editor'sleading by example

 

  

Building Jacmel, Haiti. Sidney Etienne is leading the effort to secure donations for the devastated town of Jacmel in Haiti. He is also posting updates on relief efforts for his home town where he has already lost an Aunt whose house collapsed on her and several relatives are still missing. His goal is to reach $50,000 in aid by March 1, 2010. This will go towards building temporary tents, buying food and clothing, and other much needed relief support. For more info: http://relief4haiti.chipin.com/ rebuilding-jacmel-haiti.

Doing a BIG CHOP for charity.  

There few things women and men are mutually obsessive about other than hair. Whether we think it's too thick, too thin, too nappy, or too flat - there are people in this world suffering from long-term illnesses, like cancer, who would appreciate and adore our hair - period! This year, instead of complaining about your hair, grow it long on purpose - then chop it off for charity.  

See my friend Kathleen Keene's BIG CHOP on youtube: Hair Getting Cut 20 Inches. For more info:

                                  www.locksoflove.org 

   

Volunteer Locally

 

No matter where youlive in the world there will always be a need you can address locally. Research people and organizations doing good right in your own back yard and decide to be a helping hand this year. Join a Board of Directors, tutor, or donate money, food, or time. Just help!

The modeling and Performance Industries are littered with the cautionary tales of people who wanted to "make it big," but in the end, didn't have the patience or the stamina to endure the sometimes long and arduous rise to the top. Here, Rhonda Marie, shares why she has what it takes to finally make her dreams come true.

How did you get interested in acting and modeling? I actually got started in grammar school doing stage plays, but it was while taking a Radio & Television class at Roberto Clemente high school that I realized this was some-

What do you do to get into character? I practice in front of the mirror a lot so I can see my facial expressions and check my voice for tone. This helps me get everything right for the rehearsals and the director. On stage I find it's

best to block everything out! :-) thing that I wanted to pursue.

What are some of your re­cent projects? I did a mini web-based soap opera in which I played Renee, a girl who confronts another wo­man about her cheating man. I played the last of five friends to get murdered in an lndie film. And in one of my more recent films, Deception, I play a hit girl! In terms of modeling I've done a few music videos, including one with Twista, a famous rapper. I do a lot of urban runway modeling.

'Work hard,

audition, market

ourself an rust God. here's no

telling ho far you'll be able to go!'

Do you think there's room for you to make it as a black actress? Yes. Acting doesn't discriminate. I know if I work hard there's room for me to grow and to succeed. I think Jennifer Hudson is a prime example. Black Hollywood has come a long way and it makes me really proud to be an African American who is a part of this rich history and le~acy. Now we just need more wnters telling our stories.

What's your next project? Who would you like to work with? I am in the stageplay, More Baby Mama Drama and auditioning for other pro­jects. I would love to work with Tyler Perry, Quentin Tarantino, Antoine Fuqua, Samuel L Jackson, Angela Bassett, Jada and Will Smith, and Donnie and Mark Wahlberg - just to name a few!

What is it like being on set? A movie set is a tad easier, I think, than being on a stage. On a movie set there's no audience so it's easier for me to do my lines. On stage I have to work harder because everybody is watching everything I say and do.

How can people contactyou for work? They can message me here on Facebook.

At present, the current music industry is a blur of catchy names and cutesy songs. A well-known artist can get lost in the shuffle and it's an uphill battle to be seen or heard. Aspiring RnB newcomer, Yung Shaun, shares his journey.

How would you classify yourself as an artist? I'm an RnB singer, but I do rap occasionally and I'm starting to experiment with some pop to widen my fan base. I write all my lyrics and I'm working on pro­ducing beats for the songs I've written.

How did you get started in the music industry1 Well , I have been singing my whole life. When I was in eighth grade l wanted to rap -~·ust like any other young kid in Chicago. even thought football might be my thing, but the summer of 2007 changed everything for me. I start­ed downloading beats off the internet and writing lyrics to them. I became fascinated with the ability to express myself through song. The rest was his­tory. And when people started telling me how much they liked my music, I knew this was a career I could enjoy.

