About The Cover When I posed for this cover, contemplatedI on the BM journey and how many times I doubted the process and how many times I was reencouraged from family and friends… And one day all it took was my consistent willingness to just “Do it.” So, ladies and gentlemen “Go For It” And when you look back, all you’ll see is the beauty of it.
Placement
ikirejones.com
On Don’t Just Follow Be Inspired @eventsabovebeyond
CONTENTS A dornment B B Behind the scenes Beyond bliss Everything you would need to feel beautiful and simply you! Yes, it went down! A sneak peak into our world. Enjoying the ride, can’t you tell! Love is the only perfect thing! So, no wonder why that day is so perfect! 17 38 46
T ribute to WLM Y M oung, Gifted and Black Y faves The passing of one of my biggest fans and dearest friend, here’s my tribute to a Beyond kind of man! I’m always amazed by young people. The passion and excitement is just contagious! What is truly Beyond Better? More, more and much More of everything I like! 12 67 70
ince the last time we communicated, it seems that life and work continue to be full of challenges Some challenges were overwhelming, and some challenges quite frankly turned into positive opportunities We still see evidences of life influenced by the Covid 19 virus This “new normal” has influenced how we live, where we can go and what we can do when we arrive But this new way of life which is different, but not necessary all bad has also provided a better outlook Despite, or maybe because of it, this strange change in living has created (maybe out of necessity), some good that was never forecasted or expected We have seen a rise of black owned businesses, exceptional entrepreneurs, a spotlight on female business owners, and we are witnessing young, gifted & black visionaries creating environments and experiences that go Beyond the extraordinary Regardless of which side the challenges seem to reflect, Working and living a Lifestyle Beyond is still possible and still very necessary In fact, these new challenges has pushed me Beyond complacency My love for all things beautiful continues, but now, Beyond exhilaration I still love to create and design beautiful images for people, places and things, but more passionately than ever before I am still energized by decorating, inspired by fashion and influenced by beautiful colors, but now with a focused urgency I am still a vision enhancer that can catapult an event from ordinary to extraordinary, but with unwavering enthusiasm In addition, I am now saturated with a mindset that desires to pour into, encourage and inspire the next generation of creatives to move, shake and disrupt the stats quo of what things used to look like Now, more than ever is a time to produce a life and work style that goes beyond expectations One that is full of high quality, quiet opulence, self assurance and confidence that leaves a mark in this life and Beyond So here we go; In this edition, you will get to know some amazing people who are shaping minds and influencing what we bring into our spaces We will have a chance to reflect on what was, and how the presence of legends and icons have left a mark on our hearts and minds, which has shaped us Beyond better for not only today, but many tomorrows
S Belita…
Belita Butler
CONTRIBUTERS Belita Butler OWNER/CREATIVE DIRECTOR Cheryl Morrow MAGAZINE LAYOUT/EDITOR-IN-CHIEFENCOURAGEMENT,PRAYERS,LOVE&FRIENDSHIP FIVE~4~LIFE: Trudy Kennedy, Henrietta Steele, Millicent Scott, Tori Wise Winters McCollum PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS Images By Inda Inda Reid Photos By Andre Andre Butler Que88 Photography Quintin Carson Stills By Zariah - Zariah PROMOTIONS/MARKETING Portia Butler Breea Kelly EVENTS ASSITANT: Jessica Pannell
BLACK BEAUTY
Willie Morrow was my dear friend, when someone pours into you, and expects nothing from you but your own success, its an epic relationship that shapes your life. So blessed to have known him. Belita
~
TheWillissance Tribute The Willie Morrow Military Years in The NFT AFROVERSE I believe the Military Years was my father’s best work. It laid the foundation for neo laws like “The C.R.O.W.N Act.” but most importantly, it was the sharing he enjoyed. Asia, Africa, Europe, South America, United Arab Emirates, Polynesia and the Caribbean nations. Willie Morrow had taken the education of Afro hair to every inch of the earth. Beyond Magazine now takes this work into the blockchain and NFT Afroverse
The United States Post Exchange and the Airforce & Army Exchange had a book section where personnel could buy and exclusive styles books on Afro curly hair. Circa 1970
Circa 1968
Ahead of his time, Willie Morrow would make and sell afro mannequins so Black people could practice styling their before they bought an Afro wig or decided to hear their own hair in the style.
