SOUNDS OF THE TRUMPET AWARDS
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MAGAZINE
TABLE OF CONTENTS Presenting Isabelle Doll-Ngcobo Publisher’s Page Letters to the Editor Education: The Pearson Education Tablet UNCF Awards Feature Story: Selma Food for the Soul Travel: Rediscover Uganda Soweto Street Dancers Art: Portrait of the Artist—Jeromyah Jones Life: Introducing Kebra Moore Oasis Speaks: When Enough is Enough Fashion Introducing Remy Toh Hair: Whip My Hair Entertainment; The 2015 Trumpet Awards Spotlight on Lillie McCloud
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The magazine of Fashion, Arts, Entertainment, Religion, Health Beauty, Fitness, Life
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CAROLYN HERRING-MOORE Founder and Editor-In-Chief
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Barry Riley Senior Editor of Food for Soul Michael Angelo Chester Designer
Zakia Furgan Managing Editor Isabelle Doll-Ngcobo International Public Relations Consultant News Editor/Public Relations
PHOTOGRAPHERS Juan Coley Stephonia Taylor Mclinn Dirk Thomas
Susan Samuel Senior Editor of Edu-Diva
BUSINESS CONSULTANTS Denise Fussell Brenda Kitchens Rebecca Watkins Audrey Kee Wilson
Monica Waters Marketing Madesta Jackson Fashion Editor/Photographer & Cover Photo
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Presenting
Isabelle Doll-Ngcobo
O
asis Montagé Magazine is happy to welcome Isabelle Doll-Ngcobo to the team. As International correspondent, Ngcobo covers national news. Ngcobo is an artistic director, choreographer, and co-owner of Soweto Street Beat Theater Inc. Ngcobo is from Johannesburg, South Africa. At age 7 years old, she found a love for the art of dancing and education. Ms. Ngcobo major accomplishment is Masters degree in Anthropology. Currently, Ngcobo has a certification as an instructor and is a lifelong professional dancer. She has been teaching for over 25 years and enjoys all forms of dance from salsa to the African Diaspora. Isabelle is a sought after choreographer and a master instructor. She conducts master dance classes and workshops around the world. Isabelle’s accomplishments include journalism and broadcasting. As an International media correspondent, Ngcobo contributes to different organizations in the media
to include magazines, television, radio, blogs and websites. While in the media, Ngcobo has interviewed celebrities, politicians, and authors. Ngcobo’s performing arts includes dance at the Coco Cola World Cultural Festival, Walt Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Miss America USA, Miss World Pageant, Mardi Gras and the National Black Arts Festival. Ngcobo has worked with various artists including Michael Jackson, Tina Turner, Toni Braxton, Gladys Knight, Usher and many more. Her dance work also includes Atlanta Ballet Company, Alvin Alley, Dance Theatre of Harlem, and Cleopatra Robinson Dance Company. In 1990 and 1991, Ngcobo was nominated for Best Contemporary Choreographer at the Dance Umbrella Vita Awards in South Africa. Coming this fall of 2015, Ngcobo and founder of Oasis Montage Magazine, Carolyn Moore will be hosting the Oasis Montage Magazine talk show on Comcast.
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MAGAZINE
A
s a people, we have come a long way and farther to go. We are entering a time when the heart has not healed from the pain of the past. In this issue, President Barrack Obama has come together with leaders to bridge the pain of the past. We are excited that Oasis Montagé Magazine has overcome some hurdles in the publishing industry. We have taken a step into elevation with a new distribution company, as well as new partners, and a new Atlanta office location. We have been blessed with great investors and great business partners. This new team of editors, educators, marketing team, photographers, and publicist, are encompassed with masterminds full of creativity. In this issue, we are going to take you back to the time of overcoming voting rights in Selma to the importance of National United Negro College Fund. This issue features fashion favorites, black artist, artist album releases, to hair care for black men. When its time to shout for joy, we know that the Trumpet Awards honors our business owners and music in the industry. You are going to smile when you read about the new tools that enhance the growth of our children with a new P.E.T., an edutablet. This new invention is sweeping the nation with raving reviews of higher education. This summer, let us always remember who we are and honor our heritage with a family reunion. Tomorrow is not promised to us and we should celebrate today with our love ones. Let us keep our nation in prayer as we sit back relax and enjoy the peaceful journey of Oasis Montagé Magazine. Pastor Marcus & Carolyn Moore, Founders Oasisspeaks45@aol.com
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR I truly enjoyed the Whitney Houston’s collector issue of Oasis Montagé Magazine. Whitney passing away was a tragedy. She was truly a queen with such an angelic voice.
