Trendsetters to Trendsetters Magazine Jan/Feb 2019 by Trendsetters to Trendsetters Magazine

T2T

12th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

T2T

12th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

T2T

12th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

Trendsetters to Trendsetters Magazine A publication on a mission to INSPIRE, EMPOWER, EDUCATE, and ELEVATE.

CONTENT

WHAT’S INSIDE: 06 14 32 40 44 50 60 66 68 70

PUBLISHER’S NOTE COVER STORY UP & COMING EDUCATION HEALTH & WELLNESS SPOTLIGHT BEAUTY FASHION ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT REAL ESTATE

Rev. Joseph E Lowery

T2T

Congressman John Lewis

Rev. C.T. Vivian

Honorable Andrew Young

**FRONT COVER DESIGNED BY DEREK PAYNE (DPI GRAPHIC DESIGN)

12th ANNIVERSARY EDITION **FRONT COVER PHOTO BY SUSAN J. ROSS PHOTOGRAPHY

Trendsetters Trendsetters to to Trendsetters Trendsetters

MEDIA GROUP

OUR LIVES BEGIN TO END THE DAY WE BECOME SILENT ABOUT THINGS THAT MATTER

12th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

T2T

REV. DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.

FROM THE PUBLISHER’S DESK FROM THE PUBLISHER’S DESK

“Eyes Wide Shut”

re you accomplishing what you were created to achieve, or has the comfort of your current situation made you blind to what your true purpose is? We all tend to move in a multitude of directions within our day-to-day lives, because going full speed ahead with the tasks of work, family, education, romance, and financial gain will eventually get us to where we want to be…or so we think. Many of us live each day with our “eyes wide shut.” You can see, but you have no true vision. You labor every day, but you are not fruitful. You have income, but have no self-worth. And you say you know how to love someone, but you don’t love yourself. Do you know who you are, and the person you are meant to be? I challenge you to take time to study, pray, meditate, and become acquainted with your inner self to determine who you really are. Get to know the person you see in the mirror so that you can recognize, understand, and conquer your insecurities and your fears. Focus on your own journey, and not someone else’s. Take back your personal power that you’ve distributed among other people who misuse and abuse you. Let selflove be the power that changes the dreams of your life. Then you will be able to recognize your purpose and move forward as the person you are meant to be, living a more meaningful, driven, and focused life. Your eyes are wide open, but can you see…your purpose, your inner self, and the person you are meant to be?▄

T2T

WILLIE STEWART/ PUBLISHER

12th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

T2T

12th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

Letter from the Senior Writer THE NEXT GENERATION IS ONLY AS GOOD AS THE LEADERS THAT CAME BEFORE THEM.

Shernita Wiggins-Wynder and Honorable Andrew

A T2T

s an educator, we teach children to aspire to dream, we tell them that our civic leaders are there to protect our rights and secure our futures, we tell them that by raising their voices, they will be heard…but are we selling them pipe dreams? Are we confusing them because when they “dream” it’s snatched and given to someone else even today because of their beliefs and the color of their skin? Are we derailing them because when they practice the laws within the U.S. Constitution, we bind their tongues or pull them out and try to silence them to keep certain civic leaders from murdering them…or taking their freedom? Then why aren’t we hearing their cries for justice just as the Four Iconic Leaders you will read about within these pages? When they demonstrate in the streets because their peers or family member’s lives have been taken from senseless violence…why are we telling them to sit down and that they don’t know what they are doing? When did we lose our nerve and are we willing to take a chance and bridle the tongues of the next generation that will really be the ones to make this GREAT Nation…EXTRAordinary! Or are we willing to allow them to die in the polluted oceans filled with rivers of blood, sweat, and tears of our ancestors? Are we their modern-day lynchman suffocating them with lies and rose-colored glasses leading them to slaughter? No, we are their TRUTH, so don’t let them forget

who made it possible for them to sit in those classrooms, enter a voting booth, or breathe clean air. Trendsetters to Trendsetters Magazine is not a “political” magazine and we don’t try to sway our readers one way or the other. We simply give them a reason to HOPE…DREAM…and ASPIRE to do better. That is the platform that Publisher, Willie Stewart established this magazine and the other brands upon. Our print and digital media has been established as a Positive Publication committed to giving our readers an opportunity to be aware of our surroundings. We appreciate you…our loyal readers and supporters of the T2T brand and we will continue to uphold the ability to keep you dreaming, hoping, and aspiring to be your BEST you. Thank you for your support of the individuals, events, organizations, and businesses that are within our pages. Keep in mind that Trendsetters to Trendsetters Magazine, Latino Trendsetters Magazine and FanSetters Sports Magazine will continue to share your stories and if you are reading this, and want to be a part of this legacy, just reach out to one of our experienced writers, Publisher, or Administrative team members to determine how we can help you or someone you know. The cover story reflects the life and legacy of four Civil Rights Leaders Congressman John Lewis, Rev. Young C. T. Vivian, Ambassador Andrew Young, and Reverend Joseph Lowery, Afr ican Amer ican Civil Rights Leaders that are still gleaming the field. Still fighting the battles and continuing to educate our generation, the next generation…and future generations. Let us NOT forget that you will never know where you are going, until you know where you have been. Your ongoing support of us, repeatedly ensures us that we are doing something right. The Publisher, Willie Stewart, our administrative staff, and team of writers enjoy your reviews and comments, so keep them coming! I will leave you with these words of wisdom: “The greatest among you are the ones who are willing to serve. Which means if you are leading and have not served your fellowman by lifting them up, but instead, tear them down, then you are not much of a leader. Jesus was a servant first and HE was King. He kneeled and washed the disciple’s feet, yet He was the Creator. If He, being willing to lay down His life for His fellow man…then what makes us any less to do the same? For if we are called God’s children, we too, are of Noble blood through Christ.” We appreciate you! ■ SHERNITA WIGGINS-WYNDER, Senior Staff Writer Twitter: @CarmelVelocity Email: shernita@trendtotrendmag.com

12th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

POSH ENTERTAINMENT BRAND MANAGEMENT FIRM An all-inclusive visual brand management boutique firm, providing a plethora of entertainment and business solutions. We build brands and relationships in the mist of providing elite professional client services.

     

 

Public Relations Brand Development Media Relations/Placement Media Coaching Marketing Editorial Service Digital/Social Media Strategy Event Planning

www.poshbrandmgt.wix.com/poshbrandmgt

12th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

T2T

TINA WILLIAMS, CEO/FOUNDER Business: 817 601 5119 Offices: Dallas, Tx

Shalise Steele-Young: "The Work Continues...!!"

She Promised Her Husband She’d Run To Continue His Term For Atlanta City Council District 3

ust over a month since the Commemoration of Life services were held for her husband Atlanta City Councilmember District 3 Ivory Lee Young, Jr., Shalise SteeleYoung states she will run to continue his term, as he asked of her. The special election to fill the seat for District 3, which includes representing key neighborhoods near the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlantic Station, Vine City and more! This Special Election is set for March 19, 2019. Deeply committed to human services and work opportunities, Shalise worked for the United Way, and was assigned as a loaned executive to various social service organizations throughout the city of Atlanta. In addition, Shalise worked for both the Mayor's Office of Human Services under Mayor Kasim Reed as well as the Regional Commission on Homelessness founded by former Mayor Shirley Franklin. She is a licensed ordained minister and the Founder/Executive Director of the Repairer of the Breach International Ministries, a faith-based organization committed to the empowerment of low-income/ homeless individuals and families. For the past nine years, Shalise stood by Councilmember Young's side, the two working diligently to ensure equitable inclusion of the residents and stakeholders in the redevelopment on Atlanta's West side. During a radio interview with WAOK's Rashad Richey last week, Shalise shared more about running to continue her husband's term: "Ivory used to say to me, 'You can do this -- you should consider running for office.” "I would laugh, “Who, me? I'm a minister and a social worker.” "But, this last time, as we were preparing for his stem cell transplant... he told me, 'Shalise, if things don't go as we hope, I want you to finish serving out my term on the City Council.” "I'm running for District 3," Shalise affirmed, "to ensure the commitments Ivory made to District 3 residents are seen to fruition." Richey asked her about the support she's been receiving -- and if there were those who were urging her not to run. "Yes," Shalise acknowledged, "There are close people, friends who say, “Are you sure you want to run?' But Ivory told me, we work while we grieve. And my grief is my motivation." She went on to share her concerns about others running who may not have the best interests of the residents and stakeholders -- a term Ivory used intentionally -- at heart. Shalise pointed out that in the past, others didn't want to touch the West side with a "ten foot pole". Ivory alongside other residents did the "heavy lifting". "I question the intentions of others," she emphasized, "now that our District has upwards to a billion dollar investment, when there are other areas of Atlanta that have not received the level of attention that the West side has recently benefited from." Calling her campaign supporters the "Friends of Young to Young", Shalise is organizing her campaign and scheduling her launch for January 23rd, the day that she qualifies. Areas of focus, she says, for District 3 include the following: public safety, affordable/ workforce housing, clean communities, equitable resident participation, and the continuation of the work of Westside Revive. Major campaign endorsements include; Mr. Thomas Dortch, Chairman/CEO of TDW, Inc. and Chairman of 100 Black Men of America, Fulton County Commissioner Natalie Hall, and former Atlanta Police Chief and former Clayton County Commission Chairman Eldrin Bell. "Ivory and I met around service," Shalise recalls. "Service brought us together. And I pray that the residents of District 3 will allow me the opportunity to serve them for the next three years. It would be an honor."▄

T2T

Media contact: Carrie L. Williams, Media Coordinator 470.629.9609 Lady LaDonna, Dir. of Communications 424.249.0762

12th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

T2T

The Late Atlanta City Councilmember District 3 Ivory Lee Young, Jr., ( August 12, 1962â&#x20AC;&#x201D;November 16, 2018)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

JACKIE ROBINSON 1919-1972

T2T

Never Forgotten

CELEBRATING 100 YEARS

12th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

EDUCATION 13

T2T

12th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

Living LEGENDS

LEAVING THEIR MARK UPON HISTORY’S PAGES

“Meet the ORIGINAL A-Team” Written by Shernita Wiggins-Wynder

What is a Legend?

The Merriam-Webster dictionary of a legend is a person or thing that inspires. If we are to define the four legends within these pages, I’d say that they have truly inspired not only a generation, but the nation. They have inspired us to fight for what we believe in and do so with the integrity of another Civil Rights icon they walked with in life, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Thus, continuing a leg-

acy of legends who came before them. What then, do we do? What part do we play in ensuring the legacy of these men, the “Original A-Team,” and what they have accomplished will not be in vain? Well, to understand the destination…we must face our past, our fears, and our greatest triumphs, in order to return to them the justice they have past generations, current citizens, lineages yet to come.

THE A-TEAM HISTORY LESSON

T T2T

he A-Team was a television show that ran from 1983 to 1987 by writer/producers Stephen J. Cannell and Frank Lupo and aired on NBC. Although the show was not expected to become a hit, it did. This group of characters were a part of a fictitious Unites States Army Special Forces unit who were courtmartialed “for a crime they didn’t commit” as the slogan voice over explained. These men escaped the military prison and then set on the course of becoming vigilante soldiers who cashed in on the special set of skills they had. The “A-Team’s” name came from the nickname derived for U.S. Special Forces’ Operational Detachments Alpha (ODA) during the Vietnam War. Now what does this have to do with the iconic men we are about to discuss in commemoration of Black History Month and the

COVER STORY

legacy they have attained? Like the members in the show, the “A-Team” these mercenaries were on a mission. They each had special set of skills to fight the injustices in the world that denied them the equality the Constitution was established upon. They and countless others were beaten without a cause, but their common goal was to become advocates for humanity. So, how does their story end? Well, I’ll say it like this, “I love it when a plan comes together.” They are VISIONARIES, CIVIC MAKERS, SERVANTS OF THE PEOPLE, HUMANITARIANS, CIVIL RIGHTS ACTIVISTS who are not afraid to speak the truth about their truths for justice sake.

12th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

The Legacy of Congressman John Lewis FOLLOW THE TRAIL…

"We all recognize the fact that if any radical social, political and economic changes are to take

place in our society, the people, the masses, must bring them about." Written by Shernita Wiggins-Wynder

Leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who were already in the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960’s, sparked a fire within this intelligent young man. Disappointed that things didn’t change after the ruling of Brown v. The Board of Education in 1954 at his school, he decided to do something about it.

