December 1, 2014
Langston Hughes Library 100-01 Northern Blvd Corona, NY, 11368
UR WORLD M E D I A MAGAZINE, LLC
LAUNCH EVENT & AWARD CEREMONY HOSTED BY: CHERYL WILLS ANCHOR, NY1 NEWS
PERFORMING: RECORDING ARTIST THE RIGHT DIRECTION
GOD BLESS AMERICA BY: JUANITA FAULKNER SOPRANO
OUR WORLD MEDIA LAUNCH A New Beginning – from the Publisher
‘Our World Media’ magazine team welcomes our readership and supporters as we take off soaring like the eagle, with the sky as our limit, in our media enterprise. Our journey of one thousand miles began months ago. However, we decided to launch our initiative after the Thanksgiving holiday, as we remain grateful to the Almighty God for helping us to implement our vision. We have created a platform to disseminate news in our world that is constantly in evolution. We will make ‘Our World Media’ our oyster with the help of our global team who is very committed, professional and eager to deliver the news in a manner that our readers deserve by covering politics, the economy, health, wealth, sports, lifestyle and other facets of our lives and society. Our mission is clear: to be second to none and to cede no ground to other outlets. Our choice of the Langston Hughes Library here in Corona, Queens as the venue for our magazine launch is not accidental. As a citadel for learning, empowerment, cultural edifice and repository for African-American culture, we needed to make the statement of how we place a high premium on knowledge, treasure our history and culture as well as demonstrate how our magazine will enlighten and empower our communities. Our publication also aims to educate our children and encourage a new generation of leaders to shape a more caring, compassionate and egalitarian world. Media throughout human history has helped to shape the agenda in democratic societies for the better and ‘Our World Media’ will be helping to promote all things good. Unlike other media outlets, our modus operandi will be based on helping to shape, enlighten and inspire an astute civic global community where the right of individuals is respected and upheld. We want to join other media change makers in transforming ‘our world to be a better place for all’ and we work to acknowledge those who do. For when we promote and reward excellence, we in turn encourage others to become positive contributors and role models in society. Therefore, rewarding excellence is a principle that we practice and so we chose to honor trailblazers and individuals who have distinguished themselves in their fields of endeavor. Many will agree that our society lacks the kinds of role models that inspire younger generations to become more than what society tells them they can be. So our narrative is simple: allow the best to shine their light into the darkness so that
the youth may have a brighter future. We must educate and support our younger generations so that they are empowered to make the necessary changes to transform their lives and communities. This is why we honor our awardees today as we kick off our magazine launch. They stand as a testament to helping others to survive and thrive. We congratulate each honoree and we hope they will not rest on your laurels. Today marks a turning point in our evolution as a global social media magazine and I will be remiss if I fail to quote the late President John F. Kennedy: “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.� We appreciate everyone taking the time to join us on this journey and we look forward to continue nurturing our relationship with you. We are in this partnership and venture together to succeed with all hands on deck; to build a sustainable global community and echo that of the United States Declaration of Independence, where life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness reigns. Our World Media magazine remains highly indebted to those who support our venture. We appreciate you and love you.
Best regards,
George C. Onuorah
Co-Founder & Publisher
ARIK AIR INTERNATIONAL LTD
AWARD CEREMONY 1) LIFETIME ACHIEVEMNT AWARD CHERYL WILLS-ANCHOR, NY1 NEWS 2) POLITICAL LEADERSHIP AWARD SENATOR JAMES SANDERS, JR. 3) ENTREPRENEUR AWARD JOHN A MESSER PRINCIPAL, MESSER LAW GROUP, PLLC 4) GLOBAL WOMEN ADVOCATE AWARD DR. DILSHAD DAYANI FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT OF WORLD WOMEN GLOBAL COUNCIL 5) HUMANITARIAN AWARD CHIEF CHETACHI NWOGA-ECTON 6) COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD NAKITA-VANSTORY 7) ENTERTAINMENT & PRODUCTION AWARD NNEKA ONUORAH 8) HUMAN SERVICES AWARD JESSICA OLIVEIRA 9) ENTREPRENEUR AWARD RAPHAEL GARNER AND TREVARDO WILLIAMS CO-FOUNDERS OF iPARTYCT
10) MARKETING & MANAGEMENT AWARD SHANAY RYAN
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMNT AWARD Host: Cheryl Wills Anchor, NY1 News
Cheryl Wills is anchor and senior reporter for Time Warner Cable’s Flagship national news network New York One News. For more than two decades, Wills has been a familiar face on television, reporting for affiliates across the country on issues ranging from politics and medicine to fashion and entertainment. The award-winning journalist is also the author of “Die Free: A Heroic Family Tale.” The acclaimed biography is about her great-great-great grandfather Sandy Wills’ extraordinary transformation from a Tennessee slave to a courageous Civil War Soldier – who honorably served with the United States Colored Troops from 1863-1865. As a busy anchor and correspondent, Cheryl Wills has traveled extensively, covering breaking news events. She has reported from The White House and conducted interviews with a wide range of newsmakers. She has been a reliable guide through everything from The Terrorist attacks of September 11th, where she reported from ground zero and she has moderated televised discussions about the historic Presidency of Barack Obama. Along the way, Cheryl has picked up New York Press Club and AP Awards for her reporting. She has also received The YMCA National Black Achievers in Industry Award, The Carl T. Rowan Leadership in Media Award and in 2010, McDonald’s honored her as a broadcasting legend and advertised her picture in restaurants around the country. In recognition of her career, she received an Honorary Doctorate from New York College of Health Professions in May of 2005. As an acclaimed author, Cheryl Wills was invited to speak before the General Assembly of The United Nations in March of 2011 about the impact of slavery on her family during the UN’s International Remembrance of Victims of the Transatlantic Slave Trade. Cheryl also takes great pride in being the Founder and Commander of The New York State Chapter of the Sons & Daughters of the United States Colored Troops – a national organization based in Washington D.C. With that platform, she teaches students of all ages about the contributions of the 200,000 black soldiers who valiantly fought during The Civil War. With more than two decades on the air, Cheryl is often invited to perform cameos in major films and television shows. Her film credits include Spiderman 2, The Brave One with Jodie Foster and Terrance Howard, Freedomland starring Samuel Jackson and many others. Her television credits include The Strain on FX TV, The Preachers of LA on Oxygen, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit on NBC and The Golden Boy on CBS. Cheryl Wills is a graduate of the Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University where she majored in Broadcast Journalism. She is a member of The New York Association of Black Journalists, The New York Press Club, The Inner Circle of City Hall Journalists, The Screen Actors Guild, The Links and The Women’s Forum. In addition to her Civil War roots, Cheryl’s father, Clarence Wills, served as a paratrooper during The Vietnam era and was among the first wave of black firefighters to integrate the oldest engine company in New York – Engine 1, Ladder 24.
