TCP Magazine 15th Anniversary Issue

EDITORIAL What a blessing it is to wake up every day and enjoy what you do. Knowing that I have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. This 15-year milestone could not have occurred without God’s Grace and others who helped along the way. Over the years I have thanked many people such as my team and family, but I would like to go back a little further. Mrs. Jervay at the Carolinian gave my name to a firm that placed TCP Magazine on a national database. It was a few years later before I discovered her kindness. I was able to thank her before she died.

During my early years in the corporate environment, I joined an organization called the National Secretaries Association where Martha Blaylock was the only African American member. Martha subliminally taught me how to dress and act professionally around other cultures. I eventually became the first African American President of that organization.

Still in the 80’s this feisty chick named Katie Gailes would come into our offices with other male IBM employees as a standout account executive. Katie’s confidence in the game gave me courage that I could do it too in my own environment.

Phyllis Coley was the epitome of information sharing. She gave me the first opportunity to write in a newspaper and contribute to Ace Magazine. My ability to connect people became second nature.

Eugene Brown gave me an opportunity to write the Gospel Section, Melodies of Praise, in Plugged Magazine and do interviews for Plugged TV. He had a vision ahead of his time.

Prior to going to print, I called Gerald Hinton, Dr. Willie Snead and Bishop Cranford Davis and thanked them for their support during our first year. I encourage you to join me as we celebrate 15 years to look back over your life and thank those who helped you along the way.

We will be celebrating the whole year. If you missed out on the opportunity to support, sing or advertise, you still can get on board.

CONTENTS P5 Editorial P7 Gospel Music Album Reviews P15 The A.R.T.S. P16-17 No Nonsense Booking P18-19 Evolution of the PK P22 Entertainment News P23 Heart Health P27 Wedding Story

Peggy Tatum TCP Magazine 181-104 Wind Chime Court Raleigh, NC 27615 tcpmagazine@gmail.com www.tcpmagazineusa.com 919 796-4724

Contributing Writers Alecia Jones Audretta Hall Bobby Parker Carol Peoples Edith Berry Joseph & Dana Stevenson Denver Wright, WIZPRO Imagineering Rick Crank Photography Joe Yancey, Ozion Media Katie Gailes, Marketing Terry Spicer, Epiphany Public Relations

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“GOSPEL MUSIC ALBUM REVIEWS” Donald Lawrence presents the Tri-City Singers - “Goshen”

In the Bible, in Exodus, Goshen was God’s protective place and Lawrence says he wanted his new music to parallel the book in a way that reminds people to be aware of their inner pharaohs because “sometimes we need to be delivered from ourselves.” Grammy Award winning songwriter and producer Donald Lawrence is back with his original choir from NC/SC the Tri-City Singers. This is their 25th anniversary of their debut in the Gospel Music industry. I love the title cut, “Goshen” led by Sheri Jones-Moffett, bringing choir music back strong. Also check out the grooving cut, “He Heard My Cry” featuring Chicago hip hop producer Sir the Baptist. My favorite tune is the current single on radio, the hot stirring gospel flavor of D. Lawrence and Le’Andria Johnson on “Deliver Me (This Is My Exodus)”. It will move your soul and the entire project is bible-based. You will be blessed.

Casey J. - “The Gathering” Casey J. is a praiser and a worshipper indeed. The award-winning gospel artist Casey J. is back! The singer and songwriter is back with the release of her sophomore album, “The Gathering”. I love her style and the way that she reaches her people with a smooth mellow worship experience. The Gathering was recorded live in a farm-like setting outside of Atlanta with a small group of worshippers. It’s a 10-track album, with the title track “The Gathering” is a welcome to her audience to come lift up your hands and come let us gather together and tell God that with one agenda, our hearts are open, Jesus come. Then continue the worship with the radio single, “If God”, if God be before me who can be against me, if no one knows me, still his heart adores me.

Simply beautiful. I love it. This album is a true call to worship.

