2020-2021 Young Hollywood the Next Generation

LONR

Young Shann

Lady Lady by Masego (2018)

 

 

 

 

This time throughout the pandemic has allowed all of the creative souls to recharge, revamp, and put all of our creative brains to use at this time. I was missing a lot of artists who were just zooming through and breaking out all of this new music. I have been wanting to discuss these new stars cause I see a lot of potential in them. Due to the pandemic many recording artists have taken upon themselves to do performances where they may be doing more intimate and private concerts. Social media and streaming live performances has become a new outlet to get their music out there. They may have to even consider doing zoom just to get their voice out these days. It has changed the entire dynamic of the performing arts community and how the business conducts themselves. There were live performances of all genres that were expected to resume and to be performed all across the globe. However performances became either virtual, taped, pre-recorded so it wouldn't affect the health risk of audiences. In a way going virtual and focusing on artists in the digital realm has allowed new breakout artists to be discovered during this time. It's giving them a chance to shine. 

 

LONR

Let’s start with the suave, mysterious LONR his stage name stands for (LAND OF NOTHING REAL), an artist who broke on the scene with his ethereal, romantic, and dreamy song featuring Grammy winner, H.E.R. I am loving this song I have it on rotation on Pandora, YouTube, and every streaming service you can name because he’s incredibly talented. Ladies and Gentlemen I would like to introduce you to LONR (Land of nothing real) who is extremely talented and has made his mark he’s earned two Grammy awards for collaborating with H.E.R and songwriting with other artists. I spotted LONR on this year’s 2020’s BET Awards I fell in love with the song when I saw it debuted. He and Masego caught my attention immediately. There’s a dreamlike, ethereal, and beautiful melodic escape to his music. LONR takes you to a place where it’s you and your BAE all day someone far away and there’s just blue skies, not a cloud in sight, sunshine, palm trees, great drinks and food, and good vibes. I heard this song and just wanted to embrace the lyrics of “Make the Most” featuring H.E.R. “I want to feel your soul….I want to grow old with you make the most with you”. I saw him he’s a handsome guy the ladies will definitely love his vibe. He has something that is rare and special. You have an artist who can not only sing, but can write lyrics that can connect with everyone that’s pretty remarkable and special. His songs make you want to call up every local radio station dee-jay and radio personality to say “Play that again”. This is one of those songs you will hear playing at a barbecue, a prom, a wedding, sweet 16, quinceaneras, and more. You have to dedicate this song to the one who steals your heart and takes your breath away. A little about LONR he’s from Los Angeles, California but grew up in Cape Cod, Massachusetts he grew up in a family full of creative talented musicians and writers. LONR has already won two Grammy awards for her collaboration with H.E.R for “Make the Most” and the song is streaming online, playing consistently on the radio as well. Make sure you check out his music online and stay tuned for other projects.

 

MASEGO

Real name is …..Micah Davis was born in Kingston, Jamaica on June 7, 1993 and grew up in non denominational Christian church and was raised by his Jamaican father and African American mother who is entrepreneur and pastor. His father was in the air force. Masego grew up listening to classically trained soulful artists, classic artists of the twentieth century like composer, Cab Calloway studying the melodies and instruments of his huge brass bands and song lyrics. He used some of his music techniques to create his songs. Masego has already made an impact with his songs. This year’s BET Awards he debuted with his performance, “Queen Tings” a live version that set the stage on fire.  I fell in love with “Queen Tings” and “Lady Lady” I have been playing consistently on Pandora, YouTube, and other streaming services because he has that musical gift. He doesn’t just compose and play. He’s actually writing lyrics, songs that carry meaning, and he’s bringing a lot to the table. Check out his music and listen to “Lady Lady” his first LP which debuted September 7, 2018 and look out for his second album just came out November 13, 2020 titled “Studying Abroad” already has a song hitting the airwaves and streaming “Veg Out”., “Silver Tongued-Devil”, “Passport”, “King’s Rant” and “Mystery Lady” featuring Sheensea have already made their way on social media and videos have been posted featuring new performances of his songs.

My favorite songs of his has to be “Lady Lady”, “Queen Tings” feat. Tiffany Bouche, “Old Age”, “Tadow”, and “Black Love” the lyrics of Black Love are beautiful so fitting and perfect for a couple on their wedding day or a special occasion. His songs have been released and he’s making his presence known in the industry. He has a different look I haven’t seen with other artists they really developed him as a full package with his style eclectic colorful silk shirts, jackets, pants, fitting suits, he has a laid back but stylish appeal that will attract different fans in his audience. He’s bringing back a likeness for Jazz, Reggae, Funk, and Soul music that his fans will connect to when they are dancing and partying. I can hear “Black Love” being played at many weddings and used in video productions.

YOUNG SHANN

Young Shann a new artist making her way has already been making her way with her new song “Better” was released this fall and her music has been put on display and featured for new artists to watch on the rise. I personally like the song it’s relatable considering she mentions the struggle in relationships between two people who may want to make things work but one party is messing up or not giving the other what they are looking for too.  I love when an artist comes out and instantly you hear a song on the radio, see a video on the internet, and you can connect with the song instantly. That’s the power of music is being able to find your voice in a song and your listeners connecting right away.

