Fatherhood,Mental Health and More......

W A Y T O P AL iRf eES N T tyle

August 2019 | issue 03

EXCLUSIVE!

CHRISTAN RAINEY ON FINDING HIS CALLING THRU TRAGEDY

Back2School Tips Keto Diet FatherHood

AND MORE

10

BLACK MEN & MENTAL HEALTH

COPARENTING APP

EMBRACING FATHERHOOD THE JOYS, FEARS, AND THE UNKOWN

HOMETOWN HERO

JERVAY GALBERTH GIVING BACK! We Care For You

THAT'S LANGSTON FATHER BY DAY, ARTIST AT NIGHT

HELPING THE SINGLE, DIVORCED AND MARRIED

AUGUST 2019 | $6.99

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CONTENTS TOPICS 04

EDITOR NOTES

07

WE CARE FOR YOU

10

HEALTH IS WEALTH

16

EMBRACING FATHERHOOD

EXCLUSIVE

TOPICS 20

TRAGEDY TO TRIUMPH

26

KETO DIET

30

FATHERHOOD

33

I WIN TODAY CHALLENGE

37

FATHER BY DAY, ARTIST AT NIGHT

43

BACK 2 SCHOOL TIPS

Pg.20

TRAGEDY TO TRIUMPH WE CARE FOR YOU Nonprofit 501c3

FEATURES 32

MAKEUP TUTORIAL VIDEO

39

LANGSTON HUGHES MUSIC VIDEO

SCHOOL TIPS

WWW.WAYTOPARENT.NET

KETO

WTP STAFF Blaine Way, CEO, Editor,Writer Desmonae Flowers Senior Writer Dr.Bracely Senior Writer Mashonda Waddell, Writer, Editor Erica Lorraine Writer, Social Media Branden Valentine Writer

Editor Note's I've truly enjoyed editing and putting together this magazine. It's not that I didn't enjoy the previous magazines but as a black father myself, I feel black men in general are only recognized for the negativity and not enough for their positivity within communities. Black fathers aren't talked about because the stigma on "us" is that we are never around or we don't support our children.

So I decided to put together this magazine as a form of advocacy of "breaking this stigma" on black fathers. The WTP Team was able to successfully capture and share black fathers in various locations doing great things, within their communities and making a difference, while also being a father to their children. It brought true joy to know that even though our work may not be brought to light, shared, or even talked about. It doesn't and didn't stop these fathers from being who they are, standing up for what they believe in, and continuing to enjoy this fraternity we call "Fatherhood".

I hope this magazine can influence other young men out there to understand "FatherHood" is not a burden. It's truly a blessing, that will not only make you stronger and mature, but focused as you reach for your goals to better yourself, as well as your children.

--- BLAINE WAY, CEO, EDITOR

@WayToParent

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LIFESTYLE

MAGAZINE/PG

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Black Fatherhood

Changing The Stigma

HOMETOWN HERO

WE CARE FOR YOU INC. JERVAY GALBERTH

Nonprofit Born and raised from Raeford NC. Jervay Galberth grew up in a household where money was limited. Some of the finer things in life wasn't attainable and through this experience Jervay now an adult and with a family of his own decided he wanted help change that concept for low income families that struggled to provide shoes for their families. With that idea "We Care For You" Nonprofit 501c3 was born 2014. I was able to sit down with Jervay and talk about family & "We Care For You".

"The heart represents that we give from our heart, if your heart isn't in it then you shouldn't be doing this"

waytoparent.net/ Pg 7

DETAIL > "I remember growing up I wanted Nike AirForce Ones but got Kswiss"

Jervay Galberth, recently held a back to school shoe give away in Raeford NC, which was dedicated to helping low income families provide their children shoes regardless of age.

How many areas do your nonprofit support?

Jervay: Right now we support Raeford NC, and Greenville SC. As we continue to grow we plan help other areas sooner or later.

How has everyting your doing affected your family?

Jervay: My son loves it! I've intentionally have allowed my son to see what I'm doing letting him know the importance of giving back that recently. He saw our nieghbor raking his yard, that he went over there to help. When I walked outside to check on him, he said "Look Dad, We Care For You".

Recently you gave away 200 pair of shoes at your event, how did you feel about that?

Jervay: I was excited before and during the event. But I was sadden afterwards because we did have to turn around alot of people because we ran out and no longer had their shoe size.

