WhereItzAt Sept./Oct. 2015

OCTOBER IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

RECORDING STUDIO PRIVACY | PROFESSIONALISM | EXCLUSIVITY 21ST CENTURY TECHNOLOGY (See page 39)

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SEPT/OCT

Vol #13 9th edition

Articles

Contents Feature Articles

10-11 Singing Between the Lines

29 Important Information for Parents

12 Coming In From the Cold

30-31 The Complexities of Forgiveness

14 The Freemynz Evolution 15 Magnolia Tree Earth Center

pg 19

RICHARD WILLIAMS

32 If You Can Count to Two, You Can Control Calories

16 Do You Want to Be In The Credit 35 NYC Live Scene October 2015 Score Game?

37 Jannie L. Blackwell 18 Jeff’s Garden of Eden

THE WILLIAMS SISTERS

24 An Up and Coming Author Declares “W.A.R.” 26 The Changing Faces of Substance Abuse

pg 20-21

28 Jobs for Individuals with Disabilities

UNSTOPPABLE PHENOMS

CHAIRMAN & PUBLISHER

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

PHOTO JOURNALIST

LEGAL COUNSELOR

PHOTOGRAPHERS

DELAWARE VALLEY

CLIVE WILLIAMS

ADIKA BUTLER

MARJORIE FLASH

GARNETT H. SULLIVAN, ESQ

MARJORIE FLASH OF MY FLASH KEN/UNIVERSAL

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

ART DIRECTOR

NEW MEDIA INITIATIVES

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

MEDIA

(PHILADELPHIA, SOUTH JERSEY, DELAWARE)

CHRISTOPHER C. WILLIAMS

CHRISTIAN X. JONES

ROCKSTONE MEDIA GROUP

ADIKA BUTLER - DR. CLIVE WILLIAMS

ON THE COVER IMAGE

MELISSA RAWLINS - YOLANDA CANDELARIO

SERENA WILLIAMS, RICHARD WILLIAMS, VENUS

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT ANNETTE GORDON

MANAGING EDITOR OF ONLINE CONTROLLER MAGAZINE MICHELLE WILLIAMS NAKISHA DUNCAN

NADINE WALTERS - KAY-ANNIE REID - SHILO EVANS SHERON PEARSON - STACIE EWING - ECHELLE NORMAN

WILLIAMS

MARLON PETERSON - CALLISTA REGIS - SHERRY MORGAN

INQUIRIIES

Clive Williams (917) 749-7613

editors@whereitzatmag.com clive@whereitzatlive.com

VICE PRES., MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION ANDRE PORTER DIRECTOR OF PUBLICITY AND PROMOTIONS LAVERNE ANDRIES

www.gowhereitzat.com fame@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

PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE | 5

PUBLISHER’S VIBE

FROM ROME TO AMERICA VE O L H WIT

Clive Williams, CEO/ Publisher _________________________

B

efore the Pope there were the scandals, beginning with the case that came to light in Louisiana in 1985 where a Roman Catholic Priest pled guilty to 11 counts of molestation of boys, this with other cases following closely behind , blew the lid off a practice that was obviously rampant in too many dioceses nationwide. A disturbing pattern of coverups was revealed through the filing of lawsuits and the publication of books by victims and victim rights advocates throughout the 1990’s.

This alarming situation prompted a number of Lay Catholics to establish a website called BishopAccountability.org to track cases filed and counted more than 3000 throughout the United States, resulting in multi-million dollar settlements to victims, while causing closure of many Dioceses serving its faithful.

There was no doubt that the price the Church paid in millions of dollars paled in comparison to the hit on its reputation, its brand, as the Church founded on St. Peter; membership went into a tailspin, valuable properties were sold off in order to compensate victims and their families, the physical, emotional and social turmoil was felt by parishioners their families and friends, not to mention the traumatized victims. It was a national tragedy on a grand scale made worse by the lack of leadership and the conspiracy of silence, apart from a few sporadic arrests, civil fines and really nasty press, not much was exacted by way of accountability, responsibility or repentance. To many, including me, the Church was dead, confirming all my conspiracy theories about celibate Priests and Nuns relative to the rest of us mere mortals.

6 | PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE

I was forgetting a number of things, I attended Catholic School for several years where I benefitted from a great foundational education, the very real compassion and caring of the Church for the poor and the sick that I personally experienced growing up. The love and support my family received from a Priest and several Sisters of Mercy while my daughter was hospitalized. I married a girl who was also Catholic, who is still my incredible wife to this day.

So when I put things in perspective, I must conclude that as long as imperfect man exists, (which includes me), serious, egregious and sometimes horrible mistakes will be made, especially when organizations become so large and powerful and when the leadership abdicates its responsibility. Whatever we think about Catholicism or the Pope understand this, there are an estimated 1.2 billion Roman Catholics in the world and our Latin American neighbors account for 40% of that number and they are experiencing tremendous growth on the continent of Africa, all because they provide services governments can never give their people.

There is no doubt about the questionable and checkered past of the Church, but such has been the course of history with every group, every leader and every level of progress. The Church however needed a Savior - how ironic.

The Bishop of Rome (Jorge Mario Bergoglio), is Pope Francis the name he took is from St. Francis of Assisi of Italy – he is that savior. He has charted a fresh new course in the history of the Papacy by first exposing his humanity – his willingness to engage people – ideas and nations. The words he spoke about the role of the Church is still reverberating in my head, namely, “the Church is not the light, we exist to reflect the light,” that

Pope Francis

for me sums up the man and his leadership. I guess you could say Francis got my attention not so much as a Church leader, but as a man of God, his humility, gentleness and open love for people could not be feigned, this guy is the real deal and he had Americans in shock and awe as he stoked our collective consciences, awakening us to possibilities of collaboration, agreement and compromise. I watched his warm caring, insightful and lovingly sensitive homily in Philly at the World Meeting of Families and I secretly hoped that many Preachers could remember not to shout at me in Church, I don’t feel the love that way. Pope from the Latin means Papa, and Papa you brought the love, the sense of reconciliation and the message that America and the world needed at this time, we thank you, we bless you and pray for you. By the way, you and me, we know that John Boehner heard you loud and clear, the brother has repented, resigned and has found peace, Selah.

“Cause, that’s WhereItzAt!

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Real Estate AMRA & Associates Way “PROFESSIONAL AND HASSLE- FREE”

The definition of Real Estate has not changed, however, the dynamics have - which is the primary reason why AMRA Realty & Associates is THE Agency to serve YOUR Real Estate needs.

We all can recall the genesis of the Real Estate Bubble of the millennium when we had the financial meltdown during fall of 2008 and the nation was getting ready to elect our first African-American President. We experienced the worst plunge in home values since the “Great Depression.” We saw bailouts of leading financial institutions and large corporations.

