EBANMAN - Vol1

Vol 1 Quarterly

SPOTLIGHT MR. PRESIDENT

THE

TEDDY

A Black Gay Mans Rise in Leadership

WINSTON

Edward Enninful:

Unconditional

The NEW British VOGUE

BRAND:

Black Love A CROSS TO BEAR:

Black, Gay & Church

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EDITORIAL TEAM ​Tom Logan – Founder ​Joshua Luke – Editor in Chief and Art Director ​Edward White – Creative Director

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Terrance Gaines Janet Kemunto Terrance Jamal Turner DC Constant Marvin Lowe Gene Koprowski Kelly Johnson

​STYLE AND WARDROBE Vincent Smith SPECIAL THANKS Ubuntu Project INQUIRIES General: tlogan@ebanman.com Advertise: jluke@ebanman.com

WEBMASTER Ebanman Team

Submissions: jluke@ebanman.com www.ebanman.com

COVER Jason Bunkley (Cover Photographer) Fuquan Ferrell (Cover Model) EBANMAN MAGAZINE www.Ebanman.com CORRESPONDENCE EbanMan Magazine 2115 Piedmont Rd #2321 Atlanta, GA 30324 EBANMAN INC The EBANMAN Brand – Where Professional African American Men Come First EbanMan Magazine is a trademark of EbanMan Company and is published quarterly. All contents, logos, and articles are copyrighted materials and all rights are reserved. Any reproduction in whole or in part without permission of EbanMan Company is prohibited. The publisher also reserves the right to refuse any advertising material for any reason deemed inappropriate by publisher. EbanMan Magazine’s subscription is $14.95 a month Please make checks payable to EbanMan Company. To distribute EbanMan Magazine at your business, please email editor@Ebanman.com. 2018 EBANMAN MAG 2 0 1 8 V O L 1 5

I

Editor’s Letter JL Joshua Luke

am pleased to announce that today is a milestone for EBANMAN and the LGBT African American Men’s community. Today we celebrate the history and the foundation of what our brothers have fought for many years to achieve and I would like to personally send my THANK YOU’s out to those individuals for their success and drive and DREAM. Without them there would be know me.

As a young 31-year-old African American Gay man, I have found that life has never come with a handbook or a guideline on what to do. Yes, we have a bible of life expectancies and helpful innuendos to push our development; but we do not have a to do list with steps on how to correctly engage your being. I grew up in West Palm Beach, Florida with my younger brother and sister and a family of TRUE Trinidadians who did not know, understand, or care to want to have a sense of love for the Gay lifestyle. I did not have the luxury of wanting or accepting myself when I began noticing that I could not hold an attraction to women.

Coming out to my family brought a lot of shame and disgrace; ridicule towards my mother for not being so stern and making her feel as if she was worth less than a woman; ridicule towards my father for not beating me because he thought nothing was wrong with me; and constant bible pushing as if the sin of homosexuality is the worse sin of all. But, I have found a truth within myself, within my body, within my love towards people and family, and a truth with my desires as a man in finding an understanding of where MY life’s journey will take me.

When we began this journey with EBANMAN, my founder Tom Logan was asked one day,

“Wow, going through life not only black but gay, too? How do you put a positive spin on THAT?” This question sparked fury in him and in me. There are still people out here that have such negativity I their hearts that they cannot see the progression of another individuals regardless of race, age, sexual orientation or color. With that burning sensation we both felt, we began developing a new structure of pride, self-worth, self-respect that we know our fellow brothers would understand and appreciate.

EBANMAN is not just a magazine, but it is our lifestyle, our identity, IT IS US! I am dedicating this first issue to all our black LGBT brothers out there who may be reading this, and I want you to remember, STAY STRONG, STAY LOVED, STAY YOU!

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TS N TE N O C

BUSINESS

n io at ll N A e es o t th ak e ss M bl o i er ess cr E? A st V d n ei cc e n A n LO M em n sto ra of B g yl io Bo ll:art n e ig i St h yd on on WSwe Fasth LIo ti ng ay st a 38 wi ingres ha rraw in rcep a Te C g W C A ith

n fe on Pe w dnysto Li ash r 4 1 5 with R Tdeddy Wi yostuon e Te is in 4 2 Twhith t dy W haTed Wwith

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We provide luxury brands access to a distinctive underserved niche market consumer: affluent African-American professional gay males. The combination of the company and the magazine is committed to providing positive platforms to service and showcase the hidden gems in style, business, technology, travel, art, health, literature, food, wellness, wine and more to this discerning market.

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EBANMAN embodies the professional lifestyle of African-American gay men. The company’s name was derived from the West African Adinkra name EBAN which symbolizes a fence for love, safety, and security.

EB LI A FE N ST M Y AN LE

15 BLACK

with Raphael Bostic

Mr. President

gay men are breaking barriers everywhere these days in their respective fields.

with Dr. Islaah Crawford

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with Terrance Tuner

20 An Election Pioneer

British–Vogue–Editor

with Edward Einninful

30 Vogue

WHO WE ARE

EBANMAN LEISURE

114 70 Bulgaria

VOICE

To Cross Bear

By: Terrance Turner!

118 TRUMP’S COMMENTS DRAW FIRE — AND SHARPCRITICISM FROM CNN’S LEMON

By: Terrance Turner!

We’re Bulgaria

80 2018 Jaguar F-Pace 96 What We Drink!

101 Ebanman Lesiure

Tech and Gadget

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EbanMan Magazine is a trademark of EbanMan Company and is published quarterly. All contents, logos, and articles are copyrighted materials and all rights are reserved. Any reproduction in whole or in part without permission of EbanMan Company is prohibited. The publisher also reserves the right to refuse any advertising material for any reason deemed inappropriate by publisher. EbanMan Magazine’s subscription is $14.95 a month Please make checks payable to EbanMan Company. To distribute EbanMan Magazine at your business, please email editor@Ebanman.com.

A EN RT 5 S 7 T T ER AN W he 66 ile Tr A y: ail D T R Bl G A ef a ym us zi IN na e ng to K st be eh M i In nd

Inside Ebanman Magazine

Table of Content

INSIDE

Subscribe TODAY! man.com www.ebanman.com

Print + Digital

subscription available find out how on www.ebanman.com 10 EBANMAN MAG 2 0 1 8 V O L 1

going through life not only black but gay, too?

WOW,

going through life no only black but gay, to

WOW,

How do you put a positive spin on

THAT? 12 EBANMAN MAG 2 0 1 8 V O L 1

JUST SAYIN...

THAT?

How do you put a positive spin on

ot oo?

EBANMAN MAG 2 0 1 8 6 V O L 1 13

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Black gay men are breaking barriers everywhere these days in their respective fields.

BL AC K

Ebanman Life

with Raphael Bostic

Raphael Bostic President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Raphael W. Bostic is president and chief executive officer of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. He is currently an alternate member of the Federal Open Market Committee, the monetary policymaking body of the Federal Reserve. He will become a voting member in 2018.

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Ebanman Life with Raphael Bostic

B

lack men are breaking barriers everywhere these days in their respective fields. Chief Executive Officer and President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta Raphael Bostic is no different.

As the first African American and openly gay president of a federal reserve bank, Bostic has now become the first openly gay man to lead a federal regional bank. As the president, he is responsible for building a foundation for the direction of the organization and representing the institution before its constituencies such as banks, community agencies and the general public. He’s paving the way for black gay men everywhere in the financial industry and that of corporate America. In this day and age as open as society has come with gay marriage being legalized and diverse shows on television, the black gay community still has a long way to go. In corporate America, were facing the constant dilemma of when or even when not to disclose our sexual identity. For some there are fears of the quality of their work being overshadowed by our sexual identity? However, Bostic has showed us how our sexual identity is only a part of who we are like anything else and how it doesn’t capitalize the totality of our identity as a human being while he stands open about his sexual orientation to the masses.

Bostic has done this by showcasing himself as a man for the people. As a Ph.D. graduate from Stanford University and a serving on various advisory boards such as the Urban Land Institute and the American Real Estate to name just a few, he has utilized every platform that he has been on to create radical change. He’s done so by educating the masses of college students at the University of Southern California on public policy and development as a professor in the early 2000’s. He has also served as the assistant secretary for policy development and research at the U.S department of Housing and Urban development for three years under the Obama administration. He used his time in the administration to help people understand how to gain control of the economic situations and adversity they may face in a modern age. In a recent 2017 interview with the Bloomberg, Bostic wanted people to understand the reality of homeownership and how it should 16 EBANMAN MAG 2 0 1 8 V O L 1

look for many. He stated in the interview, “We went through an awful housing crisis in the United States and in part that was because a lot of people got into homes they couldn’t afford over the longer term. So I am hopeful that, that reaction has caused people to be much more strategic and selective about when they get into homeownership and when they ultimately get there that it works for them over the longer run” It’s great to see someone helping to put the power of the economy back into the hands of the people.

Homeownership and ownership in general in this modern millennium is something many of us are striving for. In the long run, the future for Bostic only gets brighter from here on out. As of 2018, he will now become a voting member for the Federal Reserve Bank. What this means is that he will be able to be a part of the very change that affects the people and the way banks throughout the region operate alongside the very people that it serves. As a voting member he will also review economic and financial conditions and ultimately voting on the stances of the different monetary policies in place that affect many of us. These are the changes that may revolutionize and shape the financial and economic growth of our country everywhere.

As the first African American and openly gay president of a federal reserve bank, Bostic has now become the first openly gay man to lead a federal regional bank.

Ebanman Life

with Dr. Isiaah Crawford

Mr President Dr. Isiaah Crawford has notched many “firsts” during his astonishing career. He was the first member of his family to finish college. The initial one to launch a professional career, as a clinical psychologist. Now he’s making national news as the first African-American president of a prestigious academic instituion, the University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, Wash.

Crawford, age 55, views his impressive curriculum vitae with gentlemanly humility, saying his career is a “a living example of the transformative power of education, particularly a liberal-arts education.”

Taking up his position last spring, after arriving on campus from Seattle University, where he was provost, he was received as something of a rock star on campus. Town residents in Tocoma greeted him by name while walking their dogs, when they spotted him on the street.

The students there, in the college town, were equally enthused. One young lady, Rachel Askew, president of the school’s Black Student Union, claimed Crawford’s hiring demonstrated that school leaders were truly listening to student demands.

A National Statement “This is a statement,” Askew told reporters. “This is a statement to liberal arts universities across the country. This is a statement to historically all-white colleges in America that black leadership is not just for HBCUs (historically black colleges and universities). ” Crawford is now eagerly leading an sterling, regional institution with a “strong reputation for academic and scholarly excellence.”

He’s also taking his time to understand the local culture, and find his place as an authentic leader and community member. “I’m a psychologist, I want to understand the people that make up the community,” Crawford told the local media.

Crawford was born in Washington D.C. and raised in St. Louis. He earned his degrees at top liberal arts colleges in the midwest run by the Jesuits, as a number of profiles of him have observed. His bachelor’s degree is from St.

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Ebanman Life

with Dr. Isiaah Crawford Louis University, and his master’s and doctoral degrees are from DePaul University. He became an academic all-star early on, becoming a tenured professor, chairman of the Department of Psychology, and dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, by the late 1980s. He maintained a private clinical psychology practice in Chicago from 1987 through 2002, a fifteen-year-span of time.

It was nearly eight years ago that he was hired as provost for Seattle University, where he directed the Division of Academic Affairs and the university’s schools and colleges, libraries, enrollment, information technology, institutional research, and offices supporting academic achievement. He also headed the school’s international engagement efforts.

National Search Crawford was selected by the university’s board of directors after a national, nine-month search.

He beat out competitors from all across the country.

The Tacoma search committee consisted of school trustees, faculty, staff, alumni – and even parent and student representatives. The panel members interviewed candidates and made private recommendation to the board of trustees. The board approved Crawford’s appointment.

According to university insiders, Crawford truly impressed the search committee with his candor, collaborative consciousness, and commitment to the community. He also displayed passionate belief in the of a liberal arts, according to a presss release from the school, given to Ebanman Magazine. In the

statement released by the university, search committee chair Robert Pohlad commented that Crawford’s appointment as president is truly a “natural extension of our mission and values and is an exciting next step for the school that is looking to build its reputation as a national leader among liberal arts colleges.”

Pohlad, chairman of the Puget Sound Board of Trustees and parent of a Puget Sound alumnus, announced Crawford’s selection on campus to an intimate group of students and staff.

According to Crawford, he brings several “levels of diversity” to the position to help him deal with black students, gay students, and others who may feel that they are underrepresented in the higher echelons of higher education.

He said students were “brave” for bringing their demands for a black leader at the helm of the college.

“I get it,” he said. “I’m empathetic to it.” He applauded students for being “brave” and vocalizing their concerns.

Crawford relocated from Seattle to Tacoma with his life partner, Kent Korneisel, an optometrist. A formal installation was held for him last summer at the university.

