Thanks for picking up AMPS Magazine, Texas Edition. I wanted to thank each and every one of you for reading this magazine and making it one of the fastest growing magazines in the south for 2025. We are touching the lives of people who we did not even know we would and inspire even a culture that we were unaware. This publication is called A.M.P.S. (American Minority People Succeeding) for a reason. It is where Substance and Style meets Supreme Standards. Our mission is “superior application development through dedicated professionalism while maintaining a customer-centered focus to lead the industry in ideas and creative solutions”. Our event marketing and promotions department is designed to present positive entertainment and events that the Dallas communities deserve. We specialize in helping brands create a unique connection with consumers at our events as well as create an opportunity for you to meet other business owners, executives, present and future customers, and other socialites. Simply put, “We are Accomplished By Making You Successful.”
Gerald D. Wright CEO
from the publisher
As we move midway through 2026, AMPS Texas Magazine remains proud to continue our mission of serving, spotlighting, and connecting the incredible communities across our great state. Texas is rich with stories—stories of resilience, creativity, entrepreneurship, and heart—and we believe every community, business, and individual has a voice worth hearing. Our passion is sharing stories that matter, from major milestones to everyday victories that deserve recognition. From local business owners striving to grow their brands to community leaders creating meaningful change, AMPS Texas Magazine is dedicated to amplifying your message and celebrating your impact. We are also deeply committed to inspiring the next generation by reminding our youth that with determination, hard work, and belief, anything is possible. As we continue embracing a year filled with growth and opportunity, we invite you to join us in uplifting and supporting Texas communities. Thank you for your continued support and trust.
For advertising or subscriptions, contact us at connie@ampsmagazine. com or (214) 937-9041. Warm regards, Connie Morgan, Publisher, AMPS Texas Magazine.
Warm regards, Connie Morgan
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A City-Born Cowboy Carving His Own Path Through Western Culture
LaCharleston “Charles” Fields, a proud native of Texas, has always had a deep-rooted love for country culture—even while growing up in the heart of the city. Born and reared in the Lone Star State, Fields has grown into a multi-faceted creative whose journey is as unique as the western wear he now showcases on his popular TikTok platform, @Phase5vibes. While his roots trace back to a childhood full of artistic expression, Charles’ story is one of evolution, resilience, and a strong commitment to authenticity.
Charles first came into public view back in 2011, when AMPS Magazine Texas featured him as their Spotlight of the Month while he was preparing to enter Texas A&M as a freshman. At the time, he was known for his love of drawing—a form of self-expression that allowed him to bring imagination to life through lines, shading, and movement on paper. “Art made me feel good,” he recalls. “Just putting pen or pencil to
the pad and being able to create something out of nothing—it was powerful.” But as often happens, life took over, and art was placed on the backburner.
After enrolling at Texas A&M, Charles initially set out to major in construction engineering. However, when the school cut the program just weeks before classes began, he had to pivot quickly. With only two weeks to choose a new major, he landed on photography—something that still allowed him to express himself visually. This unexpected shift would turn out to be a defining moment. Photography opened a new creative door and eventually led to his passion for digital content creation. Today, he is the force behind a fast-growing western fashion and lifestyle page on TikTok, where he blends his appreciation for cowboy culture with modern-day storytelling and fashion.
What started as a personal outlet has grown into a thriving platform that celebrates individuality through western-inspired outfits, music, and lifestyle. “If you look good, you feel good,” he says. “Western speaks for itself. It’s bold, it’s timeless, and it gives people something to connect with. I want my followers to find enjoyment, excitement, and purpose through my content.” Although he grew up in the city, he has always felt a strong connection to the country lifestyle. His grandfather—whom he recalls wearing cowboy boots and a hat—was a major influence. “I used to play like I was a cowboy when I was little,” he laughs. “That’s always been in me.” Country music, in particular, has remained a constant source of comfort and clarity. “It soothes me. It helps me concentrate and reflect. Sometimes I’ll just sit on the porch, look up at the sky, and let the music take me there.”
