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The House of LeMond 3325 Washburn Ave. Suite 20 Charlotte, North Carolina (704) 712-9531 5/ Urban Tymes Magazine
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Urban Tymes Magazine is the publication that celebrates the diversity and talent that surrounds us daily from a positive perspective. Featuring the best of the best via the arts,entertainment, luxury, lifestyle of professionals and more. Reaching various consumers across the country and overseas, our editorial content, promotion, and brand extensions communicate this ideal to the masses. For interviews, advertising or additional questions or comments: magazine@urbantmedia.com or urbantymes@hotmail.com
iss m u o y Did th’s n o m t las issue?
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M A Y 2016
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Contents Charlotte - Atlanta - Oakland - International
Essentials Go Gluten Free pg 14 The Rise of Natural Hair pg 16
Urbanity
Editor Carey Digsby
Special Correspondent Katherine Waddell
Contributing Writers: Real Chat with a Positive
Brother: Brandon Miller pg 22
Literary Treasures: Darnisha King pg 30 Style and Fashion: Young Fellas Get Dapper For Prom! pg 38
CWspeaks Yahsmin Mayaan Binti BoBo
Photo Credits UTMedia instagram a_kid_named_trav
Promotions UT Street Team
Urban Tymes Remember: Prince pg 43 Melodies of Movement: Kamilah Mahasin and Saidah Denise pg 47 Cake Me Away Bakery Solves the Gluten Free Dilemma! pg 53 9/ Urban Tymes Magazine
Are You Following Us?
:BUSINESS
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Life & Health
ESSENTIALS
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Go Gluten Free! Do you know about Gluten? Gluten is the proteins found in a cereal grain’s endosperm (a type of tissue produced in seeds that are ground to make flour). Gluten both nourishes plant embryos during germination and later affects the elasticity of dough, which in turn affects the chewy taste of baked goods. Gluten is actually composed of two different proteins: gliadin (a prolamin protein) and glutenin (a glutelin protein). Many think that gluten is specific to wheat, but really gluten is also found in barley, rye and a grain that is a cross between wheat and rye called triticale, according to the Mayo Clinic. For those that are affected by Gluten, via Celiac Disease or an acute sensitivity to wheat….. it’s good to know that not all grains contain gluten. Some examples of gluten-free grains are sorghum, millet, brown rice, buckwheat, wild rice, amaranth, quinoa, corn
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(polenta) and teff. A search in grocery stores today show that they are now stocking gluten-free products: (Pastas, breads, flours and much more! Per Dr. Peter H.R. Green, MD, director of the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University,. "The market for gluten-free products is exploding. Why exactly we don’t know. Many people may just perceive that a gluten-free diet is healthier." Some say that a diet without Gluten may lack vitamins, minerals and fiber, as well as denying oneself of many common dishes. But as with any diet, proper research, planning of dishes and supplements, you can still “have your cake and eat it too…” Check out the Food and Wine section for our latest find for Gluten free desserts!
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Sisters Rise Up!
petroleum, made to help style your hair, to leave in conditioners that contain humectants that attract moisture into your hair, making it flexible and able to handle daily stress. Also a good shampoo that is sulfate-free and paraben free keeps your hair clean and strong. (Tea Tree oil in shampoo is a plus!)
Cwspeaks. Is it hard? From talking to my wife who was an avid relaxer recipient, the first year was oday, many sisters are going the route the most difficult. Hairstyles are limited, and trying to see what naturally based hair of natural hair, which can be defined as the product works best was the theme of the care of natural hair without adding harsh day. But after trial and error and much chemicals and heat to naturally coiled hair. growth, she wishes she would have done it Over the years, many women have heard sooner..and I agree. such terms as "wooly", "kinky", "nappy", or "spiraled” to describe their hair without a The fact that society places so much worth perm. This is almost degrading, but not on hair today is amazing, yet what is anymore! learned during this journey is the appreciation and belief in one’s own self. Today, it seems that many women have As each day my wife worked with the hair decided to let go of the harsh chemicals to she had, I reminded her I didn’t marry her make their hair straight, and pick up for the perms and weaves, I married her alternative means to beautify their natural for her heart, the total sum of who she tresses. This varies from braiding hair really is. down and adding synthetic or natural “hair weave” to the use of natural products to So sisters stand up. You are the Queens encourage and enrich the curls, spirals or that we love, and yes while long hair is the thickness of their hair. “in thing” for many, our roots, our history, comes from a land that was diverse in its After talking to many sisters that have people, clothing and hair. started down the path of natural hair care, the responses have been the same. The Bold and Beautiful Baby! cost of perms, weekly visits to a salon, hair damage after years of stress to their hair, Check out two sites that contain a wealth and health reasons. The process, scary of information for you to start your journey: and shaky at first; starts from the preliminary “cold turkey” phase, in which Natural Hair Rules!!! one must forego getting a chemical relaxer Your Hair Authority in their hair, letting in grow out. To ‘growth www.naturalhairrules.com phase:” when the final parts of relaxed hair is cut off and starting off with a clean Nappturality - Official Site canvas to create your next hair style upon https://www.nappturality.com “au naturale!”
