Our World Media Magazine 2014 by Our World Media Magazine

Issue: MAN OF THE YEAR

2014

UR WORLD

M E DIA

MAGAZINE

MAN

OF THE

YEAR REV. JESSE L. JACKSON, SR. OUR NEW BEGINING OUR WORLD MEIA MAGAZINE LAUNCH

CHERYL WILLS

QUEENS BOROUGH COMMUNITY COLLEGE

2014 NATIONAL JUNIOR COLLEGE CHAMPIONSHIPS REAP

INTERVIEW

NY1 TV ANCHOR

NIGERIA

The Way Forward

YOUNG RISING AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN NNEKA ONUORAH

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR INAUGURAL EDITORIAL for OWM MAGAZINE This inaugural edition of our magazine less than a year old, we are committed to bring you news that will inform you about what is happening in our world. No journey is ever easy so we have assembled a very talented dedicated team in our new magazine. We will leave no stone unturned in this journey. To find us, simply check out any social media outlet or browse www.ourworldmedia.com. We cover the new frontier news media on politics, economy, sports, entertainment, fashion and health etc. In this inaugural edition, Pauline Swift interviewed New York State Senator James Sanders, Jr. to also air on Queens QPTV. Honorable Sanders Jr. currently represents Queens’s 10th senate district . The son of a sharecropper with humility, ex-marine like dedication following hurricane sandy impressed our team. Our World Media Magazine was proud to cover the 2014 National Action Network Convention held at the New York City Sheraton Hotel and Towers with Plenary Section addressed by United States President Barack Obama discussing “Moving America Forward”. We featured highlights and photos from that NAN Convention. We are truly honored to be part of that event and commend the Rev. Al Sharpton who holds an enviable position as a no nonsense social justice crusader and civil right leader, MSNBC political “Politics Nation” host. The story of 2014 World Cup Soccer was one of Germany defeating Argentine to take the home coveted trophy. The early exit of England and Spain was most shocking. On the other hand, United States squad played with such gallantry and usual patriotic fervor. The most lopsided soccer win this World Cup was Germany defeating host Brazil 7-1. The teams from Africa, the Green Eagles of Nigeria, Black Stars of Ghana and Cameroon failed plagued by controversy and distractions. . Without chest-thumping, I feel very proud to see two kinsmen Michael Uchebo and Azubuike Egwuekwe selected in the 23 man squad fielded by the Nigerian Green Eagles for 2014 World Cup. We covered the April 14, 2014 abduction of Chibok Girls in northeastern Nigeria. Our team was at the rally held in front of the Nigerian House in NYC with New York City Mayor Bill De Blasio, the Rev. Al Sharpton and many citizens who voiced concern about the abduction of innocent girls from their school by Boko Haram. #BringBackOurGirls caught on like wild fire after First Lady of United States Michelle Obama twitted her concern and support. In Washington DC, contentious issues made compromise impossible for the elected. Also looming large continues to be the 2016 Presidential election, what hard choices will confront voters? Hilary Clinton releasing her book ‘Hard Choices’ seem like a smart move and not wait to have others define her. For now, the media speculation is that Hilary Clinton will throw her hat in the ring. OWM Magazine editorial opinion is unless you hear from a candidate they are running for president in 2016 any other gossip, hearsay is political bunkum.

Thank You for Supporting Us.

CO-OWNERS GEORGE ONUORAH & JOSEPH SWIFT

CHAIRWOMAN TIFFANY GOODE

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS PAULINE SWIFT

EDITOR-IN CHIEF GEORGE ONUORAH

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

PAULINE SWIFT, BILL JOSEPH, STEADMON SWIFT, ALEXA STEPHENSON NAKITA VANSTORY, WANDA MIMMS

ADVERTISING RELATIONS SHANAY RYAN

CREATIVE ART DIRECTOR JOSEPH SWIFT

PHOTOGRAPHERS

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POLITICS

REV. JESSE L. JACKSON, SR. MAN OF THE YEAR Civil Right Activist, Minister and Jounalist BY: George Onuorah

Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr. is Our World Media Magazine Man of the Year. His choice as our magazine Man of the Year was unanimous upon our editorial team considering many influence leaders who helped shape our politics, inspire our communities, restore hope in America and our world. Jesse as he is sometimes referred by those who know him very well is an American ‘icon, leader, servant and advocate, he has continuously challenged minorities and those struggling to make it, to rise above the artificial

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obstacles and years of marginalization and discrimination, he has remained resolute and relentlessness in focusing as a laser beam on how to better empower young people to stay in school and drug-free …During the 1980’s when his activism was on the upsurge and I was younger, I can still remember his chants about ‘You may be born in the slum, but the slum was not born in you”. That was Jesse L. Jackson in the 1980’s challenging the poor, the marginalized, the unemployed, the young people and inner city

folks to rise above perceived injustices and to ‘Keep Hope Alive”. Some of you probably heard countless stories of Mr. Jackson’s heroism and quiet diplomacy in the United States and around the globe. Stories of how Rev. Jackson Sr. has visited more than a thousand high schools, college’s, correctional institutions and wherever he is given audience to encourage and empower his very boisterous audiences in rallies after rallies especially when he ran for President in 1984 and 1988 to rise above perceived obstacles to improve

themselves. Our hero the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr. is Our World Media Magazine choice for Man of the Year is not only a passionate eloquent speaker but a charismatic leader who inspires hope in the rainbow community of our world. The Rev. Jesse Louis Jackson Sr., was born in Oct. 8, 1941 in Greenville, South Carolina. His political activism was birthed during undergraduate student days when in 1965 he joined Martin Luther King in the historic March

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from Selma, Alabama. Rev. Jesse L. Jackson graduated with a sociology degree in 1964 and later went on to obtain Master of Divinity at the Chicago theological Seminary. Martin Luther King appointed Rev. Jackson head of “Operation Breakfast” under the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Jesse Jackson ran for president of the United States in 1984 and 1988. In 1984 he registered more than a million voters for the Democratic Party which helped grow and transform the political grass root base of the party. Without a doubt, Rev. Jackson’s vocal progressive, pragmatic message and charismatic personality turned on millions of disenfranchised voters, African Americans, latino’s, poor whites and other minorities get involved in the political process. Those became part of his ‘Rainbow quilt’ and some used opportunities created by Mr. Jackson to vault to political offices in many parts of the country. Wilson Goode became mayor of Philadelphia, Harold Washington became mayor of Chicago, Marion Barry became Mayor in Washington DC, David Dinkins became Mayor of New York City so many other African Americans and other minorities who he refers as ‘the quilt’ made giant strides in politics and took positions of power because of what Rev. Jesse L. Jackson did. He awakened the sleeping giant and energized the black political base leading to the upward surge in candidates climbing the ladder of leadership and now we have an African-American in the white house. The Rev. Jesse L. Jackson was the inspiration and catalyst that helped make those gains possible. For those reasons and more we had no second thoughts to pick him as our magazine “Man of the Year”.

