December Issue 2015 by That Riverz Gurl Brand

F.U.S.E. Fire

Uniting .

Strength of .Empowerment

December 2015 Volume I Issue 11

Is the Black Woman Depreciating?

Loving Each Other

Life Changing Love

The Season of Giving

From the Street Life to the Entrepreneur Life, Carl Michel Talks about Making a Change in the Community and His New Book 365 Hip Hop

The F.U.S.E. Staff Founder: Patrice Rivers Publisher: Mag Cloud Contributing Writers: Brian Taylor Donielle Pace Marquesha Gulley Jovan James Angela Park Keisha Harrison-Greenidge

Editor’s Letter Well as this year comes to a close, reminisce on all the great things you have accomplished. Whether you had some bad situations, dealt with the wrong people or even make some bad choices, you have plenty of chances in life for self– improvement. As the new year approaches, just remember that life is too short to live in the past and to live with regrets. We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God! Keep smiling and keep pressing on! There is plenty of room for a change and to get yourself better. As I look back over the months of this year, I have been through a lot of ups and downs, but I’m still standing and I continue to thank God each and everyday for that. I also thank God for getting back into school and advancing with this magazine because I believe that the new year will bring lots of opportunities for me and my movement as well as my books. All you have to do is continue to believe in yourself and your visions and God will do the rest! I hope that you enjoy December’s Issue of F.U.S.E. Magazine and I also pray that you have a blessed and happy Christmas and New Year!

Patrice

"Life is not about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself." ~Lolly Daskal

Season of Giving By Brian Taylor Now that we are fully in the holiday season, it's a great time to think about giving. We know how often it is that as children our minds are on the thought of what we will receive during the holidays, yet as we grow and mature, we begin to understand the depth and value that there is in the act of giving. It is so interesting that even as we enter the winter months where there are celebrations like Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Christmas, they each involve an aspect of giving. For those of us who are of the Christian faith, we already have the understanding that just as Jesus taught his disciples, "the poor you shall have with you always." That little tidbit wasn't something to bum them out or depress them to the point of feeling like "what's the use?" It was to draw their attention to the greater truth in the fact that it is an ever continuous opportunity for those who have it in their power to show love by giving, that they would do so with great love and cheer. So often we can feel obligated in our giving. At times, we must acknowledge that it is a sacred duty. Yet, to do so willingly and with a heart of love, it must never come from a place of begrudging, but of privilege. It is something that we "get to do" as oppose to the thought that we "have to do". When our focus shifts from have to, to get to, we remind ourselves of the fact that giving is a privilege of being trusted with a capacity to give and share what we ourselves have been blessed with. We are merely stewards of the things that we possess. We each come into the world with nothing. Even the baby Jesus brought nothing into the world when he was born. Yet, when he died, rose, and ascended into heaven, he left the treasure of the Kingdom of Heaven. It is a privilege to know that the things we have in our hands are the things with which we can bless the world. While we may at times look at what we have and think it to be very little, realize that to someone else, it far exceeds anything that they might imagine ever having.

We walk around with the latest instruments of technology and fashions, yet right down the street may be someone who knows not where their next meal, their next bath, or even their next hug will come from. Take up the challenge this season to give something of yourself to give to someone else. The advantage in giving comes in many forms. In one sense, it comes through others who in turn give to you. Scripture tells us that when you give, in the same measure you have given, it is return in greater measure, then pressed down and filled again until it overflows. Other ties when you give, it is merely the residual joy of giving that becomes the reward, knowing that you have made a difference for someone else. Sometimes it is the giving that happens when no one is looking, that is seen by God, yet He is faithful to reward you in the presence of a great audience. It all depends on the heart and the circumstance. Dare to take advantage in this season to give. Be amazed at what happens, how you feel, and what it produces through you, in you, and for them. Have a very blessed holiday season!!

Check out Brianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Blog on Wordpress! Www.apreachaskid.wordpress.com Twitter: @apreachaskid Facebook: @apreachaskid

Is the Black Woman Depreciating? (Are Black Women Living Up to the Their Perceived Stereotypes?) By Donielle Pace

