November / December 2018

BUSINESS MAGAZINE WESTERN NEW YORK MINORITY MEDIA PROFESSIONALS 20 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

THROUGH THE LENS OF THE MEDIA PROFESSIONALS Free

“Where www.upfrontbusinessmagazine.com The Professionals November Are“ / December 2018

November / December 2018

126 WNYMMP ALUMNI

WNYMMP.ORG

4 ON THE COVER Publishers Page

6 Serving WNY for 20 Years

19 Broadway Theatre T-Shirts

31 Q’s JAZZ LOUNGE 40 Cold Weather Pet Safety 20 Year Anniversary

2 November / December 2018 www.upfrontbusinessmagazine.com This Next to doing he right thing, the most important thing is to let people know you are doing the right thing.

John D. Rockefeller Reginald A. Wallace

The mission statement of the Western New York Minority Media Professionals, Inc. is the founding of a professional media organization committed to promoting social and educational opportunities within the Western New York community.

www.upfrontbusinessmagazine.com November / December 2018 3 4 November / December 2018 www.upfrontbusinessmagazine.com FOUNDED IN 2014 PRESIDENT & CEO PUBLISHER Reginald A. Wallace Reginald A. Wallace ______

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Allison Marie CO-FOUNDER/ CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER MANAGING EDITOR Rameer Green “Q”

FOOD EDITORS Fred Daniel, Bobby

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Mercedes Wilson, Legislature April Baskin, CO-FOUNDER/ Melanie Hicks, Adrienne Thompson, Tamara Brown, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT/ Tamee Ebo, TiAnna Anderson, Tandra Parker, Diana Herbert, Tyrone Christopher Gabriella Phifer, Susan Morreale, Robbie Raugh, Keyondra Lockett

ASSISTANT EDITORS SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT/ Madonna Priore, Dexter Shaw OPERATIONS ______Sufana Wajed PRODUCTION DIRECTOR “Q”

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNERS/ILLUSTRATORS VICE PRESIDENT/ Charles Quinniey, Stephanie Redmond MARKETING Cassandra Whitney EVENT PHOTOGRAPHERS Mario Loren, Kezia Pearson, Jeremey Lyman, Raquel Long, Carrinton Roy, Ken Barney, Doug Ruffin, Monique McIntosh, Amina Boyd CORPORATE COUNCEL

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & PUBLIC RELATIONS Laron M. Bommer Cassandra Whitney ______

DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING

Monique______McIntosh

DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Reginald A. Wallace

WEBSITE DESIGN Arba Cooper

______

DIRECTOR OF FINANCE “Q” ______

INTERNS Alliyah McIntosh, Malcolm X. Wallace

Print and Distribution by Synergy Media Promotions

Supporting the businesses that advertise in this publication helps raise funds for the WNY Minority Media Professionals a 501(c)3 non profit org. This publication, in part or whole, cannot be reproduced or copied without written permission from Synergy Media Promotions. If you are interested in advertising information, please visit www.synergymediapromotions.com or call 716-715-0384.

