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About Us: AVID magazine is a lifestyle magazine that provides a platform for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and creative professionals. All stories featured are geared to uplift and provide support for other entrepreneurs. Our Mantra:
We bring the Culture!
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On the Cover: Jerome D. Love Photo by Len Benett Back Cover: Christina Morillo
Last Issue: January 2020
AVID MAGAZINE (ISSN 2574-5263) Is A Digital Business Magazine That Is Published Quarterly Only! For Questions Or Advertising Opportunities Please Email Info@theavidmagazine.com. Issue Month Is June 2020. Copyright 2019 By AVID Magazine. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction Of This Magazine, In Whole, Or In Part, Is Prohibited Unless Authorized By The Publisher. The Advertising Space Provided In AVID Magazine Is Purchased And Paid For By The Advertiser. None Of The Products Or Services are Necessarily Endorsed By AVID Magazine. 4
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AVID MAGAZINE
CONTENTS 9 Boyce Ice cream machine Houston-based co-owner of Boyce Kids Cream Machine, London Boyce has a heart as big as Texas.
10 MELANOID EXCHANGE Melanoid Exchange is an e-commerce movement for melanin complexion business owners.
12 THE LAND OF THE FREE Home of the land of the free, but are we really free?
15 JEROME D. LOVE
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Founder and President of one of America’s largest business tradeshows the Texas Black Expo, Jerome Love is a man of many talents.
22 NAVIGATING WATERS Navigating the waters probably seemed like an easy thing to do when compared to how they were going to navigate this reality.
24 MESS IN A BOTTLE Mess in a Bottle is a t-shirt company with MESSages that come packaged in a reusable bottle.
26 QUARANTINE AND CHILL » p.14» p.24
Since we have all been in the house on stay at home and mandatory shelters in place, here’s what our readers have been binge watching.
30 JERI BROOKS Jeri Brooks is an active pillar in the City of Houston with 20 plus years of experience in public relations, public engagement and a commitment to helping make Houston a better place.
34 POST CORONAVIRUS TRAVEL The world was taken by storm when the Coronavirus hit.
F O L LO W U S
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F A C E B O O K @AVIDMAGAZINE I N S TA G RA M @ T H E AV I D M A G A Z I N E_ T W I T T E R @ AV I D_M A G A Z I N E WWW.THEAVIDMAGAZINE.COM
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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Hit the Ground Running It is my hope that this reaches you healthy, at home, and with those you love. The rapid spread of COVID-19 has had a significant human and economic impact that we are all feeling. We are facing unprecedented times. This is difficult for everyone and I realize that many of you may be faced with additional challenges. Our prayer is that once COVID-19 passes we can ALL hit the ground running, stronger, and more motivated than EVER. Instead of letting COVID-19 get in the way of JOY, can you join me and make a list of 5 things you’re thankful for and 5 things you can do during this time to better yourself as a person? I’ll start: Family and Friends, My health and strength, Being able to work from home (That’s been my dream!), Being able to create a vision bigger than myself, and YOU. Yes, I’m thankful for you. I’m thankful that I have the privilege of knowing each one of you, I’m thankful for your service, I’m thankful for those of you who are on the front-line, and for those of you who are working from home. THANK YOU AND I APPRECIATE YOU!
Photo: Suzann e Pe
rez
Continue to thrive and be the strong INDIVIDUALS that you are and be mindful that during this time we need to lean on each other more than ever. To better myself I am going to: Pray more and meditate, Use this time to workout to attribute to a healthy body, Read More or take some online courses to learn a new hobby, Focus on being a positive light to others, and change my mindset to see the positive side of situations. You don’t have to share your 10 things unless you want to! Use this exercise to remind yourself of the personal goals you have set and remember your WHY! Let’s not forget to make the best out of this pandemic in every aspect of our life. If you haven’t reached out to others that you care about during this time please make time just to check on them even if it’s just a text. Remember to always be Ambitious, Victorious, Inspiring, and Determined! Be AVID! Instagram: @nancy_theavidmag
Nancy Jackson WWW.THEAVIDMAGAZINE.COM
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Free Ice Cream & Smiles
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ouston-based co-owner of Boyce Kids Cream Machine, London Boyce has a heart as big as Texas. At only 7 years old, she is described as a powerhouse and a force to be reckoned with. This 1st grader is an Actress (co-star of Antebellum), and author of “ Wonder London I Hate My Curls”. As the co-owner of Boyce Kids Ice Cream Machine, she works closely with her siblings to provide sweet treats to the community. London is also the new face of Bluebell Ice Cream mini sandwiches. London Boyce and her brother, TJ Boyce (star of Wayne Brady’s “Comedy IQ”) provided smiles to
the nurses, doctors, and staff at Methodist Hospital by bringing their Ice Cream to the hospital to give out free ice cream and Popsicles to over 200 nurses and doctors. She has a passion for making others smile, so this idea came about when London saw on the TV how hard our heroes have been working to keep our community healthy. Also, on Friday, May 1, 2020, London provided hundreds of staff members at LBJ Hospital with Bluebell mini- ice cream sandwiches. She plans to continue to provide smiles during this pandemic.
Photo Credit: Andre Kelly Photography
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An e-Commerce Movement Melanoid Exchange is an e-commerce movement for melanin complexion business owners. The platform allows black businesses to sell and promote their products all while uplifting the black culture, creating positive energy for change, and cultivating unity within the minority entrepreneur community.
a boycott of not just Gucci but other gigantic brands. Buy Black was the new route for fashion and changed the game for black business owners. The Buy Black Movement supported smaller black-owned businesses and the black community as a whole. Jovante and Darsha Ham decided to participate in the “buy black” movement. After committing to the boycott they soon found it to be less empowering and more of a task. The businesses they did find were scattered on-line, at various flea markets, trade shows, festivals, and small pop-up shops. it became very hard to remain consistent supporting black businesses due to the lack of black businesses having an online presence.
Melanoid Exchange started its journey in 2019 during the offensive Gucci Black Face Sweater. The release of the racist imagery Gucci called fashion during Black History Month sent the black community into an uproar. The idea of a white person painting their face with black paint or polish, dressing in raggedy tattered clothes, with exaggerated features to make fun of the black culture was not acceptable in the past and was no way ac- Curious to find out the reason ceptable now. these companies were not on any of the available marketThe skepticism of Gucci’s lack place platforms the couple set of discernment for their black out on a journey. In search of and brown buyers resulted in answers, they revisited the flea 10
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markets, trade shows, festivals, and pop up shops to find answers. Many of those businesses stated that they believed being online could help them but could not afford the maintenance fees of those platforms. The concerned couple began to think, “how can we make this easier for the businesses to gain loyal customers in one on-line platform?” After researching and strategic planning, we created Melanoid Exchange built on providing an affordable platform for black business owners, while centralizing a place to purchase and buy all things black. Shortly after launching, Jovante saw the same type of disadvantages for all minority-owned businesses in his community. Whether product or service-based, all small minority businesses were facing a lack of customer retention. Melanoid Exchange now had
a new direction, we set out to into larger markets. Be sure give all minority businesses to follow Melanoid Exchange exposure to the world.” on social media, download the app, and start shopping today! The couple’s motivation comes from God. “When there are times when we get frustrat- You can now purchase stock ed and go through adversity in Melanoid Exchange at here. we put the situation in God’s Shares are only 0.55 cents hands,” stated Jovante Ham. with a $100 minimum investWhen asked what is a philos- ment. ophy or quote that you live by? “To whom much is given Instagram: @melanoidexmuch is required. Luke 12:48. change We have to keep the faith and Facebook: @Melanoid Extrust God.” was the response. change Twitter: @ ShopDownloadME The couple stated that the Linked-in: @Melanoid Exhardest thing about being change in business is “staying level headed through the ups and downs.” However, they con- tinue to remain determined. “When someone turns downs my business. It motivates me to keep making it better.” Jovante Ham stated. Support Melanoid Exchange and their efforts to provide an online presence to small minority businesses and expand WWW.THEAVIDMAGAZINE.COM
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THE LAND OF THE FREE
Home of the land of the free, but are we really free? The state of the black race in America is troubling, every day we are trying to stay alive, praying we don’t get killed while being black today. Black men and black boys are being judged on the color of their skin even though Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stated in his famous I Have a Dream speech, that we should be judged by the content of our character. How did bird watching in central park and asking someone to follow park rules turn into a racist matter? When did dreaming and jogging, coming home after a long day of working as an EMT, and shopping in a convenience store all while black became a crime? How many 12
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times do we have to say “I can’t breathe” for a change to happen? Year after year, month after month, state after state, city after city black people are fighting the same injustice.
