M AY 20 2 3 E D I T I O N
A
Shining
Star
anessa V RODGERS TRACY
of Love and Marriage Huntsville
WWW.URBANSENTINELMAGAZINE.COM
EDITORIAL
From The Desk of The Editor
Reginald Kearney Editor
Corretta L. Doctor
Brandon J. Jolly
Business Manager
Layout Designer
Bridgette Alfred
Anita Davis-DeFoe
Writer
Writer
Claudia Newby-Tynes Writer
Urban Sentinel Magazine Address: 102 Discovery Ct. La Plata, Maryland 20646
Greetings! A new month and a new edition of Urban Sentinel has hit the streets. First of all I would like to wish all of the Mothers a Happy Mother's Day. May is the month where we honor our mothers. May is also the month where the weather begins to take a turn and the days are longer and warmer. The country is facing many issues, but the biggest issue we face may be the inability of the Congress and the President to raise the debt ceiling. Let's pray that everyone involved will get the job done. This month’s edition features Ms. Vanessa R. Tracy who is one of the stars of "Love and Marriage in Huntsville." She is a public speaker , Author, grandmother, and mother. She also has a caring and warm heart for helping others. We are honored to feature Ms. Tracy in this edition of the Urban Sentinel. 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 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 YouTube. It is a half hour show that features guests that come from a variety of backgrounds.
Phone: 301-661-3989 Editor in Chief Reginald Kearney Advertising Inquiries Phone: 301-661-3989 E-mail: reginald.kearney@marylanddailyexaminer.com Website: www.urbansentinel.com
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Thank you for your continued support. The Urban Sentinel magazine and talk show are great ways to share amazing stories about amazing talent. We thank you in advance for sharing our brand with your fans, family, and followers. We hope you enjoy all of the great stories in the May edition and please don't forget to watch "Love and Marriage in Huntsville."
SUMMARY
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Miaca Belo-Wright
Obadele "OBA" Thompson
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10
4
Meet The Wright Family
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Yomi Garnett - Creating Authors Out of Storytellers
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Mr. Olympia
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Makaela Bryant
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Vanessa R. Tracy - Humble, Loyal, & Blessed
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Abraham Millington, The Musician
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Book Banning: The Censorship Fire that Needs to be Put Out
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Dr. Terance Shipman, A Teacher and A Publisher
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A Lady Who Wears Many Hats
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Recording Artist Kam Krzy Shares A Message of Hope
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Cry Me A River
Kam Krzy URBAN SENTINEL MAGAZINE | MAY 2023
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t e e M
y l i m a F t h g i r W e h T
I started out as a little girl from a small town with big
CHILDREN
hopes and bigger dreams. Early on I knew that my light shined bright! I always felt like I had something to
My children mean everything to me! When I became
offer the world! I had to go and see what it was! I have
a mom, I put all of my dreams on the shelf. I decided
always loved to write and would often receive awards
the next on-stage play that I was starring in was
for my writing in school. I was also the Spelling Bee
motherhood! I knew the world would be watching!
champ as far back as I can remember. I competed
I decided to give it my all and be great at it! My
and won at the District,County, State,Regional and
children became my world and didn’t have time to do
National levels. I was involved in Performing Arts and
anything else but pour into them. Four single births
I loved to perform.
and a set of twins later, my hopes and dreams started to resurface. The fire inside me has never gone out. It
MARRIAGE
is still a flame. The children grew up learning about and following the Arts. Meanwhile they were also
My husband,Armond and I met when I was 9 and he
discovering their passions. The gift of Art has passed
was 11. We became the best of friends as children and
to another generation.They too are pursuing their
grew up creating an irreplaceable bond that we still
careers and securing their places as actors and models.
have. He was my first love and I was his. Although we
We are all signed to MJI,Inc as the Belo-Wright family.
grew up and went our separate ways in life to find
We work on family projects together. Individually
ourselves,we always kept in touch. We were always
they
each other’s confidante and best friend. We laughed,
(11),Kaisan and Kaidon(5). They all have a passion and
we cried,we grew and eventually we were married.We
desire and it shows in their strong work ethic.They are
are now married with the family that we talked about
all climbing a ladder of success.
are
Imani(22),Dekhari(18),Aliyah(12),Ahmari
as children. I am grateful everyday that life bought us together and we have been in love for over 30 years. I
CAREER
actually married my best friend. In my life, I have owned five businesses. I am a Doula,
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URBAN SENTINEL MAGAZINE | MAY 2023
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Notary,Loan Signing Agent,Sonographer, I make candles,and perfume from essential oils. I have received a Degree in Medical Office,a certificate in Phlebotomy,and Cosmetology. I have done a lot of different things. I always tell people “No one can ever take away the knowledge so it’s ok to learn different things. You will always have something to teach.” Currently I am a Actor, Writer,and a Model. Just this year I have received credit from a part in an upcoming movie! I played an inmate. It was exciting! I worked with a lot of great people. I also played a wedding guest in a film this year. I was just asked to star in a film based on real life and I am ecstatic! My family and I are also working on an International shoe project! I have a Vegan meal idea book coming out called I’m NOT your ordinary Vegan! I am a Vegan along with my family. Along this journey, I decided to journal and record because it was tough. I thought if it’s tough for me, then it must be tough for other people trying to transition to plant based or Vegan eating. In my book, I give you recipe ideas and talk about the ups and downs of the journey! It was a life changer for me for health reasons and a cleaner lifestyle! I just want people to know that you can do it! It can be easy and delicious! Everything that I decided that I want to be as a child is now coming true! I have always held on to my dreams and I knew one day they would manifest. I dedicate all of my success to my late mother Cassandra, who always told me I was amazing! I know she would be very proud!
