Urban Sentinel (MAR 2023) - Keisha Reifer-Esprit by urbansentinel

ur ban M AR CH 2 0 23 EDITIO N

S E N T I N E L

Keisha

REIFER-ESPRIT SPIRIT-PASSION-LEGACY W W W . UR B A N S E N TIN E L M AGA ZIN E . COM

EDITORIAL

From The Desk of The Editor

Reginald Kearney Editor

Corretta L. Doctor

Brandon J. Jolly

Business Manager

Layout Designer

Greetings! A new month and a new edition of Urban Sentinel has hit the streets. March is a month that can be unpredictable when it comes to the weather, just as the events that take place around us everyday can be unpredictable. Politically this country is in a mess as we have those individuals that would like to remove Black History from our schools. My message to the parents is that we must fight to make sure our children are getting a quality education which includes the history of Black Americans. This month’s edition features a young lady who has roots in the country of Barbados. Ms. Keisha Esprit has a great story which encompasses her Spirit, Passion, and

Bridgette Alfred

Anita Davis-DeFoe

Writer

Legacy. Keisha has a very inspiring story which will push you to the limit to be all you can be. The staff and I hope that you, the reader, will enjoy all of this month’s articles. We value the feedback from our readers because it helps us to grow. Please email us at reginald.kearney@marylanddailyexaminer.com with your feedback. If you would like to advertise with us, send an email with the word ‘Advertise’ in the

Claudia Newby-Tynes Writer

subject line. Like us on FaceBook at The Urban Sentinel2, follow us on Twitter at @UrbanSentinel and you may follow us on Instagram at @theurbansentinel2. Visit our website at www.UrbanSentinelMagazine.com. I invite you to view our show, ‘Urban Sentinel Live’, which can be viewed on Tuesday nights at 8:00pmET on PODTV.TV-(Food for thought) and on YouTube.

Urban Sentinel Magazine

It is a half hour show that features guests that come from a variety of backgrounds..

Address: 102 Discovery Ct. La Plata, Maryland 20646

Thank you for your continued support. The Urban Sentinel magazine and talk show

Phone: 301-661-3989

are great ways to share amazing stories about amazing talent. We thank you in

Editor in Chief Reginald Kearney

advance for sharing our brand with your fans, family, and followers. We hope you

Advertising Inquiries Phone: 301-661-3989

beaches of Barbados.

E-mail: reginald.kearney@marylanddailyexaminer.com Website: www.urbansentinel.com

enjoy all of the great stories in the March edition. Now it is time to think about the

SUMMARY

Franchourt "Bob" Esprit

Gloria Richardson

"Nikki Rich"

Teresa A. Swift

Franchourt "Bob" Esprit

The New Toni Jenkins Entertainment

An Inside Look Into Gloria Richardson

Forgive Your Parents

Spirit . Passion . Legacy

Victor C. Jackman

Floyd Reifer - Professional Cricketer

Sonny Jorge Recording Artist Superman

Ron Ayers - Bring the Girl Out On the Floor

Yazzydazzle Is On the Move

Principal Author Alwin Adams

Nicole Richardson "Nikki Rich"

Keith Clizark - Music Industry Guru

URBAN SENTINEL MAGAZINE | MARCH 2023

eresa T A. SWIFT

by Dr. Morris Redd Growing up a few hours from the initial setting of her most recent novel, I thought it likely that this amazing author shared kindred experiences with her story’s central figure, though she never alluded to such. Further listening to her southern drawl assured me that this littérateur was certainly more intertwined with her fictitious characters than she might care to admit. Though you may not have heard of Teresa A. Swift before now, consider this an honor. This award-winning storyteller is about to blow the top off the literary scene, and you’ve got a front seat to the explosion. With MINT out in bookstores and MINT II, the sequel, soon to be released, the rest of the world will be forced to recognize this novelist by name. I was enthralled hearing this charming belle’s conversation about her life and the scripted tale about a survivalist nicknamed Mint. Teresa Ann Alford was born in Lamar, SC in 1962 to George and Henrietta Alford. Her family lived there until she was two, then they moved to Newport News, VA, where she graduated high school. Teresa relocated to the DC-Metro area, where she met her husband, worked for Congress, maneuvered the mortgage industry, and created businesses. A pioneer, Teresa was the first African American woman with a transportation company registered in Fairfax, VA. She and hubby, Robert Swift, have two children, a host of grandchildren, and they own a tax business and a nonprofit organization together. Robert and Teresa presently live in Williamsburg, VA.

Teresa says that several people played critical roles in her life. “It takes a village to raise a child, you know.” Mrs. Sesame, her fourthgrade teacher, was the first person to recognize young Teresa’s writing gift. Her seventh-grade science teacher, Mr. Harmon also spoke life into her creativity. “And of course, my parents told me that I could be anything I wanted to be.” Although her parents had little formal education, they had an entrepreneurial spirit and a zeal for success. She learned from them not to let anyone define her. Teresa affirms, “My village is who made me who I am.” “I’ve never been a shy person, and my teachers always encouraged me to share.” Nevertheless, with this book, Teresa was a little nervous about how religious people would receive Mint. Mint has a particularly colorful language and irreverent disposition that could be considered off-putting. When people snarl over the language and use of certain words, Teresa’s response is that it was important to capture the lingo of the day. “Some people say they don’t want to read a slavery book, but this is not a book about slavery,” Mrs. Swift asserts. “It’s a book about a woman telling her story that started in slavery and goes through 1967.” This author recognizes that everyone is not going to read her books. “I don’t write for everybody. In fact, no author does. We write for a specific audience, and hope that some swing readers catch on.” Her first published work was called Ladybug and the Bird, published in 2010. It’s a children’s series that she has yet to finish. Her first distributed piece, however, was her fourth grade A++++ story that Teresa’s mother made copies of and passed out to family and friends. After having a successful career in business and banking, the

market crashed, forcing Teresa to reinvent herself. With strong encouragement from former colleagues who had heard Teresa’s tales over the years, she made the decision to pick up the pen, again. Her passion for writing was reignited. Teresa says her inspiration comes from her spiritual connection with God. “He gets all the glory.” She writes from the heart and allows Holy Spirit to guide her. Mint is her 6th book and with it, she wanted to write a book that would make people take her seriously as an author. “I prayed a lot and I believe that it is my time,” shared the seasoned scribe. Swift wanted to write a book that would provide hope for folks who are going through adversity, and show that they can get pass it, just as Mint did. “As a author,” Teresa told me, “I separate myself from the writing. I try to maintain space between the story and my reality.” However, she admits to feeling sadness about the atrocities that her characters endured. Teresa engaged in 6 months of research to accurately represent the times, developments, and environments in Mint. Mint grew up across many important periods, and to capture the essence of every setting, Teresa studied each era. She hadn’t realized it at the time, but her story style may have been influenced by stories of which she was fond. The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman, Forest Gump, and Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café were a few projects that came to mind. “Only after I finished writing Mint, did I notice the style similarities between my storytelling and theirs.” She doesn’t force her stories, though. “I allow the stories to flow how they want to flow.”

when Mint learned to “pay it forward.” Teresa recounts, “Every experience and place had a specific purpose. My audience will see how everything individually and collectively contributed to who Mint becomes.” The author would like her readers to come away with a few things: She wants her readers to feel her character’s emotions. She wants them to question if the story is fiction or not. She also wants to open reader’s eyes to the significant advances that took place during Mint’s century-plus years, and to stimulate a sense of gratitude for things that we all enjoy today. “Lastly,” Swift notes, “I want the reader to read the book multiple times and for them to visualize Mint as a blockbuster film, and to thrust it to become one.” As she said it, the notion brought a smile to her face. When Teresa isn’t writing, spending time with Robert or the family, or running her nonprofit, she relaxes. “I empty out everything and just listen to my inner voice,” she shares. “In my stillness, my creativity is stimulated.” MINT by Teresa A. Swift can be found at www.teresaaswift.com or on Amazon.com. Amazon.com

When asked to speak about Mint, Teresa paused, took a deep breath, and begins: “She was born, Sarah May Robertson. Sarah was a smart and beautiful little girl. She was naïve. For the most part, she had been shielded from the cruelties of plantation life, until one fateful day when her innocence was snatched. After that, Mint grew very bitter, which continued into her old age. Her bitterness ultimately provided drive for her to become successful, though. Just as she had taught her plantation peers, she also taught her grandson things that he needed to know. Sarah May Robertson had a dream and she believed in herself, so much so, that she achieved everything that she imagined for herself. Now, she is a 110-year-old grandmother sharing her life story with her adult grandson, whom she loves very much.” By journeying across multiple time periods, Teresa hopes that this will cause the history to come to life and for readers to see how and

URBAN SENTINEL MAGAZINE | MARCH 2023

FRANCHOURT “BOB” ESPRIT On May 18th,1953 on a beautiful Island, called Curaçao, a baby boy was born to a mother who was from Curaçao and his father a native of the island of many rivers, Commonwealth of Dominica. This baby boy is the fourth son of the family of six: Four sons and two daughters. He was given the name “Franchourt Anthony Esprit”, known to all as “Bob Esprit”. From day one, at birth, this baby boy was very strong and muscular. He grew up in Otrabanda, a city at the west side of the capital, where he was also born. At the age of 10 he was already a sporter, a fighter and a very strong young man. Bob and his brother Welton played together in the little league baseball team of Maduro Braves as the right and centre fielder. At the early age of 13 the athletic Bob was an active member of the track & field club Olympic, where he had great performance in shot put. At the age of 16 Bob went to the Nautical School, but before he left Curaçao, the talented lad was working as a chef cook at the seaman’s hotel, Stella Maris. In 1971 Bob left Curaçao on an oil ship called “Sasan“, which was heading to New York. The voyage took him to Persia, the nowadays Iran. After Iran he settled in the Netherlands, where he lived for 16 years. Here he started again with track & field with his brother Welton, in the city of Rotterdam. In 1973, on invitation of The Local National Track & Field Federation, Bob represented Curaçao as a shot putter at the Caribbean Track & Field Championship in Maracaibo, Venezuela. In this competition he finished fourth.

