wise magazine november2013 (1)

VOLUME 4 ISSUE 4 • WINTER 2013

WWW.WISEMAGAZINE.ORG WISE READS: STEP UP YOUR GAME

WALKING IN SPIRITUAL EXCELLENCE

$5.00 USA / $7.50 CANADA

WHEN NOT TO QUITTips for living interntionally and working through the tough times

AMERICANPROMISEAn Intimate Lens into Parenthood, Education and Raising Young Black Men

MLK MEMORIALKeeping the Dream Alive

INTERVIEW WITH JOE CANTY

9 TIPS to the art of GRANT WRITING

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WWW.WISEMAGAZINE.ORG VOL 3 • ISSUE 04 - WINTER 2013>

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WWW.WISEMAGAZINE.ORG VOL 3 • ISSUE 04 - WINTER 2013 >

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Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

A FEW GIFT SUGGESTIONS...To your enemy.... Forgiveness

To an opponent.... Tolerance

To a friend... Your Heart

To a customer... Service

To all... Charity

To every child... a Good Example

To yourself... Respect

- Oren Arnold

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05 YOUR FICO SCORES EXPLAINED By Carolyn Williams

07 LETTER FROM THE EDITORBy Rhonda Mouton

09 LEADING IN SPIRITUAL EXCELLENCE: WHEN NOT TO QUIT

09 WISE READS: ALABASTER BOX

10WISDOM IN WEALTH: POSITIONED FOR ENLARGEMENT By Carolyn Williams

12 9 TIPS TO THE ART OF GRANT SEEKING

14 INTO THE GROOVE: INTERVIEW WITH JOE CANTY

16 WISE LIVING: 10 TIPS TO ACHIEVING YOUR 2014 GOALS

21 WISE READS: STEP UP YOUR GAME

21 MLK MEMORIAL DAY By Janelle Awls

22 FEATURE: NO WEAPON FORMED AGAINST YOU By Carol Kellam

24 FILM REVIEW: AMERICAN PROMISE

26 WISE READS: BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO ONLINE SECURITY

27 JUST FOR FUN: CHRISTMAS CROSSWORD

30 MUSIC TIDBITS: LUNDEN DE LEON

32 AT THE TABLE: ARTICHOKE TUNA CROSTINI

34 MUSIC TIDBITS: JME BROWN

38 AT THE TABLE: RICOTTA AND TUNA STUFFED PEPPERS

14 ON THE COVER: INTERVIEW WITH JOE CANTY 16 WISE LIVING: 10 TIPS TO

ACHIEVING YOUR 2014 GOALS

22 FEATURE: NO WEAPON FORMED AGAINST YOU 24 FILM REVIEW:

AMERICAN PROMISE

30 MUSIC TIDBITS: LUNDEN DE LEON 38 AT THE TABLE: RICCOTTA AND TUNA STUFFED PEPPERS

CONTENTS>

WISE MAGAZINE TABLE OF CONTENTS

WINTER 2013

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WWW.WISEMGAZINE.ORG

GET YOUR MESSAGE OUT

ADVERTISE IN YOUR

FICO SCORE EXPLAINED

35% of your FICO score is based on your payment

history. On-time payments improve your score. Late

payments means a lower score 30% of your FICO score is

based on the amount of credit that you owe. To improve

your score, don’t charge your accounts to the limit. Try to

keep each credit account at no more than 30% charged.

15% of your FICO score is based on the length of time

that you’ve had credit. Don’t cancel the credit cards that

you’ve had a long time. Pay them off and hold them! The

older “account opened” dates improve your FICO score

10% of your FICO score is based on the types of credit

that you have. Try and maintain a mortgage, revolving

and installment account without blemishes and watch

your score improve!

10% of your FICO score is based on credit inquiries.

Lenders requesting information on your credit history

tend to lower your score as it creates questions of you

potentially becoming overextended. Plan when you will

give companies permission to pull your credit information

and try to do your “price shopping” activities within a 14

day time span to limit the number of inquiries on your

report.

Information provided by Carolyn Williams

WISE MAGAZINE WISDOM IN WEALTH

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Founder & Editor ia l Director | Rhonda MoutonLegal Advisor | Judge Erania Ebron-Mart in

South Region Sales | Daria Mouton

ART DESIGN & PHOTOGRAPHY---------- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Graphic Art is t | Jennifer R. Mart inPhotographer | Aja Grant

Graphic Intern | Joanna Jones

EDITORS--------- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Assis tant Edi tor | Alenya Mouton

COLUMNISTS--------- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Janel le Awls, Pastor Arni ta Wil l is Taylor, Hana Mahmoud

ONLINE--------- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Lisa Harper | Devot ions

ON THE COVER--------- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

A man of many blessings Hana Mahamoud conducts an interview with Joe Canty President

of the Chris Canty Foundation.

WISE TEAM-----------------------------------------------------------

DISCLAIMERWISE Magazine is publ ished quarter ly: Jan/March, Apri l /June, July/Sept and Oct /Dec by Wisdom Enterpr ise , LLC an aff i l ia te of The WISE Brand. U.S. subscr ipt ion is $19.97 for 4 issues . Internat ional Subscr ipt ions: $32.00 for 4 issues . Canada $29.97 for 4 issues . Send address changes to WISE Magazine 229-19 Merr ick Blvd Ste 205 Laurel ton, New York 11413. All r ights and pr ints are reserved for Wisdom Enterpr ise , LLC an aff i l ia te of The WISE Brand. Reproduct ion without permission is prohibi ted. A request must be submit ted to reproduce mater ia l contained in WISE. We use reasonable effor ts to ensure al l information is accurate and correct a t a l l t imes. Wisdom Enterpr ise , LLC an aff i l ia te of The WISE Brand does not endorse, assume any responsibi l i ty or l iabi l i ty for the accuracy of information or advert is ing. Ei ther WISE Magazine, Wisdom Enterpr ise , LLC, The WISE Brand nor any other par ty is involved in creat ing, producing, or del iver ing this product . WISE or Wisdom Enterpr ise , LLC and aff i l ia te of The WISE Brand is not l iable for any direct , incidental , consequent ia l , indirect , or puni t ive damages, ar is ing out of access or use of the publ icat ion and websi te .

