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For Connoisseurs & Conscious Living This magazine is called TWELVE to note its monthly presence, only TWELVE times a year. Also, and more importantly, TWELVE is a symbol of time. So it represents timely information and the central point by which life events are measured. And of course, timepieces are part of the finer things, perfect for our core readers in pursuit of sophisticated living. Welcome to TWELVE.
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Volume I, Issue XI
COVER Janelle Monáe
NOVEMBER 2013
Pg. 16
DON’T MISS
GIVING SEASON
Calendar 42
Welcome to No. XI!
TWELVE Magazine is part of the KCSoul.com network. Owned by H.G.E. Marketing, LLC. (H.G.E.). Views & opinions expressed here are not necessarily those of H.G.E. or contributors.
INSIDE
LaMonica Moore
Best Movies
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I can see the light! We’re now planning for the 2013 Grand Finale. It’s been a great year, but we’re not done yet. Be sure to read this issue. It’s one of the best yet, featuring KC’s own, Janelle Monáe. Since it’s shopping season, we also explored Black Business. Plus, we welcomed to the city, Carolyn House Stewart, the International President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. who gave us some insights on GIVING! It’s the perfect message as we enter Thanksgiving. As always, we highlight the people to watch, key tips and places to go. So enjoy the features. Remember, this is your magazine. You have an opportunity to contribute to the content by writing, submitting story suggestions, and of course, attending the launch events and more. Contact us at twelve@kcsoul.com to get involved and send us feedback, too! Sincerely,
Buy Black
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Ken L kcsoul.com
AKAs Give
@TWELVEKC
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What’s Different? Read It & Experience it Live
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Debonair Affair
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Health Juice
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Business Value
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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 on First Fridays, 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.
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SPECIAL THANKS To all of Our Writers, Designers, Planners, Contributors, Advertisers & Supporters of Xii.
Ken L. Tierra Allan Shemeka Cockerm H. Ervin Photography W. Sarah Fletcher DJ Franklin
Join the team: Email: twelve@kcsoul.com
Antisha Gaitan Eric Harland Andre Hayes Rhenate Hodges Jasmine Jackson Raye Jackson Stefan Jones Katrina Leonard Clarence Lomax Iman Lott Sherry Lumpkins LeAndrea Mack Randi McCreary Carlanda McKinney Gary Mitchell Casie Murff Tiffaney Oakes Corey Phillips
twelve@kcsoul.com
Miko Richardson Theresa Sanders
SPECIAL THANKS
Earl Smith
Ramona Davis
LaToya Traylor
Shawn Edwards
Tony Van Trece
John Hundley
Jessikha Williams
D 'Juan Love
Christopher White 5
inspired.kcsoul.com RSVP for FREE Entry At
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INSPIRED.kcsoul.com
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By W. Sarah Fletcher
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aMonica Moore-Madden is fueled by purpose.
Waking up every day grounded in her faith, she seeks ways to cultivate purpose in the lives of others, allowing their talents, passion, and purpose to shine. It is no wonder she is a Purpose Monetization Strategist and Coach. A native of Kansas City, Moore- Madden’s reach extends from Los Angeles, where she works behind the scenes with big names, to Atlanta. LaMonica Moore-Madden is a woman on a mission and on the move.
“I just want to fulfill my purpose and get all that God has for me.” Holding on to and guided by her core values of faith, family, and purpose, Moore-Madden specializes in working with entrepreneurs in the faith-based community, specifically women, by strategically creating a platform for their
purpose to reach others. Purpose, the discovery of what it is and living from that place is what drives her. Having overcome her own personal battles and struggles, hitting her own rock bottom is what enabled this powerhouse to begin to see her purpose, understand it, and have a passion to unlock purpose within others. Moore-Madden is founder of Marketplace Chiq - the reinvention of the Proverbs 31 Woman - which provides tools, trainings and resources for women to hone and utilize their purpose. Her programs help women reinvent their lives, businesses or ministries. From tele-seminars to conferences, traveling and running her home, Moore-Madden keeps a busy schedule while balancing her other roles as a wife and mom. Her faith and relationship with God is what keeps her grounded, fueling her focus and desire for others to live their purpose. With a full schedule, balance is at the top of her list. From her daily work with her clients in the faith community, in the business sector and with celebrities, she is not afraid to stop and take time for herself to refuel and refocus. Her passion is continually ignited as she supports her clients, coaching them to shine in their purpose. Sharing her truth with other women that even though women have many pulls and tugs on their time and energy daily, Moore-Madden knows and owns that women can still lead the life they see for themselves while having a family, career, and Christ as their head. Her own clients realize this and more through working with Moore-Madden. “I just want to fulfill my purpose and get all that God has for me.” To learn more about LaMonica MooreMadden visit http://www.lamonicamoore.com.