Who are your influences and why? 1

like Luther Vandross, Ryan Leslie, Brian Michael Cox, John Legend, Michael Jackson, and so many more. Each of them brought someth1ng different and unique to their music. Ryan Leslie and Brian Michael Cox are also pro­ducers and song writers. Like me, they produce tracks that makeJou want to listen to the song over an over again.

Do you have your own equipment and studio? 1 do have my own equip-

ment. I have an M-Audio Axiom, a Casio Keyboard, and a mic. I can make custom songs for any occasion - so hire me!

What do you have planned for 201 0? I'm in negotiations with J Hitz, the CEO of Deaf Planet Records. He heard my music on MySpace, liked it, and invited me to come to his studio and record. I want to start booking appointments and performances. I hope to have my demo tape finished by the end of February, too. I want 'Yung Shaun' to be a household name.

Any advice for newcomers? And how can someone contact you? Stick to it. That's important. It takes a lot of time, effort, and practice. Don't let anyone get you down and try to stay positive. There are always going to be people who try to take you offfocus - be better than them. Be stronger than them. As far as getting in contact, I am currently looking for a manager or agent. Until then you can search for me on Facebook.

' ' If this is what you want- let nothing and

no one stand in your way.,,

Kids these days lead hectic, complex, and surprisingly "grown-up" lives. It's no wonder some of them end up on the wrong side of just about every­thing. Delece Williams explains why she's willing to be a shining light for the next generation.

Tell us how a little bit about how you got started. I started Kidz Korna in 1995 as a direct response to all of the negative stories I was hearing about our youth on the news everyday. I got tired of hearing about youth violence and decided to be part of the solution. Kidz Korna gives our young people positive programming and creatrve opportunities for self expression.

be change catalysts in their communities by bringing public awareness to key issues.

It gets them off the streets, being idle, and into a place where caring, concerned adults are there to listen, help, and mentor.

Your show has garnered major support by big politicians and celebrities. What's your secret to success? There's no secret. We work hard to produce quality shows, we do a lot of campaigning and promoting, and our older shows are now in re-runs on television which helps a lot. We provide education and information by and for youth that they create and are more likely to understand and use.

People recognize that ~hy i~ a program ''~ ~., 1 -••ear-old and want to show their hke K1dz Korna M ':J ':J love and support. necessary? It's db b "' necessary because gran a IJ IS my What is the next big

project for Kidz Korna? We just received a 52-week contract from

too many kids are "'•nsp"'lrat"'lon '' spending too much • time alone, in front of the television, or playing vidoe games. And more often than not, they don't have outlets that help build their self-esteem or provide the encouragement healthy human beings need to thrive. Kidz Korna provides that.

What are some of the issues you deal with? Chicago ranks pretty high when it comes to youth violence. We see kids that are struggling with childhood obesity and many show up, secretively, seeking help for some form of abuse. 75% of our young kids were victims of abuse and are doing their part to

WJYS and we are very excited about that. We are in pre-productron right now.

How can someone contact you if they are interested in donating or if they would like to volunteer? They can reach me here on Face book or call my office at 1.773.957.6422. The youth I deal with are struggling to be heard and many are deal­ing wrth issues well beyond their years. They should be enjoying life, not fighting to survive it. We apprecrate all the help and resources given to us.

''We all have to help each other grow as eople.,,

We all know someone who has gone through the whole 'baby mama drama• thing where a man and woman who have kids to­gether, but are separated, contin­ue to wreak havoc in each other's lives. Playwright, Jean Moore, ex­plains why there's more to the story

Why did you write this play? I wanted to explore the whole 'baby mama' issue from a different perspective. Most Reople tend to focus on the behavior of the baby mama,' but I was fascinated by the attitudes of the men who go out and create all these babies and feel no responsibility towards them. I realized that this thing ia a lot deeper than that- it has to do with environment, up­bringing, and vicious patterns ~nd behav­iors that cycle th~ough gene~a~1~ns. So play is about takmg responslbtllty, as a community, for the ideas that we embrace.

