Join us daily in the bar for 'Power Hour' at Morton's. It's Happy Hour done right! Specially priced select beverages include... Beer - $4 Sam Adams Seasonal Budweiser Bud Light
227 W. Trade St. Charlotte, NC 28202 Phone: 704-333-2602 Fax: 704-333-3204
Wine - $5 BV Coastal Cabernet Canyon Road Chardonnay Cavit Pinot Grigio Columbia Crest Merlot Morton's Mortinis - $7 Power Hour Cosmo Power Hour Gin or Vodka Mortini Power Hour Mojito Power Hour Jim Beam Manhattan Power Hour Palm Beacher 'Bar Bites' for just $5 include... Three Miniature Crab Cakes Iceberg Wedge Bites Chicken Goujonettes Three Prime Cheeseburgers Jumbo Lump Crab, Spinach & Artichoke Dip Four Petite Filet Mignon Sandwiches Blue Cheese French Fries
Oysters on the Half Shell and Colossal Shrimp Cocktail also available Daily from Open - Close And make sure to leave room for Morton's Prime Burger and French Fries for only $15! A mouth-watering meal at Morton's at a price you'll love! Specially priced Bar Bites and Morton's Prime Burger available in the bar only. Pricing and availability subject to change. Call for more details. 2
Contents: Urban Community
Inspiration Tymes Tymes--pg 7 Love & Relationships Relationships–– Statik n Flo Flo-pg 8 Your Health Health–– pg9 Introducing, Pastor Paula Edwards : TTBI Movement. An all too familiar thing - pg 11 Sports News & Entertainment
An Interview With : Cutty Boi -pg12
pg 19 Arts & Culture
Urban Reviews
Stage Play “When You Least Expect It” by Tameika Carter Ron Roseboro’s “Is There a Samson in You?” pg15 Our Diamond of the Month
pg 17
Focus on: Lyrical Eyes pg 21 Urban Flava
Featuring Featuring— —Bohemian Cafe pg 23 The Good Life
Fashion & Swagger pg pg--22
Spotlight on:
Mike Minter ’s Foot Soldiers -Pg 18
Photo Gallery pg pg--26
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Strategic Planning
James Valentine Promotions Director jamesv@urbantymes.com
For advertising opportunities, subscriptions, and more! Contact us: (704) 747-6496 Or email: advertising@urbantymes.com subscriptions@urbantymes.com www.urbantymes.com 4
Letter From the Editor That Calming Presence…... I’ve been told by many that I am always busy, and I must admit that I do have the MT bug (multi-tasking) But this one day I received a call from the one person that can shut that down with a few words, my mom.
talks about my family and what was yet to be done, she made my day, and for that I am thankful. Happy Mother’s Day to my mom, and to all the mothers!
She asked me to come by and see what she had down in the yard , and in my mind I was thinking about all the things that I had to do, and had yet to schedule, but I said “forget it, I’m going by my parents’ house!” Upon getting there, (with a plate of food in hand, cause that’s how we do, visit a family member’s house, bring a plate) and she immediately took me outside. I watched and listed as she took me down rows and places of new plantings, already established perennials sprouting, and gave me the names and colors of each one. As she spoke, I watched her eyes sparkle and her hands moving across gentle blooms and dig into rich soil that she had worked in for days. This was her hobby, yet it was also her life as a whole, to care for what you have. Nurture it, and watch it blossom. It hit me then, that in spite of all of my meetings, my duties, and my yet attained scheduling, this time was most precious. Even when she did try to, she knew what was needed to bring me back to earth, and keep me calm. From the plantings and blossoms, to the
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Contributing Writers & Artists Regina Davidson Freelance Fashion Writer Regina attended King’s College, studying Fashion Merchandising. Her travels has taken her to the fashion areas of New York City and traveled all around the world.
Idiosyncrasy The immediate love for fashion brought three passionate students together in the year of 2008, Latoya Brown, QueenAsia Torrence, & Terrell Grissett. Bringing to the UT family their unique flair of fashion and energy that can only be described as …...Idiosyncrasy!!!
Lena "The Art Diva" Jackson Cartoonist-Writer-Educator-Wife-Mother- ♥"CHILD OF GOD"♥ Check out her work every week online @ "Rolling Out magazine" & "Urban Tymes" Magazine…and her blogs as well! http://lenatheartdiva.blogspot.com http://bohemiancafecomics.blogspot.com/ http://gethypeforkids.blogspot.com/ Kevin Dellinger Sports Writer Bringing a “no-nonsense” approach to sport news, asking questions and breaking it down.
Monica Williams She truly lives that which she teaches! With a BS in Health Education she is known widely as a Wellness Consultant Certified Health Educator, Certified Esthetician, Certified Zumba Fitness,
Tamieka Carter A versatile writer that shares with her readers the best that life has to offer. Check her out each week as she reviews, shares, and keeps you updated Urban Tymes style! Zachary V. Morgan, II
Focusing on health and well being, Zachary writes regularly on what we tend to ignore until its too late. With preventive suggestions and insight.
