March/April Issue 2012

Television Talk Show Host & Au-thor Roland Martin explains why Franklin Graham was wrong to

question President Obama’s Christianity.

5 Connect with Us

6 Meet Janice Gaines: A Woman of Faith

9 If you Missed It: See the Pics

13 Book Review: Family Secrets

by Sharon Rhodes

15 Women of Faith: Making

History in Shreveport

17 10 Spiritual Lessons We Can

Learn from Whitney Houston

Table of contents

Subscribers, send us your thoughts, comments, and suggestions by email: info@urbanfaithmagazine.com

3

http://www.urbanfaithmagazine.com/

“I had my own plans for so many years. But one day, I

asked the Lord what He wanted me to do. And it

started me on this journey.”

This is the testimony of singer/songwriter Janice Gaines. Like most people, she had plenty of ideas for her life, especially as it related to a career. But God also

had His ideas, and He was preparing her for something

far greater than she could imagine.

Growing up in Memphis, Janice was surrounded by mu-sic and ministry. “It’s just what we did,” she jokingly recalls. “We sang and we went to church!” Janice led

songs in every church choir her mother directed, and listened intently to each of her father’s sermons. As a teenager, she was the youngest member of O’landa

Draper & The Associates, while also singing in a local

group led by her brother, Jon Reddick.

By the time she finished college, Janice had gained

more experience through studio session work, as a background vocalist for R&B/Gospel singer Howard Hewett, and as a vocalist in the major motion picture

The People vs. Larry Flynt. She also traveled to sing

internationally in Japan, Italy and Germany.

But it wasn’t until early 2009, as she worked on her second Master’s degree, that Janice began to even con-sider that her musical experiences might have been

more than a mere pastime. She began to wonder what God really wanted from her. And one day, prompted by a friend, Janice laid down her own will, and asked

about His.

As if He were simply waiting for her question, God im-

mediately began opening doors in music. Moving with her husband from New York City to Nashville, Janice transitioned from schoolteacher to full-time singer, im-

mediately stepping into her artistry.

Within months, she joined the worship team of the

popular Women of Faith conferences, where she cur-rently leads as many as 12,000 women in worship each weekend in arenas across the country. In addition to

these thousands of attendees, Janice Gaines has gar-nered the support of several of the biggest names in Gospel and Christian music, including

Pastor Donnie McClurkin, Mary Mary,

Donald Law-

rence, Natalie Grant and

Mandisa.

But perhaps the most pro-

found work was done in Janice’s own

heart. “I finally accepted the truth that

God’s plans for my life are much better than mine.

And the evi-dence of it was that, once

I started to dive into my music, I was

more at peace and felt more alive than I had ever

been.”

Janice is currently working on the release of her debut album. With a contemporary gospel vibe, her songs are steeped in truths learned both from her seminary educa-

tion (she holds a Master of Divinity from Ashland Theologi-

cal Seminary) and from everyday life.

“We’re in an age where a lot of the church is actually getting

its theology from songs, so we’d better have it right,” Janice

shares. “But I also want people to experience God through real life, so my songs are a reflection of my walk with Christ

as a woman, a wife, a daughter, a sister and a friend.”

With relatable music and lyrics, a soaring soprano range and

a rich, clear tone, Janice Gaines is positioned as one of the

leading female vocalists in gospel music’s new generation of artists. And with that platform, she wants to make clear the

simple truth of God’s presence and love for each of His chil-

dren– “God is with us. He’s with us and He wants us.”

Watch her videos at www.urbanfaithmagazine.com.

7

9

Congratulations to Erica Campbell of Mary Mary, who

gave birth in late January! The duo has an upcoming

reality show set to start in March.

We will keep you posted.

11

his month we pay special tribute to Women of

Faith. Women of chose to step out on faith to pursue

their dreams. Women who, despite life circumstances,

chose to turn a negative into a positive. Women whose faith

has led them to help others. As we celebrate Women’s His-

tory month, we take a look at women who are making his-

tory right now!

