PowerPlay Magazine

First Quarter 2014

™

Influential African Americans in Arkansas Carol D. Willis:

The {Political} Godfather

Keepers of the culture

Bow tie Brothers | Natural Sisters | Spoken Word Griots

+PLUS: NEW FEATURES PHOTOS

& MORE!

It doesn’t take much energy to save a lot.

At the Arkansas Energy Office, our

energy tips

mission is to promote energy efficiency, clean technology, and sustainable strategies to spark economic development and save a little money for all Arkansans. It’s a big mission, but there are a few easy ways

Tightening up is the first step in cutting your energy costs.

25-40% of the energy used for heating and cooling is lost due to air leakage.

to save money.

There are so many easy, do-it-yourself ways you

Re-apply caulk around your windows.

can save energy and money. To learn how,

visit ArkansasEnergy.org or call 1.800.558.2633

Contact us about a professional energy audit which will provide a comprehensive report on activities you can undertake to reduce your energy consumption.

Creating Jobs. Building Communities.

Improving Lives.

STAND Foundation board members Michael Williams (Treasurer), Tracy Steele (Consultant), and Kasey Summerville (President) with Steve Jones, DRA Board Designee for Governor Mike Beebe and Federal Co-Chairman Chris Masingill at the announcment of a $109,000 investment in leadership training.

The Delta Regional Authority works to create avenues of prosperity for the 10 million people across the Delta region through investments in infrastructure, transportation, workforce, leadership development, healthcare, and education. In February 2014, DRA invested more than $109,000 in the STAND Foundation to provide leadership and skills training to residents of the Arkansas Delta.

DRA would like to congratulate Arkansas’ PowerPlay Magazine 20 Power Players for their work in helping us at the Delta Regional Authority to make the Delta a great place to live, work, and play.

/Delta.Regional.Authority @DeltaRegional

236 Sharkey Avenue, Suite 400, Clarksdale, MS / 1-888-GOTODRA / www.dra.gov ALABAMA • ARKANSAS • ILLINOIS • KENTUCKY • LOUISIANA • MISSISSIPPI • MISSOURI • TENNESSEE

editor’s letter

Connecting

See It Believe It and

I

KES Photography

Let’s stay connected! @sericiacole @sericia Facebook/SericiaCole

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n the years since this magazine has been off the scene, I’ve missed the chorus of voices that filled its pages. While certainly there have been other publications with African American platforms, it seems that PowerPlay was the one to unabashedly display the accomplishments, aspirations, talent, moxie and determination—the POWER—of African Americans in Arkansas. Apparently, you missed it too, because wherever I went – the hair salon, the bakery, the grocery store, the car dealership, you name it! – you weren’t shy about letting me know.

The issue you hold in your hands is the very reason why each time you’d ask about a comeback, I’d never stray from my standard ‘never say never.’ Life is full of wonderful surprises!

confidence and courage to know that I, too, could be a public relations and communications professional.

Seriously, this is such a wonderful vehicle for the aweinspiring stories and glorious images of greatness that abound in and from Arkansas. As a young woman beginning my career, television and radio were my passions. I was blessed to cut my teeth in TV news production and to learn radio promotions working alongside some of the best in these industries. But once introduced to the public relations field, I instantly fell in love—drawn by the prospect of marrying my writing, speaking and media strategy skills with my interests in bolstering people, organizations and causes. There was only one problem as I saw it: I did not personally know a single African American person working in the PR sector.

Nearly 20 years after meeting my PR fairy godmother, my professional journey has been a ride that’s taken me from TV and radio to PR work, to helping establish a magazine and a local nonprofit (at the same time!), to devising a brand for a college to work in politics to providing leadership for a museum and cultural center. I confess that I didn’t dream I’d undertake most of these opportunities, yet once presented I was not only prepared, I was also empowered, in no small part due to trailblazers and mentors like Charlye, seen in my eyes as inspiring successes.

That all changed one day as I read the daily statewide newspaper and happened upon a photograph of a woman, a beautiful Black woman, whom the accompanying article named as having a role at the largest advertising, marketing and public relations agency in the state. I had to meet her! Long story short, through a heartfelt letter I reached out to Charlye Holmes, and she graciously agreed to visit with me.

I can’t express how much connecting with this PR pro and getting to understand her work gave me the

This story underscores why PowerPlay is so necessary.

It is our earnest desire that you will turn these pages and see faces of those who’ve dared to dream, worked hard to prepare, and who possess the unmitigated audacity to believe in themselves. This magazine is more than a brag book, though; it’s a barometer of how far we can stretch the limits of our imagination and challenge the inherent potential inside of us. It’s why we profiled twenty influential African Americans—to strengthen, encourage and remind us of our individual power to collectively impact our communities, cities, state and world.

Speaking of this journey of mine, the path that brought me to this space has been a winding one (with stops and pauses along the way), yet I’m grateful and excited to be here—in a place where we’ll hold one another up, hold each other down and hold fast to the belief that our success, substance and style deserve this spotlight … that we may see and believe in one another and, ultimately, in ourselves.

Sericia Cole Editor-in-Chief sericia@powerplaymag.com

contributors

f i r s t

q u a r t e r

2 0 1 4

Janis F. Kearney, a native of Gould, Ark., is one of 19 children of cotton sharecroppers. She worked with civil rights icon Daisy Bates at the historic Arkansas State Press, and in 1988,

Founder and Publisher Darren Peters darren@powerplaymag.com Editor-in-Chief Sericia Cole sericia@powerplaymag.com Managing Editor Candace L. Randle candace@powerplaymag.com Creative Director George Frederick Nash of Talk Creatively Design Studio Contributing Writer Jennelle Primm Special Contributors Janis Kearney Roger Robinson (Quality Video) Randall Lee (Contemporary Imaging) Karen Segrave (KES Photography)

Advertising advertising@powerplaymag.com Volume 1B Number 1 First Quarter 2014 © copyright 2014 Powerplay Magazine PowerPlay Magazine is published quarterly by Peter Damon Company LLC ISSN 145-4231

purchased the newspaper. In 1995, Kearney was appointed as personal diarist to President Bill Clinton, serving five years in that role. She is the author of six books and founding publisher of Writing Our World Publishing, LLC. With her background working with one of the world’s most powerful men, we were happy to enlist her to write a profile of a man best known for flexing his political muscle behind the scenes, Carol Willis. To learn more about Kearney and her writings, visit her website, www.writingourworldpress.com.

Little Rock transplant Jennelle Primm makes her debut as a PPM contributing writer. The self-proclaimed “marketing maven and Renaissance woman” is a graduate of Alabama State University in Montgomery with a bachelor’s degree in marketing and business administration. As a child, Primm found her natural writing talent early; she accomplished her first published poetry as an elementary student. Now, with a busy life as a marketing professional, wife and mother of a toddler, writing is her main avocation. Primm also enjoys working with the youth at her church and, as a sports lover, scouting opportunities to coach.

Roger Robinson’s love for photography was ignited by recollections of being a young boy raiding his mother’s photo drawer and sitting with his siblings to laugh at bygone times.

Opinions expressed in articles, commentaries, letters or advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Publisher or the staff. Cover and contents may not be reproduced or reprinted in any form or medium without prior written permission.

PowerPlay Magazine considers unsolicited manuscripts, the however publisher cannot be responsible for the return of unsolicited materials that do not include a self-addressed, postage-paid envelope of sufficient size. Please do not send manuscripts by email. While effort has been made to verify the accuracy of information presented in this issue, neither PowerPlay Magazine, nor its staff, is responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine.

Powerplay Magazine encourages mail from readers.

Please send letters to editor@powerplaymag. com. Include your full name, daytime phone number and mailing address. Letters may be edited for length and clarity.

The shutterbug got his first camera at the age of 14 and was a high school student – he attended Little Rock Central but graduated from Hall – when he first received payment for taking pictures, and voila: a career was born!

Robinson is also a well-known videographer whose Quality Video Services is tapped to record some of the area’s most important special events. And through QVS Photography, Robinson is happy to not only capture smiles, but to put them on the faces of those who, like him, treasure memories. We feature some of his shots in our Power Moves section, but you can shoot him an email at qualityvideo@comcast.net.

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publisher’s note

We’ve made

History together!

T

en years ago (yes, it’s been more than 10 years!), PowerPlay magazine (PPM) was launched in Arkansas with a goal of highlighting the social, political and economic diversity of African Americans in and around the state to offer a unique perspective on how Black people positively use their influence and power to impact and bring about change to our communities.

We’ve had our ups and downs, and owe a special ‘Thank You’ to our readers who have stayed with us throughout it all – for your inspiration, story ideas, encouragement, loyalty and dedication helping make PPM a recognized brand and platform to showcase stories that matter most to us. Let’s recap: Our very first issue highlighted 20 Influential African Americans in Arkansas and was a huge success. Soon after, we launched the annual PowerPlay Awards in red carpet grand style to shine the spotlight on the people and events highlighted in the magazine. Then, there was PowerPlay Lounge and PowerPlay Television (don’t remember it? It’s ok … we might have moved a little too fast with that one! ), and later we branched off into the Washington, D.C., market with the launch of PowerPlay DC. We accomplished all of these things with the help of friends, family and our incredible staff who volunteered their time because they believed in our mission and wanted Arkansas to see the many positive things our culture and community had to offer.

I want to give a special shout out to those who helped make PPM possible over the past 10 years: Definitely could not have done it without Sericia Rouse Cole (she IS PowerPlay magazine!), Lamar Davis, Warwick Sabin, Kimberly King-Davis, Vivian Flowers, Fred Nash, Angelica Gooley, Auna Hearne, the late Olive Hilliard, Dean Wheeler, James Hicks, Vincent Miller, Ricky Honorable, Phyllis Dickerson, 6

www.powerplaymag.com

2003 Premiere Issue

Candace L. Randle, Robin Morrissey Stauffer, Greg Mays, Ralph Armstrong, Jennifer Oglesby Holman, Patricia McCullough, Joi White, Ashan Hampton, James Murray, Shanta and Moussa Baro, Darlene Mahone (PPM Awards), Sally Porter (PPM Awards), Dalencia Hardin (PPM Awards), Celia Anderson, S’cie Ward, Terri Clark, Crystal McCuien, Nnamdi Thompson, Yedea Walker (PPM-TV), Jonathan Isbell, Tamarha Walker, Orlando Jones, Chemia Woods (PPM DC), Kim Betton (PPM DC), the late Kathi Wilkes (PPM DC), Dawn Nicole Myers (PPM DC), Merlisa Lawrence Corbitt (PPM DC), Derrick Robinson (PPM DC) and Christopher Anderson (PPM DC). Along with a special thanks to our dedicated readers, advertisers and sponsors who continue to support us, we can’t forget all of the PowerPlayers who continue to make a difference and allow us to come along for the ride to showcase their stories and highlight their success.

Now after a hiatus, we are back! While we’ve changed slightly, we believe we have added some things you will enjoy. And this issue puts front and center 20 African American Playmakers in Arkansas.

I hope you find the information in PPM stimulating, useful and informative. I still believe that no other publication offers the perspective of PowerPlay.

I am a PowerPlay magazine reader! After this issue, I hope you’ll be one too.

Darren Peters Founder and Publisher darren@powerplaymag.com

contents

The issue

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44

FEATURE

Master of the DansArts

One of the most popular reality TV competitions pairs celebrities with professional dancers in pursuit of a shiny mirror ball trophy. Here in The Natural State, C. Michael Tidwell has dedicated his life’s work to grooming young people for their big breaks on the dance floor. In our Well-Rounded department, we sit down with the beloved instructor and impresario to hear what’s next for his venerable dance company and performance arm.

FEATURE

Brown Sugar, baby!

Power comes in many forms, and the ability to make people clamor and crave for made-from-scratch cupcakes and other desserts is among them. In our Playing With Power feature story, we steal a few moments with the owners of Brown Sugar Bakeshop, Kristi and April Williams, who shed light on how they’ve come to wield influence over those of us who can’t wait to taste what yummy, sweet decadence next emerges from their kitchen.

