The Orlando Police Department Base Salary Range: $41,099 - $65,564
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Be 21 Years Old Be a U.S. Citizen Possess a High School Diploma/GED Present a Valid Drivers License Pass the Civil Service Test
BENEFITS: Pension: 70% at 20 Years to 80% at 25 Years Paid Academy Expenses and Salary Take-Home Car Program Drop and Deferred Compensation Programs
Meet our Restrictive Drug Standards
Health and Life Insurance
Pass our Medical, Polygraph, and Psychological Exams
Long-Term Disability Shift Differential Education Reimbursement Longevity Pay Vacation Days and Paid Holidays Military Leave
TO APPLY: Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis and can be accessed from our website at www.cityoforlando.net. Competitive applicants will be invited to take the civil service test.
To read a list of basic qualifications and to access an application visit: www.cityoforlando.net or call 407.246.2459 or 1.800.432.5702 (Florida Only)
CONTENTS JULY / AUGUST 2007
COVER STORY
18 Video Access Alliance Fight for Fairness in the Communication Industry is a Success
10 Is It All Hip-Hops Fault? Society Issues
DEPARTMENTS
22
26 Entertainment
The Midas Touch Dorian Boyland Shares His Success Story By Lucia Reid
6
12
Parramore Initiative Pathway Spotlight: Minority/Women Entrepreneur Assistance Program
14 28 31 40
Film in Florida: Florida takes it’s place in the film industry Florida Scope Life Style Media Gallery Hair Tips
20
In Pursuit of a Dream
It Had to Start Somewhere
Young equestrian looking for perfection in her chosen path
Talbert Gray Black Pioneer in Communication in Florida
You win when your partner is the pink flamingo.
Raúl Ruiz Cake World Bakery Miami
Join the Florida Lottery
at the Retailer Recruitment Seminar Tuesday, July 17 • 11 A.M. to 1 P.M. • Crowne Plaza Hotel 5555 Hazeltine National Drive • Orlando Call 407-678-8642 to RSVP Learn how retailers who carry the Florida Lottery are cashing in on one of the best sales opportunities available. • Increase customer loyalty • Earn commissions on every ticket sold • Over $225 Million paid to retailers last year • Special incentives for extra cash • Over $30 Million in advertising and marketing support • A little fun is always good for business E-mail us at b2b@flalottery.com Hosted by Phinesse Demps, Program Director/Talk Show Host and Producer for WPUL-1590 AM © 2007 Florida Lottery
from the editors
PUBLISHER / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Lillian Seays ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER / EDITOR Lester Seays (Director of Operations) Director of Technology Brian Seays Director of Special Projects Cheryll Daniels Special Projects Consultant RBlack & Associates Director of Media Relations Steven King
A lot has happened since the last time we spoke to you. Video Access Alliance fight for fairness in the communication industry has become a success, Sacha Comes to Central Florida was a huge success in Orlando, The Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs’ Conference held in Orlando was huge with likes of billionaire, Robert Johnson and Magic Johnson sharing their wisdom with those in attendance; Tri County Sickle Cell Association hosted a ribbon-cutting and open house for the grand opening of its facility and is ready for counseling and testing; the Bethune-Cookman University National Alumni Association held it 39th national convention in Tallahassee concurrently, Florida A & M University’s National Alumni Association was being held in Miami; Tampa Bay Academy of Hope held its annual black tie fund raiser and is making preparation to take a selected group of middle and high school students on a college tour; The Florida General Baptist Convention was held in Jacksonville; Florida is staking a claim in the film industry and much more. With all of this going on, we are bursting at the seams in an attempt to share information with you. Next, comes the announcement of a new section added to Onyx Magazine, Lifestyle. We encourage you to interact with our Lifestyle editor, Shelya HuffHrenya, a delightful young woman with an uplifting spirit who is anxious to answer your questions. You can find out more about Shelya on page 28. Finally, please write. Keep us in the loop. Let us know what you think of Onyx Magazine. Oh, by the way, our website is finally getting a face lift. Stickman Design of Tampa, Florida will be keeping us up to speed. Take a look at www.onyxmagazine.com. Don’t expect all of the good stuff all at once, it will be a process, but we will get there. Don’t miss our next issue (September / October) it’s our Central Florida Classic issue and Bethune-Cookman University and Florida A&M University will take the spotlight. See you then, mean while, Stay Healthy and Stay Solvent.
Lillian and Lester Seays God gave us two ends. One to sit on and one to think with. Success depends on which one you use; heads, you win—tails, you lose. ~Anonymous
Director of Sales (Northeast Florida) David Williams Central Florida Sales DeShayla Bryant Director of Circulation Kenneth Seays Contributing Writers Melva Akens Karyn Beach Zelma Dickerson Cathy Howse Shelya Huff-Hrenya Denise Mose Wanda Toby Photographers Ted Hollins Lester Seays David Williams Onyx Magazine is published bimonthly by LBS Publications, Inc., PMB 412, 7226 West Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32818. Phone: (407) 293-6102, (407) 579-9894 or (407) 443-6237, Fax: (407) 523-5225. Subscription rate is $15 for six issues. For subscriptions and notification of address change, contact Onyx Magazine at the above address, or e-mail us at onyxmagazine.com. Letters to the editor are encouraged. Copyright 2006 by Onyx Magazine. All right reserved. No part of this 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 by Onyx Magazine.
City of Orlando Pathways for Parramore Initiative Pathway Spotlight: Business Development Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and District 5 City Commissioner Daisy Lynum are leading the revitalization efforts for the Parramore Heritage District through an initiative named Pathways for Parramore. Unveiled in 2005, Pathways for Parramore focuses on five critical areas: Public Safety, Housing, Business Development, Children and Education and Quality of Life. As part of the Business Development Pathway, the Minority/Women Entrepreneur Business Assistance program (MEBA) was created. MEBA is a pilot program that focuses on small business retention, creation and revitalization in the Parramore community. The MEBA program offers financial assistance to retain existing minority-owned businesses located in and attract new minority-owned businesses to Parramore. MEBA provides new and existing businesses within the specified target area, and businesses wishing to relocate to the target area, both technical and financial incentives for business retention/relocation expenses, purchase of capital equipment, marketing of business and services and business start-up expenses. The maximum grant award per recipient is $40,000.
business and a small business, as defined by the US Small Business Administration, located within or locating to the target area. A business plan must be submitted with a MEBA program application. For more information about the MEBA program or other business assistance programs, please call 407-246-2821 or visit Cityof Orlando.net.
The MEBA program is administered by the City of Orlando Business Development Division, under the direction of the Economic Development Department and with the oversight of the MEBA Advisory Board. The Business Development Division coordinates marketing, business assistance, application intake and processing and monitors the progress of MEBA grant recipients. A 12-member MEBA Advisory Board recommends the type of assistance, such as funding for marketing, lease costs, capital equipment, and relocation expenses, for which program participants are eligible, as well as establishes benchmarks for program participants. To qualify for the MEBA program, an applicant must be a for-profit new or expanding 8
Onyx Magazine
Grand Opening of Shiobhan Charles Salon, first recipient of MEBA program grant
The Shoppes at CityView www.onyxmagazine.com
July / August 2007
March 29th 2008 is the magic day, the sixth annual Statewide Onyx Awards. Plan to attend, it will be the best ever with networking that you will surely appreciate. (@ The Rosen Centre on I-Drive in Orlando)
July / August 2007
www.onyxmagazine.com
Onyx Magazine
9
Is it all Hip-Hops Fault? By Wanda Toby The last few months have wrought media mayhem because of Don Imus hurling racial epithets at the women of the Rutgers University basketball team. All sorts of nerves were rankled and rightfully so. The context in which Imus made the disparaging remarks was clearly colored by racial stereotypes that seem to be based on a level of racist beliefs whether subconsciously or not. Don Imus was way out of line and not because he used the term “nappy” (a whole other topic of discussion) but because he coupled it with misogynistic adjectives that only serve to oppress women as a whole. In actuality, he pulled a double whammy. The intent was clearly hurtful and hateful. The repercussion of his off color, to say the least, comment was first suspension followed by Imus getting fired. Although the suspension was richly deserved and the firing well over due for a culmination of off-color comments made by Imus over the years, the questions remainswhy was he really fired? Could it be that Imus was let go because the corporate monster was losing revenue? People who were once interested in Imus and being on his show now wanted to dissociated themselves. Advertisers were pulling out and guests were canceling appearances. Activities were calling for boycotts. First MSNBC cancelled the show that aired Imus as he did the radio broadcast then he was fired from broadcasting the show all together. Granted if the public outrage had not been so vocal, Imus would most likely still have his job. However, due to the national reach of his show and the power of instant communication via the World Wide Web, the news spread like a bee swarm, stinging everyone it came in contact with. Once the debates began to flourish over the comments, the focus or in this case blame was set on a new target. Unfortunately, people seemed to be missing the real target. The discussion turned to the hip-hop community. Basically everyone from Oprah Winfrey to the local newspapers were blaming hip-hop and rap music. As much as debates are fuel for change, the problems of the nation cannot be blamed solely on rap music. Abolishing hip-hop and rap is not the panacea for everything that ails the world. Clearly, the perpetuation and glorification of violence, racist attitudes, and misogyny must be curtailed. This is a fact that has not been denied nor is this article in defense of the overexposure of the lowest common denominator that plagues African American communities- ignorance. However, to attempt to silence the voices of these communities 10
Onyx Magazine
www.onyxmagazine.com
by blaming all that is bad in the world on them is doing a great injustice to the issues at hand. The focus should not be solely on the artist, the videos, or even the lyrics because in part, as hard as it is for some to believe, they do speak to a reality that exist. There are conditions such as single parents, teen mothers, fatherless homes, low education, the working poor, substandard living conditions, and the ghetto mindset, to name just a few, that continue to plague African America communities. Why is corporate America so intent on exploiting those conditions? Why is the focus during the “Imus” discussion ignored for an ongoing sensationalized topic? Why are all the positive artists out there that are not solely rapping or singing about girls, bling, cash, drugs, and street life in glorifying manner wholly ignored? Why aren’t the big bucks pushed to artists of that nature? It seems that when hip-hop first started, there was more of an even playing field. The Q-tips and Chuck D’s of the genre had just as much of an opportunity to make and impact as the Ice-T’s and Too Live Crews. As gang violence increased and spread across the country, the genre integrated to reflect that. Money started changing hands and people were given more than they could handle. The corporations became more and more involved, pushing the artist they think people will want to hear more of. Until today, there exist this cyclic effect and we really don’t know what came first- the chicken or the egg. Ignorance and the ghetto mindset do not change just because money is thrown at it. Of course it stands to reason that at some point, hip-hop artist need to make a choice about what they are pushing to the public. However with each success an artist has, the pressures to produce formulaic music that will result in the same effect is even stronger.
