ShePraise Magazine (Issue I) by Ebony Archer

ABOUT THE MAGAZINE SHEPRAISE MAGAZINE

THE AUTHOR'S

CORNER STEPPING OUT ON FAITH

Meet Author & Speaker Elder Chantice Cotten

THE AUTHOR'S CORNER There are times when we experience trials & tribulations so great we may feel as if we are drowning in deep waters, on the edge of the cliff about to fall off the mountain, or in a valley so deep we don’t see any way out. It is at such times we are forced to make a move to sink or swim, to jump & fly or to fall, and to

climb out instead of sinking in the deep muck & mire of the pit. When our back is against the wall & we have been forced in a corner facing the greatest lion of a challenge in our life, it is at these times we must come out facing the roar of the lion’s challenge swinging our arms to the Lord’s surrender and fighting in prayer. If we choose not to run to the roar & swim up from the deep waters, fly off the cliff or climb from the pit, we’ll fall, suffocate and die. When we s

tep up and out on the ledge of faith, it is then God uplifts us and gives us supernatural strength to swim, fly or climb to meet our

greatest challenge. When we step out and

Elder Chantice Cotten

walk by faith despite the unknown waters, unfamiliar mountain, or surrounding darkness, He meets us right there to provide, overcome and conquer our severe challenge. He sees exactly where we are and knows best what steps we must take to reach our victory into the promised land of destiny when we step out on faith.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

SHEPRAISE MAGAZINE

D O M E S T I C

VIOLENCE ANDERSON

MIGNON BROWN

Interview Conducted By: Tarisha Gilmore

My journey has taught me that nothing stays the same. You will gain something’s and you will lose something’s But the love of GOD is forever. The biggest obstacle to date was when my niece Selina Brown was murdered by her boyfriend in December 2012. I had been working in the field of Advocacy to help eradicate Domestic Violence for 5 years when it happen and I fell into a deep depression and I wanted to throw in the towel because of the guilt and pain of not being able to help my niece survive. But GOD pulled me out again and said because of your faith you are healed. To GOD be all the glory. No…I have never lost faith in GOD he is the one who sustains me. I connect with GOD through music, dance, prayer and the reading of his word. When I worship I always honor him with a dance of praise it allows my soul to open up. My relationship with GOD is the most important relationship. I need him daily just to keep my sanity without him I know I would lose my mind with all that I have endured. When I think about all the abused women and girls who are broken and living in abusive situations with no where to go and no one to talk to that’s what get me up in the morning. I want to be that change.

The legacy of my daughter Lakeisha is what motivates me to keep going. I promised my baby girl that her death would not be in vain and that the world would know her story. The ultimate sacrifice was the murder of my eighteen year old daughter Lakeisha Nicole Brown on March 17, 2007 due to Domestic Violence. Through her death my purpose was birthed.

The Lakeisha Brown Foundation, WWW.LakeishaBrownFoundation.org,WWW.Facebook.com/lakeisha.found and we are located in Washington DC. 202-710-7221

ENTERTAINMENT SECTION

SHEPRAISE MAGAZINE

Angel Griggs-Spann â&#x20AC;&#x201C; daughter of Dr. Jerome and Dr. Arlene Griggs Spann) is an Independent National Gospel Recording Artist, Singer, Songwriter, Worship Leader, Vocal Coach and Multi-Ranged Vocalist. Prayerfully her touring schedule will include International ministrations as ofy 2017. She has been afforded rewarded the opportunity to perform at numerous venues and platforms all over East Coast for more than 15+ years. She is also the Band Manager/Founder of 3 bands, Angel & Friends Her Primary Band; Euphony All Girl Band; and Nfusion Gospel GoGo

ANGEL GRIGGS SPANN Also she is currently a member of 3 National bands, (Melodies; Bradie Frink & Ordinary People; and Steve Keyz & Friends). She is also a Freelance Praise Team participant and will travel to minister. For more details, bookings, song samples, touring schedule and more please visit her website at www.angel4rGodsmusic.com. language.

