E M P O W E R M E N T
A N D
E N T E R T A I N M E N T
JANUARY 2022 (BHS)
Oscar &grammy award winner neyo hosts urban one honors
honorees timberland, tasha cobbs & more
The professional gift giver ceo of The LuXuri Box Collection kadian thomas Small steps can significantly impact; it’s essential to embed your business into your culture
AND MORE...
TABLE OF CONTENTS —
04 E D I TO R S N OT E
06
26
E XC LU S I V E I N T E R V I E W W I T H N E - YO
O S C A R & G R A M M Y AWA R D - W I N N I N G S I N G E R H . E . R . TA K E S T H E S TA G E TO O P E N T H I S Y E A R ’ S URBAN ONE HONORS PRESENTED BY T-MOBILE
08
S I R S I D N E Y P O I T I E R TO O K H I S F I N A L B O W O N J A N UA R Y 6 , 2 0 2 2
10
E V E R Y S E T B A C K CO M E S W I T H A N O P P O R T U N I T Y W H E N YO U C H O O S E
16 20
U S CO V E R S TO R Y WITH CHINYERE OBI
B H S CO V E R S TO R Y WITH KADIAN THOMAS
CONTACT US
I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E E: HELLO@IAMQUEENMAGAZINE.COM W: WWW.IAMQUEENMAGAZINE.COM — E D I TO R I A L ELLE CLARKE EDITOR CO N T R I B U TO R S Marteng Louis Charles Adolphe
SUBSCRIPTIONS SUBSCRIBE ONLINE WWW.IAMQUEENMAGAZINE.COM
EDITOR’S NOTE I have never felt more excited about the change of a year than I feel right now. This year opportunities will be disguised as problems but FEAR NOT, for GOD is with you. Joseph found himself locked away in a prison for a crime he didn’t commit. But it was in that crisis that his greatest opportunity was unlocked. Joseph went from being a Prisoner to a Prime Minister and I believe that God is getting ready to do the same for you.
ELLE CLARKE FOUNDER EDITOR IN CHIEF I AM QUEEN MAGAZINE
I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E
- 5 -
ENTERTAINMENT
OSCAR & GRAMMY AWARD-WINNING SINGER H.E.R. TAKES THE STAGE TO OPEN THIS YEAR’S URBAN ONE HONORS PRESENTED BY T-MOBILE
Ne-Yo Photo Courtesy of TV One
HER Photo Courtesy of TV One
Urban One announced Oscar and Grammy Award-winning singer H.E.R. will open this year’s URBAN ONE HONORS with an explosive performance. Hosted by Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and producer Ne-Yo, the two-hour telecast premieres Monday, January 17, 2022, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, at 8:00 PM ET/7:00
PM CT on TV One and Cleo TV, a division of Urban One. H.E.R joins the previously announced lineup of performances by Inspiration honoree Tasha Cobbs-Leonard, Kelly Price, Tyrese, Tank, Johnny Gill and Ralph Tresvant with a special set by D-Nice. Jermaine Dupri,
I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E - 6 -
Marlon Wayans and Vashawn Mitchell are tapped to present. Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Lifetime Achievement; Timbaland, Music Innovation; Gamble and Huff, Living Legends; Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Inspiration Impact; and Oscar, Grammy and Emmy Award-winning Jennifer Hudson, Entertainment Icon round out the superstar group of honorees for the annual showcase. Wireless provider T-Mobile, America’s 5G leader with the largest, fastest and most reliable 5G network, serves as Presenting Sponsor of the celebration. “At T-Mobile, we champion diversity by supporting Black innovators and elevating Black history year-round,” said Clint Odom, T-Mobile VP of Strategic Alliances and External Affairs. “We’re thrilled to celebrate Dr. King with Urban One Honors by honoring the music, the magic and the soundtrack of Black America.” TV & Radio Personality Eva Marcille will host a special backstage pass segment, featuring exclusive interviews with the show’s honorees, performers and presenters. URBAN ONE HONORS is presented by TV One and Radio One’s Washington D.C. market’s cluster of radio stations: Majic 102.3 and 92.7, WKYS 93.9, Praise 104.1, WOL 1450, Spirit 1340, and The Team 980 and 95.9. The televised event heralds the accomplishments of individuals who have made extraordinary contributions in entertainment, media, music, education, and the community. URBAN ONE HONORS is Executive Produced by Eric Tomosunas and Robert A. Boyd, II of Swirl Films. Marilyn Gill is the show’s Executive Producer. Kim Burse serves as Musical Director. Kashon Powell is the Vice President of Programming for Radio One and Susan Henry is the Executive Producer in Charge of Production for TV One.
