Vision & Purpose LifeStyle Magazine Issue 06 January/February 2021

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021

Issue 06

JEFF BRADSHAW

HOT NEW RELEASE STRONGER Page 50

Trenace Richardson THE HAIR DOC

STEVEN THOMAS Page 47

VOICES OF FIRE The Netflix faith-based docuseries

PANDEMIC WEDDING

Page 26

Gabe & Lisa Dixon Page 32

Winter Chic

GED to Doctorate Degree

Homeless with six children and no education.

How Dr. LaTarsha Holden turned her life around.

Page 8 VANDPMAGAZINE.COM

Page 40

HAPP Y N E W Y EAR! From Vision & Purpose LifeStyle Magazine and Media

VISION & PURPOSE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

CONTENTS

8 From a GED to a Doctorate Degree

40 The Winter Chic

47 The Hair Doc

50 Jeff Bradshaw | STRONGER

6 Inspirational Moments New Beginnings 10 Business & Entrepreneurship A Look at the Black Dollar Exchange in the Black Community Enduring the Pandemic: Stay Financially Empowered!

14 Health & Wellness Have a Strategy for Losing Weight in the New Year Loving Your Mind The Father of American Cuisine 24 Political Awareness The History of the United States Presidential Inauguration 30 Community Outreach January/February Awareness V&P Eyes on the Community-The Wedding of Lawrence Gabriel & Lisa Marie Dixon 36 Authors Speak Inspire Yourself to Write!

44 All Things Fashion Ready Set Go!

26 Dr. Trenace Richardson "Voices of Fire"

54 The Sports Report With Lady K NFL Makes History Special Acknowledgement for Kobe Bryant

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January/February 2021 Founders Karen McConnell-Jones & Dr. Sharon H. Porter Editor-In-Chief Dr. Sharon H. Porter

Contributing Writers:

Inspirational Moments Education Is Key

Marjorie M. Middleton Sharon H. Porter, Ed.D.

Business & Entrepreneurship Karen McConnell-Jones Donna Harris

Health & Wellness

Political Awareness

Jason Greene Candice Camille Kyonna F. Brown

Karen McConnell-Jones

Community Outreach Karen McConnell-Jones Sharon H. Porter, Ed.D.

Authors Speak

All Things Fashion

Essie McKoy, Ed.D.

Deputy Editors Karen McConnell-Jones Seth Washington Marjorie Middleton Layout & Design Dr. Sharon H. Porter Director of Graphics & Design Krystal Glenn Director of Sales Karen McConnell Jones Sales Team Michelle B. Hauser Photographer Dominique Massaquoi

Antonio "Tony" Turner Martina Turner Laila Cunningham

Performing Arts Seth Washington

The Sports Report Cover Story

Karen McConnell-Jones Karen McConnell-Jones Sharon H. Porter. Ed.D.

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Contact www.vandpmagazine.com info@vandpmagazine.com sales@vandpmagazine.com

@vandpmagazine

V&P Service Page Special dedication to Donna Harris and Krystal Glenn

The V&P Team is here to be a positive voice for our community through the stories that are shared in our magazine. In addition, we would like to provide services for our community to continue to help build our community one VISION and one PURPOSE at a time!

For services and pricing, please contact us at info@vandpmagazine.com.

Karen McConnell-Jones Dr. Sharon H. Porter Krystal Glenn Karen Clay Stevie Gaymon Domminique Massaquoi Angela Bryant Jason Greene Kyonna F. Brown Dr. Essie McKoy James Adéll Antonio Turner Martina Turner Seth Washington Candice Camille Donna Harris Michelle B. Hauser Laila Cunningham

Inspirational Speaker and Business Development Consultant (Marketing & Branding Specialist) Educational Consultant, Panel Facilitator & Book Publisher Graphic Designer Website Designer Photographer Photographer Gospel Singer & Real Estate Agent Chef & Catering Service Inspirational Speaker & Social Media Specialist Inspirational Speaker & Educational Consultant Custom Men's Clothing Designer Hair Stylist & Hair Care Products Hair Stylists & Hair Care Products Writer, Vocal Artist & Master of Ceremony Personal Trainer Tax Accountant Virtual Assistant Model

Vision & Purpose LifeStyle Magazine "Inspiring Our Community" www.vandpmagazine.com

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Contributors

Marjorie Middleton Deputy Editor Inspirational Moments

Dr. Sharon H. Porter Education Is Key Community Outreach

Marjorie Middleton is a teacher, active in the community, striving to serve the underserved. Marjie’s journey began on an Apache Indian reservation.

Dr. Sharon H. Porter (Dr. Sharon), educator, best-selling author, publisher. Dr. Sharon is the Executive Director of the Next In Line to Lead Aspiring Principal Leadership Academy (APLA). and President of SHP Enterprise, the umbrella entity for Perfect Time SHP LLC, Coaching, Consulting, and Book Publishing Firm, The GRIND Entrepreneur Network, and SHP Media and Broadcasting. She is the host of The I Am Dr. Sharon Show.

Marjie led her team to a successful , police awarded de-escalation of a marginalized neighborhood’s open air drug market, also reaching many children and their parent’s spiritually.

Marjie writes, and leads Zoom discussion/prayer groups addressing present time facing COVID--19, emphasizing the vitality of understanding Black Lives Matter.

Dr. Sharon is a Founding Partner and VicePresident, Media & Communications for WNM Ventures, LLC (The What Now Movement).

Chef Jason Greene Health & Wellness

Chef Jason R Greene is a certified chef who studied at the Art Institute of Washington. He is a very skilled, technically savvy, determined chef who specializes in Cajun Cuisine and innovating new types of menus as time progresses.

Chef Jason is constantly expanding his culinary knowledge and has strong aspirations in making Donna has degrees in Management, Accounting and Business.

Chef J Greene a household name. In January of 2013 Chef J Greene branched out and started TJay’s Catering Company, a company he quoted to provide high quality cuisine to nourish the mind, body and soul.

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Karen McConnell-Jones is an Entrepreneur and Philanthropist, being the first African-American full-service upscale Salon/Day Spa, located in the prestigious downtown Washington, D.C., two blocks from the White House.

Ms. McConnell-Jones is the CEO & President of Class Act Productions and Class Act Speakers Bureau, lending her expertise in the area of Business Development, Business & Purpose Coach, and Inspirational Speaker.

Best known for her work she does in the community, earning over 30 proclamations for her work in the community. She is also Deputy Editor, Director of Sales, Co-Founder and Owner of V&P Magazine & Media.

Donna Harris Business & Entrepreneurship

A passionate and detail-oriented Tax Accountant, Donna Harris has been meeting the needs of individuals and corporations for more than 20 years.

Karen McConnell Jones Business & Entrepreneurship The Sports Report Community Outreach Politcal Awareness

Kyonna F. Brown Health & Wellness

Kyonna is a media guru, successful business owner, and an established author. She wrote Blessed Hands: The Pathway to Forgiveness, and contributed to Breaking Free Forever, The Momentous Journey, and Break Through. Kyonna recently became a CMAT prison mentor.

Pooch Styles, her trendy creative pet grooming and aesthetician business in the Washington, DC area, is where she and her staff offer FURgiveness to 4-legged members of various families. She provides tips and tools via her book How to care for the pet I love.

Contributors Antonio Turner All Things Fashion

Tony Turner is co-owner of Tony Turner Hair Products & Salon located in Richmond VA. He is a licensed cosmetologist/ salon owner with over 30 years experience. He has worked for many hair care brands before creating his own line of hair care products. Tony is an award-winning hair stylist and was named Hair Styling Icon by Beauty & Barber Magazine.

Martina Turner All Things Fashion

Martina Turner is working on building the Tony Turner Unleashed Brand with her Husband/Business Partner, Antonio Turner, located in Richmond, Virgina.

Martina has 26 years of experience in the Cosmetology field. She's had the opportunity to do Platform work at the International Beauty Show in New York City, work with Wahl Clipper Company He has owned multiple hair salons. Beginning with at the Bronner's International Beauty Show in his first salon The Untouchables at the age of 19.

Atlanta Georgia.

He is looking forward to sharing his insight with V&P readers.

Martina is working on photography, filming, designing, creating new looks for advertisement, commercials and Trade shows for Tony Turner Unleashed Hair Care Products.

Candice Camille Health & Wellness

Candice Camille is CEO of Candice Camille Enterprises, Founder of Sexy Fit & Well, and Plank Talk Nation. She is a planking world record contender, an award winning sort after International Speaker and Media Personality.

Along with being a High Performance Personal Trainer, Certified Emotional Mastery Coach and Amazon bestselling Author. She has also been featured on The Dr. Oz Show, WUSA 9, and ION TV. As a committed community leader, Candice is CoFounder of Girls Run, Inc. where she serves as a running and mentoring coach for young girls.

Dr. Essie McKoy Authors Speak

Dr. Essie McKoy, CEO of Dr. Essie Speaks, an award-winning educator, a four times Amazon bestselling author, a coach, an inspirational speaker, and a radio host.

She received her Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) and an Educational Specialist Degree (Ed. S.) from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, a Master’s Degree from Appalachian State University, and a Bachelor of Science Degree from Winston-Salem State University.

Dominique Massaquoi Photographer

Dominique Massaquoi was born and raised in Washington DC. She is an up-and-coming photographer. She has a marketing degree from The Pennsylvania State University and is the owner of a photography business, HawaDigital.

She enjoys capturing special moments with her lens. She feels like photography is an art and it allows her to tell a story that can be captured in a second.

She specializes in street photography, especially graffiti murals.

