Be Brave Magazine #5

MAGAZINE

WINTER 2024

Never Give NEVER. GIVE. Up

UP.

Carvin

Eison

No. 4

www.BEBRAVEMAGAZINE.com

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 Ronda Taylor- Submitted her photos Meta Avatar image and likeness does not belong to Be Brave Magazine or Kijana Crues Imaging, LLC. Image is only being used as an example for educational and informational purposes. Images Provided by the subject being featured. All rights of Meta Avatars belongs to Meta (Facebook).

Stock photos from Pixabay.com

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

Artist From Gallery:

Katrina Gaspar Rachel Daze Kijana Crues

All images of artwork submitted by the artists

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. Copyright © 2023 By Kijana Crues Be Brave Magazine is a magazine owned and created by Kijana Crues Imaging, LLC

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Letter From The Editor Welcome to the 2nd year 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/ Lead Photographer

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Table Of Contents

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Credits

5

Letter From The Editor

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Make Dreams Happen:

People who fight to achieve their Dreams. Featuring: Ronda Taylor

Cover Story:

Twice EMMY-nominated, award-winning filmmaker, Carvin Eison, shares about his Films, his journey, and what inspires him.

Featured music artist: Gerard Conyers shares about his

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journey!

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: Katrina Gaspar, Rachel Daze, and Kijana Crues.

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Table Of Contents

Music Corner:

Ronda Taylor

Anderson, Indiana

Make Dreams Happen I’m Ronda Taylor—a retired statewide Dean of entrepreneurship, entrepreneur, and devoted Super Aunt. Originating from Anderson, Indiana, I hold a PhD in Education Leadership, an MBA in Global Management, and a BS in Organizational Leadership and Supervision. In the metaverse, I go by BlackSandz, actively engaging for over three years. With a diverse background spanning global travel, professional experience across industries, raising four girls (nieces), and shaping local entrepreneurship, I’ll delve into my entrepreneurial journey for this article.

I own Startup Sprint and Idea to Empire, driven by my lifelong passion for entrepreneurship. Startup Sprint supports entrepreneurs through consulting, workshops, and events. Idea to Empire helps established businesses expand their market reach into the metaverse. It’s a thrilling passion project, and I’m constantly learning in this dynamic space!

My motivation is clear—I aim to establish a legacy for my nieces and initiate a generational wealth trend in my family. Driven by passion, I dedicate myself to assisting small business owners, breaking down barriers to their success, and empowering them to expedite business development and growth.

In 5th grade, I started selling candy for “McDonald’s money,” evolving into a babysitting and tutoring business that lasted through high school. My first taste of entrepreneurship set the stage. In college, one entrepreneurship elective ignited my passion.

My project, Taylor Enterprise, envisioned a conglomerate supporting member companies financially. The dream of being my own boss, planted in childhood, grew close

to reality. While not the exact college idea, it was a significant step toward my entrepreneurial journey.

My journey began as a front-line supervisor at Delphi, offering me a free MBA and valuable skills. Downsized, I entered academia and contemplated entrepreneurship. After stints in recruiting and consulting, I started teaching online and launched a daycare.

In pursuit of medical benefits, I applied for an adjunct position at the local community college. God’s touch led me to a full time teaching position and an 18 year career in academia shaping my journey further. My childhood entrepreneurial spirit thrived in a 10-year daycare business venture, spawning projects like a tween career camp, childcare networking organization, and an investment group. These experiences paved the way for my current businesses.

As mentioned, I started my journey as early as the 5th grade. I’ve always possessed and entrepreneurial mindset. It wasn’t until I was working for the University of Phoenix that I had my first concrete business idea - to start a daycare. It took five years to launch, overcoming failed attempts, partnerships, career changes, and a move back to my home state. Understanding my struggles to start, I identified the need to help childcare providers navigate startup challenges such as gatekeepers, complex processes, and overwhelming information. From this desire I birthed BRIDGES—a childcare provider networking organization with a mission of decoding the process of starting a daycare and empowering providers for success. Experiencing my own hardships, I decided to ease the path for others, marking the beginning of my journey to support entrepreneurs.

Adversities were a constant in my entrepre-

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neurial journey, including bad partnerships and employees, and even an IRS audit.

One distinct moment was when I decided to open a second location for my daycare.

However, I didn’t do proper research, my marketing was not together, and I had no real plan for expansion and success. This was a short lived project that could have cost me my entire business. God’s Grace helped me to keep my current clients.

While the damage was minimal, the lesson was great - do your research, have a sound plan, and check your ego! Most recently, my business partner for Idea to Empire and I decided to part ways and I decided to rebrand Idea to Empire to give it a fresh new look and mission. This was a minor setback, but still a great lesson and opportunity to make this truly mine. Despite challenges, these experiences became valuable lessons, shaping me into a better businesswoman and entrepreneur. Instead of deterring my dreams, these adversities fueled my growth and determination to double down on my entrepreneurial journey.

