LEGACY ISSUE - WINTER 2013

U R B A N

LUX

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C U L T U R E

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C O N S C I E N C E

WINTER 2013

PORSHA STEWART WIFE , M O TH E R & REALI T Y S TA R

LEAVING A LEGACY

ALV I N A I L E Y PAT R ICK K E L LY & R O SAL IA M A S HA L E

BANGKOK

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It’s STYLE, CULTURE and CONSCIENCE . . . It’s URBAN LUX MAGAZINE“

~ Lentheus Chaney

LUX

CONTENT

10 DIVERSITY CORNER

Hidden Colors: The Untold History of People of Aboriginal, Moor, and African Descent .

12 LUX LOOKS

The FLOTUS fashion effect.

34 LUX DESTINATIONS The peaceful grandeur of Bangkok.

36 LUX APPROVED

22

The Lightner’s, the other First Family!

PORSHA STEWART THIS IS PORSHA STEWART

ON THE COVER: PORSHA STEWART Photographer: Brice Esso

Creative Director: Lentheus Chaney Wardrobe Stylist: Kudzi (SirGarde) Karidza Hair Stylists: Deedy Wales & Dominique Brooks ~assistant Makeup Artist: Bee Wade Accessories: Darcy Harris & Kudzi (SirGarde) Karidza Location: Loews Hotel Atlanta - Presidential Suite

14 LEAVING A LEGACY Celebrating the legacies of Patrick Kelly, Alvin Ailey and Rosalia Mashale

URBAN LUX MAGAZINE · Winter 2013 · Year 4 · URBAN LUXURY MEDIA, LLC. ©2013 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

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LENTHEUS CHANEY Publisher/Editor-in-Chief MONICA COMPTON Travel Editor KENNY J. GRACE Community Features Editor CARLTON POWELL Copy Editor JANSSEN ROBINSON Copy Editor IAN SMITH Finance Editor UrbanLuxMagazine.com

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CONTRIBUTORS

Brice Esso

inspiration

through

writing.

Brice Esso, originally from Cote D’Ivoire

Tia’s mission is to always inspire

(Ivory Coast), is currently based in Atlanta.

individuals to do their best and

He has been shooting for roughly a year

live their Truth.

perfecting his art. With portraiture being his strength, Brice doesn’t skimp on the fashion and advertisement. In the course of the year, Brice’s work was published in many international and local magazines.

Some of his earliest fine art work has even been recognized by Vogue Italia.

Tia Aikens

means to express it in areas such as fine art,

Tia Aikens is a 21st Century Muse, who has always embodied the arts. She has served as a source of

knowledge,

understanding progression

wisdom, for

and

many.

Her

the

arts

through

has led her to currently release

advertising

photographer

based

in Atlanta, GA. His work has been published in the pages and on the covers of Atlanta based magazines such as Urban Lux Magazine. He has worked with several Atlanta based entertainers such as T.I., Future, Cash Out, Frank Ski, DJ Scream, Rich Kid, and D. Woods just to name a few.

His visual artwork crosses many disciplines within photography, but tends to have an emphasis on clean, natural style. IshHolmes.com.

Daryl L. Foster Daryl L. Foster is a native of Tuscaloosa, Alabama where he began his dance training. He received a B.A. in English and Dance from the University of Alabama, and went on to earn an

MFA

in

performance

and

choreography from The Florida State

University.

In

2010

he

founded “LIFT” an all male dance and

choreographer

showcase

that focuses on mentoring, and developing

male

mendancelife.com

dance

artist.

Ameisha Crowder

Ish Holmes is a fashion and

Donnd Shana’

Ish Holmes Donna Shana’ is

a regular 9-to-

5 chick by day and a tech savvy, entertainment junkie by night on a weight loss journey. Using her friend/ daughter/blogger superpower she gives insightful features on the newest and hottest entertainment spots, restaurants, products and fashions.