He’s the 14th president of Puget Sound University. The school has a very prestigious 128-year-history, and is affiliated with the United Methodist Church, thus its strong focus on social justice issues. There are approximately 2600 students there drawn from 44 states across the U.S., and tuition is about $43,000 a year. Famous alumni include Darby Stanchfield (1993), a television actress who appeared on Mad Men and Scandal, and Roald Reitan, a Metropolitan Opera star, as well as

the governor of the state of Alaska, Sean Parnell. ​ Dr. Crawford fits right in with that community of achievers, having earned three national awards from the American Psychological Association (APA) and being the lead author on many scholarly journal articles. In addition to his role at the university, Crawford serves board of directors for Independent Colleges of Washington, the Northwest Conference, Providence St. Joseph Health (Renton), and The ROPA Corporation (St. Louis, Mo.). He is a member of the Northwest Committee of the Metropolitan Opera National Council and Seattle Art Museum Education & Community Engagement Committee. ​ Crawford’s career has touched on issues of concern to the gay community, including spending many years during the 1980s working on “HIV/AIDS-related issues, including helping young men develop strategies to maintain and protect their health at that time.” Later, at Loyola, he worked on and wrote about issues concerning human sexuality in general. So far at Pugent Sound, the university has helped him highlight his expertise in “health promotion,” and made him and his partner feel welcome there.

During an introduction ceremony there last summer, the students gave them a standing ovation. “It was a great, great moment for me and my partner,” Crawford told reporters. “It’s something we will always remember.”

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An Election

Pioneer with Terrance Turner

I

n November, a wave of historic firsts took place in the 2017 elections. The cities of St. Paul (Minnesota), Georgetown (South Carolina), and Cairo (Georgia) all elected their first-ever black mayors. Charlotte (North Carolina) selected its first black female mayor. Seattle chose its first female mayor since 1928 — and its first lesbian mayor. Jenny Durkan is the latest figure in what is a very brief history of LGBT representation among mayors. E. Denise Simmons became the first lesbian mayor of Cambridge, Massachusetts in 2008. She succeeded Kenneth Reeves, who was the first openly gay black mayor ever in the United States.

Reeves was born in 1951 and grew up in Detroit. In a 2004 interview with PrideSource magazine, he revealed that there were indications of his sexuality early on: “I went to the Thirkell Elementary School in Detroit and I remember they had a fantastic kindergarten room there with huge windows and lots of light and a yellow piano. But they also had a dollhouse corner, and that was supposed to be for the girls, and another corner with teddy bears for the boys. And I found out that I was far more interested in the dollhouse corner. So I would say that was some early indication I was different than others.”

In an interview with PBS, he reflected on the possibility of having role models, recalling a black gay state representative who indicated to him that he could be out in politics. “I also had a wonderful, wonderful gay Sunday School teacher for much of my high school time. He also led our church youth group, and I think really, if I had a role model, it’s him… Because he made it very clear that you have a special gift, and as long as you lead your life with dignity, and are a human being of your word, and you have good character, the world cannot deny you. I had the best ‘coming out’ I ever heard of,” he recalled.

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1970 Kuumba Singers: the university’s oldest existing black organization

Ebanman Life with Terrance Turner

Did you know: Harvard University holds the eighth-most Olympic medals among American universities (108 total medals).

Harvard University is a private Ivy League research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts, established in 1636, whose history, influence, and wealth have made it one of the world’s most prestigious universities.

Reeves took that confidence to Cambridge, where he attended Harvard College. According to the Harvard Crimson, he and his classmates helped found the Kuumba Singers (the university’s oldest existing black organization) in 1970. Reeves also helped found blackCAST, a group established to promote black theater, and his class was pivotal in pushing to create a Department of African and AfricanAmerican Studies at the university.

0

It was here that he formed one of the most important relationships of his life. According to the Harvard Crimson, Reeves met partner Gregory Allan Johnson at the Eliot House dining hall. He elaborated further on their relationship to PrideSource in 2004: “I’ve had the same partner

for 34 years,” he revealed. “My partner, G. Allan Johnson, was my college roommate. He’s Swedish American.

We worked together on some progressive political projects. One summer, he directed a ‘free school’ in a public housing project in Boston and he asked me to work for him.

The next summer, he asked me to direct the free school and he worked for me.”

There was resistance to their relationship: “It was the early 70s.

There weren’t a lot of blacks at Harvard at the time,” Reeves recalled.

“A black/white gay relationship caused quite a bit of chatter among my African-American peers. I lived my life on a high wire between my black student community and the love of my life, who is not black.”

But the couple remained unbothered: “I don’t believe we ever cared about opinions. It was never an issue.” In fact, Reeves found Cambridge an ideal environment: “I think, if you have to live in America as a gay person, or as any kind of person, Cambridge is the best place I have seen, which is not to say it doesn’t have its homophobia and racism, but I think there is a great deal of liveand-let-live sentiment here. We are determined to be a peoples’ republic where two people who love each other are assured that they will have their love respected.”

When asked by PrideSource how he’d maintained such a lengthy relationship, Reeves responded: “The secret to our longevity? If you find someone you deeply respect and admire, who deeply respects and EBANMAN MAG 2 0 1 8 V O L 1 21

Ebanman Life with Terrance Turner

During his two-term tenure, which lasted until 1995, Reeves organized the first St. Patrick’s Day parade in the city. He also organized its first Caribbean Carnival. Nearly a decade later, Reeves cited that event as one of the highlights of his tenure: “No Afrocentric celebration of this nature had ever taken place here. And now it’s in its tenth year.” A 1994 scandal marked his tenure — the Cambridge Chronicle accused Reeves of misusing a city credit card for personal expenses, and missing income tax returns sparked a Massachusetts Dept. of Revenue investigation.

But Reeves continued to serve as City Councilor after leaving office, and he was elected mayor again in 2006. After that two-year term, he returned to the Council and served until 2013. A 2011 Harvard Crimson profile noted that Reeves focused on education towards the end of his tenure, establishing a “baby university” to help educated parents on childrearing and supporting construction of a public library.

Other FUN FACT to know Richard Theodore Greener (January 30, 1844 – May 2, 1922) was the first African-American graduate of Harvard College and dean of the Howard University School of Law.

Reeves offered constructive words for LGBT people and other minorities seeking public office: “I think you can be gay and elected and have a wonderful time. Whether you’re white, black, latin, asian, gay, straight, bisexual or transgender, what people seek today is effective leadership with integrity,” adding that hopefully, candidates will come to office “with some creative ability to come to the table to solve problems that seem to elude solutions.”

1995

admires you, and there is a physical attraction, the rest is just hard work. Love doesn’t come in colors. It is made from heartstrings and longings.”

After graduating with a degree in American History and Literature, Reeves went to the University of Michigan Law School, where he graduated in 1976.

He became an attorney and was elected to the Cambridge City Council in 1989. In 1992, Reeves was elected Cambridge’s mayor. This made him the first black mayor in the state of Massachusetts and the first black gay American ever to be elected mayor.

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Reeves organized the first St. Patrick’s Day parade in the city.

5

1992 Ebanman Life with Terrance Turner

The Veracity of Black Gay Men in Politics

First openly gay African-American man to serve as mayor of a major city when he was elected in Cambridge, MvA.

In 1992, Kenneth Reeves broke boundaries when he became the first openly gay African-American man to serve as mayor of a major city when he was elected in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Reeves had already been serving on the City Council at the time of his election and was an out gay man. Earlier this year Reeves revealed in an interview that when he was growing up, there was a family friend who was a State Representative and also gay that had an influence on him. “I kind of knew from the fact of him that I could be gay and in politics, that it didn’t foreclose that possibility,” Reeves said.

The world of politics is evolving, albeit at a slow pace.

For years, the typical politician was a white male in his mid-30’s or older. Though that description still fits most politicians, times are changing. That’s no longer the case we see across America, seats of elected officials being filled by women, people of color, and members of the LGBTQ community. The number of Black gay men involved in politics is growing and as this number grows, it becomes their role to define what it means to be Black, male, gay, and political in a rapidly changing world.

In April of 2016, Deray Mckesson, famous for his work with the Black Lives Matter movement, finished sixth in the Democratic Primary for Mayor of Baltimore.

Mckesson has been open about his sexuality and found that during his campaign, it was other people who often made more light of it than he did. Weeks before losing the primary, Mckesson spoke to the Huffington Post about his sexuality and how it affects his movement and his politics. “As a gay black man it’s important to me to show up — that I’m able to show up as my whole self, in every space that I’m in, because that’s how I’m able to be the most true to who I am,” he said.

The role of the Black gay male in politics is deeply rooted in the role of the Black gay male in society and it’s a role that is still being fleshed out. As Mckesson said, it is important to show up. There is a need to be vocal without being a token. There is an authenticity that comes from being Black and gay that can translate itself into the world of politics much better than people believe.

“As a black gay man it’s important to me to show up-that I am able to show up as my whole self

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Ebanman Life with Terrance Turner

Gay Men and Women in Politics Federal • U.S. Representative (first out congressperson and Democrat): Gerry Studds (MA-12, MA-10) – served 1973–1997, outed 1983 • U.S. Representative (first to voluntarily come out): Barney Frank (MA-4) – served 1980–2013, came out in 1987 • U.S. Representative (first out Republican): Steve Gunderson (WI3) – served 1981–1997, outed 1994 • U.S. Senate (not out when first elected, first male U.S. Senator to come out): Harris Wofford – served 1991–1995, came out in 2016 after announcing plans to marry a man • U.S. Representative (first Republican to voluntarily come out): Jim Kolbe (AZ-5) – served 1985–2007, came out 1996 • U.S. Representative (out when first elected, female): Tammy Baldwin (WI-2) – served 1999–2013 • U.S. Representative (out when first elected, male): Jared Polis (CO-2) – served 2009–present • U.S. Representative (out when first elected), first openly bisexual member of Congress: Kyrsten Sinema (AZ-9) – elected 2012[5] • U.S. Representative (out when first elected), first to succeed another openly gay officeholder in office: Mark Pocan (WI-2) – elected 2012, succeeded Tammy Baldwin • U.S. Representative (out when first elected), first non-white openly gay member of Congress: Mark Takano (CA-41) – elected 2012 • U.S. Congressional committee chair: Gerry Studds – chair of House Committee on Merchant Marine 24 EBANMAN MAG 2 0 1 8 V O L 1

and Fisheries 1990–1995 • U.S. Senate (out when first elected, first openly LGBT U.S. Senator): Tammy Baldwin – elected 2012, lesbian, representing Wisconsin

State delegation

Arizona • Rep. Jim Kolbe (R) – served 1985– 2007; was outed in 1996 following his vote for the anti-gay Defense of Marriage Act • Rep. Kyrsten Sinema (D) – bisexual, elected 2012 California: • Rep. Michael Huffington (R) – served 1993–1995; came out as bisexual in 1998 • Rep. Mark Takano (D) – elected 2012 Colorado: • Rep. Jared Polis (D) – elected 2008 Connecticut • Rep. Stewart McKinney (R) – served 1971–1987; died of AIDS in 1987 and was actively, though not openly, bisexual

in 1987 after Steve Gobie (a male prostitute who Frank had hired for sex, and who later became his friend, personal assistant, and housekeeper) tried to sell his story to The Washington Times Mississippi • Rep. Jon Hinson (R) – served 1979–1981; sexuality revealed after he was arrested February 5, 1981, and charged with sodomy for performing oral sex on a male employee of the Library of Congress in a restroom of the House of Representatives, leading him to resign New York: • Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (D) – elected 2012 Rhode Island: • Rep. David Cicilline (D) – elected 2010 Wisconsin: • Senator: Tammy Baldwin (female) (D) – elected 2012 • Representative: Tammy Baldwin (female) (D) – served 1999–2013

Florida: • Rep. Mark Foley (R) – served 1995–2006, sexuality revealed by lawyer after resignation in 2006 due to sending explicit texts to a 16-year-old United States House of Representatives Page

• Representative: Steve Gunderson (male) (R) – served 1981–1997; came out involuntarily 1994

Maine: • Rep. Mike Michaud (D) – served 2003– 2015, came out as gay in 2013 while running for Governor of Maine.

• First openly LGBT person appointed to a federal position requiring confirmation by the United States Senate: Roberta Achtenberg, as assistant secretary for fair housing and equal opportunity at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (1993). She later became a commissioner for the United States Commission on Civil Rights in 2011.

Maryland: • Rep. Robert Bauman (R) – served 1973–1981; sexuality revealed after soliciting sex from a 16-year-old male prostitute Massachusetts: • Rep. Gerry Studds (D) – served 1973–1997; came out involuntarily in 1983 due to sexual relations with a 17-year-old United States House of Representatives Page • Rep. Barney Frank (D) – served 1980–2013; came out voluntarily

• Representative: Mark Pocan (D) – elected 2012; out when elected

Executive

• First openly LGBT Ambassador: James Hormel (served 1999–2001 in Luxembourg) • First openly LGBT United States

Ebanman Life with Terrance Turner

Marshal: Sharon Lubinski (2009) – U.S. Marshal for the District of Minnesota • First openly LGBT United States Attorney: Jenny Durkan (2009) – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Washington.

