MADE Magazine Issue 8 by FAME Enterprises

+DeVon

Franklin Talks life, love and leadership

GUN CRY

HOW TO #TAKEBACK OUR NEIGHBORHOODS

WHO'S GOT NEXT HIP-HOP'S UNIQUE RAPPER, DEE1

25 CREATIVE ENTREPRENEURS YOU SHOULD KNOW

MODERN GROOMING & STYLE TIPS

FOR MILLENNIAL MEN

MENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ISSUE

Celebrating men making a difference

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PUBLISHER’S LETTER

rom time to time when “greats” like Prince and Muhammad Ali pass on, I reflect on our generation’s leadership in the creative industries (film, art, design, music and media) and wonder if there are enough dynamic leaders left. There used to be a time where there were a handful of influential people in our communities with massive supporters.

As each icon passes, I tend to ask myself, “Where is the next Martin Luther King Jr., Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Nina Simone, Prince, etc.?” The answer to this question is simple yet obvious: they’re all around us. We live in an era where we are empowered with social media platforms and influenced by TV streaming services. Today, it seems there are thousands of public speakers, politicians, entertainers, activists and the like being heard and seen across social media and the internet. Everyone is an influencer. Because of the ability to quickly share our voices, opinions and talents with the world, I’d like to think that it’s what we do with our :15, :30 or :60 seconds that count. Although in this issue, we’ve featured 25 Creative Entrepreneurs who’ve maximized their creativity and the platforms to share it, the reality is that we all are strong forces of energy with abilities unimaginable. We all have a voice and we all have an obligation to use it... properly.

Meturio expere volorpos ipsaectiatet quaspid emporem porumquo.

Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the single candle will not be shortened. Buddha

I’m excited about our Men’s Issue because it features someone who’s maximized his voice on and off screen: DeVon Franklin. It hasn’t been an overnight success though. The patience that he has practiced to prepare for his platform is why he has unequivocally captured the attention of millions from his new book, The Wait written with his lovely wife, Meagan Good. It takes a leader to intentionally choose the road less traveled. He has applied this principle of patience to his romantic and professional relationships and we are seeing the rewards of what he’s sown. Read his story, you’d love it. The understanding of new leadership must be presented in order to adjust to today’s landscape. As the Olympics approach in Rio, I’m reminded of the Olympic flame and the passing of the torches. Where I used to think older generations should pass the baton or light our torch to pass on leadership, I now believe that we should have the confidence to carry our own torches and the responsibility to light someone else’s if theirs is dim along the way. On our individual creative journeys, let’s lead by carrying our torches and sharing the light so all of our torches grow brighter.

Kris D. Williams PUBLISHER

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TEAM + CONTRIBUTORS KRIS D. WILLIAMS publisher @krisdwilliams DERRICK L. CHRISTIAN II editor-in-chief @dchristianii CHELSEY SINCERRAY sr. media coorinator @215Images

TAHITI SPEARS art director @tahitian_treat JASMINE BROWLEY contributor @jasminebrowley

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XUXA DAY contributor @iatekatemoss

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CONTENTS MEN’S ISSUE m a d e - m a g a z i n e .c o m

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05. MADEArt 11. MADELife 18. MADEFeatures 26. MADEInc. 38. MADEMusic

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50. MADEConnections 58. MADEGlobal

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64. MADENow

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DON’T BE SHY!

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Share your story with us that may help millennials of color navigate their professional and personal lives. Click here to contribute your story

Creative Minds

COAST TO COAST

MADE spotlights creatives across the US whom we deem as notable creatives with extraordinary artistry and talent in the arts.

MADE By Chelsey Sincerray

NDREW THOMAS CLIFTON, CHICAGO, IL

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Creativity is about knowing yourself and the relationship to the world around you. The more you know and learn yourself, the more you can do what other say cannot be done.â&#x20AC;? Andrew Thomas Clifton is an AfroAmerican Imagineer who works professionally as a Photographer, Cinematographer, Graphic Designer, and Writer. He draws primary inspirations from the feelings of vintage movie soundtracks, Books, and His own life as the artistic son of two college professors. His usage of light and shadow is often extremely emotive and targeted at drawing feelings out of the viewer and telling the story than showcasing a technical knowledge of classic photography techniques.. BIO

ANDREWTHOMASCLIFTON

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ARCUS PRIME LOS ANGELES, CA

“Trust your gift. Jump.” (a quote from his book “ BRUH: Black Renditions of Universal Heroes “) Markus Prime is a freelance illustrator based in Los Angeles, CA whose work is a unique blend of Japanese manga and American comic and cartoons from the perspective of a black man.Markus Prime challenges the norm of illustrations often seen, by filling the disparity of black characters. His characters are constructed in a hyper reality setting and utilizes present day narratives from black culture. BIO

CLICK TO BUY ART

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MARKUSPRIMELIVES

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ARL HEISS, DALLAS, TX

“Inspiration is for amateurs; the rest of us just show up and get to work.”

Carl F. Hess, a native of Memphis, TN, received a Bachelors of Fine Arts from the University of Tennessee of Knoxville and his Masters in Art Education from Carson Newman University. This international portrait artist’s numerous commissioned portraits have expanded his career to paint various subjects such as the President of the United States, Mayors, Federal Judges, Ambassadors, Governors, Bishops and Pastors. Carl feels that every great leader, whether religious, influential, or political, should have an official portrait painted of them in honor of their legacy. This artist paints phenomenal portraits that are capable of portraying these leaders in an attractive light. BIO

CHESSARTWORLD

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AVIER SUAREZ, CHICAGO, IL JAVIERCANTDRAW

BIO

Javier identifies himself as a Chicanx illustrator. His strong emotional attachment to his parents’ motherland is the biggest influence to his work. México–and the rest of Latin America–serve as the backdrop and inspiration to most of his playful and colorful aesthetic.

"Festina Lente. (Make haste slowly)." - Proverb mademagazine.com made-magazine.com

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CREDITS: Right to Left : Low End Theory, The Predator, and The Great Adventures of Slick Rick.

JERSEY GENIUS MADE By Omar Avila THE PREDATOR – ICE CUBE Having one of his best singles of all time in “It Was A Good Day”, The Predator has its well-written lyrics dealing with the unsettling circumstances happening at the time. Ice Cube’s raw energy along with the instrumentation has given us a classic that has hardly even aged after almost 24 years. AQUEMINI - OUTKAST AAlmost always the first album to be brought up on a southern hip-hop classic discussion. Outkast’s third studio album is so diverse that it’s amazing how every track is almost flawless. Not to mention its chill and colorful instrumentals paired with the brilliant writing from the duo. This album is a must listen and an important piece of the hip-hop culture. THE GREAT ADVENTURES OF SLICK RICK – SLICK RICK

This is possibly one of the most influential albums in hip-hop that has gone on to inspire lyrical tyrants like Nas. The amazing storytelling abilities from Slick Rick is unique and the wordplay is genius which is why this album has revolutionized hip-hop along the way as a classic work of art. PAID IN FULL – ERIC B. & RAKIM The duo’s internal style and groundbreaking lyricism in this album had everyone step up their lyrical techniques. The layered out production and choice of samples are on point. Their lyrical style, flow and delivery showed how this album broke boundaries in hip-hop around its time and yet still sounds fresh. LIFE AFTER DEATH – THE NOTORIOUS B.I.G. Biggie’s style and flow in this album are the example of the flow people are trying to match but just can’t find in the end. This Mafioso rap album is completely unique to Biggie from his songwriting and his great storytelling containing many noticeable samples and the overall production changes throughout the album. LOW END THEORY – A TRIBE CALLED QUEST The Low End Theory is one of the few albums in hip hop that makes listening to jazz cool! The trio had a smooth approach for this body of work with many jazz, funk and soul samples paired with heavy bass and drums to create a beautifully consistent sound throughout the album. The lyricism is impressive and so much creativity transcends while keeping the stories so simple. beautifully consistent sound throughout the album. The lyricism is impressive and so much creativity transcends while keeping the stories so simple. ◊

MADELIFE CREDITS: Photo Credits Photography: Chelsey Sincerray Models: Mecyia Mcintyre, Bria Williams, Trell Love Footwear: Sheikh Shoes Clothing: Sheikh Shoes & Jaelen Isis MUA: Chris Miller Hair: Tiara Wright Stylist: Jaelen Isis

FRESH SNEAKS MADE By Chelsey Sincerray

As millennials, sporting the urban style has become one of the most versatile fashion aesthetics in both formal and casual environments. Our wardrobe, in any way or form, consists of either sporting sneakers, denim or casual, or relaxed fitted pieces at least one day during the week. In partnership with Shiekh Shoes, we at MADE would like to present our take on how to keep your casual style intact.

MADELIFE CREDITS: Models : Joseph Barron & Viz Wiley Barber : Donta Rice, CEO of Dominant Techniques Beard Maintenance Information & Shaving Products Provided By : Delfondo Herron, CEO of 103 Collection Vegan Organic Products Barbershop Photography : Chelsey Sincerray

BEARDED MADE By Chelsey Sincerray

roper beard grooming and maintenance are essential elements for not only a man’s sense of style, but most importantly for health and hygiene as well. With a weekly grooming routine, balanced diet and exercise, there’s no question that growing a healthy beard will come about. Here are some quick tips on what will keep your beard in the best condition. Step 1. Cleansing. Start with a beard wash that has antifungal components. Avoid products with chemicals that can damage and dry your beard hair out.

Step 2. Beard Oil or Beard Butter. Either of these applications will guarantee softer hair follicles, sheen and aroma to beard. Step 3. Definition & Toning. Usage of shave gel onto the beard will accentuate beard lines, cheekbone and jawline. With the application of shaving products, one must apply product on skin in an upward, circular motion against gravity. You don’t want to pull it down into face, as this will cause your chin and lower face muscles to sag. Step 4. Weekly Maintenance & Upkeep. “The maintenance and product application of a man’s beard depends on the level of daily personal activity. Men who are more active outdoors are exposed to the particles of environmental bacteria, dirt, fungus, etc. In this case, maintenance and cleansing is more continuous with a weekly set schedule (i.e. Monday, Wednesday, Friday), whereas men who are indoors will require lower maintenance with only one to two days for upkeep of a clean beard throughout the week.” ◊

M O D E L B E H AV I O U R MADE By Xuxa Day

Silence falls on the audience. This does not only happen when the lights dim before models strut down the runway for an anticipated peek at a new collection but when you are a creative that causes a stir of opinions in your craft, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re bound to get some side eyes of speculation. What can we say?