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Products to help your hair grow range from curl custards and light gels without
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URBANITY Brandon A. Miller When
I met Brandon Miller years ago, I met a young man whose energy and drive was contagious. Full of ideas and wanting to become more than someone that just lived in a community, but one that contributed to the uplifting of that community. To truly serve and represent the best that we can be…. To sit and talk to this brother, you see how over the years he has really heeded the words from mentors throughout his life. As a brother of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Incorporated, the newly elected chapter’s President truly embodies that verse “as iron sharpens iron,” as he connects with each brother that gives back to the organization and further enhancing the community he lives in. But lets allow Mr. Miller to share with you his thoughts about BGLO(Black Letter Greek Organizations) our youth today and other areas of concern…….
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“We can’t be afraid of the communities that need us. Activism requires us to be active.”
Give our readers your thoughts on how prevalent Black Greek Letter Organizations are in today’s society. Black Greek Letter Organizations are very prevalent and very much needed in today’s society. Black Greek Letter Organizations have evolved from our original founding dates and so has racism, classism, and institutional discrimination.
Accountability is being lost and trust is something of the past. This is why we need active organizations going back into the community to reach our young men. We can’t wait for our youth to come to us. We can’t be afraid of the communities that need us. Activism requires us to be active.
I remember seeing an article about the excessive suspensions in CMS school systems, and that really touched you it I am a proud member of the Beta Rho seems, explain why. Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Incorporated and the work that This goes back to the institutional discrimination that I was telling you about. we do in the city of Charlotte reminds People of color are suspended at a far me that our youth need us and underserved communities need us to be their higher rate than whites. The larger concern is that if a young person doesn’t advocates have the resources at home, he or she can be left behind. Is this a true statement that our young Even more concerning is the lack of dismen today have fallen to the wayside cussion regarding the school to prison due to the lack of positive examples? pipeline. Prisons are being built based I would not say that our young men are off of elementary standardized test or have fallen by the wayside but they are endangered. Most people think that scores. If kids aren’t getting an education or if our schools are determined not I’m referring to violence and that is a to educate but suspend our students, major issue in impoverished communities but I am more concerned with social then all the student is left with is the streets and/or risky behaviors. What are apathy and lack of positive male risky behaviors? Sex, drugs, increased Engagement. chances to be involved in criminal activiWhat isn’t getting mentioned enough are ty, etc.. the amount of children being born out of We can’t turn a blind eye to education wedlock in the Black community. What reform. We also need to empower our also isn’t being talked about enough is that the role of the father is being dimin- black men to become teachers. If you can see the trend, it all comes back to ished. Our young men are endangered the black male being more involved and because music videos are raising our engaged with his community and youth. kids. Gangs are mentoring our kids.
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Brandon with his lovely daughters
You’re a father to two beautiful daughters….how important is it for them to see the positive way a man handles themselves? Or how a young woman should be? I wish I could say that I was perfect… I really do. What I always want my daughters to see is that I am the definition of love. The man that dates them will have to meet expectations. In my opinion, daughters seek out men that remind them of their fathers. I want them to know that men are to hold doors, take them to nice places and do nice things for them. But I also want my girls that it isn’t all about money but when a gentleman does his best, it’s ok to accept it but it is NEVER ok to settle for it. A common problem is that we are doing a lot of settling thinking that we are accepting. Again, with no man in the household o r engaged in a young woman’s life, that’s an important lesson that is missed. Let me go deeper for you… some men will just focus on their daughter and if she is sexually active; What about showing and teaching her what love is? Teaching her how a man should dress and talk…
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Who was your biggest influence in your life, that set you on the path of social engagement and involvement Brandon? I have a few… 1. Malcolm X: Definitely my favorite civil rights leader. He was a true prophet of the people. He saw things that we are looking at now. If we look at our political system, the ballot or the bullet wasn’t so far off. Brother Malcolm speaking on the importance of reinvesting in the black community wasn’t far off and we are dealing with the effects ignoring some of his prophecies 2. Keith Smith, Phi Beta Sigma and the Sigma Beta Club of Charlotte were instrumental in my development as an adolescent. When my father chose drugs over his family and responsibilities, it was Bro. Keith Smith, Phi Beta Sigma and the Sigma Beta Club of Charlotte that took me in and appreciated the scars that I had. I would not be blessed enough to interview with you, without their hands in my development 3. Dr. Claude W. Barnes. Dr. Barnes really opened my eyes to the revolution and encouraging me to be a revolutionary. He gave me Che to read. He gave me Marx and Garvey to read. Dr. Barnes made me appreciate why you needed both Martin and Malcolm… why we needed both Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. DuBois. The little things I fell in love with; cigars and cognac and great martinis. Dr. Barnes did what a mentor should always do, make be better and put me in better spots to help others win.
