Chicago Volume 1, Issue 2

AMPS EXCLUSIVE

Interview with Author & award-winning Screenwriter Ms. Toni Odom special feature

amp's akilah webster

also featuring: SubscriBers Ms. Angela wilson's receive newest novel exclusive "Crown Holder" collectors covers

Progressive greek's Mr. Kevin L. Davis much more inside!!!

contents

credit/contributors Michael Hunt, mba CEO/Editor in chief

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NEWS & REVIEWS

black culture

18amps special feature -ms. akilah webster

26 Progressive Greek

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Progressive Greek’s Kevin L. Davis is the AMPS Magazine’s own Ms. Akilah Webster of our sister franchise in Indianapolis is featured for her recent new partner of AMPS and he delivers the latest news in Greeklife. accomplishment of becoming the new Senior Editor of AMPS Indy!!! Interview conducted by Ms. Leslie Turner

31Urban Art (The fugees by lonnie ollivierre)

22 on the rise - angela wilson

Ms. Angela Wilson’s newest book release “Crown Holder” is the latest of her groundbreaking “Miss Thang!” series.

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Urban art and urban artists are a hidden treasure within our culture. AMPS wants to join in and assist these brilliant men and women gain more exposusre.

Mr. Michael N. Hunt is the Founder/Owner of MNH Media Circle, Inc. and current Franchise Owner of the AMPS Magazine-Chicago/Greater Illinois market. Mr. Hunt has an extensive background in Marketing with a specialty in marketing research and consultation.

Justin Nash creative director Freelance graphic designer of The BOSS Group and co-owner of Illustrati design company in Dallas, TX; Mr. Nash has been an integral part of reshaping the overall imaging of AMPS Magazine -Chicago’s layout and website.

Kevin L. Davis GreekLife Contributor Founder/Senior Editor of Chicago-based publication, Progressive Greek Magazine. Mr. Kevin L. Davis is in alliance with AMPS Magazine-Chicago in order to spread the news about the great accomplishments about members of all Black Greek-Lettered Organizations.

Leslie Turner Contributing Writer

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Founder/Directof of LModelz Model Management based in Indianapolis; Ms. Leslie Turner is also a contributing writer of the AMPS Magazine-Indianapolis market.

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category legend Art Music

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Greek Politics

Education Relationships

Glenn murray Contributing writer

FILM Writing

Founder/Owner of Chicago based Marketing & Publishing Company, 220 Communications. Mr. Glenn Murray has been a stark supporter and contributor of AMPS Magazine-Chicago as writer & networking specialist since its inception.

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AFRICAN AMERICANS IN THE ARTS

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31 Art that Inspires me

AMPS Magazine-Chicago has decided to implement it’s social-networking initiative by creating a marketing partnership with “ART THAT INSPIRES ME” on FACEBOOK. This alliance is to market and bring attention to the creative brilliance of artists across the nation. JACK ROOSEVELT "JACKIE" ROBINSON (Painting above) is by artist Kadir Nelson (www.kadirnelson.com)

9 lights, camera, action - ahshe!

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The cover story for this issue consists of Ms. Toni Odom due to her award- winning production and creative work behind the internet sensation soap opera - AHSHE!

28Relationships - book review

“If I’m Looking for a Prince; Why Am I Still Kissing Frogs” by iLinda M.J. Reese is an excellent depiction of what men and women go through during their quest for real love. Mr. Glenn Murray of 220 communications provides a great summation of this author’s vision.

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JUST FOR

HEROES.com THE SOCIAL NETWORK FOR THOSE WHO PROTECT OUR FREEDOM

Ms. Toni Odom

Award Winning Author

F

& Screenwriter

or over three years, I’ve had the pleasure and privilege of meeting an inspirational source and overwhelming supporter of AMPS Magazine. Ms. Toni Odom is a brilliant activitst, author, and screenwriter that truly has a passion for positive and progressive dialogue about love and relationships within the Black Community. Besides being an award-winning author; Ms. Odom has recently brought forth a megahit on the horizon. AHSHE is the latest product to be created and produced by Ms. Odom and this masterpiece is about to take the internet by storm. In this next Q&A Series; you will be given a detailed look inside the inpsiration of the award winning author and screenwriter- Ms. Toni Odom.

