The Heat Seekers Magazine - May-June 2023

ISSUE 22 | MAY/JUNE 2023

MAGAZINE

Author +Actor + Artist of the Month

RHONDA MCKNIGHT AUDREY SUGGS ELYSE

Business + Artist Spotlights

VALONDA CALLOWAY DANIEL STEIGLEDER ROBIN’S TASTEFUL TIPS & TRIPS

by Robin Shockley

Interviews with

DWAYNE JENKINS

Exclusive Interview with

PAU P A UL ANTHONY

by Cleavester Brooks

KISHA GREEN

by The Heat Seekers

TRISHA MANN GRANT

OF THE GRAMMY CERTIFIED PRODUCTION GROUP FULL FORCE AND STARRED IN FEATURE FILM, “HOUSE PARTY”

by Angela Anderson

RICHARD GROSS

by Lissha Sadler for THS

NOELLA VELLA

by King Brooks

DWAYNE JENKINS

by King Brooks

www.teresabhowell.com

FOUNDER and CEO Teresa B. Howell https://tbproductions.org EDITORS Teresa B. Howell David R. Navarro CREATIVE design&print CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Teresa B. Howell David R. Navarro Angela Anderson Robin Shockley Lissha Sadler La Sheera Lee Nayomi Charnelle King Brooks Kenyatta Ingram Kisha Green Tarius Knight Jay MadHatter ADVERTISING & PROMOTION TB Productions Media Group TeresaBProductions+ads@gmail.com Maurice Scriber COPYRIGHTS The Heat Seekers Magazine is owned by Teresa B. Howell and Teresa B. Productions.

The magazine, its staff and writers, has made sure that content is accurate on the date of publication. The views expressed in the articles reflect the author(s)’ opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or editor. The published material, adverts, editorials and all other content is published in good faith.

All rights reserved. Nothing can be partially or in whole be reprinted or reproduced without express written permission.

Letter from the Founder and CEO As the Founder and CEO of The Heat Seekers publication, I will continue to spotlight individuals in theater, film, music, and literary works. The THS team works diligently to ensure that every story, ad, review, and feature will be unique and diverse for all readers. We are now a 2022 recipient of The Atlanta Hottest award due to our fresh and intriguing editorials.

I am honored and privileged to have an award-winning magazine that sparks the interests of readers worldwide. We are spotlighted in over 19 countries and an estimate of 10K readers each year.

Thank you for your continued support as we continue to show the world that we can enlighten, educate, and praise others by pushing them to their greatest potential. We thrive on lifting each other up and helping all to evolve and shine. We are the light of the world and we will continue to push, motivate, and inspire others to BRING THE HEAT. I am a Heat Seeker…with extraordinary talents. So help me celebrate the others within this publication that are also HEAT SEEKERS with extraordinary talents too.

Teresa B. Howell Founder and CEO, The Heat Seekers Magazine

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

BIG THANK YOU TO OUR TEAM! WE TRULY APPRECIATE YOUR HARDWORK AND CONTINUED SUPPORT.

ANGELA ANDERSON

ROBIN SHOCKLEY

Angela Anderson Presents Angela’s Literary Cafe & Book Reviews

Entertainment Professional Robin’s Tasteful Tips & Trips

NAYOMI CHARNELLE

KENYATTA INGRAM

Petty in Pink

Riches in Reading

TERESA B. HOWELL

Founder & CEO TB Productions @teresabhowell

LISSHA SADLER Hardcore Grind

KISHA GREEN

Entertainment Professional Digital Foreplay

DAVID R. NAVARRO

Designer & Editor design&print @_designprint

KING BROOKS

LASHEERA LEE

TARIUS KNIGHT

JAY MADHATTER

Black Page Turners

Rhythm & Views Show

THE HEAT SEEKERS MAGAZINE // www.tbproductions.org

Cool Conversations with LaSheera Lee

Mad Muzik ENT

PAUL ANTHONY

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contents Page 7

PETTY IN PINK celebrity news blog

by NAYOMI CHARNELLE

Page 18-20

aUTHOR OF THE MONTH RHONDA MCKNIGHT by anGEla anderson

Page 9

MUSIC INDUSTRY NEWS Page 10-11

the hip-hop corner #2 THE 4 ELEMENTS OF HIP-HOP

by JAY MADHATTER

Page 21

WHY IS iT IMpoRTANT To SupporT THE INDIE ARTIST? by tarius knight // RHythm & views SHow

Page 27

Page 12-14

SPOTLIGHT artist DANIEL STEIGLEDER

by ANGELA ANDERSON

Page 29-32

Page 16

by CLEAVESTER brooks

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT VALONDA CALLOWAY

Digital foreplay: love without the heartbreak by kisha green

by THE HEAT SEEKERS

DWAYNE JENKINS Page 34-36

ARTIST OF THE MONTH ELYSE

by THE HEAT SEEKER

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Page 23-26

EXCluSivE IntERviEW WITH PAUL ANTHONY

BY TERESA B. HOWELL The Heat Seekers

Page 37-38

anGElA’S litERAry CAFé book rEViEW: SYMPHONY OF SECRETS

BY BRENDAN SLOCUMB

Page 54-55

TRISHA MANN GRANT

TRENDING on riches in reading: Dr. Corey yeager natasha d. frazier rhonda mcknight

by LISSHA SADLER

by kenyatta ingrAM

Page 45-47

Page 56-58

by anGEla anderson

Page 40-44

KISHA GREEn

by THE HEAT SEEKERS

Page 45-50

RICHARD GROSS LISSHA SADLER FOR THE HEAT SEEKERS

Page 51-53

BEHIND THE BOOK WiTH noEllE VEllA

Author OF THE MONTH audrey suggs

by THE HEAT SEEKER

Page 60-61

Robin’s taSTEFul tipS & TripS Food article & Blog: Captain Quarters by robin ShoCklEY

by king brooks THE HEAT SEEKERS MAGAZINE

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Teresa B. Howell

Talk Show Host, Sony-Orchard Distributor, and Award Winning Writer/Producer. http://teresabhowell.com

NAYOMI CHARNEllE’S

Petty in Pink CELEBRITY

NEWS BLOG

PETTY IN PINK CELEBRITY NEWS by Nayomi Charnelle JAMIE FOXX IS HOSPITALIZED!!!!

Jamie Foxx is hospitalized after suffering a serious medical emergency. On this past Tuesday morning, the E.G.O.T Winner was in Atlanta on set filming a movie with Cameron Diaz, when he was rushed to an Atlanta hospital. Family members that reside within ATL and outside of ATL rushed to be by his side. The latest update, is now he can comprehend and communicate. Whereas before, he was not able to comprehend or communicate. It is still unknown what caused Jamie to become hospitalized. This is a very scary situation and extremely serious. Get well, Jamie! The entertainment world needs you and we will continue to pray for you!

IS THE CARDI B TRAIN SLOWING DOWN????

It’s been a while since the former LOVE AND HIP-HOP star Cardi B dropped an album. As a matter of fact, her last Album was actually 5 years ago called “Invasion of Privacy”. This is album is what catapulted the former Love and Hip Hop star to EXTREME STARDOM with the hit single “Bodak Yellow”. EVERYBODY was talking about them “BLOODY SHOES”. You know you hit it big if the iconic Denzel Washington knows the lyrics to your song! This song made her an overnight sensation. Rumor has it that Cardi is afraid to drop another album due to fear of failing album sales. Cardi is an extremely high-maintenance artist and her record label is extremely careful with how they handle her. The music industry is extremely cutthroat. They love you when you’re making loads of money for them, but when you’re not making any money for them, the love somewhat dissipates. Cardi performed at a concert in Taiwan and unfortunately, she didn’t appeal to the audience as much as she thought she would. As she was performing, the audience was looking around in confusion.

Cardi has dropped several singles with several well-known artists such as Megan Thee Stallion, Glorilla, Kanye West, and Young Derk. Cardi has made several strides as a hip-hop artist however, if she drops another album and it flops, she may not be able to recover. Her video demands are extremely high maintenance. Her budget for music videos is within the millions at a minimum and it’s possible the record label is not willing to take a chance on an artist who has not dropped an album in 5 years. Let’s see if Cardi can hold on to her number 9 spot as one of the greatest female artists of all time.

MESSY KIM BURRELL!!!

So, Kim Burrel claims that Jay Z reached out to her to let her know that his wife The Queen Bee locks herself in a bathroom for about 11 hours out of the day when she is “going through” a hard time and puts on Kim Burrell’s music and just listens to it. Can we imagine Beyonce locking herself away from her husband and children and listening to Kim Burrell for 11 hours straight? So, let’s say this is true. What right does Kim Burrell have to spill all the tea on Beyonce giving all the information about what Beyonce does when she’s having an awful time? Aren’t we all allowed a bad day at one time or another? I think it was in poor taste for Kim Burrell to give such information to the public about Beyonce. If Jay Z came to her in confidence, it should have stayed that way. Kim revealed this information on a major platform, This happened when Jay Z dropped the 444 Album. Got to be more careful, when spilling the tea about the rich and famous!

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THE EDUCAT$R Are you an educator doing extraordinary tasks outside of the classroom? Are you full of talents and gifts, but are being unnoticed? The Educator Magazine was created for you!

If your have interest of being featured, contact Teresa B. at: info@teresabhowell.com

T H E

H E A T

S E E K E R S

M U S I C

INDUSTRY NEWS Tenia Renee Nelson, pianist honored by Jazz Journal Association Hero Award

Elysé, Singer-Songwriter Inks Distribution Deal with Sony Music’s The Orchard Soon fans can enjoy her first single, “Love Feels Right” worldwide.

Albuquerque, NM – Elysé, singer-songwriter signs an agreement with Sony Music’s The Orchard to distribute her music. This agreement was setup through her manager, David R. Navarro and entertainment professional, Teresa B. Howell of TB Productions Media Group in Atlanta, Georgia.

The Orchard, now in its 27th year, is a full-service music distribution company operating in more than 45 cities worldwide. The Orchard’s comprehensive artist & label services offering harnesses innovative technology, transparent data analysis, and expertise to reach fans and grow audiences. Offerings include digital and physical sales and marketing, advertising, sync and brand partnerships, rights management, video monetization, collaborator splits and royalty accounting, publishing administration and more. The Orchard empowers creators and entrepreneurs to grow and adapt in the dynamic, global industry. The Orchard is a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment.

Professional pianist, Tenia Renee Nelson honored with the 2023 Jazz Journalist Association Hero Award. She was nominated by David Froman.

About Tenia Renee Nelson Over 20 years experience in Music Education and has been playing piano professionally in Colorado for 24 years. Tenia is a true believer in advocating for Music Education, creative rights, helping music people in need and promoting diversity and inclusion. Slated for Governor Seat in the 2023 Recording Academy / GRAMMYs San Francisco Chapter Board Elections. urrently a Recording Academy / GRAMMYs Mentor.

Michelle Brooks-Thompason, Acclaimed Powerhouse Singer Films Segment for Pollywog Pond on PBS Kids Gospel Singer, films her segment for Pollywog Pond on PBS Kids in Rhode Island.

With new music distribution, Elysé is on track to share her low, sultry vocals, and her soulful guitar licks with the world. Her new single, “Love Feels Right” showcases many local and national musicians including the talented singer-songwriter and accomplished guitarist, David Turner of Nothing But Groove; along with Mikey Wright (The Voice) on guitar, Kim Stone (Spyro Gyra) on bass, Chuck Lucero (Music Producer) on Drums, John Elias (Harry Connick, Jr. & Don Henley) on saxophone, Robert Muller (Entourage Jazz & Anderson Quartet) on Keys, and Vicente Garcia on harmonica. Recorded at Third Eye Studio and David Turner’s studio, BluezGtrDave in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The single was mixed and mastered by music industry professional, Chuck Lucero.

Kim Stone, professional bassist says, “Elysé, a remarkable new talent with one of the most powerful and soulful voices I’ve heard in many many years.”

