With May being the month designated solely for Mental Health Awareness “upnext magazine” decided to give the readers insight on just how quickly a person’s mental capacity can be overlooked among those of color. While blacks make up 12% of the national population, we account approximately 25% of mental health needs in the United States. Let’s be our brother and sister’s keeper and fight this disease together. We’re not saying that they feel as though it’s not important, but it goes unnoticed at times and here’s how: Be strong, be courageous, endure the pain, you can handle it, is it what were often taught. We hear that habitually in the black community, and while that may be true we never seem to conclude that sometimes that just doesn’t work. Slavery and the trauma that came along with slavery has played a major role, mainly because its generational and its passed down one way or another. That has a great deal to do with “mental health” in the black community today. African Americans continue to experience trauma now in certain ways in respect to those who live in urban locations where there are drugs, and violence. Confrontations between African Americans and the police have also shown to be very traumatic amongst the black community. Every person is different. No one person can tell you how to deal with your illness, if nothing else its just makes you keep it bottled up inside until you feel like that’s the right thing to do. Being told to be strong and courageous in the black community essentially adds on to the burden of that mental issue that you may be dealing with. Once you feel like you’re alone in any situation, you constantly feel isolated because you no longer know who to go to for help. From a historical point of view among black families were often taught to keep our problems within the household and if you do take your problems or burdens elsewhere, its normally to the church where there is prayer and your pastor can attempt to have that sermon that touches you the most and in some cases, spark change. That’s not enough for some individuals because for those children whose parents do not attend church, their difficulties with life potentially fall on deaf ears. Mental Health has no age limit and it’s a deadly force that can begin during your childhood and carry on into your adult life. Last month there was a terrible murder that occurred on “Facebook Live” in Cleveland, Ohio. The incident occurred on Easter Sunday, April 16th. During the video an African American male by the name of Steve Stephens approached an elderly African American male and took his life. The elderly man had just enjoyed Sunday dinner with his family and hours later was killed by someone he never knew, nor had he ever met. I watched a few of Mr. Stephens YouTube videos, one where he can be seen celebrating with fans in downtown Cleveland as the Cavaliers had just won their first NBA Championship. Another video shows him down near a river catching fish and singing “down by the riverside”. He seemed perfectly fine in both scenarios. My point is this you never know what people are going through, but we can contribute by being that listening ear. Let’s “stop suffering in silence’ and fight back and cure mental health. By Julian D. Edwards
T.C Fitness & The Key to A Healthier Life By Julian D. Edwards
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f it’s important to you, you will find a way. If not, you will find an excuse! Tiffany Celeste was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. After graduating high school, she went on to attend college where she received her B.A. in Elementary Education at St. Mary’s University. Now I know what you’re thinking. She has a degree in education, yet somehow, she’s a personal trainer? That just doesn’t add up. Well you’re right, but let’s back track for a moment. Not only did she attend college but, Tiffany completed her ten-year tennis career as a DII athlete. So as the story unfolds you see that not only did she graduate, but she was also a student-athlete. Combine those two together and you’ll see just how demanding both can be.
