SYM
S Y M -M A G A Z I N E
VOLUME NUMBER 1 I S S U E
N U M B E R
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SEP/OCTOBER 2011
w w w. s y m - m a g a z i n e . c o m
premier issue His Flirtacious Scope Tony Clomax hit webseries “12-steps to recovery” Page Turning Novel Related Affairs SYM’S list of dedicated, talented actors poised for Stardom! COVER: GREGORY ALEXANDER PHOTOGRAPHY
Actor Ohene Cornelius
“Sexiness is more than how you look, it’s how you are.” SeductionX The sexy new fragrance by Alicia Marie Rivers available @ prettyhotchick.com
Photo: FRED SLY PHOTOGRAPHY
SYM
FROM THE EDITOR
many HATS
WEARING
Over the past year many people have asked me, “Tilsa, how do you juggle three projects all at once?” With bold assurance, my answer was always, “With the grace of God!” As I sat at my desk performing my daily morning ritual of promoting, planning and securing financing for both Related Affairs and SYM-MAGAZINE’s development, my forever busy Blackberry rang. On the other end was my darling cousin,Tanasha Knight. She was practically on my heels, with both excitement and anxiety, reminding me of a few minor tasks for this issue. She asked, “T, have you written your publisher’s letter, and is the magazine’s layout done?” Talk about overwhelming pressure? So, there I was after my conversation with Tanasha, thinking of the perfect theme for my first letter to you. Like a bolt of lightning it became clear, WEARING MANY HATS! So, allow me to bow gracefully while tipping my hat.... Welcome to SYM-MAGAZINE! SYM is short for SYMBOLIC. We strive to leave a lasting impression in your minds with each page you turn. Helping me to leave that impression are my talented team players: Star Davis, Editor-at-Large and Randell Pearson, Creative Director (pictured left). SYM promises to explore a diverse number of topics which will keep you both informed and entertained. Our primary focus is to provide a platform for many entrepreneurs who fly below the radar. And as we all know, the MO for most entrepreneurs is wearing many hats!
Tilsa C. Wright Publisher, Editor-In-Chief www.sym-magazine.com Twitter.com/tilsawright facebook.com/sym-magazine be seen by our growing readership. Advertise youR product and/or service in SYM-magazine. For Media Kit please contact Tilsa Wright @ tilsawright@yahoo.com or @ 347 440-6099
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Harlem Seeds was founded by sisters Michele Hatchette
and Stephanie Mack, who were born and raised in Harlem. Deeply committed to their community and its youth, the organization was established to address the most pressing health issues facing Harlem children today. Understanding the responsibility and the call to serve Harlem, the organization seeks to enrich the community that has given so much to them. At this time when community children are suffering from high rates of obesity and diabetes, Harlem Seeds recognizes the need to act now to save our youth. Harlem residents often give many excuses for not purchasing and investing in healthy food. Many are simply not aware of the negative effects certain foods can have on one’s health. This is due in large part to a lack of exposure to information and resources. Harlem Seeds is driven to break this trend by teaching children to understand the growing process from seed to table. We do this through hands on learning as kids work in a garden and plant and cultivate nutritious meals. It is our goal that every child learn to make the connection between the food they eat and how it impacts their health. We seek to equip youth with the knowledge and confidence to grow, select, prepare, and eat healthy food that comes from their neighborhood. It is our goal to teach all young people to lead healthy lifestyles for their personal satisfaction and community improvement.
Stephanie Mack and Michele Hatchette
SYM ARTISTS-SINGER
sabrina gilbert Sabrina Gilbert performing sensual poetry @ the Sweet Spot. Visit www.burrowsink.com for details about the next Sweet Spot event.
