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JO
Zone
A message
from Joleen
If you didn’t get a chance to see Melissa De Sousa in “Best Man
Holiday” make sure you check it out when it comes to DVD. You can
see Ms. De Sousa on past shows such as “Reed between the lines”
her character Gabriella Jimenez. More recently she played Tina on an
episode of “Shameless”. Look for her on up and coming movies, plays,
musicals and television shows in 2014. We chose 25 successful careers
in this issue that you may benefit from knowing. Faye Williams talks
about “Realizing your gift”. Redarick Williams from Young and The
Restless shares his story.
This month’s “Hey Mr. DJ” is Keith Sweat. We had an opportunity to speak with a member of the
Sister Act Musical Lynne Winter Steller. I hope that you will continue to support JO Magazine in
2014. - Blessings.
Reviewing 2013 with JO
2013 has been an exceptional and rewarding year for some and for others it may have been difficult and
challenging. Just know that a new year has begun, so be hopeful in this New Year for a great future lies
ahead. Be thankful for all of your ups and downs of 2013. Put it on the cuff as a learning experience and
your ups are designed to give you that nudge that you need to keep you going. So be grateful for the nudge.
Keep your head up and be hopeful. Set your goals and work really hard to accomplish them.
Without work there will be no change in you. This is just my own titbit of thought for the New Year.
“Tyler Perry’s Temptation”
“Star Trek”
The Oscars
Gospel Superfest
“Fast and Furious 6”
“The Kill Hole”
Contents:
03 JO Zone
06 JO Celebrates Celebrity Birthdays
08 Testify: Realizing Your Gifts
10 The In Review
11 What’s On Broadway
13 Entertainment News
14 Gospel News
17 It’s Not Too Late After Retiring
18 Generation Now
20 In Fasion : Linda Stokes
21 Flip The Page
22 35 Most Successful Careers
24 Cover Story:
Melissa De Sousa
27 Spotlight On:
Redaric Willaims
31 Book Nook
31 Hey Mr. DJ
32 ‘2013’ Indiana Black Expo
37 Every Day Hero: Josie Magee
38 Poetry Corner : Motherhood
Black Heritage
40 “Hairatage“ Reclaiming Our Legacy
41 Susie King
43 What’s on DVD
44 Event Calendar
47 This Months Top & Hot Music and Videos
ExecutiveStaff
Creative
Joleen K. Norman Michelle Treadway
- CEO Publisher - Creative Director
G. Scott Jones Mitchell Standford
- Creative Management - Creative Consultant
Yvonne Lander
- Managing Editor
Contributing Writers
Secillia Parham Faye Williams
Henry -Testify
- Magazine Editor
Joyce Rhodes
Chase Douglas Kailah Ware
- Regional Marketing Elainea
& Advertising Director
Team
Writers
Lewis “Crawford”
Norman III
- Generation Now Editor
Lashai
- Entertainment Editor
Rita B. Springer
Moore
- Testify Editor
Mariah Norman
Consultant’s
Andre DeVond
- Media Consultant
G 5 Entertainment:
Kevin Johnson
- Circulation Distribution
Sponsors
- Writer
Lewis C. Norman Jr.
- Writer
Sandra J. Norman
Tramaine Morrison
LEO ROCKS
love each
her
Just a little over six months ago,
Butch Peelle,author of the popular,
motivational, “Dream Big Never
Give up, Everyday Expect a Miracle”
book began offering an array of cool,
inspirational and positive products.
Butch’s fun, inpiring items and gifts,
designer glitzy watch, two special
huggable teddy bears, shirts galore,
candles, “dream big never give up”
mugs, as well as other fun things
Each of Butch’s inspiring items
contain his logo of leo (love each
other) tucked away somehere on
the product.
The Lord said the greatest commitment is to love each other.
Everyday we need to do the Lord’s work. LOVE EACH OTHER.
Butch’s website for many of his leo products is www.butchpeelle.com.
JO Magazine
Celebrates Celebrity Birthdays in February
Natalie Cole — Singer
BIRTHDAY
BIRTHPLACE
AGE
BIRTH SIGN
February 6, 1950
California
63 years old
Aquarius
Jazz and pop vocalist who is the daughter of Nat King Cole and known for her
many hit singles like, “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)”.
Robert Townsend -TvActor
BIRTHDAY
BIRTHPLACE
AGE
BIRTH SIGN
February 6, 1957
Illinois
56 years old
Aquarius
Actor and comedian best known for playing the role of the father on the
series, The Parenthood.
Chris Rock - Comedian
Birthday
Birthplace
Age
Birth Sign
December 3, 1978
Florida
35 years old
Sagittarius
Comedian, actor, producer, director, and screenwriter.
Essence Atkins- Tv Actress
BIRTHDAY
BIRTHPLACE
AGE
BIRTH SIGN
February 7, 1972
New York
41 years old
Aquarius
Dee Dee Thorne from Half & Half also played Suzanne Kingston on the short-lived
series Are We There Yet?
Gregory Hines— Dancer & Actor
BIRTHDAY
February 14, 1946
BIRTHPLACE New York
DEATH DATE Aug 9, 2003 (age 57)
BIRTH SIGN
Aquarius
Starred on That’s So Raven and released
“That’s What Little Girls Are Made Of,”
Amber Riley— TV Actress
BIRTHDAY
BIRTHPLACE
AGE
BIRTH SIGN
February 15, 1986
California
27 years old
Aquarius
Actress and singer, who comes off strong and proud in her role as Mercedes
Jones on the television series, Glee.
Ice T — Rapper & Tv Actor
BIRTHDAY
BIRTHPLACE
AGE
BIRTH SIGN
February 16, 1958
New Jersey
55 years old
Aquarius
Born Tracy Marrow, he debuted with the first explicit content hip-hop album in
history, Rhyme Pays, and founded the heavy metal band, Body Count, & plays
on Law and Order: SVU as Detective Fin Tutuola.
Corbin Bleu— Movie Actor
BIRTHDAY
BIRTHPLACE
AGE
BIRTH SIGN
February 21, 1989
New York
24 years old
Pisces
He sang and danced his way to fame in Disney’s High School Musical, and was
nominated for a Young Artist Award for Best Performance
Brandy - Singer
Niecy Nash — Tv Actress
BIRTHDAY
BIRTHPLACE
AGE
BIRTH SIGN
BIRTHDAY
BIRTHPLACE
AGE
BIRTH SIGN
February 11, 1979
Mississippi
34 years old
Aquarius
She gained fame by starring as Moesha on the TV show by the same name
and in 1994 released the #1 R&B singles, “I Wanna Be Down” and “Baby.”
Arsenio Hall — Talk Show Host
BIRTHDAY
BIRTHPLACE
AGE
BIRTH SIGN
February 12, 1956
Ohio
57 years old
Aquarius
February 23, 1970
California
43 years old
Pisces
Reno 911! actress and host of Style Network’s Clean House.
Corinne Bailey Rae — Singer
BIRTHDAY
BIRTHPLACE
AGE
BIRTH SIGN
February 26, 1979
England
34 years old
Pisces
Grammy-winning English soul and R&B singer who sang “Like a Star.”
For five years he was the host of his own late-night talk show and has made
cameos in several shows and movies, like Celebrity Apprentice.
Danai Gurira — Tv Actress
BIRTHDAY
BIRTHPLACE
AGE
BIRTH SIGN
February 14, 1978
Iowa
35 years old
Aquarius
Portrays the role of fearless Michonne on the AMC zombie drama, The Walking
Dead.
Ja Rule — Rapper
BIRTHDAY
BIRTHPLACE
AGE
BIRTH SIGN
February 29, 1976
New York
37 years old
Pisces
Rap and hip hop artist best known for his duets with female R&B artists in
the early 2000’s.
T
estify
“Realizing Your Gifts”
........................
Written by Faye Williams
You can be empowered and fulfilled
all while finding your Gift
As you learn who you are meditate on these versus.
It will help you in your endeavors
So let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing
good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if
we don’t give up, or quit.
Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance,
let us work for the benefit of all,
starting with the people closest to us in the
community of faith.
