BSM_MAG - July-August Issue 2020

CELEBRITY NEWS I ENTREPRENEURS I LIFESTYLE

BEAUTIFULLY SAID MAGAZINE JULY / AUGUST 2020

Jennifer Freeman

The actress talks latest TV project, her decision to stay celibate after divorce, and motherhood.

+ Be On the

Right Side of Positive Change #GeorgeFloyd

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Cool Stuff

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from the from the

editor’s desk editor’s desk “I can’t breathe!”

This phrase can mean the anxiety one feels at the uncertainty of the world today, but you and I know that is not the case. It is the We saw a funny meme last month that are supposed to be doing is revealed. words spoken by George Floyd read, “Anybody needs a ride back to We appreciate the creativity happenin what were his final moments 2019 cause we leaving in the morning?” ing around us. Instagram is filled with living. With a knee to his neck It of course providing much-needed DJ sets and concerts by many of our by an officer using excessive laughter for anyone who came across favorite artists from R&B to Gospel. on his body, it it, andforce created overunarmed one-hundred Has anyone seen Debbie Allen’s onwas enough to make people shout comments in a single Facebook post. line dance class? It’s hard to believe they hadgo ENOUGH. While we can’t back to the previ- she’s 70 and gives men and women

"There is a pandemic that we desperately need a handle on. But also a racial virus that has plagued our country formonous year, we can appreciate all we decades younger a run for their We refrain from sugar-coated may have taken for granted before ey. We love the energy! And it’s why we too long." messagesEither herewe and pretending the pandemic. complain or are excited about this issue because

is okay. create. like Whateverything we do during this There time ofis ait carries over into our conversation knees) of police brutality. pandemic that we desperately needwith the world shutting down determines actress Garcelle Beauvais who is a handle on.

But also a racial virus Sure westory. will continue to smile likeas where we are when we come out of our cover She’s best known that has plagued our country for in the photo of ourselves to go with it. The New Normal is what many of Francesca “Fancy” Monroe on the sittoo long. Do racist people tired?com, thisThe page message to ourwhich readers. us are hearing others say.

For get some, Jamie Foxx Show, ran No, it’s a serious question.

Like, do But let no white counterparts think there is doom fastened to thoughts from 1996 to 2001. In her interview, those who hatesame the color one’ssheit’s an indication anynewest personperof of nothing will be the again,ofbut discusses beingofthe skin experience exhaustion from color seemingly having forgotten for others, optimism lingers in the son. She doesn’t buy into the phrase, physical, mental, emotional about the cast racialmember” injusticesonuntil air andthe whose energy latches on toacts“first, black the of hate.

People are sick and dying unfortunately is another name those who see the phrase as a pres- RHOBH becausethere as Garcelle explains, by the numbers from this rampantthere followed by a hashtag ent opportunity for shelved projects are black women to in remind EVERY disease, and in the Land of the Free us.

But we will continue to protest, and unearthed ideas. One mutual zip code. The mother of twin boys ill-intended officers findnortime towillstand, voice forthe a business colleaguelaw, defines ‘new also and grace the our big RIGHTS screen in hunt and kill black men down like change! mal’ as such; waking up every day much-anticipated sequel “Coming 2 prey.

America knowing youThese have times a newinday, to do areAmerica” this winter origOur cover story isalongside with actress like none we have ever experienced, new things, with a new way chance inals Eddie Freeman Murphy and Hall.

Jennifer who Arsenio talks about and then are parts ofwho historyAlso at life again.

Wethere encourage you, COVID-19 recovery stoherinside, journey to happiness outside showing up now that we heard only reads this message to tap into your riesof we hope you findsure therapeutic.

Hollywood.

We’re you will our grandparents and our parent’sAndenjoy innate talent and thrive from the speoncethis more, thankwith youthe forother your read along mention. cial place it dwells. It will render part loyalty asinside. a BSM Magazine reader. stories effortless joy and challenging tasks,thisBe Stay Without question, we dedicate safe,safe, stayeveryone! well, and hang in there!! but youissue willtoknow you are working the memory of George Floyd Best regards, from a and place purposemen, rather thanand theofcountless women, TrishaMcIntosh McIntosh the pain we consciously fail to give children of color whose lives haveLaLaTrisha its walking well after beenpapers taken away at thewhat handswe(andLaand La Tasha Taylor Tasha Taylor | BSM MAGAZINE | BSMANDMEDIA.COM 4 |4BSMANDMEDIA.COM MAY-JUNE 2020

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CONTENTS CONTENTS 38 8

Photo: elebmafia.com

24 6

Photo: TikTok

Photo: Eurweb.com

27 13

6 Elizabeth Grullón

18 COVER STORY 24 COVER STORY

Dominican Beauty paving way on the small screen 13 her James Fortune Release 24 SavLong-awaited annah KennerNew ick Music “Dream Again” Fashionista and Actress

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8 George floyd

Remembering 27 Kierra shthe eard LifeReleases of GeorgeSelf-Titled Floyd Album

‘Kierra’

6 Parenting after divorce Entrepreneur Connie Leon

38 Tabitha Brown

18 Garcelle Beauvais

Photo: latimes.com

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32 Travis Greene

44 John MaTravis rshalGreene ls JoneLive s Chart-topper Performances for “Love Playlist” Smart Guy Star 37 on KitaParadise Williams Lost

Celebrity Publicist and Creator and Founder of MastHERclass Series

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Garcelle Jennifer Beauvais Freeman

The talksand her onactress RHOBH latest TV project, upcoming role in her decision to stay Coming America celibate after2 divorce, and motherhood.

That Supports Injustice actress new TikTok fame

Photo: Instagram

Photo: Erick Robinson

24Newest Journey cast to happiness member

30 Vegan Summerinfluencer Fashion and

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Connie Leon is better known as Momma of Dos and a born and raised Texan who grew up in a small Texas town near the Mexican border. She talks about parenting and self-care after a divorce she says, “happened very fast after realizing she and her ex-husband had grown apart.”

Photo credit @solchiphotos

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Photo credit: Connie Leon

“I do remind myself of how far I have come and how much I have achieved.”

Connie moved to Houston in 1999 to attend the University of Houston, where she received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Health. Connie has worked in the non-profit and governmental sectors for most of her career. These days she works around the clock to provide for her little Mexican-American family. She has “Dos” amazing, children; Camila, nine years old and Santiago, 10. In 2014 she helped found Houston Latina Bloggers, which serves as a collaborative group to help raise awareness of Houston-based Latina writers, bloggers, and content creators within many industries such as; social media, marketing, and public relations among others.

Their vision is to help empower Latinas in Houston to share their voice. Their organization works with brands to provide brand ambassadors, campaign leads, and other social media promotional packages. All services are provided online or via in-person events. Connie has been featured online on Parenting and Lifestyle sites where she shares not only her experiences as a Working Momma but also tips & ideas on ways to improve personal, work, and family life.

She also volunteers for local organizations.

She has been asked to create & participate in several nationwide brand campaigns as well as coordinate local promotional events.

She recently created the Creativity Well, where she provides blog and social media consulting. Follow @mommaofdos

PARENTING

AFTER DIVORCE

By La Tasha T.

