Jackson Expose’ February 2014
Magazine
Exclusive interview with
LaRitaCooper-
Stokes
councilwoman Duvalier malone featured inside
Also Andre Delano!
Mrs. Stokes’ Expose’ Inside!
U. S. VIRGIN ISLANDS ST. john featured
Larita cooper stoke’S MESSAGE FOR Jacksonians
february 2014
contents
Features
08 LaRita Cooper Stokes 14 Janice M. Williams-Porter 16 Duvalier Malone 20 Andre Delano
24 7 Ways to Save a Marriage
26 Travel to St. John 34 Business Directory
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LETTER FROM
THE EDITOR We are Proud to Present A Special February’s Edition As a life-long Jacksonian, it is an honor and a pleasure to feature LaRita Cooper Stokes, City Councilwoman for the City of Jackson! I am also proud to feature Duvalier Malone, an activist and a true go-getter who interviews some of the most notable politicians and pillars of the community. You will also be introduced to Andre Delano who can woo you with his sultry saxophone melodies and and his crooner voice too.
Terri Lynn Editor in Chief
Jackson Expose’
On The cover: LaRita Cooper Stokes, Councilwoman for the City of Jackson, MS Photographer: Jay Johnson
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INTERVIEW
Larita cooper-stokes Photo Credits: Jay Johnson
asking the most intriging questions
Councilwoman LaRita Cooper-Stokes gives an expose’ of her life, the inception of the MLK events in Jackson, and insight into the politics in Jackson.
J
ackson Expose’: Councilman Stokes, tell us about where you grew up and where you attended school.
Councilwoman Stokes: I grew up in the Georgetown neighborhood in Jackson, Mississippi. (On the same street and same block as Supervisor Stokes, although she had no idea that she would marry him someday) I attended Mary C. Jones Elementary, Hardy Middle School, Enochs, and Lanier High School. Intergration of Jackson Public Schools started at the time that I began school at Hardy. At that time we had to ride the city buses. Which meant that we had to pay to ride to school and pay on the way back from school. Sometimes we would save our coins and walk to school. I remember when we walked up St. Charles Street which had white residents at that time,
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they would stand out in their yards and stare at us. But even though we were children, we were strong and we would stick together. Jackson Expose’: What motivated you to serve in public office? Mrs. Stokes: I have always had a passion for helping people. My reason for becoming educated was to be a service to people. I attended Jackson State Universtiy and Thurgood Marshall School of Law. Jackson Expose’: What are some of the things that you hope to accomplish as a City Councilwoman?
Councilwoman Stokes: I want to be an Advocate for the less fortunate. I want to be a voice for those who have no voice. I will also continue to honor citizens who probably would never be heard of otherwise. Jackson Expose’: I know that you are involved with the Martin Luther King parade each year, which I have heard is the largest MLK parade in the nation, tell me about how it got started in Jackson. Councilwoman Stokes: When I was in law school in Houston, there was this big boulevard there named after Dr. King. My husband and I said there should be one in Jackson. As a result, my husband (Supervisor Stokes)
“I want to be an advocate for the less fortunate. I want to be a voice for those who have no voice.”
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Councilwoman Stokes and husband, Supervisor Stokes pose with Dr. Kings portrait.
submitted signatures that we gathered in support of a street named after Dr. King to the City Council. Dorris Smith, who was a Ward 3 City Councilwoman at that time gave us her support. Then she encouraged other councilmen to support us. Then other members agreed. Next, Freedom Corner was designated. At that time, people would turn their car lights on in honor of Dr. King’s birthday which was designated as a holiday in 1986 by
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President Ronald Reagan. After the Dr. King’s holiday was designated, my hustand and I talked to Mrs. Corretta Scott King in Atlanta about us doing the parade. From time to time we would apprise her of the activities that were going on in Jackson. Jackson Expose’: I noticed Hinds Community College was in the parade this year. How important is it that we have diversity represented at the parade?
