EMPOWERSpring 2016 MAGAZINE Vol 6, Issue 1

Beauty Spotlight Michelle Levi Franklin Beauty School Celebrates 100 Years of Elite Image Beauty and Entrepreneurship Your Money Matters

1 | www.theempowermag.com Drop by and pick up a copy of Empower Magazine at one of the following business sites: EMPOWER Walgreen’s Pharmacy MAGAZINE 1307 FM 1092 (Murphy Road), Missouri City Houston’s This Is It Empower . Educate . Entertain 2712 Blodgett, Houston

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Photo Credit: Cover and main story photo - Michael Sterling

2 | www.theempowermag.com www.theempowermag.com | 3 Empowered for Growth in 2016 CONTENTS

EMPOWERMENT Spring 2016 Hello New Year – New Season – New Opportunities! Here at Empower Magazine we EMPOWERSpring MAGAZINE 2016 Cover Story are ramping up in 2016 to entertain as many ways as possible to showcase the best and the brightest among us - be it business or community leaders, kidpreneurs, gifted and 6 Money Matters talented inventors, record setters, dreamers and visionaries or even just people around Houston tax professional shares her journey to success the community making a measurable difference in service to others. By Diane Tezeno

Empower Magazine is all about delivering the very best content throughout this year Feature Stories that is worthy of our readership. With this in mind, our cover is a testament to where uncompromising drive and determination can take you. Yes – Michelle Levi is a successful, 11 A Call For Change driven and determined business owner with a very compelling story. Also in the pages Actor-director Nate Parker’s “Birth of Nation” makes strong show at Sundance of this edition is a “Living the American Dream” spotlight on a Cuban-born native and By: Andrea Henderson three-time world boxing champ and his dying thirst to overcome the odds and fulfill his dream of living in America. 12 Vera Moore Featured in Essence Vera Moore’s Riviera Red blush featured in Essence “Off the Charts” spotlight This edition shines the light on a number of very entertaining and insightful commentary By Diane Tezeno from savory cooking ideas, a highly recommended travel destination, beauty products in 32 Book Spotlight the spotlight to recommended books to add to your reading list, and the announcement The Kept Ones The Beginning Years - Vol. 1 of EM’s top 2015 “Person of the Year” vote-getters. 13 16th Annual Buffalo Soldiers National Museum Gala by Bunny Debarge Houston gala honors military musicians and the heritage of the Buffalo Soldiers By Leon Jenkins In addition to reading this edition from cover to cover, we encourage you to support the small business owners and authors that are featured in EM. As you flip through The Black Girl’s Guide to Living on Purpose this special “New Year, New Season, New Opportunities” edition of EM, be sure to also By Brie Daniels patronize our EM ad sponsors. 14 Mommy & Me Vision Board Party & Expo EM Red Carpet kidpreneur reporter Iyanni Pradia covers Houston expo 10 Ways Teenagers Mess Up Their Options As I often ask, once you have read this edition of EM, be sure to check us out online at By Diane Tezeno www.theempowermag.com where we continue to showcase community and business By Chris Jones coupled with numerous national interest stories. EM’s online presence allows us to more 16 Living the American Dream readily bring fresh content to you on a weekly basis penned by our featured columnists 26 Love is in the Air Cuban three-time world champion boxer’s rise from poverty to prominence and gifted freelance contributors from across the nation. By Chef Mariea Cobb By Sharron Jenkins If you know of someone who has taken a step of faith to live out their dreams, contact us Citrus Marinated Steak and Kale with Broccoli and we may share their story of inspiration with our readership. Chocolate Raspberry Truffle Cake 18 Franklin Beauty School Celebrates 100 Years of Beauty and Entrepreneurship Bowtie Pasta And remember - By Andrea Henderson EM is a magazine created for your personal consumption and for sharing with others. So, be sure to check us out online at www.theempowermag.com. 21 The Great Escape From Winter Travel spotlight on San Juan, Puerto Rico By Pamilla Hiner EM offers a wealth of articles and information designed to inspire and uplift the entrepreneurial spirit and provides interesting business insights and information. It is a 30 On the Cutting Edge “must read” for today’s business entrepreneur and small business owner. Ennaid Therapeutics developing therapeutic cures for Zika virus and other mosquito-borne diseases By Diane Tezeno

Empower Magazine 2015 Person of the Year Section 22 Chris Jones - Man on a Mission Washington native honored as Empower Magazine 2015 “Person of the Year” By Diane Tezeno

LeonLeon C. Jenkins 26 Angelique Bartholomew Editor-In-Chief EM 2015 “Person of the Year” 1st runner-up By Leon Jenkins

C4ACTION 27 Don Dotson EM 2015 “Person of the Year” 2nd runner-up By Leon Jenkins

4 | www.theempowermag.com www.theempowermag.com | 5 Money

Matters By Diane Tezeno

rowing up on Houston’s southeast side was a challenge for Michelle Levi. She was raised by her grandmother with a mother in prison and a father in rehab. Today, Levi has prevailed against the odds Gto open the doors to her own business and to chart her own course. But she would experience years of self-doubt and self-discovery before her path in life would become clear. In her sophomore year at Sharpstown High School she remembers enrolling late for classes and being forced to choose between the remaining elective classes that were available. The delay in enrolling in classes would play a pivotal role in her life and awaken a love and passion for numbers that would eventually lead her on the path to her calling. “At that time, bookkeeping was an elective offering and I thought this was great and was going to be an easy “A”. Mr. Rocqumore was my instructor and he made the class interesting and with each passing day, I

Houston businesswoman works through the numbers Photo credit: Michael Sterling Michael credit: Photo 6 | www.theempowermag.com www.theempowermag.com | 7 Life Group, a nonprofit financial literacy organization executive space in the offices of the children and young adults. that seeks to educate and empower individuals to set Houston Urban League to a glimpse When asked if there were strong financial goals and manage their finances to of the downtown Houston skyline. any unique struggles she faced as a achieve a quality life. Leading a small staff of woman in business, Levi seems to Levi describes her mentor as both a friend and professional women, she has have come full circle as she again mentor and credits her for the lasting impact and entered the busiest season of her faces the challenge of striking a imprint she left on her life. She also attributes her tax and notary business as she and healthy balance between her family success to her mother’s encouragement to make wise her staff serve the tax preparation and her career. But this time, there is choices and to not make the same mistakes she had needs of her growing list of clients. a bright side. made in her life. A certified DBE, SBE/Woman- “One of the seasons that I am With renewed confidence and faith, Levi would owned small business owner, her enjoying is being able to have my embark on a successful 15-year career in finance and portfolio of services also includes young adult children support me in accounting, but would find herself with little time to bookkeeping, certified payroll, business and still be able to be their spend with her children. external and internal audits, mother. Time is an amazing gift that “Moving into management was a financial gain document management and tax we should cherish,” said Levi. with a negative impact on my family. Traveling for debt resolutions and consulting. The mother of five takes great business and family obligations was not setting well “Our days at Elite Image pride in her children and describes for us. The more I was promoted, the less I spent with usually start at 7:30 a.m. with a them as “beautiful blessings.” Her my children. Corporate America did not care if I business networking breakfast or son owns a security company; one wanted to sponsor a field trip or eat lunch with my client meeting,” said Levi. of her daughters is an educator; children,” said Levi. When not working to serve another has earned her MBA and is For Levi, it became evident that climbing the the needs of her clients, Levi is a business owner; another is a pre- corporate ladder came with a price that she was empowering and educating others med student and her youngest child reluctant to continue to pay. She began to recall through her nonprofit. is in middle school. her conversations with her mentor and developed a “Early in my career … With her business dreams reawakened desire to chart her own course. I discovered residents of my fulfilled and her children on the “It became evident that I needed to make a community and some of my own path to successful careers and change because my children needed my support for family members had no true business ventures, Levi’s future their success. My vision of becoming an entrepreneur knowledge or education in tax plans include expanding to a new impressed upon me that I had already stayed in preparation. The normal process for location to accomodate her growing corporate much longer than I anticipated,” said Levi. them would be ‘Let me file for my business and obtaining additional Her entrepreneurial spirit would lead her to refund, or let Uncle Sam get what is federal certifications to gain access launch Elite Image Professional Services in 2012 and his’ - never stopping to understand Michelle Levi with son, Captain Earron Taylor to a higher level of government Photo credit: Michael Sterling Michael credit: Photo a year later, Elite Image Tax & Notary Service. the impact that taxation has on of Broken Dagger Security procurement contracts. Like many entrepreneurs, Levi had tried her their finances and future planning. For more information on Elite became more curious about the next assignment. I had no idea where hand at other ventures, including a brief stint as a I became an advocate for financial literacy and the best way to service Image Tax & Notary Service, contact Michelle Levi at 713-393-8713 the sudden interest in bookkeeping would lead me or the impact it dessert caterer, before finding her true calling and niche. the community would be to start with tax preparation,” said Levi. or email [email protected]. You may also visit her office at 1301 would have on my future,” said Levi. “I realized that although I like cooking desserts during the Since launching Wealth Principles for Life Group, her nonprofit Texas Street, Ste. 102, Houston, Texas 77002. By the time she graduated from high school, she was a single holidays as my hobby, catering as a profession was difficult for me, at organization has expanded to offer financial literacy programs for mother and felt hopeless and defeated. best,” said Levi. “It was a struggle to get to school and college was not an option Her financial expertise and passion for numbers allows her to because I had a daughter to provide and care for. I was often led to serve the accounting and tax needs of a vast array of individuals and Fun Facts to Know about Michelle Levi feel that I would never amount to anything and I would be a welfare business clients. Starting with 13 clients and a small executive office Favorite Movie mother living somewhere below the poverty lines. Several times I when she opened the doors to her business in 2012, Elite Image today “Claudine” thought and believed that I had no future,” said Levi. has grown to serve 80 individual clients and 25 small business and Levi would enroll in college, but struggled as a single mother non-profit clients, not to mention the contracts Levi has successfully Favorite Music Artist/Song for many years before crossing paths with a woman who would take Jazz, R & B and Country – Jill Scott procured as a subcontractor with the City of Houston. her under her wing and help place her life on a different course. The She has come a long way from the southeast side neighborhood Personal Motto You Live By woman, Rose Wheatley, served as the area manager of a local tax where she was raised, and today, looks out from the windows of her “Become the kind of leader that people would follow business where Levi had applied to do seasonal tax voluntarily, even if you had no title or position” work. “I only wanted to be seasonal administrative help, Person Who Has Had Greatest Impact on Your Life/Why? except Rose had other plans and appointed herself My mother Edna Joyce Cooper, she has been a true to become my mentor and advocate for a better testimony of life and second changes for me. lifestyle. She not only mentored me professionally, she became my true friend. Rose was “me” and saw Top Books You Recommend Reading value in me when I did not. Rose made me believe “The 21 Day Financial Fast” by Michelle Singletary “Order My Steps” by Sheretta West again,” said Levi. “The Art and Joy of Balanced Living” by Dr. Jacquie Hood An advocate for education, Wheatley would Martin empower Levi to embrace her status as a single mother and to lead her daughters by example. Fashion Ensemble That Makes You Feel Empowered Today, she is owner of Elite Image Tax & Notary BB Couture Boutique, Betty Driver Service, LLC, and founder of Wealth Principles for 8 | www.theempowermag.com www.theempowermag.com | 9 A Call For Change

