Through the WE Women’s Empowerment Organization these sisters have touch well over 300 lives, by giving families money for school cloths, feeding the homeless, and pouring into the lives of each woman that has attended one of their 12 workshops that in turn has inspired entrepreneurs of all industries to step out on faith and began their business. This all was achieved in the year 2009 and they are diligently moving forward in pursuing their purpose to continue to inspire and impact women in and throughout their community in the year 2010!

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Let us Promote your Business, Your Event, or You! Advertise today in D-MARS Business Journal

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26.

Be proud of your E-Newsletter!

There’s no question about it, a newsletter is crucial to reminding people about your products and services. And if your information is useful and relevant, you’ll enhance your reputation and build your business. While both paper and e-mail newsletters have their uses, email newsletters are a simpler and more inexpensive way to stay in touch with your mailing list.

By providing your customers with an e-newsletter, you’re creating a winwin situation by giving readers information they need in a format that’s quick and easy to understand while providing updates about your business.

But you’ll need to know some basics before you get started.

First of all, determine what topics you will cover. If you’re lucky, you already have a niche that creates a

newsletter focus for you. For instance, a mortgage company that focuses on loans could provide new information about avenues homeowners can save their home from foreclosure. If you don’t have a narrow niche, consider topics your readers would be interested in.

A hair salon could provide information on new hair styles and hair care. A catering business could provide quick and easy recipes. A children’s clothing store could provide parenting tips.

Then you’ll need to determine how often you want to send out your newsletter. Typically, e-mail newsletters are sent out weekly, biweekly or monthly. If you send them out less frequently, they won’t be as effective. The key here is to be consistent.

You’ll also want to keep in mind the length of your newsletter. Consid-

er starting out with a one-page e-mail newsletter. Make sure you don’t create a long newsletter and find yourself constantly searching for information to fill it with.

As for format, you can create your own, or better yet hire D-Mars.com to create one for you. Our graphic designers can personalize your newsletter to make your business shine. And our distribution service can make sure your newsletter is seen by thousands! It’s advantageous to use a service like D-Mars. com because we can tell you if you have words in your newsletter that can be tagged as spam that’ll prevent your newsletter from being delivered, and

most importantly, your email is more likely to be opened and read because it’s coming from a credible source. Our extensive database recognizes emails sent through our distribution service, so they know it’s going to be reliable, informative, news they can use.

In regard to content, you can include articles, editor’s notes, discounts on featured products or services, updates on your business or some combination of these items.

Follow these strategies, and you’ll be well on your way to producing a successful newsletter that’ll enhance your image and help you grow your business

Understanding Your

Health Care Options

By Victor Walker, Contributing Writer It seems that few topics are the subject of more discussion and debate today than our health care system. It is a highly complex arena—one replete with jargon and technical language. Though it may be subject to dramatic changes in the future, many people struggle to interpret the current system and determine the best and most cost-efficient health care options to fit their unique circumstances. If your medical bills leave you scratching your head about the difference between copayments and coinsurance, keep this basic guide in mind.

Footing the bill Paying for healthcare is not as simple as buying groceries, a new TV or a car.

The cost to you can come in different forms: Insurance premiums – this is the dollar amount that people tend to pay the most attention to, because it represents the out-of-pocket cost (usually monthly) for a health insurance plan.

However, premiums are just the beginFeb. 15 - mar. 15 2010

ning of the costs involved.

Deductibles – the out-of-pocket cost an individual or family must pay directly to a provider for health services.

Many insurance plans require that several hundred to several thousand dollars in costs be incurred first by the policyholder before the insurance company begins to cover expenses. This represents the deductible amount.

Coinsurance – this is the amount of medical expenses that must be paid by the individual after the deductible amount has been satisfied. For example, after paying the deductible, an individual often will have to pay 20 percent of expenses up to another dollar amount for any medical services incurred.

Copayments – some plans require that those who use medical services contribute a flat amount for each visit to a medical provider. Typically, this payment is made at the time services are provided.