URBANITY
What words of encouragement would you give to our youth today? Embrace your scars, that’s what makes you beautiful. We don’t have to get lost in anger or embarrassment, but uplift the success of how we have overcome our adversity. We are living and walking testimonies, don’t let fear still yours.
http://www.yesofcharlotte.org In order to move forward you never forget the past but you change the past to make a better future. -Brandon A. Miller-
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Photography by J aka Julio
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Slayton (704) 495-4127
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Literary Treasures With Kisha Green
Darnisha King Taking You on a Literary Ride!
Darnisha King is born and raised on The Westside of Chicago. During a tough time in her life, she started to write; she hasn't put the pen down yet. Through her writing techniques, you can see a story, you can feel emotion, and you can remember a time in your life when you felt the exact same way as some characters in her books. She wants to take you on a realistic urban ride so that you can see things through her eyes.
you ask me. With the evolution of technology and Social Media – you can really do it on your own if you continue to stay steadfast and push toward your goal. KG: Describe your writing life. DK: Some authors say that they have voices in their head and they have to get it out. Me – not so much. I write as the story comes to me. I let it flow and then I see how it turns out.
KG: How have you handled an unhappy reader regarding a book you wrote? DK: I have not had many. Out of the nearly 140 reviews that I have, only 4 of them are KG: How many books do you read a month? 3-star reviews. I take it with a grain of salt. DK: I used to read at least 8 or more per The truth is – what satisfies me and someone month. I don’t have as much time anymore, else will not satisfy everyone. It is the way of but because I am in a book club – I get the world. I can’t drive myself nuts by trying to through at least 3 per month. please everyone. Now with that being said, I take all responses into consideration when KG: Did you ever consider hiring a literary developing my characters. If more people hatagent and shopping your manuscript to a ma- ed it then loved it, it has to be a reason for jor publisher, why or why not? that and I have to do my due diligence to DK: Literary agent – yes. But for promotion change that. and helping me meet the right people. Major Publisher – No. Those days are long gone if KG: What is your favorite genre? Why? DK: Romance, Self-Help, Urban Lit.
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KG: What is one word to best describe your writing style? DK: Depth. I’m going to make sure that all of the main characters have a back story. And you won't just hear the story as it is told – they will actually speak to you. Furthermore, I will not just concentrate on one facet of urban lit. I will talk about God, Love, Sex, Drugs, Money, Abuse, Chivalry, Lust ---- all of it! KG: What is your biggest obstacle being a self-published author? DK: Exposure. I am working, though, so this won’t be a big obstacle for long. (By the way… I am signed with a small publishing company: MLP)
has to be followed. But I HATE it for full books. If it’s a book under 65 pages – then I get it. But for full stories – it makes no sense. But I digress. Because right now, it is what it is. KG: How important is pricing? DK: If you want to make money, it is very important. However, the more you persevere and keep pushing, the prices will increase and the money will come. You just have to keep at it. My motto is ABW: Always Be Writing. If you follow that – you will be able to price at your own price point, soon.
