Game Changers: The Conscious Culture Magazine Volume 1 Issue 2

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Chasing Your “It”:

Discovering Your Purpose, Walking in Your Destiny, & Achieving Your Dreams

by Dr. Sherlina L. Thomas, CEO and Founder of Lena’s GALS

My story is no different from many others that you may have met along this journey called life. Like so many others today, I’ve experienced or witnessed substance abuse, homelessness, death, pregnancy, domestic violence, depression, suicidal thoughts, and eating disorders’ all residuals of the environment in which I was raised.

I did not choose such situations and circumstances, for the majority they chose me; little did I know such trials, upsets, setbacks, and misfortunes were all apart of my purpose. They have prepared me for my current level of success. Now I would be lying to you and being rather “fake” if I said I did not contemplate and question my purpose and reason for living, several times to be exact. There were times I wanted to die; I often wondered why on this earth did God connect me with birth parents that were drug addicts, or living in poverty.

Throughout elementary, middle, high school and college. I suffered many devastating blows, from witnessing the physical and emotional abuse of my mother, to the extreme substance abuse of my parents from the age of 7 up until my 11th grade year of high school. Who desires to live a life this way, let me answer that question for you, NO ONE. However I remembered along the way there were several caring adults who saw a gift in me, they recognized my potential and refused to let me fail. And although there were so many odds stacked against me, I always knew that I wanted more, I wanted to be

successful, I would never ever allow my life’s circumstances to dictate and control my success in life. Unfortunately too many of our youth today are faced with some of the same life circumstances. They are faced with the difficult decision of making the right choices. Luckily I had mentors and community and educational programs to help guide me.

My very first experience with a mentor was Ms. Terry Smith, Ms. Terry, as we referred to her started a group called, “The Winner’s Club”. Ms. Terry’s idea was to instill in “at-risk” young ladies the concept and idea of recognizing your true potential, understanding and owning your inner beauty. Little did we know, those life lessons, workshops, field trips, plays, and sleepovers protected and helped to maturize several of us into the women that we are today.

I’ve always known I wanted to work with students. Whenever I would play with my friends, I was always the teacher, I was a leader and I refused to be anything less. During my senior year of high school, I proved so many wrong. I became the first Black female president of our senior class. I graduated from two of the top 10 major universities in Florida with my Bachelors and Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work. I currently possess a Doctorate in Clinical Social Work and have the pleasure of teaching at number 9th ranked Ivy-League university in America. See people that look like me or come from similar circumstance are not supposed to have “made it”.

The lessons that I have learned along they way have been life-altering, they’ve saved my life. My story is no different from many young girls and

boys today. However, the dynamics and obstacles attacking young men and women are monumental. For the past 10 years I have traveled all over speaking, teaching and facilitating workshops to young adults teaching them the value of loving themselves and learning to become a positive products of their environment. It is from speaking engagements and interaction with middle, high school, and college students that I developed the tagline #ChaseYourIT. You see so many of us get caught up in our circumstances and are unsure of how to dig our way out. So many young people have no idea of their purpose, they are unsure of where they fit into the world. They are unsure of how to maximize their potential and gifts and dispel the myths and misconceptions that society has created.

You see to #ChaseYourIT, means to pursue your dreams. The pronoun “it” has been defined as a definitive to supporting an object-person, place or thing. The word ‘chase’ is verb that requires action. The premise behind #ChasingYourIT is to inspire and motivate people to understand that we all have an “IT” or several “IT’s”.. You see “IT” is subjective and is defined based on one’s on perception, ones on passion and motivation. Your IT is your purpose, your intention the very thing that you were placed on this earth to accomplish. For some that it may be becoming an accomplished author, finishing high school, developing a relationship with their mother, or simply learning to love themselves more. The process and steps to Chasing Your It are crucial, because along the way there will be obstacles and circumstances that may whisper or attempt to dictate that it’s impossible or that you cannot make it.

It is my goal to spread the concept of actively pursuing your dreams, your

success to the youth in particular. Because you see, it’s hard to catch something if you’re sitting down.

For the past 15 years I’ve been committed to community advocacy and change, in particular working with helping youth to finish high school and pursue their desired career path.

I have worked in the Atlanta Public School System for 5 years and been very dedicated to empowering and improving communities in Atlanta and surrounding areas. This past November I hosted a College Readiness Webinar on Preparing Students and Parents for College, there were over 35 parents and students that attended from all over the world. In January of 2017, I will be hosting an Empowerment Symposium for young ladies in Brevard County, Florida.