Q: You are the founder of Momma of Dos. Love the name. Tell us about the business.

A: As a local content creator, I have, over the years worked with not only well-known brands via campaigns but also local organizations, small businesses, and other influencers. I now also do social media and blog consulting, I help other brands and small business build and create their own voice to help amplify their purpose or message and turn their traffic/ reach into clients or sales. It’s all about storytelling and relatability for me.

Q: As a divorced mother of two young children, a son, and daughter, how have you helped them to adjust?

A: It’s been a VERY long and hard process. My divorce was one of those things that I didn’t see coming, I had no clue when my feelings had changed and that we had grown apart so much that I needed to leave the relationship.

It happened very fast over the summer of 2018 and my Ex-Husband and I truly didn’t know how to deal with it all, it was awkward, even for us as adults, he felt very blindsided by it, I had no clue how to manage the emotions. With that said, when it came to my children, I never tried to hide anything, I have always been very direct and open. I always remind them that it wasn’t their fault, that both their Dad and I will love them just as

much. It’s been VERY painful for them to be so young, dealing with all those emotions. BUT, I have made sure to remind them that we need to feel them, live through them, and talk about them, and we do. I have sat and cried with my children MANY times. We have also taken them to therapy. It’s a huge adjustment, and it takes time. We are now in a much, much better place, but the feelings still emerge. Communication, being open and honest with them has been key, even when I wasn’t open and honest with myself or my ex-husband, they have helped me heal in so many ways. And, I pray all the time that I am helping them heal. It’s a process. You embrace it and push forward.

Q: What are your challenges as a single mother entrepreneur?

A: So many. I am in a constant struggle of having a good stable position to simply provide for them and myself, but also wanting to peruse my passions and dreams. There is ALOT of fear and doubt. I have “support” from family and friends but also there isn’t that “safety net” of having a partner or spouse to back you up, it’s all you and the fears of failure creep in. I have them daily.

So it’s a matter of being brave and going for it and praying it all works out or staying where you are regretting not pushing harder.

I think that is my biggest challenge, as they say, I am the only

one stopping myself from going bigger... and, I stop myself sometimes because I feel that mom guilt of, I have already put my kids through so much with a divorce, if I can’t provide for them, then what? BUT it’s also my biggest motivation. I love my kids, and they are the reason I keep pushing and moving forward.

Ideas, I have them. People who believe in me, I have that... I just need to tell myself to get over the fears and what-ifs and go for it!!

Q: In what ways do you celebrate Connie Leon?

A: Honestly, it’s a work in progress, I try not to celebrate every victory or accomplishment to keep myself grounded and humble, but I do remind myself of how far I have come and how much I have achieved. I love talking about the things I do. In hopes that others will feel inspired and motivated, I think that’s when I celebrate when I know that what I do can make a difference not only for myself and my kids but for others and, more specifically, other women who are watching me. Like everything, I make myself proud, but I want my kids and parents to be proud of me and who I am. Some days are better than others. I am human... I make mistakes and feel guilty, but I move on and try to bounce back harder than before! Bigger and better every time!

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Photo credit: KPRC2 Houston

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Remembering

GEORGE FLOYD As He is Laid to Rest in Houston

IT WAS A DAY IN AMERICA NO ONE CAN FORGET. THE IMAGE OF A BLACK MAN ON THE GROUND. HIS WORDS, “I CAN’T BREATHE,” EMBEDDED INTO THE FABRIC OF THE WORLD FOREVER. A WHITE OFFICER WITH HIS KNEE ON THE NECK OF GEORGE FLOYD WOULD DO SO UNTIL NO LIFE REMAINED, BUT BEFORE BEING ROBBED OF HIS LAST BREATH, HE CALLED OUT HIS MOTHER’S NAME, WHO WAS ALREADY DECEASED. A MOMENT THAT DEFINED FLOYD KNEW HE WOULD LIKELY NOT ESCAPE ALIVE.

June 8 was Floyd’s public memorial, and June 9, he was laid to rest at The Fountain of Praise in Houston, TX., the church’s leaders include Senior Pastor, Dr. Remus E. Wright, and Co-Pastor Mia K. Wright. “Remembering The Life of George ‘Perry’ Floyd” read the front of his obituary (booklet). Born in Fayetteville, NC in 1973, Floyd moved to Houston as a toddler with his family. He excelled in sports and would go on to play both football and basketball on a collegiate level.

Protest after protest ignited after that fateful day on May 25. From outside the state of Minneapolis where he resided to the U.S. and around the world, Floyd’s death created an aggregate of justice fueled energy backed by hashtags; #JusticeforFloyd, #GeorgeFloyd, #sayhishame, and #BlackLivesMatter. In remembering his life and legacy, he is quoted as saying he would be world-famous one day. What no one, more so his family, imagined is that it came as a result of his death, and their final goodbyes would be to a man who has stirred up a frenzy for CHANGE. In a country so divided by racism, Floyd’s death added to a long list of men, women, and children of color who have died at the hands and, most recently, knees of police brutality. And in the middle of it all is the Coronavirus that already has America on edge. Then comes the disheartening fact that hate is still on the minds of racists even though thousands of people are dying daily as this KPRC2 HOUSTON vicious virus plagues our country. How can ill-intent ofNoah and Micah Harrison waiting outside of The Fountain of Praise ficers fail to “Protect and Serve” citizens no matter the in Houston, TX, awaiting a glimpse of George Floyd’s casket BSM MAGAZINE | BSMANDMEDIA.COM | 9

“God took the rejected stone and made him the cornerstone of a movement that’s going to change the whole wide world.” - Rev. Al Sharpton

Photo credit: Houston Chronicle

color of their skin? America and the rest of the world fighting injustice are fed up!! The language is spoken by black men and women who stood outside between a flurry of media to catch any glimpse of what was happening as family, friends, and loved ones drove up in motorcade formation before entering the building, where the Rev. Al Sharpton provided the eulogy. Many showed up, including notable celebrities like Neo, who sang a “Family Tribute” and Jamie Fox. Still, even they know the attention was not on them but for

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a bigger mission to voice that we (black) people and our allies have had ENOUGH—thoughts that rang true with a few of the people in the crowd around 250 media outlets.

The conversation gathered included a man who was the only black policemen in a small town who faced ongoing discrimination by his fellow white officers. His advice to his sons and grandsons is “always to obey the law”. Another gentleman there said, “I was not always involved” in black movements such as Black Lives Matter, but plans to become more active even after news of Floyd’s death is

not seen on television as much.

One lady who is a mother and grandmother talked with us about the conversations she has with her family to keep everyone safe.

The Order of Service for Floyd’s funeral attended by 500 included Dignitarial remarks from Former Vice President Joe Biden, Congresswoman Shelia Jackson Lee, Congressmen Al Green, and Mayor of Houston Sylvester Turner. A Sermonic Solo “For Every Mountain” sung by Minister Kurt Carr and ‘Family Expressions’ by Kathleen McGee, Brady Bob, and Travis Cains.

Eight minutes and 46 seconds took away George Floyd in the physical form, but he lives on. Sharpton says, “God took the rejected stone and made him the cornerstone of a movement that’s going to change the whole wide world.” Floyd’s private service in Houston followed those in his birthplace of Fayetteville, North Carolina, and the last place he lived in Minneapolis. As his gold casket exited the building and into the waiting Hearse, the large group of people surrounding shouted emphatically “George Floyd” and “Get off my neck!”