Keep up with this social media maven daily at browngirlnextdoor.com.

man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” ~ Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Ameisha

Crowder,

originaly

from Atlanta, has a Bachelor’s in Journalism from Savannah State University. Her Favorite quote is “The ultimate measure of a

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EDITOR’S

NOTE

F

ebruary marks the annual month long celebration of Black History. When I think of history I also think of legacies, and when I hear about individuals that have placed their thumb print in the history books, I wonder if their hard work continues on through others.

You don’t have to be dead to create a legacy so we explore the legacies of people both living and departed in this issue. On page 12, we recreate that iconic inaugural look of the First Lady of the United States and introduce you to the other First Family; determined to save the legacy of our planet, page 36.

Reality television is now the norm and you never know who may end up the next reality star. As with newcomer Porsha Stewart of the Real Housewives of Atlanta, she has quickly become a household name. Her story and the legacy from which she hails, page 22.

Our highlight this month is the celebration others who have made impacts on our society. The remarkable stories of dancer/choreographer, Alvin Ailey, fashion designer, Patrick Kelly and South African visionary, Rosalia Mashale begin on page 14.

There is much more for you to explore in this issue including the beauty and history of Bangkok, pg 38 and the review of the series Hidden Colors, a Diversity Corner exclusive, page 10.

Enjoy!

LENTHEUS CHANEY Editor in Chief - Lentheus@urbanluxmagazine.com

Photo: Ish Holmes

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DIVERSITY

CORNER

DIVERSITY

CORNER

by: Carlton Powell

My people perish for lack of knowledge Often times we miss the intent of our purpose, thus we fail to succeed at what we desire to accomplish.

Having the opportunity and platform to share ones knowledge as he / she grows and develops is unparalleled, specifically with educational, uplifting, and motivating information.

I had the pleasure over the holidays of watching and learning things I did not know about history, our heritage and ourselves. This includes Black (Moor), White, Native American, Asian, all race of humans, who inhabit the earth. Hidden Colors: The Untold History of People of Aboriginal, Moor, and African Descent is a 2011 documentary film by producer and New York Times best-selling author Tariq Nasheed. Hidden Colors is a phenomenal piece of work for which, I encourage every person to watch, particularly those in households with children attending school. The information and history revealed in this piece of work is not taught in either public or private learning institutions, therefore imperative we ensure the transfer of knowledge ourselves.

I will not elude the truth by telling you parts of this documentary will be uncomfortable for some to watch.

This entire documentary is an eye opening, enlightening experience filled with answers for some, confirmation for others and gained knowledge for all.

After viewing the series Hidden Colors, I had a strong desire to share this information with others.

I immediately reached out to the producer and director Tariq Nasheed to gain insight on the essence of the documentary.

Here is how Tariq Nasheed and his team describe the series: Hidden Colors is a groundbreaking, critically acclaimed documentary series that challenges conventional knowledge about the role of people of color in world history. We are generally taught that historically, most people of color around the world were primitive and uncivilized, and they only became modernized after they were saved and colonized

by European explorers. The information in the film series will uncover the real truth about the African Presence around the world.

In Part one of the Hidden Color Film Series we are introduced to the real and untold history of people of color around the globe. Traveling around the country, the film features scholars, historians, and social commentators who uncovered such amazing facts about, the original image of Christ, the true story about the Moors, the original people of Asia, the great west African empires, the presence of Africans in America before Columbus, the real reason slavery was ended & much more.

In Hidden Colors 2 The triumph of Melanin, we continue to discuss the global African presence and discuss the science of melanin. We also touch on many issues facing people of color that are rarely discussed openly.

Hidden Colors 2 will talk about things such as: • The origins of the Olmec and Mayans • The truth about the prison industrial complex • The economic warfare against aboriginal people • How thriving Black economic communities were undermined in America • Secret medical practices against people of color The film series will be of interest to everyone, regardless of race or ethnic background, because the rich history of the people discussed is world history. And world history is all of our history.

In this issue for the Diversity Corner, I rest on a verse from the KJV Bible “My people perish for lack of knowledge” Hosea 4:6 (KJV). In order for us to do better, we must know better. Start by knowing and understanding your heritage.

