Southern Soul Magazine - February 2015

Southern Soul l February 2015

February 2015 | Volume 2, No. 2

February 2015/Volume 2, No. 2

BREAKFAST IN BED Southern Style

Sponsored by:

KIDS KAN

Make a Difference Students join the fight to end hunger with Mid-South Food Bank’s annual school food drive, KIDS KAN. All Mid-South elementary and middle schools can help by collecting non-perishable food and funds February 16 – 27.

For more information contact David Stephens, 901-497-1153 or dstephens@midsouthfoodbank.org 901.527.0841 | midsouthfoodbank.org

Let the good times roll!

Join us for Junior Achievement’s

30th Annual

“Bowlin’ on the River”

Bowl-A-Thon

Round up your friends and coworkers, and reserve your lane today for Junior Achievement’s largest fundraiser of the year, February 21-22 and February 28 - March 1, 2015 at a bowling center near you!

For details, call 901.366.7800 or visit JAMemphis.org.

Participating Bowling Centers

Billy Hardwick’s All Star Lanes 1567 White Station Road • (901)683-2695

Strike Zone Bowling Center 3330 Pine Tar Alley • (662)893-0530

Funquest Family Entertainment 404 US Highway 72 • (901)850-9600

Winchester Bowling Center 3703 South Mendenhall • (901)362-1620

made possible by event sponsors

YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS

Friday, May 1, 2015 Annual Tribute Luncheon and Symposium

LEGENDS AWARD RECEPTION Thursday, April 23, 2015 SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE tributeluncheon@wfgm.org | www.wfgm.org Facebook: Women’s Foundation | Twitter: WFGM_ORG Instagram: WFGM_ORG office: 901.578.9346 | fax: 901.578.9446

20thAnniversary_SavetheDate.indd 2

PUBLISHER/CEO Chris Boyd

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Toni Blount Harvey

EXECUTIVE EDITOR B. Henderson

ART DIRECTOR Jada Thompson

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Terri Smith Anderson

PHOTOGRAPHY Jay Adkins

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Charles E. Carpenter, Esq.

Pepper Lewis

John Doyle

Myron Mays

Rev. Dr. L. LaSimba M. Gray, Jr.

Sheila Whalum

Danielle Inez

Dr. Kenneth T. Whalum, Jr.

Kathy Kirk-Johnson

LaTina Epps Thomas

Southern Soul Magazine™ is a monthly publication of MAAC Media Group, LLC and is distributed in locations throughout the Memphis/Mid-South area.

Annual subscriptions are available for $40.00 (twelve issues). Readership: 70,000 ©2015 by MAAC Media Group, LLC. All rights reserved. The publisher assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materials and does not return unsolicited materials to sender. Photography and images obtained for editorial usage is owned by Southern Soul Magazine™ and may not be released for commercial use such as in advertisements. Reproduction in whole or in part without the publisher’s consent is strictly prohibited. The opinions expressed herein are exclusively those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the positions or views of the editor or publisher. The publication of any advertisement in this issue does not constitute an endorsement of the advertiser’s products or services by this publication. Southern Soul Magazine™ is a trademark belonging to MAAC Media Group, LLC.

MAAC Media Group, LLC | PO Box 18100 | Memphis, TN 38181 Phone 901.366.SOUL (7685)

Contributors John Doyle

John Doyle, a native Memphian, is the Executive Director of both the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum at FedEx Forum (rocknsoul.org) and the Memphis Music Hall of Fame (memphismusichalloffame. com). A graduate of Rhodes College, he worked in radio promotions and marketing prior to opening his own advertising agency and, then, working as Vice President of Programming for Memphis in May. He and his wife, Lynn, have one son, Bennett, who now also works in Memphis radio.

Danielle Inez

Danielle Inez is the award-winning Owner, Director of Marketing of ding! Marketing Studio, a Memphisbased marketing management firm for small businesses. The marketing maven has been featured nationally by Black Enterprise and MSNBC. In 2014, she was named to Memphis Flyer’s 20<30 for her international client portfolio and local commitment to youth development and female empowerment in business.

Kathy Kirk-Johnson

Kathy Kirk Johnson is an Attorney and Lifestyle Expert with an innate affinity for good food and stylish entertaining. She lives in in Cordova, Tennessee with her husband and two sons. Get more lifestyle tips from her website tastelifewithkat.com.

LaTina Epps Thomas

LaTina Epps Thomas is a Certified Yoga Instructor and Lifevantage Independent Distributor and currently pursuing the profession Naturopathic Doctor.

Sheila Whalum

Sheila Whalum is the wife and First Lady of The New Olivet Baptist Church, in Memphis, Tennessee.

Sheila has been married to her husband, Dr. Kenneth T. Whalum, Jr., for 33 years. They have three sons together. Cofounding C.A.N.A. (Couples Achieving Newness Again) in 1999, Sheila has guided couples through marriage obstacles for over a decade. C.A.N.A.’s married couples’ class is designed to save marriages from going into that stale stage where the marriage is just about dead.

4 | Southern Soul l February 2015

February

2015

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Photography By: Jay Adkins

FEATURE BREAKFAST – SOUTHERN STYLE 71

8

41

UMATTER

RETROSOUL

SOUL SEEDS

BOOKER T. WASHINGTON

LEGENDARY BAND DIRECTOR

DR. KENNETH T. WHALUM, JR. The New Olivet Baptist Church Southern Soul l February 2015

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Contents

78

HEY MYRON 23 TYING UP MYTHS

LEGAL VIEW 27 BEFORE YOU MARRY

LOVE YOURSELF

48

37 FIND YOUR MANTRA

LOVE TIPS 48 15 FOR 2015

SPOTLIGHT 77 NAACP TEEN STAR 78 ORANGE MOUND RAIDERS REPRESENT TENNESSEE

EDITOR'S NOTES

23

Correction:

Last Month, we featured winners of the Sisters In Service Foundation, Inc. 2014 Twenty Pearls Fashionetta Winners. The Winnersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; names were incorrectly identified on the photo. Left to right - 2nd place winner Kaitlyn Madison Swain; Mrs. Fashionetta Brianna Alyse McCollum; 3rd place winner Akili Jendayi Lawson

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Soul Seeds

Dr. Kenneth T. Whalum, Jr., M. Div., JD.

D

Pastor, The New Olivet Baptist Church

Dr. Kenneth T. Whalum, Jr., an Ambassador for Christ, is a bold, no-nonsense pastor, who “keeps it real,” in and out of the pulpit. As Pastor of The New Olivet Baptist Church, he demonstrates a heart for youth; drawing the forgotten back to Christ; and setting the record straight when injustice takes center stage. His passion and drive to see a better Memphis is evident and recognized by the news media, who have referred to him as “a commanding presence, difficult to compete with” on the public stage and an “iconoclast who has continued his independent ways” in representing the downtrodden and dispossessed of Memphis.

Teaching True Worship, Dr. Whalum has conducted speaking tours demonstrating True Worship

(proskuneo´, GRK), the acts of worship (lying prostrate, bowing, kneeling, blowing kisses to God). He developed the 7 Steps to Winning With Worship©, a strategy that teaches the benefits of everyday life through obeisance. His style of worship uplifts the spirit, confirms the righteousness of Christ for believers, and shows the power of his gravitas to others.

Author of two books, FASTING: It’s Not For Everybody, But It Might Be For You! and the game changing, Hip-Hop Is NOT Our Enemy, Dr. Whalum is a strong advocate for marriage and family; he and his wife Sheila have been married for thirty-two years, and have three sons, a daughter-in-law, and one grandson.

Giving God What God Craves

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By: Dr. Kenneth T. Whalum, Jr.

Worship isn’t praise. Worship isn’t prayer. Worship isn’t singing. And worship isn’t going to church. Worship is worship.

With each of our three pregnancies – I’ll come back to the notion of the pregnancies being “ours” – Sheila developed these really weird, really intense cravings. I shall never forget one particularly unnerving one, though, that occurred when our family owned a barbeque restaurant in Orange Mound. She woke me up around midnight, and here’s how the conversation went: saying, “What is this preacher talking about?” Well, I’m glad you Sheila: I want a rib sandwich. asked! Remember when Jesus had that talk with the woman at the Me: Now???!!! well in John 4? His exact words Sheila: Yep. were: “True worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and Me: (Because I know who’s in in truth: for the Father seeketh charge) Okay. such to worship him.” That word So I got dressed and drove to “seeketh” literally means “to crave.”

K-Twigg’s BBQ, and got some Yep, exactly like the cravings ribs and some bread, wrapping pregnant women develop for food; each in separate aluminum foil. or sex addicts for sex; or alcoholics I brought it to her in bed, feeling for alcohol. And the craving extremely self-satisfied in the doesn’t pass until it is fulfilled. fulfillment of my husbandly So, I’ll ask again: What if you duties. After unwrapping the could satisfy God’s cravings? The ribs, then the bread, she looked answer is you can! Just worship at me very sincerely and said: “I Him. You may say, “Well, I do wanted a rib sandwich, not ribs and bread!” Needless to say, I was worship God. I go to church. I sing in the choir. I pray. I praise flabbergasted. But I calmly took the ribs and bread into the kitchen, God. I listen to good preaching. I thought I was worshipping.” You and made a rib sandwich for my might be worshipping in spirit, but Baby who was having my baby! I not in truth, because worship isn’t felt like if she could nurture my children inside her womb for nine preaching. Worship isn’t praise.

Worship isn’t prayer. Worship isn’t months, the least I could do was singing. And worship isn’t going satisfy her cravings. to church. Worship is worship. It What if you could satisfy God’s means to lay prostrate, bow, kneel, cravings? You remember God, and/or blow kisses to God as an right? The one who’s been act of obeisance and homage. And nurturing us and taking care of it’s the only thing God craves, us our entire lives? Yes, God has according to His only begotten cravings too! He craves worship.

Son, Jesus. Don’t take my word I can hear you as you read this for it. Research it in the Bible for

yourself. Every time you see the word “worship” it’s in the context of somebody falling on their face, or bowing before God. True worship is a physical act, and I can prove it biblically. You’re familiar with the story of Jesus’ birth, right? When the wise men came “into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him.” If it was good enough for Him then, trust me, it’s good enough for him now. You’d be surprised how much more fulfilled your life will be if you humble yourself enough to prostrate yourself before Him. Don’t ask for anything. Just listen! It’ll blow your mind how much you and God will accomplish together as you give Him what He craves. Oh, and I promised I’d come back to the notion of Sheila’s pregnancies being “ours.” It’s true, you know.

I was invested in Sheila, literally, because it was my seed. It was in my best interest to guarantee she gave birth successfully. God feels the same way about you. Ready, set, WORSHIP!

Southern Soul l February 2015

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Southern Soul  November

Events

2014

1, No. 3 November 2014 | Volume

Southern

Are there Southern Soul Experiences We Should Cover?

Let us know! events@thesouthernsoul.com

Sou 4

l  Decemb er 201

December

ul 

rn So

Southe y 2015

Januar

1, No. 3 November 2014/Volume

uMATTER: Ridgeway High

Soul Talks

2014 | Vo lume 1, No .4

Let’s Talk! Let us hear from you.

Send stories, inquiries, comments. soultalks@thesouthernsoul.com

THE FAMILY ISSUE Kirk Family Savory Soul Thanksgiving Januar y

50

e 1, No. 4

er 2014/Vo lum

Decemb

THE BAR-KAY S TURN

2015 | Volum e 2, No.

1

Soul Pics

See someone with soul?

Or, spot Southern Soul somewhere? Send us a pic! photos@thesouthernsoul.com

Hey Myron!

Januar y 2015/V olume 2, No. 1

ROAD TO

Six Phe THE FUTU nomen R al Teen E s

Got a Relationship question?

