UTS 2010 September Edition

Back 2 School Page 9:

Who will take care of Black Americans

Page 24: Targeted African American

Advertising Here To Stay

Page 27:

Pam Grier: ‘Life is about surviving’

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September2010

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TEAM UTS

Publisher/CEO Sharon S. Gordon Urban Trendsetters, LLC

Contributing Writers Delois R. Wright Les Brown A. Christina Dunlap Mykayla Bryant Tamara Fournier

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From The Publisher

Happy 100th Birthday Grand-daddy!

On August 29, 2010, my grandfather Norman Rhodes celebrated his 100th birthday. Surrounded by all of his 6 children (ages ranging from 68-80), grand-children, great and great, great grand-children, Norman Rhodes celebrated a century of life. This was by far one of the most memorable and joyous days of my life. Grand-daddy’s message of the day; “pay your tithes”.

It is always a pleasure to talk with grand-daddy, as you can imagine his is a man of many stories, 100 years is a long time, and though sometimes stories are repeated, I never get tired of hearing them. His lecture on tithing, however is truly what his is most known for, as anyone who has ever had the pleasure come within 5 ft of him can be of witness. Everyone and I mean everyone who know Norman Rhodes of Whitesville, Tenn., knows that he is going to ask-no be told “pay your tithes.”

Okay grand-daddy, I finally get it; you are obviously doing something right. By the way, my great aunts are 89 and 105. This is just a message to everyone that I plan to follow the messages of my grandfather, to live right, eat well and pay my tithes; I plan to be around here a long, long time, it’s in my blood. Here’s to your health and long life, Dream Big and Often

Sharon S. Gordon sharon@urbantrendsetters.com

Copyright Urban Trendsetters is published and distibuted monthly by Myshbre’ Media and Communications, LLC. Our offices are located at 2572 Oakstone DriveA Columbus, OH 43213. Publisher reserves the right to edit, reject or cancel any advertisement or editorial at any time. Publisher will not be responsible for checking accuracy of items submitted for publication or for more than one wrong insertion of advertising copy. All contents of this publication are copy written 2008 by Myshbre’ Media and Communications.

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September 2010

5

Community News

Back To School

PEPSI SPONSORS THE NAACP BACK 2 SCHOOL STAY IN SCHOOL PROJECT

3: Parents and children were provided lunch by Black Orchid Catering 1: Tasha Brown,NAACP B2School Organizer (4th left) and Erica Clayton , Pepsi (4th right) join Back 2 School volunteers.

2: Noel Williams, Cols. NAACP President, Tasha Brown, Cols., NAACP Back2School Organizer and Tracy Robinson, Director Ohio Commission on Fatherhood and workshop speaker.

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September2010

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Community News

Strickland Announces Launch of Ohio New Markets Tax Credit Program Columbus, Ohio--Governor Ted Strickland and Ohio Department of Development Director Lisa Patt-McDaniel today announced the launch of the Ohio New Markets Tax Credit program.

The program helps finance business investments by providing state tax credits to investors for below market rate financial products for lowincome community businesses. The first application period is now open.

“The New Markets Tax Credit is a critical part of our plan to create Ohio jobs in communities that have traditionally been in need of business investments,” Strickland said. “When we make it easier to make business investments in Ohio, businesses find it easier to create jobs for hard-working Ohioans.”

The program idea was first introduced by the Speaker of the House Armond Budish.

“We are one of the first states to enact this business incentive, which makes us more competitive nationwide in attracting business. This edge is important as we continue our recovery from the national recession,” said Speaker Budish. “The credit offers an incentive for investment in new and growing companies that will not only generate jobs but also add to the vitality of the community, fostering an environment for ever greater business growth.

The New Markets Tax Credit is just part of the extensive job creation initiative in the Ohio House that includes the Investment Technology Tax Credit, adding $100 million to the Venture Capital Authority and expanding the Third Frontier Program.”

The Ohio New Markets Tax Credit program is one of the first state programs of its kind in the country, and leverages the successful Federal New Markets Tax Credit program to attract additional investment to Ohio.

that have already received a tax credit allocation from the Federal New Markets Tax Credit program are eligible to apply. The Ohio New Markets Tax Credits program provides a 39 percent tax credit over seven years for qualified investments in low-income community businesses.

Applications for the Ohio New Market Tax Credit are due on September 20, 2010. Approved applications will be announced by October 31, 2010.

For more information on the program and the application period, please visit www.urban.development.ohio.gov

The federal program has created more than $26 billion in investments through the New Markets Tax Credit program and has awarded more than $1 billion to Ohio-based Community Development Entities.

Federal data shows that for every dollar of foregone tax revenues under the New Market Tax Credit, $12 of private investment is leveraged in distressed communities. Ohio organizations that have been allocated federal New Markets Tax Credits range from large financial institutions to small community development corporations.

“Tax credits are often a critical component in creating job and economic growth opportunities in Ohio’s communities,” Patt-McDaniel said. “By providing these tax credits for investors, businesses are able to increase their efficiency, benefiting the company and the entire community.”

The program is administered by the Department’s Urban Development Division.

A total allocation of $10 million in tax credits is available in the first round of funding. Only Community Development Entities serving Ohio

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September 2010

7

State News

Ohio Projects Receive an Additional $118 Million in Broadband Recovery Act Awards Columbus, OH--Ohio Governor Ted Strickland welcomed the announcement by Vice President Biden that three Ohio broadband projects received more than $118 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to extend broadband access throughout Ohio and create more than 430 jobs, and likely many more through indirect job creation.

“These awards support our plan to create a seamless broadband infrastructure throughout Ohio,” Strickland said. “Comprehensive Internet access is one part of our strategy to lay the groundwork for Ohio’s long-term economic growth and improve Ohio’s business environment. “Because access to high-speed Internet is increasingly essential for businesses and is a

gateway to connecting our students with the world. I want to thank the Obama administration and our Ohio Congressional leaders for their continued support of our goal to make sure that every part of Ohio has access to high-speed Internet services.”

DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO… The Ohio Benefit Bank Can Help

Has lost their job?…

The Benefit Bank can help individuals check eligibility for more than 20 work supports and public benefits

Needs help with medical care?…

Programs such as Healthy Start and Healthy Families can often provide free medical assistance

The Ohio Benefit Bank (OBB), a Web-based, counselor assisted program, is a free service that can help you or your friends and family apply for public benefits and work supports, such as health care coverage, home energy assistance and food assistance.

Needs help with groceries?…

Ohio’s network of foodbanks is ready to help

Call The Ohio Benefit Bank toll-free at 1.800.648.1176 or visit www.obb.ohio.gov.

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September2010

The Ohio awards are below: Horizon Telecom, $66.5 million: The project, with nearly $28.5 million in matching contributions, will allow Horizon Telecom, a Chillicothe company, to offer affordable middlemile broadband service in 34 southern and eastern Ohio counties. The project plans to directly connect 600 community institutions to broadband. As many as 1.7 million people stand to benefit as do 37,000 businesses. The project is expected to create more than 230 direct jobs.

OneCommunity, $44.8 million: The project awarded to the Cleveland-based nonprofit will add nearly 1,000 miles of fiber-optic cable in 20 northeast Ohio counties. OneCommunity will connect an estimated 800 community anchor institutions, including schools, hospitals, government and public safety facilities, to the high-speed broadband network, and create 200 jobs in the counties it serves.

Connected Nation, Inc. $6.9 million: This project, with more than $3.1 million in matching contributions, will allow Connected Nation to encourage broadband adoption in Ohio by deploying up to 2,000 new public computer workstations, upgrading 317 computer centers, and conducting training sessions at community institutions throughout the state. Connect Ohio, a nonprofit public-private partnership established by Governor Strickland, will fully administer the grant.

Connect Ohio is a division of Connected Nation, a national nonprofit dedicated to broadband advancement.

The award will allow Connect Ohio to work with telecommunication providers and communities to

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increase the adoption and availability of high-speed Internet service to Ohio residents and businesses.

Horizon Telecom, OneCommunity, and Com Net, Inc., which received a $30 million broadband award in July, are members of the Ohio Middle Mile Consortium, coordinated by Ohio Academic Resources Network.

The consortium forged an integrated and collaborative approach, with the support of Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown, Governor Strickland and Ohio Board of Regents Chancellor Eric Fingerhut, to expand broadband infrastructure needs across Ohio.

“The truth is that many businesses today simply won’t go to a place where they don’t have access to both a good workforce and a broadband network,” said Congressman Zack Space, who provided critical support for Horizon Telecom’s application. “There’s no doubt that we have the workforce, and this funding will bring hundreds of jobs and provide the technology we need to attract new industry to Ohio.”

Com Net’s project will add more than 700 miles of high-capacity fiber to rural and underserved communities in 28 western counties.

It will create 300 jobs and connect to about 900 anchor institutions, including schools, government and community organizations.

“Broadband must reach all of Ohio, including our rural, underserved and unserved areas, to prepare our future workforce to drive Ohio economic development,” said Chancellor Fingerhut.

“These broadband investments will enhance educational opportunities for Ohio’s traditional students as well as displaced workers.”

For more about the Ohio Middle Mile Consortium go to: www.ohiomiddlemile.org.

For more about Connect Ohio go to: http://www.connectohio.org/

National News

Who Will Take Care of Black Americans

by Prof Devin Robinson There are three major problems for a poor or non-suspecting Black in America. One, he is subject to being educated by the public school system. Two, the public school teaches students how to become employees who are more likely to focus on product consumption, not production and income dependence, not independence. Three, this educational design does Blacks a disservice since it doesn’t address the needs of a Black in a society where job creation is predominantly done by non-Blacks. This poses a great obstacle for Black Americans.

Being conditioned to become consumers and employees wouldn’t be so much of a big deal if Blacks had a business infrastructure to step into to support our psychographics and cultural dynamics. It’s like spoiling your child. It wouldn’t be a problem if your child never had to rely on anyone else for their care but you or if they won’t ever need anyone else’s assistance in life. The problem arouses when a spoiled and entitled child has to depend on someone other than their parent for help. Since the change of consumer dynamics where there is no longer consumer discrimination based on race, we’ve excelled in that area. However, the disparities still exists in jobs and ownership, which creates a systematic disadvantage against Blacks. Recent reports show

that full-time workers will become the workforce minority over the next 20 years. This means contractors and part-time workers, who must have a sense of entrepreneurship to succeed, will dominate the market. Contractors will be expected to pay their own taxes, organize their own work schedules and obtain their own clients. Part-time workers will be expected to

communities that would employ you at a lower wage rate than what the federal laws mandates will become a crucial ability for Blacks in this changing market. Vice President Joe Biden cited that of the eight million jobs lost since the 2008 recession, a vast majority of them will not return.