If you would like more information on how to book me to speak at your nonprofit agency, elementary, middle or high school students. Or to help facilitate a workshop on back to school preparedness, parental involvement, college readiness, or youth life skills; please email me at sherlinastephens @gmail.com or give me a call at 404-437-3725. Please also be sure to check out my Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/docstephens12

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It’s The Mind That Makes The Man Meet Sean Baker! Sean is from the Bronx, New York, and currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia. An accomplished actor, singer, songwriter, and producer; he is a complete artist with music singles that have charted Billboard. He has been blessed to do theatre and stage plays such as A Raisin in the Sun, as Walter Lee, Kandi Burruss & Todd Tucker’s A Mother’s Love, Baz Brothers The Strength Of Love, and Mary “Honey B” Morrison’s Single Husbands, The Perfect Pastor.

Sean can be seen in shows such as Tyler Perry’s If Loving You Is Wrong and movies such as Take Over Your Trap featuring 2 Chainz, Triple 9, The Plug Laconic productions Making Moves by BazBrothers, and Oprah Winfrey’s Selma and now, the major motion Film 2 Pac biopic All

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Sean Baker Eyez On Me. As always, Sean relishes every blessed opportunity given, to share his gifts with the world.

“It’s The Mind That Makes The Man”

Manage the Mirror

by Dr. Ed Womack, Urban Leadership Strategist

“Soul Flowers Rising” The elements of the Universe are Divinely orchestrated to allow the Laws of Nature to be activated into existence. Sun, Moon, Light, Fire, and Water are vital for the growth of plants and basically all living things.

Now, there have been many divine interruptions in the earth.

Creating chaos in the mind, body, and soul. Agitation is on every hand and we are running out of time. What is this time? This is the time for Divine purpose to be executed. This is the time to rise to the occasion at hand.

What a great occasion it is! We are elite human beings that are in an identity crisis. We have simply forgotten our place and the virtue of our presence is slowly disintegrating. We need restoration of the power that was passed down to us from our Ancestors and given to us from God “Our Creator”.

You look in the mirror. Who is that man? What happened to the man with the plan, the loaded wallet, the hot chick, and all those dreams of success? Somehow you lost everything you ever hoped for. It’s gone. Everywhere you turn, there’s a wall. You don’t look so hot either. There must be an easier way. Maybe you tried to recover what you lost through some addiction or some illegal shortcut. What a mess. What a complicated knot. Shit. What’s the point? It’s too late, too hard.

I’ll never be the man I was.

Wrong. I know. I was broken too. I looked in the mirror and saw the same thing: failure, despair, a man with no future.

Not now, my friend. I’m BACK FROM BROKEN (http://bit.ly/ BackFromBroken ). I’m Dr. Ed Womack and I’m here to help you find your path back to those dreams. I’m scarred like you, but free. I know what it is to fight loss, addiction, and pain. Like it says in God’s Word, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.”

I’ve been rich; I’ve been poor. I thought success was how much money I made, how cool I looked, and how many people worked for me. I found a secret though, a way to be content and succeed. “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:12-13). You want to be happy

again, regain your freedom from everything that’s got you tied in that knot? Okay... let’s do it.

Go back to the mirror. We’re going to start with you and where you’re at right now. This is called the Mirror Test. Study that guy. You’ve known him since the beginning. Review everything that created what you see: your life, the scars, and the events that led to what you see now. Go deep beneath the physical and search what’s in your soul. Michael Jackson said, “I’m starting with the man in the mirror...take a look at yourself and make a change.”

You ready to change? This is what is required for the Mirror Test. Study what has been and what is now and tell that person in the mirror you’re ready to be free from everything that hurts.

Take your time and be honest with yourself. Ready to pass the test? That means you accept everything about you, good and bad, and you’re ready to change so you can “do all things,” become the man you truly desire. You can’t do it alone. Ask God to help you take the first step.

What’s next? Well, I’m here to guide you through the process. Tell me how you did on the Mirror Test. Read my book and learn how I recovered. Stay tuned for the next MENergy Moment.

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ONE on ONE WITH Pastor VINCENT Campbell

How do you feel about the recent issues as well as past issues that regard African American men and the police?

The recent and past incidents with young black man and police have been disheartening, tragic and discouraging to say the least. Fathers and sons lives have been snatched away at the hands of those that we’ve entrusted to protect our communities. Along with that, those we’ve trusted for protection have become the African Americans greatest current fear. Mothers and wives of african-American men are traumatized and live in fear at the possibilities of their sons and spouses life being taken in a routine traffic stop.

How do we bridge the gap between the community, churches and local leadership to come to a common understanding regarding the issue?

