Be Brave Magazine #2

MAGAZINE

FEB 2023

Prince O Music artist, Producer, engineer and more!

Janet Baxter

Britny Horton

Los Angeles Professional Actress, Film Producer, and entrepreneur!

The amazing playwriter shares about her life journey!

No. 2 w w w . B E B R A V E M A G A Z I N E . c o m

Credits

Faculty: Kijana Crues - Publisher/Designer/ Editor/ Director of Editorial

Writers: Kijana Crues- Interview writer/ Editor

Photography: Kijana Crues- Lead Photographer *Photographer for all features in Rochester, NY Stock photos from Pixabay.com

Graphic Design: Kijana Crues- Director of Graphic Design Graphic Designer

Artist From Gallery: Briana Seda-Stringer - BriShoots Photography Afi- Poetry Goddess Bliss- Poetry

Sponsors:

Minister Robert Matthews

If you’d like to sponsor Kijana Crues Imaging, LLC and Be Brave Magazine, Contact Us! BeBraveMagazine@gmail.com All featured stories were written by the warriors being featured.

All stories edited by Kijana Crues with Kijana Crues Imaging, LLC.

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Be Brave Magazine is a magazine owned and created by Kijana Crues Imaging, LLC

Letter From The Editor Welcome to the 2nd issue of Be Brave Magazine! Be Brave Magazine is an online magazine that spotlights everyday people, warriors, that pushed through life’s struggles and refused to be stopped. These are articles and stories of warriors sharing about their triumphs through adversity, sharing advice for those that need it, and are all showing the importance of having Faith and never giving up.

After a whole year of putting things in order it’s finally here! The journey was long and hard but I pushed forward and continued to listen to the Lord. God put this project on my heart to complete. So I HAD to keep pushing... no matter what and be obedient.

I’ve been through a lot in my life. From a massive weight loss journey beginning 2014, resulting in losing over 270 lbs... and my getting “healthy”... to then finding out I had Stage 4 NH Lymphonma Cancer in 2018. I found myself in a position of having to fight for my life... and even more later. I know all too well about the importance in valuing every day like its your last, because anything can happen. Since battling and BEATING cancer and becoming cancer-free, I’ve made it a priority to go after everything I’ve ever wanted or dreamed of. Time to make pipe dreams a reality. I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me. I’ve also made it a priority to use my life as an example to others... to hopefully inspire them to keep pushing too! Know that you too can achieve whatever You put your minds and actions to.

This magazine is about just that! People sharing their stories so that others can relate and get through their struggles as well! These warriors talk about the real parts of life that are sometimes swept under the rug and/or are hard to talk about. They give real advice meant to truly help you get through your life and get to your goals.

Also this magazine has an amazing Art Gallery section that showcases amazing artists from all over the United States. If you are an artist and you want the opportunity to share you talents on this platform contact the magazine!

Be Brave Magazine is continuing to build its team. If you are interested in joining the team and feel you have a skill that could help push the magazine... contact us!

Lastly... No, This isn’t a “Christian Magazine” but it IS A CHRISTIAN’S magazine. So I always have to give reverence and praise to the Lord.

Its because of Him that I am here today!

Thanks to everyone that contributed in this first issue. You all are truly appreciated and loved!

With Love, Kijana Crues Magazine Creator/ Editor/ Graphic Designer/

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Table Of Contents

4 Credits 5

Letter From The Editor

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Live, Laugh, Love Yourself

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Cover Story:

Health, Mental Health, and Self-Empowerment. Featuring: Mental Health Specialist, Xiomora Scott from Rochester, NY

Rochester playwriter, Janet Baxter, shares about her journey to becoming who she is today,

People who fight to achieve their Dreams. Featuring: Former Rochestarian, Professional actress, Producer, and Entrepreneur, Britny Hortorn from Los Angeles, California.

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For The Love Of Art

A place to appreciate art of all kinds from photography, to paintings, to fashion designs... and the list goes on! This is a place to truly appreciate each others amazing talents and unique creations!