“Home of the brave and free, free just to murder me,” lyrics from the T.I.’s song New National Anthem was relevant during the release in 2014 and still holds the same relevance in 2020. As a country, we refuse to deal with the issues at hand. When will enough be enough? We live in a society where we have to continuously remind ourselves, our family, and friends of the risk our black bodies constantly face daily. Why do we have to learn to adapt to a different rule every day for a biased justice sys-
tem? We put our hands up, we don’t resist arrest, we are not a threat but we are still murdered all because we are black. What do we tell our little black girls and little black boys? How are we supposed to handle being black and being stopped by a cop or white neighborhood watch members who can make citizens arrest? How many more Trayvon’s, Philando’s, Dominique’s, Eric’s, Michael’s, Alton’s, Sandra’s, Breonna’s, Freddie’s, Tamir’s, Ahmaud’s, George’s, have to leave this earth? To protect and ser ve is a joke. Every day we fear and dread any potential interaction with law enforcement, for fear that we might become the next tragic victims of an anodyne situation gone dead-
“This shouldn’t be ‘normal’ in 2020 America. It can’t be ‘normal.’ If we want our children to grow up in a nation that lives up to its highest ideals, we can and must be better.” - Barack Obama ly wrong like the on-going report of a string of burcases we have witnessed glaries in the neighborhood over the past few months. in which they accused Aubrey of committing. In New York, avid bird-lover Christian Cooper asked a And this week, George Floyd white woman, Amy Cooper, was killed by a Minneapolis to follow park rules and put police officer who was called her dog on a leash. When to investigate the alleged use she aggressively refused, he of counterfeit currency at a started filming which infu- retail establishment. After riated her. She then called security video surveillance 911 and lied to authorities footage was released Floyd stating that “an African never resisted arrest, he American man is threaten- complied. The police officer ing my life” while choking kneeled on Floyd’s neck as her dog. he cried for his mother and gasped, “I can’t breathe.” In Brunswick, Georgia, Ahmaud Arbery was shot and U.S. Surgeon General Jekilled in February during rome Adams said, “there is a confrontation involving no easy prescription to heal three white men as he was our nation, or take away the jogging through the Satilla pain people are experiencShores neighborhood. The ing.” Adams t weeted that men claimed to make a citi- “it’s a pain I too am experizen’s arrest due to a recent encing…because I’m black.”
The U.S. “must acknowledge & address the impact of racism on health,” he said. “We won’t fix or remove all the obstacles and stressors that are affecting people’s health and wellbeing especially ones like racism overnight. That doesn’t mean we mustn’t try at all,” Adams t weeted. When will we address the real issues at hand? Something must be done in this country so that someday we can really live free, free of bondage in the home of the brave.
Photo Sources: WGXA, EPA, ABACA, Image via Getty/Anadolu Agency, Dave Schwarz, St. Cloud Time, Stephen Maturen/Getty Images, A. Van Sise/NurPhoto via Getty Images, Sean Rayford/Getty Images, Star Tribune/Getty
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W E BU Y BLAC K CAMELLIA ALISE
Camellia Alise is a unisex, specialized skincare company, focused on providing comprehensive beauty educational services and effective natural personal care products. Our primary services are manufacturing and retailing all natural skincare products for razor bumps and cellulite, with a business model consisting of spa equipment supply and beauty training services.
MESS IN A BOTTLE
T-shirt company with MESSages that come packaged in a reusable bottle. What’s your MESSage? Wear your MESSage. An expressive brand that allows you to say whatever you want without ever having to say anything at all.
Prices range from $7.99 and up. Products are available at www. hgcapparel.com. Text HGCVIP TO 33777 For Exclusive Sales, Discounts, & More.
ELEV8 PRINT AND DESIGN, LLC
Prices start at $10.99$19.99. Products are available at http:// www.elev8printdesign. com/store.html.
“Jesus is Greater”. This shirt signifies that there is nothing in this world that can be compared to his Greatness.
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Prices range from $14 and up. Products are available at www. messinabottle.com.
HGC APPAREL
“Black By Popular Demand” Moderate. Haute Greek Couture, AKA HGC Apparel, is a fashion line that was created in 2006 created by a 90’s kid who’s passionate about up-lifting the black community.
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Prices range $15.00 to $50.00 Products are available at www.camelliaalise. com and on Amazon.
JEROMELOVE
F
ounder and President of one of America’s largest business tradeshows the Texas Black Expo, Jerome Love is a man of many talents. Entrepreneur, an award-winning author, real estate agent, founder, speaker, husband, and father almost sums it up. The author of Get Up, Get Out and Get Something lives by his book title, he stated that the phrase, “epitomizes his life and the life of successful entrepreneurs across the world.” Love has been voted Entrepreneur of the Year (National Black MBA Association), Pinnacle Award Finalist (HCCOC), and Multi-Million Dollar Top Producer (Prudential Texas Realty). With over 16 years of experience in multiple expert areas under his belt, he has become a top keynote speaker amongst corporate and collegiate audiences.
for the Texas Black Expo Summer Celebration in Houston, TX. The annual event held in June unites hundreds of small business vendors, corporate exhibitors, influential speakers, business development seminars, women’s forums, activities for children, health and wellness screenings, hair and fashion shows, and national entertainment such as Angie Stone, India Arie, Will Downing, Shirley Caesar, Deitrick Haddon, and Karen Clark & Kiki Sheard and more. This event has grown to become the largest African-American marketing trade show in the state of Texas, now drawing close to 20,000 attendees, more than 250 vendors, and numerous attractions throughout the nationally recognized four-day experience. The Summer Celebration is more than a trade show, it’s a socially-responsible, statePre-COVID-19 Love and his wide community organization team would be getting ready dedicated to strengthening WWW.THEAVIDMAGAZINE.COM
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Photo by Len Benett
communities, inspiring youth, and building better lives for us all. It has become a highly anticipated event and Houstonians view it as an integrated part of Houston’s community fabric.
Texas Black Expo, Inc. celebrates cultural diversity and inclusiveness across all races, ethnicities, nationalities, generations, and socioeconomic levels. We continue to strive for excellence by providing unique events and programs, which reflect the changing landscape of Texas and the world. Our commitment to excellence through personal enhancement and community development exemplifies our dedication to improving the quality of life for all.
This year in place of the recent pandemic, the Texas Black Expo is focused on providing grants to small businesses that are currently suffering. The organization has already provided more than $20,000 in grants to small businesses affected by the pandemic. Their goal is to provide $100,000. If you would like Texas Black Expo, Inc. demonstrates accountto donate towards the goal or find out more ability and integrity in its delivery of quality information about this initiative click here. programs and events that provide important customer service, which builds community For the past 16 years, the Summer Celebration and trust through active teamwork. landmark event has been produced by Texas Black Expo, Inc. a non-profit organization that The Texas Black Expo was created in 2007. aims to stimulate growth and development It operates with a mission to foster business within urban communities by strengthening growth and development, educate and exbusinesses, inspiring youth, and building bet- pose youths to the world of entrepreneurter lives. The Texas Black Expo is committed ship, and provide events designed to inform, to the community, economic development, economically empower and establish the lothe diverse individuals who have invested cal community. their time, talent, and energy into building strong families, underserved businesses, The producers of the Houston Black Expo, youth by providing entrepreneurial and edu- President Jerome Love and Vice President cational opportunities and increased devel- Shannon Cormier, Ph.D., formed the Texas opment in our communities. Black Expo with a desire to brand the organization as more than a once-per-year trade The Texas Black Expo focuses on 3 critical ar- show organization. Rather, the focus will be eas to help accomplish our goals: on delivering year-round community development events, connecting Texas businesses • Assist startups and underserved business- to the communities it serves, and developing es through financial education, business plan the next generation of entrepreneurs. development, and organizational formation. Before founding the Texas Black Expo, Jerome • Empower existing underserved businesses Love and Dr. Cormier produced the Houston through operational development, strength- Black Expo for four years first at the Reliant ening business models, and providing access Center and later at the George R. Brown Conto capital. vention Center. Operated by the Black Expo of Houston, LLC, the Houston Black Expo has • Inspire underserved youth by providing served the Houston community since 2004 training and resources to prepare them for with its signature event, the “Summer Celeentrepreneurship and/or college life. bration.”