Although fear and hopelessness lingers in the hearts and heads of many, I remain hopeful and opti-

mistic simply because of my faith in God. I believe the church is a lighthouse for the community and in order for the community, Our states, and nation to be healed, the church will have to bring that light from with inside the walls out into the community. Many pastors have done an exceptional job being a preacher to the people but I believe it’s time for Pastors to exit the churches ,get into the communities with legislation and key officials and be a preacher for the people. The world is looking for answers and I believe it’s my job along with other key leaders to inform the world of this simple fact, that Jesus is the answer and the solution for our lives, our families and this world. This generations community is interested in a church that impacts the community. I believe a church that does not impact it’s community is overlooking the essence of what the church is called to do. Along with impacting the community , there is a responsibility for the church to be confrontational and also be confronted. The confrontation will come because of the separation of church and state but the state of our nation is where it is because we’ve separated the church from the state, schools , and society. We live in a godless society yet looking for God to help in times of need. That must change for things to get better.

Also, the church should embrace dialogue that may be different

and opposing to the view of the church. The community is made up of all different views of life believe the church should be open to hear receive and Understand information from all walks and views of life to see what part the church can play in making the community whole.

What are a few ways we can create change to prevent this activity from happening or do you feel it is impossible to be stopped?

I think the greatest change that can be made for progress is to continue to look forward and not behind. This may be challenging for many because at the site of any injustice the memory of past injustices rise to the mind and the heart. In order for us to rewrite The narrative, we must develop a new script. We can no longer continue to live our lives looking through the rearview mirror, what’s behind us, when there is a huge windshield in front of us of opportunity that awaits a new way of thinking. I’m not altogether sure we can prevent this type of behavior from happening in the future because we live in a world where we’re free to make decisions and choices but we’re not free to choose the consequences or repercussions. perspective and open communication from community leaders city officials and spiritual leaders should happen which will create a unified front and end seg-

regation of powers which would bring much needed unity.

What is your personal goal based on your influence do you seek to bring change to your personal community?

As I embrace my position as a spiritual and community leader, I will not shy away from the complications of our system and state of affairs. I have a goal of teaching a balanced message and also confronting the silent killers of our faith and hope. Some are called to lead civilly, some are called to lead judicially, while others are called to lead in there sphere of influence. I’m a pastor plain and simple and my sphere of influence and Grace is spiritual. I will continue to preach the word and teach people how to live an overcoming life by faith. I’m not limited by what’s going on I’m only limited by what I believe. If we lose faith, we’re hopeless. When where hopeless, there’s nothing to release faith for.

When we don’t live in an arena of faith were limited only by what natural forces can produce. although there are a lot of natural factors that are challenging our focus and our feelings, I still hold fast that there is a God in heaven that hears our prayers and when hearts are turn to him, evil is eliminated and change happens.

www.vincentcampbell.org

www.thefaithcenter@faithcenterinc.org

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HISTORY IN THE MAKING Congratulations to the editors of chief of the first African American publication in Henry County, Dr. Kai Ashby of The Atlanta South Newspaper and Andreal Mallard, GameChangers: The Conscious Culture Magazine.

Dee Clemmons wants to restore the citizens trust in the Candidates they elect. I can do this by being a transparent, accountable and accessible Commissioner. After witnessing the frequent turnover of the district 2 seat and listening to tax payers complain about over spending of taxpayers money. I decided to take my 23, years in public service to another level. I have the leadership skills the business acumen and the Christian love for all people without any prejudices to lead district 2. I’m not running against an opponent. I’m running for the people of District 2. I

have a strong focus on the future of Henry County and I believe we deserve to have excellent public safety, better goods and high quality services.

As Henry County face a growing population , crowding of schools, traffic congestion and budget gaps we are going to need more money. We need leaders who can maintain fiscal accountability and turn assets to revenue. I will protect the character of a County I’ve grown to love . I’ve raised my children here, bought my retirement home here and run a business in Henry County. Dee Clemmons is that leader.

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Editor & Chief Andreal Mallard General Manager Ken Warner Graphic/Layout Design Andre Allen

Writers Jamal Burt, CEO of Education Builds Opportunity Dr. Edward Womack of Man Rise Up Xavier Johnson Leadership/Development Training Specialist Cheyanne Williams, Activist Victor Campbell Pastor of Faith Center Tieranie Smith, Artist and Activist Jasmine Blosem, Author and Activist

Photography by Tabby J Photography - Marketing by Real Marketing Services LLC DISCLAIMER

The articles and thoughts expressed in this publication are the sole opinions of the individual author or group that expresses them and do not necessarily reflect the views of this publication.

By all means, we welcome comments from out readers,.

To send material to be included in this publication,

We are a nonprofit organization that assist in transforming the whole woman through spiritual growth, personal enrichment, education and beauty. Empowering and equipping women with the knowledge of how to maintain a healthy lifestyle mentally and physically. We co-op with Miracle’s House of Restoration in an effort to feed, clothe

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email us at streetzofgentlemen@gmail.com Be sure to include a name and area of residence. Please not, we maintain the right to edit for brevity and clarity. All submitted articles become property of GameChangers Magazine and may be used by us at any time and by any of our affiliates.