Elysé to release new single “Love Feels Right” through Sony/The Orchard on May 26, 2023 on all streaming platforms worldwide.

Elysé is a singer-songwriter and a creative prodigy. She has a blues-rock sound and is based in New Mexico. For more information, call 720-261-0968 or visit her website at: https://www.theycallmeElyse.com/

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The Hip-hop Corner May 2023

The 4 Elements of Hip-hop: Hip-hop as a Force of Nature course, what do young people do when they have tons of time to kill, they rebel and do things that make adults angry.

MADHATTER

According to Greek Philosophy, the universe consists of four elements: earth, air, fire, and water. These elements are all forces of nature that have come together to create all matter on the planet. Without these forces interacting, we would not have this beautiful blue planet we all share. Pressure builds diamonds, and Hip-hop culture is that diamond that was created out of the stress of poverty and urban renewal in the 1970s South Bronx, NY. The South Bronx was on fire and falling apart when a new cultural movement began to rise from the rubble. The new art form, Graffiti, was displayed on subway trains and New York City walls, and DJs were setting trends and blazing a new music path by transforming the turntable into an actual instrument. The DJ introduced rappers to keep the party entertained with witty rhymes, while on the dance floor, B-Boys showed off their moves with a new form of dance called Breaking.

Graffiti, Emcee (Rapper), Disc Jockey (DJ), and Breakdancing all came together during desperation and abandonment. Through racism, politics, a high unemployment rate, and greed, The South Bronx was allowed to be destroyed by rapacious slum lords who were encouraged through police corruption to enable their properties to be set on fire for the insurance money. Hip-hop Culture is a fantastic example of what happens when you attempt to destroy a class of people bound together through poverty and despair. With a large population of youth struggling to find jobs, they found themselves with a lot of time on their hands. Of

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GRAFFITI Graffiti, tagging, and street art are all names created out of the desire to be seen by a generation of youth who were considered forgotten. Graffiti ranges from simple words to complicated wall paintings. While Graffiti is primarily created with spray paint, graffiti artists have utilized many different forms of color and markers to create their pieces. Although there were a few people already practicing this new art form called “graffiti,” a young Greek-American “tagger” who went by the tag name “Taki 183” was making a name for himself and Graffiti by getting his name in the New York Times in 1971. Graffiti began to take off and get recognized by the mainstream contemporary art scene. Notable graffiti artists such as LADY PINK, IZ THE WIZ, DONDI, and FAB FIVE FREDDY were among the first to bring Graffiti to the mainstream. Movies such as “Wild Style” shows the interconnections between music, dance, and art in the evolution of hiphop culture. Unfortunately, Graffiti became synonymous with gang culture. This “art” was considered vandalism causing city officials to pass strict laws prohibiting the sales of markers and spray paint to minors and implementing stiff jail sentences for people arrested for practicing Graffiti. Today, street art, aka Graffiti, has grown worldwide and is recognized by contemporary artists as a legitimate art form. Museums have emerged to showcase this great new form of street ghetto expression.

Issue #2

BREAKDANCING (B-BOYISM) With music comes to dance, and with a new form of music, it is only natural that you have a new form of dance emerge. Breakdancing or “B-Boying / B-girling” is an extremely physically demanding type of dance broken down into four types of moves, top rock, down rock, power moves, and freezes.

Most commonly, breakdancing is done to Hip-hop music, but funk, r&b, and soul music have all been backdrops to this fantastic new dance form. Jeff Chang writes in his critically acclaimed book “Can’t Stop Won’t Stop,” “During the 1970s, an ./array of dances practiced by black and Latino kids sprang up in the inner cities of New York and California. The styles had a dizzying list of names: ‘up rock’ in Brooklyn, ‘locking’ in Los Angeles,

Breakdancers in 1984. Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

‘boogaloo’ and ‘popping’ in Fresno, and ‘strutting’ in San Francisco and Oakland.

When these dances gained notice in the mid-’80s outside their geographic contexts, the diverse styles were lumped under the tag ‘break dancing.’ Jeff Chang 2005.

Breakdancing took over the world when movies like “Wild Style,” “Breakin’ & Breakin’ 2 Electric Bugaloo” and “Beat Street” showcased this stunning new art form. Breaking was born at the same time as hip-hop. DJs developed the “Breaks” for dancers to perform. The dance form has since expanded globally, with various organizations and independent competitions supporting its growth. Breaking will now be featured as an Olympic sport, debuting in the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics.

The MC is the core element that is closest to my heart. The Emcee or Rapper was the one thing I could be a part of in hip-hop, and I was good at it. I wasn’t physically strong enough to breakdance, I couldn’t mix records or make beats to save my life, and I didn’t have a graffiti artist bone in my body. But I could rap circles around almost everyone I battled against in my day; I’m still pretty good.

Rapping or MC’ing is a rhythmic form of street poetry in which urban slang and swagger are incorporated into rhymes over breakbeats. The earliest forms of “Rapping” can be argued back to West Africa, early Jazz musicians, or beatnik poets, but I subscribe to rapping’s Jamaican roots. Toasting, which is talking or singing over a reggae beat played by a Disc Jockey or a reggae artist, promoted their music or the party they were hosting. A young Clive Campbell, Aka DJ Kool Herc, The Godfather of Hip-hop, would be a young teenager in Kingston, Jamaica, who would soak in this entertaining new form of rhythmic communication and eventually introduce it to the world as “Rapping.” DJ Kool Herc would decide he needed cool, witty, charismatic people to entertain his guests at his house parties. So he assembled a crew of “Rappers,” both men and women, who would be the first real MCs to grab a mic and rock the crowd.

DISC JOCKEY Last but not least is the DJ, an acronym for Disc Jockey. The term disc jockey has its roots in the early radio business; it was the term for the person on the radio who played actual vinyl records. But, in this article, we will focus on the Hip-hop DJ who started in the background. The hip hop DJ played the music for the other core elements to thrive, but today would see themselves as the most critical element in the sales of Rap music. DJ Kool Herc would pioneer the art of featuring and focusing on a particular “break” on popular records

include hip-hop themes, slang, and music. As a young rapper in 1988, I remember listening to Salt-n-Pepa’s “Push It” on the radio and my father telling me that hip-hop was a fad and would not last very long. My father once told me, “Oh Mijo, that’s not music; that will never last; it’s too negative.” I responded, “Dad, you have no idea how big this music will be.”

Interestingly, my dad and I were talking about a new hip-hop project I’m involved in and this fantastic writing opportunity I have now. I asked him if he remembered that conversation we had 35 years ago. My father said, “Yes,” and I was right; hip-hop did get more significant than anyone thought. Even as a 13-year-old kid, I knew that the core four elements of hip-hop were something universal, something magical, and that hip-hop would change the world forever, and it did and is still at it.

DJ Jazzy Jeff performs during the Hangout Music Festival Kick-Off concert on May 18, 2017 in Gulf Shores, Alabama.

Josh Brasted/FilmMagic

at the time. The trend in music at the time was to have a long “break” where there were no vocals, just drums, and sounds played for an extended amount of time.

DJ Kool Herc noticed that the crowd he was playing for would react differently, excitedly, when these “breaks” would blast through the speakers, so he would showcase them by doing a trick which he called “the Merry-go-round” where he would use two turntables to continue the “break” as long as he wanted. This new technique which would become the foundation for hip-hop music, would create a culture of change and change a record-playing device into an actual musical instrument.

CONCLUSION

1985 in New York, New York. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

These four elements of hip-hop, Breakdancing, Emceeing, DJing, and Graffiti changed the world and have continued to shape world culture, music, and art to this very day. Everything from fashion to car commercials to cleaning products has changed its marketing strategies to

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Valonda Calloway

The TV Lady

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business spotlight

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The TV Lady Soaring in Brand and Business Interview by Angela Anderson

The TV Lady has “a powerful voice, a storytelling ability, and an authoritative presence that commands attention” on screen and in business.

TV Host, Spokesperson, Voice-Over Artist, and actor Valonda Calloway is one to remember with her energetic style, poise, and charisma. With a career spanning over twenty years, Valonda has been seen across the airways as a news anchor at WNCT-TV in Greensboro, WRAL-TV in Raleigh, and host of My Carolina Today/ Talk on WNCN. She is the face of numerous commercials, the host and emcee of prestigious events, and more. She is currently a highly sought-after freelance on-camera personality. This North Carolina Native is sure to be camera ready and make her presence known.

In addition to her remarkable skills and talents on screen, Valonda is a presentation and media coach, adjunct professor, and author of the informative book, Tips From The TV Lady, A Guide For Making A Great Impression On Camera And In Person.

She takes pride in being a light to others and sharing her gifts in a way that brings them joy.

The Heat Seekers Magazine had the opportunity to talk with the TV Lady, Valonda Calloway.

Angela Anderson: When did you know you wanted to work in media and broadcasting?

Valonda Calloway: I was around 6 when I knew I wanted to work in this field.

AA: Would you say that your career path found you, or you found it?

VC: When I was a little girl, I used to watch the news with my dad every evening after dinner. I was captivated by the people (news anchors) sitting at the desk informing us of what was going on.

The people who traveled the world (news reporters) to share what was happening made me want to travel and do that too.

AA: What was one of the most surprising things you learned about yourself during your journey?

VC: I learned I’m resilient and don’t mind taking risks. I’ve lost jobs and been disappointed by the industry and people, but I always find a way to keep going.

AA: What do you enjoy about being in the media and broadcasting industry?

VC: I enjoy being able to make a living doing work that I’m really

good at and that I enjoy. I’ve been blessed with a powerful voice, a storytelling ability, and an authoritative presence that commands attention.

AA: As a Spokesperson, TV Host, and actor, what is your mission in your line of work?

VC: My mission is to always feel proud of the work I do. I’ve said no to many gigs that didn’t line up with my values, interests, or pay scale.

AA: We have heard it many times, The TV Lady. Share with us how The TV Lady came to be.

VC: Many times, when I’m in public, people will approach me and say, “Aren’t you the TV lady?” Often, they can’t remember my name, but they know they’ve seen me on TV. At first, I found it annoying, but later I decided to embrace it and trademark it.

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AA: The name, The TV Lady, is now a part of your brand. What would you say makes the TV Lady brand unique?

VC: The TV Lady brand is multifaceted. Currently, I work on TV as a spokesperson, TV host, and actor, but my years of experience on camera inform my work as a media and presentation trainer. As a media and presentation trainer, I help professionals show up with confidence, whether they are giving an interview, making a presentation, or in a sales meeting.

AA: What is one piece of advice you would share with individuals just getting started in their careers in media, broadcasting, or entrepreneurship?

VC: Know your why. The reason why I wanted to get into the television news business in the first place was to tell stories, travel, and be on TV. I used to be ashamed to say I wanted to be on TV, but at this stage of my career, I can honestly say vanity played a role in my desire to work in television. The reason why I am now an entrepreneur, who is on TV sometimes, but not all the time, is freedom. I enjoy choosing how I spend my time and who I work with.

AA: You are also the author of Tips From The TV Lady, A Guide For Making A Great Impression On Camera And In Person. What inspired this book?

VC: I was inspired to write the book because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

I saw people get on TV and social media daily from their homes, and many had no idea how to present themselves. I saw bad lighting, awful backgrounds, terrible clothing, and so much more. I felt bad about it. I wanted to show people how to look better and come across as more polished.

AA: If you had to describe Tips From The TV Lady in three words, what would they be?

VC: Polish Your Presentation

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AA: We recently celebrated Women’s History Month and are coming upon Mother’s Day. Who are some influential women who have helped shape and mold you into the woman you are today?

VC: 1.My mother. She put me in dance classes and pageants when I was young. Many of the lessons I learned there inform the work I do now as a presentation and media trainer.

2. Carole Simpson was a news anchor for ABC. I had a chance to meet her in the 90s. She was a huge inspiration to me, and I looked up to her.