Our cover story, singer/songwriter Janice Gaines had plenty

of ideas for her life, especially her career. But God had

something else in mind. On Twitter, she describes herself as

a “A silly, feisty lover of Jesus, unapologetically, who sings,

writes songs and leads worship.” That is the simple

description.

I had the opportunity to meet Janice at the CME Shreveport

District Women of Power Conference. And she is awesome!

This woman of God exudes a confidence and love that only

God could place in her heart. Check out the pictures on page

9. Read Janice Gaines’ story on page 6.

Friendship is a precious thing and should not be taken

lightly. I have the pleasure of calling the rest of the women

featured in this issue my friend. Each may or may not know

each other, but they know me. Each of them possess charac-

teristics which makes them unique and talented individuals

bringing life, love, and happiness to anyone who encounters

them.

My sister friend, Crystal Brown-Tatum is professionally

known as a Public Relations specialist and owner of Crystal

Clear Communications. But she is so much more. A breast

cancer survivor and an advocate of breast cancer awareness,

she is founder and president of Sisters Network Shreveport,

which is a part of Sister Network, Inc. Sister Network, Inc.

is a national African American breast cancer survivorship

organization. They are committed to increasing local and

national attention to the devastating impact that breast cancer

has in the African American community.

Crystal was name a 2011 Pink Power Mom from Brights

Start Corporation. A four year breast cancer survivor, Brown

-Tatum has won numerous honors for her breast cancer ad-

vocacy and outreach including Survivor Legacy Award from

Pink Door Organization and Unsung Hero from Sigma

Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. She is the author

of "Saltwater Taffy and Red High Heels: My Journey

through Breast Cancer" which has received international

acclaim from fellow survivors and was nominated for a

NAACP Image Award.

If that is not enough, Crystal is the current Mrs. Black Lou-

isiana US and an actress in her own right. (Her daughter,

Jaclyn is the current Miss Teen Black Louisiana.)

My sister friend, Angelique Feaster Evans, is an advocate for

the Arts. Maybe you have seen her acting on stage. Maybe

you have heard of her Award-winning theatre company.

Maybe your children have attended her summer camps.

There is no telling where you might have met her. But I am

sure that you remember her.

When you meet her, you feel like you have know her for

years. She will do her best to assist you with whatever pro-

ject you are working on, as well as give you some ideas to

take it a little further. She has traveled all over the world

winning awards and presenting plays. Theatre is her pas-

sion. Read her story on page15.

My sister friend, Rev. Amarylis West, is the first lady at my

church, Lane Chapel CME . I have only known her less

than two years yet I feel like I have known her all my life.

She has become a dynamic force not just in my life but in the

lives of women and youth at our church. Read more about

her on page 18.

Check out the book review for Family Secrets. The book is

written by my sister friend and soror, Sharon Rhodes. She,

too, is a breast cancer survivor. When you are in her pres-

ence, you feel a peace which passes all understanding. Her

book is awesome! And I am looking forward to the sequel.

It is my hope that these women’s stories inspire you to step

out on faith…

Happy Reading

Alynetta Beck 12

About the Author

haron Rhodes is originally from Alabama and joined the Air Force right

out of high school. She traveled the world for 28 years and retired from the

Air Force in 2009. She now lives in Bossier City, Louisiana, with her hus-

band and son. She holds a master’s in public administration from Central

Michigan University. Rhodes is currently working on her second novel.

“I had no clue about what went into publishing a book but Outskirts Press

made the process simple and easy to understand. I’ve learned so much

about the publishing process and would definitely use their service again. I

recommend Outskirts Press to those first time novelists as well as a seasoned

novelists. Thanks Outskirts Press for helping me make my book a success.”