Different types of plans There are a variety of health coverage options available. Not only can you choose from different insurance companies, but also from different types of plans. Most people today participate in one of three types of managed care plans that try to emphasize preventive medicine and wellness as a way to keep treatment costs down. Those plans include: www.

HMOs – Health Maintenance Organizations are plans that generally require individuals to utilize doctors, clinics and hospitals that are part of their approved network of providers. Typically, these plans do not require deductibles, but often include co-payments for medical services.

PPO – Preferred Provider Organizations are another form of managed care that share many of the characteristics of HMOs, but also some important differences. They encourage individuals to use a specified network of providers, but also allow patients to choose to seek service “out of network.”

POS – Point of Service plans are a managed care option designed to keep costs down by having a primary physician manage referrals as needed, typically within the same network of providers.

Moving away from managed care Those who prefer fewer restrictions on their ability to choose providers may opt for a private fee-for-service plan.

This is a more traditional approach to insurance where premiums are more competitive and healthcare costs are shared by policy owners and the insurance company.

Another approach to health insurance that is attracting more interest is re-

ferred to as a “consumer-directed” solution. It centers on the combination of a health insurance plan that includes high deductibles and lower premiums and regular investments in a Health Savings Account. Coverage for current health costs comes from the high-deductible insurance policy. Additional money is then saved in an HSA, and the amount that accumulates can be used to help pay deductibles and any other out-ofpocket medical expenses. Contributions made to an HSA are tax-deductible, any earnings generated by the account are not taxed and withdrawals to pay for qualified expenses are tax-free.

The money saved in an HSA can be used to help pay for current and future medical-related costs. By putting the money under your control, an HSA can give you greater choice in the health coverage you choose. An HSA is also portable, meaning that it goes with you if you lose your job or change employers.

The increasing role healthcare expenses play for most Americans today will continue to be a hot topic, and the system may undergo changes in years to come. But understanding the basics of the system as it stands today is important for you to get the most out of your current and ongoing healthcare investment.

27.

Family Reunion: Pass it on!

Maybe years and years from now Family reunion…

By Dr. D. L. Jones, Contributing Writer As I look back over my life, the fondest memories are those special times spent with my family. To say family is important is an understatement. Those who never experienced the beauty and warmth of a loving family have missed out on the one thing that makes the world go around: FAMILY! I’m reminded of the classic 70s soul hit “Family Reunion” by the O’Jays: It’s so nice to see All the folks you love together Sittin’ and talkin’ ‘bout All the things that’s been goin’ down It’s been a long, long time Since we had a chance to get together Nobody knows the next time we see each other

Tough

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Times

usinesses can tighten their belt and still watch their businesses thrive If you’ve applied for credit recently, you know creditors are tightening their regulations. Therefore, entrepreneurs are being advised to watch their dollars carefully. Those companies that fail most often don’t do so because

of a shortage of customers. They fail because of a shortage of cash. If clients owe you money, and you don’t have enough Feb. 15 - mar. 15 2010

I know, I know, it’s hard to read those lyrics and not have the melody play within your heart. For those of you who have a loving family, you are so blessed and should be proud to be in the number of so many African American loving families that make the world go around.

Is family important? You betcha.

The family is the first institution the God ordained. The family was presented to the world before the church. One does not have to go back to the Garden of Eden to capture a sense of what family is. One only needs to reunite, cultivate and water the one garden that God has given to all man born of a woman: The Family Garden.

Isn’t it a sad commentary to know that many children leave school everyday and dread going home? Many kids would rather stay at school, hang out in the park, or go to a friend’s house than to go home. Why? Because their house is not a home; it is merely a place to lay their heads and sleep (if they can get any sleep).

I declare by the power of God that

funding to pay this month’s lease, you have a cash flow problem.

But you can still manage your company’s cash flow with these easy tips.

Quickly collect outstanding accounts receivables. You can’t make money if everyone owes you money. It’s imperative that you stay on top of your billing. Get your invoices out on time, and don’t let any slip through the cracks.