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-------- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -To subscr ibe or purchase issues of WISE Magazine, cal l 888-806-3609 Tol l -Free, Fax 888-602-9858 or vis i t us onl ine at www.wisemagazine.org or www.wise-magazine.com.

We would love to hear f rom you. Please send your comments or le t ters via email to [email protected] or WISE Magazine 229-19 Merr ick Blvd Ste 205 Laurel ton, New York 11413

Front cover photo provided by Joe Canty.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

CAROL KELLAM, LEAH TAYLOR RUFFIN

CAROLYN WILLIAMS, EDWARD

AND ANNETTE EVANS SMITH

CREDITS

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Visit us online!For more information and

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WISE MAGAZINE LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

A NOTE FROM OUR

EDITORWe Fall Down But We Get UP!

Sometimes the only thing that gets me through the day is a song. As I sit here thinking how to end this last issue, the song written by Chris Tomlin comes to mind. Many know as We Fall Down, sang by Pastor Donnie McClurklin. During this year, there were times that I had fallen and it appeared as if I’d never get up. But, I am still here! Many people have passed away, while others were overtaken and chose suicide. Other people can’t wait for the New Year to arrive because 2013 has been too hard to bare.

On this day, I want to tell you to GET UP! If you are reading this message, God still has a plan for your life. I asked myself, “How in the world can God have a plan when it feels like I am living hell here on earth?” But, then I began to self-evaluate my fall. Consider these questions as you are on your way up:

1. Did I contribute to the difficulty I am facing in life?

2. Who or what am I holding onto that isn’t nourishing my purpose?

3. Did I step out of the will of God?

4. Did I make decisions based on feelings and not listen to God?

5. Am I rushing the plan God has for my life?

Before I got back up, I needed to answer these tough questions to ensure I didn’t fall back into the very things that put me on my back. I am still learning, and it’s a painful process. But, this process is necessary to get back on track to where God wants me to be.

There are times in our life when God allows us to fall, and it is in those times we have the opportunity to come up stronger. Don’t wait until we ring in the New Year! Start today with changing how you live your life. Make yourself a priority and prune those things in your life that are hindering your blessings.

My change started on the inside. As a result, I am making better decisions about those things that impact my life eternally. Now, I am able to receive the things that will bare a positive outcome.

We fall down, but together we will get back up. Thank you for all of your support, prayers and love throughout the year. To my WISE team you are the best people on this side of heaven.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,

RhondaRhonda Mouton

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As we rapidly approach the end of this calendar year,

often we will start to reflect on the previous months

in the year. I make sure this is an intentional practice

in my life so I amsure to live with higher levels of

intentionality. One characteristic of any great leader

is to be able to examine and reflect on the activity

of themselves and their team. At the conclusion of

pondering the lived truths in our lives, decisions have

to be made and executed. Sometimes it is necessary to

continue and/or adjust some practices or events. Other

times, it is necessary to quit or stop some practices or

events. The question at hand: When is it NOT time to

quit and what are some decision-making markers that

help us wait on an exit?

In my personal and professional lives, I use three

markers to indicate how to proceed in this quandary. I

am excited to share them with you and hope you have

other great indicators to add to your personal list.

1. EXAMINE YOUR PASSION LEVEL AND WHAT YOUR GUT SAYS TO YOU. Passion is such a powerful quality! If you find yourself in

a situation that still gives you passion about whatever

you are pondering to quit, it may not be time to

stop. Passion gives us stamina and patience to wait.

Determine if the primary feeling about the situation still

gives you meaning and drives you to continue. Your

purpose may be directly associated with what you are

making a decision on. Does continuing yield a great

deal of meaning for you? If so, it is not time to quit. In

addition, it is never time to quit if you are the only one

who can do this purpose!

WISE MAGAZINE LEADING IN SPIRITUAL EXCELLENCE

“When NOT To Quit”2. EXAMINE YOUR POTENTIAL ABILITY IN THE CURRENT SITUATION. Does remaining in

the situation provide ample opportunity for you to

grow, develop, and learn a new skill set or relational

strength that you currently do not possess. Determine

if you can be intellectually enhanced and connected

with other avenues of influence to help your obtain a

goal. Personally, I have made decisions to cease

some things in my life on the basis of its potential

capacity. Having my personal and professional

potential released is a strong value for me. Take some

time to determine your top core values. These values

provide the emotional stimulation and drive for any

decision.

3. EXAMINE THE SEASON. Perseverance

is required from all of us at some point in life. As

we live and grow, we will be challenged through

By Arnita Willis-Taylor

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Read This Book

RODERICK BAKER

This book is written for

the broken, burdened

and ashamed. I want you

to know you are in a safe

place. No assumptions

and finger pointing will

be done. You are free

to confront your past.

You are welcome to yell,

scream or rejoice. I did not come to judge but to

share my life and invite you to press into your destiny.

This book is an invitation to enter a long lasting and

fruitful relationship with Jesus Christ the Lord and

Savior. I don't offer you a fix every problem you got

Jesus. The Jesus that was born to serve us and do

whatever we desire. I do however offer you a walking

on the water of all your tears from abandonment

and rejection Jesus. I present to you the Jesus Who

promises to never leave you nor forsake you. I present

to you the Jesus that came so we can have power

over the things that have been oppressing us for far

too long. The greatest thing that ever happened to

me is actually a person and His name is Jesus. There

is a misconception that in order to give your life to

Jesus you have to be perfect. I have discovered the

total opposite is true. Some people are waiting to get

their life right before they commit to the only One

that can get their life right. I invite you to come as

you are and where you are, you are accepted. In His

presence we are changed. Alabaster Box Sharing the

Redemptive Love of Jesus Christ is the new book by

Author Roderick Baker. "The author is so transparent

you feel like you are on the journey with him."

WISE MAGAZINE WISE READS

Look!

