Urban Views Weekly January 25, 2017

Jan. 25, 2017

Scholar of the Week - Byunce Brown

Simple steps can put you on the road to financial success

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Civic Beat FUNdraising Good Times

Defining your legacy Each day we are creating the legacy that one day we will leave to our family and the world. We do it with our words and daily actions. We do it with our giving. What is most important to you and your family?

How do you want to be remembered?

When an organization captures your heart, you think about how you can contribute to their work.

You give of your time, resources and talents. You can also plan to continue your giving in the future, even when you’re gone. You can start at 20 years old or 70. Age is not a barrier.

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Take time to consider what you want your legacy to be and who you want to leave your assets to. Set aside time to talk with your family about this. Then talk with your accountant or attorney and ask for guidance. They can provide you with information or refer you to someone they trust who specializes in what you are trying to accomplish. If you don’t have an accountant or attorney, talk with friends to learn who they trust and give that person a call.

“Take time to consider what you want your legacy to be and who you want to leave your assets to.”

Think about the assets you have or may accumulate – your home, IRA, 401K, stocks and bonds, rental properties, life insurance and other investments. Have you made a decision about what will happen to these upon your death? Are you willing to give some of what you have accumulated to

Letter To The Editor

help advance those things you believe in?

You can. And you can provide for your family as well – it’s not an “either or” choice.

Depending upon the specifics of your assets and what you are trying to accomplish, you may be able to obtain immediate tax benefits, help your heirs decrease their tax liability, and/or increase the assets continues to page 11

If you would like to respond to Viewpoints, your submission should contain your name, a full valid address and a daytime phone number. We cannot acknowledge submitted letters. We reserve the right to edit for accuracy, clarity, legality and taste. E-mail (without attachments) to editor@urbanviewsweekly.com. Mail letters to Editor Urban Views Weekly.

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Scholar of the Week

By Janeal Downs

Despite the struggles her family has had, Byunce Brown has endured and learned from the mistakes of others. “Grow up and do better than I did,” Byunce’s mother advised her. With addiction disturbing her family life, there have been times where Byunce grew up in a care home, with her grandparents and even, at times, was responsible for raising herself.

However, throughout these trials, she and her family have endured.

Byunce named her parents and siblings as her biggest motivations to succeed in life. “My parents, because of the situations they’ve been through, I know not to follow their footsteps,” she said. “And my siblings, they’re younger than me, so I know I have to continue on and give them a role model.”

Byunce Brown of John Marshall High School

GPA: 3.1 College(s) of Interest: John Tyler Community College, Virginia Commonwealth University, Norfolk State University, etc.

Major Community Service: Richmond Animal Control Center Strong Interests: Veterinarian studies and mathematics Favorite Activities: Spend time with friends

Watching her mother overcome her struggles, is what influenced Byunce to grow older making the right choices. Her mother also taught her that education should be her first priority. “She believes that education will help me with the goals I have set for myself, and also taught me that I can do anything if I put my mind to it,” she stated in an essay. From passing her SOL’s and taking advanced classes, she is close to graduating from high school and currently has a 3.1 GPA. Her favorite subject is mathematics, which she plans to minor in while working toward her degree. Throughout her high school years, Byunce has focused on her school work, but she also participated in outside activities. She ran for the track and field team in her 9th and 10th grade, and she also had the chance to work for Kings Dominion.

Byunce plans to continue her education by attending college and pursuing a career as a veterinarian. “When I was little I always wanted to be a veterinarian. My doctor would ask me what I wanted to be and I would be like, ‘a vet,’” Byunce recalled about when her interest started.

She was reminded and reassured of her passion when she had the

opportunity to volunteer with the Richmond Animal Control Center.

As a volunteer, she walked dogs, washed them, fed the dogs and cats and learned how to restrain the animals. Though she likes all types of animals, her favorite are elephants which she liked ever since doing a project on them in the third grade. To work toward her career as a veterinarian, Byunce plans to attend John Tyler Community College or J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College for her core classes. She is interested in later transferring to Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia State University or Norfolk State University. These schools stood out to her because of their proximity to her home.

