CONTENTS JANUARY-MARCH 2011
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I’m Every Woman Denise Mose shares her story of how Simply “D” became Simply “D”
24 20 Space Coast Honorees 8 State Wide Honorees 36 Tools for Graduation
Did You Say Champagne? By Steven King
15 IN EVERY ISSUE
28
Florida Scope ......................... 12 Visit Florida .................................. 16 Onyx Profiles ......................... 18 Family Features ...................... 22
Health Notes
Bishop by Day: Builder of Tomorrow
Fighting Obesity ................. 30 5 Steps to Better Health .... 32 Breast Cancer Awareness.... 34
From the
Editors “Now,” said the professor, as the laugher subsided, “I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things––your God, family, your children, your health, your friends, and your favorite passions––things that if everything else were lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. Dear Readers, Too many times, we put things on the back burner–thinking I’ll do it tomorrow. But I want to share a story that a friend sent to us. See if it gives you a new perspective on the things that are really important. The origin of this story is unknown.
A MAYONNAISE JAR AND TWO CUPS OF COFFEE When things in you life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the two cups of coffee.
The pebbles are the other things that matter: like your job, your house, and your car. The sand is everything else––the small stuff. If you put the sand into the jar first,” he continued, “there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out to dinner. Play another 18 holes of golf. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal.”
A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in from of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the student if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.
Take care of the golf balls first––the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.”
The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full; they agreed it was.
The professor smiled. “I’m glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there is always room for a couple cups of coffee with a friend.”
One of the students raised her and inquired, “What does the coffee represent?”
We hope you enjoy this is of Onyx. The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous, “Yes”. The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents in the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed. 6
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HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
Lillian and Lester Seays
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January-March 2011
Publisher and Managing Editor Lillian Seays Associate Editor / Operations Manager Lester Seays Director of Information Technology Brian Seays Director of Special Projects Melva Akens Richard Black Cheryll Daniels LaWanda Drummer Contributing Writers Rhetta Peoples Denise Mose William Jackson Director of Marketing and Sales Lester Seays Northeast Florida Sales David Williams Photographers Ted Hollins Rasheda Isaac Lester Seays Onyx is published bimonthly by LBS Publications, Inc., P. O. Box 555059, Orlando, FL 32855 Phone (407) 293-6102, or (407) 5799894. Subscription rate is $15 for four issues. For subscriptions and notification of address change, contact Onyx Magazine at the above address or e-mail us at info@onyxmagazine.com. Letters to the editor are encouraged. Copyright 2011 by Onyx Magazine. All right reserved. No part of the publication may be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. Opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the writer or interviewee, and not necessarily those of the publisher. Manuscripts, photos and art should be submitted with a self addressed stamped envelope. The publisher does not assume responsibility for any materials not submitted in manner advised. Unsolicited materials are not subject to payment from Onyx Magazine.
Statewide Onyx Awards May 7th 2011 at the Rosen Center. More information will be available at a later date or you may call (407) 293-6102
SPACE COAST AWARDS
James Goins
Mary Byrd
(Business)
(Humanitarian)
James Goins founded ABC Landclearing & De-
Born in Ozark, Alabama to the late Willie Mae and Thomas Baker, Mary Byrd attended Oakland High School in Haines City, Florida, and received her high school diploma from Haines Christian School, Merritt Island, FL. She earned an AS degree in business management from Patrick Air Force Base, BS degree in business administration from Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida and certificates of completion in batterers intervention, interpersonal skills, conflict resolution, and group facilitators training from the Indian River Mental Health Association in Vero Beach.
velopment, LLC in 1979 with the goal of providing superior service and exceptional quality to our clients. Says Goins, “We still adhere to that philosophy. We are a small minority owned business that specializes in providing superior craftsmanship at competitive rates. The expertise of individual professionals working together as a team is what enables ABC Landclearing to maintain an in depth and focused overview of each project from start to finish.” ABC has a notable list of clients in its portfolio and Goins takes pride in exemplifying the highest standard in the industry. He believes that nurturing relationships is an integral part of the business process. ABC is currently certified with the Florida Department of Labor & Employment Security – MBE, Orange County Government – Florida MBE. Among others, their clients include US Corps of Engineers, City of Cocoa Beach, Volusia County, APAC Florida, Inc., City of Orlando, City of Titusville, Osceola County, City of Melbourne, Ranger Construction, Gunn Construction. For over 40 years, Mr. Goins has given back to his community. This has afforded him the opportunity to give employment to many. ABC has generously supported many youth organizations throughout the years as well as many others in the community.
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Ms. Byrd designed, created and delivered more than 1,000 get-well-baskets for sick, shut--in, hospitalized, and nursing home individuals in the Melbourne and Palm Bay communities from March, 2009 to the present. Each basket is valued at more than $25, with the contents of each basket paid for by Ms. Byrd.
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Make Plans for the Ninth Annual Onyx Awards 6:00 p.m., May 7, 2011 Rosen Center Hotel
January-March 2011
Barnholtz Entertainment & Lionsgate Entertainment Proudly Present The Lena Baker Story 64 Years Ago, Injustice Took Her Life … Today, the Truth Has Made Her Free Years Before the Civil Rights Movement … The Wrenching, True Story of the Only Woman Ever Executed by Electric Chair in Georgia … Only to be Posthumously Pardoned 60 Years Later Coming to DVD Jan. 4th, in Time for Black History Month in February Based on the true story of an impoverished and uneducated African-American woman’s struggles in rural 1940s Georgia, this wrenching, feature-length docudrama, The Lena Baker Story – highlighted by a stellar ensemble cast – comes to DVD Jan. 4, 2011 from Barnholtz Entertainment (distributed by Lionsgate Entertainment). As a young girl in the early 1900s, Lena Baker – portrayed by Tichina Arnold (TV’s Everybody Hates Chris and Martin), who expands beyond her notable comedic repertoire in this moving and critically acclaimed, breakout dramatic performance – and her mother (Beverly Todd, The Bucket List, Crash, TV’s Roots) pick cotton in the hot southern sun of rural Cuthbert, Georgia, and struggle to survive. In the roaring ’20s, Baker, whose company and “ways” have long worried her strict and God-fearing mother, begins working as a prostitute in an effort to earn enough money to move north to seek a better life. Arrested and sentenced to 10 months hard labor – more for the sin of “laying” with White men, than for prostitution itself – Baker returns home from this grueling, soulless ordeal irrevocably changed. Years later, now a sober, church-going mother of three young children, she ekes out a living with her mother doing laundry and housekeeping. But just as she seems to have moved beyond the sorrows of her past, Baker is hired to care for Elliot Arthur (Emmy Award-winner Peter Coyote, who has appeared in over 120 films and TV series), recovering from a broken leg. A tyrannical, pistol-packing White man, Arthur is known for his angry disposition and heavy drinking. Over time, the two develop a highly-charged and drunken relationship filled with cruelty and a troubling need for one another. Arthur’s physical and mental abuse continues to escalate and he virtually enslaves her. But one sweltering night, Baker finally attempts to break free … a struggle ensues and a gun goes off, accidentally killing Arthur. Despite the sympathies of the local sheriff (Michael Rooker, MallJanuary-March 2011
rats, Cliffhanger, Days of Thunder) – who is helpless against the mores of the time – Baker’s attorney is dismissive, her defense inadequate and a jury of 12 Caucasian men finds her guilty in a trial and deliberation that, together, last less than four hours. Sentenced to death by electrocution, Baker faces her fate with dignity and strength over the ensuing months … holding onto her belief that the Lord would judge her more fairly. The only woman to be sentenced to death by electric chair in the state of Georgia, Baker was just 44 years old when she died in 1945. Said Baker before the switch was pulled, a barbaric death requiring several shocks and lasting six minutes, “What I done, I done in self-defense, or I would have been killed myself. Where I was, I could not overcome it. God has forgiven me. I have nothing against anyone. I picked cotton for Mr. Pritchett and he has been good to me. I am ready to go. I am one in the number. I am ready to meet my God. I have a very strong conscience.” In 1998, Baker’s unmarked, weed-ridden grave was rediscovered in the cemetery of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church – where she once worshipped – and the congregation raised $250 to purchase a modest stone, now marking her final resting place. Due to a long clemency campaign led by her family, including in more recent years her grand-nephew Roosevelt Curry, Georgia’s Pardon and Parole Board finally granted a posthumous pardon in 2005 – six decades after her execution – ruling that a “grievous error” occurred when she was denied clemency following her trial. “I believe she's somewhere around God's throne and can look down and smile,” reflects Curry. Based on the book The Lena Baker Story by Lela Bond Phillips, the film was written, produced and directed by Ralph Wilcox, CEO of Schusters Cash, a film, television and video production company; owner of Jokara-Micheaux Studio, a 22,000-squarefoot movie studio in Colquitt, Georgia; and director of the Southwest Georgia Film Commission. Additionally, Wilcox’s long career as an actor includes roles in dozens of iconic television programs in the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s. “We tend to forget history and believe that we’ve all moved on,” says Wilcox, now a documentary and film producer. “There has been a lot of progress in our society and race relations, but we need not forget where we have been, lest we repeat our past. And, even though Lena was flawed, this film was an opportunity to give her the voice she was denied 64 years ago … each and everyone one of us deserves that.” NEWS UPDATE: During a Jan. 12 dedication ceremony – 65 years after her execution – the film’s producers will join Baker’s family in finally seeing that she has a fitting headstone at the Mt. Vernon Baptist Church in Cuthbert, Ga., where she once worshipped and is now buried.
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SPACE COAST HONOREES nor’s Sterling Award. Only two school districts in Florida have been beneficiary of this prestigious tribute. Principal Johnson was chosen to represent Brevard in the area of leadership.
Andrew Johnson, Jr. (Education) Andrew Johnson, Jr. is a native of Jacksonville, Florida. He received his public school education from Smart Pope Livingston Elementary, James Weldon Johnson Junior High and New Stanton Senior High School in Duval County. Mr. Johnson received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Florida A&M University and a Master of Arts Degree from Webster University in Management. He holds a State of Florida certificate with school principal, middle grades mathematics and administration and supervision endorsements. Mr. Johnson became an educator with Brevard Public Schools in 1992 and began administrative duties in 1999. He was dean of students at Rockledge Senior High School from 1999-2001; and assistant principal in charge of curriculum at McNair Magnet School from 2001–2005. Prior to assuming administrative duties, he was a classroom teacher of mathematics for seven years. Mr. Johnson was named McNair “Teacher of the Year” in 1995. He was also recognized by Brevard Public Schools as the “Outstanding Assistant Principal of the Year” in 2004. Principal Johnson assumed his present position at Stone Middle School in June 2005. Since his arrival, the “Gophers" have received the school grade of “A” (six straight years) and maintained the honor of being named one of the top 100 middle schools in the State of Florida. In 2007, the Brevard Public School District was the recipient of the coveted Gover10
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Prior to Mr. Johnson’s pursuit of a career in education, he served his country proudly for twenty years as an officer in the United States Army and was the recipient of numerous awards and decorations including the Meritorious Service Medal and Bronze Star for Valor. Major Johnson saw tours of duty in Korea, Germany, Honduras, Panama, Grenada, and Saudi Arabia while serving in various command and staff leadership positions with the 2nd Infantry Division, Berlin Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, 18th Airborne Corps and 21st Support Command. He is also a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated and the Brevard Association of School Administrators. Principal Johnson is a mentor and coach to many aspiring teachers and administrators. He strongly feels that they are ultimately responsible and the catalyst for studentlearning. One of his most recent accolades is that of being chosen Brevard County Middle School “Principal of the Year” for 2008. He shared this monumental feat with his Assistant Principal making it the first time in Brevard that both administrators received the award at the same time from the same school. Principal Johnson’s comment on this phenomenal occurrence was simply, “You groom them to lose them.” This past school year, Stone amassed the greatest percentage of student learning gains of all middle schools in Brevard County, showcasing their highest Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) scores in school history. His favorite saying is one borrowed from “Flip” Flippen of AVID fame, “If you don’t have a child’s heart, you have no business with his head.” Principal Johnson attributes his success in life to GOD, his parents, his wife, his children, his friends and those supportive teachers and colleagues that would not let him give up in the pursuit of his goals. His wife, of 38 years is Cora Danzy Johnson, who is a teacher at McNair Magnet School. Together, they have two children, Christina and Andrew III. They have one grandchild, Kierra. January-March 2011
William Capote (Community Service) William and his wife of 18 years, Anita, are the proud parents of Guillermo, Jr., and Gabriel. Both sons are students at Bayside High School. By working together in the expanding community of Palm Bay, Commissioner Capote believes that there can be much smarter resolve in how the community is allowed to grow. Say he, “We have to take every measure to ensure that our growth is properly planned.” He has and is still using his professional experience to make intelligent, sound decisions on the issues that impact the quality of life in Brevard County. Commissioner Capote believes that to have adequate infrastructure such as schools, roads, drainage, etc prior to expanding the development is important. The motto of Palm Bay is “The Perfect Place to Live”…William Capote is committed to making the motto a true reality for the residents there. He is making a difference. He is committed to representing his constituents, not the special interests or the narrow personal political agendas that threaten Palm Bay’s future.