Make sure you follow of these new artists on your social media page @masego, @1lonr, @youngshann you can follow them on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Snapchat, Tik Tok, and all social media platforms.

"It's official he's a certified loverboy" Drake's new album coming January 2021

The Certified Loverboy drops January 2021

 

He has one of the most distinctive and recognizable voices. Who knew that a young actor who was starring on a teen drama would become of the most successful rappers and artists of the millennial generations? He is a representation of America at this time a human snapshot of what African American/Biracial men are in the country. He grew up with a Jewish mother and an African American father. I am talking about no one other than Aubrey Drake Graham better known to his fans by his middle name as Drake. He was born October 24, 1986 in Toronto, Canada. It was destined for him to work in the creative arts and music field. His father Dennis Graham was a percussionist for Rock & Roll legend and Hall of Famer, Jerry Lee Lewis, his paternal uncle was a bassist for Sly and the Family Stone. Drake’s mother was part of a very musical family. Family fact his grandmother baby sat the future “Queen of Soul”, Aretha Franklin. So it seems it was written in the stars for Drake to find himself in the entertainment world. Drake got a hand when he was in his high school a classmate of his just happened to have a father who was an entertainment agent. His classmate told his father and next thing Drake landed a role in 2001 for the Canadian teen drama series, Degrassi: The Next Generation. He starred as “Jimmy ‘Wheelchair Jimmy’ Brooks” who becomes permanently wheelchair bound when he is shot by a classmate.

Drake loved acting so much his attention was taken away from his academics and he wanted to pursue acting further and focused on acting career. He starred on Degrassi from eight years and left the show in 2009. He decided to focus on his music career. In 2006 he released his first mixtape, “Room for Improvement” and sold a modest 6,000 sales. He followed that with a 2007 follow up, “Comeback Season”. Towards the end of his career with Degrassi he considered a normal nine to five job. His luck gave him another hand again. He received an unexpected phone call from Lil’Wayne who asked him to join him on his Carter III tour during that time he was taken under Lil Wayne’s wing. He became a mentor to him and he was groomed further for the switch from the acting world to the rap world. He released “Best I Ever Had” a song dedicated to his former significant others. “Best I Ever Had” reached number two on the Billboard Charts in 2009 and he followed up with another smash hit, “Successful”, ft. Trey Songz. It was a smash hit and went gold and made it to the Rolling Stone magazine’s 25 best songs on 2009. I remember that the whole Young Money record label, squad and Drake as a solo artist had hits playing consistently on the radio, the internet, and social media platforms. My friends and I were dancing partying to these songs at nightclubs from New York, Jersey, and Las Vegas.  So Thank you Drake you gave us the soundtrack to our lives for many summers and you still are. On June 15, 2010 “Thank Me Later” Goes Number One and Take Care his sophomore LP wins a Grammy. He earns the title as a “The Prince of Hip Hop”.

If you listen to how many hits Drake had during this time on his first album I can say honestly probably every song was a hit actually. He had A list stars on his album featured executive produced his album along with him. He had Swizz Beats, Alicia Keys, Timothy “Timbaland” Mosley, Lil Wayne, Jay-Z, and so many other producers were featured on his debut album. His millions of fans today say “Where did this Drake go?” what happened to this star. He still has that swag, star quality, and confidence in his lyrics. As he’s evolved as an artist but he took a different turn in his career it was more about battling other hip hop artist throughout his career. He has had some controversy as he has evolved as an artist. Feuds with other artist in his inner circle, even artist he collaborated with like Kanye, Jay-Z, and more.  His battles never lasted long though he continued to pursue his career and evolved as an artist. In 2013, he followed up with “Started from the Bottom” from his 2013 hit album, “Nothing was the same”. He followed up and managed to continue slamming the Billboard charts. He released several mixtapes in between and collaborated with other artist like Alicia Keys, Rihanna, The Dream, Future, Tyga, The Game, and many more. In 2015, he went back into the studio and followed up with his fourth studio album, “Views” it debuted in the spring of 2016 at Number 1 again with the famous and well known hit, everyone remembers, “Hotline Bling” even AT&T got in on the song and SNL did a parody as well.

He has done nothing but continue to make smash hit after hit. 2018 he released one of my other favorite albums, ”Scorpion” with “Nice for What” a song dedicated to all of the strong, independent, successful women who really shouldn’t let anyone ever try to disrespect or take advantage of who they are. I love that song there’s something about his lyrics is he always adds a few lyrics that stick to women’s minds. One of my personal favorites is “Fancy” he wrote and recorded with “Swizz Beats”, “T.I.”. He has an appreciation for women if you pay attention he’s observant and he knows how to make you feel confident in his bars he spits over his verses. Pay close attention the next time he is speaking to the women on a level you never even realize. So I appreciate that in his lyrics.  One thing I admire about him as a writer is you can tell everything comes from an authentic place. There’s no one saying ok change this, or we can change his image here. His image is more of a rapper who will make you think critically, he can finesse you in his lyrics, but still make you want to party, dance, and play his music for other people too. I have to give it to him he shocked and impressed me when he teamed up with Chris Brown on “No Guidance” stayed consistently on radio, internet streaming via social media, and music streaming allowed the song to stay on Billboard charts for 24 weeks. This was a surprise but it allowed people to see he had grown and evolved where he can shut down rumors, gossip stories, blog entertainment stories. He can show that I can collaborate with anyone if I want to continue transforming and expanding as a recording artist.