For more information about this critically acclaimed documentary, please visit hiddencolorsfilm.com/ the-film.php.

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LUX

LOOKS

The FLOTUS Effect by: Donna Shana’

N

ot since Jackie O has there been a First Lady of the United States that has redefined style like Michele Obama.

Elegant yet simple, Obama mixes high end fashion with practical pieces creating a style trend for women across America.

Fully embracing colors, textures and embellished accessories, the first lady has become the new century’s style icon.

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FEATURE

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LEAVING

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A

LEGACY

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LEAVING

A

LEGACY

LEAVING A LEGACY ALVIN AILEY PATRICK KELLY & ROSALIA MASHALE

leg•a•cy [leg-uh-see] noun Anything handed down from the past, as from an ancestor or predecessor. ~ continued on pages 16 - 21

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LEAVING

A

LEGACY

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STYLE

by: Tia Aikens

LEGACY IS INTENTIONAL It is developed with passion and focus and handed down from generation to generation. The legendary Patrick Kelly is a whimsical example of how dedication to your craft affects the world regardless of your cultural background. His love for fashion influenced the fashion industry tremendously.

Patrick Kelly was born in Vicksburg, Mississippi on September 24, 1954. Within this small rural town in Mississippi, Patrick received amazing inspiration from the feminine energy that surrounded him. His grandmother definelty served as the vertebrae of his exquisite fashion palette.

His mother had a master’s degree, worked as a home economics teacher, and groomed him in the creative space of drawing. Lastly, his aunt educated him in the art of sewing. Truly, Kelly honored and respected the beauty of women displaying women’s ready to wear for women of all sizes. The women who wore Yves Saint Laurent and the women wearing their Sunday best enthralled Mr. Kelly.

Inevitably, Patrick Kelly’s enormous personality and artistic passion transitioned him to Atlanta, Georgia.

While in Atlanta he got a job sorting clothing for AMVETS, an American veterans’ organization.

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To work his way into the fashion industry Kelly volunteered to decorate windows for an Yves Saint Laurent boutique called Rive Gauche. He also redesigned old clothes and sold them on the streets along with some of his original creations.

The next phase of his journey occurred in New York City where he attended Parsons School of design briefly. His close friend Pat Cleveland encouraged him to move to Paris and Kelly responded with immediate action, shifting once again to the fashion headquarters. Being a selfmotivator with an attractive energy were two attributes that made him resourceful when he entered the fashion capital of Paris.

Kelly surpassed the obstacle of speaking little French and not possessing the proper paperwork to conduct business.

His limitless mindset led him to create his own boutique on the sidewalks of Saint-Germain, France. Mr. Kelly often fulfilled special orders for friends, and when necessary he catered fried chicken, tapping into his southern roots of Mississippi to make ends meet.

Patrick Kelly was also a freelancer for Paco Rabanne a Spanish fashion designer, who fled Spain for France with his mother when the Spanish Civil War broke out. Patrick Kelly’s investment into his dream was creating a return that was going to be incomprehensible. Subsequently, he began sewing costumes for Le Palace a discotheque.

LEAVING

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STYLE

In 1988, he “became the first American designer to be admitted into the Chambre Syndicale du Prêt-a Porter des Couturiers et des Createurs de Mode, France’s prestigious association of designers whose members include Yves Saint Laurent and Sonia Rykiel.” The Legendary Patrick Kelly’s career came to a halt in August 1989 as he became intensely ill to his demise on January 1, 1990, when transitioned due to complication from aids.

Even though Patrick Kelly is no longer with us physically the legacy of his spirit and passion for fashion continues to inspire individuals from all lifestyles. The fashion shows that he orchestrated at the Louvre Palace are branded in the minds and hearts of his colleagues, fashion commentators, and models. True to Kelly’s fun style, his first show was a spoof on the Mona Lisa.

