A Sit Down with Day Black's author, Keef Cross

Recently, I had the privilege of sitting down with author, Bronze Lens Film Festival nominee, and all around artist, Atlanta's own Keef Cross. He shares his journey in the artist world known as indicomics as well as his newest endeavor as a filmmaker, bringing his comic, Day Black, to the big screen. Sit back and enjoy as we sit down with Mr Keef Cross!

Click link below:
                                       https://youtu.be/60VadS7a-Js
Blessings,

L

It Takes a Village

As I pulled up to the quiet elementary school in Decatur, Georgia, I didn't know what to expect. Will there be a sea of little ones sitting on the "reading rug" in the library as the librarian repeats "criss cross apple sauce hands in your lap," to settle them as they wait anxiously to be read to by one of their fathers? Or maybe this was an assembly for those that managed not to get on the 3 strikes time out list, and their reward is getting to take a brief academic break? Still, I was excited to experience this program that I was invited to cover. 

Real Men Read, an literacy initiative, started in 2010 by Dekalb County School District Region 5, Columbia Elementary School 4th grade teacher Ms. Makeeda Collins, who's passion extends beyond the classroom. It is her desire to have a strong male presence amongst the youth, leading to her collaboration with Tommy M Ford, Award Winning Actor/Writer/Director/Producer and "Pope of Comedy," you may know him best as Martin Lawrence's "unemployed?" homeboy, on the 90's hit comedy "Martin" or as Lt. Malcolm Barker on my favorite 90's hit drama "New York Undercover." He's also starred in a number of plays, however, I digress. This isn't about Mr. Ford's accomplishments, however, it is about is heart or should I say passion for the betterment of our youth. 

This was my first year covering the event and I was overwhelm at the beauty of the scene. Walking into the school I saw young men sitting on the bench outside of the office. Normally, I assume this bench would be one you was to avoid because the result usually leads to a meeting with the principal. Not so on today! These young men where the greeters for the literacy program. Dressed in bow ties and cute santa hats, I later learned they are a group of upstanding young men of "Boys to Bow ties", a step team and leadership program. I was greeted by the Assistant principal, Mrs. Yvonne Browder, who knew who I was, by name, walking in (I think the camera gave me away, lol). After a brief introduction she escorted me to the library where the sign in was taking place. As we walked & talked I noticed more well dressed young men in bow ties at various checkpoints. This warmed my heart. These young men where very impressive. They have manners, respect, and are the epitome of our future. 

I was a little disappointed, but not surprised that more media coverage was not covering this event. Media outlets are quick to run to the schools when negative things are happening, especially in our urban schools. Why not run when this positive light is being shown and allowing an opportunity for more schools to have similar programs in their schools? Either way I was proud and honored to have covered it. 

The men of the "village" really came together and it was a full house. All classes had at least 1 opportunity to have someone come in to read, some classes had several men come in to read. Many men read to multiple classes. There was so many participants, some had to wait to get into a classroom to read. Now that alone is a thing of beauty. I tried to periscope from the event, catching a little bit of the crowd. 

This was not an event where a celebrity would be there in name only, Mr. Ford, did show up and what impressed me more was that he didn't make it about himself, as we've seen celebrities do, he made it about the children. Although those that knew him from his various shows did take the opportunity to get the quick "usie." Mr. Ford was humble and very engaging with the children. I even had the opportunity to speak with him briefly and he thanked me for coming.

Other celebrities included, Mr. Hank Stewart (he's a celebrity in my eyes), yes, Mr. Poet himself. Along with Dekalb County Officers, three of which read to a few of the classes together and took opportunities for the students to give them a hug. I can kick myself for not capturing a pic of that though! All in all the real MVPs are the fathers that came out to give these eager young ones a solid foundation about reading and how it's very much fundamental to each aspect of their lives. 

Special thanks to Ms. Mekeeda Collins 4th grade teacher & Mr. Raymond Stanley, school principal. I look forward to participating next year! The village, thanks you all!!! 