~ Galatians 6:9-10 MSG
Imagine waking up from a restless night of sleep.
Finally you make up your mind to just get up.
You stumble into the bathroom. Every muscle
is screaming at you with stiffness and some
awful pain that will not go away. Finally, when
you can see clearly, your eyes land on a huge
pile of money, sitting perfectly piled up on your
bathroom counter.
The note attached to the pile says, “Deposit
immediately.” Will I be happy? Is this my gift?
Will I now find my fulfillment that I have been
looking to find? A fleeting thought my be, “how do
I get around paying taxes or tithes?”. “Do I tell
my spouse/partner’. Do I jump in my clothes and
run to the bank as fast as I can?
Will this money make me happy and give me the
empowering fulfillment I have been desperately
wanting all my life? Lastly, Will it give me that
sense of peace and accomplished I need? So I
can serve God and my fellow man. I could ask
myself “Will I be happy?” Yes, for a while. Will the
empowering come from getting this pile of money? Will it fill that need? Absolutely not.
May I share a secret with you? Before the
beginning of time we were formed destine to be
born, with a gift. Our gift was wonderfully instilled
in our soul waiting to bloom out so we can serve.
This gift was placed in us to give back and to
please the creator, Our Heavenly Father.
Our goal in life is to find out what this gift is, so
we can share it with God and others.
I feel empowered by knowing what is expected of
me and knowing where the strength comes from,
to continually serve the Lord.
I am Blessed with the knowledge that it is a daily
journey never ending till our Savior returns.
I know you are wondering how I find this “Gift“ to fill the empty void in your life?
I am so happy you asked...
Everybody has been given a gift to develop, to share and some may have more. Let
me share mine so this may help you identify yours. At first I did not believe I had a gift.
I felt so empty with nothing to share or give.
It took me years to finally understand what my gift is. My gift, is the gift of “helping”.
Which has lead me into a career of nursing. This may be hard for some to believe,
I love nursing more now, than I did 39 years ago. Helping is a gift of support. I don’t
need to be up front. I love to serve and assist. It is simple but very rewarding.
I know you are wondering; how you can find yours, thank you for letting me “Help” you.
Find two or three people that you admire and seem to have a sense of direction in
serving the Lord. Those that seem to be happy and prospering. Start by writing down a
few things that you feel are true and what you respect about those individuals.
Look into the word of God for scriptures to line up besides your finding, for example;
Love of people: Proverbs 21:21
He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.
Able to forgive others Leviticus 19:18
‘Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as
yourself. I am the LORD;
Praying for other: Ephesians 6:18
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all
perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Now ask yourself, “what do you like to do?” How do you feel about the Lord in your
home, life and the work that you do? How do feel about the people whom you are
around? Ask yourself another set of questions. What activity do I enjoy which are easy
and enjoyable? what activities you do well, and is it of beneficial to me and others?
Make list about your feelings, strengths, failure, hope and desires.
Make one side with strong points and the other with weak points. Remember weak
points are opportunities to become strong. Pick out your heart’s desire, there you
will find your gift. Pray, cherish and build up your gift .Everyone around you, including
yourself, will be Blessed.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5250103
http://www.feminist.com/resources/arempowering1tspeech/health/.html
http://divinepurposeunleashed.com/spiritual-gifts/
The In Review
Highlights of todays top entertainment news
A Peek at SAG nominations 2014
Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion
Picture
12 Years a Slave
American Hustle
August: Osage County
Dallas Buyers Club
Lee Daniels’ The Butler
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a
Leading Role
Bruce Dern / Woody Grant – “Nebraska”
Chiwetel Ejiofor / Solomon Northup – “12 Years a Slave”
Tom Hanks / Capt. Richard Phillips – “Captain Phillips”
Matthew McConaughey / Ron Woodroof – “Dallas Buyers Club”
Forest Whitaker / Cecil Gaines – “Lee Daniels’ The Butler”
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a
Leading Role
Cate Blanchett / Jasmine – “Blue Jasmine”
Sandra Bullock / Ryan Stone – “Gravity”
Judi Dench / Philomena Lee – “Philomena”
Meryl Streep / Violet Weston – “August: Osage County”
Emma Thompson / P.L. Travers – “Saving Mr. Banks”
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a
Supporting Role
Jennifer Lawrence / Rosalyn Rosenfeld – “American Hustle”
Lupita Nyong’o / Patsey – “12 Years a Slave”
Julia Roberts / Barbara Weston – “August: Osage County”
June Squibb / Kate Grant – “Nebraska”
Oprah Winfrey / Gloria Gaines – “Lee Daniels’ The Butler”
Outstanding performance by a female actor
in a television movie or mini series
Angela Bassett “Betty & Coretta” - Coretta Scott King,
Helena Bonham Carter “Burton and Taylor” - Elizabeth Taylor
Elisabeth Moss “Top of the Lake” - Robin Griffin,
Holly Hunter “Top of the Lake” - G.J.
Helen Mirren “Phil Spector” - Linda Kinney Banden
Outstanding performance by a male actor in a
Comedy Series
Alec Baldwin “30 Rock” – Jack Donaghy,
Jason Bateman “Arrested Development” - Michael Bluth
Don Cheadle “House of Lies” - Marty Kaan,
Ty Burrell “Modern Family” - Phil Dunphy,
Jim Parsons “The Big Bang Theory” - Sheldon Cooper
Milauna Jackson
Plays special agent Kim Martinez a
DEA Agent on the high octane action
drama Strike Back on cinemas check
her out.
Steve McQueen
Director of 12 years a slave
Ryan Coogler
Director of Fruitvale Station he
received acknowledgements from
Stockholm film festival calling
Fruitvale a brutal eye opener.
Malcome D. Lee
Writer director of the Best Man
Holiday is in talk to return with a
follow-up to a surprise hit.
Brie Miranda Bryant
Promoted to up development and
production of original programming
for Oxygen.
Jill Scott
To co-star as James Brown’s wife in
the biopic “Get on up” has signed with
Principato Young Entertainment.
2013 Movies From People of Color
1. The Butler
2. 12 Years a Slave
3. Fruitvale Station
4. Baggage Claim
5. Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Christmas
6. The Best Man Holiday
7. Kevin Heart : Let Me Explain
8. Peeples
9. Black Nativity
10. Tyler Perry’s Temptation
11.Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
12.Beasts of the Southern Wild
13. The Call
What is on
Broadway
Sister
Act
At The Victoria Theatre
An intimate interview with
Lynne Winterseller
about her preformance and the show
What is it like playing such an iconic role
as “Mother Superior?”
Thrilling! I’ve been a huge Maggie
Smith fan for years and so of course,
having originated Mother Superior in
the movie “Sister Act” Dame Maggie’s
brilliant portrayal was the first thing
that came to mind when I started
working on the role. Then there was
the fact that I was raised Catholic and went to Catholic school in Sandusky, Ohio. The Notre Dame
order wore similar habits pretty close to the costumes we are wearing in the show. I remember
going in for the audition and saying to myself “I know Nuns and I know this woman!” I was practically
raised by them - we always had Nuns and Priests in our home either for meals or visiting from other
parishes. My parents were very involved in St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
What has been the most rewarding experience this far on the tour.
Working with this particular cast - I recently joined the company and I couldn’t have felt more
welcomed and in awe of everyone’s talent. I remember the first time I saw the show when it was in
Washington D.C., I was overwhelmed and intimidated with how tight the production was, how fast
paced and fun and how much I had to learn to be able to jump onto that high speed train. There
isn’t a person on stage who doesn’t give 110% every single performance. And can I add that they
are just as fun a group offstage as on. So the biggest reward is being able to tour the country with
this cast (crew and musicians too). You become a touring family so to speak, with your own family
holding down the fort at home.
What is your favorite song or dance in the musical.
There’s not a bad song in this entire show. Thank you Alan Menken! A favorite song for me to listen
to every night is the title song “Sister Act” sung by Doloris (Ta’Rea Campbell) - her pivotal anthem for
not only her character, but for the show. A favorite that I get to sing is “I Haven’t Got A Prayer” – my
2nd Act soliloquy where I have a spiritual crisis conversation with God. But I have to say, the entire
score is amazing, witty and woven beautifully throughout the story.
