Urban Sentinel (July 2020 Edition) by urbansentinel

J U LY 2020 E D I T I O N

Ann Nesby Life as an Entertainer

RODNEY PERRY LOVING TO M AKE PEOPLE L AUGH

KIM ROUNDTREE THE REAL DEAL OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP

CHRIS JASPER IS STILL MAKING LOVE SONGS

EDITORIAL

From The Desk of The Editor Reginald Kearney Editor

Corretta L. Doctor

Brandon J. Jolly

Business Manager

Layout Designer

Yvonne Medley

C. NaTasha Richburg

Writer

Musa Bangura

Anita Davis-DeFoe

Writer

Stacey Henry-Carr

Bridgette Alfred

Writer

Cameron Posey Writer

The 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

June went by with the speed of light, and now here we are in the month of July. I thank everyone for the support that was shown towards the June 2020 issue of Urban Sentinel magazine. This month’s magazine is complete with many engaging articles that cover a number of topics. The cover story for this month is Ann Nesby, 2x Grammy award winning recording artist, known as the queen of inspirational soul, is a singer, songwriter, producer, and actress. Ann is the former lead singer of Sound of Blackness, and she is also a songwriter with credits which include hit songs by Patti Labelle and Gladys Knight, plus she costarred in the 2003 romance musical The Fighting Temptations with Cuba Gooding Jr. and Beyonce. Other cover feature stories include longtime comedian Rodney Perry, Entrepreneur and Businesswoman Kimberly Roundtree, and Chris Jasper who is a former member of the Isley Brothers and Isley-Jasper-Isley. June continued to be a tough month for the country as we had another police killing in Atlanta, Ga., Rayshard Brooks, a young Black man killed in Atlanta was gunned down as he ran away from the police. The country also continues to battle the Covid-19 virus which is on the rise again in over half of the states. The staff of Kearney Media Group extend our sympathy and condolences to the Brooks family and we continue to pray for those individuals affected by the Covid-19 virus. We value the feedback from our readers because it helps us to grow. Please email me at reginald.kearney@marylanddailyexaminer.com with your feedback. If you would like to advertise with us, send an email with the word ‘Advertise’ in the subject line. Like us on Facebook at The Urban Sentinel and follow us on Twitter at @ UrbanSentinel. Thank you for continuing to support Urban Sentinel magazine, tell your friends about us and enjoy this month’s edition.

SUMMARY

Rise! Ben Tankard Leads by Example

Follows His Dreams: A Soldier's Story

Chris Walker The Man, The Vision, The Voice

Chris Jasper Is Still Making Love Songs

What Is Our Wish

Rodney Perry Loving to Make People Laugh

My Brother's Keeper

The Real Deal of Entrepreneurship

Ann Nesbyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Soulful Gift: Faith It Until You Make It

Crisis Among the Youth

A Conversation with Philadelphia Producer Carvin Haggins

Hot Swimwear Brands to Watch

Spiritual Nourishment: Fail Your Way to Success

Let Your Healing Begin

Struggle or Surrender

Coaching Is A Calling, Not Simply A Job

BeeFlex Consultancy: A Leader In Nigeria

Pivot With Power

URBAN SENTINEL MAGAZINE | JULY 2020

Chris Jasper STILL MAKING LOVE SONGS

by reginald kearney for the urban sentinel Chris Jasper, founding member of ‘Isley-Jasper-Isley’ and lead keyboard player of ‘The Isley Brothers’, gave the Urban Sentinel magazine a closer look into his recent project. Chris who is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio and who is currently living in upstate New York, with his wife of nearly four decades, Margie. Chris has just released his new project For The Love of You which includes Sam Cooke’s song ‘Nothing Can Change This Love.’ Urban Sentinel: Good morning Chris, it is truly an honor to be talking to you today. Growing up, I was a big fan of the Isley Brothers, and still am today. I was even part of a band in high school and we tried to play your songs. The only thing was, we didn’t sound as good as you guys. Before we go any further, I would like to ask, how are you and your family doing given the circumstances, as we all are dealing with the Covid-19 virus? Chris Jasper: We are doing well. We are just staying in and close to home. Urban Sentinel: Chris, please tell the readers about your time with the Isley Brothers. I was in high school when I started listing to you guys. So, I know the readers would love to hear about your time with the group. If I remember, you were the 4

lead guitar player if I am correct. Chris: No I was the main keyboard player, but I did play the bass and lead guitar on some songs. It was good for a while, I learned and experience a lot. I did a lot of touring, a lot of recording. It was a good working relationship between the three younger members me, Ernie and Marvin. As it was a big age difference between the younger members and the older members. We worked together doing the music, as I wrote most of the stuff, and Ernie wrote some stuff. It was a good experience for the time that we were together. Urban Sentinel: How long was the group together? Chris: We started in the early seventies, so I guess 1971-1983. From 1973- 1983 was the time when the albums were really selling a lot. Starting with the 3 Plus 3 album, Who’s That Lady, and the Between The Sheets album. Urban Sentinel: Do you stay in touch with any of the Brothers who are still living? Chris: No, I don’t talk them much, but when Marvin was still living I use to talk to him, but he passed in 2010. Urban Sentinel: What has been the key to your longevity in the music business, and what has motivated you to stay in

the music business, to continue writing songs and to continue making people happy with your music? Chris: You know, it has always been about music. I started out to be trained as a composer and songwriter from the age of 7. I had great piano teacher and he would teach me compostion and how to analyze music and what composers were doing. From that experience I develop this thing of when I come up with an ideal, I complete the ideal and I record it so I can have a permanent fixture. So I am just use to writing and composing and I think that over the years, you just develop that and you just can’t turn it off. Urban Sentinel: What were two of your favorite Isley Brothers songs? Chris: Wow. I guess I would have to say The Heat is On album because of the collection of songs, and then the Caravan of Love. Urban Sentinel: With your performances, and I know that it has been hard to perform because of the quarantine, do you incorporate any of the Isley Brothers songs into your performances? Chris: When we toured as Isley-Jasper-Isley we did play some of the songs from the group. Now my latest album I went back and recorded some of the songs I wrote for the group, such as ‘For the Love of You,’ ‘Once Had Your Love’, ‘I Can’t Let Go,’ and ‘Go for What You Know.’ I went back and did some of these songs because I got request for them from people. This album is a cover album.

Urban Sentinel: What made you do the new project that will be released next week? Chris: In the past I have been asked to do cover albums. My son got married in September and he asked me to do another version of ‘For the Love of You.’ When I did that, it worked out so well I knew that this would be a good time to do a cover album that people have been asking me to do. So I just started picking one song after the next and it just developed that way. Urban Sentinel: You bring up a good point as it was a tribute to you and your work that caused people to ask you for a new project. Chris: We did covers back in the day when we were a group, Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight, and Summer Breeze. The group was known for doing covers and a lot of the arrangements were mine. People knew my ability to arrange songs, and they had been asking me to do other songs that we did as a group. Urban Sentinel: Did you write ‘Summer Breeze.’ Chris: ‘Summer Breeze’ was written by Seals and Cross and that was the cover. That is why I think I got those

Urban Sentinel: With your new project, is it going to be a slow jam album with soothing love songs or do you have some upbeat songs also? Chris: Most of it is love songs, but then ‘Go for What You Know’ is a funk jam, and this is how I end the album. I also went back and got Sam Cooke’s song ‘Nothing Can Change This Love’ and Marvin Gaye’s ‘God Is Love.’ It’s a variety of songs. Urban Sentinel: When was the last time you did a project? Chris: A couple of years ago I did a project named ‘Dance With You,’ yes a couple of years ago.

URBAN SENTINEL MAGAZINE | JULY 2020

request. Urban Sentinel: What is your favorite song on your new album? Chris: Sam Cook’s classic ‘Nothing Can Change This Love,’ ‘God is Love,’ and ‘I Once Had You Love.’ These are the ones which stand out for me. Urban Sentinel: Once we get back to what we consider a normal way of life, will you be going out on tour with your new project? Chris: Yes, I will probably look for the right deal that will support the project because you do have expenses.

With the formation of Isley-Jasper-Isley, Chris brought his “unique sound” and musical talents to the newly formed group as they topped the chart with Chris’s lead vocals on ‘Caravan of Love’ (1985), a song that was covered by English recording group, the Housemartins, an international #1 pop hit. ‘Caravan’ was also used in commercials as a part of a Dodge Caravan advertising campaign. He was also awarded a CEBA Award For Excellence for a Miller Brewing Company commercial. The music from this commercial was the bases for the song ‘Brother to Brother’ from the ‘Different Drummer’ album, which supported the anti-apartheid struggle going on in South Africa at the time. His music has also been used in radio and television commercials, including ‘Who’s That Lady’ (Swiffer) and ‘Between the Sheets’ (L’Oreal).

Urban Sentinel: What sites can you download your new project from? In 1987 when Isley-Jasper-Isley group disbanded, Chris Chris: You can go to ChrisJasper.com to buy and download brought his ‘unique sound’ to his own solo projects, topping the new project. the charts with ‘SuperBad,’ a song promoting the value of education. Chris has continued to write songs and produce Urban Sentinel: What is something you would like the readers his own R&B and Gospel music, as well as other artists, for to know about Chris Jasper? his independent record label, Gold City Records. There have Chris: I have a close relationship with God, and I am a family been many established recording artist who have covered and person because these things are important to me. sampled Chris Jasper’s music such as Whitney Houston, Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg, Gwen Stefani, Fantasia, Will Smith, Alliyah, Urban Sentinel: I have really enjoyed talking to you and I Queen Latifah, Notorious B.I.G., Tupac, Natalie Cole, Jaheim, know the readers will really enjoy reading your interview and Kendrick Lamar, and the list goes on. His music has also been listening to your new project. used in many movie and television soundtracks. Chris: I really appreciate the readers and I want them to know that I don’t take them for granted. These are the people who In 1992, Chris, along with the other members of The Isley stream my music and they support me. Brothers, was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame and in 2014 he received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. The fans of the Isley Brothers all know that Chris was an integral In 2015, Chris received the German Record Critics Lifetime member of The Isley Brothers during the 1970s and the 1980s. Achievement Award. In 2016, Chris was awarded the National Chris was a very integral part of The Isley Brothers because he R&B Society Lifetime Achievement Award. Chris also received had a big role in the writing, arranging, and producing all of the BET Lifetime Achievement Award and numerous ASCAP The Isley Brothers music during this time, including such love awards. (Chris Jasper- Gold City Records). songs as ‘For The Love of You’ and ‘Between the Sheets’ and up-tempo funk such as ‘Fight the Power.’ His arrangements Chris recently released his 16th self-contained solo album and instrumentation as a classically-trained musician, and ‘For The Love of You’- a mixture of new renditions of some of his expertise on the keyboards and synthesizers, are the the songs that he wrote for the Isley Brothers, and his take on foundation of that legendary sound that we knew as the ‘Isley some soul and pop classics. Chris continues to bring that ‘Isley Brothers Sound.’ When the six members of The Isley Brothers Brothers sound’ he created to music lovers everywhere. You can disbanded in 1984, Marvin and Ernie Isley joined Chris Jasper find more information about Chris at www.goldcityrecords. and formed Isley-Jasper-Isley. Without this crucial musical com. Or www.chrisjasper.com. component, The Isley Brothers were no longer a self-produced, self-contained group.