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Mrs. Stokes: We invite everyone. Hinds Junior College came out to support us. We have always had diversity. Wells Church, which has a diverse congregation located on Bailey Avenue, walks and gives out candy in the parade. Jackson Expose’: The Martin Luther King Banquet is another MLK event, how did it get started? Councilwoman Stokes: It started out as a breakfast where we would honor various
“God is good All the time “ Jackson Expose’: How do you go about selecting the awardees for the banquet? Councilwoman Stokes: The committee meets throughout the year to identify those who are doing good deeds who are then nominated. Jackson Expose’: I attended the banquet, the food was superb. Was it prepared by JSU chefs? Councilwoman Stokes: Yes, the food is first class. Everything is first class, always. Jackson Expose’: It is amazing how everything at the banquet is free. How are you able to do that year after year? Councilwoman Stokes: We are blessed to have people who pay for the food and service. It takes a village. Jackson Expose’: What are some of the things we can look for regarding the City Council for 2014? Councilwoman Stokes: A lot of good things are happening. We are doing a lot of infrastructure that has been needed for decades; we are repairing streets, new community development; and Lake Hico in also on the agenda. Jackson Expose’: Thank you so much for the interview! Councilwoman Stokes: God is Good all the time!
people. Then the Black Caucus started doing a breakfast. From there we decided to do a banquet.
Mayor Lumumba receives a standing ovation at the MLK Awards Banquet
We went to Jackson State to talk to Mr. Williams and Ms. Williams who took us under their wings. The banquet started at the Jacob Reddix General Purpose Room. Due to the overwhelming support, we outgrew that location. From there we moved to the Walter Payton Building. God has blessed us, the banquet is getting better and better each year.
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Left: Photo of the 2014 MLK Banquet at Jackson State University.
Right: Photo of Mayor Chokwe Lumumba - “Man of the Year” Recipient and the “Woman of the Year’ Awardee Tambra Cherie.
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IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Mrs. Janice M.
porter
M
rs. Janice Marie Williams-Porter has served over twenty five years as Principal, Director and Teacher in
Burnsville and Minneapolis, MN. She is currently, responsible for Burnsville School District K-12 at-risk programs which include an alternative high school, summer school and after school. Mrs. Porter is an experienced classroom teacher in both traditional and alternative education settings. She has a proven track record of helping students succeed academically, graduate and transition successfully to college/careers. She has experience hiring, training and mentoring numerous staff members over the years.
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Grand Marshall for the MLK Parade and Key Note Speaker for the MLK Awards Banquet
Raised by parents without a high school diploma, Janice Williams-Porter was the first in her family to graduate high school and the first to attend college. She’s the first and only AfricanAmerican head principal in BurnsvilleEagan-Savage School District 191. She earned her bachelor and master’s degrees from Jackson State in biology education. Mrs. Porter did her student teaching at Brinkley Junior High in Jackson, Mississippi. Mrs. Porter was a science teacher and specialist for five years at Cedar Riverside Community School, a charter school in Minneapolis, before
Above: Mrs. Janice Porter with son Christopher Porter and Daughter Tiffani Porter
being hired by District 191 in 1998. She taught life science at Metcalf Junior High and Earth science at Nicollet Junior High before being hired as Burnsville High School’s dean of students. In 2001 she became associate principal of the alternative high school and Burnsville Area Learning Center. She currently serves as the Director/Principal on Burnsville Alternative High School in Eagan, Minnesota. Mrs. Porter is also
co-founder of Friendship Academy of Fine Arts K-6 Charter School in Minneapolis, MN. Mrs. Janice Marie Williams-Porter has been married to Mr. Phillip Sebastian Porter for almost 30 years and they have three grown children, Tiffani Michelle Porter, Phillip Christopher Porter and Derek Sebastian Porter. They have one grandson, Jayden S. Porter.