ALABASTER BOX SHARING THE REDEMPTIVE LOVE OF JESUS CHRIST

periods of remaining in situations

and relationships that we would like

to end. Not quitting helps us to build

hardiness, obedience, and resilience

that is required to live life in an

effective manner. Discomfort signifies

growth! Make sure you are not trying

to quit from a place of being too

reactive or emotional. In my opinion,

a leader should never quit on a mess

he or she created. Take some steps

back, cool off, pray for clarity, and

work through it. Life has its share of

punctuation marks, and seasons for

all to endure. Decisions like these

are a great time to pull in the more

seasoned perspective of a mentor or

coach. In addition, it is a great time to

examine the health of your patterns.

If you consistently quit everything,

change is needed for sure. It is never

character building to quit just to run

away. Please hang in there for clarity

and the opportunity to be sharpened.

Your rewards will be tremendous in

the end.

Live your new year intentionally!

Continued blessings friends!

Pastor Arnita

Willis Taylor,

M.T. (ASCP),

MSL

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5 MUST DO STEPSPositioning for Financial IncreaseBY CAROLYN WILLIAMS

Need more money? That’s simple for God. He owns all riches and delights in making it available to His faithful children. Are there things that we should while waiting for the Lord to expand our financial territory? Yes indeed! These things are focused on getting our financial lives aligned with Christian biblical instructions and principles.

The Jabez PrayerThe Christian bible book of First Chronicles is where we find the prayer of Jabez. The Hebrew name Jabez means “he makes sorrowful” and it was given to this son by his mother after she endured his difficult birth. Later in life Jabez prayed

a simple prayer to God requesting that his given sorrowful identity is replaced with an existence of having more, being good and doing good. Scripture confirms that the Lord granted Jabez’s request. Here is the prayer:

And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, “Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!” So God granted him what he requested. 1 Chronicles 4:10 NKJV

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Believe in your mind and heart that you’re entitled for financial increase.

Actively manage the financial resources that you have today

“Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Luke 12:32 NKJV

He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much. Luke 16:10-12 NKJV

Don’t skip this step because you’ve memorized Philippians 4:19 and you “know that you know” that the God is going to supply all of your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. When we believe this in our minds and hearts, our daily actions start to line-up to this belief even though we do not yet see the increase.

Here’s a true example of this concept. I believe that God fearfully and wonderfully made me. I believe that my body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. I believe that God will be pleased if I take care of my physical body with exercise and healthy eating so that it remains fortified to do the work the He has called me to do. With these things in mind, I believe that losing 20 pounds at this point in life is a good thing for me. When I truly believe this in my mind and my heart, I immediately begin eating healthy foods. I immediately begin daily exercise. I begin to desire these daily practices that align with what I believe. I eat like a thin person even though I’m not thin. I exercise like someone that is physically fit even though I’m sucking wind the entire time. I do this every day. As a result, I do become thinner and I do become physically fit.

Believe that you are entitled for financial increase. Believe that God wants to entrust you with additional financial resources than you see today. Truly believing this will result in you handling finances in the same ways that people that manage large amounts of money handle finances.

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The amount of personal finances that you control is considered your financial territory. If you’re ready for more money in your life, I’d ask that you petition the Lord and pray for your financial territory to be enlarged. Based on Christian biblical scripture, there are things for us to do to prepare for this financial promotion.

Here’s 5 of these must-do steps.

Continued on page 14...

Carolyn authors Money reVerse (www.moneyreverse.net), a blog that stands on the foundation of reviewing biblical scripture on finances and making practical life adoption adjustments.

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Are you seeking funding to

fulfill your God-given mission

or passion in life? There are

so many underlying social

problems and issues that need your

immediate attention such as juvenile

delinquency, domestic violence, alcohol

and drug abuse (adults and children),

homelessness, underprivileged/

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Seeking & WritingGrant

9 TIPS FOR THE ART OF

WISE MAGAZINE FEATURE

by Edward & Annette Evans Smith

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underserved communities/populations,

incarcerated/re-entry and their families, teen

pregnancy/celibacy, immigrants, illiteracy,

bullying, etc…In order to fulfill these needs,

non-profit organizations and churches need

assistance with funding and resources to bring

about positive changes to their community and

the Nation!

According to Giving U.S. 2012, individual

charitable giving in the United States grew

almost 4 percent last year, while corporate

donations rose at triple that rate! Giving by

charitable foundations was up by 4.4 percent,

which added another $45.7 billion in 2012!

Companies and their foundations increased

their giving by 12.2 percent to nearly $18.2

billion in 2012, compared with $16.2 billion the

year before. Lastly, donations to bolster the

arts, health, religion and other activities totalled

$316.2 billion in 2012, a 3.5 percent increase

from the $305.5 billion donated in 2011!"

How can non-profit organizations and churches

obtain adequate funding and resources to

accomplish their missions or visions? The

answer is in understanding and comprehending

the Art of Grant Seeking and Grant Writing.

Matthew 7:7-8 states, “Ask and it shall be

given unto you, Seek and ye shall find, Knock

and the door shall be opened unto you. For

everyone who asks receives; he who seeks

finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be

opened.” The key words in these scriptures

are Ask, Seek and

Knock. Ask is to

make a petition

to the Lord in

prayer with belief that the prayer has already

been answered; Seek is to actively obtain

something of value that will fulfill your desire

and Knock implies persistency and persevering.

Remember to stand on these biblical principles

for “Divine Assistance” when seeking funding

for your ministry or non-profit organization.

WISE MAGAZINE FEATURE

Here are 9 tips to keep the following tips in mind when pursuing the grant writing process.

Make sure your proposal fit the Grantor’s

priorities or strategies.

Check for Math errors and omission of email

addresses, contact names and numbers.

Please follow guidelines of the funder.

Exemplify effective use of funds.

Display your organization’s support in the

community.

Build a relationship with potential funder, when

possible.

Make sure proposal doesn’t obtain too narrow

or broad of a scope.

Make certain purpose is clear, precise and

detailed.

Begin submitting your proposal to a foundation

as soon as possible, don’t wait until the end of

the year, when most fund funding is depleted.

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WISE MAGAZINE THE GROOVE

AN INTERVIEW WITH

JOE

by Hana Mahmoud

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ABOUT JOSEPH CANTY PRESIDENT OF THE CHRIS CANTY FOUNDATION, a man of

verifiable accomplishments. Notable community figure,

Canty exhibits love for life and youth through his works.