Seth Washington Performance Arts Deputy Editor

Seth Washington writes about Performing Arts for V&P Magazine. Also, he performs spoken word poems, at DC-area venues, including Busboys and Poets. These days, Zoom is the venue, wherein, this writer has hosted, moderated, spoken, as well as, simply watched and listened. IG: seth.voice

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Inspirational Moments

New Beginnings

by Marjorie M. Middleton The year 2021 is a year of readjustment and new beginnings. In the past year, we were taken by surprise.

Events occurred that we were not accustomed to nor prepared for. We had social injustices and police brutality brought to more light than ever in recent years; a global Pandemic, which affected our country more than any other. We also had to witness and deal with a President who was more racially, economically, and morally divisive, and immoral than any other President in the history of our country.

With all of that said, I go back to the truly inspirational point of 2021; it is time for readjustments of our minds and our bodies, and our souls! It is time for a fresh start, a new beginning. No longer will we focus on the ravishing of 2020. We will set our minds towards change, to refreshing.

Our true ally in all of this is God. He has been with us since the beginning. Not only has He given us life, but He has also helped us to sustain life. Even when times are tough, if we ask Him and trust Him, He will keep and even heal our minds. The scripture says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is--His good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Romans 12:2 (NIV). We never know how long a season will last, but there is always room to renew, even in the storm.

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It is important to readjust things throughout your life, perhaps even daily. Readjustment assists one in getting to that next new beginning. Talk to God, but also find a friend, family member, Pastor, or even mental healthcare provider to talk to.

Everyone needs to be heard. I find that during trying times being able to talk is a blessing. Let’s focus on those areas we are going to readjust and renew for this new season!

Our Minds The mind is a set of faculties including cognitive aspects such as consciousness, imagination, perception, thinking, intelligence, judgment, language, and memory. Non-cognitive aspects are emotions and instincts. There are many ways to take care of your mind. Here are a couple.

Inspirational Moments Reading. Reading occupies your thinking, your language, and intelligence. It addresses all of the cognitive aspects of your brain.

Keeping those engaged will allow you to keep your mind focused on something funny, something interesting...anything to not dwell on the problems we may face from time to time. If you like a mystery, grab a good one!

Counseling. Get a good counselor if it’s the way you want to go. There are many good health care professionals and even some Pastors are equipped to deal with mental health issues, or if you just need to talk. We have gone through tough times in 2020.

The goal is to be a part of the uplifting in 2021.

Our Bodies Exercise has always been a good emotion regulator for me. The more I move the more settled and confident I feel. 2021 is a good year to set some new goals.

Besides exercise, we can do other things to look out for our bodies.

Get regular checkups. Having a yearly health exam is important. Keep up with your blood pressure, your cholesterol levels, and if you take medication work towards a goal of decreasing the dosage by doing everything your doctor asks of you! Even if you may not be able to decrease the dosage, the routine of taking care of yourself adds years to your life.

Eat well. In this new year let’s try to eat healthier! More leafy green vegetables, more fruits, whole grains, and more, much more, water. Lean meats, fish, nuts. Less salt, less sugar. God has given us all of the foods on this planet that will keep us healthy. Take care of yourself.

Our Souls In my opinion, our souls are the most important part of our beings. We depend upon our souls to help us to make decisions that are connected to our God or higher being. We must take time to connect to God through our souls and it must be deliberate. I say deliberate because the world we live in demands our attention at all times. Something is always going on. The past year was really an attention seeker, but in order to be centered and safe, we must pull our eyes away from the destruction and distractions around us and focus on preservation and transformation. I only know one way to do that.

Prayer. Prayer is deliberate communication with God. It’s a time of supplication or intercession. Supplication is asking God earnestly and humbly for something. You are in communication with the Lord, telling Him what you want, what you need. This is also a time to thank Him in advance for what He’s already done for you and for what you are expecting. God is so good and always answers our prayers. He may not be in the way you expected, but He knows what’s best for us. Intercession is the act of intervening on behalf of others. During these times, intercessory prayer is important. We want to pray earnestly for our family members, friends, our country’s leadership, and our world. Praying for others will bless you, also.

So, make yourself a prayer closet, a prayer space, and we can get to work on making sure this is the best year possible. Trouble is always around us, but we don’t have to live there.

2021 is going to be a year of new beginnings.

I’m excited! We are going to live life to the fullest in the sunshine and in the storms. After all, “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain.” So here we go, we’ve got a bag full of fruits (tricks) for the enemy!! Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness & Self Control. We WILL be victorious. So, if you have plans for this year pursue them. Now is the time! Seek God first, then seek the things He has promised.

Happy New Year!

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Education Is Key

From a GED to a Doctorate Degree

By Sharon H. Porter. Ed.D.

An interview with Dr. LaTarsha Holden

EDUCATION IS

Dr. Holden has defied the odds, as she changed the trajectory of her life.

Homeless at 35, with six children, uneducated, and little work history she was destined for a life of despair and hopelessness.

Within the last ten years, she’s gone from being homeless to having been a Political candidate in the 2017 election, from a GED to a Doctorate degree in Leadership Studies, and became a 13x published author. She was named the Georgia / National Mother of the Year 2020, by American Mother’s Inc. I had the pleasure of talking with her about her journey.

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Education Is Key SHP: At the time of your homelessness, you had two children in high school, two children in middle school, and two children in elementary school. How did you continue to keep them motivated and uplifted to continue on with their education?

LH: I tried my best to lead by example. I took the time to learn each of their personalities and loved and nurtured them accordingly to who they were individually. I encouraged and poured into them even when I was drained mentally and emotionally. Although they saw me go through different emotions from being homeless, they never saw me give up. I kept pushing no matter how hard the journey was and stayed focused on my goals. .

SHP: You were named American Mothers, Inc. 2020 National Mother of the Year, as well as, for the state of Georgia. Please share about this honor.

LH: American Mothers, Inc. has held the responsibility of naming the National Mother of the Year® annually since 1935. Lucy Keen Johnson, also of Georgia, was selected to receive the recognition from President Franklin D. Roosevelt. In the words of Connell Branan, President of American Mothers, Inc. American Mothers, Inc. has honored mothers who work tirelessly and serve greatly for over eight decades. When I was announced as the 2020 National Mother of the Year®, I was the 85th woman in U.S. history to hold this honor.

This honor has blessed me dearly as I’ve successfully raised six children who are now ages 18-31. Only God can take a former homeless mother and crown her National Mother of The Year.

SHP: Why did you begin writing books?

LH: I wanted to reach the family in a holistic way. I wanted to encourage, inspire, bring awareness, and empower others on their journey. I’m now a 13x published author with books in different genres. I have written four children’s books, four-part youth series (bullying, teen dating violence, love & forgiveness, and sex trafficking), a book of poetry, a book for ministry, my life story, a sixty-page training manual workbook, and a book on leadership for emerging and aspiring leaders in ministry and in the marketplace.

SHP: You credit your investment in personal development for changing the trajectory of your life. In your journey of personal development, education was key. After receiving a GED, what was the motivation to continue your education and eventually earn a doctorate in leadership studies?

LH: Yes, I learned the importance of investing in one’s personal development. I take education very seriously as well as being an effective leader. I pursued my educational endeavors and completed several leadership trainings because leadership is particularly important to me in any role that God places me in whether it’s in ministry or in the marketplace.

SHP: You were a 2017 political candidate for the Atlanta District 11 City Council vacancy that current Mayor Keisha Bottoms left to run for mayor. What lessons did you learn from running for office and would you run again?

LH: I learned that as a former political candidate not to get caught up in the hype that you need to be someone of importance to run for office. One only needs to be a concerned citizen who deeply cares about the issues that affect their constituents. I believe that’s why I did well for my first run for political office, although I didn’t win. I was very satisfied with my campaign. After overcoming homelessness, I wanted to fight for the lack of affordable housing, the homeless community, and more job training programs, and this was one way I decided to do it. At this moment, I have no interest in running again but I’m open to wherever my journey leads me.

SHP: Tell us about Phoenix Rising?

LH: I started a business in January 2020. It focuses on Leadership, Empowerment, and Personal Development. I look forward to encouraging, empowering, and inspiring others that they have the Power to Re-write Their Story, and they can Change the Narrative for their lives. My services are Inspirational Speaking, Empowerment Coaching, Consulting, and Workshop Facilitation.

SHP: What’s next for Dr. LaTarsha Holden?

LH: I’m preparing for 2021 as I’m currently booking speaking engagements, creating on-line courses, and marketing my books.

I’m enjoying my journey as I recently became an international speaker when I spoke to over sixty college students in India.

SHP: What an incredible journey.

Thank you for sharing it with our readers.

LH: Thank you for the opportunity.

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Business & Entrepreneurship

A Look at the Black Dollar Exchange in the

Black Community

By Karen McConnell-Jones

Exactly, what does this really mean when we hear the talk about the Black dollar exchange in the Black community or that we need to spend Black in order to save the Black economy? Is there really a difference between cultural economies and how does this really break down? The answer would be YES!!! Yes, there is a difference and statistics show that in the Black communities our dollars only stay there for just six hours compared to the other races. As for the Asian communities the lifespan of their dollars is 28 days, Jewish communities 19 days, and the White communities 17 days, showing that the Black dollar is exceedingly restricted, potentially leaving Black businesses and Black communities in jeopardy.

NPR (National Public Radio, Inc.), an independent non-profit media organization, has reported that since the COVID-19 Pandemic that the Black families have been hit the hardest, showing 66 percent of Black households especially Black households with children are having the biggest financial struggle and the hardest time on making ends meet. This includes having their savings exhausted, job loss, trouble paying their credit card bills, and other debts, and not able to afford medical care.

