WhereItzAt Magazine April 2014

Free April 2014

Is Natural hair making a comeback?

Crabs in a barrel...

True or False?

Black Like me

What Happened to the Strong Black Woman?

Offers Expire May, 31st 2014

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CONTENTS

APRIL 4th EDITION VOL #12

Publisher’s Vibe Minding Your Business 6 Crabs in a Barrel... True or False? 28 BIG Awards Gala Editor’s Desk 8 No More Lock Downs Feature 20-21 Natrual Hair Does Care 22-23 Black Like Me Culture 18 What Happened to the Strong Black Woman 34 Groovin’ in the Park Entertainment 12 Chronixx Heading to NYC 36 Something to sing about Art of FIne Dining 24 To Our Dear Mothers in Love 32 Marshall Law Philanthropy 25 Paula Shaw 38 Taj Weekes

CHAIRMAN & PUBLISHER CLIVE WILLIAMS

CONTROLLER MICHELLE WILLIAMS

PRESIDENT & ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER CHRISTOPHER C. WILLIAMS

LEGAL COUNSELOR GARNETT H. SULLIVAN, ESQ

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT ANNETTE GORDON

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS ADIKA BUTLER - DR. CLIVE WILLIAMS MARJORIE FLASH - CHRIS GODFREY SHERON P. - REUBEN JAMES

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ADIKA BUTLER ONLINE PUBLISHING NAKISHA DUNCAN ART DIRECTOR VICTOR STOUTE JR

PHOTOGRAPHERS CHAMPION HAMILTON OF CHAMPION EYE MEDIA - MARJORIE FLASH OF MY FLASH KEN/UNIVERSAL MEDIA

PHOTO JOURNALIST MARJORIE FLASH

ON THE COVER IMAGE SHALLEEN-KAYE AND SEANNA-KAYE DENHAM

NEW MEDIA INITIATIVES ROCKSTONE MEDIA GROUP

(917) 749-7613 clive@whereitzatlive.com editors@whereitzatmag.com www.gowhereitzat.com www.facebook.com/whereitzatmagazine twitter.com/gowhereitzat WhereItzAt Magazine is published monthly by WhereItzAt Media Group Inc. All Rights Reserved. WhereItzAt Magazine is a registered trademark of WhereItzAt Media Group Inc. Reproduction in whole or in part without written consent is prohibited. Views of editorial content do not necessarily reflect the views of WhereItzAt Magazine, WhereItzAt Media Group Inc. or its advertisers. For questoins, comments and concerns address your letters to: WhereItzAt Magazine • 219-10 S. Conduit Avenue • Springfield Gardens, NY 11413 or email:editors@whereitzatmag.com WhereItzAt Media Group Inc. 219-10 S. Conduit Avenue,Springfield Gardens, NY 11413 461 Elmont Rd. Elmont,NY 11003 Phone: (917) 749-7613 4 | www.gowhereitzat.com

Offers Expire June 30th, 2014

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Publisher’s Vibe

Crabs in a Barrel... True or False?

The month of April is slowly but surely ushering in hope, optimism and relief from what’s been described as the fourth harshest winter in America’s recent history. The ravages and destruction of that seemingly unrelenting winter has left many souls traumatized and devastated; families and homes are lost, businesses destroyed, while plans for the future are suspended. When you add that to the growing pessimism and cynicism in America, what you have is a recipe for insecurity and further despair. April, the month of renewal and growth, is now being cautiously viewed as an extension of more cold and bleak weather.

The bad moods of people seem to be growing worse and it is that reality that drives me to personally project a strong dose of optimism and enthusiasm. I am neither naive nor crazy.

My confidence is re-enforced and supported by the sometimes harsh experiences encountered in life; I have done my best to learn the lessons from those experiences. It is time for us to recalibrate our thoughts and behaviors in order to overcome the negativism and apathy we have created through our thoughts and actions.

Initially, most of that negativity, anger and self-loathing was the direct transmission of consistent and unrelenting negative programming imposed by the slave experience, a condition that Dr. Joy DeGruy refers to in her book, “Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome.”

The processes of de-programming and reprogramming sums up our states of being, we are still purging and unburdening ourselves of the toxic diet of vile and unspeakable experiences our parents, grand-parents, great-grandparents and those before them we were forced to ingest.

Those of us who by either good fortune or 6 | www.gowhereitzat.com

circumstance that have been propelled to the reprogramming phase, must count ourselves lucky and should therefore dedicate ourselves to the task of de-programming our less fortunate brothers and sisters, instead of repeating inane and unproven claims that, “we are like crabs in a barrel,” or “we don’t support each other.”

We must re-direct the message to establish the fact that there are those of us who have found a way to respect, esteem and elevate each other. We must act aggressively to counter the negative potential effects of the Self- Fulfilling Prophecy or The Pygmalion effect because it forms the basis of how we are treated from the time we were children until our adult years.

(Please take the time to browse just a little on the work of Robert Rosenthal, Psychologist and Lenore Jacobsen, School teacher, done in 1968 about the results of the expectations placed on our children in schools.) When you do, your re-programming starts, you begin to see and expect the best from others, see the glass half full instead of half empty, your cynicism decrease and your enthusiasm increase; your suspicion and mistrust loosens its grip as you begin the process of self-love, not narcissism, but an awakening that you too are special and you are your brother’s keeper, because he/she is a mirror image of you.

Seriously, why do you opine based on your own subjective experiences and disappointments, that the above claims are true, when thoughtful, independent surveys are saying otherwise?

What surveys reveal, is that every other ethnic group complain of the same set of negative stereotypes. Personally, I’ve heard it said for a million times or more, that Jamaicans are like crabs in a barrel, well in the first place, if you know Jamaicans, one thing is sure, that barrel would have been packed, shipped and long gone before the other crabs arrived. Then we were also programmed to say, we don’t support each other; well, I am here to tell you that it is the support and goodwill of the Jamaican

people, among others that keeps me in business as well as most other Jamaican businesses that has endured and succeeded beyond their wildest dreams. So, the negative program is being nullified by those of us who are in the re- programming state of being; this process will only accelerate when those of us who know better, ‘speak better.’ In his landmark book, “Success Runs in Our Race,” George Fraser used the research data provided by a New York University professor to identify the most united and business oriented ethnic groups in the city, Jamaicans were among the top five.

Here at Whereitzat, our confidence and faith in our community of readers and advertisers is unwavering, we have come to understand and appreciate your partnership and support.