In 1984, Kelly and his partner Bjorn Amelan fashioned a presentation at the Victoire Boutiques. Indeed, they were impressed with Kelly’s mini-dresses that were embellished with bows, buttons, and rhinestones. This iconic statement was provoked from the legacy of Patrick’s grandmother; she mastered utilizing common objects as embellishments.

Francoise Crassagnac, the buyer and fashion director for Victoire’s embraced Kelly’s playful approach to fashion making him the first American designer that she highlighted in her showroom. His customized tube dresses embellished with bows and buttons gave him a strong presence on the fashion map.

In March 1985, his fashion collection spiraled through the fashion scene. His signature trademark graced the pages of the French Elle with a six-page layout in February 1985.

Surely, this was an outstanding accolade and achievement for an unknown designer.

In 1987, two memorable experiences occurred in Kelly’s life. He moved into his own showroom in Paris; with Ghinea in Bologna contributing to his work by producing his designs, and he appeared on the David Letterman show and the next day Warnaco proposed a licensing agreement with Kelly due to the endorsement of Bette Davis, which gave him international recognition. Soon afterwards, he also signed two licensing deals with Vogue Patterns and Streamline Industries for his famous big buttons.

After making these deals, Kelly’s business revenue increased from less than one million dollars a year to more than seven million dollars a year.

The remembrance of his collections featured in the Victoire showroom, Bergdorf Goodman, Henri Bendel and Bloomingdales serve as inspiration for young inspiring fashion designers. Surely, his celebrity clients such as, Betty Davis, Grace Jones, Madonna, Cicely Tyson, Goldie Hawn, and Farrah Fawcett appreciate that he had a natural love for women of all sizes.

Patrick’s loyalty to his cultural roots was expressed through him wearing custom-made denim overalls and cotton turtlenecks. He was committed to sharing with the world the power of black memorabilia and he personally owned an assortment of more than eight thousand items.

Consequently, an exhibit “Patrick Kelly A Retrospective” is showcased at the Brooklyn Museum.

Legacy is powerful and provoking because it is a consistent act of transmission and receiving. Patrick made it known that he paid homage to the legacy of Josephine Baker because the essence of her being embodied his designs.

In turn, Gloria Steinem describes Kelly’s legacy this way “Instead of dividing us with gold and jewels, he unified us with buttons and bows.”

Indeed, the underlying work of Patrick Kelly was to always express his authentic self and to unify the world through his artistic talent. Patrick honored his uniqueness stating, “I design differently because I am Patrick Kelly, and Patrick Kelly is black from Mississippi” now this statement is legendary, may the Artistic Legacy of Patrick Kelly continue to influence this current generation and future generations to come.

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LEAVING

A

LEGACY

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CULTURE

ALVIN AILEY by: Dayrl Foster

The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

is a world-class internationally renowned dance company. Based in New York City, the company regularly tours the world, and earned the title “Cultural Ambassadors to the World.” On March 30th, 1958 in New York City Alvin Ailey presented his first company performance at the 92nd Street YM-YWHA. This performance included Mr. Ailey’s classic work “Blues Suite,” a dance built around an emotionally eclectic collection of American blues music. Two Years later Mr. Ailey choreographed a work that would go down in history as Dance Magazine’s pick for the best modern dance of the 20th Century. “Revelations,” slightly truncated from its original version, is a collection of traditional Negro Spirituals brought to life by the Ailey choreography. Since it’s premier in 1960 “Revelations” has been seen all over the world, and is greeted with standing ovations still to this day, “Revelations” is a requirement not just a request by many audiences still today.

Although, the world knows his company, and his iconic works, many still don’t know the man. Alvin Ailey was born in Rogers, Texas to a 17-yearold Lula Ailey, and a father that abandoned them both six months after he was born. Being born during the great depression came with many challenges, of which included a nomadic existence, and innumerable hardships. Eventually, the Ailey’s would find their way to Los Angeles along with many others seeking jobs, and better opportunities. The opportunity that was most destined for young Alvin would come through meeting the very beautiful Carmen de Lavallade.