Kim Person - “The Journey” I had the privilege of attending the album release concert of my friend, award winning artist Kim Person. She took us on a journey of her life and the beginning of her singing aspirations. All of these songs on this 10-track album are good. Her fans are loving, “New Day”, a fast track tune that declares that this a brand new day. I love the bass-driven cut “Blessing On Blessings” which is blessing the airwaves on my radio show. But the crowd pleaser is the anointed, “Fresh Wind”, open your mouth and say fresh wind. We couldn’t stop singing this one at her release concert. You will put this one on repeat indeed. I also like the song, “Just Believe” which features Person’s vocals as a true singer. What a Journey!

Submitted by Bobby Parker, 2000 Stellar Award Winner for Gospel Announcer of the Year.

Host of “Morning Inspiration” on 1510 WEAL Big WEAL Gospel, Greensboro, NC. Host of the syndicated program “The Bobby Parker Radio Show” on Rejoice Musical Soulfood, iHeart Radio and other stations throughout the country (55 stations).

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The A.R.T.S. Always Reaching for The Stars

by Edith C. Berry

Journey with me to different parts of the Triangle: Chapel Hill, Durham, and Raleigh, North Carolina for a view of the phenomenal talents portrayed here without visiting another state. As we ended in 2018, and journey into 2019, the Triangle is bursting at the seams with a nouveau fine arts culture! I need you to get on each point of this triangle and trekked on this adventure that goes on 3 different paths, to experience dance, singing, and drama! You need to support the ARTS to see the stars!

My journey continued January 20, 2019 at Raleigh Little Theatre by Triangle Friends of African American Arts was given support from Executive Director Charles Phaneuf. Mike Williams founder of Black on Black Project, hosted the event. The shows previewed were: Agape Theatre Project “The Dance on Widow’s Row” Hilarious comedy by Samm-Art Williams of 4 eligible women of Port Town, NC who have gone through 9 husbands, at Burning Coal Theatre May 2-12; Black Poetry Theatre “Inside Studio Real: A Choreopoetic Sitcom” focuses on a radio program that is a wild ride full of music, dance, song and poetry, at Hayti Heritage Center February 23rd; Cary Players Community Theatre Company “Men Always Leave” about family, betrayal, and self-discovery, February. 1-3; Diamonds, Pearls & Pink Roses Productions “Worried 2.0 12 monologues of things in life that break your heart, or make your heart beat, Hayti Heritage Center March 23rd; Li V Mahob Productions “Soul Man” celebrating the experiences of artists like Sam Cooke, James Brown, Ray Charles, The Temptations and others June 14-16, 21-23; Living Arts Collective “Peace of Clay” explores the pressures, hopes, and aspirations, of a young man coming of age in a southern city in the1980’s. Theatre Raleigh in Durham February 23rd; PlayMakers Repertory Company “Jump” a funny heartbreaking, surprising new play takes us on a journey where a sister finds solace on a bridge. January 23rd- Feb. 10th: Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds” a shy Jamaican boy discovers the adventure amid the birds, jungles and beaches. Raleigh Little Theatre Mar. 8th-24th; The Justice Theatre Project presented “Caroline or Change” a gospel and blues musical that examines the intersection of gender, race, religion, and class. June 7-23.

As we came to the close of 2018, I embraced the enchantment of talented youths in the “Nutcracker at The Durham Arts Council in December. Cynthia Penn Halal is the founding director of The Walltown Children’s Theatre. The dancers showcased multi-culture dances of African, Ballet, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Jazz, Latin, and Tap. During intermission, the youth kept us entertained through their learned skills from the drumming class.

Can we say “Double your Pleasure?” Well that’s what happened in Black Nativity in December through the Justice Theatre Project and the Durham Community, with Hillside High School students were featured. Both groups portrayed Langston Hughes’ story of the birth of Christ with fervor and exuberance! The Justice Theatre Project showcased a cast of various ages, and cultures, under the direction of JaMeeka Holloway-Burrell, and the musical direction of Ray Watkins. Wendell Tabb, directed this production which really highlighted the talents of the youth and community participants.

