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Contents Page Publisher’s Vibe...................................................6 Editor’s Desk & Voicemail....................................8 Chairman & Publisher: President & Associate Publisher: Senior Vice President: Editor-in-Chief: Assistant Editor: Social Media Coordinator: Art Director: Photo Journalist: New Media Initiatives: Controller: Legal Counselor: Contributing Writers:
Clive Williams Christopher C. Williams Annette Gordon Adika Butler Shalea Harris Danique Robinson Kings Media Inc. Marjorie Flash Rockstone Media Group Michelle Williams Garnett H. Sullivan, Esq.
Adika Butler • Marjorie Flash Chris Godfrey • Shalea Harris Reuben James • Danique Robinson
Photographers: Champion Hamilton of Champion Eye Media Shalea Harris and Marjorie Flash of My Flash Photography On The Cover Image:
Mangano To Host Private Sector Job Fair ........12 Restaurant Review ............................................14 Minding Your Business......................................16 Cover Stories .............................................. 18-21 Say What – Sponsored By The Door Restaurant .......26 Social Network ........................................... 28-29 Outstanding Caribbean-Americans Past & Present....... 30 Ed Mangano – A Man for The People & The Times ....31 Olori Parade of Designs ....................................36 Life After The Breakup ......................................37
Awardees for B.I.G. Awards Gala 2013 Ed Mangano
To Advertise Call: (917) 749-7613 Email: advertise@whereitzatmag.com Website: www.gowhereitzat.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/whereitzatmagazine Twitter: twitter.com/gowhereitzat For questions, comments and concerns address your letters to: WhereItzAt Magazine 219-10 S. Conduit Avenue Springfield Gardens, NY 11413 Email: editors@whereitzatmag.com 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. WhereItzAt Media Group Inc. 219-10 S. Conduit Avenue Springfield Gardens, NY 11413 Phone: (917) 749-7613 4 | www.gowhereitzat.com
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT Levine And Wiss, PLLC., is proud to announce the opening of our newest location at 455 Utica Avenue, Brooklyn, New York. We have decided to open this location to better serve our current and future clients in Queens and Brooklyn. Levine And Wiss, PLLC. is one of New York States preeminent Personal Injury Law Firms. Our results have been featured in New York’s Top Verdicts for the past four years in a row and in 2012 we were recognized as the 6th winningest Law Firm in the entire State of New York. If you are ever injured through the fault of someone else you need a law firm who has the experience and the resources to take on the insurance companies. We are that firm. Do not hesitate to call us.
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Publisher’s Vibe
This is Where ItZ At!
Clive Williams, CEO/ Publisher _________________________
Since the Global Financial Crisis of 2008, small business failures in the Service industry have risen by 77%. This astounding statistic is enough to make even the most hardened entrepreneur; even those with “balls of steel”, wince in agony and pain. From Australia to Asia and Europe, the global economies have seen only stagnation and decline in business starts. It’s now 2013 and the pain is now chronic, giving rise to the most negative climate for small business development since the great depression. That is why we at WhereItzAt believe we are exactly Where-Itz-At in the steady growth of our brand; if anyone asks you why we left the S out and used the Z instead, simply tell them we wanted to be different, and that’s what we are, different. A competing publisher once asked me, “why do you do a full color paper, the consumer doesn’t care.” Well, I beg to dif6 | www.gowhereitzat.com
fer, the consumer does care, the advertiser does care and we care so much that we’ll never change our formula…..That’s what makes us different. Because we are Where Itz At, we are fully aware all eyes are on us, as we remain one of a few Caribbean tabloids that emerged from the financial carnage and chaos of 2008. The WhereItzAt concept was born in the year 2000 to be part of the evolutionary dotcom bubble, the subsequent bursting of that bubble in the same year kept us in the gestation mode until the spring of 2003. It was the Media Mad Team of Clive Williams, Chris Williams, Adika Butler, Annette Gordon and Michelle Williams who delivered the first issue of WhereItzAt Magazine for public scrutiny in May of 2003. That team has remained intact, battle scarred, tough, resilient and as ahead of the curve as we have always been, we are “The Pulse of The Caribbean People,” unflinching, story-telling, issues-oriented and totally “Business Friendly.” So, you are curious, what did we do to celebrate our 10 year milestone? Take out your notebooks – the electronic ones, iPads, laptops, iPhones or your android smartphones; I am sorry I almost forgot those old desktops, whatever you use will do… go to www.gowhereitzat.com and be delighted by the great new platform we have provided for your viewing pleasure. And just as you have shared WhereItzAt Magazine with your friends all over the world, SHARE www.gowhereitzat.com by Facebook, twitter, instagram, email or snail mail, whichever method you choose is just fine by me. Surprise, Surprise, you can read the complete magazine online
and find shippers, attorneys, restaurants, design and recording studios, events, beauty products, wine stores, health food stores, insurance, tax accountants, dental services, information and even your picture in the social network…..That’s why we’re Where-Itz-At! It gets better; the other leg of our celebration is a demonstration of how we feel about our Caribbean community – the admiration, respect and pride we feel as we see the amazing accomplishments of our contemporaries in business, the professions, technology, academia, community service, politics and religion. I have been working on a template to give proper recognition to these “movers and shakers” in our community for many years and as I most often do, I asked my son for his analytical input, the result is refreshing, inspiring and simply brilliant. So to Chris and a concept that will grow exponentially into the future, I say welcome to the B.I.G. Awards – The Business Innovators and Game-Changers Awards to be held at the Adria Hotel and Conference Center, 22117 Northern Blvd. on Friday, June 28th, starting at 8pm. Come out to see people you know and some you don’t, while you admire and enjoy the recognition and esteem that they so richly deserve. Until then, remember you can only be where it’s at when you are a part of WhereItzAt, your Pulse and “The Pulse of The Caribbean People.”
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EDITOR’S DESK A Reexamination of Popular Black Music and Culture
Unless you’ve spent the last decade of your life in a hermitage, it’s quite clear that Black urban music and culture have been guiding the direction that American pop culture is heading. From Marcy Avenue, to Madison Avenue, the influence of Black popular culture is felt and acknowledged by all. The tight-jeans, punk-rocker style of dress popularized by rappers Jim Jones and Lil Wayne first became the rave in Jamaican night clubs, where dancers like Mr. Bogle, John Hype and others would entertain club patrons by introducing a slew of new dances. At the time that this style of dress became popular around 2006, Lil Wayne was tight with the Harlem rap collective known as DipSet, which had ties to the West Indian community of Flatbush, Brooklyn.
drive that West Indians show in doing more with less is a living portrait of self-determination. The proliferation of the sound system and the ascension of the deejay to the status of social icon and gully god is a testament to our ability to transcend our socio-economic limitations to develop a culture worthy of international respect and universal praise. The history of dancehall music is about the quest for self-realization and selfdetermination among a people who have never had access to Naïve and highly impressionable young Blacks may interpret an abundance of material resources. their apparent cultural dominance as some indication that they have finally been embraced by the loving arms of mainstream The very same can be said about the origins of hip hop music in America. In all actuality, they couldn’t be further from the the Bronx, New York. I would like to give a special shout out to truth. Hip-hop and dancehall aren’t taking over mainstream Queens, New York emcee, Homeboy Sandman who has conAmerica. tributed an article explaining to us the business relationship between privatized prisons and the mainstream hip hop industry. It has been co-opted by its most established corporate entities. We are living in one of the most critical, and certainly, most It’s time that we as a community throw our tangible support beeventful times in human history. Despite this fact, too many hind our independent and underground recording artists who rappers and dancehall artists seem to have nothing socially rel- musically convey the multifaceted nature of our people to the evant to say to the communities they come from. While a few world. We need to turn our backs on a lot of the hip hop artists up-and-coming recording artists like Mickael, Unknown the on these major labels simply because their “art” lacks integrity. Universal Element, and Sa Roc offer some hope to our community, the current market, overall, is a serious disappointment. Any Black recording artist who knowingly influences young Black people to “pop mollies,” sell coke, and kill people just for As we celebrate Black Music Month, the implications are dire, the thrill of it are race traitors to the highest degree. They are no because Black music, at its best, has always been a tool for social different from those Black men who worked alongside white change and a vehicle for pertinent social commentary. Calypso slave catchers during the African slave trade to put their brothand dancehall have been mainstays in the West Indies because ers and sisters in slave dungeons. These rappers should not be the dire socio-economic conditions that created them in the getting any of our money, nor should they get any of your refirst place, have been the region’s only constant. That constant is spect. Read Homeboy’s article and see why. scarcity—scarcity in government funds, job opportunities, human resources, and of course, musical instruments. Adika Butler Editor-In-Chief Yes, West Indians suffer from lack. However, this lack is not symptomatic of a deficit of the soul. Not by a long-shot. The However, we need not forget that this style of fashion was originally popularized by white rockers like the Ramones and the Sex Pistols long before it became commonplace in the dancehall. It’s ironic how we as Black people now borrow from cultures that used to borrow from us liberally. That’s another story that I might leave for another day.