URBAN SENTINEL MAGAZINE | MAY 2023
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YOMI GARNETT
Ghostwriter
Creating Authors Out of Storytellers “Inside each one of us is a book waiting to be written, if only because inside each one of us is a story simply waiting to be told.” - Yomi Garnett
Richard Llewelyn-Jones, a member of the British aristocracy, sometime in the summer of 2021, wrote to his close friend, Lord David Strathclyde, 45th Duke of Strathclyde, to recommend Dr Yomi Garnett’s ghostwriting services. He wrote, “My Lord, if you are the rare sort of person that believes that raw talent is as rare as the rarest of gemstones, the Red Garnet, then I would encourage you to read further. If, on the other hand, you are the sort of person who believes that talent exists only within the confines of what is as ordinarily available as 14-Carat Gold, and therefore permit it to casually slip through your fingers, then I graciously spare you the agony of reading further, and you can disregard this mail. Yet, being of the firm conviction that you are sufficiently enlightened, intuitive and sophisticated, not only to be open to rare possibilities, but to also be the sort of person who can sincerely appreciate the prescient value in discovering new talent, and can insightfully and instantly recognize new talent when it appears on your horizon, I will take the liberty of introducing Dr Yomi Garnett.” Richard Llewelyn-Jones was not exaggerating, nor was he engaging in sophistry. Yomi Garnett easily belongs to the new generation of skilled ghostwriters that are fast gaining recognition for their uncanny ability to deploy a unique and refreshing style to creative writing, in the process blending a formidable
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intellect with a combination of empathy and intuition to achieve the best outcome for an author’s manuscript. His philosophy is a study in the sublime strategy he adopts towards a vocation he views in somewhat reverent light. He believes that a good book is written twice. It is first written in the mental realm. Then, it is written on the material plane. In other words, the book would first be written in the author’s head. Next, the ghostwriter creeps into the author’s head to retrieve the story, in the process creating authors out of storytellers. Considered a consummate player at the most proficient level of ghostwriting advisory in the United States, he is famed for the phenomenal ability to deliver a 200-page manuscript in a record time of two weeks, should that sort of urgency be absolutely compelling, and in a ‘voice’ so unique to the author as to render the book a strong personal statement of his client’s vision and values. Having assisted in excess of 60 authors to achieve their manuscript objectives, Garnett’s peculiar forte now appears to be the dual ability to achieve a strong emotional connection with his clients, and the exceptional ability to write in a wide range of tones, genres and subjects that cover the entire gamut of the human experience, in the process inspiring the uncommon devotion of a formidable backdrop of a loyal clientele base that cuts all across the globe.
Yomi Garnett likens himself to a master baker. A master baker is a consummate culinary professional who deploys fresh and innovative concepts to the art of pastry making and cake baking. No aroma quite surpasses the heady and totally delectable fragrance of freshly baked cake. By the same delightful token, nothing quite beats the sheer feeling of literary intoxication that overwhelms one when one reads the superlatively-written manuscript that is the handiwork of a master ghostwriter. That is because the master ghostwriter is a master baker of sorts. Yomi Garnett is a master ghostwriter. He not only bakes a sumptuous literary cake with his incomparably rich vocabulary, he embellishes the outcome with an icing on the literary cake he bakes for you with the vast repertoire of words, phrases and metaphors that afford him the luxury of creatively deploying language in such a way as to bring raw emotions to the surface in any encounter, and in such a singularly unique manner that your ‘voice,’ as the ultimate author of your own book, is decidedly not subsumed by his. Yomi Garnett is a remarkably fastidious researcher. His forte is the incomparable ability to mold and add relevant ‘flesh’ to the sketchy information you avail him with, not unlike how muscles clothe a skeleton to produce the human form. Employing the perfect combination of intuitive knowledge and intellectual discipline, he remains firmly on track to ask just the right questions that uncannily extract the real essence of your experiences, in the process, commanding and deploying confounding precision and skill to bring out the best version of your story from you. Yomi Garnett is a dancer. He dances with words. Dance is the movement of the body in a rhythmic manner, usually to the accompaniment of music, for the purpose of expressing an idea or emotion, or simply taking delight in the movement itself, and when conscious effort is deployed to its artistic choreography, dance is the most elegant expression of human rhythm, form and movement. Yomi Garnett dances with words, in very much the same manner that the ballet performer dances with her feet. He receives the thoughts and ideas of someone, and