To overcome adversities, I doubled down, accelerated learning, and rejected “no” as an option, fueled by my unwavering “why.” Consistently driven by my passion to empower entrepreneurs, I harnessed my experiences to assist others. My adversities became a valuable source of insight, guiding me in helping entrepreneurs sidestep the mistakes and pitfalls I had faced.

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A pivotal moment occurred with a promotion at the community college, leading to a Program Chair role but requiring my daycare closure. Adversities ensued—inept employees, saboteurs, and unsupportive leadership. Despite vowing against a corporate role, I found myself in one.

Following a major surgery I was on leave for two months. My return to work was disappointing as I felt the break would provide a much needed reset and it did not. I decided to escape the negative environment by changing departments.

Embracing entrepreneurship, I created my own position and established a new school of entrepreneurship within the college of which I was named Statewide Dean. I am extremely proud of this accomplishment as I was able to do what no one even dared to do since the college first opened it doors. Unfortunately, I was burned out pretty quickly and was met with the same adversity as before. I ran that school for three years until and then finally I left in 2023 to launch my two current businesses marking a significant shift in my entrepreneurial journey. This would be the first time in my career that I’ve stepped out on faith and pursued entrepreneurship full time without the safety net of a steady paycheck from a job.

I wouldn’t change a thing. I believe in destiny, and every experience has shaped the person I am today. Hearing from those I’ve helped highlights the impact I’ve had on their lives. Their stories affirm that my journey, with all its twists and turns, Images submitted by Ronda Taylor

allowed me to mentor and support others.

Embracing each experience has brought valuable connections and meaningful impacts that I wouldn’t trade for anything.

My journey fostered compassion and empathy. I discovered the importance of protecting my peace and choosing battles wisely, understanding not every conflict is mine. Not everyone shares the same mindset, yet it doesn’t make them a bad person or uncaring. Embracing the moment and finding joy amid challenges became crucial.

Above all, the journey reinforced that family always comes first—a lesson central to my personal and entrepreneurial growth.

During my early days at Delphi, I was pretty uptight about following the rules and being the best supervisor I could be. While lamenting to a fellow and seasoned supervisor about being overwhelmed, he replied, “Don’t sweat the small stuff, and, it’s all small stuff.” A few days later, I found a book by Richard Carlson with the same title on my desk, offering insights on dealing with stress and conflict. These principles on perspective have been my anchor, helping me navigate tough times and providing a valuable perspective shift that still guides me today.

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Faith in God, the love for my beautiful nieces, and an unwavering will to not fail were the anchors that prevented me from giving up. Throughout my journey, my family, particularly my father and sister, provided unwavering support, even if they didn’t fully grasp my endeavors. Several individuals, while not directly aiding my entrepreneurial journey, profoundly influenced my mindset. Portia Smith, my youth choir director and mentor, instilled resilience and confidence. Jackie German, my college mentor, emphasized diligence and

discipline. Susan Barnstable, my campus president, exemplified women in power.

Stacy Scott, my 6th grade teacher, taught compassion, and Ken Jones, my supervisor, showed me the importance of unity against challenges. These impactful figures shaped my resilience, knowledge, tenacity, and grace.

The lessons from my journey vary for each reader based on their life’s stage. I encourage you to extract what you find valuable and apply it as you see fit. The diversity of experiences allows for personalized takeaways, making my journey a source of inspiration and guidance adaptable to individual paths.

The most transformative advice I can offer is to always protect your peace. This practice brings profound joy when done right, even though it might involve cutting off certain people or limiting interactions. It requires saying “no” more and prioritizing yourself, possibly leading to periods of solitude to escape toxic relationships.

Spend time alone to rediscover yourself— your likes, dislikes, wants, and sources of happiness. Though challenging, the journey is worthwhile, and the peace attained becomes an unshakable beauty. I wish you blessings in all your endeavors.

In my exhilarating pursuit of financial independence, I’m thrilled to announce the exclusive rebranding of Idea to Empire. Our renewed focus centers on guiding established businesses into the expansive realms of the metaverse. Join us for a spectacular grand re-opening extravaganza on Horizon Worlds, Multiverse, Spatial, and VRChat during the week of Feb. 19, 2024.

For all the exciting details, visit: www.idea2empire.com. I’d love to embark on this innovative journey together!

Cover Story

Carvin Eison Rochester, New York

I’m Carvin Eison, twice EMMY-nominated, award-winning filmmaker, State University of New York Chancellor’s award-winner, Professor of Journalism, SUNY Brockport and General Manager of Rochester Community Media -- but if you ask me what’s at the core of my life, I’d say this: my life revolves around storytelling. My goal is to bring stories into being that have impact; stories that spark conversations; and most importantly, stories that drive change. I’m deeply rooted in image making; motion pictures technologies are my tools, but my canvas comes alive at the intersection of race, class and culture in America.