ADIYB

Adiyb is a native of Washington D.C. who after years of working successfully as a major account executive for a few technology companies stumbled upon his passion for acting. Adiyb began a journey that gave rise to a company Black Carpet Productions that helps aspiring play wrights get their plays produced. Adiyb has a drive to help as many actors and producers develop quality work by bringing them together to create meaningful projects with some sort of important theme. Since his initial activities Adiyb started Black Carpet Productions and he never stopped being involved in entertainment projects. He appeared in several very popular shows on Netflix, TV One, BET and Lifetime Movie Network. Adiyb is an avid reader of motivational and business success material and has developed a unique business coaching method for actors as they pursue their careers. “Treat it as a business with less reliance from others to reach your goals” He calls this approach simply, “Creating the current.” Adiyb has been successful in making several transitions in his life that all lead to what he calls true success doing something that helps or serves people in some way. His opportunity to co-author with Brian Tracy is a result of his “Create the Current” philosophy. This mindset changed his life forever and he began to get more joy and happiness to influence and control experiences. Adiyb is both humbled and grateful for the opportunity to share with the world what he sees as a means to bring unimaginable contentment and fulfillment. Adiyb helps his clients by providing them the insight and confidence to begin to “create the currents” in their lives. Identifying their passion and developing a strategic approach to pursuit that passion. Giving them tools that help them experience their success. Adiyb is a best – selling author for his work with Brian Tracy on the book “Masters of Success” Adiyb speaks before groups to help them see that where they find themselves in success is an on -going opportunity to serve and help others, thus he is proud to member of the board of African American Music Association as well as a highly sought after acting coach/teachermanager.

COVER STORY

TONYA WILSON

COVER STORY TONYA WILSON AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Tonya Wilson is a native of Baltimore, Maryland growing up she was the 2nd sibling of 4 sisters and her mom was a single mom. Tonya is the proud mother of a 16 year old Honor Roll student who attends a Blue Ribbon school in Baltimore. Charlize is her pride and joy! Most fans and readers know Tonya has "Booked On Tonya" while she is published through Polk Publishing House of Baltimore, MD. She is also the Spokesperson for Polk Publishing House and Polk Publishing Magazine,a Baltimore based

magazine which launched in 2015. Should you attempt to reach out to this author her website is www.bookedontonya.com. We've asked Tonya what makes her writes every morning, Tonya said she is inspired by the gift that God has given herwhich is writing and a compassion for people. She says she isinspired by God's faithfulness and his Favor on herlife. Tonya believe sthat "Success" is a state of mind.She is successful not because of tangible items or the amount

of money that she has in her bank account but because she is a child of God and she has Joy in my heart despite her circumstances.She is working in passion and her purpose, and she know this because what she is doing comes easy and God continues to order her steps and gives her favor with so many people.

Tonya has built some awesome friendships with women in this past year just because she is telling her stories and because she is being transparent as a woman, a little brown girl from the projects,and a Christian,who is striving for sanctification, Tonya says she do not have it all together , Initially, she began writing in 1995 and she submitted her initial transcript of her first book to various publishing houses. Tonya transcript was not picked up by any publishers. Tonya continue to write and and wrote her second book in 2005 and she was encouraged by her sorority sisters that her talents and gifts should not be wasted.Tonya begin to have the have best support system and the best sorority in the world! Shout out to Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. A little sidebar, Tonya was named a 2015-2016 "National Featured Author" for Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority. Tonya says she is so humbled and proud of that. But in regards to the obstacles an the her initial transcript of her first book to various publishing houses. Tonya transcript was not picked up by any publishers. Tonya continue to write and and wrote her second book in 2005 and she was encouraged by her sorority sisters that her talents and gifts should not be wasted. Tonya begin to have the best support system and the best sorority in the world! Shout out to Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. A little sidebar, Tonya was named a 2015-2016 "National Featured Author" for Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority

