Feb Issue

What does it take for you to get the job done? Most of us sit around waiting for someone to hand us something; others are waiting on GOD when he already gave us what was needed inside of us! As long as we can see the vision and believe, we can achieve what we have been purposed to do. The challenge of this is when we are put in certain situations, one after the other; it weakens the power we possess because of the distractions. What do we do to have the momentum return?

When you are put in certain situations that knock you to your knees, what do you do? Some of us begin to pray, run to the church or our family and friends instead of going within to find the answer. Ephesians 3:20 states; 0Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.” The Message Bible says this; “God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.” We have the POWER…but do you BELIEVE? Situations came upon me that knocked me under my knees. It wasn’t a situation in which one thing happened at one time, it was an accumulation of distractions and disappointments that hit one after the other. Depending on man and the church for happiness, when in actuality, they could not fulfill what was needed for me to con-

tinue on in my journey. Learning that everything and everyone has its place and G O D orders the steps of a good man. But, throughout each test and trial I was determined not to give up on GOD, myself, the church and man because I knew that I needed all of these components in order to complete my purpose. Within me, I knew that in order to believe and use the power that GOD has given me within, I had to begin to rebuild my strength in HIS WORD….because that is all I have in the end! This is why we have to hold fast to what is the most important ingredient in our faith walk….the WORD and our DETERMINATION to believe it no matter what the cost or situation.

2010 is a year that IMPACT Magazine will never forget! We are releasing the magazine on February 20th at the Arts Council in Kinston, North Carolina. In this issue, we will be highlighting Spoken Serenity. Spoken Serenity is a non-profit organization that fights illiteracy among the youth. We are featuring the Spoken Word Artists who are going to be performing at the Release Celebration! Our art display is by local artist, Christopher Terrell (www.artbychristopherterrell.com). In our “Be Inspired” section, we spotlight Lalah Hathaway and Tekeema Blackwell, who is the Founder and CEO of the “Virtual Workout Crew”.

We are in a war! If we decide to let our situations defeat us, we are going to lose! But, if we make a decision and be determined to fight the good fight of faith and live our purposed life, there is no devil in hell that can stop us! We have to open our eyes to see and our ears to hear what thus said the LORD…in HIS WORD! Be DETERMINED! Be a Blessing To Someone Today!

Tunisha C. Brown Editor-In-Chief

Spoken Serenity is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the cultivation and promotion of the Fine Arts. In July 2008, spoken word artist, Charmin “Metaphoric� Anderson, was inspired to organize a diverse group of individuals possessing a myriad of artistic talent, and a profound admiration for the arts.

Her aspiration was to create an atmosphere conducive to the establishment of social relationships and education advancement within her local community.

The mission of Spoken Serenity is to introduce a new perception to the youth by fighting against illiteracy, drop-out rates and gang violence to create a community oriented platform where voices of the youth are echoed with courage. By empowering the next generation of leaders, self-defined artists, and visionary activists through written and oral literacy programs, their ultimate goal is to help mold and shape the youth’s future with positive reinforcements.

By empowering the dreams and hopes of the youth today and tomorrow, Spoken Serenity challenges themselves and those in their local community to help change the outcomes of the youth who dare to dream by expanding their programs across Eastern North Carolina.

Born to Donny Hathaway, one of the most influential soul artists of the seventies, and Eulaulah Hathaway, an accomplished musician in her own right, Lalah Hathaway a Chicago native first put pen to paper, “with the music,” as a 10th grader. Later, as a student at Berklee College of Music, she recorded her self-titled debut in 1990, which spawned the hits “Baby Don’t Cry,” “Heaven Only Knows” and “I’m Coming Back.” She returned four years later with A Moment, followed by the much-lauded The Song Lives On, her duet album with Joe Sample in 1999, the same year she began growing her now-signature, cinnamonhued „locs. By 2004, she‟d deliver her fourth album, Outrun the Sky, garnering Hathaway her first number one single, the Rex Rideout-produced cover of Luther Vandross‟ Forever, For Always, For Love, which was also featured on the criticallyacclaimed Vandross tribute album of the same name.

Through innovative virtual technology, the Virtual Workout Crew’s mission is to provide motivation, encouragement, and inspiration to women who desire to improve their quality of life by transitioning into a healthy lifestyle that includes diet and exercise.

Virtual Workout Crew creates a virtual fitness atmosphere where each woman is empowered to take charge of their health through dedication to becoming healthy, one workout at a time.

Founder & CEO Teekema Parson and her administrative team motivate, encourage, inspire, and support their members in their commitment to enhancing the quality of their lives. For more info visit: www.virtualworkoutcrew.com

Narubi Selah, a Trenton, New Jersey native, has been blessing the mic since she was nine years old and has been dazzling audiences ever since. She has a Master‟s Degree in Education and works for the New York City School system. She has appeared on Russell Simmons Def Poetry Jam, on stage with Lauryn Hill and performed at the Essence Music Festival alongside Iyanla Vanzant and Tavis Smiley. Her performances are filled with colorful social commentary. In addition to performing and recording her CD‟s, Narubi is the host of the Masquerade Release Celebration for IMPACT Magazine on February 20th at the Arts Council in Kinston, North Carolina.