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FIGHT SICKLE CELL DISEASE WITH THE SMART GIVING DEBIT CARD January-March 2011
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FLORIDA SCOPE New Teen Fatherhood Academy Opens Its Doors ORLANDO - The Young Fathers of Central Florida is embarking on a groundbreaking initiative, one which will admit 25 teen fathers between the ages of 15-19 from various backgrounds to participate in a six month, six module training and development program. This component of the YFCF will be identified as the Teen Fatherhood Academy and will meet one Saturday each month for a five hour module session for 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Callahan Community Center. The remainder of the month, each participant will have additional training sessions with their assigned case manager. Parents will be an integral part of the program and they will be asked to attend one monthly training session. Upon completion of the program, there will be a graduation ceremony recognizing each father and parent patrialization. The start day of the Academy was September 25, 2010, with graduation February 27, 2011, and is open to all teen fathers, from all racial, religious and economic backgrounds. There is no cost to the 25 teen fathers and a portion of the program is being financed by the City of Orlando, Department of Family, Parks and Recreation and the UCF-Strengthening Communities in central Florida. Haki Nkrumah, Founder/CEO, believes that there is a critical need in Central Florida for Responsible Fatherhood programs that mentor and educate teen fathers. Donations, sponsorships and volunteers are need to move this program forward. YFCF has father support groups in Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Brevard, and Lake Counties. Interested teen fathers and parents can get more information by visiting the website at www.youngfathersofcentralflorida.com or call 407.423.9400 or 321.297.3093.
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REED E REED EDUCATIONAL DUCATIONAL CAMPUS CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING OF GRICE 13TH AS A COMPUTER LAB IN FLORIDA JACKSONVILLE - GTECH Corporation and the Florida Lottery launched GTECH’s 13th After School Advantage computer center in the state of Florida. The recipient of this computer center is the Reed Educational Campus located at 1934 Lentie Road, Jacksonville, FL 32209. GTECH’s After School Advantage program, which provides state-of-the-art computers, software, and Internet access to nonprofit community agencies and public schools, is designed to create safe, fun learning opportunities for Florida’s at-risk students participating in after-school programs. This is a major, nationwide initiative by GTECH with a multi-year, $3.3 million commitment; the goal is to close the digital divide and help children from underprivileged backgrounds become better prepared for school and more competitive in tomorrow's job market. The After School Advantage program has been implemented in all states where GTECH has offices nationwide. This includes Georgia, California, New York, Michigan, New Jersey, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin, District of Columbia, Arizona, Rhode Island, New Mexico, Idaho, Texas, Virginia, and Florida. To date, GTECH has opened over 140 computer labs nationwide with many more on the way. Naturally, we are very excited about this project. The After School Advantage program allows GTECH to apply its technological experience, as the world's leading provider of online lottery technology, to assist in the education of our nation's youth.
To learn more about GTECH and the After School Advantage program, please feel free to visit our website at www.gtech.com.
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January-March 2011
Scholarships for Minorities Scholarships for Minority Women Actuary Scholarships for Minority Students _ American Chemical Society Scholarships _ American Geological Institute Minority Geoscience Student Scholarship _ American Institute of Certified Public Accountants _ American Political Science Association Minority scholarship list _ Barbara Jordan Health Policy Scholars Program _ Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation _ The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta _ Engineering for Minorities _ Gates Millennium Scholars _ International Education Financial Aid _ The Jackie Robinson Foundation (high school seniors only) _ Jack Kent Cook Foundation _ Graduate Scholars Program _ John L. Carey Accounting Scholarship _ Kaiser Media Internships in Health Reporting _ LGBT Scholarships_ Microsoft Scholarships (for computer related degrees) _ Morris K. Udall Undergraduate Scholarship (for environmental studies)_ National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant (SMART Grant) _ Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education _ Students of Color Scholarship _ Unmet Need Scholarship _ USA Funds Scholarships for African -American Women - Herbert Lehman Education Fund _ The Jackie Robinson Foundation (high school seniors only) _ Ron Brown Scholarship (high school seniors) _ Black Excel Scholarship _ Gateways _ Congressional Black Caucus Foundation _ Dr. James M. Rosin Scholarship _ Fisk Premedical Summer Institute / Minority Medical Education Program _ General Mills Technology Scholars Award _ Law School: MCCA Lloyd M. Johnson, Jr. Scholarship Program _ NAACP Earl Warren Shearman and Sterling Law School Scholarship _ NAACP Scholarships: Earl G. Graves Scholarship, Agnes Jones Scholarship, Lillian and Samuel Sutton Scholarship, Roy Wilkins Scholarship, and the Hubertus W.V. Williams Scholarship _ National Association of Black Journalists _ National Black Police Association
January-March 2011
_ National Society of Black Engineers Scholarship List _ Sallie Mae Fund American Dream Scholarship _ Siemens Teacher Education Scholarship Program _ Spieler, Rhea and Louis Scholarship Program _ UNCF Merck Science Initiative_ United Negro College Fund Scholarships for Latina Women Hispanic Scholarship Fund (also for college students) _ Adelante US Education Leadership Fund _ Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (Congressional Internship) _ First in My Family Scholarship Program _ Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement _ Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities _ Hispanic Internship Program _ La Unidad Latina Foundation _ Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund _ National Association of Hispanic Journalists _ Salvadoran American Leadership and Education Fund_ State Farm Hispanic Scholarship Fund ________________________________________________________
Lester Seays Honored by the Sickle Cell Disease Association, Volusia County Chapter, Inc.
Donald Hurtz, Lester Seays, Erica Dunlap (Miss America - 1994) and Brian Seays (Not pictured: Joe Caldwell) Lester Seays received the “Humanitarian Award” for his dedication and service to the Sickle Cell Disease Association of Volusia County. He received the honor after playing in the organization’s third annual golf tournament. Lester Seays is the co-owner of Onyx Magazine, and the president of LBS Foundation, which collaborates with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida each year to host the annual Onyx Awards. Next year’s awards will be held May 7, 2011 at the Rosen Center Hotel, International Drive in Orlando.
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FLORIDA SCOPE STATE SENATOR ANTHONY C. “TONY” HILL, SR. PARTICIPATED IN GROUNBREAKING CEREMONY FOR EXPANSION OF HARRY T. & HARRIETTE V. MOORE MEMORIAL PARK & CULTURAL CENTER IN MIMS, FLORIDA
Florida State Senator Anthony C. “Tony” Hill, Sr. participated in the groundbreaking ceremony Saturday, December 18, 2010, in Mims, Florida, which will mark the latest phase of expansion for the Harry T. and Harriette V. Moore Memorial Park & Cultural Center. The event was a prelude to the start of work on a reflecting pool, fountain and gazebo at the memorial park site, which is located at the site of the Moores' home destroyed in a bombing that killed the civil rights activists and educators.
Moore in New York, and a second memorial organized by the NAACP three months later drew 15,000 people to the Madison Square Garden arena to hear a commemorative poem by the great African-American writer Langston Hughes. Hughes wrote “…And this he says, our Harry Moore/As from the grave he cries/No bomb can kill the dreams I hold/For freedom never dies!”
The facility honors the legacy of the Moores. On Christmas night 1951, which was the Moores' 25th wedding anniversary, a bomb exploded under their Mims home by members of the Ku Klux Klan. Both died of their injuries. Senator Hill stated that we must remember that “Moore founded the first branch of the NAACP in Brevard County, Florida and helped organize the statewide organization. He became the state secretary for the Florida chapter of the NAACP. The NAACP won a major victory in Florida in 1944 when its Whites-only Democratic Primary was ruled unconstitutional, and Moore began immediately to take advantage of the opportunity to increase Black political power and stepped up the organizations voter registration efforts.” Harry and Harriette Moore were ordinary people. Mr. Moore taught school in the segregated public school system in Mims, Florida, eventually moving up to a Junior High Principal and then a Senior High Principal, remaining an educator until he was fired for his political activities in 1946. The fight for equal pay for teacher did not just start, Harry Moore was one of, if not, the first, and he lost his job for fighting for Black teacher’s rights. On January 5, 1952, Baseball star, Jackie Robinson, led a memorial service attended by 3,000 mourners and eulogized 14
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The park is dedicated to the commemoration of the Moores' lives, to promoting awareness of their contributions to the early civil rights movement, and to preserving black history. Senator Hill states, “we cannot rest in Florida until the Moore’s are properly recognized in the annuals of history.” An architectural drawing of the reflecting pool, fountain and gazebo are attached. One of the projects the center is using to help raise funds for the project is “Brick Pavers”. We can purchase brick pavers in our names or those of a love one from $50 to $100 and help fund this project. You may contact the center and provide your correct name and address and they will send you the details to help with this project: Moore Cultural Complex/Brick Paver Project, P. O. Box 817, Mims, FL, 32754; or by e-mail at Gweg1999@aol.com Bill Gary, president of the Moore Cultural Complex Inc. board of directors, said he hopes the latest project is completed in time for the 2011 Moore Heritage Festival of the Arts and Humanities, scheduled for April 14-16, 2011. He said funding of the expansion comes primarily from previously approved state grants. Senator Hill stated, to date the State of Florida has provided $740,000 for the complex.
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January-March 2011
Did You Say “Champagne”? by Steven King Its time to celebrate… Open the champagne! The luxury of this drink consumes the planet and France is the epicenter of classic champagne culture. Champagne is a sparkling wine produced exclusively in the Champagne region of France. Within this region are the Moet and Dom Perignon headquarters along with dozens of other producers. In order to be true champagne, the elixir must originate in the Champagne region of France. If the same type of beverage comes from anywhere else in the world it is a sparkling wine of some kind. Champagne first gained world renown because of its association with the anointment of French kings. Royalty from throughout Europe spread the message of the unique sparkling wine from Champagne and its association with luxury and power. Champagne runs between 8 to 14 percent alcohol on average. A champagne flute is a long slender glass. This elongated l off the h ChamChh C design showcases the bubbles or pearls pagne for visual impact and concentrates the aroma to please the nose. Look for these elegant pearls in your next glass of bubbly! There are approximately 49 million bubbles in one bottle of Champagne. The pressure in a bottle of champagne is 90 pounds per square inch about three times that in an automobile tire. A cork leaves the bottle at a velocity of 38-40 mph but can pop out as fast as 100 mph! An extremely versatile wine, champagne goes great with oysters, lobster, roasted chicken, sushi, smoked salmon, mushroom risotto and strawberries. Steven is the Senior Editor of Food & Wine for Onyx Magazine and founder of www.askmewine.com. If you have questions about wine please email steven@askmewine.com January-March 2011
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VISIT FLORIDA (Listings are arranged from North to South) Festivals & Events PENSACOLA – Starting in January, The National Aviation Museum hosts numerous special events and exhibits to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of naval aviation. With more then 150 vintage aircrafts and weekly flyovers by the world-famous Blue Angles, this museum is one of the largest air and space museums in the world. http://navalaviationmuseum.org/ AMELIA ISLAND (near Jacksonville) – Beginning on Feb. 24 the newly created Amelia Island Film Festival will celebrate three days of local and regional filmmakers in venues throughout historic downtown Fernandina Beach. The program provides an excellent atmosphere for festival goers to meet and greet with film makers, writers, artists, songwriters and more. www.filmamelia.com TAMPA – Calling all chocolate lovers. The Museum of Science and Industry will be hosting The Festival of Chocolate from Jan. 15-17. Enjoy Florida’s only all-chocolate themed festival by sampling different types of the sweet treat, while experiencing interactive events that showcase the science, history, fun and romance associated with one of our favorite candies. http://www.mosi.org/what-to-do/the-festival-of-chocolate.aspx FORT MYERS – This winter, experience the Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the world-famous Rockettes in a glittering, grand performance in Southwest Florida. Take a magical trip to the North Pole during this exciting and memorable performance until Nov. 28. http://www.bbmannpah.com/ MIAMI – Visitors and residents alike can commemorate the opening of the ArtSoBay Exhibit during the 2011 SoBay Festival of the Arts. The two week long series of events begin on Feb. 4, and celebrates the literary, performing and visual arts that have inspired the culture of South Florida. The festival concludes with a concert featuring Victor Espinola, a multi-instrumentalist and singer. http://www.deeringestate.org/pages/SoBay-Festival-of-theArts.aspx Exhibits & Shows TAMPA – Coming to the Museum of Science and Industry this 16
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February is the premiere of their new spring exhibit, Harry’s Big Adventure: My Bug World, sponsored by Terminix. This exhibit offers guests a chance to get up close and personal with insects from all over the world! http://www.harrysbigadventure.com/ PLANT CITY (Near Lakeland) - Dinosaur World welcomes the arrival of the new baby dinosaurs exhibit including the Maiasaurs, Torosaurs and Igunadons species. The grouping of dinosaurs in their herds is an important aspect of Dinosaur World’s exhibits where you will find over 150 of these life size dinosaurs along with interactive exhibits. Activities include the Fossil Dig, where you can search through sand looking for fossils to take home; and at Boneyard, you can uncover a life-size skeleton waiting for visitors. www.dinosaurworld.com PALM BEACH - Watch a once in a lifetime circus extravaganza presented by The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey as they bring you though a fantasy-filled world during A Magical Holiday Circus Spectacular. From Dec. 28 - Jan. 2, experience the wonderment and holiday magic intersected with unparallel powers of imagination. http://www.ringling.com/ WEST PALM BEACH – The Florida Stage announces the World Premier of Goldie, Max & Milk from Dec. 15 - Jan. 16 at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. Celebrating the company’s first season at the Kravis Center, this comedy mixing humor and beauty is one of the four new plays the company will introduce this season. Call (561) 585 – 3433 to reserve your seats, or visit http://www.floridastage.org/. Activities ST. AUGUSTINE – The St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum opens Nov. 2010 and is located just a short walk from the Castillo de San Marcos, marking the historic battle grounds for Spanish soldiers’ centuries ago. This interactive, educational attraction features archeological finds, replica pirate ships, and pirate artifacts. www.thepiratemuseum.com DUCK KEY (Florida Keys) – Learn to ride the waves or paddle the crystal clear waters around Hawks Cay Resort. They recently added Stand-Up Paddleboarding to its list of activities, which lets new and experienced visitors see dolphins, fish, homes and boat shows from a never seen perspective. Call (305) 743-7000 or check out www.HawksCay.com. KEY LARGO – Scuba Divers can now explore more of the dive capital of the world with the Key Largo Scuba Shack. The Scuba Shack now offers dive vessel service in their Burpee
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January-March 2011
dive vessel that accommodates six to ten divers. The vessel also allows them to customize a planned charter for morning, afternoon or night dive excursions. For more information, call (305) 7354313 or visit www.keylargoscubashack.com.