Rest in Peace, George Floyd.

By ‘Twins of Media’

By La Trisha M and La Tasha T. ‘Twins Of Media’

Q

Q: As a recent graduate of Texas Southern University in Houston, what has been a challenge for you during the pandemic?

A: The most challenging part of this pandemic is finding a stable job right after graduation! I was previously offered a salary position with Pure Sports, TX, but due to the pandemic, the process is on pause. I’m honestly hoping the pandemic will be over sooner then we all expect so we can go back to our normal lives to work in the career field we studied in school. I didn’t plan on going to graduate school right after undergrad. Still, now I’ve decided to apply to the Masters

of Arts in Journalism program at The University of North Texas to continue perfecting my craft.

Q: Let’s talk about racial injustice in the eyes of a young adult. What are your thoughts? What are your friends saying?

A: Racial injustice has been an issue for over four hundred years, and it’s very detrimental to many that we are still fighting the injustices our ancestors tried to protect us from having to experience. The color of your skin should not determine how people treat you, and it’s not of God at all. All of us are placed on this earth for a purpose. And if your purpose is an attempt to drag down

another race because of an envious nature, something is wrong. Just imagine if we were the oppressors than what? I attended the George Floyd protest and funeral with friends and colleagues who know exactly what’s going on right in front of us, and honestly, some are scared because, in any instance that could’ve been me, it could’ve been you.

Q: How have you remained productive during this time?

What’s next?

A. Me staying productive hasn’t been hard at all. I’m just used to being extremely busy. I have still been doing interviews, freelance work, really anything to keep my skills intact. I also have been working out more

than I would normally, which is good because health is a major concern right now. I have also been applying to jobs heavily to ensure I have income coming in. As of now, I am in the process of moving to Pearland, TX, for my very own apartment, which is a bittersweet moment for me and just spending time getting to know me better.

Graduate School is my next top priority, and I hope to get accepted and eventually gain the salary position I have worked so hard leading up to now.

Aaliyah Ford is from Oklahoma City, OK. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Broadcast Journalism from TSU. She plans to attend graduate school at the University of North Texas (UNT) in the fall.

Photo credit @photosae.

I Am A College Graduate in a Pandemic & Racially Divided Country. What’s Next?

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A story of redemption, triumph and “dreaming again”.

JAMES FORTUNE Grammy® Nominated Singer Highly Anticipated Live Album Dream Again: Live From Rock City

GRAMMY® Award-nominated singer James Fortune offers a live version of his chart-topping album Dream Again – with the release of Dream Again: Live From Rock City, available now. The new Birmingham, AL resident, blends unique styles of music and fan favorites into one 16-track LP featuring collaborations with Isaac Carree, Zacardi Cortez, Jalisa Faye, Minon Sarten, Todd Galberth, Lisa Knowles and more.

The original recording of Fortune’s single, “I Am” peaked at #1 on the Billboard Gospel Airplay Chart for several weeks. Dream Again: Live from Rock City is a collection of special announcements, personalized for all who listen. The opening track will undoubtedly pull listeners up or push them forward to a place of purpose and

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possibility. There is a comforting and refreshing thread of hope and faith that echoes throughout this body of work which celebrates new songs and fan favorites like “I Need Your Glory” and “I Believe.” A remixed version with go-go vibes of “Favor of God” features Zacardi Cortez; the live album is lead at radio with “Nobody Like Jesus” featuring Lisa Knowles Smith.

Fortune shares, “Our dreams are our deepest desires. They motivate us, inspire us, stretch us and help us achieve any goal that we want to achieve.

We have to learn to believe and position ourselves according to prayer and God’s promise.”

James Fortune understands that if you’re going to preach redemption in the 21st century, you’re going to have to make a production of it, and his albums are a bit like urban gospel hip-hop soul revues, all done up in showbiz style on Broadway, complete with Fortune’s spoken, sung, and shouted encouragement. Fortune’s strength is in understanding how to put gospel and praise songs over to a young 21st century audience, and with his featured choir, FIYA (which stands for Free in Yahweh’s Abundance), he freely incorporates hip-hop arrangements and urban beats into his recordings.

His recordings include: The Transformation (2007) – which featured the single “I Trust You”, charted at #1 on Gospel radio for 25 weeks and #30 on Urban AC charts.

“Our dreams are our deepest desires.

They motivate us, inspire us, stretch us and help us achieve any goal that we want to achieve. We have to learn to believe and position ourselves according to prayer and God’s promise.”

Fortune is ready to share his story of redemption and triumph with the world and how he is finally, “dreaming again.” Dream Again: Live From Rock City is available at all major digital retail outlets now. Follow James Fortune on social media using the handle @MrJamesFortune.

FOLLOW JAMES FORTUNE IG: @MrJamesFortune TW: @MrJamesFortune FB: James Fortune & Fiya Article and photograpy courtesy of Entertainment JamOne

Live Album Features Collaborations with Celebrated Vocalists: Isaac Carree, Zacardi Cortez, Minon Sarten, Jalisa Faye, Todd Galberth, Lisa Knowles Smith & More 14 | BSM MAGAZINE | BSMANDMEDIA.COM

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Lifestyle

Article and photos by La Trisha M.

It is now essential, more than ever, to stay healthy.

Our immune systems depend on it in the middle of a pandemic. Not only do we need to exercise, but being mindful of the foods we eat is equally vital. Here are a few food and drink ideas.

Carrot Bacon Are a great source of fiber. Drizzle in your favorite olive oil or parsley flakes.

Smoothies Provide a refreshing way to infuse fruits and vegetables like banana and blueberry blended with filtered water and ice.

Light Beverage You can’t go wrong with watermelon, cherries, and ice. Perfect for hot summer days.

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Not only do we need to exercise, but being mindful of the foods we eat is equally vital.

Quesadillas Load this recipe with your favorite vegan ingredients.

Use mushrooms, beyond meat, veggie cheese, salsa (store-bought or homemade). Add just the right amount of flavor with taco seasoning from scratch from allrecipes.com.

Happy “Healthy” Eating everyone!

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Ray

RUIZ

on

George Floyd Marchin Houston Interview by ‘Twins of Media’ Photography by Ray Ruiz

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“I’ve photographed many marches, protests, and rallies in Houston, but the march on June 3rd with George Floyd’s family was the biggest and most passionate.”

- Ray Ruiz BSM MAGAZINE | BSMANDMEDIA.COM | 19

R

RAY RUIZ ON THE GEORGE FLOYD MARCH IN HOUSTON

Q: Describe your experience marching with George Floyd’s family, Trae the Truth, and Bun B? I’ve photographed many marches, protests, and rallies in Houston, but the march on June 3rd with George Floyd’s family was the biggest and most passionate. From the moment I arrived, I could feel the energy. Everyone knew they were involved in something pivotal and historic. I was able to feed off the energy and capture some good shots that I hope accurately and respectfully convey the importance of the day. It was an amazing experience to be surrounded by so many different cultures showing their raw emotions in support of the black community.