For years, black women have been given so many negative stereotypes—Jezebel, Sapphire, Mammy, and so on. Not to mention the misperceived ideal “thick” body image that stemmed from the infamous Sarah Baartman. None of these stereotypes place black women in a positive light. With all the negative stereotypes, it seems like black women feel the need to live up to what is expected of them even if it is negative. When you scroll through social media, turn on your TV, and skim through any magazine, most black women are exploited and glorified based on their physical assets, and their accolades are pushed to the back burner. Also, we are seen as loud and confrontational. I won’t lie and say that I don’t like my dose of “ratchet TV,” but in order to get any attention, we have to display attitudes that are on a level of 10. Although the stereotypes do not tell the whole truth, other races are not able to see positive perceptions of the real reality of black women. Even with the popular sitcom drama shows: Scandal and Empire, the main black women characters still possess the role of the Jezebel, sleeping with another woman’s man, and Sapphire, loud and hostile. The sexual exploitation of women is not new, but it has reached an all time high. There’s a wave of the new “Sarah Baartman.” The only difference is that women are willingly allowing themselves to be put on display as a sexual freak show. The value of a black woman is depreciating, and we can no longer blame our black men. We are devaluing ourselves. Of course, we are exposed to half naked women on videos, but now it is becoming more than an image; it’s becoming a lifestyle. No longer does it seem like women want to earn professional, self-worthy careers. Those types of careers do not gain them the attention they want. Social media has raised the stakes with how many “likes” you can get on a picture. Black women, mainly from my observations, are doing any and everything to get those likes too. Stripping or seductive modeling are the careers women are aspiring to have as my timeline gets filled with half naked women.

I don’t try to knock anyone’s hustle, but how long do you ladies think your bodies will remain intact? Have you ever seen Oprah exploit herself for a check? However, she gets plenty of checks. If women like Oprah are getting scarce, then whom will our daughters have to look towards for guidance? I know it is up to the parents to steer their children in the right direction, but if the mom is exploiting herself then how will her daughter learn any value, respect, or worth? What values will we teach them? Will they ever know that they are precious gems? The generations after us are spiraling downhill quickly, and we are contributing to its fate. Young girls are letting it be okay to have boys constantly call them out of their names and hit on them because they do not know that it is not right. Us, black women, want to belittle our black men and say that there aren’t any real ones anymore, but what happened to black women. We are a dying breed. The symbolic nature of a black woman to be the backbone for a black man is non-existent. Our ancestors passed down a legacy for us all to walk with our heads held high. The mere presence of a black woman embodies strength, power, and beauty. We are made of high standards and should keep them at that level. Look deep into the mirror and see pass the beautiful figure that stands before you. Then look deeper and see the generations of women you will reproduce. Think beyond yourself and let’s resurrect the black woman that has died inside.

Connect with Donielle! Instagram: @pacepoetry Twitter: @pacepoetry

Loving Each Other: Woman to Woman By Marquesha Gulley Why is it so hard for women to get along? Support and encourage one another? Love on each other? Questions I’m sure are recurring from one generation to the next. I gathered early on that women just cannot be trusted. Yes, this had to be the answer. We stab each other in the back, undercut, undermine and can never be happy for one another. Jealousy runs rampant in the female gene pool. But I keep living and learning. In my opinion, this stems from learned behavior, cultural and society standards and out of brokenness and emptiness. So when did this hatred amongst women begin? Shall we blame Eve? Yes, let’s blame Eve. Women hate each other because she bit that darn apple. All humor aside, we are all products of our home environment. We do it this way and that way because our mothers, grandmothers and great grandmothers all did it this way. The right way, yes? If our matriarchs didn’t create and instill the importance of a healthy female environment, we’re already off to a bad start. Growing up, some of us seen our moms and aunts do nothing but sit around and gossip about other women in the neighborhood; who’s sleeping with whose husband and whose sister is a drunk while the rest of us seen our grandmothers out building businesses and supporting each other. These learned behaviors are the foundation, the ground work to how a girl will love thy fellow sister in adulthood and if she will be a woman of integrity or a woman who lacks morals. Speaking of which, Nicki Minaj instantly comes to mind for some reason. I don’t know the “truths” behind her beefs with Miley Cyrus and Mariah Carey but she is the common denominator. Some women seem to thrive off of these society beefs as if it is an example to follow. They will start or create imaginary beefs to feel relevant. A woman that is secure, whole, confident and accepting of herself has no room to worry about what another woman has or doesn’t have. All these reality TV shows and the music these days only express the weaknesses and insecurities of famous people who promote the cattiness and the “hate on this chick” “hate on that chick” garbage we follow like sheep. No, no, no and no!