URBAN SENTINEL MAGAZINE | JUNE 2020

WHAT IS OUR WISH by cameron posey for the urban sentinel When I heard the news that a Minnesotan cop had choked to death another black man, I didn’t watch the video. I already knew the narrative and how it would go and what it would look like. I could not deal with another trauma of a black man being told/shown that he didn’t matter. At that point, I had surrendered to the message that as a black man, I did not matter. No matter how educated, smart, kind, open, or humble I am, I was at the mercy of an institution that could use, lie, manipulate, and then get rid of me because they simply felt it was their right to. And if my emotions are valid in feeling this way, then my proof would be my college experience. Even now as I switch on and off the news of protestors from all walks of life taking a stand for black people, I’m bombarded by my bitter college experiences participating in non-genuine public works and debates of social justice that parade as a false sense of political correctness. Countless times I have uncovered the purpose of those public works as a scheming desire to push their agenda or stray others from suspicion that they represent and facilitate the racial issues and indifferences we have faced in our country for so long. I, cynically, know that just as there are many who take advantage of this protest to loot and riot, there many who use this protest to gain minutes of socialite fame, without understanding the purpose of this movement. For what we desire, has always been at risk and will continue to be long after theses protests have ended: Our voice, safety, dignity, and freedom as a people who, for centuries, have been neglected, denied, and desensitize from our natural human rights. It’s the world we live in that opportunities will arise and be taken at times of strife. It can be ludicrous to not take them because that might be what we need to do to be a better people. But what’s really foolish than not taking an opportunity to learn is to take this opportunity to boast your morals and character in something you do not understand. As a black college student, I have sat countless times, in insufferable silence as the “little guy”, to hear people argue tooth and nail on what institutionalized oppression is and looks like, while knowing personally they are the last to speak on that aspect, as they are the pillars that keep that system

standing. I know what it’s like to feel discourage or berated from joining the conversation because I was not up to par with the social science key-terms and scientific studies of racism. But once it was explained to me, I could name various instants that could make me a case study. I know what’s it’s like to have people of different cultures and countries, arrogantly, vent to me how my country has oppressed their people, and yet, they disregard the knowledge that America first perfected that oppression on black people. It’s pure ignorance to tell somebody else of a different culture who they are and what they stand for, and yet there are so many instances where they do it to the black community and get away with it. It’s very easy to show public solidarity for your fellow black brothers and sisters when you’re in a crowd and they’re all raising a sign and fists. But please do it out of genuineness that you care and empathize for us, who, our entire lives, had to internalizes our persecution because no one had the heart to listen until now. Your disingenuous stance is no different than looters breaking into and destroying business, except what you are doing is breaking into our hearts and setting fire to our voices that we worked so hard to build and use. This message is not for the ones who genuinely want to know because they are conflicted yet afraid to ask. Please ask and give us this wish that we’ve prayed for, for so long. Nor is this for the ones who take the courage to ask the difficult questions that promote understanding and empathy. This allows us to share and heal the traumas we’ve suffered from for a long time. Nor is this message for the ones who are our friends and reach out to see how we are doing during this unstable time. We see that you do care. This message is for the ones who self-righteously, without a second thought, exert their dominance on a subject, on an issue that they cannot even grasp and they hide themselves among a false political correctness only they understand. If you truly are for us, then this is not a time to shoot first and ask questions later. Practice what you preach by listening and learning from this social movement around you. Only then will you learn your part in how to make things better, if you haven’t already done so by just understanding.

Rodney Perry

Loving to Make People Laugh not refuse, and so began this funnyman’s career. Chicago may have been the place where Rodney began his career, but he really found his comedy stride while living in Monroe, Louisiana. In the high school he attended, Carroll High School, he often found himself acting as the host of talent shows and there were times he even emceed basketball games. Rodney’s manhood accelerated soon after he graduated from high school. He found out that fatherhood was in his near future and he had to create a stable life with a steady income for his child to be. Rodney quickly made a decision that would affect the rest of his life as he joined the U.S. Navy. He knew he could not ask his mother to take care of him and his child. He realized that he had to fulfill a father’s role and stand on his own two feet. At the end of his Navy career, Rodney decided to give his all to his comedy career. (IMDb Mini Biography By: Madeline Smith)

by reginald kearney for the urban sentinel Recently the Urban Sentinel had the opportunity to interview funnyman Rodney Perry. If you are a comedy fan, you have probably seen Rodney in movies, or you may have seen him on television. He also has a radio show on blogtalkradio.com called Rodney Perry Live. Rodney was born in Chicago where he found and discovered his comedy career. As a young boy, Rodney was a rambunctious seven-year old which caused his teacher to make a deal with him. If he would “shut up throughout the course of the day” he would be given an opportunity to perform for his classmates at the end of the day. This was a deal that Rodney could

Urban Sentinel: Good morning Rodney. We would like to thank you for taking time out of your schedule to sit down and talk with Urban Sentinel magazine. Before we get started, let’s get the elephant out of the living room. How have you been dealing with the quarantine during this Covid19 virus outbreak? Rodney: To be honest, it has been challenging and it is kind of what it is and it is forcing me to be more creative. So I have spent more time writing and creating more content since we have been in this space. Urban Sentinel: We know that it has been tough on everyone and we know that we all will make it through this situation, as we just hope and pray that this situation will soon come to an end so we can get back to our new normal way of life. Rodney: Well I think we are getting close because I’m URBAN SENTINEL MAGAZINE | JULY 2020

starting to take calls from comedy clubs and shows. It is not completely normal, but we are working towards what the new normal will be.

these things, it will probably take you a while to find your way. You run the risk of taking longer to learn these things without somebody showing you.

Urban Sentinel: That is great. When I was looking at the news this morning there were a couple of cities working hard to reopen. I noticed that Las Vegas was one of the cities that was working to get businesses up and running again on the strip. Rodney: I was reading about Vegas and they were saying that they have a relatively small number of cases. So, the mayor had suggested that they try to find a way for people to get back to work. The nature of this pandemic shows us that you can be sick, and you can’t tell if a person is sick. People are being tested and they are taking people’s temperatures, but you also cannot operate in fear.

Urban Sentinel: Tell us, what has been some of the lows in your career and what have been some of the highs in your career. Rodney: I try not to dwell on the lows, there are lows every day, and there are ups and downs. The low points, I don’t even know how to answer that. I try not to stay low very long, and I try not to dwell in that place. If you don’t book something you may feel low for a moment, but you get back in the battle and you book something else. What I have learned over time you have to be thankful for every moment, for the good and the bad because they all go into creating who you are ultimately. Winning the Bay Area comedy competition was a high point for me, touring with Cedric the Entertainer was a high point for me, getting job’s on Monique’s radio show was a high point for me, and on her T.V. show was an extra high point for me. Booking the movie “Coming to America” is definitely a high point and I can’t wait for people to see it. So, I mean like you don’t have the time to count the highs and the lows, because it creates who you are.

Urban Sentinel: How did you become a comedian, who was your mentor and what comedian did you base your style on? Rodney: This is a lot of different questions in one (chuckling). I started when I was back in high school doing open mics, but I was heavily influenced by Eddie Murphy. When I saw Eddie Murphy, he was the picture of what comedy was to me and then my mentors were the people who kind of shaped me into the person I am. People like John Alston out of the Bay area who was my OG and there was another guy from New Orleans named Wayne Roberson who was very instrumental. These are people you probably have not heard of, but they showed me and other comedians the ways of the ‘Jedi.’ Then working with Cedric the Entertainer, Steve Harvey and Monique, I considered them mentors as well because they showed me the game. Urban Sentinel: How is it to work with other comedians like Steve Harvey when you are on the road? Rodney: I mean Steve and the others are great guys. The great part of being on the road with Steve is that he is always there to give you a jewel of wisdom. They will also show you how to act and behave as a star. There are certain things that you don’t know until you are around people that carry themselves a certain way. By being around Cedric the Entertainer and Steve Harvey, they showed me how to be a star, they were stars and they showed me how they treated their fans. So, it was great to be a fly on the wall to see that. Without someone showing you

Urban Sentinel: So, you are going to be part of the new “Coming to America Part II”? Rodney: Yes Urban Sentinel: Are you all still filming this movie? Rodney: No, it was in the can before the pandemic. Urban Sentinel: How did you end up working with the great Monique? Rodney: Monique had a radio program before her television show, and I went in with her to do a promotion for something else and the radio executive’s liked our chemistry. I went in on a Wednesday afternoon to sit in with her and by Friday they offered me a job as her co-host and we became fast friends. When she got the T.V. opportunity she asked me if I wanted to go and I jumped at the opportunity. Urban Sentinel: Do you stay in contact with Monique? Rodney: Yes, we do. She is doing great. She is living a vegan

lifestyle and she is always sending me recipes. Urban Sentinel: You have a great career, you are a comedian, and you are in the new movie “Coming to America Part II”. If you had to do it all again and you had to choose a profession, would you become a comedian? Rodney: Absolutely. I have never wanted to be anything else, so that wouldn’t change one bit. Urban Sentinel: In your travels I am sure that you have brought a lot of joy to a lot of people? Rodney: Yes, I have, I’m a joy bringer. Urban Sentinel: What type of advice would you give a young person who wants to have a career in Comedy? Rodney: In giving advice to someone who may want to become a teacher or an actor, I would tell them that you have to find something that you believe in, something that you love in life and do it for a living. Then don’t quit, the only way you lose the game is to quit it. And so once you start, good or bad you keep on going. Urban Sentinel: During this time of the shelter in place restrictions due to the pandemic, have you ever thought about doing a FaceBook live show or a Zoom show to try out new material or just to reach out to your fans? Rodney: I mean, I am doing them all the time. I have a show tonight. I’m not particular a FaceBook guy. I do most of my social stuff on Instagram.

Urban Sentinel: What time do you do shows? Rodney: Every Tuesday night I do an open mic on my page for comedians and singers and I also do a daily feature like a game show called “Name That T.V. Theme Song” and I do that daily around 1pm or 2pm. Urban Sentinel: Is there anything else you want the readers to know about Rodney Perry? Rodney: I mean you all kind of know it. My life is an open book. I have a book out right now called “Moments on My Journey” if anyone wants to dive into Rodney Perry. Currently I am working on a “one man” show that will be out this year, and the movie that will be out at Christmas. Urban Sentinel: Rodney, I want to thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to interview with Urban Sentinel magazine, and I hope that after the release of the movie we can sit down and talk again. Rodney: Sounds great and we will revisit in a couple of months. Thanks for thinking about me and I can’t wait to chat again. Rodney Perry is a Comedian, a Husband, a Father, and a Stroke Survivor. With over 20 years in entertainment, Rodney has been around the world making people laugh on a number of stages. He is the CEO of RP Live Entertainment. Visit www. RodneyPerry.com to learn more and stay connected to a legend in the making. Rodney Perry is everybody’s “funnyman”.