& minister to the women, men and families who find themselves homeless on the streets of metro Atlanta.

PURE CONSCIOUSNESS

by Cheyenne Williams Before you were African American you were Black. Before you were Black you were Negro.

Before you were Negro you were Slave. Before you were Slave you were an African or Indian. Before you were African or Indian you were Aboriginal. Before you were Aboriginal you were Pure Consciousness. The most important of these are you being pure consciousness.

We have been labeled, categorized, dehumanized, and programmed to see, sense, and speak against our higher intelligence. Separated from the knowledge of our bloodlines.

There was a time when we stood tall without a bend in our back or a head drop upon the passing

of an oppressor. We are now returning to our rightful nature, standing tall with a fight from within our warrior spirits. We are within a time where we can no longer be silent against our standing enslavement, genocide and injustices. The reality of this awakening in awareness is not just to talk about it, or walk about it but to organize how our minds operate from here. It is time that we as a collective stop entertaining the illusionistic programs. Turn off the TV, turn off the Radio, turn off and close any and everything that doesn’t speak to the assistance of our empowerment. It is time that we gather monthly, weekly even daily to rebuild our own communities in turn to rebuild our

own civilization. We don’t need organized religion, that alone has divided us enough. What we need is to come together and stop allowing our differences in belief, thought or position in this slavery to seperate us. It is time that all organizations that are dedicated to the community come together. It makes no sense in having a hundred organizations on the same mission when there can be one.

The war stops against us when we stop warring with each other.

Your brother is not your enemy, your sister is not your enemy.

Stop pointing the gun

at your brother, stop putting your hands on your sister and start protecting and defending each other.

Mothers and fathers stop abandoning your children for temporary satisfactions. Build your family structure to the best of your abilities. We have been programmed to fall, we fall today because we lack belief in ourselves and in these systems. We have to remember that there is a cost that comes with these organized systems and the cost is your well being, your family’s well being, and our community’s well being. So we have to be the change we wish to see in our reality. This starts by checking yourself. Look yourself in the mirrior and ask what is it in me that I can change to make me better to become a better man, woman, father, mother, son or daughter.

Then ask what is it in the community that I can take part in creating a change for my people and my family. Once you gather the answer implement an action. The change starts with us individually. Join a movement, support our businesses, create a business, get intune with culture, do something or expect nothing.

HENRY C OUNT Y C OMMISSIONER FROM THE COVER

BRUCE HOLMES

Bruce Holmes has had a lifelong commitment to helping others and giving back to his community. His election to the Henry County Board of Commissioners is a continuation of this service to others.

Although Bruce has deep family roots in Jones County Georgia, he was born on a military base in El Paso, TX while his father was serving in the United States Air Force.

After being raised in Detroit, Michigan he moved on to earn his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota in 1987 and went on to earn his Masters in Business Management from the University of Minnesota St. Mary’s.

Shortly after his election, Commissioner Holmes established the Commissioner Bruce Holmes Youth Foundation (CBHYF) with mentoring components called “Project Exposure” & “Project Blossom” which helps to guide youth in a positive direction by exposing them to environments meant to open their minds to potentially new possibilities and horizons.

The athletic component of the foundation works in conjunction with the Henry County Parks and Recreation Department and hundreds of young people in baseball, football, kick ball, wrestling, cheerleading and basketball year after year.

As District 5 Commis-

sioner, he continues to create and grow opportunities to serve and support his community in areas of public safety, quality of life, transportation infrastructure and business development.

Commissioner Bruce Holmes is married to Antoinette “Toni” Holmes and has four children and two granddaughters. He is Vice President of WeAreHr, LLC & Broker, WeAreHr Insurance Agency specializing in HR Consulting, Employee Group Benefits and Life Insurance for families.

Prior to his current position, Commissioner Holmes enjoyed a successful career in the Pharmaceutical, Biotech and Molecular Diagnostics Industry, with 16 years in national accounts managing large health care systems across the country, before transitioning into the insurance and financial services sectoar.

He is a member of the Prince Hall’s St. James Lodge #4, Nabbar Temple #128 in Atlanta, GA, the Atlanta

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Consistory #24A, the Stockbridge-Jonesboro (GA) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi, the Henry County NAACP and The DeKalb One-Hundred Black Men.

After just two years into his first term, Commissioner Holmes was honored by two prominent minority business organizations for his work in the community. He is the first and only person from Henry County to achieve these honors.

