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Business, Innovators & Game-Changers Awards Gala
PRR RECORDING STUDIO PRIVACY | PROFESSIONALISM | EXCLUSIVITY 21ST CENTURY TECHNOLOGY (See page 33)
CARIBBEAN AMERICAN LEADERSHIP FOUNDATION Inc. | PREPARING TOMORROW’S LEADERS TODAY
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Offer Expires August 31st, 2016
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Contents
Vol #14 5th edition
MAY
Articles
Feature Articles
10 Skin Ethiks - X marks the spot! By Glenise Gomez
16 BIG Awards Reception Photo Gallery
12 Everybody’s Caribbean - Oliver Samuels’ “Guilt Trip”
26 And Now There Is One - Ms Olive Walford
14 Regina Belle Joins Groovin In The Park By Clive Williams
34 B.I.G.Awards Sponsors
B.I.G. AWARDS HONOREES
pg. 18
CHAIRMAN & PUBLISHER
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
PHOTO JOURNALIST
LEGAL COUNSELOR
PHOTOGRAPHERS
CLIVE WILLIAMS
ADIKA BUTLER
MARJORIE FLASH
GARNETT H. SULLIVAN, ESQ
UNIVERSAL PRODUCTIONS
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
ART DIRECTOR
NEW MEDIA INITIATIVES
CHRISTOPHER C. WILLIAMS
CHRISTIAN X. JONES
ROCKSTONE MEDIA GROUP
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT
MANAGING EDITOR OF ONLINE CONTROLLER MAGAZINE MICHELLE WILLIAMS
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS ON THE COVER IMAGE ADIKA BUTLER - ANNETTE GORDON B.I.G. AWARDS GALA HONOREES DR. CLIVE WILLIAMS - CHRISTOPHER C. WILLIAMS MELISSA RAWLINS - SHERRY MORGAN GLENISE GOMEZ - YOLANDA CANDELARIO KAY-ANNIE REID
ANNETTE GORDON
CHRISTOPHER C. WILLIAMS
INQUIRIIES
Clive Williams (917) 749-7613 Sherry Morgan (800) 774-2803
wiaeditors@gmail.com uniquebizandevents@gmail.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. 461 Elmont Rd. Elmont,NY 11003 Phone: (917) 749-7613 4 | PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE
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PUBLISHER’S VIBE “BUSINESS INNOVATORS & GAME-CHANGERS AWARDS GALA.” Rev Dr. Audley Donaldson
Dr. Marlene Reynolds Cox
Clive Williams, CEO/ Publisher _________________________
T
his marks the fourth year
LEADERSHIP - THE WAY FORWARD - Part 2 communities who have made tremendous sacrifices and endured unimaginable hardships, in order to distinguish themselves in what is inarguably the most competitive metropolis in the world. So yes, we take great pride in recognizing, publicizing and memorializing those innovative people who continue to be Game-changers in business, entertainment and professional life.
of the B.I.G AWARDS GALA and The founders of this extraordinary event understand Brandon V. Ray
Pascale Sablan
Wayne Turner
Tilsa Wright
Yolanda Candelario
another opportunity to demonstrate to our community the historical contributions that Caribbean Americans make to American society, in business, entertainment and professional life. In order to further encourage and establish the continuity of our program, we have established a charitable organization – the Caribbean American Leadership Foundation Inc.; providing mentorship programs and support services to urban youth and small business owners, as well as supporting other charities by providing publicity and support to foster their goals. Our motto, “preparing tomorrows leaders today,” is a task that we relish, not because it is easy, but because we have the assistance of the leadership alumnae that we have recognized and publicized over the years. We confidently believe that the infrastructure is now in place to prepare and sustain a growing cadre of Caribbean American leaders in their efforts to leave a lasting legacy of significant contributions to American life and culture. The Caribbean American Leadership Foundation and Whereitzat Magazine have joined forces to direct attention to urban immigrant
6 | PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE
all too well the importance and significance of Leadership in the development of any society or culture, but we owe our inspiration to the life – changing philosophy of Marcus Garvey as stated above. Armed with that philosophy, we are determined to elevate people of color to fame and honor and sincerely trust that they wear this distinction as leaders, with dignity, pride and humility.