A report by the National Bureau of Economic Research and research at the University of California, Santa Cruz found that 41 percent of Black owned businesses have struggled to stay open and had to close their doors due to COVID-19 compared to just 17 percent of white-owned businesses. Reports are predicting by the time we can get COVID-19 under control more than 50 percent of Black-owned businesses will go under and will be closed permanently.

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This report also shows that the Black community spends the most outside of the community than any other race. It also has been reported that in order for Blacks to have generational wealth at the same level as their counterparts that it will take 228 years for Blacks to get there, leaving it to be said that it’s most likely not going to happen.

However, it does show that the Black community has the strongest “Buy Power” in the economy. The Black community actually contributes in spending over 1.2 trillion dollars a year back into the economy.

Also, did you know that 90 percent of the beauty industry spending comes from the Black community?

The Black community spends over 2.5 billion dollars a year in the beauty industry alone. In addition, having the largest spending in fashion/retail, restaurants, and electronics; however, the Black community owns the least in beauty supply stores, retail stores, restaurants, electronics stores, as the list goes on. For these reasons, it is harder for the Black dollar to remain in the Black community.

Statistics show that most of the federal funded programs that are geared in helping Americans to own homes and to have retirement plans are designed around the tax breaks that are given which are not as available to the Black and Hispanic communities, who are at a lower income and tax bracket.

The bottom 20 percent of taxpayers, when looking at income, received less than 1 percent of federal benefits for home ownership or retirement. Having the income gap between the races makes it harder for the Black community to save, which also makes it harder to own a business and to stay in business after the struggle of getting the business up and off the ground.

Until these government programs are made to be on a more even playing field for all Americans, the Black community will continue to get the same results and that is little to nothing or just nothing!

This shows time and again, we are used to working extra hard, through the struggle to get it done for ourselves and for the betterment of our community. We are starting to see more and more GREAT strides being made in the Black community.

Nevertheless, we must stay conscious of spending our dollars in the Black community as much as possible. Yes, this may mean at times, buying Black will have higher pricing and more fees but just remember these businesses are not getting the same deals or rates like the other corporate companies are so we must support our own in spite of the cost differences.

However, on the other hand we must hold our Black businesses accountable for giving the BEST services. Customer service must be exceptional to match the pricing. In other words, my people let’s do our part on both sides of the playing field and “STAY WOKE” so we can continue to GROW in 2021 and beyond!

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Business & Entrepreneurship

Enduring the Pandemic: Stay Financially Empowered!

By Donna Harris Prior to the publication of the January/February issue of V&P, current drafts of a federal coronavirus relief package are still in the making. The bipartisan relief being debated includes direct payment for the unemployed, small business loans, extending student loan payments beyond January 31, funding for schools, rental assistance, aid for airlines, state and local aid, nutrition assistance, and health care. Due to the coronavirus crisis worsening, there is a growing list of activists, politicians, and voters who are calling for student debt cancellation as a form of economic stimulus. Yes, stay tuned folks. President-elect Joe Biden is being urged to cancel student debt up to $50,000 at the very least, through an executive action. To coin a phrase, “so let it be written, so let it be done”!

More than ever, it is necessary that we stay abreast of the developing legislative changes, especially with knowing what your local jurisdictions' elected officials are proposing. After all, how will you know what to ask your tax professional and/or accountant? Knowing how to handle or process the changes is the responsibility of your professional service. Knowing what you are entitled to or what is being offered should be within your understanding, to a degree.

For some taxpayers, the effect of the previously issued stimulus relief (Cares Act and Heroes Act) on your 2020 tax return has yet to be determined. For this reason, it would be prudent to exercise caution when selecting a qualified tax preparer. Here are a few pointers to consider that will ensure you have chosen or will choose a tax preparer who is knowledgeable and is on the up and up.

Ask yourself these questions concerning your current tax preparer. When prior year returns were filed, were your questions answered? Did you understand why you owed taxes and were you instructed on how to prevent owing taxes in the future? Your Tax Preparer should always be available even after your return has been filed, to address your concerns.

If you received a refund, were you offered electronic filing? This option is extremely important during these epic times, e-filing your tax return remains the quickest way to receive your refund. When e-filing, make certain you review ALL refund information (i.e., your routing and bank account numbers). And remember, never sign a blank return! When you inquired about the fee the prospective Tax Preparer would charge you and the fee was percentage-based, avoid using the Preparer. If your current Preparer’s fee was percentage-based, find another Tax Preparer!

Lastly, but most importantly, whether you have a tax preparer or are actively looking for a preparer, verify the Tax Preparer’s credentials by using the IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers. Also, validate the Tax Preparer’s license status in the State where he or she resides. A paid tax preparer must sign returns and include their Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). It is the law!

In our future issues of V&P, I would like to address the tax matters that are relative to our readers. If you have a situation that you are concerned about, let me hear from you. Your name and/or company will remain anonymous. I do ask that in your contact information, you provide me your name and business type, if applicable. Also, give yourself and/or your business a code name. This will enable you to recognize that the article is addressing your specific concern(s) while possibly helping others in similar circumstances. On the subject line of your email, enter “Tax Matters”.

As we await our elected officials’ ever-evolving collaboration on our health matters and financial relief, let us focus on getting prepared and staying prepared in the areas that WE can control. After all, practice does make perfect in every aspect of our lives!

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V&P Inspiring Our Community Podcast

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Health & Wellness

Have a Strategy for Losing Weight in the New Year

By Candice Camille Too many people resolve to lose weight but never actually have a plan in place for doing it. Therefore, year after year, they have the same New Year’s resolution because their goal was never achieved. Has this happened to you? How can you change this relentless pattern? The solution to your New Years' resolution is to have a plan in place that you can follow all year long. It’s important when setting goals to follow the S.M.A.R.T. goal system. This system will help you accomplish what you set out to do and reach your goals in a timely fashion.

Specific: Be explicit in what you want. Write down a specific number of pounds that you would like to lose.

Measurable: Weigh yourself every week and take note of your weight change, either up or down.

Attainable: Small goals that lead up to a larger goal are often easier to reach. The success of reaching small goals will keep you motivated.

Realistic: Understand what your body is capable of doing and set your goals accordingly.

Timely: Keep your goal in focus by setting a completion date.

Being successful in your health and wellness goals is possible. The key is to have patience along the way.

Here are some weight loss tips to help you succeed with your New Year’s resolution: Have a plan of action. How much weight do you want to lose? Break your total down into a series of smaller attainable goals.

For example, plan to lose ____ pounds by ____ (date).

Make these goals realistic, and then follow a plan of diet and exercise to achieve them. Your plan may require changes in your lifestyle. Work these changes into your daily routines one-by-one to attain your goals.

Write your goals down in a journal, and review them every day.

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Health & Wellness Change your diet. Figure out how many calories you’ve been consuming each day. If it’s over 2,500, gradually decrease the number of calories instead of immediately dropping to 1,200 calories a day. Reducing your daily calorie intake will require healthy eating choices. Consult your physician for recommended nutritional guides, and choose the one that works best for you. There are online programs that calculate your calorie and fat intake for you. All you do is write in your food choices. Use whatever tools you need to simplify your tasks and stay motivated to reach your goals.

Get off the Couch: Set a reasonable exercise schedule to help you with your weight loss goal. Design your exercise regimen to target the areas that need the most toning (i.e. thighs, abs, arms, buttocks, etc.).

Keep your exercise goals realistic. Start small and then increase your regimen. For example, running five miles every day will burn off a lot of calories, but it may not be feasible for you. You may need to first try walking to build up some stamina and then add in running little by little. Setting goals, which are too far from your normal activities, will quickly wear you out and discourage you. Start small and build on each success.

Exercising a little bit each day will increase your energy and help you become healthier.

Accountability Partner: The people who are usually the most successful in losing weight and keeping it off are the ones who have a great support system. Nothing deters you like knowing you’re accountable to others for every bite you put in your mouth. Your accountability team will encourage you, work out with you, and bring you confidence when times are tough.

Losing weight is possible for anyone who approaches the challenge with a committed attitude. With some careful planning and pure determination, your weight loss goal can certainly become a reality in the New Year.

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Health & Wellness

Loving Your Mind

By Kyonna F. Brown Happy New and Happy Love Month! We have made it through another year and it’s time to share the love. How about we take the time to love our minds? This past year has been a list of things for many people. Death, loneliness, heartbreak, fear, uncertainty, financial loss, and many more words can describe the year 2020. We as a nation have lost so much, but the last thing we need to lose is our sanity. The broken emotions of 2020 can lead to silence for many who do not understand the importance of talking about how life has affected them. This can be addressed by sharing your emotions with family, friends, a therapist, or a counselor. This will help you take care of your mental state which is one of the ways you can love your mind.

Initially, the scare and lockdown of COVID-19 took my mind for a loop.

The uncertainty in the world I thought I knew left me scared. There is a saying “If you don’t plan, you plan to fail.” I most certainly had a plan but it did not work out as scheduled and there was absolutely nothing I could do to change it, but I could change the way it affected my mind. Loving your mind means that sometimes you have to go against your emotions and not react based upon how you feel. As an African American, I was not taught how to love my mind and to protect my emotions in my household. Prayer was the answer to everything.

According to Mental Health America, 16 percent (4.8 million) of Black and African American people reported having a mental illness, and 22.4 percent of those (1.1 million people) reported a serious mental illness over the past year. Also, Blacks and African American’s hold beliefs related to stigma, psychological openness, and helpseeking, which in turn affects their coping behaviors. The participants in this study were not very open to acknowledging psychological problems, but they were somewhat open to seeking mental health services. Fortunately and unfortunately for me, one of my parents was incarcerated and the state felt that I should see a therapist to talk about how it affected me as a youth. There I learned that expressing your emotions can release stress from your thoughts and feelings. Talking was the keystone to the process of healing for me.

