K.I.M. K E E P I T M OV I N G
Magazine
September 2011
Taking Business Into Their Own Hands
Serita Jakes Speaks On Her New Novel
Today’s Entrepreneur
Do You Have What It Takes?
Jessica Reedy Ready For Take Off
Sharing From The Heart
EDUCATE * EMPOWER * ENTERTAIN www.kimmagazine.com K.I.M. Magazine.com September 2011 Complimentary Issue
1
2
K.I.M. Magazine.com September 2011
Editor’s Page
As a child, I knew I wanted to own my own business. I didn’t know what or how but I did. My first job was at McDonalds in Detroit, MI at 15. The owner was an African American male who had his two sons running both of his locations. It inspired me. From high school to college, I would work a series of jobs that would prepare me to be who I am today. Some jobs were great experiences and some were horrible. Needless to say, they were stepping stones for bigger and better things. I wanted more. I wanted to be my own boss. I wanted to use my creativity to it’s fullest. I wanted to build something for my children and future generations. If anyone knows me, they know that I am always trying some new business venture. The fact of the matter is that I try. You must try things to see if they work for you. Sometimes you have to take risks and seize the moment. These past few years, I have learned to step out of the box more than ever. That takes courage and determination. There are things that I want in life and as long as there is breath in my body I will strive to accomplish them.
that God has given you. No one is standing in your way but you and if there are people standing in your way, move them out of the way. Seek and find the answers you need to develop who you are. Go to school. Do some research. Believe it or not. Greatness lies in you. I am excited about this month’s issue. We talked to recording artist, Jessica Reedy. She tells us about her new album From The Heart and her purpose in music and life. Author Serita Jakes talks to us about dealing with underlying wounds in our lives. And to further inspire you, we have spotlighted entrepreneurs that have chosen a path of independence. May this magazine educate, empower, and entertain you. Most of all, may it inspire you to Keep It Moving.
Monique Riley President/ Editor-In-Chief
We all have dreams. Dreams are cool but they are just dreams. So the economy is unstable and the job market is bad, what are you doing to make sure you don’t fall off the wagon? Get up and make some things happen. If you don’t, you will always wonder what if. Don’t live life with regrets. Don’t sit on gifts and ideas
K.I.M. Magazine.com September 2011
3
CONTENTS 8 Taking Busines Into Their Own Hands 10 Today’s Entrepreneur Andrae Sweeney 12 Recording Artist Jessica Reedy shares
Serita Jakes Pg. 6
16 As Seen Pics 17
Young Black Professionals
See Jill Scott Pg. 18
18 Soul Journey Rebbecca McMillan
Get Ready For Jessica Reedy Pg. 12
20 The Revolutionary Times 9/11/2001 We Remember. Continue to pray for our country and for eachother. “You can be sure that the American spirit will prevail over this tragedy.” --Colin Powell
4
K.I.M. Magazine.com September 2011
Credits President
Editor-In- Chief Monique Riley
Publishing & Design Riley Media Group
Business Development & Marketing Riley Media Group
Distribution
Riley Media Group
Interns
LeVandis Gray, Isaiah Riley, Terrance Riley of the TLI Group
Marriage is so important, especially in the black community. We must do all we can keep to preserve healthy love. I don’t care if it takes music, dates, or even counseling if needed. Thank you for shining some light on it. I have to say this issue was power packed and entertaining. You all have something great. I know it’s going to get bigger and better. Sarah - Bay City, MI Stories like this inspired our August issue on marriage. Thanks for sharing. Winners of the Sacred Love Songs 2 CD.
of 10 years.
Hello! My name is Jeffrey Bulls & my wife of 1.5 years is Kimberly AlstonBulls. We’ve been together for a total
We have 3 children: Jasmin (9), Damarius (5) & our child together - Jordan (3). PO Box 5881 - Saginaw, MI 48603 To Suscribe to K.I.M. Magazine, email info@kimmagazine.com
Like our Facebook Page Today! K.I.M. Magazine Follow us on Twitter! KIMmagazine
Our time together hasn’t been without trial or tribulation, but through it all - we share a love that has endured every single issue we’ve ever faced, and that has “blessing” written all over it. We give God all the glory. We met at work (of all places), but didn’t actually seek/date each other until years later (2002). We still work for the same employer (Securitas USA) today. Thanks for reading this & God bless...