KG: What are your thoughts on the current state of literary? DK: The market is overly saturated with people who don’t have a passion for writing. KG: What advice would you give an aspiring Some people really want a quick buck and you can tell that in the stories. This kind of author? DK: Don’t stop. Keep going. I started in 2007, overshadows good writers and good work. But again, I’ll say --- DO NOT STOP. Keep and I didn’t publish until 2014 and then I just pushing because you will reap what you sow stopped. My publisher actually came and and you shall reap, if you faint not. found me, because I had stopped pushing myself to keep writing. Furthermore, research, good content, editing and finding a loyal audi- KG: What is the literary success to you? DK: Multiple times New York Times Best ence are very important. Seller. Being able to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Having your work turned into the screen KG: What is the name of your publishing and play writes. Having an email list of over company? 800,000 loyal readers. Things like that. DK: Marvelous Leaders Publication (MLP) KG: What are your thoughts on the ebook craze? Do you think paperbacks are becoming extinct? DK: The ebook craze is cool. The fixation on the books being free and $.99 is RIDICULOUS. But Paperbacks are not extinct. I still purchase paperbacks and all of my books are available in paperback and they sell and make me more money than the ebooks. KG: What do you think about e-books priced $2.99 and below? Is this a reflection of the authors’ worth? DK: It’s RIDICULOUS. It is not a reflection of the authors worth, it is just a trend that almost 31/ Urban Tymes Magazine
KG: Where do you see yourself in 5 years? DK: New York Times Best Selling Author. Enjoying the fruits of my labor. Watching my work on the big screen. An email list that exceeds 800,000 loyal readers. Owning a mini-mall that has the largest and most successful book store in my state. On a book tour, that is also a vacation for my family and myself. A Millionaire. “I’m going to WIN!” For more info on Darnisha visit www.darnishaking.com.
Literary Treasures Check out the latest reads, courtesy of Kisha Green’s DivaBooks!
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http://www.tattedcroc.com/ https://www.facebook.com/TattedCroc
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Style and Fashion
Young,Dapper and Fly For the prom!
It’s prom time, and these three young gentlemen are stepping out in style! Kierian Digsby, Cameron Lewis and Isaiah Foust showing versatile fashion and flair uptown before attending the Stuart Cramer High prom.
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Remembering
PRINCE Many of us are still in shock, at the passing of this musical icon…. Prince Nelson Rogers, or as the world loved him as PRINCE, was more than just an artist. From his early beginnings, a musical prodigy born to a mother who was a jazz singer and a father a lyricist and pianist. The ability to play multiple instruments as well as his distinct ear for music, he was challenged when parents separated, a rough relationship with step father, and adoption by a family which led him on his own path to getting his music out to the world. So much about his life was private, yet the music he made never was. Many performers give accolades to the artist, as his producing, contributing, and influence was paramount within the music community. Highly sought out, highly respected From box office iconic hit Purple Rain… to his performance on Arsenio Hall. His show during Super Bowl 2007, and his collaboration with Stevie Wonder. Do you remember 1999? Sign O’ The Times? Controversy? Emancipation? Musicology? His views on society and our connection to one another, and not against one another…his music, his abilities, could not be restrained.
There will never be another like him. We thank you brother.
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UPCOMING TOUR DATES: ·
Apr 21 Buffalo, NY Shea's Performing Arts Center
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Apr 22 Detroit, MI Fox Theater
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Apr 23 Chicago, IL Arie Crown Theater
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Apr 24 St Louis, MO Fabulous Fox Theatre
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Apr 28 Newark, NJ New Jersey Performing Arts Center
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Apr 29 New York, NY Theatre At Madison Square Garden
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Apr 30 Baltimore, MD Pier Six Pavilion
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May 01 Columbus, OH Palace Theatre
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May 05 Greensboro, NC Greensboro Coliseum Complex
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May 06 Washington, DC DAR Constitution Hall
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Words by Yahsmin Mayaan Binti BoBo
photo credit instagram @ a_kid_named_trav
MUSIC
Kamilah Mahasin and Saidah Denise talk truth, love, and sustainability. 47/ Urban Tymes Magazine
It isn’t everyday that you find yourself in the presence of vocalists who give you a pure adrenaline rush. I’ve been to a lot of shows, either sitting amid a crowd, or peeking from behind a curtain backstage. These performances don’t always resonate with me. However, I recently attended a ladies only event in Oakland marketed as, "Crown Jewel." The name itself is powerfully unique and the duo definitely embodies the meaning.
cites Saidah as the first time she heard a Muslim woman singing "real music.” Kamilah is big on authenticity and artists finding their path and their passions. No wonder Nina Simone was her creative muse as she came into her identity. Kamilah believes wholeheartedly that every song must have emotional content so a connection is forged with its listener. In that way, Saidah’s spirit and narrative was loud and clear. Kamilah then tracked her down relentlessly online, until she was able to book her performance at an upcoming conference.