In this regard, Whereitzat will remain a beacon for “inspiring and encouraging a culture of cooperation, optimism, success and achievement,” through its pages and its programs, our approach is an exercise of profound faith and unbridled idealism. The way we demonstrate this, is to find ways to make others happy, that guarantees that the universe will compensate us in return, in ways that we cannot conceive or imagine. I will close by inviting you to attend the B.I.G AWARDS on Saturday, June 21st at 8 pm. There you will see and experience the emergence of a new generation of black businesses, cooperating, collaborating, networking, supporting and most important, respecting, esteeming and honoring each other. See you there!

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EDITOR’S DESK

No More L ck Downs

Kartel and his associates were found guilty of murdering Clive “Lizard” Williams. No, I am not talking about the publisher of this wonderful publication. You will see the real Clive Williams alive and well, smiling as he always is in his popular monthly column. The murder I’m referring to took place at Kartel’s home in Jamaica in October 2011.

The real “World Boss” is Mansa Musa, the 13th century Malian emperor who owns the distinction ofbeing the wealthiest man in the history of planet Earth. If, you’ve never heard of him, then I suggest that you Google him. I know that Jay-Z has.

I just had to get that out of the way before I addressed Vybz Kartel’s unfortunate murder conviction.Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, you probably heard that the dancehall superstar—who has become more recognized for his cake soap than his music in recent years—was thoroughly rinsed of his innocence this past March after the Jamaican Supreme Court sentenced the deejay and three other codefendants to hard time.

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I don’t know what happened at Kartel’s home, because I wasn’t there. As a result, I elect not to speak on Karetel’s actual guilt or innocence.

What I do know is that the island of Jamaica, where my parents come from, has so many talented young people with dreams and aspirations toward greatness. I hope that going forward more of them will focus on cultivating their skills and talents and do their best to stay clear of any influences that may land them in a cell next to Kartel.

Buju is on a lengthy iron bar vacation, and now Kartel is too—possibly for the remainder of his life. Who’s next? Hopefully no one, but this seems highly unlikely. The youth of Jamaica deserve young men and women who can inspire them to transcend their

socio-economic limitations while bring good publicity to the island. Some will argue that any publicity is good publicity, but this is simply not so when your national economy depends heavily on tourist dollars. The youth of Jamaica must find a better way, and its elders must light that path.

On a brighter note, we are happy to feature a true ebony beauty in this issue of WhereItzAt. I’m talking about Amara Santos, the Dominican pop sensation who is experiencing rising popularity. She has aninteresting story, which I expect us to delve deeper into in the near future. Wayne Marshall has returned to the dancehall scene with a new album he has released under Damian Marley’s record label. Find out what he’s up to these days as our contributing writer, Chelsea Grant, investigates.I like this cover. I like this message.

So should you. It’s coming straight to your chest, from the Editor’s Desk.

Adika Butler Editor-In-Chief WhereItzAt Magazine

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ENTERTAINMENT

Say What?

Greeting dear readers. Easter is upon us and so is warmer weather so enjoy your Easter celebrations and don’t eat too much bun and cheese.

If you do the crime, be prepared to do the time!

This statement seems to have caught up with one infamous Dancehall artiste. Vybz Kartel was recently sentenced to Life in prison and must serve 35 years before being eligible for parole after a 65-day trial for the murder of Clive “Lizard” Williams (no relation to WhereItzAt esteemed Chairman, Clive Williams folks!).

Two of his co-accusers were found guilty and also sentenced to life with 25 and 30 years before parole. One defendant was found not guilty and released. The verdict has sparked contrary reactions among supporters and nonsupporters of the Dancehall “worl boss”! While supporters have taken to the streets in protest saying “Lizard” was no saint and a known

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gunman who killed many people himself so Kartel should not be punished so severely for the killing and he’s innocent. I share the opinion of many other people who believe that Kartel is getting his “just desserts.” So many so-called celebrities act like they are “Don’s” and liken themselves to the Mob where they form alliances with the people in the neighborhood by giving them “protection” and money and rule through fear. They believe they are untouchable and above the Law. This verdict should send a clear message that “celebrity badman” can go to jail!

rights have been breached due to the lengthy delay to try the case from 2009. However, the petition was denied and a trial date has been set to begin November 10th. Ninjaman is accused and jointly charged with his son Janiel and Dennis Clayton of Johnson’s murder. Another celebrity with delusions that “he is above the Subsequently following the Vybz Kartel Law.” Let’s see if the Jamaica criminal courts get sentencing, Ninjaman, alias Don Gorgon, is it right with this trial. Unlike Kartel, Ninjaman also facing his day in court on murder charges is not incarcerated while awaiting trial. for the 2009 murder of Richard Johnson. The Entertainer has retained “bigwig” Queen’s So until next time dear readers when I dish Counsel, KD Knight who has applied to have the more dirt, walk good.

-Lady Ann Da Cover case thrown out on the grounds that his client’s

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ENTERTAINMENT

CHRONIXX HEADING TO NYC

“Here Comes Trouble,” “African Heritage” and his patriotic Jamaican anthem “Smile Jamaica” that has placed him on reggae’s frontline.

C

hronixx, one of Jamaica’s fastest rising reggae stars, will make his outdoor concert debut at New York City’s flagship reggae, rhythm and blues summer concert Groovin’ In The Park on Sunday, June 29 in Queens.

“Chronixx is the hottest reggae artiste on the circuit right now and we are extremely pleased to present him for the first time to music fans in New York at our outdoor festival this year,” Christopher Roberts, founder and CEO of Groovin Inc said. “He is talented, exciting to watch on stage and lyrically out of this world.”

On stage, Chronixx is exciting to watch. In the past year he has delivered a number of impressive performances dating back to February 2013 when he enthralled thousands of fans at the Roberts is not the only music executive heaping Tuka Rada Peace Concert in Nairobi, Kenya. praises on Chronixx. In a recent Billboard He then left fans in a musical trance at Reggae Magazine interview, Island Records’ founder Sumfest 2013 and had them singing along at Chris Blackwell said Chronixx’s music, is the Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival in Trelawny. “completely fresh, uplifting and very pure.”

Major Lazer selector Walshy Fire quipped, “the While this will mark his first appearance on the world will recognize him as one of reggae’s Groovin In The Park stage, he has performed greatest artists.” in New York before as a guest of Jamaican Jazz great Monty Alexander at the cozy Blue Note Chronixx comes to the sizzling one day reggae Jazz Club. At that sold out event in Manhattan, and R&B festival with superb credentials. Chronixx stamped his authority with his He has an impressive catalogue of smash hits trademark superlative performance. including “Behind Curtain,” “Tell Mi Now,”

THE ART OF FINE DINING

BY : S E X I WALTERS Several of my girl friends complain about men’s lack of initiative when it comes to eating out.

These complaints have gotten so out of hand that I’ve decided to take affirmative action on behalf of those helpless souls I’ve come across.

Filled with a heroic sense of duty, I grabbed my laptop one morning and proceeded to type away for the salvation of womankind.