Blessings,

L 

Take in all the beauty from the event below:

Boys to Bow ties

Young Ladies Under girding the Young Men

Mr Ford with Participants & Boys to Bow ties

These Kids loved their experience

Yes Cops are people too, Dekalb County love the kids

No lack of participation!

See the entire album on our website untamedroyalty.com under clients gallery! Enjoy!

She Is Awards Atlanta 2015

Recently, I had the privilege to do red carpet interviews at an women empowerment award show. The She Is Awards pays tribute to various women in various fields, not just for there accomplishments; however, for overcoming every obstacle they faced. Harlem native, Trinni, is the executive producer that made the decision to introduce her baby to the world, right here in Atlanta. 

As with anything you birth into existence it has it's hiccups; however, Trinni handled all of them from no shows to technical difficulties with style and grace. As an entrepreneur I understand learning curves, you allow them to either break you or make you stronger, and in my case this will only make Trinni stronger. I see nothing but success as she to face and overcome all obstacles that are set before her. Take a look at some of the highlights and interviews we captured from the event. Keep your eyes open for Ms Trinni from Harlem, I have a feeling we will definitely be hearing and seeing more from this powerhouse.

Click link to check out the highlights...

https://youtu.be/LdKvmRvE6e0

Blessings.

L

Education of Religion in Our Schools: Are We Teaching Tolerance or Force Feeding Religion???

A news outlet has recently reported a story of parents in a certain Georgia school district being up in arms over  the subject of their child's current school curriculum. Parents are screaming bloody murder, conspiracy, and coming together to make a run on the school district, over what they see as offensive. What's the heinous offense one school has been accused of doing? What subject matter has these concerned parents (all whom are non African American) so upset and ready to take it as far as they can? Religion. Not just any religion, but the teaching of Islam. 

Really? Islamic religious beliefs have these parents calling foul play on the school district? Is the school requiring the students to convert, dress accordingly, and pray at the appointed hours? Wait, before you cast this aside as mere rhetoric, let's look at both side of the coin, or in this case the Koran. 

 

The question is what's the harm in our children learning about other religions? I suppose it's all in how you view it. You can choose to view it as the school teaching tolerance of others by learning of their religious beliefs and foundations or you may choose to see it, as it seems these parents have, as their children being forced fed a religion that goes against their very religious foundation. It's all in your perception, and as the saying goes, "Ones perception is their reality."

So what is the reality or truth behind learning to understand the religion of others? Isn't it a good thing to expand the minds of our little sponges? Wouldn't it be a great for them to understand other's religious beliefs in an effort to better understand the people as a whole and to dispel any sub conscience discrimination we may have? Why is it being viewed as being forced fed a foreign religion?

Ummmm...Hold On...Wait...Being forced fed a foreign religion sounds quite familiar, especially to our African American ancestors who was bounded in slavery. These slaves was forced to deny their foundation, identity, and religion to dawn the foreign one that was forced upon them!!

I digress! As for me, I ABSOLUTELY support our children learning about other religions for two very important reasons. First, I'm very secure in the religious teachings that my children has and currently receive which has built a strong foundation. So strong that learning about other religions are no threat to it. Secondly, this education, if taught correctly, can help repair and build tolerance of other religions that they are exposed to on a daily basis. From PreK to 12, why not? It's taught in college where they have a choice to study it. If they chose to do so, what will your recourse be then? The idea of separating church from state went out the window long ago. Which that in itself was ludicrous because where do you think they held school in the early years???? In a CHURCH!!!! 

I get it! Some of the "offended" parents argue that Christianity isn't being taught, that the children are not learning the 10 commandments. Who's to blame for that? When you start to take prayer out of schools the rest was sure to follow. They don't even want you to pray at football games!!! Really??? If we would focus as much energy to fight for God to be put back in school as much as we fight for schools to not teach other religions, we wouldn't have so much hell to go through in the education system. 

