Urban Sentinel (AUG 2022) - Jody Watley

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S E N T I N E L

W atl e y Jody

A Global

W W W . U R B A N S E N T I N E L M A G A Z I N E . CO M

AU GUST 2 0 22 EDITIO N

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EDITORIAL

From The Desk of The Editor

Reginald Kearney Editor

As we prepare for the Fall season and wrap up our 2022 summer, I want to thank Corretta L. Doctor

Brandon J. Jolly

Business Manager

Layout Designer

each reader for your continued support. Urban Sentinel magazine is a work of true commitment to bring you stories from wonderful people around the globe.

Each article is intended to share heartfelt messages that are relatable. This issue is complete with meaningful and thought provoking articles.

Jody Watley is the cover story for this month. In all of her greatness, we are excited to share with you a little insight into the life of an ever growing superstar! Jody Watley has been singing since she was toddler and decades later she is still gracing stages

Bridgette Alfred

C. NaTasha Richburg

Writer

Writer

across the globe. We enjoyed the interview with Ms. Watley, and we are certain you will enjoy reading about her wonderful life and exciting awards, achievements and accolades that she recently achieved. She is an absolute pleasure to know!

We also have great articles that come from as far away as Reykjavik, Iceland as close as the mighty fine state of North Carolina. Author Lasheika Boyd shares a

Claudia Newby-Tynes

Anita Davis-DeFoe

Writer

Writer

bit of advice about never giving up on love, Artist Stephen Thomas shares a bit of advice for emerging artists, and photographer Jerry A. Barnes of Georgia presents some amazing photography for this issue! There is so much more to enjoy in this issue. Please share the magazine with your family, friends, and followers and if you are interested in being featured in future issues, please contact me.

Urban Sentinel Magazine Address: 102 Discovery Ct. La Plata, Maryland 20646 Phone: 301-661-3989 Editor Reginald Kearney Advertising Inquiries Phone: 301-661-3989 E-mail: reginald.kearney@marylanddailyexaminer.com Website: www.urbansentinel.com

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In every issue we release, I learn something new, something exciting, and of course I engage with our featured guests in each magazine by visiting their websites, following them on social media, and where possible, sending them a note directly.

Enjoy the change of seasons that is upon us, spend each moment in peace and know that life is a journey for us all! Make it a great one!

I would like to thank the staff, but most of all I would like to thank the readers who support the Urban Sentinel brand and all that we endeavor to bring to you.

SUMMARY

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Stephen Thomas

Russel Blake

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Olympia Kent

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A Leader of Love, Life and Learning

6

A Chat with Stephen Thomas

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Never Give Up On Love: A Discussion with Author Lasheika Boyd

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Macon, Macon, Macon

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Beautiful Minds

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Jody Watley

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Clear The Path

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Russel Blake

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OGB: The DMV Artist With Revolution In His Genes

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The Modeling Industry

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Sisters in Music-Celebrating Women in Music

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A LEADER OF LOVE, LIFE AND LEARNING!

Rebecca Huggins is a professional educator and has been in her career for almost three decades. Her personal mission is to empower, educate and promote self-esteem for herself and others. Her nurturing spirit and joyful personality is just perfect for the line of work she carries out! Rebecca is a middle level English Language Arts instructional leader.

She perfected her teaching strategies to meet the needs of her students and their families; that is instrumental when coaching Principals and Teachers on how to transform their organizations.

Rebecca is also an entrepreneur. She utilizes her professional workforce experience and expertise in curriculum writing, teaching, coaching and transformation in her company, ‘Leader’s Circle University, LLC’ to help her clients in creating their social media content, while also serving as visionary for authors on their anthology projects. Rebecca also oversees and helps her clients write their solo projects, create online courses, and certify courses. She says, “One goal for my career is to continue to educate students and increase their reading achievement. Also, I desire to offer professional development to novice or beginning teachers”.

Currently, Rebecca is preparing to begin school with her 28th group of students and their families. What an achievement! Rebecca tells Urban Sentinel magazine that she 4

is looking forward to the next phase of her life at the end of this academic year. In furtherance of her entrepreneurial efforts, she launched her second Cohort of the Leader’s Circle Coaching Program which started on Sunday, August 28th, 2022. She is also working on the Serve Experience 2022 (November 11th & 12th) which is a live event for servant Leaders in the Marketplace.

A global cause that Rebecca focuses on dearly is educating African American males and females. She has developed a non-profit organization, ‘I LEAD INSTITUTE FOR GIRLS and BOYS’. Her purpose is evident, and her passion is clear. Rebecca Huggins wants to improve the lives of others through education.

Rebecca Huggins is also highly engaged in Ministry. She tells us about her immediate plans for the next steps in her Christfilled journey. “I am working with my spiritual father, Apostle Dr. Marvin Smith and he is training me and preparing for my elevation as a Prophet in the body of Christ”. Those under the care and leadership of Rebecca Huggins can attest to her dedication to her work in ministry and are so grateful for her faithfulness as she continues to move ahead and elevate accordingly. Rebecca has several family members who are in ministry.

Rebecca tells us about some upcoming hot topics! “As it relates to my career, I am preparing for my next phase of life.

As it relates to me retiring from the professional education system I have some other options in mind as well”. Rebecca is also working on a new anthology project which is being released in July 2023 and she is launching her Content Creatives paid membership program which will be launched later on this year.

When it comes to stepping away from the day to day hustle and bustle, leaders need a form of relaxation too! Often times we look at men and women in leadership as invincible.

Leaders, such as Rebecca, carry a lot of weight on their shoulders and although they are deeply enthralled in their duties to serve others, it is necessary to have some down time. Rebecca turns to media for some favorite movies such as Christmas Dejavu, The Best Man Holiday, Diary of a Mad Black Woman and War Room. For television she favors the Lifetime and Hallmark channels. Watching others carry out their lives through scripts can serve as reminders for why we should be grateful for the lives we have been given.

preservation and intense whole body care, including mental health rejuvenation, then they maintain their ability and strength to serve efficiently.

Rebecca Huggins, a South Carolina native is a talent and joy wrapped up into a mega soul! We always cherish those that are givers of the heart, and we want to show Rebecca some love in return! Please follow her on social media using the following links: https://www.facebook.com/rebecca.d.huggins.5/ ; https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-huggins-609a151a/ ; https://www.instagram.com/rebeccaleads/.

To find out more about Rebecca’s ministry, products, services and events, you can go to her website: www.rebeccadhuggins. com Rebecca leaves you with this word of encouragement, “I want to encourage everyone to remember that God has a plan and purpose for your life so embrace it and make change the trajectory of your legacy for generations to come”.

From time to time, it is good to look deeply into our hearts and thank others for inspiring us. Rebecca credits Dr. Mosezelle White, her former college professor, mentor and second ‘mom’ for igniting a blooming spark in her career!

Rebecca says it is because Dr. White taught her how to read critically, how to teach students to read critically, and so much more. Rebecca is the result of good mentorship and guidance and for that we all thank Dr. White!

Rebecca is an amazing, well rounded person of dignity and great character. Let’s take a closer look at some of her favorite things! What a joy it has been to interview this amazing woman of God. She shares these insider facts: “My number one meal is turkey wings, mac n cheese, collard greens and cabbage”. Wow, now that has peaked my appetite for sure!

Rebecca says that her number one vacation destination is any place with water! She adds, “My goal is to go to the islands: Jamaica, Bahamas, and Cabo as well as several other places.

A wind down weekend for me looks like me resting, sleeping, and exercising as well as binge watching my favorite shows”.

I am pleased to learn that great leaders and busy educators and those in ministry like Rebecca actually do get out and enjoy the pleasures of life and they take pride in promoting self-care. When our leaders arm themselves with great selfURBAN SENTINEL MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2022

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a chat with

Stephen Thomas Urban Sentinel magazine had the honor of sitting down with the inspiring artist, Stephen Thomas, a global musical artist from West Virginia. Stephen has been inspiring generations since he was an elementary school age student, and his future endeavors include plans to continue leaving fans with great music and inspirational talent. Let’s get to know more about Stephen and his journey in the industry.

What is the major highlight of your career, as of today?

A: The major highlight of my career thus far has been Charting at No. 2 on iTunes for a few of my songs, like Best Days, and newly released music Outstanding and Life Equals Purpose (Peace. Love. Unity.)

My team and I are currently promoting two singles. The first, a Hip Hop remake of the classic, “Outstanding” originally made by The Gap Band; and an anthem style single, “Life Equals Purpose” (Peace. Love. Unity.) which gives a great message with a Pop flare. And we’re releasing new music in September— another pop style single called "Let’s Dance” that captures a Bruno Mars vibe. All songs are, and will be available on all major digital platforms. And we’re planning for a future tour.

Looking back, what is your earliest memory of singing? Tell us about that.

A: My earliest memories of singing are elementary school plays. I was always the lead singer. l started recording in the studio, playing the piano and drums fairly young too.

Do you have family members in the music industry, did you influence them? Did they influence you?

A: Some family members sing. But none within the industry. However, I have a few that might accompany me on my new project. I'm always open to helping family and friends. My heart’s to see everyone WIN!!!

Which global cause do you most associate yourself with and how do you support and contribute to that?

A: I have done the St. Jude Radiothon in my hometown West Virginia with radio station ‘98.7 The Beat’ raising money for children with Cancer for years.

I love children; my team can attest to my heart towards kids— every show I blessed the children with freebies. You have to give back, value our children, and invest into the next generation to come.

What is your personal mission in this world?

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A: To present people with opportunities to have hands on experience exploring their dreams and desire. I want to help others realize their dreams just like I work toward mine.

What has music done for your soul?

A: Music has blessed me in so many ways. It's therapeutic, relatable, universal, and has allowed me the opportunity to provide a sound that's eclectic, beautiful, and mellifluous to those that love my sound. I realize I'm blessed with a gift that opens doors for me to go anywhere, write anything, and capture listeners hearts/souls with music but in many perspectives. I'm happy when listeners are fulfilled, sometimes tearful, and happy. Because to me I know that I gave them quality music. It didn't just touch me, but it captivated listeners to.

In all of the exciting things to come for you, what are some things happening in the near future?