Photo: DENNIS MANUEL FOR URBAN ARTS PHTOGRAPHY
Writer, Director Tony Clomax presents... PHOTO: RODNEY SMITH
now on www.facebook.com/12stepswebseries
SYM MODELS-CHILDREN
This six year-old up and coming model has a natural flair for the industry! A native of sunny Florida, Alannah has a passion for soccer and reading. Her hobbies also include singing in her church choir and spending time with family and friends at the beach. For more information please contact alannahpaige@yahoo.com or her manager, Christopher Williams @ 954 651-5011 or 954 983-8727 PHOTO: DAYSU PHOTOGRAPHY
alannah paige williams
PHOTO: TODD RICE
Salandy Enterprises, Inc. is committed to providing success principles and strategies for achieving and main-
taining our client’s goals. We customize all of our training materials based on the client assessment and analysis of the needed competencies. Suzette Salandy is the Founder and President of Salandy Enterprises, Inc. Ms. Salandy has over 15 years of human resource and organizational development experience. Her services include leadership and development training, performance management coaching and motivational speaking. If you would like more information about SEI, please contact Ms. Salandy at s90971@aol.com Recognition & Rewards The impact of the economy has caused organizations to analyze their recognition and rewards process. With the changes in budgets, there have been a number of changes in employee compensation specifically with regard to annual merit increases. Most companies have implemented a standard cost of living increase which can range from two to three percent. As such, organizations are looking at other options to enhance their rewards and recognition tools for their employees. Some organizations have introduced recognition tools to include increase in vacation time, flexible work schedule, store gift cards and more company sponsored events i.e. tickets to sports event. Also, employees appreciate being recognized publicly, many organizations conducting large meetings have allowed managers to have a recognition agenda and acknowledge those employees for their exceptional contributions and a job well done. The power of words is priceless. Negotiation As an employee who is seeking a promotion or a salary increase, a key factor in negotiation with your manager is that you convey not only doing your job but outlining that you are doing the job, exceptionally well. Here are a few tips which you can apply as part of your checklist for your negotiation discussions: Discussion Checklist • Schedule enough time with your manager for a productive and effective discussion • State your intention and what you hope to get out of the discussion • Your attitude and approach will make a difference o Be open to performance feedback o Provide specific about areas and examples of exemplary performance o Where applicable, show the cost savings for the business • Through these performance discussions, be able to convey your contributions and how it has impacted the business. The business case is critical to your promotion or salary increase. Please note that one discussion with your manager may not lead to your request, and it may take a follow-up meeting. However, if you have applied some of the key factors from your discussion checklist you should be getting to a positive resolution.
KLPRGROUP By Tilsa C. Wright Most of us do not truly understand the job of a publicist. A publicist’s primary focus is branding, promoting, and marketing his or her client. These are key factors in maximizing a client’s visibility as they launch many facets of their business. For the most part, publicists do all this work behind the scenes and not necessarily position themselves to be in the spotlight. SYM-MAGAZINE had the opportunity to speak with publicist Kathy Liautaud, CEO and President of KLPR. SYM Watching you build KLPR over the years has been truly inspiring. Did you see or even dream of becoming a publicist, let’s say ten years ago? KATHY No actually, I wanted to become a lawyer while growing up. I was taking law classes at Fordham University when I was a freshman at Aquinas High School. Then I was working as a paralegal before I ventured in this industry. SYM Give our readers a brief idea of the KLPR business focus and services? KATHY KLPR Group is a New York based boutique PR and communications consulting firm. We cater to a broad based
clientele in the worlds of entertainment, fashion and music. We are experts in executing strategic and compelling publicity campaigns that are distinctive, powerful, and caters to our client’s needs. SYM Congratulations on your son’s graduation this year, and to him for having played the clarinet at his graduation. How do you balance your time between KLPR and raising such a talented son? KATHY Thank you. God is so amazing and has blessed me to be able to have my own business. So, I’m able to make
up my own schedule. SYM Most of our readers do not know that Wyclef Jean is your cousin. Even with having such a famous relative, you stand independently on your own merit. You have earned the respect of many in the entertainment and fashion industries. What has it taken for KLPR to survive during this recession? KATHY Wyclef gave me my first job in the industry as an intern with his wife’s fashion line, Fusha Designs. I will always be grateful for that start, but as you stated I stand independently. I have always made it a point to make a name for myself without stating who I was related to. I credit God and just being resilient, not to mention fostering great relationships with colleagues and individuals within the industry. I have been extremely blessed to receive a lot of referrals. There have been some rough patches, but it’s expected within this industry. I am just so thankful that the Lord has made me able to always land on my feet. SYM What can we expect from KLPR in the next few years? KATHY Many things. One of them is to open a full service spa, and just further expanding my brand. SYM Please share some of your client projects, if possible with our readers. KATHY Right now I am working with Jerry Wonda who is a Grammy Award winning producer and songwriter. I am
helping him launch Wonda Music by expanding his brand and creating public awareness of who he is. I am also working with executive James A. Smith with a concert with Waka Flaka and Omarion. SYM You are very passionate about fashion, and you rock many Red Carpets. Are there any plans to start a KL fashion line? KATHY I love fashion and I would love to have my own clothing line one day, we will see.
