B.O.S.S. E-Magazine Issue 3

B.OS.S ISSUE 003

E-Magazine of Today’s Young Black Leaders 03 – 12

Be your Own Success Story

Fuelfor Growth

10

guidelines for a nutritious and wellbalanced diet

DAPCEP

Making a difference in Detroit

1Young, st F irst Fly & Safe:

5 Self-Security Tips for the College Freshman

Dropout WARNING SIGNS

Be

your own

Story!

Success EXCLUSIVE Interview:

Tony Gaskins jr. www.boss-emag.com

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 3

Mission Statement

O

ur Mission is to provide minority, and underserved youth with an outlet to discover their potential through literary content and accessible role models to evoke the spirit of “believing in one’s self� while teaching them how to create, pursue and believe in the path of becoming a professional.

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the reviews are in...

“INSPIRATIONAL”

“AMAZING” “NOTHING LIKE IT” “I love where you are going with this magazine”

“ONE OF A KIND”

“EXCELLENT!”

“VERY NICE. GREAT IDEA” “THIS IS THE FUTURE OF MINORITY YOUTH” YOUR CUSTOMERS ARE HERE...

SHOULDN’T YOU BE? ADVERTISING INQUIRES CONTACT MARKETING@BOSS-EMAG.COM

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tent con VOLUME 1 ISSUE 1

Features

Content

In Every Issue

I want my MOMMY!

P. 36

P. 50

Fuel for Growth

P. 66

P. 68

Stop the Violence

P. 54

P. 56

How long should you try?

P. 32

P. 18

24

“Every man builds his world in his own image. He has the power to choose, but no power to escape the necessity of choice.� ~ Ann Rand

Interviews:

Be Your Own Success Story

Community:

Can I make a Difference?

Entertainment:

Can Entertainment be Inspirational?

1st Firsts:

Welcome to Atlanta

DropOut Warning Signs.

How much longer will we ignore the problem before it becomes irreversible?

8 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine

...you already know :) :) :)

9 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine

December 2011

B.O.S.S.

Publisher’s Page

E-Magazine of Today’s Young Black Leaders

PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER Howard J. Clay Jr. howard@boss-emag.com EDITORIAL Editor in Chief - Drea Elizabeth editor@boss-emag.com Editor’s Assistant - Lizzie Pack assistant@boss-emag.com ART James Taylor ADVERTISING & MARKETING Marketing Director - Jeffrey Royce marketing@boss-emag.com Promotions Manager - Linda Tatum contact@boss-emag.com MARKETING TEAM Sean Pack Elizabeth Pack Pam Taylor Hollis Benard Desha Elliott Romonica Pitts Ciera McClurklin ____________________ HOW TO REACH US 849 Franklin Rd Suite #708 Marietta, GA 30067 Phone 678-995-5863 Article Submissions email proposal to submissions@boss-emag.com B.O.S.S. is a monthy publication any questions or concerns please contact us immediately. If you are interested in an Advertisement please contact marketing@boss-emag.com Entire contents © 2011 B.O.S.S. E-Mag. unless otherwise noted on specific articles.

All rights reserved. an affiliate of Clay and Clay llc

Over the past few months I’ve

come across a lot of topics that I’m very excited to discuss and go off on a tangent about. Topics ranging from online classes and proprietary education vs. traditional education. Putting all of those conversations aside, now that we are in our 3rd issue, there is something on my heart that I truly want to say. “Thank you”.

The support of this E-Magazine has been overwhelming and I cannot go another moment without telling everyone, “thank you.” Over 25,000 viewers and 300,000 page views in just three months! This is incredible and beyond my wildest expectations and I know that I have not made this happen alone.

A sincere “thanks” goes first and foremost to our readers! Without your interest in our message, we would not have gotten this far! Thank you to all the advertisers and writers who have contributed to the success of the magazine. You are more than just “business” to me, we are family. We will all rise together.

I also want to thank all the people behind the scenes that have been making it possible. Without your advice, hard work, diligence and professionalism, I don’t know where I would be. And to my friends and family, you have supported me through all the years and I owe you a lot. Without you, Mom and Dad, I don’t know where I would be. To my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, thank You for giving me the strength and wisdom to bring together a project that has and will continue to touch a lot of people in need. Without You I am nothing.

So again, I simply say thank you to everyone. Let’s make history together. Our goal is 1 MILLION VIEWS and I know we can reach it, together.

Howard J. Clay, Jr. 10 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine

B.O.S.S. E-Magazine

Subscribe Today For more information about B.O.S.S. E-Magazine visit us at www.boss-emag.com

11 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine

Find us on Facebook

twitter.com/boss_emagazine

ured Feat Intervi

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 3

BOSS E-MAGAZINE

Interviews are the backbone of our magazine. The personal testimonies

of the successful “Bosses” we speak with are priceless. Every issue will have featured interviews that you definitely do not want to miss! These interviews are enlightening, informative, and will, without a doubt, shape your life. All B.O.S.S. interviewees will have income in the 6 figures! What do you want to be when you grow up? Yeah, there’s an interview for that!

Tony Gaskins jr.

Author, Motivational Speaker, Consultant, Screenwriter and Producer.

Each of us, famous or infamous, is a role model for somebody, and if we aren't, we should behave as though we are?cheerful, kind, loving, courteous. Because you can be sure someone is watching and taking deliberate and diligent notes. ~~ Maya Angelou 12 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine

iews

Sometimes success comes in forms that we don’t expect. Truth is...never give up on yourself. Tony Gaskins jr. never did.

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1st FIRSTS

In Every Issue

1st First

Preparing for College

What is the “1st First”? It’s the first child from your family who is the first to go to college. Schools and scholarship committees call this “first generation college student.” Scary thought, huh? For a lot of Minorities, it’s an unfamiliar reality.

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1st First

What CAN I be when I grow up?

B.O.S.S. Magazine is here!

This E-Magazine will make sure to point you in the direction of your destiny!

Have you Subscribed yet?

Don’t WAIT, subscription is FREE!!!

B.O.S.S E-MAGAZINE What Successful Teens Read

SUBSCRIBE TODAY

Interested in Freelance Writing in B.O.S.S. E-Magazine?

Contact Drea at editor@boss-emag.com

Young, ARTICLE

5

Self-Security Tips fo So, you're grown now, right? Finally out of high school and out from under your parents' watchful eye. You're young and free, you probably think you're the coolest on campus, but Fiskone University students are you the safest? This transition, from teenager to young adult, is one of the most exciting times in life. But, with freedom comes great responsibility. Being on your own requires you to have your own back at all times. This is especially true when it comes to your safety. It may sound clichĂŠ but you must be aware of your surroundings. We've all been guilty of walking down the street, cell phone in hand, oblivious to oncoming traffic and/or pedestrians. This type of nonchalant behavior is simply not okay.

Don't wait until something drastic happens to become alert. You should be attentive and observant at all times. So, here are five tips to help make your college experience a bit easier and safer.

1. Know your surroundings. Research your college campus. Know where you're going or at least look like you do. Do not assume that every campus is the same. Why not study a map of your campus and its surrounding areas before hand? This way, you will always head out with a plan and a good sense of direction.

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& Safe Fly

by Sara Grant-Wilson

or the College Freshman

2. Never walk around with headphones in your ears. I know that's your favorite song and you love it but you need to love your life a little bit more. Wait until you get to where you're going to put the tunes in your ears. They aren't going anywhere. You must be able to hear at all times. A fire truck may be coming, someone on the street may have important information, a person may even try to get your attention but you will not know if you're preoccupied by music. Keep your ears open.

3. Do not travel alone at night. You hear it over and over, yet so many people continue to do it. Do not walk around by yourself. Keep a partner or two with you. The buddy system is so important especially at night when the atmosphere changes. Whether it's walking to your car or walking a couple blocks down the street. Make sure that someone accompanies you.

