Steller Magazine Dec/Jan ISSUE: 4th Edition

EDITOR’S SPACE

This issue is all about celebration. The holidays are upon us, and as we close out the year, Steller Magazine wanted to spotlight People Of Color who are continuing to make a difference. Individuals who are paving the way for the next generation to know, If you can dream it, you can be it. As a contributing editor of Steller Magazine, we must use our platform to amplify our voices to help make a positive impact and change. I hope you enjoy the pages of this magazine and allow the stories to inspire you to follow your dreams.

Editor Kenya Zandrowicz

When it comes to planning for our financial futures, we can sometimes miss the mark. Financial literacy is just as important today, especially for our youth. However, it had not been made a priority by society for the young children in our communities until recently. The art/gift of entrepreneurial ship used to be something you highlighted after you became an adult and entered the workforce. It was usually around that time a person would decide to take the chance to go out on a limb, have faith, and become “their own boss”. What if financial literacy and entrepreneurship were something you would cultivate and implement in the minds of our youth early on? Instead of it being a penny

writing a children’s book was my return to the style that made me fall in love with the art form.

Mason Makes Money takes children and parents on a journey of entrepreneurship and money-making skills. What was the inspiration for this book?

After experiencing financial hardship, a year before publishing the book, I was inspired to teach my own child about money management in a format that was digestible for him as a child. I hoped to teach him from my own mistakes to keep him from doing the same. In doing so, I realized the potential I had to do so for other children as well.

LEARNING FINANCIAL LITERACY WITH

[CANDACE OKIN]

saved is a penny earned, it could be a penny saved is a dream to be made. Steller Magazine had the honor and the privilege to meet with author/entrepreneur Candace Okin who is doing just that—teaching our children, the importance of preparing for their futures, bringing their dreams to life, and showing them how money and entrepreneurship really work.

Candace, you started as a writer, and you hold a degree in broadcast journalism. How did you go from that to being the author of a children’s book?

I’ve always been a writer in varying capacities throughout my life. As a child, I wrote short stories and poems, so creative writing was the entry point to writing for me. While I chose to utilize a more technical/structural writing style professionally,

When it comes to the things, we were taught about finances back in the day, do you feel that our community missed the mark on the information needed to help its youth become financially self-reliant? I think one of the greatest opportunities missed was simply talking about money. Also, knowing the dismal history of our community economically compared to other subgroups, perhaps our community has felt that they could not speak on certain topics based on the state of their own lives. For instance, if a parent has a lot of debt, they may feel as though they’re ill-equipped to talk to their kids about avoiding debt, but therein lies the issue. Oftentimes, adults do not use their mistakes as learning opportunities. You do not have to be a finance professor or someone with perfect money management skills to impart

financial knowledge money management skills to impart financial knowledge.

Mason Makes Money inspired you to go a step further in assisting our youth in understanding what entrepreneurship is and the fundamentals of money management by starting a wonderful non-profit. Can you tell our readers a little bit about that?

Absolutely. Mason Makes Money Fund was established in 2020 to help invest in the entrepreneurial efforts of youth ages seven to 13.

Mason Makes Money Fund follows the pathway of the book’s purpose to expose children to fundamental concepts of entrepreneurship and money management. Mason Makes Money Fund accomplishes its mission by providing free in-person and virtual workshops which cover an array of entrepreneurial and financial topics which include marketing; budgeting; customer service; branding; business planning; tax preparation; and more. The crown jewel of our program is our awarding of three micro-grants to three kid entrepreneurs each year in the amount of $500 to be used to fund their businesses.

We understand that you just recently wrote and published a new book earlier this year; does this new work have the same premise as Mason Makes Money? What is that book about?

My second book, Joseph the Great, was released in February of this year and takes on the premise of highlighting Black History and encouraging healthy coping skills. Joseph is a young boy who travels from Texas to New York as an unknowing participant in the Great Migration. Confronted with inevitable difficulties along the way, Joseph must find the courage within himself to overcome his fears and conquer the challenges of his new journey. It is my hope that Joseph the Great will nurture and inspire courage in young readers when they confront challenges in their lives and embolden readers to find and utilize their inner strength. I will continue writing and releasing projects. I have a workbook for kid entrepreneurs coming out soon, I’ll continue to read and engage with kids through my books. I’m looking forward to expanding Mason Makes Money Fund’s programmatic offerings, as well as the number of kids we grant funding to. - Kenya Zandrowicz

In life, we meet so many people. Sometimes we are fortunate enough to meet angels here on earth. Those that are good stewards who want to better the world today and tomorrow. Individuals who have learned to use their experiences for the betterment of society. We had the opportunity to sit down with one of these powerful and inspirational human beings. Meet Dr. Rachel Wilson, mother, wife, pastor, entrepreneur and motivational speaker, and creator of Girl Talk Inc.

When did you decide to start this nonprofit? What led to its creation?

