Simply Bowie November 2022

HELPING YOU GET YOUR FINANCIAL HOUSE IN ORDER

“I have attended a few seminars on Estate Planning, and I was aware that I needed to start this process sooner than later. I was fortunate to attend an Estate Planning seminar presented by Suren Adams. I was very impressed with her professionalism, her impeccable knowledge of the subject matter, and the ability to present the information in an understandable language. Suren’s noteworthy credentials speak for themselves, and her service costs are comparable to others in the area. I would highly recommend her service to anyone who is interested in the Estate Planning process. I guarantee that once you attend Suren’s seminar, you will not delay in starting the process today!”

“Mrs. Adams: We want to thank you very much for the diligent work your office has done in finalizing our Trust package, to include notifications to our investment organizations and trustees. We could not be happier for the great legal work you and your staff has done for us. Again, many thanks for bringing everything together in our Trust.”

all of Maryland and the District of ColumbiaChapter

- C.H. (Upper Marlboro, MD)

- R.G. & D.G (District Heights)

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Anaïs Nin said, “Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born.” Nin says friendships elicit joy, companionship, and growth, and enrich our entire experience of the world.

I’ve come to realize that, when it comes to friends, some occupy a more integral role in our lives. Sometimes our closest friends live far away. But, as the world becomes smaller, fortunately it only takes one call to spark that immediate connection that seems to have sustained us over the years.

So, what makes someone a really good friend? Why do some people in our lives come and go? What should we expect from friends? Relationship experts say good friends share some important qualities, such as being trustworthy and always honest, even if they don’t always tell us what we want to hear. Good friends enjoy and want to maximize the time they spend with us, actively listen to us, accept who we are, and have our best interests at heart. Good friends make it easy to be ourselves, often able to read between the lines to know when we aren’t doing so well. They’re also reciprocal when it comes to give and take, and don’t just reach out when they need something. At the same time, they’ll willingly help without expecting anything in return. It also takes time to cultivate great friendships.

Changes in seasons can be a catalyst for reevaluating our lives. November is a time for giving thanks, and for being grateful for our families and the good friends and colleagues who enjoy being with us, appreciate us, and help sustain and inspire us to be our best selves, as we weather the seasons of change. Be healthy. Be safe, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

November!

Goodbye October! Hope y’all had a great time on Halloween and didn’t stay up too late. And of course, Hello November with the colder weather! and American Thanksgiving and the start of the holiday season. It’s a time for getting together with family and friends and enjoying the turkey, the stuffing, the sweet potatoes, and the sweet pumpkin pie.

The month of November makes me realize that how beautiful of the nature would be. Like, the trees are standing all sticks without their leaves and spreading their branches. It’s the nature of the world, trying to tell us that one thing remains, and one gone. It also puts my mind in a different place than October because it makes me feel like time is passing so fast, especially when it comes into November. It’s smell like the end of the year but full of joys to receive a new year soon to arrive.

For many people, including my wife, the best and enjoyable day of November is the Friday after Thanksgiving. I have a feeling that she is getting ready for shopping, because I saw the list of many deals saving on the phone. If you happened to miss the sale on Black Friday, there is still a good chance you will find some good prices for Cyber Monday!! Lol. Really unique and happiness happens month, isn’t it?

Stay warm and Happy Thanksgiving!.

Nonprofits Make the WorldGo Round

... By Leelyn Ellis

Working with a nonprofit organization can be an admirable way to become involved with those around you and give back to your community. Not only are you helping whichever organization you’re working with, but also the individuals that the organization services. And while it’s great to volunteer and support a community, not everyone may know exactly where to start. To get started, here are five nonprofit organizations serving Prince George’s County, that you can get involved with today.

Fidos for Freedom, Inc.

