URBAN GRAPEVINE by F. Bradshaw

WHERE READERS GET THE JUICE AN EXCLUSIVE WITH: ESCOBAR FILMS

WHERE CULTURE GROWS AND THE VOICE OF THE PEOPLE IS HEARD!

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DEAR READERS, First Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to thank all those who supported the January issuu of Urban Grapevine Magazine. As we feel our way through to a greater magazine we at UGM hope the support continues to pour in. There will be a few changes made to the magazineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s syndications. UGM will only come out 4 times a year with a complimentary holiday issue. This will allow time for more proficient content and an allot time frame for printing options as well as interviews and event coverage. UGM wants to be the magazine you go to for the local juice, community events, fashion tips, health awareness, and arts and entertainment. We are working towards being your one stop magazine. Feel free to send any ideas, corrections or leads. Enjoy this months issuu of Urban Grapevine Magazine. Sincerely and Literary Yours, EDITOR IN CHIEF Felisha Bradshaw

Train a child in the way he should go, and we he is old he will not turn from it.

PAGE

GIFTS FOR YOUR LOVER; LAST MINUTE IDEAS.

One of the biggest challenges in the church are not faced by the youth, or the married couples, or even the church leader/s it is being the single and saved.

THE UNDERGROUND PAGE

In the 80â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the dope lyrics were more than just rhyming words. Rap music as a genre evolved into much more.; something called Hip Hip--Hop. Hip Hip--Hop was an entire culture made up of the beats, the lyrics, the dances, the language and clothing.

Somaya Reece is acquiring BOSS status. Her mixed tapes, Tequila brand has her moving in the right circles. PAGE:

discussing all of the issues that make or break solid relationships. It is here where the answers to all of your LOVE questions can be found.

EDWIN ESCOBAR THE MAN BEHIND THE

If you have a question that deals with love, send it to us at : urbangrapevine3@gmail.com, We look forward to assisting you in the love department! ALL BLOGS ARE FOR YOUR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY!

tHE cRAfTy CorNeR

MUCH MORE INSIDE...

DO YOU KNOW YOUR HISTORY??? Take the Urban Grapevine to see….First person to submit with all correct question will receive a prize! Let’s Go….. 1. Who was the first African American to win an Oscar? a. Hattie McDaniel b. Halle Berry c. Cicely Tyson 2. Who was the FIRST African American millionaire? a. Oprah Winfrey b. Bill Cosby c. Madame C.J. Walker 3. Bill Cosby was the first African American to star in a network television show, what is the name of that show? a. The Cosby Show b. I Spy c. Rookies 4. Who was the first African American to have his portrait used on a US postal stamp?

a. W.E.B. Dubois b. Thurgood Marshall c. Booker T. Washington 5. Who was the first African American heavyweight champion? a. Muhammed Ali b. Joe Louis c. Jack Johnson 6. Who was the first African American to win the Wimbledon National Tennis tournament? a. Arthur Ashe b. Althea Gibson c. Venus Williams 7. What key event in the civil rights movement happened in 1964? a. The Black Panther Party was formed b. Martin Luther King, Jr. marched on Washington c. Congress passed the Civil Rights Act

6. Who was the first African American to win the Wimbledon National Tennis tournament? a. Arthur Ashe b. Althea Gibson c. Venus Williams 7. What key event in the civil rights movement happened in 1964? a. The Black Panther Party was formed b. Martin Luther King, Jr. marched on Washington c. Congress passed the Civil Rights Act 8. What date was Malcolm X assassinated? a. February 21, 1965 b. March 9, 1964 c. January 17, 1966 9. Who was the first African American to win the Noble Peace Prize in Literature? a. James Baldwin b. Toni Morrison c. Langston Hughes

10. The Harlem Renaissance, the time period that introduced and changed how African American artists and writers were viewed and was centered in Harlem, NY, occurred during which decade? a. 1920’s b. 1930’s c. 1940’s

Submit your answers now by sending them to URBANGRAPEVINE3@GMAIL.COM!! Be sure to include your contact information so that we can contact you if you’ve won!!! WE ARE GIVING AWAY GIFT CARDS….

Condoleezza Rice, first African American female Secretary of State, was elected in 2005.

Ralph J. Bunche received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1950 after mediating the Arab-Israeli truce. Martin Luther King, Jr. followed in his footsteps becoming the second recipient of the prize in 1964.

The Murder Dee and I always tried to get in as much overtime as we could. We loved to shop in those days. And it had been at least six months since I had used Demerol. I was still taking the Valium however, but for now things were looking up. Usually Dee and I tried to work the same shift. And tonight was no exception. That was until uncle Brocks men walked in and took a seat in the back. I knew Thunder and Mad Dog from the old days, and their nicknames were earned not given. They knew me too. I had been around the block a few times myself and I had earned my stripes as well. I carried my family name in my wallet, and at any time I could proudly open it and tell you my limit. So when Thunder approached me in â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;WALTER MITTYSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; that night he spoke in low tones. I understood. And so did Dee.

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Our presence was expected by my uncle. Time was of the utmost. Although I received the highest rank of respect from any of his people, there was also that threat of what would happen if you did follow instructions. And just by the sound of the whispers in my ear I knew to leave without notice. I would deal with the consequences later, just like I did everything else in my life. Act first, analyze later.

Jefa–

jefa[heh’-fah] Noun— 1. Chief, boss, head superior, lender, manager, (woman) boss, LA Jefa, leader

Somaya Reece is the first Salvadorian woman to own her own tequila brand. Forbes gave it La-Jefa an award for the most promising company.

Boss Somaya Reece is proof reality shows aren’t all what they seem. She is more than meets the eye. The last time we saw Somaya on Love and Hip Hop Somaya was struggling with her music and didn’t seem to fit into the ghetto rich chics costaring on the show. But Somaya is doing more than the show let up. Imagine what they’ve stricken from the show. Ms. Reece is BOSS status. She is doing big things. L.A. is treating her well. She’s slimmed down quite a bit since we last viewed her on Love and Hip-Hop. She’s even become a fashionista. Sporting the latest GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI’S AND CASDEI’S Somaya definitely stepped up her game two fold. Her rap game is excelling to another plateau as well. Rebel with a Cause I, II are her mix tape featuring Swagg, CC Chanel , and Lumidee to name a few. Her third mix tape is estimated to drop in 30 days. That’s three mixed tapes filled with touches of R&B, Latin House, a bit of Reggaeton and Hip-Hop. She gets to lash out at her haters in her single; “I Aint Going Nowhere!” This woman is spreading her self in the community as well doing charity shows to raise money for college student’s books.. Somaya is creating a brand shows who is the boss and who is in charge of her destiny.

E ! C V I T S O A T LSEX

Valentine’s Day Ideas! Lovers it is high time that you step up your swag this Valentine’s day. There is so much going on in Connecticut. Party promoters are really taking this year’s Love Day serious. Some lovers are even starting as early as Feb 1st, giving 14 days of baby, I love you surprises. Valentine’s Day can be a test and a challenge at the same time. The goal is to make sure your lover know that he/she is hot! Hot! Hot! Or, that you love him/her to pieces. I can across a few things that are inexpensive and a great craft project.

…is a jar or box of 31 messages enclosed in mini decorative envelopes for the recipient to open each day or anytime they need a smile. Choose from our library of messages or opt for blank papers to write your own notes. Our original concept brings back the sentiment of an old-fashioned letter in the midst of modern day technology and emails. Whether it is a fond memory, words of inspiration, love or thanks, the recipient will always appreciate notes that will brighten their day.