4. Carry purses that close. Ladies, you can be fly and still be safe. If you plan on carrying a purse make sure that it has a closure. Bags without a zipper or a snap are far too accessible. Keep your purse closed and near to your body at all times. And don't walk down the street digging through your purse! It's so easy to get lost in your bag. While you're frantically searching for that missing item, something else may fall out. So, do all your searching and organizing before you leave your home. By the time you step outside you should already have your purse closed and secured.

5. Invest in self defense classes. Being mugged is not fly, but knowing how to protect yourself certainly is. Situations can change in the blink of an eye. You never know when you might have to defend yourself so it's important to know how. Basic self defense classes are usually made available at local YMCAs or gyms. This experience will help secure your confidence on a new college campus.

Practice these five safety tips every day and you'll be off to the start of a very safe year.

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I will never forget my very first night on the campus of Alabama A&M University in Huntsville, Alabama. My mom and my best friend had just left me in unfa-

by tiffany hall

I want my

miliar territory. It was late, it was dark, and it was hot! Alabama, HOT! And here I was, in a dorm room with no air conditioning, a “country” roommate whom I didn’t understand, and nothing to do. This was back in 1993, before the days of cell phones, laptops, Facebook, etc.

After lying across my bed staring at the dull beige walls in what felt like a 10-by-10 cell, I decided I’d just call my mom and my best friend to let them know that I missed them already. As I gathered a couple of quarters to go down to the pay phone (yes, pay phone!), I realized that for the first time in my life I was really on my own! I should’ve been excited right?

After all, I’d spent the last two years arguing with my mom, telling her that I couldn’t wait to go away to school, to get out of her house, and be on my own. Well, here I was, and I was lonely after the first 25 minutes.

As I went down to the only working pay phone in the dorm, I passed several girls that just didn’t “look like” people I’d want to hang with. They didn’t wear the type of clothes that I wore, their hairstyles were plain and outdated, and they all spoke with that long, drawn out, southern twang. I, on the other hand, was a city chick from Detroit, Michigan- the hair capital of the world! I was cute, I had nice clothes, and I knew how to speak proper English! This was going to be very interesting trying to make new friends.

After I snapped out of all these little thoughts that were running through my head, I realized that I hadn’t made it to the phone, yet I’d stopped walking. I looked and realized that I was waiting…in a very long line. “What the h#@!? What kind of foolishness is this?” I thought to myself. See, that’s what I get for coming all the way from Detroit to this little a$$ country town.

One pay phone!

I stood there for a few minutes wondering how a city girl like me was going to survive in a small town like this. I missed

my hometown and I needed to get out of here- quick.

MOMMY

I felt like the walls were closing in on me. I knew that one of my home girls was staying in the “rich” freshmen’s dorm across the

ARTICLE yard (they had central air). Now, even though she and I went to the same high school in Detroit, we weren’t close friends. But when you are hundreds of miles away from home, anyone from your hometown can feel like family.

So, I headed towards the front door of Buchanan Hall and our dorm mother said, “Look out for the skunks!” “Excuse Me?” I asked, not sure that I’d heard her correctly. “Look out for the skunks!” she repeated with an I-know-youheard-me-the-first-time-city-girl smirk on her face. “Are you serious?” I asked, knowing full and d@&% well she was serious, after all, I was in the country! I ran back up to my room, threw myself on the bed and cried like a baby! I wanted my mommy! Being homesick is one of the top reasons listed for freshman dropouts. Many freshmen have never lived away from home for any extended period of time, so when you go to a college far away from home or are in an environment totally different than your hometown, you can get really sad, lonely, and withdrawn.

For me, going home was not an option. I don’t like the idea of quitting things and not seeing them through to completion. I knew that I wanted a college degree, I knew that I wanted to live far away from home, and I knew that I was independent enough to make it through. I didn’t want to be in that statistic of students who go away, only to return home and either never go back to school, or attend a local college while maintaining a full time job. I wanted to be on a campus, I wanted to have the “black college experience”, and I wanted to be able to say that I did it.

So…I had to put my big girl panties on and figure it out. I decided that I would create “home” right in my dorm room, regardless of how small it was. I took out pictures taken my senior year in high school, pictures of my family and friends, and posted them all over my wall. I set up weekly phone calls with my mom and my bestie.

I also started writing letters to my mom and my grandmothers. My grandmothers wrote me back each month and included a nice little piece of change! Although I really did need the money they sent, I was more attached to the closeness that the letters brought to me each month.

Once I made the decision that not only was I staying at Alabama A&M the entire four years to complete my degree on time, but that I was also going to make new friends and have a great time, my experience was amazing. Those “country” girls that I judged based on their looks and accents, became great friends and exposed me to a culture that I was totally unaware of. Some of them are still great friends to this day. That dorm room that I cried in late that first night became a place of late night laughter and fun. That dorm mother that scared the crap out of me with her warnings of skunks, became a pillar of strength and guidance in a world without my mommy!

Getting adjusted to being away from home does take time. If you find yourself being homesick, be it your first night or your second year, take a few moments and ask yourself some important questions: What am I missing? Is there any way that I could make my current location feel more like home? Is there anyone near me that I can form a close relationship with? Have I done all that I can do to stay connected to my friends and family at home? If I leave, what is my plan; short term and long term?

Going off to college is a serious decision and becoming homesick at some point is inevitable. It’s okay to want your mommy and to miss all of your loved ones, but don’t let that stop you from pursuing your dreams and getting an education, even if it is in a little, small, country town far away from home.

Tiffany Hall, author of Intimate Conversations with Fine Gay Men, Graduate of Alabama A&M University and Miami University of Ohio, veteran educator, and current doctoral student at Capella University.

Midpoint R VOLUME 1 ISSUE 3

First half of this term is over. Midterms have you burnt get away. It’s officially spring break, so here are a few su

I’m on Va Hot sun and sandy beaches can put your stress out of sight and out of mind. Miami, LA and Cancun, Mexico are some of the areas where most college students spend spring break.

Do some research on where it is you want to go and do what is necessary to keep yourself and your items safe.

Are there customs or certain policies you have to abide by when you get there? Are there areas that are not conducive to your safety? Booking trips with educated tour guides may also help you learn about your designation. Book a tour through a student travel agency like StudentUniverse, STA and Travel CUTS. Those agencies all partner with well-established spring break tour operators. Find trusted companions to help contribute to the trip. This can reduce what each individual may spend on hotel, food, gas or other miscellaneous expenses. When you pack for your trip, don’t pack any valuables that you can’t easily replace, such as your jewelry or technology devices. Make

Rejuvenation

by DrDesha

out and pleading for your sanity. It’s definitely time to uggestions that can help you reload, refresh and relax.

Vacation! copies of your passport, documents concerning your health and your ID just in case those items become lost on a trip. Create a buddy system with your friends. Don’t go places with people you don’t know, and never go out alone. If you want to consume alcohol, make sure you get your drinks straight from the bartender and never leave your drink unattended.

Stay aware of your surroundings and trust your gut. If you feel you’re being followed, step into a public place with a confidence, as if you already knew where you were going. This may thwart off any danger. Lock up your valuables, lock your door when you’re in your hotel room, and do not let strangers know where you’re staying or inside your hotel. Use reputable and licensed companies, especially when it comes to your transportation. Safety first will only add to your bliss. Even if you aren’t traveling too far away, knowing how to stay safe is still a necessity.

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 3

Giving Back Spring break can be a time to give back to

those who are in need. How would you like to travel to Africa and work with children? Can you build communities in South America?

You may even find scholarships to help cut down out of pocket costs for these ventures.

One particular spring break, I took a class that taught me more about the history of the city I lived in. I learned about the founders, as well as the current state of the city. While the knowledge I obtained from touring the city was appreciated, I found great joy in being part of a revitalization project. The city was repairing homes so they could help low- income families become homeowners. To learn what it took to tear down walls, build doorways, and paint was amazing. The experience was invaluable. It was also a class, so I did a simple write-up of my whole experience. That was one of the easiest A’s I received and the quickest way I earned college credit. That same year my school provided the opportunity to travel to Mexico and build new homes for families, also.