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Duvalier Malone Duvalier Malone, a native of Fayette, MS, has dedicated his life to motivating, enhancing, and refining hidden success stories within his community. As a high school student Malone discovered his intuitive forte within the realm of service and public speaking. His stellar academic achievements provided travel opportunities. One particular visit to the nation’s capital brought the onset of a most memorable paradigm shift. It was during this Washington D.C. trip, that 16 year old Malone assuredly discovered his purposeful calling—community outreach and govern-
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mental affairs. After earning a degree in Political Science—a B.A .from Alcorn State University., he later secured a Master’s from Jackson State University while
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working at the Department of Veterans’ Affairs in Jackson, Mississippi. However, the desirous pulse for aiding his community consistently flowed through his veins. As a result, Malone created Duvalier Malone Enterprises (DME). Under this umbrella company exists: Dreams 2 Succeed, a youth oriented foundation. In 2013 Dream 2 Succeed hosted the 1st Annual Scholarship Award Banquet with Civil Right leader James Meredith as the keynote speaker. Mr. Malone presented Mr. Meredith with the Mississippian Achievement Award for his brave steps to move Mississippi forward. He is also the host of Growth Talk Radio
Modern Homes
Show which is now a TV show-a community activism broadcast; and the Mississippi Youth’s Legends Ball, a formal event that assembles adolescents and community legends together for a night of mixing, mingling, and networking. Malone believes that
the creation of such an enterprise has the potential to change the livelihood of local youth if they are simply “given new inspirational stimuli to associate themselves with.” Hence, it is the mission of Duvalier Malone Enterprises to provide community services in the form
above Malone sits with U. S. Congressman John Lewis.
house feature
of workshops, assessments, seminars, broadcasts, and social events that will undoubtedly fertilize the potential of young people. “It’s up to the citizens within our communities to water and cultivate budding youth if we expect them to grow into our highest expectations.”
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feature article
Duvalier Malone is a man of many titles, all of which embrace one common goal—identifying, educating, and developing the upcoming generation of leaders. You can expect to witness Malone’s great feats throughout the state of Mississippi, and soon the world at large. In 2011 he was featured in Who’s Who Among Executives and Professionals 2011. In 2012 Mr. Malone received the honor of receiving the keys to the city of Natchez for hosting the 2012 Youth & Legends Ball. He was also feature in the 2012 edition of Who’s Who in Black Mississippi. Mr. Malone has traveled across the state and the world speaking at schools, 18
above Duvalier poses with students from Leake County High School.
right Malone poses with James Merridth.
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colleges, universities, town hall forums, and businesses sharing principals regarding ways in which to obtain success. In 2013 he did a documentary on the Mississippi Delta
called “Clarksdale at the Crossroad”. He also had an opportunity to interview civil rights icon Congressman John Lewis for the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington. He is
right Malone recieves the Keys to the City of Natchez.
scheduled to release his new book in the fall of 2014 titled “From the State Capitol to the Nation Capitol “An awakening moment”. As a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Young Professionals of Jackson, Toastmasters of Jackson, Association of Political Science, and The Association of Public Administrators, onlookers quickly take notice of the drive, determination and tenacity embodied within Duvalier Malone. The world has yet to witness the grand scope of accomplishments destined to be added to the moniker of this young man. How-
ever, Malone is eager to take as many willing candidates on the ride, as he leaves an indelible mark of positive change in every community he graces. All of DME’s branch-
Dreams 2 Succeed Winners - 2013
es share the goal of decreasing poverty and promoting education. This year, DME will be giving away 10 scholarships worth $500 each to students throughout Mississippi. DME is also giving out a scholarship in honor of Marco McMillian, the Clarksdale mayoral candidate murdered earlier this year. “Students can dream really big, but some may never get the chance to see them come true because of limitations they face,” Malone said. “I hope my company can give them that chance and find opportunities. I want people to be aware of what we are doing, and that there is nothing wrong with small beginnings.”
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Jacson Expose Feature
andre delano 20
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Andre, a Jackson State University graduate currently lives in Tarzana, California.
Photo Credits: Tina Bernard
a
ndre Delano
has demonstrated his amazing ability to woo a crowd with his saxophone time and again. His live performances are energetic and dynamic with an incredible sensual undertone that is quite surreal.
above Delano, one of the most accomplish saxophonist.
