Sophisticated Urban Minds May/June 2013 Issue

S . U . M .

Sophisticated

Urban

Minds

May/June 2013 Volume 3, Number 2

Congratulations 2013 graduates

The Rebirth Issue Germaine Moody Defines Seeds of Greatness

www.sophisticatedmag.com

VISION BOARD

MAY/JUNE 2013

Celebrating our 2013 graduates Page 34-37

40-45

Beautiful Hustler Page 8

Honey’s Corner Breaking the Cycle: Childhood Obesity Page 32

Page 12-13

Mother’s Day Tributes...14-15 Young Mother Spotlight.....16 Young Father Spotlight.....18-19 Inside Moca Part II......11 Elementary School Spotlight.....22 Jr. High Spotlight......23 High School Spotlight....24 College Spotlight.....25 Community Spotlight.....26 Suspicous......28 International Corner....38-39 Entertainment Spotlight.....54-55

S.U.M

Sophisticated Urban Minds Publisher Naomi ‘MzNay’ Bonman Co-Publisher Willing Winn Assoicate & Mission (WWAM) Public Relations Manager OPEN Account Representative OPEN Colunmists Nakeisha “Moca” McDaniel Dr. Deborah “Honey” Winn Contributers Curl J. Louis Calvin McDaniel Joshua Scott Tamara Jackson Shannon Morris Jude Nebo Dalia McNeil Seyon Festus

Athlete Spotlight......59-60 Business Opportunities Positive Celebrity Gossip.....70-71 Urban Terms 72

As of June 2013, Sophisticated Urban Minds partnered with Willing Winn Associate and Mission.

Purpose & Vision

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ow time flys!

Sophisticated urban minds is three years old. This birthday is a very special one for sum because this is our rebirth issue and the theme for monumental issue is “purpose and vision.”

Three years ago when I started this magazine, I started it as a side hobby after completing a senior project at Clark Atlanta University. I did not imagine that it would pick up the recognition that it has gotten over the years. With that being said, our purpose and vision for SUM has broadened.

we chose Germaine Moodie for our cover story. Mr. Moody just completed his book entitled, “50 Seeds of Greatness,” and in addition to that he has gained Worldwide recognition has a motivational speaker and event planner. He is an inspiration to our youth.

er and Father spotlight. These are just a few key highlights that make this issue phenomenal. I can’t wait to see what else God has in store for SUM. Sincererly,

Naomi ‘MzNay’ Bonman

Also in this issue we are in- Naomi ‘MzNay’ troducing a few new sec- Editor-in-Chief tions to the magazine. The first is ‘Honey’s Corner”.

Our grandmothers play a vital role in our lives, especially in the lives of our youth.

Bonman

For those who have followed us since our “Urban Centric” days, you may remember our “Community Star/Hero” that we showcased online. We have revamped that and are now featuring an Elementary, High School and College spotlight.

We want to highlight our youth who are achieving greatness in their communities and schools.

The purpose of SUM is simple. We want to create a positive impact world wide among our youth and young adults by empowering, educating and enhancing their minds. Next, our vision for the magazine is to become a mainstream magazine by the end of 2013.

This year is all about brand- And last but not least, we also ing and marketing SUM to have our 2013 Graduates Spotthe community, which is why light, as well as a Young Moth-

“Everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him.”

Colossians 1:16

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CONTRIBUTORS/ May-June 2013

Dr. Deborah “Honey” Winn

Nakeisha “Moca” McDaniel

Co-Publisher & Columnist San Bernardino, CA

Columnist Atlanta, GA

Shannon Morris Writer Atlanta, GA

Curl J. Louis Writer New Orleans, LA

Joshua Scott Writer San Bernardino, CA

Calvin McDaniel Sr. Photographer Detroit, MI

Jude Nebo International Writer Nigeria

Seyon Festus International Writer Nigeria

Tamara Jackson Writer Atlanta, GA

If you would like to be a contributing writer, please email us at sophisticatedurbanminds.mag@gmail.com.

Our writers come from all across the Globe from all walks of life.

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Beautiful Hustler Living Out Loud With Moca

Let me start by saying this is an infamous topic for entrepreneurs and business owners. So, Beautiful Hustler, you are not atI’m a go getter, a business woman about my tempting to tackle something that hasn’t grind. I own my own media-public relations been done before. The problem is most company. I’m knee deep in the entertainment people don’t know how to handle it, so one scene in Atlanta. I love meeting new people, networking and collaborating to make dreams of two things happen; they completely focus come true. With all of that I am also a vibrant on business and loose their personal life or young woman that enjoys dating and going out vice versa. But I’m here to tell you that balwith friends. While all of this is fine, I continue ance can be accomplished, honey. And while my words might appear simple the actions to find myself in the same situation, mixing business with pleasure. Whether it is with men behind them can be quite difficult, hence or women I seem to get caught in the same cy- the dilemma that you are encountering. cle. I meet someone, we bond through common interest, and then soon after I can’t see the line Separation is the name of the game. You see, having a defined line between business between business and personal. How do you keep the line between the two visible? Is it pos- and personal will allow you a foundation for balance. When you are out to network, sible to have both types of relationships with the same person or do I need to choose one or do just that. Control the conversation and don’t allow it to drift into personal. If you the other? can do this without coming off overpowering, then you have created a business rela-Beautiful Hustler tionship with that person. Now you are in a Atlanta, GA position to receive profit from this relationHey Moca,

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ship. One of the problems women have is they often wait for a man to approach them and during the ‘getting to know each other’ stage business comes up, well business minded women want to do business but the man did not initially approach you for that reason.

So, with that being said, it’s ok to approach the man and set the tone for the type of relationship you are going to have moving forward. On the other hand if you are out just kicking it like Xscape and you meet someone that you like. You guys start hanging out or dating, basically, getting to know each other.

Now you’re friends and through that process business opportunities arise, then what do you do. Well, you still have to create a define line. You see as your “friend” they should respect your business. So, you treat them as any other business transaction with meetings, paperwork, and a quality final product. The moment you allow the thought, ‘well, that’s my friend,’ to enter the equation you have opened the doorfor failure inthe business and the friendship. Plus, you know if this ‘friend’ is a good business inv estment. I mean really, Beautiful Hustler, you know if they are serious, so don’t attempt to take something said in conversation and create a business agreement. Because what happens is you become straight business minded and they are just following your lead until it becomes too much and they bail. So, be conscious of the decisions you make.

As women we have to stand on higher grou because society in general does not look at us and see successful business women even though numerous women have proven

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themselves. I think it’s just some men’s mentality that will not accept that we are about our business. And some men would rather do business with a man that will give them sub par results than business with a woman that has evidence of quality work.

I say this, Beautiful Hustler, because being a woman in the entertainment industry is e tremely difficult. There is a plethora of people trying to ‘get on’ by any means necessary. This makes it harder for the educated and experience woman because men tend to categorize all women. One way to separate you from others is to clearly define that line between business and personal. TRUST, it can be done.

Now, let’s look at this topic from a slightly different angle, going into business with a friend, the ultimate merger of business and personal. There are only two rules I live by in this type of relationship. The most important aspect of this relationship is YOU!!! Yep, Beautiful Hustler, make sure that YOU have a passion and a desire of YOUR own to achieve success in YOUR business.

Why? Because in essence YOU are pursuing YOUR dreams and it just so happens to be another individual that has the same or similar dreams as YOU. If each of you tackles THE business with the same drive success is destined. When one of you become distracted by life then that PASSION and DESIRE will give the other motivation to continue. It’s not typical for business and personal combined relationships to work and if I had to pick a reason I would definitely say it’s because people tend to go into to business depending on the other person.

Well, I say go into business taking full re-

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sponsibility and count it a blessing that your partner has strengths in areas where you may be weak. Also, COMMUNICATION and TRUST is so important. ( *sidenote* this is important in ANY type of relationship) Being able to openly discuss your views on business dealings gives your company a firm foundation in success.

Agreeing to disagree and coming to a compromise to make a profit is a direct result of communication and trust.

CONTACT MOCA

Whew!!! Beautiful Hustler, I told you that was an infamous topic. So much can be said about it and there is so much I left out but I hope I tackled some of the issues you are dealing with.

And remember, while my words may appear simple the action behind them can be quite difficult.

-Moca

Do you have an issue that you are dealing with in your personal or professional relationships, and you feel that you need advice on what to do? Do you need someone that will listen to your problems and give you some positive feedback? If so, email Moca at mocasayz@yahoo.com.

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Inside Moca: Part II

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or those that have followed LIVING OUT LOUD with MOCA for quite some time you might remember Part 1 of Inside Moca, where I realized I was afraid of commitment. Just to catch everybody up, so we will all be on the same page, I had a conversation with my aunt that led me to admit I was afraid of commitment.

I told myself I was over it, done, and it was time to move on. The problem is I NEVER dealt with my internal issues I just coered them up. Now, I have thrown back the covers and dealing with my issues one at a time.

