UCAN! Magazine Summer 2021

UCAN!

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VOLUME EIGHT ISSUE ONE

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Jeffrey Slice Morton Hears Voices Get Vaccinated Now! Celebrity Sighting x2 Hip Hop Home in the Bronx

KING RANDALL DARNELLA FRAZIER BRUCE JACKSON MAYA WILEY

EVERYONE 12+ IS ELIGIBLE! Protect yourself, your family and your community!

Be NY Tough.

GET VACCINATED NOW.

AMAZON https://amzn.to/3v6wKuk WALMART https://www.walmart.com/.../Call-Time-The.../668735211

FYE https://www.fye.com/call-time--the-finale-adult-aec...

FROM THE EDITOR

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VOLUME EIGHT ISSUE ONE

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

STAR DAVIS CREATIVE DIRECTOR

RANDELL PEARSON

2021 has certainly continued the surreal craziness we left in 2020.

Six hundred thousand (600K) lives lost to COVID-19 here in America.

UCAN! supports the push to vaccinate, and we hope you’re fully vaxxed -or that you will be soon. Yes, it was developed quickly, but the world’s top scientists worked together to create vaccines that have proven safe and effective against a worldwide pandemic without borders on its deadliness.

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

Six days into the year, thousands of supporters of the twice-impeached, disgraced, one-term president. invaded our nation’s Capitol to try and stop Congress from certifying Biden’s election.

SHEILA SIMMONS MORGAN ELIASON

Racism was/is alive and thriving, and proponents don’t even try to hide it.

This picture was a subliminal rallying cry to every single Black American.

Proof that our Civil Rights are fragile. We hear the call.

EMILY MARIE FLOYD

We, at UCAN! Magazine, are proud that we get to spotlight people who CHANGE THE GAME. These individuals have literally altered the future of America with grassroots initiatives, technological advances, program contributions, and constant pushing to change policy for more people’s benefit. They are still changing the future of America - for the BETTER. We’re proud that we can help tell their stories.

JACQUELINE MARIE ALVARADO CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

MARC GREENE

EDITORIAL PRODUCTION

MONICA TRAVELLINO ENTERTAINMENT DIRECTOR

KAREN Y. BROW N

#WeWontBeSilent

RESEARCH CENTER

Twitter: @UCANMagazine Instagram: @ucan_magazine

BRADLEY MOLENZ KEIDRA CAMERON MICHELLE DUBOIS ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

KI MBERLY ANN RI CH ARDS

UCAN! MAGAZINE IS TRADEMARKED AND PUBLISHED FOUR TIMES ANNUALLY IN ENGLISH. UCAN! @ 2015 BY UCAN MEDIA, NYC, USA. REPRODUCTION OF ANY PARTS OF THIS PUBLICATION REQUIRES EXPRESS WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE PUBLISHER. UCAN! ACCEPTS NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR UNSOLICITED MANUSCRIPTS, PHOTOGRAPHY OR ARTWORK.

JUNETEENTH now a federal holiday...

lift every voice and sing ‘til earth and heaven ring....

TYLER PERRY STUDIOS

A BLACK RENAISSANCE ON HOLLYWOOD ENSUES.... ( S O L E T U S K E E P I T T H AT WAY )

BY SHEILA SIMMONS

As the Black Lives Matter movement has gone global I have noticed an interesting incentive, amongst some of the numerous positive ones, cultivated from our cultural crusade. Aside from a certain semblance of community unity that some of us have never seen in our lifetime, there is a definitive shift that has become seismic, and is a long time coming. At this particular moment within the Film and Television industry, now seems the best time to be a Black Writer, Actor, Filmmaker, Producer, Director, Costume Designer, Makeup Artist and probably even Caterer. With the unheeded calls for diversity bellowing for years - decades really, our hue (see what I did there) and cry had finally been answered - granted to a certain extent by a very insular industry that is so hell-bent on continually churning out insipid, ridiculous remakes, rehashing, retooling or retelling of several films and television shows that no one missed or cared to see again. With the release of films like Black Panther, Get Out, Girls Trip and Bad Boys, or television shows like black-ish, Insecure, LoveCraft Country and I May Destroy You and Bridgerton, penned by a writer who simply wanted a book to read on the beach while on vacation! When the green was giddily seen from these profitable productions - not necessarily the Black person that comes with it, then quite a few development deals and more opportunities were made. The takeaway from that is that we were finally represented onscreen in ways that never would be taken seriously years before now, as there were no buffoons, or coonery of any sort, just great and wonderful portrayals of scientists, doctors, ad-men, artists, writers (yay), soldiers, generals and royalty. It is as if we are in the midst of a Black Renaissance that I hope will continue to gain momentum. This year, there was a record 23 Oscar nominations, including two in competition for Best Actress, a feat not accomplished for 12 years, as well as three in competition for Best Supporting Actor, one in Best Actor and even a nod for Best Animated Feature Film. I am looking forward to the day when nominations for Black industry professionals becomes commonplace and not a rare occurrence.