12th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

In a “Mr. Fix-it” sort of way, he took heed to the voice of Dr. King, especially after King’s sermon and the news emerging of the Montgomery Bus Boycott. The phrase “It’s just not enough to talk about it…you have to BE about it” has led Lewis to become the change he wanted to see. After leaving Alabama in 1957 to attend a theological seminary in Tennessee, Lewis learned how to do nonviolent demonstrations. This led to his participation in many sit-ins that caused him to become arrested multiple times. His mother did not approve of this, but by this time, John Lewis was adamant about defending the civil liberties of his fellowman.

And in 1961 he became a Freedom Rider inspired by Dr. King and others gleaming the field ahead of him. He challenged bus terminals that were not segregated and escaped death in this line of defense, however, there was another group of Freedom Riders who would not.

COVER STORY 15

T2T

efore he was a “Congressman,” Lewis was born just outside Troy, Alabama on February 21, 1940 and although his childhood was pleasant enough, being the child of sharecroppers, it still bothered him about the unsettling segregation that he grew up amidst.

This level of dedication would open the door in 1963 for him to speak at the March on Washington as the youngest of the guest speakers, although he had to make some changes, to please some of the other organizers, his oration was still powerful, heard, and revered. In 1964, shortly after the March on Washington, the Civil Rights Act was signed into law. Although the law stating that African Americans could now finally vote…did little for it becoming a reality. It was “easier” written than the ability to do it. As one of the “Big Six”

the Edmund Pettus Bridge, the path that led them there became more dangerous, John Lewis was severely beaten and suffered a fractured skull. But then again, it was lethal walking down the street at any hour of the day. This historic event was televised and the images too powerful and intense to ignore that the whole world sat up and took note and the government sped up the passing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. A “Negro” man (as was the term used in those days) was not safe anywhere he demonstrated dignity. Whether it was wearing a suit, applying for the same job as his White counterparts, or to be seen as an equal. It was on the level of high treason to racist White America. He couldn’t even look at or be in the presence of a White woman without being seen as a threat and treated as such, literally unto death.

So, what do you do when your integrity, livelihood, and manhood is continuously stripped from you? You get into a higher position and become a “sharp shooter” in government to get a bulls-eye view of the issues. This next assignment brought John Lewis to the door of the Atlanta City Council in 1981. Then he was elected to Congress to the House of Representatives in 1986 and has been a continual advocate for the rights of others ever since. Even though he has been representing Georgia’s 5th District, he is one of the most respected members of Congress for his diligence and legacy.

T2T

this only fueled Lewis’ stride and sparked his drive to join in with Hosea Williams to bring national awareness to this southern atrocity with the demonstration march that became known all over the world as “Bloody Sunday” on March 7, 1965. As soon as the band of peaceful demonstrators crossed

COVER STORY

12th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

COVER STORY 17

T2T

Over the years in his deployment in the fight for Civil Rights, Congressman John Lewis had received many accolades for many accomplishments. He is known for healthcare reform, fighting poverty, and educational improvements. He has been a part of renewals of the Voting Rights Act and when the Supreme Court blocked a part of the law in 2013’s Shelby County v. Holder, Congressman Lewis decried this move as a “dagger into the heart” of voting rights. It’s acts like this that solidify the reason behind Congressman John Lewis being a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011. ▄

The Legacy of Rev. Dr. C T Vivian …GET ON THE FRONT LINE

“But everything used to destroy us becomes a means of developing us.”—C T Vivian Written by Shernita Wiggins-Wynder

start? Just keep in mind, to everything, there’s a season. Let’s dig deeper into this trail of blood, sweat, and tears. In the same year my grandfather Charlie Jeff Wiggins was born in 1924, in Howard County, Missouri, Cordy Tindell Vivian (later would become known as C T Vivian), entered this world during the height of the Renaissance Era when African Americans, called Negroes in those day, set out to reinvent themselves by expressing

editor for his school paper had a leader rising among them that was about to shake the foundation of the “freedom for all” mentality. Because he wanted it and he, like many others, craved it and would go to any length of suffering to attain it. I can imagine that Illinois never knew the civil storm that made it to town when C T Vivian arrived wreaking havoc on all the civil unrest issues. Vivian proved his dedication in his first sit-in at Barton’s Cafeteria in 1947 with Diane Nash. In 1959, Mahatma Ghandhi’s nonviolent teachings

their gifts in the arts, education, medicine, politics, and societal leadership. This was not his permanent destination, just a jumpstart because his mother migrated when he was still young to Macomb, Illinois. The hometown, he would later graduate with an interest in the literary arts as a sports

that came through Rev. James Lawson’s teachings at the American Baptist College in Nashville, Tennessee raised up a group of leaders that lit a fire of humanitarian efforts among several civil rights activist who would become well-known…even to this day. They would

T2T

f you live in the South, you have heard of the “Upward Bound” program…but did you know how it got it’s

COVER STORY

12th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

COVER STORY 19

T2T

erupt a systematic non-violent campaign that had a detrimental affect upon justice and equality that still lingers today. It was here that Vivian met a young John Lewis, Diane Nash and others. So, what has he accomplished since then? Well, on April 19, 1960, he and 4,000 civil-focused people determined to challenge the racial discrimination in the south, set the mirror before their racially motivated counterparts. From this courageous act, Nashville Mayor Ben West had to change the di-

vide in their state. As a result, C T Vivian and many of the students who participated became members of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). What Vivian realized, is that they were stronger in numbers and each act promoted an opportunity to spark another movement to make a difference, or a new adventure for change. Becoming a part of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) in 1961 led him on a journey that caused him to risk his life as one of the Freedom Riders who were to take the place of previous riders injured who were part of the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE). Recognizing his potential, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., selected Vivian to the executive staff of the SCLC in 1963. Now, whether this set the pace for the next event, maybe it didâ&#x20AC;Śmaybe it was the initial plan all along? But either way, what would come next would get na-

T2T

tional attention. In a small town named Selma in Alabama, a strong-armed Sheriff Jim Clark made his reputation off beating activists and anyone who would seek to go against the Jim Crow laws. On the steps of the courthouse in Selma at a voter registration, Vivian boldly stood up to Sheriff Clark with a speech that evidently hit a tender spot inside the law enforcement officer who swore to “Serve and Protect.” Instead, on his authority hundreds of innocent citizens were battered and beaten, even killed. After the speech, Clark hit Vivian in the mouth sending a message of his obvious racism around the world. Clearly C T Vivian was no stranger to “firsts” because in 1969 he wrote the first book on the modern-day Civil Rights Movement that touched on many topics pertaining to the power of the African American inequality and the illusion of American justice for all in his book entitled: Black Power and the American Myth. Now, getting to the program I mentioned at the beginning of the article. The “Upward Bound” program for youth that help them to experience the collegiate opportunity while yet in high school. This program was originally called Vision. In 1979, he served as Chairman of the Board of an organization he established called the Nation-

COVER STORY

al Anti-Klan Network, which is now known as the Center for Democratic Renewal. His recent endeavors included C T Vivian founding the Black Action Strategies and Information Center or (BASIC), which was a workplace consultancy on race relations and multicultural training which he recently passed down to one of his sons. When the victims and churches were affected by Hurricane Katrina, once again, our beloved C T was at attention ready to serve his fellowman by establishing the Churches Supporting Churches. It is said that you will know the measure of a man by the accomplishments he achieves from the time he is born till the day he dies. Since C T Vivian is still very much alive, I believe it’s safe to say, the measure of his legacy stems a trail that leads to distant lands, both near and far. And getting the Presidential Medal of Honor solidified his place in history.▄

12th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

The Legacy of Honorable Andrew Young We as Americans are the champions of human rights. It’s a revelation from God to our Founding Fathers.” “

Written by Shernita Wiggins-Wynder

12th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

when the National Council of Churches asked him to set up a summer Bible school and youth recreation, in Marion, Alabama. He told how his father and mother, Daisy instilled in their children the importance of being proud and exhibiting selfrespect. It was reported that he told of how his father hired a professional prize fighter to teach his sons to defend themselves so that intimidation was not one of their traits. Now, whether this fueled his passion for sports and athletics in swimming, track and field, I can’t say definitively, but his academics was what got him into Howard University in Washington, D.C. and graduating two years earlier than usual. His walk in the ministerial calling came after an epiphany moment on a mountaintop that opened the door to his spiritual awakening. Young’s introduction to the strategies of a nonviolent nature taught by Mahatma Gandhi, came at a youth program at Camp Mack, Indiana. Andrew Young received a scholarship to study theology full time, and this caused a strain

COVER STORY 21

T2T

couple of years ago, I had the esteemed privilege of meeting this Civil Rights Icon. He was one of the speakers of the Hank Stewart Foundation’s White Linen Affair and he spoke to a room full of youth and their parents. I was intrigued and drawn into his in-depth views and vivid recollection of his journey with Dr. Martin Luther King and the Civil Rights Movement. He shared that he was born in New Orleans, Louisiana and although there were people from all walks of life of diversity living there, it was still racially segregated just like any other southern city. His father, Andrew Young, Sr., was a dentist who served the elite of the African American community and among them were Ralph Metcalfe, the Olympian and one of the amazing musical greats, Louis Armstrong. Ralph dominated the track and field events during the 1936 Olympics. Ambassador Andrew Young and Ralph Metcalfe both served their constituents during the 1970’s in the U.S. Congress. What some may not know, is that Young wanted to try out for the 1952 Olympics but that was thwarted

in Thomasville, Georgia and the local laws and Klu Klux Klan intimidation prevented African Americans from voting in that town for years. So, Young organized a Voter Registration drive. This sparked the Klan to start doing what they did best, using cowardly intimidation tactics to scare away the citizens from trying to register to vote. Young, in a counter-action move, went to the town’s largest employers and persuaded the local authorities to keep the Klan from coming into the neighborhoods occupied by African Americans. Andrew Young and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. met for the first time in 1957. Their wives had gone to high school together. King and Young quickly became friends and later that year, Andrew Young accepted a position in New York with the National Council of Churches. It was there, that Andrew Young appeared on a show entitled, Look Up and Live that aired on CBS on Sunday mornings. The show ran from 1957 to 1961 and crossed the religious and secular audiences.

T2T

between he and his father who was expecting his son to become a dentist, like himself. Making the decision to become a minister and remaining in Marion, Alabama would work to Andrew Young’s advantage because it was there, in the home of the Childs’ home, that Young saw a photo of their daughter Jean who was away at college. He shares the story this way, “Seeing her picture and trophies in sports did it for me and I knew when I saw her that she was going to be my wife. And when I finally met her, and she told me she was going out of the country to Europe to do some volunteering work with refugee children, I decided to follow her and I worked building a refugee center in Ried, Austria while she worked in Linz, which was not far away. Needless to say, I married her in 1954.” Although his personal life was taking a turn for the better and the United States was finally making lead way with the supreme court ruling of Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas that would allow African American children to attend segregated schools, in the same year Young got married to Jean, the fight was far from over. African Americans were still denied the right to vote. After Andrew Young was ordained, a seamstress named Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat to a white man, as the law in Alabama required and she was arrested. Dr. King, 26 at the time, was put in charge of the Montgomery Bus Boycott that came as a result of Park’s arrest. Andrew Young was given the assignment to pastor a church

In 1961, the Youngs and Kings both reconnected in Atlanta, Georgia and began to work collectively on the fight for human rights and civil equality through the Southern Christian Leadership Council (SCLC) that was founded by Dr. King. It was here that Dr. King asked Andrew Young to become one of his principle lieutenants and this caused them to work closely together. This worked out fine since Coretta and Jean were friends and supported their husbands in their endeavors. One of which, was the desegregation movements in Birmingham, Alabama, St. Au-

12th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

gustine, Florida, and Atlanta, Georgia. Young had the gift of being a negotiator when it came to dealing with local governments and white dominated business communities, so King relied heavily on this. However, it didn’t always work out well, because like the other leaders of his time, Young was arrested in Birmingham and Selma, Alabama after hosting civil rights demonstrations. There would be many challenges that Andrew Young, Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. and other prominent leaders and citizens would face in this fight for equality as they participated in the 1963 March on Washington, the place of the “I Have a Dream” speech, in his position as Executive Director of the SCLC, and the march for voting rights in Selma, Alabama in 1965. The reward was the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that allowed the federal government to prosecute anyone who tried to discriminate or intimidate African American voters from carrying out their God-given right. However, the defining blow would come when Young’s friend Dr. King went to Memphis, Tennessee to support the sanitation workers who were striking. It was there, at the Lorraine Motel, when Dr. King was murdered on April 4, 1968.