Featured Rochester Artists: Briana Seda-Stringer,

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Music Korner

Music artists and musicians that inspire through their music! This issue we are featuring Prince O, and Aasim Johnson

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Table Of Contents

Make Dreams Happen:

Live, Laugh, Love Yourself

Xiomora Scott Rochester, New York

Dear Readers, My name is Xiomoria Scott. I am a 33 year old black, mental health therapist in the Rochester NY area. Born and raised in Syracuse NY. I attended college at SUNY Canton, and SUNY Cortland where I received a bachelors in the field of psychology. In 2016, I attended St. John Fisher and received my masters in Mental Health Counseling.

Now when you hear the word “Therapist” some people may assume that I’m the well put together therapist with billions of dollars. I am not her!!!

However, I am the therapist who has experienced trauma on a personal level and dabbled in destructive behaviors. Now, before I get started let me just say, I chose Be Brave magazine as my first formal introduction to the Rochester community because I figured it’s a “safe space.” So as I write, I also wanted to let you know that I’ll be writing as if I’m journaling because it’s the best way I release.

So, I think the Be Brave readers in advance for your compassion and non-judgmental charactersJ. Growing up, I always been asked why psychology? Why mental health? The truth is… at a very young age I noticed that there were “issues” in my family. There was a lot of unresolved trauma that resulted in the dysfunctional behaviors and relationships…and because of this and inability to communicate the effects of that trauma, my family was held captive for years.

Granted much of the initial story is not mine to tell, but I will say rooted in colorism, sexual trauma and rejection our family was born. My journey goes back to coming to the

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realization of these issue in my immediate family. My story actually starts in like 9th grade when I started to learn about resilience, what I chose to remember as “the ability to bounce back.”

I began my recovery journey in 2015 when I became a substance abuse clinician. This is where I began to encounter individuals much like my own family members who had been either in active use or recovering from substance abuse.

While some were in long time recovery, others not so much. If you’re anything like me you got the family history in pieces.

Some of which you could be proud of, the other; where you had to hang your head low just to hide the tears. Initially like most folks when I say recovery you may just think alcohol and drugs but truth is I struggle with the addictive behavior and patterns sometimes coined “the addictive brain”, and this, I believe can be much more challenging than ridding yourself of any substance.

You ever just think about why you continue to struggle with that one thing- a filler. Whether it be sex, drugs, money, people, procrastination, and/or gambling!

Do you ever ask yourself, why do I continuously do this behavior? The addictive brain has a constant triggering stimuli.

For me …Yes, that was relationships that didn’t serve me, constant questioning of my own self-esteem, self-doubt and the obvious… lack of boundaries. There were also times where I would find myself dealing with the overwhelming expectation of family and friends, and for me main-

taining this “good girl” ambiance nearly broke me, and I couldn’t tell anyone or they would know; really cognitively, I thought they would think… I’m not good enough! Struggling with issues of people pleasing and lack of confidence in certain areas of life I really felt alone in a room full of supportive people. I had no one.

This paradox made it difficult for me to succeed in the manor that was satisfying for me. Much of the time I felt “I had to just do it.”

Many times I’ll tell my story and people can hardly believe I’m speaking about me. They can’t understand how an indidvual who can seem so confidently driven on the outside; how could she even struggle so much internally? but the truth is much like Mr. Twitch and my brother Martez also known as “the peoples champ” we all have our own internal struggles but they do not have to end so absolute . This is why I chose to share my story. I share my story in groups because I know others can relate. I became a therapist not just because I wanted to help people.

I sought to help my people, starting with my family; I knew that our healing would first began with me. I want to reassure you by saying that mending your relationships and escaping generational traumas began with you. Knowing that there are so many individuals in the world struggling I’ve committed my life’s purpose to a mission that focuses on helping others learn to become emotionally intelligent.

One of the most popular words I’ve heard all year is resilience. Everybody is resilient nowadays! Are they really resilient or did they learn to suppress it really well through this social media era? Many people have gotten good at

wearing mask. As a clinician although it’s tough but more so gratifying I love to watch as clients began to unveil through the process of counseling.

Through this this process we began to acquire the resilient personality we need to recovery from trauma, including the generational traumas.

Things like anxiety, depression, and suicide plague our communities.