Are there certain scenes that you feel are eye catching
that will really move the audience.
Again, without the entire journey from the
beginning of the show to the end, the moving of
the audience can’t pay off. So you need all the
scenes for the story to be told properly. Unlike
the movie, this stage musical emphasizes the
story of two women coming to spiritual terms with
God from two completely opposite perspectives.
You see how Doloris and Mother Superior
change, learn and grow together. The final
scene epitomizes that. So I hope the audience
is moved at the end, otherwise we didn’t tell the
story properly!
What are people going to enjoy when they come to see
Sister Act.
How two opposite worlds (the underworld and
the spiritual world) collide within a myriad of
Catholic characters, references and clever jokes.
And, you don’t have to be Catholic to understand
what we’re talking about, we hit on many topics
throughout the musical. I also think people are
expecting it to be exactly like the movie and are
pleasantly surprised that the music is original,
it’s not the movie Motown parody score. Trust
me you will love this score and the voices. This
musical has a lot of heart and depth to it as well.
Plus the ending is a complete revival that just
builds and builds Vegas-style. I guarantee you
will be out of your seat, on your feet cheering!
12
Have you been in any other musicals or is this your
first?
Not my first, I’ve been a professional NYLA actress/singer for 30 years. If you go to my
website http://www.lynnewintersteller.com/ and
click on Press Release you can see a synopsis
of my theatre, television, film, commercial,
recording and concert credits.
What is it like wearing the Nuns habit throughout the
musical?
I thought it was going to be constrictive
but it’s not. In a strange way I feel rather elegant
in it, due largely to long sleeves and the fact that
it drapes and flows like a gown, synched with
rosary beads at the waist and a beautiful flowing
veil tapered in white angles. Every costume and
wig is designed specifically for the 1970’s period.
What City has been your favorite so far performing
Sister Act?
I call this early part of my tour The
Mississippi Circuit Tour – we’ve gone from St.
Louis, to Memphis, to New Orleans. And there’s
something wonderful in every City – St. Louis
Arch, anything Elvis and Blues in Memphis to the
Jazz & History of New Orleans. My favorite city?
New Orleans. The revitalizing and spirit of this
town since Katrina is awe inspiring - “Who Dat!”
And to be able to bring Broadway to cities all
across this country and to people who will never
be able to come to New York, is truly an honor!
Entertainment News
Nominated for Three Golden Globes
Best Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
Best Performance by an Actor in a Mini-Series : Chiwetel Ejiofor
Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role: Jacqueline Bisset
Nominated for Three Satellite Awards
Best Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television
Best Actor in a Miniseries: Matthew Goode
Best Actor in a Miniseries: Chiwetel Ejiofor
The miniseries is set in London during the early 1930’s. It follows a group of Black jazz musicians, the Louis Lester
Band. As they began to rise to stardom as a result of performing at elite social gatherings have by London’s
aristocratic society. The Cities more progressive socialites took the band under their wing. The blissful eminence
surrounding the band changed quickly when the board members are entangled in a murder conspiracy. Lewis
Lester played by Chiwetel Ejiofor, Carla played by Wununmi Mosaku, Jessie played by Angel Coulby
Gospel Music and News
This Issue’s Top Ten Gospel Songs
The Walls Group - Perfect People
Tyshan Knight ft. Terrence B.- Faded
Claudette Schlitter - Not been forsaken
Chuchu - Beautiful
Uncle Reece - Until I Pass Out
Tamela Mann - I Can Only Imagine
Deitrick Haddon - Have Your Way
DeWayne Woods ft. PJ Morton - God Can
Chris Cobbins ft. Reconcile - Aye Yah
Black Knight - Bibles In The Air
Guitarist William Tolson Emerges
As Gospel Vocalist
On New Sunday Morning Single, “It’s My Prayer”
(Washington, DC) – January 7, 2014 - Back
in the day, the saints would say, “I just want
to make it in”. Gospel vocalist William Tolson
takes us back to that time with his latest release,
“It’s My Prayer”. Flaunting that good old time
Gospel sound, the up-tempo church jam talks
of “making it in” and “a place He’s prepared for
me”. Recognized as the 1st Place Winner at
Luther Barnes’ 12th Annual North Carolina Fall
Gospel Classic, along with his choir AFC Voices
of Praise, and seen on Great American Gospel
TV, William Tolson has been inspiring people
with his music for years. Now Gospel music fans
are sitting up and taking notice of the talented
musician with the new single, “It’s My Prayer”.
The song is the brand new release from Tolson’s
upcoming 2014 CD.
“It’s My Prayer”, written by the instrumentalist
himself, is the artist’s first major release. Primarily
known as a guitarist, Tolson is a songwriter, too.
Already becoming the one of his most requested
songs, initially “It’s My Prayer” was written for
someone else. “When I wrote the song, it was for
another person,” recounts William. “But when my
producer got a hold of the song, he said
you need to sing this song.’” Even though
William felt more comfortable playing the
chords for the track than singing it, he
decided to give it a shot and ultimately
recorded the song. It’s traditional Gospel
music at its best and transports the listener
to simpler days. The song has experienced
favor with radio, already breaking the Top
100 on the BDS Gospel chart.
Known for his exquisite guitar work, Tolson
has released six previous albums. Half of
the projects are instrumental, displaying his
exceptional guitar skills, and the other half
are choir releases, highlighting William’s
forte for directing choirs. The choir CDs,
Bring A Praise, which features the AFC
Voices of Praise, and Lord We Praise You,
showcasing the AFC Mass Choir, include
songs composed by Tolson. In 2010, the
AFC Voices were 2nd Place Winners of
RT Productions 1st Annual Workshop and
New Artist Showcase. They have also graced the
stage on Bobby Jones Presents on the WORD
Network.
Little William picked up the guitar at age 10 and
never put it down. After playing came singing in
various church choirs and groups. Locally, he was
known as a member of the Harmonizing Five, a
men’s quartet-styled group. Singing eventually
morphed into directing and before he knew it,
he was leading his church’s Young Adult Choir.
Currently, he’s the Minister of Music at that same
church. Outside the walls of the church, Tolson
gives back to the community by performing for
the homeless, giving benefit concerts for cancer
victims and organizing hunger fundraisers.
When it comes down to it, William has one goal
for his music ministry. “After people hear my
record, I want them to have hope. I want them to
understand that we can all make it in,” he shares.
For more information on William Tolson, log on to
www.williamtolson.com. Connect with William on
Facebook and Twitter (@WilliamTolson).
Gospel Artist Lynntesha Roberts Tells Saints To
“Stay In Your Lane, Stop Swervin’” In New Single
Former Navy Sailor
Gives God Praise With Uplifting CD
(Atlanta, GA) – January 8, 2014 - Lynntesha
Roberts has been singing all of her life. After
her church debut on Easter Sunday morning
singing “Here Comes Peter Cottontail” (at the
tender age of three), everyone in sight knew she
had something special. So it was no surprise
when years later, the South Carolina native
became a recording artist. Three albums in,
the Songstress of the South and the Can’t Stop
Music Group Recording Artist has been enjoying
the success of her latest release, Stay In Your
Lane, Stop Swervin’. The single and title track,
“Stay In Your Lane, Stop Swervin’”, has been
breaking speed limits with Gospel music fans due
to its memorable hook and in-your-face lyrics.
Flaunting the down-home Gospel sound with a
flare of urban soul, it’s Lynntesha’s most popular
song to date and is hitting radio hard, climbing up
the BDS and Mediabase Gospel Charts.
The catchy song came to Lynntesha when she
heard people commenting on what another
person should do. “While I was in the US Navy,
our chaplain was replaced by another chaplain.
Everyone was trying to tell the new chaplain
what to do, explaining how the old chaplain did
things,” says Lynntesha. “As everyone was
talking, I whispered to the person next to me,
‘I wish people would just stay in their lane and
stop swervin’’. It was at that moment that the
melody came to me. The premise of the song
is that everyone can’t do everything. Do what
you do well and let others do what they do well.