to the Panama Canal Treaty returning the Canal Zone back to the Republic of Panama which had a long-time tension between the United States and the Republic in Central America. It’s evident that Ambassador Andrew Young’s fight for civil equality stemmed far beyond the borders of the United States. Amidst the highs, there were lows and the lowest came after the political pressure in the Carter administration dealing with a decision Young made with some issues in the Middle East that cause him to step down in August of 1979 at the President’s request. Yet, in the last month of Andrew Young’s time left in office, he was awarded the nation’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He has continued in his endeavors even after he lost his wife Jean in 1994 to Cancer. In 1996, the Summer Olympics put the spotlight on Atlanta, his love for the ultimate sport had come to roost in his city. Young remarried in 1996 to Carolyn McClain and returned to the public eye, became an author of several books: A Way Out of No Way (1994), and An Easy Burden: The Civil Rights Movement, and the Transformation of America (1998). Young served a year term as the President of the National Council of Churches. The very same organization he volunteered with when he was just 19 years old. He established the Andrew Young Foundation in 2003 which supports and promotes education, leadership, health awareness, and human rights in the U.S., Africa, and the Caribbean. Many institutions are named after Andrew Young in Georgia like Andrew Young International Boulevard, Andrew Young Center for International Studies at Morehouse College and Georgia State University’s Andrew Young School of Policy studies. Ambassador Andrew Young is also a well sought after speaker. He is in demand to share the wealth of knowledge and strategies generations need to implement today in order to continue the legacy.▄

12th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

T2T

I believe nothing else would move Andrew Young faster into continuing the legacy than making the decision to enter into a place where he could make the most difference. He ran for U.S. Congress a second time in 1972 and became the first African American to be elected to Congress from the South for his time, he served in the House of Representatives and was re-elected for two more terms. Since he was an active supporter of President Jimmy Carter during his campaign, in 1977 he was appointed to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and would make pinnacle strides in government during his tenure there. Some of those contributions was to end white minority rule in Zimbabwe, he participated in the diplomacy that led

The Legacy of Rev. Joseph E. Lowery

“…to work for that day…when justice will roll down like waters and righteousness as the mighty stream.” Written by Shernita Wiggins-Wynder

M T2T

any of our Civil Rights leaders were inspired later in life by another leader walking in the fight for justice already. Joseph Echols Lowery, I believe he got his motivation from under the hands of an officer who was sworn to “Protect and Serve.” Unfortunately, that day, when he walked past the officer at the age of twelve and accidentally bumped into him, he did not realize that it would lead to a beating. Born in the south, in Huntsville, Alabama on October 6,

1921 (some say 1924) however, it was in the 1920’s during an era where hardships and harsh treatment of African Americans were second nature. For over 50 years, Reverend Joseph Lowery has given his service and sacrifice to the betterment of the African American community. During the course of this assignment and purpose given to him by God, he has fought against prejudice and discrimination for others till the point of being dubbed, “dean of the civil rights movement.” His mother was a teacher and his father a

12th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

T2T

businessman which opened the door for Lowery to achieve the greatest opportunities afforded him. He graduated from high school in 1939 and obtained a bachelor’s degree at Paine College in Augusta, Georgia. God called him into the ministry shortly after this and he later graduated from the Chicago Ecumenical Institute in 1950 with a doctorate in divinity and in 1952 he became pastor of the Warren Street United Methodist Church in Mobile, Alabama. Being positioned in this city allowed him to assist in the drive to end discrimination in Mobile. In 1957, he joined the ranks of those like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Ralph Abernathy in the establishment of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and in 1968 he became the chairman. Settling into the life of a leader who was not afraid to hear from God and tell His people how to “overcome” and at the same time, tell the opposition where to “step-off.” The techniques used to fight in those days was of a “nonviolent” nature taught by Mahatma Ghandi. Joseph Lowery remained true to his convictions and it cost him personally, at times. For example, in 1960 when Lowery and several members of the SCLC were sued for libel by a commissioner in Montgomery, Alabama all because of an ad that criticized the police department. Lowery’s property was taken when the court ruled against the SCLC members but was appealed and overturned in 1964 by the U.S. Supreme Court. In the same year, Lowery relocated to Birmingham, Alabama and became the pastor of St. Paul’s Church where he preached the gospel and continued to speak out against the injustices of the day. In continuing this fight, he participated in numerous protests and demonstrations like the 1965 march from Selma to Montgomery for voter’s rights which was sparked by the shooting death of Jimmie Lee Jackson, and activist, by a State Trooper. When Dr. King was assassinated in 1968, Lowery took over as pastor at the Central Church in Atlanta. In 1977, Lowery became the president of the SCLC and helped to revamp the organization by integrating new members and setting their sights on serious issues in the African American community, beginning with police brutality and human rights, which Rev. Lowery knew about all too well.

T2T

Again, the path shifted for Lowery to become shepherd over another flock in the 1980’s as the pastor of the Cascade United Methodist Church. While there the membership increased and so did its financial situation. In the meantime, Pastor Lowery remained politically and socially active as he campaigned against South Africa apartheid injustices. In 1992, he retired but he again led a movement and this time it was the removal of the Confederate battle flag from the Georgia state flag as he helped the city of Atlanta prepare for the 1996 Olympics.

Recently, Lowery was in the spotlight for his role in the inauguration of Barack Obama, who became America’s first African American president in 2009. Lowery delivered the benediction at the event and in his speech, Lowery called for the president and the nation “to work for that day…when justice will roll down like waters and righteousness as the mighty stream.” Ebony magazine awarded Lowery the Black Achievement Award, Clark Atlanta University established the Joseph E. Lowery Institute for Justice and Human Rights in his honor and the greatest honor that Reverend Joseph E. Lowery and his wife Evelyn were given were their three children: Yvonne, Karen, and Cheryl. See, the A-Team, had four teammates, all military who were a force to be reckoned. Each of them was gifted in various techniques and no matter how intuitive and strategic or rugged and beyond the box…they always ended up helping those who needed the extra help to be redeemed and on the side of redemption. And in the words of the leader of the A-Team when these four icons were on the battlefield of life, “I love it when a plan comes together.” Let’s continue that plan and come together for the justice that we all deserve. ▄

12th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

T2T

12th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

TRENDSETTERS TO TRENDSETTERS

Celebrate Black History 365 Days A Salute to Black History

T2T

lack History or African American History Month, whichever name you prefer to recognize it as, one thing for sure, it is a remarkable month-long celebration that highlights black individuals and their contributions to our Nation. It is an annual observance in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and the Netherlands. In the U.S. and Canada it is celebrated in the month of February honoring people and events in history of the African diaspora. Prior to today’s modern celebration, historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History recognized the second week in February as Negro History week. The initial emphasis of the week was placed on teaching the Nation’s public school students about the history of American Blacks. Carter G. Woodson believed “If a race has no history it has no worthwhile tradition”. Negro history week was met with much enthusiasm and support from people of all walks of life. Today is it highly regarded and celebrated as a result of both Woodson’s work and vision and that of the black educators and the Black United Students at Kent State University. Black History Month is celebrated across the Nation in schools, churches, museums, places of employment, community centers, in social and civic groups and the list goes on. It is an opportunity to honor African Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history. Following President Gerald R. Ford every President has since recognized the importance of this celebratory occasion by issuing an African American History Month Proclamation. The observance shifted from what was once a week’s celebration to what is now a month-long salute some fifty years after the first tribute. There are endless contributions that have been made throughout history by a plethora of African American’s. Asante, Molefi Kete offered up in 2002, 100 Greatest African Americans: A Biographical Encyclopedia in which the list was based on five factors to include; "significance in the general progress of African-Americans toward full equality in the American social and political system" "self-sacrifice and a willingness to take great risks for the collective good" "unusual will and determination in the face of great danger

and against the most stubborn odds" "a consistent posture toward raising the social, cultural and economic status of African Americans" "personal achievement that reveals the best qualities of the African American people" And while the list is quite noteworthy and impressive, it is impossible to compile an inclusive list today as the many contributions of African Americans both past and present span from business to architect; from medicine to sports; from entertainment to law; from education to politics and public service; from the arts to science to trades and beyond... There will be much to do and recognize during this month and the month’s to come as we continue the teachings that Woodson started. You can immerse yourself in reading Langston Hughes, “I Too Sing America” or perhaps read and recite the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s. Famous “I Have a Dream” speech. If you are interested in traveling back in time, you can review the timeline chronicling “The Rise and Fall of Jim Crow”. One will be astonished at the photographs depicting the faces and struggles of the “Selma to Montgomery Civil Rights Marches”. Also expanding on the history of African American’s is CNN’s Black in America 2 or perhaps a road trip is in order as you visit one of our Nation’s remarkable museums; The National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, TN, International Civil Rights Center and Museum in Greensboro, North Carolina and the impressive awe -inspiring and breathtaking National Museum of African American History and Culture, a Smithsonian Institution for an up close and personal experience that is sure to stay with you for years to come. We at T2T join the Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in paying tribute to the generations of African Americans who struggled with adversity to achieve full citizenship in American Society and ask our readers to not only join us, but schedule time to attend and/or participate in the many events taking place throughout your city and the Nation that continues the teachings that Carter G. Woodson laid the groundwork for many decades ago.▄

UP & COMING TRENDSETTERS

12th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

Remembering and Honoring a “King” Martin Luther King Jr.

12th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward..▄

T2T

emembering and Honoring a “King”. Martin Luther King Jr., is undeniably one of the most famous and memorable African American’s of all time. This year sadly marks the 51th anniversary of Dr. King’s tragic assassination. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was born on January 15, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia and on April 4, 1968 in Memphis, Tennessee at the young age of 39 the beloved Dr. King was assassinated. While Dr. King is remembered as a Trendsetter in his own right, perhaps he is best known as the most visible and influential spokesperson and leader in civil rights history. He advanced civil rights using civil disobedience and non-violence. Dr. King was an American Baptist Minister and Activists. He was married to Coretta Scott King and together they had four children, Martin Luther King III, Yolanda King, Bernice King and Dexter Scott King. Dr. King was a world leader known for his work in nonviolent campaigns and teachings that emphasized love in action by way of social and interpersonal change. Dr. King had a strong belief in non-violent

protest using his intellect and influence to engage and lead not only African American’s, but American’s from all walks of life. Dr. King was extremely influential in the 1950’s and 1960’s as a result of his contributions and accomplishments on American society. Dr. King led the 1955 Montgomery bus boycott, help found the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, organized nonviolent protests in Birmingham, Alabama, along with assisting in organizing the1963 March on Washington, where he delivered his famous “I have a dream speech”. In 1965 he helped organize the Selma to Montgomery marches, the 1966 march in Chicago on segregated housing and delivered the speech “Beyond Vietnam” in 1967. Among his many awards is the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal. The U.S. Federal holiday honoring Dr. King was established in 1986. There are numerous streets, neighborhoods and community centers named in his honor. There is the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, DC, The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site (US National Park Service) Atlanta, GA, The National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, TN honoring his legacy, International Civil Rights Center and Museum in Greensboro, North Carolina and most recently the unveiling of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, a Smithsonian Institution Museum also recognizing and honoring the legacy of Dr. King. The lists of accolades, accomplishments, credits etc. are infinite when it comes to Dr. King. So as we collectively work to keep his memory alive and honor his legacy and the positive impact he had on so many American’s, we leave you with a few of his famous quotes that will resonate and inspire you to not only follow your dream, but to have a dream! Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.