I created my practice Rexileince as a way to remind myself that there is a need to live authentically in a world full of counterfeit. We must be able to process our inner, most deepest feelings and emotions. Until we can face the challenge of understanding “us” it will always be challenging to help the communities we set out to serve.

Me, myself…I’ve gone through many different struggles and I guess I just truly believe in the saying “we are the community initiative. Fix us, we help them” I guess this is where I get ready to close out! I’ve never been a great concluder but I’ll say this …Through therapy I am always working creatively and collaboratively with individuals to create the narrative of life that they can be authentically happy with. Life is a teacher (we all have trauma), our perspective will determine how we embrace the journey of life. I want life to be lived to its fullest and I’m committed to helping individuals who commit to helping themselves.

I offer individual and group counseling sessions. Specializing in youth and adult anxiety, depression, substance abuse, trauma and much more.

I am excited to help you on your journey. If being resilient sounds like something that could help you please reach out and get mental health re-

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Cover Story

Janet Baxter Rochester, New York

Hello I am Janet Baxter a Mother of 3 grown children, 10 wonderful grandchildren a widow and a truly gifted writer. My job and purpose is to write and spread laughter while being grateful for such a magnifcient gift. On this journey to become a hugely successful writer, I learned not to fear success or the company of successful people. Ya see along with this gift of writing, share a space that lacks confidence to say the least.

I began writing in 1995, the year I married my husband Kenneth. It was then that I realized that I was gifted. Ms. Marino, my tenth grade English teacher told me that I should be a writer. I was awarded outstanding achievement for my short stories etc. I often tell people that I can write like the back of my hand. (meaning I have deep and intimate moments with God as he uses me creatively. Every play that I’ve written. And I have written over 30 plays , have 2 full length movies that amaze me, it is almost hard to make the connection because I’m a little fragile at times but am usually a beast when it comes to writing and directing.

I love growth and there is so much room for it where I’m going.

If anyone could describe me, please let me know. No but seriously I am a 57 year old women who loves to move and to create. I love to love and be loved. I have been so honored to write about social issues, children’s plays, Gospel plays, Comedy and my personal favorite – plays for the mature audience. I get

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the hugest pleasure when I write about crazy, adult issues and am able to swear a little and go for the gut wrenching laugh.

Although I would declare writing as a gift, it came with some adversities. Ya see around the time I wrote my first play in the 90’s I was diagnosed manic depressant and then later with fibromyalgia. I’m proud to say that these things exist but don’t make the rules for my life. When I lost my husband in 2018, I became more committed than ever to enjoy life. I have no desire to entertain negativity, I prefer to laugh by my own prescription, 3 – 4 times a day.

My Mom was my huge inspiration she always wanted to know when I was working on something new. She was my biggest fan and she “promoted” my work. I will never forget how she would take the video’s to senior group to share. Although I struggle I definitely am a BRAVE woman because I don’t give up and have no intention on doing anything but being my best self. It takes tons of self acceptance to be confident and be your best self. No one can be a better you, than YOU. I’m so grateful for a relationship with God that keeps me even when I’m not sure I want to be kept. Truly I believe that I am called according to his purpose and that’s my goal.

My biggest inspiration is Tyler Perry. The man is just brilliant and I look forward to meeting him. By faith its going to happen

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Make Dreams Happen

Britny Horton Los Angeles, California

A conversation with former Rochestarian, Britny Horton, about her journey to becoming a professional actor, film producer, and entreprenuer!

Kijana: So tell us your name and what it is that you do!

And how long have you been following your dreams?”

Britny: My name is Britny Horton. I am an actor, a producer, and I am a director currently based in Los Angeles, California.

Britny: “My Journey... is interesting. Well I’ve been following my dreams really since I was 15, or 16 years old. When I started doing plays for teen empowerment in Rochester. But fast forward a little bit. I went to Spellmen College. When I was at Spellman, I had 34 internships in school because I was trying to figure out what I really wanted to do. In my senior year, I did a show called ‘the kink in my hair’ and I acted in that show. I was told that the casting director of Tyler Perry Studios wanted to meet with me. And my young mind went... ‘OOO...

