the official magazine of focused radio
June-July
Graduating From High School Is Still Cool #exclusiveindie charts inside 1 The Focus
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Revenge a color by Lee Marie
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Focus Points Words from the Editor pg. 6 The Meaning of Fathers Day pg. 8 On to the Next: Cover Story pg. 12 American Standard of Beauty pg. 16 We’re International pg. 23 Empire Building pg. 30
Editor in Chief: Tommy P Editor at Large: Naadir Love Art Director: KHAR
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Ms. America picture courtesy of listal.com Sickle Cell Uganda pictures courtesy of Lighthouse Uganda
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Father’s Day is a big event. Though it may not have the same flair to it as Mother’s Day, the fact that it still exists makes the world balance out. Because of Fa ther’s, life can continue to happen unimpeded for gen erations to come. The cre ation process of new life starts from with inside the man. The man places a part of him inside of a woman is the basics of reproduction. This month I was able to be a proud father of my son who has just entered into manhood himself. I was in the crowd watching like many other fathers (including my homie Sig Barber that I played high school ball with) as our babies crossed the stage to receive their high school diplomas. We will talk about that, plus all the other great things that happened in the month of June and getting you prepped for what’s to come in July. The July edition of The Focus Magazine will mark a milestone for our publication. Three years ago, using an office computer and inspiration that the Urban Professional needed more exposure, the first The Focus issue hit newsstands. Our plans is to do something very special for you to celebrate with us. Please enjoy this month’s edition of The Focus and as always continue to get daily updates of what’s going on in the Urban Professional world by tuning in to Focused Radio daily. We are here to Fight Obstacles Continue Unto Success Every Day and your continued support allows us to succeed all while passing along the tools for you to reach for your dreams as well. Stay Focused My Friends,
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We Salute All Dads – Happy Father’s Day In the United States, Father’s Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June. Why Celebrate Fathers? Father’s Day is an opportunity for us as a collective to celebrate all the wonderful things that our fathers and our father figures (whether they be our uncles, grandfathers or a positive male role model) have made in children’s lives. We honor fatherhood and its positive influence in society. Guess what? Everyone of us is someone’s child. Age is not an issue here, so feel free to say thank you anyway that you like.
The History of Father’s Day Let us be honest families that love and cherish each other have been showing appreciation for their parents throughout the ages. No special day required. But we shall focus on modern times. There are actually two stories to be told.
Story No. 1:
after a deadly mine explosion killed 361 men.
Story No. 2:
Sonora Smart Dodd was a very important figure in establishing Father’s Day. Why? Her father, the Civil War veteran William Jackson Smart had raised six children by himself after the unfortunate death of their mother during childbirth. This was very rare as many widowers back then often left their children in the care of others or chose to quickly get married again. Sonora who was inspired by the work of Anna Jarvis (if you read last month’s issue of The Focus we mentioned that Anna Jarvis was largely responsible for the establishment of Mother’s Day ). It is said that she came up with the idea of honoring and celebrating her father while listening to a Mother’s Day sermon at church in 1909. Sonora knowing first hand of the sacrifices her father had made, felt that he and other fathers deserved recognition for what they did. She had initially suggested June 5th, the anniversary of her father’s death to be the day to celebrate Father’s Day, but due to unforseen planning issues the celebration was deferred to the third Sunday in June. So the first time Father’s Day was held in was in Spokane, Washington, at the YMCA on June 19, 1910. While Father’s Day was being celebrated locally in several communities across the country, unofficial support to make the celebration a national holiday began almost immediately. William Jennings Bryant was one of its staunchest proponents. In 1924, President Calvin Coolidge actual-
Some say that the Father’s Day origin may have begun at a memorial service that was held for a large group of men, many of them fathers, who were killed in a mining accident in Monongah, West Virginia in 1907. This service was held in Fairmont, West Virginia on July 5, 1908. it Is said that Grace Golden Clayton suggested to the minister of the local Methodist church that they hold services to celebrate fathers 8 The Focus www.thefocusmag.com
ly recommended that Father’s Day become a national holiday. But no official action was taken. In 1966, Lyndon B. Johnson, through an executive order, designated the third Sunday in June as the official day to celebrate Father’s Day. Yet, Father’s Day was not officially recognized as a holiday until 1972 by President Richard M. Nixon.