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Inspirational Tymes that He has planned for us if we simply apply, and live according to the directions? In all things we can be The Road Map certain of this fact God allows everyone of our deciAt some point in the past, many sions, however He does not ordain every one of our of us have had the opportunity decisions. For this reason, WE decide to do things our to assemble a baby crib, a bicy- own way to arrive at an expected end, and it never appears the way we visualized it in our minds. Would cle, or even an entertainment center. But in every case there it not be more beneficial to remove our hands from is always a picture available of what the finished prod- the wheel and let God do the driving? uct will look like if the directions are followed correctly. Much like our lives, there are directions available that Proverbs 3:5 - "Love the Lord with all thine heart: and are revealed through scripture. In other words, a life lean not unto thine own understanding." – NKJV that is directed according to our faith on this earth paints a marvelous picture of eternal life with The Father.
Truth Serum ~
Brethren, there is a term that has been running rampant that we need to bury. That term is ‘turn your life around’. We set out on a dangerous course for others and ourselves when we use it as it concerns spiritual direction. It basically says, ‘God, I'm not sure that I trust the decisions that you have already scripted in the heavens for my life. Therefore I am reluctant to operate according to Your Will. I am more comfortable being under the influence of my flesh while Your Will calls me to separate myself from it and the allurements of the world’. I have witnessed this term being used especially in our culture toward men and young men in trouble or imprisoned. Instead of suggesting to an already rebellious mind to take control of his own destiny, would it not be better to compel them to hand the reigns of their lives over to God? Based on what we profess with our lips, is it too much to recommend that another seek after Christ? Are we hesitant to do so because our lives do not reflect that which we profess? Perhaps because we too are trying to ‘turn our lives around’, giving praise with our lips all the while resisting the WILL of God. Our mouths say ‘To God Be the Glory’ with little effort. Now Brethren, let our lives give praise by leaning not to our own understanding. Let the way we conduct ourselves give God the Glory by acknowledging Him in ALL our ways! Just as words from our lips, once they escape cannot be taken back. The same holds true for yesterday, it has already expired and will never be seen again. However, the effects of days past can linger for a season. Yet like the God that we serve, life presses continually forward. As Christians we truly believe that God is in control. How much sweeter could the life be
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“Because Relationships do matter!!!
Statik: What are the rules for something like this I wonder? It just seems like you would be opening Pandora’s box and that in itself is risky.
Open Relationship Some friends of mine were talking and they told me that they were in an open relationship. Of course the questions poured out rapidly. I am wondering with infidelity at high levels in relationships across the country is this a feasible option to prevent this?
Flo: The rules that are set are the rules that you and your mate come up with. And it is not opening Pandora’s box as long as you follow those guidelines. For example I may be interested in sports and you could care less about them, so me and a lady friend of mine are seen at a sports bar watching the game. Because you and I have this understanding there is no issue if someone calls to report it.
Statik: So are you saying that open is not just Flo: It can only be feasible if you have the mind- about sex? set to trust and understand each other. Definitely works best for those who are secure with Flo: That is correct. It’s not just about sex. It is about being able to be honest. It is about being themselves. I would not recommend this as a able to spend time with someone who has the way to fix a shaky relationship. same interests as you without there being any friction with your spouse/mate. What we fail to Statik: You’re not making sense realize anyway is that before we got into a relationship there were other people, some of them Flo: Ok what I mean is, you know you are in love with your mate yet you are able to explore were of the opposite sex and I will add, very good friends. But don’t get it twisted the sex part other avenues. Typically in a commitment it seems so confined. This way you are allowed to is great too. have a shorter list of things you can’t do. Statik: (smh) I don’t know Flo, this sounds like this is not something for everyone. Statik: Some people are already in an open relationship and they just say as long as they Flo: And it’s not. Listen as couples we get into don’t see it it’s ok. trouble trying to do what we perceive other people are doing. You have to do what works for Flo: With the freedom of love you are committed to that person and encouraged to be secure your relationship. with yourself. And really being ‘open’ is not just a sexual thing and I’m thinking that is what most To have your questions addressed and possibly posted in the magazine, email all inpeople hear when they say that. We run into trouble when we are no longer allowed to make quiries to: new friends of the opposite sex. Your mate will statiknflo@urbantymes.com not meet ALL of your needs. That puts too much pressure on one person. It is just like expecting them to make you happy. 8
Urban Health
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81% Asian 79% Latin/Hispanic/Spanish Speaking 75% White 67% Native American 59% African American Here are some other facts about breastfeeding many people do not know:
You & Your Health
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Lactation is the term used for a mother that is producing milk. So a mother that is producing milk is lactating. • Breastfeeding suppresses ovulation. Most mothers do not get their period while breastfeeding. Breastfeeding suppresses ovulation keeping Celebrating Motherhood! the eggs in the ovaries. No ovulation. No period! Please note not to use this as birth control! The Healthy Beautiful Art of Breastfeeding • Breasts leak and make milk when she hears Breastfeeding has got to be one of the most mean- or thinks about her baby. This is true. A reflex known as “let down” happens when mom hears, ingful and healthy things that a mother can do for smells or thinks about her baby. It also happens her child. In this country many breastfeeding orwhen a baby is not her own. The hormone oxytocin ganizations are working hard to educate mothers on the many important health advantages of giving is responsible for this. baby mother’s milk. The advantages are too great • Colostrum is the first milk in the breasts after birth. It is thick, yellow, and full of nutrients to list, but here are a few: and immunities a newborn needs. Breastfed babies get fewer infections and ill• Extremely cost effective. It is virtually free! nesses. Studies have proved this to be true. Also Even if you factor in breast pumps, breast pads, many mothers testify to this as well. Now there are and other support items for breastfeeding this will studies looking at brain development and intellinever add up to the high cost of formula. gence of breastfed babies. • Breastfeeding helps to shrink the uterus after birth. Although this can be painful, breastThere is so much more to be said about the health feeding pulls the uterus back into shape. Mom may benefits and the beauty of breastfeeding a baby. experience increased blood flow while baby nurses Talking positive about this wonderful experience but most mom’s are thrilled at how small their tum- and building an understanding about it can make it mies get due to nursing. easier for new moms to consider breastfeeding. No warming bottles in the middle of the night. The look of a baby twirling hair, tugging an ear, or When babies are hungry simply breastfeed and touching their mother’s nose while nursing is pricethey dose right back off again. less.
