Confessions of a Welfare Mom Souvenir Book 2013 by DPI Graphic Design

CONFESSIONS OF A WELFARE MOM•THE MONOLOGUES

onfessions of a Welfare Mom” are an Urban Anthology of Per‐ sonal Experiences. It spotlights women who are currently or have at one point in their life time been on any form of pub‐ lic assistance. The Monologues will offer the audience a deeper look into the many faces of welfare. The women will deliver performances that will emPOWER, uplift, inspire, and will also raise the con‐ sciousness about the real social issues many families face; these include as racism, clas‐ sism, domestic violence, and teen pregnancy just to name a few. The Monologues will re‐ mind all of us that there is al‐ ways hope.

PROCEEDS GO TO CENTER OF EMPOWERMENT FOR FAMILIES AND YOUTH, INC. AND POETRY IN MOTIONS CARE BEARS 2

NEW ORLEANS EDITION • BENEFIT SHOW 2013

CONFESSIONS OF A WELFARE MOM•THE MONOLOGUES

DR. PULLUM

TASHA “TNT”

OUR PURPOSE

NEW ORLEANS EDITION • BENEFIT SHOW 2013

ur purpose for wanting to get involved with such a project is because we can understand and relate to some of the issues a welfare mom goes through and some of the reasons mothers turn to the welfare system. One of the main causes is teen pregnancy. Both Dr. Pullum as well as myself were teen parents. I relied on the system to help me be able to finish school because my mother told me I couldn't live in her house for free and go to school while having a baby, so to keep from dropping out in my senior year I turned to the system for assistance. We want to help these mothers understand that this does not have to be their end, but allow it to be their beginning by receiving a helping hand hopefully they would want to help themselves. The monologues also goes on to show how sometimes the system makes it almost impossible for a mother who is trying to help herself, There are a lot of successful business women who were once welfare moms but no longer need that assistance. This monologue will empower as well as help others get a better understanding that NOT every mother who is on welfare is there because she wants to be.. but sometimes because she has to be to better provide for her child(ren) Confessions of a Welfare Mom the Monologues : New Orleans Edition is truly a must see event, it doesn't matter if you are or have been or never been on welfare. You need to see this production. ■

LETTER FROM THE AUTHOR

Dear COE and PIMCB,

have to start by saying I am sooo excited that you are partnering with me to showcase The Monologues in New Orleans. It humbles me beyond belief that this project that started in Jersey City, NJ as an activity for my Welfare to Work Program has gotten wings and is being realized all over this country. I believe that women can ACHIEVE TOTAL SUCCESS if they are supported to recognize, examine and deal with their life experiences, history of Trauma, Depression, Substance Abuse, Poverty, Lack of Skills and Education not only in themselves but in their ancestors and their communities. This production is a part of that process. We are uncovering the truth about some of the challenges women and families face. As you embark on the journey of shedding such light, know that I love each and every one of you and am so grateful for every effort being taken to make this show a success. I am sure that the performances will emPOWER, uplift, inspire, and will also raise the consciousness about the real social issues many families face. My prayer for the show is that it will remind all of us that there is always hope. â&#x2013; God Bless and be emPOWERed!! Kiwan N. Fitch, Author

CONFESSIONS OF A WELFARE MOMâ&#x20AC;˘THE MONOLOGUES

SPONSOR

asha Naquin founded Poetry In Motion Care Bears, LLC in 2011. An organization dedicated to helping sick and severely ill children smile through their pain. The CEO of PIMCB is a Poet, Author, spoken Word Artist, and motivational Speaker. She dedicates her time to Giving Hugs 2 Those who Matter Most” by visiting Children’s hospitals and nursing home all over the Gulf Coast handing out stuffed animals, gift bags and quilts. Poets and other volunteers have flown in from all over the country to dedicate their time to put a smile on the faces of countless children and elderly. poetry In Motion Care Bears, LLC has a program called “ Dream for a Day” The CEO host poetry events and uses the funds from ticket sales to give severely ill Children their dream for a day. In 2012 PIMCB received the first ever Spoken Word Bill Board Award for Humanitarian of the Year. Poetry In Motion Care Bears, LLC truly gives from the heart. ■ Facebook.com/PoetryInMotionCareBears