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COVER ● STORY

Personified: 20 Playmakers

When the editorial staff of PowerPlay decided to once again recognize twenty African Americans in Arkansas— trailblazers of talent, icons of industry, business barons and more!—we knew we would elicit strong feelings and opinions about who would and would not grace our latest list. After spirited debate of our own, we settled on a group that we believe will both inspire and make you proud.

in every issue 4 5 8 9 50

EDITOR’S LETTER CONTRIBUTORS POWER SURGE PAUSE POWER MOVES

ON THIS PAGE: Utilities Superstar: Colette Honorable, Arkansas Public Service Commission Chairman, is one of ‘20 Playmakers’ receiving well-deserved honors and accolades as she surges within her industry.

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Power Surge

Promotions | Appointment | Honors

Formerly of Metropolitan National Bank, Virgil Miller has joined Arvest Bank Group, Inc., as Community Reinvestment Act Director where he will be responsible for CRA compliance for Arkansas’ largest bank with nearly $14 billion in assets.

The Conway Area Chamber of Commerce has hired Jimmy Warren II as its director of membership where he is responsible for member relations, programs, services and benefits, as well as membership investments. The Crossett, Ark., native earned a bachelor’s degree in speech communications from Arkansas Tech University.

A 36-year banking veteran, in addition to Metropolitan National Bank, the Arkansas Tech University graduate has worked at Worthen Bank, Boatmen’s Bank, NationsBank and Bank of America. __________________________________ Martie North of North Little Rock was recently named senior vice president, director of CRA/ community development at Simmons First National Bank. Before this move, North, a graduate of Harding University, spent ten years at Bank of the Ozarks as vice president, director of community development. __________________________________ The University of Central Arkansas has named Kandi N. Hughes as associate general counsel/compliance office where the Little Rock native will have primary responsibility for state, federal and regulatory compliance matters, including Title IX and sexual harassment investigations, affirmative action, equal employment and other legal matters.

Hughes earned a bachelor of arts in public policy studies in 2005 from Duke University and her law degree from the William H. Bowen School of Law at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Prior to joining UCA, Hughes had been an assistant city attorney for Little Rock. __________________________________ Fredda Carroll, Ed.D., has been named Dean of the School of Education at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Carroll holds both bachelor’s and master’s of science in education degrees from Arkansas State University and earned her doctorate in education from the George Peabody College for Teachers at Vanderbilt University.

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Ac h i e v e m e n t s & A p p o i n t m e n t s Sybil Jordan Hampton, Ed.D., of Little Rock has been appointed by the Arkansas Attorney General to a term on the Arkansas Ethics Commission expiring in 2019. Hampton retired in 2006 as president emeritus of the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation. She actively serves on several boards, including the Little Rock Club, the Blue and You Foundation of Arkansas Blue Cross/Blue Shield and the Donald W. Reynolds Institute on Aging Community Advisory Board.

Adena White, director of communications for the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce, has successfully completed the Examination for Accreditation in Public Relations, entitling her to use the APR professional designation.

A member of the Public Relations Society of America, White is serving a three-year term on the board of directors for the Arkansas Chapter of PRSA. She is a graduate of Arkansas Tech University with a bachelor’s degree in speech communication and journalism/PR and holds a master’s degree in application communication studies from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

Jay Clayton Hartman, Sr., was recently appointed by Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe to a four-year term on the Advisory Board of the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center.

Hartman is manager of customer relations at Entergy Arkansas, Inc.

People | News | Events

pause

Arkansan Heads New National Park Dedicated to

One of the country’s newest national parks is now headed by an Arkansan.

Last August, Pine Bluff native Cherie Butler was named superintendent of the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Monument in Maryland. Butler, a 21-year veteran of the National Park Service, had been the acting superintendent for five months prior to being named to the position permanently.

“Cherie has direct experience translating complex and sometimes controversial history into compelling public programming and interpretive media—an essential task in the development of any new national park site,” said Dennis R. Reidenbach, National Park Service northeast regional director.

Butler is a 1989 graduate of Pine Bluff High School, where her father, the late Andrew C. Butler, was a former Zebras track coach. She graduated in 1994 from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff with a bachelor’s degree in communications and has done post-graduate work at Temple University in Philadelphia.

Established by presidential proclamation on March 25, 2013, the monument commemorates the life of the most famous conductor on the Underground Railroad. Located on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, the new monument includes large sections of landscapes that are significant to Tubman’s early life in Dorchester County and evocative of her life as an enslaved person and conductor of the Underground Railroad.

2801 W. 7th Street, Little Rock www.powerplaymag.com

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People | News | Events

Photo courtesy listentoyourmothershow.com

pause

MOTHERHOOD

IS THE STAR

The subject of motherhood can evoke a plethora of stories ranging from humorous and sidesplitting tales to sad, touching or challenging ones, and Listen To Your Mother is a welcome place for them all.

Literary Giants

SNL

Make sure you check out Congressman John Lewis (March: Book One), fiction writer Attica Locke (The Cutting Season, Black Water Rising) and noted illustrator/author Kadir Nelson when they visit Little Rock for the 2014 Arkansas Literary Festival, April 24-27. For information on when and where these and other literary luminaries are scheduled to appear, visit www.arkansasliteraryfestival.org.

P o w er f u l

Wom a n

New

Make Their Way to Arkansas

Cast member

Photo courtesy of sasheer.com

Little Rock will be a host city for Listen To Your Mother, the national series of original live reading events shared locally on stages and globally via social media, at 3 p.m. on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 11 at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre in Little Rock. Can’t make it in person? The show will be recorded and shared with a global audience on its YouTube channel along with other show videos from its 2014 32-city season. Do your homework, eat your vegetables and don’t forget Listen To Your Mother. For more information check out listentoyourmothershow.com.

has Arkansas connection

hen 27-year-old Sasheer Zamata joined the cast of Saturday Night Live early this year, few of us knew that the rising comic could boast of ties to Arkansas. It seems that Zamata (pronounced Za-MATE-ah), SNL’s first Black female cast member since Maya Rudolph’s 2007 departure, is the daughter of Ivory Steward, a Forrest City native and graduate of Arkansas State University. (Zamata’s mother even helped charter the undergraduate chapter of Alpha Kappa Sorority, Inc., at the Jonesboro, Ark., campus in 1973.)

Photo courtesy wal-mart.com

Zamata is a bonified New York sensation and Steward, who lives in Indiana, left Arkansas behind some time ago, but we never joke around when it comes to claiming any of our own and rooting for their success.

One of the most powerful women in business is right here in Arkansas, according to Fortune magazine. Rosalind Brewer, CEO and president of Sam’s Club, a division of Wal-Stores, Inc., made the cut of the publication’s annual “50 Most Powerful Women in Business.” Brewer claimed the 15th spot, just below Xerox chairman and CEO Ursula Burns (#13) but well ahead of Scandal creator Shonda Rhimes who slid in at #50, and took honors that even Oprah Winfrey can’t claim. (The media mogul was omitted from Fortune’s list.) It was another banner year for the 51-year-old Bentonville resident who in 2013 was also named one of the world’s “100 Most Powerful Women” by Forbes magazine, sitting at #44 on its yearly ranking of female powerbrokers.

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WORD

I’m from a small town in Batesville, Arkansas and more than anything I wanted to get out of the small town and go to college. I did. I said, ‘I want to go to college and I want to go play college football and go get a college degree.’

And that happened for me.

Charlie Strong, head football coach, University of Texas Longhorns, in an interview with an Austin-area TV station. The University of Central Arkansas graduate was lured from the top job at Louisville in January for a five-year contract with Texas reportedly worth $5 million annually plus incentives.

People | News | Events

pause

hen traveling few of us pay any attention to the tire treads, twisted metal and scrap parts that litter the sides of highways. But most of us aren’t as astute or as visionary as Danny Campbell. With an eye for unusual beauty in what amounts to trash in the eyes of others, Campbell has sculpted quite an unorthodox niche for himself in the world of art.

The husband and father of two spends a good deal of time sifting through materials he has collected.

Although the process can be painstaking and the materials difficult to manipulate, Campbell says he lets the process unfold organically. He knows that a piece is finished, “When it says so…there is a rest you feel. It’s not really a visual thing, it’s emotional.”

An art professor at his alma mater, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Campbell holds a master’s degree in education leadership from Charleston Southern University and an MFA from Howard University. But well before careers in education and art that have taken him around the country, he was a boy growing up in a south Arkansas bayou near Dumas. In childhood, Campbell’s flair for the creative showed itself; he would often craft his own toys or take apart the trinkets and gadgets of his family members and re-fashion them to his liking.

As Campbell can attest, tire treads are not only an eyesore on America’s roadways, they are a potential hazard to motorists. He hopes in the years since he’s gathered remnants from roads across the country that he has perhaps saved a life or two. But what we know for sure is that by creating art with found materials, Campbell not only pioneers the use of recycled and reused goods in art pieces, he champions a greener, safer, more beautiful world for all.

As an adult, one defining moment in his life was a turning point: a near accident on an interstate caused by tire tread flying from an eighteen-wheeler that struck the hood of his vehicle. Campbell can now relate the story with a dose of humor, but at that moment, fear was the emotion that struck him. Plagued by nightmares of the incident, Campbell decided to return to the scene of incident that haunted him and collected the first of his assemblage of tire treads. Quite literally, Campbell repurposed his nightmares, using the tire treads and other scrap parts he collected to transform them into one of a kind sculptures. “After I found a relationship with the material, the material lent itself to my process of making art,” he says.

I feel freer. I feel able to express a medium because not many artists are using tire treads. I can explore a diverse means to get to an artwork; I’m not confined to the canvas now, angles and edges in a square.

I can work outside the box.

”Repurposed Wonders: The Sculpture of Danny Campbell” is currently on exhibit at Mosaic Templars Cultural Center in Little Rock through April 2014. For more information, call (501) 683-3593.

By: Danny Campbell

#FOLLOW THESE LEADERS

We know your parents taught you to be a leader and not a follower, but we’ve found some folks worth keeping up with on social media. Here are some of our favorites, but shoot us an email at editor@powerplaymag.com and let us know who you’re happy to keep tabs on.

Dell Smith

@sherrafly

@plpointer

For his comic relief, we find ourselves clutching our pearls in shock and holding onto our sides in laughter at the hilarious commentary served daily by one of Arkansas’ most gifted musical talents. But we warn you, if you’re sensitive or faint of heart, this page is not for you. Dell Smith

For a never disappointing showcase of an epicurean’s fantastic palette, we totally dig the photo journal kept by @sherrafly, the better half of Arkansas legislator Eddie Armstrong.

Sherra Armstrong

For his multi-dimensional perspective on a host of topics ranging from sound scriptural advice to the NFL to Janelle Monae, we are besotted by the Twitter timeline of @plpointer, the senior pastor of Little Rock’s St. Mark Baptist Church. Phillip L. Pointer

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well-Rounded

fashion | beauty | arts & culture | entertainment | books | leisure

well-round • ed (wĕl′roun′dĭd) adjective

1. Fully developed and balanced in a range or variety of subjects.

2. Steeped in culture.

3. Well-spoken.

4. Well-read.

5. Well-dressed.

True power players know how important it is to be well-rounded.

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C

Arts & Culture

well-rounded

Michael Tidwell: Master of the DansArts

I

n 1994, when C. Michael Tidwell set out to open a dance studio for African American students, he had no idea how quickly that dream would expand. The Centre for the DansArts, dedicated to teaching dance genres including ballet, jazz, and hip hop, was created to make the art form accessible and affordable for minority students. When a group of physicians caught wind of the work Tidwell was doing and recognized the need for greater exposure, a performance arm of the company was established. The Tidwell Project goes

PPM: More than 20 years later, are the Tidwell Project and the Centre for the DansArts what you expected when you first started this journey?