So many women are empty and broken and therefore cannot capture the essence of supporting another woman. She will always be a threat to her. Support her for what? Love on her for what? She looks better than me. She has more money than me. The inner thoughts of a broken and insecure woman. I recently became a business owner through network marketing so I know firsthand that being supported by some women, broken women, is quite a struggle, my own family included. I attended a birthday party for one of my younger cousins a few weeks ago and two of my female relatives were discussing one of my products. Relative A stated she really wanted to try it but is so skeptical and believes it to be a hoax. Relative B stated she wants to try it but can’t afford it. Relative A told her “if you’re punching a time clock, you can afford it.” Inside I was screaming “Exactly!” People can afford what they want to just like you make time for what you want otherwise you make excuses. I personally feel they wouldn’t purposely want to sabotage or not be a part of my success yet I can’t help but ask myself if they secretly want to see me fail. As I have truly become my own woman, more wise and clear, I see the brokenness in the women in my family and I honestly attribute their behaviors to just that: brokenness. They don’t know how to truly support me. Who taught them to be supporters of other women? Taught them the true meaning of sisterhood? The power in women coming together? When we break away from these negative learned behaviors, shun what society feeds us and fix what is broken within, we can then be supportive and loving to one another.

Connect with Marquesha! Instagram: @marqueshagulley Facebook: @marquesha.gulley

Life Changing Love By Angela Park A once in a lifetime love, it is what we all hope for, yearn for, search for. The loves that matter the most, however, are often times not like the ones that we hear about in fairy tales. The loves that matter the most, are difficult, they shake up our entire world and have the potential to really help us in the long run; if we let them. These loves come when we least expect them, they are disguised as something different, sometimes even something difficult. The life changing love is sometimes referred to as a ‘Twin Flame’ relationship. Although, it is not always the case, sometimes we call these soul mate relationships. There are the twin flame relationships that occur once each partner has come to a place in their lives where they have battled their ego, their shadow and their lower selves; and have come to a place where they are comfortable and happy with the person that they have become. These are the fairy tale relationships that some have been blessed enough to find, these are the easy ones. They seem almost seamless, they are easy going and there are very few problems or difficulties. These are a blessing and a gift, if you have found this type of relationship; bask in the glory of it and do it every day. The earth shattering, world shaking kind of twin flame union, is one that will change your life and the way that you love, forever. This is when you date yourself, basically; but the darker side of you. You pretty much date your alter ego, a mirror image of yourself. The good and the bad characteristics that you share with your mate will be shown to you throughout this union. If you are a jealous person, you may end up with somebody who is not at all jealous, but instead is free and flirtatious, somebody who does not enjoy being ‘strapped down’ or monitored. Hopefully you have a strong enough will and determination to stay with your mate, if you do than this can be seen as a blessing in disguise. . Throughout all of the hardships that come along with the jealous VS non jealous relationships, you can actually heal yourself and your confidence and insecurity issues. changes within yourself, to improve on that dark aspect of your personality.

The love that you feel for your partner will far surpass your fears and you will find eventual freedom in those areas of your love life. This requires the ability to be forgiving; this is a necessary part of loving unconditionally. You come to accept and understand that, not everything that happens, is happening ‘to’ you, often times it is happening ‘for’ you, as a means of a way to wake you up and make you realize, that maybe you have been the same way in your own life with others (or with the current). Regardless of whether or not you are strong minded and forgiving enough to move past the difficulties and continue to grow together as a unit, if you take each challenge as an opportunity to learn, you can really grow on a soul level. The hope is that your partner has the same ability and interest, if this is an actual twin flame union, I can almost guarantee that your partner is feeling the same way on the other end. This is not an easy thing to communicate, but communication about the specifics is not always a necessary thing. As long as both partners are willing to learn and grow, you can overcome almost anything. What does not kill us, truly does only make us stronger.

Connect with Angela and her Poetry! Follow her on Instagram! @poetwithpurpose

Lil’ Woman on a Mission, Inc. As a poet, blogger, Patrice Rivers is also an author of three books; “A Collection of God’s Word and Motivation,” “Lyrical Passion Tears from my Inkwell” and “Patricia’s Trip to the Hospital” She is working on her fourth book which she hopes to be published in 2016. Patrice also plans to open up her own jewelry boutique online creating her own hand-made jewelry in 2016. She wants to make all her dreams come true.