In attending “Men Always Leave.” The question is: Do they? Director and playwright of this production was Naima Yetunde Ince. Always means all the time! Only you can answer that! February is the month of love!

These are a few productions mentioned, and there are more coming up for the 2019 season. Follow Edith Berry and TCP Magazine on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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NO NONSENSE BOOKING The Connection Place, Inc. has formed No Nonsense Booking as a platform for you to find reliable speakers, entertainers and other needs as an event planner. This is a place to find resources that are endorsed by TCP and you don’t have to jump over hoops with ridiculous riders to book. Visit us online at www.nononsensebooking.org for more information.

Nicole Carr Nicole Carr has 13 years in journalism and is an Investigative Reporter for Channel 2 Action News in Atlanta. She joined WSB-TV in 2016 and has earned two Emmy awards during that time.

Nicole has lived everywhere from Alaska to Panama as an army brat and has spent time in Beijing, China as a journalist. Nicole makes a great Keynote Speaker and is well versed in most subjects.

Dr. Bridgett Newton Author, Teacher and Evangelist, Dr. Newton is a sought-out transformational coach and empowerment specialist. She has earned the reputation as a motivator and a mid-wife for spiritual birthing. Dr. Newton combines her wealth of leadership, expertise, spiritual enlightenment along with her passion to inspire men and women to aide her in releasing messages that encourage, empower, and transform.

Dr. Patrice J. Carter Dr. Carter has 30 years of combined experience in the areas of business, military and healthcare. She certifies and trains Christian Leaders and Life Coaches. Dr. Carter is a Board Certified Coach/Trainer; highly sought after national and international Speaker, a published Author and Founder of Breakpoint Publishing. Her first book, released in 2010, is entitled, “SUPERb Woman: From Bad Girl to God’s Girl”. Dr. Carter provides leadership training to Pastors and church leaders as well as offering continuing education courses for mental health, medical and other professionals.

Katie Gailes Katie Gailes, MBA, speaker, trainer, author, and storyteller, believes that entrepreneurship solves most of our economic and social woes. What she enjoys most is showing people how to be the entrepreneur in their own lives, because the startup is you. The focus of Katie’s business is to help people create the choices they want in their lives by applying entrepreneurial principles and developing entrepreneurial characteristics. She helps people focus on their lives like they would focus on developing a new startup.

Dr. Teresa A. Smith Dr. TAS is a Teacher, Speaker, Motivator, Life Coach, and Visionary Leader who leveraged challenges that should have killed her into her purpose. Through her book Stronger, Dr. TAS teaches things don’t come to kill you but to build you which is the true meaning of Stronger.

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Dr. Donna Corbett Dr. Donna Corbett is the Owner of Amazing Grace Etiquette — an image development and social etiquette school which focuses on building the image, confidence and etiquette of people from all walks of life. Amazing Grace Etiquette is known locally for its Princess Tea Parties, Young Men’s Leadership Academies and Summer Charm Schools. Dr. Corbett teaches life skills to men and women who are incarcerated. Other topics include Public Speaking, Conflict Resolution, Behind The Mask, Time Management, Anger Management and more.

Wayne Smalls Independent certified speaker, Amazon Best-Selling author and founder and CEO of L. Wayne Smalls & Associates, LLC mentors leaders of the future through their amazing programs. The organization believes in empowering, enabling & enhancing aspiring leaders of the future to grow and become better leaders. The goal of the company is to provide high quality professional leadership training that can improve the overall effectiveness of any organization. Some services that are provided are keynotes, motivational speeches, leadership coaching, team building workshops, seminars and mastermind groups.

Minister Gale Jones Minister Jones is effective in transforming the lives of others and assist in organizational business strategy. She has led corporate training sessions on building effective teams. Her effectiveness extends to turning companies around to make a profit. Her passion is helping transform the life of others and helping leaders to engage themselves and their organization for the desired results.