mation is designer Brian Glukstein, a well-known Canadian interior designer who plans to combine a contemporary look with a casual sophistication, comfort and understated elegance. http://www.fourseasons.com/palmbeach/
Openings & Renovations
PALM BEACH – Re-opening this season at The Breakers is L’Escalier, the crown of their dining collection, serving contemporary French cuisine in a refined atmosphere of Versace china, Christofle silver, Riedel crystal and talented service staff presenting each dish in a classic European style. http://www.thebreakers.com/
PENSACOLA - The Holiday Inn Resort Pensacola Beach will open in February 2011. The 206-room property will feature gulf front rooms, a full-service restaurant, 10,000 square feet of meeting space, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and lazy river pool with cascading waterfalls. Located on the sugar white sands of the Gulf of Mexico, this resort is footsteps away from restaurants with excellent local flavor and many night spots for all ages. http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/rs/1/en/hotel/pnspb JACKSONVILLE – Starwood hotels will open the Aloft Jacksonville –Tapestry Park in January 2011, featuring approximately 3,600 square feet of meeting space. The meeting space will be located in an attached building and can be separated into three smaller spaces for various events. The new hotel has been deigned to meet criteria to receive a LEED Green Building Rating System. The hotel is located next to a recently opened III Forks Steakhouse, providing guests a exceptional fine dinning experience steps from their guestroom. http://www.starwoodhotels.com/alofthotels/index.html JACKSONVILLE – Coming to the Museum of Science and History (MOSH) in November will be Florida’s largest digital planetarium. This new addition will include a 60-foot dome theatre offering a total-immersion entertainment experience. Not a science guru? The programming will reach beyond astronomy to include history and natural science, blockbuster films and documentaries. www.themosh.org ST. PETERSBURG – Set to open Jan 11. The Dali Museum will hold the largest collection of Salvador Dali’s work in the world, outside of Spain. The gallery will display works of art from a 2,140 piece collection, including 96 oil paintings. The exterior of the building is a work of art, featuring more then 900 triangularshaped glass panels, wrapping around the building like a Dali Clock. www.thedali.org PALM BEACH – The Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach plans to unveil new guestrooms in January 2011 that feature a spa-inspired sensibility, combining the sophistication and natural beauty of the nearby waterfront in the resorts 210 rooms. Behind the transfor-
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PALM BEACH GARDENS – VERDEA, opening in December at The Embassy Suites Palm Beach gardens will provide an elegant natural gourmet dining experience. The restaurant emphasizes flavor and simplicity by blending local, seasonal and organic ingredients to create a new and exciting environment for all guests. To reserve your table, call (561) 691-3165 or visit www.palmbeachgardens.embsuites.com. MARATHON (Florida Keys) - The Holiday Inn Express & Suites is Marathon Key’s newest lodging addition accommodated guests for the first time on Nov. 5. The hotel has 134 rooms with amenities including a marina with docks for guests, a large outdoor pool facility, a 5,000 square-foot tiki bar and 24-hour fitness and business centers. The resort also offers free wireless high-speed internet access in rooms and throughout the resort. For reservations, call 888-465-4329 or visit www.hiexpress.com As the state’s number one industry, tourism is responsible for welcoming more than 80 million visitors each year who spend more than $60 billion, generating 22 percent of the state’s sales tax revenue and employing nearly 1 million Floridians. For every $1 spent on tourism marketing, VISIT FLORIDA – the state’s official tourism marketing corporation – generates more than $147 in tourism spending and $9 in new sales tax collections, paid by visitors, not residents. VISIT FLORIDA promotes tourism to Florida through sales, advertising, promotions, public relations, new product development and visitor services programs. As a public/private partnership, VISIT FLORIDA serves more than 4,400 tourism industry businesses, including major strategic alliance partnerships with AirTran Airways, American Express Travel Related Services, Disney Destinations, Dollar Rent A Car, The Hertz Corporation, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment and Universal Orlando. To learn more about VISIT FLORIDA, visit www.VISITFLORIDA.org.
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Onyx Profiles Ronald Blocker Ronald Blocker of of Orange County Public Schools Recognized as
“Superintendent of the Year-2011” Interviewer Lillian Seays
Superintendent Ronald “ Ron” Blocker After having waited all day to speak to Superintendent Ron Blocker, I was delighted when he answered the phone on the night of December 29th. After exchanging a few pleasantries, the interview began. My first question was, “What do they look for when selecting a superintendent of the year?” (A) They are looking for someone with a successful tenure. To be honest with you, there were a couple of others who I thought were really worthy of the honor. We had a referendum passed this year, when the economy was bad. There may have been a vote of confidence by the public...the fact that we voted to raise taxes; the public supported us fantastically. Everybody advised us not to raise taxes. Maybe they looked at the fact that the public supported us. I actually think that they went beyond this year to previous years. I was surprised by it.
District Schools. It was held in Tampa this past November. On the first day of this three-day-conference, we discuss politics and legislation before they have the keynote speaker. At that time they give out a couple of awards and one of them is given to the person that is chosen for “Superintendent of the Year”. The committee that makes the decision are prior superintendents. The committee looks at the achievement of the superintendents in the state and this year I was the winner. (Q) Did that shock you? (A) It was a pleasant surprise. Joie Cadle, board member chairperson, felt that I should be considered. I was actually sitting in the audience when they said they were getting ready to make the announcement. The room was full with mostly school board members. I heard my named called and the people around me stood up and started to applaud––everyone was looking at me. I thought, they are talking about me! [Orange County Public Schools is the 10th largest school district in the county and the fourth largest in the state. So it was quite a tribute that Superintendent Blocker was selected. Further, the district is made up of 175,000 students.]
(Q) Isn’t it true that the students in Orange County got a good rating as far as the FCAT was concerned?
(Q) You became superintendent in 2000, right?
(A) Yes, this was the third consecutive year getting an “A” grade. Although the schools get graded, they also grade the districts. I just attributed every thing to God. He answered my prayers. I pray daily for the success of the children of the district. I’m sure that those prayers have been answered––the student’s achievement was the collateral by-product...Jones went from a “D” to a “B”. That was an attention getter.
(A) I was interim superintendent in June 2000, They made it permanent in November. Years ago, people said I wouldn’t last, on this job, so many things were going on with the FCAT, but like I said, the good Lord answers prayers. Years later, the Sentinel listed me as one of the of the top influences in the community and the Orlando Magazine also listed me as one the most influential persons in the community.
(Q) When did you find out you were being honored?
Superintendent Blocker is married to Gloria Blocker. They have three children: two boys and one girl.
We have a semi-annual conference that the Florida School Association holds in conjunction with the Florida Association of 18
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Young Entrepreneur: Keith Strickland KeithStricklandKeithStricklandKeithStricklandKeithStricklandKeithStricklandKeithStricklandKeithStrickland
The construction industry depends on teamwork to successfully complete any project, and Strickland Corporate Services, Inc.
Minority Supplier Development Council, and other governmental entities.
(SCS) offers that final touch that will compliment anyone’s team. Says Keith Strickland, owner of Strickland Corporate Services,
Strickland Corporate Services, Inc. focuses on projects located
Inc., “By creating and executing customized construction cleaning service options, we enhance the project with quality and profes-
in the Central Florida Area (Lakeland to Orlando). It has built a portfolio of projects that have included: commercial con-
sionalism.”
struction cleaning, school construction cleaning; renovation construction cleaning, water damage cleaning and church renovation cleaning.
Strickland Corporate Services, Inc. is a W/MBE Certified Corporation and is known as one of the premier cleaning companies in the Central Florida area. SCS strives to provide the best construction and renovation cleaning services. Their goal is to add a special touch to their clients’ maintenance projects in order to provide an image to the community that keeps continued business. Keith Strickland affirms that he is committed to providing quality and professional service, by keeping open lines of communication with his customers, and says he doing this through proven techniques.
With an impressive client roster such as Turner Construction, Beck Construction, Construct II Group, Hunt Construction Group, P.P.I Construction, Associated Cost Engineers, Inc., PSA Constructors, Inc., UCF, IROK Constructional Services, Centex-Rooney Construction and ACY Contractors, Inc., Orange County Public Schools, Strickland believes there’s no way to go but UP. Keith Strickland is the son of Voncille Thompson and the step son of Kenneth Thompson.
Strickland Corporate Services, Inc. is headquartered in Orlando, FL and is certified as a minority vendor by Orange County, Florida January-March January-March 2011 2011
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Onyx Onyx Magazine Magazine 19 19
Parental Tools to Help With Graduation
7. Make sure all fees are paid in full before graduation. Check to see if a clearance sheet is required from guidance. 8. Know the GPA. Is it weighted or un-weighted and what the significance of each is. 9. Make sure the SAT and the ACT are taken. Have your child take the writing portion of the ACT many schools require this portion be completed. Take each test at least twice to obtain as high a score as possible. 10. Graduates should work on marketable skills to obtain a summer job, saving money for school to purchase needed items. 11. Obtain letters of recommendation now so they can be submitted before college applications are submitted. 12. Set academic, professional and career goals now. Have a flexible plan if financial situations change for better or worse.
These suggestions are to assist in making the graduation process easier and less stressful for families of graduating seniors in 2011.
13. Stay involved in your community – volunteer hours to help others and document the hour for community service.
1. Check on the accumulated credits, speak to the guidance counselor for up to date transcript and accuracy, community service hours, etc.
14. Search online and inquire with local businesses about summer internships. Even if there is no pay internships can go a long way with references and referrals for future jobs and careers.
2. Talk to teacher(s) to monitor behavior and make sure that rituals and routines are followed, assignments are up to date projects are completed and homework accounted for. Be sure to get written and signed documentation.
15. Join local business organizations if possible like the Chamber of Commerce, E3 Business Group (www.e3businessgroup.org) to gain marketable skills and get a jump on career goals.
3. Make a point of knowing the graduation countdown calendar for deadlines: prom, cap and gown, senior fees, senior class trip, etc.
16. Participate in church events and activities, check to see if your church provides scholarships, grants and fellowships.