3. So many women from my community. The elegant ladies from Haw Branch AME in Richlands were great examples of grace and poise. Melva Best was (and is) such a sharp dresser and great speaker. Aunt Catherine Williams was a teacher, so smart and kind.

I probably shouldn’t name names because there were so many. My siblings and I had a wonderful community of people who took us to vacation bible school, got us involved in talent shows, and so many other things.

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AA: What’s next for Valonda Calloway, The TV Lady?

VC: I’m focusing on my course Polish Your Presentation Skills as well as beefing up my media and presentation training roster.

AA: How can people stay connected with you?

VC: People can stay connected with me on my website and social media. https://valondacalloway.com/ https://www.facebook.com/ValCalTV https://www.instagram.com/valcaltv/ The Heat Seekers Magazine: Valonda Calloway’s book, Tips From The TV Lady, A Guide For Making A Great Impression On Camera And In Person, can be purchased on her website: www.valondacalloway.com, and Amazon.com

Kisha Green’s @digitalforeplay

Love Without the Heartbreak He loves me…

He loves me, not…

When we were younger, we played with Barbie and Ken - they were so in love with a dream house and a convertible.

Neither of them had a job but lived on love.

We never heard stories of Ken cheating or Barbie hooking up with one of his friends—no baby mama drama, love, peace, and happiness.

I often wondered where I would be if my first love hadn’t cheated on me with his friend’s girlfriend’s cousin. I endured my first heartbreak at the age of sixteen.

I learned then that a guy could have a good girl but will mess it up for a temporary feeling. He had no idea that the girl’s heart he broke loved him completely, but for reasons unknown, he wouldn’t commit to being monogamous.

At the time, we both were scared because we had not experienced what we were feeling, but there was some reluctance on his part, as if it terrified him to give up the player card. That was the first red flag that I ignored because the reality was that he had some growing up to do or he did not want me. Whatever the case, he wasted my time and broke my heart.

Even though there were signs, I wanted to see the potential in Mike and become his biggest cheerleader. I was willing to plead and even rationalize his behavior. Again, more heartache. This emotional rollercoaster would continue because I wanted to believe he was a man of his word.

AND THEN Like an epiphany, I woke up out of the daze I was in. During this transition, it made me reflect on all of my former loves after Mike; for a while, I believed I was asking too much when I wanted a commitment, I liked the security of a relationship and all of those lonely holidays, but it was not too much. I was asking the wrong person.

I began praying, meditating, reading, journaling, and doing therapy. This combination was the best thing I could have done for myself. While you were ignoring me, I was getting to know myself and allowing my heart to be opened and repaired for the real man who was ready for all my formers were not. He accepted everything about me, flaws and all, while admiring me in total awe. He studied my habits, smile, and demeanor and was dating with a purpose, meaning he wanted to give me all his attention. When he walked in, it was easy to put the past in the...past because he put every effort into making me wanted, needed, appreciated, and desired. He was just what the doctor ordered, finally building with someone who saw a future instead of making me feel like I was an option, I was the priority, and it felt damn good!

Now, the former flames all come out of the woodwork, from the accusations of me of acting funny and the lack of comprehension that calls are ignored and going unanswered. Those texts that once gave me butterflies are now oneword or brief responses, and I am damn sure not excited by the Netflix and Chill, Applebee’s, or Red Lobster invites.

The icing on the cake is I am the daily recipient of the Good Morning Beautiful texts and the newly designated person to receive memes.

They want me back...

BUT.....

There is no coming back. I am, for once, happy inside and out. I have a smile and a different glow, and that is because it comes from self-love. I finally love myself and learned about love after heartbreak; my love of self is more significant than I could ever give to any man. I put myself first, and love found me...on purpose.

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Rhonda McKnight 18

AUTHOR OF THE MONTH

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Rhonda McKnight…Touching the Hearts of Many Through Complex Plots and Interesting Stories Interview by Angela Anderson

Rhonda McKnight is a two-time Emma Award author and African American Literary Award nominee who enjoys reading as much as she does writing. Her goal is to touch the heart of women through her stories, one book at a time.

This extraordinary author of over twenty indie and traditionally published books is doing just that. With books with a common theme of faith, forgiveness, and hope, Rhonda’s trademark of edginess while touching the heart of women through relatable and interesting characters while throwing in a plot twist often propels her to the top as a fan favorite amongst readers.

In addition to bringing stories to life with her ability to make the words come alive and sing throughout the pages, she also freelances her services as a developmental editor and writer coach with a waiting list of individuals desiring to work with her.

From writer coach to teaching, gardening, and of course, writing amazing stories, there is more to come from Rhonda McKnight.

Originally from a small coastal town in New Jersey, she writes from the comfort of her South Carolina home with no signs of slowing down.

Angela Anderson: When did you know that you wanted to become an author?

Rhonda McKnight: I’m not sure I knew that writing could lead to authorship until the late 90’s when I started to see books by Black women in the romance and women’s fiction section of bookstores, but I started writing as a young child. I wrote my first book about a family of mice who lived under the boardwalk in my hometown when I was just six years old.

AA: What do you enjoy about writing and creating stories?

RM: I enjoy creating characters. Figuring out their backgrounds and problems—most importantly, I like to uncover the lie they believe about themselves and why they believe it and the journey to them discovering a new truth.

AA: How would you describe your writing style?

RM: My style lies somewhere between commercial and upmarket fiction. I like to engage my readers by creating a sense of emotional connection with the characters and story. I do that using complicated characters in crisis. My writing tools are interior dialogue, subtext, textured description, sensory details, and the use of symbolism or a theme to convey a deeper meaning.

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AA: What is a fun or interesting fact about you that most readers don’t know?

RM: I used to be a foster mother to special needs boys. Not technically fun, but interesting and rewarding.

AA: Are there any writing must-haves or quirky writing habits when you are in your flow?

RM: Yes, and I hate them. I must have a Coke and potato chips to write. Not every day, but on too many of them.

AA: If you had to give one piece of advice to new authors, what would it be?

RM: Study the craft of writing. Never stop being a student. Hire a good developmental editor—at least once and learn from them. I have written twenty-five books and I still get developmental feedback on my projects.

AA: May is the month we celebrate Mother’s Day in the US. Share with us what you enjoy about being a mother.

RM: The bonding experience is number one for me. But I also enjoy passing on my values and beliefs and then watching them grow into responsible, caring adults who make the world a better place. My sons are awesome people.

AA: This is an exciting time for you! Your debut novel with Thomas Nelson, The Thing About Home, is scheduled to be released on May 9, 2023. Share with us the inspiration behind this story.

RM: The contemporary story was inspired by my pandemic garden and my desire to try something different, which for me was book club fiction. I chose to write a little of what I know… reinventing your life after divorce.

The historical story was inspired by my own family, which included teachers and farmers whom I’ve admired as I learned little bits here and there about their lives. My great grandfathers, one emancipated and the other born shortly after, were able to acquire land during the Reconstruction and Jim Crow eras. I always wanted to research the history of those purchases. In this case, I wrote nothing that I knew. The research was unreal. Historical fiction is a tremendous amount of work.

AA: If you could describe “The Thing About Home” in three words, what would they be?

RM: Three words? It is rich! Maybe faith, family, love. I think I cheated and gave you six.

AA: When you are not writing, what can we find you doing?

RM: Reading. Streaming the hottest drama on Hulu or Netflix.

Watching weirdness on YouTube. Endlessly texting my friends like a teenager.

AA: What is next for Rhonda McKnight?

RM: All They Loved, the 10th book in my Bennett Family romance

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series, will be on sale August 15th. I’m excited to be writing my first neurodivergent character. My youngest son is autistic and while I’m not writing about an autistic person, I’m glad this book will star a hero with challenges that, in my opinion, make him much more interesting.

Next from Thomas Nelson is Bitter and Sweet. A cryptic message from their grandmother reunites two estranged sisters at the site of the family’s eighty-five-year-old restaurant, where they must face complicated truths about themselves and their family history. Look for that in April 2024.

AA: How can we stay connected with you?

RM: I spend time on social media almost every day, but I also love to share and interact with readers through my newsletter. The sign up is on my website. www.RhondaMcKnight.com www.facebook.com/BooksbyRhonda www.instagram.com/AuthorRhondaMcKnight https://www.goodreads.com/rhondamcknight https://www.bookbub.com/profile/rhonda-mcknight The Heat Seekers Magazine: The Thing About Home is available where books are sold, including indie bookstores, Quail Ridge Books, and Riches In Reading. www.quailridgebooks.com www.richesinreading.com

HOSTED BY TARIUS KNIGHT CONTACT US: rhythmandviewsshow@gmail.com

The Importance of Supporting Independent Music Artists Supporting independent music artists is crucial for promoting creativity and originality in the music industry.

Independent artists often have complete creative control over their music, allowing them to produce unique and innovative works that may not be possible within the constraints of a major label. By supporting independent artists, we validate their hard work and promote creativity to all, encouraging a diverse and vibrant music industry.

This also allows for a wider range of music genres and styles to be present in the industry, fostering a more inclusive and diverse environment.

Independent music artists rely heavily on the support of their fans to make a living. By purchasing their music, attending their shows, and sharing their work, fans can directly impact the livelihood of independent artists. In contrast, major labels often prioritize profit over the artistic integrity of their artists, which can lead to the

LINKS: https://www.youtube.com/c/RhythmandViewsShow https://www.ramvisionvideos.com

music and we will “Get it on for them”, meaning we will suppression of creativity and originality. Supporting independent artists not only allows them to maintain creative control over their work, but also helps to build a more equitable and just music industry.

Additionally, supporting independent music artists can have a positive impact on the broader cultural landscape.

Independent artists often incorporate diverse perspectives and experiences into their work, allowing for greater representation and understanding of different cultures and communities. By supporting independent artists, we can promote cultural diversity and help build a more empathetic and inclusive world. In conclusion, it is crucial to support independent music artists in order to foster creativity, diversity, and equity in the music industry, as schedule and play their song for the world to hear on the platform. We’ve had some hits and misses on the show, but overall I think it just makes it all the more interesting to see what we get next!

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Elysé

@theycallmeElyse PHOTO BY KYLA WOOD

For booking and interview inquiries, please contact Dave (Manager) at: 720-261-0968 // dave.designprint@gmail.com

PAUL ANTHONY

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OF THE GRAMMY CERTIFIED PRODUCTION GROUP FULL FORCE AND STARRED IN FEATURE FILM, “HOUSE PARTY” Interview by Teresa B. Howell // The Heat Seekers The Heat Seekers: I remember as a teenager, and we might be telling our age when I tell this story. But I remember as a teenager watching the video with Lisa Lisa. I would get in front of the TV and do Lisa Lisa moves, because I just knew I was going to be Lisa Lisa. So tell us how did it all start? How did you and your brothers come together one day and say, Hey, we got to do this?

Paul Anthony: Oh, we didn’t say it. My dad said that. So this what you want to do, you know, in our family singing and music wasn’t an option it is what you did, you know. And so we started very, very young, very early. I think one day my dad heard me singing in the shower, I was 10 or 11. And I was singing Smokey Robinson. So he heard my vibrato and my melody and he stopped and he was like, you know, my dad’s from St. Thomas Virgin Islands may rest in peace. So he’s, he’s a true man from back home. He would say, “Honey, look, no, the boy can sing. So I was born with my voice, and would sing downstairs in the street or stand on top of garbage can.

Kingston Avenue, Bed Stuy, Brooklyn, people in the windows watching. We went to the Apollo I was 12, Lou was13 and B was 8. We did shows with a lot of old school groups and that’s how we really started as kids and then later on, we joined up with our cousins. We were the hottest band in Brooklyn. At that time before we were any music we just did shows everywhere we’d go around. We would go out with a bullhorn to all five boroughs from 10 o’clock am to five o’clock pm screaming, full forces back full forces back and we ain’t going away.

We had no money but we still worked on building the brand.

THS: Okay, and how did your dad handle school?