T2T

12th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

T2T

12th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

CAMRYN LEVERT LEVERT: KEEPING HER FATHER’S LEGACY ALIVE

he world welcomed the very talented and unique Camryn Levert on May 10th, 1998 in Cleveland, Ohio. Ms. Camryn began her career at the age of 5 at a talent show on vacation in the Dominican Republic. It was at that point that little Ms. Camryn made it very clear to her family that she intended to be a singer. Camryn was born to sing and since that first performance, Camryn has performed the Star Spangled Banner at a Cleveland Cavaliers basketball game, as well as an Ohio University Bobcats basketball game, and two Cleveland Indians baseball games. Her passion for music continued after the move to Las Vegas, Nevada in 2007, to be closer to her grandfather Eddie Levert, who advises her on many aspects of her musical career. She currently travels to California and New York to record music for her highly anticipated album release. Camryn has performed in over a dozen locally produced artist showcases and non profit community events, all over the Las Vegas area, Ohio area, and California area, in addition to many locations on the East and West Coast. She has opened for big names such as her own grandfather Eddie Levert lead singer of The O’Jays, the OMG Girlz, Tank, and many more. Her most recent performance at the 8035 music festival in Iowa performing just before Ke$ha was another solid performance to add to her resume. It seems only natural that Camryn's love of singing has been something passed down from her family's musical heritage. Camryn continues to keep her father, Grammy award winner Gerald Levert’s, legacy alive through her own style of music and writing. Currently she released her much anticipated EP, “Moments.” She is receiving several positive reviews from many people around the world with her new project. Camryn's family helps her keep her head on straight. They make sure that she stays grounded despite her whirlwind lifestyle. Everything is still brand new and exciting. Camryn has been warned, however, that the second she takes any of this for granted, it'll be all over. Watch out for this newcomer she is on the brink of something big.

Background to song-

T2T

Camryn shares, I Miss You is a dedication song I wrote about my dad Gerald Levert, and for anyone out there who lost someone they love dearly. November 10th, 2018 will be the 12th year anniversary of my dad’s passing and I felt it was necessary to let out bottled emotions in this song for him. I began song writing 2 years ago and this song is one of the best I have written to date. I hope that this song will help those who are grieving and going through a tough time losing their loved one (s). You are not alone and this song is for you, for us.▄

UP & COMING TRENDSETTERSUP & COMING TRENDSETTERS 12th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

12th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

UP & COMING TRENDSETTERS 33

T2T

Camryn Levert

Julian Dean “Stringing His Way to the Top”

T2T

Meachum

UP & COMING TRENDSETTERS UP & COMING TRENDSETTERS

12th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

UP & COMING TRENDSETTERS 35

T2T

ulian Dean is a fifteen-year-old violinist who resides in New Albany, Ohio. After showing a strong aptitude for music, Julian began playing the violin at the age of six at his own request. Julian is currently a member of the New Albany High School chamber orchestra and has trained privately for the past eight years. Influenced by artists such as the Black Violins, Julian continues to carve out his own niche in the field of violin music. His unique style incorporates elements of hip-hop, pop, and alternative rock music into his playing and has the potential to inspire a new generation that appreciates and migrates toward the exquisiteness of classical instruments. What really sets Julian apart goes beyond his technical ability. It is the purity and joy in which he performs and his ability to invoke the same response in his audiences. With his captivating stage presence, use of movement, and inherent swag, Julian shows a developed talent for engaging with his audiences. Julian truly is an example of the future of violin music as he breathes new life into the field. In addition to music, Julian serves on the New Albany High School track team and is a member of the yearbook staff. In his spare time, he enjoys technology game design and his dog Apollo.â&#x2013;&#x201E;

T2T

UP & COMING TRENDSETTERS UP 36 & COMING TRENDSETTERS

12th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

ASHANTE JOSEY: PAINTING with A TWIST

12th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

T2T

SHANTÉ JOSEY is a visual artist from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Ashanté enjoys teaching art as an art instructor at Painting with a Twist as well as teaching preschooler’s art. She spends most of her time doing independent commissions for new art collectors. Most of Ashanté’s work is black, symbolic pieces, with a hint of feminism. Impressionism, realism, abstractions, and symbolism inspires Ashante’. Her enthusiasm for painting was cultivated in high school in 2009. Ashanté’s interest in painting further developed when she graduated from Pennsylvania State University in 2016. Ashantè studied Political Science and History in college but took multiple art courses to feed her need for creative freedom. She exhibited her first art collection, E11even, in March 2018, with hopes to create a new collection every other year. With experience with many mediums, she is looking forward to taking her art career to the next level with her work in streets, schools, books, and businesses alike. She aspires to teach art therapy.▄

T2T

12th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

T2T

12th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

T2T

EDUCATION

12th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

Dr. Aminta H. Breaux: President of Bowie State University By BSU

12th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

Colleges and Universities and the Governor’s P-20 Leadership Council of Maryland. Previously, she was on the board of directors for Leadership Lancaster, Philadelphia Insurance Companies, SCORE of Lancaster-Lebanon, the Lancaster City Alliance, the American Cities Foundation, Philadelphia Academies, and Dancing Classrooms Philly. She also served on the resource board for the United Way and on the mission and community benefit committee of Lancaster General Health. She is an emeritus trustee of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia after serving there for 16 years. Her recent honors include the Educator of the Year Award from the National Council of Negro Women in October 2017. She was also presented with the Trailblazer Award by the Bowie Business Innovation Center (BIC), the business accelerator located at Bowie State, in conjunction with Capital One. The award recognizes her leadership and vision in instituting a university-wide focus to integrate entrepreneurship across the disciplines. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Temple University, a master’s degree in psychological services in education from the University of Pennsylvania, and a doctorate in counseling psychology from Temple University. She is also a graduate of the Harvard Institute for Executive Management and the American Association for State Colleges and Universities Millennium Leadership Institute. Dr. Breaux and her husband, Melvin – a former partner of Drinker Biddle & Reath – have three daughters and three grandchildren.▄

EDUCATION 41

T2T

r. Aminta H. Breaux brings more than 30 years of diverse higher education leadership experience to her position as the 10th president of Bowie State University. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a passion for ensuring student development and success. She is dedicated to building on the legacy and rich history of Maryland’s oldest historically black university. Before joining Bowie State University in July 2017, Dr. Breaux served as vice president for advancement for Millersville University, where she oversaw fundraising, alumni engagement, event management, and external relations. Before that, she was vice president for student affairs at Millersville University, leading several student-centered areas, including athletics, counseling services, health services, the women’s and wellness center, Greek life, campus recreation, university police, student programs, housing and residential programs, judicial affairs, and financial aid. Previously, she was dean of students at University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, known as the country’s first college of pharmacy. At Drexel University, she served as assistant provost, overseeing experiential learning and service-learning programs, and as director of co-operative education and career services. She got her start in higher education as a career counselor at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Breaux is committed to serving her community, particularly with programs and support activities that enrich the lives of children and youth. She was appointed to the President’s Board of Advisors on Historically Black

Special Need Siblings (SNS) : Non-Profit Organization

Providing resources and support for the siblings of individuals with disabilities

S T2T

pecial Need Siblings (SNS) is a unique, local nonprofit with a global vision to provide support and resources for Special Needs Siblings one family at a time. The mission aims to educate, empower and encourage the siblings of disabled individuals by providing education, resources and supportive programs for the SNS family. The Special Needs Siblings vison is to provide a place where there are ample resources and support for the siblings of individuals with disabilities. Special Needs Siblings promotes unity within our community by bringing awareness and bridging the gap between the siblings at home and in the community at large. The journey of Special Needs Siblings began in 2015 with me, Jeniece Stewart. I am the mother of five incredible children: Christian – 13, Caleb – 11, Jada – 10, Rose – 3, and Raymond -3. My eldest son has autism and intractable epilepsy and the youngest are twins. There are quite a few moments that led up to my creating SNS, but I will share one pivotal moment. Now, Christian has been going to different appointments on a weekly basis since he was 3 years old. These appointments vary in length, location, and type. Speech therapy, occupational therapy, pediatric neurologist, genealogist, ect… Well, it was not just

42 PHILANTHROPHY

Christian attending these appointments on a weekly basis; his siblings accompanied him. They were in the doctor’s office waiting rooms, and pacing parking lots with me. Then one appointment Caleb asked me if he could go to the doctor because Christian gets the most attention. He was really confused as to why his brother always got medicine and went to appointments. My first reactions were anger and defense. I did not understand why Caleb would want to go to appointments. Why would you want to have daily seizures, blood drawn, take medications and experience side effects… why?! While processing the question Caleb asked, I recalled the missed moments with Jada and Caleb when I was busy attending to Christian. I felt a rush of overwhelming emotions: guilt, pain, sadness. It hit me… I put so much emphasis in understanding Christian… I missed how out of place Caleb and Jada were feeling. I honestly never even asked. I knew they were healthy, so I assumed they were fine. My heart ached for them because my love for them was not less, but they felt that way. I sat and thought… am I alone… is it just me? This prompted me to search social media and websites for sibling support. I wanted to connect with other siblings and ask them about their personal experiences, but I discovered a lack of community awareness and assistance for the siblings in our families. The support for mothers, fathers, and varying disabilities was everywhere. It is easy to overlook the siblings within disabled families, but it is crucial we do not. Many of the estimated 4.9 million individuals with developmental disabilities (I/DD) in the United States have brothers and sisters. Siblings are there through the appointments, the tears, the joys, and sometimes become the caregivers after their parents have passed. The resources for the typical siblings were scarce. I longed for support. I could not find it, so I created it. I launched an Instagram account and Facebook page. Using the hashtag #SpecialNeedsSiblings, I asked parents to share their experiences, pictures, and stories while sharing my own. I encouraged parents and siblings to celebrate the siblings of the family, who at times were more like silent partners. I challenged parents to look in the mirror and ask tough questions while encouraging them to start fresh! We have grown from zero followers to over 20K in three years with connections around the world. Special Needs Siblings transcends every

12th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

their journey. There is a pure beauty in the heart of every sibling that the world should know more of. Now, we have so many dreams for Special Needs Siblings, but we cannot do it without help. Our goal is to raise support so that we can fully assist our families both locally and abroad. If you are interested in more information about Special Needs Siblings and how to get involved or support us, you can find us online:.â&#x2013;&#x201E;

www.specialneedssiblings.com IG: @special_needs_siblings FB: @specialneedssiblings TW: @SNSiblings

PHILANTHROPHY 43

T2T

group, every nationality, every class, every race and siblings are the unsung heroes. Locally, we were participating in events within the community, but had yet to formally step out on our own. Our social media presence was strong, but we desired to plant a home base in Georgia. In April 2018, Special Needs Siblings crossed over and was founded as an official nonprofit organization in Georgia! We received our tax-exempt status in August and hit the floor running! We began to partner with businesses and organizations within the community to spread awareness and raise support for siblings of disabled individuals. By October our first grant came from our local Lawrenceville Walmart! It was amazing! Since that first grant, we have received sponsorship from both the Pediatric Dental Anesthesia Associates and the John & JeJuan Stewart Jr. Foundation for 2019! We are also proud to have become official partners with the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, as they move forward to pilot new programming directed towards the special needs community in 2019. We are excited to be the voice of siblings when launching initiatives aimed at the special needs family. Special Needs Siblings hosts community events, family resources, and parent and siblings support services. We do this by using our platform as a place where siblings and parents can come and share their unaltered story. We give them an area where they can feel free to let their guards down and simply be siblings. SNS grants everyone permission to be their best self by acknowledging the ups and downs siblings face on the journey. Siblings of disabled individuals are incredibly special humans. Our desire is for them to feel encouraged, empowered, and loved at each step of

Shades of Sexy GRAY HAIR in Your 50's, 60's & 70's By Power of 3 Women

Dr. Linda Amerson

S T2T

ome women in their 50's are not ready to accept their gray wisdom strands; therefore, hair color is their monthly image friend. Gray hair is most often a hereditary gift that many individuals would love to return. Gray hair is due to the failure of pigment formation in the hair follicle; which means the pigments are not producing the hair color, or an interruption occurs during this production. It is common for the hair to lose its pigmentation slowly as a personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s age increases, and it indicates normal physiological changes. However, it can also be an indication of internal disturbances or nutritional deficiency. Some of the causes may include: *Excessive worry from personal or family issues, grief from losing a spouse, child, parent, grandparent, etc., grief of losing several people or family members con-

HEALTH & WELLNESS

secutively. Some people have also experienced alopecia (hair loss) from this type of grief. *High profile positions involving making decisions that affect millions of people. Have you ever noticed how our elected presidential leaders enter the White House with their dark hair then, after a few years of decision-making, they begin to show visible signs of gray hair. *Work overload at work and/or at home. *Anxiety and nervous strain may relate to a deadline, a possible promotion, concern over oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health, or abuse of any type. *Premature grayness may occur as early as childhood with a few strands, progress to sprinkling during adolescence, and then to further graying during your

12th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

twenties. It is usually hereditary. *A copper mineral deficiency. *Some individuals experience complete grayness by age 30. One good example is American Idol winner Tyler Hicks, who received much ridicule about his gray hair when he was a contestant. You have the choice to embrace, color it, or add gray extensions to flaunt your sexy gray. Join us for more media on Ask Dr. Amerson, renowned Board Certified Trichologist, and Journalist. 817 265 8854 or Hairandscalpessentials.com

Ester Davis

here is really no ‘gray hair’. Hair turning shades of gray is really silver, white, charcoal and some cases lite toasty brown. I am not much of a hair person, but I am definitely a clotheshorse and shoe magnet.