4. Talk to the school guidance counselor about applications for higher education (college, trade school, etc), financial aid and scholarship availability.
17. If possible during the summer visit the college or trade school to make sure you are familiar with the area, travel and housing of the college you may attend in the summer or fall. Take a Internet virtual tour of the area to be familiar when traveling to the site.
5. Cooperate and negotiate travel arrangements for prom and graduation trips/events. Check with other parents about sharing transportation to events. Will there be a need for a designated driver? Parents should talk about expectation on no drugs, weapons and potential sexual activity.
18. Make sure bank accounts are accurate for savings and checking accounts. Determine which is better to use credit or debt and make sure a budget is established and followed.
6. Prepare for FCAT retakes if necessary. Find out when FCAT retesting will be given and the location. Find out about tutors if you suspect there maybe problems. Bethel Baptist Institutional Church institutes a summer program contact the church office for more details.
Created by: Sean Jackson 2010 Palatka High School Graduate Palatka, Florida Jackson Educational Technology Instruction Consultant Nicholas McClenton 2008 Raines High School Graduate Jacksonville, Florida E3 Facebook Manager – www.e3businessgroup.org
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Elementary School Leading to College
A quote provided by Karem Medina (Second Grade) "Education's purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one". Bulletin boards, classroom doors and classroom walls at Andrew Robinson Elementary, located in Jacksonville, FL, declared a school year leading to academic success. That success is not just targeted for FCAT assessment, but in the motivation to inspire students to attain higher education after they graduate from high school. Planting the mental seeds early for higher learning and achieving a goal, may be something that would inspire many students to become first or second generation college attendees. The new administrative leadership under Principal Crystal Lewis at Andrew Robinson sets the high expectations of professional success for the staff, faculty and support personnel, even the cafeteria staff supports the concept of encouraging college in the young minds of school 3262. Teachers are not just instructional personnel that the students see every day, but examples of success. Many of the teachers have obtained advanced degrees; they are members of civic and educational organizations and active in community activities on a grassroots level, interacting with parents and other members of the community in which they teach. Students are learning they can graduate from high school and attend college if they value their learning and work towards their dreams. Students at Andrew Robinson Elementary School are seeing their future now, visualizing what their future can be. Because of the visual elements this plants a cognitive picture of what they can accomplish. While touring the school, you will see banners proclaiming, “Blasting Off To College Preparation”. Banners are displayed on classroom doors, bulletin boards and throughout classrooms. The telltale signs of Seminoles (Florida State), Bulldogs (South Carolina State and Georgia), Longhorns (University of Texas), Tigers (Edward Waters College and Auburn), Ospreys (University of North Florida), and even Gators (University of Florida) along with many others. The list goes on so students can see the opportunities before them. The doors to higher education are within their grasps. Students are taught not to be deterred or dis-
By William Jackson, M.Ed.
couraged by challenges that tend to take them off course. Andrew Robinson is a unique educational success, it consistently has earned high grades in FCAT assessment, is a Magnet School and a neighborhood school where most people do not realize the successes this inner city school has achieved. The importance of resources is understood with the availability of dedicated faculty in physical education, art, music, computer lab, science and library sciences for the students from kindergarten to fifth grade. The wisdom of administration identifies that students need access to resources to allow their gifts in other areas to amplify and enhance the classroom learning experiences. Resource teachers are valuable to the instructional scope of the school. Yolanda Williams (ESE) shares that as a people (African Americans) were not allowed to even read a book much less learn math skills, and college was far fetched. Our children today need to know and understand that beyond the doors of our homes, elementary, middle, and high school stand big walls of OPPORTUNITIES and if we don't educate our children about how important college is, they'll continue to fall by the way side. Andrew Robinson is a Title 1 school that services a dynamic student population. Students need to know that without a quality education there are no opportunities for them in our society (at least not productive opportunities). Teachers must continue to stress the importance of how imperative it is to value education so they (children - our future) can obtain productive careers, raise stable families, and possess self confidence. Students need to understand that they are somebody and important in this world.
“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” –– Malcolm X.
(Family Features)
V
alentine’s Day naturally brings thoughts of hearts, flowers, sweetness and love. But did you know that it also falls during American Heart Month? A perfect time to start taking care of your heart and the hearts of the ones you love. You might think that a heart-healthy diet is boring or flavorless. Actually, eating for your heart can add a lot of flavor, and some of it may come from surprisinsources— such as watermelon. Eating can help maintain cardiovascular health. That’s because the amino acid called citrulline in watermelon increases free arginine which helps maintain blood flow, the arteries, and overall cardiovascular function. To get more scrumptious recipes like these, and to learn more about the heart benefits of watermelon, visit www.watermelon.org. m
Watermelon Oat Crumble W Serves 6 to 8 S 2
cups rolled or quick cook oats 1/2 cup light brown sugar 1/8 cup honey 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 cup chopped pecans 6 cups watermelon balls Toss the oats, sugar, honey, cinnamon and pecans until mixed well. Spread into an even T layer on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet. Bake in pre-heated 300°F oven until lla a ggolden brown. Turn off oven leaving the tray in for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. Remove and cool. Break into crumbles. Arrange the watermelon balls in 6 to 8 small m bbowls or wide stemmed glasses and top with the oat crumble. Watermelon S’mores Serves 4 1 cup graham cracker crumbs 1/2 cup melted dark chocolate chips 4 2 x 4 x 1-inch-thick rectangles of seedless watermelon 1 cup mini marshmallows Sprinkle the graham cracker crumbs over the center of 4 plates. Drizzle 1/3 of the dark chocolate over the crumbs. Place a watermelon rectangle over the crumbs and chocolate on each plate. Drizzle 1/3 of the dark chocolate over the watermelon. Sprinkle the marshmallows over the watermelon and drizzle the remaining chocolate over the 22
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marshmallows. Grilled Scallops and Watermelon Mini Kebabs 12 sea scallops 4 cups boiling vegetable or chicken broth 24 1 x 1-inch watermelon cubes 1/4 cup soy sauce 1 tablespoon sesame oil 1 tablespoon minced garlic 1 tablespoon fresh minced ginger Cut the scallops into halves across the diameter to create half-moon shapes. Place them in a heatproof casserole dish in a single layer. Pour the boiling clear broth over the scallops and let them poach for 5 minutes. Drain and cool the scallops. On each skewer alternate 1 half-moon scallop, then 2 watermelon cubes, then another half-moon scallop. Mix together the soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic and ginger and brush the kebabs as they are grilled over a medium hot grill for about 90 seconds per side turning once. Serve warm. Serves 12 as an appetizer. Heart-Healthy Eating Plan The DASH eating plan (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) is a highly recommended diet that has been proven to lower blood pressure. It’s been endorsed by: — The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (one of the National Institutes of Health, of the US Department of Health and Human Services) — The American Heart Association — The Dietary Guidelines for Americans — US guidelines for treatment of high blood pressure And new research has shown that following the DASH diet over time will reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease, as well as kidney stones. The benefits of the DASH diet have also been seen in teens with hypertension. Learn more at www.dashdiet.org.
SHORT SYNOPSIS: One of the most horrific episodes in not just African-American and civil rights history, but in the history of our country, The Lena Baker Story is a heart-wrenching docudrama based on the true story of an impoverished and uneducated Black woman’s struggles in the1940s rural south. Convicted of murder in a trial that lasted less than four hours, she was the only woman ever put to death by electrocution in Georgia … but faced her fate with dignity and strength. Sixty years after her death, Baker was finally granted the posthumous pardon for which her family had long lobbied and now, with this film, given the voice she was denied in life. Featuring a stellar ensemble cast, including Tichina Arnold, Beverly Todd, Peter Coyote and Michael Rooker.
Rasheda Jsaac Photography www.rashedaisaacphotography.com
Rashada Isaac Creative Visionary Mobile: 321-278-5898 Email: r_isaac@earthlink.net
Visit site for additional Information
Watermelon season is roughly May through October. But you can enjoy delicious imported watermelon all year round. January-March 2011
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I m Every Woman
“ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE IF YOU ONLY BELIEVE...”
Chaka Khan has a song entitled, “I’m Every Woman.” Like the title states, the song is about how women are constantly able to do anything they want. It speaks to women who don’t take ‘no’ for an answer. They are trailblazers, they do things their way…I haven’t met Chaka Khan, but I believe her inspiration might come from this months Cover Girl, Dr. Denise Yvette Mose.
I agreed to meet this young lady in Altamonte. After you read her story, you’ll see why she talks so fast…She’s been very busy.
Dr. Mose has embraced the attitude of openness, possibility, and “what-if” in a way that has lead her from the classroom to the wide open spaces of entrepreneurship and quite possibly…world domination. A former Professional Educator at Full Sail University, she has become an Author, Television Host, Runway Model, Etiquette Specialist, and Founder of her own perfume line, “Simply D.” As notable as any of these accomplishments are, especially for a person only in their mid-thirties, the truly impressive part is that all this has occurred because of her ability to go for her dreams that are usually ‘out of the box’. It also doesn’t hurt that Philanthropist Mr. Leonard E. Burnett has made her his key proteges’ in business. Wow! We can all use a millionaire can’t we?
Denise: I am proud native of Huntsville, Alabama where I graduated from Alabama A&M University with double major in Elementary/Early Childhood Education. Go Bulldogs!!! After graduating I started teaching 5th grade in Clermont, Florida. After a few years of that, I became their Kindergarten Teacher. I then discovered that kids are really interesting little “people.” After all the crayons, crying and interesting parents, I decided to get my MBA.
Kiara: Denise, tell me a little more detail about your background?
Kiara: Considering you ended up where you are today, why did you major in education initially? Denise: Here’s the funny part! I was actually going to be a
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lawyer. I went through the whole Miami Vice stage! I was going to help Crockett and Tubbs put the bad guys away. I was fascinated with helping people. However, in my senior year of high school my Economics Teacher asked me to volunteer with 3rd graders. I wasn’t very excited about it because I didn’t see how I could make them understand supply and demand. But Kiara, it was awesome! I had a blast with them. On my last day, a little girl named, Erin Gray asked me, “Miss Denise, will you come back tomorrow?” That was it! I went home that day and told my parents I was going to be a teacher. That little girl sealed the deal. Kiara: What influence did your parents have on you? Denise: Both my parents are from humble backgrounds, and they both felt—knew really—that education was your passport to a better life. They were teachers, too. There were three kids in the house: Danny, Danielle (my identical twin) and me! Growing up we often visited my parents classrooms and met other teachers. I knew at an early age that I was going to college. My parents weren’t going to have us embarrass their name. My parents would say, “You will be somebody, you will be successful, or you won’t be living at 433 very long.” We grew up at 433 Edgemont Drive, so they always referenced where we got our bread and butter! Because we all made good grades, we received scholarships to college. Danielle and I went to Alabama A&M University, while Danny enrolled at Alabama State University. Kiara: You have a Doctorate in Business, but you already had an MBA, why? Many would consider the combo overkill? Denise: Well, in education the more degrees you have the more
you can increase your income. Well, in most cases. I was on my way to being a principal so that was my main motivation at first. But, something changed! While enrolled in my MBA classes it occurred to me that as a black female, it would be advantageous to have as many “letters” behind my name. I needed to have as many tools, rather weapons for whatever I wanted to do in the future. If I started my own business, a Ph.D. would not be needed, but it certainly wouldn’t hurt me either! Or, I could be a University Professor! I began thinking that I could go either way with the Ph.D, so right after finishing my MBA; I began my doctoral program. After five years of study, I graduated in 2004 from Walden-National University. I was 31 years-old. Kiara: So, you got your business degree, but went back to teaching? Denise: Yeah, crazy right? I realized that teaching was truly my first love! I missed the students, the staff, doing lesson plans, I missed it all. So, after I received my Ph.D I accepted a position at Full Sail University as their Course Director for Professional Communication and Business Principle/Marketing. Also, during this time I launched my talk show with Jericho Broadcasting. Full Sail liked that I had a talk show, it helped secure my job. Kiara: How did you receive support and who believed in you the most during this time? Denise: I have a great cast of people around me. My mentor, Len Burnett is my angel on earth. We still meet every week and identify a timeline for the next six months of my career. Next, Monique Mason ( my Agent) believes in me so much. She is the reason I get paid! Now, the next person always makes me smile.