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veryone is a critic. However, there were a few collections that you should pay attention to whilst in the midst of breathing some life into your wardrobe. June doesn’t just mark the beginning of summer days but is host to London Men’s Fashion Week. Across the pond, men from across the globe met to take in the latest styles and let out their fashion inhibitions. Displayed in this article are 5 designers we recommend that have their own spin to inspire and create. PYER MOSS

Jaws are still dropping from the Spring/Summer collection launched at NYFW created by the designer Kerby Jean-Raymond. The designer has a knack for bringing taboo topics of discussion into his shows like gun violence or depression. On a brighter note, Jean-Raymond is also known for his menswear that caters to the fashion forward. There were plenty of street wear inspired pieces with edge that can be seen as exclusive staple items or new basics depending on whether you feel comfortable with the entire look or need to break it down piece by piece for added flair. MCM X CHRISTOPHER RAEBURN

American Vogue has hailed the designer Raeburn as a leader of fashion’s “reduce, reuse, recycle” movement. If you were more on the environment friendly side of the spectrum, you’d be please to know that the S/S 16’’ collection was created by utilizing high-tech fabrics and modular design systems to offer consumers a freedom beyond time, place, and occasion created his most recent collection. The innovating thing about this collection is that the original MCM bag was deconstructed and reconstructed over again for ready-to-wear fits. This takes the hassle of making major decisions. You can hit the ground running in these looks. TOPMAN DESIGN

Third time is a charm with the brand that every man should know by now. If not, then let us introduce TOPMAN. This brand is meant for wide range of men whether you’re more of a suit and tie kind

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The day of slacks or jeans with tees is over. Make your impact by leaving an unforgettable first impression.”

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of gentleman or a guy that prefers a simple shirt and denim. The brand took things up a notch by giving its runway show the royal treatment with luxury attire with real-world function. The different towns of Britain influenced this season the brand heavily. The pieces have a vintage feel but like history, fashion repeats itself. The design team took Britain’s sub-cultures and injected some fun that previous collections haven’t emphasized. This collection has remnant style moments from Alessandro Michele’s Gucci. With that said, our hipster fellows should enjoy this collection all summer long.

MARGARET HOWELL - MEN’S

Working a nine-to-five can make your everyday go-to suit essentials feel like Wolves of Wall Street. You can now hit the office with some ease. Yes, you’ll still have a suit and tie but your tailor won’t be a constant stop. Grab some suit essentials from Margaret Howell. During the early 1980’s Margaret Howell was one of the first wave of British designers to find success in Japan opening a shop in Tokyo, today the designer has over 80 retail outlets in Japan. Howell has some experience under belt and can now style you for the summer months when you want to leave the office and hit the bar for some after hour brews. Take our advice and try the collection that meshes Mad Men and Hamptons to manage your corporate chaos without the sweat of a five-piece suit. XANDER ZHOU

Form and function are the primary reasons you may choose the items you should rid yourselves of versus something you haven’t quite broken in. Get out of habit of choosing what is easiest or shop the latest collection from Xandar Zhou. Xander Zhou was born and raised in China. After studying fashion in the Netherlands, he established his label and studio in Beijing, where he quickly made a name for himself as a menswear designer. Xander Zhou has been part of London Collections: Men since its inception in 2012. His youthful garments favor the quintessential model off-duty look with an air of unconventional charm. Ladies love charm and style. Opt for a new look that won’t kill your inner rebel. These five designers have their own reasons for madness but we’re sure you’ll find your niche. The day of slacks or jeans with tees is over. Make your impact by leaving an unforgettable first impression. Each one of these designers has something that holds your focus. Do the same for your wardrobe. ◊

CREDITS: Intro to ending: Margaret Howell, Pyer Moss Xander Zhou, and TOPMAN Design

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ETIQUETTE SAMPLER MADE By Derrick L. Christian II Even before the bill comes, it can be a high price to pay when making costly mistakes at the dinner table. Whether a high stakes business meeting or a Taco Tuesday gathering with friends, pull up a chair and feast on these tips to taste sweet success at any table you’re invited to sit at. APPETIZERS: THINGS TO DO BEFORE THE MEAL. • Know Your Company: If you’re eating with someone new or important (Client, Parents of your significant other, etc.) knowing interesting facts about their favorite topics makes for great dinner conversation and helps you look like a pro. • Sample The Menu Online: Take a look at the menu on the restaurant website to get an idea of what you’d like. See food photos, user conversations on the best dishes and more on apps like Yelp. This helps you plan calories (if you’re counting), avoid foods you’re allergic to and impress dinner company with cool restaurant facts and your ability to guide them along the menu. • Call Ahead: Giving the restaurant a call to ask if there is free, validated or valet parking around the location helps plan a more efficient trip. If you’re meeting a larger group there, asking if they split the check for larger parties helps you know if you need to bring cash. No need to be surprised later.

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MAIN COURSE: THINGS TO DO DURING THE MEAL. • Quick Bites: Let’s get the easy stuff out of the way: Sit up straight, elbows off the table and make eye contact // Excuse yourself when leaving the table // Use manners like “Please” and “Thank You”, because people notice. // Always pass the salt and the pepper, even if someone only asks for one.

• Follow The Leader: If you are the guest, avoid ordering the most expensive item on the menu unless it is suggested by your host. • Out To In: For formal dinners, think about the silverware on the table as the legend on a map. Each fork, knife, spoon, etc. is a key to what type of food will be served. Rule of thumb: Using your plate as the center, use the utensils farthest from your plate and work your way in as the meal progresses.

• No Phone Zone: The best two things to look at during a dinner are the other person and the menu. Use your phone sparingly, if at all, or try turning it off so you don’t feel the pressure of feeling it go off or seeing it light up.

BONUS: The dessert spoon and fork are usually placed above your plate.

• Be Inquisitive: Ask the server what their three favorite items are. Asking them to explain everything on the menu makes you look indecisive, but engaging their expertise shows you’re friendly and may open up unexpected options for you and your guests.

• Eating Style: There are two ways to eat your food with a knife and fork: European style and American style. European style means the fork always stays in your left hand, while American style allows you to switch the fork from left hand to right hand based on what you’re eating. European style is considered the most proper globally and may indicate your guest t ravels.

• Breaking Bread: Break off one piece of bread at a time, butter it, eat and repeat. You may want to butter the full piece or make a sandwich. But avoid that…please. See, you noticed that.

DESSERT: ICING ON THE CAKE AFTER A SUCCESSFUL MEAL. • Check, Please: If you want to pick up the check…make it smooth. Get there early, provide your server with a credit card and tell them you’re taking care of the bill. When that time finally comes, they can take care of the tab seamlessly and present you with the check. The thought that you’ve taken care of it so covertly shows consideration (and a little magic) that will definitely impress.

• Split Checks: Because you called earlier, you know if you can use a card or cash. If possible, have extra cash in smaller bills to make change for someone else. You won’t be the one holding things up and you may help someone out. We call that being the people’s champion and guests will remember. • Farewell: Say goodbye to everyone, even if it was a larger group and you didn’t get to chat with them all. ◊

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FRANKLIN MADE By Kris D. Williams Focused, Faithful and Fearless: DeVon Franklin talks how these characteristics have positioned him for success in entrepreneurship in an exclusive interview with MADE for our Men's Issue. MADE: In your book, The Wait, you speak of having patience, trust and faith while waiting on the person God has for you. What advice would you give young people who are at a standstill in their careers? Do the same rules apply as waiting on the right relationship?

DF: Yeah, I mean they actually do. When we were writing the book, even though we were focusing on relationships, we were talking about it in a way that really feels like it’s universally applicable. And so, if somebody is in their career and they are definitely trying to move forward but don’t see how it’s possible, the idea of waiting is valuing delayed gratification, which means “Yes, what you want will happen if you stay the course.” And if you find ways (even in the time when you seem stagnant) to continue to be productive and to find ways to maximize that waiting time, that’ll only prepare you for when the things you’ve been hoping for will happen. You also have to do an assessment. “Where do I want to be? Where am I now? Why do I think I haven’t got there yet?” and not allow frustration, anger, depression and complacency to eat up that period of time. Because a lot of times when things seem quiet or slow, and you don’t seem like you’re close to where you want to be, it’s actually the time when you have the most time to do the things you need to do, so that when you’re in the right position, you’ll be successful. And so I really encourage people to do an inventory on their life. What are the things that they feel like they could be doing now that would make their time more valuable?

CREDITS: Photo Credits Photography: Lawrence Goldman

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would say look at the people you aspire to be most like and look at their path of success. And history is littered with people who had to take their time to get to their destiny and their purpose.

MADE: So what type of practical things would you suggest?

DF: Let’s just say for example you want to get promoted but it hasn’t happened yet... what do you do? I tell people, start finding a way to add value to the people you work for. Start finding a way to add value to your bosses. Because if you’re adding value to your bosses, and you are helping who you work for and their lives to become better, I promise you that is a key to help you find success in the long run. And it’s also a great way to utilize the waiting period productively. So I do believe that waiting on your career is a good thing because it really, really, really, helps prepare you. So many times we’re focused on where we want to be. It’s one thing to get there, but if you don’t have the skillset when you arrive, you’re gonna blow it.

MADE:

And part of the value along the way is to (1) know what your skillset is, know what you have to offer, feel very confident in that, feel very good about who you are, and also commit yourself to the process. And when you say “Hey, I’m going to give myself over to the process of success,” that requires time. It requires commitment. It requires determination. It requires patience. It requires persistence. These are the ingredients. And the fastest way to lose sight along the way is to become frustrated. And to become bitter. And to also become prideful. And to also say “I should be/I don’t deserve this…I should be here by now.”It’s one thing where you’ve been in a situation where you literally have had a track record for a number of years, you’ve made contribution, and then you know “Okay, I’m not where I want to be at, and I can’t necessarily get that from my current job, so maybe I do need to look for a new job that will help me get there. But you should never make a decision out of “this is taking too long.” It should really be more out of….you know what...it’s like a cost-benefit analysis.