Soon after, in the weight training room of his club in Rotterdam he got acquainted with weight training. Due to a groin injury, he was forced to end competitive track and field. However, a friend invited him to a gym. He was encouraged to pursue bodybuilding, seeing his natural muscular body mass and symmetrical figure. After three months of training, the gym owner encouraged him to participate in a bodybuilding contest. The first time Bob entered a body building contest was in 1974 for “Mr Benelux”. There were 39 participants, and he gained the fourth place. This gave him the push, persistence, and perseverance to continue competing in Bodybuilding. The following is an overview of all the achievements during the legendary Bob’s bodybuilding career between 1975-1988. 1975: 1st place, “Mr. Apollo” in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. 1976: He used as a training year to get in better form. 1977: 1st place, “Mr. Hercules” and “Mr. Iron Man” in The Hague, the Netherlands. 1978: 1st place, “Mr. Holland”, beating the best of the bests in Scheveningen, the Netherlands. 1978: 3rd place, “Mr. World” organised by NABA in Madrid, Spain. 1978: 3rd place, “Mr. Universe” in London, England. 1979: 1st place, defending his title as “Mr Holland” in Delft, the Netherlands. 1979: 1st place, “Mr. Night of The Champions” in Rotterdam, with Bertil Fox - former Mr. Universe - as guest poser. 1979: 1st place, “Mr. Europe” in Essen, Germany 1980: 1st place, “Mr. International” in Oostende, Belgium. 1980: 2nd place, “Mr. Universe” in London, England organised by “WABA”. 1980: 3rd place, “Mr. World” in Paris, France

1981: 1st place, “Mr. Holland” 3rd time in a row in The Hague, the Netherlands. 1981: 2nd place, “Mr. World” in The Hague, the Netherlands. 1981: 2nd place, “Mr. Universe” 2nd time in a row. 1982: 2nd place, “Mr. Universe” in London, England. This was his last competition. He was a guest poser in The Netherlands, Greece, Spain, Germany, Belgium, France the islands of Aruba, Bonaire and his country of birth, Curaçao. In 1988 Bob returned to his native country of Curaçao, where his mother started the construction of a Gym building for him. On August 15 of 1988 he opened the Bob Esprit Gym. Today this gym has grown to be one of the biggest and better equipped gyms with 9 trainers and a large number of enthusiastic members. Bob has a beautiful daughter, Sharon. He is currently married to Monique Bouman. Together they have two sons, Clinton and Clayton. His sons are following in his footsteps. Many pro-bodybuilders started their career under the training guidance of Bob Esprit. Every year beauty pageant participants use the Bob Esprit Gym as their training facility. Bob Esprit Gym is the home base gym for many track and field athletes such as the sprinter, Churandy Martina, and also famous baseball players such as; Andrew Jones, Kenley Jansen, Hensley ‘Bam Bam’ Meulens and other prospects. The Bob Esprit Gym has been awarded “The Best of the Best award” for eight consecutive years (2012-2020). As a side information, Bob Esprit participated in the Master’s shot put tournament of Curaçao in 2015 and represented the Netherlands at “The World Masters Championship” in Perth, Australia, where he obtained the 4th place. Franchourt “Bob” Esprit continues to be an inspiration to many.

URBAN SENTINEL MAGAZINE | MARCH 2023

FRANCHOURT

"BOB" ESPRIT URBAN SENTINEL MAGAZINE | MARCH 2023

THE NEW

Rising against unimaginable odds, Toni Jenkins of Toni Jenkins Entertainment is a woman of faith, strength, courage, wisdom and wit! Having been severely impacted by years of domestic violence, sexual assault and a recent injustice that would come to shatter much her family's world, this woman had the fortitude to rise above it all. When we think of turning pain into purpose and pain into our power, Toni Jenkins absolutely lives it out loud! As a native of the Mississippi Delta who has lived in metro Atlanta nearly two decades while being no stranger to the West Coast, Toni Jenkins is definitely a force ON THE RISE in the world of entertainment! Having represented clients in her entertainment agency in television/music, developing strong PR campaigns, creating explosive content and more, the power of her brand is in it's ultimate purpose which is to GIVE GIVE GIVE! The Toni Jenkins Entertainment brand has always had an affinity for creating a dynamic consumer experience, establishing solid industry relationships, leveraging resources to increase visibility and impact while making the ultimate difference! While having clients from the Oprah Winfrey Network, a joint venture deal with an established brand, securing meetings with major television/ music executives and developing a second business that is already projected to make a global impact, the rising entrepreneur's family life was shattered by a heinous injustice at the height of a global pandemic. She credits the love and support of many to include OWN's Melody Shari Holt and Vanessa Rodgers Tracy as having been a light during some of the darkest of days. Indeed, the road to recovery for their family has been extremely difficult but brilliantly transformative as well.

Because of every horrifying challenge that she was faced with prior to working in her profession and also during her career, this beautiful soul was empowered by it all to rebrand her business to become even more faith inclusive, and to ensure that Toni Jenkins Entertainment would serve an even higher purpose. As a domestic violence survivor and now certified domestic violence counselor in the state of California, Toni feels compelled to ensure that others in entertainment are also empowered as it relates to domestic violence. This crisis affects this industry in so many ways because domestic violence simply does not discriminate. The Toni Jenkins Entertainment brand of today is proud to also offer specialized training in domestic violence and awarding "The Certificate in Domestic Violence Advocacy for Entertainment Professionals". The trainings that the agency now offers are both career and life saving while ensuring that major studios are able to not only attract talented people but to also retain much more of it's top talent. This is an unprecedented opportunity for Hollywood, the Atlanta and New York Film industry, the music industry, the sports entertainment world and the global community it serves. Toni Jenkins is absolutely honored to have such a divine opportunity to uniquely support the needs of the entertainment community and beyond. To keep up with this trailblazing entrepreneur and to learn how you can become a client, advertise with TJE or to invest, you may visit the website at www.tonijenkinsentertainment.com. As always, when you do business with this agency, you obtain higher quality services while supporting a domestic violence survivor who is also committed to supporting other survivors across the globe. This bold new brand doesn't just make a difference. Toni Jenkins Entertainment is the difference!

URBAN SENTINEL MAGAZINE | MARCH 2023

An Inside L

GLO

RICHA

Leader Of The Ca

Look Into

ORIA

ARDSON,

ambridge Movement

by Brandee Johnson One of the greatest things about Black History is that you don’t have to look too far to find a piece of it. There are so many historical events created by our people that it would take longer than a month to honor all of them. Even a state as small as Maryland contains some of the most interesting movements in Black History. One of those movements was the Cambridge Movement. Known as Maryland’s Black Power Movement, this movement resulted in the desegregation of all hospitals, recreational areas, and schools in Maryland. And it was all due to the actions and leadership of one brave woman: Gloria Richardson. Gloria Richardson was born on May 6, 1922 in Baltimore, Maryland. Her mother’s family were the influent St. Clair family in Cambridge, Maryland. From birth, Gloria’s parents and maternal grandparents instilled a strong sense of community into her. There were so many examples of success that she could point to. Several of her ancestors had been free since the Civil War and owned rental property, a grocery store, and a funeral home. One of her maternal uncles practiced law, and her family was heavily involved in politics. Throughout her childhood, Gloria was always encouraged by her family to speak up about human rights. Instead of being forced to assimilate to what was deemed as respectable behavior from an upper class family, Gloria’s strong personality was allowed to flourish. Activism had always been a staple in Gloria’s life. But her career in activism began to blossom in college when she attended Howard University in 1942. It was during her college years that Gloria realized that her family’s position in society did not protect them from racism. One terrible incident that drove this truth home was the early death of her father, John Hayes. Because her father was denied medical care at a nearby hospital in Cambridge, he died of a heart attack. This incident taught Gloria that racism wasn’t simply a matter of

URBAN SENTINEL MAGAZINE | MARCH 2023

goals that mattered to the Black community in Cambridge. This was one of the reasons why the Cambridge Movement distinguished itself from other civil rights movements. The focus of the Cambridge Movement was economic rights instead of civil rights. Another reason was that it was the first movement where

the

leader

openly

questioned

the

effectiveness of nonviolence. Despite the fact that Gloria was the official spokesperson for the Cambridge Nonviolent Action Committee (CNAC), she disagreed with the nonviolent approach to protesting. In fact, her daughter – Donna Richardson – would have to send her home when she would show support to social injustice. It was literally the deciding factor between life and death. While attending Howard, Gloria began to organize protests at segregated stores. She held a protest at the People’s Drug store, a chain of stores in Alexandria, Virginia that refused to hire Black workers. She also picketed a segregated store in the capital called Woolworth’s. Her experiences in Washington opened her eyes to how segregated the legal system was in Cambridge. Even though Black residents had been participating in the legal system for 50 years, they still held the highest unemployment rates in the city. After graduating from Howard, she returned to Cambridge and married Harry Richardson. Becoming a mother to two daughters ignited a spark in her activism. After being passed over for a social worker position, Gloria held a formal office in the Cambridge Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (CNCC). During her time with the CNCC, Gloria began to identify economic and social

her daughter and other protestors. Still, Gloria put her personal opinions to the side and remained open-minded. While continuing to run her family’s business, she attended workshops where other activists trained for non-violence. She also contributed to the movement by working with the Black community’s intelligence-sharing network called the “grapevine.” She would also provide information to the Civic Interest Group (CIG) and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) about the operations of Cambridge’s political system. The SNCC came to the Eastern Shore in December of 1961 to begin

civil rights actions. By June of 1963, the Cambridge Movement was disrupting the racial tensions that always existed in the city. White residents were angry about the ongoing protests, and tensions grew. On June 11, 1963, white patrons at Dizzyland attacked six Black and white demonstrators as they were conducting a sit-in. This incident caused the Black community in Cambridge to adopt a new philosophy. Instead of nonviolence, the community encouraged armed self-defense. Shortly after the incident, General Gelston announced a curfew of 9 p.m. and invoked the rules of martial law. Now members of the

and public accommodations.