www.upfrontbusinessmagazine.com November / December 2018 5 president, Tyrone Christopher- Serving Buffalo, and WNY for vice president and Michael Quinniey as Chairman. Founding 20 Years board members included Sufana Wajed and Rameer Green. by Jerry Lance Tony Jones and Michael Quinniey where invited in early 1998 to travel to Washington D.C. and meet the first African American chairman of the Federal Communications Commission William Kennard to discuss minority media ownership and the In January of 1995 Tony Jones a Michael Quinniey, Lenora future of the digital/HD spectrum news photographer at WKBW- Williams, Catherine Roberts, Rod and its impact on communities of TV, Michael Quinniey a former Watson, Sandy White, Bernard color. Chairman Kennard radio news and sports reporter Mitchell, The Late Allen introduce us to the National Williams, Pat Ragin, Al Calwood, now a Technical Engineer at Telecommunications and Larry Fraser, Lamont Williams, WKBW-TV met with Tyrone Information Administration Christopher a Director at WIVB- Jackie Dortch, Kawanza McCall, and Adonis “Don” Dawkins. (NTIA), they had a Minority TV at the legendary New Telecommunications Skateland. The meeting Development Program headed by discussed how to improve images In late 1998 the Association of Media Workers had several Maureen Lewis. That program of people of color in the Western was established to develop New York Commercial different ideas of how to move forward so it was decided to programs and policies to increase Television market, local media minority ownership of broadcast ownership, and to create greater create a different organization called the Buffalo Association of and telecommunications business. access for student training Over the next 5 years we made programs. Black Journalist (BNABJ) founded by Rod Watson. Under several contacts on Capitol Hill seeking support of our concept of The next meeting took place with the direction of the late Bernard Cheryl LittleJohn, Don Dawkins Mitchell the Senior Sales Account creating, producing, and owning and Larry Fraser to find out why Executive at WKBW-TV the television programs in our local TV market along with finding out the Black Media Coalition was Western New York Minority not still in existence and find Media Professionals Inc was ways to increase minority media ways that our organization would incorporated. Bernie as his co- ownership, student access to survive to serve its community in workers called him came up with training in commercial media and the future. With that important the name Professionals to add to to gain greater insight on .information in hand we begin to the organizations new name. legislation on new multimedia have happy hours at the Bernie got an opportunity of a laws. The National Association Kensington Place supported by lifetime relocated to charlotte Black Owned Broadcasters under Mrs. Scott the owner who had North Carolina to work for executive director James Winston worked at WUTV-Ch. 29 during WSOC-TV ABV Ch. 9 before his begin to mentor and support our the 1970’s. Our first name was passing in 2009. On November organizational concept. It was at the W.N.Y Communicators, then 16th, 1998 the Western New York its annual meeting that we met the the W.N.Y Association of Minority media Professionals Inc legendary Percy Sutton who Minority Media Workers. Our became an official corporation in loved our concept and told us to first board consisted of Tony New York State. The keep moving forward with this Jones, Tyrone Christopher, incorporators where Tony Jones- new idea. Congressman Ed 6 November / December 2018 www.upfrontbusinessmagazine.com Towns of the 10th congressional a way for us to independently Mr. Coles as he was known District was chairing the produce this program with several around the station was also the telecommunication and internet of its employees, Michael first African American union sub-committee gave us much Quinniey being the lead person. representative for the National needed support as we began to No commercial station had ever Association of Broadcast lobby on Capitol hill. The final gone into a partnership with Employees and Technicians and most important support we limited control over the (NABET-CWA). Along with received on Capitol Hill was from programming with its employee. working alongside Irv Weinstein, the Congressional Black Caucus After 2 years of getting the legal Rick Azar and Tom Jolls, Bob (CBC) under the direction of insurance in place and corporate worked on Dialing for Dollars, Rep. Jim Clyburn. approval, Bill Ransom President Am Buffalo, Rocketship 7, The and General Manager of WKBW- Commander Tom Show. He also The National Association of TV signed a contract with worked on 37 consecutive Varity Broadcasters also played a major Michael Quinniey and the Club Telethons, and the role in the early success of our Western New York Minority accomplishment that him made organization. We traveled on Media Professionals Inc to be the smile the most was the minority several occasions to Las Vegas to producers of urban independent training program he put in place attend there annual NAB Show. programing targeting the stations to create diversity in the WKBW- This gave us exposure to, major underserved markets. This was TV work force. That program is media outlet owners, new one the first of its kind contracts still the WKBW-TV union technology, and educational in the country when it came to contract. opportunities for our students producing programming for a commercial television station. In January of 2006 under the In 1999 the Media Professionals direction of Beverly Newkirk th began a mentoring program at On October 17 , 2003 Eagle Eyes (Experienced Youth Kensington high school under WNYMMP co-produced and Expressing Skills) was founded Principle Robert M. Barton. The premiered Late Nite noise a 1- for high school students to create organization followed Principle hour weekly show hosted by early mentoring and at-risk Barton to Seneca Vocational in WBLK’S Dwaine DT Terry, this educational intervention. High 2001 until he retired in 2006. was the first hip hop show to air school students would meet in the When East High School reopened in commercial television. In April WKBW-TV boardroom every in the fall of 2006 we took our of 2006 the Media Professionals Friday from 4-8pm, this ran at the mentoring program to the Alma premiered Upfront TV originally Ch.7 location until 2012. Mater of our co-founder Michael the (Western New York Quinniey. Along with board Magazine) as a 1-hour weekly In August of 2008 the members Reginald Wallace and show. From 2001-until 2010 The organization purchased the Dwayne Kelly we continue our Media Professionals where Historic Sattler “Broadway” mentoring programs through the responsible for producing 2 hours Theater it is 1 of 27 remaining East High Alumni Association. each week of WKBW-TV historic African American programming. theaters left in the united states The Western New York Minority out of 2500, “Eric Lydell Smith, nd Media Professionals Inc became a On October 22 , 2004 African American Theater non-profit tax-exempt corporation WNYMMP hosted the Bob Coles Buildings: An Illustrated on August 3rd, 2000. On Minorities in Media Hall of Fame Historical Directory 1900-1955. December 14th, 2001 we produced at Pettibones Grill at Dunn Tire A multi-million-dollar restoration and premiered a half hour Park. Bob Coles was the first plan continues to move forward. monthly professional profile show African American Employee to called the Western New York work at a major television station In April 2012 The Great Day in Magazine on Ch.7 WKBW-TV before the riots of 1968. Hired by Jazz Buffalo event was founded ABC. Station management liked WKBW-TV in 1967 through an to commemorate jazz legend our program but had to figure out Urban league training program Elvin Shepherd who missed the www.upfrontbusinessmagazine.com November / December 2018 7

Great Day in Harlem picture of 1958. The event gathered 100 musicians to take a historic picture on the steps of the Albright Knox Art Gallery. This event was partnered with the CEPA Art Gallery.

In February of 2014 in conjunction with Roswell park Cancer Institute and its African American Employee Network (AREN) we launched the Queen City Black Film Festival on the medical campus. October 2014 Upfront Business Magazine a print and digital online publication was launched at the Embassy Suites Hotel. In December of 2015 wnymmp announced its relocation of its office headquarters to the Historic Ellicott Square Building located at 295 Main Street, Suite 774, buffalo, NY 14203. 2017 Upfront Sports Trek was introduced as an online sports network and several new initiatives will becoming in 2019 for it. 2019 is going to be an exciting year for wnymmp with the continued restoration of the Sattler “Broadway” Theater and several new multimedia projects in the works. This history is dedicated to Bob Coles and Ron Baskin who sacrificed so much for the advancement of younger people of color who where pursuing careers in television and radio. A debt that we can only repay by continuing their dreams!!!!

8 November / December 2018 www.upfrontbusinessmagazine.com

Bill Ransom President / General Manager WKBW-TV ABC 1995-2014

Dear Michael, Happy 20th Anniversary! I extend my heartiest congratulations to you and Western New York Minority Media Professionals, Inc. for completing twenty years of success. Both of you have achieved tremendous growth and have built eminent goodwill in the Western New York community. You have always been on the top of the list for serving the community with your unselfish services. Not only does Western New York Minority Media Professionals, Inc. provide a learning platform but also offers a growing career curve for those within the communities it serves. I wish you all the success for many more years to come and hope the Western New York Minority Media Professionals, Inc. reaches to new heights in the coming years.

Sincerely, Bill Ransom President / General Manager WKBW-TV ABC 1995-2014

Thank you Bill for taking a chance on a new and creative multi media concept that paved the way for one of the first independent student training programs to exist inside of a commercial television station. From 2001-2011 the Media Professionals secured a contract to create, write, produce and staff urban independent programs at WKBW-TV. A historical first in the country!!!! WNYMMP,

www.upfrontbusinessmagazine.com November / December 2018 9 .

Robert “Bob” Coles Trailblazer

Everyone who knew him called him Mr. Coles. He was a trailblazer to us being one of the first African Americans to work in a major television network before the 1968 riots. In 1967 Mr. Coles was hired by WKBW-TV Ch.7 and was a major part of the Irv, Rick and Tom historic news team legacy. Also, he was the first African American union steward in NABET/CWA Local#25 in the country and was responsible for introducing the minority training/hiring program at WKBW-TV which still exists in its union contract today.