then synthesizes them with such creativity that the entire narrative is translated into words that totally reflect that person’s ‘voice’ in a book manuscript. In the process, he also deploys uncommon proficiency with prose to poignantly bring raw emotions to the surface in interactive dialogue. Ultimately, because he is a grandmaster at the rarefied art of extracting adventures and experiences from memories, and translating them into the written word, expressed as simply and as elegantly as language will benevolently permit, Garnett is master at the art of creating authors out of storytellers. A man who has derived tremendous joy and unqualified fulfillment from his remarkable career as a ghostwriter, perhaps the most sublimely creative aspect of his work is that, as he claims in his own words, “I actually finish writing a book even before writing the book. As a writer, I am a creative daydreamer. As soon as I embark on a writing project, I always play a mental game. I would create a clear and graphically-vivid picture of the manuscript, as if it were already completed. I would then imagine my mind as some form of screen on which I would replay the manuscript, over and again. What this process translates to is that I uncompromisingly begin with the end in mind by first helping my client articulate a book title, and the chapter-by-chapter outline of the entire book, even before I start writing the manuscript. That way, for all practical purposes, we have already finished writing the book even before we start writing the book. When all is said and done, in my humble opinion, no literary effort can beat a superlatively written manuscript. A good book is written twice. It is first written in the mental realm. Then, it is written on the material plane. Expressed with the simplicity of an elegant truth, you, the author of the book, would first write the story in your head. Next, I would creep into your head to retrieve the story. Then, I would assists you to write it on the physical plane. Voilà! Your book is written!” Dr Yomi Garnett Email: yomi@yomigarnett.us Website: www.yomigarnett.us Wikitia: https://wikitia.com/wiki/Yomi_Garnett
URBAN SENTINEL MAGAZINE | MAY 2023
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a i p m y l O . r M OBADELE "OBA" THOMPSON
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Obadele "Oba" Thompson BSS (born 30 March
society, the highest recognition business students
1976) is a Barbados-born former sprinter, lawyer,
worldwide can receive from an Association to
author, and speaker. He won Barbados's first and
Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
only Olympic medal as an independent country by
accredited business program. In 1997, he was
placing third in the 100 metres at the 2000 Sydney
named a College Sports Information Directors of
Olympics. He is a three-time Olympian (1996, 2000,
America (CoSIDA) First-Team At-Large Academic
and 2004), and a finalist at each Olympics. His
All-American (formerly the GTE First-Team At-Large
personal best performances are 9.87 seconds for
Academic All-American award) and received the
the 100 m, 19.97 seconds for the 200 metres (both
State of Texas Certificate of Merit for his exemplary
Barbadian records), and 45.38 seconds for the 400
achievement in academics and athletics. In 1998,
metres. He has held the indoor 55 metres world
he became a UTEP Alumni Association Top Ten
record (5.99 sec.) since 1997.
Senior awardee, and received the NCAA Today's Top VIII Award (now the NCAA Today's Top 10) for
Obadele's Olympic success followed an outstanding
outstanding leadership, athletics and academics,
collegiate career at the University of Texas-El Paso
along with two-time NFL Super Bowl Champion,
(UTEP) where he amassed several prestigious
Peyton Manning, who attended the University of
awards for his academics, athletics, and leadership.
Tennessee.
As a collegian, he won four individual NCAA sprint titles: indoor 200 m (1996 and 1997) and the outdoor
After retiring from a decade-long professional
100 and 200 metres (1997). He set two NCAA
athletics career, Thompson published his first book,
records: indoor 55 m (1997) and indoor 200 m (1996).
Secrets of a Student-Athlete: A Reality Check, which
He established two world records: 55 m (1997) and
was endorsed by legendary Duke basketball coach
the World Junior 100 m (1994). In 1996, he ran the
Mike Krzyzewski. Thompson was a keynote speaker
then-fastest 100 m recorded under all conditions (a
at the official launch of the 2007 ICC Cricket World
windy 9.69 sec.).
Cup in Barbados and has participated in leadership development programs, including with the West
He was an eleven-time NCAA All-American and a
Indies Cricket Team. He has also served variously as
sixteen-time Western Athletic Conference (WAC)
a speaker and panellist on matters related to sports
Champion. Thompson won several Athlete of the
management, performance, and anti-doping.
Year awards, including the UTEP Athlete of the Year (1996 and 1997), US Track & Field and Cross Country
Thompson was inducted into the UTEP Track
Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) NCAA Division I
and Field Hall of Fame in 2007, and into the UTEP
Male Indoor Athlete of the Year (1997), and the Stan
Athletics and Drake Relays Halls of Fame in 2011.
Bates WAC Male Student-Athlete of the Year (1997). He has also been listed as one of UTEP's all-time top
He graduated from UTEP summa cum laude in
10 male athletes.
economics and marketing and received his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the University of Texas School
Thompson was a three-time USTFCCCA Academic
of Law. He practices international arbitration and
All-American (1995–1997). In 1996, he became a
litigation.