Monica Williams
So how does breastfeeding work? Well mother’s milk does not come into her breasts until 2-6 days after giving birth; pregnancy hormones prevent mom’s body from making milk until she gives birth. When the body realizes mom is no longer pregnant, the hormone Prolactin goes crazy and fills the breasts with milk. The hormone oxytocin is responsible for ejection and flow of the milk. It is stimulated by the suckling of the baby. The baby nurses, breasts get emptied, and the cycle begins again. Since mother’s milk is perfect for baby and digests super fast, babies can eat and nurse as much as they want, all for free!
Want to learn more? Here are some contacts: • Breastfeeding.com • Drjacknewman.com • CDC.gov/breastfeeding • International Lactation Consultant Association or ilca.org Womenshealthy.gov/breastfeeding Until next month stay in good health!
For more info, contact Monica @
healthyfitskin@aol.com So how does breastfeeding rate by culture? According Mother’s Wear Breastfeeding Blog it varies from culture to culture. These findings were taken in 2007 and are based in the United States.
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HEART HEALTH!
needed nutrients to live and perform in the way that they should. Diabetes patients also should check their levels often at home and make sure that their levels are normal. As part of a healthy lifestyle we should exercise three times a week and be as active as possible. Being active allows the body to shed pounds, sweat out toxins and also helps our level of stress. Stress is a factor that we all experience whether it be our teens at home, work, bills or relationships. We have to make sure that we keep the stress at a manageable level so not to become overstressed and thus raise one of the contributing factors into the red area where coronary heart issues will take place. The two main types of coronary heart disease are Heart Attack and Stroke. With both of these, the walls of the arteries fill with fatty deposits (plaque) reducing the blood flow. When this happens you experience angina (chest pain) and the plaque causes the arteries to puncture which causes a blood clot to form. When the clot occurs it restricts the blood flow and causes the heart muscle to die which causes the Heart Attack. Warning signs of a Heart Attack are extreme pressure in the chest for more than a minute, pain in the arms, back, neck, jaw and stomach, shortness of breath and even cold sweats, nausea or light headedness. A Stroke is caused by many of the same problems with the blood flow in the arteries but it affects the brain in a rather adverse way. When the clot occurs, the blood flow to the brain slows and causes an Ischemic Stroke. When the blood vessel bursts the victim will experience a Hemorrhagic Stroke. A Stroke can kill or paralyze the victim and they will normally feel the onset in a myriad of ways. There will be numbness of the face, arms and legs on one side of the body, sudden confusion, trouble speaking, seeing, walking, dizziness and loss of balance. Heart Disease is nothing to take lightly if we want to stay here for as long as possible. The risk factors are many, but by combating them with activity, diets high in fruits and vegetables, reduction of fatty, fried foods and definitely ending the use of tobacco products we help ourselves. African American men in the South have the lowest life expectancy of all races mainly because of obesity and just simply being dormant. Get up, get out and exercise, exercise, EXERCISE!! If you don’t do it for yourself do it for your significant other or that beautiful grandchild that just arrived so you can spend time in the park with them on a beautiful Sunday afternoon when that drive is completed.