July / August 2007
There are no excuses here but a statement of the condition in which positive artists are virtually ignored and not really given a fighting chance. This does not only affect the hip-hop community but all areas of entertainment. Movies and television are inundated with similar hypocrisies. The publishing industry, particularly with the advent of “street fiction” or “hip-hop” fiction is propagating the same effect. Consequently, Curtis Jackson (50 Cent) has placed himself in that arena as well with the unveiling of his book publishing company. In a recent (summit), Mr. Jackson was pointedly questioned about his lyrics and the affect that it has and whether or not he feels it plays into the problem. He provided the reporter with the same carbon copy answer that had been going around, not too much unlike what is written here. Rap is an art form that expresses what the community is going through and movies do the same thing but no one is talking about them. To an extent that is true; however, there is the aspect of personal responsibility that Mr. Jackson completely ignored. The speaker went on to mention Master P and the changes that he has made. Mr. Jackson’s response was to mention that Master P. is no long selling music. Again, the theme and idea is that in the hip-hop genre one has to glorify the negative in order to sell music. Master P responded to 50’s comment in a poignant letter that reached out the community as a whole, calling out key members to step up. Although the topic turned from Imus to hip-hop, the problem is not genre specific nor should it be culture focused. Rather it is a societal issue that affects all. One area of society cannot be blamed or else misogyny and discrimination and racial stereotypes could be dealt with easily- they would be easy fixes. There is no doubt that personal responsibility plays a significant role in this ongoing healing process. However dealing with it from all fronts, whether it be addressing music lyrics, education, self-love, videos, and shutting down discriminatory practices to name a small few, is the only way to truly make an impact and continue the work that started with abolitionists, suffragists, and activists. Lastly, maybe it is not that the target has been missed but that the target is far too enormous to make a significant impact. I certainly hope that is not the case.
In Pursuit of a Dream Shayla and her sister on a very long flight to Europe On March 10, 2007 LBS Foundation awarded Shayla Wilson a $5,000 scholarship to help her prepare for a life-long ambition to go to the Olympics in 2012 and WIN the equestrian competition. Shayla is a real go-getter who not only excels in riding and taking care of horses, she also holds a 3.5678 GPA. She and her college team recently traveled to Switzerland to participate in the. She kept a log of her travels, which she shared with Onyx Magazine. Because Onyx has other young readers with ambition, as editor, I thought I would share this accounting of Shayla’s trip as an inspiration to all young people who have a dream. Shayla begins, These past few weeks have been quite eventful for me. After a grueling 22 credit hour Spring semester, I now have 3.5678 GPA to be added to my permanent record. I must say that my trip to Switzerland was anything but what I expected! Before I begin, I would like to say that I fell head over heels in love with European culture... The landscape was beautiful! There was a vast field of yellow flowers by the show grounds that was so thick that it looked like the earth was covered in a thick, yellow carpet. It was so beautiful and not of this world that the other members of the American team and I joked how we were expecting to meet Frodo from Lord of the Rings before our trip was over! Everyone there appeared to be free, individual, and had their own sense of style. Their culture and the architecture reflected that. The city was so organized, stimulating and artistic. Everyone drove tiny cars, and the public transportation system was fantastic. I also learned that people in Switzerland speak four languages. They speak 12
Onyx Magazine
French, German, and Italian depending on the region they are from, and they use English as the unifying language. And boy do they love sausage and cheese! (LOL) I don’t think I’ll need anymore sausage for another few months after that trip! Going to Switzerland has been one of the greatest learning experiences I’ve had in a very long time. I could go on and on about the nuances on Swiss culture, how to travel, how to adapt to change, and how to deal with language barriers. However, what I consider to be the most important knowledge I gained came from my experience there was in International-level competition. The competition did wonders for my personal development as a rider. Coaches and teachers warned me to focus on having fun because Americans are generally known for being weak riders. Having fun is what they thought would be the most I would get out of going to the IRSA Competition. Although I do agree that fun is an important aspect of sport, there were other things that I learned that were equally, if not more, valuable. The first thing that I noticed while ob-
SHAYLA
www.onyxmagazine.com
serving the riders was that I can compete with these riders, and I am a strong rider on an international scale. There were very low expectations for the American team, not only from the other countries, but from America as well. However, as I watched the riders warm up and ride their tests, fuel was added to my fire as I realized that winning was a realistic possibility for me and my teammates. I was not intimidated. I gained quite a bit of self-confidence from this. I also learned a lot about different riding styles from different countries. By the end of the competition, I could tell what country a rider was from by the manner in which he/she rode. I now have a good sense particularly of the German, Belgian, Irish, Canadian, and French riding styles. One thing is for sure; I'm going to find a way to train overseas to learn the strengths from the different riding philosophies from the different countries. The Germans are already well known to be amongst the best riders in the world. They are extremely disciplined, and have 100% control of what’s going on in their ride and are very precise and accurate. I'd also like to go to France, perhaps after I school in Germany, because they are a little more artistic with their rides. They give the horses more freedom and more room for the horses to express its natural ability. I would love that opportunity. However, after three long days of competition, individually I placed 10th and my teammate placed 12th out of 50 riders for stadium jumping. Overall, our combined scores gave us a 3rd place finish out of 18 competing international teams! Not bad for my first international competition. Not only that, but I had very little relevant practice for this horse show. The horses at my school are not capable to meet the demands to prepare for July / August 2007
this show on a practical level. In other words, it had been over a year since I had jumped a course of fences set at 4 feet high! 2’6” to 2’9” is the average height I get to practice at the school. With that said, I now have a new goal. I will be interning at a very reputable farm this summer where I will be able to train boot-camp style at a level that is up to par to the international level standard. Then, I will make a new tape and try to qualify for the next competition that will be in Spain this coming fall semester! There is only room for improvement! A DAY IN DOWNTOWN ZURICH
One of the features in the September/October issue of Onyx Magazine will be the
Central Florida Classic Get an update on the two rival universities that will be going toe to toe to determine “whoʼs the best.”
Bethune-Cookman University vs Florida A&M University. Alumni from all over the country will be visiting Central Florida. Approximately 100,000 people will need places to eat, sleep, celebrate and worship on Sunday morning.
Advertise in the September / October issue of Onyx Magazine. Call (407) 293-6102 or visit www.onyxmagazine.com
July / August 2007
www.onyxmagazine.com
Onyx Magazine
13
Florida Scope Big Planning for Orlando in the Big Apple By Walter Rutledge ORLANDO - The Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA) held the 40th Annual Board Meeting in New York City. This landmark event was housed at the Brooklyn Marriott Hotel in Downtown Brooklyn. Participants converged on the hotel from all regions of the country. They came to assist in the planning of the National Convention of the Gospel Music Workshop of America to be held in Orlando, Florida August 12 through 18. “The Crown Prince of Gospel”, the Late Reverend James Cleveland, founded the Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA). At the first workshop, conducted in Philadelphia, Reverend Cleveland brought together a small circle of gifted writers, singers and instrumentalists. The idea was to nurture young talent and further the development of the music he loved and devoted his life to share with others. Today, under the direction of Bishop Albert Jamison, GMWA has nearly 30,000 members in 150 chapters internationally. The organization has grown to encompass more than opportunities for gospel artists to perform and share their craft, it is also a dedicated Christian ministry. Each year in August GMWA has a national convention. What a more fitting tribute than to bring this to one of America’s cultural and religious cross roads; Orlando. The six-day board meeting/ planning session was another example how powerful people of color can be when they unite for a common purpose. The second and third floors of the hotel were transformed into a literal gospel oasis. Conference rooms for planning and board meetings, registration and related merchandise; the grand ballroom became a musical sanctuary. Gospel artists and community choirs from across America shared their anointing nightly. The nightly events are described as religious services and not concerts. The message and the music were one. In addition to the serious planning, attendees had the opportunity to explore New York City. Whether it was sampling cheesecake at Juniorsone of Brooklyn’s renowned eateries, a Broadway sojourn to experience the Color Purple or shopping on Fifth Avenue, the sheer excitement of New York was sure to please. It soon became clear why they call New York- “The Big Apple”. For those who are unfamiliar with of New York City, a short history lesson is in order. Brooklyn is one of the five boroughs of New York City. It was originally a separate city and until 1898 it was the fourth largest city in the United States. Prior to the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge in 1893 inhabitants traveled to New York City by ferry. These days it is just a short subway, bus, or automobile ride from Manhattan. The Orlando convention will be held at the Walt Disney World Resorts. There will also be events sponsored by the local Orlando Chapter of (GMWA). I had the good fortune to spend time with my friend and colleague Rutha White between board meetings in New York. Mrs. White was instrumental in the promotion of the Orlando based production of my show, Soulful Noel. 14
Onyx Magazine
“The August national convention of GMWA will be a milestone, because it was organized forty years ago by Reverend James Cleveland,” states Mrs. White. “We are extremely proud that this year the Orlando chapter will co- host the convention with Disney’. ‘The convention is open to the entire Orlando community and will feature gospel great including; Timothy Wright, ----Williams formerly of the Williams Brothers, Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams, and Dr. Bobby Jones it name a few,” concedes White. The Gospel Music Workshop of America trumpets the accomplishments of men, women, and children who, celebrate, worship and educate through gospel music- a truly American Art. The art form, whose origins echoed the cries of an enslaved people, has become an undeniable force in the international music industry.
Tri-County Sickle Cell Disease Association, Inc. Celebrates Opening of New Office ORLANDO - The Tri –County Sickle Cell Disease Association officially opened its doors Saturday May 19, 2007. A special open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony was held from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Through a generous donation provided by the LBS Foundation Incorporated, the organization was able to make its dream of a new office a realty. The new five-room office will provide additional space for servicing the needs of Central Florida’s clients and families affected by Sickle Cell Disease. The LBS Foundation Incorporation served as the grand opening title sponsor along with McCoy Federal Credit Union as the event’s presenting sponsor. The day began with a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house followed by music, food and fun for the kids. Sickle Cell Disease screening and a blood drive for the victims of Sickle Cell Disease were available on site. Sickle Cell is an inherited blood disorder that turns normal round blood cells into misshapen cells that look like sickles or crescent moons. Although research continues to get closer to a cure for Sickle Cell Anemia, to date, none exists. The disease afflicts people of color, including Blacks, Asians, Hispanics and Indians. The Tri-County Sickle Cell Association, Inc. solicits the support of financial and inkind donors as it relates to office equipment and other materials needed to run the day-to-day operations of the facility.
www.onyxmagazine.com
July / August 2007
Florida Scope Poster child greets audience at the Onyx Awards
Excited members of the board.
Poster Child
Grand Opening Performance
Board Members: Curtis Adams and Reginald McGill at far right Little Harrison Seays shows off the kitchen area
Minnie Adams and another Board Member
Lee Bryan, Tri County president, explains the needs of the facility to Dr. Ann Jones
View from the street
Left: Seays Family with dedication wall in the background in recognition of the LBS Foundation Incorporated
Front: Cheryll Daniels, Bennett Seays, Brittiana Daniels, Harrison Seays, Brian Seays. Back: Lester Seays, and Lillian Seays July / August 2007
support of the Tri-County Sickle Cell Organization
www.onyxmagazine.com
Kids having fun at the dedication of the sickle cell facility Onyx Magazine
15
Florida Scope Tampa Bay Academy of Hope to Sponsor College Tours
James M. Evans
Kamilah L. Perry
TAMPA - The Tampa Bay Academy of Hope has assembled some of the most promising leaders of the community to work towards empowering Tampa's youth. This year, Kamilah L. Perry, Esquire of Phelps Dunbar LLP and Tallie Gainer of the Tampa Bay Academy of Hope, will organize the Third Annual Inner City College Tour aimed to take 40 high school and middle school students on a tour of several colleges and universities throughout the State of Florida from July 25-28, 2007.
counseling, referrals, mentoring, job placement and scholarship needs for over ten years. (Visit for more info).
