INTELLECTUAL INK ISSUE 21

Intellectual Ink Editor in Chief

Julia Press Simmons

Creative Director

Charlotte Young-Foye

Advice Columnist

Coach Coco

Arts & Entertainment Opinion Columnist

Haikeem Stokes Erick S. Gray

Book Reviews

Diane P. Rembert

Graphic Design

Lamont Press

Flash Fiction ~ Contemporary

Braheim Gibbs

Health & Wellness

Phoenix C. Brown, Shonda Mayes

Events

Author Untamed

Activist

Author Obsession

Cultural

Karen E. Quinones Miller

Copyright & Disclaimer The content in this magazine and on our site is for information purposes only. Intellectual Ink Magazine LLC. assumes no liability or responsibility for any inaccurate, delayed or incomplete information, nor for any actions taken in reliance thereon. The information contained about each individual, event or organization has been provided by such individual, event organizers or organization without verification by us. The opinion expressed in each article is the opinion of its author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Intellectual Ink. Therefore, Intellectual Ink Magazine llc. carries no responsibility for the opinion expressed thereon. Comments are welcome, but they should be on-topic and well-expressed. Abusive, antisocial or off-topic comments will be deleted by web administrators. Any form of reproduction of any content on this publication and website without the written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited. Copyright by Intellectual Ink llc; all rights reserved.

Black History facts from Wikipedia and Britannica. Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use ISSN PRINT 2833-7255 ISBN 979-8366072298

Julia Press Simmons ~ Julia@IntellectualInk.com Charlotte's Closet ~ Charlotte@IntellectualInk.com Haikeem Stokes ~ Haikeem@IntellectualInk.com Diamond Literary Reviews ~ DLR@IntellectualInk.com Erick S. Gray ~ Erick@IntellectualInk.com Karen E. Quinones Miller ~ Karen@IntellectualInk.com Submissions ~ Submit@IntellectualInk.com PHILADELPHIA, PA. INTELLECTUALINK.COM

Editors' note Issue 21 Intellectual Ink is excited to announce that our second-anniversary issue is all about the world of Fashion, Style, and Inclusivity. We worked hard to provide an inside look at the fashion industry, from well-known designers to up-and-coming artists. Inside this issue, you'll find interviews with Keah Cher'i of House of Sheba, Tiffany Rice of Mylk & Honey Clothiers, Jazzmin Williams of Blu3 Model Coaching, and Tevin Evans aka Fat Chuck Bass.

Charlotte's Closet is serving looks from Philly to Fenty and much more.

For our avid readers, we have Author Shawn Hudson in the Who's Next column, Five Fashion Forward books you need in your library, and a conversation with VaLinda Miller owner of Turning Pages Bookshop.

Fashion can be a powerful tool for self-expression and identity, so whether you're a fashionista or just looking for new ways to express your style, we hope you'll enjoy this issue.

Julia Press Simmons EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Charlotte Young Foye CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Contents 2. EDITOR'S NOTE 5. HOUSE OF SHEBA ~ KEAH CHER'I 10. MYLK & HONEY CLOTHIER ~ TIFFANY RICE 17. TEVIN EVANS ~ FAT CHUCK BASS 23. BLU3 MODEL COACHING ~ JAZZMIN WILLIAMS 27. STYLE SO SIDITY ~ SABRINA JOHNSON 31. MUA ALLEXIS WOODEN ~ COLOREDBYLEXTIARRA 34. A MODEL START ~ LONDON K.C. 36. A MODEL START ~ XANTHA

OUR SECOND MAGAZINE ANNIVERSARY AND OUR FIRST FASHION ISSUE 52. OPINION ~ WTF IS GOING ON WITH MR. WEST

39. CHARLOTTE'S CLOSET ~ FROM PHILLY TO FENTY A STORY OF INCLUSIVITY 45. WHO'S NEXT~ AUTHOR SHAWN HUDSON 49. BOOKSTORE ~ TURNING PAGES BOOKSHOP

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KWAME BRATHWAITE: BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL

HOUSE OF SHEBA

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Philadelphia native and Owner Keah Cher’i is a published plus-size model and model coach with over eleven years of experience in the plus-sized industry. Keah’s passion for bridging the gap between fashion and self-confidence is brought to life through her collections; helping women to fall in love with their curves through vibrant colors, quality garments, and offering stylish eye-catching patterns to elevate the everyday look. With such an extensive background in fashion, personal styling, coaching, and empowerment speaking, House of Sheba is a distinguished brand to follow. To date, House Of Sheba has produced three sold-out shows, coached over 75 models, and has been published in a book (“Waist Does Not Equal Worth” By Dr. Janelle Simmons) and several magazines. After launching her online boutique in 2018, Keah Cher’i crossed over into an international market, with clients in Amsterdam, Jamaica, and St. Lucia. Nationally, Keah’s garments have been spotted on runways in North Carolina, Delaware, Maryland, and most recently Texas and Philadelphia. With over a decade of experience, Keah is still making strides to advocate for the plus community through her love for fashion. life.