Yolanda Morgan Yolanda’s ministry extends beyond the traditional walls of the Church. She brings back Credibility and help Restore Integrity to Our Witness, by Exemplifying the Character of Christ. Yolanda provides a Blueprint for victorious living and a formula for personal success by Empowering you to take Control and Ownership over your future and destiny, transitioning from the posture of a victim to the Position of Victor. She provides tools to achieve holistic success: spiritually, physically, relationally, emotionally and financially.

Lessette Lessette is an award-winning gospel artist and ordained Elder. She ministers hope and love through various genres that transcends cultures, religion and age barriers. Lessette has shared the stage with countless national artists and as a headliner. Her other artistic talent includes jewelry making and painting which she combines with her musical platform. Lessette is a domestic violence survivor and would be perfect for platforms incorporating ministry, empowerment and various genres of music.

WIZPRO Imagineering WIZPRO Imagineering is your ONE-STOP-SHOP for your creative needs providing stunning visuals, immersing audio and in-depth content. WIZPRO delivers creative, eye-popping video content including full music videos, commercials for TV, the web and presentations. They handle everything from the blocking, lighting, shooting, editing and post-production in their in-house nonlinear editing bay. Other services include custom websites, custom 3D logos, print graphics from flyers to magazines and audio production.

Rick Crank Photography Professional and experienced Full-time Photographer, Rick Crank, provides services on location and in the studio. Rick photographs all the important moments in your life, such as Corporate Events, Weddings, Fashion, Sports, Individual, Family Portraits and more! Rick has been a photographer for 32 years and his work has included numerous celebrity clients.

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EVOLUTION OF THE PREACHER’S KID (PK) Dana Stevenson’s Viewpoint Though my husband, Joseph, and I grew up in different denominations, being a Preacher’s Kid is fairly universal. I was born into the role of PK and that title has shaped me in so many ways.

Growing up in the ever-present spotlight can be trying at any age.

Looking back, parents were telling me they wanted their kids to look up to me at a time when I wanted to fade into the background. I always wanted to be like my friends at school and hang out, go to parties and stay out late but because I was a PK, that was not happening.

For PK’s there is the stigma that everything you do reflects your parents and your church. This can feel like an unwanted weight at 15 or even 18 years old.

However, it is a role I took seriously. I never wanted to bring “reproach” on my family or my church.

Ultimately, being in this unique role not only shaped me naturally but spiritually. All the services I ‘had’ to attend opened the door for my relationship with Christ to grow and my love for His music to flourish.

I was afforded the opportunity to travel and experience different settings that took me out of my comfort zone and gave me a more versatile outlook. Now being married to a minister, I can see things from a different point of view and was better prepared to walk in an equally unique position.

Joseph Stevenson’s Viewpoint For me growing up as a PK was political if I can use that word. As my wife stated, “there was always pressure and awareness that every decision you made, and everything you said can and may be used against your parents.”

Having that understanding you quickly learn to change your responses and reactions to say what needs to be heard but not what wants to be known. Looking back, it’s pretty much how politicians approach the media.

As I grew older, this was a fundamental and basic of the “role”. Eventually you learn to read reactions, facial expressions, and be on guard to protect your parents from any adverse reaction or opinion. You even learn to make decisions that will most positively reflect on the pastor.

So now, I’m in the ministry. This pressure has not gone away, it’s only evolved. It’s not about protecting the Pastor or negatively impacting their reputation at this point as much as it’s about meeting the Pastors expectations and fitting into the expected role of the membership.

Again, an entirely different pressure.

I think the question that every PK and PK turned Preacher faces is, “How is this fair?” It’s a question I can’t answer, but a reality I’ve always lived in.

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Now to be balanced, there is the upside. At a young age I traveled to more international locations than most people travel in their lifetimes. We never struggled, we attended the best schools, and Christmas was never a disappointment.

We spent plenty of time with our Parents, and my folks were avid supporters of our extracurricular activities. Seriously, I had great parental support as a PK, and that’s because my father being the Pastor, had more flexibility than the average 9-5 job and he made us and our activities a priority.