The collegiate institutions include Florida State University, University of Florida, Florida A&M University, University of Tampa, the University of South Florida, the University of Central Florida and others. This trip will expose some very bright students to college life, students who otherwise would not have the opportunity to do so. This program is offered for the third year by the Tampa Bay Academy of Hope, founded by James M. Evans, President and Executive Director. The Academy has assisted many youth with leadership training, 16
Onyx Magazine
Within the last three years, The Academy of Hope, has successfully sent 37 seniors to Florida colleges through is Education Model and leadership training. This year will be no different. "I am confident that this program will have a profound effect on the students that will be attending. The will have exposure to administrators, student life, academic programs, and will even be able to submit applications through pre-admissions programs if they are interested in a particular institution," says Kamilah Perry. Students will be hand selected from the Academy of Hope based on their academic credentials and stellar participation in the Academy of Hope programs. For more information on the college tour, or how to sponsor a child on this tour, please contact Kamilah Perry at 813-4727881
www.onyxmagazine.com
Reps. Kendrick and Carrie Meek Receive Awards from The National Coalition on Black Civic Participation
Congressman Kendrick B. Meek (left) receives the Public Policy Leadership Award from The National Coalition on Black Civic Participation 2007 Spirit Dinner Chair Chaka Burgess (center) and NCBCP Chair of the Board A. Shuanise Washington (right). MIAMI - Congressman Kendrick B. Meek (D-FL) and retired Congresswoman Carrie P. Meek (D-FL) were honored by The National Coalition on Black Civic Participation during their 10th Annual Spirit of Democracy Celebration in Washington, DC on May 16. Congressman Meek received the Public Policy Leadership Award and Congresswoman Meek received the Lifetime Leadership in Public Policy Award. The mission of The National Coalition on Black Civic Participation is to make voting and civic participation a cultural responsibility and tradition in the African American community.
July / August 2007
Florida Scope Corrine’s Corner 3rd Congressional Dist. FL JACKSONVILLE - Rep. Corrine Brown Announces $1.4 Million in Funding
for City of Jacksonville's HIV Services (Washington, DC) - Congresswoman Corrine Brown is proud to announce $1.4 million in HRSA funding for HIV Emergency Relief Services for the city of Jacksonville. The Department of Health and Human Services will be granting this money to the city for the period of March 1st, 2007 to February 29th, 2008. "I am thrilled to see this important and badly needed funding coming to the City of Jacksonville to assist city residents with this insidious virus," said Congresswoman Brown. According to The Department of Health and Human Services, the funding can be used for outpatient and ambulatory health and support services to support communitybased systems of care. These are services intended primarily for low income/under insured people living with HIV/AIDS.
HURRICANE SEASON IS HERE As hurricane season is rapidly approaching, I am disappointed to learn that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced it will not meet the June 1st deadline to implement a new national response plan. The national response plan is our guidelines and procedures for handling natural disasters. Lack of awareness and preparedness during natural disasters exacerbate an already precarious situation. Says Congresswoman Brown, “On the heels of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, FEMA being ill-prepared for the 2007 hurricane season, is unacceptable and dangerous. “What I saw in Louisiana and Mississippi in 2005 was a complete meltdown of the Federal Government, and in particular, the Federal Emergency Management Agency. If a direct hurricane strike is one of the top 3 catastrophic scenarios facing our July / August 2007
country, why does FEMA need more time to develop a plan that should have been developed a long time ago? For over a year and half I have been asking FEMA the same question over and over again, but I haven't heard a response. “The people of this country are tired of excuses and want to see results. Hard-working Americans are not allowed to miss deadlines at their place of work without threat of dismissal. Why should we let the federal government miss a deadline for an important policy such as the natural response plan? “I encourage each of you to have a plan in place in case of a hurricane. FloridaDisaster.org is a great resource for you and your family. It leads you through an interactive site that helps you develop your own specific disaster plan. The hard lesson learned from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita is that preparedness can make the difference and families must be prepared on their own.” A few tips from the Florida Division of Emergency Management: • Discuss the type of hazards that could affect your family. Know your home's vulnerability to storm surge, flooding and wind. • Locate a safe room or the safest areas in your home for each hurricane hazard. In certain circumstances the safest areas may not be your home but within your community. • Determine escape routes from your home and places to meet (Rally Points); including a child's school, a neighbor or a public place. • Have an out-of-state friend as a family contact, so all your family members have a single point of contact. Have at least 2 ways of contact; e-mail, phone, etc. • Make a plan now for what to do with your pets if you need to evacuate. Post emergency telephone numbers by your phones and make sure your children know how and when to call 911. • Check your insurance coverage - flood damage is not usually covered by homeowners insurance. Stock non-perishable emergency supplies and a DISASTER SUPPLY KIT. • Use a NOAA weather radio. Remember to replace its battery every 6 months, as you do with your smoke detectors. • Take First Aid, CPR and disaster preparedness classes.
www.onyxmagazine.com
Onyx Magazine
17
Video Access Alliance Fight for Fairness in the Communication Industry Is a Success!!! left to right Vincent Edwards, CEO/President - Blessed Enterprise/host of "What Matters Most" WTAL 1450 AM, Paula Hoisington - Spokesperson for Video Access Alliance and Michael Gerrity CEO of Multi Channel Ventures. Photo taken by Victor Watkins and Angela Davis For the last two years, the Onyx Magazine has covered the efforts of the Video Access Alliance, a Florida-based organization that has been promoting minority TV channels and educating public policy makers on the importance of policies that encourage diverse content offerings, greater consumer choice and lower consumer prices for cable TV. Their community based educational platform for cable television reform in Florida became a success when Governor Charlie Crist signed a bill to give television viewers a chance to choose from a variety of cable television providers. A new day has arrived in Florida. On July 2, 2007, the Department of State began issuing state wide applications for new cable providers. You may ask, “What does this mean to you?” Well, for one, it means real competition for cable TV and lower prices for you, the consumer. The new law allows for the implementation of a streamlined state franchise system for cable television and wireline video programming services. In areas of Florida where consumers have started to see competition, consumer’s bills are already going down. In fact, consumers are saving approximately $265 per year – real savings for families who need it. Another benefit of the new law is that low income consumers will have automatic enrollment into the Lifeline program which will provide reduced telephone rates to low-income consumers in Florida. Under the new law, low income customers will receive a $13.50 discount off their phone bills every month. That is a total saving of at least $162.00 per year on phone bills.
18
Onyx Magazine
Two huge supporters of the Consumer Choice Act of 2007 were the Florida Conference of Black State Legislators (FCBSL) and The Florida State Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). NAACP State President, Adora Obi Nweze stated “We believe that competition in the provision of multi-channel video programming services is and will be a good thing for the citizens of the state of Florida and we support the Consumer Choice Act of 2007.” The African-American supporters of Consumer Choice demanded that equal access for all be a primary component of the legislation as well as strong provisions allowing Black communities and other communities’ access to local Public, Education and Government (PEG) channels. The bill that was presented to Governor Crist for his signature contained stipulations that cable and video providers must make their technology and services available to Florida communities and Florida residents without regard to considerations of race, ethnic background or income level and access to local PEG channels. Representative Tee Holloway, incoming 2008 President of the Florida Conference of Black State Legislators stated “I am glad to see there is a strong provision in the legislation allowing local access to Public Education and Government channels. Those are channels that serve as valid methods of providing program access for community groups.”
Because of the bold move taken by Governor Crist and the Florida Legislature, millions of dollars will be saved, and Floridians will have more cable TV and entertainment choices at a lower price with more quality programming choices.
www.onyxmagazine.com
July / August 2007
FLORIDA SCOPE many accomplishments, has been asked to assume greater Congressional responsibilities. Of his numerous advocacy efforts, Congressman Meek is devoted to helping the many thousands of disabled citizens that live in MiamiDade County. Through Goodwill In the photo appears Congressman Meek with two United Way Industries, many of board members - Jayne Abess and Jorge Luis Lopez. them have found rewarding employment, improving their financial and emotional situations and making their lives more fulfilling. A Goodwill program, the manufacturing of uniforms for the Department of Defense, gave 550 people with disabilities steady employment for over a decade. When it comes to Congressman Miami, Florida (June, 2007) – United Meek, those who know him agree, he gives Way of Miami-Dade honored four commu- his best at every turn. nity leaders and one outstanding young perThe Dorothy Shula Award for son whose work has had a real and lasting Outstanding Volunteerism impact in the community. The awards cereHonors volunteers whose work brings mony took place during United Way’s 2007 hope, promise and opportunity into lives of Annual Meeting and awards Program June others have a lasting, positive impact on a 18th at the Radisson Hotel Miami, 1601 Bisperson, group or the whole community. cayne Boulevard. Phillis Oeters Volunteering her time, inspiring others This year’s honorees included U.S. Repto join in her efforts and tenaciously supresentative Kendrick B. Meek, Phillis Oeters, porting the people of her community who Steve Mainster, and Miriam Roman. need it the most is a way of life for Phillis Oeters. For several decades, she has been a AWARD DESCRIPTION & WINNERS: champion to Miami-Dade residents, helping United Way Public Service in any way she can and putting the wellLeadership Award being of others before her own. From 2003 This award recognizes both local and to 2006 she’s chaired the board of the Amerstate public servants who display a remark- ican Red Cross. During her time, the agency able sense of commitment to hard work, has experience strong growth. She’s also courageous leadership and a dedication to raised millions of dollars to sustain the orimproving services for children, youth and ganization and propelled the Miami chapter families. to one of the top five in the world in contriU.S. Representative Kendrick B. Meek butions to the International Red Cross. For Congressman Kendrick B. Meek began her determination and efforts, Oeters has rehis career working as a captain for the ceived several awards including the In the Florida Highway Patrol. His drive to make Company of Women Award of 2005, the an impact on the lives of his fellow man mo- Anabelle Nitzche Volunteer Award, the tivated him to become a member of the American Red Cross Volunteer of the Year Florida Legislature and in 1995 he began his Award for 2001 and many others. As if all role as a Representative and later as a Sena- that she does is not enough, she maintains a tor. In 2002, he was elected into the United full-time position as the Corporate Vice States Congress from Florida’s 17th district President of Government and Community which includes Miami-Dade and Broward Relations for Baptist Health South Florida. Counties. Congressman Meek has estabThe Essie Silva lished himself as a proactive leader, greatly Community Builder Award sympathetic to the needs of the people, espeHonors an individual who improves our cially those who are underserved throughout community by addressing problems that afour community. Although he is young, he has made his presence known in Congress and fect different cultural and ethnic groups. Steve Mainster because of his contributions, enthusiasm and
United Way of Miami-Dade Honors Local Heroes
July July//August August2007 2007
www.onyxmagazine.com www.onyxmagazine.com
Steve Mainster has spent the greater part of his life as an advocate of the rural poor in Miami-Dade County. His work to improve the living conditions of farm workers began more than 30 years ago when he first moved to South Florida and became the director of Centro Campesino Farm Worker Center. Mainster’s compassion is matched only by his creativity and pioneering spirit, as because of his efforts, Centro Campesino has changed the lives of thousands of farm workers and been nationally recognized for its excellence and extraordinary success. Mainster’s focus on developing affordable housing for hundreds of farm workers and giving them opportunities to learn new skills, trades and gain quality education has been the catalyst for many of them to leave agriculture, get a college education and begin new careers. The Monsignor Walsh Outstanding Human Services Professional Award Recognizes a human services professional who has dedicated his or her career to helping others by creating a caring, responsive social service delivery system; and someone who has provided hundreds of people in our community with an opportunity for a healthy, productive and quality life. Miriam Roman For most of her life, Miriam Roman has poured her heart and soul into ensuring that children of all ages receive the highest quality care, as well as the opportunity to develop a love of learning and school. Her career in social work began in the early 1960’s when she volunteered to interview migrant workers from Puerto Rico to gather information for a research project. In the 70’s, Roman began her enduring commitment to the children of Centro Mater, a commitment she still fulfills daily as she works as the director of Centro Mater West in Hialeah. Centro Mater provides childcare and social supportive services to predominately Hispanic children and their families. As Roman’s involvement grew within the center, first as social worker, then as an administrator, so did the center grow, evolving from a program that benefited 120 children in one location to one that today serves more than 800 children in two facilities everyday. These children come from low to moderate income families and many from families that live below the poverty level. Centro Mater makes a significant impact on their lives. Because of Miriam’s endless love and diligence, her unique vision and her many years of service, Centro Mater is recognized as one of the most outstanding and prestigious institutions of its kind. The Outstanding Youth Award It honors a young person under age of 18 for leadership, commitment and character through service and volunteerism. Onyx OnyxMagazine Magazine 19 19
called Kissimmee, Deep In The Heart Of Florida. While on that job in 1969, he was hired by a builder to film architectural shots of the building of a massive project in Kissimmee. It wasn’t until 1970 that he discovered what the project was.