do. Since then she has built a solid family practice, while imparting her love for the profession to young people in search of professional careers. Yolanda Candelario is the quintessential entrepreneur, who is always showing her clients how to make and save money. Yolanda is arguably the smartest FINANCIAL COACH in our community and she is actively engaged in imparting her knowledge of finance to college students. Yolanda can show any one how money works. Wayne Turner, a young businessman with a mission, has successfully expanded his father’s legacy in Laurelton, Queens. This is a rare achievement in today’s world of business, and he still remains focused on offering more and better services to his community. Soon he will surprise many, with a new project he is pursuing.
Allow me to introduce some of our honorees and urge your support to witness and share in the celebration of their achievements, on Saturday, June 11, 2016 at the beautiful and exclusive Mirelle’s Restaurant & Catering at 170 Post Avenue in Westbury, Long Island.
Tilsa Wright a young author and entertainment magazine publisher is always bubbling with excitement as she approaches every new project. Extremely proud of her heritage as a Jamaican she strives to inform and educate others about her culture.
All our honorees are entrepreneurs in various enterprises: The Rev. Dr. Audley Donaldson is unquestionably one of the most innovative Priests of his time. Dr. Donaldson has taken on the herculean task of building a new church edifice in the heart of Bedford Stuyvesant, transforming not just the neighborhood, but the whole concept of church construction. The construction will include not just the sanctuary but, will boast residential housing making it a virtually self-sufficient entity. Dr. Donaldson is a spiritual entrepreneur in every sense of the word.
Pascale Sablan as an architect is distinguished, not only by her chosen profession in which there are so few women, but by her amazing leadership qualities and passion for excellence. She is the embodiment of the builder/architect of the future.
Dr. Marlene Reynolds-Cox a former Pharmacist and now Doctor of Dentistry has built her brand through the acquisition of a dental practice in Rochdale Village, Queens. This demonstrated her willingness to take the kind of risks that only entrepreneurs
Brandon Ray is another of our young honorees who puts the “busi” in business. In the area of business development he has very few peers. He is simply one of those individuals who is destined for success in the world of business and entrepreneurship Let’s all join them at the B.I.G AWARDS GALA on Saturday, June 11 at the beautiful Mirelle’s Restaurant & Catering in Westbury, Long Island.
‘Cause that’s WhereItzAt!
NOW CELEBRATING 25 25YEARS YEARS OF VITAL SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY!
PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE | 7
BUSINESS/ENTREPRENEURSHIP
B.I.G. Awards 2016 Honorees Dr. Marlene Reynolds Cox
Rev. Dr. Audley Donaldson
Arthur Briscoe
Sheree Palmer-Sparkes
Allison Fay Johnson-Russell
Brandon V. Ray
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Yolanda Candelario
Dr. Roy W. Streete
Tilsa Wright
Dr. Millicent A. Comrie
Raymond S. Thomas
Chef Peter Ivey
Chef W. P. Simpson
Wayne Turner
Pascale Sablan
PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE | 9
HEALTH
X
marks the spot! By Glenise Gomez Esthetician
Hyper-pigmentation! Marked by dark spots and an uneven skin tone, the bane of our physical existence! All too often I go through the process of explaining to clients how much of a common condition this is. Dark spots are a problem that we all endure. Yes! I do too actually. Those dark spots and blotchy areas take a toll on us, like no one can imagine. We can cover them up, invest in risky laser treatments and use topical ointments that are costly. Hyper-pigmentation is the over production of melanin. Melanin is the pigmented substance that determines an individual’s hair or skin color. Let’s dig deeper! The causes of hyper-pigmented skin are not always apparent. Here are a few common causes: Trauma: Stop picking and squeezing, especially if you
possess skin with color. Injured skin needs protection and so melanogenesis occurs. Melanogenesis occurs when melanin rushes to the surface of injured skin. Sun exposure: Dark patches and spots occur from countless hours in the sun. UV light causes premature aging and - sun exposure is extensive UVAging or UVBurning. This is most noticeable with the left side of the face, the arms and hands having more damage, as those are the areas exposed to the sun when driving.