CMT: Starting out, I knew the journey was going to be long and hard. I would say it has been a success because I have students who have graduated and are now working in professional occupations, and they have been able to come back and participate on the board, and give their time to continuing to grow the program. Dance studios are always a hard business; I knew that in the beginning. Your membership is constantly up and down. We might have too many students one year and not enough the next. After a while parents stop being able to afford it or students fall off. But, I have stuck in there and persevered. That struggle is really just part of the business. I knew that going in.

by: Jennelle Primm

beyond giving students the chance to perform for scores of audiences; it also affords them the chance to learn life lessons, enjoy cross-cultural experiences and earn scholarships to continue their education.

After 20 years and a countless number of students later, Tidwell is still hard at work teaching dance, impacting lives, and enhancing the community. Contributing writer Jennelle Primm speaks with the performing arts godfather about his start and vision for the future.

PPM: Many would be surprised to know that you didn’t begin dance until you were in high school. You have been such an inspiration to so many, what inspired you to pursue dance?

CMT: Well, I always wanted to dance. But being an African American male, 5- or 6-years-old during the Civil Rights era, there was no where that an African American, especially a male, could go to take dance. I remember when I was 9or 10-years-old, I was at the School for the Deaf and Blind, over on Adams because that’s where Black students went at the time. There was a lady offering classes. I took the class and she said I had a natural talent. But again, there was nowhere I could go to develop that talent. When I got to high school, I heard about the [Arkansas] Arts Center.

There was a teacher there who allowed me to come in and take classes. By this time, I had to catch up. I was 17 and just getting started. Most others had already been dancing about five or six years. But I worked really hard, and eventually received a scholarship to study in Chicago.

From there things just kind of took off. I was fortunate enough to study with renowned dancers like Luigi at the Luigi Dance Centre in New York, Alvin Ailey of New York and many others. Starting late you don’t have long. By the time I was 26 or 27, I had worked my body so hard trying to catch up that my body started to break down. I had a knee injury and that is what brought me back to Arkansas.

So I came back to Little Rock and was the lead dancer with Ballet Arkansas.

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well-Rounded

Arts & Culture

(Tidwell Cont.)

PPM: What is the most rewarding part of your work?

CMT: When I see that child working hard toward a goal and then that light bulb goes off: They get it. I know they get it. And they begin to run with it. That is exciting for me. That knowledge and ability to work toward a goal gives them an arsenal of weapons they can use to prepare for life. Whether it is college or a job, I know those skills will help carry them. Plus, those kids who have gone through the program and are now professionals like pharmacists and teachers make me happy because I know the program played some part in that.

PPM: How do you see the program evolving over the next 20 years?

CMT: I would like to be able to expand enough to start a tutoring program in the dance studio. As a public school teacher [at Little Rock’s Parkview Arts & Science Magnet High School], I know where the discrepancies are between African American students and nonAfrican American students. I know our math scores and literacy scores are lower than they need to be. I would like to have a place where students who come to the studio can stay and get the help they need in those areas. This would mean I would need a computer lab and to hire tutors. That all takes more money and more time, but that is the next step I would like to take. As a dance studio, I would also like to bring in more professional artists from around the world to come in and do workshops and teach classes. There is so much these students can learn. I truly believe dance can prepare them for anything they face along their journey. So, an after-school program for tutoring math, science, and literacy skills is the next big goal, but money is the biggest issue.

PPM: You sacrifice and dedicate so much time to your students and your program. What do you like to do in your spare time?

CMT: Sunday mornings, after worship and meditation, I call that my day.

Sometimes I have errands to run or we may have a function on Sundays, but because I am so busy during the week, I like to just take that time out on Sunday afternoons. Sitting on the couch with a cup of hot chocolate and my feet up on the table is my favorite moment. I’m constantly dealing with music or reading and looking for new ideas. That down time on Sunday afternoon is my time.

PPM: If students only learn or take away one thing from your program, what would you want that one thing to be?

CMT: Every dance teacher wants kids to be able to dance, but I think that sense of self: Self-confidence. Self-discipline. Self-awareness.

That sense of who they are, what their goals are and the discipline to move forward toward those goals and to conquer those goals is what I hope every student can learn.

Centre for the DansArts 6100 West 12th Street Little Rock, AR 72204 (501) 663-5516 Facebook: Centre for the DansArts The Tidwell Project, Inc. 6705 West 12th St., Suite 4 Little Rock, AR 72204 (501) 663-5516 or (501) 664-0478 www.thetidwellproject.org 14

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well-Rounded

Books

“….and then we heard the rain falling and that was the blood falling; and when we came to get in the crops, it was dead men that we reaped.” ● Harriet Tubman

T

hese heart-wrenching words of Harriet Tubman find their way into the appellation of author Jesmyn Ward’s new memoir, Men We Reaped. Ward, whose last novel, Salvage the Bones, won the 2011 National Book Award, illustrates her poignant upbringing in the depths of southern Mississippi in Men We Reaped. Her experiences of both casual and brazen racism while growing up in the South are chronicled in a little more than 200 poetic pages.

The book’s core focuses on the deaths of five young Black men in Ward’s life who died much too soon, including her younger brother, Joshua. These five deaths, all within four years, highlight the all-too familiar stereotype—and sometime reality—that young Black men die prematurely. While all deaths were of differing causes, from suicide to drunk drivers, Ward exposes the hidden truth behind the real single killer – their race.

Ward’s writing is ambitious, taking the reader through a journey of death, growth, poverty and despair in a captivating way.

She takes the reader full circle multiple times, often returning to the same point in time, but it is never dull or tedious. As is commonplace in most memoirs, there are the conventional challenges faced by protagonists of broken families, poverty and general awkwardness that defines coming of age. However, Ward creatively broaches these topics with vivid imagery and literal brilliance.

The frailty of the African American family is another key thread weaved throughout the pages. Ward’s own father left her mother with four children and moved back to Louisiana, and she attended an all-white private school on tuition paid by the white families that employed her mother to clean their houses.

MEN WE REAPED: A MEMOIR

By JESMYN WARD 272 pages | Bloomsbury USA | $26 Published September 2013 Available at Pyramid Art, Books & Custom Framing 1001 Wright Avenue, Little Rock (501) 372-5824

Although Ward shares some of the most funereal times in her life, she does so lovingly and with great appreciation—and it was that appreciation that pulled her back to the South after migrating to California and Michigan where she pursued higher education at the University of Michigan and Stanford University.

The systemic deaths of young black men illustrated in Ward’s third title still ring true in America today. But beyond the somber yet realistic subject matter, Jesmyn Ward’s writing is gripping and fascinating, drawing one in a way that only raw talent like hers can. ● reviewed by Jennelle Primm

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Beauty

The Business of Natural Beauty rom food and beverages to home cleansing products, the consumer marketplace is replete with products touted as being “natural.” Indeed, natural has become the buzzword of choice these days, certain to garner people’s attention and, as marketers would have it, their dollars.

Most notable are the natural trends that have taken the fashion and beauty world by storm. From hair to face and skin, a bounty of beauties are appearing on runways, television and film and magazine pages sporting fresh faces and chemical-free tresses. But for many, being natural is more than just a buzzword or fickle trend; rather, it is a lifestyle—one that has opened doors for a new cadre of African American entrepreneurs whose personal experiences have inspired their small businesses.

Leah Patterson is one of such entrepreneurs. An esthetician and professional dancer, Patterson says she committed to a natural lifestyle in 2007 but struggled with finding natural cosmetics.

“During that time, I was constantly wearing make-up for performances. The natural make-up choices lacked color and variety,” said Patterson. “I realized there was a void in the industry for natural make-up that met the needs of real women.” Thus, Etniq Minerals Cosmetics was born, a natural make-up line designed to be versatile and sweat proof. Crafted by Patterson herself, who studied chemical engineering at Howard University, the Etniq line is formulated from pure minerals and focuses on the preservation of healthy skin.

Nakia Amour Smith-Dedner also faced struggles when she embarked on her natural hair journey. “In 2009, I transitioned from chemically-relaxed hair to chemical- free hair; however, I was spending a fortune on products that didn’t work for me,” Dedner recalled.

Though hers is a familiar refrain among those wishing to leave behind chemical-laden hair care products, Dedner’s approach to remedying her challenges was life- changing. “I started researching online and started coming across these sacred groups of women who were mixing their own products and I figured I could do it too,” reasoned Dedner.

Not long after, she began selling her own products.

“I started off selling face-to-face, then later branched off and started selling to retailers.” Today, Dedner’s Nakia Amour Natural Hair Care line offers six products that are free of synthetics, sulfates and other harmful chemicals.

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by: Jennelle Primm While Patterson and Dedner have found niches in the booming natural beauty market which researchers expect to become a multi-billion dollar industry—the natural hair segment alone currently accounts for more than $649 million dollars of the industry —the question begs as to why being natural is only now becoming a viable option for women of color.

Patterson has her own theory. “I believe it is part of people realizing that the lifestyle they have now, the obesity rate, the other issues that are now part of our community, are the direct result of all the chemicals that are in our environment,” she said. “The beauty industry is the last frontier in making those changes.”

Based on demand for natural beauty products, retailers are responding: both women’s products are available in central Arkansas at outlets such as The Green Corner Store and Drug Emporium, as well as health food behemoth Whole Foods Market.

“For a long time, the standard of beauty was geared toward the masses with very little consideration and variety in hues, tones and textures. The idea of unique wasn’t near where it is today,” mused Dedner. “However, the natural beauty business is a niche that commanded attention. Especially with our world becoming more diverse and blended, there was a huge need for natural products and pioneers like Lisa Price, Miko Branch, Titi Branch, Mahisha Dellinger and others who all felt this need and decided to do something about it.”

While Dedner did not credit herself as a pioneer, natural hair and beauty enthusiasts can also be grateful that she and Patterson did not simply give up when their natural product searches yielded very few options. Instead, their challenges and business ventures have inspired strategies to help other women pursue more naturally successful transitions.

Learn more about Etniq Minerals at local retailers, or contact Leah Patterson at info@ etniqminerals.com. More information can also be found at www.etniqminerals.com.

Nakia Amour Natural Hair Care is available at local retailers or through www. naturalkinkyandcurly.com. For additional information, contact Nakia Smith – Dedner at nakia@naturalkinkyandcurly.com

www.powerplaymag.com

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Culture

FOREIGN

Empowering a Generation TONGUES through Voices and Verses G by: Jennelle Primm

oogle the term “spoken word” and you will get over 84 million results including websites, video clips, images and, of course, its own Wikipedia entry. While spoken word is nothing new, the poetic outlet is flying high in a new way throughout central Arkansas, and most of the thanks is due to an assemblage of local poets known as Foreign Tongues.

As a seven-member group comprised of Marquese McFerguson (A.P.O.L.L.O), Leron McAdoo (Ron Mc), Chris James, Stacey McAdoo, Crystal Mercer, Sandrekkia Morning and Shawnie McCoy (Tru Poet), Foreign Tongues has been performing together at national poetry slam competitions and local open mic events for nearly three years. They are also the driving force behind the quarterly, popular poetry showcase known as Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Piece. Equal parts open mic, talent show and concert, Speak Now… is the product of the group’s drive to bring poetry to the people— specifically young people.

“Poetry is literature,” says group member McFerguson. “We see it as a way for youth to relate to a subject they may otherwise think is boring. Poetry, specifically performance poetry, shows

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them that literature can be engaging, exciting and fun.” Judging from the less than stellar literacy Benchmark examination scores across the state, Foreign Tongues may have struck the right chord.

“We are still strategizing the best way to reach those kids,” he says.

Anyone who has attended a Speak Now… would believe that Foreign Tongues has already found that winning strategy. The youth whom the troupe selects to perform with them come from the area school districts and ascend the stage with the passion of seasoned veterans. The students often perform to the point of being visibly moved; their raw emotion evident in their original writings which give voice to their struggles. They leave little doubt that the opportunity to be on stage removes an immense load from their shoulders and provides a much-needed outlet for creative self-expression.