It Had to Start Somewhere The landscape of broadcasting has changed drastically in Central Florida over the past 40 years. Today, there is a host of African-American anchor persons and news reporters, but where did it all began? Before Eryka Washington on WESHTV, Jacqueline London on WKMG Channel 6 or Vanessa Echols of WFTV Channel 9, Jackie Brockington of Channel 13, someone had to be the first. Before Marsha Reese or Deborah Roberts of ABC News was on WFTV Channel 9 or Stuart Scott of ESPN was on WESH Channel 2, someone had to be the first Black to be a reporter. Before Tee Taylor became a cameraman at WDBO Channel 6, there was a first. Florida’s first African American news cameraman/reporter was Talbert Gray. When there was a need for a voice in the Black community to editorialize and give a positive look at itself, there was Talbert Gray with The Weekly Observer. When radio needed a tune up and a sound that 20
Onyx Magazine
would modernize and entertain the Black community, there was Talbert Gray with WORL. When there was a desire for a high quality slick color magazine for the Black community, there was Talbert Gray with BA Magazine. Talbert Gray was born in Philadelphia and raised in Memphis where he was a musician. He came to Orlando as an Air Force combat documentary photographer; while here, he met and married his beautiful wife, Mary Ann Johnson. Together, they embarked on an amazing career. His first civilian job was as their first Black photo optic technician with the RCA Service Company. He worked on the missile tracking ship Hoyt S. Vandenburg and again traveled the world. After leaving RCA, he worked for a film company in Orlando named Prout Film Productions. His assignment was to direct and film Pepsi Cola commercials, The US Tennis Opening at Forest Hills (NY), and a documentary
www.onyxmagazine.com
In October of 1971, Walt Disney World opened. Says Talbert, “You could say that I was the first Black to work at Disney.” In the spring of 1969, WESH took a bold step and hired Florida’s first Black newsman/cameraman, Talbert Gray. WESH-TV Channel 2’s general manager John Haberlan hired him after seeing his Pepsi Cola commercials and documentary films on national television. Talbert filmed local and regional events, shootings, drug bust, and murder scenes and even cattle rustlings. He was the photographer for The NBC “White Paper” about the horrific migrant labor camps in Lake County. “In 1970, he interviewed the Detroit Tigers pitcher, Denny McLain, when he first completed his jail sentence, consequently Talbert’s name was mentioned in McLain’s cover story in Sports Illustrated Magazine.” After a time, Talbert had the urge to do more positive news reporting for the Black community. As a result, he created The Weekly Observer Newspaper. Publishing The Weekly Observer was one among other projects that occupied his Continued on page 38 July / August 2007
July / August 2007
www.onyxmagazine.com
Onyx Magazine
21
THE “MIDAS” TO
Dorian Boyland Auto Grou Ranks 4th Among African Ame Dealerships in the Countr
I entered the showroom of Mercedes Benz of South Orlando, where Dorian Boyland had agreed to meet me for his interview. It was not surprising that he was all tied up (so to speak) when we arrived, but that was okay. The wait had its own payoff; we ran into Rev. Barnes, Macedonia Baptist Church, Eatonville and Jameer Nelson of the Orlando Magic, both who make good subjects for Onyx Magazine and obviously great clients for Mercedes Benz of South Orlando. 22
Onyx Magazine
After a few minutes, Dorian Scott Boyland, the fit and trim 6’4” footer, walked toward our tiny entourage of three, and with a big winning smile, greeted us heartily and invited us into his spacious office where the four of us sat and engaged in light conversation before going into the interview. Born in 1955 in the High Park neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois, Dorian Boyland admits to growing up as a latchkey kid, although he didn’t know it at the time. His
www.onyxmagazine.com
family moved to the Jewish upper middle class neighborhood of South Shore in Chicago in 1962. South Shore boasts its small laid back beach, yacht clubs, terrific views of the skyline and excellent integrated schools. So why am I not surprised to learn that Dorian made good grades and that his best subject was mathematics. He loved numbers and working with formulas. Not only was Dorian a good student, he was never a problem child. With the help of his older sister, Brenda who is currently one of July / August 2007
school. “School became quite easy to me. It was second nature, this is what I needed to do,” he said. In addition to that, says he, “I was blessed with being a good athlete.” Ninety nine percent of the kids in his graduating class went to college and of course, he was one of them.
OUCH
up erican ry By Lucia Reid his managers, he always kept out of trouble. Reflecting back on his first day in elementary school, says Dorian, “My mom said that day, ‘Dorian, this is the first day of your schooling. This is important. You’re going to be going to school for at least 13 years and hopefully 18 or more years, start today understanding what this is about.’ I didn’t understand it then, but I do now.” Dorian was an excellent student throughout elementary school and got As” in high July / August 2007
Dorian is quite humble about all of his accomplishments, yet proud to have raised the bar for ensuing African American auto dealers. He always wanted to do well by his mother who never went to college and tried to act as though she was standing over his shoulder every step of the way. With pride, he boasts never in his life having been arrested, never smoked, never even had a beer, never experimented with any other form of drugs or alcohol and “tried not to curse”. [AMAZING!] He believes that to guarantee success, one must be a “good kid.” As a child, he loved, feared and idolized his mother––not famous athletes as many kids do today. Says he, “Back then, you had to clean the house and do your homework, or you didn’t get to go out and play. When my report card came home, it was mandatory that I had earned a 3.0. Dorian’s mother was an accountant for Montgomery Wards, and as a six or seven year old, his number one question to her was, “How do banks make money?” It’s obvious that he figured that out quite some time ago. Like most moms, Dorian’s mother made it clear that she believed that a good education and staying out of trouble were prerequisites to success––a concept that she insisted that her children grasped early in life. She was only 5’ 6” and tough. Dorian never could understand how she could do all that she did as a single parent. Along the way, Dorian brought balance into his life by getting involved in sports. He played basketball and baseball, but his first love was basketball. Being blessed with outstanding athletic ability coupled with his academic performance paid off in a basketball athletic scholarship to the University of Wisconsin. While there, he played both baseball and basketball. Four years later, literally two days after graduating with a business degree and a minor in computer science, he became the highest African American draft pick for the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball team (the second pick of that year and highest Black pick
www.onyxmagazine.com
ever for the state of Wisconsin). Playing first base following Willie Stargill, he stayed with the Pirates from 1978-1983 contributing to the Pirates’ victory over the Baltimore Orioles in the 1979 World Series. Along with winning the World Series, one of his most memorable moments with the Pirates was his very first Major League game, which was played in Chicago. His mother, sister and about 100 of his friends were there to see him get his first Major League hit. Life after baseball found Dorian entering the corporate world, it seemed that everything he touched turned to gold. “Some people are chosen,” said Dorian, “and whoever is, has to give back.” He says that he has always understood the responsibility of success. “I also know that if you’re not good early in the ball game, it will come back to haunt you for the rest of your life… All of my bully friends are either dead or in jail.” Looking back over his period of preparation, Dorian fondly recalls some of his elementary and high school teachers: Mrs. Muse, English; Miss Map, math; Mr. Cat, gym; Mr. Winsky, French and Mr. Crow, chemistry. He was captain of the patrol boys in elementary school and captain of all his sports teams. In college, he was vicepresident of his fraternity (Alpha Phi Alpha), president of the Black Student Union Association and captain of the baseball and basketball teams. He is still in touch with over 25 of his teachers and college buddies who are guests in his home two to three times a year. After playing ball and retiring at the end of eight seasons with the Pirates and one with the Giants, he went to Portland, Oregon to take a job with Intel. Ron Tonkin, who is one of the largest auto dealer group owners in the nation and part owner of the Portland Beavers baseball team, had a great influence in what was to become Dorian Boyland’s “success story”. He asked Dorian to come to his office, because he wanted to talk to him about the car business––he thought Dorian would be good at it. Ron Tonkin was not in his office at the time of Dorian’s appointment, but he had left word that he wanted him to work as a salesman at his dealership in Portland. At that time, Dorian had no aspiration of ever Onyx Magazine
23
Representing the TEAM: From CEO to Service L to R: Michael McGee, Satigh Somwaru, Kevin Ware, Arnold Lettson, Dorian Boyland, Mike Brown, Fayez Harby, Alex Darwhich, Mike Ahlschwede, Joe Sukhnandan and John Kramkau owning a dealership. He was low keyed, but competitive by nature and had no intentions of tackling anything that he felt he couldn’t handle successfully. He originally thought he was going to be hired as a manager of the Portland operation, but instead, he was hired as a salesman, but he had 60 days to decide whether or not he wanted to continue in that line of business. He was so good at it that he became Tonkin’s number one man in sales. Not only was he a good salesman, he took advantage of this opportunity to learn the business thoroughly. It was around that time, the 59th day that Dorian’s grandmother died in Seattle so he went to be with his father and was gone for three days. When he returned home, the phone was ringing off the hook. It was Ron Tonkin. Under the impression that Dorian was quitting, he offered him the job of assistant manager. Nine months later, Tonkin bought another store, moved some of his 24
Onyx Magazine
people to the new store and two months later, Dorian became manager of the Portland location. He did that for a year and a half. This is when he decided that he wanted to be more than just a manager, because he was depressed and very much dissatisfied with the treatment that the managers imposed on their customers and their employees. Says he, “Managers would lie, hold people’s money, throw keys on the roof, hide cars, curse…the car business back then is totally different from what it is today. There was no mandate by the manufacturers or customer satisfactory ratings…at that time when I became a manager in 1984, I said, ‘I am going to change this.’” So he did what he could by changing the way customers and employees were treated, one at a time where ever he was operating. So it was difficult to go against the grain in treating customers nice at a dealership that wasn’t known for that.
