Michigan Volume 1 Issue 5

DETROIT EDITION

AMPS MAGAZINE American Minority P People eople Succeeding

Bianca Harvey

Benefits of Honey

Alphonso

Settles SCAN WITH PHONE

Volume 1, Issue 5

www.detroit.ampsmagazine.com

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contents VOLUME 1, ISSUE 5

What’s Inside...

Detroit’s Melanated and Community Food Co-op................................ 10 Ebony Cochran.......................... 15 Legendary Great........................ 16 Thomas W. Stewart.................... 17 The Benefits of Natural Honey.18 The Huey Gun Club ................. 24 Ava Dargin................................. 28

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the AMPS Ohio Team

Publisher

Romeo Barnes

Editor

Mia Barnes

Writers

Kalinda Meadows

Contributing Photographer CW Richards

Graphic Designer Gerald Wright

AMPS Detroit is a franchise of AMPS Magazine, a national entity, with headquarters in Orlando, Florida. This magazine is published bi-monthly.

AMPS MAGAZINE CORPORATE Orlando, Florida 33837 317-426-7790

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This is the fifth issue of AMPS Magazine, Michigan Edition. I want to take this time to congratulate A.M.P.S. (American-Minority People Succeeding) Cleveland franchise on a great job they are doing in the community in providing good stories and educating the community.

This 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 events marketing and promotions department is designed to present positive entertainment and events that the Michigan 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’re Accomplished By Making You Successful.”

Gerald D. Wright, CEO

about the publisher Fall is upon us and I’m feeling excited to bring you the newest editions of AMPS Ohio & AMPS Michigan Magazines. Your support of AMPS Magazine is invaluable and as we continue on this journey together we are dedicated to bringing you insightful, valuable, enterprising and informing articles, events and melanated businesses & organizations in our communities and beyond.

I’d like to say thank you to Krazyie Bone of Ohio’s own Grammy Award Winning Bone Thugs- N-Harmony for being on the cover of AMPS Ohio Magazine and being our lead article. This issue is packed with ads and events to attend this fall. Our Legendary Greats are informative and great reads, be sure to look at each of our missing youth and help bring them home. Throughout this issue you will find inspiring stories on people like Ken Ivy, the founder of The Hip Hop Fraternity of which I am the New Platinum CEO Of The HHF Cleveland Ohio Chapter, the benefits of Honey and more that will hold your interest.

I’d Ike to thank Alphonso Settles for our cover and cover story for the AMPS Michigan Magazine. This actor is doing great things and is making his presence known in the industry. Also in this issue is the inspiring story of Bianca Harvey, her story of battling stage 4 cancer will inspire you to do something to change the narrative in your life and community.

I like to say thank you Bianca for sharing your story with AMPS. YOUR Sharing your journey in print and social media is an inspiration to all.

Check out Bianca’s Event, Battle with B in Blue coming up September 27th 2025. This issue also has Legendary Greats that have inspired us, be sure look at the ladies that are missing and help to bring them back to their families. Take a minute and support the businesses and events across your cities.

These new issues of AMPS Ohio and AMPS Michigan are dedicated to those who lost loved ones on 9/11. This year marks 24 years since the attacks…but as people and a country we have not forgotten and will continue to honor the lives and legacies of those who lost their lives that day and all of the heroes that stepped into help.

Look out for the next issues of AMPS Ohio & AMPS Michigan Magazines we will not disappoint.

AMPS Ohio Magazine & AMPS Michigan Magazine Publisher Romeo Barnes

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Alphonso Settles Alphonso Settles, born on December 23, 1978, in Detroit, Michigan, began his journey in the entertainment industry as a model in the Metro Detroit area. He appeared in numerous local fashion shows, independent films, stage plays, and community events, where he quickly stood out for his natural charisma and deep passion for performance.

These early opportunities laid the groundwork for what would become a thriving career in acting.

His breakthrough came after being discovered during a local performance, leading to his film debut in Ovid and the Art of Love, starring John Savage (The Godfather Part III) and Corbin Bleu (High School Musical). Alphonso went on to build an impressive resume, including roles in First Lady (2018) alongside Jim Jones (Paper Soldiers) and Nicole “Hoopz” Alexander (Ghetto Stories). He has since worked with prominent actors such as Clifton Powell (Next Friday), Rodney Perry (Johnson Family Vacation), and Jamal Woolard (Notorious).