One could question why a student would care about the community or the world around

them. To answer that, you would have to consider the circumstances the student is in. While students are not necessarily rich inside of their pockets, the wealth of knowledge contained in their minds can help change the world, even if it’s a little bit every day. Being in school, being in college- that is a privilege. What we learn from the University can help us achieve anything. With great achievements comes the responsibility to help others to achieve their goals. To give back your resources, your time, and your knowledge helps the other person, but it also comes back full circle to you. Maybe you feel like helping children in health clinics in Africa will not impact many people. It’s still an experience that makes you shine as a thinker and doer. That looks great on your resume and will impress employers when you tell them how you were able to use your education to contribute to other societies.

Whether you’re seeking sunshine or service, spring break can provide many opportunities for you to see and do things you wouldn’t able to do on a regular basis. Do what you can to rejuvenate your mind and body. Refuel yourself so you can finish the latter part of the term strong. Invest your time wisely to yield the most desirable results.

www.boss-emag.com

s d n o c e s 6 2 y r e v E . l o o h c s h g i h s out of p o r d t n e d u t as

Do something about it.

Become a

Greatly Respected And Deserving individual Join the BMOR Project

facebook.com/26seconds 26seconds.com

WARNING Dropping out has become an EPIDEMIC in America. We have to begin to pay more attention to whats going on. Here are a few signs and statistics to keep you up to date with what’s going on where you live.

by jeff royce

SIGNS

Just ignoring the dropout rate will not make it go away. It will continue to get worse.

If it doesn’t effect you now, it will affect us all in the future.

How Does Your State Compa

are to the National Average?

How do you feel about these numbers? What can you do in your community to affect change?

We must start to change things ourselves because no one will do it for us.

Article

by AdenaMarie

School Daze She walks in front of the tall building, Recollecting herself after gaining knowledge of society’s worth.

The agony she begins to feel tempting her to rebel.

A place she loves the world to admire But significantly she has urges to ignore The judgments of them Opening the doors, she watches the time and goes to the bathroom first recollecting her mind.

Knowledge is power, that takes time to gain She looks in the mirror and that when it all began.

The walls, the stalls, trickling driplets of water in the faucet The lady in the mirror had been watching, stalking Understanding to acknowledge a woman unknown.

Her hair, naturally curly, big, and red Thin legs and beautiful smile Caramel skin brown eyes Slim thighs and creative style

She stands.

No one is around to notice, the flourishing moment Of a girl who once was lost and now she looks In the mirror of a college bathroom…

Her class down the hall Dignity and pride is all that she has in a world full of people who do not understand…

The color that she is Her mother Caucasian and Puerto Rican Father being African American Her skin is colored, her hair is thick… and eyes dark brown Learn perseverance.

She wonders “ the nerve of them” grabs her lipstick And puts the pink soft color on her lips Grabs her belongs and prepares to leave Then once looking in the mirror thinking “ the world will notice me” She exits.

The first day can be a handful, the professor wants to know everyone so She has to introduce herself and since this is creative writing she wants to be expressive No one raises their hands as she gazes… “ I could tell them my name is AdenaMarie and that today for the first time I realize that since the beginning of time until the end there will be no perfect place for me in society, but then that may be too deep. The misleading facts presented… has caused me to be suffering from an Identity Crisis...

She thinks… “ I wonder if they will understand.”

Her imagination consumes her in a moment of time Creative she is, a writer artistic in mind…

She raises her hand to break the silence and the professor smiles with relief of having a student ready to share…

She stands in front of her desk and speaks “My name is D’Ialla… Dee- eye-lah and I just want to write. I believe that everyone has a purpose, position, and story to share and hoping to have found my niche through writing, I express. I also believe that everyone has a story to tell and through writing.. I plan to be heard.”

She sits.

The room feels a release of tension as others applaud, then raise their hand to share Everyone listens.

Profoundly she thinks the more she continues this journey, More knowledge becomes her power When she speaks… listen…

You are not alone.

Book of the Month

Entertainment

Book of

e

the

Month

f

This book is very real and relatable from the heart of an honest man. Tony Gaskins Jr. was once a woman’s nightmare disguised as the ideal dream man. After playing the dating game for several years Gaskins retired at an early age with the love of his life, Sheri Gaskins. From the strength and example his wife set Gaskins learned what a real woman is and that helped him grow into a real man. This book is a product of real life experiences from one of the nations top relationship coaches.

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Knowledge = Power Following your heart's desire will lead you in the direction your spirit wants to go. ~~ Oprah Winfrey

"Man's greatness consists in his ability to do and the proper application of his powers to things needed to be done." ~~Frederick Douglas

“The Black skin is not a badge of shame, but rather a glorious symbol of national greatness” ~~ Marcus Garvey

Education is a precondition to survival in America today.~~ Marian Wright Edelman

We all have ability. The difference is how we use it. ~~ Stevie Wonder

It is better to be prepared for an opportunity and not have one than to have an opportunity and not be prepared. ~~ Whitney Young, Jr. “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” ~~ Malcolm X

www.boss-emag.com

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College Destin

W

Spelman College, Atlanta, GA Spelman is one of the nation's top liberal arts colleges. Considered the unofficial "sister school" of Morehouse College, this all- female, private, HBCU provides students with a number of opportunities to get involved on- campus and in the Metro- Atlanta area!

Quick Facts

Estimated Price Tag: $32,474 including tuition, fees, and room and board Undergraduate Population: 2,177 Type of Institution: Private Mascot: Jaguars School Colors: Blue and White Founded: 1881 as Atlanta Baptist Female Seminary

Who Went Here

Mattiwilda Dobbs Janzon: First AfricanAmerican to perform opera at La Scala Varnette Honeywood: Artist and Creator of the children's book character "Little Bill" Shaun Robinson: Actress and Correspondent for television show "Access Hollywood" Keisha Knight-Pulliam: Actress known for her childhood role as "Rudy" on "The Cosby Show" Danica Tisdale: First African- American to be crowned Miss Georgia in 2004

Ready to apply? Visit www.spelman. edu for more information.

Top 5 Subjects to Study Biology Psychology Political Science English Economics

Get Involved

aSubmit your own research proposal or join a project through the Office of Research Resources. aApply for a Co-Op experience with some of the most notable companies in Downtown Atlanta. aJoin one of the 6 sororities at Spelman, including the 4 National Pan-Hellenic Council member organizations. aAttend the Women of Color Conference to engage with other Spelman women and professionals on the topic of leadership. ** All information is made available through the Spelman College website. Additional information can be obtained from the National Center for Educational Statistics at www. nces.ed.gov.

nations

by drea elizabeth

Welcome to Atlanta Morehouse College, Atlanta, GA Morehouse is the largest liberal arts college in the US for men, graduating more AfricanAmerican men than any other college or university in the world.

Quick Facts

Top 5 Subjects to Study Business Administration Biology Political Science English Psychology

Get Involved

aShow off your leadership skills as a member of student government! aJoin other Atlanta University Center students at a meeting for the National Society of Black Engineers. aCheer on your fellow Tigers at a football game or join the team. aGive back to the community through any of the College's recognized fraternities and student community service organizations. aParticipate in a study abroad opportunity.

Ready to apply? Visit www.morehouse.edu for more information.

Founded: 1867 as Augusta Institute School Colors: Maroon and White Estimated Price Tag: $35,976 Undergraduate Population: 2,800 Type of Institution: Private Mascot: Tigers

Who Went Here

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: Late Nobel Peace Prize laureate and Civil Rights Leader Shelton "Spike" Lee: Noted filmmaker and President of "40 Acres & A Mule" Maynard H. Jackson: First African-American mayor of Atlanta Nima A. Warfield: First African-American Rhodes Scholar from a HBCU Howard E. Jeter: US ambassador to Nigeria; Former US ambassador to Botswana

** All information provided by Morehouse College and can be found on the Morehouse website. Additional information can be acquired through the National Center for Educational Statistics at www.nces. ed.gov.

