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SPOTLIGHT
SHOWBIZ ROUNDUP: HOLLYWOOD CELEBRITY NEWS The juiciest celebrity gossips for the past month.
A POP STAR’S JOURNEY
BERLIN HEIST: THE MAKING OF A BLOCKBUSTER An inside look on how this hit movie was made.
JULY 2028 ISSUE
Get to know more about pop star Andamarie in this interview.
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ROYAL NATAL NATIONAL PARK,, SOUTH AFRICA 4
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The series is about the journey of a Korean-American high school teacher & a housewife who become appointed by the gods as guardians of five gems after a worldwide apocalypse. The first season was aired in June 4, 2024 for 10 episodes. It became a household name on television screens & streaming devices. The next four seasons ran for 10 episodes. Manilow said they plan to add more episodes for the last season. “Instead of the planned 10 episodes, we’ll go for 15. We want to flesh out the remaining parts of the story & give a proper conclusion to fans.” Fans are sad about the news, but said it’s for the better. Lead actors Brian Park & Alison Spence are slated to do other projects after The Guardians. The last season of The Guardians will air on December. The first 4 seasons are available on TORQUE streaming service.
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GAIL: We do have to be introduced to Jazz. I was talking with a friend of mine Keith Williams drummer. He’s teaching students now and they all know about trap music, but they don't know about jazz. So yes I am right with you on that. So what really got you started in music ?
Willie Bradley is a one of those artists you simply must respect. We met soon after I moved to California. Found out we were both North Carolina boys so that common ground paved the way for a friendship. However the thing that brought our souls together was when we shared our stories of addiction, our struggles and our roads to redemption. This man is my brother and I love him. Being able to feature Willie in my magazine brings me a true level of joy and satisfaction. So read and enjoy this amazing interview with our Music Editor Gail Jhonson.
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GAIL: Hello Willie. You have been on the grind, back and forth to Los Angeles, performing and burning up the Billboard charts....tell our readers about yourself, where did you grow up and how you got started on this journey. WILLIE: Okay. Well, I grew up in Orangeburg South Carolina and I started playing the trumpet in the fifth grade. I continued playing in high school at WilkersonOrangeburg High School, the only High School in my hometown . We had a new band director who’s name was Dwight McMillan and he was the one who introduced me to jazz.
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WILLIE: What really got me started in the music was my dad who had every album that you could name. Me and my siblings had to have our clothes ironed for five days for the next week for school and none of us could go outside. We couldn't turn the TV on to look at cartoons. But we can turn the stereo on, so yeah, we're in the living room acting like we're the Supremes, Dizzy Gillespie and Lena Horne. We were just mimicking all the people we heard on those records. You can name every kind of music and my dad had it. That's where I really fell in love with the trumpet listening to Dizzy Gillespie, Chet Baker and Miles Davis..
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GAIL: Who was your inspiration for playing the trumpet ? WILLIE: My inspiration was Dizzy Gillespie. He was always a childhood Idol, However, when I got a full music scholarship to South Carolina State University, I became aware and enamored by Frank Foster and Max Roach, and Nat Adderly. All these jazz greats came to our school and our jazz ensemble played the concerts for them. I got to be the guy to pick Dizzy Gillespie up from the airport and I was his guide for the whole time he was there. I got a chance to listen to him laugh and pick his brain. He featured me on the concert that night. It was me and Dizzy Gillespie side by side playing Night in Tunisia and that was a dream come true. I later found out that Dizzy Gillespie and I share the same birthday, October 21st. The biggest thrill was Dizzy Gillespie inviting me to tour and study with him during the summer of that school year. That was the game changer ! GAIL: So tell us about your new projects coming up ? What’s the name of the single ?
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WILLIE: The name of the single is It’s My Time” and it features James Llyod. GAIL: Aww yeah, my Philly Boy who went to school with my younger sisters at King High school in Philly. WILLIE: Well on this new album I decided to make it a collaboration album with a lot of the people in the industry who have become my friends. On this album I was able to collaborate with Julian Vaughn, Greg Manning, Selina Albright, Ragan Whiteside of course who’s on the number one single, James Lloyd, Walter Beasley and Marion Meadows. GAIL: Oh my goodness Willie you got a powerhouse team. WOW ! WILLIE: Yes and I am so excited about this project Gail. It’ll be complete in the next two months. I have a couple more songs to record my trumpet parts on and I’ll be ready to release the album. I will be recording the trumpet parts at the studio at Regan Whiteside and her husband Dennis Johnson’s house. Just waiting for the Covid thing to kind of settle down because they do have two small kids but I love recording at their house.
