For Connoisseurs & Conscious Living
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Volume 1, Issue 1
JANUARY 2013
DON’T MISS Check out pictures from our ART of FLIGHT launch event on pg. 21. Be sure to join us at our next live event to win a MAKEOVER pg. 24
TWELVE BEGINS Welcome to our House! Step inside, recline and enjoy a sip. This is Kansas City’s new destination for “Urban Sophisticates “or as we call it, for “For Connoisseurs and Conscious Living”. That tagline encapsulates upscale living and awareness. Beyond that, TWELVE is uniquely Kansas City, the heart and soul of the nation. Here we shun the cow town persona and highlight the experiences, careers and people on par with any “major” city.
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Our readers will often don fine wear and experience the finer things: exquisite foods, world travels, imported automobiles. Some are well-versed in this lifestyle and will teach us. Others will read TWELVE to raise their level of play.
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This will be an interactive journey. You have an opportunity to contribute to the content by writing, submitting story suggestions, and of course, attending the launch parties and more. Contact us at twelve@kcsoul.com to get involved!
INSIDE
Qudos: Taste
Break Out in 2013
Sincerely, FMILL: People to Watch
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MLK Calendar
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Health: Keeping Resolutions
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Greek Founders Day
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Wine Class
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Ken L What’s Different? Read It & Experience it Live
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Though a lifestyle publication isn’t unique, TWELVE evolves the genre. It’s the only magazine that you both read and live. We set out to create more than a literary piece. We’ve merged both the online world and the live event into the “magazine experience”. Once a month, we release a new issue of the magazine. The release is paired with a live launch event where the feature elements and characters of our magazine are brought to life for you to touch, taste, feel and experience. The live experience becomes part of gathering ground of additional stories, photos, and more for the final written magazine.
Because sometimes they need it. Other times they deserve it.
CLOSER TO MY DREAMS GIFT PAGES PROVIDE:
Plan now for Spring Graduation! Establish a Gift page today for the graduating student. Enable friends and family to easily make a contribution to salute their well-deserved accomplishment. Help toward future expenses such as travel plans, a new car, or a new suit for interviews or jobs. Chances are a little extra money toward the tuition bill would be useful too! It’s FREE to start your page. Log on today.
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Real-time direct payments
Customized donation amounts
Goal meter option for tracking
Social media sharing
Email & contact invitations
Personalized gift page urls
Picture & video additions
Reporting
Specials & bonuses
Where The Nation Goes to Give
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TASTE
Newsletter Title
Windell Fields and David Lux Co-Owners, QUDOS
QUDOS Cigar & Cognac Bar 1116 Grand Blvd Kansas City, Missouri 64108 MON (CLOSED) TUES-THURS 4:00 pm - 3:00 am. FRI 11:00 am - 3:00 am. SAT 5:00 pm - 3:00 am. SUN 5:00 pm - 1:00 am.
(816) 474-2270 www.qudosbar.com
Taste Matters
If you’ve been paying attention, you know that Kansas City has undergone a major transformation over the last five years. There was a time when having a 3am venue license was the only distinction among clubs. Kansas City was more suited for mediocre lounges. Travelers would often flock to Atlanta, New York, Cali, Miami and Vegas and talk about the brand new experiences, new music that we’re weren’t accustomed to in Kansas City. The word “Upscale” defined the look more than the experience. Then in 2007, the Power and Light district enters Kansas City and spawns a movement. Though the common sentiment among many in the African-American community is that the P&L district wasn’t built for us. That’s likely true. Yuppies are the target. However, it was built with the intention of making the town a destination city. Flat-screens, plush lounges and bottle service are the new standard accoutrements for any club or restaurant’s point of entry in Kansas City.
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Volume 1, Issue 1
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Qudos: Taste Matters Qudos Cigar Lounge and Restaurant became part of this new “Upscale” lifestyle in Kansas City with their launch five years ago. Bordering the P&L, it fits well with the theme of the district, but adds a welcome twist: Qudos caters to the crowd that includes the urban market. David Lux, Qudos coowner, originated the concept of an upscale cigar lounge and through a referral, and made acquaintance with business owner, Windell Fields. The two talked and forged a partnership and made the idea a reality. The result is a sophisticated setting of leather lounge chairs, and cocktail tables, a humidor with lockers and cigar accessories, and a restaurant serving casual and elegant fare. Their first priority is making their venue different. That starts with the name. Qudos represents Kudos, or Congratulations. Like the old sitcom Cheers, it’s a
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among Latin visitors. The owners continue to search for new opportunities. Now, discussions are taking place to open up in other cities. That’s right, Kansas City may be finally exporting our concepts, rather than recreating from others. Kudos!
