editor's leading by example
Building Jacmel, Haiti. Sidney Etienne is leading the effort to secure donations for the devastated town of Jacmel in Haiti. He is also posting updates on relief efforts for his home town where he has already lost an Aunt whose house collapsed on her and several relatives are still missing. His goal is to reach $50,000 in aid by March 1, 2010. This will go towards building temporary tents, buying food and clothing, and other much needed relief support. For more info: http://relief4haiti.chipin.com/ rebuilding-jacmel-haiti.
Doing a BIG CHOP for charity.
There few things women and men are mutually obsessive about other than hair. Whether we think it's too thick, too thin, too nappy, or too flat - there are people in this world suffering from long-term illnesses, like cancer, who would appreciate and adore our hair period! This year, instead of complaining about your hair, grow it long on purpose - then chop it off for charity.
See my friend Kathleen Keene's BIG CHOP on youtube: Hair Getting Cut 20 Inches. For more info:
www.locksoflove.org
Volunteer Locally
No matter where you live in the world there will always be a need you can address locally. Research people and organizations doing good right in your own back yard and decide to be a helping hand this year. Join a Board of Directors, tutor, or donate money, food, or time. Just help!
The modeling and Performance Industries are littered with the cautionary tales of people who wanted to "make it big," but in the end, didn't have the patience or the stamina to endure the sometimes long and arduous rise to the top. Here, Rhonda Marie, shares why she has what it takes to finally make her dreams come true. How did you get interested in acting and modeling? I actually got started in grammar school doing stage plays, but it was while taking a Radio & Television class at Roberto Clemente high school that I realized this was something that I wanted to pursue. What are some of your recent projects? I did a mini web-based soap opera in which I played Renee, a girl who confronts another woman about her cheating man. I played the last of five friends to get murdered in an lndie film. And in one of my more recent films, Deception, I play a hit girl! In terms of modeling I've done a few music videos, including one with Twista, a famous rapper. I do a lot of urban runway modeling.
What do you do to get into character? I practice in front of the mirror a lot so I can see my facial expressions and check my voice for tone. This helps me get everything right for the rehearsals and the director. On stage I find it's best to block everything out! :-) Do you think there's room for you to make it as a black actress? Yes. Acting doesn't discriminate. I know if I work hard there's room for me to grow and to succeed. I think Jennifer Hudson is a prime example. Black Hollywood has come a long way and it makes me really proud to be an African American who is a part of this rich history and le~acy. Now we just need more wnters telling our stories.
'Work hard, audition, market ourself an rust God. here's no telling ho far you'll be able to go!'
What is it like being on set? A movie set is a tad easier, I think, than being on a stage. On a movie set there's no audience so it's easier for me to do my lines. On stage I have to work harder because everybody is watching everything I say and do.
What's your next project? Who would you like to work with? I am in the stageplay, More Baby Mama Drama and auditioning for other projects. I would love to work with Tyler Perry, Quentin Tarantino, Antoine Fuqua, Samuel L Jackson, Angela Bassett, Jada and Will Smith, and Donnie and Mark Wahlberg - just to name a few! How can people contactyou for work? They can message me here on Facebook.