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The founders of the Texas Black Expo look for- part book series that inspires individuals to be ward to serving African-American Texas busi- more effective as an entrepreneur and a leader. ness communities. Each edition tells the story of success, triumph, and lessons learned along the way in a down Everyone has a story about why they started, to earth manner that people relate too. You what’s your why? can purchase all three editions at http://www. I started my first business when I was 19, by the jeromedlove.com. age of 26 I was in the hole over $100,000 due to silly business moves and ignorance. I real- What inspired the book? ized that many within my community could and Ultimately, I wanted to share my story to help would make the same decision as a result of others. When I started in business a friend said the same ignorance. I wanted to help entrepre- to me to read several books, most of which neurs just like me to increase their chance of were way over my head as I didn’t understand success by providing training, resources, and a business. I wanted to make complex business platform to promote their business. and leadership strategies practical. The only thing that comes to mind is the “failure” of GUBeing in business can be hard and difficult GOGS my clothing line. I originally saw myself sometimes, what keeps you motivated? being like FUBU or Sean John etc. I think that being in business for 20+ years is a We noticed that you have different editions of blessing. I often tell people that I feel I have an your book could you tell us the difference? advantage over most. Most people that work 9 The entrepreneur edition, explains my entreto 5’s have a false sense of security as they have preneurial journey. The leadership edition foa “solid” company that they work for. Every day cuses on the struggles and challenges I faced I wake up, I realize that me and my children’s on the path to becoming a more successful ability to eat is based upon my hustle and in leader. The student edition touches on my reality in God’s favor. I recognize that God is my struggles during my teen years. I go in-depth source, Deuteronomy 8:18 states that “It is he about how I was expelled in high school howthat gives you the ability to gain wealth.” So in a ever I didn’t allow that to stop me from graducrisis such as COVID-19 while others are freak- ating from one of the country’s top universities, ing out as the source they were depending on The University of Texas at Austin. is in question, I am settled in my spirit as my source has not changed. I rely on what I have How did you get into Real Estate? always relied upon. I got my license when I was 19. It was around that time I found out that I didn’t want to work Do you have a philosophy or quote that you live in corporate America, and thus I was seeking a by? If so, what is it? way to independence and real estate was the Get Up, Get Out and Get something (GUGOGS). first thing that I tried, and today it is the core of This was the name of my first business that I my businesses. started at 19, which was a clothing line. However, it also epitomizes my life and the life of I have a wide array of experience in real estate successful entrepreneurs across the world. honed over the last 24 years. New home construction, remodeling, investments, property Tell us about your book ‘Get Up, Get Out & Get management, rehabilitating homes, and resiMotivated.’ dential sales are some of the areas my compaGet Up, Get out & Get Motivated is my three- nies focus on. Also, I oversee a team of agents
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that handle residential home sales. From an unsuccessful clothing line and a lifestyle pivot, Jerome D. Love took his past lessons mixed with his passion for wanting to help more entrepreneurs to prosper and thrive. “I believe in learning and evolving,” stated Love. Evolving is exactly what he did. He took the name of the clothing line and wrote several books. Now he gets paid to speak across the country on success, leadership, motivation, and peak performance and the foundation of his success is the “failure” of GUGOGS. Love plans to spend this year developing and building upon the foundation that has already been established to make the next years to come even greater. For more information about Jerome D. Love visit www.jeromedlove.com. Be sure to follow him on social media. Instagram: @ jeromedlove Instagram: @texasblackexpo
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E D I TO R ’ S P I C K
Houston Style
Burns BBQ I am not a stranger at all to eating Burn’s BBQ. As a child Burn’s was in the weekly food rotation. So where do I start? Just try everything, especially the 3 meat potato. You can’ t wrong with a sandwich or a dinner. So join the crowd and get in line, it’s finger-licking good. Oh yeah, I heard they have BBQ chips now!!! Follow them at @BurnsOriginalBbq
Lotus Seafood Did someone say crack sauce? If you have not been taking advantage of Lotus Happy Hour hits Mon-Sat 2-5PM! Get $5/lb crawfish (2lb. minimum) $10/lb. Shrimp with the Shell On with Corn and Potato. Happy Hour is not available on Door-dash. Lotus has several convenient locations, Veterans Location in North Houston, Pearland location in South Houston, two West Houston locations Follow them at @lotusseafoodhtx!
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This quarters Editors Pick food spots are back to normal. This quarters Top 4 places to eat in Houston that have been holding it down for the city of Houston during this pandemic. Be sure to check them out and like them on social media.
Taste Bar + Kitchen Yes, the rumors are true, it’s really that good! The Cajun Chicken & Waffles, Chicken Fried Lobster & Waffles with sweet waffles like Spiced Butter Pecan, Red Velvet and Banana Nut. Oh yeah, don’t forget the mac and cheese and collard greens. Follow them at @tastebarkitchen
Ray’s Real Pit BBQ
“Smokin’ Good with a Whole Lotta Soul!” You can catch people lined up in 3rd Ward for the hickory-smoked meats served with homemade sides, desserts and let’s not forget the Strawberry Lemonade. But don’t sleep on the burgers, po’boys, baked potatoes, and fish and shrimp dinners. It’s worth the wait in line. Follow them at @RaysBBQShack!
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Navigating Waters Uncertainty
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“Nobody told us about the pandemic”, was the headline for a news story I recently saw online. In my mind, I immediately thought, how do you not know about what’s going on? My thoughts continued, “you have to be on a remote island, on the moon, or sailing away to not know what is currently shaking the world as we know it.” I kept reading and there it was - a couple was traveling on a yacht and was not aware of COVID-19. They opted for not receiving bad news and did not find out until they were approaching the Caribbean (Source: BBC News, April 21, 2020). I could only imagine the emotion or surprise they experienced. They found out that they may not be able to get back on land. Secondly, their hometown was one of the places hardest hit by COVID cases. Navigating the waters probably seemed like an easy thing to do when compared to how they were going to navigate this reality. What you are facing may look like this. You may be facing some new challenges like this couple did with not being able to do things normally as you are used to. On the other hand, you may be like them in the respect that you can make some moves. You may not be where you want to be, but you can get around some of the present hurdles. You could also be the person on the front lines daily offering your gifts to help flatten the curve, reduce deaths, and minimize the time that it takes to get us out of this current situation. Wherever you find yourself amid this pandemic, if you are still alive and have your health, there is much to be grateful for. This time has not been easy for many, but there are a few ways to 22
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By Ashley M. Martin
navigate the current reality in a way that keeps you at peace and safe just like this couple. > The first notable way they navigated the waters while out at sea was to talk to a friend. He informed them about the situation ahead and what to expect. Communicating and not isolating from others right now is important to be aware of what’s going on, what changes are taking place, and what is to come. > One of the other notable things they did was to track their journey. This helped them to prove that they were at sea for several days and therefore in quarantine. (They were trying to get on land somewhere so that they weren’t just floating around. Hurricane season is around the corner.) Documenting this time through means like writing or journaling could be beneficial to you in the future. You could do this by writing daily reflections for 5 -10 minutes or writing 3 things you’re grateful for daily. > After finding out about the impact on certain areas like their hometown, they ended up on another island. They are not where they want to be but are safe from harm. Being still and avoiding unnecessary movements may be in some of our best interests at this time. Some cannot avoid it and are prepared to handle it. We have gotten through things before, and I believe we will get through this. Things may look different for us all, but we will grow through this. Be safe. Stay well.
MESSages for all the beautiful black people making things happen.