IN EVERY ISSUE

INTERVIEWS

Lack of knowledge can be blamed for so many different things.

You must be aware of the realistic possibilities your future can bring. You must not only be given a “photo” of your potential, but a “map” on how to get there.

BOSS E-MAGAZINE

All photos courtesy of subject.

I BE WHEN I Interested in Freelance Writing in B.O.S.S. E-Magazine?

Contact Drea at editor@boss-emag.com

Interviews

WHAT CAN

37 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine

All photos courtesy of subject.

INTERVIEW B.O.S.S.: What did you want to be when you were younger and why?

Tony: I wanted to be a professional athlete... In certain [demographics] that seems to be the only avenue-- the only way out. I gravitated towards sports at a young age and was exceptionally good at them. I always scored more touchdowns than any of my friends... In basketball, I was always a leader the league for scoring, so coming up, I felt like this was “for me” this was my “calling”. I come from an area that produced top notch athletes, and for me to be at the top of my class, I felt like that was what I was “meant” to do.

B.O.S.S.: What changed you from going down that path to becoming a professional athlete?

Tony: Well, I knew what I wanted to do, but I didn’t understand how to get there. I didn’t understand that everything affects everything. I didn’t understand what the make-up of success was. If you want to be successful on the field, you must first be successful in the classroom-and in your life. And so, along the road, I was focusing on being successful on the football field, but I wasn’t paying attention or trying to become a better student in the classroom or in life as a young man. So, I got caught up.

I was in college, on a full football scholarship, but got caught up in females… I got caught up in the fast life-- selling drugs, making money, trying to be cool.

Trying to fit in. Fit in by standing out in the wrong way.

As I said earlier, “everything affects everything.” I wasn’t sleeping right, therefore, I wasn’t eating right, therefore, I wasn’t lifting right, therefore, I wasn’t growing right, and ultimately couldn’t play right.

B.O.S.S.: So, when you were in high school, what were your original feelings about education?

Tony: I loved to learn, but I didn’t like to study. So, I would learn what I could, solely based on my memory. Outside of school, I only wanted to do what I had to do-- like the homework that I had to do-- I would do it. Since I played basketball and football, I was concerned with how fast I could get through my homework so I could get outside to play and practice.

I did what I had to do, but I wasn’t crazy about school-- not many of my friends were. But things changed in the 9th grade after I got arrested. I changed schools

and my mom transferred me to a predominantly white private school. When I started at the school, I noticed a difference between the white school and the school I came from, which was predominantly black. At the black school, it was cool to be an athlete and to be the best dressed, but at the white school, it was cool to have the highest score on your test.

At the private school, we wore uniforms, so it didn’t matter what your shoes or clothes looked like, it was who was the smartest in the room. I didn’t have to shrink all of my knowledge like I was trying to do at the public school. And that was when I started to look at school differently. It was cool [to be smart] and I started to enjoy making good grades.

B.O.S.S.: You got into college with an athletic scholarship, but how did your collegiate career end?

INTERVIEW Tony: Because I wasn’t focused in the classroom after three years of being on a scholarship and not producing what I came there to produce, the coach let me go. I was hurt at the time, so [the coach] used that to kick me off the team. I had to pack up and drive a thousand miles to start over-- in school and in life-- without sports. I was 21 years old and that was when life really began to challenge me.

B.O.S.S..: Were you able to overcome that obstacle and finish school? What happened?

Tony: In the midst of trying to finish school, I would have to say that life happened. And while being lost and confused, I gravitated towards females. I met my wife that first year I returned home. Still focused on women and not school, I didn’t know how to be a student without being an athlete. Without my scholarship, I had to find a job to pay for my car note, rent,

groceries, school supplies... I worked full-time, trying to be a student, but I didn’t know how to be just a student.

So, it was tough. That first semester, I withdrew from all of my classes and returned to school the next term.

From 2005 to 2010, I tried to balance being a husband, a father, an author, a full-time employee, and a student.

I had to.

The combination of my lack of stimulation in school and my dreams, goals and aspirations outside of college, prompted me to write my own book in 2007.

By then, I felt like I had learned what I needed to learn, but I did want to finish. My switching majors and wanting to learn so many things, I needed to buckle down to just one subject in order to get a degree in that field. So, I had an eight year education, but no actual degree to show for it.

B.O.S.S.: What kept you inspired to continue and finish your education?

Tony: Just to know I can complete a task that I begin is the ultimate thing. But, I also learned a lesson not too many people get to learn. I learned “education”, but in the midst of getting an education, I learned it is most important to get “self-educated”. I remember Jim Rome saying, “Formal education can make you a living, but self-education can make you a fortune.” So, when you have both [formal and self-education], you are able to move forward and have no limits on your life. What inspires me is the fact that I know I am able to complete a task, take my self-education, combine it with my formal education, and have nothing I can’t do.

B.O.S.S.: Amazing, amazing… What would be your one piece of advice about life to a teenager?

Tony: I would say that the honest truth is that school may not be for everyone, but to really pay attention to your gifts. Some people may have limitations and things in life that may happen to adversely affect them-- from money, to parents, to lack of guidance or advising. You have to find out how to become successful. I say at that point you figure out that college may not be for you, you have to identify your natural gifts and then find an outlet to express it and turn that passion into profit. You can still use your abilities to change the world-- even if you are not successful in school for whatever reason, you can still become your own success story!

B.O.S.S.: When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?

When I was three years old, I started practicing and playing music. My dad taught me how to play the guitar. I thought that was what I was going to do for the rest of my life. I didn’t know there were other [career] choices. I was doing it every day, so I figured that’s what I’m going to do-- be a musician. It was what I was exposed to.

B.O.S.S.: So, as you got older and went to high school, what did you do to get better at music?

I went to a public performing arts high school called, Pierre Laporte. It was like a French private school-- We had ballet dancers, music students and regular students [who didn’t have a concentration]. As a music student, I had music classes on top of my regular classes, like English, math, history-the whole nine yards. Even before high school, I was playing the recorder. So, when I went for my high school audition, I told them I wanted to keep playing it, but they wouldn’t let me. From there, I started playing the concert flute [since it was the closest thing to the recorder]. And that’s how it all started; I was twelve years old.

B.O.S.S.: What helped you realize you could be “great” at what you were doing?

Well, I practiced every day... We had music classes every single day, and once a week; we had private lessons with our teachers. It was so competitive. Everybody was trying to be the best at Pierre Laporte. Practicing every single day... and just by being around other great musicians, it made me want to practice even harder to also become great. Every year, we would practice to get a chance to play at the school’s Gala Concert. If you were in the 11th grade, a great student and a great musician, you got to play in the Gala in front of thousands of people. That was what everybody was aiming for. From the day you start high school, you think about playing at this Gala [for a large audience]. That was the motivation to practice, motivation to try harder.

That was the inspiration.

B.O.S.S.: So, when you finished high school, what happened after that?

Junior year (11th grade) was my last competent grade, so the highlight [of high school] was the Gala where my parents came to see me perform. In my mind, I wanted to impress my father so I could convince him to let me go to Julliard [for college] in New York City. So, after my Gala per-

Steve P

INTERVIEW

Pageot

All photos courtesy of subject.

formance, I received a standing ovation! On our way home, I said, “Dad, are you convinced to let me go to Julliard?” He told me no.

When he said no, I was very disappointed. Then he said, “I’d rather you go to college and have something to fall back on, just in case the music doesn’t work out.” I was so disappointed. But, I went to college and majored in electronics and computers, not knowing that electronics and computers would play a major role in my career. So, it turned out perfectly for me.

B.O.S.S.: What college did you go to since you couldn’t go to Julliard?

I went to Vanier College, in Montréal (Québec, Canada).

B.O.S.S.: When did you finally move to New York?