KLPR Group is a New York ‘‘based boutique PR and
communications consulting firm catering to a broad based clientele in the worlds of entertainment, fashion, and music.
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PHOTO: JONAVANNCI DIVAD
Publicist Kathy Liautaud CEO and President of KLPR GROUP
Follow KLPR on twitter@klprgroup Join KLPR on Facebook.com/klpr and www.klprgroup.com
PHOTO: SHONDU
Creating and managing KLPR Group is no small feat, especially for a woman in the entertainment industry. However, Kathy Liautaud manages to do it with a humble spirit and an eagerness to see her clients succeed. KLPR Group is quickly becoming one of the “go to” PR firms for all aspects of entertainment. Her loyalty, and most of all her passion for the business, is how Kathy is able to establish and maintain important relationships. KLPR Group’s current clients include recording artists Olivia, Vaughn Anthony, J. Long, and CR, as well as YEEC Executive James A. Smith and Radio Personality Cherry Martinez of Power 105.1. In the past, KLPR Group has worked with Wyclef Jean, Fabulous, Red Cafe, MTV, VH1, BET, Triple Fat Goose, and New Voices Tour with Angela and Vanessa Simmons, Aaron and Antonio Reid.
SYM ARTISTS-SCULPTOR
vinnie bagwell
Sculptor Vinnie Bagwell and two of five 1/3 scale, bronze maquettes designed for the Enslaved Africans Rain Garden, an urban-heritage sculpture garden that will interpret the legacy of the first enslaved Africans to be manumitted/freed by law in the United States. “Themba the Boatman” (“Themba” is Zulu, and means faith, hope, trust.) Photo: Jonathan Lewis At left: “I’Satta” (Liberian name, pronounced as (I-sat-tie), means pure existence.) Photo: Craig Bailey/Perspective Photo
New Jersey’s
LADY BOSSES
in film and entertainment!
Actress, singer, and producer Queen Latifah is surely celebrating the success of Single Ladies, of which she is Executive Producer. The stylish series, based on three single women living in ATL, airs Monday nights on VH1. In fact VH1 has picked it up for a second season. Her production company, Flavor Unit Entertainment is known for providing seasoned and green actors alike opportunities to showcase their talents. Queen Latifah and Flavor Unit Entertainment have proven that they are a force to be reckoned with. www.flavorunitentertainment.com Emelyn Stuart is a producer with a great deal of innovation and insight. Her company, Stuart Films, LLC has several upcoming projects under its belt.
They range from films, to a music MoviEO, to New Media, and theater. In early 2011, Mrs. Stuart was awarded Outstanding Producer at the LA WEBFEST. Her series, “12 Steps to Recovery - A Web Series” won awards for not only Outstanding Producer, but also Outstanding Writing, and Outstanding Theme Song for a Comedy Series. Viewership is soon to reach one million. In early fall, Mrs. Stuart and Stuart Films will hit the Broadway scene with a moving stage play entitled, BOX. Mrs. Stuart’s projects offer quality entertainment as well as community improvement. She was recently a popular participant on the Producers Panel at the International Television Festival (ITVfest) in Los Angeles. www.stuartfilmgroup.com
QUEEN LATIFAH PHOTO: Wireimage/Getty
EMELYN STUART PHOTO: DAVID A. CHARLES OF CHARLES DAVID NYC
SYM A R T I S T S - A C T O R
ohene cornelius
THIS ACTOR AND MUSICIAN, Sips and Savors his road to success.