MADE:

So, when you don't have the position you hope for yet, how does one continue to know their own value while adding value to their boss?

So, how do we conduct our own cost-benefit analysis?

DF: So before I left Sony to start my own

DF: You should know your value. Look at the people you aspire to be like. Look at the success in their lives. And when you look at success, people who have been successful, it never happened overnight. It just never does. And so, the idea that we would be frustrated that things aren’t happening fast enough...I

production company, I did do my own costbenefit analysis. Which is: “Is the benefit of the experience that I’m getting with this job greater than what it costs for me to stay here?” For ten years, I was like no, “I’m getting the benefit out of it.” And I’m getting more benefit than it’s costing. But it got to a point where I realized, “Wait, it’s starting to cost me more than what I’m getting out of it because I know that I wanna produce." I’ve done a lot of films in the

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studio system, and when the success came, I said, “This is a moment that if I don’t step out on faith and start my own company and really lean into the expertise that I’ve learned since I’ve been in the studio system, then it’s gonna cost me way more than it’s gonna benefit me.” I knew that, that was the point in my career graph that I had to jump into a new opportunity. But I didn’t do it without thinking about it. It was a strategic move. I had the relationships. I had paid my dues. I had success that I could point to. I had support. So I needed all of those things in order to be able to step into my own situation, but that came after ten years of preparation, putting in the work, putting in the hours, putting in the time.

MADE: You’ve spoken about relationships being our true currency, and having so many great relationships in the industry and building those overtime. How did you maintain those key relationships after quitting your job to be your own boss?

DF: Yeah, you know it’s funny. Entrepreneurship is inspirational. So, when you have a conviction about something, and you have the faith to go after it, you’d be surprised how much that inspires and also enhances your relationships. So, me stepping outside of Sony and starting my own company, it actually made the relationships

stronger because a lot of my mentors really were like “Yes, DeVon, we’ve always believed in you. We’ve always believed you could do great things, and now that you have taken the step, and you have taken the risk to do your thing, we’re going to help you.” And so, part of the way that I’ve been able to maximize and keep relationships (and enhance relationships) is one humility, and seeking their counsel, and saying “Hey, can you help me understand how to do this, and I’m not sure how to do that, and I’m worried about this.” Be honest. Sometimes in entrepreneurship there’s an ego. Where it’s like “You know, I don’t want anybody to know what I don’t know.” I don’t want anybody to know that I’m not sure.” But what I’ve learned is that the most successful people ask the most questions. The most successful people look for the most help. And so, by me stepping out, and asking for help and seeking guidance, and seeking counsel, it’s actually enhanced many of my relationships and made my network that much stronger.

MADE: To back up a little bit in terms of building and cultivating those relationships prior to becoming an entrepreneur. How do you 'stay in the room' once you've received opportunities to 'get you in the room'?

God is an ambitious God. So if He’s ambitious and we’re made in His image, then we should be ambitious too about the things He’s called us to do and who He’s called us to be.” mademagazine.com made-magazine.com

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DF:

Serve. You have to be focused on service. I started as an intern with Will Smith when I was 18 years old. My number one goal...it was like…“I want to contribute. I appreciate the opportunity that he’s given me. I value who he is. I’m inspired by who he is,” and I said, “Let me just help.” So as an intern I found a way to service him and to help what he was doing. When I became an assistant at his company, it was all about trying to help. You know really trying to make sure that I was making a contribution.

That’s a good question. I think ambition is all a part of our God given purpose. Okay let’s talk about God for a second. Let’s talk about it spiritually...God sent Jesus to save the world. That is an ambitious goal. That is an ambitious approach. God is an ambitious God. So if He’s ambitious and we’re made in His image, then we should be ambitious too about the things He’s called us to do and who He’s called us to be.

When I got to Sony and became an executive that worked on a majority of his films, it was all about, “Okay, how can I make this movie great. How can I help him?”. Service, service, service, service, service. And that has been the key to establishing the friendship and mentorship that we have. Because I’m always looking at “I want to pour back into him what I believe he’s poured into me.” So whatever I can do to further his business and to help him, I’m invested in that. I think that you know as an entrepreneur, (I talk about this a lot), that sometimes you’re trying to make a withdrawal from an account that you’ve never made a deposit in. So, in order to be able to make withdrawals you gotta start to make deposits into other people and what they’re doing, and not looking for a return. It’s just like “Someone I admire - they have a project...okay, you know what, I’m going to do everything I can to support that project...I’ll post about it, I’ll tweet about it, I’ll Facebook about it, I’ll volunteer for it. Whatever I have to do to help the person I admire, or the person I believe in to further the business of their work.” When you start doing those kind of things, you’d be shocked at how much of an impact that would make on your life and on your career.

MADE: Wanna talk a little bit more about ambition... How do we remain ambitious while not putting society’s success metrics over our God given purpose?

And I think the danger is when you begin to worship that ambition more than you worship Him, or more than you tried to live out your purpose. And because tied in that ambition worship is a building up of ego, it can be very destructive. So it’s very, very important to not allow that to happen. And to say “Yes, I’m ambitious and there are a lot of things I want to do in life, but I also am patient. I am also gonna have a service mentality. I am also going to be teachable.” Because those are the things that really allow ambition to fuel your career. But when you have ambition and you’re using it to feed ego, you may be stiff in the short run. But in the long run, it usually doesn’t work.

MADE: That's a very forward-thinking outlook. How do you continue to preserve these values while still being contemporary and modern in your mindset?

DF: I don’t know if I have a good answer for that question (laughs). I don’t know, I just do what I believe, and I not only just do what I believe, those values really are the better octave of my success. I think for me it’s just because I legitimately believe in all the things I’ve been raised to stand on, and those are my foundation. It’s just the way I live it out and walk it out. It’s because I’ve worked in the real world, and I’ve worked

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in Hollywood, and I’ve had incredible, amazing exposure, that has been (I think) a great way to combine what I believe my foundation of values along with the world experience.

if you don’t have faith, someone may believe in you, but if you don’t believe it, then you’re never gonna be able to actualize someone else to believe in you. ‘Cause no matter how much someone believes in me, if I don’t believe in myself, then I’ll never be successful as I could be if I did.

I think the hybrid of those things then gives you a lot of the attributes you were just referencing because I don’t think values are nothing unless you can find a practical way to walk out. Every individual has to challenge themselves - that wants to live a value-based life - how do I apply it to the moment and how do I just not let it be ideas that never translate into action.

MADE: Speaking on belief and even pursuing aspirations and dreams, specifically for men. What advice can you give men who want to take a risk and pursue their dreams but seek to have a family and live a practical lifestyle?

DF: You know, what’s practical? Practical is relative, and that’s a dangerous aspiration. Because if you’re saying “I’m gonna live a practical life” implied in that is someone else’s definition of practical. Practical is relative. You know, my practical isn’t somebody else’s practical. So, the goal I would encourage any man, is don’t allow your success or your aspirations to be defined by practicality. Entrepreneurship is not practical. It’s not - no you can’t do that. I’m not saying live crazy, but you gotta say, “I have to live relative to what I’m believing for. And I need to align myself with a wife and life that will allow me to do that.

And for me, the things that I believe and the foundations of my success and the foundations of my faith - it’s not an intentional thing, it’s just an organic thing. Because I am a faith addict I guess you can say. Every time I don’t wanna believe, I end up believing. I just do. It’s just something I do, everytime I want just to quit it’s like “nope, just believe.”

MADE: What inspires you to believe? What motivates you?

DF: Because I am addicted to it, because I know it works. And so, you know, that believing in that strongly, and believing in a certain set of principles (and those principles have played themselves out in my success), my goal (and the reason why I do what I do) is to help people and to motivate people to do the same. And that...don’t take shortcuts, and integrity does matter and character is key, and all of these things that have worked for me, I’ve become an ambassador of for other people to believe in. And it’s all in the banner of faith. You gotta believe. You gotta believe. Even if certain people don’t have religious faith. You still gotta have faith, because you have to believe in something if there’s no proof...which is what? You believe that you have the ability to succeed. You believe that your business can make it. That means that you have to have faith. You have to believe it. That’s the thing,

And here’s the truth. When you have a family, kids are real flexible. As long as you’re in their life, they don’t really care what you do. So if a man is trying to live practically, I would say yes, make sure you are able to provide for your family, but don’t perceive that as “I have to give up my dreams.” And the way that you do that - and this is one of the reasons why I wrote The Wait - is that a lot of times when you’re single (and you’re a man), you have the best opportunity to start setting up what you want. Because the moment that you begin to share your life with somebody, you have to make sure that they see and support the vision that you have. Because if they don’t, you greatly diminish your chance of achieving that dream because you’re choosing to a live life with somebody who not only doesn’t see you the way you see yourself. Also if they don’t see where you’re going, usually they can’t help you get there.

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MADE: What advice would you give men who work with their wife (or significant other) as you and Meagan have been doing for The Wait? Is it easy?

DF: It’s been cool actually. It’s been really good. We’ve enjoyed it. We go back and forth on different words and sentences and that kind of stuff, but overall because we were so aligned with what the book was about and the intention of the book, it actually made it great. It’s actually fun. It’s fun to be able to work together on and be passionate about it. It actually just continued to enhance our marriage.

...Because the moment that you

MADE: Do you feel like you’ve made it? And if not, at what point will you feel like you have?

begin to share your

DF: Nope, I don’t feel like I have made it. I feel like pieces are in place, and I’m getting to a place where I believe I can make it. But I have not made it yet. And what that will look like, I don’t know. It’ll be more of a feeling. I don’t have a clear idea that I can articulate that would be the definition of “Okay, I’ve made it”.

life with somebody,

There’s a feeling, there’s an idea that I have in my head that when I envision my life and what I want it to feel like and what I want/how I want to feel on a day-to-day basis, I think I’m on my way, but I’m not there yet. And I hesitate to define being there by anything external because that to me is setting myself up for failure and no fulfilment.

and support the

you have to make sure that they see vision that you have.”

