The GREEN BROTHERS
Bringing Hollywood to Atlanta
Reginald Kearney Editor
Lasheika C. Boyd
Associate Editor
Brandon J. Jolly
Layout Designer
Urban Sentinel Magazine
Address: 102 Discovery Ct. La Plata, Maryland 20646
Phone: 301-661-3989
Editor in Chief
Reginald Kearney
Advertising Inquiries
Phone: 301-661-3989
E-mail: contact@urbansentinelmagazine.com
Website: www.urbansentinelmagazine.com
EDITORIAL
From The Desk of The Editor
We have a great magazine for the months of January/February. A big effort was put forth as we are ready to give you the news that you have been looking for. We are hoping that with the new website we will be able to touch and reach people around the world. We are always looking for new writers and articles or suggestions on what you the reader may like to read. If you need additional information on the magazine and website, and if you would love to write for the magazine or pitch an article, you can reach us at contact@urbansentinelmagazine.com.
The world is changing and I would like for you to remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the month of January and please do not forget that February is Black History Month along with the celebration of Valentine's Day. We will also be watching Washington D.C. as a new president is sworn in as the new leader of this country. In this edition of the magazine we are interviewing the Green Brothers of Atlanta, Georgia. These Brothers are movie directors and they are bringing Hollywood to Atlanta. We also have other great articles for you to read. Please like us on Instagram @theurbansentinel2.0 and join us live on Youtube, Roku and PODTV.TV at 8pm ET on Tuesday nights for the Urban Sentinel Live show. The Urban Sentinel staff is looking towards the future and what it has in store for us. As the Editor and Publisher, I would like to invite you to the new Urban Sentinel Magazine website (urbansentinelmagazine.com). Enjoy our new website and enjoy the magazine.
Thank you for the support, Reginald Kearney- Editor/Publisher
TABLE OF CONTENTS
3 Lessons We Could Learn From Brandee Johnson
Big Mama Said Terry Allen Ratchet - A Green Company Pictures Film Lasheika Boyd
Merry Gentlemen Karrie Jackson Letters to Lasheika Lasheika Boyd
BY BRANDEE JOHNSON
3 LESSONS WE COULD LEARN FROM: WILLIAM PAUL COATES
Whether it’s starting a publishing company or making a huge career change, we all have big dreams in 2025. But those dreams will remain dreams if we don’t act. Sometimes, taking the first step is the biggest fear. We think that the circumstances have to be just right for us to move. If you feel overwhelmed at any time this year, look at those that came before you. It’s so easy to find inspiration when you know what your predecessors have accomplished in spite of their obstacles.
One person whose journey you can take so much from is William Paul Coates. Here are 3 key takeaways from his publishing journey that you can keep at the front of your mind all year.
Begin Right Where You Are
In 1978, William Paul Coates founded the Black Classic Press. To date, it is the longest independently owned Black publishing company. And guess where it was created?
In the basement of his house, with his first publications being pamphlets from a photocopier. Coates didn’t focus on his humble beginnings. Instead, he focused on his passion – to preserve the collective history of Black people.
Nearly 50 years later, that same publishing company transformed into an empire. Some of the notable authors whose works have been published through the Black Classic Press include John Henrik Clarke, Dorothy B. Porter, Bobby Seale, Walter Mosley, and Amiri Baraka.
The takeaway here is that the best time to make your dream a reality is right now. Don’t worry about where you are. Think about where you want to go.
Turn Your Negatives into Positives
Before planting roots in Baltimore, Maryland, there were several events that could have deterred Coates from becoming the publisher and activist he is today. The first event occurred while Coates served in the U.S. Army. Like many Black soldiers, he endured racism and discrimination.
But instead of succumbing to the harassment, he used it as motivation. He would learn about Black authors like Richard Wright, James Baldwin, and Malcolm X and fall in love with their works.
The second event happened when Coates was discharged after serving in Vietnam. Many soldiers returned to the United States hopeless. But when Coates settled in Baltimore, he brought hope to his community. He volunteered in the Black Panther Party’ breakfast
program, which provided free breakfast for children before school.
From there, he founded the George Jackson Prison Movement in 1972, a movement geared towards introducing Afrocentric literature to inmates. He also started a bookstore called The Black Book with a former Panther in 1973.
Coates used the discrimination he faced as motivation. That’s a takeaway that we all can learn from.
Be of Service to Others
Whether it was his activist endeavors or his publishing ventures, Coates always kept the community in mind. His reason for starting the George Jackson Prison Movement was to help inmates retrieve their souls and minds. The Black Classic Press promoted Black authors and stories that would have gone ignored by traditional publishing companies.