Actor-Director Nate Parker’s “Birth of Nation” makes strong show at Sundance Film Festival By: Andrea Henderson Davis Elliot Credit: Photo

ver the years Hollywood entertainers Dramatic, a bidding war for worldwide trend of the last two award seasons. have voiced their opinions on the lack distribution rights to Parker’s film ensued at Playing in roles alongside outstanding of diversity in film and television. Their this year’s Sundance Film Festival and resulted male counterparts like Denzel Washington Oconcerns focus on the sparse numbers of roles and filming under the direction of Spike Lee in Fox Searchlight securing a record-breaking written for African Americans. With the vast 17.5 million distribution deal, said to be one in the film Red Hook Summer, Nate Parker’s majority of roles written with the Leonardo of the largest distribution deals for a screening directorial debut was a two-year project in the DiCaprio’s and the Matthew McConaughey’s premiere in the Festival’s history, according to making. After starring in four feature films in of the industry in mind, many in Hollywood Deadline. 2014, Parker decided it was time to work on The are engaging in intense conversations about As both director and lead actor for the Birth of a Nation. The actor engrossed himself changing the thought patterns of “Old project, Nate Parker, birthed life into this film not in everything Turner. His attraction to Turner Hollywood.” only for entertainment and historical purposes, in college, lead Parker to delve further into the Actress Jada Pinkett-Smith in recent but as a platform to encourage others to strive revolutionist’s life and understand the meaning weeks confronted the Academy of Motion and believe for change within Hollywood. and purpose of existing as a black man in society Picture Arts and Sciences via a video message “There’s this idea that African-Americans today. on her Facebook page in response to the lack don’t have as much value in Hollywood as “I knew nothing of people who stood up. of diversity in this year’s selection of Academy others,” said Parker. “When you have the I had no understanding of the word resistance Award nominees and encouraged African confidence of an organization that you and with respect to the plight of people of African American actors, fans and other Hollywood so many others revere it can be the thing that descent in America,” said Parker. insiders to boycott the show. encourages you through the fight of getting it Parker insists that viewers do not confuse With not one African-American person d on e .” the film with D.W. Griffith’s 1915 silent film The recognized by the Academy for his or her Legacies of powerful black abolitionists Birth of a Nation, which was a racist film that contributions to film this season, not only were are often overlooked within the history books focused on the fear that whites had towards entertainers expressing their anguish with the because slavery is a part of history that America blacks because they felt their communities and industry so were the fans, hence the hashtag wants to not recall. families were in danger because of the black #OscarsSoWhite, which became the number There is no forgetting the years of oppression race. one trending topic on social media on the day and persecution Blacks endured simply because Films such as Parker’s, The Birth of a nominations were announced. of the color of their skin. Turner’s biography Nation, promotes open dialogue and honest With entertainers in revolution mode, the is a story that is empowering in the sense that conversations on race in the community and debut of the dramatic film The Birth of a Nation it conveys the message that there is power in in Hollywood today. Such films are needed to at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival could not numbers. The slave revolutionist confronted remind the industry that African-Americans have arrived at a better time. Parker’s passion the status quo much like many in Hollywood are are a part of this society and their culture, project depicts the story of slave revolutionist, doing today in protest of the lack of diversity in experiences and talents should be commended Nat Turner, who led a rebellion in the 1800’s in a film and television projects. Early talk suggests and not disregarded. quest for freedom for enslaved blacks. that The Birth of a Nation is already being viewed “All I want this film to achieve is really just Winning the U.S. Grand Jury Prize: as a possible contender for an Oscar and may be be a conversation starter,” said Parker. “I want Dramatic and the Audience Award: U.S. the film to break through the #OscarSoWhite people to challenge the system.”

10 | www.theempowermag.com www.theempowermag.com | 11 The FilmBirth Synopsis of a Nation

When a little slave boy, Nathaniel “Nat” Turner, was taken to meet the Elders in the deep woods of 1800s Southampton County, Virginia, it was determined he would be a prophet. It became evident that the unusually intelligent boy would become able to read, so he was encouraged to study the Holy Bible and be a preacher to his fellow slaves. But when Nat’s master decides to profit from his preaching skills by putting him on an inter-county preaching tour, Nat begins to see the full contours of slavery and is moved to become a different kind of leader.

Based on true events, The Birth of a Nation is the long- awaited story of Nat Turner, the American-born slave who would lead the most successful slave rebellion in American history. Having appeared as an actor in several features at the Sundance Film Festival (Arbitrage, Red Hook Summer), Nate Parker returns to the Festival with this bold, compelling, and deeply inhabited first-time feature—and proves that he is an ascending triple-threat talent.

Photo credit: ‘Courtesy of Sundance Institute’

Better Business, and Ebony Magazine, to name a few. 16th Annual Buffalo Soldiers National Museum Gala Moore also was featured in the July 2015 People Magazine, “My American Dream” column where she recounted her journey from actress ouston Mayor Sylvester Turner and Congresswoman Sheila The gala, held at the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum in Houston, to makeup mogul. Jackson Lee were among the list of dignitaries at this year’s 16th Texas, drew a packed house of attendees. Presiding over the night’s The beauty industry trailblazer continues to reach for “moore” as she Annual Buffalo Soldiers National Museum Gala. Both Turner festivities was FOX 26 news anchor, Jose Grinan. Hand Lee presented proclamations in recognition of the distinguished, positions the company for growth with Walgreens and the global market. This year’s focus was on “Honoring our Military Musicians.” Following heroic and rich history that represents the Buffalo Soldiers – “Ready and an excellent “History of Military Music” by KHOU- 11 reporter, Rucks Forward.” Russell, the cadence of military music continued throughout the evening. The high point of the gala was realized with the special recognition of Chief Warrant Officer 3 (CWO3) Louis C. Wells Sr. CWO3 Wells, Sr. is a military trail blazer who in 1946 broke lots of color era Moore Cosmetics was featured in Essence Magazine’s barriers on the way to becoming the U.S. Army’s first African-American February issue. The article, entitled “Off The Charts” by bandmaster. Among his many firsts, “he was the first African American Nikia Spradley included Vera Moore’s “Riviera Red” blush trombonist assigned to the all-white 2nd Armored Division Band. alongside many other well known brands in the industry. Invariably Wells became the first Commanding Officer and Bandmaster The “Off the Charts” feature follows the success of of the 26th Army Band.” His 32 years of military service was comprised of the Essence December Beauty Box last December, which included Vera numerous awards, distinguished recognitions and commendations. VMoore’s pearlized eyeshadow in “24 Kt”. Following active duty service, Mr. Wells, Sr. took on duties as the A former actress turned entrepreneur, Moore is president and CEO, Senior Army JROTC Instructor for Fair Park High School, Shreveport, of Vera Moore Cosmetics, a highly competitive woman-owned business. La. He is founder and director of the Shreveport Regional Wind/Jazz An affordable premium brand for women of all cultures, Moore’s cosmet- Ensemble, member of the executive board of the local Musician Union ics currently can be found nationally in 50-plus select Duane Reade/ and Director of Performing Arts at Paradise Baptist Church. Walgreen’s stores in the new upscale beauty, section called the “LOOK- The end to a truly amazing night was brought to a crescendo by boutique.” CWO3 Wells, Sr. who directed a mini orchestra in playing a medley of all Moore has appeared on Broadway and was one of the first black of the military services theme songs. actresses on the soap opera “Another World” where she portrayed the To create a memorable experience for your next organizational character “Linda Metcalf” for a decade. She is a coveted speaker and has meeting, social outing or business networking event, book the historic been written in and graced the covers of Black Enterprise Magazine, Em- Buffalo Soldiers National Museum by calling (713) 942-8920; email: info@ power Magazine, The Network Journal’s 25 Influential Black Women in buffalosoldiermuseum.com. Business, Wall Street Journal, Crain’s, WWD, Beauty Magazine, NMBC