I’m pretty sure that there are a lot of you guys out there who don’t even know the proper way to hold a knife and fork. I know this because a couple of you have even asked me for directions yourselves (you know who you are!!!)

Continue on pg14

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ENTERTAINMENT That’s why I thought it was time I offered all of WhereItzAt’s male readers, and their restless female companions, a mass consultation in the art of fine dining. Now, I’m aware that a lot of you men are hesitant about eating exotic seafoods. This is especially the case with that spicy pink salmon that can’t fit on your dish.

most important is that you take your time, Remember to continuously return to that while applying pressure. This ice cream melts tiny ice cream cone since we women just love in your mouth, not in the box, so don’t leave that tiny ice cream cone. any in there.

Oral Expedition

Were you aware that the tongue is the body’s strongest muscle? Well imagine what you Tongue to Lid could do to a sweet little box of ice cream Any licking, gentle sucking or all-around with such a big strong tongue! Jsut thniknig moisture from the mouth to any fruit, such abuot it maeks me crzay enugoh where I cna’t as a peach, papaya or mango will surely make even fnisih wrtiing this aritlce becuase my you a big hit with your little flavor of the mnid deosn’t fnuction preporly. evening. Start slowly. Women like it when a man takes the time to eat a tasty dish that she Not only is your tongue naturally lubricated with saliva, but you can maneuver it in ways has prepared just for him. that you could never maneuver a spoon. So What we don’t like are zealous overachievers why not use your tongue on that ice cream who eat too fast and throw up. If you’re not lid? Thrust your tongue in and out of that real big on peaches, enjoy a nice big box of box. Make like Matthew Henson and explore your favorite ice cream. Move your tongue those icy tundras. Be brave. Don’t be too from the inner lid of the box to its outer part afraid to venture into uncharted territory. on one side. Draw the ice cream lid into your Burn your flashlights. Yoddle. Can you hear an echo in there…there…there…there? mouth and scrub it with your tongue.

Honey Cone Hide Out

When that ice cream is as hot as a scotch bonnet pepper in the midst of hell’s fire, the following techniques are going to have your Batt’ry Dolly skipping like Dorothy down Madison Avenue with an American Express Black Card. With her tiny ice cream cone exposed, give it quick little sucks by enveloping it with your mouth and momentarily releasing it.

This will bring a genuine sigh of relief to your proud ears, not the fake ones you’re so used to hearing. If you apply your tongue kung-fu techniques with a little help from your fingers she will probably explode with joy and you’ll have her wrapped around your little finger like Ronzoni spaghetti on a fork. By then you’ll be able to dip your silver spoon in her ice cream box anytime you want.

If you can rub your stomach in a circular The lid on the other side of the box will Vary the cadence and firmness of your motion and pat the top of your head at the probably get a little jealous, so make sure tongue. Make it firm, and flex it for pinpoint same time then you’re probably a born natural you give both lids equal attention. But what’s accuracy. Make it flat, to cover more ground. for the finger-to-ice cream cone technique.

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POETRY The Read

When Reality Shakes up the Fairytale There’s a cobblestoned gardened path,

reflection, she thinks.

If you have become lost to the world,

Where the flowers and weeds both feel the wrath of the wind:

A lonesome beauty plagued with the deception of them all.

Don’t be afraid my sweet darling dear.

She is here,

What do you do when your three wishes are spent?

A power exists in books

In a beautiful and hurtful night,

And you’re wondering of the sobering and where everything all went.

She watches as angels loose not only their wings but also their sight.

She knows it’s all given for a price,

What is the final cost?

But still she drinks the wine of the dance,

Or do you rise above what you’ve lost?

But you have to be there.

It is where you can quickly learn how

Poet -Anna Powell

Life is born from words,

Do you fall?

Not so gingerly,

And a book is its own universe.

A life without them is a true curse, Going half way is just as worst.

In this irresistibly terrible romance.

They say it’s wasted on the youth,

Now, near the cobble stoned gardened pathway paved with perfection,

You’ll figure it all out when you’re old and gray and know all truths.

Half asleep under the leaves, dazed with

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• Juice Bar

• Parties • Catering

LIFESTYLE

Photo Credit: Jose Galletti ITZ- BOLD- FRESH- ENTERTAINING | 17

CULTURE

What Happened to the Strong

Black Woman?

with her because she was so busy holding the family together and fixing everyone’s problems. So many of us know women in our past or present that we could associate this paragraph with.

My sister usually e-mails me inspirational messages that her friends send to her and by the time it reaches me it has already touched 20 or sometimes 30 other individuals. These words of inspiration are sometimes from the Bible, famous philosophers or just everyday people like you and I. Recently one was sent to me and it really made me think. No one is sure who the author is, but I would like to hold this individual’s hand and shake it the way their words shook my very soul. The name of this Power Point presentation is called “What Happened to the Strong Black Woman?”

The presentation answers this question in a way that hits really close to home. “While struggling with the reality of being a human instead of a myth, the strong Black woman passed away, Medical sources say she died of natural causes, but those who knew her know she died from being silent when she should have been screaming, smiling, when she should have been raging, from being sick and not wanting anyone to know, because her pain might inconvenience them.”

Those lines remind me of my grandmother. As a child we would always go to the Trinidadian countryside for summer vacation. My grandmother fits this profile perfectly. You would never know when something was wrong 18 | www.gowhereitzat.com

The Strong Black Woman “died from loving men who didn’t love themselves and could only offer her a crippled reflection. She died from raising children alone.” So many of us accept the “crumbs” of so-called love, so reading this made me reaffirm the fact that we as women deserve to be Loved and Respected and put on pedestals because we are Black Queens and we do not need men to tell us this. We need to know this because it is the truth.

Look at yourself in the mirror. Do you see how unique you are? No one can look or act quite like you. Focus on what you have, not on what you do not have, because you are special.

We come in all shades of beautiful which makes us so unique. Bask in the rays of your own individuality.

There are too many “so-called” friends out there. These are females who are jealous and malicious when you want to further your education or have dreams about starting your own business. They will shoot you down with words, but a real friend, an evolved sister, will encourage and nurture your dreams with you.

The Strong Black Woman “died from never being enough of what men wanted or being too much for the man she wanted.” I remember being in my early twenties thinking, I am so skinny, I am not sexy enough. Now I am being told that I am too strong and most men are intimidated by my inner strength. I am not afraid to lay the cards on the table. I will not settle because society thinks I need to be validated by any man that comes along.

Having a man who does not add to my inner happiness is just me lying to myself.