For the next 2 years, we were in Real Estate wilderness where the term “short sale” became all too friendly and modifications was the “Moses” for those who had nowhere to go, but to stay in their homes.

Fast forward to our current market which is much healthier than before but not quite back to its full strength; where we still have uncertainty for some homeowners, as there are speculators who have the resources to create an Investors climate. The transitioning of the Real Estate Market to a more conservative platform requires a more studied approach, so even with the emergence of Reality Real Estate TV shows popping up all around us, most buyers and sellers unaware of the basic understanding of what is required from their professional Real Estate service providers (Brokers, Associate Brokers and Salespersons). They are unaware of what the Agency Disclosure Forms or Lead disclosure Forms for houses built prior to 1978.

Studies have shown that when Buyers and Sellers work with a knowledgeable Agent and in return work loyally with that Agent a long term symbiotic relationship develops which can last for years. This is of course a reciprocal relationship between the parties with respect to loyalty and honesty.

To close, it is always great to have choices but when you make the best choice you see the rewards that are lasting rather than short-term. At AMRA & Associates Realty we are here for the long journey and a healthy professional relationship that will only add value to your greatest purchase...YOUR HOME. Respectfully,

Andrew Davis, PROFESSIONAL REAL ESTATE BROKER TEL. 646 208 7295 or 646 405 7004

8 | PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Singin� Between the Lines A former journalist experiences rebirth as a budding jazz vocalist

By ADIKA BUTLER

Brandon Bain

F

a microphone and stand in the spotlight—and or the true balladeer, singing is a romantic his life has been his personal jam session ever since. experience in which the crooner falls in love with everyone and everything around him at “It’s kind of weird for me when I talk about it, because I didn’t realize that I have actually been the highest peak of a high note. singing my entire life,” says the slender maestro, The man who knows love knows a lot. Jazz reflecting on the seemingly unlikely circumstances vocalist, Brandon Bain, became a scholar in that facilitated his divorce from journalism and matters of the heart when he followed his own subsequent matrimony with the mic. to honor, what is arguably, his greatest gift to self-expression. He found himself a stage—with “Usually I would sing in a chorus or a group where I had a specific part. I would say that I 10 | PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE

didn’t hear my own voice until 2007. I just had this overwhelming desire to sing. The very first time I sang as a soloist I performed ‘Yesterday,’

by The Beatles. I recognized some guitarists whom I would always see on the trains, and they would perform this song. I sang it at a spot on Bleeker Street in Manhattan and the experience triggered something deep within me. I never heard myself as a soloist, but once that night happened, I wanted to continue doing it. I went online and found a voice teacher who helped me

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Brandon Bain

“...I didn’t realize that I have actually been singing my entire life...” find my direction in terms of genre and style.”

budding star to a live musical showcase for Jazz at the Lincoln Center this past Labor Day. Bain and his band hosted An Evening with Brandon Bain to a sold-out crowd of music lovers at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola. The momentous occasion was all part of the month-long CocaCola Generations in Jazz Festival. “He’s an amazing talent,” says a jovial Anthony Mancini, Brooklyn College’s director of journalism to one of his former students. “Of course none of us have anything to do with it.”

throughout the New York City area. “The very first jazz show I ever went to was at the Lincoln Center,” says Bain who worked as a news assistant and contributor to the New York Times. “At that time, I never would have thought that I would one day be the man on the stage. I probably wouldn’t have believed in myself. But life is funny that way. You never know what it has in store for you.”

Occupying a table at Healthy Nibbles Organic Lounge & Juice Bar, a local eatery just blocks away from the Barclays Center in Flatbush, Brooklyn, Bain’s facial expressions effortlessly shift back and forth from unfettered nostalgia to a sweeping anticipation of things to come.

The irony of it all is that he isn’t straddling the fence between the past and the future. He is ever present in the moment. “This is actually pretty For more information on Brandon Bain visit his good,” says Bain about the chicken wrap he’s website at www.brandonbain.com. eating in between his interview questions.

Bain has performed jazz standards, showtunes, along with pop music and calypso renditions The melodic call of the treble and bass lead the

PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE | 11

EDITOR’S DESK

COMING IN FROM THE COLD T

he soul is a slave to memory. Shackle it with chains of love. Brand it with burning irons of affection. Fear, limitation, and self-loathing will be the plantation from which it will summon the audacity to escape, because it has absolutely nothing to lose.

You wear your crown on your head, and not on your feet, because freedom from the familiar awaits you up north. Waves of water from the sea wash your footprints from the sand. The lynch mob won’t find you. Nature is on your side. Liberation is your ultimate destiny. You are safe where you are.

Welcome to yet another edition of WhereItzAt Magazine—the only publication in New York where the publisher, president, editors, and contributors genuinely love you. Many claim that they are about the community, but content speaks louder than words. And although our content literally consists of words, it is really all about the thought and effort that goes into creating the final product that you now have at your fingertips.

WhereItzAt is a labor of love, and those who make this publication a tangible reality are all architects working to build the edifice of a better tomorrow.

We believe that those who erect opulent palaces in the hearts and minds of their people will always have a home. It’s time to come in from the cold.

We have the heat for the heart, mind, body and soul.

In this issue I conducted an interview with jazz vocalist Brandon Bain, who took a leap of faith and made the transition from a journalist to a singer.

Of course, we’re featuring the Williams sisters, Venus and Serena, who continue to exceed expectations of greatness on and off of the tennis court.

In addition to that, we have more practical information to offer that will be useful to you in your everyday life. We hope you enjoy this issue, because it is definitely WhereItzAt. Adika Butler Editor-In-Chief 12 | PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

THE FREEMYNZ

(FREE MINDS)

W

EVOLUTION

hen Reggae musicians Dennis “Shango

By SHILO EVANS

Trex” Llewellyn and David “Catapila” Nevin embarked on their individual music careers, they never imagined that one day they would evolve as the duo,music lovers would come to know as Freemynz.

Motivated by the need to be open minded, and being totally oblivious to society’s ‘box’ mentality…

Freemynz (pronounced free minds) was born.

Operating out of New York by way of Kingston, Jamaica, Shango Trex has been on the music scene for decades. An expert musician who mastered the trumpet at an early age, Shango Trex also played for The National Cadet Orchestra in Jamaica. Starting out like most performers singing in the church choir, this musician would soon bring to fruition his passion for music as a professional performer.

David “Catapila” Nevin (L) & Dennis “Shango Trex” Llewellyn (R)

recorded various tracks for labels such as, Avex Trax and others. Shango in an interview admits he had no plans of becoming a musician. His dream was to become an Electrical Engineer. Music seemed to be his destiny however, and one can never outrun what is meant to be. Shango Trex migrated from Kingston, Jamaica and headed to New York City.

During that time he ventured to Mexico, London, and Japan, before returning to New York City where he now resides.