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POLITICAL LEADERSHIP AWARD Senator James Sanders, Jr.
Sanders was born at the Hammel Houses in Far Rockaway. He attended public schools throughout the Rockaways then attended Brooklyn College. As a former Marine, he was one of the few City Council members who had served in the armed forces.
Sanders won his seat in an underdog win. He faced off against two other very powerful candidates: James Blake and Charlotte Jefferson. Blake had the support of incumbent councilwoman Juanita Watkins and Jefferson had a similar constituency to Sanders. In an upset Sanders managed to win election for the 31st Council Seat. In 2002, Sanders was voted the first African-American to sit as Chair of the Economic Development Committee.
In early 2007, Sanders endorsed Then-Senator Barack Obama for President and traveled to Pennsylvania, Ohio, and South Carolina to campaign for him. He became an Obama delegate and represented his district at the Democratic National Convention in Denver. In July 2009, Sanders was reported to have shown up for only 61% of City Council meetings for fiscal year 2009, the second-fewest on the list.[5] However, he has attributed this to the near fatal car crash that he had in the fall of 2008 which also injured Community Board District Manager Donovan Richards and friend Mike Duvall.
In 2009, he was challenged for reelection from candidates Michael Duncan, Jacques Leandre, and Frederick Lewis. He was re-elected with 40% of the vote, with his next leading opponent, Jacques Leandre, receiving 19%. In 2005, he married his former chief of staff, and retains fatherhood of two children from a previous marriage.
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ENTREPRENEUR AWARD John A Messer
Principal, Messer Law Group, PLLC John Messer is the Principal of the Messer Law Group located in Fresh Meadows, Queens. He is also the President of Invictus US Corporation and its affiliate Invictus Energy Solutions. He is a community attorney, advisor and business owner in the security and renewable energy fields.
John has varied experience in the renewable energy field. He creates customized renewable and cleaner energy solutions utilizing the latest technology to bring new products and ideas to market. He is an advisor on renewable energy tax investments to various Fortune 400+ corporations. He currently serves as the President of the Invictus Group, which develops projects and delivers innovative mobile solar and wind energy solutions for individuals and businesses. Prior to founding Invictus, Mr. Messer was a partner in a California green energy firm, which thru his efforts grew from a startup company to over $100 million in sales in the first 18 months.
Since 2008, Mr. Messer has also served in the security field. John was the President of MBSS, Manhole Barrier Security Systems, Inc., a leading provider of preventive security enhancement products and solutions. During his tenure at MBSS, when John was responsible for operations and strategy execution, the company was awarded several multimillion dollar contracts with both the U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as part of a meritorious pilot program to secure our homeland and the critical underground infrastructure in select cities across the United States. Prior to joining MBSS and working in the renewable energy markets, John was the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of a mortgage-banking corporation from 1999 to 2007. He has worked in economic development as a Government Fellow and later as a Project Manager for the New York City Pubic Development Corporation, which is now the New York City Economic Development Corporation. At EDC John saw firsthand the important of public-private partnerships and their ability to incentivize job creation and growth.
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GLOBAL WOMEN ADVOCATE AWARD
Dr. Dilshad Dayani Dr. Dilshad-Founder and President of World Women Global Council Dr. Dilshad is the founder and President of World Women Global Council. She is an educationist at heart -delivering as an international speaker, broadcast journalist and best selling author of her recent book “Confrontation 9”. She collaborates projects that create sustainable partnerships. The unique model engages and trains young women leaders to thrive with innovative and organic capacity resources. Since these elements deliver effectiveness and promising opportunities locally and globally to women and society at large, she continues to build mentorship programs under the premise of proactive impact. Dilshad Show a research based broadcasting module a media advocacy initiative under World Women Global Council has delivered empowerment and diversity initiative tools to immigrant families, communities, corporates and youth leadership trainings.