Email thoughts and questions to: myron@thesouthernsoul.com

Give Us Your Feedback. thesouthernsoul.com |

/southernsoulmagazine | 901.366.SOUL (7685)

10 | Southern Soul l February 2015

/southernsoulmag

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Editor’s Letter

February . . . Romance? Black History? What comes to your mind?

Hard to say. I love romantic movies, books and fairy tales. One of my favorite movies is “Meet Joe Black.” The character Bill Parrish gives a wonderful formula for love --Love is passion, obsession, someone you can’t live without. If you don’t start with that, what are you going to end up with?

Fall head over heels. . . . Find someone you can love like crazy and who’ll love you the same way back. . . . Forget your head and listen to your heart. . . . Run the risk, if you get hurt, you’ll bounce back. Because, the truth is there is no sense living your life without this. To make the journey and not fall deeply in love well, you haven’t lived a life at all. You have to try. Because if you haven’t tried, you haven’t lived!

What a belief! Love . . . So – what do we put into this issue? -- we started to do weddings -- decided to save that for later. Considered presenting romantic getaways -- who has money right after the Holidays? Thought about including Valentine’s Restaurant suggestions – well, restaurants are coming later this year too . . .

The tossup – give you both!

This issue, we let Kat lead the way with her Romantic Hot Buttered Soul Breakfast and hit it out the park with her Commitment Cornish Hens! You have to try the recipe to understand the pleasure. When our team arrived for her photo-shoot, the aromas were tantalizing – but it did not measure up to the delectable taste.

We left with a hen apiece. When we arrived at the next photoshoot, well, only thing left was a bag and bones!

Toni Blount Harvey Editor-In-Chief

Along the way, we prepared “Spark Up Your Romance” Tips. The Whalums did their own preparation. Reverend Whalum prepares your mind and Mrs. Sheila Whalum prepares your love strategy.

I also am captivated with history - especially Black History and we should all learn as much as of our history as we can. In our search, we found a small, but powerful, Memphis Black History Museum housed in New Sardis Baptist Church. While digging among Memphis’ roots, we also found a patch of South Memphis getting cultivated at Knowledge Quest under the capable hands of Marlon Foster, a White House Champion of Change awardee.

So, take a break, sit back and enjoy our February issue. Next month, look forward to our March Women’s Issue. We may, just “a maybe” also highlight sports. After all, it is March Madness!

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Cultivating His Neighborhood One Mind At A Time By: Pepper Lewis

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Marlon Foster and Pierre Ramond Henderson were childhood friends and tighter than you and your shadow. Growing up in South Memphis -- where you saw one; you saw the other. In High School, Pierre was the quarterback and Marlon, the wide receiver.

Running track, Marlon was the first leg of the 440 and Pierre the second. They weren’t the best students nor among the best behaved and neither made plans to attend college.

Their high school senior year, they jump-started their adulthood and moved into an apartment together.

Then, fate took over. At eighteen, Pierre was fatally shot leaving Marlon’s life forever changed. Sending shocks to Marlon’s world, Marlon drifted aimlessly straddling the fence of mischief.

As a child, Marlon had lemonade stands. As a young man, he sold a variety of items from

Photograph By: Jay Adkins All Other Photos Courtesy of Foster and Knowledge Quest

buttons to women’s make-up. He became known as the neighborhood “Avon Man.” It was this entrepreneurial spirit that pushed him to land solidly on one side of the fence.

Marlon’s goal was to own a liquor store in the neighborhood. Foster’s father was employed at Kimberly Clark and Marlon thought he too would get a job there, save his money and open a liquor store.

But, when he applied for employment, they told him ‘Son, go to college, we’re not hiring.’

“My mom, Vivian Walker, kept pushing me. She said ‘You are always selling things. It seems you want to take up business. Why don’t you go over to LeMoyne and learn about business?’” Following his mom’s advice, Marlon visited LeMoyne. Marlon enrolled in LeMoyne, graduated with a degree in business, and set out to become a business owner.

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Soul Stirrer In school, he learned ‘know your demographics and understand your target market.’ So, he walked the neighborhood to grasp an understanding of the people, the neighborhood’s needs, and its pros and cons. To his dismay he found “we were number one in all the wrong areas. The average annual household income was $5,700. I wanted to make that in a month.

We were number one in high levels of drug use, domestic violence and street violence. We had the lowest educational levels and the highest poverty and unemployment rate.

I thought about it – Pierre’s death had changed my life. Because of Pierre, I wanted to change the neighborhood. I didn’t want what happened to him to continue in our neighborhood. It hit me that I had five high school friends; I was the only one to graduate. I had five college friends; I was the only one to graduate. I decided right then and there – I wanted to pour myself back into the neighborhood. I put my liquor store aspirations to the side and started dreaming of what could help my neighborhood become number one in positive statistics.

Out of this, came Knowledge Quest.”

Armed with an extensive business plan to build an All-Purpose Center in the heart of the neighborhood, Marlon sought investors. The plan had everything – a pre-school and school-age academy; an adult career academy; quality life for seniors; youth after-school programs; business building modules – it addressed the neighborhood’s full gambit of problems. While out speaking to potential investors, one very wise man told him “hey kid, why don’t you pick one thing out of this? Do it well. Then come back and ask folks for money.”

14 | Southern Soul l February 2015

Heeding the advice and wanting to build his dream, Marlon became a professional volunteer, a full-time intern, and a sponge gathering all available knowledge on program operations and grant writing. His first break was at LeMoyne. In 1995, Mr. Kelly Martin assigned Marlon to work on the largest onetime grant in the neighborhood –Hope VI Urban Revitalization.

Gaining proficient grant writing skills, Marlon contributed to the successful grants which developed Lamar Terrace to University Place; Hurt Village to Uptown Place; Dixie Homes into Legend Park; and Fowler Homes - G E Patterson Pointe/Latham Terrace.

While a volunteer, intern, and grant writer during the day, each night, Foster honed the Knowledge Quest business plan / Grant Proposal. Three years later, Regina Walker, then Vice President, United Way of the MidSouth recognized the viability of the project and awarded Foster a United Way Venture Fund grant . . . and Knowledge Quest (KQ) became a reality.

Starting with essentials, Foster explained, “I started thinking of what our greatest problems were and determined it was our neighborhood’s failure to grow.

Our best resources (our residents) were wasting away. I looked at it as a running faucet with the neighborhood talent flowing away.

To cut the faucet off, I knew I had to start with the youngest before they got into the pipeline. Our adults have so many challenges because as early adults they didn’t have tools to overcome adverse hurdles. I also recognized KQ couldn’t accomplish full success without input and participation from parents. KQ emerged as a project intersecting school age students with parent support and participation.”

Soul Stirrer

I started thinking of what our greatest problems were and determined it was our neighborhood’s failure to grow.

Foster’s mission was “to maximize the neighborhood youth’s potential through intellectual and character development.”

Incorporating children, parents and neighborhood, KQ’s program promoted academic enrichment and health education while encouraging healthy nutrition and family participation.

In 1999, KQ introduced the neighborhood to urban agriculture developing the first neighborhood garden while creating an environment nurturing academic and neighborhood growth. The overall objective was to teach students the seed to table process and to produce an innergenerational link between students, parents, and the neighborhood.

Beginning with one garden planted in a lot across the street, KQ’s urban agriculture garden has now expanded to 25 lots.

In 2012, Foster was selected as a Champion of Change to the

White House. The selection honors ordinary Americans who are doing extraordinary things in their communities to out-innovate, out-educate, and out-build the rest of the world. Foster was selected for his “exemplary” work in youth development and through KQ, his work to prevent youth violence and his continued successes in making his neighborhood a better place to work and live.

Today, KQ’s program serves 300 students within a two-mile corridor along Walker Avenue.

Students from Cummings Elementary (pre-k through 8th grade); Hollis F. Price (high school 9-12); Ida B. Wells Academy (K-8th grade); and LaRose Elementary (Pre-K through 8th grade) are the primary schools KQ supports.

Booker T. Washington and Soulsville Charter School students also participate. These schools constitute the KQ Kid Zone.

KQ’s mantra is “to offer students the most premium experience available in an after-school setting with hands-on activities which promote academic excellence in grades Pre-K through 12 with a ‘cradle to career’ continuum methodology. KQ has credentialed qualified educators and very passionate facilitators to give students learning activities complementing the school day.

KQ accomplishes this within its KQ Kids Zone which has four locations – Gaston Park (School Age and Teenage Academy); KQ Main Campus (School Age Academy); College Park (School Age and Teenage Academy); and, the Green Leaf Learning Farm.

KQ has three (3) Strategic Programs -- The Green Leaf Learning Farm (Farm); the Jay Uiberall Culinary Academy and the Family Stability Case Management. The Farm is the on-campus USDA certifiedorganic micro-farm that increases the students (and neighborhood) access to healthy foods; teaches how to become healthy eaters, and inspires health career choices. The Farm strengthens the ties between student education, neighborhood Southern Soul l February 2015

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Soul Stirrer In 2012, KQ added STEM and Arts to its learning academics.

Partnering with various art organizations such as Memphis Symphony Orchestra, Brooks Museum of Arts, and Ballet Memphis who contributed their time and resources, KQ has been able to add arts and cultural studies. “This gave our students the opportunity to say, ‘I’ve been exhibited at the Brooks Museum.’

Can you imagine that esteem boost? This is a neighborhood paradigm shift. This year, we hope to partner with the Memphis Metal Museum.”

development, and food access and security. The Jay Uiberall Culinary Academy trains students in seed-to-table process culinary arts through direct engagement in training activities with guest chefs learning culinary basis and developing their own signature dishes using fresh produce planted, cultivated, and harvested by the students themselves. The Family Stability Case Management program provides activities supporting greater stability in families who may be at risk of becoming homeless or displaced.

In return, students and parents are required to commit to KQ requirements and remain in good standing. Students must attend KQ three days per week; provide school report cards each reporting period; and must sustain KQ academic requirements. When asked about 16 | Southern Soul l February 2015

student requirements, Foster explained “A school’s first quarter is typically a review of last year’s studies. Therefore, we use second quarter’s GPA as our baseline followed by a consideration of letter grades. Separately, the GPA or the letter grade does not offer a full picture of the student’s progress. We review both together along with conduct and attendance to gain a total assessment of the student’s advances. Second quarter is baseline and fourth quarter is our outcome measurement. A parent is required to contribute five hours a quarter to on-site hands on activities. They can contribute in unique methods, through actual hours on-site; through our uniform exchange program; by providing fresh fruit and vegetables for school snacks; classroom assistance; and/ or office-related administrative clerical assistance.”

“With the addition of STEM, we were able to add the latest technology to the student’s repertoire. We went to a MAC environment because most students know the PC/Windows environment and we wanted the students to be comfortable in every technology environment and become competent in several platforms. STEM has heavy emphasis on robotics and engineering and positions our program as a unique after-school program.”

KQ has been serving the neighborhood for seventeen years. At the end of the 2013-2014 academic year, 83% KQ students achieved a 2.5 minimum GPA or above and 100% KQ students experienced a letter grade increase in two (2) major subject areas.

Far from a teenager’s dream of owning a liquor store but close to becoming number one in many of the right areas, Marlon Foster and Knowledge Quest have turned off the faucet and planted new seeds, new hope, and new talent in the neighborhood.

Matt Herron, Alabama, 1965

Title Sponsors

| Dana and Kent Farmer Sponsors Hohenberg Foundation | SunTrust Bank | Thomas W. Briggs Foundation Memphis (TN) Chapter, Links, Incorporated | Fred L. Davis Insurance Agency This is an exhibition organized by the Center for Documentary Expression and Art. Major support for the exhibition has been provided by the Bruce W. Bastian Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts.

brooksmuseum.org

Overton Park

D BE OUR SPECIAL GUEST N A E AT COM

New Sardis Baptist Church 7739 E. Holmes Road | Memphis, TN 38125 Early Morning Worship: Sunday, 8am Sunday School: Sunday, 9:30am Morning Worship: Sunday, 11am Sunday School Broadcast: 1070 WDIA - Sunday, 8am Hour of Empowerment: WLOK - Sunday, 5:30pm

Dr. L. LaSimba M. Gray, Jr.