Visit www.fusemovement.org for uplifting and empowering articles

Author Spotlight F. Kenneth Taylor

F. Kenneth Taylor Creator of Some’n Unique Magazine Self-Published Author ~ Freelance Writer

I began actively pursuing writing in 2001, after writing my 1st manuscript, “Aftermath: A Saga Begins.” In the time since; I have had brief writing stints with 2 online magazines I’ve self-published 4 books I’ve become a Freelance Writer (3yrs) I’m beginning to get into Speaking engagements I’m affiliated with The Greater North County Chamber of Commerce (St. Louis, MO) I’m the Creator of, “Some’n Unique (online) Magazine ~ S.U.M” I’ve appeared on KDHX 88.1fm's, “Literature for the Halibut”, in 2013 & 2015 I've appeared on Tony Scott's internet show, “Talkin360”, in 2012 & 2015 I’ve had a couple podcast interviews I spoke at Gateway Elem./Middle School for Black History Month (St. Louis, MO 2015) I was 1 of 16 invited authors at the Schlafly Branch of St. Louis Public Library’s 8th Annual Author Shout Out (2015) Currently writing the “Aftermath” sequel; “Aftermath II: Relentless Intentions”

Freelance Writer As a Freelance Writer, I specialize in; Press Releases SEO ~ Web Content

Resumes, LORs, etc Interviews ~ Biographies Editing ~ Book Reviews

Some'n Unique Magazine ~ S.U.M I created S.U.M as an entrepreneurial venture, as well as a medium for other aspiring writers & authors to have an opportunity for their names & work to seen and heard. Currently, the staff consists of 4 writers (not including myself), 1 editor, and 1 tech support guy. The magazine primary focuses on topics & genres such as; Creative & Visual Arts (artists who paint/draw, hand crafters, etc) Black History (REAL Black History â&#x20AC;&#x201C; not what we learned in school) Family Relations & Education Community Awareness (community leaders & programs making a difference) Cultural Music (local & aspiring artists of most genres, UK artists, instrumentalists, etc)

Author at work

Getting to know F. Kenneth Taylor!

When did you know that you wanted to become an author? K.T. I never planned on becoming an author, but I've always had “something” for writing in me. After writing my first book/manuscript, “Aftermath: A Saga Begins” (also, unplanned), in 2001, I realized I could do something with writing, and began to take things seriously What types of books do you like to write? K.T. I primarily write fictional Dystopia, Sci-Fi, Urban-Drama, Action-Adventure. Although, I'm also planning my first non-fiction that will take an in-depth look at the problems, stereotypes, and challenges faces Black America. What type of methods do you use to promote your books for your target audience ? K.T. I do a lot of Social Media Networking & Marketing. I also attend regular business networking events regularly, which are hosted by a local Chamber of Commerce. I've also gone door-to-door to local small businesses. I've paid for ads, utilized email lists, I've used word-of -mouth (lol!), outside of “cold-calling”, there's not too many forms of promoting & advertising I haven't tried. Now I understand that you are the owner of Some’n Unique Magazine (S.U.M) What was your vision for creating this publication? K.T. I have a very entrepreneurial drive, and created Some'n Unique Magazine (S.U.M) as a means to become self-employed doing what I truly love. Secondly, it was created to provide a platform for other aspiring writers to have their names and work both; heard and seen. Finally, S.U.M was created to present, fresh, authentic, ‘unique’, engaging, and quality online content for mature & demanding audiences. When do you plan to write your next book?

K.T. I've already writing my next book, “Aftermath: Relentless Intentions”. It's the sequel to my Sci-Fi, “Aftermath: A Saga Begins”. I began working on it in mid-late 2014, and expect an early-mid 2017 release. Also, K.G Bethlehem and I plan to begin writing the “Shadow Within A City” (pub. 2013) sequel, sometime in early-mid 2016. How many book signings and events did you already have lined up for this year? K.T. This year (2015). . .I've had 2 book signings, 1 speaking engagement, 2 radio interviews, 1 internet show, 1 promotional appearance, 6 or more networking events, and of course my F.U.S.E interview. Next year, 2016, will be fairly quiet, as my time will primarily be spent on expanding S.U.M and writing my new book(s). Who is your motivator in life? K.T. Next to God; fear of failing is my motivation to succeed

Do you have a favorite author? If so, who?