A JOB!’ When I met with her, I asked ‘Hey are you looking for an assistant?’ And she was! That’s what started my career in casting. I’ve work in casting with Tyler Perry’s Studios, George Pierre... we did shows on BET, TV ONE, a show on FOX... so on and so forth.

Kijana: “Tell us about what it that you do.

Can you describe your job or your business and the type of art that you do?”

Britny: “The first thing that I do is act. Most recently you can see me in “Little America” on Apple TV. I am also a theatre artist, and I went and got my MFA, a Masters of Fine Arts in Acting. That is one branch...

The second branch... is that I’m a producer.

So I produce both Long form and short form of films. I haven’t done tv shows, but films.

And for my day job I am a producer for a Fintech company. I produce all of their... I produce their video assets for them. I produce a podcasts for them, so on and so forth.

And then the third branch is that I have my own company. I provide administrative support to actors and industry exectutives.

When I say industry, I mean entertainment executive of color.”

Kijana: “Can you tell us about your journey?

But then, while I was at the studio I thought I wanted to be an agent. So I briefly, I worked at The Gersh Agency. (Which is one of the top agencies in our industry in New York) I decided hey that’s not for me, then went back to the studios. While at the studios one of those internships rang me up... that I had at Spellman. It was at the

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Photography Submitted By: Britny Horton

Mayors Office Of Film and Entertainment for the city of Atlanta, because they had a job opening. So, I went there and did that for a little while.

have experienced all of this. And no, it isn’t easy but it is sweet. I think when we approach life with ease, while the trials and tribulations come, it can be very sweet.”

Then I went back into casting. All the while I’m doing this, I was also acting in the theatre scene in Atlanta. Kinda like in the ‘chitlin’ circuit” of Atlanta, so to speak... but Im like really actively running to be an actor. Like I’m trying to make money... and that landed me to being severely depressed. And I think that people saw me winning, so they though ‘oh my Gosh, she’s following her dreams’... but I was miserable. I became highly suicidal.

After a suicide attempt, I was like this isn’t going to work for me. And the casting director that I was working for, who is now like a mentor to me, he said to me ‘you don’t want to do casting. You don’t want to do this. So you need to go do what you want to do.’

Kijana: “So what was it that kept you from giving up, when it came down to it?”

So then I went and got my MFA at the University Of Iowa. While there I got a $10,000 grant and I produced a first film under my own production company. And after that I got a job as a producer out here in LA. And now I’m here fulltime. That was my journey in a nutshell.”

Kijana: “I’m happy that you made it through the depression that you went through in your journey. It’s so important for people to realize that when they hit that wall, that moment when they feel like they can’t get past that moment... you never know what is on the other side of that hump. You never know what is going to be over there.”

Britny: “You never know! And, now I’m like wow! Had I succeeded, I wouldn’t

Britny: “God is the influence that kept me going, but... I’m going to be very honest and say I wasn’t aware of that. It’s very clear, but at the moment I wasn’t aware of that. I think if anything, I would have contributed it to my desire to be an actor. Actually, I’m learning that right now. But that has driven a lot of my decisions. Because for better or worse I will always have something to look forward to. So it would be like stuff is messing up, but my dream hasn’t happened yet, so there’s still more I have to do. And that does fuel me to keep going in a lot of ways.

I know that God planted that desire in me so strongly because I would need it to be my compass... And it has been.

Kijana: “What’s something that someone has told you, that helped you get through your hardest times?

Britny: “I have been blessed first of all to have people that see me and speak life into me and believe I can act. Which I’m going to always talk about things as actor, because that’s my heart.... and so an example, I’ve always been covered in such a way, right?

So an example of that... I moved to LA, and my spellman sister recommends this acting studio to me. So I go to this acting studio. I fell in love. The owner of this studio, who’s class I’m not even in by the way, (I’m not in her class but she is an OG casting director) She’s casted classics. She see’s me then offers me a spot in her class, on a scholarship. I’ve been in that class for a little over a year. I’ve

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been in her class for a majority of that time.