Advertise With Us! For advertising rates, please contact Reginald Kearney at reginald.kearney@marylanddailyexaminer.com 11

Keeper

MY BROTHER'S

by stacey henry-carr for the urban sentinel

“You can’t change the world in a day, but you can all have an impact” that was a quote from Daryl Howard Ph.D.

fraternity brothers as D-How is one such change agent. With the voice of blackness taking center stage in current events, understanding what everyday citizens are doing to insight change is empowering. Howard’s work with diversity at the forefront helps to lay an important foundation for our young children, especially young black boys.

Often you hear people complaining about social problems that exist such as inequality, injustice, and the deficits in our community. But contrast to those who complain is those who play an instrumental role in the change that is needed. Daryl Howard Ph.D. known to his friends and Kappa Alpha Psi

Daryl Howard, Ph.D. is the author of Complex People: Insights at the Intersection of Black Culture and American Social Life. He is an equity instructional specialist and ethnic group course facilitator in Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland. That unique title comes with a vital

ow are you making a positive impact on your community? What are you doing to evoke change? Are we doing enough?

responsibility to black male educators and the students they serve. His work and research interests include the study of cultural competency, race, and ethnicity, and social-emotional learning in education spaces. Howard was stirred at the young age of 22 years old. It was a semesterlong intern at the local prison in his college town that opened his eyes and stimulated his mind for change. He told me that after seeing many black men in the prison, it triggered the question of “how can I reach people before they get here”? He wanted to impact the lives of black and brown men before they enter the doors of the prison. He recognized

that once they were labeled that they would be placed in a box filled with stereotypes and biases and it would be challenging for them to change the narrative. It was through the education system that Howard chose to make his impact. It was that experience that led him to his lifelong work of race and gender equity in the education system. His call to action is decreasing the deficit of black male educators and giving young black boys a place of refuge. In an article, he wrote My Barbershop Taught Me Social Emotional Learning, that highlighted the importance of the barbershop experience for black males he stated “the barbershop is a great place to learn, but more black male educators in the schools would be even better” Howard understands that “education is a calling and is about social change”. He emphasized the need for the teaching staff to be diverse so that all children can benefit from different perspectives. Black male students need a role model and educators that they can relate to, while nonblack students will also reap the benefits of diversifying their understanding of different groups of people. Howard knows the challenges of recruiting and retaining black male educators and had seen the gap not only for his county in Maryland but nationwide. The disparity is staggering as Black men are only 2% of the teaching population nationwide, and the population they serve has a much higher percentage of black boys. Since Montgomery County, Maryland recognized the need to lessen the gap, they have implemented programs

such as the Building Our Network of Diversity (BOND) Project, which serves as a support system for Black male educators. Howard is instrumental in leading the BOND project initiatives that are focused on the recruitment, development, and retention of male educators of color. He refers to it as a “safe place” like a “barbershop experience” for the black male educators. He is intent on elevating the issue to fill the gaps because he understands the need for black male role models in young black men's lives. This is not a new concept for Howard, considering his fervent desire for change came about during his internship at the prison. It became important for Howard to not only support the black male educators but to include the black boys that they serve through a mentoring program. He wanted to make sure that they also had a place for their voices, concerns, and emotions to be heard. And so, he started a mentoring program for young black boys. In his article My Black Boys told me to tell you, he described an emotionally charged video conference call with his mentoring group as they explored the racial climate, protest, and riots. He understood well that they needed an outlet as their young minds were struggling to process what his mature mind could not. Howard is no stranger to enriching young black men. Back in 2007, he created the Howard Urban Education (HUE) initiatives which supported a summer camp for young boys and focused on academic enrichment, leadership, and cultural development. I asked Dr. Howard if his young self would recognize him, and he said his

young self might say he has not done enough. His passion for this work was evident in his words as he stated that he is pushing to do more and work faster on this issue every single day. “I can ever do enough around this issue”. When I look at the work that Daryl Howard Ph.D. is doing for his community, I see HOPE. Change is never an easy thing to accomplish and it takes time, but if nothing is done then we will remain stagnant. Our impact on our communities must be like a river; allow the things that are not progressing to flow away. Be open for a renewal, a baptism of sorts to revitalize our communities. It must start with someone, and many before us were energized by the idea of equality and fought to set the stage. We know their names because they were placed in history books. However, we must never forget to acknowledge the everyday people who understand the needs of the community, use their passion, and hope to evoke change. As a mother of a black son I say THANK YOU and I love your work, Dr. Howard. As you see the reflection of yourself in each young black boy, you help them to see the world through renewed lenses. Whenever I see Dr. Howard’s social media post of his important and impactful work for Black male educators and young black boys, I think of a social change in action. We can talk about change but what separates us are those who choose to act. Dr. Daryl Howard Ph.D. can be reached Twitter: @darylhowardphd

URBAN SENTINEL MAGAZINE | JULY 2020

The Real Deal of Entrepreneurship with Kim Roundtree by musu bangura for the urban sentinel

Today’s business world is heavily saturated with entrepreneurs of all levels; some are experts, others are beginners, and some are simply trying to find their way. Kim Roundtree, the founder of Passionate CEO, has held her own as a speaker, Master Business Coach and Mental Health Consultant. After being fired from her 9 to 5 and receiving her first contract from her former boss, Kim quickly made the transition to becoming a full-time entrepreneur. She built and sold business within the mental health consulting arena and sold one of those businesses for seven figures. Kim has learned many valuable lessons over the past fourteen years, lessons she has been sharing with those who have a vision of their own to succeed by calling their own shots. She recently shared insight on her journey and tips on how inspiring entrepreneurs can build and thrive with their own business. Sustaining her entrepreneurship mindset and lessons learned along the way: I learned so much being in the mental health consulting business. I took what I learned from dealing with different providers and building partnerships and applied them to my different projects over the

years. I also learned to be transparent in my failures. The thing that I always say to people that I’m coaching is failure is practice in motion. When I teach my clients, I remind them that failure is okay, just like when you were learning how to ride a bike as a child. You’ll fall off sometimes, but you’re practicing to become better at it. The most important thing I learned is that just because someone can fulfill a need – even in business, does not mean that they need to be your 14

business partner. It doesn’t mean that you reward them with partnership of your business. I did that when I first started, and it was the wrong decision. It was an expensive decision. That person fulfilled a need that I had but about $47,000 and a lawsuit later, I realized that you just don’t give anyone fifty percent of your company. From that situation, I learned that failure is just practice, and that’s what I teach my clients. Kim’s unique approach to taking an entrepreneur to the next level I believe in dealing with the mindset first. I teach the difference between fear and failure. There is a difference; people teach those two words as if they’re the same, but they’re not. I teach that fear stops you from doing whatever it is you’re trying to do and failure stops you from trying to do it again. Whoever I’m coaching, I see that they’re either in the beginning or the end in figuring all of that out, so I work with their mindset first to get them past fear and failure. I let them know that they’re going to fail and that it’s okay to fear. That’s something you have to get through. After getting through that, then I teach how to package, price and profit. Because you’re not going to be able to package, price and profit until you’ve changed your mindset about fear and failure. You’ll just be going in circles. The most common things I hear is, “Well if I start my business, what if I fail and lose all my money”? The thing is, I was scared too when I first started. I was fired from my job and was forced to come up with a solution. Whatever you think is going to happen if you chose to work for yourself, work that situation backwards in your mind. If you’re in a situation where you might lose your house, what can you do as a result? If you’re able to solve that problem, then that problem is no longer an issue. You may not like that youhave to live with a friend or move back in with your parents, but if you want to become an entrepreneur by any means necessary, you might have to do those things. So even though it hasn ‘t actually happened, you can solve it now so that it’s no longer an issue. Once we deal with that concern, the client and I can focus and get to work. The real deal on 9-to-5’ers vs. full-time entrepreneurs: Entrepreneurship is not for everybody. Us entrepreneurs are a little off in how we think, because we’re willing to risk it to make it work. We’re willing to risk ourselves, our money, our future - not no one else’s. So, if you’re working for someone’s business and you lose your job, you can go and get unemployment. Entrepreneurs can’t get unemployment. We’re just on our own. So, we work 90-95 hours a week to stay away from the 40-hour work week life. Only people who want to make it work think like that. If someone working a 9 to 5 job changes their mindset and sees their job as their investor

for the entrepreneurial business, they won’t look at their job in a negative way. Change your mindset and the words that you use because that job is investing in what you’re trying to create. Be glad that you have an investor that pays you money every month, along with insurance. Don’t call it a job, call it an investor. The Passionate CEO Membership program The membership was launched May 1st and it’s a group of people who are either full-time entrepreneurs or have a corporate job with a side hustle. Every week, I do something different with them, such as Hot Seat Coaching. This is a virtual hotseat where you get me to pay attention to your business for forty-five minutes. We do this within our Facebook group so that everyone can learn from it. We do this three times a month and we also have a Masterclass once a month. The class is taught by me or someone who is a subject matter expert on the topic. On Saturdays, we have “Ask Anything” sessions and those questions and answers are uploaded on the Facebook group page. Members also have direct access to me, if they want to send messages about their business and ideas. This format is the only way I can think of giving something of valuable to a broader spectrum of people than to work oneon-one. It’s harder to work that way because working with one person can take three to five months. That’s only four or five people a year. Even though the money is good, that’s leaving out a lot of people out who also need the help. So, I figured the membership program through Facebook is the best way to get as much valuable information to those who need it. The Passionate CEO Membership Program is one dollar a day, or $30 a month. While Kim is still available for one-onone consulting, she makes time for useful group interaction through the Passionate CEO Program. For those who are starting out or may be discouraged along their entrepreneurial journey, Kim advises that one should keep practicing, because practice is failure in motion. Kim believes that one’s purpose in life is rooted in passion. Coming across people who have a negative perspective on money, she reminds them that money is not a bad word. “You can have money and God at the same time. You don’t have to choose – you can have it all.” To learn more about Kim and her business, please visit Iamkimroundtree.com. To sign up for Kim’s Passionate CEO Membership, go to: https://bit.ly/pceocommunity

URBAN SENTINEL MAGAZINE | JULY 2020

Rise! Leads

BEN TANKARD

BY EXAMPLE

by corretta l. doctor for the urban sentinel Known widely as the Godfather of Gospel Jazz, Pastor Ben Tankard’s entire music career is based on gospel and jazz. Ben Tankard is a leader by all accounts of the word. Leadership guides his faith, family, and phenomenal music career. His latest single, ‘Rise’, was released in 2018 and has won him the most awards than any other ‘single’ that he has released. Since 1990 Ben Tankard has been creating beautiful music. There is no wonder that ‘Rise’ was nominated in 2019 for a Stellar, NAACP Image, and Dove awards. The single also landed as a Billboard No. 1 song. With this remake of Herb Alpert’s ‘Rise’, Ben is repeating the songs ability to win; Alpert earned a Grammy Award in 1979 in the category Best Pop Instrumental Performance. The song was originally written and performed by Randy and Herb Alpert. Ben tells Urban Sentinel, “The song Rise works well in secular and gospel genres.” Visit www. BenTankard.me to learn more about this man of God who is leading by example as a Pastor, Husband, Father, Gospel-Jazz artist, Pilot, Reality TV star, and Mentor.