K.T. Not necessarily, believe it or not, I don’t do a lot of reading, Lbvs! But I really like Keith Lee Johnson because his style of writing is extremely similar to my own. I love Sister Souljah's writing; she has amazingly, well-thought storylines with vivid narratives and an authenticity to life itself, that you actually believe you're a character in the book. My favorite duo would be, Tim LaHaye & Jerry Jenkins, the authors of the “Left Behind” Series, I like how they allow a storyline to develop When writing a new book, what is your favorite place to focus at? K.T. I focus most locked away in my bedroom/office. Sometimes, if I want a change of scenery; I’ll go to Bread Co./Pandera’s or a library, but usually when I’m writing a new book, I work from home. Has becoming an author changed your life? What gives you that motivation to write books? K.T. Becoming an author has definitely changed my life, and continues to do so. I've done things I never thought I would do such as; sign autographs, be interviewed on the radio, meet important people, start my own business, be in a position to help the next person. Again, God and the fear of failing are my primary sources of motivation, but secondly; I love what I do. . .I learn from writing, I help others through writing, I could go on-and-on, lol! What advice would you give to upcoming authors? K.T. My advice to aspiring authors and writers? – Don't quit or let ANYONE (even relatives) discourage you. It took me 11 years to publish my 1st book. – Stay focused on your goal/ writing. Be confident about your writing. Stay away from ALL forms of negativity and/or negative people. Don’t always share your plans…everyone you think is in your corner—isn’t. Learn to accept criticism & learn to defend your work. Never be afraid to put your work “out there.” Seize new opportunities, even those outside of your “comfort zone”. I could make a list a mile long, but I think you get the idea, lol! How can your readers get in contact with you? Where can they find your books at? K.T. My books are P.O.D (print on demand) and available on Lulu.com, CreateSpace, and Amazon. To contact me, please visit my website – www.fkennethtaylor.com OR. . .email at – fkennethtaylor@yahoo.com

Fly Nails for Christmas! Get Motivated with Colors! Tis the season to be jolly! Why not spread a little joy to your nails this season ladies. Make it plain and simple with zoyaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s green and red colors that goes on smoothly and leaves your nails feeling festive! A toast to eggnog and hot nails!

Meet New Contributing Writer! Keisha Harrison-Greenidge

About Keisha HarrisonGreenidge After spending 16 years in a loveless marriage, Keisha Greenidge found that she could no longer live a lie. Navigating through the pain of divorce and embarking on a new life alone, she found her voice and the courage to live her truth. Committing her hopes, fears, happiness and disappointment to writing created a cathartic way to look at her new world. Discovering that she was more than a mom, x-wife, call center manager and trainer was tough work. Through her blogs, you can see how she chose to look at life from a different perspective, by placing her focus on the good and learning from the valuable lessons that life taught. Words that initially allowed Keisha to gain her personal healing quickly became the voice of many hurting women. This inspiring author will challenge every hidden pain and guide you to a path of self-discovery and self-love.

My White Picket Fence By Keisha Harrison– Greenidge As all young girls do, I dreamed of having a colonial house with a white picket fence, two kids a boy and a girl. A beautiful bad to the bone, coca cola bottled shaped, educated woman that would make so much money there wouldn’t be a bank large enough to hold it. As for my man, well you already know he would be so fine that people would stop and stare when he passed. Vacationing in the Hamptons, cars, clothes, so full of life and love and there would be absolutely nothing in this world that would stop us. When his eyes locked on mine baby the fireworks would go off in my head a love song would play and that would be all she wrote- that was my white picket fence. It started with one bedroom with a pass through that may have been a bedroom, but didn’t even have a door and not a fence in sight. One boy walking and another in tow couldn’t make a girl if I tried. My coca cola shape was more like a can, minimum wage job and no college degree. He was fine though and they stop and stared when he walked, guess the problem was he stared back. It went something like paycheck to paycheck, fussing and arguing, living and laughing, but struggling and secretly hating one another because this did not look like the same white picket fence. Our lives became full of work and priorities shifted from being together to getting out of this hole. Children activities, college, working full-time, church 24/7 became my whole world. Working over 100 hours a week, money and attempting to become a man and provide for his family became his whole world and there it was…. we drifted. He’d come home to 4 off the chain half raised boys, a lonely and pissed off wife, we were both overwhelmed, but we were just trying to make a better life for them and that meant sacrifice and that’s just what we did. Regardless of how we tried to move forward, there was one set back and then another and we were further and further away from that fence. Life and circumstances, love and hurt, betrayal and loyalty went on for years and we were just living. I heard things like anoint your door faces with oil, clothes and pray like nobody’s business, travail in the spirit, speak it into existence, speak life into your man, cook, clean up, iron his clothes, be submissive and it still ended.