It was in 1998. I moved to New York, when I got signed to [Ron “Amen Ra” Lawrence)] [Ron Lawrence Productions]. He was one of Diddy’s Hitmen producers. When I was in New York, I was kind of scared. Ron asked me, “do you want to do music for a living?” And I said, yeah, but I’m scared. I was scared because I couldn't see where the money would come from because I didn’t have a job at that time. And he was like, “you can’t be scared if this is what you want to do.” It’s one thing to follow your dreams, but when reality sets in, you have to make something happen. That’s when I made the decision to relocate to New York-- because I had no choice but to be on the field.

B.O.S.S.: Besides your father not believing in you, were there any other struggles that made you think that music may not be for you?

No, my dad did believe in me. He was scared and worried and he didn’t want me to suffer. He knows that it’s either a hit or a miss in the music industry. He totally believed in me, that’s why he encouraged me to be in music. But, he wanted me to learn something else, just in case it didn’t work out. There are so many great musicians in this world, but only a few of them will make it.

INTERVIEW

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 3

The only struggle I had was to convince people that I was good at what I was doing but after getting signed to Ron it became easier. When you don’t have a name in the industry people are reluctant to give you a break but as long as there is a cosigner even if they have never heard of you, they will take you right in.

B.O.S.S.: What’s your official title, right now and some of your most proud accomplishments?

Right now, I’m a Grammy Award-winning Producer/ Musician/Engineer and Composer. My most proud accomplishments are the Grammy with Aretha Franklin for the song called “Wonderful” on the ‘So Damn Happy’ album and the song I produced on Krayzie Bone’s ‘Thug Mentality 1999’ album on the song called “The War Iz On” that featured Snoop Dogg, Kurupt and Layzie Bone. The reason I’m so proud of it is because it was my very first project in the game as a producer and it went platinum. So,

42 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine

from the gate, I was a platinum producer. It solidified all the hard work and lack of sleep I had from the years working on my craft. It was a stamp of approval.

B.O.S.S.: How many years had you done music before that platinum album? All together, starting at age 3.

(Laughter) 25 years.

B.O.S.S.: Congrats on that! What would be one thing you would say to a teenager who is pursuing their dreams, but have a few obstacles in their way?

To continue in school. The longer you stay in school, the better off you are going to be. The reason I say that is because from elementary, middle, high school and especially college, [you will take classes] that will help you prepare for the real world. For instance, the more essays you do, your writing becomes better. Communicating with your teachers will help you learn how to communicate in life when

All photos courtesy of subject.

“...Without education you will only be known locally...”

All photos courtesy of subject.

you are speaking to someone. Nowadays, it is really about becoming a brand. If you don’t know how to express yourself or how to represent yourself, no one will want to work with you or invest in you.

B.O.S.S.: That’s major advice! Excellent, that is really what artists need to hear. They feel that their talent will speak for themselves.

Another thing, too, your education will determine how far you will go in this world. As an artist the question you must ask yourself is “do I want to be known locally or internationally?” Leave the streets behind. You have to know how to “flip it”. We all have some street in us, but when it’s time to conduct yourself in a professional way like in the corporate world, you can’t come across uneducated. Talent and education are not the only things you need. You have to believe in yourself and in God, you have to pray every day. No matter what you are going through, you have to ask God to lead the way. Without Him, none of these wonderful things would have happened to me.

imdb page: http://www.imdb.me/StevePageot Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Steve-Pageot/109793855792389 Twitter: @stevepageot

43 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine

“...It didn’t happen like a “Cinderella Story” for me.

It definitely wasn’t a beautiful story...”

44 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine

JONES

B.O.S.S.: What did you want to be when you grew up?

I actually have been singing since I could remember. I grew up in church and I always thought that one day I would be a singer. However, growing up in church, you really don’t see the stardom [of being a singer]. Because you are there singing in the choir, you’re around the preacher and the church ladies and they want to keep you in church. But, I always thought I would be a singer. It didn’t happen like a “Cinderella story” for me. It definitely wasn’t a beautiful story. I actually went through a lot of [hardships] before I became a professional singer. A lot of things...

B.O.S.S.: Tell us a little about your high school experience. Did you do anything special to help you pursue your dream of becoming a professional singer? Or is it something that just happened?

Actually, I have-- really a testimony behind my “schooling.” I went to Mt. Juliet High in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee. My mom had me going back and forth from Georgia to Nashville to Mt. Juliet. I was in the 9th grade in ROTC and the choir. But, I was a high school dropout... Yeah, [pause] and this is why I love talking to kids, because I have an amazing story to tell! I believe [my story] can really help kids that are looking and thinking about dropping out of school.

So, I dropped out and I ran away from home. I had a lot of things going on at home. My mom and I were not getting along and my father-- he wasn’t my biological father, but he was my dad who I knew since birth-- he passed away when I was 14. It really struck some “nerves” in me and I wasn’t very happy. I really wasn’t happy as a teen. My mom put me in ROTC to try to “straighten me up,” but it didn’t work. I dropped out and I ran away. I was gone for about 2 ½ years without anyone knowing where I was.

B.O.S.S.: WOW! Yeah... I really, I really, really really, really, really could have been dead. I really could have been dead. I went through so much stuff, went through so many obstacles, and met people that I wasn’t supposed to be around. I got into the things that teenagers get into when they are with the wrong people.

Drugs, alcohol-- all that jazz. Really, God had his hand on my spirit, on my life, because he allowed a certain situation to happen that allowed my family to find me! We all reunited and I went to stay with my grandfather in Georgia when I began to change my life. I ended up getting my GED and I got

All photos courtesy of subject.

Ashthon

INTERVIEW

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 3

All photos courtesy of subject.

“Saved.” I gave my life to Christ. I took a class at a technical school in Georgia because I knew I had to get back on my education. Then, afterwards, I moved back to Nashville, and basically, started working with my mom. I had planned to go to the Military, but while I was working with my mom, I met a producer and that’s when my career started. I was 18 or 19 years old and I’ve been doing music ever since. I was also working with a guy, called BARNONE, who got me involved with a publishing company. I signed my first publishing deal at the age of 19.

B.O.S.S.: That’s amazing!

I know thanks! I know it sounds amazing, but it was not how everyone thinks it is. They look at American Idol and they look at artists and celebrities and say, “aww, man, they probably been doin’ that and they had it good!” No. It has not been all good. I’ve made some bad decisions, but one thing I know is that, it was meant for me to be a singer; it was meant for me to go on American

Idol. This is what God had in store for me and there was nothing I could do to mess it up! So, while I was working on my career I worked at a shoe store. My mom called me on the phone, and she said “Ashthon! American Idol is here!

They’re here in Nashville!” And I said, “Mom I know, but I’m here [at work], I can’t just leave.

I have to work, I have to make money.” And she said, “I know, but you know you’ve wanted to do it.” I told her that I didn’t think it was my year, and she said, “Ashthon, trust me.”

My mom kept asking me to please go, please go, and so I talked with my boss. She said, “Well, you know, I don’t think you are going to be guaranteed a spot on the show (American Idol). I don’t think you will make it. You should be here, you have a secure job and...” It took her to say something like that to me to motivate me. My boss didn’t give me a chance.

She didn’t even know if I could sing or not. So, that day, I quit my job. I went to get my Idol 45 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine

BOSS E-MAGAZINE

wristband and the next day I auditioned and made it. It was a life changing experience for me. I had been doing music for about 5 years, singing locally, in bars and clubs, to being on the stage in front of Jennifer Lopez and Randy and millions of viewers around the world! For me to come from being that little girl from Church of God by Faith in Cordele, Georgia, to being on American Idol.

I almost felt like I didn’t deserve it, but I can’t say that, because God had a plan for me. . This is for all the teens and parents out there who don’t know that you really have to make the right decisions. It doesn’t always turn out good just like that. You have to make decisions that will help you be successful in life. I have 4 brothers and sisters that are younger than me so I try to be a role model for them. ...And that’s a little bit about ‘Ashthon Jones’.

B.O.S.S.: During those times between getting your GED and being on Idol, what was your motivation and inspiration to be more?