The Rev. Jesse L. Jackson has been honored by Bill Clinton in 2000 with Presidential Medal of Freedom the highest civilian honor to be attained by an American. In 2009, United Kingdom Prime Minister Gordon Brown also honored Rev. Jesse Jackson with the Global and Inclusion Award. Any astute observer of the man Rev. Jesse L. Jackson will tell you he merits the title “Great Unifier” and “Conscience of the Nation” cognomen he is given for his life’s work. In our lifetime, very few will rise from relative obscurity to the height of prominence as Jesse has and yet continue to be a social justice crusader challenging America to this day still continues to call for tolerance in folks, pleading to our leaders to pass laws that is inclusive to build a nation with less economic disparity, where the gap between the rich and poor is shrinking and not growing wider. Where life, liberty and pursuit of happiness is not negated because of one’s race, color, class, creed and gender. His mission, his passion has remained fighting for political, social and economic justice, civil rights, gender equality and poor masses across the world. There is no human institution that is not subject to gross imperfection. May he that is without sin cast the first stone is in the bible. We as part and parcel of the human race are mere mortals. May I also remind us that ‘to err is human and to forgive divine’. This is to say that through our lifetime we make mistakes and learn from those mistakes. Our choice of the rev. Jesse L. Jackson took into consideration the above and let history be judge. Despite a man’s short-comings, we want our readers to join us in ‘Saluting the Rev. Jesse Louis Jackson Sr. receiving Our World Media Magazine 2014 “Man of the Year Award.

The impact of the man called Rev. Jesse L. Jackson The Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Quotations: cuts across our world, race, color and creed. In 1984 he founded National Rainbow Coalition a social justice or “Never look down on anybody unless you’re helping ganization based in Washington DC. Rainbow PUSH was him up” an amalgam of Rainbow Coalition and Operation PUSH which occurred as both entities joined forces together in “In politics, an organized minority is a political majority” Sept. 1996. PUSH stands for (People United to Save Hu Jesse L. Jackson manity). The main focus of Rev. Jackson has always been political empowerment, education and addressing disparity in public policy.

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Our New Beginning BY: George Onuorah

OUR WORLD MEDIA Magazine LLC launch was marked with a befitting ceremony and celebration at the Langston Hughes Library considered a citadel for black and multi-cultural education in the Queens County, New York City.

and social media thumps-up making it a huge success. Soprano Star Ms. Juanita Faulkner kicked off the evening with her rendition of “God Bless America” followed by musical performances by Recording Artist The Right Direction.

In his opening remarks at the launch Co-Founder and The feedback about the launch and accompanying Af- Publisher of Our World Media Magazine Mr. George Onter-Party at Mamajuana Café Woodside received high marks uorah asserted their magazine is the culmination of his 12 w w w . o u r w o r l d m e d i a . c o m

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vision, passion and commitment to better our world and noble profession to earn a decent living. mankind by utilizing the value presented by the availability Â In attendance were Hon. Cheree Buggs Supreme Court of free social media resource to inculcate knowledge and Judge who helped present award to recipients. Mr. Robert empower communities and citizens. Brunner Vice President and ARIK AIR CEO was on hand Our World Media other Co-Founder Mr. Joseph Swift, a to present a free round trip Arik Air flight ticket raffled off young man with great talent and savvy in photojournalism during the event. ARIK AIR is a world class international and social media said at the conclusion of the launch he airline. The ticket was won via raffle by Mr. Ajamu a phohopes to help educate young people to consider media a tojournalist. Others who graced Our World Media launch 2014 â&#x20AC;&#x201A;

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included the Honorable Consul Gen. of Nigeria Habib Baba Mr.Ralph Garner and Trevardo Williams Co-Founders Habu, OON. The one hundred and fifty room capacity was of iPartyCT were honored with Entrepreneur Awards packed with guests who each received Our World media Magazine launch program. Ten outstanding individuals, trailblazers and achievers in their own rights were honored and celebrated at the event. Our World Media Magazine believes in rewarding those who find in their heart to give, help empower others and contribute to make our world a better place for all. Annually, Our World Media will continue to hold up such individuals as shining examples of excellence and so deserving of accolades. Hon. Sanders Jr, New York State senator who represents the Rockaways Springfield Gardens and the Ozone Park area was honored with the 2014 Political Leadership Award. Our World Media Magazine launched Monday, Dec. 1, 2014 at the Langston Hughes Library in Corona. Ms. Cheryl Wills, New York 1 news anchor and celebrated author of “Die Free: A Heroic Family Tale” was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Ms. Chetachi Nwoga-Dunkley was honored with Humanitarian Award. Ms., Nwoga-Dunkley is the Founder and CEO of When In Need WIN Foundation and ChiBase Music Label. Atty. & Businessman John Messer Founder / CEO of Invictus Energy Solution was honored with Entrepreneur Award. Dr. Dilshad Dayani Founder and President of World Women Global Council received the Global Women Advocate Award. Ms. Nneka Onuorah Producer of Music Specials at Black Entertainment Television, BET, and also Founder/ CEO of Nneka Production LLC was honored with Entertainment and Production Award. Ms. Nikita Vanstory from LaGuardia Community College (Director of Justice Community Program) will get an Award. Ms.Jessica Oliveira was honored with Human Services Award Ms. Shanay Ryan –who works at the marketing Hospitality at the Resort World Racino got the Marketing and Management Award.

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EDUCATION

Pauline Swift’s Interview with Cheryl Wills TV Anchor, Author, Speaker

Pauline greeted Cheryl with a compliment about Cheryl’s recent presentation at the U.N. “When I heard your presentation I immediately decided that I had to interview you”. She also told Cheryl that she looked in person exactly like she looked on NY One.

remained the same. He was killed in an automobile accident on the Williamsburg Bridge in 1980 at the age of thirty-eight. I became like the second Mother of the family because I had to help my Mom raised four other kids.

Pauline How did you feel about Cheryl thanked Pauline and con- that? gratulated her and the staff at Our Cheryl My Mom is a “Leo”, very World Media on their new “advenaggressive, like a lion. She wasn’t havture”. Cheryl stated it is very important ing any foolishness. We couldn’t be that we tell our own story. out after sundown. One thing that Pauline asked Cheryl to speak on came from that tragic event made me her humble beginnings. wonder, “Who are we?” “Who are the Wills’? I wondered about who came Cheryl said she grew up in Queens, before my Father who died at thirNY. My family on my Father’s side ty-eight. Who came before his Father? was originally from Hayden, County, No one knew anything about the Wills Tennessee. His Father was one of those before them. Black folks who participated in the “Great Migration” moving his family Reading my Father’s obituary made from Tennessee and then settling in me demand to know about the Wills’ NYC. My Father, Clarence Wills was of Hayden County Tennessee. That the first in the family to go to col- started me on my journey to find out lege. He was a wonderful man, very about our family’s history. How come dignified. He served in the military we never went back to Hayden County during the Viet Nam era as an Army Tennessee? Paratrooper. My Father and Mom got Pauline Was it difficult to go back married in 1965 and I was born in in time to get information? 1966. Four siblings came after me. Shortly afterward, my Father “lost his Cheryl It was, for twenty something vision and lost his way”. He had a lot years. Then the Internet came and all of dreams and plans and was executing this research from the Civil War era them. Unfortunately, he apparently got was put on line. I went on Ancestry. tired of being a Father and Husband, com five years ago and put in the last he left the family. He was a Fireman at name Wills. If there is anything that this time. He kept his job as a Fireman, you know about me it is that I am and began to hang out with a mo- frozen in time since the day I heard torcycle club. Our standard of living that my Father died. I have graduated 16 w w w . o u r w o r l d m e d i a . c o m

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from Syracuse University, worked at Fox News and NY One for twenty-one years No matter what I’ve done and where I’ve been I’m still that thirteen year old girl. I have reached maturity but in terms of my heart I can never forget that moment that my heart just stopped when I heard that tragic news. I went online and put in the name Wills and I found it. I couldn’t believe what I found. The name Sandy Wills jumped out at me. I’m a very spiritual person. My spirit told me that he’s related to me. I found documentation that named Sandy Wills lived in Hayden County and was connected to the military. This was during the late 1800’s. Then I saw Emma Wills and all these children. My spirit told me that they were related to me. My research skills were not that sophisticated back then so I hired a certified genealogist. I told him that I may be related to these Wills’s. I told him to find out if I’m related to these folks. Within three hours he called me and told me that “Sandy Wills is your Great-GreatGreat Grandfather.” This is very rare for African Americans to be traceable back past two hundred years. Pauline How did you feel when you heard that? Cheryl It was very exciting, I was honored. It was the most privileged I have ever felt, and to my death I will always talk about it. Sandy Wills’ name is engraved in the wall of Civil War hero’s memorial in Washington D.C.