Joseph’s compassion and dedication radiates from his

core serving as an outlet and tool for others. Anthony

Butler a youth in the community stated “he is wise

beyond his years”.

If I had to sum up my conglomeration of thoughts about

Canty the following comes to mind, poised; great

strength; appears humble and grateful, Joseph Canty

carry’s a persona of many wealth’s.

My meeting with Joseph took place in a quaint

atmosphere; within the Barnes and Nobles book

store on the south side of Charlotte, NC. Customers

throughout sitting peacefully on the upper level, we

found a tucked away corner by a window. We began

with brief small talk, Joseph’s smooth voice and

commanding presence has me intrigued to find out

what is behind this man? Without further ado “let’s get

started”

I ask Mr. Canty what attributes do you feel a man must

possess that exemplifies wholeness?

Canty takes a brief pause and replies everything we do

is about relationships. A leader has to be able to admit

their mistakes; men have to be able to admit they love.

Canty goes on to say that his checks and balances have

not waivered even in his maturing as a man.

Canty speaks from such a deep place of leadership and

self-development. One has to wonder what journey has

My faith allows me to hold myself accountable when I make mistakes. I can sit there and ponder it, ask for forgiveness and think about what I can do next time.


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10 TIPS to Achieving your 2014 Goals

1. SET REALISTIC GOALS

2. BE SPECIFIC

3. KNOW WHY?

4. CREATE SHORT TERM MILESTONES

5. MAKE A PLAN

6. MAKE TIME

7. WRITE IT DOWN

8. PLAN AHEAD

9. BE ACCOUNTABLE

10. TREAT YOUSELF

Consider Proverbs 6:6-8 which

states “Go to the ant, you

sluggard, observe her ways and

be wise! It has no commander, no

overseer or ruler, yet it stores its

provisions in summer and gathers

its food at harvest.”…even the ant

recognizes that “Faith Without

Works is DEAD!”….Begin your

planning, research and writing

process early and be steadfast in

your quest for funding.

We are God Answers ALL

Prayers (G.A.A.P.) Grant Writing

Training for Churches and

Nonprofit Organizations, a non-

profit, faith-based organization

founded on the biblical scripture

of Matthew 7:7-8, for the purpose

of training on Grant Seeking and

Grant Writing. GAAP is designed

to provide educational resources

to train and empower non-profit

organizations and churches in

the nation with the knowledge of

forming a non-profit organization,

establishing a 501(c)(3) I.R.S.

code status and developing and

implementing a grant proposal to

substantially improve their chances

of receiving the necessary funding

for their organization, program or

project.

GAAP’s concept is “Give a man

a fish and he’ll eat for a day” but

teach a man to fish and he’ll eat for

a lifetime.

Edward and Annette Evans Smith

Grant Writer Training Specialists

(214) 497-4260

www.godanswersallprayers.org

(continued from page 13)

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Slow yourself down, you make mistakes in relationships and in business but you have to make sure you don’t make those mistakes again”

life taken him on that has given

him the boldness to keep pursing

a dream, a goal, what is necessary

but at times may feel distant.

When asked do you have any daily

practices that you live by?

Canty says this: Every day I wake up

I ask myself where is it that I want

to improve. My biggest passion

is service. On a daily basis I am

thinking how can this organization

commit to serving youth in an

impactful way and provide a global

thinking perspective. “I complete a

task every day” if only one thing, it

will be that one thing that will get

us to the next step.

Atiya Harris local radio personality

with WGIV of Charlotte had this to

say about Joseph:

“Joseph Canty has a concern for

the success of all young people.

Much of his time is dedicated to

the Christ Canty Foundation. This

allows him to implement successful

tutoring and mentor programs for

young boys and girls. One program

is the famous NFL summer football

camp. He has impacted many lives

with different activities and gifts

presented to the mentees. This is

why I have coined him “The man of

many blessings”

Joseph I once heard a leader state

“I have no right to feel offended”.

Joseph interjects yes this is cruise

control”. We both laughed! It

was impressionable to see great

leaders share the commonality in

the depth to this statement. This

moment expressed the evidence of

what leaders have learned it takes

to drive the gift to lead others.

Canty shares that the poem

Dreams by Langston Hughes

personifies what it is to be a leader.

The poem speaks to failure, hopes

and dreams. Failure is a set up to

make a comeback, Canty’s intent

look on his face tells me that this

man knows about failure but much

more about perseverance.

Joseph how does your faith aid you

Every morning I pray with my son.

The Lord’s Prayer is a daily part of

this time. My faith allows me to

hold myself accountable when I

make mistakes. I can sit there and

ponder it, ask for forgiveness and

think about what I can do next

time around. I have learned not to

sweat the small stuff.

Joseph’s powerful words flow

symbolizing, he is consistent with

his practices that continue to help

him lead as an example. It’s evident

that he does not take his position

in life lightly. He is grateful to be

able to serve others. Clearly he

knows the value of building only to

rebuild again.

One last note from the “man of

many blessings”

Slow yourself down, you make

mistakes in relationships and in

business but you have to make sure

you don’t make those mistakes

again”

Joseph has well managed taken



(Canty Interview continued)

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Everything belongs to God and we are to be stewards or managers of His resources. Actively use a spending plan for directing and tracking your expenditures each month. A spending plan is a pre-spending written account of all household expenditures for the month. Creating this plan before the funds are spent introduces self-directed accountability of how, when and where every dollar is that is entrusted to you is spent. Tracking your actual spending against the plan is a crucial step. Lessons that you learn from your spending reality will be used in creating future monthly spending plans.

Get out of Debt!The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. Proverbs 22:7 NKJV

According to principal economic indicators for Consumer Credit recently released by the Federal Reserve at www.federalreserve.gov, consumer debt in the US is increasing at an annual rate of 6%. I’m defining debt as all non-mortgage financial obligations that you have as a result of taking possession of goods and services and agreeing to pay for them over time. Our “get it now and pay later” consumer practices is leading us down a path in which we have little to no freedom to determine what we do with our paychecks - we owe it to the lenders before we get it.