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Ms. toni odom Award Winning Author

& Screenwriter

Q

Could you please give our audience a brief background of Ms. Toni Odom?

A I am a writer, activist and filmmaker and I hope my voice can be heard

because I speak for those of us that are never listened to. I have been blessed to be well educated but I remember where I came from. Born in Memphis, raised in St. Louis and I have lived in Milwaukee and Chicago and now Long Beach.

Graduated from Marquette University and I recently completed my MBA.

Q How did u come up with the concept of launching your own

soap opera series?

ahshe

Q & A Series

A I started to see webisodes all on the internet and

thought how about my own show. I wanted to make something that I would enjoy that reflected my life and my interests.

Q How did the name AHSHE come about?

Were there any other names that would qualify for the series title?

lights!!!!! camera!!!! action!!!! by: michael hunt

photos of cast contributed by: Mr. Darius Williams

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ahshe the q&a Series

A Ahshe is the Yoruba word for “and so it is.” That

just reasonated with me because I wanted to show Black Folks as we really are as real people, not just flat characters. We are not just good or bad, we love, we hurt and have full lives like everyone else.

Q AHSHE is such a powerful title for a soap

opera? Who are the main characters in AHSHE?

A

The show mainly revolves around the Grant Family, two brothers and two sisters that come from a broken home but all are successful. Ahshe is the name of a bookstore that one of the sisters owns. Her name is Assata and she is the nurturer of the family. Raymond is the father figure and business man but he is married and a womanizer dealing with his own problems. Teri owns a beauty salon and is a proud lesbian that hates her brother Raymond and Jabari the youngest brother who is in college and is dedicated to the struggle. All the characters represent very different aspects of life like dealing with our sexuality, commitment to our community or just plain loving each other.

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screenwriter

Toni odom

Q Given the numerous

activities that occur on the web simultaneously; what sets ASHE apart from other entertainment entities on the web?

A What sets Ahshe a part is I don’t see any shows that deal with issues our community has had to deal with.

I have young men coming together to work in their community but they are being watched by the FBI. I have a down low Sistah. I have a young woman holding on to her virginity. Despite the images we are fed everyday about ourselves that are usually negative, Ahshe shows there are negatives but positives as well. As a people we have been constantly attacted from without and within. I want to show how that has happened and show how we need to see the truth and deal with it.

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Q How often does the show Q I find it very fascinating broadcast and where can we find additional information about the show?

A I am getting the final 7

shows edited but the first 17 can be watched on the shows website: http://www.ahshe. com where more information about the show is available.

I’m looking for street team members that love the show to promote it to their family and friends. As soon as all shows have aired I will make the entire season available on DVD.

Q How long has the soap

opera been in production?

Is ASHE designed to cater to females or males?

A I wrote the entire season in a month and took about 3 months to shoot it. The show is really catered to both because even though most would say a soap is for women, the story lines and action are of interest to both. Seeing sisters and brothers that have natural hair, locks, all skin tones, shapes and sizes is refreshing.

Q How do you keep your creative edge in a highly competitive industry?

on how ASHE is becoming an internet sensation.

Was it difficult gaining exposure and discovering quality talent?

A It’s difficult and a

constant job to get exposure. That’s why I am honored to be in your magazine. The more of us liked minded people that come together, the more our various stories will replace the negativity. We all have a purpose and just like you are educating our people about our traditional greatness, I hope to do the same with film. I used traditional casting and was lucky enough to find actors that I am proud of who really brought Ahshe to life.

Q What do you want

readers of AMPS Magazine-Chicago to remember about Ms. Toni Odom and The ASHE soap opera series?

What advice would you give new & upcoming screenwriters?

screenwriters is to learn as much as you can about the craft and write something everyday. If you have a story to tell it will naturally come. Ahshe did.

Q What activities do you participate in outside of writing for ASHE?