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GAIL: That is so nice. You know I really appreciate how you support women in jazz. When I first met you, you didn’t come off like “ Oh can you play?”. You know like a lot of guys always say “ Oh can you really play or where did you study “? It was that instead of letting a woman tell her own story. So it was a really nice feeling when we met and chatted. I knew you had worked with Althea Renee and Jeanette Harris so I really respected that. WILLIE: Well Gail I know that you have a great reputation in the industry and the time we got to work together I said to myself “ Man this is unbelievable I am working with GAIL JHONSON ! I got a chance to see up front how you handled business as a music director. And I met for the first time years ago in Atlanta, when you were there with Norman Brown. I opened that show and was amazed at how this sister was killing it on those keys. When I saw that you got automatic respect from me. GAIL: Willie I am just so proud of you and the other young people coming up and that’s really been my thing, inviting more young people to get in volved in jazz and understand it is an intellectual, fun and passionate experience. How are you finding inspiration during this Covid time we are in ? WILLIE: Gail my last gig was on March 14th and I’ll tell you, my mom passed away on March 19th and then the pandemic started. The good thing was I could be there for her. Yet during this time I looked at my phone and saw that all of my gigs were getting cancelled. I was in shock for just a brief moment and asked “Well Lord What am I gonna do ” as saw my livelihood being swept away. Then I realized that the Lord was doing for me what I couldn’t do for myself. I took the time to finish my project and actually Gail I haven’t missed one beat. I dug in deep and found a way to get my songs done. I completed about 6 of my songs during the pandemic and was able to keep my sanity along the way. 14
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GAIL: Everybody has a testimony. Have you ever thought about quitting the business ? WILLIE: I suffered from drug and alcohol addiction for many years. I have been clean and sober for twelve years and the struggle was always at the top of the heap as a local artist but couldn’t get to that national level. Those were the years I was using in my addiction and at times I really didn’t want to be here any more. But I got the professional help I needed. Clean and sober and with a clear mind, I got back on my path to success and this time success was the only option. GAIL: Well, success you are. A successful dresser and stylist. Where do you get all of that style from? Every time I see you are down to the nines, from the shoes to the shirt on...even at rehearsal you come in with a little tweak of something. Where’d that come from ? WILLIE: Gail I take pride in how I dress and my mother raised us like that. I have been dressing like this as long as I can remember. GAIL: So mom had you all ironing your clothes on Saturday ? WILLIE: Oh that’s right because if not we couldn’t leave the house. She was not allowing us to leave her house not looking good and respectful of her name and house. That lesson stuck with me and to this day I am committed to being the best Willie Bradley I can be. GAIL: So tell us about your latest project.. where can our readers find it, are you signed with a label yet, and anything else you want to tell us.
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WILLIE: My strategy is to maximize the lifespan of my album. Sometimes you release two songs from an album and you have to get right back in the studio to work on the next one. I am determined to maximize my investment in this project. I can be found on my website at williebradley.com and williebradley.net, all of the digital music outlets, every social media platform. I am thinking about releasing the entire album in the middle of November or top of December this year. GAIL: Ok that sounds good. My new cd called Joy was released on Oct 30, my moms birthday. How do you like that. Well I do know that your mom is smiling down on you right now. Still looking good. This has been so wonderful. So very nice to talk to you. You have a great reputation and the music is amazing. That you support gender diversity in music is major. GAIL: So is there anything else you would like our readers to know about, special projects and the like ? WILLIE: I am excited about the new video because I worked with a guy here named John Walton who shot the video that features me and Regan. This guy is so passionate about shooting it. We did it near Laguna Beach and then went to Riverside and Mario Panzarino did the photo shoot. So I’ll be releasing some of the photos and waiting for James Lloyd to send his video footage so we are in the editing phase now.
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GAIL: What would be your advice to the artists ? WILLIE: What I would say is you really have to be serious about your craft in every aspect of it. Sometimes it’s not about the money. It’s an investment in yourself. And let me say I LOVE CALIFORNIA ! GAIL: Alright now. Yes indeed, music keeps us sane because without it we would go bananas. WILLIE: Yep and you know this was the first time in awhile that I could get out of North Carolina and it’s refreshing. I have a great following here in California. I love the people here and I just want to say thank you to the people here in California for supporting me and my music and I love them all. GAIL: Well we love you too. We love your music and all the best to you and your new projects coming up. So we will be seeing you and talking to you real soon. WILLIE: Thank you Gail and good luck with your magazine. You can follow Willie Bradley at williebradley.net and on all social media platforms. You can follow our Music Editor, Gail Jhonson at gailjhonson.com, jazzinpink.com and jazzinpink.org
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COLLECT THE CASH
THE POWER OF ASKING You have not because you ask not The Power of Asking. Collecting outstanding invoices is never an easy task. It usually means something went wrong in the sales cycle of getting the sale, writing the contract, ordering the product or service, fulfilling the order, invoicing the customer and the last step, collecting the payment. It is the last step in that process that causes the most angst. Have you ever owed someone money and had to go ask for it? Most people would rather get a root canal than ask someone to repay the money owed. Money personally and in business is a sensitive issue. In business the sale is not complete until the money is in the bank, but if you are owed money you must ask for it. Remember that you are in business to make money and it is expected that if you provide products or services that you will be paid on time for them unless other arrangements have been made. It’s the asking that makes people uncomfortable. It is the possible rejection or conflict that may occur. The customer may tell you that they don’t have the funds available and then you are left with a possible dilemma.
I believe in the power of the ask. Ask for the payment whether partial or in full. In business and in life some money is better than no money at all. Ask to set up a payment plan and set a goal for when invoices will be paid in full. Write it down and track it so you can see the progress made and celebrate each small win. It all begins with the ask. Nothing changes until you ask and follow up. The fortune is the ask and in the follow up. Dee Bowden will be a regular columnist for Indie Incognito, providing insight, strategies, special guest commentary and invaluable knowledge on how businesses can succeed in collecting that coin! Need personal coaching and advice on getting paid? Reach out to Dee Bowden and download her free e-book at: www.collectthecash.biz
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'We don't have any choice': the young climate activists naming and shaming US politicians
‘It’s our future on the line not theirs.’
Photograph: Sunrise Movement Photograph: Sunrise Movement
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Visit pinked.com for the complete catalog.
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Nikita Germaine is another bright star to emerge from the talent rich soil of Oakland, CA. Grammy winning producer Narada Michael Walden was so impressed with Nikita’s unique voice, she quickly became part of Narada’s signature sound and he had her singing vocals on album’s such as Aretha Franklin’s " Who’s Zoomin Who" CD. Nikita has performed her one woman show singing jazz and is scheduled to release her debut Jazz EP some time in 2021 singing some of the great jazz standards along with original songs she has written.
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Singers Nikita and Sakai are members of the Grammy award winning band Train. Individually they have respective solo recording careers and collectively they are known as the dynamic singing duo “Les Femmes Fatales.” They are also songwriters. At the height of the Coronavirus pandemic, they joined forces with their writing partner, Darkside, to write and produce the song “?Is That Enough?” to channel their fears and exasperations regarding the state of the world. According to Darkside, “We had over 60 people join us on this project, which was very empowering. We feel sure, the song that emerged will very likely magnify our cries of frustration and will be the inspiration that will spark a renewed awareness and much needed empathy.”