Looking back, life was definitely more positives than negatives and I wouldn’t even say the pressure I lived under was negative. It was the reality I lived in. I would however encourage every PK to keep your head up. Sure, it can be a lonely walk, but when you become an adult, life is no longer about your status as PK… It’s about what you can contribute to the world, and to think of being a PK from that angle, as a PK you have a leg up and advantage to create the life you envision.

We have a three-year-old daughter and a baby due in July who will also grow up as PK’s and in the spotlight, we wanted to avoid. Having already travelled the road they will soon navigate, we can fully understand what they will feel and help them navigate it. We won’t push them into ministry but know that God will prick their hearts in His own way.

PK’s Joseph and Dana Stevenson reside in Raleigh and both are in ministry at their parents’ churches. They are TCP contributing writers and will be highlighting other PKs in future issues of TCP Magazine.

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ENTERTAINMENT NEWS Actor and Author Ron Godfrey Journeys From Depression to BET’s “American Soul” For television onlookers, go with me while I humanize this Actor’s journey. What do we really know about Godfrey, the piano player in the house band during the club scene; backup to singer Actress Katlyn Nichol in “American Soul?”

Actor Author Ron Godfrey is a multi-talented South Carolinian with roots in Stamford, Connecticut. Of topics Godfrey could have written about - fatherhood, or even the rise of an actor, he chose personal accounts of his depression in an autobiography entitled “Crying Out In The Dark.”

“The power of depression should not be underestimated in any way, shape or form.”

It tells us that the most important part of any journey in depression is identifying the behavior and acknowledging that you’re there. “Once you acknowledge it, Godfrey said, “then the healing process isn’t as hard.”

He bore his depression alone. “No one in my family knew what I was going through. I was afraid that they would judge me so I kept it hidden. It wasn’t until about 4 years ago when I broke my silence.” The person he revealed his secret to is now his wife.

Godfrey described his journey to becoming a firsttime author as a leap of faith. “I was empowered by writing this book. I started in 2012 and with a nudge from my wife, I would complete it 6 years later.”

“I decided to step out; to put my story out there. There are more men out there suffering with depression but are scared or ashamed to talk about it.” According to Psychology Today, male suicide and men who acknowledge having depression are still stigmatized.

Godfrey had these encouraging words for others. “I would offer a listening ear and let them know that it’s ok to talk, cry, or whatever they have to do safely to release what they’re feeling. I would tell them that help is available if they choose to go that route and that they’re not alone in their struggle; there’s hope.”

Faith played a part in Godfrey’s healing. But he also found that he needed to apply it. “I had moments where I felt like nothing would work.

I felt dark, lonely.” Then after the release of what he had held onto for years, he explained, “I began to apply faith because I was constantly reminded that God was there. He [God] was waiting on me.”

So now with the question, who is Actor Ron Godfrey, he excitedly replied. “Ron is the man that overcame an obstacle in his life that very well could have taken him out.”

And how is Godfrey today? “Ron is doing great,” he said jubilantly. “I’m a living testimony that if you trust God, dig down deep within, find faith in yourself, and allow others that genuinely care to help you, you can make it. I still have moments when sadness comes over me, but I know how to handle it better by talking about it. Being an Actor has played a huge part in my healing and I love it.”

Catch Godfrey on the big screen in “No Remorse” as Detective Jones, partner to Detective Reeves, portrayed by Actor Tray Chaney, star of “Saints and Sinners,” on BOUNCE TV. Godfrey appears in Tyler Perry’s new Madea film set to release March 2019; and also in the New season of the Hit TV Show “STAR” to begin March 13, 2019. Godfrey will be honored at the 3rd Annual Atlanta Actor’s Awards on April 7, 2019.

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HEART HEALTH with Audretta’s 411 It is often said to “Take Care of your Heart”. As Women, we know how to take care of our children, our aging parents, our bosses. But how do we take care of our hearts? Here are 3 simple ways that I used to take care of my heart that also helped me to lose close to 100 lbs. and keep it off for Years:

Exercise—Your heart is a muscle and needs to be exercised. General recommendation is 30 minutes a day.