A: Well, we’re preparing to release new music in September.

I’m also speaking on a panel in Copenhagen, Denmark, in October. I’m looking to release a new EP/Album in 2023.

And of course, I am looking to engage with my audience through more Magazine interviews.

What are some goals for your career?

A: My current goals are to expand my artistry, career, and brand. I also see more charting on Billboard Charts in my future. I want to be on major tours with Chris Brown, Justin Bieber, Summer Walker, Da Baby, Ella Mai, Rod Wave, Ed Sheeran, Ne-Yo, Zedd, Zara Larsson, to name a few. And I’m investing in other business ventures as well. My company Creative Hearts Enterprises offers organizations, artists, athletes, etc. marketing, branding, logo design, web design and much more. And my label Creative Hearts Entertainment offers Artist Development, Songwriting, Production, Mixing, Mastering, and much more as well.

When it comes to books, movies and television, what are some of your top faves?

A: Books: I've never been a big reader. I know, I'm sorry to all the authors out there.

But movies, IT’S ON!!! I love action, comedies, and TV shows. Blacklist, Quantico, Creed, Saving Private Ryan, Longest Yard, All American, All American Homecoming, Remorse, The Expendables are some of my go-to’s and the

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list goes on.

If you had to choose one, which entertainment legend has placed a special spark in your music career?

A: I’d have to say Justin Bieber. Watching him grow from a child to a young man, (he went through a lot, but God has definitely been working in his life). I remember JB and I would tweet quite often. I'd make sure to keep him in my prayers. So, it's just been amazing to watch how much he's grown in this industry, and outside of it personally too.

Leave your readers with a glimpse into who you are behind the scenes: what is your favorite food to eat? What is your number one vacation destination? What does a wind down weekend look like for you, do you lounge around at home, enjoy a local spa or delve into a hobby or two?

A: My favorite food is seafood definitely. My favorite vacation spots are Dubai, the UK, and Paris, although traveling is certainly on my to-do list.

A wind down for me? Sheeshhh!!! Well, I am in College as well. So, I seem to never have downtime. I'd have to say hanging out downtown in my hometown of West Virginia and going to places like Vinos where we DJ on the weekends, Big Joe's, Blue Parrot, Sam’s, Copper Pint, Bar 101 in that order. Because it's all a big family to me that I get to see and enjoy. And during the day you can catch me on my Movie grind.

How can readers follow you on social media?

A: Website: www.stephentmusic.com Instagram: @stephentmusic Facebook: @stephentmusic Twitter: @stephentmusic Where can readers go to find your music?

A: My music is available on my website, iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal, and all digital platforms worldwide.

Leave our readers with a word of encouragement.

A: Believe in love, believe in yourself, and push yourself to be better. Because you are a WINNER! DON'T QUIT!!! #stephentmusic

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New Music

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FITZROY CONSTAINTINE

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NEVER GIVE UP ON LOVE: A DISCUSSION WITH AUTHOR

Lasheika Boyd Lasheika Boyd is an emerging Author with her first release slated to be on shelves and across virtual bookstore platforms everywhere, both in the United States and abroad, Fall 2022.

Her book, ‘Top Twenty Reasons Why Men Cheat’, is about a variety of men and why they cheat, or have cheated in the past. Lasheika conducted a survey on several men from many diverse walks of life.

We asked Lasheika why this book meant so much to her. She explained that she has experienced a great deal of emotional loss in her past. She wants to help others avoid the ongoing dwelling and emotional setbacks that a failed love affair can bring about. “Life after a ‘relationship loss’ looks and feels like a need for more self-care, self-love, and taking time to reevaluate needs that I thought I had to have. I needed to be strong for my children and myself after the break-up. The divorce felt like a death. After putting all that I had into the marriage, and then it didn’t work, it definitely felt like a death.” Lasheika acknowledged every emotion she felt during the emotional upset she experienced. That is a part of the healing process. She goes on to tell us, “I do not feel like every relationship that is ending is a loss because something better is out there. You just have to find yourself again… I needed to be alone for a while and get back to “Sheika”. At the beginning it felt like a loss, but it turned out to be a beautiful lesson and blessing in disguise”.

When we experience loss, especially a relationship or friendship loss, we want to understand how that painful loss came about so that we can work on the areas of our lives that may have contributed to the loss. Asking questions, researching, looking at our inner self and reading about

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feelings and relationships are some of the ways that we can investigate. Lasheika took her painful journey to a different level and decided to seek information from the opposite sex.

She wanted to talk to the men, to get their thought process onto paper and into an organized data field of information.

“To be honest I was not as organized as I am now so I didn’t have a set number of participants that I would ask. If I was out having dinner, out of town, at a friend’s gathering, at my boyfriend’s house (which is my husband now), my dad’s barbershop, a random man that may have just been standing around by himself or with his ‘boys’, I was asking that question: Why have you cheated in the past or why do you cheat now? It was an upfront approach from me. That’s just how I do things. No rules”. Lasheika was able to get organic responses that were not rehearsed or preconstructed in any way. She succeeded in getting a diverse group of participants.

They all had different financial statuses, different careers, and had different upbringings.

Lasheika assures the future readers of her new book that the greatest outcome they can take away from the story is that women will be more aware of what type of man they are dealing with, and it will also answer some of the questions that women have always wanted to know about why men cheat. For the men that read the book they can really take a close look at themselves to see what they need to hold themselves accountable for.

The top three lessons that women and men can learn from Lasheika on how she went from being in a very bad relationship to now having a great marital relationship are: “Number 1. Never lose yourself. If they truly love you they will want you to be as successful as you possibly can, and they

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will help you get there, and see you win.

Number 2: Make sure that you and your spouse are on the same page at the same time. No one wants to feel like they are moving on alone or being in a relationship alone.

Number 3: Don’t force anything or try to convince someone that you are the one for them. If they are truly for you, then you won’t have to do that, and things will flow automatically”.

We asked Lasheika to share some advice for people that are struggling from the fallout of a failed relationship and here is what she offers, “ The strongest message of hope that I can give to women and men in failed relationships is that there is someone out there for you and only you that speaks your love language. You have to give yourself time to heal first.

Once you have healed and you’re ready to love and be loved again you could have the best time of your life. Don’t give up on love, but do not settle. I don’t think there is a specific system to a successful marriage. My grandparents were married for 50yrs before my grandma passed away and my parents have been married for 37yrs (together for 43yrs), so I had never seen a failed marriage until my own. I just believe that marriage is what you and your spouse make it. That may sound cliché but it’s the truth”.

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A day in Lasheika’s life, from the perspective of being successful in finding love again, is easy. She says, “Of course, no one’s life is perfect, but I say it’s easy because things that I used to worry about I no longer have to. My husband lifts that extra weight off of me. Women or men shouldn’t have to worry about if their spouse loves them or if they are cheating, or out here making them look crazy, or staying out all night.

Real love is consistency, patience, being faithful and kind to each other”.

Lasheika tells us that her home is filled with love. My daughter is 21, son is 14 and we have a five-year-old -son that keeps us on our toes”! I am happy!

And as this Maya Angelou fan wraps up her chat with us, she drops this into the atmosphere: “Yes there will be a part two to the book, but the women will be in the hot seat this time around”.

Lasheika Boyd wants to engage with you! Email her at Lasheika32@gmail.com Follow her on IG @ Top20reasonswhymencheat & @Filterfreechronicles_ podcast, and on Facebook at Lasheika Craig Boyd.

MACON,

MACON,

MACON!

by Corretta L. Doctor for urban sentinel A summer weekend in Macon, Georgia was far more than

will see a beautiful landscape that shows hills on the north

I expected, and I have some great ideas for you to consider

and plains on the south. The weather is subtropical with

when choosing Macon as your destination for a peaceful

several days on average peaking 100 degrees Fahrenheit and

getaway in a musically gifted town.

during the winter Macon has an occasional snowstorm that produces just a trace of snow. The Ocmulgee River served

Macon is officially titled Macon-Bibb County because it is

as a conduit for trade and in the early days, the economy

a consolidated city and county located just under 100 miles

mainstay of Macon was cotton that was harvested by African

south of Atlanta. Macon is the fourth largest city in Georgia

American slaves. The river boasts 105 species of fish. The carp

with a population of 156,762 as of the July 2021 (v2021)

and true minnows are the largest population followed by the

United States Census Bureau QuickFacts report on Macon-

sunfish, catfish and Catostomidae, known as suckers. Anglers

Bibb County. If you consider flying into the city, choose

flock to the river for its redbreast sunfish, bluegill, redear

Middle Georgia Regional Airport, Herbert Smart Downtown

sunfish, largemouth bass, black crappie, channel catfish, and

Airport, or Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

flathead catfish according to Wikipedia information about the Ocmulgee River.

The Ocmulgee River runs through the city and because of Macon’s location on the Fall Line, (where the hills of the

I traveled with my friend to help celebrate the tenth wedding

Piedmont plateau meet the flat land of the coastal plain), you

anniversary of my brother and his wife, Jeremy and Adelia

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Doctor. It was a beautiful, black tie

the amazing and very beautiful hotel,

event where close family and friends

‘Hotel Forty Five. There is an onsite

gathered to celebrate the milestone of

restaurant that offers delicious meals

Macon’s most beloved couple! From

and beverages.

the venue to the meal, everything was pristine, immaculate, and glistening

Shopping is not going to be an issue in

with love! This celebration was the focal

Macon! There are several downtown

point of our trip and everything else was

shops

secondary, though uniquely memorable

experiences and unique options. There

for us in Macon!

is a nearby traditional mall and there

that

offer

boutique

like

is an amazing outdoor mall located I chose Hotel Forty Five, a Tribute

at The Shoppes at River Crossing just

Portfolio hotel that I booked through

a few miles from downtown. There is

Marriott for my home away from

one shop in downtown Macon that

home for the weekend. The hotel

caught my attention. My friend and

was as unique as our entire visit

I were casually walking through

to Macon. It was beautiful, sleek

the streets of downtown Macon

and classy and sits on a unique

taking in the scenery and getting

45-degree angle located downtown

in some exercise. We stopped at

Macon at 401 Cotton Avenue. As

the sight of one shop in particular.

we arrived we were greeted by the

Not only did the décor stand out to

Valet and offered assurance that our

us as we peeked into the storefront

car would be parked and retrieved

windows, but the personality of

for us as needed throughout the

the two ladies that were working

stay. We used mobile check in and

in the shop was strikingly kind and

accessed our room with a digital key.

simply refreshing. The ladies invited

Everything was perfect. The property

us inside the shop and explained

décor was eclectic, and the array of

the purpose of the store and the

colors were energizing. The design

mission it supports. Since my friend

was trendy and gave good vibes.

is studying social work, and has a

According to a card that I picked up in

big heart to help others in need, he gave

the lobby, the late W. Elliott Dunwoody,

a golden ear and listened intently to the

Jr. (1893-1986) was commissioned by

ladies as they told us about the store

P. L. Hay in 1940 to design a high rise

operation. After their explanation, I

headquarters for his Bankers Life &

immediately doubled the budget for what

Health Insurance Company. The tower

I planned to spend because it made me

was in the Arte Moderne style. In

feel great to be able to support a cause that

2022 the grandson of Dunwoody, Mr.

is very dear to my heart: homelessness.