• First openly LGBT commissioner of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission: Chai Feldblum (2010) • First openly LGBT person in a cabinet-rank position: Fred Hochberg, deputy administrator, and then acting administrator of the Small Business Administration, which held cabinet-rank during the Clinton administration. He later became Chairman and President of the Export-Import Bank in 2009.

Tony Miller (male) (D) – appointed in 1994; lost election in 1994 • State treasurer: Maine: Dale McCormick (D) – elected (by the legislature) 1996 • State Corporation Commission: Oklahoma: Jim Roth (D) – appointed

by Governor 2007, lost election for remainder of term in 2009 • First openly gay attorney general – Maura Healey (D), Massachusetts, elected in 2014 State legislative leaders: • Presiding officer: Minnesota Sen. Allan H. Spear (D) – elected senate president 1993

• Secretary of the Army: Eric Fanning – appointed 2016

• Speaker: Rhode Island Rep. Gordon D. Fox (D) – elected speaker 2010

State overall firsts

State officers by state legislative officials

• First openly lesbian or gay candidate elected to a state legislature – Elaine Noble (D), Massachusetts House of Representatives; Elected in 1974, served two terms starting in January 1975, open when elected.

• First openly gay president of a city council — Cathy Woolard, Atlanta City Council President from 2002 to 2004.

• First openly gay state comptroller – Ed Flanagan (D), Vermont Auditor of Accounts; served four terms: first elected 1992, came out in 1995; was subsequently reelected.

• First openly gay governor – Jim McGreevey (D), governor of New Jersey – came out 2004 (during the same speech in which he announced his resignation as governor).

• First openly bisexual governor and first person to be openly LGBT at time of taking office as governor – Kate Brown (D), governor of Oregon (ascended to office in 2015 after previous governor resigned).

• Secretary of State: California:

California: • House Speaker: Rep. John Pérez (D) – elected 2010 Colorado: • House Speaker: Mark Ferrandino (D) (2012) • House Minority Leader: Mark Ferrandino (D) (2011) Hawaii: • House Majority Leader: Rep. Blake Oshiro (D) – elected 2008, came out 2011 Massachusetts: • Senate Minority Leader: Sen. Richard Tisei (R) – elected 2007, came out 2010 • Senate Majority Leader: Sen. Stan Rosenberg (D) – elected 2013, came out 2009 Minnesota: • Senate President: Sen. Allan Spear (D) (1993) Missouri: • Senate Minority Floor Leader: Sen. Jolie Justus (D) (2012)

Oregon: • House Speaker: Rep. Tina Kotek (D) – America’s first openly lesbian House speaker (elected as Oregon’s House speaker in 2012) Rhode Island: • House Speaker: Rep. Gordon D. Fox (D) (2010) Washington: • Senate Majority Leader: Sen. Ed Murray (D) (2012) Wyoming: • House Minority Leader: Rep. Cathy Connolly (D) (2016)

State legislators

The legislatures of 43 states have had at least one openly LGBT member; the first out person to serve in each of those states is listed here.

The seven remaining states that have never had an openly LGBT state legislator are Alaska, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nebraska, and Tennessee.

Alabama: • Rep. Patricia Todd (D) – elected 2006 Arizona: • Kenneth D. Cheuvront (D) – served in both the Arizona House of Representatives and the Arizona Senate between 1994 and 2010[28] Arkansas: • Rep. Kathy Webb (D) – elected 2006 California: • Assemblywoman (later Sen.) Sheila Kuehl (D) – elected 1994 to House; elected to Senate in 2000 – California’s first openly gay state legislator[30] The 2004 elections in California sent six openly LGBT people to the California State Legislature: four lesbians (Assemblywoman Jackie Goldberg, Senator Sheila Kuehl, and Senator Carole Migden, Senator Christine Kehoe), and two gay men (Assemblyman Mark Leno and EBANMAN MAG 2 0 1 8 V O L 1 25

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Ebanman Life with Terrance Turner

Assemblymen John Laird).

• Rep. John Pérez (D) – first openly LGBT person to serve as speaker of the California State Assembly (appointed 2010) Pérez was succeeded as speaker by Assemblywoman Toni G. Atkins (D) (elected 2014), the second openly LGBT person (and the first lesbian) to hold the post.

Colorado General Assembly:

•R ep. (later Sen.) Jennifer Veiga ((D) – Elected to the state House in 1996; became Colorado’s first openly LGBT state legislature when she came out in 2002; subsequently reelected and served as House minority leader in 2003 (first LGBT person to hold this post); later elected to the state Senate.

• Rep. Mark Ferrandino (D) – appointed October 2007, became first openly gay man to serve in the General Assembly. In 2012, Ferrandino became Colorado’s first openly LGBT speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives.

• Sen. Lucía Guzmán (D) –elected 2010; first LGBT person to serve as president pro tem of the Colorado Senate • In 2012, the first major state race in which both major-party candidates were LGBT occurred when Pat Steadman (D) and Michael Carr (R) ran against each other in Colorado’s 31st state Senate district.

• Rep. Leslie Herod (D) – elected 2016; first LGBT African-American to be elected to Colorado’s state legislature.

Connecticut General Assembly:

• Rep. Joseph S. Grabarz Jr (D) – Connecticut’s first openly LGBT state legislator; first elected in 1988; came out in December 1990.

• Rep. Evelyn Mantilla (D) – came out as America’s first openly bisexual state official in 1997.

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Delaware: • Sen. Karen E. Peterson (D) – came out 2013 Florida: • Rep. David Richardson (D) and Rep. Joe Saunders (D) – first openly gay Florida state legislators, both elected in 2012 Georgia: • Rep. Karla Drenner (female) (D) – elected 2000 • Rep. Rashad Taylor (male) (D) – elected 2008, came out 2011 • Rep. Sam Park (male) (D) - elected 2016 Hawaii: • Rep. Joe Bertram (male) (D) – elected 2006

Maryland: • Del. Maggie McIntosh (female) (D) – came out 2001[44] • Del. Richard Madaleno (male) (D) – elected 2002 Massachusetts: • Rep. Elaine Noble (female) (D) – elected 1974 • Rep. (later Sen.) Jarrett Barrios (male) (D) – elected to House 1999, elected to Senate 2003 • Rep. Althea Garrison (R) – elected 1993, first transgender person elected to a state legislature in the United States.

• Sen. Cheryl Jacques (D) – elected 1993

• Rep. Georgette Jo Jordan (female) (Dem) – appointed January 2011; elected November 2012

Michigan: • Rep. Chris Kolb – elected 2000

• Rep. Blake Oshiro (D) – first House Majority Leader, came out 2010

• Rep. Jeremy Moss - elected 2014

Idaho: • Female: Rep. (later Sen.) Nicole LeFavour (D) – elected 2004 • Male: Rep. John McCrostie (D) – elected 2014 Ilinois: • Rep. Larry McKeon (male) (D) – elected 1996 • Rep. Deb Mell (female) (D) – elected 2009 Iowa: • Male: Sen. Matt McCoy (D) – came out 2004 • Female: Rep. Liz Bennett (D) - elected 2014 • Norman Jesse and Dan Johnston, who were first elected to the state house in 1967, were not out during their careers in politics, but came out in retirement and revealed that they had been a couple.

Kentucky: • Sen. Ernesto Scorsone (D) – came out 2003 Maine: • Sen. Dale McCormick (D) – elected 1990

• Rep. Jon Hoadley - elected 2014

• Rep. Tim Sneller Minnesota: • Sen. Allan Spear (male) (D) – elected 1972, came out December 1974 • Rep. Karen Clark (female) (D) – elected 1981, out when first elected • Sen. Paul Koering (male) (R) – elected 2002; came out 2005; re-elected in 2006 Missouri: • Rep. Tim Van Zandt (male) (D) – elected 1994 • Rep. Jeanette Oxford (female) (D) – elected 2004 • Rep. Zachary Wyatt (male) (R) – elected 2010; came out 2012 • Sen. Jolie Justus (female) (D) – elected 2007 Montana: • Rep. Diane Sands (female) (D) – appointed 1996 • Rep. Bryce Bennett (male) (D) – elected 2010

Ebanman Life with Terrance Turner

Nevada: • Assemblyman (now Sen.) David Parks (D) (male) – elected 1996 • Senator Patricia Spearman (female) (D) – elected 2012 New Hampshire: • Rep. Raymond Buckley (male) (D) – elected 1986 •R ep. Marlene DeChane (female) (D) – elected 1994 •S en. David Pierce (D) – elected 2012 •C hris Pappas (D) – elected 2012, first LGBT person ever elected to the New Hampshire Executive Council New Jersey: •A ssemblyman Reed Gusciora (D) – came out 2006 New Mexico: •S en. Liz Stefanics (female) (D) – elected 1992 •S en. Jacob Candelaria (male) (D) – elected 2012 New York: •R ep. Deborah Glick (female) (D) – elected 1990 •S en. Thomas Duane (male) (D) – elected 1998 •R ep. Micah Kellner (male; bisexual) (D) – elected 2007 North Carolina: •S en. Julia Boseman (D) – elected 2004

Oklahoma: • Rep. (now Sen.) Al McAffrey (male) (D) – elected 2006; elected first state senator 2012 • Rep. Kay Floyd (female) (D) – elected 2012 Oregon: • Rep. Gail Shibley (female) D) – appointed 1991; elected 1992 • Rep. George Eighmey (male) (D) – appointed 1993; elected 1994 • Sen. Kate Brown (female/bisexual) (D) – elected 1996 • Rep. Tina Kotek (female) (D) – elected 2006; current Speaker of the House Pennsylvania: • Rep. Mike Fleck (R) – elected 2007, came out 2012 • Rep. Brian Sims (D) – elected (while out) 2012 • Sen. Jim Ferlo (D) – came out 2014 Rhode Island: • Sen. William P. Fitzpatrick (male) (D) – elected 1992, ran as openly gay; statewide publicity after election • Rep. Mike Pisaturo (male) (D) – elected 1996 • Rep. Nancy Hetherington (female) (D) – elected 1994, came out in 2001 • Sen. Donna Nesselbush (female) (D) – elected 2010

•R ep. Marcus Brandon (male) (D) – elected 2010

South Dakota: • Sen. Angie Buhl (D) (bisexual) – elected 2011, came out 2012

North Dakota: •R ep. Joshua Boschee (D) – elected 2012

South Carolina: • Rep. Jason Elliott (R) (male) – elected 2016

Ohio:

Texas: • Rep. Glen Maxey (male) (D) – elected 1991

•R ep. Nickie Antonio (D) – elected 2010 •R ep. Tim Brown (R) – elected 2012

• Rep. Mary Gonzalez (female) (D) – elected 2012; first openly pansexual elected official in the United States Utah: • Rep. Jackie Biskupski (female) (D) – elected 1998

• Sen. Scott McCoy (male) (D) – elected 2005 Vermont: • Rep. Ron Squires (D) – elected 1990 • Rep. Suzi Wizowaty (female) (D) – elected 2008 • Sen. Ed Flanagan (male) (D) – elected 2005 Virginia: • Del. (now Sen.) Adam Ebbin (D) – elected 2003; elected first state senator 2011 • Del. Dawn M. Adams (female; lesbian) (D) – elected 2017 • Del. Danica Roem (D) - elected 2017; first transgender person in a public office position for Virginia Washington State: • Rep. (later Sen.) Cal Anderson (D) – appointed 1987 • Rep. Laurie Jinkins (female) (D) – elected 2010 West Virginia: • Rep. Stephen Skinner (D) – elected 2012 Wisconsin: • Rep. (later Sen.) Tim Carpenter (male) (D) – elected to Assembly in 1984, came out in 2001, elected to Senate in 2002 • Rep. (later U.S. Rep) Mark Pocan (male) (D) – elected 1998 • Rep. (later U.S. Sen.) Tammy Baldwin (female; lesbian) (D) – elected 1993 • Rep. JoCasta Zamarripa (female; bisexual) (D) – elected 2010; came out 2012 Wyoming: • Rep. Cathy Connolly (D) – elected 2008 • Territorial legislators Guam: • Sen. Benjamin Cruz (D) – elected 2008

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BRITISH-VOGUE-EDITOR-EDWARD EINNINFUL

EDWARD ENNINFUL: BOLDLY MAKING VOGUE A FASHION BIBLE FOR THE 21ST CENTURY 30 EBANMAN MAG 2 0 1 8 V O L 1

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Ebanman Life

with Edward Enninful

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Ebanman Life

Edward Enninful

I

talian Vogue. In 1998, Enninful became a contributing editor to Italian Vogue. According to him, working with Vogue Italia editor-in-chief Franca Sozzani and photographer Steven Meisel propelled him to mature as a stylist.

He helped end the white-out that dominated catwalks and magazines and now he’s determined to make British Vogue the fashion bible.

Ghanaian Born Edward Enninful is a British fashion stylist that’s creating a new wave in the fashion industry and Vogue magazine.

As the editor in chief for British Vogue Magazine, he’s wearing shoes that date back 101 years.

One might be inclined to think such shoes would be quite intimidating but from the looks of things, Enninful is anything but shy of carrying forward this empire and stepping it up to a whole new level.