Rosanne Johnson North Carlina
I grew up on Whitney Houston. The article on her was very interesting. I did not know she was friends with DeBarge. I read that she had reached out to him because they have the same drug problem. I love them both, and it is sad that their lives by drugs. I do not blame Bobby Brown for her abusive behavior. We all have choices. Jesse Jones Denver, CO
It was great that you added the books to the collector’s issue of the magazine. I thought it was interesting because a lot of authors don’t get the exposure they need. I am an author, and I spent a lot of money trying to get my message out regarding my life story. I shared my message as a Domestic Violence survivor. It is my ministry is to help others by using my testimony. I was excited to see my book in the publication. Thank you so much, April Laland Atlanta, GA
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I am amazed at how much information was put in the magazine. I am a follower of the Stellar Awards, and I love the gospel artist that were honored. The industry is tough and I grew up in the churches knowing some of the artist. I attended the Stellars when Vershawn Mitchell won several awards. He is new, but he made such an impact on that song, “Nobody Greater.” Inger Guinn, Louisville, KY
Congratulations on such an inspirational magazine. When I saw this magazine in the Post Exchange in Hanau, Germany, I loved it. It is wonderful that so much is put in this editorial. I am amazed that a woman’s magazine is making such a strong message that educates, impacts and empowers we women. We need that. Jordan Smith Hanau Germany
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The Pearson
Key Marketing Points:
• International School Appearances • Out Door Billboard Placements • International Press Coverage • Picture Marketing Campaign • Mascot Steve B. Poster Displays • Schools Music Tours • Key endorsements from Political Officials • Television Appearances • Viral Social Media Video Ad Campaign • Parental Involvement • The PET Rally Learning is Cool Campaign • School Blog /News • E-mail and Text Message Marketing • Create Teacher Lesson Plans 8
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Education Tablet
The Pearsons
T
he PET was designed by Dr. Nono C. Pearson the founder and CEO of United Vision Marketing Firm. He and his wife, Susan Pearson are excited about introducing the PET as a strong learning tool for children. Dr. Pearson was once an at risk youth, high school dropout who was diagnosed with ADHD, because of his discovery of the importance of education, Dr. Pearson has developed products and programs that are designed to bring down the cost of education and help students learn more by engaging them on a digital platform. Unlike any other tablet The PET creates a culture that learning is “cool” built with all in one features for students and educators to create a sustainable learning environment for schools around the world.
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UNCF Awards
Photos by Stephonia Taylor Mclinn
Iconic Evening of Entertainment Hosted by Anthony Anderson and Featuring Today’s Hottest Talent! UNCF An Evening of Stars® 36th installment of the hallmark show. This event raises dollars and awareness for minority education. Anthony Anderson will again join today’s hottest and most recognizable stars to support UNCF and education. Stars include singers Toni Braxton, Usher, Morris Day and cast from hot new television show Empire. A weekend of celebrity-filled events that highlight the importance of education and raising funds to help provide students with the support they need to get to and through college. .