It also reminds us that the church would be
more inviting to non-believers and successful in
working together if we stayed in our respective
lanes.”
Stay In Your Lane, Stop Swervin’, Lynntesha’s
sophomore release, contains a variety of musical
styles with most songs penned by the artist
herself. A prolific songwriter, Lynntesha Roberts
wrote “I’m Not Tired Yet” and “Jesus Is The Best
Thing”, two tracks on the CD. A simple worship
track, “I Love You Lord”, is also included on the
recording as is a song Lynntesha wrote with
her dad called “Stand By Me”. As a tribute to
the Lumzy Sisters, she remakes two of their
songs, “Precious” and “Down In The Valley”. The
project is available on Lynntesha’s website, www.
Lynntesha.com.
Her home church, Smithville AME Zion Church in
Cheraw, South Carolina, was the training ground
for Lynntesha’s music career. In 1996, she was
on active military duty in Atlanta, GA, when she
formed the group D’Vyne Faith. In 2004, she
was recalled to active duty to serve in the Middle
East to serve during Operation Iraqi/Enduring
Freedom. In what initially looked like a setback
for her ministry, the deployment was actually a
blessing in disguise. It gave her an opportunity
to take her ministry worldwide and she jumped
at every opportunity that was presented to
her to minister overseas. She joined the base
Gospel choir and led a newly-developed praise
and worship team there. The experience
strengthened her faith and she resolved to walk
in her calling both musically and through the
preached word.
Since that time, she’s continued to minister in
song. Because of her propensity to embrace
traditional Gospel music, some have called this
anointed powerhouse singer a new age mixture
of Vickie Winans and Dottie Peoples. She has
been blessed to grace the stage with artists
such as William Murphy, Doc McKenzie and
the Gospel Highlights, Dottie Peoples, Monica
Lisa Stevenson, George Dean and the Gospel
Four, The Canton Spirituals and the late Slim
and the Supreme Angels. She’s ministered at
the Dorinda Clark Cole Singers and Musicians
Conference, the Rhythm of Gospel Awards, and
The Prayze Factor Awards and she’s been seen
on The Reggie Gay Gospel Show and WATCTV’s Atlanta Live. For more information on
Lynntesha Roberts, log on to www.Lynntesha.
com. Connect with her on Facebook.com/
Lynntesha and Twitter (@lynntesha).
Healthy and Fit after 60
It’s never too late, Even after Retiring
Monday Wednesday and Friday at the Xenia Hub of the Midwest
“You have to get bitten with the biker bug”
Everywhere you turn people are jumping
on bikes, Xenia Ohio happens to be the
largest hub around says members from
a Xenia Biking Group.
A few years ago it started out with just as a
couple of ladies, Louisten Tuck and
Mary Johnson, deciding to get fresh air
and exercise. The way they chose to do it
was to cruise down the bike path. On one
occasion they got a flat tire and needed a
little assistance.
They told their male friend what happened
to them They had not known how to change
a tire and no one was around to help.
So thier friends like Harvey Mack, Chuck
Roberts and Hollis Nelson decided to ride
with them so they wouldn’t be out alone.
From that point on they kept inviting people
to join them and the numbers grew.
Now it is over 15 cyclers and they ride
Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings,
you may see them riding on the bike path. They
have become a big family. October is Breast
Cancer Awareness Month. The members
appointed one day to spend together to reflect
on loved ones that have lost the fight to breast
cancer. After the ride they had a big dinner.
Enjoying each other’s company and sharing
moments about their loved one who had or is
currently battling cancer.
Comments from the Riders
Some enjoy it for the cardiovascular and the hospitable
people. All mentioned they enjoyed the fellowship with one
another. A few of the gentleman say the health benefits and
the great home cooked food from the ladies after the ride is
a big plus. Some say it feels like God put them together.
7 Reasons Why You Should Bike Ride
It burns calories
You can do it on the go
It tones you all over
It boosts energy
Every muscle feels it
It also protects your heart
It saves your joints
Members
Hank
McDole
Alfred Hairston
Louisten Tuck
Mary Johnson
Wah
Bennie Hill
James Crawford
Valarie Coleman
Harvey Mack
Chuck Roberts
Hollis Nelson
Verdell Sims
Myra Mcdaniel
OUT NOW & COMING SOON to DVD
For everyone missing the golden age of Disney,
tuning into their channel will only get you more
disappointment. But Saving Mr. Banks promises
to satisfy that nostalgia of beloved characters
like Walt Disney and Mary Poppins. With Oscar
winners Tom Hanks and Emma Thompson at the
helm and an A-list cast, this film is sure to please.
Walking with Dinosaurs is a fantasy
adventure created with new and impressive
animation technology that will captivate
audiences, but a film about a land before our
time has been done many times and for any kind
of success it must have some unique features.
The story follows a young underdog Patchi, as
he breaks out of his shell and becomes a hero.
Despite this being geared to kids, there have
been plenty of smart children’s films in the past.
While parents may not find this film as funny,
Walking with Dinosaurs should be a hit with the
kids.
Reminiscent of films like The Preacher’s Wife, Black
Nativity tells a religious, urban tale of Langston (Jacob
Laitmore) visiting his estranged family in Harlem, and
learning the importance of faith and family, as strained
as those ties may be at times. The film is based on the
off-Broadway Gospel musical by Langston Hughes, so
be warned, there is a lot of singing. A great film for the
holiday’s Black Nativity will get you into the Christmas
spirit.
By Crawford Norman
Another legendary favorite is now available.
Celebrating the anniversary of one of the most beloved Disney
movies Mary Poppins’s 50th Anniversary is packed with even
more special features.
Two new additions being added to the list of special features are:
“Becoming Mr. Sherman”, a promotion for Saving Mr. Banks
that shows some special footage and “Mary-Oke” a sing-along to
classic tunes like “Chim-Chim Cheree” and “A Spoonful of Sugar”.
Now updated to High-Definition and upgraded 7.1 DTS sound,
Mary Poppins has never looked better. Snag this blue ray to
complete any masterpiece collection.
Fans of the first film are sure to enjoy this
new installment from the popular Y.A. book
series. Filled with all the magic of a world
steeped in mythology, Percy Jackson must
recover the Golden Fleece to protect his
A successful comedy sequel is a
friends and (constantly growing) family.
rare sight, but Despicable Me 2 is
Much like the first adventure, Percy returns
an enjoyable romp the second time
to Camp Half-Blood, but leaves retrieve the
around. Featuring more of what
Golden artifact to protect the vulnerable
made it successful in the first film;
camp. There’s enough action and comedy
the minions are back and featured
to satisfy viewers and the performances
in the storyline. (Ex) villain Gru, and
his adorable girls are back in a story of the adult actors contain some whit and
that’s even wackier than the previous comedy fit for the parents. With the return
of big names like Uma Thurman and Pierce
one. With plenty of new characters
and even higher stakes, Despicable Brosnan, Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters
shows even more of the excitement in this
Me 2 is a hilarious, heartfelt
magical world.
adventure.
The Nut Job is sure to be one of
the great animated films of 2014.
With director and Co-writer Peter
Lepeniotis (Toy Story 2, Dinosaur,
and Casper) and screenwriter
Lorne Cameron (Over the Hedge)
the experience is definitely there
to tell a classic and hilarious
story. Surly, a bad-tempered and
independent squirrel, is kicked out
of his park and must find a way to
survive in the city. Luckily Maury’s
Nut Store may save Surly and his
friends in the park, just in time for
winter.
Linda Stokes
-By LaShai
“If you can think it. I can make it”
Lashai: Can you tell us how you got
started ?
A quote from the famous
fashion designer Linda Stokes.
If you haven’t heard of her, she design
clothes for many celebrities.
Celebrities such as Chaka Khan, the
late Donna Summers,
Cee Lo Green and many more.
You can see her work on television
shows and in films.
Linda: I started designing clothes when
I was 10.