You can see it right there in that picture on the wall. Next to it is his discharge papers as a member of the US Army. How happy am I that one of my family members fought to end slavery which ended at the same time that he was discharged. There’s no amount of money you could give me to match that. Pauline What did your Mom say? Cheryl She was thrilled. I wish my Father had known about this. He was a military man in his own right having enlisted in the military during the Viet Nam era. Ironically he did not know that a hundred years earlier his GreatGreat Grandfather had done the same thing. I was able to find out these details because when he enlisted they kept all the records. Because he was in the military they kept his slave records also. He served in the military from 1863 till 1865. He went back home and married Emma “right in the White folk’s house.” They had nine children. Because she could not read or write she went to the people who once owned her and asked them to write the names of her children in her Bible. Emma did not know her own birthday but she was intelligent enough to know that she was starting something very powerful. She knew that she was the first in her family to have children that would not be sold away. She had the names and birthdays of all nine of her children put in the Bible. Even though she was illiterate she hired a lawyer to sue for government veteran

benefits when her husband died. The government fought her because she could not prove when she or her husband was born. She could not do that. She did not stop fighting. The government said “OK tell us when your children were born”. She produced her Bible and affidavits of the people who wrote the names in the Bible as witnesses. I tell that story because that same tenacity and determination runs through my veins. Pauline I saw that in you. Cheryl It did not start with me. I reach all the way back to my Mothers and Fathers behind me to” give me the strength that you had to have to get me through my present life. And you can hear them say “We got you, we got you, don’t worry about nothing. Go forward with confidence.” That’s the way I walk through life because they have “established a path of freedom”. “I don’t have to beg for anything”. Even at my job today no one has to give me anything, I deserve to be there.” That’s the message I want to get across to all African Americans. Don’t beg for anything. If you knew your history you would know that you don’t beg for anything, that’s it’s already yours. The receipt is already in your pocket, all you have to do is take a seat at the table. That’s what that story told me. Pauline What was your life like as a teenager?

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Cheryl I’m glad you asked that. I was unsure of myself, confused, trying to go forward. I wanted to be a journalist but I had a backup plan. My backup plan was to be a Secretary. That was then this is now. The Cheryl of today would just go for plan A without the backup plan. I look back in my High School year book and see that I was not that sure of myself then. I did not know who I was. I think that was part of the tragedy of my Father who died at thirty-eight. He did not know who he was. If you don’t know who you are a strong wind can blow you right off your journey. That’s what happened to my Father. He didn’t know how to resist it because he didn’t know what Sandy had been through. Sandy had been sold on the auction block. I tell this story to everyone. Watch what your family did because the mass media portrays us as savages. That’s how come it’s so easy for cops to shoot us because they look and feel threatened immediately. Black people are not threatening; we’re dignified people, calm people. That’s why we have to tell our own story. We have to honor our own legacy. Pauline I have to hear more. Cheryl I appreciate that. Pauline That’s what young people today have to know. If you don’t know your past, you won’t know where you’re going. You have to have a path. Cheryl It’s tragic because so many of them don’t know the immediate past much less back two hundred years ago. I speak to young people at many different venues including college settings. It’s important for young people to know about what their ancestors went through. Just think, I found out about my ancestors and it set me on fire and I’m lighting up everybody that I can. When I speak to young people they are never the same afterwards. When I speak before a young group I begin by asking them what they know about slavery. Barely a hand goes up. When I’m done there are so many questions. When I’m done I know that this class will never be the same. My spirit has assisted me in my research of the Will’s. I assumed that because Emma was illiterate that her children must have been illiterate since there were no schools yet. Emma’s spirit spoke to me saying “My children were not illiterate”. Sure enough, additional research in census records indicated that her children could read and write because back then they asked that question on the census. All of her children could read and write. Pauline What made you decide to become a journalist 18 w w w . o u r w o r l d m e d i a . c o m

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and not a secretary? Cheryl Thankfully I knew it was my path and I had the presence of mind to not let anyone persuade me not to follow my path. I believe you should never have anyone around you that does not support your vision. In a moment of weakness they might sway you from your vision. That’s the first sign of death. I tell my son that all the time. He goes to boarding school in Virginia. Whatever you want to do everybody around you has to be down with you. One person could get you off track in a weak moment. Everyone around me had to be down with what I wanted to do. Some folks had a problem with that. Pauline What advice do you give to young people who want to get into the journalism field? There are so many doors that are closed, so many that you don’t even know where they’re located at. Cheryl My number one words of advice is “Never see a door that is closed”. This is serious, this is no fairy tale. When you take your ancestor’s power with you I don’t see any closed doors. If one person has walked through that door why can’t I? We come from a people who defeated institutionalized slavery. That was a door that was meant to be opened and closed behind us. We were supposed to be slaves forever. We were supposed to be slaves TODAY! That’s why they got you from the cradle to the grave. It was not an accident. We were supposed to be the permanent underclass, everyone else was supposed to come to the country and walk on top of us. You can even see it today in some subtle cases. They pushed through that. You can even look at it like a woman you like. You have two options. #1 You can think “She likes me” or #2 “she don’t like me”. Which one do you choose? Guaranteed that if you send the vibe that she doesn’t like you then she won’t like you. YOU CAN’T SEE ANY CLOSED DOORS. Your only problem is how to get through the door. You cannot the project the defeatist image. Cheryl relates a story of a young female who wanted to get a job in the journalism field. Her college major was not exactly prescribed for journalism but that was what she wanted. Her major in Fashion was not making it easy for her to get a job in journalism which is what she really wanted after all. She had an opportunity to witness a live event (a large explosion) in her neighborhood. She heard the large explosion and looked out of her window to see what it was. She instinctively called NY One in her pajamas and gave an eye witness report before the regular news staff could get on site. Because of her skillful report to Cheryl

who was on air at the time she drew Cheryl’s attention. never set foot in a newsroom. Joey have you ever been in With Cheryl’s assistance the young female was able to get a newsroom? a job at the station. She says the moral of the story was Joe Swift Yes I have visited a couple. “DON’T GET DISCOURAGED, GET READY. DON’T SEE CLOSED DOORS.” Cheryl Good, that’s very good. Come down to NY One Pauline Young people must always look for the light. If when I’m working and I’ll give you a nice tour of the place. Seeing it will allow you to visualize yourself in one. Try you see the light you can keep going. getting an internship at a studio. Cheryl ABSOLUTELY! That’s my philosophy. To bring This concludes Pauline’s very interesting, educational, it full circle our ancestors taught us that because if they had AND inspiring interview of Cheryl Wills. not seen the light we would be in chains today, bent over in somebody’s yard.