My life began as a black baby born to Janet Gray and Carvin Eison, 1952 in Buffalo, New York. My journey as a storyteller unfolds when I was accepted into the graduate program at the Visual Studies Workshop, University of Buffalo in 1974 -- a journey that’s been more of a winding road than a straight path. I dove into documentary filmmaking, driven by a desire to bring to light some of the untold narratives that shape our country, especially those that linger in the shadows.

My 2010, film “Shadows of the Lynching Tree” named best documentary film at the Texas Black Film Festival, is one powerful example. Stories about lynching black people in America are as profound as stories of the Holocaust; but unlike the Holocaust,

lynching in America has never fully been explored. My decision to become a filmmaker wasn’t a sudden epiphany; rather, it was a gradual realization that effective storytelling could be a powerful force for societal change.

“July 64: Roots of Urban Unrest” and “HOME: Access Denied” are two of my most important films. July 64 is a penetrating rapier that thrusts deeply into the causes and effects of urban unrest. HOME is more of a scalpel that cuts with clinical precision to the core of racial discrimination disguised as public policy. Both films help complete the historic record and bring to light stories that were never included in the records.

Both films examine philosophies that anoint white Americans superior and people of color inferior. I am honored to have worked with producers Chris Christopher, Shane Weigand, Kesha James, Brennon Thompson and Nicolina Scibona to bring such important stories into being.

Independent filmmakers, and most especially independent filmmakers of color, recognize adversity as a constant companion. I’ve had my share of adversity. The uphill battle to secure funding, the skepticism and rejection could have easily derailed my dreams, but every setback fueled my determination.

I have always tried to tell stories that go against the grain of the status quo but remain true to my objective. This approach

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insured my challenges would be more difficult, so I learned to work smarter, harder and to be more creative with my resources. My experiences taught me the importance of resilience and adaptability – crucial skills for success in any field, but especially important in the rough and tumbled world of independent filmmaking. If I could rewind, I’d travel the same road. Each twist and turn shaped me, each obstacle taught me patience, and the invaluable lessons of perseverance. My growth came, in part, from embracing the uncertainties and learning from every mistake.

I haven’t given up because I know the stories I’ve told, and the stories I’ve yet to tell, have potential to make a difference in the world -- to open eyes, and to inspire change. Supportive individuals played a pivotal role. From mentors who guided me through rough patches to family and friends who lent helping hands when needed -- their encouragement continues to be my anchor. Their belief in my vision fueled my determination to press on and I will always be grateful for their support. What can readers learn from my journey? I hope the readers will learn that every setback is a setup for a comeback. The best advice I can offer is that in the face of adversity, let your passion fuel your perseverance. Allow your love for what you do be your north star.

Moving forward in my second-half of life, I know the future is never promised but I am grateful because I have enough film projects to keep me active for several years to come. One of those projects involves the life and

contributions of the esteemed Frederick Douglass. It is not lost on me that both Douglass and I found creative inspiration and our voice here in Rochester – and Douglass had a deep understanding and mastery of the use of images, words and sounds to tell his truth. As project director and driving force behind the Re-energize the Legacy of Frederick Douglass bicentennial clebration of his chosen birth, I initiated a major community-wide project that resulted in fourteen monuments of Douglass – the work of artist and sculptor Olivia Kim -- being installed at sites significant to his life and work across Rochester. Literally thousands of people used the companion web-based self-guided walking tour to visit sites and absorb the history – and subsequently the project was expanded to install the bronze Douglass monument at

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the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport. It feels very fitting that just as Frederick Douglass used imagery to tell stories about the word he lived in and the world he imagined, so I have also tried to live my life as a filmmaker accordingly.

“Shadows of the Lynching Tree” (vimeo. com/159385472) password: Baldwin “July 64: Roots of Urban Unrest” (vimeo. com/100170569) “Yonder Come the Blues” (vimeo. com/137978343) password: yonder “HOME: Access Denied” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPJEIUuoV6U) You can learn more about Carvin by visiting carvineison.com.

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By artist: Tyrone Mearday Visit Soundcloud.com to Listen!

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Photography PhotographySubmitted SubmittedBy: By: Britny David Horton A. Jackson

Gerard Donnell Conyers Rochester, New York

Hello everyone, my name is Gerard Donnell Conyers, I was born November 20th, 1966, to Patricia Conyers and Reginald Muller. I am a true Rochesterian, I have lived here all my life. So, like most people I probably could write a whole book about who I am and what I have accomplished in my 57 years on earth, but I will make it short and sweet.