Pastor Randolph Bracy, Jr. changed my life! Rev. Bracy has a passion for young people who are doing things and whom he sees potential. He and his wife, Dr. LaVon adopted me. Whenever he visits places that he feels can advance my career, he sends me! In 2004, he sent me to the Summer Leadership Institute at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Harvard? It was extremely humbling to be there. It still amazes me to this day! In 2008, he sent me to Oxford University, The Oxford Round Table, in Oxford England. I served as a Visiting Professor and to present a paper on the business world from my viewpoint. Every year they choose the top 40 influential leaders in their various fields. During those two weeks you take classes, teach a class, present a paper, go on tours and meet the other 39 people. It was amazing. I gave a presentation called the new “New Adam and Eve,” about Barack and Michelle Obama.
ready for a change. I loved what I was doing, but it was no longer a challenge for me. Besides teaching, my other passion was the Fashion and Beauty Industry! I began researching that field and decided to really become a full-time entrepreneur. I still didn’t know what I would do, so I started mentally and financially preparing. Analyzing my budget was where I began. Plus, my talk show was getting some buzz and started to create income for me.
Kiara: So how did you finally go from academia to business?
Kiara: What was the final push to jump out there?
Denise: My time at Full Sail University had been great, but I was
Denise: Well, my church offered a class called Introduction to
January-March 2011
Kiara: Talk Show? Denise: Yes! My talk show, Hip & Happening has been so much fun! We have traveled to the Grammy Awards, Stellar Awards, Dove Awards, Taste of Chicago, Kentucky Derby, MTV Awards, Essence Music Festival and more. I’ve interviewed everybody from Smokey Robinson to Jay-Z! But that’s another story!
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Entrepreneurship. It was eight weeks long, and I decided to take it.
everything! It was fascinating. At that point, Mr. Burnett mentioned he knew a gentleman by the name of Fred Parker. Mr. Parker had made scents for Ralph Lauren, John Paul Gaultier and Gucci. This is the key, because anyone serious about getting in the perfume business has to go to Europe to develop the fragrance.
Kiara: Wait. Hold up. You have an MBA, a Ph.D, and were teaching business classes, why would you take a class at church? You could have, maybe should have, been teaching it. Denise: Well, the teacher was the appeal for me. Leonard Burnett. He’s a former NFL star, and had owned several McDonalds franchises and sold them. He was very successful. He was doing what I wanted to do…work for himself!!! He’s a multimillionaire, and he doesn’t have a Ph.D. It was clear he knew a lot more about business that I did! I wanted to learn what he knew. So I took the class and 30 people showed up the first night. By the third class, I was the only one.
Kiara: Europe that makes sense, but you were here in Florida. Were you that convinced?
Denise: After researching Mr. Parker, and realizing how big a deal he was, I was Len Burnett convinced. We had been emailing back and forth and our conversations were very productive. After speaking on the phone, he said we would need to meet to talk about numbers, and if they all looked good, then I would come out to Paris. I said to myself, Kiara: Really? The church got a busy millionaire to donate his “Yeah, right. Just hop on a plane to Paris.” It seemed a stretch, time, for free, to teach people how to open a business and better but we did meet at a Starbucks in Winter Park, and talked for their life; and they didn’t take advantage of the opportunity? about two hours. The next day he called me to let me know he enjoyed our meeting, and that he would send me some sample Denise: Look, he was there to put us to work and to teach. He vials, and for me to get close friends and get their opinion. told us what books to get, and to turn in a paper with some ideas. I mean it was a real class. That third class was life-changing. I Kiara: So, the ball was rolling, right? walked in, and after about 20 minutes I asked, “Where is everyone?” He said, “I think you’re it Denise.” But you know, it was a Denise: Yes! I got the vials in the mail and crated my list of peoblessing for me, because I got his full attention. He sat down and ple to share this new venture with. John and Marvia arrived first asked me what I wanted to do. I told him I wanted to do it all!!! to my house! They were great! Also, they didn’t ask any quesI wanted to write more books, give speeches at universities, speak tions, just gave me the vial they liked the most. Then, Mr. Burat the White House, be an Ambassador, and be the next Oprah! nett told me to run some numbers to see what it would cost to do After I finished talking, he just looked at me. You know what? everything. I don’t want to give the figure, but it was not chump Not one time did he laugh or talk down to me. He simply said, change. However, I followed through, and gave him my analy“How soon do you want it?” Then he said something I’ll never sis. He looked at my business plan and asked me whether I forget, he said, “Denise, because you stuck with me, I’m going to would work the fragrance. He kept saying, ‘Denise, would you give you all my resources.” I didn’t know what that meant. Many really make this work?” people might think it meant giving me advice. As I found out later, it was more about having access to Kiara: He gave you a passion test. his other millionaire friends, whom he had been telling about me. He allowed me into his world, a very ‘privileged’ world… Denise: I realize that now, Kiara. At the time I did not know what he was doing. He told me he would call me the next day. When Kiara: How did that lead to the perfume? he called he said, “Pack your bags, you’re going to work with Fred Parker in Paris, France. He gave me the dates; I met him at Denise: Aside from my talk show, Monique had booked me to do the church to pick up my ticket and went home in tears! Three a lot of modeling. Mr. Burnett remarked that I seemed to like the weeks later I was in a lab in Paris, France working on the perbeauty and fashion industry. He suggested I consider a signature fume that would become, “Simply D.” product; like perfume. I’m ashamed to say, I wrinkled my nose a bit. I have degrees in education and business, not science. I did- Kiara: What you describe is a wonderful story. There seems to be n’t have any Bunsen Burners at home! He told me that The a number of lessons to be gleaned from your startup experience. Beauty Industry was the only industry that didn’t lose money. The What are those lessons? recession had hit, but it didn’t have an impact on fragrance at all. I still was not convinced, but he told me to research it so I did. The Denise: One, have a mentor. Mentor’s are not appreciated more I looked into it, the more interesting it became. I researched enough. Two, have a passion or be passionate. When people see how Chanel, Gucci and Versace got started and really did my your passion, they will want to help you. I didn’t know what homework. I read about the labs they used for their bottles, and business I would start, but I had a passion to have a business, 26
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and it showed. I did not have the money to go Paris and work with a perfume designer that was behind many top names in entertainment and fashion. Mr. B, as I like to call him, sent me there. He believed in me, and could see I would do the work. I had done the research; I wrote my business plan. I stayed in the class when 29 other people quit the class. He could see I was serious and open to advice. Kiara: Okay, so you got your perfume, Simply D. It was real now. How long before you quit your job? Denise: It took me awhile, two years actually. Mr. Burnett told me that I would have to leave my job, if this was really going to fly! After much prayer with Pastor Bracy, I made my decision. I left Full Sail University January 09’. Kiara: So, to do all of this, who makes up Team Simply D? Denise: Mr. Burnett (Mentor), Monique ‘mo’ Mason (Agent), Lillian Seays (Publisher/Cheerleader), Dr. Randolph Bracy, Jr. (Spiritual Advisor), John Ellis (Attorney), Libby Green (Accountant). Kiara: What keeps you motivated? How do you relieve such a busy schedule? Denise: I love to exercise! My Personal Trainer is Mr. Kevin R. Davis. He put me on a great diet two years ago. Swimming, running, yoga, and weights get my full attention five days a week. Also, in those five days, I don’t go over 1,000 calories in a day. Therefore, on my cheat days I eat whatever I want without feeling guilty. Kevin is wonderful! However, when I don’t workout his phone calls can get pretty scary. However, I wouldn’t be able to maintain my busy schedule without his support. Kiara: What about family/friends? Denise: I have a small hand full, not many. I am extremely focused on my career, so I can’t afford to have the wrong people around me. Marvia Barrington, Angela Davis, John Q. Lennard are the ones that show up on my doorstep to hang out. I laugh, cry, scream, and yell with them when I have a crazy day! I can tell them my dreams. I trust them completely. Dame Marva Turner, Carol Cowan and Dr. LaVon W. Bracy are special to me. They were right there when I launched Simply D Perfume. In fact, they were the first to see my bottles when I got them in the mail. Danielle, Danny, Dad and Joyce keep me grounded. Especially, my twin, Danielle!
Denise: Oh yeah! I volunteer tons! I volunteer with Junior Achievement. I visit high schools throughout the school year and talk about the business world and what kids need to make it. In fact, I spent the entire school year at Jones High School. Also, I volunteer with Make-A Wish Foundation/Give Kids the World. Here, I work with terminally ill children. I do everything from making ice cream cones to reading with them. Moreover, I volunteer with Arnold Palmer Hospital, Rollins Youth Group, 100 Black Men, Chamber of Commerce, Habitat for Humanity, HBCU Initiatives/The White House, Girl Scouts of America, and ONYX Magazine/LBS Foundation. Kiara: What’s next for you? Denise: Well, believe it or not…a doll! Mattel Toys likes my story and if all goes the “Dr. D” Doll will be on shelves Christmas 2011. I’ll be a part of the Barbie Line. This is another reason why you need people on your team to think ‘outside the box’ with you. Kiara: I’m done! I don’t know what else to say. Any last words for our readers Dr. Mose? Denise: I will leave you with these things. One, trust God. Two, read Proverbs 18:16. Three, read, “Oh the Places You’ll Go” by Dr. Seuss. Four. Stretch yourself to do new things; it’s really the only way to live. Five, surround yourself with people who believe in you.
Kiara: Do you share this passion in your Community?
January-March 2011
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Onyx Magazine 27
Allen Wiggins, Bishop by DayBuilder of Tomorrow! By Denise Mose
The game of chess is made up of many pieces. There is the Queen, Knight, Rook, King, and of course the Pawn. However, there is another piece that I did not mention: The Bishop. This is the piece that moves in a diagonal way focused on his next target. Well, the game of chess reminds me of one of the world’s secret weapons. Guess what? He also goes by the name of Bishop. Lillian Brown Seays is my publisher, she and her husband, Lester Seays are co-owners of Onyx Magazine. I have the lovely job of interviewing the key people she feels deserve a spotlight in her popular magazine. This brings us to one of this month’s feature stories. Allen Wiggins is a busy Bishop and he’s got plenty reasons to smile. In addition to celebrating ten years as the presiding Bishop of The Hope Church in Orlando, he’s also has his hands full by building his budding community. Churches are known for praising, worshipping, singing and popular preachers. Did you know that Bishop Wiggins is more than what meets the eye? Yes, he’s a beloved rattler from that school in Tallahassee, but he’s also all about building the community around him and his members. The Village Square is a name you might want to get use to hearing. Because this was a building that has received more than a makeover! The mall (as it’s referred to) resides just off of Orange Center Boulevard and John Young Parkway. Nestled in a historic community that Bishop Wiggins aims to take back through economic development; it’s truly booming. He gave me a tour of what is to come in the next few weeks. “Not only will we have hair salons, barber shops and pizza restaurants, we’re going to have a law firm, chiropractic office, men’s clothing shop and frozen ice cream. Even his daughter Brandy and his wife, Lady D have spread their entrepreneurial wings and have two businesses in the mall! Moreover, Poet Blue Bailey will nurture young students in public speaking through poetry and we will have a location for other nationalities (Haitian and LatinAmericans specifically) to meet their needs as well.”
struction, people were everywhere getting their businesses up and running. Excitement was in the air. “Here we will house a multipurpose room complete with the latest technology equipment that will hold seminars. These workshops will focus on credit counseling, financial literacy, and home-buying. Dr. Mose, I love my community! So many of us have rented forever, I want to see us own where we live!” As we walked through each door, many people had been in their location for several years. In fact, I met a barber who had cut hair for over forty-five years in the same location! Forty-Five years! I asked Bishop what it felt like to see this dream become a reality. He responded with the following. “I stand on the shoulders of many people; one being my father, the late Reverend R.W. Wiggins. He was my best friend and he left me a great legacy. Not only did he groom me, he prayed for me and believed in his son. It’s been three years since he passed, but he is still with me. I feel like he’s looking over Heaven’s balcony and enjoying the view.” The next phase of this area will be a cathedral, medical center, and educational programs. Bishop put it this way… It will be a Center of Transformation! Bishop Wiggins said that we have to minister to the total man through the five areas: Spiritual, Housing, Medical, Economic and Social. He said once we get the men right, the overall community has no choice but to win. Bishop Wiggins is building his community from the inside out. Coupled with The Mayor of Orlando, The Village of Orlando, Commissioners, dignitaries and several other local churches, Bishop Wiggins is eager to launch the mall. Tuesday, October 19, 2010 at 5:30 p.m. is the date of a new beginning in this neighborhood. Passionate, sincere and a visionary; these are just a few words that describe Bishop Allen Wiggins. With dreams like these, it’s no wonder he’s successful.