I launched Girl Talk International in 2009. Girl Talk International came about when I was praying and asking God for a way that I could reach and help women. I have

entertainment. My mission is to make God proud and allow Him to use me to help others. The ministry and entertainment have created platforms for me to do just that.

You are also an international recording artist, tell our readers a little more about that side of your life. What have you produced so far?

I love to sing. I started singing at the age of 5 and my mother recognized that I had a gift to sing. She placed me and some of my sisters into a singing group and we would sing at different church services and that was how it began. I always admired Pastor Shirley Caesar and how she told stories in her songs. Little did I know I would be walking in the trails that she and other legendary gospel artists have blazed. At the age of 19, I produced my first single,

[DR. RACHEL WILSON]

IS LEADING THE NEXT GENERATION

always had a desire and passion to build, coach, and empower women to thrive in their divine purpose. I have been through so much as a woman and chose to use my pain and teachable moments to help guide other women. During the season of me praying about this, God dropped the Girl Talk International mantel on me, and I have been pushing it ever since. I know that Girl Talk is a gift from God to women and he simply assigned me to push it in his name, which explains our logo that has a lamb (Jesus) riding a bike (Girl Talk International). It is His thing, and I am just so glad and honored to play a part in the healing and advancement of women. You have a background in ministry and entertainment. How were you able to merge the two so easily to help push your mission? Everything I do is Christ-centered and I think that is what helps me to merge ministry and

“Happy.” I wrote happy at a time in my life when I was battling depression. When my now husband heard this single, he compelled me to record it. I am currently signed with DAF Entertainment Group and my most recent singles are “Praise Medley,” “Love Song,” and “I Can.” “I Can” recently hit #1 on the BDS Nielsen Internet Radio Chart. My journey as an international artist has been far from easy, but well worth it. I am excited about what is on the horizon and how I will continue to usher in the presence of God through song to the masses. What was it like to be chosen to host the viewing party for BET’s Black Girls Rock? Hosting the viewing party for BET’s Black Girls Rock was a phenomenal and rewarding experience. It was an honor to be able to contribute to the celebration of black

women. As a black woman who has my own empire, I am a stickler for supporting and pushing other empires, especially ones that are owned by women. I felt a great connection with BET’s Black Girls Rock and the viewing party was a moment I will never forget.

You recently began expanding Girl Talk Inc which has helped broken and battered women across the nation regain self-esteem and direction; tell us about Flavors.

Flavors is a mentoring program geared toward middle school-aged girls. Flavors represent a new generation of young ladies with a new zing and essence. The young ladies who participate in Flavors mentoring may start salty but after guidance, support, and encouragement they will transform with a new sweet aroma. They will have a new outlook, new hope, a new beginning, a new dream, and a new flavor for the world to see and taste.

What words of wisdom can you give to someone who is trying to find their direction in life?

The words of wisdom that I would give to someone who is trying to find their direction in life would be to read the Word of God and receive it for your life. The Word of God is our life manual of God’s plans and intentions for us. As we read and receive the word, the more we will see our way clearly. I would also advise them to pray for God to send someone that can help guide them. I have had the honor of helping many find their way through life. Through my experience, I have found that the answer is in them but life challenges, doubt, fear, low self-worth, etc. can be smothering it. It takes an outside credible person to help dig through those stumbling blocks to reveal direction and purpose.

- Kenya Zandrowicz

JEAN-QUE DAR: TEACHES BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY

BY KENYA ZANDROWICZ

It is no secret that we now live in a technologically driven society. Just about every sector of society has new advances in technology daily. We see advances in health care, construction, education, agriculture, you name it, and it is now driven by technology. Social media has changed how we connect with others on a personal level and within the workforce. The corporate sector has evolved by leaps and bounds with technology leading the way. Social platforms have become the new normal in how we operate and communicate within today’s society. LinkedIn pathed the way when it comes to connecting on a professional level and finding key persons for key positions within companies. What about the art and entertainment community and our creatives? Here we have someone who just may have the answer. We would like to introduce you to Jean-Que, the creator of tap, a LinkedIn-style marketplace designed specifically to connect individuals from every facet of the entertainment industry.

What made you decide to create a platform such as this one?

After law school, my work hours demanded an aggressive 12+ hour workday. At the time, a close colleague referred me to a Patent Attorney who propositioned me to leave my current firm in Miami to join her Biotech and BioPharma Patent practice group at Davis Wright Tremaine in Los Angeles. Her practice required a seasoned Patent Prosecution Specialist to steer the heavy workload which included managing a complex robust active patent docket in thirty-three countries. I flew to Los Angeles and interviewed with the group, which required a start date of six days. The firm presented an irresistible package which included a relocation offer - it was the most money I have ever seen on paper. I said yes, made the move, steered her practice, and she became a Partner in two years. I then noticed my expertise in a niche-specific Intellectual Property legal subject matter. After becoming a Partner, a few attorneys and I started IP Precise in Marina Del Rey, a boutique intellectual property firm that manages the overflow of Patent and Trademark prosecution files