12 | www.theempowermag.com Program Book Image: Buffalo Soldiers Museum www.theempowermag.com | 13 mpower Magazine’s Red Carpet kidpreneur reporter, Iyanni Pradia, and mother, Lisa Pradia, were on the red carpet at the Hilton Houston Southwest for the first stop of the five-city Mommy & Me Vision Board Party & Expo tour. EThe pair joined a host of enterprising mothers and daughters for a day of inspiration and empowerment as a power-packed group of panelists shared highlights and wisdom from their journeys. The tour, the brainchild of celebrity event planner and founder of Millionaire Mommy Society, Sherrie Walton, and co-hosted by empowerment speaker, Joan Wright Good, was described by one attendee as an emotional experience that brought many of the mothers to tears but also uplifted them to pursue their purpose. "I come across so many moms that are no longer inspired. They have tucked away their dreams to raise their families. I don't believe you have to choose. You can have a great home life and a successful business at the same time," said Walton on the & Me inspiration for creating the empowerment tour. Walton envisioned the event as an opportunity to inspire moms to dust off their dreams and to live their "best fearless confident life and to inspire their daughters to go Mommy after their dreams at an early age." Vision Board "It's time for women to connect to their true inner fearlessness, and be the women God has called them to be,” said Walton. Panelists for the event included Kim Gagne, Emmy award-winning producer of Party & Expo The Steve Harvey Show, Jillian "JJ Simmons, 97.9 The Box radio personality; CleRenda McGrady, life coach and wife of NBA legend; Jacquelyn Aluotto, award-winning By Diane Tezeno filmmaker and head of FUBU TV's conscious content division; Ebony L. Thomas, founder and president of God's Money, God's Way; Almashea Spotser, owner & creator of AlmaRose Luxury diaper bags; and philanthropist, Laurie Dempsey. Featured Love One AnotherPower Pills(TM) kidpreneurs included Mikaila Ulmer, winner of the hit TV show Shark Tank and Power Pills, the pills like no other. When taken they can ease founder of BeeSweet Lemonade; Arooj Sheikh, Chasity Thomas, Kamryn Johnson and a troubled mind, soothe a broken heart, give you joy in the Saniya-Symone Scott. midst of sorrow. Attendees developed vision boards and walked away with practical knowledge and how-to tips to ignite their dreams. VIP ticket holders received gift bags with products from women-owned brands such as GlammGirl. These packs of 23 pocket-size cards encourage, uplift and The inaugural five-city tour is headed for Atlanta, Dallas, Austin and Orlando. restore. Choose from Scripture, Prayer, Children and/or Grief Power Pills. Get yours today. For information on upcoming tour dates, visit www.millionairemommysociety.com. www.PowerPills.info Made in U.S.A.

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14 | www.theempowermag.com www.theempowermag.com | 15 above Angulo’s eye forced “El Perro” to bow out and awarded Lara a TKO. The outcome of the match with Williams giving Lara a loss was long If someone asks Lara what and arduous. Most boxing experts and aficionados considered Lara the his greatest accomplishment American Dream victor but the three judges gave the fight to Williams causing outrage and Living the their eventual suspension from judging. Notwithstanding the occasional is, the answer is obstacle, Lara’s professional boxing record is phenomenal—22 wins, 2 “ draws, and 2 losses. If someone asks Lara what his greatest accomplishment is, the answer straightforward—his family. is straightforward—his family. Lara met his wife, Yudi during his stay in Germany. She is of Cuban and German descent. Erislandy and Yudi have two sons and a daughter together. He also has two children in Cuba from a previous relationship and remains in touch with them. Lara’s time ” away from training is spent at home sleeping, playing with his children, and interacting with the family pets. The Lara family enjoys traveling together and recently vacationed in Jamaica, but Lara’s favorite place to visit is his wife’s homeland, Germany. Future vacation destinations are in the planning stage but may include Hawaii, which friends of Lara have described as breathtakingly beautiful. Now that Cuba has relaxed its tourism laws, is it possible that Lara will ever return to his homeland? One will have to wait and see, but many Cubans are already leaving to visit Costa Rica, Ecuador and, of course, Miami. For the moment, Lara is content to live in a city where the people are pleasant, he has some reminders of his homeland—a cockatiel, a parrot, and pigeons—and he continues to live the American dream.

By Sharron Jenkins

ntering the multi-roomed elegantly decorated house in a quiet honors and awards, Lara and his teammate, Guillermo Rigondeaux, made suburb near Houston, one would find it difficult to envision the the decision to defect from Cuba. In spite of his valiant attempt to flee the humble beginnings of its owner, three-time world champion boxing grip of Cuban control, freedom was short lived. Within a few weeks, Lara Etitleholder, Erislandy Lara. I recently had the honor of interviewing Lara and Rigondeaux surrendered to Brazilian authorities and were summarily and learned of his rise from near poverty to boxing prominence. returned to Cuba. His punishment for defecting was an indefinite Born in 1983 in Guantanamo, Cuba, the thirty-two-year-old expulsion from boxing. prizefighter spent his childhood in a one-room house living with four As a result of the stiff penalty levied on him for defecting, Lara other family members. The modest dwelling afforded Lara a place to eat decided to go for broke and endeavored once again to depart his homeland and sleep, had running water and a bathroom but no amenities such as so that he could pursue his personal dream of providing for his family Genesis Gemini television, which many consider as one of our inalienable rights. Despite and professional dream of becoming a champion boxer. In 2008, Lara was the challenging plight of his early years, Lara charted a course that would successful in reaching Mexico on a speedboat and later made the journey transport him from Guantanamo, Cuba to Houston. to Hamburg, Germany to train and fight with the Arena Box-Promotion Entertainment Without cable television, video games and many other activities group, home to former Olympic boxing champions. Lara resided in American youth take for granted, Lara devoted time to raising pigeons and Germany for two years and fought two matches but still yearned for participated in the sports that many a young Cuban boy enjoys—soccer something more. and baseball, but his athletic prowess shone brightest in the boxing ring. Longing for more opportunities to compete on a bigger stage, Lara Launched in 2003 and lasting until 2007, Lara’s amateur career garnered made his way to Miami, Florida where other Cuban boxing defectors Rele ases many accolades and soon earned him the moniker El Oro de Guantanamo resided. After some modest success, Lara took a leap of faith and moved or Guantanamo’s Gold. As the captain of the Cuban National Boxing from Miami to Houston to train under the auspices of Ronnie Shields, Team, it seemed that Lara was well on his way to acquiring gold in the renowned for training Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, and Pernell The Genesis Men 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, China. It seemed that bestowing Whitaker, to name just a few. the gold medal on Lara was all but a formality. Shield’s sage guidance has yielded dividends for Lara as evidenced Dawn Brooks, founder of Genesis Gemini Entertainment (pictured with models As a tune up for the games Lara and his Cuban compatriots were by his quick three-round TKO of Jan Zaveck in Miami on November from the calendar) recently hosted the Genesis Unleashed Network Soiree where she intent on letting their fellow pugilists in the 2007 Pan American Games 15, 2015. Not all of Lara’s bouts have ended in victory or quickly. Lara announced the release of The Genesis Men 2016 Calender. To purchase your copy, 2016 Calender in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil know that they were the leading contenders to considers his bouts against Alfredo “El Perro” Angulo and Paul Williams call 832-450-7217. take home the lion’s share of the medals. Despite the opportunity for more his most difficult. Alfredo Angulo took Lara to ten rounds until a cut 16 | www.theempowermag.com www.theempowermag.com | 17 daughter would catch the eye of one of her the city, he also became one of the founding other than Franklin. The school is legendary, mother’s young high school employees, James members of the Houston Negro Chamber of and I’m very happy to see that the school still H. Jemison. In the early 1930s, the two would Commerce, now known as Houston Citizens continues its legacy.” wed and assume sole proprietorship of Franklin Chamber of Commerce. His love of golf would Linda Pickney, a 1979 graduate of the School of Beauty Culture in respone to her eventually lead him to file a lawsuit against the school, has translated the knowledge and skills mother’s failing health. city that would be instrumental in desegregating she gained at Franklin Beauty School into her Houston’s public golf courses. own legacy of success. A licensed hairstylist A Fresh Start In 1960, the beauty school moved from its for over 35 years and a business owner for over After Madame Franklin’s death and passage roomy downtown location to Houston’s Third 30 years, Pickney owns and operates Raimon’s of a law by the State of Texas allowing beauty Ward, a prime area of the city where black- Salon de Beaute’, one of the largest salon suites schools and salons to be separate entities, J.H. owned businesses were booming. In 1969, with in Houston. The 40-suite building sits adjacent and Abby Jemison recognized the opportunity J.H. headed for retirement, his son, Ronald to one of two beauty supply stores that Pickney for change and moved to Houston. The pair Jemison, assumed the position of president of owns and operates with her immediate family. purchased her mother’s beauty school from her the beauty school. Brashae’s Beauty Supply is located on the former husband and began doing business in Years later, Governor Dolph Brisco southwest side of Houston and Bennett Beauty 1935. appointed J.H. to serve as the first black member and Barber Supply is located near the west side The newly established cosmetology school of the Texas Cosmetology Commission. of the city. 1 2 attracted aspiring beauticians from across the Following J.H.’s death in 1984, Franklin Beauty Countless students learned the ropes of city and state, opening doors for hundreds of School expanded for a second time, in southeast the beauty business down through the years Franklin Beauty School women eager to learn about the business side Houston with his son’s wife, Glenda Jemison, from various generations of the Jemison family. of the beauty industry and the latest styling managing the new facility. Pickney had the luxury of living with J.H. and techniques of that era. Like his father before him, Jemison was Abby Jemison for about nine months as she Celebrates 100 Years of The original formulas from Madame influential within the cosmetology field. He too attended Franklin Beauty School in 1978. Franklin’s hair care line were still in use and served as a member of the Texas Cosmetology “I had no other way out than beauty 3 Beauty and Entrepreneurship sold to students to help increase the beauty Commission succeeding his father to become school, and J.H. and Mrs. Abby helped push me By Andrea Henderson school’s clientele. Franklin Beauty School the second black member of the Texas through,” said Pickney. “There was a standard ranklin Beauty School celebrated its 100th products. prepared students for opportunities at rising Cosmetology Commission. His wife worked that they had for all of their students - you had to 4 year of business in 2015 and honored After much trial and error, Madame Franklin salons and inspired many to open their own in the community and also served as School take pride in your work and yourself as a black several community and beauty legends formulated her own brand of beauty products and beauty businesses and create their own hair care Owner Commissioner (Zone III) of the National person.” in the Houston community. The event began selling them to her clients. Inspired by the products. Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts The Houston cosmetologist said that while Fbrought together graduates from the beauty school success of her product line, Madame Franklin In 1941, after the husband and wife duo and Sciences. living with the Jemison’s she was taught life and as well as numerous business owners and celebrated decided to open her own beauty shop in Fort Worth, relocated the business to a larger downtown Franklin Beauty School has left an indelible business skills, including being professional at figures from the Houston area, and beyond. Texas, in 1916. She expanded her beauty venture to location, Franklin Beauty School became the mark on the Houston beauty industry with four all times and educating yourself on your craft. Empower Magazine pays special tribute to the include the opening of Franklin School of Beauty largest beauty school in the state of Texas. generations of family members still influencing The oldest known Franklin Beauty School 5 6 enduring legacy of this legendary beauty school Culture, which also included a merchandising Franklin Beauty School continued to thrive the city’s aspiring beauty professionals to exhibit graduate, Angie Williams, 97, celebrates the and takes a look back at its humble beginnings and center. A year later, she ventured to Houston, Texas, in the black community and the Jemison’s a standard of excellence today. school’s future and looks back fondly on the journey to success. a city where budding black beauticians could accrue took pride in their students and the quality of legacy of those who taught her about life and faithful clientele and a lucrative pay off at the end instruction that they provided. Franklin Beauty School Now business. Modest Beginnings of the day. With the school’s high success rate in Madame Franklin’s vision of intertwining “It was frustrating being black during Madame Nobia Franklin recognized early Even though business was booming in Houston, preparing students to pass the Texas State Board beauty and entrepreneurship over 100 years ago, the Civil Rights era, but J.H. Jemison, ‘Father on that she possessed a natural skill-set for Madame Franklin wanted to continue building her of Cosmetology Exam on the first try, doors still stands today for many successful and well- Jemison’ as I liked to call him, kept his students entrepreneurship and invention. From styling the brand and clientele in other cities. Her hopes of of opportunity swung wide for graduates of known graduates of Franklin Beauty School. on track,” said Williams. “He made sure that hair of friends and neighbors to manufacturing her building on the success of the Franklin School of the school and provided them with illustrious The esteemed mother of Houston native, we were always professional and that we never 7 8 own cosmetics and beauty line, Madame Franklin Beauty Culture brand in not only Texas seemed far opportunities within the field as licensed Beyoncé Knowles, even gained hands-on forgot to always remain true to ourselves.” had her eyes set on ownership at an early age. and in between since other prominent beauticians cosmetologists. experience from Franklin Beauty School On December 8, 2015, Houston Mayor Inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit of Sarah like Madame Walker had already saturated the As the business came into its own, Abby opening the door of opportunity for Tina Annise Parker presented the owners of Franklin Breedlove, also known as Madame C.J. Walker, midwest and northeastern states. By 1922, she and Jemison began to shy away from the business Knowles to own and operate her own hair salon Beauty School with a proclamation declaring Franklin modeled her career after the success of her teenage daughter, Abby Franklin, moved to to focus on raising the couple’s children and in Rice University called Headliners. December 8th as Franklin Beauty School Day. America’s first self-made female millionaire. Chicago, Illinois to expand her company’s reach. grooming them for success. In the meantime, “God has blessed me beyond measure and A century after the school opened its doors, Like other black beauticians in the early As she continued to groom her daughter to her husband became involved in the fight for I’ve been able to do some incredible things Madame Franklin’s vision of single-handedly 1900s, she was determined to invent a product run the company, Madame Franklin made sure to Civil Rights and became a beacon of light because of the training I received at Franklin,” shaping the beauty industry has been realized that would soften and help maintain the texture make every business relationship count. During her during a dark period in American history. A said Knowles-Lawson. “When I first started to and her enduring legacy continues to inspire a of African-American hair. To achieve this goal, enterprising stint in Chicago, she prepared other member of a number of professional clubs in go to beauty school, there was no other option new generation of cosmetologists and beauty she experimented with different chemicals and aspiring business owners and beauticians to pursue industry professionals. developed various hair creams, powders, oils, 9 their own future beauty endeavors. bleaching blends, shampoos and other hair care While learning the ropes of the business, her