K.I.M. Magazine.com September 2011
- Jeffrey - Saginaw, MI 5
Book of the month
By:Monique Riley
Have you been hurt? Abused? Neglected? How did you deal with those issues? Did you forgive the person who did the harm? I call them issues because in some way or another it caused you to respond to things in a different manner. Sometimes we experience different traumas in our lives. You may not even remember unless you trigger that memory. Many times we are told to bury our feelings and move on through life. Those buried feelings will cause us to put up walls. If not dealt with, we may act out in an unimaginable way. Author Serita Jakes, the wife of bestselling, movie producer, and mega-church pastor, Bishop T.D. Jakes, has written a new book entitled The Crossing. This is a fictional novel that 6
focuses on healing yourself from the inside out when traumatic things have taken place in your life. It all stems around a shooting that happened ten years ago as a bus load of teens were coming home from a football game. Read the book and find out how the story develops and how the town reacts to this one incident. Mrs. Jakes told us that The Crossing touches on hurts, overcoming pain, and doing what you need to do make it through life. What made Mrs. Jakes write her first novel and take on the issue of post-traumatic stress disorder? “I thought that The Crossing was an opportunity for us as believers to experience fictionally the lives of our congregants. Everybody in the book that is on that bus is someone that
K.I.M. Magazine.com September 2011
sits in our congregation from Sunday to Sunday. So this was an opportunity for me to have this conversation in another form”, she shares, “I think we have victims of PTSD walking around and don’t know what to call it. For fear of being ostracized, criticized, and made to feel crazy or abnormal, they don’t come forward. Sometimes, you hear people say oh this person is crazy or off, but often you find that they had some form of trauma take place that could be attached to PTSD.” We asked Mrs. Jakes if she needed to take her First Lady hat off to write this book and make it as impactful as it is. She answered that she had to put on many layers of First Lady hats to produce this book because her heart is to help the wounded to take the mask off. “We need to stop trying to put a façade over everything. Life is not rose colored. Our youth are seeing so much at a young age through media, abuse in the homes, and so much more. We must be able to reach them. God has given me this opportunity and a platform to tell the truth no matter how blatant or sad it may be,” she explains. Post-traumatic stress disorder is an issue that must be confronted. The Crossing confronts things that plague us. It covers class, addiction, race, behaviors, and much more. Mrs. Jakes says that we need to deal with things realistically with the headline news that occurs every day. We need to confront the ugly issues of life. In order for us to be effective we are going to have to have a reality check and work together to tackle abuse, depression, alcoholism, and the whole gamut. She also stated that as parishioners in the ministry, we have to find another avenue to reach people. We can’t just preach at them to reach them but we can captivate them whether if it’s a play or a movie. It has to be preached.
Saginaw County National Advancement of Colored People 41st Annual Freedom Banquet Odail Thorns, Jr. Banquet Chair Leola Wilson, Branch President Sunday, September 25, 2011 Horizons Conference Center 5:00 PM Reception 6:00 PM Dinner & Program Keynote Speaker Attorney Kim M. Keenan General Counsel NA ACP Baltimore, Maryland Special Tribute to the membory of Harry McBride Banking Executive Saginaw NA ACP Board Member Minority Business Activist
The Crossing is a must have for your book collection. It is available now in stores or online. Visit www.tdjakes.org/thecrossing.
For Tickets Call: (989) 752-0614 Adults - $60.00 Children - 13 and under $ 30.00 Special Tribute Hero’s will be acknowledged as well. K.I.M. Magazine.com September 2011
7
Entrepreneurs making moves
Making Moves
Entrepreneurs seizing the opportunity to do it their way.
LAYOP Clothing Company Andre Thomas began designing clothes while attending University of Michigan. He initially started making shirts for himself to match his gym shoes. He received so many compliments and people wanting to buy his merchandise, that he started a company called Simple & Plain. His angle was stemmed from the idea that he wanted his clothes to have a clean yet defined look. Although he had a great demand for them he still wasn’t sure how to approach this new business. He began testing the market areas like his hometown, Saginaw, MI. He started off at his barbershop. Adrian and Tard Smith, the owners of Twins Barbershop, gave him an
8
Andre Thomas (L) J. Andre Westbrook (R)
K.I.M. Magazine.com September 2011
opportunity to sell his products out of the shop. Andre says that a lot of his success stemmed from out of that barbershop. It helped spread the word and gave him a concrete location to move his merchandise. “Saginaw really supported what I was doing and I am thankful for that,” says Andre. As the word spread throughout the state, Andre realized that he had something. He saw that it was bigger than what he thought. To legitimize what he had, he filed for a trademark. Having legal troubles to keep the name Simple & Plan, Andre decide to pull from his mission statement. Mission Statement: In the relentless pursuit of bringing simplicity to fashion, LAYOP Clothing creates apparel for a look that is clean, comfortable and confident designed exclusively for those who Live At Their Own Pace. He adjusted his marketing campaign and came up with the Living At Your Own Pace (LAYOP).