There is nothing like sitting behind the wheel of your car taking a leisurely drive on a beautiful Sunday afternoon! With your arm out the window and Al Green massaging your speakers you are laid back and then suddenly a pain in your arm appears. It begins to get worse and then out of nowhere you are short of breath and struggling to breathe! Not knowing what is happening and not having the ability to speak makes this episode even scarier so you dial 911 and wait for help as your sight goes blurry and dim. You have just experienced the #1 killer in the African American community; a Heart Attack or Stroke. The top 5 causes of death in the African community are as follows: Heart Disease Cancer Stroke Accidents Homicide Three of the five on the list above are all preventable and we need to share the information as to how we can make that happen. 4 of 10 African American adults will have some type of cardiovascular disease at some point of life and 100,000 will die each year from them. Realizing that death rates are higher in the African American community there has to be life changes in order to reverse those numbers and live a long healthy life. We need to know the risk factors and preventions to stave off the diseases that seem to be affecting the community at alarming rates. African Americans have a normal life expectancy of 70.2 years compared to 76.5 for all other races with African American men having an expectancy of only 66.1 in comparison to 73.6 for all others. When it comes to Heart Disease there are a few risks factors to notice. Heredity High Blood Pressure Tobacco Use Age/Gender Cholesterol Level Obesity Physical Activity Diabetes Stress When it comes to the heredity issue it is hard to combat that because we develop these issues from good ole Mom, Contact Zachary V. Morgan, II Dad, Grand Pa and Grand Ma. Knowing your family history @ zmorganII@gmail.com, http://zmii-urbantymesis most important so at least be in the know about what sportsemporium.blogspot.com/ & http://twitter.com/@zmorganII you have the potential of being exposed to. You should check your blood pressure and cholesterol at least once a year and more often if you are aware that you are at risk. Keeping the numbers at a controllable level is the key to success. Smoking can be and look cool if you are the Marlboro Man but to stay healthy you must stop smoking! The nicotine in tobacco is a contributing factor to deteriorating our health as it increases the heart rate and blood pressure which over time causes undue stress on 10 the cardiovascular system. Tobacco also has high levels of carbon monoxide so it causes the heart to experience a reduction of oxygen in the blood robbing organs of the
Pastor Paula Edwards : TTBI Movement.
The Truth Behind Incest Movement is an all too familiar story thought we have seen this issue swept under the rug. The innocence of one who is vulnerable is lost daily. Of course in a perfect world everyone would keep their hands to themselves. I am convinced that things kept quiet will come out one way or another. The old adage is true, what's done in the dark will come to light. If you have been a victim of physical mental, emotional or sexual abuse and you do not tell anyone you will have these actions repeat themselves. What I have seen in my life is this cycle repeats itself. If you do not talk to your children about the things that happened to you. Chances are you will intensify the pain you felt the first time you went through it. Talk with others about what you have gone through could save the life of another.
breakfast held at the Main branch of were no bedtime stories read at night. Instead there were the trusted the public library. It is free to the hands of family members both male and female finding their way to choke the very life out of her. These same hands carried her to the 'hall of shame' and dropped her off. There were no 'how-to-books' on how to get out the mess she had gotten into. As she went through life unconsciously trying to find her way, she did not succeed at doing it all right if any of it for a long time. With incest being a part of her life from the age of 5 thru the age of 14, she believed this must be what she was put here for. She left her mother's home where she'd seen how to be a "hoe" all too many times. She had been in and out of jail and ran away from home; she was just a troubled youth. Finally she went to Georgia to live with her dad where she believed was paradise until she learned she was in yet another abusive situation. This time her father was crack head. Shortly after moving with her father and step mom, they split up. She asked her step mom could she live with her for awhile. She did and quickly got close to her step brother and they became involved resulting in the birth of her son. He was abusive.
public. And certainly donations are At the age of 19 she finally ended available. the relationship with an attempt at suicide. She had looked back over her life and she thought of how rough things had been. How she had Speaking with Author, Motivational felt rejected by both parents. And Speaker, Mother, Mentor, Entrepre- when she told on 'that' uncle for his neur, and Life Coach Pastor Paula R. inappropriate touches she became the 'black sheep' of the family. InEdwards, she shared with me how this movement was given birth. 'The stead of killing herself she checked herself into a mental hospital. Truth About Incest is a non-profit organization that is passion driven. Her life took a path far from perfect. Pastor's Paula's story is one of 11 phenomenal overcoming. She is There was not a two parent home, bringing her conference to Charlotte with a white picket fence. There NC May 15th. There will be a
Let’s Ride! With Cutty Boi
key”, he says. He goes to the studio about 3 times a week and he is there 4 hours. Has about 70-75 pieces and say he writes his best when he is angry. “Music is Cutty Boi of Hollis Queens New York came to Let’s Ride my outlet” He has been doing this since 2003 and now Recordz in 2006, whose best friend Lil Trigga shared his feels like he is “ready to keep up with the world”. home made tape with Richye Rich. Rich is the owner of the ReHow to find Cutty Boi cord label. He says, and keep up with what he “Richye treats me like is doing next family”. He is the first Be on the look out for his Hip Hop artist from Nascar Album North Carolina to be Road to Victory Lane the sponsored by NASfirst week of May 2010. CAR. Jay-Zee and T.I. Produced by Skinny Nick have been represented USO Ent. Featurby them. ing Wootman single of Keeping it 110. Richye Rich has alText 69937 for ringtones, ways been a role and for Nascar and Hit model and has taken single, visit: him to places that he never thought he would Twitter.com/cuttyboi go states Cutty Boi. Facebook.com/cuttyboi “He teaches me from a www.letsriderecordz.com business point of view as well as the Artist Doing the commercials point of view”, says for NASCAR has shown Cutty Boi. him that he is not limited “He runs into other artwith his gift. NASCAR has ists often so he gives sponsored the videos, people advice from an artist’s point of view.” “He buys visit: youtube.com/cuttyboiNascar to view commercials. CDs and supports others. He says he is aware that all eyes are on him. He has always been able to rap in Shout out: Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour, Mom who church, so Hip Hop seemed to be a natural choice. After has always been here for me since the day she bought seeing the big names in Rap, he wanted to have 100,000 me