The Georgia Minority Business Awards (GMBA) named him the 2013 Commissioner of the Year. This award is presented to individuals who exemplify leadership, commitment to industrious and professional growth, charity towards their fellow man and most importantly their belief in living “success.” The GMBA Awards began 16 years ago as a way to recognize outstanding minority owned businesses in Georgia for their achievements in community, personal and company growth. Since then, it has grown to include other awards

in different industries and business sectors, including entertainment, technology, education, non-profit, and government.

Over the last several years, Commissioner Holmes has enjoyed many honors, including being named as a prominent black business leader in the Who’s Who in Black Atlanta. The publication highlights the positive achievements of African-Americans who have made their mark in their professions or in service to others in their community while also providing a valuable resource and networking guide for the community.

Commissioner Holmes was honored by the Henry County Chapter of the NAACP at its 2013 Freedom Fund Banquet, where he was presented with the President’s Award. The President’s Award is given to an individual or group to recognize special achievement in furthering the cause of civil rights and public service. Commissioner Holmes was selected to receive the award because of his work as County Commissioner to help create jobs and promote economic development in the County and for his service to the community, particularly for his work on behalf of young people through the Commissioner Bruce Holmes Youth Foundation. Commissioner Holmes was also presented the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (AKA)

Community Service Award.

Commissioner Holmes was honored by the Atlanta Business League (ABL) as one of 2014’s “Men of Influence.”

For many years, the Atlanta Business League has recognized business owners, professionals, and community and civic leaders in Metropolitan Atlanta. The distinguished list reflects the names of black men in metro Atlanta communities who have reached senior level positions within their profession, are leading entrepreneurs in their industry, have proven history-making feats or have attained the ability to influence large public bodies politically and in government. In addition to professional accomplishments, the “Men of Influence” have demonstrated their commitment to the citizenry of Metro Atlanta by maintaining significant involvement and participation in community and civic activities.

Commissioner Holmes continually strives to best serve his constituents and in October 2014, completed the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government and the Association County Commissioners of Georgia’s (ACCG) Lifelong Learning Academy Certified County Commissioner Program. To earn the ACCG Lifelong Learning Academy core certification, he was required to complete eight courses as well as a two-day Leadership Academy for a total of 66 credit hours, which included County Government 101, County Government Law, Finance, Human Resources, Ethics, Property Appraisal and Taxation, Economic Development, Public Health and Safety and Leadership.

In January 2015, the Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG) Board of Managers appointed Commissioner Holmes to the ACCG-Group Self-Insurance Workers’ Compensation Fund Board of Trustees. The GSIWCF’s Board of Trustees is a seven-member board from partici-

pating counties that manages the Group Self-Insurance Workers’ Compensation Fund, and Commissioner Holmes said he was “honored to have been chosen to help grow and maintain this important program.”

Additionally, he was appointed by the Georgia Emergency Management Agency as the County Commission representative on the AREA 7 all Hazards Council and the Georgia Homeland Security Council, where he helps to develop response and recovery strategies for all potential hazards. In August 2015, Commissioner Holmes helped facilitate and host the inaugural meeting of the NAB Vets of the Southern Crescent, Chapter 112, and during the group’s installation meeting, he was made an honorary member.

On February 6, 2016, Commissioner Holmes was honored by the Henry county Chamber of Commerce at its 49th Annual Awards Banquet and Dinner. He was given the W.L. “Billy” Carter Public Service Award in recognition of his significant and lasting contributions to Henry County.

Commissioner Holmes is honored to be recognized for his efforts to improve economic development and make Henry County a better place to live, work and play. He points to several projects and initiatives that he believes contributed to his receiving these honors:

The Commissioner Bruce Holmes Youth Foundation has received a lot of attention because of the dedicated volunteers that give their time and energy to help work with and develop our youth.

Investments in District 5 and Fairview are developing it into a health & wellness community, providing connectivity through multi-use walking trails, bike trails and beautification, including the development of the Kelleytown

bike trails and the Panola State Park walking trails.

The opening of the New Fairview Police Precinct in the Fairview Business District is making residents feel safer and better supports businesses in the area.

A new medical development is getting underway, in which more than $180,000,000 will be invested into the economy of Georgia, creating over 1,300 direct and indirect jobs through the development of a medical, retail and restaurant campus.

Another noted accomplishment for the community as a whole includes the successful passing of SPLOST IV during the November 2013 elections. Commissioner Holmes’ continued efforts and dedication to improve the quality of life for the citizens of Henry County directly resulted in District 5 contributing more than 70 percent of the total votes needed to win the SPLOST IV campaign.