Pauline That’s what bothers me today seeing so much negativity connected to so many of our young folks. You know the degrading dress, language and other degrading habits. Cheryl My son goes to boarding school and I tell him “If you think I’m going to sit here and let you listen to poisonous music that’s telling you that you’re a nigger and a criminal you are out of your mind.” You are going to a school where they don’t allow that. He’s an athlete and he’s engaged in sports around the South. I tell him even though you may think Mommie is the meanest thing in the world but I know that they are using this music to keep you subjected to madness. This is what the record companies want. Calling each other niggers and the women whores. “Yeah keep it up”. One time when the rappers talked about killing cops that was shut down immediately. Talk about killing cops or White people you will be stopped in your tracks. Drugs are keeping so many of them asleep. If there’s something going on in the neighborhood that requires some civic engagement you’re not going to be a part of it because you’re busy fighting each other or being in jail. “Not our fault, don’t call us racists, you’re doing it to yourselves.” It is very dangerous. My son wears a uniform every day. His computer is strictly monitored. During the summer he has his freedom and he listens to some rap but he’s now listening to jazz. He may still listen to some rap but it’s very dangerous for a kid to listen to nigger, nigger, nigger every thirty seconds. It’s not just dangerous, it’s tragic. Pauline What advice would you give to a young person trying to get into the media and how would you tell them to break down the obstacles? Cheryl First I would tell them to get a mentor. Check out a newsroom. A lot of people who are interested have

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POLITICS

A SENATOR FOR THE PEOPLE 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 Sand-

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ers 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 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

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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 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 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

James Sanders JR Senator, 10th Senate District and staff at the District Office

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. While in Albany where he devotes his time fighting for his constituency, he continues to keep his eyes on the ball ignoring distractions. Hon. Sanders attributes talks about dysfunction in Albany as an exaggeration and firmly believes come November 2014 Democrats will take over the state senate where Republicans currently have small majority with help from the Independent Democratic Caucus IDC. Our World Media asked Hon. Sanders about what he thought about the abduction of those innocent Chiboks girls in northern Nigeria April 14 2014 by the terror group Boko Haram? His answer was “Some people believe the way forward is backward”. He condemned the abduction saying something is wrong when people hide behind Islam to unleash madness on others and wished he was still in the marines where he served in the infantry. “I have no sympathy for those who mess with innocent young girls”. “Sending the marines will give those radicals holding innocent girls hostage a taste of their own medicine”. He concluded that Marine will hunt down bad guys. In the end, “We should think globally and act locally”. Mr. Sanders is of the opinion a strong African American community here in the United States will aid Africa 2014

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POLITICS

KEYWORDS: US 2016 Presidential Contest It’s Time for a New President! The 2016 Election BY: George Onuorah

The U.S. 2016 presidential contest is quickly approaching which leaves you little time to prepare to cast your vote for your next United States President. This also gives the opportunity for first-time voters to finally exercise their power in the political process. Although this right is given to all individuals who are over the age of 18, there are still many individuals who choose not to exercise their rights to vote. Keep reading for more reasons to vote for the next President of the United States. Your Vote Counts There is a common misconception that individual votes do not matter in presidential elections. That misconception has the power to lead a nation to nominate and select the wrong candidate into office. It is important to remember that every vote counts! Before you can vote though, you must be knowledgeable about the candidates and take your own stance. The more involved you are in politics, the more you will feel the need to vote. You can even do other things aside from voting, like campaigning for your favorite candidate, reading up on the current political issues, or even spending your days convincing others to go out and vote. To Be a Republican or a Democrat There are many political parties that have candidates for presidency. However, the main two parties are Republicans and Democrats. The election process gets more interesting once you have chosen a side to run with. If you are unsure of which party to go along with, take a look at the views of the most common political parties: Republican: the core belief is that everyone is held responsible for themselves. The government has little interference in the lives of individuals. Free enterprise and limited government spending are the keys to a steadily growing economy.

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The nation’s foundation is on a strong military, all individuals should be well educated in reading and math, and immigrants should be welcomed into the states for a better way of life. Democratic: the core belief is that the government should take care of the people. The key to a thriving economy is help to the individual from the government. The nation’s military should be strong, but not as big as the republicans believe it should be. Also, although immigrants are welcome for a better life, aid should be given to citizens first before any foreigner that enters the country. Even if you do not want to define yourself as a particular political party, it is good to know the core ideals of each party before casting your vote. Why is Voting Important? There is no question that any presidential candidate has to be elected into the White House. So, it is the job of the citizens to cast their votes in order to select the right person for the job. There is no need to not vote and still complain about the political issues that are being ignored or is getting worse because of the president currently in the hot seat. With every person that votes, there is a bigger chance of the right person being nominated and selected for the presidential position. Once you have done your job as a voter, all other political obligations are left up to the individual selected to serve as U.S. President. If those obligations are not met, then the accountability will be solely on the nominated individual. With the U.S. 2016 presidential contest quickly approaching, get ready to cast your vote. If you have never voted, now is the time to finally cast your vote. If you still do not believe that your part in the voting process is essential to yourself and to the nation as a whole.

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POLITICS

BY: George Onuorah

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 four-day 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. 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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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

Photo By: Joseph Swift

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”. 2014

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2014 NATIONAL ACTION NETWORK NATIONAL CONVENTION PHOTOGRAPHY CREDIT TO 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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WORLD NEWS

Nigeria: The Way Forward By George C. Onuorah

It beats me hollow to read the daily social media drumbeat about the abduction of innocent schoolgirls from Chibok from northeast Nigeria, the trial and tribulation of many confronted by fear of kidnapping by Islamic extremists has eroded our national pride and prestige as “giant of Africa”; Nigeria, the most populous nation in black Africa and on the cutting-edge of change but instead on a trajectory of abyss with possible cataclysmic consequences if the root cause of our problem are not addressed right away. Unless our concerned citizens wake up and say enough is enough, we will have ourselves to blame. This time calls for bold and fearless leadership against what may seem insurmountable odds to some. When things fall apart the center usually does not hold. The time to right the wrong we visited upon ourselves since independence is now or never. Without a doubt, some are embittered by numerous frustrations about what is going on. Our country is blessed with over abundance of resources, man-made, mineral and natural resources but for some reason our over 160 million people feel we have not utilized the resources we were blessed with to improve the economic condition of the masses struggling to make it. To this day, the opinion how morphed into current predicament is as variegated as our diversity. Nigeria we know from history came to fruition as a result of the amalgamation of the northern and southern protectorates by Sir Fredrick Luggard in 1914 bringing together Christians, Muslims and feudal desert emirates without regard to cultural heterogeneity. Today, we are seeing the negative repercussions of that ill-conceived exercise. As a result of ethnic differences and cultural differences, we continue to be challenged by our struggle to co-exist with one another under the umbrella of one Nigeria. Politically, while we try to ape and adopt western-style democracy as a solution to our intractable problem, we have suddenly come to the realization that western style democracy is incompatible with our ideological credo. How about embracing simple patriotism, our flag represented by “green white and green” has very little meaning and significance to citizens. In other countries, their flag elicits and evokes great passion and emotions, memories of victories and valor. My book “The Political Diary of A Rising Son” published 2010 makes mention about such subject matters as the abandonment of our 28 w w w . o u r w o r l d m e d i a . c o m