I love 'My Silver Hair: Glorious and Sexy'! Entering my 70th decade, my raw hair became more stubbornly independent and soft shade of silver began to spring up with an attitude. My ‘silvering’ was gradual. Some people thought I was using a highlighter called ‘ice’. Others thought I should color it one of the many black, brown, golden tones on the hair market. Actually, there was no decision made on my hair. I was too busy promoting my television shows and visiting grandchildren. I was content and “glamorous” with silver hair. I thought this “silver diva” had a new image of boldness and aggressive entitlement. As a model in the 60’s and 70’s, I was told that I had too much hair. I sincerely hated sitting under a dryer, so perms were short lived. The menopause years were experimental. I did not take the hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The women in our families thought “all that stuff” was hazardous to your health. I opted instead for rigid exercise routine and whole foods. Many of our decisions in mid-life should depend on what our mothers and aunts did. My mother and my Dad’s sisters gave my sisters and me a lot of information on our bodies, temperament and life going forward. Further, decisions in later life depends on who you really are your goals of significance and legacy. I care little about age. . . except it is a number. . . a privilege, but it does not define who I am.

Valder Beebe

am hopeful that women reading this article (50’s and beyond) are elated to be their age. I share a delight in writing to our audiences around the globe about the power of being 60’ish and loving our hair. Gray hair is something of a beauty phenomenon. Gray hair is an embodiment of wisdom and elegance manifested from the woman who wear it. Though commonly reserved for women in their more mature years, once hated by many as the ultimate tell-tell sign of ageing, has now become a fashionable hair colour in its own right. Thanks to Instagram stars and bloggers, the trend took off. #Grayhair has over 1.5 million hashtags on Instagram. Today is a pivotal time in women’s history. This decade, perhaps more than any other, will leave an indelible mark on the beauty industry, not so much by iconic women but by movements #Metoo, Black Lives Matter, Women’s Liberations Movement, to name a few. We must thank a host of famous women who were not afraid to wear their hair naturally and proudly we salute them. By our 60’s for many of us, our hair has turned gray (some long before our 60’s) and hair coloring is our first line of defense against the natural aging with time. Yet Toni Morrison, Nichelle Nichols, Jamie Lee Curtis, Helen Mirren, Judi Dench, Ester Davis (TV Talk Show Host) and Carla Hall (ABC The Chew) choose to go ‘natural’ with their hair color. Carla Hall in the past has told the press on a red carpet…50 years of age; it is time to embrace her gray hair. It is kind of my [Carla Hall] little stance of saying we are beautiful in every shade, and to celebrate our wisdom. For your next salon appointment talk to your hair stylist, Gray hair is trendy! Nobody needs to dye or hide it any more – the women of this world stand by mature hair with style and self-confidence.▄ More Award-Winning Valder Beebe Show THAT CELEBRITY INTERVIEW ValderBeebeShow.com, Youtube.com/ valderbeebeshow, 411RadioNetwork.com, SoundCloud.com/valderbeebeshow, PChatman Network and VBS affiliate broadcasters. 214 274 0719 The Power of 3 Women is a media consortium with a combined audience of over 500 million viewers, listeners and readers. We have a combined 50 years of experience in media.

12th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

HEALTH & WELLNESS 45

T2T

Host/Producer “Ester Davis Show” www.esterday.com 214.376.9000

Nike Unveils Black History Month 2019 Collection

T2T

ike is celebrating African American culture to start of 2019. The sportswear giant will be releasing a drop that will help consumers embrace their heritage. As part of a yearly initiative Nike will be releasing a Black History Month themed collection. According to the formal press release the designs were inspired “by an assortment of national African patterns, brought together onto modernized prints in a theme of Afro-futurism in sport.” The set will include some of Nike’s most classic and sought after basketball models including the Lebron 15’s, Kyrie 5’s and Air Jordan 1’s. Staying in line with the celebratory theme the sneakers feature Afrocentric detailing including a very generous use of kente cloth accents and branding of applicable words such as “Equality”. Senior Creative Director for Nike Basketball Jonathan Johnsongriffin detailed how the collection aligns with the modern athlete. “In sport, there’s a movement happening where athletes are inviting others to discover the full side of who they are, through finding their voices and improving their communities,” he says. “We wanted that movement to inspire this year’s design.” Aside from the limited-edition shoes Nike also announced they are launching the Future Varsity program, which provides leadership training to 14 young African Americans who are creating positive change in their communities. The participants will be paired with mentors from within and outside of Nike to help advance their causes (their projects range from organizing charity basketball tournaments in Chicago to providing nutrition education to youth in New York City). Programming kicked off Friday, January 18 in Atlanta, Georgia.▄

46FITNESS TRENDS

12th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

ATlANTA’S vErSIoN of ADvErSITy To BuSINESS oWNEr By T2T Staff

“I’m fat and I hate it! Hiding beneath clothing” Seven years later and two kids, she found herself at a breaking point. After traveling to Puerto Rico on a vacation, she took several pictures on the beach. When she got back home to load the pictures on her computer, she noticed that her body looked

12th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

different from what she remembered. In fact, she was quite devastated looking at those pictures because she remembered sucking in her tummy on the beach. She never noticed how much she had gained due to the fact, she would just buy larger clothing and would hide behind her clothes. She never wore skirts, shorts or anything that would show her legs. “What did the Scale Read, little miss piggy?”

A few months later, she decided to buy a scale. It took a few months because she was still in denial about being overweight she bought a digital scale because she wanted to know exactly how much she had gained. She was shocked to learn that she weighed the same weight when full-term with her youngest son. She was 40 lbs. overweight with no baby inside her belly this time. At this point, she knew she needed to make a change. She had already lost uncles and aunts from healthrelated issues such as heart attacks, cancer and strokes which alarmed her greatly. In addition to that, her Abuela (grandmother in Spanish), had suffered from several strokes within a three-month span (Early 2014). Her grandmother’s passing last December caused her to really realize that our health and environment has a lot to do with how we survive as humans. “Little Miss Piggy competes in Bikini Bodybuilding Competitions” In December 2014, she had lost 40 pounds by simply changing her eating habits, counting calories and exercising more often. She used the MyFitness Pal religiously. It took her awhile to wean herself off that app after a year. Although, she lost most of the weight on her own, she did not like her lack of muscle mass. She wanted to be more toned and tight. She would see other fitness models in the gym and I can remember thinking “I want to be tight and tone just like those ladies.” She thought about plastic surgery too! But, plastic surgery is the easy way out and can cause many health risks. So she hired a nutritionist who introduced her to the world of bodybuilding. His program taught her a lot about weight training and how to organize her training sessions. She also learned how to be in tune with her bodily changes. Now she can determine which foods benefit her health. With the help of Raul Hitshew, she placed 2nd in her 1st bikini bodybuilding competition. In addition to his methodology, and her own research she learned the “what” you eat matters just as much as “how” much you eat. Through food manipulation and elimination, the body can undergo amazing changes in just a few months. She believes her profitable investment in her life was investing in her health.▄

FITNESS TRENDS 47

T2T

eci` Maria Orengo is the first in her family to have earned a Bachelor’s Degree. She studied Mathematics from Kennesaw State University and studied Chemical Engineering at Georgia Tech and Savannah State under their dual degree program. She is currently a financial analyst at TravelPort, a travel distribution technology company located in Atlanta, GA. She also mentors and offers math tutoring to the youth in her community. In December 2013, her grandmother suffered from a stroke and she was compelled to gain the knowledge to promote health and fitness. She is now the owner and founder of CMOResults (pronounced C-MORE-Results) Fitness & Nutrition. She takes pride in encouraging healthy lifestyles to enhance the mind, body, and spirit. She has been a guest speaker for prestigious organizations such as the Eastern Stars and the United States Navy Military just to name a few. She enjoys sharing her knowledge about Fitness and Nutrition with others. She has helped several people in her community achieve their health/ personal goals. Ceci` believes the greatest rewards in life are accomplished by consistency and struggle. She is the mother of two young boys Demayas 12 and Amari 8 years old. This motivational speaker’s motto is “achieving is believing.” Ceci` recalled and shared how her grandmother’s stroke took her to another level. “The day I CHANGED my mind about food, increased life-long benefits that I could never imagine.” She considered it a lifelong transformation. She quickly realized how ones eating habits affect them emotionally, physically, and spiritually. For her, food was an outlet. As a young girl, her mom helped control her eating habits by placing parameters on what and how much she could eat. She remembers her saying “Ceci` slow down, some day you are going to want be a cheerleader and boys don’t like fat girls.” She didn’t mind telling her like it was. Ceci` credits her with the reason she didn’t grow up as an overweight child. However, those restrictions only lasted for so long. After going off to college, she was free to eat as she pleased. She remembers eating her first Jr. Whopper and how good it tasted! She ate out a lot and would eat 2-3 plates of food in the college food hall. Her mom was not around to place limits or boundaries on her eating habits. Therefore, the weight would soon sneak up on her as she aged.

ASKATTORNEY ATTORNEYMO! MO! ASK Written By Monica A. Teasley, ESQ.

The Connection between Charity Work and Business

n recent years we have seen the death of many famous icons, notably Prince and Muhammad Ali. A common link between the two was their charitable work to improve their communities. Both contributed to a number of organizations, and helped establish and fund others. They chose to be profitable and contribute, but there are a number of ways to give back. How you give back is up to you. You can establish a charity and do good works. Or you can use the profits and resources of your for-profit company to give back. NONPROFIT OR FOR-PROFIT

T2T

Entrepreneurs with a serious social conscious when starting their companies often struggle with the decision to establish their organizations as nonprofit or for-profit, in order to accomplish their goals. I always remind my clients when we are discussing making this decision that both organizations are companies, and must be run in the same professional and diligent manner. Determining which entity to use requires one to also realize that nonprofits unrelated business income can threaten its nonprofit status, or a for-profit might need help managing its philanthropy. Making that decision also boils down to understanding how the organization sources its capital. A for-profit can raise money through private investors, for which it must give equity or dividends to shareholders, and the investors expect a return. Nonprofits must seek donations from individuals and corporation’s and possibly the government in some cases. Donors seek a “social return” on their investment, expecting the funds to be utilized in the community as stated by the organization. Nonprofits remain tax exempt and eligible for foundation grants. For-profits can make money that can be reinvested into the company but also can be profitable to the investors, with no limits on the amount of profits or where the profits have to be utilized. Nonprofits have to reinvest 80-90% of profits back into the organization. For-profits can raise unrestricted funds from angels and venture capitalists and make tax-deductible donations to nonprofits.

LEGAL TRENDS

L3C In a blog I previously wrote, I discussed the new hybrid corporation called the low-profit, limited liability company or L3C. The L3C is a type of nonprofit and for-profit organization, a new type of limited liability company which is designed to attract private investments and philanthropic capital in venture designed to provide a social benefit. Unlike the standard LLC, the L3C has an explicit primary charitable mission and only a secondary profit concern. But unlike a charity, the L3C is free to distribute the profits to its members/owners. Downside is L3C legislation has only passed in a few states L3C’s are a way for companies that need to make a profit stay afloat and keep their social missions at the forefront. However, since the IRS has not confirmed that an L3C can be an official recipient of foundation funds, even with the legislation they may not be able to receive nonprofit status. TAX IMPLICATIONS Each entity is taxed as if it is independent of the other. Nonprofits are still exempt from federal income tax, as well as taxes in states and localities in which their tax-exempt status is approved. For-profits are taxed according to their corporate structure. FOR-PROFIT CORPORATIONS CONTRIBUTING TO THEIR COMMUNITIES Entrepreneurs interested in making a profit, and not having the time and energy to establish and run a nonprofit, still have the desire to contribute to the communities they do business in. There are numerous ways for mindful entrepreneurs to give back to their communities, and in turn build relationships in the communities and contribute to improving social problems. Corporations can partner with community organizations that align with their businesses; fitness centers can work with communities offering free classes for underprivileged children to combat obesity, accounting firms can work in community centers offering

12th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

Monica A. Teasley, ESQ.