Bible Study: Wednesday, 7pm

phone 901-754-3979 | fax: 901-750-1911 | Neshoba Center/Parsonage: 901-755-2250 Southern Soul l February 2015 | 18 newsardischurch@bellsouth.net | newsardischurch.com

African American History We Must Remember Its Importance

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By: Rev. Dr. L. LaSimba M. Gray, Jr

What is African American tt?

Why is it necessary? Who benefits from the celebration thereof? Lest anyone thinks these questions are without significance and purpose, allow me to quote the powerful words of Lerone Bennett, Jr., noted scholar and historian, â&#x20AC;&#x153;if our children are to make history, they must first know their own history.â&#x20AC;? African American history is the branch of knowledge dealing with past events, contributions, life, and culture of African People in America. The crucible of necessity for African American History rests upon the

Photography by: Jay Adkins

neglect and misrepresentation of African Americans in this country by non-African Americans in the writing of American History. The exclusion of African American contributions, inventions, life and culture rendered American History incomplete, sterile, misleading and grossly inaccurate.

The first attempt to tell the African American Story was made in 1841 by a fugitive slave, James W.C. Pennington. Through the years, many efforts were made to pass on our history via oral transmission (telling the story).

Story telling was necessary, early

If our children are to make history, they must first know their own history.

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Community

Historic photographs line the museum walls.

on, because slaves were not taught to read and write. We have always enjoyed the genius of adaptation to accommodate the need.

In 1915, Dr. Carter G. Woodson organized the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH) with a two pronged purpose: to preserve and promote African American History and to build a psychological shield against the assaults of white supremacy. The establishment of the ASNLH gave birth to an organized, scholarly, and systematic documentation of African American History. The ranks soon expanded to include the likes of Dr. W.E.B. Du Bois, Dr. John Hope Franklin, Dr. Benjamin Brawly, Dr. Benjamin Quarles, Dr. Dorothy Drinkard-Hawkshawe and Leronne Bennett, Jr. Locally, the spirit of Dr. Woodson captured the likes of G. P. Hamilton, Professor Nat D. 20 | Southern Soul l February 2015

Williams, Dr. Miriam DeCosta Willis, Ron Walters and Dr. Randolph Mead. These African Americans realized the grave importance of African Americans telling our story.

The modern Civil-Rights Movement (post World War II) led to a greater appreciation for our history. While the struggle was basically about overturning segregation, a major side benefit was the liberation of the African American mind and our making connection with the “Mother Land;” Africa. “Roots” written by Alex Haley was pivotal to African Americans affirming self-hood beyond slavery.

Unfortunately, many African Americans have lost interest in our history because it is so painful.

The Rev. Samuel B. Kyles said in a speech; “it is easy to forget when it is painful to remember, however we cannot afford to forget.” I

recently experienced that painful emotion watching the movie “Selma.” I resolved that evening that all Americans should see the movie and resolved to never allow that history repeat itself.

We cannot allow what happened

to our grandparents to prevent us from making life better for our grandchildren.

African American History is needed today as much as it was in 1841 and 1915. One hundred years after the founding of ASNLH, we still want to be included in American and World History; but we cannot wait for others to include us, we must tell, document, publish and promote our history: a generation is waiting. We must use our collective scholarship, economic resources and political power to erect the Memphis Museum for the History and Culture of African Americans.

If I had the scientific expertise to reduce African American History to a vaccine and vitamin, I would inject the vaccine in the brains of our youth to wipe out selfhatred and negative thinking. I

would inject racists and bigots to cure racism and dismantle white supremacy. I would inject the non-participates of the struggle to come from the audience and join the army of transformers. I would inject the vitamin for growth that would lead to greatness and the full realization of all personal potential.

In 2005, I gathered an extensive collection of artifacts and memorabilia to preserve the rich history of African-Americans in Memphis. Tucked away in our church, New Sardis Baptist Church is a Black History Hall of Fame, and a small but powerful exhibit -- The African-American Museum of Memphis. I know we have a wonderful National Civil Rights Museum here, but the real history of Memphians has not been told. We are losing historical sites and individuals every year.

The Museum beautifully displays

We cannot allow what happened to our grandparents to prevent us from making life better for our grandchildren. aspects of Memphis history in a realistic and interesting manner spanning Pre-Post Slavery, Jim Crow Era, Segregation and the Civil Rights Eras. The Museum is available for tours and I encourage all to visit.

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Hey Myron!

Tying Up Four Relationship Myths By: Myron Mays Photography By: Jay Adkins

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It’s February, everywhere you look there are signs of love . . . Valentines, chocolates, and flowers. It’s the month of proposals, marriages and romantic dinners.

All roads point to loving couples embracing one another. When we travel that romance road, we all want to believe there’s a perfect formula for a perfect relationship.

Well – that myth hangs right up there with a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. This month, I’d like to share Four Relationship Myths, I’m sure you’ve heard or maybe believed yourself at some point.

“All You Need is Love”

That’s like baking a cake and thinking flour is the only ingredient you need. But what about the butter, sugar and eggs? All these things work together in concert to make a cake worth eating. Who wants a cake without sugar or butter? Those are two things that really make a cake what it is.

True…love is important. It’s the very foundation a relationship should be built upon. It’s the main ingredient. However, it’s not the only ingredient. So while love is still the main ingredient, you also

When we travel that romance road, we all want to believe there’s a perfect formula for a perfect relationship.

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need other things like trust, understanding, respect, compassion and intimacy. All these things work together in concert to have a relationship worth being involved.

“You Can Change a Person from Who They Are”

figure out what’s bothering you before you tell them.

Sometimes they might be so accurate it totally blows you mind. But, remember this. If and when this ever happens, it’s only a fluke. Sorry to burst your bubble but “Communication is Communication.”

There is really no way around it. You have to actually talk it out to get a better understanding of the issue at Guess what? Only two people can change someone and you’re not one of them. That’s God and the person hand. So ladies remember, your man cannot read your mind and if he could it would probably scare the hell who needs changing. Without those two, nothing out of him anyway. And stop trying to read his mind. is gonna happen. So save your energy. We often get Trust me when I say; there’s nothing complicated into the mindset that the person we met has “Perfect People Potential.” Which means that if we do a little bit happening up there. It’s almost less trouble to just ask. of tweaking, we can make them the perfect person…

“Relationships are supposed to be for us.

We treat them as if they were our “home improvement project.” Houses can be fixer uppers; people cannot.

Stop trying to transform people. If they have character flaws, be prepared to get used to those flaws or leave them be. You’re not Dr. Frankenstein. Quit trying to create the “perfect person.”

“Your Mate Can Read Your Mind”

Every now and then, your mate might get lucky and

50/50!”

Not true. Because in some circumstances, somebody will end up giving more than their coveted 50%...and then what happens? Does someone owe the other person? Who keeps scores?

Roommates have to split things 50/50. And you know how a lot of those situations turn out. So stop sitting around worrying about coming up on the short end and start enjoying your relationship.

HEY MYRON Hey Myron: some of the worst feelings I have ever experienced were from someone who claimed he loved me. However, if he really loved me, he would have never broken my heart. How can someone say they love you but still turn around and hurt you? -Heartbroken Dear Heartbroken: Wow, good question! How can they say they love you but still turn around and hurt you? Well, in some cases, there are those who are actually fully aware of what they are doing - when they are doing it. They just hope you never find out, because they really don’t want to hurt you… and oddly enough, in their head, it’s because they love you. They will even lie about it to keep from hurting you, even though that sometimes hurts more. That’s a strange kind of love huh?

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We all have one thing in common. We are human. And we all know humans can make some of the worst choices imaginable.

We can be impulsive when we make decisions. We can act off emotions. We can even make decisions without thinking the whole situation through. We can simply go left when we should’ve gone right. In other words, all humans are capable of making mistakes and unfortunately, when we as humans make the wrong decisions or mistakes,

sometimes other people get hurt.

Not making excuses, but they just chose to make a decision that ended up hurting “you.” That didn’t mean that they didn’t love you.

Someone can love you but still hurt you, whether intentionally or not. We hurt the ones we love more often than we realize…in many ways; sometimes by the things we say as well as the things we do. Ever had to apologize to someone?

Hey Myron!

Hey Myron: why is it when you ask God to forgive you for something, He will, but your mate won’t?

I messed up and I am very sorry about it. But my boyfriend says he forgives me, but he constantly brings it up and he won’t let it go. I just want us to move past this, but he just won’t let me. I don’t know what to do.-Apologetic Hey Apologetic: to answer your first question… because God is God and that is what He does. However, your mate is human. It tends to work a little different for us. Let me start here… “forgiveness” is the easy part. It’s the “forgetting” part that humans just can’t seem to master.

You know how the little saying goes, right? “Forgive and Forget?”

Well, let me explain how that works.

Let’s start with the forgiving part.

When our trust is broken, it’s sometimes hard to rebuild

that level of trust, even though we may truly love that person.

Sometimes we fail to fully understand when someone gives us their trust; they are also giving us a part of their heart. And when that part of their heart is broken, healing can be tough. Simply put, there’s a lot of healing that comes along with forgiving.

Now as for that pesky forgetting part…it’s not always an easy thing to do. You must understand there may be an issue of broken trust, deceit and downright

Hey Myron: why is it sometimes when you tell your mate how you feel, you end up feeling bad once it’s over? Communication is supposed to be the key in a relationship, right? If you don’t communicate how you feel, how will the other person know when there’s an issue? I hate to keep things to myself. Plus, I don’t think it’s fair for anyone.-Want to Talk Dear Want to Talk: you could end up feeling bad for a number of reasons…let’s try this one. Sometimes when we’re really feeling like we are right, we can be a little overbearing when relaying how we feel; and, we can sometimes come across as being overly critical.

Some people take criticism very well. However, some don’t. Your mate might be among those who don’t… and there’s nothing wrong with that. We are all different and process things differently.

However, you’re not supposed to feel worse when you express your feelings. Expressing how you feel should be a release. You’re supposed to feel better

betrayal. As much as we would like to forget the unfavorable things that happen to us, there will always be something that is gonna remind you of it. If there was another person involved when you messed up, there’s a chance that person might end up being in the same vicinity as you and your boyfriend. Trust me, that’s gonna remind him of it.

There could be something you do or say that could remind him of it. Reminders will always be there and some people may need time to get past them.

afterwards and your mate is not supposed to be offended by it. But, when it comes across like a complaint, it’s usually pretty much taken as one. I can’t think of anyone who likes to keep their feelings inside. When you keep things inside, it breeds resentment. And then the other person will have no idea that they’re in a relationship with someone who’s carrying around so much hatred for them.

So what do you do in this case? Well first, you should consider your delivery. If you love that person, tell them how you feel without frustration in your voice.

As a matter of fact, telling them sooner rather than later helps keep you from becoming frustrated.

Lastly, every now and then you have to compromise.

It doesn’t mean you’re giving in when you shouldn’t.

It just means sometimes you have to pick your battles and some things just aren’t worth the fight.

And you are right…it’s not fair to anyone. So you should communicate how you feel. I mean who wants to hold that stuff in. However, you should not only express the way you feel, you must also be willing to listen and understand your mate’s point of view as well. Remember, communication is a two way street and no one can have a meaningful conversation by themselves.

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Charles E. Carpenter, A Professional Corporation is a small boutique law firm, founded in 1978, with the unique ability to deliver very effective professional legal services to its varied business and corporate clients. The Firm believes that even though it is small in size, its expertise and close relationships enable it to deliver quality legal services to its clients efficiently and economically, and allows it to give all client matters the special attention and skill which they deserve and expect.