Ben Tankard and wife, Jewel are the founding Pastors of their church, Destiny Center Church in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Destiny Center has a credo of three important words: Faith, Increase, and Destiny. In today’s world these words are echoing loudly through homes in a way they never have before. As our country has been given a great test of its faith, primarily because of so many uncertainties among us, that faith is easily shaken. The future of what we once called ‘a normal day’ is no more. Faith, more than ever, has become a word of comfort and a way of living. We are all praying for increase. We need an abundant increase in our lives on many fronts. There is no limit to the expectation of greater things to come. Those who have never been faced with having to find a spiritual guidance have found their way. We are seeing churches open doors in ways they never opened them before, literally and figuratively. The destiny promised to all is more evident as hard times call for soft approaches. People need guidance in gentle and clear forms. Many more are turning to

religion and seeking understanding of the conditions of our world. When I asked Ben his view on this pandemic, he said “people are being forced to use corners of their mind that have never been used before.” A man that started life shoveling chicken manure at age 13 is now leading a congregation of faithful members and has created a path for many to follow. Destiny Center is named appropriately and the church offers much more than a membership. Visit www.destinycenterTN. com where you can learn more and watch live sermons or view past sermons. The church offers an online campus with an option of e-membership. Jewel Tankard is the co-Pastor and by far is that where her title ends. Jewel is a mastermind Global Economist. She is a Money Mentor. She is an Author. The list goes on of accomplishments in her career and Jewel is certainly not new to the world of success. Her savvy business acumen has been a part of her endeavors since she was a young lady starting out into the world of business ownership. With a global reach in entrepreneurship Jewel believes in financial empowerment for all people and is the Founder of Millionairess Club, a mentorship organization where she inspires members to create positive and financially rewarding changes in their lives. Visit www.JewelTankard.com to read about the many

ways to grow with Jewel’s organization and become a part of a community that promotes generational wealth and teaches you how to secure your financial future. Ben and Jewel share their ministry, marriage, music and television careers, and their home life with an amazingly beautiful blended family. With their five adult children, who are all living blossoming and exciting lives of their own, The Tankards also have six absolutely adorable grandchildren watching them leave an impressive mark in this world. Leading by example means teaching those that come behind you the lessons that will carry through to the next multiple layers of generations to come. Through love, compassion, and an assignment from God, the Tankards have this right. They are Blessed. Take a few minutes and sit back, relax, and put all the worries of the world aside while you listen to Ben Tankard’s ‘Rise’. Video, YouTube, 9/27/2018 by Ben Tankard https://youtu.be/eJWf77HN1cY Photo Credit: Bravo TV Network

URBAN SENTINEL MAGAZINE | JULY 2020

s ’ y b s e N nn

S OULF UL GI F T

FAI T H IT UNT I L YOU MAK E I T by yvonne j. medley for the urban sentinel

Ann Nesby has excelled in her melodic career, living out the premise of “Faith it, until you make it,” she says. Her life is bench-pressed on the Word and the promises of God. Sporting a new body, a new look and an exercising regiment, Nesby, has successfully carved out a career that includes recording and performing music, acting on stage, and appearing in film. And once this world gets the upside of the COVID-19 global pandemic, she and her husband/manager, Timothy Lee, will get back to work, creating a television cooking show pilot. Forced into a newer, healthier lifestyle, Nesby once suffered a congestive heart failure scare, high blood pressure and she was standing at the door of diabetes. A self-professed foodie, her Louisiana family traits of Cajun and soulfood cooking remains stirred up in her lineage. “You know we celebrate with food.” But she’s developed healthier, easily prepped dishes that she assures are great tasting. It’s called Ms. Ann’s Soulful Casserole. “It’s from food that we grew up on—black eye peas, turkey, etc. There’s also a vegetarian meal,” Nesby said. “I developed that line when I was on tour with my children, and I wanted them to have a balanced meal.” She is focusing on populations in schools, hospitals, and prisons, adding that those who are incarcerated still deserve to be served quality, healthy foods, and not, “something just slopped on a plate.” Her dishes are not without cornbread, either! On the musical front, especially during the nation’s pandemic concerns, she and Lee wanted to stay productive and encouraging. So, her latest album, titled Make Me Better, is an extended edition on their recording label, It’s Time Child Records. Most of the album’s material is from the original 2003 release. It features productions and arrangements from Chucky Thompson (Mary J. Blige), jazz legend George Duke, Herb Middleton, The Basement Boys, and others. It also has four new bonus recordings. Nesby has sought to blend young contemporary artists with seasoned artists, too. The new album can be found on iTunes, Amazon, and other various outlets. Fans can inquire about purchasing a limited edition physical autographed copy from Nesby’s online store by clicking on https://www. annnesby.com/ . Due to the pandemic, Nesby had to cancel an array of performances, recording sessions, and speaking engagements that had been arranged long before the health crisis hit. But she’s now focusing on the Black Lives Matter outcry, a concern, though not new, that has journeyed, worldwide. That concern drew her to the 35th chapter within the Divisions of Psalms. Referring to the murder of George Floyd, Nesby highlighted and read a section of its 14th verse [KJV]. “…one that mourneth for his mother.” She added, “The 35th Psalm is a plea for judgment. It’s definitely a comment on how long oppression,” has been prevalent. “But this time, we’ve got to make it about change. We can’t just be saddened by it URBAN SENTINEL MAGAZINE | JULY 2020

…and wait for those who have been in charge to finally move.” “Use your gifts, as God intended, to make us all better. We’ve got to vote and be in prayer. And if you don’t know what your gift is. [It’s] something that you would do without money, and you’re good at it. You do it for passion [and positive productivity].” Nesby, 64, is a native of Joliet, Illinois. Not only did she grow up in a strong Christian home, reared by musically rooted parents, but also, she and her siblings were reared in a socially conscious and Civil Rights’ activist home. While Nesby was groomed to sing—she says, “from a chair,” because she was so young, and direct choirs (youth and adult)—as a teenager, she was active in prison ministry. Nesby answered the call to give her life to Christ around the age of five. The church elders embraced the toddler’s innate response to God but suggested (to her parents) that she wait until she had gotten a little older. At age nine, she made her second trip down the aisle to dedicate her life. The case was closed after that, and how she has chosen to live her life is discipleship history. Nesby’s fateful journey to singing with the Sounds of Blackness is just as mouth-watering as her savory cooking and her bountiful voice. In 1969, when the African-American presence and cultural flavor was scarce, the group, under another name, was founded by Russell Knighton at Macalester College in St. Paul Minnesota. In 1971, musical director Gary Dennis Hines, who also had a background in AfricanAmerican History, took leadership. In the late-1970s, Nesby’s younger sister, Shirley Marie Graham, had gone to college in Minneapolis, studying to become a physician. She joined the group, and later, decided to make Minneapolis her home. Still living in Illinois, a mother of three, and mending from the demise of an abuse marriage to a pastor, Nesby was preparing to make a new start in Atlanta—which happens to be her home, today. But before she made her move, her mother asked, “Why don’t you come with me to visit your sister?” It was during a Thanksgiving Holiday, and Nesby agreed. “You know how you have your plans and God has His plans,” she laughed. During that visit, at her sister’s invitation, she attended one of the group’s rehearsals. Hines, promptly called her up on the stage and asked her to sing something, a Capella. “I sang, Give Us This Day. It was one of my favorites.” Unbeknownst to her, she had just auditioned for the ensemble. Hines invited her to join their production, The Night Before Christmas. She accepted. Her mom volunteered to take the kids back to Illinois, get them back in school and care for them, while she was on tour. Later, Nesby discovered that her mother, sister, and Hines had conspired behind her back. “What a blessing,” she said. 20

There was more. Hines said, “I just want you to know that it [the production] goes up in two weeks.” Nesby was ready. Prior to operating her gift at home, often participating in the James Cleveland Workshop of America, which, she says was, “the greatest breeding ground for young artists and musicians—especially church leaders and directors,” and networking in the industry—she had just finished an Off-Broadway run, performing in Donald Lawrence’s production of Sing Hallelujah. “Lawrence is one of the greatest and most prolific songwriters and music mentors of our time.” The Grammy-award-winning Sounds of Blackness performed often in the Twin City area, contributing to the Minneapolis Sound. In Nesby’s orb, were the likes of Prince, music producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, and others. The music-producer pair, wanting to give their artist, Janet Jackson, a welcomed break from a studio recording session, decided to catch a local Sounds of Blackness performance. Reportedly, shortly after, Jackson said to Jimmy Jam [James Harris, III], ‘You’ve got to sign them.” The group, enjoying the success of its first release, Optimistic, included Nesby’s daughter, Jamecia Bennett; and granddaughter, Paris Bennett; and featured the classic hit, I Believe. And it attracted a new admirer. Luther Vandross saw them on television. Next, he arranged to have them on his tour. “He was looking for a choir element for his The Power of Love tour.” Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis signed her to a solo contract after, they asked her to sing on a ghost track. When she sang it straight through without retakes, Harris asked, “Have you ever recorded before?” “I said, ‘no.’ But I grew up in church—in a choir—that on any given Sunday, anybody could just sing you under a bench.” The deal was made. The famed producers schooled Nesby and others in their employ, to not only sing, but to write. And to write for already-established artists. They taught her that there is power, longevity, and family financial legacy in publishing. “Write your heart,” she said, they advised her. Write about life experiences. It’s relatable. These days, she’s also writing poetry. Writing for Patti LaBelle and Gladys Knight, witnessing their warmth and work ethic was priceless. Decades later, having Al Green not only produce, but also perform a duet on her hit song, Put it on Paper, was mind boggling, she expressed. The latter took place in Philadelphia’s Gamble and Huff ’s legendary recording studio. “All that history was in the room,” she said then trailed off into the fondness of that memory. Nesby has worked with the likes of Tyler Perry, LaShun Pace, Sting, and others.