As an international spokesperson and advocate for multicultural women she has delivered project-based initiatives in education, citizen diplomacy and economic development. Her book message is just another platform to empower and enlighten the message of culture, conformity, success and women to engage a dialogue on social norms. She speaks on diverse field experiences of her work from Child Advocacy, Domestic Violence and Abuse, Women’s Rights, Gender Dynamics, Media Literacy and Immigrant Acculturation to name a few. She has presented her work in Columbia University, St. John, NY University, Kappa Delta Pi, IBM, Princeton and Southern Methodist University etc. To learn more: www.dilshad.info www.confrontation9.com
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HUMANITARIAN AWARD Chief Chetachi Nwoga-Ecton
Chetachi Ecton – President/CEO, Chibase Productions & WiN Foundation
Chetachi Ecton is the President & CEO of ChiBase Production Inc, a “one-stop” entertainment platform offering licensing, joint ventures, distribution, marketing, touring and management services for artists. Chibase productions seeks to establish a global presence for the gorgeous, diversified sounds emanating from the motherland and bridge the digital/cultural divide between Africa and the West. She is also the President of WiN Foundation, a non-profit organization based in the United States and Nigeria which provides educational grants and preventive health education on medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, HPV and kidney disease. WiN was born out of Chetachi’s lifelong virtues of selflessness and compassion for the powerless, needy, defenseless, downtrodden and people with limited opportunities. WiN Foundation recently presented books and supplies to hundreds of students at the Samuel Njemanze Memorial Primary School Owerri Imo State, Nigeria including organizing a health screening for teachers, local residents and the entire community. The WiN foundation is also currently singlehandedly spearheading the complete renovation of school buildings at Samuel Njemanze Memorial with a mission of expanding this to other schools. Prior to establishing WiN Foundation, she founded a blossoming healthcare agency providing compassionate services to intellectually and developmentally disabled individuals in Philadelphia, the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Her virtues were bolstered when she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree and Postgraduate diploma from Widener University, where she majored in Social Work.
Chetachi brings her tenacity, inspiration, relentlessness and knack for excellence to ensure that Chibase and WIN foundation achieves it set goals. Her other interests are in entertainment such as film, licensing, theatre, publishing, music and has been featured in on billboards, the world’s most influential global music media brand. Ms. Dunkely has also received the 2011 Entrepreneurship Award from the African & Caribbean Business Council, tri-state Chamber of Commerce and a City of Philadelphia citation for her achievements. In 2014, she received the Nigerian Centenary USA Award marking 100 years of Nigeria’s existence as one of the 100 most influential Nigerians for her contributions to the Healthcare, Entertainment and Non-Profit sectors.
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Entertainment & Production Award Nakita-Vanstory
Nakita Vanstory is a North Carolina native with over 15 years of experience working in an educational setting. Ms. Vanstory has spent the last eight years of her career at the head of young adult and community outreach programs for LaGuardia Community College in partnership with top city agencies. Since April of 2012, she has served as the Coordinator for the LaGuardia Community College Justice Community Program that operates at a satellite location in Jamaica, NY. This is a grant-funded program sponsored by the New York City Young Men’s Initiative and funded by the NYC Center for Economic Opportunity and NYC Department of Probation. This program allows her to work with young men and women between the ages of 16 and 24 who are on probation, parole, or simply have some level of criminal court involvement, to provide them with access to the tools necessary for effectively giving back to their community, gaining transferrable work skills and getting their lives on a positive track for ongoing success. Many of the participants reside or associate themselves in high-risk neighborhoods and have been directly involved in felony or misdemeanor criminal activities or arrested within the last 12-months.
Throughout her career, she has been instrumental in the successful development and launch of student and adult education programs targeting diverse communities, at-risk individuals, and key demographics, providing the structure and foundation necessary to deliver excellent educational services. These services span everything from college preparation to life skills development, placement programs for individuals in the criminal justice system, workforce development and continuing education, and skill growth for middle and high school students. No matter the program or the project, she has been instrumental in creating robust, flexible curricula and service policies adapted to the needs of the student population.
In addition, her prior digital and print media, marketing, and advertising background gives her unique insight into the strategic efforts necessary to increase the effect of outreach programs to reach a broader demographic through tactical networking, marketing campaigns, relationship building, partner alliances, and social media activities. All of this has proven useful in trying to creatively reach the very young people that need the services that they urgently require but would have not otherwise known was of avail for them. Launch Event/Magazine Sample 
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Entertainment & Production Award Nneka Onuorah
Not many people are comfortable and confident enough to aspire to be a role model. Being a positive and influential figure for others to be inspired by is no small feat. But 26 year-old, Nneka Onuorah has never been one to shy away from a challenge.
Born to hardworking parents; her father left Nigeria with a mere $20 in his pocket in the hopes of having a better life in America and a strong-willed mother from Harlem New York, Nneka was born with an innate sense of strength and determination. At the age of ten she moved to Atlanta, Georgia with her mother where they resided with Nneka’s maternal grandmother. Her grandmother was one of the founders of Eternal Love Baptist Church. Here is where she developed her powerful faith in God and learned the importance of having a good sense of morals and ethics. In church, Nneka also became a praise dancer. At 17, Nneka returned to New York, where she graduated from John Bowne High School. In 2007, she entered LaGuardia Community College and is currently in the accelerated program studying psychology.
Even through tragedy, Nneka remained strong and even became inspired. The loss of her cousin taught Nneka the importance of never taking life for granted and seizing all that life has to offer. So on a whim, she applied for a 2010 fall semester internship at Black Entertainment Television (BET). This would be a huge life changer for her. A five-month long internship learning under Stephen Hill, tt President of Programming, music and specials, would quickly turn into a career. Dubbed “The Super Intern”, two months into her internship, she was offered a permanent position as a development coordinator. Not quite a month into her new position, Nneka was promoted to Jr. Executive of music programming. Recognized for her diligence, she received a write-up in the ‘‘Entry Level” section of the New York Times, a series of profiles featuring a broad cross-section of twenty-something New Yorkers and their burgeoning careers. Not one to become complacent in her successes, she founded “The Junior Executive Board” which holds monthly meetings with Mr. Hill and other staff members to discuss creating better relationships between the network and its audiences as well as creating better programming for its demographic.
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HUMAN SERVICES AWARD Jessica Oliveira
Jessica Oliveira was born on February 4th, 1990 in Corona, Queens. She attended Oneonta State College for two years in which she became a member of the National Honor Society, Chi Alpha Epsilon. After joining the Dean’s list, Jessica tutored her peers in Math, English, and Spanish. Jessica was also involved in the African-American, Latino, Asian, and Native- American (AALANA) Mentorship Program.