Eugene Cox Dunwoody, Jr. continued

The store, ‘Wear. Thrift with a Twist’, is

his grandfather’s architectural legacy

located at 464 First Street downtown

by converting the original building into

Macon. IT sells items for both men and

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women. There are two floors filled with great bargains. All

other local people from Macon’s history. We went to the

profits from the store benefit Daybreak, a project of Depaul

restaurant for breakfast, and I placed an order for the ‘Hwy

USA. Daybreak’s slogan says, “Everyone should have a

41 Steak and Eggs while my friend selected a ‘Dream Bowl’.

place to call home and a stake in their community”. Depaul

My dish was a delicious plate of Texas Major Steak and two

USA manages Daybreak Day Resource Center and provides

eggs while my friend enjoyed a bowl of cheese grits served

several services for the homeless

with two eggs and the familiar

population in Macon. According

country ham that has a distinct

to the website for Daybreak, every

and delicious salty taste. We were

weekday in Macon, an average of

served warm homemade biscuits

100 homeless men and women

on the side. The atmosphere at

visit Depaul USA Daybreak to

Famous Mike’s was great, the

receive

staff

services

that

include

was amazingly sweet and

housing and housing placement,

attentive, and the patrons were all

breakfast and snacks, showers

friendly! The next day we visited

and other useful resources. Visit

H & H Soul Food located at 807

the website at Macon - Depaul

Forsyth Street. The restaurant was

(depaulusa.org).

more

founded in1959 by Inez Hill and

about the shop I visited, ‘Wear.

Louise Hudson. The latter founder

Thrift with a Twist’ at www.

was known as Mama Louise, and

wearmacon.com and follow them

she held a special relationship

on Instagram @wearmacon.

with the Allman Brothers Band.

Learn

Mama Louise passed away, but Dining is no hard task in Macon,

her memory lives on throughout

but deciding where to dine

Macon and through the great

will be the hardest part! There

memories she left behind at

are so many amazing choices

H & H. In fact, we saw her

that range from fresh seafood

photo and a brief history piece

to authentic southern cuisine

on the wall at Famous Mike’s

and everything in between.

and that is what piqued our

I am excited to share two

interest to find H & H. This

dining experiences that I will

was another great choice!

never forget! They were both

As an opener, also known as

so good! The first is Famous

an appetizer, we started our

Mike’s of Macon located at 524

breakfast meal with a ‘soul

Poplar Street. The restaurant

roll’. It actually was the best

is certainly a place for fans

tasting and most unique item

of the Allman Brothers to dine because the owner is self-

I have ever had! It was a breakfast egg roll filled with fried

proclaimed as the biggest fan in the world of the Allman

chicken, pimento cheese, and collard greens rolled up and

Brothers. Memorabilia, and most of it is signed by the

deep fried and served with a peach chili sauce! Yes, collard

famous Allman Brothers, adorns the walls. The menu has

greens and fried chicken were inside the egg roll. The flavor

meals that are named to be reminiscent of the band and

compilation was delicious! We then enjoyed the Fried Egg

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became based in Macon. The band was formed by brothers, Duane and Gregg Allman. Other original members were Dickey Betts, Berry Oakley, Butch Trucks, and Jai Johanny “Jaimoe” Johanson. The music has blues, country, jazz and rock tunes. We visited the Allman Brothers Band Museum located at 2321 Vineville Avenue just miles away from downtown Macon. The museum is widely known as The Big House. It was the home to the Band’s original members, their families and friends from 1970-1973. We toured the home and found it highly impressive. The memorabilia are preserved nicely, and it is organized in a storytelling layout Breakfast that came with bacon, sausage, grits and of course a biscuit. Biscuits are obviously popular in Macon, and we couldn’t decide on which biscuits were better, but at both restaurants we devoured the biscuits that are homemade to perfection!

that made it easy to follow. There is a room filled with magazine covers and another filled with instruments they used and so much more to see! It was truly an experience to walk through the bedrooms and hear the audio playing along the tour. My favorite was the little yellow dress hanging

Macon is loaded with musical history. Otis Redding, known as The King of Soul, was born Otis Ray Redding, Jr. on September 9, 1941, in Dawson, Georgia and moved with family at age two to Macon where he grew up. One of my favorite Redding songs (Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay was written by Redding shortly before he died in a plane crash. It became the first posthumous number one song on the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B Charts. Just down the street from Hotel Forty Five is the Otis Redding Foundation and Museum located at 339 Cotton Avenue. The museum has many Otis Redding treasures and exclusive merchandise.

Immediately across the street from the hotel is the site of the new future Otis Redding Center for the Arts. According to the Foundation’s website, the new center will be a central destination for youth educational programming in Downtown Macon. It will feature two stories of classroom, practice, and studio space for Otis Redding students to explore songwriting, production, performance, and more.

It will have an outside amphitheater. The venue is expected to open in 2023. Visit and Bookmark www.otisredding.com

in the small bedroom closet! It was the exact dress worn

by Brittany Oakley on the album’s back cover of ‘Brothers and Sisters’, the fourth studio album by the Allman Brothers Band. Visit www.thebighousemuseum.com to learn more and plan a visit!

Macon, just like any other small town, can leave an

to follow, support and get involved!

impression on you. Macon, however, is unique in its

Another music giant from Macon is the Allman Brothers

characteristic, you should visit Macon and find a special

Band. They were self-titled a progressive rock band. The band was formed in Florida in 1969 but subsequently 20

own way. Just as each of us carry a unique and special memory there to keep in your heart forever. We did!

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Beautiful Minds The Unexpected Health Benefits of Crafting

by SIGRUN BRAGA Guðrúnardóttir, Iceland for urban sentinel

“Craftivists open hearts and minds. It’s about connecting

we´ve gone through because, they trigger and remind the

through, by and with craft and creating more compassionate

brain of the initial trauma itself. Whether it’s through a strong

community.”

smell, loud and sudden noises, bright lights or we are simply

Craftivism Manifesto

over stressed because we are late to an appointment, these triggers set off our innate alarm system in the amygdala

Our ancestors had skills which were essential for everyday

often called fight, flight, freeze/play dead responses. The

life. With their hands they crafted, and they mended to

result can often be seen in autonomic activity such as anxiety,

ensure their survival.

restlessness, increased heart rate and blood pressure or even increased blood sugar levels.

Even though people have been working with their hands for a longer period of time than our elders can remember,

In situations like these, it is very important to find ways to

researchers are just recently beginning to look into the many

balance the body and the mind. And that’s where crafting

mental and physical health benefits of creative, rhythmic and

and craftivism can come in handy. Something that our

repetitive activities.

foremothers really knew deep down inside because they had been “connecting through, by and with their craft”

When we experience trauma the body itself along with a part

through sewing and quilting bees, knitting groups and other

of the brain called the amygdala keeps the score. Not only is

gatherings where they met and crafted with their hands.

our world view altered but, also our brain function and even

Often side by side, without necessarily having to look each

our DNA is impacted.

other in the eye.

It’s a peculiar thing about the amygdala, you see, it’s not a

Through my work as group leader in women’s self-help groups

very rational part of the brain. Therefore, we often react to

at Stígamót, a Reykjavík based Education and Counseling

mundane happenings in everyday life based on the trauma

Center for Survivors of Sexual Abuse and Violence, (https://

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www.stigamot.is/is/languages/ english) I’ve discovered that one of traumas hidden long term affects is the tendency to withdraw oneself from social gatherings.

Which often led to other various mental health problems.

While

the

reasons

behind

withdrawing oneself are both quite personal and based on the trauma itself, one of many consequences of social isolation is often the difficulty to maintain eye contact. But, when breaking out of that self-inflicted isolation by meeting up with other people to work with our hands, to create something, we can reduce loneliness and increase our sense of wellbeing.

According to Mental Health America, studies have shown that creative, rhythmic and repetitive activities

induce

relaxation

responses which is the opposite of the fight or flight responses.

By focusing on the task at hand, and talking about the hobby, we receive several physical and mental health benefits such as lowered blood pressure, reduced depression and anxiety, distraction from chronic pain and even slowed onset of dementia. https://www.mhanational.org/blog/mental-health-benefitsknitting It would be simple of me to state that crafting can save us

come with skills but with willingness... we can build a better world together by reclaiming the slow process of creating by hand with thought, with purpose, with love. Craftivism is a tool to instantly create a small part of the warmer, friendlier and more colorful world we hope to see in the future” and therefore help us with recovering from and dealing with trauma.

from trauma. However, since “craftivism doesn’t expect us to URBAN SENTINEL MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2022

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CHERRY SONG

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Jody Watley

by Corretta L. Doctor for urban sentinel

Dr. Jody Watley is brilliant, bold and beautiful! Her love of high fashion, spirited with her cool nature make her one of today’s hottest megastars! Jody’s smile glows and lights up any space, bringing peace and tranquility to the environments that she encounter. With decades of stage presence under her belt, Ms. Watley is still bringing us melodic, heartfelt art in the form of music and we love it all! Jody Watley is a singer, songwriter, record producer, and international artist that is continuously gracing the industry with her highly sought and anticipated talent. Born in Chicago, Illinois, Jody has traveled the world bringing her musical talent to millions of people.