Now with several brand deals in the works and a growing online presence, Charles is excited about the future. He believes that western culture is having a renaissance, and he’s proud to be part of it. “Country has always been around—it just hasn’t always been in the spotlight. But now it is. And I’m here to show people that if you find your style, you’ll find yourself.”
Dr. Patricia Era Bath stands as a towering figure whose life and work transformed not only modern medicine but also the very idea of who belongs within it, proving that innovation, justice, and compassion can exist hand in hand. As a pioneering ophthalmologist, inventor, and humanitarian, Bath revolutionized eye care through her invention of the Laserphaco Probe, a groundbreaking device that uses laser technology to remove cataracts with greater safety and precision, restoring vision to patients who had lived in blindness for years and making her the first African American female physician to receive a medical patent. Yet her impact cannot be measured by a single invention alone, because Bath’s work was rooted in a radical belief that eyesight is a basic human right rather than a privilege reserved for those with access and means. After witnessing disproportionately high rates of blindness in Black and low-income communities, she refused to accept inequality as an unavoidable reality of healthcare and instead co-founded the American Institute for the Prevention of Blindness, creating and advancing the field of community ophthalmology, which brought preventive eye care directly into underserved neighborhoods, schools, and community centers. In doing so, she redefined the role of a physician as not only a healer in hospitals but also an advocate within communities. For women, and especially Black women, Bath’s legacy is especially profound. In a profession long dominated by white men, she shattered barriers by becoming the first Black female physician on staff at UCLA Medical Center’s Jules Stein Eye Institute and later the first woman to chair an ophthalmology residency program in the United States, achievements that did more than mark personal success — they disrupted systems built on exclusion and bias. Her journey through medicine in the 1960s and 1970s was marked by discrimination, limited opportunities, and persistent resistance, yet she pressed forward with determination, intellect, and purpose, refusing to be sidelined by institutions that underestimated her. Within the broader scope of Black History, Dr. Patricia Bath’s story reminds us that the fight for civil rights and equality also unfolds in laboratories, clinics, and operating rooms, where access, representation, and innovation can change lives just as powerfully as laws and protests. Her life demonstrates that when one woman breaks through entrenched barriers, she does more than succeed individually — she opens the vision of possibility for generations to come.
MLK Parade
Darryl Chambers
An Inspiring Story
Lakeem Wilson, born and raised in South Dallas in 1991, has carved out a distinctive path as a practicing artist, curator, and educator, deeply committed to the beautification of urban environments and the development of public art. With an unwavering connection to his roots, Lakeem’s work transcends the limits of traditional visual art, blending personal storytelling, community engagement, and cultural representation. His artistic journey, which began as a young boy influenced by local educators and cultural centers, has since blossomed into a powerful career that not only reflects his talent but serves as a beacon of inspiration for others growing up in similar environments.
From an early age, Lakeem was immersed in the world of art. He fondly recalls the foundational experiences that shaped his creative perspective, particularly his time at the South Dallas Cultural Center and the art classrooms of Charles Rice and Lincoln High School. “I think I was always exposed to art,” Lakeem shares. “My art teachers kind of honed in on my skills. Maybe they saw something in me at an early age.” He credits teachers like Ms. Kemp and Ms. Yarbrough not only for introducing him to the technical aspects of art but also for encouraging him to pursue it seriously. Through competitions, exhibitions, and the constant reinforcement of his talents, Lakeem was given a vision for his future that extended beyond the classroom walls.
at UT Austin and explore the world of fine arts, public engagement, and community-led projects. After graduating in 2014, Lakeem chose to stay in Austin, captivated by the city’s creative energy and opportunities. He remained there for 12 years, laying the groundwork for a flourishing career in public and community art.
During this time, Lakeem’s focus turned to murals and public art installations. He began to see his art not just as a form of expression, but as a tool for social connection. “I liked the idea that anybody walking past or driving past could appreciate and engage with the art,” he says. He realized that while private collectors might purchase individual pieces, murals reached a broader audience—often people who might not otherwise step into a gallery. This approach brought his art into the heart of communities, onto walls, and into the everyday lives of people in urban environments.