Overall, I believe we made an impact and it showed there is a need, we are on the track of helping families.

What's Next for "We Care For You?" Jervay: We have are receiving 200 pair of shoes from Nike in September. We sponsor 5 kids a month at Scurlock Elementary.

To Support Nonprofit "We Care For You" Text #Shoes to : 44321 Cash App: $Wc4y Follow On Social Media: We Care For you Inc.

All Donations are tax dedutible

Black Fatherhood

Changing The Stigma

Let's just jump right into it. Mental health is not a dirty word. Your mind is a powerful muscle that needs maintenance and care just like any other muscle. If you over use your hamstring eventually it will tear, and in extreme cases will disconnect, and require a professional surgeon to repair the damage. Why is it, when it comes to the most powerful muscle, we tend to stray away from professional help? Why is seeing a therapist taboo? I have worked with a therapist for the past 2 years, and I’ll be the first to admit it has not been a bowl of sunshine; it actually required hard work. The process was tedious but well worth it!

MENTAL HEALTH

BY BRANDEN VALENTINE

BYE BYE BAGGAGE We started by battling the demons I let run my life, some were inherited and some I picked up along the way. Some of them I had been carrying with me for years such as the issues with my father and mother and the guilt I held onto from when I was in the wrong. It was hard, I buried some memories so deep I forgot they existed, my closure came from facing them.I hadn’t realized how much I was holding onto until I finally let it all go.

HEALTH IS WEALTH

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MENTAL HEALTH Eventually we started developing tools to help me deal with everyday stress and random conflicts. It takes 21 days for a repetitive action to become a habit, it is super important that you develop these healthy habits. One big one for me was saying yes to people when I really wanted to say no, establishing boundaries is really tough, especially when the person trying to steal your time is a loved one. Sometimes you don’t want to go out, you want to stay home and watch criminal minds while eating popcorn, you should, it’s a great show. Taking time to recharge is super important for your psyche, taking that time is easier said than done, I still struggle with it.

Therapy is more than crying, and let me tell you I cried, some days I didn’t know I was crying until they handed me a tissue. But it was more than tears it is about developing healthy routines that become the blueprint for health living.

BYE, BYE MISCONCEPTIONS I wasn’t always a cheerleader for therapy, I was super skeptical. I was under the impression that only depressed and severely traumatized people went to see one because they couldn’t cope. I was wrong. Sometimes you need to talk to someone that doesn’t have a stake in your life, someone that you can be honest with and will be honest back because sometimes our shit stinks and we need someone to hold us accountable. Sometimes we talk to people and they give us advice that benefits them! The right therapist will not shake their finger at you they will hold the space for your true self to shine. Therapy isn't about someone telling you what’s wrong with who you are. It's about unpacking years of trauma and finding that joy you had as a child.

HELLO NEW ME

HELLO NEW YOU

One of my initial road blocks was choosing the right therapist. I suggest that everyone take your time with this step and give it some thought. I’ve had both white and black therapist. My preference is having black therapist, I found that having to explain racism or the feeling of being oppressed for generations was something that took my mind out of the space. When looking for the right person consider their experiences and how you feel after your first info session, check in with yourself, how do you feel? There is absolutely nothing wrong with telling a potential therapist they are not the right fit for you. You are about to embark on a journey of self-discovery and cleansing, make sure the person leading you down that path is someone you feel good about. Therapy works best when you feel connected and respected. Now let me say this in all caps YOU WILL NOT “LIKE” THEM AFTER EVERY SESSION! Your therapist’s job is to challenge and push you to the truth you’ve been avoiding. What does this mean? It means some sessions are going to leave you emotional, irritated and feeling vulnerable. This is normal, as it is part of the process; they are holding you accountable for your actions and words.