These shirts became an instant success after making it into 25 stores. He was pulled aside by a store owner in Detroit, who challenged him to regroup and strategize his growth method. As the brand grew, Andre knew he had to learn the business. So he studied and researched fashion and retail. He pulled in partners J. Andre Westbrook and Charles (Chucky Smith), both of Saginaw to create a mastermind team. Andre does operations, J. Andre Westbrook works on marketing as the face of the company and Chucky covers the design. In order to enlarge their territory, they took a leap of faith and moved to Las Vegas. The company has been growing ever since.
To purchase LAYOP Clothing, visit www.layop.com or www.stitchedlifestyle.com.
PEARL ESSENCE EVENT STYLING Whatever you can think of, Jennifer Jackson and Elisa Malone of Pearl Essence Event Styling can create it, whether it be weddings, anniversaries, or parties. You name it. These ladies are taking events to the next level. Whether you need balloons column, linens, or party favors, they are your answer. After graduating from Saginaw Valley State University, they joined the workforce. “Not being satisfied with the typical 9-5 and wanting to be home more with my family pushed me to explore starting my own business, says Jennifer.” We realized that we wanted more. We started off planning our own weddings and then we got request to do more. “They were all a hit”, explained Elisa, “That’s when we realized that we wanted do this full time. Never think you know it all when it comes to business.” Jennifer told us that you will go through trial error as an entrepreneur until you get the swing of things. Find out the needs of your customer and clientele to provide the best service possible. You will gain a lot of experience along the way.
Jennifer Jackson (l)
These ladies took a hobby and a love for crafts and turned it into to a lucrative business. They pride themselves on being a service company. To schedule your next event, visit www.stylemyevents.com.
Elisa Malone (R) Brandy Hines has been a barber since the 90’s. She did her first haircut on her cousin. What was the style? It was a Mohawk. They both got in trouble for this experimental haircut; but Brandy says it struck a chord in her. She wanted to know more about becoming a barber. At a young age, Brandy knew she wanted to have her own business. “It was just something in me,” Brandy shares. To gain a better understanding of the barber business, she attended barber school in 1992 in Flint & Detroit. Two years later she opened her own shop and became the FadeQueen of Saginaw.
At one moment, life took a turn and she lost her business. That did not stop her from regaining all she lost and more. In 2008, Brandy opened up her new barbershop on Court St. in Saginaw and a year later she opened a second location on E. Holland Ave. “I will never leave Saginaw because there is opportunity here,” she explains, “There is no such thing as a recession. If you don’t have a job then create one.” Call (989) 327-2338 schedule your haircut today
.
K.I.M. Magazine.com September 2011
Unique Cuts & Massage Unique Cuts II
Actor Dwayne Adway (L) Brandy Hines (R) 9
Today’s Do Entrepreneur: Do you have what it takes to become a successful entrepreneur? Some people are not capable of working on their own and some make better employees than employers. Becoming an entrepreneur requires significant forethought and evaluation before quitting your day job and investing time and money that you could easily lose. Here are four tools to enable you to win: What’s the Plan What is your plan to get what you want? What is your vision and your financial budget? You think you know what you want, but have you ever taken the time to actually write it down? Don’t feel bad, ninety-nine percent of people never have. If you don’t know what you want…the chances of you happening to STUMBLE upon it one day are slim to none. Three important points to remember about writing it down: (1) make sure it is measurable, (2) give it a deadline, and (3) write down some compelling reasons WHY you must get it. If you don’t really want it, then you will never be a successful entrepreneur. Take Risks Any startup business involves risks, the ultimate one, of course, being the possibility of failure. If you are uneasy about stepping out of your comfort zone, becoming an entrepreneur is probably not a good idea. You are likely to hit a few glitches along the way, even if the business begins to take off. You might struggle to get enough customers or the right kind of customers. It’s not easy balancing the various facets of running your own business, from marketing, production, quality control, delivery, 10
you have what it takes?