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Here’s a list from People First on how to have a healthy mental state. I present these and other tips to help you love your mind!

Get plenty of sleep. Sleep is really important for our physical and mental health. Sleep helps to regulate the chemicals in our brain that transmit information. These chemicals are important in managing our moods and emotions. If we don't get enough sleep, we can start to feel depressed or anxious.

The Sleep Foundation provides tips on how to sleep well, and to overcome problems with sleeping.

Eat well. Eating well isn't just important for our bodies, but it's also important for our minds. Certain mineral deficiencies, such as iron and vitamin B12 deficiencies, can give us a low mood. Try to eat a balanced diet. If you find you're a particularly stressed or anxious person, you should try limiting or cutting out caffeine as this can make you feel jittery and anxious.

Other drugs will often leave you in withdrawal and can often cause very low moods and anxiety. More severe effects of drugs include paranoia and delusions. There is some research that suggests drug use is related to developing mental disorders like schizophrenia.

Get plenty of sunlight. Sunlight is a great source of vitamin D. Vitamin D is a really important vitamin for our bodies and our brains. It helps our brains to release chemicals that improve our mood, like endorphins and serotonin. Try to go out in the sun when you can, but make sure you keep your skin and eyes safe. 30 minutes to two hours a day of sunlight is ideal. During the winter, some people become depressed because they aren't getting enough sunlight - this is known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Some people find using a special light-therapy lamp helps to alleviate the symptoms.

Manage stress. Stress is often unavoidable, but knowing what triggers your stress and knowing how to cope is key in maintaining good mental health. Try to manage your responsibilities and worries by making a list or a schedule of when you can resolve each issue. Often if you break down your worries and stresses and write them down, you realize that they are manageable. Try to avoid burying your head in the sand, and tackle problems face. If you find you are having trouble sleeping, or are waking up thinking about all of the things that are stressing you out, write them down and reassure yourself that you can deal with them in the morning.

Activity and exercise. Activity and exercise are essential in maintaining good mental health. Being active not only gives you a sense of achievement, but it boosts the chemicals in your brain that help put you in a good mood. Exercising can help eliminate low mood, anxiety, stress, and feeling tired and lazy. It is also linked to living a longer life.

You don't need to run a marathon or play 90 minutes of football; a short walk or some other gentle activity might do the trick.

Do something you enjoy. Try to make time for doing the fun things you enjoy. If you like going for a walk, painting, or a specific TV show, try to set aside time to enjoy yourself. If we don't spend any time doing things we enjoy, we can become irritable and unhappy.

Connect with others and be sociable. Make an effort to maintain good relationships and talk to people whenever you get the chance. Having friends is important not just for your self-esteem, but also for providing support when you're not feeling too great. Research has found that talking to others for just ten minutes can improve memory and test scores!

Do things for others. Helping others isn't just good for the people you're helping; it's good for you, too.

Helping someone can help with your self-esteem and make you feel good about your place in the world.

Feeling as though you're part of a community is a really important part of your mental health. You could try volunteering for a local charity, or just being neighborly.

Ask for help. One of the most important ways to keep yourself mentally healthy is to recognize when you're not feeling good and to know when to ask for help. There's no shame in asking someone for support if you're feeling low or stressed. Everyone goes through patches where they don't feel as good as they should. You can try speaking to your friends or family, or if you think your mental health is getting on top of you then you can speak to your General Practioner.

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Health & Wellness

THE FATHER OF AMERICAN CUISINE

By Jason Greene

Chef James Hemings(1765-1801) With February being Black History month and me being a chef of African American descent, I thought it would be a perfect time to honor the culinary legacy and life of James Hemings. Known by historians as the Father of American Cuisine, James Hemings introduced European-style macaroni and cheese, French fries, crème brûlée, and ice cream to America. James was born in Virginia in 1765. At the tender age of 9, along with other siblings and their mother, Elizabeth Hemings, he was a part of the Wayles estate and became Thomas Jefferson’s slave through his wife Martha Wayles Jefferson’s inheritance. As a teenager, James was sent to Williamsburg and then Richmond as a personal attendant to Thomas Jefferson following his election as wartime Governor of Virginia in 1779. James, along with his brother Robert, was obviously trusted by Jefferson when British troops under Benedict Arnold threatened to attack Richmond in 1781. The Hemings brothers were charged with taking Jefferson’s wife and children to safety. Jefferson made James more visible and ensured that he was allotted better clothing than slaves working in the fields. While Jefferson was away and his service was not needed, Hemings was permitted to hire himself out and keep his wages. After Jefferson was appointed commerce minister to France in 1784, he and Hemings, then 19 years old, set sail for Paris, which is where Hemings began his cooking career, becoming the first American trained as a French chef. Correspondent literature from Jefferson indicates that it was Jefferson’s idea that Hemings travel with him to France for the primary purpose of his training in “the art of cookery”. He studied in prestigious French kitchens and trained with a master pastry chef; his most important experience, however, came from the chef at the Château de Chantilly, which at the time was considered to have better food than Versailles. His first apprenticeship was with the caterer and restaurateur, Monsieur Combeaux, and then with a cook in the household of the Prince de Condé.

After three years of study, Hemings became the chef de cuisine at Hôtel de Langeac (Jefferson’s personal residence) which functioned as the American Embassy where he cooked for politicians, statesmen, authors, scientists, European aristocrats, and celebrities. James utilized part of his earnings while working at the residence to engage a tutor to teach him the French language. While working among a Frenchspeaking staff, it is highly likely that he developed a fluent command of the language. This would bode well for him in knowledge and information he received while simply overhearing conversations while working.

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Hemings returned home with Jefferson in March 1790 and utilized everything he learned while in Paris to organize his first American Kitchen in a small house at 57 Maiden Lane in New York City. On the evening of June 20th, 1790, he would prepare a famous dinner for the historic meeting between Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton & James Madison known as “The Dinner Table Bargain” where the negotiation of the geographical location of the Nation’s Capital, known today as Washington, DC was debated and ultimately established.

This famous dinner was immortalized in the musical “Hamilton” in the song “The Room Where it Happens”. The stay in New York was brief due to Jefferson’s government seat being moved to Philadelphia in December of 1790. While managing the residence in Philadelphia, Hemings would be called upon to prepare dinners for European diplomats, congressmen, the then current president, Jefferson’s fellow cabinet members and many national and international visitors.

Hemings greatest accomplishment came at the age of 31 on the date of September 15th, 1793 when Thomas Jefferson prepared a manumission agreement with Hemings as he prepared to leave the office of Secretary of State at the end of 1793 and retire to Monticello.

James Hemings was a remarkable and talented chef who’s legacy serves as an inspiration to modern-day chefs and historians alike.

So, remember every time you get an order of macaroni and cheese, French fries or ice cream from an American food service establishment, you are paying homage to the great Chef James Hemings!

Join hosts, Cortland Jones and Shauna Felton King, of Village Talk Podcast every 2nd and 4th Sunday at 4:00 pm ET. Cortland Jones is a 28 year veteran educator, published author, entrepreneur, and co-founder of The Better Place, Inc. He has published three books with a children's book scheduled to be released Summer 2021.

Empowering others by God's grace is his vision and mission for what he does in using his gifts and abilities to make the world around him a better place for others.

Shauna Felton King is an educator, author and speaker with over 20 years of experience in public and private settings. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Morgan State University, a master’s degree in Education from Bowie State and an Education Specialist degree in Adult Learning from Walden University. An active member of her church and community, Shauna is also a proud wife and mother of two middle school age children. She serves as the president of The Better Place, a nonprofit that serves youth and families. She is the author of School Smart: It’s More than Just Reading and Writing and her soon to be released devotional entitled fearLESS- A 21-day journey.

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"

The History of the United States Presidential Inauguration

By Karen McConnell-Jones Did you know that back in history the United States Presidential Inauguration Day was celebrated on March 4?

However, on President George Washington’s first inauguration celebration it was held Thursday, April 30, 1789. History also shows that when March 4 falls on a Sunday as it did in the years 1821, 1849, 1877, and 1917, the ceremonies were held Monday, March 5.

The inauguration of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Vice President John Nance Garner, the Speaker of the House during the 72nd Congress (1931–1933), was the first to occur after the passage of the 20th Amendment.

Nicknamed the Lame Duck Amendment, it moved the inauguration date from March 4 to January 20th. This was during President Roosevelt’s second term of four, January 20, 1937.

President Roosevelt was the only president to serve four terms. He passed away within the first year of his fourth term, leaving Vice President Harry S. Truman to complete the rest of the term. President Truman went on to win one more term after that.

For over 150 years the United States Presidents had no term limits. Again, Roosevelt was the first and only President to serve more than two terms.

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An amendment was passed by Congress in 1947, and was ratified by the states February 27, 1951, regarding limits for a Vice President who serves more than two years of their predecessor's term. In this case, the new Commander-In-Chief can only perform duties for one additional full, four-year term. In total, nine vice presidents have succeeded to the presidency intra-term.

POLITICAL AWARENESS

A View of The United States Presidential Inauguration 2021 The world is excited about the new HOPE and the new POSSIBILITIES that the new President-Elect Biden and his administration will bring. Out with the old and in with the NEW! Trump is out and President-Elect Biden is in. The anticipation is building! The American people cannot wait to see history being made in this year’s United States Presidential Inauguration 2021.

On January 20, 2021, President-Elect Joe Biden will officially be sworn in as our 46th President of the United States as he makes history by bringing along a woman, Vice President-elect. Kamala Harris, will be the first woman and the first African American to hold this position as vice president.