Q: Why was it important that your journalism students be involved?

I took a group of four college journalism students to cover and document the event. It was not something they would typically attend personally, and it’s not something the school newspaper would assign them to cover. I brought them because I knew how important it would be for them personally and professionally. They’ll remember that day for the rest of their lives. For all of them, it was a transformative experience because they realized just how important it was for them to tell the untold stories of the black community. Besides journalism skills, they also learned more about the issues people were marching for and how traditional media is failing at their job to portray the movement accurately.

Their initial uneasiness quickly melted away once they realized the marchers embraced them.

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Q: Looking back at the photos, what are your emotions?

I’m happy that I could show that this was a black-led movement with other communities providing support. In particular, I loved how the Latino community showed up. Colorism is a big issue in Latin America that Latinos don’t talk about enough. Some bring that mentality here to the U.S. when they immigrate, and we have to push back on it 100%. I feel emotional about two things. One, the photos I capture are a fraction of the powerful moments that happened. I wish I could’ve captured more. Two, I wonder if my photos made a positive impact. The reception is overwhelmingly positive, but I do lose a couple of Facebook “friends” whenever I post them. I don’t need people like that in my life anyway.

Q: In what ways do you communicate with your family about the racial injustices happening in our country?

The most effective way I’ve been able to communicate with my family about racial injustices is to share my experiences with law enforcement. I’ve had numerous encounters with police where I’ve had a gun to my head, gotten pulled over by five police cars for going 5 miles over the speed limit or they smelled “weed” in the car to justify a search even though I’ve never done a drug in my life. As bad as I thought I had it, it’s not even close to the experience of black men.

I experienced it when I was riding with a group of friends, they were all black, to a basketball game. We got pulled over for literally nothing, and the over-the-top aggressiveness and tension coming from the officers is something I’ll never forget. I share that experience with as many people as possible.

Q: As the founder of EGMN, what are the young voices saying?

El Gato Media Network is over 70% Latino. A number of them have reached out to our black student members to provide support or just to talk. The tragedy of George Floyd and the racial disparities on COVID have gotten them active as I’ve never seen before. Students who previously weren’t too focused.

On anything within their career, they have been reinvigorated by the challenge of telling these stories.

Q: Any upcoming events from EGMN you would like to share?

With COVID restrictions still in place, and the social injustices happening in the country, we’re focused, on the students telling stories right now.

Follow @egmnray

Photography by Ray Ruiz.

Ray Ruiz is the founder of El Gato Media Network (EGMN).

A 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to developing college students into communication professionals. Since 2008, EGMN has provided hands-on leadership experience in journalism, media production, social media, public relations, and photography.

Ruiz shares a recent experience of attending a George Floyd march with his students, where they captured memorable images that showed the level of energy felt by the people there to put an end to racial injustice. Read more of how the Latino marchers “initial uneasiness quickly melted away,” and the reason Ruiz says he lost “a couple of Facebook “friends.”

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TeKema Balentine was born in Dyersburg, TN, but raised in Madison, Wisconsin native and currently holds the title of Miss Black USA. The multi-talented model, singer, and high school track and field coach speak with us about her pageant reign, her Heart Truth Campaign, and the plans she has to become a Nurse Practitioner to help the black community.

Q: The obvious question for everyone these days is, how have you and your family been able to navigate through the quarantine?

A: My partner and I have been able to keep busy completing projects around our home, daily walks, and being mindful of how our actions and choices outside of our home may affect the health of others in the community.

Q: Have you always had an interest in pageants?

A: Yes, I’ve always been curious to know what it was like in the pageant world, especially pageants for Black women. Miss Black USA celebrates her in all shades, sizes, and curves, and I couldn’t be more proud to be a part of a pageant system that boasts who’s who of young, intelligent, beautiful, and talented Black women.

Q: How did you celebrate your win after capturing the national title of Miss Black USA 2019 on August 11, 2019, in the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C.?

A: Immediately after winning, I went straight to Five Guys for a burger! The struggle is real leading up to the pageant. The next morning, I was spoiled and pampered with spa treatments at Kimo Bentley Skin and Wax Spa, who is one of our sponsors. Later in the day, I toured downtown Washington D.C. just admiring history.

Q: You are currently pursuing an Associates’ degree in nursing? Have you had the opportunity to work in the medical field or volunteer during the Coronavirus pandemic?

A: I have not yet had any direct contact caring for patients with COVID-19. I dedicated spending my time completing my nursing courses for the semester. However, I recently accepted a position at one of my local hospitals, so I’m sure that I’ll have plenty of opportunities to play my role here in assisting those affected by the pandemic.

Q: Your ultimate goal is to become a Nurse Practitioner and specialize in pregnancy and early childhood development. What motivated you to focus on this area in healthcare?

A: I became motivated to work in this field because, first and foremost, representation matters and minorities disproportionately suffer from health disparities. Secondly, I’d like to play a direct role in improving the health and well-being of the black community, in my mind, that begins with the mother before the child is born.

Q: Tell us more about the Heart Truth Campaign and your role with the organization?

A: The Heart Truth Campaign raises awareness of heart disease, the #1 killer of women, and disproportionately affects African American women. We know if we reach women at a younger age, we can prevent the disease later. My role as a celebrity advocate is to encourage women to live a healthy heart lifestyle by practicing preventative measures.

I try to lead by example by staying active, gardening and do my best to avoid heavily processed foods.

Q: How does it feel to have your day, the “TeKema Balentine Day”? How do you usually spend this day?

A: It was the first time that I met the Mayor of my city, so it was an unbelievable honor to be presented by her with my very own day. Coincidentally, the Mayor proclaimed that day on my partner’s birthday, which made it even more special.

Q: You have seven pets. Whew! Remind us to stay on your good side LOL...just kidding. How do you prioritize your time caring for your pets, school, family, and your reigning title?

A: That’s funny. I do have lots of pets, but they’re all pretty low maintenance. Miss Black USA is a scholarship organization, and they wholly support my #1 priority, which is academics. The rest of my schedule, I plan around my school schedule. Most of the appearances and media interviews during my reign are scheduled before school.

Others are after school or on the weekends. I am extremely fortunate to have a very supportive partner who is always willing to step up if or when I need any extra help.

Miss Black USA

TeKema Bale

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Q: Where do you see yourself five years from now?

A: Five years from now, I plan to have obtained my bachelor’s in nursing, working as a registered nurse while pursuing a doctorate in nursing. I’m going all the way!

Q: Favorite social media handle?

A: My favorite I.G. handle is @everydayafrica. A lot of

entine

people don’t know this, but Miss Black USA is the first national U.S. based pageant to hold its national pageant on the African continent. We have a library named in our honor in the Gambia, West Africa, and we support the girl child. And, of course, my other social media fave is @ missblackusa. Be sure to follow me. So much black girl magic and a lot of good things are in the works. :-)

Article by La Trisha M. Photo credit: Miss Black USA

BSM MAGAZINE | BSMANDMEDIA.COM | 23

Cover Story

Jennifer

Freeman

By La Trisha M and La Tasha T. ‘Twins Of Media’

Photography by: Kin Kordell

24 | BSM MAGAZINE | BSMANDMEDIA.COM

JOURNEY TO HAPPINESS BSM MAGAZINE | BSMANDMEDIA.COM | 25

“Not rushing to the next thing is healing in a sense. We need that time to rest our hearts, minds, and spirits.”