and accounting. You will have to develop a certain amount of expertise in all these areas or be able to hire others who know what to do. If you enjoy the excitement of uncertainty, and don’t mind dodging a few bullets, it’s possible that becoming an entrepreneur might be satisfying and lucrative for you. Emulate the Best Want to know how smart people mess up starting a business? They are so smart that they think they can do it their own way! Big mistake! The best way to get success is to look at people who already have it and do what they do. What this means is that you need a new group of friends. You need to get rid of all those people in your life who are unmotivated, belittle your ambitions, and complain about their crappy lives even though they will never change it! You also need to get at least one really good mentor who you meet with regularly. How should you meet all these new people? You need to start becoming a master networker and quite simply, you can’t be afraid to ask for help. You might be surprised how willing people are to help if you simply ask. Hang in There Becoming an entrepreneur doesn’t happen overnight. Success requires consistent effort, patience, and the willingness to ride out any storms that come your way. Small businesses sometimes have a tougher time of becoming successful because everything depends on one person—the entrepreneur, and a limited pool of energy and funds. The bad news is that there is just one person to manage the risks, bumps, and problems, which can be time-intensive and kill the nerves. The good news is that there is just one person to reap all the profit when it finally comes, unless you hire a person or two along the way. Don’t expect smooth sailing from startup to finish line. If you can hang in there for two to three years though, you have a good chance of going the distance. You can read other blogs like this one from Andrae Sweeney at leadershiplessonsblog.wordpress.com
K.I.M. Magazine.com September 2011
100%
Qualified Teachers & Staff
K.I.M. Magazine.com September 2011
11
Cover Story
Ready For The World.. By: Monique Riley Who says dreams don’t come true? Who says that when life takes you off track, it’s the end? Singer, Jessica Reedy will be the first to tell you that is far from the truth. She has come this far by faith. This Saginaw native has been singing since the age of 3. Realizing Jessica was special and a gift, her grandfather, the late Rev. James Dorsey of the Greater Free Will Missionary Baptist Church in Saginaw, would call on her to sing during church services. After all, she came from a family of singers. She especially watched her mother sing, Mary Reedy and would try to model her. As she got older, her gift increased. She sang throughout her hometown and wherever she was called. She joined local organizations like NAACP ACT-SO, where she competed in national competitions. Programs like this helped her to be recognized nationally. See Jessica wanted to be an R&B singer. She had her life all worked out but God had another plan. We have heard her testimony of triumph leaving college and becoming a single mother. Feeling down on her luck after losing a job, a friend asked her to drive to a Sunday Best competition in Washington, DC. She did and we know the rest is history in the making. The world heard her anointed voice. The gospel world loved her and so did the secular industry. Jessica had found God in her time of de12
spair. She realized her purpose and gospel music would be the way to spread God’s message of love to the masses. Jessica possessed an organic sound and unequivocal tones that would help her move through each point in this televised competition, BET’s Sunday Best. Week by week, she blew the minds of the judges with her emphatic jazz tones and moved up as her family rooted her on. Jessica didn’t win first place but second. That didn’t stop her. She continued to keep it moving and she is excited about things to come. She has a new album coming out entitled From the Heart. It will be in stores on September 27, 2011. K.I.M. Magazine sat down with Jessica to discuss her album, life, and path that God has chosen for her. K.I.M. Magazine: Jessica, you have a new album coming out on September 27, 2011 with Light Records. How does it feel? Jessica Reedy: Honestly, I don’t know yet. I don’t really know my emotions now. I am excited but at the same time, I just want to remain humble. K.I.M. Magazine: The album is entitled From the Heart? Why did you come up with this title? What does this mean to you?