Mr. Coles worked on 37 consecutive Varity Club Telethons before retiring in 2004. His career spanned 5 decades and he work on the most famous shows in Buffalo television history such as, Dialing for Dollars, Am Buffalo, Rocket Ship 7, The Commander Tom Show, Building a Decent Future with Bill Gater, The Ted Kirkland Show, Brother Ted’s Gospel Hour, Urban Focus with Sarah Norat, Off Beat Cinema, The Jim Kelly Show, and later the Steve Tasker Show.

It was Mr. Coles who provided the inspiration and courage for WNYMMP to negotiate a historic media contract with WKBW-TV to create and produce 4 independent programs, Western New York Magazine, Upfront TV, Late Nite noise and Official Heat. Without his guidance none of this could have been possible.

Robert “Bob” Coles made his transition in life in 2013, he shall forever be remembered in our hearts and minds, and he is the major reason why we continue our efforts to serve our community.

10 November / December 2018 www.upfrontbusinessmagazine.com

W.N.Y.M.M.P Western New York Minority Media Professionals Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the BROADWAY THEATRE 1914-2014

One of only 23 historic African-African theatres remaining in the United States out of 2,500. 1 of 2 remaining in New York State out of 77. From African-American Theater Buildings: An Illustrated Historical Directory 1900-1955 by Eric Ledell Smith

Please Donate To The Restoration thebroadwaytheatre.net

www.upfrontbusinessmagazine.com November / December 2018 11

Tyrone Christopher President & Co-Founder WNYMMP “Our hero”

2004-2018

Ty and Daughter Danielle

Tyrone Christopher is a co-founder of WNYMMP and has been president since 2004. Tyrone is married, a father of four children and several grandchildren. Tyrone is WNYMMP’S voice of reason and provides the stable leadership that has allowed our organization to continue to grow. Tyrone is a military veteran and an electronics graduate of Erie Community College. He has been a director at WIVB-TV Ch.4 CBS for over 30 years and is a key instrument in the growth of True Bethel Baptist Church media department under direction of Bishop Darius Pridgen. Serving the youth is Coach Ty’s greatest passion, every evening for the past 25 years he coaches little football for the Buffalo Vets. What is even more amazing is Tyrone is a kidney transplant survivor, but he still finds time in his busy schedule to make appearances at schools to make sure his little athletes are performing well academically.

Tyrone Christopher, WNYMMP salutes you as our hero! It says we shall know you by your works!

12 November / December 2018 www.upfrontbusinessmagazine.com

WNYMMP ALUMNI

The first two students of WNYMMP's program where

Naniette Coleman from University of Buffalo

and Jennifer Whitson from Buffalo State College in 1999. Naniette H. Coleman

Naniette H. Coleman is a PhD Candidate in the Sociology Department at the University of California Berkeley where she studies culture and organizations generally and changing notions of privacy in our connected world specifically. Naniette is a Joint Fellow at the Center for Long-term Cybersecurity & the Center for Technology, Society, and Policy, the team lead for the Berkeley Social Science Matrix Research Team on Privacy in the Digital Age, and the Founder and Executive Director of the Interdisciplinary Research Group on Privacy (IRGP).

Prior to returning to school, Naniette’s professional career included work at the local, state (New York), and federal government levels (US Department of Commerce, and the Office of the US Trade Representative), as well as work for two international organizations (the World Bank and the United Nations), and a university (Harvard). Naniette holds a Master of Public Administration with a specialization in Democracy, Politics, and Institutions from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, and both an M.A. in Economics and a B.A. in Communication from the University at Buffalo, SUNY.

Finally, Naniette’s proudest service and philanthropic achievements are the founding of Night Out / Night Off (NONO) at Berkeley’s Cal Performances and the Random Acts of Kindness fund at the University at Buffalo. NONO is an event held at Cal Performances twice yearly for Graduate Students of Color. First hosted in 2016, the event, now in its 3rd year of operation attracts several hundred students and friends. The event has also attracted funding from the Chancellors Office as well as Cal Performances. Finally, the Random Acts of Kindness Fund was founded by Naniette at the University at Buffalo SUNY in 1997. The fund provides grants to students who encounter personal or familial difficulty while in college (death of a parent, personal illness, etc.). It brings the support of the university with it also so they can stay focused on school. The endowed fund, now in its 21st year, funds 30+ students per year. The fund took on particular significance once Coleman lost her own parents when she was in her early 20s.

www.upfrontbusinessmagazine.com November / December 2018 13 WNYMMP ALUMNI

JENNIFER WHITSON Class of 1999

Jennifer Whitson is 199 graduate of Buffalo State College with BA degree in public communications.

She completed an advance program at George Washington university in meeting and Event Planning. Jennifer is currently a Senior Program Associate in Leadership Development at American State Colleges and Universities.

Some of her greatest experiences came while working for many years on Capital Hill in the House of Ways and Means Committee for U.S. Representative Charles Rangel, and she worked for Bishop T.D. Ministries Potter’s House in Dallas TX for a few years.

14 November / December 2018 www.upfrontbusinessmagazine.com

WNYMMP ALUMNI KAWANZA HUMPHREY

Vice President & Corporate Responsibility Officer Rochester and Central New York Markets KeyCorp

Kawanza Humphrey is Vice President, Corporate Responsibility Officer for KeyBank’s Rochester and Central New York markets.

She is responsible for administering the bank’s Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) programs and implementing KeyBank’s National Community Benefits Plan in the Rochester and Syracuse areas. Under the plan, the bank will invest $16.5 billion in its communities from Maine to Alaska over a five-year period that started January 1, 2017.

Humphrey is also a member of the Corporate Center Masterminds Alliance. This team works to simplify and integrate processes, create greater collaboration, connectivity and information sharing, champion diversity and inclusion and increase engagement across the bank’s Corporate Center Division.

Before taking on her new role in mid-2017, Humphrey served as Vice President and Area Retail Leader for KeyBank’s branches in the City of Buffalo. She joined Key in 2012 when the bank acquired part of HSBC’s branch network in Upstate New York. Before starting her career in banking with HSBC in 2001, Humphrey was an account executive with both WGRZ-TV and WIVB-TV in Buffalo.