To create a successful career filled with years of prestigious awards, accomplishments, and achievements takes endurance and hard work and Jody Watley is evidence of what measurable success looks like! Ms. Watley’s global success has gained her an impressive list of accolades in support of her work. To be a musical icon of such grandeur speaks highly of her longevity in the business and ensures a plethora of greatness yet to come. Boldly speaking, we are confident that her endeavors are filled with plans to continue delivering memorable music to the world.

With so many highlights in her career, Urban Sentinel magazine was quite intrigued to know which one stood out the most to Ms. Watley and here is what she had to say. “It’s very hard to pick one major highlight because I’ve had so many thus far.

From my first number one single ‘Looking For A New Love’, winning Best New Artist Grammy, receiving a presidential invitation to the White House by a sitting President and First Lady, filming a TV commercial in Japan and being the first black woman on a high fashion magazine, tea at the Royal Palace in Malaysia with the King & Queen, and finally receiving my first Honorary Doctorate, Doctor of Philosophy in Entrepreneurship and Business Administration. The list continues to go on. I am truly blessed to have these experiences in my career”. With just those several impressive and well deserved aforementioned accomplishments, appointments and honors, Jody Watley serves as a prime example of greatness to her peers, her family, friends, and emerging artists in the industry.

As Ms. Watley looks back to her earliest days in business, she tells us about the moments of her career that helped define who she is today. “I’d say earlier of my career, what some perceive as being a risk taker, fearless, and going solo after being in a popular group, no one thought I’d succeed. It didn’t bother me – though some still seem to think so. I was told I’d live to regret it and would be a failure. My father raised me to always believe in myself, reach for the moon – you might reach a star.

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friend of Ms. Watley’s father at that time. Jackie Wilson was a prominent figure in the transition of rhythm and blues into soul. He was considered a master showman.

Jody Watley focuses on the global cause of equality, education and equity for women and girls. She tells us that she was also an early advocate in HIV and AIDS awareness and education. ‘Red, Hot & Blue’ was the first global, multicultural, music charity project and documentary to bring mainstream exposure. She continues to also be an ally to the LGBTQ community worldwide.

Jody Watley’s personal mission in this world is to inspire others and make them feel empowered to love themselves.

She encourages everyone to never be afraid to be who you are and were born to be. “My platform just happens to be through music and also my interaction on social media, my blog, and wellness products promoting self-care”, adds Jody.

“Music is always paradise – sanctuary, joy and a constant companion to uplift, to inspire, to make me dance, laugh, and cry. I’ve written many songs about it – including the title It doesn’t matter what others think of me – it’s what I think

song of my third album ‘Affairs Of The Heart’ –“I don’t ‘want

of myself. It’s like that line in The Alchemist, ‘when you want

to live without music, I don’t want to live without joy, don’t

something with all of your heart, the universe will conspire

want to live without love..”

to make it happen somehow’. I just wanted happiness, to be treated with respect, paid fairly, and to be free to be who I

Jody considers music a form of therapy. “Music is definitely

was born to be”.

a form of therapy – as Bob Marley said, “once the music hits your soul, you feel no pain.” She remembers growing up

Jody Watley tells us that her earliest memory of singing is

and feeling sad; she says the tears to sad songs would help

when her Mom, who recently passed away this year, loved

her release feelings. It inspired Jody to write poetry which

retelling the story of Jody singing “My Guy” with her

evolved into songwriting; she proudly proclaims, “music

hairbrush and high-heels on the patio of their apartment as

makes everything better”.

if she was performing to thousands. “Arms out, sashaying… the whole bit – thinking no one was looking and I was so

When superstar musicians like Ms. Watley give us so much

embarrassed when she [Mom] saw me. I started crying,” says

great music, we eagerly want to know what is coming next.

Jody. She continued, “My first time onstage a few years later

We asked her about some of her future career goals and here

was with my godfather, music legend Jackie Wilson, when

is what she shared with us. “My goals are still vast, and I

I was around 7 or 8 years old”. Jackie Wilson was a close

always tell people to continue setting goals for yourself. As

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long as we are here - new dreams, new possibilities…I don’t

Ms. Watley does not talk about her personal life much, but

like to really put everything out there until it’s time; lessons

she shared with us that there are many artists past and present

learned. I’ve announced things in the past and then changed

that she respects with admiration very much, however it was

my mind - which we are all entitled to do”.

her Dad that placed the greatest spark within her, “I am very thankful for that”, says Ms. Watley.

Surely there are generations of musicians that are following in the footsteps of Ms. Watley. She has demonstrated

She has two awesome young adult children and does not have

excellence in her career and along with her performances,

any grandchildren. She and her children were all extremely

awards, and accolades, she is also a great leader. She has

close to her Mom. “That was/is our family structure”, says

stood before audiences teaching a Masterclass on the Music

Jody. “My children, Mom, and I are (were) a small close knit

Industry. Her biggest message for those rising stars in music

family and had so many things we liked to do that included

is about authenticity. “My journey in music is always about

going to the movies, cooking up great meals, going to

being authentic, being true to yourself, being fearless, never

sporting events, and vacations. I was able to bring my Mom

becoming discouraged by naysayers, while navigating a male

and daughter on two Smooth Jazz Cruises that I performed

dominated sexist and ageist business. What you do is your

on a few years back. We had the best time! We also enjoyed

passion - that’s how you make history and set trends and it

vacations in Maui. Now that my Mom has passed away my

won’t matter if you get the credit you deserve - do the damn

children and I are spending a lot of time talking about these

thing anyway - that is true success”.

wonderful moments and memories which will live in our hearts and memories forever. We had many family traditions.

Candles

are

a

part

of

Jody

Watley’s

entrepreneurial spirit! She has loved candles since she was a Girl Scout in elementary school where she first made a candle. In terms of candles, “They are a part of my home and travel lifestyle and so it made sense to create my own line”, she adds. “I’ve had an online boutique for 25 years – initially we sold Jody Watley limited edition T-shirts and other merchandise, limited pressings of CD’s, vinyl, and DVD’s. We still carry the occasional limited edition CD digipaks. Most recently we offered “Renderings” which is my latest release.

Once the pandemic began I shifted my focus on what I wanted to be moving forward – so more candles and self-care items are available.

We are also carrying a few products from other women in small business”.

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For both, Thanksgiving and Christmas, we especially

world. I say be the light, find your light. We are all special.

enjoyed baking and decorating cookies. For Easter we loved

Stand in your light – own it.

decorating the eggs when my children were growing up, and we really loved cooking and just hanging out. There are our

Beyond the business of music and being all the hyphenates

birthday traditions as well”.

I am in music and business- with all that entails (especially for women), I am a very chill person, I laugh often, and I

With such an inspiring music journey, we wanted to find

own a great sense of humor, too. I’m a great cook and enjoy

out more about the literary arts that inspire Ms. Watley! I

baking from scratch- though I rarely do it since my children

asked her about her favorites. “Too many favorites in books,

are grown and off living their lives. I’m so proud of them and

movies and television to name, but I will recommend “The

the people they are in this world. My greatest achievement

Four Agreements’ and ‘The Alchemist’ to everyone – life

in life, like most Mom’s out there, is knowing you put in the

changing”.

work and created an environment of love and support.

In wrapping up the Urban Sentinel magazine interview with

People always tell me I’m nicer than they expect and

the great Jody Watley, we asked her to leave our readers with

more down to earth with a very warm and super chill. I’m

a glimpse into who she is behind the scenes by sharing some

only larger than life and a diva, so to speak, onstage as an

of her favorite foods, her number one vacation destination

entertainer. Even in that realm, my sense of humor is always

and telling us what a wind down weekend looks like for her.

there. My joy and passion and my desire is to make others

“My favorite foods are Thai and Indian. These days I mainly

feel included, and to leave people inspired and empowered

eat salads with edamame for protein and sometimes roasted

beyond giving a show because that’s who I really am as a

chicken. I drink lots of water. I’m asked often about my skin

person and human being. Never allow preconceived notions

and I tell them I drink lots of water, enjoy morning walks,

to make you judge and be potentially biased against someone

and try my best to live with joy in an often challenging, dark

you don’t know - realize this anyone going out of their way to speak negatively “when people can’t control you, they want to control how other people perceive you.”

Jody Watley is a joy and bright light to the world, and we are fortunate to have her music as a companion in our daily lives! To stay in touch and informed be sure to visit and bookmark the website at Official Jody Watley Website . Please follow and support Jody Watley by shopping with her company at JodyWatleyShop You can follow Ms. Watley on Instagram @JodyWatley.

The entire Urban Sentinel magazine staff sends its deepest sympathy to Jody Watley on the recent passing of her Mother.

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Clear the Path

by Catherine Tyson for urban sentinel Ever wonder why it feels like we are spinning around and

a job, meanwhile having not applied for anything. You hate

around like little hamsters on a Ferris wheel seemingly

where you live but have been there for years and have not

going nowhere and? We make one step forward and then

made any effort to get something better. You want to travel

seem to go two steps backward and we can’t seem to stop

yet you don’t have a passport! And the list goes on and on.

that cycle. And a lot of the time we keep going down the

Then there are the folks that we see doing all of these things

same path and expect different results. We hold on to bad

and instead of celebrating them, we are angry or hating on

relationships hoping it gets better and also hoping to find

them

other people and not realizing that with full hands, we can’t grasp on to anything else.

We need to first clear the path and do whatever it will take in order for us to get a different result.