A I have a non-profit for women called

Between Sisters, Inc. (http://www. betweensisters.org) where I teach women self esteem and my newest venture is called W.A.S.H (Water and Sanitation Hazards) Grant Program where I am raising money to help women in Ethiopia.

Eight thousand children die a day due to lack of clean water and helping to provide clean water not only saves children’s lives but gives the women the opportunity to get educated. I am also a national officer of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

Q How would people contact you

Toni Odom - writing Toni Odom - Creative/producer Danielle dunigan - lead actress Kim lancaster - supporting actress

for more information regarding your upcoming projects?

A By email my address is toni@

restorefilms.com or call my office at 310-294-9637. Feel free to contact me because I love hearing from my folks!

A Ahshe is a labor of love

and I love my people and our story. It is time for us A I think you keep your edge to love ourselves just as by being true to yourself. Too passionately and that love many people sell out to what will heal all the maladies they think will sell. I’m telling we have faced. Despite all my story, my way and I really that has been done to us am not concerned about what and the evil that even exists someone thinks. After all the in our own communities, selling out, what has it gotten we are still here, ready to us? Nothing but the same create another day. tired, phony, racist crap so why The advice I would give not be different. LOL. At least it to new and upcoming will be real.

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a setback is a setup for something Mr. glenn murray contributing writer

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greater

e’ve all had difficult experiences in life.

If there weren’t problems we wouldn’t have jobs is a common phrase heard in corporate America. But some setbacks, especially emotional and deeply personal ones are the hardest to overcome. But while adversity lives we don’t have to allow it inside our homes, invading our lives and controlling our thoughts.

C

hallenges are best met head on. Adversity and hard times can be a very overwhelming adversary if you allow them to be.

“Allow” being the key phrase, what you allow inside your mind you become.So how does one get back” on track”? There have been countless books , DVD collections, and television shows teaching the masses what it means to bounce back.

Small fortunes are spent (and amassed) in the business of “bouncing back.”

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But without spending money that probably would create more challenges here are some tips to help “steady your ship”.

T

houghts Determine Action: Remember “what one thinks they become” sounds simple but if it were there wouldn’t be a need for inspiration. Positive thinking, however you decide to leverage and apply it.

Some prefer prayer, some use affirmation, and others meditation. It all says that the mind is a powerful tool in combating the challenges that cause stress and eventually lead to illness.

A

great example of using the strength of the mind, author D. Michelle Stokes suffered the ultimate setback. Stokes lost her mother, her grandfather and another close friend along with her coaching job all within the course of a year.

On levels of personal and professional this pretty much is the ultimate in loss. Stokes background coaching basketball helped her deal with the losses in a way that would best be described as amazing. She captured her emotions and her prayers, her experiencing in dealing with difficult losses in life and on the court in a monthly journal.

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he Result her journal became the book “Experiencing Grace”.

The book did more than just provide Stokes with the mind shaping thought enhancing outlet she was looking for but also has helped countless others. Her writings and timely passages have led her to travel the world as guests of inspirational speakers. The lesson with Stokes and with all of us is that loss is devastating and we embrace that but the recovery is fulfilling because it gives us a testimony that will impact countless others in ways we’ve never imagined.

Your thoughts are your most powerful weapon in the quest to overcome adversity.

S

eek out and surround yourself with positivity: it doesn’t matter your financial situation inspiration is either a click or a short trip to the library away. Some of the best information I received, some of the best inspiration I received I found without spending a dime.

Also this is the time positive people aid to your change in attitude, those people differentiate themselves by providing you the words or actions to help make your roughest days take a turn for the positive.

Those people speak to you and move you in a way that you instantly recognize the action as your own personal message. You have to have it within you first (remember thoughts determine actions) to get up from any malaise. But those positive seeds however small or large will certainly help. Another exercise in positivity is projecting that which you want to receive.

A

s stated earlier there is no simple solution, every story is different. You have to look at these points as helpful suggestions. There are many more that can be written. The first step is always looking yourself in the mirror and understand that the time is now. What is it that you want to become? What hurdles to do you have to scale? It starts with you, it ends with you , setbacks will always be there, they are not the ending,only a chapter in your story.