'Baby Mama' might give people the im­pression that this concept is a 'black thang' and that it's not for everybody. I hope not. This play is for everybo~y: T.he message is universal. The famtly cnsts tn this country touches every race and every corner of society and I encourage every­to be a part of this discussion.

Is your message heavy-handed and

preachy? No. I don't think its necessary to browbeat people with a message of hope. It does more harm when you talk at people instead of to them. I don't have to preach to you or scold you to tell you or show you the truth. I want you to see yourself the way I see you - as someone worthy of the best. I want you to come from my show feeling - hopeful. I tr.uly believe that un1ted we stand and d1v1ded we fall because it's not just our future that's at stake if we don't start correcting our problems - everyone's future is at stake. It's fine to be entertained, but let's get educated while we're being entertained.

Where can we get tickets?! The show is on February 6 at 3:00p and 7:00p. Tickets are $15 and you can get them by calling 1.773.703.7631 . The venue is the Harvey Community Center located in Harvey, Illinois.

What's next for you? I really believe that play writing is my calling and my gifting. I'm working on several creat1ve projects as well working on a new stage play. Before my friend and mentor passed away, she encouraged me to live my dream. And I am.

P. ESENTS

GE PLY

''

Tabloid scandals involving the rich, wealthy, and elite celebrities among us can someti"!es leave us feeling cheated._ Especially w_hen a celeb's private hfe clashes w1th our perceived image. Melissa Mendez and Glenda Garcia, two Filipina celebrities, prove that politics, pro­fession, and personal life don't have to be mutually exclusive.

As two of the most recog­nized and sought after actresses - why make the switch to politics and so­cial activism now? This is not something we just de­cided to jump into now. From working with the Breast Can­cer Foundation and Gift To

'Glenda is the fresh

What are your top priorities? We are struggling 'vYith t~e ~ame issues you are struggling w1th 1n the States: housing, health care reform, and a sluggish economy. Glenda wants to make sure her constituents have a roof over their heads; health centers with qualified doctors and access to medications; and that they can put money in their pockets anq food ~n their tables with adequate JOb train­programs and facilities.

Life; to working with relief efforts for the victims of the recent typhoon, Ondoy, my sister, Glenda, and I have always answered the call of public service. When this opportunity_ to run for ~n el­ected pos1t1on arose - 1t was a natural next step to take.

As a new campaign manager, how do you successfully manage her image? That's the part that takes some work. Everyone knows Glenda the award-winning actress, but I have to introduce them to Glenda the dedicated and passionate activist. Her most important work happened be­hind the cameras - not in front of them.

• a1r we need

to start

• OVIng in the right

irectio

Do ~ou believe Team Glenda can win? Absolutely. People are crying out for change. Old politi~s ha~e ~o place in this new generation. Its t1me to make a difference. Make a noise and let it be heard. Glenda is already in the Top Ten -now, it's up to toters to make her number one.

How can people get involved? They can vote. That's very important. If they are for Team Glenda, they can volunteer for our campaign. We are always in need of donatiqns and a

• helping hand. They can f1nd out more by checking us out on Face book.

webs us

Contributor, Patrice Johnson, serves up her web picks raw with no lead ln. Check •am out and see If you like them. They're guaranteed to be better than a Rick Roll. In no particular order:

Google Wave: wave.google.com Stumble Upon: www.stumbleupon.com

Memo To Me: www.memotome.com Giveaway Of The Day: www.glveawayoftheday.com

Wetoku: wetoku.com Jlng Protect: www.flngprotect.com

Befuddlr: befuddlr.com Mint: www.mlnt.com

Where•s George?: www.wheresgeorge.com Text Twist: games.yahoo.com/console/tx

Skype: www.skype.com Escape The Room Games: www.escapegames24.com

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SERVE'S UP!