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UNCF Awards
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UNCF Awards
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Musical Inspirational Stage Play coming to Orlando, Tampa, and Miami. “A Family Divided” depicts the story of The Calloway’s, a singing Gospel Family that is suddenly faced with the loss of their Mother Corrine, the strong force that holds the Calloway Family’s strength. Faced with adversity, Willie “Pops”, a controlling father is tested by his 6 children who challenge his morals and his beliefs to the point of the family dividing over what he feels are unforgivable acts from the past and the present. “A Family Divided” follows The Calloway’s through their journey to unconditional love and acceptance. For more information contact playwright Denise Fussell 770-374-3686 OASIS/Montage July • August 2015 13
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I
n a speech at the foot of the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma Alabama, is where 50 years ago police beat and teargased protesters. President Obama issued his call to action in front of the First Family, a 100 members of Congress, President George Bush, Selma’s Mayor George Evans, and a crowd that estimated 40.000. President Obama asked a cheering crowd, “What could be more American than what happened in this place.” It is the actual date of the 50th Anniversary of Bloody Sunday, March 7, 2015. “We gather here to honor the courage of ordinary Americans who was willing to endure Billy clubs and chastening rods tear gas trampling men and women who besides the gush and splintered bones would stay true to their north star and stay the course for justice.” says Obama.
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Madesta Jackson
Madesta Jackson
By Isabelle Doll Ngcobo
Madesta Jackson
Madesta Jackson
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After speaking, Obama crossed the Pettis Bridge, linked arms with John Lewis, First Lady Michelle Obama, daughters Sasha and Malia, George W. Bucsh, and House Majority Leader. Later that evening on the 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, President Barack Obama with the Congressional Gold Medal Award, honored all the foot soldiers that marched from Selma to Montgomery. Danny Glover was the master of ceremony and entertainment for the evening was the worldrenowned Soweto Street Beat dancers and drummers from South Africa. Politicians, Celebrities, Church leaders, all joined in to celebrate the Gold Jubilee of the 50th Anniversary of Bloody Sunday. Rosa Park’s stamp was also unveiled that evening. .Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of Bloody Sunday was a reminder that in order to Celebrate the present, we must relive the past of Martin Luther King jr, John Lewis, Jessie Jackson, Dr. C.T Vivian, Andrew Young, Hosea Williams, the foot soldiers and other freedom fighters sacrificed. The struggle for full equality for all men and women still continues in our nation. Selma was a reminder that it was not just important for America, but for all people struggling for equal rights.
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Dirk Thomas
Madesta Jackson
The atmosphere was full of inspiration, renewed hope and courage with tales of heartache of true stories of how ordinary Americans would change the course of history in America. The speech of America’s first black president in Selma Alabama came at a time when racial discrimination in the United States still made regular headlines. Obama showed solidarity to those who marched alongside Congressman John Lewis who was one of the organizers that partook in the historic march in Selma in 1965. Civil Rights Icon John Lewis was beaten so hard his skull was fractured. Standing side by side on the Edmund Pettis Bridge with President Obama was John Lewis who spoke before the president and said. “This city on the banks of the Alabama River, gave birth to a movement that changed this nation forever. Our country will never, ever be the same again of what happened on the bridge.” Selma is instead the manifestation of a creed written into our funding documents, “We the people in order for a more perfect union. We hold truth to be self evident that all men are created equal.” These are not just words Obama said, they’re a living thing. They are words of A Call to Action, a roadmap for citizenship and an insistence in capacity of free men and women to stage our own destiny.”
Madesta Jackson
Dirk Thomas
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Food for the Soul! By Chef Barry Riley
SMOKED SALMON INGREDIENTS • Salmon • Olive Oil • Liquid smoke • Italian dressing • Onions • Peppers
Take 2 pieces of salmon about 8 ounces and marinate them and 1 Cup of liquid smoke 1 Cup of Italian dressing for 3 hours then take salmon and put them on Charbroil grill and cook them for 30 minutes turning them every 10 minutes until salmon steak evenly through and through sauté dice onions and peppers and place them on top.
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STUFFED CHICKEN BREAST INGREDIENTS • Chicken Breast • Garlic Powder • Sea Salt and Pepper • Olive Oil • Goat Cheese • Feta Cheese • Green and Red Peppers • Onions
Stuffed chicken breast take two 10 ounce steak chicken breast make a incision about two and a half inches long in about 2 inches deep that creates a pocket take chicken breast and season inside and out with garlic powder seasoning salt pepper, 2 cups olive oil which will create hey marinade 4 about 2 hours take fresh spinach sauté with minced garlic have a cup of olive oil sea salt and pepper you mix spinach with goat cheese and feta cheese which called making a stuffing you take about I have cup of stuffing and place it into the pocket of the chicken breast then you raise the chicken breast on cooking sheet and cook for 30-45 minutes then top with peppers and onions with a lemon cream sauce with heavy cream 2 cups of lemon juice salt and pepper and serve.