GGlenn Murray et started...You can do it!!!

K

ick start your positivity, find your favorite inspirational quotes and create a list. Make it a habit of seeking out one inspirational quote per day. Before you know it you’ll begin to become the resource you seek.

Equipping yourself helps you to grow into what you want to become even faster.

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ecognize that “a ha” moment .

Recognize that your downtime may be prepping you for a huge breakthrough.

It’s in the darkest moments that purpose and preparation are found.

This may be your bounce back moment.

You have to recognize what put you in your current position, what did the actions and responses to other actions do in order to land you where you sit at this moment. Analysis isn’t really effective unless you use the data.

What are you doing to analyze your situation at this moment?

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IMAGE

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small details inspire big events

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Role of her owN A

Amps Magazine's Fashion Editor , Leslie turner, sits down with akilah webster to talk about her new role, the shoes she's filling, and what amps means to her.

What is your background?

I was born and raised in Indianapolis. I attended Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School, and then went on to IUPUI, majoring in business administration. I truly just fell into the world of journalism by accident. My original career path was in the financial industry. It wasn’t until AMPS came along that I realized I had a passion for journalism.

Who found who?

AMPS found me. I was out of work after being laid off. A good friend of mine, Gerald Wright, asked if I wanted to help him with a project he was working on. It started with me helping him type up a few articles for a local newspaper he was starting. Little did I know at the time that it was the making of the first issue of AMPS Magazine. That was in May 2005.

So, now your role is Senior Editor... that is a big jump! How has AMPS grown since then?

Over the last five years we have doubled our staff, grown from a black and white, 15 to 20 page magazine on newsprint paper to a 30 to 50 page full-color, high gloss magazine.

We started out operating out of an office in Gerald’s home; now we have a beautiful office space in a downtown high-rise.

Our demographic audience has widened and with that came more name recognition.

We still have room for growth, expansion and improvement, but we have come a very long way.

How would you describe AMPS to someone who has never heard of it?

AMPS is a bimonthly AfricanAmerican lifestyle magazine, and our purpose is to highlight positive people, places, and things in the Indianapolis community. We get enough negativity on the news: crime, natural disasters, celebrity gossip, and news about the failing economy.

We strive to show the other side of things; meaning the good that happens in our community every day. Despite all of the negativity you see in the news today, there is still good out there. We want to bring those things to the spotlight.

This is the Indiana Edition of AMPS, so while we do cover some national news, we primarily focus on local topics.

There are also editions of AMPS in Dallas, San Antonio, Louisville, Atlanta, Cleveland, and Chicago.

What other products are under the AMPS brand?

We have AMPStv, which is an online TV station that streams 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can find a wide variety of content on AMPStv, including video coverage of local events, local and celebrity interviews, music videos and more.

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The biggest and most popular show we currently have on AMPStv is The REAL – Real Entertainers and Losers. The REAL is a local talent show that is broadcast live each month, and allows viewers to watch and vote for their favorites in a variety of categories.

Winners receive cash and other prizes. We just wrapped up the first season, which was a huge success! Season 2 is coming soon so stay tuned! AMPStv can be found at www.ampstv.com or you can link to it from the AMPS Indy website at www.ampsindy.com.

How do you feel AMPS is different from other area magazines?

The combination of our content and target audience makes us unique.

AMPS Magazine is an AfricanAmerican lifestyle magazine. There are other lifestyle magazines in Indy that are not geared towards African-Americans, and there other African-American magazines in Indy that are not lifestyle magazines.

We are both.

How involved is AMPS in the community?

We are very involved in the Indianapolis community, and are always striving to become more involved. We participate in many We also have AMPSradio, which community events ranging from is an online radio station that also fundraisers for local charities and streams 24/7. We play a wide back-to-school rallies for inner city variety of music including R&B, youth, to the Indiana Black Expo, Hip-hop, and Gospel. We do feature local artists and comedians Circle City Classic, and Indy Jazz Fest. We also highlight concerts, as well. We will soon be adding talent showcases, sports events, a new spoken word show to the celebrities and parties. We want to lineup, so stay tuned for that. Go a one-stop shop for readers to find to www.amps-radio to tune in. information on the latest happenings in Indy.