1 Mrs. Glenda Jemison (Director) and Mr. Ron Jemison Sr (CEO) of Franklin Beauty School 2 Jemison Family 3 Ms. Angie Williams (97-year-old Franklin graduate) and Ron Jemison 4 Helen Eley (Franklin Beauty school 20-year instructor) & Ron Jemison Jr. 5 Ron Jemison Jr. & Kimberly Aitch (used to work with Tina Knowles) 6 Ron Jemison Jr. & Corey Ford (star of Houston Beauty Reality Show and owner of Salon 1409) 7 Linda Pickney (owner of Brashae’s Beauty Supply & Salon) & Ron Jemison Jr. 2 3 8 Ron Jemison Jr. (Franklin Beauty School president) & Jackie Adams 10 9 Jemison Franklin Beauty School Day 1 Early Franklin Beauty School instructor and students 10 Zamekia Jemison (VP of Franklin), Kim Roxie (creative director of LAMIK Beauty), Deborah Duncan (host of Great 2 Early Franklin Beauty School products Day Houston), Glenda Jemison (Director of Franklin Beauty School), Sheila Jackson Lee (Congresswoman), Kimberly 1 3 Madame Franklin pressing oil 2 2 18 | www.theempowermag.com Aitch (hairstylist), Jackie Adams (owner of Melodrama Boutique) and Melinda Spaulding (Fox 26 news anchor) www.theempowermag.com | 19 The Great Escape From Winter Destination San Juan, Puerto Rico By Pamilla Hiner

ronically, El Niño has done us all a favor infamous La Perla neighborhood. Glamorized a plastic Bacardi cup, one free drink, and a rum this winter, bringing us peculiarly warmer by pop culture, at one time it seem every other tasting at the end of the tour. It was the perfect temperatures this season. I’ve been ever so rap video filmed a scene in this ghetto known for precursor to a Saturday night on the town. I put Igrateful for these autumn like winter days, but drug trafficking and circumstantially... murder. I on my dancing shoes and headed to El Senor El Niño could not save us from Winter Storm spoke with a local police officer that was parked Frogs…let the libations and partying begin! Jonas. Jonas reminded me, that this is definitely with a paddy wagon near the area, and in his That’s probably the only complaint that one may the winter season, as a ravaging blizzard swept words I relay the advise to you, “you don’t bother have, Old San Juan is where the celebrations through the DC area with pummeling winds, them, they don’t bother you, but never visit this happen and on a Saturday night the music and blanketing the city with 18-24 inches of snow. area at night.” But sometimes there is light in echoes of the crowd in the streets can go well Several days of sitting home, cabin fever had darkness, despite the forts being protection into the early morning hours. For those of you settled in; I was in desperate need of an escape… from invasion and La Perla being riddled with that like a little bit more of a relaxed setting, stat! Endless sunny days, balmy relaxing drugs and poverty; the most beautiful views as I needed after partying the night away, you beaches, and a nightlife that could rescue me can be seen from the monumental forts built can venture over to luxe-filled Condado and from my winter gloom— a weekend visit to San on a cliff of the Atlantic Ocean as the tropical lounge on Isle Verde Beach. It was the perfect Juan, Puerto Rico is just what I needed. colored shanties of La Perla peak through the lazy Sunday, as I allowed my mind, body, and Three hours and 45 minutes later, awaking forts’ mottled brown stones. Also nearby, is the soul to be wrapped in the warmth of the sun and from a nap on my flight, I found myself at San Cementerio Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzis, a breeze of the ocean. I knew Monday was coming Juan Luis Munoz Airport. I could feel the winter very ornate cemetery built in 1863 overlooking and it would be back to the cold tundra that has blues slowly melting away. This, not being the ocean, with architecturally stunning engulfed most of the east coast, but in that very my first time visiting San Juan, I’ve stayed at tombstones of some very famous Puerto Rican instance I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, several different properties, I opted for one of people. I almost forget it is cemetery with it’s and exhaled as the waves of the ocean carried my favorite boutique hotels, Casablanca. It’s the breathtaking ocean views. my winter woes back into the depths of the sea. perfect location, nestled in the heart of Old San A long day of walking, I now had a taste for Juan on the popular and festive La Forteleza my favorite appetizing dish, shrimp mofongo. I About Pamilla Hiner Street. Many of San Juan’s main attractions, never ever leave San Juan without having shrimp Pamilla Hiner aka “The Solo Travel Muse” is restaurants, and local shopping are all in walking mofongo, at Café Puerto Rico. If you want a flight attendant who left the comforts of her distance. I love Old San Juan for it’s rich culture authentic Puerto Rican cuisine, you can’t beat Houston, TX upbringing to embark on a career and it’s nightlife that feels like Carnival on the this place! It’s somewhat small, and can get busy, that would take her literally and metaphorically weekend. I always kick my visit off to San Juan but it is definitely worth the wait. Shrimp served to new heights. She often travels solo and set a with sightseeing and although I am familiar with drenched in a garlic sauce inside of mashed mission to encourage others to stop waiting for the area, there is always this sense of wonder as plaintain sculpted into a bowl…delicious every permission to live life. She is the founder of a I walk through the streets, allowing myself to time! brand created for other free spirits called Gypsy immerse into San Juan’s culture. The following day I took a ferry across the Glamm™ and chronicles her Solo Trippin’ travels First stop, a visit to Castillo San Felipe del water to the Barcardi Rum Factory. I feel it is a online. She has been all over the world inspiring Morro and San Cristobal, forts that were built in dishonor to San Juan to not partake in a visit to others to push past fear, as she did, and embark the 16th Century to protect San Juan from water the largest premium distillery in the world. It’s on their own solo adventures. and land invasions, and between the fort lies the actually a pretty fun little tour, 12 bucks gets you 20 | www.theempowermag.com www.theempowermag.com | 21 Man on a Mission Empowering Today’s Youth For Change