www.onyxmagazine.com
In 1985, Tonkin once again requested to see Dorian, this time in his office. When Dorian arrived, Tonkin’s conversation was all about competition and numbers. “That was right down my alley,” Dorian said. He didn’t suspect that Tonkin was asking him to become his partner. During that time, a lot of pressure was being placed on the industry for minorities to run or be partners in automobile dealerships. Martin Luther King Jr, Jessie Jackson, Malcom X had fought hard for that, declaring, “we’ve had enough.” It was time for the representation in the automobile industry to be like the representation in the United States. Said Dorian, “Now I knew that I had some leverage, more importantly, I got responsibility, because if I fail as one of the first minority dealers in the country, those behind me won’t have a chance. That was the burden I was stuck with…I knew if the program was going to continue and the July / August 2007
program was going to be good, I had to set an example that we…as Black folks can operate a dealership and do it the right way, not ask for a hand out, and then pave the way so that when anybody else comes through and wants to do this, it will be easier for them.” Dorian was one of the few that did not have to go through the minority training program, because experience in the business. In 1987, Boyland opened a Dodge dealership in Portland, Oregon, a town, which only had four or five percent Blacks. He operated as Tonkin’s partner, owning 30% of the store, which soon became the number one store in the city. A year and a half later, Miles Bryant, zone manager for Chrysler and one of the oldest automobile dealers in the Midwest, offered him his own store. At this point, Dorian sold his stock back to Ron Tonkin, tripling his initial investment. For three months Dorian wasn’t making any money at his new dealership, but he was determined to fix that. He wasn’t worried about that which he couldn’t control, but that which he could control. So for three days, he stayed at home dissecting the business and putting together a plan that would guarantee three percent net profit. When he came back into the office, he met with all of his managers. With a take no prisoners attitude, all of those who were not in favor of his plan were excused from his organization. Dorian believes in taking care of his employees, manufacturers and customers. Moreover, he has a blessed knack for motivating people. He believes that, “If we are wrong, we make restitution and move on. If you are right, we’re right, but” says he, “100 people at this store do not determine my fate…the passion for this business is profit.” A few years ago––2002, MercedesBenz was looking to interest an African American in a dealership. There had been only three Black family owned dealerships during the past 20 years. A representative from Mercedes-Benz (his fraternity brother) was sent to him to see if he were interested in applying for a dealership somewhere in the country. Dorian was aware that CSI scores (customer satisfaction) are very important factor in dealership ratings. Such
relates to service representative, service costs and timing, service quality, service initiation, and service accessibility. He also knew that this was important to MercedesBenz, they were usually among the top in CSI rating. [In 2004, five dealers exceed the industry average. Mercedes-Benz ranked highest for the second consecutive year, with an overall CSI score of 112.] All of this meant that to own a Mercedes dealership, his organization would have to be on top of their game. Dorian was invited to meet a committee of 11-12 people, he presented his case and then at 12 noon, someone said, “Your time is up,” and they all, including Dorian, went to lunch together. The other person who was waiting to see the committee at 1:00 p.m. never got in. Meanwhile, Dorian was told that he needed to fly to New Jersey to meet Paul Halata, president and CEO, Mercedes-Benz USA. To Dorian’s surprise, the conversation was centered around golf until Halata finally asked him, “Why should we accept you?” Dorian answered, “I understand the business from A to Z.” That was the right answer. Dorian’s application was accepted. He had to decide whether the store would be in Atlanta, Georgia or Orlando, Florida. He chose the Mall at Millenia. The land has 30-40% more market value, it is near the freeway and close to Windermere, an affluent area only a few miles from the Mall At Millenia and of further importance, there was only one other Mercedes dealership in the Orlando Metropolitan area of 1,984,855 plus. So he opened in Orlando with 60 employees. The first year, he sold more than 600 new cars between April and December. He services approximately 1500 cars each month. The saying is, “Once you own a Mercedes dealership, you have arrived.” Dorian now has 12-dealership empire with over 700 employees. Black Enterprise Magazine recently cited Dorian Boyland Auto Group as the fourth largest African American dealership in the country with over $391
million in gross sales. Among his holdings are Dodge, Honda, Ford, Nissan, Hyundai, Acura, Infinity and Mercedes-Benz located in five states: Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin, Ohio and Florida. Says the shrewd, yet quiet and respected businessman, “I’m passionate about success…if something happens, I want it to happen because it’s supposed to. I live a quiet life. I get up early, read the newspaper, watch the headline news two or three times, work out, get dressed and come in to the office at 1:00 p.m. I’m the last one to leave at night. This is my home, now. When I come to work tomorrow and the store hasn’t burned down, my employees are still here and I’m still making three per-
Brenda Mitchell (Dorian’s sister)
Elizabeth Reyan, receptionist; Victor Miller, salesman; Dorian Boyland
FILM IN FLORIDA Orlando
Miami
BY KARYN BEACH
Film in Florida Affectionately known as Hollywood East, Florida’s film history reaches back over 100 years to the infancy of filmmaking. In fact, prior to World War I, Florida (Jacksonville, in particular) rivaled Hollywood in terms of film production. The jungles from the early Tarzan films and the Creature From the Black Lagoon all had their origins in Florida.
Production Hotspot Today, California is naturally the first state to come to mind in terms of film and television; but Florida isn’t far behind (it’s the third largest state for production behind California and New York). Last year, the Florida film and entertainment industry generated $3.9 billion and employed more than 34,000 Floridians at an average salary of $53,000. In fact, the following shows are filmed here in the Sunshine State: CSI: Miami (CBS), Miami Ink (A&E), Dexter (Showtime), Nip/Tuck (FX), Hogan Knows Best (VH1), Burn Notice (USA) and the new CBS drama Cane debuting this fall. According to Florida Film Commissioner Paul Sirmons, a number of features draw filmmakers to Florida. While outsiders mainly know the state for its beaches and Disney World, the state possesses a surprising versatility when it comes to settings and locales. Sirmons stated, “We have a tremendous number of looks from the big city to the country, to the farms, to the orange groves, 26
Onyx Magazine
to the ports and the military bases. Just about anything a filmmaker can image, he can find right here in Florida.” For example, “between Ocala and Jacksonville, there are some almost rainforest-like looks that have been shot as Vietnam.”
Not Just Another Pretty Face
Jacksonville
But Florida is more than beautiful scenery and sunsets. The state possesses talent as well as beauty. Sirmons continued, “There is a tremendous cast and crew base in Florida.” For producers who are trying to stretch a budget, this can be a major cost savings. “They don’t have to fly [a crew] in and pay their travel and per diems because they live locally from where they are shooting.” Florida is one of the few states that can boast of four ‘production centers’ throughout the state. Sirmons described a production center as a location where filmmakers can ‘crew up’ and find the facilities and equipment they need to complete their productions. Miami, Tampa/ St. Petersburg, Orlando and Jacksonville all qualify as production centers.
St. Petersburg
project, skyrocketed. Rates went up, in some cases, as much as 500%. That substantial rate hike became a major deterrent to attracting new productions. And attracting new productions is becoming more and more competitive. As many as 30 states are offering incentives for film, television and digital media productions to come and shoot in their states. Even Mississippi recently passed an incentive bill to try and get their piece of the media production pie. In an effort to compete, Florida has increased funding for its own incentive program. Started four years ago with just $2.45 million in funding, this coming fiscal year, the program will receive $25 million to use for incentives and to attract productions to the state.
A Bigger Piece of the Pie The weather in Florida had also been a plus with productions being able to shoot here year-round. However, after two devastating back-to-back hurricane seasons, the state suffered a serious financial blow when production insurance, a requirement for any
www.onyxmagazine.com
Unlike some states, Florida’s incentive program is more conservative and makes sure that production money benefits the state. Productions must use Floridian labor, businesses or vendors to be eligible for the funds. July / August 2007
More than Miami Miami Vice, CSI: Miami, Miami Ink … starting to see a pattern here? Roughly 50% of productions in the state take place in the Miami/South Beach area. But that is something Sirmons hopes to change. “When I was appointed to the job two years ago, I really wanted to brand the state of Florida as opposed to just individual areas. And it’s working.” To promote the state of Florida, the Film Commission created a movie map that illustrates where some of the major movies throughout Florida’s history were filmed. “You know our industry not only brings economic benefit to the state because of the dollars that producers spend when they come here on their films; but it also creates a tourism draw in the future. When that film or TV show is successful, people are going to want to go see where that was filmed.”
Features Filmed in Florida ˛ True Lies ˛ Rosewood ˛ Edward Scissorhands ˛ Armadeggon ˛ Miami Vice ˛ Out of Time ˛ The Birdcage ˛ The Waterboy ˛ Ace Ventura: Pet Detective ˛ There’s Something About Mary ˛ Bad Boys ˛ Monster ˛ Why Do Fools Fall In Love ˛ 2 Fast 2 Furious Karyn Beach is the editor and web mistress of DivaSoulSista.com, a movie review and news site with a uniquely African-American perspective.
Life Style Shelya Huff-Hrenya Editor, Life Style
Photography: Marc Anthony Photography Hollywood Homeware
Hollywood homeware specializes in the interior design of fine residential properties and businesses. We create custom design interiors to reflect your personal style. Hollywood homeware has created a variety of living spaces including traditional, contemporary and eclectic styles. We implement unique furnishings, lavish accessories and luxurious fabrics. Shelya Huff-Hrenya, founding partner and creative force behind Hollywood homeware, is the President and Principle Designer. She has been creating custom designed interiors for high-profile Clients for well over fifteen years. Her inspiration of creating dramatic interiors,came from her experience as a top New York advertising and catalogue model in the late 1980’s to early 90’s. Shelya earned a degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology (F.I.T.) in New York City and she is currently a Allied member of the American Society of Interior Designers (A.S.I.D.). This year Hollywood homeware launched Sheet Snob, an internet store of luxury high thread count bed linens, made from eco-friendly 100% Egyptian cotton.You can visit the store at: www.sheetsnob.com and “experience pure luxury”. Shelya Huff-Hrenya
Send your design questions to me via e-mail at: roomdrama@aol.com
ROOM ARRANGING Room arrangements determine not only how rooms look, more importantly, how they live. The well-arranged room’s success doesn’t depend on the style or the status of your furnishings. The key is how the pieces work together, and how they relate to each other within the overall space. In making your own arrangements, the priorities are comfort, convenience, and composition. For livability. Comfort and convenience come first, and they are the easiest elements to address. To be truly pleasing, a room must serve your purposes and fulfill your personal definition of comfort. Do you envision an easy-care, casual space for relaxing and conversation, or something formal and dramatic, strictly for guests? Convenience means that the arrangement promotes easy traffic flow and encourages the activities that you’ve put in the room’s script. 28
Onyx Magazine
www.onyxmagazine.com
Before July / August 2007
Before
After
After
Life Style Continued To allow space for people to live comfortably and move about the room easily, consider these guidelines: *Traffic lanes should be a minimum of 3 feet wide. Allow 3-foot clearance at interior doorways for door swing, and 4-foot clearance at entrance doors. *To encourage conversation, sofas and chairs should face each other and be a maximum of 8 feet apart. Each seating piece should have adequate illumination, and a table comfortably within reach for books, beverage glasses, and lamps. End and side tables should be about as tall as the chairs or sofas they serve. *For adequate leg room. a coffee table should be set about 14 to 18 inches out from the sofa. *In dining spaces, leave at least 3 feet for pullout and serving room behind each chair. With clever furniture arrangements, you can reshape space, add function, and cope with any room’s eccentricities. Simply lining the walls with furniture, soldier-style, doesn’t work in many of today’s homes, with their wide open spaces and windowed walls. Here
30
Onyx Magazine
www.onyxmagazine.com
are some suggestions for creating new looks and solving old problems: *For rooms with little solid wall space and those cut up by windows and doorways, consider on-the-diagonal or floating island arrangement. Pulled-together seating is more conducive to easy to conversation, and it frees up perimeter space for other duties, such as work centers or storage. Flexible modular furniture works well in such free-form grouping. *Direct traffic and redefine space with furniture placement. If the front opens directly into the living room, create an “entry” by walling off one side with a seating piece backed up to form an imaginary boundary.
July / August 2007
Life Style Continued pound hand weights for upper body buffing.
1 cup apple juice 1 ripe banana 1 apple 1 Tbsp flaxseed Pour the cup of apple juice into a blender. Slice the banana and add it to the apple juice. Peel the apple, cut it up, and add it to the mixture. Grind the flaxseed in a grinder or blender for 1 minute, and then add it to the mixture. Blend all the ingredients for another minute until creamy. Pour into a glass and enjoy.