I designed for clients when I was 14. One of my highlights
was having an opportunity to design clothing for the
original Temptations.
I bet there are not many 14 year olds that can say that.
I’m originally from the Motown area where a lot of the
musical artists came from. In my twenty’s I was with a
group called “The Magic Lady”. I designed the clothes for
the group and while we were on tour performing I would
get clients from the performers who were on tour with us.
Lashai: So have you been designing for a long time?
Linda: Yes, I’ve been designing forever.
Lashai: That’s great, did you go to school for fashion?
Linda: I learned the basics from my neighbor who
made all of my clothes. Her style was very unorthodox.
She sewed without patterns. In elementry school, we
were taught the basics of sewing with patterns “the right
way”. So it was a conflict because I got the same results as
everyone in a quarter of the time because of my training.
I got a scholarship to go to New York after high school and
at that time I was doing so much work I didn’t take the
scholarship. It was so hard to go to school because I was
making so much money at such a young age. I thought I
knew everything, so I am not formerly trained.
Lashai: You make your own clothes so it’s not like you go
out shopping for the stars you actually design the clothes?
Linda: Oh yes I am a designer. My daughter is a stylist,
she works with me when we need accessories. We do shoes
and jewelry. We do the works.
Lashai: That’s amazing, how would someone hire you?
Do you only take certain client’s?
Linda: Most of my clients have been through word of
mouth. I never advertise. I have worked with about a 100
different stylists, from everywhere in the industry. I work
with all of the top people. And it’s all through referrals.
Lashai: Wow, just from learning how to sew through your
neighbor and that started your career?
Linda: Exactly, that started my whole career. When I
would get out of school I would go to my neighbors and
watch her. I was fascinated. My mom bought me a sewing
machine and that was history! I was taking curtains off of
the wall and
everything
my mom
bought me I would use it to
make clothes.
Lashai: Do you style an entertainer or performer for an
event or is it a daily basis?
Linda: They hire me per event, or when needed. For
example, I dressed Chaka Khan for American Idol and
various award shows. I just did an outfit for Joan River. It
was for a Clive Davis party she was attending.
Lashai: Do you go to red carpet events?
Linda: I don’t usually, people come to me at the last
minute because I work really fast and when I get done I
really don’t feel like going anywhere. I can make anything
over night or in 4 hours.
Lashai: Do you still live in Michigan?
Linda: Oh No I’m in California. I’ve been here for about
28 years.
Lashai: Who’s your most faithful client?
Linda: I’m going to say Donna Summers was. I dress a
lot of bigger girls. I dressed Monique when she hosted the
BET Award’s. They know that I specialize in things they
can’t find in the store, so I get a lot of work.
Lashai: So I hear that you styled Cee Lo Green. I have to
bring this up because his style is so out of the ball park. Is
this your creative energy or does he come to you with an
idea?
Linda: I do a lot of sketches for Cee Lo and he approves
them and loves them. He has some incredible ideas as
well. He thinks outside of the box all of the time. It’s a
challenge for me. Cee Lo, His stylist, and myself, we come
up with outrageous things. If you can think it I can make it.
Lashai: Is it just celebrities or do you take on every day
clients?
Linda: I take everyday clients too. I do prom dresses for
kids in my neighborhood and their friends. I do suits for
people who work and I do men and women’s clothing. I
have a clothing line for kids called “Tu Tu Cute” by Linda
Stokes.
It can be found at :
Website www.tutucutebylindastokes.com
Flip the Page
By Yvonne L. Lander
Authors:
Steven Barnes, Tananarive Due, Blair Underwood.
NAACP Award Winning Series
Casanegra
In the Night of the Heat
From Cape Town with Love
South by Southwest
When he walks into a room all the ladies stop
and stare. Tennyson has his retired cop father
living with him after he
suffered a stroke. He
has also moved in a
runaway teenage girl,
who he meet from his
previous career.
When is the last
time you picked up a
book? Felt the actual
book in your hand. No
computer, iPad, iPhone,
So all in all Hardwick
or Tablet.
has his hands full at
Flip the Pages bring it home and out trying
up to your nose. Smell to solve murders of
people that once
that new book smell.
were in his life. After
reading the first few
As a reader of many
paragraphs you are
books throughout my
hooked into the story.
life, I hate to admit
through the years with
work and other things, I haven’t read a good book
Each chapter has you getting more involved with
in years.
each character. You’ll find yourself cheering for
I was out and about at my local library when I saw Hardwick while secretly wishing he was real and
Blair Underwood’s name on a book. I had heard your man (for the
ladies).
he had co-written a few books. Needing to get
back in the “Flipping the Let me tell you
before picking
Pages” kind of state,
up the first book
I checked out the four
make sure you
books.
have the other
three. This partThe main character’s
time detective will
name is Tennyson
Hardwick. An ex-gigolo have you craving
for more even
turned actor and partafter finishing the
time detective.
last book. So, pick
up the Tennyson
Hardwick Series
As we start to get into
the storyline, Hardwick and enjoy “Flipping
is a handsome brother. the Pages.”
25 Most Successful Careers
- Crawford Norman
It’s a new year and people of color have made even more progress toward becoming influential parts
of many different industries. While we may celebrate the models of our past in February, but we want
to recognize some of the people who have made a successful career out of their field, and paved the
way for others.
1.
Tv writers- Shonda Rhimes
14.
Video game creator- Jerry Lawson
2.
Screenwriter & Director- Malcolm D. Lee
15.
Architect- Dina Griffin
3.
Film Composer- Stanley Clark
16.
Youtube Channel- Issa Rae
4.
Actress- Angela Bassett
17.
Backup Singers- The Mamas
5.
Actor- Forest Whitaker
18.
Media Mogul- P. Diddy
6.
Voice Actor- Anika Noni Rose
19.
Author- James Baldwin
7.
Producer- Lee Daniels
20.
Athlete- Dwight Howard
8.
Show Host- Arsenio Hall
21.
Coach- Mike Tomlin
9.
Publicist- Robin E. Beaman
22.
Photographer- David Johnson
10.
Booking Agent- Ruth Bowen
23.
Comedian- Kevin Hart
11.
Event Planner- Andre Wells
24.
Car Designer- Earl Lucas
12.
Boy Band- Boyz II Men
25.
Weather Forecaster- Al Roker
13.
Doctor- Dr. Rovenia "Ro" Brock
a
s
s
i
l
Me
a
s
u
o
S
e
D
“I went to the
performing arts
school “Fame” for
ballet but I fell in
love with acting”
Melissa De Sousa
Dancer, actress, style icon - Melissa De Sousa, is reaching for her dreams as they
come true. She doesn’t plan to slow down nope, she is already on the next curve
in the road, ambition in overdrive, still in hot pursuit of all that her passions can
bring her. You never know where your dreams can take you, as the beautiful star
Melissa De Sousa gets ready to hit the ground running. With the Best Man Holiday
hit movie under her belt, her character Shelby takes a turn for the good.
How did you get started in acting?
I was born and raised in New York and I went to the famous school that everyone knows because
of the movie FAME, “The School of Performing Arts”. I was actually a ballet major in the dance
department and at that time all of the dancers had to take acting and the actors had to take dance
so I was exposed to acting in High School. I had this teacher, I just loved his class. I looked forward
to it. I was supposed to be training as a ballet dancer but I fell in love with his acting classes. After I
graduated high school and left the ballet company,I continued acting classes with him.
When did it all happen for you?
While I was in high school and after I danced with tours, I joined a dance company for two years but
I continued studying acting with my teacher. I increased my acting studies into full time and that’s
when I started getting acting work. I got an agent and I started booking work as an actor, it was crazy.
I just fell in love with acting. I started out as a commercial actor in New York. My first commercial was
something for cherry 7up with Matt Le Blanc, Joey from Friends. I knew I had a knack for it because I
was getting such a good response at booking commercials.
Did you plan to do most of your acting in New York?
I decided to move to California, at that time they were not shooting a lot of stuff in New York except
commercials so I really had to come out here to get the TV and film work. I actually called my acting
teacher and asked him “Do you think that I am ready to do this?” and he said “yes” and I hung up and
booked the ticket.