I thought he was done; then he took me to the second level of the mall. Again, I was beyond impressed. Betwixt all of the con28
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Bishop Allen Wiggins January-March 2011
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Fighting Obesity is as Easy as Supporting Physical Education In Schools The current focus on obesity in children and teens has society up in arms and is creating a national focus and governmental efforts to get parents informed about the physiological, emotional and psychological dangers of obesity in children and teens. The prevailing understanding for the increase of obesity is there are two primary factors; first, children and teenagers are not eating the right kinds of food. Second, children and teens are getting less exercise. Environmental circumstances and the increased infusion of technology in our daily lives are contributing factors that tend to draw more attention from physical activity outside of the home to a more sedentary life style. The goal should be to reinforce the importance of Physical Education programs in elementary and middle schools nation wide. President Obama established a Task Force on Childhood Obesity with a goal to “solve the problem of childhood obesity within a generation so that children born today will reach adulthood at a healthy weight.” The First Lady Michelle Obama has launched “Let’s Move”. Her focus on this obesity epidemic has drawn national and international attention. There are health professionals that are already trained, educated and motivated on station at schools throughout this country. If serious consideration is taken into account for addressing obesity in children and teens then serious action should be on properly funding the physical education programs at schools. The misconception is that physical education is play education. Physical education professionals are not just there for free time for kids to play. Physical education teachers are required to take not only educational courses, but courses that are in the scientific and medical fields. Depending on the curriculum, physical education teachers must take several sciences, biology, physical science, kinesiology, physiology of exercise, physics, chemistry and other classes that transcend to other disciplines in medicine, physical sciences and environmental sciences. Physical educators (men and women) are not just “dumb jocks”, as some people say. Physical Educators are required to be certified teachers and many have certifications in other areas of education especially in leadership. In this time of educational budget cuts and curriculum changes physical education is usually on the budgetary chopping block, but local and national school district administrators and legislative members should understand that not only are the physical needs addressed in the physical education classes, but so is self esteem, self confidence and personal motivation of children and teens. We may never know how many students attribute their success in school and being able to graduate because their physical education teacher motivated them to press forward in the classroom,, apply their physical talents to academics and become successful
in school. Even though more parents attend sporting events than they do academic activities, physical activities in sports draw and keep teens and young adults in school. There are other conditions that contribute to the overweight factor, including medical conditions (thyroid, diabetes, etc), the taking of medications and genetics. Overweight students often have low self-esteem made worse when they are unable to participate in normal activities in sports or on the playground. Teen eating disorders like anorexia, nervosa and bulimia develop in response to feelings of body inadequacy and the erroneous feelings of being obese even though the physical indications are of a disorder. Obese children are teased, bullied and made to feel inferior on a number of levels. Physical educators turn these feeling around to motivate students to work to improve their physical conditions for a life time. The importance of a good diet and exercise not just through sports, but even addresses sex in health education classes. The physical education teacher is often the first person that children and teens talk to about sex, drugs, and alcohol before they talk to their parents. There is a trust and connection between students and their physical education teacher. Students feel they will not be judged, teased or put down, because of unfamiliar feelings, emotional changes and the physical changes of puberty. Sometimes parents’ reaction and denial of their child’s maturity and growth can dissuade open dialogue and cause their child or teen to fear talking to them. Many physical education teachers fill that gap and guide students in the right direction to guidance professionals and open dialogue between parents, children and teens. American’s spend billions of dollars on personal exercise equipment, personal trainers, motivational exercise programs, spa memberships, etc, but there are professionals already available for our children and teens in our schools. These billions need to be put in the physical education programs that are struggling now to address obesity in children and have been for years before this current and urgent focus. The obvious is simple, use the resources that are available––the trained professionals that should be supported more, respected more, and funded more. Why create more programs that only rely on temporary budgets or nonexistent funds when support needs to go to professional educators that are currently in place and making a difference in our schools. By: William Jackson, M.Edy. Physical Education Professional Duval County Public Schools, Jacksonville, Florida
Now You Can Help LBS Foundation Fight Sickle Cell Disease by Applying for the Smart Giving Debit Card
Onyx Magazine launches its Smart Giving Debit Card
comes with every Smart Giving Visa Card. Online Monitoring System - Cardholders are able to go online to monitor and track spending as well as see available account balance.
This Prepaid Reloadable Visa Card generates funds for Off The Field (LBS Foundation Incorporated) every time it is used. Card-holders make their everyday purchases of things like gas and groceries and then a small percentage of the merchants transaction fees from that purchase is then funneled back to Off The Field. It is a simple and easy way to turn everyday spending into funding for Off The Field.
Brand Exposure - Every time the Smart Giving Visa Card is presented for payment, it exposes the Off The Field brand to potential prospects and sponsors.
The cost of the card is $30.00 + a $1.95 monthly administration fee. $10.00 Administrative Fee $10.00 Off The Field $10.00 Preloaded onto the card $30.00 Card Purchase
Money Network Checks - The Smart Giving Card offers the opportunity to use "bounceless checks", which are similar to money orders to pay bills. In addition, you will be helping to eradicate sickle cell anemia.
To get your Smart Giving Debit Card� log on to www.smartgivingcards.com
Not a Credit Card - The Smart Giving Prepaid Visa Deb Card offers the convenience of a credit card without the debt. Prepaid Card - Prepaid means that the money you put on your Smart Giving Visa Card sets the limit to what you can spend. As a result of the set limit, the user cannot get a non-sufficient fund (NSF) penalty. Easy Load Process - There are multiple methods to load your Smart Giving Card. These methods include: ACH transfer (automatically and direct from the user's checking account), Western Union or enroll in an employer's direct deposit program.
HELP US FIGHT SICKLE CELL DISEASE THE SMART GIVING DEBIT CARD WAY!!
Security and Fraud - All of the security and fraud protection of Visa January-March 2011
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PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR HEALTH:
5 Steps to Better Heart Health Family Features Family Features) - Heart disease - or cardiovascular disease seems like something that happens to other people. But the truth is, about one third of adult Americans have some form of cardiovascular disease. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that 80 million Americans - that's one of every three adults - live with one or more types of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The toll this takes is enormous. In addition to reducing quality of life and raising health care costs, heart disease kills more people than any other disease, including cancer. The CDC estimates that every 37 seconds, someone dies from heart disease. What can you do to reduce your risk of heart disease? Following these five steps can help you take control of your heart health and put you on the path to a healthier life. 1. Know the Risk Factors: Knowledge is power. Once you know what behaviors and conditions contribute to the problem, you can take action. • Unhealthy Diet. Foods high in saturated fats and cholesterol raise blood pressure levels and promote atherosclerosis. Too much sodium causes high blood pressure levels as well. • Physical Inactivity. A sedentary lifestyle impacts blood pressure, the amount of good cholesterol and triglycerides in the body, and weight. • Tobacco Use. Tobacco smoke contains more than 4800 chemicals, many of them damaging to the heart. Cigarette smoking promotes atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries) and raises the levels of blood clotting factors. Nicotine raises blood pressure and heart rates, and carbon monoxide reduces the amount of oxygen the blood can carry. Exposure to second-hand smoke can significantly increase the risk of heart disease in non-smokers. • Heredity. Genetic factors may play some role in high blood pressure, heart disease and other vascular conditions. 2. Know Your Numbers: High blood pressure and high cholesterol can damage your heart and blood vessels. But without testing them, you probably won't know whether or not you have these conditions. It's important that you know what your levels are, to keep track of them over time, and to share them with care givers and family members. Using online personal health management applications like Mayo Clinic Health Manager, can simplify how you organize and track your numbers and assist in determining 32
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your personal blood pressure and cholesterol goals. • Adults should have their blood pressure checked at least every two years. You may need more frequent checks if your numbers aren't optimal, or if you have other risk factors for heart disease. Optimal blood pressure is less than 120/80 millimeters of mercury. • Adults should have their cholesterol measured at least once every five years. You may need more frequent testing if your numbers aren't optimal or if you have other risk factors for heart disease. The optimal cholesterol levels are determined by the number or risk factors and other diagnosis. 3. Stop Using Tobacco Products: When you quit smoking, your risk of heart disease is dramatically reduced within just one year. No matter how long or how much you've smoked, you start reaping rewards as soon as you quit. Talk to your doctor about effective ways to stop smoking. In addition, you can find online tools and information at • www.smokefree.gov • www.lungusa.org • www.mayoclinic.com 4. Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet: Many doctors recommend the DASH diet - DASH stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. That may not sound like a tempting menu description, but eating to protect your heart really can be delicious and satisfying. Reducing the amounts of saturated and trans fat you eat is key. Sources of saturated fat include beef, butter, cheese, milk, and coconut and palm oils. Check package labels for "partially hydrogenated" to avoid trans fats. Heart-healthy eating isn't all about cutting things out. The DASH diet is rich in fruits and vegetables (the recommendation is 5 servings a day), whole grains and other foods that can help protect your heart, help you control your weight, and improve
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overall health. Learn more at www.dashdiet.org. 5. Get Moving: Physical activity can reduce your risk of fatal heart disease. It helps you control weight and reduces your chances of developing other conditions that may put a strain on your heart, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. It also reduces stress, which may be a factor in heart disease. • Guidelines recommend exercising vigorously at least 150 minutes per week. • Keep in mind that gardening, housekeeping, taking the stairs and walking the dog all count toward your total time. Try to maintain a BMI (body mass index) of 25 to 30. It's easier than you think to prevent and manage heart disease. Taking small steps can make a big difference. Start following these five steps, and track your progress using an application like Mayo Clinic Health Manager at www.healthmanager.mayoclinic.com. It's free and you don't have to be a Mayo Clinic patient to use it. 6. Online Tools for Creating Better Cardio Care: The more you know about your own health and habits, and the more proactive you are in taking care of yourself, the better off you'll be. To help people manage their health better, Mayo Clinic and Microsoft worked together to develop Mayo Clinic Health Manager, www.healthmanager.mayoclinic.com, powered by Microsoft HealthVault. Mayo Clinic Health Manager is a free privacy-and-security-enhanced online application where you can organize your health information and receive personalized guidance. Features: • Take a heart disease risk assessment to find out more about your chances for developing a fatal heart condition. • Use the Prepare for Appointment feature to customize and print relevant information on medications, blood pressure and cholesterol before a doctor's visit. • Get personalized heart health guidance based on expertise of Mayo Clinic physicians. The amount of information you provide influences the recommendations you will receive. Mayo Clinic Health Manager allows you to create custom trackers for: • Blood pressure (you can download data directly from compatible devices like blood pressure cuffs) • Cholesterol • Weight • Exercise • And more View the charts over time to see if everything is in check. Based on the information you enter, you'll receive reminders for screenings you may need and the latest information on heart health.
Ted Hollins is one of Orlando's most well known photographers. He has photographed a list of celebrities that spans two decades, which includes everyone from Tina Turner to Tiger Woods. His client list includes Disney World, Nike, General Motors, and CF News Channel 13. For the past 18 years, Ted has been the official photographer for the Zora Neale Hurston Festival. The real showcase of his work has been the families, organizations and individuals that he has photographed through the years in Central Florida. Ted says, "the potential of the portrait is as vast as the universe itself. I endeavor to capture the Divine in each portrait." The key to Ted's Success is his universal link to the Creator, as well as diligence and dedication to his craft. Ted has traveled extensively throughout the United States and parts of Africa. Some of his work can be seen by going to tedhollins.com.
SOURCE: - Mayo Clinic January-March 2011
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BREAST CANCER AWARENESS By Rhetta Peoples
If you watched Monday night football recently and saw NFL players wearing pink, there was nothing wrong with your television set. I’ll go a step further and answer your question before you ask it, “yes; they are all getting in touch with their feminine side.” Being “Pink” is the in thing. October was Breast Cancer Awareness month and I’m sure I don’t have to remind you about that. Pink bows and images are everywhere in an attempt to remind us of the “cause.” Even still, many women are not doing self-examinations each month, nor are they seeing their doctors or getting mammograms on a regular basis. According to Dr. Claudia Baquet, MD, MPH, Associate Dean, Office of Policy and Planning, Professor of Medicine and Principal Investigation at the Bioethics Research Center at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, there is scientific evidence that proves the most dangerous form of breast cancer is found more often in African American women. Now, that research didn’t say “women of color” or “minority women,” the research stated, “African American women.” That’s right, we are the demographic that carries the highest risk of the most deadly form of this horrible disease. This subtype of breast cancer called “Triple Negative Breast Cancer” is the single most aggressive form of the disease. “Triple Negative” does not respond to current medical therapies used to treat the breast cancer that science understands most. Today, the words “triple negative” are ones you don’t want to hear. However, it doesn’t mean the battle is lost. There’s still more than enough hope to go around. We have to start by doing monthly self-examinations. We need to visit our doctor regularly and go for our mammograms regardless of how uncomfortable it may be. Most importantly, if you are someone who has triple negative breast cancer, getting a doctor that can help you find reputable clinical trials in which you may qualify for may be the answer. Not only could a clinical trial possibly help you beat the disease, it may assist in a medical breakthrough for so many other women.