In dealing with day-to-day business, it’s easy to forget to follow up with a latepaying customer, but remember, a follow-up call is just as important as a new client call. If you’re a small business and don’t like doing the dirty work yourself, consider outsourcing and hiring a virtual assistant or collection company.

Read your cash flow statements.

When you do receive payments, track them in your financial documents. You probably know that the income statement and balance sheet are important, but don’t forget to regularly review your cash flow statement, too. It lists your cash income and outgo, marked at specific time intervals. If you need to create your own, there are several free templates online. This is something you’ll want to do, even if business is good. The cash flow statement could alert you to potential problems down the road, especially if you don’t get paid for your work in a timely manner. Not having enough cash on hand could affect your ability www.

it’s time to reunite the Black family and bring back the great legacy of family love that we brought to America from the distant shores of Africa. Tough our ancestors were brought here in chains and shackles; the one thing the slave master couldn’t shackle was our family love and strong will to survive. I pray that we as a people revisit and embrace the family love that has brought us through many dangers, toils, and snares.

For generations, Black family reunions have been the foundation of family legacy and affirmation. It is a time when families gather to pay homage to the struggles of yesterday, and to focus on tomorrow.

If your family is not as close and loving as you want it to be, remember it’s never too late to make a change for the better. Trust me when I say “Your very life depends on it.”

What’s the big fuss about family?

Why struggle to fix something that’s been broken before Big Mamma died years ago? I’m glad you asked. Black families have gone through so much down through history, and that legacy must be instilled into the coming generations. It is up to us to pass the torch to the younger generations to make sure

the strong legacy of Black family love lives on.

Our Black families are deeply rooted to our past that creates a positive sense of family identity. The legacy behind strong Black families is what keeps us going and growing. If we don’t continue to work on strengthening the Black family, our rich heritage will be lost, so we cannot let the family reunion die.

The loving things we do together as a family are the building blocks to a stronger family foundation. In keeping mindful of our great family history, we become more grounded in the present and are more prepared for the future.

The devotion that is embedded within a loving family is evident in the times spent together just laughing and sharing precious memories.

Black family reunions are the fiber to our family history. That fiber is strong enough to withstand any hatred, jealousy, or hurt that ever entered into your family garden. Keeping that fiber strong and healthy will create a one-ofa-kind loving family that will stand the test of time, and one that you will never forget.

Family Reunion: Pass it on!

to get a loan or access resources to help your company grow.

Keep a cash reserve. Just as people need to have money saved for a rainy day, businesses need to keep a cash reserve. Experts say the best time to build

a reserve is when you don’t need it. If you’ve had a good month and gotten paid over and above your budget, put some of that money in your business savings.

An orginal cast member of “The Diary of Black Men.”

Franklin J. Anderson Contributing Writer

I

AM PROUD TO BE one of the original cast members of the national touring and Broadway production of The Diary of Black Men. The Diary of Black Men is the longest running touring play in the his-

tory of Black Theatre and one of the pioneers of what’s now called Urban Theatre. As an original cast member of 10 years, I am proud of the historical significance of the play and the impact it has had on those who have seen it. Now co-starring Isiah Washington formely of Grey’s Anatomy, a second generation of viewers are not witnessing “the Diary experience”. The fact that this Thomas Meloncon play started at a then leaky roof SHAPE Community Center and ended up on Broadway is very gratifying. What’s personally gratifying for me is the fact that I was considered by many as average at best as a talent. But...I worked hard...very hard. The result was a 70 city tour, a trip to Broadway and a moment in history. My message to the youth...”you don’t have to be the best to do your best and because you were made in the likeness of God, your best will be sufficient.

28.

Recycling Life’s Experiences to Create Happiness

Eugene “Dr. Love” Davenport

Eric “Dr. Money” Davenport

What does it mean to be happy? Is happiness relative, or is there a formula that can be followed to achieve it. Why is it that we all seek it, but often fall short finding it? Some think that success is the key to happiness. This couldn’t be further from the truth. There are thousands of everyday, real life examples that disprove this theory. In fact, happiness is the key to success and for most of us, achieving happiness is our ultimate goal.