Jennifer Freeman says she wasn’t going to date anybody when it came to focusing on loving herself. Sure this is nothing new. Many people decide to remain single, but Freeman is a Hollywood actress best known for her role as Claire Kyle on My Wife and Kids and a mom who has remained celibate for the last nine years. “When you take the physicality out of the relationship, you can see the person a mile away,” she says with a slight laugh.

It is a busy afternoon, and Jennifer is spending time with the one that matters most, her daughter Isabella (Bella), 10, when we connected by phone at the beginning of the pandemic. But this didn’t seem to slow the pace of the single mother who dutifully adds the role of teacher to the many hats she fills. Jennifer, of course, making sure her daughter completes all of her assignments since her school transitioned to online learning after the Coronavirus outbreak.

And what is light-hearted is that she finds humor in the days where she says, “Sometimes the computer doesn’t work or the printer.” (laughs) “It’s a lot!”

Jennifer doesn’t go any further in our conversation without stopping to acknowledge and thank all of the front-line workers saving and helping lives like those in the medical field and service workers such as grocery store clerks. It is then that she shares her mother is a retired nurse of 30 years. Jennifer is grateful she gets to stay home and spend time with her daughter and that they are healthy. “During the quarantine, I am checking in on myself mentally, physically, and spiritually.” Already living a healthy lifestyle, she’s proud to say she has not given in to the temptation to eat all the snacks (laughs). Adding, “I don’t want to feel worse during this time eating the

26 | BSM MAGAZINE | BSMANDMEDIA.COM

wrong things, so my daughter and I make lots of healthy homemade dishes. Speaking of health, Jennifer jokes she may never go to the gym again with all the apps she can utilize to stay fit.

Convenience is how she describes it.

“I felt guilty if I was not busy or working,” replies Jennifer when asked what she has learned about herself while home-bound. She admits she rare-

Cover Story

ly watches television, but you can catch her more so writing things like scripts. However, she offers that sitting still is productive in itself as well. “Not rushing to the next thing is healing in a sense.

We need that time to rest our hearts, minds, and spirits.” Pausing for a brief moment, Jennifer finishes her thoughts to say, that was something I learned about myself that was uncomfortable, and what I will take out of it is I don’t always have to be doing something. “The best thing I can do for my daughter and me is just to sit and be present and not feel guilty about it.”

Jennifer is excited about new television projects like the show “Pumped” with singer and actor Ray J. It debuted in the spring on the new streaming network Urban Flix which Jennifer says she loves because it showcases diverse talent. The comedy was shot last year. “I love comedy and making people laugh and being silly and fun. When I first read the script I had to be a part of it,” she says before going on to say the show is about a famous fitness mogul, Sean Ford (Ray J) who falls from fame and has to reclaim his old job at his old gym (Pumped) in Inglewood. There he has to win everyone over, but to his surprise, everyone has moved on, including his ex, Jennifer’s character (Briana), who is now the boss.

Moving on is something Jennifer has also done in real life after a marriage that ended in 2015 to former NBA player Earl Watson. In the years since, she has committed herself to heal internally. “I didn’t set a time, but now it has been

“I used to give of myself not realizing my selfworth.” But these days, Jennifer is not willing to back down from her beliefs, and she now knows she holds power when it comes to dating.”

BSM MAGAZINE | BSMANDMEDIA.COM | 27

nine years, and I can’t say I regret it,” says Jennifer when our conversation diverts back to talk of her decision to remain celibate. “I used to give of myself not realizing my self-worth. But these days, Jennifer is not willing to back down from her beliefs, and she now knows she holds power when it comes to dating. It comes to mind the time she says she went out with a guy, and he couldn’t believe she wasn’t willing to have sex with anyone. As the conversation continued and his thoughts of “why not” persisted, it made Jennifer see they were on two different pages, but not without confirming the newfound self-love she had for herself, and that is “the way you treat yourself is how the world will treat you.” Jennifer’s voice trails a bit in what one would perceive as a healthy sense of revelation.

“I am creating a workbook as a resource to help young girls and women.” Jennifer’s plans include connecting with different organizations as a mission to get as much self-love information out to as many girls as possible. “I wish I had these key things at a young age,” she says. Her voice is low and reflective but full of purpose and passion. Listening, you sense that it’s therapeutic for Jennifer to write. Jennifer, who says, “playing sexy or cool roles is awkward,” does welcome opportunities to step outside the box. Along with her latest television role, she began work on a crime drama (currently on hiatus because of the pandemic) that challenged her. “I played the sister of a drug cartel, and it required that I be very manipulative. Something different from any other roles I’ve played.

Jennifer starts back up with the conversation about her and Ray J’s work in Pump, which she describes as a funny and edgy show with heart.

“It’s the urban version of the office with crazy scenarios and a great ensemble cast (laughs).

And her thoughts about Ray J? “He’s talented and funny.” What she likes most about her character is that Briana is a strong nonsense character. A departure from the ditzy, aloof, or pretty girl persona fans had come to know of her, notably when she starred in My Wife and Kids.

But it was that particular show Jennifer says she learned the best work ethic. “Damon Wayans and Tisha Campbell were such professionals, and that became ingrained in how I showed up on time for television and film projects. “We were all a family, and I still have awesome friendships from that time until this day.”

“I love writing,” says Jennifer when asked about the other things she has been working on during the quarantine. Her book Journey to Loving Yourself’ came from a place in her life where she was numb and had to take a hard look at her life. Tired of the mask she was wearing, Jennifer says, “If you’re successful, it’s deceiving because everybody thinks you are okay.” But Jennifer was not okay. Her sense of low self-worth and esteem made it hard to love herself.

These days, Jennifer loves her life. Where there was once depression is peace. The laughter she says comes naturally from loving comedy, but then there’s her daughter who plays the best tricks and practical jokes. “She has the best personality, and you cannot get mad at her because it’s her personality. She gets me all the time,” she says in laughter.

“It’s a journey I’m still on. I have overcome a lot of things, and my faith played a part in it. Her path to loving the person she is today completely inspires her to help young girls do the same.

But before our call ends, you can hear Jennifer moving about doing what she enjoys most, and that is being a mother and creative spirit. “Oh, yeah! I am also currently working on another book—a selflove type of reading. Jennifer’s journey to happiness is happening.

28 | BSM MAGAZINE | BSMANDMEDIA.COM

Cover Story

BSM MAGAZINE | BSMANDMEDIA.COM | 28

Celebrity News | Entrepreneurs | Lifestyle Visit BSM Media Group (BSM_Magazine) at bsmandmedia.com

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BSM MAGAZINE | BSMANDMEDIA.COM | 17 29

The perfect Summer 2020 dress.

It is a dress that you can sleep in, lounge in, walk in, grocery shop in, vote in, and fight social injustice in as well.

Crosby’s Summer 2020 Collection allows you to find your chill in these effortless looks designed locally in Atlanta, Georgia, by American designer, Mollie Burch.