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RECAP Amber Smith, Judah Fitness, rocks out with her team on stage at Viva La Pin, a Zumba benefit for Susan G. Komen. It was held at UMKC, on October 18, 2013.
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Continued from pg. 11 October 18, 2013 Viva La Pink UMKC Vendors, Zumba and Fun! Benefiting Susan G. Komen of Kansas City. Produced by Judah Fitness
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ADVANCE SCREENING OF THE BEST MAN HOLIDAY HOSTED BY iloveblackmovies.com
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THE BEST YEAR EVER FOR BLACK MOVIES By Shawn Edwards
ublic Enemy famously chanted "burn Hollywood burn.' However, the gasoline was never poured and the match never lit. The protest song which was recorded in 1990, one year before what many proclaim the best year ever in black cinema (Remember "Boyz `N the Hood" "New Jack City" and "Jungle Fever?" All were released in 1991.), has been powerfully relevant until now. But lo and behold we have 2013, which has been a banner year for black film. No one knows exactly why this year has been so cinematically fruitful. Coincidence, the result of Barrack Obama's presidency, someone finally discovered that black people spend at the Box Office or was there a sudden mass acceptance of diversity in Hollywood? Doesn't matter. Who cares? We got a ton of dope movies!
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2013 has been an exceptional year for black film. More than 40 movies (major Cheryl Boone Isaacs, President of The studio, Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences independent and foreign produced) have been released and distributed this year. Many of the movies are seriously being considered as major candidates for awards this year and include several possible award winning performances. Never has a single year featured such a wide range of movies about the black experience. And the scale and stature of many of the films is exceptional. The year has also been huge for blacks behind the camera and in front of the camera who starred in mainstream releases. Overall 2013 has been a great year for black film and a reason black film should be celebrated for its excellence. In a year where the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences took an historic step and elected a black woman (Cheryl Boone 14
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Isaacs), the first black woman to head its organization and a diverse group of new people were invited to join the Academy including Prince, Reggie Rock Bythewood and Kimberly Elise the possibilities of a record number of black folk snagging Oscars have a better chance than ever. Finally! Right? Here is a list of black movies, actors and filmmakers who have a more than realistic shot at snagging an Oscar nomination this year.
Shawn Edwards (Fox 4) and Lupita Nyong'o (12 Years a Slave)
2013 BLACK OSCAR CONTENDERS PICTURE 1. 12 Years a Slave 2. Fruitvale Station 3. Lee Daniels' The Butler 4. Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom DIRECTOR 1. Steve McQueen (12 Years a Slave) 2. Ryan Coogler (Fruitvale Station) 3. Lee Daniels (The Butler) ACTOR 1. Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years a Slave) 2. Michael B. Jordan (Fruitvale Station) 3. Forest Whitaker (The Butler) 4. Idris Elba (Mandela) 5. Isaiah Washington (Blue Caprice) SUPPORTING ACTOR 1. David Oyelowo (The Butler) 2. Barkhad Abdi (Captain Phillips) 3. Tequan Richmond (Blue Caprice) SUPPORTING ACTRESS 1. Lupita Nyong'o (12 Years a Slave) 2. Oprah Winfrey (The Butler) 3. Octavia Spencer (Fruitvale Station) 4. Naomie Harris (Madela) 5. Nicole Beharie (42) ADAPTED SCREENPLAY 1. John Ridley (12 Years a Slave) SCORE 1. Pharell Williams (Despicable Me 2) Shawn Edwards is a film critic for Fox 4 News and the creator of iloveblackmovies.com
Just a few of the Oscar contenders from this year in one of the BIGGEST years for Black Movies!