What happened? What could have possibly gone wrong? I asked myself that every day for the 19 months that we lived under one roof as roommates. I’d been so afraid to show that my fence wasn’t white and my home wasn’t happy that I even convinced myself that it was good. Granny always said regardless of what you have, wash it and iron it good, wash your face and hold your head up high. The most valuable and most deadly piece of advice I ever received. We were both good at putting on the mask, but secretly I was afraid to have anyone over because my shameful truth would be exposed. As I look back at this I can’t do anything but smile because I really thought I didn’t like to entertain at my home until this very moment. Although, I’ve been preparing for this new life long before this moment, there are still new challenges for me daily. For a person like me who likes to be prepared and always aware of what comes next, I find that I need to learn to live in the moment more, which is uncomfortable but I’m trying. In wake of sharing my truth, the overwhelming feeling of hurting souls surrounding you is unbelievably consuming, it forced me to take a step back and reflect. Last night my weight was so heavy that I couldn’t figure out how to move forward. This morning, I woke with a sense of peace and I immediately realized what was missing…. my cup needed to be filled. I won’t get all preachy, but there are times where you give so much of yourself that you forget that YOU need to recharge. (Especially for people pleasers). Recharging your cup for some means quiet time and relaxation, and for others hanging out in the streets, some cry and some just engage in meaningless activity to help release the pressure of it all. As for me, I reconnect with my faith and fill my cup with encouraging stories, songs, sermons, quotes and scriptures and for today that’s what I’ll do. Although my white picket fence looked quite different from the way I imagined, it’s never too late to start over and create a new dream. If you are reading this and looking to identify, I would like to encourage you to take inventory of your cup- is it time for a refill. If so, refill baby… healing takes work and we got work to do!

Read more of Keisha’s Blog at http:// thefickleheartbeat.com/ Follow her on Instagram @keigre

The Young ExeKutive, Carl Michel, is a young author and entrepreneur, who is on a mission to shift the mindset of the youth toward a brighter direction. Born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Carl understands what it is like to lack some of life's basic necessities. Carl spent the first few years of his life, in Haiti, watching his father use all his family's resources to relocate to Stamford, CT. At a very young age, Carl developed a strong work ethic from observing his father work two, and sometimes three jobs, to provide for his wife and children. Being raised in an underprivileged area of Stamford, Carl was introduced to the street life, hip-hop music, and other influences associated with urban culture. Although too fearful of his parents to ever personally participate in the use or distribution of drugs in his community, Carl found himself naturally gravitating to those who did. A loving home and strong Christian values kept Carl out of trouble during his youth. Aspirations of being the first person in his family to earn a bachelor's degree led him to the Earl G. Graves School of Business at Morgan State University in Baltimore, MD. As a city, Stamford has only seen a fraction of the drugs and violence that Baltimore's city youth experiences on a daily basis.

They were the only people he saw with a lifestyle he admired. A loving home and strong Christian values kept Carl out of trouble during his youth. Aspirations of being the first person in his family to earn a bachelor's degree led him to the Earl G. Graves School of Business at Morgan State University in Baltimore, MD. As a city, Stamford has only seen a fraction of the drugs and violence that Baltimore's city youth experiences on a daily basis. For the first time, Carl found himself participating in all the things he was raised to avoid: sex, drugs, under-age drinking, and even gang violence. His influences weren't limited to just his social life, either. Carl's scholastic-standing quickly fell from Dean's List to Academic Probation. After a night of reckless partying and high-speed driving with "friends," Carl ended up in a severe car accident. In one night, Carl lost his car, his cell phone, and academic scholarship, but by the grace of God, Carl and his three passengers walked away unscathed. What was thought to be a devastating moment in his life, he learned, was really a blessing in disguise. Through that incident, Carl was able to meet a classmate who introduced him to a company called LegalShield. LegalShield enabled Carl to be around positive, like-minded people, as well as be mentored by wealthy men and women who were legally living his dream lifestyle. Carl spent years engulfed in a business culture that promoted faith, family, and finances. Books and audio on personal development shaped his mindset, presentation, and leadership skills. To continue to build on his associations, Carl went on to become a valued member of the Alpha Iota Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., who motto is "Achievement in Every Field of Human Endeavor." Upon graduating from college in 2009, Carl was also recognized as LegalShield's youngest Executive Director in the state of Maryland. The Young ExeKutive, Carl Michel, uses business principles and the positive aspects of Hip Hop music to motivate people to make better decisions. Carl understands the adversities and struggles of today's urban culture and can help cultivate these young minds to see beyond their current circumstances, in order to strive for greatness and live an abundant life. By being completely transparent and providing more examples of achievement, the youth can see something worth striving for.

A Motivator! A Classic King! An Inspirational Icon!

Carl Michel Talks about His life and his New Book 365 Hip Hop!

Get to know this Young ExeKutive From Connecticut!