Founded on the desire to fight social injustice, Crosby has supported organizations that aid victims of sex trafficking since its inception. Their slogan, #ShineYourBright, aims to empower women to be their boldest, brightest self. Prices start as low as $140 and can be found on crosbybymollieburch.com.

#ShineYourBright Article and photos courtesy of Coded PR.

crosbybymollieburch.com 30 | BSM MAGAZINE | BSMANDMEDIA.COM

BSM MAGAZINE | BSMANDMEDIA.COM | 31

“...refreshing comfort, inspiring reflection in faith and love...”

Chart-topper Travis Greene released a set of live performances and beloved studio gems on Love Playlist. Comprising seven tracks, the Love Playlist is available now via digital music providers. A curated mix with Greene’s powerful music and vocal

32 | BSM MAGAZINE | BSMANDMEDIA.COM

performances bringing refreshing comfort, inspiring reflection in faith and love, the Love Playlist includes songs such as acclaimed hit “Good & Loved,” “Be Still,” “Thank You For Being God,” and more. The four-time GRAMMY® nominee, Billboard Music Award

G and Stellar Award-winner has continued making an indelible mark with his sterling songwriting and performances, from his hit albums The Hill, Crossover: Live from Music City, and Broken Record. Featured on Love Playlist, Travis Greene delivers two

live performances of “Good & Loved,” with “Good & Loved” feat.

Steffany Gretzinger, formerly of Bethel Music, along with a new performance recording of “Good & Loved” feat. DOE, formerly of foreverJones. A video of his “Good & Loved” VEVO live perfor-

TRAVIS GREENE Photo credit: worshippersgh.com

Travis Greene: Love Playlist, is available now. https://travisgreene.lnk. to/LovePlaylistIN To connect with Travis Greene, visit: Website: http://www.travisgreene.tv mance duet with DOE, is also available on Love Playlist through Apple Music. Love Playlist includes Greene’s “While I’m Waiting” with featured vocals from Chandler Moore and “Just Want You” feat. Jordan Connell and Chandler Moore.

Besides Love Play-

list and leading his church Forward City, Travis Greene has also been hosting indepth conversations with special guests on GreeneRoom, available to watch on Instagram @TravisGreeneTV #GreeneRoom, chatting one-on-one with Jonathan Nelson, Dar-

rel Walls, MAJOR., MLB star Matt Kemp, and Andy Mineo.

Greene is also featured on the new star-studded single “I Need You” from GRAMMY® winner Q Parker of 112.

Instagram: http://instagram. com/travisgreenetv Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TravisGreeneTV Twitter: https://twitter. com/TravisGreeneTV YouTube: https://www.youtube. com/user/TravisGreeneTV Article, and photo, courtesy of W&W Public Relations

BSM MAGAZINE | BSMANDMEDIA.COM | 33

New Bee Themed Collection

Bee Happy

Queen Bee Cuff Queen Bee Earrings Honey Bee You Ring

Code for 20% off: BSM20 34 | BSM MAGAZINE | BSMANDMEDIA.COM

TikTok Breakout Star

TABITHA BROWN TO HEAD UP Ellen DeGeneres New Web Show

By BSM Media

Photo: nytimes.com/Source: tubefilter

Tabitha Brown, actress, vegan influencer, and the latest, a TikTok breakout star, is one of a few names Ellen DeGeneres’ Ellen Digital Network (EDN) announced partnerships with Tuesday. Others include actresses and comedians Tiffany Haddish and Ellie Kemper .

“Brown, who has exploded on TikTok recently for her kind and comforting voice as well as her vegan cooking acumen, will work with EDN on All Love, where she will provide advice on all things cooking, parenting, social media, and self-care.”

For those who followed Brown when she first exploded on the vegan scene in a video eating a TTLA Sandwich from Whole Foods that went viral, have seen how her southern charm living in L.A. has amassed millions of fans in a short amount time. Classic lines like “Hold Ya Mule, and “It’s My Business” are just some of Brown’s

Photo credit Getty Images

originals that keep her audience wanting more, which she’s sure to deliver with EDN. Three of the new shows will be from Tiffany Haddish, Ellie Kemper, and Sarah Hyland. Some other additions EDN include Officiate-ly In Love, where comedian and host Loni Love will officiate virtual weddings, and Momsplaining with Kristen Bell, Fearless with Ashley Graham, and Fempire with Ayesha Curry.

EDN falls under six-year-old parent company Ellen Digital Ventures (EDV) — a joint venture between DeGeneres and Warner Bros’ Digital Networks. EDN comprises short-form video platform EllenTube, hit mobile gaming app Heads Up!, and the Ellen On The Go podcast. The network says it boasts a reach of 260 million collective followers and averages 1 billion monthly views across all platforms.

BSM MAGAZINE | BSMANDMEDIA.COM | 35

Celebrity News | Entrepreneurs | Lifestyle

r mmeine SuQuaRercaonvtery

Garcelle Beauvais On Screen! Coming 2 America and RHOBH

MAY-JUNE 2020 BSMANDMEDIA.COM | 1

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“Walk as a leader and not a follower.”

KITA CELEBRITY PUBLICIST

WILLIAMS Interview by ‘Twins of Media’ Photography by Erick Robinson

BSM MAGAZINE | BSMANDMEDIA.COM | 37

Mommy, TV Personality, Publicist and Business Strategist Kita Williams namely handles PR for her many celebrity clients. Some have included Jay Z, Rihanna, Elton John, Halle Berry and Janet Jackson to name a few.

She gives a funny and insightful interview in the world of public relations.

Q

Q: What is the role of a publicist?

A publicist handles PR for their clients and companies. PR is code for publicist. People can hear them interchangeably. Whether you are Coca-Cola, Nike, or Reebok, they have a publicist that runs their company.

Celebrities like Jay Z, LL Cool J, or Halle Berry they have publicists. I tell people all the time that a publicist is a gatekeeper for the client. We mold the perception you see in the media. You see celebrities on television, in a magazine or on the red carpet, the publicist orchestrates all of those things. PR is what we hear all the time, but PR isn’t just for public relations. I have been a publicist for over 15-years, and I have coined the phrase PR to mean a Professional Resuscitator (laughs). I am all about personal rehab when it comes to clients and their business. I love to say this part, “You are your client’s personal representative.” A lot of people don’t realize that celebrities’ careers can go down the toilet or if it’s a negative thing you’re dealing with or crisis management. We are the brand whisperer to our clients. Anything that deals with their image and branding to give them the lane to be seen.

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Q: How did you get your start?

I didn’t start as a publicist. I went to college— first-generation graduate with a degree in Journalism. I wanted to be a TV reporter. You know, a mini Oprah. Back in the day, there was Diane Sawyer; she is where I’m from Kentucky. My mother would make us sit down and watch the news to see people like Dan Rather, and I thought it was so empowering to be able to deliver information to people. I am talking about before social media and when I was a little girl in the 80s. Someone once said to me; you can make a lot of money because you talk a lot (laughs). I thought, how can I do that?

With my degree, I went on to become a TV reporter, and I worked for the ABC station for three-years, but I realized I was only making 24,000 annually. I thought it was a rip off to spend all those hours in school for that amount of money. I was young and so ambitious, and I wanted to get into entertainment reporting. I ended up getting a job at Entertainment Tonight by bugging the receptionist and asking to speak to the person that was the hiring manager.