Fruitvale Station
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Mandela
VOLUME TWELVEKC.COM
electric By Randi McCreary
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f you had to choose one word to describe Janelle Monáe, “electric” may come to mind. Her signature pompadour, classic tuxedo attire, eclectic dance moves, and delicate features make her a national force to be reckoned with. Much like the title of her second album release, Monáe is an electric lady, taking the world by storm with soulful lyrics and a unique style that has yet to be duplicated. There is no question that the Midwest is the native home to a host of impeccable talent, particularly, Janelle Monáe, . Growing up in Kansas City, Kansas’ Wyandotte County, Monáe, developed a love for the arts at a young age. Using it as an escape from her surroundings; it became a way to channel her love for the written word and the beginning of a promising career. (Continued on page 18)
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Today, the influence of Monáe’s upbringing and the love she has for where she started are prominent in her creativity and lyrics. The Electric Lady’s “Q.U.E.E.N.” proclaims her desire to ‘get back the pyramids and free Kansas City’. She acknowledges that her hometown history and experience continue to be direct influences in writing. Monáe compares her perception of Kansas City to Frit Lang’s Metropolis, feeling that, like the popular science fiction film, aspects of her hometown mirror the ‘others’. “I’m thinking about community,” says Monáe. “I saw the constant struggle in my community. I drew from those stories and started to write more. I lived through that.” Raised by hardworking parents, it was instilled in Monáe that she, too, had work to do. Over time that work has evolved; transforming the songstress into a captivating artist that has collaborated with fellow greats like Erykah Badu, Esperanza Spalding, Outkast’s Big Boi and the legendary Prince. When asked about the decision process of collaborating with other artists, Monáe revealed that it is often driven simply by the desire to work with inspiring, incredible individuals. Her collaboration with Prince, who features on Electric Lady’s “Givin ‘Em What They Love” was what Monáe describes as a dream come true. “Prince doesn’t collaborate often. He can be reclusive and hesitant to open up so it was an honor.
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He’s a mentor. He trusts me.” If being a trend -setting songstress weren’t enough, Monáe is also the face of CoverGirl Cosmetics, proving to women around the world that beauty comes in all forms of inspiration. Monáe believes that beauty is something that can’t be defined. “There are different forms. Some may define beauty as someone who creates art for the world. There are different types. There is inner beauty. Beauty isn’t something that can be defined. That would be marginalizing.” Whether a definitive or not, Monáe is an advocate of loving who you are even if it makes others uncomfortable. On November 15th, Monáe graced the stage of Kansas City’s Uptown Theater, promoting her latest album, The Electric Lady. Thus far Monáe’s second album release has earned rave reviews from critics and fans alike. Her alter-ego, Cindi Mayweather, is presented to listeners in a compilation of rhythm and blues, funk and pop. Not to leave out the ballad lovers, listeners can enjoy tracks like “Primetime” featuring a duet with R&B crooner Miguel.
“I saw the constant struggle in my community. I drew from those stories and started to write more. I lived through that.” TWELVEKC.COM
Janelle Monáe has a passion for uniting everyone through music. The anticipation of her upcoming tour dates around the country is a sure sign that regardless of gender, race or class, she has something worth listening to. For a new generation of music lovers, Janelle Monáe represents the future of music. She has quickly become the legendary rebel, a portrayal seen in her video for Q.U.E.E.N., due (Continued on page 21)
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Courtesy of Kenny Johnson Photography
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to her unapologetic presence and poignant lyrics. Unafraid to think outside of the box and produce music that has personal meaning can be risky in an industry that is constantly trying to slap a label on artists. But somehow, it works for Monáe.
proclaimed Janelle Monáe enthusiast that couldn’t’ wait to see her perform live again.
A recurring theme in her music is the representation of the android, and how it relates to our advancing culture. For Monáe, the android is a representation of the ‘other’, a concept that has been explored since the 2010 release of her album “The Arch Android”. Her willingness to stay committed to individualism can be considered uplifting in an industry that is quick to churn out cookie cutter talent. Monáe’s November 15th show at The Uptown Theater did not disappoint her loyal fans. Monáe reflects that at any performance she wants her fans to walk away with good feelings. “I want them to leave feeling better about life….future…ideas.“ Kansas City native, Angela Roulette is a self
“What I love about her music and her overall artistry is that she is unapologetic about who she is as an artist. She is a gumbo of those who came before her, and she couples that with classical and theatrical undertones to give us something fresh to listen to.” Roulette, who first saw Monáe perform with Bruno Mars at The Sprint Center, recalls an unbelievable performance. “I am such a fan of live instrumentation and live vocals, so I looked forward to hearing Electric Lady come to life on stage. It’s definitely an unbelievable experience.” It is that very experience that keeps listeners wanting more. The future is looking bright for Janelle Monáe. Following her Electric Lady tour dates, Monáe says the possibilities are endless. “ I don’t know what comes next. I am focused on touring. I want to see everyone support the tour, buy tickets and enjoy an amazing show.”