He is also founder of the National Association of Black Book Publishers. Service to the community is at the forefront of everything Coates does. Through his example, he’s shown how important it is to always serve people as best as you can.
And The Rest is History
These are just some of the lessons that we can learn through William Paul Coates.
As we conquer 2025, let’s remember to keep these three takeaways in mind:
• Begin where you’re at
• Turn negatives into positives.
• Be of service to those around you.
CREDITS: - Photo taken from The African American Literature Book Club Link: https://aalbc.com/authors/ W.+Paul+Coates
Photo taken from the Huffington Post Link: https://www.huffpost.com/highline/ article/now-we-re-talking/paul-coates/
Photo taken from the African American Literature Book Club Link: https://aalbc.com/imprint/ Black+Classic+Press
PHOTO
BIG MAMA SAID: YOU CANNOT THINK BIG WHEN LITTLE GOT YOU -BECAUSE
I SAID SO!
Lucille “Big Mama” Allen was a woman of faith, wisdom, and unfaltering conviction. Her phrase, “You cannot think big when little got you!” wasn’t just a catchy saying— it was a battle cry urging us to rise above the distractions of the trivial to see the bigger picture. Big Mama believed that the path to victory required uniting small wins to create a lasting legacy.
One of her lessons comes to mind as we consider the incoming wave of presidential appointments. Big Mama would remind us not to fixate on individual unqualified choices while missing the larger issue— the broken system of review and vetting. She’d say, “Don’t argue over the deck chairs when the ship’s steering is off.” Big Mama would challenge us to focus on overhauling the process itself, ensuring the ship sails steadily for generations.
Similarly, Big Mama would steer us away from obsessing over micro-analyzing election outcomes. She’d say, “Quit counting pennies when you need a dollar plan!” It’s not about reliving where we fell short but building a new infrastructure in our democracy—one that energizes voters and meets their needs with conviction and clarity. Big Mama knew that big wins come
when we focus on creating systems that prioritize solutions over finger-pointing. She would echo the Honorable Deval Patrick's charge to the Democrats,"Get a Back Bone!"
Finally, Big Mama would have strong words for how we digest the news. “Don’t base tomorrow’s decisions on today’s gossip!” she’d say. Instead of reacting to conversational news cycles, she’d implore us to harness the power of Black media— our voices of truth and advocacy—to inform, educate, and strategize. Big Mama believed this was key to preventing the erosion of the advancements we’ve fought so hard to achieve. This magazine is a beacon of news that is forus by us. support it.
Big Mama’s wisdom transcended time. Her enduring lesson? Don’t get hung up on petty issues. Focus on uniting the small battles to secure the big picture. She always reminded us that we’re created to serve God by loving and lifting one another. So rise up, because Big Mama said so.
Terry Allen is an award-winning media professional, journalist and entrepreneur. He is also the founder of City Men Cook and 1016 Media
A GREEN COMPANY PICTURES FILM
by LASHEIKA BOYD
Identical twins Rasheed K. Green and R. Saeed Green were born in Boston, MA They moved to Savannah, GA at the age of five years old and have been in Atlanta, GA since high school. The Green brothers grew up expressing themselves through entertainment, they loved writing music because it was like telling a story. They wanted to write longer stories and getting into film would be the best way to express themselves. The transition was natural for the twins. The Green brothers continued to write, buy film equipment, and filmed their ideas and thoughts. Some challenges that the brothers had to overcome in the industry is “we are very tight knit” says Rasheed, “we don’t have a crew, we do it all ourselves and on a small budget”. The Green brothers are so skilled at what they do, they make their films look like they could be in movie theaters. They had to learn a lot without a team. “It takes a lot of sacrifice” says Rasheed.
The brothers decided on the film name Ratchet because “Ratchet Culture” is in, it is catchy, and good for marketing. Without giving too much away Ratchet is a horror/comedy/ thriller film about a deranged psychopath whose selfproclaimed girlfriend gets murdered on Halloween. The trailer had me on the edge of my seat and laughing at the same time. The twin’s definition of the film being successful beyond the
box office numbers is that people come out, like it, and for them to enjoy it from a genuine place.
The film Ratchet’s promotion strategies consist of taking the film on the road, doing national publication promos where everyone can see the film in different cities. The film will also be available for streaming. Rasheed and R. Saeed will go
to larger film festivals to boost exposure. The Green brothers would also like to see the film crossover to every audience. “The underdog film that captures the nation by storm October 2025” says Rasheed.