The receptionist didn’t understand why I was calling their (1-800) every day; she would ask, what do you want? I will never forget her name, Shelby Moore. “Hey, Ms. Shelby, I would say when I called. Hey, Kita would be her response (laughs).

I ended up getting an interview because the receptionist told the Human Resources person this woman is calling from Kentucky every week. I took my first plane ride to Los Angeles for an internship interview. After the meeting, I naively asked the lady in charge, so when are you going to select the interns to hire for this position? I wanted the opportunity. She said in a month. I followed up with okay, well, my flight leaves tonight. She asked if I flew out to do the interview? I responded, yes. She then said, wait here for a second and comes back later to say, we only take six interns out of 300 people we interview. The fact that you flew here for an unpaid internship says a lot. She offered me one of the intern positions on the spot. I had the opportunity while there to do PR work behind the scene, and that is how I got my start at the bottom level.

There were no boundaries for me.

There was no such thing as “no,” especially when you realize what you want. That was the beauty and mystique of being young. My advice is to be okay with working for free to get your start because from there, things evolve.

Q: What celebrity have you worked with that has been a game-changer for you?

I will honestly say I’ve had more magical mistakes in the industry of PR. A lot of the time, you learn as you go. I have such great learning experiences with stars like Beyoncé, LL Cool J, and Chris Brown. My first paid PR position was with Rogers & Cowan. The clients there were Elton John, Bruce Willis, and a lot of the higher-ups in television and film. No one there looked like me. I eventually ended up getting scouted

by Def Jam Music (Universal music group), where everyone looked like me (laughs). Russell Simmons headed the company and clients there were artists like Run DMC, LL Cool J, Music Soul Child, Ashanti, and Jay Z. At the time, LL Cool J was the GOAT of the industry, and younger artists like Ludacris and Jay Z respected him.

A game-changer moment for me was when I was in charge of LL Cool J going live from the set of one of his videos with E NEWS! I was new, and I hadn’t met him yet, and we were going live in 5 minutes as a person from the network (Cassidy) told me. I am pacing in front of LL Cool J’s trail-

er because he has not come out yet. I had already been told to leave him alone by people with him, and we are down to three minutes. Cassidy reminds me again of the time.

I knock on the door, and a person answers.

I say, excuse me, Mr. LL, are you ready for your interview? The person tells me he is not ready and to come back. We’re down to two minutes. The lady Cassidy says, what’s going on. If LL Cool J is not ready, we will have to kill the shot. I was like, no, don’t kill the shot because if you do, you will kill my job. I BSM MAGAZINE | BSMANDMEDIA.COM | 39

knock again, and the person tells me to come back in a couple of minutes.

Cassidy comes back and says… fifty-five seconds.

I knock on LL Cool J’s trailer again, and he answers this time. I’m stumbling with my words asking if he is ready for the interview. Sweat is falling from my forehead. Come in…

(He’s in his trailer working out) You’re new here, he says. You knocked on my door three times. I thought, oh, no, he is about to go in on me. He then says each time you knocked, you asked me for the interview. You 40 | BSM MAGAZINE | BSMANDMEDIA.COM

are a smart lady, but you have a job and a position to hold, right? Yes, I do… was my response. He continues, and being a woman working in a male-dominated industry; you are going to be tried and tested. So you came and knocked on my door and asked me if I am ready for an interview that you put together. Listen, what I will tell you I want you to use as you move forward. If you are going to lead the lane in the job you are doing right now working with a lot of testosterone and energy that is going to be aggressive, you don’t

knock on my trailer door asking me if I am ready for an interview. You tell me. Here is where my life changed, and this is why I want to tell the story. LL Cool J says, my job as an artist is to do my job and to be creative, but the only way I can follow you is if you tell me that you’re ready for me.

That’s your job. I follow your lead. I said, okay. He said, alright, I’ll talk to you later. He opened the trailer door, and I had to leave. I was like, what is that? Cassidy is like; I am going to kill the shot. With 15-seconds, I turn back around and knock on the door.

This time I say, I am ready for you to do the interview. He said alright, let’s go. The lesson for me is that a lot of times, we are going to knock on a lot of doors when it comes to our careers metaphorically. Walk as a leader and not a follower. This is the lesson he gave me in life. If I own space, I am in; I shouldn’t ask, are you ready? I should tell you I am ready. It changed how I saw the scope of things personally and professionally as being a leader.

He is a great person. I have since been to their home. I love his wife, Simone.

I thank him for that moment though he no longer remembers. I asked, how could you forget? His response, I drop gems of knowledge all the time. It’s for the person to receive it and not for me always to remember.

Q: Tell us what it was like to work with former NFL star T.O. and your business partner Monique Jackson.

Monique and I worked at Def James Music together. One of the things I like, when I worked there, is Russell Simmons believed in you having a hustle. He thought if you worked for

yourself at some point, it frees you.

Monique and I started our own P.R. firm in sports so as not to compete with Russell and music because we were still at Def Jam. I knew T.O. before Monique. He was with the San Francisco 49ers at this time and looking for P.R. as he was going through contract negotiations. I did not initially want to work with him because I thought he was an a**hole (laughs).

I say that professionally but personally. After all, here was a guy trying to navigate a space where his image was damaged in the locker room and on the field because he couldn’t express himself the way his white teammates could.

So Monique and I needed to help change the narrative, and we began to handle his P.R. The beauty of being a publicist is to think outside the box. We decided to create a reality show for him because it would show his reality as a person and a professional athlete. T.O.’s real name is Terrell Owens, and he had an alter ego before Beyoncé had Sasha Fierce. He was this southern young man that came from nothing, and he was being ostracized.

Also, he didn’t have any contracts outside of the NFL, and he was one of the biggest names in sports at the time. We thought it was a little unfair. He didn’t have a shoe deal or something like the other athletes.

Monique and I wrote a treatment and pitched the idea to a producer who created a lot of content for MTV. The only deal he had was through his contract. We thought that was a little unfair to him because all of his other white counterparts had it, so Monique and

“I ended up getting an interview because the receptionist told the Human Resources person this woman is calling from Kentucky every week. I took my first plane ride to Los Angeles for an internship.”

I wrote a treatment for him that showed his life, and ideally, it worked.

We ended up pitching the idea for the T.O. Show to a producer who created a lot of content for MTV and Newlywed: Nick and Jessica. With the help of Def Jam, we pitched the show with the condition we wanted our names to show on the credits and also as executive producers. Monique and I didn’t plan to be in front of the camera, but it happened that way when it was decided it was for the best interest of the show because, as we were told, you two are the storytellers for this man’s space. And there was already leverage because T.O. was a multi-million dollar big name in sports at the time.

Monique and I are the first women of color to create, produce, and star in a reality tv docu-series with editing rights. A lot of people think it was Shaunie O’Neal or Mona Scott. The T.O. Show did so well in the ratings in 2009 that it went on to have three BSM MAGAZINE | BSMANDMEDIA.COM | 41

“The focus is to empower women

to birth new projects and

be AuthenticallyHER.” successful seasons and greenlit shows like Basketball Wives the following seasons. I handled Terrell Owens, and Monique dealt with the alter-ego T.O. (laughs). Sure we three had disagreements. Things like you’re fired… no, you can’t fire me; we quit you because you didn’t hire us (laughs). No matter what, we never talked bad about our client, and we always came to a recourse.