So I try to define being there an internal thing, which is why I describe it as a feeling that I want to have. It is a feeling of freedom. And that freedom is inherently based on opportunity to freely flow in all of the various gifts that I have and know that from a financial standpoint and opportunity standpoint that I have the right finances and opportunity to have the freedom to be fully who I am. ◊ made-magazine.com mademagazine.com

MADE MADEFEATURES XXXX

MADE ON DEMAND CLICK HERE TO ORDER A PRINT COPY OF MADE MAGAZINE

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EDITOR'S PICK:

reative ENTREPRENEURS OF COLOR YOU SHOULD KNOW

As creatives we must continue to surround ourselves amongst those of similar mindsets and career pursuits. Keeping our social networks enlightened by inspiring, uplifting and informative content shared by other entrepreneurs keep us focused and driven to execute the next move for our own creative businesses. Check out these entrepreneurs within the creative sphere for your dose of inspiration.

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FERRARI SHEPPARD Editor-in-Chief of Stop Being Famous Chicago, IL

ADRIENNE RAQUEL Creative Artist & Director New York, NY THEODORE ELYETT Fashion Designer Bahamas, NS

Creativity is the root of entrepreneurship.â&#x20AC;? ASANDA SIZARI FASHION EDITOR Johannesburg, South Africa

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MADE MADE MADEINC. XXXX INC. DIANE AUDREY NGAKO Founder of Visiterlafrique Paris, France

RASHAD DRAKEFORD Content Development & Marketer, REVOLTTV NEW YORK, NY

CHRISTOPHER GRAY FOUNDER OF MYSCHOLLY Philadelphia, PA

TOYIN OJIH ODUTOLA VISUAL ARTIST & ILLUSTRATOR New York, NY

BRIDGET AWOSIKA Fashion Designer Lagos, Nigeria

ALEXANDRIA EREGBU Founder of The Finding Ijeoma Project Chicago, IL

KEHINDE WILEY Artist Brooklyn, NY

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CLARISSA HENRY Style Blogger | Stylist London, UK

ALEX ELLE Author & Entrepreneur Washington, DC

Lex Pierre Louis Brand Specialist Miami, FL

JANICE BOND Cultural Curator & Advocate Artist Chicago, IL

KENEILWE NEI Interior Designer Johannesburg, South Africa

NYCOLE HARTFIELD Recording Artist | Dancer | Wardrobe Stylist NEW YORK, NY

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MARSHAWN EVANS Reinvention Strategist Atlanta, GA

There is only one success-to be able to spend your life in your own way.â&#x20AC;?

CHEKO THARI Visual Artist Toronto, CA

NICKECIA ALDER Founder of BlackGirlFly Mag Chicago, IL

OMAR VICTOR DIOP Photographer & Designer Dekar, Senegal MATTIE JAMES Influencer | Entrepreneur Atlanta, GA

CATHERINE MAHUGU Founder of Soko San Francisco, CA

MORGAN DEBAUN Founder of Blavity Los Angeles, CA

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C H A N G E R S 2.0

CREDITS: Photo Credits Photography: Errol Dunlap (L) Parrish Lewis (R)

Elton Brand & Israel Idonije

MADE By Derrick L. Christian II Current MADE Gamechanger Steve Bardo and previous MADE Gamechanger Israel Idonije teamed up with BMW to drive the message of empowerment home with events in Chicago and New York.

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The unforgettable VIP dining experience hosted by former professional basketball player Steve Bardo with a Q&A with former professional NFL player Israel Idonije was created for and in Chicago to welcome the newest class of NFL players during draft week. Draft week returned to Chicago and the private dinner was an opportunity to hear from a legendary retired NFL icon and entrepreneur, with an intimate conversation about Idonije’s local rise to greatness, his time in the NFL and his philanthropic work through the Israel Idonije Foundation inspired attendees. The unforgettable evening, held at the exclusive Soho House Chicago, included bespoke cocktails, delicious cuisine and a distinctive group of attendees including Idonije, Les Coney, Kevin Williams of BMW and Kenny Johnson as well as other former Chicago Bears and various influencers from around the city. The dinner hosted 40 select guests. What BMW has done with their commitment to exellence is exciting, setting the standard in their redefinition of the Sports Car. Whether its development of a super car like the i8, building a new business, or even in just tackling a new challenge in your life. The principals to WINNING in anything are the same. It was an honor to share some my lifes story and journey through sport and business along side a leading brand like BMW.” - Israel Idonije

Steve Bardo, former professional basketball player, made a slam-dunk impression on guests at the Ultimate Dinner Series, where BMW donated $5,000 to the Elton Brand Academy. During the event, Steve Bardo interviewed Elton Brand on how he achieved greatness as well as how he intended on continuing to live a life of excellence. Guests enjoyed light fare food and cocktails during an intimate conversation in the Soho District.

icon of progress — an extraordinary evolution of The Ultimate Driving Machine®. As a revolutionary plug-in hybrid, this sports car uses eDrive technology to combine the ef ciency of an all-electric motor and the power of a TwinPower Turbo engine for an exhilarating driving experience that’s every bit BMW. ◊

Both events allowed guests the opportunity to see the BMW i8, BMW’s latest innovation, disguised as a sports car. The i8 is described as no ordinary sports car. Like Israel Idonije, it’s an

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THE CHOSEN FEW MADE By Jasmine Browley

Breaking into the creative industry isn’t an easy feat, so we’ve taken the grunt work out of finding some of the best PAID opportunities for aspiring professional artists of color. Check out some of the amazing options we’ve rounded up:

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GRANTS

THE MACARTHUR GRANT

“The Asian Cultural Council supports transformative cultural exchange by awarding grants to artists, scholars, and arts and humanities professionals, as well as organizations and educational institutions from the United States and Asia for research, study, and creative work in the United States and Asia and within the countries of Asia.

Who should apply: Those interested in journalism and media Application deadline: Varies; Nomination only If you’d like to be in the company of Ta-nehisi Coates along with countless other “geniuses,” the MacArthur Fellowship Grant is for you. For more than three decades, the prestigious MacArthur Foundation has supported creative people and their powerful “global betterment” efforts through substantial monetary support over the course of a five year period. Although you cannot apply and must be nominated, it’s great to check out their guidelines for more information, you know, just in case.

When people think about an internship, they envision getting coffee, running errands, and slaving away behind a copy machine where everyone knows you as the 'intern'. ”

THE JOAN MITCHELL FOUNDATION GRANT Who should apply: Painters, sculptors and multimedia artists Application Deadline: Varies; Nomination only “The Joan Mitchell Foundation was established in 1993 to fulfill the ambitions of Joan Mitchell to aid and assist contemporary artists and to demonstrate that painting and sculpture are significant cultural necessities. To further this mandate, the Foundation supports visual artists through a range of grant programs.” The Foundation awards grants nationally, by nomination, to deserving individual artists.

THE ASIAN CULTURAL COUNCIL GRANT

Our online application is available each year in September and October, and can be accessed during that time period through our website.”

Who should apply: Asian artists Deadline: September and October

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THE AWESOME FOUNDATION GRANT

Creative Capital, an organization devoted to providing integrated financial and advisory support to artists pursuing adventurous projects in all disciplines, disperses up to $50,000 in direct funding and career development services valued at $45,000, for a total commitment of up to $95,000 per project. Since 1999, they have committed upwards of $40 million in financial and advisory support to 511 projects representing 642 artists, and our Professional Development Program has reached nearly 12,000 artists in over 600 communities.

Who should apply: Big thinkers Application deadline: Monthly Every month, the Awesome Foundation awards $1,000 every month to talented in an effort to jumpstart the process of bringing an amazing creative idea to life. For more information, please visit AwesomeFoundation.org.

THE BROOKLYN ARTS COUNCIL

FELLOWSHIPS

Who should apply: New York City based artists and arts organizations Application Deadline: Varies

JOHN F GUGGENHEIM FELLOWSHIP

Who should apply: those interested in the arts Application deadline: Details will be posted on the website July 2016

For 50 years, the arts council for the borough of Brooklyn, NY annually distributes more than $300,000 in grants to help fund hundreds of projects from Brooklyn-based artists and cultural organizations across the borough.

“The John F Guggen Foundation offers Fellowships to further the development of scholars and artists by assisting them to engage in research in any field of knowledge and creation in any of the arts, under the freest possible conditions and irrespective of race, color, or creed. The Foundation receives between 3,500 and 4,000 applications each year. Although no one who applies is guaranteed success in the competition, there is no prescreening: all applications are reviewed. Approximately 200 Fellowships are awarded each year.”

NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS (Various Grants)

Who should apply: Artists, arts organizations Application Deadline: Varies

Created by congress more than 50 years ago, the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) grants arts organizations and individual creatives funds to further their artistic endeavors. If you’re looking for money to fuel your passion project, you’ll more than likely find a way to fund it here.

MAIP FELLOWSHIP

Who should apply: undergraduate and graduate level students interested in media and advertising Application Deadline: Will be announced on website soon.

CREATIVE CAPITAL GRANTS

Who should apply: creative entrepreneurs Deadline: Varies

“By combining real-world work experience, training and development, and networking

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opportunities within the industry, MAIP participants gain a valuable professional credential to better position themselves in the marketplace. Simultaneously, the program offers advertising agencies the opportunity to access top talent and strengthens the 4A’s efforts to enhance the workforce diversity of our industry. In addition to a full-time paid internship, MAIP fellows participate in a series of agency sponsored professional development workshops and seminars, which provide a deeper dive into the various advertising and media disciplines. The workshops also grant fellows the opportunity to learn more about the host agency’s culture through networking with agency professionals post-workshop and agency tours. MAIP fellows residing in the larger markets will attend these workshops. Those residing in smaller markets will have the opportunity to participate in alternative networking events orchestrated by MAIP alumni and agency partners.”

from curatorial, education, development, finance, to special events. Interns will have time-bound assignments and individual projects and be compensated with a $3,000 stipend over the course of 9 weeks.”