Tonya says she is â&#x20AC;&#x2039; so humbled and proud of that. But in regards to the obstacles an the becoming a published author, God revealed to me that my ministry just wasn't ready. When God revealed that I can tell my hardcore stories which are my past, my testimony and not my destiny... He said go back into your writings and sow seeds of inspiration, seeds of encouragement and bring somebody to Christ. Tonya has acted in obedience and all of her writings will give you the hardcore facts of the ghetto, growing up poor, trails and tribulations that women suffer through but trust and believe there seeds sown throughout my works to introduce some soul to Christ. This is not a gimmick, it was God's instruction to her and She stands proud to be different and to be a ground breaker in this genre of writing. Tonya is surely not witnessing to the saved so much as she I is hoping that an unsaved soul will pick up her book for one thing and get an introduction to Christ as a result of wanting to read a hot urban fiction novel. Author Tonya was introduced to the Lord at an early age. She was raised in a small store front church in South Baltimore since birth. A church that her mother attended, her grandmother attended and along with her great grand mother attended. She is an Christian but raised Tonya has an Apostolic church. She currently attends a Baptist church and She loves the Word of God,she loves to worship and especially love to praise! She has several strong female ministers in her extended family who can deliver a mighty Word! Tonya says she has never lost faith in God. Tonya says I mean it when I say that I have God's favor, it is because God has always made Himself very present and very visible in my life. It is a great feeling to know that God loves me and thinks that I am special. The bible does tells that God favored some individuals. Tonya says she is a living witness of God's Favor. Her life's journey has taught her that there is nothing new under the sun. The things that are happening today happened in the Old Testament. She tries not to get disappointed because people change, people envy, people disappoint and people will let you down. Tonya knows that to love those who love me and love from a distance those who sow seeds of discord. Her love for her two Sisters, is evident love yourself and love your sisters. You never know what people are going through behind closed doors. We are all dealing with something, single moms, domestic abuse, living pay check to pay check, cheating spouses, and much more. We as women, we have to be strong for so many people. We wear so many hats, mother, wife, business woman, Christian, head of household, sisters... Let's just love one another. In regards to the political race... I'm a democrat. I am proud that I lived to see the first African American President win two terms, and I am looking forward to seeing the first Woman President. That's all I'm going to say on that. I have learned that I really can do all things through Christ that strengthens me.My immediate future holds two upcoming novel releases in this year 2016, "Lipstick Monologues" and "Ground Zero: Before the Wire... A Baltimore Truth" which is going to be my best work to date. I have several invitations in several states and I am looking forward to meeting God's people and sowing into someone's life. I am especially looking forward to all of the doors that God will open for me and I will continue to walk in my unapologetic ministry. My legacy, "May the work I've done speak for me". Pointers to the next generation, Love God, Love Yourself, Love your Brother/Sister. Put Down the Guns ...Pick up a habit of prayer! "Trust in the Lord and lean not to your own understanding".She-Praise, like myself has a compassion for the Lord and for women, and aims to highlight the goodness of the Lord, these are both my passions. This is a perfect fit.While I never planned to be an author, I always loved to read in my youth. I especially loved reading the poetry of Langston Hughes. I loved the library and could spend hours there. My undergraduate studies at Towson State University, was Mass Communications with a focus on journalism. I guess somewhere in side my spirit was wanting to write and my spirit won because here I am.In 2015, I released a trilogy: Portrait of a Hustler, The Chronicles of Toni, and Toni Toni Toni. Don't let the titles fool you there is a message for the weary! I am currently finishing up my release of Lipstick Monologues which is not a part of the sequel but there may be some familiar characters. I am proud to say that as of January 2016 my writings are now available on Queen City Bullies, www.queencitybullies.com, and you can of course check out my website, www.bookedontonya.com