“Reminiscent of the tone set by such soulful chanteuses as Phyllis Hyman and Angela Bofill....” --Billboard magazine Though her name might not sound familiar, Sakai’s voice has probably already touched you. From being the first voice you hear on Dion’s “A New Day,” to vocals on CDs with Oleta Adams, Curtis Mayfield and Tower of Power to live performances with Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder and Chaka Khan, Sakai is called on by the best.
Follow Les Femmes Fatales on Face Book and Instagram
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Donnell Spencer, JR with the Ray Parker, JR band. Rehearsing at the Zurich Film Festival
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Donnell Spencer, JR. at the Zurich Film Festival. Chillin with the band and their special guest Shania Twain
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The 1918 flu pandemic was a mere footnote to history for most, and no one could imagine how the disease would ravage our nation and the world’s healthcare systems and economies in such a short and dramatic period of time. More than 230+ thousand people who began the year with us won’t be with us this holiday season, and the virus has changed how we confront illness and death and life, and we still don’t have a vaccine or a national strategy to combat the disease.
Most people approached December 31, 2019 with the same mix of enthusiasm and wonder that is typically characteristic of the tradition of turning the page on another year. Many around the world celebrated the possibilities of a fresh start with New Years Eve celebrations and resolutions. 2020 was supposed to be ‘that year,’ a year of vision, promise and increase. The first 25 days of January were relatively uneventful with the exception of renewed interest in gym memberships, dieting and weight loss programs, and then January 26 came. The fatal helicopter crash that took the lives of Kobe and Gigi Bryant and 7 others stunned the world. For weeks, the seeming cruelty of this tragedy was overwhelming, and none of us could imagine that 2020 could have gotten any worse. Few saw the approaching storms on the horizon, and yet much of what 2020 has devolved into was inevitable and predictable. Historic tropical storms; catastrophic wildfires; political turmoil; voter suppression; legal challenges to the Affordable Care Act; controversial Supreme Court appointment; and murder hornets were just a few of the forces that destabilized our lives. Environmental abuses, fierce partisan politics and escalating racial and religious tensions fueled by overt racism and intolerance have cast troubling signs on the American landscape for decades.
The cry for social justice was elevated with the deaths of Ahmaud Arberry and Breonna Taylor, a demand made more profound by the collective voices of a nation and a world that saw the murder of George Floyd under the knee of a police officer over an excruciating period of 8 minutes and 36 seconds. A myriad of people energized by the Black Lives Matter movement conducted numerous protests calling for an end to inequities in law enforcement, the criminal justice system and more. Many say justice delayed is not justice denied, but the general sentiment of this summer of protest was enough is enough as a result of 400+ years of waiting for that justice, not from this or that court case, but from the full acknowledgement of the words professed by the Declaration of Independence, “that all men (and women) are created equal.” The twin pandemics of racism and COVID-19 became the most dominant features of 2020, and both have profoundly altered the course of our history.
Also, unseen in January was an unprecedented threat to the health ecosystem. The first cases of a novel Coronavirus named COVID-19, a deadly infection that had already begun to trigger lockdowns in Asian and European nations, was emerging on the west coast and would soon spread rapidly around the nation as it already had been doing around the world. 32
We all hope that as we approach the end of 2020, and turn the page toward a new year, that 2021 will be a year of recovery and progress and take us toward a brighter future.
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Bill Mercer
Chairman Onslow County Advisory Board for Brigade Boys and Girls Club. Story by Tony Smith Let me first say that I have known Mr William " Bill" Mercer nearly my entire life. Growing up in Richlands NC. Childhood friends. Sports team mates. A couple of good ole country boys. I asked him if he would talk about what he is doing now and his work with the Onslow county Boys & Girls Club.
Above: Bill with the kids at the Brigade Boys & Girls Club
I’ll let Bill tell you the rest. BILL MERCER Thank you my friend, for allowing me to tell you why I support The Brigade Boys and Girls Clubs of the New Hanover, Pender and Onslow County region. The reason is quite simple really, we provide love and security for Our Kids, many of whom that could and do, otherwise, take drastically different life paths. Since our founding in Hartford, Connecticut in 1860, The Boys and Girls Clubs of America have provided children and teenagers a place to flourish, under the guidance of caring adults. 36
Above: The Mercer family
As the saying goes, “the more things change, the more they stay the same.” That old axiom certainly still holds true where elementary age kids on up to teens are concerned and those we support in our Tri County area are no different.
In various locations throughout the region, our Program Mentors provide Our Kids with guidance and a place to grow and express themselves in a “semi” controlled environment which includes sports of all kinds, art and crafts, improving computer skills as well as a great nutrition program that includes daily meals. We have summer camps and with the onslaught of the Pandemic, we have been blessed with Partnerships that have provided remote learning to offset the time lost through school closings. Our Kids have benefitted greatly from an ingenious and very flexible staff of 73 people that adapted to these unique times and met these inherent adversities head on, 100% committed to the mission of enhancing the lives of Our Kids of the Brigade! I feel very strongly that there is no downside to helping a child, no matter the circumstances that influences their lives.
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I am passionate about the opportunity to play a small role in the direction of a young person’s life by supporting a great organization such as The Brigade Boys and Girls Clubs. Our mission is a true blessing and one I intend to advocate for the rest of my days. So Tony, I guess that answers your question. When you and I were growing up together, we had a small town in which to experience life in a relatively safe and controlled environment. If I can play a role in enhancing the life of a child and give them any semblance of the love in which my community ‘made me,’ count me in. I applaud all that I see you’re doing. Thanks so much.