One of Byunce’s mottos is “if you want it, go out and get it.” This is something she will take with her to college as she works toward her dream. “Mature beyond her years, she is focused on what matters to her success and making others feel good,” her teacher, Meredith Spencer, said. Spencer described Byunce as honest, dependable, incredibly strong and hardworking. Another teacher, Natashya Jackson, also described her as “a hard-working, mature young lady who does not back away from a challenge.” As a teacher’s assistant for Jackson, Byunce is also described as reliable and responsible.

Her life experiences and also her parents’ experiences have taught Byunce and motivated her to succeed in high school and soon in college. “I am motivated by overcoming hard experiences, encouraged by family and friends, and having the personal drive to succeed,” she stated in an essay. “I know I will be ready to attend college in fall 2017 and overcome any other challenges that come my way.” Along with working as a vet, Byunce desire an independent and financially stable life in the future.

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Do you know a High School Senior who can meet the following criteria?

1. Have a 3.0 grade point average or better 2. Participates in extracurricular community service activities 3. Attends public school in Central Virginia Go to UrbanViewsWeekly.com for application and details.

Urban Views Weekly | January 25, 2017

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ViewPoints

By Dr. T

The First Amendment “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”

been in contemporary America, but it is not the politics that are solely to blame.

The interpretation of the Constitution, which holds our democracy accountable, intentionally creates fundamental fault lines in our union while at the same time challenging our basic character and responsibility as citizens not only of the United States, but also of the world in which we live. The FREE exercise of religion, of Speech and of the Press, along with the Freedom to peaceably assemble and to petition the government for redress of grievances is fundamental to our democracy. The 1st Amendment is inclusive at its core; it establishes a warning against government over-reach and calls for accountability of the government to the people, not the other way around. “We the people in order to form a more perfect union…” The government owes the people accountability. The government is established by the people for the people and serves at the behest of the people. The people are not merely those to be governed by some benevolent leader or all-knowing powerful republic or democratically elected President. The people are the government and those in leadership serve by the will of the people who have elected them. We are the “BOSS”!

Democracy is a messy process. Diversity of thought and of ideas, is even more difficult to navigate than our clear and present racial, political, economic, religious, sexual and gender-based identities, our various ethnicities, nationalities and the diversity of abilities–both physical and emotional–that include the people who call themselves Americans.

The multicultural identity that makes America the incredible and grand experiment it is, the singular characteristic that makes our nation exceptional, is the very thing that continues to frustrate those for whom diversity in all of its forms is an inconvenient truth, a problem of “political correctness”, and something that should be buried as a part of some mistaken concept of inclusion that just makes their lives more difficult to live.

Equality, equity and inclusion are not the ideals that “these folks” are prepared to struggle with or to fight for in perfecting the “America” that “they” want to live in or strive to achieve.

This is the reality with which we ALL are now reckoning. America is more polarized than it It’s time that we hold our government (ALL branches) and its leaders accountable to US! is united. Although the discontentment, disenfranchisement and disconnection we see in the We need to engage in the oversight of the leadership we have put in office whether you voted streets seem particularly magnified as we move for it or not, it is your responsibility as a citizen. from one President to the next one. However, it We MUST begin to take responsibility for what Tawnya Pettiford-Wates, Ph.D. is not the political climate that has created this our government is doing in our name. We need Founder and Artistic Director environment of dis-ease. The “politics” have everyone to grab hold of that 1st Amendment and The Conciliation Project and Associate Professor definitely magnified and illuminated our “battle not let it go! Whatever you don’t use…you truly Virginia Commonwealth University lines” against a backdrop that has made our may lose. And, in this case, it’s called FREEDOM! DrT@Margins2theCenter.com | www.theconciliationproject.org differences more clearly evident than they have

“The 1st Amendment is inclusive at its core...and calls for accountability of the government to the people, not the other way around.”