She actively attended events and volunteered her time towards community service efforts. Her contributions to the AALANA Mentorship Program included hosting potential incoming students. All of these students who were paired up with Jessica during these events ended up committing to attending SUNY Oneonta. This is a testament to her natural positive influence on her peers. Jessica then transferred to Stony Brook University where she received her Bachelor Degree in 2012. Jessica became involved in the EOP/AIM Student Association while attending Stony Brook. Through her efforts, Jessica helped opportunity students to improve their academic, social, and cultural development where she developed a true passion for helping people. Inspired by the work that she had done, Jessica decided to continue her service and join a community conscious action oriented organization, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
This organization allowed her to continue to work with the community while simultaneously cultivating her as a finer woman, becoming the Vice President of the Theta Kappa chapter in Stony Brook University. Hard work, perseverance and dedication have been imbibed within her through this organization and have led her to continue to flourish into the inspirational leader she has fought to become. In addition, her major in sociology confirmed her commitment toward developing solutions toward social issues in American society. Her cultural ties to the country of Peru and Bolivia provide her with an international view on society. In her current position as a clinician for Unaccompanied Alien Children, Jessica utilizes her skills to assist youths and families overcome obstacles and traumas held in home country. Jessica also ensures that each Unaccompanied Alien Children is safe and cared for while being reunited with a suitable parent or sponsor in the most expeditious manner possible.
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ENTREPRENEUR AWARD
Raphael Garner and Trevardo Williams Co-Founders of iPartyCT iPartyCT is a photography, videography and promotion company. We focus on providing quality visuals and entertainment throughout Connecticut. The idea was sparked in October of 2012 when two former college roommates and best friends, Raphael Garner and Trevardo Williams realized the lack of a creative presence in the scene.
Originally designed to center around college oriented events, parties and shows, the duo quickly expanded their point of emphasis when they realized the brand also resonated with the local 21-35 community and emerging local businesses. In the company’s two years, it has covered over 200 events and worked with various notable celebrities, universities and colleges, HOT93.7 the leading urban radio station, and other personalities and entities. They look forward to expanding further into the Northern counties of the state and continue to elevate the quality of nightlife while providing employment opportunities and an outlet and media hub for the community.
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MARKETING AND MANAGEMENT AWARD Shanay Ryan
Shanay Ryan was born and raised in New York City. She attended Parsons Junior High School where she volunteered at Margret Teitz nursing home and partook in Vocal and Drama programs. Shanay Graduated from John Bowne High School in Flushing Queens in 2006 as a Center for Writing major.
Shanay started working at the age of 13 as a summer camp counselor and from that age while attending school she worked part time and full time during the summer months. Although she started working at 13, Shanay’s marketing career began at the age of 19. At that time she was a psychology major in Queensborough Community College and had just completed an internship at the Queens Child Guidance Center. A poster outside of a class caught her eye one day offering part-time work for college students. She called the telephone number attached and was offered an interview for that evening! That phone call changed Shanay’s life as she knew it. She began working for Vector Marketing Eastern Queens office as a receptionist. Over the course of two and a half years she attended a multitude of sales seminars around the tri-State area, which opened her sight to career possibilities never before imagined. Shanay decided she no longer wanted to be a psychologist—she was now immersed in the world of business and marketing. And became a full-time manager. She parted ways with the company in 2010 and moved briefly to Miami. The job market was in decline and Shanay was back in New York after three months.
A lot of Shanay’s business experience is owed to her time working at Second Chance church youth ministry. During the time there, she learned how to plan events and network before knowing how important those skills would be later in her professional life. In October 2011, after working sales at Time Warner Cable for five months, Shanay was given the opportunity of a lifetime to work at New York City’s first casino. She was so excited to start this new chapter in her life. She began as a temp in the Human Resources department and by November that year was recruited by Player Development to be a VIP Ambassador. As a VIP Ambassador, she built relationships with high-value clients, ensuring their continued business. In February 2014 Shanay received a promotion to her current position of Executive Casino Ambassador, in which she supervises a team of seven amazing VIP Ambassadors. Every day, She strives to be the best leader that she can be. Shanay’s ultimate goal is to show the younger generation in her family and the million of children growing up in low-income households not to ever give up hope, letting them know that hard work and dedication always pays off. Launch Event/Magazine Sample
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Issue: Sample
POLITICS | BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | ENTERTAINMENT | SPORTS
2014
UR WORLD
M E DIA
MAGAZINE
A SENATOR FOR THE PEOPLE
JAMES SANDERS JR SENATOR, 10TH SENATE DISTRICT
2014 National Action Network Convention in NYC PROFESSIONALS
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
YOUNG RISING AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN NNEKA ONUORAH
QUEENS BOROUGH COMMUNITY COLLEGE
2014 NATIONAL JUNIOR COLLEGE CHAMPIONSHIPS REAP
PAY ME IN PRIVATE
Personal Accounts of Sexual Promiscuity From the Eyes and Perspectives Of Our Youth
POLITICS
A SENATOR FOR THE PEOPLE Senator James Sanders, Jr
By: OWM Team of George Onuorah and Pauline Swift
In the immortal words of John Quincy Adams, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more and become more, you are a leader.” That was the case Friday, July 18 2014 when Our World Media OWM magazine team interviewed New York State Senator James Sanders, Jr in his district office in South Ozone Park, Queens, NY. Hon. Sanders currently represent the 10th Queens district, a very dynamic visionary leader from a humble background; the son of a sharecropper, his parents nursed the possibility of raising chickens in the Empire State as he puts it during this very interesting interview, the senator described her mother as being a “domestic” and father a “sharecropper”. Despite his overcoming challenges of coming from a poor background and a minority, the senator is emboldened by the tenacity in his character and enthusiastic support from his constituency working