Since its inception, the Firm has worked with non-profit and business corporations and their governing boards. The Firm represents and counsels clients in establishing, structuring, and ensuring legal compliance for all types of legal entities, such as governmental and quasi-governmental entities, business corporations, non-profit corporations, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt corporations, subchapter S corporations, limited liability companies and related business organizations, including partnerships and joint venture structures. The Firm also focuses on development and execution of all types of business contracts, review and negotiation of all aspects of business development, governance and growth, as well as, minority and women business enterprises (M/WBE) participation issues.

Charles E. Carpenter, P.C. Three Eight Six Beale Street Memphis, Tennessee 38103 Phone: (901) 523-7788 Fax: (901) 523-2849 Cell: (901) 240-6696 www.charlescarpenterlaw.com

Certification as a specialist in the listed areas of law is not currently available in Tennessee.

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Legal View

The Business of Love Prime Reasons to Consider a Prenuptial Agreement

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By: Attorney Charles E. Carpenter

As the music saying goes “Show Business is 10% show and 90% business,” a similar analogy can be made for the institution of marriage in the 21st century.

Yes, during the nationally recognized month of love and romance, with Valentine’s Day highlighting the signature day for lovers -- individuals planning to jump the broom into holy matrimony must be aware of the business aspects of marriage and take precautions from the outset. Published statistics indicate that up to 50% of contemporary marriages fail and will end in divorce.

Also, statistics show that many newly-weds are waiting longer to tie the matrimonial knot, delaying marriage to complete higher education and establish careers, and a higher percentage of 1st and 2nd marriages are uniting blended families.

All of the above examples are prime reasons that couples should consider a pre-nuptial agreement prior to marriage. The “prenup” is a legal contract entered into, under state law, between the soon to be husband and wife. In states where same sex Southern Soul l February 2015

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Legal View couples are able to legally marry, a prenup is legally enforceable in the state courts. The general objective of the pre nup is to protect separate assets acquired prior to marriage; allocate the marital estate in case of divorce; and, in the case of blended families, make provision for children of prior relationships from the party’s separate property. It is intended to designate and set out the rights of each party to the property of the other following the marriage and in the event of either party’s death or in the event of dissolution of the marriage for any other cause. The prenup typically includes equitable division and distribution of equity, child support, alimony, separate maintenance, attorney’s fees, court costs, etc.

Let’s face it, marriage is a loving relationship, but is also a business and legal relationship.

environment and reasonable manner, to discuss, analyze and resolve, in writing, anticipated issues, and advise other family members how certain situations will be handled on the front end. Many times this Let’s face it, marriage is a loving relationship, but is also thoughtful approach reduces the apprehension and a business and legal relationship, often complicated by concerns of family members and allows the couple to careers, family, health concerns, finances, expectations, start their new lives together in harmony. Moreover, in the unfortunate case of divorce, the prenup can emotions, etc., etc., etc. It is a very difficult commitment whose penalties for failure can be just as substantially streamline the legal process, reduce time and legal fees and reduce or eliminate the “I’m gonna acute as its rewards for success. git you sucker” attitude harbored by many divorcing The prenup is a way to analyze and balance equities, parties. protect separate assets and allow the parties to start As evidenced by the divorce statistics, marriage is their new life together on a level playing field. If the not easy but history has shown, it is the strongest couple is young and starting from the beginning of institution known to mankind and when it works, their careers with few assets, a prenup may not be as it enriches life to the fullest! Therefore, when both essential. However, if there is a significant disparity parties go into their marital union with the clear of assets between the couple, either or both have understanding of what it takes to make a marriage children from prior relationships, family businesses work, and what it takes when it doesn’t work, it gives are involved, health concerns or other extenuating the couple a much better chance of being successful circumstances are present, then a pre nup may be and enjoying many, many years of marital bliss and just the document needed to clarify matters from the becoming the envy of all their friends and relatives. outset. The prenup can allow the parties, in a calm Charles E. Carpenter is a native Memphian and proud graduate of Southside High School, Howard University, Washington, D.C., and the University of Notre Dame Law School, Notre Dame, Indiana. Attorney Carpenter is licensed to practice law in the State of Tennessee and Washington, D.C. Since 1992, Attorney Carpenter has been a nationally recognized municipal finance attorney, focusing on tax-exempt financings for cities, counties, airports, sports arenas, multifamily housing and utilities. He is listed among “Municipal Bond Attorneys” contained in the national directory The Bond Buyer’s Municipal Marketplace (the “RedBook”), being the first African-American attorney to hold such a distinction in the State of Tennessee. Attorney Carpenter also handles complex corporate, finance and securities matters. Attorney Carpenter has a strong history of involvement in the civic community serving as Campaign Chairman for the historic election of Dr. Willie W. Herenton, the first elected African-American Mayor of the City of Memphis.

28 | Southern Soul l February 2015

Providing real estate advisory services to corporate, small business, nonprofit, and government clients for 13 years.

Darrell T. Cobbins President & Founder

Shirley Cobbins Vice President External Relations

Universal Commercial Real Estate, LLC universalcommercial.com | 901.414.3315

Changing jobs? What are you doing with your retirement savings?

Changing jobs? What are you doing with your retirement sav

Changing jobs? What are you doing with your retirement savings?

The best choice for you will depend on your previous employer’s Thespecific best choice for you depend on of your previous employ plan document, your needs, andwillthe advice your The best choice for you will depend on your previous employer’s plan document, your specific needs, and the advice of y tax advisor. plan document, your specific needs, and the advice of your tax advisor. tax advisor.

Contact a Waddell & Reed financial advisor to learn more Contact a Waddell & Reed financial advisor to learn m about retirement distribution options advisor and how they more can Contact aplan Waddell & Reed financial to learn about retirement plan distribution options and how they about retirement plan distribution options and how they can affect your financial future. affect your financial future. affect your financial future.

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Black Enterprise In Memphis Second Generation Businesses

T

The advancement of blackness has always been a deliberate effort by many. From our music to our style of dress… the way we speak… and even the way we move about this nation, we have made concerted efforts and overcome considerable challenges to progress. As a

By: Danielle Inez minority in the business world, we must be much more deliberate in our efforts than others. When it comes to success in business, we must be vigilant and deliberate.

In 1969, President Richard Nixon signed Executive Order 11458, effectively paving the way for

government programs to directly contribute to the advancement of black enterprise in the United States of America.

Nixon’s Order served as a springboard for the adult children of slaves to play catch-up to the opportunities afforded White American settlers since their arrival in America. Finally, Black Americans had federal support to start businesses, create legacies of enterprise, and leave financial resources upon which our children could build.

February celebrates Black History and we, in Memphis have a strong history to celebrate. So, I thought I would take a look at our history in Black enterprise in Memphis. Who paved the way for black enterprise in Memphis? And what does business ownership look and feel like to a second-generation black entrepreneur?

Darrell Cobbins – President, Universal Commercial Real Estate

Last names like Booth, Church, Walker, Byas, Hayes, Willis, Hooks, Rivers, Ford, and Sweet are rooted in early Memphis entrepreneurship. The descendants of these legends have gone on to become wealthy business owners, renowned educators, political leaders, and celebrated philanthropists. We see their names in the newspaper, on our ballots, and even on the front of our buildings. But what is it like to grow up watching a legend unfold?

I asked a few second-generation entrepreneurs how living with an entrepreneur influenced their Southern Soul l February 2015

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My father has owned businesses since before I was born.

That translates into I’ve been employed since I was 8.

“Trey Carter” Courtesy of Patrick Carter, Jr.

choice to step out on their own have to grow up and purchase a and what sort of business start-up home of his own. It didn’t stop at advice they could offer our readers. property. Carter points out that it’s important to own everything “Ninety percent of what you do, you do. Your successes, mistakes, you’re figuring it out as you go. and the work in between. Seek Never allow your ignorance to opportunities to lead. Don’t let stop you.” Patrick “Trey” Carter, fear guide your decision-making.

III – President, Olympic Career Persevere.

Training Institute: “My father has owned businesses since before “Your relationships with others I was born. That translates into will keep you informed of I’ve been employed since I was available opportunities. Seek out 8. Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t a diverse network for your circle back-breaking work. But for a 3rd of support.” Darrell Cobbins – grader, things were intense. I had President, Universal Commercial to get up at 8AM and clean the Real Estate: When we reached office. If I wanted to get ice cream, out to Darrell Cobbins, we go to the movies… play outside anticipated his enthusiasm about – I had to work. That set the the history and current state of foundation for my life: The reward black enterprise in Memphis. The comes after work.” successful real estate professional spent much of 2014 lobbying Carter also shared that his father city government to support black taught ownership very early on. entrepreneurs in the Mid-south The home they lived in, the car his while simultaneously urging father drove – that all belonged to minority entrepreneurs to pursue his Dad. Carter was afforded the opportunities in government. privilege to share in his father’s luxuries, but he’d ultimately 32 | Southern Soul l February 2015

Cobbins speaks a lot about our entrepreneurial history. “I wish people would take the time to learn about it,” says Darrell. “The folks who came before us have [started businesses] with a lot less. They had a lot less resources than you or me. Imagine starting a business during segregation. Imagine not being able to get a loan. We have a heritage in Memphis of folks succeeding against the odds.”

His personal history supports his sentiments. Cobbins is the grandson of an entrepreneur who worked in real estate. 47 years ago, his grandfather, Samuel Cobbins, developed one of Memphis’ first black middle-class neighborhoods, Lake View Gardens, located in Southwest Memphis off Horn Lake Road.

Cobbins opened his commercial real estate company in July, 2001. Three months later, the 9-11 attacks occurred sending the business economy into an unprecedented downward

SMARTbusiness

Tiffany Boyd and her family of entrepreneurs

Darrell Cobbins, Small Business Advocate

Your relationships with others will keep you informed of available opportunities. Seek out a diverse network for your circle of support. spiral. Despite this major hurdle, Cobbins pushed forward -- perfecting his skills, pursuing small deals, and preparing for a turnaround. Shortly thereafter, a longtime friend offered him the opportunity to manage a large deal: the purchase of the Sears Crosstown building for major renovation.

“There have been many occasions when someone has knocked on my door and told me about an opportunity. I’ve not created every opportunity that I’ve benefited from.”

“If you just had an ear to hear, you’d save yourself a lot of trouble.” Tiffany Boyd – Director, First Choice Community Service: Those wise words are from Tiffany Boyd’s father, Bruce Brownlee. Boyd grew up watching her mother, Dorothy Brownlee, and her father work in the public and private sector.

However, after multiple lay-offs, Boyd’s father chose to begin the journey of entrepreneurship and opened a windshield repair business. It was here that Boyd learned the hard work and determination required as a business owner. Boyd, now an entrepreneur, owns First Choice Community Service, a senior care business based in the Mid-south. She started the business alongside her sister and later joined by her mother.

Carter, Cobbins and Boyd’s stories are similar. Each is a second generation entrepreneur who gained experience, knowledge and determination from family members. Each is resolute to carry on the family traditions and impart that determination to the next generation.

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Bust A Move Monday

Supporting Black Businesses BUST A MOVE MONDAY (BAMM), initiative of The New Olivet Baptist Church. Each month, a blackowned business in the Memphis community is selected and patronized by B-A-M-M! supporters. Although recipients are black-owned businesses, B-A-M-M! embraces the community at large, ultimately creating African-American community wealth and impacting overall stability of Memphis economy.