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The Deal

By Nathaniel Sillin

Some Couples Invest in Their Future in Ways Other Than a Diamond Ring • A solid band. While it won’t have the same flash as a ring with a large gemstone, choosing a smaller diamond or solid metal band with a symbolic meaning could be just as meaningful to your partner.

What does an engagement ring look like? For many people, my wife included, the answer is a diamond ring. While that’s a concept that didn’t become widely accepted until the diamond industry’s marketing campaigns in the mid-1900s, it’s one that holds strong today. However, some couples are going in an alternative direction. The intention isn’t to be cheap, but rather to use the savings to make a different kind of meaningful investment in their future together.

When and how a proposal happens can be a surprise, but hopefully, the answer won’t be. That is likely doubly true if the question is popped without a diamond engagement ring, or perhaps without a ring at all. As always in a relationship, communication is key. While some people may be excited by the idea, it could be a deal breaker for others.

What will a meaningful investment look like to both of you?

A friend of mine recently shared with me the story of how he proposed to his now wife and the decision to forgo an engagement ring altogether.

Family heirlooms can also make for memorable engagement rings, and often there isn’t a price tag attached (although a lengthy discussion might be in order). A vintage ring could appeal to some people’s style, or the center stone could be reset in a modern band. In either case, there’s something special about wearing a gemstone that’s been in one of your families for generations.

Consider your options if you want to buy a ring.

Understandably, the idea of proposing without an engagement ring isn’t for everyone, and there is a middle ground. A less expensive engagement ring with the savings going towards your shared goal.

Here are a few options you could discuss with your significant other:

When they first started discussing marriage and engagement rings, she said she’d rather put the money towards a down payment because starting a home together was more meaningful to her than a ring. He didn’t ask right away, but when he did take a knee, ringless, and ask her to marry him — clearly she said yes. Today they live in the home the savings helped buy, wear only wedding bands and he says neither of them regrets the decision.

• Alternative stones. There are a variety of alternative precious and semi-precious stones you could pick for the ring. Matching a stone’s color to the person’s eyes or choosing their birthstone could imbue the ring with a personal touch. However, be careful about picking a “soft” gem that could be easily scratched if it’s worn daily.

A down payment might not make sense for you, but there are other ways to invest in your future together. For some couples, paying down debts or saving for their wedding so that they don’t go into debt might be a better fit. Or, you might want to start a travel or honeymoon fund.

• Diamond look-alikes. You could choose a synthetic diamond or a stone that looks similar to a diamond but costs much less, such as a cubic zirconia. Some of the man-made and alternative options can look more brilliant than genuine diamonds, and you don’t need to worry about whether or not the stone is conflict-free.

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• Decide on your priorities as a couple and act accordingly. According to The Knot’s 2015 Real Weddings Study, an average of $5,871 was spent on engagement rings. For some, there’s no better way to spend money. After all, it’s a ring that’s going to be worn for decades.

However, you can discuss engagement ring expectations before you ask someone to marry you. If a diamond isn’t particularly important, an alternative ring or gemstone, or no ring at all, can be an equally timeless and beautiful gesture of love when you both know the money is going to an important step in your future together.

Nathaniel Sillin directs Visa’s financial education programs.

To follow Practical Money Skills on Twitter: www.twitter. com/PracticalMoney This article is intended to provide general information and should not be considered legal, tax or financial advice.

It’s always a good idea to consult a legal, tax or financial advisor for specific information on how certain laws apply to you and about your individual financial situation.