Even though the COVID-19 Pandemic will bring its own history for this year's Presidential Inauguration, the pandemic will not steal the joy that we the American people are feeling right now. As for me, it will be that much more unique and special. History will be made three times in one inauguration celebration, the uniqueness of the celebration because of the pandemic, Joe Biden being the oldest United States president to take office, and yet, more importantly, the history of having Kamala Harris as our vice president.

Thanks to President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris on January 20, 2021, the American people will truly have HOPE again. After experiencing the effects of leadership and an administration team full of uncertainty for the last four years, we are eager to bring on the "Sunshine Moments" once again.

REMEMBER…community is everywhere!

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Dr. Trenace Richardson REAL Women Founder Selected for Netflix's Voices of Fire Choir

By Karen McConnell-Jones and Dr. Sharon H. Porter Pharrell Williams' Voices of Fire began streaming on Netflix, November 20, 2020. Voices of Fire is an unscripted music series that documents the search for undiscovered vocal talent in the Hampton Roads, Virginia area.

Pharrell Williams, best known for his song "Happy", which was the lead single for the soundtrack of the movie Despicable Me 2, headed to his hometown area of Hampton Roads in search of a choir, like none other. It is a sixepisode series, where people from diverse backgrounds compete in front of a team of judges, including Pharrell's uncle, Bishop Ezekiel Williams, Pastor and General Overseer of Faith World Ministries.

Dr. Trenace "Nikki" Richardson received the notification for the audition. She submitted her video and was later informed that she was invited to the in-person audition. Both, Trenace,and her mother, Gloria Whitfield-Johnson received that in-person invitation. Richardson traveled three and half hours to the Norfolk, Virginia area, where she's from in order to audition. "It was an official audition, with cameras and everything", stated Trenace. The day of her in-person audition was the only one that Pharrell Williams was able to attend. She calls it a "God Moment"... We agree.

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During her audition, Dr. Richardson mentions that earlier in life she had an opportunity to be a part of a girl group that Missy Elliot was starting. She rehearsed with the group a few times and was even asked to move to New Jersey with them. She had just started college and had received scholarships to attend.

Knowing that her mother could not afford to send her to college without the scholarships, in addition to her church background, it made her think twice about stepping out to sing secular music. Dr. Richardson turned the opportunity down.

She recalls the girl group not lasting long, but as she says "Missy Elliot went on to be who she is." Pharrell told Dr. Richardson that she came to them at one point and now they are coming to her..."

Dr. Richardson was excited to see her and her mom's audition make it to the screen. She calls her mom her "SuperHero".

Mrs. Whitfield-Johnson cared for her children for a long period of time as a single mother after the divorce of her first marriage. Richardson says, her mom was the superstar of the church choir. She's always looked up to her mom and calls it a"little piece of heaven" to walk beside her with this opportunity.

REAL Women

Hampton Roads, Virginia

Dr. Richardson is not only a songstress, educator, author, speaker, and preacher, she is the Founder of REAL Women, a non-profit organization, she started in 2013 out of a place of brokenness. In her words, "I have been a leader in Ministry and education in a lot of different circles for a very long time. I got to the point where I isolated myself and didn't feel comfortable sharing personal experiences."

We asked Dr. Richardson what was special about the Hampton Roads area. She chuckled, and stated, "Well, if you ask Pharrell, he will say there's something in the water." Pharrell has created events around this theme. She says, "It's not straight country and it's not straight city...There is a wonderful mix."

She felt, as a leader, she was supposed to be the one helping everyone else and no one really expected her to need or want help. REAL Women provides sister circles that create safe spaces for women to engage in personal development. The circles are facilitated by trained facilitators. All women are welcomed.

"It's an awesome suburban area for family, for single folks, older folks, and then there is a community for younger folks."

While Dr. Richardson has not been able to participate in all the activities with the choir due to the distance and her schedule, her mom has participated in every rehearsal and every event.

Photo Courtesy of DaKara Spence

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Dr.

n o s d r a h c i R " i k k i N " e c Trena

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Dr. Richardson grew up in the church. We were curious to know how this experience molded and directed her as an adult? She said it has done some wonderful things for her. Her foundation is secure with values that matter. It has caused her to treat people right and to live with fewer regrets. She credits her beginning in the "churchy of churches" as to why she is able to adjust to any religion and environment.

She also feels that growing up in the church has been a hindrance.

"You're almost taught to be judgemental and to be exclusive." She feels that she discovered so much more outside of her childhood church.

She has taught World Religions as a professor for colleges and she has much respect for those who don't believe what she believes. Her dissertation research speaks to this. She believes there are more commonalities and similarities between us than there are differences.

"...There are more commonalities and similarities between us than there are differences..."

What's Next?

Dr. Richardson is writing a book that is specifically based on the rearing and growing up as a church girl. She will be releasing original songs that she's written a few years ago, but is just now putting them out for the world to hear.

She is growing REAL Women and Leading With Soul. She also plans to continue to speak and sing; virtually, as well as in-person.

For more information, you can go to realwomenrock.org and leadingwithsoul.org If you haven't had an opportunity to catch Voices of Fire on Netflix, we encourage you to take a weekend and watch each episode! You will thank us later!

Dr. Trenace Richardson is a nationally-recognized speaker, preacher, vocalist, author, and mentor dedicated to helping women lead and live from their souls. She is the founder of REAL Women Rock (realwomenrock.org), a non-profit, membership-based community of women that create safe spaces for women to grow in their personal and leadership development.

She is also the founder of Leading with Soul Membership Community (leadingwithsoul.org) and the director of The Organizational Development and Learning Institute at the College of Southern Maryland. Trenance and her mother were recently featured in the Netflix show “Voices of Fire”.

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COMMUNITY COMMUNITY OUTREACH OUTREACH

Photography by Dominique Massaquoi

V&P COMMEMORATIONS OF THE MONTH FOR JANUARY/FEBRUARY January 17 is celebrated as World Religion Day. It was established by the National Spiritual Assembly of Baha’is of the United States in 1950 as a way to encourage interfaith understanding. Light purple is the ribbon color.

January 11, is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. In recognition of this important day, and throughout the month of January, Blue Campaign hosts several special events and educational activities. One of the events includes wearing blue and posting on social media your photo with the #WearBlueDay to raise awareness of this heinous crime. Blue is the ribbon color.

January is National Healthy Weight Awareness Month; Americans are encouraged to get moving during one of the most sedentary months of the year to improve health and to reduce their risk of cancer. No ribbon has been given for this awareness.

Black History Month is celebrated in the month of February. Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing the central role of blacks in U.S. history. Also known as African American History Month, the event grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson. Black History Month is an annual observance originating in the United States, where it is also known as African-American History Month. It has received official recognition from governments in the United States and Canada and more recently has been observed in Ireland, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. Red, black, and green are the colors for Black History Month. According to a book published by the UNIA, Red is the color of the blood which men must shed for their redemption and liberty; black is the color of the noble and distinguished race to which we belong; green is the color of the luxuriant vegetation of our Motherland.

Valentine’s Day is February 14, when lovers and loved ones express their affection with greetings and gifts. The holiday has origins in the Roman festival of Lupercalia, held in mid-February. Red is the color for this day which is also called Lover’s Day.

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JANUARY 2021 Days:

11th National Human Trafficking Awareness Day 16th National Religious Freedom Day 17th World Religion Day 18th Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service 27th International Outer Space Day Month-Long Awareness: Cervical Health Awareness Month Dry January National Blood Donor Month (United States) National Glaucoma Awareness Month (United States) Thyroid Awareness Month Healthy Weight Awareness Month (United States) National Mentoring Month (United States)

FEBRUARY 2021 Days:

African Heritage and Health Week (First week of February) Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week (February 3-9) 2nd World Wetlands Day 4th World Cancer Day 5th Safer Internet Day — #SID19 13th World Radio Day 14th Valentine’s Day 14th National Donor’s Day 16th World Whale Day 17th President’s Day (United States) 17th Random Acts of Kindness Day 20th World Day of Social Justice 21st International Mother Language Day 26th World Spay Day 27th International Polar Bear Day 28th Rare Disease Day 28th Digital Learning Day National Eating Awareness Disorder Week The week of the 23rd Month-Long Awareness: Black History Month Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month American Heart Month AMD/Low Vision Awareness Month

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Lisa & Gabe

The Wedding of

Lawrence Gabriel, Jr. & Lisa Marie Dixon

V&P Eyes on the Community WEDDING FEATURED IN MANATEE COUNTY, FLORIDA

An Interview with the Newlyweds VPLM: Give us three words to describe your marriage?

The Dixons: By Divine Intervention VPLM: Tell us, how did you two meet?

The Dixons: We met at a speed dating event at Bertucci’s in White Marsh, MD on May 20, 2019. We both learned later while dating that by the time the actual event had come around we both were a little hesitant about attending that night.

We both are truly thankful to God that we went on and followed through on the event because our love has been inseparable ever since.

By Karen McConnell-Jones and Dr. Sharon H. Porter Photos Courtesy of The Dixons

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VPLM: How did you two know when it was time to say I do?

The Dixons: After spending the entire summer of 2019 together and realizing that we were each other’s answer to our prayers, that we both have been praying for, we knew then that we met in order to spend the rest of our lives together on earth and through eternity. It started with our first official date at the Little Goat Coffee house in University City, Delaware.

Prior to us meeting, both of us prayed that God would send us the mate that HE wanted us to have. We both knew that the choices we made for ourselves in the past were not lasting or good for either one of us and we decided individually that we wanted to do it GOD’s way this time around and what a blessing.

VPLM: Tell us about your wedding venue?

The Dixons: We both wanted to get married on the beach and since we both were going to be living in Florida by the time of our wedding it was just too perfect. We searched the internet and found Gulf Beach Weddings (GBW) and they had several beach locations we could choose from.