A pivotal moment in his high school years came when one of his portrait pieces—a drawing of President Barack Obama created shortly after his 2008 election—was selected for exhibition in a gallery. It was a turning point for Lakeem, transforming his perception of art from a school assignment to a meaningful, public, and potentially lucrative pursuit. “Normally we did art as assignments,” he reflects, “but it had such an impact that they wanted to showcase it in the gallery space. That was really fundamental for my art career.” This experience, combined with Ms. Yarbrough’s mentorship in preparing his portfolio, helped Lakeem land an art scholarship to the University of Texas at Austin.
Lakeem was also offered a football scholarship to West Texas A&M, but after deep contemplation, he chose to follow his passion for art instead of pursuing sports. “Being an artist seemed like an easier route to take... and it’s something I really enjoy doing,” he recalls. The decision marked the beginning of a new chapter, allowing him to pursue formal artistic training
Lakeem’s return to Dallas marked a new era in his journey. To date, he has completed over 30 murals, with 12 to 13 located in his hometown, including works at MLK Academy and the Forest Theater, where he participated in a rotating mural program. He has also painted murals at schools and key intersections such as Malcolm X Boulevard and Martin Luther King Jr. Street—spaces filled with cultural and historical significance for South Dallas. Each mural not only beautifies the urban landscape but tells a story, reflects a voice, or captures a moment that resonates with the local community.
In addition to his work as a muralist, Lakeem is a talented tattoo artist—a practice he began in his senior year of high school and has continued alongside his other art forms. His multidimensional artistry spans from the canvas to skin, to walls, and even into the structured world of curatorial work. One of the most notable milestones in this aspect of his career was receiving the Helen Giddings Fellowship from the African American Museum. This opportunity allowed him to shift from solely creating art to working behind the scenes in museum spaces, assisting with curatorial efforts, and learning the intricacies of exhibition design and narrative building. “It was a shift from making art and being an artist to more so working with artists and understanding how to get their art in the best light,” he explains.
The fellowship not only expanded his skillset but also deepContinued on Page 15
TK’s Air Force Journey
Timothy Klund, known to many as TK, is a living example of how discipline, competition, and relationships can shape an extraordinary life and career. A U.S. Air Force veteran turned corporate executive and elite relationship specialist, TK’s journey began not with a perfectly charted plan, but with a pivotal decision guided by family influence. Wanting to play college football but falling short academically in high school, TK was steered by his father toward military service, where he chose the Air Force over other branches. Inspired by a family legacy of service—his father and grandfather in the Army and an uncle in the Air Force whose post-military success left a lasting impression— TK saw the Air Force as both an opportunity and a pathway forward, even joking that the blue uniforms suited him better. What followed were six and a half years that would define his character and fuel his competitive spirit. While serving, TK immersed himself in athletics, playing all–Air Force softball, base team sports, semi-pro football, and seemingly anything that involved competition.
Sports were more than recreation for him; they were a way to build camaraderie, discipline, and leadership while traveling and representing the Air Force. Football became a particular highlight, where he played fullback in semi-pro leagues before later fulfilling a lifelong goal of becoming a quarterback—ending his playing career on a high note. His versatility extended to baseball and softball as well, where his ability to play multiple positions and his consistent hitting made him an asset to every team he joined. After taking an early out from the Air Force to explore college football alongside his younger brother,
TK briefly embraced life outside rigid structure before making a defining choice: entering the corporate world. That decision led him to a career spanning more than two decades, during which he became a leading authority in branding and marketing, building powerhouse personal and corporate brands for professional athletes, celebrities, and
major organizations. As CEO and Founder of Verve Systems, LLC, TK now leads an innovative wellness brand centered on performance, protection, and recovery—emphasizing that Verve is not just a product line, but a movement. His passion for philanthropy and sports also converged in the creation of the Celebrity Softball Classic, inspired by decades of celebrity games dating back to Hollywood icons and MLB All-Star weekends. After years of attending countless black-tie galas and serving on numerous boards, TK envisioned an event that blended purpose with fun, giving fans meaningful interaction with celebrities while supporting important causes. Today, the event has grown into a major fan-focused experience backed by significant longterm sponsorships, reflecting TK’s unmatched ability to connect people, brands, and impact. As he looks ahead, TK remains energized, competitive, and forward-focused—already telling supporters to get ready for what’s next, especially in 2026.
ened his commitment to ensuring that the work of Black artists, particularly those from underserved communities, is showcased and honored in institutional spaces. Lakeem now serves as both a creator and facilitator, helping other artists find platforms for their voices while continuing to evolve in his own practice.