Wow, is this not an easy craft project? Here is the cost break down if done on your own. Tissue paper or shredded color paper, a jar or decorated vase with lid, ribbon and a gift not card. The notes can be hand written to give it a personalized touch. Therefore, for the notes you will need colored paper and a nice paint pen or sharpie marker pen. If the items were purchased at Dollar Tree the cost would be a whopping $6.00 without tax. Romance is inexpensive and touches the heart. Do not just look at this idea as a Valentine â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day gift but a whenever you want to say I love you or even a raunchy jar that may be stuffed with explicit sexual suggestions or sex related coupons. This gift can be for BFFâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, get well; encouraging notes, congratulations, and Religious quotes to have faith. There are so many different ideas and uses for a KIND NOTE JAR.

An event happening at TWO BOOTS in Downtown Bridgeport area is the gift of laughter. A great for a Pre-Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s day gift. A definite funny man; Stand-up Comedian, Talent. Two nights in a row of laughter now in Stratford Connecticut at the Ramada Inn with Comedian Tony Woods, Jon Laster and their headliner act; Tony Roberts. You can even step up your game and get V.I.P status for $25.00 while general admission is $20.00. The deal does not stop there. You can also get a room, V.I.P tickets, dinner for 2 and a room with a complimentary bottle of wine at your table for the low cost of $150.00. FOR MORE INFO: (203)451- 9589.

Welcome to the Love Letter Welcome at the to the Love Letter....the place where all of your questions regarding relationships can be answered and where self-love is encouraged! Here at the Love Letter you will find articles discussing all of the issues that make or break solid relationships. It is here where the answers to all of your LOVE questions can be found.

If you have a question that deals with love, send it to us at : urbangrapevine3@gmail.com, We look forward to assisting you in the love department!

Dear Dating Fool –

I have been “dating” this guy for 2 years now. When we initially met he was up front and clear that he had just had a child but he and the baby’s mother were no longer “together.” At first, the thought of him having such a young baby gave me some reservations but it was his honesty that drew me in, so I made the conscious decision to keep my emotions at bay and date him casually. It wasn’t until several months into our dating that he divulged that he and his baby’s mother actually lived together, but he assured me that they were not intimate. I convinced myself to believe that and I continued with our casual dating relationship. Now entering our third year of “dating”, I see that his position is still the same – having his cake and eating it too. He does not seem to want to move into his own place and he seems content on how things are between us. I know that I deserve better but my heart is so invested in him that it is hard to cut him off. What should I do? Dating Fool

the Love Letter

Dear Love Letter:

It’s time to tell your heart that its time to move on. The fact that he told you upfront that he had just had a baby doesn’t make him an honest man, as you came to find out. Had he been truly honest, he would have told you from the onset that he was still somewhat in a relationship with his baby’s mother because there is no way that he is living with this woman and not have some kind of exchange: good, bad or indifferent. And, to make matters worse for you is that he now knows that he has you waiting in the wings just in case his home situation changes. All of this energy that you are giving him, you need to turn it onto yourself. It’s time to not only recognize but work on your self worth. You do deserve better and you should never make someone your priority when for them you are only one of their options. It’s time to let this guy know that you will no longer be his side dish, while he is your main course. Loving oneself is the greatest feat of all, but once accomplished it exudes and is then realized by others who can truly appreciate who you are and what you can offer. Basically, he is taking advantage of a great situation he has created for himself, and now it’s time for you to bow out gracefully. It’s finally your time to be the “Savvy Dater” and not the “Dating Fool!”

the Love Letter

Dear Love Letter:

the Love Letter

Today my partner and I had a silent falling out. I knew what she was thinking because we have had this bout before. She has a son that I have raised with her for 10 years and she has helped raise my two children as well. I think she “baby cakes” her son. She makes him breakfast, washes his clothes, and always makes him dinner – even on the weekends. This has been going on solid for two years. She has gone so far as to even make his bed most of the time. She pays for haircuts and makes sure he has money to pay for transportation. Did I mention that he will be 20 years old in less than five months? So, the other day, I made a comment about

her not wiping his ass every time he shits and she got offended and gave me the silent treatment. Although she and her son no longer live with me and my youngest daughter, they both still spend plenty of time with us and he calls my home his home. I so desperately want him to man up but he is not getting it and she isn’t helping with her coddling. Now, my youngest daughter is starting to feel slightly neglected because so much of my time is being spent on him, and her way of getting attention is to act like him. How do I balance this out? By the way we are a same sex couple. Sincerely, Same Sex Parent

Dear Same Sex,

the Love Letter

Having boys myself I can certainly see both sides of the “silent argument” you and your partner are having. First, I have to commend you on saying something to her about babying him so late in life because I could not agree with you more. However, having children yourself, I am sure you realize that it is hard to tell someone else how to raise their child, so when approaching such a sensitive subject you have to keep your approach in mind: the way you said something to her may have been what made her upset. We often times don’t realize that it’s not what we say but how we say it. The relationship between mother and son is one that only mothers and sons can relate to, and although, she is doing her son a huge disservice by not making him be responsible for himself, on some level I understand her need to ensure he is okay. It’s truly a mother-son thing but we mothers forget that with nurturing our boys we have to also raise them to be men who can stand alone in this world. Unfortunately, not all mothers see this need until their sons

are in situations where they cannot be helped at all by anyone. You also have to keep in mind that there may be underlying reasons why she feels that she still has to “baby” him. Maybe there is some guilt within where she feels that she has not been the very best mother to him and by doing the little things that by now he should be doing himself, justifies that guilt. And, although it may hurt you to see how he is still being coddled, you have to step back and allow her to find her own way in releasing him from the nest, but in the meantime, put your energy back into your daughter, who seems to be feeling the lack of attention. Talk with her about the difference of how you raise children versus what she is seeing from your partner with her son, and explain to her the importance in teaching children responsibility because all children become adults themselves and will have to be responsible for their own actions eventually. the Love Letter

lamma–

ADJ. A 30-40 YEAR OLD WOMAN WHO IS VERY ST YLISH, WITH A YOUTHFUL APPEAL YET VERY CLASSY AND IS A GRAMMA.

Extra! CALLING ALL GLAMMAS! Extra! BY: EDITOR IN CHIEF; FELISHA BRADSHAW

I have just received my membership into the 40/40 club. They say 40’s are the new 3o’s and it may rightly so. Our lifestyles are more carefree and we maintain our youthful appeal. We are the era of late bloomers; just trying to find their inner voices. We are marrying again in our 40’s, re-establishing old relationships, re-entering college for higher learning, career advancement, career change and restarting families. I am a 42 year old mom with a non-traditional family household. Tradition is not what it use to be. At 42 years old I have friends 10 years younger and on average 5 years older and I am looking at my younger BFFs and they have granddaughters. Yes, they are grandmothers, you heard me right; someone calls my YOUNGER friends Grandma!

Over the last decade, grandmothers seem to be getting younger by the generation. At the age bracket of 30-40 year old women were barefoot and pregnant and in the kitchen in the new millennium parents 3040 year old are assisting their children in the delivery room. Some 30-40 year old parents have yet to complete their own nest and are bumping heads with their children giving birth and walking the wedding isles; having double weddings and experiencing pregnancy at the same time. Growing up in the late 60’s early 70’s it was taboo to be older than your mother’s siblings. But in the 90’s and the millennium it is on the rise.