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SHOP
magazine
KC’s Own
‘Tis the season to shop at your local...
BLACK BUSINESS It’s the holiday season. The city plans for another festive Thanksgiving and then Christmas. Of course, another Black Friday and Small Business Saturday quickly approaches. Businesses of all types hope for fruitful returns and ending the year strong. Considering this buying and shopping season, it seems like the appropriate time to examine our spending in the Black community.
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TWELVE Magazine on the scene at the 2013 KC Black Expo at Bartle Hall.
TWELVE Magazine along with our overall media network, led by kcsoul.com, spends a great deal of time promoting the urban or African-American agenda—people, places and businesses, too. Much of this work is to reveal the opportunities and talents that exist within our cultural community while providing news, resources, and tools that are used worldwide. Buy Black along with Buy Local are just a few of the campaigns we support. Yet, each have their challenges. Read this article for more details on why you should consider this movement. 23
“Spend our way to economic viability, health, academic attainment, and business growth.” Ajamu Webster
TIP WHERE TO FIND BLACK BUSINESSES? In KANSAS CITY, START HERE:
kcsoul.com Eric Harland, photo
BLACK BUSINESS IN
Buy Black: The Business Case
Insights from D 'Juan Love, Founder of KCBlackBusiness.com
By Katrina Leonard
1+2+3
LeAndrea Mack
1) Why is there a need to support Black Business? All issues in the Black community stem from economics. Crime and unemployment are two of the biggest issues we face and can both be reduced with a strong economy. Supporting BlackBusinesses gives them the ability to afford to hire more workers and will create a demand for more employees. Since Black owned businesses are the leading employers of African Americans, unemployment rates should lower. With more wealth in the community, there will be more pride in the community and more jobs. Individuals won't have to rob others for goods when they have the money to purchase them.
You may have heard it before. Educational, political, and economics progressions are all advantageous reason to BUY BLACK. Easy to say, but it’s necessary to talk numbers to create a solid argument. Ajamu Webster, is one of the founding members of the Buy Black Empowerment Initiative
2) Since many resource and needs are not “Blackowned”, how much "Buy Black" is enough? There is no such thing as "enough Buy Black" in my opinion. In many Asian, Hispanic and Indian communities in this area, they only buy within their community unless they are forced to go out and purchase an item/service from outside sources. We should think the same way. Only things that you can't get from a Black owned business should be purchased from outside sources. It isn't possible to get 100% of everything you want and need from Black owned businesses, but I feel that you must try to make buying Black a priority. 3) What type of support do you offer? Many people say they don't Buy Black because they don't know where to go. I provide a centralized location where potential customers can go to find and support Black owned businesses in the area. For business owners, I provide a platform where their business can be seen. Many businesses don't have the finances to market their business in multiple ways, so I create an affordable alternative for those businesses to get exposure through my website. They also have the opportunity of gaining more exposure through social media. I also provide a platform for building business relationships by hosting a monthly networking event for business owners that includes a speaker who shares knowledge from his/her field of expertise. Lastly, I provide information for business owners and potential business owners by posting weekly articles to my website and on social media. Overall, I am the middleman who connects the consumer to the business. 24
Another place to find KC Black Businesses, the Buy Black app from the Buy Black Empowerment Initiative. Download it today.
Organization. This organization strives to create a
Ajamu Webster prepares the agenda for the Buy Black Empowerment Initiative meeting.