National Guard could assist police officers in automobile searches and ban firearms.

There was just one issue: the CNAC had to agree to stop protesting. The CNAC publicly boycotted the vote. Richardson, who was the

That night at 8 p.m., more than 250 Black protestors organized

organization’s spokesperson, stated, “A first-class citizen does not

a freedom walk to the Dorchester County Courthouse. As they

beg for freedom. A first-class citizen does not plead to the white

stopped to pray, they were attacked with eggs by crowds of about

power structure to give him something that the whites have no

200 white residents. Groups of white people started a gun fight

power to give or take away. Human rights are human rights, not

with armed protestors.

white rights.”

The violence did nothing to stop the spirit of the movement. Two

In the end, Gloria was right. Although the Treaty of Cambridge was

days later, the Black community organized another civil rights

signed on July 23, it was unanimously shot down. Robert Kennedy

march. This time, they were prepared. There were armed men who

was not the only political figure who wanted Gloria to cease the

were assigned to protect the demonstrators.

CNAC protests. Governor Tawes met with Gloria and other civil rights leaders and offered the same agreement.

That night, there was an exchange of gunshots after a fight broke out between the Black and white residents of Cambridge. White

Schools could be integrated and job opportunities would be

businesses were set on fire and multiple people were injured.

desegregated if the CNAC suspended civil rights protests for a year. Just like the Treaty of Cambridge, Gloria shot this offer down as

It was during this protest that a National Guardsman pointed a

well.

bayonet at Richardson. Courageously, she pushed the rife aside and continued to protest.

No matter how publications criticized her leadership and her stance on nonviolence, Gloria’s place in history was solidified.

By July, federal negotiators led by Robert Kennedy proposed voting for the referendum known as the Treaty of Cambridge. If

Her leadership and organizational skills changed the lives of the

the CNAC agreed to sign the Treaty of Cambridge, it would lead

Black community in Cambridge forever. She was willing to risk her

to desegregation in federally-funded job programs, public schools,

family’s reputation and livelihood to help the entire community

URBAN SENTINEL MAGAZINE | MARCH 2023

progress.

On July 15, 2021, Gloria passed away in New York. Her legacy lives on because of the example she set for women in leadership

Like other civil rights leaders, Gloria dealt with intimidation

positions.

tactics. The Kennedy administration allegedly threatened to reveal embarrassing information about her to the public, particularly

During a time where women’s roles in civil rights organizations

details about her divorce.

were limited, Gloria showed that women were just as skilled in organizing civil rights protests.

True to her personality, Gloria responded to the administration that she would not go down without a fight. Her tenacity and

Throughout her career in activism, Gloria was criticized by

persistence paid off. Although Black residents in Cambridge were

members outside and inside of her own community. Still, she

still discriminated against, the federal government acquiesced to

stood firm in who she was as a woman and a leader of her own

the CNAC’s demands.

community. She proved that you can still allow your voice to be heard, whether you live in a small town or not.

Public schools, job opportunities, and public accommodations were desegregated in Cambridge because of the persistent nature of Gloria Richardson. Even after she moved to New York and married Frank Dandridge, Gloria still fought for social justice.

URBAN SENTINEL MAGAZINE | MARCH 2023

FORGIVE YOUR PARENTS by Catherine Tyson, MSW We all have reasons to be angry with our parents for one reason or another but the question is, what is the real purpose of that. Since we are adults not, can’t we let it go? Ever considered that the anger and resentment that we feel may just be hurting us an holding us back! There was a time that I was so mad with my father that I let it eat me up inside and one day I had to realize that it was actually stopping me from living my best life. I started working on just letting go. It is an eye opening experience when you realize that you, this grown person, are still harboring feelings for this little kid inside of you. We all have the little person deep inside and they come out when we are hurt, angry, sad, etc. Do you notice that you still feel things that even you don’t understand when you are hurt, angry or sad? How about the way you react to something and then later regret it? Well it is your little person inside that is telling you something. We have to do the work to help heal that little person. Getting in tune with that person has a lot to do with going back to where all the stuff started and of course this usually leads us to our parents. That time in my life that I was so angry left me feeling like a half of a person. I believe if I had experienced this epiphany a little earlier I would not have made a lot of the mistakes that I had made in my life because anger clouds your thoughts and breeds negativity from your outlook to even your actions. I had to decide at what point do I give up my anger to then eliminate the excuses about my choices and get on with living and making better choices. Sometimes we are waiting, with stuff on our chests, tormenting the life out of us because we want to be heard and we want our parents to know how much they have hurt us. But sometimes you cannot speak with them about that stuff without the crying, denying, feel bad episode, guilt tripping, cursing, and all of those things that help solve nothing but build a wedge even deeper between you. As a social worker and counsellor, I believe in closure but what I learned is that sometimes you will have to find closure for yourself and move on. And do you know what I have found out in my years of working with people and experiencing some of this same stuff. Our parents have forgotten all of it! They really have! Or sometimes they have a different explanation for it or a different recollection of it. And sometimes they just don’t want to remember it!

So I say to you today, just leave it be. Get closure from yourself and if you can maintain a decent relationship based on them now, as they are, not the young flawed them but the aging them that love and appreciate you, then you are blessed. The “them” that is so proud of you and would cook your favorite meal and bring it for you or will collect your children and care for them all night while you go off to live your life a little or will sit with you for hours doing what you like. My mom loves to play dominoes and helping people and that helps to get her out of needing me so much so I let her be. That is her thing and I am happy that she has a thing and that she is happy. She is no longer that young woman who made all of those mistakes, that messed up my life sometimes, No, she is my mama who loves me and would fight you for me right now. She is lovely and wonderful and she’s all I’ve got and I won’t waste another moment thinking about who she should or should not have been. She is who she is and that is all she can be and she is mine. And my dad is no longer a twenty something year old playboy running after every skirt. He was my dignified, proper, incredible figure that my children could look up before he left this earth 6 years ago. And oh how much I wish that he was still here with me. Not that young crazy guy, nah, the older dignified one that he was! So try to forget about the young flawed person that made many mistakes while trying to be young and live their own lives. Forget about the one that may have messed up your mind with crazy ideologies that you have found to be wrong! And forgive that person that they were who probably did the best they could with the little that they knew or had. Forgive that person! Because you need them and they need you too! And for those of you who just cannot forgive an unthinkable act, then that’s ok too but just make peace with that and stop tormenting yourself so you can move on. Because look at you! You’re ok. You did ok. And you will be ok. And you came from them! I am saying this because time really waits on no one and if you are lucky to still have your parents, then forgive them and celebrate

who they are today and take care of them; whether they did or did not for you has nothing to do with anything. They had their responsibility and you have yours and because they may have shirked on theirs does not mean that you should do the same. They are what you’ve got and deserve to be forgiven. Love the person that they are today, flaws and all and forgive the person from yesterday because to love you is to first love them because like it or not, deep inside they are you and you are them forever. And tell that little child within that it’s ok to love your parents, because you do; always have and always will. Sending you love and light today. Catch up with me on Instagram @ realcatherinetyson With kind regards, Catherine Tyson, MSW Managing Director Missing Link Training and Support Services -------------------------------------------------------G100 Country Chair Youth Enterprise and Leadership Wing ALL Ladies League ----------------------------------------------------Author, I'm Somebody's Mama http://www.catherinetyson.com FB: Weekly Catch Up with Catherine Tyson IG: @realcatherinetyson

URBAN SENTINEL MAGAZINE | MARCH 2023

Keisha

REIFER-ESPRIT

SPIRIT. PASSION. LEGACY by Dr Yomi Garnett Footprints on The Sand Grains of Time “Lives of great people remind us we can make our lives sublime and, departing, leave behind footprints in the sand of time.” Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. A grain is a small and hard particle of a substance. Although grains come in various forms, textures, and colors, the largest expression of the essence of that word is found at the sea side, and at the ocean beaches, of the world, where the grains of sand can often stretch as

far as the eyes can see. For centuries, the tidal waves of the oceans have continued to cascade and crash unto the beaches, leaving behind sediments that build up into the beautiful, sandy beaches that we tread, leaving behind our footprints on those sandy trails. Many remarkable people, in the course of human history, have left, and are still leaving, their footprints on the sand beaches of the oceans of time. In these pages, I heartily present one of such people. Let us take matters from first principles. There are people who,

right from the outset, discount themselves from becoming persons of substance or value, simply because of their background or circumstances. They set their goals and ambitions solely based on the achievements of others in their family. In other words, they automatically discount any personal notion of greatness, even before their lives have really begun. Yet, greatness is never thrust upon us. We become great through our lifetime accomplishments, and not by our family antecedents. We become great by living a sublime existence; a life of high moral and intellectual essence. We make our life sublime by inspiring awe and admiration in others, and from our deeds and words. Also, wealth, by itself, does not necessarily qualify us to wear the toga of greatness. After all, history is replete with the countless rich and famous whose names have been swept away with the wind of general human amnesia. The sand of time is history. When someone leaves behind footprints in the sand of time, they leave behind imprints of themselves and their actions on the tablets of history. These imprints, or footprints, last for generations, and they become memories that will never disappear.

include Esprit Pastry, Esprit K Lipstick, Eleganza Apparel, and The Esprit Radio Show. I consider it a rare privilege to be in a position to take advantage of this tribute to exemplary womanhood, and to roll out the red carpet to celebrate a beautiful and accomplished young lady who has managed to tuck so many achievements under her belt in such a short time span.

