Simply Bowie February 2022 by Simply Magazines

FEBRUARY 2022

LISA WHITE REAL ESTATE Is Helping All Clients Achieve Their Real Estate Goals

Love CHECK OUT Bowie Center For The Performing Arts!

At First Bite Fall in Love With Local Desserts

"Ownership is power, build a legacy that will last!"

Lisa White Multi-Million Dollar Producer Children's Miracle Agent Marketing Specialist

"Call Me Today for a

FREE Property Analysis!"

Tailored real estate services to meet your needs! • Over 30 years Real Estate Experience • Licensed in MD, VA, & DC • MS Marketing Degree • Certified Project Manager Professional • Real Estate and Transformational Speaker

(703) 307-9913 LisaLovesHomes@gmail.com www.lisawhiterealestate.net

RE/MAX Allegiance Office (202)547-5600

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 6

PUBLISHER’S CORNER New Beginnings

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Stay Sweet

LISA WHITE REAL ESTATE

Helping All Clients Achieve Their Real Estate Goals

SIMPLY ENTERTAINMENT

Check Out The Bowie Center for the Performing Arts

SIMPLY BEAUTY

Skincare In the Winter Months 4

February 2022

23 23

ETHNICITEES, LLC CULTURAL MARKETPLACE

Make A Statement With Cultural Wearables Inspired By African American History.

BLACKWASH

The Untold Stories of Reverse Racism by Author Rodney Cloud Hill

ATHLEISURE WEAR

Whether You Are Hitting The Gym or Heading Out On The Town

LOVE AT FIRST BITE

Here’s Where You Can Get The Best Desserts Around Town PUBLISHER Veronica Fountain Veronica@simplymagazines.net EDITOR IN CHIEF Alyson Turner Alyson@simplymagazines.net CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Alyson Turner, Dominique Lassiter

SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER Ro Moreno CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Sheldon Johnson Lionel Garcia LAYOUT & AD DESIGN Natthaphon Foithong Natt@simplymagazines.net

February 2022

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Veronica Fountain Veronica@simplymagazines.net FRONT COVER Photography Sheldon Johnson BACK COVER Photography Lionel Garcia

PUBLISHER’s

CORNER The feelings that we get as we turn the page to a new year often include joy, hope and anticipation for what is to come. As we turn the page on 2021 and move swiftly into the new year, I would suggest that these feelings are stronger than ever. February is known for being a month of love, and as we enter this month, my wish for all of you is lots of love, peace and joy. February is an especially important month to me and Alyson, our Editor-In- Chief, as we celebrate our 6th anniversary of Simply Bowie Magazine.

New BEGINNINGS

As we enter 2022, it is our goal at Simply Bowie Magazine to continue to bring you stories of aspiration and inspiration. I believe that there is a lot of anticipation that things will improve this year, and we will be here with you all as we work to face the challenges we have been dealt head-on. We will work together to overcome these obstacles and bring our Bowie and its communities back better than ever. Enjoy your Valentine’s Day celebrations with your Loved Ones and check out a great article on the Bowie Center for the Performing Arts. For the first time, we are showcasing a “Black History Month Special Section” featuring black businesses including an article on one of our thriving businesses in Bowie called, “Ethnicitees, LLC Cultural Marketplace”. Whatever you are doing this month, I hope you enjoy our second issue of 2022 and continue to support the amazing County we live and work in. Lots of love to all of you, and thank you as always for your continued support.

Veronica Fountain Publisher

February 2022

Letter

from the

EDITOR Hello Bowie! I cannot believe we are already entering the second month of 2022. It seems like this year is flying by. Hopefully, the cute little groundhog won’t see his shadow and warm welcoming weather of an early Spring will greet us soon. My sweet Nana’s birthday is on February 2 and we always tease her by asking if she saw her shadow. Whether or not, the Spring weather arrives early, February is a month to celebrate arts, entertainment, and the season of love. It’s nice to eat some sweet treats, take in a new play or a book. It’s even better to give a gift to someone you love whether that is a romantic partner, a family member, or a friend. We hope you enjoy all of the wonderful articles we have put together this month, including our special Black History Month section. Light & Kindness,

Stay SWEET

Alyson Turner Editor In Chief

February 2022

“Ownership is Power. Build A Legacy That Will Last.”

Lisa White Real Estate is helping all clients achieve their real estate goals.

Who is Lisa White? Realtor Lisa White is a top agent licensed in Maryland, DC & Virginia, with over 30 years of industry experience, and is a multi-million-dollar producer with a 5-star rating. She is also a philanthropist and an advocate for her clients and her community. In 2021 alone, Lisa helped numerous families purchase their dream home and sellers earn a great profit. When it comes to serving her buyers, she will

Article By Alyson Turner Photography By Sheldon Johnson

use her savvy negotiation techniques to win deals. She will meet with you first, to identify your needs, desires, and timeline. Then she will generate a plan of action to identify, win and close your dream home. If you are a seller, she is going to perform in depth property research in advance of the first meeting to insure she has a good knowledge base of the property. She will meet with you to view the property, gain an understanding of your needs, and then present her strategy to maximize your profits. She comes from a family of entrepreneurs with many generations of real estate investors and business owners. She grew up in Bailey’s Crossroads, VA with her family who has been there since 1913. “Real Estate is in my blood. My father was my role model and where I learned about entrepreneurship. He owned J.F. White Construction Company located in northern Virginia. His specialty was brick masonry on residential and commercial properties. He was a builder and a real estate investor. I became a licensed realtor in 1986. I sold for a while, gave referrals and was a landlord. I went to George Mason University for my Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing and I received my Master’s Degree in Marketing from University of Maryland University College. I am also a certified Project Management Professional,” Lisa tells us. She has several certifications including Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist, Seller Representative

February 2022

Specialist, Accredited Buyer Representative, Military Relocation Professional, as well as possessing a number of other certifications. When it comes to fun, Lisa loves enjoying herself and seeing others happy as well. Music and the Arts are passions of Lisa’s. She hosts annual “Jazz Under the Stars” concerts for clients and the community, golfs, travels, and loves to dance. She often feels that she is, “Dancing through life.” When she went to college Lisa didn’t know she was going to pursue real estate, at first. “Marketing has always been interesting to me. Coming from a family of entrepreneurs, I watched them actively market their businesses through networking, business cards, and flyers. Often times, leaders and entrepreneurs are born with that drive, and, as for me, I get joy from making things happen. If something is too easy it is not as rewarding to me. I don’t get as much joy from it. I like helping people win,” Lisa says, “Let’s strategize to get to the next point. It is all about “Let’s” it is not about me; it is about you. “Let’s” is important to me. Two is always better than one. You must have a meeting of the minds in order to know where you are going and how you are going to get there. That is part of why marketing and Project Management is a good fit for me.” Lisa has held a number of different positions, but real estate is her passion. “I went into real estate in 1986. Interest rates were between 10 and 12 percent. Home prices were high for the time. The real estate market was bad. In 1989, my father and role model passed. My heart was broken, but I knew he lived on in me and wanted to do something to carry on his legacy. I ended up going to beauty school and eventually opened “Fritz Hair Gallery” named after my father. The salon was on the first floor of a beautiful building located in Rosslyn, Virginia . The first

three years were great, but then the building went into foreclosure. In addition, the government agency that was leasing spaces in the building moved their employees back to DC into a government owned building. I lost more than 50% of my business overnight. Many of my clients worked for Verizon. I called a friend who was an executive at Verizon and he informed me that I would have to possess a degree in order to be in management. Not having a degree had haunted me for years. I decided to put the ghost to rest and re-enrolled in school,” Lisa says, “I wanted to then see how Corporate America runs a business. Once I finished my Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing I went to work for Verizon. I always believe in growing from both formal and informal education. As a Verizon employee, I truly learned the importance of marketing. That is when I learned the significance of colors, images, diversified marketing strategies and brand exposure. This is the reason why my car is partially wrapped with my photo and business contact information, my business card is red and black, my website coordinates with my social media as well as other marketing tools. I finished my Bachelor’s Degree when I was 31 and my Master’s Degree later which was paid for by Verizon. Higher education is important and it is never too late to achieve your educational goals.”