Is it true that everyone has skeletons in their closets? What would you do if a secret you have been keeping for 34 years showed up at your door? How would you find the courage to tell the important family mem-bers and friends in your life? Sheila Robertson is coming to a great milestone in her life. 30 years serving her country in the military has come to an end as she is retiring. With her retirement party days away, all of Sheila’s family and friends arrive to congratulate her on her huge accomplishments. But as Sheila soon realizes, everyone has secrets and they are slowly being revealed one by one. On what is suppose to be one of the best days of her life, the day is slowly turning into a confessional. Sheila is living the American Dream. She has a loving husband, two beautiful kids, and everything couldn’t be more perfect. That is, until a

surprise guest arrives at Sheila’s door and her life is turned into a whirlwind. A deep, secret Sheila has kept for 34 years arrives, and now it's a matter of life and death to come clean. How will Sheila break the news to her family, and what will be the consequences and repercussions of withholding this secret for so long? Family Secrets was a powerful read by Sharon Rhodes. I really enjoyed how the author gave so much detailed background information about each character. The book covered a variety of im-portant topics, which includes infidelity, down low, and drug addiction. Overall, the message in Family Secrets to me was that no matter how perfect someone’s life appears to be, you never know what they have been through or what past they have endured to get where they are. Reviewed by Kristin for UrbanReviewsOnline.com To meet the author and to purchase the book, visit Sharon’s page at www.urbanfaithmagazine.com.

13

Crystal is a San Antonio, Texas

native and Honors College

graduate of The University of

Houston with a B.A. in Radio-

Television. She has completed

post-graduate work in public

relations and is the author of

three poetry books, one nation-

ally published fiction novel

Caramel and Cream and a na-

tionally acclaimed breast cancer

memoir entitled Saltwater Taffy

and Red High Heels. In addition,

she completed an Honors Col-

lege senior thesis on the overlooked effects of gangster

rap music on male perception of women.

Crystal has appeared on several local and national radio

and television shows, including Oprah and The Bill Cun-

ningham Show and has had more than 1000 editorials

published including editorial work featured in national

magazines including Vogue, People, Self, Shape, Health

& Fitness, Elle, The Capitol Times, Today’s Christian

Woman, Washington Weekly, The Daily Cougar, The

San Antonio Informer, Coping with Cancer, Amoena

Life and The Houston Chronicle. In addition, she has

appeared on Women’s Entertainment Television as a fea-

tured guest on the Dove/Conde Nast “A Cut Above:

Beautiful Hair” television show. and The Discovery

Channel featured her story in the Triple Negative Breast

Cancer patient education program.

Crystal is the 2011-2012 Mrs. Black Louisiana and was

twice voted Miss Congeniality in the Miss Texas USA

pageant and was a top ten finalist in the Miss San Anto-

nio USA pageant. She was the first African-American

women to be crowned Sigma Chi Fraternity Fight Night

Queen. She was a recipient of the 2005 Emerging-10

award sponsored by the Houston Minority Business

Council, 2006 Women on the Move recipient and H

Texas magazine named her a Top Professional on the

Fast Track for 2006, 2007 and 2009 as well as a Top 100

Professionals of Houston in 2011. In addition, she re-

ceived a Texas Senate Commendation

for her community service and was awarded a Distin-

guished Achievement Award from the City of San Anto-

nio Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission and Unsung

Hero Award by Sigma Gamma Rho Gamma Sigma

chapter. She is a 2009 Blazing Star Award Winner from

the Women’s Chamber of Commerce of Texas and the

National Diversity Council named her a 2010 Most Pow-

erful and Influential Woman in Louisiana honoree.

Bright Starts Corporation named her a 2011 Pink Power

Mom.

Crystal is very active in the community and has lobbied

on Capitol Hill for heart attack and stroke survivors and

been instrumental in community outreach on several lo-

cal political and grassroots campaigns. She was selected

by the Houston Business Journal in their inaugural 40

under 40 Top Professionals of Houston as well being

named a 40 under 40 Top Professional for Northwest

Louisiana from the Shreveport Chamber of Commerce.