Some filmmakers that have had an impact on Green Company Pictures are Quentin Tarantino, Jordan Peele, Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, and James Cameron. They
have great dialogue, and they are creative and unique” says Rasheed.
Advice that the Green brothers would give to someone starting out in the business is do not cut corners, do not expect someone to come in and make your film better. Pay attention to the actors that you hire, pay attention to details, and do the best you can.
The Urban’s is an award-winning Green Brother’s film. The series is available to watch on Tubi. Clifton Powell is one of the many great actors in the series along with Rodney Perry. R. Saeed Green is in it as well. Rasheed Green is more behind the scenes.
CHRISTINA KARIS STILL FROM RATCHET
The parent company is Green Company Pictures Screenings will be coming in January or February 2025.
Cover Photo Photographer: Corey Reese
Lead in the film Ratchet is: Christina Karis and Rodney Perry
Special effects makeup artist: Midian Crosby
Merry Gentlemen
by KARRIE JACKSON
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen is one of the oldest Christmas carols. It dates back to the early 1500s. The first printing of the English traditional song appeared in 1760 under the title “Tidings of Comfort and Joy.” The word “rest” as used in this song meant to “keep” or “continue.” In today’s language the first line of the song could read, “May God keep you in contented spirits, folks.” Over the centuries many have viewed the original version of the song as dark and somber. But in fact, it was a clarion call for hope. In today’s world filled with division and unrest, we still need the message, “God rest ye merry gentlemen,” or “May God keep you in contented spirits, folks.”
The chorus of the Christmas carol bellows out the blessed assurance of hope, “Oh tidings of comfort and joy.” The definition of tidings is news, information, announcement, or communication. We usually see the word in contexts pertaining to the Christmas season. The most notable usage occurs in Luke 2:10 of the King James Bible, when the angel delivers the news of the arrival of the Savior. Nevertheless, the word tiding is still being used in our English language today.
The announcement of the good news referenced in God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen is a message of a savior who was to come to bring peace on earth and good will to mankind. The message relays that no matter what your circumstances are there is comfort and joy to be had. Jesus is that savior and He is still the answer for the world today. The Apostle Paul wrote from a prison cell that in his dire situations, true tranquility went beyond his ability to understand. While in prison in Philippi, Paul and Silas found peace by singing hymns. Miraculously there was an earthquake that shook the prison doors, and all the captives were set free (Acts 16:25-26). Paul later affirmed this notion in Romans 5:1 by saying that you will have peace with God by your faith in Christ Jesus.
Through Christ, hearts and minds can keep peace and find comfort even in suffering. People have experienced this type of solace during the loss of a loved one, or the devastation of losing everything they have worked for. Health and mental challenges, rejection, abandonment, physical and sexual abuse all of which the peace of Christ can bring comfort. There is a supernatural intervention that
takes place. God’s Spirit that lives on the inside of believers gives us comfort, and peace that surpasses human reckoning. If you are a child of God, no matter what trying circumstances challenge your faith, peace that is rooted in Jesus Christ cannot be broken. God will keep you in perfect peace, when you keep your mind on Him. You have this hope because you trust Him, Isaiah 26:3.
This author has had her share of tests, trials, and tribulations. I have had to learn to be contented. Recently, I was preparing to host a conference when I received a call saying that my father was soon to transition from this life. From the aircraft I gazed out into the clouds that resembled large pillows of cotton. One hot tear trickled down my cheek as I made two petitions to the Lord: “Heavenly Father, please keep my Dad alive until I arrive and when I get there, let him recognize me.” My restless soul wrestled to block out Satan’s negative taunting and to stand firm in my faith to trust the God of my salvation. It seemed like it was taking me forever to arrive. I had too much time to think. There was a battle going on in my mind. My Dad was near death, and I had a conference scheduled in less than three weeks. There was no time to cancel the conference. Perhaps Dad’s health would miraculously bounce back, or not. How could I handle the affairs of both events that were happening 1,230 miles away from each other? I was frantic. I could not make sense of it. This conflict was disrupting my life. Death did not get my permission, nor did it check my calendar to see if I was available. The timing was all wrong. I had no control of the situation. I had no strength or desire to pray. I felt myself begin to panic. I
had to do something while sitting at 35,000 feet. So, I began to sing. In those melodies, comfort and joy danced together within my soul. Right at that moment, the Spirit of the living God activated peace that I did not understand. But I welcomed it, and I embraced it all. When I arrived at my Dad’s facility, I said, “Poppa you waited for me.” He opened his eyes, smiled, and then whispered, “Yes, I love you, Sweetie.” A few days later, death was given permission to take my Dad back home to be with the Lord.