(Gabe) Lisa chose Anna Maria Island because of its beauty, serenity, and location.

(Lisa) When Gabe came here for a visit and saw it for himself, he said “Baby, this is the perfect location!” GBW took away the hard part of planning and coordinating the wedding.

They gave us options to choose from for videographers to photographers, music choices, color schemes, and traditional or non-traditional vows. Out of all the choices, the one who captured the spirit and essence of our love was the videographer (Rob). Our wedding video was the best wedding video we have ever had the pleasure of viewing. It was absolutely amazing!

VPLM: How was it planning a wedding in the middle of a Pandemic?

The Dixons: We actually planned our wedding before the pandemic, but as time progressed, the over 100 guests we were expecting dwindled down to less than 50 but grew in love and intimacy. It couldn’t have been more perfect. We prayed for God to hold back the rain, because not only did we get married during the pandemic, but we were also in the midst of hurricane season. But GOD!!! It did not rain one drop until everyone was in their respective cars and on the way back to their respective hotels, resorts, or AirBNBs after the outdoor reception in the park. The only real snag we had was trying to find a catering company that would do set up and servicing which most catering companies wanted to do drop-off only, no setup or servicing because of the pandemic. We are thankful to Mr. and Mrs. Curry for their FIVE STAR catering company. They went well beyond the call of duty.

Their customer service was on point and the food was GREAT!

VPLM: What is your greatest strength as a couple?

The Dixons: The third cord – JESUS!! One of the most important things we did was pre-marriage counseling. We went through H. Norman Wright & Wes Roberts marriage preparation guide “Before You Say I Do” and we had the support of Pastor Tony Benson and his wife, Virginia, to assist, guide, and counsel us through the process. It was very eye-opening and fulfilling. We learned a lot about each other and what our spiritual, physical, and mental needs were. We also made promises and covenants to each other that will last throughout our marriage and beyond.

About the Dixons

Gabe and Lisa both came from different upbringings and previous marriages. “We were two ships passing in the night, but GOD had a plan we couldn’t see.” Gabe was planning to stay in Baltimore City for the rest of his life. Lisa was planning to move to Florida and retire there.” God’s plan was for us to meet, get married and become this power couple working together to follow His command to make disciples of all nations. AMEN!” If you would like for your wedding or special event to be featured in V&P Lifestyle Magazine please contact Karen McConnell-Jones, Director of Marketing & Sales at info@vandpmagazine.com or 202-904-1000.

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Authors Speak

Inspire Yourself to Write!

By Dr. Essie McKoy

It is the first quarter of a brand-new year, 2021, and you still have not written that book! You promised yourself you were going to tell your story and you were going to get started, but no actions yet!

Well, this is an article that you must read to get you motivated, focused, and ready! Do not let another minute pass you by or another day go without journaling your ideas. Tell your story and share your experiences to help others. After all, your life journey belongs to you, but consider being a giver and share some of your knowledge, some of your experiences, some of your learned lessons, some of your ups and downs, and some of your successes with others to make our world a better place. After coming out of 2020, we all need to be uplifted, to be inspired, and to hear from those who have a story to tell!

It could be what you have encountered last year that will brighten the world to make it not like the past, but better in the future. It could be what you have accomplished that will inspire another. It could be what challenges made you realign your focus, your purpose, and your zest to carry on. No matter what it is you are not alone, and your voice has power. You are a powerful force in this universe, and you have an internal desire to tell your story, write your book, and unlock what has been locked for so long!

I know, you are ready to start writing! The first thing to consider is to just jot your ideas down, Let the thoughts flow, and later you can go back and organize them. It helps to think of a topic that you may want to write about but has not decided exactly what. Do not limit yourself, just write for now. Once you have jotted down all your ideas, put them in some order based on patterns and themes that are evident, and ask yourself what stands out as I review this list.

Now that you have reviewed the list, narrow down the areas that you may write about and start writing more ideas about the specific topic you have chosen. Hopefully, by this point, you have at least two to three topics.

This will help you to really narrow your list and select the one topic you want to share with readers.

Got your topic, now start writing more. Take time every day to write. It may be a sentence or two or it may be several pages, just write. You will be amazed at how much you will share and how quickly you can compose a chapter or even a book once you start writing daily. Yes, life will happen, and you may have to put it aside for a few days, but always go back to it and write. Write everything you can possibly think about as it relates to your chosen topic, write all your feelings down about what has occurred, write from every perspective that you can possibly think of, and write with a focus to appeal to a wide audience. Of course, these are things that you do not necessarily have to consider when you first get started, but once you write every day, start putting some of these factors into play while you write. Your story is worthy to be told and you must tell it!

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Authors Speak Some of you will automatically know what you want to write about and write without reluctancy. You will have a life event that you want to share, and you will share it as it has occurred. You will be able to convey a powerful story to readers. Your audience will be amazed at what you will share, how you share it, and how it impacts them!

If it helps to start with the five W’s of writing, consider that and start the process. Many writers may rely on the who, the what, the when, the why, and the where of telling their story. They may write by gathering all the information about the five W’s to get a better sense of where they are headed with their story and to provide clarity to their readers once completed.

The “who” of your story can tell about the person(s) you are writing about. This is an integral part of your story or book. Some writers will often use fictitious names and provide a fictionbased context, while other writers get permission and write the nonfiction events. Next, you might focus on “what” happened. This part of the story or book will let the readers know the exact events or actions that occurred. It might be that you are telling a story about yourself or a story about someone else, just remember to be specific in the details of what you decide to share. Yes, we all love to hear a story or read a book with a great ending or a fairytale, but sometimes we need to be authentic in sharing. All this depends on what type of book you are writing and how you want to appeal to your readers.

The “when” of your book or story will provide your readers with the context or the time frame of the event. Sometimes, this can help readers of all ages to decide how your writing applies to them and what lessons they can learn from your sharing. Also, you must consider if you are writing to appeal to someone younger or older. I have often heard other people share that they want to read books they can relate to. So, the “when” can be important in many regards.

The “where” is simply where did it take place. Think and ask yourself, will this help my readers, is it important for them to know the where of my story or book. Again, you are the author of your own creation and your attention to details will be how you write it. You hold the ideas, the thoughts, the making of the chapters, and the completion of the book!

Many writers also think about the “how” of what they are writing. I know I do when I write.

I think about how I need to capture my readers’ attention and how I need to do this based on the “why” I am writing a particular chapter, book, article, or story! At this point, if you really do not know your style, it is okay to write and then go back and read about the different styles of writing. Remember, it does not have to fit a certain genre. You make your own writing to fit your purpose!

I know writers who must follow the seven-step routine. They need to address the who, the what, the why, the when, the where, the how, and the whom they are writing their piece for.

Many of them have been using this style for an extended period and sometimes cannot rely on another method. That too is okay. Whatever works for you, just write so you can get it in the hands of readers.

I think we have all heard the story about the four people named everybody, somebody, anybody, and nobody. When you write, think from this perspective. You have an important piece of writing to do and you want to make sure you are sharing your story with everybody, so that somebody will read it. As you know anybody can, but who are you wanting to reach so that you will not end up with nobody reading it!

Now, do you think you have enough to get you started? At least make that first attempt.

Put those words to paper or thoughts to your tablet, computer, or whatever device you utilize. Do not let your fear hinder your writing. Do not think about who may or may not read it! Do not change your mind in sharing your unique and authentic story. Do not procrastinate another day, minute, or hour! There is not another like you, no one knows your story until you tell it, and what you have to offer can be a tremendous benefit to someone else. Your writing, your story, your book, can help save a life or change a life! Do not break another promise to yourself!

Start strong and finish strong!

We will be waiting to read YOUR book!

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Village Talk Podcast Hosts CORTLAND SHAUNA

JONES

FELTON

&

KING

Every 2nd & 4th Wednesday at 4:00 pm ET

ALL THINGS FASHION Tee

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n

ing h t o Cl

Winter Chic

By Laila Cunningham Photography by Dominique Massaquoi

Winter is here!!! The warm weather has disappeared. It’s time to switch out your remaining summer outfits and your fall attire and make room for some winter gear. This season is all about your accessories. Your coats, hats, gloves, boots, and scarfs, as well. First, let’s talk about coats. You could try a white shirt with a cute fur-hooded vest, some jeans and some low or high cut Uggs. You could also try a velvet fur coat and pair it with some velvet leggings or jeans. Fur-lined coats are all the rave and are perfect for this holiday season. Another great item to add to your cart this season is a puffer coat. They are a recurring trend for this season and would go perfectly with any jeans or leggings. Let’s not forget our trench coats. Long trench coats are a great addition to your wardrobe. You could pair it with a cute hat, some leggings, and some sneakers. Speaking of shoes, let’s move on to boots. As you know, Uggs have been a major trend throughout the fall and will continue to catch everyone’s eyes throughout the winter. With all the snow and cold weather this is a perfect season for Timbs.

They are all the rave and are perfect for any outfit and for traveling through the snow. You could wear a cute grey sweatshirt, some black leggings, and some cute grey timbs as a cute outfit. You could also throw on some leg-warmers to spice up your look. Leg-warmers have become a trend in the recent months.

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Let’s talk about hats. There are a plethora of hats to choose from but the ones that seem to catch the most attention are beanies. Hats have been a trend, not just now, but throughout the year. They come in so many different designs, sizes, and colors. The main attention-grabbers are the beanies with a cute fur ball on the top.

These hats can be paired with almost any outfit and are great for this winter season.

Don’t forget your gloves! Mittens are great to keep your hands warm with all of this cold weather going on. They come in all types of colors and have all types of cute designs. If you want to stand out and try something new, then you should grab yourself a 2-in-1 hat and mitten set. They can come in cute characters or you can get an original hat design. From the hat, there are two pieces of fabric that lead to mittens on the ends. It’s all connected so you don’t have to go searching for a hat and gloves separately.