If we keep walking in the same mess, how are we expecting not to get stuck in it? We are often stuck and can’t seem to

When we hold on to things that are not good for us, we

figure the way to get out. The light is illuminating at the

cannot attract the good into our lives. Sometimes we may

door; the voice saying “that way” is so loud that we even

even chase it away so let us begin by clearing the path to

tell it to quiet down as we say again for the umpteenth time,

walk through to our dreams. We can commit to ourselves

“how do I get out of here”. That great guy or girl that you are

that we will clean up our mess to breathe in the fresh smell

looking for has probably passed you by so many times while

of success and empty our hands to receive the blessings that

you were wasting time with that other one on your arm,

are in store for us. As we begin to do the things that need

all the while looking miserable and thinking someone else

doing to make those changes, we make ourselves ready for

is going to want that. The job of a lifetime is out there but

the positive results.

meanwhile we stay in the dead end one and never pursue anything else. Or for the young “cool” kids, you hang out on

Let there be a rummage sale or spring-cleaning at (insert

the sofa all day on social media or complain to your friends

your address here) and let the fresh air and gorgeous sun in.

about the life you want and could have if only you could get

Happy cleaning!

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Russel Blake After touring 75 countries in his 46 years as a bassist, concert soloist, educator, and music producer, Russel Blake shares the secrets to his success as well as how he went from student to working professional in less than five months!

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Q: Everyone has a story. What is one main message from your story that should be shared with our global audience?

A: My experiences have taught me to allow no limitations to be your limitation. To always strive towards excellence in your work while faithfully abiding in the law of synchronicity.

Inwardly knowing that when preparation meets opportunity, your success will be achieved. Lastly, to always fight valiantly for the unity of the family, the protection of all women, and the education of the next generation.

Q: What does a day in the life of Russel Blake look like?

A: I arise to worship God through early morning prayer and meditation in order to spiritually fortify and season the day with gratitude. As I believe the body to be the temple of the soul, keeping the temple strong is a priority for me. I AM striving for longevity therefore keeping the body nutritionally fortified and physically active is key to my life, health, and strength. As a certified personal trainer, it is also a necessity for my business in the fitness industry.

I continue to study my instrument daily. It is never the performance on stage that defines the greatness of a musician.

It is the countless hours of practice, study, and exploration

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of his or her instrument that determines the level of skill and quality of the musician. Musicians are really creative and artistic archaeologists digging the depths of the soul to discover that which is heaven-sent.

I also study composition. Composing music is simply another tool for archaeological exploration. I produce and arrange my own music and in so doing, I am cautious not to fall into the trap of thinking that I know enough. So to create and to learn is a vital part of my day.

Q: Tell us about your instrument of choice. Do you have any endorsement deals?

A: Although I've performed on seven different instruments, my primary instrument is the four-string electric bass. I've developed a specialized skill on the instrument which I call, "The Melodious-Chordal Technique..." The philosophy of the technique states, "The four-string electric bass is a lead instrument not unlike the piano or six string guitar in terms of melody, harmony, and rhythmic accompaniment performed simultaneously..."

I currently have 439 pieces in my repertoire encompassing

Classical, Spanish Classical, Traditional Jazz, Brazilian, Ragtime, Caribbean, Latin, Opera, Blues, Broadway, and Pop music idioms. Mozart, Beethoven, Ellington, Monk, Rodgers & Hart, Gershwin, Stevie Wonder, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Scott Joplin are just a few of the composers whose pieces I reproduce and replicate on the instrument.

Were I to play my own originals using this technique, it would not be as impactful as it is when I perform Mozart's Eine Kleine Nachtmusik or Joplin's The Entertainer or Stevie Wonder's music.

This then adds credibility to my technique as I'm performing pieces everyone is familiar with, but never imagined ever hearing and seeing them performed on a four-string electric bass. I also play the upright bass primarily when I am blessed to play bass in the pit of a Broadway show. I also play the fivestring electric bass, but that's primarily for whenever I do a church gig or if I need that low sound on any recordings.

By performing my technique on the four-string, it negates the theory that my technique is only successful because of having 5, 6, 7, or a ten-string bass, which many bassists are performing on now. For me in being old school, four strings are more than enough.

Although I've enjoyed bass guitar endorsement deals in the past from both Ibanez and Yamaha, my bass of choice has been with me since 1994. It was made for me by one of the world's greatest luthiers named Mr. Abe Rivera.

His transition was recent and I remain in mourning for his passing. He was one of the greatest masters of his craft. Among the bassists and guitarists still playing his instruments are jazz legends Pat Martino, former Tonight Show Music Director Kevin Eubanks, Jimmy Haslip (bassist with contemporary jazz group The Yellow Jackets) among many others. My last endorsement is with a Canadian based company called Yorkville. I also just signed a deal with MJC Ironworks, a Pennsylvania based company that manufacturers superior bass strings that I'm very happy with and very grateful for the partnership.

Q: What was your biggest moment in music?

A: Tough question because there have been so many over the

years, including being designated a U.S. State Department Goodwill Ambassador to eight West and Central African nations. Or the incredible diversity of experiences of that venture up to and including escaping at the last minute a terrorist attack after a bomb was found by a police dog underneath the stage in Yaounde, Cameroon 30 minutes before we were to take the stage. [The terrorists were intending to kill the King and Queen of that country who were to sit in the front row and they apparently had no qualms about killing the American Jazz musicians on the stage to do it. I was performing as Bassist with The Pharaoh Sanders Jazz Quartet. It was a big moment because I narrowly escaped death.]

Another highlight was performing as a Soloist and Educator contracted by The State of California to perform and teach my music history and cultural program to 5,000 inmates at Ironwood Prison in Blythe, California for five days at 1,000 inmates per day. [This is a maximum-security prison where the cities of Las Vegas, Phoenix, Los Angeles, and San Diego send their most hardened criminals. Men sentenced on average to life plus 400 years. Men from every ilk, religion, race, and gang affiliation you can think of.] Aryan nation, Mexican gangs, Asian gangs, Black Muslims & Native Americans all sitting apart, yet becoming one under the sound of my solo bass. Each day after my concert brought individual men to me crying and thanking me for coming to perform for them because no one else would they said.

However, performing on tour with Chaka Khan, Harry Belafonte or Sonny Rollins could not compare to performing as a Concert Soloist in Children's Hospitals in both Atlanta and Los Angeles for terminally ill children. To witness an audience of children half their normal size either in wheelchairs or slowly walking and trying to pull the IV poles to their seat.

The biggest moments in my 47-year career is whenever I perform and bring a smile to the faces of terminally ill children and listen to their parents thank me afterward for doing something within them that they have not been able to do for a very long time. Brighten their eyes, hear them laugh with joy and smile. There is nothing greater than that.

To GOD be the glory!

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Q: If your life were a color, what would it be and why?

A: I would choose the all-encompassing power of the color "Black..." Space is enveloped in a primordial blackness that binds the universe together. Galaxies, nebulas, stars, suns, planets, and moons all swim and exist within its prehistoric soup. Even a black hole earns its name for being so powerful, not even light can penetrate its spatial vacuum.

Blackness is entrenched in and embraces the depths of the deepest oceans, and out of it rises the oddity of life forms nurtured from the volcanic sulfur spewing itself from the earth’s core.

Although the law of spectrometry defines black as the absence of color, black is required for all other colors of the rainbow to have depth and variation of their unique hue.

Blackness is associated with the seven virtues of power, mystery, strength, judicious wisdom, faith, authority, and rebellion. Black is the first color defined in the Bible: "And the earth was without form, and void. and darkness (blackness) was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters, and God said let there be light Genesis 1: 2 - 3..."

Lastly, blackness defines not just my ethnicity, but also the diversity, depths, and strength of who we are as a people in all facets of human activity.

Other Interesting Facts about Russel Blake: How it all started: • Born in Brooklyn, New York • Given formal instruction in May 1973 by trombonist Alex Blake I • Began working as a professional bassist in NYC in September 1973. Supplemental instruction by bassist Alex Blake II. • First tour 1978 with South African jazz artist Hugh Masakela Work as Concert Soloist & Sideman Bassist: • Concert Soloist at the 16th Annual 2019 Panama Jazz Festival, which featured artists Brenda Russell, Wynton Marsalis, Angie Stone, Mary, Harry Belafonte, and more.

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• Special Guest Soloist for Richard Davis at the Ninth Annual Bass Conference • Kellogg Foundation Artist in Residence Educator/Creator of The Universal Language Music History & Cultural Program: • Kellogg Foundation Artist in Residence: using the four-string electric bass, teaching Universal Language & Music History & Cultural Program to all grade levels of Battle Creek & Kalamazoo school districts. Also performed as a Concert Soloist for 200 Air Force Officers at Equal Opportunity Office, Federal Center Battle Creek, Michigan.

• U.S. State Department Goodwill Ambassador to eight West and Central African Nations as Bassist with “The Pharaoh Sanders Jazz Quartet…” In addition to performing concerts, taught as an educator for inter-cultural exchange jazz workshops in Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, Congo, Cameroon, Gabon, Senegal and Sao Tome.

• Contracted by the United States’ Department of Defense/Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) as a Speaker/Educator/Solo Performer at DARPA’s Third International Conference on Modeling & Simulation of Microsystems in San Diego, California. My division and the topic assigned was “The Relationship Between Music & Science.”

Domestic Violence Awareness Advocate Affiliations: • National Domestic Violence Registry – Former Deputy Director • Linda’s Voice – Advisory Board • Global Women’s Empowerment Network – Male Media Spokesperson • Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence – Artist Fundraiser CONTACT INFORMATION: 917.776.3023 russel.blake@yahoo.com www.russelblake.info

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ANITA SHARMA 38

OGB:

The DMV Artist With Revolution In His Genes

by Brandee Johnson for urban sentinel

his second album titled “Praying You Make It Home” in January, and released his video for one of his top singles, “If It All Falls” on YouTube in April. And my brother is only getting started.

Well, first off, I want to say Congratulations on releasing your new video for “If It All Falls!”

Thank you!

I know our families tell us to go to school, get good grades, graduate, and have a great There are some people in life who inspire others through their example. For me, one of those people in my life would definitely be my brother, Rodney Johnson, Jr. Even though Rodney is my younger brother, he has taught me how important it is to follow your passion. The way that he has pursued his music career since graduating from high school has inspired me to start my journey as a freelance writer.

Rodney, also known by his stage name as OneGreatBastard, is not your average rapper. Instead of following trends, my brother sets them. Every part of his life centers around community. He works as a substitute teacher during the day, coaches an all girls’ soccer team after school, and spends the rest of his time collaborating with several amazing artists in the DMV area.