Keah Cher'i (@houseofsheba)

House Of Sheba | Facebook RECENT SHOWS ~ PHILADELPHIA CHRISTIAN FASHION WEEK PHILLY FASHION WEEK

Keah Cher'i

The vision for House Of Sheba came at one of the toughest seasons in my life. I was going through a separation, after only 16 months of marriage, while caring for four children, with my youngest being one year old. As one of the most confident women anyone could know, I had lost myself and my purpose. I knew despite it all, I had to push through, and be a voice for all of the women in my same situation. I felt that I needed to help others, as it was also a way to help and heal myself. I decided to focus on empowerment, model coaching, and networking in the plus-sized community. I loved seeing women embrace their true beauty, no matter the size and shape of their bodies, and experience what it feels like to live unapologetically in their own skin. In my quest to build connections, people would always compliment my outfits, and the unique pieces I would wear. What many people didn’t know is, I would have custom garments made for events out of designs I had created myself.

I found it very difficult to buy clothing in my size, especially trendy and affordable clothing that I liked, and that added that “right touch”, I knew I had to do something to help with the lack of clothing for plus women that had the same struggle.

To prepare for a show, I first come up with a concept or develop one based on the vision of the show I’m a part of. Then I pray and create. It’s that simple. I’m a firm believer that God has given me this talent to be a blessing, so I’m always sure to let him lead me, even in creating fashion for my plus-size beauties.

If I had any advice to give to an inspiring designer, it would be to NEVER GIVE UP! I have stopped and started over several times, however, I have never given up on my brand. It is imperative that we believe in our craft, especially since the plus industry is an area that wasn’t of importance for a long time. Whether you’re a designer that specializes in straight or plus size, your creative mind is needed. If this is your passion, see it through!

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Tiffany Rice

I am a Baltimore-based plus-size fashion designer. I first gained interest in fashion design when my family relocated to Maryland from New York State. I attended middle school at Ft. Meade Army Base, and I learned to sew in home economics class. It became evident that I had some talent then. However, I wasn’t able to truly nurture my talent until about a decade later when I was in graduate school for social work. That’s when I bought myself a sewing machine and retaught myself how to sew from YouTube. I had this very nagging feeling in my heart that I needed to start sewing again.

Sewing was very much an outlet for me while I was in graduate school. It played a heavy role in my healthy self-esteem development and creative expression.

After graduate school, my interest persisted, and I began socializing in creative and fashionrelated circles. That familiar nagging feeling returned, and I was moved to enroll in fashion classes. A trip to a New York Fashion Week event gave me the push I needed. I soon decided to enroll in a fashion design program at a local college. I graduated in 2020. It was that fashion design program that pushed me to do the first of my fashion shows. My first fashion show with DC Fashion Week was very well received. It was a plus-size swimwear show. That pushed me into creating my brand Mylk and Honey Clothier. You can keep up with my creative journey at www.MylkandHoneyClothier.com

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While I am most known for swimwear, my favorite work comes from random bursts of inspiration. I like pushing myself and growing in my creativity. Sometimes I’ll have a vision for a photoshoot. I’ll make the outfit and photograph it wherever I please. Sometimes I’ll make something out of African print. Most recently, I made a brocade dress and a tweed suit when I was living in London, UK earlier this year. I enjoyed going to the flower gardens and taking pictures.

My most recent collection was for the Lov’n My Curves show at Philly Fashion Week. The show’s theme was evolution. I thought about my evolution as a designer over the past 5 years. I thought about how my identity and sense o culture evolved since like in London. I really embraced my Black womanhood and being a member of the African Diaspora. This show featured African print fabric and many models with natural hair. I wanted this show to be a celebration of Black womanhood.

One of the biggest challenges I’ve experienced in the fashion industry is the lack of representation of plus-size women in mainstream fashion spaces. It depends on the geography and attitudes of show designers.

Sometimes I am the only plus-size designer in these spaces. Sometimes it’s hard to find plussize models for shows I do in a place like Los Angeles, for example. Other challenges I face are related to access to funds and means of production. It takes a lot of time and capital to bring a fashion line to market. The advent of social media and popular fast fashion companies gives the expectation that products should be available to consumers as soon as they see the designer presents them. That isn’t usually feasible for the small designer.

I’d advise your designers to continue to create. It is our highest form of spiritual expression. We grow with practice. However, also know that there are so many ways to show up in the fashion industry. Everyone isn’t meant to be a fashion entrepreneur.

Maybe your talents are with costume-defining and recreating historical garments for TV and theater. Maybe you’d make a great fashion buyer and you have an eye for what garments will look good in a store. The world is your oyster. New opportunities are emerging, especially in digital spaces.