By now I hope that you are motivated to ask “So how do I find the right one for me?” I’m happy to let you know that I personally found mine at www.therapyforblackgirls.com. Please don’t say something about not being a girl, this is a wonderful resource for finding a great therapist for all races, sexes, and, age groups. Don’t miss a blessing because of the name! I will include two other resources at the bottom of the page. Many of us myself included have adopted unhealthy ways to cope with the stress of life. Some of us drink, smoke or even shop. Don’t get me wrong these things can be fun but when they are done or used to escape or numb reality it’s a sign that maybe there is a larger issue luring behind the scenes, some pain or unresolved issue. Confronting these demons can be extremely painful and downright frightening. I want you to know you don’t have to face them alone there are so many resources out here to help. The hardest part about receiving help is asking for it. Health is wealth and there is nothing more valuable than your mind. My goal is not to lecture anyone reading this but to encourage you to take back your life and find your smile again.

waytoparent.net/ Pg 13

Follow Us: @MilitaryCandyCandence

http://www.surefireyouth.com

Author Brett Thomas

Black Fatherhood

Changing The Stigma

Black Fatherhood

Changing The Stigma

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

Full disclosure I am still terrified!

My child isn't here yet, our baby is due Sept 26th, we opted not to find out the gender of the baby which weirdly freaked people out.

Less than 2 months to the due date and the fear is still with me, we have lunch on Thursdays to discuss my weekly torment.

Recently I pasted the point of doubting if I can keep the baby alive, which feels great, I replaced it with the anxiety raising them to adulthood. I remember I went to one of my favorite spots here in Portland and had breakfast alone to give serious thought to what was to come.

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Of course, with this being my first child I had all these notions of what it meant to be a father bouncing around my head, the more they bounce the more unachievable they seemed. Fear took hold of me again, in an attempt to not be like my dad, I was creating this god like figure that I felt I could not live up to. In one of my therapy sessions, I highly recommend trying therapy if you haven't already.

AUGUST 2019

In one of my sessions I was asked why do I continue to put my father into the equation of my parenting? I was speechless, she then asked what did you want from you father? My answer was one word, time. Time is all I wanted, looking back it was the only thing I longed for. If you are an expecting father who's head is buzzing like mine was I would encourage you to stop take a breath and ask yourself what one thing do you wish you had from your father or father figure and whatever that is be that, be consistent parent with love.

EMBRACING FATHERHOOD BY: BRANDEN VALENTINE When I first found out I was going to be a father I was super happy, I didn’t know where to put my hands. I kissed my wife then kissed her belly. 5 minutes later I was hit with crippling fear, I was going to be a father. I was completely terrified, I was going to be responsible for someone's life, their well-being, feed them, cloth them wipe their little butt!

I felt like I was barely taking care of myself, I still eat cereal for dinner some night because I forget to go to the grocery store! began to doubt if I could actually keep them alive let alone raise them and guide them to adulthood.

16 |Â WAYTOPARENT MAGAZINE

Black Fatherhood

Changing The Stigma

Black Fatherhood

Changing The Stigma

Black Fatherhood

Changing The Stigma

TRAGEDY TO TRIUMPH By: Mashonda Waddell

We often hear about people and their success stories, but seldom do we hear about the trials and tribulations they endured to get to that point. I’m a firm believer that everything a person goes through in life, is set in place to bring out their greatest capabilities and lead them to their destiny. Sometimes it may seem like it’s taking forever to get there, but the wait only means the end results will be exceptional. Christan Rainey, founder of MAD USA is proof that this is true. His story will not only tug at your heart strings but it will restore hope for many that feel like they have been suffering for way too long.

Christan Rainey was born and raised in North Charleston, SC by a single mother, along with his four younger siblings. Throughout his childhood, Christan and his family moved around frequently within the North Charleston area. With him being the oldest he found himself taking on a lot of the responsibility for his younger siblings. Christan recalls being six years old fixing bottles for his younger siblings and changing diapers at a very young age. At the age of fourteen he took on his first job to help support his household.

He felt that his mother did the best that she could for him and his siblings, with what she had, and with all that she was enduring herself. He remembers his mother being a victim of domestic violence for a large part of his childhood, and eventually she and his four siblings lost their lives at the hands of her husband. To make matters worse her husband was found mentally unfit to stand trial and sent to an institution.

This happened while Christan was away at college in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, which was the first and only time that he had left his family. For Christan this tragedy felt like a kick in the face. Just 30 days before the death of his family Christan had gotten baptized. He felt that he was on the right track, only to lose everything and everyone that mattered to him only a few weeks later. He had so many questions that no one could answer for him.

No matter how hard he tried he couldn’t seem to rationalize why this would happen to his family. He saw therapist after therapist, but none of them seemed to be working for him.