What does AMPS bring to Indy?

There is no other magazine like AMPS here in the city; we have a unique niche. We strive to be a voice for those who are doing positive things in our community; whether it is a business person, a teacher, a student, a musician or poet, a single mother...we want to bring those uplifting, encouraging and motivational stories to the forefront. We are a resource for the African-American community in Indy; educating and informing our readers on a wide range of topics from health to business to finance and travel. We also provide an affordable avenue for local businesses to gain exposure, on both a local and national level.

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When a new reader (or any reader for that matter) picks up AMPS Magazine, what would you like for them to experience?

I would like for them to feel excited and anxious to read it; to be visually pleased, engaged and empowered.

I want the readers to feel like the magazine is for them and fulfills a need they may have. I want them to feel informed, and enriched.

And positive!

What are some things you plan to tackle to create more awareness about AMPS? Number one, revamp our distribution plan. We have gotten a lot of feedback about members of the community having trouble finding AMPS, so we will make it more visible, and change some of our distribution locations. Secondly, we can never be out in the community too much, so with that in mind I plan to increase our street teams and coverage staff so that we can be a more visible media partner for the city.

Who would you like see advertising in AMPS? Banks, colleges, health and medical facilities, local fashion boutiques… the list goes on and on. The great thing about our magazine is that advertising is affordable, for both the large corporation and the small corner store. Our readers are African-American men and women, ages 18-45 and from all socioeconomic backgrounds. The buying power of this demographic is very strong, making it a market that advertisers will definitely benefit from reaching.

What do you like to do for fun?

I absolutely love live music, especially jazz, soul and hiphop. I also enjoy participating in community events and programs that give back to others. I love traveling. And photography!

Carrying on the mission and legacy of AMPS is a big responsibility. Are you ready?

Yes, I am. I was fortunate to have such a wonderful business partner and mentor in Gerald Wright. He is the founder of AMPS Indy. And he has left HUGE shoes for me to fill! (laughs) Thankfully he is still very much a huge part of AMPS. He is and will continue to be an awesome resource for me, and I have learned so much from him. He did an outstanding job with getting this magazine off the ground and building it to what it is today. I only hope that I can continue what he started, and make him proud.

Describe your personality.

I’m a high energy person, with a lot of drive. I’m very down to earth, always smiling, and I try to stay positive and optimistic through all situations. I’m always trying to make others feel good or better about themselves or their situations. The magazine is the perfect outlet for me to do just that.

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on the rise: ms. angela wilson by: michael hunt

A

mps Magazine-Chicago has had the privilege of networking with Ms. Wilson since her previous release, Miss Thang! Destiny Fulfilled, which has turned out to be a huge success. Angela has a natural gift of telling a story that not only inspires but educates her audience. We were lucky to catch up with Angela and she gives us a detailed view of her newest release, Miss Thang! Crown Holder.

"writing has always been my passion. I just want to inspire others."

The

"MISS THANG!"

q&A SERIES ms. angela Wilson

Q A

Since your last AMPS feature; what have you been up to? Have there been any changes in your life since your last book tour?

Since my last AMPS feature, life has managed to throw boulders my way!

Losing my father to cancer in 2011 was devastating. Throwing my life into a whirlwind, it was nobody but God who brought me through and kept me. I was motivated more than ever to make my new guardian angel, my father, proud of me. My new book has his initials on the back cover in honor of him. Professionally, I’m focusing on book series and launching my independent writing service called “Let Miss Thang! Write It”. I am also the editor in chief and contributor to over a half dozen publications!

Q A

We’ve already heard great things about “Miss Thang! Crown Holder”; how does this differ from its predecessor “Miss Thang! Destiny Fulfilled”?

Well, “Crown Holder” really doesn’t differ from the first installment, “Destiny Fulfilled”.

Although its a follow up edition, you don’t have to have read the first book to understand the second. “Crown Holder” continues to exemplify “flyness, fearlessness, joy and everything sassy!” My book addresses different issues than the first; piggy-backing off of what it means to be a crown holder including self-love and relationship with God.