WHOOPIE Goldberg was once a 30 yr old grandmother and according to Jezebel.com there will finally be a reality show about these young Glammas. Whoopie and Granddaughter

CONTEST ENTRY BY : GERRIE MARTIN NO MATTER HOW YOU LOOK AT IT. THIESE PICTURES ARE BEAUTIFUL. GLAMMA! GLAMOUROUS GRANDMA! OUR GLAMMA WINNER!

I Love God Love His people and I want to owe no man noting but love. "I am a manager of cash to help propagate the Gospel of Jesus Christ our Lord".

1 Kings 8:23 A blessing is coming to you in the form of money. but you must use Observation, Interpretation, and Application then get Purpose, Vision, and Strategy to TRUST GOD! Prayer requests for Finances (it works) I claimed it for you !!! Yes indeed :-) God has more than a thousand ways to provide For us, that we know nothing about. Here is your financial blessing!... It's a simple prayer If you need a financial blessing, Continue reading this post. Heavenly Father, most Gracious and Loving God, I pray to you that you Abundantly bless My family and me. I know that you recognize, that a Family Is more than just a mother, father, sister, brother, cousin, Husband and wife, but all who believe and trust in You.

Dear GOD, I send up a prayer request for Financial blessing for all that read this message. And that the power of joined prayer by Those who Believe and trust in you is More powerful than anything! I thank you in Advance for your blessings. God, deliver the person reading this right Now From debt and debt burdens. Release your Godly wisdom that I may be a Good steward over all that you have given me GOD, for I know how wonderful and mighty You are and how if we just obey you and walk In your word and have the faith of a Mustard Seed that you will pour out blessings. I thank you now Lord for the recent blessings I have Received and for the blessings yet to come, Because I know you are not done with me yet. In Jesus name Amen...

BRIANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S PERSONAL STATEMENT As a child I often accompanied my Grandfather to his Job as care taker of an 8 acre estate in the suburbs of CT and spent hours watching him work. At the age of 12, I began helping him with his duties, I would rake leaves, assist with the maintenance of a great stream stone wall that that ran thru the property about a quarter mile and would fill up into a swimming pool made out of stone all in which he built. The water from the pool over flowed like a water fall to continue on its way to its destination.

(later in life I went back to research exactly where that destination was to I never did find out it didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t matter I knew it lead-out into the world. In addition I helped with painting, pruning the fruit trees, changing the windows screens, cleaning gutters, maintenance of a clay tennis court, and as I got older cutting the grass on the estate with the tractor mower. This experience instilled in me the desire to take up a trade to learn to make a living for myself someday, yet I understood that the business world at the time was more complex. This complexity required more education and job experience, and with that in mind, I went to college to earn a degree and when I finished college. I began my quest to make that living for myself.

In addition to my helping out in my Grandfatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s job capacity, I was very active in the church, singing in choirs participating in benefits in the community, Junior achievement, the boy scouts, the boys club and YMCA. In High school I lettered in varsity football and I was all state and city champion in track and field. I played one year of football in college and I ran track and field all 4 years. I worked with my grandfather from the age of 12 till I was 22 assisting him in all kinds of jobs he was a mason by trade. I have built stone walls, wooden fences for some of the finest estates in the southern CT area!

I learned how to put up sheetrock, tape and set trim, tile floors, shingle roofs, mix cement, lay mortar and even paint whole houses by myself. My Grandfather was a task master and a very hard man He would instill the fear of god in me to get the job done right and correctly thought he never did lay a hand on me I always felt that it was a moment away. He got the best out of me and taught me a work ethic that stands on integrity and excellence! That experience was one like going away to boot camp. For I lived 30 minutes away in the city and had to travel to work on the estate.

My grandparents lived on the estate so whenever I had summer vacation or days off from school I would get shipped from Bridgeport to Weston CT to work. I wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t come home until the weekends. This helped me to learn to be independent, work on my own follow and take instructions carefully and well. And it helped me experience commuting to the job.

Ordained: Sunday, January 29, 2012

One of the biggest challenges in the church are not faced by the youth, or the married couples, or even the church leader/s it is being the single and saved. The single Christian faces the struggle and warfare that is going on between the flesh and spirit. Many say they are single and happy and have no need or worries in this area. If you are reading this article and are that Happy Single and Saved individual and feel that you are not the one at war well, god bless your happy self and keep on doing what you are doing. Now, if you are the Single and Saved individual and wonder where your â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ruthâ&#x20AC;? or Boaz is, or involved in the fight with flesh and spirit this article is for you.

Minister Aaron Sean Hairston Sr. Associate Minister at Impact Family Worship Center

Having been married for nearly six years and not divorced for five, one of the biggest struggles I face is companionship. It was not easy at first, but I had to really seek God and pray and more importantly study the scripture. 2 Tim 3:16,17…says All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work…So, with that being said here are three scriptures, to help the single and saved… 1. 1 Corinthians 15:33.. Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character…There is a saying one bad apple spoils the whole bunch. Are you keeping company with people who talk about sex, or glorify promiscuity? No matter how strong our faith may be, we have to realize that people and their spirits can have a negative effect on our lives. 2.

Phil 4:8.. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things…..The saying you are you eat, also goes for what you put in your mind you are too. If you are listening to music glorifying sex, visiting websites that are x rated, watching movies that are full romance and sex. 3.

Heb 10:24,25..And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching….Make it a point to go to Christian social gatherings, find other singles that share the same beliefs as you. Sponsor Christian Single events, or maybe for a bowling or football league with other believers. Whatever you choose to do to keep busy always make it fun, and entertaining but always wholesome. Remember whom you serve and what he requires of you. 5.

Being saved and single does not have to be hard, keeping our minds on our Lord and Savior Jesus we can live a life that is fun, and adventurous, while continue to live a holy life.

The pain of losing a child has been said to be the greatest pain next to losing a parent. As a teenager, Jordyn Thomas, experiences this devastation times two when she loses her beautiful, twin daughters at the abusive hands of her lover, Carlos. Where life for her should be beginning, for Jordyn she feels

Lost in a world of depression, the vulnerable teen eventually feels she has found love again in Eric Carter. He's older and more mature than Carlos, and he's also the loving father of two. His kids can never replace her beautiful angels but Jordyn feels that loving them helps her broken heart to heal. Life is once again bearable until she discovers Eric's form of abuse isn't physical; it's verbal. She endures his tongue lashing but in the end, he leaves her for his lover. The stress and heartache leads the expectant mother down a familiar road; miscarriage and yet more darkness and pain. Surrounded by her own darkness, Jordyn closes her heart to love after having endured physical and emotional abuse. That is until Marcus Brown comes along to heal her

The third time should be the charm but Jordyn soon discovers that Marcusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; glitter is not gold. What's a young woman to do when every road she takes leads to heartache and pain?