The first one that I uncovered was my WILLINGNESS TO DO WHAT I FEEL. You see, a lot of times we (both men and women) tend to hold back because of what someone else may think, say, or do. Instead of just doing what we feel. Stop holding back or playing that tit for tat game, I’m not going to call him until he calls me or once he takes me out then I will take him out. So, the new and improved MOCA is currently doing WHAT I FEEL with no expectations but just because I WANT TO!!!!!!!

My last longterm relationship still actually had a hold on my thoughts and actions internally which caused me to outwardly act differently. Basically, I thought I moved on and was out here dating and ‘taking the risk’ to fall in love again but I was fooling myself. Since then I have done a lot of self-evaluating and have come across some insecurities that I didn’t realize I had as well as noticed the subtle changes I had made myself after that relationship. I have always been a Giver, it’s I have made a conscious decision to change bewho God designed me to be, whether its encourcause me not being my TRUE self could cause me agement, friendship, companionship, money, to miss my MR. PERFECT FOR ME and I can’t clothes, trips, food, support or whatever. let that happen. This journey of RECLAIMING ME is a doozy!!! But I have prayed, cried, and If I have it and you need it then I will give with no asked GOD to prepare me for the one HE has for hesitation. If I want you to have it then I will give me, so my bags are packed and I’m ready to keep without expectations. All this changed about me, moving on this journey. as it pertains to dating/courting someone, after this relationship. I was like most women when you’re My next stop is COMMUNICATION and TRUST in love and you think he’s the one you do EVI recently realized that I have joined these two at ERYTHING to maintain that relationship. I gave the hip and while they are related to each other him ALL of me. they are not the same. I will talk more about that once I’ve completely moved past that hurdle in I didn’t hold anything back. I allowed him into Part 3. my mind, heart and soul. So, when I found out he cheated I was devastated!!! It almost destroyed I know some may think I shouldn’t allow you me internally I was so depressed but NO ONE all into my life this way but I truly believe that although this is MY JOURNEY it can help someknew what I was going through (except my Best Friend) and she only knew to a certain extent. It one on their journey. The situation is the same got to a point where I was tired. Tired of crying at for everyone but how you go through it is difnight, tired of coming up with excuses of why I ferent, I have chosen to do mine LIVING OUT couldn’t talk to this guy or that guy, tired of trying LOUD!!!!!!!! to figure out where I went wrong, just TIRED. So,

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HONEY’S CORNER

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eing a virtuous woman is what Grandmother’s have established. From their children in their own home down to their children’s children, Grandmothers have instilled certain values within their families that help them to succeed in life.

Grandmothers all across the World of all Nationalities have the same concern for their families. They want to ensure that their family is well provided for, protected and more than above recalled to the fact that every accomplishment is made possible through the works of God. This helps a family to realize that the glue to the family is the reinforcement of the Grandmother. She teaches the family to pray together to stay together. Family is power.

Grandmothers remind their loved ones that family is a safety net. You don’t have to hit the ground because a Grandmother doesn’t let you feel the repercussions of a fault or accident.

We as Grandmothers help you realize reality and are not afraid to tell you the truth. If you are looking for ‘real’, Grandmothers do not dare bite their tongues because in life we come across real situations which cause us to ‘wakeup’ and take a stand.

Grandmothers do not want you to be associated with just anyone, regardless if it is a

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“Pure, Natural and Sweet”

friend business associate or life partner, we want you to be with somebody that will uplift you because we know you deserve the best in life. You have the choice in life to control and utilize the elements in your surroundings to the fullest.

As Grandmothers we see volumes of value in our grandchildren. We realize the potential that you hold better than you know it. From the time that you are born, we could see the potential in you and all that you could become as you grow in age.

As grandmothers we do not hesitate to set you straight. We will tell you what is out there in the “real world” because we do not want you to be afraid of what you will encounter in the world. You have the strength to overcome and stand up against any fear and adversity.

Every family as a Grandma; however, the modern day Grandmas have nothing on the baby boomer Grandmothers. The values that they hold are different, and you can tell the difference between “just a grandmother” and a “real grandmother”. A ‘real’ grandmother is proud to be ‘Grand’.

To Grandmother’s all across the Nation, sometimes our children and grandchildren grow up and become so busy that we end up fading out of the picture, but don’t forget that the ‘real’ picture is original and has truly earned it’s place on the wall in every household. It just needs to be reframed because the canvas it has been painted on is genuine.

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If you are a Grandmother and would like to share your words of encouragement and wisdom or have a question for ‘Honey’ on how you can reach your children and/or grand babies, email ‘Honey’ at PureDHoney@yahoo.com

A Mother’s Tribute By. Tamara Jackson

She is beauty in its purest form. She is strength, hope and survival. She makes a way out of no way. She is unforgettable and irreplaceable. She sees all and knows all. She is comfort and joy. She is a mother.

Waking up to the smell of bacon, sausage, and eggs everyday made me feel as if I had woke up somewhere in a mansion with maid service and not in East Harlem housing authority in a pint size overcrowded apartment. My mother, Lori Chappelle, would never let me or any of the children she cared for skip breakfast. My mom wanted to make sure we were fully energized and that we had everything we needed to succeed. I often thought my home was a school cafeteria or shelter because my mom cared for the entire community; she made sure everyone was clothed and fed. My mom placed hope in the lives of many desperate and hurting individuals. My mom also taught me how to love. She told me that I had to love God and keep him first always and know that God loves me and for me to love other people. My mother is an incredible mother, wife, teacher, and friend. She is beautiful inside and out and I am blessed to have her and stressed to have such a high standard to live up to, just kidding. I thank God for my mom and I’m incredibly blessed to have the one and only Lori Chappelle as my mother.

-Markia Chappelle

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Myra V. Johnson is simply amazing! I love her because no matter what life throws at her, she’s ready to throw it right back with style and grace. She is the prime example of a lady and is my role model. She has sacrificed so much for me. She has always believed in my dreams and continues to push me to be my best self. If I grow up to be even half the woman she is then I know I’ll be alright! Happy Mother’s Day” My Heart”.

-Ashley Richardson

Evette Washington. I love her because she is the ultimate giver. She is a blessing to me and to others. Her love for family is unconditional.

I couldn’t imagine a better mother for me.

I wouldn’t be the caring and loving person I am if it weren’t for my mom. She taught me to not judge and to see people for who they really are. She continues to teach me new things everyday. She is the food to my soul. My mommy ROCKS!!!

-Laura Washington

Anita Parks! I love Anita Parks so much because no matter if I tell her I love her or not she does and will always be there for me and love me unconditionally.

-Sammy Parks II

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Single Mother Spotlight: Dalia McNeil In Reality We Must Realize The Real Lies In Order To Survive

employment in the field I went to school for in 1 month. My children are Principal Honor Roll students as well. I am a proud single parent of my children’s accomplishments as well as my own. The struggle continues because that’s just a part of life itself. My positive choices are what made my struggles easier to deal and live with.

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became a parent in the year 2000 at the age of 20, and was blessed with three BEAUTIFUL girls. All of my children are by the same individual, whom I was committed to since age 18 for 10 years. When I was younger I told myself that I just knew my family would be stabled and non-dysfunctional in a two parent home, like on TV. Well low and behold, my relationship functioned on verbal, emotional, mental, physical and spiritual abuse between both parties. I was the only one in the relationship that was the financial provider, which lead me to feel as though I was single while in the relationship. Therefore, I separated myself and really became single in 2006 because I felt as though I hadn’t lived “life”, so I turned to drugs and alcohol. I even started smoking cigarettes at 27 years old. I’ve lost jobs, been homeless, slept on floors, lived in homes without water, gas and

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lights with my children. I’ve even been separated from my children due to the “struggle”. 85 percent of the “struggles” were based around “MY” choices. I say that because once I began to get “MY” life right, I learned where, what, when, who, why and how I brought negativity into my life. I was raised in a home and was taught about My Heavenly Father so I know mama’s prayers and cries out to God is why I am able to give a testimony.

To the single parents, we must understand that in reality, the only thing that is constant is change.

And once we realize the real lies, which starts with self, then we can survive through the struggle.

No matter what, family and good friends are the ones that will help and encourage you, and those are the ones that God puts in your life to keep in your circle. You may be single, but you are not alone.

Please believe me when I say that struggle isn’t going anywhere. So always keep God in your life and your head up. Be blessed as well as bless others.

I started going to Church in 2008 to the present every Sunday, it helps me to balance out the mental and spiritual entities of the struggles that we all face on a daily basis.

In January 2009 my children and I were blessed with a fully furnished home. In May of 2009 I was blessed with a job. In 2011, I enrolled into school to become a Medical Biller and Insurance Coder. I worked for the same employer during the day and attended school at night. I completed the program in 2012 with honors. I gained

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Acknowledging Our Fathers

By Curl J. Louis

“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”

-Proverbs 22:6

ing of child, let alone teaching and guiding our new born son. I relied on what I observed as being raised by my parents.

Photo Credit: Gerrilynn Townsend Prior to hearing “I’m pregnant”, we were Claude J. Louis with his son Curl J. Louis. both aware of our CHOICE in having Claude was 19 years of age and Curl was a sex and the CONSEQUENCES of unfew months old.