We have to stop teaching our children separation based on differences! Teach tolerance of them instead and yes learn of other religions to help you understand the person. It's not about being converted from one religion to another. Take for example of the recent Papal visit. I can safely say all those that was waiting to see and shake his hand was not Catholic. He wasn't here to convert the Americans. So I promise you, concerned parents, that the teachings of the school district in Georgia is not trying to convert your children, they have taken the brave step to teach tolerance in an intolerable world. 

I suppose tolerance must first be taught at home. As Christians, isn't tolerance of other's beliefs part of the Christian foundation. You can't reach anyone for Christ going in full throttle about how wrong their beliefs are. Alas, it's all in one's perception. I can only pray that we, as parents, be it Muslims, Christians, Buddhist, Catholic, or otherwise, allow our little sponges to soak up as much education as possible regarding all religions without fear that the foundation that we, as parents, have built can't and won't be disturbed because it was built on firm ground and not sand!

Blessings!

L

Beginning Again

How many times will I be doing this? Why can't I seem to get it together? What's wrong with me? Am I going to be known as the queen/king of do overs? This along with many other questions have come up more than once in my life as well as many others. Starting again can seem daunting or refreshing depending on how you look at it. Every morning we are all starting again. We are all giving new mercies and grace daily. How you choose to use it is something all together different. 

Why, at some point in our lives, must we start again? I feel it's a necessity to start again because we all go through changes. Sometimes you have to step back to move forward. Take for instance starting a lawn mower, the push kind. You pull the string over and over again until it starts, right? It won't start unless you give it some slack by allowing the cord to recoil. Or think about a sprinter, they place their feet on the mark that's set behind them using it to catapult them forward. It's all in how you use your start. Life is not a walk in the park on a sweet sunny day. It has its twists and turns along with its ups and downs and yes it's occasional do overs. 

Beginning again is often necessary to get you to the next chapter in your life. We all have goals in life, and in working those goals, at times, you have to reevaluate your position. As you are learning on your journey you have to be flexible enough for a do over to gain the knowledge, momentum, or passion you initially began with. Fighting it would only lead to self destruction.

I'm personally in the process of my beginning again. I'm beginning again first, with my thought process. Letting go of any and every thing that does not line up with God's word and will for my life. In doing this it has caused me to begin again with how I relate to others from family to friends to business. As I continue to embrace the knowledge of self, I am starting again with a fiery passion for my destiny, one that I have never felt before. It's allowed me to live in the moment as I continue on my journey.

Don't get it twisted, it's not easy by any stretch of the imagination.  Starting this blog back in April was something totally out of character, allowing others into my life and sharing how I feel about different situations is something I never thought I would do; however, look at me now. I do it with no regrets nor fear. It is, at times, liberating to share with you life through my eyes. Now that's what you call following your destiny. 

So don't be afraid to begin again. It's an essential part of living your life to the fullest!! Don't let anyone tell you that you are okay where you are if you feel the fire burning within telling you it's time for a do over to do better! The scariest step is the first step; however, you've taken it before. Now it's with a renewed spirit and tenacity! 

Beginning Again can be you finally Beginning Anew to a Better You!

Blessings!

L

Throwing Stones

Yesterday Kathy Lee Gifford returned to the Today Show after grieving the loss of her husband, NFL football hall of famer, and broadcaster of Monday night football, Frank Gifford. She spoke courageously of their life together and of Frank's humble beginning during the great depression. She shared how the two went to the Holy Land to the Valley of Allah, where the Israelites where encamped when David fought Goliath. She described how they were instructed to pick up a stone as David had and how their guide explained to them that, 'the miracle was not that the Shepard boy was able to slay the giant. The miracle was that the Shepard boy, who had all the skills he would ever need  in life [within himself], believed in a living God and not a religion.'  The portion of her segment that really touched me was when she said, 'If you ever leave a legacy for your children, let it be that you taught them friendship with God, and you taught them to find their stone. Show it, throw it hard and well.' 

That statement alone hit me so hard and deep. It got me thinking about my stones/talents (because you may have many) and if I was throwing/using them well. 