The problem is, most of us don’t know what true happiness is and how to attain it. We tend to think, “If I had more money, I would be happy,” or “If I had

Feb. 15 - mar. 15 2010

Berwick “Dr. Power” Davenport

someone to love me, I would be happy,” or “If I could just get others to do what I want them to do, I would be happy.”

It all boils down to a desire for money, love and/or power. We base our happiness on external influences and when one or all of them fail us, we lose our joy and peace.

In our quest for happiness, which ultimately leads to success, we have to learn how to deal with and process life’s experiences to ensure positive outcomes.

We all face failures, losses, disappointments and set-backs; whether it’s the failure of a business, death of a loved

www.

one, divorce, bankruptcy, strained relationships or the loss of a job; we all experience situations that can, if allowed, make us unhappy. The key is to look at negative situations for what they are: Human Relationship Waste (HRW) and recycle them into what’s needed to live happy, fulfilled lives.

If processed properly, all of our negative life experiences can be used as a source of wisdom. Defined as a deep understanding of people, things, events or situations, wisdom empowers us to choose and act to consistently produce optimum results with minimal time and energy. We need wisdom to be successful in life. We all encounter hurts, disappointments and let-downs that tend to threaten our happiness, these situations often lead to bitterness, resentment and destructive behavior. Believe it or not, we can gain wisdom from negative situations and circumstances; they simply have to be processed properly.

Because many of us don’t know how to recycle our unwanted or unfavorable experiences into wisdom, three brothers: Eric, Eugene and Berwick Davenport are the proud creators of

the Wisdom Factory. Developed out of their own life experiences and desire to help people, The Wisdom Factory acknowledges that everyone has problems and will have to overcome challenges and difficult situations, but those situations can be the building blocks to a better life. True happiness and success in life is attainable for anyone who desires it. No matter what you’ve been through, no matter how bad a situation might be, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. No one knows this more than the Davenports. Having experienced some of the worst circumstances imaginable, such as being left by their mother at a very young age, living in poverty throughout their entire childhood, coping with the brutal murder of one of their sisters, failed businesses, broken relationships, incarceration and other horrible situations, these brothers prove that how things start out are not necessarily how they finish.

The Davenports are proud to be examples of people who persevered through unspeakable trials and tribulations and now share their experiences with others. The brothers have discovered how to turn every negative situation in life into wisdom; the wisdom needed to live happy, abundant and fulfilled lives. They believe that it’s possible for everyone to live the life they desire. For more information on the Wisdom Factory, visit thewisdomfactory.net.

29.

More than your local pharmacy...

A member of your community

James Dykes R.Ph. Owner

I

f you have been waiting to find the right neighborhood pharmacy to provide courteous, professional, and knowledgeable care, then look no further. For nearly two decades, James Dykes has been dedicated to serving our community with efficient quality and compassionate service. He is the

owner of two pharmacies in the Houston Metropolitan area.

As owner and operator of two local pharmacies, Dykes assumes many responsibilities to ensure that each pharmacy is successful.

“A pharmacy is much more than dispensing medication; there are numerous other responsibilities. These responsibilities include, but are not limited to, daily audits of medication, consulting with patients and physicians, ordering and stocking medication, payroll, working with other healthcare teams and or facilities, attending workshops, training, meeting with sales representatives, speaking to groups about health care issues and continually educating others

on the use of prescribed medication and over the counter supplements.”

Dykes is extremely vigilant when it comes to care of the people he serves.

Some of his scopes of services include one-on-one patient consultation for all medications, home deliveries to individual’s homes and assisted living facilities, and special services to Medicare and Medicaid patients. Cullen Care Pharmacies are also capable of compounding and mixing drugs for a wide range of applications as prescribed by the physician, and special medication packaging. Each pharmacist is thoroughly educated, trained and available to provide the public with expert drug information as it relates to healthcare to prevent adverse interactive effects from

other prescribed medications.