It is against this backdrop that I present Keisha Reifer-Esprit, and I commend her to the reader, not just because she is a rare combination of beauty and brains, but more because this remarkable young woman is leaving her footprints on the sands of the ocean beach of time, by living a life of inspiration that is guaranteed to continue to impact this generation in such a way that she will also bequeath an uncommon legacy to generations yet unborn. Yet, a few phrases will still serve to describe this icon. Keisha has gone against the grain to glow amongst thousands of other grains. Keisha has, against all conceivable odds, gone from one triumph to another triumph. For Keisha, the top of one mountain is nearly always just the bottom of the next mountain to be conquered.

Keisha's surname is “Esprit,” which is French for Spirit. Over the years, she has seemingly developed the wholesome reputation for stamping her personal and bespoke mark of excellence on anything she lays her hands upon. In fact, it is almost as if she leaves her “Spiritual Footprints” in all she does. It is within the realm of possibility that this proclivity is a function of her surname, Esprit. An accomplished sports person, Keisha, with an impressive pedigree in educational and academic laurels, has managed to become an athletic folk hero of sorts in her native Caribbean Islands. To add a dose of irrepressible glamor to her brilliant career, she is also a fashion print and runway model, and an actress. Although she resides in America, it is patently obvious that she remains fiercely patriotic to her Caribbean roots, as she is deeply involved in promoting the culture and heritage of her people in Barbados. Perhaps, however, the most amazingly remarkable facet of her inspiring career is her life as a published author. She has commendably written and published more than ten books in an incredible literary feat that has seen her contributing immensely to the development of education in the United States. Ultimately, what most people will find most alluring and arresting about Keisha’s remarkable story is that, what might have taken the average individual a lifetime to accomplish was all that she somehow managed to tuck under her belt in a span of a decade. Indeed, if the name ‘Esprit’ speaks into the very nature of Spirit, the entire persona of Keisha totally defines the word ‘mystique.’

The Multipotentialite Keisha Reifer-Esprit is a woman of many parts. Being a person with a multiplicity of interests and divinely-endowed creative pursuits, she is what is intellectually referred to as a multipotentialite. She, quite easily, belongs to the new generation of business strategists that are fast gaining recognition for combining their unique entrepreneurial and strategic vision to successfully blend their formidable intellect with collaborative team building for the achievement of strategic business goals. Indeed, Keisha is a successful entrepreneur who wears a multiplicity of hats. A mother, author, former track athlete, philanthropist, humanitarian, and motivational speaker, Keisha has emerged a veritable powerhouse of entrepreneurial energy. Her range of notable bespoke established brands, products and services

The Athlete I will admit that when I first met Keisha, I was deceptively lulled into what I felt was simply no more than a meeting with your classic beautiful, soft, feminine and alluring Black woman. You couldn’t blame me. Keisha stuns you to a standstill with her sculpted face, suitably framed by her naturally shaped eyebrows. Yet, that is where the deception ends. The next thing is that you are assailed with the vision of statuesque and transfixing feminine physique. Suddenly, you arrive at the knowledge that there is more to this goddess of beauty than her soft cute looks. Keisha is actually a former athletics track star who has broken and set records that remain standing twenty years later. She gained pre-eminence as the fastest Barbadian athlete for two consecutive years at five events. These

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were the 100meters, 200meters, 400meters, 4x1 relay and 4x4 relay. She was the female pioneer at her high school, Coleridge & Parry School, where she also impressionably stamped her superlative performance in the track record books. She was the fastest leg on the 4x4 Quartet, a record that subsists to this day. Keisha was also a CARIFTA medalist, CAC medalist, Hampton International Games medalist, seven-time NAIA All-American indoor and outdoor, MEAC Conference medalist, and NCAA Div. 1 Regionals competitor, amongst many other athletic titles. She narrowly missed the Olympics qualifying time by just one second during her last year of competing. Her athletic abilities accorded her the athletic scholarship that saw her through her undergraduate years. She would be later rewarded with an academic scholarship for her graduate studies. She is also an alumna, and in the South Carolina State University’s top 5 of all time 400meter records. In her own words, “To be an outstanding athlete is not a bed of roses. It comes with the huge price of rigorous training, hard work and sacrifice. You also attract a tremendous dose of jealousy from others, which is something that comes with the territory. I didn’t achieve success overnight, as I worked thrice harder than my track peers. I even changed my diet, and just trained unbelievably differently from any of them. Many wouldn’t dare attempt such aggressive workouts as I undertook.” Keisha is by no means exaggerating about her feats. She has trained and competed against some of the greatest athletes in the world, and Olympians Tiombe Hurd and Fana Ashby are among many of such star athletes. The Fashionista Born on the beautiful Caribbean Island of Barbados to a Barbadian mother and a Commonwealth of Dominican father, the start to Keisha’s remarkable journey was characterized by early life events that would provide the foundation for an exceptional life career. As a toddler, she would be exposed to many young women in inspiring practice as models, singers and stage performers. As she relates, “My mother was the owner of “The Eleganza Group” in the early 1980s. I admired her outfits and the models’ styles. Some of these singers later became national calypsonians, while others modeled for the most popular malls of the day.” Her diligent interest and enthusiasm would morph, two decades later, into her “Eleganza Fashion Marketing & Consulting Inc., which she established in Manhattan, New York. “My passion was all the more kindled, if only because professionals frequently approached me for advice and connections. That business became a roaring success because my clientele came from all over the world, both to avail themselves of my fashion consulting services, and to participate in various

fashion shows. I held seminars, and one-on-one consultations with people from all ethnic extractions on all continents of the world.” That stage of her career also presented the golden opportunity to connect and work with various celebrities, including Etu Evans, Craig Derry, Angel Brinks, Tracy DiMarco, Misa Hylton, Dwight Eubanks, Kissk, Mr. Cheeks, Allure and many others. In the course of cultivating an uncommonly impressive resume in the fashion arena, she also found herself modeling at the New York Fashion Week for multiple designers. On one particularly memorable show, she modeled the Nicki Minaj blazer designed by celebrity designer Delise’ Ana. That jacket would later become an industry memorabilia of sorts, as Minaj wore it to grace the front cover of a 2010 edition of Black Men Magazine. Keisha has taken numerous professional modelling classes, and continues to advise those who wish to pursue careers in the fashion, entertainment and hair care industries. The end users of her services include designers, models, actors, and producers who work with her with a view to placement in shows and movies. Such producers come from locations as diverse as New Jersey, New York, Georgia, North Carolina, Mississippi, and South Carolina. Many of such clients have gone on to feature in movies, modeled at Couture Fashion Week, NY Fashion Week and many other such reputable shows. The International Confectioner Esprit Pastry is a world-class brand, and it receives orders from all over the United States and Canada. Baked to a delicious point of distraction, Keisha’s pastries are elegantly presented in the form of sinfully edible pearls, flowers and gold dust, and displayed in such an uncommonly classy manner that only the word finesse can adequately express the culinary style and expertise associated with the brand. These unique desserts are nothing short of a monument to the rare combination of creativity, style and love that Keisha deploys to the final outcome of each her products. Esprit Pastry caters at wedding receptions, church concerts, birthday anniversaries, political campaigns, and sundry other special occasions. The company also delivers supplies to industrial plants and car dealerships. Plying a menu as diverse as one can conceivably imagine, with over forty types of pastry recipes from the Caribbean, Europe and America, Keisha’s menu list consists of red velvet cakes, cheesecakes, key lime pies, coconut breads and cupcakes. The Cosmetic Aficionado Esprit K Lipstick is a bespoke brand of cosmetic products

manufactured with healthy ingredients. Keisha found herself compelled to pursue this particular business venture because of an abiding interest in women’s health, being sincerely concerned that they do not wear lipsticks that contain toxic ingredients. Two different companies manufactured her brand, using experts who followed Keisha’s requests with precision. There are the bullet or wand sticks lipstick options. Agency models and producers of runway fashion shows use EspritK lipsticks for their photo shoots. In the process, Keisha has succeeded in building a clientele base for her lipsticks from all walks of life, including many of her radio show guests, educators and fashionistas. Purchasing customers are always presented with a bouquet of gifts that includes an EFMCI voucher, a satin ribbon that decorates their lipstick and a pearl necklace with earrings. Her lipstick is presented in over 15 different shades that allow customers to express their beauty and confidence through a wide variety of personal preferences. The lipstick shades were meticulously produced to impart a delicate, healthy flush, and to brighten a lady’s visage, and they incorporate cream matte, cream shimmer matte, cream metallic and other textures. The Haute Couturier Keisha’s Eleganza Apparel line has been featured in many runway modeling shows. Eleganza Apparel strives to bring out the elegance in a customer. Keisha’s bespoke products are designed and tailored to cater to peculiarities in personality and style. Fashion shoes, bags, purses and dresses are just a few of her products, with the options of pre-ordering and shipping. The Media Personality Keisha Hosts and Produces The Esprit Radio Show, a national broadcasting show. The Show made its debut with iHeart RadioWDRB Media Company, before migrating to another platform at WOCS 93.7 FM. Classy, cultivated, cultured and creative as ever, Keisha’s design of a sophisticated golden logo represents rewards, uniqueness, beauty, and the outstanding standards she unstintingly subscribes to. Purveying an intriguing and attentionarresting array of compelling life topics, such as entrepreneurship, fashion, entertainment, health and well-being, and core life skills, the sensational highlight of the redoubtable Show is the array of fascinating guests that appear on it, and they include global influencers, ministers, Tedx Speakers, international news anchors, CEOs of Fortune 500 corporations, Olympian athletes, Best Selling authors, and eminent specialists in the medical professions. Among the eminent guests Keisha has had on the Show include Olympian Dominique Dawes, Kyemah McEntyre, the legendary Craig Derry, Judge Reginald Kearney, Heather Monahan, Fragrance Expert Sue