Ownership is Power When it comes to owning real estate, Lisa wants everyone to know that, “Ownership is power!” Owning real estate is a way to build generational wealth and leave a longlasting legacy for your family. “You have to build your vision first. You have to decide what your life will look like in retirement. What does your day look like? What does your house look like? Do you have kids? Are you traveling?

February 2022

Develop your vision and start building your life around that type of vision so you will be more apt to reaching those goals. Owning real estate is a part of reaching that vision. Investing in real estate helps you to build wealth. It is an asset that grows and you can build equity. You can use that equity to buy other properties. You build equity and you can leverage real estate. The first thing owning real estate does is it provides shelter, and the second thing it does is provides security. When you own a property, you don’t have to worry about the rent going up, the property being sold or have annual increases from the landlord. It is a way to build wealth with the equity, it can be used to buy other properties, it is something you can leave to your heirs, something to be rented out, or it can be a tax shelter. That is just one house, let alone multiple properties. Real estate requires maintenance, taxes and insurance will increase over time, but it is still a great asset to have in your wealth building portfolio,” she says. Lisa is here to help clients achieve the goal of owning real estate and guide them through the process. “My focus is on meeting the clients’ needs and brand management. Clients see me everywhere so they feel that I can market for them as well. You cannot be a secret agent. I make sure that I have a clear understanding of their vision, needs and wants, challenges and resources. I am willing to invest time and money upfront in order to make sure we have a successful sale or purchase. I have the resources to invest in my business to ensure that the clients’ needs are met,” Lisa says. There are some extremely important points that both buyers and sellers should know before jumping into the process. “I wish buyers knew that they should plan early at least a year in advance. I wish they knew how your credit impacts your brand including your financial credit

worthiness and more. It is important to talk to a lender at least a year in advance so you will be more financially ready, and you need to identify in advance where you would like to live. Last, but not least, buyers should interview realtors and get to know the market early so they will not be blindsided. Know in advance about down payment, closing costs and cash reserve,” Lisa says, “For home sellers, [the steps are] vision, plan, implementation, measure, close and celebrate. Sellers should know where they are moving, why they are moving, know how much they owe, how much they need to move, and the importance of having the right realtor. It is important to get a market analysis at least three months in advance. Sellers should also be preparing the house, decluttering, repairing, painting, and staging early.” “There are also major milestones to expect from the realtor including, hiring a professional photographer, re-running comps, entering the property into MLS as “Coming Soon”, advertising the property, holding open houses, reviewing and negotiating offers, negotiating repairs and appraisals if needed, and tracking loan progression to name a few. A realtor will also help identify other real estate professionals needed to complete a successful transaction,” Lisa says. Lisa explains her thoughts on how COVID has impacted the real estate market. “A lot of homeowners have been hesitant to list their property because they didn’t want people to come in and out of their property which created a housing shortage. Some people didn’t want to live in condos because of the shared common areas, then the interest rates were so low for so long. We are literally living in LOVE IT OR LIST IT. Sellers were either loving their house, by staying in it, refinancing and doing some upgrades to make them more comfortable, selling for a new house that fit their lifestyle, or they sold their house then rented until

February 2022

they found the right house. They wanted to get top dollar while the getting was good. That is the beauty of real estate because this is the way to build wealth at the end of the day. The saying goes, ‘Location, location, location.’ If you buy a property in the right location, at the right time at the right price, you are going to win. My job is to help people get across the finish line, but my calling is to help people. My job is that I am imparting as much information as I can to help clients make the right decision.”

Building Generational Wealth Over the last 30 years many things have changed in the real estate market and a great realtor like Lisa White can help you navigate the ever-changing market. Lisa says, “The internet has made it so that consumers have a lot more information readily available. Buyers are researching and finding homes on the internet, which is the most momentous change. However, finding a house and closing on a house is different. Purchasing a property is a legally binding action, that can be complicated and risky. Having the right professionals to navigate the process is important. I have been licensed since 1986. I used to use a map book to get around. Showing houses was totally different. The interest rates were much higher, they were between 10 and 12 percent. People weren’t able to afford as much house at that time, the incomes were lower and the interest rates were higher, but the beautiful thing is that a house that is 30 years old has appreciated tremendously, depending on the location. When you are buying a house, you want to know what the vision is for the area, what retailers are in the area, what the highways are like, and what hospitals are nearby. When you buy real estate, don’t just buy it for yourself, buy it as though you might have to sell it tomorrow. We never know what life changes or emergencies may arise. Investing properly in real estate is a key to building generational wealth.” What is generational wealth? Generational wealth is investing in something that will grow and that you can leave to your heirs such as real estate properties. Lisa tells us, “Generational wealth includes purchasing real estate, holding on to it, making improvements so that it appreciates, so you can leave it to your heirs or whoever is in your will. Generational wealth is all about purchasing real estate or making investments and investing your money in things that will grow. Some real estate can pay dividends and that is great. It can be your primary residence, other residential properties, multi-dwelling units, as well as investing in the stock market. It is important because that is how you ensure that your family will grow and prosper to be successful in life. Building generational wealth makes sure you have finances to invest in education, housing, keeping your lifestyle, making sure your family has shelter, food, safety and can live a lifestyle comfortably. It allows

you to leave financial wealth to your family and heirs so they can have a successful life. They can have education, housing, and lifestyle without having to struggle so much.”

Philanthropy Lisa says, “What I hear from clients is [satisfaction with] my professionalism, organization, listening and communication skills as well as availability. I am easily accessible to my clients. I am just a text away. My clients love that I give back to the community. My clients know that I have a heart of giving. They love the idea that on every transaction I am donating $250 to Children’s National Medical Center and every year I give at least $5000 back to Children’s, in addition to all of the other organizations I donate to each year. As long as I focus on my clients, He [God] is taking care of me. I have an event every year called “Jazz Under the Stars”, and the event is all about giving back to the community. I hire Geno Marriott and the Spirit of Jazz. In 2021 I held it in collaboration with The Woodmore Country Club. There was a DJ and several vendors. We held a live art auction and raised funds for The Ivy Community Charities of Prince George’s County, Incorporated. I have a diversified approach to giving back to the community. When I say I love it, I absolutely, truly do love it. I know I heard God say to me, “Take care of my people and I will take care of you.” When I am writing my business plan and preparing for the next year, I make sure that my income allows me to donate to the non-profit organizations close to my heart. I know that I am here on Earth to help people.” Every year, Lisa gives a major donation to Children’s Miracle Network and participates in several other charitable organizations. “My niece Shiloh was born with sickle cell and I see how Children’s National Medical Center takes care of Shiloh and her family. That is why I donate so heavily to Children’s National Medical Center and that places me as a “Miracle Agent” donor. I am a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, Iota Gamma Omega Chapter where I volunteer and give

February 2022

back to the community in various capacities. In addition, I am a member of The Ivy Community Charities of Prince George’s County, Incorporated (ICC) which is an organization that provides help along with training to youth and families in Prince George’s County. We are currently building out The Ivy Vine complex whereby ICC will expand the training and development footprint along with provide non-profits and entrepreneurs access to conference rooms and office spaces. Part of my donations go to this initiative. I am sowing into the Ivy Vine complex which is a landmark that will exist for years and support our community for generations. At the end of the day, it is all about helping people and building a legacy that will last,” Lisa says.