“Forgiveness

is A Gift. Start By Giving Yourself the Present” ~Carl Michel

Exclusive Interview with the Author of 365 Hip Hop, Carl Michel Tell us about your book that you just released. What was the motivation behind it?

’Im so excited to be releasing 365 Hip-Hop: Daily Motivational Quotes! It’s the first daily motivational book full of quotes, messages and affirmations from your favorite Hip-Hop and R&B artists. I’ve been sending out motivational messages to my friends for years, but the idea of the book didn’t come to mind until my relationship with God grew. I realized that the biggest influence to our urban culture is the music we listen to. But majority of the music heard on the radio today can be destructive – where sex, drugs, and violence are usually glorified. This book allows me to use the biggest influencers of the culture and highlight the positive things they’ve said. As Drake once said, “I’m on a mission—trying to shift the culture!” How was your life growing up in Haiti? C.M. I was born in Haiti, but grew up not too far from NYC. I moved to the US when I was really young, but when I visit it’s always eye-opening. The things we take for granted here, people are literally dreaming of having. Clean water, food to eat, air conditioning, basic medical supplies and utensils—it’s crazy. I always give everything I have when I’m in town, money, clothes, even the shoes off my feet once—but I always leave wishing I could do more. What inspired you to make a difference in others’ lives especially the youth? C.M. I was the young kid that needed a mentor. A lot of the mistakes I made when I was younger could have been prevented. So for the youth, I decided to be the man I needed when I was younger. They are at that pivotal time in their lives where 1 or 2 decisions could change their lives forever. I want to be the reason they decide to go in the right direction. “If the truth is told, the youth can grow.” –Nas.

By reading your bio which is very impressive by the way, how has the street life of urban culture motivated you to be where you are at now? What were some of the struggles growing up? C.M. It’s taught me everything I know! Do you know how many survival tactics and skills you pick up from growing up in the hood and not with a silver spoon in your mouth? It’s not the RESOURCES, but the RESOURCEFULNESS that matters. This is the ultimate test of making “something outta nothing.” The biggest struggle for me was not falling into the life of hustling drugs. It’s easy to admire the guy that pulls up in the hottest car, with the hottest girl, and the most money. But my parents instilled character in me and Bible principles at an early age. They’d always say, “What’s do you profit from gaining the world, but losing your soul in the process?” After your severe car accident, was that a wake-up call for you that you had to do better? To walk out of the accident alive is truly a blessing! C.M. Absolutely! God is great! He didn’t have to spare me, but He did, and for that I am forever grateful. It was definitely a wakeup call because it allowed me to realize who was REALLY there for me and who wasn’t. When I was no longer a benefit to my “friends” by giving them a ride to places they needed to go, and when I was down and out, my phone stopped ringing. Those situations allowed me to focus on the things that matter most. Life is too precious to waste it away with the wrong people, doing the wrong things. From there I found a mentor, got on my business grind, joined a fraternity, and the rest is history . Has Legal Shield taught you to be the man you are today? How has Legal Shield changed your life?

C.M. I wouldn’t necessarily say it made me, but it definitely helped shape me. In school, I was taught how to work for someone else for the rest of my life. Legal Shield taught me how to run an actual business. It taught me how to recruit, train, lead, present, and persevere through rough times. Oh, It also taught me how to dress! Lol, some of the millionaire mentors I had were the best dressed men I’ve ever seen, so I had no choice but to step my game up. Where do you see yourself five years from now? C.M. I see myself with an unshakeable relationship with God, an amazing wife, beautiful children, happy family, and a boatload of money. Lol. Once your relationship with God is intact, everything else falls in place. Queens inspire Kings, so I’d love a virtuous woman who I can inspire, but can also be inspired by. And there’s no shortage of money out there, I’m going to get my hands on millions. Were your parents hard on you when it came to religious beliefs? Did you think it was hard to be a Christian with the life you used to live? C.M. Yes, they were very hard on me growing up but I’m glad they were. The grace of God covered me even when I was in the wrong. As a child of God, even when you do dirt, you feel conflicted. If my parents didn’t instill those principles in me, I probably would have never felt guilty about any of that. I would have not desired to go to church, and would have never been led to do better. I was the epitome of “One foot out, One foot in” or “Luke Warm” as the Bible puts it. A lot of Sundays it felt like I was just going through the motions. So it was very difficult to be a true follower of Christ, without fully committing. But my desire was always there. Have you ever been tempted to go back to your old lifestyle? C.M. The temptation is always there, but that doesn’t mean you have to fall for it. For the former alcoholic, there’s never going to be a shortage of drinks available, but your decision to participate in the drinks will be different. I have no desire to go back to my old lifestyle, but I have a strong desire to go back to my old neighborhoods and help out the youth. Do you have any future events planned? If so, what are they? C.M. Of course! I’m getting ready to have an official book signing party soon, and I’m going to start touring the inner cities in America. I believe this book will be encouragement for the culture, and hope for the hood. So I’ll be visiting cities like Baltimore, DC, Atlanta, Cleveland, Chicago, Houston, and LA soon.