rowing up in the tumultuous streets of Washington, D.C., Chris Jones’ life could have easily taken a different turn, but a dogged determination and desire to not be limited by his circumstances propelled him on a path to his purpose. GToday, he is founder of “Chris Jones Speaks: Empowering Today’s Youth For Change,” a hybrid organization, birthed from the YDREAM Leadership and Personal Development Program he launched in 2006, that has provided him with an international platform as a youth advocate, coach and motivational speaker. Born to teenage parents who divorced by the time he was 5 years old, Jones would experience the negative fallout of domestic abuse when his mother remarried, requiring him to live for a period of time with his father, and later, grandmother. “I would describe my lowest point as a young teen as the years of being a silent victim of the domestic violence between my mother and stepfather. They would argue and physically fight to the point that police officers had to be called to intervene because they would “literally” throw the furniture out in the front yard and burn it,” shared Jones. Despite his dysfunctional home life, Jones credits his mother with being “the single most influential person” in his life as a teenager. “The top three things that my mom used to encourage me to “stay on the right track” were an extension cord, tree limbs and very thick belts,” recalls Jones. Jones attributes his father’s strong work ethic and upstanding lifestyle choices with having a significant impact on his life. At the age of 16, he obtained a summer job opportunity as a staff assistant in The Federal Government’s Office of Personnel Management through the Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program. “This job exposed me for the first time to people with “professional” jobs and a positive work environment. I still remember nostalgically how, at the end of my summer, the staff that I worked for said goodbye to me with a small “going away” party that included a cake with my name on it and gifts from each of them. This experience left me with a strong desire to finish school so that I could go to work and “be like them,” said Jones. Chris Jones He would return to Washington to visit his mother the next summer to find the deadline passed to apply for the position. With a strong motivation to work and an equally strong desire to Empower Magazine distance himself from his volatile home life he applied at a local McDonald’s and immersed himself in his job, taking two buses each day after school to get to work. 2015 Person of the Year “McDonald’s instilled within me a work ethic that would remain with me throughout my entire life,” said Jones. Jones bonded with restaurant manager, Gerald Robbins, and Photo credit: JPatricia Davy JPatricia credit: Photo remembers spending hours in intense discussions about life, hard work, goal setting, giving back and the importance of having ethics and respect. “It was because of his positive influence and encouragement that …

I had the intestinal fortitude and confidence to apply for and be accepted Empower Magazine 2015 Person of the Year Section Year the of Person 2015 Magazine Empower For the second year, Empower Magazine has launched an online vote to pay tribute to an into the McDonald’s Management Program,” shared Jones. entrepreneur or small business owner who stands out above the crowd. More than 100,000 During his six-year tenure at the restaurant, Jones would rise up the ranks and be chosen by McDonald’s to travel throughout the Washington,

votes were cast over a two-week period, with in excess of 34,000 cast for Washington, D.C. D.C. area to train other store managers. He would become noted as a top- Campbell Ida credit: Photo flight employee and also be featured as a “McDonald’s Promise Keeper” on native, Chris Jones, founder of Chris Jones Speaks: Empowering Today’s Youth For Change. We in-store promotional posters. salute your passion to empower and inspire youth to dream. 22 | www.theempowermag.com www.theempowermag.com | 23 “In addition to valuable work and life lessons, McDonald’s holds Jones is often asked during speaking engagements how “the career create a harmonious co-existence and also to promote fond memories for me because they actually paid for my very first plane McDonald’s boy” got a job with the Secret Service. community safety. (www.tapsacademy.org). flight. They sent me from Washington, D.C. to Chicago, Illinois to attend “My answer to this question is what I stress most often to the young Today, Jones is owner of Jones Executive Security Hamburger University. I was 19 years old and the motivational training people that I come in contact with: “Give Yourself A Chance To Compete.” Group and has an upcoming talk show, “Empowering that I received at Hamburger University so impacted my life that my first You don’t know what you can do or the opportunities that are out there for Today’s Youth for Change,” debuting on cable TV in the life goal was to own my own McDonald’s,” said Jones. you. It’s not how you start … it’s how you finish,” said Jones. Washington, DC area in early 2016 and a radio show But Jones’ career path would soon take a turn that would lead him “All I did was apply, but because of the example that my father set for coming soon on WOOK – 103.1 LPFM. to serve as a U.S. Marine Corp Reservist and later pursue a career in law me (he never smoked, drank, experimented with drugs or used profanity enforcement. and retired working for the Newport News Ship Building Company after “Many D.C. area police officers that worked the beat around my 40 years), I too, had never done drugs, not even cigarettes. I did not, then, For more information, store would often come in and talk to me about joining the police force. and still do not, today, drink or smoke, and have never had a criminal visit www. I would always laugh with them and say, ‘I can’t be a police officer in my record, but kept myself busy as a productive, young black male - I was chrisjonesspeaks. neighborhood.’ Then one day, a uniformed Secret Service Officer who also given a chance,” said Jones. com or e-mail chris@ had come into my store a few times prior, asked me to consider applying The only Black male in his Secret Service training class of 35 officers, chrisjonesspeaks.com for employment with the U.S. Secret Service,” said Jones. Jones began to ponder why there were so few individuals of color applying to book a speaking The opportunity was something that Jones could not even fathom. for the position – the answer to that question would, in time, lead him to engagement. Plagued by negative thoughts of not measuring up to the requirements his life’s calling.

lead Jones to launch his nonprofit organization, YDREAM Leadership and Personal Development Program in 2006. ‘It’s Better To Be Prepared For An Opportunity Than To Have An

Opportunity And Not Be Prepared,’ ‘YDREAM About It When You Can Jones Mae credit: Photo Be About It’ and ‘Change Their Thinking So That They Can Change Their Lives,’ became the guiding mantras of his personal development Webster Jacob credit: Photo program. “Our young people really do have a desire to know the steps that need to be implemented into their lives in order to become successful, functional members of today’s society,” said Jones. He recalls a young girl from Birmingham, England who attended It Takes A Village Photo credit: Patricia Davy one of his overseas speaking engagements. After his presentation, she shared the heartbreaking story of her thoughts of suicide after her father As I reflect back over my life, “Chris Jones Speaks” has become a combina- was sentenced to prison for attempted murder and her brother received tion of the investments others have made in my life over the years and my 2-years probation for his role in the incident. own desire to succeed. “She felt like her dream of a great life was over until she heard me speak and made a decision to embrace the things I spoke about like • My mother gave me the focus to stay on the right track; perseverance, beating the odds, having a dream and pursuing it and never giving up on your dreams or life goals,” shared Jones. • My father was a great example of how to not give in to peer pressure Jones, whose favorite mantra is ‘There is no impact without contact,’ and begin engaging in bad habits; now speaks across the country and abroad in his global quest to instill a sense of hope and possibility into countless “at-risk” youth in need of • The late Mayor Marion Barry, who was committed to introducing D.C. direction and compassion. youth to constructive avenues in a work environment, gave me a blue- His motivational speeches and workshops have included a range of print to effectuate success in a real work environment situation; and topics from the inspirational to the practical, including “Build Your Own Dream Team – No One Does It Alone” to “Drive To Survive – What to Do • My experience at McDonald’s was my key to understanding the impor- When Stopped By Police.” He also has authored a book, entitled “10 Ways tance of a good work ethic at an early age. Teenagers Mess Up Their Options.” The University of Potomac graduate has written a proposal that For more information, visit www.chrisjonesspeaks.com. details his vision of forming the “The YDREAM ACADEMY – An Entrepreneurial Charter School. “The vision I have for this school is so exciting to me because it Photo credit: Patricia Davy encapsulates all of my hopes and dreams and intertwines them into one ultimate mission - to open YDREAM Academies across the country. I for the job, Jones talked himself out of applying for the Secret Service After serving less than 2 years in the Secret Service, Jones went want to take away the number one excuse of the “at-risk” student that there and eventually opted for a career in the military. After returning from on to enjoy a long and satisfying career in law enforcement with the is no one to help them,” said Jones. basic training as a reservist, he would marry, and resume his career at Maryland County Police Department, before being selected as Marketing He also is excited about a new program that he was recently Empower Magazine 2015 Person of the Year Section Year the of Person 2015 Magazine Empower McDonald’s, but the once “revered” job did not feel the same. and Program Manager for the Officer Next-Door Program with the U.S. introduced to called, TAPS (Teen and Police Service) Academy, co- “I began applying for jobs as a law enforcement officer and I even Department of Housing and Urban Development. He would later secure a founded by Assistant Chief Brian Lumpkin, retired commander, Houston applied for the Secret Service, and guess what. The guy who felt he was not position in California as executive director of security for the Republican Police Department and Dr. Everett Penn, University of Houston-Clearlake capable or qualified, or good enough, or physically strong enough … got Presidential Campaign candidate, Herman Cain. professor of criminology. The 11-week program, which has plans to the job,” said Jones. Living in Los Angeles and seeing countless Black males immersed in expand across the country with Jones onboard as a national spokesperson, the gang culture, the burden to do something to make a difference would connects “at-risk youth” and law enforcement together in order to