into this life and for always taking care of her baby people screaming his name from doing something boy, Celest Cutright, Kev Jak-NASCAR ,Brother-Areye good. Through music you can touch people. In today’s See and Miss Instrumental, Thank CEO Richye rich and music you don’t hear the stories that help you get to Keysha Porter KP Ent-For always being in my corner in know someone. He loves and honors real music. the good and bad times. For always believing in me. For supporting me through my music and my real life situa“Not tryna be the rapper, tryna be a global motivational tions. Pat Charles for seeing something in me that I didfigure like, the late Michael Jackson, Bernie Mac, and n’t see. Kevin Glover DJ Stretch o matic for keeping the Aaliyah.” he states. He strives to be different because Carolina Swagg running thru the national airways. different is what people are searching for, Calling himself Thanks to my Hood, Hickory Grove, NC and SC for ona needle in a haystack, he is here, in it to win it. To help going support throughout my career. City of Charlotte for others and, wants to see everyone that grinds hard to standing behind one of their own. Thanks to the entire make it. “Don’t want to be at the top lonely, I want to see Let’s Ride record label family. Dale Earnhardt Sr. RIP the independent artist that is out here grinding be motivated.” To Cutty, this is full time grind now, he had a job before doing this but realized he needed to give the music 110%. “Use it while you got it,” he responds, “because you will not be young forever.“ “Not saying that there is an age limit. No excuses anything is possible. You have to sacrifice comfort for your gift. If you really 12 want to do something you will make it happen”. Part of his routine is: Keeping God First. “That is the
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D Blake aka Derrick Blakeney A humble spirited young man with a gift of crooning, held us all (especially the women) captive at our last networking event. Prior to the event I had the pleasure of getting to know him. He will be appearing on 106 and Park on May 12th at 6pm. His mom and brother were there in the audience supporting him as he gave us two samples of what’s to come. He has a voice smooth like water flowing over rocks on the mountain side, hmm you would call that a waterfall. Almost hypnotic…What did I learn? He is a native of Charlotte, a graduate of Hopewell High School. He writes and composes his music. His style is Neo Soul. He says, “I gotta believe in myself and it feels like it is now falling in place”. He uses as a testimony that he lost his focus then finally sat back one day realizing that he is not doing what he set out to do. After some humbling experiences Mr. D Blake is on the road to living his dream. Part of his daily ritual is “Prayer to stay focused”.
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Just When You Least Expect It: (Will You Be Ready) By Tameika Carter So, the other day I went to see this Christian musical play called “Just When You Least Expect It”. It was at the Pease Auditorium at Central Piedmont Community College (Main Campus). It was like one of those hidden treasures I just cannot be quiet about. The play is about, since we do not know the date and time Jesus will come back, but we need to act Jesus-like. We need not to commit adultery, gossip, fornicate, and lie. This life changing drama drew me in from the very beginning. As a child, I really hated going to church because I felt that the people were so hypocritical. In the first act and scene, the audience is shown how some church people will smile in your face and the next minute do some dirt or gossip about you. This is where drama begins, Maury has nothing on this play. There is a Black minister who is married to a White woman and is cheating on her with his assistant. The assistant’s daughter is having unprotected sex with the so-called playa playa of the church. Lastly, there is an elderly woman who just gossips about everyone in front of them and behind people’s back. The play showed the audience how a church can become a circus if the person who is leading God’s sheep in the wrong direction. This play also had some original songs by one of the writers, Lawanda Council. Each song that was sung was two minutes or shorter. So, this play didn’t over kill the audience with songs. They also had some great dancers that were also playing God’s angels. At the end, Jesus appeared for his second coming. This play wanted to show its audience just when they least expect it God will come to get his children. You cannot trick God and you cannot hide from him either. The moral of this story is that we need to live right and stop doing what we want to do and do what God has destined us to do.
Is There A Samson In You? By H. Ronald Roseboro Money, fame, women, and material possessions enslave the hearts of many strong men. Is There A Samson In You? invites you to take a candid look into the mirror of male bondage through the eyes of true freedom and masculinity. ORDER YOUR COPY www.zionspeakz.com
APPEARANCES May 8th - Libations & Lyrics Open Mic at Le Niche Lounge (Raleigh) May 17th-2Worlds Entertainment & CuteFeetUp Entertainment Monday Night Mixer May 18th- Touch One Productions Open Mic at Wine Up May 21st - S.W.I.S See What I’m Saying Open Mic at Happy Hour Bar & Lounge May 22nd - Book signing at Praiz Book store from 2pm-4pm June 6 -book signing at Wilson Heights First Church of God (Charlotte) from 1pm-3pm
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Renda Rose is among the nation’s most sought after voices, as she boldly stands as a spokesperson for those with internal wounds and unheard cries. A life coach, motivational speaker, and inspirational poet all but scratch the surface of who Renda Rose is. Photos by Rosewaters Inc. Resilient defines this woman who uses the devastation of her youth as a testament that there is indeed life after death! Having experienced the aftermath of molestation and rape at the hand of her biological uncle, which started at the tender age of 5; this plague again met her at the age of 19, when she was brutally raped by a couple of felons; one of which a convicted murderer. Oh yes! Ms. Rose is well acquainted with the stifling affects of abuse. Because Renda didn’t have the tools to properly heal, the aftermath of this devastation stayed with her, and would ricochet into her adulthood. Renda Rose has arisen victorious over a 20 year stint of drug addiction and depression. Nine of these years Renda spent homeless on the streets of Philadelphia. She proclaims that her turn around happened in the solitude of a rehabilitation institution. Today, Ms. Rose stands by her statement that she was, “wounded only for a moment, and on purpose.” That purpose is to speak life into broken hearts of the young and old, from all walks of life across the nations. With thirteen victorious years of sobriety, Ms. Rose stands free from her past of desolation, shame, and insecurity. And once becoming totally clean from her addictions, Renda became a volunteer aid for five years at the very day shelter which once was a place of refuge for her. Though on the move, Renda still has a strong passion for individuals addicted to drugs, and without a home; and is putting action behind her passion as she builds her nonprofit company, Rosewaters Inc. which will serve to educate, empower, and equip these individuals with the tools necessary to acquire healing and success. Ms. Rose firmly believes that, “healing is a choice!”