A New York native, Ohene Cornelius is a genuine triple threat, whose focus is acting. Raised in the turmoil of 1980s America, Ohene concentrated on afterschool programs to keep him off the drug ridden streets of Harlem. At 12, he studied the saxophone and ballet. At 13 he studied voice and tap dance. Upon graduating from PS 151, Ohene was accepted into the renowned Boys Choir of Harlem. He declined their offer and instead attended the more academic Frederick Douglass Academy. At FDA in addition to the rigorous class schedule, he developed his athletic ability, his communication and business skills, and of course his performance technique. While attending St. Lawrence University, Ohene completed a double major in Theater Arts and Creative Writing. He studied for a year in London at the University of Westminster and the Globe Theater, and he interned at the famed Stanley House Recording Studio. Today Ohene Cornelius now sings, plays the guitar, is a dancer in both modern and hip hop, and is a working actor. He also teaches drama therapy workshops to at risk youth. All of that - while being a dedicated husband and father. Some of Ohene’s acting credits include, Kick Ass with Nicholas Cage, Law and Order: Criminal Intent, Nike’s Hyper Dunk commercial, Subway’s Doowop Singer commercial, and the indie film Horizon. He has also appeared in the stage plays, Auction Block to Hip Hop, and Platanos and Collard Greens He continues to study with the reputable actors Charles Weldon, Erik Kilpatrick, and Barbara Montgomery. Ohene is a lifeline for the arts, and a support system to the African American community. Besides being an artist himself, he teaches acting to at risk youth, leads workshops on entrepreneurship, supports and walks for autism, and gives other up and coming and unknown talent, work through his independent projects. He also finds time to explore new forms of networking, collaborating, growing and coinciding with his community and those disconnected by geography but connected by ideals and passion. Being represented by Alexander Management Company and About Artists Agency, Ohene is heading swiftly towards the Big Leagues! He looks forward to his opportunity to show depth and offer himself to the audience. Soon Ohene Cornelius will be a well known star who breaks down walls and barriers for African American men in entertainment. Photo: JOSH DEHONNEY
that’s me
BY KM CAMPBELL
ACTRESS GABRIELLE UNION
Photo: www.celebrity-hot-photos.com
There is much to celebrate for brown skin girls seeking entertainment on screens big and small. Twenty years ago I’d sit in front of the TV tagging the actresses I sought to mimic with an overzealous “That’s me!”— Farah Fawcett, Kim Basinger and Susan Lucci— sad I know, but All My Children was a perfect distraction during long humid summer breaks and there is no denying that Erica Cain was FIERCE. If I’d had ready access to Carmen and Cleopatra Jones, I would have been in the presence of real fierceness, alas there was no YouTube or Direct TV circa 1988. Now mothers can rest somewhat easy knowing there are multiple (not yet abundant) positive images of black is beautiful representation to help nurture the esteem of young brown girls obsessed with swinging hair and light eyes. The days aren’t gone when the absence of faces like mine, along with my knowledge of America’s history toward people of color, prompted me to turn to my mother while watching Miss America Pageants or the Ice Capades and ask, “Are we allowed to do that?” but they are numbered. Don’t worry. I no longer watch those shows. I’m blessed with options. Options however weren’t always so. In the 1990s I had two: Living Single and A Different World. Then in 1996 beginning with Set It Off, I was offered a yearly ritual of Hollywood released brown girl entertainment. What’s extra sweet about the brown girl power as of late, is that many of the productions are not only for us, but by us - and we never looked so good. “That’s me!” Paula Patton working her white lingerie in Akil Production’s Jumping the Broom. What the movie lacks in plot, it more than makes up for with beautiful black woman representation.”That’s me!” Megan Good as Paula Patton’s maid of honor and “That’s on me!” (Gary Dourdan as the delicious private wedding chef). If it’s not movie going you seek then Akil Productions more than delivers with The Game, which broke records and standards with the