She is a member of the Texas and Louisiana Advocacy

Committees with the American Heart Association, For-

mer Board of Directors of the Kiwanis Club of Southern

Hills (Shreveport) where she was named Chairperson of

the Year, member of the Bauer Society at The University

of Houston, Board of Directors of Gridiron Heroes, and a

member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority. She is married

to Sergeant First Class Philip Tatum and has one daugh-

ter, Jaclyn. Most importantly, Crystal is a four year

breast cancer survivor.

Crystal Brown-Tatum is a San Antonio, Texas native and au-

thor of Saltwater Taffy and Red High Heels: My Journey through Breast Cancer (Lulu Press, 2008). She is an honors

graduate of The University of Houston in Radio-Television

and Founder/CEO of Crystal Clear Communications; an

award-winning PR firm based in Houston (www.crystalcommunicates.com).

Crystal Brown-Tatum

14

Angelique Feaster is an artist, entrepreneur, creative edu-

cator, and founding Artistic Director of MAHOGANY EN-

SEMBLE THEATRE, resident community theatre of the

M.E.C.C.A. Foundation. Angelique is a Northwest Lou-

isiana Juried Roster Artist and has made accomplishments

on the local, regional, and national level. She has been

featured in the nationally distributed Belle Magazine and

was the spec model for the National Lottery of the United

Kingdom.

In 2008, she produced the first Southern Black Theatre

Festival which celebrates the rich tradition of African

American theatre in the region. Her television credits in-

clude a co-starring role on Lifetime Television THE DI-

VISION. Angelique’s stage credits include CROWNS,

Steal Away, For Colored Girls, Having Our Say, Rumors,

Steppin’ Out, and Doubt. She has worked with regional

arts organizations including Cultural Crossroads, Multi-

cultural Center of the South, Natchitoches Multicultural

Arts Center, North Central Louisiana Arts Council,

Shreveport Regional Arts Council, Shreveport Symphony,

Pamoja, and River City Repertory Theatre. This Centen-

ary College graduate has a B.A. in Speech and a Masters

in Education Administration. This Detroit na-

tive currently resides with her family in North Louisiana.

Mahogany Ensemble Theatre (MET) is the brainchild of

Angelique Feaster, Artistic Director of this emerging

community theatre. Having performed in a cross-section

of theatres and organizations throughout the Shreveport-

Bossier area, Ms. Feaster recognized the need for a per-

manent seasonal offering of quality theatre of the African

Diaspora. After meeting Mr. Curtis King, founder of The

Black Academy of Arts & Letters in Dallas, Texas, An-

gelique was inspired to independently produce a dinner

theatre experience for the community.

Their mission is To enlighten, enrich, and empower com-

munities through entertaining African American theater

experiences while exploring the common ground of hu-

manity.

The purpose of the organization is to preserve the tradition

of African American theatre by producing

and presenting quality clas-

sic, contemporary, and origi-

nal literary works of the Afri-

can Diaspora.

In June of 2003, Ms. Feas-

ter‟s vision of African

American community theatre

became a reality with the Ma-

hogany Moods Dinner Thea-

tre production of Indigo

Blues, by Louisiana‟s own,

the late Judi Ann Mason.

This pilot production continued

with touring performances at Southern University in

Shreveport and Mississippi Valley State University in late

2003 and early 2004.

With the highly favorable reception of this pilot produc-

tion, faith, and belief in the vision of providing ongoing

African American theatre in the community, Mahogany

Ensemble Theatre was born. In November of 2005, MET

debuted as the premiere seasonal African American thea-

tre company of Northwest Louisiana. Recognizing the im-

portance of nurturing and developing the next generation

of creative artists, MET formed the Young, Gifted &

Black teen troupe to present social awareness and youth

centered plays in the community. In December of 2005,

the troupe performed Defining Moments, a play about

teens and their lives touched by AIDS, which toured in

area recreation centers, schools, and libraries as a partner-

ship with The Philadelphia Center. In 2008, MET pro-

duced the first Biennial Southern Black Theatre Festival.