culture that invests consciously in the black community at a minimum of 10 percent of black income.” Webster states, “African Americans have a wealth income of about 1.1 trillion dollars annually, but only spend approximately 2.5-3 percent of those dollars with black owned businesses.” For African American communities, this means the dollars are not reinvested leaving the black communities to battle higher employment rates and crime. The impact of investing in the Black community has been studied by prestigious organizations. The Levy Institute of Entrepreneurial Practice, of the Kellogg School of Management reported that we can create over 3 million jobs. In Kansas City our income spans over 3 billion dollars annually. When calculating that amount of income with the same ideal as the national redirection Kansas City, would simply spend 295 million income dollars with black-owned businesses therefore creating four thousand to eleven thousand jobs the Kansas City area. Again, this is by the simple analysis of heightening spending from 2.5 percent to 10 percent in our own communities. 25
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Webster further states, “Black businesses are the number one employer of black people. Speculation would have the average person to believe that places like Walmart and McDonald's are the number one employers but in fact that is not true. Black owned businesses are the number one employers of African Americans seemingly making an impact on the wealth, employment and continued growth of businesses.” With facts like these, it should then become important for us to make a conscious effort to BUY BLACK rather than outside of our communities. It’s important to note, that there’s significance in Buying Black, but the action is beyond numbers. It’s having businesses create value and prove their worth. “Black” has to compete against value, conventions and image. In brief, that means that this truly takes a campaign. So what exactly can you do to support this effort? (Continued on page 45)
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SERVE THE WORLD Words/ IMAN LOTT
Pics/ RAYE JACKSON
October 11, 2013 AKAs gather for the Regional Cluster & Heifer Intl Reception in Kansas City, MO, Grand St. Café. Hosted by Beta Omega Chapter
By Katrina Leonard
“Kansas City is a part of Alpha Kappa Alpha history. A long history of service and community” says Carolyn House Stewart, the current International President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. For those that don’t know, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. is the oldest black Greek-letter organization founded by a group of college educated African-American women. The sorority’s mission of “Service to all mankind” has remained at the forefront of the organization since its inception. Alpha Kappa Alpha encompasses several program initiatives that all fall under the theme “Global Leadership through Timeless Service”. Chapters in each region are charged with executing projects to support the current administrations theme. “Leadership development within our organization is critical to our survival. Mentoring and the establishment of developmental relationships are required for external service”. 26
President Stewart was in town for the sorority’s fall leadership cluster meeting at the Kansas City Marriott Country Club Plaza. Members from Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, and Nebraska had the opportunity to develop and fine tune their leadership skills while learning more about the goals and objectives of the sorority. Embodying their commitment to global service, the Beta Omega chapter, a Kansas City chapter and co-host of the event along with President Stewart, presented a $5,000 donation to Heifer International, a charity working to end world hunger and poverty by providing livestock and training to struggling communities. The donation was given for the purchase of a Gift Ark. “It’s supporting families for economic stability. You have Heifer projects within various communities. Within that community you have various families so whatever their culture and tradition is, Heifer supports that and so (Continued on page 30)
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With nearly 300,000 members, over 950 chapters worldwide, it’s no easy feat leading one of the world’s leading organizations, but she does it and with a greater purpose, To Serve.
Attorney Carolyn House Stewart International President Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Photo: Raye Jackson
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Consuelo Ross
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Attorney Carolyn House Stewart 28th International President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
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“I want my legacy to be a president that helped the sorority continue to be relevant as an international service organization as well as one that touched the lives of young people�.
does Alpha Kappa Alpha.” The presentation took place during a remagazine ception for Heifer International on Friday, October 11th, 2013 at Grand Street $5,000 Donation to Café.
Heifer International (l. to r.) Carolyn House Stewart, AKA Intl President, Patricia Finch, Beta Omega Global Poverty Chair, Suzanne Munson, Heifer International Maggieann W. Green, MidWestern Regional Dir., Gina R. Mercer, Beta Omega Chapter President
So what exactly is a “Gift Ark”? This gift provides livestock—two each of pigs, cows, donkeys, sheep, along with rabbits, beehives, llamas/ alpacas, flocks of geese, goats, oxen, flocks of chicks, trios of ducks, guinea pigs, water buffalo, and camels. These healthy animals go forth and multiply, improving lives for countless families and children, and passing on the spirit of faith and charity over and over to places in the world where they’re needed the most. Through the years Kansas City’s own Beta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha has worked to achieve the goal of being "supreme in service to all mankind." The oldest graduate chapter of the Mid-Western Region and the second oldest graduate chapter of the entire Sorority, Beta Omega has a strong track record of impacting communities in the Kansas City area for over 90 years. Beta Omega's community service projects, college scholarships and other activities robustly exemplify and strengthen the vision. “In addition, we as a sorority have raised over $300,000 in the last three years towards the efforts of Heifer International which falls under our Global poverty initiative” says President Stewart. 30
“We have several programs domestically as well that we implement. We’ve donated underwear to incarcerated women, we’ve donated shoes, and for this particular cluster we donated pocketbooks with personal items in them for women in need”.