It was Carmen that introduced the charming athletic Ailey to modern dance pioneer Lester Horton. Horton was a genius at making dances, and ran one of the first racially integrated modern

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dance companies. Horton trained Ailey not only in the “Horton Technique,” but also taught him valuable skills that Ailey would one day use to run his own company.

In 1953 Lester Horton died, and Ailey took over as director of the Lester Horton Dance Theater, but not for long as destiny would eventually call Ailey to New York City. Once he arrived in the Big Apple, Ailey would find work in four Broadway shows, including the Harold Arlen musical, “House of Flowers,” he can also be seen dancing in the classic film adaptation of the opera “Carmen,” Carmen Jones, with Harry Belafonte, and Dorothy Dandridge. The talented athletic Ailey trained with Modern dance pioneers like Doris Humphrey, Charles Weidman, and Martha Graham. The strong training not only fed his mind and body, but also laid a foundation that Mr. Ailey would use to build his legacy upon.

Throughout his career Mr. Ailey developed an appreciation for the growing desire that the black dancer had to bring their gifts to the stage.

Unfortunately, few if any opportunities existed during the mid-20th century for black dancers in New York City. Mr. Ailey addressed this problem with great boldness with the creation of his company, The Alvin Ailey American Dance Center (currently The Ailey School), and the Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble (Currently Ailey II). These endeavors would grow to become one of the widest known, and best centers for young Black dancers worldwide! Mr. Ailey’s vision was not just for black dancers, but currently The Ailey School teaches, and is open to dancers from all over the globe without regard for skin color. The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has been seen all over the globe, and gives people worldwide a glimpse of American history, and culture.

LEAVING

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In 1989 Mr. Ailey dies, and per his wish Judith Jameson becomes the companies new Artistic Director. In 2011 Jamison becomes Artistic Director Emeriti, and the young Robert Battle was chosen to carry forth Mr. Ailey’s vision. This is evidence that the genius of and in the spirit of Mr. Ailey will continue for generations to come, and many millions of dance patrons will continue to be able to see his iconic work.

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CLEAR VISION by: Lentheus Chaney

I

t’s January 4, 2013 and I am prepared to embark on the journey of a lifetime. A mission trip to Cape Town, South Africa is my destination and feeling a bit unsure of what to expect, I am ready experience what would end up being my most treasured accomplishment to date.

8,622 miles later, my teammates and I spent a week as mentors, counselors, and confidants to the children of Camp Sonshine South Africa. God entrusted us to touch the lives of 70+ children and at the end of that week, we all walked away with treasured memories and the answered prayer that God would use us as a vessel to touch these children and make a difference in their lives.

Khayelitsha is one of the most marginalized and povertystricken townships in South Africa. The township has a population of over 1 million residents with over 50% of the population unemployed and over 27% of the population HIV positive. There is estimated to be over 14,000-orphaned children within the township.

Driving into Khayelitsha was like driving into a completely different world. Houses made of scrap metal and wood lined the streets, electrical wires hanging from every direction with no sense of order, no running water, and portable restrooms clustered in designated refuse areas.

It was difficult to imagine that just a few miles away exists the modern metropolitan city of Cape Town.

I watched in amazement as we drove through the crowded streets of Khayelitsha and took note that we too were under careful surveillance by the locals. I noticed that despite the living conditions, this was a community in the midst of their very own hustle and bustle of life; just trying to survive.

photo:Kendall Kirtley

At the conclusion of our week at Camp Sonshine, we traveled to the township of Khayelitsha, where the team visited an orphanage.

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From the makeshift barbershop and barbecue stands on the corner, to the home building materials of scrap wood and corrugated steel being sold along the side of the road, this was a microcosm of commerce in the works.

LEAVING

Our caravan of missionaries arrived at the gate of what locals call a safe haven also known as “Baphumelele,” a Xhosa word meaning, “You have progressed.” Baphumelele (pronounced: bah-poo-meh-LAY-lay) was founded by a woman named Rosalia Mashale.

In 1989, Rosalia Mashale, “Rosie” to those around her, a trained primary school teacher, moved from the Eastern Cape to Khayelitsha.