Through all of his endeavors—be it murals, tattoos, curating exhibitions, or mentoring youth—Lakeem Wilson has remained deeply anchored in the community that raised him. His work is rooted in authenticity, heritage, and the belief that art has the power to transform both spaces and lives. Whether painting murals in public schools, teaching art workshops, or installing exhibitions in museums, Lakeem’s mission remains clear: to bring beauty, inspiration, and opportunity to those who may not always have access to it.
In every brushstroke, Lakeem honors his upbringing, his mentors, and the neighborhoods that shaped his vision. His story is not just one of personal success, but a powerful reminder of what is possible when talent is nurtured, community is prioritized, and art is used as a tool for empowerment. With over a decade of experience and a legacy of over 30 murals to his name, Lakeem Wilson continues to redefine what it means to be an artist from South Dallas—and where that journey can lead.
Continued from Page 14
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Alex’s Journey to the Air Force
Alex’s story begins in the small town of Columbia, Louisiana, about 30 miles south of Monroe, a place where opportunities were limited but values like hard work, discipline, and perseverance were ingrained early. Like many teenagers from tight-knit rural communities, Alex started working while still in high school, motivated not by ambition or career planning at first, but simply by the desire to have a little money in his pocket and enjoy a few nice things as a young man. His first job was at the local Department of Motor Vehicles, where he worked for about a year as a custodial engineer, learning responsibility and consistency in a role that required pride in doing unglamorous but necessary work. After leaving the DMV, he moved on to a job at the Piggly Wiggly grocery store, another staple of small-town life, where he continued to build a work ethic that would later serve him well.
Alex graduated from Caldwell Parish High School in May of 1986, and within less than a year, his life took a dramatic turn when he found himself at boot camp in San Antonio, Texas, at Lackland Air Force Base in February of 1987. When asked why he chose the Air Force over other branches of the military, Alex reflects that it wasn’t a calculated decision rooted in strategy or long-term planning, but rather a mix of family influence and personal instinct. His cousins, Terry and Tony Gray, were in the Army, as was his uncle, affectionately known as Uncle Pumpkin, yet something about the Army just didn’t resonate with him. He wouldn’t necessarily say it wasn’t technical enough, but he knew in his heart it wasn’t the right fit. The moment of clarity came from an unexpected source: his oldest sister Judy’s boyfriend at the time, Paul, who was in the Air Force. Alex vividly remembers seeing Paul’s official Air Force photograph in uniform and thinking to himself that if he ever joined the military, that was the branch he wanted to be part of. With few opportunities available in Columbia and encouragement from his parents to “get on out of here and make something out of yourself,” Alex committed to the Air Force and never looked back.