TIFFANY RICE FASHION DESIGNER (@_MYLKANDHONEY) MYLK AND HONEY CLOTHIER | FACEBOOK

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FAT CHUCK BASS

MY NAME IS TEVIN EVANS but you may know me on social media as Fat Chuck Bass! I’m a model and stylist based in Brooklyn New York. I grew up very much interested in fashion since I was a child I like to think of my sisters' Bratz and Barbie dolls as my first clients as a stylist because I’d spend hours putting together looks for them. I began modeling as a result of being discovered on my Instagram where I would share photos of my outfits and my avid social life. My first editorial was for a digital magazine called Underdog Men. I’m truly humbled by where I started and where I am now.

Do you have a preference for the type of clothes you model? I would really like to do a campaign for a major fashion House like Gucci, Prada, Chanel, Balmain, Marni, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Valentino.

Currently, there aren’t any plus size models being featured in their campaigns nor are clothes made available in our size I'd like to change that I’d like to be dripped out in these brands I’d like for models of my stature to become the norm in these spaces. To the designers and brands who currently offer an extended size range, I’d like to see them diversify their designs across all of their designs.

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TEVIN “MILO” EVANS (@FATCHUCKBASS) • FAT CHUCK BASS / BOW TIES AND BIG DREAMS | FACEBOOK

How would you define your personal style? My personal style is an amalgamation of current trends mixed in with retro style influences and my own personal style sensibilities. I believe fashion is meant to be an expression of oneself in the most beautiful way possible. I take pride in my appearance and have begun to really embrace wearing whatever makes me feel most authentically me How do you determine a client's personal style? I like to ask my clients what they wear in their day-to-day life at work when going out and when enjoying a casual outing it lets me know what the foundation of their current wardrobe is.

The next thing I do is ask what trends interest them, this helps me to find out what they aspire to.

It’s important to choose items they’ll be excited to wear that feel like they’ve picked it on their own and the last thing I do is curate a few picks of my own that I know are a little bit out of their comfort zone but I think could become a great wardrobe staple once they learn how to dress it up or down for themselves. Most often people who seek the assistance of a stylist either don’t really have the time or mental capacity to worry about what they’re going to wear and need a wardrobe that’s tailored to suit their needs without much thought or they want to try new things and just don’t know how. You should never feel hindered by the clothes you wear they should always make you feel like the best version of you

Photos of my best friend and Muse Kiana Alexis. Styling her is a dream because we actively work together to create the best looks that show off her natural beauty and are fun and true to her personal style! Perspective clients can always find me on Instagram @FatChuckBass where I’m a dm away or email me at FatChuckBass@gmail.com

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JAZZMIN WILLIAMS

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Modeling has been a passion of mine since I was a little girl! I never believed that I could do it because I was plus size growing up. As I got older, I realized I could not shake the feeling of wanting to at least try it, and all they can tell me is no. If it didn't work out, I could always find something that did. So, I went for it back in 2016 and never looked back. I knew that modeling was a part of my purpose. Once I started, the feeling it gave me was like no other! I've grown so much in the industry since and now I have the pleasure of owning a business teaching the craft.

I don’t particularly have a preference in the clothes I model. I believe modeling is creatively portraying a product & speaking life into that product no matter what it is. I love that I'm able to do that and show my personality as a model no matter what I'm modeling. I believe that's the art of modeling.

INK MAG: Tell us about your business.

JAZZMINE: Blu3 model coaching is where you are Beautifully Loved and Uniquely 3volving.

We are a full-service empowerment company specializing in building confidence, teaching industry techniques, and evolving models to their full potential. There are 3 steps to evolving. First, is to Enlighten. We tap into who you are, learn yourself, and enlighten yourself about yourself. Second, we Elevate, and we move out of old habits that don't serve the enlightened you. We elevate into who you are intended to be. Thirdly we Emerge! We embrace who you are and let the blessings fall into place! For more information on the classes, we provide please visit Blu3modelcoachingllc.com I’m also on my agency's site: coutureIncny.com For coaching, direction of a photoshoot, or coordination of a fashion show you can check out my website Blu3modelcoachingllc.com or find me on Instagram @blu3modelcoachingllc or just send me an email at blu3modelcoaching@gmail.com INK MAG: Any advice for new models?

JAZZMINE: My advice for any aspiring model would be to do your research!! Make sure you thoroughly research what the industry is and what it entails. A lot of people have a false perception of what modeling actually is. Don't let fear get in the way of something that you want to do! I'm a firm believer in anyone and everyone can model, but like everything, it takes work! You must be in tune in order to produce what is expected of you and to combat the negativity that may come.

Confidence is key in this industry! Be sure to be yourself and shine like the star that you are!