A

LEGACY

We encountered these loving energetic children during our visit. There were infants, toddlers, elementary, middle school and high school aged children living beyond a massive wall in eleven colorful cluster homes.

They are seemingly happy children that resembled kids from any neighborhood in the USA with the exception that they have no parents.

From these humble beginnings Baphumelele Educare Centre was founded, which today is caring for roughly 230 children from the age of three months to six years old.

While the Educare Centre had developed a reputation for looking after children, Rosie also felt a calling to reach out to orphaned children in the community. To that end, Baphumelele Children’s Home was created as a place of safety for abandoned, abused, neglected, or orphaned children, many of whom have been affected by the HIV/ Aids pandemic or have HIV/AIDS themselves.

CONSCIENCE

Then there is Child Headed Homes, which assists some of the most vulnerable children affected by the ongoing pandemic of HIV/AIDS. In many instances these children have lost their parents and are now isolated and living alone within the community.

They live in poor housing, often in fear and at threat of abuse and harm through lack of security and lack of responsible adults. Many are required to care for their sick and dying parents and now have to deal with the emotional trauma after their deaths. Caring for themselves as well as their younger siblings takes its toll not only on their emotional wellbeing and health but also on their ability to attend school regularly. Left without parents, there is no regular income and therefore no means for sustainability.

The Child Headed Homes project aims to support these children through mentorship and direct intervention.

By keeping the siblings together in a community that they know, they are then able to stabilize and to develop together as a family.

Rosie was disturbed to see young children going through the rubbish dump in search for food while their parents were away during the day, either at work or in search of work.

She responded by taking children into her home, and together with a group of women from the community, began looking after these unsupervised children. After the first week, 36 children had joined their charge.

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There have been several programs and projects fostered under Baphumelele since Rosie took that first child into her home.

One of which is called the Respite Care Center. This center responds to a dire need in the community to provide people who are HIV positive or suffering from other chronic illnesses with full medical care, nutritious meals and counseling in a warm and nurturing environment.

Another is Rosie’s Kitchen & Bakery that provides a soup kitchen to the poorest of the community. As with all Baphumelele projects, the aim is to pass on skills to young people and enable them to fend for themselves as adults.

I left Khayelitsha humbled by the presence of such resilient people.

Hearing the stories of humanity, survival, and triumph under extreme conditions left me compelled to share Rosie’s story.

You see, Rosie had no money when she decided to provide a home and place of safety for children who were orphaned, abandoned, abused, or neglected, but she had a vision, a big heart, lots of resolve and the constant support of her community. She is an amazing woman building legacies that will continue long after she is gone.

I salute you Rosie for a job well done!

To learn more about Baphumelele and the other affiliated programs, and how you can get involved, please visit their website at baphumelele.org.za.

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Leather Peplum - ArdenB; Wool and Leather Jacket - Hennes&Mauritz; Leather Pants & Suede Thigh High Boots - Vitesse Exchange/Lux Shoery

LUX

FEATURE

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THIS

IS

PORSHA

STEWART

THIS IS PORSHA STEWART

by: Ameisha Crowder

Photographers: Ish Holmes & Brice Esso Creative Director: Lentheus Chaney Wardrobe Stylist: Kudzi (SirGarde) Karidza Hair Stylists: Deedy Wales & Dominique Brooks ~assistant Makeup Artist: Bee Wade Accessories: Darcy Harris & Kudzi (SirGarde) Karidza Location: Loews Hotel Atlanta - Presidential Suite UrbanLuxMagazine.com | 2013 WINTER

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LUX

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THIS

IS

PORSHA

STEWART

iving the legacy her grandfather started, this is Porsha Stewart.

A thirty something year old diva paving her own way in history, the footprints left by her courageous grandfather Hosea Williams continue to be her inspiration.

The legend and life of Hosea Williams almost needs no introduction.