Born and raised on the infamous Martin Luther King Blvd in Trenton, NJ emerges N'jeri. Her name is Kenyan for “Daughter of a Warrior”.

Raised in a Muslim household by her mother who was strong, but got caught up in street life, everything was turned upside down and she turned to music to keep going. With life experiences and a love for music, she was born to shine. “Music was my therapy, it kept me sane” Her children, networking and being true to who she is, is very important. “No more time for people pleasing” This is about me, my life, my decisions and as long I keep God first, I can't go wrong.

Jennifer D. Claude (The Phoenix) has been writing since the age of 9, The Phoenix-along with being a poet-is a passionate, driven, multitalented artist. Mastering the violin, piano, vocal performance, visual arts, and spoken word, there is no telling what she will do next. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from East Carolina University , and is currently pursuing a second degree in Health Education with plans to obtain a Master of Public Health at her alma mater. A dedicated servicewoman, her community involvement focuses on the development of adolescent females hailing from adverse situations.

Rachel "Soul Secure" Bethea was born and raised in Raleigh, NC and pursued a bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing and English at Fayetteville, NC's Methodist College (now Methodist University).

Rachel participated in the 2006 Southern Writers Symposium, and was published in the school's Creative Writing Compilation entitled "Tapestry". Her story, like so many, is filled with pains and trials, yet she has transformed her tears into strength enough to make it known publicly through Spoken Word. Giving all glory to God for giving her "a hope and a future..." her mission is to carry the legacy of overcoming and renewing love to all who have an ear to listen, and a heart to receive. Soul Secure received the award for Best Female Poet in the 2009 Fayetteville Poetry Awards, and worked together with Charlotte's Concrete Generation to produce her first Spoken Word CD: (Intimacy-In2MeSee) to be released February 12, 2010.

RaSheeda A. Waddell holds the Master of Music in Voice Performance degree from East Carolina University in Greenville, NC and the Bachelor of Arts in Music (Summa cum laude) degree from Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia. She is the 2010 Miss Black North Carolina, 2007 Winner of the Piedmont Triad Vocal Arts Competition (formerly Leontyne Price Vocal Arts Competition) and placed 3rd at the Regional level. In addition to her music career, RaSheeda‟s scholarly pursuits are also emerging and receiving acclaim. Her areas of research include the characterization of women in opera, feminism in the African Diaspora, and body image in popular culture.

In 1995, after an extensive bout with drugs and incarceration, Lester B. Howard relocated to Greenville NC. He joined the Philippi Church of Christ and began working with the youth of his church in an afterschool program called The Lighthouse. He participated in several youth oriented programs and soon realized his calling. On August 5, 1997 He preached his initial sermon, "When Your Mountain Is the Valley". Chasing a passion to change the lives of the youth, Lester pursued and obtained the position of youth director. In November of 1999, God gave him a greater vision to establish a movement of young leaders, and Faith In Fire Teen Ministries was born. Lester is an enlightening and introspective poet/writer, and has published his first book entitled This Time; Rebirth of the Fire. Currently, Lester is the Vice-President, promotes and provides public relations for Spoken Serenity, Inc..

Sharon Dixon, better known as, “The Princess of Poetry” has been writing and performing poetry for more than nine years. This veteran poet frequents open mic nights throughout Eastern North Carolina.

Her matter-of-fact style reflects the boldness and beauty of her spirit.

But this diva‟s artistic talent doesn‟t stop there. When it comes to the Arts, Sharon enjoys everything from painting to acting. She has been featured in the locally known poetry documentary “Po Doc 1” and “Scorn” an independent film by Cortel Productions. Sharon is best known for her poem “Me, Myself, and I.” A piece that conveys the message of self-worth and self-love.

Chinell Z. Collins has a true heart to serve in the kingdom of God. Her main focus in ministry is outreach and spreading the gospel to all;whether they be saved, unsaved, homeless, or helpless, her goal is to introduce the power of God to them. She enjoys motivating other Christians to keep going on with doing their work for the Kingdom. Her ministry is geared towards those that need encouragement and those who have given up hope. Still, she tries to glorify God in all that she does. Chinell has been active in ministry for eleven years now, and has been ministering through poetry for eight years. She is honored to have had the opportunity to minister through poetry at various venues with many gifted people. Currently at the age of 23, she has released booklets of her poetry, a CD, and a DVD. She is currently working on launching a ministry to connect the hopeless to organizations that can help them, and her second project, "The Way of Escape," was released on October 24, 2009.