K.I.M. Magazine.com September 2011
Jessica Reedy: I am grateful for what God has done in my life. Many people know my story through television, internet, or even my hometown. What has happened to me and for me? This never happens. This isn’t typical. It’s like I wake up in the morning and say do I really sing for a living. I told God if he showed me what to do, I would promise to be authentic in all that I do. I promised Him that it would be from my heart. No matter what my body is doing, God is still watching my heart. I never want to get up and sing just to sing. I really want people to be changed. And if people listen to my record and no one is changed, then I need to go back to the drawing board and fix something. I don’t want my album to just be good music with no inspiration and no direction. If that was the case, then I would sing R&B. I want my listeners to be inspired and gain direction. When the music runs out, I want them to know that they still can go to God with any issue that they have. I want God to be happy with my intent. K.I.M. Magazine: So who are some of the people you collaborated with to produce this album? Jessica Reedy: I worked with a group of very talented people like Eric Dawkins, Big Jim, who has worked with Michael Jackson and many others, Chuck Harmony, who has worked with Chrisette Michelle and Fantasia, Deon Kipping, Warren Campbell, and many more. It was an awesome experience. I did a song with Faith Evans as well.
bum, which would you say is your favorite? Jessica Reedy: I would have to say the track I love the most is “Always”. This song reminds me of my mother. It’s like even if I turned my back on my life and said things were too hard, and see where we are and what she has overcome and to see her daughter make it and be proud to this level of being proud, it makes me cry. So this song is my favorite, favorite song. K.I.M. Magazine: Many new artists have no creative control over their music. Were you able to assist in writing on your project? Jessica Reedy: Oh yes, this was the best process ever. I had an opportunity pick my own songs and do writing and arrangement. I thank God for that because a lot of artists have no choice in anything at all. K.I.M. Magazine: I know that you mentioned that you want to reach people through your music. What is the overall message that you want to get across. Is there a specific group that you are targeting?
Jessica Reedy: I have noticed that I have a broad range of listeners. The mature audience really loves me and the young audiences love my music because I am young. This helps me cover a great range. Whoever listens to my music or comes to my shows, I just want them to know that God loves them. I want K.I.M. Magazine: That is cool. The song with them to leave with that message if nothing else. Faith Evans was it like oh you did my album, so I You know I have been insecure most of my life, depressed, and lonely where I felt set apart with no will do a song on your album type thing? love. I have discovered God’s love to where if I am Jessica Reedy: No, actually Faith called me and not shown love, he reminds me that he loves me. told me that I could not close my album out without I came to a point where I stopped calling God my putting her on it. What could I say? I mean, that’s Lord. I call him daddy. He has been just that to me. Biggie’s wife. (lol) The song is called “Dr. Love”. Whatever I ask him for, he provides it. When I feel like I’m going through, my dad comes to my rescue K.I.M. Magazine: Out of all the songs on your al- every time. Continued on page 14...
K.I.M. Magazine.com September 2011
13
K.I.M. Magazine: I am sure this journey has not been easy. There are probably some friendships, relationships, and other things that have fallen off through this process. Is there anything that you would have changed about your journey that got you to this point? Jessica Reedy: I would say no. I say this because in my opinion, I make no mistakes. The Bible says, “Before the foundation of the world was put down, I knew you.” It was already planned out foot by foot. Every step that I have made was planned. I am learning and this is a part of the process. You can’t have a perfect past and yet you want to compel somebody to believe God. You haven’t been through anything. You don’t know anything. You are not sensitive to anything. You have the perfect family and the perfect life. We have raggedy lives and raggedy paths. God is taking these raggedy pieces and he is making this beautiful quilt. I have grown so much. I am a woman now. I am somebody’s mother. I am not even looking for a mate. I just want to know God. I want to know me and my child. I want to form and develop so that I can become something first before I start adding things and people. Sometimes God subtracts things out of our life and we try to add more. We can’t do that.
will also have labels come in as well to check out the talent. K.I.M. Magazine: I would be remiss not to mention BET’s Sunday Best show. You almost did not take the trip to audition. It was a last minute thing but you went. You made it through the long lines, the auditions, and the actual show. You came in second as the runner up 2009. There have been a few seasons on TV since then. Now when I ask around near or far about who their favorite singer was on Sunday Best, they say Jessica Reedy. You have went back on the show every season afterwards to sing and participate. How does it feel to become a BET fixture so to speak? Jessica Reedy: It’s amazing. Psalms 91 says, “He will give the angels charge over you”. I have like billions of angels guiding me. Every time, I walk into a room they are working on my behalf as God gives me favor. It’s nothing but favor. It is nothing that I am doing. There are good singers everywhere but my God favors me. He tells my angels to take care of my daughter and they have done just that.