Commissioner Holmes looks forward to the new initiatives that will be driven by SPLOST IV for District 5:

Sidewalks for Walt Stephens and Flippen Roads A number of Intersection and Road Improvements throughout the district “I am really excited about what we have accomplished in three years, but I understand that there is still a lot of work that has to be done. I look forward to the hard work ahead and I am proud to continue to serve and impact lives in a positive way.”

Commissioner Bruce B. Holmes

A new park - Splash Pad, Soccer, Volleyball courts, Lacrosse Fields, Batting cages, Pavilions & Walking trails Improvements to Cochran Park Fairview Sewer Permanent New Police Precinct for Fairview Community New Fire Station

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5 Steps to Increase Your Leadership

Written By Xavier Johnson Speaker, Business Coach, Trainer The struggle is real. The struggle we face within our homes, communities, businesses and government (at all levels) is a misunderstanding of what it means to be a leader. Leadership at it core is simply a matter of influence. Simply put, leadership is the ability to get people to follow an idea or way of thinking. The laws that govern leadership are simple but not “easy” to implement. I’m not suggesting that all a person has to do is become a better leader in order to solve some of the more difficult situations that we face in our day-to-day lives. By focusing on the effectiveness of our leadership ability is the equivalent of checking a fuse in a vehicle because the radio stopped working; in other words, it’s a GREAT starting point.

Our leadership ability is the foundation for which every area of our life is built upon. Within this article are five strategies to increase our leadership ability thus increasing their influence in our home, work, and ultimately our community.

Follow these five strategies and people will follow you.

1. Recognize our need for growth Recognizing the need for growth is one of the paramount mindsets that will assist you in increasing your effectiveness within your personal circles of influence. Human nature is to be more critical of those around us that we are on ourselves. There are many references that can be made from various faiths that speak to the idea of giving more energy and attention to someone else's shortcomings that we do our own.

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2. Check your daily habits – Your beliefs become your thoughts, your thoughts become your words, your words become your actions, your actions become your habits, your habits become your values, your – Mahatma Gandhi This is another example of a simple law of leadership yet not the easiest to implement into our daily lives. We can literally look at where we are in our lives today and come to the realization that our daily habits have created the environment for which we live and breathe. Here are a few pointers to assist with developing new habits: 3. Develop a plan for growth – How many times have you decided to go on vacation, and simply grab your car keys in your car and began to drive? The thought itself is silly, I know. But that is the equivalent of making a decision to grow your leadership ability and not taking a moment to devise a strategy for that growth.

4. Stay consistent – Persistency will always assist you in achieving whatever your desired outcome may be, however consistency will assist you in keeping whatever it is that you desired. Getting motivated to get going and staying disciplined to continue growing is the key to consistency. Motivation and discipline are the two main ingredients that can literally assist you in achieving any goal on your list. What inspires you to grow? This is an important thought because it causes you to focus on your “why.” It is just as dangerous to have a goal based on the wrong motivational factors than it is to simply not having a goal at all. When your “why” is clear within your own thought process, the discipline that it takes to complete your goal is easily attained.

5. Service - There is no greater way to increase your individual leadership ability than to find a service opportunity. A leader’s ability to serve is the essential ingredient required to gain influence from the people you desire to serve. The worst statement ever made by someone in a management position is “Do as I say and not as I do.” True leaders are Tour Guides not Travel Agents. This is not to speak negative of travel agents, (they are really great folks :-) ) and are necessary; but for the sake of this article a travel-agent style of leadership spends their days sending people to places that they themselves have never visited. Tour guide leadership leads the way and takes a group with them. A tour guide knows the pitfalls of the journey, points of interest and can redirect in the event their are problems on the journey.

Becoming a better leader is not an event. Taking a course, seminar, workshop, hiring a business coach will not make you a better leader by itself. You must make a commitment to take the journey and give yourself permission to fail and make mistakes. Understand and remember that it is all part of the process. Enjoy the journey.

Xavier Johnson is the CEO of Spartan Consulting Group of Georgia. As a Certified John Maxwell Speaker, Coach, Trainer he can assist you in reaching new heights within your organization or individually. As a special offer for patrons of the Game Changers magazine you can schedule a Free 1 Hour Leadership Training for your Group, Organization, or Company or 1 Free Business Coaching Session; and $50 off any Training group starting in the month of September thru the end of the year, upon enrollment enter the code Game Changers at checkout. To schedule or for more information call 678-228-1123 or visit us online at www.SpartanGA.com

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CARLOTTA HARRELL for Henry County Chairman 2016

Carlotta brings diverse and extensive professional experience in her Consulting Services that she provides for her clients.