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Attain Financial Freedom t Financial literacy remains an integral part of ensuring a habit of overspending and need to save more money a bright future for each paycheck? Perhaps you’ve never truly ourselves. For a large understood what 401k contributions are all part of our lives, we’re about and want to be sure you’re pouring all you taught that education can into your investment account. Or maybe, is key, but only as it like many, you want to begin establishing good pertains to information credit so that goals like homeownership are in our school books. attainable. Whatever your individual need, start Math, science, literature, with an attainable goal and begin the process of and history frame our educating yourself. early and late childhood Richmond native education curriculum, Ciera Wilson is and after we graduate, the Founder of we’re left with mounds Faith and Finance, of information we’ll a locally run probably never use financial literacy again. Financial literacy, Ciera Wilson, Faith & Finance blog that provides however, is crucial information on to our success as adults. Understanding how to budget, budgeting, saving, develop a savings plan, build your credit, and invest in and reducing debt. your financial future are some of the most commonly Founding the recurring aspects of adult life that unfortunately, we’re company with the mission of advancing the Kingdom of forced to learn as we go. It’s not until we’re greeted with God through the proper management of finances, Wilson these responsibilities that we must quickly learn and decide laces her lessons on financial literacy with applicable what’s best for us. What we end up with is increasing debt, scripture and teachings from God’s word. poor credit—or none at all—and a lifetime of working for our money instead of having it work for us.

Faith and Finance also offers digital That’s why financial literacy is the true key to success. What good does it do to work hard your entire life with nothing to show for it?

What good is opening a credit card without learning the type of discipline it takes to build your credit and not ruin it?

Whether you’re a college student anticipating your first job with a 401K or decades into your career, investing in your financial fitness is always an investment worth making.

The first step in becoming financially fit is establishing goals. What are your problem areas? Do you need to learn to make the most out of what you already earn, or do you have 6

Urban Views Weekly | January 25, 2017

workbooks, budgeting guides, and group coaching services, to name a few, and her blog posts address various aspects of leading a financially fit life. “Ultimately, I want to be able to help others do the same and start building wealth for families for generations to come,” she says.

Through her coaching, Wilson finds that the most common financial missteps people make are not having a budget, living outside of their means, and continuously incurring credit card debt. Unfortunately, her clientele is a microcosm of the widespread issues we face when it comes to our finances. Whether

it’s due to a lack of understanding or lack of discipline, budgeting remains an afterthought for many working Americans. But as Wilson suggests on her site, www. faithandfinance.com, “A budget is creating a plan to tell your money where to go.” Writing out a detailed list of monthly expenses—groceries, gas, bills, mortgage— and comparing them against what we bring in monthly can be quite the daunting task.

Oftentimes, it’s taxing to discover that when it comes to expenses versus income,

through Financial Literacy

By Janna M. Hall

future. Frivolous spending satisfies the now, but what are you doing now that will make for a stable life five to 10 years from now?

“Too many fail when it comes to proper finance management because they are living outside of their means,” Wilson explains. “People do this to impress their friends or family or people on social media; the issue runs deep. Many buy things to impress people that couldn’t care less about what they have or don’t have. Everyone wants to look cool, but being cool comes from the inside out, not the outside in.”

we’re falling behind.

Other times, knowing that we have a surplus after paying bills means that lifestyle changes must be made in order to begin saving. And change is difficult, but it’s so possible. Necessary, even.

The idea of “living within your means” isn’t reserved for those who struggle financially. It’s also for those who make hefty salaries but fail to save. Regardless of your tax bracket, strive to enjoy the now while planning for your

Fargo and Capital One—had to offer. I found that they offer good college student cards and deals, but ultimately, I stuck with the bank I was familiar with.”

After choosing her bank, she set strict goals for herself.

“I’ve planned out my main uses for it, and linked the auto-pay option for small bills,” she says. “It’s convenient to have for those days between my paydays, but I also use it for groceries and gas. I keep a limit and think more about what I’m buying this way and if it’s actually worth it.”

Julexus Cappell

Lastly, incurring unnecessary credit card debt paralyzes many while keeping their credit score in full motion— downward. Borrowing more than you can afford to repay negatively impacts your credit and prevents you from making major milestone purchases. Renting an apartment, purchasing a home, or taking out a loan? You’ve got to have credit. But with opening a credit card comes the responsibility of being disciplined. Make monthly payments, keep your balance low, and designate its use for specific purposes.