So from “Thank Me Later” to “Certified Lover Boy” he has grown and he’s in a different lane in his career. After 10 years and more he has proven himself as an all around entertainer and hip-hop recording artist. I would love to ask why “Certified Lover Boy”? Because of his ability to sing and rap in his songs, his connection to his female audience, or because his image has evolved and changed since then he knows how to connect to a wide range of people and his fans too. He appreciates a range of music you can hear it in the musical influences he’s had in his songs. He doesn’t sound like anyone else in his songs. He has an original sound in his music. Certified Loverboy is going to give his fans a different side to his music. It’s a celebration of his glory days. You can hear it on “Laugh Now Cry Later”, “Life’s Good” ft. Future.  You see that he’s now in a place of creating and making great music for his projects.

From looking at Drake’s interviews, music videos, and projects this is what sums up his career, his work ethic, and how he approaches his music.

I would say this is the best way to define him as a hip-hop artist in this generation. He can battle women and men in the rap game and still come out on top. He can finesse the ladies and stomp on the chest of his male rap counterparts through rapping his bars.

“No competition against anyone he just want to create challenges to become an evolutionary and a well orchestrated artist”. He’s up to taking himself and his music into different genres and areas. That’s part of becoming a recording artist you’re not afraid to work with different people, genres, tempos, musical beats, live music, and using authentic moments for your songwriting. So get ready to turn up, get lit, get lifted, party, dance, have fun, and appreciate the artist and person who creates the music.

Certified Loverboy comes out January 2021. Stay tuned for more information visit http://www.drakerelated.com and http://www.ovosound.com 

Check out the Certified Loverboy athleisure outfits online. Also follow him on all social media platforms.

 

 

Soul Train Lady of Soul Honors 2020 goes to R&B songstress, Monica

Remember something in life dreams come true. They always do. This was summer 2006 when I met Monica in NYC at her listening party for her album, "Makings of Me"

 

 

 

I was smiling and cheesing like a Cheshire cat when I found out one of my singing heroes was going to be honored for this year’s Soul Train’s “Lady of Soul Honor Awards”. I constantly tell people this story because it is a true testimony to me about dreams coming true and becoming a reality. You just have to believe in timing, the place, faith, and that anything can become a reality.  I always loved to sing growing up and didn’t realize it until I was about 3 I would sing here and there but didn’t really start letting it out until about 6 or 7. I remember seeing this girl she was skinny tall with short hair and she had the huge soulful voice. She was so pretty and she was singing about “Don’t take it personal (Just one of them days)”. I was probably watching BET I believe at the time and then I realized that she was going to become one of my influences in music, songwriting, singing, and even style. I emulated her and admired her voice. She didn’t sound 14 years old that’s how old she was when I discovered her. I didn’t realize oh my god. She’s 14! What but she sang like a woman who has lived two lifetimes.

I am talking about Monica I used to sing Monica songs growing up to my classmates and friends. We would be singing all of the time outside or inside class probably driving our teachers crazy. I remember in 1998 when the Boy is Mine came out, her second album and The Boy is Mine ft. Brandy went global. Brandy’s “Never Say Never” came out and I wore my poor c.d.s out. I would even sing against some of the girls in my class as we pretended to be Monica and Brandy in their feisty duet about a womanizing young man. So now that she is being honored I am so thrilled for her completely. I met her in person in 2006 in New York City she was in town to promote her album, “The Makings of Me” it was her listening party and my stepfather invited me along to be there with my friend. They asked me if I wanted to ask her a question I figured sure of course. I was so damn nervous heart pumping but something told me just go for it this is a big moment for you. It was that moment helped launched my journalism career. I used that experience and moment for one of my articles in college. I wrote about her album “The Makings of Me” and it was featured in our entertainment section for the October 2006 issue one of my first published articles. So that life changing moment will always live in my heart. I have been fortunate to meet or see many celebrities in person. So when you meet someone who really influenced you at young age it was mind blowing. I was 19 when I met her. I was literally just finding and discovering what kind of journalism did I want to study. I was always drawn to the arts, music, and creative fields growing up. I knew I was going to be a writer at some point but I didn’t realize I would be meeting one of my singing heroes face to face was surreal. I still can’t forget it and I probably will not I keep her autographed photo in one of my family photo albums.