show’s resurgence on cable TV. Akil Productions leads the pack, but there are others in the running. ABC’s top rated Grey’s Anatomy created by Shonda Rimes. She also claims Introducing Dorothy Dandridge, Cross Roads, and Private Practice as production credits. There’s Disney’s True Jackson, and former Disney Queen Raven Symone, who just entered her first season starring in State of Georgia, on ABC’s Family Channel. What’s more, you can see Raven Symone in re-runs of The Cosby Show and That’s So Raven. There is also VH1’s Single Ladies executive produced by Queen Latifah. On the big screen we’re awaiting Zoe Saldana’s turn as an assassin in Columbiana, also look out for Gabrielle Union in Think Like a Man based on Steve Harvey’s bestselling book. In all of these productions we are not only lead characters. We are creators and in some cases, check signers. The characters are varied and layered. We have more to choose from than hooker #1 and crackhead #2. It’s in these options that we must rejoice, because they reaffirm that we are in fact Allowed to do this. These roles are guided by women in a direction that feels more like we feel. Pam Grier and Dorothy Dandridge no longer stand alone. We can flip through 500 channels and often see glimpses of ourselves in roles as varied as our experiences. With hope-and positive financial returns-this will lead to more than glimpses. Little brown girls everywhere can say “That’s me!” everywhere they see.
World Caribbean Countdown
(@WC_Countdown) is the number one syndicated Top 25 countdown radio show bringing you an array of segments such as, interviews with superstars in the worldwide music fraternity. Riddim Driven, Throwback of the Day, Heat Seekers, The Entertainment World 411, along with the new artist friendly Studio-Fix Segment. WCC represents the many different music genres loved by the Caribbean Massive, from Reggae, Dancehall, Hip Hop, R&B, Calypso, and even Alternative. Currently the program is broadcasted globally throughout most of the Caribbean, on the east coast of the United States (from Boston to NY to Florida), and parts of Africa on both FM radio and internet-only radio stations. Log on to www.worldcaribbeancountdown.com for more info regarding showtimes and stations. WCC was created by Caribbean radio personality Diva Nikki Z (@DivaNikkiZ) and produced by HitSquaddProductions own +GranSlam+ (@GranSlamHS)
SYM FA S H I O N B L O G G E R
Hello SYM readers! My name is Tunmise. I am 21 years-old and have been modeling for five years now. I’ve gained a great deal of experience during this time. It has contributed to my growth, not only as a model but as a woman as well. Fashion blogs are a great way to stay abreast of what’s happening in the world of fashion. Join me in following the latest trends in fashion @ www.hireamodel.blogspot. com Ciao bella! PHOTO: JACOB NEWKIRK
A Charge to Keep he has and to Glorify!
God S
YM-MAGAZINE is pleased to share the accomplishments of Bishop Dedan Nottingham. Originally from the tropical island of Trinidad, Bishop Nottingham is a very well respected spiritual leader in the Spiritual Baptist Faith. As a spiritual man, he is always alert and receptive to any spiritual guidance from within. Answering to God’s instruction, Bishop Nottingham created an online ministry, New Jerusalem Spiritual Home of Praise. This New Media ministry offers a wide array of Biblical teaching, spiritual music, and discussion forums. You can also send in a prayer request. In September 2011, New Jerusalem Spiritual Home of Praise will launch its weekly Live Stream Broadcasting. There are future plans to build a church home in Brooklyn
Mission Statement: New Jerusalem Spiritual Home of Praise Ministry will do its utmost best to create, and maintain an environment for the manifested presence of God. We will grow in humility and share our faith in The Creator with the world around us. In order to achieve this mission we: Strive to be an “open-door” ministry, actively reaching out by ways of calling and welcoming all persons. We covenant with each other to demonstrate the Spirit of God through prayer, praise, witnessing, and by ministering to the needs of the people of this home and the community. To model our spiritual structure by allowing each person an opportunity to work their spiritual gift so as to increase and to build our relationships with one another in love as a united body in the Lord.