member of Beta Gamma Sigma (BGS) honor
URBAN SENTINEL MAGAZINE | MAY 2023
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Makaela
BRYANT
SECURES MULTIPLE FILM ROLES AMIDST COVID PANDEMIC
The bodybuilder-turned-actress appreciates the art of film. While many faces in Hollywood were unable to audition or book jobs during the pandemic, actress, model, and bodybuilder Makaela Bryant was able to secure multiple roles in feature films. Despite many Hollywood studios shutting down production for over a year, Bryant managed to book both leading and supporting roles, as well as maintain her modeling status. Her luck does not go unnoticed by her, though. The actress is grateful for the opportunity to have worked during the time of crisis, as she believes that art is one of the ways people can come together and heal. At the moment, Bryant has several projects lined up for the coming year. One of her film credits will include Streaming Sarah, a film based on the best-selling novel of the same name by Joyce Kostakis about a medium who channels spirits to solve cases. Bryant will play the role of Cassidy Bishop, a major supporting character in the film. In addition to this impressive role, Bryant is humbled to be working with industry talents like director Michael Coulombe (American Horror Stories) and actor/ producer Sebastien Large. While she can easily be found on the big screen in full-length films, she is no stranger to TV. Breed, a soon-to-be action/drama series, will start screening in 2023, and The Devil Comes Dressed is set to film in 2023, in which she will play the reoccurring role of Mary Tuttle. In all works, Bryant will aim to demonstrate her talent and range as an actress as she brings complex and interesting characters to life. “Makaela Bryant recently jumped into a table read for a feature film I'm set to direct in mid-2023,” comments film director Pam Matew. “Having received the script less than 24 hrs before the read, she came prepared, professional and was wonderful. She was able to get into as much as the character
URBAN SENTINEL MAGAZINE | MAY 2023
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as she could, given the time restraints to prepare and blew us all out of the water with her abilities to dive into the story as an actor. I'm looking forward to her growth and journey, as her talents are ripe with lots of potential to succeed in this industry." She is not shy of taking on a challenge when it comes to characters. “Being an actress is like being an artist of words, emotions and movements,” Bryant says. “The art of bringing life to a script is a process that is both rewarding and life-changing because you discover so many aspects of yourself in the process. As an actress, I want to inspire others to pursue their dreams, be a positive example and a beacon of light.” Bryant takes her craft seriously, and like all the greats, she takes classes and seminars to help her prepare for her roles. In addition to her emotional preparation, Bryant maintains her slim and trim figure by participating as a Bikini Athlete in the NPC/IFBB League in the amateur bikini sect. She is rigorously trained by Atinder Singh and TCEF, which is how she makes sure she's always ready for the camera. Some are even beginning to call her “The Female Rock” due to her exceptional physique and ultimate talent on-screen. Due to her dedication to her craft, her commitment to maintaining her appearance, and her excitement over film as an artform, Bryant is definitely poised for a long and successful career in Hollywood. For more information, visit makaelabryantofficial.com and follow Bryant on Instagram.
Would you be interested in an interview with actress and bodybuilder Makaela Bryant? She is up-andcoming in Hollywood, even landing multiple film roles during the pandemic. Following her acting debut in the hit show Manifest, she went on to grace high fashion magazine covers for Dolce Spain and Selin Magazine, alongside her growing film career. In an interview, she can discuss: • How a successful career in bodybuilding led her to acting and modeling. • How she landed her role in the film based on Streaming Sarah, an incredibly popular book, and what it felt like to be cast in such a piece. • What her viewers can be on the lookout for in 2023, including the TV pilot for a new action drama series, Breed.
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• How her upcoming film work will transition her from high-fashion modeling into more acting roles. • What her views are on the future of the film and television industry. If you are interested in an interview or guest piece, or have any other ideas for which Ms. Bryant may be a good fit, please contact us. Sincerely, Althea Wright wrighttalentmgt@outlook.com Skylar Stringer Skyvawork@gmail.com
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ABOUT ryant Makaela B
Makaela "Kat" Bryant is a model and actress who has recently emerged onto the Hollywood field and is making her presence known. She currently is the lead actress in an upcoming series called Circlings, but she also has appeared in other films in supporting roles. She has taken the time to hone her craft and is emerging as an actress and model that is bringing it all in. For media inquiries or to request an interview or guest piece, please contact: Althea Wright wrighttalentmgt@outlook.com Skylar Stringer Skyvawork@gmail.com
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Humble, Loyal, & Blessed
by LASHEIKA C. BOYD
Vanessa R. Tracy is a native of Brundidge, Alabama. She is a public speaker, Author, grandmother of four, and mother to the beautiful Melody Shari of Love and Marriage Huntsville. The hundredth episode aired on April 29th, 2023.
God has blessed Vanessa to be able to live her life as she wants to and on her terms. The freedom that she has in her life now is truly exciting. The Author is her true self on and off the screen. She describes herself as humble, loyal, and blessed. Those characteristics shine through. She has a calm, laid back demeanor and handles herself with grace and poise on camera. Vanessa says that she has gotten used to being a celebrity and she loves interacting with her fans. Something that people may not know about the Author is that she has a great sense of humor. “Laughter is good for us all” said that author. She would prank people when she was pregnant with Melody and making people laugh continued and it always will. Vanessa R. Tracy did not have a vision of being an author at a young age. She wanted to be a news anchor. She had a gift of public speaking and writing award winning speeches in high school. As the author got older and life experiences happened, she started writing her most intimate thoughts in a journal. Ms. Tracy’s first novel “Ushered but Yet abandoned”: The Mask of a First Lady are writings from her journal. Her first draft came from a deep hurt, by the time she wrote her second draft she was starting to heal, by her third and final draft she was a completely healed woman and on her way to the life she deserved.
