INTELLECTUAL INK ISSUE 24

Intellectual Ink Editor in Chief

Julia Press Simmons

Creative Director

Charlotte Young-Foye

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

Shonda Mayes

Events

Author Untamed

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

ONLINE ISSN 2833-7220

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 Dear Readers,

Spring has sprung, and in honor of National Poetry Month, Intellectual Ink Magazine is thrilled to present our latest issue, POETRY IN MOTION an in-depth recap of the celebration honoring the first black mayor of Hagerstown. Write news conversations with author and founder of Written In Melanin LLC, C.M. Lockhart, and Poet Phoenix Kabali. In this edition, we feature the works of talented writers and poets who have shared their unique perspectives on life, society, and everything in between. From compelling essays to stirring poetry, our contributors have offered their best literary creations that are sure to captivate your imagination.

As always, Intellectual Ink Magazine will continue to be a source of inspiration and a platform for emerging writers, creatives, and entrepreneurs of color to share their unique visions with the world.

We invite you to sit back, relax, and enjoy!

Julia Press Simmons EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Charlotte Young Foye CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Contents 2. EDITOR'S NOTE 4. WRITE NEWS~ INTERVIEW AUTHOR C.M. LOCKHART 10. WRITE NEWS ~ INTERVIEW POET PHOENIX KABALI 14. POEM OF THE MONTH ~ TOUR OF THE GHETTO 16. CULTIVATING CONFIDENCE THROUGH CREATIVITY ~ SHAE SUNFLOWER 27. CHARLOTTE'S CLOSET ~ BIG PIN*UP ENERGY ANNIVERSARY 32. EVENTS ~ BEYOND THE PAGE BY UNTAMED 35. FLASH FICTION ~ POLITCALLY ACTIVATED

20. POETRY IN MOTION~ AN INDEPTH RECAP OF THE CELEBRATION HONORING THE FIRST BLACK MAYOR OF HAGERSTOWN BY CHARLOTTE YOUNG FOYE

40. BOSS UP ~ SAMONE OF SAMMIE'S SWEETZ 47. BOOK REVIEWS ~THE BLACK QUEEN & YEAR OF YES 51. WHAT THE EFF IS GOING ON~IS BLACK MASCULINITY BEING ERASED?

INTELLECTUAL INK MAGAZINE

Owner of Written in Melanin LLC. Founder of the Melanin Library. Author of "The Wrath of The Gods" series. Host of the Written in Melanin Podcast.

Mentor to indie authors.

Promoter of Black authors.

C.M. Lockhart

A writer of fantasy because she loves creating worlds, exploring relationships, and writing about Black girls who aren't all that nice.

She's been writing since the age of fourteen and all her characters are Black unless she tells you otherwise.

What inspired you to start writing?

In truth, I’ve always been drawn to it.

Since the moment I learned to read, I’ve been in love with it. And as I got older, I started wanting the characters in my books to act differently – for the main characters to fall in love with different people and for the endings to be better. And I wanted to be able to read about girls who had descriptions that fit my real life.

Like I think most people are, I was unbothered by it at first. But once I noticed the absence of brown skin and kinky hair, except when it was convenient or when the character

would never make another appearance in the book, I couldn’t go back to being blissfully ignorant. And that’s when I began crafting my own stories. The very first one I remember writing was when I was around eleven. My dad had gotten a laptop, and allowed me to use it to practice typing. So, I started creating journal entry stories about a super-rich girl with a room like Arnold’s from Hey, Arnold! and a crazy family. She was fun, spoiled, and a little wacky. And I realized one day that I had dozens of documents about her, and I thought, “Oh, this is something I can do for real.”

So, I did.

What comes first, the plot or characters?

The characters. I write books about Black girls who aren’t all that nice. So, whenever I get an idea for something to include in a story, there’s always a Black girl in my mind, waiting for her turn to have her adventure told.

Describe a typical writing day.

My writing days are pretty basic! After waking up and scrolling through social media, I make myself and my husband some tea, get ready for the day, and then sit at my computer. I pull up some music to fill the silence, crack a window if it’s warm enough, and then pull up my document. I use the writing software Dabble Writer because it’s streamlined enough to keep me focused while keeping track of my goals, notes, and comments. I open OneNote on the side to keep track of any stray thoughts, ideas, cut content, and reminders for my future self once I start editing, and then I get into it. Most days,

I have a word count goal I’m working towards, but in the beginning, often I’m just organizing my thoughts. I try to share pretty much everything about my writing journey on my YouTube channel and podcast, so that pressure helps keep me focused!

How long does it take you to write a book?

About five months, if I’m serious. I usually start in November with NaNoWriMo to capitalize on all the positive writer energy that can be found on the internet, and I keep going until the end of March. By then, I usually have a full manuscript that’s clean enough to send out to my beta readers and editor.

INTELLECTUAL INK MAGAZINE

Tell us about We Are The Origin. (the writing process, the characters, the theme) We Are the Origin is the first book in a fantasy series about a group of assassins who must work together to save the gods and their realm from destruction. The initial idea for this book came to me back in 2015 during one of the roughest periods of my life. I knew that I wanted to write, but, as they say, starting is the hardest part of things. All I knew at the time was that I wanted to write about a Black girl who was a skilled assassin. And I wanted her to do assassain-esque things on the page.

Over time and several thousand words and completely trashed drafts, it morphed into the final version today.