Claude J Louis, 48 Vacherie, LA

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Son Curl J Louis born November 12th, 1983

can still recall the phone call I placed to my girlfriend from the Air Force boot camp in 1983 “I’m pregnant”! A wave of emotions rush through out my body, excitement, nervousness and fear. For the most part fear on how we would explain to our parents! I acknowledge now that I didn’t have a clue on the rear-

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protected sex! As we both entered the parenting role, I was confronted with being a Dad and a Father. Hello, reality kicked into high gear as I held my son in my arm, bathed him and changed his diapers.

Being a sincere Father and Dad is a responsibility and accountability to that individual “man” in raising the child. Not knowing how to rear a child should have been my first clue, “I’m not ready to be a father/dad”, but I had more “pleasure” on my mind than parenting. Maturity, both physically and spiritually is a necessary “Growth Process” to acquire first in becoming a father/dad

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Curl J Louis, 29 New Orleans, LA Daughter Akaiya A. Louis January 20th, 2005

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he day I got the call from my girlfriend in 2004 I was enjoying a day off from work with one of my friends when my phone started, and when I answered it I could tell there was some uneasiness in her voice I said “baby what’s wrong?” She said “I’m pregnant baby.” Immediately I stopped dead in my tracks as I was walking to my room the only words I could utter out was “how do you know?” The phrase that Usher said on his Confessions album those were the only words I could think of at the moment. She told me she had been crying as she was sitting in her car with the three pregnancy tests she had taken. When I hung up the phone I was in disbelief not because she told me she was pregnant, but here I am at the age of 21 about to have a baby and I was still a baby myself sure I had my own place and steady income working at Toys R US and the Air Force but a baby my mind wandered as I smoked a black and walked outside my apartment complex saying to myself “I am going to be a daddy.”

On January 20th 2005 as I was getting ready for work eating some Mickey D’s I got a phone call saying “Curl you better pack a bag the baby is coming today her water broke.” I was like “wait the doctor said the due date is February 6th that’s not today.” She laughed as she said “boy bring your butt down to the hospital your baby girl coming today.” I dropped everything I was doing well almost everything I finished eating my hot n spicy it was far to good not to finish. As I darted out the door I called my boss to inform him I wouldn’t be coming to work today due to my baby coming. As I arrived at Terrebonne General Hospital my girlfriend was already doped up on meds, and I knew they gave her that good stuff because she didn’t realize I was there until after she have given birth to our daughter she said “when did you get here?” I said “really I been here I was holding your leg as you pushed.”

As I sat in the chair holding my daughter looking into her eyes as she had no idea who she was looking at I told her “Hello Akaiya I’m your daddy” those words echoed in my head as I said to myself wow I’m somebodies daddy with a smile on my face thinking today is my proudest moment ever. Now no matter the advice I was given on raising a child nothing amount-

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ed to, or could prepare me for the changes in my life especially those funky diapers “Oh My God what is in that baby food!” Were my exact thoughts as I changed her diapers, and “do all babies smell like this, or is it just you my god forget these baby wipes you getting a bath child.” Regardless of the countless diapers I changed, or sleepless nights I experienced being a father was a reward all in itself that I was happy to be apart of, and till this day when I hear my daughter say “Daddy” my hear smiles as I think back to the very first day and exact moment I held her in my arms and looked into her eyes.

Being a father not just a parent to me is the best thing in the world there is nothing else better well hitting the Powerball is a close second but being a father is hands down number one. As men we have to understand that we are our daughters first love in a man as when she gets older she wants the man she loves to be just like her Father. With our sons they are us reborn again your mother will remind you constantly he is just like you when you were a baby, but before our sons grow up and say they want to be like Jordan they will say “I want to be like my daddy,” and as a man that’s a proud moment when your son tells you that but as a father we will tell our sons I want you to be better than me let nothing or nobody detour you from your dreams or aspirations. The joys of being a father is endless its a reflection of us how we pride our self in not only our children, but as being fathers that make a difference in our kids life.

Photo Credit: NIkita Louis Curl J. Louis, at age 22, holding his daughter, Akaiya for the first time.

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PURPOSE &

VISION

Elementary School Spotlight

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Seryniti Reece, 4th Grade

am a nine year old diva that enjoys doing many things. I like playing, saying jokes, dancing, singing, hanging out with my family, being creative with art and clothing, and am always ready to do and learn new things. I love learning and going to school because I was taught that education is very important.

I am an Honor Roll student that brings joy into my school.

San Bernardino, CA

a Certificate of Recognition from the California State Assembly in Rialto, CA. My inspiration is Bella Thorne of Shake it Up on the Disney Channel. She dances and makes songs with her best friend. She and I share the same hobbies; she has a fun personality and always wants to do something new, just like me.

This world is a huge place with a lot of fun things to do, that I would love to experience. If I only focused on one thing, than I wouldn’t be able to know what it will be like to learn and do other things, which is why I do more than just one thing.

I am a member and leader of Steppers of God Drill Team and Drum Squad. We perform in many events such as the Black History Parade, Christmas Parade, Church programs and com- My family has taught me to keep God in my munity events. Our team has won many 1st life and so should you. He will help you to place awards and is in the Westside Story and live, learn and love everything you want do.

Black Voice newspaper. My team also received

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Junior High Spotlight

Aliana Parnell, 8th Grade Perris, CA

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t just 12-years-old, Parnell is already getting recognition by the city for her achievements in academics. She won the Councilman William Batey Reading contest, which was broadcasted on television and she also won the Cesar Chavez Written Essay contest where she was rewarded with a certificate and a prize of $1,000. Aside from being recognized by community officials, every school trimester she is on the honor roll. Parnell is definitely unique and very motivated than the average 12-yearold.

“I strive to do better things in life,” Parnell say’s. “I pay attention to my grades and behavior more. If I see an error, I immediately try to fix it and try to get my grades better.”

She contiunes, “I actually care about school, my grades and my attitude. I have to get a good grade or I will not stop until I make up any work that I need to get my grades up,” Parnell said.

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Parnell definitely couldn’t stay as motivated as she does if it weren’t for the strong support system of her family. Her family pushes her to do better things that will make her successful.

In the future she plans to graduate high school with a 4.0 G.P.A., so that she can go off to college and then graduate school to get her Masters. Aside from her academic future plans, she also wants to follow her dreams and become an actress and child model. In her spare time, Parnell loves to dance.

“Dancing is a way I can express myself in a way words can’t. For me dancing makes everything better,” she say’s.

Parnell loves to learn new things so she can become better. Now after reading Parnell’s achievements and seeing how she has a gogetter type of attitude, will definitely encourage youth who are struggling with finding out their purpose in life to find out what it is, “Don’t let people tell you that you can’t do something. You shouldn’t let people tell you what you can or can’t do. Don’t let people judge you, they don’t know what you have been through.”

“Also, don’t worry about making mistakes; it is what makes you human, so learn from them and keeping on living. Always try to do your best in school and don’t get caught up in the drama,” Parnell advices.

2013 Accomplishment: Student Government Award, Medal of Academic Excellence, Honor Society, Co-Captain of Vista Heights drill team, made the top percent of the California Standardized test and she is a GATE student.

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High School Spotlight Photo Credit: HBCUdigest.com Chelesa Fearce graduated as valedictorian of her class with a 4.466. Despite being homeless through most of her college career, she magaed to find time to study and excell in her classes.

Chelesa Fearce, 13’ graduate

mom’s car. But she did not let that stop her from finding the time to study.

he next time you think that you have it rough and cannot make it through, think about this. 17year-old Chelesa Fearce. She is graduated from high school as the valedictorian of her class. Her grade point average (G.P.A.) was a 4.466 and she scored a 1900 on the SATs. Talk about amazing!

“I would just pray,” she say’s. “I would tell myself, tomorrow it will not be like this, so do what you have to do so that you get the future that you want tomorrow.”

Forest Park, GA

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Now take this into consideration. She was homeless during most of her high school career. She and her family stayed in shelters, and sometimes even in her

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Fearce’s mother has always empathized to her children how important education is. Chelesa was studying science, math, and all of the above, and it all paid off.

Chelesa will be attending Spelman College in Atlanta in the Fall of this year.

She wants to be an oncologist (cancer doctor).

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College Spotlight

Charles Grays III 13’ graduate Fontana, CA

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harles Grays III is a 2013 graduate from California State University San Bernardino where he double majored in Communications and Public Relations. He is also the president of Iota Theta Fraternity Inc., (Gamma Phi Chapter).

Gray’s has always had the drive and spirit to achieve greatness in his life, “Nothing makes me unique than the rest of the people my age,” he said. “I would consider myself lucky and humbled to be unique. I have a drive and spirit which helped me to revitalize His current goals are to help his fraternity my personality to succeed in life.” expand within the Inland Empire, target high school students and push them to graduate Being involved in a fraternity, allows Grays with a good standing, and he also plans to atto become more involved within his commutend graduate school to pursue his Masters in nity, the community and his parents are two Sports Management and by the grace of God of things that keep him motivated to keep he hopes to accomplish his ultimate dream achieving. “Honestly other people keep me of becoming a Sports Agent or Sports Broadmotivated. You realize the people who have caster. doubted you your entire life, which gives you this certain drive to accomplish the goals you In his spare time, Grays enjoys playing have set. I’m fortunate to have a mother and dominoes, spades, video games, basketball, a father in my life that continues to push me dancing, working out, being a comedian and to graduate and make a difference within my writing poetry. community. So my parents and doubters are my motivation as well as the kids who are Gray’s advice to you is, “When things seem not as fortunate as am. I hope to touch their hard, don’t quit, just push yourself as the lives as well,” Grays said. road to success is in your hands,” Grays said.