Based in Laurel, MD, Fidos For Freedom, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that uses hearing, service, and therapy dogs to increase other’s quality of life. Through providing companionship to locals who are facing PTSD, physical challenges, and more, Fidos for Freedom has built a community thriving in both emotional and physical support. From assistance and therapy dogs to educational programs and outreach, volunteers in this organization work with dogs and individuals to ensure a better life for those with disabilities. Find out how you can be a part of Fidos For Freedom, Inc. and visit fidosforfreedom.org.

Formed in 1999, Sisters4Sisters, Inc., headquartered in Lanham, is a nonprofit organization centered on women’s empowerment through the mind, body, and spirit. Valuing compassion, loyalty, innovation, and more, Sisters4Sisters enriches young women and girls with the tools and education to succeed as their best selves, with loving support from their communities. Through mentoring programs, professional development, and educational campaigns, they tackle issues from homelessness to domestic violence to self-esteem. There are numerous ways to get involved with this organization, including becoming a member or volunteer, as well as simply attending their community events. Learn more about Sisters4Sisters, Inc. and how to participateby visiting sisters4sisters.org.

Prince George’s Child Resource Center

Established in Largo, MD, the Prince George’s Child Resource Center provides family support to more than one thousand families. Fostering healthy, nurturing environments for children and their families through training, mental health services, and advocacy through community voices. Prince George’s Child Resource Center has countless programs targeting specific familial needsand resources to point individuals in the right direction of what they’re looking for. One of the highlights of this organization is the emphasis on community support, and the ways in which the community is invited to volunteer and engage with one another. To learn more about Prince George’s Child Resource Center, visit childresource.org.

Maryland Crime Victims’ Resource Center, Inc.

The Maryland Crime Victims’ Resource Center, Inc. is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization based in Upper Marlboro but serving the entire state of Maryland. MCVRC was founded in 2002 by Roberta Roper after her daughter was an innocent victim of a crime. This group is dedicated to crime victims in Maryland and assisting them through any means, including support groups, legal representation, criminal justice education, policy advocacy, and more. Roper has devoted her time to becoming an advocate for victims and fostering a community. For more information about MCVRC and to learn about ways to get involved, visit mdcrimevictims.org.

Y-KNOT Inc.

Founded by Regina Gibbons centering on education and youth empowerment, Y-Knot Inc. is a nonprofit organization that relies on volunteer community support to provide mentoring to youth in the D.C. metropolitan area. Y-Knot seeks to disregard asking “why?” (or “Y?”), and to reframe it as asking, “why not?” (“Y-Knot?”), nurturing positive mindsets in the lives and personalities of youth. Y-Knot aims to inspire others through mentorship programs, focusing on youth that are struggling in school, facing social issues, or involved in the juvenile court system. Become a mentor, volunteer, or learn more about Y-Knot Inc. by visiting yknotinc.org.

Giving Back

HENRI

Article by Brittney DeZwaan

He has been a pillar in the Bowie, MD community for many years. He was born in Philidelphia, PA, and raised in Norfolk, VA. He also graduated from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA. He also joined the US Air Force Reserves as a crew chief and the US Army Reserves as a combat medic/practical nurse. Gardner is clearly a well-rounded individual, but how did he get into Bowie, MD’s city council?

His time as a council member began in 2011 when he was appointed to serve as the interim At-Large Councilmember after Geraldine Valentino-Smith left the spot open. Then in November of the same year, he was elected to the District 3 council seat and subsequently reelected in November 2013. Then in 2015, he was elected as an At-Large Councilmember and also reelected in 2019. He is a very active council member. He currently serves as Council Liasion for the Economic Development and Green Team Executive Committees.

His involvement does not stop there. However, he also throws a lot of events to help the Bowie, MD, community. During his time on the council, he has organized two very successful and large job fairs that have provided hundreds of Bowie residents with good jobs with companies such as Comcast, Prince George’s County Government, Verizon Wireless, and many, many more. This year he has been a part of a fundraiser for his fellow councilmember, promoted a low-cost microchipping and rabies shot clinic for those who need those services, and a candlelight vigil for the people of Ukraine, just to name a few of his endeavors this year.