for major law firms. The firm grew within two years, and we evolved into prosecuting Intellectual Property applications for general consumers. The practice was incredibly successful as we catered the practice towards a niche crowd of Fortune 100 executives that wanted to create or join a start-up while maintaining their current positions. Once opened to the public, one of our entertainment-based clients referred us to a few Hollywood elites, which in turn also made referrals that landed 67 clients in three weeks. We relocated offices to the Water Garden in Santa Monica and started servicing the IP needs of people and technical Founders that worked at Def Jam, Miramax, Lionsgate, Hulu, HBO, Viacom, and Universal. These six companies were within walking distance of our office, and we were the only firm in town offering this unique service. Our success took off, and we opened another office in Brentwood. As a Founding Senior Partner of the firm, I noticed the bulk of hours spent tracking people and entertainment production companies.

You have been a talented and skilled musician since childhood. What made you decide to pivot and attend Law School? I was raised by immigrant parents from Haiti who wanted me to live the best life possible. Sadly, my mom emphatically opposed my aspirations because she wanted her children to have stable, respectable careers, and didn’t think music would lead me to reach those objectives.

Can you give us an example of how two entities can connect and benefit from tap?

Disney is an American diversified multinational mass media corporation with a presence in over 75 countries. Productions need distribution around the world to reach consumers. This includes marketing, legal, agency, and talent distribution. However, owing to the archaic nature of the industry, it’s difficult to hire a local Brazilian film marketing distribution company with limited resources or reviews. As such, Disney, for example, creates a Latin American Distribution company to service anyone seeking a reputable distribution company in that region. As such, an Australian independent film producer seeking distribution in the region will not have access or exposure to local distribution and use Disney’s Latin American distribution company owing to ease of access and reliability. This competes and ultimately shuts down local distribution companies.Tap provides a global network of the entertainment workforce. This allows local distribution companies to be found by anyone.

We understand that you are also a keynote speaker.

You recently had the opportunity to speak during the NFT NYC. Can you tell us a little bit about that experience? Are NFT’s here to stay?

Yes. SEC v. Ripple Labs, Friel v. Dapper Labs, U.S. v. Nguyen, Miramax v. Tarantino, Hermès v. Rothschild, Nike v. Stockx, Roc-A-Fella Records v. Damon Dash, and U.S. v. Chastain are groundbreaking NFT lawsuits that will set precedent for the NFT industry. The fact that the courts have entered the chat is a clear indicator that we are addressing the NFT gray lines of copyright infringement and ownership. That means they are here to stay.

From your perspective how can one protect their digital works?

The best way to protect digital works is to enforce your IP rights. Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams Blurred Lines infringed and stole from Marvin Gaye’s iconic Got to Give It Up. Initially, the Gaye Estate filed a claim for $100M after Blurred Lines profited about $80M. However, the judge awarded the Estate a $7M judgment because they did not enforce their IP rights sooner, among other reasons. The Estate squatted on the claim until the track soared the charts with the hopes for a large settlement, but the courts aren’t having it. Register your work and enforce your rights. Owners lose value once they have knowledge of the infringement and do not act. Find experienced mentors that will support your mission. Have separate mentors in each phase of the business such as Product, Fundraising, Marketing, Sales, and Technology. Stay up to date on trends and your marketplace network. Follow shifts and always be in a position to change all aspects of the business if required. Lastly, never stop fundraising.

We had the opportunity to interview Gloria Ward and we found out that she is an Entrepreneur, Revenue Strategist, Author, and NewThought Leader who has devoted her life to helping women around the world level up in every area of their lives. Gloria Ward is the next international leader in self-development and business performance. She has become obsessed with helping women understand their worth and value. She is the author of the best-selling book Becoming Truly You. Her platforms are the I am Loving Me Project and Girl’s L.E.A.P... When we asked her who are some of the people that she has coached, she said that, “I have mentored women from every

Steller asked Gloria where she sees her platform in the future, Gloria says “I see my organization as being the number one platform for healing and growth for women around the world. Further diving into how she assists women with moving forward in their business, she told us she would tell women, “ Go for it. The worst thing that can happen will only happen if you do nothing. Life is short, live your dreams”. We further discussed with Gloria about who is her greatest inspiration. She told us, “My greatest inspiration I would say is Oprah Winfrey. She has overcome so many obstacles in her life and has managed to continue to be a light in someone else’s life. I admire that”.

[GLORIA WARD]

Teaches Women How To Heal To Be A Better “Self”

walk-in life. We also asked about the people that are around her, she replied that she felt members enjoyed her humble and down to earth approach and that is what has made her the most sought-after entrepreneur and self-love coach of our era”. When given the opportunity to reflect on your journey, what does that look like? She told us that “For over 18 years I’ve experienced what it feels like to achieve success, lose it, and rebuild it. I know what it is like to battle with the mind when it comes to making decisions that will drastically impact your way of being and life.”