INTERNSHIPS

NICKELODEON ANIMATION STUDIOS INTERNSHIPS

ARTS INTERNSHIPS

Who should apply: Undergraduate students interested in media, communciations, or graphic design Deadline: November 1

Who Should Apply: Undergraduate liberal arts students Deadline: Varies

“Love Cartoons? So do we! An internship at Nickelodeon can launch you on an exciting, funfilled career in children’s entertainment. When people think about an internship, they envision getting coffee, running errands, and slaving away behind a copy machine where everyone knows you as the “intern”. Fortunately, there is still hope out there, and that is at Nickelodeon Studios in Burbank, CA! Here, we call our interns “Nickterns” and if you get coffee, it will be for yourself! On the Nickelodeon Studios roster are hit shows such as SpongeBob SquarePants, Harvey Beaks, Breadwinners, Sanjay and Craig, The Legend of Korra, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!” ◊

“Since its inception in 1999, the ARTS Intern program has provided an exciting opportunity for college undergraduates to learn about museum professions, through internships in museums and cultural institutions. The program seeks candidates with demonstrated financial need and encourages applicants from diverse cultural backgrounds. Museums host interns in meaningful, educational positions in many different departments, ranging

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SOUND

WAVES

HOT NEW ARTISTS

MADE By Chelsey Sincerray It’s time to expand your music horizons. We’re all familiar with Apple Music, but when was the last time you listened to the artists on Soundcloud? Underappreciated music talent is an understatement. Here’s five distinctive artists you need to follow and listen to now.

01. MICK JENKINS | RAPPER • • • • • •

02.

LOUIS K. CELESTIN (KAYTRANDA) MUSIC PRODUCER • • • • •

MONTREAL, CA Genre: Electronic + Dance + HipHop Recent Project: 99.9% Recording Label: XL Recordings Latest Press Appearance: FADER Magazine • Upcoming US festivals: Sled Island, Mamby on the Beach, FVDED In The Park, Panorama • Soundcloud: @kaytranada | kaytranada.com

CHICAGO, IL Genre: HipHop Recording Label: Cinematic Music Group Recent Projects: Waves & The Water[s] Upcoming US festivals: Pitchfork Music Festival 2016 Soundcloud: @mickjenkins | mickjenkins.com

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03.

ANDREW LLOYD (DREWSTHATDUDE) MUSIC PRODUCER • • • • • •

SÁNGO |

SEATTLE, WA Genre: R&B Recording Label: DrewsThatDude LLC Recent Project: En Amor Multi Platinum Grammy Nominee Soundcloud: @drewsthatdude | drewsthatdude.com

04.

MUSIC PRODUCER

• • • •

SEATTLE, WA Genre: AfroBrazilian+ Electronic Recording Label: Soulection Recent Projects: Da Rochina 1 & Mais Mais Mais • Latest Press Appearance: FADER Magazine, The Source • Upcoming US festivals: Dour Festival 2016, Lovebox 2016, AFROPUNK 2016 • Soundcloud: @sango | sangobeats.com

05.

SiR SONGWRITER, MUSIC PRODUCER • • • • •

INGLEWOOD, CA Genre: R&B Recording Label: WoodWorks Records Recent Project: Seven Sundays Previous Collaborations: Jill Scott, Melanie Fiona, Letoya Luckett, Robert Glasper, Anita Baker • Soundcloud: @inglewoodsir | iamsir.net made-magazine.com

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eflecting back to the interview with Sway in the Morning in 2014.

MADE: In an interview from 2014, you said, “People felt that it was okay to ignore me because of the type of music that I make.” Fast forward to now, do you feel like that has changed at all?

O’S

GOT NEXT

Dee1: No, I don’t think that anything has changed. That interview was a turning point in my whole life. That was a turning point for my career. I know the exact interview you’re talking about. We did it on October 14, 2014 and it came out October 16, 2014. So for me, ever since then it’s been my mission to make it to where I know I can be. Although others will try to ignore what I’m doing or put it in a little box they can just push off to the side, my goal is to make my presence felt to where you can’t ignore me, you can’t ignore the impact of my music, you can’t ignore how catchy this song is or how much visibility I’m getting. That’s really been my personal mission since that interview. So I do still feel like that with what I do, people will love to just say “Alright, that’s nice… it’s good to have a positive person in the rap game” and then kind of push it to the side for the "regularly scheduled programming". You know I think that’s what people would like. MADE: Your approach to everything is refreshing and your songs and message seem very organic. With the viral success that you’ve had with your student loan payback anthem “Sallie Mae Back”, the amount of visibility that you’ve

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mentioned has definitely increased. How strategic are you with the moves that you make to attain some of the success that you’ve had?

will is when you’re having to overthink and second or third guess all the small, minor details. To get over that hump, we gotta first make sure that we defeat the inner enemies that we have and the inner demons that might be holding us back. For me, what that was, was just knowing that God is the one I’m praying to for these blessings. God is the one who gave me the talent, so why am I ignoring God when it comes to how I need to go about making music or what I need to do in certain situations.

Dee1: My team really follows suit with what I put out there, but I’ve always been the visionary. So, this is definitely no one else’s vision but mine and I consult with my team because I trust their opinions. That being said, the strategic part that I have to just know what music to release. Because I might do ten songs, but then I have to decide Do I put out all 10 of these out? Which ones should I shoot videos for? When do I put it out? When I do put it out, how long do I push it for before I put something else out?

MADE: So, it sounds like spirituality is what helped you evolve over the years?

MADE: You mentioned before that you kept wondering at a certain point why you were in a good place in your career vs. a great one. How does your career feel to you now as opposed to then? What advice would you give to those who feel the same way you did professionally back then?

Dee1: For me that was the thing, it’s just not trying to micro¬manage God and putting God in the little box. Where I feel like people were trying to put me in a little box, that’s what I feel like I was trying to do with God for a long time. I just realized that I can say God’s name a hundred times in an interview, but people know and they can tell because of my energy and authenticity and they can still tell. Like man... “This dude is not a pastor or a gospel rapper or anything, this dude is really a real dude who just has his priorities in line. He knows where his blessings come from and he knows why he’s in this game but still be relatable.”

Dee1: So, I definitely feel like I’m in a better place than I was at that time because that was a difficult time for me. Mentally, I was struggling. I wasn’t feeling at peace with where I was. I was comparing myself to other people too much and I was unfulfilled on a certain level. Now at this point, I do feel more peace and more confidence about how things are going and even where things are going. I feel a sense of peace about it.

MADE: What has being on that music intersection of rap meets spirituality taught you about perceptions in your career? Dee1: That was something I struggled for a while, because I was like “Dang, I’m the dude that don’t curse, college graduate, former teacher and now I’m talking about God all the time.” I think that interview started to show me that I can be transparent about my struggles and everything and people are going to be able to respond to it in a positive way, because they know I’m relatable.

I think since then, I have made a transition as a man to where I’m a bolder leader now. I’m more confident in why I’m on this earth and why I’m in this rap game,¬ so it makes all of my moves feel a lot swifter, a lot more fluid instead of me having to overthink. I remember overthinking stuff a lot and always second¬ guessing intuition. And that’s when you’re not really following God’s

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MADE: Tell us how you connected with Lupe Fiasco & Big K.R.I.T. to remix one of your songs. Dee1: [With Lupe] We’re actually really good friends. I was in Los Angeles in the studio with him and he was playing his new album for me before it came out and letting me hear everything. At the end of the session, this was before the original even came out for “Against Us”, and I was like “Let me play you a couple of my songs". I played “Against Us”, “Show on the Road” and “My Student Got Murdered”. "Against Us” ¬ he was really messing with that one. I could just tell by the way he was moving and reacting to it that he was feeling it. So I was like “Man, I’d love to get you on that for real. That’ll be pretty dope.” And he was like “Bet”. I thought he meant he was going to email it to me and get around to it when he got time. But he went in the booth and literally 45 minutes later it was done. So he recorded it right there.

God is the one who gave me the talent, so why am I ignoring God when it comes to how I need to go about making music or what I need to do in certain situations.”

[With Big K.R.I.T] I saw Big K.R.I.T. at the BET Hip Hop Awards and I told Big K.R.I.T. about the song. Saw Big K.R.I.T on the Green carpet, told him about the song…and that’s my boy as well…he told me to send it to him. With Lupe being on it, that really made him be like “Oh, that’s gon’ be fire on this, because it’s me, D, and Lupe”. So yeah, that’s how that happened. MADE: So it wasn’t like an industry hookup? That is so refreshing. It was an organic connection.

Dee1: Yeah, so that’s a great question. Although you might look at them or even listen to the music and be like “I don’t see it” or “I don’t get it,” with J. ¬Cole in particular, literally, I’ve been around him enough. I was around him like two weeks ago. It’s so crazy how similar we are. I know the vibes that I give off, so when I’m around people with similar vibes to me I just pick up on it. And that’s just something that I picked up on when I heard J. ¬Cole’s first mixtape back in 2009. With DMX, it’s just because I do wear my emotions on my sleeve and he’s an extreme version of me. With DMX, I respect him because it’s the war that I know goes on in my spirit and my body. This man has his happening externally

Dee1: Yeah and it’s so much better that way. I didn’t have to tell them what to rap about. They know. They’re naturally on the same type of wavelength I’m on. We all have a different approach to how we deliver our message but we all are good¬hearted dudes that are in the game to inspire and motivate our audience. MADE: You’ve mentioned that your spirit is similar to that of J. Cole and then later on in the conversation you said that you feel like DMX and you all are similar in a lot of ways. J. Cole and DMX appear to be polar opposites, so we’re curious to find out in what way you parallel the two?