Julexus Cappell, Junior at Virginia State University, recently opened her first credit card with the hopes of establishing good credit.

To do this, she carefully considered what goals she needed to set, and researched the best banks. Ultimately, she went with the bank she had the most experience with.

“I’ve had the same credit union since I was 15, so I chose to apply for one with that bank because I’m already familiar with them,” Cappell explains. “But I also considered what bigger banks—Wells

To help keep her finances in check, Cappell downloaded the app Mint. Mint syncs to your bank accounts and tracks your spending in various categories: food, gas, retail, etc.

It also sends alerts when you’ve hit spending limits or have exceeded card usage for the month.

“Mint has been a really good way of keeping my finances in check,” she says. “It lets you enter in your monthly bills and creates a budget to show you what you spend most of your money on.”

Though she’s most concerned about overspending, she’s determined to stay on top of it and not spend more than she can pay back.

The path to financial freedom is far from a ladder, but more a jungle gym.

You’ll have financial highs and lows, and experience the inevitable setbacks, but keep your eyes on the ultimate goal: financial freedom. Whether through budgeting, cutting back on spending, or developing a plan for establishing credit, make taking the journey to financial freedom a priority this year. What better way to make your life great than to make your finances great? www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

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How to Guide

Choosing a Credit Union A credit union is a great place to find personal financial solutions while helping your community. It is also a great way to avoid many of the hassles encountered at conventional banks.

savings and loan banks, you might be required to pay a fee if you fall below a minimum balance. Check about other requirements. You might need to use your debit card a certain amount of times each month.

More and more people are finding out that credit unions have a great deal to offer.

Unlike big banks, which are owned by shareholders or conglomerates, credit unions are typically nonprofit operations owned by their members. Credit unions charge less in fees than for-profit banks. Any dividends go to the members instead of shareholders.

If you are in the market for a specific loan, research to see if the loan is issued by the credit union. Once you have found several credit unions offering that type of loan, compare interest rates and specials to see who has the best deal.

These days, credit unions are a good deal. They usually offer better interest rates on savings accounts and competitive rates on various loans. You might get a fantastic rate on a student loan, mortgage, auto loan or credit card. Also, the federal government stands behind credit unions. Most deposits are insured up to $250,000.

Selecting a credit union is not difficult. The first step is to research those in your community and their membership requirements. Some credit unions are available to employees of specific companies, groups of public service or school employees. But offers extend eligibility to anyone willing to follow their membership requirements. You may be asked to join a food co-op or other organization in order to qualify for membership.

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Urban Views Weekly | January 25, 2017

A simple Internet search is an excellent starting point.

Develop a list of credit unions in your area. Then narrow your possibilities by researching eligibility, services offered and fees charged by each credit union.

Verify the current interest rates on their accounts. If you can’t find the rates online, call and ask them for the percentages. Find out if there are any fees associated with the accounts you want to open. As with traditional

Of course, convenience is something to keep in mind.

Check for availability of online services, weekday and weekend hours, where branches and ATMs are located.

You should also understand any fees associated with ATM or debit card usage. If you use ATMs frequently, those charges can add up fast. Some credit unions belong to a national network of credit unions for shared services. It might mean more access to ATMs and other services in case you move or go on vacation. If you have children attending college in other cities, this can be useful.

Once you have completed your research, make a list of the advantages and disadvantages of each credit union.

You can easily compare them.

Upon choosing your credit union, visit the branch so you can understand all of the services. Learn more about the benefits of membership.

www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

Family Features

SAVOR

Courtesy Litehouse, Inc.

5 Tips to Tackle a Tasty Game Day Menu Just like your favorite sports team, hosting a winning big-game party or tailgate takes planning, preparation and teamwork. To make your festivities fun-filled, remember these entertaining tips that are sure to score big with your fans.