With a growing resume, Renda has worked with Victims Services of Montgomery Co. in the state of Pennsylvania, made a national television appearance on Channel 8, It’s Your Call with Lynn Dole, and was also featured on the international radio broadcast, In the RAWW with Paula Edwards. She has also hosted her very own internet talk show called, Heart to Heart. There’s no stopping this dynamic woman now that she is finally walking in her purpose! Ms. Rose is preparing for the release of her very first manuscript entitled, Grace and Mercy Brought Me Home, a masterpiece which details her incredible transformation from a mere weed, into the beautiful “rose” she is today! Additionally she is currently a spokesperson for The Truth Behind Incest the Movement, and has availed herself for speaking engagements from large banquets, to small intimate settings; sharing her wisdom and insight with diverse audiences. She has also traveled far and near imparting hope, truth, and inspiration through her phenomenal gift of poetry. Renda’s poems have been likened to the remarkable and highly acclaimed, Maya Angelou. Renda makes her poems available in gift sets, which are great for all occasions. Contact Rosewaters Inc. Via: Telephone: 610.270.0695 E mail: rosewaters1940@yahoo.com
Renda and daughter Tiff
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2 interceptions, and batting 6 passes. Mike was drafted 56th overall in the 1997 NFL draft by the Carolina Panthers. Mike made himself a quick staple in Carolina’s defense over the next 10 years. In his rookie year Minter started 11 games, and was 2nd on the team with 83 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, 10 passes defended and 4 quarterback hurries. That’s quite an accomplishment as a rookie. Mike went on to have a very successful NFL career and announced his retirement at training camp in 2006. Well, Mike Minter is a rookie again in a manner of speaking… After his retirement, Mr. Minter became a football coach for the 1st Assembly School in Charlotte, NC. He said the reason why he chooses to coach at a private school is because anybody can come and play, you don’t have to just play for your district. Since Mr. Minter has been coaching at 1st Assembly, they were state champs this football season with 13-0. Since January 2010, Mike Minter has come up with a mentoring program called Foot Soldiers. He felt that the youth today really do not have great direction. He wants to give the purpose and passion back to kids. You have to start with emotional part and dream of the passion. Foot Soldiers is an online community where kids can enlist and get advice from celebrity and everyday heroes. Mike Minter’s goal is to get 1 million kids internationally enlisted.
Foot Soldiers By: Kevin Dellinger and Tameika Carter Photos by MikeMinter.com
The other day Kevin and I meet a great man who is not only a successful athlete, but he is a philanthropist. His name is Mike Minter of the Carolina Panthers. Mike Minter was born January 15th, 1974 in Cleveland, Ohio. Mike played high school football in Lawton Oklahoma, though he played running back (and played well), free safety is where he would end up making his mark in the football community. After leaving high school as an all around athlete (football and basket ball), Minter attended the University of Nebraska, where his team won two back to back National Titles. In 1994 he blew out his ACL after two games and was forced to watch from the side lines, but 1995 was a whole new year, and Mike made it count. The ‘95 season brought not only a national title to Nebraska, but for Mike he also made a statement on the field, positioning himself to play Strong Safety/Linebacker and amassing 53 tackles ,
This is how Foot Soldiers work. In order for a kid to enlist, that kid has to either write an essay or upload a video in the website. Then they have to develop a score card which is short and long term on the site. The mentoring is virtual and anyone who is successful can be a mentor. So, if you want to be a mentor please get involved with Foot Soldiers. For more information go to http://www.iamagoodsolider.com and add them as a friend on Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/ Foot-Soldiers/307887401130?ref=ts
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2010 Carolina Panthers Draft Breakdown Kevin Dellinger Sports writer for Urban Tymes Magazine. Here is my 2010 Panthers draft breakdown. A lot happened on day 1 that affected the whole rest of the draft, and yes I mean the surprise Denver move to trade back into the 1st and nab Tebow at #25. So, with out further ado, here is the Carolina class of 2010 2nd rd #48- Jimmy Clausen QB Notre Dame This guy was a perennial top 10 pick up until draft day. Then the Aaron Rogers’s effect hit, and Clausen fell further than any would have imagined. Jimmy Clausen entered the draft with a so called attitude problem and a me first mentality. Well, after listening to his phone Interview, he seems quite ready to prove the nay sayers wrong, by saying all the right things. Jimmy Clauesn could be the fist ever franchise quarterback the Panthers have lacked since opening day in 1995. Time will tell on this steal. Grade A+ 3rd rd #78- Brandon LeFell WR LSU Brandon LeFell will be the next MOOSE for years to come. He will easily unseat the incumbent Dwayne Jarrett as