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on the surface and the whole world sees it because he’s a celebrity. I feel for him a lot of times because he struggles with stuff in public and I know I struggle with (or a lot of us struggle with) things internally so the world doesn’t have to see it. But if the world saw the type of things that certain people struggle with internally, the world would be looking at us crazy too. With him it just takes place on the surface. MADE: It’s interesting you mentioned inward and outward struggle, especially since it seems that your faith is so strong. How do you manage to stay true to your values while navigating in the entertainment industry especially in hip-hop? Dee1: Yeah, it’s not easy. It’s like the people I’m naturally close to or naturally grew up with it, it’s gotten to a point where we’re on different life paths and it’s hard for me to keep growing when I feel like there aren’t people around who are challenging me. It is difficult and I just had to learn to embrace my circle that is not consisting of musicians. So a lot of my circle who I talk to is made up of people who are not in the music industry at all and that’s the people I draw my inspiration from. It’s college professors, it’s teachers, it’s people that are pastors, it’s people that are community activists, it’s people that work a regular 9¬-5 who are not trying to be famous or popular at all, but they are just trying to be good human beings. I’ve always had those people, but I wasn’t tapping into them for a while because I was like, “Man, what am I gonna talk to this person for? They can’t relate to this studio time I had to book or this tour I’m about to go on.” But you’ll be surprised how you can still draw inspiration from people who don’t do the

same thing you do. It doesn’t mean you can’t work together. I can’t make these people my managers, my producers and all that, but I can draw inspiration from them. MADE: You and Lil’ Wayne share the connection of growing up in New Orleans. And being artists, of course. Have you all sat down and grabbed a cup of coffee yet? Dee1: No it hasn’t happened. I think it is going to happen and when it does, I just hope that I say all the right things. I’m so confident that I will and I'll be in the right frame of mind to

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maximize it because we have too many close connections. Our circles are overlapping for that not to happen eventually…but it’s just a matter of time of when and hopefully it’ll be under the right circumstances to where we can have a productive conversation that has nothing to do with me trying to gain something from him. Because I know he’s used to people that are trying to get him to do a song, get him to sign and bring them on tour and I don’t want any of that. I don’t want any of the above from him. I would just like to be able to talk.

working on my album right now. I’m in the middle of recording my album. As far as the release date, I want to have it out by the end of 2016. I know for a fact that it’ll be done way before then, but the goal is to have it out by the end of 2016. MADE: Any features? Dee1: Yes, I do have features in mind right now just not locked in. Now, I just have to bring them to fruition. And I think that all the ones that I want to happen are going to be able to happen because they are all actually friends. When you have friends, it’s way different than just an industry hookup.

MADE: What’s the best advice you ever been given that you continue to live by? Dee1: Yesterday is done and tomorrow hasn’t come, ¬so win today. I came up with that because my friend’s mom died. When his mom died, he was fulfilling his everyday duties and still handling his own responsibilities and what not. And it wasn’t til' one day that he spoke to me and broke down when he told me about his mother dying. But he said that he had been carrying on his obligations and duties because his mother always told him that you can’t change the past and you can’t control the future, so just focus on the present and win today. No matter what happened, you still have to wake up the next day and focus on winning that day. I look at everyday like a win or lose opportunity. I don’t consider it a win if I just survive through another day, but I consider it a win if I live in the type of way that’s going to make God proud of me and that’s going to make me feel like I’m utilizing my time and talents effectively. That’s what makes me feel like I won that day.

MADE: When do you feel like you’ve MADE it? What exactly do you envision your life being like when you can honestly sit back, take a deep breath, and say “I have MADE it”? Dee1: When I take my last breath on this earth, if I can just say, “Man, I know that I used my God-¬given talents to make this world a better place”. If I can have that thought run through my mind and if I know that that’s the truth right before I take my last breath, then I made it. It’s not about a certain amount of money that I’ve made, or a certain amount of followers that I hit online. All of that is cool, but that doesn’t make me feel like I made it. Making it is an everyday thing, literally. I thought I was going to feel like I made it when I signed a record deal, and I signed a record deal didn’t feel like I made it yet. I thought I was going to say I made it when I started making a certain amount of money and still didn’t feel like I made it. “Making” is a verb, I don’t think it’s a past tense thing…that implies that it’s done. And I don’t think that it’s done until we stop breathing. ◊

MADE:As far as upcoming projects, is there anything that you would like to speak on? Dee1: When I take my last breath on this earth, if I can just say “Man, I know that I used my God given talents to make this world a better place”. If I can have that thought run through my mind, and if I know that that’s the truth right before I take my last breath, then I made it. It’s not about a certain amount of money that I’ve made, or a certain amount of followers I’m

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UMMERTIME GROOVES The time of sunny days and groovy nights have finally arrived! Whether you’re cruisingalong the streets solo or partying the night away with a group of friends, there’s alwaysa need for great music during the summer season. We have you covered. Keep yoursummertime moods high and full of energy with our playlist Summertime Grooves.

“7/11”, Beyonce, Beyonce (Platinum Edition) Get all of your girls and

turn the party up even higher. There’s no question that someone around you will start either singing the lyrics or start dancing when this beat drops.

“Am I Wrong”, Anderson Paak feat. Schoolboy Q, Malibu

This number by Paak is so smooth and sophisticated. Even with a mellow Cali beat, the song keeps the head nods and finger snaps flowing the whole way through.

“Be Real”, Kid Ink ft. Dej Loaf, Full Speed

When this song comes on there’s no reason to not vibe. Keep it real, have no shame in those dance moves.

“BURNITUP!”, Janet Jackson ft. Missy Elliott, Unbreakable

Just like Janet says in the track, dance like no one’s watching! Between the rhythms already laid in the track and Missy’s adlibs, you will have lost some calories by the end of the song from dancing.

MADEMUSIC

“2 Reasons”, Trey Songz, Chapter V

This has to be of the classic party starters by Trey Songz. You can’t help but pull out allbottles off your shelves or if not buy more. Do you have any reason not to?

“Cha Cha”, D.R.A.M, #1EpicEP

Who turns Nintendo’s Super Mario Brothers into a latin dance hit? D.R.A.M does. Just keep those cha cha dance moves crispy and you’re all set.

“Cheap Thrills”, Sia feat. Sean Paul, This Is Acting

One song that has to be played on the weekend. Celebrate and enjoy the night!

“Controlla”, Drake, Views

This hit keeps the vibes free and breezy. Drive slow and let the wind hit your arms while you feel this smooth rhythm by Drake.

“Do My Thing”, Estelle feat. Janelle Monae, All of Me

Estelle and Monae reminds us to be yourself relentlessly. Stay cool and shine through your own truth with no regrets.

“Don’t Stop the Music”, Rihanna, Good Girl Gone Bad

Hand claps and foot taps. This is one throwback by RiRi that still has us rocking out pretty hard even today.

“Feeling Myself”, Nicki Minaj feat. Beyonce, The Pinkprint

Ladies, brush your shoulders off and make the world stop while you’re at it. This duo not only cuts deep in empowerment, but reminds women how cool they really are.

“Get It Shawty”, Lloyd, Street Love

Definitely one summer hit that couldn’t be missed. Even nine years later, this track by Lloyd is one classic of the season.

“Get Me Bodied”, Beyonce, B’Day

No question, you’ve heard the extended version. Bey makes us start dancing as soon as the beat drops.

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MADEMUSIC MADE XXXX

“Golden”, Jill Scott, Beautifully Human: Words and Sounds Vol. 2 Nothing but positive energy and smiles from start to finish. This hit by Jill Scott reminds us to exercise our freedom and live by your own rhythm. Be GOLDEN.

“Jumpman”, Drake, What A Time To Be Alive

Turn up the bass and don’t forget to dab on the beat. Go grab your crew and catch the tempo at the right time.

“Love Never Felt So Good”, Justin Timberlake feat. Michael Jackson, Love Never Felt So Good (Single)

What a perfect tune for those bright summer days! JT & MJ gives us nothing but vibrant energy through this song from start to finish.

“One Dance”, Drake, Views

Go get your dance partner and let your hips rock side to side. Drake blends reggae and hiphop like milk and honey with this one.

“Otis”, Jay Z & Kanye West, Watch The Throne

Can somebody say ego boost? By the end of this song Jay and Yeezy has us feeling unstoppable and too cool to even handle.

“Oui”, Jeremih, Late Nights

Take your next late night cruise with Jeremih. Being with the right one at the right time will only make the song even better..

“Summertime”, Will Smith & DJ Jazzy Jeff, Jazzy Jeff & Fresh Prince Greatest Hits

We have to bring back those 90s hiphop hits too. There has not been one summer season where you haven’t heard this song play at a party or cookout. perfectly for the waves and blowing wind alongside the beach.

“Temperature”, Sean Paul, The Trinity

You can never go wrong with reggaeton. When has Sean Paul not kept your shoulders bouncing?

“v.3005”, Childish Gambino, Because The Internet

This song is still one of the best summer love jams. Gambino keeps us high on the pursuit of loving the right person while vibing at the same time.

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THE UNLOCKED

SUMMIT

The Unlocked Summit Helps Atlanta Women Entrepreneurs 'Unlock' Their Businesses

After a sold out crowd in both Chicago and Detroit, The Unlocked Summit took its two-day seminar on the road with a stop in Atlanta, Georgia. The gathering, designed to empower today's women entrepreneurs by unlocking their dreams and visions, provides interactive and collaborative learning to explore the importance of supporting women in business and sisterhood and creating a strong brand within the marketplace, while stressing the importance of cultivating the city from an entrepreneurial standpoint. A message that was fitting for the Atlanta culture.

With so many women in search of the keys to entrepreneurial success and a strong desire to build key relationships with other powerful women, entrepreneurs/friends Chatoya Antwine and Asia Horne dreamt up the perfect solution to engage this group looking for positivity, sincerity and growth. They built The Unlocked Summit to open up doors for entrepreneurs ready to walk into their dreams and now their event is on a path to travel around the nation to spread empowerment. and more. The main event, The Unlocked Summit, was chock full of valuable information shared through interactive workshops. Facilitators Ashley Maltbia, Koereyelle Dubose, Emmelle De La Cruz, Danielle Hughes, Neosha Garner and Janine Carthone were essential pieces of the day as they aided registrants in developing effective strategies to propel their businesses and brands to the next level.

"Atlanta is the hub for the entrepreneurial women of color,” said Asia Horne, Co-Founder of The Unlocked Summit. “We believed that Atlanta was a great host city for The Unlocked Summit this time around because these women are already surrounded by thriving businesses and just need that motivating push to elevate their own to the next level. The women at The Unlocked Summit Atlanta were extremely eager to learn information to help their business and ultimately their lives grow and flourish."

"We've selected some of the most dynamic and influential women of Atlanta as workshop facilitators to provide entrepreneurial women with the necessary tools and resources they need to unlock their future and take their brands to the next level,” Co-Founder Chatoya Antwine said proudly. “This was a jam-packed two-day experience with workshops facilitated on the platforms of business, being and beauty. The intimate panel discussions on branding, sisterhood, and entrepreneurship were a great addition to make this experience an unforgettable one."