Brandi is an assassin who is loved by the gods and the incarnation of the goddess of life. She has dark brown skin, thick coily hair, and unambiguous features. She’s also straightforward and cold towards strangers.

And it was important for me to write that into her character because, after having done a stint in Corporate America™, I saw how introverted Black women were treated. And I didn’t want to write a character that catered to everyone else’s needs but her own. I wanted a character that was confident in who she was, loved unconditionally by the people around her, and who wasn’t interested in shrinking herself to make other people around her comfortable. So often, Black women are perceived as a threat simply for existing, and if that was the case, I wanted to make sure that if Brandi was perceived as a threat, it was because she was one.

I wanted the people closest to her to be varying shades of brown as well – because that’s my own lived reality, and I had grown exhausted of reading books that advertised

“Black Girl Magic,” but the Black girl in question was the only Black girl in the book.

Everyone in my book is Black unless explicitly stated otherwise, and that was important for me to include. Because this book – this series – is for all the Black girls who aren’t nice. We deserve to be seen and loved for who we are, the way we are.

We Are the Origin is a book that celebrates that. I would love to be able to say there was some lofty theme or greater intention behind its inception, but in all honesty, I just wanted to write a book about a Black girl going on an adventure to save the gods. But over the course of writing Brandi, the gods, and her friends, it grew into so much more. In so many ways, this book, and this series, is a love letter to every Black girl who has ever wanted to see herself in a book without having to apologize for who she is.

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

Currently, I’m working on Book 2 of my Wrath of the Gods series, We Are Dying Gods.

It follows Brandi as she’s forced to lead a rebellion against the queendom to entertain a time being and save the realm. Readers can expect it on August 29, 2023.

WWW.WRITTENINMELANIN.COM

Paul Dunbar - "I know why the caged bird sings, ah me, when his wing is bruised and his bosom sore."

Sympathy

Lucille Clifton - "Won't you celebrate with me what I have shaped into a kind of life?" Won't you celebrate with me?

Amiri Baraka - "And we will put some bad niggers in the street / And the fascists will be sorry they were born."

"Black Art"

INTELLECTUAL INK MAGAZINE

POET PHOENIX KABALI Author of "Long Nights, Short Days" & "The Shadow Of A Man" By: Craig Ethan Bullock Jr.

I have written and performed poetry for twenty-two years now. It seems like forever when you write the length of time out like that, but to be honest, for a long time, I was not sure what made me realize that I am a poet. I always thought if you write poetry, you’re a poet. It wouldn’t be until my later years that I would come to understand what it means to hold the title of poet.

The inspiration behind all of my work is life. The experience of living, the experience of emotions, of processing thoughts and patterns of human nature. Life’s ups and downs, twists and turns, the highs and lows, and the impacts of human interaction. The idea of existence is incredibly complex and vast. We each hold a unique perspective of life from our experiences.

How long does it take you to construct a poem?

The length of time it takes me to construct a poem varies greatly depending on how I’m feeling, and the motivation behind writing the poem. Some, I write in only a few minutes, some in a few years, but writing is about the journey, not how long it takes to get to the destination.

The inspiration behind all of my work is life. The experience of living, the experience of emotions, of processing thoughts and patterns of human nature.

Has there ever been a moment when you didn’t want to share one of your poems with someone because it felt too personal or intimate?

“Don’t worry about where to begin, you’ve already done that, you’re in the middle of it. Figure out where you want to go and take your first step. Write!”

I’ve never kept a poem I didn’t want to share. It also wouldn’t have been written if it was something I didn’t want to share. My poetry is meant to be shared, that’s why I write it, particularly.

What are you working on now, and how can our readers find your work?

What would be your number one piece of advice for someone who wants to start writing poetry but doesn’t know where to begin?

My number one piece of advice for someone beginning their writing journey is,

Currently, I’m in the process of writing my fourth book. That’s all I can say about that. Though when the time is right, my third book will be released when the timing is perfect. Its title is “It Was Written In The Stars”. More information will be available upon the book's coming release. So, stay tuned!!

INTELLECTUAL INK MAGAZINE

"Long Nights, Short Days" & "The Shadow Of A Man" Can be found on amazon and Barnes and Noble By: Craig Ethan Bullock Jr. @PHOENIXKABALI @9HOTOSBYPHOENIX

PAGE 51

Tour of the Ghetto Over here is where gunshots pour down like rain drops and peaceful nights are like Hayley’s comet because of the fact that it’s rare to see them, On that side of the woods are the back blocks where the street pharmacist deal the governments poison to those that have had the life squeezed out of them by the grips of poverty, If you take a walk down that block you’ll see how that crack will turn a king into a fiend, that dope will turn a queen into a pawn, that meth will turn a son into a bum, and that LSD will turn daddy’s little girl into a Hunt’s Point hoe, Over there on the boulevard are future 1st round draft picks for the state penitentiary as their parents have failed them and left them to fend for themselves amongst the bloodthirsty wolves and masculine gorillas that wait for their prey as they lurk in the shadows of darkness, On that corner over there is a school that’s as effective as a broken condemn, we’re sent to schools where we’re taught that we were slaves and that we belong in the back of the bus instead of being taught that we were kings and queens, On that side over there is the crooked cops that swear to protect and serve us but instead, they beat us, harass us, kill us, and falsely arrest us, but the mayor feels that their lives are more valuable than ours despite our tax dollars paying his salary, This will conclude our tour of the ghetto and beware of this dangerous fallacy … (c) 2013 Shawn Hudson published 2017 in his collection "Poetic Thoughts of a Rebel"

Sonia Sanchez - "We stand before the earth / and our faces are filled with the light / of a thousand stars."