In addition to putting on or promoting events, he is also involved in several civic groups. These groups include the Bowie Political Club, Bowie Interfaith Food Pantry, Anacostia Community Outreach Committee, and Williams Life Center. All of these groups are very important to the development of a happy and healthy community. They each provide important services for the community, which shows how important the community is to Gardner.

When Gardner is not being an extremely active council member, he serves as the President of CAISS Group. CAISS Group is a veteran-owned technology, management, and consultant group located in Washington, DC. He is also a member of Covenant Baptist Church also located in Washington, DC. Overall, Henri Gardener is an amazing Councilmember At-Large. He truly cares about the community and shows that with his continued actions. Hopefully, he continues to do what is best for the Bowie, MD community, and we see more and more of him in years to come

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Article by Braxton Babb

If you were a dessert, what would you be? An oldie but goodie chocolate chip cookie? A hard exterior but warm and fluffy on the interior Crème Brulee? Look no further, here are the desserts that define your Zodiac Sign. No bias here, but as a rebellious live-out-loud Capricorn, Tiramisu describes us perfectly. You would not know what hit you after taking a bite of the ladyfingers dipped in coffee, bedded in a mixture of eggs, sugar, and mascarpone cheese, garnished with decadent cocoa powder. Not everyone is a fan of Tiramisu or Capricorns, both are bold and brave choices. Not the safest choice, but once you try them, you will not regret it!

The advanced yet exceptional Aquarius. Every Aquarius I have ever met has exceptional taste, when it comes to fashion, food, and so much more. For that, I see Aquarius as a Pineapple Upside Down Cake. Some question the taste while others a fond of it, and that is exactly how people interpret Aquarius. They put something together that is questionable but once you see the vision and it is executed properly, you understand the exquisite taste.

Do you know how in movies when someone gets broken up with their go-to is Ice Cream? Pisces are sympathetic with others, but they are also sensitive. Easy to melt but brings you joy when you are down, one could assume Pisces and Ice are one and the same.

Aries are a very laid-back, go-with-the-flow type of people. It does not take much to please them. A vanilla cake with buttercream icing, that is what an Aries is. You can never go wrong with a vanilla cake, it is one of the first desserts you had as a child, so you stick to what you know because you will not be disappointed.

Strawberry Cheesecake is one of the top dessert choices. A fancy classic served in so many places. It reminds me of a Taurus. Taurus are great socially; you will see them everywhere. Every chance they get to make an appearance, they can, and they will.

Geminis are known for their split personality, the perfect dessert for them would be a banana split. Three scoops of the creamy

delicious variety of ice cream flavors: vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry, wedged between a fresh split in half banana. The combination of flavors stands for the different personalities withheld in a Gemini You never know which one you are going to get that day, that hour, even that second, but you know you will get one.

Cancers are like Capricorn’s sister sign. Both have an exterior to breakthrough but once you get through you get to see them for who they really are... softies. The sensitive Cancer is like a lava cake. Molten Lava Cake the gooey goodness inside a wonderful chocolate cake. Who does not love a Leo? The confident, outgoing, lovable Leo. Everyone needs a Leo in their life and what better dessert to describe them than a chocolate chip cookie? A safe choice but the best to go with, they are reliable and always there, just like a Leo. They will always be there to cheer you up and bring you peace.

Virgos are a humble sign, but they have done amazing things. A simple but amazing dessert is a Pizookie from BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse. A cookie garnished with ice cream. A basic dessert that can be served

The Desserts that matches your Zodiac Sign!

in so many ways: Snickerdoodle Cookie and Vanilla Ice Cream, Triple Chocolate Cookie, Mint Chocolate Ice Cream, and many more. Pizookies and Virgos do not understand how great and versatile they are.

Libras are charming. They have something within that could sweep someone off their feet. One of the sweetest signs to grace the Earth. The charming sign is a crepe. A crepe is a soft dessert all around. No matter what topping they are covered with, they are easy to dig into and enjoy. Libras are an easy sign to come to in times of need, they will comfort you, even when they are having troubles of their own.