💜Confidence Builder💙

(@blu3modelcoachingllc) Jazzmin Williams | Facebook

Blu3 Model Coaching (blu3modelcoachingllc.com)

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PEONY • 4 INTELLECTUAL INK MAGAZINE

Sabrina Johnson style so sidity My modeling career began while I was attending a photo shoot party. A girlfriend of mine was having a photoshoot party to celebrate her birthday. During my photo session, the photographer kept insisting that I would be a good curvy model and that I should attend their open casting call.

I was reluctant at the time because life was leading me down a different path. I waited 3 years before I finally accepted the invitation. I was booked for a show the following week and I have been actively modeling ever since. That was over 9 years ago.

PEONY • 3 I have modeled everything from athletic wear, streetwear, bathing suits, Bridal, Couture, and Avant-Garde. My favorite is Couture by far. I love seeing curvy women grace the runway and the pages of magazines rocking a Couture look. The elegance and femininity of it all.

My favorite Philly area designers are Atiya Joanne and Classic Beauty. My favorite celebrity designer is Christian Siriano. All the designers mentioned specialize in Couture Fashion, which is my absolute favorite.

The hardest photoshoot I ever had to do was a promo shoot for a Lov’n My Curves Runway show. It was the summer of 2019, and we were set to shoot at 30th street Train Station in Philadelphia. The temperature was a grueling 98 degrees with a heat index of 110. We shot inside the station and outside, with thousands of people passing by during the shoot. At the time it felt as if the entire crew and equipment were going to melt. Dr. Marquita, Founder, and CEO of Lov’n My Curves was onsite to make sure I hit every pose and every look to be featured. She always says, “If the pose causes you some pain, you hit your pose”. It was truly an amazing shoot.

I have been working with Lov’n My Curves for the past 5 years and I absolutely adore the Executive Team. They have continued to encourage, embrace, and empower me and other curvy women to walk with grace and confidence. Not only on the runway but in life. Their vision was to see women of size, stature, and curves rip the runway. What began as a mere mission has become a movement!

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My advice for aspiring models would be to never give up on your dream.

Practice often and always. Walk through life as if it is your runway.

Never compare yourself to anyone and never, ever, ever listen to the negative noise.

SABRINA JOHNSON Curvy Model, Runway Model and Stylist

SABRINA JOHNSON | FACEBOOK

SABRINA JOHNSON (@STYLE_SO_SADITTY)

Allexis Wooden @coloredbylextiarra As a child, I developed a liking for everything related to beauty, from fashion to having my hair done to lip gloss. I was truly a girlie girl from day one.

When I got into high school, I was finally allowed to explore putting makeup on, such an eyeshadow, and I loved the fact that I could enhance my beauty with a little bit of color. It's funny how makeup has changed so much because back then we were drawing white eyeliner across our eyelids with some lip liner and lip gloss on our lips, and that was pretty much the look.

During the pandemic, I got into makeup deeper than I already was. I learned how to apply a full face of makeup and how to create different eyeshadow looks using lots of colors and glitters. I also learned which products went well with my skin and which did not. Some of my favorite products are Nars foundation soft matte, Milani cosmetics, Morphe cosmetics, Juvia's place cosmetics, ColourPop eyeshadow, & the crayon case.

What I love most about makeup is that I get to be creative. I express myself through art and showcase it on my face. I also love how happy my clients are with the turnout of their glam session.

Trends? Social media has so many trends promoted every day, however, I have not necessarily tapped into them, but that's not to say I won't soon. My personal signature look tends to be more glitter looks and colorful looks. When it comes to servicing my clients, I feel like their makeup applications tend to be more natural.

How do you distinguish yourself from other MUA's? Wow, there are so many talented makeup artists in the world.

I would say my ability to service all age ranges and make them look age appropriate makes me stand out. I am a people-oriented, easygoing, quick learner, and a hard worker who is passionate about my work. I am also always eager to learn new techniques. I relish a challenge and enjoy the pressure that comes with working in a fast-paced production.

I believe that one of the most important aspects of being a successful makeup artist is the ability to work accurately and promptly, which I possess. I am also a makeup artist who doesn't have a huge following, so I'm not afraid to take risks and do something that's out of the ordinary, LARA GRACE M. HUNTERS such as an unpaid event. The experience and EDITOR-IN-CHIEF networking at such events are valuable because they may open other doors for me.

My goal is to give every client who books with me a detailed oriented, punctual, qualityminded MUA expierience. I will follow your instructions to please you with your makeup request. If I could tell any aspiring MUA anything, it would be to stay consistent and know that what's for you is going to be for you. Sometimes you may feel like you're not getting noticed or supported but just know that people are watching and every blessing that is meant for you will come to you exactly when it's supposed to. Don't discount your work by comparing it to what you see on social media because pictures and videos can be edited/altered. Whatever your vision, stay focused. Continue educating yourself on your craft, and you will do just fine. me.