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Q A

I know you've been writing for a while now; what transition are you expecting to make after the success of your latest book? ”Each one, reach one.” This motto perfectly describes my transition. I look to set a standard, an example for young women who may not have a role model or mentor. I want to be that light to pierce through darkness.

Q A QA

Have you ever thought about writing a poetry book? (I noticed that you touched on the subject from our last interview.)

I started my writing career with poetry. It has been a thought of mine, but not at the moment. I’m focused on my sistas and their betterment, growth, and success. This is truly my purpose.

"If my Books help just one woman, my mission is accomplished."

I noticed that you use biblical themes to set the tone in your books; how has religion guided your life thus far?

Religion hasn’t guided my life as much as spirituality has. God is about relationship, not rules. I am not religious in the least amount. I have a strong, ever growing relationship with Christ. And to me, that’s what it’s all about.

Spending quality time with Him, prayer and living a life of love, mercy, and forgiveness trumps “rules” any day.

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miss thang! - Q&A Series

Q A

Why do you think that this message to young women is so important in today’s society?

This message is so important to young women because the person who wrote it is so relatable. I’m just like them! The reader is me; I write in a simple, straight forward, yet creative and fun format. I get my point across directly, with love from my own life experiences. I’m not teaching or preaching to young women. I’m humbly speaking from my heart. I went through it so hopefully they won’t have to. If my books help just one woman, my mission is accomplished.

Q A

Can we expect a trilogy from the "Miss Thang!" series of books?

Yes, yes, and yes! The books won’t stop! The third edition in the Miss Thang! series is coming in 2014! I’m looking to expand into children’s books and the teen audience. Books are catered to that demographic tackles issues of self- esteem, insecurities, peer pressure, etc.

Q A

Q A

How would people contact you for more information regarding your upcoming projects?

To keep up with me, you can follow me on Twitter.com/ShelsAngela!

I’m also on Facebook, Facebook.com/ IAmAngelaWilson. And I love reading emails! Email me at IAmAngelaWilson@ gmail.com Don’t forget my writing service had launched in January 2013 for all your writing needs!

What do you want the readers of AMPS Chicago to gain by reading "Miss Thang!

Crown Holder"?

I want AMPS readers to learn from “Crown Holder” that you are enough! You are the crown jewel. My book teaches you how to find your crown, and, if you already have it, how to keep it. A crown signifies sovereignty, royalty, and splendor. My readers will learn how to watch the company you keep, confidence, and accepting no substitutions for Gods best!

Since the launch of your new book; how has the response been from your audience?

My audience has been very receptive to my new book. Their constant support is truly a blessing. God has truly made a way to spread the word about Him, for His glory, for my good. So if you loved the debut book, “Destiny Fulfilled”; then you’ll love “Crown Holder” even more!

Q A

Inspirational Author: ms.angela wilson

ampschicago / P. 25

Progressive greeks

S

kevin l. davis

by: michael hunt ince AMPS Magazine-Chicago’s inception, we designed our publication to reflect the diversity of the African-American culture throughout our respective communities. Our corporate motto “Powering the Community” stands first and foremost as the main ingredient in fueling our numerous franchises across the nation. That’s why it’s an honor and privilege to introduce Mr. Kevin L. Davis and our alliance with his groundbreaking publication, Progressive Greek Magazine. For those of you that aren’t familiar with the term “Greek Life”, it’s a widely known title that’s affiliated with men and women that are members of a collegiate Greek-Lettered fraternity or sorority.

M

r. Davis’s vision of creating a publication such as Progressive Greek was “Developed to engage and leverage large social organizations established by the National Pan-Hellenic Council, PG (Progressive Greek) hosts a website and online magazine that provide individual and organizational development opportunities, deliver relevant news and information, strengthens community relationships, and promotes events that redefine the stereotypes of Greek life.” From this alliance, AMPS Magazine-Chicago strives to bring more attention and awareness to the history and historical value of these

profile: phi beta sigma fraternity, inc.

prestigious organizations along with promoting a vast number of community service projects that fraternities and sororities provide to the general public, their respective neighborhoods,

and college campuses.