Scorpios can be intimidating. They come off strong, and they are but they are also great people. A tiered cake. A tiered cake is somewhat like a Scorpio, based on looks you can be intimidated. How could you eat all that cake? The authenticity of a tiered cake compares to the authenticity of a Scorpio

Sagittarius are known for their intensity. They are not afraid of anything. One thing that is more intense than a Sagittarius is Dark Chocolate Mousse. A straightup flavor yet is so good. Milk chocolate cannot compare to the intensity of dark chocolate. The fluffy dessert is one of a kind just like a Sagittarius

Why Thanksgiving and “Thanks-Giving” Are Good for Your Family

Thanksgiving isn’t just about good food – it’s good for your family. For most families, the annual November celebration involves tradition (what would the big day be without a turkey, or your family’s equivalent?), ritual (sitting down for dinner counts!) and, of course, giving thanks. Experts say all three of these components can help your family be happier and healthier.

According to a review of research from Syracuse University over the past 50 years, routines and rituals – including the celebration of Thanksgiving – offer stability during times of stress and transition, and help improve physical health, mental health and the overall well-being of children ages 0–5. According to Dr. Barbara Feise, one of the review’s authors and author of Family Routines and Rituals, when parents have positive memories of family holidays they tend to interact more positively with their children.

For children, Thanksgiving’s large, festive meal with family and friends demonstrates the importance of sitting down and enjoying the company of those closest to us. Making time for dinner with family benefits development at other times of the year, as well. According to psychologist Anne K. Fishel, author of Home for Dinner and the Food for

Thought blog, families who sit down for dinner together see improvements in children’s academic performance, confidence and self-esteem. Sharing family dinners is also linked to lower rates of depression, drug use and eating disorders.

Finally, “thanks-giving” has many mental and physical benefits for families. As reported in Dr. Robert Emmons’ studies at University of California, Davis, expressing gratitude daily is connected to greater optimism and feeling better about one’s life – plus less stress and physical illness. Expressing gratitude has been found to lead to better relationships in couples, better communication about difficult issues and increased resilience. According to a study in the Harvard Medical School’s Harvard Health Publishing, expressing gratitude is strongly and consistently linked to greater happiness. Offering thanks for good things helps people feel positive emotions, enjoy experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity and build strong relationships. Starting this Thanksgiving, creating an attitude of gratitude in your family can be the beginning of many good things in years to come.

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WHAT IS IT COSTING YOU TO WAIT?

By T. Denise Stokes / Denise Opens Doors

Interested in selling or buying a house? You’re seeing the news about the market shift, feeling the impact of inflation and higher interest rates and hearing the rumbles of a recession or another housing bubble. It’s coming at you faster than ever and from more directions that ever.

Here’s one thing for sure: As the world in 2020 began to feel more perilous and uncertain, our homes took on new roles. They became far more than just addresses to store our things. They became the new home offices, gyms, schools and sanctuaries.Without the right guidance, more home sellers and buyers will continue to back out of their plans and pause their homeownership process until they feel it’s safe to move forward.

I’ve got some good news and some not so good news to share about the state of the market in Prince George’s County.

The number one question that I’m asked as a realtor is, “How’s the market?” And my number one response is, “That depends on what side of the fence you’re on? Are you buying or selling?

Gone are the days of 2021 and early 2022 when sellers were choosing from between a whopping 25 and 35 offers on their home. You may have heard stories from family, friends and neighbors who experienced it. Houses were literally selling before they even hit the market. And, the ones that did manage to hit the market we’re being swept up in 24-hours, or maybe in two-three days!

Even though asking prices for sellers are still climbing, I’ve seen more price reductions lately than the law should allow. They’re popping up via email notifications several times a day all day, now. The problem with that is many home sellers haven’t quite gotten the memo, yet. Or maybe they have, but are in denial, hanging on to some long-shot hope that their property may still find some buyer willing to pay skyhigh prices of $50,000 to $100,000 over asking price. If you’re trying to sell your house and it has been on the market for longer than 30 days, condition and price are two of the most important things to consider as reasons for the stall.