Philips, Cheryl Polote- Williamson, the legendary Cecil Williams and Dr. Andrew Burnstine. Reviewing her Show, Keisha says, “The pre-eminent objective of my show is to inspire others, through the rare opportunity of listening to the inspiring stories of my guests. Naturally, listeners are both inspired and motivated to adopt the strategies these successful people have employed to arrive at their rarefied stations in life. One good turn deserves another, and so my guests are afforded the opportunity to promote their services, brands and products, while gifts are occasionally presented to them.” The Seasoned Journalist Journalism comes as second nature to Keisha, having garnered experience spanning all of twenty years. Keisha worked as a sports journalist for a very successful Caribbean newspaper company in her teenage years, while simultaneously competing in international sporting contests. She honed her journalistic skills at that company, the Barbados Nation Publishing Company Ltd. Keisha has interviewed the CEOs of many corporate bodies, and many prominent politicians, in Barbados. She also once had the rare privilege to interview Olympian Usain Bolt. Currently, she writes columns for a variety of magazines and several newspaper companies. She once served as a writer at The Bronner Bros International Hair Show in Atlanta, Georgia, for the first ever “The Tournament of Champions” event. She has also had a stint in TV journalism, and aspires to anchor her own TV Show someday. Radio journalism is the latest venture in her romance with journalism. Keisha, in her own capacity as an accomplished entrepreneur has, through the years, been featured on both the covers and pages of a vast number of magazines and calendars, including Today’s Ebony Woman, Mahogany Vogue, Today’s Purpose Woman, Sheen, Lovely Lady, Women’s Quarterly, Inclusion and Stylezine Magazine, to mention just a few. She was one of the contestants who the majority voted for, and was featured, in the “Women Building Wealth” calendar. The Author Keisha is a prolific author of poetry, and of children’s books. Seven of her publications have been approved as formal textbooks by institutions, with some teachers already using them for classroom instruction. Her first book, Esprit Poetry, was approved by the Barbados Ministry of Education for instruction in schools. Over the years, Keisha has done book signings throughout the United Staes, at such premium locations as Waldenbooks stores, Online Barnes and Noble, Amazon Books, Books-A-Million and the book stores of various universities, where customers purchase her

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years to the tertiary years. As Keisha succinctly asserts, “Motivational speaking is simply nothing if not a true calling. The standing ovations, and the profuse expressions of gratitude of an appreciative audience, all go a long way to confirm that you have profoundly impacted them with your message. The key is to critically succeed in inspiring others to see the greatness in themselves.” At her alma mater, Keisha is listed as a motivational speaker on the Executive Speaker series of South Carolina State University School of Business. She has shared the speaking podium of that great institution with great speakers like Earvin ‘Magic ‘Johnson and Carla Harris. She was also among the line up of esteemed speakers that featured the likes of Honorable Senator Kevin Parker, NYPD Inspector, and Honorable Council Presidents, at a New York Inaugural event.

publications as gifts. In the course of a prolific writing career, she has met, interviewed and received autographs from the great poets, Nikki Giovanni and Sonia Sanchez. “My books are inspirational, deep and were penned from the heart. They include Esprit Poetry, Les Fleures-Esprit Poetry Part 2, Esprit Love and the Serena series. Apart from the fact that they are appropriate as befitting literary gifts, the poetry books, in particular, cater to all age ranges.” Keisha is a walking repository of many other manuscripts yet unpublished. The Public Speaker Motivational speaking is merely a part of the intellectual territory of the average author. Actually, Keisha’s speaking platform was inaugurated fully two decades ago. She embarked on her inspirational speaking career at such early venues as her high school, the Boys and Girls club, track team meetings, churches, and at every one of her educational grade level, from the elementary

The Educator Yet, Keisha’s biggest passion lies in being a consummate educator. She graduated cum laude with a bachelor of science degree in Psychology. Additionally, she holds a master of science degree in Transportation-Urban Planning. As eloquent validation of that masters degree in Transportation, Keisha has worked on contract basis on a US Department of Transportation Washington DC and New York $90 million works project, and a South Carolina $32.2 Million works project. In addition to this, she has worked with several of the biggest contractors and consulting firms across the United States. As a fallout of the expertise she gained during the transportation masters degree program, her engineering projects company, EFMCI, is capable of handling aspects like Value Engineering, Global Logistics, TRP Project Technical Writing, Transportation Business Psychology, and Transportation: Urban & Engineer Planning for major projects, amongst others. She is a curriculum creator, and Dean of various programs, including the STEM, STEAM, University School of Business, Fashion and Merchandise, while also teaching various subjects. The Philanthropist Keisha has wasted little or no time in giving back to a universe that has been so generous to her. Keisha has established two scholarships at her alma mater, The Wayland Baptist University in Texas. They are “The Letitia Gilkes Scholarship,” in memory of her late track star friend, and “The Keisha Esprit Scholarship.” The purpose of these funds is to offer financial succor to students who desire to graduate in their senior year at college. She is also a grant donor to the Plainview, Texas ISD Program, a program

that is executed through the Plainview Chamber of Commerce. In that program, teachers are given grants on yearly basis to purchase supplies for classroom projects. Fully 75% of Keisha’s resources, products, inspirational speaking, time and funds are deployed to giving back to the community. She often spearheads clothing and book drives for different community programs. She has also gained some traction with her international recruitment business. At the initiative’s very first outing, a student-athlete received a scholarship from Commonwealth of Dominica to study in the United States, and he not only performed brilliantly at his studies, but also received All-American titles at championships. Keisha has this to say about her international humanitarian and philanthropic efforts, “My son witnesses my generosity towards others. It is vital for him to follow in my footsteps. My Eleganza Apparel business funds allow African orphan students to receive a hot meal daily during their school sessions. My E.F.M.C.I Motivational Speaking services allow Americans and Caribbean students to be privileged to receive school supplies. The inspirational speeches and dedicated time have had a tremendous impact on each person’s life. I am a mother of the soil showing love and hope for all of humanity. Giving is simply something that has taken residence deep within my soul.” What The Future Holds Keisha intends to continue to build on the successes of the “The Esprit Enterprise” brands so that she can keep giving back to the community. “For the foreseeable future, my focus will be more on my real estate and property rental business. I also look forward to commencing and completing my PhD studies in the near future. My publication stable will definitely expand, as I already have manuscripts centered on psychology and health that have not yet been released.” In the field of academia, Keisha has many gems and golden nuggets she desires to bequeath to her readers. “I would advise everyone to use their God-given talents in a positive light. Do not allow your talents to remain buried within you, but rather, passionately use them to assist others. Use those gifts wisely and keep the Most High in everything.” There is absolutely no doubt that Keisha possesses the proverbial Midas touch. “That is a gift from God, and a blessing. Everyone cannot be a salesperson. I am a natural-born salesperson. You must be naturally charismatic, empathic, and persuasive. You must also be a people’s person and a professional. These attributes can take you a long way in the world of entrepreneurship. My final advice is to never give up. No matter how difficult the goal seems, keep pushing through. Almost always, it is just when you are about to throw in the towel that your breakthrough is lurking around the

corner. Be patient. Persevere. Persist.” Celebrating Life Naturally, one can only marvel at how Keisha manages to find time for all that she does. Keisha credits her resilience to the twin factors of happiness and passion. “I am a multi-faceted person who passionately enjoys every moment of my existence on Earth. It all then becomes easy, and feels like I am on an endless rollercoaster of indulging in my hobbies. In other words, I do what I love, and I love what I do. Expressed differently, while I am at work, I am at play. Yet, all work and no play makes Jill a dull girl. Traveling is my number one hobby. I am very adventurous, and I love flights. I love visiting other countries, as it allows one to become more open-minded while learning about other’s cultures. Flying is like breathing to me, as I have been travelling since I was a baby. I am totally fearless, and I simply enjoy savoring the beauty of God’s creation from the skies. I relish visiting the beach, dining at nice restaurants, going to the movies and cruising on the high oceans. Naturally, I also enjoy tranquil, serene and peaceful ambiances. They are therapeutic for my mind, body and soul.” A Legacy of Passion And Gratitude Keisha gives all the glory to the Most High for all she has achieved so far, and implacably believing that, without Him, none of her greatness would have been possible, she consistently remains in a state of deep gratitude to Him. Keisha’s remarkable life odyssey reminds us that anyone of us can leave behind a piece of ourselves as an enduring legacy, simply by acknowledging the fact that it is within our means to do so. The only way to do so is by leading a life whose main purpose is to be of benefit to humanity. When you put humanity before yourself, the path to greatness will seamlessly open itself up to you. When you take that path of nobility, you, too, will leave behind footprints in the sand grains of time. You can directly contact Keisha via www.keishaesprit.com or www.EFMCI.biz for bookings, products or consultations. www. keishaesprit.com www.EFMCI.biz ABOUT THE AUTHOR Dr Yomi Garnett, a world-class Ghostwriter, Biographer, Manuscript Editor and Grant Writer, has written in excess of 62 books for and on behalf of a global coterie of discerning literary clients. He writes from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. www.yomigarnett.us yomi@yomigarnett.us