All Willie Morrow’s photographs of Afro hair choices, came in Men’s, Women or couple matching Afro hairstyles. Willie Morrow believe this was a spiritual bath.
Although the first known clothing designer has roots in England, there is no doubt that history ignores the attributes of early black designers like Elizabeth Keckly, in the 1860’s, known to have been the designer and dress maker of the wife of Abraham Lincoln Throughout history, Black fashion pioneers and African American designers like Zelda Wynn Valdes and Stephen Burrows used their talent to make a name for themselves in a highly competitive Eurocentric and predominantly white industry.
itself. Since ancient of days women and men have been wearing jewelry for embellishments and opulent outfits as a way to not only enhance their look, but to show a sign of status. Jewelry has been and continues to be a universal form of adornment From predynastic through Roman times, Jewelry was made, worn, offered, gifted and some people were even buried in it In some African cultures jewelry was even used to trade and barter with.
One-ofAKind Adornments
In today’s time and culture, we still want to be seen in the most beautiful custom made arm candy, statement necklaces and designer accessories. Our selection of clothing and style speaks to who we are individually and collectively as a culture We like to be seen in the most exclusive, one of a kind, made just for me outfits And we will pay top dollar to be seen in the best The good news is there are offerings from talented, quality producing, black creatives at our fingertips and in our reach through social media and websites. Let’s search them out and help introduce a wealth of rich resources that we can support and adorn ourselves with beautiful, exclusive options. Statements AndAdornments
Even today, in the 21st century, jewelry is still worn to enhance our look. The caveat now, is it allows us to express our individuality more than ever before. Unique jewelry is being customized and created by artisans and designers giving way to choices that can be as individual as the person who is wearing it. These days it is a lot easier to make a statement wearing stunning handcrafted jewelry. Whether it’s a necklace, bracelet or earrings, the wonder is; it is custom, and the jewelry pieces are not from a large reproduction line. These pieces are created and designed with the flair of customization. Best of all, purchasing these beautiful pieces are affordable and can be enjoyed for everyday wear.
And of course, the contributions of designers from the African continent is immeasurable. The attire we wear is a signature of who we are and what class we represent.
Placement
Box Adornments
Throughoutbody.history, Black fashion pioneers and African American designers like Zelda Wynn Valdes and Stephen Burrows used their talent to make a name for themselves in a highly competitive Eurocentric and predominantly white industry. –ofthe
Zelda and First Black Woman to own a store on Broadway. Zelda Wynn Valdes appeared on the American fashion scene in the 1930s and quickly rose to prominence as a designer because of her incredible skill for highlighting the female
Out
Photo taken by the great Gordan Parks: Zelda fitting the iconic Eartha Kitt
“Aswelookback,atatime whensegregationwasour mainexistence… Idon’treallyknowifwe understoodhowblessedwe were.”
Placement
The Company & The Queen “For years, they told us we weren’t good enough to compete, we opened our own school.”
philadanco.org
There is something to be said about inner beauty. When young girls are impressionable but guided by a strong teacher, they respect the experience can be invaluable. Not only is the dance of the ballerina grace personified, but it’s also self control and character building. I think we need one of these in every community. The founder’s story is epic.
“Takeamoment..tobeunattended to,whenthemomentisjustyours.”
Beauty Adornments
The ritual can be an easy as knowing what to use, how to use it and when to use it
The habit of beginning a day with the right routine can make a difference in not only what you look like, but also how you feel Beauty rituals for women and men alike have shaped our approach to skin and hair care for ages The routines and rituals we do when cleansing, purifying and moisturizing the skin go way back and we are continuing to search for effective, active, special ingredients and skincare innovations to pamper ourselves , relieve stress and counteract skin aging A ritual is an event that takes place in a particular order on a regular basis For at least 6,000 years, people, especially women, in nearly all societies in the world, have been performing daily rituals with the purpose of making themselves beautiful Skin and hair care products (called cosmetics) are not modern inventions, because ancient societies used them, too In fact, some of the present-day beauty rituals have roots in very old practices "In light of Covid 19 and the accelerating climate crisis, Consumers are looking for products that reflect and respond to their concerns: for beauty and for the planet and all its life, and they're looking for practices that calm them and connect them to a greater whole.