Learning how to stay balanced and grounded in this day and time is important. Acknowledging to stop when you’re tired and knowing that mental health should be in the full front whether personal or business. Steller wants to know how do you stay sane whether in business or personal? Gloria told us “I take breaks when needed. I get enough sleep. I also make sure I stay connected spiritually with meditation”.

- Vanessa Henderson

Tell our readers a little about who you are? “I am a full-time Working Actress, a Native of Atlanta GA. Born and Raised right here. I have five sons and one granddaughter and another beautiful granddaughter on the Way. I am a wife, I have been married to My King for 27 years. I love to Cook, Bake, Sing, spend time with my Family and of course I absolutely love my job! I am Grateful and love my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ”! We know that you are a native of Atlanta Ga., let our readers know what are some of the projects that you have done here? “Wow it’s been Quite a bit, but to Name a few I have booked roles on TV shows such as; Dynasty on the CW, Atlanta on FX, Ordinary Joe on CBS, Wicked City on

moment in my life that I will never forget”. Who is your inspiration in your field and why? “I have so many people that have inspired me during my Journey. I would have to say the person that has inspired me the most is my Mom, Marie Johnson because no matter what she has gone through rather it’s physical or mental. She never seems to give up her Faith in God which exceeds the Beautiful person she is and has always been. Her spirit is always so mild and gentle. She has raised us to be the same way or at least try to be the same way, we will always fight for what we believe in and what we desire to have... no matter the obstacles we never give up easily”. Where do you see yourself in the next five years? “I see myself in 5 years being well known in the industry and

Is Herstory In The Making

the Allblk Network, Just finished working on one of Tyler Perry’s TV series, “All the Queen’s Men” on BET and BET+, and “The Wonder Years’’ on Hulu and of course The Amazing featured film “ TILL” as Ruby Hurley”.

How did it feel partaking in a roll in the movie Till? “OMG! It was an amazing experience. I felt so honored and privileged to partake in such a Historical film!!! I am still in Awe that I was able to be a part of this film and it will always be the closest project to my heart. Right before filming my scenes in which I caught Covid a couple days prior to my first day on set but with God’s Grace and Mercy I wasn’t replaced by another actor and was able to sustain my role in the film after healing. Working on TILL was such a great

landing more lead & lead supporting roles in featured films”. Who would be the person that you would want to portray in a project? “If I were blessed to portray anyone in a Project, I would have to say Lisa Rae McCoy because so many people have stated that I favor her in some way. Loretta Devine as well because I absolutely love her and would be honored to portray her Gracefulness and Amazing gift”. What would your advice be to an upcoming actor or actress on getting into the industry? “Never Give Up!!! Just keep going no matter the obstacles, never think that your preparation for this industry is a waste of time. I just know it is preparation for your season to happen. Hard Work pays off in the end”. - Vanessa Henderson

- CLAYTON DAVIS, VARIETY

CEO LADELL BEAMON: HEAL THE HOOD FOUNDATION

BY VANESSA HENDERSON

The first thing I’d like to ask is who is Ladell Beamon?

Wow! I am this guy from South Memphis, who loves to make a difference in the lives of those that need hope. I really dislike getting caught up in a title, but I am the Founder and CEO of Heal the Hood Foundation of Memphis which is a not-forprofit organization that uses the arts and media science to change the narrative in Memphis and surrounding areas.

What would you say was one of the most significant moments in your childhood?

I think one of the defining moments that I can remember in my childhood was knowing that God is real. It’s crazy because when I think about the world now, we have lost our moral compass. I remember waking up early in the morning and stopping on the 3rd step as I would hear my Grandmother praying with a renowned radio personality, (the late Joan Golden). I knew she was talking to God on my behalf, and I felt a presence and knew to respect His authority in my life. To this day, I am impacted by who God is in my life.

What were some of the titles of the books your mother had you read when you were young and do you have a favorite book today?

I read books like Danny and the Dinosaur, Sammie the Seal, Box Car Kids, Tom Sawyer and plenty of comic books. I enjoyed those books because they were the first pieces of mail that came to our house with my name on it. I am a huge fan of adventure books. There used to be these books that had alternate endings depending on the decision that you would make for the characters. It would tell you to go to a certain page that fit your decision. I loved those books because it taught me early in life to watch your decisions

because you can alter your God-given ending. God isn’t at war with us and His plans are to prosper us and bring us to an expected in.

Talk to me about your audience and your foundation.

Our emphasis is youth because they are easier to influence. There are so many broken adults that are breaking children because they were never healed. Heal the Hood Foundation is literally about healing. “Hood” is the suffix at the end of words like brotherhood, fatherhood, sisterhood, motherhood, childhood, priesthood. Everybody has a hood. Those broken hoods lead to broken neighborhoods. If we heal those “hoods”, the likelihood of our communities changing is highly possible.

What do you think that we need to do to reach our youth of today?