Book me via Instagram @coloredbylextiarra TikTok @_coloredbylextiarra

LONDON K.C. Q: What inspired you to want to become a model?

A: Looking at fashion and runway models on TV and social media inspired me to want to get involved. It seems very interesting to me! So much so, I play around in my room, and pretend I am a runway model. Prancing and practicing my catwalk.

Q: When did you decide to become a model?

A: This past Spring.

Storytime, one day while at my Auntie’s place, I had taken my braids out, washed my hair, and blow-dried it I began to pose in the mirror. I did not realize my aunt was watching me until she asked me “if I wanted to model?” I answered, “yes, Auntie, but can you ask my dad, if I can?” I was then encouraged to ask my dad when I got home.

He said that I could and that is how it began.

Q: Why modeling?

A: First, so that I can become famous and make a lot of money. Secondly, I want to inspire other young girls who share my skin tone. However, I don’t just want to be a model. I want to use it as a steppingstone to create more opportunities for myself. I would also like to be an Actress, Baker, and/or Lawyer.

A little more about me: some of my hobbies are track, watching Anime, and sleeping. Some of my favorite models are Naomi Campbell, Tara Banks, Anok Yai, and Bella Hadai.

Thoughts from my 1st photo shoot: At first, I was a bit nervous but by the second wardrobe change I began to feel relaxed.

Overall, I felt good and had fun. Especially, changing into different outfits and then seeing the final pictures.

LONDON.

💟 (@LONDONK.C)

LONDON KNIGHT-CROW | FACEBOOK

XANTHA Q: What inspired you to want to become a model?

A: My aunt Naomi inspired me to be a model. She called me America’s next top model when I was a little girl, and it manifested in my future.

Q: When did you decide to become a model?

A: I was about 17/18 when I met Paula Abdul, and she told me I was beautiful. I always look to network and be open to the opportunities in front of me, so I went to her and asked her to remember me if she ever needed a beautiful face. She told me to send her my pictures, and that's where it started, although it was the furthest thing from my mind at the time.

Where is your Dream Modeling Job? My dream modeling job is something that incorporates my grandmother, so it can be a skincare brand or even an athletic brand. It can be remembering the elders, or a Target ad, as long as we’re a part of it together, that’s my dream.

Why Modeling? Modeling wasn’t something I always wanted to do when I was younger. I didn’t even believe I was beautiful, but through modeling, I’ve found confidence within that I didn’t even realize was there. Modeling helped me find my voice and understand that true beauty is way beyond any picture or job I can ever get. I must spread beauty to this world through all I do.

X A N T H A (@I_AMXANTHA) • INSTAGRAM PHOTOS AND VIDEOS TEAMXANTHA@GMAIL.COM

ITSCHARLOTTESCLOSET.COM

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IT'S CHARLOTTE'S CLOSET

What’s new, Closet Crew? I feel like it’s been forever between issues and I’ve been missing you guys like crazy! Seriously, Charlotte’s Closet is one of the few places where I feel like I can be myself, flaws and all. And of course, I’m going to keep calling it like I see it.

Welcome one and all to our very special edition of Intellectual Ink Magazine. For our second anniversary issue, we are celebrating and highlighting fashion. Y’all know how I feel about fashion, right? Being the Creative Director and roving reporter of Intellectual Ink puts me in a unique position to move through different spaces and places, sharing my views with different crews and getting their perspectives too.

Now, who got some sugar for this tea we’re about to sip?

The blend we’re sipping is called; From Philly to Fenty: The importance of inclusivity on the runways.

Over the fall I and the Editor-in-Chief Julia Press Simmons had the pleasure of attending the “Lov'n My Curves” fashion show in Philadelphia. As a staunch advocate of inclusivity, I was super excited to attend this show. I have attended many shows where there may have been a plus-sized model or two sprinkled in here and there but never had I attended a show dedicated to all things curvy.

This was something revolutionary and I had the pleasure of experiencing it firsthand.

“Lov'n my Curves” was on a different level.

Not just because they were highlighting men and women of the thicker persuasion, but because their whole presentation screamed inclusivity. The models were fierce, beautiful, and confident. The designers were thoughtful and wildly creative. I even won a prize from Ashley Stewart which was presented to me by personality Desiree Dezzie Neal (www.dezzieonline.com). The question I answered to win said prize was: What was considered “Plus Size?” I screamed "A size 8."

Don’t believe me? Look it up. I don’t know what women they’re measuring are built like, but I know I wear double that size on a good day. Any-who…back to the show...

Lov’n My Curves – Celebrating Full Figured Womanhood (lovnmycurves.com)

The models ranged from a size 6 to 22, so everybody got to shine, but the day truly belonged to the big, fluffy, and sometimes overlooked. They put some respect on the big girls and they did not disappoint. They walked that runway down dressed in clothes that were not only sexy but flattering to their proportions. These designers understood the assignment.