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core values of pride and patriotism by countrymen. The most important question is how can we get citizens out of this quagmire and unfortunate predicament? A few experts in political theory claimed to have answers. Some of their theories and postulations make sense and others don’t make any sense. The late Hon. Chief Dr. Chuba Okadigbo the ( Oyi of Oyi) once fearless man of political gravitas coined the phrase ‘Igbo phobia’- the meaning quiet simply the fear of the Igbo’s. The Ibo people of Nigeria are an enterprising race who some have compared to the Jews for their industry, ingenuity and resiliency. In the scheme of Nigerian political culture, some have theorized about the ability of the Igbo people to bounce back from adversity unlike other tribes. The 1967-70 Civil War was a case in point, over two million Ibo’s perished by due to the war and resulting blockade that caused starvation and properties vanished in the north and elsewhere. Many continue to dream dreams the sun can rise again and always does so every day from the east. It took only a few years for the resurgence and industrial acumen that resides in the ingenuity of a people to create prosperity. The once thriving Onitsha and Aba commercial corridor of the southeast was transformed to her cradle with new commercial boom. As business flourished the economic engine of Ibo nation gave way to new generation of wealthy young entrepreneurs. The solution to Nigeria current political impasse is as simple as its complex. The convening of a National Conference may seem like a perfect solution to right the wrongs. But the monster remains our very intractable issue of differences stemming from religion, Christian vs. Muslim, north –south dichotomy, revenue derivation, egotistical ambition of a selfish few who want to enjoy the fruit of the national cake whereas others continue to wallow in object poverty and penury. Such quick fixes as the rotation or zoning of the presidency are some of the artificial solutions that have no guarantees of success. What is your answer? Let’s have a true national conversation with those who have our national interest at heart and are willing to do what it takes to help reshape the destiny of a nation ready for change. By far one of the biggest threat we face as nation is the threat of Islamic fundamentalism and uprising seeking to introduce pure

sharia law in a multi-ethnic nation, lack of jobs for the vast number of the unemployed and the poverty of our healthcare system. Many are amazed, sick and tired of seeing the affluent class and our leaderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always jetting off to overseas and India for medical treatment because our hospitals are very appalling state and poor standard. Corruption remains a challenge and still endemic. Who knows, maybe the current National Conference will have a fruitful outcome that eases the incessant complaint of citizens. But if all who are gathered for the confab are stuck in whatever position and unwilling to compromise there will be no end in sight for easy solutions. The latest concerned the report of an independent audit, which reported $20 billion dollars missing or not properly accounted for from the NNPC account. My mentor the Rt. Hon. Chief Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, journalist of the highest water talked extensively about the importance of Nigerian unity and striving for collective aspiration. The future of Nigeria leadership waits a new generation of leaders who can salvage the polity. At the same time, the oligarchy strives to maintain her status quo for personal aggrandizement. Nigeria need and deserve courageous, young, progressive leaders willing to do what is right and what it takes to reposition the nation to reclaim her laurel. At this turning-point, some of our citizenry yearn for a new generation of educated, young, progressive Nigerians unperturbed by ethnic and religious controversies that set us back at every point we try to progress as a nation. For many years, Nigerians has grown accustomed to the governance as means to acquire wealth instead of governance as a means to address the root of inequality and lift the struggling masses up for good. Nigeria as a frontline nation in the comity of democratic emerging nations needs new vision to define her foreign policy. Our past foreign policy was defined by non-alignment. But in this new era of global inter-dependence calls for a new set of foreign policy paradigm that should juxtapose a neo welfare economy paradigm with indigenous African values as proposed by late African leader emeritus, governor-General of erstwhile eastern region and ceremonial president in the first republic, Rt. Hon. Chief Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe of blessed memory. I was present during a speech Dr. Zik gave in the 1970â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s where he basically asserted Nigerian democracy should appropriate our African values to fashion a better system of government that will be suitable for people.

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POLITICS

POLITICS and The YOUTH

By George C. Onuorah

Our democracy is better served when our youth fully participate and seriously engaged in what happens in their county, community or country. When we think of politics most of us think about elections or politicians of all ideological stripes and strides. But in actual sense, politics is more than elections, party and politics. Politics affect the life of our young people in many ways. The question inevitably becomes, ‘what is politics and how does politics impact the youth or young people?’ In essence “How do we define politics in that contest?” Politics for starters, can be defined in many ways and depends on who is defining it, but for my purpose, I want to define politics as the way whereby those elected or appointed by constituents work to better the life of those who elected them. Just as there are two sides to every coin, we have the pros and cons of politics and how they impact the life of the youth. The actions of elected representatives are deemed to be for the good and welfare of the voters in a democracy and not the reverse. By the way, other less advanced nations or countries practice other types of government ranging from democracy to parliamentary system, from military dictatorship to full blown civilian autocracy. In this essay, the focus will be on 30 w w w . o u r w o r l d m e d i a . c o m

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democratic government as evidenced here in America and other emerging nations of Africa. Unfortunately, because of ideological differences and belonging to opposing parties, politicians elected to various posts and positions, tend to govern differently. Due to political orientation in America and having two dominant political parties Democratic and Republican party the trajectory of governance is set towards two divergent destinations. Democrats and their Republican counterparts have their manifestos and set of belief systems unique to their politics. Worse still, the individual elected leader or representative, come with their political value systems, socializations, internalizations, principles all of which affect their self interest, positions and policies. So when we elect leaders, we must do so because we share identical political values or value systems with them. For instance, if one belonged to the catholic faith, the tendency is to support politicians who embrace conservative values and principles. Conservatives tend to be more old-fashioned and appeal to traditional ethnic values. Abortion rights are at the center or epi-center of values that appeal to conservatives

and centrists alike. Many conservatives are anti-abortion, pro-gun and pro-life. On the contrary, Democrats find themselves anchored on the liberal spectrum, and fight for the liberal causes such labor related issues, immigration, poverty issues etc. For instance, since the inception of the Obama administration the fight has been contentious around how to do immigration bill that will grant some type of legal status to over eleven million undocumented currently living in the United States. While Democrats are more readily willing to do the bill, many in the Republican Party appear to remain skeptical with some calling such a move amnesty. The irrespective of the intenseness of the debate when finally done such landmark legislation will be the hallmark achievement for Obama administration. The Dream Act has currently has received great support and is seen as a favorable bill for those born in the country by parents already here with no legal status. Now ‘How can our politicians work to insure the afore-mentioned issues affecting our youth are addressed expediently? Our youth are our next generation and must have their issues and concerns addressed now or never. To the extent that we help them become more, inculcate better sense of self-worth and build lasting positive self-esteem will succeed in helping us become better a nation. The alternative is to ignore their plight to our peril. So how should our elected leaders handle this task or challenge posed by the issues affecting our young person’s? It depends on who you are asking the question? Honestly, I think some of our elected leaders may have fumbled the ball by their inaction especially in communities of color. Some have looked the other way as our youth are engulfed in crisis after crisis. But regardless of any unintentional mistakes of the past our leaders should not look the other way anymore but should instead acknowledge their mistakes and seek immediate solutions. Let’s focus like a laser beam on how to solve the problem. Our youth are in crisis and the urgent response of our leaders is required. Their crisis runs an entire gamut from poor self-esteem to lack of confidence in their abilities to rise above the fear of their unknown, indiscipline and moral decadence in our schools and society to disrespect for parents and authority figures. Our youths need encouragement and more support than they are currently getting to reverse their failing out of school. Our young men are badly in need of role models not only to improve their style of dressing but we have become customary to their sagging style brand in dress code becoming a latest fad and fashion. In public schools, why can’t the wearing school uniform be considered and introduced by those charged with administering the school. To mention but a

few concerns here. Whether one believe that our youths are facing this crisis or not, the point remains that we need our politicians and elected leaders to incorporate youth agenda and budget. The budgetary allocation made in the state of unions, state of the state, State of the City, and state of the districts need an infusion of dollars to help build and support our youth. In other to build civic-minded leaders of tomorrow who will work for a better nation, answer the call to duty, build a better moral character, we need to train our youth to become better citizens. Our nation needs citizens who will obey and respect the law at all times. Simple solution today will address a future complicated and complex equation tomorrow. Let’s not continue to fumble the ball especially if such fumbles will cost our team to lose a game that is pivotal to advance team to playoff competition. The point I am making is let’s start the conversation now. While we don’t have the luxury of time, we still have ample time to salvage some who are salvageable before we allow them to fall through the cracks, drop out of school, lose jobs, and retard their progress and social advancement. Our youth need to become more active in our communities and should be encouraged to become part of the political process. Those are ideals that one sometimes find lacking here and there. Until we do so, we are neglecting to challenge the youth who for all intends and purpose remain our next generation. All things being equal, there are always solutions to every conceivable problem. In the matter of how politics and youth issues’ are connected, one need not look further past our leaders regardless whether appointed or elected, party or politics. Non-governmental Organizations, churches, mosques and synagogues and benevolent individuals should come forth and lend a helping hand to transform our youth by helping them become responsible and civic-minded leaders of tomorrow. Our youths are capable of becoming more, except we have not really challenged them. President John F. Kennedy, challenged them when he said “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country” George C. Onuorah, has a Bachelors degree in Political Science 1986, CUNY York College, NY, author of “The Political Diary of A Rising Son” a Youth Mentor and Social Justice Crusader. Email: grisingson@yahoo.com

