Jackson Expose’
CASSI DAVIS
TO BE HONORED
September/October 2016
At The First Annual Boss Lady “Diamond” GALA James Cone Makes His Debut
JEROME MARTIN FEATURED INSIDE
See Who’s in The Spotlight
Check Out the new Check Out Who’s Who in Jackson Expose’ Profiles
Soul Damage movie
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F R O M T H E
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6. JEROME MARTIN Talent Agent to the Stars
10. JAMES CONE Author
12. IN THE SPOTLIGHT
O N T H E
CO V E R
Cassi Davis
Tamara Mack and Trina Bradfield Smith
14. MS. CASSI DAVIS Phenomenal Actress
18. MAXIMUS WRIGHT From Movie Soul Damage
22 WHO’S WHO (To be added)
24. AND THE WINNER IS... Polll Results
26. PHOTO GALLERY of movie Soul Damage
Jackson Expose’ Magazine is honored to present Ms. Cassi Davis who is well known for her role in Tyler Perry’s House Of Payne and many other movie roles. You will learn about her upcoming award at the First Annual Diamond Gala in Mississippi and her new movie role. Also featured inside is Jerome Martin, a Jackson, MS native who is a talent agent to the Hollywood stars. And check out James Cone an up and coming author, as well as Maximus Wright who recently produced the movie Soul Damage in Jackson, Mississippi. You’ll see who is in the Spotlight and find out Who’s Who in Jackson Expose Profiles and find out the winners in our latest polls!
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Editor Publisher.
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Cassi Davis From House of Payne to be Honored in Mississippi Story on Page 14!
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Jerome Martin
AMississippiNative Jerome Martin is a talent agent to the stars.
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ell us about your background: Where you were born and raised and where you attended school, etc. I was Born in Jackson Mississippi. I attended Jim Hill High School and then Jackson State University for 1 year. After that I moved to Dallas in the mid 80s to pursue a career in modeling while studying art appreciation at the Art Institute. While in Dallas I entered a local talent agency and then received my first full time position as an agent. From there I moved on to Page Parkes Models, one of the top modeling agencies in Dallas at the time. Page Parkes Models did not have a men’s division and I was given the role of launching the men’s division.
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I discovered talent and sent them around the world, many of whom are staples in the fashion industry today. The department flourished and developed into one of the best men’s divisions in the country.
Page Parkes sent me from Dallas to Miami. It was in Miami where I represented talent that would go on to get involved in acting and from that experience, I decided to go to Hollywood.
“I DISCOVERED TALENT AND SENT THEM AROUND THE WORLD.”
What motivated you to start your career in the modeling industry? And were you getting encouragement from family or friends to pursue it?
‘‘ TYRESE GIBSON HAS BEEN MY CLIENT SINCE 1999. EVA MARCILLE CONTINUES ON WITH ME.’’
I had no interest in modeling. I never heard there was such thing as a career in modeling until the 80s when I was working in Jackson Mississippi at the Metro Center Mall. Buyers would frequently (continued on next page) 7
Pictured above is Jerome Martin appearing on a hit TV Show starring Eva Marcille suggest that I should get into modeling. Then in Dallas, many of the representatives of different brands from The Dallas Apparel Mart suggested that I get into modeling as well. My cousin’s wife Helen Fortner asked me to be in a fashion show she was doing. She encouraged me to model and that was my first foray into modeling. After that I decided to do some research into what this whole modeling business was about. I discovered Dallas was the closest market to me that had a successful fashion industry so I decided to go to The Art Institute in 8
Dallas and pursue a career in modeling. When did you realize that you could really make it in the modeling industry and where did you start out? I was told that my look was more exotic and the agencies that were interested in me were in New York, London and Japan but sadly enough at the time I was afraid to fly so I opted to stay in Dallas where I had a mediocre career as a model. Since I had such bad representation, I was forced to do everything myself with little help from the agency. It was through
that experience that I gained a lot of knowledge about the Dallas market. I would share everything I learned with my friends who were also models and they told me I gave better advice than their agents. It was their encouragement that pushed me to become a modeling agent. Tell us about some of the celebrities who you worked with early in your career, who were not famous at that time, but who became very famous. Some of the people I represented from around the world and brought into the Dallas and Miami
markets were Angelina Jolie, Rene Russo, Djimon Hounsou, Shemar Moore, Justin Chambers from Grey’s Anatmony, Tyson Beckford and Tyson Ballou, who came out of Dallas and became a famous world model. How did you make the transition from the modelling industry to the Hollywood scene? I watched many of the careers of people I represented in my local markets take off in the acting business. Fashion chose me but my own interests always fell towards talent and sports. I knew I wanted to move to LA and pursue talent so I began spending time in LA. I spent every summer and vacation in LA networking and making connections. In 1998 I accepted an invitation to join the UTA agent trainee program so I packed up and moved to LA, starting all over again from scratch. After UTA I continued my training as an agent with Abrams Artists.