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Nelson “ Pete” Burgess. An Entrepreneur’s Entrepreneur. Nelson Burgess, a Chick-Fil-A multi franchise owner shares his story about life and growing up in Richlands NC, paying homage to the people who raised him, his role models, his family and about what it takes to be a successful business owner. Story by Tony Smith My Q&A with Nelson Pete Burgess is a real life story of a real life journey. Nelson’s journey epitomizes hard work and unbridled dedication. By earning the respect of those around him, he was blessed by helping hands along the way. II. How many hours a day do you work on average? And can you describe your typical day? NB. I don't have a particular set of hours that I work per day. I'd like to think that I work 24/7 because business is on my mind at all times. And now that we've grown to where we are having three restaurants here in town, I spend a lot of time down in the trenches. II. Is there some sort of pattern or formula for becoming a successful entrepreneur ?
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NB. Yes, I think there's a pattern and a formula and I think it started early in life for me. As a young boy I was cast into leadership positions early on. On the farm, in the tobacco fields and on my little league team. I was a captain as I moved through the ranks of playing sports. I was put in positions of being captains of the teams all the way up into my senior year of high school. I do believe that having those early leadership opportunities was preparing me to be an entrepreneur.. When I went to work at Chickfil-A as a college student, I became an assistant manager after just three months or so on the job and I think you really have to work hard when you are talking about formulas. You have to Pay before you Play as Dr John Maxwell said. For the young entrepreneurs, you have to put in the time. This thing is not a quick fix.
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II. How would you define success? NB. That's kind of a hard one Brother Smith. It's different for each person. I think success is when you reach those goals that you set for yourself large or small. It just depends on the individual. For myself, I describe success as when I make the people around me better. I think we need to invest in the people around us and we go up if we bring other people along with us, I think that's success. I think I'm a success when my children succeed and my wife is happy. When my employees are happy and being taken care of, that’s when I know they will take care of the customers who are the most important part of the business. II. What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur? NB. I think for me, my favorite aspect is being My Own Boss. Being able to chart my own course and to make the decisions about my business that I think are best. It's very challenging sometimes because the decisions that I make affect a hundred and fifty other individuals, my employees. So it's quite challenging, but it's something that I live to do because I always look out for the best interest of the folks that are around me and the folks that are face to face with my customers. So being my own boss is the most favorite exciting aspect of being an entrepreneur. II. What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
NB: Honestly, I think it was when I was awarded my first franchise here in the Jacksonville Mall that was in 1981. I was 22 years old and I'd worked really hard going around the country doing grand openings. I really didn’t have high hopes because I was only 22 years old. But they saw something good in me, how I went around the country doing grand openings, so they figured I could handle it. So yeah, that’s probably my most satisfying moment. Second and third moments, aww man I have had so many satisfying moments, but I will say when I was granted my third location. We don't have many people in the chain that have three locations. We have I think about 15 of us out of a couple of thousand that have three restaurants. I'm so happy that they saw enough in me to allow me to have three restaurants. On that same note Tony, I was pleased that both of my daughters, after graduating from college, came back into the business. My oldest daughter is my director of operations here in Jacksonville and Jessica my youngest she's a director at our corporate headquarters in Atlanta. They're both doing really well and I'm so proud of them.
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II. In what ways has being an entrepreneur affected your personal and family life? NB: It has affected it a lot. Not in a negative way but a positive way. If you want to say that there was a negative, maybe in the early years when I worked 60 to 80 hours a week and being away from my family that much. Yet it was very gratifying to have the support of my wife , Regina. She never complained when I was out working trying to provide for the family and trying to build a business into what it is today. I really thank her for doing that. It has affected my personal life a lot because it has allowed me to grow and by being a businessman and entrepreneur in town it has afforded me opportunities to meet a lot of other business people and to be asked to serve on a lot of distinguished boards. I serve on The Board of Trustees at a local College, I serve on the bank board here at Branch Bank and Trust which is now called Truest and I've served in several capacities and other boards in town giving back to the citizens of Jacksonville and Onslow County that supported us. Being an entrepreneur and earning income and not having the limits put on what you can do-the sky's the limit if you're willing to put in the time. We have been afforded the opportunity to travel around the world and to give to some worthy causes to help others. Those things have been very gratifying. II: How did the idea for owning your franchise come about? NB: It came about after I guess a year or so working for my old boss John Holmes in Greenville, North Carolina . I became, if you will, his right-hand man, and I just really enjoyed the business. The operational side made my juices flow. I enjoyed the customers. I enjoy the marketing side, and operational sides. I found something that I was really passionate about and I enquired with him about what it would take to maybe get my own franchise. He told me if I would stick with him he would do everything he could to help me and he did that. I really appreciate him for giving me an opportunity to work there.
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II. How did you raise funds for your venture?
II. What was the key driving force to become an entrepreneur ?
NB. My grandfather pretty much put up everything he owned in order for me to get the loan. It wasn’t a tremendous amount of money but it was a lot to me and a lot to him and I am so grateful he did that for me. When I came to Jacksonville to open my restaurant I didn’t have anything but a 1974 Ford Falcon that was smoking like a freight train, the clothes I had and sixty bucks in my pocket. So brother, I didn’t own much but what I did own was an opportunity. I was so thankful that my grandfather got me the monies that I needed. As a matter of fact, I went to several banks and one lady kind of chuckled because I didn’t have any collateral but I told her the bank could hold the deposits from the restaurant once I got it opened and deposit the daily receipts into their bank. I kept hearing thanks but no thanks. Eventually I landed at one lender that took an interest in me and the opportunity and we became lifelong friends. His name was John Goetz. I give him a lot of credit for helping me get started. I think it goes back to preparation. When you are prepared, like the old saying when preparation meets opportunity great things can happen and I would encourage all young folks to concentrate on preparation so when opportunity knocks, they will be ready.