PA: Oh, that was priority. After their schoolwork, we put on our performance clothes and go to sleep in our clothes. Because when he came home from a 12 hour shift we would get something to eat and leave out of house headed to Kingston Avenue, Bed Stuy, Brooklyn, We would get an A train and go to sleep. We would take it all the way to 125th Street. Get out on 25th Street and stay out for hours performing. And that was the routine after homework.

THS: Wow. So now you have all of this practice with singing and your the bomb around the borough’s. When did the group come into fruition. Did you have someone else that kind of pushed it along other than your dad?

PA: Yeah. My uncle Seto. early on. He worked even before my dad and my dad joined my uncle Seto and my Uncle Paul.

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That’s who I was named after and they were close. Of course my mom was always helping. And after that, we got with our cousins. We had a hip hop attitude and R&B sensibility. We started working on music for others. My brother B came up with an idea about a girl who kept dissing everybody. And he called her Roxanne. And that was our first No actually, that was our second success. Roxanne Roxanne, our first success.

Our co-manager Steve had an office with a brother named Russell Simmons when he first started. And then Russell had Kurtis Blow so we wrote “We’re playing basketball.” So every NBA season I’m very happy. And then Roxanne just took the world by storm.

THS: I think I had to be about 14 or 15 years old when Roxanne Roxanne came out because I do remember being in the skating rink and listening to it. It was a real dope hit. But I think it was like 1988 or 1989 When I saw the video on BET That’s when I became a true fan.

PA: It was a glorious time, glorious time and we’re credited with actually bringing the world freestyle dance music because

Massachusetts and just swooped me up.

PA: Just like that. (laughs)

that’s what started off when we dropped Lisa Lisa. We put that out there, it wasn’t really Esteban and there was no Ricky Martin, no Minuto, no JLo… none of that. We brought that to the world, That was B’s idea to be the first guy to marry the kick drum with a baseline. And he did that intentionally. I wrote a song called all cried out, which I knew would last the test of time as well. So it was a huge bidding war between Warner Brothers and Columbia. So it was a wonderful time.

THS: And I bet it was a very lucrative time as well because now with music being in the digital world, it’s not good for the artists as far as financially.

PA: Yeah, I mean, I think we have two of the last diamond albums before they really started digital but going back wow. So gold is a half man platinum is made and diamond is 10 making it better. So we did the Backstreet Boys and we didn’t Insync you know, and it’s like back to back diamond albums happened and then everyone just thought wow, once we went double platinum and triple platinum, the phone’s didn’t stop ringing.

We started producing everybody and managed all of our artists also. So we always came into business as businessmen and to have several revenue streams. The overseeing of artist helped us to be sure there was no stuff coming in between. We was very protective over the artists. And then we blew the world away because Luke from 2Live Crew came up with this song that blew up and next a song with my sister, Cheryl Pepsi Riley received one of our songs. We managed her as well, and that song went to number one so fast. People were shocked to know that a group of men did that particular song. We couldn’t do no harm. It was a beautiful time.

THS:(Joking) See, what had happened was you was supposed to discover me. Did you know that? (lol) That’s what it was. I was out there singing too, I told you I was trying to be like Lisa Lisa! So, I don’t know why you didn’t come to Boston,

THS: Now, I’m old and my voice isn’t what it used to be (we both laughed). So, all of this is going on at one time? You all are making it happen with all of these different groups and different solo artists. And so, I’m sure people are like ringing your phone to now be writers for their music. Did you have people like bombard you for requests?

PA: It was ridiculous. It was like, we were saying send half the money and get in line. It was like that, you know, we had so many productions lined up. We just lined them up for the year.

And it was hard because while we had all these productions lined up for the year, we still had to make sure we did the album for C. Pepsi Riley and others on the front line. We also completed our own Full Force album. You know, we were the first original R&B pop band ever, so when we came out with several of our songs nobody ever heard nothing like that. We were always on the crest of creating new sounds while still on hip hop tours. So, it was busy but it was a wonderful thing.

THS: (Joking) So one thing I noticed is that all y’all had muscles when did you have time to work out to build those muscles?

Because every lady loved watching y’all on video.

PA: Right, right, right. You know, we always wanted to be different in our way and I’ve always been the type to work out to push the envelope. I was always that guy even before everything blew up, I was always wearing things that others wouldn’t and say things that others shouldn’t and do things that others couldn’t. So, it was an easy transition. I’ve always trained, we all worked out, you know, but I was the one that mainly put it in your face. When we were on tour, nobody was doing what we were doing. We’d strip down to just boxing briefs in our concerts. And I’d be doing bodybuilding poses on stage. We would tell all the ladies where our hotel was and give our room number during the concerts. We were just going buck wild, you know, I mean, but bodybuilding and training, that was part of my lifestyle status. I still do it to this very day. There were other brothers that were in my life that worked out, like my brother Melly Mel who was in great shape. I’d bench press the ladies in videos. So to know that I’ve inspired millions in fitness and bodybuilding all over the world as a blessing be worked out, just like me. That’s why doing House Party the movie was an easy transition. When I came in the business, I weighed exactly 212 and to this day I’m 214. I can still wear everything I wore back then. So yeah, just keeping it together, you know?

THS: Wow, that must be nice. I can’t wear my clothes from high school. (laughs). I can’t even imagine going from city to

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city and to see how the women were reacting to the group.

Like, I’m sure you never had a day or a moment alone without a groupie somewhere around.

PA: It was crazy. It was crazy. It was a wonderful time, I did a move called the Alice sandwich, which really just blew people away. I would get a girl from the audience and we’d bring up on stage and Lou would talk to her, and I would put her hands on my ass. And then after that, I would pick her up and Lou and I together would just start bouncing. You’d see the woman dangling in the air. It’s noted online. that Paul Anthony makes 14,000 ladies happy. So yeah, to be on tour from town to town and looking back and you see 234 ladies at the hotel room wearing headbands, It’ was very, very comforting times. (we laughed).

THS: I’m sure it was. Did you guys keep girlfriends? Get married? Have children?

PA: Yeah, all of that. You know everything you can expect in life you know, we lived a full life.

THS: Awesome. So, let’s talk about the movie house party because there were three parts to house party correct?

PA: Yeah but can’t replicate the first one because it is just a classic. We adlibbed and changed every line in the script, everything you see we made up. “I smell I smell. I smell. Yeah, you know the rest. I came up with the scene with the refrigerator that night. But it was a natural progression. Of course, my family was proud because of their three sons and then next you know, kid and play start changing lines. And Martin Lawrence, when I tell you that the wisdom of the heartland brothers in terms of selecting the right energy and the right synergy of people, because we were one big family when we

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started shooting, We were all hanging together T. Campbell, Kid and Play and Martin(many others) so it was an amazing experience. We had no idea it was going to still be relevant 30 and 40 years after filming. And I’ve seen it in several different languages. So that’s how we live forever.

THS: You are definitely living forever for sure. Especially on television. Even my kids know about the movie house party and my youngest which is 15 has watched it like 50 times. He just loves your character. It is a classic.

THS: I’ve looked on a line and I saw some of the things that you are into currently. So tell us what you’re up to now?

PA: Well, you know, a few things. I just received my honorary doctorate in philosophy, humanitarianism, so that’s going to add a little more to my book. I’m going to speak about, everything from what we did back in the day, to my five wonderful hours with the late great Dr. Sebby. So it’s going to be a real good book. And then, I am very excited to know that we will be doing a full force documentary, It’s going to be awesome. I’m trying to educate some folks, how you got to be ready, how to get to unlearn and relearn, and, you know, share some fellowships. I’m just driving some science. So yeah, very busy. Very busy.

THS: So are you single? Are you married? Yes now I’m all in your business?

PA: I was waiting for you to get in my business(laughs). Yeah, I’m currently separated. So yes, I’m pretty much single. But I am, engaged to my vision and I am married to my purpose.

Music is the gift. But the purpose is to touch, change, and save lives. You know, being a cancer champion, beating three different cancers and two bone marrow transplants and still being in great physical condition, true testament. So right now I’m staying focused on that. Of course, I still, I have wonderful, wonderful friends and wonderful lionesses, I share energy and share time within building the Kingdom. But the focus right now is how can I sustain it. That’s the real marriage right there. So I’m just spreading the knowledge and spreading positive energy and taking some in as well.

SPOTLIGHT ARTIST Daniel Steigleder

MUSICIAN / ARRANGER / TEACHER Born in 1991 in Southern Germany, saxophonist Daniel Steigleder has already left his mark on the German music scene and has quickly become one of the most in demand live and session musicians of his generation. In his young career he has already played concerts and tours all over Europe as a sought after sideman, conducts workshops and masterclasses and arranges music for up-and-coming pop acts and show bands. He is widely recognized for his horn section work for established pop artists, such as Alice Merton, Bülent Ceylan and Luca Sestak.

2013 – 2018 Bachelor of Music, Jazz & Popular Music, Hochschule für Musik und Darstellende Kunst Mannheim since 2014 Teaching and Masterclasses for Saxophone, Clarinet & Flute all over Germany since 2015 Workshops and Coachings for Music Theory, Rhythm and Improvisation WORKED WITH Alice Merton, Bülent Ceylan, Luca Sestak, Bosse, The Barry White Experience, OST Kinofilm “Schmidts Katze”, Musical Cast “Der blaue Planet“, Masha Ray, David Haynes, Sir Waldo Weathers u.v.m.

STUDIES / MASTERCLASSES Olaf Schönborn, Steffen Weber, Prof. Jürgen Seefelder, Danny Janklow, Hubert Winter, Thorsten Skringer, Pee Wee Ellis, Ben Wendel, Thomas Gansch, Bert Joris, Glenn Zaleski u.v.m.

ENDORSEMENTS Silverstein Works and Fliphead BANDS BRASS2GO, UNIQHORNS, JOCHIM & STEIGLEDER, SARAH MOUNT AND THE RUSHMORES

@danielsteigledermusic THE HEAT SEEKERS MAGAZINE

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Bailey Elora

Bailey Elora Music https://linktr.ee/baileyelora Photo by Andrew Ortega @aperture.ortega

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Dwayne Jenkins Uncensored

Interview by Cleavester Brooks Photos Courtesy of Walter Jones, Misty Ellis, Burning Karma, and Tony Teal.

The month of June is Pride month for the Same Gender Loving community. So, I sat down with community activist Dwayne Jenkins. I consider Dwayne Mr. Nashville, because of the role that he plays in the city. He represents what every man should aspire to be in their life. We talked about any and everything under the sun. About life, love, community, and the future. So, enjoy this interview.

Life Cleavester: Who is Dwayne Jenkins?

Dwayne Jenkins: Dwayne Jenkins is a native New Yorker that grew up as an only child in the Bronx. He is an easy-going type of guy who lives in Nashville with his partner Nathan and Cocker Spaniel Ashley. Dwayne talks to his mother at least three times a month, has three adult adopted sons, two God children, loves a variety of music, and is active in his fraternity. He is an award-winning educator and community activist that likes to smile, enjoys looking at cartoons, and not ashamed to be a fan of superheroes.

CB: What was life like growing up?

DJ: My childhood was great! My parents didn’t divorce until my sophomore year in college, so I was one of the few kids in the neighborhood to have both in the house. As an only child, I grew up hanging with my cousins a lot and we were all pretty tight and had a good time when we all got together, which seemed like every other weekend. I also had a great group of friends, both male and female at school and around the block in Parkchester.

CB: What did you want to be growing up?

DJ: I wanted to be an architect like the father on the Brady Bunch. I thought that it would be cool to design a living space the way that I wanted to. I especially liked that he was able to work from his home office most of the time allowing him to always know what was going on with the family. Once I found out that there was a lot of math involved, including measuring for this and that I quickly switch to becoming the next big music video director. Way before THRILLER and some of the other videos that had a specific plot, I could remember listening to songs and envisioning an entire story line of sorts. None included dancing, but all had a story to tell.

CB: Have you accomplish everything you wanted to accomplish in life?