Who were some of the stars or entertainers who you managed when you moved to L. A.? (I have heard that Janet Jackson is one of them) Tyrese Gibson has been a client since 1999. Eva Marcille continues on with me and I have represented her through a number of shows including, “The Young and the Restless”, “Born Again Virgin” and “About the Business.” I also represent Kofi Siriboe who just wrapped up Queen Sugar for Opera Winfrey’s OWN with Ava DuVernay as show runner. Just to name a few. What are some of the television shows that you have helped to produce and what networks do they appear on? I produced Eva’s reality show on Oxygen, “Girlfriend Confidential L.A.” and “Its Not You Its Men” for OWN starring Tyrese Gibson and Rev Run. I also
have film projects in development at Universal Studios, MGM and Sony. What is the vision for Jerome Martin for the next 5 years? My vision for the future currently consists of growing JME Management into an international entertainment entity while continuing to represent some of the best talent from around the world for TV and Film. I am creating a larger presence in the digital media world and producing more television and film. Ultimately I intend to move away from entertainment to focus on real estate development and social causes. What advice would you give aspiring actors or entertainers? My first advice is to get the best training you can possibly get. Get involved locally before attempting the major scene. Accomplish as much as you can in your local scene and focus on the opportunity to do good work as opposed to trying to become famous or make a lot of money. If you are talented and truly passionate about your work, success will find you.
Eva Marcille appearing in her hit TV show called Being on Centric.
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James J. Cone, Author
Author James Cones does an interview with Jackson Expose’. Tell us about your book: Reflections of Nebulous Eternal is a book about spirituality and internal reflection delivered through poetic thought. I don’t want people to read it as just a collection of various poems that entertain. I want humanity to study the words delivered on the pages and reflect on them. See through the eyes of this splintered soul and how it views Nebulous Eternal aka Earth.
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Every day we wake up we have a choice to be a blessing or a burden. Which will you choose? My goal is that even after I transcend from the physical realm, future generations will read my book and let the words become a mantra within themselves to be a better entity on this plane of existence every day that we are here and pass it on to the children.
What was your motivation for writing this book? I want to get my thoughts out to the world, make others think, and cement a legacy that last for generations through the books I write. To purchase James’ book, go to: www.reflectionsofnebulouseternal.com
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IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Tamarah Mack BUSINESS: Jewelry In Candles- Independent Representative MOTIVATION FOR GOING INTO BUSINESS: Inspiring the world through relaxation UNIQUE BRAND: We offer over 50 unique scents with jewelry inside each soy wax candle, tart, and body butter. CONTACT INFORMATION: 1-888-228-0944 Facebook Page
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Trina Bradfield Smith BUSINESS: Curl Friends Abroad MOTIVATION FOR GOING INTO BUSINESS: To meet new people who were dealing with the joys and struggles of natural of hair and as an added bonus, who also loved to travel abroad. UNIQUE BRAND: The fact that 90% of our members have natural hair. And simply, we’re a travel club that doesn’t just talk about traveling, WE TRAVEL! CONTACT info@curlfriendsabroad.com
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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH CASSI DAVIS Ms. Davis talks about her upbringing in Mississippi and her amazing journey.
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nbeknownst to many people, Ms. Cassi Davis is from Holly Springs, MS. She had a wonderful upbringing by her parents Mr. John Harris Davis and Mrs. Catherine Blackmon Davis. Both of her parents were educators. Ms. Davis’ father was the Director over the Pysical Plant. In fact, Rust College named that building after Cassi’s father. MS. CASSI DAVIS Ms. Davis will be honored at the MISSISSIPPI NATIVE First Annual Boss Lady TO BE HONORED IN MISS. “Diamond” GALA to be held on Oct. 8, 2016 in What would you say was Cleveland, MS at the your motivation for entering Grammy Museum. ( More into your acting career? details will be provided later in the article). I started out wanting to be a gospel singer while at Spelman College but they only offered classical music Jackson Expose’ Magazine as an option. was very fortunate to speak with Ms. Davis about While there I participated the event and much more in a theatre group as an in an exclusive interview. outlet. It was during one of 14
my performances that Spike Lee took notice of me. He called the campus to speak to Lamar Alfred, who was the Drama Turge in Residence, who was over the group at that time, and told him, “I want her in my movie!” At that time my motivation for entering the acting career was when Spike Lee told me how much money I was
going to receive. I was thinking to myself, you mean I am going to keep all of this money to myself” But what really motivates me is people, the way they like what I do, the wonderful things they say and how they say they are intrigued.’ Above all, I would say that it is the hand of God. What challenges have you faced along the way? When I audition for a part, the disappointment that I experience when they give it to someone else. For example when I auditioned for a role on Hanging with Mr. Cooper, I thought I had the part after going to so many auditions. Only to find out one day while watching TV when a commercial for Hanging with Mr. Cooper came on, I saw that they gave the part to Nail Carter. That experience prepred me. Sometimes it is just not your turn. When it is your turn, God will make a way.