That meeting struck something inside me that summer I remember I came back ready to attack and it gave me a jolt to pursue this field of music and journalism. I had to bridge the two of them together. I am glad I did and I continue to follow her career and music. Now fast forward 14 years later Monica is a mother of three children: Romelo,15  Rocco,12 and Laiyah, 7 are her three children, she has 7 albums her belt, has been featured on songs with Keyshia Cole, Usher, Brandy, and many more people. Grammy nominations, BET nominations, and Billboard achievements have never gone unnoticed. She can also add businesswoman and actress to her entertainment resume as well. She was featured on “Felicity”, “ATL”, “Khloe & Lamar”, “Family Hustle”, and many other shows. Monica’s amazing soulful and classically trained voice can light and uplift you instantly. She has elegance, she has always had the stylish quality in her fashion with her 5 feet 8 inch frame. She’s always looked like a model but then she has the tough quality a strength its pretty incredible because everything she has been through in her personal life. She channels that into her lyrics. That’s the best thing about a recording artist they can always pull through the pain, the hurt, the rawness, the love, the real emotions, all of those emotions you feel in your heart, your mind, happen for a reason. You have to pull everything to make it your songs connect your audience. She’s one of those artists who knows how to pull in her female audience where they can go “Yeah girl I can relate” you can identify with her and also feel empowered. Then she can woo her male audience with her lyrics and make them feel her appreciation for the hardworking, supportive, and loving men out there too. So to Monica congratulations on this award I am a big fan and so proud of my girl who inspired me a few moons ago when I was a little girl sitting in my room watching BET singing and dancing with my cousins in my living room to your songs. I hope one day I get to sit down professionally to meet you and discuss your journey through music to now.

 

Now please listen to this amazing Songstress’s melodic and powerful voice here are some of my favorite hit songs and some of yours too.

Follow Monica on all of her social media platforms Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and visit her website at  http://www.monica.com. Also visit her Be Human Foundation to help with benefits for all different communities with the most important essential needs they need for themselves and within their community. 

The Rebirth of Business during the Pandemic

 

The one thing I have noticed within the six months that sent us leaving the corporate world and into our home lives. Is that do you notice businesses they were impacted but that major conglomerates were not impacted as much as people think they were. If you look at the bigger picture do you remember the long lines of people who were waiting to buy food, clothing, and other essential items in the lines going all the way back to parking lots or the end of the grocery stores and other buildings.

Businesses were not really impacted in that way because remember they were still receiving customers who needed items for their households. Some people were walking out of their stores with racks of items. You do remember the toilet paper, Lysol thieves who were trying to rack up with all of the bottles on the shelves that it made the cost of Lysol go up to $7.00 dollars and they increased it online too. Now why am I mentioning this because you have to remember that in the end it’s still business and it still affects the economy. Whether if you were spending money online, going to brick and mortar buildings, or you were going in person to buy items.

It is all relative to the economy it really never stopped the cycle when it came to business. Part of the businesses that were impacted was major corporations with their employees. Employees were let go obviously due to health precautions for everyone to remain safe at home to prevent the virus. The department of health offices suggested we would all have to remain at home with our families. Do you notice even with the generous amount of unemployment checks from the CARES ACT and the FEMA Relief program that business really didn’t stop actually. People became more creative and innovative to find ways to stay afloat. Whether you are an entrepreneur, working in retail, merchandising, fashion, tech business, phone carrier business, or customer service you notice they bounced back in different ways. They were still making profits from customers who were home or who risked their lives to make sure the economy stayed afloat.

So I noticed after looking at the amount of money that was given to me. I am saying given because this was an unexpected gift believe me. I was working making a decent salary that I would have been able to put some money to the side before I was laid off  due to the pandemic and I knew ok this is going to impact my income and what I need to make for the future. The blessing for me was I worked the whole year before and prior so I felt secure because I knew I could apply for unemployment and I would be able to rely on it until we are able to go back to the office in the future and to continue on with my other jobs. So I applied along with the other 20 million people who decided to apply as well. So while I was collecting my unemployment benefits one thing I noticed was business never really ceased at all.  The one thing I noticed with people found more innovative ways to help the economy and small business to continue earning some profits.

People created masks at home, making designs from fabrics that would protect others faces. That would be breathable and manageable when they were out in public. People have been matching masks to their outfits coordinating everything as they go along throughout their day. Now aside from street vendors, online vendors who have been using apps to sell that helped a lot with the tech world, fashion industries, and business. Major conglomerates like Target, Wal-Mart, You Tube, and Staples have all been profiting during this pandemic and able to not lose business. Staples stores were  selling stationery, office supplies, fax machines, laptops, printers, and book bags. They were making money with their rental computer service from customers. Every customer who I saw I noticed and I paid attention they were money while people were not just working from home. They would come inside the Staples stores and benefit from their business too.  They also were selling PPE for Covid-19 protection. Making sure to restock for all of their customers.