David “Catapila” Nevin also a Jamaican was born in the parish of St Thomas. Much like Shango Trex, Catapila has also been on the reggae music scene for decades. A professional drummer who honed his craft in local churches, Catapila started out playing the acoustic guitar but had no passion for the instrument, so Catapila wasted no time in “Whatever is meant to be will be” as the saying goes. moving on to the pastime he loved, drumming.

It was no accident that Shango Trex and Catapila That pastime developed into a profession, and met in Tokyo, Japan while both were on tour in the before long, Catapila was playing at hotels in Ocho early nineties. They seemed destined to work as a Rios, located on Jamaica’s fabulous North Coast, on duo, because no matter the distance geographically, a regular basis. these two musical giants always wound up Playing with the Riddim Force Band early in his performing in the same clubs, and bands in and career, Catapila was eventually offered a one year around Japan. They were each recording for separate contract, with the band to play in Japan. This was labels, but often times collaborated on each others’ a big break Catapila had long desired, and seized projects. So, it was no surprise, that after forming an the opportunity quickly. “I was now able to spread immediate bond of friendship and brotherhood, the the joy of reggae music, inspirational music to the two decided to form Freemynz. people of Japan.” After years of going back and forth The name ‘Freemynz’ was inspired by the duos from Japan to Jamaica, Catapila who speaks fluent ability to ‘express thoughts through lyrics’. “Free up Japanese, now calls Japan his second home. your minds and live, so that your light can shine Shango Trex also carried on his pursuit towards throughout the universe.” Freemynz is the only fulfilling his dream as a singer and musician, and word which can define Shango Trex and Catapila’s musical works as a duo. With both parties being 14 | PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE

multi-talented, this duo is a force to be reckoned with. Both members play instruments, sing, write, produce and arrange.

As a duo, Freemynz will be growing from “strength to strength” with the support of their team. Their first single “That Rush”, has officially launch the duo, in 2013. The video for this crossover/pop single was shot on location in Japan.

Fun, uplifting, and inspirational vibes is what Freemynz delivers. They’re just two extremely talented musicians determined to encourage others to cultivate their own thoughts and ideas, thus freeing their minds.

Jah Alone!

URBAN COMMUNITY

Mothers Helping Mothers

By SHERON PEARSON

P

regnancy and delivery are usually joyous

occasions, but sometimes those occurrences can be fraught with trepidation and isolation, so my curiosity was definitely on high alert after receiving an invitation to attend a Community Baby Shower in Brooklyn on August 29, 2015.

I was welcomed to the cool interior by Joy GreyMorris and Jazz Fenton two of the main organizers, who, along with Andrea “Sistah Cuchy” Brathwaite, form part of the Women’s Healing Circle, one of the programs based at the Magnolia Tree Earth Center*.

Many of these women may not have had the resources to celebrate and welcome the new life they were about to usher into the world, but the Women’s Circle stepped up to the plate and created a non-judgmental, safe haven (even if only for one day).

The event was so successful that plans are afoot to take the concept to different locations in New York City.

The Women’s Healing Circle formed about 20 years ago is the brainchild of the woman known to all as Sistah Cuchy, who felt the need to create a movement The well attended event, with 25 participants of women supporting women in Brooklyn. Now from the Tristate area, was treated to presentations housed at the Magnolia Tree Earth Center* all of the on nutrition, home safety, healthy relationships programs and initiatives are aimed at educating and and breastfeeding. A speaker from The Special supporting women. Whether it’s a facial, massage, Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, or a meal; all of this and so much more can be found Infants, and Children (WIC) outlined the availability within that Healing Circle. of services on offer. Babies “R” Us provided sponsorship with each participant receiving a gift bag lovingly prepared by the Women’s Circle. Each contained pampers, bottles, sleepers, bath products.

In addition, there were tables with neatly arranged gently used baby and toddler items. A crib, donated by the Department of Health & Mental Hygiene - Bureau of Maternal, Infant & Reproductive Health was raffled off. Excitement was high in both participants and organizers as the winners.

The majority of participants came from the Brownsville Multi-Service Family Health Center while others heard about the event through a variety of women’s organizations. The women had diverse circumstances; one woman accompanied her two young daughters, both of whom were pregnant, two women came with their partners, the men attentively receiving all that was on offer and giving very positive feedback.

Another woman was homeless, but left the event, not just with several telephone numbers of women from the Women’s Circle, but also an assurance that there was a community of women who cared about her wellbeing and were willing to follow up with her to ensure that she had a safe place to sleep.

women came out, shopped, packed, cooked, prepared and really helped make the event so wonderful. We came out today to show that black people do positive things. We are thankful for Magnolia, because one woman had a vision about having this center and it has become a stable community center. We do a lot of work here; we have environmental and community based programs, we have a wonderful board that really helps a lot.

Today, I am very joyful. Can you imagine some of these women walking in here with no support! A woman walking in saying she is in a shelter, a woman walking in saying she is HIV, a woman who has nowhere to sleep tonight, she had to take the train with her gift bag. The event was more than a baby shower, it was a definite outreach and we will be following up on all our ladies to ensure that they know they have our support”.

Sylvia Wiley really summed it up for today’s event – “I think it takes a village to raise a child, we need to go back to that – we need to become our sisters’ keepers, our brothers’ keepers, we need to look out for each other. It’s a necessity”. *The Magnolia Tree Earth Center, located at 677 Lafayette Avenue in Brooklyn, now a historic landmark, is an institution and center for environmental preservation and community involvement consisting of three Brooklyn Brownstones which anchor a 100 year-old Magnolia tree.

For information call 718 387 2116.

When I asked Sistah Cuchy what message she would like to give readers about the community baby shower and the work of the Women’s Circle, she replied without hesitation “It really takes a village and that’s the message that we sent out today, a strong message that we can’t do it alone. Today’s event was to show our young women that there are people who care about them enough to celebrate them and their pending progeny with a baby shower. A lot of people in our community came out, the

Photos by Joy Grey-Morris PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE | 15

FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT

Money Series!

Do you want to be in the Credit Score Game?

By YOLANDA CANDELARIO

The Game - Credit Report Part 2 Money Series questioned last month “Do you want to be in the Credit Score Game?” To control your financial freedom, many will supposedly be screaming an empathic, “YES.” Keeping your mind on your riches and staying in the Game is tough, but it’s not impossible with a referee guiding the rules of the Game.

Money Series - Credit Report The credit report outlines lending institutions interpretations of our creditworthiness, responsibility, behaviors, and lastly attitudes toward the collections of assets or debts. The largest collections are mortgages, equity, automobiles, motor vehicles, business ventures, etc. Other assets or debts are credit cards, student loans, medical, and utility bills, etc. The information on the report provides a snapshot of the payment frequency and financial treatment of the various assets and debts being in the Game. The information is a key indicator to determine the likelihood that the obtained assets or debts will be repaid by evaluating many factors.