I say this as an eternal optimist that this time is meant to stay, as there is no way that our creative juices, energy and forces will be diminished, or shuttered forever, because the fad, trend or moment is over. We should embrace, rejoice and revel in this glorious time frame, taking advantage of any breakthrough, or opportunity that is offered, available and most importantly, ours. May our place in the sun not be fleeting, but become long lasting and commonplace; the new normal as some folks like to say. So, let’s get out there, continually showing the world who we are and what we are: unbelievably talented, and unapologetically Black. Go get yours. Now is the time. Right now. Go! Sheila Simmons is a New York City based multi -hyphenate (Writer/Director/ Actor/Filmmaker/voracious Cake Eater) who is the creator of the digital Police procedural, BLUE WALL: THE SERIES, available on Xerb.com. She would like to thank the Academy in advance for her future achievements.

WINNER BEST DOCUMENTARY

JEFFREY SLICE BEING THE VOICE OF YOUNG PEOPLE

Jeffrey Morton’s documentary OUR MOTHERS VOICES boldly unmasks the dire circumstances that are rampant throughout American urban communities. He made it a point to intimately capture the wide range of emotions exhibited by mothers who, unfortunately, have lost their children to street violence endemic to New York, Chicago and inner cities across the US.

“But my Grandma’s voice would keep me pushing.

She would always call me lazy, so I wanted her to be proud of me for not quitting and finishing up this project.

SIP Ida Mae Morton” “Having seen so many ‘lost’ teenagers killing and being killed, I wanted people to see the other side. I wanted to reflect the mothers’ pain of losing a child to street violence,” Jeffrey explains.

After going to hundreds of funerals and seeing the pain in these mothers’ eyes, he knew he needed to help them tell their stories. He hopes OUR MOTHERS VOICES will change the minds of our youth. He also made the documentary for teens to tell their story of being ‘lost’ and left to fend for themselves without either a mother or father.

Jeffrey was so excited about the idea, shooting began just two months after coming up with the story. He always knew storytelling would be a big part of his life. ”Growing up, I had gone through so much in my life, I knew that I wanted to tell my experiences through film,” he says.

Even with his enthusiasm, making the documentary was not without its issues. Like a lot of other projects, funding was the most difficult part of getting this film out. Also, just getting around to the many locations without transportation was hard.

There were many times he would get frustrated and want to give up.

“But my Grandma’s voice would keep me pushing. She would always call me lazy, so I wanted her to be proud of me for not quitting and finishing up this project. SIP Ida Mae Morton,” Jeffrey says.

UCAN Who are specific people you would like to mention who have been helpful to your making of this project?

The first person I’d like to mention is Sheryl Robertson, my mentor. Also, my film guys Robert (SFilmz) and Super Dave, and all the mothers that shared their stories with me.

UCAN What went through your mind when your project was announced the winner at the Ocktober Film Festival?

Victory! There was a lot that I internalized because as I was growing up, I was told by family and friends that I wasn’t going to amount to anything in life. It was the greatest feeling, and an emotional one at the same time.

UCAN What production or cause are you working on creating now? Tell us about that.

I’m working on my next documentary titled Makeup Doesn’t Cover Pain. It’s about women using cosmetics to cover-up and battle their low self-esteem. In different neighborhoods throughout New York City, I’ll be following women as they go through real life situations dealing with HIV/AIDS, domestic violence, rape, abuse, molestation, being adopted and going through the foster care system. Just a lot of real issues that women have gone through, and are dealing with today.

UCAN Where did you study filmmaking? Did you have any famous classmates?

I’ve never gone to school for film, but I feel like it’s a God given talent. I am a visionary so it came naturally to me.