The show was orchestrated and hosted by Kamilah Mahasin Shuaibe, a lovely songwriter from the Bay Area. She teamed up with another “In this journey and in deciding that art is going songstress from New York named Saidah Denise. Together, they did much more than rock to be my life, I had to map out how to use this craft,” Kamilah shared. It seems the map led her the crowd- they catalyzed change. to the collaboration of a lifetime. Kamilah’s reBetween songs, there was a lot of talk about sume is quite extensive. The short list details identity, culture, and, love. Each track was her work with Remarkable Current and The Raprefaced with a story behind the story and dio Blue after she started this creative career in process by which most songs are written. Not theater. She sees herself as storyteller, poet, necessarily in the context of relationships and actress and performer seeking to produce “qualdefinitely not disclosing details, but they spoke ity work.” in a language every woman undoubtedly understands. From heartbreak to healing, home life to Saidah’s story has truly piqued my interest too. artist life, these performers intended to connect She was raised Jehovah’s Witness and later converted to Islam. When it comes to her musiwith everyone on a much more profound level. cal roots, her father wasn’t classically trained And, it worked. You could feel the spark in the but was instead, self-taught. He played several room. instruments. It appears though, that his daughIt was that energy and the circulation of that en- ter needs only one- her voice. Saidah worked ergy that propelled my conversation with both with US based Hip Hop group Medina and sees Kamilah and Saidah, as they embark on a jour- the sharing of music as “giving da’wah in creney they name “The Love Project.” “We want to ative ways.” Da’wah is the Arabic term for an raise the frequency and create a space where invitation to faith. we can love each other,” Saidah said when explaining the intention behind this endeavor. She The Love Project as an organization is still in its developmental phase. Herein lies the irony: as sees music as the ultimate connection and a these two incredibly inspiring women lay the unifying force Muslims need, and especially foundation and open dimensions, they are too, Muslim women. But their sights are set on a developing on personal and spiritual levels. The global audience- listeners from all nations and walks of life. The two are also aiming to release music is merely “the soundtrack” to the endeavor itself. Kamilah and Saidah hope to create and “high caliber music” which is precisely what I share space for women of all disciplines. This heard on that extraordinary evening. will be a place where bonds are built, women Although Kamilah and Saidah are solo acts, this are acknowledged and celebrated. As supportcollaboration signifies a new beginning for them ers of women in the arts, ultimately they want to both. It’s a bi-coastal effort that began five years foster both identity and community. ago in a virtual capacity. As Saidah remembers it, she bought a CD of Kamilah’s and the admiration was instant. Kamilah, on the other hand,
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will not idealize the balance and pursuit, it will help artists to realize the empowerment within. After performing unreleased material, Saidah said she received a great response and that “people gravitated.” That’s exactly how I’d describe my own feeling while in their presence- a gravitational pull. It was hard to remain seated, to keep my composure. Not merely because it’s rhythmic but because of its content. It was all original and illuminated the authenticity Kamilah routinely refers to. “Women have forgotten their passions,” Kamilah said plainly. I couldn’t agree more. As a wife, mother, writer- I find it painfully difficult to strike a balance. So, we talked about this at length. In a way, I wanted to see if I could uncover the sincere secret on how to do it all. Truthfully though, we all concurred that we cannot do it all. Kamilah argued that we shouldn’t do it all. Creative pursuits require compromises. The Love Project
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Saidah added her insights on discipline and scheduling. She seems very methodical about how to compartmentalize art and her personal life. Saidah is married, keeps a 9 to 5, and reserves studio time for Saturdays. Family day is always Sunday in her household, “My first community is my home.” At many points in this riveting conversation, Kamilah touched on the need for finding (and keeping) camaraderie with women- the like minded and with artists. Alongside Saidah, and in the foundation of The Love Project, she plans to do just that. Sustainability is finally within reach. http://thehijabichronicles.com/shortygotwords_me lodiesofmovement/
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WWW.ELIAHSOUL.COM
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Her creations that we sampled were amazing! Each items moist , fresh and you wouldn’t even know they were gluten free (ask our son, who tried to get one of them out of the goodie box!) Cherry Lemon Sundrop cupcakes, Peanut Butter Bars, and Chocolate Brownies later, smiles were paramount and a promise to return to this spot very soon! http://www.cakemeawaygastonia.com
704-860-5135 103 S Marietta St. Gastonia, NC 28052 We found this little treasure via an online search while driving in Gastonia NC. My wife cannot have gluten, and when she has a taste for a delicious cupcake, I start looking. The spot creates dessert cakes, cheesecakes, cookies, bars and more. Custom orders available for weddings, specialty events, birthdays and other special occasions. They also have cookies, dessert bars and cupcakes too! The owner Brittany Pressler, graduated from Johnson & Wales in Charlotte NC. (My son attended there, great culinary college!) She specializes in wedding and specialty cakes.
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(360) 281-9866
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