“Our pharmacies cater exclusively to the needs of the community. These efforts are accomplished through hard work, dedication and the desire to provide a better quality of life to our patients,” Dykes says.

Proud to Be Challenging the younger generation to a new way of thinking…..

By Jarrett Williams Contributing Writer

W

hether one believes it or not, our first impression settles the matter for most people.

And if that is the case…why do we not consider that how we look, how we talk, or how we even shake another person’s hand can open or close doors to our future.

When President Obama was elected, I was so stunned I didn’t know what to say or do. It was so surreal, a man of color, our President. I just never believed It would happen in my lifetime.

I bought tickets for the family to go to Washington to witness the swearing in for myself. It was a scene like nothing I had experienced before, millions of people with hope in their eyes and I was there.

When I left D.C. and on the plane ride home, I started to reflect on “What can I do to help make a change in my corner of the world”. I started writing words that came to me from the flyer I had in my hand, “Change we can believe in”. Those words became a song that I put to music and sent off across the country. I offered it to anyone that would listen and one day I received an email from “The National Congress of Black Women, Inc.” and Dr. E. Faye Williams who asked me to come and perform the song for their September banquet (the week of the Congressional Black Caucus) in Washington, D.C. That performance led to another at the “First Annual Barack Obama Holiday weekend of events” in Marion, Alabama (outside of Selma). I was invited by Perry County Commissioner Albert Turner who had heard about my earlier perfor-

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www.

mance at the banquet.

In Marion I performed 3 of the 4 songs I had written since that January plane ride home. I had decided to title all the songs under the CD title “Songs 4 America”. I’m shooting for 8 and a full CD. The last song needed a little thought and reflection. How can you shout out a message, but not lose your influence?

And the answer came to me, “you do it with love and with inspiration” “Pick up your pants…and start a new dance”, is my message of love.

The second sentence to the song says “open up your mind and look what you’ll find”.

Like so many others I had seen just one young man to many with their pants down below their butts and just couldn’t understand how they think the world will ever respect them or give them a chance to lead our country. I would ask the even younger guys, “name me great men who have changed the country”. Although we didn’t always share the same heroes (a generational thing I guess), most of their heroes wore

their pants above their butts (and some even wore a belt).

This song is not about my desire to put down our young people, but instead to lift them.

I have deliberately only written about people, careers, or areas of great work that can be achieved by opening up their minds. The “picking up of their pants and starting a new dance” is simply symbolic of “lift yourself my brother and go in a new direction, where the sky is the limit and you can be anything you want to be”. The catch?

Education and desire will be the key to obtaining an abundance of success. I can say these things because I have been where they are until I saw something I never thought I would see in my life.

Now four songs later and number 5 in the works, I’ve figured out what I can do to change the world---I have just received and accepted a chance to perform “Pick up your pants” at the MoneyWeek Houston-100 Teens Program in April 2010.

Call US TODAY!!!

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Proud To Be: Obtaining and Securing Employment for Individuals with Disabilities….. ment. She has a caring attitude working to represent the individuals to promote their skills to be used in the world of work. She understands the individuals and their disabilities, and, knows how to assist them in using their skills and abilities. She has more than 35 years of experience in this field having worked within the states of New York and Texas.

Ms. Grimes can help your client obtain employment by assisting them with the following services:

By Jennifer Grimes Sure Placement Jennifer Grimes is the owner, president and operator of Sure Placement, an agency which helps individuals with disabilities to find and secure employ-

• Job coaching to help them understand their work duties • How to properly fill out an application • How to prepare a resume that will catch the eye of the employer • Have modified interviewing session

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to explain the best types of answers (and what not to say) Make contact with the potential employer to find out if the job is suitable Explain the duties to the client to ensure a perfect match Assist individuals with disabilities in handling attached issues which may be barriers to getting the job Maintain contact with the client for assistance in any way

Ms. Grimes has the stamina and tenacity to take on any challenge for employment. In assisting the individual, she does research on the type of disability to ensure that the individual is not set up failure. She also works closely with other agencies so that the collabobusiness and we can help. You can register for any of the four Pre GPC Workshops by logging on to www.houstongpc.org. All events are FREE and will be held at the University of Houston SBDC Network, 2302 Fannin, Suite 200, Houston, TX 77002.