Mahogany Ensemble Theatre stages at least four produc-

tions each season—two mainstage plays, one children‟s

play, and one original play by a regional playwright. MET

is the 2011 State AACT Festival Winner and will repre-

sent Louisiana at the Regional AACT Festival in April

2011 in Lewisville, TX.

For more information about Mahogany Ensemble Theatre,

visit their website at

www.mahoganyensembletheatre.org.

Angelique Feaster Evans

15

10 things to learn spiritually from Whitney Houston.

Although taken far too soon and too unexpectedly, we can learn these things from Whitney Houston's home going services:

1. She was a child of God and embraced that pos-ture throughout her life

2. She never strayed far from her Baptist roots, the birthplace of "The Voice," and the Gospel music that

filled her soul and influenced her stylistically

3. She was a woman of deep and abiding prayer, known for gathering her friends and colleagues in an impromptu circle to petition God

4. Family was her bedrock, her source of strength, comfort, and a fiercely protective cross-generational

love that incubated and informed who she was 5. She generously created opportunities for others

who had gifts needing exposure. 6. She was a friend, beloved by those close to her as

evidenced by the overwhelming outpouring of an un-bridled grief, sense of loss and deep sorrow

7. She maximized her God-given gifts, achieving leg-endary status in a family of standout superstars

8. She didn't allow others or define or limit her po-tentials by being compartmentalized to one gift

when she possessed many. 9. She believed in redemption, second chances and

new beginnings and threw herself wholeheartedly into a fresh start being willing to confront the daunt-ing task of change.

10. In 48 short years, she made an indelible impres-sion on the hearts and minds of every-

one who experi-enced her im-

mense talents. She let the world know that she

was here and in her home-going, death did not

win. We can find hope that our

dreams are more than inspiration but mixed with

determination and steadfast faith even the

most obscure dream can be realized. We can find comfort as par-ents that faith instilled in our small children is a long

term investment that will benefit them as they face the varied challenges of their adult life. And most importantly we can garner a deeper understanding

that all of us have some things to accomplish as ef-fectively and expeditiously as possible, being re-minded that tomorrow isn't promised to any of us no

matter the enormity of the gifts we posses.

Watch video of Whitney’s last performance on UrbanFaithMagazine.com.

By Bishop T. D. Jakes

17

Women’s History Month: Women of Faith

Continued

Rev. Amarylis D. West is the daughter of William and Mary Didley of Augusta,

Georgia. Her primary and high school education was through the Richmond County School System. She attended Fort Valley State University for her under-graduate studies. She has completed further studies at Macon State College of

Macon, Georgia. Amarylis accepted the call to preach the gospel in 2003 under the leadership of

her husband, Rev. Curtis L. West, Jr. She was ordained a Local Deacon to serve along with her husband by Bishop Othal H. Lakey in the 2006 Annual Con-ference. Amarylis has been involved in youth ministry on the local church level

and is the founder of Right Way Youth Ministry. She has also served as the Min-isterial Advisor for the "Ministers of Praise" liturgical dance team. In addition to her local ministry, Amarylis is co-director of Women of Christ. This is a ministry that helps hurting

women learn to heal under the guidance and grace of God. Her mission scripture for life is Romans 8:38-39 which states, "Nothing shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Je-

sus our Lord." Prior to relocating to Louisiana, Amarylis was employed as the Office Manager at Macon Area Habitat

for Humanity. Amarylis is married to Rev. Curtis L. West, Jr. and they are blessed to be the parents of Cymone Alex-

andria, Lauryn Elizabeth, and Curtis, III.

Urban Faith Magazine would like to feature Women of Faith

in every issue. If you know a Woman of Faith

that you would like to see featured,

contact us via our website at

www.urbanfaithmagazine.com.

18

Check out next month’s issue

as we feature Rev. Eddie Giles.

Learn why he was a Losing Boy….

But he is A Winner Now!

19