The Significance of A Legacy

LISA WHITE, REALTOR

————— Licensed in DC, MD, VA Multi-Million Dollar Producer Children’s Miracle Agent Marketing Specialist RE/MAX Allegiance Office (202) 547-5600 Cell (703)-307-9913

HOME SELLING CHECKLIST

————— Here is a brief checklist of tips when preparing to sell your home: 1. Know why you are selling & Start Early 2. Know where you are moving 3. Hire the right Realtor 4. Obtain Comparative Market Analysis 5. Know Your numbers 6. Prepare your house 7. Stage Your Home 8. Hire professional photographer & videographer 9. Price the home right 10. Market the property 11. Hold open house 12. Vet, Negotiate & Select Offers 13. Review home inspection report 14. Meet appraiser 15. Monitor lender progress 16. Monitor title company progress 17. Ensure required repairs are complete 18. Pack & remove all personal items 19. Contact utility companies 20. Attend settlement

One component of building a legacy is what you leave behind financially, but it is also important to teach people about financial legacy and brand management. Families can leave a legacy for their children and grandchildren by purchasing the right property so that they can build equity. “Ideally you are giving them a house that is already paid off, or they can have an asset they can leverage to buy other properties. It is teaching them the importance of home ownership. In addition, building a legacy includes the intrinsic things you do. It is allowing others to see some of what you are doing. Everyone has a brand. You are developing your legacy while you are living, everything you do say, touch, teach and even wear. It is all about building what people are going to remember about you and how you positively impacted their life. I am Chair of the Economic Legacy Committee of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, Iota Gamma Omega Chapter. We are host public webinars to include: the importance of financial literacy, how to manage your income, understanding your credit, how to invest, homeownership, entrepreneurship and more. A legacy is about what you are doing now that will impact others today and when you are gone.” Through it all, Lisa’s favorite part of the job is helping others. “I love helping clients build wealth through buying and selling real estate. I enjoy educating clients upfront on the real estate market and strategizing to help them win. My goal is to take care of my clients’ needs and as a Christian, God takes care of my needs.” During her spare time you may see Lisa on the golf course, dance floor, at restuarants with family or friends, community meetings, Church Zoom link, or traveling.

To connect with Lisa today, call (703) 307-9913, email Lisa@TheLisaWhiteGroup.com, or12visit | www.LisaWhiteRealEstate.net. February 2022

HELPING YOU GET YOUR FINANCIAL HOUSE IN ORDER

SUREN G. ADAMS ATTORNEY AT LAW

ESTATE PLANNING (Wills, Trusts, Power of Attorney, and Advance Directives/Living Wills) ELDER LAW (Asset Protection, Medicaid Planning, Long-term Care and Nursing Home Planning) PROBATE/ESTATE ADMINISTRATION BUSINESS FORMATION (LLCs, Corps, S.Corps, Non Profits) STRATEGIC DEBT ELIMINATION (Chapter 7 and Chapter 13)

www.adamslawoffice.net CALL TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION

(301) 805-5892 4201 Northview Drive, Suite 401 • Bowie, MD 20716 Serving all of Maryland and the District of Columbia

“I have attended a few seminars on Estate Planning, and I was aware that I needed to start this process sooner than later. I was fortunate to attend an Estate Planning seminar presented by Suren Adams. I was very impressed with her professionalism, her impeccable knowledge of the subject matter, and the ability to present the information in an understandable language. Suren’s noteworthy credentials speak for themselves, and her service costs are comparable to others in the area. I would highly recommend her service to anyone who is interested in the Estate Planning process. I guarantee that once you attend Suren’s seminar, you will not delay in starting the process today!” - C.H. (Upper Marlboro, MD)

“Mrs. Adams: We want to thank you very much for the diligent work your office has done in finalizing our Trust package, to include notifications to our investment organizations and trustees. We could not be happier for the great legal work you and your staff has done for us. Again, many thanks for bringing everything together in our Trust.” - R.G. & D.G (District Heights) 13

February 2022

Bowie Center for the Performing Arts

“So That All May Enjoy”

The Bowie Center for the Performing Arts (BCPA) was created to bring arts and entertainment to Bowie. We were able to speak to the Executive Director, Christopher Dwyer, to learn more about the history of the BCPA, the upcoming productions for the year 2022, and the importance to the community. Christopher tells us, “It was joint effort of 4 main organizations to bring this project to life. The plan to create the building began in 2002. These four entities; Bowie Regional Arts Vision Association (BRAVA), Maryland National Capital Park & Planning Commission (MNCPPC), Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS), and the City of Bowie form the Governance Board and it came to life in 2006. The initial investment for building the center Article By Alyson Turner were handled by BRAVA, MNCPPC and the City of Bowie. Photography By Ro Moreno The land was provided by Prince George’s County Public Schools. From the very beginning there was Verna Tisdale of BRAVA along with Mary Nasser, who was really the driving force that got this place built. Mary has since passed away, but was really instrumental in getting the center off the ground and running.” Technical Director, Jerrell Benson, agrees, “The group BRAVA and our former outreach person Mary Nasser fought very hard to get the building built. Mary wore several hats and was very well respected in the Bowie community. We needed a place for the arts to be seen and we needed a place for the arts to be recognized in this county so people would have a place to come and enjoy.”

Executive Director Christopher Dwyer shares the mission and the joy of Bowie Center for the Performing Arts

Who They Serve The Bowie Center for the Performing Arts is not just a theater. It serves the entire community. “Our first obligation is to Prince George’s County Public Schools and to the students. We serve as a location for Bowie High School events and countywide school events. This is a meeting place for a lot of the schools when it comes to education, field trips, performances, and the choral and band assessments. First, and foremost, we serve the students. Secondly, we serve residents of the City of Bowie and residents of Prince George’s County. We also serve as a rental venue for the community with fairly affordable pricing. People will rent the facility like Brencore Entertainment who puts on our Motown and Jazz Revue shows, the Prince George’s Philharmonic or various dance companies may put on their performances here. The people that fill the seats are the residents of Bowie, the parents of the performers and the followers of the organizations that use our venue,” Christopher says, “Our motto is, ‘So that all may enjoy.’ We provide programming that all may enjoy including Motown Revues, national ballet, Nutcracker, and we serve a lot of organizations for dance performances. There are not many venues that seat 756 people in the Bowie area. It is a place for everyone.”

Their Mission Christopher came on as Executive Director for Bowie Center for the Performing Arts in 2021 and previously served as an art educator at St. Vincent Palotti. “There was a foundation that was set before I got here to serve Prince George’s

February 2022

County Schools and the community. I am interested in bringing in national touring artists, touring national theater organizations, and I am interested in producing original education programs. We focus on maintaining the facility and being a meeting place for people that need a venue that can seat at least 750 people. To make us a destination for the residents of Bowie and out towards Laurel, Annapolis, Glendale, and New Carrollton. We want to breach the scope of the people in the surrounding areas so that residents can see a Broadway National Tour, a nationally recognized artist on a comedy circuit, and a music touring circuit without having to go into DC,” Christopher says, “These are some of my goals. We are working with Moses T. Alexander Greene and his production; Pooled: A Gospel Musical Drama, and companies like 4 Times Entertainment bringing in Soul of Broadway and The Company Men. My day is spent negotiating contracts with everybody and brainstorming ideas to get people in the seats, bring in entertainment, and to serve the rental clients. We are bringing Broadway to Bowie.”