A key factor in your expanded financial territory is the fact that you will again be a steward of the Lord’s resources and will be positioned to better follow His financial guidance. If you are in debt you are following the financial guidance of the institutions to which you owe money. You are a servant to the lender - not an ideal position for financial promotion from God.

Begin a plan to pay off your current debt and move into practices that keep you out of debt. As a guideline, your debt elimination plan should conclude in 18 to 24 months with the elimination of all non-mortgage debt. Two programs that I’d recommend to help in this journey is the Crown Financial Ministries Small Group Study (www.crown.org) and Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University (www.daveramsey.com/fpu). I’ve been blessed to have lead small groups through these programs over the past 8 years. If you sign up for either of these programs and show up ready to make a change in your life to get out of debt, I promise you that either of these programs will work for you. Start today!

3(Financials continued from page 11)

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Give and SaveAnd remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’. Acts 20:35 KJV

There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up. Proverbs 21:20 KJV

You are reading this correctly. Giving and Saving is a single best step that we should take in preparation for expanding our financial territory. This is not an oxymoron - as the biblical scriptures show, we are expected to give and save.

The principle to be gleaned here is that we should purposely take resources that we could use to sustain ourselves and make a conscious effort to give to the building of God’s kingdom, give to the poor and give to take care of family while also setting aside a portion in our house for later. This is stewardship sacrifice. We’re pleasing to the Lord when we put His financial principles into action.

How do you do this? Here’s three key starting points:

a) Tithe (giving 10% of your increase) and give offerings to building of God’s Kingdom

b) Give to the poor through an avenue that touches your heart. This can be though a charity or by helping someone on the street. God knows your heart and counts every act of giving even if the IRS does not.

c) Save a portion of your increase each month. Save for those unplanned expenses of life that we know will surface. There’s no such thing as saving too little unless you’re not saving at all! Include this in your spending plan so that you can track it and hold yourself accountable.

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Invest‘For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.‘ Matthew 25:29-30 NKJV

When we invest, we expend money with the expectation of getting a return and making a profit. Christian biblical scriptures support that it is expected that we invest what is entrusted to us. A clear example of this is in the parable of the talents as found in Matthew 25:14-30. In this parable the ruler went away and left to his stewards in charge of financial resources and told them to go and do work. It was expected that they make a profit and this was the cause for fear in the steward entrusted with the single talent. After burying and protecting that one talent instead of investing it resulted in that talent being taken from him and given to another that had success in investing. From there, the Matthew 25:29-30 statement of abundance for those that profit and the casting out of unprofitable servants was written. It is expected that as Christians we invest money to make a profit.

Where do you start with investing? Begin by getting more knowledge on the subject. Read magazines to learn about various

ways of investing money which include the stock market, mutual funds, Real Estate, Money Market funds, Collectable Assets, Business Ventures. Read books and subscribe to reputable blogs to learn about investment risks and rewards and look at a self-assessment to determine your personal risk tolerance level. Plan to expand your savings. When you have your targeted savings to cover those unplanned financial events, use the excess for your investments.

Understanding the Christian spiritual purposes for money, assets and possessions helps us to see the big picture when it comes to all things financial. It’s not all about us - God has a purpose for wealth and it is centered around building His kigndom and blessing His children. If it is time for your financial territory to be enlarged, make the investment in yourself and complete the five must-do steps highlighted here. You will be positioning yourself for promotion! You can do it!

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STEP UP YOUR GAMETO WIN THE GAME

Read This Book

BY LOGAN E. MAULDIN

“Step Up Your Game to Win the Game” is a book

about the time in my life when I played basketball

for a league that I will call "YAA" for the sake of

argument, and did not like the referees or rules. The

referees had no respect for me and the rules were

annoying because you couldn't steal the ball from

the other opponents. Although I was the best player,

I asked myself, was I great or was I playing with boys

who really didn’t know how to play? The next year,

I switched to a different league that was a diverse

league which I will call

"CCYNA" for the sake

of argument. I liked it so much more than

"YAA." The new league was extremely challenging

because I was 8 years old playing with 10 and 11 year

old players and you could steal the ball. I quickly

learned that I wasn't as good as I thought I was. In

order for me to compete, I had to step up my game.

This book is based on a true story.



Look!

Commemorating the 50 Year Anniversary of the March on Washington By: Janelle L. Awls

In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., "We cannot walk alone. And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall march ahead. We cannot turn back." Fifty years later we are still marching ahead for justice.

August 28, 2013 marked the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, where Dr. King delivered his intriguing “I Have a Dream” speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on August 28, 1963.

Fifty years ago, more than 200,000 people attended the march. The march became a pivotal moment in the fight for civil rights across the United States. Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream Speech” motivated people from all races across the world. Because our forefathers marched, we were able to see the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 pass.

Moreover, the 50 year anniversary consisted of a week of various

PHOTO BY: Janelle L. Awls/Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C.


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No Weapon Forged Against You Shall Prosper!

BY CAROL KELLAM

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This text of Scripture has been quoted many times, and I believe that everyone at some time

has spoken these very strong and significant words. However, many do not recognize the

power and authority that these words bring as we speak them with power and authority.

God has given us power to tread upon serpents and other evil things in this world and in the

spirit where demons come to attack and even kill and destroy what God has started in us.

God is Alpha and Omega so we must understand that nothing gets by God unnoticed. Great

power comes with great responsibility, and we as Christians must understand the words that

we speak and the intent to which we speak them! God’s words authorize us to speak to the

mountains in our lives, bring the blessings of prosperity and speak healing into our lives and

those of our loved ones. Our Lord Jesus Christ has given us authorization to do so. We must

understand these words that state that nothing the enemy tries to do will prevent or stop us as

Christians from living the life God has purposed for each of us!

I have used these words many times, and, a prayer partner recently cautioned me over the

phone to understand this text. The words of Isaiah 54:17 resonated a power and an authority

in my spirit that I had never experienced. I began to delve deeper into the words that Isaiah

spoke. The people of Israel were going through some difficult times, and God, in His infinite

love, reassured them that He would equip them to fight and change the situation around them.