EVERYBODY NEEDS A TUNE UP!
* Helps to keep your muscles toned and firm. * Helps to delay the aging process. Now that you know the wonderful benefits of having a regular tune-up are you ready to take the first step?
by Sandi Morais (Certified Fitness Expert for twenty five years)
Jamaican born Sandi Morais has been a fitness instructorfor twenty five years. Sandi has been featured in Ms. Fitness, Essence and Sister 2 Sister magazines. Sandi has been a guest on NBC 6 South Florida Today, WLRN channel 17 and New York City TV Profiles with hosMicky Burns. Sandi is the author of Tune-up with Sandi Morais, co-writer of the musical Sacha on Broadway and the creator of the Tune-up 30 min. Total Body Workout. www.sandimorais.net. The Benefits of a Tune-up (regular exercise) * Helps to strengthen your cardiovascular system. * Helps to improve your circulation. * Helps to decrease your body fat. * Helps to reduce your stress level. * Helps to improve your stamina. * Helps to lower your cholesterol. * Helps to delay the onset of osteoporosis. * Helps to strengthen your immune system 30 Onyx Magazine
“First Step� The Hardest job in the world, it seems Is just to make a start And even when the desire is strong This is the toughest part. The time to do it always NOW You can't have a doubting heart. The longer you wait, the harder it is To make that essential start.
In standing position, back straight and abs tight, with your feet slightly apart, bend your knees. Grip the weights in the palm of your hands, and slowly curl up toward your shoulder. Working the biceps muscles. (Do two sets of 8-10 repetitions, resting 10 seconds between sets.) B. If you love to dance find your favorite CD and put it into your CD player and get your grove on as you rev-up your engine. After your dance routine march slowly in place for your cool down. Now you are ready to get rid of your spare tire. C. Lie on your mat, bend your knees and keep your feet flat on the floor. Keep your back flat and pressed to the floor. Put your hands behind your head, and relax your neck and shoulders. Keep your chin up and your eyes to the ceiling. Exhale and slowly lift your shoulders about five inches from the floor, using your abdominal muscles to pull your self you. (Do 2 sets of 8-10 repetitions, resting 10 seconds between sets.) Give your body a tune-up at least three times a week. The quality of your life depends on it. Stay healthy in mind, body and spirit. For information on my Celebrate Life fitness newsletter, Tune-up 30 minutes DVD and Tune-up fitness book visit www.sandimorais.net Image of power shake from ClubLife magazine, July-August 2005, used with permission. Copyright C 2005 Connell Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.
The first step is always the hardest But once that step's begun The thing you thought you couldn't do Is already halfway done! Author Unknown Taking the first step to a healthier lifestyle is as easy as ABC. The basic tools you will need are: * Your CD player to play your favorite music to rev-up your engine. * 3-pound hand weights (dumbbells) for body buffing and a mat or towel to lie on as you prepare to get rid of your spare tire. A. Warm up your muscles for about three minutes by marching in place. Once your body is warmed up get your three
www.onyxmagazine.com
Photo by Philip Michael Thomas
Media Gallery
White Linen Reception
Roderick Gillum, GM North Anerica Vice Presidnet Marketing and Advertising, Earl Graves Jr, of Black Enterprise and Earvin “Magic” Johnson
The 2007 Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference and Expo held in Orlando proved itself beneficial to business men and women from throughout the country. The conference offered unique networking and business opportunities with decision makers, representatives of major corporations and industry suppliers. It’s an event that all African American business owners should try to attend in the future.
July / August 2007
Billionaire Robert Johnson and Earl Graves of Black Enterprise
www.onyxmagazine.com
Onyx Magazine
33
Sacha on Broadway: Stellar Performance at Jones High The power of your imagination can take you anywhere. If you don’t believe that, just ask Felichia Wright, the star of Sacha on Broadway. Ms. Wright is an upcoming junior at the University of Central Florida. But, her main job these days is portraying the lead character in, Sacha on Broadway. Who is Sacha? Well, I’m so glad that you asked. A story about a young woman who has big dreams of performing on Broadway is the focal point of this play, music and lyrics written by Philip Michael Thomas and Sandi Morais. She ultimately realizes that the power from within is the key to success. However, like any goal in your life, obstacles are sure to follow. There would be no real story without the villains, right? In this play, there are plenty that challenge Sacha and discourage her from making it to Broadway. These people reminded her that she was not good enough and that she was wasting her time. Like any group, there is a leader. Harriet the Owl is truly mean. It is her job to scare Sacha and it works. Believe me; if you saw Harriet the Owl; you’d be afraid, too! Harriet the Owl is scary, but not her alter ego, Phedre M. Brown is a loving mother and a promising actress in her own right. Mrs. Brown plays a dual role in this play as Sacha’s mother and Harriet the Owl. She has been performing for many years, including having been classically trained in voice at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. “Working with this play has been a blessing and I am challenged more and more by portraying two roles. At one point I am helping Sacha as her mother, but then Harriet the Owl tries to destroy her,” says Phedre. Luckily, Sacha has a Magic Goodmother. Don’t we all need that? That special someone who is right there just when we are about to give up makes all the difference. Sound like a fairytale story? Well, it really is. The vocal talents of Rita Kay are undeniable. What a powerful voice! Believe me, the singing between Phedre and Rita makes this play worth it. What would a play be without a supporting cast? Through Sacha’s imagination, she meets many characters that help and hurt her in her quest to Broadway. The tal-
Ernest Page, Chet Clover, Philip Michael Thomas and Cheryll Daniels
By:
Denise Y. Mose (Hip & Happening Talk Show Host) ents of Robert Beharry (Martin the Frog), Natalie Irizarry (Rita the Rat), Laura LaLanne (Dolly the Duck), Shaylin Mack (Polliwog), Brittany Cheek (Polliwog), James Brown (King Akaash), and Ronald Diltz (Ego) complete this amazing play. A special bonus for the Orlando audience was the talent of Dewayne Barrett who served as the choreographer for Sacha on Broadway. Having choreographed all over the world for A Chorus Line and West Side Story, Mr. Barrett didn’t disappoint. No one will forget the fancy foot work by Rita the Rat any time soon. Central Florida is becoming a performing arts haven for many artists who are looking to expand their horizons in this very lucrative field. Dr. Ruth Joyce ColbertBarnes is truly serving as one of the advocates for the arts. Her company, the Colbert Group brought this play to Orlando. To top it off, the play was held at the famous Jones High School, a local celebrity on its own. “Keeping our heritage alive through the arts helps so many of our students ascertain scholarships for college.” says Dr. Barnes. Dr. Barnes, along with local sponsors made Sacha on Broadway a reality. Dr. Barnes has plans to bring more plays to Orlando and although she can’t reveal them yet, you’ll see them very soon. So, behind every great play, is a visionary who sees potential before reality. Sandi Morais, Director and Co-writer of this family musical is more than a professional fitness expert, teacher and actress. And, she’s more than a pretty face, too. She has a passion for people who aspire to go for their dreams and does her best to get them there. Before she knew it, Sacha on Broadway
Grand Opening Night
Senator Siplin, Brittiana Daniels, Commissioner Lynum, Drs. Lavon and Randolph Bracy
was born. “Everyone can relate to Sacha on Broadway. It’s not just for young girls. Men can identify with having a dream and all the work that comes along with it,” chimes in Philip Michael Thomas. Yes, THAT one. Having been business partners for more than twenty years, Sandi Morais and Philip Michael Thomas are in a way…Sacha’s parents. After all, they gave her life. They made her real and she’s been growing for almost seven years now, including having performed at Hampton University. Philip Michael Thomas is no stranger to the stage. He is the renowned 1980s icon from the hit television series, Miami Vice. Ricardo Tubbs earned him a permanent place in history as the sexy, good-looking detective who wore pastels like no other. Sandi, Dr. Barnes and Philip have been doing several interviews and they even stopped by my talk show, Hip & Happening to discuss the show. After twenty years, he’s still gorgeous. Philip serves as the Executive Producer and Co-writer for Sacha on Broadway and he is the composer of all the music and lyrics featured in the play. Opening night was complete with a Red Carpet Interviews sponsored by Jericho Broadcasting Networks and Onyx Magazine. On Friday, June 1, 2007 all eyes were headed to Jones High School. A crowd of over 700 enjoyed Sacha and her journey through her imagination. Roy M. Eavins, CEO of Jericho, also provided a live streaming broadcast during the red carper that you can view at www.jerichobraodcastnetworks.com If you are not enticed by now, I don’t know what to say. Thankfully, Dr. Barnes, Philip Michael Thomas and Sandi Morais are bringing this enchanting musical love story Sacha on Broadway back to Orlando soon. They even plan to take Sacha on Broadway on a mini tour to Daytona, Tampa and Jacksonville. So, check local listings for details. What are your dreams? If you catch Sacha on Broadway she’ll help you get there!
African American Women and
Heart Disease By Zelma Dickerson, RN, M. Ed Shands Jacksonville Community Affairs Heart disease risk factors include those that can be controlled through lifestyle changes and/or medications, and those that can’t be controlled, such as family history of heart disease and age (55 and older for women). Controllable risk factors include smoking, physical inactivity, high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, overweight/obesity and diabetes. This is not new information and if questioned, most women could probably name the risk factors. Studies show that black women have a greater risk of heart disease and stroke than white women. Death due to heart disease is about two-thirds higher among black women than among white women.
Next, inquire about your family history. Too many family secrets have gone to the grave. Every woman should make special efforts to learn family history and pass it to the next two to three generations. Get answers to questions like; what was the cause of death for close family members? Did anyone in the family die suddenly? Are there reoccurring types of diseases or illnesses? Make special efforts to plan time to sit and chat with your cousins, uncles, aunts, and don’t forget long time church members. They have a wealth of information to share if someone had the time to listen. Above all, know the signs and symptoms of heart attack which can be different for women than men.
Published research, medical journal circulations and other literature report that black Zelma Dickerson women are less likely to receive appropriate Other health tips include do not smoke our treatment and care for their condition. Thereuse tobacco products. Have your blood presfore, black women must take control of their lives and health in- sure checked regularly. Know your cholesterol numbers. Eat for your formation. For example, black women were 10% less likely to heart health. Start by cutting back on salt and increasing fruit and get aspirin and 27% less likely to get statins for cholesterol. The vegetable intake. Get involved in church. Spiritual activity is benefifact that black women have higher rates of hypertension, high cial to your health. blood cholesterol, overweight, obesity and diabetes puts them at increased risk for heart disease. Some of the same risk factors As you begin to take control of your health, don’t forget the many place women at a higher risk for stroke, a preventable and treat- health screening opportunities in your community. Shands Jackable accident. Nearly 60 million Americans, 29 million women- sonville has clinics and a mobile health van that is in the community high blood pressure and almost one third do not even know it. during the week and on weekends. Every fourth Sunday physicians, nurses and other health care partners share in services at a local Women in general can take certain measures to help reduce church with education, free health screening food and fellowship. For the risks of having a heart attack and dying. Adhering to heart more information about clinics and services in your area or to schedhealth tips can help save lives. First, make a conscious effort to ule a health fair call or (904) 924-8846. know your risk factors for heart disease, and then do something about them. Increasing physical activity a little each day is a You can get more information about heart health and a fact good place to begin. Get moving until you reach an effective age sheet on Heart Disease by visiting ... appropriate exercise level. Ask specific questions concerning www.heartandstylewoman.com; www.omhrc.gov and other related your personal health at each doctor visit. If you have questions websites. before the next doctor visit, don’t wait. Call the office or contact one of many available resources to get health information. Shands Jacksonville has disparity clinics located in communities with high rates of hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol. Staff is available Monday through Friday to provide free health screening. July / August 2007
www.onyxmagazine.com
Onyx Magazine
35
Young People Making the Grade
Orlando Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Hosts its Annual Minerva Scholarship and Charity Awards
The Orlando Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. held its annual Minerva Awards on Saturday April 21, 2007. The Roman Goddess Minerva, which stands for wisdom and excellence, is the symbolic name given to this annual awards program. The theme of the program was “The Pursuit of Excellence Through Scholarship and Service.” Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. founded in 1913 on the campus of Howard University is a private, non-profit organization. Each year, the Orlando Alumnae chapter through projects such as the Ebony Fashion Fair and StepFest raises funds for scholarships and local charities.