I haven’t paid for one class... and then she referred me to an agency, so the agent I am with is also because of her, then I just got an email maybe around 2 weeks ago saying that she is extending my scholarship for 6 more months! So God has always provided when I am obedient... but to answer directly, Something I always remind myself of as someone that does deal with depression and anxiety is that: Even the day after tomorrow will one day be yesterday. So the trick is to get to the day after tomorrow.

What that basicly means is that everything that you are worrying about... will one day be in the past, just like all the other things that you’ve overcome. They are in the past!

Even the day after tomorrow will someday be yesterday. And I really rest in that and it really gives me comfort. This too shall pass.”

Kijana: “What’s the best advice that you’ve learned to help people get through?”

Britny: “The best advice is that your inner barometer is the only one that matters. It doesn’t matter what anybody else says, or what anybody else does. What you feel about that art, about that project, about that job, about what ever your discipline is... what ever you feel about that thing is the only thing that matters. Even if your like ‘well this is my ministry...’ True, but how you feel even in that scenario, that’s the opinion that actually matters. And I can money-back guarantee you that your true opinion, when you get away from all the noise and everybody else’s influence.... your true opinion and God’s opinion are more than likely aligned. So your opinion is the only opinion that matters. And that is what you should judge your work upon. And I say that this is the best advice because as artists we can get very caught up in what someone else thinks, and that influences us

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on whether we continue or not continue.

Absolutely not. Your inner barometer... You know what God said. My sister said that to me the other week. She reminded me, she said ‘You know what God said when you were 15 years old... so why are we talking about anything else?’ The inner barometer is the only actual measurement that matters.

And if your inner barometer isn’t on the positive side of things... if its on the negative side of things, That’s nothing to beat yourself up about. But it is something to say, ‘Ok I have the information, and I can make another choice.’ But its nothing to stop over. Check in with yourself, Listen to yourself, honor yourself, and do your art. “ Interview by: Kijana Crues Photography provided by Britny Horton

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For The Love Of Art

Photography By: Briana Seda-Stringer

For The Love Of Art

Briana Seda-Stringer Rochester, New York

I, Briana Seda-Stringer of BriShoots Photography. I was born and raised in Rochester, NY. I attended Virgil I. Grissom School No. 7 for elementary and John Marshall High School for middle and high school. Throughout high school, I participated in sports; basketball was my passion. Once I graduated in 2010, I went off to Cayuga Community College in Auburn, NY which is a two-year school to play basketball while pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice.

In 2012, I graduated with an Associates in Criminal Justice. I decided to take time off before pursuing my Bachelors. In 2013, I was accepted at Southern Wesleyan University in South Carolina on a basketball scholarship.

I continued my pursuit of a Criminal Justice Degree because I’ve always desired to become a police officer. In 2015, I graduated with a Bachelors in Criminal Justice.

After graduation, I began applying to multiple different law enforcement agencies in the south. I landed a job as a dispatcher within a month. I decided after a few short months of working at Clemson University Police Department that Rochester, NY was where I needed to be. After relocation, I applied various of places where I could use my degree, but ended up at a dead end. I decided to continue my pursuit to become a police officer for Rochester Police Department, but after 3 denials, I thought that maybe it was time for a career change. God had other plans for me.

Working with youth was the path God had for me. To build relationships and to make an impact on generations of children. I became

passionate about seeing the lives of youth transformed.

I now work as a Social/Emotional Learning Specialist for Center for Youth. In 2018, I received my Masters in Clinical and Forensic Psychology. I am now pursuing a PsyD in Clinical Psychology.

My love for photography came about in 2019. I received my first camera that same year. I developed a love for making others feel good about themselves with a kind word and a snap of a picture.

In 2020 during the pandemic, I decided that I would no longer allow my passion to lay dormant because of fear, so I created BriShoots Photography. When it comes to shooting, I try to tell a story through each pose. I prefer to take portraits. I use music as a way to break the ice and make clients feel more comfortable.

April of 2022 will make two years since I stepped out on faith and started a business. I’m excited to continue learning more ways to bring others’ ideas to life and to step into another world of creativity.

BriShoots Photography 585-831-1370 Email: brishootsphotography@gmail.com Business Facebook: BriShoots Photography Business Instagram: bri_shoots

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For The Love Of Art

Photography By: Briana Seda-Stringer

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“WombMan” Poetry By: Afi

That thing that makes mountains seem as tall as the heavens yet powerful enough to move. The spark that has the potential to change the world.