At present, the current music industry is a blur of catchy names and cutesy songs. A well-known artist can get lost in the shuffle and it's an uphill battle to be seen or heard. Aspiring RnB newcomer, Yung Shaun, shares his journey. How would you classify yourself as an artist? I'm an RnB singer, but I do rap occasionally and I'm starting to experiment with some pop to widen my fan base. I write all my lyrics and I'm working on producing beats for the songs I've written . How did you get started in the music industry1 Well , I have been singing my whole life. When I was in eighth grade l wanted to rap -~路 ust like any other young kid in Chicago. even thought football might be my thing , but the summer of 2007 changed everything for me. I started downloading beats off the internet and writing lyrics to them . I became fascinated with the ability to express myself through song. The rest was history. And when people started telling me how much they liked my music, I knew this was a career I could enjoy. Who are your influences and why? 1 like Luther Vandross, Ryan Leslie, Brian Michael Cox, John Legend , Michael Jackson, and so many more. Each of them brought someth1ng different and unique to their music. Ryan Leslie and Brian Michael Cox are also producers and song writers. Like me, they produce tracks that makeJou want to listen to the song over an over again. Do you have your own equipment and studio? 1 do have my own equip-
ment. I have an M-Audio Axiom , a Casio Keyboard , and a mic. I can make custom songs for any occasion - so hire me! What do you have planned for 201 0? I'm in negotiations with J Hitz, the CEO of Deaf Planet Records. He heard my music on MySpace, liked it, and invited me to come to his studio and record . I want to start booking appointments and performances. I hope to have my demo tape finished by the end of February, too. I want 'Yung Shaun' to be a household name. Any advice for newcomers? And how can someone contact you? Stick to it. That's important. It takes a lot of time, effort, and practice. Don't let anyone get you down and try to stay positive. There are always going to be people who try to take you offfocus - be better than them. Be stronger than them . As far as getting in contact, I am currently looking for a manager or agent. Until then you can search for me on Facebook.
' ' If this is what you want- let nothing and no one stand in
your way.,,
Kids these days lead hectic, complex, and surprisingly "grown-up" lives. It's no wonder some of them end up on the wrong side of just about everything. Delece Williams explains why she's willing to be a shining light for the next generation. Tell us how a little bit about how you got started. I started Kidz Korna in 1995 as a direct response to all of the negative stories I was hearing about our youth on the news everyday. I got tired of hearing about youth violence and decided to be part of the solution. Kidz Korna gives our young people positive programming and creatrve opportunities for self expression . It gets them off the streets, being idle, and into a place where caring, concerned adults are there to listen, help, and mentor.
~hy i~ a program ''~ ~., hke K1dz Korna necessary? It's
necessary because
be change catalysts in their communities by bringing public awareness to key issues.
Your show has garnered major support by big politicians and celebrities. What's your secret to success? There's no secret. We work hard to produce quality shows, we do a lot of campaigning and promoting , and our older shows are now in re-runs on television which helps a lot. We provide education and information by and for youth that they create and are more likely to understand and use. People recognize that and want to show their love and support.
1-••ear-old ':J gran dba b IJ "'IS my "'•nsp"'lrat"'lon • ' '
M ':J
too many kids are spending too much time alone, in front of the television, or playing vidoe games. And more often than not, they don't have outlets that help build their self-esteem or provide the encouragement healthy human beings need to thrive. Kidz Korna provides that.
What are some of the issues you deal with? Chicago ranks pretty high when it comes to youth violence. We see kids that are struggling with childhood obesity and many show up, secretively, seeking help for some form of abuse. 75% of our young kids were victims of abuse and are doing their part to
What is the next big project for Kidz Korna?
We just received a 52week contract from WJYS and we are very excited about that. We are in pre-productron right now.
How can someone contact you if they are interested in donating or if they would like to volunteer? They can reach me here on Face book or call my office at 1.773.957.6422. The youth I deal with are struggling to be heard and many are dealing wrth issues well beyond their years. They should be enjoying life, not fighting to survive it. We apprecrate all the help and resources given to us.