What was that experience like moving away from home to California? Any war stories?
I slept on one of my girlfriend’s floor for about a year while I tried to get an agent and when I would
be asleep on her floor her cat was always jumping over my head. It was crazy, but I just did what I
had to do.
Describe your character Shelby from the film “The Best Man Holiday”
The Character Shelby came from money, she is doing something fun with her career, she is making
a lot of money and she is back on top. Her character got ditched by Julian, she got left out in the
cold. In The Best Man Holiday, she comes back on top with a new attitude and a mix of some of the
old. But Shelby is in a different place. This will give her another side to her. This time she has an
emotional side and Im glad about that. I like that everyone likes that she is a “you know what” but
there is going to be some tension because we are all in this house together and my ex -boyfriend is
there.
Will Shelby have the same Diva look?
I wanted to create a new look for Shelby because of her new career. I wanted her to be more current.
I dyed my hair blonde and give Shelby more designer clothes because her character has more
money. So she is wearing designer shoes and so on.
What was it like to be reunited with everyone again?
It’s so nice, I missed them, we all get along. We are like a family, having a family reunion. When we
get together, it is so much fun. We had a lot of laughs. After work, we would hang out whenever we
could. Whenever we were together we couldn’t stop talking and laughing it was just nice.
What was one of your most rewarding scene in “The Best Man Holiday Movie”
I got to show the emotional side of Sheldy and it was fun. I also got to do something exciting with
Regina Hall. We worked really hard on it together. In this scene we had a conflict between us and it
was emotional work. I am proud of that, we worked hard on it and it was fun. Regina and I are also
friends and I was happy to show that emotional side of Shelby, that was rewarding for me. I don’t
want everyone to think that she is just one note. A Bitch and funny, you know what I mean? So I am
proud of that.
Were you guys in Canada shooting the film?
Yes, Toronto which I love. We had a great time there, they had some great restaurants.
Melissa DeSousa is an astounding actress and
dancer. She lets us know that you can go after
your dreams, stay focused and not to give up on
them. If you haven’t seen her work take the time
and check her out as Shelby in The Best Man
Holiday you will not be disappointed.
Words with Young & The Restless Star
Redaric Williams
Photograph by Dani Brubaker
Jimmie Williams, known professionally as
Redaric Williams, is best recognized for his role
on the U.S. Daytime television show Young &
the Restless as Tyler Michaelson. Raised in
Detroit, MI Redaric began acting at the young
age of 11 years old. After attending several
different High Schools, he finally graduated and
received a Football scholarship to University of
North Texas.
Only attending college for a short period of time
Redaric soon dropped out to pursue his career
as a model/actor. I talked with Redaric about his
childhood, career and the things his fans don’t
know about him.
You were raised in Detroit from a fairly large
family. I read that you have 6 sisters and one
brother is that correct?
Redaric: Yeah that’s kind of gray, its weird.
The family just keeps getting bigger and bigger.
The immediate family that I grew up with from
childhood. Growing up, I moved around a lot
and stayed with different relatives when I was
younger, but there are 5 of us.
I had one younger brother, a twin sister, an older
sister and a younger sister. That’s 5 of us total.
Now my father also had 5 children as well, the
only one that shares the same mother as me
is my twin sister. So I have 3 other sisters from
my father’s side also. I have a lot of siblings
(Laughs).
you pushed yourself into being brave.
Redaric: Yeah, I was
the man of the house. I
couldn’t be afraid of the dark.
So more into your career and the stages in
which it started. 1992 was the year you began
acting on television at the age of 11. And I
actually got a glimpse of the show you were on
“Hands up, Hands On” on YouTube. I thought
that was cute. (Laughs).
Redaric: Noooo!!!!Why would you do that?
(Laughs) Why would you do that? That’s horrible.
You know I don’t mind personally even though
I got the little baby Afro going on back then. I
could care less, but one of my sisters is mortified
and does not like that clip at all. Ha! That’s funny.
What was it like growing up as a child at home? You had a scholarship to University of North
Texas. You had a football scholarship, but
Redaric: I didn’t have really much of a
you left to pursue your acting career. Did that
childhood because I was the man of the house at
experience when you started acting at age
a young age. It is funny cause my sisters would
11 on “Hands up, Hands On” influence you to
say “Remember when you was a little kid…”
want to quit school and start acting?
because I had like a responsibility kind of vibe. I
remember when I was afraid of the dark, when I
was maybe 5 years old.
My father wasn’t around much, but that’s another
story. I was the man of the house and it bothered
me that I was afraid of the dark. I remember
thinking “I’m the man of the house, I can’t be
afraid of the dark if something happens at night I
got to get up and see what’s going on so I can’t
be afraid of the dark.”
Redaric: No not at all, that show was kind of
like a good time at a friend’s house or going to
a birthday party. That’s how I saw it, as a time
to have fun. There was food, an arts and crafts
table; you get the things they want you to say.
It was like a little Barney type show. It was cool
because we knew we were on TV and all that,
but I didn’t look at that with any type of depth as
a child except to have a good time.
I literally made myself walk around and wait until
everybody was asleep and literally turn off all the
lights and walk around in pitch-black darkness
until I wasn’t afraid any more. The anxiety went
away touching along the walls.
That was the kind of the things that my mother
did, she tried to push us into every direction
to give us a buffet of life. At a young age she
wanted to give us a taste of everything, so that
we would know what we liked.
I forced myself to grow up pretty fast, but on the
lighter side, I had a lot of siblings. A twin sister,
older sister, younger sister, younger brother and
we all got along. We still get along. We are each
other’s best friends.
I didn’t just play sports, but I played every sport.
My mother got me involved in the show, but
I clicked with the sports thing. That’s what I
really took serious. All the way up until college.
It wasn’t until High School that I got the acting
bug. I took a drama course because we had to
take an elective and we use to joke around and
improv. I don’t know I just began to take it really
serious.
Awwh that’s sweet. I like this story of you tip
toeing in the dark through the house, it’s like
You moved to New York after leaving college
Redaric: Carling Black is a South Africa beer
and became the co-founder of a Social Media
company and surprisingly it was so similar to
Company while training to be an actor. How did here. I think Americans have this pre-conceived
notion of how other places in the world are like.
that come about?
Redaric:
That came about in a destined, but
weird situation. I actually personally had an idea.
More like a concept. I’ve always been business
oriented to a certain extent. I had an idea for a
Social Media type company. It was this crazy kind
of cool concept. A friend of mine had a girl he
was talking to and one night we were all out . She
was talking about this good idea she had, but she
wasn’t going to tell me what it was, then my friend
came to me and said we should team up.
He told me the idea which was close to what I
was thinking of. And then strange enough another
friends came to me with the same business pitch
like “Hey I got this idea!” His was similar as well,
so we kind of put our ideas together to come up
with one concept and worked out our differences
and added more people to the team.
We had a programmer for a while, he was from
Sweden somewhere, but we had different people
on the team that would come and go. Right now
to this day we are still in an unveiling stage. We
are still doing new things, like with the mobile app
side of it. So yeah it was kind of like a destine
thing.
We were just a bunch of different guys
with similar concepts. Who had the same
understanding and the same take of power
in numbers. That it was better to unite, so we
came together to start a company. We rented
out a thinking tank kind of office base in lower
Manhattan. We’re still on a roll and that is
something that longevity wise, will become a
really big surprise.
Well I do look forward to that. Also from 1992
up until now you’ve done several projects
working internationally as an actor and model.
One of those projects was being the face for the
Carling Black label. What was that like working
in a different culture then what we live in?
One of those notions is that they are so different
than we are. One of the biggest surprises to me
was that it’s no different. Going to Africa was like
you would go to the metropolitan areas of these
cities and see sky scrapers everywhere. Its so
modern.
All the people have the same mentality and the
business are operated the same way. It’s the
same game all over the plant. With the industry
it’s the same. They have agencies over there and
castings are done the same way. So I think there
is small differences culture wise, but obviously
it’s different geographically. I think what amazed
me the most is how things were the same as the
United States.