Over the next ten days, God would continue to grace me with peace. The conference was executed with excellence. The attendees were empowered, and this author cannot remember much of what I did or even the message that I delivered that day. But one thing I know for sure is that I was able to rest [keep going/continue to trust]. God kept me with a contented spirit as I spoke, there was glad tidings of comfort and joy. I am naturally a jovial person. But understand that joy and happiness are not the same.
Happiness is the feeling of contentment or satisfaction in the moment. It is based on what we do or how we behave. It can be fleeting, as it is based on external factors and reflects something happening to you. Joy is a deeper emotion than happiness that comes from within — from a sense of purpose and meaning, including finding meaning in suffering — and from relationships with others. Joy therefore lasts longer than happiness. It is also relatively independent from happiness, according to Katherine Atherton, a therapist at OPI. Joy is internal and connected to living a more authentic life. This is because to have joy, you must do inner work, identifying
your values and strengths and aligning your life with them. According to the Bible, joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22), evidence of God’s presence working on the inside of you (John 15:11). Joy is a lasting emotion that comes from trusting God.
You may ask how can I have joy? Or how can Jesus be our peace when there is so much turmoil in this world and we feel everything but peace? Jesus did not come to do away with sufferings or conflicts – not yet any way. He had his own sufferings and conflicts while on earth too, even unto the cross. But Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.] John 6:33 AMP. When Jesus came to earth, His goal was to bring us peace by reconciling us to the Father because without God, there is no peace.
It is God’s desire to rescue us from the clinches of Satan, which is why He gave us an “indescribable gift,” His Son, Jesus to die for our sins. “Now thanks be to God for His Gift, [precious] beyond telling [His indescribable, inexpressible, free Gift]!” 2 Cor 9:15 AMPC
Our culture screams loudly for comfort and joy. With struggles and conflict all around, it is easy to get fixated on a situation and how it disrupts our life. How do we turn the page on this current chapter? Peace can only come by trusting God for a resolution, in His time and in His way. At Christmas the most powerful message we can
give is glad tidings of God’s love, comfort, and joy demonstrated through our own lives. The world does not need more festive decorations or bright lights. Instead, it needs to see godly families loving one another, businesspeople working with integrity and frugality, and believers unconditionally serving their neighbors. By exemplifying peace instead anxiety, or patience instead of frustration, love instead of hatred, we can bear witness to the beauty of God’s love. God loves us so much that He gave the gift of salvation, the gift of grace, the gift of forgiveness, the gift of redemption, the gift of adoption, and so many more. Our Father gives gifts that keep on giving.
During this holiday season and beyond, remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas day to save us all from Satan’s power even when we go astray. So, as you celebrate, rest in the peace of God who is able to give you comfort and joy.
A RELATIONSHIP ADVICE COLUMN
The Question: Letters to Lasheika
My girlfriend and I have been together for almost three years. I love her more than I have loved any other woman and I want to ask her to marry me. We are both thirty-five years old and I feel like I am ready to settle down. I am a little skeptical because we grew up in two different types of households. Her Mother was a single mom, and she has three sisters. I grew up with my mom and dad in the household and I am an only child. I have a lot of cousins, so I am used to big family functions. I am not used to drama and family messiness though.
My girl’s mom and sisters are always trying to be in our business or in everybody else’s business. My girl tries her best to stay out of their drama, but she somehow gets dragged in it anyway. They drink a lot especially at family functions and it always makes my wife drink a lot and she gets out of character. I drink sociably but not like them; they are excessive. She’s a good woman, I love her, and she loves me, but I am not sure if the drama with her family will change. My life is chill and laid back and I want to keep it that way. I need some good advice and understanding.
My Response:
Most people say that when you get married you marry your spouse’s family too. I believe you don’t marry your spouse’s family because you both must set boundaries for yourselves and your marriage. Friends and family should not be in your business. To be very truthful not much changes when you get married. If you have an issue with her family being in your business now it will only get worse when you are married. Issues need to be resolved beforehand. Pre-marital counseling is a good option if both of you agree to it.
There is nothing wrong with two people who truly love each other coming from different backgrounds being married but you must put in the work because there will be bumps in the road, disagreements, and family issues. You must weigh the pros and cons in this situation. You mentioned that your life is chill and laid back; You must ask yourself if being married to her will disrupt your peace or will she be able to keep her family out of y’all’s business.
There are so many people that don’t ask the right questions before getting married they just ignore the red flags. Thinking before you act is always a plus. It can save you years of heartache, pain, and wasted time. We only have one life to live and living without peace would be a BIG price to pay. Remember to ALWAYS be true to yourself.