On television, Alphonso has showcased his versatility through guest-starring roles and appearances in national commercials, further solidifying his presence as a dynamic on-screen talent.

His leading roles include He Played Me and He Played Me 2, as well as standout performances in Deceitful Passions (2019), Deliveries from Eva (2024), The Housekeeper 1 and The Housekeeper 2 (2024), Get Paid (2022), Cut Throat (2022), and Chasing the Ghost (2022)—a film recognized at the Cannes Indie International Film Festival.

Continuing to expand his career beyond Michigan, Alphonso filmed Kingsmen (2024) in Texas and Tears of a Hustler: Season 2 (2024) in Georgia. His work earned further acclaim in 2025 when he

received The Award of Creative Excellence for Best Picture/ Series on Tubi as “Knowledge.”

In addition to his on-screen achievements, Alphonso has been featured on the Let’s Rant About It podcast, where he joins a range of guests to reflect on his experiences and share insights from his personal and professional life.

Affectionately known as “Detroit’s Favorite Actor,” Settles has received widespread recognition, including honors from the Detroit Filmmaker Awards and the title of “Detroit’s Most Streamed Actor.” He was nominated for Best Lead Actor at the Detroit Choice Awards in both 2022 and 2023 and was awarded Best Supporting Actor of the Year at the D’CEM Awards in 2024.

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SCAN WITH PHONE

SCAN WITH PHONE

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Detroit’s Melanated and Community Food Co-op The Detroit Peoples Food Co-op has given Detroiters the much needed access to fresh produce and more.

Opened in 2024 this community and member driven Co-op has opened many avenues for the community and black owned businesses. The purpose according to their website is to provide improved access to healthy food and food education to Detroit residents. Meeting the needs of the community is achieved through the democratic control of the co-op by its member/owners.

With over 4,000 members this Co-op is being setup for success.

With over 40 local vendors on their roster and melanated urban farms the Co-op is also putting money back into the community. By offering healthy, fresh and

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organic produce and food this addresses the food draught that many face in many communities. It has been stated that 3 out of 4 households in Detroit do not have access to fresh and healthy food. The Co-op offers a deli and a coffee bar they also carry health products and body care items. For over 10 years there has not been a large black owned grocery store. This Coop empowers the community to help take their community to the next level, as well as keeps the residents invested in their neighborhoods.

Detroit People’s Food Co-op 8324 Woodward Avenue Detroit Michigan 48202 Hours 8am to 8pm

Chrissy’s Story Coming to an AMPS Magazine NEAR YOU!

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Ebony Cochran Born and raised in district 4 in Detroit, Michigan this trailblazer has set the bar high by leading by example. Ebony Cochran also known as the “Debt Survivor” has accomplished many amazing firsts and continues to strive forward with excellence and help others.

A graduate of Eastern Michigan University this mother, and multi talented entrepreneur was a business owner who saw first hand how many of her tax clients couldn’t get the loans they needed. This propelled her on a journey to help not only herself but others into building generational wealth and financial literacy. One of her businesses The Debt Survivor helps business owner and other get out of debt with hard work. This is done hands on and with the help of eBooks and courses. Having brought her own credit (according to reports) from 486 to 813. Ebony is working to help others do the same.

Ebony is also the first melanated Little Caesars owner in Detroit.

Ebony’s goal was to build wealth for her family.

Not only did she do that but made Michigan history in the process.

Ebony newest venture was to open the Detroit Wealth Club.

Ebony, also a real estate agent purchase a building that would not only be home to the Detroit Wealth Club but has other units available for other small businesses to rent space for their businesses. The Mission of the Detroit Wealth Club according to their site says, Detroit Wealth Club exists to close the racial wealth gap by delivering accessible education, hands on support, and community connections across seven proven wealth building pillars—empowering members to leverage credit, ownership, and entrepreneurship to build lasting prosperity.

Ebony vision for a better life for others and a better Detroit is coming true AMPS Detroit salutes this the extraordinary business visionary and her heart to give back.

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Legendary Great

Diane Ross

This Detroit native Born Diane Ernestine Earle Ross on March 26,1944 is known to the world as the Legendary Diana Ross.

Raised in the Brewster-Douglass Housing Projects Diana set her sights on being a fashion designer and emerged her self in after school activities

She soon joined a girl group called the Primettes that would later developed in to the greatest girl group of all times The Supremes. This girl group that consisted of Florence Ballard and Mary Wilson continued to crank out hit after hit written Smokey Robinson, Berry Gordy and others.