What is the role of a father? •
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This is a short list of what the author of this article feels a father is or should do: To be able to give what knowledge, wisdom, understanding, skills and talents that he has to help his children develop the skills and talents that was given to them by The Higher Source. Knows that his children need him and being willing to make the necessary sacrifices to provide for them. Knowing that his children are the vested interest for his future and the future of our community as a whole.Knowing that his children are his pride and joy and realizing that he are to be there for them as he would expect for them to be there for him.A father separates the child from the mother if the parents’ relationship does not work out. Meaning do not use the mother as an excuse not to see the child. MAN UP! He realizing that his children comes first and that time waits for no one. While his getting his life together his children are growing up without him.
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He knows that he is the protector of his children. Mind, body, spirit and soul and that no other man can do this job as well as he can. He knows that this is the most important job he will ever have in his life.
Black men are present and actively engaged fathers who love their children.
Contrary to what we are led to believe there are many men helping to raise their children. Let us not believe the hype. Yes we have lost quite a few (1.5 million men between the ages of 25-54) to the prison system. We know what is wrong and why we are losing our sons and future fathers. It is up to the community to reclaim these young men and help them return to their rightful positions. How? That is another topic for another issue. In 2013 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a study that I’ve cited often over the years, “Fathers’ Involvement With Their Children: United States, 2006-2010”. It does an excellent job bashing some prevailing myths about so called African-American fathers.
The findings include the following: * More African-American fathers live with their children (2.5 million) than live apart from their children (1.7 million). Of African-American fathers surveyed who live with their children, * 78.2 percent fed or ate meals with their children daily, compared with 73.9 percent of white fathers; * 70.4 percent bathed, diapered or dressed their children daily, compared with 60.0 percent of white fathers; continued on page 28 www.thefocusmag.com
Tastes too good to be a diet
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#BeTheGivingType
Jeremiah Attaochu July 18th join me in DC for my first annual Blood Drive.
www.vadonor.org Enter code: ‘Attaochu’ to sign up!
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On To The Next
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Many young adults recently crossed the stage to receive their high school diplomas, now the pleothora of opportunities available in their future are no longer a thing to plan for. It’s here!
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I often say, School just prepares a person for the real life ahead of them. Sure the term “Get your education”, carries value, however, I just feel if you don’t understand what you’re getting that education for, it’s a good chance you can get lost in the sauce. I remember having this conversation with my sons often. Now seeing my youngest cross the stage to receive his “pass into the real world” or what others call a diploma, I reflect on just what that means.
That’s why it is such a great thing to see when someone you know beat the odds. My baby boy being one of them really makes a father feel good. However, how do we get that number down? March and expect automatic change from the other demographics? Demand the immediate release of the prisoners until the numbers are equal? I don’t think those have been working to well so far. I do believe if we start really promoting that going to and eventually graduating from high school is still cool, we can definitely make ground.
As young black man in the United States, even though there are more opportunities here than a great number of the countries I’ve traveled to, it’s still a challenge to show your value as a citizen. Many things are getting better however, the statistics of the reality is still staggering. Though the black population of the US amounts to less than 13% total population, the largest number of federal and state prisoners come from the black male demographic. In June 2013, the Bureau of Justice statistics report 37% of the inmates are black males. WHAT!!
When we start to teach our young that going to school, shows you your standing amongst your peers, then maybe the “get your education” speech becomes important. If you score higher than your peers in classes growing up, it’s proven you have a better chance of scoring higher than them in various aspects of life. If you haven’t realized by now, you are an adult far longer than you are a child, normally. So my call to the young black men that are growing up, STAY IN SCHOOL! It’s one of the best ways not to add to the statistic of black males in prison.