www.newjministry.com
bishopdedan@gmail.com
SYM ARTISTS-SINGER
h PHOTO: KEITH WILLIANS H
There’s a voice that outshines other voices. There’s a spirit that propels that voice into the souls of those who hear it. Within minutes you are captivated by that voice, and your soul is healed. The souls of people have been sick and malnourished for many, many years in the music industry. Manufactured artists have infected the airwaves so that record labels could make a quick buck off of those starving for musical food. They no longer knew what real soulful music was. Until now! The awakening of the soul is starting with the arrival of Natasha C. Coward. Real R&B with a whole lotta soul. Born and raised in the South Bronx in New York City, Natasha started preparing herself to conquer the world of music with a voice that would feed people. Blessed with such a voice, Natasha planted her seeds for a heavenly voice in church. It is there that her roots took hold of the earth and began to shake it at its core. Her voice brings tears to the eyes and anyone within earshot of her 7-octave range gets a taste of what heaven must be like. Her voice has allowed her to open
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natasha c. coward
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for such legendary musical icons as Nancy Wilson, Jon Lucien, Freddie Jackson, The Main Ingredient, Karen Clark Sheard, Shirley Caesar, and Ray Goodman & Brown to name a few. Her first recording experience came on the Main Ingredient CD entitled Pure Magic where she sings a duet with their lead singer Carlton Blount. Natasha is one of the few artists who have the ability to create a musical masterpiece out of a song. Her style is poetry in motion and when she hits the stage, nothing else in the world matters. She is an experienced songwriter and arranger. Natasha C. Coward is about to launch her second CD. It will surely propel her to the fame she deserves and bring real R&B back to the people. The first single of the new CD is entitled Uninspired, and it is something different for Natasha. A little more commercial yet still full of the soul that we have come to expect from this gifted singer. The Natasha C. Coward Experience is here!
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h dedicated, talented actors poised for
stardom!
Photo: STEVE KAY
Ellie Foumbi starred in the Clayton Broomes Jr critically acclaimed and award wining production Pro-Black Sheep. With many projects in the pipeline, Ellie is slowly edging her way to Hollywood.
Photo: Jordan Matter
Krystal Farris stars in the hit off Broadway production Platanos and Collard Green and landed a guest role in “12Steps to Recovery: A Web Series” on blip.tv. This young beautiful Atlanta native has been featured in a number of productions. She continues to work hard and focus.
SOPHIA THOMAS is an actress/singer/dancer, voice over artist, and producer. She has a lengthy list of onstage theatrical credits including the National Broadway Tour of Mamma Mia and continues to work in a variety of other mediums including film/tv, commercials, voiceovers, industrials, concert dance, and print. This fall Sophia also makes her Broadway producing debut with Godspell where previews begin October 13, 2011.
GREGORY ALEXANDER PHOTOGRAPHY
Rayan Lawrence, professional actor, now living in Hollywood. His TV & Film credits include a guest star appearance on Tyler Perry’s House of Payne, co-starred in an episode of All My Children, a supporting role in Cadillac Records, to name a few.
Photo: Sam Khan/Imageworksnyc
Photo: RON BETRONE
Tisa Key is currently filming a TV pilot for a cable network God or Guns, in which she plays Detective Debra Marshall. She is also shooting another pilot with the title Zenobia, a TV series she created and plays an undercover cop of the same name. In this production Tisa’s credits include director, writer, and producer.