The factors have laser focus with precision on your habits, attitudes, and behaviors (habit) in the Game. For the rookie player, the factors will assess the probability for success by evaluating (habits) of those within the same age group.

Where can you obtain the reports?

The reports are created by three main credit agencies Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union. Lending institutions seek credit agencies information to determine if the application can be approved. These reports are referenced for decisions with employment, rentals, and certain insurance applications. a.

A free annual credit report can be obtained from each agency once a year. Timing the reports (every 4-months) will afford the opportunity to obtain a free copy from each agency in a 12-month period. https://www.annualcreditreport.com 16 | PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE

b.

Another option would be to pay a minimal cost for credit monitoring subscription to the credit agency for a full credit report with additional benefits. c.

Credit Karma is an on-line reporting designed for daily viewings for personal consumption.

Credit Karma as an unofficial source of information. www.creditkarma.com d.

Other sites may offer credit-report assistance; unfortunately there are no guarantees, and/or buyer beware on certain offers.

How long will the information remain on the credit report?

Typically debts remain active on the report for seven years and ten years for bankruptcies. Knowing what is on the credit report is vital to identify strategies for credit score improvements as well as identity protection. a.

The process to improve the credit scores starts with reviewing the credit report. b.

Dispute the agencies information by the steps outlined at Federal Trade Commission http:// www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0058-credit-repairhow-help-yourself c.

Scrutinize the information thoroughly, which could point out identity theft compromises.

What information is shown on the report?

The report illustrates the personal profile, employment and payment history, tax liens, civil judgments (sued), bankruptcy, collections, and detailed account information.

Recalibrating Language Suppose someone publicly voiced their gratitude for their good health, good fortune and gift of life? Then the same individual continued to state, “i do not care for, want, or need riches; in order to demonstrate the authenticity of that assertion - what if a bundle of money appeared in front of the same individual at

Yolanda Candelario

that exact time, “would that person grab It?” Very likely.

Webster’s dictionary defines riches, “as abundant wealth, precious possessions.” Riches correlate to wealth, but wealth is not the only source, riches includes money, goods, treasures, valuables possessions, and wealth. If we don’t claim riches then, poverty will claim us! Clarifying the benefits of riches will enlighten our children and our community. Besides, the credit report transactions list many of the riches obtained.

If you have riches, want or claim more.

If you have little riches, want or claim all.

The recipe for you, through you, and with you is to claim riches honestly…

Winning the Game Past transgressions on the credit report are just that—“the past.” Most transactions shown will resolve with time and careful attention. Planning how to handle the credit report will determine your future in the Game. Order your credit report and make the phone call to the respective agency.

Lending institutions are bringing the credit report facts to the table when doing business with you.

Being in the Game means knowing what is on the report and improving it before doing business with lending institutions. An active participant playing the Game is thereby protecting and growing your riches!

I am your Prosperity Coach, Yolanda Candelario Tel. 516-841-3401

PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE | 17

Jeff's Garden of Eden

By Jeff Bacchas, Gardener and Businessman

18 | PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE

NATURE

FEATURE

RICHARD WILLIAMS:

HUSBAND, FATHER, COACH AND “THE KING OF MODERN TENNIS.”

By Clive Williams

A

his wife Oracene became a reality, starting with the birth of Venus Ebony Starr on June 17th, 1980 and are rarely celebrated as successful role models or as the subsequent birth of Serena Jameka on September sensitive loving parents. The prevalence of this deeply 26th, 1981. Much of the time prior to that Richard ingrained stereotyping has not only misinformed and Oracene had learned the game of Tennis in a public perception, but even family and friends who rudimentary way, paying full attention to every either reinforce it or fulfill it. When I reflect on aspect of the game that they would impart to their the stark contrast in enthusiasm and economic yet unborn stars, “some people have to see it before activity between the celebration of mother’s day and they believe it, and yet others are able to believe it, father’s day, it is evident that fathers have work to do, long before they see it,” Richard possesses the kind of nobody’s going to do it for us. visionary genius that is so distinct and unique, that to this day White sport writers and commentators So when someone like a Richard Williams, whose still choke on giving this man his rightful place in only role models were young thugs like himself and Sports history. whose only mentor appears to have been his mother, (herself the victim of his father’s abuse and neglect), I guarantee you that if Richard Williams were young Richard survived by any means necessary in White every College with a Tennis program would the mean streets of his native, Shreveport, Louisiana. be knocking at his door, the State in which he was In his book, Black and White, - “The Way I see It,” born would build a Tennis facility in his honor, he he admits that as a young boy he stole (mainly from would be invited to coach sons and daughters of whites) in order to survive. He was evidently good gentry, he would be lionized and celebrated in the at it, so after graduating High school, a significant world of Tennis as its only living genius. That doesn’t achievement for young Richard, considering that happen because Richard Williams is “an outlier,” his main objective was hustling in whatever business his achievement was unexpected, unheralded and opportunity worked for him. He made his way unprecedented. How does a Black man with no to Chicago where he seemed to do well, then to history and reputation in the heretofore “lilySouthern California, finally settling his family in white” game of Tennis crash the hallowed space of Compton which was considered a rough and tough Wimbledon the birth place of Tennis, the French neighborhood, but which he considered ideal for Open, the Australian Open and the US Open (with raising his two daughters, Venus and Serena. Richard his two nappy head daughters), winning every major had a vision and a master plan to conquer the trophy and millions of dollars in prize money? That’s Tennis world, so, armed with that in addition to his just flat out intolerable and unacceptable in a white stubborn determination, his unorthodox coaching world of entitlement and succession and rights, “this style and two daughters, he set about doing just that. is our sport Williams, you are not tall and fair with wavy blond hair, you are dark and scary because you The inspiration for Williams bold and audacious cheer loudly for your girls and you talk back to White undertaking began one Sunday afternoon in the late people who hurl insults and racial epithets at them.

1970’s; while watching a Tennis match on television You make comments about unfairness and prejudice, and seeing 25 year old Virginia Ruzici of Romania you speak your mind to us, that’s unacceptable, so pick up a $40,000 purse for winning; Williams did despite your incredible record of achievement as a some further research which convinced him of the coach, mentor, father and the “winningest” sports potential wealth to be made as a professional tennis figure in the world, we’ll remain blind to that.” player. He vowed that should he have two daughters – that’s the game they will play, (I believed he wished The next time I hear any leader, politician or for them). His dream of having two daughters with celebrity who claim the right to speak for us, say

s much as I hate to admit it black fathers

Richard Williams “America is built on a system of meritocracy,” I will remind them that the correct word to use is “idiotocracy.” Only idiots can deny the undeniable, irreversible and indelible record of Richard Williams, the architect, geometrician, coach and genius who rekindled the fading glow of women’s Tennis with the introduction of his daughters in the game and who created and built a new edifice in women’s Tennis that will forever befuddle the minds of the “idiotocracy.”