Remember I saw how the city shut down in March and I paid attention to how the reopening happened in July with the curbside pickup, the outdoor seating for restaurants, and how it played a part for everyone. Everyone has been impacted by the rebirth of business in the pandemic. Remember every time you walk into a store you’re supporting a business and company. It’s not just about you but that owner and the founder of that business. So it made me reevaluate how I deal with business in every industry. That’s what made me realize how people have not been hurting as much as we think they were. People were just finding other ways to start businesses for themselves and keep other companies afloat. So in a way we did come together whether you are a small mom and pop shop, a major conglomerate, or an online website who is earning profit. You know that people were finding a way to keep  surviving throughout the pandemic. So in a way we have reached a rebirth of business in this chaotic, confusing, and difficult time. There has been a silver lining when it comes to business.

Here are some businesses I notice they are not going anywhere….they are staying afloat and will continue to make creative strides with the times. These are stores are in New York City and throughout the country that I have been supporting and will continue to support as we come out of the rebirth of  the economy, corporate life, employment, and business.

 

1.      Hilton they offered all essential employees discounts and assisted them with their lodging and visits whether they were traveling or some people needed a break.

2.      YouTube.com- they have been helping parents teach their children virtually and have been keeping us entertained.

3.      Target

4.      Amazon.com

5.      Online fashion boutique stores many of these businesses affect the business industries in China. Rosewe.com, Chicme.com, Shein.com

6.      Discount stores for clothing for women/men-Danice, Rainbow Shops, and Joyce Leslie, Burlington, and Marshalls. These companies continue to receive customers daily.

7.      United States Postal Service/Fed Ex/UPS these companies never waivered when it came to lack of customers. They continue to earn support in business.

8.      Grocery stores because of their essential need for our survival for nutrients, healthy eating habits, and to benefit our energy and exercise. They were the primary stores that we needed. Special Thank you to Fairway, Whole Foods, Key Food, Morton Williams, Aldi’s, Stop & Shop, Shop Rite, and Cherry Valley for making sure they practiced social distancing guidelines and they kept all of us healthy during this time. They didn’t get scared or close off they stuck in the fight for all of us.

9.      Ebay.com one of the major websites that really have helped during this time with benefits for consumers.

10.  America’s Best I want to thank them for their business and service. Not only providing people with their eye glass and contact lens exams but also they practiced social distancing guidelines by separating their chairs and keeping everyone separate. Also providing temperature checks. 

11.  Home Depot- we have been quarantined those who have been home they have been redecorating their homes and able to reinvent their houses. They aren’t losing any customers at all and they have received business too.

12.        Barnes and Noble they are still profiting practicing social distance guideline, curbside pickup, and if you enter their stores they require you wear your mask as well. They haven’t been hurting because people have been reading at home of all ages and backgrounds. Preparing their kids for school whether they enter class part-time, or will continue learning virtually at home. The point we can never have too much information and knowledge.

13.   Nike.com- they’re not going anywhere they still continue to strive as well.  People need sneakers, athletic, and leisure wear when they are exercising and working out at home or in public.

14.   New York City Transit System-buses, LIRR, Metro-North, and subway lines/New York Taxis- They can’t go anywhere we need them for everything in order to survive, get around the city. 

15.  Spectrum-Thank you for continuing to provide great service-I just wanted to give you a shout out because you have been providing everyone with internet, business, and cable service. Plus they offered discounts for businesses who were impacted financially, closed their small businesses and stores. They offered discounts for all of their new customers who needed assistance financially to restart their business.

16.   Duane Reade/Walgreens/CVS Pharmacy-they’re keeping us alive during this time so you have to thank all of these stores and their employees who made sure they kept everyone safe and healthy.

17.  Beauty/Hair Supply Stores-they found a way even if they opened the stores partially or worked part-time. They made sure that every woman or man could continue to look decent. You have to thank them cause they keep us feeling great emotionally, mentally, and psychologically.

18.  Dunkin Donuts-keeping people energized, alive, and awake during this busy time.

19.  Travel web sites creating discounts for everyone who needed to get away. Amtrak, Airline websites. You have to thank them for providing great service and making sure they stayed afloat.

20.   The most important essential business obviously are our hospitals so thank you to all of the people who are waking up every day and coming into your office to support the thousands of people every single day who need you during this pandemic whether it is not related to Covid-19 or not.  They can’t go anywhere because we need them every single day and obviously that relationship will always be reciprocal. We need them for ever major life event and when they unexpected happens in our journey. So thank you to everyone around the globe staying up late, waking up early leaving your comfortable bedside, you are the true heroes, and are making the greatest sacrifice for everyone.

 

More Justice More Peace

Ahmaud Arbery

Trayvon Martin

Breonna Taylor

George Floyd

Michael Brown 

May 23, 2020 a day that once again changed the African American community and enraged the entire globe when 43-year old George Floyd was intentionally murdered in front of the whole entire world while they recorded and filmed the entire thing without even a distraction to stop them or to even bring pause. Flash forward we all mourned his death along with his brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, his daughter, his whole family, and the entire community of Minneapolis, North Carolina, and Houston, Texas. George Floyd who was just an ordinary man who was a security guard life was cut short really for no illegal reason. Just because he was an African American 6 foot 6 man who was targeted by a police officer who was familiar with his face. We all mourned, we cried, we celebrated his life, A list celebrities came by to pay their respects to a man they never met, just heard his story, and they felt sympathy for his entire family and community. Tiffany Haddish, William Packer, Ludacris, Tyrese, Jamie Foxx, Kevin Hart, Reverend Al Sharpton, Al B. Sure, and a whole slew of celebrities came by to share their grief and support. They believe in the undying fight for justice. It’s still not over this is not something that will just happen overnight.