A Blues Book for Blue Black Magical Women

Pat Parker - "And the women who love women / are ignored by the newspapers / and excluded from history."

For the White Person Who Wants to Know How to be My Friend

Claude McKay - "If we must die, let it not be like hogs / Hunted and penned in an inglorious spot."

If We Must Die

SHAE SUNFLWR CULTIVATING CONFIDENCE THROUGH CREATIVITY

www.sunflwrmessages.com

I’m Shae, a Philadelphia-based creative whose gift of creativity came to fruition at a young age.

Being taught and inspired by wellknown Philadelphia artist Lucien Crump II, his style of capturing the essence of the black experience through his painting empowered me. I went on to continue my studies of art at Architecture and Design Charter High School. My skills flourished, but I was disappointed in my senior year when I was told I needed to focus on one medium if I wanted to be a great artist. Being a multi-hyphenate visual creative, I struggle with choosing one form to focus my efforts. I paint, I illustrate, I design, and I also am a photographer.

Asking me to choose a favorite medium is like asking a good mom who her favorite child is.

Being discouraged and letting someone else's opinion get a hold of me, I went to Temple University, where I studied Criminal Justice and Psychology, hoping to get away from art, but it kept calling. After graduating, I decided to pursue my dream the way I wanted, no matter what. So I focused on developing each skill to master my craft. To this day, I designate days of the week to concentrate on my ideas. I visualize concepts for each medium and then execute them, which often forms another idea for a different medium, and the process becomes a creative circle.

INTELLECTUAL INK MAGAZINE

My style completely changed over the years as I was learning myself as a person and trying to find my way as an artist. It started as being what’s popular, instead of once again not listening to myself. This monochromatic style I developed is a result of my struggles with mental health and the thoughts of not being able to express myself, but I soon discovered it would also be my way to maneuver through these art avenues while creating in black and white without being boxed in.

I am a non-traditional artist, and just navigating through this art world is not enough for me, so I am creating a new path with innovation. I plan on pursuing all my talents respectively and dropping this idea of being put into a box. There is a world where creatives can exist in different spaces, and I am going to normalize that. I was told before that it was not possible. Just because it has not happened does not mean it cannot happen. I turned away from my purpose years ago, but now there is nothing that can stop me.

www.sunflwrmessages.com

Celes Tisdale - "My hands are not empty / they are filled with the memories of my ancestors."

"Memories"

Jessie Fauset - "The only sin is limitation."

"The Secret of the Sea"

Etheridge Knight - "I am a man / Who understands death, but cannot die."

"The Idea of Ancestry"

MAYOR TEKESHA MARTINEZ

POETRY IN MOTION — AN IN-DEPTH RECAP OF THE CELEBRATION HONORING THE FIRST BLACK MAYOR OF HAGERSTOWN

Your roving reporter had the honor of witnessing Black History in real-time. A remarkable woman whom I can now call a friend, Tekesha Martinez, who, from this day forward, will be referred to as Madam Mayor.

Hagerstown, Maryland, quite frankly, is a place I had never heard of until I met Tekesha at a book signing a dozen years ago. I didn't pay much attention to Hagerstown, but she always said, "Hagerstown is a good ground; come see us." I laughed and responded, "Someday." Who knew that someday would be a celebration of African-American history, perseverance, and pure love in the form of this extraordinary black woman who is every bit of Poetry in Motion.

It was a terrible Tuesday morning, and I was just about to start my day, as I had so many Tuesdays PP (Post Pandemic). I checked my version of the news and scrolled Facebook, where I noticed a friend had changed her name to Mayor Tekesha Martinez. My jaw dropped. I was like, "Wait, what did I miss?"

True to who she is, she responded, "It's happening right now. History is being made for all of us."

In a unanimous 4-0 vote, Hagerstown's City Council selected Tekesha Martinez, a firstterm Councilmember, as the city's new mayor.

Immediately, I felt chills, and indescribable inspiration washed over me, knowing that this particular child of the light had pushed through insurmountable odds to get where she is today. It just proves that many are called, but few are chosen. Just knowing that she is the first black Mayor is colossal because she loves her town. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would travel to Hagerstown to celebrate my dear friend's mayorship at the Maryland Theater during Women's History Month, yes, the universe was showing off!

We arrived at the Maryland Theater. By "we," I mean Jennifer, the official driver for Madam Mayor, her son Jamil, my friend Lotus, who invited me to join her on this historical night, and of course, me. All of us were dressed to the nines. The theme was Poetic Chic, to honor the core of who Madam Mayor really is. And when I said we dressed, we dressed, and it was a sight. I stepped onto the concrete, almost colliding with a man and his lady whose smile was so wide and genuine. We fell in step with each other like we knew each other years. The gentlemen held the door open for us and gave us a bright smile.

"Are you ladies ready to celebrate history?"

"Yes, we are," we sang in unison.