ENTERTAINMENT
SIR SIDNEY POITIER TOOK HIS FINAL BOW ON JANUARY 6, 2022 Statement from the Poitier family: There are no words to convey the deep sense of loss and sadness we are feeling right now. We are so grateful he was able to spend his last day surrounded by his family and friends. To us Sidney Poitier was not only a brilliant actor, activist, and a man of incredible grace and moral fortitude, he was also a devoted and loving husband, a supportive and adoring father, and a man who always put family first. He is our guiding light who lit up our lives with infinite love and wonder. His smile was healing, his hugs the warmest refuge, and his laughter was infectious. We could always turn to him for wisdom and solace and his absence feels like a giant hole in our family and our hearts. Although he is no longer here with us in this realm, his beautiful soul will continue to guide and inspire us. He will live on in us, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren—in every belly laugh, every curious inquiry, every act of compassion and kindness. His legacy will live on in the world, continuing to inspire not only with his incredible body of work, but even more so with his humanity. We would like to extend our deepest appreciation to every single one of you for the outpouring of love from around the world. So many have been touched by our dad’s extraordinary life, his unwavering sense of decency and respect for his fellow man. His faith in humanity never faltered, so know that for all the love you’ve shown him, he loved you back.
Poitier became the first Black actor to win the Academy Award for Best Actor for Lilies of the Field (1963).He also received a Grammy Award, two Golden Globe Awards, and a British Academy Film Award. He received numerous honoraries during his lifetime including the Academy Honorary Award for his lifetime achievement in film in 2001. In 1992, Poitier received the AFI Life Achievement Award. In 1994, Poitier received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 1981, he received the Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award and in 2016 he received the BAFTA Fellowship.
Sir Sidney Poitier pictured with Officer Clarke and Officer Burnside. Photo Courtesy of ECM Global.
In 1995, Poitier received the Kennedy Center Honor and in 2009, Poitier was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Barack Obama. He was also named an honorary Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II in 1974.In 1986, he gave the Commencement Address to the University of Miami graduating class and was given the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Fine Arts. via wikipedia.com.
I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E
- 9 -
EMPOWERMENT
EVERY SETBACK COMES WITH AN OPPORTUNITY WHEN YOU CHOOSE Written By: Marteng Louis Charles Adolphe, Mrs. Haiti International 2021 Becoming a pageant queen was something that I could never imagine. I have been in the medical field for over 20 years, in this field that beauty and glam had no part. I started as a medical assistant and worked my way up. My professional wardrobe included wearing scrubs and tennis shoes and I loved it. My passion has always been to help and care for others, which is a lifestyle far from glam. I am the oldest of 6 siblings and I witnessed our mother battling breast cancer, which she survived. Watching my mother survive cancer gave me the passion for health care. My journey of pageantry began during my last semester of graduate school. I was set back one year due to unsuccessfulness in one of my classes. I remember one of my professors reached out to me and asked me to apply for a grant through the nursing school. She even promised me that she would write a reference letter for me. I decided to apply for the scholarship and luckily, I was one of the 6 that was selected for the grant. Out of the 6 of us, I was the only one who was matched to do my internship in the health department caring for HIV/AIDs patients. While working with the patients I saw the need for education, so I grabbed the opportunity to educate them about the disease process and the treatment plans that were available for HIV/AIDS. I was able to advance my education about HIV/AIDS by attend-
ing health summits, conferences, and online training. I joined the Mrs. International sisterhood to continue educating the community about HIV/AIDS. I joined the organization in 2020, and I was so excited to compete in April 2020 as Mrs. Haiti contestant. I was looking forward to competing for the title as Mrs. international. Due to covid19 and the entire country closed for quarantine, which forced the pageant to go virtual. In June 2020 after interviewing along the side of my pageant sisters, I did not win the title. I was first runner up. That did not stop me from continuing the work I did, which was to educate others about HIV/ AIDS. I will forever be grateful to some of my community leaders who granted me the opportunity to use their platform to educate the community. On April 17th 2021, I was crowned Mrs. Haiti international 2021 and on July 2021, I competed alongside some of the most amazing women from all around the world in Tennessee for Mrs. International. My delay in grad school led me to the internship opportunity which led me to pageantry. I can say that everything that happens in life, happens for a reason. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to compete in the pageant which gives me a bigger platform to educate about HIV/ AIDS. As a healthcare provider, I want to continue educating others and help end