quaint place for friends to come to celebrate and bond with friends. It’s simply spelled with a Q to be different. Next, the owners wanted a place where people could come and “enjoy a Stogie or Scotch, relax and unwind” says Lux. They developed it so it has appeal for multiple targets. According to Lux, “It’s a great place for men, but we designed it so it has appeal for a date”. For instance, on a group date, men can lounge on the patio with a cigar and women enjoy conversation
and cocktails on the inside. Cigars usually typify a more sophisticated experience. Even for the urban elite, it’s not something that’s common to many of us. Qudos realizes that and says that Qudos becomes a place where people can get educated. Men and women get introduced to hand rolled cigars, and have started to learn flavors, qualities and know what they’re smoking. Many good concepts, of African-American owners, have come and gone. Red Vine and Harpers on 18th & Vine, as well as the Peachtree Restaurants, which were early homeruns with their upscale soul food dining establishments. Few make it beyond four years. Now in its fifth year, Qudos has proven its ability to retain its value. It won’t always have a huge rush, but Lux and Fields have developed a successful model that sustained by flexible programming such as lounge events, parties and Saturday Salsa, which is popular
“Qudos becomes a place where people can get educated. Men and women get introduced to hand rolled cigars, and have started to learn flavors, qualities and know what they’re smoking.”
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FEAR. Such a small, dirty little word that has exactly the amount of power we give it. This four letter word holds such a grip over our lives and over the areas where we really want to accomplish something BIG. The more we resist confronting the fear, the greater it becomes, eventually suffocating our vision, dreams, and ultimately paralyzing us and halting our actions.
SHIFT your thoughts about FEAR and your ACTIONS will follow. Fear is an amazing gift that lets us know we are exploring uncharted territory in our lives. Fear, when matched against the place you want to be in your life, lets you know you are on the precipice of something GREAT. Being scared is not an indicator to turn around and abandon your plan and goals, rather, it’s an indication to focus, lean in, dig a little deeper, and keep forging ahead. How many times last year or even in the last few months alone, did you have something you wanted to accomplish but settled for less instead? You settled because you were afraid scared of the new and different path that had yet to be explored. Fear set in. With the new year here, aren’t you tired of the same results, falling short of what you intended to create and achieve? Ready to stop relinquishing your power to fear? What do you choose this year?
Ready to Break Out? Here are some quick tips to keep at your disposal: 1. Acknowledge your fear, the amount of power you have given it, and that it stands between your achievement. 2. Remember, FEAR is nothing more than False Evidence Appearing Real. It is every reason you should NOT achieve your goal. 3. What you resist persists. Lean in and dig deep. Look, it is perfectly okay to be outside of your comfort zone. 4. Write down a few specific actions you can take, that get you closer to your goal. 5. Be one of the few who walk the path of the unknown achieving exactly what you know to be possible! W. Sarah Fletcher is a Professional Coach and Development Specialist at Greatness Realized. She specializes in the coaching, training, and development of her clients as they transition from good to GREAT. Get supported and realize your greatness! Contact Sarah at 816.588.2506 or visit www.greatnessrealized.com. 9
This Urban Alumni Network salutes Gary “FMILL” Mitchell
FMILL FLIGHT PLAN
He’s always moving. Catch him if you can and discover the next treat in store for Kansas City. 10
What’s the meaning of your name? F. Mill is a shortened version of a moniker F. Millionaire that was given to me by a graphic artist that I used to work with. I adopted the name fully to host Millionaire Entertainment events when I first started the company. The F. stands for many things but at the end of the day when you party with me, I want you to feel like you have a million dollars.
plans and messages in writing and verbally painting clear pictures of any vision, to the target audience.
Where we you born? Kansas City, MO
Name some favorites? - I like to discover new places, especially restaurants. I also like to travel. Las Vegas, Colorado, and Phoenix are a couple of my favorites. Surprisingly, I don't like beaches like most people.