After college, she dared to be different and let’s just say with time it would pay off. Over a six-year span Tiffany would live in New Orleans, San Diego, and Houston. Only then would she return home where health and fitness would eventually be her true calling. In the midst of all of that moving Tiffany worked in many different areas of the fitness industry. Certified weight counselor, personal weight trainer, she even worked at a nutrition shop. That wasn’t enough though. Something was missing and that was the fact that heart meant more to her than the money she made. From there T.C. Fitness was launched. She took her passion for health and fitness and started her own business in the city she was raised in San Antonio. As a certified personal trainer, Tiffany, has had the opportunity to change lives and allow people to take charge of their health. Nothing comes easy so she’s not that personal trainer that’ll give you a 2-week regime to stick with and say “now this will resolve the problem.” Tiffany’s goal is to help each of her clients learn, improve, and develop that healthier life style that works for them. Success stories from some of her clients include “Best trainer I have had the pleasure to work with. Tiffany helped me to achieve my goals and more. Very dedicated to the health & wellbeing of her clients.” Or how about “Tiffany is a great & motivating coach! The workout was rigorous enough for beginners and advanced enough for boot campers.” Complimentary consultations, personal training, and Saturday boot camps are just a few of the countless programs offered. T.C. Fitness customizes online programs specifically for you based on your individual profile (including age, medical and exercise history, fitness level, health and fitness goals, available equipment, schedule, availability, etc.) The information allows Tiffany to create a program that is flexible, challenging, and successful. Those days where you can’t make it to the gym you can still reach your goals from the comfort of your own home. Tiffany’s passion for seeing positive results for each of her clients is what drives her. I saw one her post the other day on Instagram and it read “appreciate that you have the incredible opportunity to get fit. You may have to prepare your meals, but some have no meals to prepare. You may struggle to find time with work, but some don’t have work to find time around. Weights and cardio take effort, yet some cannot lift their weight from their wheelchair, let alone do cardio. You are privileged. Let that be your motivation.” When you see, someone trying to inspire others with words for wisdom you automatically know the type of person they are, but it pushes you to aspire to be that same type of person. Tiffany Celeste is more than just a personal trainer she’s a beacon of hope for those to live a healthier lifestyle.
Lights, Camera, LeRome! By Julian D. Edwards
Julian Edwards: Tell us a little about yourself. LeRome: My name is Charles LeRome Davis III and I am from Greensboro, NC. I graduated from NC A&T State University in 2013 with a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications. In my free time I enjoy swimming and playing video games. Julian Edwards: What made you jump into the world of photography? Is it something you’ve always been passionate about or do you consider it to be a hobby? LeRome: I haven’t always been passionate about photography, but it’s not a hobby either. Filming projects while at A&T sparked an interest in photography. Shortly after I graduated I purchased a camera and from there it ignited a fire. This is not a hobby for me, it is a lifestyle. I want to shoot for Vogue and Vanity Fair one day so I am always searching for ways to get better. Julian Edwards: What does photography mean to you? When there’s a camera in your hand, model in your presence, and you’re in the location of the photoshoot, what goes through your head? LeRome: Photography means the world to me. It is something I envision myself doing for the rest of my life. I go into all of my photoshoots with the mindset of making it my best. It doesn’t always happen, but that is always my goal. Julian Edwards: I saw a live photoshoot you shot last May. I myself was very impressed. You’re the photographer, but you allowed the individual to tell you what they wanted. Have your shoots always gone that way? LeRome: I believe in order to become the best in anything it takes teamwork. If I allow the individual I am working with to tell me what they are looking to have done it makes my job much easier. It makes them much more comfortable and I can solely focus on creating the best images possible. Julian Edwards: I must ask are you a Nikon guy or are you rolling with Canon? LeRome: I shoot with Canon myself, but either brand is fine. Both produce amazing cameras and lenses. Julian Edwards: When you go to purchase a camera do you ever say “man this is expensive?” LeRome: I never think of it as “expensive,” I think of it as a major investment. If you aren’t willing to invest in yourself why would anyone invest in you? Julian Edwards: With so many people in the industry now how do you differentiate yourself and your work? LeRome: The best way to differentiate myself from everyone else is by being myself. No two minds think alike, therefore if I am myself it will always be something unique. Julian Edwards: Famous photographer you’d like to work with someday? What about them stands out to you? LeRome: I would love to work with Lance Gross. By him being a professional actor and photographer proves you can be great at more than one thing, you just have to put your mind to it. Julian Edwards: What’s next for you and your career? What would you like to accomplish? Do you have short term and or long term goals? LeRome: I don’t know what’s next, I’m going to let God lead the way and I’m going to follow to the best of my abilities. My short term goal is always the same, to make my next shoot my best shoot! My long term goals are shooting for Vogue and Vanity Fair. Thank you for interviewing me, it has been a pleasure!