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ORDER OF EVENTS Hosted By New Orleans Bad Boy of Comedy, Mr. Fatman SCENE ONE Beatrice and Gertie Stokes Go Head to Head

MONOLOGUE THREE Dr. Joyce (A Grandmother’s Pain)

WELCOME Dr. P and Tasha TNT

MONOLOGUE FOUR Porcha (For the Love of Money)

MONOLOGUE ONE Ashley (Unwanted)

SCENE TWO Gertie Stokes (Turnt Up & Turnt Down)

MONOLOGUE TWO Sasha (Two Rich & Too Good for Welfare)

SPOKEN WORD Tony Wilson

15 Minute Intermission DJ NOLA

MUSICAL PERFORMANCE A.V. Mitchell

SCENE FOUR PART 1 Aaliyah & Sasha (Trading Places)

MONOLOGUE FIVE Tracy (Thin Line Between Love and Hate)

MONOLOGUE SEVEN Juicy B ( Juicy B Tells It Like Is)

SCENE THREE Special guest performance (Baby Mama Drama)

SCENE FOUR PART 2 Aaliyah & Sasha (Trading Places)

MUSICAL PERFORMANCE Special Guest Performance MONOLOGUE SIX Gertie Stokes (A Change Gone Come)

SPOKEN WORD Mystique Da Poet “Welfare Pimp” RECOGNITION CEREMONY Dr. P & Tasha TNT

CONFESSIONS OF A WELFARE MOM•THE MONOLOGUES

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS

ife. Mother. Servant. Life Coach. Entrepreneur. Mentor. Advocate. While any of these titles could describe Dr. Trina Pullum, when it comes to her life story, there’s one word that stands out above them all: Survivor. Growing up as the product of teen parents and then becoming a teen parent herself, Dr. Pullum has experienced firsthand the challenges of growing up in difficult circumstances. However, through faith, along with the guidance of grandparents and extended family, she beat the odds. She has used those experiences to fuel her passion as a tireless advocate for children and women, serving her community in a variety of roles. Dr. Pullum is the President of PullCorp Media & Business Consulting Group where she specializes in artist management, music production, public relations, and business consulting. She serves as the board chair of Center of Empowerment for Families & Youth, Inc., a non-profit dedicated to helping low -income and at-risk families. Dr. Pullum is also the founder of RARE Inc., an organization dedicated to empowering young women through training and personal development, using practical and biblical principles. She serves as a Regional Officer for the Full Gospel Baptist Fellowship under the leadership of Bishop Paul S. Morton. Dr. Pullum is affiliated with several organizations. She has produced several commercials and music videos. A New Orleans native and Tulane University Alumni, Dr. Pullum has been recognized for her life’s work with proclamations from the Louisiana House of Representatives and Office of MayorPresident and by other entities. ■

Dr. Trina Pullum

NEW ORLEANS EDITION • BENEFIT SHOW 2013

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS

Tasha TNT aka Mystique Da Poet

ife, Mother, Author, Poet, Spoken Word Artist, Motivational Speaker, and CEO of Poetry In Motion Care Bears, LLC, an organization dedicated to “Giving Hugs 2 Those Who Matter Most,” by visiting children’s and pediatric hospitals on the Gulf Coast handing out stuffed animals, gift bags, and quilts to sick children and the elderly in Nursing homes. While also giving poetry events to raise funds to help give severely ill children a “Dream for a Day” Tasha TNT is a woman of many hats with an amazingly big heart. She is often told her heart is her best and worst asset. Born and raised in New Orleans from humble beginnings Mystique was the third of five children who spent most of her childhood in and out of Charity hospital, spending a lot of time alone while hiding the fact that she was being molested by a close family friend for years. As a way to deal with the pain Mystique pick up a pen one day and at the age of 14 she started to write about her pain.