The Strong Black Woman “died from being misinformed about her mind, her body and the extent of her royal capabilities.” My sisters The Strong Black Woman “died from being we can be anything that we want to be. Society dragged down and sat upon by un-evolved cannot dictate to us what we can and cannot women posing as sisters and friends. She died be. We all have that inner strength—find yours. from tolerating Mr. Pitiful just to have a man around the house. She died from sacrificing I find the following quote laced with lethal herself for everybody and everything.” I am so truth: “When she just refused to die, when comfortable within my own skin that I can say she just refused to give in, she was killed by to female friends and strangers “your hair looks the lethal images of blonde hair, blue eyes and so good” or “you are so pretty. Everything looks flat butts, being rejected by the Quincy’s, the good on you.” However some people look at Cuba’s, the Kobe’s.” We are proud, beautiful, me as though I am crazy. Sometimes I go on original individuals, but most importantly, the the train and I see other sisters watching me best thing to ever happen to the Black man. from head to toe. They look upset to see a sister By STACIE EWING trying to look her best. All of us should be the best that we can be without feeling guilty about it.

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FEATURE

Natural Hair Does Care

S

halleen-Kaye and Seanna-Kaye Denham, the dynamic duo collectively known as Natural Hair Does Care, LLC, are two sisters on a mission: curating Naturalista Chic through Hairspiration, HairConversion, and HairEducation. Known for their thematic postings on natural hair care, styling ideas, nutrition, and emotional wellness, served with a healthy dash of wit and wisdom, the sisters make living a wholistic lifestyle attractive and fabulous. Currently rated as the “Number 2 Natural Hair Instagram Account To Watch” by 4C Hair Chicks Media, the sisters’ following across all social media platforms numbers in the tens of thousands worldwide. The Kaye sisters, as they’re often called, are also regularly featured in Essence Magazine’s on-line galleries, and you may have seen pictures of their styles on Pinterest as well.

The Natural Hair Does Care audience is drawn directly from the burgeoning natural hair community known for their pursuit of the latest and most effective products and techniques for the care and maintenance of Afro-textured tresses. This audience also has an expanding interest in health, wellness, fitness, juicing, natural and organic products, exercise, financial savvy, social responsibility, and relational stability.

Dr. Seanna-Kaye Denham, co-founder of Natural Hair Does Care, LLC is a clinical psychologist, internationally sought-after inspirational speaker, researcher, and the associate unit chief of a local NYC hospital’s inpatient psychiatric program for children. She was recently featured

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on a televised news magazine program, discussing the disparaging of children with Afro-textured hair in school settings and in the media.

Our children get the message early and often that straight hair is more valued in our society. Parents who want their children to love their curls, kinks, and coils are competing with images and messages in the media (toys, books, cartoons, cereal boxes, etc.) and even from other family members and friends. This issue is one that greatly concerns co-founder Shalleen-Kaye Denham, a biologist and a mother whose research background is also critical to planning the company’s community-based events, tips, and tutorials. The sisters have made this a focus of their “Pre-Queen” postings on their social media sites, to celebrate our girls’ natural internal and external beauty and to encourage their parents and family members to affirm them. Yes we are sisters, no we aren’t twins.

We are Jamaican-born, NY-raised Naturalistas who are passionate about our belief that healthy living should be accessible to all.

1. Shalleen-Kaye: I’ve been natural all my life. Besides hair coloring I have never chemically altered my hair. Choosing to remain natural was a choice I made as a young girl, a choice my mother encouraged. I loved the versatility of my natural hair and the ability to go from a hard press to kinks & coils. The process of relaxing has always seemed complicated to me. You can’t scratch your hair, it burns, neutralizer, base? LOL. There’s a scene in Spike Lee’s “Malcolm X” where Malcolm, played by the actor Denzel Washington, has no water in the house but doesn’t realize it until he has to wash his perm out. He dunked his head in the toilet. I’ve been turned off ever since!

FEATURE

In 2009 my hair was color treated and flat ironed constantly, I was very busy juggling graduate school, an infant and family life. Like many other women I neglected my tresses due to time constraints and went for the easiest thing for me at the time: Heat-straightened hair. As a result, I had curly roots and heat damaged, color treated ends-not a good look. So I decided to refrain from using heat on my hair. Slowly but surely I cut the heat damaged/color treated ends, so that my hair would be healthy from root to tip. I did this for 6 months before I did a big chop in March 2010.

Seanna-Kaye: I was natural from birth until Middle School, when I picked the perfect time to get a jheri curl. After a year of torture by my peers I transitioned out of the jheri curl and I’ve been natural ever since. I transitioned out of a jheri curl when I was 14 years old, without any hair knowledge, and without a plan of any kind! Looking back it’s a wonder my hair didn’t all fall out then. Remember, back in the olden days of this thing all I had was Dax, Pink Lotion, and that brown gel.

Since then my hair journey has had many ups and downs. It took a scary experience with several months of excessive shedding, breakage, and dryness about three years ago for me to get serious about my hair health.

2. We want people to know that they have a place where their natural beauty is always welcome and supported, and our social media platforms provide that support, information, and inspiration that help many women and girls of color on a daily basis. We also know that many sons,

fathers, brothers, and partners have recommended women in their lives to become a part of our on-line community or to attend our nationwide “Natural Hair Learning Affairs” and “Natural Hair Brunch Affairs.”

Shalleen-Kaye: My friends and family have always supported my choice.

It’s something that comforts me but I was secure enough in my decision.

Now everyone just looks forward to my next style since I am always innovating and sharing ideas when it comes to styling. Now I feel good because of the motivation and inspiration I can give others who are considering going natural.

Seanna-Kaye: We’re ‘O.G. Naturalistas’ in a sense. Although for years I was often one of the only people I knew who didn’t have a relaxer and also wore my hair in textured styles, I have experienced very little direct backlash from friends or family regarding my hair. Well, just one exboyfriend who was an undercover hater. Maybe because that’s just how people who know me have been used to seeing me, I didn’t go through a drastic change of looking one way then changing it up. I’m glad to see more and more people returning to natural though, and a wonderful thing about this revolution is that it has brought great products and styles to the forefront.

How to access Natural Hair Does Care: 1. Website: www.naturalhairdoescare.com, Instagram/Facebook/tumblr: NaturalHairDoesCare; Twitter: twitter.com/NaturalHairDoes

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FEATURE

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FEATURE

ou know, I really must admit to you that my Y assumed expertise concerning the latest in bachata, merengue, and other forms of popular

Dominican music and dance does not come from me. Instead, it comes directly from the influence of my Dominican best friend. As a result, any other Jamaican that says they put in more work than I do when a Prince Royce song comes on at a party is a boldfaced liar. When I got put on to my latest obsession in the form of Amara Santos, a.k.a Amara La Negra (Amara the Black), it was only right that I return the favor to my peeps who may not be familiar with her, by putting them on.