Foreign Tongues is taking its act even further by stepping off the stage and impacting young people where they are,

including hosting workshops in conjunction with their Speak Now… events to help participants hone their craft. In addition, group member Chris James has launched Poetry Saves Lives, a youth group that meets weekly and focuses on poetry as an outlet for at-risk youth. Their work includes open mic nights for youth as well as assisting with the Little Rock School District poetry slam.

McFerguson believes that exposure to poetic outlets would have been beneficial to him as a youngster. “I would have been sharper intellectually,” he reflects. “I would have flourished more and searched for knowledge more. I definitely would have been healthier mentally and probably performed better academically.”

As a group and individually, the members of Foreign Tongues are doing their part to encourage and create avenues for selfexpression, be it continuing their participation in national competitions or increasing their local presence. At the end of the day, McFerguson says the goal is to “save some of those knuckleheads like myself and set them on the path to success.”

Sounds like poetic justice.

We have negative things happen in our lives, which sometimes can result in negative ways to deal with them. I personally started writing to help deal with the loss of my parents. Being able to express those emotions is healthy. It was healthy for me and it can be healthy for [young people].

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• Marquese McFerguson, Foreign Tongues

{

Tying Bow Ties.

We see them grace the pages of fashion magazines, know them as a stereotype of college professors and expect them to populate at formal, black-tie functions. But as of late, it seems the swankier and seemingly old-fashioned style of neckwear is becoming less and less of an anomaly and more and more of a definite fashion “do.”

Knot

The bow tie steps up and out by: Jennelle Primm

For those of you who are ready to step out and make your own neck statement, our experts offered a few tips. “Start simple,” says Arnold. “Learn how to tie one. Don’t be afraid to start with a pre-tied, but if you can tie a shoe, you can tie a bow-tie.”

Sellers, whose men’s line blazed the runway in the 2013 Designers Choice Fashion Preview, advises men to “be themselves.” He adds, “Make your own statement. Don’t worry about it being too perfect. If it’s too perfect, it won’t have that personal touch.”

Despite its humble beginnings, preference for a bow tie is surging, so much so that it’s become commonplace to see them around the necks of some of the world’s biggest names. From intellectual powerhouses like Cornell West to entertainment giants such as Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake, many stars are embracing the bow tie, stepping out bedecked with perfectly coiffed knots.

Despite the scores of fashionable men who are now ditching their long neck ties, bow tie wearing is not for the faint of heart. When asked what type of statement a man who wears a bow tie makes, Sellers responded, “Reckless abandon. When you wear a bow tie, you are automatically inviting people to look at you, because they are not used to seeing them. You are welcoming all comments

The

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and criticism. You have to be prepared for even the harshest critic.” Recalling the first time he wore a bow tie, “my mother told me she hated it. But now of course, years later, she is my biggest fan.”

You may be surprised to know that the sophisticated neck knot has not always been about pomp and high fashion. During its creation in the early 18th century, bow ties had purpose. “It was utilitarian, and served simply as a way to keep closed the collar on a shirt,” says central Arkansas-based fashion designer Erik Sellers. “It started almost as a scarf or a piece of cloth that was tied on, then evolved to the bow tie and later to the necktie.”

Some aren’t surprised at the sudden ubiquity of bow ties and would argue that it’s always been a staple among the more sartorially discriminate.

According to Tramon Arnold, bow tie aficionado and founder of The Bow Tie Haberdashery in Little Rock, “Bow ties are classic. The younger generation wears them now because they are considered the new style. But, bow ties are like wingtips, they never go out of style.” Arnold, who began wearing bow ties in 1994, started making them for himself when he couldn’t find styles that met his standard. “A bow tie represents class and ‘dignification,’ if that’s a word. It signifies one’s ‘gentlemanship.’”

Fashion

Whatever your preference, whether you want to step up your neck wear or prefer to remain classic around the collar, it’s no doubt the bow tie has carved its own unique place in fashion culture.

Erik Sellers is owner of J.M. Gentry’s which produces custom clothing and accessories for men and women. Reach him at jmgentleman@gmail.com or find him on Facebook.com/JMGentrys.

Erik Sellers

Tramon Arnold is founder of The Bow Tie Haberdashery which creates tailor made bow ties for its clientele. Purchase his designs on Etsy or contact him at thebowtiehaberdashery@gmail.com.

The Bow Tie Haberdashery www.powerplaymag.com

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the

Politician’s Politician By: Janis F. Kearney | janis@writingourworldpress.com

Arkansas has seen great politicians come and go, many making lasting changes impacting the state and the world. Most rose to prominence with the advice and wise counsel of one or more political savants. One of the most recognized of these savvy advisors is Carol D. Willis: loyal to a fault and committed to making a difference beyond getting his candidates elected.

“P

Randall Lee/Contemporary Imaging

olitics is in my blood, thanks to my father – a minister and contractor – and to some extent my mother, the second female AME minister appointed in the district, and the first woman in the area to lead a march protesting a police shooting of a young Black child in 1980,” Willis recalls.

behind him. The career politician is most recognized as one of Bill Clinton’s “right hand men.” His affiliation with the 42nd President of the United States goes back to his law school days in Fayetteville, Ark., where he dubbed Clinton, “a different kind of white politician.”

Growing up on the outskirts of McGehee, Ark., he watched his parents, Carol Willis and Emma Platt Willis, give back when they had little to give— to both Blacks and Whites—and never asking for anything in return. Leaving Arkansas, he says, allowed him to see beyond Black and White to learn that the needy come in all colors and cultures. ___

“I met Clinton before his political life, during his years as a law professor at the University of Arkansas. He was already showing signs of reaching out beyond the people in his circle, or even in his community,” said Willis. The two men shared a commitment to change, and Willis has been at it ever since—as a candidate for local offices and as an aide to a governor, president and many national political candidates.

Described by some as unapologetically driven, Carol Willis’ work has always been about doing whatever it takes to make things better for those that come

“My first political experience was in 1964. I joined a protest against the firing of the Black school’s superintendent.

Later, in 1976, I ran for Desha County

Judge winning 48% of the vote, and later, in 1978, I ran for County Clerk.”

These experiences have been invaluable to not only Willis, but to those he’s advised and mentored in the years since. ___ Trustworthy, loyal, committed

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ormer President William J. Clinton remembers Willis during those early days in Fayetteville. “I met Carol Willis when he was a law student at the University of Arkansas. Carol was one of the first people in Arkansas who believed I had a shot at Arkansas politics, and he worked for – and with – me for over 30 years. There is no person I ever worked with who was more trustworthy, more loyal, and more willing to give me a piece of his mind if he felt it was needed. I am so grateful for all he did for me during my political career, and so honored to call him ‘friend.’ ”

A door opener In addition to his political acumen, Willis is also known for opening doors of opportunity for many up-and-coming, talented and bright African Americans with interests in the political arena.

Although politics wasn’t how Cecil McDonald first came to know Willis—they met through their parents’ funeral service businesses—he was nevertheless impressed.

“I was young, but noticed how he sat at our table talking to my father about everything concerning Black people.” The two went on to work together in both Arkansas and D.C. and McDonald says Willis’ greatest contribution was “taking a local, county,

Nash describes his longtime colleague as “committed…he was always committed to doing whatever it took to win for his candidate. He was a workaholic, getting up at 5 a.m., and working until the wee hours of the morning. His team understood the sacrifices he demanded. He was always focused on turning out voters who normally did not vote.”

Another protégé, Darren Peters, publisher of this magazine, remembers Joyce Willis as the one who directed him to her husband after learning he was a political science major at Hendrix College. The Little Rock native volunteered in Willis’ political shop just briefly before being sent to canvass votes in Georgia during the ’92 presidential campaign. “Although other higher profile dignitaries get most of the credit, Carol Willis was the pivotal organizer of the African American community to get Bill Clinton the Democratic nomination and, thus, the presidency,” says Peters.

Willis’ loyalty, determination and willingness to help others sound a familiar refrain. Darrin Williams, an Arkansas legislator and Southern Bancorp CEO, is another who can testify.

Bob J. Nash is another political powerhouse and businessman who can vouch for Willis’ knack for making magic happen for a candidate in whom he believes. The two met in 1976 when Nash convinced Willis to get involved in Clinton’s race for Arkansas attorney general.

“I worked alongside Willis for years in the Clinton governor’s office, and later in President Clinton’s administration as Undersecretary for USDA and Director of White House Personnel,” says Nash, recalling that “Carol said Bill Clinton had helped Black law school students with course work after-hours and had made a commitment to recruit the first Black assistant attorney generals in the history of the state. Clinton did in fact hire the first Black assistant attorney generals in Arkansas. He kept his word, and so did Carol Willis.”

local level and across the globe, current and former elected officials, CEOs, educators and more.” Ervin Webb also worked with Willis in the national DNC office and says his boss helped pave the way for then-Governor Clinton to seek and obtain the support of the African American community.

statewide campaign system to the national and global level, and ensuring that it was successful.”

Earl Taylor was one of many young assistants to work with Willis during the 1992 presidential campaign. “Carol was a champion of forgotten people; an adamant voice for justice, fairness and opportunity.

A new generation of African American operatives got a chance to work and succeed at the highest levels of American politics because of Carol’s vision,” says Taylor.

Rodney Shelton, a former deputy political director for the Democratic National Committee, couldn’t agree more. “Mr. Willis is one of those—I will borrow from the current TVONE series Unsung—unsung heroes in Democratic politics, especially when it comes to his direct influence in opening doors of opportunities for young men and women of color. The list of those lives he has directly or indirectly touched stretches from the national level to the

“Counted as members of Willis’ team, who he affectionately refers to as ‘buffalo soldiers’ are congressman, legislators, councilmen, lobbyists, business and religious leaders and more. We were all given an opportunity to learn, be tutored and engage in the political process at the highest levels by Mr. Willis.

He has always been willing to give a young person a chance and for some of us, several chances.”

Always a leader

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f Carol and Emma Willis’ five children, all are college graduates.

Most attended Philander Smith College in Little Rock and became educators—except a daughter, a mezzosoprano that attended The Juilliard School, who’s now a minister, and Carol Willis, who attended law school at the University of Arkansas and received his juris doctorate from Southern University.

Now 63, Willis is CEO of the family business, the Willis Funeral Home in McGehee, and enjoys his and his wife’s most rewarding title by far, that of grandparents to their two grandchildren.

He continues to counsel young politicians www.powerplaymag.com

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and political figures – including Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe, whom he also met at the University of Arkansas School of Law and names as one of Arkansas’ greatest leaders – but says politics has changed since he got his start.

“Many new politicians simply don’t respond to the same thing … but, we have to keep doing what we know is right, looking out for the underdog, those people who can’t look out for themselves.”

Seeing promise in young politicians and political students who are on the horizon, he remains optimistic about the state of American and Arkansas politics. Most importantly, he looks forward to passing the baton; sitting back and watching the new political leaders change the world for the better.

“My father gave me one piece of advice when I went off to college: ‘You’re not the smartest in the bunch, and you don’t really have any talents; but, I expect you to be the leader.’” Willis has certainly been that for his family, as well as a long list of those who have also benefited from his talent and smart counsel.

More evidence that Carol D. Willis has paved the way for young African Americans in politics? Listen to what a new generation of leaders has to say: “Carol Willis is a master political tactician who offers no apologies for pushing the envelope to achieve a level playing field and the inclusion of African Americans.

His years of labor building a national political network were pivotal in making then-Gov. Clinton an acceptable Southern governor running for president.” • Glenn Rushing, who was an aide to former Mississippi governor Ray Mabus when Willis met him, recognized his talent and asked his help with the launch of the Clinton presidential campaign.

“Mr. Willis is yet very influential in the African American political tapestry. He made sure that African Americans had a seat at the table…and built leaders by mentoring young people and teaching them accountability, respect, loyalty and the importance of giving back.” • Natasha Smith, who came to Willis’ office by way of recommendation from Bob Nash and another Arkansan, Harold Gist.