tirelessly fixing his district and thinking about ways to create opportunities for the youth in future bold and ambitious initiatives soon to be announced. The fact Hon Sanders was born in the Hammel Houses in Far Rockaway, Queens and continues to represents the area now. Growing up he stated he was a difficult and troubled child with several suspensions in school but overcame those to become the leader and role-model politician he is today. In his words,”I was a troubled youth and should have been suspended more”. His pontification and what he meant was that challenges or adversity does not always hinder the growth of anyone if the person is determined to overcome them. Reading books and his penchant to pick up books and reading all the time helped keep him out of trouble and ground him back to reality. Compared to what obtains today one can only marvel at this senator who as a young man was able to
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read the dictionary from beginning to end back then. Asked about who influenced him growing up? Was his family instrumental in building him up to become the man and mentor he is today, he never equivocated saying Malcolm X influenced him especially about his rejection of racialism and rebellion against an unjust system. As an elected official he gave much attention to education to help enlighten and empower the youth and anyone willing to embrace such opportunities. Listen to senator Sanders Jr. talk you also hear about his love for history. He talked about his love for history and opined he continues to dream he may one day love to teach history in an institution of higher learning. Way to go Senator. Senator Sanders was first elected to the New York City Council in 2001 serving Queens 31st council-manic district from where he now represent the areas that included the Rockaway’s w w w. o u r w o r l d m e d i a . c o m
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which was devastated by Hurricane Sandy last year 2013. Other parts of the senator’s district include far Rockaway, Rosedale, Laurelton, Richmond Hill, South Ozone Park, Springfield Gardens, and Jamaica. Asked about his vision for his district? Hon. Sanders became even more animated describing some very bold programs and initiatives he wants to champion. Stay tuned as he unveils them as part of his gift to his district and New York State. The most laudable and ambitious include the technology program he envisions to help provide training, jobs
James Sanders JR Senator, 10th Senate District and staff at the District Office
and rehabilitation. His district needs the help and this senator who is a fighter in the mold of a Bruce Lee is giving his all to help his constituents who are blessed to have a leader of his ilk. After the interview, we could not resist having the senator pose near a portrait of Bruce Lee that adorned the wall where interview with the senator took place. The opportunity to chat with the senator is truly memorable; we saw the humility and discipline of a former United States Marine which was interwoven with the passion of a pastor. In 2007 Hon. Sanders Jr. become the first Queens elected official to endorse Illinois United States Senator Barack Obama for President. The rest as you know is history. He talked about how he devoted time travelling to help campaign in the battleground states of Pennsylvania, Ohio and South Carolina and became Obama delegate representing his district at the Democratic National Convention in Denver. Barack Obama election as the 44th President of the United States was a groundbreaking achievement for African Americans demonstrating that “Yes, We Can”. Senator James Sanders Jr. is a first in many ways and knows how to pick winners in the political contest. If the senator was a baseball hitter, he will be batting in the high numbers. He is not one to jump on political bandwagons but instead point the way for others to follow him. In the last NYC election, he also became the first to endorse Bill de Blasio for mayor and Eric Schneiderman for NYS attorney general. Closer to home, he picked and endorsed his chief of staff Donavan Richard to replace him in the New York City Council serving the 31st district in Queens.
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POLITICS
2014 National Action Network Convention in NYC BY: George Onuorah
N
ational Action Network Convention 2014 in NYC Civil rights leader and social justice crusader Rev. Al Sharpton this week convened NAN 16th Convention at the Sheraton Hotel and Towers in New York City. Controversy or not, Wednesday witnessed a parade of political leaders from the City, mayor Bill de Blasio, New York City Council Speaker Melissa Viverito, NYC comptroller Scott Stringer, and former NYC comptroller Mr. John Liu was among those graced the event Wednesday. The attorney general of United States Eric Holder addressed the convention as well touching on the issues of civil rights and racial profiling. Speaking at the New York Sheraton Hotel and Towers venue of this convention before a packed hall of activists, members of NAN from chapters across the country and media discussed issues of justice and empowering minority communities. The United States Atty. General also highlighted his humble beginning and root in the Bronx and growing up in East Elmhurst Queens. The fourday event April 9-12th will culminate Friday with a visit by the President of the United States Barack Obama. A trailblazer himself, Mr. President is expected to address those gathered at the 7th avenue venue on issues of civil rights, healthcare, immigration reform, workers rights and empowering communities.
The Attorney General of United States Eric Holder & Rev. Al Sharpton about to address the public at the Sheraton tn NYC
National Action Network NAN came into existence in New York City in 1991 through the effort of preacher-tuned activist Rev. Al Sharpton and activists who embraced and were energized by the non-violence ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. As it goes, every April NAN holds their Convention to commemorate the assassination of Dr. King. At her very core, NAN continues to fight injustice and racial profiling wherever they may occur. It’s only fitting the dream of decades past in order not to elude the voiceless in communities of color, need the likes of Rev. Sharpton to keep the flames burning. In the final analysis and in the immortal words and wisdom of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy”.
Those are concern that should be debated in Washington DC because they seriously impact minority communities all across the country. Suffice to say that immigration has risen as top priorities for people of color and many who came seeking better lives. With over eleven million undocumented in the United States, the debate continues to rage and dominate the political stage how to find solution to the plight of these people who came in search of better life for themselves and their families. More recently, emboldened by his new found and ascending political star-power and charisma, the Rev. Sharpton and his activist membership have been focusing like laser beam on such issues as Voter ID laws in legislative races across America, other areas where he has picked his fight include “Stand Your Ground” with rallies and match he held with his group in Tallahassee Florida. The Rev. Sharpton by all accounts continues to wax stronger and stronger especially with his alliance with progressives dominating debate and in control of the political culture in the Big Apple.