DJ: No way! Earlier in life I wanted to do the basic things such as laugh, love, and travel. Having done those very early in life, I think my goals continue to shift and change with my current circumstances. A few of the new things that I want to accomplish include but not limited to losing a few pounds, paying off this last bit of debt and the mortgage.

CB: What has working for the SGL community been like?

DJ: Working in the SGL community can be challenging at times, but

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is also very fulfilling. My primary job as an HIV Educator at Nashville CARES, Tennessee’s leading AIDS Service Organization, has allowed me to do many things over the last 14 years. All of the other responsibilities that I have are mainly community focused and driven by passion and not payment. My participation in non-health related SGL activities and events is a major part of who I am, and I feel lucky to be able to combine each of the pieces into one “life’s work”.

CB: When did you start working in the community fulltime?

DJ: When I moved from Rochester, NY to Nashville in 1994, I immediately began to volunteer for CARES within two weeks of my arrival. I knew I wanted to be involved and help educate people on HIV/AIDS, and didn’t waste any time finding out where to go to begin. My first official day as a full-time employee working for CARES as the new Brothers United Program Coordinator was on December 1, 1996, on World AIDS Day. CB: How did you get your start working in public serve?

DJ: As a volunteer. I use to assist with a project named Brother 2 Brother, which reached out to educate men who were incarcerated.

From there, I began to help do safer sex presentations during house parties hosted by other Black Gay Men, as well as outreach tables at different community functions. Once we developed a name, logo and plan of action/mission and helped to write our first grant everything else fell into place and I was hired to carry it through.

CB: What is the greatest reward it has given you?

DJ: I have been able to meet, and befriend a lot of really good people on this journey. I have had some great mentors, and appreciate everything that I have been taught and continue to learn each day as I move forward working and living. Many of the things that I do outside of my primary job are on a volunteer basis, so working together with a group of like-minded individuals has been rewarding to me. For example, I consider many of the members of the Nashville Black Pride Planning Team to be very close friends of mine. We meet for business and do our best to provide a great event for our participants, but then we also can get together and enjoy ourselves and act a fool! Being able to do something that you love to do is a blessing. Like any job, there are good, great, bad and crappy days, but have been lucky to have a good balance to keep me focused. I’ve had so many rewarding moments it’s really impossible to think of one to share at this time. What I can say is that one of the more frequent types of rewards that I get is a simple “thank you”. Each day I go to work I recognize that I may have to tell someone that they are HIV positive, and having to assure them that their life still has meaning and purpose, and they actually get it, is a wonderful thing for each of us.

CB: What is the greatest lesson it has taught you?

DJ: The greatest lesson I’ve learned while working in the HIV field, as well as the SGL/LGBT community is humility.

Relationships and Dating CB: Describe a romantic evening with you?

DJ: I am really an easy following kind of guy. I don’t need a lot of stuff to have a good evening with my partner. A simple movie with a snack or playing cards while listening to music works for me. As long as we are relaxed and able to have a nice conversation, I’m good!

CB: What do you look for in a guy?

DJ: Well, it is kind of hard to say. When Nathan and I started dating, I honestly wasn’t looking to get into anything serious. We were both coming out of 4+ year relationships with our ex’s and simply started off spending time with each other and really getting to know one another. I can say that both of us felt comfortable enough to discuss private stuff, and laugh at each other’s experience. I guess the main thing was chemistry, and then everything else just fell into place.

CB: When did you have your first kiss?

DJ: Wow, that is a good question. I think I was kissed by a boy when I was in the first or second grade, and then kissed a girl by the third or fourth grade. I know, it sounds like I was a little playa back in the day, but you asked (smile).

CB: Describe a date with you?

DJ: A date can be anything! I am not much for dressing up and spending a lot of money on food or paying a crazy amount to see the latest movie in the theaters. I can just as easily walk around a park, mall or any other area and be content if the company and conversation is good. The first time I asked Nathan out on a date cost me under $5. We went to the .99

cent movie; I snuck in snacks including sodas and we have been together for over 14 years now.

CB: Describe a relationship with you?

DJ: I would have to say that it is cool. I’m not much on drama, and not the type to argue about silly stuff. Like many others, I can be a little goofy at times, but for the most part I would date me!

CB: How did you meet the gentleman that you are with now?

DJ: Nathan and I met at a volunteer meeting at Nashville CARES. He and I, along with six other guys were the founders of Brothers United. After one of our meetings a group of us went out and ended up playing spin, the bottle. To make a long story short, I was asked if I was attracted to anyone in the room and quickly replied no. Nathan responded out loud by saying “damn, he didn’t even give it a second though!”, and the rest is history. As we walked back to our cars hours later, all of the others that were there told us that they knew we would become a couple.

Free Style CB: What does the future hold for you?

DJ: I hope I can continue to laugh and love unconditionally. At home we plan on working on doing some things to the house which should be fun. Professionally, I hope to continue to education, empower and affirm people within our SGL community. I also would like to remain open to learning new things and to find inspiration for growth in a variety of different areas in my life.

CB: Favorite physical feature?

DJ: Most would assume that my Locs would be my favorite feature, but from a very early age I knew that my lips are generally one of the first things get the most attention

CB: Favorite Southern Dish?

DJ: That is kind of hard to answer. Now that I’ve lived in Nashville for 16 years, I’ve eaten a lot of different dishes that one could consider “southern”, but don’t really have a favorite. I like when my partner makes white beans and neck bones. I also enjoy catfish, spaghetti, and slaw, as well as turnip greens, macaroni & cheese, corn bread and fried chicken. Now see what you made me do, I’m hungry now!

CB: Favorite Drink?

DJ: My nonalcoholic favorites are ice tea and anything cold crunchy and fruity like a lemon berry or blue coconut slush. I don’t drink a lot, but do enjoy Irish Cream, Pina Coladas, and the occasional Sex on The Beach cocktail.

CB: Person who puts you in a good mood when you have had a bad day?

DJ: My cocker spaniel Ashley can put a smile on my face any day!

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The Future CB: What can we expect from you in the future?

DJ: I should be positioning myself to sit down someplace and rest, but I don’t see that happening any time soon. I would love to be able to retire and still be able to do the things that I like in the community. As the Founder and Executive Director of the Brothers United Network organization, I look forward on working on the reorganization and over all structure with our Board not only to increase our outreach efforts, but assist in preparing our younger members like DaShawn, who is our current YBU coordinator, for bigger and better things. I also hope to learn a lot in my new position as the Board Chair of the International Federation of Black Prides (IFBP). The IFBP is a collective of over 26 cities in the U.S., Toronto, London England and South Africa that host annual Black Pride celebrations. I am really excited to work with everyone and feel that we are growing stronger each year and providing a great service to our

individual cities. As a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., I expect that I will continue to remain being a financial member and work to enhance our motto of culture for service and service for humanity, as well as work alongside our fellow Greeks within the National Pan-Hellenic Council to build unity. Personally, I hope to continue to live a happy and healthy life and try my best to not to take my partner, family and friends for granted. Time is short, and each day we get to spend in each other’s company is something I look forward to doing.

CB: What do you want your legacy to be?

DJ: I hope that my legacy will be something that my family, friends and others that read something about me can be proud of. None of us want our time here on earth to be in vain and I am no different! If a majority of people remember me as a nice person who cared about others, gave back to his community while outwardly loving his partner, family, kids and community, I’m not sure what else could be said. Being interviewed by you for SGL Weekly is one of those things that will help to keep whatever good deeds that I have done on record. I am truly honored to have been asked to chat with you and share a little piece of myself with your readers.

CB: Tell me something about you that your friends may be surprised to know?

DJ: I cannot think of anything at the moment. Of course, I suspect I will think of something later after the issue is released, but such is life, I guess.

CB: How can people get in contact with you?

DJ: Well, if any of your readers would like to visit Music City, we’d love for them to attend this year’s 8th annual Nashville Black Pride celebration, “the Gr8 Escape!” You can check out our primary site at facebook.com/ nashvilleblackpride or email me directly at nashblackpride@aol.com. I am also on Facebook, and a variety of other networking sites like LinkedIn, and can also be contacted through brothersunited.com or at work through nashvillecares.org.

CB: Do you have any special message for our readers?

DJ: I would like your readers to continue to support our SGL publications, authors, films, musicians, singers, rappers, and other artist. It is one thing to be able to click on a site and check out the latest book, song or promotional video, but we also need to dig in our pockets and purchase their items when they are released! If you can’t afford to do so, you can always reach out and tell them that you appreciate their words, vision, and talent. It won’t help pay bills, but we should be the first ones to support our own. Remember, if we don’t nurture our own garden, and enjoy all that it has to offer, it will not grow, and we will have nothing to feed ourselves with.

CB: Thank you Dwayne for taking time out of your busy schedule. I wish you all the best in your future.

DJ: It was my pleasure! Thank YOU Cleavester for taking the time to chat with me for this interview. I appreciate the work that you are doing.

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Elysé

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ARTIST OF THE MONTH

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PHOTO BY CODE MILLER

Love Feels Right Interview by The Heat Seekers

Elysé is a singer-songwriter and guitarist known for her low, sultry voice, and her soulful lead guitar licks. She has displayed her talents through television appearances, nightclubs private parties, publications, tours, and in the recording studio.

She has performed and recorded with notable, actor/musician Gary Farmer (Reservation Dogs, Pow Wow, Highway, Dead Man, Smoke Signals), Jabbo Stokes (Jabbo Stokes & the Jive Rockets; Tommy Shaw’s first band before STYX), Mike Turner (Mike and the Micros), Mark Elmore (Smokey Creek, opening band for the Oakridge Boys, Stadler Brothers), Danny Yates (former lead guitarist for James Brown backing band), Ross Childress and Stephen Wines (founding member of Collective Soul, 2Broke Kings), Charlie Floyd (former Nashville recording artist), Charly Lowry (former American Idol alumni), Brant Leeper (John Mayhall and the Blues Breakers, Coco Montoya), and David Turner (Nothing But Groove).

Her debut first single, “Love Feels Right”, releasing in May of 2023 will feature local New Mexico talent: frontman of “Nothing But Groove” David Turner on guitar and vocals, Mikey Wright (The Voice) on guitar, Kim Stone (Spyro Gyra) on bass, Chuck Lucero (Music Producer) on Drums, John Elias (Harry Connick, Jr. and Don Henley) on saxophone, Robert Muller on keyboard, and Vicente Garcia on harmonica.

Elysé lives and works from her home studio in New Mexico as an oil painter and full-time musician. She is currently a member of two bands; Gary Farmer & the Troublemakers, Nothing But Groove, and her own self-titled band, Elysé.

This year, Elysé signed a deal with Sony Music’s The Orchard to distribute her music worldwide.

The Heat Seekers: Tell us a little bit about yourself?

Elysé: I am a musician and visual artist from Santa Fe, NM. I had the unique experience of living in an old established Santa Fe neighborhood that was full of characters and artists of all realms; sculptors, glass blowers, writers, puppeteers, scientists, and concert pianists to name a few. Our neighborhood was unique in that all of us kids on the street were raised by the whole community and were heavily influenced by their eclecticism and their individual crafts. I discovered art in many different forms from a very early age and attribute my artistic voice to that experience.

THS: Which people or books have had the most influence on your career and why?

Elysé: I am very fortunate to have been presented so many influential people in my life and career, however two people immediately come to mind; Gary Farmer and David Turner. Gary Farmer is a famous Indigenous actor and musician whose career has spanned over four decades. I have recently had the good fortune of being one of his newest members of his band, “Gary Farmer and the Troublemakers.” As an Indigenous actor, he has battled being typecast into stereotypical 19th Century Native American roles of which he has refused to play from his own morals and respect to his culture. I have always admired the fact that he has continually refused to compromise his integrity and vision to make it big in Hollywood. Gary has inspired me to maintain my own artistic integrity. David Turner is my songwriting partner with 40 years in the business as the opening act for everyone from Lynyrd Skynyrd to B.B. King. He has worn many hats in the business from recording, producing, publishing, and engineering to being one of the most soulful and heartfelt guitar players of all time. He is the one person in my life who has gifted to me all his years of trial and error and experimentation as an artist. I am currently going through a major life transition, both personally and musically. David has been my mentor and teacher through this process and has given and continues to give me every resource available to set me up to succeed. That level of kindness and generosity is a gift and one to be treasured if you are fortunate enough to find it.