pictures are helpful, but proven laser expertise is far more important in determining satisfactory results. Treatments are relatively simple, but discipline and consistency will yield desired results. Exfoliate often with alpha-hydroxy fruit acids, minimize stress, schedule a consultation or facial with a professional like myself and use a broad spectrum sunscreen to protect skin. Be blessed and be beautiful!
Hormones: Melasma is prominent with women on the cheeks and forehead. It’s commonly known as the pregnancy mask and can also be caused by medications. On far too many occasions I have observed extreme adverse reactions on my clients. Laser treatments for pigment reduction on melanated skin is extremely risky, resulting in burns, discomfort, tissue damage, increased pigmentation and in some cases total HYPO -pigmentation which depletes the melanin producing cells and a permanent white patch is left. Please research the credentials and qualifications of laser service personnel prior to treatment; before and after
www.skinethiks.com | Glenise@skinethiks.com 516-38S- KIN8 (387-5468)
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ENTERTAINMENT
HERMAN HALL COMMUNICATIONS, INC. 1630 Nostrand Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11226 T (718) 941-1879 herman@everybodysmag.com www.everybodysmag.com
A
lthough Basil Dawkins is one of the Caribbean’s top playwrights, and certainly among the cream of Jamaican writers, producers and directors, his popularity and respect are increasing. You may think he is new on the scene. Yet, he has been a playwright for decades and wrote some of Jamaica’s top plays such as “My God Don’t Wear Pajamas,” “Feminine Justice,” and “Uptown Bangarang.” Since he started working with Oliver Samuels in 2015 when they presented “Divorce Papers,” Dawkins famed has risen even higher.
Oliver Samuels, Ruth Ho Shing and Dennis Titus in “Guilt Trip”
Performing Arts. The next day, Sunday, May 29 at 6pm, Guilt Trip will be staged at Lehman Center for the Performing Arts, Lehman College, Bronx, NY.
“Since the debut of Guilt Trip on December 26 at the Little Little Theatre in Kingston, the play was performed more than 300 times in Jamaica; now we have to take it to Caribbean communities in Canada, US, The international tour of Guilt Trip premiered England and other Caribbean in Toronto; the cast then went to St. Kitts for islands,” says actress Ruth Ho three nights of performances. In the final two Shing. “And we must end the tour in November Baptist Church in St Andrew wrote in the weekends of May, Guilt Trip will be staged in in England to rest and prepare for next Year,” Gleaner “Guilt is a useful guide to adults, New York and New Jersey. parents, and children on how to handle guilt. Ruth explains. It is a must-see play.” Rev. Dick also wrote, the York College for the Performing Arts will host Herman Hall who has been promoting Oliver play extols the virtue of reggae icon Bob Marley. Oliver Samuels and Guilt Trip on Saturday, Samuels and other Jamaican plays for 26 years May 21, 8pm. “recommends fans see Guilt Trip either in Tickets at popular Caribbean outlets or call The play goes to Campus HS, in East Orange, Queens, NJ, Brooklyn or Bronx between May (718) 941-1879 for ticket locations; 21-22 and May 28-29 because the play will not NJ on Sunday, May 22 at 6pm. to order online visit: return to NY due to the tight schedule.” www.everybodysmag.com On Memorial Saturday, May 28 at 8pm, Guilt Trip will be staged at Brooklyn Center for the Rev. Devon Dick, Pastor of the Boulevard On Mother’s Day 2016 in Toronto, Canada, Dawkins received standing ovations at the staging of his new play, “Guilt Trip,” starring Oliver Samuels with Ruth Ho Shing and Dennis Titus. Titus received rave reviews in Denzel Washington’s classic movie, The Mighty Quinn.