A word. A sound.

We are Inspiration.

Vibrating in the frequency of life.

Dance to the rhythm of our original land.

Moving and grooving in our Divine Feminine.

Sing. Sing so soulfully the ancestors are now our choir.

Echoing from the unseen reality into this space.

Blessed. Healed. Powerful.

Window into her world.

Her Soul. Radiant, Ancient, Infinite, Strong.

The blue print of all creation.

Her Voice. Delicately loud. Powerful.

Her Essence sublime.

Bends the fabric of all that is.

No ending..

Pause...

Can I be transparent.

Last year I almost ran out of time.

It was a fight to be here.

Nervous Breakdown Mama stage 4 cancer caring for her with all I have.

Daddy stroke learning to walk & talk again Sister friend gone.

I lost my baby on the bathroom floor staring at the remnants of a broken love in my tub.

I screamed to creator, 30

I no longer choose suffering.

Still still here searching, inhaling, releasing, relentless there has to freedom in awakening Unpause To sit here in this space New body Mind Open Unfrangmented Soul I thought I lost myself.

When in actually you must die in order to be reborn.

God bless my child who often felt alone.

The plight of the Woman.

The fight of woman The universe birthed through her is her.

Love heals all it sets its energy upon.

Can strengthen the weak.

The Light that shines upon man.

Our Protector our Guide For Us he Is King.

That thing. powerful enough to move mountains.

The Vibration.

The Love.

The Essence.

The Song.

Beautiful Birthed of the sacred Darkness We are the mothers of all that exists.

Wombman is Goddess In honor of The Divine Feminine in off of its light love power & grace

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“Dreamer”

Poem By: Goddess Bliss A MLK tribute poem Dreaming is the Nexus where mythology & universal archetypes merge.

Channeling the Surge... to digest desires thru ur solar plexus...to manifest in this reality.

Funny thing, How a vivid dream you once had, NOW becomes a figment of the past that Seem to slowly fade...away. only to b remembered by Holidays ...Days when you would hear The bongo beats play on the streets and the baritone from MLK when he speaks through his teeth. He’d say…

Something about Everlasting Equality, Civil Rights movers & Nobel Peace. (Right) Sir-prised by the undignified disguise of the ministers & priests. Contrary to popular belief, He... was not the only Dreamer.

Nobel Drew Ali,Thurgood Marshall, Booker T , Ella Baker, Marcus Garvey, Dorothy Height, Bayard Rustin Sojourner Truth gave her speech on civil rights in Ohio with No title just content. & INTENT. SHE spelled sinew into those with dark hues, Who were seated in the pews. Reported in the paper News Who knew...That they All Had a dream then too. Fast forward to the King standing before Millions of Men Marching thru the crowded streets of DC. In 1963...

Left ❗Right ❗Left. ❗ Step by Step. Carrying the weight of 400 boatloads of slaves on their heels & toes.

Aboard ship they laid below the crew. Stashed like cargo. How can Yu study Civil Rights w/o Civics? Dig into the Doctrine of Discovery 1493 ---Jim Crows was just a regulation to implement the Christian Black Codes. But, Tell that to the negros that SAT in those wooden seats for hours on 32

End. Sitting...SIT IN...sittingg spite of splintered rear & curved spine.

Hunched in a bunch of non-violent crime gurus….who They paved the way so We may have a dream too.

I Had a dream to Create a currency… Comfortably present an urgency to exchange deliberately, a token of change inadvertently.

This is certainly... No hyperbole.

With Divine clemency The Dream is Generosity vs. the greedy It’s the NAACP vs. the Klan Its Building brands & black business vs. working for the man Its Liberal vs. Conservative Its progressiveness vs. stagnation Affirmative Action vs. discrimination The dream...IS creating resolution to the worlds starvation Its having compassion for your past present & future generations.

Its tolerance vs. racism Ignorance is Bliss vs Intel-li-gence Its Believing that public education is important. OR..the implementation of private teachings is keen The dream is Peace v.s War It’s the rich vs. the poor It’s Understanding the separation of church and state vs. trying to make America Great Again.