I was like a kid in a candy store getting an up close and personal view of what goes into putting together a runway show. Every designer who presented did a phenomenal job. I found myself wanting to buy one of each item I came across. I’m telling you, y’all have to check out some of their lines. The designers and the curvy kings and queens didn't just walk the runway, they stomped it.

Next stop was Savage X Fenty Fashion Show Volume 4, where I was fortunate enough to have a front row seat – from my living room. I showed up in my very best lounge wear, which consisted of sweatpants that were two sizes too big, no bra and a graphic t-shirt.

Bad Girl Riri, AKA Robin Fenty; singer, dancer, billionaire extraordinaire can do no wrong when it comes to business in my book. The Fenty show and cosmetic line is absolute proof that inclusion is not only great for morale it's great for business. You see what happened to Victoria’s Secret when they decided to shun the plus community? it was karma, I tell you. Sweet karma.

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The Fenty show is by far the best fashion show I’ve seen in a long time. From the music to the creativity and the colors, it was a sight to behold. It was the inclusion for me that put it at the top of my list. In addition to having models of all shapes and sizes, rocking lingerie and looking their absolute best there were also models of varying ages doing the damn thing. I really enjoyed this part of it because ageism has become such a big thing in the industry. They say that old is out and young is in, but I call bullshit and from the tone of the show Ms. Riri does too.

Whoever put this thing together was a marketing genius. There were plenty of celebrity sightings; my Dream Girl and shero Sheryl Lee Ralph, who makes sixty look so damn sexy. My Virgo Queen, the multifaceted Taraji P Henson, who looked absolutely fierce walking the runway in lingerie.

Plus size supermodel, Precious Alexis was representing for the curvy culture. And we can’t forget the youngest in charge; the lovely Marasi Martin, stalking in her cat suit.

Honorable Mention goes to Comedienne actress and activist Luenell, the spirit animal of my heart who embodies everything I stand for! She is bold, beautiful, loud and proud of her age.

The fiery Fenty lingerie pics she posted on her Instagram gained so much traction that she started an Only Fans. Get your money, sis! I love that for you.

I had to save the best for last. Just when I thought the Fenty show could get no better, they brought out the Menz - no typo. Beautiful men in all shapes and sizes wearing sexy ass Fenty pajamas and boxers, did their thing. You know ain’t shit sexier than chocolate covered in boxers. Read that part again. There was Damson Idris aka Franklin Saint just giving the whole black king vibe. We also had Captain Jack Sparrow himself aka Johnny Depp, rocking the hell out of that Fenty Robe. There was also many men ranging from sizes to complexion just showing up and out in nightwear, this show was a Master Class in inclusion. Hats off to Fenty, Brava Well Done The commonality in these two very different shows is that it is ok to be your true and authentic self and nothing else. Wherever you go, show up and show the F out baby! I Take me wherever I go whether it's Philly or Fenty, and that will never change.

Until next time I'm sending love and light to you and yours.

I dedicate this article to my front row fashion show partner and the HBIC at Intellectual Ink Julia Press Simmons, she does more before 5 am than most people do all day! Love You Boss!

CHARLOTTE YOUNG-FOYE (@CHARLOTTES__CLOSET__) CHARLOTTE YOUNG-FOYE | FACEBOOK

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WHO'S NEXT?

SHAWN HUDSON INTELLECTUAL INK MAGAZINE

WHO'S NEXT?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Shawn Hudson was born in Bronx New York on March 22, 1992. For the majority of his life, he’s lived in the Sack Wern housing project which has become the place that he grew to both loves and hate with all of his heart. He attended elementary school at P.S. 100 from kindergarten up to the fourth grade. In the first grade, he found himself lacking the ability to read and write at a sufficient level like his classmates at the time which led to him having to repeat the first grade. With the help of his mother, he managed to learn how to read at an even better rate than before as she taught him to always put himself in the character's shoes whenever he would read a story.

In 2007 he began what would be a short career as a disc jockey but after listening to the discouraging words from his father about his career in music young Shawn would find his true passion when he attended an English class in his freshmen year at the Eagle Academy for Young Men. He learned the fundamentals of becoming a world-class writer as he learned how to write without pronouns and how to be more descriptive with his writing. After his freshmen year of high school, Shawn began writing what would later become his first book “By Any Means”. After graduating from the Eagle Academy for Young Men he began editing and re-writing his manuscript so that it could be published.

He would make history within African American literature by becoming the youngest urban fiction author of all time as he published “By Any Means” at the age of 19 with the help of Self-Publishing Inc. in March of 2012 just days before his birthday It turned out to be a great year for the young author as he participated in the.

annual “Harlem Book Fair”. He also appeared on the “Street Corner Resources” radio show 90.3 FM hosted by Iesha Sekou in August of that same summer. Last but not least “By Any Means” went on to sell 300 copies that very same year as well. 2013 is already looking bright for this young talent as he’s now attending Monroe College and has just released his sophomore effort “By Any Means 2: The Ghetto Gospel” while he is also on track to receive his Associate's degree in Business Administration from Monroe College as well.