2022 has definitely been the year of OGB. Rodney released

career. What was your main inspiration for choosing a different path and just saying, “Instead of this, I’m going to follow my dreams?”

In all honesty, it was two moments in my life. The first moment was having a conversation with my teacher, Mr. Young, from Friendly High School. He used to tell me all the time, “Bro, if you’re going to do school at all, go to a community college.

You don’t really need to go to school.” He was the first teacher or older person to say that to me. I asked him, “Why wouldn’t I want to go to a four-year university?” He said, “I’m in my 40s, and I just finished paying off my student loans. I just finished off paying an education that I got at age 24, 25.” They make you pay 20 years for a 4-year period of your life. He told me that, and it made me think that maybe that’s not what I want to do.

The second moment was when I graduated high school and

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wanted to see if I could take that next step, but when I was in college, it felt like I cared more about the information that I was learning than the professors. They’re great teachers, but they don’t care if they teach you or a wooden board. I don’t respond well to that. If I’m going to be in your face and making this sacrifice, show me that you’re invested in me as much as I am invested in this. I just gravitated to spaces that made me feel that way.

What was it like performing spoken word poetry for the first time on stage?

I was nervous as heck. The first time was during my junior year. At Friendly High School, you had to slam before you could get on the poetry team. That year, I didn’t slam well.

I remember getting on stage and thinking that I was ready.

When you do something for the first time, and you haven’t invested the time and hours into your craft, you shouldn’t feel that way. I had written and practiced my poem, but I only had one poem. I wasn’t writing religiously. That first walked across the stage, I didn’t know what was coming next. None of the options that were being presented to me were good, so I felt like I had to make my own. With college, most people talk about The University of Maryland, going into debt. Most people talk about Towson, and going into debt. There were a lot of local colleges that people were going to that I didn’t feel connected to.

How did you go about finding and creating your own way?

At first, I started with just performing. I picked up spoken word poetry during my last two years of high school. I wanted to see how far I could take that, and thank God I did. It opened up a lot of doors for me, and I’m super grateful for that.

That’s awesome! I can definitely relate with trying to finding your own way.

It’s hard because you know how Mom was. “You have to go to school, or you can’t live here.” [laughs]. Some days I wondered if I should continue going on this path, because I did attend community college for a year and a half. I still

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slam was heartbreaking because I finished 5th or 6th that year, and the team was only taking four people that year.

How did you feel after finishing 5th or 6th?

It ate at me because I’m very competitive. That was when I realized, “I really want to do this.” “I really want to get on stage and perform.” While I was writing, my emotional intelligence was coming together. I wanted to be the best.

Fast forward a year later, I performed at that same slam, and I placed second. I wanted to see how far I could take myself with writing. At that time I was doing soccer and poetry.

I cut everything out, including soccer. No distractions. I wanted to see how far I could take myself with my writing.

I wanted to write so much that I have more content and a deeper understanding of myself.

How did you come to the decision to cut out something you love, like soccer, to get better at writing?

I equate sports to it all of the time. I’ve never seen Kobe get better by staying at home. He was always at the gym, and always working on his dribbling. I want to be the same way with performing. People don’t acknowledge it, but you

have to look at performing like a sport or a muscle. “How

rappers don’t really speak about, like being in a healthy

can I make this muscle stronger?” “How can I make this

relationship. What I like about “If It All Falls” is the message:

skill better?” Most people look at performing as an art form,

if you fall, you have to continue to get up. What was your

which it is, but you also have to be very skillful to perform. I

mindset while you were creating “Praying You Make It

just want to get better at it.

Home?”

It was a two-part process because I was recording a lot of the

With the spoken word poetry, how did rap come into play?

music before the messages. Before I had gotten your and my

To tell the truth, I didn’t think I was going to rap. I had

friend Amin’s voice memos, I was just writing the raps and

always been freestyling to myself, and not really sharing it

recording before they came in. When they did come in, I had

with anybody. When I started hanging around my friends

to sit back and think about where these memos would go. I

who I met through spoken word, they would be freestyling.

remember sitting down and chopping everything up into 20

It would be all Black boys riding on the train and rapping.

to 30 second messages, and thinking about 20 to 30 second

We would go everywhere beatboxing and freestyling. It

things I could add to the tracks that can help tie everything

would encourage me to come out of my shell. There were no

together.

rules. We would really just rap to get better. It started as a fun hobby, but it became something that I gravitated to.

It became this challenge of making everything make sense.

That was a fun process because I was getting other people to

I think the reason so many people are turning away from

speak on tracks in a different way and narrate a message for

mainstream rap is because there is no actual thought or

me. It allowed me to hear my sounds differently because I

concept behind the music. What I love about your album

was attaching it to something different. My thought process

“Praying You Make It Home” is that it takes you on a journey.

was, “How can I give people a message that will help them

It feels as if we’re on the grind with you. You cover every

get home?” “What are words, messages, or themes that have

aspect of chasing your dreams, how that affects your family

helped me get back to my side of town?”

members, etc.

Spoken word poetry made me a storyteller. I can tell most of

What is the difference between Rodney and OGB?

these mainstream acts have not done any type of emotional

Most of the time, if you know me as Rodney, it’s probably Mr.

awareness check with themselves. They’re just saying what’s

Rodney. I work with the youth, and that’s when I have my

hot. What we’re doing over here, I’m trying to get you to

professional hat on. I’m trying to be professional at all times.

not only connect with me through the words, but to take

With OGB, that is Mama’s oldest son, I’m letting my hair

a journey with me. Some of my favorite artists used to do

down, and we’re going to have a great time. They’re different

that. One of my favorite songs is “I Wanna Kill Sam” by Ice

energies that exist within me. Two different sides of the same

Cube. Classic. Very great storytelling about how Uncle Sam

coin. I take the filter off with OGB a lot. They both care about

infiltrated every aspect of his life.

their audiences. With OGB, I care about how the audience is going to receive my message. Same with Rodney. I’m making

I wanted to do something very similar to that – take you on a

sure that you’re taken care of.

journey of how prayer has been very instrumental in my life.

I know a lot of people don’t hear music like that. They don’t

I was listening to your single “Trust.” One line that stood

hear music where their artist is trying to connect with them,

out was, “Before the government, I count on us.” Why do

so I just wanted to try a different approach.

you think ownership is so important, for an artist and for a community?

I agree. I like how you talk about different topics that many

It’s your best route to getting what you deserve. When I see URBAN SENTINEL MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2022

41

a young artist who was murdered or taken from us very

that people look at the DMV area as a pipeline. New York,

tragically, most of the times these artists didn’t own their

Atlanta, and LA have recording studios and schools for

masters. Their record labels had life insurance policies on

music that can help pump out artists. We don’t really have

them, and they recouped that life insurance policy. We can’t

those resources in the DMV. We don’t have music schools

act like the artist that is deceased is not the most valuable

with prestige or recording studios. In LA, they have the

artist right now. Record labels don’t have to pay them, feed

1500 studio. You don’t really see that around here. Artists

them, pay for their hotel expenses, or things of that nature.

collaborate, but a lot of the underground artists collaborate and work together.

Ownership is the greatest way to get your respect while you’re alive. It’s better for me if I own my message and own

No one’s eyes are really trained to look to the DMV for

my words. Originality is something that I’m big on. It comes

music, which is unfortunate. Once you look to the DMV,

from how my idols did it. Lupe Fiasco and Mac Miller. I

you’re going to find some of the best music in the world.

gravitate toward artists like that because their sound isn’t like everyone else’s sound. I try to do the same thing when

The second reason is that DMV artists have a hard time

I create my sound. “How can I do it in a way that no one

hitting mainstream success. It’s hard to get to that type

has done it before?” “How can I do it in a way that honors

of success unless you leave and come back, which is

me, honors the community that I come from?” You can’t do

unfortunate.

anything without owning your stuff.

What does the future hold for OGB? In your opinion, why do you think that DMV artists don’t

More projects. I plan on hitting more stages. I’m trying to

receive the same love or reception. as artists in New York

get back on the performance trail. I’m trying to give the

or LA?

people as much as I can give. Outside of that, just living and

I believe it is because of two reasons. One, I don’t think

loving life.

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The Modeling Industry How to Become a Professional Model

by Olympia Kent for urban sentinel

To become a professional model, it's essential to learn the requirements of the job, as you know today modeling is a competitive industry that requires dedication and perseverance. A lot of times modeling jobs can be hard to come by, especially when it comes to looks and what you look like and what a fashion designer or brand is looking for.

A model works with consumer brands, fashion designers, photographers, and artists to advertise a wide range of products. Brands hire models to wear fashionable clothing in magazines, on runways, or to model cosmetic products.

Models generally have stylists and makeup artists crafting their clothing, hairstyles, and appearance, but they are ultimately responsible for how they portray their look in front of the camera.

Establishing a modeling career requires time and discipline, being a model involves hyperfocus around your appearance.

However, beauty is subjective, and you never know what someone will find beautiful about you. You can reflect confidence in your body language. The modeling world is full of rejection, and it can be easy to take that rejection personally.

You need to keep in mind that you have something unique to offer. Presenting yourself as a confident but not cocky person can play a big role in becoming a successful model.

Understand the duties of the job. Modeling requires hard work, determination, and the ability to follow directions quickly and efficiently, posing in particular ways or recreating looks for hours at a time. Modeling can also be physically demanding. modeling might seem as simple as walking down a runway or posing for a couple of pictures, but modeling requires a great deal of focus and stamina. Long days on your

feet, repeating poses repeatedly, and an ability to look at ease and comfortable even when you’re exhausted and frustrated are just some of the more draining tasks you’ll have to endure as a model.

You will need to have a variety of poses in your arsenal for the type of modeling you are pursuing. You’ll also need to know how to angle your face and body for the camera to convey the right image. If you want to become a runway model, you will need to establish and practice your signature walk.

Take care of your appearance. Modeling is all about aesthetics but being attractive isn’t the most necessary part. Taking care of your body is a big part of modeling. While there are now more modeling opportunities for various body types and clothing sizes, you still must take care of your skin, hair, and nails especially if you’re a hand model.