The President vs. the Dalai Llama It’s Donald Trump vs. Barrack Obama A Gunshot does NOT deferr a dream. And A Dream Can Change the World. Being tht as it May. James Earl Ray may have shot the dreamer. But he couldn’t kill the Dream. Martin Luther was born a junior to Michael J. King. & If you put your ear to the gravel of the graves of former slaves that traveled once slain in vain u can hear them sing. “Let Freedom Ring” I Have A Dream I Had A Dream! I Am The Dream!

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Music Korner

Prince O Long Island, New York

jjhjh I am Prince O. The Long Island Representer. I am a “Super Producer” so I write, engineer, compose, publish & perform. Some genres include Rap, Pop, House, Afrobeat, Trap Music.

That being Island said, my Repsound is I amand Prince O. The Long diverse but I am a Hip-Hop / Rap artist at the core.

resenter. I am a “Super Producer” so I write, engineer, compose, publish & I started doing what I do genres because my late father introperform.

Some include Rap, duced me to who Michael Jackson was. I was enamored Pop, House, Afrobeat, Trap by his talent and the magic he was and able to createMusic. on That myimitating sound Mike is diverse stage.

So bybeing the agesaid, of 3 I was and dancing around the house.

I would even re-claim but I am a Hip-Hop / Rap artistmyatdads’ the fedoras in pursuit of being just like the legend himself. core.

By 9Iyears old I had taken a tripIhome to Nigeria my to bury started doing what do because my mother. There my cousin had a phone that enabled father introduced me whoover Miyou late to create ringtones using loops, andtoI took his chael Jackson was.

I was enamored by phone for the better part of my stay lol..

his talent and the magic he was able to create byschool the age of 3learning I was By the time ion wasstage. enteringSo high I started imitating and dancing around to make beats on Mike FL Studio & Reason. the house. I would even re-claim my I studied the systems while being taught by BDaProdads’ fedoras in to pursuit being just ducer & Mike Davis how engineerof and track vocals. like the So my base is aslegend a Musichimself.

Producer. I actually became an artist becuase in the beginning I had nobody to record but myself. So that’s how I learned to fine-tune my skills Bythe 9 years behind boards.old I had taken a trip home

to Nigeria to bury my mother. There my cousin had a phone that enabled Once I started recording original songs I had to perform youofto create ringtones in front people to see if my musicusing was in loops, fact good, I tooki’mover hiswith phone for the bet-I and and fortunately, still here a lot more to offer. am grateful forof that. ter part my stay lol..

My journey has by no means been easy. I’ve dealt with Byboth theparents time one i was high school losing whoentering passed on my birthday.

I’ve

I started learning to make beats on FL Studio & Reason.

I studied the systems while being taught by BDaProducer & Mike Davis how to engineer and track vocals. So my base is as a Music Producer. I actually became an artist becuase in the beginning I had nobody to record but myself. So that’s how I learned to finetune my skills behind the boards.

Once I started recording original songs I had to perform in front of people to see if my music was in fact good, and fortunately, i’m still here with a lot more to offer. I am grateful for that.

My journey has by no means been easy. I’ve dealt with losing both parents one who passed on my birthday. I’ve dealt with homelessness, depression, and anxiety, my computer with all my work at the time, was destroyed purposefully. I had to rebuild and keep up with building momentum as a musician through it all. It’s not easy to go

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through adversity with composure but I found with the passing years with more to lose, it’s essential.

My turning point in my career I think happened while being in a place that almost destroyed me (Rochester) I was able to make connections here that lead to me traveling to Atlanta, GA for the first time to compete for a chance to meet with Republic Record, Shortly after I signed a long-term major distribution deal through Roc Nations Equity Distribution. My first release with them was an Afrobeat Record that got placed with Warner Bros. on The Hit TV Series All-American Homecoming!

If I could do anything differently it would’ve been studying social media and digital marketing a lot sooner than I did. It’s the basis of new-age brand building. I don’t think I would do anything different other than that and getting into a serious relationship. That was the biggest mistake I’ve made. It was something I could’ve done without.