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Photo By: Joseph Swift
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2014 NATIONAL ACTION NETWORK NATIONAL CONVENTION Special Plenary Presentation: United States President Barack H. Obama PHOTOGRAPHY CREDIT TO JOSEPH SWIFT
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2014 NATIONAL ACTION NETWORK NATIONAL CONVENTION PHOTOGRAPHY CREDIT TO JOSEPH SWIFT
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BUSINESS
PROFESSIONALS MAKING A DIFFERENCE AWARD-WINNING EDITOR AND REPORTER Nayaba Arinde
then-Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice; to Min. Louis Farrakhan, Michael Jackson, Fela Kuti and Roy Ayers, Victor Uwaifo. Muhammad Ali and Sean Combs. Having undergone a battle with breast cancer, Nayaba is now steadily getting back to a regular schedule; appearing on T.V. and radio shows; and guesting on panels and at community forums and events. From organizing behind the scenes to marching on the frontlines, as anactivist, Nayaba has been involved in a variety of issues focusing on social justice. education and the criminal justice system.
AWARD-WINNING EDITOR AND REPORTER. BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR NOW LIVING WITH MS EDITOR OF THE AMSTERDAM NEWS Nayaba is a published poet and short story writer, who was a reporter, editor and radio host and producer in England before she came to America; and pursued her career as a journalist based in New York. Nayaba has won multiple professional and community awards; and she has also worked as a radio host and producer in both parts of the world from the BBC TO WBAI. After twenty years of writing and reporting, hosting shows and panels and political debates, Nayaba has interviewed people across the political, social and cultural spectrum; in England; the U.S. and in Africa. Locally, her interviews have ranged from Pres. Barack Obama and 24 w w w . o u r w o r l d m e d i a . c o m
This single mother of two does this, as she navigates living with multiple sclerosis. Being a breast cancer survivor now living with MS does not define Nayaba, but it does give her a unique and specific perspective, as she works to bring awareness to both diseases.
IT TAKES A COMMUNITY TO RAISE A CHILD Susan Samuel Ms. Susan Samuel is a true leader in delivering innovative, flexible child- care solutions, which allows parents to customize their child-care schedule and puts the well being of children first. It took sixteen years of planning to open Susan’s dream community service non-profit organization, “It Takes A Community To Raise A Child in South Ozone Park New York, is New York’s only 24 hrs 7 days per week including holidays, Launch Event/Magazine Sample
child care/ after school learning center, and home of “Dream Catcher’s “ Youth Business Program where we teach children from ages 5-12 yrs. old financial literacy and entrepreneurship. It Takes a Community To Raise A Child (ITAC) also partnered with welfare to work by opening the doors and allowing participants to obtain work experience at the learning center. ITAC also collaborates with Easter Seal by providing training and internship for the elder population. Our youth is the future Ms. Samuel enjoys training young adults that are interested in early-childhood education and starting their own business. ITAC partnered with various youth groups and summer youth employment to allow them hands on experience working with infants – school age children. After the tragedy of the Sean Bell shooting by NYPD officers, Susan felt that the Bell family shouldn’t have to travel to Manhattan to National Action Network Headquarters; a chapter should exist in Queens. In April 2011, Susan made history by organizing the first Queens Chapter of National Action Network.
Susan has an Associates Degree in Liberal Arts and Science from Queens Borough Community College, Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from York College, Masters of Science in Special Education and a Post Graduate Degree, Professional Diploma in School Administration and Supervision from Queens College.
A WOMEN’S MOVEMENT Wanda Mimms I grew up in Bed-ford Stuyvesant Brooklyn, which was called at the time by youngsters as “Do-or-Die Bed-Sty.” Despite what newspapers reported, I was surrounded by a neighborhood of loving and caring people who looked out for one another and everyone’s children. (We were all family) My sister and I were only limited to the block we lived on to play. Any other block besides Hancock Street were off limits growing up. We had to be in eyesight of our mother whom hung very closely to the window. My parents, Tyrone
Richardson and Mary Richardson divorced when I was very young. Mother kept us very close, too close if you asked me. However, now in my adult
life I treasure the “lock-n-key” method. I started College in the mist of marriage, raising children, and job responsibilities. Due to a work benefit for tuition reimbursement I decided to get my degree. In the first four years the work was pretty easy, I just had to learn how to balance between job and life’s challenges. Finally, after receiving a Degree in Science Business Administration, I felt that it was not enough. I needed more, so I pushed myself to obtain a higher education. I went along to complete my Masters in International Business Administration, this time was not that easy. As they say, “Where there is a will, there will be a way.” Both BSBA & MBA were obtained through Touro University out of California. It took me eight years to complete both degrees. Somehow, I still felt incomplete with my two degrees accomplishments. With a high energetic spirit, goal driven and a open mind I needed more. Today, I have a new business venture challenge – a need for a Women’s Empowerment Movement! Behold, I founded a non-profit organization called, “Let’s Do Thiz Entertainment, Inc. in January 2013, but actually started in 2012 with an idea from my long time girl friend Patricia Bracey. Working for several companies in the past I must say there is nothing like being your own boss.
designed to motivate, stimulate, inspire, team build and cultivate you and your imagination. Just think, women getting together in a sisterhood to encourage one another in discovering their inner daring, creative and adventurous side each of us have. Event plans are once a month to introduce you to an assortment of events or happenings you perhaps maybe interested participating in. (A bucket list of things you always wanted to do) This organization will give information about the venue, price, location, transportation info, schedule and contact person to give you an idea of what to expect. Ladies, all you have to do is take time out for fun! Make this commitment today and “LET’S DO THIZ” strictly for ENTERTAINMENT! It’s time to do YOU!