UCAN What is something you can say to motivate and inspire future filmmakers?

I’d say, “Never give up on your dreams. If you have an idea, work hard for it. Surround yourself with like minded people.”

UCAN If you had absolutely NO limit in finances, what kind of film/documentary/web series/music video would you create - and why?

I’d like to finish all of my documentaries, but most importantly, I’d love to do my life story.

UCAN What do you look for in casting your projects? Have there ever been times where your casting was better or worse than you expected?

My film is a documentary so I just hand picked from all of the mothers who were interested in telling their stories and who also had the most interesting story to tell.

UCAN Will America’s political climate have any bearing on your future works?

I pray. I’m hungry for more awards for my films so I will try my hardest to do what needs to be done.

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game changers C OV ER F EATUR E

WE’LL WITH WILEY We at UCAN! are hard pressed to find anything concrete on Maya Wiley.

Her impressive Civil Rights lineage from both her father and mother is well documented. A team member of ours remembers interacting with her many times some years back when they both worked at the Open Society Institute (now Open Society Foundation). Even back then, Maya was passionate about society being fair and beneficial for all. She always put action behind her beliefs in helping to shape policy that is inclusive and beneficial for the majority of people, and not just a select few.

We think her top three issues will have the widest positive impact on New Yorkers: City funds creating 100,000 jobs . $5,000 payments to caretakers . Public safety & police accountability For most of our team, Maya Wiley is known for her now infamous on-air and very patient educating of former Trump aide Sam Nunberg, by convincing him to testify in Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. The alternative, toward which Nunberg was strongly leaning, was to refuse the subpoena and risk going to jail.

Wiley’s example of seeing beyond a person’s party and just showing empathy for another human being is what resonated the most with us on the UCAN! team.

Maya Wiley has academic brilliance and an unshakable commitment to Civil Rights. She has first-hand involvement with different cultures and socioeconomic levels. We believe that she will govern and surround herself with experts who seek to make New York City a place where all of its residents can thrive and not simply survive.

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C OVE R FE ATU RE

THE CONSERVATIVE WHO WALKS HIS TALK

KING RANDALL, I is a 21-year-old Black man who’s also a Conservative. He believes in free enterprise, private ownership, and he is a Christian. He believes that people should not be dependent on the government and should instead, take responsibility for themselves and their communities.

Unlike his many of his Conservative brethren, King Randall walks his talk. The Albany, Georgia native has willingly taken matters into his own hands. At just 19, Randall started The ‘X’ For Boys mentoring program for young boys ranging from 11-17 years of age. These kids are victims of all kinds of abuse and neglect. Some were gang members. All of them are juveniles whom our justice system would deem prime for incarceration. They live with Randall in his home where he teaches them life skills like simple auto mechanics, how to tie a tie, reading comprehension, and cooking classes.

As recently as last month, Randall claimed during an interview with FOX News’ Lawrence Jones, that he is constantly thwarted at every turn by the Albany school administration in his attempts to purchase a school building, previously set for demolition, as a charter institution.

King Randall appeared on FOX News to discuss his organization The ‘X’ For Boys, and how he believes his organization is doing a better job than government or the media at holding elected leaders accountable for systemic problems in local communities.

“I feel like watching media and looking on social media et cetera is kind of taking us backwards because we are not holding our leaders accountable. We are pointing fingers you know at everyone except our leaders and we won’t hold them responsible for what’s going on in our communities,” Randall said during the broadcast.

Randall recounted, the Dougherty County Schools were planning to demolish a school building that he wanted to purchase to use as a charter school for the youth in his program.

However, he said it appears the district is afraid of “competition” from a private institution.

“I work with children. I have been working with them for two years now. I actually started taking temporary custody of children in my home. I work with children that have been molested. They have been sexually abused, [kids] who have been starved at home…” he said.

“We are in the process of opening a school for these children in the city of Albany, we are actually purchasing the school from my local school system and we have been working on a deal for seven months with our local school system but they have been giving us pushback in trying to do things that are blatantly counterproductive as to what we are trying to do: We are trying to open our own private school in the city of Albany yet our school board leadership doesn’t want those things to happen.”

He said that when he recently sought to purchase it, the purchase sale agreement sought $500,000 for the parcel despite the fact the building would have otherwise been demolished.