Teasley Law Group, LLC 404-377-5512 teasleylawgroup.com 12th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

T2T

financial literacy classes, law firms can offer free or low costs will drafting for seniors, etc. The advantage of the for-profit is the obvious availability of funds and resources to contribute to the community, which generally has limited resources and needs what the company brings to it. Community service work not only improves relationships, but it empowers the disadvantaged helping them to improve their lives. Making social impact requires innovative thinking, not just in the products and services brought into the community, but also in terms of organizational structures and mechanisms for raising capital. Social entrepreneurs challenge how business is done by effectively tackling problems in the community. How you choose to contribute to your community as a business depends on the type of structure that best allows you to achieve your mission. Additionally, a measure of your success is a focus on your companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s impact in the community, not just profits. The service or product the organization is offering has a significant impact on the problem it aims to solve. Businesses innovate, which has consistently made the world a better place. Businesses create thousands of jobs, improve the quality of goods, services and lives, and ultimately raise the standards of living. By making the right choices for you, your company and your mission, you can change the world. â&#x2013;&#x201E;

Valder Beebe Show: Feature Living

Legend B.

Smith

. Smith, her given name is Barbara Elaine Smith, known as B. Smith, is an American Restaurateur. My adoration goes far back for B. Smith, now in her 60’s and suffering from Alzheimer’s disease her life is quite different. Living quietly and well taken care of by her husband Dan Gasby. To me she is the ideal living legend for me to share about. She has inspired many women across the globe. B. Smith was the second black model to be on the cover of Mademoiselle Magazine in 1976, after Joli Jones was

with Style!

featured on the cover in 1969. B. Smith authored three books concentrating on recipes and presentation: B. Smith's Entertaining and Cooking for Friends (1995), B. Smith's Rituals and Celebrations (1999), and B. Smith Cooks Southern Style (2009). I list her accolades very effortlessly yet keep in mind the years B. Smith was making her strides, women and African American women especially were still [and are] being held back in society. As she was being lauded as a bestselling author, Smith owned multiple restaurants, called B. Smith; the first opened in 1986, on Restaurant Row (Manhattan) and in Sag Harbor, Long Island, New York. She also owned a restaurant in the historic Beaux-Arts Union Station in Washington, D.C. Today, as she lives her life in a quiet manner, being doted over by her loving husband Dan Gasby, a television producer, they continue to be a quiet force. Smith and her husband released “Before I Forget” in early 2016, detailing their journey following her diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer’s. Dan Gasby is working to honor his wife and her wishes with his efforts to bring an assisted living facility to the South Fork area that will serve people with Alzheimer’s and other memory-related diseases. Gasby said he is collaborating with Maplewood Senior Living, a Connecticut-based company. He said he wants to include elements that reflect the tastes of his wife. In the prime of her public and personal life, B. Smith hosted a syndicated television show, B. Smith with Style on TV. Her show was groundbreaking, a first for a woman of color to host her own lifestyle show. This was the era of Martha Stewart dominance and B. Smith did not look like Martha Stewart, making it a challenge that she had to find her audience. She did find her audience and the show was a cultural and ratings success. The greatness and uniqueness about her show B. Smith with Style is that she welcomed a variety of guests who added to her love of all things in life, from haberdashers (B. Smith loved hats) to great food, and the beauty of home. B. Smith a seasoned culinary and lifestyle expert, hostess/chef/entertainer demonstrated the tricks of her trade, from entertaining guests to cooking delicious meals for two. The show’s guests were the top celebrities of the day. Appearances from Danny Glover, Sally Jesse Raphael to features of learning to make Gumbo.■ We at the Valder Beebe Show salute B. Smith. B. Smith inspired me by her accomplishments, her fortitude, her love for her husband Dan and B’s love of the beauty of life. B. Smith is and was a style icon, a domestic maven and a woman of grace, beauty and a glass ceiling breaker. She will all be an inspiration to me as I guide my endeavors of the Valder Beebe Show to success.

ValderBeebeShow.com

T2T

TRENDSETTER SPOTLIGHT TRENDSETTER SPOTLIGHT 50

12th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

Power of 3 Women: Salute Living Legend Ann M. Williams, Founder and Artistic Director of the Dallas Black Dance Theater by Ester Davis

12th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

to take dance lessons. For nearly 40 years, Ms. Williams has directed Dallas Black Dance Theatre from a community-based organization and a semi-professional organization to a full professional dance company. For 44 years, she was married to the late Nathaniel Williams, a retired administrator of the Dallas Independent School District. The Power of 3 Women salute Living Legend Ann M. Williams for paving the way for us and many other women, girls and children of color to succeed. Job well done Mrs. Williams!■ Authored by Ester Davis, The Power of 3 Women is a consortium of media women in TV, Radio, Social Media and Print Publications.

TRENDSETTER SPOTLIGHT 51

T2T

etting to stand on Ann Williams Way in the Dallas Art District and being photographed for the cover for our 2019 Entrepreneurs of Color magazine debut is history making and awe inspiring in a matrix of ways. A bit of history as several facilities in the Arts District are history past and present. The Arts District cultural leaders and cultural institutions is home to 13 facilities and organizations including Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, St. Paul United Methodist Church, and Dallas Black Dance Theatre. Each of these esteemed historical institutions have an individual and a shared history. Booker T. Washington, in 1892, Dallas established its first high school for colored [African American] pupils. In 1911, the school was enlarged and named the Dallas Colored High School. St. Paul United Methodist Church over 100-years old in Dallas’ Arts District, originally “Freedman’s Town,” St. Paul United Methodist Church has served a significant role in Dallas’ religious, cultural and social identity. First organized in 1873, the current church was completed in 1927. St. Paul served as the first school in Dallas for black children, and several of these students became prominent residents of Dallas. The Dallas Black Dance Theatre Company is the 10th largest minority arts organization in America and the fourth largest black dance company in the nation. Ann M. Williams a graduate of Prairie View A&M University holds a Master of Arts Degree in Dance and Related Arts from Texas Woman’s University. In May 2008 was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy in Dance from Texas Women’s University (TWU). Ann Marie Williams’s early life paints a picture of why dance was her future. Ann was born Annie Marie Ferrell on October 21, 1937, to Lloyd and Izora Ferrell in Coolidge, Texas, in the Sandy Community of Limestone County. She attended the Sandy Community School, Phyllis Wheatley Elementary School in Hubbard, Texas, St. Anthony’s Catholic School, and Lincoln High School in Dallas, Texas, where she graduated in 1955. She was first exposed to the arts in high school. The field trips to the opera, symphony and ballet provided exposure to dance as a profession, and she also took private dance lessons at the YWCA in Dallas. In 1968, Williams was the first African American woman to receive a M.A. degree in dance from Texas Women’s University. She formed the Dallas Black Dance Academy to teach children who no longer had a place

MEET SUSAN SUSAN J. J. ROSS MEET ROSS: “PHoTo-GrIoT”

Cover Photo by Susan J. Ross

usan J. “Sue” Ross is a “photo-griot” with a specialization in documenting images which portray the comings and goings of the African -American community – cultural, political, social and economic. In the African tradition, the griot is the oral historian holding the essence of African history and culture through the word. Sue Ross, the photo-griot, uses photographs to tell the stories of the African-American community. Sue Ross has combined her passion for photography with her positions in government administration for the City of Atlanta over the past 30+ years, serving as photographer for many Atlanta events including, the Atlanta Jazz Festival, and as the informal, and sometimes formal, chronicler of activities during the administrations of Atlanta’s six African-American mayors. Recently, she retired from her position as vendor development manager for the City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management after 35+ years in city government. Sue has exhibited widely in solo and group exhibitions

in Atlanta and nationally since 1985. Her work appears regularly in local and national publications. Her photography has appeared in numerous books, most recently Atlanta Jazz Festival: 40 Years and MFON: Women Photographers of the African Diaspora. Her work is included in the permanent collection of Clark Atlanta University Art Galleries and the Museum of Contemporary Art in Georgia and in several private collections. She is a 2004 recipient of the Paul R. Jones Family Fund’s first national Spiral Award to Artists of Distinction and has been honored for her cultural work by the Trumpet Awards Foundation, Spelman College Digital Moving Image Salon, Rolling Out magazine Top 25 Women in Atlanta, Welcome Magazine MECCA Award, Concerned Black Clergy, the Black Women Film Preservation Project, the Hammonds House Museum, the Atlanta City Council, and the Georgia House of Representatives. Sue is a founding member of Sistagraphy™: the collective of african-american women photographers. She serves on the boards of the Hammonds House Museum and Heal/ Nutrition Plus HHC and on the advisory boards of the Black Women Film Network & the BronzeLens Film Festival,■ Susan J. “Sue" Ross photogriot@mac.com www.photogriot.com 404-345-3820

T2T

SUSAN’S PHOTOS Page 49

TRENDSETTER SPOTLIGHT

12th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

T2T

12th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

MEET Mr. James Horton Sights & Sounds Black Cultural Expo Museum By Beverly Hill (Shelley)

W T2T

hile in the North DeKalb Mall in Metro Atlanta, I happened to come across this large intriguing space, Sights & Sounds Black Cultural Expo Museum. I decided to go in to browse when I met Mr. James Horton. The space houses his enormous, personal and historical artifacts! The display started with a ‘Meet the Collector’ table and then a large poster of Tutankhamun along with memorabilia from Egyptian times. I saw books and items from the days of slavery, segregation, Selma and the Buffalo Soldiers. The display seemed like it would never end! But it did end. It

TRENDSETTER SPOTLIGHT

ended with an impressive display representing and honoring our 44th and first Black president, Barack Obama! Although there was so much to see, Mr. Horton informed me that this was just half of his collection!! Horton begins speaking, “When I was 6 years old, I was in a little wooden boat fishing with my great-great grandmother on the Black Warrior River in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. She told me that her great-grandmother told her that someone that looked like me was going to travel the world telling our story. I stuttered growing up as a kid and wondered how I was going to go around and tell a story if I could not even talk. My great-great granny said the day would come when they will not be able to

12th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

place (chuckles). I started reading and doing my own research about Africa and determined that either what I was reading was a lie or what they had been telling me since I was a child was a lie. God started sending Africans to talk to me, and they would bring me artifacts. I also spent a lot of time in African stores and shops to learn more. Budweiser (Anheuser-Bush) produced the Great Kings and Queens of Africa posters. One of the teachers of a school I visited gave me the complete set! I added them to my collection.” As Horton looked around he said, “Number two is my inventors’ table, because growing up I didn't know so many things were invented by black people. One thing that made me take a closer look at this was when I was as a boy I would hear my grandfather and my father say, ‘Boy go get me that monkey wrench.’ Why do they call it a monkey wrench? Since I did not have enough nerve to ask them, I did research myself. I found out that Mr. Jack Johnson, a black heavyweight boxer in 1922, was the creator of the invention, and he had the patent for it. They call it a monkey wrench because monkey is what they called us at that time. Another invention is the train coupler. When a train backed up a coupler joined it together. An interesting fact is that the man who created it for the train sold the patent rights to the railroad for $50,000. Because he sold the patent, the railroad made all the money.” Ahhh…so number three on his list of favorite exhibits is President Barack Obama! He concludes, “As a child growing up you could have never convinced me that in my lifetime a black man and a beautiful black woman would be president and first lady of the United States. I think the thing that bothered me more than anything else is that my grandmother and stepfather were not here to see this. My grandmother would say, ‘Boy you're smart enough that you could be the president of the United States.’ I would laugh and say, ‘you know ain't no black man going to be the president of the United States.’ My stepfather would say, ‘I can't wait till the day to see a black man is president of this country.’ They had the vision! When President Barack Obama was elected, I got up and did a little ‘holy dance’ on behalf of my ancestors… particularly my grandmother and stepfather, because they told me it was going to happen! The Obama’s as a family were great for the country, even for the world! They were the first black couple of the United States and sent a message to the world that shows black men and women in a different and positive perspective. They showed that NOTHING is impossible! They also showed love to each other, to their children, and to their family. Barack Obama showed an openness to the people.” Although Mr. Horton has his three favorite exhibits in the museum, his entire collection is truly a must see if you want to walk through many timelines of history. I was very impressed. As my exciting journey ends, consider visiting Sights & Sounds Black Cultural Expo Museum. It is a great learning adventure for a family outing, or for a school field trip! Mr. Horton will be there to greet you…and teach you. ▄