DATE

BUSINESS

LOCATION

Feb. 2, 2015

Black Author Showcase Non Olives and Olives

The New Olivet Baptist Church

Mar. 2, 2015

Solomon Scholarship BAMM “I Supported Solomon Scholarship” BAMM Bucks

The New Olivet Baptist Church

Apr. 6, 2015 (Civil Rights Tribute)

Withers Collection Museum

333 Beale Street 901.523.2344

May 4, 2015 (Mother’s Day BAMM)

Nails Plus Day Spa

3928 Elvis Presley Blvd.

901.398.2724

June 1, 2015 (Father’s Day BAMM)

J’s Automotive Car Care Center

4738 Hickory Hill@Shelby Dr. 901.417.6515

July 6, 2015 (4th of July BAMM).

Boss Man Pit BBQ

1621 Getwell Rd. @ Willow 901.743.0062

Aug. 3, 2015

Back to School BAMM

To Be Announced

Sept. 14, 2015

Pet’s Choice Dr. Greg Shaw, Vet

East Memphis Office 6920 Winchester Road Whitehaven Office 1396 East Shelby Drive 901.365.1979

Oct. 5, 2015

Sheba Scholarship BAMM “I supported Sheba Scholarship”

The New Olivet Baptist Church

Nov. 2, 2015

The Crock Pot

7911 E. Shelby Drive (across from Southwind H.S.) 901.758.2295 Fax Orders: 901.758.2296

Dec. 7, 2015

Black Vendor Showcase or OliVendor showcase

The New Olivet Baptist Church

SMARTbusiness

Black Business Association Upcoming Event Calendar

Thursday, February 12, 2015 | 9-11am Tennessee Small Business Development Center Presents: Protecting Your Intellectual Property Renaissance Business Center 555 Beale Street Memphis, TN 38103

Thursday February 12, 2015 | 11:30-1pm BBA Lunch & Learn Series Presents: The Better Business Bureau: Keeping your Business in Good Standing Renaissance Business Center 555 Beale Street Memphis, TN 38103

Thursday, February 12, 2015 | 6-7pm Tennessee Small Business Development Center Presents: How to Start a Small Business Memphis Public Library 3030 Poplar

Tuesday February 24, 2015 | 5:30-7pm BBA & Memphis Consulting Presents: Building Generational Wealth Renaissance Business Center 555 Beale Street Memphis, TN 38103

Thursday March 19th, 2015 | 11:30-1pm BBA Lunch & Learn Series Presents: The Small Business Administration: Understanding the SBA Loan Process Renaissance Business Center 555 Beale Street Memphis, TN 38103

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UNITE SUPPORT EMPOWER THE BREAST CANCER AWARENESS AND ACTION COALITION PRESENTS

!

Just asWe Are

S A T U R D A Y, F E B . 7 , 2 0 1 5 • 1 0 A M – 2 P M STUDENT ALUMNI CENTER • 800 MADISON AVENUE

Breast health information and personal care services start promptly at 10 am and end at 2 pm.

“LIVE! AFRICAN-AMERICAN WOMEN SURVIVING BREAST CANCER THROUGH E D U C A T I O N , E A R LY D E T E C T I O N , S C R E E N I N G A N D T R E A T M E N T ” S U M M I T This event will gather a group of 500 black women who are breast cancer survivors, who consider themselves at risk for the disease, or whose lives have been altered or touched in some way by breast cancer.

Learn how to be an advocate for breast cancer education, early detection, screening and treatment among family, friends and community!

Register and Receive Free:

Manicures and seated mini-massages • Continental breakfast and lunch Gift bags • Access to a variety of health care industry vendors

Look for “LIVE! Just as We Are”

– a traveling exhibit featuring photos of African-American women affected by breast cancer hosted at locations throughout the city until fall of 2015. The LIVE! exhibit starts at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library during Black History Month.

Register in advance at uthsc.edu/live-just-as-we-are-registration Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/LiveJustAsWeAre Contact Mario King at mking49@uthsc.edu or (901) 448-1681

Whether you have a significant other or not, take time to show some love to yourself. Learn how to make a difference in your well-being.

This Valentine’s Day, Practice Loving Yourself Loving Kindness Mediation

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By: LaTina Epps Thomas

Ahhhhh! It’s that wonderful time of year where romantic notions and ideas come to life! Valentine’s Day, what a wonderful day for some! For others, it’s a time of reflective solitude considering where they fall into the periphery of relationship statuses. (Married?

Single? Its Complicated!)

22 percent. Singles have taken over — despite the rise of online dating. Keep in mind, not everyone has a husband/wife or significant other in their lives to fulfill those romantic fantasies that are bounced around in February and there are those who don’t get romantic fantasies fulfilled.

Once upon a time in America, marriage was the norm for adults. But now, for the first time since the Bureau of Labor Statistics began tracking in 1976, there are more single Americans who consider themselves “not in a relationship” than people who are married. That is a huge change.

Whether you have a significant other or not, take time to show some love to yourself. Learn how to make a difference in your well-being. Take time to understand the importance of loving yourself and opening your heart towards others. One way to achieve this is through meditation. Meditation is simply a moment to sit quietly and focus on your breath and if your mind wanders, refocus on your breathing.

About 50.2 percent — or 124.6 million American adults — are single. In 1950, that number was about

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Fitness

As you continue the meditation, you can bring to mind other friends, neighbors, acquaintances, strangers, and finally people with whom you have difficulty.

While you say these phrases, allow yourself to sink into the intentions they express. Lovingkindness meditation consists primarily of connecting to the One of my favorite forms of intention of wishing ourselves or meditation is the practice of others happiness. When feelings Metta Meditation or Loving of warmth, friendliness, or love Kindness Meditation. With Metta arise in the body or mind, connect Meditation, you recite specific to them, allowing them to grow words and phrases evoking a “boundless warm- hearted feeling.” as you repeat the phrases. As an aid to the meditation, you might Begin with yourself and gradually hold an image of yourself in your extend the wish for well-being, happiness and love to others. There mind’s eye. This helps reinforce the intentions expressed in the phrases. are different descriptions of this practice, but I prefer a basic set of After a period of directing lovinginstructions from the book “The kindness toward yourself, bring Issue at Hand” by Gil Fronsdal to mind a friend or someone in written as a loving gift to the your life who has deeply cared for community. you. Then slowly repeat phrases of Since we often have difficulty loving loving-kindness toward them: others without first loving ourselves, May you be happy. May you be Metta is first practiced toward well. May you be safe. May you be oneself. To practice loving-kindness peaceful and at ease. meditation, sit in a comfortable and relaxed manner. Take two or three As you say these phrases, again deep breaths with slow, long and sink into their intention or heartfelt complete exhalations. Let go of any meaning. And, if any feelings of concerns or preoccupations. For loving-kindness arise, connect the a few minutes, feel or imagine the feelings with the phrases so that the breath moving through the center feelings may become stronger as of your chest - in the area of your you repeat the words. heart.

As you continue the meditation, While sitting quietly, mentally you can bring to mind other repeat, slowly and steadily, the friends, neighbors, acquaintances, following or similar phrases: strangers, and finally people with whom you have difficulty. You May I be happy. May I be well. May can either use the same phrases, I be safe. May I be peaceful and at repeating them again and again, ease.

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or make up phrases that better represent the loving-kindness you feel toward these beings.

Sometimes during loving-kindness meditation, seemingly opposite feelings such as anger, grief, or sadness may arise. Take these to be signs that your heart is softening, revealing what is held there. You can either shift to a mindfulness practice or you can --with whatever patience, acceptance, and kindness you can muster for such feelings --direct loving-kindness toward them. Above all, remember there is no need to judge yourself for having these feelings.

So perhaps this year for Valentines Day regardless of whether you have a significant other or not -- start your day off with a little Loving Kindness Meditation. After all, if you don’t love yourself first, who will?

We would love to hear from you.

Find us on Facebook at facebook. com/SouthernSoulMagazine. Tell us what you did that was loving and kind to yourself this month. We look forward to hearing from you.

Excerpts reprinted from the book The Issue at Hand by Gil Fronsdal, guiding teacher at Insight Meditation Center available for free download at insightmeditationcenter.org.

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An African American History Tour of Memphis, TN

A TOUR POSSIBILITIES

A JOURNEY TO REMEMBER A TOUR OF POSSIBILITIES, LLC Carolyn Michael-Banks, Owner PO Box 752131 Memphis, Tennessee 38175 (901) 326-3736

atopmemphiscmb@gmail.com

Home-Cooking from sauce to desserts!

Family Owned

Catering Available

6721 E SHELBY DR. MEMPHIS, TN 38141

BETWEEN ROSS RD. AND BENOIT DR. 901-566-0005

A Legendary Memphis Band Director

Professor W. T. McDaniel By: John Doyle

Photos Courtesy of Rock-n-Soul Museum

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Black History Month first began in 1976 when I was in high school, having been transferred via my father’s job from my hometown of Memphis to Little Rock, Arkansas. It was there that I was introduced to (and participated in) our government’s policy of school busing for integration, and it was there, at Horace Mann Junior High School that I, for the first time, sat in a classroom with African-American classmates.

Horace Mann had originally opened in 1955 (before I was born) as an “all-Negro high school,” not unlike Memphis’ Manassas and Booker T. Washington High Schools, among others.

I could also say that it was there, in Little Rock, that I developed as a person, learned that we were different, yet the same, and made some of the best friends of my life, both black and white… although that just sounds like something that we white people say (although it’s true).

Even though I, of course, have no idea how much emphasis Black History Month was given in other states, I remember it being prevalent within our

McDaniel conducts Booker Teasers Jazz Band 1953

studies… perhaps because Little Rock as the home of Central High School played an important role in our nation’s civil rights movement, as Memphis had.

Black History Month actually began as Black History Week back in 1926. A precursor, it was not started, or even recognized, by our government, but was initiated by historian Carter G. Woodson and The Association for the Study of Negro Life and History.

According to Woodson, “If a race has no history, it has no worthwhile tradition, it becomes a negligible factor in the thought of the world, and it stands in danger of being exterminated.” The initiative gained cooperation from the Department of Education in some states, and, through the decades, gained endorsement from some mayors. Its expansion from one week to one month was first proposed in 1969 by leaders of the Black United Students organization at Kent State University. However it was not until 1976, as part of the nation’s bicentennial celebration that the U.S. government provided it with official recognition.

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retroSOUL So today… this month… not unlike my experience in the 1970s at Horace Mann Junior High, students will study W.E.B. Du Bois, Ida B. Wells, Fredrick Douglass and many others who shaped our nation. In Memphis, that study often turns, as well, toward musical pioneers like W.C. Handy, Jimmy Lunceford, Lucie Campbell, and others. At the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, we host many February field trips by classrooms exploring a Black History Month curriculum, as does the Center for Southern Folklore and the Stax Museum. Our city was home to many great AfricanAmerican musicians who not only created great music, but changed the world, as well. They deserve extra attention… not only during February, but year round.

A little history. The first free school for black students in Memphis opened in 1863, but during the race riots of 1866, all black schools were either burned or destroyed.

The first brick-and-mortar school for black students, Clay Street School, opened in 1873 (renamed Kortrecht High School 18 years later). Manassas High was established in 1899 and became the first four-year accredited high school for black students in Shelby County. In 1926, Kortrecht High School, then in a new building, became Booker T. Washington High School.

Now, let me bring those two Memphis high schools together into a story about one great Memphis musician.

After graduating from Rust College in Holly Springs, MS, and following a stint directing the band at Lee County Training School in Tupelo, Professor William Theodore McDaniel accepted an 42 | Southern Soul l February 2015

offer to teach music at Memphis’ Booker T. Washington High School.

McDaniel was born in Texas, near Dallas, to a musical family. He first attended George R. Smith College in Sedalia, Missouri where he played trumpet and sang baritone in a vocal quartet. When the college burned in 1925, he followed his music professor to Rust College. While at Rust he managed the college’s concert company; was president of the college band and choir; played both trumpet and cello in the school orchestra; and, directed the Sunday school orchestra. He also played halfback on Rust’s football team, a move which lead the college president to remind McDaniel that he was being paid to make music, not play football. His 1927 graduating class also included gospel music pioneer, and 2012 Memphis Music Hall of Fame inductee, Lucie E. Campbell (memphismusichalloffame.com).