LOOK OUT FOR MS. DAVIS’ NEW MOVIE N OCTOBER What projects are you currently working on that we can look forward to?
What really motivates me is people, the way they like what I do, the wonderful things they say . . . “
I will be staring in an upcoming Tyler Perry movie called Boo, a Madea Halloween. Coming out on October 21st. Also, I am working along with Kerry Patton with a non-profit organization called OnePlate America. The mission of the organization is to help children between the ages of 15 and 18 to bridge the gap between formal education and real life experiences. We want them to learn that we can co-exist and be nourished by our differences. Continue on Next Page
JUDGE MABLEAN Mablean (Judge Show/Tyler Perry Show)
What advise would you give someone who is pursuing an acting career? When pursuing an acting career one must have integrity or else you will loose yourself, Remember the Greek word for actor is“hypocrite”. So make sure you remain true to yourself, true to your character, true to the people you are beholding to, and true to God. Integrity is imperative. 15
AWARDS EVENT
LEFT Pam Chatmon, Honoree
Diamond Award Honoree, Pam Chatmon to be inducted into the Congressional Records of History. Cassi Davis will be honored at the Boss Lady Diamond Awards along with 4 other incredible ladies: Pamela Chatman, Monica Baker (Steve Harvey Show) La Porsche Rena (American Idol) Judge Mablean (Judge Show/Tyler Perry Show) State Senator Willie Simmons will host the event and will also honor these ladies for
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making Mississippi proud. The event will be held on October. 8, 2016 in Cleveland, Mississippi at 6:00 p.m. at the Grammy Museum. Boss Lady Diamond Award is designed to honor faces and images of Women of excellence in our community and around the state. The celebration will acknowledge the contributions of those
who have paved the way for their generation and the generations to come. “To see how far we’ve come kicking and breaking glass ceilings.”
BELOW Dimond Award Honoree, Monica Baker (Steve Harvey Show) .
AWARDS EVENT
SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES *Diamond $5,000.00 *Media pack *VIP seating *Noon lunch *Photos *6 tickets for gala *6 for after party Gold $3,000.00
Diamond Award Honoree, LaPorsha Renae’ of American Idol Here’s the list of Diamond Glass ceiling honorees Claire Reed – Hospice Healthcare; Nikki/Vicki Watkins– Business Owners; Trina George – USDA Director; Sade Turniseed – Cotton Pickers Museum; Maple Starks – Youth build Organization; Freddie White Johnson
*VIP seating *Noon lunch *Photos *4 tickets for gala *4 tickets for after party
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and Purpose workshops, teaching our youth to emThe funds will brace their culture and go towards history and providing breaking the youth with scholarships to cycle of Povcontinue their erty in our community education by by providing conducting them the tools Education, to become Entrepreneur, Empowerment self-sufficient. – Fannie Lou Hamer Organizaion.
RIGHT: Multi Millionaire Business woman Mary Parker from Grenada, Mississippi will also be honored.
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MOVIE
SOUL DAMAGE
TEXT JACKSON EXPOSE’/MAXIMUS WRIGNT PHOTOGRAPHY RODNEY MCGEE AND MITCH C. DAVIS
MAXIMUS WRIGHT
DIRECTOR/FILMAKER
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ell us about your back story: Where you were born and raised and what life was like when you were growing up. I was born in Belzoni but raised in Yazoo City, MS. Life was simple and I grew up in a community where everyone looked after each other like family. I was nurtured to believe that I could literally do anything.
planned to leave Mississippi after she graduated so she could be on Disney. Terrified of the thought, I asked why do you have to leave Mississippi? Certainly, we can find a way for you to act and continue to live her. That started this journey. BELOW Producer Maximus Write in the movie Soul Damage.
Tell us about the back drop for your new movie, Soul Damage.