In 2010 Tasha decided to share her truth and pain with the world by publishing her first book of poetry and short stories “From My Heart II Urs Love, Life, Death.” After publishing her book she started her organization PIMCB in 2011. Since starting Poetry in Motion Care Bears, LLC Tasha TNT has been contacted by Harpo Studios on behalf of Oprah about the work she is doing through her organization. She won the first ever Spoken Word Bill Board Award for Humanitarian of the Year in 2012, and has given countless poetry events where poets from all over the country come to New Orleans to take part in her “Dream for a Day” events as she has reached over a thousand children and elderly with her year round hospital visits. Would you believe that just few years ago Tasha was homeless living in her car at a truckstop and now she is a business woman on the rise. Dedicating her time and energy to her family and helping as many children as she can to smile through their pain. Mystique says, “Trials are but stepping stones, if you use them to build a strong foundation and keep Jehovah first, there is nothing you can’t accomplish.” ■

CONFESSIONS OF A WELFARE MOM•THE MONOLOGUES

EVENT HOST

2013 EVENT HOST

GARVEY

“Fatman” THOMAS

omedian and Tattoo Artist, Garvey Thomas aka Mr. FatMan, husband, father, and business owner. Born and raised in New Orleans from very humble beginnings. Mr. FatMan grew up making people laugh, always the life of the party. He is a self taught artist and at a very young age his artistic skills wowed anyone privileged enough to lay eyes on his art work. For the last four years Mr. FatMan has been inking up New Orleans and Slidell, Louisiana. He owns one of the best tattoo shops in New Orleans (Phat Tata Tattoo Shop) located at 913 N. Claiborne Avenue. On the comedy scene Mr. FatMan has opened for numerous artists such as Mystikal, Tim Smooth, Ghetto Twinz, Rodney Perry, Lil Duval, Monique, Black Ice, Rude Jude, and a few comedians from Comic View just to name a few. He has also hosted a number of Poetry In Motion Care Bears, LLC “Dream for a Day” poetry events. When FatMan hits the stage you better be prepared to laugh till you cry, you might even wet yourself. This comedian/tattoo artist is on the rise so get use to the name Mr. FatMan because you will be seeing him on the big screen really soon. ■

NEW ORLEANS EDITION • BENEFIT SHOW 2013

CAST MEMBERS

Adraine Conrad

draine Conrad is a native of Baton Rouge, LA. Mother of four wonderful children. She I s an actress, model, Master Trainer of A Conrad Fitness (owner) and a photographer of Captured Moments by A Conrad (owner). She has been on Treme' and several stage plays all basis in Louisiana. Adriane's acting abilities will leave you speechless as she draws you in making you feel as if you're on stage with her. She is a monster trainer whipping women and men back into shape one body at a time. She also captures moments behind her camera's lens that'll last a lifetime. Adraine Conrad a name you won’t forget. Amazing mother and businesswoman, A true Boss Chick. A. Conrad Fitness A Healthier Life begins with you!

Tony Wilson

orn and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Tony Wilson is a Hip Hop recording & Spoken Word Artist, Actor, Storyteller, Event Host, Author, Motivational Speaker & Activist. Now permanently residing in New Orleans, Louisiana Tony has exploded onto the underground performing arts scene. Known for his captivating and charismatic presence, Tony Wilson’s clever wordplay, powerful delivery and creative punch lines can carry the emotion of the audience, creating an impactful and motivating experience. Tony Wilson exemplifies “fearlessness” and the “Champion Spirit.” Once considered an underdog, Tony uses his experiences to not only strengthen his work and movement, but also to be an uplifting voice for the people. His brand, TeamVision, stands for pride, sacrifice and perseverance—themes that he uses to motivate through Spoken Word & Hip Hop. Through this mantra he shares that you must have pride in yourself and actions, sacrifice to uplift the community as a whole, and the power to persevere through all roadblocks. ■

CONFESSIONS OF A WELFARE MOM•THE MONOLOGUES

CAST MEMBERS

Gaynelle Woods

heMouthpiece, has always had a passion for the arts since an early age. You could catch her on any given day playing "pretend" outside with her neighborhood friends. Throughout her childhood and adulthood, she has had various opportunities to either write, direct and even play small parts in skits, dramatizations and stage produc-

a.k.a. Spilletry tions. Her love for spoken word has been a tool to help enhance her growth and love for the stage by allowing her a way to express various forms and levels of emotion and stage presence as a performer. Confessions of a Welfare Mom Monologues: New Orleans Edition is Gaynelle's debut as an actress. She is excited and ready to bring to the stage her passion, insight and learning. Watch out for this one! ■