When we speak these words, it is by the grace of God that they are activated by our mouths

and the power that comes with them. Every word of God comes with His power and when we

speak God’s Word we must do so in certainty and without wavering. God rewards those who

diligently seek after Him. When we continue to give God the first in our lives, we are assured

that His words become our words and every power

and authority in Heaven and earth has to bow down to

the Word of God! That is awesome! I have had many

words spoken over my life, and most of them have

not been very good. But the Word of God is true, and

nothing can stop it if we speak and believe it.

I admonish you to speak these words of Isaiah with

the power and authority that were released with

them. The next time you are facing a giant in your life,

and it appears that it is getting a foothold in your life,

declare these words and speak them with authority!

Isaiah 54:17UNDERSTANDING AND USING THE WORDS OF

Great power comes with great

responsibility, and we as Christians must understand

the words that we speak and the

intent to which we speak them!

WISE MAGAZINE FEATURE STORY


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Film Review

AMERICAN PROMISEAn Intimate Lens into Parenthood, Education and Raising Young Black Men.

IN 1999, Joe Brewster and Michéle

Stephenson set out on an unprecedented journey. Their son, Idris Brewster and his friend Seun Summers were about to become a part of a special group of children, and they decided to capture almost every waking moment of their lives on

film. In 2013, the parents turned filmmakers combed through over 800 hours of footage taken over the span of 13 years, narrowed it down to two hours, and completed one of the most unique documentary projects in recent memory.

In American culture, we place a high value on personal space and privacy, particularly within our home lives. We are

able to project smiles and say “everything is okay” when asked how we’re doing, even if our home lives are wrought with conflict, financial difficulty and even loneliness.

Idris and Seun’s parents bravely agree to place those values aside and open their homes and lives for the world to witness.

American Promise aims to

articulate the educational experience of young African American boys in the US education system. However after the first 10 minutes of the film, it is apparent that education is only a part of the story that is being told. Quickly it morphs into a close-cut, unfiltered lens zoomed into the home life of two families, exploring many dynamics including how they discipline their children, how they handle disappointment, fatigue, tragedy and conflict, their parenting skills and ultimately the decisions that were made throughout the boys’ childhood.

American Promise is situated around the boys’ impending preparing to attend the prestigious Dalton School on Manhattan’s ritzy Upper East Side. The school’s reputation is that of an “Ivy League Preparatory School,” as most of its graduates go on to attend the best colleges in the Country. Idris and Seun are among the first class of students admitted through a very targeted diversity initiative of primarily White Dalton School.

When the film opens, we

by Leah Taylor Ruffin


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Continued on page 23....

Leah Ruffin is a WISE contributing writer and President of Ruffin Entertainment, a company founded by her Husband Odell Ruffin dedicated to fusing creativity and education in film, theater and media. She can be reached at [email protected].

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see the boys’ parents buzzing with robust anticipation mixed with bit of nervousness about their children attending the school. They believe - and hope - that successful matriculation through this school will present Idris and Seun with a stellar education, a network of wealthy and ambitious peers, and unlimited opportunities to have fruitful and successful lives.

Idris and Seun are five years old when we meet them. Idris is initially an only child whose parents are well-educated and ambitious. He’s exceptionally smart and precocious and full of energy. Idris is relentlessly dedicated to playing basketball and has dreams of being a professional basketball player - far from his parent’s dreams for him.

Seun is the oldest of four children of very hard working parents who are doing their best to maintain the household and nurture their children. Seun has a calm, laid back demeanor and an observant and contemplative nature.

Seun is artistically gifted and progressing well as a Martial Arts student, well on his way to a Black Belt.

We see their one of their first learning experiences at Dalton with them sitting in a circle, incubating and hatching baby chickens as their lesson in physical science and the reproductive process . From that moment on, we follow Idris and Seun and their parents while they navigate a highly demanding, rigorous learning pace set by The Dalton School.

We learn that Idris and Seun are struggling to stay ahead of the curve at The Dalton School, a fact that is noted by a School representative within the film. She notes that there is a “cultural disconnect” when it comes to the success of young African American men at The Dalton School. That fact is demonstrated through a scene where several parents of African American boys’ parents congregate at the Brewster household to discuss the challenges their children are facing.

One of the major issues all parents are dealing with is how their children are navigating the social and racial aspect of being African American students in a majority White school.

Idris and Seun are very aware of this fact and there is a poignant moment where Idris talks about “code switching” - acting differently around his friends at school versus his basketball teammates in the neighborhood basketball league, made up of primarily African American boys. Idris is teased by his teammates for “talking white,” and even changes the way he talks when he’s around them. He shares that he feels more comfortable among his school peers and doesn't have to change in order to fit in.

Seun has made friends and is getting along with his peers; however it seems that he is having a more difficult time than Idris navigating his educational objectives. Idris, who tested in the top 3% of his peer group prior to attending Dalton does not seem to struggle

with the content of the work, however there is an obvious disconnect between his and Seun’s demeanor versus that of their classmates.

By the 4th and 5th grade, both sets of parents are doing everything in their power to help the boys succeed - including rigid after-school study structures, helping them organize their work and complete assignments, and setting what at times seems like unfair expectations for them.

Seun’s learning barriers are eventually diagnosed as Dyslexia, which does provide a bit of relief for his parents who were unable to solve his learning problem which was difficult to understand.

Although school officials seemed to target Idris and Seun for their “difficulty,” we are able to see the boys maturing as intelligent, reflective, self-aware, dedicated young men equally progressing in their respective extracurricular activities while unfortunately acutely aware of the



In American culture, we place a high value on personal space and privacy, particularly within our home lives. We are able to project smiles and say “everything is okay” when asked how we’re doing,

even if our home lives are wrought with conflict, financial difficulty and even loneliness.

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ORCHIDWomen Supporting Women

NETWORKING FOR YOUR PRODUCT, PASSION AND SELF

MINISTRIES, CHARITIES & FOUNDATIONS, B2B, & CONNECTING WOMEN FOR JOBS

WWW.ITSORCHID.COM

“Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.” Proverbs 31:31

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO ON-LINE SECURITY A WORKBOOK FOR ALL AGES

Read This Book

BY WENDI FINE

In May of 2013 the Huffington Post reported teens

send and receive over one hundred text messages per

day. It is said 94% of teenagers are using social media.