Civil Rights Leader, philanthropist, politician and ordained minister, Hosea Williams fought against racial discrimination for nearly fifty years and was known as one of Martin Luther King Jr.’s most trusted lieutenants in the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. After his work with Dr. King, this World War II veteran became a member of the NAACP and was a State of Georgia representative from 1974-1984. Among his best known civic works, Hosea Williams led marches with up to 20,000 people to protest racism in segregated Forsyth County, Georgia.

Hosea Williams earned a Bachelor Degree in Chemistry under the GI Bill and became a Research Chemist with the US Department of Agriculture, one of the first Blacks hired in this capacity. He was awarded Honorary Doctor of Laws and Distinguished Alumni Award by Morris Brown College.

Williams founded Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless, a nonprofit foundation widely known in Atlanta for providing hot meals, haircuts, clothing, and many other services for the needy on Thanksgiving, Christmas, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and Easter Sunday each year. Porsha is an avid participant in this organization’s growth and development, actively working with Williams’ daughter, Elizabeth Omilami, who serves as head of the foundation. continued on pg. 32

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Red Dress - VitesseExchange; Shoes - Guiseppe Zanotti; Jewelry - Hennes&Mauritz

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October2013 WINTER - November | UrbanLuxMagazine.com 2012 | UrbanLuxMagazine.com Mint Romper - Material Girl; Ring & Necklace - GardedNvelope; Bracelet - Darcy Harris

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Dress - GardedNvelope; Pearls - Betsy Johnson; Bracelet & earings - Darcy Harris; Shoes - Shaunell Robinson

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PORSHA

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continued from pg. 24

o who is Porsha Stewart? An Atlanta native and graduate of Southwest DeKalb High school, Porsha is creating a name for herself through reality television and charitable organizations.

Newly married wife to former NFL player Kordell Stewart, Porsha is the latest newcomer to The Real Housewives of Atlanta. On the show, Porsha has heated up the scene with her charisma, sexy physique and spunky attitude. This Georgia peach is surely one to watch as she is outspoken and doesn’t take kindly to opposition.

With all of the challenges of being a new wife, stepmother and reality star, Porsha lives her life by the example given by her grandfather. The sacrifices Hosea Williams made to change the world live in her heart and motivate her daily to continue in his legacy. She says that “standing up for what you believe in is most important.”

Porsha draws support from her family and the “encouragement from family” helps her in her vision “to continue to bless others.”

Mrs. Stewart is excited at the chance to use the show as an outlet to reach troubled youth. Porsha believes that it is very important for young people to do humanitarian work because it adds to the fabric of one’s life.

“I will be starting a firm very soon called The Key of Giving which will assist a variety of charities through campaigning, fundraising and hosting events to help further important causes,” stated Stewart.

This southern housewife is excited about the upcoming release of her signature line of home goods that she describes as “Home Décor for the everyday fabulous woman.” This line will showcase the independence of modern mothers in their domestic settings.

While enjoying her newfound celebrity and the guilty pleasures that come with it such as flying to Las Vegas with her husband, Kordell, to shop and dine, Porsha is very much a down to earth person. You would be more likely to see her at home watching movies with her friends during a girls night than out all night.

Mrs. Porsha Stewart is living the legacy her grandfather Hosea Williams started with a positive attitude and a smile. With the support from family and fans, she encourages everyone to follow their dreams and in the words of Mrs. Stewart, “it’s a new year, find out what your purpose in life is and stay focused knowing that there will be bumps along the way. God always has a plan for you. Stay on track, don’t let anyone throw you off and in the end you will succeed.”

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LUX

DESTINATIONS

A ROYAL LEGACY

by: Monica Compton

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he style of Bangkok is modern while the culture adheres to the traditional values of Thailand. The conscious of the people is peaceful, preferential to social harmony than conflict or discord. All of these qualities are magnificently enveloped in the Grand Palace, the former residence of the kings of Thailand and an existing tribute to the legacy of its people.