Everyone knows you as Tyler Michaelson
from Young & the Restless. So to dig into your
background and to see where you actually
came from was very interesting. And the
struggles you went through.
Redaric: Yeah it wasn’t easy, Even though New
York is a big place with a lot of opportunities I had
to travel half way around the world. When you are
in the entertainment Industry and there is a job
opportunity, you just go with it. I wasn’t going to
say no. I was like “Come on lets go”. I got called
over to South Africa and did an independent film
over there.
I was actually over there when I got the call for
Y&R. I set up a video audition and then my
manager sent me an email saying I needed
to come back to the States, to go to L.A for a
screening. So I flew from South Africa to New
York then left New York and flew out here to L.A. I
did the screening, then from there they signed me
on to a contract.
Wow. I know you were excited, like “This is it. A
contracted role!!”
Redaric: Not at first, no it was weird because
initially the role felt confined. It was a contract
role and I have to live in L.A. When you live in
New York it’s a very transit town and transit area.
So you come and go as you please. I had an
apartment in New York, I was barely there but it
was like my home base.
I was going to Toronto, I was going to London.
And coming here it was like “Oh this is a
contracted job in a big studio”. It was a weekly
thing and non-stop. It’s not like a project you
finish it and its done and everybody packs up a
tent then you leave. No.
I almost had a feeling of resistance at first like
“Do I really want do this?”. I like that nature of
being able to move around. To come and go as
I please, but I’m getting use to the structure of
having to be in one spot and calling this place
home.
And December 17th marks the Anniversary of
your character also.
Redaric: Oh. Wow. I didn’t know that I’m going
to have to celebrate (Laughs). Thank you for that.
Yes! Your character was debuted on December
17th 2012. So your character has survived an
entire year, which is very rare sometimes.
Redaric: There were some tough moments I’m
not going to lie to you. The thing about filming
soaps, one of the biggest misconceptions that
you can have as an actor, is looking at a soap
opera and thinking that you got it figured out.It is
so different. We film differently then any acting
that I’ve ever done whether it’s film, TV stuff, or
theater stuff.
It’s so different. It’s very interesting, we had the
great director that filmed “The Godfather” Francis
Coppola, on the set not to long ago, he was
interested in the way that we filmed and wanted
to see the multi-camera set up.
We film so fast.We do everything in one take
“boom that’s it!” on to the next scene. It’s so
weird, it’s like kind of scary at first cause if you
mess up a little bit then you keep on going and
on to the next scene. You don’t have that grace
to find yourself in the moment and get into
character. You just have to get out there and do it.
You crank out a lot of material. We film five days
a week. It is kind of insane the way that they do
shoot, but you get use to it.
Are you and your Character Tyler Michaelson
similar in any way?
Redaric: Yes, we’re similar in the sense that we
look alike, that’s it (Laughs). Tyler is very different
then me.
For one, I’ve never been engaged and he was
engaged on the show. I did have a long-term
girlfriend and we live together for two years, but
Tyler is a little bit more impulsive then I am.
I’m a little bit more calculated and calm. I think
things through. Tyler is a little more irrational; he
kind of just does things and then thinks about it
later. And I’m not like that at all.
What are the few things that you would like
your fans to know about you, as a person
and individual Redaric Williams and not your
character Tyler Michaelson?
Redaric:
As an Individual that would be that I’m
an extremely down to earth blue collared guy. A
lot of times people get a misconception, like “Oh.
You got light colored eyes, you are a handsome
guy so he must be like kind of a pretty kind of
dude.”
No. That’s not true. I’m the kind of guy that’s
under the car trying to change the oil. I do tuneups, brake pads you name it. I’m the greasy
garage kind of guy, a roll my sleeves up kind of
dude. And that’s just who I am. I’ve always been
like that.
Hey MR DJ
By, Yvonne L. Lander
Our next D.J. in the spotlight
is our slow jam King “Keith
Sweat.” When the Sweat man
hit the scene he made love
songs that put the funk back
in the bedroom. Still making
music, touring, and also an
author this D.J. is keeping busy.
“Welcome to the Sweat Hotel” sit back and relax enjoy
your stay and let your body sink into the soft mellow voice of
the Sweat Man. He listens, answers questions and plays all the
music for lovers. As you tune into the radio, the Sweat Man can
take your Confessions. What have you done to someday?
Book Nook
Exercise your Mind
By Michelle Treadway
Dark Wolf
By Christine Feehan
The 25th book in the Carpathian series follows
the story of Skyler Daratrazanoff and Dimitri
Tirunul begun in “Dark Lycan.”
SYCAMORE ROW
By John Grisham
A sequel, about race and inheritance,
To “A Time to Kill.”
Is there someone you secretly have a crush on? Call in to
talk about your Confessions. Are you sweating now, let Keith
be your Maintenance Man. Our man in the late night hour
is there to help you with your relationship woes. Need some
Relationship Maintenance call and let the Sweat Man put it all
on his shoulders.
DOCTOR SLEEP
By Stephen King
As stated earlier, Keith Sweat is also an author. His book
takes on relationship advice, giving his fans a glimpse into his
own relationships throughout his life. “Make it Last Forever”
is an entertaining read that helps men and women in different
phases of their relationships.
Alex Cross’s family is threatened by a genius
intent on proving that he is the greatest mind
in the history of crime.
With The Sweat Hotel, a Grown and Sexy cruise is going
for next year, the ship sails from April 9-13 2014. There will be
life entertainment of course from different stars that are TBA.
Check out the website for all the full details.
What it’s like to grow up, from the
perspective of a high school boy.
(Ages 14 and up)
To see what station you can hear the sexy voice of Mr.
Keith Sweat in your area; go on the website and get to
searching. “Welcome to The Sweat Hotel.”
Now grown up, Dan, the boy with psychointuitive powers in “The Shining,” helps
another threatened child with a gift.
Cross My Heart
By James Patterson
THE PERKS OF BEING A
WALLFLOWER
By Stephen Chbosky
Books to TV
SHANNARA MTV TV SERIES
By Terry Brooks
In December it was announced that MTV
would team up with Terry Brooks to bring
Shannara to life on the small screen. The first
season of the potential series will be based on
The Elfstones Of Shannara, the second title in
the series.
‘2013’ Indiana Black Expo
By Yvonne L. Lander
Another Indiana Black Expo has come to an end. The ten day event was full of entertainment, health
screenings, and stars from all walks of life. Seminars for our youth to encourage and engage them in
a positive atmosphere to pass on to their fellow classmates and friends.
The 43rd Summer Celebration in Indianapolis, IN. July 11-21 was another one to remember, the
stars arrived in full style. This year Spike Lee, Billy Dee Williams, The O’Jays and Tisha CampbellMartin were honored at the Corporate Luncheon.
As the last weekend for IBE came upon Indianapolis it was jumping. JO Magazine was on-site for
this weekend to snap pictures and see the stars come out and talk about what is going in their lives
at this time.
Exhibit Hall Highlights:
Macy’s Retail Zone
Fashion Show
Exhibitors
Tech Street with Video Gaming
The Enhanced Family Fun Zone
Amp Harris and Reggie Wayne
Celebrity Basketball Game
Negro Baseball League Exhibit
“Afro” Art Exhibit
The Colts Play 360
Health Fair
Cummins Lego Engine
Throughout the convention center there were several different stages, with different actives
happening every hour. One of the most active performances on stage was: F.I.T. with Renee this
group of well –toned woman made your heart race just by watching them exercise.
The most profound event of this year’s IBE was the discussion about Autism.
At the IBE we previewed a short documentary featuring four mothers dealing with Autism in their daily lives.
Tisha Campbell-Martin was one of the mothers presented in this short docu-feature. The film “Colored
My Mind: The Diagnosis” was a moving story that made you wish no child had to go through such a heart
breaking disease.
After the movie a panel discussion on Autism and how it affects your life was given. The audience joined in
and questions, answers and tears were flowing throughout the room.