Q: How do you balance motherhood with work?

You know I’ve been looking for the perfect answer to balance my life, and I realize that motherhood is a privilege. I waited later in life to have children with my husband, the same guy who proposed to me on the T.O. Show (laughs) we are still together.

My husband and I tried month after month to have a baby, and I couldn’t get pregnant. You know it’s taboo to talk about infertility in our community. I had a conversation with someone, and she told me I should get my follicles checked. I responded I go to my OBGYN for my annual pap smears, but she meant that I go to a fertility doctor. I discovered I was having issues with fibroids and ovarian aging. I eventually became a mother. And I found peace in that space as time went on. It was okay if I didn’t shower or have the clothes folded as a new mother. I put motherhood before everything. I communicated with my clients that my 42 | BSM MAGAZINE | BSMANDMEDIA.COM

fee was not because you are paying for my childcare. You are paying for my time away from my child when I had to travel and be with you. I had to be a LeadHER in this new space as a new mother with work.

can be more of a distraction from the cause itself if they show up. And many cannot do so because their brand is too big. If Jay Z and Beyoncé were to be on the frontline, that’s all anyone would see. Some celebrities use their dollars to fight in the background.

Q: Tell us about your MastHERclass series. How can people have a seat at the table?

A story I have is Niecy Nash wanted to give to George Floyd’s family privately, but she and her Reno 911 crew were not able to get a hold of an actual person of contact. Niecy ended up going on Good Morning America to reach out to the family, and sometimes this is the case. Celebrities are not always able to get a hold of the family privately and have to go public to provide help. There are so many celebrities who want to do the work and remain anonymous. Prince always gave anonymously but never wanted it public. I would say before we ask what celebrities are doing, we should ask ourselves or write down on paper what we have done as well.

My audience is anyone who follows the guidelines of your truth. You can have a seat at the table with what it takes to build an authentic brand.

The focus is to empower women to birth new projects and be AuthenticallyHER. Something I realized one day as I was putting my son to sleep, and I looked at my Mother’s Day cards. I saw the word HER and realized with tears rolling down my face I was still HER even though I was a mother and that I didn’t lose any of it, but I had evolved. More information about my series is on my website at authenticallyher.co.

Q: What are your thoughts when you hear people say, why aren’t celebrities doing enough when it comes to marching on the frontlines? The latest cause is the killing of George Floyd.

Many celebrities don’t like to publicize their give back because of the backlash. As far as being on the frontline, many of them know it

____________________ As a publicist and mommy mogul, my MastHERclass series is coming all summer, and there is a fall session. Limited seating because I will be hands-on. For those that cannot attend, I will have a course to download.

People can follow me on Instagram @ kitapubdiva. You can also fall into my DMs, which I like to call my Diva Messages (laughs).

Visit Authenticallyher.co

Ad photo courtesy of JS Media Relations BSM MAGAZINE | BSMANDMEDIA.COM | 43

“Count down the days to build excitement about spending time together in your family yard.”

Photo credit: Stockphoto.

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Backyard Vacation Article by Kris Kiser

Make a backyard staycation plan. Put together a gentle schedule with a mixture of activities that your family will enjoy like dining, camping and games. Add a theme for the week, day or evening. A luau theme can be carried through with costumes, food and activities. A sports theme can have everyone in team jerseys and doing sports activities. Use creative names for meals and activities to spice things up. Even you don’t have a pool, children’s water play misters or sprinklers can help everyone cool off in the backyard (provided your area is not under drought conditions).

Map where activities will occur in the yard. A lawn area may be the site of a soccer game, bocce ball or croquet, but it can also double as an overnight camping zone for the kids in a family tent. The fire pit can be used for roasting hot dogs for lunch or s’mores at night. Time for crafts, potting plants, and eating can happen at a picnic or dining table.

Assess what you have and consider their creative uses. Lounge chairs, sports and play equipment can be used for their original purposes, but they can also become part of an amazing obstacle course. The wheelbarrow used for gardening and yard work can become part of a family field day. The playset your children adore can become a breakfast spot or reading area.

Spruce up your yard. Mow the lawn and trim the bushes. Tidy overgrown areas. Add flowering plants and rearrange planters for visual appeal.

Put delicate flowers in pots and out of the way of foot traffic. Now may be the time to add a picnic table, a badminton net or croquet course,

planters, patio, grill, fire pit, or pergola to your backyard.

Organize for fun. Identify zones for different activities. Dining, lounging and reading may be best in shady spots. Sports, family yard games and tossing a ball to your dog may be better on a lawn that can handle rough and tumble play.

Hammocks, lawn chairs, swings, picnic blankets and air mattresses can all provide a place for people to sit down and cool off.

Include teachings about backyard wildlife and nature. Ask kids to take an inventory of the many birds, butterflies and other wildlife they see, looking up their species and background. Put up a bird feeder or plant a butterfly garden, as well as potted flowering plants to support birds and pollinators. Add wind chimes, rain collectors, or backyard thermometers and wind gauges to help kids observe science in action. (Visit TurfMutt. com for a variety of backyard lesson plans that are free and STEM-aligned.)

Design new games incorporating your green space. Hold a nature scavenger hunt that’s both fun, educational and tests your family’s observational skills. Create a “drive-thru” movie theatre by bringing laptops outside or a projector to show them on a sheet hung outside.

Build anticipation. Talk about your backyard vacation in advance with your family and review your plans. Count down the days to build excitement about spending time together in your family yard.

For more information and tips about living landscapes and backyard learning visit www.TurfMutt.com.

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STAY

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SAFE

NEW NETFLIX SERIES

Ava DuVernay And Colin Kaepernick

COLIN IN BLACK & WHITE By ‘Twins Of Media’

Photo credit: Koury Angelo/ Contour by Getty Images Photo credit: worshippersgh.com

Fans can now learn more about Colin Kaepernick, the man and pro-athlete, when a new Netflix series hits the streaming network.

The activist will team up with award-winning filmmaker Ava DuVernay in a limited series “Colin in Black & White.”

adoptive white family. The show will offer the advantage of knowing what experiences cultivated Kaepernick’s desire to become involved in social issues as well as his journey to becoming a skilled NFL quarterback, all while asserting his culture and race. His thoughts in light of the new series.

The six-episode series will take viewers into the high school years of Kaepernick as a black child raised by his

“Too often, we see race and Black stories portrayed through a White lens. We seek to give new perspective to the differing

realities that Black people face.

We explore the racial conflicts I faced as an adopted Black man in a White community, during my high school years. It’s an honor to bring these stories to life in collaboration with Ava for the world to see.”

Kaepernick will both star in and narrate the series.

No release date from Netflix given at the time this story was published.

"Too often we see race and Black stories portrayed through White lens."

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CELEBRITY NEWS I ENTREPRENEURS I LIFESTYLE

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LA TRISHA MCINTOSH & LA TASHA TAYLOR “TWINS OF MEDIA”

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Happy Safe Fourth of July!

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