Scatter the refreshments. Help direct movement and traffic flow by setting up food stations. Using different rooms or areas helps prevent congestion and encourages guests to mingle. Try placing finger foods and other appetizers in a couple of locations, beverages in another area and desserts in yet another space.

Embrace variety. Take into account taste preferences and dietary needs, and have an assortment of food and drinks available.

Offer spicy options along with less seasoned dishes, both indulgent and betterfor-you treats, plus an array of beverages for drinkers and non-drinkers alike.

Build your roster. If your party is a potluck, encourage guests to sign up for dishes so

you don’t end up with multiple versions of the same thing. Create a discussion group online, or simply ask guests to indicate what they’ll bring along with their RSVP. Don’t forget the dips. Wings are a tailgating staple, and dips are a great way to complement those zesty flavors or cool the heat, but you may find yourself in a team rivalry when it comes to the preferred dip at the game day bash: ranch or bleu cheese dressing? Both pair well with a range of wing flavors, so these dips are sure to be crowd pleasers.

Expand on tradition. Tailgating is a timehonored tradition, and the food lineup is often based on familiar fare. Along with those fan favorites, don’t be afraid to put some new flavors into play, such as these Sticky Sesame Chicken Wings that add a tangy ethnic flair to traditional wings.

Find more game day recipes at www. litehousefoods.com

Sticky Sesame Chicken Wings Yield: 4 servings

1/4 1/4 20 3 2 1/2 3

Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 40 minutes

cup flour teaspoon salt chicken wings tablespoons soy sauce tablespoons sesame oil teaspoon garlic tablespoons water, divided

Heat oven to 400°F. In large bag, combine flour and salt. Add chicken wings and shake to coat. Discard any leftover flour.

Line baking sheet with foil and spray with pan spray of your choice. Place wings in single layer on baking sheet.

Bake wings 40-45 minutes, turning halfway through. www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

1/2 cup brown sugar 1 tablespoon cornstarch sliced green onions, for garnish sesame seeds, for garnish celery sticks (optional) ranch and chunky bleu cheese dressing

In sauce pan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, 2 tablespoons water and brown sugar. Whisk together remaining water and cornstarch, and pour into sauce.

Bring to boil then simmer until thickened.

When wings are done, toss with sauce, garnish with green onion and sesame seeds, and serve with celery sticks, ranch and bleu cheese dressing.

New Tax Laws Affect Tax Refunds

By Julexus Cappell For most Americans, tax season is a widely anticipated time of year. Family vacations, home improvements, and household essentials are among the countless items families plan for with the money they’ll receive from the tireless hours they’ve worked throughout the year. It’s also a time for paying off debt and taking care of vital bills many aren’t able to pay off with their regular salaries. Unfortunately, millions of taxpayers will see a delay in refund reimbursements due to a new law passed by the Obama administration last December. The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act is an effort to create new tax breaks and combat fraud, but it also prohibits the IRS from distributing funds until after February 15th to taxpayers who receive either the Additional Child Tax Credit or the Earned Income Tax Credit.

The IRS reported that about 24 percent of Earned Income Tax Credit recipients received an “improper payment” in 2013 and that number has continued to rise annually. Because of this, the IRS is delaying refunds in an effort to improve their accuracy. While the PATH Act should not be a worry for taxpayers, it serves as an incredible inconvenience to many. This law will primarily affect those who statistically file their taxes sooner for a faster refund turnout – unfortunately, that means lower income individuals, single parent households, and ultimately, minorities.

To tax preparer and Liberty Tax franchise owner Tricia Griswold, the PATH Act will hinder many people from economic relief, and may come as a surprise to those who receive the credits in this first tax year.

“It’s going to be a big deal to them,” Griswold warns. “These taxpayers usually file early and need the money to pay bills, buy groceries, and catch up after spending during the holidays,” she says.