Civil Rights activists such as Rev Jesse Jackson, Rev Al Sharpton, Marcus

in order to survive. Completing high school helps with success but does not eliminate the economic death sentence written for Blacks if we do not gain supplemental and realistic American dynamic knowledge to compliment the basic theories learned in public schools. With Blacks being taught to self-destruct in the early years of America’s birth, we have almost three

In this new emerging market where independence and innovation is needed, how will Blacks, a group who were historically taught to be dependent, fair in this new economy? manage multiple jobs and survive on inconsistent income. Here’s the catch, unemployment rates may be at high levels but the demand for products and services hasn’t declined. This simply means that the ability for corporations to deliver a product or service to the consumer is becoming difficult without having to skyrocket their prices. It also means that those who can fill demands of the population without doing so through employment will stand the test of time. Since companies are required to pay a minimum wage, with decreasing business revenues, employees have now become a steep expense.

Being able to contract oneself out to

Garvey and Rev Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. have done (and continue to do) brilliantwork in toppling a system that wasn’t favorable to Blacks.

However, the work must continue in the form of economic subsistence of the people. Because of the ill-informed nature of many Blacks, wealth transfer

by Government to Blacks in the forms of unemployment benefits, welfare assistance and social programs, which subsidizes expenses, guarantees that these benefits will be returned to big businesses, that are typically not owned by Blacks or by people living in Black communities. So as this new market emerges, Blacks must systematically and methodically adjust

times as much work to do in order to be a competitive group. However, all news isn’t grim for Blacks’ independence, with a nearing $1.2 trillion spending power all we need are lessons in how and where to spend in order to become a respected and independent group in America. Devin Robinson is an economics professor at Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, GA and author of Rebuilding the Black Infrastructure: Making America a Colorless Nation. He can be reached at devin@devinrobinson.com.

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September 2010

9

Global News Wyclef Jean’s Bid to Run for Haitian President Ends After weeks of media hype, rapper Wyclef Jean’s bid for the Haitian presidency ended Aug. 21 after the country’s Provisional Electoral Council did not approve his candidacy. He was among 15 other candidates rejected in the race, council spokesman Richardson Dumel told reporters in Haiti. “Though I disagree with the ruling, I respectfully accept the committee’s final decision, and I urge my supporters to do the same,” Jean wrote on his blog. “We must all honor the memories of those we’ve lost—whether in the earthquake, or at anytime—by responding peacefully and responsibly to this disappointment.”

Although the council has not given a specific reason for Jean’s exclusion, the entertainer said his Haitian residency came into question. The council requires all candidates to live in the country five years prior to a presidential bid. “I want to assure my countrymen that I will continue to work for Haiti’s renewal; though the board has determined that I am not a resident of Haiti, home is where the heart is—and my heart has and will always be in Haiti,” Jean wrote in his statement.

He came to the U.S. at the age of seven and has lived most of his adult life in New York and New Jersey.

Nineteen prospective candidates made the council’s list, among them former Prime Minister Jacques-Edouard Alexis and Yvon Neptune, the last prime minister under exiled President Jean-Bertrand Aristide. Another entertainer, Michel Martelly, popularly known as “Sweet Mickey,” was also approved. Jean’s brief candidacy, announced in early August, drew international attention to the Caribbean nation that is still recovering from a devastating earthquake in January. But the media fanfare also brought to light more questions about Jean’s personal finances and his work with his nonprofit foundation, Yele Haiti.

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September2010

Governor, Gee, PSEG Open Ohio’s Largest Solar Farm to Create New Jobs, Energy in Upper Sandusky Upper Sandusky, Ohio--Ohio Governor Ted Strickland joined The Public Service Enterprise Group, Ohio State University President Dr. E. Gordon Gee, American Electric Power and other area leaders to open the PSEG Wyandot Solar Farm in Upper Sandusky. The 80 acre, 12-megawatt facility becomes the largest solar energy facility operating in Ohio and one of the largest in the United States east of the Mississippi River.

“Today we are flipping the switch on Ohio’s largest solar farm. But we’re really flipping the switch on the future,” Strickland said.

“Because we made a commitment to advanced energy in Senate Bill 221, the sun will not only power Ohio homes, it will power Ohio jobs. We have solar panels made in Perrysburg. Installed by Ohioans.

And creating clean, renewable energy for Ohio businesses.”

“Ohio is a leader in advanced energy,” Strickland added.

“You can see that right here.”

The state’s energy legislation calls for 25 percent of all energy consumed by Ohioans to come from advanced energy sources by 2025. Of that, .5 percent must be solar energy.

Owned by PSEG Solar Source, the solar farm is an example of Ohio’s

growing clean-energy economy.

It was built by Ohio workers with much of the equipment produced in state. With more than 159,000 ground-mounted panels on 80 acres, the PSEG Wyandot Solar Farm produces enough emission-free electricity to power about 1,500 homes.

The Ohio State University Extension helped Wyandot County officials study the project and organize public forums. “Helping to connect the state’s many remarkable resources for the lasting benefit of all Ohioans is one of the University’s great missions as a land grant and research institution,” said Ohio State President E. Gordon Gee. “We are honored that Ohio State Extension played a role in bringing this project to life.”

Juwi Solar Inc. was the engineering, procurement and construction contractor and developed the Wyandot Solar Farm.

V a u g h n Industries, based in Wyandot County, was the primary construction c o n t r a c t o r.

Ohio residents filled nearly all of the construction jobs created by the project. First Solar, which has a major manufacturing plant in Perrysburg, OH, supplied the solar panels. Myers Controlled Power of North Canton, OH, provided the power stations.

“You don’t have to be from Wyandot County or even the state of Ohio to be proud of what has been accomplished

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here,” said PSEG’s Chairman, CEO and President Ralph Izzo.

“The Wyandot Solar Farm points the way forward, and is both an environmental and economic win. As a nation, we can all benefit from a future with more green energy that improves our energy security, helps in the fight against climate change and creates good jobs.”

American Electric Power subsidiaries, Columbus Southern Power and Ohio Power Companies, have a long-term agreement with PSEG Solar Source to purchase the electricity generated at the farm. The solar farm links to the grid at the Upper Sandusky Substation via a four mile long generator lead.

“Responding to Ohio Senate Bill 221 presented many choices to investor-owned utilities in complying with the law’s renewable portfolio standard,” said Joseph Hamrock, President of AEP Ohio. “It was our choice to initiate a process that would not only build solar and wind facilities in Ohio, but help the alternative energy market actually grow and develop in the state.”

“This is an important milestone for PSEG Solar Source, demonstrating our ability to successfully develop, construct and operate utility scale projects,” said Diana Drysdale Vice President Renewables for PSEG Energy Holdings and head of PSEG Solar Source. “Solar farms like this one in Wyandot County, boost local economies through direct project related employment and the development of skills and experience that will increasingly be in demand. These projects are effectively driving down the cost of solar power enabling it to become a meaningful part of the energy mix.”

Trendsetter Speaks Between the Lines: President Obama and Residual Conversation on the 9/11 Mosque Site Ramadan is probably the best time to discuss America’s growing antiMuslim sentiment

By Anthony Asadullah Samad

*The

holy

month

of

Ramadan

represents the time where Muslims rededicate themselves to their faith and the practice of Islam (the religion of peace, “Islam” means “Peace” in Arabic).

It is also a time to educate the world on what Islam is about. Propagating ones faith is the American way. Americans invoke God in everything they do, whether they believe in a supreme being or not. The real reality is that America is not a Christian nation.

America has no national religion.

The constitution bans a national religion. Christianity is the dominant religion in the United States, in its various strands, but less than a majority of the nation’s population practice any form of Christianity.

America is supposed to be a nation

that espouses religious tolerance to practice (or not to practice) one’s religious beliefs. Only two-thirds of the nation practices any religion at all.

Most cultural practices in America go against the seven things God hates, revealed to us in Proverbs (6:16-19); 1) Arrogant eyes, 2) a lying tongue, 3) Hands that shed innocent blood, 4) a heart that plots wicked schemes, 5) feet eager to run to evil, 6) a lying witness that gives false testimony and 7) one who stirs up trouble among his brothers.

The promotion of violence, sex, materialism, truth relativism and false witnessing puts American culture in direct opposition to the will of God and it has produced the manifestation of God’s seven deadly sins, also known as “capital vices” or what we call “Cardinal Sins:” Greed, Gluttony, Envy, Sloth, Pride, Lust and Wrath. Greed is considered the mother of all sin, but wrath (revenge) is the center of most dissent. God’s wrath is different from man’s wrath. God’s wrath comes from abundant sins against society. Man’s wrath is often sin committed against another (revenge). Religious warfare is the biggest sin against society as man’s constant battle to insist “Who has the biggest God?” causes society’s to fall over their insistence that no other belief exists other than their own. The more interesting reality about religion is that when it comes to beliefs outside American’s dominant belief, all other beliefs are not protected against persecution in the same way. An act of a single so-called believer indicts the whole

group. America is becoming more and more anti-Muslim because of this mindset. The demonization of Muslims in America must stop.

Ramadan can serve as the teaching moment now that another antiIslamic conversation is talking place.

Never was anti-Muslim sentiments more evident than the recent conversation around building a mosque near the New York Twin Towers site (so-called 9/11 site…but there were several sites attacked on 9/11). Detractors have almost called the construction of the site sacrilege, an attack on the memory of those who died on that fated day in 2001.

The mosque isn’t being built on the site, or even cross the street from the site. It’s being built a couple blocks from the site. It’s almost like there is some sort of “no Muslim zone” being created. How close is too close? Moreover, how far is too far?

Six blocks? One mile? The island of Manhattan? Pushing a Muslim mosque out of the vicinity of the twin towers will do what? Just as Christians are allowed to pray anywhere, Muslims should be allowed to also.