When he was finally able to find a therapist that resonated with him, he felt that she began to run out of things to talk about in their sessions, so he discontinued services with her. It was after moving to Florida, where he had no one to depend on, that he utilized his alone time to self-heal and accept that his family was actually gone.

Christan returned to South Carolina, and after the business that he was working for shut down, he decided to fulfill his lifelong dream and join the City of North Charleston Fire Department. He looked at this as a way to give back to the community that had helped him in his time of need. He also began to attend church again, and he recalls the first sermon that he heard, “Asking God for Guidance Instead of Asking God Why.” During this sermon he was faced with the question, “If God answered why, would you be accepting of it or would you accept the challenge that may be in front of you?” It was that church sermon, and receiving the SCVAN Distinguished survivor award that encouraged him to hold an event in honor of his mom and siblings. The huge turnout was unexpected, but it was evidence of the exceedingly large amount of support he had from his community. This event continues to take place on the first Saturday in October, in the Sam’s Club parking lot in North Charleston, SC. Following the start of this event, he also began speaking to large groups and educating them on domestic violence. Eventually this grew into the non-profit organization, known as M.A.D USA (Men against Domestic Violence). Way to Parent Magazine was honored to be able to sit down with Christan and talk about the great things that he is doing in the community through MAD USA and as captain of the North Charleston Fire Department.

21 | WAYTOPARENT MAGAZINE

What population does your organization serve?

Christan: MAD USA serves everyone! We travel wherever we are needed to spread the word on domestic violence, its statistics, and ways to reduce them. We have a bullying curriculum, which we go into Charleston County schools and provide to the students. For our older students, in high school and college, we provide teen dating violence education, which includes recognizing the signs of domestic violence and understanding the true meaning of love. We have several panels, including one for legislators, law enforcement, and faith-based. We also provide services to offenders, which was new for me because I once believed that they couldn’t be reformed, but now I feel different. We speak to anyone that is willing to listen.

How does growing up in a household where domestic violence occurs influence future relationships for children?

Chirstan: Many think that love is a universal language but it’s not, we are taught what love is. If you grow up in an environment where love and violence coexist in the same household, how do you know how to show love without violence? You’ve now been taught that violence is attached to love. Children need to know what healthy relationships look like. This could be demonstrated through allowing your child to see how you resolve conflicts. It is not effective to hide every conflict from them, this causes them to grow up not knowing how to resolve conflicts in their own lives.

Give me an example of the most inspiring moment that you have had since starting your organization?

Christan: After the first educational session with a group of students (which only consisted of core definitions and the basic information) one of our students came back the next day and said she told her boyfriend that if things didn’t change she was going to leave him, because the path they were going down was unhealthy. In my mind to give a child that much empowerment over their life at that age is unexplainable. I can’t even say what that’s worth to someone’s life.

How has growing up in an environment where domestic violence was present influenced you as a husband and father?

Christan:Growing up in and environment where I experienced domestic violence at a young age, gave me a model of what kind of husband and father I did not want to be. The cycle had to end somewhere, and even though I experienced it, my mom taught me different.

23 | WAYTOPARENT MAGAZINE

How do you make time for your family with all the different roles that you hold in the community?

Christan: A while back I had a moment of clarity, where I had to take a look at my life to ensure that I was living up to things that I was teaching others. I speak a lot on how women should be treated, so I wanted to make sure that I was doing the same in my household. At that time I was working four jobs, and as you know owning a business doesn’t allow the luxury of 9 to 5 hours. We also assist victims in crisis situations so I have to be able to answer calls 24/7. I had to find time to spend with my family, outside of all of these responsibilities. I started planning frequent date nights with my wife, and making sure that I was available mentally and physically during that time. I am a coach for my son’s team so that provides me with extra quality time with him. I also have an amazing team that helps me. Although, I am the face of the organization, my team works diligently to support me in all areas of the organization. Without them it wouldn’t be possible for me to have any spare time, and I definitely couldn’t run this organization on my own.

How does your organization contribute to decreasing the statistics associated with domestic violence?

What are your goals for next 2-3 years?