“For many of us, he has served as a bridge to areas that would have been once seen as

un-crossable; helping individuals such as me to have the opportunity to cross such political bridges that can lead to some very exciting careers and positions of political leaderships.” • Marcus McClendon, who says while working as a lead advance for Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign, it was Willis to whom he looked for political and personal advice and mentoring.

“Carol Willis is exceptional, bringing many young African Americans into every level of the political mainstream, creating opportunities that gave us real experience, leadership, visibility, a seat at the table and a chance to be a part of history. He is a treasure to American politics.” • Candace L. Randle, who met Willis through Peters and worked with him during the 2008 presidential campaign.

“My apprenticeship to Willis allowed me to learn about campaigning, state government, and politics. Willis is a unique guy who never needed the spotlight or to be the guy out front. He always seemed to blend in with the folks that were doing the nitty-gritty work.”

• Allie Freeman III, who was a college student when he was introduced to Willis by then-Gov. Clinton.

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Influential African Americans in Arkansas

by: Candace L. Randle

The editors at PPM selected the twenty individuals on the following pages as ‘Influential African Americans in Arkansas’ based upon their record of achievements, public service, professional accomplishments, promise, drive and tenacity.

Throughout their respective careers, these men and women have established a standard of excellence and made their mark upon the business, political, media, entertainment, health and education landscapes of not only Arkansas, but the world.

They are influential. They are exceptionally talented. They give back to their community and they use their influence to inspire future generations and make a difference.

We believe they are ones to watch … now and in the future. www.powerplaymag.com

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Brandon D. Campbell Founder, Little Rock Fashion Week

Photo by: Angie Davis

B

randon D. Campbell is a talented producer with an impressive career in fashion, entertainment and televised events production.

His work has been featured on TV’s most recognized networks including NBC, ABC, FOX and E! Entertainment, to name a few.

he founded Oneofakind™ Talent Inc., a boutique modeling and talent firm. Oneofakind™ models are booked and regularly featured with major brands and department stores that include Wal-Mart, Dillard’s, Axe and Proctor & Gamble.

2009 marked Campbell’s return to Little Rock where he launched the critically-acclaimed Little Rock Fashion Week. Initially funded solely by his personal savings and tax refunds, LRFW has become one of the most influential fashion experiences in the mid-south, showcasing over 75 fashion labels by local, national and international emerging designers. LRFW has garnered the attention of industry executives from Los Angeles, New York, and Miami, and as part of its annual production, LRFW supports several charities and opportunities for youth and those less fortunate around the state.

“To be influential is to be a leader in your own right. To have conviction in what you do in hopes to have a positive impact on others,” said Campbell, a sentiment which led to his Oneofakind™ Fellowship Foundation, which provides scholarships to students aspiring to obtain careers in fashion, entertainment and media.

“I believe that I am able to influence my state by bringing people from different ethnic, age, political, religion and socioeconomic groups together to celebrate through my fashion ventures. I’m proud to have discovered my passion and to be able to enrich people’s lives.”

When he’s not producing, writing, or creating opportunities, Campbell shares his experiences at colleges and workshops nationwide. In 2010 26

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...

• Campbell earned his B.A. in journalism and mass communications, with an emphasis in international studies and entrepreneurial certification, from the University of Iowa.

• He began his career as a features and entertainment reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen, editor of the UI National Association of Black Journalist’s Nuru, and worked as a general assignment reporter for The Daily Iowan.

Chane “Piph” Morrow Entertainer & Activist

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orn Chane Morrow in Freehold, New Jersey, to Curtis and Beverly Morrow, the artist now known as “Piph” (shortened from “Ephipany”) moved with his family to Pine Bluff, Ark., when he was seven years old.

The 1997 Pine Bluff High School class valedictorian went on to receive his B.S. in mechanical engineering from Stanford University in 2001.

In pursuit of a career in hip-hop, he relocated to New York and established Conduit Entertainment with Brian “BDot” Rikuda. Since moving to Little Rock in 2004, the label currently has a roster of three acts consisting of four artists.

In 2012, Piph was invited by the United States Embassy in Africa to teach, create, and perform hip-hop in Banjul, Gambia and was invited back to Africa later that same year to perform in Mauritius and Seychelles. It was during his travels when he decided to take a sabbatical in an effort to create “a healthier, more sustainable” lifestyle for himself and decided to pivot his entertainment career into multi-media projects, expanding beyond albums.

He also wanted to focus more on his charitable and philanthropic causes, the first of which, Global Kids Arkansas, is scheduled to debut in 2014. Piph began working with Global Kids to bring the Global Gateways Summer Institute to Little Rock, a 4-6 week international affairs and leadership development program that exposes underserved high school students to core concepts in foreign and domestic policy, introduces them to international career opportunities and offers a lifechanging opportunity to study overseas.

“Being influential means being mindful of the effect of my words and actions on others without becoming trapped by their expectations and frailties. I’ve got to grow as God intended whether my acknowledged impact is large or small.” he says. “I’m using this greater influence within the state to connect and empower certain individuals and communities and to surround myself with others who challenge me to grow.”

...

• Piph performed in Bangkok, Thailand in 2013 • His new multi-media project, “I Am Not Them” is scheduled to be released in 2014

Charles O. Stewart

CEO, Stewart Real Estate Development, LLC

C

harles O. Stewart is CEO of Stewart Real Estate Development, LLC. He was previously interim chief executive officer of Heifer International, a global development organization, and retired in 2008 as executive vice president at Regions Bank. The Little Rock native is also a founding board member and chairman of the Board of Little Rock Preparatory Academy, an open enrollment public charter school, and is the co-founder and chairman of the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame and its Arkansas Black Hall of Fame Foundation, Inc. “Through the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame Foundation, I use my influence to raise funds to fund non-profit organizations working to improve education, health and wellness, youth development and economic development in Black and other underserved communities throughout Arkansas. Hundreds of thousands of dollars have been donated and have impacted over 49 of Arkansas’ 75 counties.”

...

• Stewart was appointed to the Health Policy Board of the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement, Legislative Traumatic Brain Injury Taskforce by Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe.

• He has participated in numerous international trade and goodwill missions around the world including to Japan, China, Poland, Romania, Russia, Italy, Tanzania, Republic of South Africa, Kenya, Zambia, Rwanda, Mexico, Ecuador and Thailand.

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Stewart is recognized in the community for his public service and leadership to numerous boards such as Philander Smith College, Arkansas Arthritis Foundation, Pulaski County Council on Aging, UALR Alumni Association, Arkansas Regional Minority Supplier Development Council, Arkansas Humanities Council, and the National Conference for Community and Justice, and others.

“To me, being influential means to be able to affect people, events, conditions, circumstances or things…With time and age, I have acquired decades experience in many areas and have gained wisdom through those positive and negative experiences,” Stewart says, continuing, “My goal is to use my influence to affect education and character development for our children, health and wellness for our people and to be a part of the economic development taking place in the downtown area of Little Rock.”

In relation to economic development, Stewart, who is currently working to develop an apartment complex in downtown Little Rock, wants be a part of the renaissance taking place in the heart of the city. “I feel that it is critical that our people are a part of this rebirth and economic regeneration.”

c.J. Duvall, jr.

Chief Advisor, The Duvall Family Charitable Endowment

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orn and raised in St. Louis, Mo., C.J. Duvall has lived, worked and served internationally in Europe and Asia, and domestically in New Jersey, New York, California and Arkansas. In his dual-vocation as a member of the clergy and a businessman, Duvall has served as a senior pastor in the United Methodist Church and as an executive officer in a Fortune 250 company. His present focus is as chief advisor of the Duvall Family Charitable Endowment.

“There are many measures of influence that I lack such as political stature, title or substantial wealth,” he modestly offers. “If there is any influence that I might possess, I would pray that it is a result of my pursuit to serve my community.

Acts of service often call on others to serve. In this sense, we can all wield influence.”

Duvall holds a B.A., in behavioral science and business from Missouri Baptist University, an M.S. in industrial/organizational psychology from Purdue School of Science, and a M.T.S. in scriptural studies from Eden Theological Seminary.

He and his wife, Karen, have two daughters, Alisha and Alana.

...

• Duvall worked previously as the executive vice president of Human Resources at Alltel, one of the largest wireless communications companies in the United States.

• As a member of the board of trustees at Philander Smith College, Duvall has pledged $1.3 million toward construction of the campus center at the small, private HBCU.

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colette D. Honorable

Chairman, Arkansas Public Service Commission

I

n November 2013, Colette D. Honorable made history with her election as president of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC). In addition to being the first Arkansan, she is also the first person of color in this role in the organization’s 125-year existence. She also keeps busy as NARUC’s board chairman and leads its executive committee. Well-respected within her industry, Honorable serves by appointment of the Secretary of Transportation on the Department of Transportation’s Technical Pipeline Safety Standards Committee and the Advisory Committee of the Electric Power Research Institute.

Day-to-day, Honorable is chairman of the Arkansas Public Service Commission which is charged with ensuring that public utilities provide safe, adequate and reliable utility service at just and reasonable rates. She was first appointed to the commission in 2007 by Governor Mike Beebe.

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• In 2013, Honorable received the Humanitarian Award from Just Communities of Arkansas and was named to Politico’s “Ten Democrats to Watch.”

• Her many recognitions include: the 2012 Outstanding Public Service Award from the Bowen School of Law; named in 2010 to AY magazine’s “Powerful Women”; making the 2006 “40 Under 40” list published by Arkansas Business; and receiving the 2007 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Living Legacy Award from the Central Arkansas Sphinx Foundation.

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“I have a number of personal and professional goals this year: I look forward to a successful tenure as president of NARUC which will be focused on pipeline safety, safety in the electric industry, resiliency and reliability of the grid, and energy diversity and diversity in the energy sector. Personally, I strive to live in the present, strike a better work/life balance, take care of myself and laugh as often as possible.”

A graduate of the University of Memphis (formerly Memphis State University), she obtained her juris doctorate from the William H. Bowen School of Law at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

Honorable, who’s from Little Rock, actively serves her community on the board of Southern Bancorp, Inc., holds memberships in the Beta Pi Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the Greater Little Rock Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., the W. Harold Flowers Law Society and the Arkansas and National Bar Associations.

Darrin L. Williams CEO, Southern Bancorp, Inc.

D

arrin L. Williams is the chief executive officer of Southern Bancorp, Inc., a family of a community development bank and a nonprofit affiliate that work in concert to revitalize underserved communities in the midSouth. With over $1 billion in assets, over 80,000 customers and 39 branches throughout the Arkansas and Mississippi Delta, Southern Bancorp, Inc., and its affiliates comprise one of the most effective and largest community development organizations in America.

“I have been given an opportunity to lead a financial institution like no other in America. Southern Bancorp is a financial, social and economic development experiment created in the mid-1980’s through the visionary leadership of Arkansas’ governor and first lady, Bill and Hillary Clinton, Rob Walton (Walton Family Foundation), the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation and others, who wanted to create new trends of investment in people, property and communities in the Arkansas Delta, one of the most persistently impoverished areas in America.”

Williams is also a member of the Arkansas General Assembly.

First elected in 2008, he currently serves as speaker pro tempore of the Arkansas House of Representatives. He has been recognized nationally and locally for his progressive legislative work, and was most recently named by the National Capital Coalition as a Champion of Small Business for his legislative efforts to create jobs and increase access to capital for small businesses.

Williams grew up and attended public schools in Little Rock.

He graduated from Hendrix College, received his law degree from Vanderbilt University School of Law and his masters of law in securities & financial regulation from Georgetown University Law Center.

Married to his law school classmate, Nicole Sippial, the couple has two children: a son, Darrin Jr. (DJ), and a daughter, Payton. Williams is a deacon and Bible school teacher at Little Rock’s Central Church of Christ.

“I am inspired by my faith and family. I have been blessed beyond measure; not because of anything I have done, but simply because God has been so good to me.”

...

• The Aspen Institute called Williams “one of the rising stars” in American government and offered a prestigious Aspen-Rodel Fellowship in Public Leadership • As a state lawmaker, he was selected as the “Legislator of the Year” by the Arkansas Association of Chiefs of Police, the Arkansas Realtors Association and the Little Rock Landlord’s Association.