Under the leadership of Patricia Finch, Global Poverty Committee Chair, Beta Omega not only met the ultimate challenge but also became the first graduate chapter to accomplish this Gift Ark achievement on behalf of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. “I chose this platform as a president Global leadership through timeless service - because we live in a global society. We have an emerging leaders program that touches the lives of 9,000 young girls. In 2012 Alpha Kappa Alpha women donated a total of 1.2 million hours of service and out of our own pockets we donated $4.5 million and that went across from our 975 chapters in seven countries”. Alpha Kappa Alpha continues to stay true to its motto and grows stronger in its service efforts as an emergent organization. “I want my legacy to be a president that helped the sorority continue to be relevant as an international service organization as well as one that touched the lives of young people”.
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ICE SCREAM II 10.26.13
Uptown Theater | 37th & Broadway KCMO Presented by Alpha Phi Alpha Frat., Inc. | Beta Lambda With #12MAG
Model: Ashley Garland Make-up: Shemeka Cockerm
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Crack & Meth At the Same Time
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Purchase by Dec 2nd
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Heartbeats! Front and Center!
Young men prepare for their performance at the Grand Finale, Debonair Affair, happening Saturday, December 14th. It’s the culmination of a first-time mentoring and scholarship program in Kansas City.
(l. To r.): Jared Williams, Deacon Sweeting, Alonzo Byrd Waldon, Marc Hill (back) 35
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Debonair Affair Prepares Young Men Judge Ardie Bland stresses the importance of public speaking skills.
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By Randi McCreary
Get ready for a unique presentation and a distinguished and elegant affair. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Beta Lambda chapter, hosts the first annual Debonair Affair Saturday, December 14t, 2013. It’s the grand finale of a youth development program. Though pageantry is common to young women of all ages through cotillions, debutante balls and even beauty contests, it’s rare to have a similar opportunity, for young men, that is until now. More than a show, the Debonair Affair is a comprehensive development program for young boys ages 7-12 years of age. The idea is to provide youth with mentors and have them engage in a variety of development activities. It’s all as part of a comprehensive scholarship program. Led by the Alphas, the boys encounter training and guidance from accomplished men in varied professions. Positive exposure is the common benefit cited by both organizers and parents of the Debonair Affair. Kyla Nave, mother of participant Deacon Sweeting, states “It was my intention for Deacon to be in the atmosphere of positive growth and comfort zone challenging experiences. I think this program has provided that for him. He is being asked to do things he has never done and being expected to step up. It is giving him exposure to something more than what he routinely sees and Read does and thatIt. equals enlightenment for him. He is It. with like minds and that has been makingWear new friends good for him asIt. well.” Dream Boys meet and receive guidance from men they wouldn’t normally meet. The men represent all professions from law to business and technology, to name a few. The boys learn from presentations ranging from grooming to entrepreneurship. These experiences help prepare and inspire the boys. 36
Last but not least, the experience is designed to be as much fun as it is work. Participants have both a Talent Showcase and a Grand Finale event where they show their talents in a dignified, formal presentation. The main event will be at the Holiday Inn SE CoCo Keys on Saturday December 14th The affair includes choreographed formal dances by the boys and their mothers. It’s a unique presentation, formal attire. It will surely be a sight to see. The mentoring and guidance is only one benefit to the youth. The end game is to help these young men develop funds to start their college savings. With rising costs of college, reduction of state support, and a job market that provides no guarantees, every little bit counts. The boys and their families have raised money throughout the course of this program. Funds will be used to support the boys as well as help support other service initiatives of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Beta Lambda Chapter. The community is invited and encouraged to support the Debonair Affair and the youth by purchasing tickets to the Dec. 14th event. More information and tickets are available at: debonairaffair.kcsoul.com.
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SCENE E’s Wine Tasting II
October 19, 2013 | Qudos | 1116 Grand Blvd KCMO
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VISIT KCSOUL.COM FOR UPCOMING EVENTS magazine
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ICE SCREAM II 10.26.13
Uptown Theater | 37th & Broadway KCMO Presented by Alpha Phi Alpha Frat., Inc. | Beta Lambda With #12MAG
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CALENDAR
Alpha Phi Alpha on the scene at Xii Magazine’s event, #READY, 9.6.13, at the Ambassador Hotel. They’ve got a BIG plans for KC. Visit kcsoul.com for all the haps. You don’t want to miss this.