The throne suits him well. He wears the crown with pride, vigor, enthusiasm and a profound sense of humility that I haven’t witnessed in many other fashion superstars.

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Ebanman Life

with Edward Enninful

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Entertainment Ebanman Life Edward Enninful word

It might have something to do with the fact that he is a very grounded individual even though he’s spent all his adult life and a good portion of his teen years in the fashion world bubble.

Inspired by the streets and his seamstress mother who migrated with the rest of the family to London when he was just a child, Edward Enninful has a very distinct style that even those of us who aren’t fashion obsessed can connect with. He was obviously destined to be someone of great significance in the fashion world.

He got his “fashion baptism” during his teen years.

Spotted on the street first by Simon Foxton and then by a model scout. Remember the Naomi Campbell story? Golden opportunities come knocking in the most unassuming ways sometimes.

Not sure if these kinds of things still happen today.

I suppose those days of chivalry are over but in case you believe you’re a destined superstar, I highly recommend walking on the streets more! Which streets?

I guess we might need to have a conversation with some of these great individuals to see what tips they share although my guess would be even a good YouTube channel might do the trick in our digital society! Snap chat maybe?

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Ebanman Life

with Edward Enninful Anyhoo...

Going back to this highly celebrated iconic figure who certainly believes that in his reign, British Vogue will become a fashion bible, I wanted to understand what sets him apart.

Surely it’s not everyday that a man of African origin rises to such glory. Working with both Italian and American Vogue and collaborating with names like Dolce and Gabbana, Armani, Calvin Klein, Hugo Boss to name a few.

There are certainly hidden gems in him that have enabled him to rise so high in his career path having come from such humble beginnings.

Judging from the level of grace and ingenuity he carries, we’ll get to hear a lot more from him in the coming months. But some things we know for sure.

Edward Enninful is more than just a fashion lover and celebrated fashion figure. He is a visionary and a leader.

The kind of leader the fashion world has been waiting for. He perceives fashion as a form of self-expression.

An outlet for creativity and a way for individuals to uniquely tell their story. “ When you leave your house in the morning, however you dress is how you want the world to see you.”

Though his modeling career was brief, he has remained at the core of fashion itself for decades. Appointed the youngest fashion director for an international publication, Enninful has evolved and naturally mastered his craft in the last 25 years.

Yes, his edgy elegant trademark is hard to miss but in my opinion, it’s his subtle leadership skills that will take him all the way to the top with his current goals.

There’s a certain level of open-mindedness, heart centeredness and genuine love for diversity and authenticity oozing from within.

Diversity is really the key word in our modern society and Vogue is here to help us embrace and celebrate that under the new reign of Enninful.

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“Fashion can say a lot about the times we live in: about race, about creed, about size. Now more than ever, people are really embracing that. Diversity really is the word, and it’s about enjoying our difference; I always believe that a diverse range of voices is more powerful than one singular vision or voice. I don’t believe in tokenism, but different people being a part of the conversation in order for us to move forward? That I like.”

This belief is starting to spill over onto his current vogue projects and from the looks of things, the world is more than ready to step into this new approach and perspective on what fashion today needs to embody.

Our true knowledge of what fashion is might be in need of an upgrade and thanks to emerging leaders like Edward; we are taking a step forward in the direction of reshaping the boundaries and stigmatic ideologies that once tainted fashion arts and music.

From the models he’s choosing to work with both on cover shots and magazine contributors to the carefully thought out team working with him, this is obviously a man who understands the need to lead with the head and heart.

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MODEL: ADWOA ABOAH

PHOTO BY: STEVEN MEISEL

Ebanman Lifestyle with Lloyd Boston

Stylemeister Makes Fashion Accessible to All viewers engaged and on-trend, while he’s covered all the major award show carpets, and top New York fashion runways. The former VP of Art Direction for the multibillion dollar Tommy Hilfiger brand, Boston is the author of four highly celebrated style books: L.A. Times bestseller Men of Color (Artisan), Make Over Your Man (Doubleday), Before You Put That On (Atria/ Simon and Schuster), and The Style Checklist (Atria/Simon and Schuster).

F

rom the Oscars and Emmys, to the Golden Globes and Grammys–Lloyd Boston remains a red carpet fixture for toprated shows and networks such as Access Hollywood, Extra, CNN, NBC, and CBS. Lloyd Boston is currently the Co-Host of Wendy’s Style Squad (BET), the first 1-hour spin-off from America’s favorite talk show host, Wendy Williams. Together, they critique the biggest red carpets, dishing on everything from fierce fashion to all of the fun celebrity drama. He is also a regular contributor to The Wendy Show (daytime) eight seasons and counting.

For nearly 20 years, America has known TV Host and Style Expert Lloyd Boston best from top shows such as The Insider (CBS), reporting on this popular companion show to the Emmy-winning Entertainment Tonight. His 360-take on the worlds of fashion, celebrity, lifestyle trends, and pop-culture news has kept TV 38 EBANMAN MAG 2 0 1 8 V O L 1

Boston has also been a regular contributor to NBC Today for more than a decade with nearly 300 expert appearances. He’s also had several top-rated Oprah appearances, including his very own hour of style with the legend. Lloyd got his start on national TV as a featured expert on ABC’s The View with countless segments to date, then reaching millions more worldwide on The Talk, Rachael Ray, Martha, E! News, and so many others.

He’s hosted the Fine Living Network’s (FLN) and HGTV’s NY Emmynominated Closet Cases, in addition to hosting/ producing his own lifestyle FLN specials. Boston is also an original host of the Style

Network, and best known for their highest-rated The Look For Less, and his own series: Style Essentials and Runway. Die-hard “fashionistas” know Lloyd best from WE Network’s popular Full Frontal Fashion, making him a leading voice of NY Fashion Week coverage for more than 15 fashion seasons. “Boston doesn’t simply set rules for his subjects…” reported the NY Daily News, “He dives right into their closets and gets hands-on with what’s hanging there.” Lloyd also has his own groundbreaking daily style tip iPhone App, Before You Put That On, and continues to explore new ways of reaching his growing audience through TV, digital, new media, brand consultations, and personal appearances.

Ebanman Lifestyle with Lloyd Boston

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Ebanman Lifestyle with Teresa Sweigart

Aging Well:

T

he lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender older adults make up a significant and growing part of both the overall LGBT population and the senior citizen population. LGBT elders confront the same challenges that face all people as they age, but they also face a group of unique barriers and inequalities that can stand in the way of a healthy and rewarding later life. LGBT Baby Boomers, who are the first generation of American LGBT people to have lived openly gay or transgender lives in large numbers.

As members of a legally and socially disfavored minority, LGBT elders face unique circumstances that make successful aging more difficult for them than for their heterosexual counterparts. The effects of social stigma and prejudice, past and present. Not being able to fully participate in the community and society for many LGBT elders is associated with a stigma of being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.

Disruption of their lives, connections to their families of origin, opportunities to earn a living and save for retirement or even their chance to raise their own children. A family is a primary caregiver in nearly 80% of long-term care in the U.S. and of the more than two-thirds of adults who receive long-term care receive the care from family members. For the LGBT community, this is not always possible as some elderly are estranged from their families and may not have a family of choice options.

Institutional regulations, official policies, and laws generally prioritize only legal and biological family, and in many cases, deny same-sex partners, families of choice and other caregivers who do not fall into traditional categories many of the resources afforded to spouses and biological family members.

Men Across

the Nation Safety net programs and laws intended to support and protect older Americans fail to provide equal protection for LGBT elders. When people think of the LGBT elders, people mistakenly picture affluent individuals or couples living comfortable, urban lives which are contrary to what is real. LGBT older adults as a group are poorer or less financially secure than their heterosexual counterpart elders.

An action is needed at both the federal and state levels to improve financial security for LGBT elders.

Legal recognition of same-sex relationships at both the state and federal levels would address many of the inequities in government safety net programs.

Given the behemoth of the U.S. health care system and the complex network of state and federal laws that regulate it, multiple approaches to improving health care for LGBT elders are needed. The recommendations to help LGBT and other elders achieve good health and health care center on state and local advocacy (e.g., passing non-discrimination laws, including protections for LGBT elders in state health laws, changing state laws to recognize partners and families of choice for caregiving and medical decision-making) and provider education and training.

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Ebanman Lifestyle

Life

with Rashon Carraway

T

he paradox of being an interior and luxury event designer is subtle and often missed by the uninitiated. That is, until one is introduced to Rashon Carraway.

Anyone with a little refined fashion sense can appreciate the interior design industry and the creativity they bring to our homes, offices and events. But to find an individual who goes above an beyond the normal standards is a rare experience, yet that is exactly what happens the moment one discovers Rashon.

Being a successful interior and event designer comes with its fair share of challenges. Finding that perfect balance between creativity and logic is actually easier said than done. And it seems the super cool yet distinctively elegant Rashon Carraway has not only accepted this challenge; he’s raising the bar even higher.

Changing Things We Can Learn From The Talented Rashon Carraway The fact is he’s not only raising the bar in event designing, he’s also stepped up as a leader in his own right.

Follow any of his work you’ll realize this isn’t just another creative event designer looking to cash in. This is a man who is imprinting our society with a new message of hope, elegance, class and holistic thinking.

Far beyond the borders of America and certainly in more ways than he realizes, Rashon’s boldness, leadership and unique flair will touch the hearts and minds of many. Perhaps today, you will be inspired, touched and transformed in some way shape of form by these five things this self invested superstar in the making continues to demonstrate.

1. C hase after your passion and purpose and your life will be a story worth sharing.

His swagger is undeniable. Eclectic. Pristine. Manly.

Sensitive and Sensuous. Classic, contemporary and modern all wrapped in one radiant being. An elegant high breed of that hard core {I know what the streets are like} and Frank Sinatra in my humble opinion.

It can sometimes be very challenging to find your purpose in life, but I am a firm believer if you find out what your passion is, you will run smack dab into your purpose.

– Rashon Carraway

He plays with loaded dice when it comes to doing what he loves. In observing and following his praise worthy work beyond the perfect tablescape, what makes him stand out in this often saturated market especially in the United states, is his ability to own his authentic voice, express his genius without compromising the desires of his clients.

What is your passion? Focus on finding it and use it to serve the world. You’ll be amazed how radically different your life will be.

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2. Take pride in your personal style and just do you.

You really are good enough just as you are.

Ebanman Lifestyle

Life

with Rashon Carraway

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Entertainment Ebanman Lifestyle word Rashon Carraway with

TEST word v

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Entertainment word

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Entertainment Ebanman Lifestyle word Rashon Carraway with

TEST word

Life

v

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Ebanman Lifestyle with Rashon Carraway

Be a man so bold and clear with your words, fashion statement, preferences and your vision that you naturally filter out the real from the unreal. And I mean with friends, opportunities and conditions. Learn to trust that being authentically you will naturally draw into your life only that which is best for you.

Honestly. If you step away from all of the filters, magazine recommendations and “influencers”, and be become receptive to your true beauty you will start to become well aware of those who are attracted to you and your flaws. God made you special, just the way you are. No fillers.

No additives.

– Rashon Carraway

Conclusion: We live in a world where being bold and different still creates conflict. Those who choose to be non-conformists always struggle finding the right support and people to vibe with.

It was tougher during the eras of Emerson and Martin Luther King. No doubt there’s still some residual work to be done but thanks to individuals like Rashon, the gaps are closing faster than ever before.

There has never been a time in human history

3. Mindset is everything baby!

where it felt more opportune to encourage

The determining factor in your life has never been conditions, your level of education or the job title you have. Your quality of life and level of success increase or diminish based on your mindset. Change your mindset, how you perceive fashion, design, art and you will change your life experience.

others to step into their own power. Carraway is setting the stage for all ordinary individuals in all corners of the world who want to experience the extraordinary.

With finesse and a little je ne sais quoi he’s

4. The next level up is stepping into your power and becoming a high performing leader in your space.

proving to be a mind on fire in all the right

Rashon does an excellent job demonstrating this.

In an industry that hasn’t really been associated with leadership, he’s redefining the rules of the game.

And so can you.

of his lifelong legacy in the making as he brings

ways. I anticipate this to be just the beginning quality, symmetry, elegance and luxury back into our everyday lives.

Regardless of your industry or business, step into a leadership role and become a source of inspiration.

5. Invest in yourself.

That’s the only way to guarantee success. Your selfstarter attitude will get you clients, help you deal with the challenges that are bound to show up and make you magnetic for success.

You are your greatest investment.

– Rashon Carraway

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BECOME A MEMBER TODAY TO GET 25% OFF! www.ebanman.com 48 EBANMAN MAG 2 0 1 8 V O L 1

Ebanman Lifestyle with Teddy Winston

THE TEDDY WINSTON BRAND: SHOWING YOU

How To Groom & Excel From The Inside Out + A Few

INSIDER TIPS FOR SUCCESS

T

he renaissance era might be over but not for the Teddy Winston man.

Handsome. Original. Debonair. Bold.

Well groomed and luxurious are qualities the Teddy Winston brand embodies.