Things kicked off with The Unlocked Lounge, where women and men gathered together for a night of networking and active learning, including a new, dynamic panel discussion. Moderated by Sweet Candor TV's Candi Daniels, powerhouses Timeesha Duncan, K. Renee Ward and Taylar Barrington shared gems of wisdom regarding entrepreneurial social media hacks, branding

Their Unlock The City award recognizes notable influential women for their positive contributions to the host city and Georgia State Representative LaDawn Jones and 100 Female Entrepreneurs Founder Nicole Garner Scott took away the most recent honors. Stay up-to-date on the next stop for The Unlocked Summit at www.theunlockedsummit.com. ◊

PAY IT

4WARD

MADE By Ashlei Cooper December 13, BMW hosted a networking brunch at the Wheeler Mansion, in Chicago. Four women were honored at the brunch, which featured a cooking demonstration, car test drives, and live jazz. The brunch was met with such success that BMW announced it would officially launch a series in 2016 modeled on that initial experience. CLICK TO SEE MORE OF THE EVENT

he brunch series, officially titled “Pay It 4Ward,” made its second stop on May 15, in New York City. Held at the STK rooftop lounge, guests attended the brunch to witness four local women who were honored for paying it forward.

The first honoree was Dr. Janna Andrews, an assistant clinical professor of Radiation Oncology at Hofstra University who specializes in Breast Cancer, Gynecological Cancer and Gastrointestinal Cancer. Andrews is the founder of the nonprofit foundation that BMW tapped as the official philanthropic partner of the brunch series. The foundation, Kicked It In Heels, is a 501(c)(3) foundation that provides transitional services to breast cancer survivors of color. “These corporations that take notice of community service and giving back are really on target with what this country needs,” Andrews explained. “I am extremely honored to have been chosen.” Guests at the brunch were invited to “Drive for a Cause.” For every guest who chose to do so, BMW made a donation to Kicked It in Heels. “The series underscores BMW’s commitment to celebrating diversity in professional industries and local communities,” said Kevin Williams, head of Multicultural Marketing at BMW Group. A close friend to Andrews, entrepreneur and lifestyle expert, Tai Beauchamp, emceed the brunch.

MADECONNECTIONS

Beauchamp noted, “I’ve been there from the beginning of Jana starting her organization, and I’m really proud of her; just seeing four years later how she’s impacting lives. I love celebrating other women.” Christal Jackson, founder of Head and Heart Philanthropy (HHP), was the second guest of honor. HHP is a social impact agency that hosts gatherings centered on best practices for philanthropy. The agency looks closely at domestic and global initiatives that impact communities of color. “We have the power to change our reality. So, I feel like the more education we receive, and however we’re blessed, we need to collaborate, unite, and help our community when we can,” Jackson said. The third honoree was Raquel Liberman, attorney at Fragomen Worldwide, a leading provider of immigration services. Liberman represents multinational corporate clients in a variety of immigration matters including nonimmigrant visas, permanent residence and citizenship. “It’s an added bonus to

get recognized for work that you love doing,” Liberman commented. “The immigration field is such a divisive topic, especially in this country right now. And, the reality is, there are so many misconceptions about undocumented immigrants and just immigration in general.” The final honoree of the “fabulous four” was Jaclyn Rosenberg. Rosenberg is the principal and founder of the RoseMark Group, a boutique real estate firm that specializes in relocation services for professional athletes and entertainers. Rosenberg is also a philanthropist, as a board member of the Leadership Council for The Children’s Village, and partner with the annual

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Thanksgiving Whole Foods Turkey Drive. “Giving back to my community, especially in Harlem, it means so much because there is such a need for it,” Rosenberg explained. MADE is the media sponsor for the brunch series, and has been onhand at every event. “We are so glad to be working with BMW on this diversity initiative,” said Kris D. Williams, publisher of MADE. “This was the second brunch in this series, and we are already on track to see a total donation of more than $10,000 for Kicked It In Heels by the end of the year.” While the brunch series is making a very big mark across the nation, the theme remains that it is not how much one pays it forward, but simply that everyone should. ◊ It doesn’t matter what your cause is. Just find a cause that resonates with you,” Andrews explained. “It doesn’t have to be any sort of grand gesture. You can pay it forward every single day, with very small gestures.” - Janna Andrews

Black Tech Mecca (BTM) is on a mission to simplify the navigation of the local ecosystem for the Black tech community. Here is the highlight of their fundraiser ChiTech2.0: Welcome to the Mecca.

WELCOME TO THE

BLACK

TECH MECCA MADE By Chyna Grant

icture this: Chicago. Summer. Rooftop. Technology. Diversity. The ingredients for the ultimate networking scene for techies created a recipe that is stirring up the flavor in Chicago’s tech community. On Tuesday, June 21st the room was filled with supporters of BTM seeking opportunities to learn, connect and grow with like minds. Not to mention to enjoy the smooth soundtrack by DJ Charles Protege. Going up on Tuesday was not the only hope for the group’s annual fundraiser. “Our goals is to share our progress, show our potential and bring you on board as our ally,” beamed Elliot Fabian, Founder & CEO of Black Tech Mecca Inc.

MADECONNECTIONS

Upon entry each ally/ guest identified themselves as an Explorer, Builder or Trailblazer by LED color-coded pins provided by BTM. This visual assisted guests in determining how they could contribute to the black tech ecosystem. The sky is the limit for Black Tech Mecca. We are excited to see how this community of tech entrepreneurs and professionals can develop a thriving tech ecosystem in Chicago for the global black community and ultimately change the world through technology. ◊

Our goals is to to share our progress, show you our potential, and bring you on board as our ally.” CLICK TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BTM

ELLIOT FABIAN

Founder & CEO of Black Tech Mecca Inc. gave a presentation on the mission of BTM which is to transform Chicago into the ‘Global Black Tech Mecca’.

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BEAUTIFUL

MIND

CREATIVE INDUSTRY PANEL RECAP

MADE understands that success comes to creatives who are curious and courageous; a combination unique to a beautiful mind. In an effort to empower future generations of creative professionals, we invited special guests to join us for cocktails and conversations with industry trailblazers and entrepreneurship veterans in West Hollywood. Here are the highlights.

MADECONNECTIONS

lthough everyone’s path is different, it takes a beautiful mind to intentionally motivate and inspire those coming after you,” Kris D. Williams, Publisher of MADE explained to an intimate room of creatives about the event’s premise. At MADE Magazine’s “Beautiful Mind” Panel Sip ‘N Share, five insightful power players of various backgrounds in entertainment shared what the moderator, Robin Ayers, called “golden nuggets.” The group of writers, artists, activists and executives candidly told stories that led them to the top of their peer groups in front of a room full of those aspiring to do the same. The discussion opened with reflections of the ups and downs of the panelists’ careers. Afrika Lander, General Manager of Compound Entertainment (co-founded by NE-YO), spoke of owning and growing from early mistakes which eventually led to her working alongside Susan L. Taylor, past editor-in-chief of Essence. As she shared key points that positioned her for greatness, Lander also spoke of her newfound strength to make time for the things most important. Ashaunna Ayars, Founder of the Ayars Agency reflected on early memories that inspired her to goal-set for her career at Island Def Jam Music Group and Warner Bros. Ayars spoke of preparing for opportunities that led to working with entertainers like Mary J. Blige and Common. “If there is one thing I would want you all to take away today is that you have to ‘go to grow’.” Ayars said while encouraging listeners to travel, if need be, to follow their dreams. Etoy Ridgnal, Founder of Community Advocacy Partners, revealed how her passion in community outreach and politics ignited opportunities in entertainment, working on projects Selma and OWN’s BELIEF series. Ridgnal tipped guests to prioritize their passions by using creativity to fuel multiple streams of revenues. Ranada Shephard, Writer of Born Again Virgin gave insight on her early challenges in writing and landing her big break in Hollywood after pitching her initial concepts aggressively. “Everyone doesn’t have to struggle to have success. Everyone’s story is different.” Shephard said, which also is reflective of the colorful backgrounds of the panel. Unlike other creative bosses, actress, singer and new mother, Ly’Mia Good, who grew up in the industry from a young age, shared sentiments of inspired growth in front of the camera. Good shed light on her experience re-entering showbiz after childbirth and her enthusiasm to live a full and authentic life. A day of inspiration it was. We hope this inspired those interested in creative career path and cultivated relationships that will last a lifetime. Cheers. ◊ made-magazine.com

FOREVER ONE MADE By Brittany Cobb Dayne

When we decided to become one forever, I knew that I wanted to share our matrimony in a picturesque place where our memories could last a lifetime. Here is my bride-to-be journey as we approached our destination wedding.

MADECONNECTIONS

WHY DESTINATION?

everyone, not to mention that the ocean would provid a beautiful backdrop for our wedding photos.

The first was that it relieved us from choosing one hometown over another. Cameron is from Richmond, VA, and I’m from Memphis, TN, and both of our families still reside in their hometowns. So, a destination minimized a sense of favoritism. We could’ve picked Charlotte too (where we live), but if we’re asking people to travel, why not choose an international destination? So, in that same turn, our last visit to St. Lucia happened to be one of the best vacations we’ve taken together. We wanted to share that experience with

Also, the atmosphere of a destination wedding inspires a carefree attitude for all involved. Weddings can be stressful for participants and guests. Being abroad will do a better job of forcing people to unplug from their lives stateside. Finally, we had friends and family who deserved a good reason for a vacation!

Planning a wedding in a destination that will create memories that will last forever is a dream come true.

EXPECTATIONS? We are hoping for a reunion-type feel—not only for family members, but my schoolmates and Cameron’s track teammates. We have several contingencies attending the wedding—from Tennessee to Virginia, from FAMU to Morehouse, from Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. to the track team. It’ll be good for those folks to see each other after several years and also for them to meet our

TIPS?

other friends and family members. abroad will do a better job of forcing people to unplug from their lives stateside. We have planned for the event to be beautiful, but there are always things that occur to sidetrack your plans. So we won’t get too caught up in the details…just knowing that the goal is for us to get married. That’s why we came. That’s why our guests joined us. And that’s exactly what will happen.