Andre began playing the saxophone when he was 8 and by the time he was 18 he had more credentials on his resume’ than your average touring musician. He received his training at East St. Louis, Illinois’ prestigious Lincoln High School, the alma mater of legendary jazz trumpeter Miles Davis, and had performed with numerous famed musicians such as: Wynton Marsalis, Clark Terry, and Bunky Green, among others. “ Our jazz program was really incredible,” Andre says about their regimen that required practicing one hour before school and five hours after school everyday. “We won every competition, including Down Beat magazine’s national competition. In my three years at Lincoln, we never lost. We were number one at everything.” That experience prepared Andre for his career as a noted saxophonist who would go on to record and travel with the likes of Stevie Wonder, Maxwell, Bobby Womack, Jeff Lorber, Chieli Minucci, Doc Powell, and Bobby Lyle.
Delano’s solo career began with the 2005 release of “Full Circle,” that catapulted him into an instant favorite amongst smooth jazz fans everywhere. The album was a mainstay on the Smoothjazz.com charts with the singles “Night Riders” that was remixed by the Grammy® Nominated Producer, Jeff Lorber and “Foot Steps” that featured Earth, Wind and Fires’ original guitarist Al McKay. The first track “Funkborne” was licensed through the Global Hue Agency and was featured in a national Diamler Chrysler Jeep Commercial. The critics raved: Music Connection Magazine wrote, “Full Circle is rhythmically explosive and megasoulful...a cool mix with a romantic chill...” The Los Angeles Times said, “Delano plays with a flair and inventiveness…. He is clearly ready for his own solo career.”
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musical genius
Andre followed in 2006 with a Christmas release entitled “First Christmas” that features one original song and nine Christmas cover songs including “Jingle Bells,” “O Come all Ye Faithful” and “Jolly Old Saint Nicholas” which charted on Smoothjazz. com for two consecutive years since the release. The title track “First Christmas” is a vocal song that Andre wrote and sings for his baby daughter. In 2008 Andre released the highly anticipated CD “My So Fine,” is a collection of 14 original songs with a mix of vocals and instrumentals that will turn an evening with a slight romantic spark into a night of hot passion-
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ate fire. The CD starts with the hot Latin flavored “Sista Caliente.” Andre teams with ArrangerProducer Sir Gant (Anita Baker, Peabo Bryson, Madonna) on the reggae induced “Once My Love.” Delano showcases his beautiful vocal skills on the title track “My So Fine” as well as “The Da Da Song,” which is very reminiscent of Motown’s Jr. Walker and the All Stars. “That Much (I Love U)” also has an old school feel that puts you in the mind of Al Green and Ronald Isley. The song that Andre calls a “lyrical vow”, “I Do,” is certain to become the next timeless wedding song.
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Since 2008, Andre has been promoting his CDs via national spot dates, writing music for third projects and in 2011 ended his three year run as the touring saxophonist/background singer for Grammy® award winning singer/writer, Lionel Richie. On June 14, 2011 Andre was named LAMN Jam Urban artist of the year and received a valuable and comprehensive artist development prize. According to LAMN, Andre Delano is “the man on a mission to bring back the saxophone who blew away the judges with his soulful sax...”
Photo credits Tina Bernard
Andre’s latest single “Help Yourself” is set to be released in 2014… on the Compilation Disc 9 Mile Road(Woodward Avenue Records). Delano has included two different versions of the single on the CD. One is a vocal version featuring the crooner and the other is a sax-driven instrumental that features Grammy Award Winning Producer/ Guitarist Paul Brown. The disc will also include stand out performances from music greats such as Melba Moore, Jonathan Fritzen and Grace Kelly to name a few. Andre’s single will head the promotions at radio for the 9 Mile Project at the top of 2014!!