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r e v o isc
D e R
a g U
! a nd By Kitty Pope
T
he day after the 2014 Uganda-Africa Travel Association Congress was over, our group ventured to Jinja, a town on the Northern shores of Lake Victoria only about a fifty mile road drive from the capital city of Kampala where we were staying. We were headed to Jinja to visit the Source of the River Nile, the longest river in Africa. I was so excited to go because I had always associated the River Nile with the Holy Bible. So I also expected this to be a spiritual adventure because of its biblical implications. Jinja is internationally known for being the home of the Source of the Nile River, the place where the Nile starts according to the findings of John Speke, the first European Explorer who is credited with discovering it. Located just a few meters from Lake Victoria, the source is an area where thirty per cent of the water comes from underground. With bubbles at this spot indicating that there is water coming from deep below, here is where the Nile starts and increases its intensely as it flows vigorously over rocks and gorges. On the banks of the Nile is the Speke Monument that is built on the spot where the explorer first stood when he discovered the source. Declared one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Africa, the River Nile is about 6696km
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long and pours its water into over nine countries. Although it is mostly centered to Uganda and Egypt, this world famous river also runs through Sudan, Burundi, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Zair and Ethiopia. The Nile has contributed a lot to the modernization of Uganda and the livelihood of the people. As a source of energy, it provides power and its dam gives electricity to the country. The ride to Jinja was very pleasant. Because the Eastern District region is one of multiculturalism, it was enchanting watching diverse communities of people going about their routines. Along the roads we also saw sugar and the tea estates that have become tourist attractions. In the areas surrounding Jinja are mini-markets and craft shops, where community groups make baskets, crafts and other Ugandan souvenirs. Because agriculture thrives on the fertile soils around Jinja, there were many markets along the roads where you can get fresh produce. When we arrived at the banks of the River Nile, we were greeted by Uganda’s top tourism officials including the Minister of Tourism Dr. Maria Mutagamba, Tourism CEO Stephen Asimwe and ATA Uganda Chapter President Ms. Susan Muhwezi. Permanent Representative of the African Union Mission to the USA H.E. Amina S. Ali was also in attendance. Some VIPs from the United States including Liberia’s Consul General Cynthia Blandford and HartsfieldJackson Atlanta Int. Airport Director of Public Affairs Myrna White were on hand. The Uganda officials gave opening remarks and welcomed us to Jinja and the River Nile. We then participated in a tree planting ceremony before we boarded for our cruise down the River Nile. We planted different kinds of trees on the banks of the Nile. The tree that each of us planted was named after us. Our names would be placed beside the tree as a part of the dedication ceremony. When you go to the River Nile, look for my tree with the name “Kitty” beside it. I certainly will look for mine and some of the others when I go back to Uganda. After the tree planting ceremony, we were ready for our cruise on the Nile. We were cruising down Nile River to have lunch at Jinja Sailing Club, a neat, swanky restaurant on the banks overlooking the Nile. Before boarding took pictures at a small monument where a bronze bust of Mahatma Gandhi is erected. The monument and a small memorial garden is there because some of Gandhi’s ashes are said to have been scattered here at the Nile River. Besides this monument, there craft shops with all type souvenirs along the banks. We also got to witness a boat race on the Nile while we were waiting to board. Getting ready to board for the cruise had become an adventure in itself. My excitement heightened as we prepared to set sail down this legendary river. We started down the first stretch of the Nile’s whitewater which was rather calm. The waters of the Nile became more raging as we continued our cruise. The beautiful sceneries along the way were breathtaking where we observed lush vegetation, greenery and fauna. The popular Bujagali Falls is located on the Nile River. The