VOCIEMAIL - Letters to the Editor True Haitian Bel It was very nice for me to read about young Haitian rising star Mickael Music. I am one of those readers who have been following WhereItzAt for some time and looking forward to seeing more diversity on your cover. As a young Haitian American, it makes me happy to see an artist like Mickael getting some shine. I even checked out her videos online and the “Haitian Boy” video on your website (www.gowhereitzat.com). Please keep featuring artists like this. There is so much talent out there not being given the respect they deserve by media, so to have WhereItzAt focus on this would be great. Of course I am not saying only Haitian artists, I just like seeing other artists other than Jamaican artists, get featured too. Keep up the great work. Martine V., Elmont, NY
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Hello Martine and thank you so very much for your feedback. We are very committed to featuring new talent and rising stars in WhereItzAt and we also agree that a serious commitment has to be made to ensure diversity in the stories being shared. That being said, you can expect to see more features on artists from all over the Caribbean, as well as thought provoking pieces on issues that affect Caribbean people in the U.S. and the Caribbean. Please continue to share your feedback with us via email at editors@whereitzatmag.com or by commenting on articles on our website at www.gowhereitzat.com.
issue is we still live in a society where we are still not accepted or appreciated for who we are. We are still expected to fit into other people’s idea of who we should be and when we step away from that, it scares them. I would love to read more articles like this, because I think it’s needed to begin or continue the conversation so that we can open some people’s eyes and mind. Of course that also means we need to get some of those people to read Whereitzat.
Chris Williams, Associate Publisher
Politics & Religion Mr. Williams, I hear you on the idea that we should be able
Black Women & Their Hair It’s unfortunate that we live in a country that despite our many accomplishments we are still judged solely by our appearance. In other words, once we are black, then to get the corporate job, we have to “soften our appearance”. I have never believed in diluting my ethnicity. I am proud of my heritage and believe that if anyone is incapable of accepting me for who I am, then I don’t need to be in their presence. While I understand we may have to make adjustments or compromises in our way of life, I don’t believe that we as black women or black men, should compromise our identity. If you carry yourself in a professional manner, you dress well and articulate yourself well and have the academic or professional experience required to perform your job, then that’s really all that should matter. The
Stacey-Ann R., Brookly, NY
to discuss our views on politics and religion in a free and open manner. We definitely have the right to do that. The problem though, is that when you enter into those discussions in places like work, it can have a negative impact on you, the employee. I think we have to be very selective about where we have these discussions and be mindful of the people we have these discussions or debates with. So I support your statement, just adding caution to where and when so we can protect ourselves from those who already have issues with our expressiveness. Kwame T., Jamaica, NY
Thoughts? Questions? Comments? Email: editors@whereitzatmag.com
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MANGANO TO HOST PRIVATE SECTOR JOB FAIR 5,000 Job Seekers Expected to Attend Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano today announced that more than 200 companies will be soliciting job seekers at the Nassau County Private Sector Job Fair on June 11th at the Long Island Marriott Hotel & Conference Center in Uniondale. Employers from across Long Island will be seeking candidates for positions including entry and middle management level, licensed professionals, hospitality industry, banking staffing, and individuals with technical and IT experience. There is no charge for admission and parking is free. Veterans’ admission begins at 9:00 a.m., while doors open for General admission at 10:00 a.m. County Executive Mangano stated, “My administration is committed to helping residents find employment opportunities and improve their economic hardships. From free private sector job fairs to the job finding application - Nassau Works – that notifies job seekers of job opportunities, I am dedicated to helping residents find jobs and helping local businesses recruit residents.” Working with the Nassau Industrial Development Agency, County Executive Mangano helped create and retain more than 4,000 private sector jobs in Nassau County. As a Legislator, Ed Mangano helped return more than 15,000 jobs to the Bethpage Business Park after the Grumman Corporation downsized. To help residents find work, County Executive Mangano hosted several large scale private sector job fairs and launched Nassau Works - a free job finding application that notifies job seekers of job opportunities and provides a comprehensive and integrated social and mobile job solution. To help businesses succeed, County Executive Mangano hosted dozens of business development seminars and workshops, as well as helped launched the Inventors and Entrepreneurs Club of Nassau County. WHEN: Tuesday, June 11, 2013 9:00 AM (Veterans Admission) – 2:00 PM 10:00 AM (General Admission) – 2:00 PM WHERE: Long Island Marriott Hotel & Conference Center 101 James Doolittle Boulevard • Uniondale Grand Ballroom • Use LIBERTY Entrance
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Below is a partial list of companies that will be represented: ABILITIES ACCESS STAFFING ADECCO ADVANCED AUTO AHRC AFLAC(HUNT) AFLAC (NYC) AIR TECHNIQUE ALL ISLAND TRANSPORTATION ALL TEAM STAFFING ALLEN HEALTH CARE AMERICAN CONSUMERS AMERICAN EAGLE AMNEAL PHARMACY AMWAY ANCHOR SECURITY ARBONNE ASA COLLEGE ASTORIA FEDERAL ATTENTIVE CARE AVON (LYNBROOK) AVON (ROOSEVELT) BEST BUY BETHPAGE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION BETTER HOME CARE BOBS FURNITURE BUFFALO WILD W. (HICKSVILLE) BUFFALO WILD W. (WEST) BURGER KING CABLEVISION CATHOLIC CHARITIES CANON CARLTON ON THE GREEN CCI CLB COMPUTER SERVICES
CAREER ARC GROUP LLC CARING PEOPLE CENTER FOR DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES CENTURY 21 CHILD CARE COUNCIL COMMERCIAL DRIVER COMMERCIAL REALTY CON EDISON COTTAGE HOME CARE CURTIS WRIGHT CUSTOM COMPUTER CVS DAVE & BUSTERS DAVIS VISION DELUX TRANSPORT DOOR (TOH) EC INFOSYSTEMS EAC EOC EPIC STAFFING FAA FAIRWAY FIRE DEPT NY CITY FREE GEICO GLORIA FRANCIS GLOBAL ELITE GREATER NY AUTO GREEN KEY RESOURCES GROUP 1 AUTO GUARDIAN HARBOUR DAYCARE HEALTHPLEX HILLSIDE VAN HOME DEPOT HOURLY.COM HUNTER IKEA J & B REST. PART.