The fact of the matter is we must listen to the words that are being said, those that aren’t being said and the ones that are being said. Many times, as adults we want to project onto children what we want and how we think the child should feel and what they desire. There needs to be an opportunity for children to be children without hurt adults pushing their agenda on youth. I see people who were disciplined as a child grow into bitter adults because they didn’t like to be corrected as a child and now, they have vowed never to discipline their children which produces a lawless culture. I am seeing children grow up with no structure and no moral compass. Our job is to create that balance.

Who are some of the super hitters that you have empowered with your outreach?

There is a young rapper turned actor by the name of Lil P-Nut that I feel we had a

profound effect on. We were able to give him some major advance and help put him in a position to land television shows on Nickelodeon and Disney. Not to mention a role in Happy Feet 2 and many more projects.

Where do you see this foundation in the next five years?

I am very excited about the direction that we are moving in. We are in the process of a huge project called, “The Hero Empowerment Center”, which is an arts-based micro-city. It’s like Universal Studio meets the Land of Oz. It’s arts and entertainment meets workforce development. We want centers all over the United States in cities that have high volumes of crime in urban communities. Our center is based on our comic book series, called “Wake Up Tour Evolution.” The team is like the Justice League or Avengers of Memphis. Think in terms of The Avenger’s Tower

and Justice League Headquarters being pulled out of the comic books and movies and placed in your neighborhood to train the next generation of Heroes.

With the world moving the way it is today, do you have any words of advice that you would like to share?

My advice is to find your purpose. Many times, we are moving around lost because we have no idea what our why is. Why do we exist? What is my purpose in this life? When you can answer those questions, you will begin your journey to your destiny. At the end of the day, you may not make it to your destination in some cases, but it’s the journey there that transforms you and those that you encounter on your road there. Destiny is never just for you. Destiny is about those that you serve in your service to God. Put Him first and the rest will take care of itself.

Mental Health. It’s a topic that at one point remained unspoken. It was as if you’d have a negative mark on your existence if anyone knew you were struggling mentally. Now, more and more of those conversations are beginning to be had. However, there is more that can be done. Steller Magazine had the opportunity to sit and chat with chat with Joe Diggs, the Founder of an organization doing just that. . Roll With The Punches Foundation. Inc. is doing its part to help raise awareness about Mental Health.

[JOE DIGGS]

IT’S OKAY KNOT TO BE OKAY

What Is Roll With The Punches Foundation, Inc?

ROLL WITH THE PUNCHES FOUNDATION, INC. (RWTP ) is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization formed to engage in charitable events that are philanthropically entrepreneurial for the benefit of other 501(c)3 organizations to engage, deploy and administer programs in the greater community. The Foundation has developed the inaugural production of It’s Okay Knot To Be Okay*, a mental health awareness, Black-Tie & Sneaker gala, to promote public awareness of mental health, illnesses, and disorders.

What is your mission?

The Foundation engages in entertainment services and provides the organizing, fundraising, hosting, arranging, and/or conducting of educational exhibitions, namely in-person events, podcasts, seminars, or productions for the financial sponsorship of other mental health organizations, foundations, non-profits, and mental health service providers.

Why The name Roll With The Punches?

Roll With The Punches is a metaphor that means You have to be able to handle/catch what life throws at you. It is a statement that has been used throughout the course of time. However, for some, it is easier said than done.

Why Mental Health?

Mental Health can be a constant struggle. It can be a daily fight just to maintain a sense of balance and normalcy. For some, garnering the strength and confidence to find happiness or to engage with the outside world can be challenging. Roll With The Punches Foundation, Inc wants to help change all of that. Our goal is to help organizations assist individuals as they step into the ring of daily life. We want them to move with confidence in knowing they have support, resources, and all they need to help them have a more positive mental outlook on life. Millions of individuals are fighting mental battles we know nothing about. Our hope is that we change the narrative when it comes to those discussions surrounding mental health.

How did this all begin? Was there any one thing that prompted the start of this organization?

I have devoted my passion to shine a bright light on the subject matter that is colorblind, non-racist, gender agnostic, and affects all socio-economic ladders. The dream was to create a unique gala experience while educating, entertaining, and providing resources for a wide demographic of people. Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. - Kenya Zandrowicz

You are an artist, entrepreneur, radio personality, actor/ comedian, and community activist. Where Does Your Love of Entertainment Come From? My love for entertainment comes from multiple sources, first I believe is because my father played in a band. My affinity for music started there. Just seeing him and his talents being unleashed on stage was very interesting to me. The second part is because of sports. Sports and entertainment typically go hand-in-hand, so being an athlete through grade school on up through college helps to bind it as well. whether it be putting together a music playlist to get ready to compete or freestyling on road trips with my teammates.

bullying as well as fitness. Positive American Youth not only pushes our young people for it but also takes care of the families with our community resource center that feeds about 3000 people monthly. We don’t work off any major grants and rely heavily on our own sweat equity meaning Pops and myself. But we do appreciate when local businesses and corporate sponsors help financially, as well as when those fortunate enough to be able to give do so. If anyone would like to donate, please visit PAYUSA.org

When did you realize that you needed to use your voice and platform to make a difference within the communities of our youth?