*****************************************
K.I.M. Magazine: With your career and ministry taking off, what do you tell young people that say they want to do what you’re doing? We had a chance to listen to the album and let me just tell you that it stands in a class all by itself. You Jessica Reedy: A girl came up to me and told me know when your mom makes that homemade soup that she wants to be like me and I told her, “Don’t. I and she adds all those ingredients like seasonings, don’t want you to try to be like me. There are better meats, and vegetables to make that unbelievable people in the Bible to look up to like Jesus. Please good taste. Jessica takes jazz, blues, R&B, gospel, don’t make me your idol.” People fall short. Do not heart and soul to send a glorious sound from the put your trust in man, they will fall short every time heart. Let me just add. It is a great dish. She doesn’t but God will never let you down. We must make it a fit in a category. She just is. World get ready to point to never become puffed up and proud. hear God’s message in raw form as Jessica Reedy takes us on a musical journey. K.I.M. Magazine: So Jessica, you are a native of Saginaw. Do you have any plans to work with the Jessica’s CD will be in stores on September youth in the city of Saginaw? Do you have any up27th, 2011. She will have an album release coming projects? party in Saginaw, Michigan at the Temple Theatre is located at 203 N. Washington St. Red Jessica Reedy: I am glad that you asked that. I am Carpet starts at 6:00 PM. Admission is $ 10.00. working on a few things. I have a talent showcase Come out and show your support for Saginaw’s that I am working on called, The Big Show. This is own Jessica Reedy. going to be a vocal competition where they will be Call (989) 392-7618 for more information. judged by “celebrity judges” from the music indusVisit www.jessicareedymusic.com, try. My goal is to help people with their careers. We for performance dates and latest news. 14
K.I.M. Magazine.com September 2011
K.I.M. Magazine.com September 2011
15
Members of the (SVAALTI) Saginaw Valley Founder of SVAALTI, Jimmy Greene, Midland African American Leadership Alumni Loons mascot, and Jeffrey Bulls. representing their class number.
Newest members of SVAALTI, Parys Lidell & Ebony Daniel enjoying Corporate Leadership Day.
Pastor Smokie Norful (Left), Pastor Seon Thompson of Flint, MI (Ryan,along with Jessica Reedy perform in concert. Below: 42nd Saginaw African Cultural Festival at Morley Park (LtoR) 1) Charles McNair, 2) Chief Omowale Smith, 3)Cirven Merrill, 4)Doc Smith 5) Lauralean Beatty 6) Sojourner Truth Community Theatre members: 1) Corey Pritchett, Wendell Parker, Founder: Talata Dorsey, and Chris Harvey
16
K.I.M. Magazine.com September 2011
Y
oung Black Professionals
Ryan McBride is a native of Saginaw, MI. He graduated from the University of Michigan, where he majored in English Language and Literature. Since 2010, he has worked for the University of Michigan’s Center for Educational Outreach as a college advisor. The program that he works in is called the Michigan College Advising Corps. This job allows Ryan to work at Saginaw High School with teachers, staff, and students to build a stronger college-going culture. Ryan loves his job because it allows him to help students (grades 9-12) complete college applications and generally help students navigate all aspects of the college going process. “I enjoy watching students pursue post- secondary education because I know it will allow them to empower themselves and ultimately allow them to create a positive future,” Ryan shares. In his spare time, Ryan enjoys reading, creative writing, sports and spending time with family and friends. He likes volunteering in his community as well. When asked by K.I.M. Magazine who and what helps him to keep it moving, he stated God and his family. “If I could tell a young person about life, I would tell them to keep God first and work hard to develop their talents, skills, abilities so they can reach their full potential. Edu c atio n allows you to empower your dreams.”
Congratulations to the winners of the
Tell it! youth speaking course It is great to have programs that teach our youth confidence and skills. The City of Light Community Development Corporation created the Tell It! Youth Speaking Course. This is a 9 week course that shows youth ages 5-21 on how to become an effective public speaker. This program was held at Kingdom Life Ministries in Saginaw, MI. Throughout the course, participants learn how to overcome nervousness, how to debate, how to conduct interviews, and much more. At the end of the course, there is a speech competition. The winners will host a streaming radio show where they will take what they have learned and put it into action. The show will discuss topics relevant to youth and issues of the world. They will be given a hands on approach in developing this radio show. K.I.M. Magazine had an opportunity to interview the first place winner, Anthony McGregor and runner up, A’rya Jones. Anthony is a 16 year old senior at Heritage High School. He told us that he learned the different aspects of speaking. His speech was entitled’ “Education is a Deposit on Your Future. Bank on It!” In his spare time he plays sports. He is also a member of his school debate team. “Taking this course helped me polish my skills even more”, shared Anthony. A’rya is a 2nd grader at North Saginaw Charter Academy. “I learned to not be afraid when speaking and that I must speak with boldness”, she explained. When speaking in public you want to slow down and take your time. The most important thing is to have fun. Tammy Nash, mother of A’ryah, and Melanye McGregor, mother of Anthony, both agree that it’s important to involve your children in different programs to broaden their outlook on life. Ms. McGregor told us that you never know what your child is good at if you don’t involve them in different programs. Samona Perry is the founder of The City of Light Community Development Corporation. For future course dates, please call (989) 799-0153.