MESS
IN A BOTTLE IS A T-SHIRT COMPANY WITH MESSAGES THAT COME PACKAGED IN A REUSABLE BOTTLE. “MESS” WOULD REPRESENT THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY,” OUR PRODUCTS ARE EMOTIONAL, THOUGHT-PROVOKING AND AN EXPRESSION OF THE CURRENT CLIMATE OF THE WORLD. MESS IN A BOTTLE IS A CONVERSATION STARTER. IT’S A WAY TO PUT A MESSAGE OUT THERE AND, WHETHER PEOPLE AGREE OR DISAGREE, IT ALLOWS PEOPLE TO ENGAGE AND START ASKING QUESTIONS. THE PRODUCTS INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO T-SHIRTS, MUGS, PILLOWCASES, PENS, AND JACKETS. FORMER ARCHITECT KALILAH WRIGHT, OWNER AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF MESS IN A BOTTLE, WAS BORN IN JAMAICA. SHE MIGRATED TO THE UNITED STATES AT THE TENDER AGE OF FOUR AND WAS RAISED IN BROOKLYN, NY. AS AN ACCOMPLISHED DESIGNER, SHE WAS LIVING OUT THE AMERICAN DREAM OF BEING AN ENTREPRENEUR AND OWNING HER OWN SHOP. AFTER EARNING A MASTER’S DEGREE IN ARCHITECTURE FROM MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY. WRIGHT WENT ON TO WORK
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FOR KEVIN PLANK OF UNDER ARMOUR AS A STORE PLANNER AND ARCHITECT. MORGAN WAS ONE OF THE ONLY SCHOOLS IN THE UNITED STATES THAT HAD A NIGHT PROGRAM SO I WENT TO SCHOOL FROM 6 TO 9 PM. IT ALLOWED ME TO WORK DURING THE DAY AND THEN GET MY MASTER’S AT NIGHT. AFTER I GRADUATED, I FELT LIKE BALTIMORE WAS THE CITY WHERE I COULD EXPLORE MY CAREER OPTIONS. IT WASN’T EXPENSIVE. AFTER HEARING FORMER BOSS KEVIN PLANK SPEAK AT A TOWN HALL MEETING ABOUT HOW PROUD HE WAS TO HAVE STARTED HIS OWN COMPANY FROM THE GROUND UP IN A CITY THAT HE LOVES, BALTIMORE, HER MIND STARTED TO TURN AND SHE COULDN’T GET HIS SPEECH OUT OF HER HEAD. SHE BEGAN LISTENING TO CHANCE THE RAPPER’S DEBUT STUDIO ALBUM, SURF, WHERE THE COVER ART IS A MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE. ONE MONTH AFTER THAT DAY AT HER DESK, SHE QUIT HER SIX-FIGURE “DREAM JOB”, STEPPED OUT ON FAITH, AND GAVE BIRTH TO MESS IN A BOTTLE. “I REALLY WANTED TO CREATE A COMPANY THAT ALLOWED PEOPLE TO BE VOCAL
WITHOUT SAYING ANYTHING AT ALL. SO, I LAUNCHED MESS IN A BOTTLE DURING THE FREDDIE GRAY UPROAR RIOTS AND THE BALTIMORE UPRISING IN JANUARY OF 2016 SO PEOPLE COULD WEAR THE CLOTHES AND HAVE A VOICE. WE WANTED TO GIVE A MESSAGE TO THE VOICELESS.” STATED WRIGHT. I WAS SO EXCITED TO BE A YOUNG, BLACK WOMAN IN WEST BALTIMORE, OPENING A STORE AND SERVICING PEOPLE WHO LOOKED LIKE ME. BUT BEING HELD AT GUNPOINT MADE BEING AN ENTREPRENEUR SO HARD. IT WAS A DIFFICULT AND TRAUMATIZING EXPERIENCE. BUT THROUGH THAT EXPERIENCE, I CREATED A GREAT MESSAGE FOR OTHERS A SHIRT THAT SAYS, “JUST KEEP GOING — SIGNED THE UNIVERSE.” KALILAH WAS FEATURED ON THE VARIETY TALK SHOW “HARRY” HOSTED BY GRAMMY AND EMMY WINNER HARRY CONNICK, JR. AND IT HAS MADE A DIFFERENCE IN SALES FOR MESS IN A BOTTLE. WRIGHT SAID THAT THE EXPERIENCE “WAS AN AMAZING FEELING AND IT WASN’T PLANNED AT ALL.” IT WAS INITIALLY ORCHESTRATED BY A
“Just Keep Going - Signed the Universe.” FRIEND OF HERS THAT WAS LOOKING OUT. SHE SAID THAT EVERYTHING SEEMED TO HAPPEN WITHIN A MATTER OF DAYS. HER FRIEND TOLD HER THAT THE HARRY SHOW WAS LOOKING TO FEATURE ENTREPRENEURS FOR THE NEXT EPISODE. AFTER GETTING WIND OF THAT INFO, KALILAH CALLED AND SPOKE TO THE CASTING DIRECTOR TO FIND OUT ABOUT GETTING ON THE SHOW. WHEN THE EPISODE AIRED, SHE RECEIVED AN ENORMOUS AMOUNT OF ATTENTION AND A BIG JUMP IN SALES. INITIALLY, THEY WENT TO LOCAL WHOLESALE PLACES TO GET T-SHIRTS AND ONCE THEY STARTED CREATING MESSAGES THAT PEOPLE LIKED, CUSTOMERS STARTED TO BUY THEM. THEY POSTED ON INSTAGRAM AND TOLD THEIR FRIENDS, WHO, IN TURN, TOLD OTHER FRIENDS. WRIGHT WANTED TO EMPOWER WOMEN BY CREATING A BUSINESS ROOTED IN HONESTY AND RAW CREATIVITY WITH A FOCUS ON MESSAGES THAT SHE NEEDS HERSELF AS A “REGULAR DEGULAR“ WOMAN. “I’M VERY IN-TUNED WITH WHAT’S GOING IN POLITICS, SO I CREATE DIFFERENT MESSAGES THAT ARE FUNNY AND SENTIMENTAL. CUSTOMERS CAN EITHER PICK ONE
OF OUR STANDARD MESSAGES, OR THEY CAN CREATE THEIR OWN CUSTOM MESSAGE.” WRIGHT STATED. WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF NOW AND WHAT’S YOUR VISION FOR THE FUTURE? WE’RE JUST A T-SHIRT COMPANY NOW BUT I LOOK FORWARD TO US EXPANDING. WE HAVE LAUNCHED MESS IN A BOTTLE VENDING MACHINES AND MY GOAL IS TO HAVE THESE VENDING MACHINES ALL OVER THE WORLD. AFTER THAT, I REALLY WANT TO DO MESS IN A BOTTLE WATER AND WINE - EXPANDING THE COMPANY INTO THE BEVERAGE INDUSTRY. KALILAH MENTIONED THAT THE BIGGEST
“Everything is figureoutable. If you can dream it, it can happen.”
ISSUES THAT SHE HAS RUN ACROSS IN BUSINESS ARE FINANCES, MINIMAL CAPITAL, AND TIME MANAGEMENT. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE LOOKING TO START THEIR OWN
BUSINESS? KW: I STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT YOU CAN START A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS WITH ZERO MONEY. YOU CAN START A BUSINESS WITH NO MONEY, BUT YOU NEED MONEY TO GROW THE BUSINESS. STARTING A BUSINESS AND HAVING A GREAT IDEA DOESN’T COST YOU ANYTHING. FOR STARTERS, I WOULD REGISTER YOUR BUSINESS, START-UP A WEBSITE, START AN INSTAGRAM PAGE, GAIN FOLLOWERS. I STARTED MY BUSINESS WITH UNDER $500. I BOUGHT MATERIALS FROM CRAIGSLIST, AND I STARTED GOING TO LOCAL SHOPS LIKE TARGET AND BUYING T-SHIRTS. DON’T BE AFRAID OF THE LOGISTICS. “MY WILL TO SUCCEED. I KNOW I CAN BE GREAT, WHY NOT TRY.” HERE ARE SOME TIPS: >CONTINUING TO GROW AND EXPAND THE BRAND. >START UP CAPITAL AND GROWING AND SCALING THE BUSINESS. >FINDING THE RIGHT PEOPLE FOR YOUR TEAM AND FINDING THE CAPITAL TO PAY THEM. >MIXING AND CO-MINGLING FUNDS. IT LEADS TO A LOT OF ISSUES I COULD HAVE AVOIDED. WRIGHT LEFT US WITH THESE WORDS. KEEP CREATING DOPE ASS SHIT UNTIL SOMEONE NOTICES AND FOLLOW YOUR OWN PATH, IT’S A BETTER STORY TO TELL. CHECK OUT THEIR TEE CLASS AND LEARN HOW TO START YOUR OWN T-SHIRT COMPANY AT WWW.THETEECLASS.COM VISIT MESS IN THE BOTTLE TO GET YOUR YOUR MESSAGE AT WWW.MESSINABOTTLE.COM. FOLLOW MESS IN A BOTTLE ON SOCIAL MEDIA @MESSINABOTTLE. WWW.THEAVIDMAGAZINE.COM
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Quarantine
SINCE WE HAVE ALL BEEN IN THE HOUSE ON STAY AT HOME AND MANDATORY S
ALL AMERICAN
TIGER KING
OZARK
When a star high school football player from South Central is recruited to play for Beverly Hills High School, two separate worlds collide. The high school football player Spencer, goes from being in a not so save situation to the fancy in Beverly Hills. The storyline is centered around him and the people around him, his mom, brother, Coach Billy Baker, Jordan, Olivia, Asher and others.