The world today is moving so fast that we often miss the simple things in life. Like life itself, we are so busy trying to make a better life for ourselves that we are not enjoying the life we have. What's the point in adding more to your already ignored life? Why are we so afraid of slowing down? What are we racing toward? Is there a prize at the end of this never ending race that I don't know about? Most importantly why is it so critical to rush to reach this elusive treasure?

These, along with many more, questions have been on my mind lately. I have FORCED  myself to slow down, reflect, appreciate, and praise. I know many of you, like myself, want our dash to mean something. (For those of you who do not know what I'm referring to by dash; it's the dash between the sunrise and sunset of our life.) My good friend, model, life coach, and challenge guru, Melissa January (IG: @iam_melissajanuary), often reminds us to, "Inspire before you expire." It's as simple as that. Believe it or not.

Slow Down. Its OK if you tap the brakes on some things. Your destiny is for you alone. No one can jump on your path and beat you to your destiny. Enjoy the journey. Learn from it as you overcome every obstacle and conquer every task set before you. Take mental stock of how it all unfolds right before your eyes. It's a beautiful thing, believe me!

Reflect. You can't reflect until you slow down. It's hard to reflect on a blurred journey. Replay what you've been through and are currently experiencing. How have you learned from it? If we don't learn on our journey we are destined to repeat it. Breath. You got this. Reflection is a good thing until it's not. Taking time to reflect allows us to...

Appreciate. YES!!!! Appreciate the journey! It's enhancing the life you have into the life you are destined to live. I use to hate situations I found myself in, now I appreciate them because they carve who you are destined to be. If you can't appreciate the process how can you appreciate the success. Appreciation leads to the ultimate...

Praise. If you don't believe there is something bigger than you that deserves your praise, than all is for naught. My source and the only one deserving of my praise is God. I respect those  that call it placing your appreciation and accolades out in the universe; however, I call it praising and praying to God. He deserves ALL my praise. Whatever, name you put on it isn't important, what's important is the act. As the saying goes, "No man is an island." We do not achieve what we have or are destined to have by ourselves. So give thanks!

I promise you this. On your Journey to Now, if you take the time to slow down, reflect, appreciate, and praise, you'll see the elusive treasure/prize you've been racing towards has been in your possession this entire time! 

One more thing...find your stone, show it, and throw it well. Selah!

Blessings.

L

It's My Hair Magazine Cover Party for Mushiya Tshikuka

If you know me, then you know I am not a big party goer. I may frequent one every now and again just for "GP" (general purpose)! However, when I received the above flyer about a cover party by It's My Hair Magazine for Mushiya Tshikuka, I had to be sure to attend (and not for "GP"). 

If you haven't heard of Mushiya Tshikuka from Congo, then you need to get with the times. She is one of the stars from WeTV's hot new reality show, Cutting It in the ATL. It's about 4 salon owners in Atlanta who are about their business of making money, and for some, making a difference in their community. Here is where I become a little bias...my favorite from the show is Mushiya!!!! Why?!?! Well Why not??? She's spicy, sassy, upfront, and definitely pulls no punches! AND, like myself, knows thats she's beautiful and don't give a "damn" about what you think! She's also a natural...duh!!!! LOL!!! Seriously though, she has a heart of gold and is determined to make a difference in the community, not for attention, however, for the betterment of it. 

Mushiya is Founder & Creative Director of The Damn Salon located off Roswell Rd. in Atlanta ( 1 of 6 locations thought the US and Canada). Providing 'High fashion Natural Hair' services. So if your looking for a salon that uses chemical or heat processes on your hair...The Damn Salon is NOT it!!!

Mushiya and her 'Damn' team are well versed in the growth and maintenance of natural hair. The entire team, including her husband live what they do. What I found awe inspiring is that Mushiya, not only have a savvy fashion sense; however, her business sense will blow you away as well. She is on the verge of cornering the hair market and invites all to join her. She has her hair line, Runway Curls, which has it's own soundtrack & video, produced by her husband, Lou (Damn Music). See the video on You Tube!

Check out the interview we did with Mushiya, pictures and see the great time we had at the It's My Hair Magazine cover party! From the red carpet, to sampling of Ou Ouii Passion Fruit Rum, to business tips, to a Runway Curls runway walk off, it was nonstop fun, positive vibes, and love!!! Now you know I'm here for that! 