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ENTERTAINMENT REGINA BELLE JOINS GROOVIN IN THE PARK
C
By Clive Williams
hris Roberts, producer of “Groovin in the Park,” has added another
feather to his cap, while showing his loyal fans that he “feels them.” The addition of Regina Belle to the Sunday, June 26 line up is a music concert coup. If for no other reason than the amazing musical chemistry between Regina and Peabo Bryson, who both collaborated in 1992 on the Grammy award winning song, “A whole new world,” for the Disney animated film Aladdin. She had hits before, but that marked her breakthrough moment! So, her getting together again with Peabo at Groovin will not just attract Jamaican music lovers of the 80’s and 90’s genre, but African –Americans who never got a chance to see them together – this will be a spectacle in the park. Ms. Belle is not just another talented singer and performer, she has a solid pedigree in the musical arts, having studied trombone, tuba and steel drums in High school, studied opera at the Manhattan School of Music, and was the first female lead singer of the Jazz Ensemble at Rutgers University. Her pop career really got started when Vaughan Harper of then WBLS introduced her to the Manhattans, which led to song collaboration – “Where did we go wrong,” she never went wrong after that. As the opening act for the famous Manhattans her fan base began to grow and Columbia Records saw the light and signed her. Regina’s first album titled, All By Myself, gave us hit singles like, “So Many Tears,” and “Show Me The Way,” gave her fans something to cheer about. If anyone still had doubts about Regina’s talent they had to relent after her 1993 album titled Passion, the album featured the Disney hit “A Whole New World.” Regina Belle still has the passion and is a master of her craft, just imagine her with Peabo, then, think about Brian McKnight, Beres Hammond, Toots Hibbert and Tessanne Chin, it’s going to be crazy, don’t worry about heat stroke, “Musical Stroke” should be your only concern.
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Regina Belle
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WhereItzAt Pix
B.I.G. Awards Reception @ Pa-Nash May 1, 2016
\\ Attend the B.I.G. Awards Gala - June 11, 2016 @ Mirelles // 16 | PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE
THE MOST MOUTH-WATERING BRUNCH IN QUEENS
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE | 17
B.I.G. AWARDS HONOREES 2016
CONGRATULATIONS! Rev. Dr. Audley Donaldson Audley Donaldson is an ordained Episcopal Priest who preached his first sermon at fourteen years old. His religious formation began at St. Mary’s Church, Negril where as an Acolyte he honed his skills as a leader and public speaker. After graduating high school Audley continued his studies at United Theological College of the West Indies and the University of the West Indies. Graduating in 1980 he received both a Bachelor’s Degree with second class honors being ordained to the Priesthood .Father Donaldson served as Curate at St. Luke’s Cross Roads and as Priest in Charge of the Morant Bay Cure. After accepting a scholarship, he migrated to the United States and completed a one year residency in Clinical Pastoral Education and a Masters of Sacred Theology from Yale University. In1992 he completed a Doctor of Ministry at New York Theological Seminary and was named a fellow of The Institute for Educational Leadership. In the United States he has served as Chaplain for Voorhees College and Kings County hospital. In 1993 he entered the world of Social Services as a Case Manager and Program Developer and then as Executive Director of North Hartford Family Resource Center, largely responsible for designing a series of National conferences and symposiums with diverse communities within the United States and has provided technical assistance to Federal, State and Community based organizations in over forty states, which has led to innovative policy development legislations, family friendly practices at work places as well as federal and state funding for Family Support programs. He also served as Adjunct Professor of Psychology at Gateway Community College in New Haven, Connecticut. As a certified Diversity trainer, Rev. Dr. Audley Donaldson has designed a curriculum on Diversity training for children and for the past ten years has been working as a trainer, along with parents and teachers of, Elementary, Middle and High school students in Connecticut. He recently served as Principal of St. Mark’s Day School and Associate Pastor of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. He is the Rector of St. Stephen and St, Martin Episcopal Church, and the Church of the Redeemer in Brooklyn. He has worked on several federally approved projects. For more than ten years he has worked closely with gang members in Connecticut and the Staff at Maloney Correctional Institute, Connecticut. His proudest accomplishment however, is the establishment of the Lena and Lester Donaldson Memorial Scholarship which provides funding for students from Negril, Jamaica who have performed successfully in the Common Entrance Exam allowing them to attend Manning’s High School. 18 | PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE
B.I.G. AWARDS HONOREES 2016