After the release of his third book “By Any Means III: Judgement Day in 2014, he went on to receive his degree in 2015 for his bachelor’s degree in Business Management.

Righter after his graduation he released his fourth book. “By Any Means: The Price of a Soul” was the conclusion to the “By Any Means” series.

In 2017 Shawn Hudson re-released his first collection of Poetry called “Poetic Thoughts of a Rebel” to showcase his poetic skills. He followed that up with his second poetry collection “Death of the Stereotype”. He returned to his urban fiction roots with the release of “Just Us” which is a socio-political tale of an unholy alliance between two characters that seek revenge for the murder of the woman that they both loved. After recovering from Covid-19 Shawn Hudson became the recipient of the Bronx Council of the Art’s 2022 “Bronx Recognizes Its Own” award in the fiction category for “Sins Of Society” which is the sequel to “Just Us” and follows Kat and Fred’s growing political consciousness and their feud with their father among other new enemies.

What was an early experience where you learned that language had power? How did that influence you as a writer?

I first learned that language had power when my first poem "Project Window" was banned from my senior yearbook by the staff at my former High School Eagle Academy for Young Men. They didn't want me to say the following line: " do like the politicians do and hope everything will be alright". They told me to change it to God and I refused. So, they did not publish it in my yearbook. This influenced me as a writer because it showed me that my job is to not only paint pictures with words but to also speak on social and political issues regardless of the consequences.

What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?

The most difficult part of my artistic process is incorporating some political and or social message in my stories without sounding preachy. For example, in Just Us, I addressed police brutality, homophobia, and transphobia. I wanted to address it in a way where it didn't generalize all poor and working-class Black people as bigoted but do it in a way that was also entertaining. I did the same thing with Sins Of Society where I was addressing classism and prison abolition which to my knowledge no other street lit or urban fiction book has done. None of this is easy because a lot of times we as Black people say we want art with a positive message but don't always support it as we should.

Tell us about your book Sins of Society.

Sins Of Society picks up right where Just Us left off. Kat and Fred are still growing as

people as they try to figure out how to coexist and support one another. We see Kat growing more socially and politically conscious as she joins the prison abolitionist fight. Her father has aligned himself with the mayor and wants to build more prisons. This story is primarily focusing on the growth of not only Kat and Fred but also Tatiana and J King as well as they come into their own.

The Hardest scene to write was the final protest where protestors were beaten by police in Sins of Society. That was based on the FTP 4 protest that took place on June 4th, 2020, in the Bronx. Some of my comrades that were there were harmed during that protest by the NYPD. I wanted to make sure I wrote it as accurately and respectfully as I could. I wanted to show the world just how savagely the NYPD treats black people, especially poor Black and brown people in the Bronx because we're viewed as disposable.

What are working on now, and when can readers expect it?

The third installment of the Sinville series will be The Power Of The Dollar which I'm working on right now. That'll be out sometime next year probably spring or summertime of 2023. I'm really looking forward to upping the ante with this one.

Like now the stakes are gonna be even higher for all of the characters. The inspiration for the title came from the unreleased album of the same name by 50 Cent after he got dropped from Columbia records in 2000. As a fan of his, I hope he does release it officially one day. I just felt like with the theme of this next chapter in the series being centered around capitalism this title was a no-brainer and when people read it they'll understand why I chose it.

SINS OF SOCIETY ON AMAZON DEATH OF THE STEREOTYPE JUST US ON AMAZON S.DOT THE WRITER (@RBGBOOKS1992) • INSTAGRAM PHOTOS AND VIDEOS (1) MOSTVALUABLEPOET @RBGLITERATURE) / TWITTER

INTELLECTUAL INK MAGAZINE

A Conversation With VaLinda Miller Tell us more about your store, including its history and location. What types of books do your store stock and specialize?

Turning Page Bookshop opened in June 2019 in Goose Creek, SC. We are the only black women own brick & mortar bookstore in the state of South Carolina, and I plan on opening more. We stock all genres – fiction, nonfiction, AA, Teens, Romance, Cozy Mysteries, puzzles, toys, etc. We do not sell just AA books; we sell all types of books because our community is filled with all types of people.

What do you most enjoy about being a bookseller?

The excitement of finding a book that I like/love and telling everyone else about it, especially kids/teens What is a typical workday for you? How many hours a day (or week) do you devote to your business?

I have a manager who runs the store from Tuesday thru Saturday, 8 hours a day. I work

WWW.TURNINGPAGEBOOKSHOP.COM

a full-time job, but I take care of the ordering, budget and social media, etc., about twenty hours a week.