Randall wasn’t upset about the purchase price, even though the building was to be torn down. The offensive part of the potential deal was the deed of conveyance that included a usage restriction on the building that stated it could not be used as a parochial or private school.

“I’ve never seen a purchase sale agreement where the seller tells a buyer what they can and can’t do with a building. They put in the contract and said that the deed of conveyance shall contain a use restriction that we cannot use the school that we’re purchasing to open a private or a charter school unless the Dougherty County school system is providing educational services,” he said during the interview.

“I believe the taxpayers want this school to be donated to us. And the school superintendent told our community only way they could donate the school is if we could prove the school would be public benefit for the community and clearly our school and our track record for The ‘X’ For Boys are proven. We have been running for two years. 86% reading comprehension rate. 0% recidivism,” he continued.

“Our superintendent knows we have children in the juvenile system waiting on this school to be open. We have children that are in foster homes and group homes waiting for this school to be open. We have many parents waiting for this school to be open. I find it absolutely absurd I have to keep telling these children to wait, to wait, to wait.” Randall alleged that an administrator told him that The ‘X’ For Boys is seen as “competition” and that he didn’t want to donate a school to the competition.

“There it is right there. King,” Jones replied. “Is that the reason why they are doing this? They don’t want any competition.

Meanwhile, the system is failing our kids.”

Randall and supporters are trying to raise money to make the dream to open a school a reality.

“The X for Boys is now interested in purchasing a building to start a boarding school for boys in Albany, Georgia. This is a much-needed man-making institution. If there is no one to CONSISTENTLY help our young men, the community and the society will remain the same if our men never are taught to stand up for their families. We need your help to get this building in hope that The X for Boys expands across the country but first starting in Albany, Georgia!” the message on its GoFundMe page said.

https://thexforboys.org/ The “X” for Boys School Building Fundraiser https://www.gofundme.com/f/thexforboys

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DARNELL A FRAZIER AWARDED AN HONORARY PULITZER CITATION

NOW GIVE HER THE PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM

According to Wikipedia, the Presidential Medal of Freedom recognizes those individuals who have made “an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.”

Darnella Frazier should absolutely be given this medal.

Last year, the then 17-year-old took a great personal risk in the face of Minneapolis police officers who were doing the antithesis of protecting and serving.

Her video of George Floyd’s murder singlehandedly sparked a national crusade against anti-Black racism and police brutality. The video reverberated the entire world over - sparking protests from Africa, Asia, Europe to the Middle East – on every inhabited continent.

Just as significant, Darnella Frazier’s quick action in recording the video, also known as Exhibit 15, is credited as the sole reason behind Derek Chauvin’s conviction.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz publicly admitted as much.

“Taking that video, I think many folks know, is maybe the only reason that Derek Chauvin will go to prison,” Walz has said.

According to verifythis.com, Derek Chauvin is only the eigth on-duty cop to be convicted of murder since 2005, out of “around 16,000” police killings during that time.

During the Floyd family’s press conference following the verdict, civil rights activist Al Sharpton said, “This is the first time... a white police officer in this state was convicted of a murder.”

Frazier’s extraordinary act has also been recognized by PEN America, the literary and human rights organization which presented her with the PEN/Benenson Courage Award this past December. “With nothing more than a cell phone and sheer guts, Darnella changed the course of history in this country, sparking a bold movement demanding an end to systemic anti-Black racism and violence at the hands of police,”PEN America CEO Suzanne Nossel said in a statement.

Frazier has been inundated with praise from President Biden and from celebrities and filmmakers such as Michael Moore, Spike Lee, Oprah Winfrey, Meryl Streep, Anita Hill, and Senator Cory Booker.

“No film in our time has been more important than yours,” Moore tweeted.

Ann Marie Lipinski, the curator of the Nieman Foundation, the primary journalism institution at Harvard University, called the video “one of the most important civil rights documents in a generation.”

Perhaps the most poignant observation was tweeted by author Mikel Jollet, “Remember: none of Chauvin’s colleagues turned him in. He murdered a man in broad daylight and we are here today because a brave Black girl named Darnella Frazier kept taping despite threats from the cops on the scene.”

And for that alone, President Biden needs to award Darnella Frazier with this medal.

BRUCE JACKSON is the kind of man whose presence is felt even when he is silent. He is gracious and seems relaxed. His fit and crisp appearance immediately denote someone who is well educated. However, the real scope of his brilliance is impossible to gauge from just his appearance alone.