PAYUSA PAYS IT FORWARD

That love blossomed into something else as the years progressed and my focus shifted from music to broadcasting.

Tell us a little about your non-profit PAYUSA.

Positive American Youth started as a small friend group between me, some family members, and classmates to occupy our time with something that would help us to add to the community. Now and for the last 15 years, it has grown into a full-fledged nonprofit organization that helps feed needy families, motivates kids through positive experiences, introduces youth to career paths connected to the entertainment industry, and pushes initiatives involving literacy and anti-

I’ve just seen it my whole life from my maternal grandfather to my parents. In high school, I would often see how my father motivated and taught other kids that were not his own simply, because he didn’t see it as an obligation to cultivate those under him. I guess you could say It’s learned behavior.

You have also written a book entitled “Ice The Bully” which centers around anti-bullying. Do you think that social media and the internet are adding to the increase of these situations in schools? In my opinion, social media does add to the increased bullying behavior in schools in more ways than one. Kids are more and more feeling the pressures of wanting to

to be an Internet sensation and unfortunately, negative behavior seems to get the most admiration for some strange reason in America. These behaviors sometimes surface as bullying or verbal abuse towards fellow students.

What’s it like working with Rodney Perry’s IMPROV?

Working with Rodney Perry during the improv show was amazing, it started out by taking an acting class, and I found a love for it. Now I have been on stage a few times with multiple improv groups, most recently with Class Clowning Improv show with some very talented comedians.

So, we must talk about Black Yard Chickenz. You began this project to help ease the mental health strains that the pandemic has caused. How did you end up talking to Chickens, and why chickens?

I’ve always had an affection for animals and my retirement plan was to one day get a small petting zoo because that made me happy as a kid. But now that Goal has expanded into trying to show people how to become food secure by starting with backyard chickens. It may not be for everyone, but I think they can make a huge difference because they are mini benefits of having chickens. So, my approach to teaching others about it is to utilize my entertainment personality, along with the knowledge that I’ve been able to learn myself, and share it with the masses via my social media platforms. Fortunately, that approach is taking off and growing legs of its own and getting lots of support from places I would have never expected. - Kenya Zandrowicz

We Love your infamous tagline here on our show, so we must ask you Reec...”Who You Wit”?

That’s hilarious because the tagline came about from me, my father, and my cousin Cedric during a studio session when we were joking around with the different taglines before my first major market radio show. But to answer the question when I say, “Who You Wit” The people say “Reec” and my response, as always, “I’m with y’all”. I’m for the people, with the people, and about the people that’s who I’m with! oh, and with my chickens too.

TAMMY RIVERA: CHANGING BALTIMORE

BY BRYSON “BOOM” PAUL

Where you are from speaks volumes about your character, mentality, perspective, and ambition. Being a product of your environment brings genuine responsibility, organic obligation, and necessary opportunities for change once one finds success outside of their upbringing. Mottos like, “Never forget where you came from,” “If you win, we all win,” “Represent,” and so many others are drilled into the minds of adolescents to not only establish community improvement but a civic duty to bring change to an area that can only fend for themselves as they face obliteration in gentrification. For accomplished reality star/recording artist/philanthropist Tammy Rivera, 36, Baltimore is home. She returns often for community outreach engagements. From Food to toys to information, Rivera is an essential role model in her community who shows the importance of returning home and helping your people when you can like you and your neighbors would help one another back in the day. Her selfless actions are the much-needed inspired representation in the community that maintains hope in an area often perceived as chaotic. Baltimore, Maryland is 60% Black or African American residents. The best city for health care, arguably the best shopping city, and the creator of the “Star-Spangled Banner” written by Francis Scott Key. A beautiful place that is overshadowed by notorious drug, crime, and corruption stories in the media, which deter others from enjoying the city’s unique attractions – affecting economics substantially. Via Zoom, Rivera spoke candidly about her love for Baltimore. In this interview, she shares stories of growing up in B-More, its beauty behind the headlines, giving back, and so much more. You may read the full interview below.

All right. First things first, for just clarity. Just tell us, talk about some of the projects and community service work you’ve been doing in the community in Baltimore. Well, every year where I start my annual Turkey event and I go back every year to where I grew up at. Can you hear me? Hello? Oh yeah. Every year where I grew up in my hometown, I go back and I do an annual, I don’t like to call it a Turkey giveaway because it’s more than just a giveaway. We have DJ, we give away prizes, and we give away TVs, and toys. It’s hot plates of food. So we have a DJ and we give out hot plates and desserts where we sit there and they can eat with us. They dance with us, they play games with us, and then when they leave, they leave with a Turkey. So I do that. It’s my fifth annual one that just passed. I used to do it in Baltimore and Virginia. My main focus is Baltimore because that’s where I’m from, I mean, I grew up in Virginia as well, but I left when I was like five. Baltimore is

Baltimore is where most of my influences are from. I remember standing in those Turkey lines when I was younger and receiving help. So now it’s like I’m on the giving end of it.