Describe what you do I run Millionaire Entertainment, an event based company dedicated to providing upscale entertainment and resources to other professionals and companies in the entertainment industry. I also work full time doing promotions and advertising in the gaming industry. How did you get started? I started producing events in college at Xavier University in New Orleans as a way to promote my clothing line. Ever since then I have always used parties and events as a way to get people’s attention to communicate a message or to create a certain type of feeling. Best Known For? I’m known for representing style and sophistication in nightlife. Most of the time, lol. Education Background? Bachelors degree in Business from Xavier University Any special skills? Creating and articulating 11
What’s in store for the future? Continue to build Millionaire Entertainment into a wealth of resources for the entertainment industry starting with Kansas City. My ultimate plan is to move into real estate development.
Just a snapshot of events from the nonprofit calendar. For complete listings, visit kcsoul.com
2013
Add Your Black History Month events and more to kcsoul.com. Just create a login or use your Facebook log-in. Fri 01/11 Burning Sands Stepshow
Venue: Uptown Theater: 37th Broadway KCMO Time: 6:00PM-Until Producer: KCMO Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc Contact: Andrea Jackson Email: stepshow@dstkcmo.org Phone: 816-668-8522 Web: www.dstkcmo.org
Sat 01/12 Centennial Sip: Pub Crawl Event type: Party Venue: The Black Archives : 1722 E. 17th Terr KCMO Time: 8:00 PM - 3:00 AM Producer: KCMO Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc Contact: Rashanda Fuller Email: 100years@dstkcmo.org Phone: 816-739-1439 Web: www.dstkcmo.org
Sat 01/12 Sprint Artist Tribute Event type: Concert Venue: Folly Theater: 12th & Central KCMO Time: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM Producer: Southern Christian Leadership Conf Contact: Arlana Coleman Email: ajoycole@att.net Phone: 9135227526 Web: www.sclckc.org 12
Sun 01/13 Interfaith Service Event type: Community Action Venue: Community Christian Church: 4601 Main Kansas City MO Time: 3:30 PM - 6:00 PM Producer: Southern Christian Leadership Conf Contact: Arlana Coleman Email: ajoycole@att.net Phone: 9135227526 Web: www.sclckc.org
Thu 01/17 Black Achievers Award Dinner Event type: Business/Finance Venue: Downtown Marriott Count Basie Ballroom: 200 W.12th Street Kansas City MO Time: 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM Producer: Southern Christian Leadership Conf Contact: Arlana Coleman Email: ajoycole@att.net Phone: 816 241-8100 Web: www.sclckc.org
Sat 01/19 A.K.A.- K.C. Metro \"Service of Peace\" Event type: Community Action Venue: TBA: Kansas City MO Time: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Producer: Alpha Kappa Alpha - Xi Tau Omega Contact: Jamie Braden Email: jamie_braden1@hotmail.com
Mon 01/21 15th Annual MLK Holiday Breakfast-Free Event Event type: Community Action Venue: Beta Lambda Educational Institute: 2915 Swope Parkway KCMO Time: 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM Producer: ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY INC. Contact: Charles Lambert Email: lambertcharles72@yahoo.com Phone: 913-832-4041 Web: www.kcalphas.com
Sat 01/26 Keys 20th Annual Event Event type: Forum/symposium Venue: Negro League Baseball Museum: Kansas City MO Time: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Producer: KC Keys Contact: Harrel Johnson Email: kckeys@kc.rr.com Web: www.kckeys.org
kcsoul.com
窶適Cs Urban Source
ADD EVENTS OF ALL TYPES POETRY, CONCERTS, PARTIES, NETWORKING AND MORE. Just create a kcsoul.com Login or use your Facebook login and post for FREE.
DECEMBER 2012 SCENE: IN CASE YOU MISSED IT 1, 7th Annual Toy Drive by 100 Black Men of Greater KC with Brian Foster, President and Denzil Ross, Co-VP at ALOFT Hotel. 2. Stanley Taylor and Joseph Thomas at FMill’s Sapphire event at the Pop-up Art Gallery. 3. Kendrick Lamar at the Midland by AMC. 4. Sean Tyler, Brian Kennedy and Dewain Whitmore, Jr., at the “You Can Do It Too!" Music Producers/Songwriters panel discussion at the Blue Room. 5. Lewis Diuguid, Leadership award recipient at 6th Annual,100 Black Men Gala at the CBE at Sprint Center. 6. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Beta Lambda Chapter and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., MU Omega chapter coat drive at the Beta Lambda Education Institute building. Be Seen. Request a photographer attend your event: First, add it to the calendar at kcsoul.com, then email: twelve@kcsoul.com.