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COMMUNITY

Pay me in private By:LaGCC Justice Community

Pay Me In Private

Personal Accounts of Sexual Promiscuity From the Eyes and Perspectives Of Our Youth 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

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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 pre-established social norm. 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

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 .”

“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

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.”

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?

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“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. “ “I once knew a girl who was selling her body in the streets. She was 17 years old and lived in Springfield. She was doing things with her body around the way throughout South Jamaica, Queens for money and a ride homes at night. She did this because she wanted to and because she enjoyed it. It shocked me because she was a smart girl. I never went up to her to say anything about what she was doing because what she was doing was disgusting and wrong. She was doing it for well over a year to support herself. This young girl’s mother didn’t know what she was doing, but her friends found out and they couldn’t believe it. She was having sex with all types men. I do not however, feel that girls like this cannot change. They can. I feel that girls should be treated like princesses and not toys that can be bought for money.” The truth of the matter is that western television has become a window for watered down pornography. Every day we feed our minds with material that the media presents to us and some of us get the impulse to explore and/or reenact what we see. Others fall victim to these impulses portrayed on television because that is the only thing we know; media is powerful manipulator of the minds of some young adults , simply because it is the primary means that feeds their mind. Our generation consume a lot of media. We are always “plugged in” to some form of media and/or technology. Recording artists and the music industry have, what I call “Nudified” their live and televised performances, videos and song lyrics. So, while the adults are being fed these images throughout the night with television programming, their children, young generations, are being polluted throughout the day via music videos and televised performances , not to mention the lyrics these artists are using over very catching and alluring beats. Older folk, namely Baby Boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) and Generation X’ers (born between 1965 and 1984), believe that it is only this generation, primarily defined as Millennia’s (born between 1982 and approximately 20 years thereafter). The reality is that their generation must also be held responsible. Many of their artists wrote songs like “Sexual Healing” (Marvin Gaye) and “Bump and Grind” (R. Kelly) that also encouraged sexual activities that were not necessarily with their significant other and/or within a committed and monogamous relationship. One cannot debate that music is very influential. Sometimes, however, its influence may not always be the best for you. Rappers and even today’s R&B singers, create songs that objectify women and glorify pimping and prostitution. “Will you sell that p***y for me?” raps Schoolboy Q on his song “Groovline Pt. 2” there are many more examples like if you simply turn on commercial radio. Hit recording artist, Trey Songz, has plenty of love songs, but he also has other tunes that demean woman with lyrics such as in “Lookin A$$ Ni**a” that say “Said that she want some red bottoms;

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give a lil’ head. Got ‘em. No problem. Take a lil’ trip. Leave ya kids home while you get a lil’ d**k; Thinking you slick. ” Some feel that the media and the government are equally responsible for the actions taken by most girls who grow up to be prostitutes or engage in promiscuous sexual activities. The “watershed time”, or the time for adult broadcasting in America, runs from 10:00pm to 6:00am. Although most parents have their young ones in bed during these hours, the adults are often still awake. “I saw a good friend of mine was talking to four guys near her mother’s house. One of the guys asked her if she would do a threesome with them. She told them no. One of the other boys asked her why she couldn’t do it and she replied “I can’t”. She didn’t want to have sex with them. Luckily her “no” was enough to for them to leave her alone. They told her to go home and “get a life”. This young lady told her mother that the bunch of guys asked her for sex and her mother said that she was going to report it to the police. It wasn’t long before the cops come to gather the information. She gave the cops the boys’ names and she told the cops what happened and then they guys were later taken into custody for questioning. My friend was happy and proud that the cops did a good job. Her mother was upset because the guys had approached her daughter asking her for sex. She was upset with my friend as well because she was advised not to leave the house until she get home from work but she didn’t listen. The cops asked her why did she think the guys wanted to have sex with you her and she told them that she didn’t know. She was going to meet her boyfriend and when she I didn’t see him, she noticed the other guys coming down the street. She was afraid to pass by them.” What our communities must realize is that “THOT-like behavior and sexual exploitation can occur to very young and innocent females and males, be it by force or otherwise. Statistics show that 85% of those involved in sexual activity in exchange for something of value are female between the ages 12-14. The other 15% are males. These children being caught between the ropes; going through harsh realities in their waking lives. This act of violence against children, when on a grand scale, is called CSEC (Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children) . The majority of these individuals are victims in that they suffered various consequences as a result of these injurious actions. After being made aware of these facts, one can’t help but question why such an offensive word could be thrown around so freely in reference to people in already compromising situations. Rather, the time and resources employed to degrade individuals, primarily girls and women in this case, with this word through the likes of social media should be used to increase awareness of Domestic Trafficking. Laws such as The 1974 Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) and Mandatory Reporting laws are fighting half the battle towards ending domestic abuse and trafficking. The rest is in the hands of community members. What about the ones who were not abused at a young age but for one reason or another, still grew up to be a THOT? One of the first steps we as a community can do is eliminate the use of the word THOT or at least become mindful of the implications that one makes when loosely using such a potent word to describe our young girls and women.

I feel that something from the link below NEEDS to be included. Also, I need an outside perspective on how to pull this all together with a nice conclusion. Feel free to edit and insert additional perspectives accordingly. I would like to see the revised and newly edited draft before final print. Thanks! Girls Like Us - Book Excerpts (copy and paste in your Internet Browser):

http://www.gems-girls.org/get-involved/girlslikeus/girls-like-us-excerpt

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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 36 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, 2014

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 2014

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Mandela

Our Courageous Visionary and Proud Son of Africa 38 â&#x20AC;&#x201A; w w w . o u r w o r l d m e d i a . c o m

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WORLD NEWS By George Onuorah

William Shakespeare once said that death is a necessary end that will come when it will come. But the news of the demise of ‘Madiba’ a Proud Son of Africa, trail-blazer politician, anti apartheid activist and compassionate leader greeted the world community with such shock and awe. Some initially received the news with utter disbelief and skepticism until credible news outlets began to flash it into our subconscious reality. After those restless days punctuated by non-violent agitations and struggle against political and economic oppression of his people, Madiba succumbed to his necessary end and now gone to meet his Maker! Our political “Man of Steel” defied almost three decade of solitary confinement because of racial injustice and his unyielding stance against an unjust oppressive and brutal system known as ‘Apartheid’ in his homeland of South Africa. His defiance energized by his political activism inspired some of us to rise up against man’s inhumanity to man. Following the foot-steps of his predecessor Martin Luther King Jr, social justice crusaders like the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson joined others who saw the injustice of Apartheid as a reincarnation of oppressive culture of slavery and dehumanization. Many economic boycotts followed, sit-ins and demonstrations became the order of the day especially in the United States became a rallying place for progressives. One would think we are back to the protest era of the 60’s. Since we of the human species and for all intents and purposes are subject to mortality, the passage to eternity of a man we are so fascinated with and loved dearly, admired and feared by many was another reminder we are all mere mortals.