24 | www.theempowermag.com www.theempowermag.com | 25 “I saw each and every day, the drugs, Angelique Bartholomew alcohol, sex, violence, mental illness, addictions of every kind, failures and triumph. I took what I saw and experienced daily, and put it on stage.” Empower Magazine 2015 Person of the Year Section Influenced by his “real life” law enforcement encounters and guided by the Holy Spirit, Dotson would go on to write and produce other plays. He wrote and produced When Children Pray - about three girls and three different family crisis, based on Mark 10: 13-16; and, Forever His - a serious, thought provoking, love story you will forever remember; a play about un-forgiveness then forgiveness, love, hate, sexual abuse, drugs Don Dotson and everyday life’s demons. It is based on the familiar Bible verse, John 3:16. Dotson often reflects on the occasion where a little girl came Empower Magazine’s up to him after one of the When Children Pray shows and says, “I am going to start praying for 2015 “Person of the Year” 2nd runner-up my family.” Empower Magazine’s Dotson shares that he wanted to do three By Leon Jenkins gospel stage plays; one for the Father (My Life 2015 “Person of the Year” On Earth Expired); one for the Son (When on Dotson, a playwright from Manvel, The pivotal moment that inspired him Children Pray); and, one for the Holy Spirit 1st runner-up Texas with a passion for the arts, is our to use his God-given talent to transform lives (Forever His). He has accomplished that, but has By Leon Jenkins 2nd runner-up in Empower Magazine’s came in 2010, when he was appointed as the a passion for writing and directing now. D2015 “Person of the Year” voting. chairperson of his church. During a 3-day men’s He loves what he is doing , and wants to he 1st runner-up in Empower Magazine’s Bill White and Andrea White, Judge Vanessa Failure is not an option,” said Bartholomew. As a young person, Dotson recalls his love conference, Dotson found himself charged with continue being a blessing to the body of Christ. 2015 “Person of the Year” voting is Gilmore and former HPD Chief Clarence The Fort Bend resident considers her for drawing and coloring, and building things. arranging guest speakers each day, appointing He’s currently writing a new play, “I Gotta Go to Angelique Bartholomew from Missouri Bradford as well as former Harris County family, marriage and faith as her greatest So much so that his imagination was never instructors for classes, entertainment, lunch and Church Tomorrow.” His new creation is a story TCity, Texas. She attributes her success in life and Sheriff Adrian Garcia. The program also has accomplishments to date. In so doing, she ending. “That creativity became a reality when everything in between. He recalls coming up about three ladies whose religions are put to the living to her family, faith and upbringing. been supported by former Superintendent Betty champions these life-changing accomplishments the gift of playwriting was bestowed upon me by with the idea of putting together a skit for the test by the lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, and She grew up in Alabama as one of 10 Baitland of Fort Bend ISD. as her legacy. the Holy Spirit,” said Dotson. Saturday session that he hoped would make it a the pride of life. A funny yet serious stage play. children in a family of preachers and Civil Rights The Angels in Education benefits the Fort When she is not on the go working and Yet Dotson’s aspirations for playwriting memorable event for the men. Dotson is also the founder of No More advocates. Her mother received her GED later Bend Education Foundation in its efforts to help helping others, she enjoys reading, sitting still and producing plays would come later in life. “I found a short skit about 15 minutes long Gambling Ministry (NMGM). He attributes in life, and her father attended classes at Selma bring volunteers and fundraising dollars to each and talking to God, Hot yoga, spin classes His early adult years were spent in the military on the Internet. It was a four-man skit. I picked the launch of NMGM to the heartbreaking University. She was raised just blocks from the school in Fort Bend ISD. and listening to inspirational music. However, and later on the streets as a city police officer. four brothers to act this skit out, directed and circumstances surrounding a tumultuous famous 16th Street Baptist Church (site of the The Dialogue Houston TV HCC affords fellowship, worship and meditation give her the Dotson considers his time in uniform as a rehearsed them and got it presentable. It was time in his life. As he notes, “I was addicted racially motivated bombing that killed four little Bartholomew opportunities to discuss and assist greatest joy. “It’s salvo for the soul and always major contributing factor to the success he has about a young man that had died and Satan the to gambling in 2002. I lost my family and black girls). She graduated from Fisk University in resolving issues around affordable healthcare brings me such peace,” said Bartholomew. experienced in law enforcement, and now as a Prosecutor was making a case before God on possessions through that addiction. It was and Miles Law School while working a full time and its impact. Bartholomew’s ultimate goal in life is to playwright. why that man should be in Hell. Facing eternity devastating to me at the time. Yet, it inspired me job in corporate America. Her DAWN Center involvement includes “get it right” and “to do the right thing when While in the military, Dotson performed in a Heavenly court room, Jesus the Defense to write a book ‘No More Tipping God - Tithing Bartholomew is the proud mother of five collaboration with physicians centered on it matters most.” Furthermore, she aspires to duties, as a Personnel Administration Specialist Attorney made HIS case and saved him,” recalls Satan, God’s formula for prosperity.” His book children ages 7 to 18 years old, and the proud community outreach. make sure her children know that she did her Clerk where his typing skills became an asset. He Dotson. was published by AuthorHouse [7/3/2009 ISBN: wife of Brian Bartholomew. Her faith is the As a community leader, Bartholomew best to serve them and others, and to help make was awarded the Army Commendation Medal Following the very entertaining skit, Dotson 978-1-4389-3933-9 (sc)] and is available online primary source of her personal and professional attests that her greatest satisfaction comes the community we all live in a better place. “I’ve for his outstanding work in Administration. had men approaching him and encouraging in all book stores. life, guiding and informing every aspect of from the public service work she’s done and in planted the ‘seeds of service’ in all of my children However, Dotson’s most fulfilling experiences him to create a full story. I followed the Holy The mission of NMGM Productions is her daily walk. And, she professes to be most knowing that she is making a difference. and it has taken root. I’m really proud of that,” in the military occurred during his tour of duty Spirit’s assurance that this was my gift, and out to transform lives of families through theater thankful for HIS grace. “In some way I’ve helped to make said Bartholomew. serving on the Southern European Task Force in of that My Life On Earth Expired was birthed. and arts; help families that are in despair; and, Bartholomew’s key community service classrooms more positive environments for In the next 5 years, she sees herself having Vicenza, Italy. He took full advantage of being In February of 2010, he held auditions, cast release and unlock those in bondage. Dotson accomplishments are based on her many years teachers and students, whether it be through positively impacted legislation for families, overseas by traveling all over Europe visiting actors and then booked a venue for three days believes passionately that a drama ministry is of strong commitment to meeting community conflict resolution to aid in ending bullying or women and children in the state of Texas. “I’ll be and seeing some of the beautiful wonders of the that sold out each day to a packed house. Four one of the most important tools for reaching needs, and powerful advocacy for education, the dollars I’ve helped raise for much needed serving…my family and community wherever world. months later the play was on tour for an entire those both inside and outside the church. healthcare and social justice. More specifically, classroom materials or coats for children in need the need is greatest and wherever the call may Though adept in administration, he spent year. Dotson notes that the guiding inspiration In the next 5 years, Dotson would like to see she is a leading community and education in my school districts. My greatest reward is a come to serve,” said Bartholomew. his final year in the military as a military behind My Life On Earth Expired comes from NMGM Productions plays performed at various advocate as noted in her direct support of and smiling, happy child’s face,” said Bartholomew. Presently, she believes that her most policeman. So when it came time to transition the book of Hebrews 9:27, “And inasmuch it churches, high schools, colleges, cities and states involvement in the WeSolve Foundation, Angels Equally rewarding are the contributions important accomplishment is immediately back to civilian life, he knew that a career in law is appointed for men to die once and after this throughout the United States and overseas. in Education, Dialogue Houston TV Houston she’s made to the collective peace in the before her as she prepares to enter the political enforcement would be a perfect fit for him. As a comes judgment.” He would also love to see his plays performed Community College (HCC), and DAWN Center community as a certified mediator. “The national arena. She notes that, “there is familiarity and policeman on daily patrol, Dotson recounts that “I knew I had the gift of playwriting when in different languages and by different ethnic (Diabetes Awareness and Wellness Network). discord between police officers and various comfort that comes with “leading from behind.” he was able to “get up close and personal with My Life On Earth Expired was birthed in three groups. On a more direct level, she remains committed communities they serve has been a growing part The fact is I simply could no longer ignore the the good, bad and evil sides of society.” days. I had no clue I could do that; make up 13

Empower Magazine 2015 Person of the Year Section Year the of Person 2015 Magazine Empower “Life is like a parking meter - time is given to advocating and lobbying for equal pay and of concern and dialogue. It’s not an overreach to call…the call to serve…from my conscience, Dotson recalls a memorable occasion characters, apply a real life situation and turn - for time to expire.” - Don Dotson healthcare for women. say that bridging and diffusing conflict between community and family. … I’m stepping out on when he led a young lady that was arrested to it into a ministering stage play; and, people Readers can find out more about Dotson’s The WeSolve Foundation is a program these two entities literally saves lives. It’s really faith. And ultimately, I believe that together we Christ while she was being transported to jail. give their life to Christ. I could not have done ministry or booking by contacting him at operated in the Houston ISD, Alief, North Forest about getting back to basics, renewing/building can change the way things get done in Austin.” “I began to have more compassion from then on this unless I was called by the Holy Spirit…He [email protected] / Facebook and Fort Bend district schools. The program trust, demanding transparency and leveraging For more information, email angelb.jd@ to those with misfortune, and used my spiritual equipped me with everything I needed. And, as NMGM Production / 713-805-4318. was acknowledged by former Houston Mayor our collective humanity until we get it right. att.net or visit her on Facebook at Angelique knowledge to be a blessing when the opportunity they say, the rest is history.” Bartholomew. presented itself.” 26 | www.theempowermag.com www.theempowermag.com | 27 Love is in the Air

Make a Date,

Chocolate Raspberry Truffle Cake Make a Meal...