Murder, Mayhem and Madness. An exploration of big cat breeding and its bizarre underworld, populated by eccentric characters. A zoo owner spirals out of control amid a cast of eccentric characters in this true murder-for-hire story from the underworld of big cat breeding.
Marty Byrde, a financial planner who relocates his family from Chicago to a summer resort community in the Ozarks. With wife Wendy and their two kids in tow, Marty is on the move after a money-laundering scheme goes wrong, forcing him to pay off a substantial debt to a Mexican drug lord in order to keep his family safe. While the Byrdes’ fate hangs in the balance, the dire circumstances force the fractured family to reconnect.
All American is an American sports drama television series, created by April Blair. The series is inspired by the life of professional American football player Spencer Paysinger. The show has two seasons and it was recently renewed for a third season. You can watch the new season on The CW sometime later this year or at the beginning of next year.
It was released on Netflix on March 20, 2020. The series focuses on the small but deeply interconnected society of big cat conservationists such as The life of zookeeper Joe Exotic, the eccentric owner of the G.W. Zoo in Wynnewood, Oklahoma, and his bitter years-long feud with Carole Baskin, CEO of Big Cat Rescue in Tampa, Florida. The series was watched by 34.3 million people over its first ten days of release, ranking as one of Netflix’s most successful releases to date.
Release Date: October 10, 2018 Streaming: Netflix; Amazon Prime Original Broadcast: The CW Genre: Drama; Sports drama Writer: April Blair Producer: Robbie Rogers Running Time: 45 minutes
Release Date: March 20, 2020 Streaming: Netflix Genre: Docuseries; True Crime Director: Eric Goode; Rebecca Chaiklin Writer: Netflix Running Time: 48 minutes
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The Byrdes and their teenage kids, Charlotte and Jonah, are, for all intents and purposes, an ordinary family with ordinary lives. Except for the job of Marty, a Chicago financial advisor who also serves as the top money launderer for the second largest drug cartel in Mexico. When things go awry, Marty must uproot his family from the skyscrapers of Chicago and relocate to the lazy lake region of the Missouri Ozarks.
Release Date: July 21, 2017 Streaming: Netflix Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller Writer: Bill Dubuque
e and Chill
SHELTERS IN PLACE, HERE’S WHAT OUR READERS HAVE BEEN BINGE WATCHING.
DYNASTY
RAISING DION
SAINTS & SINNERS
A modernized reboot of the 1980s primetime soap follows two of America’s wealthiest families, the Carringtons and the Colby’s, as they feud for control over their fortune and their children. “Dynasty” not only features the glitz and gloss of extreme wealth, but also exposes the dark underbelly of a corrupt world built on backroom deals.
Raising Dion is an American superhero drama web television series. It is based on the 2015 comic book and short film of the same name by Dennis Liu. A single mother must hide her young son’s superpowers to protect him from exploitation while investigating their origins and her husband’s death.
Saints & Sinners is an American prime time television soap opera. The series follows the conflicts among the members of a large Southern Baptist church that is the background for greed, corruption and murder in small-town Georgia. It’s game on for the power players of Cypress.
Dynasty begins with heiress Fallon Carrington unhappy to find her billionaire father Blake engaged to Cristal, a rival employee at the family company. The Carringtons form a united front in the wake of the suspicious death of Cristal’s former lover, but things at the mansion do not remain harmonious for long. The reboot updates several elements from the 1980s original, including moving the setting from Denver, Colorado to Atlanta, Georgia and other eye-catching updates.
Release Date: October 11, 2017 Streaming: Netflix Original Broadcast: The CW Genre: Soap opera, Drama Writer: Richard and Esther Shapiro
The widowed mom sets out to solve the mystery surrounding her young son’s emerging superpowers while keeping his extraordinary gifts under wraps.
After she discovers that her son has super powers she tries to figure out how to raise him safely and responsibly. Netflix renewed the series for a second season.
Release Date: October 4, 2019 Streaming: Netflix Genre: Superhero, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure fiction, Drama Director: Carol Barbee Writer: Carol Barbee Running Time: 50 minutes
This is about family, love and loyalty that has become tainted by lust, greed, and deeply ingrained secrets. With the return of a prodigal son and a shocking crime that rattles the core of the community, mysteries begin to unravel that could demolish the very heart of the church and shatter the lives of those within it. The return of a prodigal son and a shocking crime rattles the core of the community, mysteries begin to unravel that could demolish the very heart of the church and shatter the lives of those within it.”
Release Date: March 6, 2016 Streaming: Hulu; Amazon Prime Original Broadcast: Bounce TV Genre: Soap opera Writer: Ty Scott Running Time: 42 minutes WWW.THEAVIDMAGAZINE.COM
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Quarantine
SINCE WE HAVE ALL BEEN IN THE HOUSE ON STAY AT HOME AND MANDATORY SH
COFFEE & KAREEM
6 UNDERGROUND
SELF MADE
Coffee & Kareem is a American Action Comedy film that stars Ed Helms, Terrence Little Gardenhigh, Betty Gilpin, RonReaco Lee, Andrew Bachelor, David Alan Grier and Taraji P. Henson, and follows a bumbling Detroit cop who must rescue his girlfriend and her son from gangsters after the boy witnesses a murder.
6 Underground introduces a new kind of action hero. After faking his death, a tech billionaire recruits a team of international operatives for a bold and bloody mission to take down a brutal dictator.
Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker is an American drama web television limited series, based on the biography On Her Own Ground by A’Lelia Bundles.
Six individuals from all around the globe, each the very best at what they do, have been chosen not only for their skill, but for a unique desire to delete their pasts to change the future.
Self Made is a fictionalized depiction of “the untold and highly irreverent story of black hair care pioneer and mogul Madam C. J. Walker and how she overcame the hostile turn-of-the-century America, epic rivalries, tumultuous marriages and some trifling family to become America’s first Black, self-made female millionaire.”
While police officer James Coffee enjoys his new relationship with Vanessa Manning, her beloved son Kareem plots their break-up.
The 12-year-old’s scheme to scare away his mom’s new boyfriend, police officer James Coffee, backfires, exposing his family to a secret network of criminal activity.
Release Date: April 3, 2020 Streaming: Netflix Genre: Action; Comedy Director: Michael Dowse Writer: Shane Mack Running Time: 88 minutes
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The team is brought together by an enigmatic leader, whose sole mission in life is to ensure that, while he and his fellow operatives will never be remembered, their actions damn sure will.
Release Date: December 13, 2019 Genre: Action; Thriller Director: Michael Bay Writer: Paul Wernick Rhett Reese Running Time: 128 minutes
The African American washerwoman rises from poverty to build a beauty empire and become the first female self-made millionaire.
Release Date: March 20, 2020 Streaming: Netflix Genre: Drama Cast: Octavia Spencer, Tiffany Haddish, Carmen Ejogo Running Time: 45–49 minutes per episode
e and Chill
HELTERS IN PLACE, HERE’S WHAT MOVIES OUR READERS HAVE BEEN WATCHING.
UNCORKED
SECRET OBSESSION
DANGEROUS LIES
Uncorked is a American drama film, written and directed by Prentice Penny. It stars Mamoudou Athie, Courtney B. Vance, Niecy Nash, Matt McGorry, Sasha Compere, Gil Ozeri, Kelly Jenrette, Bernard David Jones, Melisia Lomax and Meera Rohit Kumbhani.
Secret Obsession is a American psychological thriller film that stars Brenda Song, Mike Vogel, Dennis Haysbert, and Ashley Scott.
Dangerous Lies is a American thriller film, directed by Michael Scott, from a screenplay by David Golden. It stars Camila Mendes, Jessie T. Usher, Jamie Chung, Cam Gigandet, Sasha Alexander and Elliott Gould. After losing her waitressing job, a broke women who takes a job as a caregiver is drawn into a web of lies and murder after a wealthy elderly man dies and she unexpectedly inherits her patient’s estate.