JONES GROUP KIA KOHL’S LAND O LAKES (KOZY) LIRR LIU POST LLOYD STAFFING LOWES HOME IMPROVEMENTS MALAK DESIGN MANPOWER MARY KAY MATRIX PARTNERS MAXIMUM SECURITY MEN ON THE MOVE MERRY MAIDS MICROPOWER CAREER INST. MICROSOFT MIL –SPEC INDUST. CORP MTA MUNICIPAL TESTING LAB NASSAU COMM. COLLEGE NATIONAL GRID NATIONAL SECURITIES NATIONWIDE STAFFING NORTH SHORE FITNESS NRL WEALTH CREATION NY ARMY NAT.GUARD NYC TRANSIT NEW YORK LIFE NY POLICE OASIS PARK AVENUE LLC PANERA BREAD PREMIERE CARE PRIMERICA PRUDENTIAL
RAYMOUR & FLANIGAN RED ROBIN RICOH ROBERT HALF SARA COMPANION SEVIROLLI FOODS SKECHERS SLOMINS SOLAVEI/GLCQ, INC. SOLDIERS PROJECT SOUTH NASSAU HOSPITAL STAFFMARK STATEWIDE SUPERMEDIA TD BANK TEMPOSITIONS, INC. TOYS R US TRI-COUNTY NURS. TWEETMYJOB UNITED HEALTH CARE UPS URBAN LEAGUE US ARMY US NAVY US POSTAL SERVICE VANGUARD VET CENTER (BABLYON) VET CENTER (HICKSVILLE) VERGE VERIZON VICTORIA SECRETS VISALUS SCIENCES VISITING ANGELS WESTBURY WALMART WINDEX MANUFACTURER WINSTON STAFFING
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Seriously though, why is Super Wings so good? Well the founder and owner Colette Cyrus Burnett, did something totally different when she opened this “Wing Paradise”. Taking a page from her Caribbean roots (yes, she’s a Trini), Colette decided to do her wings Caribbean style, giving us flavors like “Caribbean Rum Glaze”, “Pineapple Jerk”, “Ginger Buff”, “Trini Tamarind” and the list goes on. I’m writing this article and dialing their number, because I need my wing fix. Yes, I’m a wingaholic and I’m proud. But don’t just take my word for it. I say experience this one for yourself. Take a walk, a drive, a bus or whatever means you have to, just get there and get some wings. They aren’t just any wings, they’re Super Wings.
Colette-Cyrus-Burnett
The Best Wings Ever Super Wings NY By Chris Godfrey
Wait! Did I just say “The Best Wings Ever”? Yes I did. You see I always hated going to parties and eating what my friends would pass off as “some good wings here bro”. Yeah, you can’t buy wings from KFC or Popeyes and say they’re good wings. Seriously, they’re okay at best. Now when a friend told me about this place in Brooklyn called Super Wings NY, I was like man, they better live up to the hype. Needless to say, they did. Not only has this “Wing Paradise” been featured in numerous print publications, but Chef Bobby Flay has put his stamp on it. They have been voted the “Best Wings in Brooklyn”, the Brooklyn Borough President himself Marty Markowitz can’t get enough and the rumor is that WhereItzAt’s President Chris Williams, has Super Wings on speed dial and refuses to go to any parties that don’t serve Super Wings (this is just a rumor, so don’t go repeating it). 14 | www.gowhereitzat.com
Super Wings NY has 2 locations: 1218 Union Street Brooklyn NY, 11225 Phone: (718) 467-8737 888 Utica Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11203 Phone: (347) 915-0773
We are located upstairs Rochdale Mall
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It doesn’t require a large dose of cynicism to appreciate the truth of Murphy’s Law, which states, “Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong.” That truth is magnified even more when you lead an active life; as long as you work, walk, ride, drive, run, or simply sit on the couch, you increase the likelihood of experiencing an Accident. When you do, it becomes more important WHAT you do in response. What you do will determine whether you become another victim from a bad situation, wisdom dictates that in such an event you should seek professional advice. Here is Clive’s law, “in a case of any personal injury resulting from any accident, find professional advice as soon as possible.” Our association with the top professionals in their respective fields for over a decade has given us a clear perspective of the Winners; in the area of Personal Injury Law.
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I am happy to introduce you to record holders and winners in that category – the outstanding team of Levine and Wiss. There is such an increased demand for their services, Joel L. Levine and Scott L. Wiss have chosen to diversify their practice to accommodate the demands of the rapidly expanding Caribbean – American community in Brooklyn. The new Brooklyn law office is located at 455 Utica Avenue for your convenience. Remember Accidents happen; motor vehicle accidents, wrongful death, construction and slip and fall, if and when it happens to you or a loved one, God forbid, you now know who to call; Levine and Wiss, then you’ll learn how supportive and effective they are. Did you just have an Accident are you Injured? Joel and Scott will give you all the help you need, call 1-888-GOT-HURT that’s 1-888-468-4878.
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7 An 18-941-5100 Urgent Appeal We need $5 M to purchase A Linear Accelerator Machine for Jamaica
I
am appealing to everyone especially our Caribbean brothers and sisters. I have been asked to purchase a Linear Accelerator Machine for Cornwall Regional Hospital in Montego Bay, Jamaica costing approximately US $5 Million. I met with the Minister of Health, Dr. Fenton Ferguson a few weeks ago. He asked if I can purchase two machines as Kingston needs one also. If 500,000 people give a one-time donation of $10, we will be closer to our goal.
Please send donations to Vincent HoSang Family Foundation (VHFF), 117 Route 303, Suite B, Tappan, NY 10983. Your donation is tax deductible. Thanks for your kind support Vincent HoSang Chairman, Caribbean Food Delights 117 Route 303, Suite B, Tappan, NY 10983 Phone: 845-398-3000 • Fax: 845-398-3001
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B.I.G AWARDS GALA 2013 AWARDEES
Alsion Roach
Alsion Roach was born and raised in Burkeshire Hall, St. Catherine, Jamaica; a small under-developed community with no electricity. She attended Redwood Primary and Guy’s Hill High school’s before migrating to the United States. Despite the challenging circumstances in which she was raised, she was instilled with a powerful determination to succeed in life through the love and support of family and educational mentors. Her grandparents, being the great disciplinarians they were, encouraged Alsion to be the best person she could be, while her teachers fostered in her a hunger for attaining knowledge and the pursuit of success.
A former Bear Stearns executive, today Alsion is President and Chief Executive Officer of The Alsion Roach Group, LLC (ARG), and the Director of Finance at Greylock Capital Management LLC (and related entities Greylock Capital Associates LLC, Greylock Capital Financial Advisors LLC, Greylock Capital Advisers LLC, Greylock Capital Management Asia and Greylock Capital Management Ghana). She founded ARG to target and address the significant capital raising needs of business and projects in emerging markets with funding needs exceeding $100 million dollars. Alsion has extensive experience in the financial industry, having worked for years at a number of financial services companies in a variety of posts. Alsion resides in New York and is a proud mother of three children - Vanessa, Brian & Patrick.
Anishka Clarke, allied member ASID CEO, Lead Designer
Listed as a Top 20 African-American Interior Designer in 2012, Anishka has cemented her corner of the design market after just 5 years in the industry. Having worked a decade in finance, both in Jamaica, and on Wall Street, Anishka quit her successful and award-winning finance job in early 2006 to pursue her real passion, interior design. She has since honed a very strong nature-inspired aesthetic, which compliments her evolving yet eclectic sensibility. Efficiency is an important part of her designs and process, having been heavily influenced by a waste-not upbringing. A Brooklyn resident, but Jamaican at heart, Anishka is dedicated to creating “efficiently beautiful” spaces for her residential and commercial clients through her company, Ishka Designs. Anishka is an Interior Design honors graduate (Summa Cum Laude) of the Fashion Institute of Technology (New York), holds an MBA from New York University, and has a BSc. Degree (Accounting and Economics) from U.W.I. (Jamaica). A former performing artist (modern dance) she is now happily practicing yoga.
Niya Bascom
Executive Director and Creative Photographer
Niya has over fifteen years of experience in photography, shooting unknowns to celebrities, products to interiors. His work has been featured in galleries, embassies, museums and magazines. Niya’s breadth as a photographer is exceptional and his sharp eye has benefitted Ishka Designs’ projects greatly. In addition to his photography skills, Niya has a natural design talent and his penchant for vintage shopping and thrifting is remarkable. Born in England to Jamaican and Guyanese parents, and raised in New York City, Niya brings an interesting worldly style to Ishka Designs.Niya studied photography and film at Hunter College in New York. While an important contributor to Ishka Designs since its inception, he officially joined the company in 2009. He has a son and lives in Brooklyn.