President Barack Obama said as much at a White House Ramadan dinner. The problem is that the whole 9/11 conversation has become about “Muslims trying to change our (American) way of life.” Thus, Muslims are not to be trusted in American society and to be verbally attacked whenever possible so that Islam never becomes an acceptable religious practice in America. You have ideologues like Newt Gingrich saying building a mosque near the twin tower site is tantamount to building a Nazi building next to a Holocaust site, or building a Japanese memorial at Pearl Harbor. The intent here is to create a permanent stigma against Islam. Islam scholars and believers have repeated stated that those involved in the 9/11 killings were not Muslims, because Muslims do not shed innocent bleed.

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It’s like a person who calls themselves Christian and commits a murderous act. Are all Christians now to be distrusted because one committed an act fraudulently in the name of Jesus (it has happened)? No they’re not.

So why should Muslims continue to be persecuted for something nonMuslims, acting in un-Islamic ways, have done. Only ignorance allows it.

Yet, the political right is trying to ratchet up the religious rhetoric and force another confrontation over religion by further antagonizing Muslims. This coming September 11th (2010), a right-wing fringe pastor named Terry Jones, over some deomination called “The Dove Church” is calling for an international “Burn The Qu’ran Day”http://www. episcopalcafe.com/lead/religion_ in_america/antimuslim_sentiment_ swelling.html, which he will host and call on others worldwide to do the same. He even had a churchmember post instructions on how and why to do it (burn the Qu’ran). This, of course, will incite Muslims worldwide and wrath will run amuck. Everyone will lose their religion (grounding for religious beliefs) based what we know God hates. Hopefully, this will not occur and September 11th can be used as a day to promote greater religious tolerance. An effort to push a proposed mosque out of the site of the twin towers, will not push anti-Muslim sentiment out of the minds of Americans. Now is the time to have this conversation.

Not when something happens at the egging of anti-Muslim ideologues.

Anthony Asadullah Samad, Ph.D., is a national columnist, managing director of the Urban Issues Forum (www. urbanissuesforum.com) and author of the upcoming book, REAL EYEZ: Race, Reality and Politics in 21st Century Popular Culture. He can be reached at www.AnthonySamad.com.

September 2010

11

Young & Trendy

Nick Cannon Speaks on New TeenNick Network and its’ New Series, The Nightlife

By Eunice Moseley Now, Nick Cannon does “run this” as chairman of TeenNick Network. At 30 yearsold he is now the youngest, if not one of the youngest, black network chairs in the US. Aside from “The Nightlife”, TeenNick airs sitcoms “Degrassi,” “Sabrina,” and “Drake and Josh.” Young people can also see shows Nick Cannon spent his teen years watching, such as “Moesha,” “Kenan & Kel” and “Saved by the Bell.” Other shows airing on the network include “One on One” and “Full House.”

Cannon’s father, James Cannon, hosted a televangelist public access television show in North Carolina. By age 11 Nick had a spot on his father’s program as a stand-up comedian.

By his teens he moved to Hollywood – with his mother – where he performed standup at The Improv, The Laugh Factory and the Comedy Store.

In 1998 he was casted in the movie Drumline and in 2002 Nick was featured in his own series “The Nick Cannon Show” on Nickelodeon. The year 2003 brought a leading role in the film Love

Don’t Cost a Thing and in 2005 he starred in Roll Bounce with Bow Wow. On MTV, from 20052007, Cannon hosted his “Wild ‘n Out” show.

If all that is not enough Cannon is a rapper.

He was featured on the soundtrack of “Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius,” alongside Lil’ Romeo and 3LW. He signed a recording deal with Jive Records in 2001 and his self-titled debut was in 2003. By 2005 he had formed his own label, Can I Ball Records, where he released a single “Can I Live?” that became a pro-life anthem song.

Nick Cannon married legendary songstress Mariah Carey in 2008 and today he is handling the networks’ development and creative concerns.

For more information on the TeenNick Network and “The Nightlife” show log onto www.TeenNick.com.

*“Oprah has her network, why can’t I have mine,” Nick Cannon (Nicholas Scott) said about his new network TeenNick.

TeenNick, of which he is chairman, has launched this month a new series, “The Nightlife,” which features the latest trends in fashion, music, dance and entertainment for teens. ”It’s about teens. Where teens can come to find out the hottest clothes …the latest dance…,” he said about the new show, which he is executive producer. “It’s a voice.”

Well this month that “voice” will be made by legendary celebrity guests T.I., and Ice Cube, and the trendy New Boyz (demonstrating their dance craze) “The Jerk” and Travie McCoy. “The Nightlife” has teen correspondents Chloe Wang and Nick Cannon’s artist Aaron Fresh – who will perform.

“I did research…made graphics,” Nick said when asked how he was able persuade Nickelodeon (owned by Viacom) to give him his own network.

He also pointed out that he spoke it into existence. “I was the youngest in a lot of things…and I’d always say I am going to own this channel. Throughout my career I’d say to executives I’m going to run this.”

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September2010

Urban Trendsetters | More Than A Magazine. It’s A Lifestyle

Education

Allstate/UNCF “Quotes for Education” Wants to Raise $100,000 for African-American College Students Under Financial Stress

Fundraising initiative to benefit UNCF, contribute to college scholarships this upcoming fall semester According to a recent study, twothirds of African-Americans dropping out of college cite finances as the reason for the decision. To address this trend and continue the company’s history of investment in initiatives that strengthen communities, Allstate Insurance Company (NYSE: ALL) today announced the launch of the second annual “Quotes for Education” program.

In partnership with UNCF – the United Negro College Fund – the program seeks to raise $100,000 in scholarships for AfricanAmerican college students.

As part of the campaign, Allstate will donate $5 to UNCF for each auto insurance quote that is completed between August 15 and September 30, 2010. Quotes may be obtained online at Allstate.com/quotesforeducation or through a participating Allstate Agent.

“The Allstate family recognizes the importance of education and we realize that now, more than ever, it is important to support organizations that champion the pursuit of higher learning and academic success,” says Anise Wiley-Little, Allstate chief diversity officer. “In addition to supporting a trusted community partner like UNCF, we’re also pleased that this program engages families and communities as part of the solution. By completing an auto insurance quote, drivers join with us in helping to make college education a reality for hard-working students.”

Persistent funding deficits, a struggling e c o n o m y , and significant tuition increases have created a perfect storm for many students, and AfricanAmerican students are particularly vulnerable. Consider these facts: • African-American students who did not enroll in college are likely to report that the need to work was important in their decision. Almost half of African-American students stated that the need to work was “extremely” or “very” important, compared with their peers (Institute for Higher Education Policy, 2010) • About 46 percent of all AfricanAmerican undergraduate students receive federal Pell Grant awards, accounting for approximately onequarter of all recipients (Institute for Higher Education Policy, 2010) • Twenty years ago, the maximum value of the Pell Grant covered 52 percent of a student’s cost of attendance; in 2006, the maximum grant covered about 32 percent of the cost of attendance (College Board, 2007) • Only 41 percent of black students complete a bachelor’s degree within six years (National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education, 2008) • About 27 percent of all black students graduated with at least $30,500 in student loan debt, while the percentage range of students of other races who graduated with a comparable debt level is 9 percent to 16 percent (College Board Advocacy & Policy Center, 2010) Quotes for Education is another example of Allstate’s longstanding

commitment to education and support of the AfricanA m e r i c a n c o m m u n i t y.

Supporting Quotes for Education is as simple as Click, Quote and Support: • Click (or Call): Customers will help Allstate reach its $100,000 UNCF fundraising goal by obtaining an auto insurance quote. Participants can take part: o Online – visit Allstate. com/quotesforeducation o Mobile – text “ALLSTATE” to 89074 o Phone – call Allstate at

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1-866-998-2188 begin_ o f _ t h e _ s k y p e _ h i g h l i g h t i n g • Quote: Receive an auto insurance quote from Allstate between August 15 and September 30, 2010.

• Support: For each auto insurance quote provided during the Quotes for Education campaign, Allstate will donate $5 to the UNCF up to $100,000.

“We are grateful for Allstate’s commitment to education,” said Michael Lomax, Ph.D., UNCF president and CEO. “The young people whose college studies will be supported by Allstate’s Quotes for Education program are students today, but tomorrow they are the teachers, doctors, scientists, public servants— and insurance agents—who will lead our communities and our country.”

September 2010

13

Family Trends

Black Students Graduate Less, Face More Debt

by Jamaal Abdul-Alim

A growing number of policy-makers, higher education officials and others are lamenting lackluster college completion rates and soaring student loan debt loads among college students in the United States. The problem is particularly pronounced among Black students.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the research arm of the U.S. Department of Education, the six-year college graduation rate among Black students stands at 42 percent, compared to 60 percent for Whites, 48 percent for Hispanics and 67 percent for Asian/Pacific Islander students.

That distribution holds up whether the students attended public of private not-for-profit institutions.

Black students are not only graduating less, but they are borrowing more money to get through college, according to a recent College Board report titled Who Borrows the Most? Bachelor’s Degree Recipients with High Levels of Student Debt. That report found that Black bachelor’s degree students had cumulative total debts of $30,500 or more at a rate of 27 percent, compared to 16 percent for White students, 14 percent for Hispanic students,

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and 9 percent for Asian students.

The reason, says Julianne Malveaux, an economist, commentator and president of Bennett College for Women in Greensboro, N.C., stems from the socioeconomic status of many Black families. Complicating things further, she said, is the fact that family members sometimes expect the college students in their family to use their student loans for paying bills or various emergencies.

“Probably half of the things students come to see me about have to do with money,” Malveaux said in a recent phone interview with the AFRO. Malveaux noted the average Black family has an income of $40,000 or less – tuition, room and board at Bennett is $24,000. “Obviously, there has to be some outside resources for students to matriculate,” Malveaux said.

Lack of money is why it’s important to be proactive, says Nicki Washington, a Howard University computer science instructor, author of Prepped for Success: What Every Parent Should Know About the College Application Process.

Among other things, Washington r e c o m m e n d s that students: * Start thinking about applying for scholarships as early as freshman year in high school. “A lot of parents tend to tell me you can’t even apply until you’re a senior. But that’s too late to think of these things,” Washington said, explaining that it’s important to know what winning a particular scholarship requires, such as extracurricular activities and a competitive GPA. * Though they may not always be readily

available, try to take Advanced Placement courses in high school instead of going the easy route.