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Community Spotlight

Bishop Larry D. Jones & Lady April Jones, Crossover Outreach Ministries

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hen it comes to children who loose guidance in life or who are left in foster care, all they need is someone who can mold them and lead them in the right direction so that they can be successful in life.

Bishop Larry D. Jones and Lady April Jones do just that. Over the years they have opened up the doors of their home and church to help guide youth back in the right direction. Currently they house five children.

“If it wasn’t for them, I don’t know where my grandchildren would be,” Dr. Deborah Winn, CEO and President of WWAM Inc,, said.

Bishop and Lady Jones are able to identify with and help youth because they each have

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a strong testimony that youth can relate to. Growing up in San Bernardino, Bishop Larry had people who looked up to him and respected him to where they gave him the nickname of ‘Little I.E. (Inland Empire).

However, the gangs in Los Angeles (LA) soon changed that when they cane to San Bernardino and started to take over by referring to the I.E. as a gang.

Bishop Jones then left the Inland Empire and went to the Bay Area. While he was in the Bay Area, Bishop Jones became ordained as a minister by Pastor Daniels of New Hope in 1985 at the age of about 18 or 19. Shortly after Bishop Jones came back to the I.E. and started doing Ministry with his father at Changing Hearts Ministries. He called this is church home until he launched Crossover Outreach, which started in his garage in Rialto, California. After starting Crossover Outreach, Bishop Jones’ ministry was blessed with a building that was given to them by Kurt Dunbar.

Since Crossover Outreach has been in ministry they have started a sober living program for adults 18 and over, a dance team called ‘Steppers for God’, a basketball team and they serve lunch to children throughout San Bernardino.

Bishop and Lady Jones’ mission and goal is to continue to provide and assist our youth with the tools that they need to survive and adapt to everyday life.

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Community/ A Look Back

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Our young Black males are still being pre-judged by what they wear. We wanted to take a look back about the case surrounding Trayvon Martin.

BY TAMARA JACKSON

However, I think it is just as important, if not more, to recognize that the parents have lost their son. Any mother and father can understand just how Trayvon’s parents feel. Racism is very much alive in this country. But let’s look deeper. A young life was taken and justice is blatantly not being served. It is quite obvious that race plays a huge part in this case but what is even more devastating is the negligence of the police department.

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n February 26, 2012 Trayvon Martin, a 17year-old Florida high school student, was shot and killed in Sanford. According to the Sanford police report, George Zimmerman, a Community/Events self-appointed neighborhood watch captain, tells police he killed Martin in self defense.

He first called in to report a suspicious male walking through the neighborhood wearing a hoodie.

He proceeded to follow him even after the police told him not to. Several eyewitnesses reported to police that they heard a scuffle, then a cry for help and then a gunshot. Martin was pronounced dead at the scene. He had no weapons on him, only a pack of Skittles and a bottle of iced tea.

Does an innocent life really have to be sacrificed for a few police jobs? The community is not being silenced. Across the country people have been wearing hoodies and posting pictures on social media sites in honor of Trayvon. There have also been protests held with hopes of an arrest.

Many public figures are being criticized for their part in the protest. Rep. Bobby Rush, D-Illinois, told House members, “racial profiling has to stop.” Rush took off his suit jacket, pulled a gray hoodie on over his head and put on sunglasses. He said, “Just because someone wears a hoodie does not make them a hoodlum.” If it takes a congressman to be removed from a meeting in the White House for wearing a hoodie in order for George Zimmerman to be arrested then so be it.

SOURCES http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2012/03/ trayvon-martin-case-timeline-of-events/ http://articles.cnn.com/2012-03-28/politics/politics_congressman-hoodie_1_hoodie-house-floorrush? _s=PM:POLITICS

The African American community was outraged.

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Coca-Cola Teams Up With African American History Makers To Launch “Pay It Forward”

Photo Credi: Google Images

Hip-hop mogul Common (left) and NBA legend Ervin “Magic” Johnson (right) spoke to youth during thr Coca-Cola Pay It Forward program to inspire youth to achieve in business.

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BA legend and business mogul Earvin “Magic” Johnson gave an inspiring speech to a packed audience of more than 500 employees and students from the Atlanta University Center recently at Coca-Cola headquarters.

Joined by multi-Grammy Award-winning musician, actor and philanthropist Common, Johnson shared personal childhood stories and insight into the importance of giving back to the community and participating in the “Coca-Cola Pay It Forward” movement.

Kicking off the second year of its signature program, the world’s most recognized brand, Coca-

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Cola, has enlisted the help of some of today’s leading African American history makers to offer exciting apprenticeship experiences to aspiring youth. Magic Johnson, Common and Black Entertainment Television (BET) chairwoman and CEO Debra Lee will serve as mentors, giving four lucky young people the opportunity to shadow them and their teams for a week during the summer.

The program is open to young people between the ages of 16-21 (as of May, 1 2013). Family, friends, members of the community and young people themselves can go to My Coke Rewards.

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Breaking the Cycle

Breaking the Cycle: Childhood Obesity

BY TAMARA JACKSON

ADMIT THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM Many children learn their eating habits at home. Parents, if you are struggling with weight and proper eating habits, you must acknowledge it before you can battle it.

PROPER NUTRITION Make sure your child has a balanced diet.

They may fight you but make sure they are eating lots of fruits and vegetables. Stay away from processed and fried foods. They are fine in moderation but do not over do it.

Obesity is defined as having excess body fat.

Overweight and obesity are the result of “caloric imbalance”—too few calories expended for the amount of calories consumed, and are affected by various genetic, behavioral, and environmental factors.

Childhood obesity has more than tripled in the past 30 years. The percentage of children aged 6 to 11 years in the United States who were obese increased from 7 percent in 1980 to nearly 20 percent in 2008. Similarly, the percentage of adolescents aged 12 KEEP THEM ACTIVE Part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle is stay- to 19 years who were obese increased from 5 ing active. Get them involved in sports, dance percent to 18 percent over the same period. class or any other extracurricular activities.

In 2008, more than one third of children and adolescents were overweight or obese.

BE AN EXAMPLE Teach them that the healthy way is the right way. Cook with them, eat with them and stay active with them.

STATISTICS SOURCES Overweight is defined as having excess body weight for a particular height from fat, muscle, CDC- “Adolescent and School Health”- http:// bone, water, or a combination of these factors. www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/obesity/facts.htm

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Vitelsia Dedueax Don Lugo Antiono High School

Justin Lepore Wilmer Amina Carter High School

Ariana Collins Don Lugo Antiono High School

Denisa Miles Valley View High School

Micaelah Morris Wilmer Amina Carter High School

Mary Carrillo Wilmer Amina Carter High School

Chyne Ratliff Arlington High School

Rebekah Ornelas Arlington High School

Bree Smith Valley View High School

Charles Grays III Cal State San Bernardino

Tonya Ornelas Cal Poly Pomona

Daniel Levy Cal State Fullerton

Kiva Holmes Clark Atlanta University

Krystal Johnson Clark Atlanta University

Aunjolay Lambert Cal State San Bernardino

Craig Haley Jr., 5th Grade Promotion Ridgecrest Elementry

Talasjia Mitchell, 6th Grade Promotion Jefferson Elementry

Raven Ransom, 5th Grade Promotion Cesar Chavez Elementry

Jazzlynn Woods, 5th Grade Promotion Trapp Elementry

Rachel Ornelas, 8th Grade Promotion Chemawa Middle School

Graduates not pictured:

Derek Wallace Jr. Eleanor Roosevelt High School

Alexander Murray Wilmer Amina Carter High School

Miriam Aguilar Wilmer Amina Carter High School

Elizabeth Edwards Wilmer Amina Carter High School

Casey Deitz Wilmer Amina Carter High School

Alexa Szekely Wilmer Amina Carter High School

Sarah Carpente Wilmer Amina Carter High School

INTERNATIONAL of this year.

Married to Beyonce Knowles who is one of the highest earning musicians in the world, Jay Z reportedly announced his world tour last Thursday, and the tour will include performances in seven African cities, including Lagos.

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merica’s music superstar, Shawn Carter, better known as Jay-Z, will be storming Nigeria as part of his African tour come October

The tour is expected to take off on Monday, September 9 in Poland, with performances in Accra, Lagos, Cape Town, Luanda, Durban, Johannesburg and Dar Es Salaam. His highly anticipated performance in Lagos is scheduled to hold on October 9, at Ocean View restaurant, Victoria Island.