Describe your Baltimore. What’s different between what people see on the news and what they see on television? Well, for me, Baltimore is a culture. A lot of people see, of course, the homicide rate, they see the drugs. It’s definitely a heroin capital. And a lot of what people don’t understand is the culture of Baltimore. My mom is a victim of drug abuse, as well as a lot of my friends in Baltimore. And a lot of us bond, you can call it trauma bonding or we just bond in those ways because we understand the struggle of growing up in that environment and people think that it can always be so, not only is it just rough, but it is, it’s also, it’s humbling. It’s grounding. I wouldn’t change my struggles for anything, but a lot of things that people don’t see are the culture, the seafood, and the crab.

You can walk into a crab shop on any corner in Baltimore, and you can’t get those in Atlanta. You can’t get those anywhere else around the world but in Baltimore. Where we have crab shops on every corner, but you can walk into a restaurant, in a crab restaurant and you’ll see black, white, Asian, and Indian, everyone is enjoying blue crabs together. Those are the things that people don’t understand, it’s like a culture that people don’t get to see in Baltimore. We have our own music. Baltimore has a lot of real and authentic people. I’ve been all around the world from LA to New York to Atlanta, and I think Baltimore has some of the most authentic people in the world.

No doubt. Now, definitely cool that you highlight the culture. So I want to ask you, what’s your fondest memory of living in Baltimore?

My fondest memory of Baltimore…there are so many. I would probably say just my upbringing, what people probably call trauma or struggle. My struggle is my fondest memory because growing up you don’t know that you’re poor, you don’t know that you’re struggling. And even through that, you still feel like you have, I can’t explain. It’s like you still have fun, you still enjoy. Even though it was a struggle, it was still fun. It was like now I look back and I think about my childhood growing up. I’m like, yo, I had a dope childhood. No matter how many bad things happened, I definitely had a great childhood. My twenties, my early twenties after I had my daughter and got out of an abusive relationship. I kind of was able to experience my twenties, my early twenties in a good way. So that was one of my most fun times in Baltimore. I have so many

Now, how does it feel going back to your community in Baltimore and being a part of the change in the community, as you said with the giveaways and what not?

It feels great. It’s like I go back and the LOVE. The thing that I like the most is the love that I get when I go home. I feel like I’m there... Just they protect me. Baltimore is very rough, but they protect their own. And I feel like when I go back home, I can walk around. I don’t have to have security, I don’t need to. I see the corner boys on the corner and they watch out for me just like your family would because they’re like you come from us, you are part of us. You know what I’m saying? So we going to make sure you are straight when you’re home. So that’s one thing I love about Baltimore is the love that I get when I go home.

Yeah. And then what are some of the changes you see still needed in Baltimore?

One of the things I think Baltimore still needs is I think we need a lot of therapy. I think we need community centers. Growing up, we had the Boys and Girls Clubs, and the YMCAs, and not only just in Baltimore, I feel like that’s needed everywhere. We had somewhere to go to when we didn’t have any food in the refrigerator. You could go to the YMCA and they give out lunches during the summertime and they give you breakfast in the morning. Or if you wanted to get away from some trauma or some drama that’s going on in your household, you can go to the Boys and Girls Club and play basketball, play hopscotch, play baseball, and volleyball. They had those community centers you can go and just have, they had counseling where you can go in and talk to the community counselors that work inside the YMCAs and the Boys and Girls Clubs. And I feel like we don’t have that anymore. They took that away from the communities where it’s most needed. So if you don’t have an outlet to go to or nowhere where to just chill or just go and greet your friends

and hang out, you resort to the streets or advice of other kids who go through the same struggles that you’re going through. But growing up I had Boys and Girls Clubs. I had things that we could go to. I remember waking up and if my grandmother ain’t have no food, she would wake us up early, tell us, get dressed, and go down to the community center. Go ahead and get breakfast because they’re given our free lunches. And that’s just what it was. They fed the communities, they looked out for the community and that’s why it’s important for me to go back because I’m not afraid to talk about it, I’m never going to act like I was born with a silver spoon and that I had this and I had that. I came from them very, very, very humble beginnings where we went. And if you didn’t have food, you went to your neighbor’s house. If my neighbors ain’t have food, my grandmother fed their kids and you know what I’m saying? So I feel like if it’s anything that’s really needed in the community, it will be those centers that have the counseling and has community advocates there.