If you’re still serious about selling, come back down to reality, even if your house really is the best one on the block. Consider pricing your house at the middle end of the market or lower end of the market to attract multiple buyers and let them drive the price up.

A seller’s saving grace right now is the fact that inventory is still low and there’s still more buyers in today’s market than there are houses for sale. Home prices are still higher than they’ve ever been. The longer you delay the process, the riskier it can become. Prince George’s County homes remain in strong demand. Sell now before more houses hit the market in the spring.

Buyers Waiting on Market to Crash

Playing a strategic waiting game? Do not hold your breath! While on one hand, increasing interest rates will definitely reduce purchasing power and the pool of qualified buyers who are

ready, willing and able, did you know that fall and winter are typically the best times to buy a house?

For those buyers who are waiting for the market to go to hell in a hand basket, prices and interest rates to come down, pleaseknow we will likely NEVER see rates as low as 2.75% like they were in 2021. And, the interest rates we’re seeing at 5% or slightly higher areNORMAL. As a matter of fact, the mortgage interest rates we’re seeing today are less than they were twenty years ago at the turn of the century.

It is a market for buyers that are opportunistic. Conditions are less competitive. For buyers that are staying in the market, theynow have more time to make an offer – more breathing room when it comes to deciding.

Here are two important questions potential homebuyers need to ask themselves: Do I think home values will be higher six months to a year from now? Do I think mortgage rates will be higher six months to a year from now?

Typically, when interest rates rise, house prices stabilize. But in this very atypical housing market, prices are still higher than ever. With higher purchase prices, higher down payments, higher closing costs and a higher monthly payment - who wants to wait for that?

If you’re still on the fence, consider this: Today’s prices and rates are known. Tomorrow’s are not! If both rates and prices rise, a payment tomorrow could be even higher, harder to qualify for and make in the long run.

Hosted by Jacqueline Marshall Photographer: Frank Sparks

GRAND OPENING CAKE BATTER

WASHINGTON DC METRO Celebrities

By B. De Zwaan

DAVE CHAPELLE

Dave Chapelle is a famous comedian and actor that was born on August 24, 1973, in Washington, DC. Both of his parents were professors, and he lived between Silver Spring, MD, with his mother and Yellow Springs, OH, with his father. Chapelle started his comedy career at just 14 years old while attending Duke Ellington School of the Arts.

After graduating in 1991, he moved to New York City to pursue comedy full-time. By 1993 he had his first major supporting role in Robin Hood: Men in Tights. Chapelle was in several comedy movies in the years after Robin Hood: Men in Tights while also performing standup comedy.

Then in 2003, he landed his own TV show called Chapelle’s Show. His show was a major hit and even received three Emmy nominations, but it was also seen as controversial because of the topics he covered. Then in 2005, he abruptly left the production of Chapelle’s Show because he did not like the direction the show was going.

He was out of the spotlight for several years until making a comeback in 2013. In 2013, he headlined the Funny or Die Tour. Then in 2015, he returned to the big screen in Spike Lee’s Chi-Raq. Chapelle has done several comedy specials with Netflix and has even won a Grammy for Best Comedy Album. In 2019, he also won the Kennedy Center’s Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. While he has been very successful in recent years, he has been called out by the LGBTQ+ community for homo and transphobic comments, and he has denied any allegations of this.

MIKE TOMLIN

Mike Tomlin was born on March 15, 1972, in Hampton, VA, to Ed Tomlin and Julia Copeland, but he was mainly raised by his mother and stepfather, Leslie Copeland. He went to college at the College of William and Mary, where he became a member of Kappa Alpha Psi and played as a wide receiver for their football team.