With songs like Baby baby, the Supremes became the biggest act on the Motown label.

Diana became the breakout star of Supremes leaving the group in 1970 Diana Ross solo career took off. Diana had hits like Upside Down, Coming Out and Ain’t No Mountain High Enough sent her straight to the top and today she is known as the Queen of Motown. Diana also

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started in 3 films that are now classics; Lady Songs the Blues, Mahogany and the Wiz. This Living Legend has had career that has spanned over 45 years. Her legacy consists of five children who are all successful at what they do. Rhonda, Tracee, Chudney, Ross and Evan. Over the years you have seen Diana and her family at award shows and events such as the Met Gala This year Diana headline at the Hollywood Bowl for almost 3 hours. At 81 years young this Living Legend Diana Ross is showing no signs of slowing down. Diana is currently on tour with her Beautiful Love 2025 Tour.

Legendary Great

Thomas W. Stewart

A Michigan native invented one of the most commonly used items in homes as well as in the cleaning industry. This Legendary Great is Thomas Stewart born in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Thomas spent a large part of his life working to improve the way things are done.

One of his important contributions as an inventor came about with him trying to improve the mop. His thought was to keep your hands dry out of the dirty water.

Thomas solved this by added a screw at the bottom of the mop handle that allowed the mop head to be removed from the mop handle. He then invented a lever that would squeeze the water out of the mop head without getting your hands wet or dirty. Thomas had this design patented in 1893 making him one of a handful of black inventors to be patented. This invention changed sanitation standards around the world and is still used today. Thomas continued to invent and improve items other patents. By Thomas Stewart; co-invented with William Edward Johnson an improved station and street indicator in 1883. It was used with streetcar and cars on the street to signal what road the vehicles were crossing. He also invented a metal bending machine. Thanks to this Legendary Great for making lifr a little easier.

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The Benefits of Natural Honey Fall and winter are just around the corner and along with the cooler weather and changing leaves is the arrival of the cold and flu season. There are many things you can take naturally that can help fight the first symptoms of what’s to come, one of them is Honey. ~ Honey is full of benefits to keep you healthy year round. A natural source of Antioxidants that helps with your overall body wellness. ~ Honey as a natural sweetener is better for your blood sugar levels. Using honey instead of sugar not only will your drinks and recipes taste great but along with a balanced diet you will see excellent weight and sugar levels results. ~ Honey is also a natural healer that helps to heal wounds, cuts and burns quicker ~ Just a little honey daily can help with blood circulation, cholesterol and your heart health. Try putting a little in your tea or just

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taking a spoon a day of raw honey to improve your cardiovascular system today. ~ Honey is also a natural cough suppressor and helps to soothe your throat. According to studies honey helps with night time coughing and helps you to sleep better.

Incorporate honey into your diet as a extra added layer of protection this season.

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The Huey P. Newton Gun Club The Huey P. Newton Gun Club Houston Chapter: More Than a Gun Club Since its founding in Dallas, Texas, in 2014, the Huey P. Newton Gun Club has stood as a movement committed to armed self-defense, community protection, and political education. That same year, the Houston Chapter was established, carrying the mission locally.

While active for years, the chapter grew into one of the largest within the Huey P. Newton Gun Club under the leadership of Chairwoman Natural X Nwonknu in 2021, becoming a recognized force for justice, survival, and community care in Houston.

At its core, the Houston Chapter is deeply rooted in the Second Amendment right to bear arms, openly practicing and teaching responsible gun ownership.

The chapter also believes in policing our own communities, ensuring accountability, safety, and justice without relying solely on external systems that have historically failed the Black community.

Community Defense & Tactical Training The Houston Chapter equips its members and the community with the tools to defend, protect, and resolve conflict responsibly. Programs include firearm safety, tactical training, hand to hand combat training. Level 3 & Level 4 security services, de-escalation strategies, conflict resolution workshops, political education, and gun law awareness.

Prepping, Agriculture & Survival Skills A cornerstone of the chapter’s work is self-sufficiency. Members learn emergency preparedness, agriculture, farming, hunting, fishing, and food sustainability, building resilience and inde-

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pendence within the community. By teaching these skills, the chapter empowers families to thrive without relying on external systems that often fail the Black community.