Christan: My goal is for MAD USA to expand outside of SC, and have chapters in every state, in which each individual state will run the organization. My hope is that this continues until everyone realizes that this program should be a requirement for every child’s education.

www.madusa.org

Christan: I would often hear others use the phrase “breaking the cycle” when referring to domestic violence, but to me “breaking the cycle” requires one to be proactive instead of reactive. I didn’t understand how providing help to victims, and catching it after the crime happened, was being proactive. In order to break the cycle you have to start where the problem first begins, which is in childhood. The school system teaches kids the most complex aspect of relationships, which is the sexual aspect, but fail to educate them on unhealthy and healthy relationships. It’s important for them to understand that relationships are about mind body and soul and not just responding to the flesh. Another major function of our organization is to provide refuge to individuals and families fleeing domestic violence partnerships; but as stated before we also want be reactive, so we assisted South Carolina in changing some of their laws regarding domestic violence. The law now states that abusers are banned from owning a gun. We also fought for Senate Bill 3, and one of the major things that we hoped to get from this was the education on domestic violence is mandatory. I think our work has been beneficial, and it shows in the numbers for domestic violence. South Carolina has gone from bouncing between number 1 and 2 for domestic violence, down to number 5, and currently we are number 6.

MAD USA can be reached at 843.608.0434. For information concerning the upcoming Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Event please visit their Facebook page. To register for the upcoming LOVE is not L.O.V.E conference please visit their website www.madusa.org. Donations can be mailed to P.O. Box 41075 North Charleston, SC 29418.

Black Fatherhood

Changing The Stigma

Keto Diet Healthy For You? By: Dr.Bracely The Ketogenic (Keto) Diet has become the next hot dietarytrend. The general rule for determining whether a diet is healthy for our bodies or not is to understand that no diet is one size fits all. It is best to take a bio-individual approach when choosing an eating habit.

Assess how it makes your body feel. Ask yourself the following questions: 1. What is my fitness and nutritional goal?

2. Can I commit to this eating habit?

3. How does it make my body feel?

4. Do I have a clear understanding of the health benefits of the diet, it's pros, and cons?

WTP | 26

Let’s take a look at the Ketogenic (Keto) Diet to determine whether it works best for YOU and YOUR lifestyle.

The Ketogenic Diet, dating back to the 1920s, was created to help control epileptic seizures in individuals who do not respond to medication. The diet is based on the process of ketosis, in which the body uses ketones for fuel instead of glucose. Ketones are a byproduct of fat metabolism that are utilized in times of starvation, carbohydrate restriction, or excessive exercise. For the body to reach a state of ketosis, calorie intake must be limited and comprised of 80% fat. The remaining calories should come from low-carb vegetables and protein.

Once ketosis begins (usually within a few days of implementing the diet) insulin levels drop, causing the pancreas to start producing glucagon. Glucagon determines the rate at which ketones are produced and sends the body into fat-burning mode, which is why the diet has gained recognition as a means for weight loss.

The diet is customized to individual needs and is usually maintained for extended periods of time. It’s advised that the first day and night be a period of fasting, and that the diet be gradually introduced over a couple of days so that the body has time to adjust. Each meal is carefully measured, including fluids, and a daily multi-vitamin and mineral supplement are imperative

Potential side effects include dehydration, constipation, vomiting, high cholesterol, kidney stones, behavior changes, slower growth rates in children, pancreatitis, excess fat in the blood, and vitamin and mineral deficiencies. As a result, individuals on this diet should be closely monitored by an experienced team of practitioners.

The Ketogenic Diet is primarily recommended for children with epilepsy as there have been numerous studies showing a reduction in seizure rates. It’s shown to be more successful for children than adults because parents are able to carefully supervise food intake. This approach does not work unless it is followed exactly.

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FatherHood Fatherhood can be quite challenging, as the lifestyle you once knew drastically changes to accommodate this little person you know as your child. However, Marquis has been nothing short of amazing and he makes sure to optimize his time in his new fatherhood role. Along with this new role of fatherhood, he has been doing a phenomenal job at crushing his life goals. Marquise was able to defy all odds, and is well on his way to accomplishing his dreams. His perennial desire to help others led him into the mental health field at a very young age, and it can be accredited as one of the main reasons for him obtaining his bachelor's degree in Psychology from Fayetteville State University. Marquis states that working in this field has been very rewarding for him, and he loves it so much that instead of working in an office he does house calls and crisis interventions.

However, he only does this part-time, as he is a full-time barber, which is also a passion of his. Marquis holds many titles including: Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Licensed Barber, and Co-Founder of Against All Odds nonprofit organization, but of all his titles his favorite is “dad.”