It probably comes as no surprise that, during the segregated South of the 1930s and 40s, fewer amenities were provided to black schools than to white schools. It’s no secret that Booker T. Washington’s proud green and gold school colors were precipitated by secondhand green and gold football uniforms from Memphis’ Central High School. Music teachers were also a rarity. McDaniel spent much of the 1940s dividing his teaching schedule between both Booker T. Washington, where college classmate Lucie Campbell also taught, and Manassas High School. In doing so, he also led two of the strongest school bands at the time – the Bookerteasers and Manassas’ Rhythm Bombers.

He led the Bombers to success on the professional charts and to

McDaniels with son Ted & BTW majorette

He was a beautiful guy.

Everybody loved him and he treated everybody fairly. high profile performances at The Peabody Skyway and the Claridge Hotel.

Even though he was trained as a marching band director, which he led at both schools, McDaniel also encouraged his students to explore as many instruments and various musical styles as possible, including the emerging newer musical forms of the day, like bebop… many the precursors of Memphis’ soul, R&B and rock ‘n’ roll revolution. His students became many of the pioneers of these musical styles which exploded here in Memphis and which, then, changed the cultural

retroSOUL When we talk about Memphis music and Memphis musicians, we usually reference Beale Street.

According to Dr. William Lee Ellis, professor of music at St. Michael’s College in Vermont, and former music writer for the Commercial Appeal, “The story of Memphis music is as much grounded in the city’s high school music education and band programs as it is in the fabled streets of Beale Street.” Those who learned under the tutelage of Professor McDaniel include a list of musicians who shaped Memphis music and, in doing so, shook the world. They read like a “Who’s Who of Memphis Music,” including pianist Phineas Newborn, Jr. (another Memphis Music Hall of Fame inductee) and his guitarist brother Calvin Newborn, sax pros Charles Lloyd, Fred Ford, Sonny Criss, Andy Goodrich, Chris Woods and B.B. King’s saxophonist Evelyn Young, legendary drummer Joe Dukes and Motown drummer Richard “Pistol” Allen, trumpeter Louis Smith, great keyboardist Robert “Honeymoon” Garner, bandleaders Emerson Able, Jr., Calvin Jones, George Cowser and Nelson Jackson, and, among many others, Earth, Wind & Fire founder Maurice White.

McDaniels with Phineas Newborn

complexion of the entire world. Among these students was his own son, now Dr. Ted McDaniel, professor of African American Music and Director of Jazz Studies at Ohio State University. McDaniel, the younger, recalls as a young child having to crawl over various brass horns which his dad left scattered throughout their home. “He was a master teacher; that’s what he loved,” reflects his son. “His infectious love of music and black culture and all that represented gave him the opportunity to try and lead young African-American youth on a path of which all would be proud.”

A Memphis Music Hall of Fame inductee himself, Professor W.T. McDaniel joins other inductees like Al Green, B.B. King, Elvis Presley, Isaac Hayes and quite a few others who many would consider to have more famous and more recognizable names. In fact, upon his announcement as an inaugural inductee in 2012, some (including some who consider themselves to be Memphis music experts) didn’t even know who McDaniel was.

But that’s what Black History Month is all about, isn’t it? Learning about the legends who inspired others… and who may still inspire us.

Legendary Memphis music educator, bandleader, and former McDaniel student, Emerson Able, Jr. recalls McDaniel, saying, “He was a beautiful guy. Everybody loved him and he treated everybody fairly. He got all of us scholarships to different places. I will forever glorify his name.” It’s a name we should all remember, and share… throughout Black History Month, and throughout the year.

And now, your “retroSOUL” audio assignment for this month… Black History Month. Unfortunately, I can’t offer much in regards to audio recordings by McDaniel and his students, however, at Manassas High School, McDaniel followed another Memphis music legend, Jimmie Lunceford, who was the first jazz educator in the Memphis public school system. Lunceford taught the Manassas students that McDaniel inherited. In fact, Lunceford organized his Manassas students into the jazz orchestra, Chickasaw Syncopators, took them on the road and landed them a Victor recording contract.

So -- go to iTunes, search “Jimmie Lunceford Sweet Rhythm,” and treat your ears to a little of the musical talent coming out of Memphis’ Manassas in 1930.

There’s also a great audio interview between Professor McDaniel and his son, Ted, recorded prior to his death in 1990, available on McDaniel’s tribute page at memphismusichalloffame.com. Your history lesson is now complete… for this month. Enjoy.

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Do You Have A Strategic Plan For Your Marriage?

I

In my new book, Why Love Doesn’t Last, I have a chapter discussing a Strategic Plan for your marriage. I got the idea from a book entitled, Five Stones: Conquering Your Giants, co-written by Memphian, R. Brad Martin, former University of Memphis Interim President and retired Chairman/CEO of Saks, Inc., and Reverend Shane Stanford, Senior Pastor of Christ United Methodist Church. One of the points that caught my attention in the book was Martin’s revelation that he had a strategy for everything but his marriage and he didn’t pay attention to the warning signs.

Martin explained he had plans

By: Sheila Whalum for his business, kids, homes and community service, but not for his marriage. Consequently, his first marriage ended after twenty-four years. He has since remarried, now understands that his marriage comes first, and set out to make a Strategic Plan for his marriage.

Strategic Planning is defined as a systematic process of envisioning a desired future and translating the vision into broadly defined goals or objectives and a sequence of steps to achieve them. According to Martin, a Strategic Plan lays out a method to achieve a particular goal. The steps he set are:

1. Contemplate your plans. Now

that you are married, now what?

2. Develop a plan based on your own marriage, dealing with children, jobs, school, etc.

3. Update your plan often together.

So . . . back to the chapter in my book and my Strategic Plan . . . Dr. Whalum and I have been married for almost thirty-three years. We followed Martin’s suggestion and developed a Strategic Plan and we review it on a regular basis to ensure we stay on the path of being happily married. We keep a wedding photo in our den. It’s been there Southern Soul l February 2015

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Lifestyles

Dr. Whalum and I have been married for almost thirty-three years.

We followed Martin’s suggestion and developed a Strategic Plan. since 1982, and it reminds us of that special day. In our bedroom, we have a beautiful Marriage Prayer that his cousin, Harold gave us on our wedding day. It states: A Marriage Prayer Lord, help us to remember when we first met and the strong love that grew between us, to see the good within the other, and find answers to all our problems. Help us to say the kind and loving thing, and make us big enough to ask forgiveness of the other. We put our marriage into Your hands.

Amen In our Couples Achieving Newness Again (C.A.N.A.) class, one of the books we study is He Wins, She Wins (Learning the Art of Marital Negotiations) by Andrea F. Polard. This book also incorporates a Strategic Plan into maintaining a happy marriage. Polard’s Strategic Plan, a Policy of Joint Agreement (POJA), is simply a rule to help couples remember that just about everything they do affects each other and wisest choices are those that take each other’s feelings and interests into account. In other words, win-win outcomes in marital problemsolving are far superior to win-lose outcomes.

Dr. Whalum and I entered into a Policy of Joint Agreement. Our Certificate states; I, Kenneth T. Whalum Jr., and I, Sheila Whalum do hereby agree to implement the Policy of Joint Agreement in our Marriage on this 17th Day of August, 2014. We framed our Policy and it is kept in our bedroom.

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February is a month of romance. Romance is an integral part of marriage. As we move along in our marriages, and strive to maintain happy marriages, consider incorporating a POJA and a Strategic Plan in your marriage. Below are ten easy steps in the Whalum Strategic Plan:

1. Worship God 2. Love each other 3. Remember your wedding vows 4. Wear your wedding bands 5. Support each other 100 percent 6. Be Best Friends 7. Meet for lunch daily (if you can) 8. Talk to each other daily about past, present and future events

9. Combine Finances 10. Be an example of a Godly, happily married couple IT WORKS! God created the most beautiful thing- Marriage! Let’s make Him proud.

Now it is your turn! Create your Strategic Plan for your Marriage!

You can follow Ms. Whalum on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook- @ Sheila Whalum or e-mail at sheilawhalum@ comcast.net; sheilawhalum.com.

Fifteen Acts of Love

S

Since our early days of childhood, we have been trained to give out cute, little cards covered with a smattering of pink and red hearts.

We write endearing little notes inside that ask the receiver to “Be my Valentine” we anxiously wait for one of these simple little notes as a token of interest from the little girl or boy whom we were infatuated.

Creating magical moments in your relationship is something everyone thinks about, but few people do.

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Why wait for the 14th to deliver a heartfelt and loving message. Start early, continue throughout and by the time Valentine’s Day arrives, your partner will be enamored by your caring ways.

Here are 15 “2015 Acts of Love” to bring a little more romance into your relationship.

Creating magical moments in your relationship is something everyone thinks about, but few people do.

1.

2.

3.

4.

Make your morning time special - bring a cup of coffee while your honey is still in bed or; better yet-serve breakfast in bed. It will make your partner feel cherished and the kindness will be returned. Check out Taste of Kat’s Hot Buttered Soul Breakfast.

Make time at the end of work-day (when you first see each other) to give a 10 second hug and kiss. You will both feel more deeply connected throughout the evening. Also remember to touch your partner affectionately, not just when you want to be romantic.

Gently run your fingertips along the back of your partner’s neck whenever you pass by. Give her/him a back massage if a terrible day at work is mentioned.

Be spontaneous! Plan a romantic rendezvous during the week. This is a wonderfully romantic and very simple thing to do. At dinner, don’t forget to look straight at her/him across the table, smile and wink seductively. If you want to be a little more extravagant, choose to spend the night at a Bed & Breakfast and drive home the next day. This is sure to add spark to your romantic life.

Take time to give your partner 100% of your attention when they want to talk. Put everything aside (even the cell phone) -- face your partner and say “What would you like to talk about?” It will make your partner feel loved and important to you. And . . . you know those sweet things you think of when you are together or just thinking about your honey?

Well, next time a thought pops in your mind, voice it! Everyone loves to know what wonderful things go on in the inner workings of their mate’s minds.

5.

Wear something new and attractive to encourage a lingering gaze of appreciation. Take time to tell your partner they look wonderful, beautiful, sexy or great.

We all have doubts about our looks and hearing our partners say we are attractive is a very important part of creating a romantic relationship.

6.

Before you leave in the morning, tell your partner you look forward to seeing them later. Never leave the house without acknowledging your partner or saying, “I love you.”

7.

Next time you are shopping alone, get a couple of little “surprise gifts” for your partner. The next time she/he is feeling down, give her/him one of the gifts.

This is a wonderful and uplifting act of love and will be remembered for a very long time.

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8.

Nothing says “Enjoy yourself! I Love You” more than a night out with the girls/guys. Plan a night out for your partner to enjoy her/his friends. She/he may wonder what you have up.

But, seriously, she/he is sure to appreciate your thoughtfulness. Simply plan a girls/guys’ night out for yourself on the same night so you won’t be the one wondering!

9.

Prepare a candlelight dinner complete with flowers, dinner, and dessert, put on some romantic music in the background, and enjoy.

Before you prepare your menu, check out Taste of Kat’s Commitment Chicken Dinner! Better yet, prepare at least one of your sweetheart’s favorite meals every week this month.

10.

Flirt in the car whenever the two of you are driving somewhere together. Just don’t let it get out of hand until the car stops. Wink! Wink!

11.

Write a love note. Be creative with your messages. Drop the note in her/his briefcase, brown bag lunch, or coat pocket. Or tape it on the bathroom mirror to jumpstart her/his morning. Drop by your partner’s job and slip it under her/his windshield wiper. Or send it through the mail. After all, who doesn’t love getting mail (well, except for bills) as a surprise?