The world is full of technology and like it or not, our

children are being introduced to the internet, social

media and gaming without education and often times,

without guidance. While explaining the threats and

intricacies associated with technology is not easy,

Wendi has come to realize it is important. She hopes

this workbook will act as a guide for other parents in

her situation.

Finally a tool has been developed to educate our

young users of technology in appropriate on-line

habits and security best practice. Throughout A

Beginners Guide to On-line Security, Wendi Finn

explains the following concepts in terms new users of

technology can easily understand:

• Accessing the Internet

• Risks of the Internet

• Security Online

• E-Mail

• Video Chat

• Social Networking

• Technology in the Classroom

Click here to learn more: http://on-linesecurity.org/

Wendi Finn is the mother of three young boys.

Working in the industry of technology security, she

understands the risks and threats associated with on-

line devices, such as smart phones, tablets and gaming

devices.

Two years ago Finn went up to her boy’s bedroom to

find the three of them huddled around the computer.

She looked over their shoulder and to her shock and

horror, they had accessed YouTube©. Prior to this

fateful afternoon, the boys had never ventured off the

pages she had bookmarked. Without any notes home

to the parents, without any education surrounding

the risks and threats of the internet, her first grader's

music teacher had introduced the class to YouTube©.

Here they sat innocently searching for "the milkshake

dance."



Look!

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Without any notes home to the parents, without any education surrounding the risks and threats of the internet, her first grader's music teacher had introduced the class to YouTube©. Here they sat innocently searching for "the milkshake dance."

This was Wendi’s wake-up call. She works in the security industry, yet hadn't taken the time to educate her own young children. She thought it was too soon.

BIO: Wendi Finn, CPA & CISAWendi obtained her undergraduate degree in accounting from The University of Illinois, Chicago and a Masters in Information Systems from Capitol College. She is a CPA registered in the State of Ohio and Illinois and a CISA (Certified IS Auditor). Wendi Finn is an alumnus of Ernst & Young with fourteen years of compliance, security and accounting experience. In 2004 she founded IS Security Solutions, LLC to assist organizations in control consciousness, security awareness and process improvement. Wendi’s

experiences include Performing end-to-end process reviews to identify opportunities for operational and security enhancements, ACL data analysis, Security Assessments for various platforms and databases, security configuration assessments and testing for various systems, Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Plan development, Information Security Policy Development and Review, Physical Security Assessments, and Sarbanes Oxley compliance.

Wendi is also a professor at Franklin University and the mother of three boys. She began drafting a workbook, A Beginner's Guide to On-line Security, when the boy's music teacher introduced her kids to YouTube© at the ripe old age of seven! It was then she realized children are being introduced to the internet, social media and gaming without education or guidance. While explaining the threats and intricacies associated with technology is not easy, it is important.

WISE MAGAZINE WISE READS (CONTINUED) WISE MAGAZINE THE GROOVE (CONTINUED)

events in Washington, D.C.

On the official anniversary of Aug. 28, there was a March for Jobs and Justice. The march ended with a rally on the National Mall.

President Barack Obama spoke to the nation from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial at a “Let Freedom Ring” Commemorative Closing Ceremony. Other special guests included: First Lady Michelle Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, President Bill Clinton, President Jimmy Carter, Oprah Winfrey, Jamie Foxx, children of the late Dr. King and others.

In his speech, President Obama said, “And because they kept marching, America changed. Because they marched, the civil rights law was passed. Because they marched, the voting rights law was signed. Because they marched, doors of opportunity and education swung open so their daughters and sons could finally imagine a life for themselves beyond washing somebody else’s laundry or shining somebody else’s shoes. Because they marched, city councils change and state legislatures changed and Congress changed and, yes, eventually the White House changed.” President Obama is definitely the epitome of Dr. King’s dream fulfilled.

Hope. Justice. Equality. Freedom. This is what came to mind as I visited the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C. for the first time in the fall of 2011. Born and raised in Washington, D.C., it was an honor and privilege to visit a memorial for an African-American and the only memorial dedicated to a non-president on the National Mall.

Dr. King’s fight for civil rights and equality for all will always be remembered, especially his famous and historic “I Have a Dream Speech.”

Fifty years later, we are still in a fight for justice. Consider the Trayvon Martin case. When an unarmed African-American boy is killed and his killer walks free…what will become of our justice system in the United States of America? And he had a bag of skittles in his hand…What will become of “Stand Your Ground” laws? We still have to march until justice is served. In the words of the National Black Anthem, “Facing the rising sun of our new day begun, Let us march on till victory is won.” Let us march on and don’t look back. Let us march together and not alone. Don’t give up. Don’t quit. The beat for justice goes on…

Janelle L. Awls can be reached at [email protected]. Janelle L. Awls is a graduate of American University School of Communication in Washington, D.C. She resides in Toledo, Ohio.

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The Basics of Self-PublishingWINNING ATTIRE TO LAND THE JOBSclerodermaDo you know what it is?

10 Things that Distract us from God

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The Enemy will try to get us so involved in the things of this world that we forget

the power and authority that God has given us with His words. Every word in the

Bible – not only this passage – requires faith and authority to speak them! Now it

is important to understand that, when you speak God’s words, you have to bridle

your tongue or ask the Holy Spirit to do it for you so that you don’t speak contrary

to what God’s Word says. I have learned that if your words are opposite of what

God says about your situation then be quiet, so that you don’t stop the word from

getting into your situation and cleaning it up! I know that it can be difficult to

be quiet when everything around you screams of problems, sickness, and lack,

but God’s Word is life to our flesh and nourishment to our spirits. We are spirit

beings first so the Spirit speaks the mysteries to our spirit and then translates the

information to our minds and souls so that we understand what the Holy Spirit is

saying to us during every season of our lives.