It is becoming quite common for men from every ethnic background and colour to seek out ways of bringing to life the forgotten virtues, characteristics, and qualities they feel best accentuates who they are in this world.

Teddy Winston is determined to lead the way and carve out a new path for men of colour.

The birth of the Teddy Winston Brand couldn’t have taken place at a more opportune time.

In an age where there’s constant talk about the lack of identity, sense of confusion and an overall feeling

of frustration being experienced by so-called millennials, Teddy Winston brand seems to be preaching a different message.

Masculinity is said to have lost its edge according to mainstream media and gossip magazines. Perhaps there is some truth in that, and if so, Teddy Winston is certainly playing his role as a modern-day renaissance man to help rekindle the fire, drive, ambition and sex appeal men of great value were known to have.

Through his own struggles, trying to find his voice in this world as well as grow an attractive, healthy beard, Teddy did what every enlightened leader does.

He focused his energy, resources and time to become part of the solution to the problem he was facing as a man of colour.

A year later notwithstanding lots of trials, error, and tribulations the

dream of having a perfect formula for grooming and growing a healthy attractive and shiny beard came to life. And the brand has taken a life of its own.

It has evolved from just selling products to inspiring, educating, motivating and offering practical ways of living a successful lifestyle.

An overarching theme that can be sensed across the entire brand is the need to be authentic, to self-express and to strive for excellence.

Grooming is more than just looks.

As teddy eloquently states, “ we don’t just sell products, we build character through commodities that accentuate the natural essence of a man.”

Clearly, the man behind this brand is an individual carrying a vision that surpasses the superficial need to buy stuff.

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Ebanman Lifestyle with Teddy Winston

Tip #1:

Start thinking, acting and planning like a business leader.

Tip#2: Let go of those out-dated myths like “ go big or go home”… It gets you nowhere!.

Tip#3: Develop a strong authentic sense of self.

You need it if you want to rise to greatness.

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Ebanman Lifestyle with Teddy Winston

How can you take your grooming style and professional performance to the next level?

According to Teddy Winston, stepping up your game is a necessity if you want to enjoy the good life.

But tackling the entire problem in one fell swoop is probably not the smartest way to go about it.

Simple baby steps taken consistently, with great intention and good strategy are the best way to go.

Here are three simple insider secrets that you can apply in your life today to step things up and bring out a more handsome, magnetic and successful version of yourself: 52 EBANMAN MAG 2 0 1 8 V O L 1

Tip #1: Start thinking, acting and planning like a business leader.

Whether you are employed, running a successful business or still trying to score your first gig, this is the time to develop the leader in you.

Tip#2: Let go of those out-dated myths like “go big or go home�...

It gets you nowhere!

Instead, focus on having a good plan and strategy in place. Start small, succeed and then go big!

Ebanman Lifestyle with Teddy Winston

sense of identity that we all tend to attach to.

Beauty is more than skin deep and there are those who have made it their life’s mission to prove there is beauty in diversity and distinction.

Tip#3: Develop a strong authentic sense of self. You need it if you want to rise to greatness.

Without a healthy strong sense of self, we easily fall into the pit of false identification or we become dependent on the approval and labels others give us.

Don’t fall for the false belief that you must define yourself or depend on another to define you.

Chances are it will only cause you to keep shifting between judgment and resentment both of yourself and others. How you are should never be defined by how someone else is.

“We are defined by our character, our relationships, our energies, our dreams and to some extent, through our achievements, all subject to time,” says Winston.

According to a research conducted

by William W. Maddux, people who have significant multicultural experiences are more creative.

With all this research and the increased awareness offered

by Teddy, it becomes easier to understand the value of knowing oneself and boldly expressing it.

The more you understand who you are, where you are coming from and the purpose of your life, the more you may be able to show compassion and understanding in conflicting and even challenging situations thereby creating an opportunity rather than perpetuating the crisis.

Without a doubt, Teddy Winston Brand is representing the dawn of a new modern era that is infused with tradition, integrity, authenticity, and boldness.

Setting themselves apart from just another “lifestyle and grooming” product for men, they are providing a platform where renaissance men can receive support, motivation and one heck of a beard!

Success requires self-confidence.

Your self-confidence should not come from what others think of you.

In a very compelling article by Teddy Winston, he reveals his perspective on this very sensitive topic. Of course, it traces back to the personal EBANMAN MAG 2 0 1 8 V O L 1 53

Ebanman Lifestyle with Teddy Winston

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Ebanman Lifestyle with Teddy Winston

What is your PERCEPTION of LOVE?

U

nconditional love is a staple for all Gay black men. For many of us, it’s not just necessarily something we crave but something we really need. A love that is filled with embrace and acknowledgment, letting us know that we are enough. For many of us growing up as gay black men in this country, we fight so hard to make a way for ourselves. It remains a struggle to this very day to gain the acknowledgement we want from our heterosexual black peers. Those peers not always being those directly in the same

age range as us, but sometimes our brothers, cousins or fathers or even father figures. Some gay men have been acknowledged by their heterosexual black peers but, let me tell you something when done right, that acknowledgement is nothing but a beautiful thing. It’s even more than just fitting in or for some being able to feel that they are still one of the guys.

We exude the sentiment that even though we are gay men, we are not only just enough in their eyes, but are their equals (which we are no matter what) and are no less of a man than they are. There is no question that every identifying gay black man in America has wondered these sentiments. The questions of “Am I” enough for them? Will they view me as less of a man? Will I view myself as less of man because I may or may not live up to their heteronormative ideals? The most beautiful ideal from straight black men in our lives has been when they throw whatever ideals about “manhood” out the window to embrace us and to show us that

we are no different than them. We go on to see these sentiments shown when were not just the “Token” gay friend. You know the token Gay friend? Where our sexuality doesn’t seem to bother them, however it is a portion of your relationship with them that is ignored. Sound familiar?

For some of us it’s not that people don’t know that we are same gender loving men, it becomes something you and both parties choose not to acknowledge for whatever the reason. We see this with our families, peers, colleagues and for those in church your fellow congregation members. However, we must ask ourselves, how far will we go to make ourselves uncomfortable so that others around us are comfortable? Something to remember in our lives is that for the most part, other people will make themselves comfortable regardless of whether you choose to or not, so that one straight friend where you and him both ignore that your gay. He will without have thought, mention to his girlfriend, his experiences they share or any situation they may be currently facing without regard to how uncomfortable you might feel on the topic. Yet for you, you may hold back from mentioning that you’ve met a guy you’re interested in or a fun trip you and your boyfriend may have shared. You may feel sharing such sentiments may make those around you comfortable. So as a result, you may refrain from sharing.

Nonetheless, how transparent are those relationships with not just straight black men but your heterosexual peers in general if that notion of your relationship is ignored?

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Dr. Ebanmen

Unconditional

Black Love

C

urrently independence does not seem like something to simply aspire for, but for many the only way to be. While independence is beautiful within itself, so is the concept of togetherness. As gay black men we are faced with many gut wrenching challenges. From the acceptance of our family and peers, to how we go about navigating our relationships; and for others, we may share the concern of our independence being stripped the moment we latch onto our “ball and chain”. However, let us consider the notion that independence is not something that is stripped when together with someone, but something we can share with them. In other words, bring them into our world and share that very world with them.

Consider your life as a one big completed puzzle.

Where by yourself (your puzzle) has already completed, which any other piece added on is a piece that is extra. While the extra piece may not necessarily be needed; it can however always add but can never take away from the puzzle that is already complete. Therefore, it is important to look at how the relationship and love we share with another man can only add and enrich our lives.

We do not necessarily view these relationships as you are being enthralled in someone else’s world, but someone else coming into ours. Which allows you to become this tour guide that will navigate through the many adventures shared.

When love is done right it is always beautiful and just as the famous classic TV show “a many splendored thing”. In a true healthy relationship were never truly “giving something up”, but instead sharing the very essence of who we are as individuals with them. As the adage goes,

“None of the things in our lives really hold true value, until were given the opportunity to share them with the ones we love.” Together we’ll share experiences, memories or even a travel destination or two. Let’s also not forget the different phases you will both go through together in life. The best part is to have someone right by your side to go and grow through them with you. How solid can any relationship be without a trial or two to solidify how solid it really is? With anything in life, something can only be proven when tested.

For those in long lasting relationships, take the time to consider what new things or experience you can share with your significant other. Look for new ways to invite them into your world. You can let them know about your interests, maybe plan a trip for a romantic getaway experience you two can share together. As most couples grow closer together when they do and experience more together. And for the new couples just building and getting into the groove of things, think of new ways to express who you are along with your interests to your new significant other.

Now while being alone is sometimes essential to our growth, we must remember no one gets to where they want to be at in life on their own. The doctor is in and I am ordering a prescription of togetherness. Your heat should feel better and so should you!

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Ebanman Arts & Entertainment

with Kehinde Wiley

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FEW ARTISTS IN OUR DAY HAVE BEEN BOLD ENOUGH TO DEFY EXPECTATION WHEN IT COMES TO STRETCHING SOCIAL AND CULTURAL BOUNDARIES.

Growing up in a family of six where basic necessities didn’t come easy, his passion for art is probably the only thing that kept him focused through the tough times. It’s easy to sense both the extremes of poverty and opulence that Kehinde Wiley has been exposed to.

ehinde Wiley is in a league of his own when it comes to his masterful work and his vision for art and the world in general.

His belief that we are more powerful than we think and that we deserve to be visible and express our uniqueness motivates any dream chaser. But to effectively chase after your dream a certain level of presence, power and right attitude is essential.

K

Born on the poor side of Los Angeles and now based in New York, this visual artist is establishing his welldeserved spot within art history’s portrait painting tradition.

It should come as no surprise that his approach is here to create a paradigm shift and pattern disrupts. He is challenging all of us to change the way we view and interact with art in our fast-paced modern times.

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Many of his masterpieces are stretching the boundaries of what’s considered socially acceptable as he seeks to express and celebrate spaces and people who are often overlooked and unheard. In his words, “my goal is being able to allow the painting to

exist in the 21st century in a way that has an indexical relationship to the urban culture and where the world is moving.”

The desire he has to crown everyday individuals and bring them into a new understanding of what royalty is or how to create wealth makes him a pioneer in his own right. Giving back hope, confidence, and grace to the brown and dark sinned communities globally. In a society where we often feel suffocated and invisible, I believe Kehinde Wiley has taken on the courageous work of being the torchbearer of a new chapter in world history as seen in his world stage portfolio.

Suffice it to say his story of overcoming adversity and transcending from the sidelines to the spotlight in an industry genre that was quite conservative serves as a great

demonstration of the courage, power, and passion radiated from his portraiture work.

The more one dives into the projects he’s immersed in, easier it is to connect with his core desire. This is a man armed with a smile that lights up the room, visions that can change the world and one who has against all odds set himself apart from any artist I have encountered.

With nothing more than a paintbrush, blank canvas and obsessive love for authentic art, he is, by all means, a change catalyst in an ever-evolving world. The streets of Harlem have been touched by his vision and now museums the world over will continue to spread this new iconic message.

Maintain that yearning that “it is possible to see images of black men in public spaces without any

negative social connotation” – I see an awakened soul who is encouraging each and every one of us to step into our personal power and be more present.

Physical presence is about being.

And we’ve all had those moments where we felt there was more in us that we wish to give, do and express if only we had enough courage. If only we could slow down long enough and be more present.

One can only imagine the legacy and positive impact Kehinde Wiley will have not just on the history books but with the young men and women he’s continuing to inspire through his work.

It’s about time you made a decision that your uniqueness needs to shine more in the world. Refuse to be invisible and cultivate the attitude that will create wealth, touch lives and leave a mark in the pages of history.

The award-winning artist believes that in a world where everything is moving fast and people are conditioned to conform, being able to produce art that causes us to slow down, experience, reflect and change at some level as a result of his creative output is one of the best motives he can have for producing revolutionary masterpieces.

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h s n t o o s J ix na m D Gy

Entertainment word

A

W

hen someone decides to come out to his family, he typically only must do it once. But for an athlete, it may need to happen twice. Because an athlete’s teammates are the people he spends more time with, training, practicing, competing and who often know him more intimately. So, coming out to this second family can cause even more anxiety. Luckily, Josh had lots of support.

Josh is half black and half Japanese, and was adopted, along with his two sisters, by a mixed-race couple. Asked if he ever felt discrimination, he says he would get questions about his skin color and eye shape. But that he never had a conflict of identity or anything like that.

Josh Dixon is an aspiring Olympian for the Summer games in 2020 in Tokyo, Japan.

Josh is a gymnast also opening gay, one of the first openly gay athletes. Josh had started in gymnastics because he had two older sisters. He would try the acrobatics in the backyard that he saw his sisters doing in gymnastic practice. I started in a beginner class and one of the team coaches spotted me from there. They all pretty much did every sport through high school, but something about gymnastics stuck.