Humphrey holds a BA in English/African American Studies from the University of Buffalo and a MS degree in Executive Leadership and Change from Daemen College and is a Phi Beta Kappa. She is a 20 year member of Delta Sigma Theta sorority currently serving as chaplain, is a graduate of Leadership Buffalo’s Rising Leaders Program and currently serves on the Diversity and Inclusion Council for the Buffalo Niagara Partnership.

Active in the community, Humphrey was recently appointed to the Board of Directors for the Sisters Hospital Foundation in Buffalo, NY. She has received several business awards: Black Achiever in Industry, Buffalo’s Business First 40 under 40 and the HSBC Way Award. Humphrey holds several volunteer positions, in addition to leading Key’s partnership in the Eastside Innovation Zone with the Buffalo Public Schools.

www.upfrontbusinessmagazine.com November / December 2018 15 WNYMMP ALUMNI

JEANINE HUNTER Writer/Producer

Born in Buffalo, NY, Jeanine Hunter is an entrepreneur and Emmy award winning Writer/Producer.in 1998 Jeanine obtained a B.A. in Public Communication with a minor in Creativity and Innovation at the State University of New York College at Buffalo. Her professional career began in radio at WUFO 1080 AM as the Morning On-Air host, Production Coordinator and Promotion Director.

In 2000, she moved to Washington, DC where she obtained an M.F.A. in Film from Howard University in 2005. She has been a Writer/Producer for On-Air Marketing for over 12 years for a number of networks and broadcast companies including, Discovery Communications, Turner Broadcasting, TLC and helped launched Discovery's first 24-hour environmental friendly network, Planet Green.

Out of her kitchen in 2007, she launched Browniebar, LLC, A gourmet brownie company. In 2009, Jeanine launched her production company, Suite76, LLC where she is the Executive Producer. Through her company she has worked on a variety of films, videos and a number of television commercials and promos with Discovery Communications, LLC and Turner Broadcasting.Jeanine has been highly recognized in the film/TV industry and nominated for a number of awards. In 2010, she won a National Capital Chesapeake Bay Emmy for Director of Post Production for Planet Green. In 2016, Jeanine embarked on her next endeavor and longtime dream of owning her own beauty supply store. She began training with the Beauty Supply Institute and started forming Hunter’s House of Beauty.

Jeanine currently is a Writer/Producer for TV One and lives in Washington, DC.

16 November / December 2018 www.upfrontbusinessmagazine.com WNYMMP ALUMNI

FREDERIKA McCLARY

Frederika McClary is a fighter! Born in Buffalo, NY as the youngest of five to a stay at home mother, who was known as the neighborhood mom, and an engaged providing father. She was raised in a home with two older brothers and a rotation of cousins and friends who needed a safe place and great meal.

From an early age it was clear that whatever she did speaking up and out would be a part of it. She often got in trouble for telling it like it was and not backing down. So, it was no surprise that while attending magnet schools she opted to participate in debate and leadership teams and to sit on faculty hiring and youth summit committees.

She majored in communications, specifically public relations, with dreams of going into event planning. And in her spare time hosted book review and panel discussion segments on an urban late nite talk show. But the universe had other things in mind. Due to the persistence of a mentor, Frederika interviewed for the AFL-CIO’s Organizing Institute and made the cut.

Her first assignment was as a union organizer with the United Teachers of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Since that time, she has worked in many cities, with many and on various campaigns all centered around workers fighting for a voice, dignity and respect in their place of work.

Currently Frederika McClary is the Director of Organizing for Nurses and Health Professionals at the American Federation of Teachers.

www.upfrontbusinessmagazine.com November / December 2018 17

WNYMMP

ALUMNI

SHEMISA ALI

the 100th Anniversary of the SheMisa,

Holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English-CommunicationsBROADWAY & Public Relations, and a Master’s of Science degreeTHEATRE in Executive Leadership (now known as Leadership & Innovation) 1914 - 2014 from Daemen College.

SheMisa began her media career as an intern at Ch. 7 WKBW under the mentorship of Michael Quinniey, and has worked various media positions for TV and radio as an on-air personality. She currently is an entrepreneur building Dream Big Marketing Solutions and is the founder of non-profit, Humanity 911 based out of Buffalo, NY. SheMisa also works in Corporate Accounting full time at Tech company, Ronco Specialized Systems.

She is multi-lingual as an Ethiopian-Arab American and is married with two children, Libya & Pharaoh.

y 23 historic African- 18 November / December 2018 www.upfrontbusinessmagazine.com

~ CALL 716 -715-0384 ~

www.upfrontbusinessmagazine.com November / December 2018 19 African theatres WNYMMP ALUMNI

EMMA ORN

Emma Orn graduated from Santa Monica College in 2006 and continued her studies at Buffalo State College until 2008, majoring in journalism. In 2007 I worked for Upfront TV and then continued working for Channel 4, both in Buffalo, New York. In 2009 she moved back to Sweden and worked for the governmentally run radio in the news department. Today she works for the unemployment office in Gothenburg, Sweden.

20 November / December 2018 www.upfrontbusinessmagazine.com WNYMMP ALUMNI

Mary Kay Makanjuola (née Gisel)

Mary Kay joined the Upfront team back in 2007 reporting for both Upfront Magazine and Official Heat.

In 2008, she took a leap and moved to New York City, where she has spent the past ten years working behind the scenes at MSNBC in Rockefeller Center. Throughout her time there, her experience has included covering three presidential elections, Olympics programming as well as many high-profile breaking news stories. In the last five years, she has been exclusively working on prime time shows including All In With Chris Hayes, The Beat with Ari Melber, Hardball with Chris Matthews, Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell and The Rachel Maddow Show.

In 2014, as a creative outlet, Mary Kay launched her own blog / website called MAKA STYLE which focuses on fashion and beauty. With a goal in mind to help women find their inner strength and confidence through style tips and inspiration, she is currently working on transitioning into the career of personal styling. With a knack for style, she both hosted and co-produced a web series last year entitled Lights, Camera, Fashion in which she both predicted and highlighted award show red carpet fashion.