12.

Spray a bit of your favorite fragrance on her/his pillow to tantalize while she/he sleeps.

13.

14.

15.

Spray a bit of your favorite fragrance on her/ his pillow to tantalize while she/he sleeps.

These ideas are just to get you started. Once you get going, more ideas will come to you. Taking the time Design a Get-Out-Of-Trouble free card and place to create romance in your relationship is paramount to creating a fulfilling love life. Even if you think your it where your honey will discover it. ideas are silly, your partner will be thrilled you took Rent a movie you know your partner would time to do something loving for them. Remember, it’s really enjoy. Plan a movie snuggling day. Don’t the thought that counts. The gifts that keep on giving forget the popcorn. are the ones that cling to your loved one’s memories.

And the all-time tried but true, buy a dozen roses. Take two stems, pull off the petals. Drop the petals on the floor leading to the bedroom and to a single rose on the bed. Place the remaining roses in a vase on the nightstand.

Let your imagination take control from there...

Enjoy!

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Central

2015 Region Summit March 19-21 | 3240 James Rd., Memphis TN

Ministry classes March 19 & 20 at 6pm

Worship services

7:15 pm - Golden Gate Cathedral 3240 James Rd For more information, call 800-743-8664

Bishop Paul S. Morton Founder/Presiding Bishop

Bishop Joseph Walker Presiding Bishop Elect

Bishop Ed Stephens Host/Central Region Bishop

Taste Life With Kat Valentine… Oh… what a day!

By: Kathy Kirk Johnson

I

Is your honey a morning person? If he or she is not, a scrumptious feast in bed might convert them. After getting hot and heavy, butter your love’s soul by serving a Southern-Style, hearty breakfast with brown sugar bacon, scallions & eggs, creamy white cheddar grits, and fresh corn fritters.

Some say the way to anyone’s heart is through their stomach.

This Valentine’s Day satisfy your sweetheart’s stomach at dawn and steal their heart for life. Do not be afraid to display your culinary skills, it provides a sense of comfort and security and is considered by most to be a thoughtful measure that demonstrates adoration. While you prepare the meal, flashback to the movie “Baby Boy” when the mother’s boyfriend prepared breakfast in his birthday suit, sipping the last of the Kool-Aid, and sporting a grin as wide as the Mississippi river. Hmmm! . . . Remember the movie “Love Jones” when the handsome poet/ writer wakes up the morning after and makes cheese omelets and fresh squeezed orange juice for his love interest?

Channel your inner lyricist and compose a breakfast with plenty of love on that plate. The chosen one will surely be willing to submit to your every desire for the rest of the day.

Trust me on that!

P.S. My Valentine was so electrifying, my mind is still blown - evident by the napkin placed on the wrong side of the setting! Oops.

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Hot Buttered Soul Southern Style Valentine Breakfast By: Kathy Kirk Johnson Photography by: Jay Adkins

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Food

Brown Sugar Bacon 8 Slices of thick-cut bacon 1 ½ tablespoons of Dijon mustard ½ cup brown sugar ¼ teaspoon Fresh Cracked Black Pepper (optional)

Directions: Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In large bowl, combine mustard, sugar and black pepper. Add bacon and mix around.

Alternatively, place all ingredients in large plastic storage bag, gently squeeze to toss and coat bacon. Line a baking sheet with foil. Set a cooling rack inside the prepared baking sheet.

Place the bacon on the rack and bake until crisp, about 20-25 minutes. Serve and enjoy!

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Food

Scallions & Eggs 4 Bunches of scallions (chopped finely) 2 eggs (beaten) 2 tablespoons of butter 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil Kosher salt to taste (I use about ½ teaspoon, but I like salt) ¼ teaspoon of fresh cracked black pepper Directions: In small bowl, whisk eggs. Set aside. Heat olive oil and butter on low heat in medium sized skillet or omelet pan (If not using non-stick pan, spray pan with cooking spray before adding oil and butter). Add scallions and season with salt and pepper. Sauté slow and low until onions are soft (about 10 minutes). Pour in eggs and roll pan slightly to evenly distribute. Fold continuously to prevent browning and allowing eggs to set. Serve hot!

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Melt-In-Your-Mouth Grits 1 cup of Quick Grits ½ teaspoon of Salt ½ cup of Heavy Whipping Cream 1 cup of White Cheddar Cheese ½ stick of Butter

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Directions: Prepare grits as directed on package. Once grits have fully cooked, add cream, white cheddar cheese and butter, stirring often to prevent sticking. Once cheese has fully melted, pour in a bowl, top with butter and serve hot!

Food Corn Fritters 3 ears of fresh corn on the cob, shucked 1 cup of yellow cornmeal ½ cup of Bisquick 2 tablespoons of sugar 2 tablespoons of butter (melted) ½ teaspoon of salt ¼ cup of vegetable oil 1 cup of buttermilk 1 egg, beaten Confectioners sugar Maple Syrup or Honey Directions: Boil corn for 3-5 minutes. Slice kernels and place in a small bowl. In large bowl, whisk egg, buttermilk and melted butter.

Set aside. In separate large bowl, combine cornmeal, sugar, salt and Bisquick. Whisk. Poke a hole in center of dry cornmeal mixture.

Pour in buttermilk mixture. Stir until combined. Do not over mix.

Pour in corn and fold into batter.

Heat vegetable oil in skillet on medium low heat. Pour batter (using ¼ sized measuring cup to ensure even sized fritters). Flip fritters (once they begin to bubble at top and brown on the bottom).

Brown on both sides. Remove from skillet and place on a serving dish.

Dust with Confectioners sugar, drizzle with maple syrup or honey and serve hot!

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We Need To Talk Commitment Cornish Hens By: Kathy Kirk Johnson Photography by: Jay Adkins

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E

Everyone knows there are times when you and your mate just need to have a talk. Sometimes you need to have a “come to Jesus” meeting or re-negotiate the terms of your relationship deal. Sometimes you want to discuss when you are getting married, having a baby, the finances, the in-laws or you just need to establish some basic house rules. You definitely need to talk when you are ready to throw in the towel on the relationship, but this meal is not for that purpose. I sure don’t want to cook a meal for someone I am kicking to the curb.

my husband a little over a year, and was ready to get married.

I read about the “Engagement Chicken” after my sister made chicken and got a ring 2 weeks later. Convinced it would work for me - I followed the recipe to the letter, even purchasing wooden spoons, so that there would be no deviation. Well, I could not get it right to save my life. I always undercooked the chicken or not season it enough.

chicken is just not me; but - I can bake a Cornish hen! So I went about creating a recipe that specifically measured the amount of seasonings to ensure the Cornish hen would be flavorful.

I prepared this meal. He loved the Cornish Hen and I asked him (while feeding him dessert) if I needed to talk about something later, would he be receptive. He smiled and said “yes, since you went through the trouble of making all this for me.” Well, My husband loves to eat and he just the rest is history, he is now thought that I was trying to cook my husband and we have two too fancy. He told my Godmother The purpose of this meal is to wonderful rambunctious sons. that he loved my cooking except lower your honey’s defenses, butter this one chicken dish that is always Here it is! “Commitment Cornish ‘em up. You want to ease your undercooked and has no taste.

Hens!” If you cook this meal for sweetheart’s mind so that he or she We howled because everyone but your lover, you might be able to get will be receptive to the discussion. him knew I had been making the him or her to commit to anything I was inspired to create a menu “Engagement Chicken” to get a - helping out around the house, around the legendary “Engagement proposal. spending more quality time with Chicken” recipe. I had been dating you, and maybe even marriage.

I thought about it and it dawned Good Luck! on me – maybe baking a whole

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Food

Mushroom and Wild Rice Casserole 1 Bunch - Green Onions (6-8 Stalks) 2 Bags - Pre-Cooked Long Grain & Wild Rice 1 Can - Cream of Celery Soup 1 Can - Chicken Broth Roasted Mushrooms* Directions: Preheat oven 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray small casserole dish with non-stick spray. In non-stick pan, Sautee green onions until onions are soft (no longer than 5 minutes). Add pre-cooked rice, sautéed onions, soup and mushrooms.

Stir until blended. Use handle of a wooden spoon or rubber spatula to poke holes in rice mixture. Add enough broth to moisten mixture (it should almost cover the top.

Using spatula or spoon, evenly spread top of casserole until smooth (like spreading icing on a cake). Bake 20 minutes or until casserole begins to brown, bubble and set. *Preparation of Roasted Mushrooms: 1 Package - Fresh Baby Portobello Mushrooms (About 4 Cups Or So) 4 Fresh Garlic Cloves (Crushed) 5 Sprigs - Fresh Thyme ¼ Teaspoon - Black Pepper ¼ Teaspoon - Kosher Salt 1 Teaspoon - Butter (Melted) 2 Tablespoons - Olive Oil Directions: (Preheat oven 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Rinse mushrooms and lay flat on towel to dry. Once mushrooms have dried, place in large mixing bowl. Add crushed garlic, thyme (pull leaves from stem), salt, pepper, olive oil and butter. Toss. Transfer to lined baking sheet (may use foil-sprayed with non-stick spray). Roast until crispy and brown, (20-30 minutes). Toss at least twice while cooking to ensure an even brown.

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Food

Roasted Green Beans 1 Package Frozen Whole Petite Green Beans 3 Garlic Cloves (Crushed) - A Heaping ½ Tablespoon Kosher Salt (To Taste) Fresh Ground Cracked Pepper (To Taste) Olive Oil Directions: Preheat oven 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Spread green beans on a lined baking sheet (may use aluminum foil-sprayed with non-stick spray). Season green beans with salt and pepper to taste.

Add garlic, drizzle with olive oil and toss. Spread beans evenly in the pan. Roast until crispy and brown, (20-25 minutes). Flip beans often while cooking. Remove beans from oven, season to taste and serve hot!

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Directions: In large bowl, combine kosher salt, sugar, parsley, 1 bay leaf, sage, and apple juice.

4 Cornish hens Whisk until seasonings dissolve. Place hens in bowl and add enough water to completely 1 Stick of Butter cover the hens. Place bowl in refrigerator and brine Cornish hens overnight. Preheat oven ½ teaspoon - Smoked Paprika to 350 degrees F. Melt butter, add smoked ½ teaspoon - Lemon Pepper paprika and lemon pepper to melted butter.

Whisk to mix well. Set aside. Remove hens Garlic Powder from brining solution, drain and pat dry.

Honey Sprinkle or rub hens generously with garlic powder on inside and outside. Place hens Brining Mixture: in large oiled casserole dish or roasting pan ½ cup Kosher Salt (without rack) breast side up. Pour butter 1 teaspoon - Ground Sage or Poultry Seasoning mixture over each hen. Bake 90 minutes (if hens are large). Bake 45-60 minutes (if hens ½ cup Sugar are small). Allow hens to rest 10 minutes.

Drizzle with honey before serving.

1 ½ cups - Apple Juice

“Commitment” Cornish Hens

2-3 large Sprigs - Fresh Italian Parsley 1 Bay Leaf

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Food

After the Commitment...

DESSERT!

Photography by: Jay Adkins

Slap Yo Mama Chocalate Pie

Blueberry Pie

Valentine’s Day is synonymous with candlelight dinners, romantic movies and delicious desserts.

Although chocolate is often standard fare for the day of love, why not explore other options?

This Valentine’s Day -- try pies! We found the best chocolate pie in town! The National Pie Championship Award winning “Slap Yo Mama Chocolate” pie is out of this world and sure to add that perfect finish to your Commitment Dinner! Baked daily at The Pie Folks in Germantown, owner Audrey Anderson puts a dash of love and a drop of faith into every pie.