The Author loves spending time with her four beautiful grandchildren which she has written books for and about. You can find her books “Chronicles of a Grandmother-Mother” on her website www. Vanessartracy.com. They are also available at Target, Amazon, and Walmart. Vanessa is teaching her grandchildren to have a personal relationship with God. The legacy that she wants to leave her grandchildren is teaching them who God is and she has laid that foundation. Doing something every day to please God is so important to Ms. Tracy and she takes one day at a time to do that. Her love for God is everything to her. When Ms. Tracy is not spending time with her grandchildren and daughter, she is reading a good book, working in her flower garden, or visiting the elderly at nursing homes. She loves to sit and converse with them. They enjoy the company. “To brighten someone’s day is so rewarding,” said the author. Vanessa would like her fans to know, “If there is something that you want to do in your spirit, do it”, Don’t let people’s opinions and negative words stop you because words can penetrate and follow you”. “Never take life for granted”. It was such an honor and a pleasure interviewing Ms. Tracy. She is truly a Godly woman. You can find Vanessa’s books, speaking events, and booking information on her website which is www. vanessartracy.com
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WWW.VANESSARTRACY.COM
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ABRAHAM MILLINGTON Abraham Millington, formerly affectionately known "Sammy", before as Samuel Abraham Millington. Abraham began singing at age 3 - 4 and was heard singing harmonies to songs aired on the radio, or repeating his relatives who were majority musicians. Of course, his Dad carrying the known musical name Millington in Barbados, could be heard daily singing going about his daily chores. Abraham mastered singing and playing the recorder from Primary School days at St. Clements Infants & Junior School, later being part of the first Class 4A
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group of the newly built Ignatius Byer School, before going onto the Coleridge & Parry Secondary School to bloom, with a very early ability to perform virtuosic pieces for trombone. Love's Enchantment by Arthur Pryor, Blue Bells of Scotland by Leroy Anderson, Moreau Symphonique by Alexandre Guilmant, and a favorite past time piece in Song for Trombone and the lead part for Three Jolly Trombones, among many other calypso, folk, reggae, jazz, military music, world music, musical theatre, church music and classical popular tunes.
Abraham attended The International Music Camp in North Dakota in 1999 as a vibrant trombonist still with his High School band, and the Barbados National Youth Orchestra. It was here he met Dr. Robert Gifford who expended his repertoire in traditional military music and virtuosic pieces for trombone. In 2001 Abraham formerly Sammy/Samuel then, achieved the Exhibition Award in Trinity College, London exams for Grade 8 practical exams, topping the marks in the entire Commonwealth for Trinity that year. This achievement ended his High School musical journey. The next step took him into the Royal Barbados Police Force Band, now renamed the Barbados Police Service after Republic Status, where he performed practically all the major challenging works within the Band’s repertoire for trombone.
understating all cultures, as the artistic and legal fundamentals of each jurisdiction are indivisible. His aims are to continue challenging himself in Music & Socio-Legal thought, as he prepares for his next phase of life. Special thanks go out to his High School Principal retired Sen. Alwin Adams, and Music Director Joy Knight (also a former Graduate Ethnomusicologist from York University). Coming from quite humble beginnings, he intends his life to be an encouragement to many to also excel, in times of adversity or serenity.
One of the country's top cultural awards in the National Independence Festival of Creative Arts (NIFCA), Abraham won in the Governor General's Award of Excellence in 2007 with the piece “Blue Bells of Scotland” by Leroy Anderson. This catapulted his interest to seek out professional academic training in music. Abraham later expanded his academic scope making the Dean’s in Law & Society supervised by Dr. Lesley Jacobs, and a Master of Arts in Music supervised by Dr. Mark Chambers and Prof. William Thomas, all from York University located in Canada, where he delights to combine SocioLegal research within Law & Society, with Ethnomusicology, understanding both Legal Culture and International Legal Cultures, can be summed up as an anthropological summer of the underlying tenets to
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Book Banning:
The Censorship Fire that Needs to be Put Out
by BRANDEE JOHNSON
I remember being 12 years old and reading “I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings” by Maya Angelou. It was definitely one of the books that made me fall in love with reading when I was younger. So imagine my surprise when I find out that Maya Angelou – one of the greatest American writers – was one of the most banned authors in the United States. Sadly, so many students won’t have the chance that I did to learn more about Maya Angelou and her amazing autobiographies. And unfortunately, she’s not the only one. Toni Morrison, Zora Neale Hurston, and James Baldwin are authors whose books have also been banned from bookshelves and libraries. Book banning has always been one of the most problematic forms of censorship. While it’s certainly not new, it’s become more common in the last recent years. The book banning process begins when a private group “challenges” a particular book. To challenge a book is to restrict the public’s access to it on the basis of the book’s content. Parents, school boards, students, and even religious groups have the opportunity to restrict access to a book because of its ideas or themes. The book will then be investigated before a decision is reached for removal. Once a group decides to have a book banned, the book will no longer be available for use. It won’t be accessible in libraries, bookstores, or even online. While this may not seem like a big deal, it is. After all, certain organizations argued that “I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings” should be banned due to
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explicit sexual content. And this is how many organizations are attempting to ban some of the greatest books written by Black authors. Another book that I enjoyed reading in high school was “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston. Ironically, this book was banned in 1997 because a parent in Virginia complained of its sexual content. It’s not just school boards and parents who have participated in book banning. In 2018, “The New Jim Crow” was temporarily banned from New Jersey prisons. Fortunately, that ban was lifted after public backlash. But it’s still a violation of the First Amendment. The First Amendment is the right that every American has. Under this Amendment, Americans have the right to free speech and the right to hear all sides of every issue. When organizations decide to ban books, they’re violating the First Amendment rights of children. They’re depriving children of the right to explore and learn about different ways of life. It was while reading books that I learned things about my culture that I didn’t learn in school. I learned so much about life in Mississippi from reading “Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry” by Mildred D. Taylor. While reading “The Watsons Go To Birmingham” I felt like I was on summer vacation with Kenny and his family. To know that these books could be banned because a parent disagrees with the language or content is sad.