The courses better prepare students for the rigors of college and offer the opportunity to get college credit while in high school, thereby saving money on their college education. The courses help students get admitted to college and win scholarships, Washington says. “What they don’t realize is that these universities’ scholarship committees ... have such a large pool of applicants that they have to find those small things that help a student stand out.” * Create an account on FastWeb, a website that enables students to search for scholarships, financial aid and student loans for which they are eligible.

Though many of the scholarships may be for modest amounts, others can be for tens of thousands of dollars. * Search for work-study options on campus, or opportunities to work within the college department of the student’s major. At the same time, be cautious about the psychological effect of off-campus opportunities in your field of study, especially those that pay well, because it could lead a student to think: “I already have the career.

Why do I need the degree?” Students who drop out of college because they are enjoying a degree of pre-graduation career success, Washington said, may lose their job and find out the hard way that other companies won’t hire them without a degree.

Urban Trendsetters | More Than A Magazine. It’s A Lifestyle

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The Journey

FAITH LEADERS RAISE $1.4 MILLION FOR D.C. KING MEMORIAL AND VOW TO HELP RAISE THE $13 MILLION STILL NEEDED “People often forget that King was not only a civil rights leader, but also a minister. His connection to our community must be realized and appreciated,” said Rev. Ratliff.

Churches giving more than five thousand dollars to support the King Memorial will receive VIP invitations to various special events during the week long dedication activities and permanent recognition at the memorial site.

Prior to the development of the new counWASHINGTON, DC – Seventeen of the nation’s most influential ministers launched the Faith Based Countdown to Completion campaign to raise the remaining $13 million for the Washington, DC Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial in Washington. The ministers jointly responsible for having raised $2 million for the memorial are challenging other ministers nationwide to join their cause.

The Faith Based Countdown to Completion Campaign is geared toward pastors and their communities to assist the Memorial Foundation in their fundraising endeavor.

The campaign will conclude on Martin Luther King Day, January 17, 2011.

Four of the major churches involved in this effort are Hartford Memorial Baptist of Detroit, Brentwood Baptist of Houston, Friendship-West Baptist of Dallas and Trinity United Church of Christ of Chicago. These four churches have been assisting the Memorial Found-

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Council and has assisted the Memorial Foundation to raise over $123 thousand through his church and churches in the Detroit region. “The Civil Rights era must never be forgotten. Dr. King’s contribution to that cause and also to the house of the Lord must never be forgotten,” said Rev. Adams. “The Memorial Foundation needs churches to join hands in solidarity to help us to complete the dream.”

“I am grateful to have such generous and influential pastors taking up the charge to assist us complete fundraising,” mentioned Harry Johnson, President and CEO of the Memorial Foundation. “This project could never have been done without the generosity of the faith community, and for their continued contributions, I am overjoyed.”

From left to right: Hilton Smith, Richard Marshall (CFO MLK Memorial Foundation), Rev. Dr. Alan Ragland, Rev. Lonnie Peek, Thomas Watson, Rev. Tyrone D. Gordon, Rev. Dr. Charles Adams, Eunice Peek, Rev. Dr. Joseph Ratliff, Rev. Dr. Drew Marshall, Rev. Dr. Frederick Haynes III, Dr. Ed Jackson (Executive Architect, MLK Memorial Foundation), Rev. Dr. Raphael Warnock, Harry E. Johnson, Sr. (President and CEO, MLK Memorial Foundation) tion since the campaign’s early years.

With over $107 million raised for the memorial, the development of the Faith Based Leadership Council has brought about a strong and effective outreach to the nation’s church-goers. Rev. Joseph Ratliff of Brentwood Baptist of Houston co-chairs with Rev. Frederick Haines of Friendship-West Baptist of Dallas on the council. Ratliff, also a member on the Memorial Foundation’s Board of Directors, has raised nearly $60 thousand dollars through his church and has also made a sizable personal contribution. His fundraising in the Houston area as a whole brought the Memorial Foundation more than $113 thousand.

cil, Rev. Frederick Haynes assisted the Memorial Foundation to raise over $96 thousand dollars by orchestrating a city-wide fundraising campaign through churches across Dallas. His congregation alone, Friendship-West Baptist, raised $63 thousand for the Memorial Foundation. “I am passionate about this project. King must be remembered and we can’t do this without the financial help of the church community.”

Rev. Dr. Charles Gilchrist Adams of Detroit’s, Hartford Memorial Baptist, donation of $50 thousand, was the first pastor to join the Faith Based Leadership

Urban Trendsetters | More Than A Magazine. It’s A Lifestyle

About The Washington, D.C. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation, Inc. Congress passed Joint Resolutions in 1996 authorizing Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. to establish a Memorial honoring Dr. King to be built in Washington, D.C. Construction commenced on December 16, 2009 and the Memorial will be completed in 2011. For more information or to make a donation, please visit www.buildthedream.org. To join this unique group of Church’s in this quest to memorialize Dr. King on the National Mall please call (202) 737-5420.

Fit & Trendy

Nelly knows a little something about sweat.

Here are some things Nelly revealed about his exercise, workout and diet.

• He has worked out for as long as he can remember, which went hand-in-hand with playing baseball, basketball and football growing up.

• Working his arms, his triceps and biceps is especially important to him because they’re often exposed on stage, where he usually “rocks T-shirts and wifebeaters in concert. It helps with the overall picture.”

• He doesn’t work out on his abs as much as people might think. For him, abs are genetic.

The Grammy-winning St. Louis rapper released an album titled “Sweat” in 2004, and he’s first up in a new line of fitness and exercise DVDs titled “Celebrity Sweat.”

Nelly, a hulking presence after taking his workout regimen to new levels in preparation for his role as a running back in the 2005 film “The Longest Yard,” made his way through the sprawling Lifetime Fitness in Ellisville one night last week to shoot the DVD. Flanked by his managers, publicist and trainer Donta Wade, the “Country Grammar” rapper holed up in a private room upstairs where cameras were set up to shoot promos and segments for the fitness DVD, which will be released in the fall.

High profile NBA and NFL athletes, as well as popular R&B singers and rappers, will be featured in the series showcasing their best workouts. But it’s Nelly who is kicking it off.

Nelly says a fitness video is something he always wanted to do, but “I wanted to do it right, in a way that’s believable. It’s not like I’m a gym instructor, and I’m not trying to teach a class I don’t have a degree in. But I wanted to do something people could believe and follow.”

He also likes the idea of bridging celebrity pop culture with fitness, especially now that it appeals to younger people.

“It used to be when people got to a certain age, they wanted to be more health conscious,” Nelly says.

“Now teenagers and kids are going to the gym.”

Nelly works out, sometimes at Lifetime Fitness, where he has a membership, Monday through Friday.

He works up to two muscles a day over 30-40 minutes.

“I don’t want to be in the gym no longer than I have to,” he says. “Some people are in there three to four hours. What the hell? What are you doing for three or four hours that you can’t do in 30 or 40 minutes? I’m gonna get to it.”

Nelly wasted no time getting right to the DVD

• Cardio workouts fall flat for Nelly. He figures he must have ADD, which makes treadmills and stationary bicycles difficult for him. If he’s going to ride a bicycle, it’ll be outside in his neighborhood, where he says there are a lot of hills. His preference is to get his cardio workout playing basketball.

“That gets my blood pumping a lot faster,” he says.

• Nelly prefers to work out with a partner because it helps push him and increases his strength.

tapings. As is typical with tapings, Nelly flubbed lines here and there in search of the perfect delivery that was as conversational as it was informative. At one point, the tape stopped rolling when one of the cameramen suggested it looked as if Nelly picked his nose. Nelly made it clear he was merely scratching it.

It took no time for Nelly to nail it. After all, talking about working out comes easily for this pro, an example of how a body can transform.

People questioned how he did it when they saw his bulging body in 2008’s “Party People” video.

“People think I just woke up all of a sudden and I was this big, but they haven’t been paying attention,” says Nelly, who flaunted his body as a spokesmodel for Sean John underwear.

“If you look at the pictures from ‘04 to now, you can see the change. You can see me go from 160 to 170, 170 to 175, 175 to 180 to 190. You put in all this hard work, and people want to discredit you. But you can transform your body in six to eight months.

In two years, you can create a whole new person.”

• He doesn’t watch what he eats. But he does stay away from fried foods and hasn’t eaten red meat in at least 12 years. He leans toward turkey, fish and chicken. He succumbs to fast food once or twice a month; after late nights in the studio, fast food often is all that’s available. And he’s definitely not a calorie counter. “Calorie intake, calorie burning, I’m not familiar with it,” he says.

• Working out is a great stress reliever. “There’s a lot of stress in the business,” Nelly says. “It’s better to let it out on the weights than on someone you love.”

• He stresses that workouts should be consistent, which is easy when he’s home.

But it’s tricky when he’s on the road. “It’s hard to find good gyms in hotels,” he says.

• Workouts should be conducted with a rhythm, not unlike music. “Whether I’m working out to music or not, music is in my head,” Nelly say. “Music helps push me.”

The “Celebrity Sweat” DVD series featuring Nelly launches Sept. 28. Pre-orders are available at www.sppsports.com and by calling 800-7259423, ext. 818. Post-Dispatch readers can use the code “nelly2010” in ordering and receive $5 off.

Urban Trendsetters | More Than A Magazine. It’s A Lifestyle

September 2010

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Heath & Wellness

INSANE Exercise with Shaun T

By Camela L. Douglass, M.S. ED. Urban Trendsetters Health Editor

workout in my career! Shaun literally pushed me past my mental limit of “I can’t do that” into a physical challenge of “I didn’t know I could do that.”

I wasn’t the only one who had blood and sweat dripping on the workout floor. There were seventy-five other

Challenging, invigorating, breath-taking, and “insane” can best describe Shaun T’s INSANITY workout.

Best known for his creation of Hip Hop Abs, Shaun T has taken exercise to another level.

After attending Shaun T’s recent class at the Five Seasons Country Club in Dayton, OH, I can truly say “I never!” In my 12 years as a fitness instructor, I thought I had seen it all. However, Shaun T challenged me to complete the hardest

insane individuals who signed their “I can’t do that” death warrant. From beginners to experienced trainers, we were all gasping for air as Shaun

T spanked our “abs!” I was totally impressed with his personable antics as he walked around to each individual and charged us to take our workout to heights unknown.

Shaun T has taken traditional interval training and remixed it into an unforgettable exercise escapade. No equipment or weights were used as we alternated between aerobic and anaerobic intervals, performing at our maximum exercise capacity. After performing long burst of intense exercise, we experienced only short periods of rest and small sips of water.