Over the years, the Sounds of Blackness has been the springboard to many vocal artists. Alexander O’Neal and Cynthia Johnson (of 1979’s Funkytown), to name just two. Artist and songwriter Lionel Richie, whose mother was the principal of an elementary school that Nesby once attended, and, who is, reportedly, in the midst of a Disney development deal, also gave her meaty music-business advice, early on. He let her know, how and why, it took time, hard work and wellthought-out perseverance, long before the money would start flowing in. Today, happily married with a blended family that lovingly encompasses Lee’s two children, Nesby generously shares her trials and challenges. Even about the Sounds of Blackness, she jokes, “Think about working with 55 people on one contract [and] trying to feed your family.” Still, she shouts, especially to women, “Don’t’ give up. There’s still room for success.” Nesby was 40 years old, heartbroken, and trying to figure things out when God positioned her to record her first solo project. “It’s never too late.” About the quandary of mixing Christian music with secular music, she shared that her first live concert experience was when her father took her to see James Brown. “Say it Loud, I’m Black and I’m Proud,” Nesby reminisced. Then she got serious. “We’re commissioned, first, as Christians to go onto the highways and into the hedges to compel men to sow seed, and to allow God to give the increase. What’s your offering? Are you a blessing to the Kingdom? Are you a blessing to your community? Are you sharing something that’s going to make those around you better? Even when you write about Love—you can’t write about love without writing about God. Because He is love.” While, “God’s grace is always amazing and sufficient,” Nesby said, then chuckled about how sometimes, “you want to hear a love song when you’re in that bed that’s undefiled. C’mon, naw! You wanna hear Luther Vandross.” But, “if you’re writing an R&B ballad about love, [and] you get so explicit that your kids can’t hear it then you have to govern yourself at that point.” Nesby advises a familiar biblical instruction, “We have to be as wise as serpents and as harmless as doves.” 21

FOLLOWING HIS DREAMS

A Soldier’s Story

by corretta l. doctor for the urban sentinel The graduation season is upon us and although celebrations look quite different this 2020 school year, virtual ceremonies are loading frequently across the internet. Parents and students are getting creative and figuring out just how they will mark this milestone in their child’s life. Graduation looks different amidst the confinements and restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated social distancing measures.

On June 2, 2020, his parents and sister spent the evening saying their temporary goodbyes to a young man that did not stumble into his decision but instead stood tall and headed into the miltary knowing just what he wanted for his life. Cedric has exceeded many of his goals and still wanted to serve in a bigger capacity to his community and country. What better way than to join our nation’s miltary?

Despite his success at Virginia Military institute (VMI), Cedric Murdaugh, the only son of Cedric and Keever Murdaugh, opted to skip graduating from the prestigious and historical educational institution. VMI gave Cedric everything he went there for, but not everything is for everyone. Cedric was class president and general counsel for his class and mastered all of his tasks. Cedric decided that college life was not for him and he made a choice to leave college early and enter into the United States military as a full-time soldier.

Mom and Dad, (Keever and Cedric), are incredibly supportive of their son’s decision. Together with their daughter and son, the family spent a few minutes talking with me. It was quite the moment as I listened to the strength and courage that young Cedric held as he talked about his endeavors. As a miltary Veteran myself, I knew all too well the adrenaline rush that comes upon you when you raise the right hand and become a Soldier. I am sure that Cedric and Keever understand the importance of letting a child live his dream and as they said, “we couldn’t be prouder”.

We admire young Cedric’s decision to step boldly into his dreams of fighting for his country and proudly wearing his military uniform. Cedric knew he would make his parents and elders proud and joining the service allowed him to continue honoring a legacy set in motion by his grandfather. When Cedric prepared to speak to his parents, he immediately thought they would not understand his decision to leave college. He sat and talked with his grandfather and after being given the thumbs up, he decided to make the pledge. He was definitely leaving VMI.

The Murdaugh’s proudly wished their son and brother success and sent him off in early June with a heartfelt, emotional evening of hugs and words of encouragement. “Cedric has done a lot in his short life span this far and we are extremely proud of him”, Keever says. Urban Sentinel magazine wishes Cedric well and intends to do a follow up story on him upon his graduation from Advanced Individual Training (AIT). Follow your dreams. Soar, and do you best. URBAN SENTINEL MAGAZINE | JULY 2020

Chris Walker T H E M A N | T H E V I S ION | T H E VOIC E by michelle "chella" alene for the urban sentinel Chris attended the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts (HSPVA), in Houston and went on to attend The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music, in NY. He landed his first gig-playing bass at a club called Michele’s for $5. Chris eventually landed a job working parttime in the dean's office. Overcoming many challenges and obstacles over the years never effected his focus or drive to succeed. Chris explained, "A career in the music industry is not for the faint of heart, you have to want it the same way you want to breathe."

Singer Chris Walker is a living tribute to the legendary Al Jarreau. The essence of his soul is about conveying great music with powerful lyrics and making you feel what he’s singing because essentially, his goal is for you to love the music as much as he does. A longtime fan of traditional R&B and jazz music, the Houston native discovered his passion for music at a young age growing up in a predominantly African-American community. His father was the driving force behind his musical talents; he was a part of his family gospel group called ‘The Walker Brothers.' His oldest brother, Charles, led most songs and played guitar while his youngest brother, Ernest played drums while Chris played bass and sang. He added his father was like Joe Jackson in many ways, truly a perfectionist. He instilled a strong work ethic in the group and encouraged them to be the best. 24

When asked what success looks like he explained, “Success looks a bit different in the world of COVID19. I’ve had a number of successful moments in my career, serving as Musical Director for Regina Belle & Al Jarreau were certainly life changing moments. Additionally, performing with Ornette Coleman & PrimeTime, Bob James, Jimmy Heath, Gil Evans Orchestra to name a few were also memorable moments. However, performing in South Africa for the first time as a solo artist, to an audience of 12,000, was surreal. I felt a spiritual connection with the audience and always look forward to performing there.“ Many sacrifices have been made in pursuit of music. His wife, Natalie, has been extremely supportive throughout his career. While he was touring the world, she handled everything at home, especially looking after their son Christopher who is now 25. As a family, they traveled to many parts of the world that most people dream about. The opportunity for their son to experience so many different cultures, at an early

age, definitely changed his perspective on life making him compassionate of others and their circumstances. I asked Chris to share some thoughts and memories about Al and he had this to say to fans, “When Al passed away, February 12, 2017, I was devastated. The Holy Spirit clearly instructed me to honor his incredible music and legacy. I co-produced We’re In This Love Together – Celebrating Al Jarreau with my dear friend Larry Williams and Al’s spirit guided us every step of the way. This was a very emotional process for me and many times scary. I started questioning whether I could deliver the songs in a manner that properly represented Al. I recall being in the studio recording Take Five with Larry & Mark Simmons. After listening to the playback, Larry turned to me and said, “the baton has officially been passed.” At that moment all of my fears went away. “Al loved to laugh and enjoyed living in the moment. On stage he was often unpredictable because of his free spirit, which was a treat for me because the show was always evolving. He always expressed gratitude and appreciation towards his audiences for coming to see him. He asked His assistant to take always took pictures of the venues and Al often discussed special moments that happened during the show. Needless to say, there were always special unexpected

moments. He wrote these in his journal after every show. I once asked why and he replied, I never want to forget these special moments. His commitment to music, family and fans were some of the most important lessons I learned." Chris explained. Aside from being a phenomenal artist Chris is truly an amazing person who believes we were created to encourage and uplift each other. One of his goals is to lead a humanitarian effort, combined with music, to eradicate starvation all over the world. To Chris the most meaningful part of his music career is spreading love and joy with the gifts God has trusted him with. Music gives him the opportunity to encourage others and make a difference in the lives of younger musicians starting their musical journey. He is truly an inspiration and embraces the art of music. Don’t miss a thing, follow his movement below: https://chriswalkersmusic.com https://www.instagram.com/chriswalkerchat/ https://www.facebook.com/chriswalkersmusic/ Management: Sonny Abelardo Management 407-628-4231 office

URBAN SENTINEL MAGAZINE | JULY 2020

Crisis AMONG THE YOUTH

by bridgette m. alfred for the urban sentinel According to the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide, Inc., suicide is the second leading cause of death among youth ages 10 – 24. The youth are not prepared for the increasing changes in this world: COVID-19; pornography on the internet; drugs in the locker room; bullying; school shootings and more violence over the airwaves. Not every youth is at risk for suicide but too many parents miss the warning signs of suicide. Are you concerned that someone you know may be at risk for suicide? You can steps in prevention by learning the risk factors, the warning signs and actions to help: A. Risk Factors: 1. Physical: They include physical and psychological abuse and dysfunction like mental illness, criminal behavior, domestic violence, and substance abuse in the child’s home. 2. Spiritual: John 10:10: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” Depression, despair, and self-loathing is as much of a consequence of sin entering the world as any other evil. When it begins to take over the heart, it is important to remember that is the result of living in a fallen world. B. Warning Signs: 1. Physical: Talking about wanting to die. Looking for a way to kill themselves, like searching online or buying a gun. Talking about feeling hopeless. Talking

about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain. Talking about being a burden to others. Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs. Acting anxious or agitated or behaving recklessly. Sleeping too little or too much. Withdrawing or isolating themselves. Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge. Having extreme mood swings. 2. Spiritual: Psalm 34:17-18: “When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” No matter how dark the situation, no matter how hurt the heart, the Lord is always nearby to support, uplift, and love! Call out to the Lord and ask for Him to draw closer. C. Action Steps: 1. Physical: Ask the tough question. When somebody you know is in emotional pain, ask them directly: “Are you thinking about killing yourself?” Keep them safe. Ask if they know how they would do it and separate them from anything they could use to hurt themselves. If you think they might be in immediate danger, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-2738255 or 911. Be there and listen to their reasons for feeling hopeless. Listen with compassion and empathy and without dismissing or judging.

Help them connect to a support system — whether it’s family, friends, clergy, coaches, co-workers, a doctor, or a therapist — who they can reach out to for help. Follow up. Reaching out to them in the days and weeks after a crisis can make a meaningful difference — and even help save their life. 2. Spiritual: 1 Timothy 6:12: “Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” There is a fight in everyone’s life, including against feelings of sorrow and helplessness. It is easy to enter into despair. Life is full of battles that humans in their frailty cannot win on their own, but with God’s strength, the fight can be won. D. Conclusion: The prevention of suicide is a process which should involve a combination of physical, mental, and spiritual healing. Certainly, a network of support— counselors, doctors, family members, pastors, the church community—is important in the process. Of course, the most important support is God, our ultimate Healer and Counselor. We go to God in our distress and make use of the resources He provides.