After graduating college, he had a stint as a coach in college football but was eventually hired by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2001. While with the Buccaneers, he was the defensive backs coach, and during his time there, the team led in total defense. In 2006, Tomlin was selected to be the defensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings, but he was only there for a year before he started with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Tomlin became the Steelers’ 16th head coach in franchise history. While head coach, Tomlin has accomplished many many things. He became the youngest head coach to win a Superbowl in NFL history and as well as the quickest head coach to win a Superbowl. He is also the 10th African American head coach in NFL history and the first in Steelers history. He has done a lot for the Steelers and continues to do so.

BILL NYE

William Sanford Nye, professionally known as Bill Nye the Science Guy, was born on November 27, 1955, in Washington, DC. His parents are both very smart his mother even was recruited to be a code breaker during World War II. Nye attended the Sidwell Friends School, which is a private school located in either Bethesda, MD, or Washington, DC. After graduating from the Sidwell Friends School, he attended Cornel University, where he studied mechanical engineering. After obtaining his Bachelor of Science, he moved to Seattle, WA, to work for The Boeing Company. While at The Boeing Company, he invented a hydraulic pressure resonance suppressor that is still used to this day.

Nye’s entertainment career began after he won a Steve Martin lookalike contest and he started doing standup comedy. Eventually he quit his engineering job to pursue comedy full time. He became a writer and performer on Almost Live. Eventually Seatles’ PBS produced an educational TV show starring Nye titled Bill Nye the Science Guy There are 100 episodes and the show ran from 1993 to 1998 and has been a part of many childhoods across the nation. The show itself won 19 Emmys and Nye personally won seven for the show.

After Bill Nye the Science Guy, he has been very busy educating, narrating, acting, and even dancing in several different programs. In 2017, Bill Nye Saves the World was created and it explored heavier topics than previously but they are topics that impact our everyday lives. He has also written several books about different science topics for varying age groups. Nye also continues to work in the field of science and even helped develop sundials that were used in the Mars Rover missions. Nye has also received honorary doctorates from several colleges and universities. He is overall a very smart man that has impacted so many lives through his work in science and acting.

GOLDIE HAWN

Goldie Hawn was born on November 21, 1945, in Washington, DC, and grew up in Takoma Park, MD. Her mother was a jewelry shop and dance school owner, while her father was a musician. She began taking dance lessons at three years old, and after graduating high school, she attended American University until dropping out to start her own ballet school. During this time, she also was a professional dancer.

Her acting career began with a small role in The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band in 1968. But her breakout role was in Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In, which was a comedy variety show.

Then in 1969, she won a Golden Globe and Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Cactus Flower. She stayed very busy with movies until 2002, when her very long hiatus started. In 2017, her hiatus ended with her playing the role of Amy Schumer’s mother in the movie Snatched. She has also been in a couple more movies since then.

She has been married a couple of times, but she is most notably been with Kurt Russell for years. She also has three children Wyatt Russell, Oliver Hudson, and Kate Hudson, who you may know is also a famous actress.

TARAJI P. HENSON

Taraji P. Henson was born on September 11, 1970, in Washington, DC, to a working-class family. When she was just two years old, her parents divorced, but they were still loving and attentive. She has even said her father was her main source of moral support. She attended Oxon Hill High School after applying to a performing arts high school and, unfortunately, was denied admission. She graduated in 1988.

After graduating, she attended NC A&T, majoring in electrical engineering, but she ended up transferring to Howard University to major in theater after failing a math class. She received the “Triple Threat Scholarship” because of her singing, dancing, and acting skills. She did all of this while holding two jobs.

After graduating from Howard in 1995, she moved to Los Angeles with her infant son to pursue her acting career. She famously only had $700 in her bank account when she made the move and worked an office job to make ends meet. Eventually, after two years of auditioning, she got her first recurring role in the TV show Smart Guy. This role would essentially help kick-start her career.