I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E - 12 -
the stigma of HIV. I am available as a guest speaker for any events, especially health events. I can be reached at marteng.adolphe@yahoo.com. Special thanks to the Candid Conversations TV show, Variete Lakay ak Fanm Lakay, Anfom Health and Fitness for allowing me their platform to educate about HIV/AIDs. Also, special thank you to my sponsors: Incurve, Zotobre, S&M Custom Design, Chic & Savvy Boutique, Diamond Ballroom, Sime’s Legacy Corp, Top Choice Medical transportation, and Hope for a Healthier Life. Marteng Louis Charles Adolphe MSN RN APRN AGNP-C Mrs. Haiti International 2021 My platform “Ending the Stigma of HIV” Facebook: Marteng Louis Charles Adolphe Instagram: @mrshaitiinternational2021 @martenglouischarlesadolphe
WWW.IAMQUEENMAGAZINE.COM
I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E - 13 -
STAY CON NEC TED
n e t s i L
I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E - 15 -
Pebbles Junell is the cover queen for this month’s issue of I AM QUEEN Magazine (US). We are so excited to share this gem with you!
BIO
Cover Queen Chinyere Obi Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Nigerian
HELLO! Queen What’s your story?
I moved to the United States of America at the age of 18, right after graduating from high school in Nigeria in 1994. I started college and graduated from City University of New York with a BSC in Social Work in 2000. I proudly made the Dean’s list for three consecutive years. At my last job as a case worker at People Encouraging People, I managed a charitable organization that fed the homeless with the little money I made. I was able to do that because I was once homeless at a point in my life living in New York City without a supportive family. It was tough but I got through it. I am excited to have an opportunity to grow my career and skills as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a clinic on the way. Life wasn’t easy, transitioning from a social work career to a health care practitioner. I managed to work with different companies while returning to school to pursue a nursing degree knowing fully well that the world I am getting into would not be an easy task. In the middle of all this, I met the man of my dreams, “ofcourse that wasn’t the case.” God blessed us with four beautiful sons, but the marriage was short lived. We filed for divorce after 10 years of marriage. I later graduated from the University of Maryland (School of Nursing) with a BSN. While in School I had my last child and he was diagnosed with Autism, well that did not stop me from getting to my destination. My passion for education did not stop until I went back to the University of Walden and got my Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (MSN).
I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E
- 17 -
What have the challenges you’ve experienced taught you? They have taught me lessons that are now priceless to others, especially people walking through what I did. At times I did not know where our next meal would come from but we would pray and wait. Let’s talk about the work you do. What do you specialize in? As a nurse practitioner, I specialize in mental health. I help people with needs including Bipolar, Depression, PTSD, Insomnia, and Schizophrenia. I use medication management and psychotherapy. In my practice we use methods such as CBT and Person-Centered treatment. How did your upbringing help the person you are today? Coming from a background of having nothing, that made me realize that I had rewrite my history. I’ve tried to live that truth with my boys. I don’t know what the future holds for us. I can only hope that the love I’ve shown them will have created a space in their hearts where I will always be thought of with love. What are 3 things people would be surprised to know about you? I’m afraid of the dark. I think I got it from my mother. I can’t stand it when it’s pitch black, though the usual urban light pollution is bright enough if I’m going to bed. I have crippling anxiety, especially being interviewed, but people tend to read me as an extreme extrovert, because I am so friendly and I laugh a lot. I think most people are shocked to find out that I am an emotional basket case at times and somewhat insecure in general. I do feel like I’m getting better with age and therapy, (I hope), but nowhere near where I would like to end up eventually, progress not perfection. What’s the best advice you received? The advice I’ve carried throughout my career is, “Three things bring great people down: Fear, greed and ego.” If you look back at the downfall of any leader throughout history, you’ll find they exhibited at least one of these traits, if not all of them. My father once told me to always focus on some of the most successful people by focusing my efforts on people who are level-headed, generous and humble. And I too strive to exhibit these qualities in my own life. How can people connect with you if they want to learn more Chinyere Joy Instagram & FB: @chichi3612 Email: Obichinyere39@gmail.com
I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E - 18 -
I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E
- 19 -
“Small steps can significantly impact; it’s essential to embed your business into your culture.” -Kadian Thomas
YO U A R E Q U E E N - I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E
BIO
Cover Queen Kadian Thomas Bahamian
HELLO! Queen Tell us your story.