2010 Reloaded Celebrating 17 years of Explosive Business The premier government contracting event of the year for small, minority, women-owned and disadvantaged businesses is fast approaching. This conference provides a great forum for government agencies, corporations and small businesses to discuss vital business relationships. Participants at Government Procurement Connections will have the opportunity to meet with more than 100 City, County, State and Federal representatives involved in purchasing, construction, and professional services contracting on March 17 & March 18, 2010.

RELOADED – STRATEGY GPC 2010 will also feature an area inside the Exhibit Hall at the George R. Brown Convention Center designated as the “Construction Zone” where all prime construction companies will learn about upcoming opportunities and have their exhibit booths. Additionally, the Zone will also provide primes with the opportunity to have “Face to Face” interviews with potential subcontractors, who have been pre-screened, based on

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their subcontracting needs.

The new initiative is endorsed by the following trade organizations; the Association of General Contractors (AGC), Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc., (ABC), and collaborating with public agency partners City of Houston Affirmative Action and Contract Compliance, METRO, the Port of Houston Authority, the Houston Independent School District, and the University of Texas System. “AGC Houston is pleased to be a part of the Government Procurement Connections 2010, and happy to see the City of Houston has created a platform specific to construction that allows our members to communicate directly with potential business partners,” said Jerry Nevlud, president & CEO of AGC Houston. “Given the level of commitment and involvement of all parties, we are certain that participation in this event will prove successful for all involved in the local commercial construction community.”

RELOADED - PURPOSE Now is the time to prepare to do

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• Pre GPC Workshop #1 - Are You Ready for Government Contracting Velma Laws (City of Houston Affirmative Action) Rhonna Endres Pedro Garcia February 25 (3 – 5pm) • Pre GPC Workshop #2 – Effective Marketing & Follow Up for Business Success “Developing a 5 Minute Elevator Speech” Sahnya Shulterbrandt & Keyshala Petit (Marketing Specialists) James Harris ( HEB) Cindy Clifford February 4 (4 – 6pm) March 4 (3 – 5pm) “The GPC Conference is by far the only event, that I’ve been a part of in this decade, which has produced the most tangible results for small, minority and women-owned businesses, governmental organizations and private corporations. GPC is a must attend event for

rated services will work for the individuals’ best. While the main issue is to find employment, she also takes the time to assist individuals with disabilities in handling attached issues which may be barriers to getting the job. “I believe the greatest gift one person can give another is not doing a task for them but providing them with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to perform the task themselves.”

It is through Sure Placements ability to provide individuals with the knowledge, confidence and skills that has made it successful in obtaining employment for numerous individuals. With their participation, individuals gain the confidence and independence needed to continue on their own. Sure Placement guarantees their success.

2010,” said J.Goodwille Pierre, Chair of GPC 2010 and Manager, Small Business Development and Contract Compliance Office of the Houston Airport System.

RELOADED - ATTITUDE “For those small firms desiring to do business with public agencies, GPC provides the ideal environment to nurture existing and develop new relationships in several Industry Forums, an Awards Luncheon and the Expo.” said Helen Callier, Co-Chair of GPC 2010 and President of BradlinkLLC. Another highlight of the day is the Awards Luncheon, which recognizes outstanding contributions to S/MWDBE development. The keynote speaker is Dr. Randal Pinkett who received national attention as the Season 4 Winner of NBC’s hit reality television show The Apprentice with Donald Trump. Dr. Pinkett has established himself as an entrepreneur, speaker, author, scholar and community servant. He is the co-founder, chairman and CEO of BCT Partners, a multimillion dollar management, technology and policy consulting firm based in Newark, NJ. Registration fee for this great twoday event is $50. Tickets for the Awards Luncheon are available for $40 per person. To find out about discount prices on our All Inclusive packages, visit www. houstongpc.org.