No one could say it better than Patrick Mouratoglu, who owns his own Tennis Academy and has been Serena’s coach since 2012, (rumored to have been her boyfriend as well), who is also the son of a wealthy Greco- French industrialist, “how can I not respect what he (Williams) did? What he did is unique in the history of Tennis. He got them from kids to become two #1’s in the WORLD.” Editor’s note: I took editorial license in coining the word (idiotocracy) which refers to a collection of bigots, racists and nativists, who deny us our meritocratic rights and privileges.

PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE | 19

FEATURE

The WilliamS Sisters

By MELISSA RAWLINS

T

Richard Williams was more watched as he sat they concentrated on the strings of their rackets in the stands than his daughters playing on the in their hands. Not the opponent. Not the court. His unapologetic candor and complete audience. They were focused! confidence in his girls garnered him as much press as the girls themselves. I am sure that These visual examples of mental strength had the lessons he learned in the Deep South of them perceived as hard, as unfriendly and Louisiana during the Jim Crow era, influenced unsocial: all components of the “angry black how he raised his daughters and the philosophies woman” syndrome. But those of us who know better, recognize survival tactics when we see them. I was fortunate enough to be with Venus and Serena Williams were taught the someone who rolled in THE-E tennis circle game of tennis, at the early age of four, by (RIP Larry Ennett) and bumped into the sisters their father Richard Williams and their mother at the Virgin Mega Store in Times Square, early Oracene Price, in the gang infested ghettos of in their careers, when they were first capturing Compton, California. Before they were even titles and still wearing beads. Venus was so kind able to hold a racket, their fate, decided by their and inviting with smiles for days with a little determined father Richard, was that they would dog in her arms, while Serena was NO JOKE! play tennis professionally and be successful. He began by writing a 78 page plan on how to do it, and then he did it. And when they reached the Serena Williams (L), Venus Williams (R) tender age of 4, they walked onto the glass filled tennis courts of Compton, and into the canons he instilled in them. This is particularly evident of history. when the girls are constantly and critically oday, Venus and Serena Williams are the face of tennis. Whether they win or lose the game, they are an historic force of nature in the tennis arena. When history recounts these phenoms, they will be regarded as among the greatest of all time not only in tennis but in sports at large. But for now, while they are living in that greatness, they must endure.

One of the most interesting elements in the beginning of their story is their father. Richard Williams was born in 1942 in Shreveport, Louisiana. The “aggressive black man” appearance that he wore during the Williams sisters early years can surely be attributed to the trauma of a black southern past. At times, 20 | PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE

slandered for their looks, their style of play, their hair do’s and other non-essential factors of tennis. It seemed as soon as the booing and the racial epitaphs occurred, the girls withdrew inside of themselves to an unreachable safe place. You could even see it inside of the match; when they took a brief pause between volleying,

Venus Williams (L), Richard Williams (C), Serena Williams (R)

FEATURE

Unstoppable Phenoms Serena had won a title the previous day, and there was none of that present. She was tough and unsmiling and begrudgingly obliged us with her autograph.

It is not dissimilar to Tiger Woods in his younger days, often distant, un-engaging yet increasingly the triumphant, unappreciated winner. The tenets of which their Fathers, American born Men of color, instilled in their children, doesn’t seem to ME, any different than those taught by the slave Women of Plantations. “How to live, How to be invisible, How to ignore, And, most certainly, how to survive.”

Recently, Serena Williams was defeated in the US Open semifinals as she was going for the coveted Grand Slam in professional tennis.

The Grand Slam is defined as winning the four biggest tennis tournaments in the calendar year, a feat that has not been accomplished since 1988. Winning it would have garnered her 22nd major title in tennis. That alone is a feat in itself.

However the fact that she lost was much more heralded, and led media conversation.

The every-day trials and tribulations of life seem to have little effect on their tennis game. In 2003 their older sister Yetunde Price was murdered in the Compton area where they grew up. She was shot while sitting in a car with her boyfriend with an AK47 by a 24 year old gang member. In 2001 at the Indian Wells Masters, when Venus withdrew from a match at the last moment due to injury, they were heavily booed by the standing crowd of 15,000 plus well-heeled rich white folks, and the N-word rained upon them.

NOT playing. How absurd!!

I searched for an interview online from that time period, with a very youthful Venus Williams sitting down with a white male sports reporter, who repeatedly called her names, such as animal and ugly, questioning her on if SHE thinks SHE is pretty, (these things I’ve seen and heard for myself ) I was astounded that I could not find that particular interview....because there has been a plethora of the same since!! The deluge of hate/ indifference/sexual mockery that has been directed toward these young women is a frightening lesson in perception. It also brought to mind another pair of Women of color, one also with the name Venus, Saartjie Baartman aka Sarah Bartman aka “Hottentot Venus”.

Saartjie “Sarah” Baartman was the more famous of two Khoikhoi women, displayed in freak show attractions in and around Europe during the 19th century, due to her exotic origin and “highly unusual body features”. She was thick, luscious, and exotic. Heavy hipped with a pronounced posterior; nothing like what the colonizers had in their beds, and it blew their minds to the point where some felt that everybody (Europe) should witness it. Upon her death, her skeleton and preserved genitals and brain were placed in a museum in Paris until 1974. (Sarah Baartman remains were returned from France to her native South Africa and buried on Women’s Day, August 9, 2002, a mere 187 years after she left. In April of 2015, her burial monument was defaced with white paint splashed on it. Police are investigating.

That means don’t hold your breath)

It was so sad it was funny. They hate to see them The Williams sisters of Compton California play, to win, however when the unexpected fate will certainly resemble nothing like these occurred due to injury, they were hated for

Serena Williams (L), Venus Williams (R)

unfortunate Khoikhoi Women of South Africa (the second of which name has been eaten up by history) but some similarities are truly disturbing, the gawking at their bodies, the animal comparisons. The wonderment of it all!

Through time and perseverance and the wisdom of our Grandmothers, who taught us the cultures of our people as we grew in their hands, and the strength of our Fathers, who survived the Cotton belt Deep South, we stand tall on the shoulders of those before us.

Venus and Serena Williams remain seemingly unperturbed on their Tennis throne as visions of grace under fire.

p o T n O the of World PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE | 21

SNAPSHOTS

Serving Our Community is Above All Else

Former Prime Minister of Jamaica, The Honorable Andrew Holnness (L), Clive Williams (R)

22 | PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE

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URBAN CULTURE

An U� and Comin� Author Declares"W.A.R."

By NADINE WALTERS

S

ome of you have already started school this Fall, which means that persuasive essays and term papers are in your near future. If writing is not exactly your strength, there is no need to worry. You’re in luck. Mr. Butler has something to assist you.