The 23-year-old Dominican-American singer, songwriter, model, and dancer currently based in Miami, Florida, has been hitting up all the Latino radio stations on her Northeast U.S. promo tour to get the word out about her music. With her head-turning dance moves, and catchy singles like “Whine” “Agua,” and “Ayy,” she is becoming a rising star in the Spanish-speaking Caribbean.

Once you watch the video for “Ayy,” which is a remake of the Brazilian Funk song “Velocidade 6” or “Vai” by Mulher Melancia, you’ll see just why. As far as we’re concerned, she sets the bar for wining on a Spanish-language track to an all-time high.

In an unexpected, but gladly welcome, clashing of worlds, dancehall star Mr. Vegas and La Negra collaborated with one another late last year.

Vegas dropped the dancehall bubbler “Give It To Har” last summer, which was a hit in the clubs.

For the remix, he reached across the Caribbean to the Dominican sensation who caught my friends eyes via a tumblr page.

Admittedly, it isn’t just the music that has our eyes fixed on the Miami native. As her name might imply, Amara La Negra isn’t shy about putting her chocolate-hued complexion on display and her drop-dead gorgeous looks might have a little something to do with that. Those killer curves, her show-stopping, Celia-esque curly afro and bubbly personality can have you google image-searching and looking her up on YouTube for hours.

“They said that I was too black, my hair was too hard, so I insisted on relaxers,” the sexy senorita recalls of her youth, when she was far less confident in her image. La Negra was also teased and bullied as a child for being obese. “I was called a whale, a frog, cow—I was separated from the girls who were considered skinny and pretty.”

La Negra—which is a term of endearment for beautiful dark-skinned ladies—is redefining beauty in the Dominican Republic, where colorism has long been an issue that its people have grappled with. Even today, there are some Dominicans who couldn’t pass a brown paper bag test if their lives depended on it. Surprisingly, this wouldn’t stop them from insisting that they are not Black.

Most glaring in recent months, was the trail of violence between Dominicans and Haitians after a Haitian was accused in the murder of a Dominican couple in November. Needless to say, the mass violence that erupted in the wake of the murder, did nothing to ease ongoing tensions between Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

The centuries old conflict was addressed over the years in a few documentaries including the PBS production “Haiti and the Dominican Republic: An Island Divided.”

For those of us who choose to rebel against the evils of colorism, the groundswell of support that La Negra is getting hits us as a breath of fresh air. It seems to suggest that the effects of colonial mental slavery are finally wearing off. Like Bob Marley said, Time Will Tell.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Motherswith Love

To Our Dear

When was the last time you attended a great stage show? Just cast your mind back on the ‘killer’stage shows that we attended both as children and adults in Kingston Jamaica at Carib, State and Regal theatres and the Palladium in Montego Bay, those shows were a stark contrast to the shows of today. Back then, artists gave their heart and soul to the audience, performing on stage until they were drenched sweat. Back then, when you attended a concert, you experienced goose bumps, you danced, you laughed and you cried as these artist went through their repertoire of hits. It was normal to see artists collaborating on stage doing each other’s hits. At every point you were taken down memory lane as singer after singer dug deep in their reservoir of hits simply to please. When we reflect on the joy we had at those stage shows we often say with some regret “those were the days.”

The good news is, that, many of those artists who gave us good times and great music are still actively performing and two of New York’s most experienced promoters, Earl “Jr Jam Roc” Lyn of Nakasaki and Jam Roc Night Club fame along with Junior Ewart of Ruff Stuff Band fame, have put together a showcase for Mother’s Day that has success written all over it. These two promoters have collaborated over the years to give Jamaican and Caribbean New Yorkers the time of their lives.

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Once again (in what this writer considers to be a stroke of genius) they have put together artists such as; Ken Boothe, Frankie Paul, Leroy Sibbles, Dobby Dobson, and Ed Robinson to take you down memory lane and bring you back again. When you think of these artists, these are some of the songs you fondly remember, “The Train is coming,” “Everything I Own” and “When I Fall in Love” from Ken Boothe. And from Dobby Dobson “Loving Pauper,” I’LL Walk Away from Love,” and “Sweet Dreams.” You’ll also remember “Book of Rules,” “Fatty Fatty,” and “Why Did you Leave” from Leroy Sibbles and from Ed Robinson comes “Knocking on Heavens Door” and “Cry no More.” And just for good measure, for those who have been away too long, Khalilah Rose and Bigga Haitian will bring you up to speed and keep you moving. The Ruff Stuff band that is capable of doing a show all by itself will be the band on the stand. This band has backed almost every major artist coming out of Jamaica at one time or another.

is billed as an exciting fashion show, featuring fashions by Anthony Shea out of Jamaica and Margaret Persaud from Guyana to keep mothers fully entertained and engaged for the evening.

The production will take place at the spacious and newly refurbished Amazura Night Club.

Then just to make sure you really have fun the shows MCs for the night will be Boogie Gee and the “King of Mix Up” himself- Raga Shanti. DJ’s on hand will be Kriss Kapone and the Disco Kid. There will be a free raffle with your admission tickets. The prizes include a flat screen TV, gift certificate from Sam’s Caribbean Marketplace and a family vacation for eight at Den Milo Villas in Mamee Bay, Ocho Rios (airfare not included.) But there’s more the promoters have expressed the sentiment that their production of TO OUR DEAR MOTHERS WITH LOVE should be affordable so, if I were you I’d pick up the phone and get as many of the $25.00 ticket deals I can.

Sons and daughters take your mothers and mothers, if they are not around take yourself, this is one show you don’t want to miss so, run to the phone and call: (646) 750 0045 for more information.

For Mother’s Day entertainment there can be no better line up of artists to create an atmosphere of respect, love and celebration of mothers. They bring the songs, the memories and the emotions that will make Mother’s Day 2014 unforgettable.

The production will also include a presentation honoring three of these icons for their outstanding work and performances over the years and what

-Clive Williams and Annette Gordon

PHILANTHROPY/COMMUNITY SERVICE

Paula Shaw I believe our Excesses here in America offer a unique opportunity to give back Access to a world of services, especially Educational products, to our children in need in our Homeland, Jamaica.

P

aula Shaw, a native of South Manchester, Jamaica, is the Founder and Chairperson of the non-profit organization, the Allen-Shaw Foundation, Inc. During a visit to her parents, who retired to Jamaica in 1996, she realized the need in the community for reading materials.

The children of the community were using her parents’ old 1976 World Book Encyclopedia to complete their research assignments and her mother’s books were all tattered from repeated borrowing. The following year, 1997, she opened the Allen-Shaw Reading Room in the local community church. Touted as the “first of its kind, a district library for residents”, by the local newspaper, she ventured out with the support from private donors and colleagues, to build a library, the Allen-Shaw Reading Room in the rural community where she was born.