If left to society’s design, life could have turned out very different for Bruce Jackson, who is based in Brooklyn, NY. Black men face enormous challenges in life to where just being alive at the age of twenty-one is a victory. Many feel successful to be able to work 40 or 50 years, retire when they get older to then maintain their homes for the remainder of their days.

Bruce Jackson could have easily been on that path, but he had a higher calling.

Today he is an Associate General Counsel for Microsoft. He leads a team of fifteen and helms the interactions of a $15 Billion business unit -- light years beyond his beginnings of being the first in his family to graduate from college when he earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Hofstra University and a JD and LL.M. in Taxation from Georgetown Law University Center.

There were many times throughout the years that were challenging and doubts arose.

His aunt would often ask him, “Where are you coming back to? You want to go back to the housing projects?” Jackson lived in the Amsterdam Houses at the time, and he refused to accept that as his only option.

During his ascent, he spent two years working his days at the entertainment law firm Minter & Gray, and his nights teaching a full load of accounting and tax courses at Baruch College. Afterward, he founded the largest African American entertainment law firm of Jackson, Brown, Powell and St. George which provided specialized counsel in Entertainment Law to a number of Hip Hop elites including high-profile artists like LL Cool J, Busta Rhymes, Heavy D, MC Lyte, producer Tony Dofat, performers Pete Rock & CL Smooth and DJ Eddie F’s Untouchables Entertainment Empire.

Even if racism was not overt, Jackson felt its effects along the way. There is always an underlying expectation that Blacks are held to a much higher standard than whites and must work twice as hard for the same reward.

“People will always have different expectations, right?” Jackson responds. “When I was in college, people questioned whether or not I had it. In law school people questioned whether or not I had it. Graduating law school...private practice.

I’ve been questioned all my life. You just have to think about your options and endure.”

What is surprising, is that he considers his network just as important, if not more so, than all the sweat, tears and time he put into reaching his elite level of corporate success.

“It’s not only about me being smart and working hard. It’s about having people in your corner who want to support you and support you going farther. It is about true allyship.” he continues. Jackson believes to move to the next level it’s essential to have advocates at every step of life’s path.

After so many notable accomplishments, most people would be happy simply enjoying the fruits of a well-to-do life. Bruce Jackson remains on an even higher frequency. He consistently gives credit to all those who believed and invested in him. In fact, he has made it his mission to be that same kind of influence and advocate for other people’s lives.

“I received support throughout my career from my mother, my aunt, friends from Amsterdam Houses, and people in college,” Jackson says. “Working hard and getting degrees is just not enough. You have to have sponsorship from people in power to advocate on your behalf.”

Another specific mention is the president of Microsoft for his extending the company’s AI for Good initiative to include AI for Cultural Heritage.

“I have to thank Brad Smith for being an advocate,” Jackson says.

According to Microsoft’s website: The AI for Cultural Heritage program leverages the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to empower people and organizations dedicated to the preservation and enrichment of cultural heritage.

What does Bruce Jackson say to anyone not sure whether they really have it, or if they can endure?

“Do not give up! Believe in yourself! There are always going to be struggles. Fredrick Douglas stated, ‘If there’s no struggle, there’s no progress’.”

One thing is clear. It’s important for anyone who has benefitted from the village that raised them to later give back to that village so that others after them can also flourish and progress.

What’s the most important message for everyone, young Black boys especially? Jackson’s response remains consistent, “Bet on yourself. Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve,” he says. “And remember that it’s not just about pulling up your pants and really achieving things. We need people to come in and really sponsor and advocate on others’ behalf.”

Bruce Jackson is someone who has real power. His impact is literally shaping the future in the crucial fields of technology and law. Both are areas that desperately need more diverse insight and representation -- making his input even more essential.

He brings together effort, creativity and resources to better the world, and he is seeing to it that everyone reaps the benefits.

game changers

COVER FEATURE

BRUCE JAC KSON

ALL THE WAY UP

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Hip Hop heavyweights turned out in the South Bronx for the groundbreaking ceremony to begin construction on a new high-rise building that will showcase the Universal Hip Hop Museum.