sight of the raging Nile waters shimmering through the lush vegetation and the waterfalls as a backdrop was very exhilarating. Cruising the Nile, I saw many areas where you could do picnics, camp or bird watch. Bujagali Falls offer great opportunities for watching birds particularly the weaver birds. I got a glimpse of serene beaches that seemed undisturbed by tourist as well as a beautiful golf course. We arrived at the Jinja Sailing Club where we enjoyeda superb lunch that included fresh fish and a buffet of all types of vegetables, fruits and beef. I also got to sample matoke, a special type of banana covered with ground peanut sauce which is a staple dish in Uganda. There was also Posho, finely ground corn served with soup that is another popular dish.Afterwards we boarded our vans for the short drive back to Kampala. For me this was a day well-spent because I’ve always wanted to do the River Nile which proved to live up to my fantasies about it. There are so many adventurous activities to do on the River Nile. In addition to boating and cruising, people go to enjoy all types of water sports from rafting to tubing to kayaking. You can walk nature trails along the banks, go horseback riding or do the ATV Quad bikes for some real driving adventure. If you have the nerve, there is bungee jumping. And of course, you can get in some fishing. In fact Jinja was once a fishing village in the early days. Today there is the Masese Fish Factory that many tourists like to visit. When visiting Uganda, a trip to Jinga is something you must include because the River Nile is vacationer’s paradise in itself. There is much to do in Jinja besides the adventure activities on the Nile. There are cultural sites and agricultural industries that you can visit in the District of Jinja. Historic sites include the palace of the Busoga Kings at Nakabango, Bujjagali Ancestral Cultural Site and Mpumudde Hill, the historical place where the chiefs of Busoga used to assemble. Many tourists like to check out some of the industries here like Kakira Sugar Works, Jinja Grain Millers, Garden Tea Industries and Jinja Steel Rolling Mills. These facilities are worth touring if you want to really learn about life in Jinja. When visiting Jinja, you can also stay right here in the town. You do not have to go back to Kampala as we did because Jinja has a wide range of resorts, hotels and also guest houses. Also be sure to check out some of the great restaurants and coffee shops around town. You can also get in a little shopping at the stores and markets where you can find whatever items you need. Jinja also boasts of a vibrant and robust nightlife for entertainment. The Nile Special, tooted as the best beer in East Africa, is produced in Jinja where thebrewery is situated right at the Source of the Nile. With so much to do in Jinja, it is no wonder that this town ranks next to the Ugandan capital city of Kampala in terms of commercial activity. For more information on Jinja and visiting Uganda, go to www.VisitUganda.com.
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Soweto Street Dancers
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Portrait of the Artist
Jeromyah Jones The Art of Life through the Love of Art paintings, portraits, murals, prints 804-266-5261 P.O. Box 9391, Richmond, VA 23227-0391 www.jeromewjonesjr.com email: artofj@netzero.net
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Grand Spirit
Spiritual Medicine
Kevin Durant
BB King and Jerome Jones Jr.
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Introducing
Kebra Moore
B
y design, life wasn’t intended to be fair. Good things happen to bad people and bad things happen to good people. By human nature, if we continually do good deeds, live a life that is driven by high morals, and commit ourselves to a selfish lifestyle whose impetus is based upon altruistic and philanthropic principles then, by default, we should be exempt (or at least expect to be) from the most draconian circumstances that life has to offer. Sadly, this has never been nor probably ever will be the case. Unfortunately, it is one of those curve balls of life that we are helpless to defend against. Thankfully, what we can exert control over is how we deal with these situations. The story of Kebra Moore is a glaring example of how someone who is subjected to even the most inimical circumstances can still prevail triumphantly and, in like kind, send life’s curve ball sailing over the centerfield wall.Jinja is internationally known for being the home of the Source of the Nile River, the place where the Nile starts according to the findings of John Speke, the first European Explorer who is credited with discovering it. Located just a few meters from Lake Victoria, the source is an area where thirty per cent of the water comes from underground. With bubbles at this spot indicating that there is water coming from deep below, here is where the Nile starts and increases its intensely as it flows vigorously over rocks and gorges. On the banks of the Nile is the Speke Monument that is built on the spot where the explorer first stood when he discovered the source.