T2T

shut me up (laughing). It started in elementary school and in high school. They would allow you to tell a story after you read a book. I was always asked to tell a story, and what I was saying was what my great-great grandmother had told me. That grew into me collecting things.” At 22 or 23 years old, Horton started his collection. It was not until 1980 it would become a museum where he would invite people. He became a director of the McDonald Hughes Community Center and held that position for 28 years. He turned every room in the center into a museum, the gym…everything. He would find pictures and other historic treasures and put them on tables and on the walls. Someone found out about it and started bringing young people in. He excitedly started increasing his museum pieces. In 1976, during the bicentennial year here in the United States, Mr. Horton was working with some children in Tuscaloosa, Alabama and began telling them his story. A girl came up to him and said, “All the positive stuff that you're telling us about black people can't be true because you are the FIRST black person that has been in the newspaper that hasn't killed someone or gone to jail.” He thought about what the girl had said, began to ponder, and thought to himself, “you always hear about negative things black people do…not the good.” This is why it has been so important for Mr. Horton to reach the masses in promoting the positive role African Americans have made in history. Horton moved to the Metro Atlanta in 2000. When he moved, the museum stayed packed away in Alabama. “I was working in the maintenance department at Morehouse School of Medicine. My brother told some of his colleagues that I had some information that would be good to share with the students. They agreed, and I did it! About two weeks before the display was to open, two women were on the elevator at the same time as me. One of the women said, “I understand that there's a man from maintenance that’s supposed to bring some sort of display here to show us. What can somebody in the maintenance department show us?” The other woman said, “I’m not going to waste my time to go see it!” They did not realize the person they were talking about was I! Upset, I went to Tuscaloosa, Alabama to my storage, brought back all my collectibles, and displayed them on that day. I went from two to three tables to about 10 tables! I was set up in the hallway outside the elevator. I could not wait for those women to get off the elevator! I was so upset by their earlier comment that it gave me incentive. Every time I had a few extra dollars, I would go to yard sales, driving around trying to find things. People would come to me and offer certain items. Many times, they were things that the person did not want to throw away but thought it could be displayed in the museum. I have 1,900 – 2,000 artifacts and literature on display that includes 31 tables currently. I have about this same amount in storage…I need a bigger place!!” I asked Mr. Horton what his favorite three exhibits were and this was his answer, “The African exhibit is my favorite. Growing up I had no idea what Africa really was. I thought it was run by Tarzan, Jane and Cheetah and everyone lived in huts. I thought the children were running around with big bellies, no modern buildings, and wild animals were running all over the

Sean Mulkey… Man of Many Colors By Beverly Hill (Shelley)

M T2T

eet Sean Eric Mulkey, man of many colors and talents!! Sean is a 35 year old artist based in the Atlanta area. He considers his art style contemporary perspective realism, and his primary medium is acrylic. I met Sean at the Annual Hot Chocolate Affair, an annual event hosted by poet laureate Hank Stewart and the Stewart Foundation. I attended this event, and boy was I pleasantly impressed! He painted ‘live’! Live art is painting on the spot during a program, etc. By the end of the event, his painting was auctioned. That was the first time I saw Sean do his thing. Never had I seen anything like it before, and it was amazing! He painted so meticulous, so intent…as if he was engrafted in his work. Sean was a five-year-old military brat. His dad wasn’t an artist, but he drew a picture of Sean’s sister. When he saw the

TRENDSETTER SPOTLIGHT

drawing, it was at that moment when he first became interested in art. Through elementary and middle school he started getting better and better with his drawings and becoming more creative. Sean states, “I would take construction paper and cardboard and make my own toys, like the Transformers. Drawing was the main thing I liked to do. It gave me a sense of peace. I would draw comic strips or certain cartoon characters over and over again.” In middle school was Sean’s first structured art class. He says, “It was cool to be able to exercise what I love to do because before all of this, I would get in trouble for drawing during class. My favorite part of going to school was creating and learning about the principles of design. On the flipside, the art teacher knew I had a gift, but he didn't nurture it. He would say you're kind of advanced, so we are going to let you sit in the corner and do what you do. I took full advantage of that by doing what I wanted to do…creating what I wanted to create.” He continues, “If you see someone with a lot of potential don't just place him off to the side and think they already have it. If I had been nurtured, I feel that I'd be further along with my artistic abilities than I am now.” Sean Mulkey’s first ‘live’ art performance was in 2013 at Infusion Bistro, which is now closed. When he first began the painting, he was really nervous, but once he got going his nervousness eased away! Queen Sheba, spoken word artist, started attending this event, and eventually she asked him to paint for her during her show. Now he is blessed to be painting every fourth Sunday as she performs! While Sean was doing a live painting at an event in Riverdale, Georgia, Hank Stewart was in attendance and saw his work and admired it. Stewart told Sean about his Annual Hot Chocolate Affair coming in 2015 and invited him to take part. Sean accepted and has been a participant ever since. “I'm inspired by a number of things” Sean adds. “In 2012, I took a shift in my thinking…how can I relate to the people? I've never been on drugs or alcohol; therefore it caused me to develop some soul-searching…to find myself. I had to develop a vocabulary and my own fingerprint to develop me as an artist in the art industry. I pulled some things out of my own life, certain relationships and certain people, in certain places.” There are artists that Sean admires, one being Justin Bua, renowned artist, author and speaker. He says, “I looked at his art and how he portrayed the human anatomy, especially with hip hop artists like Doug E Fresh, Tupac, Biggie Smalls, just everyday people and buildings. His art captivated me, and I learned about perspectives from him. I added my own twist to my paintings, gestures and how the body moved. I adjusted them for what I wanted them to say. Then there was a British Nigerian artist that I admire. Everywhere he goes he sketches

12th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

Sean Mulkey is definitely a man of many colors, and he will share all of his colors and talents with you. In fact, he created a Jamaican scene painting for me. He shares, “I want to create a resource hub; a hub of knowledge, education, people resources, just a one stop hub of information for future artists who are following in my footsteps. I want to share who I am to the world. My idea of success is being happy, traveling, and creating a facility where people can be around people of like-mindedness and where they can share their ambitions. I want to help develop an art community because it’s lonely at the top and I don’t mind sharing my wealth with people that have the same drive as I do.” He leaves young artists with these words, “Keep doing what you’re doing, and never be afraid to make a mistake. As a child I never spoke up, and I had very low self-esteem. I learned through trial and error, and I found someone that I could sit under and learn. Once you find someone, let them know what you need.” Sean’s mission statement is, ‘I am the author of my creative universe. As a visual artist, my desire is to create a world where people can play and simply get lost in. Though my paintings and other creative mediums, I strive to provide alternate reality for those who are looking for and can escape from their own reality. My goal is not just to provide you with fine art, but to gift you with an experience of adventures for your heart, mind and soul.▄

T2T

people, places, buildings… everything. Now I take a journal everywhere I go (chuckling). If I look at a person, see a word, or whatever, I have to jot it down. It’s like an extension of my brain. If I ever need an idea I always have a fresh one…just pluck one from my journal!” “When I am painting live, I can't just walk up to the canvas and ‘start’ painting on a piece of art that I do live. I have to begin by channeling and directing my focus on the piece I am about work on. With the music, people screaming and clapping, those things really strengthened that part of my brain.” He adds, “At home, I create my own atmosphere. It depends on what I'm creating; I play music, party music, drink a little wine or look at a documentary. When painting, it's like a journey. I listen to ‘trap music’ for Graffiti art, Caribbean music for an island painting, and I’ll have some beer (laughing). “I’m a musician as well,” Sean reveals. “I play keyboard. I’m very jazz-inspired; I like Nat King Cole, Miles Davis, Louis Armstrong, etc. And I’m also fascinated by the 20’s era and the Harlem Renaissance.” He creates landscapes, portraits, book covers, tattoo designs and so much more. It’s kind of hard to do his own work, because he has so many commissioned pieces to do. A commissioned work is art done for someone personally for a fee. He explains, “Doing these can be very difficult when I'm fully emerged in my own work…my mood changes. I’m not a zombie but I'm sooo focused on my work; I'm on a mission. Even at home everything has to be clean… the bathroom too, and I have to eat first (he laughs). I’d say everything is to the OCD level, and then I can work!! It's like creating another dimension to step into.”

T2T

12th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

Dr. Felicia Phillips :

MogulCon, Helping Women in business to SCALE and GROW Interviewed by Beverly Hill (Shelley)

r. Felicia Phillips is a phenomenal business tycoon with an extensive background in making the business ideas of women come to life. I attended her MogulCon event for the first time and was so impressed that I began asking her questions to gain more insight into her leadership and motivations to inspire women.

Beverly: What is MogulCon? Dr. Phillips:

MogulCon is a three-day event designed for women in business to help them scale and grow. What we found in the U.S. is that only 6% of small businesses make over $100,000.00 dollars. You would think there were more, but the reason they don’t is because they don’t have a real plan in place. A lot of people get passionate about something and think ‘I want to turn this into a business’…but passion doesn’t pay the bills. You’ve got to have a strategic plan. MogulCon was designed to help you think through WHAT that strategic plan is and to find out what are all of the things that you’re going to need. We teach how to get partners, how you run your supply chain if you offer a product and what marketing channels are you going to use to get to your audience. We want to push them outside their comfort zone. We tend to want to do what we are comfortable with. Usually at MogulCon, what happens is that you start to realize what you don’t know. We have the relationships and resources here to help you be successful.

Because when you do what you love, it is not about money. It’s about impact in your community, changing how people think and changing their lives. I started hosting workshops, volunteering at various nonprofit organizations and teaching entrepreneurship, and I fell in love with it! From there, I started my private business coaching practice, and it has evolved in so many ways. Then we launched the Pinkprenuer Network, which is also an organization of women. A lot of them are small business owners across the world. What it evolved into was a sisterhood, because there is something about being women in business. Although you may have different challenges, just knowing that there are other people who are walking in your shoes and can understand makes a whole lot of difference. I’ve been doing business coaching since 2008.

Beverly:

Who inspired you to make your dreams come

true?

Dr. Phillips:

Beverly: Do you have workshops and seminars often?

Two people actually. One was my great grandmother, Mattie. She was probably the first successful business owner that I knew. She owned real-estate, owned a salon and was an investor. My father was my other influence. He was an entrepreneur. He was the person that really cultivated me to speak my mind. He taught me how to communicate, look people in the eye, respond to people and make them feel that you’re only talking to them in that moment and they have your full attention. Both of them together shaped me for who I am today.

Dr. Phillips: I have workshops and seminars all throughout

Beverly: As a little girl, were you always business minded?

Beverly: How long have you been in business?

Dr. Phillips:

I’ve actually been in business for 28 years. I started out in real estate and finance, and then when the economy crashed around 2008, I decided that I wanted to do what I love.

12th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

Dr. Phillips: I knew at the age of eight that I was going to

own my own business. I remember going to school in the 8 th grade carrying a briefcase. And to be honest, because I never saw anyone working a 9 to 5, I didn’t know what that life was like. Everybody around me was an entrepreneur, and I thought that’s what you’re supposed to do…you’re supposed to start your own business!! So that was always my mind set.

Beverly: All of the ladies that you’re involved with seem so pumped and inspired. Tell me the things you do to motivate these women?

TRENDSETTER SPOTLIGHT 59

T2T

the year. I also have an online academy. What I understand is that people are busy, so I designed the Black Belt Business Academy, which is a self-paced instruction designed for the modern day entrepreneur. They can come online, take their classes and do their homework. We also do live Q&A’s. We do everything through teleconference or videoconference, and it tends to work very well.

Dr. Phillips: I show up for them every day. Sometimes

we build a wall because we’ve been hurt with past relationships, and we feel like people have let us down. We have a private community online. Everyday I’m encouraging them, sending them positive messages, teaching them and not being afraid to share. One of the things I realized is that the speed of the leader determines the speed of the pack. You have to set the tone. If you’re going to be a leader, you have to show up for your people and be consistent. They have to know that they can depend on you and know that you’re going to be there. I think that’s what I’ve done for them. Everyday I’m showing up in their timeline, on their phone, on their computers, in their email or even in person. To know that there is a group of people who understand and support you can make all the difference in the world.