Add your upcoming events and more to kcsoul.com. Just create a login or use your Facebook log-in. Fri 11/29 Black Tie Fly Event type: Community Action Venue: The American Jazz Museum: 1616 E 18th Street Kansas City MO Time: 9:00 PM - 1:00 AM Producer: The Know Joey? Foundation & Fly Society Kc Contact: Email: flysocietykc@gmail.com Phone: 816-287-1343 Fri 11/29 Alpha Kappa Alpha Mu Omega and Metropolitan Leadership Institute 61st Annual Debutante Ball Event type: Community Action Venue: Sheraton : 6100 College Blvd Overland Park Select One Time: 5:00 PM - 12:00 PM Producer: Alpha Kappa Alpha, Mu Omega chapter Contact: Debby Brown Email: d_d2001@hotmail.com
Sat 11/30 Buy Black Saturday Flash Market Event type: Networking Venue: Mohart Multipurpose Center: 3200 Wayne Kansas City MO Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Producer: Buy Black Empowerment Initiative Contact: Tashia Richards Email: kcblackwealth@gmail.com Phone: 816866-0585 Web: www.kcblackwealth.com Fri 12/06 Twelve Magazine 2013 Finale: INSPIRED Event type:   Venue: Black Archives of Mid-America: 1722 E. 17th Terrace Kansas City MO Time: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM Producer: TWELVE Magazine and KCSoul.com Contact: Email: twelve@kcsoul.com
Tue 12/10 Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom Event type: Fundraiser Venue: The Palazzo Theatre: 8601 W. 135th St. Overland Park KS Time: 6:30 PM - 10:00 PM Producer: The Greater Kansas City Chapter of The Links Contact: Tammy Edwards Email: Tamlaedwards@aol.com Phone: 913-2695075 Web: www.gkclinksinc.org gmail.com Phone: Sat 12/14 Debonair Affair-Grand Finale Event type: Performance Venue: Holiday Inn Coco Keys: 9103 E 39th St Kansas City MO Time: 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM Producer: BLEI Contact: Email: debonairball@gmail.com Phone:
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KCs Urban Source. Add Your Events!
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DRINK UP
KOMBUCHA Want to get healthy? Start with a sip of this. By: Gabrielle Phillips
D
o you ever find yourself standing in the middle of the aisle of the grocery store, trying to make out that one word that is written on the food label? Have you ever witnessed the many chemtrails that plague our city skies? Maybe, maybe not. I know you remember the countless vaccinations you endured as a young child. Has it ever occurred to you that through the foods we eat, the air we breathe, the water we drink, and foreign substances we otherwise ingest, toxic chemicals are pour into our bodies? In this edition of 12 magazine we will share the warning signs of toxicity build up in the body and the importance of deposing.
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The intricacies of our bodies have been created and equipped with filter systems to eliminate toxins we encounter. As we age, our systems begin to slow down and our bodies show signs of toxic overload. Some of the signs include diarrhea, alternating constipation, head-
ache, stuffy sinuses, and skin rashes. Toxicity buildup also causes extreme fatigue. This toxicity in the body disturbs the natural flux and flow of homeostasis, the ability of the body to maintain balance. If the body is imbalanced, the body's natural ability to heal will be impaired also. Livelihood studies have shown, that by taking charge of your body, through cleansing and detoxification for vitality, you will be on the right course to a healthier happy body. Similar to cars that need oil changes every 90 days, quarterly refresh can be very beneficial if we understand how to detox the body and what to use to properly get the job done. When looking at possible methods to cleanse, you’ll find that there are many options to choose from: juicing, herbal cleansings, teas, and more. Kombucha is a particularly popular detoxing tea. Kombucha tea is a raw, fermented, probiotic and naturally carbonated tea derived from a S.C.O.B.Y. (symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast) culture . Its origins take
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The Buy Black Empowerment Initiative committee at one of their weekly meetings. They encourage you to make a dedicated effort to build the community and BUY BLACK.
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root in China and Russia. This tea has been often called the healing drink, because of its many benefits. Benefits : Alkalizes the body, detoxifies and re-activates the liver, increases metabolism, improves digestion, rebuilds connective tissue, prevents cancer, reduces high blood pressure, alleviates constipation, boosts energy, relieves headaches and migraines, reduces kidney stones, and more .