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In 1999 the world was Kebra’s oyster and she was determined to make pearls of it. Vibrant, beautiful, determined, intelligent, and with a voice that could stop traffic, she was at the beginning of a career that showed great potential and even more promise. Then life, looking to make an example of one God’s chosen, reared its ugly head. On Christmas Eve of that year Kebra was traveling back from New Orleans to Arkansas with her 14-month old son and fiancé to make final arrangements for their upcoming wedding in just a couple of weeks. Their car was involved in a devastating accident that miraculously did no harm to her son and fiancé but, unfortunately, left her as a paraplegic. That is where, as Kebra boldly stated, “the devil messed up badly. He should have killed me.” She recounts how when she was becoming a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. at Claflin University that she had to learn the poem Invictus by Sir William Earnest Henley. During the most arduous episodes of her ordeal she would constantly recite the last verse of that poem and Luke 1:37, one of her favorite Bible verses: “I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul” and “With God, nothing is impossible.” In an earlier interview Kebra, once stated, “It’s funny how life tries to grab you by the reigns and dictate the terms of your life based on a single traumatic event, but for me I am a God fearing woman and I don’t expect life to be a bed of roses. It wasn’t for Jesus and he was perfect, so why should I be an exclusion to the rule?” Kebra’s accident (or blessing as she now refers to it) instilled in her an even greater resolve and determination. Failing was clearly not an option. As a matter of fact, her accident accelerated her determined mindset to beat the odds. Her husband jokingly once said, “Keb was always a busy body and constantly on the go and now that God has replaced her legs with wheels, I often find myself completely out of breath just trying to keep up with her…and I’m a Marine Master sergeant!” As a songstress, writer, and musician, today you can find Kebra traveling throughout the US on various motivational speaking campaigns and singing engagements. Her slogan,
“Ability Not Disability,” speaks to her life of not making excuses but seizing opportunities. As Miss Wheelchair Mississippi 2013, Kebra has made it her mission to raise awareness not only for service members or people with physical or mental disabilities, but also for addressing the youth and young women throughout America; on living a God-first life. She even gained national acclaim as being the cover girl of triumph and success. Her debut single “Beautiful”, which also appeared on BET and TBN, captures the beauty in all humanity. For Kebra, beauty is not confirmative to what the world mandates, that mold has to be broken. “It is important to embrace the beauty, talent, style, and character that not just celebrates the uniqueness of you, but most importantly, the uniqueness of the God in you.” Recognized for her beautiful voice, Kebra has had the great fortune to appear on the Dr. Bobby Jones’ Gospel Hour. In addition to having her many accomplishments mentioned in F.A.M.U.’s African American studies text From Imagining to Understanding the African American Experience, her song “Troubles,” was nominated for B.E.T.’s Music Award for Best Gospel Song and Video. It is likely that at some point, perhaps even in a city near you, that Kebra will be speaking on the goodness of life, in spite of. In January 2014, she launched her Beautiful Campaign; which places attention on educating people who have suffered injuries such as hers and that their disability is not a state of the body, rather a state of the mind. “This year as I travel throughout the US meeting people in injury hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and disability expos, I want them to see that success moves far beyond a pair of arms or legs. There is so much more to transcending expectations than having the ability to standing upright. God never intended it that way and as long as there is breath in my body, I will forever be campaigning to the world that everyone is “uniquely you” and if your mind can conceive it, your body, regardless its condition, can achieve it.” Well said, Kebra. Well said. And whether you are standing to your feet or sitting in a wheelchair, your success and determination deserves a resounding ovation.
…I am a God fearing woman and I don’t expect I don’t expect life to be a bed of roses. It wasn’t for Jesus and he was perfect, so why should I be an exclusion to the rule?