Mark Smith
In April 1974, Mark Smith born in Jamaica, represented St. Mary High at the Penn Relays in Philadelphia, PA. In June of that year, he immigrated to New York to join his mother. He completed his final year at DeWitt Clinton in the Bronx, class of 1975 where he received a track scholarship to Adelphi University in Garden City, NY. Mark graduated Adelphi University in 1979 with a B.A., in Management and Economics and started a banking career at a major commercial bank in New York. A few years later, he was promoted to branch manager in Bellmore, Long Island. After his banking career, in 1989, Mark was appointed as a State Farm Agent in Farmingdale, Long Island, where he and his team have been serving the community for almost 25 years, helping individuals and families satisfy their insurance and financial service needs. He is proud of his son Mandell Smith, who is also a State Farm Agent, whose undergraduate degree is from University of Miami and received his MBA through Dowling College; their offices are located in Farmingdale, Long Island, in the building they own. Mark has served on several boards and was the past President of the Farmingdale Rotary Club, where he received the prestigious Paul Harris Fellow award. Service above self has been the hallmark of Mark’s career. He is a proud father that loves his son and daughters and presently resides in Melville, NY.
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Carpet designer, world traveler, inspired, bold and modern are all words that aptly describe Malene Barnett. Her globally inspired, sophisticated style brings a refreshing perspective to the world of contemporary carpet design. The Malene B collection of specialty carpets offers unique custom carpet creations that compliment both residential and commercial environments. Working together with Interior Designers and Architects, Malene can create timeless masterpieces that enrich any setting.Malene B carpets have been featured in Interior Design, New York Magazine, House Beautiful and L’Officiel amongst others. Her carpets grace the floors of both luxury residential and commercial interiors that include Revel Hotel, Cote Plage Cote Jardin, a boutique hotel in Mauritus, Albany State University, residences in New York, Canada and Trinidad & Tobago to name a few. As of 2013, Malene B is partnering with Surya, the premier home accessory solution, to offer a new collection only available through Surya.
Pat Chin
B.I.G AWARDS GALA 2013 AWARDEES
Malene Barnett
From Randy’s Record Store in Kingston, Jamaica… to VP Records, and now her latest venture, Riddim Driven Clothing. Patricia Chin is the heart, soul, and co-founder of the world’s largest reggae music label, VP Records. Her record label is home to artists Shaggy, Sean Paul, Gyptian, and coutless others. After 50 lustrous years in the music biz, she is interpreting her experience and culture into a clothing line for today’s modern man. At age 70, Patricia Chin is taking on the likes of P.Diddy, Jay-z, and Russell Simons as the music mogul turned fashion designer. RIDDIM DRIVEN, established in 2005, is her chic contemporary perspective on skate, surf, and progressive streetwear. By adding the message of reggae culture, she empowers the fashion DRIVEN man to express his distinguished style and sensibility. She stays in touch with her customers, and has been spotted dropping by her music/fashion flagship store in Queens to meet and greet... as were the days of Studio 17 when she would inspire and encourage emerging artists Bob Marley and Peter Tosh. She is current in fashion, music, art, and culture…drawing inspiration from people and their uniqueness. Pat Chin is an industrious entrepreneur of the best variety…She implements a bold business approach and applies her passions with undeniable gusto, knowledge, and sophistication. Hands-on in running business affairs, her rentless energy allows her to outlast many of her young counterparts. Her amazing passion for life and art transcends into remarkable fashion concepts...bringing men’s streetwear to the next level...and it’s still all about the love.
Robert “Bobby” Clarke
Not many Caribbean immigrants come to the U.S. with little or no financial support and years later can sit back and reflect with a smile, on the journey to the top. Robert Clarke, founder and chief executive officer of Irie Jam Media can! Even though he had no formal training in broadcasting, Clarke felt he had the drive and the business savvy to realize his dream. Armed with a ton of support and encouragement from his friends, he took the three-hour trek to Ocho Rios, Jamaica and met with the top brass of IRIE FM.Within months Irie Jam was on air and Clarke had masterminded the very first Caribbean radio simulcast between Jamaica and New York. With radio jocks Pat McKay and Milford Edwards in New York and Big A in Jamaica, the radio listenership grew tremendously. Aside from his exploits in media, Bobby has for eight years co-produced Irie Jamboree, North America’s premier reggae festival in Queens, NY which has consistently pulled over 20,000 patrons. Irie Jamboree has featured all the top reggae and dancehall recorders including Sean Paul, Damion Marley, Sizzla, Wayne Wonder, Shabba, Beenie Man, Cocoa Tea, Beres Hammond among others. Today Bobby Clarke and his company Irie Jam Media celebrate 20 years of producing high quality Caribbean radio and events.
Jovoda Y. Cooper
Jovoda Yvette Cooper was born and raised in the Bronx, NY. She joined the NYC Police Department in August, 1993. After successfully completing the Police Academy in March 1994, she was assigned to the Community Policing Unit of the 113th Precinct, servicing the areas of Rockaway Blvd and Sutphin Blvd as well as Addisleigh Park. Officer Cooper was later assigned the position of Planning Officer at the 113th Precinct. While serving as Planning Officer, she continued her outreach to the community which prompted Inspector Higginson, Commanding Officer of the 113th Precinct, to appoint her to Community Affairs Officer in June of 1997. In June of 2005, she was promoted to the rank of Detective under the supervision of Chief Thomas Dale and Deputy Inspector Edward Mullen. Detective Cooper is currently assigned to the Community Affairs Unit of the 105th Precinct where she continues her outreach to various communities. In 2008, she and her colleague sponsored the 1st Christmas Party by which they collected numerous gifts for children in need who live within the confines of the 105th Precinct. Detective Cooper is truly an asset to the Precinct and the communities it serves, representing the true meaning of to “protect and serve”.
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B.I.G AWARDS GALA 2013 AWARDEES
Chris Roberts & Joan Lewis
The Door Restaurant is synonymous with great dining comfort and style. Recently re-modeled and re-furbished, the Door is the center piece of the Caribbean Dining experience in Queens NY. Owners Christopher Roberts and Joan Lewis along with the support of devoted family have set the standard for excellent Caribbean cuisine. The vision of this hard working couple extends beyond The Door to The Smokehouse a practical take-out restaurant located in South East Queens, on Linden Blvd. Boasting the same taste and reliable service for little less money serves those who are on the move. Not being satisfied with just serving up fine dining the team of Chris and Joan have established themselves as the new impresarios in the entertainment business and the notable Groovin In the Park Concert series which combines Reggae with R&B is a product of Chris Roberts love and dedication to music. This power couple was former corporate executives who have applied their training and expertise to building a solid business model, while providing much needed employment in the South East Queens community. Their generosity to churches, civic organizations, causes and individuals has caught the attention of Whereitzat and many other community organizations, which have been forced to recognize and reward their hard work and dedication through public recognition.
George Crooks
Mr. George Crooks is a veteran of the United States Navy. Discharged in 1980, Mr. Crooks went on to earn a BBA in Marketing from the University of North Florida in 1984. He is the founder and CEO of Jammins Entertainment, an arts and cultural promotions event management company, which has evolved into a premier enterprise in the NY tri-state area. His entrepreneurship and path breaking leadership has resulted in the staging of a variety of activities in the past 25 years in the arts and culture arena. He is credited with the introduction of the St. Mary Reggae Music Festival in Jamaica, the annual New York Reggae Festival, the Brooklyn Music Festival, the Soul and Reggae Legends Series at the landmark Brooklyn Academy of Music, Stage Plays, Amateur Boxing and many other music festivals throughout the Caribbean and the USA which have brought increased economic activities and generated much interest locally and internationally. Most recently he produced the first “Sounds of Reggae Concert”, which is slated to be an annual event, at the new Barclays Center in downtown Brooklyn. He also currently operates the indoor/outdoor venue “The Cultural Performing Arts Center”, located in Brooklyn, New York. Through these and other activities Mr. Crooks has provided opportunities for exposure of numerous artists and nurtured business development for many in related fields. His well known advocacy that the arts and entertainment can be used to positively influence the youth is translated into action by him setting up the New York Cultural All Star Music Academy - a not for profit entity which exposes kids K-12 to the music and entertainment industry. His strong views about the importance of education for the younger generation are well known and his organization provides financial aid to several students.