Photo: AUDREY FOTO
Jamil A. C. Mangan credits include Ruined (Philadelphia Theatre Company), Lost Boy Found In Whole Foods (Premiere Stages). Audelco Award winner for Best Supporting Actor in What Would Jesus Do? (Billie Holiday Theatre), August Wilson’s Woman (Audelco Award for ‘Outstanding Ensemble’), as Martin Luther King Jr. in My Soul Is A Witness (National Tour), Romeo & Juliet & Three Musketeers (Connecticut Free Shakespeare), The Greeks (Manhattan Ensemble Theatre), The Bluest Eye (Connecticut Repertory Theatre) My Lord What A Morning (Arden Theatre), Boy Willie in Piano Lesson (Arts Bank), Camp Logan (Kimble Theatre). Other credits : Comcast Sportsnet (Philadelphia 76ers), US Cellular, Doritos and Klondike INC, T.V. & Film: The Dave Chappelle Show, Eli Lily Medical Group, The Discovery Channel and A Dangerous Place (www.JamilMangan.com)
Daniel’s P h o t o
D e n
9 1 4 5 4 8-5 4 5 9
His Flirtacious Scope BY TILSA C. WRIGHT
Whether in the club or at the office, a man will always take mental note of a woman’s attractiveness. Ladies, remember to keep up your ‘A’ Game! Here are some of the things he’s sure to notice: • Maintaining good personal hygiene, especially your hair, skin and nails. (Give him a sense of your self image.) • Your relationships with others will tell him whether you have emotional issues. • Your body language, displays if you are playful, shy or defensive. • Your style of dress, for example: classy or trashy, conservative or seductive. • Your posture, which demonstrates you level of confidence. • Glossed perky lips can be very sensual, not to mention tasty as well. • Your choice of a book or magazine, even your cell phone cover, will reveal much about your personality. ILLUSTRATION: RANDELL PEARSON ( PEARSON DESIGNS )
ALL PHOTOS: MUSTAFA
By Appointment Only
718-809-7603
SYM C O M E D I E N N E
A Sassy Mocha Mama With a Heart of
Gold
Originally from New York, Michelle has performed as a New York stand-up comedian for close to nine years. She has headlined and emceed at all the major clubs in the city, including Caroline’s On Broadway, Gotham and The Broadway Comedy Club. More recently, she performed her act at The Joe Franklin Comedy Club and showcased for the casting director of NBC’s 30 Rock. One of her most hilarious and memorable performances was for a convention of women ministers in Miami, Florida. “I didn’t know who the group was until five minutes before show time. What a riot when I talked about bikini waxes, personal time with yourself and extramarital affairs.” Michelle often flips the script, as she’s also a dramatic and comedic actress who has graced the NY stage with over thirty productions. In May 2011, Michelle’s one woman show, Life Encounters, made its NYC debut at The Payan Theater. Michelle wrote and produced the show which chronicled her life’s journey through the eyes of seven characters. Life Encounters will return in 2012. Stay tuned. “I have a fabulous acting coach, Marishka Phillips, who keeps me in ‘TRUTH’ all the way as I build character after character.” Fans of ABC’s One Life to Live may see Michelle from time to time visiting the fictitious town of Llanview, PA. She has been a member of the popular soap’s family since 2007. “I humbly thank ABC casting director, Sheryl BakerFisher for seeing past a green acting student and taking a leap of faith.” Michelle has also portrayed a soccer mom on the web series, Anyone But Me and was featured in the 2010 Census Bureau commercial. Here’s a sampling of Michelle’s humor: My mom gives me a hard time about my weight. “Michelle, I have a new man for you. His name is Richard.......Simmons!” I went to a tanning salon with one of my white friends, and the ditz behind the counter looked at me and said, “Wow! Look at you. You’re so even.” My mom thinks she’s Jewish. She called me up and said, “Boobie, Shaniqua died and I have to go sit Shiver.” “I know in my soul that I’m following my path, and it’s a blast!” Photo: CHRIS MACKE
Mhartley91@gmail.com www.michellefelicehartley.com www.facebook.com/michellefelicehartley www.twitter.com/michellefh www.imdb.com
Livin’ the Dream! with JBlair Brown –The Brand Judith “Juice” Brown has always had a passion for film, music and entertainment in general. So it stands to reason that she would eventually start her own radio program featuring some of the most profound entertainers on the scene today such as Harry Lennix, Tim Reid, Dorian Missick, and many others. For sure, “Juice” is a mainstay on the international talk show circuit. But more than that, Juice has a flair for finding up-andcoming artists and giving them a public platform to reach a broader audience. It’s no accident: Juice, an east coast publicist known for her strategic and branding prowess, has modeled her radio show by the mantra she preaches to her clients. In short, it’s about finding your niche and, of course, branding. To find out which up-and-comer will appear on the international radio program next, log onto: www.blogtalkradio.com/jblairbrown. NOTE: Actor/MovieO producer OHENE CORNELIUS will appear in a LIVE broadcast on Wed, Aug 17th at 7pm EST. Dial In Number: 347.539.5805.
www.thejblairbrown.com.