Are you planning on writing any more books in the near future? C.M. Maybe somewhere down the line, but for right now, my goal is to get 365 Hip-Hop: Daily Motivational Quotes to be the book that changes our culture. How can your readers connect and contact you? C.M. I’m everywhere! www.YoungExeKutive.com is my website. @YoungExeKutive is how you can contact me via social media (IG, Twitter, YouTube, SnapChat, Pinterest), www.Facebook.com/YoungExeKutiveCM , and YoungExeKutive@gmail.com Is there anything you would like to add or discuss dealing with your brand or positive image? C.M. I don’t care who tells you it’s impossible, or that you can’t do it—YOU CAN! And if no one’s told you today, I LOVE YOU and there’s nothing you can do about it. God bless!

“ To heal a wound, you need to stop touching it.” ~ Carl Michel

Young Exekutiveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Missions to Haiti!

Be Empowered By This Motivator! Young Exekutive

How Rap Music Influences and affects our Youth of Today By Jovan James â&#x20AC;&#x153;I just f**ed your b**ch in some gucci flip flops. I just had some b**ches and I made them lip lock. I just took a piss and I seen codeine coming out. We got purple actavis I, I thought it was a drought.â&#x20AC;? If you aren't familiar with these lyrics they are by a well known rapper named Future, whose fame has risen over the past few years with the mix-tapes he has released. The lyrics are somewhat disturbing and vulgar with references to drugs and sex with women and those lyrics are the beginning of the song. I am sure by the explicit content in the first few words anyone can guess the rest of the song won't be about ponies and rainbows. Just as that song references drugs and sex with with multiple partners, there is an abundance of rap lyrics in today's music that reference the subject matter and more with gun violence, street life, and gang affiliation tied in the middle. We know the subject matter of rap music, but the question is does its content nature have an affect on the youth? There have been studies in the past that have shown the correlation between the rap music and its effects on the youth. There is no certain proof that the youth listening to lyrics about violence will certainly becoming violent. There is no certain proof that listening to music about using drugs or selling drug will make someone become drug dealers or drug users. There is no certain proof that listening to rap lyrics about misogyny that it will turn someone misogynistic. There is no certain proof. Okay you get my point, but one has to contemplate the youth being bombarded with sexual images, sexual lyrics, and violence more than half of the day from music how on earth can one not succumb to its content? How on earth can the youth not be persuaded one way or another by its content. I do believe that the youth can be affected by the music they listen to. Music is form of art as it is expressed by a musician in different ways. Typically the music a musician expresses are personal life experiences and by no means should have a filter especially when they are trying to get their stories across. Rap music especially with his raw uncut content is like stated before entertainment. Movies portray violence, but is used as a form of entertainment. Nowadays you can't turn more than three channels to see some form of sexually driven aired program.

Rap music at the end of the day is in the eye of the beholder. Any form of expression can be taken in by the youth and it's their choice whether they use it uplift their lives or become apart of what's being portrayed in the lyrics. Rap music continues to grow in popularity year by by year which means its influence keeps on growing. With all that being said, rap music can be used for the greater good to inform and persuade the youth, but if taken in the wrong way, can be destructive.

Connect with Jovan on Instagram! @heightstown

Get Ready for the New Year!

2015 is almost over! Whether it has been a rough year for you or a great year, just remember the race isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t over yet! Whatever drama, negativity seeds or negative people you have encountered in 2015, leave it there! Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s go into the new year with a BANG and remember why we started our journey in the first place! What would you like to achieve in the new year? Is it starting your business? Becoming a better you or changing your ways and get closer to God? Whatever it is, just remember that you have to pray for a better year and speak to your situations! State positive affirmations everyday so that all of the positive energy you are soaking up stays within your soul. Tell yourself that you are blessed and highly favored! You will be better than last year and the year before last! Speak life to yourself and over yourself so that when you walk into the new year, you are covered! Practice meditating more. Get relaxed and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stress! Remember to let go and let God! You got this!