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Victor

C. JACKMAN BA, MS ED

Barbados was a model slave colony and up to the 1940’s, much relics of the wretched past still persisted. My parents Burton George Jackman and Estelle Louise Jackman were products of their time. They were; however, determined that none of their “six lawful boy children” would be tied to the Castle (sugar)Plantation, located in St. Peter. This is where they were born and resided. At that time, land ownership, education and white skin color were the vehicles to economic fortune along with upward mobility. Abject poverty was the lot of the laboring class. Education and emigration; however, offered hope. My parents chose education despite the great sacrifice to be experienced. God was with me, as I was the one chosen for secondary education. Following my elementary education at the Boscobel Boy’s School, I attended the Federal High School (a private secondary school) before going on to Coleridge and Parry Secondary School (a public school). There was some confusion because the postman never brought the letter, saying I had pass for Coleridge and Parry. Thanks to the local priest who got the matter sorted out. I started Coleridge and Parry in second form because of that misfortune. My early years at Coleridge and Parry were endured with much pain and discomfort. This was due to my uniform and lunches. Meanwhile the economic stress on the family was almost unbearable. It was even responsible for some social dislocation and embarrassment. The introduction of free secondary education in 1962 was a “God sent”. This encouraged me, and I prayed that God would provide me with a job at the end of my stay at Coleridge and Parry. It was Monday 11th November, 1964, when the Headmaster, Mr. J.S Yearwood summoned me to his office. After a brief conversation, he sent me to Half Moon Fort Primary School (to the Headteacher there). Suffice it to say: I left home a student of Coleridge and

Parry and returned a teacher in the Government Teaching Service. Fifteen satisfactory years were to follow. When I left Half Moon Fort Primary: I was Erdiston trained, a graduate of the University of the West Indies (U.W.I) majoring in History and Economics. I was also acquiring a Certificate in Education. My teaching experience was enhanced with acting appointments as Senior Teacher at St. Alban’s Primary School, St. James, Selah Primary, St. Lucy and supervisor at the Speightstown Vocational Centre, St. Peter, before it merged into the Alma Parris School, a school for slow learners at the secondary level. I was recruited to Coleridge and Parry in January 1978, where I spent twenty-six productive years. It was very soon then that I was appointed Head of Department (General Studies). It was though; much longer before being promoted as the Deputy Principal. I soon gained the reputation as ‘the one who made History come alive’. Studying overseas at Baruch College (1994-1995), gave me a break. This provided the freshness and confidence I needed. Having introduced Easter Vacation classes years before I now added the following; “Notes Home”, structured After School Lessons, wrote the School’s History, A Handbook for Parents Teachers and Students. I also co-authored Nelson CXC Practice Tests History. It should not surprise anyone that I soon became the Deputy Principal and the School orator at important functions. As an educator my last three years were as Principal of St. Leonard’s Boy’s Secondary School (St. Michael). I remain father of Cherie, Laura, Rhea, Cheniece, Mia and Danielle; a devoted Seventh Day Adventist one who lives a simple humble life enjoying farming, family, friends and “my children”. Let those whom I have inspired carry on the social revolution.

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FLOYD REIFER

Professional Cricketer

During this era he cultured most of his early skills under the tutelage of more mature/seasoned players, a strategy which continued throughout his early years as he was always the youngest in the crowd. Furthermore, Reifer’s exposure of playing in varying conditions, be it on the road, between the houses, or on rough terrain, which was garnered during this time, favorably supported his career. It perfectly paved the pitch for his debut on the field at his Secondary School, The Lodge School. During this period, he played for the Under 15 Cricket Team at the age of 11 and progressed to the Under 19 Team at 13, where he began to establish himself setting several noteworthy records as a teenager including scoring a double 100 at the tender age of 14. Reifer credits his early exposure in the community and at school as his advantage for his prolific career which reads like a cricketing legend’s scoreboard of achievements. At age 15 he was called up for the Barbados Under 19 Team and by the age of 19 he made the Barbados Senior Team. The accomplishments kept coming to include the 50 year-old representing the game at all levels, including the West Indies Senior Team, West Indies A Team and the Scotland National Team, just to name a few. Some of his achievements during this period include leading the West indies team as Captain against Bangladesh as well as for the ICC Champion Trophy in South Africa 2009.

Professional Cricket Coach Floyd Lamonte Reifer’s love for the game of cricket started at the tender age of three-years old. The Barbadian explains that he always had the game ‘in his blood’ coming from a cricketing family of Uncles who stamped the Reifer name on the game locally and regionally. This was combined with the fact that during those years, he was surrounded by members of his community in Parish Land St. George, whose love for the game found them playing it on a daily basis.

It is this experience and his passion for the sport that led Reifer to the next step in his career as a Coach in the mid-2000s. Even though he admits that he got his initial taste for coaching as a member of the Barbados Senior Cricket Team, his official coaching days started at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus in 2006. There he honed his skills as both Coach and Player and within a year progressed to the same role with the First-Class Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC) Team. He didn’t solely rely on his experience as a player for this new role of shaping and mentoring young athletes, as many have benefited from his coaching, Reifer pursued and attained a plethora of International Coaching Certificates, which qualify him to not only coach locally and regionally but internationally as well.

From Assistant Coach, to Batting Coach, to Head Coach, Reifer’s striking list of coaching stints include guiding the West Indies Cricket Team at almost all levels from Under 15 right up to the senior level. He has also been responsible for a number of Franchise Teams within the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), served as Head Coach of the West Indies Team for the 2019 ICC World Cup in England and most recently as High-Performance Head Coach of the West Indies U19 Team for the ICC U19 World Cup last year. The father of two cites one of his many coaching objectives is seeking opportunities to utilize his knowledge and experience as a qualified high-performance coach to add value to any organization. For him, mutual respect, honesty, discipline, and a strong work ethic provides the foundation for this philosophy. This work ethic is also influenced by his belief that, “Self-reflection and challenging cricketers to identify and analyze problems leads to better decision making, both on and off the field of play”. A belief which can perhaps also be credited to the numerous accolades bestowed on him over the years including: the local National Sports Council’s Sportsman of the Year Award in 1992, the Barbados Cricket Association’s Cricketer of the Year from 1994 to 1996, an award presented by the Government of Barbados and the St. George Parish Committee in 1997 for his outstanding work done in his home-parish of St. George , National Sports Council’s coach of the year award 2012 and 2015. His dedication to the game of cricket has not gone unnoticed by the organization where his coaching career gave birth. In recognition of this talented coach contribution, the University of the West Indies in 2013 unveiled the “Floyd Reifer Balcony” that proudly still stands today. Floyd also received the Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Excellence for his Outstanding Service to the University and the Community in 2015/2016. During the presentation ceremony held at the UWI St Augustine Campus in Trinidad and Tobago it was noted that:

“Under Mr Reifer’s leadership the Cave Hill Campus has produced more cricketers who have graduated to national and Franchise teams as well as the West Indies A and Senior teams, than any other cricket development programme in the region. The Cave Hill Campus can boast of developing players that now represent all territorial teams, thereby evidencing the Cave Hill Cricket programme as truly a centre of excellence for the region’s next generation of West Indies players. Mr Reifer has delivered upon this agenda with extraordinary magnificence”

A true testament to the man who is guided by a philosophy of creating a winning culture and comprehensive player development, Floyd Reifer envisions a bright future for young men and women in cricket and is committed to fostering their growth into becoming world class athletes. He states emphatically. “The Caribbean boasts a wealth of talent and with improved systems and coaching, the positive results will soon become apparent.” COACHING POSITIONS: • Head Coach Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC) Regional First-Class team 2007- present. • Head Coach Cricket – University of the West Indies – Cave Hill Campus 2007 – present. • Assistant Coach – WICB U15 to England 2014. • Assistant Coach – St. Kitts Patriots – Caribbean Premier League 2016 • Head Coach – West Indies A – 2018 – West Indies vs. England Lions (West Indies) • Batting Coach – West Indies Senior Team – Batting Camp March 8 – 12, Barbados in preparation for Sri Lanka and Bangladesh tours • Head Coach – West Indies vs India A/ England Lions - Tri nation series in England June – July, 2018 • Batting Coach – West Indies Senior Team – India/ Bangladesh Series October – December 2018 • Interim Head Coach – West Indies Senior Team – West Indies vs. Bangladesh T20 Series – December 2018 • Interim Head Coach – West Indies Senior Team – Ireland Series, ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 and India Series 2019 • Head Coach – West Indies Emerging Player 2019 – CWI Regional Super 50 tournament 2019 • Batting Coach – West Indies Senior Team – England Series, May- July 2020 • Head Coach – Jamaica Tallawahs CPL Franchise Team, 2020 2021 • High Performance Head Coach – West Indies U19 team - ICC U19 World Cup 2022 • Assistant coach - St Lucia Kings CPL Franchise 2022 COACHING QUALIFICATIONS: • ECB Coaching Workshops • ECB Level 2 • W I C B Level 2 • Australian Cricket Board Level 3

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SONNY RECORDING ARTIST SUPERMAN