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HEALTH How to keep your 2013 Resolutions By Crystal and Garry Lumpkins (Paraclete Health Ministries)
New Year’s resolutions are easy to make but are often difficult to keep throughout the year. That’s why resolutions should be made with some forethought and a successful plan. Health habits are developed over time and aren’t easily broken. Here are some questions to consider when deciding your resolutions for 2013:
Do I have the resources that I need before I start this journey?
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Plan to gather the resources to meet your goals before you start: workout gear, water bottle, exercise journal, recipes, accountability/prayer partner. If you are trying to follow a strict diet regimen but are not
planning meals before going to the grocery store, it’s less likely that you will be successful.
Do I have an accountability partner(s)?
Studies show that if you have someone who can serve as an accountability partner or partners, the chances of success increase significantly. Call them up and share your plan. Then schedule the times you will talk and identify the best days and time to get together. Maybe your local church or neighborhood has a group that you can walk with on a regular basis. Have I set some short and long term goals? Making short and long term goals are good for two reasons – one, you can see what you’ve accomplished in just a matter of a week or a month. Two, you can also use long term goals to address other health issues that may be harder to break. Seeing that you have accomplished one issue will make you that much more confident in addressing others. Remember that only one to two pounds is a healthy weekly weight loss goal.
Do I have an exercise plan?
How can I track my success?
There are programs such as My fitness pal (www.myfitnesspal.com) that can help you chart your progress. This site has a smartphone app that can make tracking calories, exercise and weight a breeze.
Will food addictions get in the way?
Think about those unhealthy items that you need to get through the day. Don’t try to eliminate them all together, but start with reducing them or find some alternatives; try a Chai’ tea instead of coffee.
How do I manage my stress?
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Signing up for a gym membership is one way to do it, but an exercise video can be an inexpensive alternative. A personal trainer can be a good resource to establish an exercise routine, but now there are thousands of websites (sparkpeople.com) that will give you tips and tricks for losing that unwanted weight. Schedule the days and times you will exercise and get a babysitter if needed. Start with a few days and work up from there. Thirty minutes of exercise is a good goal, but 15 minutes is better than nothing.
Problems with “stress eating” often stem from not
A personal trainer can be a good resource to establish an exercise routine, but now there are thousands of websites (sparkpeople.com) that will give you tips and tricks for losing that unwanted weight.
MEDDRIN, INC. Christopher White is the owner of Meddrin, Inc. which specializes in Fashion Styling/Image Consulting Mission: Founded in 2004, It is our mission to fully service the client through exposure to the mystique of fashion savvy, and current trends. Our professional image coupled with the continued growth of our client base and professional relationships will solidify our success and propel Meddrin Inc. to the forefront of the fashion imaging industry. Company Overview: Meddrin Inc., an inspiring and relevant company offering services within the realm of fashion styling and image consulting. Meddrin Inc., is a platform for visionaries with creative talents in the Fashion Styling and Image consulting, propelling the image of our clients. Meddrin Inc., represents a lifestyle of all in the obtainment of goals and achievements in life! kcsoul.com 16
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How will I celebrate my success?
dealing with stress in other areas. Write in your journal 10 things that you are thankful for before you list your complaints. Journal your thoughts daily or weekly, but don’t just complain, take this time to identify people or situations that are causing you pain and devise a plan. Touch base with friends weekly not just to vent, but to listen. This is often harder for men, but in the light of recent events, we need to get a few things off our chest before we explode. Connect with God at the start of the day to renew your spirit. He is in control. Play uplifting music, and listen to audio books and radio programs that inspire.
Celebrate your success along the way. When you’ve accomplished a short-term goal, maybe purchase a new set of gym shorts or health product that you’ve been eyeing. The goal here however is not to celebrate success recklessly with something that is unhealthy or has contributed to the unhealthy situation that you are in.
How can I help others who are struggling with similar issues?
We call this, “Paying it forward”. When you and your accountability partners have helped each other to reach your goals, reach out and help others who are struggling with some of the same health issues that you are struggling with – this only reinforces the decision that you’ve made to keep your resolution. Invest in someone else by taking them to the gym, starting a cooking group or even volunteering to cook a healthy meal for your church or local sorority. It only takes one small gesture.