Original Productions “The Seaside Adventures of Zoey Brine” is an original production for children and the community. The writing and musical composition team, Tori Boutin and Maddeline Belknap, have worked as a writing duo for Prince George’s County Shakespeare in the Parks and Adventure Theatre.

Christopher says, “We are lucky to have them on board for “The Seaside Adventures of Zoey Brine”. I have been influenced by Saturday morning cartoons from when I grew up. I was looking for a creative format to bring Children’s Theater to the Bowie Center. Sometimes you need something to do on a Saturday morning for the kids. I was looking to create a destination for parents so they could have a meeting place for each other and the kids could watch a short 30-minute show in the Black Box Theater a with a theme song, closing and opening. They have a character they can relate to. Zoey is young girl who is about 10 years old. Her mother is deployed overseas in the military. Her mother leaves clues and messages that sends Zoey on adventures by the sea. She gets a clue, and while on her journey, she will encounter a problem, [for example] she might meet a bully. Zoey learns how to deal with the issue and talks to people in her community like the street vendor and the park ranger. In the end, the issue manifests itself as a monster [for Zoey to overcome]. “The Seaside Adventures of Zoey Brine” will be running at Bowie Center for the Performing Arts every Saturday in August. Children of all ages will have a new episode to look forward to each week. This is sure to be a family event and a cultural meeting place for all.” When asked what sets Bowie Center for the Performing Arts apart, Jerell Benson, paints a lovely picture of this community haven. “People see it when they come here, when they book a show or attend a show. We just try to make the experience accommodating for the client and for the patrons. I feel like we provide things that you might not get at other places. It is a personalized touch and we make it feel like everything is about those who visit us. We are deep inside the education aspects of the arts. We have several employees who were students who went through our programs and now work with us. We are very education oriented as well. We are not just booking shows, we have educational programs for children and we provide top notch service for our clients.”

For more information regarding Bowie Center for the Performing Arts, visit BowieCenter.org, call 301.805.6880, or email bcpa15200@gmail.com. Address: 15200 Annapolis Rd Phone: (301) 805-6880 15 | February 2022bcpa15200@gmail.com Bowie, Maryland E-mail:

Pooled: A Gospel Musical Drama coming to Bowie Center for the Performing Arts June 10 to June 12.

Photography Jordan Jerrell

The award-winning production, Pooled: A Gospel Musical Drama, is coming to Bowie this summer. Written and composed by Moses T. Alexander Greene, founder and artistic director of Lī V Mahob Productions whose name comes directly from the Scripture Acts 17:28, “In him we live, move and have our being;”

Pooled has been celebrated by audiences across the board with its poignant message. “We are just grateful for the impact that the production is having on everyone; for all ethnicities across the board. It is told through the black experience, but it resonates with everyone,” Moses tells us, “Pooled is based on a short story in my third book that came out when I lived in Bowie in 2010. I would do readings at book stores and poetry events when I moved to Raleigh. About 3 years later one of the professors at Saint Augustine’s University, a historically Black university where I was teaching, was having an exhibit called “The Black on Black Project.” I was asked to do a performance piece and I immediately said ‘Yes!’. I didn’t know what I would do, but I knew I would perform Pooled. It was a readers theater version and I got together a cast in October 2016. It was standing room only. My own father was there, and it was, maybe, the third time in my life that I had seen him cry.” Moses said that the moment he was asked to perform for the exhibit he knew he was going to turn Pooled into a play. He says, “Years before that performance I was invited to Nebraska to do a reading and book signing. That was the first time I saw the impact of the short story on an audience. I quickly learned, however, that the work was so emotionally charged that the audience needed moments to breathe — literally moments to exhale. Eventually, I shared one song with Carolyn Colquitt (the show’s music director) who was the minister of music at my church in Raleigh at the time. It was effortless to work with her! The lyrics and melody I had created were more fully composed in our working together. When asked why he thinks the show has been so successful, Greene said, “I feel that it’s because for some people in the

audience, Pooled is the first time in their lives when they have been given permission to exhale dysfunction and trauma, laugh about it, release it, and then give God praise for keeping them in the midst of it. I think countless people walk away knowing they are not alone. While I’ve chosen to deal with subjects that have often been taboo or behind closed doors specifically in the life of black families, there are many moments in the show when the audience takes it from entertainment to ministry, and. To have people come to the play and (for those moments) see a snapshot of their lives outside the church wall and know that healing from the deepest hurt is available, is a great gift. In fact, I think our audience takes on the spirit of the woman at the well and are our greatest ambassadors. They tell their friends and family ‘Come See This Show!’. One of my favorite quotes from an audience member was “What For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow is Enuf” (1976) is to Black women, Pooled is to the Black family.” People embraced the show. The script, the music, and performance have received several local honors in 2019, the internationally renowned National Black Theatre Festival named Pooled “one of the 25 best Black theatre productions in the United States, the Caribbean, Europe and Africa.” In 2020, Moses won the BroadwayWorld (Raleigh) Award for Original Script of the Decade Award and Carolyn Colquitt has been recognized in several local papers for her work with the show. “I want [everyone] to know that I am coming home,” says Moses. I lived there for close to 12 years and I am coming home with a gift. I want everyone to come open to a theater experience that is life changing. Our motto is ‘Hear Our Stories. Remember Your Own Journey. Let’s Be Healed Together.’ We want people to come and laugh and praise and cry and celebrate. To exhale the trauma in the midst of everything we have been going through, the trauma of the times, the losses that we have faced and the trauma of the pandemic. Come and just breathe. Just be.”

To learn more about Pooled: A Gospel Musical Drama and Lī V Mahob Productions, visit LIVMahob.org. Follow Lī V Mahob16on| Twitter, Instagram & TikTok for updates. FebruaryFacebook, 2022

Photography Randy Gist

Photography Lionel Garcia

Photography Josh Reiss

Bringing Broadway to Bowie

4 Times Entertainment Presents Soul of Broadway and The Company Men at Bowie Center for the Performing Arts

The nationally recognized acts The Company Men and Soul of Broadway presented by 4 Times Entertainment will be playing at Bowie Center for the Performing Arts April 29-30. The Company Men, celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, has been lauded as America’s favorite mashup group. It is a highenergy pop vocal performance group described as “Motown Meets Boyband” and beloved by all ages. President of 4 Times Entertainment Brian Purcell was one of four original members of the group. “I was originally one of the founding members, myself, and three of my close friends, we were all Broadway performers at one time. Then, we all had families and ended up leaving the industry for a bit, doing your typical 9 to 5 type jobs. That is where the name The Company Men came from. We decided to start singing after hours and that became the name of our first album,” Brian says, “We are from New Jersey and my father grew up on Frankie Valli and Do Wop. It really influenced me. I thought, ‘Let’s create a show where we can throw back to the Rat Pack era. That is how The Company Men was born,” Brian says, “Myself, my wife, Leah [Seminario Purcell], the other 3 original members and our musical director created the show. The four original members have now all moved on to different paths, but we are all still close friends. We have a roster of performers [including talent from shows such as The Voice and American Idol].”