THS: In your opinion, what would you say is the #1 key to success?

Elysé: Passion. You have to love what you do in order to be continually successful and for it to inspire others. Passion gives you the motivation to never allow failure to be an option.

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THS: Talk about the biggest failure you’ve had. What did you learn from it?

Elysé: I have always had a propensity towards being naive. I have had a tendency to give all of myself to the wrong people.

I have learned that trust and respect has to be earned rather than given. I have learned that you are able to touch so many more lives by expending your energy on those that are able to receive what it is that you are trying to give.

THS: What advice can you give other individuals who want to follow in your footsteps?

Elysé: My advice would be persistence and taking advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. So often in life we are either impatient to pass the finish line and or scared to succeed. Persistence. Persistence. Persistence.

THS: You have shared the stage with many talented individuals.

Please share 1-2 of your favorite stories with us.

Elysé: I have shared so many wonderful experiences with other artists, but one of the most rewarding experiences was in the beginning of my career when I had branched out into the fashion world. We had a benefit for the musical organization, “Playing for Change.” One of their first publicized videos was a cover of “Stand By Me.” For those that are not familiar with their organization, they are a global nonprofit organization offering creative opportunities for marginalized and at-risk youth.

They find musicians from all over the world and have them play a song virtually together. As a proud New Mexican, when the song pans to the Twin Eagle Drum Group from Zuni Pueblo, we had our Native American drummers and flutists play virtually on stage for the organization. The idea that for that one moment, the one thing that unites us all as human beings regardless of our division is music. It is the Universal language and we were making art together as people of the world no one race, creed, or religion. Very beautiful experience.

THS: What projects are you currently working on?

Elysé: I have teamed up with my songwriting partner, David Turner and his band “Nothing But Groove” to record my new debut album. This May, we release my first single with Sony Music’s The Orchard. On May 27th and 28th we will have our first public performance in Albuquerque, NM. THS: What’s your all time favorite album and musician?

Elysé: I am a music appreciator of all kinds. Tough to narrow down to one. Although, I would say that one that has inspired me the most musically as well as personally is Stevie Ray Vaughan. Casa Allegra, the neighborhood I grew up in Santa Fe had an open space behind our home where the Paolo Soleri Amphitheater was located. I always credit SRV as the first concert I ever attended. My family and I sat on our porch in amazement. THAT was the moment I knew I wanted to be a guitarist and a musician.

Follow Elysé at: @theycallmeElyse Booking & Interviews: dave.designprint@gmail.com

THS: What does a typical day in your week look like?

Elysé: I wouldn’t classify anything in the life of an artist as “typical.” My life is always changing, it is the nature of my business.

My job entails everything from songwriting, photo shoots, marketing and promotion, graphic design, performing, practicing my craft, styling and wardrobe. The list goes on...

THS: What keeps you going when things get tough in the business?

Elysé: I am an Artist. It is a calling not an occupation for me. I have no choice, but to carry on and create.

THS: What is the best advice you have received?

Elysé: Stay true to your own artistic voice. You lose your voice, you lose your passion.

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PHOTO BY KYLA WOOD

Angela’s Literary Café Book Reviews

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Symphony of Secrets

by Brendan Slocumb

Symphony of Secrets explores Bern Hendricks, professor of music and expert on the famous composer Fredrick Delaney and the behind-the-scenes of his music. Bern knows everything there is to know about Delaney’s life behind the music, or does he?

Given a life-changing opportunity by Delaney Foundation board member Mallory Roberts, Bern finds himself with an opportunity of a lifetime that he cannot pass up. He is asked to authenticate a newly discovered music of a lost opera that was a source in changing Delaney’s career.

The story is crafted in a dual timeline, in which Slocumb nails, with a beautiful melody, of the 1920s Manhattan with Josephine Reed and Fred Delaney and the present day with Bern and his skillful partner, Eboni. Blending the worlds of past and present creates an intense entanglement between history, facts, and answers to the real genius behind the music. When history meets the present, unforeseen discoveries complicate the truth as Bern knows it, revealing a thin line between passion and obsession and counterfeit and the authentic reality of truth.

Symphony of Secrets is a story of wow factor moments, secrets, and gripping hard truths that capture your attention from the beginning to the end. Slocumb displays profound creativity and mastery of skills used in writing a compelling story of the music that heightens the senses to be on “red alert.” The genius of Slucumb’s writer maestro capabilities is well crafted and displayed page after page.

Symphony of Secrets is definitely a highly anticipated must-read that does not disappoint. Let’s just say no one writes musical mysteries like Brendan Slocumb. He has created a page-turner masterpiece, one more chapter read, with a lingering book hangover effect.

Symphony of Secrets is available where books are sold. To stay connected with Brendan Slocumb, connect with him on social media and his website, www.brendanslocumb.com.

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RISE & GRIND!

• Music Production / Beat Maker • Audio Engineering • Vocal Recording • Mixing and Mastering • Sound Design for Video Games • Music Production and Film LOCAL? INTERNATIONAL? LETS TALK. @beathogsmusic | Loveland, Colorado

Trisha Mann Grant 40

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Woman of Many Hats Interview by Lissha Sadler

Trisha Mann is an award-winning film, television, and stage actress, writer, motivational speaker, and talk show host. I’ve had the opportunity to interview Mrs. Grant many times over the years, so when I asked her to be the featured cover and interview for my first print magazine, she was all for it. She has also worn the hats of producer and director on various stage and film productions and hosted a live U-streamed radio show called Gospel Rhythms for eight years. Trisha created a talk show for men to have a platform called MANN TALK in 2009. She also wrote and mounted a stage production called MAMA’S WILL that she later turned into a film. This former Beauty Queen and Ebony and Jet Magazines print model grew up in Chicago, moving to Los Angeles, California, in 1997, where she would pursue her acting career. Trisha has landed roles on Cold Case, The Parkers, Eve, All About The Andersons, Love Thy Neighbor, and other television sitcoms and series. She toured on National stage musicals such as David E. Talbert’s, His Woman His Wife, and two of Priest Tyaire’s productions, Mrs. Independence and Momma’s Boy. She also toured with Changes, Something Miraculous, and The Clean Up Woman. Trisha starred in numerous films such as Reunion and Who Can I Run To, including the theatrically released, The Man In 3B, which can also be seen on Netflix and BET along with The Last Fall. Trisha is on the board of HELP ME HELP U, an organization that gives aid to people experiencing homelessness. In addition, she and her husband, actor/singer Tony Grant are the U.S. Ambassadors for BAFOL (BOOKER AUTISM FOUNDATION OF LEARNING). Currently, Mrs. Grant is on the hit BET show The Family Business, where she plays Dominique Le’Roe. Lissha Sadler: A black woman who writes is powerful. What does that power mean to you?

Trisha Mann Grant: It means having a voice and pinning words that are in print forever. That’s awesome to me. Something that can be turned into film, television, or a visual story, influencing, inspiring, and making a difference are things I greatly desire to do, even in my everyday walk.

LS: What intrigues you the most about writing and storytelling?

TMG: Writing is healing for me, to be honest, because I write to make a difference. I love making characters come to life, even if it has truth to them or something I make up. Being able to combine those two worlds alone is fascinating to me. I enjoy that. I go into another world when I’m writing—like when I play the piano. I drift away from reality. And I’m able to relax.

LS: Your book, “Amazing Testimonies,” is a significant change from acting. Talk a little about your book and the importance of creating this book.

TMG: In 2000, the Lord spoke to my spirit and heart to write a book that tells true stories of people’s trials and tribulations.

And in my spirit, I felt God meant all people. There was no difference in race or gender because so many have been through so much in their lives. But I procrastinated because I didn’t think I could do it. I’ve done print work with Ebony and Jet, been on the runways, put out a record, and been Miss Black Chicago, but there was still that fear. I said to myself, “How do I write a book? I don’t even know where to begin.” I was confused. And so I started and stopped, then started and stopped again. Finally, in 2015, I decided I would get this done, so I started getting out and having interviews with people, and then two weeks later, I had a stroke. For the next six months, I had panic attacks every 30 minutes.

I remember sitting in a wheelchair the day I had my stroke, half of my body was shut down, and one of the paramedics said, What’s your name? Where are you from? When’s your birthday?

I could not get past the first question. After that experience, there are no ifs, and, or buts. And when I was able, I sat in that bed with my computer for months, determined to get it done.

I found a publisher, but a year later, I decided to self-publish, which I encourage everyone to do.

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LS: How do your creativity and inspiration flow into your writing?

TMG: Oh, my goodness. So a script I just finished a few days ago called “I’ll Go.” I made up the whole story. But there were aspects of people in my life that I used either their name or their personality. And I did write a treatment for it, but that’s always good to go back to add this or that part. But as I’m writing, I don’t need index cards. Some people have index cards, and some have their scenes written out. I see it play out in my head, like watching a movie. I’m thinking from the audience’s perspective of watching it, not just the writer’s or producer’s.

Sometimes I’m writing from a director’s standpoint. As the camera pans through the clouds, you can see the top of the church’s steeple, and then it comes down and enters the front door. I so love that God has given me the ability to write.

Driven Life.” I’m in a book club with a few ladies from my church. We not only read my book, but we’ve read other books, primarily female authors, but I love Rick Warren. I believe he did another version of The Purpose Driven Life, which we read.

I truly enjoyed it because he broke down. What is your life like?

What does your life mean? And how do we look at ourselves?

What are we doing with our lives? Because our lives are not just about ourselves. Another author that has influenced me is Stormie Omartian. She wrote a book called The Power of a praying wife. Now, before I got married, there were a few challenges. I started to read this book. And she doesn’t just tell the aspect of you praying. She tells us why you should pray. She gives examples of other people’s lives. These are just two writers off the top of my head right now.

LS: Do you ever get discouraged, and why?

TMG: The only thing that discourages me is when people call me while I am focused, or there’s a distraction, like a dog stops barking. That discourages me. A few times, I had slight writer’s block. I will admit that, but it wasn’t long. What I will do when I have a writer’s block moment is I will walk away from it for a few minutes or an hour, or even a couple of days if I need to. But the most important thing is that I pray for the Lord to intensify my anointing to create and write so that there are messages in here that the audience or the reader get and that will help them in their life or journey. And I always get back on track after.

LS: How have you grown in your craft over the years?

TMG: When I think about 25 years ago, when I moved from Chicago, my first play, Nima Mark Burnett, was directed, and I played the Civil Rights character Ida B Wells. I didn’t know how to give the character color and layers at that time. I knew I was angry. She toted a gun, had something to say, and you would hear it no matter what. And I just played her with all this anger.

But at that time, I was so green and acting. I didn’t think find all the nuances, flavors, and personalities she genuinely embodied as a woman and a black woman. My God, what did she have to face back then? So when I look at myself today, I don’t pick up a script and learn the lines.

LS: What have writers influenced you the most?

TMG: There is, of course, Rick Warren and his book “The Purpose

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I go into the back history of this person. What are they experiencing? What are they feeling? Who are they, and why are they the way they are? What makes them who they are? And where are they going? And when you do that, you can give that character of fullness that others may not be able to explain. And that’s how I play every role I have now. I make sure I go deep, deep into who this person is.

LS: What advice do you have for aspiring artists?

TMG: • Never compromise your beliefs or your standards.

• Don’t just act because the audience will feel what you feel when you feel what your character feels.

• Don’t pretend. Always be who that character is. Also, if the tears don’t come out, don’t force or fake them. It’s okay because it’s better to have a sincere emotion than a fake one.