Doing well on the ASVAB gave him options, and his recruiter guided him toward an administrative career field, explaining that based on his scores, he could choose a path that fit his strengths. That became the driving force behind his Air Force
career. Alex went on to serve an impressive 24 years, one month, and 13 days, rising to the rank of Master Sergeant, a senior noncommissioned officer position that represented both leadership and experience. Although he would have stayed longer, Air Force regulations limited how long he could remain without advancing further to Senior Master Sergeant or Chief, and at that point, Alex felt he had accomplished everything he set out to achieve. He had earned his rank, fulfilled his goals, and, just as importantly, he had seen the world. Retirement became an easier decision knowing another job awaited him on the outside. The travel opportunities alone made his military career extraordinary. Before joining the Air Force, Alex had barely left Louisiana, aside from a childhood trip to Six Flags, but after boot camp he was sent to Virginia for his first duty station, followed by participation in Desert Shield and Desert Storm, a one-year assignment in Korea, and then four years in England. From Europe, he moved on to Japan for three years, then returned stateside for assignments in Arizona and California, ultimately retiring after five more years back in Arizona. Each location expanded his understanding of the world, exposing him to different cultures, foods, and perspectives. Alex often laughs when people ask why he doesn’t travel much anymore, explaining that during his military career he visited countries most people don’t even realize exist. Those experiences reshaped how he sees the world, breaking down stereotypes and misconceptions, particularly about places like Africa, which many people wrongly assume are defined only by poverty. Instead, he witnessed major metropolitan cities, vibrant economies, and proud cultures that challenged narrow thinking and broadened his horizons. Through it all, Alex emphasizes that military life can be tough, especially when you’re young, but structure, discipline, and patience are key. If you can handle someone telling you what to do, he says, you’ll eventually become the person giving the orders. His advice to young people, especially those from small towns like Columbia, is simple but powerful: you don’t have to stay where you start unless you choose to, and if you do stay, be great at it. Taking a leap into the unknown, whether by joining the military or pursuing opportunities elsewhere, often leads to greater success, broader acceptance, and a fuller understanding of the world, making the plunge well worth the risk.
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Kris Cruze: The Wave King Rising
From Columbia, Louisiana to the mic — how Christopher Allen turned his roots, struggles, and reflections into rhythm and soul.
Born Into Music
Christopher Allen, better known by his stage name Kris Cruze, was born in Dallas, Texas, and reared in the small town of Columbia, Louisiana, where his love for music began long before he ever stepped into a studio. Coming from a deeply creative family, music runs through his veins. His mother, grandmother, and aunts are all gospel singers, filling church halls with rich harmonies and heartfelt praise. His father was a rapper, bringing rhythm and lyricism to the family mix.
“Music’s in my DNA,” Chris says proudly. “From my mom and my grandmother to my dad—it’s something that was already inside me before I even knew what it was.” As a kid, Chris played drums for his mother, learning early how to keep a rhythm steady and a crowd moving. That foundation—born from gospel, soul, and love—would later influence the unique cadence of his flow as a rapper. “When I was younger, I didn’t realize I was training my ear,” he explains. “Now I see how much those early days shaped me.”
Finding His Identity as “Kris Cruze”
As a teenager, Chris began experimenting with recording, eventually putting together his first demo tape. But it was in college that his stage name—and artistic identity—started to
take shape.
“I met these two brothers, Playboy and Stacks,” he recalls. “We started a group called Swaged Out Ballers. We were just a bunch of talented dudes trying to put our wave on campus. We came up with this idea of being ‘Wave Kings,’ like Poseidon—the god of the ocean. The energy, the flow, the control—it all made sense.”
That concept became the inspiration behind his moniker. “Cruze came from that idea of control—like cruise control,” he says. “Controlling the wave, the beat, the momentum, the flow. That’s how I became Kris Cruze. It was about creating an aura and a whole presentation.”
Trials, Turmoil, and Triumph
Like the tide he often references, Kruz’s career has ebbed and flowed with highs and lows, successes and setbacks. “It’s been a long road,” he admits. “A lot of ups and downs, a lot of turmoil and backstabbing. My musical journey mirrors my life—sometimes it’s beautiful, sometimes it’s hard, but it’s always real.”
His upcoming single “Flirting with Death” captures that very sentiment. The track is part of his forthcoming album “Trials and Tribulations,” the third installment in his Wave King series. It’s an introspective body of work that reflects his evolution as both a man and an artist.
“This project is about life’s journey,” he says. “It’s about what it takes to become who you’re supposed to be—through pain, through mistakes, through growth.”
Rapping From the Heart
Chris’s connection to rap started long before he even knew what it was. “My mom used to punish me when I was little,” he laughs. “I was about six or seven, walking back and forth from wall to wall, cursing and rhyming. I guess I was freestyling before I even knew it.”