Es un placer ser destacado a lo largo de una prestigiosa revista de este tipo. Born to yesteryears’ parents who never knew what it was to accomplish a high school diploma or higher-level certification from any educational institution. Yet, I intended to never dream of ONLY a high school education. My pursuit was to acquire more than the standard offer, then deliver a more elevated academic lifestyle as an educator practitioner across my country. For the simple fact of helping individuals overcome barriers to become more successful. I became inspired by people and how they learned. Throughout the voyage, I evolved into a lover of continuous learning, international Business, and Languages, holding multiple degrees, an M.Ed., along with degrees in Education and Human Services, classifying as a human service professional. I was captivated by education and how individuals process everything to live better and survive. Let’s talk about the work you do. I’m a professional gift giver. -Guru Perfectionist & Thoughtful Gift-Giver wrapped in one. I am the CEO of two leading brands The LuXuri Box Collection and Cre8tiveminds Designs a mother, an educator practitioner, and empowering speaker , coach, Executive Consultant for the Youth empowerment program, a mentor, and mental health activist. What do you specialize in? I specialize in Intentional gifts, which activate purpose through mindful priorities. Whether it is gift boxes, balloons, chocolates, rose bouquets, fragrances, gift-giving, it is an opportunity to express appreciation, warmness, and love.
I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E - 22 -
YO U A R E Q U E E N - I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E
How was the idea for the company birthed? ‘Well, there’s a saying, ``If you’re afraid of looking foolish, you’re never going to achieve anything significant.”- Richard Montañez Since our initial launch in 2017 in Exuma Bahamas, the personal gift giver has turned simple knacks for one-of-a-kind persona stickers and treats into a full spectrum of a professional gift-giving service. My team and I are a leading provider of luxury boxes and items with additional add-ons throughout the Bahamas and Internationally. The particulars of being the wholesome dinner table talk - did you get that gift from the Luxuribox, speaks volumes- with the significance of, did you engraved those details out yourself. Why should someone work with you over the competition? It’s simple. I focus on being thoughtful, memorable, and making people feel special. I create the design with a cre8tive, timely gift-giving theme. I’ve learned that people will forget what you said and what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel. “Good enough” won’t cut it. I go the extra mile to find a specific item within a particular color for a specific price, even if it takes a disproportionate amount of time or energy. The gift should scream out, “I CARE!” What were you the first to do in your family, and how could you accomplish something no one else in your family could? I was the first in my family to graduate from both College and University. I am a proud Alumni of the University of Roehampton (UOR) School of Education. I would not say they couldn’t do it. I’d say each individual has a season, and it differs, just as we all bloom at various times. My siblings are unique and have completed college with their desired majors. I accept the fact that everything takes time. Accomplishments are sometimes like bread. The process takes a period, as the bread kneads then rests on becoming its best with rising and fluffing. In all things, we are grateful for the understanding that things take time. I’m sure your success has not come easily. What challenges have you had to overcome along the way? As a gift box business, it’s not enough to have one fantastic product, our purpose was to convince and satisfy every single person with just a mustard seed thought of simply having a luxuri box or presenting one over and over. Our vision was always to deliver the best product possible with every box, leaving a signature touch of luxuri and the spice of an overwhelming feeling. The meaningful, lasting, surprising gift always turned heads and added a satisfying feeling due to its uniqueness, making it difficult to open. Since the change in the name THE LUXURi BOX more than two years ago, the experience and challenges came as undertakings since then: from the shift
I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E - 24 -
YO U A R E Q U E E N - I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E