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Dexter Howard Pastor, Author & Humanitarian

D

exter Howard is an author, international speaker and pastor whose mission is “to restore a fatherless generation to their purpose, passion and power as sons and daughters of God.” As founder of Howard International Ministries and senior pastor of Restoration Worship Centers International in Fayetteville, Ark., he travels extensively throughout the United States, Africa, and Haiti as a teacher, encourager and humanitarian.

“It inspires me when I see people who face struggles head on and overcome challenges. When I see a person who was counted out eventually rise to the top and succeed, I identify with those people the most,” says Howard. “As a child of a single mother raised in Little Rock, I could have easily been a statistic and a forgotten face. But by the grace of God I’m still here and living out my purpose successfully.”

He and his wife of nearly 20 years, Genette Howard, a ministry powerhouse in her own right, live in northwest Arkansas with their six daughters. An avid sportsman, he’s a former All-American blue chip football player out of Little Rock Central High School and was a Razorback defensive end at the University of Arkansas where he earned his bachelor’s degree in communications.

Howard’s vision is large and expansive. “As a pastor, my vision is to 32

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establish Restoration Worship Centers in communities throughout the world. I plan to establish a global ministerial and leadership training institute that will prepare train and equip ministers and societal leaders to operate with integrity, moral excellence and fruitfulness.”

He also plans to author more books, host conferences and create programs “that help people to learn their spiritual identity and power in Christ.”

...

• Howard is the author of Identity Shift: The Changes That Changes Everything, a revealing and personal look at his struggle with fatherlessness and how embracing his true identity as a son of God gave him confidence, purpose and passion in life.

• He launched Life Harvester Church in 1998; the ministry later changed its name to Restoration Worship Center. Follow Howard’s inspirational profile on Twitter @dexterhoward.

frank d. Scott, jr.

Banking Executive, First Security Bank

F

rank D. Scott, Jr., is a native of Little Rock and an executive with First Security Bank. But before he entered the bank industry, he cut his teeth as an aide to Governor Mike Beebe.

As director of intergovernmental affairs and deputy director of policy, he was Beebe’s liaison to The White House, members of Congress and their staffs, federal agencies, the National Governors Association, Southern Governors Association and the Democratic Governors Association. He developed and organized implementation of the legislative agenda, while advising the governor on a variety of public policies and issues including broadband, budget, health care, health information technology, human services, economic development and workforce development.

“Being influential is all about using one’s skills and talents in order to have a scaled, positive impact on individuals and communities. It’s about harnessing a powerful, forward-looking vision that involves not just oneself, but other folks and diverse communities,” offers Scott.

Scott’s professional background includes working as a distribution operation manager at Target Corp.’s distribution center in Maumelle, Ark. He received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the Fogelman College of Business at the University of Memphis. He holds a master’s degree in business administration from the College of Business at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

The newly minted bank executive is a former member of the Pulaski Technical College Board of Trustees, and his current community leadership includes service on the boards of the Little Rock Port Authority, the UALR Alumni Association and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arkansas. He is also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. An ordained minister, Scott is a lifelong member of Little Rock’s Greater Second Baptist Church, where he is on the associate ministers’ staff and has a seat on the church’s board of trustees.

...

• Scott was recently appointed by Gov. Beebe to the Arkansas State Highway Commission for a term to expire in 2017. He is the first African American on the commission since former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Rodney Slater served from 19871993.

• In 2011, Arkansas Business named him to its “20 in the 20s” profile of promising young Arkansans.

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Idonia L. Trotter

Executive Director, Arkansas Minority Health Commission

I

donia Trotter has been executive director of the Arkansas Minority Health Commission since 2009. Under her leadership, the commission has seen an increased awareness of sickle cell disease, HIV/AIDS, disproportionate life expectancy and minority health disparities in the Arkansas Delta and the need for advocacy for the state’s underserved citizens in need of health insurance through the Affordable Care Act. Additionally, Trotter facilitates the Arkansas Minority Health Consortium, a collaboration of public health advocates united to increase awareness of minority health and community issues impacting such.

“Leading an organization that has its finger on the pulse of the people in a very authentic and grassroots way is humbling and carries a great deal of responsibility. I am cognizant in utilizing the influence of my position to ensure not only individual, but systemic changes occur in public health during my time at AMHC,” Trotter says.

...

• May 2009, Trotter earned the distinction of being the first student in the world to complete concurrent master’s in public service and juris doctorate degrees when she graduated from both the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service and the William H. Bowen School of Law at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

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In the 2011 Arkansas legislative session, the Commission and Consortium played pivotal roles in ensuring the passage of several pieces of legislation aimed at improving the health of minority children. Of note is Act 909 of 2011, which laid the foundation in creating what is now the Adult Sickle Cell Clinical Program at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

For the first time in Arkansas, there’s an adult sickle cell clinical program staffed by a dedicated physician, nurse practitioner, registered nurse and social worker. Act 909 also opened the way for the establishment of an adult sickle cell registry in Arkansas.

Trotter extends her service by serving on the Arkansas Minority HIV/AIDS Taskforce, the Arkansas Legislative Taskforce on Sickle Cell Disease and the Health Benefits Exchange Consumer Assistance Advisory Committee. She is also a board member of the Greater Ozarks – Arkansas American Red Cross .

“Broadway Joe” Booker Radio Personality & Program Director

J

oe Booker is a native of South Carolina who began his broadcast career in 1976 while serving as an announcer in the Armed Forces Korean Network. He attended Arkansas State University and was the public address announcer for the university’s basketball program. By 1983, he had made a name for himself as a popular Arkansas radio personality known as “Broadway Joe”.

“I’ve been blessed to hold this job at Power 92 FM for over 25 years. I often thank God and ask for His continued blessings to give me the health and strength to do His will. I truly believe this job is a calling from God and I thank Him for what he has allowed me to do.”

learned from my dad was more concise and straight to the point. He told me to ‘never bite the hand that feeds you.’ ” Music and philanthropy are central to Booker’s life. Annually he contributes to local charities and community organizations that include the Power 92 Jammers Charity Basketball Team, the Viking’s Youth Football Association, the Watershed, Inc. Annual Christmas Food Drive, Little Rock’s Gang Task Force, and many more.

His inspiration came from his parents and early home life. “I was inspired by my adopted parents who taught me about love and respect for my fellow man. Early in life, I learned a lesson that I would never forget.

My mom used to say, ‘Boy, I brought you in this world, and I’ll take you out!’ What I

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• In 1994 Booker earned the Impact Program Director of the Year award and was a nominee in the same category for Billboard and Records; and Power 92 won Billboard’s Distinction for Radio Station of the Year.

• He is the creator and host of the Broadway Joe Video Show, Little Rock’s first urban music video program. www.powerplaymag.com

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Korto Momolu

Celebrity Fashion Designer and Stylist

K

orto Momolu, celebrity fashion designer and stylist, was born in Monrovia, Liberia in West Africa. She left Liberia with her family in 1990 due to the civil war there and settled in Canada where she studied fashion design at the L’Academies des Couturiers Design Institute in Ottawa, Ontario.

After graduation, she relocated to Little Rock with her husband and daughter. While busy working as an independent fashion designer and continuing her education at the renowned Parsons School of Design, Momolu won a spot on the fifth season on the Bravo network’s hit reality design competition Project Runway. Throughout the show, Momolu stood out for her embrace of vibrant colors and diversity, displaying such extraordinary talent that she was awarded the prize for fan favorite. During Project Runway’s season finale, Momolu presented her spring 2009 collection at Bryant Park as part of New York Fashion Week and ultimately ended the season as first runnerup—to the disappointment of many fans who believe she should have walked away the winner.

Momolu doesn’t take a minute of her success for granted. “I made it out of Liberia, due to a civil war, and got a chance to live my dreams.

It’s imperative that I make sure those that died for me to live weren’t in vain,” she says.

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As demand for her work has increased, recognition of her talents has mounted. The city of Little Rock once proclaimed a day in November as Korto Momolu Day; she has designed for Miss Universe Leila Lopes; created an accessory line for Dillard’s; produced an eco-friendly jewelry line that was carried in the National Smithsonian Stores; and designed uniforms for the much heralded Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Ark. She’s even appeared on the box of Cheerios for the Shoprite Partners in Caring “Knock Out Hunger” campaign, not to mention the countless hours she has given to philanthropic causes.

“I have a great team that is the backbone to my success thus far. I’m also structuring and positioning my business to conquer the wholesale market. Additionally, I’m continuing to balance home life and work, to make sure I can have my cake and eat it too!”

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• Momolu can be seen on the third season of the critically acclaimed Project Runway: All-Stars on the Lifetime cable network.

• Look for an addition to her and husband Bennie Briggs’ family franchise. In November Momolu announced to her 11,000 Twitter followers that the couple will welcome a son this spring.

Mia O’Guinn McNeal

Vice President, Southern Region Minority Supplier Development Council

M

ia McNeal is vice president of the Southern Region Minority Supplier Development Council, which provides advocacy and business development services to certified Asian American, Native American, Hispanic American and African American-owned business enterprises. SRMSDC recently expanded to provide services in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi and is one of 25 regional affiliates of the National Minority Supplier Development Council.

McNeal came to the SRMSDC from the Arkansas Mississippi Minority Supplier Development Council where she was president and CEO. The south Arkansas native has also worked as a commercial broker for Keller-Williams Realty and served as a business development manager for the World Traditional Taekwondo Union.

A wife and mother of three, McNeal is a graduate of Harding University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in organizational management and leadership. And service is a big part of her life. She has volunteered her time in schools as a PTA president and with the Little Rock School District’s VIPS (Volunteer in Public Schools) and with organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Dorcas House. She is also an active member of Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church.

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• McNeal has been recognized as Who’s Who Among International Business Women and

by Soiree magazine in 2013 as one of its “25 Women to Watch.”

• In 2000, she won the title of Mrs. Arkansas.

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“I was raised to always be a servant leader. ‘Where much is given, much is required.’ I attempt to use my influence in a way that shows how humbling it can be to know that what you do and say can set wheels in motion. I try to impact underserved communities in a way that fosters results and to be, at minimum, a thought leader in creating and sustaining wealth in communities of color.”

Lamar Davis

Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of the Governor

L

amar Davis is the product of parents who placed a high priority on education. After graduating from North Little Rock’s Ole Main [now North Little Rock High School] in 1989, he earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from Dillard University in New Orleans. He later earned his law degree from the William H. Bowen School of Law at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

Since 2007, he has served Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe as his deputy chief of staff, assisting the chief of staff in the dayto-day operations of the Governor’s office and helping implement key aspects of the administration’s agenda. Prior to, he was Beebe’s deputy campaign manager and later, deputy director of his transition team.

“Being influential as a policy maker at the chief executive level necessitates that I be in position to effect change. As a senior staffer, I quickly learned that I had to be physically as well as intellectually present when plans are being evaluated and decisions are being made. It’s not enough to simply be in the room at this level. If you want to be influential, you must use the access you have been granted to be a voice of change.”

Davis’ legal career began as a law clerk for the Honorable Wendell L. Griffen of the Arkansas Court of Appeals. He has been an associate for Jack, Lyon, & Jones, P.A. and clerked for Judge Marion Humphrey on the Pulaski County Circuit Court. He joined the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office as an assistant attorney general in the Public Protection Department in 2003 and has done adjunct work as a professor of consumer law at UALR’s Bowen School of Law. The son of lifelong educators, Davis understands the importance of proper preparation. “While familiarity with a subject matter is nice, nothing beats true research of the topic. In preparing for meetings to discuss our administration’s agenda, I often rely on my legal training to identify issues and anticipate arguments and counter-arguments. Sometimes this calls for hours of preparation but the end result is worth it.”

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• In 2009, Davis completed the Executive Leadership Program at the Center for Homeland Defense and Security’s Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, Calif.

• He serves as chairman of the board of directors for the newly established nonprofit, ARVets.