URBAN SENTINEL MAGAZINE | JULY 2020

WITH

A CONVERSATION PHILADELPHIA PRODUCER

CARVIN HAGGINS by author, c. natasha richburg for the urban sentinel

The life and time of Carvin Haggins has many lessons for those interested in music coupled with longings for greater life lessons. This brief interview with him started with research of his background. Before I asked my questions, the interview began with the statement: Carvin, as a native of Philadelphia, your life has taken on many twists and turns as part of your Grammy award winning music career. In 2014, BlackEnterprise.com described you as a “hit-making producer… who has spent the past two decades creating classics for artists including Musiq SoulChild, Raheem Devaugh, Justin Timberlake and Chrisette Michele.” How do you describe yourself? I’m not really much on self-description but since I have to, I would say I am a servant or a vessel that’s used for GOD’s purpose. In 1993 DJ Jazzy Jeff revamped his company, A Touch Of Jazz. At that time, you knew music would be your career. How does your current music career compare to what your younger self thought it would be like? What’s crazy is when I started with ATOJ I had no idea what I was going to do. I knew that I love music and Jeff was creating a new team and I was going to be a part. At the time I didn’t know how to write songs but I asked Jeff to give me the opportunity and I’ll figure it out. As for what I thought when I was younger. This now life is way more than I could ask or think in my younger life. What is the skill set needed for this new generation of producers/songwriters? The willingness to learn, the propensity to be humble, the curiosity to ask question, the ingenuity to figure it out and the 28

determination to never quit. What is the vision and mission of your production group, Ethical Music Entertainment? We are devoted to create family friendly entertainment and restore music back to when it had respect and morals. What are the qualities you look for in artists who you want to collaborate with? Determination, drive and talent In 2017, you released the book “#CGHThoughts.” In the introduction of the book you said, “This book is a collection of some of the wisdom I’ve accumulated over the years.” Can you elaborate on the statement, “You can’t skip struggle on the road to success.” Success comes with a plethora of struggles. The first and major struggle is fear of failure. Most won’t try because the fear the embarrassment of failing. Not to mention the financial struggles, friendship and family struggles most of all are the faith struggles. When you over come these things your success will be complete. Carvin, so much has been written about your accomplishments in music and about your book. Please tell us about how you learned to deal with life’s challenges, and triumphs. I’ve learned not to take it personal. Everything that has happened to me has been preparation for my elevation. All things that I’ve encountered and I’ve learned from has shape me in some way and the things I didn’t learn I’ve repeated it until eventually learned. Challenge only occurs when an unforgettable life lesson is being taught. #CGHThought. So learn to grow from it. Triumph is merely a celebration of the comprehension and application of lesson that have been taught. #CGHThought.

H o t SWIMWEAR BRANDS TO WATCH

by stacey angela williams for the urban sentinel boutiques in Los Angeles & New Jersey. In a mere fraction of a time the fashion community at large has taken widespread notice. Her crochet pieces have been featured in the Miami Herald, Complex magazine, Grand Life Daily, Lifestyles of the Authentic & Creative, cougarvintage.com, thestylist. com, Lincoln Road magazine, Nylon, Americas Next Top Model,VH 1, Complex mag, VH 1.com, Honey, Smooth, Jewel, Suede, LA TalkRadio, Wall of Style Radio just to name a few. Not only have her pieces become the edgy, traveling fashionistas necessity, her fashion perspective/public relations expertise is called upon regularly. Her current collection is inspired by the island of Jamaica, Africa & Costa Rico.. The STAY by Stacey Angela swimwear brand recently took part in an epic power photoshoot with celebrity photographers from around the world in stunning Costa Rico. Inspired by the sandy beaches around the world, organic yarns Fashion shows have always been a staple in the fashion industry

such as cotton, bamboo, linen, re-purposed fabrics

from season to season all over the world. The spread of Covid

and yarns. Two of her key pieces were worn by Reality

-19 came and changed the dynamic of how we as customers

Star Lindsay Mae of the hot new show based in Las Vegas,

consume fashion. The landscape has changed and the digital

BLONDETERAGE & Playboy cover girl Natalia Davis

marketplace has exploded astronomically especially in social

expressed the feel of the STACEY ANGELA woman, a unique

media and the unique ways collections are viewed.

woman that travels & is determined to stand out from the rest!

One of the highlighted brands ready to take over the fashion

To attain your own one of a kind piece & follow this fabulous

world is Designer, Stacey Angela Williams.

please visit: Instagram : @staybystaceyangela for all new and

Her Spring/

Summer 2020 collection Stay by Stacey Angela. has been heralded from the high end fashion center of Japanto 30

exciting information!

Playboy cover girl Natalia Davis Photo Credit: @tygard_ photos

Beauty Nalema Ross Photo Credit: Charles Mitchell of Sonic Photography

Maya Black Photo Credit: Barry Williams of Money Long Media URBAN SENTINEL MAGAZINE | JULY 2020

Fail Your Way to Success

S P I RI T UA L N O U RI S H M E N T B RO U GH T TO YO U BY THE URBAN SENTINEL AND UPSHIFT GLOBAL by dr. anita davis-defoe for the urban sentinel “The road to success is always laced with challenges.” We have all read this in books, we’ve heard others say it, but how many of us truly believe it. Far too many of us believe that our road to success would be swifter is we simply had more money, more brains, or the right connections. Granted each of these things may possibly open a door or two for you, but rarely can these things alone keep opportunity and success coming your way. On the flip side, each of us probably knows someone who has one or all of these advantages, yet they are still not achieving the level of personal success that they desire. To make it to the “Land of Success,” persistence and determination are often more valuable commodities than some of the things we think are essential to “making it.” As far as the quest for success goes, even more important I dare say is “how one views and responds to failure.” The vast majority of us let our fear of failure keep us from actively pursuing success. The vast majority of us cling to failure and relive that devastating event daily in our minds and replay the event repeatedly in our hearts. Instead of learning from the experience, most of us allow this temporary setback we call “failure” to place fear in our spirits, ultimately making us deeply afraid to continue chasing our dreams. One’s view and ability to deal with failure is critical, for our prospective regarding failure tend to impact every aspect of our lives. We all plan for success and we make long lists of things we will do when we succeed, but we rarely plan for handling failure. Rarely do we prepare mentally for life’s inevitable obstacles and challenges that can and will confront us. Of course, no one sets out planning to fail, but the reality of the human experience is that not all of the choices we make will be right for the situation at hand, nor will all of the roads we decide to take contribute positively to the achievement of a desired

goal. Most of us go through life not understanding that failure is only a step in the process that leads to our success. Instead of viewing failure as finality, as a nail in our personal coffins, failure should be seen as an opportunity for us to “ find answers in life’s untimely resistant effect.” Too often we label isolated events as failures, focusing not on the big picture, but on a single wrong turn taken while making the journey to success. Once we understand that occasional failure is unavoidable; failure is not an event but merely an indicator that you did not consider or master all of the steps needed to achieve your goal; failure is in the eye of the beholder because you ultimately are the one who chooses to label an event as a failure; and failure is not a stigma or the enemy. Only then are we truly prepared to unlock the gateway to our personal success and fulfillment. Most of the people that we view as being successful will quickly tell you that everything that led to their success also came from past failure. Hard as it is to accept, there is benefit in every event that occurs in our lives. These occurrences and difficult challenges provide invaluable life lessons and countless opportunities for improvement. Navigating these trying seas enables us to anchor onto the shores of personal achievement. Vow to make failure your friend, for through failure we are all able to find success. Remember failure is only a temporary, isolated incident, not a life sentence designed to hold us forever hostage. As you journey toward your goals, ask yourself, if failure was not even a possibility, what would I seek to do? Then stare the possibility of failure directly in the face, smile and with courage go forth and passionately pursue your potential!!!!

URBAN SENTINEL MAGAZINE | JULY 2020

LET YOUR HEALING BEGIN by stacey henry-carr for the urban sentinel plans were for this year, one thing for certain it was abruptly interrupted. We do not need a rehash all of what we experienced so far this year because some of us are still living with it. The loss of loved ones, the loss of employment, the loss of financial stability, the loss of connection, and the loss of justice. So, as we grieve all those losses that happened to us in a short period, we must look ahead to our healing.

It is safe to say that we had some trying experiences within this year. When we started the year most of us were charged and ready to make

big waves. We were motivated to change aspects of our lives and make sustainable improvements. Regardless of what your goals and

I strongly believe that some of our biggest feats and triumphs come from the lowest moments in our lives. These moments can often bring about impactful changes and masterful accomplishments. But to get there we must believe in the power of healing. What is your healing power? In our lifetime we often seek healing for different ailments by going to the doctor for a diagnosis and a recommendation for a cure. What happens when the cure lies within you? How do you resurrect it? I recognized that many of us are seeking healing and we heal in our creative ways. I always say that â&#x20AC;&#x153;writing is my healing powerâ&#x20AC;? because when I hurt, I write. Some of us write, while others draw, paint dance, and sing. Some of us heal

URBAN SENTINEL MAGAZINE | JULY 2020

from helping others through their journey. I find that healing comes through connection and support and you may just need guidance, a roadmap, or a channel to be heard. Michele Johnson MHS, PA-C is one of those channels and support for healing. She is a certified Family Medicine Physician Assistant, Life Coach, Engaging Speaker, and Author of the International Best Seller Pain Free: How to Live A Full Life Despite Chronic Pain. Michele has her own stories of losses and devastating moments that led her to her purpose of helping others to live “full out”. At the young age of 23 years old she found herself in the disability office filing for disability insurance because she was suffering from chronic pain diagnosed as Fibromyalgia. It was the words her mother said to her throughout her young life that helped her through those difficult moments, “remember you can always pick yourself up, brush yourself off and start all over again”. During a time when she was in the most need, the disability claim was denied. But Michele said that being denied was the best thing that ever happened to her. It motivated her to find another way. Today, Michele Johnson specializes in coaching her clients through chronic and invisible pain which 36

includes depression, anxiety, and mental pain. She has coached herself through two decades of Fibromyalgia and knows how it feels to be unheard and misunderstood. She is equipped and ready to inspire others to live full out despite their mental barriers. She focuses on healing the wounds of invisible Illness through holistic health practices, group, and oneon-one coaching. These holistic therapies have helped her clients, and herself be able to live full and thriving lives. I understand Michele’s vision to heal others since I am a warrior against the chronic pain caused by Fibromylagia that invaded my body over 35 years ago. I wished for an answer, for someone to understand, and for healing. It would have been great to have someone like Michele in my life. Michele wanted to make a positive impact on people and so she wrote her bestseller Pain Free: How to Live A Full Life Despite Chronic Pain. As many of us who coach others serve from a deep place where pain once lived. She too understood what it felt like to need support and healing and chose to be that light, roadmap, and support for others. Michele’s younger self would be proud of how far she has come. As she was growing up on the Westside of Chicago where many people did not see beyond the block, she learned that “I can impact

the world by being me” She was a warrior and fought through the pain and doubt because she had a vision and the support of her loving mother. As a speaker Michele’s signature topics Resilience of the Human Spirit and Stress: How Ugly it is to the Body dive into living your life to the fullest. More than ever our community needs to heal, and we must start with ourselves. Regardless of what steps you take to start that journey, it will be a pivotal step. Our first half of the year may have been challenging, but not only do we have the next six months, but we also have the rest of our lives to get it right. Start on your healing journey today! Michele Johnson can be contacted: Website: www.thepainfreepa.com Instagram: the_pain_free_pa Facebook:@painfreepa Mail: contact@thepainfreepa.com

STRUGGLE OR SURRENDER by catherine tyson for the urban sentinel making alternate plans to enjoy those things is stealing the joy of your now and your current blessings. Choosing to surrender to your circumstance will allow you to be clearer about a solution and make alternate plans. It will allow you to enjoy the blessing and bounties of today while reminiscing about yesterday and understanding and accepting your role in the situation and moving forward. Choosing to surrender also allows you to be at peace with you and with the reality of your life. Choosing to struggle keeps you stuck in yesterday which does not allow you to be in today or make plans for tomorrow. Yesterday is gone and today is here and tomorrow needs plans to make it better and you cannot do that if you are stuck in yesterday. This thinking also applies to not wanting to grow up and always wanting to recreate our youth or “heyday”. It applies to being separated from your children due to circumstances that present you from being with them. It applies to lost love and the regret of mistakes that cannot be taken back. And the list can go on and on as to what struggle or surrender can apply to. Your circumstances are yours and the only person that really understands them are you and the only person that can keep you trapped in them is you.