While she frequents WNY to visit family and enjoy snacking on her favorite chicken wings, she still cheers on her hometown teams from afar. After 10+ years in the city, she has also discovered a new-found interest in baseball, rooting for the NY Yankees. On her down time, as an ardent fan of music who has been singing and writing songs since the age of 15, she enjoys discovering new music through the diverse local music scene that the city has to showcase. She currently resides in NYC with her husband, Timi and their dog, Buji.

www.upfrontbusinessmagazine.com November / December 2018 21

WNYMMP

ALUMNI

MICHELLE VISA

Michelle Visa is a radio personality, educator, producer, host, and business owner. She fell in love with music at an early age. Her father had a massive record collection and was a bodyguard for Rick James. He often brought her to the studio and recording sessions. As far as she can remember she has always been involved in music and hip hop culture. She learned how to play the saxophone and violin as a child. As a teen, Visa created Phat Magazine where she would interview local artists and write it up in her self made editorial. Visa even began making mixtapes by recording songs off the radio and giving them out to her friends. She was also lead in a all girls rap group called the Troublemakers. The group dissolved and she negam her run a s a solo performer. Over the years, Michelle performed in numerous cities throughout the country, but wanted to do something different with her voice.

Michelle received her Bachelor’s degree in communications and became an on air personality for 93.7 WBLK. Michelle Visa have conducted exclusive interviews with some of the most stylish, trendsetters, rappers, artist and entrepreneurs in the industry. You can listen to Michelle on “The Visa Report” Monday-Friday 11:30am, 1:30pm, 6:30pm, and 10:30pm on 93.7 WBLK.

In addition to music, Michelle is very passionate about the youth. She created the Teen Talk podcast on wblk.com as a platform for students to express their thoughts, ideas, and opinions. Young people from all over the city of Buffalo joined Michelle at radio station and discussed important issues such as gun control, social media, bullying, teen entrepreneurship, and more. Teen Talk has now expanded into after school programs located within several Buffalo Public Schools. The program aims to help young enthusiastic youth become journalists. Teen Talk promotes public speaking, and networking, and researching skills and has a direct to to ELA and other academic building skills. Teen talk creates opportunities for students to gain experience through conducting interviews within their school and community.

Michelle is also the co-owner of a successful women’s clothing boutique in the Walden Galleria Mall in Cheektowaga, N.Y.. After finding it difficult to find fashionable and sleek items in the city for women with curves, Michelle and her sister Ryan opened Privileged boutique. Privileged has provided clothing for singers, actresses, television stars, and other prominent women. The Boutique can also be found online at www.privgalleriamall.com. Michelle enjoys making other women feel beautiful.

22 November / December 2018 www.upfrontbusinessmagazine.com

Power 93.7 WBLK.com presents the first ever "Teen Talk", a podcast dedicated to youth empowerment & awareness. Hosted by Power 93.7 personality ~ Michelle Visa ~ this once-a-month podcast gives teens a voice with topics that include gun control & school safety, entrepreneurship, cyber-bullying, money management, social media and more.

Walden Galleria Mall (DSW Entrance)

1 Galleria Drive Cheektowaga, NY 14222

www.upfrontbusinessmagazine.com November / December 2018 23

WNYMMP ALUMNI

DESIREE WILEY

Desiree Wiley is a native of Lockport, NY, and graduated from Buffalo State College in 2012 at the age of 20 and received her bachelor’s degree in Journalism with a concentration in Political Science and Economics. Desiree most recently worked in Boston as a weekend morning anchor for NBC Boston Weekend Today at NBC 10 and a reporter for the station. She began working for NBC 10 in August 2016 and, during her time there, covered breaking news, including multiple Nor’easters, crime, the State House and much more. On the lighter side, Desiree also covered stories surrounding the New England Patriots, Boston Celtics, Boston Bruins and Boston Ballet. Desiree Wiley joined News 4 in Nashville Tennessee in April 2018 as weekend morning anchor and weekday reporter. Desiree competed several times for the title of Miss New York through the Miss America Organization. She placed in the top five each year she competed and was first runner-up twice. During her time with the Miss America organization, she promoted her platform of “Knowledge is Power.” Desiree spent time volunteering and speaking with underprivileged students about the importance of education. She also partnered with Upstate New York Transplant Services to promote organ, eye, tissue and blood donation. On a personal level, the move to Nashville means that Desiree and her husband, Titans running back and special teams player David Fluellen Jr., can once again live in the same city. After dating for five years, Desiree and David got married in July 2017.

24 November / December 2018 www.upfrontbusinessmagazine.com www.upfrontbusinessmagazine.com November / December 2018 25 WNYMMP ALUMNI

Janice Elaine McKinnie

Janice Elaine McKinnie serves as Executive Director for True Community Development Corporation, the development arm of True Bethel Baptist Church which she was instrumental in creating, a former (pioneer) Administrator of True Bethel Baptist Church where she served in her role as the church’s first administrator for 10 years as well as served as the Executive Assistant to Bishop, Darius G. Pridgen. Janice is currently an active member an officer of the Buffalo Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., she is on the board for the Parent Network of WNY as well as The Resource Council of WNY.

Janice has been the organizer of many important initiatives in Buffalo to include, but not limited to administrating the first multi-million dollar “Technical Assistance” grant from NY State for the clean-up efforts of 858 E. Ferry Street a hazardous waste site with oversight from the Department of Environmental Conservation. The clean- up efforts of this East side property along with community support and collaboration has enabled Janice to successfully redevelop this site now called True Bethel Town Homes a 30 unit multi-family project, True Bethel Senior Estates- 50 units of senior housing and Woodlawn Housing Development- the new construction of single family homes creating home ownership on the East Side of Buffalo, E. Ferry Homes the second phase of single family homes are completed and sold. In 2012 Janice stepped into entrepreneurship creating Developments BY JEM a consulting firm specializing in pre- development planning, business development and consultation for organizations looking to reinvest in building sustainable communities through housing, retail and workforce development.