I actually have a few people in my life who have inspired and motivated me. My cousins in Georgia helped raise me as a little girl.

They are all singers and they have always told me to stay driven and never give up. My producer who I met that got me the publishing deal. He has been a big part of my life since I was 19. He basically helped mold me as an artist. I felt like I could never just give up since I had all these people around who were pushing and pushing me. My mom has been a single parent for a long time, and for her to have my back like she does and working trying to make ends meet... I don’t really have a choice. I have my little sisters and brothers and I don’t want them to see me quit.

All of those things around me help to mold me and drive me to keep going.

B.O.S.S.: How did you finish on American Idol?

I made it to the top 13!

B.O.S.S.: That’s an incredible accomplishment!

Yes. I really wanted to make it to the top 13 because I felt that would be the “life changer.” It would allow me to have viewers around the world to grow with me as an artist.

B.O.S.S.: what would you say to a young person who is contemplating dropping out of school or is struggling to achieve their goals?

It doesn’t always turn out good. If you make bad decisions, there will not always be a turning point where everything comes up roses. You have to be careful, because there are people out there who are not in your best interest and don’t love you like your family. It’s not a good thing to run out on your family, it’s not a good thing to run out on school and friends, because they will miss you. And ANYTHING can happen to you. It’s a true story, it really is. There were a lot of people I knew who hung out around me that had a lot of things happen to them-- from rape to drugs to death. And it’s a scary thing. So, you want to make sure you 46 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine

All photos courtesy of subject.

INTERVIEW

stay in school and surround yourself with people who care about you and your education and your life. And always know that you are beautiful. Whether you are a man, a woman-- you are beautiful inside. If, at any point, you don’t feel loved, always know that God loves you. I just want to tell people that. I want people to know that.

Thank you, B.O.S.S. Magazine, for the opportunity to be REAL.

Ashthon Jones is currently working on a program called “A.S.I.S.T.”-- “Ashthon’s

Training”.

Stay in School

It is scheduled to begin fall of 2012. Ashthon Jones will also be giving scholarships to the school that wins the talent show that she will be putting on later in 2012.

To find out more about Ashthon Jones, please take a moment to visit her on Facebook, Twitter or her Website.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ashthon.jones Twitter: @AshthonJones

All photos courtesy of subject.

*American Idol Season 10 Top 13 *Singer/Songwriter, Actress, Motivational Speaker, & Host. *For Booking & Hosting email: Ashthonjonesinfo@gmail.com

47 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine

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49 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine

Health & Fitness

ARTICLE

Los Angeles

Fuel for Growth

By Naima Woodson

Your teenage years are very important for creating habits that will last a lifetime,

All photos copyright Cielo Roth Photography.

to ensure that you grow with confidence into a happy, healthy adult. As you continue to grow into a young adult and become more independent, the responsibility of planning your future, being proactive, and maintaining your health, lies with you. The days of your parents telling you what to eat, when to eat, what to do, and when to do it, are either dwindling or long gone. Many of you, however, are fortunate enough to have a parent, a family member, or a mentor to help guide you in learning the principles that will help you reach your goals, and live a healthy and successful life. By now, you’ve been made aware of some positive changes you could make in your life and daily routine that will help you develop into a healthy adult. That’s the easy part! The challenge is making the changes, and sticking to them.

As you prepare for high school, college, and careers, maintaining your health and fitness may seem like a burden or challenge. You may feel pressure from school, family, and relationships, and your busy schedule may lead to you buying lunch from the vending machine, or grabbing the first thing you find. It’s actually times like these, when you’re stressed, that healthy behaviors like nutritious eating, may actually help with the challenges you’re facing. You’ll feel more energized, learn better, stay alert, and you’ll be lowering your risk for diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and some forms of cancer.

Now, more than ever in your life, you’re going through a lot of physical changes, including growth and puberty. Eating right during this time is especially important because your body needs a variety of vitamins and minerals to develop, grow, and stay healthy. The best way to get all the nutrients you need in a day is by eating a variety of foods and by taking in the right balance of proteins, carbs, fats, and calories. This is not to say that the occasional sweet treat is not okay, but you don’t want to over-do high calorie foods that offer little, nutritionally.

50 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine

Take Charge with 10!

Eating healthfully means getting the right balance of nutrients your body needs to perform every day. What’s the right balance? Take charge of your health with these 10 guidelines for a nutritious and well-balanced diet…

j

Make half your plate fruits and veggies… When consumed as part of a well-balanced and nutritious eating plan, fruits and vegetables can help keep you healthy. Teenagers who are consuming 2,000 calories per day should aim for 2 cups of fruit and 2 1/2 cups of vegetables every day.

k

Think about your drinks… Are sodas and other sugary juices your drinks of choice? These drinks can actually be considered a dessert, with the amount of sugar and calories they contain. Stick to go old H2O to quench your thirst. Drinking a healthy amount of water is vital to your health. Calcium does a body good… This nutrient is so important for teens, because getting enough of it now, can reduce the risk for broken bones later in life. It is recommended that teenagers get 1,200 mg of calcium a day, so shoot for at least three 1-cup equivalents of low-fat or fat-free calcium rich foods and/or beverages a day.

l

m

Go for whole grains... Whole-grain foods give you more energy and have more nutrients than refined grain products. Try eating six 1 ounce-equivalents of grains every day with at least three 1 ounce-equivalents coming from whole-grain sources, like brown rice and oatmeal.

n

Add lean protein… Teens need about five 1 ounce-equivalents of protein-rich foods each day. Not only does protein build and repair body tissue, it also can help you grow strong and sustain your energy levels.

o

Avoid extra fat… Fat is an important nutrient, that helps your body grow and develop. It keeps your skin and hair healthy, and is also a source of energy. Unsaturated fat can be a part of a healthy diet, as long as you don’t eat too much. Some good sources include olive oil, salmon, and almonds.

p

Limit fast food and choose wisely… How often are you eating fast food? Just one value-sized fast food meal of a sandwich, fries, and sweetened soda can have more calories, fat, and added sugar than anyone should eat in an entire day! Be conscious of your choices.

q

Replenish your body with iron… This mineral is necessary to help support the rapid growth you’ll experience during your teen years. To get the iron you need, try eating iron rich foods such as dark leafy greens and cooked dried beans.

r

Control your portions... The portion sizes that you get at school, or at a restaurant often times contain more food than you need to eat in one sitting. Try sharing your meal, or saving some for later.

j i

Jumpstart your day… Having a nutritious breakfast does more than just provide a dose of morning fuel. When you eat breakfast, you are "breaking the fast" from the night before. Breakfast is the first chance your body has to refuel, providing you with more energy and an increased attention span.

Naima Woodson, licensed children’s fitness and nutrition specialist, is the mother of two children, and Founder and Director of Fit For a Kid, a Los Angeles based mobile fitness service provided to preschools, private schools, community recreation centers, churches, groups and private families. www.fitforakidla.com | 888-557-7088 | info@fitforakidla.com | facebook.com/fitforakid | @fitforakidla

52 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine

Mission: Our goal is to use BlaCk OWned to create a generation that realizes the power that is within‌ through fashion.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Entertainment

IN EVERY ISSUE

Sometimes in our educational pursuit we overlook the importance of entertainment. Entertainment, done right, can change people’s lives, can give hope, can inspire generations! Join us as we move through entertainment at it’s root and true purpose, to make change.

E

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 3

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When does

Entertainment All photos courtesy of getty images

become INSPIRATIONAL?

Interested in Freelance Writing in B.O.S.S. E-Magazine?

Contact Drea at editor@boss-emag.com

EDITORIAL

ENTERTAINMENT BRAD ALLEN How Long Should You Try? Until...

Jeremy Lin Sometimes we have to be shown the way by someone who can only imagine it. Sometimes you have to imagine a life that is beyond your grasp if you are ever to attain it. What is our life, but a manifestation of our own thoughts and beliefs about ourselves? Each day we all face a decision about our destiny: do we let negative energy infiltrate our thoughts? Do we let people’s preconceived notions about us redirect our lives?