TURN UP THE GOSPEL W/LADY T

UP CLOSE W/LADY T

THERESA WHITNEY WAS BORN IN 1964 AND ALMOST IMMEDIATELY PLACED INTO FOSTER CARE. HAVING BEEN PLACED IN SEVERAL FOSTER HOMES BEFORE SHE REACHED THE AGE OF 17, THERESA PICKED UP MANY BAD HABITS AND LEARNED SOME BAD BEHAVIOR. IT SEEMED THAT THERESA WAS DESTINED TO BE THE "BAD GIRL", THE "GIRL THAT WAS NO GOOD", THE "ROUNDTHEWAY GIRL", THE UGLY GIRL, AND THE STUPID GIRL, ALL OF HER LIFE, BUT GOD HAD A PLAN FOR HER. ONE THAT NOBODY SAW COMING. TODAY, AT THE AGE OF 52, THERESA J. SCOTT IS A BORN AGAIN CHRISTIAN, WIFE, MOTHER, GRANDMOTHER AND INTERNET RADIO PERSONALITY WHO CAN BE HEARD ON SHE-PRAISE RADIO MAGAZINE, VSC RADIO, ORLANDO PRESENTZ 2, SEETHEVISION2918.COM, KTGDSRADIO.COM, AS WELL AS HER OWN SHOW TURNING UP THE GOSPEL WITH LADY T ON BLOGTALKRADIO. THERESA, ALTHOUGH DIAGNOSED WITH DISCOID AND SYSTEMIC LUPUS, HAS HAD A STROKE AND HEART ATTACK, AND SUFFERED TREMENDOUS LOSS IN HER LIFE, HAS NEVER ALLOWED HER "STRUGGLES" TO KEEP HER FROM SERVING GOD. SHE IS AN AUTHOR OF THREE BOOKS, A LICENSED/ORDAINED EVANGELIST AND PROPHETESS OF GOD. WHEN NOT ON THE RADIO, THERESA CAN BE FOUND WORKING ON ONE OF THE MANY PROJECTS SHE INTENDS TO PRODUCE IN THE NEAR FUTURE. THERESA CURRENTLY LIVES IN PHILADELPHIA, PA WITH HER HUSBAND, BISHOP GERALD W. SCOTT. THEY HAVE BEEN MARRIED FOR ALMOST 17 YEARS AND HAVE A BEAUTIFUL TESTIMONY OF LOVE, FORGIVENESS AND RESTORATION. THERESA CAN BE REACHED ON FACEBOOK AT THERESA JEANETTE SCOTT; TWITTER @EVANGELIST TREE; OR ON INSTAGRAM AT LADYT_TURNINGUPTHEGOSPEL.

CANCER DOESN'T ALWAYS WIN SHEPRAISE MAGAZINE

Cancer Doesn't Always Win Colletta Orr is a Breast & Ovarian Cancer Research Scientist/ Prevention Advocate/ Author / Speaker It was a great pleasure interviewing Colletta Orr, She dropped nuggets with us about cancer. She share somethings that we didn’t have a clue about. Like most of us who either knows of a family member or someone who has delt with this illness. Colletta Orr knew all to well after learning of the passing of her grandmother due to cancer there was no way she could just sit still and not look any further into this disease that has taken the lives of many. Colletta Orr begun a journery to look into this deadly disease that took the lives of her grandmother and great-grandmother as well. Colletta interest grew more & more so she decided to futher her education, which spark an intersted for her to start researching the in’s and out’s of cancer. Not everyone is geared to researching the causes Breast cancer symptoms vary widely — from lumps to swelling to skin changes — and many breast cancers have no obvious symptoms at all. Symptoms that are similar to those of breast cancer may be the result of non-cancerous conditions like infection or a cyst. Some of the nuggets that Colletta share with us that we should make a part of our routine. Breast self-exam should be part of your monthly health care routine, and you should visit your doctor if you experience breast changes. If you’re over 40 or at a high risk for the disease, you should also have an annual mammogram and physical exam by a doctor. The earlier breast cancer is found and diagnosed, the better your chances of beating it.productsained a new advertising manager.