ORGE

HE RAPPER WITH A HEART

by Vera Thomas Oftentimes, rappers are seen in a negative light. Not Sonny Jorge. I had the opportunity to sit in on his listening party at the beginning of January 2023. Being a seasoned person, not following rappers or even being a fan of rap music, I must say, I was quite impressed by this young man and his music. Sonny describes himself as a ‘breath of fresh air” and is multi-talented, consistent, persistent, and real. Sonny writes from his heart and his personal experiences. His music is a depiction of the man he has become. While he is considered to be a rapper, his music spans across genres. It may have the flavor of reggae, smooth jazz, R&B or rap. His words carry a message for the masses. He becomes one with the music! His music depicts relationships and life. His music about relationships includes the good, bad and the ugly. He refers to his style as “Reality Rap” using “melody”. His connection with his audience is because he comes from the heart. There are great things on the rise for Sunny Jorge. His writing depicts wisdom learned from experience and passion. From the time he was a child, he has had an affinity towards the arts. Seeing his brother draw cartoon characters mesmerized him. One day Sonny made efforts to do the same and was quite impressed by his own drawing of “Sylvester the Cat”. He was surprised by his own innate abilities. While he enjoyed drawing, it felt that was not enough to settle him and keep out of trouble. He expanded his creativity to writing poetry. He began writing his thoughts and feelings. He realized his love for music and the entertainment industry and began to put his words to music without having any idea that being open and honest with his thoughts would lead to where he is today and the impact he will have on the world. Sonny also has a heart! An incident occurred that made him a superhero when he rescued a 12 year from the top of a building. The girl had gone up to the roof of the establishment of her mother’s shop for some air. She became trapped on the roof when the door locked. Sonny was waiting to start a studio session when he heard her screaming, “Help”. Without any thought, he immediately rushed into action. He got up to the rooftop and rescued her. When interviewed by the local television station, he expressed those thoughts of his own daughter flashed into his mind and propelled him into action. The story went viral on social media! He became known as a superhero. His song Venus talks about women are from Venus. Venus is an exquisite expression of how a woman should be loved and treated. He feels women should not accept being treated any kind of way and should not settle for anything less than respect and honor. Being the proud father of a daughter, writing about how women should be treated is a testament to him as a father and how he expects, demands his daughter be treated. Sonny believes in love and romance and was taught to love a person unconditionally. He has learned that no matter what happens in a new relationship, it is necessary to let go of the baggage from the past. Another project “FromVenus 2-Mars” is planned to be released January 31st, 2023. “Venus 2”, is about Men that treat

URBAN SENTINEL MAGAZINE | MARCH 2023

their significant other good but sometimes good isn’t good enough for them and the plot thickens. The song Devil, on the other hand, reflects what happens when women, bring past baggage into a new relationship. In so doing, the relationship may become toxic with the understanding that hurt people hurt people. It reflects what happens when someone cannot let go of the past. It can cause a decent relationship to go south because often times when one comes in with the attitudes and behaviors of the Devil. Those attitudes and behaviors can spill over onto the other person in the relationship thereby creating the toxicity that is the result of carryover from the past. He expresses that it is unfair to the next person when you have not healed from a bad relationship. The Devil mentality takes over and could destroy what could have been a wonderful positive relationship. He believes that no matter what happens in a new relationship, reflecting on the past hurts can only lead to a disaster. Lesson, heal thyself before jumping into a new relationship. There is so much more that can be said about Sonny Jorge including the fact that he has mentors that never knew he respected and followed their lead; his heart for his community and desire to make a difference. He looks up to God for instilling greatness in him and so many others and sees music as “one voice” shared in different ways. Being owner of Koolaid Baby, he promotes other artist who creations speak to him personally and moves him what he calls “unknowingly”. The artist, the man, and what is most important to him, a father of a daughter. His drive is to let her know she is a queen and should be treated as such. In conclusion, Sonny Jorge is not how many perceive rappers. He will go far because of the person he has become.

URBAN SENTINEL MAGAZINE | MARCH 2023

RON A

AYERS

BRING THE GIRL OUT ON THE FLOOR by Yolanda McIntosh Valentine Day is around the corner and Ron Ayers has the girls drooling and tripping over their feet. He is the new modern-day Billie Dee Williams, who is keeping romance alive. With his charming smile and his swag of fashion, he captures every woman’s smile. How can a man of statue make women become mesmerized by just his looks and charm? He has very strong vocal cords and he can woo- woo like Sam Cooke, Donne Hathaway, Charlie Wilson, or Teddy Pendergrass. Now you can understand how he can bewitch women around the world. Ron Ayers has always had a golden voice. He is known as an Apollo legend and is recorded in the Book of Fame in New York City. When Ron Ayers stepped on to the stage, few people thought this young Ayers’ would be able to deliver a great song performance. He did not look like he could sing. Steve Harvey asked him “What song will you be performing.” He smiled, and said, “A Song for you” by Donny Hathaway. I can imagine hearing a mix crowd making all different types of sounds to imitate this artist. When Ron Ayers belted out a strong courageous sound, you would have not believed that icytone voice came from out of this Brooklyn kid covered in Avirex, Timberland, and topped off with a Yankee cap. Although he did not win the televised taping of the Apollo. Ron Ayers still returned to the Wednesday night competition, winning every show thereafter. He was coined Apollo’s Top Dog hosted by a ray of celebrities like DJ Kid Capri, Hip Hop group, The Lost Boys and Hip Hop Legend Doug E Fresh. “Sam Cooke had returned from the grave and taken over his body.” Spoken by the Lost Boys and every host after. Not only were the hosts shocked; the crowd gave him a standing ovation! It was incredible working with Steve Harvey, Kid Capri, The Lost Boys and Doug E Fresh. For Ron Ayers, this was a newfound beginning in music as a recording artist. We knew at SapphirEmerald Magazine that we needed to interview him. Our readers wanted to get to know him better. We reached out to him. We learned so much about him as he described his personality to us. He said, “If I would describe my personality to my fans, I would like them to know that I am very persistent, discipline, romantic, freaky, straight forward person and I like to chill. We continue to reach for more things about him. We found out that he has

URBAN SENTINEL MAGAZINE | MARCH 2023

performed with Hip Hop Legend Big Daddy Kang and Big Pun

performing for people again. Usually when people can sing, you

along with Fat Joe and the Terror Squad.

would think they had vocal training. I did not. I had no educations or training. My skills came from trials and errors.

The anticipation was building and building as I found him to be down to earth; allowing us to ask any and all types of questions. I

He continues to express to me his insights about the entertainment

wonder who his mentor was and who were the people he looked

business. He said,” I want your readers and the young artist to

up to? I could not wait to get his response. I could hear his laughter

remember to never give up on their dreams or believing that one

over the phone when he took a breath and said, “I wished I did

day they can be an artist and perhaps one day become a famous

have a mentor. I came in contact with so many wonderful people. I

artist. It is always possible that he or she can become a famous local

would take a piece here and bit here from people. The greatest thing

artist too. “

I did learn in the entertainment business is the do’s and don’ts in life. The entertainment business requires you to have tough skin.

I had to ask Mr. Ayers how he would like to be remembered as an

You must walk with confident and you must practice your craft.

artist. “I want the world to remember my music and sing my songs

It is so important to learn the business you are in. Only the strong

over and over like Motown who created feel good music that will

will survive and this is not a get rich overnight process. He also

live on forever.” He continued to say, “Right now I am living my

continued to say, the most important advice that I can share is

best life and it is taking me to different levels daily.”

make sure you have your music copyrights, sign up with ASCAP or BMI. Make sure you choose a studio you can trust so you can get

What else would you like to do in the next 5 years or less? “I would

your music. Always carry a thumb drive to give to the studio with

like to shoot a movie with stars and make a stage play. I would even

your music. God forbid that if the studio gets closed down for some

like to write my own book. My last hope is to perform for President

unseen circumstance or reason. You will not need to recreate your

and Vice president at the White House one day. I asked him if he

sound or record your verses all over again. This is so important to

could change the world, what would he change. He said, I hope

remember.”

to see unity one day where we are all treated equal in the United States.

Wow! I thank him for being so honest. This is valuable information for our readers who might be artists to take into consideration for

Thank you, Mr. Ron Ayers, for this incredible interview and for

their business. The interview was getting hotter with more personal

giving me this opportunity to talk to you. This was one of my

questions. I wanted to know how he really got his start. Was it the

incredible interviews. Where can our audience connect with you?

church or who started him? I could hear the laughter again in his voice. He said, well I started in my public school. I was in my cafeteria and I remember this song I heard while watching a music video in a Laundromat. I used to play video games there. The music video was introducing the artist group called “New Edition.” I did not know what came over me, I just burst out in their song. I was repeating the lyrics to “Is This the End” and when I opened my eyes. I noticed so many of my schoolmates standing around me. They said, “You are good and you can sing.” That is when I knew I wanted to sing for people. I wanted to feel that experience of

All platforms using tag @iamronAyers

URBAN SENTINEL MAGAZINE | MARCH 2023

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URBAN SENTINEL MAGAZINE | MARCH 2023

Principal Author Alwin Adams Alwin Anderson Adams is the Principal Author of Notes Of A Native Governor General. He is an embodiment of that hardy breed of a Barbadian citizen whose early upbringing taught him how to get by with' next kin to nothing'. He was determined not to be daunted by difficulties but tried to overcome them by hard work, diligence, a passion for education and above all, strength of character. These were family traits, it is believed inherited from his grandfather who as a tenant on Spring Head Plantation defied the plantation owner and instead of sending children to pick pond grass, packed all 13 of them off to Primary School. When he died his wife 'Pet' Adams refused to budge and suffered the indignity of having the chattel house taken down from the tenantry land, and placed by the side of the cart road, effectively rendering the family homeless. It was this grandmother who raised Alwin because his mother worked as a 'live in' domestic. His grandmother struggled to make ends meet but made sure that her grandchildren like her children would never miss a day from school. She had little to give materially, but saw education as the only way to escape the back breaking work of the sugar plantation. Alwin showed early academic promise and the headmaster advised his grandmother to send him to set the entrance examination at the Prestigious Coleridge and Parry School. She readily agreed although it was a fee paying school and if he got through, she had no way of raising the money. She was a devout Christian lady who firmly believed that if he got through, God would provide. When the postman delivered the letter that he had gained entry into the Coleridge and Parry, there was an outburst of joy and tears by every member of the family. His grandmother hugged him and with tears flowing down her cheeks, kept saying 'I wished Herbie was alive to witness this blessing.' He was the first in the family to pass for a Secondary School. Alwin, young as he was realized that the hopes and fears of the family was placed on his twelve years old shoulders. He quietly vowed that he would not let the family down. It was not all plain sailing. On many occasions the family could not muster the fees and his mother or grandmother went to the school, pleaded with the headmaster to wait on the meeting turn or until the pig was sold. He himself was a black man, he always understood, and never once did he speak in anger. The sacrifices were not in vain. This was evidenced by the grades on