The Allen-Shaw Foundation, Inc. provides Library Services, Summer School Programs, Scholarships, Literacy and Community Workshops to the surrounding communities and schools. The organization also provides consulting assistance for other non-profits organizations in the US, with the planning of their community program in Jamaica. Many of the Community services provided involve adopting a local basic school

in order to provide school fees, uniforms, shoes and meals for the students. The Allen-Shaw Foundation will continue to work with the Jamaica Library Service, to secure new books for libraries across the Island of Jamaica. Other community services include providing financial assistance to young adults in High School and their transition to other training programs. The Foundation works with volunteers worldwide who travel to Jamaica to assist with the program.

This Volunteer Program is a great benefit to the Library and people from the Allen-Shaw Reading Room Community. Volunteers from Italy, France, Switzerland, Canada and the US have worked in the Library and at the annual Summer School.

The community educational and social structures gain from the expertise shared during the workshops. Paula Shaw works in New York with Community Works NYC to inform and educate students about community service as part of their Local Hero programs.

Since its inception in 1996, the Allen-Shaw Foundation, Inc. has received numerous recognitions and awards over the years for the work in Community Giving. Recently, the AllenShaw Foundation completed the additional construction of a new wing of the library building

to support a literacy and homework center for the community. The Allen-Shaw Foundation, Inc. is planning to expand its scholarship program to ensure that the children of the community continue on their path of learning. The poverty of the rural community where the Allen-Shaw Reading Room is located affects the accessibility to education for most of the young people. The Allen-Shaw Foundation, Inc. believes that the future of the community depends on the access to education.

Contact Information: Paula Shaw allenshawfoundation@yahoo.com (646) 382-6351 Website: www.allenshawfoundation.org www.facebook.com/allen-shaw-foundation-inc.

ITZ- BOLD- FRESH- ENTERTAINING | 25

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MINDING YOUR BUSINESS

THE BUSINESS INNOVATORS & GAME CHANGERS (B.I.G) AWARDS GALA AN EVENT YOU CANNNOT AFFORD TO MISS No one doubts that New York City is the business capital of the world. Because of this the competition is fierce, as a variety of ethnic groups, mostly new Americans from the Middle East, parts of Asia and Europe strive to stake their claim for a share of the “American Dream.”

Those who survive in this marketplace have certain fundamental advantages. They have access to capital that is not just money but, (land, buildings and equipment). They have relationships which we loosely call connections, which allow them to collaborate and network freely with each other thereby allowing them to exchange wealth, opportunities and leverage in order to acquire and maintain power and in many cases monopolies.

a slice of the American pie. In their laziness and to their detriment the mainstream media, which now regurgitates rather than investigate are not reporting the socio-economic trends accurately, listen to them and you would never know about the entrepreneurial classes of Jamaicans, Guyanese, Trinidadians, Grenadians Vincentians, Barbadians, Antiguans, St. Lucians, etc,. These groups are neither reluctant nor afraid of carving out their slice of the marketplace. They start restaurants, cleaning businesses, trucking businesses, shipping businesses, professional service businesses and much like their American counterparts they are hard working, God- fearing family oriented people.

Even established White and Jewish business with their long traditions of wealth and succession, are surprised at the assertiveness of the new entrepreneurial class that are rapidly spreading their tentacles in almost every facet of American business.

There’s just one major obstacle, they are not connecting and collaborating effectively because there’s not enough established structures and expos to promote their products and services to their niche markets as well as the general market, and in most cases they lack Capital, Connections, Leverage and access.

Parts of this new class of entrepreneurs are people from the Caribbean who have been mistakenly called West Indians for far too long.

The English speaking Caribbean more notably have take a seat at the table in order to eat

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So, for many years Dr, Roy Hastick at the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry, (CACCI) has been providing a network, a structure, devoting over 30 years of

his life to foster collaboration and cooperation.

We at Whereitzat laud him for his efforts and we sincerely believe that we too can make a contribution by creating another much needed structure in order to facilitate and motivate the growth of Caribbean businesses and Entrepreneurs.

THE BUSINESS INNOVATORS & GAME CHANGERS (B.I.G) AWARDS is the premier event in Queens, New York for the recognition and celebration of business leadership and achievement in the Caribbean/American Community. Awardees represent the cream of the crop in entrepreneurship and business who also give back to their communities through philanthropy and good works. The brainchild of Clive and Christopher Williams, founders of Whereitzat, the B.I.G AWARDS GALA brings together the people you need to meet if you are in business, or planning to start a business.

If you are in the financial, legal, consulting or service professions you need to be there, where business meets business. SAVE THE DATE, Saturday, June 21st, 2014 at the Adria Hotel, 221-17 Northern Blvd., Bayside, Queens. For more info call Dr. Clive Williams (917) 749-7613

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ITZ- BOLD- FRESH- ENTERTAINING | 29

Photo Credit: roland hyde

Photo Credit: Marjorie Flash

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Photo Credit: Marjorie Flash

Photo Credit: Marjorie Flash

ITZ- BOLD- FRESH- ENTERTAINING | 31

ENTERTAINMENT

Marshall Law Wayne Marshall continues where he left off with an reinvigorated dancehall offering.

I

t’s about 12:10 in the Dream Hotel on Manhattan’s Upper West side waiting for the talented reggae artist Wayne Marshall.

The hotel’s corroder is adorned with blue glass footstools surrounding an 8-foot statue of a Tibetan woman with folded knees. The colors of orange and variants of pinks on the wall bleed though the silhouettes of carefully placed paintings and figurines like a perfect sunrise as I repeat track 6, “Stupid Money” off of his new album Tru Colors…

“Stupid money/ we rich until we fool/ buy a big mansion for mommy/ with an Olympic size pool/Cheddar, cheddar, genuine leather, from bully beef to lobster bruschetta.”

an appearance at Tracks Café across the Bridge in Brooklyn. I could only imagine a night full of Guinness and champagne with familiar one-drops and dancehall tunes vibrating through the speakers. I can’t blame him really; it’s a Brooklyn thing.

To my surprise, Wayne arrives bright eyed and bushy tailed sporting a brown waist coat and khakis with no indications of a late night. He greets me with a smile and hand shake.

Being out of the album scene for nearly seven years, the name Wayne Marshall resonates more with an older crowd. A crowd that remembers when Blackberries filled phone cases and when assigning Our meeting is for 12pm, but VP Records’ ringtones to contacts was still cool. As Christie Barber has let me know that the dancehall line up has welcomed so Wayne has given into the allure of the many new lyricists since his last album New York City party scene making the number one question on everyone’s mind is “Why now”?