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Miss America 2016
Deshauna Barber
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American Standard of Beauty These days it seems every topic on the news is subject to racial scrutiny. Whether talking about judicial decisions or the actors selected for a movie, internet users debate about the implications of skin color in this tainted world. Deshauna Barber, the 5’10 District of Columbia representative, whom has recently been crowned Miss USA, is the latest public figure in the spotlight of racial tension. Only the 9th African American woman to ever win the crown, the stunning Mrs. Barber embodies the throne she has claimed. Deshuna showed poise, intelligence and beauty as she competed against the top women from across the nation. In addition to her stage presence, the new Miss USA, wowed judges as she articulated the advances that woman have made in this country, especially in regards to military service. As a graduate of Virginia State University College of Business, Mrs. Barber was apart of the ROTC program. First Lieutenant Deshauana Barber currently serves as an officer in the Army Reserve and as an IT Analyst for the U.S. Department of Commerce. A question from the judges asked for her views on the criticism directed toward all combat roles being opened to women recently and a female presidential candidate. “We are just as tough as men,” Deshauna proudly answered, “As a commander of my unit, I’m powerful, I am dedicated and it is important that we recognize that gender does 16 The Focus
not limit us in the United States.” The Georgia native is also the first military woman to grace the crown. Despite all of these qualifications, comments were made online questioning if the former Miss DC looked “American” enough to be Miss USA. As the judges narrowed the field down to two contestants. Deshuana in all her dark melanin rich glory, stood amongst the final two beside Miss Hawaii. Chelsea Hardin of Hawaii, an ethinic beauty in her own right, is a much fairer skin representation of the melting pot known as America. As soon as the winner was announced, critics from the peanut gallery begin chiming in on social media feeds. Much of the negative comments were centered around the winner’s beauty compared to other contestants, especially the 1st runner up from Hawaii. Some highly polarizing comments went as far as to question her physical ability to represent the true America. In light of Donald Trump’s successful nomination, it should be no secret that many citizens in this country hold a Eurocentric sense of entitlement to a nation of which many of their families are not native. However, it is interesting that this perception lives so vibrant in a country surrounded by reminders of the multiculturalism embedded in the fabrics of U.S. history. There were a lot of positive momentum behind Deshuana
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Barber’s victory as well. Her victory was praised by the brothers and sisters in her fraternity of service as well as her sorority, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. The hashtag #blackgirlmagic and #blackgirlsrock resurged, in a year that has included Viola Davis’ Emmy award and Lupita Nyong’o’s Oscar, as hundreds of ebony women across the world embraced the newly crowned Miss USA. Mrs. Barber’s victory aids in the fight to break color barriers around the nation, as well colorism within her own culture. It is no secret that within the black community stigmas of shade still exist, and may be as prevalent as ever. Darker complexions have continuously been overshadowed in outcast internationally in the beauty and entertainment industry, even in productions by African American directors. It is unlikely we will ever fully appreciate the beautiful souls inside all of us, with little regard to their race, ethnicity, or culture. Yet, it is always a pleasure to see those socially constructed obstacles overcome, especially by one of our queens. There should be no doubt of Deshuna Barber’s victory she is a true American beauty and heroin.
Modern Rennasaince with Consciousness Wise Thursdays 4p-7p 17 The Focus
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Fashion vs Hip-Hop Without a doubt, Hip-hop style has changed since the ‘90s. For all of today’s callbacks to the classic styles that ruled the scene 20 years ago, today’s rappers definitely look differently than they did back in the days of Tupac and Biggie. Sure things like bucket
hats, timbs, and lightwash denim are as big now as they ever were then, but there’s a new layer of fashion awareness that’s affected rappers across the genre—making hip-hop one of fashion’s most exciting new frontiers. From the designers catering to and honoring the music that’s propelled Jordans and Timbs into the forefront of fashion, to the rappers that are sitting front row (or in Kanye West’s case, showing) at fashion week, rappers have a completely different relationship with fashion. While much of the ‘90s has returned to our collective closets—you’re definitely not seeing guys dressed like this on the regular rap radar.