Soul of Broadway - Impossible Dreams stars Terron Brooks, two-time NAACP Award and Ovation Award nominee. Brooks is known for his famed portrayal of Eddie Kendricks in the NBC’s Emmy Award winning mini-series The Temptations, and on Broadway starring The Lion King as Simba and Seaweed in Hairspray. Brian tells us, “The show infuses Broadway Classics with R&B. You don’t have to be someone who is a fan of Broadway to love it. You can take the song out of the original

show and feel it in a different way. For Soul of Broadway me, my wife, Leah, and Terron had a partnership to craft the show comprised of songs and defining moments to communicate his experience. We wanted to tell people his story and utilize his story as the everyman. The show is really about the everyman or woman. Having a plan for one’s self and the plan not going as you expected. We wanted to inspire people to understand that while you might be going through something right now, it doesn’t mean you can’t have a fruitful life. The show opens with The Temptations because that is what Terron is known for. Then, we tell the story and flip it on the audience. It becomes less about the career and more about meeting his wife and having his kids. You identify with the star of the show. We all have these moments that impact people in our daily lives. Performers aren’t separate from everyone else. We are here to inspire each other because we are all connected.” 4 Times Entertainment was created as a new path after Broadway. Brian and his wife, Leah, had both performed with Broadway National Tours for many years. Once they moved back to Los Angeles, he knew he wanted to do something new. “I wanted to start producing. I get a different type of excitement doing this. I am the director and producer for both shows. Leah is the choreographer. After so many years of auditioning, and hoping to get the role, you want to have fate in your own hands so we began creating the jobs,” Brian says, “For me the true stars are our performers themselves, they work so hard to reach the audience. This is why we do art to connect and inspire. This launch for Bowie Center for the Performing Arts is coming at a great time because we are all living these emotions right now and sharing in these experiences. We are very excited to be coming to Bowie. It is an honor.”

To learn more or connect with 4 Times Entertainment, visit 4TimesEntertainment.com 17 or | follow Februarythem 2022 on Facebook and Instagram.

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Keep Your S kin Healthy & Glowing This Winter With These S kincare Tips!

Simply Beauty Article By Dominique Lassiter

Cold weather, shorter days, tight skin & chapped lips… You know what that means, right? It’s wintertime! But that also means that it’s time to update your skincare routine accordingly. Winter began on December 21st and won’t end until March 20th, and as colder temperatures approach, dry air, frigid winds, and constant exposure to indoor heaters suck the moisture from your skin and strip it of oils essential for healthy skin barrier function. So those lightweight moisturizers and charcoal masks just aren’t going to cut it. Although elemental conditions can also spark skin sensitivity, redness, and irritation, there’s no need for a complete overhaul of skincare products. Experts say that the most important thing is to be aware of your skin, understanding how it responds to different environments and products. From there, simple changes can be made to help your skin adapt for the change in seasons. Here are 5 changes that you should consider implementing this winter!

February 2022

Now that you know what changes you need to make to your regimen, here are 10 tips recommended by dermatology experts: 1.

Consider professional skin treatments

Pay extra attention to sensitive skin

Protect lips from dryness due to licking (a.k.a. “lick eczema”)

Swap your foam cleansers for a cream cleanser •

It’s super important to cleanse your skin daily to prevent a buildup of dirt and impurities, but you always want to make sure that you don’t overdo it and strip the natural oils from your skin. Foam cleansers tend to give skin that tight, squeaky-clean feeling after washing, while cream cleansers are often gentler and more hydrating, making them perfect for winter.

Not only does your cleanser have to replenish the moisture that it lost from the weather, it also has to add a protective layer that retains moisture. This is why your lightweight moisturizers might not be enough for the winter. Look for one that contains fatty acids and ceramides.

Make SPF a part of your daily routine •

Prevent dry, chapped hands

Monitor scaly skin for dermatitis

Consider a foot peel

Use bath time to hydrate

Limit your alcohol consumption, as alcohol can increase inflammation in the skin and has a dehydrating effect on the body in general

the air removes natural oils more quickly, leaving you with cracked and itchy skin These are all just suggestions from us, but as we said before, you must be aware of your skin and know what works for you. Listen to your skin and pamper it this winter. Stay safe and stay moisturized!

The SPF rule does not just apply to summer months. Although you may be spending more time indoors, UV radiation can be every bit as harmful in winter, which means your skin is still at risk of developing sunburn, dark spots, fine lines, and wrinkles. And recent data shows that pigment cells can also be stimulated by lower doses of ambient and infrared light emitted by computer screens and overhead lamps. So stick to an SPF of 30 or higher to protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays.

Add a good exfoliator (but don’t overdo it!) •

Gentle exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells accumulated from dry winter air, leaving the skin looking more glowy and helping your post-cleaning moisturizer absorb better. But while exfoliating can help brighten the skin by removing dead cells, overdoing it can disrupt the outer skin layer, leading to dryness and irritation. Try to exfoliate once a week, or twice a week at most if your skin can handle it.

Layer your skincare •

Consider investing in a humidifier to add moisture to

10. Limit hot shower and bath times as the hot water

Switch to a richer cream moisturizer •

Think of your skincare application like outerwear for your skin: Just like you need to layer your clothing to keep your body warm in the cooler months, your skin needs the same to prevent over drying. A good rule of thumb when layering skincare products is to go from lightest to heaviest (e.g. watery toner first, serum second, moisturizer third).

February 2022

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Author

Rodney Cloud Hill

BlackWash: The Untold Stories of Reverse Racism produces This narrative uses factual events of the past and present. It is a fictional twist on nonfiction that the world needs to heal. This novel aims to produce a mental shift within its readers while alleviating systemic racism and oppression, without experiencing the same trauma lived by the subjugated. “My brothers and sisters do not be blind to the distractions in life, for which we are all connected” Website: https://www.rodneycloudhill.com Instagram: Rodneycloudhill and BlackWashBook Facebook: Rodneycloudhill Twitter: Rodneycloudhill

BlackWash Rodney Cloud Hill Available in Kindle, Audio & Paperback

"It is a psychological norm for individuals to not empathize with issues that do not affect them. History is often written by those who win in battle or conquer the minds of a population. America and much of this world have had a onesided telling of history that is perpetuated into society. The victims of this perspective have been the descendants of Africa and other indigenous people around the world. We do not know how the Continent would have been if not interfered with. However, what if a new paradigm was created where Africa and its nations maintain a global superiority on this Earth?

ro@ctmphotographybyro.com www.ctmphotographybyro.com/clients

Black History Month Special Section

Ethnicitees, LLC Cultural Marketplace Make A Statement With Cultural Wearables Inspired By African-American History Article By Alyson Turner Photography By Sheldon Johnson

Sean & Latonya Montague, of Ethnicitees, LLC Cultural Marketplace in the Bowie Town Center work to raise awareness of the rich heritage of Black people, Black cultures, and Black history. We were able to speak with Sean to learn more about his mission and the creative cultural wearables that he makes including shirts, masks, hoodies, accessories, and more.

design is carved out of the linoleum block using carving tools. When creating a single design, it takes me 3 to 6 weeks to carve the linoleum block. The print making is all done by me, then the screen printing on the apparel is done by local printers. Everything is handled locally, made in Maryland and made in the USA.”