There are times in life when we each find ourselves trapped in predicaments either by our own doing or circumstances or consequences of some sort. Sometimes these predicaments are so unbearable that we feel like we might go crazy if the situation does not change for the better or go back to the way it was. It is times like these that we need to be realistic as to how much control we currently have over the situation and whether or not it can or will change anytime soon. If we can change it then we should, plain and simple. However, if the reality of it is that it cannot or will not change then there needs to be some form of acceptance and a plan as to what we can do in the meantime. This is a struggle or surrender dilemma. And we make the choice. Struggling with something that is beyond your control is counterproductive and will often leave you in despair and unable to enjoy all of the other things in your life that are blessings. Continuing to compare what you’ve lost or don’t have right now versus celebrating what you do have and 38

Forgive yourself and start making plans to make things better. Ask yourself what you can do and stop focusing on what you can’t do. See the solutions that are available and focus on them and not on the obstacles and the problems or impossibilities. In every situation there is something that can be done be it small or large. Find it and use it and choose today to surrender and accept what currently is. And tell yourself it will get better and that one day it will be different. And know that, as the saying goes that “this too shall pass” because it will. But for now, it simply is what it is and now needs you to refocus and reload. Get ready for those blessings that is in store when you choose what will take your energy; the struggle or the surrender and let the universe do its work. Until next time. Look me up on Facebook at Catherine Tyson and follow me on Instagram @realcatherinetyson SPEAK IT INTO EXISTENCE You know the sayings like “Speak it into existence” or “if you say it is then you’ve made it so.” All of these sayings come from the philosophy of what you want and really desire is yours for the taking if you just believe first. You know

the days that you wake up feeling sour and down and pretty much set the stage for the whole day of gloom? Compare that to the day when you wake up and say “hello sunshine, here I am!” How about those days? Aren’t the possibilities endless and you can just go about your day whistling while you work and no one can get you down? That is the secret.

COACHING IS A CALLING

Not Simply A Job

by author, c. natasha richburg for the urban sentinel

Law of attraction makes so much sense if you really think about it. If you are looking for a job then act like you already have one, dress like you have one and then you are ready to get one.. And dress for the job you want! Don’t walk around all day, out of work scuffing around in any kind of how because you have no job. And this concept does not stop there. What about relationships? If you talk about your significant other with words like “he never does this” or she doesn’t do that” then how else can someone behave when you have absolutely ingrained it into the universe as the norm. Speak words that ignite change and encouragement and therefore unacceptable behaviour may flee from your life. The “I wants, and I needs, and I don’t haves” are enemies that seek to keep us right where we are. We need to start using the “I have, I am, and I will”, more often to claim all the bounties of the universe. In life everything takes work and there is a rhythm that we must all get into for our success. Some have the key and some don’t but positivity is the way to start the process of getting what you desire to be happy. • First you must challenge your comfort zone and take the necessary risks. • Then you must go the extra mile and treat everyone well. • And mostly understand that making excuses is unacceptable. Take responsibility for your life and actions and act like these difficult times are just a test of your strength and verve’ and then get out there and just do your very best. Say so and make it so and you will speak it into existence. And believe that what is yours is yours and that no one can take it without permission. And then go and enjoy your fruit! Until next time. Look me up on Facebook at Catherine Tyson and follow me on Instagram @realcatherinetyson

Napoleon Sykes is the youngest of Brenda and Napoleon Sykes, Sr.’s three children. Sykes is a Gilman football high school standout and signed to play at Wake Forest. He is an example of the All-American story of a football player with dream to make a mark on the world in his chosen profession. On the campus of Wake Forest University in August of 2002, Sykes and his future wife, Christy, met when they were both freshmen. They both were on campus early for pre-season camp; football for Sykes, and volleyball for Christy. They lived in the same dorm freshman year, and became good friends. During their senior year, 2006, Sykes and Christy started dating; they have been together ever since. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in English, Sykes began his quest to adorn the ranks of football coach. In 2012, the couple married in Chicago, Illinois, Christy’s hometown, surrounded by a ton of close friends and family. Their first son, Bodhi is 7-years old and the second son, Noah is 5-years old. Sykes wife, Christy, is extremely creative. After working in non-profits and at UNC Charlotte she started her own Creative Concierge Company that affords her clients

URBAN SENTINEL MAGAZINE | JULY 2020

services extending from event planning, web design, graphic design, to rebranding. Their sons are into sports. Bodhi has developed a passion for reading, and Noah loves music and art. The synergy of Sykesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; family bonds exudes into the essence of the man. This interview reveals the heart of Napoleon Sykes; a man who I believe is destined to positively influence the lives of young people for years to come. Family is important to you, how has your father contributed to your coaching style? There has been no bigger influence on my development as a man other than my father. Like most young boys, my father was my favorite superhero. There was no one on Earth that I looked up to more than him. I tried to emulate everything he did, from the way he walked, to the way he talked. He was honest and kind, and always there to pick someone up, no matter what the circumstances were. He was very strong in his conviction, but he was one of the most welcoming men you'd ever meet. He coached all of my baseball, soccer and basketball teams growing up, and to this day, his players still talk about how amazing of a person he was. He was the embodiment of love. It's funny, I'm now 36 years old and I'm starting to see and hear my father coming out of me every day. I always thought I looked like him, but it is crazy how much I resemble him when he was my age. It is one of the biggest honors in my life to be compared to him. He taught me how to be fierce and strong, but still be warm and loving. That has helped me in so many areas throughout my life and career. Joe Ehrmann was one of my football coaches in high school. Besides the fact that Baltimore Colts royalty coached me, I was always amazed at how much power his voice and his words held. If you closed your eyes and imagined what Moses looked like, that's Joe Ehrmann. He is a large man that towers over the crowd, usually wearing sandals and shorts, with flowing white hair that runs down into his beard. And although his shadow could block out the Sun, his heart could fill any room. He taught us so much about what masculinity was really about. He stripped down the archetype of the man that doesn't feel, that doesn't show emotion, that doesn't express his love for people around him. He showed us that real men expressed all of those things, because it was the true way to show your passion. He was the first coach other than my father that I heard tell a player, "I love you." That is powerful to hear. Men struggle to express their emotions, and he allowed us to learn how to do that in a safe place. What childhood memory helped you learn to remain focused on your outcome objective? There were many days that stick out in my life, but the day I met Muhammad Ali is one I'll never forget. My dad, huge Muhammad Ali fan, found out that he would be in Baltimore signing autographs at the world famous Lexington Market. Circle back, my dad instilled a great love for Muhammad Ali in me at an early age. We had a VHS tape that had some of the greatest fights on it, and undoubtedly Ali was my favorite to watch. He was quick, skilled, powerful, and he had a mouth that was just like a fork. So like fans do, my dad and I ventured downtown to procure an autograph. We arrived and boy was it crowded. We waited and waited. I'd never seen my dad so anxious to meet another man before. We were two boys,

not father and son, waiting impatiently to meet the Champ. The crowd started to die down, and we noticed that they started packing things up. We'd missed him. We'd spent all that time peaking through the crowd with our hopes up so high, and we'd missed him. So my dad put his hand on my shoulder and gave his best attempt to downplay both of our crushed feelings. As we walked back, we passed a conversion van. If you knew what our van looked like back in the day, it looked just like ours, just black with gold trim. There were a couple of men standing around it, and a man sitting on a chair with his back to us. The man was telling a story, and immediately you could tell the sound of his voice. Even through the diseased rattle of his delivery, you could tell it was the Champ. My dad excused himself, and asked if we could get through. "My son didn't get a chance to meet the..." Before he finished, the men parted and there he was. My dad's face lit up like never before. Not sure if it was because he was meeting the Champ, or because he made it happen, finding Muhammad Ali through the crowd for me after all, or maybe a combination of the two. Muhammad Ali ushered us over and hugged my dad like he'd known him for years. It was a long embrace, and then he hugged me too. He signed a photo for us, and my dad took a picture of the Champ with his arm around my shoulder. I wish I could remember every word that he said to us, but I can't. I can only remember this warm hug, his kind voice, his big smile, and how happy he made a boy and his son. What is it like to start-up a football program? In 2007, I was blessed with the opportunity to start up the football program at Mallard Creek High School in Charlotte, North Carolina with Michael Palmieri, currently the Head Football Coach at Denmark High School in Alpharetta, Georgia. When we took the job, the school was still under construction. We didn't have our own practice fields, and we didn't have a weight room of our own. That year was one of the most fun years of my coaching career. We basically had a team of mainly freshmen and sophomores, with a few juniors sprinkled in, and we had to play in one of the toughest varsity leagues in Charlotte. We took our lumps that year, only winning one game, but in the years to follow, Palmieri built that program into a national powerhouse. My second start up was back in the city of Charlotte. After leaving Mallard Creek, I went on to coach at my alma mater, Wake Forest University and the United States Naval Academy. In 2011, I got a call from my former position coach at Wake Forest, Brad Lambert, and he asked if I'd be interested in joining the inaugural football staff at UNC Charlotte. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity to not only start a collegiate program from scratch, but to also take on the task of getting it ready to play at the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) level in just three years. In early 2012, we hit the road recruiting our first signing class with nothing but computer generated renderings of what the stadium would look like. We were competing for recruits in one of more football rich cities in North Carolina, and we were only armed with a story and a dream. It was so unique to bring prospects and their families on campus, slap a hard hat and a vest on them, and walk them through the areas of the construction site that would one day be Jerry Richardson Stadium. Our budgets was small compared to most of the FBS teams that we were recruiting against, so we had to be very creative with everything that we

did. We became masters of recruiting with social media, because that was the big trend like it is now. I worked with departments on campus, setting up independent study programs for their students to create graphics, mailings, film practice and help out around the office. We had to create a culture that could be sustained for years to come, as well as created our own footprint in the city of Charlotte. We did just that. After my last season at the United States Naval Academy in 2019, I was blessed with another opportunity to join the newly rebooted XFL football league. At the time, I was talking with some high schools in the area about potentially taking over as their head coach, when a friend of mine, Pep Hamilton, currently the Quarterbacks Coach for the Los Angeles Chargers, gave me a call to come join his staff of the DC Defenders. With the league being a start up, majority of the work was done remotely. I was ready for the task after two prior start-ups. We became experts and finding ways to collaborate while being spread across the country. I built the defensive playbook in Google Slides, taking information from different coaches and rebuilding it, so that we could all have an interactive platform to work from. We became experts at Zoom, setting up meetings as a staff, as well as with players in different time zones. Once the season finally got rolling, the reception in the Nation's Capital was amazing, I'm not sure that anyone expected the support to be as strong as it was. At each of these stops, I learned the importance of efficiency, and how important it is to invest in the people around you. What made us successful at each stop was a combination of tireless work done by each of those staffs, but also our investment in the communities that showed support in us. How has success on the football field contributed to your passion for build a strong character in players and staff? In order to be successful in coaching, I am a strong believer that you have to be a strong communicator and devoted to being a great teacher. Coaching is all about people. You are constantly interacting with so many different types of people, athletic directors, other coaches, parents, teenagers, boosters, fans, from every walk of life you can imagine. You have to learn the language of the world. I was an English major in college, so I have always been fascinated with words and how powerful they are. It is amazing how much you can accomplish if you can just sit down