A young man upsets his father when he pursues his dream of becoming a master sommelier instead of joining the family barbecue business. Meanwhile Elijah’s future, at least in his father’s eyes, seems to be decided upon that he would one day take over the family restaurant just like his father did back in the day, when it was run by the family patriarch.
Elijah must balance his dream and job at the family’s Memphis BBQ joint.
Release Date: March 27, 2020 Streaming: Netflix Genre: Drama Director: Prentice Penny Writer: Prentice Penny Running Time: 103 minutes
Recuperating from trauma, Jennifer remains in danger as she returns to a life she doesn’t remember when she wakes up with amnesia after a traumatic attack, her doting husband cares for her. But she soon realizes that the danger is far from over.
On a rainy night, a woman flees down the street from an unknown pursuer. She is struck by a car, leaving her injured and unconscious. She wakes up in the hospital with short-term memory loss, recalling nothing about the incident or her life prior.
Release Date: July 18, 2019 Streaming: Netflix Genre: American Psychological Thriller Director: Peter Sullivan Writer: Kraig Wenman; Peter Sullivan Running Time: 97 minutes
The young woman and her husband are pulled into a complex web of lies, deception, and murder. But dark secrets swirl around her newfound wealth, tangling her in deceit and danger. If she’s going to survive, she’ll have to question everyone’s motives including the people she loves the most.
Release Date: April 30, 2020 Streaming: Netflix Genre: American Thriller Film Director: Michael Scott Writer: David Golden Running Time: 96 minutes
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JERI
BROOKS
J
eri Brooks is an active pillar in the City of Houston with 20 plus years of experience in public relations, public engagement and a commitment to helping make Houston a better place. Last year she was named Chairwoman of the Houston Permit Center Advisory Board. Brooks has an extensive background in addition to being the CEO and Lead Strategist for One World Strategy Group. Brooks has served in several positions throughout the City of Houston including Vice Chairwoman Rebuild Houston Advisory Committee, Strategist to Chairman Rebuild Houston Advisory Committee, Interim Chief of Staff for Jarvis Johnson Past District B City Council member, a variety of City of Houston projects working with OBO, HAS, Planning, ARA and the Mayor’s office over the last 10 years. Her direct work with the City has moved community-driven ordinances forward and as well as her role as a consultant to prime contractors working on community and infrastructure projects. The work in the City of Houston, Harris County and the State of Texas is varied and has positioned her to have a broad understanding of multiple stakeholder groups and the process of getting things done. Brooks contribution to the City of Houston goes far beyond her career. Her com30
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munity involvement speaks volume of her endless support for the City she calls home. She is a member of the City of Houston Permit Center Advisory Board, Chairwoman Professional Advocacy Association of Texas (PAAT) Austin Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Social Action Committee Co-Chair
for the big city came from her and her brother’s annual visit to Chicago to spend Spring Break with their aunts. Having an opportunity to grow up experiencing the extremes of “Sunday best” to go shopping and to the theater, to long days creating outdoor games and building huts, cultivated a curiosity and adventurous side of Jeri that is still evidenced in her life to this day. She is a top 100 Hired Gun Texas lobbyist, amazing aunt called “Lou Lou,” entrepreneur, friend, mentor, sister, daughter. She is a woman of diverse interests with a foundation built on love. When asked, who is Jeri Brooks, she responded, “a good human and brilliant mind aggressively chasing new experiences and opportunities to grow as an individual and contribute to the world.”
Everyone has a story about why they started, what’s your why? Greater Houston Black Chamber, Advocacy & Policy Committee Chair Big Brothers Big Sisters Board of Directors Sam Houston Area Council Board of Directors, Boy Scouts of America TXRX, and Labs Board of Directors. Jeri Brooks is a small town, big city girl raised in Carbondale, a college town in the Southern region of Illinois. Her love
So, my why is very simple. My story starts on the beaches of Guatemala and in a downtown Houston credit union upstairs corner office, where I ran out of vacation time and realized that the team could be equally strong without my presence in the office on a day-to-day basis. After spending several years developing both the culture and corresponding training class, I submitted my annual plan and budget excluding myself as an employee, sharing a direction that would
What was your dream career as a child?
I dreamed of either being a teacher or lawyer. As a young child I would design bulletin boards for my Godmother, who was a teacher. In high school I became intrigued by a student, state government and mock trials. My career is a combination of my childhood interests and loves.
Tell us about One World Strategy Group, LLC
One World Strategy Group, is a Houston-based strategic communications firm, founded in 2004, that offers public affairs, public engagement and public relations services to our clients. We pride ourselves in the use of the performance improvement model that helps us guide public perception and policy. Our process is simple, we begin with a thorough assessment of the current situation, a series of strategy sessions, the creation of measurable objectives and a plan to move forward.
DIVERSE
allow the organization to save money, meet the training objectives and free me from a mundane existence in a place I no longer belonged. And so, I will never forget, my vice president strolled into my office and stated the president wanted to see us. I had a long list of positive quotes that I often used in coaching managers and staff in my office, and she said, “take a moment and read those quotes.” The writing was on the wall…literally. We left my office and as we walked down the hall I asked, “so I’m getting fired, huh?” in a relatively nonchalant manner, as I had dinner plans that evening and was calculating how I could make this transition with the boss and dinner still happen on this day, November 4th (One World Independence Day). She simply said, “just listen, listen to what Anne has to say.” And I so did. She shared a story of her dad’s failed entrepreneurial experience, and bragged on my work with a serious caution that “being in business is hard.” To this day, I appreciate her doubting my ability as though I were going to fail as her father did, and more so motivating me to “show her” that I could, and I would be successful on my own. I began with “my stories start on the beaches of Guatemala,” and it was in that time that I realized, prior to the aforementioned story that I knew, that I knew, that I knew I could and would no longer work in that building. The people had been good to me; and I knew that I didn’t want to look back even 3 years from then and wonder why I had a mediocre job with a reasonable pay and had not chased my own dreams. It was the singing and dancing in Livingston, the beautiful open window hut in Rio Dulce, the lazy afternoon pools in the mountains, family time and the like, that was the final motivation to move me from employee to employer, a dream that had been manifesting since my early 20’s. And, in that season, One World was born, with an affirmation that many may understand. My mother had always said, “you don’t leave a job until you have a job,” but the day I called to tell her I would no longer work for the credit union she said, “well, I guess that makes me Mama One World,” and she and my family have journeyed with me ever since.
What is the mission/goal of One World Strategy Group, LLC?
We are good humans and brilliant minds. Our goal is to work on meaningful projects that impact the communities we serve through policy and engagement. We don’t have a turnkey solution and pride ourselves on creating customized solutions for each project we work on. Do good work. Get paid well. Explore the world.
Was this the career field that you originally wanted to enter?
Explain your response. I did not know, nor had I ever heard of a lobbyist. Had I known, likely I would have been drawn to this career as it combined the 2 careers I dreamed of having as a child. I happened into my career by showing up when given an opportunity, performing and having a larger vision for myself. When I went to work for the Annise Parker for Mayor campaign, One World already existed. We were providing public relations and strategy work, mostly. As her first employee on the campaign who did everything including administrative work, I didn’t know what would happen if she would win, but I believed in her and my own talents and was ultimately named Communications Director. After you help elect a mayor, in particularly a gay mayor in the South’s largest city, many doors open, and I found my love for policy. I like that I can use all of my skills and literally change how the world works.
What have been some major projects and developments that you have contributed to? I am very proud to have been a part of the team that passed HB 100 in the 85th Legislature allowing transportation network companies to operate throughout Texas. And the following session, passing HB 1576, expanding the use to assist Texas’ most vulnerable communities dependent on Medicaid. I am also proud of negotiating the 380 agreement with the City of Houston that created a thriving development in the Yale/Heights area of Houston and a memorandum of understanding with the city to allow
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WARRIOR
international gates at Houston Hobby airport. But perhaps the legislation that still to this day nearly brings tears is working in tandem with the City’s at-large member to push forward Food Desert legislation to combat the challenges of food insecurity in vulnerable neighborhoods.
Tell us about your journey as a lobbyist.