Projects such as scholarship fundraisers, high-school mentorship programs, food and coat drives, educational seminars, blood donation, and voter registration drives are just a few ventures that many of these organizations partake in annually.

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ith Kevin’s leadership and vision, Progressive Greek, is a publication that has a staff that consists of members of various GreekLettered organizations that are able to provide unbiased information and market

Initiated 2002 xi beta sigma chapt er Detroit,Mi

promotional campaigns for fraternities and sororities on a national and international level.

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his alliance is an initial step to bring forth positive news about the contributions and benefits of “Greek Life” and to combat the negative headlines that has plagued the national media landscape in regards to hazing, organizational beefs, and other violent activities that does not reflect the overall goals, mission, and identity of these historical institutions of membership.

Education: bachelors degree in art communication technology & Graphic design Eastern Michiagn university

The davis family (Kevin, ruth (wife), sons - Kian & kam)

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, inc.

Epsilon delta chapter florida state univeristy

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ampschicago / P. 27

book Review:

If i'm looking for a prince,

why am i still kissing frogs? by: glenn murray

I

believe every woman has a "frog" story, you know the ones, that guy that you meet in a bar, on the street or wherever that seems like he emerged from your worst nightmare? Frogs are everywhere (look no further than the friend you see with some guy and you wonder "why"?) . Even us guys run into frogs (we just don't tell you about them).

That's why when I first was presented with the book by Cleveland author Ilinda M. Reese I thought..."interesting and marketable title, but does it have any "meat" or is it just "frog legs" (i.e. appetizer that just scratches the relationship book surface).

B

ut after reading this book, I was pleasantly surprised, “If I’m Looking For A Prince, Why Am I Still Kissing Frogs?”

(220 Publishing) is a revealing piece of work is candidly filled with common everyday situations involving relationships and pitfalls associated with finding the right mate.

She,creates an atmosphere of empowerment while navigating through the hazards of the mating game and telling it like it is. The book unleashes the hardcore truth behind the sex traps, loneliness and suffering. From innocence to ignorance it supplies the how-to’s of successful selection and proper maintenance of complete meaningful, relationships and lasting commitment. “It’s the type of intimate conversation between just us girls, that gives you pause yet keeps you glued to the pages”said the author.

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s. Reese is no “fly by night” new to the game “expert”. For over seventeen years, she has been teaching, training and entertaining audiences all over the world on the subject of Transition. Her unique background as a Personal Development trainer, as well as her diverse work in the chronic restructuring climate of corporate America, has distinguished her as a Human Resource specialist in many areas: Stress Management, Personal Response to Change, Conflict Resolution, Balancing Work and Family, Corporate Team Building, Positive Assertiveness and Career Re-Structuring, to name a few. She hosts a local television show in her hometown and has appeared across the country as a speaker.

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he author makes no grand claims that you’ll read this and find your mate.

After all, there have been a million relationship books written and there are still millions trying to find “that one”. While this book isn’t the magic bullet, its definitely an intelligent guide that helps you think about the choices you make.

available on

art that inspires me social networking initiative

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by: michael hunt

or the past few months of browsing the virtual world of facebook; I was intrigued and enlightened when I came across a page called -art that inspires me. Prior to implementing the creative stage of our relaunch; I decided to contact the page administrators (Mr. Johnathan Eaglin and Mr. Larry Watson) and they agreed to partake in our new networking initiative that would bring more attention to the brilliant artwork and its respective artists across the globe.

ADVERTISE HERE

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herefore, in each issue of AMPS MagazineChicago; there will be several pieces of artwork gracing our pages in the attempt to help market the artist, their artwork, and their company. All pieces posted will be contributed by our new networking partner on facebook - art that inspires me. Please take time to visit their page and you'll be very suprised at the brilliance of these artists. (All contact information will also be included in each display).

Green Hall Blue Mood by DL Warfield www.facebook.com/dl.warfield

Brown Sugar by Salaam Muhammad www.facebook.com/salaam.muhammad

Common by Travis Bailey www.baileyartwork.com

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