“It’s one big family and it’s all about music,” he says. His eight-year-old son is even on board, singing and performing with his Dad on the hook of the Stupid Money single.

And with his sister in law Tessanne Chin recently winning The Voice, his family is beginning to create a musical legacy.

To Wayne, Tessanne’s win serves as an inspiration to the whole family.

“She’s just an epic Jamaican ambassador who really rose to the occasion like a true superstar,” says Marshall. “She served as inspiration for us to, want to go for all the “It was the perfect timing,” he answers, dreams and turn our lives into movies.” “with the experience that I had, the growth that I’ve been making over the As the musical family writes their legacy years, to really buckle down and do this they’ve had the privilege of taking notes from Jamaica’s Reggae Royalty. Now project now.” signed to the Marley’s label Ghetto Youths New Reggae Royalty….

International, Wayne worked with Damian Marley and Stephen Marley to produce The new Wayne is much different than his album. when he last hit the scene. Now married to recording artist Tami Chin and father “When I was introduced to Damian, of two children, a day in his life not only he showed interest in my music...and I includes studio time, but also doing the jumped at the opportunity.” pickups and drop offs to and from school His eagerness to work with them has for his little ones.

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ENTERTAINMENT paid off. Now in the top five on the reggae charts, something has worked here. With positive reviews from major media players such as Vibe, Ebony, and Hip Hop Wired, one has to wonder, is it the connection to the Marley name that has people tuned in? Or is the album just that good? Honestly, it’s a little of both and Wayne can recognize that he is extremely lucky that his talent has been paired with top of the line producers.

“At the end of the day we are working with certified hit makers,” he says, “it naturally would have a standard. We put a lot of work in you know.”

Waka Flocka, Ace Hood, and Cham is the perfect motivational anthem.

Though musically, very different from the club banger Go-Harder, Wayne proves he is a chameleon, adapting his delivery As Wayne puts it “It’s just one of those to each rhythm and message on every songs you get amped up to, you know? single track. He may not be clashing One of those song that people work out out on a Sting stage, but he warns that to and they just feel like doing some he’s just as lyrically efficient and witty as extra reps even when dem burn out and many others in the reggae fraternity. His done…Whatever you do you just go hard album serves as collective of his musical and done.” genius, offering something for every The song on the album that took the appetite: the dance-hallers, the hipmost effort to complete was the song On hoppers, and the culture crooners. the Corner.

It may have taken him almost seven

In the song, Wayne burrows the persona of the good and bad angel presenting Fittingly enough, the same drive and the outcome of two very different paths. tenacity that he expresses about putting Working closely with Damian on the the album together is the very message song, he noted the most difficult part the album exudes. The reggae/ hip hop was making sure the lyrics worked well collaboration “Go Harder” which features with the vision he had for the video.

years, but Marshall’s here now and better than ever. His new tour will give old fans something they haven’t heard from him before and new listeners the platform they will acquaint with the moments they became fans.

By CHELSEA GRANT

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CULTURE Groovin’ in the Park enters its fourth year with much enthusiasm from its producers and patrons alike. The event was officially launched on April 1, 2014 at the Jamaica Consulate, New York in the presence of the Consul General, and members from the leading media houses within the Caribbean community.

In attendance, were Marcia Griffiths O.D. and Judy Mowatt O.D. – two notable members of Bob Marley’s I-Threes – both of whom are amongst the main headline artistes to perform this year, alongside reggae veterans Bob Andy and John Holt. The producers were also pleased to announce that Chronixx, the 21-yearold rising Reggae talent, has confirmed his attendance at the event as well.

Groovin’s executive producer, Mr. Christopher Lewis expressed his pride in being able to stage the event, and highlighted the fact that Groovin’ in the Park has come to be noted as one of the most anticipated annual Caribbean festivals in New York City alongside the Grace Jerk Festival. In addition to that, he shared his concerns about the dearth of sponsorship opportunities from especially those companies that are heavily supported by the Caribbean community, along with the Parks and Recreation Department’s regulations and restrictions on the end time of the event.

However, he ended on an optimistic note, pointing to the promising future of the event and the anticipated turn-out this year.

The launch concluded with the presentation of lifetime achievement awards to the guest artistes and their spirited speeches. Sister Judy Mowatt O.D. praised the promoters for their success and dedication to the promotion of reggae music, while Marcia Griffiths O.D., celebrating 50 years in music this year, expressed her gratitude for her award and her enthusiasm about her upcoming performance.

Groovin’ in the Park is slated for Sunday, June 29, 2014 at Roy Wilkins Park, in Queens NY. Early bird tickets are now available on the website www.groovininthepark.com. The full line up of artistes will be made available soon.

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Gr

vin’

In The Park Promoters promise an epic line-up of reggae artistes, others to be announced.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Something to sing about: Radio One, gospel music community raises more than $1.3 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Celebrity supporters Yolanda Adams and James Fortune inspire support for St. Jude kids Radio One’s network of stations, along with celebrity radio hosts Yolanda Adams and James Fortune, have something special to sing about. On April 3, they partnered with other inspirational music stations to raise more than $1.3 million for kids fighting cancer, sickle cell and other deadly diseases at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® during the seventh annual Radio Cares for St. Jude Kids® national radio broadcast.

Adams is referring to children like Phoenix who joined other patients to share their St. Jude experiences with listeners across the country.

Diagnosed with retinoblastoma, a cancer of the eye, Phoenix is currently being treated at St. Jude, but that hasn’t slowed him down. He’s an energetic toddler who loves to sing and dance.

“Gospel music’s message of faith and inspiration go hand-in-hand with the lifesaving work of St. Radio One, a diversified media company with 54 Jude in providing help and hope to some of the broadcast stations in 16 markets, a syndication world’s sickest children fighting for their lives,” business, an online platform and a cable network – said Richard Shadyac Jr., CEO of ALSAC/ St. Jude all of which primarily target African-American and Children’s Research Hospital. “Thank you to Radio urban listeners – is the top supporter of the annual One, all of the volunteers, celebrity supporters radio fundraising event. and loyal listeners across the country for their continued support. Because of them, we are truly By sharing St. Jude patient family stories and making a difference in the lives of highlights of breakthroughs in research and kids everywhere.” treatment at St. Jude, radio partners continue to share the hospital’s mission and generate St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is leading awareness and support for the lifesaving work the way the world understands, treats and defeats being done there. Since 2008, the event has raised childhood cancer. Thanks to the support of more than $8 million in cash and pledges. Grammy individual contributions through events like Radio Award-winning gospel artist Yolanda Adams kicked Cares for St. Jude Kids, families never receive a off the celebration at 6 a.m. ET on the Yolanda bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or Adams Morning Show, while Grammy Awardfood, so families can focus on what matters most – nominated music artist James Fortune wrapped up helping their child live. the radiothon at 11 p.m. ET with special coverage This year’s event welcomed support from groups on The James Fortune Show. and celebrity music artists, including: Pastor “The St. Jude mission of finding cures and saving Shirley Caesar,VaShawn Mitchell, Jason Nelson, the precious lives of children battling cancer and Erica Campbell, Isaac Carree, Tasha Cobbs, Latice other deadly diseases is one our audiences and Crawford, James Murphy,Angie Stone, Raheem staff can truly stand behind,” said Yolanda Adams.