Dr. Marlene Reynolds Cox Marlene Reynolds Cox was born in Jamaica, West Indies. Upon graduating from Excelsior High school, she completed her training as a Pharmacist and worked with the Ministry of Health coordinating the Pharmacy Technician Training Program Island wide, while being an assistant to the Director of Pharmacy Services in The Ministry of Health. Dr. Reynolds’ desire to become more directly involved in patient care and her belief that she could make a difference in people’s lives led her to complete her training in Dentistry in Cuba. On her return to Jamaica, she worked in the Ministry of Health and in her private practice until she migrated to the United States of America. Upon graduating from New York University, she worked at Terrence Cardinal Cooke Health Center where she treated disabled children and persons with HIV /AIDS. She worked for many years as the Dental Director at various Community Health Centers. She currently provides Dental services in her own private practice in the Rochdale Village Community. Until recently, she was the School Dentist at the Clara Barton High School for Health Professionals and taught those students who had an interest in the field of Dentistry. Dr. Reynolds-Cox is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry and a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantology. She is a member of the National Association of University Women- Long Island Branch. Over the years, she has been the recipient of various community service awards. Married to her friend and life partner, Linval, for the past 22 years, she loves to travel and spend time with family and friends.
Pascale Sablan
Pascale Sablan is an architect, mentor and humanitarian/social advocate. Her interest in, and passion for architecture has been strong even before she began working in the field over a decade ago. She believes architects and designers have a responsibility in creating a more humanistic society. Her steadfast search for design excellence and humanity in each of her projects has successfully resulted in the creation of meaningful buildings with enduring importance and cultural significance that express the aspirations of each of her clients. A strong advocate of civic involvement, Pascale’s contributions to the industry have advanced the art of architecture and design for the betterment of society and the environment. Pascale is the 315th African American female architect in the United States to attain her architectural license. As of 2016, there are only 349 women who hold this distinction. ARCHITECTURE Pascale an Associate at FXFOWLE Architects, has been on the design team for a variety of mixed-use, commercial, cultural and residential projects in the United States, Saudi Arabia, India, Azerbaijan, Japan, and the United Arab Emirates. Many of these high-profile, award-winning projects have guided the firm to international recognition for excellence in design and environmental responsibility. HONORS Pascale has been recognized for her contributions to the industry with several awards and honors. Most recently, she was awarded the prestigious AIA New York/ Center for Architecture Emerging Professional Award (her winning design was featured in the AIA’s annual exhibition in Washington, DC), the Emerging New York Architect (ENYA), a prominent award that honors one individual each year, and NOMA Member of the Year, an honor bestowed on one member of year out of the organization’s 600 members nationwide. HUMANITARIANISM / ADVOCACY Volunteering time, effort, and expertise to the architectural profession and the community has been at the forefront of Pascale’s career, and a mission in her personal life. Her activities range from advocating for women’s issues and more architects of color to serving on the boards of local and national organizations, and educational institutions. Her goal for the future is to continue to push for design excellence and innovation, while manipulating technology to articulate, document and communicate designs. She is President of the New York Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA), President of the New York Coalition of Black Architects (NYCOBA), a member of the AIA New York’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee, and a Board Trustee for The Mary Louis Academy, a private all-girls Catholic college preparatory academy in Queens. PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE | 19
B.I.G. AWARDS HONOREES 2016
Brandon V. Ray Brandon V. Ray is presently the Regional Director of External Affairs (Long Island) for AT&T. Mr. Ray serves as AT&T’s representative to local government and local community organizations; he leads and implements the company’s local governmental public policy initiatives by developing and executing strategic legislative and public affairs tactics and strategies. He has also worked with various divisions of the company on special projects including Public Affairs, Federal Government Relations, Supplier Diversity, Sales and Diversity Recruitment. Mr. Ray attended Howard University in Washington, D.C. where he earned his Bachelor of Business Administration-Management in May of 2004. In 2007 Mr. Ray earned a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from CUNY- Baruch College School of Public Affairs as a National Urban Fellow. Brandon is also a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated Kappa Xi Lambda Chapter and the Urban League of Long Island Young Professionals. Some of the boards he serves on are: Mentor New York’s Leadership Council and the Girl Scouts of Nassau County Incorporated Board of Directors. Mr. Ray is active member of the Union Baptist Church in Hempstead, New York, under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Sedgwick V. Easley. Not only is this where Brandon receives his spiritual foundation but he also serves as a member of the church’s Media Ministry, Vice-President of the Men’s Ministry and Board of Trustees. Mr. Ray believes in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s philosophy that “everyone can be great because everyone can serve.” Mr. Ray resides in Long Island, NY and is recently married to his wife Alicia.