Nicki Lee

icki Lee is a spicy southern sister confident in her skin, full of life and knowledgeable on most topics. She was the eldest born into a modest family in Baton Rouge, LA where her father was a grocer for over 25 years and her mother a cosmetologist, owns and operates her own salon. She was also the big sister to Kimberly Tanisha for a short time as she only lived for 3 weeks before her passing. Still a resident of Baton Rouge, Nicki is divorced and the proud mother of 3 adult children and the gorgeous grand mom to Carliah Brielle and Makai Deon. Keeping family first, she was also a caregiver for her maternal 12

NEW ORLEANS EDITION • BENEFIT SHOW 2013

grandparents and is now the sole caregiver for her father since suffering a stroke in July 2011. Although through trying times, Nicki is very involved in planning events and travel with family and friends and can add to her credit the recent introduction of a tshirt line, Flawlezz Defined which is the beginning of her efforts to empower young girls and women alike, challenging them to be their own definition of flawless... not just on the outside but inside as well. In her spare time she enjoys cultivating her cooking skills, acting and modeling. Nicki also loves football and follows The New Orleans Saints and The Southern Jaguars, some might say she could easily be considered as their biggest fan!!! ■

CAST MEMBERS

A.V. Mitchell

Michael A.V. Mitchell grew up in St. Francisville, near Baton Rouge, where I wrote poetry, but didn’t take converting it into music seriously until I was in my early 20’s. Things that surrounded me and a passion to reach others took my interest in music to another level. I’m a graduate of Southern University A&M College, youth leader, and music minister. In the state of Louisiana I’ve overcame various challenges which are embodied in my ministry. Music, motivation, and ministry are the key components of my assignment. The form of music that I utilize the most is gospel rap, considering the youth are my primary target. When it is used correctly it is very effective in reaching the mind, will, and emotions of those who hear it. My mission is to share the gospel, motivate and uplift, plant hopes and dreams, compel people to come to God, ignite the passion for righteousness, salvation, success, and change throughout the world by the power and authority of Jesus Christ. In the duration of my life I’ve traveled many places operating in the gift of music as well as speaking.

The ability to convey messages through music is more than a talent or well articulated skill, but it’s a ministerial tool. It’s also a solution to a problem. The problem that I’m speaking of is the negativity and damnation that’s in the music that the world, mainly the youth listen to on a day to day basis. I am a National Recording Gospel Rap Artist. I have performed on Bobby Jones Gospel and TBN. I have opened up for several National Recording Gospel Artists including “DA Truth”. I have been nominated for several national music awards. If you would like to know more about my gift and or would like me to come and share with you at your gathering I can be e-mailed at pmg@pullcorp.com. My website is www.TheVIPProject.com and this website gives you tremendous access to my ministry. On the website you can listen to music, purchase music, see video footage, and much more. I am currently managed by the dynamic PullCorp Media & Business Consulting Group. For bookings, please contact PullCorp at 225-366-7855. ■

CONFESSIONS OF A WELFARE MOM•THE MONOLOGUES

M DIRECTOR

Katrina “Moe” Smith

oe Smith, born as Katrina Smith on January 31, 1977 was raised in an area known as Uptown New Orleans. Moe is the fourth child and the eldest girl of ten children. This ranking in her family provoked a level of responsibility for her younger siblings when her mother was away from home. Moe became weary of her task at home and as a result moved in with her grandmother and began attending L.E. Rabouin Magnet High School. Even though this arrangement was indefinite she took advantage of afterschool activities that allowed her to feel more like normal kids with less responsibilities. Moe decided to join the drama club after school for some sort of excitement, even though the closest she came to acting was as a child in the restroom mirror at her mother’s home in between chores. This was Moe’s escape from attending to her younger siblings , she refers to them as her moments in the mirror. \ Moe was invited along with her other drama club mates to attend a drama tournament at Dillard University in New Orleans . Her winning in this competition landed her into New Orleans Center of Creative Arts(NOCCA), one of the most prominent fine arts schools in the state of Louisiana, without a required audition. This was an accomplishment that surprised Moe and exposed her to the world of theater. She was offered a scholarship to Loyola University and everything seemed to be going in the right direction. Moe, just like other young girls without a father figure, began to long for the affection of companionship at a very young age. It was at the tender age of seventeen that she met her high school sweetheart and began to focus more on falling in love. As a result Moe began to revert back to the domesticated lifestyle that was all too familiar to her as a child. Needless to say the scholarship and the dream of becoming an actress was thrown out of the window when she married her high school sweetheart two years later. They began building a family of their own and three beautiful children came along as a result. Over the years Moe’s sense of responsibility for her own family grew to a sense of being financially and educationally responsible and as a result she homeschooled their children and con-