This type of censorship causes more harm to children than just their First Amendment rights. Book bans prevent children from learning about America’s history. It’s no coincidence that a majority of banned books deal with racism or racial injustice. These books are a reflection of life for Black people from the late 1800s to the present. As difficult as these themes are to teach children, they must be taught. Challenging these books and attempting to have them banned is another way to try to erase these authors from history. That’s why book banning should be stopped at every level. Fortunately, many people are pushing back at the attempts at censorship in schools. One school board in Florida recently challenged the Disney movie “Ruby Bridges” on the grounds of its language. One parent argued that the “slurs” mentioned in the movie would
Image credit: www.bookshop.org Link: Beloved a book by Toni Morrison
Image credit: www.myyearwithmaya.com Link: I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings - My Year With Maya
Image credit: www.bookshop.org Link: Go Tell It on the Mountain a book by James Baldwin
cause students to believe that “White people hate Black people.” Thank goodness this complaint fell on deaf ears and the school board voted to keep the movie in its curriculum. And the same is happening for banned books. There are so many bookstores and libraries that introduce banned books to children. And there are so many people that keep track of the nationwide attempts at book bans. The next time that you are in your local bookstore or library, check out the banned books section or list. If you can, introduce your children to some of the books on the list. Hopefully, these actions can stop these organizations from banning some great books for children. It would be a shame if future generations never picked up a book by Maya Angelou or Zora Neale Hurston.
Image credit: www.bookshop.org. Link: Their Eyes Were Watching God a book by Zora Neale Hurston
Image credit: www.bookshop.org. Link: The Watsons Go to Birmingham--1963 a book by Christopher Paul Curtis
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and
A Teacher A Publisher
mentorship to his students, their families, and his professional peers. Dr. Shipman currently teaches middle school and extends membership to Team Shipman to his current students and their families, as well. Mr. Shipman’s Kindergarten Chronicles are the stories of teaching kindergarten that make Dr. Shipman smile the most when he thinks about his years teaching kindergarten. Each book in this celebrates the male teacher, in particular the black male teacher. Acknowledging the under-representation of black men in education, Mr. Shipman presents a positive and strong black male image that children need. Through his first series of books, Dr. Shipman’s Kindergarten Chronicles, Dr. Shipman hopes to make kindergarten an exciting and anticipated adventure for students, parents, and teachers, while casting an even wider net for Team Shipman.
Dr. Terance Shipman is a 29-year veteran teacher and a publisher for 6 years. He spent much of his teaching
Dr. Shipman received his Bachelor’s degree in
career working with elementary aged students. In
Elementary Education from the Tuskegee University
fact, he spent his first 11 years teaching kindergarten!
in 1992. After obtain this degree, he attended
He is proud to say that he built strong relationships
Hampton University in Virginia and obtain a Master’s
over those years and has an incredible network of
degree in Elementary Education in 1994. For the next
his students and their parents and co-workers that
13 years, Dr. Shipman was an elementary teacher
he has remained in contact with over these years. Dr.
in Atlanta Public School System. Most of his time
Shipman calls this ever-developing network “Team
at APS was spent as a kindergarten teacher, and in
Shipman”. Through Team Shipman, Dr. Shipman
2009 he earned his Educational Specialist degree
offers continual encouragement, leadership, and
from University of West Georgia in Administration
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Supervision and soon after he complete his
them where they are at is still number one.
doctoral degree at Clark Atlanta University in 2013. Since completing his final degree, Dr. Shipman
What advice would you give to those who would
has worked with middle school and high school
like to do what you do?
aged students. And through it all Team Shipman
The advice is two-fold:
is still growing!
•
First, just write and put your thoughts on paper.
•
Secondly, I am currently working on a “How to
Team Shipman Publishing recently published “Mr.
Publish” book. It is all about the process from
Shipman’s Kindergarten Chronicles: 123”, and the
planning to writing to publishing on your own.
fifth anniversary of “Mr. Shipman’s Kindergarten
It should be out by the end of the year.
Chronicles: December Celebrations”. Currently in development is “Mr. Shipman’s Kindergarten
Chronicles:
Grandparent’s
Day”.