From author Tilsa C.Wright, available on amazon.com, bn.com on Kindle and Nook.
check www.gunhillroad.com for screening dates near you
“Listen to me, I’m Speaking Out! Breaking the Silence of Depression in Black Gay Men” Photo: MICHAEL SEVELO STUDIOS
Antoine B. Craigwell dbgm2010@gmail.com www.facebook.com/DBGM2010 www.dbgm.info
the working title of a book ripping open the veil and mystery surrounding mental illness in the Black and Black gay community. It shatters the taboo, that unspoken rule with protective roots in Black history, which says “you don’t talk your business to strangers”, that silence which ignores the hurts, abuses, and betrayals Black gay men experience in the Black community and which contributes to their downward spiral into depression. Here Black gay men talk about growing up and their lives: how they struggled with the unknown -nature inside, the demons outside of themselves, and how these two factors fused into a lethal destructive cocktail. Their stories speak of how they dealt with the marginalization and ostracism from family, friends, and the community, including their church, which preached abomination and hell fire because they are attracted to someone of the same sex and advocated hatred, stigma and discrimination against them, and of survival. Many speak of being sexually, mentally and physically abused which in retrospect and years of treatment, they recognized had derailed their lives from an early age. Many also speak of the daily struggle being both Black and gay, and HIV positive, with the stigma and internalized homophobia from the Black gay community and the wider Black community. And, there are stories from older Black gay men who in their declining years are forced back into mental and physical closets, returned to silence. There are many damaged lives, lost to poor life choices and decisions, as well as familial bonds fractured by suicides. It is through identifying with the stories of Black gay men and advocating that depression is treatable, that this book seeks to assist with removing the stigma of someone in the Black community who is depressed as crazy or weak, but who is capable of living as normal a life as possible.
“Let me paint your canvas.” with celebrity make-up artist Keesha Barreau
Makeup tips: Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! My favorite is the Tinted Moisturizer by MAC. I call it my 3-in-1 color, moisturizer and SPF. You can’t beat that!
Photo: TONY BARREAU
My new thing is bronzing. I’m all about the “Golden Goddess” summer look. So I am always trying different bronzers. My favorite so far is Milani face & Body Baked Bronzer and MAC Bronzers. I’m getting ready to try Cover Girl’s...will let you know how that works. Bronzing tip: apply bronzer to the cheeks then add blush and then add bronzer again...Golden look with a dash of color! call
954.865.5474 for your canvas appointment
effective visual communication is essential to your
successful presentation Randell Pearson is an award winning designer who has been creating high end graphic design and communication for more than 30 years. Joining forces with author and editor-in-chief Tilsa Wright to bring you SYM-Magazine is his most recent accomplishment. If you feel you’re the best, why not look like it? Contact him today! magazine and book design . website design . logo/brand design . corporate identity . corporate collateral . personal identity (business cards . stationery systems. resumes ) . advertising campaigns . storyboards . commercial illustration . fine art rendering View his portfolios on FaceBook @ http://www.facebook.com/?sk=lf#!/pages/Pearson-Designs/348048871797 phone or email today for a free consultation @ 917 834-1608 or rpeardesign@aol.com
We are a computer consulting service that provides system design for small to midsized companies, including technical staffing and training for computer software. We also sell and install computer equipment, accessories, and supplies.
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Your Technical Support Provider
Computer consulting services System design for small to midsized companies Seller of computer equipment, accessories and supplies Pre-programmed computer software Data processing software Training for computer software Technical staffing Rental or lease services for computers and equipment
Jim Harrison, CEO 212 233-3225; 917 861-2720 (cell ); 718 504-7721 ( fax) jharrison@jttek.com Tyrone Mc Kinney, CTS 917 613-7859; tmckinney@jttek.com MBE NYS/NYC Certified
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