The theater itself was beautiful, with marble floors, countless pillars, and chandeliers, but it was the beauty of the people inside that moved me. There was Jessica, a full-figured diva, decked out in running the room, checking names with ease and with the assistance of her daughter, who checked everyone in with a smile, making us all feel like special guests. I'm such a sentimental soul, and it was the sign in front of the elevator and inside the elevator welcoming you to the celebration honoring Tekesha Ann Martinez, Mayor of Hagerstown, that had me cloudy with a chance of showers.

As we stepped off the elevator, a feeling of magic and pride filled the air. The room was lively and tastefully decorated, with centerpieces bearing the names of the Hagerstown streets that this community loves so dearly.

The food was both visually appealing and delicious - I'm a sucker for that! The drinks were flowing, a DJ was spinning tracks, and there was even a violinist playing all of the Mayor's favorite tunes. As I scanned the room, I saw a diverse crowd of all races, colors, ages, and creeds, all there to honor their own.

Then I spotted someone who stood out from the crowd, looking like herself but with a glow that reminded me of Angela Davis, Toni Morrison, Maya Angelou, and Fiyah all rolled into one.

There was no doubt in my mind that she belonged to the people, a woman of her word.

As tears welled up in my eyes again, she caught sight of me. We did that slow, sauntering walk that only sisters who are aware of their identities can do. We stopped and swayed from side to side, that soul sister girl sway that needs no explanation.

We found our seats, grabbed some food, and enjoyed the tributes to the woman of the hour.

The most moving tributes were from her four daughters, who gave stunning, tear-jerking speeches about their mother. It was incredibly powerful to see the pride in her mother's eyes as she watched her daughter make history and break generational curses.

As I mentioned earlier, the event theme was Poetic Chic, a nod to Madam Mayor's core identity as a poet. Watching some of her favorite poets come to salute and honor their own with poetry was a beautiful experience.

But it was Madam Mayor herself who brought the house down with her poem, "Am I My Brother's Keeper?"

The intensity and conviction in her voice made it clear that she meant every single syllable of her poem. The movements in her delivery and the call-and-response from the crowd showed that we also believed that she is her brother's keeper and that she was showing us how to keep our brothers and each other not as black, white, man or woman, but as deserving humans with something valuable to offer to the world. In these tumultuous times, we need that connection more than ever.

It wasn't just about politics and poetry - we also let our hair down and partied hard. The DJ spun all the classics, and we danced the night away with our nearest and dearest. You can check out the footage on intellectualinkmag.com - we had so much to celebrate, and we made sure to do it right.

But the next day, in true boss fashion, Madam Mayor and her community members were up bright and early at 9:25 am to take us on a tour of their beloved town and city hall before we departed. The building was stunningly constructed and eerily quiet on this peaceful Sunday morning. As we stepped off the elevator, I was struck by the portraits hanging on the wall. As a Brooklyn native, I couldn't help but think of the scene from Do the Right Thing where Mookie asks Sal why there are no Black people on the wall.

As a Brooklyn native, I couldn't help but think of the scene from Do the Right Thing where Mookie asks Sal why there are no Black people on the wall. But there they were, three beautiful smiling Black faces where they belonged, surrounded by dozens of male faces that did not look like them dating back to the 1800s. Once again, I was struck by the enormity of Madam Mayor's achievement.

As she led us on a tour and shared the town's history, we tiptoed through the halls like we didn't belong. Finally, she called us out, and we all laughed, enjoying the sweet moment.

We visited the chambers, admired the artwork, and heard stories about historic letters Madam Mayor's grandfather wrote to the editor of the Hagerstown newspaper. Of course, she was super gracious and let us sit in the chair and take selfies. I felt like a kid on a field trip - it was such an exciting experience.

Leaving city hall, we went on a fantastic art walk and Closet Crew - you know how much I love a good art walk. Blame Issa Rae for that, but there's nothing better than discovering unique art in unexpected spaces, especially when it tells a powerful story.

The Hagerstown Art Walk did not disappoint - the pictures and stories were poignant and moving. But the highlight of the trip was undoubtedly the muse for this article, Poetry in Motion.

I can't wait to see how she continues to change the world, and you can bet we'll be watching from the front row.

You can read more about Madam Mayor Tekesha Ann Martinez, the first Black mayor of Hagerstown, Maryland, in my next article, "Politics As Usual: A Day in the Life of Mayor Martinez." We'll take you to Annapolis, Maryland, where real change is being made.

In closing, Intellectual Ink Magazine would like to congratulate Madam Mayor Tekesha Ann Martinez for making history and sharing her mustard seed faith that moved mountains with all of us. The ancestors would surely be proud.

Tekesha Ann Martinez | Facebook

Tekesha Ann Martinez (@fiyahz_fly) |

Welcome To Charlotte's Closet

INTELLECTUAL INK MAGAZINE

Hey, hey & mo hey Happy National Poetry Month Closet Crew!!!

This issue is very special to me for two reasons. Not only do we get to highlight one of our favorite poets, the honorable and remarkable Madam Mayor Tekesha Martinez, the first African American mayor of Hagerstown, MD, but we also get to celebrate a milestone for Charlotte's Closet Brand. It's my one-year "Big Pin-up" anniversary. You may have seen me rocking my "Big Pin-Up Energy" apparel on IG or in the skreets (no typo). In honor of the anniversary, we're offering a 15% discount when you shop at Itscharlottescloset.com and use the code BigPinUp. You know I can't resist a shameless plug.

The Big Pin-Up collection is special to me, not just because the line is cute, which it is, but because it also represents the power of manifestation.