Let’s Do Thiz Entertainment, Inc. is on the strength of women of color who made a decision to make time out for themselves. Our women take time to participate in events that are fun, educational, creative, empowering and a thinking “Out-of-the-Box” approach. Let’s Do Thiz Entertainment, Inc. is Launch Event/Magazine Sample
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SPORTS
Queensborough Community College Men’s and Women’s Outdoor Track & Field 2014
National Junior College Championships Recap By: Head Coach Chris Omeltchenk
The season ended May 8-10 at the Junior College National Championships held at Mohawk Valley Community College in Utica NY. The women placed 9th place scoring 31 points. Tshani Mtchell had a great meet placing 2nd in the 400 in 59.40 and 2nd in the long jump with a leap of 16’11earning All American Honors. In a photo finish with KCC sprinter, Tshani placed 5th in the 200 in a school record time of 25.94. The 4X100 relay featuring Tshani, Lia Briffa, and freshmen Princess Peal and Marilyn Cruz and they placed 8th with a seasons best time of 52.78. The same foursome ran the 4X400 relay and placed 7th also seeing a season’s best time of 4:21 in the semi finals but a little off in the finals. The 4X800 placed 5th with a season best time of 10:49. Sophomore’s Lia, Tshani, Diana Chumbay and Freshman Diana Ramales made up the team. Ramaes, Chumbay, and Gladys Guaman had to travel 30 minutes to Hamilton College to compete in the 3000-meter steeplechase. The smart running trio stayed in the back and made their move with 3 laps to go. Ramales placed 7th and Chumbay placed 8th and Guaman placed 12th all recording seasons best times. The trio had little time for rest as Ramales, Chumbay and Guaman ran the 10K. All three ran well. Lia was busy 26 w w w . o u r w o r l d m e d i a . c o m
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competing in the heptathlon. Thursday morning had Lia run the 100m Hurdles, high jump and the 200m. With 90 minutes rest, Lia was anchoring the 4X800m relay and the 4X100. Friday morning saw Lia do the long jump, javelin and the 800m. Briffa finished 9th overall. Lia also ran the open 800m and failed to reach the finals. Joselin Rodriguez ran the 800m trials and came away with her best time of her career. On the Men’s side the team placed 12th overall scoring 13 points. The biggest scoring came from Freshman Khalil Gravesande placing 6th. He ran 49.51 in the trials and finished up running 49.72. khalil also help the 4X400m relay team place 6th in 3:25 in the trials and ran 3:29 in the finals. Sophomores Calvin Crawford, Steven Telamaque and freshman Rashaid Clarke. All 4 runners had their best times of their season. Steven and Khalil teamed up with fellow freshman Richard Brienza and Alex Mancheno to run the 4X800m relay. The quartet placed7th in a season’s best time and all 4 ran their best time of the season. The 4X100m also was in action on Thursday after the 4X800m relay. Rashaid, Khalil and Calvin were joined with Sophomore Silvanus Henry. They did not make the finals. Richard ran the 10,000 meter (11th) on Friday morning and the 1500 meter run (14th) on Saturday but did not score points. Freshman Marvin Pinnock was 5th in the High Jump with a leap of 6’2. The Long jump was conducted 1 hour earlier and he placed 8th in a season’s best jump of 21’4.
Photo by: Joseph Swift
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BUSINESS
10 STEPS TO STARTING A BUSINESS Starting a business involves planning, making key financial decisions and completing a series of legal activities. Do your research well before you leave your current job. Make sure you save up well. https://www.sba.gov/content/follow-these-steps-starting-business Step 1: Write a Business Plan Use online tools and resources to create a business plan. This written guide will help you map out how you will start and run your business successfully. Take advantage of the small business development center in your city Step 1b: Network! Network! Network: Attend business networking events and ask experts in your field questions on how they have succeeded in Business. Make friends and join your local chamber of commerce and business organizations that will support you!!! Take advantage of free training and counseling services, from preparing a business plan and securing financing, to expanding or relocating a business. Step 3: Choose a Good Business Location Get advice on how to select a customer-friendly location and comply with zoning laws. Step 4: Finance Your Business Find government backed loans, investors, crowd funding, venture capital and research grants to help you get started. Step 5: Determine the Legal Structure of Your Business: Get a good accountant (CPA) and lawyer advise you Decide which form of ownership is best for you: sole proprietorship, partnership, Limited Liability Company (LLC), corporation, S corporation, nonprofit or cooperative. Step 6: Marketing! Marketing! Marketing! Get a good website made, advertise yourself on social media (Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+ etc). Get a professional number. Advertise where you can best reach your target market. Step 7: Get a Tax Identification Number http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-&-SelfEmployed/Apply-for-an-Employer-Identification-Number-(EIN)-Online Learn which tax identification number you’ll need to obtain from the IRS and your state revenue agency. Step 8: Register for State and Local Taxes Register with your state to obtain a tax identification number, workers’ compensation, unemployment and disability insurance to avoid future problems. Your accountant will advise you better on this. Step 9: Obtain Business Licenses and Permits Get a list of federal, state and local licenses and permits required for your business. Step 10: Understand Employer Responsibilities: Learn the legal steps you need to take to hire employees. Submitted By Kayode Malomo, MBA Source: www.sba.gov 28 w w w . o u r w o r l d m e d i a . c o m
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Young Rising African AmericanWoman By: Pauline Swift
N
neka Onuorah grow up in Lefrak City Queens, New York. She started her education at P.S. 13. She attended junior High School in Atlanta, Georgia. Nneka started her High School education in ATL at the Performing Arts High School, she then moved back to Queens, New York to finish her High School education at John Bowne. After completing High School she attended LaGuardia College where she obtained 45 credits to earn an internship at BET Network.
television was conducted. Her internship led to a full time position as Associate Producer. A normal day for Nneka consists of networking, troubleshooting and conducting interviews. She helped produced several television shows like “Black Girl’s Rock” and the “BET Awards”, some of her responsibilities are to over see special guest appearances and create all aspects of a show from beginning to end. Nneka is currently working on a documentary called “The Message: Hip-Hop” which airs on June 6, 2014. She has been featured in “The New York Times” and “New York Daily News”.