"LET'S TALK ABOUT HATS..."

Let’s not forget about scarves. They are a cute way to spice your look, as well as keep your neck warm.

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This season’s colors are mainly white, red, black, and don’t forget your glitters! Anything that will make you stand out amongst the snowy weather will be perfect for this season. Let’s not forget about your holiday attire. Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, so let’s talk about some cute holiday pairings. A cute white sweater with leggings and white Uggs, red lipstick and a dainty necklace is a great look to show off and be festive.

The New Year is the time to bring out all of your glittery attire. You could wear a glittery dress with some red lipstick, flashy earrings, a cute bracelet, and your favorite heels. This is the time of the year to stand out and show off. Covid is still among us and it's super cold outside, so don’t forget to grab your favorite mask to complete your look and to keep your face warm and toasty!

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All Things Fashion

Ready Set Go!

By Tony Turner We Made It...2021! If you are still here, it's time to press the gas! You’ve got to Go! Get up, get out, and do something! You’ve got to have life and have it abundantly! Ready your mind, ready your body, and ready your soul. The Most High has you here for a purpose. You have to find and then execute that purpose. Set means you prepare yourself for the journey. Get educated, start training, begin building your mastermind team. Do your research, equip yourself with the tools you need to conquer your goals. Go means get started and run till the race is completely finished! Some of our journeys are sprints, some may be marathons but you have to start the race in order to finish it.

Like my grandmother used to say,"......... or get off of the pot".

It's our time people. Now, that dream you’ve been dreaming, that design you have been imagining, today is the day to build it and develop it. Some of us have been down so long, we don't know which way is up. We just stopped believing. Our spirits have been broken. In a lot of ways, we have been disenfranchised. The only way up is to focus on The Most High and believe in the gifts He has placed in you! All of the variables belong to The Most High. Wisdom is to trust in The Most High, to believe in The Most High’s ability to make something out of nothing! Just as the Sovereign Lord has created the Universe, He is building amazing minds right before our very eyes.

The word this year is Believe! To believe is the #1 fashion trend of the year 2021! If you don't have it you are wasting The Most High’s good air! You're just waiting for Him to take it back and leave your bones to do what they are doing right now. Rotting with lots of potential.

Fashion can be a lot of fluff and vanity but this is a bit of an oxymoron. Because the thing you can not touch will be the thing that secures everything you can see or touch. For it is not the thing that you see or can touch that will sustain you! So run on, set yourself, and ready your inner being to be focused on the purpose for your life.

Look to our ancestors who have stayed the course and have done and created amazing things! They gave us a month to study and recognize the gifts The Most High gave us. How about we take a lifetime and give The Most High all the glory and honor He deserves. All things are vanity. Nothing else is more important. Build on it.

Happy New Year People! Let's Go!

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All Things Fashion

READY SET GO!

By Martina Turner

Happy New Year! Let's start 2021 off with a mindset of resilience. Throughout this pandemic a lot of lives and jobs were lost due to Covid-19, it's time for healing and recovery. After the contentious presidential election, it's time for unity and love to get the United States growing to become one. What steps are you going to take to become a better you, or be a blessing to someone in need?

As we celebrate Black history month, it's a great time to highlight the accomplishments of Madam C.J. Walker, the first female self-made millionaire in America. She was a businesswoman, hair care entrepreneur, philanthropist, and activist. Walker earned her fortune through the business she founded, Madam C. J. Walker Manufacturing Company, a hair care and cosmetic product line she developed and marketed for Black women. The "Walker System of Beauty Culture" or the "Walker Method" created jobs for Black women; her sales team (Beauty Culturists). Walker became a philanthropist, financially donating to numerous organizations such as the NAACP, the Black YMCA, and scholarships for women at the Tuskegee Institute, just to name a few. Her lavish estate "Villa Lewaro" was a social gathering place for the African American community. Madam C. J. Walker passed in 1919 at the age of 51. At her time of death, she was considered the wealthiest African American businesswoman and self-made Black woman in America. She is truly an iconic woman and an example of excellence for Black hair care brands and entrepreneurs in the Beauty and Cosmetic industry. Walker's charitable contributions to education and her community, as well as being an advocate for African Americans helped in the making of Black History.

This year make it your goal and effort to be resilient in any area of your life that needs improvement, like taking better care of your health and hair, starting a new job, or stepping out on faith to start your own business. "Through God All Things Are Possible".

Hair Tip: Healthy hair starts with a healthy diet and lifestyle. Your hair can indicate if there is a lack of nutrition. For instance, if you are dealing with brittle hair it could be a sign of Zinc and Iron deficiency, you may need to add Red meat, poultry, beans, nuts, and dark leafy vegetables (spinach) into your meal plan. If you're dealing with dry scalp issues or dull hair, you're in need of Omega-3s. Omega-3 fatty acids are important in your overall health as well as healthy hair; try increasing your intake of salmon, avocado, flaxseeds, or take fish oil supplements. For those who are dealing with hair thinning or shedding, you may want to up your Protein.Hair is 91 percent protein, which are long chains of amino acids. Your hair, skin, and nails are rich in amino acids. If your body is lacking protein you could start to lose more hair than normal.

Poultry, beef, eggs, and whole grains are a good source of protein. A healthy diet helps to promote healthier skin and scalp which helps grow healthy hair and add a longer healthy life.

Happy New Year and let's celebrate Black History 365 days every year!

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TheHairDoc

By Karen McConnell-Jones and Dr. Sharon H. Porter

Steven Thomas

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You may have caught Steven Thomas, TheHairDoc, on Bravo's Real Housewives of Potomac as he and Karen Huger launched their new wig line. We had an opportunity to ask TheHairDoc a few questions about his business, inspiration, and making his television debut with the Grande Dame of Potomac, Karen Huger.

VPLM: As a stylist what was your natural niche that got you started doing hair and what is your specialty now?

ST: Actually I never had a niche for hair. I always loved the way hair looked. I would sit at my Aunt Peaches salon and watch her do hair all day. But I never saw myself doing hair. I actually wanted to be a clothing designer.

I interned for BET some years ago as a stylist. Hair kind of fell in my lap. I am a creative by nature, so I like to build things, create masterpieces.

That’s why my specialty I would say is creating wigs, I love to build things and construct things.

VPLM: You have been called The Hair Doc and now the name of your salon is TheHairDoc. Tell us the story behind the name?

ST: OK, so the story behind the name The Hair Doc... It’s so simple people expected it to be this extravagant story. But it’s super simple. I got the name from my clients. They’ve been calling me that for years. Before all of this "HAIRDOC" business They would say “I need my hair doctor, I need my hair doctor”. So when Instagram and Twitter came about- I used that name as my screen name.

At first it was STEVENTHEHAIRDOC. But when I would go to networking events I felt that the screen name was too long. So, I just took STEVEN out, and The Hair Doc just stuck.

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VPLM: Opening your hair salon in the middle of a pandemic what has been your biggest reward and what have been the biggest challenges to overcome?

ST: First, I did not know this pandemic would happen.

The biggest challenge I’ve overcome was building my salon in one month. The network said that they wanted my salon to be on real housewives of Potomac and I only had a month to build it out. I broke down about six times, to be honest. The biggest reward from that was seeing my first salon on television. Who opens up their first salon and it’s televised? That was a blessing.

VPLM: As an established stylist and now walking into entrepreneurship how does it feel to have Karen Huger of Potomac Housewives collaborate with you on creating her wig line and to launch the wig line at your salon?

ST: It felt amazing to collaborate with Karen on this wig line. It’s such a blessing that she trusted me with one of her installments under the Ladame brand. And when she called me to tell me that bravo wants The Launch of a wig line at the salon I was floored! I just couldn’t believe it. All I could think was my first salon is going to be on television. Bravo did a great job with promoting my salon also.

VPLM: What hair tool is your best asset to use?

ST: Believe it or not my best tool to use is my straightening comb. As Karen would say “my frying comb” when I’m on set I have about three frying/hot combs with me.

VPLM: What is the number one seller in the wig line?

ST: The number one seller from the wig line would be “Victoria". Victoria is the longest unit we have. She’s versatile, you can straighten her, you can curl her, you can put her up in a ponytail, wear it down. There are so many things you can do with Victoria. That’s the unit we use the most when we’re doing confessional’s and interviews etc.

VPLM: What’s your inspiration when creating different looks for wigs?

ST: It’s so funny. When I’m creating a new look for the wigs. I can pull inspiration from anywhere. Like I can be in a grocery store and think of something or see something and put it in my notes. I could be watching TV or a movie and pull inspiration. I can get inspiration from anywhere.

VPLM: Please tell us where the wigs can be purchased?

ST: You can purchase the units from two outlets: THEHAIRDOC.org and RPGSHOWWIGS.com VPLM: What’s next for TheHairDoc? ST: I’m in the works of creating apparel for men. As I stated before I wanted to be a designer, I love clothes.

We, as men, don’t have a large selection in the clothing stores. That is in process along with a couple of other things you have to stay tuned for...

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JEFF BRADSHAW P E R F O R M I N G A R T S

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Jeff Bradshaw Is STRONGER:

Philly Musician Speaks On New Album and Timeless Perspectives

By Seth Washington

Trombonist, Jeff Bradshaw, has delivered 16 tracks of exquisitely cultivated soul on his recently released fourth album, entitled Stronger. In December, I met with Bradshaw. Below are some highlights regarding our vibrant conversation and his amazing album.

This much is true...