I know each of us burned at least 1,000 calories during the 60 minute workout.

Shaun T is a native of New Jersey, currently residing in New York City.

Trained at Rowan University, he has danced in television and in theater, working with various artists like Queen Latifah, Mariah Carey, and Aaron and Nick Carter. He has one of the top selling products with Beachbody. com, the producer of P90X. He has

also released two new programs for young people called Shaun T’s Kids Fit Club and Get Real With Shaun T. If you are ready to dig deep and push your workout to heights unknown, it’s time to purchase Shaun T’s INSANITY, a series of 10 workout discs packed with plyometric drills on top of nonstop intervals of strength, power, resistance, and ab and core training moves. It will sincerely be the hardest workout that your body has ever had.

Check out: www.teambeachbody. com/mobetterme to order your copy today. Camela Douglass, M.S. ED. is the founder and Chief Exercise Officer at the Mo Better Me Studio at 2534 Shiloh Springs Rd. Trotwood, OH. www.mobetterme.com.

Urban Trendsetters would like congratulate Camela and Mo Betterme Studios, new independent affiliates of Beach Body and the UTS Fit and Trendy Fit Club.

BODY IMAGE FITNESS LAUNCHES HEALTH & WELLNESS EXPO

Image Health and Wellness Expo

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September 11, 2010. The expo, which will include free health screenings for the public, educational sessions and activities for adults and children, will take place on the grounds of 95 N. Stygler Road in Gahanna, Ohio.

“We really want people to walk away from this event more informed and wanting to take control of their health and fitness needs.” says Jackie Richardson, owner of Body Image Fitness.

The Body Image Health and Wellness Expo promotes healthy living for individuals and families.

As a premier health and fitness

program, Body Image Fitness is dedicated to providing its clients and the surrounding community with the tools and education needed to pursue a healthier lifestyle. For our inaugural year we have partnered with the American Cancer Society and our goal is to provide an educational and entertaining event that the entire family can enjoy, while educating them about the prevention and/or management of the health issues that are increasingly affecting families today.

In addition, participants can • tour our new facility and explore what Body Image Fitness has to offer.

• participate in the children’s

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fun and educational area.

• connect with participants to include but not limited to the American Red Cross, Arthritis Foundation, Lupus Foundation of America, American Cancer Society, Columbus Neighborhood Health Center, Mental Health America of Franklin County, and many m o r e .

• Earn a chance to win door prizes and giveaways.

To learn more about Body Image Fitness, visit www.b-image-fit.com.

Trendy Palette

Farmers’ Markets Bring New Options to the Table

As the world enters the second decade of the 21st century, we face a host of issues seemingly more pressing now than in previous years. These concerns include the economy, environmental degradation, energy consumption,

health, and keeping small, community-based businesses alive against the intrusion of large corporate chains.

More Americans are discovering farmers’ markets, and the ways they offer answers to these problems. As the name describes, farmers’ markets are businesses where local farmers sell their produce directly to the public.

The markets come in a variety of forms; some are entirely outdoors, while others are in covered buildings and others operate in a tailgate fashion. According to the Washington Post, the number of these establishments has grown from over one thousand in 1994 to over five

thousand in 2009, appearing in rural, urban and suburban environments.

What are the benefits of buying from a farmers’ market? The foods available are generally fresher than those found in large grocery chains, organically grown, and less expensive since there is no “middleman” party involved. Beyond the immediate benefits to the consumer, there is reduced energy consumption since the foods are harvested and sold in the same locality. Additionally, buying from local farmers puts money back into local economies.

Customers most frequently purchase organic fruits and vegetables from these markets, but their offerings don’t necessarily stop there. Markets may sell meats, free-range eggs,

The “Best” On the Block: Linden

The Linden Café re opened its doors under new management. The new owners are Michael and Tamara Mayfield also owners of Mayfield’s Custom Catering.

The Linden Café’s most creative chefs dazzles breakfast and lunch

with their creations, and diners are sure to find plenty to savor on the menu at the Linden Café. The café features classic breakfast and lunch cuisine with an urban twist. With an eye on today’s economy, the Linden Café will offer a traditional and

Cafe

contemporary menu at affordable prices.

It is important to Michael and Tamara Mayfield to create an environment where people can come and relax.

The café is equipped with WiFi Internet Service and a 42 inch Color TV w/Satellite/Cable in a sophisticated yet comfortable environment. “We were determined to make the Linden Café a place where you could enjoy fine dining on a budget.

Coming to the Linden Café will be a pleasurable experience, because it is beautiful, the food is spectacular, the service is amazing, and everything is top-notch”.

Linden Café Meeting Services are available during and after café hours.

Our flexible catering menu option also makes it the ideal location for a family-style dinner, meetings, group social event or special occasion.

Whether dining in or carry out the

Urban Trendsetters | More Than A Magazine. It’s A Lifestyle

freshly made soups, granola, nuts, jellies and syrups, baking mixes, milk, juices and a variety of other foods.

Farmers’ markets not only sell these foods fresher, they sustain a greater diversity of foods by providing farmers with outlets to sell ethnic items not typically available at large chain stores. Many markets carry Caribbean, Latin American, African and Asian products, which supports ethnically diverse merchants.

So, do some research and see what local producers are available in your neighborhood.

You may decide to make them the next guest at your dinner table.

ultra-fresh, classical and modern Soul Food cuisine entices food lovers and health-conscious diners.

Our courteous and personalized professional service combined with affordability will make the Linden Café the premier hot spot serving the Linden and Central Ohio area.

Location:

The Linden Café, 1393 Cleveland Avenue, Columbus, OH 43211 (Corner of Cleveland and 11th Ave.)

Café Hours: Mon-Sat 7:00 am-2pm Soul Food Sunday: 11am – 3pm For further information: Phone: (614) 754-1054

September 2010

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Fashion/ Beauty Trends

What to Wear for Your Birthday Party

by Claire

Ah, birthdays. They come around every year, but they’re always special!

For your special day, your only duty is to shine.

Here’s how:

1. Don’t be afraid to wear bright colors.

Cast your inhibitions aside and slide on a sexy frock or romper in hot pink, electric orange, or even neon yellow. It’s your night, do it to it!

If you just want to go for a suggestion of color, try a little black dress with a lovely bright hued shoe: Hot!

2. Try a bow.

Wrap yourself up like the gift you are, and present yourself like a stylish treat.

3. Get a little saucy.

You don’t need it all hanging out, but you can be a little daring with a slightly sheer top or a high hem.

4. Shimmer and sparkle, it’s your night!

Light it up in lovely sequins or beaded embroidery.

The point is to show out and wear something that’s fun and reflects your personality.

I decided against suggesting actual dresses, as it’s important for you to pick it for yourself. Go to your favorite store, try on a bunch, and pick the dress that makes you feel most beautiful.

It’s that simple!

Smootches!

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Urban Trendsetters | More Than A Magazine. It’s A Lifestyle

H A I R POWER HAIR POWER

Beauty & Fashion

Edited by Nicole Moore (Reviewed by Kam Williams)

“I can honestly say I have a passion for language… I enjoy writing and editing, and I write every day…

The purpose of this collection is to offer the creative expressions of 48 black and mixed-race women writers whose voices are among those defining this new era of contemporary black British literature… The writers offer empowering, encouraging and creative ways of understanding and relating to the themes of hair and skin.

The personal essay genre is more than 400 years-old and is one of my favourite ways to express honesty, the past, expansions of the self, and much more. It certainly should be celebrated.” — Excerpted from the Introduction (pgs. xi-xiv)

*Judging by the inspirational poems and essays contained in this anthology, sisters over in England are enthusiastically embracing their natural hair and skin tones. That’s assuming these female contributors to be a representative sample of black and bi-racial Brits, as they are generally quite comfortable with how they look, as opposed to devoting a lot of time to trying to measure up to a Caucasian standard of beauty. Not that this mindset always came very easily. For Hair Power Skin Revolution is filled with plenty of heartfelt testimonials about arriving at self-liberation

only after having tried a rigorous regimen of hair relaxers and/or skin lighteners.

Edited by Nicole Moore, the book is comprised of the reflections of a very gifted group of writers, each of whom has an intimate tale of enlightenment to share. For example, Patsy Antoine admits that “I hated my roots” and “despising my kink,” sadly believing “I was acceptable only if I mirrored the ‘dream’ images that left no room for tightly wound curls.” She goes on to explain that, fortunately, nine years ago, “I embraced my ‘fro” because “my hair is so much more than decorative, it is the very thing that connects me to who I am.”

Christine Collymore talks about how, “As a child, my hair was mine but not under my control.”

Consequently, her head was subjected to a host of chemicals and curly perms until, as an adult, she finally managed to undo the harmful socialization that had left her hating her natural hair. Another entry I found fascinating was that of Donna-Marie Glashen who stopped using a line of cosmetics designed for African-American women which contained bleach because it left her face blotchy.

living proof that sisters can often be even more beautiful than ever when walking the Earth as God intended.

Hair Power – Skin Revolution: A Collection of Poems and Personal Essays by Black and Mixed-Race Women

Edited by Nicole Moore Troubadour Publishing Ltd. The New Press Paperback, $19.95 214 pages, Illustrated ISBN: 978-184876-393-7

Contact Me Today Sharon S. Gordon www.sharongordon.soulpurpose.net 614-679-7318

A special treat is how Hair Power Skin Revolution also features photos of many of the authors. Since a picture is worth a thousand words, these priceless portraits serve as

Urban Trendsetters | More Than A Magazine. It’s A Lifestyle

September 2010

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Urban Trendsetters | More Than A Magazine. It’s A Lifestyle

Travel Trends

How African-Americans can travel on a budget

By Audra E. Lord

I’m always surprised to run across someone who has never ventured outside the U.S., the borders of their own state or worse, the fivemile radius of their neighborhood.

There are several theories as to why Black Americans don’t travel as much as their White counterparts but sitting comfortably on theories simply turns them into excuses.

It is a big fat myth that only rich people can travel. As someone who comes from humble beginnings yet has traveled all over the globe, I can tell you it means squat that the median income of a Black person is less than that of a White person. The young, Black budget traveler that backpacks across Africa or Europe is hard to come across. But why?