Josh came out in 2012, he said in an article back in early 2016 that coming out was necessary in accepting who he was and he couldn’t grow as a person, in and outside the sporting world, unless I did so. Josh went on to say that it wasn’t really a question of where he was in his gymnastic career, but more or less a decision to be a role model and to say, You know, it’s okay to be yourself, and to be yourself in the sporting world.”

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Ebanman Arts & Entertainment with Josh Dixon

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Ebanman Arts & Entertainment with Josh Dixon

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Josh was talking to an old teammate from Stanford and the teammate brought up the fact that Josh was in a very unique position being in a U.S. national team member in a very recognizable Summer Games sport. The teammate said “Now that you’re out to your close friends, you’re in a very powerful position to break down barriers, especially in sports and within gymnastics.” Josh the realized that he has an obligation, a responsibility to anybody struggling with similar battles, to say that it’s okay to be un-apologetically yourself. Josh points out that he has been very accepted and receives the utmost support from the sporting world, the LGBT community, his friends, and family. Recognizing that the environment in which he lives and trains allowed for nothing but support. But he also can see that someone else’s scenario could be completely

different, so he does not shy away from being that supportive voice, public advocate in this arena, and he can only hope to lend a inspiring example to somebody else.

Josh says his number one motivation force to follow through with his rigorous schedule and compete is the Olympic games. He says there is obviously so much gymnastics outside the Olympics, but reaching the highest level of what I want to do, in and out of the gym, drives me to push myself everyday. He also loves tennis and can hold his own on the court; he likes any political drama or comedy; Sister Act 1 and 2; any od school music (Aretha, Sam Cooke, Teddy Pendergrass, Steve Wonder, Ray Charles, and the list goes on).

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Ebanman Lesiure Bulgaria

Capital: Sofia and largest city 42°41’N 23°19’E Official Languages: Bulgarian Official Script: Cyrillic Ethnic Groups: (2011) 84.8% Bulgarians 8.8% Turks 4.9% Roma 1.5% others

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Ebanman Lesiure

Bulgaria

WE’RE

BULGARIA

Is a country in southeastern Europe. It is bordered

by Romania to the north, Serbia and Macedonia to the west, Greece and Turkey to the south, and the Black Sea to the east. With a territory of 110,994 square kilometres (42,855 sq mi), Bulgaria is Europe’s 16th-largest country.

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Ebanman Lesiure Bulgaria

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Ebanman Lesiure

Bulgaria

Hello Travellers Do you like a challenge?

Do you like to stay fit? Are you someone who wants to toy with social upheavals?

Then visit Bulgaria for a skiing holiday.

Capital: Sofia and largest city 42°41’N 23°19’E Official Languages: Bulgarian Official Script: Cyrillic Ethnic Groups: (2011)

84.8% Bulgarians

8.8% Turks

4.9% Roma

1.5% others Religion: Bulgarian Orthodox Church Demonym: Bulgarian Government: Unitary parliamentary constitutional republic • President Rumen Radev • Prime Minister Boyko Borisov Area: • Total 110,993.6 km2 (42,854.9 sq mi) (103rd) • Water (%) 0.3 Population: • 31 December 2016 estimate 7,101,859[5] (102nd) • Density 64.9/km2 (168.1/sq mi) (95th) Flag:

E

arlier this year, I decided that the sun was too much and I wanted an active holiday, and active in my book means, being stood up right for more than 15 minutes.

Our journey like usual starts at the booking, unless you’re a wizard or Richard Branson. We booked a package with Crystal Ski, whose site and mobile app are so user friendly , it’s one update away from telling you when to pee and where Venus is in the sky. Seriously it does everything!

However ski hire is hard to decipher what you need and costly with them, so maybe outsource if you was to stick to a budget, make sure you get the basics and lift pass with whoever you book with.

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Ebanman Lesiure Bulgaria

We are in Sofia and to our shock we end up in the furthest resort from the airport, if you pay a little bit more you stay in a nicer and closer resort (shocking). 4 hours to Perelik hotel in Pamporovo and I get the sinking feeling that it’s a “nicer in the pictures” vibe. The reception clerk was like the riddler and guessing where the room was our goal as he wasn’t going to tell us and we end up in a lift fresh from the sex scene of The Stud movie. in your G&T when you hit the hotel bar, that’s close enough. I’ll say this now, I’m not sure because of my gorgeous face or my dark complexion and the fact we’re in a remote part of the country. But I managed to stop several inaudible conversations, get kids pointing with vigour and a fat lady drops her cutlery and stops eating her dinner. Again FAT LADY STOPS EATING in my appearance, I’m practically Usher!! Speaking of the buffet, the buffet food at the hotel is “limited”, like 8 main options all the time limited. In terms of getting around, thankfully with most hotels/ lodges off the main piste, there’s free transfer buses and taxis. You’ll eventually come to the towering ski runs & slopes are various in terms of quality, skill level and length, most of the slopes are interconnected so prepare for things to get dicey/ insanely easy if you make the wrong turn.

The scenery from slopes is lovely, white, sun kissed snow, dense forests and inviting cafes provide a warm welcoming and variety of cuisines (goodbye hotel food).

There’s a small rustic Irish bar in the middle of the slopes I would recommend, not very Irish with the Bulgarian Geppetto at the helm but cosy log fire, hot chocolate and tasty pizza. Bulgaria, it’s an experience, just ski and enjoy.

Location: Crystal Ski

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Ebanman Entertainment Lesiure Bulgaria word

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Ebanman Lesiure Bulgaria

We are in Sofia and to our shock we end up in the furthest resort from the airport, if you pay a little bit more you stay in a nicer and closer resort (shocking). 4 hours to Perelik hotel in Pamporovo and I get the sinking feeling that it’s a “nicer in the pictures” vibe. The reception clerk was like the riddler and guessing where the room was our goal as he wasn’t going to tell us and we end up in a lift fresh from the sex scene of The Stud movie.

Pamporovo has all the conveniences you will require, with bars, ski and gift shops; but in terms of a gay village, there’s little here. So put a pink umbrella in your G&T in your G&T when you hit the hotel bar, that’s close enough. I’ll say this now, I’m not sure because of my gorgeous face or my dark complexion and the fact we’re in a remote part of the country. But I managed to stop several inaudible conversations, get kids pointing with vigour and a fat lady drops her cutlery and stops eating her dinner. Again FAT LADY STOPS EATING in my appearance, I’m practically Usher!! Speaking of the buffet, the buffet food at the hotel is “limited”, like 8 main options all the time limited. In terms of getting around, thankfully with most hotels/ lodges off the main piste, there’s free transfer buses and taxis. You’ll eventually come to the towering ski runs & slopes are various in terms of quality, skill level and length, most of the slopes are interconnected so prepare for things to get dicey/ insanely easy if you make the wrong turn.

The scenery from slopes is lovely, white, sun kissed snow, dense forests and inviting cafes provide a warm welcoming and variety of cuisines (goodbye hotel food).

There’s a small rustic Irish bar in the middle of the slopes I would recommend, not very Irish with the Bulgarian Geppetto at the helm but cosy log fire, hot chocolate and tasty pizza. Bulgaria, it’s an experience, just ski and enjoy.

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Ebanman Lesiure

Bulgaria

We’re Relaxing!

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Ebanman Lesiure Bulgaria

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Ebanman Lesiure

Bulgaria

We’re Traditional!

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Ebanman Lesiure 2018 Jaguar F-Pace

JAGUAR F-PACE: A young, luxury midsize SUV that’s impressing everyone.

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Ebanman Lesiure 2018 Jaguar F-Pace

MSRP: From $42,065 Dimensions: 186” L x 82” W x 65” H MPG: Up to 26 city / 33 highway Horsepower: 180 to 380 hp Cargo Volume: 33.5 ft

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Ebanman Lesiure 2018 Jaguar F-Pace

Talk about being a day late and a dollar short and still making an entrance!

J

aguar has always been known for sleek luxury cars that can tear up the road and your savings. Like its name sake animal, Jaguar has a reputation for speed, stealth and accuracy, all in a body that screams “high class” no matter who’s sitting in the driver’s seat.

For most of us, Jaguar is a brand to which we aspire, not a place to start and work our way somewhere else.

So, why would this carmaker–known worldwide for its luxury vehicles (when you say “jaguar”, people think of the brand before they think of the animal, I suspect)–bother to get into the smallish SUV market?

Simply put, it had no choice. Today’s carmakers have to compete in every segment, no exceptions. Thus, 82 EBANMAN MAG 2 0 1 8 V O L 1

Jaguar introduced the F-Pace last year, and it’s still getting paparazzi to notice wherever it goes. If you’re looking at an F-Pace–and honestly, who wouldn’t?

You’re going to have an excellent selection of engines.

Turbo is the word here (not Grease!), and you’ll have your choice of several, depending on trim. With the designation of “25t” (the base turbo engine), you’ll get a 2.0-liter inline-4 engine that coughs up 247 horsepower with 269 pounds-feet of torque. That’s an impressive powerplant for what’s basically an overgrown small car that acts like an SUV and dresses like Mariah Carey on New Year’s Eve (but Jaguar wears it better). You can go up to a 30t, and that will give you 296 horses with 295 pounds-feet of torque.

Just one step up more and you’ll have the 36t with a 2.0-liter V6 engine offering 340-380 horsepower and 332 torque.

But wait, there’s more: you can also get a diesel turbo 2.0-liter engine, offering 180 horsepower and 318 torque, with better fuel economy.

Ebanman Lesiure Diesel turbo 2.0-liter engine, offering 180 horsepower and 318 torque.

And that’s just the engines.

There are six trims that come in many variations based on engine size and your desire to speed while luxuriating. The top-tier trim is dubbed Portfolio, a subtle reminder of how much you gained in 2017 if you had your money invested in Bitcoin.

Which brings us to what I know you’re thinking: “I can’t afford a Jaguar.” Well, yeah, the F-Pace starts at just over $42,000, which could be a very nice down payment on a cracker box just ten miles from Gay Central. I tested the 25t R Sport, one of the higherend trims, which clocks in at $54,175–and trust me, I did not income-qualify to get into this car. It was sporty and fun, even with the smaller turbocharged inline-4 engine. I enjoyed taking it everywhere, though it’s not obvious at first glance that it’s a Jaguar. Sleek and discreet it is, so if you’re a flashy type like me, note that this car doesn’t always make an entrance in the Costco parking lot. (But in an accident, oh trust me, they’ll notice that it’s a jaguar).

2018 Jaguar F-Pace

In other words, most of you will still need to aspire to this car. You may get there someday, but not if you follow my lifetime achievement example. Finish school, buy a home, and if you still have some cash (a lot of it), then consider getting a Jaguar. It’s not for everybody.

And I suspect that Jaguar would like to keep it that way.

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S

pirits are one of the primary sources of social entertainment and togetherness for people from all different cultures.

Two love birds saw an open market in the LGBTQ community that lead them to launch a spirit created for “all communities” by “our community” called Lambda Vodka.

LV creators, Charles Hughes and Richard Solomon met through a mutual friend in 2010 and the two have been inseparable since. They spend most of their business and personal time working together for the same organization from open to close (one in finance and the other in I.T.), and the evening hours of their days are spent promoting Lambda Vodka. In December 2016, they decided to wed with only inviting two guests to their small ceremony, which was Charles’ mother and Richard’s mother. Once arriving home from a life changing moment, they will cherish forever, their very first case of Lambda Vodka was on the newlywed’s door step!

The bottle label is designed with great thought as the name derives from the 1970’s where the lambda greek symbol was used to signify the LGBTQ community. The hands represent the sense of comfortability in social environments such as: clubs and gay bars. Not to mention, the adjectives represent the characteristics of the individuals within our community. We finally have a spirit to call our own, which is Lambda Vodka!

LambdaVodka.com

“Within our community we don’t see spirit brands that are targeted to us!”

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Ebanman Lesiure Food and Drinks

Rosemary & Parmesan Crusted Lamb Racks with Mash Potato & Red Wine Jus Ingredients: • 3 Frenched lamb racks 4 cutlets each, trimmed of fat cap, and cleaned of excess fat • 2 bunches rosemary • 2-3 clove garlic finely chopped • 3 Tablespoons parmesan cheese freshly grated • 2 Cups bread crumbs • 2 Cups plain flour • 2 Eggs • Milk • Extra virgin olive oil • Butter • Sea salt flakes • Freshly ground black pepper Prep: 20 min Cook: 30 min Cuisine: Italian, Modern Wine Match: Pinot Noir See all Pinot Noir recipes Dietary: Diabetic, Low Sugar, Sugar Free Serves: 3 Season: Spring

Everyone knows that meats and fresh herbs are a marriage made in heaven, but as in human relationships certain marriages are stronger than others. For example roast chicken with fresh thyme, seafood with dill or fennel, tender beef with a rich tarragon infused béarnaise and of course the ultimate paring of roast lamb and fresh rosemary. The latter mentioned combination is, in this recipe taken to another level by adding garlic and parmesan. This would have to be my favourite way to have lamb.

1. P reheat oven to 180 degrees (350 Fahrenheit).

2. Remove the lamb from the fridge about an hour prior to cooking, this will ensure even cooking) 3. Place eggs into a mixing bowl and beat slightly, add a good splash of milk and a couple tbsps of olive oil and mix well.