She currently serves on the Board of the Henry County Water Authority {HCWA} which services over 55,000 customers. The Board just approved the 2015-2016 of $61 million dollars and we are proud to have been selected by the Georgia Association of Water Professionals {GAWP} as having the best tasting drinking water in Georgia. In all, the HCWA is responsible for obtaining and preserving 8,500 acres of green space in the form of reservoirs, buffers, wetlands, forest spray, fields and related properties, which will forever be protected from development. This includes the Cubihatcha Outdoor Education Center, a wetland enhancement and protection corridor created to improve and protect exsisting wildlife

habitats, while providing an avenue for public education and enjoyment.

Carlotta has provided Consulting Services to the Geogia Conference of Black Mayors {GCBM} since 2006, to their membership of 70 plus cities on various economic development projects, including; - Business and community development - Housing initiatives - Strategic organization and planning - Budgeting/Finance - Infrastructure Needs

This has included water & sewer as well as road projects securing over $50 million dollars in funding through the American Recovery Reinvestment Act of 2009. Since that time she has continued to assist rural and urban communities with identifying funding resources and public / private parternships opportunities utilizing her relationships with Federeal and State agencies that includes: - DCA - SBA - HUD - USDA - EPA - HHS

Carlotta has also provided Consulting Services to T & J industries Development & Contracting INC. {an LSBE certified Company} who perform on various contracts within the City of Atlanta, DeKalb and surrounding Counties as well as Alabama. Services she provided were bid preparation.

In addition, Carlotta also serves as Chief of Staff for Henry County Commisioner Bruce Holmes, District V. Acting

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as a strategic advisor, individually managing the day to day tasks and assigned duties and overseeing various projects on behalf of Commisioner Holmes. Carlotta was appointed to the SPLOST IV Committee and over the course of 13 weeks, the SPLOST IV Committee took public input and worked closely with County staff to formulate their list of recommended projects. The list was based on projected revenues of $190 million and a 75/25 split between the County and its four municipalities.

That left $142.5 million for the County’s share.

Using that figure as a guide, committee members first established a list of county-wide projects, then compiled a capital and transportation project list according to their district needs and priorities.

With Carlotta’s vast knowledge and experience in local

government operations, budget & finance, public safety, economic development and established relationships on local, state and federal levels she is ready to start the job day one as your County Chairman.

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THE

BIG PICTURE OF

FORGIVENESS

It about YOU, not them!

Often time’s people are caught up in the emotional tangle of hurt feelings, pride, ego, and the mental bondage of feeling like they have to hold the other person accountable for what has happened to cause them to be hurt. So let me repeat myself, it’s about YOU, not them. So someone cheated, lied, backstabbed you, sabotaged you, stole from you, or may have even abused you. I understand whether you’re a man or woman, when someone harms you with their words and or actions, it can feel like a betrayal that stops the world from spinning.

It can feel like you’ve lost your best bro or bff and make you lock yourself in an emotional prison, out of self-preservation.

Guess what though, you’re not hurting them by locking yourself away, you’re only continuing to punish yourself.

Let me give you an example. A good guy friend of mine vented to me one day because he’d recently gotten out of a relationship where he’d made a lot of changes to be with her, I mean he really compromised on things that were necessary and he matured as a man during the process. However he was so angry when things didn’t work out that he was spouting off at the mouth and saying things like “Forget it dude, I’ll just go back to being my old self, I’ll do what I want and not care how it affects anyone else”.

I let him vent and get it out, but I finally got tired of hearing it, lol, so I intervened and talked with him, friend to friend.

I asked him to look at the BIG PICTURE. I asked him whether he was willing to give up on

you’re holding on because you just don’t know how to let go, maybe you think that f-orgiving them means you’re letting them off the hook.

finding the right person just because he’d spent time with the wrong person. I asked if he was willing to poison himself emotionally in order to kill her emotionally. Finally, I asked him if he was willing to live broken and hurt, potentially missing out on innumerable blessings because of someone who most likely had moved on and wasn’t thinking about him anymore. He sat there for a bit and really thought it over.

I talked with him for a while longer and he was able to talk through some of the specific things he could see taking place in his life, thinking that he was making her pay, but realizing that in fact he was the only one continuing to pay, by being locked in that anger and destructive behavior. He was missing out on dating other good women because of holding on to one not so good woman.

He had that ahh-haa moment and recognized that the best “payback” when someone hurts you is to move on and be

happy. Never let anyone have that much power that even after they move on, they are still controlling you and your life through your emotions and inability to let go.

Still need to see the BIGGER PICTURE? Take a look at yourself and really look at some of the things you’ve been holding on to. How has it hurt the other person? Do they even notice what you’re doing or how you feel, do they care? The brutal truth is chances are they don’t care, and even if they do, it’s still hurting you more than it will ever hurt them. You are the one feeling all of those emotions and holding it inside. You’re the one losing sleep, getting into it with other people, and mad all the time, pissed off at the world, missing out on plenty of other good people and opportunities, all because you want to make them pay. Or, maybe

Here’s where it’s about you and not them. Forgiving someone doesn’t mean you absolve them from whatever happened, it means you are choosing to let it go and release.