his tribute said about the late Nelson Mandela “He was a powerful, intellectual man” with “internal will and dignity”. The question left unanswered after all the speeches, tributes and accolades is what is really Mr. Mandela’s legacy? How will history remember him? How will the life he led and his struggles and tribulations impact his folks back home? If Apartheid has been eviscerated in South Africa because of Mandela’s resolute actions and tenacity, how does those valiant effort help other oppressed people the world over who continue to endure oppressive dictatorship? Has the mantle from Mandela’s passed and to whom? What have we learned from brother Mandela and his fight against injustices meted on his fellow human beings? Scholars from all ideological persuasion will tackle this question from the vantage point of their political and ideological prisms. As for Mr. Mandela’s legacy, from the perspective of an African political scholar and activist, Madiba will continues to be fondly remembered and referred by some as a patriot whose sheer courage, determination and fearlessness defeated the forces of evil represented by unjust apartheid regime. Africans everywhere admired his courage and ‘stand your ground ‘fortitude. Nelson Mandela will forever inspire hope in all of us and especially on our young ones who henceforth will attempt to relate better with one another regardless of their race or creed. But more importantly, to many Africans he stands tall as an ‘iroko’ tree towering above some of our leaders past and present who failed to understand what leadervship is about. As Mr. Mandela so practically demonstrated to us, leaders are servants and should always put the interest of those they are elected or appointed to serve first and foremost before their own narrow parochial interests.

Mr. Mandela ascendency to fame and fascination was born before he rose to become first black president of South “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but Africa in 1994. His greatness was nurtured as he went on the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not to win the coveted Nobel Peace Prize in the year 1993. feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear” –s Tributes poured like the downpour in an Amazon rain forest without dampening his going home ceremony. President Obama was there and delivered such a befitting eulogy that matches his vintage oratory. What a befitting tribute to a great African trailblazer that puts his people before himself. Mandela a man of courage and a visionary sage! President Clinton, George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush were among a who’s who of world leaders who attended his funeral in South Africa. The Rev. Jesse L. Jackson who was in South Africa when Mandela was released from jail in 1990 after 27 years in

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HEALTH

PROSTATE CANCER By: William Joseph

learned enough to write a medical paper here. However, there are things about PC that I do know.

Greetings Folks,

It generally strikes men over 50 but I have heard of men When it was suggested that I write something for Joey in their 40’s being diagnosed with it. Swift I said “Yes, I can do that”. However, once I volunteered to put pen to paper I wondered what I would write Other things that I know about it are: about. Well, I thought to myself “How hard could it be, -It does not discriminate. Men of all races can develop I’m full of opinions and usually having something to say it although Asians have a much less incidence of it than about almost everything”. Blacks, Hispanics and Whites. Well, after some thought I decided to write about some-It does not have to be a fatal disease but it can be. thing that was more than just my opinions but something that might actually help somebody. Something that I really -Early detection increases the chances of survival. knew about- Prostate Cancer. (PC) -Currently the Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test is Yes, I have made that journey like many of my Brothers. used for detection. A blood test conducted during annual I make reference to my Brothers because Prostate Cancer physical exams can detect the antigens in the blood indiis most prevalent in Black men in America. Every man in cating cancer cells particular to the prostate are or are not a six man-fishing group that I know of has been treated in the system. This PSA test will be scored. Depending on for PC in the last two years. Once again we experience a the PSA score further treatment or NO treatment may be negative health condition more than White men. If your indicated. Men over 40 should definitely have a PSA test Daddy had it and didn’t tell you, you are at high risk to each year. develop it yourself. If the Urologists is concerned by a man’s PSA score he/ I’ll bet I’ve lost some of you already. “What the hell is she will probably want to conduct a Digital Rectal Exam the Prostate? Where is it? Since experiencing this often (DRE). They will insert a finger in the anus and feel the deadly disease in 2002 I don’t hesitate to ask a Brother if prostate. If the prostate is lumpy or has a rough surface, he knows his PSA score. When’s the last time he had it that may be a sign of PC. Unfortunately, PC goes undechecked? Many don’t know what I’m talking about. I only tected in many men because they refuse to submit to this learned about it about 15 years ago and I’m a senior citizen. exam and do not have annual exams where a suspicious The prostate is an organ adjacent to the bladder. It av- PSA score could be detected. Once a man starts having erages the size of an almond. The tube like urethra which difficulty urinating, or having a lot of pain in the groin it empties urine from the bladder out through the penis MAY be a sign of PC which can migrate to other organs, runs right through the prostate. An enlarged prostate can lymph nodes, and bones. At this point the Brother has cause men severe urinary problems, which are sometimes a rough road ahead. If PC is detected but the “Gleason” score which indicates aggressiveness of the cancer is low feared to be cancer. no treatment may be indicated especially if the man is Over two hundred thousand American men will develop up in years. He will probably die with cancer rather than PC each year. Approximately 30,000 will DIE from it. I from cancer. “Active surveillance” will be prescribed. At personally know and have become aware of at least 12-15 this point the man will be checked regularly to see if his Brothers who have been diagnosed with PC in the last Gleason score or PSA changes such that further investidozen years. Fortunately, none have died from it. gation is deemed necessary. There is much that can be said about PC but I’m not

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-There are approximately a dozen treatment options. The

most prevalent is surgical removal. This is major surgery. There will be some time spent in the hospital afterwards. You will be spending some weeks if not months recuperating. You will probably be incontinent and impotent afterwards. These are often temporary side effects. The second most prevalent treatment is radiation. Radiation will be externally aimed at the prostate daily over a 6-7 week period. It is painless and the treatment only takes a few minutes each time. The side effects are usually nowhere as severe as surgery. There is usually none if any interruption in your daily routine. Some frequency of urination. No hospital time. Next on the list in terms of frequency is “Brachytherapy” or radiation seed implants. (My treatment option) Radiation seeds are implanted into the prostate through the perineum (taint) LOL The prostate size will dictate how many seeds are implanted. I went in the hospital on Monday, home on Tuesday, in the gym on Thursday. Some frequency of urination for a few months was the only side effect. -Other options are Cryotherapy (freezing the prostate) Cyber knife (concentrated external radiation beam), and various hormone therapies. The frustrating thing about this disease is that doctors will recommend treatment options (usually their specialties) but they will not tell you what option you HAVE to have. However, depending on the stage of your cancer they may tell you that certain options are NOT suitable for you. I thought I could write less but I wanted to really say something about PC that a lot of men especially Brothers need to know about. If you take nothing away from this please know that early detection of PC is the key. It is treatable and not a death sentence at all. If you are over 40yrs old and haven’t already established a PSA baseline get up off your behind and tell your doctor you want to know what your PSA score is. Brothers, forget about being macho man, if your doctor says he has reason to believe he needs to do a rectal exam just booty up. It may save your life.