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7 Innovative Ways to Save Your Marriage
By: Cucan Pemo
A
re you in a tough spot in your marriage right now? Every relationship has its problems and its rough patches, but that doesn’t mean that you need to give up when the going gets tough. For many couples, they can actually work through their problems to create a stronger relationship. Sometimes the hard times are actually learning lessons in disguise. Here are just a few tips for getting started on the right foot. Listen There’s nothing more damaging to a relationship than a partner that doesn’t take the time to listen. In fact, that fact alone might be the thing that has led to the feelings 24
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of dissatisfaction with a marriage. In order to be a good partner (on either end), you need to be able to remain quiet and talk through problems until both partners are satisfied. Be quiet when they are speaking and try to really listen to what they are saying. Understand But listening only goes so far when you’re trying to work out problems in you relationship. If you do not really understand where they are coming from, you might be creating more problems. When they are expressing themselves, you want to ask questions when appropriate in order to clarify what they are saying to you. Even if it seems uncomfortable at
first, it’s important that you make sure that you understand where they are at and how you might be
able to help.
A positive attitude Why start off a rough patch by thinking that it will never get any better no matter what you do? When you’re trying to work through problems and issues, you will want to make sure that you’re going into it with a positive attitude. You don’t need to be sugary sweet, but you should start to look at your troubles as learning lessons
“...being calm is the best way to see things.” devote certain times to discussing ways to fix your relationship. These times should be uninterrupted by work obligations or time commitments so that neither person feels rushed or distracted. Stay calm While you might be upset about the way that things have turned out, you need to remember that being calm is the best way to see things more clearly. Try lowering your voice when you talk - it automatically lowers your blood pressure and your anger. Try to take a few deep breaths before you say anything - this will help you to be clear and calm as you speak. Many people perceive becoming flustered or upset as being angry, and that can lead to a poor environment for working through issues. Make plans One of the best ways to help save your marriage is to start creating long term plans with your partner. While this might not seem like the best idea at the time, it will create the idea that you are both going to make it through the rough patch that you have stumbled upon - somehow. Try to make plans for vacations or other far in the future. This will create a little less pressure because the future isn’t so vague and unable to be seen in the dark that you are experiencing at the time. Take time away
rather than the doom of the relationship. Try to think about happier times when you start to become negative in order to turn your thinking around.
While you don’t have to become legally separated to do this, taking time away from each other is one of the best ways to stop a marriage from becoming a divorced marriage. When you take time away from each other, you allow yourself to have a new perspective on the events that are happening. And this can allow you to see new solutions as well as new ideas for how to handle the problems that you may be having. Even if it’s just a night or a few hours, taking time to step back from an issue can help it become easier to resolve.
Be present When a partner isn’t fully in the moment of trying to fix a relationship, the work becomes a one-sided affair. You need to be able to fully be there for your partner when you need to work through tough times. This might mean that you need to take a few days off work or
About The Author Cucan Pemo Discover how you can easily bring back the Love of Your Life! http://www. retrievealover.com - A Potent 4-Step Strategy which always work! ... No matter how stubborn the resistance, no matter how far this person is from you, no matter how hopeless your situation appears! The Good News Is It Works For Both Men & Women! More underground relationship and love tips, FREE special reports available Here. http://www. retrievealover.com/home.htm
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Cruz Bay in Saint
John St. John is one of the three U. S. Virgin Islands. Which means that United States citizens do not have to have a passport to visit there!
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F
amily time at the beach in St.John!
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Snorkling for starfish and canoeing are fun activites in St. John.
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business directory Elite Healthcare 350 N. Mart Plaza Suite B Jackson, MS 39206 301-987-0067 Dixon’s Party Rentals 769-798-4466
Gifted Hands Hair Salon 3039 Medgar Evers Blvd Jackson, MS 39213 601.362.8896 Kreatyve Karactorz 4125 W. Northside Drive Jackson, MS 39213 601.487.6563
Elizabeth’s Boutique 4612 Medar Evers Blvd. 601.819.5827
GET LISTED!
Tree House Academy
HIT YOUR TARGET MARKET!
4630 Terry Rd. Jackson, MS 39212 601.373.6605 Daphne Trigg , Director
CLICK HERE TO ADVERTISE! Elite Healthcare Alliance Chiropractor 350 N. Mart Plaza Suite B Jackson, MS 39206 601-987-0067