Diet—Low Salt (experiment with different herbs and spices, turmeric, Tarragon, sage, rosemary, white pepper). Balanced Diet that is in line with your body’s natural composition: 75% Fruits and Vegetables, 25% proteins and carbohydrates. (We are 75% water, 25% minerals and solids)

Life Style—Laugh Often, Think Happy Thoughts (Philippians 4:8), Take Long walks and deep breaths. When I am rushing, I am not breathing—I have to consciously stop and tell myself to breathe.

Some Heart Health No No’s: Being overweight, excessive alcohol use, high Cholesterol/ High-Fat diet and smoking.

Now here are a few things I do to take care of my health:

1. Drink water first thing in the morning (lemon water if you can). Wakes the body and cleanses the liver. I keep a bottle on my nightstand so I don’t forget.

2. Eat fresh fruit or veggie BEFORE your meal—the enzymes in them help with digestion 3. Breath—10 to 14 deep breaths every hour helps lower blood pressure 4. SMILE/laugh because it releases “happy” juice in your brain and you automatically feel better (and so do the people around you!)

5. Challenge yourself to solve a tough situation each day! Builds brain power and it last longer. Brain Monotony is the death of thee!

6. Stretch! Extends the life of your tendons! They LOVE a good gentle stretch 7. Move! Ankles, wrist, hips! Swivel and swerve those curves because movement is JOINT GREASE! 8. When you take that deep breath while eating—stop eating because that means you are at the right amount of full! It takes 20 minutes for your brain to catch up to what your stomach already knows!

9. Get in extra steps! Park away from the mall, get up and change the channel on the TV, walk the entire store when grocery shopping! Walking keeps your blood sugar level and aids in digestion!

10. CHEW! Digestion starts in your mouth! Helps the food to go down too (hot tea works too but your body’s method is better!)

A daily routine I can stick to is what has worked for me. I know me, I can’t base my health on going to the gym every day or running a marathon—I won’t do it. But what I CAN do is drink enough water, breath, stretch and laugh DAILY! When I make it to the gym, twice a month, then that is a bonus.

For more health tips: www.facebook.com/transformationaudrettas411 www.instagram.com/audrettas411 Free Download: my.eplublishyou.com/LeakyGutBuster

Do you need a more structured environment to ensure your success? Join Let’s Get Better Together 2019! Weekly Conference calls and One on One Touch Bases. www.tinyurl.com/better2019 Looking forward to connecting with you!

Audretta Hall Audretta’s 411 Certified Nutritional Counselor TCP 15th Anniversary Issue - Page: 23

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PASTORS NELL SMITH AND TIMOTHY WARD UNITE You couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day on Saturday, September 29, 2018 when the wedding took place between Shaneva Shanelle (Nell) Smith and Timothy Darnell Ward in Raleigh North Carolina. It wasn’t a traditional wedding, but one you can imagine when you unite two pastors.

The perfect Royal wedding, the two tied the knot in front of friends and family at State Street Community Church.

Owen Forbes’ rendition of Total Praise ignited the audience prior to the bride’s entrance. Nell mesmerized her man as she so gracefully proceeded down the aisle singing FOREVER by Jason Nelson as the audience joined in. The song went viral across social media garnering the attention of Pastor Nelson. The only thing that could have made her day any more perfect would have been for her father to walk her down the aisle; however, she felt assured he was smiling down from heaven.

The reception took place at Rand Bryan House, a quaint country cottage sitting atop a hill in southeast Wake County in a room surrounded by windows overlooking the countryside. The location set the perfect atmosphere for the couples “Dove Ceremony” where they released two beautiful white doves. The reception continued with the same spirit as the ceremony when the groom’s 85-year-old Grandma Gracie’s comments set the house ablaze. That little cottage on the hill will never be the same. The same fervor will continue with the Wards through leadership as Pastors of Living Waters Christian Church in Zebulon, NC.

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