As a child she had a mindset to entertain. She took many dance classes such as ballet and intrepid dance. But it wasn’t until she got to college and started her internship This young woman is fabulous look for great things in with BET President Steven Hill. Nneka learned how to the future from Nneka. produce television shows while sitting in several different meetings. She got to see how the business side of how
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COMMUNITY
Pay me in private By:LaGCC Justice Community
Contributing Writers: Denzel Alexander-White, Bidemi Akinrolabu, Donovan Archibald, Ramon Barnes, Tarae Brown, Julia Castellano, Brandon Covington, Justin Harris, Alice Idogho, Myasia James, Todd James, Piterson Loiseau, Elizabeth Marmol, Donovan Stewart, Khalil Yancey. According to Office of Children and Family Services studies, one in three-to-four girls, and one in five-to-seven boys are sexually abused before they turn 18. Of all cases reported, two-thirds were committed by either a friend or acquaintance; four out of 10 were committed in the victim’s home; 43% were committed between 6:00 pm to 12:00 midnight; and 92% of female prostitutes reports that they want to quit but can’t due to lack of money or food. Who are we to blame? Are we to condemn those who have been victims of sexual abuse and in turn begin to partake in lots of sexually promiscuous activity? Without knowing ones history, is it fair to blindly refer to woman who behave in sexually promiscuous manners with derogatory names like “Slut”, “Whore”, “Scarlet”, or “THOT”, a term more commonly used today? Is it OK that it seems to be more socially acceptable to tease or label woman as “THOTs” for their sexual behavior and/or femininity? How many songs on the radio over the past month have you heard using the term “THOT”? Is that the common view of our young adult woman at this day and age? How could or should we counter this? According to Urban Dictionary, “A THOT is an urban slang term that refers to an individual with a number of concurrent sex partners that is well above the established cultural norm”. The street connotation of the word/ acronym is, “That Hoe Over There” and is used to allow one to quickly call out someone that is deemed by their peers and others as overly sexual. This term is predominantly used to identify females. The practice of using the term THOT, or any other derogatory word to describe a promiscuous female, is highly hypocritical considering that we are a society in which males are praised for their sexual exploits; particularly when they exceed the preestablished social norm.
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There are several factors that contribute to the use of this derogatory term to describe females. These factors include race, age, wearing promiscuous-looking clothing, drug addiction, and even loitering on the streets late in the evening for extended periods of time. It is also sad to say that, more often than not, young girls can be seen throughout our community wearing inappropriate clothing that has their cleavage and booties sticking out , too much make up on, and hair styles that make them look too mature for their chronological ages. Many young women do not act their age; Many act very inappropriate; We, as a collective community, need to empower young women to not down grade themselves like that. Would this push for empowerment help to minimize the common use of THOT? Is this new lingo and its popularly a sure-fire sign that we are desensitized to the mental and socio-economic effects that this public disrespect for our woman, particularly Black and Latina, is causing within this millennial generation? “I once walked into an abandoned house and saw a girl in there. I walked into the house because I was curious. The day before, I saw a another female walking in there so I wondered what she was doing. I was shocked. I simply thought it was a “trap,” meaning a place where people hang out. Long story short , the female I followed was selling her body in that “bando”. I know that she was doing this because I simply began talking to her to get in her head . She looked like she was in her late 20’s but the crack made her look older . To keep her talking, I acted like the house that she was in was mine. She wasn’t even shocked by my being there; she was just smoking her pieces, a.k.a. crack or dope. Despite her speaking with me so openly, nothing convinced me to stop her from selling her body or smoking the pieces because that is the life she chose. She even wanted me to find her drugs .” The act of selling one’s body, prostitution, is a worldwide issue that affects males and females. “This issue is very common in middle and low class areas such as here in Jamaica, Queens. Many of us have all seen some form of prostitution taking place on our blocks. Unfortunately, it is kind of common. I feel that adolescent people are more prone to fall for the game pimps run. “I`ve witnessed two people actually having sexual intercourse in a vehicle. The female got startled by me noticing them. She jumped out of the vehicle in a rush and ran down the block. The male opened the door just stood up and pulled up his pants. Then he got
back in his vehicle and drove away up the block. This experience made me feel shocked because I haven`t seen anything like it before this initial incident.” “As a young 18-year-old male residing in Jamaica, Queens, many of my friends and I think that women who like to have sex with multiple men have no self-respect for themselves. I am beginning to feel that many of the beautiful women that I’m interested in pursuing for a committed relationship are undercover THOTs. Because of this, I have noticed that some of my male peers feel the need to violate these women. I do not support the fact that men violate these women, but my point is that if these women don’t want to be disrespected, they should not open themselves up so freely to every man that they see. There is nothing wrong with enjoying sex, however, it is important for females to be more militant about their sex life.” “Honestly speaking, I don’t think THOTs can change; Once a THOT, always a THOT. I say this because at the end of the day, you can’t turn a hoe into a housewife. I feel that a THOT will always have that hunger for sex. I think what causes many young females to be labeled as THOTs today is that they are desperate to find love and affection; they are searching for something that should come naturally. This immoral search for love and affection by way of multiple sex partners can lead to destruction. What really grinds my gear is when these little girls, who are young enough to be my younger sister or cousin, try to talk to an older guy, and some of the older guys actually have the audacity to really try to get somewhere with them and take them up on their offers to have sex with them.” “I have seen a young teen, about 14-years old selling herself to older men that were twice her age. It was nasty and horrible. She was standing in the corner of South Road in Jamaica, Queens wearing little pants that fit her very tightly. She also had on thigh-high heel boots and an exposed bra. She was chewing gum and had her hair pulled up in a ponytail. For weeks I saw this young girl walking around looking weird. Sometime later, one of my family friends told me that she saw the girl out there selling herself for money, saw her get into the car with someone, and haven’t seen her since. “
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