Best Wishes for a successful 2013! For more information about Paraclete Health Ministries, email: paracleteministries@gmail.com Paraclete Health Ministries. Our mission is to come along side the church in an effort to educate and inspire it become holistically healthy - mind, body, and spirit. We also endeavor to promote and provide resources for the church health ministries and community organizations to make a positive impact on their local communities. 17
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Charles E Smiley was born and raised in Kansas City Mo. All his life he’s had a passion for music and entertainment from high school choirs to just local bands. What really inspired him to become a DJ was watching them take total control over the music by remixing. In 2001 he started off with smaller gigs such as weddings and private parties and really got a chance to read a crowd. In 2008, he was giving his first club opportunity at one of the premier clubs in Kansas City and has been holding it down every since. Inspired by many, he was driven to compete in the CITY DJ BATTLE where he was crowned city DJ champ 2009, 2010, 2011. All in all, he enjoyed the opportunity to entertain and create the party atmosphere with all genres of music. He believes this is his calling.
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is !” s o i D h I T “ t ha W
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Featuring talent—residents of the Greater KC, MO-KAN area or former residents. To be considered for a music profile, submit music and bio to twelve@kcsoul.com.
Petey Sensay born Petey McGee has a fresh and prolific rap style that has been 23 years in the making. The Kansas City, MO born rapper has spent his life between KC and New Jersey. After writing poetry in middle school as a way to garner the attention of young ladies, it wasn’t until attending a performing arts high school that the poems began to transform into songs. Not long after, Petey began to experiment with battle rap, where he was able to sharpen his rap skills. With an undefeated battle rap record in every high school he attended, Petey formed the group Buck 50 with New Jersey based rapper Face49, New Orleans based rapper 747Kevin, and Kansas City based rapper Suli. Also while in high school, Petey linked up with his big cousin, Kansas City rapper Donta Slusha and was featured on all of his projects as Lil Petey. Recognizing Petey’s raw talent
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and unique style, Slusha began working on solo projects for Petey and released his first album “Cause I Said So” in 2008 and the artist Petey Sensay was birthed. Since then, Petey has released two mixtapes: “Scream At Me” volumes 1 and 2 and three albums: “Cause I Said So”, “Monster’s, Inc.” (both produced by Beezer) and “Do~N~Me”. Petey has gained lots of attention on the KC rap scene with his
signature rap flow and his unique sense of fashion. Look for upcoming projects from Petey Sensay including 3 mix tapes; “Window Seat”, “Scream At Me 2.5”, and “CocaCola Kids”.
Raye Jackson “I’ll make you famous”, could be his tagline. Raye Jackson has been an essential resource to artists, promoters and industry heavy weights for decades. He shot the initial headshot of Janelle Monae, when she was just a rising local sensation in Kansas City. He shot Tech N9ne, and helped hook up his first deal. But the list goes on from Lo-Key and Mint Condition to R. Kelly. He was even personally hired by the top family in music, when he worked with Jackie Jackson. Yep, of the Jackson 5. Local hotshots at KPRS-FM to national tours, he’s always been in demand due to his quality and unique approach to photography. “Highend People” is what he claims is his specialty. Not the typical portraits, he shoots with intense color, but has a strong artistic and fashion flare. But you can’t box him in, because his black and white photography is also a fan favorite. Catch him at his downtown studio or an event near year, creating another masterpiece.
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It’s Tuesday, December 4, 2012, and it’s become a Black and Gold Facebook timeline takeover. Thousands across the nation flock to social media to congratulate the men of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. on adding another year to its legacy. Like a birthday or wedding anniversary, Greeks take as much pride in their Founders Day as any special occasion. Founded in 1906, Alpha was the first of the nine AfricanAmerican Greek-letter organizations which comprise the National Pan-Hellenic Council, an alliance of the primary black Greek organizations. Other members include Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. You may have your favorites or choose to argue which is best, but what won’t change is the pride members have in their organization, as demonstrated in the annual celebrations of their founding.
Why celebrate? Longevity deserves recognition. That’s not unique to AfricanAmerican organizations. Take any brick and mortar business, and they are quick to point out tenure as a selling point. “They’re experienced, been through the test of time, a wise investment”, we’d say. History lends credibility. Returning to African-American perspective, the length of time embodies the same equity as other institutions. It is even more important, considering their very existence was challenged by powerful institutional barriers like slavery and Jim Crow. We first weren’t allowed to be educated and when we were, it was far below par from white counterparts. To further magnify this achievement, realize that Black Greek life started at Cornell University, not just any school, an established Ivy League institution.