In his free e-book, Words Are Real: The Psychology Behind Effective Persuasive Writing, Adika Butler shares 17 years of knowledge and experience that he has personally imparted to successful students, decorated professional writers, and hungry recording artists that have helped them to write more effectively and achieve personal goals. “The triumph of persuasion over brute force marks the erection of manhood and the conception of high culture,” says Butler.

Even if you are not in school, there are some basic tips that Butler offers in this book that you can apply in your daily life to yield advantageous results that are tangible. “My specific goal with this book is to impart useful information that will help you to magnify the seething energies that you already have burning inside of you,” says Butler. “I hope that the words in this 40-page offering will assist in bringing you more money, influence and power over your environment.”

To download Butler’s eBook, free of charge, go to Mind Glow Media at www.ThirdEyeMax.com. If you would like to send him a donation for his work, you can do so via PayPal. Butler’s email address is adikabutler@yahoo. com. No monetary contribution is too small. No monetary contribution is too large. “The decision is yours to make, and I’m extremely confident that your next move will be your best move,” says Butler.

His next book will be for sale, and will have some interesting surprises.

“In the meantime, I’m excitedly declaring W.A.R. (Words Are Real) to show my gratitude to readers who’ve leant their loyal support to me over the years. Your friendship and integrity is never taken for granted. In the spirit of love, I declare W.A.R.!!!”

24 | PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE

PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE | 25

HEALTH & FITNESS

The Changing Faces of

Substance Abuse The Strange Techniques of Addiction

BY STACIE EWING & ECHELLE NORMAN

S

ubstance abuse costs our nation over $600 billion annually, treatment can help to reduce these costs by far more than the cost of the treatment itself. It has been proven that adolescents start to drink at a very young age.

In 2003 the average age for taking their first drink was 14 years compared to 17 1/2 years in 1965. It has been show n that people who started to drink before the age of 15 were four times likely to meet the criteria for alcohol dependence according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

§ “Slimming” involves, using a vodka soaked

dangerous and can cause permanent damage to the individual’s eyesight.

into the rectal cavity.

If you believe you need help you can look online for the drug and alcohol abuse hotline, if you are in New York you can call the Alcoholics and Narcotics Helpline 24 Hours at (212) 431-4431.

tampon, the tampon is soaked in vodka and inserted into the vaginal cavity, the result is Using these techniques allow the alcohol to enter that the alcohol enters the blood stream faster, the blood stream faster than the regular mode without the smell of alcohol on your breath. of ingestion making it easier to overdose and § “The Butt Chug” is a technique used to ingest eventually pass out, but, not before exhibiting beer into the rectal cavity. To do this a clear high risk behaviors that would make individuals plastic tube is connected to a funnel and this take chances that can have a negative impact on causes the beer to be released at a high pressure their lives.

§ The “Eye Ball Shots” this technique is not

Adolescents continue to look for new ways very popular but has been tried by quite a few to ingest alcohol and other drugs. It has been individuals, when using this technique liquor is proven that the faster a drug reaches the brain poured directly into the eye sockets. It is very and enters into the blood stream, the more likely the individual will become addicted. The method of delivery as well as one’s environment and also genetics play an important role. The face of substance abuse has changed in the last 10 years drastically new methods of delivery are being used and certain states have show n that they have a strong preference for a particular drug.

Certain government agencies and advocacy groups have pushed for the needle exchange program making sterile syringes available this is visible way of reducing the spread of such diseases like hepatitis B and C as w ell as HIV infection. Improvements are being made but methods of delivery keep changing.

There are some alarming ways that adolescents have found to ingest alcohol. Some examples include: 26 | PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE

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SELF-HELP Jobs For Individuals With Disabilities About 56.7 million people have some kind of disability, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. If you or someone you care about is ever among them, you may be encouraged to know that despite a U.S. Department of Labor report that says people with disabilities face an unemployment rate of more than 11 percent—double the national average—there is good news. Changes to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 have resulted in increased efforts by employers to recruit candidates with disabilities.

More Opportunities To Work The Rehabilitation Act has supported people with disabilities for more than 40 years by prohibiting the federal government, and businesses that work with the government, known as federal contractors, from discriminating based on a disability. Recent changes to the Act now require these federal contractors to take positive steps to recruit, hire, train, promote, and retain people with disabilities. The changes include a new goal for federal contractors to have

people with disabilities make up 7 percent of their workforce. This means that thousands of the businesses that provide goods and services to the government now need to hire more people with disabilities. These companies are also required to invite job applicants to identify themselves as people with disabilities both during the application phase and after a job offer is extended.

A Ticket to Work Another help is the Social Security’s Ticket to Work program. The program offers free employment support services to people age 18 through 64, who receive disability benefits, and who want to work.

There are 14 million Americans who are eligible for this voluntary program through which they can select a service provider to help them prepare for, and find, a job. The provider may be a state Vocational Rehabilitation Agency or an Employment Network—a public or private organization that contracts with Social Security to provide: • career planning • job leads and job placement • ongoing employment support.

Many of these service providers have been using the change to Section 503 to build relationships with federal contractor employers in their communities to help them locate qualified candidates so that they can meet their recruiting and hiring goals.

Finding A Path To Financial Independence The road to financial independence looks different for each person. Whether joining the workforce for the first time, or returning after a difficult diagnosis, there are challenges that each person must navigate.

Taking advantage of new opportunities related to Section 503, and using the free resources offered through the Ticket to Work program can remove some of the speed bumps on the journey to work.

Learn More For more information about the Rehabilitation Act or the Ticket to Work program, call (866) 968-7842 (V), or (866) 833-2967 (TTY), or visit www.socialsecurity.gov/work.

Courtesy of NAPS

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make a big difference in their lives. If you are the parent of a young man who is turning 18 or if he is a recent immigrant between the ages of 18 and 25, it is important that you make sure that he registers with the Selective Service System.

All male U.S. citizens, immigrants, undocumented aliens and men with dual citizenship within the age group must do so and it is a critical step for young men as they move forward in life.

Why Register?

First and foremost, it is required by law and the failure to do so can result in fines and prison terms, but up and coming young men register for the benefits that registration affords. This year, the Federal Pell Grant program alone has provided over 8 million students with financial aid at a cost of more than $30 billion. To be eligible for federal education funds, young men must be registered with the Selective Service System. It is also required for federal job training programs and permanent jobs with the federal government, including the U.S. Postal Service.

For young male immigrants, it is also a required step for citizenship, and some states even require it for driver’s license application.

How To Register Fortunately, there are also many simple ways to register. More than half the high schools in the nation have a staff member or teacher appointed as a Selective Service Registrar to help register high school students.

He can also register: • Online at www.sss.gov.

• At the post office. “Mailback” registration forms are available at any post office.

A man simply fills it out, signs it, affixes postage and mails it to Selective Service.