Bradshaw's musical weapons are not carnal, yet, they are more powerful than ever. Beginning on track 1 with his brass comrade in arms, Troy Trombone Shorty Andrews, the pair instantly slay any and all resistance to the rhythmic head-nod on, 'War and Thunder'. "My steps were ordered, I know what my purpose is and I'm walking in it", says the North Philadelphia native. The musician remains grateful to his artistic roots paying homage to the Philly Sound on the remake of 'Nights Over Egypt', originally recorded by Val, Shirley and Brenda of the beloved Jones Girls. This version features the fortified horns of Lin Rountree and Marqueal Jordan..

"They're both Philly cats, they're both Grammy award winners, they're both heavy hitters, but they're my brothers, you know..."

Further down the tracklist, Bradshaw reconvenes hometown affiliations, partnering with Jazz bassist Christian McBride along with James Poyser, keyboardist and producer in The Roots band, for the remake of Herbie Hancock's 'Butterfly'. On collaborating with his brethren and acknowledging a legend, Bradshaw muses, "They're both Philly cats, they're both Grammy award winners, they're both heavy hitters, but they're my brothers, you know. It turned out to be quite amazing for me, I was excited. They loved it and my only hope is that Mr. Hancock is pleased when he hears it."

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This gifted musician's sound embodies the lyrical essence of a vocalist, a style of horn playing embraced by the brass bands in the United House of Prayer for All People (UHOP). Bradshaw ruminates, "The sound of my instrument came out of my mother's womb." He further expounds, "My father, a church elder, played trumpet, trombone, he played baritone, guitar, he sang. So that was passed down to me. Born and raised in the UHOP where the brass bands are the feature of the music ministry, there are many of us from the UHOP who have this distinct sound."

These narratives Bradshaw skillfully fuses together thru the wisdom arising from his horn. True to this essence, he works harmonious wonders in collaboration with the alluring Marsha Ambrosius on ‘I Do.’ It's the quiet storm version of the tango, danced to a sultry perfection, Bradshaw's expressive notes step for step with Ambrosius' impassioned vocal tones.

With best regards to all in his life that had come before it, Bradshaw said his "I do", to the music industry in the early 90s. Profoundly, he states "1993...there was no turning back. I was going to eat dirt and eat grass sandwiches before I ever went back to try and work a job. I knew that my Mother wasn't going to like it, I knew that the people in the church weren't going to like it, but you have to know and believe when you hear God's voice. I knew that I should be out sharing this gift I had with the world, that the trombone is a mainstream instrument that you can blend with jazz, blues, r&b, soul music and funk, at a high level, and you can collaborate with anybody."

Throughout the album, those colorful sonic utterances from Bradshaw's trombone exude the power to uplift. One such example is the cover of Andre 3000's 'Prototype'. On this track, Washington DC native Raheem DeVaughn lends eloquent soul on vocals and Robert Glasper plays elegantly on keys, as the three gentlemen musically conspire in uplifting the beauty of Black women.

Inclusive of the emotive tracks 'Euphoria', 'Closure', 'Celebrate', 'Capetown', along with the cover of Beyonce Knowles’ 'Me Myself & I' the album checkmarks distinctive elements of grown folks business, as in relationships, world travel and self JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021 V&P MAGAZINE talk.

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From the UHOP brass band ministry, to early industry opportunities working with the likes of The Magnificent DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Roots collective, lending his signature talents in a supportive role to artists, like Erykah Badu along with Jill Scott, and as a solo artist, he continues to relish the power of creative alliances. "I've had collaborations from Christian McBride to Darius Rucker, from a Grammy award winning jazz artist to a Grammy award winning country singer and everybody in between. God is good, man."

With this project, the always well-dressed band leader continues to craft a rich legacy of musical partnerships that achieve excellence in song making. His esteemed peers on Stronger additionally include, The Magnificent DJ Jazzy Jeff, Jeff Murrell, Micki Miller, Conya Doss, Glenn Lewis, Jeff McCombs, Amber Navran of Moonchild, Paula Champion and Mike Burton, all lending their brilliance to this collection. Like the project, as a whole, the tracks 'Pretty Baby', 'Superwoman' Part 1 and 2, 'Betta' and 'Stay' reveal Bradshaw's supreme comfort in walking gracefully within his artistic purpose and delivering audible pleasure for all to hear.

An accomplished veteran, Bradshaw unveils wisdom on the inner fortitude needed to sustain a career in the music industry. "It's not for everybody, it's not something that I actually encourage because it's a very tough road. For me, it was about the steps that God laid before me." One of his more crucial collaborations, involved partnering faith with enhanced health awareness and renewed self-care to overcome painful bouts of diverticulitis, a specific condition of the large intestines associated with a diet poor in fiber. "I was on tour buses for 25 years and I ate terribly. I had to turn all of that around and do a far better job of drinking a lot of water, making sure that as I'm eating three meals a day, one or two of them have a green vegetable." Owning his past choices, Bradshaw speaks to an enhanced pallette, "I love broccoli rabe, I love spinach, I love caesar salads."

Fittingly, the final song on the Stronger album is entitled 'Gratitude', featuring renowned spoken word artist Wadud Ahmad along with the fire and praise from Bradshaw's trombone. Stronger, indeed.

A Black Music History Jawn

By Seth Washington A historical element in the journey of Philadelphia trombonist, Jeff Bradshaw, resides at the crossroads of two prolific, musical legacies. First, comprising a wide lane running north and south like Broad street is the legendary Philly music and arts culture. Ever relevant, it has birthed The Roots Collective, Jill Scott, Musiq Soulchild, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Freeway, Patti LaBelle, producers Gamble and Huff along with The Sound of Philly, Grover Washington, Jr., and contralto Marion Anderson, to name but a few.

The intersecting, trans-Atlantic thorofare, connecting east and west is the musical richness emanating from the African archipelago of Cape Verde. This lineage merges with Bradshaw through his brass band ministry days at the United House of Prayer for All People (UHOP). The esteemed founder of UHOP, Marcelino Manuel da Graca, known as 'Daddy Grace' was born in this Portuguese-influenced isle prior to his parents' migration to Massachusetts. The distinguished Cape Verde musical diaspora includes Cesaria Evora who delivered the sounds of Morna to distant shores around the world, pianist Horace Silver who composed the classic 'A Song For My Father', the 70s family of R&B and funk vocalists, the Tavares from Providence RI, and recently, singer Elle Varner, among others.

Philadelphia and Cape Verde each embody inspired artistic traditions, an aesthetic creole of their own.

Similarly marked by distinctiveness, Bradshaw acknowledges the best of these cultures within the excellence of his brand.

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THE SPORTS REPORT WITH LADY K

By Karen McConnell-Jones Black Referees Make NFL History The National Football League's (NFL) making History has been the talk throughout pro football, or should I say throughout the world of sports period. It was a primetime Monday night football game featuring the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Los Angeles Rams that had all eyes watching. Not because the fans wanted to see quarterback Tom Brady play ball with his new team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, nor was it because we wanted to see the Los Angeles Rams star player, defensive tackle Aaron Donald, play this game on Monday night. It was all about Black History being made.

In the history of the NFL have we EVER seen an all-Black officiating crew? Yes, that’s right! The NFL had an all-Black officiating crew. There were seven Black referees who were on hand to call all of the shots for Monday's game between the Buccaneers and the Rams. The leading referee was Jerome Boger, along with umpire Barry Anderson, down judge Julian Mapp, line judge Carl Johnson, side judge Dale Shaw, field judge Anthony Jeffries, and back judge Greg Steed.

WOW! What a lineup and a pleasant sight to see.

The first Black official in any major sport to be hired was Burl Toler by the NFL in 1965. There are thirty- six of the NFL’s 122 officials who are Black and of those; only four are crew chiefs or referees. Crew chiefs are responsible for having a working knowledge of the game and as a crew chief; you are looked upon when questions arise about difficult calls or situations.

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The All-Black officiating crew from the Buccaneers and Rams game, on Monday night, November 23, 2020, collectively have over 89 years of experience amongst them and have worked six Super Bowl games. Most refs make on an average $12,058.82 per game in the 17 weeks of the NFL regular season. This does not include what they make during postseason games, the playoff games, and the Super Bowl game. The NFL refs rank in the top five of highest paid in the world of sports, first are the NBA refs.

NFL Hot Topics: Other NFL news to make Black History, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are the first in the league to have three Black coordinator coaches on their team. Todd Bowles is the defensive coordinator, Byron Leftwich is the offensive coordinator, and Keith Armstrong is the special teams' coordinator.

Kenny Washington was the first Black athlete to sign a contract in the NFL, doing so with the Los Angeles Rams in 1946. He came out of UCLA, where he played alongside two other GREAT black players, Woody Strode and Jackie Robinson.

Although seventy percent of the NFL players are Black there are only three Black head coaches out of thirty-two that are actively coaching the game right now in the NFL. Doug Williams was the first black quarterback to win a Super Bowl in 1988 and Tony Dungy was the first black head coach to win a Super Bowl in 2006.

The Sports Report With Lady K Special Acknowledgement We give special recognition and honor on the one year anniversary of Kobe Bryant’s Death. Kobe Bryant was a legendary fivetime NBA champion, who played with the Los Angeles Lakers throughout his twenty-year career. He is considered to be one of the greatest players to ever play the game. Kobe retired April 13, 2016, and just four years later at the age of 41, he was killed Sunday, January 26, 2020. It was reported that Sunday morning in Calabasas, California, the helicopter he was traveling in crashed due to foggy conditions and immediately burst into flames on impact, having a total of nine fatalities.

Kobe, you will forever be missed by the world of sports and your fans who loved you. You will forever live on in our hearts.

Kobe Bryant, remembering THE LEGEND on January 26, 2021. God Bless!

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