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vinced her husband to allow their extra money to go towards investing into real estate. They became very successful landlords of multiple rental units. Things were going good for her young family as long as she made no mention of her dreams of becoming an actress and remain playing her role as a wife. There were good and bad times in their marriage, but unbeknown to the two of them, their marriage was about to be faced with a storm of historical proportion, literally! Hurricane Katrina touched down and the stress of losing everything took a toll on the young couple and their family as their home was damaged, so was a 12 year relationship. Moe found herself not only single, but a single homeless mother of three children. She thought of ways to support her young children that wouldn’t compromise her integrity. Moe had a wakeup call. It was then that Moe began to retreat back into her childhood moments in the mirror, creating characters, but this time was different. Moe began to use her business savvy along with her passion for acting and gave birth to a production company, fine arts school for preschoolers and a full service restaurant! Her accomplishments have earned her national attention as a playwright . Urban Playwrights United recognized Moe Smith as playwright of the year based upon her abilities to write, act, direct and produce a full production . Moe was also a recipient of the City Award for young Leaders. Her tenacious attitude and ability to bounce back in tough times landed her a position in film . Moe Smith is a cast member of Boss Chics New Orleans Reality Show. Church Folks and Good Girls Bad Secrets are two of her most proud pieces for the stage and she has recently added author to her portfolio. Social issues are the interface of her work as a playwright. Moe feels that when you have a voice that people will listen to, use it responsibly. She believes that you should leave the world in better condition than you found it. Moe Smith is the backbone of her entire family as many consult with her on business ventures as well as well as look to her in amazement. She went from being homeless to an employer in a matter of two years. ■

Talisha Parker

alisa Parker is the youngest daughter of Edward and Elder Corine Parker of Baton Rouge, La. She has always been a character and actor at heart due to her family & everyday surroundings every since she could utter words. Her first play was at age 5 as "Alice" in Alice in Wonderland. During her years of adolescence she was always active in ministry singing in the youth choir and was also a cheerleader & majorette. As a teenager she began to hone other skills such as painting, charcoal drawing and creating designs that would later be used as ideas for her background stage props and arrangements/designs for brides to be for her wedding/party business "Treasured Moments." As a adult she became a God mother, aunt, mother and grandmother of whom she is very proud of. Talisa has appeared in several plays such as "Mercy said No" and "Around the corner from humanity", written and produced by Donche & Kandiest Brock, "Preaching to the Pastors " starring Leon and Melvin Williams, written and produced by Calvin Brasley to name a few. She is currently the drama director at Antioch Full Gospel Baptist Church under the leadership of Regional Bishop Gregory Cooper where she sings on the district praise team and has written and produced several plays of her own. She also assists with drama for the Full Gospel International Conference every year. Her prayer is and will always be to remain humble and allow GOD to get all the glory for what he is doing in her life! â&#x2013; CONFESSIONS OF A WELFARE MOMâ&#x20AC;˘THE MONOLOGUES

NEW ORLEANS EDITION • BENEFIT SHOW 2013

SPONSOR

About

Mission

The Center of Empowerment for Families and Youth is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides education, counseling, health and wellness services to underserved populations. In addition, the Center also provides mentoring and other outreach programs to victims of child abuse and at risk youth. The Center is focused on improving the lives of children and their families within the Baton Rouge community.

Center of Empowerment for Families & Youth, Inc. is a change agent that is dedicated to providing cultural enrichment, education, and outreach services to at-risk youth and their families.