- Start planning once you announce. It just makes it easier to break the planning up as well as evaluate decisions without the threat of a time limit.

met, who have little invested in you, as opposed to your hand-picked wedding planner. So when you have desires you want accommodated, there’s a process for approval that can take time…if the wish is approved at all.

Destination weddings are simpler, not easier. Don’t go in thinking things are going to be easy. When planning, you’re working with people you’ve never

Make sure the venue/resort you’ve chosen can accommodate the maximum number of wedding attendees. ◊

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VIEWS: Beach views poolside at Viceroy Anguilla. Soak up the sun at one of the best locations in the Caribbean.

PASSPORT JUNKIE MADE By Carri Cowan

Elusive, yet open. Exclusive, yet welcoming. Famously known as a respite for the rich, famous, and beautiful... my visit proved that such a reputation does it little justice. Untouched beaches and breathtaking views deserve center stage when considering Anguilla.

n need of an escape from a chilly Spring this year, I finagled a trip to Anguilla. I’ll say this upfront, Anguilla will run you a pretty penny. As for how I did it, sources and sponsors is all I’ll say. If you can make the investment, you will not regret it. Anguilla is definitely a crown jewel within the Caribbean. The beaches are so untouched and uninhabited that you just might think you’ve happened upon your own private island. The piercing blue water

MELANIN GOALS: A carefree and easy attitude was pervasive amongst the locals and I quickly adapted the pace and perspective.

MADEGLOBAL

is incredibly enticing. Really, this is the water you daydream about at work as you scroll through your favorite social media travel account. After you’ve toasted under the sun, you may want to actually share a toast or two and celebrate your decision to make it to this part of the Caribbean. Admittedly, the options for food and beverage aren’t abundant or particularly sophisticated. Your choices are to hire a chef for your villa or try some island mainstays (ask locals for their favorites). The flavors aren’t as rich in spice or curry as some other islands, but the cuisine won’t completely disappoint. Look forward to freshly caught, simply grilled seafood as your meal mainstays. Now back to the villa thing… accommodations are what makes this a costly endeavor. With the majority of accommodations being five star, a more economical approach is to go for a villa rental. Expect for the beach to take center stage during your time in Anguilla and forget about the pretentious reputation because beach snobs are welcome, rich snobs are not. ◊

FRESH: Seafood that was literally caught within hours of making it to your plate. The cuisine takes freshness to another level.

PERSPECTIVE: Infinity pool perfection at Viceroy Anguilla for your poolside chilling and IG photo taking delight.

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MADE NOW

CLICK TO SEE 'MADE IN AMERICA'

MADE

AMERICA MADE By Jamel Franklin In this edition of Made in America, JamelF lays out the true difference between the two Presidential candidates. After making his case, Jamelf hit the streets of Chicago to hear what the people have to say.

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MADENOW

amel took it to the streets of Chicago and asked ordinary people what they thought about how the Presidential Campaign was going.

Do we want a president that breaks barriers or builds barriers?â&#x20AC;?

Liberal graduate student, Collin thinks it's frigthening to have Donald Trump have so much power during this campaign. "On the other hand, the other party has someone who's not necessarily the most likeable person...It's strange that to support some of the things that I care about, I'm forced to lean on Hilary Clinton." That seems to be the sentiment of many, however everyone can agree that Hilary Clinton is a fighter who deserves her spot. Check out Jamel's opinion in this episode of MADE In America.

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G U N CRY

MADE By Chelsey Sincerray Why have we become immune to hearing and reading about mass killings, gun shootings and violence as a whole within our communities? There should be a breaking point of being tired and fed up to being surrounded with constant negativity in the media. Rather than changing the topic, channel or station, we as citizens need to execute initiatives for change. On Friday, May 20, 2016, 49 year-old Yvonne Nelson was shot and killed as an innocent bystander alongside the corner of the Starbucks on 35th & State Street in the Bronzeville community of Chicago. Being a very sensitive issue for any close relative to Nelson, I was fortunate to have a thoughtful and highly impactful conversation with one of her nieces Laurynn French in relation to this story while also including her voice and opinion against the use of gun violence in the city of Chicago.

MADE: When reflecting back to the relationship with your aunt, was she a close relative? LF: She was pretty close. She was from my mom’s side of the family. We spent a lot of time with her, she used to babysit me and my other cousins so when it happened I didn’t want to believe it. Every year they [Laurynn’s mom and her sisters] go to Jamaica. The last time I seen her they were planning to go

MADENOW

to Jamaica for the second time together. MADE: Personality wise, who was she as a person? LF: She was very chill. Every time I saw her she was calm and cool...I’m just here to have a good time essentially. Every family or friend party she was there. She never failed not to show up. The last time we saw her before the Jamaica trip was at my dad’s 49th birthday party. MADE: So now going in the realm of gun violence. There should be some type of action that people within Chicago should as a community. We talk about it, we’re upset, but what are we doing? Where is that action kicking in? So my question to you is what initiatives or precautions do you believe we should do in Chicago? LF: Honestly, it starts at home and also in the schools because as you can see, a lot of Chicago Public Schools on the southside are not involved in the children’s’ lives. When I was in school, our teachers were heavily involved with us. And now, students are dropping out at eight grade. They don’t believe their teachers have any hope in them. What they see on television and around their neighborhood is all that’s left. MADE: Because these kids are dropping out, not having no type of direction to educate them, why do you think youth turn to gun violence? LF: It’s what they see. It’s all they know, see and are surrounded by. A lot of the parents are young, probably around my age. They just see what their parents are doing. Their parents aren’t really getting them out of their surroundings...there’s no one there to let them know that it’s something else out there that you can achieve and aspire to. MADE: If you were able to see the gunman facetoface,

how would you respond to him? LF: First, I would want to ask him “why”. What was in your mind? You see these other people...it’s Starbucks. People are just trying to live their lives…. Why did you think this was okay? It’s a mind thing, I don’t want to hurt him or do bad by him. What made you think this was acceptable? MADE: Do you feel safe in Chicago? LF: It’s one of those things where you have to know who you associate yourself with. For example, it was one person I knew from a long time ago...he was a cool person, but I noticed that he was associated with certain people. That’s when I knew I couldn’t hang with him like before. You just have to know of your surroundings. Personally, I was in my car coming from the store, just two blocks away from my house, and I saw two guys were in an argument at the corner later starting to shoot at each other. It’s just one of those situations where you’re just trying to live your life... and that’s all you can do. You honestly can’t worry about it because it’s all God’s plan. If it’s your time to go, it’s your time to go. If He has a plan for you, then He’s going to make it happen. MADE: Could peace actually exist in the city? LF: I think it can. It starts from the higher power though...but it also starts at home. It starts when people talk to each other. Just talk to that one person, you don’t have to kill them. I mean, what did they do to you ? MADE: Gun violence, it’s a really powerful topic that I think a lot of people need to know about constantly… LF: It’s always talked about on the news, but I was honestly becoming numb to it. But when this happened, it woke me back up essentially. Like I mentioned earlier, I was shot at twice, simply just doing me. You want to educate the people, but it’s just trying to figure out how. MADE: I do appreciate you speaking on such an issue and reflecting back on this memory. LF: It’s a not a problem. I want to tell her story...I want to let people know that she was one of the nicest people that I met in my life. We always used to joke that she was similar to an old lady [chuckles], but it was just the sake of keeping the good memories of her with me. She lived her life. She was only 49, but she lived...that’s what I had to remind my other relatives. ◊

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MADENOW

MAN OF CITY: Hasani

TAKEBACK

#THE

MADE By Jasmine Browley

Too frequently during Chicago summers, the sounds of sirens compete with children’s laughter. And the former often wins. Squad cars far outnumber ice cream trucks on the blocks and fun often loses out to fear.

ince April 2016, the city’s murder rate has risen by more than 88% in the first three months of the year with more than 141 murders reported. The Chicago Police Department and Mayor Rahm Emanuel point the finger at gang members for the bulk of the murders.

years, the initiative has served more than 700 adolescents by providing a free, safe environment to be along with food, games, music, scholarships, school supplies and more in order to leave a positive impact long after the event is over.

“I grew tired of seeing kids be deprived of their childhood for fear of being killed by a gangbanger’s bullet,” said Hasani Henderson, founder of the antiviolence / gun prevention initiative #TheTakeBack.

HOW IT BEGAN Shortly after graduating from the University of Missouri, Hasani noticed that the already stunning amount of gun murders in his hometown were steadily increasing at an alarming rate and was often the topic of discussion among his classmates. But no one ever actually did anything about it after the conversations.

The 23-year-old Southside Chicago native decided to take matters into his own hands and founded #TheTakeBack in 2014 in an effort to reframe what summers in the city look like in some of its most violent areas.

“I didn’t want to be one of those social media activists who wrote lengthy think pieces in their status update, but didn’t follow up with any action,” he said. “So I decided to put my money where my mouth was.”

#TheTakeBack continues annually as an all-day activity filled outdoor event geared toward promoting antiviolence among Chicago’s at-risk youth. Over the last two

Literally. Hasani conceptualized #TheTakeBack, spread

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CLICK TO SEE MORE OF THE EVENT

the word about the initiative to his personal network and eventually reached out to community organizers in Chicago. That led him to connecting with representatives from a local park district who helped secure expensive permits, apply for grants and raise money through his GoFundMe campaign. However, the bulk of expenses were self-funded.

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“It’s been extremely challenging financially, but we’re making great progress,” he said. #THETAKEBACK SUMMER ‘16 This year, a little older and wiser, Hasani said the program is going to be bigger than ever with more scholarships handed out, more activities and more people in attendance compared to the last two years. “This is something our city desperately needed and they’ve embraced #TheTakeBack with open arms,” he said. “It’s time to give kids the summer they deserve and we’re doing our part to rally everyone who wants to help give them that.” This year, #TheTakeBack 2016 will happen on Saturday, August 6 at Ellis Park on 3700 South Cottage Grove from 12pm to 5pm. Those looking to volunteer, donate or sign up their young kids to participate in free activities for the day can visit TheTakeBackChi.org.

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