the #2 early in camp. Carolina has been looking for their #2 to compliment Steve Smith for 6 years now, and may have hit pay dirt with their 3rd rd pick here. At 6’ 3” 212lbs, LeFell should be a red zone threat as well as a blocker. LeFell has said he knows that blocking is important here as well as it was at LSU, and seems to be of the mind set he can handle the job no questions asked. Here’s hoping. Grade A “Trade with NE” 3rd rd #89- Armanti Edwards QB/WR/RS This pick was a little bit of a head scratcher. Although most had Edwards as a 5th-7th rd pick, the Panthers traded a 2011 2nd rd pick to NE for him. Rumor has it that the Clots were looking at him for their # 92 pick and Carolina just couldn’t imagine not having this great athletic local talent here in Charlotte on Sundays confusing defenses. Edwards is known to be a wiry, thin framed athlete with tremendous speed and a knack to want to be everywhere to help the team be successful. That being said, I kind of like the pick, and if he show the talent most say he has, then a 2011 2nd is ok with me. He’s listed officially as a WR with the Panthers. Grade-B4th rd #124-Eric Norwood OLB South Carolina This pick was one of my favorites. Eric was a work horse for the Gamecocks over the last 3 years. Norwood led the team in tackles for the last 3 seasons and brings an aire of stability to our LB corps after the jettison of Na’il Diggs. I thought this pick was a little like the Dan Connor pick a few years back. He brings great value in a very odd draft, where great players either fell or went undrafted in this draft. Eric
gives another rush LB and has played DE at South Carolina. He will also be another weapon on special teams due to the ability to wrap up and finish on tackles. Grade- Strong B+ 5th rd- No picks 6th rd #175-Greg Hardy DE Ole Miss Here is another player where value was to good to pass up on. Again, most Mockers had Hardy listed as a late 1st or early 2nd round pick. Hardy’s said in previous interviews he tries to emulate the play of former Panther now Chicago Bear Julius Peppers when on the field. The problems with Hardy in most scouts’ eyes are injuries and his motor. He seems to try to emulate JP to much, as most of us know Julius took plays off quite a bit by disappearing for series or games for that matter and being in my view; to inconsistent to warrant the fame he received. Let’s hope that Hardy only needs a free fall like he took to fill up the tank and tune up his motor to full power by training camp, and come in with a bit of a chip on his shoulder to show other what they missed on. Grade-B+ 6th rd (b) #198 David Gettis WR-Baylor Another big bodied WR with deceptive speed standing at 6’4” 217lbs with a good muscular frame and looks every bit the part. He has good spring in his jump and can separate for YAC (yards after the catch). Gettis and LeFell should help elevate S. Smith’s double teams, and will come in to push for the #3 WR spot vs. Kenneth Moore in training camp. He was a good selection in my opinion, and will probably beat out Moore for the spot. He will contribute on special teams as well. Grade-B6th rd (c) #202 Jordan Pugh CB/S Texas A&M This pick for me was a stretch for me pick. I don’t have a lot on the guy but listening to Hurney’s post draft interview, he could be a sleeper pick with great intangibles like last years Captain Munnerlyn. The knocks on him though are, not being very big, tight hips, questionable vision during KR/PR, and only adequate change of direction. Grade-C 6th rd (d) #204 Tony Pike QB-Cincinnati This was a real puzzler since we have Matt Moore as our starter for the moment and we picked Clausen in the 2nd. Fox and Hurney said again the player’s value was too good to pass on. So another BPA then? Well this will make for another interesting battle in camp but don’t look past this guy giving it his all either. He was a very smart collage QB with good decision making abilities. He’s deceptively athletic and can buy some time with his feet in the pocket. He also has a knack for finding the soft spots in coverage’s. This is where Hurney and Fox would usually take a QB if at all in their previous drafts. With M. Moore being on a 1 year RFA tender the Panthers might feel like they can get good trade value sometime down the road with either Moore or Pike depending on how everything works out in training camp. Grade-B 7th rd #223 RJ Stanford CB-Utah Grade-C+ 7th rd #249 Robert McClain CB-Conn Grade-D So there’s my version of the player break down. Most of our picks made me smile a whole lot. Even though I wasn’t totally sold on the Clausen pick at first, (Golden Tate was still available) I only needed a few hrs of sleep to wake up thinking this was the best thing that could have happened to Fox/Hurney. Then LeFell, Edwards, Norwood, and Pike all fell to us as well. All carried mid to high round grades from most team scouts or coaches. I look at this as being fortunate for the Panthers that Tebow went in the 1st, because that changed the whole out come of the draft, and we probably would have had a mediocre draft at best then. My over all grade for the Panthers 2010 NFL draft is a very, very strong B+.
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“Charlotte needed a place like Bite Your Tongue. Coming from New Orleans, it’s just like being at home with home cooking! Good - Good - FOOD!”