Beyond organization origin, there’s also pride in the achievement of individual members. Greeks can boast memberships from Thurgood Marshall, the first African-American supreme court justice to sports legend, Michael Jordan. Greek organizations include the people who have shaped history, within and well beyond the African-American community. Each organization can name their share of “most” and “firsts”. Jamie Braden, a member of the Xi Tau Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha, the nation’s first African-American sorority, states “Being first is prestigious, but the overall Greek community’s purpose is what’s more important. Greeks are reflective of DuBois’ Talented Tenth” says Braden. Dr. W.E.B., DuBois, sociologist, educator, civil rights leader and author, used the term “talented tenth” describing African-Americans that should achieve higher education. Those individuals would then become the leaders to help secure economic and political freedom for African-Americans. It’s clear that Greeks represent some of the best and brightest. “Our existence is a credit to those leaders who paved a way,” says Braden. Though she thinks founders would be proud of the progress, she believes we owe it to those who’ve built the organizations to continue to do more. Now that we recognize the importance of Greeks and their founding, the issue becomes whether the credit earned throughout Greeks’ history is still merited today. Are the aims and levels of achievement still being met? Being in the lineage of a Nobel Prize Winner doesn’t entitle descendants to credit predecessors’ achievements on their resumes. Tracing a family tree to Frederick Douglass does nothing to address the present day evils such as AIDS, poverty or racism. Where’s your work and your commitment to service? Greeks have often been challenged with this question, especially when a hazing incident or elaborate socializing seems to take the limelight. (Continued on page 30)
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ABOVE: Founders Day salute at TWELVE MAGAZINE LAUNCH on January 4th at Qudos. TOP RIGHT; Greeks lounge at NINTH INNING, following NPHC-KC meeting. BOTTOM RIGHT: December 4, 2012, Alphas gather to salute their founders, the SEVEN JEWELS.
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GRAPE GATHERING
Dr. Ngomsi “The Doc” educates.
A sophisticated “underground” movement has surfaced. Well, we consider it “underground” since it’s been around since 2009 and now eight events have been hosted, but chances are, this is your first exposure to the event. Originally operating from a fairly exclusive invitation only list, it’s popularity is thrusting it into the mainstream. It’s considered a quarterly wine social. Dozens of professionals converge on a household to unwind, enjoy wine and mix with like-minded professionals. Those attending tend to be urban professionals, acquaintances of the producers, but people of all races tend to participate. We interviewed Doug Ngomsi, the founder, who gave us the inside scoop on the Grape Gathering.
Who are the GG producers? The "GG Producers" include Fred Manasseh, Terrell Jolly, Rashel Kelly, and me. We're known as the community's "Sommeliers" as we all bring an element to the Gatherings and actively plan and discuss how to evolve from each one. Other supporters include: Sheriece Green, Krystal Tatney, Funmi Adewumi, Damon Smith (who has moderated the Question Game) and Jill Anderson who hosted the last Gathering. Dr. Ngomsi “The Doc” is the anchor and I tend to run several things by him but he usually defers to us and is happy to just provide his support during the event and ask if he can still keep his all-white robe.
Doug Ngomsi, Founder
The Question Game. Men & women pull & answer questions of the opposite sex.
Dr. Ngomsi, is knowledgeable, but claims not to be a wine expert. What’s his background? Right - Dr. Ngomsi has a PhD in Pedagogy and is a former educator. He runs his consulting firm and does cultural and diversity training for school districts, companies, hospitals, and even city services (law enforce(Continued on page 30)
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The reality is that Greeks have issues. Individual members don’t always live up to their potential. Just like the broader society they live in, Greeks have their share of college drop-outs and criminals. There are inactive members who have long set-aside any relationship with the organization to which they pledged a life-long commitment. Greeks have also had their issues, almost since inception in managing their brand usage, negative stereotypes, and matters of secrecy.