36
Onyx Magazine
www.onyxmagazine.com
Recognizing graduating high school seniors who have excelled academically and performed community service, the sorority awarded eleven scholarships totaling $10,000 with the expectation that the recipients will attend a college, university or vocational school and use the scholarship funds to defray expenses. This years students of excellence represented Freedom, Edgewater, Colonial, Dr. Phillips, Jones, Ocoee, Olympia, Winter Park, and Boone High Schools. As a public service organization whose purpose is to provide assistance and support through established programs in local communities throughout the world, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority’s core programmatic thrusts include: economic development, educational development, international awareness and involvement, physical and mental health, and political awareness and involvement. In addition to its own community service programs, the Orlando Alumnae Chapter recognizes local charities, organizations and groups with a shared mission and inspired vision to uplift our community. This years charity awards (totaling $7,000) recipients were: HUG ME, American Cancer Society, Holden Heights Front Porch Youth Empowerment Academy, Guardian Care Nursing and Rehab Center, Black Christian Men, Inc., and Share the Care.
July / August 2007
NYCKIE JUSTYNE CARROLL SCHOOL: Fleming Island High School, Jacksonville GPA: 3.74 SAT: 1200 Plans to attend the University of Florida and major in dentistry.
SADE SHANTEL LUMPKINS Sade, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wilken Lumpkins enjoys art––music with focus on the reading aspects of pre-school age children
SADE SHANTEL LUMPKINS Nyckie has been intensively involved in her school since junior high. graduating top in her class, she was also voted “Best New Anchor” and FIHS 2006 Homecoming Queen. As a National Honor Society member, she was chosen one of 25 out of 50 outstanding high school students. She developed an innovative idea to raise funds to show support for the U.S. Military troops in Iraq. In 2005, she served as an FIHS Ambassador. In 2006 she was elected Student Counsel president by the senior class. She was nominated by a teacher to participate in “Styles 4 Life.” She was selected basket manager, member of the Beta Club, captain of the Step Club, and assisted the Supervisor of Elections to get more voters to participate in the political process.
SCHOOL: Arlington Day Country School, Jacksonville GAP: 3.3 Will attend Florida Jr. College on full scholarship and major in early childhood child management
WILLIAM MICHAEL SMITH SCHOOL: First Coast High School GPA: 3.56 Plans to attend the University of Florida and major in civil engineering / music performance
William is a member of the First Coast High School Chorus. He is on the Honor Roll, a member of the National Honor Society, National Honor Roll, Who’s Who Among High School Students and president of First Coast High School Chorus.
Students at the New Covenant Baptist Church of Orlando honored with scholarships presented by Dr. Lavon Bracy, Covenant Charities, The William Claiborne Memorial Golf Tournament Scholarship Fund and Onyx Magazine/LBS Foundation Incorporated July / August 2007
www.onyxmagazine.com
William’s volunteerism includes Camp U.S.A., Kendall Court, Summer 2003 & 2004; Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist choir, 2003-present; River Region Human Services, Peer Educator, First Coast Choral Boosters Community Service; Altel Stadium, Central Baptist Youth Choir. Onyx Magazine
37
Continued from page 20 time. • He became the vice president of Sunshine Broadcasting Corporation. Sunshine’s president Earl Boyles had the FCC license to build Channel 35, WOFL-TV in Orlando. Talbert helped design the studios that are now housed at WMFE-TV. Boyles ran out of money before the station opened. • Coordinator of the Broadcast Skills Bank. He hired 136 people for radio, television and newspaper. Tee Taylor was featured in a newspaper article and he mentioned that as he was at home watching TV, a guy came on and talked about jobs in broadcasting. Talbert commented, “I was that guy.” • The first Black to serve on the Seminole County Fire Commission Board • Hosted a community talk show on public television WMFE-TV. He interviewed people like Orlando high school basketball superstar Darryl Dawkins, civil rights leader, The Rev. Ralph Abernathy and Comedian Dick Gregory. • The first Black honored during Black History Month at the Pass and Revue celebration for the new Navy Training Center To grow The Weekly Observer, Talbert took the advice of his lawyer, the late Norris Woolfork, and developed a board of directors consisting of Attorney Norris Woolfork, Dr. Calvin Collins, and Dr. Isaac Manning. He put ink in their blood, which resulted in Woolfork and Collins later establishing The Orlando Times. Emile Corona, owner of WORL, called Talbert Gray and offered him the opportunity to become the first Black general manager of a commercial radio station in Central Florida. Talbert closed the newspaper and began a career in radio broadcasting. He hired J. J. Ramey as program director, Steve Crumbly, music director, Robin Holden as announcer and Count Barnes for weekends. Talbert’s achievements at WORL: WORL became the number one Black radio station in Central Florida. • He promoted the first eastern U.S. concert for Earth, Wind & Fire at the Jai Lai Fronton in Casselberry. • Promoted Richard Prior and the Chi Lites • Worked closely with the Orlando Sports Stadium promoting James Brown, Johnny Taylor, Parliament Funkadelics and many more. • Promoted disco parties all over town in clubs and hotel ballrooms featuring Steve “The Seventh Son” and Count Barnes. • Leased the nightclub, The Talk Of The Town . 38
Onyx Magazine
After Talbert resigned from WORL, he moved to Savannah, Georgia and managed radio station WSOK, working for Ben Tucker and jazz great, Dr. Billy Taylor. He was later recruited by Shamrock Broadcasting to join their company as general manager for WBOK in New Orleans.
Talbert Gray
WBOK had a lot of problems both legal and programming. Talbert became the first Black general manager of a radio station in the state of Louisiana. Some of his accomplishments: • Sales increased and Arbitron ratings. • His program director, Bobby Earles, was named Billboard Magazine’s Program Director of the Year for medium size markets. • He received the “Key to the City” from Mayor Ernest Morial and the New Orleans city council along with many other awards. • He created Talent Search, a citywide talent show that still goes on at another radio station • He co-sponsored the Black College All-Star Football Game along with Football Hall Of Fame member Jim Brown, actress Jayne Kennedy, California entrepreneur Rip Ridley, and Jet Magazine editor, Frank Banister. • He helped Preston Edwards with The Black Collegian Magazine and increase the magazine from an 88 page book to 304 pages and the next book was 312 pages. “While working with Preston, he was a part of the Black Collegian Magazine’s story on The Tony Brown’s Journal aired on national television.” At the National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters meeting in Kansas City, Kansas, Thom McKinney, the president of Sheridan Broadcasting Corporation, offered Talbert the opportunity to manage their radio station WILD in Boston. Boston was the 4th largest radio market in America. This was one of those moving on up opportunities. Talbert, Ann, and their daughters Tonya and Torsha packed up and moved again. Talbert’s staff at WILD was made up of Steve Crumbly (from Orlando), Lark Logan, Butterball, Jr., Earl Boston, Karen Holmes, Doug Gilmore, Paul Porter and
www.onyxmagazine.com
Elroy R.C. Smith. Some of Talbert’s accomplishments at WILD: • Soon after he started with the station, Darryl Williams, a 15 years old high school athlete, was shot in the back while playing high school football in Charlestown, South Boston. It was only a few years before that the Black community had rioted and burned down all of Blue Hill Avenue because of race riots. Local ministers including Rev. Charles Stith (the former ambassador to Tanzania and the Director of the African Presidential Archives at Boston University), state Senator Bill Boyd and Senator Barbara Graham and Talbert Gray formed a committee to raise funds for Darryl’s hospital bills, arranged for the state to pay for Darryl’s medical bills and living expenses as well as entire educational cost for life. • Of the 53 radio stations in Boston, there were only two Black general managers in Boston. CBS general manager Eugene Lothery and Talbert Gray were invited to a private lunch, which was also attended by the would be future president of the United States, George H. Bush and his son, now President George W. Bush. Just Talbert, Eugene, George H. W. and George W. • WILD was an important part of Mayor Kevin White’s unprecedented 12th election. • For a special minister’s meeting with Boston Coca Cola, Inc., Talbert was ordained by Rev. Jessie Jackson, Rev. Charles Stith and other members of the Boston religious community. This move allowed him admittance to the special meeting. WILD was sold to Nash communications with the owner Ken Nash. Talbert had heard of a station in Boston that was for sale. He borrowed $500,000.00 from State Street Bank and $350,000.00 from Syndicated Communications, Inc., a MESBIC (Minority Enterprise Small Business Investment Companies) and purchased WCAS. Accomplishments as owner and general July / August 2007
ert
lb Ta
y
Gra
manager of WCAS: • Talbert hired Boston Celtic’s great Tom “Satch” Sanders to present a sports commentary show every day. • Coach Mike Jarvis needed basketball uniforms for Cambridge Rindge and Latin team that included 7-foot center Patrick Ewing (the great Georgetown and later the New York Knick’s all star center) and Carl Hobbs (now the coach at George Washington University) Talbert helped raise money by playing basketball with other radio and television stations. • Maurice Starr (Larry Johnson from Deland, FL) asked if Talbert would help sponsor a talent show. The talent show was the Hollywood Talent Nite. The second place winners were “New Edition”. 1st place winners got cash and “New Edition” got the 1st prize studio time. After selling WCAS, SYNCOM helped me purchase WNOU in Hartford, CT. Talbert bought the station, operated it and sold the station very quickly to local broadcasters. It was at that time that he and his family moved back to Orlando. Say Talbert, “When I returned to Orlando, Beasley Reed Communications was setting up 102 JAMZ. Reed brought in a crew from Miami to play the top R&B, and soul music in the area. I worked in the sales department and did public relations. I left 102 JAMZ and purchased radio station WWFL in Clermont, Florida. I turned it into an automated Music of Your Life station. I sold the station to Central Florida Investment Corporation. Moving on into another area of communications, Talbert decided to publish a slick, high gloss, full color, classy publication that highlighted the achievements of the Black community of Central Florida. He called the publication BA Magazine. (later changed the name to Achievers Magazine.) July / August 2007
BA Magazine was a major triumph with a large circulation, profitable advertising and successful events such as the BA Ball. This publication became the resource and reference guide for Blacks in Central Florida. With the help of the BA staff, Pat Jerry, Lester Seays, Marcy Lever and contributing writers and photographers, BA Magazine was a huge success. As publisher, Talbert received a lot of local accolades. • The Central Florida Urban Bankers Association, Inc. named him businessman of the year in 1991 and the Businessman of the Year in 1992 • He earned the Orlando Business Development Center’s Publisher of the Year Award in 1991 • The National Minority Supplier Development Council featured him as a high achieving entrepreneur in 1992 • Central Florida Magazine named him one of the areas Most Intriguing People in 1998 • He worked tirelessly with the United Negro College Fund raising money at special events, and on telethons • Talbert was the last Black honored during Black History Month at the Pass and Revue celebrating the closing of the Navy Training Center. Talbert was recruited by WPEG, WBAV and WGIV in Charlotte, NC. He was hired to find and secure non-traditional advertising and marketing dollars. I developed and create the Battle at the Borders Football Classic, featuring North Carolina A&T and South Carolina State in gridiron action. He also created SummerFest, an outdoor concert featuring many of the stars that all three stations play regularly. By managing WICI-FM in Sumter, South Carolina, Talbert made the fledgling station profitable, however he and Ann decided not to stay in Sumter, so he returned to Charlotte. Upon his return to Charlotte, Talbert was appointed vice president of sales and marketing for a new, a slick well put together business publication, Greater Charlotte Biz Magazine.