NB. Being my own boss. I thought it would be really neat to be able to call the shots and have the buck to stop on my desk. So many people don't want that responsibility, but I've welcomed and cherish that opportunity of being my own boss and to be able to help other people. I also love blessing other people and helping develop the leaders around me to become all they can be. When I get a good leader, I don't try to hold them back. So when great opportunities come along for them to earn more money and get more benefits I tell them to go after it. And as a matter of fact, I just lost four aces over the last month to other employers and I'm just really happy for them. And I'm glad that I had a hand in helping to develop them to be able to go and to seek out opportunities. II. Why did you choose to go with Chick-fil-A ? NB. I like the culture. When I got the opportunity to go to our corporate headquarters in Atlanta and meet the founder of the company. Mr. Truett Cathy and his assistant. Mr. Jimmy Collins I found they were just some of the best people I've ever had ever met in my life. I can't think of anything else I'd rather do than what I'm doing now. Chick-fil-A is this is just a great place to work whether you had corporate or out in the field as a franchise owner. As a matter of fact, we had about 60,000. applications last year for only a little over a hundred stores. So the word has gotten around that Chick-fil-A's is the place to be if you can get there but it's kind of hard to get Chick-fil-A franchise. There's a quote going around that says it's easier to get into Harvard than it is to get a Chick-fil-A franchise.
II. What piece of advice would you give college graduates who want to become entrepreneurs? NB. I would tell them to start preparing early and find out what it is that they want to do or they think they want to do and start doing some research and preparing themselves. Then I think they should go out and talk to others who actually in that line of work or that line of business. Ask them for their advice and get them to tutor them and mentor them in that area and as they get closer to maybe opening that new business. It’s a good idea to go work for somebody for free and that'll let them know If they really want to do it. You don't necessarily have to get hired, just volunteer your time. I've had people to come and work in my business including some military officers and the like right here in Jacksonville North Carolina. They would come and work in the evenings after they get off work to get a feel of Chick-fil-A and see if that's really what they want to do. Some have gone on to become franchise owners. So I would say just do your homework first and talk to those that are already doing it and if they will allow you to go in and work for free to just learn the business you might find out that is what they really want to do.
II. How has it been navigating this pandemic ? NB. It's been challenging especially with us being considered an essential business yet during these last few months we've had to close our dining area. I lost a few employees because of the fear due to the unknown of covid-19, but most have returned to work and we have in place safety measures to keep our team and customers safe, but it's been quite challenging. At the same time we've had record sales months since March when the pandemic hit and we've been here for our community. When other places were closing and couldn't get through we’ve had our business step up. In our drive-thru, we added extra people to make it more efficient and faster. We started serving our people curbside and they are able to use our app and we just bring it right out to their car.
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Executive Director, Leadership Empowerment Enterprise Kennyanderson.org
Kenny has been passionate about mentoring since 1990 and has invested consistently in the lives of others through this valuable process. This tradition continues through the Rising Stars Mentoring Group. Each October, applicants can submit resume and mission/vision statement for consideration. This is a lifetime investment in the mentees provided at no cost except that they take what they learn and share it with others through their own life journeys. Among the things provided are: the development of a personal blueprint, strengths inventory and assessment, book recommendations, monthly lunch and learns, opportunities for community service, mentee-mentee social engagement, monthly one-on-one conversations and more. In November 2013, the Jack & Annie Anderson 2nd Chance Scholarship was endowed at Calhoun Community College, the largest two-year school in the state of Alabama. The Scholarship supports students who have overcome adversity in life and desire a chance to earn a certificate or degree. The Scholarship is established in the name of Kenny’s parents who provided every opportunity for him to achieve academic success in spite of challenging financial circumstances. In November of 2020, in recognition of the 30th anniversary of the ‘2nd Chance’ radio show, the ‘212 Community Service Scholarship’ is being endowed at Oakwood University. The scholarship will go to a sophomore, junior or senior psychology student who is currently engaged in community service. Kenny earned a psychology degree at Oakwood (College) and worked as a mental health professional for twenty years. 44
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On January 25, 2013, he was appointed Multicultural Affairs Officer for the City of Huntsville by Mayor Tommy Battle after spending 16 years at Calhoun Community College, most recently as Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences. In this position, Mr. Anderson acts as a liaison between the city and the community on multicultural issues, programs and activities that include citywide projects that strengthen organizational systems that support a multicultural workforce; assessing community needs in the context of multiculturalism; providing technical support and advice to the Human Relations Commission, Hispanic/Latino Advisory Council, neighborhood associations, and community watch groups; encouraging understanding and promoting social justice among diverse groups; and representing the Mayor at various functions. The job began on Monday, April 29, 2013. Kenneth is also a small business owner. In this role, Kenny also launched Jazz in the Park-Huntsville in partnership with Magic City Smooth Jazz in 2015. This late summer concert series has featured some of the best music offered in the city highlighting performances by Steve Cole, Marc Antoine, Steve Oliver, Gail Jhonson, Linn Rountree, Jazmin Ghent, Althea Renee, Dee Lucas, Vincent Ingala, P.J. Spraggins, Ryon Schultz, Jeffery Smith, Brian Simpson, Daniel D, Julian Vaughn, Adam Hawley, Carmen Lundy, Theo Croker and Kim Scott. Jazz in the ParkHuntsville is held every Sunday in September and is free to the public.