1928 Randolph Road Suite 116 Charlotte NC (p) 704.332.5730 (f) 704.332.5732 Hours: Monday thru Friday 7:00AM - 6:00PM www.charlottecajunrestaurant.com
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while it lasted, that kept you lost (The Storm). Chapter 2 Is the walk of truth. When you begin to realize that there is something out there that will never take you through, which is the going through process and soul searching agonizing progress that you go through with you and God alone. I call it the scream room. (The Forecast is Changing) and finally Chapter 3 Is happiness, because you made it through the date of conception. Chapter One, the famous (-) which is in between Chapter Two and then the End date of reality which is when you reached happiness, whether that be you found happiness in yourself, God, or both and then you found the person that was created for you… your soulmate. (The Sun Is Out, Happiness Is Here). This book will take you through my gut wrenching pain, in hopes that it will guide you through the fire without getting burned like I did. I've lived it and I made it through with God… Relationshhhh vs. Relationships Available at www.amazon.com
Lyrical Eyes is a well known poet and songstress from the suburbs of The Windy City of Chicago. She is also a motivational speaker. This book is for those that have endured pain and then found happiness along the way. For relationships that have hurt and left your soul for dead and then when you realized that God was in the storm with you, the thunder stopped rumbling. This is for women and men that did not know how to love themselves and then found the greatest love of all that had been there all along. This is for the relationships that festered too long because of the words ‘time invested’. This is for those that have loved and almost let go because they got lost. This book is their destination to being found. There are 3 simple chapters in this book. Chapter 1 The relationship that you learned from, that hurt you, that haunted you, that crippled you, that was good
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Fashion, Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow… By Regina Davidson Freelance Fashion Writer
This month I had the wonderful opportunity to visit the Mint Museum located on Randolph Road and to review one of their long standing exhibits on fashion as an art form, The Art of Affluence: Haute Couture and the Luxury of Fashions 1947-2007. This exhibit falls under The Historic Costume and Fashionable Dress Collection which is one of the top artistic focus areas of the Mint Museum. The collection was founded in 1972 by the Mint Museum auxiliary as a concerted volunteer effort to save community heirlooms. The primary objective and goal for this collection is continued preservation, conservation, research, interpretation and the exhibition of this collection. After speaking with Elizabeth Isenhour the public relations manager with the Mint Museum, I found out that part of the exhibit would be moved to the new museum uptown later this year giving the collection better exposure and the capability of show more garments. The Mint Museum has quite an extensive collection of nearly 10,000 haute couture and luxury garment pieces ranging from dresses, coats, suits, shoes, to accessories and handbags. The Art of Affluence exhibit also showcases European and American fashion designers and spans at least 60 years of creative design and one-of-a-kinds. Now that’s a lot of fashion and garments! This exhibit is exceptional and showcases a wide selection of Haute Couture fashions also known by the French as High Sewing and in America as High Fashion. This exhibit truly makes a statement about the ever changing world of fashion by offering design selections of some of the greatest fashion designers of our times. Some of my favorite designers are featured in The Art of Affluence exhibit, Yves Saint Laurent, Oscar De La Renta, Givenchy, Dior, Chanel, all first class design power
houses in their own rights. I grew up watching and learning from these designers, and yes, as you can tell, I’m an old school fashionista and love the great designers of yester year. So, what have I learned about High Fashion? I believe fashion is truly about the individual. Whether you’re wearing Haute Couture (High Fashion), ready to wear, or mass produced off the rack…fashion is about how it makes you feel and how it fits you and your lifestyle. If price is not an issue for you then more power to you and you can have that perfect fitting one-of-a-kind. However, if price is an issue, then keep shopping for the best sales or that too hard to resist bargain and you’ll still find the perfect garment that fits you just right. If not, there is always the neighborhood seamstress. Ha! Remember fashion is a continuum, fashion is ever changing, fashion is ever evolving, revolving and moving and yet the more it changes the more it stays the same. If you want to learn more on the history of fashion, then you should go check out this exhibit. I highly recommend it and it will not disappoint. It will give you some insight on how fashion has evolved from then to now and continues to evolve. The Art of Affluence: Haute Couture and Luxury Fashions 1947-2007 – tickets are $10.00 non-members Go visit soon, The Art of Affluence will run through Spring 2010. For a complete schedule of programs surrounding this exhibition, visit www.mintmuseum.org. The Mint Museum 2730 Randolph Rd Charlotte, NC 28207 (704) 337-2009
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Urban Gallery Urban Tymes in and around the Q.C. You never know where we may be next! Photos courtesy of First Shot Photography.
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Tiger’s got his swing back! At the Quail Hollow Invitational. Michael Jordan on the green as well! Urban Folk artist Haji Basim perfoms @ Apostrophe Lounge. Zetta the Quiet Poet performs.
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On May 6th an angel went home. The legacy she left behind is one of an enduring spirit, a never quit attitude, and to love one another while we are here. Her brother Charles Burch is a testimony to that, with the founding of The Charles Burch Cancer Foundation, which fights the fight against cancer. July 13, 1972 - May 6, 2010
The Urban Tymes family dedicate this issue to the memory of Pertania Burch, our “Lil Sis.� You will forever be in our hearts, and one of our own.
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