www.onyxmagazine.com
The Provost of Elizabeth City State University, Dr. Carolyn Mahoney, called Talbert to consult the university’s radio and television. After he gave his recommendations, he was asked to stay as general manager for both stations. Over three years, Talbert taught, lectured and made improvements and gave the stations growth. • He extended the broadcasting day from 19 hours to 24 hours, instituted National Public Radio (NPR) programs, upgraded the equipment from analog to digital and purchased a new transmitter and antennae, digital/analog consoles and computer software. • Increased annual fundraising income. • WRVS-FM was picked by the FCC to be one of the first radio stations in the country to be licensed digital. • Created local shows featuring local businesses and events of the Elizabeth City Chamber of Commerce. • Air The Black Family Network and another to play programs from America One Television. • Both stations, WRVS-FM and W18BB-TV won the prestigious awards WRVS-FM and W18BB-TV were award winners in 2004-2005 and 2005-2006 at the Hampton Roads Black Media Professionals Excel Award. • Talbert taped and replayed the DownEast Football Classic and Homecoming 2005 with a delayed broadcast. We were the only college at the CIAA tournament in Charlotte to video tape the games and present a great documentary. • WRVS-FM was featured and recognized with a great article in Our State Magazine and with a picture and article for the annual fundraising event SuccessFest in Elizabeth City State University’s ECSU Magazine. Talbert now owns AccendiWorks, a branding and marketing firm. Says he, “Through my life’s journey, a lot of things started with me. I was the first in many broadcasting areas and helped create in others. I am really grateful for the opportunities that I have had. Ann, my wife of all of these years has traveled this journey with me. We have been married for many years and I am so proud and grateful that she was there, understanding and taking the chances with me. My two daughters, Tonya and Torsha have been extremely supportive of our multiple ventures. “I have dined with presidents of nations, befriended kings of countries, national leaders. Sidney Portier did a movie where he had a line that I think applies to my life. I have been many places and have seen things. I have.” Onyx Magazine
39
By Cathy Howse Cathy Howse is a Black hair care expert and the founder of Ultra Black Hair Products/UBH Publications Inc., a 17-year old company that teaches the truth about Black hair care and growth. Her book, Ultra Black Hair Growth II, is classified as the only proven black hair growth system in the world. Notoriety for her method has been included in Who’s Who in America, Who’s Who of American Women, and Who’s Who in the World. Visit her website at www.ultrablackhair.com or send your hair care questions to her via email at ubhpublications1@covad.net., 2007 40
Onyx Magazine
GIMMEAHEADWITHHAIR
Hair Tips
I am 31 and for the past 4 to 5 years my hair has been slowly thinning on top. I can no longer cover the almost bald spots with hair from the front because it is now thinning also. The dermatologist says there is nothing that can be done to re-grow the hair...what do you think? Your dermatologist is correct in that NOTHING will re-grow your hair once it is gone. So don’t go out and buy the gimmicks that are advertised to help re-grow your hair. If you are relaxing your hair I would suggest this is the cause of your balding because the relaxer is being pushed onto your scalp. Please read my book Thinning Edges: A Chemical Reaction to understand why you have this problem and how to prevent if from rendering you completely bald. It is our ignorance that is making us lose our hair and before you can correct a problem you have with anything, you must first understand what the problem is. I had my hair cut and dyed natural black and I am 27 yrs old. Within a couple weeks I have been noticing when I comb my hair long hair is in the comb, in the sink and on the floor. Am I experiencing hair shedding? Or could the color be the cause of the hair shedding? Although what you are describing sounds like severe breakage instead of shedding, it is up to you to determine whether your hair is actually shedding or breaking. Yes the hair color if it was incorrectly applied can result in hair breaking as well. Also the comb is not a good test to determine if your hair is shedding because you are pulling on the hair. I define breakage two ways: stress breakage and severe breakage. Stress breakage happens when you pull combs or brushes through the hair. You will always have stress breakage because you are pulling on the hair. It is severe breakage that you need stop immediately. Severe breakage happens when the hair is damaged and weak and breaking occurs along the hair shaft as opposed to the hair root being pushed out. Shedding is part of the hairs natural life cycle and happens when the old hair is pushed out at the root and new hair comes in its place. So if you are examining the hair that you see all over, look for a little white bulb on the end of the hair. If you don’t see that, you are experiencing severe breakage and your first defense should be a good protein treatment to strengthen the hair. I have relaxed hair. My hairdresser wants to use a reconstructor on my hair sometimes. I am currently using your maintenance products. Do I need a reconstructor as well? You only need a reconstructor IF you are experiencing extreme breaking (little hair all over your clothes, floor or sink). Otherwise, your UBH products should meet the requirements for strengthening your hair.
I tried Bigen in December last year. I told my hairdresser not to put me under the dryer and she didn't but she said she used the product before and it is ok to use a shower cap. Unfortunately I allowed this and by a couple weeks after my hair started breaking! I was horrified because my hair was growing nicely with your program before. I bought and used the Aphogee treatment that makes the hair hard but my hair is still thin now and the middle especially has broken off a lot. What can I do about that? Should I just use your conditioner now to make my hair thicker and stronger or should I use Aphogee as well? Regretfully there is nothing you can do. You never should have allowed your hairdresser to do what she did. The next time I would suggest you follow your instinct and the manufactures instructions. The instructions are on products for a reason. There is no fix once the hair has been destroyed! July / August www.onyxmagazine.com May June 2007
4NBSU JT 4FYZ Get a Money Coach. -PPLJOH HPPE BOE GFFMJOH
HPPE ¾OBODJBMMZ BSF UIJOHT NPTU PG VT ¾OE FYUSFNFMZ
BUUSBDUJWF #VU IPX EP ZPV HFU UIFSF GSPN IFSF "U *OTJHIU 'JOBODJBM $SFEJU 6OJPO JUµT TJNQMF &WFSZ BDDPVOU DPNFT XJUI B SFBM MJWF NPOFZ DPBDI GPS ZPVS SFBM MJWF MJGF *UµT FBTZ UP PQFO BO BDDPVOU FBTZ UP CBOL POMJOF )JHIFS FBSOJOHT PO EFQPTJUT BOE MPX JOUFSFTU SBUFT PO DSFEJU DBSET BVUP MPBOT BOE NPSUHBHFT BSF B HJWFO "OE BCPVU UIBU DPOGVTJOH CBSSBHF PG ZPV TIPVME CF EPJOH UIJT PS UIBU ¾OBODJBM PQUJPOT ZPVµSF IJU XJUI BU FWFSZ UVSO 3FMBY
NPOFZ DPBDI XJMM BMXBZT CF UIFSF POF PO POF UP ¾OE ZPV B QFSTPOBM CFTU GJOBODJBM TPMVUJPO GPS BOZ QBSU PG ZPVS CJH QMBOT GPS MJGF
:PVS *OTJHIU 'JOBODJBM
Your Money Coach For Life.
4 & 3 7 * / ( 0 3 " / ( & Â… 4 & . * / 0 - & Â… - " , & Â… # 3 & 7" 3 % Â… 7 0 - 6 4 * " Â… 4 6 . 5 & 3 Â… . " 3 * 0 /
PS 5PMM 'SFF www.InsightAccounts.com
Trinity Broadcasting Network Acquisition Of ''Holy Land Experience'' Theme Park Seeks To Change More Lives 42
Onyx Magazine
ORLANDO -- Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN), the world''s largest religious broadcaster and America''s mostwatched faith channel, hopes to change more lives through its addition of the "Holy Land Experience" theme park in Orlando, Fl., to the TBN family. Through the acquisition, TBN will bring an integration of the powerful living recreation of ancient Jerusalem with a cutting edge facility that will be used for television production, dramas, musical concerts, special events and movies. "This marriage will bring an unprecedented synergy to both ministries and the production that is done there will be seen by a worldwide audience. TBN''s involvement made sense, because both ministries are about changing and effecting people''s lives. We''ve been doing that for 34 years," said Paul Crouch, Jr., TBN Vice President of Administration. "We believe this opportunity was heaven sent because it bought TBN an Orlando-based facility to fulfill it''s local programming obligations for WGTL CH-52 and it will provide "The Holy Land Experience" with much needed promotion to bring more people to the theme park and Orlando as a whole." The Holy Land Experience could well be considered Orlando''s most inspiring destination as visitors experience a full day of discovery that takes them 2,000 years back in time to the world of the Bible. It brings to life ancient Israel as a unique, thriving world filled with fascinating exhibits and venues. Visitors learn about the Wilderness Tabernacle and the Great Temple; discover the amazing history of the Bible; explore the city of Jerusalem in miniature; see reenactments of Jesus'' ministry, His life, death, and resurrection; and feel the power and passion of our original musical productions.
www.onyxmagazine.com
WGTL TV, Channel 52, has a reach of over four million viewers in the Orlando and Cocoa Beach metropolitan areas with TBN''s wide range of innovative faith-based programming. In October of 2006, TBN celebrated the inaugural broadcast of WGTL Ch-52 in Orlando with a dedicatory service attended by TBN founders Paul and Jan Crouch, Pastor Benny Hinn, Singer and Preacher Judy Jacobs hosted by Pastor George Cope and Calvary Assembly in Winter Park, Fl. The combination of the production facilities and the Holy Land Experience offers Orlando visitors a powerful and unique faith based experience that can be promoted worldwide through the TBN network. The promotional capability can drive visitors to the complex. "Some of the staff was asking what is going to be the immediate effect here at the park and my answer was ''I''m planning on you having more people coming through the turnstiles this summer,''" said Crouch. "Universal Studios does the same thing. We want the ''Holy Land Experience'' to be a faith-based version of that." About TBN TBN is the world''s largest religious network and America''s most watched faith network. Each day TBN offers 24 hours of commercial-free inspirational programming that appeals to people in a wide variety of denominations. Beginning in 1973 as a single UHF station in southern California, TBN now reaches every major continent via 65 satellites and more than 12,500 television and cable affiliates worldwide. In the United States, TBN is available to 92 percent of the total households. Its website receives more than 27 million visitors monthly. For more information on TBN, visit www.tbn.org.
July / August 2007
Finalists have been selected from among the finest church choirs in • Birmingham • Charlotte • Chicago • Dallas
• Detroit • Jacksonville • Los Angeles • St. Louis
Winners will receive a cash prize and appear on the Lighten the Load Gospel CD along with important messages about Iron Overload— a dangerous condition that affects some patients who receive blood transfusions for Sickle Cell Disease. Vote online June 15 to July 31, 2007.
FREE materials and information about Sickle Cell Disease and Iron Overload available at AskAboutIron.com.
Brought to you by
©2007 Novartis
Printed in U.S.A.
June 2007
C-EXJ-100002-F