Journey with her as she discovers her joy within, finally realizing that the greatest love of all has nothing to do with loving or wanting to be loved by a man. It's all about the love you receive from The Man upstairs! AVAILABLE WHERE BOOK ARE SOLD: ISBN-10: 1468121782 ISBN-13: 978-1468121780 E-book $3.99, Paperback $9.99

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The church has opened its arms to Hip-Hop; Christian Rap. Some say blasphemy, some say it is the devil’s playground, and most feel it is taboo. However, inside the hearts and minds of our youth; young worshipers it is nonetheless. This new genre of music is a fresh start in the steps the church needed to take in rekindling a relationship with the youth. Christian Rap is embraced in the Baptist churches. The youth are slowly but surely finding their way back into the church, finding their way back to the Father, and expressing their religious and spiritual views through Christian Rap. Lyrics and music are to teach children for years. For instance, the ABC song’s purpose was to help children learn their letter in alphabetical order. Doe-re- mi-fa-so-la -tee-doe is the catchy lyrics to help teach music notes. Christian Rap- does the same; teach the youth stories in the bible in an art form that reaches and teaches the youth. I had the chance to speak to Christian rap artist and licensed Minister, Louis Jackson; The Lord’s Witness, a member of New Vision International Ministries located on 130 Gregory Street in the south-end of Bridgeport Connecticut pastored by Pastor Derek Calhoun. Louis believes that Hip-Hop is one of the approaches that will bridge the gap between churches and their youth.

UGM: Do you think that Christian Rap has evolved outside of the church; reaching more than just the congregation? The Lordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Witness: Christian rap music has evolved outside of the church but has not nearly reached its capacity. There have been successful careers but they are the exception as opposed to the rule. The genre has diehard fans but marketing and exposure are lacking. There has yet to be a Christian rapper who is a household name. Someone has to spend some "A-list artist" money for an artist to breakthrough. UGM: When you rap what are you hoping the youth get from your lyrics? The Lordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Witness: When you rap what are you hoping the youth get from your lyrics? Personally, I am speaking to adults and kids in my music. My aim is not to show that God is cool or that you can rap and serve God. I make music that celebrates the greatness of Jesus Christ and exposes the deceit of worldliness. My goal is to make music for those who already love God and those who need a better understanding.

What do I mean by king-

The Bible states in PROVERNBS 22:6 ...Train a child in the way he should go, and we he is old he will not turn from it.

dom minded? Keep his mind

der

what

where he wants to learn

should say and how

more and more about God.

should

This starts with me first.

around as the little preach-

Knowing that he is in learn-

er,

ing years, and he listens to

myself

everything I say and he is

when

watching what I do. So I

hands on people. He loves

have to keep mind of what I

church and it is the high-

do and say.

light of the weekend when

I raised my son to act in a positive school

manner and

when

other

places

where I am not. The Bible says at John 15:19..."If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but be-

The greatest privilege in life is to

cause you are not of the

be a parent. It is also one of the

world, because I chose you

highest responsibility there is,

out of the world; the world

especially when it comes to God!

hates you.

In Ephesians the sixth chapter,

My son will go to my brother

we are told as fathers, that we

and say, Uncle why do you

are not to cause them to become

smoke. Jesus don't want

angry, but to train our children

you to smoke.

and instruct them in the way of

saved uncle??" This is why

the Lord. Clearly there is an em-

some may say I am raising a

phasis in the old and the new tes-

religious fanatic.

tament on how we are to raise our children. As Bible believing Christians this should not be over looked as we know the conse-

Are you

He is just a young man of God looking for a positive setting to hang our.

quences of disobeying our Father

But honestly I am not. He

in Heaven.

watches cartoons, he plays

As a single father, I find it at times challenging

to keep my

five year old kingdom minded.

He just knows at the ten-

with his cousins who are Muslims, and plays with other kids.

age

because and he

is he

our

prays

known imitates Pastor, he

lays

he visits me. At school he tells his teacher that he wants to be a Deacon then a

Pastor

the

church

when he grows up. What I am doing is not only raising a

wonderful

child

who

loves the Lord, but I am building a better citizen for our nation. Because he will know what the Bible says that breaking the law of this land is breaking the law of God and he will be the first to tell you, I AM NOT GOING TO HELL! Raise them right and they will be a blessing not only to us as parents, but also preparing them to be better servants for the Kingdom of God Minister Aaron Sean Hairston Sr. Associate Minister Impact Family Worship Center

Mary Mahoney was an African-American nurse, the first black woman to hold that position in the United States.

Patricia Harris, the First Deputy Mayor of New York Jane Matilda Bolin LL.B. (April 11, 1908 - January 8, 2007) was the first African- American woman to graduate from Yale Law School Ludmya “Mia” B. Love is the first black woman to serve as a city mayor in Utah.

Patricia Harris

Mary Church Terrell (September 23, 1863 – July 24, 1954), daughter of former slaves, was one of the first African-American women to earn a college degree

MARY MAHONEY

Jane Matilda Mary Church Terrell

Diahann Carroll become the first black actress in television history to star in her own series .

Mia Love

Diahann Carroll,

Barbara Brandon

Ursula Burns

Ursula M. Burns (born September 20, 1958) serves as Madam Chairman (or Chairperson) and CEO of Xerox. She is the first African-American woman CEO to head a Fortune 500 company

Barbara Brandon became the first black woman cartoonist nationally syndicated in the press.

Dr. Lloyd N. Ferguson started the first doctoral chemistry program at a black college.

THE UNDERGROUND By: Editor in Chief; FELISHA BRADSHAW

n the 70’s popular lyrics were:

Don’t push me cause I’m close to the edge. I’m about to loose my head. To the hip hip--hop to the hippity hip hop… Rap music was “fresh” girls were called “chicks”, Hanging out was called coolin’ and chillaxing’, the music was also jamming’ and Kurtis Blow wanted us to know that these are the breaks (hard times). In the 80’s the dope lyrics were more than just rhyming words. Rap music as a genre evolved into much more.; something called Hip Hip--Hop. Hip Hip--Hop was an entire culture made up of the beats, the lyrics, the dances, the language and clothing. It even took on a psychological stance; the behavior. It was then the urban communities voice. ….to the hippity hip hop, you don’t stop the rock to the bang bang boogie lived a decade and is archived in the beginning of the 80’s and now towards the end of the 80’s these rappers are called old old--school and the rappers of that era regardless of age or existence were now legends. The torch or shall I say the mic was handed down to rappers who rocked the bells, spoke to the criminal minded, took a liking to a girl named Roxanne, told us the truth about freaks coming out at night and asked us about having friends. We were even given a run through history by white boys who told us about Paul Revere. Towards the ending of the 80’s lyrics started changing. Innocent lyrics like; Roxanne Roxanne, I wanna be your man… changed. What use to be clean competition for bragging rights turned into beefs for street creds.

THE UNDERGROUND

Late 80’s to the 90’s Era; Hard Core Rap

At this point young black men were frustrated with society and government and used the power of the mic to voice their opinions. Late 80’s to the 90’s Era; Political/Pro-Black

THE UNDERGROUND

EADING INTO THE 90’S THE URBAN NEIGHBORHOODS TOOK A HIT WITH THE CRACK EPIDEMIC AND INSIGHT OF HOW DEFILED LIFE COULD BE WITH JUST A GRAINY WHITE SUBSTANCE HITTING THE COMMUNITY. CRACK COCAINE TORE APART FAMILIES AND DRUG DEALERS MADE MIILION, SERVED TIME BECAME RAPPERS AND RAPPER BACKERS. WHAT WAS RAPPED ABOUT IN THE EARLY 80’S FADED YOUR POSITIVE K’S AND LL’S TURNED INTO 50 CENTS