Beverly: Name some of the humanitarian efforts that you have participated in or have started?

Dr. Phillips: We find women that are low to moderate

income, we ‘gift’ them workshops, and we gift them with tickets to MogulCon. You’ve got to teach SOMEBODY how to do SOMETHING, you can’t keep giving people things…you’ve got to equip them. You’ve got to give them skills if you want them to do better. We give them those skills. We bring in sponsors, partners, other women in the organization, and they lend their talent. We specialize in women, because that’s all I know. After 28 years of being in business, I have been where they are at some point.

Beverly: What are some important key messages that you want others to take away from this?

Dr. Phillips: Oftentimes, we get an idea and get so ex-

T2T

cited saying, ‘I want to build this online store.’ You build it…and nothing happens. Set realistic goals and get help. Do not be afraid to ask for help. We think when we live in our own forest that everything we are doing is great. It is the bomb. And then when it doesn’t happen, we don’t understand why. Get a coach, a mentor, or somebody who is where you want to go and where you want to be. When reachable goals are set, you feel accomplishment and can see things happening for you and for your business. People tend to set goals they can’t achieve, and then they simply give up. Set realistic goals!!▄

FASHION

12th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

T2T

12th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

T2T

Rhonda Ross Photography

12th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

MODEL

PAGE PAGE

BEAUTY SPOTLIGHT 63

T2T

12th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

Rhonda Ross Photography

Michael Mills photography

Mark Johnson Photography

eet Ms. Page Queen a Cosmetologist by trade and an inspiring model by passion. Page is a native of Akron, Ohio who experienced a short, but enjoyable stint in Atlanta, Georgia. Page inspired to modeling after being captured in a family photo. While juggling her hairdresser role and letting her own hair down when she rides her motorcycle for fun and relaxation, Page has found a way to balance the three. Page did not have to look too far for encouragement as her family and friends cheered her on from the start. Page, shares how her parents have been her biggest supporters. Her love for the fashion industry made her a natural fit. She especially enjoys the part of dabbling in lots of color with different looks and endless appealing makeup. Page is particularly fond of Angela Bassett. She admires her style, grace and beauty. She marvels at the way Angela pushes herself to the limits in everything she takes on. Page is destined for success with her own grace and confidence. Her endeavors are largely supported by countless individuals. Page enjoys making people feel good about themselves and seeing their beauty inside and out. She has come to appreciate the same in herself. Page is determined to make her modeling dreams a life-long reality. Page shares, “that prayer is the key that unlocks the doors”. She prays in every move she makes while she awaits what life truly has in store for her. Page is grateful to Trendsetters to Trendsetters Magazine for joining so many others who have been an inspiration and support to her. ▄

MEET KEIRA ARTER

Life ife ++ Style tyle

T2T

eira Arter is a 36-year-old single mom of 3 children (14, 10 & 6 years old) which are her world. Keira works full-time to support her children in not needing for anything, so they can focus on what's more important like getting good grades and just being a good student, in hopes of molding her children into producing a successful future for themselves chasing after their dreams. Keira has decided to take on an extra task in life by chasing a part of her dream, which was to become a model. Not just any model but a plus size (curvy) model that would attempt to show the world that you do not have to be a size 2 to slay a runway and that we can do it just as good. Keira started modeling in 2016, her 1st show was a runway fashion with over 800 guest in attendance, she thought about how 800+ guest was a rather large number to be debuting her rookie modeling skills that she had just learned merely 2 months prior to that day in practice. However, Keira wanted to show her children that anything was possible in life no matter how old you are, you just have to believe. So, with the thought of her children in mind Keira took a deep breath adjusted her posture and took that first step on the runway in the spot light and hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t turned back since. Keira was not always that confident in herself but it's something about when she lost 150lbs a year prior to that moment that has set off a signal in her brain to spontaneously go for anything that she set her heart to do as long as the door of opportunity was open. Since then she has been an inspiration to others, not only to other plus size women, but to other single moms. After a year and a half of modeling in a couple of different shows from Cincinnati to Detroit and other surrounding area shows she had been casted for, along with a plethora of empowering photoshoots. Those shoots were to be shared with blinded eyes that had no knowledge that plus size women can be just as beautiful and tasteful in front of a camera while embracing all of what God has given her as a voluptuous woman. Keira wanted to expand on her aspirations of inspiring others, so she interviewed for a radio host position. They were looking for a confident women of a more curvier size that wanted to speak out on a weekly basis to help inspire other women to love themselves no matter what size they are. Since March 23, 2017, Keira has joined a team of women, CURVILINEAR RADIO, who ar e all on the same mission in life. Their mission is to inspire people that have insecurities within themselves to LOVE THE SKIN YOU'RE IN! They believe God has put them on this earth to change lives. If but only one at a time starting with the mind and keeping it real while doing it. Follow Curvilinear Radio live online at WTMHradio.com or livestream on Youtube every Thursday 810pm.â&#x2013;&#x201E;

BEAUTY SPOTLIGHT

12th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

MODEL

12th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

T2T

K E I R A

FASHION… ARE YOU INDULGING?? By T2T Staff

T2T

ashion is incredibly exciting to some and intimidating to others!! There is ALWAYS something for every taste imaginable but, are you indulging? Fashion allows you to express yourself through clothing. You have the freedom to mix colors, styles and fabrics. You can wear vintage today and totally retro tomorrow, but are you indulging? Are you playing it safe for fear of criticism? Are you playing it safe because you never really connected to that inner DIVA? Are you playing it safe because you are extremely conservative? Fashion allows us to get into that time machine and walk out in the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, etc!! Have you ever watched a classic movie and admired the fashion? Did you fantasize about secretly playing that one particular character that your eyes were glued to because he or she looked incredible? Fashion allows you to make that transformation, but are you indulging? Have you ever thumbed through a magazine and saw a model wearing a striking dress and as you continued flipping pages you found yourself back to that same page with the model? That is you trying to visualize yourself in that dress, but in that moment, you are talking yourself out of it at the same time. Sometimes we are so critical about our bodies that we totally avoid pieces that would look great on us!! We think we are too short, too tall, too big, too small when in actuality, you haven't tried anything on to make that final assessment!!! Try on EVERYTHING!!!! You will never know what works until you try!!! Experiment with style, color, length and fabric!! Take full control of your decisions and selections. Go shopping by yourself. Sometimes having a

FASHION

companion can affect your choices. They may discourage you from selecting a particular garment. This is ME time! Do it for you and nobody else!!! Get out and explore this wonderful world of fashion!! INDULGE, INDULGE, INDULGE!!!!! Be FANTABULOUS!!!! A few tips to help you on your journey! . If you like it, try it on . If you don't like it, try it on . Try on bright, vibrant colors . Try pieces you would never think to wear . If you always wear pants, try a skirt or dress or vice versa . Don't like ruffles, try it again . Don't like prints, try it on . Explore, explore, explore!!! Keep in mind that you are just trying clothes on. Only you make that final purchase decision. You will be completely shocked with your findings. The very thing you were avoiding could possibly be the thing that looks stunning on you!!!▄

12th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

T2T

12th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

T2T

68 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

12th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

DAVE TOLLIVER of (MEN at LARGE) IS BACK !

“BABy I’m rEADy”

12th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

day of a loving father-son relationship. The title is “Second Chance Dad” scheduled to be available this fall everywhere. Before all of the tours and plays in his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio Dave was a very popular radio personality. To this day he still does a show every Monday night at 9 pm called “Blaq Pavi and the Sweet Ts”. His theme is party and BS with passion and purpose catch the crazy on the Jay King Network. Then there's the podcast “Blaq Thoughts” on the Anchor platform where he tackles more edgy subject matter and it is definitely not for the sensitive ear. In October Mr. Tolliver graduated with his Bachelors in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. With this degree, there are aspirations of performing arts schools that will be attended on scholarship. Until the ribboncutting ceremonies, he is actively developing new and established artists by teaching them the way or polishing them up. In the new era of music, Dave has and will stand the test of time. They say real RnB is coming back so in the machine enhanced vocals and trap beats from the heap of obscurity and abandoned genres he stands and says to the world, Baby I’m Ready!!!!!!■ Booking: themenatlarge@gmail.com @davemenatlarge and Dave Tolliver

Social Media:

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 69

T2T

uess whos back? Dave Tolliver (Blaq Pavarotti) ½ of the legendary RnB group Men at Large is taking the plunge as a solo act with his latest release. After 26 years of touring with the Gerald Levert discovered group Dave has his sights set on a successful venture all alone! February 1st, 2019 he released a tribute to his fallen brother by remaking the #1 hit “Baby I’m Ready”, already getting critical acclaim and Levert family approval. His previous single “Home” reached #4 on the Billboard Singles Sales Chart, was also featured on “Single Ladies and “Scream Queens”. All systems are a go for a national tour starting Feb. 20th in Washington D.C. The single is available on all digital platforms for streaming or purchase. It took a brave man to tackle a Gerald Levert remake, those type of songs you just don’t touch ie: Stevie Wonder, Anita Baker, Luther Vandross, Whitney Houston, or Gerald Levert! Besides the music Tolliver has been busy doing stageplays and this spring and summer will be touring with the productions “Daddy’s Home But My Husband Ain’t” and “His Double Life” in that order respectively. Throughout his 30 year career, he has shined next to notable actors like Clifton Powell (Ray), Bernadette Stanis (Good Times), and Hawthorne James (Five Heartbeats) to name a few. If that's not enough as well as writing songs he has started writing the story of his biological father and their troubled relationship. From a scared youth in the midst of a domestically violent home, the teenage and early years of hate and violent episodes, to the present

JuSTINA AKA “JuST THE EmPrESS” Ready for THE NEXT LEVEL By Wylia Hartman

ustina’s high energy performances keep audiences on their feet and grooving to the beats while she is on stage. The versatility of her voice and creativity of her lyrics make fans want to hear more. From the age of 10 Justina has had a heart and soul for music which inspired her to play the saxophone, participate in a marching band and enjoy the church choir. While in college, Justina wrote lyrics and performed songs for friends and small crowds not realizing that with this hobby, she was actually on to something. While still a little shy to expand and perform she slowly began to blossom and went for it to take over the stage. She then became comfortable sharing her talents with everyone and then ran into DJ Pest who would help her shine and build confidence in her music. Now, Self-Proclaimed "Just The Empress" no longer looks at music as a hobby. Working with DJ Pest, she was able to release her very first EP titled “Empress Behavior” (January 2018), she began participating in Female Cypher's, several collaborations with other artists and helped write the theme song to Team Hustler Music Group "We on The Way". Later releasing her current EP “Natural” (November 2018) featuring her hit single “GO” which is streaming on all music platforms now. She was nominated in 4 categories for the 2018 Arizona Mixtapes music awards and won 3 out of 4 awards; Single of the year (I Love Me Some Me), Album of the year (Empress Behavior), and Female Artist of the Year. She has recently traveled to Las Vegas, Ohio, California and even had the opportunity to perform at the Tempe Improv in Arizona. Without further delay, Just The Empress is ready for the Big Stage and is preparing to take her

talents and creativity to The Next Level. ■

T2T

& ENTERTAINMENT 70 &ARTS ARTS ENTERTAINMENT

12th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

REALESTATE TRENDS 71

T2T

rnita Cole-Sie has been in the real estate business for the past sixteen years. Whether you are buying or selling in today’s real estate market, you need a professional with experience that can keep you informed of the current market conditions. When you are an informed consumer, you’ll make the best decisions for the most important purchase or sale one can make. For Buyers: Take a step of faith, and move from apartment living to enjoying the freedom of home ownership. I will put you in touch with a mortgage lender that can get you ready to purchase. Atlanta has a smorgasbord of new home subdivisions for buyers to choose from, in any size and any price range. I always advise my buyers to do their homework about each builder and I ensure them I will shop numerous subdivisions for exactly what they want. Just think, for every builder that cannot meet your requests, there are ten more that usually will. There is also a great deal of resale homes on the market. Whatever your home preference, call me today, and let’s put a plan in action! For Sellers: Now is the time to put your home on the market. Home values have gone up tremendously in the past few years, so you don’t want to miss out on an opportunity to gain more than what you paid for your home. Most homes receive multiple offers within the first few days on the market. Call me today; I will do a market analysis for you and get your home sold quickly! ▄

T2T

12th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

T2T

12th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

T2T

12th ANNIVERSARY EDITION