In the near future, Marquis plans to blend his barbering business and his mental health expertise together into an establishment where he will teach individuals with autism to cut hair. His intent is to provide them with a skill so that they are not only employable but able to start their own business one day. He remembers being encouraged to go to college while growing up, and then graduating and working under people with no degree. He now realizes that college is not the best option for everyone.

So, instead of just deterring individuals from going to college he plans to step up and help those who decide against that tracks. He teaches this way of thinking to the boys that he mentors in his nonprofit organization. Obviously when his son is old enough, he will ensure that he follows the same path. Marquis is an overall great father and community leader, with a multitude of plans to make his community a better place, not only for his son but for all the youth in Fayetteville and surrounding areas. The community is lucky to have him, and his son is even luckier to have him.

The world is full of great men like Marquis, but not many are receiving the praise they deserve. So, we want to say good job, keep up the great work, and continue to encourage others to do the same!

Black Fatherhood

Changing The Stigma

I Win Today Challenge COPARENTING APP Jewrine Brown, “The Down to Earth Counselor” is a North Carolina Licensed Professional, but most importantly a proud parent of two boys that reside in Fayetteville, NC. Ms.Brown is not only a brand ambassador for the FAYR app (Family Advocacy your Responsibility), but also an avid user. When Jewrine’s co-parenting relationship went sour, she noticed a decline in her son’s demeanor, such as anxiousness and being uneasy. As she began to evolve in her emotional state she realized that it wasn’t just for her but her son as well. While searching online she found something that could bridge the gap in her co-parenting dilemma. The app is easy to use and the number one goal is to make communication easier with your counterpart.

Jewrine has been a dedicated professional in the mental health field for the last 10 years, she strongly suggests and recommends the FAYR app for positive co-parenting habits to ensure the mental health of both parents are adequate. Not to mention it keeps a record of all correspondence between you and your counterpart which will be needed if and when court or mediation is needed. Often times in co-parenting relationships people focus on who wins the war. But with FAYR “I win!” Sounds great right? But it is more than an ego builder, the “I Win Today Challenge” was created by Jewrine as a social awareness message for everyone to understand their role in co-parenting is vital, in order to effectively address issues that can inhibit authentic & positive growth in co-parenting effectively. Jewrine challenged herself to compel others by advocating on the demand for this app, in order to build a stronger family. The “I Win Today Challenge” encourages others to utilize the app in order to reduce stress, increase positive communication techniques, and reduce depression.

For More Information Please Visit:

www.thedown2earthcounselor.com

BY. DESMONAE FLOWERS

I was able to sit down with Jewrine and we had an amazing conversation about her positive experiences using the FAYR app, Jewrine wants everyone to know as a single African-American female it does not matter where you start your co-parenting relationship as long as you build on a healthy foundation.

What do you hope everyone will learn from the “I Win Today Challenge”?

Jewrine: I hope the challenge will inspire others to remain emotionally resilient, focused, and prepared for court or meetings that require documentation to secure a positive outcome in their circumstance.

How would you recommend The FAYR app to someone?

Jewrine: I would give my personal experience because it is my story. I don’t have to make up something to connect, I have a personal testimony with the app and how it has, and still is positively affecting my family. As a counselor I would encourage someone to utilize this resource to increase positive outcomes in their family as a tool to achieve the target outcome.

In order to take part in the “I Win Today Challenge” go to www.fayr.com, click signup, then Co-Parent Accounts, select a plan, enter PROMO CODE: Jewrine! To save 20% off monthly or annually. If you do not want to sign up for the yearly calendar you may SKIP the next step.

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Black Fatherhood

Changing The Stigma

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Father By Day, Artist at Night

WTP Lifestyle Magazine

37

"The Langston Lion stands as the gatekeeper to your dreams and aspirations..Protect your dreams by any means....."

He developed a love for music at a very young age, and later began to dance for local groups, while also writing his own material. He always knew that he was as good as, if not better than the performers he was dancing for. So, while hanging out at Dwane (Dj Major Minor) Perry's house, Chris was allowed given a chance to spit over abeat and the rest was history

There are many entities that influence the person who we become in life. Brooklyn Native, Chris Witty was raised in household in Summerville, SC, where music was a major part of his childhood, due to his dad’s affiliation and participation in gospel group (Tommy Ellison and the 5 singing stars) and years of operating as a radio host. His son, Chris had access to all types of music.