            This will take tireless days and nights, weekends, the government, every single neighborhood, every community organization and leader will have to get involve.  They need to establish Social and Communication Programs to show and teach every police precinct and all law enforcement. Show them the proper protocol interacting with different pedestrians. They may want to consider advanced training with dealing with public, proper body camera training when they are considering entering every single home. The police enforcement every officer is offered a body camera when they go to any kind of crime scene. Yet you notice although they have cameras on their bodies. They aren’t monitoring the fact that they have their bosses and their precinct plus hundreds of other cameras monitoring them on their cell phones with each move they make. It’s one thing to sit and watch your co-worker handle the situation but the situation became escalated with George Floyd and Rashad Brooks’s cases. These were innocent men minding their own business and each of these men were not breaking any laws at all. It’s incredible to me that these people were targeted. I understand with Rashad’s case he was mistaken for being inebriated inside the garage of a Wendy’s restaurant in Atlanta, Georgia. Let’s just keep it real though anyone who’s at a fast food restaurant and has come to get something to eat while they may have been slightly intoxicated. They were not targeted directly, electrocuted by a taser, or murdered at night.  To everyone we all notice that two officers who abused their authority and power. They used no kind of logic, no real empathy in this situation. It wasn’t even a case where the man was directly targeting them. They were having a bleak moment and figured they would cause harm and inconvenience to an innocent African American man. It was a situation that has already added a ton of kerosene to an inferno. It’s quiet for now but for the past month it is been peaceful protests, an uproar from everyone around the country disgusted and enraged by these senseless acts against George Floyd, Rashad Brooks, Ahmad Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and the hundreds of other souls who have passed away decade after decade due to an unfair justice system. How do we make this right? Everyone needs to stop focusing on the color of the skin and focus on the situation instead. We all need to put on our human glasses not our race glasses. It’s a chance for people to see that we have been abused, mistreated, discriminated against and certain people suddenly get amnesia when they forget oh we are part of the country who helped build and establish the livelihoods and success as immigrants and as minorities who sailed across the Atlantic to come to America. How can you forget we are descendants of the people who came across this country that added cool, flair, a spicy concoction to this great country. If it weren’t for all of these minorities America would simply be made up of just pure wonder bread. Now you figure that out. We deserve more justice, more peace! More Justice, More Peace for every American who is born in a hospital or at home on American soil, who’s family started small business or multi billion dollar conglomerates, who wiped the noses and behinds of small children, and cleaned every single home. We deserve to see more justice and more peace. Quit killing innocent men and women. Focus on the ones who need professional medical attention and legal repercussions put against them.

I am calling out the next presidential candidate to get ready to step up you’re in for an inferno and it’s not over yet. Buckle up because you’re about to go on a ride with this country. I ask him to step up and create a dream team and an administration that will knock everyone out when he comes into office on January 20, 2021. We aren’t going down without a fight our country has endured too much in the past two decades and we need a leader and team of people who are willing to sacrifice their time, their sweat, their tears, their hearts, because they want to see a great country who represents and says what they mean when it comes to the constitution, the bill of rights, and all law in all 50 states that we aren’t going to be a laughing stock anymore. We are the most powerful country on the planet and we will straighten out the injustices and prejudices of this world. Our forefathers believed in equal treatment, intelligence, and common sense. It’s a shame they have abused their power, their authority, and broke against the promise of America. We all deserve around the globe More Justice, More Peace, and Equal Rights for all.

50th Anniversary of Essence Magazine

            I grew up reading many magazines as a little girl. Always an avid reader and I loved reading about people’s stories their goals, accomplishments, from the famous to the average Joe and Janes of the world.

There is one magazine I remember sitting at the hair salon my grandmother, Carlene would take me to get my hair done and see if her hair stylist could have someone braid it. I am and was her only granddaughter she raised 3 boys to become 3 great men so a little girl for her was a blessing she had a  chance to play a part of helping to raise me. I remember I was about 8 years old around this time and she was getting me ready to go take a trip to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. We were going to be visiting family friends. So I was getting my hair in cornrow braids and I remember sitting underneath the dryer one time and glanced over. I saw the magazine, Essence Magazine it was probably a summer 1994/1995 issue. I just remember picking it up and reading the stories. I didn’t know these people yet but some of the names I remember I was reading about people who I would come to know very well down the road later on in life.