I think it was the things I would say to myself during the trying times that got me through. “It’s never as good as it seems, It’s never as bad as it seems” I would think to myself, no matter the situation. It has kept me grounded and stable through the ups and downs. I

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always felt like the throw-away. In school I wasn’t the coolest or most popular, Hell even my own biological mother gave me up after taking one look at me. My drive comes from wanting to show everyone who fronted, the scoreboard now that I’m up by 50 points. It’s not the most heartwarming reason why i continue towards this pursuit, but anything else would be a lie. “I told you so” lol.

I treasure the people in my corner that have helped immensely my sisters who have raised me as well as invested in my pursuit early on, making sure Christmas gifts were the next piece of equipment I needed. My close friend and photographer J. Imani Photography who helped me capture so many moments that ive been able to share with you all.

No journey is easy but the process ends up being worth it if you persevere.

If I could leave anyone with advice they could use during thier journey it would be: “Prepare for the job you expect to have.” When preparation meets opportunity, breakthrough occurs” Never Stop Preparing.

“If I could do anything differently it would’ve been studying social media and digital marketing a lot sooner than I did. It’s the basis of new-age brand building.”

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Aasim Johnson Rochester, New York

I was born in the City of Rochester Ny on April 6th,1965. My birth name is Shannon Johnson however, I have an attribute that defines my character which is “Aasim’’ to defend and protect in the Arabic language.

My journey has allowed me to live in different states learning different ways of life.

Furthermore, 1993 was a life changing experience. I was convicted and sentenced to 20 years to life for allegedly selling large amounts of cocaine/guns.

Released in September 2007, relocated to another state and started my new life. I requested to start speaking with students at high schools, gang prevention basketball leagues, and the department of social services youth programs. It has become one of my greatest passions besides reading, writing and performing live instruments while watching people jam to our sounds.

My mom purchased several different instruments in my youth years. Drums and percussion stuck with me the most. I used to bang on tables, pots and pans or anything that makes sounds. Music became my best friend when I felt no one else understood me.

During my time of incarceration I learned how to dabble with the piano, bass guitar and music theory. Music moves me so that when I hear certain heartfelt songs my tear ducts would swell up. It also helped me stay sane while being behind those tall brick walls and bare wire fences. Moved back to Rochester in 2014 and launched my own small business in 2020 called “By Design Services Commercial Cleaning’, it allows me to hire back through our communities. Helping others is just one of the many things my parents taught us. I have a zeal for knowledge that I can implicate in my life while then leading by example. Chance, choice and change made me the gentlemen I am today. Married my Beautiful Queen in 2018.

We have 3 wonderful grown ups, 5 grandbabies who absolutely keep Gpops on his toes mentally and physically. Family means everything! Nobody is perfect, people change but time is something we can never get back. I want to share a jewel.

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There are 4 points of knowledge: (1) Know what it is you say you believe in and stand firm upon it.

(2) Upon knowing, now it has to be implicated in your life.

(3) Once impliacted in life now it must be propagated (spoken).

(4) Lastly, being persistent within the face of adversities

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Special Thanks First I thank my heavenly Father. Thank you Lord for guiding me to do this... and thank you for leading me every step of the way. I can do nothing without you.

Thank you to my mom for being with me throughout this whole journey. I love you so much. You believed in me and helped me in so many ways throughout the journey of getting this journey started.

Thank you to all the people who contributed to this project. To all the featured warriors who shared their stories, thank you for sharing such personal and meaningful experiences and being willing to share to help and inspire others to keep pushing forward. You truly are warriors. And I have so much respect for every last one of you.

Thank you to the artists that contributed their work to the magazine. Every last one of you are so amazing in your crafts and gifts.

Your art is so inspirational and touches so many people. Im honored to have you in Be Brave Magazine!

Thank you to Min. Robert Matthews for sponsoring the magazine, and thanks to everyone who paid for a promo ad. Your contributions help this magazine to be able to fund itself.

Thank You to my friends and family who were ears for me to talk to and shoulders to cry on when I had a hard time pushing through. You spoke life into me when I needed to hear it. Those of you who were truly there, please know that I love you so much. I truly appreciate you.

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