K.I.M. Magazine.com September 2011
17
As Seen In Clarkston, MI
Soul Journey
Jill Scott's Summer Block Party Tour at the DTE Music Theatre. Thousands came out to enjoy great music by Jill, Anthony Hamilton and more. Pick up her new album today.
18
Dark or light Wrong or right Dirty or clean Sounds elementary But really it’s honest simplicity Fine line between all of them Choices given Choices made Unjust Just Just a lie Just the truth Deviating from what is right In accordance with what is good Not seeking perfection Such a thing is untangible Simply waiting for reciprocity Is such a thing tangible? We were created with it Some bury it Some ignore it Some are afraid to use it
Some hide from it behind their fabricated walls of deceit Trying not to succumb to the numbness creeping up silently each time a lie rises to the surface Insane sanity Can this exsist? Ambiguous Frankly trying not to go nuts Hate Love Hating to love Optimism being overturned by pessimism Sub-conciously
Honest Simplicity
By: Rebbecca McMillan, poet and freelance journalist based in Michigan K.I.M. Magazine.com September 2011
reed between the lines
New Show A blended family with an Series Psychologist and English Premier Professor as mom and dad October children growing up in today’s 11 ever-changing society, and a family friend who has not been so lucky tuesdays in love. starring 10 pm/9c Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Tr acee Ellis Ross
K.I.M. Magazine.com September 2011
19
Tupac Shakur 1971- 1996
20
September 13, 2011 marks the 15th anniversary of Tupac Shakur’s death, a life that ended all too soon. He was a griot, a profilic poet, and one of the best rappers of our time. He is our black Elvis. We remember where we were when we heard the news. Even the hip hop stations stopped the music til he took his last breath. We refused to believe it. We refused to let him die. His music continued to come out even after death. He had so much to say in such a short time. He changed the rap game. Even though he led a life of drama and took gangsta rap to another level, his life showed us what not to do. He showed us that beefs are worthless and can end life all too soon. His music still inspires us to this day. Songs like “Keep Ya Head Up”, and “Dear Mama” motivated us to do and be more. Yes, the world still wants to know. Who shot Tupac?
K.I.M. Magazine.com September 2011
Upcoming Events
October 5th @ the Dow Event Center in Saginaw, MI. Visit www.doweventcenter.com.
Saints, Sinners and Soul Friday, September 30, 2011 5:30 - 9:00 p.m.
Enjoy southern cuisine & wine Soul music with Sharrie Williams Silent & Live auctions The evening will feature the musical talents of Saginaw native Sharrie Williams, known as the Princess of Rockin’ Gospel Blues. Also that evening, the Harry Bertoia, Abstract Drawings exhibition of 30 stunning works by artist Harry Bertoia, will open at the Museum. Tickets to Saints, Sinners and Soul are $80 for an individual or two for $150 and can be purchased in advance by calling (989) 964-7082. Tickets also may be purchased at the door. Proceeds from the gala benefit support exhibitions and educational programs at the Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum, located on the campus of Saginaw Valley State University at 7400 Bay Road, Saginaw, MI. Fox Theatre - Detroit, MI Visit www. olympiaentertainment.com
For more information , call (989) 964-7125.
K.I.M. Magazine.com September 2011
21
Advance Tickets $ 7.00 @ Door $ 10.00 Amateurs Only
Auditions on Oct.3rd & 4th @ 6:00-8:00PM
@ Sojourner Truth Community Theatre
To register your group or for tickets, call (989) 397-5616 Pick Up Entry Form @ Theatre Limited Seating 22
K.I.M. Magazine.com September 2011
K.I.M. Magazine.com September 2011
23
{
24
K.I.M. Magazine.com September 2011