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Wizkid beat PSquare, Flavour, others to win African Artist of the Year

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n the just concluded Ghana Music Awards, Wizkid fell giants; beating super hot artists P-Square, Iyanya, Davido, Flavour and D-Banj to win the African Artist of the Year award.

A big congratulations to WIZKID. The ‘star boy’ just emerged the African Artist of the Year! The competition was held in Ghana.

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CORNER

By Jude Nebo

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Photo Credit: Google Images

Eight-year old, Amarachi Uyanne won Nigeria’s Got Talent, Season 1, this past Spring. fter scouring the country to find the most talented persons, top-rated talent television show, ‘Nigeria’s Got Talent’, crowned Amarachi Uyanne as the winner of its first season.

The primary school student beat out hundreds of acts to win the coveted N10 million grand prize. The 8-yearold petite powerhouse dancer from Benin City, Edo State, displayed incredible talent throughout the show, and danced her way to victory, triumphing over ballet dancers Jess & Ogeh and violinist Godwin Ogechukwu.

“It has been an amazing journey so far,” said Rotimi Pedro, Director of Rapid Blue Format, organisers of the hit show. “The turnout this season was beyond what we imagined and we are glad that we were able to bring together Nigeria’s best young talents and transform them into excellent performers in their own right, “he added.

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Seeds of Greatness Germaine Moody

The Sophisticated Urban Minds Interview

By Naomi ‘MzNay’ Bonman Any passion that you have can be turned into a career. Come with us as Mr. Germaine Moody discusses how he made his passion into a career.

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veryone has a passion, something they enjoy doing. Some wish that they can just do whatever it is that their passion is, and not have to “work”. However, if you love what you do, you will never have to work a day in your life. Find what your passionate about, and turn that into your purpose in life and strategize different ways that you can monopolize and live off of your passion.

that I really wanted to attend, but I couldn’t at the time because I was shooting a music video.

I got so upset about it that day and decided to start my own events.

Now that I think about it, I must have been really upset. We scheduled the first event in Chicago on October 6, 2009, it was the largest networking event in Chicago’s history. From there we did events in Atlanta, Houston, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Seattle, Toronto, New York, London, San Franciso and so on, next thing you know, countries were requesting we bring the networking events to their region.

Germaine Moody, is a prime example of someone who turned his passion into his career. Born ad raised in Albany, Georgia, Moody has made his mark as an international entrepreneur, author, speaker, networking icon, What are some of the activities that are in entertainment executive, wine connoisseur, store for Germaine Moody events between singer/songwriter/music producer, film pronow and the next couple of years? ducer, publisher, designer and chorographer.

We’ve partnered with Royal Caribbean InterAs you can see, Moody is stays busy and had national to launch the world’s largest annual has a very impressive resume. Sophisticated networking cruises starting in 2014. AdditionUrban Minds magazine looks for those like al events launching include our Authors and Moody when searching for the perfect cover Publishers networking event, our Wine Tasting story. Since this is our Rebirth issue with the networking events with Royal Moody Wines, theme “Purpose and Vision”, Moody fit the and we’re also developing a few award shows scope of what we were looking for in a cover around the world. story.

What accomplishments has your event We want youth and young adults, as well as planning company achieved? the young at heart to feel inspired to live out their dreams. Whether you just graduated high We’ve been nominated for three BizBash school, college, changing careers or nearing Magazine Reader’s Choice Awards for “Event retirement and need something else to fulfil Producer Of The Year” in Los Angeles, Chiyour time and supplement your income, this cago and Miami. story will have you thinking in a new light.

What have been some of your favorite How did you get into event planning and events? marketing? Did you start with a one man team, and then added staff along the way?

All of the events are my favorites, but I really enjoyed our event “The Biggest Networking While I was living in Atlanta, a friend of mine Night Of The Year” in London, it was my first in Los Angeles was having a networking event time in the United Kingdom (U.K). Also our

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annual “Moody’s Pre-Grammy Networking Event” In Atlanta, Los Angeles and Chicago, that event is always above, beyond and over the top.

You are in the process of releasing your book, “50 Seeds of Greatness”, what was the purpose behind launching this book?

I truly believe that we as the human race live below our potential, mainly because we are rarely motivated to go beyond the status quo. I want to ignite a flame of inspiration and encouragement within the reader to use their life for a far greater purpose than just themselves, but to influence and impact the lives around them, even the entire world.

More books of course! I’m currently writing three books: “The Power of Entertainment”, “Networking for Influence, Wealth and Power”, and “The Power of Dance” which will include thousands of dance industry professionals around the world.

What does Germaine Moody enjoy doing, when he is not working?

It feels like I’m always working in some way but if I schedule a day or two off, I love to volunteer, go to the movies, travel abroad, read, cook, visit museums, play tennis, bowl and hang out around lakes, beaches and bodies of water.

What do you hope that people get out of reading the book?

We included over three hundred messages from business professionals, leaders and students around the world who answer the question “What does Greatness mean to me?” I believe with the seeds I presented in the book, in addition to the global answers shared from so many countries, it will inspire and empower anyone that reads it to think and live higher, while also destroying racial and continental boundaries.

It will also bring light to the fact that people from all across the globe have more in common that what society and the media tends to dictate to us on a daily basis. This one topic resonated in more than fifty countries, bringing individuals together for one common purpose, who probably would have never crossed paths normally.

What’s next for your writing career?

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What are some of your hobbies?

ne great idea to change your life and change the world.

Motivating others, volunteering, playing tennis and learning to golf.

What is the best way for people to reach you? Email? Social Media?

What is your advice to youth on how they can live up to greatness in their lives despite My website GermaineMoody.com and on any obstacles that may come their way?

Facebook.com/germainemoody.

Get to know yourself and love yourself first and foremost. You can still have fun, but also understand that time waits for no one. The more you prepare now for your future, the better off you will be as you grow into an adult.

Any last comments or anything that the public should know about you, your company or your book?

If we want to make the world a better place for all, then it will only happen when we put aside Listen to your biggest ideas, respect them, our differences and come together as the huwrite them down or start the journey of discov- man race. We can perform miracles as a team, ering how to make them reality. It only takes o nothing will be impossible.

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SUMMER

FASHION

Leather It Up!

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ith the change of the season from spring to summer also comes the transition from spring to summer fashion.

However, some of the hottest fashion trends from this year’s spring collections off the fashion week runways have found their way into summer ensembles of the fashion elite with the hottest trend being leather shirts.

The trend of leather shirts has popped up in spring/summer collections for couture labels from Alexander Wang to Hermes and Celine as well as in the looks created by widely acclaimed fashion designers and personal stylists to the stars like Jeremy Scott, June Ambrose, and Henry Golden Hanger. With the look being worn by stars like Kanye West, Rihanna, and Justin Bieber, the world can expect this trend to continue to show up in more mainstream fashion boutiques and franchises in an effort to capitalize on its ongoing popularity.

This leather shirt can be found on riderdiscount.com for a reasonable price.

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Pop Senstatio Justin Bieber is a fan of the L The material is thin, which will keep you c nights.

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By Joshua Scott The leather shirt look is typically worn in classic black leather combined with an almost punk rock genre combination of slim or skinny pants with those looking to guarantee maximum attention combining the black leather shirt

Photo Credit: Google Images Leather, short sleeve suit look. cool on those breezy summer

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with black leather pants and bright shoes (preferably red) for contrast. This look is most likely a favorite among the fashion forward youth due to its luxurious, yet casual and functional capabilities as it can easily transition from being a sophisticated piece worn on its own or underneath a blazer in a formal setting to being worn simply with a pair of jeans or an aforementioned pair of matching black leather pants and sneakers as well as possible gold accessories. With the all black leather look being most effective for those enjoying the nightlife, the leather shirt trend is also effective during the day in more subtle tones in the appearance of light brown, caramel, red, and white versions. Before the summer commences, the leather shirt trend is sure to turn up on every red carpet, in every club, Photo Credit: Google Images Rihanna is also a fan of the leather suit look. and on the backs of every trendsetter in the world.

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Running out of clothes, but on a budget?

Quick Tips on how to expand your wardrobe

By Shannon Morris

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here is nothing like a brand new outfit to give you self esteem boost! However, timesare hard, so most people are more reluctant to shell out big money for that killer wardrobe.

Luckily, here are three great tips on how to shop for clothing to expand your wardrobe, without breaking the bank:

1) Borrow from friends or family! Some people may not like the idea of borrowing otherpeople’s clothes, even if it’s their own family.

But when money is tight, the idea can come inhandy!

2) Ask a fashionable friend if he/she has any clothing that they do not mind sharing or giving away. Even if you and your friends are not the same size, they may have some special pieces in their closets that you can use.

3) Ebay is another great way to buy new clothing below retail price. Many people use Ebay to bid or buy used clothing for low prices, and some are lucky enough to find a brand new outfit for up to 80 percent off retail price!

People are cleaning out their closets, and usually sell their best items on Ebay since they can make a profit.

Take advantage! Get Creative! If you know how to sew and have an excellent eye for design and detail, pull out your sewing kit and make a new outfit out of your old clothing!