            As I watched, reading and skimming through the articles, looking at all of the gorgeous women and men. I remember seeing pictures of Eddie Murphy and his wife Nicole, pictures of Halle Berry and her ex-husband, David Justice, Spike Lee, and all of these beautiful faces. A little eight-year old reading about people who she would later come to admire, respect, and even cross paths with some of these people when I became an adult. What I admired was seeing these impeccable beautiful and handsome people, all well accomplished and successful. It struck a cord with me early on aiming for success and higher achievement. I remember just seeing all of the fun and creative food recipes, drinks, the clothing, beauty products. For any African American female young or old she appreciates the beacon of successful African American women and men’s lifestyles.

            That is what I love the most it was about representation of the “go-getters” and the movers and shakers. The people who wanted to have their voices heard, their photos taken, their stories shared, and needed to because when ever their issue was printed or published to newsstands. There would be some woman or man during that time period who would read it and could connect to those stories. Essence Magazine influenced little girls like myself and sparked a passion of writing, reading, and learning people’s fascinating lives.

The legacy of Essence Magazine is for women and men of color to believe in achieving your best, most productive, colorful, and beautiful life.That is the life lall women and men aspire to be and should accomplish for themselves. For all African Americans it is possible and achievable. I believe picking up that magazine was a defining moment for me. I am telling the truth because every time I walked into a hair salon in New York City, New Jersey, Washington, D.C., or anywhere else in the world. It hooked and sparked my love of creating, writing, fashion, storytelling, and believing that for all African Americans and people of African descent you must believe despite setbacks or challenges everything is achievable and possible. Thank you Essence Magazine, to all of your staff, stylists, photographers, your editors, freelancers, writers, and every person who was on the cover who shared their life with us.  Please keep telling us great stories. Happy 50^th Anniversary! and to the next 50 and beyond.

Also can we please give a shout out to the impeccable and gorgeous woman who is celebrating a milestone birthday, Naomi Campbell who is their cover girl for the May/June 2020 issue and looks amazing. A big fan of this supermodel diva who walks like a cheetah on the hunt. She’s a goddess and so amazing Essence is celebrating their anniversary and she her birthday this year. Is a beautiful way to commemorate this milestone.

Please visit http://www.essence.com for more information on their latest issues, upcoming events, and more.

The Centennial Celebration of Women's Suffrage

I was so excited when I realized 2020 would not only be an election year but also a year where people would celebrate a monumental achievement for women all around the globe. The right for women to vote on American soil freely and proudly this moment was momentous because it meant with the 19^th amendment a woman could vote and there would not be a cease to it. No matter her socioeconomic, race, religious, or ethnic background.

 It came at a cost for women during the 1900s and earlier. It was a long road for these women to protest, march, and fight against many naysayers who didn’t believe some women didn’t deserve that privilege. If it weren’t for Lucretia Moss, Susan B. Anthony, Ida Wells, and the thousands of female protestors who picketed and stood outside with their homemade signs marching down the blocks of streets, in front of their homes, and even making bold moves to discuss it with Congress, the White House, and many female organization groups. They were relentless creating rallies and fighting tirelessly to see a miraculous change in our country. They spoke of the injustices, racism, sexism, inequality, mistreatment in the workplace, affordable homes, and educational benefits for the public to become more successful and to function better in society.

            The power and right to vote is 10-minute process. I voted for the first time November 4, 2008. I had to wait an additional four years because my 18^th birthday was literally a few days after the Election back in 2004. Every time I think of the 2008 election I smile and beam with pride. That was the night I voted for the first time I went inside the Newport George Washington Complex building near my old apartment in Jersey City, NJ. I was excited I stepped behind the burgundy curtain pushed the lever (we hadn’t become electronic yet), and casted my vote. There was a sense of accomplishment and pride that night. I was 22 years old when I voted for the first time a young African American woman who was excited for that moment. I had been registered to vote since I was 17 actually. I remember that night of the announcement when they announced who would receive the nomination. President Barack Obama became our 44^th president and he brought hope, change, and addressed many issues we needed and still have to resolve in our country.

It was a historical moment that touched all of us around the globe it doesn’t matter who you are. The right to vote is not only a perk for a U.S. Citizen and resident of that state. It’s a privilege it’s blessing the power of your vote can affect the turn of your country and the globe. It decides which way do you want your country to go in the next four years with the leadership, the administration, the executive, legal, and judicial systems, how the economy is ran, how education is ran, etc. Your vote doesn’t just affect you it affects all of us and it is life changing. It changes literally everyone’s life in this country. People don’t realize how much weight they carry when they go into the voting booth. People look to America as a symbol of power, freedom, liberty, and equality.  It’s a shame that 100 years ago a 22 year old African American, Hispanic, Asian, Biracial woman couldn’t do the same. That is why this anniversary is important because this amendment affected women across the globe that live in the Western Hemisphere, the Eastern Hemisphere, the Southern part of the equator, the northern part of the equator, all of these females who saw this movement. They imagined themselves living in a country and migrating somewhere they felt free and could start fresh and a brand new life. That’s a powerful moment for a woman who is seeking freedom from her country to feel safe and that her decisions and her voice carry weight and that her hard work when she gets a job won’t be unacknowledged or she will not be valued or appreciated.  The woman who migrates to America for a fresh start deserves everything and more. She sacrificed her life and her native country for one she wanted to achieve success and believed it would be great for her, her children, and theirs.