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Oasis Speaks:
WHEN
Enough IS Enough By Clare Jones
O
rganization, Oasis Speaks,” is a non-profit organization. This organization helps victims of domestic violence receive counseling, and provide resources for support while victims go through transition of stability. The organization provides trainings and motivational speaking. They provide trainings for safety planning, community resources, restraining orders, mentorship, court advocacy and provide counseling for families. Carolyn Moore is a motivational speaker for Oasis Speaks. Moore’s presentations relate to her personal story of being a survivor of domestic violence and her life after abuse. Moore says, “In my daily walk, I stay close to the Lord and I “Let your light so shine before men that they may see my Good works and Glorify Him which is in Heaven. Matt 5:16.” Although Moore had a horrible abusive past, she knows her testimony will help others. She has turned her abuse into a positive tool to educate and empower victims to find refuge and a safe haven. Carolyn’s presentations include skits and full theatrical productions about domestic violence. Her most recent sold-out production, “Women Shoptalk while Real Men Wait,” is a true-life story about Moore’s violent domestic life. She uses theatrical productions to help others visually see how abuse can be fatal. You can find more about Moore’s story in her book, “When Enough is Enough.” To purchase her book, go to Barnes and Nobles, contact Xlibris.com or order on Amazon.com. To book Carolyn Moore, please email her at oasisspeaks45@aol.com or call 813-528-7855.
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Images from
Carolyn Herring Moore’s
motivational and inspirational play,
WOMEN SHOPTALK WHILE REAL MEN WAIT
Photos By Juan Coley
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Fashion
Photos By Madesta Jackson
Model wearing blue and white flower print dress with white bolero jacket
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Model wearing floor length strip print dress with pink and yellow shawl
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Model wearing black and white poke-a-dot pocketed dress with black bolero jacket
Model wearing 2 piece black skirt set accented with belt
Model wearing a shimmered black gown
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Models left to right model wearing printed red, white & blue dress.
Model wearing yellow and black printed top and yellow jeans
Models wearing shades of green: ruffle halter dress, see-thru accented pleates, lace shorts with see-thru layered top
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Photos By Juan Coley
Blessona Moore is wearing a one-piece leopard print halter dress and 2-piece turquoise halter and full length matching skirt
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Introducing
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Remy Toh
Photo By Madesta Jackson
orn in Africa’s Ivory Coast and raised in Paris, Remy Toh began modeling for leading designers before pursuing his dream of being a men’s bespoke sartorial fashion stylist. For the past three decades, Remy’s passion has been to create timeless images for gentlemen via sartorial styles. Remy was inspired to immigrate to the United States for a better life. He landed in New York speaking only French, his native language. Through unfortunate circumstances he became homeless and fell ill while trying to live on the streets. He was healed through the help of a guardian angel. A mysterious woman, who took him under her wing and nursed him back to health, then disappeared. Remy never knew her identity. While in New York, Remy worked for Valentino Garavani, styling high-profile industry magnates, and top celebrities including John F. Kennedy, Jr. as well as a number of professional athletes and media moguls. He has done personal styling for Grammy Award winner, George Benson. Remy has been a fashion feature editor for UMEN magazine and fashion director for Sonoran Living. He has appeared on Phoenix affiliates of NBC, ABC and FOX 10. Legends of Style by Remy Toh, is the ultimate fashion book and sartorial guide for men. Focused on fashion for the past three decades, Remy used his experience in working for top designers such as Valentino, styling and artistry for various publications including UMEN (a publication in the Middle East), modeling on the runways in Paris, London, New York, and Japan. For over 30 years he has been a sartorial fashion stylist to celebrities, athletes, politicians and industry moguls. Remy’s passion to create timeless images for high profile gentlemen through fashion is captured in this 250-page full color coffee table book. He hopes that this book can help any man, with any body type, learn to dress in a timeless style to enhance his image and confidence.