the report which always said, ' Well done but talks too much.' Up to this day Mr. Adams speaks with deep emotions about his years at Coleridge and Parry School. The enduring friendships, the fierce and friendly rivalry in the form room along with on the playing field. There were too, the memorable encounters with the masters who right or wrong always won. The Coleridge School did much to mould the character and sharpen his wits. The Institution served as a springboard in his quest for higher academic and professional qualifications. It is interesting to note that Mr. Adams achieved his boyhood goal of becoming Principal of his alma mater, having served from 1997 until 2007. Mr. Adams is the holder of degrees from renowned international universities such as the Institute of Education, London University and the University of Miami in the United States. The former conferred upon him: Certificate of Education with Merit and Bachelor of Education (Hons). The latter conferred upon him Msc. Ed - Management and Supervision. An examination of his career will show that he is an educator with considerable experience both nationally, regionally, and internationally. He has taught and served administratively in Barbados, the Commonwealth of the Bahamas and the United Kingdom. He was a member of the interviewing panel of the Public Service Commission re appointment of Senior Education Officers. Mr. Adams served with distinction on the Committee set up to make recommendations for the restructuring of the Erdiston Teachers College as well as the Quality Assurance Committee: Related to Accreditation Standards. Mr. Adams has also authored many position papers at conferences hosted by Barbados Secondary Teachers Union, Barbados Association of Principals of Secondary Schools and Erdiston Teachers Training College. On the occasion of the Fiftieth Anniversary of Independence, Mr. Adams has been a contributing author of chapter six entitled Fifty Years of Education in Barbados - Funding Tertiary Education: Student Tuition Fees, Technical/Vocation Education and National Economic Development and Struggle for Parity of Esteem. Mr. Adams has the distinction of having been appointed as an Independent Senator by the Governor General because of his outstanding service in the field of education and development of young people. He is a devoted family man and is married to his wife Yvonne for over 48 years. They have two children, Achirri and Andre. They also have two grandchildren, Ayanna and Amari.

URBAN SENTINEL MAGAZINE | MARCH 2023

Nicole Richardson

"NIKKI RICH"

Nicole Richardson known as “ Nikki Rich” is originally from a small town of Seneca, South Carolina and currently resides in

Nicole Richardson Celebrity Interviews & interactions are with

Los Angeles, California. She is a Television & Radio Personality of

Oprah, Tyler Perry, Serena Williams, Richard & Kathy Hilton,

The Nikki Rich Show, Media Influencer, Oprah Winfrey Network

Ava DuVernay, Conan O Brian, David Spade, Diddy, Snoop Dogg,

Ambassador, media & press. #1 Amazon Best Selling published

Comcast, Adobe, IBM, Sprockett, YouTube Founders- Steven Chen

Author and speaker. Nicole’s accomplishments and hard work

& Chad Hurly, Adam Sharp President Of NATAS, David Pogue-

has led her where she is today, broadcasting since the age of 9!

CBS Yahoo, Gloria Allred, Tina

Previously, Nicole Richardson is a former 7- Year Educator of

mother & designer, Cardi B, Iggy Azalea, Dapper Dan of Harlem,

The Charlotte Mecklenburg County School System. She is in her

Matt Barnes, Chris Rock, New Edition, Bobby Brown, Judges

2nd Year Of Doctoral In Business Administration, MBA from

-Alex, Faith, Lauren Lake, Mablean, Joe Jackson, Jermaine Jackson

University of Phoenix, with Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

and many more.

Knowles Lawson-Beyonce’s

minor in Education from USC Spartanburg known as USC Upstate. Nicole Richardson’s is also a #1 Amazon International Best Selling Nicole Richardson, one of social media’s Influential Black Business

Author for the Book “ Breast Easy”. She speaks across the nation at

women & Entrepreneurs demographics are 2.3 Million Impressions

tech panels and empowers thousands at Universities. She advocates

& 100K followers on Instagram. Nicole’s engaging audience

for Kidney Disease being diagnosed 2 years ago & Non-Profit

demographics is 58% Male 42 % Female and interaction in the top

organizations, volunteering time with her media team.

cities of Los Angeles, New York, Houston, Atlanta & Charlotte. As a media Influencer, her talents and unprecedented hustle as Currently, Nicole Richardson recently had the pleasure of being an

a host, writer, producer, educator are unmatched. She is known

Oprah Winfrey Network Ambassador/ Media interviewing at The

for the Toyota RAV 4 series featured host, Contributor and seen

OWN offices the cast of the different shows. Nicole was the media

making appearances on TMZ Live, Fox 11 in Los Angeles, Fox 5 in

& Press for Oprah’s Life you want Tour in San Jose, California.

Philly, Bill Cunningham Show on The CW on K-Cal, Comcast &

In January 2018 Nicole was personally invited to celebrate with

Spectrum Channel 32, AT&T Uverse.

Oprah’s birthday with her at OWN. CONNECT WITH NICOLE RICHARDSON “ NIKKI RICH” Nicole Richardson has recently gained worldwide stardom with

Website: TheNikkiRichShow.com

her talk show by interviewing celebrities, entrepreneurs, tech

Instagram: @MsNikkiRich @TheNikkiRichShow

companies and sports athletes. She has interviewed on the Red

Twitter: @MsNikkiRich @NikkiRichShowtv

Carpets of the Top Awards Shows as follows: The Academy Awards

Facebook: @NikkiRichShowtv

(Oscars), Nab-Show in Las Vegas, Tech Emmys in Las Vegas &

YouTube: NikkiRich2

Creative Arts Emmys in Los Angeles, MTVu Woodie Award in Austin, BET Hip Hop Awards in Miami, BET Experience In Los Angeles, Soul Train Awards, Stellar Awards in Las Vegas and the NAACP Image Awards in Los Angeles, California.

URBAN SENTINEL MAGAZINE | MARCH 2023

KEITH CLIZARK

Music Industry Guru Keith Clizark is a Music Industry Guru. He has 35 years of experience and knowledge in the music and film industry as a multi-platinum producer. He is currently the CEO at Team Mashn Entertainment. Keith has over 20 million records sold and multimillion dollars generated to his production credits. He is one of the music industry’s best-kept secrets, the epitome of a new breed of business savvy music entrepreneurs. Keith has produced legendary records for Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Too Short, Master P, Kurupt, Mystical, Tha Eastsidaz, T.R.U. and many others. Keith’s music has been featured in motion pictures and television networks such as; Warner Brothers Pictures, MGM, BET, MTV, VH1, BRAVO, E!, CARTOON NETWORK, and HGTV. Urban Sentinel Magazine sat down to have a very informative interview with Keith Clizark, who is one of the greatest producers in the music industry.

URBAN SENTINEL: Mr. Keith Clizark, where are you originally from? Keith: I was born in Greenville, Mississippi. At the age of four, my mother moved us to the Eastside of Long Beach, California. URBAN SENTINEL: You began producing at an early age. What made you decide to follow music as your passion? Keith: I can remember as if it were yesterday. I was 6 years old visiting my Aunt Barbara’s house for a barbecue and they played Parliament Funkadelic’s “Flashlight”. I didn’t know what it was at that time, but I knew that I wanted to be a part of it. It wasn’t until the early 80s that I figured out how to channel that energy and it was through Hip Hop. The musical sound on the west coast at that

time was all Funk oriented.

Independent Artist competing with major labels with streaming?

URBAN SENTINEL: Who were a few of your music inspirations?

Keith: I see a tremendous amount of potential in growth for Independent Artists. “When you’re talented and original there is no competition”. When you obtain the knowledge and apply it, GAME ON! Once you recognize your demographic you can cater directly to them and convert it into a sustainable income. The key to success for indie artists beyond talent is to convert it into a sustainable income. The key to success for indie artists beyond talent is information and self-investing.

Keith: I have a few musical inspirations. James Brown, George Clinton, Larry Smith, Marley Marl, Mantronik and of course the good Dr Dre. URBAN SENTINEL: What are a few things a producer should listen for in a session to make a hit? Keith: As a producer, some of the things you should listen for in the studio are tone and pronunciation of the Artist. Of course, to start with the music must be incredible.

URBAN SENTINEL: What’s in store for 2023? Keith: This year I’m focused on scaling my current ventures, you can expect more of the same times 10.

URBAN SENTINEL: How is it marketing traditionally vs social media business? Keith: Marketing your business or product traditionally and on social media go hand-in-hand. I use social media to Market/ Brand my company and I use traditional face to face to close deals. URBAN SENTINEL: What are your brands and how can artists become more effective in the music careers? Keith: I have 3 business ventures: Team Winning Consulting (TWC), Team Mashn Management (TWM), Team Mashn Sound Design (TMSD) and Team Mashn Distribution (TMD). Team winning Consulting helps Independent Artists and producer’s successfully navigate the industry. I’ve consulted artist with plaques on the wall all the way down to beginners, trying to catch their footing in the game. URBAN SENTINEL: How has the music industry evolved over the last two decades? Keith: The music industry has most definitely evolved some positive some negative. Until they come up with a fair royalty rate, streaming is not advantageous to Independent Artists. You have to be doing numbers in the hundreds of millions to make it all make sense. Technology also is making it easier for untalented people to over saturate the industry. This depreciates production value. I remember getting no less than 15 to 25 thousand per track back in the day. Lol, now you can buy a track for $19.99. URBAN SENTINEL: Do you see potential for the growth of

URBAN SENTINEL MAGAZINE | MARCH 2023

The Urban Sentinel is able to get your message out locally in the DMV, Nationally, and Worldwide through our website and digital magazine. For advertising rates, please contact Reginald Kearney at

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