He doesn’t even have to involve the postal clerk.

• By mail. He can also register by filling out a Reminder Mailback Card. Selective Service sends this card to many young men around the time they turn 18. A man can fill out the card and mail it directly to Selective Service at: Selective Service System, Registration Information Office, P.O. Box 94638, Palatine, IL 600944638.

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• Check box. By checking “Yes” on the Selective Service Box on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form, you empower the Department of Education to send Selective Service the information.

• Early. It’s possible to submit registration information early, at age 17 years and 3 months or more. Selective Service will keep the information on file and process it automatically, once the man is within 30 days of his 18th birthday, and then send him an acknowledgment card.

Learn More For more facts, visit www.sss.gov.

Courtesy of NAPS PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE | 29

URBAN CULTURE

The

Complexities of Forgiveness

By MARLON PETERSON

“50, ya’ll” Those are the words—a number separated by a contraction, of my comrade, Esther Armah. As this stalwart of journalism, known for the radical concept of Emotional Justice, celebrated her fiftieth birthday, with that declaratory Facebook post along with beautiful selfies, that prove that black don’t crack, I sit in a bagel shop where memories of hate and pain reside—by others towards me. I avoided walking into this place because I was responsible, if even partially, for the repeated trauma and bad dreams of many people. Though this particular location is just a franchise of the actual ground zero of sadness; though this location is in the stomping grounds of my birth; just across the street from where I was raised in apartment 4B on 616 Nostrand Avenue; just three blocks from my elementary school, where despite a horrifying year of bullying I still somehow happened to graduate as valedictorian. Where, now white people walk carefree, and Black people still pace frenetically and worried, as they did when I rode my bicycle along these Crown Heights streets during the late 1980’s and 1990’s. At the convergence of upward mobility in this once forgotten neighborhood, and friends and enemies of my childhood past languish on street corners unemployed— unemployable—uninspired—stagnated—I sit in a Connecticut Muffin writing. Writing about and painfully acknowledging that I was forced to go away for over a decade where despite the hell of contemporary Black male inevitability— prison—I was able to earn a degree, write, teach, 30 | PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE

discover my self-worth, and prepare myself people taking over” to others. for academic conversations around things like emotional justice, feminism, and patriarchy, and This pain that has long evolved beyond guilt, still resonates—maybe like white guilt? Systems whiteness, and social exclusion. of oppression (something else I learned about Light jazz music plays in the background in this in despite being that sickening place of Black muffin shop where people that look like me male inevitability) that make things like armed glance into the space with eyes of awkwardness robbery very viable venues of upward mobility and distance. Gentrification, the term used in for young brothers from places like Crown politically correct arenas, but usually explained as, “white people taking over,” behind closed doors complicates this moment of personal forgiveness. So, I put my headphones on and play some Sizzla, the Praise Ye Jah album, to block out my own hypocrisy of supporting “white people taking,” by buying a cinnamon raisin bagel and Martinelli’s apple juice from this place when I could have easily went to the Jamaican restaurant across the street, right? But I couldn't because I needed to be here in this place where lost, confused, struggling, and hurting Black boys invaded the same muffin shop, but in SoHo over a decade ago, and changed lives forever. So, I needed Sizzla because songs like Dem AhWonder and Homeless and Did You Ever takes me back to a time when the struggle of being young and confused and wanting and lost, all while being Black and male, was vivid—was Heights (before and after we started calling real. The nostalgia of his music allows me to Prospect heights) is to blame for why we are feel my pain of 10:13:99, amid the new Select lost and hurting, still. Bell Hooks, Malcolm Bus Service lane, college town type bar called X, Audrey Lorde, and James, Baldwin taught Nostrand Ave Pub, and this muffin shop that me about these systems. First-hand racism in are all signifiers of upward mobility to some, places like Otisville, Oneida, Green Haven, and and reminders of marginalization to others— Downstate made these theories visible to me. community development to some and “white

“It is in the spirit of restorative justice that I sit in this muffin shop where the marginalization of my people, expressed as “white people taking over,” are really dormant feelings of generational oppression.”

URBAN CULTURE

Yes, the pain my cohorts and I caused (and still causing for some on 10:13:99) are all evident displays of structural oppression that explains why so many Black, Brown, and Indigenous folks are hurting and hurting others the world over. This disaster of (dis)order of white supremacist capitalist patriarchy is why in places like Laventille, Trinidad and Soweto, South Africa and New Orleans, Louisiana, hurting Black folks rank high at the margins of society.

I understand why gentrification invites visceral feelings of white hatred—it makes us feel less; it makes us feel wrong and guilty for observing that the neighborhood seems safer when white people move in, though crime reduction is monolithic problem that is obfuscated by many things—not just white people moving into the hood. Intellectually, I understand that now.

Yet, 10:13:99, is not and should not be felt as simply a machination of systemic oppression.

10:13:99, for some is the reminder of the seed of depression, lost love, new fear, and understood hate—partially because of me. For some, the nightmares of that evening ruined good memories of past 10:13:99’s. Where some remembered that day as their wedding anniversary or birthday, they now ominously associate that day with death, and bullets, and reckless abandon. That day, not much unlike this day for some who live near this Connecticut Muffin franchise in Crown Heights, is filled with pain and hurt. Whether it is the ritualistic illustration of whiteness exemplified through Black marginalization experienced as gentrification, or Black boys ruining 10:13:99 for dozens, maybe scores, of people, it is all hurt.

for forgiveness. It is in the spirit of restorative justice that I sit in this muffin shop where the marginalization of my people, expressed as “white people taking over,” are really dormant feelings of generational oppression. I write this at the crossroads of a corner bodega where once lost and hurting Black youths posted up in their baddest screw-face and employed in the underground economy, now give wind to two middle-aged and balding white men. I offer this solemn request for forgiveness as I see a past enemy who once was one of the best basketball players in the neighborhood, but, now daily languishes drunk on the corner as an ornament of the past, standing juxtaposed to a twenty-something year old white woman carrying her laundry. It is in this place where Sizzla comforts me with Dem Ah Wonder I ask for forgiveness from 10:13:99, because I know we as complicated and fragile young Black boys ruined it for so many and perpetuated the complexity and often-horrid nature of our human experience.

centers worldwide; why they silently despise those who intrude their space of confusion and pain; why Treach from Naughty said, “if you aint’ from the ghetto, then stay the f*ck outta the ghetto!” There is no equanimity for the oppressed or the oppressor. There is only hoped forgiveness which begins a messy and difficult process of healing.

“50, y’all.”

Marlon Peterson is a writer and activist and founder of the Precedential Group, a social justice consulting firm. Follow him on Twitter @marlon_79.

It is in within the confines of these experiences that I celebrate my comrade's, Esther Armah’s fiftieth revolution around this planet. It is within the memories and consternation of that inescapable past that I celebrate my coming trek into a new year. It is a forgiveness that is forever conditional.