You are choosing to move on and be free from any emotional baggage and hurt feelings stem from the circumstance that occurred. It means that you are letting them go and not holding them or yourself hostage to a vicious cycle of emotions, silence, arguments, fighting or whatever way you used to handle things. Forgiveness is a free gift you can give yourself and extend to others, a way to acknowledge your hurt, process it and move on. You can choose whether you stay connected to the person or whether you distance yourself, it’s your choice, but forgiveness allows you to do either one and truly free.

And at the end of the day, what you need to remember most of all is that you are worth it. As uncomfortable and foreign as it may feel in the moment, you are worth the time and effort it takes to forgive. It’s a process, but it’s doable and will serve your greater good. So take your eyes off the person and look at the bigger picture.

Game Changers Magazine Sept/Oct 2016 - 22

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Vertical Xscape is Henry County’s first black owned & operated tattoo studio & skateboard shop.

Located in the Ellenwood area on Fairview Road, its location offers its clients and eclectic & visually stunning experience. From the many art designs on its walls to choose from & its colorful selection of skateboards & accessories.

Vertical Xscape is the brain child of owner DJ PSI, who himself is an action sports enthusiast as well as tattoo artist & collector extraordinaire. He has an extensive past of participating in such sports as B.M.X, Skateboarding, Skiing, Snowboarding, Wakeboarding, Motocross, Super Sport Bike Riding, Surfing & Sky Diving just to name a few. He has more than 25 years experience in these labeled extreme sports. He says he noticed that in any one of these arena’s he often noticed participants always expressed themselves through their body art, whether it be tattoos or piercings. He decided to open his Vertical Xscape location in 2003, where he is credited with developing Midtown Atlanta’s first black owned & operated skatepark. While there he mentored youth through the use of these action sports. Due to gentrification in the Midtown Atlanta area, he was forced to close his location, & returned with a new

location in Ellenwood.

Vertical Xscape pride themselves on being a 100% certified by Henry County Department Of Health & maintain a high standard of cleanliness & safety at their studio. “All of our products that touch your skin & are all disposable & eradicated by a medical waste facility that our company contracts out to” says Vertical Xscape’s lead artist Mecca Newman with certainty. She hails from the Atlanta area by way of Connecticut, with over 20 years of experience. She is masterful in her original tattoo art designs.

Both Psi & Mecca agree that In the past, tattoos were something only sailors, prisoners, & motorcycle gang members had, and the only body part people pierced was their ears. Nowadays, piercings and tattoos are everywhere. Body art is a popular form of self-expression, but people who decide to get a tattoo or body piercing should go to a licensed facility and take time to discuss the safety procedures with the artists working at the studio. Vertical Xscape is diligent in there training in bloodborne pathogen and safe tattooing techniques & adhere to strict safety procedures.

Vertical Xscape has a wide array

of clients that range from Politicians, Actors, Rappers, Professional Athletes & etc, but still offer custom art tattoos at affordable prices. They have even been linked to such companies & reality shows like Black Ink, DGK, Bulldogg Bikes & many more.

They are also in connection with Wall Street started movement Occupy The Hood, where they are developing an art program & promoting physical fitness through skateboarding. Not many know, but in the summer of 2020, skateboarding as well as surfing will be making its way into the Toyko Olympic Games say’s Vertical Xscape owner Psi. In closing this company is different than any other of the businesses in the Henry County area & is changing the way business is done by offering such a unique blend of services. If your in need of some fresh ink or need an old tattoo repaired, freshened, or covered up. Vertical Xscape is the place for you, located at 345 Fairview Road, Ellenwood Georgia, 30294 or call 678-459-4577. Tell em Game Changers magazine sent ya! www.facebook.com/verticalxscape

instagram @verticalxscape twitter verticalxscape

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I am a lifelong resident of Georgia. I graduated from the University of Georgia, where I received a degree in Social Studies Education with an emphasis in Political Science. After college, I stayed at UGA and earned my law

degree.

I have been an attorney for close to 14 years. I began my legal career as a prosecutor at the DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office. At the DA’s Office, I successfully prosecuted criminal defen-

dants who were charged with serious felony crimes including murder, rape, armed robbery, drug trafficking, domestic violence, and crimes against businesses. Currently, I serve as a Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney. As a Deputy

Chief Assistant D.A., I have managerial responsibilities that include supervising attorneys, investigators, paralegals, and other personnel.

w w w . D A R I U S P A T T I L L O . c o m

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