Get headshots for modeling jobs, you’ll need a variety of headshots and full body shots to submit to potential agencies and employers. Hire a photographer and Makeup artist with experience to shoot you in natural light and plain clothes to highlight your features. Ensure that your pictures closely resemble how you look in real life, so modeling agents can see what you bring to the table. Avoid submitting filtered photos from social media.

Create a portfolio. A modeling portfolio is an important tool that many potential clients will look at before deciding to work with you. These photos are more highly styled and edited than your headshots. Gather your best, high-quality professional photos, and organize them into a portfolio or on a website that advertises your abilities and range. A website

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can also make it easier for potential agencies to find you and see your work.

Comp cards, Modeling comp cards serve as business cards, essentially providing casting agents with a visual representation of the model in various different looks and appearances. You will need to have a modeling comp card in order to properly prepare for an open call for a modeling agency casting call or agent.

There are 9 types of models in the fashion industry.

Editorial Models: These models often appear in fashion magazines, bearing the latest designs from a particular fashion designer or clothing brand. Editorial models pose for fashion photographers during photoshoots, taking direction, and following their own artistic instinct to help capture the perfect image.

Runway Models: These models walk the catwalk during fashion shows, displaying carefully curated ensembles for audiences that set the current tone or upcoming trends for the fashion world. All runway models are categorized by their height and measurements, and are typically over five feet, nine inches and slim.

Plus-size Models: In the fashion modeling industry, models who are larger than the editorial standard are considered full-figured or curvy. They primarily model plus-size clothing designs.

Parts Models: Parts models only model a specific body part in product photography. For example, they may use their hands to model a new nail polish, or their feet to advertise a new sandal. Parts models must take special care of their coveted feature to ensure it stays in optimal condition.

Fitness Models: Maintaining peak physical fitness is a major requirement for fitness models. These models exercise regularly, creating a toned and muscular physique.

Fitness models usually appear in magazines, advertising supplements, workout attire, or gym facilities.

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Glamour Models: Glamour models are usually hired based on their appearance and sexual appeal. Brands and photographers hire glamour models to appear in certain magazines, calendars, and music videos.

Lingerie Models: Lingerie models pose in brassieres and underwear for photoshoots, catalogs, and magazines.

These models also work the runway to show off the latest undergarment fashion for lingerie brands and designers.

Swimsuit Models: Swimsuit models pose in bathing suits, showing off the latest in summer swimwear. The magazine Sports Illustrated is most known for its athletic swimsuit model features.

Promotional Spokesmodel: Brands hire this type of model to market their products and services. Brands hire promotional models, commonly known as influencers, to promote their products and services to their target audiences.

Catalog Models: Companies hire these commercial models for their relatable image. This type of modeling has more flexibility in terms of appearance. Catalogs typically feature models who look like everyday people, rather than runwayready supermodels. This type of commercial modeling includes mainstream retail clothing, and products that are more accessible to general consumers.

Understanding and knowing the type of modeling category you hope to specialize in will help you cater your portfolio to the right clients. but in general, you want to make sure the images you share make sense for the style of modeling you want to pursue.

Just take note and remember don’t take for granted the benefit of taking the time to understand the industry you want to pursue.

(Success is not final, Failure is not fatal, it is the courage to continue that counts. (Winston Churchill).)

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SISTERS IN MUSIC - NASHVILLE, TENNESSE

"Celebrating Women in Music"

by C. NaTasha Richburg for urban sentinel

Natalie Jean and Nicki Kris, Sisters in Music (SIM)

SIM-JAM Fest - Nashville, TN, "Celebrating Women in

cofounders, are a team of singer-songwriters connected

Music" will be held on Saturday, October 22, 2022, from 12

by the heartbeat of sisterhood's reverberation to resonate

PM - 9 PM CT at the Scoreboard Bar & Grill, 2408 Music

musically with the audience's mind, body, and spirit. On

Valley, Dr. Nashville, TN 37214. Various artists have an

April 1, 2022, SIM-JAM took place at Tommy Rocker's

opportunity to grace the SIM stage to electrify the audience

Mojave Beach Bar & Grill in Las Vegas. The incredible

with beautiful rich tones in the natural musical language of

multi-genre lineup featured Annemarie Picerno, Natasha

many genres. Get your free tickets early. Come and enjoy

Remi, Leti Garza, Noshir Mody, Natalie Jean, Ricky Persaud,

these talented artists.

Jr., Kendra Muecke, Nicki Kris, Brei Carter, Mariel Morgan, Donna Scott, Suzanne Grzanna and Alex Otey, and Damian Wyldes. The sold-out show was an enormous success, with

Learn more about Sisters in Music from

the audience members singing along and asking when

www.sistersinmusic.org

the next SIM-JAM would happen. The next SIM-JAM

Twitter: @sistersinmusic1

will occur in Nashville, Tennessee, on the weekend of the

Instagram: @sistersinmusic1

October 23, 2022, 8th Annual Josie Music Awards, "The

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sistersinmusic

largest, most respected, revered award and prestigious

Email: info@sistersinmusic.org

events & association in the independent music industry!"

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Annemarie Picerno POWERFUL, ORIGINAL, SOULFUL, AND UNIQUE, Annemarie Picerno is a Grammy member, Americana Music Association member, Indie Collaborative artist, and 2018 Josie Music Award winning artist in Nashville. She has performed in theater, bands in every musical genre, comedy shows, film, radio, and television. Her diverse musical sounds mix country, pop, blues, soul, and rock. She was awarded Best Music Video Concept and Grand Jury Prize Gold Best Music Video at the 2021 Los Angeles Motion Picture Festival for her music video "Color Blind," as well as Best Music Video for 2021 The Global Nonviolent Film Festival, Artist of the Year in 2019 and 2020 Red Carpet Holland Awards, and awards at The Gran Royale Music Awards and LDM Radio Awards. Select singles were also released on Bongo Boy Records and for consideration on the 1st ballot for the 61st, 62nd, 63rd, and 64th Grammy Awards.

The Sisters In Music SIM JAM in Vegas was an awesome showcase of talents led by two hardworking ladies, Natalie Jean and Nicki Kris. Their perseverance and support of women in music and their work to provide opportunities for women artists make a difference in the music industry!

OFFICIAL WEBSITE https://annemariepicerno.com DISCOGShttps://www.discogs.com/artist/7955333-Annemarie-Picerno TWITTER www.twitter.com/amplifiedsound INSTAGRAM www.instagram.com/annemariepicerno/ SPOTIFY https://open.spotify.com/artist/3kEgN4KdpREgbH0KIks3VP ITUNES https://itunes.apple.com/mu/artist/annemarie-picerno/940090902 IHEART RADIO https://www.iheart.com/artist/annemarie-picerno-31501864/ URBAN SENTINEL MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2022

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Brei Carter Brei Carter is an emerging crossover country and southern pop recording artist who is proof that sometimes faith, patience, and time pay off. Growing up in Monroe, Louisiana, with a solid, southern upbringing, Brei's family raised her on several authentic southern staples: the Bible, Lone Star Missionary Baptist Church's choir, Charley Pride, Loretta Lynn, Aretha Franklin, and no shortage of familial love and devotion. However, before she became the dynamic and vivacious country singer she is today, Brei was busy earning a Bachelor's in Business from the University of Louisiana at Monroe, a Master's in International Relations from Webster University, and a Doctorate in Theology from New Foundation Theological Seminary.

She is also a proud Veteran of the U.S. Army, where she served as an enlisted soldier and officer. After moving to Nashville, Brei has quickly established herself in the songwriters' community as a smooth and sometimes edgy songstress. The latter melds country, soul, and southern pop into one fused style. Her first single on country radio, "Gave Him A Girl," was immediately recognized as "cute and catchy" by country music journalist and historian Robert K. Oermann in his weekly DISClaimer review column for Music Row Magazine. With a growing catalog of singles, this young singer-songwriter is a welcome addition to the emerging new styles of the country music community.

Best Sisters-in-Music experience: Performing at SIM-JAM in Vegas in the nice venue, with the people, and the performances.

The energy I experienced was unbelievable. SIM knows how to put on an amazing and memorable show!"

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Damian Wyldes Damian Wyldes is a singer-songwriter in the American Roots genre. He has a unique mix of musical influences, including folk, mariachi, outlaw, and New Orleans. Damian gas has been called the Joe Cocker of this generation. He has won an ISSA award for single of the year with his song Greed, which also placed on indie charts and list in Australia (#8), the UK (#6), and the Netherlands, where the song had an incredible six months at #1. Damian, an IMA and HMMA nominated artist, has many touring plans this year, including a tour in Europe, and is a mainstage performer at music award shows.

He is currently promoting his newest single STILL ft. KITT WAKELEY will be part of his new self-titled album Damian Wyldes, scheduled for release. Damian recently performed at the SIM JAM Grammys week in Las Vegas.

Best Sisters-in-Music experience. Bringing down the house like a musical Viking. He was quoted: " I love Sisters In Music, and I appreciate what they stand for." The SIM JAM event was one of the highlights of the Grammy week Damian experienced.

Instagram: @damianwyldesmusic Facebook: Facebook.com/damianwyldes

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Kendra Muecke Kendra Muecke of Kendra & the Bunnies Music is a freestyle folk and pop rock artist, singer, and multi-instrumentalist.

Her style heavily utilizes the element of storytelling through song, painting a creative experience for the listener. Atop her numerous releases, she is a Grammy Voting Member (also an Official Grammy®️ Ballot Contender in over eight categories 2022), Josie Music Award winning artist (Best Artist of the Year, Multi-Genre), and graduate of Pepperdine University.

Audiences may have seen Kendra & the Bunnies perform at the famous Viper Room, House of Blues, and Runway Houston, or as featured in Relix Magazine, Billboard Magazine, Flaunt Magazine, CityBook Houston, Westword Denver, JamBase, American Songwriter, and more.

Best experience performing at the SIM-JAM. Kendra & the Bunnies performed during Grammy weekend 2022 with SIM JAM at Tommy Rocker's Las Vegas. She loved meeting and seeing her fellow SIM JAM musicians while officially debuting two of her new pop songs, Closer, and Everybody Stop.