Community Care & Support The Houston Chapter leads initiatives that nourish, mentor, and protect: Adopt-An-Elder Program: Provides seniors with care, food, services, and regular check-ins to ensure safety and dignity.

Youth Empowerment Program: Offers mentorship, literacy programs, financial literacy, home economics, political education, and life skills coaching to prepare the next generation for leadership.

Weekly food program: Offer free groceries to families, children, and elders consistently, reinforcing the chapter’s commitment to community sustenance.

The Huey P Newton Gun Club Houston Chapter created a “Feed the Block” breakfast program where they feed the community every second and fourth Saturdays of each month..

Mental Health & Wellness Advocacy The chapter promotes mental health awareness and healing for the Black community, with programs emphasizing therapy access, trauma recovery, stress management, and emotional well-being. By normalizing mental health support, the chapter strengthens families and individuals alike.

Advocacy & Emergency Response The Houston Chapter is active in multiple forms of advocacy and emergency response:

Missing Persons & Family Support: Organizing search efforts and raising awareness.

Domestic Violence Rescues: Partnering with safe houses to protect survivors and provide tactical safety plans.

Disaster Relief: Leading rescue operations during emergencies, including Hurricane Beryl, delivering essentials, clearing debris, and helping families rebuild.

Justice for Victims of Police Brutality & Murder Victims’ Families: Offering support, attending vigils, and advocating for accountability.

Elder Housing Advocacy & Armed Patrol In a high-profile action, the chapter led an armed patrol at Woodland Christian Towers after reports of alleged neglect and abuse of elderly and disabled residents. The patrol received coverage from Grizzy’s Hood News and the Houston Chronicle, bringing public attention to housing safety and elder care. Chairwoman Natural X Nwonknu has continually spoken out against systemic neglect and injustice within the community.

nancial Literacy, Home Economics Weekly Food Distribution & Free Breakfast Program Missing Persons & Family Advocacy Domestic Violence Survivor Assistance Disaster Relief & Emergency Rescue Justice for Victims of Police Brutality Support for Families of Murder Victims Public Safety & Media Accountability A Collective Mission for Justice & Healing The Huey P. Newton Gun Club Houston Chapter is more than a gun club—it is a revolutionary model of community activism. By combining protection, service, healing, and empowerment, the chapter restores dignity, exercises constitutional rights, polices its own communities, fosters self-sufficiency, and stands with families in the ongoing fight for justice and survival.

More than a Gun Club. WE ARE HUEY P!

Advocacy & Service Focus Second Amendment Rights & Open Carry Advocacy Policing Our Own Communities Community Defense & Tactical Training Black Community Mental Health Advocacy Prepping, Agriculture, Farming, Hunting & Food Sustainability Adopt-An-Elder Program & Elder Housing Advocacy Youth Empowerment: Mentorship, Literacy, Fi-

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MISSING WOMEN Let’s continue to keep our eyes, ears and hearts open to finding our missing children Children across the nation continues to disappear. It takes all of us to bring them home safely.

Let’s do our part.

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Battle with B in Blue Gala At just 33 years old, Bianca Harvey was diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer—a battle that has tested her strength, faith, and resilience. In the early stages, she faced pain, sickness, and depression, but through it all, she leaned on God for guidance and found strength in her loved ones, who carried her when she couldn’t carry herself.

Over the past two years, Bianca has endured 18 months of chemotherapy and has since transitioned to immunotherapy—a treatment her body has been responding to with hope and healing. Her doctors are thrilled with her progress, and Bianca is determined to reach her ultimate goal: to be cancer-free by the end of 2025.

Through her social media platforms, Bianca has become a voice of hope and encouragement. She shares her journey with authenticity, motherhood with honesty, and cancer advocacy with passion. She has built a supportive community called Battle With B, where everyone walking alongside her is considered a Battle Buddy.

This September, Bianca is stepping into her next chapter of advocacy by hosting the 1st Annual Battle With B In Blue Gala.

Inspired by her faith and desire to create something bigger than herself, this event will bring awareness to colorectal cancer, encourage self-advocacy in healthcare, and unite the community in the fight against cancer. The gala is more than an event—it’s a movement of strength, education, and hope.

B i a n c a

Bianca’s message is clear:

No one fights alone.

We fight together.

H a r v e y Page 29

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WELCOME TO DETROIT

AMPS MAGAZINE of DETROIT Romeo Barnes, Publisher Youth and Unity

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www.detroit.ampsmagazine.com

American Minority People Succeeding