Her role in Baby Boy is considered to be her big break. This role directly led to her next role playing Shug in Hustle and Flow. She even sang “Its Hard Out Here for a Pimp,” which she won the 2004 Academy Award for Best Song. She went on to have many other big roles in movies, such as The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, which gave her nominations at both the Screen Actors Guild and Academy Awards. Then in 2015, Henson landed the role of Cookie Lyon in the hit TV show Empire. She received a few Emmy nominations for her role as Cookie and also won a Golden Globe. Henson has not slowed down at all and continues to bring us great content. She even has some projects coming out next year, so be on the lookout.

MARVIN GAYE

Marvin Pentz Gay, stage name Marvin Gaye, was born on April 2, 1939, at Howard University Hospital in Washington, DC. His mother was a domestic worker, while his father was a reverend. Gaye was always interested in music, learning drums and piano at a young age while also singing in the choir of his father’s church. In the late 1950s, he joined his first band called, The Moonglows.

After The Moonglows broke up, the group’s founder and Gaye moved to Detroit, where Motown Records was being formed. Gaye’s big break came in 1962 after being integral to the behind-the-scenes work of many successful tracks. Many know him for his duets with Tammi Terrell, such as “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and “Your Precious Love,” but their working relationship was cut short when Terrell passed due to a brain tumor. Gaye was very devastated and almost completely left the music business.

In 1970, Gaye took a big leap by releasing “What’s Going On.” This album, while outside the mold of many Motown hits at the time, gained a lot of popularity. He even went on to win Rolling Stone’s album of the year award. Gaye eventually moved to Los Angeles to branch out even more, and with his major success, Motown urged him to tour.

Gaye had two wives during his lifetime and three children. Unfortunately, Gaye’s life would come to a tragic end when on April 1, 1984, he got into a domestic dispute with his father. This dispute ended with his father fatally shooting him. He is remembered as a powerful vocalist and talented musician and even won a Grammy for lifetime achievement in 1996.

SHY GLIZZY

Marquis Amonte King, stage name Shy Glizzy is a rapper who was born on December 12, 1992, in Southeast Washington, DC. He only grew up with his mother, grandmother and brother because his father was unfortunately shot and killed before his first birthday. King was arrested twice in his youth, but he received his GED his second time in juvenile detention and has made a great career in music. He has stated that he did not listen to rap a lot growing up but rather go-go music, which he credits with how he has been able to create his own unique sound.

His rap career really took off in 2011 when he released his first mixtape titled No Brain. He also went on the release his second mixtape that same year. Then in 2012, after the release of his third mixtape titled Law, he was featured in a Complex article titled “10 New DMV Rappers to Watch Out For.” He has continued to see huge success throughout each of his mixtape and EP releases, even collaborating with huge names such as Migos, Yo Gotti, and many more. In 2018, King released his debut studio album titled Fully Loaded, which peaked at number 35 on the Billboard Top 200. He then announced he would be joining Gunna on his Drip or Drown 2 US tour. He has not released anything since September 2020, but he has been featured in a few mixtapes since then.

REGINA HALL

Regina Hall was born on December 12, 1970, in Washington, DC, her mother Ruby was a teacher, and Odie was a contractor. She attended Immaculata College High School in Northwest DC, and after graduating, she moved to New York to pursue a degree in English at Fordham University. She graduated from Fordham in 1992 and then went on to obtain a Master’s degree in journalism from New York University. After obtaining her Master’s degree, she then decided to shift her

and go into acting full-time.

She did appear in some commercials and TV shows, but she is mostly known for her movie acting. Her first role on the big screen was in The Best Man, where she played Candy. A year after The Best Man, she played her first big role as Brenda Meeks in the Scary Movie franchise, which has been a cult classic since it originally came out. She has been in so many movies and TV shows that we all know and love, which has made her a household name for many people.

Unfortunately, in 2004 her mother was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease called scleroderma, so she spends a lot of her free time raising awareness for the disease. Another fun fact about Hall is in 2010, she tried to become a nun but was rejected because the age cut-off is 39. In 2010 she also announced she would be writing Ability Magazine, a magazine that focuses on issues related to health and disability

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