Colletta Orr is a Breast & Ovarian Cancer The actual process of diagnosis can take weeks and involve many different kinds of tests. Waiting for results can feel like a lifetime. The uncertainty stinks. But once you understand your own unique “big picture,” you can make better decisions. You and your doctors can formulate a treatment plan tailored just for you. Mrs. Orr mission is to provide breast and ovarian cancers preventive and survivor resources through support groups and educational workshops. Her services are designed to help women get the care and education needed early and begin conversations with their physicians that are life-saving. Colletta’s interest is in educating women to inform them about early diagnosis and how they can minimize the potential impact of breast and ovarian cancers on their lives. She also wants to educate women about life after breast and ovarian cancers. She is an active member of Voorhees College Washington DC Metropolitan alumni chapter. She is a board member of The Washington Inter Alumni Council (WIAC) of UNCF. WIAC is a chapter of The National Alumni Council (NAC), a sponsored organization of UNCF – the United Negro College Fund. She currently serves as the Sergeant-at Arms. Mrs. Orr resides in Maryland with her husband Douglas III & her son Douglas IV. There are many success stories of many who have overcame cancer, in the end “Cancer Doesn’t Always WIN!! I recommend that each and everyone of you go out and purchase your copy of “Cancer Doesn’t Always Win. http://collettaorr.com/site/index.p hp/en/products

FASHION SECTION SHEPRAISE MAGAZINE

B a l e Te

THE

FASHION

STYLIST,

MODEL,

ACTRESS

AND

MENTOR

TEELA B FASHION GURU AN EXCLUSIVE INSIDE LOOK

Throughout the year, I have triumphed and also felt defeat. Entering into my second year as a model, I was well on my way to stardom! So I thought! I had huge plans to be America’s Next Top Model over night. But as I began to get call backs and auditions, the money just wasn’t rolling in. I was getting “gigs” but nothing that would have fans lined up around building corners screaming my name.

She’s a model. Didn’t she have the greatest level of confidence any one could possibly have? And that answer is no.

To me, I was failing. Who wouldn’t want this beautiful, young thing gracing their stages and magazine covers?? Then one day I heard God say, “the race is not given to the swift but to the one whom endures it!” That day changed the way I viewed myself, my image, my brand and my faith. I began to see every audition, call back, and photo shoot (no matter how small) as an ascending foot hole in my mountain. I instilled in myself that I would climb this mountain and I would reach the top, with God as my safety harness and my safety net.

Between the play and film, I did numerous photo shoots with talented photographers. I styled EVERY shoot where I was the featured model. This gave me the chance to put my savvy fashion sense on front street. I booked many clients from these shoots and grew my clientele.

I have been blessed with many great opportunities since and I am still and will forever be thankful. I was given the opportunity to be published in Vital Magazine as Model of the Month for August 2015. I was given a whole page spread and interview. Along with an award of recognition to keep up the great work in my craft. This opportunity lead to my career as an actress. The producer of the magazine happened to be a producer and castes me in his stage play Momma’s Kitchen. This experience being on stage and acting, helped pull me out of my comfort zone and boosted my confidence. You are probably thinking, wait a minute?

Models also struggle with the issues of self-doubt from time to time as others. We just make it look beautiful. I did an amazing job with the play and got casted into an independent film Mind over Matter by Stephanie Randal in August 2016. Releasing Spring 2017.

I began to see God really moving in my life. I became more fulfilled with establishing my career and now my Faith Is On Fleek!!! I am more eager to learn and even more excited to be seen. (Thanks to my publicist. ☺) I’ve learned that God is in control. Excelling comes from the Lord. You can’t rush his timing. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride!! In due time, the celebrity will come. What you do when no one is screaming your name shapes you for when they are! Be encouraged and stay the course my beauties!! Now, I am enjoying interviewing for radio shows. I am also a mentor and style blogger. I have my own YouTube Channel: Teela B’s House of Style. I am auditioning and writing, filming , shooting and praising. Moving my brand to higher heights and taking the limits off!!

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