4. Place bread crumbs in another bowl, add the parmesan cheese, garlic, rosemary, season liberally with salt and pepper and mix ingredients together.

5. Take racks one at a time and roll the loin part in the flour, being careful only to get flour on the meat and not on the bones.

6. Take the floured lamb racks and dip the floured part in the egg wash, allow excess to drip off for a couple of seconds and place the rack in the bread crumb bowl.

7. Gently cover the wet part of the racks with the crumbs and gently push on the crumbs ensuring that the entire loin is crumbed.

8. Once all the racks have been crumbed, place a pan on medium heat, add enough oil to cover the base of the pan and add a couple tbsps of butter.

9. Lightly brown the racks on all sides and set on oven tray (make sure the racks are standing up straight, you may have to prop them against the edge of the baking tray).

10. D epending on the size of the racks and degree of cooking bake for the following time.

1. Rare: 12 minutes 2. Med rare: 16 minutes 3. Medium: 18 minutes 4. Well done: 23 minutes 11. L et the racks rest outside of the oven for about 5-8 minutes before serving. Racks can be either cut into cutlets for serving or left as a whole rack.

12. Great with a rich red wine just and even better with a glass of Pinot Noir on the side.

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1 Prep: 20 min Cook: 30 min Cuisine: Italian, Modern Wine Match: Pinot Noir, See all Pinot Noir recipes Dietary: Diabetic, Low Sugar, Sugar Free Serves: 3 Season: Spring

2 3 Depending on the size of the racks and degree of cooking bake for the following time.

1. Rare: 12 minutes 2. Med rare: 16 minutes 3. Medium: 18 minutes 4. Well done: 23 minutes

Extra virgin olive oil

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Ebanman Lesiure Food and Drinks

Lobster Mashed Potatoes

Tip

Don’t forget to move mashed potatoes to a serving bowl and pour the lobster cream over the top to prevent burning!

This Lobster Mashed Potatoes recipe is incredibly easy, but totally jaw-dropping. A perfect way to make any meal special!

Ingredients: • 6 medium sized russet potatoes • 2.5 oz boursin cheese • 1/2-3/4 cup whole milk • 4 butter • 4 oz. heavy cream • 1 1/2 Old Bay seasoning • 1 tsp chili powder • 1 tsp fresh chives, minced • 1 cooked lobster tail, meat removed from shell and roughly chopped Instructions: 1. P eel and dice the potatoes. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the potatoes and cook until fork tender. Drain, then return to the pan over medium heat. Using a potato masher or wooden spoon, roughly mash the potatoes for 1 minute to remove the excess water that remains.

2. R emove from the heat and add in the boursin cheese. Use a handheld mixer on medium speed to melt the cheese into the potatoes. Slowly add in the milk and whip until the potatoes are a creamy texture and no lumps remain.

3. In a small saute pan over medium heat, melt together the butter and cream. Add the Old Bay, chili powder and lobster pieces and stir to combine. Sprinkle with the chives.

4. Move the mashed potatoes to a serving bowl and pour the lobster cream over the top. Garnish with additional chives, if desired.

Stir together prior to serving.

2 Your choice milk and chesse

White wine is a wine whose colour can be straw-yellow, yellow-green, or yellow-gold. It is produced by the alcoholic fermentation of the non-coloured pulp of grapes, which may have a skin of any colour.

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Ebanman Lesiure

Food and Drinks

1 cooked lobster tail

3

1

A lobster fisher may tend as many as 2,000 traps. Around year 2000, owing to overfishing and high demand, lobster aquaculture expanded.

As of 2008, no lobster aquaculture operation had achieved commercial success, mainly because lobsters eat each other (cannibalism) and the growth of the species is slow.

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Ebanman Lesiure Food and Drinks

Steak Oscar

Cook asparagus for 12-15 mins depending on thickness

Ingredients: • 2 Steaks of your choice (ribeye, strip or filet mignon) • 1 lb of wild caught shrimp, peeled and deveined • 3 Cloves of garlic, chopped • 1 Shallot, sliced thin • 1 1/2 cups white wine (used Green Fin Pinot Grigio from Trader Joes) • 1 TB butter (use Kerry Gold Irish Butter) • 1 tsp Dill • Salt and Pepper to taste • 3 Egg yolks • Juice of 1 1/2 lemons • 1 1/2 sticks of butter • A pinch of sugar • A dash of cayenne • Salt and Pepper to taste Instructions: 1. Place steak on a plate season each side with salt and leave on counter to reach room temperature.

Blanch Asparagus 2. In a medium skillet, add butter and shallots. Cook until shallots are soft and sweating. Add garlic to shallots cook for 30 seconds. Please do not burn the garlic. Add white wine and reduce by half. Add shrimp and cook just until they turn pink. You will be letting the shrimp mixture sit while you finish preparing the Hollandaise Sauce and Steaks so its best to under cook them slightly, cover and keep warm. They will finish cooking while resting and they will not become rubbery.

3. Turn on the broiler. Heat a cast iron pan to a very hot temperature. Once pan is hot add a swirl of extra virgin olive oil and the steaks. Season the steaks with pepper while in the pan. Sear for approximately 3 to 5 minutes on each side depending on the thickness of the steak. Once steaks are seared, place under the broiler for approximately 2 to 4 minutes on each side. Let steaks rest for approximately 5 to 8 minutes while you prepare the Hollandaise Sauce.

4. Melt and cool butter In a blender, add egg yolks and lemon juice, whip until well combined. While blender is still on slowly drizzle the butter until the sauce sticks to the back of a spoon. Add sugar, salt and pepper and whip again to mix.

5. A dd steaks on individual plates. Place 2 to 3 stalks of asparagus on top of steaks. Top the asparagus with a hefty spoonful of the shrimp drizzle with the Hollandaise Sauce and garnish with a little dill.

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1

Tip

Best cooked in heated cast iron pan to a very hot temperature.

Peeled shrimp dipped in lemon pepper sauce

2

4

3

A lobster fisher may tend as many as 2,000 traps.

Around year 2000, owing to overfishing and high demand, lobster aquaculture expanded. As of 2008, no lobster aquaculture operation had achieved commercial success, mainly because lobsters eat each other (cannibalism) and the growth of the species is slow.

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Entertainment Ebanman Lesiure word and Drinks Food

4

Caramelized Scallops with Strawberry Salsa

Ripe Strawberry

Serves 2

• 2 handfuls ripe strawberries • 1/2 medium shallot, minced • 2 tablespoons arugula and basil, minced • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, or to taste • 1/2 pound medium-to-large scallops, tough membrane removed • salt & pepper, to taste • 1 tablespoon butter • 1 tablespoon olive oil, a few leaves of arugula & basil chiffonade

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1

Mix strawberries, shallot, vinegar and minced arugula and basil in a small bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning till you get a nice balance between sweet and sour. (If your strawberries are as ripe as mine were, you might need a little more vinegar. If they’re not especially sweet, you could add a little sugar or use balsamic vinegar instead.)

Ebanman Lesiure

Food and Drinks

5

Scallop

6

Arugula and Basil

2

Heat butter and olive oil in skillet over medium-high heat. Dry and season the scallops with salt and pepper. When butter and oil begin to shimmer, add the scallops to the skillet (be sure not to crowd them) and cook, not turning, for about 3 minutes, or until you see the white/cooked portion of the scallop rise about halfway up the side. Flip scallops and cook for another minute or two, until cooked through.

3

Remove scallops to serving plate. Top each scallop with a spoonful of the salsa and garnish with ribbons of basil and arugula. Spoon a little of the vinegar sauce around them, if you like. (I do.)

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Ebanman Lesiure Food and Drinks

Maple Bourbon

Cocktail Yield: 1 cocktail Prep Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients: • 2 Ounces bourbon (suggest using Makers 46) • 1 Ounce fresh squeezed orange juice • 1/2 Ounce pure maple syrup • 1-2 Dashes of angostura bitters • Orange peel + maraschino cherry for garnish

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Ebanman Lesiure

Blood Orange Bourbon Smash with Spicy Vanilla Sugar

Food and Drinks

Cocktail Yield: 1 cocktail Prep Time: 5 minutes

Bourbon Smash Ingredients: • Crushed ice • 1 1/2 ounces simple syrup (or more if you want it sweeter!)

• Few drops of bitters • 2 blood orange slices • 6 ounces blood orange juice • 1 1/2 ounces bourbon • 2 ounces club soda extra blood orange slices for garnish fresh herbs for garnish

Spicy Vanilla Sugar Ingredients: • 1/2 cup sugar • Pinch cayenne pepper • 1 Vanilla bean, seeds scraped

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Ebanman Lesiure Food and Drinks

Sweet Cherry Manhattan

Cocktail Yield: 1 cocktail Prep Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients: • 6-8 Sweet cherries, stemmed and rinsed, plus 1 for garnish • 2 Ounces rye or bourbon whiskey • 3/4 Ounce sweet, red vermouth • 4 Drops Angostura bitters • Filled with ice • Orange twist

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Ebanman Lesiure

Food and Drinks

Black Cherry Bourbon Cola Smash

Cocktail

Yield: 2 cocktail Prep Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients: 6 Ripe black cherries, pitted 60ml | 2oz bourbon 30ml | 1oz cherry brandy Juice of half a lime plus wedges to serve cold cola to top up (or ginger beer, soda water) orange peel + maraschino cherry for garnish

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Subscribe TODAY! man.com www.ebanman.com

Print + Digital

subscription available find out how on www.ebanman.com 100 EBANMAN MAG 2 0 1 8 6 VOL1

HD 12X Zoom Lens

T

hose impressive photos could very well have been taken with the HD12X Zoom lens that attaches to your smartphone! I know what you’re thinking…there’s no way that a smartphone can take high quality photos like that. But I’ll tell you that you are in for a pleasant surprise when you see what this little lens can do. And when I say little; I mean it. The HD12X Zoom is less than 3” long and weighs less than 2-ounces, so it’s extremely easy to carry around with you. And the fully universal clip technology allows you to use the lens on any smartphone, so you won’t have to buy a new one!

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GET YOUR EBANMAN APP TODAY! www.ebanman.com 102 EBANMAN MAG 2 0 1 8 V O L 1

Ebanman Lesiure Tech and Gadget

The latest from designer Paul Chen, this smart Bluetooth speaker concept is made to withstand the wildest of users! Dustproof, shockproof, and even waterproof, it challenges you to dish out all the abuse you can give it, whether it’s dropping it in the sand, throwing it against a wall, or drowning it in your pool (which you can’t because it floats!). In fact, all of that’s encouraged! In three distinct, sporty styles, there’s a shape and aesthetic for everyone.

Designer: Paul Chen

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Entertainment Ebanman Lesiure word and Gadget Tech

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Ebanman Entertainment Lesiure Tech and Gadget word

DUSTPROOF it challenges you to dish out all the abuse you can give it!

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Ebanman Lesiure Tech and Gadget

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Ebanman Lesiure Tech and Gadget

WATERPROOF it challenges you to dish out all the abuse you can give it!

Audio You Can Rough Up The latest from designer Paul Chen, this smart Bluetooth speaker concept is made to withstand t he wildest of users! Dustproof, shockproof, and even waterproof, it challenges you to dish out all the abuse you can give it, whether it’s dropping it in the sand, throwing it against a wall, or drowning it in your pool (which you can’t because it floats!). In fact, all of that’s encouraged! In three distinct, sporty styles, there’s a shape and aesthetic for everyone.

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Ebanman Lesiure Tech and Gadget

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Ebanman Lesiure Tech and Gadget

SHOCKPROOF it challenges you to dish out all the abuse you can give it!

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Ebanman Lesiure Tech and Gadget

Touch Bar and Touch ID A revolutionary new way to use your Mac.

T

he Touch Bar replaces the function keys that have long occupied the top of your keyboard with something much more

versatile and capable. It changes automatically based on what you’re doing to show you relevant tools you already know how to use — system controls like volume and brightness, interactive ways to adjust or browse through content, intelligent typing features like emoji and predictive text, and more. And now Touch ID is available on a Mac, enabling instant access to logins and fast, secure online purchases with Apple Pay.

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Ebanman Lesiure Tech and Gadget

Designed with designers in mind, this MacBook Pro 2018 concept explores the integration of a full-size touchpad in place of the traditional keyboard. It relies on Apple’s own Taptic Engine

Designed with designers in mind, this MacBook Pro 2018 concept explores the integration of a full-size touchpad in place of the traditional keyboard. It relies on Apple’s own Taptic Engine system to give the user the feel of physical buttons or even emulate a scroll wheel or sliders.

It retains the touch bar for shortcuts and function keys but the entire surface is touch enabled!

Better yet, now Apple Pencil is compatible with the new MacBook Pro, helping creative professionals in their workflow and allowing for new applications using the touch pad area.

Now, software like Adobe Photoshop or Autodesk Sketchbook will be more powerful than ever!

Designer: Daniel Brunsteiner

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In the

Black Community

you can be a:

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EbanmanVoice

with Terrance Turner

T

he relationship between the LGBT community and the religious right has been

a fraught one for decades, if not centuries.