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Wendy Sheppard, Rodney Williams, Carolyn Moore, the Bynum girls. the Moore children and Child survivors of abuse from foster care homes in Fayetteville, NC
By Wendy Sheppard • Photos By Carolyn Moore
Whip M My Hair
ommy I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to do it.” “Do what babygirl?” “I whooped her butt for peeing on herself, then when I was ironing, she asked if it was hot, so I let her arm touch it and she got burnt. I bet she won’t touch an iron again.” According to the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System statistics. In 2005, an estimated 3.3 million referrals of child abuse or neglect were received by federal and child protective service agencies. Out of that 3.3 million reports, 899,000 children were confirmed to be victims of abuse or neglect (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2007). That equates to about 12 children out of 1,000 in the United States were found to be victims. Children are jewels and were not created by accident. God did not create us to be abused, neglected or be mistreated. Every year, Oasis Montage Magazine sponsors a domestic violence fundraising event. Events include conferences, plays, and fashion shows. Whip My Hair, the hit song sung by Willow Smith, was loved and was an enjoyment for the children. The song was the theme for a hair and fashion show to raise funds for the “Still Hurts” Foundation of Atlanta, Georgia. This event raised enough money to supply clothing and to help the foundation keep the children housed with stability and counseling. The fashion show included children in foster care homes and it gave them a strong selfesteem. The creative hair styles were donated by local cosmetologist and the children not only enjoyed the show, but the show gave them a “feel good about me” feeling. This is a show that they will always remember.
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The 2015 23rd
Trumpet Awards
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By Isabelle Doll Ngcobo Photos By Madesta Jackson & Blessona Moore
he 23rd Annual Trumpet Awards Ceremony was held at the Cobb Energy Center in Suburban Atlanta on January 24, 2015. Celebrities, presenters, honorees, sponsors and VIP’s walked the red carpet saluting African American achievements. Trumpet awards Founder, CEO Xernona Clayton, who was alongside with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. says, “Our lives have not been told in full and I wanted to tell and educate our children and adults about our rich past.” Celebrities and attendees came dressed to impress. The
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red carpet was graced with black beauty, elegance and pride. Xernona Clayton looking exquisite, was flanked by her husband judge Paul Brady. To name a few, the red carpet also included Ambassador Andrew Young and his wife Carolyn Young, as well as hostess Laila Ali, Jamie Fox, Janele Monae, Roland Martin and Cathy Hughes. The Trumpet Awards musical sensations were performed by artist Johnny Gill, the Bar-Kays, Dazz Band and Con Funk Shun. Enjoy as you view our images of a memorable 23rd Annual Trumpet Awards.
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Spotlight on Lillie McCloud
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Words and Images By Carolyn Herring-Moore
illie McCloud resident of Orlando, Florida, is a phenomenal 57 year old, recording artist. This woman has an adoring love for children with heart of gold. She is a successful music artist from the 80’s and 90’s. She is well known for being the finalist of X-Factor. A family secret: the Orlando resident is actually Nicole McCloud, an R&B singer with some success in the music industry in the ‘80s and ‘90s. Lillie has performed with Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Bruce Springsteen and Kool and the Gang. Lillie’s top 10 hits on U.S. dance charts started in 1985 with “Don’t You Want My Love” and in 1994 she was No. 3 on the charts with song, “Runnin’ Away.” In 2002, her son on the charts was, “Search’n,” This song was nominated for the International Dance Awards. When Lillie was on X-Factor, Kelly Rowland and Paulina Rubio were judges along with Simon. When performing on X-Factor, the theme song sung by the Supremes, “Aint No
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Mountain High Enough,” became a theme for Lillie. When auditioning on X-Factor, Lillie made such an impression on the judges their emotions asked the question, ‘Where have you been?’ Lillie made her acting debut in the national performing stage play, Women shoptalk while real men wait, March, 2015. There she played the leading role of Destiny, the character sister of 4 that left from singing in her church choir to performing in nightclubs. The character Destiny is also the sister that has jungle fever, in love with a white guy from her younger years in highschool. This of course is a familiar story to Lillie who engaged to white guy Terry, who too has been following Lillie to all her performances in both the U.S. and Europe. Lillie latest new release, Red Apples, hits the billboard with her release party May 17, 2015. For more information, go to Lillie’s website at: www.lillienicolemmcloud.com
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