Visitors from around the world form lines outside the gates of the Grand Palace, enticed by what is behind the walls dating back to 1782. Set on a rectangular area of over 2 million sq. ft., the palace complex is made up of multiple pavilions, halls and buildings interwoven around open gardens, lawns and courtyards. Buildings were added in over 200 years of successive kings, creating an asymmetrical and eclectic design.

DESTINATIONS

Perhaps the best example of blended architecture is the Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall, a unique mix of European design capped with traditional Thai flair. In 1876 construction began on the throne hall after King Rama V came back from a visit to the East Indies. He brought two Englishmen back with him to model the building after the Western designs he had seen on his travels. Although he wanted an entirely European structure with domes, the king was convinced by his chief minister to add the golden spires of traditional Thai roofs. Set on the palace’s outer courtyard, the building symbolizes the country’s struggle between the traditional ideals of the Thai elite versus the vision of modernization led by King Rama V.

The palace’s inner courtyards display opulent buildings that stand as the pride of Thai craftsmanship. Each is adorned with brightly colored tiles meticulously placed by hand. The palace statues are just as magnificent, from mythical creatures holding up the walls of temples to golden lions and elephants, symbols of strength and power. The most awe-inspiring display is the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the most important Buddhist temple in Thailand. Made from a single piece of jade and clothed in gold, the Emerald Buddha is only 1.5 ft. tall and sits upon a majestic throne of spires. The Buddha’s three golden cloaks are changed by the King of Thailand in a ceremony that corresponds with the changing seasons – summer, rainy and cool.

Even though a Thai king has not resided at the palace since 1925, the palace remains an important stage for royal ceremonies and state functions. As thousands of visitors pass through the palace gates, there is an air of serenity and respect for the legacy that lies on these grounds of grandeur.

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APPROVED

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LUX

O

ur LUX approved pick this issue is the children’s book series entitled “THE LIGHTNER’S STRIKE.”

Writing trio C.J Askew, Mario Daniel, and Erica N. Johnson introduces children to America’s other first family the Lightner’s. Their message about the preservation of mother earth continues the legacy of mankind by educating readers on the perils of global warming.

THE LIGHTNER’S STRIKE entertains kids of all ages with the story of a super heroic family of geniuses.

This dynamic African-American family is headed by father Bill Lightner, a world renowned super genius who uses his formidable intellect to find solutions to real world problems, such as global warming, reliance on fossil fuels and pollution. Bill’s wife is leading archaeologist/historian Carla Lightner.

Their three children are Michelle, the eldest, who is a no-nonsense and logical computer whiz, son Chris, with commonsense and easy going ways, and the youngest Keri, a 6-year-old gymnastic dynamo with keen deductive skills.

The Lightner’s all suit up as globetrotting superheroes who utilize their high IQs and hightech gadgetry to take on villains who would seek to endanger the earth.

APPROVED

by: Lentheus Chaney

With the help of Carla Lightner and Bill’s adorable robotic assistant HELPER-BOT, he retrieves the sphere and uses his brilliant mind to harness this mysterious ball of energy as a means to give clean energy to all of humanity.

Although the book introduces complex concepts about environmental conservation and clean energy to its young readers, the writers manage to keep the first chapter in what is hopefully an ongoing series of kids’ books very accessible to young readers. Even with all its fantastic elements, the book at its core is a story about a family unit who present wholesome values to its readers and shows its diversity in not only the Lightner’s themselves, but the ancient Greeks and magical characters that inhabit this world.

The Lightner’s Strike combine the family fun and values of the Cosby show, a forward thinking environmental/clean energy message and Greek mythology all wrapped in the garb of an epic comic book.

Translated in both English and Spanish, this is a great read for kids of every age and we look forward to reading what happens next in the adventures of THE LIGHTNER’s STRIKE.

This timely and exciting story of a family of heroes who take on issues that we confront in the real world is both educational and quite simply a fun and delightful romp.

Bill and the Sphere is the first in a series of books and is an original story of sorts of how our Bill Lightner discovers the “Prometheus Sphere,” a forgotten orb hidden away in a cave off the coast of Greece.

Learn more and order your advanced copy at lightnerstrike.com.

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