We’re also working on “I Woke Up This Morning”, Mr. Shipman’s Chronicles’ first book of positive
Terance Shipman Published Works
affirmations, with no release date as of yet. We are also excited to announce the sequel book to Malcolm and Mahalia, our young-adult superhero
•
Mr. Shipman's Kindergarten Chronicles: December Celebrations - 2017
•
Mr. Shipman's Kindergarten Chronicles: The First Day of School - 2018
•
Mr. Shipman's Kindergarten Chronicles: The Field Day - 2019
•
Mr. Shipman's Kindergarten Chronicles: ABC - 2021
•
Mr. Shipman's Kindergarten Chronicles Field Trip to the Farm - 2021
•
The Adventures of Mahalia and Malcolm: The Robinsons - 2022
•
Mr. Shipman's Kindergarten Chronicles 123 - 2022
•
Mr. Shipman's Kindergarten Chronicles: December Celebrations: 5th Anniversary Edition - 2022
book! What are the pros and cons of being in your field? The pros are taking my God given talents and sharing them with the world, knowing that other people are loving your work. The cons are selling books consistently and getting people to leave reviews. It amazes me how hard it is to motivate people, positively or negatively. Is it a challenge to do what you do? Yes, it is! You have to keep the faith and keep challenging yourself. When everyone else doesn’t see what you see or believe what you believe you have to keep pushing. Where do you see yourself in the year of 2023? I see myself doing more events. Events are awesome! No matter how much social media marketing we have, the best marketing is still getting out to let people see your product. Meeting
URBAN SENTINEL MAGAZINE | MAY 2023
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A Lady Who Wears Many Hats
KEEVER LERNISE
MURDAUGH Recently the Urban Sentinel had an opportunity to interview the busiest business woman in South Carolina. This hard working CEO is also the reigning Mrs. South Carolina Plus American Supreme Queen of 2023 which is part of the Miss Plus America Pageant. Who are you and what do you do? My name is Keever Murdaugh and I wear many hats. I am a jack and master of many trades. I am a Certified Life and Brand Strategist Coach, Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant and Program Manager, Ordained Minister, Inspirational Speaker, Facilitator, Wife, Mother, Sister and Friend. I work with individuals and organizations to recognize inhibitors that are keeping them stagnant from reaching financial, personal and professional goals. I also work with organizations for sensitivity training, soft skills training, personal and leadership development and workflow implementation. What inspired you to want to be apart of this anthology? I am the visionary for Imperfectly Fierce & Focused; Rising Above Your Imperfections While Still Crushing Your Goals. This anthology
URBAN SENTINEL MAGAZINE | MAY 2023
29
is a compilation of stories and experiences from
strength, resiliency and empowerment from reading
myself and other contributing co-authors about
about my struggles and how I overcame them. I hope
persevering through many life challenges. This book
readers will walk away from reading my story feeling
is targeted to reach those who've struggled to heal
like they are accomplished and will declare that they
from trauma, depression, a lack of self-confidence, a
will no longer allow fear, procrastination or the false
lack of self-worth, resiliency, grief and so much more
reality of perfection keep them stagnant and stuck
and because of past insecurities, they’ve struggled to
but instead free and accomplished.
get out of their own way. Rev. Coach Keever Lernise Murdaugh is your B.A.M. I was compelled to write this book because as I interact
specialist. She’s your Executive Business,Automation
with other women and men from all walks of life, I
and Media Specialist & Leadership Development
noticed a running parallel, that many were allowing
Coach from Camden, SC. She helps leaders implement
the false reality of perfection to limit their progression
soft skills training and workshops, she teaches how to
in personal and professional endeavors. They were
effectively Introduce automated systems to improve
crippled with fear of failure, judgment or simply just
profit margins, time management and decrease
stepping out of their comfort zones to accomplish
stress levels and she teaches on how to leverage
a task that they were compelled to complete. My
your digital footprint to improve your credibility and
prayer is that readers will read Imperfectly Fierce &
maximize your exposure and visibility.
Focused, Rising Above Your Imperfections While Still Crushing Your Goals and walk away not only feeling
She’s an Entrepreneur and Small Business Owner,
empowered, re-energize and inspired but also with
Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant,
tangible tips and strategies that they can implement
International Motivational Speaker, Certified Life &
immediately in areas of their personal lives and
Business Coach, Ordained Minister,
businesses that will change their trajectory and make
Advocate and Board Member and TV and Podcast
a positive impact.
Host & Producer of the number 1 TV show and podcast Keever’s Place, The Keever Murdaugh
What is your title of your chapter?
Show & Podcast. Her favorite scripture is
My title is called Not Easily Broken. I choose this title
from Proverbs 3:6, “In all thy ways acknowledge Him
because I want to portray the struggles that I have
and He will direct thy path”. Connect with Keever at
endured in life, though they were designed to break
Linktr.ee/KeeverMurdaugh and subscribe to her TV
and destroy me, but yet I not only survived them, but
Show and Podcast on all digital platforms, Facebook,
I thrived.
Instagram and YouTube @KeeversPlace.
What should the reader be looking forward to when reading your chapter? My prayer is that the reader will read my chapter and find themselves in one of my stories. My hope is that the reader will be able to relate to my situations and find
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URBAN SENTINEL MAGAZINE | MAY 2023
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RECORDING ARTIST
Kam
TAKE ALTERNATIVE HIP HOP TO T BY SHARING A Message of HO Blessed and highly favored is how Kam Krzy, an
of his family. His father, being a DJ/Radio personality,
alternative hip hop artist from the Bay Area would
exposed him to music from the beginning of his life.
best describe his life. It is unusual for hip-hop artist to
He had cousins with their own music labels who were
talk so much about spirituality and how so much of
an inspiration to his as well. As he began to take music
his work and life is driven by his faith. His extraordinary
seriously, he also experienced a spiritual awakening
style and provocative lyrics, Kam Krzy embodied and
that is what guides him to do what he does musically
embraced his fitting nickname, Kam Krzy, better
and as a person.
known by his acronyms letters that stands for, KamKeep Rising Zenith Year.
His release “Head Rock” from his first cd call “Modern Life” has set the tone for his musical and life existence.
So often Hip-Hop artist are viewed in a negative light.
His music from the very beginning was written to
Not Kam Krzy! This pioneer for alternative Hip Hop is
inspire and to let the world know there is a better way.
intentional in making feel good music that will inspire
The time has come for “real love.” Real love for self by
the legends as well. He creates a diversified genre of
allowing God given gifts and talents to manifest. Real
music for all cultures to enjoy. He is living his best life
love for community understanding we are all parts of
as he understands how important it is to be grateful
a whole. Real love for society is expressed through his
for every moment and to stay positive no matter
unique style of rap. His words are words of wisdom,
what. To live a life of no regrets is based on allowing
hope, and change.