It is with this ask of forgiveness that I remember my friend, once also lost, who shares daily reminders of fifty, not because of a birthday or wedding anniversary, but because his life is now relegated to a sentence of 50 years-to life in prison because his contribution to the It is for that hurt that I ask for forgiveness. It trauma of 10:13:99. This all messy; this is why is for the visceral pain, trauma, hate, and so many folks walk frenetically through these depression now attributed to 10:13:99 that I ask streets in ghettoes and prisons and detention

Marlon Peterson PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE | 31

HEALTH & FITNESS

If You Can Count To Two, You Can Control Calories

by KAY-ANNIE REID, CPT

N

owadays a plethora of information is available to us, alongside a barrage of daily advertisements geared towards getting in shape, losing weight, and counting calories. The problem is they are “one-size-fits-all,” regardless of gender. So for us real humans, just try fitting your posterior into a one-size, gender-neutral pair of jeans...doesn’t fit, right? Then why buy a diet or nutrition plan geared towards everyone instead of understanding what works for you and more importantly, your gender?

Facts: The average person consumes either less than 1,500 or more than 3,000 calories daily, inclusive of their energy intake. That means that the average person is either calorically deficient or overweight. Irrespective of which side of the spectrum these individuals occupy, approximately 25% or more of their caloric intake (mainly attributed to glucose (sugar) and sodium (salt)), comes from beverage rather than food consumption.

But let’s be honest, calorie counting is one of the most tedious, and complicated ways to control our food portions. Let me tell you, as a fitness professional, sometimes I just want to eat in peace without having to scrutinize food packages for how much diabetes (sugar) I would like with my serving of high blood pressure (sodium) for the day. Or worse, weigh and measure everything, as I am sure a few of you do as well. The kicker is, unless you are in the nutrition field, or have learned how to decipher food labels in order to understand how much is too much, then the effort is an uphill battle. The dilemma poses the questions: (a) Is calorie counting necessary? And, (b) How can one do it easily, without having to be a magician or a mathematician?

First, bear in mind that depending on your gender, age, activity level and frame, your caloric needs differ. Therefore, Yes – calorie counting is important in maintaining a healthy weight. The recommended gender-based daily allowances are as follows:

*The above are listed for information purposes only and are not intended for use as substitution or medical diagnosis. Always consult your physician prior to starting any exercise programs or nutritional plans

Continues on page 34...

32 | PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE

SELF-HELP Protecting And Recovering Your Wages

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OPEN 11AM - 5:30AM For too many workers in the U.S., a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work doesn’t ring true. That’s especially the case in certain sectors of the economy including construction, food service, agriculture, janitorial, retail and hospitality. Too often, employers mistakenly or intentionally deny workers the wages to which they are legally entitled, such as the minimum wage and overtime.

That’s where the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division comes in. The agency enforces federal labor laws. If it investigates and finds that an employer failed to pay at least the minimum wage and overtime, it can recover unpaid wages on behalf of workers.

The Wage and Hour Division wants to make sure those wages are quickly handed over to the workers who earned them, yet finding workers can sometimes be a challenge.

But there’s now a new online tool called Workers Owed Wages. It’s available in English and Spanish and allows workers or their advocates to find out—through a set of user-friendly questions—if they are owed wages currently held as the result of an investigation.

We Re-Invented Soup with...

To use the Workers Owed Wages tool, visit http://webapps.dol.gov/wow.

For more information on wage laws or to file a complaint, visit www. dol.gov/whd or call (866) 4-USWAGE. Courtesy of NAPS

PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE | 33

HEALTH & FITNESS ...Continued from page 32 Second, the focus this month is on de-mystifying calorie counting by sharing simple ways to control your portions by knowing how to count to TWO, or with one hand behind your back – and they’re gender specific! ● Men

(Photo Credit: Precision Nutrition) ● Women

(Photo Credit: Precision Nutrition)

Finally, you can now know with certainty that no matter where you go you are equipped with a tool that allows you to exercise portion control without packing a scale. Want more information on how to manage your food consumption or decipher food labels? Email me at bustamovefitnesspt@gmail.com, follow me on Instagram @bustamovefitness, or find me on Facebook at bustamovefitnessinc for more health and wellness tidbits. Until next time, live well and stay well for the health of it.

34 | PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE | 35

The Pulse of the Caribbean People

Presents...

The Delaware Valley Voice

36 | PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE

POLITICS/COMMUNITY Jannie L. Blackwell

A Servant of the People Politician - Educator - Advocate

By CALLISTA REGIS

J

annie L. Blackwell, a Pennsylvanian native

has served as councilwoman for five terms. Her journey into politics began several years ago and was inspired by her husband Mr. Lucien Blackwell.

They met many years ago when she was an educator, at the time, he was a politician. After a while, Mrs. Blackwell made a decision which would change the course of her life forever - she left her education job to support her husband’s political career, soon she too became involved in politics. The merger of ambition and personalities led Councilwoman Blackwell and her husband to become the first couple to be elected on the same day. He was elected to congress and she was elected to the city council, an achievement which in many ways led to tremendous positive shifts in Philadelphia.

As a Councilwoman, her main focus was community development, part of which concentrated on motivating the people she served – “to own the city”. The emphasis on community development manifested in many ways and was inspired by many factors. Delores Mohammed was one phenomenal

woman who inspired Councilwoman Blackwell to start Echoes of Africa, after many African vendors in South West Philadelphia had been forcibly displaced by new businesses. Because the vendors affected lacked an understanding of what their rights were, Councilwoman Blackwell organized several meetings to empower the African community regarding their rights. This endeavor led to the creation of Echoes of Africa, a phenomenal organization which has impacted Philadelphia and beyond in remarkable ways.

commissioned a drastic change in policy direction so that issues of access to education and to increased equality for disadvantaged groups was addressed.

Councilwoman Blackwell is evidently a formidable politician who has gained a reputation for her work and changes in legislation which has made Philadelphia a better place. As part of her continued drive to bring change and increase community participation, she partnered with the Caribbean Culture Commission on education and media initiatives.

Her desire to impact Philadelphia led to the creation of a number of other initiatives including: The Today, we salute a woman of integrity, compassion Lucien E. Blackwell Homes which facilitates access and virtue Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell! to affordable housing; West Philly on the Move which extended her vision for affordable housing but also includes a job and business development concentration. Councilwoman Blackwell has also led numerous initiatives locally, nationally and internationally. Strategically tackling the Ebola epidemic, health issues, language barriers and international trade are examples of the significant impact she has made in many communities. As an experienced educator, she has also led change in many aspects of education system in Philadelphia.

Certainly, as the co-founder of the Mayor’s Commission on African and Immigrant Affairs, she Councilwoman Jannie L. Blackwell PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE | 37

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