There is a certainly a “tradition” of sorts or perhaps an acceptance among White Americans and White non-Americans for people without the means to jetset around the world to find cheaper ways to travel. It’s an “adventure.” No frills required.

On the other hand, sleeping in a hostel for $10 a night or going a few days without showering is a dreadful thought for most African Americans.

Our culture simply doesn’t condone it. But after you’ve spent a week horseback riding in the mountains of Argentina, with no hot water or access to an actual toilet, you realize that hot showers are overrated and that you would have never gotten a view like this on your block.

To African Americans who can afford to splurge on hotels and highend resorts but cannot see past the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean: There is nothing wrong with seeking a sense of familiarity in a vacation destination but there’s something to

be learned from a country that isn’t predominately Christian or a government that isn’t democratic.

There are also more and more travel guides catering specifically to African American travelers’ needs.

Check out American Airlines’ BlackAtlas.com, a travel blog specifically geared towards African Americans, Fly-Brother.com who explains he’s been able to travel the world by “Spending money I’d otherwise use for new clothes or shoes or a flat-screen TV on plane tickets.” Also follow @JetBlueCheeps on Twitter for discounted flights and giveaways.

Americans as a whole don’t travel much in comparison to Europeans.

According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, about 28 percent of the U.S. population has a passport. This small percentage only dwindles when you look at the Black community. Travel simply isn’t a priority for most single blacks and black families. But nothing can compare to that first-hand knowledge of a culture unlike your own or that exploration of sights that were once unknown. It’s a magical experience that lasts a lifetime. Not only does it promote awareness, it also promotes appreciation for the life and liberties (even luxuries) we have. You’ll never come back the same.

To college students: take advantage of semesters abroad and summer programs that offer full scholarships.

There’s no better time to completely immerse yourself in a culture. To young and mature adults, open your minds and educate yourselves about alternate (and affordable) travel options. Be safe and discover the world!

2010 Detroit Auto Show: 2011 Audi A8 Audi’s spectacular new sedan is OnCars pick for Best Production Car

By Emile Bouret

First shown to the public at Miami’s Design Week in December, Audi’s A8 sedan flagship took center stage on the first media day of the Detroit auto show.

Somewhat conservative, and dare I say, disappointing in photos, the big Audi sedan absolutely and positively comes to life in person, with beautifully subtle detailing that while simple, exudes a level of elegance completely appropriate for this type of car.

With a subtly reworked singleframe grille, full-LED headlamps, a nicely sculpted body side character line that runs from the headlights to the taillights to the clean break at the rear corner, and rear graphics that accentuate the cars width, the new A8 moves the game on in terms of Audi’s design language functionally, aesthetically and aerodynamically.

Based on a development of the aluminum Audi Space Frame pioneered in 1994 by the first generation A8, the big Audi is powered by a reworked 4.2-liter V8 mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. More powerful as well as more efficient than its predecessor, the A8 is also longer and wider than its competitors although its height is lower than its German rivals, contributing to its excellent luxury-car proportions.

The increased dimensions translate to an incredibly spacious

Urban Trendsetters | More Than A Magazine. It’s A Lifestyle

and airy interior with jaw-dropping good looks. You’ll find the usual impossibly tight panel gaps and impressive craftsmanship the German manufacturer is known for, as well as unprecedented levels of technology nestled within the twisting, wrap-around shape of the interior’s upper panel. The A8’s considerable computing power is accessed through a touchpad interface with a large 8-in. screen.

To illustrate the attention to detail that’s gone into the A8, let’s focus on the headlights. The car’s adaptive light system not only features full-LED lighting that gives the car an imposing stare, but also a high-beam assistant system with continuously variable headlight range control. The system is linked to the navigation system, which analyzes the road ahead and relays the data to the lighting computer so that it can anticipate lighting needs depending on what curves or straight-aways lie ahead. It can even activate the cornering lights as the car approaches an intersection - raising the question, “what will they think of next?” One simple thought that sums up the A8: absolutely incredible.

We look forward to a full roadtest of this spectacular car, our pick as OnCars Best Production Car from the North American International Auto Show.

September 2010

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Handle Your Business

Targeted African American

Advertising Here To Stay – It’s become a full-fledged assault. From an Everest guy yelling at us through the television set, telling us that we’re “sitting on the couch, watching TV and your life is passing you by,” to McDonald’s conducting wholesale music videos, companies have gotten downright blatant in their attempts to reach and study Black audiences.

Last week, Farhad Manjoo wrote a piece for Slate explaining “how Black people use Twitter.” According to Manjoo, Black people are fond of hashtags (#) and topics that evince some of the, let’s say, nuanced aspects of Black culture. Some examples listed to support the author’s argument: #wordthatleadtotrouble # i f s a n t a w a s b l a c k # g h e t t o b a b y n a m e s # a n n o y i n g q u e s t i o n Of the many points this article made, the larger one is this: there are a host of people at institutions that make a living studying the behaviors and actions and likes and dislikes of Black people. This isn’t problematic on the surface. However, in the interest of taxonomy and marketing, the lowest denominator tends to characterize a whole group of people. Manjoo quotes a Ph.D student from Carnegie Mellon who downloaded 100 million African American tweets (which is interesting,

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By Zettler Clay

being that marking your race isn’t required to have a Twitter handle).

Twitter has, in effect, become a marketer’s dream.

To the initiated eye, such pandering is insulting and revealing. It recalls many limiting stereotypes some Black folks have worked their whole lives, even generations, to debunk. For every stereotypical depiction of singing, dancing, jesters, sass and flamboyance, there are millions more who are just the opposite. Contemporary advertisements seem to have no room for distinction, but caricature. As obvious as these images are in pursuit of profit, businesses have no incentive to stop them.

For one, these commercial spots are the result of a behind-thescenes process that has to pass the test of 40 and 50 year-old executives. Secondly, these commercials are working. Thirdly, these commercials are working. During the behind-thescenes process, the advertising copywriter has to convince execs that their money is not being wasted. Nuance is discouraged because that would require the consumer to think more than he/she has to. A marketing no-no. It’s better for ads to err on the side of obviousness.

In marketing terms, this is called targeted advertising. To get to this

point, businesses generally hire an outside advertising agency to assess the market demographic, psychographic, and social habits, of the desired audience. For example, when McDonald’s instituted one dollar meals, this was specifically aimed at a lower-income Hispanic and Black group. What McDonald’s has done since is mine that hole.

Even the most progressive-minded ad copywriter would face the harshest of resistance if he or she deviated from this formula. The executives must be convinced there is a clear line between marketing to the general audience and targeted audience. For a Black agency to get the chance to do ads for black consumers, it has to convince White clients and businesses they know how to do it. They have to use devices to hit that bulls-eye. Why would a business use subtlety and nuance to attract a culture not known for subtlety and nuance?

Cue the obligatory dancing, singing and playing of sports—preferably basketball.

So let’s see: the advertisement comes out formulaic and market researched (read: stereotypical). The sellout process began long before it hit the television airwaves. Who does this hurt more? Well, the people being confined in a box via mass media. Are the hurt people in position to change this? Of course not. And even if they— we—were, what would stop these images from pervading our screens, magazines and newspapers if the formula is making dollars?

Society and mass media have a symbiotic relationship. Movies, music, television sitcoms and news programs—all are complicit in the image marketing firms use in their

Urban Trendsetters | More Than A Magazine. It’s A Lifestyle

commercials. A lot of industries depend on the demoralization and stagnation of the personal and collective development of humans. This is insidious, no doubt, but it is for a purpose: money. Black people aren’t the only group exploited; they’re just among the easiest.

As Lupe rapped, “Don’t think you safe though, because you not Black. Greed is colorblind . . . they gon’ f–k with yours, soon as they done with mine.”

Targeted advertising isn’t stopping anytime soon. African Americans have an $803 billion spending power, according to Target Market News.

The top areas of consumption: Housing—$166.3 billion Food—$65.3 billion Vehicles—$31.5 billion Clothing—$26.9 billion Health Care—$23.9 billion Look at the commercials that pander to Black audiences. A pattern has been developed, sustained and fortified. And what is the lowest area of consumption for African Americans, you ask?

Books—$289 million.

The next lowest area of consumption: sports and recreational equipment at $1 billion. I don’t imagine we’ll be seeing a slate of commercials showing Black folks reading books anytime soon.

Handle Your Business

Nationwide Insurance Executive Accepts 2010 “Woman of Power” Honor

Gale King receives award during National Urban League Centennial Celebration Columbus, OH-Gale King, executive vice president and chief human resource officer for Nationwide, is a National Urban League “Woman of Power”. She accepted her award Saturday, July 31, 2010, at a special luncheon tribute during the National Urban League conference in Washington, DC. “As a member of my executive cabinet, Gale demonstrates her passion for the company and a commitment to every associate. She helps others reach their professional and personal goals by mentoring others, and by developing policies and practices that provide opportunities for all,” said Steve Rasmussen, CEO of Nationwide.

The National Urban League’s “Woman of Power” award honors women for outstanding leadership in the arts, government affairs, politics, technology, corporate, community service, and more. In addition to King, this year’s honorees include the following: 1. Laila Ali – Professional boxer, actress and daughter of Muhammad Ali 2. Angela Bassett – Actress of stage and screen 3. Roslyn K. Brock – Chairman, NAACP 4. Melanie Campbell – President/ CEO, National Coalition of Black Civic Participation 5. Angela Conyers-Benton – Founder, Black Web 2.0 6. Dr. Beverly Mitchell-Brooks – President/CEO, Urban League of Greater Dallas and North Central Texas 7. Ambassador Susan E. Rice – U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations “It humbles me to receive this honor from the National Urban League, and it inspires me to do more as I join such an exceptional group of women

for this recognition,” said King. “The National Urban League challenges us all to work for the empowerment of all people, and has been doing so for the past 100 years. I am proud to receive this award, particularly as we celebrate the centennial year of the Urban League movement.”

About Gale King

As executive vice president and chief human resources officer for Nationwide, King is responsible for developing the company’s human resources strategy. This includes the full range of tools, policies and programs for the company’s nearly 34,000 business leaders and associates throughout the United States. She leads talent management, compensation, performance management, associate and leadership development, organizational effectiveness, change management and diversity and inclusion.

King began her insurance career as a claims representative, then served in various leadership roles, including administrative officer – office of the president – property & casualty, vice president for Nationwide Insurance human resources and senior vice president for property & casualty human resources.