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The Buy Black Empowerment Initiative encourages you to take action by tracking your household for the next six months with black owned business and become what Ajamu Webster calls, “Conscious Consumerism.” To help with this, KCBlackwealth.com provides free tools and even has an app, Buy Black KC, that provides a listing of all the black owned businesses in the Kansas City area.
If you're interested in giving this healing drink a go, visit your local Whole Foods or health food store or consider brewing your own.
You can also get involved. Buy Black Saturday is an event to encourage individuals to invest in the community. The event will be held at the MOHeart Center on November 30, 2013. There, the KC Buy Black Empowerment Initiative Organization will host vendors, plus bring awareness and educate consumers on how to put money into their own community.
For more Information on herbal teas class and joining our upcoming session on making Kombucha tea at home, contact Gabrielle Phillips at Gabrielle@trilogyexplosion.com
Ajamu Webster explains that to educate and encourage the community on BUYING BLACK can allow us to “Spend our way to economic viability, health, academic attainment, and business growth.”
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Your Business. Is It Worth It? By John Hundley
Is your business worth my time‌and money? Considerations from a private equity investor. Does your business create value? Or at least have the potential to do so. If the answer to either of these questions is yes, I’m interested. Simple enough, yet the construct of value is complex. What is value? The value of a company is in the story that company both lives and tells. Value is abstract, holistic and most importantly, subjective. I often hear profit used interchangeably with value. Profit is one metric, and only tells part of the story. (Continued on page 51)
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BUSINESS: VALUE
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So what is my construct of value? Value is the output of several mutually inclusive aspects: authentic leadership, organizational culture and efficacy, and community intimacy (sharedvalue). Every company reflects directly upon its leadership, much in the same manner children reflect upon their parents. The extension of personal values, personal utility, image and identity are all almost intuitively passed down and mold the organization. I call this “corporate imprinting.” And for my time and money, these must align with my ideas on leadership. Functionally, the overall business strategy and execution come from the leaders. A well-developed strategy will leverage the core competencies of the company, while differentiating the company from its competitors (a blue ocean strategy). No chasm should exist between strategy and execution, as the two are [ideally] mutually reinforcing. The goals and direction of the company, both short and long-term, as well as the explicit plan to achieve these goals are a top-down process.
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Organizational composition is the next aspect for creating value. A strong, progressive culture is both necessary for employee satisfaction and extends to the consumers. How well are the
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strengths of your workforce being utilized? Are your employees engaged, developing and progressing the company towards its goals? Does your company add value to the lives of those on the ground level of your business? It should. Operationally, are the systems and/or processes in place effective? Efficacy precedes efficiency. Sales are a function of efficacy…profit margin a function of efficiency. Efficiency can be learned. Lastly, a company that is closely tied to the community it serves is better positioned for long-term success. The “reason for being” of a company is not in the product or service it provides, but in the positive change it facilitates for its consumers. Your company’s existence should resonate with the entire community. As mentioned earlier, profit is only a metric. And long-term, profit is a function of sustainable relationships. Business is people. Relationships are the story, and therefore the value. With value, comes my time…and money. John Hundley, M.B.A. is a strategy consultant, business analyst and private equity investor. Visit www.jhundley.com for more insights, or contact him directly at j@jhundley.com. Explore & Experience.
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BUY SECURE an Ad or listing Today. Twelve@kcsoul.com Christopher M. White Meddrin, Inc Fashion Styling/Image Consulting 816.529.1531 meddrininc@yahoo.com Jessikha Williams Photographer iconjaiwill@gmail.com 816.589.8491 Raye Jackson Photographer 816.916.4711 Jayerax47@yahoo.com
Sherry Lumpkins Blue Symphony, LLC Web & Software Design, IT Consultant 520 W. 103rd St. #176 Kansas City, MO 64114 816.260.8385 sherry@blueysymphony.com www.bluesymphony.com W. Sarah Fletcher Greatness Realized Professional Coach, Speaker and Development Specialist 913.890.3402 success@greatnessrealized.com www.greatnessrealized.com Facebook: Greatness Realized
2014! Here We Come! Join us Friday, December 6th at the Black Archives for our 2013 Grand Finale, INSPIRED, 5:30pm! Sign Up Onsite to be part of the TWELVE Magazine team, or find out how to get featured, get a preview of the 2014 Movement or take advantage of advertising specials. RSVP at INSPIRED.kcsoul.com
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