Aside from a delay in funds for millions,

another issue concerning the PATH Act is how it will affect banks, credit unions, and cash advance services in the Richmond area. Nearly half a million people in Virginia last year claimed and received either the Additional Child Tax credit or the Earned Income Tax Credit, and the nation’s average return in 2015 was just shy of $3,000. With this new law, banks could face issues having enough funds available to service thousands of people in a shorter time span.

To avoid waiting any longer than necessary, Griswold suggests getting refunds via Direct Deposit rather than a check. This way, funds are readily available.

“If you think about it, the average tax refund is $3,000, and last year, 29 million people had a tax refund before February 15th,” Griswold says. “When [the IRS] releases these funds, the banks will be swamped. People should direct deposit these monies or receive it on a pre-paid debit card because it is unlikely the banks will be able to cash out that many checks immediately,” Griswold said.

Another way to stay on top of income taxes amidst the PATH Act, according to Griswold is to continue to file returns early, as most affected by the PATH Act would before it went into law. “[Those affected by PATH Act] should still come in and file, just as you would have in past years. We encourage people to come in as soon as they get their W2s, but we have to wait until the IRS opens,” Griswold said.

Although there are offers like advance loans on tax refunds at most major tax offices, it will be an adjustment to those who do not qualify or aren’t interested. The PATH Act, seemingly, is a decent idea for fraud regulation, but ultimately, we need to remember those who rely on funds to stay economically afloat. Those are the ones who’ll hurt the most.

Urban Views Weekly | January 25, 2017

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Happenings

The Top of Bravery Brings the Inspiring Story of Bert Williams to the Richmond Stage

“I have never been able to discover that there was anything disgraceful in being a colored man. But I have often found it inconvenient...in America.”

The story of Egbert Williams and his rise to fame in the Vaudeville era is equally inspiring and heartbreaking.

Inspiring, of course, because in the midst of ongoing racial discrimination, lack of representation, and limited options for entertainers of color, Williams managed to use his life-long knack for stealing the spotlight to solidify his place in the evergrowing industry. He, along with his partners George Walker and later Lottie Williams and Ada Overton, revolutionized what it meant to be a person of color on centerstage. Complex, dynamic, talented, and brilliant beings, black Americans’ rich history deserved to be told in an authentic manner, and Williams saw fit to shed light on those often glossed over aspects of the Negro.

Williams’ story becomes heartbreaking, however, when he decides that the only way to truly be seen on stage is to hide the very thing that makes him a dynamic character in the first place. Donning blackface in an effort to pacify whites during the blackface era, Williams sought to remain easily digestible to white audiences around the world. Maintaining his authenticity as a negro man while simultaneously neglecting his own skin served as Williams’ greatest feat, a constant internal struggle.

The Top of Bravery, written by Jeremy V. Morris, who also stars as the great Williams, and directed by Dr. Tawnya PettifordWates, showcases the life and rise to fame of the man W.C. Fields describes as “…the funniest man I ever saw, and the saddest man I ever knew.”

The Quill Theater’s four-character production takes theatergoers through a captivating journey through Williams’ adolescence, the initial discovery of his raw talent, and rise 10

Urban Views Weekly | January 25, 2017

to fame with his vibrant partner George Walker (played by Keydron Dunn). His connections to Richmond, Virginia, San Francisco, and New York City are laced throughout his story, but those connections pale in comparison to the devastatingly strong connection to entertainment industry racial tension in the early 19th and 21st centuries.

The Top of Bravery addresses deep-seated issues, such as white supremacy in the form of blackface—“white’s perception of superiority causes them to believe they can portray negroes better than negroes themselves”—and unfounded beliefs society has adopted about negroes post-slavery.

“[Bert Williams] has done more for our race than I have; he’s smiled his way into people’s hearts.”