Felicia J. Persaud
Felicia J. Persaud is an award-winning, Caribbean-born journalist, columnist and activist who founded digital media solutions company, Hard Beat Communications, Inc., in 2004. She currently serves as the CMO of the company, which is a pioneer in digital media publishing in the Caribbean and Caribbean Diapora region via News Americas Now.dot com, formerly CaribWorldNews. Hard Beat, a PR and AD agency that has worked with many top Caribbean brands; CaribPR Wire, the only newswire of the Caribbean and part of the PR Newswire, and Invest Caribbean Now, an annual investment forum on the Caribbean. Felicia is also currently an immigration columnist for the 100-year-old New York Amsterdam News paper; a weekly panelist on WLIB radio in New York and the Uhuru Radio Network in Central Florida and sits on the board of the Bowling Green Association and Monroe College. She is also a former radio host of WWRL 1600 AM; former contributor to the New York Daily News’ “Caribbeat In Focus,” and a prinjournalist and editor of many Caribbean and African American publications; a television news reader on the Caribbean International Network; a former chair of the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Diaspora Committee of NY; founder of CARIB ID, a lobbying group that secured a bill in the U.S. Congress and Senate to call for Caribbean nationals to have their own category on U.S. Census forms and of the Committee to Celebrate Guyana. Felicia continues to be quoted as an expert on the Caribbean in many media outlets including CNN, The AP, Reuters, The International Business Times and One Caribbean Television among numerous others.
Caron Washington
Caron M. Washington, born in the Bronx and raised in Long Island NY, is a 2001 graduate of East Carolina University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Exercise Physiology and a minor in Psychology. While at ECU, he became a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and exceled with the motto of ‘Achievement in Every Field of Human Endeavor”. In those early days, while being a mentor for young kids in their Kappa League program and also in his leadership role with the Fraternity, he quickly realized he had a passion and love for youth education and youth development. Currently, he works for TD Bank as the Financial Services Representative responsible for the development of the investment/retirement portfolio and providing various financial solutions for his customers. He is also the President of Urban League of Long Island Young Professionals (ULLIYP), where he has held that title for the last 3 years, the Treasurer of the Queens Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and a member of the 100 Black Men of Long Island. His leadership has not gone unnoticed as he was an alumnus of the 2011 National Urban League/American Express Emerging Leaders program, was recognized by TD Bank in early 2013 as their 2nd quarter regional star, and will be recognized as the Young Professional of the Year in June at the Business Innovators and Game-Changers 2013 Awards Gala.
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CEO, Lead Designer
Mandell Smith grew up in Dix Hills, Long Island. He attended Half Hollow Hills High School West and received a bachelor’s of business administration from the University of Miami. In 2005, motivated to operate his own business and reach new goals, Mandell created MJGS Enterprises, a vehicle to network young professionals, promote and plan events, and provide consulting services for many top tier venues and clientele throughout New York, Miami, and Paris. His experience in claims and marketing, as well as exposure to his father’s successful insurance and financial services business of over 20 years, led Mandell to begin a new business venture. In February 2008, he began a life-changing career as a State Farm agent. Mandell has distinguished himself from his competitors by placing continual emphasis on quality. While his office is located in Farmingdale, Nassau County – Long Island, Mandell services customers throughout New York State. Mandell’s goals are to provide families and businesses with the proper protection and wealth accumulation products, “to help people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected, and realize their dreams,” as written in State Farm’s mission statement! Phone# 646-389-7749 • Email: mandell@mandellsmithagency.com • Facebook.com/mandellsmithagency• Twitter: @SFMASAgency
Colette Cyrus-Burnett
Chief Executive Officer, SUPER WINGS NY
B.I.G AWARDS GALA 2013 AWARDEES
Mandell Smith
Born January, 20th, 1973, Colette is the third of seven children born to Horace and Patricia Cyrus. Colette spent the first twenty four years of her life living in her native homeland of Trinidad and Tobago. After moving to the United States, she attended Medgar Evers College where she majored in Business Management/Finance. In June 2009, Colette, had a change of vision. She decided to break free from the corporate world in order to launch her own company, Super Wings NY LLC, a Caribbean inspired restaurant that specializes in wings. She wanted to reinvent the food industry by presenting authentic Caribbean flavors in gourmet food for people on the go, successfully creating a niche market and coining the concept of “Caribbean flavored Gourmet-on-the-Go.” Colette, and her Super Wings NY staff, sought to raise the bar on food and service directly within the Crown Heights community. At 5 months old Super Wings NY, won the title of “Best Wings in Brooklyn” by defeating 16 other top Brooklyn Wing joints/restaurants. Since then, Super Wings also won the first place title in the People’s Choice category, in Feb 2011 and again the #1 Best Wings in Brooklyn title in 2012.August 2011 Super Wings was invited to represent New York in Buffalo NY, home of the Buffalo wings where they competed against 48 other states and their ultimate top wing restaurants at Buffalo’s annual Buffalo Wing Fest. 90,000 guests showed up for the weekend of wing tasting, voted and judged Super Wings NY a winner in the Spicy Creative Category! In 2 years since its launch, Super Wings has been featured on The Food Network’s, Bobby Flay Throwdown; where she won the show’s challenge of Spicy Caribbean Chicken Wings. Fox 5, Good Day NY; Eyewitness News, Neighborhood Eats; Good Morning America; Mayor Bloomberg’s, NYCTV Job Hunt; WeTV’s web series, Bouncing Back; News 12, Brooklyn; and countless other media outlets.
Rita Joseph
Rita Joseph is Founder and President of RJ Media Public Relations & Communications LLC, a boutique PR firm in Brooklyn New York. An Educator for 13 years, Rita always had a deep love for public affairs and communications, which led to her founding of RJ Media in 2001. Rita has worked with very high profile individuals and organizations, such as David Dinkins, Kat Deluna, Tyrone Edmond, Ralph Gilles, Danny Glover, Susan Taylor, USTA, and the WNBA. Her client roster includes celebrity photographer Marc Baptiste, actor Jimmy Jean-Louis, designers Ron-n-Ron and many more. Rita has enjoyed 20 years of community involvement. She is a founding member of H.E.A.R (Haitian Enforcement Against Racism) and is always very active organizing voters’ registration drives and lobbying in Washington for Haiti.
Llyod “Frano” Francis
What started as a hobby in 1971 has made Lloyd “Frano” Francis one of the most legitimate and relevant entertainment personalities in the last three decades. The hobby of playing music led to a successful career as a DJ and over the span of the 70’s and 80’s Frano along with his two friends for life, Tony Oddman and Norman Allen developed the “Love People Crew.” In 1982, The Love People Crew took on a new dimension when Frano was joined by Las Allen and Winston Dyer to open the now legendary Love people 1 night Club. Even today, the stories and legends live on. Love People one add a record shop and a record label to its then world famous brand. That experience made Frano one of the most sought after promoters on the night club scene. After the Love People era, Frano was involved with Level 10, Ligaunea, Krystal and Legend Night Clubs.
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Say What...
surgeons pushing irrational fear. Cancer micro-tumors exist in everyone. Cancer must be “managed” in everyone to keep it in check and avoid the growth of tumors. The cancer industry tricks women using unethical fear tactics to scare women with false statistics into high-profit cancer procedures that only cause them harm. The claim that cutting off healthy breasts somehow “empowers” women is sick and demented. Women are far more empowered by honest information on nutrition and healthy living that allows them to keep their bodies intact rather than being sliced up by dishonest cancer surgeons”. So ladies do what you need to do to take care of yourself but remember you have options!