LL’S SWAG, AS HE KICKS IT WITH AN AROUND THE WAY GIRL, NEEDING LOVE IS BRIEF AND IT TURNS INTO B#%*!ES AINT SH#* BUT HOES AND TRICK. THE CRACK EPIDEMIC CHANGED THE HEART OF ITS YOUTH; “...AND THEY WONDER WHY I’M CRAZY, I BLAME MY MOTHER FOR TURNING MY BROTHER INTO A CRACK BABY!” WOMEN WERE NO LONGER HONEY DIPS, TENDER RONI’S OR FLYY GIRLS. THEY WERE SEX OBJECTS, THE DISRESPECTED. AND TO THINK PARENTS TWO DECADES PRIOR THOUGHT THAT RAP MUSIC WAS TOO RAUNCHY AND EXPLICIT BECAUSE THEN WE WERE DOING DANCES TO THE RAP MUSIC LIKE; THE BUTT. SOME LYRICS TALKED ABOUT PEOPLE PISSING ON THE STATION AND JUST NOT CARING. BACK THEN (70’S AND 80’S) PARENTS, CHURCHES AND ANTI-RAP GROUPS WERE PROTESTING AND YEARNING FOR THE DEMISE OF RAP MUSIC; HOPING THAT IT WAS A PHASE, A TREND. TO NO AVAIL HIP-HOP HAS SURVIVED THE 70’S, 80’S, AND THERE ARE RAPPERS IN THE LATE 90’S THAT WANTED TO RESTORE HIP-HOP’S REPUTATION. ALTHOUGH THERE WERE STILL HARD CORE RAPPERS LIKE ; 50CENT THERE WERE ALSO STORY TELLING RAPPERS. A NEW HIP-HOP ON THE RISE LIKE EMINEN, JAY-Z AND NAZ, TALIB KWELI AND MOS DEF JUST TO NAME A FEW.

THE UNDERGROUND

A NEW LIFE ERA OF HIP HOP HAS DOMINATED THE AIRWAVES IN THE MILLENIUM. IT’S A SOULFUL CRY TO BE HEARD TO HAVE INPUT. THESE RAPPERS ARE TALKING TO MOMS AND DADS AND POLITICIANS, EVEN THEIR PEERS ABOUT HEALTH, WOMEN SHINNING FROM EMPOWERMENT, SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC AWARENESS. THEY ARE SEEKING JUSTICE AND FORGIVENESS.

IT AMAZES ME HOW FAR HIP-HOP HAS COME THE QUALITY, THE STORIES, THE VOICES THE MIXTURE OF GENRE’S WELCOMING COLLABORATIONS; EMINEM AND ELTON JOHN, JAY-Z AND LINKIN PARK AND CURRENTLY WEEZER AND LIL WAYNE. THIS GENRE HAS DEVELOPED THICK SKIN, IT IS UNIVERSAL. IT WAS ONCE TABOO BUT NOW YOU CAN HEAR IT IN THE BACKGROUND OF COMMERCIALS WITH MAJOR COMPANIES AND FRANCHISES LIKE McDONALDS AND OTHER FORTUNE 500 COMPANIES. THERE’S NO SURPRISE THAT THE EVOLUTION OF RAP MUSIC ALSO KNOWN AS HIP-HOP IS USED IN MAJOR MOVIES; SOUNTRACKS. IT IS COLORLESS. YOU CAN EVEN FIND SOME OF THE HARDEST RAPPERS TO THE FUGEES ON OUR PRESIDENT’S I-POD PLAYLIST. TALK ABOUT YOUR LOVE FOR HIP-HOP!

THE UNDERGROUND BY: EDITOR IN CHIEF: FELISHA BRADSHAW

dwin Scobar The Man Behind the Lens

I am grateful that you have taken time out of your schedule to kind of kick it with me. I thought it was only right that you were part of this month’s issuu’s theme; for the love of. In your case it would be for the love of hip-hop/film.

UGM: I’m going to start this interview out by asking you; what is Hip-Hop? What’s it mean to you? What’s it mean for your craft? ESCO: To me Hip-Hop is explicit boundless expression via poetry and the artists are contemporary troubadours. The first time I heard any form of Hip-hop was in Colombia, the country I was born in, and through it I heard of things that weren’t spoken about in the mainstream media. Things that I knew were real because I saw them. For my craft hip-Hop was a jump starter for turning music into visuals, because it was what always had surrounded me. It allowed me to turn artist’s environments and stories into sets and what became more musical shorts.

UGM: The same goes for me; as a writer I am fueled by my surroundings bringing life to what’s around me putting them into words so that the reader can visualize what’s going on. I am the creator of hiding places. I knew that writing was what I wanted to do. Have you always wanted to be in the film industry? What/who motivated you ?

: Ever since I was able to walk and talk, I’ve had an incline towards entertainment. Starting with music as an aspiring engi-

ESCO

neer and developing producer, I always had a camera around to capture experiences which I still have to this day. After years of offering audio production services to a handful of artists and experimenting with music video creation, I started to educate myself on the business side of all these hobbies, in order to make them careers. It took a lot of self-reflection and a recession to make the decision to focus on film as a whole. Ever since then I have been able to make a living off my craft. I would have to say my motivation has always been making my mother proud and of course, being able to work for myself so that my mother’s sacrifices weren’t made in vein.

UGM: People need to know that in any business in order to get a quality product out you must do the homework. I guess that’s why your videos are so full of life. In the video Free Fallin’ with Wednesday Atoms, whose idea was it to do it in with fluorescent paints? Do always film/edit and direct al of your videos? ESCO: When the talented Wednesday Atoms approached me about this project we explored a lot of concepts, including some very literal treatments, but when she expressed that she wanted to shoot “outside of this planet” I brought up using UV lights, and to be honest, it was my first time operating with that type of lighting. She took it upon herself to hire the body artist (Alicia Cobb) and ordered all the props, leaving me with cinematography and editing to work on. One of the things that give makes me efficient as a director/editor is the approach I have taken ever since I started. I Formulate, either the clients or my treatment ideas, direct, film and edit everything I ever produce.

THE UNDERGROUND

UGM: How do you create your storyline for your videos? Is it easier to pick the brains of your client then come up with your own concept ? It has to be hard dealing with “wanna be” film makers/clients. Your dealing with creative minds and being a creative person do you find yourself bumping head? ESCO:: The way I create storylines and treatments is usually different combinations of the client’s ideas and mine. It’s always best to find the origin of an artist’s vision for the song itself and go from there, although I can write treatments from scratch if necessary. From my experience a lot of the “wanna-be” filmmakers have always filtered their selves out of my market. All my clients have always approached their ideas with professionalism and respect for my craft. Of course there will always be differences in the creative process but somehow I always manage to find common ground and explain and exclusions to my clients.

UGM: I watched the video with local Connecticut artist Abyss. This video was superb! For me it was the straight jacket and white eyes and the team of females. What I loved the most was the location. How do you choose location? ESCO: “Bloody Streets/Riot Music” is a perfect example of an artist’s treatment brought to life by me without revising involved. Abyss is one of the most clear headed individuals I have worked with and his treatment was right on point. Although it’s usually up to the client to provide locations, this time I scouted the sets we shot this short in.

UGM: The video was so sic! It played out like a movie trailer. Pure genius! I am pretty sure that you have a team that you work with on set. What are their specialties? What is it that makes your expertise and their skills cohesive? ESCO: Contrary to popular believe I don’t have a team on set. I am the camera operator, cinematographer (lighting and set supervision), director and editor. Not only does it make me affordable but it has proven to be very effective with project turnaround times of 1-4 days. I do grant access to some associates with blogs and behind the scenes enthusiasts to some sets as long as it remains productive.

The first black female Licensed Pilot: Bessie Coleman, 1921. Patricia Harris became the first black female ambassador (1965; Luxembourg).