Awards and honors received Community Service Award for the coordination of the City-Wide “Safe Summer” Stop the Violence initiative from Buffalo Weed & Seed, YWCA WNY Girls, Inc. award, Building Women and Communities Award, Inaugural Class of the Mayor’s Citizens’ Participation Academy, Women Making History Loyalty Award as well as featured in Black WNY- September 2014 issue as the “Quiet Builder”. Janice loves to share with young women, focusing on pregnant and parenting teens to instill in them the will and confidence to succeed against all odds.

Janice was born and raised in Buffalo, NY attending Buffalo Public Schools and Mount St. Joseph Academy High School. Janice graduated from the State University College at Buffalo, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Communication and receiving her Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership from Medaille College. She is also a licensed real estate agent with Barnes Real Estate Group.

Janice lives in Buffalo with her husband Sean and is proud of her 6 daughters and 4 grandchildren. In the words of Oprah Winfrey: Don’t worry about being successful but work toward being significant and the success will naturally follow.

26 November / December 2018 www.upfrontbusinessmagazine.com

WNYMMP ALUMNI

CARMA DEE RIVERA Multimedia Personality And Entrepreneur

Born in Buffalo, N.Y. but raised in Camden N.J. received an A.A.S, Degree in communication & Media from Erie Community college. This dynamic multimedia personality and social media guru began her career in the military before finding her love for modeling. Shortly after that her modeling career began, Carma founded and directed Lully Entertainment & Model Management until an opportunity to host Official Heat a music and entertainment show airing on ABC WKBW-TV in Buffalo/Toronto area.

The alter ego Carma Dee was born and developed a huge following and hosted the show for four years. Following the advice of WKBW-TV producers she launched Carma Dee TV an internet blog. The blog would feature celebrity news and interviews, fashion, lifestyles and interviews with unsigned artists and entrepreneurs. Carmadee.com had 1 million hits on her website within the first month it went online. Business owners where contacting her to advertise their businesses on her page, along with a variety of products and merchandise owners. Social media websites where emerging and Carma became an internet star, boasting more followers and friends than some Hollywood and sports entertainers. In all truth Carma dee had outgrown her hometown.

After working for Hearst as a multimedia executive Carma relocated to Los Angeles in 2014 and began working for Sirius XM Dash Radio. Carma hosted the show with Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins from the R/B group TLC.

In 2016 Carma began managing entertainment events and social media platforms for Hollywood celebrities. In the summer of 2018 she launched www.shopjuse.com an online product and clothing merchandise store.

Email: [email protected]

www.upfrontbusinessmagazine.com November / December 2018 27

WNYMMP ALUMNI

AISHA AL-MUSLIM

Aisha Al-Muslim is an award-winning journalist and Pulitzer Prize finalist at The Wall Street Journal. She is a reporter on the WSJ's Real-Time News Desk, for which she writes stories about breaking business news, company earnings, mergers and acquisitions, executive changes and economic indicators for the Dow Jones newswires, WSJ.com and the newspaper. On top of that, she covers online travel booking companies, cruise line operators, lodging providers, hoteliers, casino operators, car rental companies and other related companies in the travel and tourism industries.

Previously, Al-Muslim was a business reporter at Newsday, covering retail and small businesses on Long Island, New York from June 2014 to November 2017. She also covered some publicly- traded companies, including organic food giant Hain Celestial, celebrity perfumes and fragrances seller Perfumania, fast food chain Nathan's Famous, kitchenware and tableware provider Lifetime Brands, and online florist and gifts company 1-800-Flowers.

From January 2011 to June 2014, Al-Muslim covered the Town of Hempstead, the largest township in the United States with more than 750,000 people, and composed of 22 villages and 37 hamlets.

Al-Muslim's investigative story with her colleague Will Van Sant was part of a Newsday series on police misconduct named a 2014 Pulitzer Prize finalist in the Public Service category. Her story involved a case of a 19-year-old who was beaten by Suffolk County police officers, went into a coma and later died from his injuries.

Al-Muslim is also a former editor of the Spanish-language community newspaper, El Correo de Queens, and a former reporter for its sister newspaper, The Queens Courier.

Al-Muslim is a December 2009 graduate of the City University of New York (CUNY) Graduate School of Journalism, where she studied journalism with a concentration in urban studies. Al- Muslim is also a graduate from Lehman College of the City University of New York, where she majored in multilingual journalism, and minored in Italian and Black Studies. She was on the Dean's List and graduated with summa cum laude honors in May 2008.

28 NovemberW / December 2018 www.upfrontbusinessmagazine.com WNYMMP ALUMNI

Dr. ASHLEY GOODWIN

Ashely is a 2008 Alumni of wnymmp and worked as Reporter/Producer/Editor for Upfront TV at WKBW-TV ABC Ch.7 until she graduated from Buffalo State College.

Dr. Ashley Goodwin is a first-generation collegiate scholar who deems it an honor to not only be the first in her family to receive a terminal degree, but also the first African- American woman in the world to receive this particular doctorate.

On Thursday, May 17, 2018, a ceiling shattering scholar made history as she walked across the stage at the University of the Virgin Islands. On this day, Dr. Ashley Christina Goodwin became the first African-American woman to be awarded a doctorate with a focus on Creative Leadership for Innovation and Change, which is the first ever doctoral program of its kind. “I’m still in awe that I have seen this accomplishment all the way through,” said Dr. Goodwin when asked what it felt like to break such a barrier. “I’m a woman who sought out to achieve the impossible, and come out a champion, that just goes to show that we are all unstoppable if we just believe!”

Dr. Goodwin’s research in Cognitive Diversity Appreciation stems from 11 years of consulting work, developing programming and training corporations – both domestic and international – on creative problem solving and diversity. She is the Chief Diversity and Innovation Specialist at the Maverick Agency, “Where Innovation and Inclusivity Live.” She continues to make her mark on the world by fostering a creative climate that many organizations need to thrive in our global economy. Dr. Goodwin is truly a pioneer in her field.

www.upfrontbusinessmagazine.com November / December 2018 29

WNYMMP

ALUMNI

MONIQUE BELL

Monique Bell is from a New York City and received her B.A. in Communication Studies with a concentration in Broadcasting in 2008.