Wayne Turner Wayne Turner was born in St. Catherine, Jamaica to the parents of Winston & Barbara Turner and he is the youngest of 5 siblings. Wayne migrated with his parents to New York, USA in the fall of 1980 were he began his public school education. His parents settled in Cambria heights queens, where Wayne graduated from Bayside High School with honors then went on to Morgan state, then later, Howard University to achieve his Bachelor and Master’s degrees. Wayne prides himself on family, community and faith which represents the three basic tenets of his life. While Wayne attended college, his parents owned and operated Western Bakery and restaurant, one of the first Jamaican restaurants on Merrick Boulevard in Laurelton, Queens. While many of Wayne’s college buddies prepared for the work force, Wayne was determined to head back to his community and help expand his family business. Wayne returned to Queens in 1995, and helped his father open Twin Ponds Restaurant Bakery and Caterers. This business was the first of its kind in the neighborhood which has a lounge on the second floor named UPPER DECK. Unfortunately Wayne’s dad died a few years after the restaurant opened, but his dream of a family business didn’t. This year marks the 20 year anniversary of upper deck and the 32 year anniversary of Western Bakery. Throughout the years, Wayne has helped the Queens community by employing people from the community, while providing quality services to the neighborhood . His most recent venture is Turner Trucking Inc., where he fuses technology with old school work ethic to provide moving and courier services to the community. . Mr. Turner has donated to many community events, whether to community soccer teams or his own Toys for Tots campaign. He also works in support of battered women to find shelter as well as provide gifts at Christmas for the children of these women. The Turners have dedicated themselves selflessly to uplifting the Queens community in which they live and do business. 20 | PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE
B.I.G. AWARDS HONOREES 2016
Tilsa C. Wright Jamaican born, now living in Brooklyn New York, Tilsa Cecile Wright has truly come into her own. Stepping away from challenges and uncertainties, Wright has positioned herself among who she loves and boldly represents the “Grass Roots”. A phrase she uses affectionately as she relates to the sea of talented individuals waiting and working hard for that “Big Break”. With an incomplete College background, Wright has established herself as a self-published author and the publisher of Sym Magazine an online platform. Sym, which is short for symbolic, features up and coming talent, as well as celebrities. “I created this platform as a platform for talented individuals, almost like a print version of American Idol”. Her vision is slowly growing and reaching Sym’s targeted audience. For starters Sym has featured young talented undiscovered Harlem actor Ohene Cornelius, and media mogul Russell Simmons’s oldest brother, painter, community activist and author Danny Simmons. Danny just happens to be a staple in Brooklyn and is a strong supporter of the arts. Sym’s last printed edition was in November/December 2012 and the cover featured Jamaica’s rising star and household brand Christopher Martin. Now let’s move a step further to Wright’s second passion or appetite for continued success, her self-published books. Related Affairs and Star Boy book series; of the two books Star Boy is presently a huge success. Star Boy is featured in a British-Jamaican web series titled “Dear Jesus” season 2. Star Boy explores relationship drama and family values. Wright’s passion for media, led her to produce a 10-minute animation short film, which promotes Star Boy. Her animation was screened at the St. Lucian Piton Film Festival September 2014, The Jamaica Film Festival July 2015 and Reel Sisters Film Festival at Long Island University October 2015. July 2015 Wright published her 3rd title, Lady in Red. This storyline takes place in Brooklyn, New York and tells the tale of a young Spanish-Jamaican who struggles to find herself outside of being a drug dealer. All her books are available on Amazon and Kindle. In the spring of 2015, Wright pledged $500,000 (Jamaican Dollars) to aide her alumni, Camperdown High School cricket team. Wright believes in giving back to her community and over the years has volunteered for a number of organizations, including Women of Great Esteem.