We all know someone who has gone through the whole 'baby mama drama• thing where a man and woman who have kids together, but are separated, continue to wreak havoc in each other's lives. Playwright, Jean Moore, explains why there's more to the story
''We all have to help each other grow as eople.,,
preachy? No. I don't think its necessary to browbeat people with a message of hope. It does more harm when you talk at people instead of to them. I don't have to preach to you or scold you to tell you or show you the truth . I want you to see Why did you write this play? I wanted to yourself the way I see you - as someone explore the whole 'baby mama' issue from worthy of the best. I want you to come a different perspective.Most Reople tend to from my show feeling - hopeful. I tr.uly focus on the behavior of the baby mama,' believe that un1ted we stand and d1v1ded but I was fascinated by the attitudes of the we fall because it's not just our future men who go out and create all these babies that's at stake if we don't start correcting and feel no responsibility towards them. I our problems - everyone's future is at realized that this thing ia a lot deeper than stake. It's fine to be entertained, but let's that- it has to do with environment, upget educated while we're being entertained. bringing , and vicious patterns ~nd behaviors that cycle th~ough gene~a~1~ns. So Where can we get tickets?! The show play is about takmg responslbtllty, as a is on February 6 at 3:00p and 7:00p. community, for the ideas that we embrace. Tickets are $15 and you can get them by calling 1.773.703.7631 . The venue is the 'Baby Mama' might give people the imHarvey Community Center located in pression that this concept is a 'black Harvey, Illinois. thang' and that it's not for everybody. I hope not. This play is for everybo~y: T.he What's next for you? I really believe message is universal. The famtly cnsts tn that play writing is my calling and my this country touches every race and every gifting. I'm working on several creat1ve corner of society and I encourage everyprojects as well working on a new to be a part of this discussion. stage play. Before my friend and mentor passed away, she encouraged me to Is your message heavy-handed and live my dream. And I am.
P. ESENTS
GE PLY
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Tabloid scandals involving the rich, wealthy, and elite celebrities among us can someti"!es leave us feeling cheated._ Especially w_hen a celeb's private hfe clashes w1th our perceived image. Melissa Mendez and Glenda Garcia, two Filipina celebrities, prove that politics, profession, and personal life don't have to be mutually exclusive.
As two of the most recognized and sought after actresses - why make the switch to politics and social activism now? This is
What are your top priorities? We
'Glenda
not something we just decided to jump into now. From working with the Breast Cancer Foundation and Gift To Life; to working with relief efforts for the victims of the recent typhoon , Ondoy, my sister, Glenda, and I have always answered the call of public service. When this opportunity_to run for ~n elected pos1t1on arose - 1t was a natural next step to take.
is the fresh • a1r we need
As a new campaign manager, how do you successfully manage her image? That's the part that takes some work. Everyone knows Glenda the award-winning actress, but I have to introduce them to Glenda the dedicated and passionate activist. Her most important work happened behind the cameras - not in front of them.
to
start •
OVIng
in the right irectio
are struggling 'vYith t~e ~ame issues you are struggling w1th 1n the States: housing, health care reform , and a sluggish economy. Glenda wants to make sure her constituents have a roof over their heads; health centers with qualified doctors and access to medications; and that they can put money in their pockets anq food ~n their tables with adequate JOb trainprograms and facilities.
Do ~ou believe Team Glenda can win? Absolutely. People are crying
out for change. Old politi~s ha~e ~o place in this new generation. Its t1me to make a difference. Make a noise and let it be heard. Glenda is already in the Top Ten -now, it's up to toters to make her number one.
How can people get involved? They can vote. That's very important. If they are for Team Glenda, they can volunteer for our campaign. We are always in need of donatiqns and a • helping hand. They can f1nd out more by checking us out on Face book.
webs us
Contributor, Patrice Johnson, serves up her web picks raw with no lead ln. Check •am out and see If you like them. They're guaranteed to be better than a Rick Roll. In no particular order: Google Wave: wave.google.com Stumble Upon: www.stumbleupon.com Memo To Me: www.memotome.com Giveaway Of The Day: www.glveawayoftheday.com Wetoku: wetoku.com Jlng Protect: www.flngprotect.com Befuddlr: befuddlr.com Mint: www.mlnt.com Where•s George?: www.wheresgeorge.com Text Twist: games.yahoo.com/console/tx Skype: www.skype.com Escape The Room Games: www.escapegames24.com
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SERVE'S UP!