Sometimes you just have to go to the dark side Citrus-marinated steak and kale with broccoli and for those chocolate lovers out there you Kale is everywhere and can get a little boring but Citrus-marinated steak and kale with know the chocolate force is strong. This cake this Kale dish has a friend - broccoli - along with broccoli is easy and will impress your is so chocolaty and rich with a layer of sweet some other yummy things that complement the date even if your date is your spouse. raspberries in the middle just like a chocolate dish. This recipe calls for steaming the broccoli As a bonus you can even include their raspberry truffle. We are going to be making and the kale in a small amount of water on the favorite side dish to this meal. And Bowtie Pasta three components to this cake, the cake, the stove separately. Then add the garlic, zest and with a little prep you can have this filling and the frosting. These cakes take some butter making it taste fresh and light. I figure date night meal plated and be peering prep and can be made up to 2 days in advance, since they are steamed and still healthy for you in to your beloved’s eyes over candle but trust me it’s so worth it. Let’s get to it. a little butter can only make them better, right? light in no time. The steaks can be marinated the night before your night Chocolate Cake: 2 pint fresh raspberries, washed and dried in. If you have a micro plane on hand Makes two 9 inch cakes Kale and Broccoli 2 bunches of broccoli, washed with stems use it to zest your citrus, the smaller Combine frozen raspberries, granulated removed and cut into pieces the zest the larger the flavor impact. 3 cups unbleached all purpose flour sugar, water and sea salt in a saucepan. Cook 2 cups milk 1 16-oz bag of kale on medium-low heat, stir to combine once Citrus-marinated Steaks for 1 cup Dutch processed cocoa powder 2 tbsp butter raspberries have broken down some and cook 1 whole lemon, zested Two: 2/3 cups vegetable oil until sauce has reduced and thickened about 15- 1 ¾ tsp baking soda 2 tsp lemon juice 2 (4-6 oz) lean thin, New York strip 20 minutes. Remove from heat and add lemon To assemble cake 2-3 cloves of garlic minced steaks 4 eggs Farfalle aka bowtie pasta means delicious, no not really. juice. Add more sugar if needed. Let the sauce 3-4 tbsp parmesan cheese 1 lemon, zested fine 1 tsp baking powder In Italian it comes from the word farfalla which means cool then add most of one of the pints of fresh Fresh Raspberries Chipotle pepper flakes to garnish, optional 1 lime, zested fine 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules butterflies. Italians have such a lovely connection to family, raspberries to it and smash the raspberries into Cocoa Powder 1 small orange, zested fine ½ tsp salt food and language. And in that spirit this perfect light and the sauce. Save the remaining pint of raspberries Large Star Cake Decorating Tip In a large sauté pan with lid, place enough 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 ½ tsp pure vanilla extract quick pasta is delicioso. In this recipe we are going to chop for the garnish. Piping bag water to cover the bottom of the pan and put 1 tbsp rosemary sprigs, chopped fine 1 ¼ cups firmly packed dark brown sugar some veggies and then combine them in some warm olive the broccoli in the pan cover with the lid and ¼ tsp red pepper flakes 1 cup granulated sugar oil and you have a great lunch or light dinner in minutes. Chocolate Frosting Remove cakes for cake pans and place one on a cook until just about tender and still bright 1-2 tbsp olive oil Makes 4 cups enough for this cake cardboard cake round. Put a layer of frosting on Grease two 9-inch round cake pans. Combine green. Add more water if needed to steam the top of one of the cakes and spread to the edge of 8 -10 oz farfalle pasta the first five ingredients (all the dry ingredients) broccoli if it evaporates too quickly. Remove Season steaks with salt and pepper 10 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips the cake. Top with some of the raspberry filling 4 tbsp olive oil in a large bowl and stir completely to combine. from pan and place on a plate. Put more water in generously on both sides. Combine 1 cup heavy cream (be generous) and spread to ½ inch away from ¼-½ cup sun dried tomatoes, chopped to taste In a mixing bowl, add both sugars and all wet the bottom of the pan and put about 1/2 of the all the marinade ingredients in a ¼ cup light corn syrup the edge, giving room for spreading. Use the 1 medium yellow bell pepper, chopped ingredients. Mix on low until ingredients are bag of kale in the pan cover with the lid and let gallon-size freezer bag and place the ½ tsp salt rest to serve with the cake or on top of pancakes ¼ cup red onion combined then add the dry ingredients and mix kale wilt down then add the remaining kale to steaks in the bag and rub marinade 2 ½ cups confectioner sugar, sifted or biscuits. And place cake in the freezer for 20 3 green onions, chopped on low for about 30 seconds. Increase speed to the pan. Cover with the lid and steam for a few onto steaks. Refrigerate steaks for 2 tsp pure vanilla extract minutes. Remove from freezer and top with the ¼-½ cup feta cheese, crumbled to taste medium and mix for about a minute until well minutes until kale is wilted but still bright green; 2 hours up to 24 hours in advance, 2 ½ cups unsalted butter, softened other cake and put a crumb coat of frosting on 3 tbsp parsley, chopped fine combined. Divide batter equally into prepared add broccoli and butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, then when you are ready to cook the entire outside of the cake. Refrigerate for 15 ½ of fresh lemon pans. Bakeat 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes. garlic and season with salt and pepper to taste. the steaks, heat just enough olive Put chocolate chips into food processor. minutes to allow it to set up. Reserve about 1 cup Add the Parmesan cheese and chipotle pepper oil to lightly coat an oven safe sauté Cool cakes completely before filling or frosting. Heat the olive oil on low in a small saucepan and add the Combine cream, corn syrup and salt in a of frosting for the garnish, frost the entire cake flakes and serve. pan on medium high. Cook steaks If doing in advance, wrap and refrigerate for one sun dried tomatoes. You only want to warm the oil not saucepan, stir to combine and bring to a boil. with the remaining frosting or to the thickness until browned and seared about 4-6 day. heat it up. Continue to warm the sun dried tomatoes for Pour hot cream mixture into the processor and you desire. Dust the sides of the cake with cocoa minutes then turn steaks and repeat. About Chef Mariea Cobb 4-6 minutes to rehydrate them. Turn off the heat and add process until mixture is smooth about 1 minute. powder using a small sieve for the chocolate Finish the steaks in a 350-degree oven Raspberry Filling I come from a long line of women the peppers and red onions to soften them and take away Add vanilla and 1 cup of sugar. Allow mixture truffle look. Whip the remaining frosting some who share the gift of food with until done to your liking. Remember Makes about 1 ½ cup some of the onion’s bite. While the oil cools, cook the pasta to cool before adding the butter one tablespoon more to make it lighter. Place frosting in a piping their families. As a kid I loved the handle will be hot so use an oven according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and at a time. Transfer to a mixing bowl and cover bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe medium- learning and experimenting in the mitten to remove pan from the oven 10oz frozen raspberries add the oil to the still warm pasta and season with salt with plastic wrap and refrigerate until thick sized circles on the outer edge of the top of kitchen - that did not change when and when you move it around while ¾ cup granulated sugar and pepper to taste. Add the green onion, feta cheese and about 2 hours. When ready, let frosting sit for 20 the cake. Garnish the middle of the cake with I grew up and trained at The Art plating your dish. When ready to ¼ cup water Institute. As a pastry chef I am still passionate about the parsley mix to combine; squeeze lemon juice on pasta and minutes at room temp then whip with electric the fresh raspberries. Refrigerate until ready serve add a small pat of butter on top ½ tsp sea salt art of good food and the magic of a great dessert. serve. More olive oil and lemon juice can be added if pasta mixer to loosen and add remaining 1 ½ cup of to enjoy. Then let sit out for 20 minutes before of your steaks. Yum! ½ tsp lemon juice confectioner sugar. Mix until well combined. serving. Mariea Cobb - [email protected] gets too dry, but small amounts. 28 | www.theempowermag.com www.theempowermag.com | 29 “At its recent meeting in Davos, the World as Dengue and possibly Zika, which are both was from Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Economic Forum designated infectious disease carried by the same Aedes species mosquito, Myers, FL and the University of Washington in as a key global challenge and neglected tropical both of the flavivirus genus. Seattle, WA. It is a proprietary technology that diseases, such as Zika virus, is one of those • The stem of our peptides mimics the stem shows 99% effectiveness against all four strains we must be vigilant and dedicated to finding of many Flaviviridae viruses, thus inhibiting of Dengue fever virus and West Nile virus On the Cutting Edge therapies for as more people quickly become infectivity. Our fast-track development plan will viral infection. infected,” says Darnisha Harrison, Ennaid safely and rapidly get these cures to market in Therapeutics’ CEO. •Zika stem is a very close match to our record time with project completion anticipated peptide’s stem and we are currently doing by December, 2016. Therefore, a therapeutic Zika Virus feasibility and development studies to determine cure could be on the market by December, 2018. Over one million people die from our peptide’s inhibitory action against Zika virus mosquito-borne diseases every year, and and its safety both in vivo and in pregnancy. About Darnisha Grant Harrison, Ennaid’s hundreds of millions more experience pain • There is known evidence that already founding CEO and suffering from illnesses transmitted by commercialized peptide fusion inhibitors are mosquitoes. indeed safe, such as, Enfuvirtide (brand name Darnisha Grant Harrison is one of the first The most common symptoms of Zika Fuzeon). Once safety is demonstrated, a fast- African American women in the world to virus disease are fever, rash, joint pain, and track development strategy would allow Ennaid be the founder, president & CEO of a bio- conjunctivitis (red eyes). Other common Therapeutics to begin clinical trials immediately pharmaceutical company. In this role she’s symptoms include muscle pain and headache. as funding is secured. responsible for guiding the strategic direction Zika is spread by the same mosquito • Our team of scientists and business and growth of Ennaid Therapeutics. Once family, Aedes aegypti that carries Dengue fever, professionals are veterans with long, direct a microbiologist and chemist, Harrison is a Chikungunya and Yellow Fever. experience in the infectious diseases field; nationally recognized science entrepreneur with The incubation period (the time from and Ennaid Therapeutics is well positioned to 22-plus years of experience in the Life Sciences. exposure to symptoms) for Zika virus disease address the explosive Zika virus crisis (as well Prior to founding Ennaid Therapeutics in 2012, is not known, but is likely to be a few days to as other vector borne disease efforts) in the she spent 3 years as a scientist at Amgen and the African American woman’s bio-pharmaceutical company working on a week. immediate term. University of Georgia, and 16-years in Business Zika virus usually remains in the blood of Development/Licensing as a Director for various development of Zika virus therapy drug an infected person for about a week but it can be Background on Ennaid Therapeutics pharmaceutical’s companies; notably Penwest/ found longer in some people. The company strongly believes that there is JRS Pharma; Metrics, Inc; Banner Pharmacaps Currently there is no vaccine to prevent or and Norwich Pharmaceuticals. An expert n December 2012, Empower Magazine and Dengue Virus, the world’s fastest growing Previously, the Ebola outbreak in 2014, a good, impactful science not being explored by specific medicine to treat Zika infections. In the negotiator and deal-maker she has identified, featured an “Empowering First” spotlight pandemic. resurgence of polio in 2014 and the H1N1 big mass-pharma beyond early laboratory tests. United States there are currently 48 patients in negotiated and closed drug development deals on Darnisha Grant Harrison, one of the Harrison captured headlines in a pandemic in 2009, received such classifications. We have chosen to specialize our efforts and 12 states infected and for the first time, a health and strategic collaborations her entire career, first African American females to serve Newsweek.com “13 Entrepreneurs You Can Bet In May 2015, the Pan American Health target our focus on diseases which affect billions emergency has been declared in the nation and is expertly skilled in technology acquisition, as founder, president and CEO of a On” profile and in Atlanta’s People You Need to Organization (PAHO) issued an alert regarding – and often the most ignored – and to fill a gap because of the Zika virus. An estimated 4 million licensing, strategic business development, business pharmaceutical company in the U.S. Know magazine in an article called “The World the first confirmed Zika virus infection in Brazil which larger bio-companies purposefully do infections are expected to be diagnosed in the planning and brisk, successful execution of such IEmpower Magazine again salutes Ennaid Is Watching.” and now almost a million cases have been not. Americas in 2016 according to predictions. plans. A member of the American Association for Therapeutics’ enterprising founder and catches recorded in more than 30 countries in multiple Our successful strategy is in acquiring Adds CEO Harrison, “To this, our work the Advancement of Science and the New York up on the company’s latest cutting-edge research The Latest at Ennaid Therapeutics world regions – along with a variety of rumored early-stage, proprietary, innovative science must also continue to find treatments for the Academy of Sciences, she received her bachelor of and developments. (Feb. 5, 2016) - Ennaid Therapeutics, a bio- transmission methods. to create industry-accepted, fast-track growing numbers of Dengue, West Nile and science in microbiology and minor in chemistry The bio-pharmaceutical company will be pharmaceutical company based in Alpharetta, The global health community is urging development treatments to bring 1st-to-market, Chikungunya sufferers, among other mosquito from LSU. featured on an upcoming episode of the award- Ga., is developing therapeutic cures (not caution and care in contracting the virus, profitable cures to the global mass market that spread viruses.” winning television series, Innovations with Ed vaccines) to help the millions of people and is calling for rapidly stepped up efforts by disrupt rare and seemingly incurable diseases. For more information visit Ennaid Begley Jr., airing in the 1st quarter of 2016 on the worldwide when they are actually infected with researchers to find therapies for those who Acquiring the best, most promising early- About Ennaid Therapeutics science: Therapeutics at Web: www.ennaidtherapeutics. Discovery Channel. (Dates and show times TBA) the mosquito-borne disease, Zika Virus, now contract it. Ennaid Therapeutics has been stage science to bring medicines to market that com/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/ The episode will highlight Ennaid Therapeutics named a global public health emergency by the committed to finding care solutions to all • Our scientific methodology are very cure diseases, versus just managing managing ennaidtherapeutics/ Twitter: @ennaidcures ongoing quest to develop proprietary therapeutic World Health Organization (WHO). mosquito borne diseases, including Dengue strong and established. them or neglecting is our passionate calling. LinkedIn: ennaid-therapeutics cures (not vaccines) for the 400-plus million This is the fourth time that the WHO fever, Chikungunya and Zika virus – and is now • Our peptides show significant inhibition The first such promising scientific people worldwide who contract Zika Virus has issued a global emergency classification. advancing its work on Zika to address the urgent against many Flaviviridae family of viruses, such technology that Ennaid Therapeutics acquired ### global need.