Let us Promote your Business, Your Event, or You! Advertise today in D-MARS Business Journal

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Don’t Stress out on Stress

• How you acted in response.

• What you did to make yourself feel better.

Dr. Olufunke Odetunde Stress is the most common cause of ill health in our society, probably underlying as many as 70% of all visits to family doctors.

Stress is a normal psychological and physical reaction to the demands of life.

In small quantities, stress is good -- it can motivate you and help you be more productive. However, too much stress, or a strong response to stress, is harmful. It can set you up for general poor health as well as specific physical or psychological illnesses like infection, heart disease, or depression. Persistent and unrelenting stress often leads to anxiety and unhealthy behaviors like overeating and abuse of alcohol or drugs.

lights, heat, confined spaces.

Social (interaction with people): rudeness, bossiness or aggressiveness on the part of someone else.

Organizational: rules, regulations, “red tape,” deadlines.

Major life events: death of a relative, lost job, promotion, new baby.

Daily hassles: commuting, misplacing keys, mechanical breakdowns.

Change lifestyle habits.

• Decrease caffeine (coffee, tea, and colas, chocolate).

• Well-balanced diet.

• Decrease consumption of junk food.

• Eat slowly.

• Regular exercise (at least 30 minutes, three times per week).

• Adequate sleep (figure out what you need, and then get it).

• Leisure time (do something for yourself everyday).

• Relaxation exercises (e.g., meditation, self-hypnosis).

What Are Common Symptoms of Stress?

Internal stressors include: Lifestyle choices: caffeine, not enough Change stressful situations.

• Time and money management. sleep, overloaded schedule.

• Assertiveness.

Negative self-talk: pessimistic thinking, self-criticism, over-analyzing.

Mind traps: unrealistic expectations, taking things personally, all-or-nothing thinking, and exaggerating, rigid thinking.

Manifestations of stress are numerous and varied but they generally fall into four categories:

What are some ways to manage Stress?

• Problem-solving.

• Possibly leaving a job or a relationship.

Change your thinking.

• Look at things more positively.

• See problems as opportunities.

• Refute negative thoughts.

• Keep a sense of humor.

Olufunke Odetunde MD FAAFP Board Certified Family Medicine Olufunke Odetunde MD. PA. 2626 South Loop West, Suite #310 Houston, Texas 77054 Phone: (713) 796-9500 Website: www.odetundemd.com To subscribe to e-newsletters from Olufunke Odetunde MD visit www.odetundemd.com

Physical: fatigue, headache, insomnia, muscle aches/stiffness (especially neck, shoulders and low back), heart palpitations, chest pains, abdominal cramps, nausea, trembling, cold extremities, flushing or sweating and frequent colds.

Stress management involves controlling and reducing the tension that occurs in stressful situations by making emotional and physical changes. The degree of stress and the desire to make the changes will determine how much Mental: decrease in concentration and change takes place. memory, indecisiveness, mind racing or Identify your true sources of stress, going blank, confusion, loss of sense of look closely at your habits, attitude, and humor. excuses.

Emotional: anxiety, nervousness, depression, anger, frustration, worry, fear, irritability, impatience, short temper.

Behavioral: pacing, fidgeting, nervous habits (nail-biting, foot-tapping), increased eating, smoking, drinking, crying, yelling, swearing, blaming and even throwing things or hitting.

• Do you explain away stress as temporary • Do you define stress as an integral part of your work or home life or as a part of your personality.

• Do you blame your stress on other people or outside events, or view it as entirely normal and unexceptional?

What Are the Causes of Stress?

Start a stress journal A stress journal can help you identify the regular stressors in your life and the Causes of stress are commonly referred way you deal with them. Write down: to as stressors or triggers. There are two • What caused your stress (make a kinds of stressors: external and internal. guess if you’re unsure)?

External stressors include: • How you felt, both physically and Physical environment: noise, bright emotionally.

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