There’s something more significant and profoundly specific about breast cancer. For women, it not only has the potential to leave you scarred physically, but it can emotionally force her into a situation in which she may feel inadequate compared to other women. With a reputable clinical trial you could have access to medicine that may not yet be approved by the FDA but could possibly help in combatting the disease. If you don’t believe a clinical trial is the way to go, then keep researching and asking your doctor for options regardless of how annoyed he or she may get. Never stop looking for alternatives and more than anything, be conscious of God, who can and always will make a fool of science when he gets good and ready. Those battling breast cancer have a right to find out more about how they can beat this disease. Not just for themselves for those of us sitting on the sidelines, cheering them on. These women, and sometimes men, deserve the opportunity to have active, involved medical practitioners on their side when it comes to recommendations and innovative steps in medical research relating to a disease that may become a primary focus in their lives. Finding a cure is not only important it’s a must. Not just for those who are battling the disease today, but for our daughters who may grow up to face breast cancer in their very own lives. This year, we have the opportunity to elect local officials who may or may not support healthcare issues that are most important to us. Let’s make it clear that finding a cure for breast cancer is an initiative that must be on the table and must be supported by political figures if they expect to get our votes. Being “Pink” really is in!
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Space Coast Awards
Delores McLaughlin Publishers Award
Ronald M. Joe, Sr. Cultural Diversity Award The mission of the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute (DEOMI) is to enhance leadership and readiness by fostering Equal Opportunity and Equal Employment Opportunity programs and positive human relations through education training and research. DEOMI's education directorates provide training in equal opportunity and equal employment opportunity to specially selected military members including Coast Guard, National Guard, Reservists and Armed Forces civilians, as well as representatives from other federal agencies. The institute graduates approximately 1,250 resident students per year. DEOMI conducts 12 on-campus courses. Five of the courses focus on military EEO program and the remainder is designed for EEO professionals. In addition, DEOMI conducts special seminars for senior leaders and reaches worldwide audiences with its mobile training teams. DEOMI's research directorate provides organizational assessments (Military Equal Opportunity Climate Survey), produces background material for federal observances and acts as a clearinghouse for DoD. The new DEOMI campus, completed in October 2003, is a 92,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility located on the scenic Banana River. It provides students, faculty and staff with modern classrooms, lecture halls, library and research facilities.
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Ms. McLaughlin serves as both the site coordinator for the Brevard County Weed and Seed Initiative and as the Executive Director of the Alliance for Neighborhood Restoration. In her capacity as site coordinator, she is responsible for the day-today operations of the Brevard County Weed and Seed and Project Safe Neighborhood Initiatives. McLaughlin has been instrumental in founding and establishing a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization to sustain the Weed and Seed initiative. She has spearheaded the development of several innovative programs designed to fill gaps in services for the residents of public housing and the Weed and Seed targeted areas. McLaughlin managed the public affairs department of WBSF TV 43 in Melbourne Florida where she developed and produced children’s specials and designed and launched public services projects and campaigns for service and non-profit organizations. She has been active in local community affairs in the Brevard County area for over 25 years. McLaughlin received the 1991 Junior League’s Public Affairs Video Award for Teen Pregnancy Prevention and the 1993 Child Advocate of the year Award presented by Children’s Home Society. She is also a 2004 recipient of the Delta Sigma Theta Crystal Pyramid Award. Over the years, Delores has served as a director on numerous non-profit boards. Winning more than two million in grants for the Brevard County Initiatives, she has received national recognition for her work with Weed and Seed and most recently received the Department of Justice’s Tenure Award for Weed and Seed Site Coordinators. www.onyxmagazine.com
Pastor Harvey L. Riley Lifetime Achievement Award Rev. Riley owned and operated Riley’s Scientific Barber Shop in Cocoa, Florida for 20 years. During this time he attended Brevard Community College, University of Central Florida and the National Theological Seminary. He was awarded an honorary doctorate degree in humanitarian letters from the National Theological Seminary. Rev. Riley answered the call into the ministry in 1956. He preached his first sermon of Father’s Day at his home church of Greater St. Paul Baptist Church. He served as pastor of Providence Baptist Church in Daytona Beach from 1959-1971, Friendship Baptist Church in Sharpes from 1971-1973, Metropolitan Baptist Church in Cocoa, from 1973-1982, from 1982 to the present he has served as shepherd of the Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church in Palm Bay, FL. Rev. Riley is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, the NAACP, Habitat for Humanity, the Kiwanis Club, The American Cancer Society, the Sheriff’s League of Chaplains, The Alzheimer’s Association, and the South Brevard Christian Minister’s Fellowship. In September 2009, Rev. Riley was recognized by the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. for his accomplishment of 50 years of pastoring, and on October 17, 2009 the official renaming of Adams Street to Dr. Street ceremony was held.
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S cenes from the Onyx Awards
Mistress of Ceremony, Jada Collins
Evelyn “Champagne� King
cle ttoo CEO – The Blue Print for starting your own business”, Jackson cle share shar aree with others, real life lessons on how to overcome obstacles and shares t turn their passion into profits.
Business
Becau of his own childhood struggles, Jackson truly has a passion for Because rreach each reaching back and preparing the next generation of leaders. He consistentlyy gives of his time, talent and treasure to organizations that focus on youth development. He currently serves on the Executive Advisory Board youth for the th Boy Scouts of America, and as District Vice Chairman for their for S t Reach program. Other duties include serving on the Central Florida Scout Urban League Young Professional’s Leadership Council as the Youth and Mentoring Committee Chairperson. He is also a founding member of Generation Success, a partnership agreement with the Boys and Girls Club of Central Florida, Junior Achievement of Central Florida, and Rollins College’s Crummer School of Business, which focuses on exposing middle and high school students to leadership opportunities, entrepreneurship, and globalization. www.TheWordsofAction.com ____________________________________________
Communication Kevin Seraaj, J.D., M. Div. (Orlando)
Photo by Rasheda Isaac
Jabari Jackson, Sr. (Orlando)
Kevin Seraaj received the Masters of K Divinity from United Bible College D aand Seminary, Orlando, in 1988 – 11993. He graduated from Northwestern University School of Law in w Chicago, IL in 1975 after having reC cceived his B.A. Degree in Political Science and Economics in 1972. S
Also known by many as “Action” Jackson, Jackson is the President and CEO of J. Jackson Enterprises, Inc., a Central Florida based company with a portfolio of subsidiary companies in the industries of real estate, health/ beauty, and business consulting. A savvy businessman, Jackson built two successful businesses in the fields of real estate and in the health/ beauty industry. This achievement earned him the title of 2009 Entrepreneur of the Year from the African American Chamber of Commerce and recognition as one of Orlando’s 2010 Forty under Forty from the Orlando Business Journal. Although his primary business is in building and developing small companies, Jackson’s true love and passion lie in motivating others to pursue their dreams. From the speaking platform, through his radio show, Business Builders Radio, to his recently published book, “CubiJanuary-March 2011
Seraaj is the publisher of the Central Florida Advocate/Orlando Advocate, which he founded in 1993. With 17 years of experience at the helm, the weekly newspaper published by Cornerstone Media Group (CMG) has provided news, information, critical analysis and editorial opinion on issues of all types. The Central Florida Advocate has been granted serveral awards among them are... • Newspaper of the Year -- 1995 and 1996, African American Chamber of Commerce • Media of the Year-- 1996, U.S. Department of Commerce • Media of the Year-- 1997, U.S. Department of Corrections
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• Numerous other civic and community-based awards
ments, and customer specifications.
The focus of the paper is politics and the emphasis is the Orlando area. The Central Florida Advocate was one of first ethnic newspapers to go online in 1995. It is highly visible and active in the community and first leg of company sales effort on major/key advertising accounts.
As the Assistant National Business Manager for a national religious corporation, Seraaj was responsible for the development of 154 businesses in 56 cities nationwide. The businesses included bakeries, clothing stores, supermarkets and restaurants. He negotiated import contracts with governments of Peru and Bahamas, negotiated successful oil contract from Saudi Arabian government during height of national gas shortage, developed operating manuals for all business types to bring uniformity to look, feel and operation of all entities, developed franchising strategy, he traveled extensively in performance of these duties. As an attorney, he has had many, many successes.
CMG is indirectly affiliated with Cornerstone Baptist Church, a faith-based institution involved in people development, job, housing, abuse and assistance referral through a network of partnerships that include the nationwide food program, “Angel Foods,” and the State of Florida Access program. Through the Angel Food program, Seraaj has been able to provide low-cost food to participating households. As an Access Partner, Seraaj ensures street-level access to government programs of all kinds for citizens and non-citizens alike. Additionally, membership in the African American Council of Christian Clergy makes him part of a network of faith-based service providers that touch h every aspect of life in Orlando, FL. Rev. Seraaj is also a successful business man using his talentss and resources, he has been successful in getting contracts for Polll-ished Perfection Cleaning Service, the 16-year old company that aatt he joined in 2008 and in which he is still affiliated. In 1990-1995, he was association with Trexel-Lothian Investments, ss,, White Plains, NY where he definitized, researched, and filed a subsequently successful $22 million claim for contact interferr ence by informal changes in inspection criteria and assembly operation against the Department of Defense for bad faith in administration of contract of defense department contractor. He consulted area businesses on responding to requests for proposal-both civilian and military side. He successfully negotiated rights to U.S. representation of King of Pop, Michael Jackson, as part of strategy for national roll-out of chocolate candy products under client entity styled StarChoc USA. Seraaj was tapped to lead this organization as President & Chief Operations Officer. Sales and effort nose-dived when the pop star was arrested in 1990.
As pastor, Seraaj was ordained in 1990 at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church under the Reverend Jethro Toomer. He belongs to many organizations––some faith-based, others civic. __________________________________________________
Community Service
Seraaj took the 10-year old Progressive Construction Company, Orlando FL, decimated by the long-term illness of its owner, from zero dollars in income to $55,000 per month in one year’s time by focusing on private-sector corporate MBE programs and commitment to excellence in presentation and operational organization. Seraaj wrote the winning proposal for Freedom Food's contract and joined the company when asked to help save it from government threats to shut it down. As Senior Vice-President, he was given complete responsibility for all phases of contract management and administration in accordance with legal require38
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IVY FOWLER Photo by Rasheda Isaac January-March 2011
Ivy Fowler (Orlando)
Delores Mixon Smiley, Ed.D.
Ivy Fowler is the originator of the Tiger Den/Chelsea's Boutique that is on the Jones High School Campus. This store, as she calls it, is for all children who attend Jones High School providing them with clothes, shoes, toiletries and other items, as well as free food for their families. The Tiger Den has been able to reach out into the community and help other schools within the area of Jones High School. In 2009, Ms. Fowler provided over 200 prom dresses to Jones and other high schools, she provided food (weekly) to the senior citizens of the Smith Center and to families of students of Jones High School this past summer. Now, she is sending items to the children of Haiti so they, too, may have clothes. College-bound seniors who would not have been able to go to college due to the necessary dorm items have had their problem solved by Ms. Fowler. She has sponsored over 30 college bound students all their dorm items and laptops. She continues to strive to fill the store with necessary items and donations so the students can continue to excel and become leaders in the community. ___________________________________________________
Education
(Plantation) Dr. Delores Smiley proudly states, “My professional background includes a broad range of administrative office skills (1967-1984), administrative supervision (1985 to present), and extensive teaching experiences from the ninth grade level to higher education (1985-2004). During Dr. Smiley’s earlier years of administrative experience, she served as the director of the student support services program at Siena Heights (College) University in Adrian, Michigan for four years (1990-1994). In 1994, she was the recipient of one of the two nationally awarded Graduate Administrative Fellowships offered by Nova Southeastern University. After receiving her doctorate from Nova in 1995, she was hired as a coordinator in the doctoral programs for higher education. From 1996 forward, she was successively promoted to associate director, associate dean for cluster development and marketing, and director of administrative services for the Graduate Leadership Services Division. Presently, she is Dean of the Office of Community Education and Diversity Affairs of Nova Southeastern University’s Fischler Graduate School of Education and Human Services. Dr. Smiley’s teaching experience includes five years of secondary teaching (9-12) in English, social studies and community education in the Albion, Michigan school system. At the college/university level, she has taught freshmen and sophomore English, composition and writing, research, African American experience (wrote the syllabus), and critical reading and thinking. Currently, she teaches leadership courses in the doctoral program. She currently serves on the Doctoral Applied Dissertation committees as reader and as advisor. Over the past three years, she has written a Master of Science Degree Program in Instructional Design and Diversity Education. That program was launched in the fall of 2008. At this time she is writing diversity training programs that will be offered internally and externally online and onsite. As a result of a gubernatorial appointment, she sits on the Board of Directors for the Florida Fund for Minority Teachers. For the year 20072008, she was named Executive of the Year at Nova Southeastern University. She was included in the Who’s Who in Black South Florida at the unveiling April 2007, and was interviewed by Tavis Smiley regarding NSU’s outstanding achievement in graduating minority students, which recently appeared on CNN. As a panel member discussing Black in America. She was interviewed by Kitty Oliver for the Becon TV series, Bridging the Culture Gap. In addition, she is a diversity trainer and has a passion for speaking at various civic, religious and educational events.