Be sure to follow Mushiya & her team on Instagram @mushiyatshikuka @thedamnsalon Also book your appointment to get the 'Damn Experience' at www.thedamnsalon.com

Special thanks go out to Selena Milbry, Chief Editor of It's My Hair! Magazine, follow them on Instagram @itsmyhairmag or visit their website www.itsmyhairmagazine.com

Blessing!! L

Video & pics below...

Mushiya & Lou Tshikuka

Mushiya w/ The Damn Team

Cutting UP in the ATL

Mushiya w/ Model Melissa January

Model Melissa January
posing for Ou Ouii PassionFruit Rum

Selena Milbry, Chief Editor
It's My Hair! Magazine

150th Anniversary of Juneteenth

Happy 150th Anniversary of Juneteenth!!!! What? You don't know what Juneteenth is???? How about the 4th of July, do you know what that is? No, it's not a day off of work to cookout and watch the fireworks. Yes, it is Independence Day...just not for the enslaved Africans. So, now do you want to know abut Juneteenth??? Good, let me help inform you!

As history would tell it President Abraham Lincoln's executive order, known as the Emancipation Proclamation freeing slaves became official January 1st, 1863. However, due to a minimal number of union troops to enforce the order, in Texas, it had little to no impact. That all changed with the surrender of General Lee in April 1865 and the arrival of Major General Gordon Granger's regiment, with forces strong enough to influence and overcome the resistance. There are several stories speculating about the 2yr delay of the executive order. However, once the order was read by the now ex-masters of the enslaved the emotions ranged from shock to pure elation. Many left instantly in search of family members in neighboring states.

I can only imagine how it felt to have the chains removed from your life both physically & mentally knowing that you are finally free. What will you do? Where will you go? To most it didn't matter, they were free. Free to search and reunite with family in places unknown. Free to pursue whatever dreams you have. Of course,  a celebration was in order.

Juneteenth celebration traditionally is a time to reassure each other, for praying and gathering family members, it also is a time for educating each other & self improvement. The elders would tell of the times of the enslavement and the reaction to the news of freedom which would cause the younger generation to reflect and be grateful for the now. Today, many are blessed to still have these stories past down through the generation and reflect on the sacrifices made in order for them to be where they are now. 

 A celebration is not a celebration without food, of course, so the barbecue pit became the center of attention at these celebrations.  Families came together, as we do today during cookouts, and bought special dishes to share. Often times the dishes prepared contained ingredients that was not cooked everyday due to them not being available & the cost. Dress also played a part with former slaves disposing of their filthy garb and adorning themselves with more proper attire from their former owners. 

So why do so many, especially our youth, not know of Juneteenth? We are all at fault. we recognize July 4th as a celebration of an independence, not for the slaves, but for the masters. As time goes on unfortunately we lose those stories with the passing of our elders. Take time out on today to speak with the descendants of that era that are blessed to be among us. Learn of what happened and how much faith & strength it took for them to began again in a new land. When you gather around the barbecue pit let the talk be more of a self reflection than a contest on twerking. Teach our future that although we, as a people, are not always portrayed in the best light, we are from a proud heritage. We didn't start from the bottom. We were kings & queens! 

My prayer is that we put as much (or more) effort into June 19th as we do July 4th! Let's get back to educating each other and TRUE self reflection! 

To learn more about the 'Spirit of Juneteenth' visit juneteenth.com.

My heart & prayers go out to the families & community effected by the tragedy that occurred in Charleston, South Carolina and those that are not being shown in the media all over the world! Bless up! #selah

L

Lupus Awareness

Lupus? What's that? I've never heard of Lupus? Isn't that an old person disease? Sounds like it a white person disease to me! Oh, I've heard of it, but it's nothing that I can get...is it?

I'm sure those that have or knows someone with lupus has heard some or all of these questions from those of us that are not educated on this autoimmune disease. I have to admit that I had no idea what type of disease it was myself prior to having the opportunity to shoot a charity basketball game in honor of Lupus Awareness Month(May).