During her time in Buffalo she had the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of pursuing a career in television while interning at UpFront TV.

Michael Quinniey, Charles Quinniey, and Rameer Green are a few of the people who assisted her with production, producing, coordination, and many other aspects of career enhancing qualities in entertainment.

After returning home to New York Monique switched gears and received her Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration and continued her career in working to improve the quality within healthcare facilities and the lives of people in a few of New York City’s prestigious hospitals, including New York Presbyterian, Columbia University’s fertility clinic, and Mount Sinai.

Interning at WNYMMP taught Monique invaluable lessons that she takes with her in all facets of her personal and professional life. It is nice to receive but it is more important to give as those at UpFront had given her their time, had shown patience, and gave her many other tools to tackle this world.

30 November / December 2018 www.upfrontbusinessmagazine.com NOV. / DEC. 2018

TONY BENNETT & DIANA KRALL

DAVID P. STEVENS

www.upfrontbusinessmagazine.com November / December 2018 31

WNYMMP ALUMNI

CLEMENT KWAKYE

A native of West Africa, Ghana Clement Kwakye graduated from

Leonardo Davinci High school in 2003.

He attended Monroe Community College (MCC) in Rochester, NY where he began his undergraduate studies in Communications with a focus on Broadcast Television. While attending MCC, Clement was a radio personality for the campus radio station WMCC and also interned at WBLK during the winter and summer breaks.

After a year at MCC, Clement transferred to Buffalo State College and became member of the BSCTV crew, a member of the campus Judicial Board and a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. (Beta Iota Chapter). In 2005, Clement was introduced to the Western New York Minority Media Professionals and has been a member since.

He joined WNYMMP as an intern and later became a mentor to other high school and college students who came through the internship program. Graduating in 2007 with a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts and Communications from Buffalo State College, he has since gone on to produce two television programs which aired in Buffalo and Rochester as a freelance videographer and editor.

Clement is now the Niagara County Director of Operations for the Community Health Center of Buffalo, Inc. and sits on the Board of Trustees for Health Sciences Charter School. Still an active member of WNYMMP, Clement is thankful for the opportunity and support the organization has given him.

32 November / December 2018 www.upfrontbusinessmagazine.com

WNYMMP ALUMNI

TYSHAUN D. TYSON The Left-Handed Bandit

My name is Tyshaun D. Tyson, but I also go by the name “The Left-Handed Bandit”. I am an independent artist out of Buffalo, NY specializing in both traditional and urban art. I am proficient in multiple mediums of art including drawing, painting, print making and much more.

My business “The Left-Handed Bandit Artistic Services” was founded in 2015; and based on a childhood nickname relating to the fact that I am left handed. I use my left hand to transform a wide variety of canvases and textures into works of art.

I received my Bachelors Degree of Art in 2013 from Buffalo State College. There I was exposed to the more structural ideologies behind Fine Art. I believe that there are infinite ways to create a beautiful piece of art. It is this very belief that sets my style and my work apart from other artists. I usually get most of my inspiration from the things that surround me on a daily basis such as my family, friends, peers and other personal encounters in life. I try my best to express myself in each and every canvas, making no piece the same as the last. I released my website in the fall of 2016 to begin showcasing my talents. My current aim is to showcase my talents as a career and network with like minded “ARTrepreneurs” like myself.

I have been practicing my craft for the last 20 years, and I fall deeper and deeper in love with the creative process everyday. I aim to inspire anyone; and everyone involved in the Arts to pursue their dreams and express themselves as freely, creatively and relentlessly as they can. Because at the end of the day its the art that will outlast us, and not the other day around.

www.upfrontbusinessmagazine.com November / December 2018 33 34 November / December 2018 www.upfrontbusinessmagazine.com AAA of Central and Western New York

2018

www.upfrontbusinessmagazine.com November / December 2018 35 WNYMMP ALUMNI

SUFANA WAJED’S

Sufana Wajed is a native of Buffalo, NY and graduate of the State University of New York College at Buffalo. She attained a degree in Broadcasting and soon thereafter joined Buffalo’s ABC affiliate WKBW-TV as an engineer.

During the 13 years of Sufana’s career at WKBW-TV she became a member of the Western New York Minority Media Professionals, Inc. as the secretary and then vice president. Over the years Sufana and members of the organization employed at several media outlets began to see the many biases of news reporting and decided to create a magazine style program called Up Front TV. This program highlighted the positive contributions of blacks, not only in Buffalo, NY, but across the country. With her many years of experience, Sufana began as a producer and then on to become a reporter and host for Up Front TV.

Sufana is currently the production coordinator for Buffalo’s PBS station, WNED-TV. She has worked with numerous national and international producers on coordinating the production and delivery for broadcast of programs such as The War of 1812, Underground Railroad: The William Still Story, Frederick Law Olmsted: Designing America and countless others.

This past year Sufana became a founding member of Panthfrica, a collective of artists who create ways to inspire and re-imagine black lives through events, exhibits and workshops. She is an artist by nature and extends the limb of a family tree of artists. Sufana has a passion and love for colors, shapes and textures and how they play a role in design. She sees art in all that her eyes behold.

36 November / December 2018 www.upfrontbusinessmagazine.com

www.upfrontbusinessmagazine.com November / December 2018 37 WNYMMP ALUMNI

Hon. APRIL BASKIN Majority Leader, Erie County legislature and Founder of The College Simulation Experience

Buffalo native April Baskin is passionate about community development for social change. In 2015 April developed The College Simulation Experience which uses arts based experiential learning to increase college retention rates in low-income populations in Western New York . She is dedicated to using creative learning methods as a platform for equipping youth who are lacking in resources with the tools needed to fully take advantage of the advancing educational opportunities afforded to them.

April holds a B.A. in Theatre Arts from SUNY Empire State College, and is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Higher Education Administration and Student Affairs at Buffalo State College. April is a member of the Buffalo Urban League Young Professionals, and was honored with their Community Engagement Award in May 2017. April was also honored with a 2017 Woman Touching The World Award by Unlimited Possibilities Overcoming Poverty Inc. She serves on The Empire State Poverty Reduction Initiative's Buffalo Taskforce. April is a member of the NAACP Buffalo Chapter, Leadership Niagara class of '17 and a graduate of the Allstate Minority and Women Emerging Entrepreneurs (MWEE) program sponsored by the University of Buffalo.