When you elect a mayor, people are interested in you and provide opportunities. You take them and the next thing you know… you’re working at the State Capital for 140 days every other year and ranked #70 of the top 100 Hired Gun Lobbyists in the state. Seriously, I had three great lobby mentors, Nancy Sims, Keith Wade and Robert Miller, who all believed in my talent and hired me and my team to work on ordinances, legislation and campaigns at the municipal, county and state level. It was hard, different, exciting, intriguing, and pushed me to do more, learn more, think harder, process better and to leave my ego and emotions outside of the room to accomplish the goal. The journey was easier in Houston, I mean, I knew the Mayor. At the state, it was an entirely different ball game. As people say, “I didn’t know where the bathrooms were,” and if you’ve been to the Capital, they can be somewhat of a challenge to find. Everything was different. Relationships were new. The process of passing or killing a bill was different. I was different. In Texas, the lobby is dominated by men, and white men to be specific, so during this journey to lobby, not only did I have to learn the job, I had to learn the players and the appropriate protocol.
What are some of the issues that you have worked on during State Lobby Legislative Sessions?
I’ve worked on transportation, tax, healthcare, special purpose districts, appropriations, housing, pension and a host of other issues. We are generalists, which means we are experts in the process of lobbying and have relationships and resources to collaborate with any client on any issue to pass or kill legislation. I believe our unique value proposition is our expertise in public relations and engagement that guides our approach to the lobby.
Do you have a philosophy or quote that
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you live by? If so, what is it?
I swim with sharks and dance with devils… Now, let’s go slay the dragons.
What has been the hardest thing about being an entrepreneur?
I find the hardest part of being an entrepreneur is learning to balance my time of doing the operations and administrative work when really, I only want to focus on the execution of a good product. And in general, operating a financially strong business while having a “small business” culture.
How would you describe yourself in one word? Why? Warrior. I am courageous, energetic, assertive (and sometimes aggressive). I have the ability to lead and to follow with a distinct focus of winning for the client, community and/or project.
What are some failures that you most cherish?
I cherish getting fired from a job that I was really good at prior to starting One World. I saw it as a failure because I was fired and then I realized it was a blessing as that culture was limiting my growth. I appreciate the everyday little failures that force you to look at your business from a completely different perspective that pushes me to make better decisions to increase revenues and brand reputation.
If you could offer one piece of advice, what would it be? Find what you are good
at, what you love and chase that dream down to create a lifestyle that fills you with joy.
Brooks plans to continue to grow in her
trade while also using her talents outside of work to better the world. We are excited about her future contributions to the State of Texas and the City of Houston. For more information on One World Strong visit http:// www.oneworldstrong.com. Be sure to follow One World Strong on all social media streams! Facebook: @oneworldstrong Instagram: @oneworld_strong Twitter: @oneworldstrong
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Traveling in a Post-Corona virus World
T
The world was taken by storm when the coronavirus hit. Travels for spring break were canceled and postponed by many. Now, many are on edge about summer travel. Although many states are starting to reopen, some countries are not allowing international travel. Travelers are now desperately trying to figure out how they will move forward into this new unknown world after the coronavirus threat wanes. Travel will not stop, but it will certainly look quite different when it resumes once more. Every traveler will have to become much smarter about their travel habits now. Here are several predictions for how traveling will be different in the upcoming post coronavirus world.
Groups that are Tour-Led (International Travel) Post coronavirus will be critical to travel to places where you can get help from local tour experts who are well aware of the realities of security and safety especially where the nearest medical facilities are in case of a health emergency. They do all of the research on what to be careful about and to keep their group members safe. It is advised that small groups should be those where all the members are well-acquainted with one another versus traveling with complete strangers. 3. Cruise Ships may not be the popular travel route for families. Cruise ships hold up to 5,000 passengers which will not be apart of social distancing at all. The general suspicion in U.S. health circles that the mega cruise ships had become massive floating Petri dishes long before the coronavirus emerged, is now becoming a more common thought. The CDC has warned about the potential dangers of mass cruising for some time.
1. Travelers will Need To Prove That They Are Not Sick When Arriving at Their Final Destination. New “wellness passports� aside, airports in diverse tourism destinations all over the globe may begin checking for high temperatures and other coronavirus symptoms of arriving tour- 4. Road Trips may be the new ists in the future and for some norm for U.S. Travel. Be aware time if not permanently. that many businesses such as restaurants and hotels may 2. People will travel in Smaller be closed who were unable to 34
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survive during the pandemic. We have gotten so accustomed to hopping on a plane, when is the last time you took a good ole road trip? If you are considering taking a road trip anticipate your needs before you go: 1. Prepare food and water for the road. Pack non-perishables in case restaurants and stores are closed. 2. Bring any medicines you may need for the duration of your trip. (i.e. Tylenol, Benedryl, first aid kit.) 3. Pack a sufficient amount of alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol) and keep it in a place that is readily available. 4. Book accommodations in advance if you must stay somewhere overnight. (Be sanitize the room or area upon arrival.) 5. Plan to make as few stops as possible, but make sure you rest when you feel drowsy or sleepy. 6. Bring an EPA-registered disinfectant and other personal cleaning supplies. 7. Don’t travel if you are sick or plan to travel with someone who is sick.
CDC
Future Travel Tips Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Here are some major tips regarding contact with others, wash your hands COVID-19. Bus or train travel: Sitting or standing often, and wear a cloth face covering. future travel from the CDC: 1. Don’t travel if you are sick or travel with someone who is sick. 2. Protect yourself and others during your trip. 3. Clean your hands often. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub your hands together until they feel dry. 4. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. 5. Avoid close contact with others. 6. Keep 6 feet of physical distance from others. Avoiding close contact is especially important if you are at a higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19. 7. Wear a cloth face-covering in public. 8. Cover coughs and sneezes. 9. Pick up food at drive-throughs, curbside restaurant service, or stores. Limit dine-in restaurants especially if that is prohibited by state or local guidance. Here are tips for Travel Accommodations if you must stay in a hotel, motel, or rental property: 1. Take the same steps you would in other public places—for example, avoid close
within 6 feet of others for a prolonged period of time can put you at risk of getting or spreading COVID-19. Car travel: The stops you need to make along the way could put you and others in the car with you in close contact with others who could be infected. RV travel: Traveling by RV means you may have to stop less often for food or bathrooms, but RV travelers typically have to stop at RV parks overnight and other public places to get gas and supplies. These stops may put you and those If you travel, consider the following risks with you in the RV in close contact with you might face, depending on what type others who could be infected. of travel you are planning: Some types of travel (bus, plane, train) The last tip is to purchase travel insurmay require sitting next to others for a ance especially if you are traveling by air period of time. Travel may also expose and out of the country. Travel insurance you to new parts of the country with will become more popular now than ever differing levels of community transmis- before in light of the mass cancellations sion. And, if you’re infected, your travel that became necessary in the wake of may put others at risk– along the way, at the coronavirus lockdowns around the your destination, and when you return world. Most travelers are unaware that travel insurance covers a lot more than home. cancellations. A wide variety of coverKeep in mind the following when you age, such as emergency medical, baggage loss/delay, emergency evacuation, are traveling: and trip interruptions are just some of Air travel: Because of how air circulates the highly compelling benefits found in and is filtered on airplanes, most viruses a travel insurance policy. and other germs do not spread easily on flights. However, there may be a risk of The most important part about traveling getting COVID-19 on crowded flights if is to stay safe and adhere to the guidethere are other travelers on board with lines set in place. 2. When you get to your room or rental property, clean and disinfect all hightouch surfaces. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, remote controls, toilets, and sink faucets. 3. Bring an EPA-registered disinfectant and other personal cleaning supplies, including cloths and disposable gloves. 4. Wash any plates, cups, or silverware (other than pre-wrapped plastic) before using.
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TRAVEL INSURANCE Protect your travel investment
With so much uncertainty happening due to the coronavirus protecting your future travel plans are non-negotiable. Many skip the option of purchase travel insurance to save on the total cost however in lieu of recent events it is better to be prepared than sorry. Customers who ignored buying travel insurance in the past will not soon forget the financially painful consequences of these choices. The basic purpose of a travel insurance policy is to reimburse travelers for their insured pre-paid and non-refundable trip costs if they have to cancel their trip due to a covered reason. We will discuss Travel Insurance and upgrade options. There are several good reasons to look into insurance, particularly when taking a long business trip, an international vacation, or any other potentially high-cost trip.
reunited with your beloved bag? Who will cover all the stuff you just lost? 4. The cruise line, airline, or tour operator you booked your vacation through goes bankrupt. Yes, it happens. So what about the non-refundable expenses? And who can get you to your destination now? 5. You’re walking down a historic old street in Rio. It’s amazing. Then suddenly, ouch, you twist your ankle big time. You need a doctor, but not just any doctor. One who preferably understands English. Okay, how will you find this doctor in a city of 6.5 million people?