THE UNDERGROUND

UGM: What do you think was your most satisfying creation? ESCO: I love all my work. Every artist has their own flavor and I am able to bring that lo life. If I have to choose it would be Fifth Nation’s “Fight a War” shoot. We chose to shoot in Brooklyn, NYC and NJ on the 4th of July of 2011 and managed to have an eleven hour shoot (I usually don’t take more than 6 hours) and an amazing result. I had a crew ranging from the BigBar Radio Family, close friends and even Wednesday Atoms along for the experience. It also has opened a lot of doors in other markets and it’s a day I will never forget.

UGM: In the literary field book trailers (mini movies) are how sales are gained. They are just as important as book covers; if not more important and valuable. Have you ever done a book trailer? ESCO: I have never worked on a book trailer but I do look forward to change that very soon. I think it’s a wonderful way to promote the written art, something many people have forgotten about.

THE UNDERGROUND

UGM: With your talent being recognized, have you ever been approached to do a “B” movie? What would it take for you to do a local movie?

ESCOBAR

ESCO: I have a lot of respect for film and for its cultural, social and artistic value. I have been approached by many individuals with Ideas and stories. One of the main things I always ask is what is your budget? It takes an average of $6 Million to create and market a B movie properly in today’s standards. Of course, you must always crawl before you walk, but even so I can’t give you my best as a director with a less than proper budget that will impede us to write, film and edit the film the way it’s meant to be. Also the subject matter of a story has to be meaningful and outside the cliché approach many have taken and failed at.

UGM: Where do you see Escobar Films in 19 years? ESCO: I always keep an open mind in all aspects of life. In 19 years I see Edwin Escobar Films involved in many projects globally, creating jobs in the field, using the financial gains to help people in need of education and guidance.

UGM: So, fans and future clients you’ve heard it through the grapevine; Urban Grapevine Magazine. I have been privileged to sit to someone who could possibly be the next Tyler Perry or the next John Singletary.

“I WISH”

THE UNDERGROUND

UGM: Good Morning, Alonzo I know HIP-HOP can be defined many different ways and hold different meaning to artists then listeners. So, as an artist what is HIP-HOP to Young Aceito? ACEITO: uhmmm. . . Hip-Hop to me is LYRICS! Without lyrics, REAL LYRICS, its just "music". Hip-hop is far from DEAD. It is the same way as Hip-Hop in the 80s-90s, just with a new millennium twist. You know how everyone likes to put their own "Swagg" on things nowadays *chuckles*. But No one Should Never Forget What REAL HIP-HOP is!! UGM: I can understand that. I know we all add a twist on our own style. It’s what makes it our won. We do have people that do keep us pressing for stardom. What are the inspirations behind your lyrics? Who are you reaching out to?

Young Aceito is a native of Bridgeport, Ct. Although his mother named him Alonzo Sloan, his peers know him by his rap name. His mother Ava Thomas says that Alonzo has always been a fan of Hip-Hop. I had the opportunity to have a Facebook Chat with Young Aceito because he now resides in Florida; the home state of Rick Ross! Aceito shared some links with me where I could listen to his work. There is no doubt that this young aspiring artist has the potential to rise and shine.

ACEITO: The Non-Violent People with No Direction in Life, I just want to Open up ears. I have songs where I'm resorting back to my hood ways that's where I come from and I WONT forget that, My lyrics are about REAL LIFE things that EVERYONE goes through whether rapped on about gangsta, new generation or classical instrumental! check out "Created" on The Operation Win compilation for example. UGM: So you are saying your music is a product of the environment in which you lived? I think it’s what makes it real. I guess I would be considered old school. Lets reverse this; who would you compare your style to from the 80’s, 90’s, to the present in HIP-HOP?

THE UNDERGROUND ACEITO: Nas & Az, hands Down!! UGM: What is your ideal dream team collab?

THE YOUNG ACEITO

ACEITO: That's a great one! Kanye West & Nasty Nas, ... Escobar! Yeah.. That's the collab of the year coming soon! UGM: Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget me when you get that deal! I know that you upload your videos to YOUTUBE; but what are other outlets do you use to promote your music? ACEITO: I'm on DatPiff, Reverbnation, HotNewHipHop, Soundcloud, Twitter @kallMeAce , Friend me on FB "Follow Aceito" . I'm everywhere man ,not hard to find. UGM: In the rap industry you have to know when it is your season; when its time for you to be ready. What are you doing to prepare yourself for your time to shine.? Where do you see yourself in 2 years? ACEITO: Somewhere being mentioned alongside the greats!! I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really see myself No place else! UGM: In the meantime, what are your other hobbies? I am sure the ladies want to know. By the way are you single? If so where can the ladies get a chance to get to know the Young Aceito? ACEITO: *Smiles* I love to Read, idk I guess I enjoy it. I love to play ball on my free time also or just work out... and Yes, I am single NOT quite ready to mingle into something serious But I'm mingling, and uhmm maybe I can get one of these reality TV shows soon or something *laughs. I don't know. I'm Around tho. UGM: You heard it ladies, Young Aceito, the next shining star from Florida get at him, support his music and those who want to hear more about ACEITO follow him on TWITTER and friend him on FACEBOOK.

LA Smith is a native of Washington, DC. She works as a technical writer/trainer for an IT consulting company and resides in Bowie, Maryland. She is an alumni of Bowie State University and enjoys family time with her son Brandon as well as her four brothers and two sisters. Smith is also author of "Love 'n Time," and "Making Love Last" and the erotic anthology, "Two Timers."

"Tattered Obsessions" is her third novel. LA is currently collaborating an anthology with various authors to be released in April 2012. Next to be released in mid 2012, is "When Love Calls."

Author/Entertainer/Motivational Speaker â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mack Mamaâ&#x20AC;? MACK MAMA is a new phenomenon in the Music Industry. She is the first female to start her own label, Star Status Entertainment before signing with a Major Label. As an independent artist she has the freedom to control her creativity and showcase her many styles. Mack is truly "O.B.G" an Original Bad Girl she did thirteen years behind bars for being a hustler, what ever she could do to make money she did with the exception of selling her body. She grew up hard and still managed to overcome the ghetto mentality of her hood. She never settled for less and worked hard at obtaining the best out of life. She exudes super star quality and exemplifies the dignity of a Queen. That of which she is known as the Queen of the underground, because she has released 6 mix cd's and over a hundred freestyle's since 2003. This is only her underground music catalog. Not to mention she has recorded thirty songs for her album.

Her highly anticipated album is available on iTunes, rhapsody, Napster, amazon.com. She has a hot single slated to be a street anthem recorded with D BLOCK's rap sensation STYLES P. Everyone is trying to get a piece of the MACK, her music speaks truth and the streets respect her because her rap skills are undeniable. She is a female 50 cent without the bullets but far more jail time under her belt. So that certifies her as an official gangstress. Mack Mama is also a self published Author with two titles released under her publishing house Star Status Publishing. Her autobiography is called "Tales of an Original Bad Girl" and tells the rivet-

ing story of her life. She tells her story with such raw honesty that you relive the pain she felt when her mom died of AIDS when she was only sixteen. She shares what made her run to the streets with such vengeance and all the fury she felt when she shot four people. She also diagnosis the insanity that she lived through and talks about the change she has undergone to become the woman she is today. She is a motivational speaker and shares her testimony with the troubled teens in schools around the country. Her autobiography includes 116 pictures and a Soundtrack. What better way to get to know Mack Mama.