MillicentScott
Millicent has always loved beauty. She’s introducing the new Mary Kay line of skincare. Did you know Mary Kay has a new men’s line called MKmen? The ritual of maintaining our physical health can be an easy as knowing what to use, how to use it and when to use it. The habit of beginning a day with the right routine can make a difference in not only what you look like, but also how you feel.
Adornments
Placement
ANDRE LEON TALLEY
ICONIC
The Soul of Fashion I LOVE WHEN LIFE IS LIVED
ICONIC. Though I have never met Andre Leon Talley, his contribution to beauty and fashion has been both epic and iconic. Losing such a giant just takes your breath away, he will be missed.
Have you ever wondered what happens when entrepreneurs are hard at work?
Wow, the collaborations with other creatives, I can say are always intriguing and a learning experience Some moments were fun and right out comical. In this Beauty Edition was no exception As I enjoyed the easy moments, others were hard and downright intense. Since my team places so much passion and love into every spread, I could not ask for more From the creative direction, down to the editing and photos, Beyond comes alive and I can say I LOVE EVERY MINUTE OF IT!
behindthescenes Beyond Magazine
“Checking in is always a great way to start your day, it’s a good habit.” On location with my editor, she’s taking her moment before an event “The best luxury is knowing what you what you want and working with those who can give it to you.”
Theengagement
The second he pops the question to the moments of excitement after you said YES!!! The whirlwind of becoming a real couple begins with the overwhelming feeling of being blissfully in love and nothing else matters except the dream of the new life you’ll share together. Of course, the first thing is everyone wants to see is “the ring” The oohs and ahs and the congratulations are lavished onto the newly engaged. You have thoughts of what you want your wedding day to look like, there is a vision that will make this special day the Best Day Ever!! The budget has been established and agreed on. Plans are beginning put into place, you’ve just hired an amazing wedding planner ever (Hint) to execute your vision exactly as you dreamt it.
BLISS
TheWedding
A wedding is one of the most beautiful occasions that you will ever experience. A radiant bride, a beaming groom, proud parents, excited family and friends all gather to congratulate and celebrate the union of two becoming one as they publicly pledge their love to each other. The details of the day are full of enjoyment and great memories: The gown was exquisite, the flowers were gorgeous, the food was wonderful, the cake was incomparable, and the location was breath taking.
Place pic here
Flash,sparkle,boom,pow it’swhatitsallabout.
TheGroomie’s:Who’s Rollin Wit You
Yearslater,youwon’t remembermuchofthat day,butthequestion willremain,“Whatthe hellwerewedoing?”
Just in one picture, a thousand hopes and wishes are expressed in a pose. To capture the essence of love, what is the difference between a photo and a painting? Though both are coming from imagination, a great photo can be transformed into a work of art.
WorkArt
MyBridies: To the one’s who know you…cheers!
“Weddingsshouldbefun,thoughtheyare iconic,theyarealsoanotherdayinthelife.”
Marriage is one of the most ancient, important, universal and indispensable social institution which has been in existence since the inception of human civilization. After the I dos are exchanged, the work begins…a new life, a new lifestyle, a new way of thinking which includes the consideration of another person. The happiness of adding a Mrs. to the Mr. The excitement of creating new plans for the future, and the joy of having all of this to share with someone you truly love. So now you have a lifetime of creating blissful moments and loving each other Beyond Better.
The Cake
CakeDeco
So, you’ve read Beyond this, Beyond That! Going beyond is more about doing you, Being exclusive, not following the crowd or what’s traditional. If you’re uniquely made in the eyes of God, then do the right thing BE You!… This elegant design fit this couple to the letter. A little bit of this a little bit of that!
Bossy & beyond Selfdetermined, selfdrivenandself awaremakesa greatboss.
Because I am a morning person, early Devotion time is what centers me. My quiet time with God slows down my urgency and encourages me to set priorities for the day. ~A morning drink to kick start the day. I still love that one good cup of coffee, but to energize my mind, I love “Green Machine.” Not only is it energizing, but it is also delicious. But creating a morning routine for you, is done by figuring out what works best for you and incorporating it on a consistent basis.