It has been a year since my first international modeling debut inspired the line. I was overjoyed and excited to be featured in the critically acclaimed Pin Up Magazine, and from that excitement, "Big Pin-Up Energy," was born. They blessed me with a two-page ad sponsored by Telfar: Not for You for Everyone.

For those unfamiliar, Telfar is a Blackowned company, and their bags create a frenzy every time a new one is released.

This is thanks to their stylish designs, reasonable pricing, and celebrity endorsements by notable names such as Issa Rae and the queen Virgo herself, Beyonce. Once the paparazzi caught a pic of her sporting Telfar’s medium all-white "Bushwick Birkin," it was over! Not only did Beyonce slay with the look, but she went as far as doubling down by mentioning the brand on her critically acclaimed “Renaissance” album.

"So elegant and raunchy, this haute couture I'm flaunting / This Telfar bag imported, Birkins, them sh*ts in storage / I'm in my bag."

Being featured in the Spring/Summer 2022 Issue of Pin-Up Magazine was confirmation that I was in the right place, at the right time, and doing the right thing. The irony was that this happened when they saw one of my IG posts rocking one of their bags. Can you imagine? Out of their 1.2 million followers, they chose me, an over forty plus-sized Black woman, to represent their brand on a platform that big.

I’m living proof that there is no expiration date on dreams. So, happy Big Pin-Up anniversary to me!

Here are a few Closet Clicks celebrating Big Pin-Up Energy. That's me, and y'all already know that I take me with me everywhere I go. You should too!

Love, Charlotte

ITSCHARLOTTESCLOSET.COM

BANNED BOOK THE MONTH BOOK OF THE OF MONTH

Profoundly moving and nostalgic, Soldiers of Love: Beautiful Scars is a searing exploration of soul ties, love scars, second-chance romance, and the healing power of forgiveness. Inspired by real events, Soldiers is soulstirring and perfect for fans of Seven Days in June and Before I Let Go. It took years and fistfuls of tears for Liberty to convince herself that Zion Malik Mitchell had been a figment of her imagination. She’d suppressed every memory to lessen the burn —and because it’s the proper thing to do once you’ve become another man’s wife. Now the mother, wife, and #SoldiersofLove relationship columnist for Love & Lifestyle magazine finds herself in a heartfelt tug of war when her childhood sweetheart, Zion, resurfaces.

For Zion, Liberty had always been his peace and the one who got away. He needed her more than he was ever willing to admit, and while it’s often said that time heals all wounds, all time had done for Zion was rob him of a future with the love of his life. When tragedy strikes, Zion’s freedom is left hanging in the balance as he awaits sentencing. Plagued with guilt and fear, there’s only one person he trusts to help him through his most arduous battle ever— Liberty.

Will Liberty sacrifice her pictureperfect life and rush to Zion’s side in hopes of healing and setting them both free, or will resurrecting their war-torn past open a Pandora’s box neither will be able to close?

“Sublime and roiling with emotion, childhood sweethearts reconnect, only to be tested by their past, present, and future. If Beale Street Could Talk meets Love Jones in this cinematically written romantic drama.” —Arthur Muhammad, Director of BET+ Original Bid For Love

PREORDER HERE

INTELLECTUAL INK MAGAZINE

ISSUE 24

BEYOND THE PAGE

BY AUTHOR UNTAMED

BY AUTHOR UNTAMED

MARVIN MASON BEYOND THE PAGE

KIAH-CW39 CHICAGO INDE.TV.

If you ever thought it would be an excellent and informative idea to produce a literary series based on authors and professionals in the industry that could provide their expertise and experience to the literary community, then look no further than Beyond the Page.

BEYOND THE PAGE is a docuseries that explores the lives of some of today’s notably established independent and self-published book industry members. These individuals discuss the trials and tribulations of the publishing world, leading to their successes.

Authors, editors, and bloggers address their philosophies to succeed in their industry.

Spearheaded by Marvin Mason out of Chicago, IL, Mason aims to provide a space where these unique and shared experiences are brought to the forefront and highlighted in visual content.

This collective of stories serves as an

instructional tool to light the path for future aspiring authors and literary professionals to guide their upstart journey in the publishing industry.

I had the honor of being a coveted guest on BEYOND THE PAGE for my strides as an author and a film producer. I received the red carpet treatment. I was flown out to Chicago for a three-day, two-night stay. The interview was conducted at the home of INDE.tv studios, where I was interviewed by Mason himself.

Afterward, we attended the wrap party for Mason’s upcoming Christmas movie.

To bring this vision to life, Mason teamed up with the Senior Managing Partner and Executive Producer Rodger B. Jackson of Independent Network TV. This docuseries is aired on KIAH-CW39 in Chicago and can be found on the streaming platform INDE.tv.

Sherley Williams - "Our ancestors sing in our blood / in the rhythm and beat of our hearts."

"In My Father's House"

James Emanuel - "I am the farmer, stripped of love / And thought and grace by the land."

"The Farmer"

Gwendolyn Bennett - "My spirit is too ancient to understand the separation of soul and gender."

"To a Dark Girl"

POLITICALLY ACTIVATED flash fiction

The air was filled with the sound of chatter and laughter as families, friends, and neighbors gathered at the local community event. The sun was shining, and the warm breeze made it a perfect day to be outside.