The panel members were: Tisha Campbell-Martin, LaDonna Hughley (wife of D.L. Hughley), Shannon King
Nash (attorney and producer), Pastor Terrance Bridges, Youth Pastor of Eastern Star Church and finally Dr.
Carl Sundberg founder of Behavior Analysis Center for Autism. Kristian Little was the moderator and is also an
Autism activist.
See you next year!
Everyday Hero
Josie Magee
By Joyce Rhodes
When I was growing up I had two great women who
influenced my life. In a previous article I wrote about
one (my mother), now I would like to introduce you
to the other woman, Josie Magee, my Aunt Honey.
I would like every woman to meet her. You ask me
why? It’s because I have never met anyone in my
61 years who has more self-esteem than my aunt.
I wish I could bottle it up and sell it. Sometimes her
daughters and I wonder how any one person can
have so much self confidence.
My aunt always believed she was beautiful and you
could not tell her she wasn’t “fine.” She always told
us girls if you didn’t believe you were beautiful, no
one else would. You would think anyone with that
much conceit people would hate her, but nobody did.
Aunt Honey is loved very much by her family, friends,
and church. People can see that she is kind, selfless
and a very caring person. At her church, Messiah
Baptist she has been a tireless servant in several
ministries. She has served as the Secretary and
Treasurer in many ministries and she also has served
as President.
In any ministry at our church she had the women
involved in more interesting things than they ever had
been with other Presidents. She had them helping
and encouraging other members to do more and join
their ministry. She decided long time ago she was
going to be one of the church choir directors and she
did it. She believed in her ability to do anything she
set her mind too.
She went back to school after her five children
were grown and received her GED. We all attended
her graduation and we were so proud of her
accomplishment. Of all the things she succeeded in,
this was the most amazing. At 80 years old she had
a massive stroke and we did not think she was going
to survive. She lost ability to move the right side of
her body and her speech was impaired. The doctors
and physical therapist did not think she would ever
be able to live by herself ever again. She fooled all of
us and is getting around by herself and she lives on
her own. She beat all the odds and took control of her
life. She is a survivor.
Aunt Honey told us she is not afraid to talk in front
or to the President of the United States. I believe
she could and would talk to the President if she met
him. Some people are fakes and truly don’t believe
in their self worth but not her, she believes what God
said about her. |That she is more than a Conqueror
in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:37) and “That she is
wonderfully made” (Psalms 139:14).
Aunt Honey believes she is a ‘Diva’ - so she is. She
also believes if you know her you are a blessed
individual. She has blessed two men to have her as
their wife and has outlived them both. She is currently
looking for her third husband because she knows she
is a great catch. (smile)
Yes, you might believe I am exaggerating but you can
ask anyone who knows my Aunt Honey and they will
tell you that I am telling the truth. I believe women all
over the world would stop selling themselves short
if they believe like my Aunt Honey. She is one of
a kind, her self-esteem is intact and when it comes
to having confidence she is the one and only Aunt
Honey or Mother Magee.
Motherhood
They’re beginning to think
Beginning to grow
Beginning to ask questions
And want answers to things I don’t know
It was all so easy at first
I need only say “Because I said so”
How do I explain?
Love hate and pain
Black and white peace and war
Why their mommy and daddy aren’t together anymore
There are so many problems to come
So many things I now see
Easy for some
Can I accomplish what I set out to do?
Not so simple for me
Can I as one, do the job of two?
Perhaps with love, understanding and compassion
The three of us, can make it, after a fashion
Nina Mault
September, 8th, 1975
R&R Beauty Salon
Where you will be more than satisfied
1 9 5
B e l l b r o o k
a v e
X e n i a
O h i o
4 5 3 8 5
( 9 3 7 )
4 1 6 - 8 4 8 2
By Kailah Ware
It starts as soon as every little black girl is born:
The desire to attain a Eurocentric identity of Beauty.
The very first time I heard the my Aunt say to my mother “Childe you need
to put a perm in that girl hair! It’s just too nappy,” From that moment I
chased after long, straight and Beyonce blonde. I wanted to avoid nappy
with a perm and short with a weave, never fully understanding what Maya
Angelou meant when she said, “A woman’s hair is her crown and glory.”
I wanted to replace my crown with one that wasn’t my own and limit my
glory to the confides of social assimilation.
For decades black women have been taught to reject the beauty of our African ancestry in favor of
American idealism. But there is a cultural shift taking place. Suddenly nappy has become curly, short
has transformed to sassy and “good hair” is seen as healthy hair regardless of texture. In the past
five years relaxers sales have plummeted 26 % and don’t appear to be rising anytime soon. African
American women are actively avoiding styles which alter our curl pattern. We’re beginning to see the
beauty in our natural uniqueness and are reclaiming our natural heritage.
..... Susie King .....
By Elainea
Susie King escaped from slavery in Georgia during the Civil War and
worked as a laundress with a black regiment, the First South Carolina
Volunteers. "I learned to handle a musket very well and could shoot straight
and often hit the target, I assisted in cleaning the guns and used to fire them
off, to see if the cartridges were dry, before cleaning and reloading. I thought
this great fun. I was also able to take a gun apart and put it together again.
Fort Wagner being only [1.6km] from our camp, I went there two or three
times a week and would go up on the ramparts to watch the gunners send
their shells into Charleston. Outside of the fort were many skulls lying about.
Some thought they were the skulls of our boys; others thought they were the
enemies'. They were a gruesome sight, those fleshless heads and grinning
jaws, but by this time I had become accustomed to worse things.
We landed on Morris Island between June and July 1864. Orders
were received for the boys to prepare to take Fort Gregg. I helped to pack
haversacks and cartridge boxes. About four o'clock, July 2, the charge was
made. The firing could be plainly heard in camp. I hastened down to the
landing when the wounded began to arrive, some with their legs off, arm
gone, foot off and wounds of all kinds imaginable.
There are many people who do not know what colored women did during
the war. Hundreds of them assisted Union soldiers by hiding them and
helping them to escape. Many were punished for taking food to the prison
stockades for the prisoners. When I went into Savannah in 1865 I was told
of one of these stockades in the city. The colored women would take food
there at night and pass it out to them through the holes in the fence. The
soldiers were starving and the women did all they could towards relieving
those men, although they knew the penalty should they be caught.
'1(Susie King Taylor, Reminiscences of My Life in Camp,Boston: 1902. Quoted in Dorothy Sterlin (ed.), Speak Out in Thunder Tones,
Garden City, New York: Doubleday & Company, Inc., 1973,pp.354-6.
Truly black women have their place in history and are the forgotten ones.
What’s New On DVD
Don Jon
Starring Joseph Gordon –Levitt Julianne Moore, Toy Danza, Rob Brown
ELYSIUM
Matt Damon, Jodie Foster
Percy Jackson Sea of Monsters starring Logan Lerman, Brandon T. Jackson
Prisoners, Hugh Jackman, Terrance Howard, viola Davis,
Christmas Wedding
Vivica Fox, Elise Neal,Tyler Maddox Simms
She’s still not our sister Jackee Harry , zur-De Johnson, Drew Sidora. Kellita Smith, Jazsmin Lewis,
The Last Letter, Starring Omar hardwick, Sharon Leal, directed by Paul D. Hannah
Beyond Grace, Evelte Anderson Justin Clairborne , Robyn l. Rease
Gallow Walkers starring Wesly Snipes, Kevin Howarth
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Schuster Center Dayton OH
Victoria Theater
Sister Act January 28
Alice in Wonderland
Hansel and Gretel
- February 2
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- February 21-23
Aronoff Center Cincinnati Ohio
The Tenors
- February 1,
King Arthurs Camelot
- February 13-16
Evita
- February 18-March 2
Wicked
- March 5-23
Men are from Mars Women are from Venus - March 27
Taft Theatre Cincinnati OH
R&B at it's best 112/Dru Hill/Johnny Gill - March 22
Palace Theatre Columbus OH
Lou and laughter Tank & Ginuwine
Sommore
Shrek
Hell hath nor fury
Like a woman scorned
Ohio Players Sunday
- February 14
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- March 7-9
- March 15
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