Greetings dear readers. Welcome to another month of WhereItzAt gossip. Can you believe its June already? There are exciting things to come this month. The summer concerts kick off with Groovin In The Park at Roy Wilkins Park in Queens. Legendary Soul Diva Patti LaBelle and R&B Supergroup TGT (Tyrese, Ginuwine & Tank) alongside The Godfather of Ska Toots & The Maytals, International Reggae singers Barrington Levy, Sanchez, Cocoa Tea and Roots and Culture songstress Queen Ifrica have all been confirmed to appear. It’s gonna be nice folks as the star-studded lineup promises to deliver a muNow on to some sad news... Malcolm X’s grandson, Malsically spectacular day of reggae rhythm and blues for all the colm Shabazz has met his end at a bar in Mexico recently! family to enjoy. So go out and buy your tickets people, you The Report is that all this took place in a rundown area of Mexico City at a bar no less! The Mexican authorities have reported that he was involved in a dispute over a $1,200 bar tab that he and a friend racked up and refused to pay. The local newspaper claims that they were invited to the brothel by two females, and it’s customary that customers had to pay to simply talk to the female workers! After complaining about the excessive bill, he was subsequently beaten and robbed, the friend manage to escape, but young Malcolm was beaten and left with fatal skull, jaw and ribs fractures! Mexican police have two of the four men involved in custody, and is still searching for the others. A tragic way to lose this young man from such an infamous family! It’s now June and I hope you have all done your civic duty and filed your income taxes with the IRS on or before April don’t want to miss this event because I’ll be grooving in the 15th. Just in case you haven’t, please take note of the followpark too! ing high profile individuals’ experience and do the following; Being an inspiration to others is admirable, isn’t it? Well that’s 1.) File for an extension and 2.) Make some arrangements exactly what Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt’s girlfriend and mother to give unto Caesar what is due unto Caesar. Here we go of his children is to some women who are facing health challenges, particularly breast cancer! Angelina has made a public announcement that she has had both of her breast surgically removed due to her 87% chance of developing breast cancer! Her mother, Michelle Bertrand, died at age 56 from breast cancer. So the mother of six who carries the faulty gene now has reduced her chances to five percent, and says, “I do not feel any less of a woman... I feel empowered and this in no way diminishes my femininity” after having reconstructive surgery and some new breast implants! However, not everyone agrees with this radical self-mutilation approach for prevention of with the evidence... Hip Hop Artist Ja Rule served time, was breast cancer. In an article written by Mike Adams, the Health recently released from jail but confirmed to home until July Ranger and Editor of NaturalNews.com he writes “The claim 28th and still owes the IRS $1.1million -Tax evasion; Westhat you have a “percent risk” of breast cancer is a big lie which ley Snipes served time and now free with probation - Tax implies you have no control over cancer. BRCA1 genes can evasion; Lauryn Hill sentenced and awaiting to serve three be kept quiet (suppressed) through proper foods and lifestyle months jail time then nine months house arrest - Tax evachoices. A gene is not a death sentence. The implication that sion! Luckily she came up with nearly $1 million dollars there is only ONE way to reduce breast cancer risk is a comon the eve of her court appearance which reduced the 15 plete lie. There are thousands of options and strategies for preyears sentence she was facing. Speaking of dear Ms. Hill; venting cancer. Never be cornered into surgery by a group of Rohan Marley, father of five of her children, Bob Marley’s
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grandchildren, has publicly announced that he will be taking responsibility for his children while she serves her time. Now there are two other very high income moguls that owe the IRS, but there is no reported settlement or court date yet my sources tell me. First there is Damon Dash who is also trying to pay in order to avoid his stay at the federal motel since he also has a pending eviction from his upstate New York mansion. Then second is Matthew Knowles, Bey’s father & Tina’s ex-husband, is also in hot waters with the IRS. Knowles reported owes $1.2 million to the IRS. Why do they pay their accountant and attorneys such high salaries if they can’t keep “the books” in order and keep them out of prison? This is not a good look, this kinda ting lately really has become the new revolving door prison system, for high income high profile individuals... Take heed my friends, the IRS does not sleep!
Chris “Mac Daddy” Kelly of the 1990s rap duo Kris Kross was found unconscious at his Atlanta home and pronounced dead about three hours later in an Atlanta hospital. “Based on the information at the scene, we are concluding that it was a drug overdose,” said Corporal Kay Lester, spokeswoman for the Fulton County Police Department. The 34 year old Kelly had an extensive history of drug abuse, Kelly’s uncle told police, according to their report. Results from a toxicology report will available in three to four weeks. Kriss Kross gained fame as young teens in 1992 with the hit song “Jump” and for the duo’s fashion trademark of wearing their clothes backward. The duo, whose pants and shirts backward look was mimicked by fans, never scored a top 10 U.S. hit after “Jump” and released their third and final studio album, “Young, Rich & Dangerous,” in 1996. Condolences have poured in from the rap and R&B community on Twitter. Sad loss for a family who considered Chris Kelly – “the kind, generous and fun-loving life of the party.” RIP Chris “MacDaddy” Kelly! That about wraps it up dear readers, so until next time when I have more dirt to dish, walk good!
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SOCIAL NETWORK
GRACE JAMAICAN
JERK FESTIVAL LAUNCH PARTY
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SOCIAL NETWORK HAITIAN HERITAGE MONTH 1) Frenal Mezilas, Marie St. Rose-Bienvil, Maryse Emmanuel and Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano receiving Haitian Heritage Month t-Shirt 2)Left to Right) Maryse Emmanuel, Frenal Mezilas, Marie St. Rose-Bienvil, Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano & Ray Thomas
IRIE FASHION RAVE
& HAIR SHOW AT RESORTS WORLD, QUEENS
SINGJAY DING DONG PERFORMS DESIGNERS OF HOUZ DESIGNS
RADIO PERSONALITY FELICIA LOUD
PULSE AGENCY INTERNATIONAL RUNWAY MODEL, ORAINE BARRETT
IRIE JAM MEDIA GROUP PRESENT AWARD TO RADIO PERSONALITY KEN WILLIAMS
DESIGNER MICHAEL GILLINGS AND FRIEND
DJ CARLTON
LEXY BROOKS, STAN E. SMITH AND MICHAEL WILLIAMS ACCEPTING AWARD FOR PRODUCER PHILIP SMART
RUNWAY MODEL ROCKY HES
IRIE JAM DJ ROY, DUBBMASTER CHRIS AND THE FLUFFY DIVA MISS KITTY
FELICIA LOUD AND PHOTOJOURNALIST STAN E. SMITH
PAT CHIN, FOUNDER VP RECORDS AND RIDDIM DRIVEN DESIGNS
DESIGNER MICHAEL GILLINGS
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Outstanding Caribbean-Americans Past & Present By: REUBEN JAMES
“
Individuals and families from Caribbean countries have journeyed to America’s shores for centuries. Some were brought here against their will in the bonds of slavery. Some immigrated to America as children, clutching a parent’s hand. Others came as adults, leaving behind everything they knew in pursuit of a better life in a new world. Generations of Caribbean Americans have sought to ensure their children and grandchildren would have the freedom to make of their lives what they will, and during National Caribbean-American Heritage Month, we celebrate their rich narratives and recognize their immeasurable contributions to our country. -President Barack Obama It takes remarkable people to make remarkable things happen. Whether Camille Wardrop Alleyne (Trinidad & Tobago) they are born and bred in the U.S., or have achieved citizenship through NASA Engineer naturalization, Caribbean Americans have never excluded themselves from reminding us of this truism on a daily basis. Although it is intelCamille Wardrop Alleyne is an aerospace engineer of extraordinary lectually understood, but practically forgotten by many of us, the United brilliance. In the highly technical field of science and engineering, States of America is in fact a mixing bowl of diverse nationalities bound women are a minority. However Alleyne never allowed it to deter her together to achieve the universal aspirations of humankind. from higher achievement. She is one of the few women of color, and
”
The men and women who comprise this list of outstanding Caribbean Americans past and present exemplify the inherent value in pursuing noble endeavors. The Oxford English dictionary, the most accurate and complete of the English dictionaries, defines power as “the capacity to influence the behavior of others, their emotions, or the future course of events.” These leaders in science, technology, literature and national advocacy are a few of the primary examples of what true power entails.