REASON AT ALL, whether it be coronavirus related, a conflict with your work schedule, or simply because you’re not in favor of the weather forecast in your destination city. This policy is typically in addition to a base plan, so although you may not receive your full benefits coverage on your standard policy, the upgraded portion under the CFAR policy would be covered up to the percentage offered within your specific plan.
6. Reality is that terror can strike anywhere. Three weeks before your trip, an incident occurs where you are headed. Maybe you still go. Or maybe you decide to cancel your trip. If you do, who is going to get your money back?
There are currently states that do not allow this level of coverage, but this is changing in some places such as New York as a direct response to the coronavirus. Please check with your travel advisor or research coverage allowances for your state to confirm if you qualify.
Traveling hiccups have always been a thing however after the coronavirus caused the world to go on lockdown to stop the rapid spread. Travel plans were halted.
7. Sun. Sand. Water. There’s nothing like the serenity of a beach resort. Unless a hurricane blows through and spoils the fun. Now, you can’t stay in the resort and need to be evacuated out. Who gets you out? Who reimburses you for the lost beach days?
Here are some situations that really happen that we often don’t consider.
It’s no surprise that flight cancellations are at an all-time high, but no need to panic.
1. You’ve lost your bag. And your bag had your meds. So you need to find your bag ASAP. Who can help you find that bag or refill your emergency prescription?
The upgraded coverage has become more important now due to the world’s response to COVID-19. As travel experts, our goal is to ensure you’re safe as well as prepared while planning future travels. We hope this additional information helps as you begin to consider your fall travel plans.
2. Ah, Europe. You’ve waited to take in all the grandeur new and old. But someone not very nice just stole your passport and wallet. Yikes! You need emergency cash. You need a new passport. You need someone who can get things done fast. Who is that someone? 3. You arrive in Jamaica, but your luggage doesn’t. Who will find it? Who will pay for your travel necessities until you are 36
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Travel insurance upgrades such as ‘Cancel For Any Reason’ (CFAR) policies can make a significant difference on whether or not your travel itinerary is protected So what is Cancel For Any Reason Insurance? It’s exactly what it sounds like. You can cancel your trip for ANY
Be prepared for additional fees as this is an actual coverage upgrade to your basic travel insurance plan and to know your cut off dates after making a selection.
Always read the terms of the policy carefully to find out what percentage is covered. Coverage Types: Accidental Death & Dismemberment Coverage, Baggage Insurance, Baggage Loss And Delay Coverage, Cancel For Any Reason Coverage, Cancel For Work Reasons Coverage, Cruise Insurance, Emergency Evacuation Coverage, Emergency Medical Coverage, Flight Accident Coverage, Flight Insurance, Group Travel Insurance, Holiday Insurance, J1 Visa Insurance, Medical Evacuation Insurance, Missed Connection Coverage, Pre-Existing Condition Coverage, Travel Delay Coverage, Travel Insurance Coverage for Pregnancy, Travel Medical Assistance, Travel Medical Insurance, Trip Cancellation Insurance, Trip Insurance, Trip Interruption Insurance, Vacation Insurance, Vacation Rental Insurance, Visitor Insurance, and Worldwide Travel Assistance.
1. Get Dressed You wouldn’t dress as you might for your typical day at the office, but the act of getting up and putting on clothes serves as a signal that it’s time to wake up and get things done. There is power in putting on clothes suitable for public viewing. It makes you feel confident and helps to draw the line between being at work and being at home. In the morning, take a shower, brush your hair, even put on makeup if that’s what you’d usually do. Waking up and taking care of your appearance is important especially since the COVID-19 virus started and most of our day consists of video meetings. 2. Designate a Workspace at Home Most of us are used to going into an office each day, so try to recreate a designated physical workspace at home. Try to make your workspace comfortable with a chair you can sit in for eight hours a day and a few decorations. Find an area with good natural lighting if at all possible if not invest in a good lamp. Your workspace doesn’t have to be its own room just make sure it’s a comfortable environment. 3. Get organized To keep you on track organization will be key. Get organized by creating filing systems, schedules, and to-do lists. Make sure you clean your workspace and prioritize your documents and task for the next day. When you clean your work-
space before you finish working for the day it gives you a sense of accomplishment. You feel like you actually completed tasks and assignments. 4. Build Transitions Into (and Out of) Work Entering your workspace will help you turn “on” at the beginning of the day and get down to work. On the flip side, leaving your workspace will also help you turn “off” at the end of the day and fully disengage. Be sure not to work from several areas in your home especially after your work afters. Trying to work from all over can cause a lack of focus. 5. Accept Distractions You are at home so there will be a myriad of distractions that you are faced with like the doorbell especially if you are like me with my compulsive purchases from Amazon. Some of you are working from home with the kids who are unable to go to school. Of course, normally we do not get a chance to watch the TV, so you are binge-watching. We live in an age where social media is everything so we find ourselves taking work breaks to scroll. Let’s accept that some of these distractions can be prevented and some cannot, and the distractions are a reality so long as they are not taking over the whole working day. I would advise creating boundaries for some of our
distractions such as our kids in less it is an emergency, social media, and online browsing/shopping. 6. Plan your day. This will help you minimize distractions and maximize your true productive times. Get a planner or a whiteboard and be sure to post or put your schedule in a place that you can see it at all times. 7. Take breaks. When making your schedule, you might want to consider working in smaller spurts and allowing yourself time to get up from the computer to stretch. This will help you both physically and mentally. When you take breaks, you’ll be more productive. This would be that time to also fit in your short social media scrolls. 8. Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Working at home can lead to the urge to eat and snack, especially due to the close proximity of the kitchen and refrigerator. I have been having the urge to snack now more than ever. Make sure to schedule a time for regular exercise, keep healthy snacks around the house, and remember to drink a lot of water. I recommend waking up earlier than your normal time in the morning to exercise. This will give you a clear mind and the ability to focus more. WWW.THEAVIDMAGAZINE.COM
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A GLANCE AT THIS QUARTER
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Fans spent more than 5 hours in traffic of all directions in Sugar land to get to the Smart Financial Center for the Refuse to Lose Tour for Sarah Jakes Robert. The traffic delayed the show by 2 and 1/2 hours and still packed the center.
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Media gathered in the middle of the day at City Hall to discuss the leak of the DJ Screw movie preview. The director, family, and close friends involved in the project spoke about the leak and the future plans that are in the works for the project. As of now, there is not a film scheduled to release this year. Stay tuned it will definitely be a film in the near future.
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States all over follow suite in closing states for at least 30 days to help stop the rapid spread of the COVID-19 disease that killed millions all over the world in just a few weeks. Scared residents flooded the stores purchasing cleaning products, water, toiletries, and other essentials.
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The Young Millionaire Series kicked off in Houston, TX at the Post Oak Hotel. The event was filled with mounds of knowledge, informative break out sessions, and great networking.
Have an event coming up? Invite AVID Magazine, email us at info@theavidmagazine.com and include the event details. Please submit all request 2 weeks in advance to ensure coverage.
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Tauren Wells album rele as e concer t at Lakewood was a fun-filled Wednesday. The energy was on 10 the entire time. Thousands waited in line upstairs after the concert to get Tauren Wells merchandise and autographed CD’S.
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Due to COVID-19, the Houston Livestock Rodeo closed for the first time. The Houston Rodeo is a huge event for the Houston area students who look forward to the thousands of dollars in scholarships that are given during the rodeo. Country singer Kane Brown was scheduled to perform the night of the cancellation.
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After being on lockdown for a couple of months due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Tragedy strucked the black community like a wrecking ball. The lives of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd became a fight for the black race. All deaths were unlawful and outraged communities all over the United States.
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Av i d b i r d w a t c h e r Christian Cooper was asked Amy Cooper to abide by the rules set by Central Park and place her dog on a leash. The simple turned into Amy calling the police to make false statements accusing Christian of threatening her life while he filmed the entire incident.
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