Sean has had a deep love for black history and culture since he was a child which continued into adulthood and his studies at Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA). In 1994, during his time as a Baltimore City art teacher, a moment from his classroom led to the creation of the Ethnicitees brand. Sean tells us, “During Black History Month, I assigned my students to create black history posters and one of my students only knew Dr. [Martin Luther] King [Jr.] and Malcom X. It was clear to me then that the school systems were not doing enough to educate our students on black history and black heritage.” Sean began the brand by creating 4 designs of historical figures; Frederick Douglass, Harriett Tubman, Marcus Garvey, and Sojourner Truth. “I hand render all of the historical figures. First, I draw the portrait on drafting paper, then I turn the drawing backwards and use a light table to the reverse the drawing, and transfer that drawing with carbon paper, directly onto a blank sheet of linoleum. Using relief block printmaking techniques, I carve away the parts of the design I don’t wish to print; the negative space. The

The art of relief printing and screen printing have ancient origins in Japan, China, and India. It is important to Sean to honor and remember cultures. “When I was a student, I learned print making. This was my beloved medium of choice. I did a series of posters and apparel for the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum. The first and only museum of its kind that tells the story of the African Diaspora in wax. It portrays black leaders and each section tells different stories. That was the beginning of creating our brand that launched in 1994,” Sean says. Ethnicitees is in the business of educating. Each t-shirt shows a portrait and tells the legacy of the historical leader with a biographical story on the other side. The brand is well-loved and has been embraced by the community, the nation, and internationally for its message and vision. “When we launched, we started with 4 designs. Today, we have been featured in the media, in both magazines and on television, at festivals, in malls, museums, at colleges and universities. We have been featured nationally and internationally. We have been at Bowie Town Center for 3 years We are extremely proud to say that our products

February 2022

For those who love what Ethnicitees does and stands for stop by the store or visit online EthniciteesLLC.org. You can also follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

have been supported by multiple generations and people of all ages,” Sean says, “We have received a lot of traffic from being featured on the Home Shopping Network and QVC. We have also been featured on WUSA, Fox News DC, and The Morning Show [among many others],” Sean says, “Ethnicitees has made its mark on so many people in the community. It is especially important in these trying times to see people supporting not only a local business, but a business that believes in the importance of preserving heritage. We are very proud of our journey. We have dozens of designs and in our cultural marketplace. It was just a natural fit. Within our brand we also have our tribal wear line that speaks of the beauty and function of African masks. We carry local artists and entrepreneurial brands on consignment. There are works from artists, other t-shirt designers, local authors, and independent comic book vendors. We launched our comic book store 5 years ago [inside Ethnicitees] and there is plenty to see and support from black culture. We are proud to give opportunity for others to be featured through our success. We are also very proud of the support from the Prince George’s County Community. We have partnerships with schools, businesses, and we are supported by local government and by celebrity types.Museums that have carried Ethnicitees over the years, include Harriet Tubman Museum (Macon, GA), Great Blacks In Wax Museum, Eubie Blake Museum, Old Slave Mart Museum, African American Civil War Museum, Benjamin Banneker Museum & Historic

Park, Banneker Douglass Museum, PGCAAMCC, Peale Museum, Black History Museum of Virginia, Reginald Lewis African American Museum, and many others!” Over the next several years, Ethnicitees looks towards regional and, potentially, national expansion of its brick and-mortar stores. Sean says, “We do get people that travel from long ways. Products have been sold in Europe, Senagal, the Caribbean and Canada; across the world. It is meaningful when people have the appreciation for your work and for your product. We have had a number of incredible moments and we continue to make those strides in continuing to educate the community.” The name Ethnicitees is a play on words combining Ethnic and Tee Shirt. Sean says, “[The] name needed to be memorable and catchy to show the importance of multiculturalism and the importance of black heritage. It literally rolls off the tongue. [Our main mission] is to show the importance of continually teaching the new generations about African American history and heritage. We need to make a point to teach our future generations that they stand on the shoulders of those who came before them. It is important to know where you came from and to look at the past so that it doesn’t repeat itself. Ethnicitees is working to preserve black history and black legacy today and for generations to come.”

February 2022

You can visit the retail store, Ethnicitees, LLC Cultural Marketplace at Bowie Town Center or the pop-up shop at the Mall of Columbia. Bowie Town Center Address: 15525 Emerald Way Phone: 443-469-4128 26

Hours: Monday to Saturday, 12:30 PM to 7 PM; Sunday 12:30 PM to 6 PM February 2022

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www.ZoeAFash.com @Zoeaafricanfashion

An African inspired swimwear line located in Owings Mills, Maryland. Sophisticated and chic swimwear for men and women to look and feel confident as they embrace and experience the African culture through our designs. Bold colors, vibrant patterns, trendy designs, and edgy cut-outs guarantee that our customers will stand out whether they are relaxing poolside or strolling on the beach. We believe in exceeding our customer expectations by providing customers with the highest level of customer service. Zoe’s African Fashion offers an easy to shop atmosphere that will showcase promotions to keep customers coming for more.

The Mindful Me Journal " The Mindful Me Journal is a one-of-a-kind wellness experience designed to take readers on a journey of self discovery! The 21-day journal comes with thought provoking journal prompts and guided meditations available through QR CODES in the journal! This journal is intended for beginners who want to explore the holistic benefits of meditation and journaling. Each chapter is designed to help readers begin a conversation with themselves and tap into topics such as self-love, physical wellness and so much more! For more information, visit mindfulmejournal.com or email us at info@mindfulmejournal.com. We look forward to connecting with you! "

Black History Month Special Section Featured Author

Blackwash The Untold Stories of Reverse Racism Author Rodney Cloud Hill asks the question, “What if the narrative of Systemic Racism and Oppression was Reversed? Would You Understand Then?” Article By Alyson Turner Photographs Courtesy of Rodney Cloud Hill 28

February 2022

With the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement, Rodney Cloud Hill believes that people are ready to learn, accept, and empathize with the experiences of Black and Brown people in the United States and across the world. “I said to myself,” no matter the ethnicity, it is common for humans not to care about experiences that doesn’t affect them directly. People are not going to care, for the most part, unless it touches their home, family, or friends. If White people didn’t experience the same struggles for themselves, how can they understand [systemic racism and oppression]? So, I thought, ‘Put them through it.’ Anyone can write a book taking [readers] through fictional experiences telling a story, but what makes “BlackWash: The Untold Stories of Reverse Racism” unique and undisputable, is that only factual events are used. Rodney tells us, “[In the story,] there is a whole paradigm shift. Instead of Europe colonizing Africa, Africa colonizes Europe, and creates a new Nation named Shamerika off the backs of White labor. We see the cultural assimilation of Africans in all aspects. For example, Europeans now have African names due to their African slave Masters. Everything is being reversed, and there is no false information being used. Harriet Tubman is now a White woman. Martin Luther King Jr. is a White man, and Trayvon Martin is a White little boy. These are all reallife stories of oppression being told from the opposite lens. BlackWash has an Index and a Reference section (over 200 cited sources) so people can see where the information was sourced from and do further research. Rodney’s novel also mentions many stories that have not been taught in American school systems. Today, many States are trying to remove Critical Race Theory from their schools, which would remove the little information about African American History they are taught. Ironically, Hitler’s Nazi Regime against the Jews is adamantly inculcated into students curriculum everywhere in America. However, there is constant opposition against the need to know experiences of Africans, African Americans, and Native Americans that have happened in their own land. Many bad things have happened here, as well as good, but the truth needs to be taught accurately for systemic oppression to end.” Rodney is hoping that the readers take the information they learn and do more research once they have completed the book. “I am not scared of talking about this topic, I am very passionate about it. I have a Bachelors in Sociology which is the study of human functionality in society. I research data and facts, while studying the present and history of this country. I also study Africa and have learned what Black and Brown people have contributed to society and negatively experienced around the world. There are plenty of advocates that have tried to get White people who are in positions of power to