and have a conversation with someone. That is probably 90% of your job as a coach. This ability to communicate, clearly articulate messages, translate complex information into easily digestible learning materials, and the ability to listen to the needs of people, find a solution, and help them become a highly functioning individuals in a specific area are all tools that you need to be successful in any line of work. I've always believed that the messenger is more important than the message. If I can get your the information in a form that helps you execute a task with a high level of success, that's all that matters, but the message can be lost with an inadequate messenger. You also learn to work with people. In coaching, you are always cross training with someone else. As a defensive coach, you are working with other defensive coaches to create and execute a scheme. At times you may have to work with coaches from offense while coaching a Special Teams Unit, like Punt or Kickoff. As a recruiter, you spend so much time building relationships with coaches, administrators, prospects and their families in your area, but at times you have to recruit in a prospect that plays your position that is from another coaches area. That takes real humility to successfully cross recruit. You have to be willing to hand over a relationship that you have worked for months or years to someone else, in hopes that they can help you sign a prospect, as well as be humble enough to do the same in someone else area. Coaching is mastering the art of sales, human resources, teaching, communication, marketing and community outreach. Many people dream to have the opportunity to become a head coach at the collegiate level, describe the pros and cons of such an awesome opportunity? I have been really fortunate to have opportunities to interview for a few football head coaching positions at the collegiate level. Some people go their entire career without having one opportunity. I have been blessed to have a supportive network, as well as work experiences that have afforded me multiple opportunities. It has always been my dream to run my own program, because it would be my opportunity to keep changing the landscape of coaching. For most coaches, this career will ask a lot of you, and demand more time than you can possibly imagine. Collegiate coaches, in particular, almost never get a break, between camps, summer workouts, your season, your winter off-season, your spring season, and the constant

URBAN SENTINEL MAGAZINE | JULY 2020

recruiting that is mostly done through text messages and social media. The demands put a strain on your ability to be the father and husband that you'd love to be, so an opportunity to run your own program, and create an environment that would allow coaches to maximize their time at home with their families, while still competing at a high level has always been a dream of mine. I also believe that coaching is a calling, not simply a job. Coaching is more than X's and O's. It is about developing young men and women into people with strong character, integrity and morals. The development process will help them go on to become great husbands and wives, leaders of their communities, and leaders in the workforce. Everyone wants to win, yes. We all want banners and championship rings; that is just the "Short Game." I believe that coaching is all about the "Long Game." What you do for your players that will help them down the road is what your legacy will be. Unfortunately, in most cases, we are only judged on your ability to win the "Short Game." Athletics has become such big business, that administrators, boosters and fans want results now, but by creating an environment that truly promotes family, love, respect and a commitment to the development of the whole person for both coaches and players, you can win the "Short" and "Long Game" at the same time. I was fortunate enough to have the chance to take my first collegiate job as a head coach job in the summer of 2018. The years preparing for this opportunity were worth the wait. I reached out to my mentors that I trusted the most, spoke with my family, and prayed about it, and realized that although this was my shot, it might not be the right shot at this time. I am a family guy. Whenever I look at an opportunity, the first thing I think about is, "How will this affect Christy, Bodhi and Noah?" My career always takes a backseat to them. Although the excitement of making it to the top of the mountain was overflowing, I still had to do what was best for us at the time. It was a hard decision to turn it down, but in reality, we were going to have the chance to stick around our extended family in Baltimore little longer in order to keep our boys at the school they loved, and have an opportunity to move up on the staffing ranks at that time. And if nothing else, the interviewing process

yields a great learning experience for down the road. Anytime you have a chance to interview for a job, whether you get it or not, it is an opportunity to learn and grow. Describe the Coaching profession. Coaching is a crazy profession. You've probably heard the saying, "It's all about who you know." Well, that is true in coaching, but it is really, "It's all about who you know, and if they are thinking about you when they need someone." Networking, like in so many professions, is the name of the game. You are constantly trying to build new relationships that will help you or someone else down the road. The profession has changed so much, even since I got into it in 2006. Once upon a time, you started out as a high school coach, then went on to be a Graduate Assistant, which would lead into your first job at a small school, then you would navigate your way up to ladder, hopefully latching on to someone that would help you along the way. That has changed. There are head football coaches in their 30's. There are coordinators with less than ten years of experience. When you are hot, you are hot, and when you aren't, you can disappear. So to young coaches, I have always tried to impress upon them to work really hard in what you do, never think you are the smartest in the room, listen and learn, and make as many connections as possible. There isn't a blueprint to navigating this profession. In fact, it's like the wind. One day it's blowing with this trend, then the next thing you know, it has switched over to another trend. Like my father, I have always been one to help, so I have made it my goal to help as many coaches along the way, not just players. My goal is always to leave things better than I found them. When my career is over, if I can look back on it, and feel good about the impact that I have made in the lives coaches, players, and their families, how the game is played and coached, and that I stayed true to the man that I want to be throughout all of that, then I will know that I have accomplished exactly what I set out to do. Cell- 410-382-3482/ Email- napoleonsykesjr@gmail.com/ Twitter@CoachPoeWins

A L E ADE R IN

ORGANIZATIONAL PIVOTING

IN NIGERIA

by dr. felix iziomoh for the urban sentinel BeeFlex Consultancy Ltd (BCL) is a consulting firm focused on serving individuals, schools and businesses in the full range of the commercial cycle. With a core staff of experienced professionals and a team approach to consulting projects, BCL offers a more balanced and quality service. Our Mission Equipping individual clients, schools and businesses with coaching, research, educational tools and skills for ultimate success. Our Plan To continually innovate what we do and how we do it while staying passionate about helping people achieve their dreams and goals. Our Vision To Partner with individuals and organizations to actualize their dreams. Each member of our team is a specialist in his or her field. Together, we can make the world a better place. BCL provides services to individual clients, businesses and corporate organizations which includes; • Leadership Development • Executive coaching on Goal Mapping • Educational and Career Development Consulting • Research and Development • Event Production, Seminar Design, Conference Management and Speaking Engagement • Project Management Services BeeFlex Consultancy is presently serving Next Leaders’ Initiative for Sustainability (NELIS) on the 4Revs project, our responsibility is to research and provide fresh, experiential, grounded, real life knowledge, know-how and hands-on support cases in Africa. 4Revs (= 4 Revolutions) is a unique, co-creative ecosystem 44

which aims to help humanity solve the four survival challenges in one generation – between 2020 -2050. Humanity is facing four essential survival challenges which we must overcome to enable the continued flourishing of life on Earth: Food, water, resources, and climate change/energy. Clearing these four bottlenecks will require revolutionary innovation – and will provide a treasure trove of new opportunities. Testimonials: With Felix Iziomoh's Goal Mapping coaching. I learnt so much about clarity, adding value, mapping realistic goals and actualizing my potentials. Consider this training great gift to yourself and humanity - Ethelbert Umeh Mr Felix Iziomoh remain one of our great resource considering this goal mapping advocacy which has helped our SMART club members to map their individual goals - Chris Ibe Listening to Mr Felix was the first time I heard about goal mapping and it has helped me to set and achieve goals easily and successfully - Pandora Umechukwu After attending Goal-Mapping session it has been a guide in helping me to set timeline for all I want to achieve in my life - Dorothy Akende It has been a great joy working with Felix on Next Generation Leadership on the African Leadership and beyond, and I am very much looking forward to our further common explorations – Peter David Pedersen, Co-Founder, Next Leaders’ Initiative for Sustainability, Japan Visit www.beeflexconsult.com to read more about us. For more information, kindly contact us at: Hello@beeflexconsult.com +2347038222687

PIVOT WITH

POWER Making Life and Business Destiny Decisions!

by dr. anita davis-defoe for the urban sentinel

Have you stopped to think about the power and impact of a decision? Do you realize that decisions you make today can impact future outcomes and generations of tomorrow? Do you clearly understand that your decisions can either give flight to your dreams or render them virtually impossible to achieve? Have you come to grips with the fact that your decisions can open or block the pathway to your ultimate destiny? While in simple terms a decision is making a choice on a particular issue, it is the human act of deriving a conclusion, or making up oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mind about something; decisions are so much more, as they uplift and lead us to personal greatness or they serve to stymie and derail our progress. Although it should come as no surprise, so much of what we achieve, so many of lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pleasures that we derive, so many things that find a resting place in our lives first begin with our decisions. Life can quite frankly be viewed as a series of decisions, and people who have developed good decision-making skills enjoy greater personal success, joy and contentment. Our decisions should always be a course of action that accomplishes or moves us closer to our ultimate goal, or serves to bring us greater inner peace. Although URBAN SENTINEL MAGAZINE | JULY 2020

While each of us are different, and we all have different decision-making styles, as humankind, we all share one commonality and that is the fact that every individual is a reflection of all of the decisions made in their lives to date. This is rather humbling when one stops and realizes that where they are is where they choose to be. Decisions about the use of your time, the behaviors you claim as habits, the people you call friends, the vocation that becomes your career, and the person you choose to share your life with are all pivotal decisions that we all have to make. These decisions either serve to enhance our lives or shatter it to shreds.

the decision to make is not always clear, not always painless to identify, not always easy to make; our decisions should be made after much forethought and consideration. Snap decision should be avoided at all cost. Why? Because you simply have too much at stake to enter into something without thinking. When making decisions each of us must strive not to allow irrational ideas, false assumptions, fears, unmet needs or other fluctuating emotions block our good decision-making abilities. Make sure that you are in touch with your honest feelings about the situation, do not let self-doubt sway you from making a realistic decision, and refuse to let false pride, overconfidence or anger color your decision. 46

For good decision-making consider following these steps: (1) Understand the problem and your goals clearly, so that you can consider a wide variety of alternative courses of action, (2) Write down a list of possible solutions to the problem, (3) Collect all the available information about the probable outcome of each course of action. Consider combining several promising solutions into one potentially strong solution, and then (4) Weigh the pros and cons of each course of action (solution), then decide on one that you can commit yourself to fully. Get in the habit of systematically checking your decisions before making choices, think of this as serious business, as though your life were at stake because it is. Remember choice is merely Choosing Heartfelt Opportunities Intelligently Consciously Everyday. Remember that destiny decisions unlock the doorway to boundless possibilities.

URBAN SENTINEL MAGAZINE | JULY 2020

Your Source for Urban News

visit our website w w w. u r b a n s e n t i n e l . c o m

Urban Sentinel (July 2020 Edition)

Articles inside

Ann Nesby’s SOULFUL GIFT FAITH IT UNTIL YOU MAKE IT