From the time that you were raised in Baltimore to now, has it changed a lot, or has it changed fairly little? I don’t think it’s changed a lot at all besides, I remember sitting on my front porches in the summertime and listening to what we had. We would listen to 92 Q Jams, the nine o’clock mix where they play club music and we come up with our dance routines on the front porches. It was a little bit safer because like I said when we were growing up, the corner boys, even though they might’ve been the corner boys or drug dealers or whatever, they watched out for their own on their blocks. Everybody has a story, and everybody has a struggle. But we felt safe in our communities, on our corners, on our blocks. I feel like nowadays children are getting younger and younger with drug abuse.

I feel like the Percocet’s are what’s driving them crazy. I feel like the thing that’s different now is that the generation it affects is getting younger and younger. The new generation cares less and less. They don’t respect. There’s no give a f$$$. They don’t care. I remember when I was living on my block, if it was some corner boys sitting on our stoop, my mom would be like, “Hey could y’all not stand right here? I got the kids.” They’d be like, “Oh I’m sorry, ma’am. I apologize.” And they would move to another area. Nowadays, they don’t work like that. They are liable to come back, shoot your house up, say F you, suck your d$$$, and all that. It’s terrible. So there is no respect for the older generation nowadays and that’s where I feel like is becoming worse and worse. There are no OGs, there is no, no, no, no should I say, Uncle Ts, no Stokely’s. Uncle T is a huge community activist in Baltimore. So is Stokely Carmichael. He’s a huge community activist that people respect and look up to. But the younger ones, they’re very far and in between. They’re a dying breed. And there are no more OGs. There are no more of those men in our communities anymore.

But you’ve also become one of those community leaders with your efforts and your giveaways and whatnot. But I want to ask you, to share with us the gift and curse between fame and influence. The gift and curse I think between fame and influence. I don’t like to say I could care less about fame because people look at you like you’re not human. People just think that, and I think today’s generation is just so much more sensitive. Everybody takes things. I tell my daughter all the time, I don’t know this generation. This new generation is just so sensitive about everything. But it’s like you’re not human when you’re famous, you’re not looked at as a human being. You don’t have feelings. You’re an object, you are an image, and you’re not human in the eyes of the public. As an influencer, people look up to you, they follow you, and they

see what you’re doing. It’s inspired and people aspire to be like you. So, it’s like that’s the difference between being an influencer and what you would say being famous. The gift and the curse would be like I just said, people just don’t realize that you are human. But the gift of it is that you are able to reach out and help so many other people with your influence. And for me, going back to Baltimore, I’m not trying to be a community advocate. I’m not trying to be the voice of Baltimore or that person. That’s not what I aspire to be. I just go back because I just want the little girls who grew up on the same blocks that I grew up on, who came from the same type of household that I came from to just know it’s something more than this shit. You can get outside of this. I’m human. I’m just like you. That’s the reason why I have the DJs and we have the music, and we make it an event and not just a giveaway. I always tell people; I remember going to churches and my mother making me go stand in line and go get some of the baskets they give out. You be embarrassed because you like, oh s$$$, I don’t want my friends to see me standing in this line getting free bread and shit. But I make it to whereas it’s an event. So, if the kids are in line, their other friends are there because they got music, and they’re dancing. So, it’s not like you’re looking like, oh look at them getting some free food, some free turkeys. No, this is the place to be. Everybody up in here. Everybody just happened to leave with a turkey. I just go back just to let them know, listen, I am y’all. I ain’t no different from y’all. You can see social media, you can see the TV, the music, all that. I’m just me, I’m Tammy from around the way just like y’all.

No doubt. Now you mentioned that the city just needs more therapy, and I want to ask you to explain the importance of therapy in the black community and why we need it.

Because I feel like a lot of us, first of all, I’ll say in our community, especially in the black and the brown community, we don’t believe in mental illness. We don’t believe in therapy. It’s like, oh girl, just what goes on in this house stays in this house. That’s the worst thing that you ever could f$$$$$$ say to a child or a person. What goes on in this house stays in this house. Oh girl, pray about it. Yeah, you could pray about it and God is real and God does answer prayers, but at the end of the day, people need someone to talk to. You need somebody to reach out to. I’m just now realizing I’m 36, I’ll be 37 this year. I just realized at the age of 32 that I was molested. It didn’t dawn on me until I was 30 that like, oh my God, if somebody did what they did to me at the age of seven to my daughter who is 13, I would kill someone. But it took me to become a grown woman to realize that was not right. That is not something you should have kept quiet about. That is not something that is acceptable. And maybe if I had some counseling or outlet, then I would’ve realized that way sooner than I did now. But, because we’re told what goes on in this house, stays in this house and let go and let God, you just sit there, and you suppress these things, and you don’t realize it’s following you into your relationships. It’s following you into your life and you don’t understand where the anger or the frustration coming from because you’ve never gotten it out. And I think that’s what a lot that happens in the black community is that we trauma bond with people thinking that we have a connection, but really, we just got pain that we identify with. You know what I’m saying? And we don’t know that because we’re not educated on it.

- Bryson “Boom” Paul