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ment, etc.) When it comes to wine, he's an autodidact. His knowledge is self-obtained from several decades of tasting from years spent in
Yep, Greeks have imperfections, but they pale in comparison to their larger positive impact. Around the world, Greeks are responsible for millions of scholarship dollars, thousands of community service hours and delivering highest ranking professionals in all industries and disciplines. Charles Lambert, member of the Beta Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and president of the Kansas City chapter of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, sees the alumni chapters even more engaged today. They are focused on the service tenant of Greek’s mission. “I’ve seen more of a commitment and interest in area Greek alumni chapters” says Lambert. In fact, the NPHC-KC has grown to twenty chapters in 2012 and it’s been working to foster collaboration among organizations, de-
liver programs—scholarships and serving others in need. In January, five of the nine Greek letter organizations celebrate their Founders Days. This year, Delta Sigma Theta, the world’s largest African-American sorority, becomes the fifth organization to hit the laudable centennial milestone. Tiffany Hogan, member of the KCMO Alumnae chapter says Founders Day is an opportunity to show appreciation for the organization they love. Delta has planned a range of local and national events to commemorate its 100 years of service. Activities include a float in the Rose Parade on New Year’s Day, recreating the historical march in D.C. highlighting their participation in the Women’s Suffrage parade, in March of 1913, and their national convention in Washington D.C. in July. Locally, the KCMO Alumnae Deltas have moved their annual Burning Sands stepshow to Friday, January 11, 2013 as part of several, local centennial commemorative events. Greek Founders Days are a celebration of African-American resilience and perseverance, an important achievement for all to celebrate, just like Juneteenth or Black History month. We salute all Greeks in their accomplishments and challenge all--Greek and, non-Greeks alike--to use their history as inspiration to achieve. Stay tuned for Greek life events at kcsoul.com 30
France and traveling the world. He has visited vineyards and chateaus and has relatives in the country with "eyes on the ground" but he'll be the first to tell you that that doesn't make him an authority. Even professional Wine Masters continue to evolve in their knowledge. One of the things he said early on was that wine is as good as the person who is drinking it. And everyone's tastes are different so aside from the "science" of wine-making and preserving, no one can truly become a know-it-all. What was the original purpose and has that changed? The original purpose was to take note of the growth of wine in the US and in our own community by offering a setting for people to learn about the offerings in a relaxed setting. The concept originated with home socials I had seen during his previous employment with Cerner. With that template in place, the Doc and I thought it'd be unique to use these bottles and offer a dinner "tasting" with the same crowd in mind but with a focus exclusively on wine - learning more about different varietals, regions, customs, addressing misconceptions etc. Thus, The Grape Gathering was born. That purpose remains the same today and the idea behind it is even more relevant now. An overwhelming number of the Gathering attendees are professionals with college degrees who primarily work in the private sector or other related fields. By nature that makes networking valuable. As rising leaders of our firms, companies, or communities, it is not uncommon for us to end up at lunches or dinners with managers who might order bottles of wine, so being conversant or having just a
working knowledge on the topic can go a long way in both formal and even less formal settings. How have the events changed? Though the purpose is intact after 8 Gatherings, the sets have evolved somewhat. We used to do knowledge "quizzes" and offer prizes (a set of glasses, wine versions of "Monopoly" etc.) to encourage knowledge. But we've also evolved by featuring a certain sort of wine, adding themes (like the GG5's BBQ/ wine pairing theme "Grilling with Grapes"), with the Doc's knowledge Q&A, and even with the incorporation of the "Anonymous Question Game" towards the end of the evening, which is something Terrell and I saw go over very well at a social held at KD's house sometime in 2010. Since the GGIII, people have come to expect it. As the event grows, what are the key things you’d like to maintain as a priority? Given the growth, we'd like to maintain the inviting atmosphere of the Gatherings. Most people don't know but a lot of formal wine tastings tend to be "sponsored", meaning that the objective at the end of the night is to get attendees to fill out purchase orders for the wines they sampled that night (preferably by the case and at premium prices). This tends to appeal mainly to the country club crowd. So in a way there is always an undercurrent of salesmanship. This is one thing that the Doc and I wanted to stay clear from from the beginning. So first, with an expansion to larger venues and the continued attention it will bring, we want to keep it authentic. Whether you own an oversize bottle of Carlo Rossi (the "Colt 40" of wine) or own a cellar of exclusive bottles, the event should appeal to you. Many comments from people and from the surveys at the GG8 --especially among first-time attendees-is that there's no filter or pretentiousness at the GGs - everyone is just there to learn, share in the culture, and enjoy a night with a crowd of people they can relate to. So if I could prioritize it....Learning and enjoying wine while drinking responsibly, Networking with fellow professionals, Keeping the event real and "inviting" to all (meaning no pressure to shake gatherers for wine sales or introducing high barriers of enjoyment with high entry fees. The Grape Gathering is a big hit and sure to grow. Join them soon for another taste. Stay tuned to kcsoul.com. 31
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