At present I am married to Teresa A. Conyers, been together since forever but married 2 years. I am pretty laid back for the most part and always looking for ways to be successful. I love entertaining always have and chicken is my favorite food. Most people that know me would refer to me as MJ/Micheal Jackson now I am The Entertainer. For the last several years I have been working as a Maintenance Supervisor, and I am now working with a family member on starting our own handyman business. This gives me the freedom to do what I love the most, which is entertaining.

I knew I was going to be an entertainer when I was around five years old, so even though I never became MJ, I would become an awesome entertainer. I started out as a dancer back then is was called locking, and I became very good at it, I believe I was around eight years old at the time. This would continue throughout my teenage life, I always felt at some point I would be fa-

mous. LOL, the real life.

I had my first kid at fifteen years old and I grew up fast. Married at seventeen, and we brought a beautiful little girl in this world, Ty-Nisha Ann Conyers. Life was good, we both had good jobs to be so young, she worked at Kodak, and I got a job working at Delco Products. At this time, I was not performing much, I became the shower singer, I went from weighing 130 pounds to 200 pounds. At this time In my life we we’re baptized Jehovah Witnesses so I pretty much gave up entertaining, until someone heard me singing and took me in the music studio. There I met my long-standing friend David Young, and I began writing original material, I was good so that is what I did during this time.

Then tragedy struck our home, at only four years old my only daughter passed away. We had just moved into our brand newly built home, 2 months later I was burying my baby girl, a week after that my wife walked out. Life would never be the same. After some years of self-doubt, bad decisions and relationships. I found music again. I mean throughout the years I would always work on original material, but I’ve never played in the band you see I still with you shower singer see I never consider myself as a singer but always as an overall per-

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former I do it all!!! With that being said, I joined my first band grand committee I had just turned 31 years old that’s when I felt I finally became a man working with grant committee approved to be an awesome performer singing and dancing we were tough.

In 1999 I had the opportunity to perform in Los Angeles CA to compete in the worldwide performing arts contest. I perform well I did pretty good I most people thought I was already professional and just there helping everybody else, but I did pretty good I won overall champion and I won a silver medal.

Now at this time I work with a good friend of mine... his name is Keith Armstrong, and we did original music together.

I left for LA to do this show. I was there for a week by the time I return home my best friend had passed away. Very, very, very, sad moment for me so once again I poured it into my family, but I ended up meeting another good friend and we began to do original material together. That group was called SOG strictly original, and we were tough. We toured a little bit, and we focused particularly on original material, so we had an awesome show. But once again tragedy struck at this time my uncle Cornell Conyers we perform together in grand committee and as strictly OG he passed away. Had to start all over again.

So once that happened, I just worked for a good period 0f time, didn’t play with my band no music at all just family. After my second marriage had ended, I began to work with a new group called Tru Soul with this group I found my identity far as vocally and as a performer this group was also awesome group. When is group decid-

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ed to break up, I ended up working with a good friend of mine Ron Chandler in the group call freelance. This group is tough. I mean real tough. Move the former lot in a lot of different venues.

I’m currently working with a new group we got original group, and we call Ah-Blivion. We’re just getting started but we’re good so my next upcoming events I will be in a play November 9th playing Styx from the great movie sparkle so I’ve done some pretty decent things over the last few years that has made my life great and made me feel young and appreciated of my talent and I thank all that has believed in me and gave me the opportunity to perform in their events. What has kept me strong throughout the years of all the tragedy heart breaks disappointments is I have built a strong relationship with Jehovah, and he has kept me focus throughout the years and not to be caught up into the worldly things that keep you in the dark.

I walk in the light that’s my destiny if I can perform and move and dance and be strong, I will live to the fullest perform as an entertainer that’s my destiny. Anyone that needs some advice and could take any encouragement from me always believe in Jehovah and put him first, and you will no doubt B successful in whatever you do, peace.

For For The The Love Love Of Of

ART

Rachel Daze Rochester, New York

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Katrina Gaspar Rochester, New York

Wrestling with Belonging & Bruises

by Katrina Gaspar

Please don’t take my words Like a cup of bitter tea Just know that any finger raised Has at least one pointed at me If we want to make a difference But to those closest, we close our minds Are we being a kind of different Are we Really being Kind?

We strive to embrace All the trees & cry out for the bees But do we scowl & frown upon Those praising the ONE upon their knees?

We reach out to the ones from distant places With ALL the many shades upon their faces But to the simple and pale next door, do we close our pockets and our doors?

We lift our glasses in brew houses And hands and houses of praise, but turn our backs, close minds and hearts to the Spirit of the Arts, can dead Souls still be raised?

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Kijana Crues Rochester, New York

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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 Muck Duck Studio for supporting the magazine’s Anniverary Party. You guys are so awesome!

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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