change the system of racism. This would help provide equality to Black people in this country, but most of the time it falls on deaf ears. Leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcom X were killed and demonized for their efforts while they were alive. ” Rodney says, “ After this story is read, it also needs to be watched. I have hopes of turning it into a film or screen play. However, it’s going to take more exposure, people seeing it and wanting it to be seen. I have done a small short film on YouTube that shows some of the experiences Black people have faced in the reversed perspective. I hope this novel creates sympathy and empathy for these things that have happened around the world that, unfortunately, people don’t know about. He continues, “My goal is to get the book out to as many people as possible. It is currently being reviewed at Bowie State University and Howard University, to be used as an Anti-Racism lesson plan, which is amazing. However, these universities are both HBCU’s, and more White people need to pick up the novel for the real change to begin. The novel took 5 years to write and publish. I am not trying to perpetuate hate, I simply want people to understand, and Blackwash uses facts to produce accurate information, hoping people will empathize, so systemic racism will end. I want people to say, ‘Now I can see why these points of history have directly caused Black people to be in some of the negative positions they are in today. To have people ask, ‘What is the history of oppression and false information here in America and how is it being continued today?`

A Synopsis & Excerpt from BlackWash: The Untold Stories of Reverse Racism It is a psychological norm for individuals to not empathize with issues that do not affect them. History is often written by those who win in battle or conquer the minds of a population. America and much of this world have had a one-sided telling of history that is perpetuated into society. The victims of this perspective have been the descendants of Africa and other indigenous people around the world. We do not know how the Continent would have been if not interfered with. However, what if a new paradigm was created where Africa and its nations maintain a global superiority on this Earth? BlackWash: The Untold Stories of Reverse Racism produces this narrative using factual events of the past and present. It is a fictional twist on nonfiction that the world needs to heal. This novel aims to produce a mental shift within its readers while alleviating systemic racism and oppression, without experiencing the same trauma lived by the subjugated. Rodney Cloud Hill says, “My brothers and sisters do not be blind to the distractions in life, for which we are all connected.”

February 2022

Chapter 2: Civilizing The European “The year is 1619, and a new paradigm is being established in Shamerika. The Shango, Yemaya, and Oshun slave ships are among the first to arrive on the Eastern shores. Africans were already occupying a portion of the land, bringing in agriculture, economy, and businesses for the settlers. Wealthy Africans were previously informed about the European commodity arriving this month and were anticipating the purchasing of their new property. Plantations have already been constructed and prepared to be cultivated by their new slaves. When the ships docked, African settlers ran to the piers to view what was discovered. Initially, some of the crew members stepped off the boats and began to rally on the docks with their weapons, while telling the people to stand back. At first sight, the African settlers gasped in horror at the dreadful and barbaric nature of the European men, women, and children. Most of these Africans had never laid eyes on the Caucasian race. They were then dragged off the ships with chains around their necks, feet, or both. Some made attempts to escape, but they were impaled by the guards holding Nigerian blades. The men who tried to fight back were overpowered and tied to two horses, tearing them apart from opposite ends. This harsh example was clear to anyone who would not cooperate. The captives were whimpering, crying, and screaming in fear, while the Africans did not sympathize with the unavoidable condition in which the Europeans were placed. Europeans were initially grouped by men, women, adolescent boys, and adolescent girls. Secondly, grouping took place by hair color, eye color, and complexion. This was important for the psychological division into sectors of people. Auctioneers also needed to classify the men and women who were more physically fit than those who were not. Therefore, various instruments were used to make these assessments. The wealthy settlers would then purchase their property while forcefully rounding them up on carts for departure, preparing them for servitude at their new homes. The agriculture slaves cultivated in Shamerika mostly consisted of hemp, beans, bananas, rice, cowpea, okra, baobab, plantains, coconut, curry, wheat, ginger, yams, cannabis, coriander, cassava, cotton, and sugar. The livestock raised were cattle, sheep, pigs, chickens, goats, and various fish species. For years, there was a sudden influx of production coming from Shamerika due to slavery, making it a very prosperous country. Shamerika developed rapidly compared to other African nations dated before its colonization because these nations did not use slavery as their prominent source of economy. Plantations in Shamerika were the hub of the commodity for the nation’s people. Shamerikan presidents, government officials, and political figures all owned slaves, but African plantation owners were among the nation’s wealthiest families. These elite households also held powerful influence over political outcomes. Each European slave was given a new African name, and the surname of whomever plantation owned them. European slaves worked around the clock on these plantations, only sleeping for five to six hours a day. Many people died because of these strenuous conditions. The average life expectancy for a slave at birth was 20-30 years, and newborn Europeans died twice as much on average than Africans. Slaves were given specific duties to complete, with their outcomes not only affecting the plantation, but all of Shamerika. Severe punishments were used to discipline those who did not finish a task or did so incorrectly. The most prominent slave plantations were the Ode, Zulu, Igbo, Asha, Imana, Xhosa, Issa, Maasai, Ida, and Bobo plantations. These plantations were mainly up and down the East coast of Shamerika”

February 2022

Review of Blackwash: The Untold Stories of Reverse Racism Reviewed By Vincent Dublado for Readers’ Favorite - 5/5 Stars (ReadersFavorite.com) Thought-provoking is the first word I came up with in describing BlackWash: The Untold Stories of Reverse Racism by Rodney Cloud Hill. This novel could not have arrived at a more impeccable time. As social and legal controversies surrounding anti-White bias are becoming a zero-sum game, Hill shifts the narrative by telling a story that no one else dares to tell. This is a story that addresses how people consciously and unconsciously contribute to systemic racism and oppression. Everything takes place in Shamerika, where it turns the tables on color-coding in Uncle Sam’s society. Here, the dominant race gets a no-nonsense lesson in history and is allowed to immerse in the African-American experience in all its transparency. A sharp, satirical approach brings to the forefront factual accounts that have never been presented before.

To Purchase Your Copy and to learn more, visit RodneyCloudHill.com or Amazon.com. Available in Paperback, Kindle, and Audiobook Formats About the Author: Rodney Cloud Hill A Washington, D.C. and S.C. native, Rodney Cloud Hill served six years in the United States military. His Air Force career allowed him the opportunity to experience the world. While serving, he finished his Bachelors in Sociology, where he gained a passion for knowledge and aspirations to heal the Black community. Through his journey Rodney Cloud Hill has had the opportunity of joining two Fraternal organizations that does such. Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and Prince Hall Free and Accepted Masonry. Rodney Cloud Hill is most recognized for his published books BlackWash: The Untold Stories of Reverse Racism and The Cloud Effect. As well as his event coordination and performances from “Third Eye Sessions”, a venue created by Rodney where inspiration, education, and entertainment intertwine through various forms of art. “Third Eye Sessions” aspires to spread consciousness and a sense of connection with The Universe, while promoting the talents and creativity from the community. Its mission is to make sure you leave the venue with a broader spectrum of reality as well as being entertained. Rodney is greatly passionate about the education and livelihood of his fellow men and women. Rodney has spoken at college campuses and been on panels discussing various issues in society. He works frequently in the community supporting social activism, fighting to make a positive impact on society.