Haley, the director, have been working on films with their production company for years. And you can’t help but succeed when you team up with those guys. It’s an honor to be able to work with them all.

LS: Tell us about your character Dominique Le’Roe. TMG: That’s crazy. Oh, my gosh, you know, it’s funny because, the first couple days of me shooting, I walked by Carl and said, “I’m working on finding Dominique. I have to find her.” I wanted Dominique to be different. She shines bright like a diamond honey.

• Your audience is always smarter than you think. Let me say something about the stage real quick. What I love about theater is that I can feel the energy in the room from the people. I can feel whether they’re with you or whether they’re not feeling.

But you don’t want to focus on that. Let that be secondary.

The focus should be on what you’re conveying as a character.

What is the character’s message that you can thank if you are so busy focusing on who’s in the audience or who might be watching it? Or who’s in the room while you’re filming? You can’t give your character 100% unless you genuinely connect to who your character is.

LS: If you could change anything about the film and television industry, what would it be if it were in your power?

TMG: There needs to be more substance because of what we’re dealing with. I love comedy. I am a comedy girl, and one of the plays I produced called Mama’s World, which I’m turning into a book now, has lots of comedy, but there is also a message of hope, inspiration, and change. We need more inspirational content influencing people to do better, not be worse. I would change the content and add many more African American women behind the scenes and in front of the camera.

LS: Let’s talk about Carl Webers The Family Business. Why do you think this show has been such a hit?

TMG: There are a lot of great actors and actresses in the show, and Carl Weber seems to turn everything to gold that he touches. He is a great person, an extremely talented writer who already has a following for being a dynamic author. So now his fan base has increased because he’s been able to bring his writing to life on screen. It’s a hit, and people love drama. Folks love the cartel, bad guys, and bad girls. Also, Tri Destined Studios. Nikaya “N.D.” Brown, a sorority sister of mine and one of the show’s main producers. She and Trey THE HEAT SEEKERS MAGAZINE

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And I needed to find that edginess and vulnerability of her character because she is a little bit cray cray. In the following seasons, I know that Dominique is unpredictable. She will dominate.

L.S.: You are an accomplished actress and author, now adding the title of Co-Executive Producer. What prompted you to go behind the camera? Tell us about “Because We’re Done?”

TMG: So I’ve produced a few things in the past, but I decided to invest this one in “Because We’re Done,” written by Reggie Gaskin, now available on Tubi. Reggie and I have been friends for 25 years. I met him when I first moved out here to L.A. He called me for a role in the movie, and I decided to invest. I believe in him, I believed in the project, because there are a lot of couples out there, that after they’ve been together 10, 15, 20 years, one of them or maybe both of them may lose that spark, or there’s some adultery that happens. Many people are hurting that handle it one way. So even though this is drama, there’s some comedy, but it gives you a different perspective, from both points of view, of what happens when a marriage goes south. But I can tell you this. She does kidnap him. She keeps trying to make him fall back in love with her. She’s like.

You’re not going to leave me. And what happens after that? It’s different. You have to see the movie, but I enjoyed this role. He did a great job.

LS: Make sure you listen to the entire interview on Hardcore Grind Magazine Podcast.

Stay Connected with Trisha Mann Grant: Facebook, Goodreads, Instagram, Clubhouse, Tik Tok, and Twitter.

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All in with

Kisha Green THE HEAT SEEKERS MAGAZINE

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All in with Kisha Green Interview by The Heat Seekers

The Heat Seekers Magazine: Tell us a little about yourself?

Kisha Green: Well, first, let me say thank you for this opportunity. I do not know where to begin as I wear a lot of hats, but rather, I am an entrepreneur and then Author, Blogger, Publisher, Podcast Hostess, Virtual Assistant, Literary Consultant, and Certified Life Coach.

THS: What prompted you to get into the literary world?

KG: I was always an avid reader, but it wasn’t until reading through some of the old diaries I had when I was a teenager that I saw that my writing was dramatic but did not pay too much attention to it, but 1999, I read Flyy Girl by Omar Tyree and loved that his novel was about people who looked like me. I grew up reading Judy Blume, Beverly Cleary, Mary Higgins Clark, V.C. Andrews, Stephen King, and Jackie Collins, so it was refreshing to read something “new” that piqued my interest to attempt my first manuscript.

THS: When did writing become a priority for you?

KG: In 2006, I decided to see if I had what it took to be an author.

I took my income tax to self-publish my first novel. I knew if I did not get a return on my investment, I would not need to quit my day job.

THS: What influenced you the most? Was it a person in the field?

KG: I was influenced to write because I loved reading and figured I could sell books because there were many people just like me.

THS: What prompted you to self-publish your debut novel?

KG: I had sent my manuscripts to a few publishers and never heard anything back, so I took that as a sign that they were not interested in my storytelling style. I saw an advertisement from iUniverse, and my research found that Barnes and Noble owned them. This seemed like a win/win as an author because my books could be on those bookshelves in no time...or so I thought.

THS: What did self-publishing teach you?

KG: It taught me that if you properly plan, it will succeed. You must know your target audience and stay consistent.

THS: What was the common mistake you saw many self-published authors make?

KG: They needed to set a realistic budget and timeline. Too many took too many shortcuts instead of learning the business. Many entered the industry as a popularity contest; others saw being an author as the new hustle while never treating it like a business.

THS: How did you create the first award-winning literary show, Writer’s Life Chats?

KG: When my first book came out, another author suggested that I

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hire a publicist. So I hired one who said he couldn’t obtain any interviews for me since I was a newbie author after several rejections.

I decided to create my radio show to talk to newbies like myself. I spoke to anyone who had written before, poets, authors, singers, hip-hop artists, and screenwriters.

THS: You have worked with many authors over the years; who was your favorite and why?

KG: That is a tricky question because I enjoyed every author I have worked with. I always set out to learn something from each experience and vice versa.

THS: How did the eBook craze affect you?

KG: With any business, you have to take the good and the bad and prepare for shifts within your industry; at first, I was bothered by it, but as time passed, I embraced it. It made book production quicker and cheaper because, with ebooks, there wasn’t any purchasing of paperbacks. You just needed a quality book and a properly formatted book. I went on to publish many short stories in ebooks.

THS: What is Literary Management Group?

KG: LMG is the home to a few of my entrepreneur gigs: my Literary Coaching, Virtual Assistant work, and other clerical and administrative duties. I recently changed the name from Literary Management to Literary Media Group since this will cover all aspects of literature and film.

THS: How did Covid affect you?

KG: I work full time in Healthcare, so I went to work every day, but on the weekend during the lockdown, I was in my kitchen constantly cooking and eating (lol)...During this time, I created a spice line, KGBlends, for the conscious. I created three blends; salt free, all purpose and teriyaki jerk filled with healthy herbs and spices but packed with garlic, turmeric, sage, ginger, and elderberry. I also kept busy hosting my weekly podcast, Digital Foreplay where i discussed sex, dating and relationships that later led to my own magazine column, with the same name.

THS: We see a lot of books being adapted to film; what do you have planned?

KG: I love that books are being turned into films. 2022 has been a considerable surge of movies being released, and streaming platforms are giving people like me a place to showcase our work without jumping through so many hoops. I co-wrote my first film, Coke Queen, on Tubi. I finished my second script, First Kill, which will be filmed in the Summer, and I am currently working as Casting Director and Production Assistant on the upcoming crime drama Last Bet, produced by Daddy Love. I have so much planned, and I am only just starting, so, please...STAY TUNED! THS: What’s next for Kisha Green?

KG: If I can dream it, I can achieve it, and I will!

Website and Socials Webiste: www.kishagreen.com KGBlends: www.kgblends.com Facebook: Author Kisha Green Twitter: @KishaGreen Instagram: @KishaGreen Instagram: @TheKGBlends TikTok: @KishaGreen831

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Richard Gross 48

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Who is Richard Gross?

Interview by Lissha Sadler for The Heat Seekers

Richard Gross is an African-American businessman hailing from Alpharetta, Georgia. With five-plus years of entrepreneurial experience in various fields., Rich strongly believes that if you have breath in your body, you are a free and powerful individual. He has a passion and desire to see the people in America that look like him be treated as fully equal citizens. Rich hopes that this Journal will help to catalyze socio-economic change in America.

“I praise you because I’m fearfully and wonderfully made, that your worship is wonderful. I know that full well.”

Psalms 139, verse 14

The Heat Seekers: What inspired the name? How did the idea for this unique Journal come about?

Richard Gross: When I thought of the Journal, I was making $10 an hour behind the front desk with Jim, with a master’s degree. I always knew that I had a lot of good ideas. And when this idea came along, I thought, what if I could create a system that would allow people with ideas, like myself, to store and organize each idea at their leisure.

So, I immediately went to work designing it, and because I have a background in graphic design, I could give all the technical input, from the cover to colors, etc. I came up with the money to have my prototype done, which was only $110. Back then, that was a lot. The name is taken from the Freedmen’s Bureau. After the Emancipation Proclamation was made law, there was an organization put in place

by Abraham Lincoln to ensure that newly freed slaves would have an equal opportunity as American citizens. There was some effectiveness, but America was being America, so when Lincoln was assassinated, the organization wasn’t put back into operational status. The Freedmen’s Journal picks up where the Bureau left off to ensure that black and brown people can use their ideas to give them an equal footing in this country.

THS: How do you avoid burning out?

RS: First, ensure I find myself and surround myself with good people.

That’s, that’s when I need to be around people. I also do things that I find enjoyable. I’m a musician, and I like playing my bass guitar.

Shoot, I like working out. I go to the gym often. If anything, just get on the treadmill for five minutes. I don’t burn out because I take the time to focus on myself.

THS: What are the five rules to success in business?

RS: Know who you are and what you want. Two, explore your creativity. Figure out what you are good at. Three, have the right people around you. Four, understand that you have to be tried and put through

the fire if you are going to do something substantial. That’s how we grow, and growth can be uncomfortable. Five, understand that God doesn’t want you to live stressed out, nor does he want you to live in guilt. So, by all means, shake that off.

THS: What do you want entrepreneurs to get from using this Journal?

RS: The Freeman’s Journal is a system that will allow them, no matter their education level. They take that idea and write it down. The system will take them through a process of turning that idea into something that can make them money. They will be given tasks to work on to help bring the ideas to reality. Your idea might change as you grow. There is a glossary of over 200 business terms for you to learn.

The Journal is a great tool to support any crazy idea they might have.

THS: What is the hardest part of branding your business?

RS: The most challenging part about branding my business is finding what to say. I don’t have a problem talking to people because I

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like people. I have to get around the right people. Sometimes I can exhaust my vocabulary, and I have to find ways to keep things interesting.

THS: What is next for Richard Gross?

RS: Well, our mission is to empower black entrepreneurs. We are having a Juneteenth Business Festival at Rosa L Bernie Park. It will be live performances and opportunities for black businesses to set up shop as vendors to serve the community. We will have workshops for everyone. There will be a kid zone as well. People from all over Atlanta are coming to celebrate Juneteenth with us. It’s going to be a good time. We will start promoting it soon.

THS: How can entrepreneurs purchase the Journal?

RS: You can get the Journal at www.freemansjournal.us THS: Thank you for sharing your time, your spacing, your energy.

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Behind the Book with Noelle Vella Interview by King Brooks

Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down with the ladies behind the pen name Noelle Vella. They just released the third book in their ‘The Witches of Salix Pointe’ series. So, pull up a seat and enjoy this interview with Nikki-Michelle and Gabrielle as they discuss ‘The Reckoning & The Reaper.’

King Brooks: Hi Noelle, how are you?

Noelle: Good, Thank you!

KB: Congrats, on your new book ‘The Reckoning & The Reaper.’ What can we learn in Book 3 of The Witches of Salix Pointe?

NV: Readers will learn a lot of history; Black History to be specific. We took our time and did a lot research to ensure that even with creative license, we were as accurate as possible. So, the readers will not only be entertained, but educated as well.