In November 2017 April was elected to represent district 2 of the Erie County Legislature in the state of New York. She currently serves as the Body's Majority Leader, and Chairwoman of the Public Safety and Minority and Women Enterprise committees. Most recently April was a 2018 finalist for the international ATHENA Award in the Buffalo- Niagara region, and appointed to serve on the Erie County Industrial Development Agency Policy Committee, Erie County Central Police Services Board of Trustees, Erie County MWBE Utilization Advisory Board and The UB Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership Board.

38 November / December 2018 www.upfrontbusinessmagazine.com www.upfrontbusinessmagazine.com November / December 2018 39 40 November / December 2018 www.upfrontbusinessmagazine.com WNYMMP ALUMNI

CARRINGTON ROY

I moved to Buffalo, New York in fall of 2017 from Houston, Texas to work with Michael Quinney and his organization. As a student studying communications, this was an important step closer to my career. I joined Western New York Media Professionals not only to get more familiar with multimedia, but also to pursue my dreams of becoming a television reporter. With the amazing love and support of my WNYMP family behind me, I am making my dreams a reality.

Carrington Roy, Advanced Student

www.upfrontbusinessmagazine.com November / December 2018 41

KOREY GREEN Black Rose Production House

Congratulations on 20 years! Keep up the great work! Filmmakers like myself appreciate such a great platform to showcase our work.

Korey Green Owner Black Rose Production House

42 November / December 2018 www.upfrontbusinessmagazine.com WNYMMP ALUMNI

ROXANNE DANIELLE ROLAND Media Personality Author, and Playwrite

Roxanne Roland began her career with WNYMMP in 2010 as producer/reporter trainee with Carmadee.com while she was attending Erie Community college where she received an Associate of Arts Degree in general Studies. In 2012 Roxanne earned B.A. degree Buffalo state College in communications and theater. In 2013 she also received M.S. Degree in Multidisciplinary Studies from Buffalo State College.

Determined to create her own multimedia platform Roxanne founded Doctor Rox Studios named after her alter ego Doctor Rox. Doctor Rox became an instant internet hit gaining thousands of fans seeking relationship advice. With that as inspiration behind her she wrote, produced and director several successful plays at Smith Theater. Her company also has a focus on women empowerment and youth leadership skills and has made several speaking engagements on the SUNY Collegiate circuit.

In 2017 Roxanne Danielle wrote a book called “Love Said fuck you too!”: A Doctor Rox Perspective which became a best seller on Amazon.com. Doctor Rox will say officially that she is doctor, she has been accepted to D’Youville College where she is employed as a Senior Associate Director in Marketing & Communications.

www.upfrontbusinessmagazine.com November / December 2018 43 WNYMMP ALUMNI

Robert Hoffman, MFA Assistant Professor of Communication Arts & Media Concord University

Robert Hoffman is an educator and broadcasting professional originally from Buffalo, NY. Mr. Hoffman earned his bachelors degree from the University at Buffalo in 2004 and his masters from

The College at Brockport in 2015. He currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Communication Arts & Media at Concord University in Athens, WV.

Best Regards, Robert Hoffman, MFA Assistant Professor of Communication Arts & Media Concord University

44 November / December 2018 www.upfrontbusinessmagazine.com WNYMMP ALUMNI

SELINA KAYE Actor, Model and TV Personality

Selina Kaye was born and raised in Buffalo NY. The petite 5'2" actress first started in the entertainment industry in Buffalo, at Western New York's #1 Hip-Hop and R&B radio station. She worked as reporter four Upfront TV and official Heat both where ABC shows aired on WKBW-TV Ch.7

Since then she made the jump to Los Angeles in the summer of 2012, leaving Buffalo behind for Hollywood. She then landed an acting role on the ABC TV series Castle

In 2011 she was awarded by Capital Change Changemakers for WNY's Power 30 Under 30. Selina is Buffalo State College graduate with a B.S. Degree in Broadcasting & Communications. Selina can be heard doing voice overs for radio, TV commercials, movies trailers and animated cartoon series.

www.upfrontbusinessmagazine.com November / December 2018 45 46 November / December 2018 www.upfrontbusinessmagazine.com Sept. 14 – Oct. 7, 2018 Purlie A Musical Based on the Play Purlie Victorious By Ossie Davis, Lyrics by Peter Udell, Music by Gary Geld Book by Ossie Davis, Philip Rose and Peter Udell Directed by Carlos R. A. Jones

Purlie Victorious, that strutting, new fangled preacher man is back home and he wants a church and he wants freedom. Witty, memorable music and a whole lotta of fun unfold as Purlie out- maneuvers ol' Colonel and gets his girl Lutiebelle (or she gets him!). From the composers of Shenandoah.

Nov. 9 – Dec. 2, 2018 August Wilson’s King Hedley II Directed by Ed Smith

Peddling stolen refrigerators in the feeble hope of making enough money to open a video store, King Hedley, a man whose self worth is built on self delusion, is scraping in the dirt of an ur- ban backyard trying to plant seeds where nothing will grow. Getting, spending, killing and dy- ing in a world where getting is hard and killing is commonplace are threads woven into this 1980's installment in the author's renowned cycle of plays about the black experience in Amer- ica. Drawing on characters established in Seven Guitars, King Hedley II shows the shadows of the past reaching into the present as King seeks retribution for a lie perpetrated by his mother regarding the identity of his father.

"Grand [with] some of the finest monologues ever written for an American stage, speeches that build gritty, often brutal details into fiery patterns of insight.... You may feel the scorch of light- ning." - The New York Times "Mesmerizing.... Full of powerful images that convey the darkly comic dialogue between hope and hopelessness in African American life." - N.Y. Daily News

www.upfrontbusinessmagazine.com November / December 2018 47 48 200November Delaware / December 2018Ave. www.upfrontbusinessmagazine.com Buffalo, New York 14202