Reginald Fils-Aimé (Haiti) President COO of Nintendo America Mr. Fils-Aimé may be the President and Chief Operating Officer of Nintendo America, but like Serani’s smash-hit single, the man plays “No Games” (unless it’s wii Sports Tennis of course). Born to Haitian parents who moved to New York City five decades ago, Fils-Aimé started at Nintendo in 2003 as the Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the United States, Canada and Latin America. However, he assumed his current role as COO in 2006. FilsAimé is widely considered to be the man responsible for vivifying Nintendo’s public relations efforts in North America.
Beverly Taylor (The Bahamas)
Science Educator When you teach a man, you teach an individual. When you teach a woman, you teach a nation. There isn’t a better living example of this statement than Beverly Taylor. Taylor is a prominent figure in the field of science education, which she played a major role in promoting and strengthening in The Bahamas and the greater Caribbean for over 38 years. Under her leadership, science education in the Bahamian public school system improved dramatically, with the upgrading of the national science curriculum, enhancement of science facilities and teaching resources, and the popularization of science and technology. 30 | www.gowhereitzat.com
the only one of Caribbean descent, who has attained a senior management position at the National Aeronautics Space Administration (NASA). A recipient of several coveted awards, Alleyne has played an integral role in the design and development of NASA space vehicles. Born in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad in 1966, Alleyne grew up with an innate curiosity about the wonders of space and the internal mechanics of airplanes. Her parents nurtured these interests by encouraging her to take things apart and put them back together. As a child, Alleyne would sit on the trunk of her dad’s car, gazing into the night sky and thinking about outer space and how she could travel there. A few decades later, and after a lot of hard work, she now stands unrivaled as a stellar example of Caribbean excellence.
Malcolm X (Greneda) Black Rights Activist You didn’t know that he was of West Indian descent did you? Well, you’re probably not alone. There isn’t much about this great man that hasn’t already been said. The son of Grenadian mother and an African American father from Georgia, Malcolm X was a powerful orator and advocate for disenfranchised Black Americans during the 1950s and 1960s. Although Malcolm turned away from a life of crime under the tutelage of his early mentor, Elijah Muhammad, Malcolm’s message of Black solidarity and power was more of a return to his roots, than it was a departure from all that he had known. Malcolm’s dad, Earl, was a member of Marcus Garvey’s Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA). Garvey, who was born and bred in St. Anns, Jamaica, is widely regarded as the father of Black Nationalism.
Joel Augustus Rogers (Jamaica) Author and Historian J.A. Rogers (September 6 1883 – March 26, 1966) was an exceptional journalist, historian and author who painstakingly chronicled the history and documented the cultures of Black people from across the globe. The prolific writer who came from humble beginings in Negril, Jamaica is remembered for his stellar books which continue to inspire and influence aspiring men and women today. These titles include, but are not limited to, “100 Amazing Facts about the Negro with Complete Proof,” “Sex and Race: Volumes 1-3,” and “The World’s Great Men of Color: Volumes 1-2.”
THE MAN FOR THE PEOPLE AND THE TIMES.
ED MANGANO
By Clive Williams and Annette Gordon Historically, one of the greatest barriers to the development of any group or community is to be denied access to opportunity, privilege and power. Traditionally, opportunity, privilege and power was reserved for a chosen few who set the agenda for the silent majority, this is particularly true in government and political hierarchies that’s been hijacked by egomaniacs. Even in a post- modern America it’s difficult to identify political leadership that respects the nexus between the government and the people as well as listen to the vox populi. In the world of County Executive, Edward P. Mangano of Nassau County, Long Island, the “chosen few” have long been banished, giving way to the majority of people who had been voiceless for too long; this is Mangano’s way, a style that reflects his humble beginnings as a janitor, who worked his way up in much the same way many of his immigrant constituents have done and continue to do. Mangano who subsequently graduated as a lawyer, served as a county legislator for seven terms, before running for county executive, has quickly established a record as a reformer. In a State that is “true blue,” Mangano who is Republican, has yet to be extolled for his effective policies and reforms by a cynical New York press, who is more motivated by political sensation than reporting good government. Ed Mangano is the real deal, a tough but fair guy, who has worked both in business and government for many years, at the time, recognized and embraced the reality of the immigrant presence and participation in American life and culture. So far- his record is impressive and his leadership inclusive; so, why is he so receptive and welcoming to diverse immigrant groups whom he unreservedly includes in his political agenda. And where is he taking Nassau County over the next four years? WhereItzAt Magazine
sat with Mr. Mangano in early May to get some programs that stimulate small buisness developanswers to these questions and to inquire as to ment. Post hurricane Sandy we are aggressively how those answers impact the many Caribbean promoting shopping locally at our shopping centers. We have cut the bureaucratic process - American immigrants in his constituency. to make small business assistance readily availWhereItzAt: Is your outreach motivated by a able. Working with the Nassau chambers of genuine desire to understand the diverse groups Commerce, we launched an awareness program to shop local and buy local. We are also aware of in Nassau or is it just for their votes? the dramatic shift in transportation flow in our Ed Mangano: My observation and experience shopping areas, where increased congestion has convinces me that immigrant families have to be addressed. The reality is, more people are much in common with American values, they driving to go shopping today than 15 or 20 years are focused on improving their lives and pro- ago when these shopping areas were designed, viding a better life for their children and fam- so my city planners and engineers are studying ily. They value good schools and safe neighbor- ways to alleviate congestion which limits small hoods and contribute not only taxes but their business growth. It’s very important to note that professional and entrepreneurial expertise to there are “New Opportunities Post – Sandy,” their respective communities, so I feel honored the availability of Federal dollars has made posto open up the County seat to welcome them sible, Community Revitalization Zones, where to celebrate community and foster understand- our residents now have a say in telling Governing. I am committed to listening to the voices of ment the “things they need and would like to see the people, not just a vocal few, so I make sure in their respective zones.” This way, communithat each community is represented, making the ties can now compete for Federal dollars. county seat available for their cultural events. WhereItzAt: What are your immediate plans for WhereItzAt: How do you differentiate yourself Nassau’s future growth? from previous administrations and what difference have you made in Nassau County since Ed Mangano: I am more determined than ever to repeal and reform - the home energy tax, contaking office? tinue the reform of the tax assessment system Ed Mangano: I have reduced the size of what that was broken, GIVING BACK MONEY TO was becoming a bloated government and have THE TAXPAYER. No new proposals for tax been creating more private sector opportunities increases in my new budget and increasing the which leads to increased employment and less momentum to create new private sector growth financial demand the citizens of our county. I and development. One such development is the kept my promise to repeal the home energy tax, growth and expansion of our Film and Televithus becoming the first county executive to put sion Industry that is now thriving in Nassau. My tax dollars back in the pockets of our residents administration has implemented a multifaceted as well as freeze a proposed 13% increase on approach to ensure that Nassau’s future growth property taxes that was proposed by the pre- will create an even more hospitable climate for vious Thomas Suozzi administration. My ap- not only lifelong residents but for all the immiproach is different because I am committed to grant groups that call Nassau home. protecting the quality of life of life as well as advancing economic opportunities for all our residents. My administration recognized the unfairness of the tax assessment system and took immediate steps to put a new system in place, as well as extend the period of assessment to every four years; this approach ensures a fairer and more accurate assessment. WhereItzAt: What are you doing to revitalize Small Business? Ed Mangano: I am very aware that our small business owners are responsible for employing 60% of our labor force. That significant fact requires my attention, so my economic team, the Industrial Development Agency is ready to give necessary guidance and support to our economic www. gowhereitzat.com | 31
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Caribbean American Heritage Festival 2013
On Saturday June 15, 2013 CaribMixx Sports & Radio Group, a media and sports company, presents the Caribbean American Heritage Fest 2013 (CaribMixx Fest) at Eisenhower Park Harry Chapin Lakeside Amphitheater - Field 6, East Meadow - Nassau County - Long Island, NY.