God to work in his life as he lives, moves, and has his being trusting that his higher power will lead, guide
His most recent release, “Tower Moment” is about
and direct. He desires to send a worldwide message
being in a relationship and reaching that tower
of hope.
moment where lives are shifted and things become better than they have ever been before. “Tower Moment” is about the power of choice. The road of
Kam Krzy musical essence comes from the influence
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life is determined by our choices. With choice there
m Krzy
THE NEXT LEVEL
OPE
may be pain, drama, love, and respect. Our choices can determine generational poverty or wealth. Which road of life will you choose? Do you go left or right or do you remain going straight? As you listen to the song “Tower Moment” you will find yourself re-evaluating your life. Change is only around the corner. The only constant in life is change. Kam Krzy expresses and exemplifies the need to embrace change by accepting the lessons learned by our choices that can bring about a
spiritual
awakening.
Wisdom
permeates throughout this song.
Music, particularly Hip Hop and RB has always been a part of this self-taught musician who follows his dreams and encourages others to do the same. Good intentions is key to his success! Mentors in the industry that have
URBAN SENTINEL MAGAZINE | MAY 2023
33
helped guide him along the way include Chad
desires to change the world by being instrumental
Montgomery Aka Chad Rico CEO of Golden Gems
in eliminating violence. His actions towards that
Records, Haqq Shabazz of In Yo Face Filmworks, and
endeavor speak for themselves. He realizes the
Bay Area Music Awards-nominated pianist Ricardo
challenges of re-entry for those who must adapt to
Scales. Authenticity and being led by his heart is the
becoming viable citizens by teaching and helping
force that propels this Founder and CEO of the record
rebuild with lifestyle skill sets so they can better
label Zenith Music LLC located in Fremont, Ca. As an
adapt and operate in society. His desire to decrease
engineer and making new sounds motivates him to
recidivism is clear by his commitment to truly make
excel in what he does.
a difference.
Again, he is not what is perceived as your typical hip-
Kam Krzy is a brilliant businessman, entrepreneur,
hop artist. Kam Krzy is an extraordinary artist with
artist, and record label executive who follows his
a heart for changing lives. As a Brand Ambassador,
dreams and can see himself as a multi-millionaire
with the Golden State residential program he works
winning a Grammy for best Alternative Hip Hop artist
with the disabled.
and acting in numerous films.
Greatness can be defined as servant and inspiration.
Passion for music and his family is exemplary in all
Kam Krzy exudes both. It is commendable that he
that he does. He seems to model God first, family second, his passion and drive or music third. All seem equally important to him. His songs, his work, his life is an inspiration that is undeniable. Legends look up to him, he inspires youth, and those he serves are encouraged through him. A man of integrity with such a sense of his spirituality that he cannot help but thrive and succeed. His hopes for his future is intertwined in his hope for his family and society. With his heart to serve, his gifts and talents, and above all his faith, he will continue to make a difference and leave his mark that will become his legacy.
You can connect and follow Kam Krzy on his website Kamkrzy.com and on all social media platforms @kam_krzy.
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Cry Me A River by CATHERINE TYSON, MSW
So life has got you down in the dumps and you have invited
busy complaining to even wonder or ask them. There are folks
everyone you know to your pity party. Your parents didn’t love
that we say “hello, how are you” to, and 1 hour later we are still
you and continue to let you down. You were abandoned as a child.
standing there hearing about how tough and terrible things are for
Your best friend ran off with your boyfriend in high school and
them. What happens the next time we see them? We walk fast the
your favorite pet just died. Sad, yes, life changing, maybe, hopeless,
other way to avoid them or hide so they don’t see us because we are
never! Why because you are reading this and that means that you
simply tired of being dragged down by their mess or their constant
have been given a new day to do better, get better, and be better.
sob stories.
Now don’t get me wrong, the pity party may just be what the doctor ordered; A nice tub of Haagan Daz ice cream , a tear jerker movie
Don’t be one of those folks!
and your buddy that will listen to you moan about your sorry life the whole night if need be may be the best thing to do at that
Find that friend, that quiet place, get on those needs and cry that
moment in your life. But get this, it is only a moment in your life
river and then move on. The quicker you do this the better! Forgive
and should be journeyed through as quickly as you journeyed there
your parents, they probably did the best that they knew how and
so you can get back to living. More probably if you are stuck, it is
you are now responsible to fix yourself. Get another pet, life is
because you are sitting in some mess that you are choosing to not
about transition and change where pets die and for Heaven’s sake,
get out of. When you notice that your buddy no longer wants to
your friend is not your friend if she ran off with your boyfriend and
hear your stuff, let that be a wake up call that it is time for you to be
you are better off without those two unscrupulous people in your
singing a different tune.
life anyway. You can even thank God that you dodged that bullet and count your blessings!
Life is what we make it and yes yours may have had its ups and downs but every one of us has a story, some a bit sadder than
So dry your eyes, fix your hair, and face the world. There is more
others, but nevertheless we all have a story. When we look at
out there ready for the taking and waiting on you to get it. Armour
others and start to burden them down with the problems in our
yourself with a smile, some hope, a nice does of integrity and a
lives it would surprise us to know the stuff that they might have
heart full of prayer and you will be well on your way.
endured are currently going through but often times we are too
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Kam Krzy
WWW.KAMKRZY.COM