Or do we imagine a better life for ourselves? Do we mentally prepare ourselves for greatness? Will we allow ourselves to be great? @muggy817 Sports Enthusiast, and Cleveland writer.

56 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine

The great Woody Hayes told his players to paralyze resistance with persistence. Try, try and try until… The modern day example of paralyzing persistence is New York Knick’s point guard ,Jeremy Lin. A description of Lin’s tangibles follows as such: lighting quick, six-feet three-inches and over two hundred pounds, strong handle, and an uncanny ability to get to the rim and finish, seemingly, at will. These attributes most surely conjure up an image of an African-American male. This African-American male is more than likely from a low income inner city American neighborhood. He was raised primarily by his mother and he utilized athletics as a way of escaping his hard scrabble youth. This is the garden variety tale of how persistence in athletics, most notably basketball, pays off with professional success. The tale of Jeremy Lin’s persistence is of a different variety altogether and speaks to the limitations that are placed upon all of our abilities due to pre-determinations based upon race.

Jeremy Lin is Taiwanese-American. Jeremy Lin is the product of a two parent home and an ivy league graduate. Jeremy Lin is not supposed to be six- foot- three since both of his parents are five foot six. Jeremy Lin is not supposed to have the killer instinct of a Kobe Bryant. In the collective minds of sports fans, Jeremy Lin is your super smart Asian friend who is the top student in your AP Calculus class. In the collective minds of sports fans, he is not supposed to be able to blow by you with a crossover and dunk. He is supposed to “outthink” his opponents, using guile and cunning to accomplish his goals. He is supposed to be deceptively quick. (As if such a thing exists.) As if professional basketball players could be deceived into thinking that a slow player is actually fast or that a fast player is actually slow again and again.

EDITORIAL

What is Jeremy Lin despite the stereotypes? Fast with a basketball in his hands (especially going to his right), determined, persistent and unique.

Not unique so much for being an Asian- American who can play basketball at an elite level, but unique and rare like most people who are wildly successful within their professions.

Jeremy Lin has finally allowed the greatness that was always

“paralyze resistance with persistence.” inside of him to manifest. He has allowed us to experience the life that he has imagined for himself. The one that was above and beyond his set of circumstances and perceived limitations. He has paralyzed all of the resistance to his success with persistence.

Sleeping on couches, playing in the NBA Developmental League, being cut by several teams... These circumstances do not a superstar make. Did he dare to dream of being an NBA star? Did he ever imagine himself on the front page of his favorite NBA website? How about being invited to NBA All-Star Weekend? In interviews, he has said that he could have never imagined it, but in his mind’s eye it is the only way he could have ever gotten to where he is now. Whether we would like to admit it or not, our lives are a manifestation of what we believe they should be. The circumstances of our lives: where we are born, who are parents are, who are siblings are, we certainly cannot control. But the fact remains that all people who forge their own successes in life do so because they first imagined themselves to BE successful before it ever happened in the natural realm.

Who is Jeremy Lin? What color is his skin? How tall is he? What does he look like when he plays basketball? All of these things are products of our limited, natural sensory perception. How we interpret these attributes are a product of our preconceived notions about race and ethnicity. What Jeremy Lin truly is, far beyond his physical appearance, is the embodiment of persistence. Jeremy Lin is the evidence that an unwavering belief in one’s self is the only difference between failure and achieving your goals. How long should you try? Until…

What CAN I be when I grow up?

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Conversations LIVE Radio is hosted and produced by Cyrus Webb, President of Shadow Play Entertainment & Conversations Book Club, as well as the Editor-In-Chief of Conversations Magazine. As with the other members of the Conversations Brand, the radio show highlights individuals and issues that matter, giving a different perspective on the events of the day, and more importantly, how together we can produce the change we want to see in ourselves and the world. For more information visit www.cyruswebbpresents.com.

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Cyrus Webb

B.O.S.S. E-Magazine

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B. S.S. E-Magazine of Today’s Young Black Leaders

ISSUE 003

What Successful Teens Read

03 – 12

Be your Own Success Story

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September 2008 magazine 65

this

CAN

1 Man REALLY MAKE Difference?

Community

Kool Ken

COMMUNITY

Cincinnati

68 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine

Most recently, KOOL KEN founded an organized a Cincinnati Chapter of “The Stop The Violence Movement.� In doing so, he has done the once unthinkable by assembling some of the top musicians and artists from the Cincinnati area to collaborate and create a modern day "Self Destruction" type of song and music video titled "Stop The Violence" that features a variety of hip hop and R&B artists. He is also currently completing a documentary and soundtrack titled "Stop The Violence: After The Casket Closes" which is due to be released in 2012.

All photos courtesy of subject.

KOOL KEN, an American music producer, rapper, DJ, motivational/inspirational public speaker & coach, born September 17, in Lincoln Heights, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA. Specializes in positive and true hip hop, giving inspiration and encouragement through his music and lyrics. An excellent writer whose lyrics exudes a certain spirituality and positivity. His music transcends the gangster influence of today's music.

There is no straining necessary to hear or understand the meaning of what he tries to convey.

ENTERTAINMENT

Interviews

“I am doing my part in educating, raising awareness and finding a solution towards one common goal.

That common goal is to stop the genocide. If we can unite against killing ourselves, we can then focus on the other issues that are keeping our communities and people confused and divided. We have so many intelligent and strong individuals within our communities that are unfortunately, afraid to unite. And the number of individuals we have that are afraid of the establishment, yet they will kill and exploit those who resemble themselves is astonishing! It's time to stop pointing fingers and making excuses. It's time to unite for our own good. It begins with each of us individually. Stop The Violence...The Movement Continues...�

Slogan/Motto: Stop The Violence...The Movement Continues...

All photos courtesy of subject.

Description: The Stop The Violence Movement of Cincinnati is a group of like minded individuals united to raise awareness and find a solution to stop senseless violence.

Mission Statement: It is the mission of The Stop The Violence Movement of Cincinnati to bring unity within all communities, to bring a stop to senseless violence, including gun violence. Our friendly, knowledgeable and professional members will help inspire, motivate, educate and raise awareness while finding a solution for our communities.

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Community

A Little woman ... with a

N. Kentucky

Big Voice Jeffonia "Ms. Ebony J." Wynn is currently a senior at Northern Kentucky University (NKU) pursuing a degree in Electronic Media Broadcasting and the distinctive voice behind NKU's Norse Code Radio "The Ebony J. Show". While most people wake up in the morning and rush to the bathroom or closet, Wynn puts on her radio personality hat and starts her day introducing songs preparing for her time behind the microphone. When most students spent their summers vacationing in Miami or L.A., Ms. Ebony J. was interning at several different radio and television stations, soaking up a wealth of knowledge. "I live, dream and breathe the art form, 'communications'."

Even in the face of discouragement, Wynn continued to push through great lengths to activate her dream. There have been days where she has waken up at 5:3am and did not get into bed, until 2:00AM. "When pursing something you are extremely passionate about, you learn [that time and dedication] comes with the territory.

71 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine

Wynn started her freshmen year of college researching how to start her own radio show. By her third week at Northern Kentucky University, she had her own radio show called, the “Ebony J. Show.” Immediately she began spreading the word. Everyone assured and reassured her that they would listen in, but at first no one actually did. This may have discouraged and persuaded others to quit, but not Ms. Ebony J. "I started off with an audience of two computers listening in. One, of which, was mine. No callers and no one willing to work with me, besides my grandma."

In the beginning, Wynn's grandmother volunteered to head the Ebony J. marketing team where she made fliers and sent out emails to spread the word about "The Ebony J. Show." "There were many times when [Norse Code Radio] wouldn’t be online (live) and I didn’t realize, until my time was up." In an effort to combat her low listenership, Wynn reached out to on- campus organizations, faculty, and to the student body as a whole to gain a strong following.