Yolanda Candelario Yolanda Candelario is the Founder of MoneyWorks, LLC, a financial coaching and consultancy business launched in January 2015. Yolanda holds a Master’s of Science Degree in Accountancy and a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Finance from the University of Phoenix. She is a member of the Financial Planning Association and licensed by the Department of Financial Services. She has held management positions with some of the most elite Fortune 500 institutions. With over twenty-five years of experience, she has developed programs to create positive economic changes in communities where needed. She is an active member and treasurer of Emerging Speakers of Elmont, a relationship which inspired her to secure a contract with SUNY Westchester Community College to develop a practical course in the management of personal finances for students residing in underserved communities. As a result students are strategically making sound decisions when starting out in their financial life. She mentors and assists post graduate students find employment in their ideal career choice. As a featured financial writer in Whereitzat Magazine, Yolanda offers small business owners a more service oriented and simple way to achieve their business goals. Yolanda serves on the boards of Mazii Learning Center Inc., and Caribbean American Leadership Foundation Inc., where she volunteers her strategic planning skills for the upliftment of the community. A proud New Yorker, Yolanda resides with her family in Long Island. She can be found at www.moneyworks.solutions PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE | 21
LuxuRy AT EvERy TuRn
THINK B.I.G.
Mercedes-Benz of Rockville Centre proudly supports the Caribbean American leaders who are Business Innovators and Game Changers Revitalizing our World through Spirit and Vision
Congratulations to all the Honorees
Mercedes-Benz of Rockville Centre
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22 | PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE
THE STERLING GROUP INC
PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS/PERSONAL TAX PREPARATION
PATRICK A. STERLING BS, MS Email: psterlingp@yahoo.com
Tel: 917-250-1746 / 516-442-3312 / Fax: 516-442-3311
BUSINESS TAXES
Incorporation of new businesses: ‘S’ Corporation Status / ‘C’ Corporation Status
Filing : 1120, LLC, Partnership • Sole Proprietorship • Sales Tax • 941 Quarterly Taxes Business Dissolution Income Statements Balance Sheets Small Business Accounting Bookkeeping Audits – Reviews – Compilations Tax Planning, Preparation and Compliance IRS Representation
PERSONAL TAXES 1040 / 1040A / 1040EZ ITIN Filing Schedule ‘C’ All State Taxes IRS Representation
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PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE | 25
MILESTONES
AND NOW THERE IS ONE T
hree centurions, Avelyn Phillips, Celestine Glean, and Olive Walford. The former an extended member of St. David’s Episcopal Church, Cambria Heights, and the latter two members of the said Church. On April 15th, 2016 Avelyn made her transition from mortality to immortality at the age of 104. Celestine made her transition on April 17th, 2016 also at the wonderful age of 104. However, on April 16th, 2016 Olive with the generosity of God’s extravagant grace celebrated her 106th birthday in grand style. One of the many things these centurions had in common was their profound relationship with God. They were good stewards who invested much in their spiritual life at an early age, and they harvested an abundant dividend in their latter years. A lesson we can all learn from them. So there were three centurions and now there is one – Olive Walford. May God continue to bless her and her loving caring family.