KB: Where did the inspiration for ‘The Witches of Salix Pointe’ come from?

NV: We wanted to create a small town, full of mostly Black people who harnessed magic(k). Black Magick to be specific. We wanted characters who represented everyday Black people, flaws, and all.

KB: How long did it take for you to write ‘The Reckoning & The Reaper?’

NV: Far too long. We didn’t set a schedule and it made writing this all the more strenuous. We won’t do that again, that’s for sure. LOL KB: What kind of people are the characters are Elisa & Tasmin?

NV: They’re Black women who come from a long line of Black witches.

things we think we know about God and religion. Gabrielle: It’s taught me that not everybody can handle true history and would rather rewrite or stifle it to hide the truth.

KB: Will you continue the series, and how many more books do you think this series will reach?

NB: Yes, there will be one final book to the series. So, four books in total.

KB: Please give the readers a brief bio on you and as a writer and author?

NV: The writing team of Noelle Vella is two talented authors making their mark on the literary scene. Both authors began writing at an early age, and they continue to write novels, short stories, and poetry. The authors of Noelle Vella are hard at work on their next novel.

During their downtime, they enjoy spending time with their families.

KB: When you wrote the last word, what did you do afterwards?

NV: Gabrielle: I went to sleep.

Nikki: I took part in herbal Medicinals. We were stressed! LOL KB: What has writing this book taught you about yourself and others?

NV: Nikki: This book taught me that we don’t know half the

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KB: What is your writing process?

NV: We send chapters back and forth. So, if Gabrielle writes chapter 1, I (Nikki) will write chapter 2 and so forth and so on. We research and bounce ideas off one another.

KB: What advice would you give to writers wanting to publish a book?

NV: Take your time in deciding how you want to publish your book whether you want to self-publish or go the traditional route. Both have pros and cons.

KB: If ‘The Reckoning & The Reaper’ is made into a film or series, who would you like to play Elisa & Tasmin and others?

Why? NV: Elisa: Danielle Brooks Tasmin: Teyonah Parris Azazel: Nick Sagar Octavian: Lamon Archey Dafari: Damson Idris Rufus: Wendell Pierce

KB: What makes you happy when you sit down to write?

NV: Creating stories that center the Black experience that make people think. Also, when readers tell us that we have taught them something new or that they must go look up things we mention, we know we have done our stories justice.

KB: What book was a transformational read for you as a reader or as a writer?

NV: The Vampire Huntress Legend Series by the late L.A. Banks.

KB: And what is next? Have you started working on your next book? What can readers look forward to?

NV: Of course! We have book 2 of the Upgrade You series coming and book 3 of the Weekend Affair series. We’re always eagerly working on our next projects. Readers can look forward to well-written salacious drama focusing on the Black experience!

KB: How can readers get in touch with you?

NV: Readers can go to https://www.noellevellabooks.com/ to keep up with what we have coming next and find links to our socials!

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Audrey Suggs

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ACTOR OF THE MONTH

THE HEAT SEEKERS MAGAZINE

Lights, Camera, Action...

Interview by The Heat Seekers

Audrey Suggs: Her acting stands out in film, theater, and short skits. She is one to look out for.

THS: Tell us about you?

Audrey Suggs: Those who know me know that I am an open book. I love learning about and working with people, hence my 31 years as an educator. I have three gorgeous adult daughters and two handsome grandsons (but I may be biased lol). My daily prayer is and has always been that God blesses me to BE a blessing to those I encounter whether it be in word or deed. I believe this is a large part of my purpose.

THS: What prompted you to enter the field of acting?

AS: It was my attempt at trying to live a life much different than the one I was actually living. I was so painfully shy (believe it or not) and fearful of rejection. It’s ironic however that I would actually step on the stage scared as I could be and instantly transform into the character I was assigned as soon as the lights came on. It was the same when I stood in front of the camera for the first time. And after all these years, I still have the same nervousness when getting ready to do what I do, on stage or on film.

THS: When did acting become a priority?

AS: For me just about eight years ago actually. Before that I was making sure that my daughters were being taken care of.

As a divorced mother of three young girls, I wanted to secure their well-being over anything that I wanted for myself. I never wanted them to feel as if they came second in my world. But NOW that they are adults, I had to turn to my dream of being a performer. It was hard to stop being the care-giver first and putting myself as a priority. It took those same young ladies that I reared to be strong in their faith and beliefs to push ME out of the nest per se. and once I got a taste of the OUTSIDE…it’s been on and popping since.

THS: What are some of the things that inspired you?

AS: The tenacity of that “little girl inside of me who was so very shy and fearful of rejection”. THAT person wanted to prove to everyone (but especially herself…ME) that she belonged; that she was likable; that she was worthy of the chance to show what she could do. I was always expecting to be rejected (couldn’t get use to the feeling, but I EXPECTED it, making it a self-fulfilling prophecy). But God blessed me to come into the spaces of people who saw more in me than I saw in myself. I had a

professor in college (Fayetteville State University) who told me that I needed to be responsible for writing my life’s script and stop waiting for folk to invite me into their world. She told me if I didn’t expect more for myself, why should I expect anyone else to do so? Dr. Izola Young…Queen, I wish you were alive today to see how your words affected me. Continue to “Rest in Power”.

THS: If you had a word of inspiration to share with up and coming talents what would it be?

AS: It would be to just “GO FOR IT”. If you are truly serious about this field, or anything for that matter, you need to find out as much as you can about all areas. Learn the ropes to as much as you can.

Work wherever your hands and heart takes you. Never be too proud to start from the bottom, just learn all you can while you rise. Don’t count on JUST TALENT alone; do the work!

THS: What is a day on the set like?

AS: Wow, a day on the set! For me, my mind is always geared into what “truth am I bringing to the stage or to the film” (Thanks, Angelicia Hicks). My nerves STILL do the routine shaking, but I THE HEAT SEEKERS MAGAZINE

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try to keep the air light and airy so that everyone, no matter in what area they are working, feel confident about putting on a fantastic project. I’m a supporter. I try to be inspiration I know I need for me.

THS: What is your most memorable acting experience?

AS: Hmmm, my most memorable acting experience happened in two separate stage shows. I was dubbed the responsibility of playing two major roles in the same shows. In both shows the

characters I ended up playing were VASTLY different from each other (the looks, to the personality, etc.) In the first show, I was initially playing a role of a crotchety old woman who was mean and nasty to ER’body, but especially to her niece and her children, who were going thru some really rough times as they were having to start over after a bad relationship. Then I was asked to step in to play a second character when the actor dropped out of the show almost a month before the show’s debut. I was just filling in until a new actor could come thru but the director decided she liked what I was doing and I became the character permanently. This role was a young, ditzy, love-struck woman who ends up having a nervous breakdown. To have to switch from an old woman (hair, clothing, lipstick, walk and mannerisms) to this much younger woman was a truly exciting experience. Of course, there were a couple of near misses with me almost coming out with the wrong wig for one of the characters.

There were also a couple of times that I couldn’t get back on the stage fast enough so the other actors had to strategically carry on til I could get on. The audience never knew there was a problem.

THS: Who do you dream to work with one day?

AS: ONE of my dream actors to be able to perform along side is the illustrious and incomparable Ms. Jenifer Lewis. I LOVE HER! So many folks have said that I remind them of her. We sound alike with the same raspy voice and I’ve been told that I can look like her. I love that compliment. Now, if I could only get a bank account that looks like hers, lol. I’ve been blessed lately to be called on for more and more film roles and I can not begin to say how excited that is for me. I’m still a teacher but retirement may be sooner than I thought, lol. I mean, it HAS been a 31-year run. I have a couple film projects that I am working with in the next couple of weeks. I have quite a few film credits that I’m so happy about. The latest projects that has been published is called “Boo Boo the Fool”, “Secure the Bag 2”, and “Wall of Secrets 2”; all on Tubi and a few other streaming outlets. I am also working with a theatre troupe in adapting a stage production into a film called “Say It Ain’t So” by Antoine Duane Jones so keep your eyes open for that, as well.

THS: Give us info where you can be contacted/social media.

AS: I have an IMDb page that shows a few of the projects I’ve been blessed to be a part of. Sadly, I’ve recently had to recreate a new Facebook page due to the ruthless commandeering of my previous page (“How Wude”). The Facebook page is AudreySuggsTheActress.

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Spice it Up with Luck!

NOW YOU CAN COOK LIKE A CAJUN Need A Lil Help In The Kitchen?

New DIY cajun food meal kits make mealtime fun and easy! Meals ready in less than an hour!

Learn more at: https://diycookin.com

Chicken and Andouille Sausage Gumbo Whatchu’ Gon’ Need (Ingredients) 1 cup Roux Dat Gumbo Base found at diycookin.com 1/4 cup vegetable oil 2 green bell peppers 1 white onion chopped 1/2 cup chopped celery 1 pound chicken breast or thighs 1 pound andouille sausage Chicken and Sausage Gumbo Chicken & Sausage Gumbo (Cooking Instructions) Chicken & Sausage Gumbo (serves 6-8) Boil 2 quarts of water in a 6 quart pot In a SEPERATE SKILLET (cast iron preferred), heat ¼ cup of vegetable oil ADD 2 bell peppers, 1 onion chopped, ½ cup chopped celery Sauté vegetables ADD 1 cup of Roux Dat Gumbo Base (½ jar) with vegetables and stir into boiling water.

Dice & season 1 pound chicken & 1 pound andouille sausage ADD diced sausage to boiling water and bring back to boil ADD diced chicken and return to boil Cook on a low boil for 60 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked.

Serve over steamed rice.

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If you’re ever traveling through the south stop by a place called Captain’s Quarters in a little town called Santee South Carolina. If you blink you’re going miss it.

While traveling recently for some “me time”, I stopped by. Upon arrival, on a Friday night, I was told the wait list was about 25 minutes because the golfers were in town and I didn’t have reservations. It was a very classy seafood and steak style atmosphere.

Finally, after waiting an hour to be seated, I was able to order. My choice selection was the thirty dollar 10oz medium Ribeye steak and baked potatoe with salad and a glass of red Cabernet. The environment was relaxing and the steak was so tender. Actually the best steak I’ve ever had. The server was a sweet little old lady who looked just like my grandmother Nelda. God rest her soul. The waitress has been working at this restaurant for over 30 years.

This beautiful wrapped around place was an old country money feel. I liked it.

Will I go back? Probably not. The hostess wasn’t as friendly or hospitable as I thought she could have been. I felt she was maybe overwhelmed with the crowd and because I didn’t have a reservation, she didn’t seem to care we waited an hour to sit. But when leaving, she was apologetic. I think it was because some one may have overheard me speaking outside on the porch that I was a food blogger and told her.

When choosing locations to eat and deciding to visit a second time, its more than just the taste of the food. It’s the whole package of the room.

Although I may not return is probably because I’m not sure if I’ll ever visit that little town again, not because of the food or the negative energy from the greeting.

#Tastefultipsandtrips #FocusForwardwithrobin #robinshockley #Aventuretraveler #FoodBlogger #magazinecolumnist #FoodReviews #captaincorners #SanteeSouthCarolina Tasteful Tips & Trips with Robin” is not just an ordinary food blog! It’s about fun, adventure, and a lot of tasty foods as I travel to places along this journey road called life. I am all about traveling and experimenting food flavors and the mixtures of them. So what better way to spread the word to others about places that I visit and help promote businesses!

If you would like for me to visit your venue or restaurant please email me at Booking@robinshockley.com the name of your restaurant and location.

You may just see me show up unexpectedly one day with my big smile and readily appetite!

Robin Shockley is the Founder of “Focus Forward with Robin” she is a Writer of magazines, TV Talk Show Host, Actress, Community Servant-Leader, Entrepreneur, Motivational Speaker, and Author of books. She believes there is freedom to move forward in life to think, believe and achieve a thing. Contact Robin for future bookings to host your event or be a Speaker to help empower your audience. www.robinshockley.com

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