The 100^th Anniversary will not be ignored and women from all walks of life will come and stand together to celebrate this Amendment, they realize Times Up, they see we still need equal pay, and they still see the discrimination exploding and coming to the surface. Ladies and Gentlemen please don’t let 2020 go down without speaking up for women’s right to vote it is just as important as all of the other social issues our country is facing every single day.

We deserve better and so much more today, tomorrow, and the next day. To all of those women who worked so hard and helped achieve this goal.  Thank you to them that you, your friends, your family, your neighbors, your community can walk inside a voting booth and cast her vote to decide who will be in charge, have the great responsibility of running our country.

For information on this topic visit websites like http://www.womenssuffrage.org 

He changed the Business Magazine Game, Earl Graves left impact and legacy

I found out last month that we lost an African American pioneer who changed the business of entrepreneurship, when I heard about it. It took a minute to process what just happened because I was in a state of shock from all the souls we have been losing due to the pandemic. So when I heard that the founder of Black Enterprise Magazine, Earl “Butch” Graves, Sr. passed away it was a bittersweet feeling because although he doesn’t have to be in pain or suffer the symptoms and condition of Alzheimer’s disease. He is in a better place but it was bittersweet for the magazine, media, business, financial, and publishing industries.

The readers, viewers, and entrepreneurs who he impacted and touched all around the world with his magazines, television series, “Black Enterprise Business Reports” and “Our World with Black Enterprise”. He leaves his legacy with his three sons, Earl G. Graves, Jr., Johnny Graves, and Michael Graves.

            I was hired by Black Enterprise Magazine to work as an intern in the spring of 2011. I left my job as an administrative assistant for a real estate legal firm the year prior. I knew I had to follow my heart and go . I had just completed my second internship, and graduated from Hunter the year before.  My mother, a family friend, Genevieve helped me to work as a television production assistant and the timing was great. I learned so much from the broadcast team when I worked their for two years and it was life changing, opened huge doors for me. I treasure those two years because it was definitely a defining moment for me. I remember seeing Mr. Graves with his famous sideburns at their annual Christmas party in 2011. It was a funny moment I look back on the memory of meeting him. I laugh because here I am twirling literally in my dress dancing around with my co-workers and the owner of Black Enterprise is standing 2 feet away from me just laughing, having a good drink, and enjoying all of his staff. I never had a chance to meet him one on one. I will say though that he was a sweet, cool man and everyone loved working with him. You felt nothing but the respect, the admiration, and love of him from anyone who worked with him in the company.

            He changed the financial and entrepreneurship industry the magazine debuted in August of 1970 the first issue was released and would hit newsstands worldwide under Earl Gilbert Graves Limited. A little about his life though he was born January 9, 1935 in Brooklyn, New York. He was born in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of New York with two sisters.  As a little boy when he was seven years old he would help his uncle sell Christmas cards and give them to people in his neighborhood. That sparked his interest in becoming a businessman

He always had a drive and passion for it. It even came in handy his knowledge and experience when he attended Erasmus High School and went on to college Graves attended HBCU Morgan State University located in Baltimore, Maryland where he first started writing his newsletter initially before discovering he wanted to publish a magazine next.  He majored and earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business. He also pledged Omega Psi Phi fraternity. He was also part of the ROTC and attended Airborne and Ranger schools. Graves was definitely considered a Renaissance man of many talents and experience. He joined the military prior to starting his new found company. He volunteered for the Democratic National Committee and became a volunteer during the Lyndon B. Johnson administration. He also became an administrative assistant to Senator Robert F. Kennedy in 1965 when he was 30.

 His experience being apart of the small business administration he took that knowledge and used it to his benefit to create a magazine that would become a household staple, a beacon of hope for African Americans and all minorities, and a bible for entrepreneurs who were new to starting their own business.  This magazine and his entire publishing and production company inspired millions of people, vendors, small business, and large conglomerates which were featured in Forbes or Fortune magazines.  He opened the doors with his business expanding in different states Black Enterprise has other offices outside of his home office in New York City.

 The editorial and publishing team found the annual Black Enterprise convention and retreat bringing millions of small business owners and entrepreneurs together. In 1995 he published his book, “How to Succeed in Business without being white: Straight Talk on making it in America”. This book gave sound advice on how to achieve and make it in the business and people were able to take his cues, pointers, and find a way to start their companies without feeling any intimidation, fear, or mediocrity. He wanted African Americans and minorities to feel a sense of excitement about starting a new business and company. Ultimately it is exciting for a person to have a goal and vision to have a simple idea I want to start a business selling funny hats for people, faux fur coats, vegan clothing, name brand shoes, cooking utensils, etc. These ideas are words on paper but when you bring them to life and expand your vision. It becomes something amazing. It becomes reality and people are excited to try something new and that can make them smarter, healthier, and more business oriented.