Understanding the importance of education, in 2007, King established a scholarship fund in the name of her late grandmother and mother.

This fund provides four college scholarships annually.

She is active in the community and currently serves on the boards of the Columbus Urban League and Franklin County Children’s Services. She is also a member of two national organizations, the Executive Leadership Council and Insurance Conference Group. King graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a master’s degree in public administration.

About the National Urban League The National Urban League is an historic civil rights organization dedicated to economic empowerment in order to elevate the standard of living in historically underserved urban communities. Founded in 1910 and headquartered in New York City, the National Urban League spearheads the efforts of its local affiliates through the development of programs, public policy research and advocacy. Today, there are more than 100 local affiliates in 36 states and the District of Columbia, providing direct services that impact and improve the lives of more than 2 million people nationwide.

About Nationwide

Nationwide, based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest and strongest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the U.S. and is rated A+ by A.M. Best.

The company provides a full range of personalized insurance and financial services, including auto insurance, motorcycle, boat, homeowners, life insurance, farm, commercial insurance, administrative services, annuities, mortgages, mutual funds, pensions, long-term savings plans and health and productivity services.

For more information, visit www. nationwide.com.

Nationwide, the Nationwide Framemark and On Your Side are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.

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UTS October 2010 Edition Feature: ONE NATION Special Edition includes features on: Economic Development Jobs Business Strategies Education Justice

Ads and Content Due: September 23, 2010 For More Information Call: TF/ 866-970-4UTS (4887) O/ 614-714-0501

Email: sales@urbantrendsetters.com

Olive Branch Counseling Center Comprehensive Services · Individual Counseling · Marital Counseling · Family Counseling · Psycho-educational Groups · Mental Health Workshops for Churches & Community Organizations · Christian Counseling Joan E. Tucker, MACC, LPC/CR Director In Connection With Mt. Olivet Baptist Church 428 E. Main St. Columbus, Ohio 43209 Dr. Charles E. Booth, Sr. Pastor

September 2010

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Sports Trends

Columbus World Series Connections

By Joe Santry Columbus Clippers Historian

African-Americans have graced every World Series since Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in 1947. Columbus has a World Series tradition as well.

From the first World Series in 1903 until the present, there has not been a series that has not had a Columbus player on one of the team’s rosters during their championship season.

It’s an amazing stat!

The Columbus Jets (1955-1970) and the Clippers (1977-present) have continued this tradition with a number of players with African heritage. The 1956 Jets’ catcher Ray Noble of Cuba was a veteran of the Negro Leagues when he caught for the New York Giants in the 1951 Series. Outfielder Hector Lopez (Jets 1955) from Panama played in five consecutive World Series for the Yankees from 1960-1964 and later was the first to break the baseball color line as a black manager at the AAA level for the Buffalo Bisons.

Playing against Lopez’ Yankees in the 1960 Series was the Pirates’ Joe Christopher (Jets 1957, 1959-60,

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1967) of the Virgin Islands and Gene Baker. Baker, the Jets’ player- coach in 1962, was the first AfricanAmerican manager in Organized Baseball. Baker and Ernie Banks broke in together as the Cubs rookie double play combination in 1953.

After his coaching days, he became a scout for the Pirates and retired to the links in 1992.

The 1971 Pirates had five AfricanAmericans that came through Columbus and play in that year’s World Series, second baseman Dave Cash (Jets 1969), outfielders Willie Stargell (Jets 1962), Al Oliver (Jets 1968) and pitchers Dock Ellis (Jets 1965, 1967-1968) and Bob Veale (1960-1962); plus catcher Manny Sanguillen (1967-68) of Panama.

Neon Deion Sanders is the only player to play in both the Super Bowl and the World Series.

Six former Columbus players have been named the World Series MVP each with rich ethnic heritage, Mike Lowell (2007), Derek Jeter (2000), Mariano Rivera (1999), Jose Rijo (1990), Willie Stargell (1979) and

Donn Clendenon (1969).

Shortstop Derek Jeter and closer Mariano Rivera should undoubtedly join Willie Stargell in baseball’s Hall of Fame after their playing days.

Jose Rijo of the Dominican Republic was the Cincinnati Reds All-Star pitcher in the 90’s. Donn Clendenon lost his father Claude, a college professor, as a young child.

His mother was a woman who believed strongly in education. She also believed in having solid male role models around her son. She remarried a former Negro League star Nish Williams (1935 Columbus Elite Giants) and young Donn grew up learning to play baseball from Williams’ friends which included Jackie Robinson, Satchel Paige, Roy Campanella and Don Newcombe.

A well rounded student-athlete, Clendenon turned down a numerous scholarships, including one to UCLA, to attend Atlanta’s Morehouse College. While attending Morehouse, Clendenon had yet another mentor. His “Big Brother” was an upper classman named Martin

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Luther King, Jr. Clendenon chose baseball over contracts from the Cleveland Browns, New York Knicks and the Harlem Globetrotter when he graduated from Morehouse.

He signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1957. After an All-Star season in Columbus in 1961 and a hot start the following season, Clendenon was called up to the Pirates to begin his 12 year major league career.

The first baseman major league highlight was being named the MVP of the 1969 World Series with the Miracle Mets. After his playing days Clendenon earned his law degree from Duquesne University School of Law in 1978 and became an attorney in Dayton. There have been many Clippers players from many ethnic backgrounds who have shown brightly in the World Series such as Bernie Williams, Robinson Cano, Dioner Navarro, Darryl Strawberry, Dwight Gooden, Jorge Posada, Ricky Ledee, Otis Nixon, Bobby Brown and Orlando Hernandez. Who will be this season’s stars?

Culture & Entertainment

Pam Grier: ‘Life is about surviving’

By LEILONI DE GRUY, Black Americans Staff Writer Three generations of filmgoers may know her as Foxy Brown, Coffy, Sheba Baby and Jackie Brown, but Pam Grier views herself as much more than the tough-chick persona honed over more than 30 years as a silver screen icon.

Indeed, she is a survivor. In a recently-published

tell-all memoir, “Foxy: My Life in Three Acts,” the 61-yearold opens up on topics ranging from how she coped with a series of childhood tragedies, to her central role in the blaxploitation movement, highprofile romances with Kareem Abdul Jabbar and Richard Pryor, and her multiple Hollywood comebacks. In an exclusive interview, she touched on all of those topics — and also offered her views on racism, surviving cancer and her personal brand of feminism.

Who is Pam Grier?

I think being aware, reading is your life line, which is what I’ve had throughout my career.

Also being agape, open to yoga and other cultures, so that I can sit here and share with you why I sat down and contemplated and proceeded through an arduous process of writing about my life and hopefully not being boring…

We are all many facets, but I’m a caring person.

What can readers expect from you as a writer?

Lessons learned, a life of going through the civil rights movement, relationships, careers, uncertainty, health, cancer and how I survived.

What I realized is that a lot of people feel, when I share my experience, that it resonates with them

as well, and they have stood up and said, “Thank and we had so much in common, but that was you for sharing that. I don’t feel so alone and you how many relationships were back in the day. navigated your life through circumstances that I The man controlled the woman, told her when never thought I would be able to do so, and now she could come into his life, told her how many I feel that I can.” It is extraordinary children she was going to have, if she to hear peoples’ response who have could work. There were real issues… read the book…To have it on the With Richard, he realized I was a page, crafted like a screenplay, child of the women’s movement. I by first, second and third act, or a didn’t want to move in completely play, I didn’t want it to just be a or right away. He would always say, rambling legacy, I wanted it to have “You’re so independent.” He wanted structure for how these incidences to give me fur coats and diamonds and influenced circumstances, events, I never wore fur coats. I would have who would influence my character been projecting all of the animals that and how through the falls, you died to be on my back. At the time learn…I shared some traumatic South Africa was not free, it wasn’t experiences about liberated. I wouldn’t accept his gifts, human nature and I didn’t want them, and I would try to pose questions that explain that to him. He make you think: Are you forgiving? would say, “Women when Do you ever recover? Do you have they love their man, they friends? Are you abandoned? … I want diamonds and don’t want to preach or pontificate, furs.” My response but I can say, “I fell on this one. It was, “Are you saying took me a few days to get up, but I don’t love you? And other people have suffered worse you are comparing and some never get up, some never me with others. I just recover.” There were incidences want you.” Maybe where I didn’t recover well, where that wasn’t enough, I would be hurting, emotionally because men do need scarred for life, and I’ve had people who helped for you to accept the me through it. I want us to heal each other so we gifts from them, they can move forward. … Life is about surviving. I need you to show wanted to inspire, empower and share laughter. that they are the What were your relationships like with leader. There were Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Richard Pryor? a lot of dynamics.

I met Kareem while he was embracing Islam. It’s Did you wrestle a monolithic community, but it is diverse. There with writing are moderates, conservatives, fundamentalists this book, and radicals. At the time, he didn’t have a seeing as though concrete plan as to how we would live our lives if there are several I converted. It was disappointing, because I didn’t touchy subjects? have enough time. He had been practicing for a couple of years, I had a few months to read about Story Continued on page 29 how to become a Muslim woman [and] the dogmas within it. He determined that if I didn’t commit to him on that day, he was going to marry someone else by that afternoon. Years later, after therapy, counseling and understanding relationship skills, he was controlling. He was very wonderful, smart

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September 2010

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Arts & Culture

THE KING ARTS COMPLEX 4TH ANNUAL LEGENDS AND LEGACIES of their contributions via multi-media presentations and the presentation of the awards followed by acceptance remarks by each honoree on their life and legacy. ”Legends & Legacies allows us to pay homage to those making The King Arts Complex, American Electric Power, Reinberger, and McTech are proud to present the 4th Annual Legends & Legacies Thursday, October 7, 2010 7:00 p.m. in the Pythian Theater. Legends & Legacies honors some of the world’s greatest voices in the literary, acting, visual arts, music, activism or philanthropy fields.

This year’s Legends & Legacies pays tribute to the cultural and artistic contributions of two of Columbus own-Hal Williams and Bernie Casey while also celebrating a global icon---Dr. Maya Angelou. ”This event celebrates the contributions of Legends, but most importantly acknowledges the Legacy they have passed on for generations to come” stated Sheryle Powell, Executive Director for the King Arts Complex.