Suddenly, the sound of gunfire shattered the peaceful atmosphere. At first, it was just a few shots, but then it quickly escalated into a rapid, continuous barrage. Panic ensued as people started to run in all directions, trying to find cover and escape the danger.

Ryan and her friends ducked behind a food vendor's stand as the chaos unfolded around them.

They could hear people screaming and crying, the sound of bullets ricocheting off nearby objects, and the sickening thud of bodies hitting the ground.

The smell of gunpowder filled the air, making it hard to breathe. The bright colors of the balloons and decorations that had adorned the event were now stained with blood, turning the once vibrant scene into a gruesome one.

As the shooting finally came to an end and the police arrived, the scene was one of devastation.

The ground was littered with debris, broken glass, and discarded items left behind in the chaos.

The once happy and bustling event was now eerily silent, except for the sound of sirens approaching in the distance.

Ryan stood up and slowly turned around. She felt like she was on the set of a really bad movie. As she watched the tear-stained faces frozen in shock and anguish, her eyes latched onto an old woman tenderly cradling the lifeless body of a small boy.

Ryan's stomach rolled, her hands curled into fists, and she swallowed hard, willing away the nausea. In those moments her fear morphed into fury.

The aftermath of the shooting was heartbreaking. Families were torn apart, and the community was left reeling from the senseless act of violence that had occurred. Ryan knew that something needed to be done to prevent such tragedies from happening again.

It had to be about five minutes, she thought. She walked through the confusion, her friends called her name, but she couldn't answer them. She couldn't stop. In five minutes, the course of her life had changed, and she needed to bear witness to the entire scene.

All this devastation, she thought, all of this in just five minutes.

The shooter lay dead at the center of the square, an AR15 rifle lay beside him. She took another spin.

"You did all this... with that gun... in just five minutes..."

Police shouted at her to move along. They flooded the square and established a perimeter around the slain shooter.

Ryan walked home in a rage.

Five minutes changed her life forever. Ryan became politically motivated to change gun laws. They needed to get weapons of war off the street.

Her mother kept a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the dining room wall. "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

She started to research different movements and strategies that had been used in the past to create change. She decided to take a page out of Dr. King's playbook and use nonviolent resistance to challenge unjust laws and practices.

Ryan was inspired by the bravery and dedication of those who had participated in the civil disobedience movement, and she believed that similar tactics could be used to push for stricter gun control laws. She started to organize a group of students at her school who shared her passion for change.

She stood at the front of the classroom, nervously clutching her notebook to her chest. She took a deep breath and began to speak.

"Good morning, everyone. I'm here today to talk to you about something really important to me," She said.

A few students looked up from their phones, but most remained focused on their work. Ryan felt her nerves start to rise.

"I want to talk to you about gun control. As you all know, there have been far too many mass shootings in this country, and I believe we can make a difference by taking action."

Ryan glanced around the room, hoping to see signs of interest or support. Instead, she was met with blank stares and indifferent shrugs.

One student piped up. "What can we even do about it? It's not like we can change the laws."

"Yeah, and we'll get in trouble if we start protesting or something," another student added.

Ryan felt a sinking feeling in her chest. She had expected some resistance, but this was worse than she anticipated. She struggled to find the right words to say but refused to give up.

"I know it seems hard, but we can't just sit back and do nothing. We have to stand up for what we believe in, even if it's scary or difficult. And, if we work together, we can make a real difference.

The people in power underestimate us. They think we are lazy, mindless, drones. They sit on mount high in mansions and make decisions for us that will never touch them. They expect us to do nothing."

"They expect us to give up. But a few weeks ago, I saw men, women, and children die at a barbecue. I saw hopes and dreams die. I saw families ripped apart. I saw a grandmother rocking a lifeless toddler, and it all happened in five minutes. I'm not afraid of the people in power. I am afraid to live my very boring life. I am afraid that I will be shot down at school, the market, the movies, or at church. I am afraid my life or the life of my friends and family will be snuffed out in five minutes, and the world will just move on."

She paused, hoping that her words had made an impact. For a moment, the room was silent. Then, slowly but surely, a few students started to nod their heads. One raised their hand tentatively.

"I'm in. What can I do to help?"

Ryan felt a burst of hope in her chest. She opened her notebook and started to jot down some ideas. She was going to make a difference, even if it took time and effort.

Together, they started to plan protests and rallies to raise awareness about gun control. They created posters and flyers to distribute around the school and community, and they used social media to spread the word.

Their first protest was small, with only a handful of students in attendance. However, as they continued to organize and spread awareness, their movement gained momentum. More and more students began to join them, and their protests grew larger and more impactful.

Ryan and her fellow organizers were careful to make sure that their protests remained peaceful and nonviolent, just like the civil disobedience movement they had studied. They used creative tactics to get their message across, such as sit-ins, walkouts, and marches.

Their efforts did not go unnoticed. They were featured in local news outlets, and their protests caught the attention of politicians and lawmakers. They were invited to speak at city council meetings and state assemblies, where they made powerful speeches about the need for stricter gun control laws.

This is a fictional account of what's happening every day in America. However, American youth's motivation, righteous indignation, and conviction are real. If you want to assist in this fight here is some information to join Gen Z and Gen Alpha to get Politically Activated!!!