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In 2008 Gideon joined a record label called links entertainment and left in 2009 to join another label 989 Studios. Under 989 studios with the supervision of Dr spooky, a sound engineer at the label Gideon had the opportunity to feature on an all stars remix song titled > we takin over< which also featured stars like iwan, trigmatic, 55, guru, nii of mentor fame and jimmy black of skatta wakka fame. The journey of a thousand miles had begun after the first step in JHs, so in 2010 He met his former partner Paa Kwesi who he knew years ago but never connected until the right music bells rang in both ears. They decided to join heads together to do something and by so doing they brought out their first single titled ‘chofi’ which literally means – ‘Meat’. With that song, Extreme media got on board and helped them record another song titled ‘walai talai’ – (second single as listed above). That song – ‘Walai Talai’ drew the attention of many executive producers as they saw the potential in the song and the music group DOUBLE. Upon all the offers that came their way, Gideon and his friend chose to work with Cross of Phibby Records who took over the promotion plus a video for walali talai. The music group 'DOBBLE' won the 2017 song of the year award at the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA) with their hit song 'CHRISTY' after parting ways in 2016. Gideon Adu - Gyamfi (Ennwai ) as a solo artiste has released songs like I Do Yawa, Cassava, After Money, Good Reason, Tunaabu and and also and album which he title "Rebirth Album" which consist of 16 songs and all the songs are making waves across the globe. Gideon Adu - Gyamfi (Ennwai) is currently managed by stonefire E&E management under his own label eastern records.
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Let’s Mix!!! It’s November, and that means all of our favorite holidays are coming up! I know spending these moments with family will be slightly on the non-existent side, but while you’re enjoying your family Zoom calls and your yummy food and desserts, why not have a few cocktails in celebration of these auspicious occasions! If you’re anything like me, your favorite part of the holidays are the amazing sweet treats that are brought out of the arsenal of all the wonderful people in your family like cheesecake, pumpkin pie and many more!! Here are a few cocktails inspired by these decadents to keep in your back pocket this holiday season! Let’s Mix!!For Thanksgiving, the running theme is always Pumpkin Pie! Here’s a cute cocktail inspired by this sweet treat: By Naja Eleese
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I have known Anthony Merritt for over 50 years. We played little league baseball together in the quaint southern town of Richlands NC. When I call him my home boy it’s done so with unconditional love and pride. I am proud of the man he has become. The husband and father he has become. Ultimately the amazing man of God, Reverend Anthony D Merritt. It is with the utmost pleasure that this article, this homage to my dear friend, appears in my magazine. I sent Reverend Merritt a list of questions so we could do a Q & A. He responded via voice recording and here is our conversation. II. Tell us about the moment or the time you receive your calling from God to preach his word. AM. That's a day that I would never forget. It was June 24th 2004. We were in church and I believe we were sitting there in our comfort zone with my wife and two young daughters at that time. We were sitting there in church, and I remember the Pastor James Brown was preaching and towards the end of the sermon there at First Baptist in Georgetown. Towards the end of the sermon he had made a comment that many preachers had fallen but more would come, and at the same time he was making that comment God was putting it into me. I had answered a question from two years ago. When I asked God was this it, was this it in this world, is this all there is and two years later I was is sitting in church and God said you haven't even started. Right away. I I was called into the ministry at that point. I talked with my wife on the way home from church and told her I had been called. We went into prayer and that was pretty much it. I received my calling to preach the gospel. From that point on it was just prepping and prepping for that first initial sermon. II. What made this choice one you committed your life to ? AM. When you find that thing you have been in search of and it brings peace, comfort , joy and love that’s there, regardless of your situation. When you find that it’s easy to commit your life to it. When you know you are answering the call from the Lord, there is not a more joyous feeling in the world.
Rev Anthony D. Merritt Tells Us Why By Tony Smith. Publisher Indie Incognito
In the words of the visitors to Changing Hearts Ministries:
II. What is your favorite part of being a pastor?
“Really enjoyed the warm welcome we received from Pastor and First Lady Merritt, and the members of Changing Hearts Ministry. As we discussed, everything happens for a reason and we are placed in certain places and situations for a reason. Wishing Pastor McCall and his family the best.”
AM. My favorite part of being a pastor is seeing the light come on. Not only in me but also my wife , my children and now my grand children but seeing it in my congregation. Seeing them sit there listening to the sermon or have a talk with you and you can see the light come on. You can see in their eyes that they feel like ” I Can Do This”. At the end of the day and when you lay down and know you have done all that you can do to reflect the goodness and love of God.
Floyd Duhon recommends Changing Hearts Ministries of Jacksonville, NC.
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II. What do you envision for your church over the next decade? AM. You know I look I look at that as not being just a building just being ther, I look at it more of being in and having a presence in the community. Helping seniors throughout the community. Helping with their yards and those kinds of things. We want be more about outreach, helping the youth. Teaching summertime leadership courses. II. Tell us about the business of managing a successful church. AM. That’s a very good question. I think a successful church not only has pastoral leadership but you have leadership beneath you in your deacons, your board of trustees, board of directors, those heading up your auxiliary, choirs and different fellowship groups. We put people in those positions who are saved. Now I’m serious about that because one of the mistakes we made in the past put people in some of those positions who were not really biblically grounded. We have done much better at that and we make sure those people are biblically grounded. So I think that a successful church is having the right people in the right place at the right time. Changing Hearts Ministries. Jacksonville NC.
II. How do you choose your pastoral team, deacons and other officers for your church ? AM. We put them through a program. Not so much the ministers because they came with their credentials in place but our deacons grow through an extensive eight month program that upon completion we have high expectations. We also have the same expectations for our auxiliary officers.
II. What has been your most satisfying moment in your in your calling.? AM. I think my most satisfying moment has been when I asked God for peace, for some reason that one seems to stand out. There was a lot of attributes that had of course being saved and The Holy Spirit but sometimes those attributes are inside of us. It's kind of like your computer. Sometimes you have a whole lot of things in there and some things haven’t been enabled yet. You know, you haven't gone in and downloaded and done a total install. So I think when I asked God for peace, I wanted a biblical peace not just the absence of hostility but a biblical peace. God gave me that peace and I was able to install it. God had already downloaded it and I remember when I received that peace and I remember what that felt like, and that was one of the most satisfying moments of your calling.