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Photo by: Joseph Swift

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 42 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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FASHION

2014 10th ANNIVERSARY CIRCLE OF SISTERS Fashion Show by:Her Game 2 at Jacob Javits Convention Center PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOSEPH SWIFT

ENTERTAINMENT

2014 10th ANNIVERSARY CIRCLE OF SISTERS Gospel Explosion Concert PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOSEPH SWIFT

Reggae Dancehall Takes Center Stage at Revered Photo Exhibit

By: Flair Lindsey photography Joseph Swift

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ENTERTAINMENT

New York, New York -- June 30, 2014 -- Underneath the beating pulse of Brooklyn and the beaming rays of summer, a unique tribute to Dancehall unfolded. The city came alive during the thrilling “Dancehall: Music, Life and Culture” photographic exhibit, which attracted an eclectic mix of visitors to the ultra-hip Brooklyn Fete, spanning from enthusiasts of the arts, media professionals and city residents to recording artists, DJs, Reggae Dancehall music fans and business executives on Saturday, June 21 and Sunday, June 22. Sponsored by Brooklyn Fete (owner Lindel Lawrence), VP Records (founder Mrs. Patricia Chin), Irish and Chin and Caribbean Food Delights, the successful exhibit touted the candid and rare Dancehall inspired images of famed photographer Marlon “Ajamu” Myrie.

spawned quite a reception from exhibit-goers, as evidenced by consistent inquiries on where the exhibit will go next and overall sales. It’s clear that Marlon “Ajamu” Myrie’s incredible concept of formally putting Dancehall on display through photos went off without a hitch.

The walls of Brooklyn Fete were perfectly aligned with more than 70 diverse photographs, which ingenuously captured Dancehall’s allure. The positioning of the images, combined with just the amount of sunlight shining through, created a warm setting for the exhibit. The photos boasted rich stories behind them, which Marlon “Ajamu” Myrie did not hesitate to stop and share. Upon entering the exhibit, visitors’ faces beamed; it wasn’t rare to see them marvel at a cluster of photographs or a photograph for 15 minutes or more. “Dancehall: Music, Life and Culture”

Notably, “Dancehall: Music, Life and Culture” boasted photographs of many of the genre’s iconic figures. The diverse collection of photographs ranged in nature. Whether it was the “The Raw” Lady Saw on stage in action, a young Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley before locks or a striking upclose-and personal image of Reggae’s “Daddy” U-Roy, all photos garnered adulation from visitors. The wide array of photos boldly touched on Dancehall’s key elements. From iconic moments in sound clash, selectors and producers to infamous stage shows, legendary artists, new artists, dancers

I feel great about the exhibit. It was beyond rewarding to see the end result of something that I thought couldn’t happen culminate in a well-revered and attended photographic tribute to a genre that I infinitely respect,” says a humbled Marlon “Ajamu” Myrie. “I certainly salute my sponsors for their diehard support and belief in me, instrumental people involved, friends and the many exhibit visitors.”

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and noteworthy industry players, the exhibit skillfully covered the dynamic art form. Great music selections from Road International and an impromptu performance from rising musician Anna “I” added to the already festive ambience. Often, Reggae Dancehall is stigmatized,” says Marlon “Ajamu” Myrie. “My goal was to ultimately shed a positive light on the vibrant genre through an exhibit, which spanned 20 years of my related photographs.” Marlon “Ajamu” Myrie promises that this is not the end of “Dancehall: Music, Life and Culture.” In fact, now more than ever before, the photographer is inspired to formally take the exhibit on the road and online. And in the future, Myrie says he may incorporate the work of other photographers. In addition to the exhibit, Myrie says some exciting projects lie in store. Those interested in learning more about the exhibit and keeping up with Marlon “Ajamu” Myrie, can follow him on twitter: @ajamuphoto, facebook: ajamuphoto and www.ajamuphoto.com. Marlon “Ajamu” Myrie is the World’s premiere photographer in the Caribbean entertainment sector. Ajamu has cemented himself as a powerful figure in the industry. What started as a heartfelt hobby has catapulted into an esteemed career. Ajamu boasts a rich portfolio, with regularly published work in high profile print and online media outlets including Vibe, Source, Jet, Essence.com, New York Times, Village Voice, LA Times, Miami Herald, New York Daily News, GQ and numerous others. His captivating photos are also a staple in international publications, especially those based in the Caribbean.

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A DAY SPENT WITH THE LOVELY AND AMAZING

CAROL WILLIAMS SINGER AND ENTERTAINER By: Pauline Swift PS - I began by asking Carol what it was like growing up in Montclair New Jersey. CW - She explained that Montclair is a very small town where everyone knows everyone. PS- I asked her when did entertainment become the focus of her life, what prompted her in that direction as opposed to some other field of endeavor? CW- She explained that she had always been musically inclined. Music was something she enjoyed but had not had the opportunity or inclination to pursue it professionally. She explained that at some point she decided to give up her regular day job and devote herself to entertainment. It was time for a change. When my hit single “MORE” from my Lectric Lady album became a success in 1976 I knew I had made the right decision. The album was released in 1977 by Salsoul Records and made Carol a major disco act. She is still performing today. I had the pleasure of attending one of her performances at the Resorts World Casino in NY. The theme of the show was songs from the exciting disco era. I look forward to seeing her perform at Wingate Park in Brooklyn this summer.

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A Day in the Life of

Eugene Pitt of the Jive 5 By Alexa Stephenson

In the mid 1980’s children sat in front of their televisions, flipped to Nickelodeon eager to watch their morning cartoons, and were greeted with the familiar doo-wop style phrase “Nic-Nic-Nic.” Unbeknownst to many at the time, the voices behind that iconic theme song were the doo-wop group “The Jive Five” which includes Eugene Pitt, an artist who has been singing and performing professionally for 55 years.

New York. At an early age he became inspired by his idols Frank Sinatra and Nat Cole and began singing. After his father, a former gospel singer, taught him how to harmonize when he was 13, he and his sisters formed a gospel group, “The Pitt Gospel Singers.” They went on to sing in churches until the group eventually broke apart.

performed using various other names until they went back to the original and have been called “Eugene Pitt and the Jive Five” since. “Eugene Pitt and the Jive Five” were one of the only music groups to achieve longevity during the doo-wop era. They used that to their advantage to later transition to soul music in the 1960’s.

After being discovered in a supermarket, Pitt established a group with friends Jerome Hanna, Richard Harris, Today, a 76-year-old Pitt sits in his Norman Johnson, and Billy Prophet in South Carolina home along with his 1958 and together they became “The grandchildren and great grandchildren, Jive Five.” Their first and biggest hit was with plenty of stories to tell. called “My True Story” which made it to number three on the Billboard Hot Eugene Pitt grew up in Brooklyn, 100 chart. Pitt led the group, and they

Starting in 1985, Pitt helped write and record jingles with “The Jive Five” for Nickelodeon. Marty Pekar, a writer and producer, introduced Pitt to television producers Fred Seibert and Alan Goodman as “not only a great singer, but a smart man.”

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The group went on to write doo-wop

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jingles for the television network for 17 years. Today the Today, while Pitt no longer lives in Brooklyn, he works group consists of Eugene Pitt, Frank Pitt, Richard Harris, while enjoying time with his family. Pitt doesn’t smoke Casey Spencer and Herbert Pitt. or drink. He is also on a very strict diet of only fish and chicken and doesn’t eat after 7 p.m. Though he currently As an artist, Pitt’s eclectic music tastes led him to explore resides in South Carolina, where he has lived for the past different sounds. In addition to becoming a doo-wop singer, two years, music is still a significant aspect of his life. Today he performed soul and more recently, beach music. His he performs with “The Jive Five” at sold-out shows. Pitt latest album, released in 2009 is titled “I Love Beach Music” is currently working on a gospel album with his brothers, and showcases Pitt’s ability to incorporate soul throughout according to the group’s Facebook page, as well as partichis music. Terry Stewart, former CEO of the Rock and ipating in Aaron Neville’s album “My True Story,” which Roll Hall of Fame called Pitt “the most underrated soul honors the group’s popular hit. singer in America.”

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Young Rising African AmericanWoman By: Pauline Swift

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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