Read about her, enjoy the visuals, and hear her music all at once. Daisy Jones is the follow up novel and an incredible fiction sure to certify Mack as a genuine author. MACK MAMA is unique in which she can spit hardcore, provocative, or give it to you inspirational. Like the first single to be released called "We're Gonna Blow" that features a 14 year old singer and a background chorus of children singing there little hearts out while MAMA tells the world don't give up on our dreams, because she knows we're gonna blow, and guess what? So is MACK MAMA. You can also check her out on www.mackmamaworld.com , purchase her paper back books from www.starstatuspublishing.com or the Ebooks from any online retailer such as amazon.com, ibooks, barnes and nobles, and anywhere e books are sold. Check her videos out on youtube.com/ mackmama1 and follow her on twitter.com/mackmama and like her fan page on www.facebook.com/mackmama, Also tune in to hear her online radio show on blogtalkradio.com/ mackmama ,her show is entertaining as she dishes her unique opinion on relevant beauty shop topics that every day folks can relate to and as always Mack Mama does it with her own MACKY style.

Daisy Jones is a gorgeous temptress with alluring green eyes who is young enough to send men to prison for sexual relations with a minor. She is also the epitome of a gold digger raised to go after rich men by a bitter mother who is mad at her fate in life. Therefore; Mama Jones instilled in her daughter the art of manipulation and how to scheme on her prey. Daisy had no idea that her heart would get in the way of business until she met her match in Young Chio the southern rapper and C.E.Os of a multi-million dollar empire. The story begins in Atlanta Georgia and travels up north to New York City, as drama unfolds involving a wide range of colorful characters namely the notorious crew the O.B.G’s. These women are a gumbo of hustlers, killers, and drug dealers who have earned a reputation in the streets for being beyond terrorist. Havoc ensues as the plot twists and turns. Deception, treachery and griminess threaten to swallow all the players connected to Daisy Jones. The end result of Daisy Jones wild lifestyle will wake up all the sleeping young girls and women who are trying to get to the top by getting their “Daisy” on. This book will take you thru a whirlwind of emotions and guaranteed to leave you gasping for a quick dose of reality because Daisy Jones lives in an insane world where nothing or nobody is what they seem.

In 2004, the Army named its first ship after an African-American. That man was Robert Smalls. Smalls was born to a slave mother and a white father in Beaufort, S.C. As a young man, Smalls held several jobs in Charleston, S.C., and finally began working at the docks. He eventually learned to be a seaman, and then how to pilot a ship.

Taquila Thompson is a 22 year old single mother from a small town in South Carolina called Ridgeville. After overcoming an abusive childhood she started to pick up her pen and begin writing poetry to find an escape from her life. It wasn't until after she tried to take her life twice and the birth of her second daughter at 19 did she decide to take her writing serious. She has a children's series titled Not Your Ordinary Family that's for kids who are dealing with having an incarcerated parent that is loosely based off of her own experience and her experience with her oldest daughter's father .

Taquila also has a teen series for young girls titled; â&#x20AC;&#x153;Never Been A Daddy's Girlâ&#x20AC;?. It tells the dramatic stories of five young girls. Taquila currently resides in Summerville SC with her two daughters and is writing full time. Her goal is to touch every reader one at a time with each turning page.

Be aware that symptoms are not always visible in children. But a warning sign would be some of the following: (but not limited to) 

Always thirsty/frequent trips to the bathroom to urinate

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Seems to genuinely be hungry all the time; increase in appetite

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People assume the child would display weight gain do to an increase in eating but in fact there may be signs of weight loss

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Fatigue and irritable

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Blurry vision

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Cuts and Scraps taking twice as long to heal/ constant infections

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Dark patches often under the arms or neck area.

Top 5 Causes for Diabetes in Children I. Obesity– fatty tissue causes a cell resistance to insulin. II. Inactivity– a lazy child, couch potato, video game obsession. Running and playing or even video games that are interactive physically helps children loose weight. The glucose in their bodies is used as energy and it helps the cells respond better to insulin. (insulin regulates/breaks down sugar in the body evenly; distributes it evenly) III. Inherited– most likely if the parents have it increases the possibilities. IV. Race/Ethnicity– Minorities are at greater risk V. Gender– Type 2 Diabetes more common in girls during childhood.

CHILDREN AND TYPE 2 DIABETES

Type 2 diabetes is normally found in children around the ages 12-13 yrs old. The reason for this is because this is around the time our children hit puberty. The onset of hormones and the changing of our children’s bodies at this time makes insulin less effective. The cause of Type 2 Diabetes in children is childhood obesity.

1903 - Jack Johnson, Negro Heavyweight

On February 3, 1903; Jackson became the first Negro Heavyweight

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Long term complications can be fatal or disabling. It is im- Nancy Salem portant to manage your child’s diabetes early on to avoid Danbury Hospital these issues. Over time the risks are greater. 24 Hospital Avenue, Danbury  HEART/BLOOD VESSEL DISEASE– increases risks (203) 739-7829 to have strokes, high cholesterol, and the silent killer amongst African Americans; high blood pressure. Specialty: Certified diabetes educator and registered dietician offering one-on-one counseling.  NERVE, KIDNEY,LIVER, EYES, FOOT DAMAGE. 

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SKIN CONDITIONS– bacterial and fungal infectious diseases including itching and if constant can cause abrasions to the skin. Diabetes patients take longer to heal which can cause the skin to be infected.

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Specialty: registered dietician working with the BRAIN PROBLEMS– risk of dementia, Alzheimer dis- whole family to encourage healthy eating habits. ease later in life. ______________________________________________ Bright Bodies

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Obesity/ Nutrition Camps for Kids and Teens Kids Healthy Weight Program (203) 855-3548 Norwalk Hospital Contact: Cindy Allen 24 Stevens Street, Norwalk Specialty: a three-week program for kids and their parents focusing on nutrition and exercise. _________________________________________________ D. Milton Stokes Nutritionist (800) 658-0512 Specialty: registered dietician working with children and their families on medical nutrition therapy.

(203) 785-6459 Specialty: Children and adolescents meet twice a week for exercise and once a week for a nutrition education.

If your child is struggling with weight. Check out these weight loss camps/ programs by experts in children's health - including nutritionists, physicians, and fitness instructors - that cater to kids in Fairfield County, CT.

1989 - Bill White named president of National League. Six time All-Star Bill White was named president of National League.

URBAN

JR. EDITOR: MICHAEL SHERMAN

UGM caught up with MF the poet to ask him some questions about himself, life and the state he believes poetry is in….

UGM: What makes your poetry stand out from other poets and how do you take your life lessons and apply them into your work?

UGM: What made you want to write poetry?

MF POET: What makes me stand out from others is where I was raised, my parents, and my upbringing also by adding my life experiences with trials and tribulations is put into my poetry.

MF POET: What made me want to write poetry came from a challenge that I had in the 10th grade. Someone in my class was making a collection of poems and asked me to write one. After I tackled the challenge, I fell in love with poetry and couldn’t stop writing. UGM: How do you think your poetry affects people’s lives? MF POET: When someone reads my poems I believe people will be able to relate to my poetry, my poetry is real feeling, and real emotions. UGM: Tell the world about yourself? MF POET: My name is Mario Fredericks, I was born in Brooklyn and raised in the Bronx, and I am thirty years old. I go by the name MF the poet, MF is my initials, I consider myself to be a Panamanian, Jamaican, African –American. UGM: What inspires you to write poetry? MF POET: Life inspires me to write, we live in a society where people don’t like to express themselves. So when I write I’m able to express myself in true form that’s what inspires me to write.