Along with being a musician, Chris is also the father of three children; Omari, Christopher, and Krystyn, who are the light of his life. He holds a position as a government contractor, part time barber, and recording artist for Langston Hughes. I was able to sit down with Chris and get account how his this busy dad manages to make it all work.

What inspired the name of your group?

How did music influence you as a father?

Well being older, we wanted a more mature and meaningful name. Langston Hughes has a poem called “A dream differed” which sums up what happened to our dreams. Hughes also was one of the leaders of the Harlem renaissance, who would recite his poems along with a jazz band, just like an Emcee would spit his rhymes with a Dj. We thought it was a perfect fit, we put the III on the end to show that we are three generations away from him.

Chris: I have a great love for good music across the board, great memories with many songs throughout the years so I did my best share that with my kids. The content of music these days is more straight forward, so it caused me to monitor what and who they were listening to. That was a difficult task because just about every middle schooler has a cell phone that can access the web, and you cannot be around your child 24 hours a day.

What advice would you give to other inspiring artist?

Chris: Study your craft, practice, practice, practice! Learn the business through and through, read everything before you sign it or better yet, get an entertainment lawyer.

To Support Langston Hughes II Follow Below: @LH3Music

Subscribe:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC yViZZoZ5gP4RB_cx4363vQ

What’s next for Langston?

We have a clothing line(Langston 1993) that we’re pushing and we are seeking to put out a line of wine. On the music side of things, we're looking to tour this upcoming year. We have another Merlot Moments coming up in October which is a celebration of art wine and classic hip hop. September, We go out to Vegas to shoot “Black Caesar’’ which is the song in upcoming album Featuring Sadat X of the legendary hip hop group Brand Nubian. October is going to be a busy month, because we have an album release which will consist of a listening party and performance. Also attending A3C, a hip-hop conference located in Atlanta GA I believe that will be performing this year. November, we have Cucalorus In Wilmington NC which is a Film Festival that we’ve performed at last year.

Black Fatherhood

Changing The Stigma

DAD JOKES BY: Trandon Davenport

Who Do You Talk To After Your Car Gets Hit? ASK- A- DENT

Black Fatherhood

Changing The Stigma

By: Desmonae Flowers

Back 2 School Tips:

WTP Lifestyle Magazine

Ensure that all paperwork is completed and up to date: Once you know what school your child will be attending get their list on everything they need to enroll, especially when transferring between counties or states. The last thing you want to do is wait last minute to enroll your child and have to rush to get them into a class.This not only puts a strain on you but the staff who will care and nurture your child during school hours and this is not a great start to an amazing school year.

Create a space for homework: Homework is given as early as the first day and children need to have a space to go where they can complete their homework without distractions. This ensures that they can fully engage themselves in their work and retain information adequately.

Organize Attire for school: There are plenty of ways to prep your child’s uniforms or casual clothes for the whole week with shoes included, so there is no confusion and it makes the morning commute easier for both the parents and children.

Parents create a rapport with your child’s teacher: This goes for any age, and while it may be difficult once the child goes to middle school, it is imperative to know what is going on in their classes. As a child transforms into a teenager and young adult they may need their parents less. Therefore getting information from their teacher will help you support your child at home.

Class Dojo is an app that many schools have to get daily reports on your child’s progress in school, events, fundraisers, and you can communicate with your child’s teachers daily.

After School options: If your child will need after school care review all options before selecting a provider.

Depending on the age of your child label your child’s book bag and lunch bags with a working number where you can be reached, it will make the pickup process easier when gathering their items.

Volunteer in the classroom: While it can be difficult for some parents to arrange time off during the week, even for 30 minutes to an hour can change the projection of a child’s day. Once a month is an ideal schedule to volunteer but for sure every other month would be acceptable. You can plan with your job for personal/mental health days and use these to spend time with your child.It imperative that you are interested in what they are doing in their lassrooms not just when they get home.

Playdate with your parent: Schedules are hectic make sure you make time for your children doing an activity they like, and open dialogue about the week and anything that they are struggling with or super excited about.

In all of these things make sure to comfort and ensure that the lines of communication are open between you, your child, and your children’s teachers.

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