DeVaughan, Earnest Pugh, Canton Jones, Monica “As a mom, a believer and gospel artist, I am Lisa Stevenson, Jackie Griffin, mother of NFL moved and know I am blessed simply by hearing Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin, and Black the testimonies of those families who teach us the Girls Run! – who all volunteered their time at importance of celebrating life’s special moments – Radio One affiliate stations across the country every day – for tomorrow is not promised.” answering phones from callers pledging to become St. Jude Partners in Hope.

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Nationally syndicated radio host Tom Joyner added his voice to this year’s event, along with Radio One Urban AC stations in Cincinnati, Dallas and St. Louis, Mo. Emmis Broadcasting’s WLIB in New York and WTHB inAugusta, Ga., are among other stations that participated in the national fundraising effort.

To learn more visit stjude.org or stjuderadio.org.

About St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other deadly diseases. St. Jude has the world’s best survival rates for the most aggressive childhood cancers, and treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20 percent to 80 percent since we opened more than 50 years ago. St. Jude is working to drive the overall survival rate for childhood cancer to 90 percent in the next decade. St. Jude freely shares the breakthroughs we make, and every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save thousands more children. Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live. Join the St. Jude mission by visiting stjude.org or following St. Jude on facebook.com/stjude and twitter.com/stjude.

“Promoting Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development”

Saturday, June 21st 8pm - 1pm

The premier event for the recognition and celebration of business leadership and achievement, invites you to its Gala Awards Ceremony and Presentation

Adria Hotel, 221-17 Northern Blvd, Bayside, Queens, NY 11361

Tickets (all inclusive): $100/person $90 online at gowhereitzat.com

Dress: Strictly Formal – no exceptions For more information, Contact: Dr. Clive Williams: 917-749-7613 Ms. Kisha: 917-795-5507

“Think Big, Achieve Big – and realize Big Rewards” ITZ- BOLD- FRESH- ENTERTAINING | 37

PHILANTHROPY/COMMUNITY SERVICE

TAJ WEEKES - ENTERTAINER/ PHILANTROPIST Music has always been used to advocate, educate and enlighten audiences through powerful lyrics and soulful rhythms. For St. Lucian musician, singer/songwriter and reggae artist Taj Weekes, music has always been a merging of entertainment and humanity. In describing his role as an artist, Weekes states, “As artists, our sole job is to bring to light things that people may not think about too much whether it’s what happened in New Orleans or the earthquakes in Haiti or in Japan.

Commercial radio and corporate media tells us about everything that doesn’t concern us. So my responsibility is to let people know what is happening, like a town crier, and maybe we can respond accordingly.”

In the last 8 years, Weekes and his band, Adowa, have released four critically acclaimed albums independently on his own label, Jatta Records: Hope & Doubt (2005), DEIDEM (2008), A Waterlogged Soul Kitchen (2010) and Pariah in Transit (2013). Every release has been a musical montage that chronicles our modern day ills.

Whether it’s an isolated story of human suffering and natural disasters (‘Rain Rain’, ‘Louisiana’), a humanized tale of war (‘B4 the War’, ‘Since Cain’) or environmental issues (‘Dark Clouds’), Weekes’ mission has been to draw audiences in with a message that encourages the listener to think, then act. ‘Sunny Innocents’, a track featured on A Waterlogged Soul Kitchen, Weekes shines a light on child sexual abuse. In it, he boldly states ‘Sunny innocents are lost to the woods, sunny innocents the guardians are no good, sunny innocents I pray their souls to keep, sunny innocents the wolf can’t guard the sheep.’

Through his journey as a musician, he made a conscious decision to use whatever celebrity and platform he was given to be the voice of the voiceless. He states, “When poverty, violence and disease are discussed, no one thinks about the Caribbean. It’s just a place to vacation and sit in the sun. They look at the bare feet of the children playing soccer in the street and don’t realize it’s because they have no shoes. It’s my mission to expand awareness and aid for these issues which 38 | www.gowhereitzat.com

equally affect the Caribbean, especially for the children and youth.”

In 2007, They Often Cry Outreach (TOCO) was born. TOCO is a U.S. based, not-for profit organization whose mission is to raise awareness and address the issues that affect Caribbean youth through sports, health and enrichment programs. In June 2009, TOCO embarked on its first mission trip to St. Lucia, delivering 500 soccer balls, 600 uniforms, equipment and gear to 3 underserved communities and officially launching TOCO’s first program, TOCO Soccer.

During the trip, Weekes discovered that there was a diabetes crisis in St. Lucia, which has the highest rate of diabetes per capita in the world. TOCO was asked to partner with the St. Lucia Diabetes and Hypertension Association hence, prompting the creation of TOCO Health. In November 2009, TOCO delivered 2700 glucometers to encourage St. Lucians to test themselves for diabetes and educate them on the importance of healthy living.

To date, TOCO has grown to include the Clothesline Project; designed to address issues of domestic violence, an annual toy drive and a backpack program. Additionally, TOCO has expanded its reach to other Caribbean Islands. In Trinidad, the TOCO team delivered soccer balls and gear to 2 underserved communities and in Haiti, TOCO sent over 3000 pairs of shoes after the 2010 earthquake.

His tireless efforts have gained the attention of UNICEF. In November 2013, Weekes was

appointed as a UNICEF Champion for Children in St. Lucia. The official announcement was made in St. Lucia during the launch of the Break the Silence Campaign (BTS), a global initiative embraced by several countries to advocate for the rights of children and raise awareness of a wide range of issues. Weekes will be working with St. Lucia’s Ministry of Health, Gender and Social Development and other government entities to work on issues such as health, education and equality for all children.

By definition, Taj Weekes is a musician. His music is a humanitarian mission to shine a light on the suffering of children and is a call to all of us to do something to make a change. His charitable work is proof of his words in action. He doesn’t follow a business model, he follows his own sense of what’s right and answers the call, without question or limits. It’s simply the right thing to do.

Website: www.tajweekes.com Charity: www.theyoftencryoutreach.org UNICEF Break the Silence Campaign: http://www.unicef.org/lac/Break_the_Silence-Introduction_.pdf

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