He is a member of the Arkansas Bar Association and was among the inaugural class of the Center for Advancement of Leadership Skills. All accomplishments aside, most important, Davis says, is his role as father to his son, Ross Edward.

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pamela Mobley

Senior Vice President, Loop Capital Markets

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amela Mobley began her investment banking career at Stephens, Inc., and is now a senior vice president at Loop Capital Markets, the largest minority-owned full service investment banking firm in the country.

Mobley has over 20 years of municipal finance experience having served as a senior managing underwriter or financial advisor for over $25 billion of municipal bonds throughout her career. She has led financings for large-scale infrastructure projects for issuers including the North Texas Tollway in Dallas, and the cities of Chicago, Detroit, Memphis and Philadelphia. She provides the financial analysis, extensive review and preparation of disclosure documentation and credit presentations for many of her clients. As an industry generalist, she has financed projects for transportation, airports, housing, higher education, tax increment and water and sewer projects.

Loop Capital has participated in over 15 transactions totaling over $500 million for issuers in Arkansas. The firm’s most recent experience includes transactions for the City of Little Rock, Little Rock Wastewater Utility, the State of Arkansas and Philander Smith College. Mobley is the senior banker responsible for the firm’s Southeastern Region: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Missouri and Tennessee.

Mobley is a member of the National Forum for Black Public Administrators, Women in Public Finance and the National Association of Securities Professionals. She is a licensed municipal NASD professional (Series 7, 52 and 63) and continues her education focusing on tax law and derivative products, through seminars and training programs.

The mother of three credits her children as her inspirations.

“They are so full of energy and ideas on how to improve the world. I work every day so that I can provide them the resources they need to achieve their goals.”

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• Mobley’s focus is educating and empowering individuals, specifically within the African American community, about the importance of understanding municipal finance.

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Nicole S. Hart

Chief Executive Officer, ARVets

N

icole S. Hart is a native of Oakland, Calif., and moved to Arkansas to attend Harding University in Searcy where she studied political science; Hart completed her degree work at the University of Arkansas in Little Rock.

“I am inspired by all that came before me and true public service.

When I think about how as a young girl coming from a broken home, a lower income family, who was blessed early on to know and love God, I remember it was the heart of others that made me who I am today,” Hart says.

After enlisting in the Arkansas Army National Guard, she was deployed to Iraq in 2004 with the 39th Infantry Brigade. She was a member of Headquarters Company Support Battalion, which unfortunately lost the most soldiers during the Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom wars in a single tour for the Arkansas National Guard.

After returning from her deployment in 2005, she worked on the Mike Beebe for Governor Campaign and later joined Governor Beebe administration’s as his advisor on military and veterans affairs. During her tenure, she represented the Governor’s Office as part of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force and was afforded the opportunity to work with the Arkansas Yellow Ribbon Taskforce.

Working closely with the taskforce to conduct an in-depth analysis of the needs of Arkansas veterans, Hart identified a major need in the state to support military veterans and families. Thus, the non-profit ARVets was established to enhance the overall quality of life for veterans and their families by improving access to resources and strengthening support systems through all phases of the military life cycle.

Hart sees a place for the services provided by ARVets for years to come. “I want to have a place for military veterans and their families to go to get the support they need. I want ARVets to be a platform on which they can stand to educate the population about our population and a shoulder to lean on for those who are interested in learning more and supporting the more than 250,000 veterans we have here in Arkansas.”

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• Hart is heavily involved with the youth at her church, the McAlmont Church of Christ in North Little Rock.

• Her youth ministry extends to the two daughters she and husband Patrick are raising, 2-year-old Paige and Arionna, a pre-teen. www.powerplaymag.com

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patrick m. Oliver

Literary Consultant, Program Manager & Talk Radio Host

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atrick Oliver is a literary consultant and program manager dedicated to promoting reading and writing as tools of empowerment. He is noted throughout the country for his innovative projects that engage children, youth and adults in activities that teach, mentor and inspire.

In Arkansas, he has developed in-school, after-school and summer enrichment programs for Cloverdale Middle Magnet School, Better Community Developers, Pulaski Technical College, the City of Little Rock’s Community Programs Office, and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Center for Diversity Affairs.

He was previously a program development specialist for special projects and programs with the Center for Diversity Affairs at UAMS and at the Little Rock School District’s Gifted and Talented Programs. He’s also creator of the Reading and Writing for Success Festival, a quarterly literary event created in partnership with community organizations, writers and educational institutions.

From interactive writing workshops, author talks,

book discussions, professional development sessions and community forums, Oliver constantly juggles multi-city projects; he’s currently got things in the works in Chicago, Little Rock, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. As for what inspires him, the Little Rock native says, “I truly believe the combination of reading and thought-provoking conversation creates a sense of urgency to be part of something that facilitates change.”

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• Oliver published and edited the Essence magazine best-selling anthology Turn the Page and You Don’t Stop: Sharing Successful Chapters in Our Lives with Youth, a collection of essays, poems, short stories, photos testifying to the transformative power of reading.

•

He is the host of Literary Nation Talk Radio on KABF 88.3 FM.

Photo by: Ebony Blevins

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ronald F. Mathieu Executive Director, Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport

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onald F. Mathieu joined the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport as deputy executive director in 2006 and was promoted to the airport’s helm nearly two years later.

supervisory and administrative positions at Teterboro and Newark airports in New Jersey, the World Trade Center and the Downtown Manhattan Heliport.

Formerly director of operations at Fort Lauderdale/ Hollywood International Airport in Florida, Mathieu directed airside, landside, terminal and security operations. He also handled all emergency operations for the airport, which included designing and implementing the airport’s hurricane plan.

He is a private pilot with 25 years of experience and earned a bachelor of science in aviation management from the Florida Institute of Technology.

Mathieu and his team at Clinton National are completing a $67 million constructive initiative, the largest in the airport’s history, without issuance of debt. The project, which includes a renovated and enlarged ticket lobby and in-line baggage system, was dedicated May 2013 in an event attended by both former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

• Mathieu earned a Certified Member (CM) designation from the American Association of Airport Executives.

Mathieu has previously served on the senior staffs at both LaGuardia and JFK Airports in New York. He has held numerous operations,

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• As a member of the American Association of Airport Executives, Mathieu has participated on the organization’s Policy Review Committee since 2010 and now chairs its Diversity Committee. www.powerplaymag.com

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Scott d. hamilton Energy Executive, MISO

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cott Hamilton grew up in Little Rock and graduated from Hendrix College in Conway. He received his MBA from Rock Hurst College in Kansas City, Mo., and his law degree from the University of Missouri School of Law. With more than 23 years in the energy business, Hamilton has worked in various capacities with investor-owned gas and electric utilities, starting with ARKLA Gas in 1988.

With experience as an energy advisor for the city of Detroit, Hamilton has managed numerous energy-related state projects. And until early this year, he had been director of the State of Arkansas’ Entergy Office.

“Energy is vitally important to our society, its efficient use and availability is absolutely critical. I want to see Arkansas continue to identify and develop and implement the best energy practices possible.”

Still, when the opportunity presented itself, Hamilton could not pass up the chance to “significantly advance and diversify” his career by joining a new company in Arkansas, The Midcontinent Independent System Operator.

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• As director of the state’s energy office, Hamilton managed energy programs through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act energy programs which exceeded $50 million.

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“I am excited to be able to participate and hopefully help to further MISO’s key objective in the state which is safe, costeffective delivery of electric power across much of North America,” says Hamilton. “MISO focuses on reliability, the nondiscriminatory operation of the bulk power transmission system and to collaborating on creating cost-effective and innovative solutions for the ever-changing energy industry.”

Even with his career success, Hamilton says it has been his mother’s “drive and spirit” despite a severe hearing impairment that has most inspired him. “I have watched her work to find solutions that gave her the chance to enjoy and move forward in spite of her challenge. I have adopted her attitude and always try to seek a positive approach to hurdles.”

sylvester smith Attorney, Businessman & TV Host

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ylvester Smith is an attorney, small business advocate and community leader. He is currently the host of Minority Matters, a monthly AETN television program which spotlights issues of concern to the minority community.

Six years ago Smith founded the Kareem Brown McNeal Foundation. The foundation, named in honor of Smith’s best friend who died in 1997, provides mentoring for at-risk youth in Little Rock and teaches young men how to accord themselves as gentleman, while emphasizing the importance of hard work, sacrifice and how to prepare for college.

Hard work and preparation are not foreign concepts to Smith.

He received his first gubernatorial appointment at the age of 19 from then-Arkansas Governor Jim Guy Tucker who named him to his Commission on Youth Violence Prevention. He later became the youngest member of former Governor Mike Huckabee’s

age of 24. Smith served Huckabee in a number of capacities, including as part of the Arkansas Transitional Employment board, which managed the state’s welfare to work program, and as the governor’s alternate on the Delta Regional Authority Board of Directors.

“I am very fortunate to operate in several spheres of influence.

Whether it’s on my monthly television show, at the State Capitol or in the court room, my goal is the same—to make life better for the people of our great state.”

The Camden, Ark., native is a graduate of Philander Smith College and earned his MBA from Harding University. A licensed attorney—he is an honors graduate of the UALR William H. Bowen School of Law—Smith is a member of the North Little Rock Sewer Commission, which manages that city’s $70 million sewer system.

senior staff when he was appointed as a policy advisor at the

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• Smith is the only Arkansan who has served on the governing bodies of both the Republican Party of Arkansas and the Democratic Party of Arkansas.

• In 2004, Smith traveled to Eastern Europe as part of a leadership program sponsored by the American Council of Young Political Leaders. He was one of eight delegates selected from a pool of 1,000 nominees from across the country.

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playing with Power

‘Brown Sugar’ sisters have their cake and eat it, too.

by Sericia Cole www.powerplaymag.com

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playing with Power

S

tep foot inside Brown Sugar Bakeshop in downtown Little Rock’s River Market District and your olfactory senses are instantly welcomed by a chorus of sweet treats. To put it simply, it smells just like your grandmother’s kitchen. And it’s not unintended.

In 2008, the sister duo of Kristi and April Williams set out to recreate the magic of their grandmother’s baking goodness through their gourmet cupcake and dessert shop. In just a short time, Brown Sugar has whipped up a heaping batch of gooey success.

A half cup of April

A

pril Williams is the younger sister by three years. A 1996 graduate of Little Rock’s McClellan High School, she continued her education at the University of Central Arkansas.

“I was going to be a relationship psychologist. I got my B.S. degree in psychology,” says the softer-spoken Williams. Postgraduation, she had a hard time finding a job, but unemployment isn’t what most marks that period; that distinction belongs to a life-altering diagnosis. “Lupus put me down really bad for some years. Kristi actually ended up leaving [college] to come home and help my mama take care of me,” she recalls.

The diagnosis was initially confusing. “I had never even heard of it before…I was like ‘what is this?’” It didn’t help matters any that her only knowledge of the autoimmune disease was of a college classmate of her Kristi’s who had succumbed to the condition.

It was 2001. April Williams was a 23-year-old college graduate.

And she thought she was going to die.

For two years she struggled with lupus. Then something prescient happened when she signed-up for a cake decorating course sponsored by a local Michaels Stores. After three sessions of the class, Williams was charged with making a wedding cake. When she passed with flying colors, friends and family starting calling for cakes. But Williams didn’t mind; because of her illness she couldn’t work. So she baked. And she lived.

A half cup of Kristi When Kristi Williams left McClellan High School in 1993, she made her way to Henderson State University in Arkadelphia for an education she hoped would lead to a career in sports medicine. “I studied physical education and health. I was all in the Recreation Department; I even taught aerobics classes. That’s what I was doing, but I always baked on the side,” she recounts.