II. How did you raise funding for new church home ? AA. I know most won’t believe this but when we first started the church I told our congregation that if they tithe and did as the bible commands, we would never have a fundraiser, fish or chicken fry ever. Nothing against churches that do but we have never had to do it because our congregation tithes. There have been a couple of occasions where an auxiliary has raised some funds to complete a project but as a church we know our responsibilities and we tithe right through Covid. By doing that, tithing, we keep God’s house in order financially.
II. How have you been able to grow your congregation ?
II. How has your church become a beacon of light to your community ?
AM. Ohh boy I tell you, it’s always a challenge. When you are trying to get brothers and sisters who are not saved to come and be a part of the church and start that process it can be tough. One of the ways we grow our congregation is that we not only preach it and teach it, we live it. I know that my sounds like a cliché but no when we say “ Putting Jesus Christ Front and Center”, we mean it. That is our churches slogan for our church Changing Hearts Ministries and we mean it in the church but also in our personal and family lives. We're not going to just play church on Sunday and then going out into the world and act like Sunday never happened or we're not we're not Christians. We're Christians. We try to be obedient to God seven days a week . And so when people come to our church, they see the real us. I think most of the compliments have been about our genuineness. 58
AA. I think in two ways. One of the ways is we do make a presence in the community. We reach out to the community with our men’s, youth and other auxiliary fellowships. The second way is when we can’t be in the community we help organizations that are working in the community. For example, for the Ida Mae Cancer here in Jacksonville, NC we have supported them when we could and had fundraising events to support the center here at the church.
For more info, visit glover.com
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II. How have you managed to continue your services through these Covid 19 times ? AM. Since March 2020 we have gone conference line and we love it. Our folks just dial in, no password needed, and we have our bible studies, our church services, I preach over the conference line and again, we love it. When we finish the conference line we have a cash app where people can tithe or they can mail it or stop by the church. And let me tell you something, the tithing and giving and support has not gone down a bit during the Covid 19 period. We’ve kept our senior citizens in mind during these times as well. We have picked up some people from Oklahoma, Texas, Georgia and throughout North Carolina. So technology has blessed us immensely. II. What is your advice for anyone aspiring to be a pastor ? AM. I am glad you asked that question. You don’t wake up one day and say I want to pastor a church. The people that do may find themselves in a mess for lack of a better way to put it. We are called by God, and if you aren’t called by God you will find out real quick. That’s because you're going to have to have God out in front of you cutting down some of those mountains, raising up some of those valleys for you. Turning evil into good and helping your enemies, you will definitely need God. My advice also is to be ready to go where God sends you, be it as a pastor an usher or deacon. Just be ready when He calls. AM. Ok, that’s it from the church perspective but man let me tell you, growing up in Richlands North Carolina in the 70’s, 71 especially, the people around me that made the biggest difference in my life, one was my mom who was a single parent with five kids. There were times when the sun rose there wasn’t a lot to eat but by the time the sun went down she always found a way to get something. I thought I had seen great leadership in the air force but the best leader I ever saw was my mom. Now of the people outside of my family that had a great impact on me was Mr Charles Smith. Mr Smith had started a little league baseball team and basically we were just field guys who had never played ball before. We were just little boys living in wood frame houses and playing together but I never done anything organized. He took us from the first year of losing all 12 games but he taught us how to lose because he knew one day were going to be winning. How to be gracious because he knew when we started winning we would do so respectfully. That’s what you call growing up from humble beginnings. Grateful and blessed indeed. Mr & Mrs Merritt Anthony and Debbie
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Photo by Juan Miles INDIE INCOGNITO
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Shauna Howard A True Renaissance Woman When I initially thought of entrepreneurs to feature in Indie Incognito, I thought of those like Shauna Howard. Her Instagram intro says it all... “Opera singer. Latin dancer. Cyclist. Owner of @FierceStitch. Philanthropist. Arts & wellness advocate. Proud African - frustrated American.” That sums up my first impression of Shauna Howard . Over lunch at the Americana in Glendale, CA, we chatted it up like two old friends. I saw Shauna Howard as a free spirited woman who is not held captive by societal norms. She exudes a confidence and self assuredness that seems to have served her well as she has made her own way as an entrepreneur and an artist.
Shauna exudes confidence, artistry and the perfect blend of attitude to command the live stage. She has adopted various visual and performing art forms to spread a global message of arts advocacy, leadership, cultural appreciation, and compassion. She shared with me that she is an advocate for the underdog. Having been in that position herself, managing through the potholes and landmines that invariably exist. Shauna Howard is a singer, a Latin dancer, fiber artisan, the owner of Fierce Stitch, and a fundraiser with the Alzheimer’s Association. She serves as Vice President of Membership with SCORE Philadelphia, a nonprofit organization that fosters the growth of small businesses (including artists) through mentoring & educational workshops,. “I utilized my positive psychology training, recruitment, & leadership to build a diverse roster of volunteers & committee members to mentor Philadelphia’s brightest small business owners.” Shauna also works to raise funds for programs, research, and advocacy at the California Southland chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, a nonprofit organization whose mission is close to her family’s heart.