Evangelicals and Protestants still mostly remain opposed to LGBT civil rights, despite a major shift in national public opinion. The opposition can be particularly strong within the black church.

Pastor Kim Burrell, a nationally known gospel singer, brought this conflict to the fore at the dawn of 2017. Burrell ran afoul of the LGBT community during a sermon. While preaching at the church she founded — she is pastor of Love & Liberty Fellowship Church International — she decried the “perverted homosexual spirit, that spirit of delusion and confusion [that] has deceived many men and women.” At this writing, a two-minute clip of the incident is available on YouTube. In it, Burrell commands, “Anybody in this room who’s filled with the homosexual spirit, beg God to free you. If you play with it in 2017, you’ll die from it. If you play with it in God’s house in 2017, you’ll die from it.”

Burrell also called out Bishop Eddie Long, who was accused of sexual misconduct by four men in late

“God hates the sin in you and me,” she said.

“I make no excuses or apologies.”

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Ebanman Voice with Terrance Turner

“It’s easier to bully people from a pedestal than it is to look someone in the eyes and tell someone they’re perverted”.

– zinged Rev. Broderick Greer.

2010. (The men filed lawsuits against Long, who led New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Georgia. They claim Long lured them with jewelry, cars, clothes, and other things to begin sexual relationships. Bishop Long denied the allegations, which sharply contrasted with his public stances.) He was a staunch opponent of same-sex marriage, even leading a march in 2004 in support of a constitutional amendment “making marriage between one man and one woman.” Yet four men said he’d initiated inappropriate relationships with them when they were teenage boys.

Burrell seized the chance to comment, suggesting that a thenailing Long was suffering from a 116 EBANMAN MAG 2 0 1 8 V O L 1

severe ailment. “Nobody would be thinking you had AIDS [if a] homosexual man didn’t come out and reveal what you did behind closed doors,” Burrell charged.

(Long died of cancer last January — a mere two weeks after Burrell’s remarks went public. She has yet to apologize to Long or his family.)

The video surfaced on Dec. 30, according to the Guardian. By the next day, Burrell’s comments began to generate wide media coverage; the Los Angeles Times, the New York Times all covered the incident. The comments also sparked widespread criticism. CNN writer Clay Cane called her remarks “spiritually violent” and “disgusting.” Pastor Shirley Caesar defended Burrell, but fellow gospel singer Yolanda Adams said the comments were an “unwarranted and unproven attack” on Long.

“It’s easier to bully people from a pedestal than it is to look someone in the eyes and tell someone they’re perverted,” zinged Rev. Broderick Greer. “The crassness of her language as someone who’s a pastor shows she wasn’t handling this thing sensitively,” said Jamie Frazier, senior pastor at Lighthouse Church of Chicago.

Burrell hosted a Facebook Live on Dec 31 to defend herself. Burrell claimed she had known many gay

EbanmanVoice

with Terrance Turner

people and never condemned them, but she stood by her comments.

“God hates the sin in you and me,” she said. “I make no excuses or apologies.” What she was making, however, was money from collaborations with the very people she labeled as “perverted.”

As 2017 began, it was clear that Burrell, for all her sermonizing about gays, had no problem with them if a check was involved. She was featured on “Godspeed,” a track from singer-songwriter Frank Ocean’s album Blonde. (Ocean famously declared his love for another man in a 2012 Tumblr post.)

Burrell also recorded “I See a Victory” with musicians Pharrell and Janelle Monae; she had been scheduled to perform with them on the Ellen DeGeneres Show on Jan. 5th. This pastor who claimed gays were “perverted” and would die as a result somehow found herself booked by one of America’s most prominent lesbians.

On Jan. 3rd, DeGeneres canceled the booking. “For those asking, Kim Burrell will not be appearing on

my show,” she tweeted. (She later discussed the incident with Pharrell during a taping of the show. Burrell, Pharrell, and Monae had recorded the song for the Hidden Figures soundtrack, but only the latter two performers appeared on Ellen.)

Burrell’s radio show “Bridging the Gap,” which had aired for seven months on radio station KTSU, was also canceled. “The Kim Burrell show is no longer airing as part of KTSU Radio programming,” TSU said in a statement.

As damaging as the comments were, Burrell’s views are not uncommon.

Only one-third of black Protestants (and a mere 41% of black people overall) support same-sex marriage.

The Washington Post reported the findings, which were from a 2015 Pew Research study. According to Pew, a majority of black Protestants believe it is possible to change sexual orientation.

This series will examine the often turbulent relationship between these two communities — black Protestants who are still shaking off their centuries of oppression, and the LGBT community working hard to shed theirs.

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TRUMP’S COMMENTS DRAW FIRE — AND SHARP CRITICISM FROM CNN’S LEMON

P

resident Trump’s racially charged comments during a White House meeting on Jan. 11th drew widespread criticism — perhaps most notably from journalist Don Lemon, who blasted the comments as racist.

The remarks were made at the Oval Office on Thursday, where the president met with a group of lawmakers including Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) and Sen. Richard J. Durbin (D-Ill.). Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) was present, as was Sen. David Perdue (R-Georgia).

Also in attendance, according to the New York Times, were Rep. Kevin 118 EBANMAN MAG 2 0 1 8 6 VOL1

McCarthy (R-CA) the House Majority Leader, and Rep. Robert Goodlatte (R-VA), the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Graham and Durbin had been working on a bipartisan deal to protect “Dreamers”: 800,000 undocumented immigrants brought to the United States as children. The deal included a move to end the diversity lottery system for visas. As explained by the Washington Post, the State Department offers 50,000 visas a year to immigrants from parts of the world with relatively low rates of immigration. Eligible recipients must have a high school degree

or have served two years in an occupation requiring formal training.

Those eligible for the program are selected at random by a computer lottery. The president opposes the program.

According to the Washington Post, who broke the story, the deal included a provision to end the program and instead give visas to those from Haiti, El Salvador, and other African countries. The president balked at the idea. “Why are we having all these people from shithole countries come here?”

Trump asked, according to several people briefed on the meeting.

Ebanman Voice

with Terrance Turner

Then he singled out Haiti: “Why do we need more Haitians?” he asked.

“Take them out.” (It appears that the president is doing just that: The Trump administration has announced that it will no longer allow Haitians who came to America after the devastating 2010 earthquake to live and work here.

They now must leave by mid-2019.)

He then suggested that the U.S. allow more immigrants from Norway, whose population is overwhelmingly white. (Haiti, by contrast, is over 90% black.) The remarks drew widespread criticism. Rep. Mia Love, a Republican whose family is Haitian, said that Trump’s remarks are “unkind, divisive, elitist, and fly in the face of our nation’s values.

This behavior is unacceptable from the leader of our nation.” Haitian Ambassador to the U.S., Paul G. Altidor, said that “the president was either misinformed or miseducated about Haiti and its people.” Speaker Paul Ryan, at an event in Wisconsin on Friday, called Trump’s statements “very unfortunate” and “unhelpful.”

Though Trump later tweeted a denial that he had used such language, Sen. Durbin maintained the president had made those remarks; Durbin called them “vile” and “hate-filled.”

But perhaps the harshest words came from CNN anchor Don Lemon, who blasted Trump during his show “Don Lemon Tonight” on Jan. 11th. “The president of the United States is racist. All of us already knew that,” Lemon said at the start of the program. After detailing Trump’s comments that day, he opined: “These comments are, frankly, disgusting. (There’s other language I’d like to use, but we are on television.) But you know what?

They’re not shocking — not even really surprising — because this is who Donald Trump is. This is what he thinks.”

Lemon continued: “This is the man who, in the Oval Office meeting last year, said Nigerian immigrants should, in his words, ‘go back to their huts’; who, in that same meeting, said all Haitian immigrants “have AIDS”; the man who based his entire political career for years on the racist birther lie that President Barack Obama was born in Africa — a man who reportedly still believes that, to this day.” Lemon further detailed the history of racist (or racially charged) comments Trump made: calling Mexicans “rapists” and murderers, advocating a ban on Muslim immigration, saying that white supremacists in Charlottesville were “very fine people,” and calling black NFL players who protested racial inequality “sons of bitches.”

(Author’s note: John O’Donnell, the former president of Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino, wrote in his 1991 book Trumped that the president spoke disparagingly of an AfricanAmerican employee: “I think the guy is lazy. And it’s probably not his fault because laziness is a trait in blacks. It really is. I believe that.”)

Lemon charged, “Tonight, a White House official told CNN that they’re not worried. They think this is good for them, and that the president’s comments will actually resonate with his base” — “Jesus,” Lemon sighed in frustration — “admitting that for all their talk about making America great, the president is playing to a base who welcomes his racism and will enjoy it. And that is disgraceful.”

“With that said,” the anchor continued, “here’s what’s worse — and probably the most important point, so gather around the television, everyone. And this is for everyone who might be taken aback by my comments. I want to be very

clear here: I don’t really care if you are. I hope that you are. For years now — it has been two and a half years since he officially entered the political arena — for years, I and others have been trying to tell you, the American people, that this man was exhibiting bigoted behavior.

I asked him about it a number of times, and he denied it, but kept up the racist rhetoric and behavior throughout the campaign and now, while he’s in the White House. His supporters made excuses [and] continue to make excuses for him.

Some of them, people I personally know. Some of them are his friends, as a matter of fact, and I can hear them now, telling me, ‘Oh, Don, Donald didn’t mean that. Donald’s not a racist.’ Or just people who don’t know him: ‘I don’t think…I think he was taken out of context, I’m not sure’ — how many examples do you need of this?”

“But he is a racist,” Lemon asserted, “and for all of you who over the past few years have uttered that tired, lazy, uninformed, uneducated, ignorant response of calling me and others who point out racist behavior racists, you know what you can go do?” He paused. “I can’t say that. But you can go read a book — a history book. Because you might learn that some of these people from ‘shithole countries’ were slaves who were brought here by force to help build this country, and then start your learning process from there.”

“You might also want to do some self-examination: what does it say about you that no matter what — no matter what — you continue to make excuses for this man, for his vile behavior?” Lemon asked. He stated that he wasn’t truly shocked or outraged by Trump’s comments, EBANMAN MAG 2 0 1 8 6 V O L 1 119

Ebanman Voice with Terrance Turner

but cautioned that constant consternation can be a problem.

“Some people can be outraged,” he conceded, “but it’s more important for level-headed people to be strategic rather than outraged.

Otherwise, it becomes a sky-isfalling situation every time he says something dumb or stupid or racist.”

After concluding his monologue (titled “Don’s Take”), Lemon introduced a panel: political commentators Charles Blow and Maria Cardona, Republican strategist Rick Wilson, and talk radio host John Fredericks, who was co-chair of the Trump campaign in Virginia. First to speak was Cardona, who gave an impassioned speech lambasting the president as racist, anti-immigrant, and xenophobic. She talked about having been brought to the U.S. from Colombia at age two; her father, penniless when he arrived, sent all three of his children to college. (They are now an engineer, entrepreneur, and political commentator, respectively.) Cardona lamented that Trump’s remarks marked “a sad day for America.”

When prompted, Fredericks defended Trump by saying, “Well, Don, it’s not about race, as you like to make it. Because that’s easy and lazy.

It’s about economics.” Amid crosstalk and Wilson’s shocked, gaping face, Fredericks insisted on having his turn: “You called on me. So, let me speak. Truer words have never been said in the Oval Office.”

Before he could even finish, Lemon cut the cord. “You know what? You know what, John Fredericks? John, until that last comment—”

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“Are you just gonna cut me off?”

Fredericks complained as their voices began to overlap.

“Yeah, I am gonna cut you off,” Lemon shot back. “Can we please cut him off? Can we take him off the screen?” he asked production.

As the four-person split-screen disappeared, Lemon explained that what set him off was being “doubly insulted” by Fredericks: “I don’t even need to respond to the ‘lazy’ comment,” he said. But to have Fredericks defending him was apparently a bridge too far: “We can have this conversation, and we don’t need someone who’s gonna make excuses for racism.”

For over two years now, commentators on CNN (Jason Miller and now-fired Jeffrey Lord, to name just two) have done exactly that. But not this time. For over four minutes, Fredericks was missing from the screen as Charles Blow and Rick Wilson said their pieces. Lemon eventually did bring Fredericks back onscreen, but not before demanding an apology with all the authority of an angry parent. “John: hopefully, you’ve calmed down, because I

invited you to come on (and I like hearing from you sometimes).

But I’ll be damned if I’m gonna sit here and let you insult me. So, if you would care to apologize for calling me lazy and making an ad hominem attack on me,” Lemon suggested, “if you want to have a conversation with me and be smart about it, then we can do that. But if you’re not going to do that, then I do not want to hear from you.”

A cowed Fredericks did indeed apologize (before doubling down on the “truer words” statement).

In fourteen minutes of airtime, Don Lemon seemed to speak for millions of Americans. The message was clear: we’ve had enough.

www.tagheuer.com

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www.teddywinstonbrand.com

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Entertainment word

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