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When TLC hit the red carpet with Dr. Dre at the 1994 American Music Awards, they rolled through in some of the most oversized overalls seen in award show history. Now, skinny jeans have become even less taboo thanks to people like Kanye West, Wiz Khalifa, A$AP Rocky, and yes, even Lil Wayne. That’s not to say that oversized silhouettes are on the out, but are we seeing rappers dressing like they came straight out of a Das EFX promotional photo? Not as much. With Jordan effectively running the NBA back in the ‘90s, you were a chump if you didn’t have a least one pair of J’s grace your feet. But today’s sneakerhead rappers have much more than the Jumpman to look to as a jumping off point for fire kicks. Sure adidas is as relevant today as they were back in the ‘80s, but with major fashion houses like Balenciaga, Visvim, Saint Laurent Paris and Maison Margiela making sneakers that aren’t just luxurious, but sometimes even ape the original models from Nike and Adidas. Add in brands like Del Toro, Filling Pieces, and Greats, and well, let’s say that Jordan has a lot of competition.
As todays teens leave their mark on everything from music to fashion, there’s a major rise in the “dad cap” movement. Sure, it’s nothing more than a soft cotton canvas hat with a curved brim, but considering its surburban dad lineage, the idea that they’d appear on the heads of Wiz Khalifa and Drake (to name just a few) is a far cry from the fitted caps, snapbacks, and (perhaps more importantly) bucket hats that dominated 20 years ago. You have to respect artists like Young Thug (and to a certain extent Kanye West) for their ability to look beyond gender when it comes to arranging their personal styles. Back in the 1990’s you’d more likely see a dude with his shirt off than you’d see anybody rocking a skirt or a little girl’s dress. But while masculinity was firmly established among hip-hop’s most notable names, today’s rapper doesn’t have to worry as much riding with established gender norms. As high-fashion continues to proliferate more and more into rapper’s wardrobes, the belief that “fashion” is exclusively for the ladies is drifting into myth (skirts and dresses included).
All in all, fashion is co-opting hip-hop, With brands like Supreme, Palace, not the other way around. Labels like and Gosha Rubchinskiy making waves Hood By Air and Off-White pay homamong “the youth” skate-centric age to hip-hop’s style foundations, labels are more than just a niche, and have helped to introduce rappers they’re making the rounds on the to the concept of…well, conceptubacks of everyone from Tyler the al high fashion. Add in the swell of Creator to A$AP Rocky. Of course, traditional designers not just catering considering the brand wasn’t founded to rappers (shouts to Givenchy and until about halfway into the decade, Balmain), but directly pulling hip-hop a lot of ‘90s rappers weren’t going style staples like graphic tees, Timbs, to be repping the then-low key NYC and sneakers and turning them into skateshop. But that doesn’t mean that designer pieces—well, rappers really ‘90s icons aren’t into the brand. are the new rockstars. 19 The Focus www.thefocusmag.com
La’ Familia Let’s Go!
The third annual Tribute to a Prynce took place in Roanoke’s Historic Gainsboro May 28th. A call to the community to donate blood and remember the life of JonAnthony Page who died six year ago from complications of Sickle Cell Disease. The “Family” came out in strong support of the event.
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for
love
We’re International
On June 3rd, The Lighthouse Community Service Center of Uganda was seen alongside St. Augustine Fellowship promoting Sickle Cell Awareness! This event was held at the Sickle Cell Association of Uganda where both teams partnered up for the first time to begin a journey together in order to fight Sickle Cell Disease. The surrounding community was encouraged to stand up and be a voice for those who have sickle cell because the disease and the trait is not something to be ashamed of. The widespread belief throughout Uganda is that this disease is a result of witchcraft and this results in the ostracizing of those with the disease and in a small amount of effort being put into treating it. We aim not only to decrease that belief, but to eliminate it. 23 The Focus
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* 82.2 percent played with their children daily, compared with 82.7 percent of white fathers; * 34.9 percent read to their children daily, compared with 24.9 percent of white fathers; * 40.6 percent helped their children with their homework or checked to make sure that they finished it daily, compared with 29.3 percent of white fathers;E ALSO * Of the fathers who live away from their children, African-American fathers outperformed white and Latino fathers on nearly all measures surveyed, including reading to their children daily, helping them with homework and changing their diapers. If you know of a family that has a missing father, please do what you can to help out.
A Father’s Influence?