And, if chocolate pie is not your favorite, The Pie Folks has 23 other varieties for you to choose from. From her mouth-watering “Tato’ Patch Sweet Potato Pie” to her gluten free “City Slicker NY Cheesecake,” she has you covered this Valentine’s Day. If you are up for a delicious “Uptown Pineapple Cheesecake,” call ahead (before 1 pm) and you can pick up a slice of delight the next day.

Tato’ Patch Sweet Potato Pie

Sold by Slice, Half Pie, or Whole Pie The Pie Folks 7781 Farmington Boulevard Suite 103 Germantown, TN 901.752.5454 thepiefolks.com

Operating Hours Tues-Thurs 10am-6:30pm Wed 10am-6pm Fri. 10am-6:30pm Sat. 10am-3pm Sundays and Mondays CLOSED

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Assorted Cupcakes

Lifestyles

Valentine Passion & Kisses By: Cocktail Cuties - Angela Johnson Photography by: Embrick Johnson

Lifestyles

Sweet Caramel Kisses Ingredients: 1 1/2 oz.-Homemade Caramel Vodka (See instructions below) 1 oz. of Baileyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Irish Cream

Directions: Pour ingredients in shaker over ice.

Shake well and drain into chilled Martini Glass. Drink can be topped with whipped cream; dressed with a cherry, shaved dark chocolate, mint or mint leaves.

Caramel Vodka

Fruit Passion Sangria Ingredients: 2 bottles of Red Wine (Spanish or Cabernet) 1 Cup of Brandy 1 Cup of Triple Sec 2 Cups of Orange Juice 2 Cups Blueberry Pomegranate Juice 1 Cup Simple Syrup (add to taste) Âź cup of Grand Marnier Directions: Mix all ingredients in pitcher. Refrigerate at least 24 hours.

This can be served in a punch bowl with fruit garnishes or for an intimate setting for 2. Serve in Carafe with wine glasses.

Suggested Garnishes: Orange Slices Apple Slices Lemon Slices Lime Slices Blueberries

Ingredients: 1 lb. Kraft Soft Caramel Squares 1 750 ml Vodka

Directions: Cut 1 lb. of Kraft Soft Caramel Squares in small pieces. Drop into Vodka 750 ml bottle. Shake well. Make sure caramel starts to dissolve. Refrigerate. Repeat process daily until all caramel has completely dissolved. Th. s process could take 3-5 days. Once completely dissolved; Vodka is ready to serve.

Suggested Garnishes: Whipped Cream Cherry Shaved Chocolate Mint or Mint leaves

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“You can’t buy happiness but you can buy local, and that’s kind of the same.”

Support Memphis Local Businesses

Wear Your Pearls and Fancy Hats for our Spring Function.

PLEASE JOIN US FOR THE

2015 Annual Fundraising Luncheon

Saturday, February 28, 11:30 at the Hilton Memphis Tickets 50.00

Women of Courage Awardees: Shirley Wexner and Beverly Robertson Board Chairperson: Rholedia Morgan Event Chairs: Bernice Butler & Toni Harvey

For ticket info, call 901.363.3100

uMatter!

Photography by: Jay Adkins

Southern Soul Magazine believes in supporting our youth and giving them a voice. Southern Soul Magazine recently visited Booker T. Washington High School and asked: February is Black History Month;

what do you believe still exists in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s society despite the advances achieved by the Civil Rights Movement?

If you could select a local leader (or mentor) who has had an impact on you - who and why?

Once you leave Booker T. Washington,

what will people remember most about you?

Given the opportunity to lead Booker T. Washington,

what would you do to continue its historical legacy?

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uMatter

“Success Always Leaves Footprints.”

– Booker T. Washington Calvin Hughes 11th Grade | Career Choice: Attorney Racism. It is a part of our history and remains today. The way African Americans and Whites are treated by one another is unbearable. We must do something to eradicate this from continuing in the future.

Ms. Kiner, because she has an amazing impact on every student at Booker T. Washington.

I was an amazing student and leader at Booker T. Washington.

I would teach and mentor students to improve themselves and be the example of our school motto.

RaDario Kendrick 11th Grade | Career Choice: Actor/TV Host Police brutality. Our nation experiences it daily. Recently, our attention has been drawn to incidents in Ferguson, MO and New York City (Michael Brown and Eric Garner).

My football coach has had a huge impact on my life because he has taken me through the steps and helped guide me to become a man. He is an example for me to follow. That’s why I look up to him.

That I set a huge example academically because I strongly believe today’s young black males can get an education and prove statisticians wrong. Black education matters.

I would live up to the school’s motto - “We’re tops, we lead while others follow.” Booker T. Washington believes in this creed and wants us to abide by it. The way we abide by it is we are our own leaders and we shall never follow behind anybody.

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We asked: February is Black History Month; what do you believe still exists in today’s society despite the advances achieved by the Civil Rights Movement?

If you could select a local leader (or mentor) who has had an impact on you – who and why?

Once you leave Booker T. Washington, what will people remember most about you?

Given the opportunity to lead Booker T. Washington, what would you do to continue its historical legacy?

Terrion Mayfield 12th Grade | Career Choice: Electrical Engineer The right and the need to vote. It is mostly overlooked in today’s society.

Blacks in today’s society do not allow their voices to be heard nor do they hold the same passion to be heard as Blacks in the past.

My life long mentor, Terrance Young with Street Ministries. I grew up without my mother or father; however, Mr. Terrance took me under his wing as his own and raised me to be who I am today. In the past, I was always looked at as a troubled child until he invested his time in me. Since then, I’ve excelled in school and now receive honor awards. My peers look to me as a role model in my school and community.

Always making people smile. Being the glow of everyone’s day!

I would take on the charge of being the leader, providing direction and guidance to those who may be considered an outcast. Set new goals and make new paths for them.

Curnisha Parker 12th Grade | Career Choice: Forensic Scientist Racism. It still exist throughout the world, it’s not only among blacks and whites, but also among Hispanics and others ethnicities around the world.

I would select Maurice Mosby and his wife, Teria Mosby. They have impacted my life completely. They’ve led me in the right direction of following Jesus Christ, and given me great advice. They have also been a huge part of my support system. I love them!

I was a hard worker with dedication, faith and commitment and that I was Miss BTW 2014-2015. I always say, “Aspire to inspire before you expire!”

I would come back to support students who are just like me and look just like me. I want them to know if I made it, they can as well.

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uMatter

Terykah Woods 12th Grade | Career Choice: Attorney The justice system. The way the system is set up, many crimes are overlooked due to the powers others have within society. The justice system is certainly an area in today’s society that needs work.

Ms. Black, she’s always positive and open for any talks or anything on my mind. She always encourages me and pushes me forward to have a better attitude. I love you, Ms. Black!

I want everyone to remember me as a leader. I want to be remembered by my intelligence and big improvements with my attitude. I also want to leave as Miss BTW 2015-2016!

I would continue to produce proud leaders, proud Warriors!

LaRavien White 12th Grade | Career Choice: Cardiovascular Surgeon Although it may seem cliché, many of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s contributions are overlooked. Of course four out of five children know about Dr. King’s dream, but do they apply that dream to their everyday life? People tend to hear the dream, but do they listen? If they did, negative exposures would not affect their lives.

Terrance Young, a former Streets Ministries mentor. He has become a successful man, but had a long road to travel. Struggling to handle missing parents could tarnish ones future, but Mr. Terrance didn’t let that stop him. I appreciate his dedication to today’s youth. He tries to expand our horizons and I take full advantage of it. Thanks and I love you, Terrance!

I want to be remembered for my perseverance. If one keeps trying without allowing anything to stop them, greatness is among them. At my school, I feel students allow negative influences lead them into doing inappropriate things.

Perseverance to stay in school and later earn a degree can be very distinctive.

Most likely I would like to get our school involved in the community more.

Not only could it benefit students; but, also it could change someone’s life. I believe youth should be more active within their neighborhoods.

We asked: February is Black History Month; what do you believe still exists in today’s society despite the advances achieved by the Civil Rights Movement?

If you could select a local leader (or mentor) who has had an impact on you – who and why?

Once you leave Booker T. Washington, what will people remember most about you?

Given the opportunity to lead Booker T. Washington, what would you do to continue its historical legacy?

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School Stats • Gender Specific Classrooms in all core classes

Ronneshia Taylor

Destine Mull

11th Grade | Career Choice: Attorney

11th Grade | Career Choice: Doctor

Police brutality. There have been A disparity in justice. I strongly believe there is no justice for blacks so many deaths due to police when it comes to the legal system. brutality without justice being Especially due to the events that served.

Antonio Harris – He works at Porter-Goodwill Boys and Girls Club. He offers kids at the club many different opportunities to do things that help them make a brighter future.

I would want to be remembered as a hardworking and dedicated young woman.

I would continue to be a leader and do the right thing so others could follow in my footsteps.

have occurred over the past two years.

My mom, because I truly have learned so much from her. She’s taught me how to be a strong young lady, to always be clever, and encourages me to be myself and always love me first. Love you, mom!

I was a leader, continued to move toward success and put God first. I showed my loyalty to the school’s motto, “We’re tops, we lead while others follow.”

• CTE/Technical classes • Middle School Academy • Tutoring with certified teachers in all testing classes • Active members with SCS Student Council • Active Bridge Builders members • The school entered and won the 2011 Race to the Top Commencement Challenge • Teacher Academy conducted bi-weekly for teacher growth by the administrative team

To continue to love one another, lead with courage and confidence, and be clever.

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Spotlight

NAACP Crowns Teenager of the Year JoElle Thompson

T

JoElle with grandparents Willie Earl Bates Jo Ellen Bates

Photos Courtesy of Bates Family

The 36th Annual NAACP Teenager of the Year contest and coronation was held at First Baptist Broad in December. Securing the most membership enrollments in the contest’s history, JoElle Thompson, was crowned the 2014 NAACP Teenager of the Year.

JoElle is the proud daughter of Jerry and Patrice Thompson and granddaughter of Willie Earl and Jo Ellen Bates. As Teenager of the Year, she was awarded a $1,000 scholarship, a touch screen Dell 14” Laptop, and an assortment of gift certificates and gift cards to various stores and restaurants.

Rev. Dr. Reginald L. Porter Sr Glenn M Vaulx III 2013 winner

An 11th grade honor student at White Station High School with a 4.0 GPA, JoElle is a member of DECA (Distributive Education /Marketing), Honors Women’s Choir, 3 year football team trainer/ manager, 2 year shot-put/discus thrower on the track team, 2 year girls volleyball player, and girl’s JV and Varsity Basketball team; a member of Bridges, Girls Intended for Greatness (NCNW-National Council of Negro Women Youth Group) and the NAACP Youth Council. She participates in many church and community service projects, volunteers with Memphis Food Bank, Clean Memphis and Salvation Army group home.

As a contestant, JoElle was charged with raising the profile and membership of NAACP, Memphis Chapter NAACP, particularly among the community’s youth, through donations, memberships and advocacy. The NAACP’s mission is to protect and enhance civil rights in America. The organization informs youth of problems affecting African Americans and other racial and ethnic minorities. It has one of the largest organized groups of young people of any secular organization in the country.

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Spotlight

Orange Mound Raiders Youth All American Bowl

7th Grade Game

Photos courtesy of Antonio “Coach T” Huntsman Seventy middle school athletes from across the nation competed in The First Annual Youth All American Bowl held in Myrtle Beach, SC. Tennessee was represented by two Orange Mound Raider players, Dwight Holmes and Deondre Mallette.

After a week of practice and trials, both players were chosen as team starters. Deondre was elected 7th Grade Team Captain, led his team to a 51-28 victory, and voted defensive MVP. Dwight scored a 45 yard touchdown pass on the 6th Grade team and contributed to his team’s 53-24 victory. The Orange Mound Raider Nation is extremely proud of these two very deserving young men.

Deondre, Dwight and teammates

Dwight Holmes

Deondre Mallette

Deondre, Dwight and Coach T 78 | Southern Soul l February 2015

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