Legends & Legacies consists of two main components. Thursday, October 7, 2010 the Luncheon program will include Legends Bernie Casey and Hal Williams. Attendees of the Lunch are treated to a conversation between the two, moderated by former State Representative Joyce Beatty, in which the honorees share anecdotal stories of their successes, challenges and life experiences. An evening ceremony will also feature Dr. Maya Angelou, at which time each of the three Legends will be honored through highlights

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profound contributions to humanity while acknowledging our own commitments to making the world a better place!” expressed Dr. Barbara Nicholson, Director Emeritus.

Dr. Maya Angelou is one of the most renowned and influential voices of our time. As a celebrated poet, memoirist, novelist, educator, dramatist, producer, actress, historian, filmmaker, and civil right activist, she has impacted world culture. A trailblazer, Dr. Angelou was equally adept in her early years as a dancer.

The list of her published verse, nonfiction, and fiction includes more than 30 bestselling titles. As one of the most celebrated authors in the world, Dr. Angelou’s words and actions continue to stir our souls, energize our bodies, liberate our minds, and heal our hearts. Maya Angelou is a global icon!

Hal Williams is an American actor, best known for his recurring role as the black cop Officer Smith (Smitty) on Sanford and Son, and as the patriarch Lester Jenkins on 227.

He has appeared in movies such as Hardcore, Private Benjamin, The Rookie, and the memorable role of the grandfather on the Bernie Mac film Guess Who. Williams hosts the annual Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation nationally televised telethon. He is a graduate of Columbus East High school and has always been proud of his Ohio roots.

Bernard Terry Casey attended Garfield Elementary School, Champion Junior High and Columbus East High School.

Bernie Casey has had a long and impressive career in many different fields including professional football, acting, film, art, writing and motivational speaking. He has been Chairman of the Board of Trustees at the Savannah College of Art and Design, has authored several books, is an independent filmmaker, and has had over 30 solo exhibitions. Mr. Casey has supported numerous non-profit organizations in support of human rights and social justice. Casey’s artwork can be found on permanent display in several major museums.

Tickets for Legends & Legacies go on sale Tuesday, August 24, 2010 at all Ticketmaster locations. For more information, call The King Arts Complex at 614-645-KING (5464) or visit www.thekingartscomplex.com.

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Culture & Entertainment

Pam Grier: ‘Life is about surviving’ Cont. from page 27 Very much. It was very difficult, there were times where I had to stop, and I was doing the last season of “The L Word” in another country. I was on a hiatus while I had just finished my proposal. At the time, my significant other, who said he would support and edit as I started writing chapters and my outline, started realizing his life would be exposed. And it made him feel uncomfortable that he projected an image to his peers and corporate America and that I would be the opposite, the antithesis, or I would taint his image by revealing that he had fallen in love with someone who had these issues. He wasn’t strong enough and he didn’t want to be revealed.

It started to create turmoil in my personal world, someone who I had supported when he didn’t have employment, when he was struggling, and at the time he was my best friend. And now, he is abandoning me because he doesn’t want people to know that now this corporate head has been sleeping with Foxy Brown. I was losing my relationship, I was coming to terms with having to revisit certain traumatic instances, being abandoned. It was very difficult.

Why did you want to become an actress, especially during a time — as you refer to it — of systemic racism?

Well, it was a new era of the women’s movement.

The women’s liberation movement was in sync with the Civil Rights Movement, pop culture, Woodstock.

Jimi Hendrix was playing “White” rock-n-roll and not being called an Uncle Tom, Whites were going to see James Brown and not being called a N-lover. … People were exploring and examining them and that was a part of it. When Roger Corman was looking for an actor who was raw and basically, a young, political Angela Davis, I [was the image] he had. I was coming to his filmmaking with more intention and how I portrayed my character. I was working three jobs and I had never acted before.

I needed to save money to become a resident of California, go to film school and survive on my own. He assured me that I wouldn’t get fired and he helped me prepare. I was reading a book called “An Actor Prepares” by Stanislavsky and it spoke so highly … of what the actor does. I proceeded to perform in these movies as if it were Shakespeare. I took it much more seriously and my work projected that. Next thing you know, I’m getting another job and another job…I didn’t think I had a future, I thought I would just make two or three more films for him and that would be it…I was very lucky that out of the work, I stood out and I had been trained in some martial arts living on an Air Force base, which helped, and having my rural background be portrayed as a woman who can handle firearms, who wasn’t afraid of the leeches and the mud, I just had a confidence that my grandfather had instilled in me, which came across on the screen. Young women looking for empowerment saw that and supported that, and the men and young boys saw for the first time a woman of color, a Black woman, with a big ‘fro, stand up. That was the beginning of that particular pop culture. It just resonated. Next, other women were beginning to do it — we were doing stunts, we did what men did, we postured as men, we handled guns, joked about sexuality as they did.

Did you ever receive backlash from Black women who had ill feelings about your roles in blaxploitation films?

Not at all. Maybe that’s because they were unsure whether they wanted to get in the debate or not. But

the majority were extremely supportive. It was a time where women were saying, “Love your body, don’t be ashamed of it.” And women were burning their bras and saying, “Why can’t I show my skin and not be molested? Why can’t I tell female, sexual jokes?… Why do I have to stay barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen?” Some women — in general — thought, “You’re going to castrate our men. You’re going to take away their jobs.”

No, we didn’t want to do that, we just wanted to be the best women we could be. If the men aren’t there, we have to save the house from the flood.

Looking back, how do you view blaxploitation films?

I consider them just films that had Black leaders, Black characters in them…People were really trying to come to terms with how to exhibit the product, the brand and how long it would stay in the theater, who would see it. I was a woman who could manipulate and manifest violence, which to men they thought “Oh women can’t do that, they are not allowed to hide behind violence or create it or manipulate it,” when in the real world you would see it. Some filmmakers wanted to hide social issues under the rug, but as a female I wanted to bring those ills into the light so we could solve those issues.

In your book, you spoke about being this rising star and sex symbol, yet you were unable to try on clothes and shoes in department stores due to racism. What were those moments like for you?

It was a surprise, but not a surprise. I saw my parents and other generations go through it, it’s like you are prepared in a way. I just hoped one day there would be a change, there would be acceptance…

It was just a matter of time. Many were just following the powerful. Many of the middle class were not discriminatory but they had to go along with the rules or suffer. They too were oppressed.

You mentioned having been sexually assaulted as a child, what impact did that have on your life?

As a child I didn’t know what was happening to me, until the adult that intervened had a look on his face that what happened was something very negative. I didn’t know who to tell. I struggled with stuttering and not being as outgoing. It was something that if I had revealed to my family, there would have been anger, there would have been hostility, there would have been turmoil and I would have lost my family.

Do you still deal with that emotionally?

No. The only thing that can happen when I am fearful, I’ll begin to stutter. But, I have a mechanism to stop it.

It began then, and it happened until I found comfort in horses early on in my life. They provide a comfort.

Tell me about your battle with cancer.

Being a cancer survivor, I was given a second chance at life.

Urban Trendsetters | More Than A Magazine. It’s A Lifestyle

September 2010

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Handle Your Business

“Maximizing Your Business Potential” Written by Matthew Whetstone Last year, attendees benefitted from the exceptional presentation of 47th State Treasurer Kevin L. Boyce. We eagerly anticipate the participation of Governor Ted Strickland at this years’ event as well.

As we draw closer and closer to the September 23rd, the business world is all abuzz about the 2010 Profit Factor. Taking place Wednesday, September 23rd 2010 at the Crowne Plaza in Downtown Cleveland, the Profit Factor is the premiere event for the Ohio business community.

FREE and OPEN to the public, the Profit Factor is the largest statewide tradeshow and networking event in the State of Ohio. Each year, Black Pages Ohio partners with local MBEs, corporations, colleges, and political officials to promote business-to-business collaboration, community reinvestment, and educational enhancement.

Showcasing the best Ohio has to offer, the Profit Factor serves as a viable platform to promote Diversity, Cooperation, and Innovation, as well as proactive leadership and community development. In addition to provisions for informational resources, the Profit Factor also offers franchising and contract opportunities.

Also, the Profit Factor offers an exclusive series of workshops designed to help interested members of the general public start their own business, while providing ways for already established entrepreneurs to enhance their business. Not only that, this event provides the opportunity for individuals from all levels of business to meet, greet, and collaborate with individuals from many areas of business and State Government.

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Despite the economic climate, the 2009 Profit Factor delivered more than $350,000,000 in Procurement Opportunities on behalf of Purchasing Specialists from Corporate, State, and Federal sectors. A number of corporations, small businesses, and community leaders were able to form proactive relationships for future endeavors. In addition, our informational workshops will provide participants with the tools they need to enact their own economic stimulus, thus enhancing community reinvestment and development.

The 2010 Profit Factor will feature a number of workshops tailored to business development and expansion. This tentative list includes: Getting Your 501c3, Social Networking, Bonding, Credit Repair, How to Do Business With Major Organizations, and more! New this year is the Support Network for Business Enterprises. Ideally, this new attraction will unite a number of entities to assist in the growth and development of Ohio’s MBEs. We anticipate an attendance of more than 1500 participants from various Profit and Non-Profit sectors, each striving for the opportunity to contribute to business development and community empowerment.

Although we are still three months away from the event, a number of prominent sponsors have already come on board for this momentous event.

participation of American Family Insurance, the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, the Ohio Department of Development, and the Ohio Department of Administrative Services.

The NAACP, COSE, the Urban League of Greater Cleveland, and the Ohio Lottery Commission have also come aboard.

We are proud to welcome PNC, Huntington Bank, KeyBank, FirstMerit Bank, Fifth Third Bank, and US Bank from the financial sectors.

In keeping with our endeavor to highlight educational enhancement, we are proud to welcome Kent State University and the University of Akron. In addition, Cook Paving & Construction, Universal Nursing Services, the Price Corp. Group, and Ebony

Black Pages Ohio welcomes the

Urban Trendsetters | More Than A Magazine. It’s A Lifestyle

Construction have also joined us.

We want to send a special thanks to WEWS News Channel 5, Hotcards. com, and Radio One for helping us promote this event as well.

Affordable vendor space and sponsorships are available! Call us at 1-800-900-7735 for more information and be sure to visit our website www.blackpagesohio. com for all the latest information.

You can also click on our Articles Tab and then 2010 Profit Factor!

Remember, at Black Pages Ohio “We tell all your business.” Save the date for September 23rd and “Maximize Your Business Potential!”

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September 2010

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