Morning Kick-Start:
THEDESIREOFA BOSSLIFEAND BEYOND
1
Being a “boss” of my life is what I crave. I strive to see the day where who I have become is worth all the hard work and sacrifice. My ideal is to spend my day slaying dragons, creating amazing events for clients, inspiring others with my decorating skills, having productive consultation meetings and then at the end of the day unwinding with a soak in a luxurious bath, having a quiet dinner with my sweetheart, catching up on a good book and ending the night in peaceful bliss. Unfortunately, this desired lifestyle seems to become more of a challenge. It seems to me, that life gets more difficult as we get older. So now I realize that I must learn how to balance everything accordingly. So…here are my Boss Mandates that I’m affirming and incorporating more in my lifestyle. Find yours and let’s create a Boss Life and Beyond.
2 Love the work you do:
There are too many people in this world who hurt because they don’t love what they do. You can change that if you want. You don’t want to be 5 years down the road and wished you tried something you were passionate about. Know where you want to go in life, who you want to become. If you are needing more school or work experience, then make the effort to do so. You are the only one accountable for what you want in life. So…make it happen! You can do it!!
Engage with like-minded people: When you are inspired by people around you, you want to become better than who you are. You really are the people you hang out and spend time with. My friend Henrietta Steele says,“Individually we shine, but collectively we rise.” The significance of all this is that you will start to grow in a new light that hasnever been seen before.
3
Beyondmagazine.co
Self-Care: Everyone knows by now that self care is a MUST, but doing it is what make it count. Taking care of yourself helps you stay balanced because it means you are first taking time to be yourself. Once you spend that special time with you, you are more loving to those around you. Balanced is a state of mind and the more you can control it, the easier lifebecomes in managing life’s challenges.
4
Self
voice youuse to peopleteach howto you.treat
Advocacy: is defined as any action that speaks in favor of, recommends, argues for a cause, supports or defends, or pleads on behalf of oneself and others. Self Care
CherylMorrow/EIC
You are born into this world, understanding self-advocacy. It doesn’t have to be taught; it is an innate human virtue. Even before we learn how to selfcare, self advocacy is embedded into our human experience. Self-care is how we find our way back to the responsibility of self advocacy.
advocacy
The song has so many meanings and interpretations when you listen carefully and silently. Nina’s use of the word young is not just speaking about youth, she was singing about the hope of the future. To posses a vision. She went on to sing about the gifted, and that is when you realize you have what it takes to make things happen. Nina certainly did. As Nina wrote about being Black, in terms of today’s hashtag #Blackexcellence, one can only imagine what she meant, but if you’re a fan of Nina, it was about owning who you are… Thank You Nina!
Young Gifted & Black YOUNG,GIFTED&BLACK Young, gifted and black Oh, what a lovely precious dream To be young, gifted and black Open your heart to what I mean In the whole world you know There's a million boys and girls Who are young, gifted and black And that's a fact "You are young, gifted and black" We must begin to tell our young There's a world waiting for you Yours is the quest that's just begun Lyrics By Nina Simone
Amarion is a YG&B individual, who exhibits the courage and refuses to allow stigmas and events of his generation to deter him from his goals and aspirations. What he values most is his relationship with God, family, and his intense desire to help others by utilizing his gift of graphic design, video production and photography
AmarionMatthewsBrooks Young Gifted & Black
A recent graduate of O’Farrell Charter High School, Amarion now attends Harris Stowe State University (a HBCU school), majoring in Business Management, with a focus in Cinematography His intention is to develop and manage his own production company and give back to youth leaders by providing training opportunities and mentorship for the interested in multimedia Multimedia/ Entrepreneur
JasmineE.Catchings Young Gifted & Black Jasmine created J Essentials out of necessity After relentlessly searching for small business liquid soap companies to support during quarantine 2020, she created her own soap formula and later decided to start her own business J Essentials is committed to creating everyday essential products that you and your family can be proud of. Our products are plant infused, vegan, and always cruelty free Saponifier/Entrepreneur
It seems creating and designing have been a part of Karter’s “MO” from a very early age. She was often found gluing dollar bills to walls and cutting holes into designer flannel sheets But fast forwarding a few years later, it seemed to have now paid off. When her parents moved to a brand new development in Escondido and needed help with the landscape/hardscape, Karter offered her vision and design, which was quite impressive. So much so; her design drawings caught the eye of the selected pool company who then offered her a job as a pool designer and later as an interior designer.
Creative Landscape/Hardscape Designer
KarterE.Williams Young Gifted & Black