February 2022

SPORTSWEAR SPORTSWEAR SPORTSWEAR MEETS FORMAL WEAR Even If You Aren’t Hitting The Gym, You Can Still Rock These Looks At Work, Out On The Town, and Jetting Across The Country.

The name “athleisure: was born out of the rising trend of athletic wear that was designed to be more fashion than function. These days big names, like Lululemon and Athleta have created athleisure wear for the fashionconscious consumer. Instead of heading to the gym, we put on our best athleisure outfits to work, on a date, and out for a night on the town. From celebrity designer names to affordable brands, you can find sportwear that is perfect for any occasion. One of the top brands that celebrities love to shop is Alo Yoga. (AloYoga.com) Known for its famous patrons like Gigi Hadid, Kendall Jenner and Taylor Swift. The Alo Yoga shopping site even shares some of Kendall’s favorite looks so you can match your favorite supermodel. This allivory ensemble can be worn any time even in the colder months with a Foxy Sherpa Jacket ($188), Delight Bralette ($58), and the Airbrush High-Waist Flutter Legging ($108).

February 2022

We know, that you know, the name brand Nike (Nike. com), but did you know that Nike has skirts, dresses, polos, and jackets that can be worn day or night? Several of Nike’s different lines are made from sustainable materials like The Nike Sportswear Icon Clash Dress ($65) that is made with recycled polyester fibers. “The Nike Sportswear Icon Clash Dress is made with soft jersey fabric and features an allover houndstooth pattern print inspired by retro designer styles. This body-skimming silhouette lands above the ankle and features elegant shoulder straps and a square neckline. This product is made with at least 75% recycled polyester fibers. An embroidered Swoosh adds texture and a pop of color to the smooth jersey fabric.” The Nike ESC Collard Vest ($500) is “made in Milan, with attention to every single detail, this premium vest fluidly traces the lines of your body for easy layering and a natural drape. Buttery soft fabric feels smooth on the skin while smart, integrated utilities heighten its function and versatility.” Either of these gorgeous pieces can be used for multiple events whether it’s a party or meeting. The love for Lululemon (Lululemon.com) just doesn’t stop when it comes to athletic wear that can be worn anywhere. In addition to leggings, crop tops, and tanks, the Cashlu Sweater Wrap ($148) is a knit with touch of cashmere that can be thrown over any workout gear to head to Happy Hour. It is really great for cool days when you want something dressier than their Double Knit Sweater Hoodie ($148), “The weekend called and this sweater answered. A cozy knit construction and relaxed fit with dropped armholes give you comfort and mobility.” You know how much we love traveling, but finding the most comfortably, stylish traveling outfit can be a challenge. With Athleta’s (Athleta.Gap.com) Brooklyn Jumpsuit ($129) is here to help you travel in style and comfort. “For Commuting, work, and travel. [This outfit is] Recycled Featherweight Stretch™ fabric feels silky sleek and light as air [with] a concealed zip pocket to stash your essentials.” It is also made from sustainable materials with a mix of polyester and spandex.

When you revamping your wardrobe this year, don’t forget to grab a few of your favorite athleisure pieces for all occasions.

February 2022

LOVE LOVE LOVE

Simply Valentine’s Desserts During The Month of Love, It’s Time to Try Out Some of the Best Desserts Around Town

At First Bite

Are you ready to satisfy your sweet tooth? Whether it is for yourself or to give to those you love, there is no better gift of love than the gift of treats. Do you have a favorite dessert shop? Let us know on Instagram at SimplyBowieMagazine!

Ness V Baked Goods Largo, Maryland NessVBakedGoods.com Owner of Ness V Baked Goods bakes every sweet treat with love. According to her website, “I have been baking for over 10 years. I bake everything with love. I give all my customers the same time and details with every cake I do.” With all of these delicious cakes and cupcakes it can be hard to choose, but we can’t wait to try the Sweet Potato Churro Cupcake. It’s unique flavor combinations make along with the fresh, sweet ingredients make it sure to be love at first bite.

Bruster’s Real Ice Cream Bowie Town Center – Bowie, Maryland Brusters.com/Bowie Even though it can be chilly in February, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some real ice cream from Bruster’s in the Bowie Town Center. There are lots of different flavors to choose from including dairy and non-dairy, frozen yogurt and shebert. According to their website, “because our ice cream is made fresh–right in the store–available flavors vary by location. Stores offer at least 24 fresh flavors daily. Come see what we’ve made for you today!” Whether you like a classical vanilla or chocolate cone, or you want to try Butter Fudge Almond, Bruster’s is “a scoop above the rest.”

Crumbl Cookies Waugh Chapel – Crofton, Maryland CrumblCookies.com/WaughChapel Crumbl Cookies are aptly named, “The World’s Best Cookie”. You can get them just down the road at Waugh Chapel Towne Centre. They have a rotating menu and offer cookie catering. According to their website, “Our menu rotates weekly to give you 4 different specialty flavors to taste and enjoy! Don’t worry, our famous milk chocolate and chilled sugar cookies are always available. You can visit their website or follow them on social media to see all of their amazing creations. You can also grab one of their great flavors of ice cream while you are out.

February 2022

Sugar Vault Desserts Hyattsville, Maryland SugarVaultDesserts.com Looking for delectable cupcakes, cookies, cakes, cheesecakes, and banana pudding? Head over to Sugar Vault Desserts in Hyattsville. Their website says, “Sugar Vault Desserts is a neighborhood bakery and confectionary shop located in the Arts District of Hyattsville, Maryland. We’re your number one source for the best homemade baked goods in Prince George’s County Maryland. We offer an array of baked goods including cupcakes, cheesecakes, cookies, brownies, banana pudding, cake by the slice and so much more baked daily on site!” These homemade treats are ready for you to grab this Valentine’s Day. What are you waiting for?

The Dessert Junkie Bakery Bowie, Maryland TheDessertJunkie.com One of our favorite bakeries in town, The Dessert Junkie Bakery, is here for all your needs. You can read all about their grand opening in our May 2021 issue. “Our reputation is built upon providing the highest quality desserts both locally and nationally. We pride ourselves by offering recipes made with the freshest ingredients. Our enormous variety of cupcakes, milkshakes and cookies. The Dessert Junkie is also the perfect location for custom-decorated birthday and wedding cakes,” their website says. Make your way over to The Dessert Junkie and try one of their extravagant milkshakes, you won’t regret it.

Nothing Bundt Cakes Annapolis, Maryland NothingBundtCakes.com

NothingBundtCakes is famous for its delicious Bundt cakes and frosting. According to their website, “At Nothing Bundt Cakes our goal is to bake a cake that not only reminds you of home but also opens you to a new world. And while that’s no easy request, the handcrafted recipes of our founders, Dena Tripp and Debbie Shwetz, are more than up to the task. Each recipe uses the finest ingredients real eggs, butter and cream cheese to bring you Bundt Cake perfection. We’re famous for the thick frosting petals that adorn each of our cakes. Our signature frosting is made with velvety cream cheese and real butter. For a lighter touch, choose our drizzle frosting.” Whether you want a full-size cake or a bite-size one, Nothing Bundt Cakes is the place to go.

February 2022

FEBRUARY 2022

SOUL OF BROADWAY STARRING Terron Brooks Coming to Bowie Center For The Performing Arts

Love At First Bite

LISA WHITE REAL ESTATE Is Helping All Clients Achieve Their Real Estate Goals

Simply Bowie February 2022

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