UGM:

How long have you been writing for? MF POET: I have been writing for sixteen years. UGM

What was the defining moment when you said to yourself that this is what you wanted to do? MF POET

My defining moment was after I penned my third piece called Beauty, the response that I received I never thought people would love my work the way they did and from then on I knew I was on the right track. UGM: What is your take on poetry and the state it’s in within today society? MF POET: I personally do not hear enough poetry like it should be, you do hear it now in music, but not in its nature form like written or spoken word. To me it’s becoming a lost art form in today’s society it’s not appreciated as it should be. UGM: Where can someone contact you, or where can they see more of your work? MF POET:

You can email me at mfpoet@gmail.com or twitter.com/@mfkush, also facebook.com/mfpoet

Lost Love

Michael Sherman

Beauty

I retreat to my book to give it a good look.

If beauty was life taking,

I won’t lie to fall in love, I’m shook.

My life would be forsaken

It’s been a short time but already I’m hooked.

Cause you are as beautiful as a rose,

I want her to hold me to her heart closely.

From your smile, to your eyes, to your pose

Think good things and care about me mostly.

It is your beauty that blinds me,

I know she cares but why she got to leave me here hanging’.

It’s because of you I can’t see.

Her words tell me she doesn’t care if I’m mad.

Beauty as yours is hard to seek.

Instead she gets mad, I become sad;

I would be honored if you were to kiss me on my cheek

All I want is all that she has.

A dream I had contained two,

Pour out your soul and give me all that you have.

The two of course were me and you.

Every chance you get let me know that you love me.

We cuddled and we kissed.

Don’t give any guy a chance, place no guy above me.

But at the end it was your beauty I missed.

I know you are who you are that’s what I find so lovely.

To dream of your beauty is a blessing Next time I dream I hope it’s you I’m caressing

But I ask for you to embrace what I feel. I don’t want this to get ugly. My heart is in this Girl I care too much and at your will this heart can get crushed. Not for a second do I think rushed; You just might not be use to me. All I want is your special touch.

Love me unconditionally because I love you just as such.

URBAN

tHE cRAfTy

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GLASS PANE DOOR

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DRY WEEDS

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BACK PANEL CLEAR WRAP

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MOUNTING HOOKS

TO ADD EXTRA FLARE WORN AND TARNISHED HOOK CAN BE ADDED TO BOTH SIDES OF THE DOOR KNOB TO HOLD KEYS OR COATS.

CorNeR

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GLASS PANE DOOR

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WHITE PAINT

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PAINT BRUSH`

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RULER

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SCISSORS

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PICTURES

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A GLASS TOP THE LENGTH OF THE DOOR.

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WHERE READERS GET THE JUICE... WHERE READERS GET THE JUICE...

.....WHERE CULTURE GROWS AND WORD OF THE PEOPLE IS HEARD .....WHERE CULTURE GROWS AND THETHE VOICE OF THE PEOPLE IS HEARD

MARITZA POINDEXTER BROWN

TEAM URBAN GRAPEVINE ANDRE' GORDON

The author, Maritza P. Brown is married and the mother of three boys. She is a lifelong resident of Connecticut, and currently lives in Bridgeport. Maritza recently began honing her craft as an author by completing and self-publishing her first book, Full Circle, A Novel. She has a strong passion for writing sophisticated, urban literature that portrays the exceptional lives of successful African American women and men, sharing their experiences and life lessons on maintaining good love and great sex. Maritzaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s writing style is fresh, unique and captivating. Her work captures the reader and draws he or she in without being overly descriptive. In her writing, she focuses on positive outcomes when her characters are faced with negative situations, and her characters, scenes and dilemmas are realistic. * Senior Editor

...born in Bridgeport, Ct on September 10, 1987. The 2nd youngest of 4 siblings. He grew up in Waterbury, Ct. Although he did not complete high school in the traditional way he obtained his GED in 2005 at Chicopee, Ma Job Corp. After working several different jobs; Gap, OfficeMax, UPS, and T-Mobile. He finally landed a job in his field; the pharmaceutical industry. Andre is currently a Certified Pharmacy Technician and has been for almost 5 years. His loves are the arts such as, poetry and drawing as well as web design and modeling. Andre' now resides in Charlotte, NC. Andre has not limited his career choices and is currently attending school for Neuromuscular Massage Therapy. He says he will be returning to school to become a Pharmacist soon.

Contributing Editor of THE FASHION POLICE

WHERE READERS GET THE JUICE...

.....WHERE CULTURE GROWS AND THE WORD OF THE PEOPLE IS HEARD

TEAM URBAN GRAPEVINE Minister Aaron Sean Hairston Jr. …was born and raised in Bridgeport, Connecticut and is a high school graduate of Warren Harding High School.; calss of “89”. Aaron felt his calling had come so he attended United Christian College and is currently attending Delaware County Community College majoring in Criminal Justice. He truly accepted his calling in 2004 License Under the United Holy Church of America and the National Baptist Conference Father one son Aaron Sean Hairston jr.. He is 3rd of 4 boys Mother Mack L. Bentley and Virma J. Bentley. A true man of God and a soldier in God’s army of believers and faith holders. Minster Aaron is a contributing writer for the section, “Let the Church Say Amen! And the Man-Cave.. We are blessed to have him on the URBAN GRAPEVINE TEAM!

SYDNEY LYTTLE ….burst onto the literary scene in Summer 2010 with her much anticipated self published debut novel Drama...Another Man's Girl which is said to be one of the most explosive novels of that year. Born and raised in Jamaica Queens, Sydney began writing at the tender age of nine after a couple of her cousins tricked her into a dare and she got hooked. The next thing she knew the pen and pad were a permanent part of her life. Sydney began writing poetry before she was ten, and by the time she was twelve she was writing short stories and breathing life into some of her favorite characters. Sydney's style of writing is captivating and successfully builds anticipation and suspense pulling readers in with the turn of each page. Sydney is broadening her style of writing and has joined the team at URBAN GRAPEVINE as a content writer under our gossip column; GIRL STOP LYING!

WHERE READERS GET THE JUICE...

TEAM URBAN GRAPEVINE

.....WHERE CULTURE GROWS AND THE WORD OF THE PEOPLE IS HEARD

MICHAEL SHERMAN born and raised in the Bronx, New York. He was educated in the New York public school system and also is a graduate of Fordham University. He is a father of three wonderful children. In his spare time, he loves reading, writing, traveling and spending time with his children. He is a published author of poetry and is currently working on his debut novel,; due out at the end of this year. Michael is a strong believer in God, faith, family, and community. He is a mentor to young people and his involvement in community service. A Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated member that is dedicated and hard working. Writing is very therapeutic for Michael because he says it lets him take his thoughts and brings them to life. He started writing poetry at a very early age when he tried to put words together to rhythm. That is when he learned the craft of poetry and began entering into competitions. He is a strong advocate for literacy within the community especially for our youth.

FELISHA BRADSHAW .......a graduate student from Housatonic Community College and Ashford University pursing her dream as a writer has published work; debut novel EYES ON THE PRYZE. She resides in Bridgeport, Conn. with her children and life partner. She is the founder of Lets Talk Urban a literary group that provides a forum for authors to reach out to their readers and vice versa. Bradshaw is a contributing writer for the African American Point of View and currently has two books; SISTAH CIRCLE and 69 DEGREES to be released Dec. 2011 late April/early May 2012.

A PROJECT