30 | www.theempowermag.com www.theempowermag.com | 31 The Kept Ones The drugs helped to cover our pain, and we hid behind it.” Their beloved The Black Girl’s Guide to Living on Purpose music, which was the very unifying force that banded them together, By Brie Daniels The Beginning would later send them spiraling out of control down different roads where they endured yet more pain with Motown’s decision to now divide them. Years - Vol. 1 In Celebration of Black History Month

by Bunny Debarge First-time Author Brie Daniels recently published her book The Black Girl’s Guide to Living on The first five Debarge children---Bunny, Bobby, Tommy, Randy, and Mark Purpose. You are not an accident. Those powerful words are the dominant theme throughout the would remember the turbulence that permeated the home environment “God followed me, until I book and she’s determined to make sure those words sink in and leave an indelible impression on they grew up in. Whereas the second set of 5 children---El, James, Chico, could follow him.” readers. and twins, Darryl and Carol, would have a completely different home –Bunny Debarge environment they grew up in. Yet, there was no avoiding the forces of Divided into three sections, the book gives clear actionable steps young women can take in their the perceived curse that cast its dark cloud over the Debarge family, each n this intimate spiritual, emotional, professional, physical and recreational lives to help discover their true purpose. would wrestle with their own individual demons. Many have speculated revelation from The book is available for pre-order on Amazon in print & Kindle versions. on what has happened with the family, but Bunny unselfishly gives the singer/writer/ details and explains the roller-coaster ride and price of fame. As she so producer Bunny Daniels felt called to write this book after writing a magazine article on self-worth and self-esteem. vividly recounts, her highest point of fame would be her participation as IDebarge, an amazingly She’s targeted the book to girls between the ages of 14 and 22. a member of Debarge in Motown 25, where they performed their biggest resilient journey emerges smash hit Rhythm of the Night. She takes us backstage sharing little known of the incredibly talented “I feel like I wasted so much time during that period of my life worrying about what other people stories of how they met Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, and family and charming 80’s thought of me, and trying to find validation from those people,” the author said. “At that time, I many more. In stark contrast, one of the lowest points in her career would Motown super group suffered from thoughts of suicide and extremely low self-esteem. So I feel a personal responsibility be losing the Motown contract and she and her brothers going to see El Debarge. The depth of to encourage young girls and let them know their lives have meaning no matter what they read and perform with backup singers performing their parts, while sitting with Bunny’s soul is revealed see on the news or the demeaning things some people think and verbalize about black lives on a the audience in the “nose bleed” section with no money and no one even through her eyes, while daily basis.” growing up with her recognizing them. brothers as bi-racial For more information, visit www.blackgirlswithpurpose.org or to schedule an interview with the This is the definitive story of the Debarge family captured in 2 volumes, children during the turbulent times of racial inequality in the late 50’s author, call 504-535-5189 also available on Barnes and Nobles online. and 60’s. Being the eldest child, Bunny candidly recounts their inability from their spectacular rise to the top of R & B music royalty, their fall from grace, to their reemerging careers. Always one to “mother her to find acceptance during their childhood from the black or white race, a About the Author: Brie Daniels is a Christ-follower with a passion for writing. She felt called to brothers” and be their protector, she confesses that the same “motherly French white father who “segregated them from segregation” by partially write The Black Girl’s Guide to Living on Purpose after working on an article for Sesi magazine about behavior” that she’d inherited from her mother caused deeper pain denying them from their identity, her traumatic endurance of sexual the importance of teen girls knowing their worth and fostering healthy self-esteem. Brie has had when they were all forced to go their separate ways. As she unveils her abuse at the hands of her father, her brothers suffering the wrath of his numerous articles published in Sesi magazine, VOX magazine, On Holiday magazine and El Sol de journey, those who really know Bunny will testify that she radiates a mental and physical abuse, a spiritually strong devout black mother who San Telmo based in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She answered her call to teen ministry in 2014. constantly prayed for her family’s deliverance from a perceived curse, and beautiful spirit, selflessly sharing her life story to help encourage someone ongoing years of battling drug abuse on their way to musical stardom to else. Somewhat surprising to her, some of their classic songs like---Stay hide their years of pain. With Me & A Dream; which she wrote, sang lead vocals on, and were produced by El Debarge, would go on to be sampled by many other great Raised under the strict guidelines of a church upbringing, the Debarge’s musical artists such as Tupac Shakur, The Notorious B.I.G., Mary J. Blige, 10 Ways Teenagers Mess Up Their Options found an outlet from their home environment through the spiritual gift Ashanti, and Blackstreet. At the end of the day, Bunny cherishes the close By Chris Jones of their music. They spent years singing and performing as a local church relationships she has with all of her brothers and misses the bond she group and traveling with their uncle’s church to “sing for the Lord” at always shared with El, but a series of unforeseen events tore them apart. This book is designed to provide survival tips for teens that are engaging in life-altering several different functions, even radio shows. It was obvious from early The Kept Ones masterfully weaves a full-scale portrait of a beautiful, discussions and decisions about the course their lives will take. There are many things that could on that their natural musical talents came quite supernaturally, since they enormously gifted musical family’s spiritual hope to break free from the “mess up” their options and keep them from achieving their dreams. never had any music lessons. With the exception of the eldest brother long shadow of pain that has haunted them for so many years. Through Bobby, their original plans were to become superstars in gospel music. it all, God is still there, and has kept Debarge even when they went astray. Cost of Book: $19.95 on Amazon / contact author directly for group sales at 40% discounts However, when brothers Bobby and Tommy signed onto Motown Where Book Can Be Purchased: Amazon.com or at a discount through author with Jermaine Jackson, becoming stars in the hit group Switch, Bobby Skee Skinner (Film Producer) and Tammy Collins Markee (Executive Contact information: [email protected] influenced Jermaine to audition his talented siblings for Motown. As Producer) for Bunny DeBarge the saying goes, the rest is music history. Debarge would go on to sing Chris Jones has been a youth advocate and coach for life skills development since 2006 when beautiful love ballads that topped the music charts and are still in rotation The Kept One, is available in both ebook and hardcopy on Amazon and he founded the YDREAM Leadership and Personal Development Program for at-risk youth today like: Share My World, I Like It, Time Will Reveal, In A Special online at www.Bunny-Debarge.com. and adults. Chris’ God-given talent of speaking and his educational background of coaching Way, All This Love, A Dream, and many more hits that Bunny co-wrote youth and adults creates the winning combination to motivate both youth and adults to believe with her brothers and were produced by brother El Debarge. As Bunny Look for: The Kept Ones Vol. 2 in upcoming issue. in themselves and to make life-altering changes for a better future. Chris merged the YDREAM confides, “We were singing songs we wrote for the Lord, and turned them program with “Chris Jones Speaks: Empowering Today’s Youth For Change” and shares his into love songs for the world. I believe we were cursed because of that. message of hope and empowerment with youth internationally.

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