- Booker T. Washington The most enchanting moments of the production are those times where the audience is forced to examine the ideals society holds about blacks in America. “How did slave-owners conclude that blacks were stupid, lazy, and happy to be enslaved?” Williams asks while emulating a lazy slave-owner sipping lemonade while his slaves work through whippings, sing hymns pleading for salvation, and reconstruct shoes that outsmart the masters as they make their escape.

The Top of Bravery is a phenomenal production that serves as an educational tool for those who deny the struggles entertainers of color face in show business today. It further proves that hashtags like #OscarsSoWhite aren’t founded in some new sense of entitlement, but rather reflects a struggle Photos courtesy of Aaron Sutten

By Janna M. Hall

that dates back to the Vaudeville era. Morris’ candid portrayal of Williams’ “7,000 foot trek” up a mountain aligns with the difficulties actors today face to remain authentically African American—with the complexities and brilliance they naturally possess—while remaining palatable to white audiences who have determined what it means to be black in America. Both Williams and Walker fought to create entertainment and be entertainers that discarded the imagined view of negroes.

“We shouldn’t have to chase the imagined. Whites should chase our authenticity,” he says.

With the help of Lottie Williams (Katrinah Carol Lewis) and Ada Overton (Jasmine Eileen Coles), Williams and Walker formed a quartet that created a platform for women of color.

Their contributions took Williams and Walker to another groundbreaking level, and though the production focuses on Bert Williams’ life and journey in the Vaudeville era, Morris makes it clear that his success and impact on this world is in part due to his collaboration with other remarkable performers.

Appropriately named, The Top of Bravery ultimately highlights what W.E.B. DuBois believed Williams’ life represented.

Navigating the internal struggles with performing in blackface, DuBois realized that his performances weren’t “more of the same.” He bravely addressed racial issues, kept people laughing, and ultimately, created an environment where whites and blacks could share the same spaces and energies and unite over one commonality—the appreciation of undeniable talent. “[Bert Williams] has done more for our race than I have; he’s smiled his way into people’s hearts.” - Booker T. Washington The Top of Bravery is currently showing until February 5th, 2017 at Richmond Triangle Players theater- 1300 Altamont Avenue, Richmond, VA 23230 www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

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you leave to them and others. Talk to your attorney and accountant about a living trust.

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Here are a few things to consider: IRA, 401K, insurance policies, brokerage accounts.

Each of these allows you to designate a beneficiary. The beneficiary is the person or organization you would like to leave the account’s funds to. You can leave all the funds within an account to one organization or you can split the funds amongst several organizations. And – yes – you can leave a portion, or the majority, to your family members at the same time. Check online for the forms you need to set this up.

Purchase a life insurance policy and designate an organization you believe in as the beneficiary. This is an often over-looked way of leaving a large gift through small monthly payments. Talk to your insurance broker about this.

Real Estate. You can leave your home and/or commercial property to your church, a college or nonprofit through your will, a trust or another estate planning vehicle. Talk with an attorney and tax advisor to learn what would be best for you.

Take the time to define your legacy. Think about who and what is important to you and take action.

Copyright 2017 – Mel and Pearl Shaw Mel and Pearl Shaw are authors of four books on fundraising available on Amazon.com. For help growing your fundraising visit www.saadandshaw.com, or call (901) 522-8727.

TanyaFree.com/ Urban Views Weekly Poll President Trump took the oath of office last week followed by an interesting inaugural speech. In less than twenty minutes, President Trump unveiled his vision for the country, described by some as a message of unity and interpreted by others as divisive rhetoric designed to appeal to his base.

What’s your take? Did you feel included in President Trump’s inaugural speech?

Check out the story and respond to this week’s poll at TanyaFree.com and the Urban Views Weekly FACEBOOK Page. Listen to the Tanya Free and Friends Talk Show Wednesdays @ 2pm on WCLM1450AM streaming LIVE @ TanyaFree.com and BlackTalkRadioNetwork.com. You can now watch us LIVE at TanyaFree.com and ustream.tv

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Urban Views Weekly | January 25, 2017

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