Soul Damage is a film that explores the result of sexual abuse of a young male child and the affects it has on him as he became a young man. This handsome, intelligent, and well groomed man is seeking to understand why he continues to have issues in his personal relationships,
About when did you begin a passion for movie production and where did your inspiration come from? I have always been passionate about movies, but production happened about 4 years ago. My daughter who was 15 at the time told me she
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MOVIE
SOUL DAMAGE
Can you tell us about the main characters? Sirus is the man character- a very smooth young man who is deliberately dark and mysterious. Sirius is played by up and coming star Yohance Myles of Shots Fired, Two Guns, and Containment. Pastor Sino is a modern pastor that is transparent and has won the trust of a man that totally disdains organized religion. Sino is played by Tony Grant -”Flip” in Tyler Perry’s “Love Thy Neighbor” and
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ABOVE Scene from Soul Damage featuring Palmer Williams.
RIGHT Yohance Myles in the movie Soul Damage
the Last Punch. Because we are dealing with such dark subject matter, we engage a hearty dose of comedy with the character Phil being played by funny man Palmer Wil-
liams, Jr. (“Floyd” of Tyler Perry’s “House or Payne” and “Love Thy Neighbor”) Local blues man Dexter Allen plays “Lou” who is a selfish and crooked
MOVIE
SOUL DAMAGE
I choose Mississippi because I believe that Mississippi is the greatest pool of untapped talent”
RIGHT Scene from the new movie Soul Damage with Yohance Myles and Clarence Higgins.
restaurant manager. Also I’m very proud to be introducing the love interest Valencia Carter played by the lovely and current Miss. JSU Charence Higgins and the dynamic comedy duo of Salmeilia Stewart (Cynthia) and Jeremy “Chico” Hodge (Gary) who complete the trio of comedy with Palmer Williams. Why did you choose Mississippi as the setting? I choose Mississippi because I believe that Mississippi is the greatest pool of untapped talent in the world. Period! I feel that it is our obligation to build the
platform for tomorrows directors, actors, and producers. If we are going to change the perception that the world has of Mississippi, we must be the ones telling the stories.
Tell us about some of your other movie projects you have worked on.
What can movie goers expect when they see the movie?
What are some other projects we can look forward to from you in he future?
This one thing that is consistently said from those who has screen some of the project is the quality is amazing and who well written it is. We have great actors that goes without saying but the visual quality and the writing were very important to me.
This to everyone’s surprise, including me, this is my first feature film.
Currently we have 2 other movies and about 3 documentaries in development. Is there a website readers can go to for more information about the movie? You can go to www.souldamagethemovie.com and we are on all social media. 21
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Lashante Cox ( Chef Po) Chef Po Urban Kitchen Facebook Page Chefpourbankitchen/IG 601-540-0518
Darein Span Public School Teacher National Education Assoc. Board of Director dareinspann@me.com
Andrea Hopkins Perfection Wedding Coordinating Company perfectionwed.com 601-300-3156
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Cynthia Goodloe Palmer Veterans of the Mississippi Civil Rights Movement, Inc. Website 601-977-7914
Cobby M. Williams Real-Estate Investor/Philanthropist/Founder/CEO Website 601-540-0518
Sandra (Sandy) Sanders Jail and Prison Outreach for Women, a hand of hope one female at a time 980 329 2389
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A VIRTUAL TIE!
Stacey J Reed Top Stylist Poll 955 Votes Owner of Suite Essence Salon. She has been in business for over 20 years. Her work has appeared in numerous magazines. While she specializes in hair extensions and weave, she believes and practices healthy hair. Stacy is also the founder of Sammie O. Sammie O. was named after her mother Sammie O. Johnson. Sammie O. are wigs made by Stacy in
Shalonda Quinn Top Stylist Poll950 Votes Shalonda Quinn will be hosting her annual Pretty Pink and Pampered Party for Breast Cancer Patients & Survivors. Come get your wig made , make-up done, nails polished, and chair massages, all done by licensed professionals. EVERYTHING is FREE for any Breast Cancer Patients & Survivors. Book your appointment by October 8,2016, the event will be held October 16, 2016 12 pm-5pm.
Dr Deidra Snell WINNER of Top Dentist Poll Dr. Deidra J. Snell is a native of Port Gibson, MS. She attended Alcorn State University where she participated in numerous organizations such as Alcorn State University Marching and Concert Bands playing saxophone, Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society, Student Government Association, and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc Her office is Ridgewood Smiles Dentistry, LLC Phone: 901.398.2934.
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Scenes from Soul Damage
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Scenes from Soul Damage
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