of moving from island life to the city, the issues grew. The rebranding of 2018, with the intention of the box business standing on its own, had its ups and downs. Challenging the status quo strengthened us for international clients, giving us the wealth of knowledge and a handsome growth in sales. Challenges sometimes bring about an excellent harvest. What are three things people would be surprised to know about you? 1. (I’m huge on sowing). I pay a separate tithe for my businesses- I am a God-fearing woman; therefore, my business was solely built on faith, and I handed over both companies to God, and he blessed them greatly- Faith and a spirit of gratitude always (Proverbs 23:7 2 Timothy 1:7) 2. I thrive off of Commitment, Dedication, and Discipline to anything I place my mind on and hands to do. Details are critical to me, and becoming the leading independent box consultant for other gift-giver companies is not only a thought; it is a hope to be global. 3. I strongly believe in the Bridge Between Education And Employment; after understudying that education can develop vital skills that later become transferable to the workforce; every chance I get, I pour this into every young person who is hungry to reach their next potential. What’s your best piece of advice for readers who desire to find success in their life? Be sure to never fall in love with potential, but NEVER take anything for granted. Treat everyone the same, as if they were ALL about to order items accumulating in thousands of dollars in sale during one setting and paid in full, with a handsome referral. How can people connect with you if they want to learn more? We are available on the most prominent social media platforms, Instagram, Facebook & Tick-tock. “at IG: Luxuribox FB: THE LuXuri Box Collection, Ticktock: @influentialguru
I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E - 26 -
YO U A R E Q U E E N - I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E
EXCLUSIVE with Ne-Yo
Grammy Award-winning, Singer, Songwriter and Producer Ne-Yo hosts this years Urban One Honors under the theme, Soundtrack of Black America.
How have you been adjusting to this COVID era being a performer? You have to do what you have to do as opposed to what you want to do. We must be safe in everything we do and if that means going digital, that’s what we will do. That’s why Urban One Honors is digital to ensure that we don’t contribute to the rising numbers. What does it mean to you to be this year’s host of Urban One Honors 2022? Well, the first question I asked them was if they were sure they wanted me. I told them that I would give it a try. They made sure everything was as easy as humanly possible for me. If anybody watches this show and says, “wow he did a good job”, I can’t take the credit for it because it was the people around me making sure that everything was right. I thank the production team for making me look so good. This year’s Urban One Honors theme is ‘The Soundtrack of Black America’ honoring Timberland, Jennifer Hudson and so many others. How have these artists influenced you? I’ve had the privilege of working with Jennifer Hudson, singing with her and writing for her and she arguably is one of the most amazing voices of our generation. I’ve also worked with Timberland; he has changed the sound of Hip Hop and RNB for me and so many others. They along with so many others have influenced me. What advice would you give to the artists of today? Nowadays it seems like clout is the currency and that is an issue for me. It’s like people are doing things for clout instead of putting their heart and soul into it. I would say,
I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E - 28 -
YO U A R E Q U E E N - I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E
make sure whatever you’re doing is genuine and real. It’s one thing to do something you think would go viral and it’s another thing to do something that comes from your soul. Let that be what you show the world and see what the reaction is. Do it because of who you are and not because of how many views you’ll receive. Also make it about more than just about money, there are so many other things you can pull inspiration from. What can we expect from the new Ne-Yo album? It’s self explanatory. Self Explanatory is the new name we gave the album after I had a very insightful conversation with some people whose opinions I value. My albums have always pulled on your heart strings, made you dance and gave you something to play while you’re cleaning the house on a Sunday. This album is no different. You’ll hear that It’s Self Explanatory. If you had to put together a Soundtrack of Black America what would that look like? Wow. My mother liked Billy Ocean, so Billy Ocean’s Suddenly would be on that soundtrack because that was played in my house repeatedly as a child. That song holds a special place in my heart. It’s a song that made me cry as a child and I had no idea why I was crying. Shirley Murdock’s, As We Lay, would definitely be on there. My Mother was a huge Shirley Murdock and Phyllis Hyman fan. Anything Prince and Micheal Jackson would be on the soundtrack. I listened to them during my preteen and teenage years as I was developing my voice. Anything Boys II Men because I have always been a big relationship dude but could never get it right. Today I would like to add my music to the soundtrack because I have a big ego and would like my music to be on the Soundtrack of Black America. Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and producer Ne Yo, the two-hour telecast premieres Monday, January 17, 2022, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, at 8:00 PM ET/7:00 PM CT on TV One and Cleo TV, a division of Urban One.
I AM HER INTERNATIONAL AWARDS: Counselor of the year & Educator of the year. Dr. Moneshia Dashiell
I A M Q U E E N M A G A Z I N E . C O M