In attendance for this first-of-its-kind event was rap royalty galore from Chuck D, Slick Rick, Nas, L’il Kim, Fat Joe, LL Cool J, Pete Nice, and the turntable poet himself, Grandmaster Flash. Mayor Bill De Blasio, Bronx Borough President Rubin Diaz, Jr along with Executive Director of the museum, Rocky Bucano were also on hand.

At the reception following the groundbreaking event, Microsoft Associate General Counsel, Bruce Jackson, who arranged for the technology giant to contribute through its AI Cultural Heritage program $5 Million toward the museum’s development was also an attending VIP. He gave us a quick comment on why this project is so important, “To educate the young people of color that you can be an artist, you can be an entertainer, but you can also be an accountant. You can be a lawyer. We all play a role in Hip Hop culture.” https://uhhm.org/

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That’s What They Said!

C E L E B R I T I E S W H O A R E H A P P Y T O G E T T H E I R C OV I D VAC C I N E S

“Yesterday I received my first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at London’s Science Museum. I’m hugely grateful to everyone who is playing a part in the rollout - thank you for everything you are doing,” — KATE MIDDLETON

“When you can get the COVID-19 vaccine, I hope you do — Barack and I are certainly glad we did. It’s our best shot at beating this virus, looking out for one another, and getting back to some of the things we miss. Getting vaccinated will save lives — and that life could be yours.”

— MICHELLE OBAMA “Getting the vaccine came down to one thought process for me, I simply would rather risk potential side effects of a vaccine than risk lives by catching or spreading covid,” — DEMI LOVATO

“It gave me a sense of greater optimism and relief as well,” Legend said. “I’m just excited that the vaccine has proven to be effective and to be safe, and that we’re on our way to opening back up more and more people get vaccinated.”

— JOHN LEGEND

That’s What They Said!

C E L E B R I T I E S W H O A R E H A P P Y T O G E T T H E I R C OV I D VAC C I N E S

“I’m just grateful beyond description to have the vaccine.”

— OPRAH WINFREY

“If enough people get the vaccine, they have the potential to help end this once and for all.”

— ROSARIO DAWSON “How do we say thank you to the health workers and scientists for their sacrifice and service?

Receive the vaccine as soon as one can to lessen their load and keep wearing a mask to protect fellow citizens. In my 80th year, I am grateful and hopeful for better days ahead.”— PATRICK STEWART “Today was a good day. I have never been happier to wait in a line. If you’re eligible, join me and sign up to get your vaccine. Come with me if you want to live!”

— ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER

“Wolverine’s healing ability can’t save me from Covid, But the vaccine can. Get it!”

— HUGH JACKMAN

https://www.youtube.com/c/RhondaMitchellMDTheSeries https://www.facebook.com/rhondamdseries/

Celebrity Sighting x2

Running into Valerie Simpson and fashion designer B Michael confirmed to me that if you think about something long and hard enough, it can actually manifest. My current playlist is dominated by Ashford & Simpson music. Their songs have longevity that continue to influence new generations. Simpson was surprised when I told her Send it, Is It Still Good to Ya, and It Seems to Hang On (written in 1977 and 1978) were my current sources of creative inspiration. She and her late husband, Nick Ashford were such a force as performers, it’s easy to forget that their songwriting catalog holds hit tunes performed

by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell with Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing and Ain’t No Mountain High Enough. Diana Ross made the latter into a mega hit along with Reach out and Touch (Somebody’s Hand) and The Boss. Chaka Khan’s anthem tune, I’m Every Woman is also another Ashford & Simpson composition that still enjoys heavy rotation today in its original version and the cover later recorded by the late, great Whitney Houston. Ms. Simpson still writes songs and performs live shows. You might even catch her at her famed restaurant Ashford & Simpson Sugar Bar at 254 W. 72nd Street in New York City. Just be warned, when Open Mic Night resumes, it is not for the dabbling “play” singer. It’s a well known fact that one only dare to grace that stage if their vocal chords and range are in tip-top shape.

B Michael is iconic in his own right. He’s created looks for Phylicia Rashad, Beyoncé, Halle Berry, and the late Lena Horne. He was the go-to fashion designer for the late Cicely Tyson, making him the first Black fashion designer to dress an Oscar winner.

Being in the presence of these two stars was like speaking with living, breathing Americana. — STAR DAVIS

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 19, 2021 https://africanamericandayparade.org/

Protect yourself, your family and your community!

Be NY Tough.

GET VACCINATED NOW.

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