The organizers have pledged their commitment to create an event that will bring the community together in a fun, informative, safe and healthy environment, for families to enjoy the park, and celebrate the artistic and cultural richness of the many Caribbean-American communities that play an important part in the fabric of Long Island.
The festival is a 1-day “FREE” event open to the general public, supported by Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano and produced by iSee Promotions, LLC an entertainment production and promotional group, known as the creators and producers of the highly popular and acclaimed “Fort Greene Music & Film FEST”. iSee Promotions fuses first-rate production, world class talent and state-of-the-art technologies, creating one-of-a-kind entertainment, cultural and arts experiences, that are stellar, imaginative and memorable presentations.
CaribMixx FEST will feature live music, performances, showcasing local restaurants and other local businesses; drawing from the rich artistic, culture and cuisine of Long Island’s Caribbean communities. This wonderful community day will include programming for the entire family. For more information or to become a sponsor or supporter of this event call 646-249-5729.
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Olori Parade of Designs with Khalilah Williams Webb & Adeleke Sijuwade
Photo Credit: Josiah Esowe
The birds are chirping and the sun is shining bright. Spring has sprung and summer is fast approaching. It’s time to put the sweaters away and bring out your favorite summer styles; and Shirley + Alice by Kweb Kollects Vintage has obliged. On Saturday, May 18th; Celebrity stylist, Khalilah Williams-Webb; and Nigerian designer of the Olori Collection, Adeleke Sijuwade, presented in the streets of Brooklyn, the Olori Parade of Designs. With the recent opening of her vintage boutique Shirley + Alice, Khalilah only wishes to have her artistic, eclectic, and creative styles accessible to her fans and the surrounding community. Adeleke Sijuwade, close friend to Khalilah and fellow creative fashion genius; is a Nigerian born designer, filmmaker and the creator of the Olori Collection for women and Adeleke line 36 | www.gowhereitzat.com
for men. His work spans internationally; Vogue Paris, L’ Officiel, Oprah, Sartorialist and more; his elite client list includes; Tyra Banks, Erykah Badu, Mos Def and Stephanie Seymour to name a few. Adeleke’s designs are extremely diverse and imaginative, which make his clients feel beautiful and exquisite. With fabrics travelling from Nigeria, you will feel each piece is exclusive to you and found nowhere else. On that fashionable Saturday, the public and invited guests shopped, and mingled with top fashion industry leaders. These two creative minds opened the doors of Shirley + Alice to invite the public to view the 2013 Olori Summer Collection; but not just on the racks; the streets of Bedford-Stuyvesant were filled with gorgeous everyday women who modeled the Olori Collection; with special guest model,
Brooke Williams, wife of Professional Boxer, Bernard Hopkins. Guests also had the opportunity to meet and discuss design ideas with the mastermind behind the Olori Collection, Adeleke Sijuwade. His designs are one-of-kind, so if you wish to have something custom made just for you, Adeleke is able to make that happen as well. The day of fashion will be remembered for stopping traffic, beautiful designs, delicious drinks, custom designed cake pops by Fabipops, and a day of shopping and mingling with a celebrity designer. The Olori collection is available for purchase at Shirley + Alice Vintage Boutique; located at 434 Marcus Garvey Blvd, Brooklyn NY. Stop by anytime and enjoy a personal shopping experience with Khalilah and her team.
Life after the Break-up Keep on living By CHRISTOPHER WILLIAMS I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard the words “I don’t know what I’m going to do now that it’s over” or “What did I do wrong?” I have even felt that way myself at times. I think we forget that in life, change is constant. At some point in our lives a relationship, a lifestyle, a career; something must come to an end or change course. The issue at hand is how do we deal with it? How do we manage or cope with the feeling of being rejected? So your boyfriend or girlfriend walks in one day after months or years of dating and says to you, “look, I love you but it’s just not working out” or “I feel like we have grown apart from each other.” Hearing those words triggers emotions inside of you that cause you to feel as if you have just been cut by a very sharp blade and you can’t stop the pain no matter how hard you try. For some people, it feels as if your world has just ended. The man or woman you thought you knew just took everything you thought you gave to the relationship and now it’s over. Is it, though? Why is it over for us when relationships end? Why do we give someone else power over our lives? Aren’t we the ones responsible for our lives as individuals? Isn’t it our choice to get up each morning and take a breath? We all need to be aware of our power. You are in charge of YOU. You are the master of your destiny, the navigator of your ship through the sea of life. Not your wife, your husband, your boyfriend or your girlfriend. The only being that you report to and entrust with your life is your Creator. That’s it. Once we begin to embrace the fact that we control our destinies and that there is a plan behind everything in life, doors will begin to open and we will begin to see more clearly how necessary that change was and that surviving it is not an option, it’s mandatory. The relationship is over, but your life, has only just begun. This break-up as we call it, is a chance for us to give back to ourselves,
to replenish our love, so that the next person who comes along— and there will be another person—gets to partake of a full tank of love. Time can be your friend if you use it wisely, so go out, travel, meet people, try new things; parachuting, skiing, rock climbing. Don’t be afraid! Open your mind and your heart to new experiences. Some of us think that when a relationship ends, the best way to avoid the pain is to jump right back into another relationship. Trust me when I say that you will only do yourself more harm than good. You see, your relationship is like a journey, an excursion. There are ups and downs, highs and lows, lessons to be learned, but all these things don’t become clear immediately. You need to finish the journey, then reexamine your experiences. Look back at your journal or photos, or whatever means you used to capture that journey and reflect on your experiences. That same approach has to be taken in a relationship when it comes to an end. There is a lesson everywhere and in everything, but we have to stop, look and listen to truly understand and appreciate what that lesson is. Each relationship we have is to prepare us for something else, another phase of our lives. So don’t live with hate or regrets. Just live your life and let go of the past, but don’t forget www. gowhereitzat.com | 37
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After years of physical and mental exploitation and voyaging over intercontinental waters way too many times, Rose Thorn finally flees her native Jamaica for good to hide out in Brooklyn with her daughter. Rose believes she was dealt an evil hand in marriage because she was a high school dropout, teenage bride and mother. In her quest to realize her dream of pursuing a college degree, she is reunited with her soul mate, Calvin Jones. Rose is ready to divorce her husband, Donovan, but is she really ready to marry Calvin? Forced to return to Jamaica, Rose finds herself trapped in a devastating situation that could jeopardize a lifetime of happiness with Calvin. Rose quickly realizes that in order to make a comeback she must turn around and go back to the place where it all started, the place where she first believed, the place where trouble had come and uprooted her. Runaway Comeback sizzles with secrets, payback, and redemption. Set against a backdrop of rolling hills in Jamaica and the streets of Brooklyn, the storyline is thought-provoking and thoroughly enthralling with trueto-life characters and situations. In this quick-paced sequel of suspense and mistrust, Sandra Ottey paints a spellbinding story in her tell-it-like-it-is writing style.
Runaway Comeback A Novel
Sandra A. Ottey is the author of Jamerican Connection, A Novel. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Medgar Evers College of the City University of New York and a master’s degree from Polytechnic University. Sandra lives in New York and is working on her third novel. You may write to her at sandra.ottey@yahoo.com.
$13.95 ISBN 978-0-9858260-0-0 51395 >
9 780985 826000
Sandra A. Ottey
Sandra earned a bachelor’s degree from Medgar Evers College
of the City University of New York and a master’s degree from Polytechnic University. She lives in New York and is currently working on her third novel. Runaway Comeback A Novel
Sandra A. Ottey was born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, but has lived in New York for most of her adult life. She is the author of two novels -- Jamerican Connection and the sequel, Runaway Comeback. Her work has been featured in The New York Daily News, The New York Carib News, The Jamaica Observer, Caribbean POSH Magazine and SYM Magazine.
Sandra A. Ottey
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