Gen-Z for Change (genzforchange.org) March For Our Lives Fueling Young People to Change the World | DoSomething.org Home | Students Demand Action Team ENOUGH — Young people ending gun violence Youth Over Guns - Home

Samone of Sammie's Sweetz BOSS UP WITH

LESSONS FROM ENTREPRENEURIES FOR ENTREPRENEURIES

What inspired you to open Sammie's Sweetz?

I have enjoyed baking since I was 5 years old using my Easy Bake oven! Growing up, I used to love trying different recipes from my grandmother's cookbook and using my family as my taste testers. I wasn’t so good then lol but I grew and continue to develop my skills all the time!

What have you enjoyed most about starting your own company?

The freedom! Taking a chance on myself has absolutely been the best decision I’ve made in a long time. I love being able to move as I see fit and spend time with my babies.

I love being a Creative and using my imagination to craft unique designs for each of my clients.

What challenges did you have to overcome at the beginning of your journey?

My greatest challenge was being confident.

When I initially decided to try and make baking and designing my thing, publicly. I was so concerned with how others might view me, support me, and all the negative things I could think of. It was like a case of Imposter Syndrome. We all deserve to be true to ourselves and live our lives the way we best see it.

Thursdays are for Creating!

What does a typical day look like for you?

Firstly, I’m a mom of three handsome boys, the youngest is one year old. I’m tired already! But after getting as much momming done in the morning, I try to develop content to market my services. Nearly 80% of my clientele comes from hands-on marketing.

I try to make it a point to post at least three times a day in various online groups that I’m in Sunday-Thursday. I check inventory and invoices on Mondays to make sure everything is set for the weekend pickups. Thursdays are when the creating begins! The goal on this day is to have every cake baked and ready for assembly. Sometimes, this can literally take all day! Fridays are for crafting and finishing touches. It’s been an ongoing process but I try to have absolutely everything done Friday night or early Saturday morning so that I can have my Saturdays free. Then repeat!

What services do you provide outside of delicious deserts?

At this time, baking is all I do.

What advice would you give to someone just starting a business?

Don’t be afraid to fail! It simply means First Attempt In Learning. You’ll get there. Invest in yourself. There’s nothing wrong with asking for help from those who’ve got a little more experience. We all have to start somewhere.

SammiesSweetz.com Samone (@_sammiessweetz) | Instagram

Sammie's Sweetz | Hiram GA | Facebook

Gwendolyn Brooks - "We are each other's harvest; we are each other's business; we are each other's magnitude and bond." Speech to the Young : Speech to the ProgressToward

Robert Hayden - "What did I know, what did I know of love's austere and lonely offices?" Those Winter Sundays

June Jordan - "We are the ones we have been waiting for." Poem for South African Women

DIAMOND'S DESIGNZ 125pp digital, printable journals designed with the reader/reviewer in mind.

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INTELLECTUAL INK MAGAZINE PAGE 10

Diamond's Literary World Reviews

Title: the black queen Author: jumata emill Publisher: DAFINA Books Genre: ya pages: 400pp Format: ebook

Nova Albright has been elected the first black homecoming queen, much to the dismay of her white counterpart, Tinsley McArthur. On the night of the coronation, Nova is murdered, and all fingers point to Tinsley, but is someone hiding behind their hatred in order to set her up? In an effort to clear her name, Tinsley and Nova's best friend Duchess, unveil secrets that left me guessing whodunit... until the very end.

This debut novel by Jumata Emill was a cross between Mean Girls and Bring It On (starring Gabrielle Union). I lost sleep and couldn't stop turning pages until the killer, and their motive was revealed. My favorite character was Duchess. She formed effortlessly to find her best friend's killer. My least favorite character was a tie between Chief Barrow and the actual killer (you'll have to read the book to find out who it is.)

This is one of the best books that I've read so far this year. Be prepared to see it again at the end of the year.

"Year of Yes" by Shonda Rhimes is a delightful and inspiring memoir that chronicles the author's journey of saying "yes" to unexpected invitations and opportunities for an entire year. As the creator of hit television shows like Grey's Anatomy, Scandal, and How to Get Away with Murder, Rhimes had every reason to say no to new opportunities and events.

However, with the encouragement of her sister, Rhimes took on the challenge of saying "yes" to everything that came her way for a year.

Through her personal anecdotes and reflections, Rhimes shares how saying "yes" transformed her life and gave her a renewed sense of purpose and passion. She writes with humor, wit, and honesty, making this book an engaging and enjoyable read. Rhimes' storytelling is relatable, and her experiences demonstrate how taking risks and stepping out of one's comfort zone can lead to personal growth and new opportunities.

"Year of Yes" is not just a memoir but also a self-help book that encourages readers to challenge themselves to say "yes" to new experiences and opportunities. Rhimes' words are empowering and inspiring, reminding readers that fear and self-doubt should not hold them back from reaching their full potential.

Overall, "Year of Yes" is an excellent read for anyone seeking inspiration and motivation to step out of their comfort zone and embrace new experiences. Rhimes' candid and relatable writing style makes this book a must-read for fans of her television shows, as well as those looking for a powerful memoir that offers practical advice for living a more fulfilling life."

REVIEWED BY JULIA PRESS SIMMONS

James Johnson - "I dream a world where man / No other man will scorn."

"The Creation"

Margaret Walker - "I have been a slave and a slave owner / I have been a singer and the audience / I have been the enemy and the friend."

"For My People"

Michael Harper - "I've been a long time coming here / And I'll be a long time gone."