According to the Lupus Foundation of America (lupus.org), "Lupus is a chronic, autoimmune disease that can damage any part of the body (skin, joints, and/or organs inside the body). In lupus, something goes wrong with your immune system, which is the part of the body that fights off viruses, bacteria, and germs ("foreign invaders," like the flu). Lupus is also a disease of flares (the symptoms worsen and you feel ill) and remissions (the symptoms improve and you feel better)."

I have a family member that is currently living a full life despite having lupus. I've seen the dramatic weightless and the "flares", however, under her doctors care and her never compromising faith, she is the happy, loving woman I've always known. She lives her life having Lupus and not letting Lupus have her.

As I mentioned before this past Saturday I had the pleasure of being one of the photographers to cover Blaq Pearl Entertainment's 2nd Annual Balling for Lupus Charity Basketball. Bo-Talley and her team put on an amazing event. It was fun and very informative.  Many heavy hitters/celebrities walked the VIP "purple carpet" (purple is not only my favorite color, but also the color for lupus). The attendees/players or coaches included; Mama Ca$h (momager of rapper Ca$hout & star of Celebrity Moms), Robin 'Jvet' Mobley (Radio & TV personality, founder of Age No Factor), Deb Antney (CEO of Mizay Ent), Dice Dixon (VH1's Lala's Full Court Life), Michelle Snow (former WNBA player), Blu (Oxygen's Bad Girls Club), Neffe (Reality star, Frankie & Neffe), Rae Robinson (Founder of Hip Hop 4Cancer), Beautii J (reality star, Cutting It in the ATL), Tara B (RnB singer), and many others.

It was hosted by Streetz 94.5 Bria Janelle (who also had the funniest commentary during the game) with female Dj Roots Queen on the 1s & 2s. The national anthem was sung by RnB singer, Jakarta Gaines. Bo-Talley held a pre-game lunch for the honorees, all of whom was presented with a token of appreciation and love during halftime.  The event in my opinion was put together wonderfully and was a success!!!

I look forward to being apart of it again next year!! Oh and the Purple Team defeated the White team in OT!!!! And did I mention all the players were female!!!!!! It was a great game check out the pics below...

Before you go here are a few more facts on lupus from Lupus Foundation of America website:

These are some additional facts about lupus that you should know:

• Lupus is not contagious, not even through sexual contact. You cannot "catch" lupus from someone or "give" lupus to someone.
• Lupus is not like or related to cancer. Cancer is a condition of malignant, abnormal tissues that grow rapidly and spread into surrounding tissues. Lupus is an autoimmune disease, as described above.
• Lupus is not like or related to HIV (Human Immune Deficiency Virus) or AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). In HIV or AIDS the immune system is underactive; in lupus, the immune system is overactive.
• Lupus can range from mild to life-threatening and should always be treated by a doctor. With good medical care, most people with lupus can lead a full life.
• Our research estimates that at least 1.5 million Americans have lupus. The actual number may be higher; however, there have been no large-scale studies to show the actual number of people in the U.S. living with lupus.
• More than 16,000 new cases of lupus are reported annually across the country.
• It is believed that 5 million people throughout the world have a form of lupus.
• Lupus strikes mostly women of childbearing age (15-44). However, men, children, and teenagers develop lupus, too. Most people will develop lupus between the ages of 15-44.
• Women of color are two to three times more likely to develop lupus than Caucasians.
• People of all races and ethnic groups can develop lupus.

Mama Ca$h

Michelle "Snowtyme" Snow
Former WNBA player

Laeann Amos
Author/Fitness Coach

Shan,
Alonzo Crim High Student

Latish Robb
Motivational Speaker

Bo-Talley w/ daughter(rt) and sorority sisters 

Jett Blakk
co-host of NStyleAtlanta

Robin 'Jvet' Mobley
Age No Factor

See all the photos from Balling for Lupus @ untamedroyalty.com

Under Clients' Gallery look for 'Balling for Lupus'