History

Services The Center of Empowerment is dedicated to providing cultural enrichment, educational and case management services to families and students in kindergarten through twelfth grade. We work with law enforcement agencies, social services, community organizations, churches, courts and attorneys to ensure we offer the best possible services to the community. We offer the community a wealth of opportunities for personal and spiritual growth. These services include: Empowering Parenting Program: Covers a variety of topics to strengthen existing parenting skills, including setting boundaries, anger management, stages of discipline, self-esteem, and communication, among others. Empowering Co-Parenting Program: For divorced couples who need guidance on how divorce affects children, communication, and maintaining healthy relationships, and conflict resolution, among other topics. Family Mediation Services: Mediation is a service to help couples who have decided to separate or divorce, or who have already separated, to negotiate their own terms of agreement, while addressing the needs and interests of all involved. Our mediation services also includes resolving conflict between two or more parties. RARE, INC Mentoring: We engage young ladies and women in workshops that will enhance their self-image, goal setting, communication, etiquette skills, networking skills, and leadership skills. Rare is designed to increase confidence, self-empowerment and focus on

setting academic and career goals. Inside Strength: We work with schools, camps, and organizations to provide a wellness programs at a level that can be easily understood and adapted for implementation with children of all ages.

The Center of Empowerment for Families and Youth was incorporated in 2008 to assist children who are at risk for abuse and their families. The Center was established to honor the vision and qualities Mary Robinson Harris instilled in her family and others more than 60 years ago. Mary Robinson Harris dedicated her life to serving at-risk populations and advocating for abused children and their families. Her purpose was to help families break the negative cycle of abuse and to empower them to move in a positive direction. The organization’s Board of Directors, founders and staff are committed to continuing her legacy.

Darkness to Light Stewards of Children Prevention Seminars: Stewards of Children is designed to increase knowledge, improve attitudes and promote child-protective behaviors. This revolutionary program is for any responsible adult who cares about the welfare of children. It is also appropriate for youth-serving organizations (sports leagues, day care centers, after school programs, children’s clubs, church groups and more) Home Study Assessments: Protects children by screening a prospective family or parent. It is also an educational experience addressing many issues facing natural or adoptive parents. Music Therapy: We use music to help youth tackle issues by using lyrics to positively change children’s moods and behaviors. ■

www.coe4youth.org CONFESSIONS OF A WELFARE MOM•THE MONOLOGUES

SPONSOR

SPECIAL THANKS TO MY FAMILY FOR YOUR SUPPORT THROUGHOUT THIS ENDEAVOR…. Dr. Pullum

NEW ORLEANS EDITION • BENEFIT SHOW 2013

SPONSOR

CONFESSIONS OF A WELFARE MOM•THE MONOLOGUES

Who are we?

ullCorp Media & Business Consulting Group is a start-up consulting and management firm focused on serving the comprehensive needs of businesses and performing management services for sports based and entertainment clients in the full range of the business & entertainment industry. With a core staff of experienced professionals and a team approach to most consulting & management projects, PMG will be able to offer a more balanced quality service than many of its competitors. â&#x2013;

What do we do?

ullCorp Media & Business Consulting Group is a full service Management Company. We provide services to Entrepreneurs, Musicians, Speakers, Professional Businesses, Athletes, and anyone that needs to extend their reach in their industry with branding, networking and extending their customer base and following to create a presence nationally and in other countries.

For its entertainment and sports clients, PMG offers Business Management, Consulting, Marketing, Branding, Networking and Contract Negotiating to include all aspects of business support such as Virtual Assistant, Calendar Management, Booking Services, Hospitality services and Progressive Business Consultation. For its business consulting services, PMG will have a focus on start-up businesses, preferably in the earlier stages of operation. Small and mid-sized businesses make up a sizable majority of U.S. and international markets. PMG prefers to establish a relationship with a younger operation and continue to nurture that relationship over the long term. PMG has been established as a Louisiana based Corporation with two principal partners, one owns 49% share in the company and the other female partner owns 51% of the company. Mr. Shawn Pullum has extensive experience in IT and Project Management services. Mrs. Catrina Pullum has extensive business planning and finance, including CEO position with Center of Empowerment for Families & Youth, Inc & VP of Five Star Talent Management Agency. They both bring experience in the area of marketing, advertising, and communications. â&#x2013;

PO Box 53645 Baton Rouge, La 70892

225-366-7855 Office 866-250-5012 Fax 20

NEW ORLEANS EDITION â&#x20AC;˘ BENEFIT SHOW 2013