Whether we agree or not statistics show the following: Too many of our societies issues come from young people having Daddy issues and dragging it into their future relationships. 5 Ways Dads Influence Their Daughters 1. Self Confidence 2. Body Image 3. Education 4. Career 5. Romantic Relationships How Dads Affect Their Daughters In Adulthood Daughters who have fathers actively involved throughout their childhood that are promoting their daughters self esteem and self reliance in their academic or sports endeavors are more likely to graduate from college and enter higher paying and more demanding jobs that may traditionally be held by men. On the romantic tip---daughters that have a more secure, supportive and open communications with their fathers are less likely to get pregnant as teenagers and less likely to be sexually active in her early teens. These daughters tend to be waiting longer to get married and have children because they are more focused on obtaining their educational goals. Dads realize this!!!!!!! You are the first man your daughter will love in her life. Be the kind of man you would want your daughter to marry. Be active in her life whether you are married to her mother or not. She will equate all men with you.....If you did not find her worth making time for....she will not truly expect any other man to really care about her either. 28 The Focus
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7 Things that Sons Need from Their Fathers 1. He needs you to love his mother. Whether you are with his mother or not he needs you to treat his mother with respect as you are his role model on how to treat women. 2. He needs to see you fail, not just succeed. It is how a man recovers from a fall that defines his character. 3. He needs to see your servant leadership. This means showing that true leadership in the home and in the community is giving of self and doing it with a glad heart. 4. He need you to be present. Self explanatory. 5. He needs you to love his regardless of his choices. Love is unconditional. 6. He needs to know you love him and are proud of him and his accomplishments. Say it to him. Do not assume that he knows. 7. Discipline with love. For every action there is a reaction. Explain the consequences for his actions. This is a topic that can fill many a book, but we will end here. A Dad is the man who is there for you no matter what and a father could just be a name on the birth certificate. The day should be Dad’s Day. But for all of you wonderful men who know what being a Dad is all about.... We wish you a Happy Father’s Day!
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Dream Chasing Empire Building 30 The Focus
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When I think of building an empire my desire for success becomes unstoppable. The thought of failing often holds people back, but I believe once you speak your dreams, it has to manifest. I have always made up in my mind that failure will never overtake my determination to win because my desire to succeed has taken root in my spirit to succeed beyond my own belief. I believe in myself and I have faith in my own ability to be great, because I have come to learn I have the power to shift the atmosphere. When I was 21 years old I realized that God was giving me a gift, and that gift began in my dreams. As I got older my dreams became to be prophetic and I now walk by the God kind of faith. Knowing that I have to believe it before I can see it and faith without works is dead. With new days come new heights, new obstacles, and new strengths, and I am coming to learn it does not matter how slow you plant your garden, because the seeds that have taken root will blossom one day. Today at the young age of 25 years old my will to win and the urge to reach my full potential are the keys that will unlock the door to my destiny. I am a firm believer that if you still have breath, you still have purpose, and if you are still alive that means there is still time to fulfill your purpose.
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Now Hiring
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Iris Jackson is head over heels in love with her husband Levi. Levi is an up and coming politician, who no longer has a place for Iris in his life. His desire is to put Iris out… broke and homeless. Iris has no choice, she must return to the hometown that she hates. Towanda Turner, Iris’s best friend, opens her heart and door for Iris, but what she doesn’t know is her past is coming back to haunt her. Ian Roberts wasn’t looking for love. It just fell in his lap. When Ian finds out Levi poses a threat to Iris, Ian is the first person in line to stop him with nothing but murder and mayhem on his mind. Lies, deceit and drama coming from every direction of her life, Iris is scared to love again. Will she live long enough to discover what eternal love is? Find out in Scared To Love Again...
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#Exclusiveindie artist spotlight
Joon D
Independent recording artist Ruben DeJesus, Jr., better known as Joon D., will headline Independents Day. Born in Virginia Beach and raised in Roanoke, Joon D. has been rapping and DJ-ing since an adolescent. He has a passion for various art forms and genres of music and makes it a point to share that with the youth. 37 The Focus
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Exclusive Indie airplay 1. Crush- Yuna feat. Usher
2. Experimental- Joon D 3. Icon- Star-Citi 4. Spaceship- Anhayla 5. Dip- Royale 6. All Night - Kev Young 7. Best of Me- T. Soul 8. All About It- Alexis Nicole 9. No Threat- Wham 10. One Dream- Calvin Jasper
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