Even if you never sewn before,it is a great skill to have because you never know when you might need to pull an outfit together. In addition, it makes sense to learn basic sewing skills in order to repair rips and tears. Either way, it’s a very resourceful way to expand your wardrobe, and turn unwanted garments into a fabulous outfit!

Entertainment Spotlight

Real Right Hip-Hop Artist Bronx, NY

By Naomi ‘MzNay’ Bonman When they say that ‘real’ hip hop is dead, then they have not heard enough ‘real’ artists who bring real music. For those who have been searching for some new music to add to their playlist, then HipHop artist, Real Right, from the Bronx, New York should statfisy your musical taste.

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How did you come with the stage name ‘Real Right’?

Well that’s how I live. I keep it real and I live right. To me, I see “Real “as an acronym (Respect is Earned at All Levels) and either you get “Right” or you get left.

What do you have planned for 2013?

I have a lot in store for 2013. I recently dropped my third single from my album “Twerk (What U Workin Wit)” we are currently putting together the treatment for the video. I plan on dropping a mix-tape at the end of June and following right behind that, I will be dropping my very first album titled “It’s Only Right” under my label CW-One Entertainment, then off to touring. So this year Is looking busy and active, but that’s what I want.

What have been some of your most memorable moments in the industry so far?

Besides recording my very first album, I would have to say traveling state to state and getting so much support from fans out of New York, plus having my song played on national radio and having my single “For The Haterz” get charted.

How did you know your purpose was in entertainment? What is your advice to youth and young adults who are trying to find their purpose?

I always been an entertainer since the school days. I was always the kid that stood out, you know the class clown, so when I started rapping it was really nothing at all to me. After getting the same feedback from people telling me that I had a gift and I shouldn’t let it go to waste, I already knew from there that it was time to turn up and make music a career. So my advise to the youth is that if you have something that your good at and it makes you happy, stick with it and don’t let anyone get in your way.

las, probably go play basketball or videos game.

So for all you that know, Real Right is a game head.

If you weren’t in the entertainment industry, what would your career be?

Truthfully I’m not even a hundred percent about that, but what I am sure about is that what ever I do I would be an entrepreneur and it would be something that I enjoy doing. I’m not really big on taking orders from other people, plus I want to be the head guy in charge, the boss man.

What are you looking forward to in the next 3 to 5 years?

In the next 3 to 5 years I plan on dropping plenty of more albums, winning billboard awards and all kind of other awards, I plan to start my own label and sign a few dope artist, I also see many other opportunities opening up for me like film.

Are there any quotes or mottos that you live by or that inspire you?

Yes, there are three (3) types of people in the world. One that waits for things to happen, one that makes things happen and one that wants to know, what the hell just happened. Which one are you? It’s that simple.

Who did you grow up to listening to? And how did they inspire you to go after your dreams?

See I grew up with my grandparents; so I listened to plenty of old school RnB and Soul music most of the time. When I wasn’t with them I got to listen to DMX, Jay-z, Nas, Biggie, Pac and Pun.

When you are not in the studio what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

When I’m not in the studio I love to relax and spend time with the family or chill with the fel-

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simply by relying on his reputation as an innovator in hip hop, features from an extensive list of the many now legendary artists he’s worked with (Jay-Z, Beyonce, John Legend, Charlie Wilson, Elton John, Coldplay, etc.), and some of his always iconic music videos.

However, always the rebel, Kanye West has decided to throw out all conventional forms of promotion and has spent the last 2 months spreading the word about his album in ways that are sure to revolutionize the way artists get their music to the public.

Music Review: Kanye West- Yeezus

By Joshua Scott

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ne of, if not the most highly anticipated album releases of the year is the upcoming album from Kanye West entitled “Yeezus”. Being one of the most polarizing, yet highly successful musicians in the history of music, by public perception any new project from West is guaranteed to be successful

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In early May, West made a surprise appearance at a Cartoon Network Adult Swim event and made an impromptu performance of unreleased and unfinished songs off his June 18th release “Yeezus” including songs titled “New Slaves” and “Black Skinhead”. Outdoing himself weeks later, he decided to reveal his song “New Slaves” to the world by recording a video featuring a headshot scene of him performing the song and having the video played by projection on over 20 buildings across the country. Immediately these sightings became viral sensations with phone video recordings of these projections receiving tens of millions of views on YouTube. Again feeling the need to outdo himself, at the top of June West gave a repeat performance of his video projections but on a much grander scale deciding to now play the projections on 60 buildings spanning every continent in the world.

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With the word now out to the world that Kanye was indeed releasing a new album, he preceded on his only conventional promotional move in the form of a performance of hi s now controversial songs “New Slave” and “Black Skinhead” on the popular late night sketch show Saturday Night Live. Both performances were accompanied by background images reflecting the simplicity of the world at large,

and more.

Not taking any prior success or the current state of the album for granted, Kanye has even gone so far as to enlist Def jam co-founder and legendary producer Rick Rubin as executive producer of the album 2 weeks before its release. With all this hard, meticulous work going into the album and his reputation on the which is something that has also been reflected line, “Yeezus” promises to be one of the best pieces from Kanye West, which he explained in the minimal packaging of the “Yeezus” album which features a simple clear CD case, at his exclusive album listening party at the Art Basel Fair in Basel, Switzerland: no cover artwork, and a piece of red tape attached to the side. Although the presentation of the album may be far less intricate than any “I fight to push culture every chance I get. I other album Kanye West has ever presented to only frown because paparazzi ask me dumb the public, the actual album itself is promised ass shit all the time, and I think about changto extremely well executed as West has flown ing the world, and I think what I can do to make things better. And without further ado, some of the biggest stars in music to Paris to I want to play you guys my new album. It’s work on the album with rumored collaborators to be Florence Welch, Skrillex, Jay-Z, Kid called ‘Yeezus’” –Kanye West Cudi, Chief Keef, Travis Scott, John Legend,

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Being around the right people, having the right people around me, having support. I do it for my mom, cousins, family. Just seeing them excited, doing it for my supporting cast.

How do you balance your career, your school schedule and your family life?

Of course family comes first, then school, then track.

Try to balance all of them out, make sacrifices and do my best at them all.

As far as your career what would you say is the greatest support you’ve gotten to reach the success you’ve achieved so far?

Learning that failing isn’t bad, learning from my mistakes. As a runner you’re learning from every race.

Like one year I won at Nationals, but I had a slow time, but I broke a school record. Like there’s both sides to every story.

Athlete Spotlight: Dwayne Booker

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By Joshua Scott

ne on one interview with NAIA track national champion and San Bernardino native Dwayne Booker.

What school do you attend?

Wayland Baptist University What is your role on the Wayland track team?

Basically be the leader as the older guy, be a role model, and show them how to go to class.

How did you get to be on the Wayland track team?

Got a call at So Cal finals track meet in 2001 was offered a scholarship after talking to Coach (Brian) Wedlock.

What did it take for you to get to this point in your athletic career?

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How would you say being from where you’re from has influenced you in what you’re trying to accomplish now?

It meant everything. Like being home is nice but it’s not a great place to be. The Dino (San Bernardino) took care of me, it got me out but I don’t want to live there.

Are there any parts of your journey you wish you could do over again?

No, because it was all worth it. The path I’m on is the right path. It worked out for the best.

What achievements are you most proud of in your track career?

The team title because we all got a piece of the pie.

We all got a ring. Only thing different is the names on them.

What are your goals this track season?

Team title, break another school record, stay healthy during outdoor season. I haven’t been healthy these past outdoor seasons so just staying healthy. Hopefully make it to US National Championships.

What do you plan on getting out of your college experience?

Being a better man, being closer to God. That’s all I can ask for. Plus a degree.

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What are your plans for life after college?

Hopefully make a couple Olympics, watch my daughter grow. Hopefully a woman will want to deal with me. Show the world more about the sport of track and just take care of my daughter.

What advice would you give to a teenager trying to

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have an athletic career at the college level?

Of course try to be around the right people. Some days you won’t want to do it and you need someone to push you. You put in championship work and you’ll get championships. You give your effort to the sport and the sport will take care of you.

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Business Spotlight

Kareem the Dream Taylor

By Naomi ‘MzNay’ Bonman

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ophisticated Urban Minds (SUM) was created to inspire youth and young adults by showcasing them other youth and young adults who have become successful in their careers and dreams. There will always be those naysayers that will tell you that it takes hard work to get to the top and that you probably will never get there.

However, we all know those nay-sayers are wrong. There are plenty of young adults who have put in the hard work and effort, and are not reaping the benefits and watching their dreams come true.

One of these individuals is Clark Atlanta University alumni, Kareem “The Dream” Taylor. Mr. Taylor is native from Brooklyn, New York who is currently working as voice over actor. His career started to take off when he became the voice behind AT&T’s Brackets by Six Year Olds’ commercial campaign. He is also the founder of ‘Pillow Talk’, a radio show that he started while at Clark Atlanta University, which to this day is still doing well.

Some of Taylor’s other accomplishments include national commercials for CNN, DECON, Taco Bell, SEIU, Comedy Central and the list goes on. In addition to Pillow Talk and his voice over career, he is also a contributor at AllHipHop.com.