Social Media Links https://www.instagram.com/kenbunny/ (@kenbunny) | https://www.kendraandthebunnies.com (blog) https://www.facebook.com/kendraandthebunnies (@kendraandthebunnies) https://www.tiktok.com/@kendraandthebunnies/ (@kendraandthebunnies) http://twitter.com/kenbunny (@kenbunny) | https://www.youtube.com/user/thepoliticsofkendra https://open.spotify.com/artist/5Sup4xcv2oCm7Z2rPl8puJ?si=ko_EvobCQDS-L_xNR7gcrw 52

Leti Garza Leti Garza, entertainer, musician, singer-songwriter, and producer from Houston, Texas, connects the world through music. Her melodies spring from fertile ground. She comes from a celebrated family of singer-songwriters. Leti's music is drawn from her North American roots in Texas Folk, Latin Jazz, and New Age; the Afro-Caribbean rhythms of Cuba's son, danzon and boleros; the valses and baladas of Mexico; the trova, cumbia, and merengue beats of South and Central America; and Brazil's bossa nova and samba. Leti is a global Tejana; her music refuses categorization.

Leti has been featured on PRI's "The World" tastemaker, KEXP; her music has been played in over 70 countries. In April of 2022, she was a featured performer at Carnegie Hall on Earth Day with the nationally recognized Indie Collaborative. Her recording of the song "Frio en el Alma." was a listed favorite by NPR's Alt/Latino program in 2017 from her album, "El Unico Para Mi." Other accolades for Leti Garza include the Distinguished Music Award, awarded by the Texas Music Museum, Austin, TX, and recognition by the Austin History Centerfor her contributions to Texas music. Her latest releases, December 2020, the song "La Empaliza Remix," and in March 2021, the EP "Borderland" reflects the breadth of human experience through music.

Website: https://www.letigarza.com/ | Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/letigarza Bandcamp: https://letigarzamusic.bandcamp.com/ | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LetiGarzaATX/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letigarza_ | Youtube: http://bit.ly/LetiGarza Twitter: https://twitter.com/LetiGarzaATX | National Booking: mailto:bookingleti@gmail.com International Booking: emily@vidaartmanagement.com

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Mariél Morgan Mariél Morgan is a singer songwriter from Lubbock, TX and is the: • 2019 ISSA Award winner for Emerging Artist of the Year.

• 2020 Indie Music Channel Award winner for Demo of the Year for her original song, Am I Crazy.

• Mariél is also the three-time 2021 Indie Music Channel Award winner for the: o EDM version of her song Smile, o Best the Dance Recording, and o Best Female Dance Artist.

Mariél is currently working on several new original singles and a new EP. Best experience at SIM Jam: Just performing in general! The opportunity to share my work with my peers was a highlight of Grammy weekend.

Instagram: mariel_morgan Facebook: @MarielMorgan85 Twitter: @Mariel_Morgan

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Natalie Jean Natalie Jean is a Haitian singer/songwriter that specializes in Americana music. She can sing in English, French, Spanish, and Haitian Creole. Natalie Jean has been nominated for and won many awards for her music, including six nominations at the 2021 Josie Music Awards, in which she won "World Artist of The Year." She recently won Best Pop song for her song "I'm Done (a collaboration with Kitt Wakeley) at the 2022 Radio Music Awards. Natalie also won two gold medals at the Global Music Awards. She recently won Outstanding Achievement in Songwriting for her song "I Told You No" in the Great American Songwriting Contest in the Adult Contemporary Category and a Silver Medal in the 2021 Global Music Awards for Female Vocalist.

Best experience performing at the SIM-JAM. Hosting and performing at the SIM-JAM Las Vegas was a lot of fun. There were a lot of great performances. It's awesome to share a journey and stage with Nicki Kris. Also, I love promoting other indie artists. It is great to watch them on their road to success.

Social Media Links Website: www.natalie-jean.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NatalieJeanObsession Twitter: https://twitter.com/natnat7 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nataliej0819/?hl=en Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nataliejeanmusic?lang=en

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Natasha Remi Natasha Remi earned her Bachelor of Music degree from the Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. Since then, Natasha has recorded multiple R&B tracks for River City Music’s album “Miss REducation,” released in Japan. She then spent several years fronting show bands for Carnival Cruise Lines. In 2016, Natasha performed background vocals for Japanese Pop Stars Junko Yagami and Anri. Her collaboration on “What Can I Do?” with LA-based producer Sunday Mitsuru was featured in a commercial for Japanese sake company, Tateyama. In 2018, Natasha was the Principal Actor in an American Airlines Master Card New Media commercial and then performed as part of the gospel choir in the 2019 Grammy MusiCares concert. Since 2021, Natasha has been singing with Goode Time Productions, performed as part of the Sisters in Music Jam Showcase in Las Vegas, and sang the National Anthem for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Best experience performing at the SIM-JAM. The best part of performing at the SIM-JAM was meeting and watching all the performers! The talent in the room was an honor to share the stage with so many accomplished artists. I feel inspired to keep growing and keep up with these fantastic musicians!

www.natasharemi.com https://www.tiktok.com/@natasha_remi | https://www.instagram.com/natasha_remi/ https://www.facebook.com/natasharemi517/ | https://twitter.com/natasha_remi https://www.youtube.com/natasharemi | https://natasharemi.bandcamp.com

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Nicki Kris Nicki Kris is a multi-award-winning Billboard charting singer/songwriter based in Raleigh, North Carolina. Her music has captured an international audience since the soul stylings of her 2013 debut album; I Come Alive. Her songs have been featured in award-winning movies, TV shows, and radio stations worldwide. Nicki has been on the official ballot for the Grammy Awards for the past ten years in numerous categories. In 2021 she was named Podcaster of the Year 2021 by the PowerUp Summitt for her Podcast "Mixing It With Nicki Kris."

Best experience performing at the SIM-JAM. There were so many remarkable experiences hosting and performing at SIMJAM. It was great to be able to introduce so many wonderful and talented artists from all over the world and watch and support them during their performances. The icing on the cake was the engagement and interaction from our fantastic audience.

Social Media Website: www.nickikris.com Twitter: www.twitter.com/nickikris Facebook: www.facebook.com/NickiKrisMusic YouTube: www.youtube.com/Nickikris Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickikris

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Noshir Mody Noshir Mody is a stimulating and creative fusion guitarist displaying a beautiful tone, versatility, and inventive ideas in his picturesque originals. He has recorded and performed consistently rewarding and thought-provoking sets of original music throughout his career.

Mody has been awarded the following, among other accolades • World Songwriting Awards’ Best Jazz Song for ‘Illusions Grow,’ • Independent Music Awards Best Jazz Instrumental Album nomination (Album: Stories From The Years Of Living Passionately), • Three Global Music Awards for Outstanding Achievement in ‘Album,’ ‘Group’ (Album: A Burgeoning Consciousness), and ‘Composition/Composer’ (Album: An Idealist’s Handbook: Identity, Love and Hope in America 2020) • Three GASC Outstanding Achievement in Songwriting, Instrumental category for his compositions ‘Under A Starlit Sky’ (Album: An Idealist’s Handbook: Identity, Love and Hope in America 2020), ‘India’ (Album: Stories From The Years Of Living Passionately) and ‘Secrets In The Wood And Stone’ (Album: A Burgeoning Consciousness).

2. Best experience performing at the SIM-JAM Enjoying the performances and company of so many wonderful and talented artists who support each other.

3. Social Media Links Website - https://www.NoshirMody.com | Facebok - https://www.facebook.com/NoshirModyMusic Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/NoshirMody/ | Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/c/ethnifusion Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/artist/noshir-mody/300657796 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/58L3IVSMusjF380TTA6e4M 58

Suzanne Grzanna Suzanne Grzanna (Sax Diva) is a Multi-Award winner and member of the Recording Academy, Society of Composers and Lyricists, Hollywood Music and Media Awards, SAG-AFTRA, and Guild of Music Supervisors (Friend). She has ten albums released on her label Diva Records and has recorded over ninety songs of her compositions and other musicians' releases. Her music has been featured in many films and played across the globe on the radio. She has performed for many music festivals and private events. Suzanne loves to connect with the audience and share her love for music. Suzanne will be releasing an original Jazzy EDM song titled "Simply Sunday After Hours" (2022) and a Jazz album in (2023). In addition, Suzanne has a Jazz Instrumental, Jazz Vocal, and Jazzy EDM/Downtempo Music Library that's One-Stop 100% Master and Publishing Owned.

Best Sisters-in-Music experience. Sisters-in-Music hosted such an amazing event in Las Vegas. It was very well organized and full of love & respect towards each other. The support from other colleagues made it exciting to be part of such a sisterhood in music. I couldn't wait to share my music with these fantastic friends. Thanks again, SIM!

Social Media https://www.saxdiva.com | https://www.facebook.com/suzannegrzannaband/ https://www.instagram.com/suzannegrzanna/ | https://www.twitter.com/suzannegrzanna https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzannegrzanna/

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All other images of Jody Watley on Pages 26-30 Photo Credit: Jody Watley Pages 6-11 Stephen Thomas Images Submitted by NTPR Agency | Management Group Page 12, 61 Model: Fitzroy Constaintine Jewelry Designer: Crown and Right hand wrist: King Moorice Left Bracelet and Right ring: RahCrystals Stylist/Wardrobe: JABarnes Photography LLC Pages 15-16 Lasheika Boyd Photography by Kim Taylor Kimazing Photos Page 25 Model: Cherry Song Photographer: Jerry A. Barnes Designer: VanMiller International MUA: Rachel Reid Stylist: Kimberly Harden, Jacki Barnes HS: Gina Mark Rebolledo

Photo Credits

Cover Photo Jody Watley Cover Image: Photography by Tyler Miles

Page 38 Model: Anita Sharma Photographer: Jerry A. Barnes Designer: VanMiller International MUA: Rachel Reid Stylist: Kimberly Harden, Jacki Barnes HS: Gina Mark Rebolledo Pages 39-42 OGB Photo Credit @sxmplyloud Pages 44, 47 Model: Olympia Kent Photography by Timothy Brantley IG: @ timagination

Urban Sentinel does not take credit for any Photographs provided by the interviewees.

All images are used with the permission granted by the subjects of the articles or by the Photographers listed on the credits page.

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