Do you support local indie authors?

Yes, we support local indie authors.

We no longer take consignments; it was not financially feasible. We order directly from the publishers.

We do offer the local indie author to have their book signing at the store and sell directly to the customer.

This way they receive the funds directly.

What support/services do you offer your community, and how can your community best support you?

We provide training for the elderly on using computers, tutoring services, “Meet your local Police Department,” Women/Men’s monthly discussions with a glass of wine/coffee/tea; and children’s reading, We ask our community to let us know what they want to see in our store, especially selections of books, puzzles, or community services to be held at the store.

Owner of Turning Pages Bookshop located at 604 St James Ave Suite I (eye) Goose Creek, SC 29445 Turning Page Bookshop | Goose Creek SC | Facebook

Turning Page Bookshop (@turningpagebookshop) Turning Page Bookshop (@turningbooks) | TikTok

What the “Eff” is going on?

I didn't want to talk about him, but he's leaving me no choice. I wanted to ignore him, but his fuckery is inescapable. Of course, I'm talking about Kanye West, or Ye, as he likes to be called now. by erick s. gray

Lately, he's been making headlines for his crazy antics, from donning White Lives Matter T-shirts at a Paris fashion show. To Kanye double downing on his statement that it was the fentanyl that killed George Floyd and not the nine-minute knee against his neck from a bigoted cop. The man has been all over the place, and when will it end? Or will it ever end? And, is he in the sunken place?

Unfortunately, Kanye's crazy antics, reckless rhetoric, and childish demeanor have cost him a billion-dollar fortune. In addition, Adidas and several other companies had untethered themselves from Kanye because of his anti-Semitic rhetoric. So, his anti-Semitic comments were the straw that broke the camels' back, huh? I don't agree with Kanye's words or actions, nor want to see a black billionaire fall from grace. But actions do have consequences. And here's a fact, there are 614 billionaires in the Unties States, and only seven are Black—only 7! Wow! First, I want to say this; I think Kanye needs help.

He may be dealing with mental issues. I always believed that something wasn't right with Kanye, but I'm not excusing his behavior. He's still a grown man, a successful musician, producer, and entrepreneur, and can afford all the medical help he needs. But his mouth bit off more than he could chew. I also believe the forces that be gave Kanye a long enough rope to hang himself. He was allowed to go on multiple platforms to spew things that would create an uproar, backlash, controversy, and polarizing views. Everyone from Drink Champs to Tucker Carson invited Kanye West onto their show, knowing it would become a trainwreck. Saying that, I say this, Kanye talked shit about Black people, white people, and everything else. He said, "Slavery was a choice," and "Harriet Tubman didn't free slaves." He created the White Lives Matter T-shirt and denounced and criticized George Floyd's murder as a fentanyl overdose. And He took to Twitter to write, "When I wake up, I'm going death con 3 On Jewish people.” The list goes on and on.

I ask this question, is there an attack on black success and our black communities? And are we a forgotten community?

Kanye West was an inevitable trainwreck, and like my mama always preached, there is power of life and death within the tongue. I was shocked that Kanye's net worth dropped significantly by 1.5 billion after Adidas and several other companies cut ties with him. Damn, what did he own outright? If we're going to attack and cancel Kanye because of his antisemitic remarks because they believe it will incite hate and violence toward a specific community. How about going after these record companies owned by white bodies promoting murder, rape, and poison in the black communities by continuing to get rich off of drill music. Record labels are now taking out life insurance policies on rappers. They're preying on rappers' deaths and preying on making millions on their deaths by cashing out after a rapper's demise.

And then there's Brett Farve, a Superbowl champion and MVP quarterback who stole millions of dollars from some of the poorest and most underserved people in Mississippi and donated it to a predominantly white institution's athletic program. But Kanye gets canceled, and his Instagram and Twitter accounts are suspended. Yes, Kanye put his foot into his mouth with his remarks believed to be hostile and prejudiced against Jewish people. But what about these conglomerate companies preying on black communities, from record companies profiting handsomely off of drill music, private prisons, and their investors profiting from crime in the black communities, inadequate healthcare, and the constant killing of unarmed black men and women across this country? Isn't these actions hostile and prejudiced against Black people and Black communities? Kanye's remarks aren't the problem; the problem is the perpetual bias, marginalization, destruction, and attack on black wealth leading to Kanye saying what he said.

And with over 600 billionaires in this country, take away Kanye's net worth, and now only six black billionaires are left.

And why isn't Brett Farve in jail for his transgressions? So, listen, I don't entirely agree with everything Kanye West says or does, but don't talk to me about Kanye when there are forces out there doing so much worst—sometimes in secret, but in public, too. But at least Kanye was open about his shit! And on a side note, a few Black people's success doesn't prove racism is over!

And that’s what the “Eff” is going on! facebook.com/authorerick.gray instagram.com/egray28/