What are you looking forward to in your career between now and the next five years?

I always look forward to growth and taking things to an entirely new level.

How did you know that your career would be in entertainment and doing voiceovers?

I was in school for film and during my junior year, I realized I didn’t want to make films anymore. It was something I lost interest in. At the same time, I was announcing pageants on campus. I started out doing it for free and soon people started asking how much I charge. So I came up with a price and it got higher and higher. Before that, it was just me and my friends joking around in the dorm with our voices.

My RA heard me and he became sort of like a manager and got me hired around campus.

I started to look into the industry of voiceovers and how to take it from campus to actually doing it on television. I was able to get in touch with a radio legend by the name of G. Keith Alexander who I’ve only spoken to once. But he gave me advice on how to get started and I just took it from there.

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What advice do you have for youth and young adults who want to make their dreams come true, but they do not have the resources (or think that they do not have the resources) to help them get to where they need and want to be?

It’s all about perspective and being able to leverage an opportunity. There were kids in college who didn’t understand how I landed an internship at Rainforest Films. They kept asking “How’d you get it? Did you know someone there?” The answer is no.

I went to a campus internship fair. The same internship fair you and all 4,000 of us had access to. I applied for an internship at Rainforest in the summer of 2008 and I received a nice rejection letter in the mail. I was crushed actually. But I stayed in contact with them and sent holiday cards. I was interested in building something longterm and I knew that staying in touch would help me do that. Almost a year later, I received a phone call offering me the position. For an internship that was supposed to last a semester, I interned there for a year and a few months.

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The Trend of Social Media: Can it Hurt You?

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By Shannon Morris

tious about the information they choose to share over the Internet.“Social media can help with networking and keeping in touch with friends, and also meeting new ones. The harm comes in when we misuse them for why they were created. Especially since jobs look at future employees Facebooks and/or Twitter pages, so people have to watch what they say,” said J’Sacorie Washington, journalism major at Clark Atlanta University.

These days, social networking allows children to bully and humiliate one another, and everyone has access to see it. It is not just limited to the school that the victim may attend, but ANYBODY can view the comments, rumors, and pictures that were posted of that person.

This type of virtual bullying is much more damaging than the good old days where bullies use to steal your lunch money and stuff you in a locker.

e live in an era where social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and the like are literally taking over the media, and how humans interact with each other.

A nasty comment or a rumor that was spread around the school will eventually wear off, but when it is posted on the Internet, it can serve as an instant reminder that will follows the parties involved for the rest of their lives.

Social networking is a great way to stay in touch with friends and family, as well as connect with new people for personal or business purposes. In fact, several of businesses rely heavily on social networking for promotional use and marketing of their services and products.

Social media should be used for its’ intended purposeto network and connect with people on a positive, professional, and/or business level. However, when it falls into the wrong hands, it can have detrimental consequences.

However, people tend to share extremely personal aspects of their lives on social networking sites, which can eventually damage relationships, as demonstrated by the many cases heard in the news about people who have lost their lives because someone got jealous over who they are supposedly in a relationship with.

While social networking is a great asset when used in the right context, it can have a downside when it is not. The biggest issue is the invasion of privacy for social media users, even when they have the option of changing their settings to “private”.

Hackers can steal information and pictures from people’s pages and create fake pages using the person’s photos. In other words, anything that is put out there on the Internet can no longer be considered private.

Therefore, it is crucial that social media users are cau-

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Are Men Really Intimidated By Successful Women

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By Shannon Morris

uccess is the process of achieving a favorable outcome from taking action toward a set goal. Tangible rewards like money and other assets are a mere reflection of your accomplishments, but is not success within itself. The real reward is gaining confidence, a skill – and most of all- knowing that you had the faith and ability to complete all the tasks you embarked upon.

Success is a positive trait, so why are some men “intimidated” by successful women? It is normal for a man to feel a little intimidated by a woman with an impressive list of achievements. In order to fully understand why this may be, look at the gender roles that society has implemented on us.

From an early age, most men are taught to be breadwinners, and provide for their families. A man is seen as more powerful and has more opportunities in life when his bank account is full, and he is educated. This issue transcends racial barriers, because it is not just black men, but men in general who may have an “ego complex” when their manhood is threatened by an accomplished woman. This is the basic outline given and taught to us even though most of these traditional gender roles have long been obsolete.

There is a difference in challenging a man, and challenging his “manhood,” or ego. An insecure man fears a successful woman has more options than he does, which is true. For this reason, they may only date women who are not as educated or accomplished as they are, simply to boost their ego and have the upper hand in the relationship.

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In contrast, secure men respect an independent, intelligent, and ambitious woman who can stand her ground and maintain her femininity. A women who possesses these qualities is the type of challenge men seek to conquer. In my opinion, I do not think that a secure man is intimidated by a woman who is more successful. He is not threatened by anybody’s accomplishments, for he knows that he is in control of his own destiny. I would say men are more turned off by a woman who brings that “workaholic” mentality into her love life. Men may assume that she may also lack domestic, nurturing, and bedroom skills because her career and goals are the only top priority. This is why a lot of successful women are single, because they do not know how to balance out the work and home life, unless they are single by choice.

Truth is, men like to feel wanted and useful. Thus, having the “I don’t need a man for anything” attitude is not attractive. A woman who constantly brags about her success or uses her accomplishments to make others feel small is emasculating and patronizing. In the man’s eyes, she is seen not a partner or an equal, but an opponent. She is challenging his manhood, so he sees her as competition. Therefore, he is turned off.

So, what can be gathered from this? Let me say that an accomplished, yet balanced woman is an asset to a relationship. Remember ladies and gentlemen, my emphasis here is on balance! Having that career oriented mentality is great, but do not compromise your love life or your social life. Do not brag about your success, because it should speak for itself. There is a reason why a lot of men say that they want the “lady in the streets and a freak in the sheets.” smile.

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Scholarship, Internships and C National Program Offers Information Technology Internships (and Jobs) To Low Income Young Adults

a Technical Minority Scholarship that awards between $1,000 and $10,000 to qualified minorities enrolled in a technical degree program at the bachelor level or above.

Qualified students must be enrolled full-time in an accredited college or university. They must be willing to work 2-3 days per week during Year Up is a one-year, intensive the internship. Interested students training program that provides low- To apply, students must be en- are encouraged to obtain approval income young adults, ages 18-24, rolled as a full time undergradu- and a letter of recommendation with a combination of hands-on ate or graduate student with one of from their college advisor in order skill development, college credits, the following majors. Chemistry, to ensure they receive credit for and corporate internships. Their pro- Computing & Software Systems, the internship. Some internships gram emphasizes academic and pro- Information Management, Mate- may require proficiency in Adobe fessional rigor, setting expectations rial Science, Printing Management Acrobat, Photoshop, and Illustrahigh for quality of work and profes- Science, Laser Optics, Physics, tor as well as Microsoft Word, sional behavior. A strong structure Material Science, and Engineering. Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint. guides students through the steps necessary for achieving success in The scholarship is available to US Marvel Entertainment is a prothe classroom and the workplace. Citizens and individuals with Per- ducer of live and animated movFor the first six months of the program, students develop technical and professional skills in the classroom.

Students then apply those skills during the second six months on an internship at one of Year Up’s 250+ corporate and government partners.

Students earn up to 23 college credits and a weekly stipend, and are supported by staff advisors, professional mentors, dedicated social services staff, and a powerful network of community-based partners.

manent Resident visas. The schol- ies, comics, and television shows arship is not available to spouses for children, adolescents and and children of Xerox employees. young adults. Their work includes popular productions such as Iron For more details and/or to apply, visit: Man, The Incredible Hulk, Spiderw w w . s c h o l a r s h i p s o n l i n e . Man, X-Men, and Fantastic Four. org/2012/03/xerox-technical-minority-scholarship.html The location VARIES. Marvel Internship Program

Marvel Entertainment, LLC offers internships to college students in the spring, summer and fall who are interested in being part Since its founding in 2000, Year Up of the entertainment industry. Pohas served over 6,000 young adults. sitions are located in New York and California and are unpaid inFor more details on how to apply, visit: ternships for college credit only. www.findinternships.com/2013/06/ y e a r - u p - i t - i n t e r n s h i p . h t m l Internships vary across a wide num2013 Xerox Scholarship Program to Give Away $10,000 Scholarships to Minority Students Xerox is committed to the academic success of all minority students. That’s why they are offering

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ber of departments, including art, editorial, digital media, production, creative services, brand management, business development, sales, publishing, legal, accounting, information technology, human resources and more. Students are welcome to apply for more than one internship.

For more details, visit marvel.com/corporate/interns NRAEF First-Time Freshman Scholarship NRAEF First-Time Freshman Scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors who will be attending college for the first time. The scholarship is for students pursuing careers in the restaurant and food service industry.