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A self-professed “sweet addict,” her motivation was both simple and selfish: she was away from home and needed to do something about her sweet tooth. For a remedy, she would phone her grandmother and ask how to make certain cakes (“I would call and ask ‘how do you make that Sock-It-To-Me cake?’”), admitting that back then, she was not the world’s best baker. “I wasn’t a baker or a cook; I was terrible. I was an eater, not a baker. But I love, love sweets,”

Two cups of faith

H

elen Jean Dangerfield-Akins and Donald Williams’ daughters grew up in the College Station area and in Little Rock around a family of small business owners. Their grandmother operated a beauty salon, an aunt and uncle had a restaurant and their father owned a liquor store and a convenience outfit in which they would often help out.

“That was one of the biggest things that helped us to think about having our own business—that we knew a lot about business principles,” Kristi says of knowledge gleaned from her entrepreneurial clan.

In 2008, the Williamses were each working. April, whose health had improved, was employed by the state of Arkansas, and Kristi was utilizing her health education background in a grantfunded position that was drawing to an end. Having difficulty plotting her next move, Kristi went to her sister, who had become quite the expert cake maker, with a proposition. “You know how you’re making the big cakes? What if we made them smaller into cupcakes?” Initially, April wasn’t sold on the idea but Kristi was relentless. For a full year they did research and baked goods as samples for willing taste testers.

They studied other dessert shops across the country, but they always knew one thing. “We wanted to offer grandma-style

playing with Power

cupcakes that look professional and have flavor. We wouldn’t have been authentic if we didn’t go old-fashioned,” says company spokeswoman Kristi.

Securing capital and finding a suitable business location would prove more challenging, but with a $10,000 angel investment, the ladies were encouraged to go after their vision, even with a shoestring budget (“We were riding on some real faith”).

The bakeshop would eventually find a home in the River Market’s Ottenheimer Hall in a cramped, but highly visible corner space. When it opened for shop March 21, 2009, slightly more than $200 was left of that initial seed money. Despite those who scoffed—they heard numerous times how they couldn’t be successful selling “just cupcakes and cookies”—the sisters were on their way, and it didn’t take long for them to turn a profit, nor outgrow their start-up digs.

Just two years after launching, they relocated just a few blocks into a considerably larger space. The interior provides room for some seating, soul music is played over loud speakers, and the décor is Brown Sugar’s signature pink-andbrown color scheme. The dessert parlor’s address may have changed, but its goods remain the same uncompromised, consistent, oldfashioned sweet treats customers have come to know and expect.

Mix, blend and sift Time spent with the women is revealing. April Williams is nononsense and practical. She prefers to work behind the scenes, gladly deferring the limelight to Kristi who is gregarious and sociable. Their styles make for a perfect blend; Kristi is constantly dreaming up concepts and ideas and April is the tactician

who quietly makes them reality.

Kristi says, “We work good together because we’re so different.” In her straightforward way April interjects, “We fight.” But as sisters and coworkers, they always manage to make-up and forge on.

“We don’t think bigger is better for what we’re doing.

We think it’s more so about longevity.”

419 East 3rd Street • Little Rock, AR 72201 (501) 372-4009 www.brownsugarbakeshop.com Hours: Tuesday–Saturday; 9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

●K.W.

Not surprisingly, their friends and family are proud of them. They’re proud of themselves, too. But it doesn’t prevent difficult days when they feel like hanging up their aprons and switching their mixers off for good. Both say whenever they reach that point, however, something happens to pull them back. “We don’t want to quit … we’ve put so much work and time into this and people are depending on us,” shares Kristi. April nods in agreement.

For now they’ll keep wooing us with their homemade goodies. Part of that strategy involves expanding the brand to make it easier to take Brown Sugar home; the business’ recent introduction of online ordering is a start in that direction. Weddings and other special events continue to be in the mix, as well as the occasional in-store event featuring specialty desserts and live music.

While the proprietors of Brown Sugar Bakeshop have worked hard to convert their naysayers into believers (Yes! Cupcakes and cookies sell!), they are fully aware that 50 percent of small businesses fail in the first five years, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. It’s what makes their upcoming fifth anniversary sweet, why they’re grateful to still be around churning out their one-of-a-kind, old-fashioned gourmet cupcakes, cookies, brownies, blondies, cakes and pies.

As for their many fans and growing customer-base, all they seem to know is, success never tasted so good.

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Power Moves

Seen On The Scene

Southern Bancorp Reception | Clinton Great Hall (Photography by Roger Robinson)

Tjuana Byrd and Darrin Williams

Jamie Scott and Dr. Glen Jones

Lottie Shackelford, Richard Mays Sr., Supha Mays

Sheila Brooks and Nicole Williams 50

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Terri Hollingsworth, Charles Stewart, Leanna Godley

Kenya Gordon and Danyelle Walker

Dr. Cory Anderson and Sherman Tate

Seen On The Scene

SUNDAYS WITH TJ — 5.5" x 8.5" POSTCARD_Layout 1 8/26/13 4:30 PM Page 2

100 Black Men of Greater Little Rock Annual Gala Doubletree Hotel (Photography by Randall Lee Contemporary Imaging)

Power Moves

Creating One World,

One Book at a Time

CONTACT US ALL WOW Press Books CAN BE ORDERED AT: www.writingourworldpress.com/store.php

www.facebook.com/janisfkearney twitter @kearney99496735 Janis @ writingourworldpress.com

501.372.4815 501.615.8472

(DIAL 0) (FAX)

Nick Mitchell, Dedjaran Dunbar, Rasheel Hastings, Christopher Payne, and Marquese McFerguson

Sundays with

TJ

100 YE ARS of MEMORIE S on

VARNER ROAD

J A N I S F. K E A R N E Y

Rodney Williams and Dr. John Miller

Author of Cotton Field of Dreams: A Memoir and Something to Write Home About; reintroduces the iconic TJ Kearney, 107-year old family patriarch and storyteller extraordinaire in her third memoir.

Janis F. Kearney, Bob J. Nash and Writing our World Publishing, LLC are proud to announce the 10th Anniversary of Writing our World Press! A sincere Thank You to Arkansas’ readers for keeping our books relevant for more than a decade!. We will honor your support by continuing to produce books that create a better world. We begin this amazing milestone with the February 2014 debut of “Sundays with TJ: 100 years of Memories on Varner Road;” in memory of the late Thomas James “TJ” Kearney, who departed this earth at 107-years old in December, 2013. You can keep up with us, or contact us at: http://www.writingourworldpress. com/ Anthony Johnson and LaKaija Wood www.powerplaymag.com

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Power Moves

Seen On The Scene

100 Black Men of Greater Little Rock Annual Gala| Doubletree Hotel (Photography by Randall Lee Contemporary Imaging)

Monica Alston-Miller and Dr. John Miller

Ed Jackson and Lynette Jackson

Stephanie Taylor and Virgil Miller

Alicia Dunbar, Dedjaran Dunbar II and Dedjaran Dunbar

Christopher Payne, Deron Hamilton and Dr. John Miller

AMDPA Red Shoe Fashion Show | Metroplex Event Center

Theresa Timmons, Derek Lewis II and Lena Ross

Dr. Anthony Fletcher 52

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Dr. Derek Lewis & Toni Shead

Dr. Alonzo & Susan Williams

James & Tanya Hemphill

Seen On The Scene

Power Moves

expats

Where Are They Now?

The fly, cool kid from the ‘hood… Most Likely to Succeed… the All-American… the math & science wiz… the drama queen or king… the student body president... the debate champ… the musical talent…

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? In this new PPM feature, we bring you native Arkansans who’ve flown the nest and are spreading their wings in various endeavors and industries across the country. Expats they might be, you’ll see that Arkansas still runs deep in them.

by: Candace L. Randle

white

the expats

joi

file

n: Little Rock • Hometow es area The Twin Lak : d o o rh o b h ea • Neig , where my ar ences Magnet ci S & s rt A ol: Parkview • High scho science of focus was ew York ituation: N studies • Current S 001 to begin 2 in ft le I y: s and wh left Arkansa Columbia.

• When she of Missouri – ty si er iv n U e at th e roughly 4-5 make it hom to y tr I : k she gets bac ily occasions.

• How often days and fam li o h l al r fo times a year eir way they make th as , en ft o s d s long y frien ost. I also mis m isses: I see m s m is e m I sh at at h h • W ily is w , but my fam to New York enery. sc l e beautifu drives and th nsidering Ironically, co : g in g n ri b t her up the treatmen values about most value is I at at h • What she th w , g n rk li o in New Y strict in instil that I reside ents were very ness and respect. They ar p y M s. er d towards oth eated with kin g stance erves to be tr ntain a stron es ai d e m n s yo ay w er al ev life by ld u o sh I ve ed that that I li my t iz as an h rt p o p em im so al e values , very r if I’d let thes ieve. It is very fa el is b I th it at h e w ad in em I wouldn’t hav these details. slip.

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Stay fashionably current with White by following her blog at joithestylist.com.

Where Are They Now

oi White is the ultimate personal stylist for the everyday girl.

An experienced fashion professional with more than ten years’ experience, the Little Rock native began her career at the age of fifteen as a wardrobe stylist at popular mall retailers Express and The Limited.

After graduation from the University of Missouri at Columbia where she studied fashion merchandising with a business management minor, White enjoyed a successful internship with Dillard’s and took on the role of in-house shop manager and personal shopper. She was soon promoted to visual merchandiser and corporate assistant buyer.

Her career would go on to flourish in association with BCBG Max Azria, Chloe and Winston Retail Solutions as a corporate visual merchandising

On her current gig: Currently I’m a corporate visual merchandiser and project manager for a host of brands including Cynthia Rowley, Milly, Shoshanna, Coach, Chloe and St. John. As a visual merchandiser my job involves designing retail layouts, window displays, retail fixtures and maintaining the overall merchandising practices for retail store interiors at the corporate level. As a project manager, I train visual merchandisers, manage retail operations and openings, along with designing visual merchandising communication and directives. Outside of my day-to-day corporate role, I maintain a host of clientele as a personal shopper. Ultimately, my goal is to launch a host of retail boutiques, owned and operated by me.

On her passion for fashion: I’ve ALWAYS wanted to work professionally in the fashion industry. As a child I was trained to believe that I was going to be an anesthesiologist long before I could spell it, but style and fashion was my passion. As a Parkview High School student, I often made my own clothes and experimented with styling that was far beyond my peers’ style practices. I always knew medicine was probably not for me which was only confirmed when I started my studies in college; six months into my freshman year, I changed my major from biology to fashion merchandising.

On her fashion and business icons: My fashion heroes are Tracee Ellis Ross and her fabulous mother Diana Ross, Jackie [Kennedy] Onassis, Josephine Baker and, most recently but MOST

expats

and retail project manager. However, dressing windows and designing visual merchandising strategies never jilted her passion for personal and wardrobe styling.

“Many women don’t find shopping fun or fashion important but your personal style is nestled within you and it is my job to bring it out for the proper celebration,” she says.

The petite fashionista has even provided occasion-specific looks for television, music videos, red carpet events and more—all this as she balances a clientele comprised of music industry artists, finance industrialists and, yes, stay-at-home moms.

importantly, Miroslava Duma. I’m attracted to their risks and confidence. To me, risk and confidence are the two most defining factors to being a stylish woman of ‘the day.’ My business heroes include Coco Chanel, Christian Louboutin and Tom Ford. I’m attracted to how they started in the industry and their continued and strategic success—even beyond death.

On career advice: The best career advice I ever received is, ‘Never burn bridges without knowing how to swim.’ I maintain all relationships, good and bad, but more importantly, I try to make sure I’m constantly learning. So my advice to any budding stylenista, fashionista or dream chaser would be to never feel as if you’re beyond learning something new. I’ve been in my field for over ten years and continue to take classes.

On what’s next: I will launch Shame on me, Fabulous on You on a larger scale this year. It’s an annual closet clean out that allows me to sell pre-owned merchandise in a mobile boutique that will start in Little Rock this year and travel to New York City. The location of the boutique will be announced four weeks prior to the start of the sale …. I’m beyond excited!

Editor’s Note: As PPM went to press, we received word that White had been promoted to the role of senior visual manager for the intimates and ready-to-wear line at Calvin Klein. Congratulations.

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