"Dear John, Dear Coltrane"

INTELLECTUAL INK MAGAZINE

IS BLACK MASCULINITY BEING ERASED? WHAT THE “EFF” IS GOING ON?

BY ERICK S. GRAY

I want to talk about how Hollywood defines black masculinity—starting with Jonathan Major’s controversial Ebony cover issue and Russell Westbrook’s look about a year ago when he decided to wear a white dress. Where do I start? Now listen, these are my views, and this is my opinion, and not no hate speech toward anyone, race, sexuality, or creed. This is an opinion column with expressive views, point blank. Now, back to the regularly scheduled program.

Jonathan Major’s latest cover issue stirred up some criticism and controversies, some folks love it, and some hate it. One of the arguments toward his being shirtless with a pink coat draped over his shoulders, paired with blue denim jeans while sitting on a sofa with a pink background and posing with a pout for the camera is questionable. And then there was Russell Westbrook posing in a white dress over a year ago. Does it makes many of our men look defeated and weak? One can argue yes, and one can say no. However, I ask myself this, black men deciding to wear dresses and woman’s fashion is it by choice or subtle coercion?

Yeah, I can feel the backlash coming. Lol.

INTELLECTUAL INK MAGAZINE

IS BLACK MASCULINITY BEING ERASED? WHAT THE “EFF” IS GOING ON?

BY ERICK S. GRAY

In reality, this is what the world has come to, men in dresses, skirts, and skinny jeans becoming trendsetters in today’s society—to appease white America’s fear toward dominant Black men who wore leather coats and nice suits, advocated soaring afros and dreadlocks, moved in Timberland boots, and army fatigues. Images like those threatened white America because they represented I’m black, and I’m Proud. First, let me clarify; this is not an attack on Jonathan Major and Russell Westbrook and questioning their sexuality. What they like to wear is their choice, whether it is a suit or a woman’s fashion. They’re not the first black men/actor or athletes to wear a dress in public. Instead, I feel there is an attack against black men and our masculinity, or, better, the reconstruction of black masculinity. You might ask, what’s wrong with a black man in a dress, especially if it’s for humor—or style?

Comedians and actors have been donning dresses for years; comedians/actors like Eddie Murphy, Jamie Fox, Chris Rock, Chris Tucker, Wesley Snipes, and the most infamous, Tyler Perry. Madea made Tyler Perry into a superstar and a billionaire. But at what cost? Yes, it’s for laughs and show, but something gradually started chipping away at our masculinity.

Listen, white folks and society always saw the black man as a threat, but also as a commodity to fuel America's economy and build this country's infrastructure—they never saw the Black man as their equal. The reasons for slavery, Jim Crow, mass incarceration, and many unjust laws pivoted toward us. Now you put that black man into a nice suit, educate him, make him believe he's somebody, and show him entrepreneurial skills and roots; he's becoming the most dangerous man in America and the world. And you can agree to disagree. So, how does society impede or alter a man's masculinity? By influencing the youth, the younger generation via celebrities and athletes with images of men posing in dresses, handbags, ladies' shoes, etc., saying to the world, "Look at me." The media feminizing black masculinity's image makes some people feel less threatened and more comfortable. A black man in a dress nullifies photos of empowered black men like Barack Obama, Denzel Washington, Will Smith, and Jay-Z. Would they be so quick to put Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Steve Nash, John Stockon, and Larry Bird into a dress? Not to say that white men haven't donned a dress over the years. There was Tom Hanks in "Bosom Buddies." Robin Williams in "Mrs. Doubtfire," and Dustin Hoffman in "Tootsie, Adam Sandler, Jim Carey, and John Travolta." But I noticed white men in dresses aren't a lingering career choice like with black comedians. They didn't make a Mrs. Doubtfire or Tootsie sequel. But there were Big Mama house sequels and The Nutty Professor sequel.

I'm all for fun and laughter, but I also want our culture to be cautious of the media and Hollywood stereotyping and emasculating black men. We have come a long way from the days of Amos and Andy, but our journey is far from over. And I don't want the generation coming behind us to believe that they must follow the masses and fit in to succeed in comedy, acting, or anything. Prime example, there was an episode in The Boondocks where Riley put on a skirt and ladies' top because Gangsterlicious influenced him.

"C'mon, Grandad. This ain't no purse; it's a gangstalicious man bag!" The Boondocks were ahead of their time, and they predicted the current culture. Men like Kanye West, Young Thug, ASAP Rocky, P. Diddy, and Lil Wayne have worn skirts and tights.

As someone once said, “There are already too many forces at work in society attempting to emasculate black men as it is. We don't need to do anything to aid these forces.”

In Carter G. Woodson's book, "The Mis-Education of the Negro” Woodson speaks about how African Americans are influenced to become a "good negro” to become successful. This ideology urges them to downplay their "blackness" to advance in the social ladder but being educated and moving up the social ladder does not eliminate one's blackness. He described a situation where someone is repeatedly sent to the back door so often that, eventually, they don't even need to be told where to go. They go to the back door on their own. And if, by chance, the individual in question were to go to their regular spot and find that the back door is not there anymore, they were already so conditioned that they would cut out a back door for their own use.

My question is, does Tyler Perry still become a success if he didn’t don a dress to become Madea?

AVAILABLE EVERYWHERE facebook.com/authorerick.gray instagram.com/egray28/

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