Qualifying students must be planning to enroll or currently be enrolled at an accredited college or university, taking at least 9 hours of course work. They may choose one of 15 participating colleges to attend. A

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Career Opportunities grade point average of 3.0 or above To find other 2013 scholarships, visit: is required. Students who have rewww.ScholarshipsOnline.org ceived their high school diploma through a GED program may also To search hundreds of other internapply if they meet the requirements. ship programs, visit: www.FindInternships.com All students applying must write two essays which explain why they If your company offers schloarships chose a career in the restaurant or has job oppourtunites please email industry and what opportunities us at info@sophisticatedmag.com. they expect in their chosen career.

The scholarship is sponsored by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, a charitable foundation associated with the National Restaurant Association.

The scholarship supports the educational pursuits of students who have chosen careers in the restaurant and food service industry. NRAEF has awarded $14 million in scholarships to deserving students since 1997.

The deadline for this scholarship is usually in JULY of each year, and the award amount is usually $2,500.

For more details, visit www. nraef.org/Students/Scholars h i p s / F i r s t - Ti m e - F r e s h m a n

Your Business Card Advertisement can be here for a reasonable price. Small businesses (10 people or less) and non-profit organzations recieve a 10-15% discount off of advertising rates.

For more information please email us at: sophisticatedurbanminds.mag@gmail.com with the ‘SUBJECT: ADVERTISING’.

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Oprah Donates $12 Million to New Smithsonian Black History Museum

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elevision mogul Oprah Winfrey has donated $12 million to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC. Her gift is the museum’s largest donation to date, and to honor her generous donation, a 350-seat theater at the museum will be named after her as the “Oprah Winfrey Theater”.

The museum, which will display more than 22,000 objects of significance to Black history, began construction in early 2012 on a five-acre site right next to the Washington Monument. Half of the $500 million project is being funded by the federal government, and has so far received another $140 million in private funds. It is expected to open in the year 2015.

Winfrey commented, “I am so proud of African American history and its contributions to our nation as a whole. I am deeply appreciative of those who paved the path for me and all who follow in their footsteps. By investing in this museum, I want to help ensure that we both honor and preserve our culture and history, so that the stories of who we are will live on for generations to come.”

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Positive Celebrity Gossip

Cymphonique Rocks the Roxy Theatre

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our Cymphonique, the new R&B Queen, leader of the female pop group Fabulous Girls, turned up and shined at the Roxy Theatre in Hollywood, California on June 18th 2013.

her mesmerizing vocals as she sang her hits “Unhuman”, “Talk to Me”, “Nobody Like You” and “Turn Up Time”. She made sure to include the breath-taking vocals of “Something” and she topped the night off with an energetic performance of her smash hit “It’s My Party”.

Beyonce and Rihanna Make Forbes’ Most Powerful Musicians List

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eyonce, Rihanna and Jennifer Lopez have made this year’s “Most Powerful Musicians” list compiled by Forbes.

Lady Gaga and her $168 million tops the tally, which is based on earnings, social media and press mentions. GaGa is also one of the most Cymphonique worked her way She danced, sang and expressed followed people on social media, through an amazing selection her passion for her music as well boasting over 38.5 million Twitter of R&B, Hip-Hop and Pop hits. as her fans, leaving them spent followers and 57.9m Facebook fans.

Critics say she is definitely on from clapping and cheering in a her way to being one of the big- historical, unforgettable night. Beyoncé comes in at number gest entertainers in the world. The gorgeous star is set to per- two after grossing over $2 milform next at the Gramercy at 127 lion for every “Mrs. Carter Show” Fans say the night was incredible as E 23rd St, New York, NY 10010. tour date, as well as sponsorship deals with Pepsi and H&M. she hypnotized the audience with

Jay-Z announces new album in Samsung ad during NBA game

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The three-minute ad showed the rapper working in studio with producers Rick Rubin, Timberland, Pharrell Williams and Swizz Beatz, telling them, “We need to write new rules.”

The annoucement was made during halftime at the NBA Finals game between Miami Heat and the Spurs in a Samsung Galaxy ad.

Samsung Galaxy Smartphone users will be able to download an app June 24 that will allow the first 1 million users to unlock the Jay-Z’s 12th album for free July 4

ay-Z stays on the grind. He recently announced the release of his 12th album, titled ‘Magna Carta Holy Grail’. The album is due this July.

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View the Top 10 most powerful musicians below: 1. Lady Gaga 2. Beyonce 3. Madonna 4. Taylor Swift 5. Bon Jovi 6. Justin Bieber 7. Jennifer Lopez 8. Rihanna 9. Coldplay 10. Katy Perry

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Positive Celebrity Gossip

Dwyane Wade Releases Fitness App

Nicole Scherzinger Getting Engaged?

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icole Scherzinger and Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton have been dating for years now and they might finally make it official. A new report claims an engagement may be in the works.

Hamilton reportedly spoke with The Sun recently and hinted at an upcoming engagement now that he and Scherzinger are headed into their sixth year together.

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he Miami Heat guard released a fitness app called “Dwyane Wade Driven” on Monday, the same day that the team was celebrating its third NBA championship with a parade and rally. The app offers customized training programs and videos for basketball players and other athletes.

The Miami Heat guard released a fitness app called “Dwyane Wade Driven” on Monday, the same day that the team was celebrating its third NBA championship with a parade and rally. The app offers customized

Source: Huffington Post

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“We’ve been together for five years, which is quite a milestone really,” training programs and videos for he allegedly told the British tabloid. basketball players and other athletes.

“But hopefully in the near future.

Maybe before we get to six years.”

“It shows people ways to work out, a lot of different ways to work out, Last year, Scherzinger said marwhether it’s basketball drills or not,” riage and a family are things she Wade told The Associated Press. “A wants, but she planned to hold off lot of people work out at home. A lot until her 40s in order to focus on of people don’t have access to a gym. her career. She is currently working A lot of people don’t have trainers. on her second studio album and has So it’s kind of like I’m the personal signed on as a judge for the anothtrainer for basketball and fitness, er season of “The X Factor U.K.” and I’ll show them a lot of things I do with my body and for my body.”

“I think five years might be a good time to look at having chilThe app is $3.99 and is available now. dren. But I think whenever it’s meant to happen is when it will happen,” she told Marie Claire.

“Right now, I’m focusing on my career. I see lots of women having beautiful children later in life now.

And, if not, just freeze your eggs.”

The former Pussycat Dolls star, 34, and the race-car driver, 28, have fended off marriage rumors before, however. Back in 2011, rumors spread that they were set to be married after her father was quoted in the Daily Mail saying they were engaged, People magazine noted.

She quickly denied the gossip.

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URBAN TERMS 1. Deep Bro Talk- A serious talk between two close male friends, in which they talk about all the things going on in their life at the moment. Deep bro talks are sacred meetings, and all the things discussed during them cannot be told to anyone else without the other’s consent.

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2. Book Hangover- When you’ve finished a book and you suddenly return to the real world, but the real world feels incomplete or surreal because you’re still living in the world of the book.

3. Decafeate- The act of purging after drinking coffee, anally or otherwise.

4. Friend Jack- When someone who is new to a social circle ends up becoming more important and loved in that group than the person who introduced them to said circle. Often times, the ‘introducer’ actually ends up getting kicked out of the group through a gradual phasing out. Most times friend jacking is the result of some inherent character flaw of the person who has been kicked out of the group.

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5. Slam Nom- To eat a large quantity of food (usually unhealthy food) rapidly due to extreme hunger.

6. Dental Damn- When a person has such bad teeth that it invokes a strong response.

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7. Devil is beating his wife- This expression is used to describe the weather when it is raining and sunny, also referred to as a “sunshower.”

8. Smilezoned- When you approach a member of the opposite sex to ask them out and they respond with a pitying smile.

9. Gift Card Millionarie- A person who holds a significant amount of money tied up in Gift Cards, Store Credit, Groupons and other forms of vouchers.

10. Justice Boner- The feeling of excitement when exacting petty revenge, or simply witnessing someone get what they deserve.

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Former American Slaves’ Words Revealed in Juneteenth Books

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n the 1930s, thousands of formerly enslaved African-American elders dictated their full life stories during interviews that were conducted by the US federal government. These transcripts are stored in six archives in the United States, and compiler Donna Wyant Howell is in the process of categorizing them by subject matter.

Howell has begun compiling the interviews into a series of books entitled the I WAS A SLAVE book collection. The books contain text that remains virtually in their unedited words, along with their photographs that were taken during the interviews and others that were taken during slavery.

Six books that are available now are subtitled: Descriptions of Plantation Life, The Lives of Slave Men, The Lives of Slave Women, The Breeding of Slaves, The Lives of Slave Children, and Slave Auctions.

WHAT IS JUNETEENTH? Juneteenth was the name given to the celebration that was founded in Texas where the last American slaves learned that they were freed on June 19, 1865. The annual festivities now have spread throughout this country and Juneteenth is an official holiday in many states.

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e want to thank everyone for all of the support shown through out the years as we contiune to grow. Our primary goal is to change the world by empowering, enhancing and educating the minds of our youth so that they will be well equipped to be the leaders of tomorrow. We want our youth to see positive examples of other youth and young adults doing great things right in their own backyard.

With Love, Sophisticated Urban Minds staff

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