Since then, all of her hard work and determination paid off! Currently, Ms. Ebony J. boasts 100+ daily listeners on the NKU radio station site. Ms. Ebony J. not only has to balance excessive amounts of telephone calls, Twitter posts, and Facebook messages, but juggle scheduling multiple guests for her show, live DJs, and Norse Code Radio's on-campus offices. When starting on this journey, Wynn understood support would be shaky, and sleepless nights would be guaranteed. "I am proud to say that with hard work, non-stop dedication and a whole lot of prayer, I have ascended to

72 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine

All photos courtesy of subject.

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 3

73 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine

"I live, dream and breathe the art form, 'communications'."

All photos courtesy of subject.

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 3

the position of General Manager of NorseCodeRadio.com."

Wynn credits her persistence, dedication, humility, and keeping God first as her recipe for success. You can catch "The Ebony J. Show" live every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday at 9PM Eastern Time on NorseCodeRadio.com.

DETROIT

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 3

Changing the Community One Young Potential Engineer at a Time.

On the morning of Saturday, February 25, a long caravan of cars slowly rolled into the parking lot of Second Ebenezer Church on Detroit’s Northeast side. Each car carried parents and students arriving to attend the five-week Spring Program Orientation of the Detroit Area Pre-College Engineering Program (DAPCEP).

By 8:30 a.m., 1,200 of those students and their parents filled the main sanctuary to find out just what DAPCEP had in store for them during the five-week session that could, potentially change the direction of their lives.

Too often, when education in Detroit, Michigan is mentioned, the story is grim and uninspiring. But DAPCEP, a Detroit-based non-profit that provides state-of-the-art Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programming works daily to tell a different story. The organization, which serves metropolitan Detroit youth in grades Kindergarten through 12, has a noble mission to fulfill. Its goal is to increase the number of students who are motivated and prepared academically to pursue degrees leading to careers in STEM-related fields.

Since 1976, DAPCEP has had an impact on the lives of more than 150,000 youth with an interest in STEM. This impact comes in the form of four core programs: ▪ Saturday Series: collaboration with corporate and university partners to teach innovative and interactive courses to children in grades four through 12 during the school year.

▪ Summer Channel: a collaboration with Michigan universities to offer unique and exciting campus-based enrichment programs to students in grades six through 12 during the summer.

▪ DAPCEP In-School-Curriculum (DISC): tailored to work within Detroit Public Schools and in the near future nonDetroit Public Schools; DISC focuses on engaging students in model building and independent thinking to create the actual experience of engineers.

76 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine

▪ K-3 “Little Engineer That Could” Program: a three-year program that simultaneously introduces children to STEM concepts while teaching parents how to build an education-friendly learning environment at home.

The organization relies on support from corporations, foundations, individuals, and the community. Such corporate partners as Dow Corning, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, DTE Energy, Consumers Energy, and more, support the organization with funding and guidance. For instance, DAPCEP’s current executive director, Jason Lee, joined the organization in 2004 as part of Ford Motor Company’s executive loan program.

The Skillman Foundation, The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation, and more provide funding for select programs and initiatives. The W. K. Kellogg Foundation recently awarded DAPCEP a $300,000 multi-year grant. The grant supports DAPCEP’s “Little Engineer That Could” K-3 program.

Continued support allows DAPCEP to serve more than 4,000 students each year at no cost to the students. DAPCEP’s eight Michigan university partners are instrumental in providing exciting and energetic learning environments on their campuses for DAPCEP programming.

All photos courtesy of subject.

As a testament to DAPCEP’s impact on the growth of a student, Andrea Craig, proud parent of DAPCEP alum Jaime Craig, emailed the organization an update about her daughter, who had participated in DAPCEP programming from 3rd grade through high school.

Community

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 3

in Farmington Hills, Michigan in 2007.

Fast-forward to 2012 and Jaime will graduate April 28th with a degree in electrical engineering and several minors. She has been an active participant in the National Society of Black Engineers, among other activities. Jaime will begin employment with Dematic Corporation on July 2, 2012 as a Controls System Engineer 1.

Preparing students to pursue degrees leading to careers in STEM-related fields is DAPCEP’s mission. It is a mission that is experienced on many levels, as expressed by Andrea Craig, who ended her email by saying, “Thanks goes to DAPCEP as a part of the community that helped raise this child.”

To learn more about DAPCEP, visit the website at www.dapcep.org or call the office at (313) 8313050. Find DAPCEP on Facebook.com/DAPCEP.

According to Craig, Jaime had been one of 60 ninth graders in a DAPCEP program funded by the National Science Foundation. While in the program, Jaime visited Michigan Technological University (Michigan Tech) in Houghton, Michigan two summers in a row. After successfully completing the program, she decided to attend Michigan Tech following her graduation from Mercy High School 77 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine

COMMUNITY

Atlanta As adolescents with goals

and ambition, we, as maturing young ladies wanted to find a way to give back to our community the most efficient way possible. All coming from different places, we found ourselves forming an extremely close bond that included our ability to help each other exceed; we wanted to pass on these lessons. Different situations that were experienced by each of us brought us to the perfect decision of forming our up and coming organization. Agreeing that confidence and scholarship were two of the most important things needed to achieve greatness, we started a non-profit organization

by the name of Cherish You. Cherish You was created with a vision to help young girls mature into young ladies with high self-esteem and rigor.

Twitter, Facebook, and other rising social networks have become the downfall for our generation and generations to come. Watching these changes over a progression of time prompted us to do something about it. Although all of our peers caught our attention, we decided to target the females.

We felt as if there was a cry for help for these young ladies as they discussed sex, drugs, and their extreme dependence on their male peers for happiness. Knowing that we each have 78 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine

Brittany Cornell, Diamond Hill, Kayla Heard facebook.com/thecherishyou twitter: @cherishyou_

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 3

All photos courtesy of subject.

been through our fair share of ups and downs, all different scenarios and stories, we thought it would only be right to share some of the knowledge that we have already obtained from our lessons learned.

Our stories begin in high school, which was quite the experience, and graduating was just the tip of the iceberg. Individually, we all decided to further our education which we, as an organization, hold to a high standard, but we also support one doing what they feel is best for their happiness and future career. As we began to take the next step in pursuing our college degrees, we stumbled upon several problems that were a result of a lack of guidance from the adults around us. With that being said, we agreed that our organization would thrive to help girls with issues that plague them from understanding their true route to success.

Our vision soon turned into a reality as we had our first event named “Pamper Me Confident.” The event began with light refreshments and an open discussion between us and the young ladies who attended.

The discussion ranged from college aid to ten year goals. Afterwards, one of our own, Brittany, with Blush Bc, provided her services as the make up artist and glammed up the attendees for a photo shoot shot by Dana Simmons with iMAGES by Dana. The glam portion of the event was put into place to increase the confidence in the young ladies and ensure them that they were all beautiful! We closed the event with a ring ceremony that vowed them to make a promise to themselves of their choice. While the number of people weren’t in as much volume as we expected, the girls that did show up were more than enough. In our eyes, our first event was a success.

Cherish You continues to tackle the initiatives set forth by enhancing the confidence of high school women by pampering them and enlightening them to special skin, hair, and nail tips, defining and critiquing the do’s and don’ts of the post high school experience, and overall providing support during a time of change and transition.

Since this is our first venture, we are still learning and growing together as individuals and as an up and coming non-profit. We were featured in a rising Newspaper by the name of SALT as October’s Ambitious Women of the Month.

We hold Cherish You close to our hearts and hope to one day become national, who knows, even international. Hopefully, with the continuation of growth we will help and reach young ladies and help them capture what being a young women with self-esteem really means. This is only the beginning of our story.

Stay tuned, you will be hearing more about Cherish You in the near future.

79 B.O.S.S. E - Magazine

B.O.S.S. VOLUME 1 I ISSUE 1

E-Magazine of Today’s Young Black Lead12 – 11

Be your Own Success Story

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