TABLE OF CONTENTS
Mariah Dawne
03
HEALING THROUGH MUSIC, MEDICINE, & FAITH
Mentorship Through Media
07 PAVING THE WAY WITH SCRIBE’S BLOCK
MARIAH DAWNE
HEALING THROUGH
MUSIC, MEDICINE, & FAITH
From the moment she could speak, Mariah Dawne was singing. By age five, her voice was already captivating audiences in the church choir, local talent shows, school plays, and in her own home under the watchful (and sometimes rigid) vocal coaching of her mother.
Born Mariah Dawne Hester in Shreveport, Louisiana, her roots shaped not only her artistry but her unwavering discipline. An “old soul” at heart and a lifelong animal lover, Mariah has always been drawn to creative expression dabbling in painting, pottery, dance, and public speaking while also carving a unique lane as both a nurse and a Billboard-charting artist.
A Voice of Purpose and Passion
Mariah’s journey has always been guided by her deep faith in God and her drive to serve others. While pursuing her nursing degree, she never set aside her love of music, continuing to perform and write songs while excelling academically in multiple scholarly roles. Today, she proudly works as a NICU Nurse, bringing comfort and healing to the most vulnerable, while also representing her sisterhood as a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated. Her music reflects that same balance of discipline and compassion. As a prolific songwriter, she made her mark early with her first Billboard R&B Top 30 charting release, “Material Girl.” Since then, she has continued to gain the hearts of music lovers around the globe, most recently with “Hold On Me” (Act I and Act II) featuring Grammy Award-winning soul crooner Raheem DeVaughn.
Rising Higher with SRG-
Now, Mariah known professionally simply a s MARIAH. is reaching new heights. She recently signed a recording deal with the S RG-ILS Group, distributed by Virgin Music/UMG, joining a roster of powerful and authentic voices in today’s R&B landscape. Her next chapter is already underway: her highly anticipated new single, “Pink Lemonade,” drops September 19th, followed by her debut EP in Spring 2026.
MARIAH DAWNE
This signing represents more than just a career milestone. It’s a celebration of resilience, faith, and the belief that you can dream with your eyes wide open a mantra Mariah lives by.
Giving Back Through Music
Even as her star rises, Mariah remains dedicated to using her platform for good. She is an active partner with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, proudly supporting their “Love Music Stop Cancer” Campaign as part of the #MusicGives initiative. For her, it’s another way to bring healing through her gifts combining the artistry of music with the compassion of her medical calling. The Heart of Mariah
Whether in a hospital caring for fragile newborns or in the studio crafting melodies that resonate across the world, Mariah Dawne embodies the beauty of pursuing more than one dream. With her faith as her foundation, her artistry as her gift, and her compassion as her guide, she is proving that the worlds of medicine and music don’t just coexist they flourish together
As she prepares for her next release and her first EP, one thing is clear: Mariah is not just a rising star, she is a voice of purpose and inspiration. “Dream with your eyes wide open.” –Mariah
TO THE BLOCK Welcome
For decades, the media industry has been shaped by voices with the resources and access to tell stories. But what about the young storytellers who never get the chance to step behind the microphone, stand in front of the camera, or write the cover story? That is the question James Johnson, founder of U.G. Digital Media & Publishings, set out to answer with his latest initiative: Scribe’s Block.
WELCOMETOTHEBLOCK WELCOMETOTHEBLOCK WELCOMETOTHEBLOCK
Building a Path for Inner-City Youth
Based in Cleveland, Ohio, Scribe’s Block is a non-profit organization designed to create opportunities for inner-city youth to learn, grow, and thrive in the field of independent media and journalism. Recognizing both the barriers to entry and the untapped potential in his community, Johnson built this program as a way to open doors that are too often closed.
“Media saved me,” Johnson reflects. “I started out with a dream and no blueprint. If I can provide today’s youth with a space to learn the fundamentals and gain hands-on experience, then I know they can use their voices to build something powerful for themselves and their communities.”
Lessons Beyond the Classroom
Unlike traditional journalism courses, Scribe’s Block is rooted in the independent perspective—a space Johnson knows well from years of running U.G. Digital, covering red carpets, interviewing celebrities, and building a multi-faceted media platform from the ground up.
Participants will have access to in-house courses on:
Magazine Writing – Story structure, editorial style, and creative expression
Red-Carpet Coverage – Preparing, interviewing, and presenting in live media settings
Celebrity Interviews – Building confidence, asking the right questions, and telling authentic stories
Internet Radio & Podcasting – From studio setup to hosting, editing, and distribution
The program is designed to not only teach technical skills, but also to build confidence, professionalism, and authenticity—qualities that define strong voices in today’s media landscape.
Accessible and Free-of-Charge
One of the most important aspects of Scribe’s Block is accessibility. The program will be completely funded through grants and donations, ensuring that all qualifying participants can attend at no cost. By removing financial barriers, Johnson hopes to empower youth who may otherwise never have the opportunity to explore their passions in media.
A Legacy of Independent Media
As an independent journalist and entrepreneur, James Johnson has seen firsthand how challenging it can be to carve a path in the media industry without institutional backing. Through U.G. Digital Media & Publishings, he built a trusted platform that covers entertainment, culture, and community stories. With Scribe’s Block, he is paying that experience forward—creating a resource that could launch the next generation of independent journalists, podcasters, writers, and media personalities.
Looking Ahead
The vision for Scribe’s Block extends beyond lessons. Johnson sees it as a movement, one that helps inner-city youth claim space in the media world while also developing leadership skills, entrepreneurial mindsets, and creative outlets.
“In every city, there are young people with stories to tell,” Johnson says. “Scribe’s Block is here to make sure they not only tell those stories, but that they’re heard.”