Photo by Rasheda Isaac January-March 2011
Dr. Smiley is the dean, Office of Community Education and Diversity Affairs (OCEDA) (October 2003 – present). __________________________________________________
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atrically gifted by God since the age of seven, Karen taught herself to play the piano, she played so well in high school, she was often invited to tour with the Detroit Motown family. Karen is also very gifted by God in the area of Christian comedy, and playwriting. She is a song writer, and was very proud to be nominated as “Best Contemporary Gospel Artist of the Year 2003” in Orlando, FL, after recording her first CD, entitled, “Jesus Loves You”.
The Arts
Mrs. People’s main desire is to bring to the stage, a gospel musical stage play, that she has written and presented already in four cities, entitled She Won’t Tell, this play is dedicated to the survivors of sexual abuse. She has presented this 27-cast member production in Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville and Kissimmee, FL and is hoping to take the play to her hometown, Detroit, Michigan, where she feels there is a great need for healing.
Photo by Rasheda Isaac
Evangelist Karen Peoples (Jacksonville) Karen Yvette Peoples was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, She is the sixth of seven children. She is a college graduate, with a paramedic/nursing degree, along with a bachelor degree in theology & Christian counseling, specializing in rape counseling, where she received training through the Detroit Police Dept’s Sex Crime Unit. She has an associate of science degree in funeral services, and currently is a funeral director with Lehman Funeral Home in Daytona Beach, Florida. Karen is the author of two published books, entitled, Raped and Restored and She Won’t Tell. She is presently working on her third book entitled, When Purpose Met Destiny. Musically and the40
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Mrs. Peoples has traveled to three countries in Africa, ministering to women on how to survive the hideous crime of rape, and child molestation. In 2001 she and her husband was given the commission by God to open up and operate a ministry called “Wings of Hope”, where together they are the founders. In this ministry, she has gone live over the radio, to counsel women, men, and teens, which have been sexually abused. She has facilitated many women’s conferences involving women’s issues, and has also mentored and counseled many young girls in the central Florida area, as well as across the United States. She has received many letters of recognition and thanks, from city officials, congratulating her on the achievements in helping others survive rape, as God has blessed her to be a survivor of this crime many years ago. Mrs. Peoples also appeared on the “Today’s Family Show”, on WTGL’s channel 55 speaking about rape survival. She lives and has dedicated her life to helping women through the horrors of rape and child molestation. She has given to the community by way of serving as a minister of music/choir director for more than 30 years. She has directed five choirs at one time at Mount Sinai, where Larry G. Mills is the pastor. She also has taken her books to many high school, and has spoken to teens about being safe in the home, where she say most molestation takes place. Evangelist Karen Peoples is the wife of minister Oliver Peoples, the mother of three daughters, and one son, and the grandmother of 11. Evangelist Peoples is saved, filled with the Holy Spirit, and anointed to do the will of the Lord all over the world.
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January-March 2011
NON COMPETITIVE AWARDS ttii enemies i off ignorance, i t mestic poverty and crime affecting millions of our school children and their families. Thus, Vice Admiral Brewer has devoted the rest of his life working with disadvantaged youth and people in poverty. Vice Admiral Brewer was born in Farmville, Va., and raised in Orlando, FL. He is the son of Mildred S. Brewer and the late David L. Brewer II, both retired educators in Orlando, FL. His distinguished naval career began in 1970 when he was commissioned an ensign in the U.S. Navy by former Secretary of the Navy, the late Senator John Chafee (Rep.R.I.). He was a member of the first graduating class of the first Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps unit established by the U.S. Navy at a historically black university, Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, Tex.
Photo by Rasheda Isaac
David L. Brewer, III Vice Admiral, U.S. Navy, Retired (LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT ) Vice Admiral David L. Brewer III, USN (Retired) served his country for over 35 years in the United States Navy. Upon retirement from the Navy, Vice Admiral Brewer continued his service to our nation when he was selected as the 46th Superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) in November 2006, where he served until December 2008. Those two assignments are a culmination of the oath he took when he was commissioned an ensign in the U.S. Navy in 1970, “...that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.” In assuming the position of Superintendent of LAUSD, Brewer stated that America has the greatest military in the history of the world and will not be defeated by a foreign military power in the foreseeable future. However, he believes that the greatest threat to America’s freedom and form of democracy are the doJanuary-March 2011
During his distinguished naval career, Vice Admiral Brewer was honored with the Naval War College’s Distinguished Graduate Leadership Award – 10th recipient; the Navy League of the United States Vincent T. Hirsch Maritime Award; the National Defense Transportation Association’s Department of Defense Distinguished Service Award; and, numerous other military and civilian awards.
Ambassador A b d Harriet Elam-Thomas (GLOBAL AWARD)
Vice Admiral Brewer's personal military awards include the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (three awards), Meritorious Service Medal (two awards) and the Navy Achievement Medal. During his tenure as Superintendent, LAUSD, he was honored with the Los Angeles NAACP’s Man of Valor Award, Who’s Who in Black Los Angeles, cable television’s Telly Award (best local programming) for his TV show, Transforming Education with Superintendent Brewer, and Great Beginnings for Black Babies’ Dr. Virginia Hunter Education Award. Vice Admiral Brewer is married to Dr. Richardene “Deanie” Brewer, a distinguished educator of over 30 years. They have a daughter, Stacey, who is an attorney.
Michelle A. Robinson President of Verizon’s Southeast Region (CULTURAL DIVERSITY)
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Dwayne Murray, Esq. Grand Polemarch Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity (Public Service Award Organization)
Scott retired from NASA and the U.S. Navy at the end of July 1999 to S aaccept a position at his alma mater, Florida State University, as Vice P President for Student Affairs. Scott then served as director of the Florida Space Authority, he attempted to promote the development of F a commercial spaceport in the state. His responsibilities included the ddevelopment of space-related industry and economic initiatives. He rrepresented the State’s interests in the development of space policies aand programs and advised the Governor and Lt. Governor on all civil, ccommercial and military space matters. STS-87 (November 19, 1997-December 5, 1997) was the fourth U.S S Microgravity Payload flight, and focused on experiments designed to M sstudy how the weightless environment of space affects various physiccal processes, and on observations of the Sun's outer atmospheric layeers. Scott performed two spacewalks. The first, a 7 hour 43 minute EVA featured the manual capture of a Spartan satellite, in addition to E ttesting EVA tools and procedures for future Space Station assembly.. The second spacewalk lasted 5 hours and also featured space station asT ssembly tests. The mission was accomplished in 252 Earth orbits, traveeling 6.5 million miles in 376 hours and 34 minutes. Photo by Rasheda Isaac
Winston E. Scott (Publishers’ Award) 42
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Scott has written a book about his experiences in space, titled Reflections From Earth Orbit, published by Apogee Books. Scott is now the Dean of the College of Aeronautics at the Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne. www.onyxmagazine.com
January-March 2011
Toney Hansberry, II Tony’s dream is to become a University of Florida-trained neurosurgeon. Tony’s mother is a registered nurse and his father an African Methodist Episcopal pastor. Tony is a student at Darnell-Cookman Middle/High School, which prepares students for collegiate success through a rigorous college preparatory curriculum integrated with profesional medical standards emphasizing integrity, the pursuit of academic excellence, and a passion for life-long learning. Darnell-Cookman goes from 6th to 11th grade. Located across from Shands Hospital, its medical magnet allows students to take a medical science class as an elective.
Tony Hansberry, II at age 14, developed a way of sewing up patients after hysterectomies that stands to reduce the risk of complications and simplify the tricky procedure for less-seasoned surgeons. This is a FIRST!
Says Tony, “I just want to help people and be respected, knowing that I can save lives.” Tony discovered that the problem with the endo stitch was it couldn’t clamp down properly to close the tube where the patient’s uterus has been, but by suturing the tube vertically instead of horizontally, it could be done. Tony was able to stitch three times faster with the endo stitch vs. the conventional needle driver.
IIn 2003, Dr. Moody founded Health Masters Club ((HMC), a non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring cchildren’s well-being. She currently serves as the Exeecutive Director of HMC and Medical Director of its ssignature program, Health Masters Camp, a summer ccamp that educates children about smart eating habits aand encourages active, healthy lifestyles for youth atrrisk of obesity. In addition, she works directly with llocal schools through HMC in several key ways. ““Step Up to School Wellness-Take the Team Nutrition Challenge” is HMC’s school-based initiative which enC ccompasses 30 schools in Orange County and state-wide with the goal of improving children’s lifelong eating w aand physical activity habits. Dr. Moody is also a Nattional School Nutrition Association Certified Healthy Edge Trainer and works with school districts to develop E nnutritional plans for students by directly training school ffood service staff. Photo by Rasheda Isaac
Dr. Toni Moody (Publishers’ Award) January-March 2011
Dr. Moody launched a TV production, Breast Health D ffor Divas, geared around breast health awareness and ccancer prevention by advocating changing the ACS pprotocol to teach breast self-exam at age ten as part of hher Healthy Breasts 2020 Initiative.
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Alzo Al A l R Reddick, dddi di k P Ph.D. Ph hD Orlando (Public Service Award) Alzo Reddick, is a native of Alturas, Florida. Reddick previously served in the House of Representatives of Florida. He currently lives in Orlando, Florida with his family. He received his B..S degree from Paul Quinn University in 1960, masters degree from Florida A&M University, his doctorate degree from Nova University, and another doctorate from the University of Florida. Dr. Alzo Reddick is the Director of Special Programs and Defense Transition Services, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida. He is a highly successful professional with 40 years of increasing levels of educational, management and political experience. He has more than 35 years as an administrator, professor and teacher in private and public education. He is one of the few educators that has worked in all grade levels from primary to higher education in segregated and non-segregated schools. He is known for his lectures on the Civil War and African American History, specializing on the role of the black cowboy winning the west.
Photo by Rasheda Isaac
JJack k ““C “Cy” C ”M McClairen Cll i C Daytona (Lifetime Achievement in Sports) Coach Jack “Cy” McClairen, as a true “Omega man”, has demonstrated and practiced the guiding principles of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity––manhood, scholarship, perseverance and uplift for sixty years. His steadfast dedication to these guiding principles has been demonstrated in his tenure as a student athlete, teacher, coach, administrator, mentor and friend to thousands of students. McClairen earned 12 varsity letters in football, basketball, and track at Bethune Cookman. He was the first Wildcat to be drafted into the professional ranks in football. After a two-year tour of duty in the United States Army, McClairen began a successful NFL career with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was named to the NFL All-Pro team in 1958. In 1961, he returned to his alma mater and became the most successful basketball coach in the history of the school. McClairen also coached football at Bethune-Cookman and served as the Director of Athletics from 1961 to 1972. In 1988, he was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame; in 2008 he was inducted into the Mid-Eastern Athletic Association Sports Hall of Fame. Coach McClairen currently serves as the Senior Associate Athletic Director and assistant golf coach at Bethune Cookman University.
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January-March 2011
Dwight D i h H Howard d - Orlando Magic (Humanitarian Award) Dwight Howard, who made a personal donation of $100,000 to Haiti, is currently running an online fundraising campaign via the DHF to help match his personal contribution. Said Dwight, “I was personally moved to do something international after spending time in South Africa last summer and finding out the impact I can make on kids from a different culture and place. Haiti seemed like the perfect place to start and a place that really needs the help. They were a poor country and then they had the devastating earthquake, so they need a lot of help. There have been a lot of relief efforts in Haiti already but there’s still a lot of work to do there, especially with the children.” Howard has tapped team mate, Adonal Foyle, to manage the fund on his behalf. The Dwight Howard Fund is not Howard's first non-profit venture. In 2004, he established the Dwight D. Howard Foundation, Inc., which offers scholarships for students who want to go to Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy and grants for Lovell Elementary School and Memorial Middle School in Orlando. But after Howard saw the plight of the children in South Africa, he wanted his foundation to go worldwide.
January-March 2011
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