9:36
Fashion-Black History-Sports-Self Love-Entertainment-Business
Magazine
June/July 2024
Loquacious Conversations with
L. Spenser Smith
MODEL OF THE MONTH: Who is Alphonso Morton III?
EDUCATOR OF THE MONTH: Rodney Pelt Sr.
CREAM OF THE CROP: Tristan Simmons
And more…
Editor’s Note Just as 9:36 Magazine honored mothers in May, we must honor fathers in June. I have to start with my husband, Kelvin. There is no textbook way to be a great dad, but I have watched you become a better dad everyday. The girls and I love you more than you will ever know. Happy Father’s Day!
To my dad, I didn’t understand why you were uncompromising while raising us. As a parent, I understand it more than ever. Thank you for not waivering. You are an awesome dad and I don’t think God could have made a better choice for my siblings and me. Happy Father’s Day!
Love, Dorcas
CONTENTS
9:36 MAGAZINE
BOSSES
4
CREAM OF THE CROP
6
EDUCATOR OF THE MONTH
7
LOVE THYSELF
17
by Romi Darling
THE RABBIT HOLE by Kevil Time
Loquacious Conversations with L. Spenser LL Smith page 10 (Cover Photo by Gazelle Productions)
MODEL OF THE MONTH: WHO IS ALPHONSO MORTON III?
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What inspired you to start? As a child, I have always had a passion for music. Professionally, my career (my 9am-5pm) enables me to help individuals with developmental and mental health disabilities maximize life and learn to live despite a wide spectrum of challenges. I love all genres of music and I love helping others figure out their next steps in life. I combined my passion with my purpose and started JustTee. As a party planner/promoter, I noticed there was a need in the entertainment space for the 35 and up crowd here in Tuscaloosa, so it was critical for me to create safe, classy and fun events for the professional crowd. How can we find your products and purchase from you? Email: JustTeeEvents@yahoo.com Facebook: JustTee Events What’s next for you? We generally host a summer series of music events entitled #SundayFunday for the Grown & Sexy Crowd. These events feature a live band with various artist performing and a local DJ. Our signature events here in the city include: The Princess Ball, The White Party, Island Vibes Summer Series and The Klassik Christmas Black Affair.
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Photo by Rodney High
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t f h o e C m a r op e r C Tristan Simmons
Tristan Simmons is an 18-year-old graduate of Paul W. Bryant High School. He has had several notable accomplishments during his public-school career including: • Grand Champion of the U.A Robotics Competition (2023) • Highest GPA in Computer Science • Highest GPA in 12th Grade History (Honors) • Townsquare Media Inspiring Excellence Award
Photos by Gazelle Productions
Tristan has plans to attend Alabama A&M on a Merit Scholarship. He has chosen to major in Computer Science. 9:36
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Loquacious Conversations with
Bishop Smith…first of all… what does the “L” in your name stand for? (He laughed) Oh no…NDA. (He paused) Leonard. That’s what my mom chose to name me. Leonard Spencer Smith. It’s funny. Everyone in my family-siblings, cousins- is named after someone in the family. But I am not. I have my own unique name. She actually got it from Sir Winston Leonard Spencer Churchill. They called him the “lion of England” and Leonard means “lion-strong.” She told me that’s what she wanted for me. She wanted me to be bold and courageous. I think the name fits. Yes. It definitely fits. Where are you from and how did you get your start? I’m from a little place called Moncks Corner, South Carolina. It’s right outside of Charleston, SC. It’s small and quaint.
L. Spenser Smith
Did you live there until you finished high school? Yes. I didn’t leave Moncks Corner until I went to college. 9:36
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