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SUSTAINABLE. LUXURIOUS. HANDMADE. Since 2009, our mission has remained the same -to provide sustainable and luxurious handcrafted winter accessories while designing with radical self-care to support public health & social justice causes that impact the most disenfranchised members of our society. Source: fiercestitch.com/ LAVENDER| The SHAU.L
CREAM | The SHAU.L Testimonial
LOVE THIS SCARF! Shauna has created a beautiful and finely crafted statement piece that can be worn in all 4 seasons. I immediately put it on when I opened the package and kept it on for an evening bike ride in the cool summer breeze in Philadelphia. I’m wearing it as I type this! Very cozy, very well made, I love the pop of the label so much, and the material overall is wonderfully soft. It instantly transforms any outfit and I love the versatility of it! Classic and functional, thank you Shauna!! Everyone should have one! — Emily D. Philadelphia, PA CAPRICORN | The SHAU.L 66
GEMINI | The SHAU.L INDIE INCOGNITO
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RIDE FOR ACTION event - unity bike ride supporting Santa Monica’s Inkwell Beach & voter registration. Featuring the ladies of Ride Wit Us LA, Bike The Power, Tour De Friends LA, Puff Ryders, & Urban Demand Cycling. Source...Shauna Howard face book post
Shauna Rides With A Purpose
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Future Projects
This article is in honor of the late Dawn Calhoun . Nov 5 1967—Jan 5, 2020
Looking for a different kind of vacation? It might be time to try “Runcation.” What’s a Runcation? It’s planning a trip around a race or running experience during your vacation. That’s the idea behind “Runcation”, a term popularized by bloggers to describe a running vacation. Runcations can be domestic or international destinations. You don’t have to be a marathon runner or even a longtime runner to go on a Runcation. Think of a Runcation as your chance to do that race on your bucket list or just get away with some like-minded runners at a destination. Let’s get the perspective of a Runcation from marathon runner Lisa Laws, a travel advisor and founder of Reggae Runnerz. She began running at the age of 49 in June of 2012. While watching a segment on the Long Island News 12, a story came on about black women running, featuring a running group called Black Girls Run. Lisa said to herself “I can do that” and as soon as she got home, she googled “Black Girls Run” and joined. She ran her first full marathon December of 2012, at the Reggae Marathon in Negril, Jamaica. Lisa said she was totally unprepared because of devastation by Hurricane Sandy and thus missed a month of training. 70
Undeterred Lisa went anyway, describing the experience as euphoric. The 2021 Reggae Marathon will celebrate 21 years of bringing runners together from around the world. The Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K start at Long Beach Park situated along Negril’s famed 7-mile white sand beach. The course loops into the town of Negril, then heads north towards the town of Green Island. The mostly flat course is an IAAF certified marathon, half marathon and 10K course. Lisa remember the moment she realized that the running community was unique. While sitting on the beach with her cousin watching a beautiful sunset, she spoke of how the runners were both competitive and encouraging. They all want you to succeed. Since that race in December 2012 her life has changed forever. The following year she returned to the Reggae Marathon with over 160 runners. The Reggae Runnerz became a brand name in 2014 and the rest is history.
Reggae Runnerz are runners from various running groups across the United States who have come together to “RUN WHERE THE SUN MEETS THE SEA” at the Reggae Marathon in Negril, Jamaica. Our Runcation is a vacation held the first weekend in December, away from the cold. A Reggae Runnerz Runcation experience is like no other. Runnerz and Cheerleaderz catch up with friends from around the world once a year. Runnerz’s Cheerleaderz are non-runners who go out on the course and cheer on fellow runners. Reggae Runnerz Runcation has become an annual event to celebrate the end of the running season.” This is the ninth year for Reggae Runnerz, and registration has grown from 12 to 700 Runnerz and Cheerleaderz just by word of mouth throughout the running community, with most return year after year. However, COVID-19 has altered the race and it will be virtual this year. Yet, 200 registered Reggae Runnerz decided to follow through with their vacation plans and participate in the virtual marathon form the beautiful island of Negril. As a combine group, Reggae Runnerz supports Green Island School in Jamaica, with each registrant making a $20 donation. Over the years, Reggae Runnerz have contributed over $62,000 to assist students with the cost of their Exit Exam Fees as well as funding the school’s Track and Field Team’s participation in Penn Relays in Philadelphia. Green Island students have been making great strides, not only excelling academically, but also agriculturally and in athletics. Reggae Runnerz also sponsors athletes from the track and field team to participate in the Reggae Marathon, allowing them to experience the thrill of the Marathon and compete against other high schools from around the area.
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If adventure is what you’re seeking, you can create your choice of exciting or challenging excursions. Whether you choose to climb the magnificent falls, horseback ride along the pristine Caribbean Sea or get up close and kiss a dolphin, there’s truly something for everyone. Enjoy authentic Jamaican Cuisine while hanging out with the rest of the Reggae Runnerz on the beach, dancing and partying with the hottest DJ in Negril. The 2019 Reggae Runnerz Neon Blast Beach Party featured special guest, Big Daddy Kane. If you are interested in additional information on travel accommodations for the Reggae Runnerz Runication Negril Jamaica Dec 2-6, 2021 visit reggaerunnerz.org
Carla Vault Scott has a M.A. in Human Resources Development and within the past year, was blessed to transition to working her travel busi-ness full-time. Carla, who resides in Maryland with her family, will be a regular contributor to Indie Incognito, helping you navigate to near and far away lands, as well as showing you how to get the most out of your travel dollars. Email KingdomTravel@comcast.net for all your travel needs.
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Odes D. Roberts Sr. –Artist Statement My artwork takes a snapshot of the beauty of life and living, with shapes and vivid color, peering through the lens of an Africa American experience. My purpose is to tell a story, be it ancient, fantasy, contemporary realism, with the intent to incite conversation, not so much about the technical aspects of each painting, but what story that the paintings conveys to the audience. Most of my creations are a combination of acrylic and oil paint, in which I believe, can create greater depth and a more vivid color palette.
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My purpose is to raise artistic
awareness, sensitivity,
There is nothing more gratifying than the look
love, understanding, and the appreciation of the arts,
in people faces, when they view some of my
through my creations. I believe as an artist it is my re-
work and it reminds them of a loved one, or
sponsibility not only to create
someplace where they grew up, or just a hap-
paintings that are
pleasing to the eye, but it is also a must to tell a story.
py moment. To purchase art from Odes Roberts, Sr visit obsidianpeople.com and use promo code KQP at check out.
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SuNWhoa Love, Black Samurai G SuNWhoa Love, Black Samurai G, servant of the Lord is a lyrical sword smith. As a Southern CA native raised in music, Whoa found his voice through poetry and rap. Look for the feature story in our Jan Feb 2021 issue.
Sunwhoalove.com
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