That instinctive rhythm stuck with him, evolving into his signature style today. Freestyling remains his truest form of expression. “I freestyle most of my music,” he says. “I’ve never seen myself as a great writer. Freestyling just feels more personal. It’s like a mirror—it’s self-reflection.”
For Cruze, rap is more than entertainment; it’s therapy. “It’s a way to vent and release,” he says. “When I freestyle, I’m not just making songs—I’m processing life. The money helps, sure, but that’s never been my motivation. My music is my way of understanding my experiences.”
A Personal Album: Traveling Tribulations
Chris’s new album, Trials and Tribulations“,” may be his most personal yet. It digs deep into themes of family, faith, and
redemption. “I talk about my son Bryson, my mom, and the experiences I had before I went to prison,” he shares. “Every song is a story about something I lived through and learned from. It’s my journey in music form.”
The difference between Traveling Tribulations and his previous projects is the relatability. In earlier releases, Cruze collaborated with his longtime producer Ben Swavy, whom he met in Seattle while signed to Universal Records. While those records carried his signature sound, they also blended West Coast and Southern influences.
“This time, I wanted to get back to my roots,” Chris explains. “Ben’s from the West, I’m from the South. We made great music together, but I needed something that really felt like home.”
He’s now working closely with his younger brother to fine-tune every lyric and beat, ensuring the music connects on a deeper level. “It’s not just for one type of person,” he says. “Whether you’re from the streets, the suburbs, or somewhere in between— there’s something here you can relate to.”
Lessons for the Next Generation
Having navigated the music industry for years, Cruze knows its highs and pitfalls. His advice for up-and-coming artists is straightforward and honest: trust your instincts.
“Go with your gut,” he says firmly. “Don’t do what people tell you just because it sounds good. I’ve been in four or five contracts over my career, and each one took a piece of me. When you’re young and hungry, you’ll sign anything to chase your dream. But those bad deals—they hurt.”
He’s seen promising opportunities vanish because of bad management or broken promises. “It’s painful,” he admits. “But it taught me that not every opportunity is meant for you. You can’t please everybody—you’ve got to make the decisions that are best for your music and for you.”
In an era where independent artists can thrive without major labels, Cruze emphasizes the power of self-belief. “You don’t need a big company behind you anymore,” he says. “If you’ve got the right team and the right work ethic, you can win. Focus on quality. Invest in your sound. Be patient. It takes time, but it’s worth it.”
Caldwell Roots, Global Vision
No matter where life takes him, Kris Cruze never forgets where he came from. “I’m from Caldwell Parish, that’s my home,” he says with pride. “That’s where my people are. That’s who I represent.”
He carries that small-town spirit into every project, hoping to inspire others from similar backgrounds. “I want people to see that no matter where you’re from, your dreams are valid,” he says. “Keep your community in your heart, and keep moving forward.”
Fans can find him on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Snapchat under @KrisCruze or @WaveKing, where he shares updates, freestyles, and glimpses into his creative process.
A New Wave of Independence
Chris is shaking things up with his next release strategy. Instead of relying solely on streaming platforms, he’s creating his own lane—literally.
“I’m launching a website and selling the full album for one dollar,” he reveals. “One dinero—for the whole project.” While a few singles like Flirting with Death will appear on major streaming services, the complete album will only be available on his site. “I want to give my fans something real,” he says. “I’m putting together promotional campaigns to drive traffic to the site and see what kind of success we can create together.”
It’s a bold move in an industry dominated by algorithms and middlemen—but Cruze has always believed in betting on himself. “At the end of the day, I’m doing it my way this time,” he says with conviction. “It’s about ownership, independence, and connection.”
Riding the Wave Forward
From his gospel roots in Louisiana to his freestyles of reflection and release, Kris Cruze has built a career defined by authenticity. His story isn’t just one of fame or fortune—it’s about endurance, evolution, and staying true to the rhythm of his soul.
“I’ve been through trials, but I’ve also seen blessings,” he says. “Every scar, every lesson, every song—it’s all part of who I am. I’m just trying to share that with the world.”
As the Wave King continues to chart his own course, one thing is certain: Kris Cruze isn’t just making music—he’s making waves.
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