HAPPY 106th BIRTHDAY MS. OLIVE WALFORD M
and enjoys the traditional Jamaican dishes: jerk chicken, escoveitch fish, cow foot and shrimp.
rs. Olive Isabella Walford, the oldest member of St. David’s Episcopal Church is 106 years old. She was born on May 14, 1910 in St. Ann, Jamaica, West Indies. Due to tradition, her family celebrates her birthday on April 16th. She migrated to the United States in the late 1970’s and currently lives in Rosedale, Queens, with her daughter, Dorothy, who retired a few years ago and is now her caretaker. Miss Olive recently celebrated her 106th birthday. She survived her husband and her 3 siblings. She now enjoys life with her five children, 13 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren and credits her longevity to, “Good food and the grace of God! She loves to dance, and on her 100th birthday, she entertained her well-wishers by dancing to the “Happy Birthday’ song. She does not have any special dietary needs 26 | PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE
She lives a relatively healthy lifestyle and has reaped the rewards with almost no health complaints or daily medication, except for taking high blood pressure pills. She loves watching television and her favorite shows are “Dr. Phil” and “Judge Judy”.
Ms. Olive Walford
She spends most of her days sitting by the window that overlooks the street below. She does not have twentytwenty vision, but her eyesight is relatively good. In fact, she usually entertain her daughter with many anecdotes of the activities on the street below. She doesn’t attend church regularly due to the fact that she lives on the second floor, which makes it difficult for her to manipulate the stairs. However, she reads her Bible and sings religious songs daily.
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A change for the better
Over time, the world changes and technologies evolve. At AT&T, innovation and service is strengthened by the diversity of our employees, suppliers and customers. Because change is better when everyone works together. AT&T is proud of our colleague, Brandon V. Ray, for being honored with a Business Innovators & Game-Changers Award for his commitment to community service and congratulates all the other esteemed award winners.
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Books for the community
Capitalism & Slavery
by Eric Williams Slavery helped finance the Industrial Revolution in England. Plantation owners, shipbuilders, and merchants connected with the slave trade accumulated vast fortunes that established banks and heavy industry in Europe and expanded the reach of capitalism worldwide. ISBN: 1943138230 Price: $15.00
The Black Sons of God by Estella Conwill Majozo Ph.D. Estella explores the affinity of God to the lives of black men who are eagerly sacrificed and forgotten by society for no fault of their own. ISBN: 159232634X
Was Jesus Christ A Negro?: The African
100 American Atrocities
Origin of the Myths & Legends of the Garden of Eden
by Jay Naidoo America the beautiful, America the powerful, America the brave, America the generous, and America the free.. . ISBN: 1592329713
by John G. Jackson Proof of the origin of Christianity ISBN: 1592329691 Price: $5.95
Price: $15.00
African Holistic Health: Your True Source
Masterpieces of Negro Eloquence
for Holistic Health
by Alice Dunbar Nelson 51 speeches by prominent African-American leaders
by Llaila O. Afrika PhD The definitive book on good health .
ISBN: 1943138249
ISBN-10: 1592322417
Price: $18.00
Price: $19.95
Price: $10.00
100 Amazing Facts About the Negro with Complete Proof: A Short Cut to The World by J. A. Rogers J.A. Rogers devoted over fifty years of his life to the documentation of Negro history. ISBN: 194313801X Price: $7.95
A Chronology of the Bible
The Mis-education of the Negro
by Carter G. Woodson Carter G. Woodson (1875-1950) was an African-American historian, author, journalist and the founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. He was one of the first scholars to value and study Black History. ISBN: 1592320953 Price: $14.95
by Yosef Ben Jochannan The book documents the African origins of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam ISBN: 1592327257 Price: $7.99
HOW TO ORDER: Send Money Order of your book order including $3.00 per book for Shipping & Handling or credit card information to: Whereitzat 27th street, CambriaNY heights, Whereitzat Media Media Gp. Gp.Inc., Inc.,115-10 461 Elmont Road, Elmont, 11003NY 11411
ACCOUNT: NAME: CITY: PHONE: SIGNATURE:
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ZIP CODE: E-MAIL:
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