Faith is very important, and it requires persistence and sometimes resistance -

persistence to speak God’s word and only His word and resistance to stop the

Enemy from engaging you in his lies. Lying is what Satan does best! He is good

at it! But Isaiah 54:17 says, “No weapon forged against you will prosper.” It will

stop Satan in his tracks and turn whatever situation you are in around for you. I

remember a time when I watched television, and a prominent pastor said that there

is a word in the Bible for every situation that you have or will experience in your life.

I didn’t really believe that because my rationing was that the problems we face here

in this world today are so much different than the battles they faced in the Bible.

When I took a closer look, I found that the pastor was absolutely correct. God has

made His words available for us today and always – even for generations to come –

to handle every situation.

There is an answer in the Bible that addresses every life nuance and situation, no

matter how small or large. God has given us His amazing Word to show us that He

has equipped us with all the tools we need to live with an assurance that He will

never leave nor forsake us. I believe that the words spoken by the prophet Isaiah

are powerful and strong enough to stop the Enemy’s assignment on our lives! Isn’t

that wonderful? How great is our God! He is absolutely loving and is the greatest

gift to mankind!

I pray that you will begin using these words with conviction, candor and the

authority to which God has given them to us! When you do, you will be amazed at

the levels of power that go forth because you trusted the Word of God rather than

your friends or neighbors’ words to speak to you!

I charge you today with these words: “No weapon forged against you will prosper!”

WISE MAGAZINE FEATURE STORY (CONTINUED)

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"My dad

was the

lead singer

in a gospel

band," says Dirrty Records

Founder/Filmmaker

Lunden De'Leon. "The first

time I saw him on stage I

knew I wanted to be a part

of the music industry."

Born in Barbados, while in

high school, Lunden found

a fry flipping job at Burger

King and when the time

was right, she hitched a

ride to Hollywood with

only $200 in her pocket.

"I was homeless for a

short period of time in Los

Angeles," says Lunden. "

I did not know what the

future held but I was

determined to turn my

stumbling blocks into

stepping stones."

Lunden soon found a

roommate that changed

her life forever.

" I tagged along to a

modeling audition with

my roommate. I wasn't

interested in modeling or

acting but when you're

hungry and penniless

you'll try anything to put

food on the table. I got the

audition. That same day I

was signed to a one year

modeling contract."

Fans recall first being

introduced to Lunden

as Joanne Mbutu on

the hit television series

Vital Signs. Years later,

she catapulted that

breakout role into a

successful career with

quite an impressive

track-record by creating a

number of unforgettable

performances and starring

in over fifty movies and

television shows like

the 20th Century Fox

Movie The Ladies Room,

Surviving Paradise, Fury,

Faux-Pas, Cryptz, the

HBO award-winning film

Kickin Chicken and the

NBC hit comedy "Just

Shoot Me."

Lunden was soon voted by

The Ave Magazine as "One

of the Most Significant

Women in Entertainment"

alongside Halle Berry,

Beyonce, Oprah Winfrey

and many more.

In fall 2003, Lunden

opened the doors to

her Los Angeles based

record label Dirrty

Records making headlines

WISE MAGAZINE MUSIC TIDBITS

Lun

de

n

D

e L

eo

n

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Carolyn M. WilliamsSpeaker, Blogger, Catalyst, Coach

Money reVerse www.MoneyreVerse.net

A focus on managing finances

following Christian Biblical Scripture.

Sign up to follow by email for teachings delivered to your inbox.

Free!! Sign up today!!

around the world for releasing a punk remake of Jimi

Hendrix's classic Purple Haze.

Lunden was soon inducted into the Caribbean Hall

of Fame alongside such legends as Bob Marley and

Sidney Poitier. Known for her compassion, confidence

and inspirational achievements, Former Los Angeles

Mayor James K. Hahn issued a special proclamation

declaring February 7th as "

Lunden De'Leon Day" in the City of Los Angeles.

Lunden recently ran for Councilwoman in her home

state of South Carolina. Her film production company,

Palmetto Film Studios, makes and distributes 5-7 films

a year.

"I moved my record company to South Carolina and

started a film production company to give back to my

community," says Lunden. " I'm blessed and believe in

blessing others."


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Seun are in the 6th grade, we see them physically older and their personalities really show. They are also more aware of their struggles at Dalton now more than ever.

When 8th grade graduation approaches, Idris continues on and Seun leaves The Dalton School to attend Benjamin Banneker, a primarily Black and Latino populated school closer to home.

Immediately we’re able to see a positive change in Seun’s demeanor. He is smiling more, making friends and seems to be thriving in the school’s environment, which is articulated its Principal as being nurturing and supportive without sacrificing academic integrity.

Although Idris still struggles with the academic rigor of The Dalton School, he’s able to maintain and do well enough to stay enrolled.

Heavily influenced by how their environments are shaping their personalities and interests, we see the young men go through high school slowly drifting apart. Idris is comfortable among his diverse group of friends and peers and doing well as a Basketball player at Dalton, while Seun is comfortable with his Black friends and the network of support he receives at Banneker.

Their high school years are marked by pivotal life changes - their discovery of the opposite sex, Idris’ dealing with his parents’ expectations which he can never seem to meet and Seun’s experiencing his first international experience in the West African country of Benin and the untimely death of his youngest brother and his family’s process of grieving.

Despite setbacks and unforeseeable challenges, Idris and Seun both graduate from high school and attend the colleges of their choices.

There are moments within the film where we see their parents discuss the challenges of raising children, being married and working to provide a good foundation for their kids. As most parents raising children, they are making decisions that they feel are in their children’s best interests.

Once the film was completed, the process of editing became personal assessments of whether or not they were good parents. Joe and Michéle noted that editing was “a painful process” as they began “combing through [the] family’s past looking,” having to deal with “past mistakes and stumbles.” With the support of professional cinematographers, film editors and the financial support from numerous foundations and donors, American Promise gained traction and finally debuted in October with screenings and discussions all over the country.

The Brewster/Stephenson family has turned their modest film into a movement to address disparities in education for young Black males and provide a platform for finding solutions so more students of color can have the elite education of a school like Dalton without sacrificing the nurturing support and social structure needed for them to mature successfully and holistically into adulthood.

More information about the filmmakers, schedule and the movement inspired by American Promise can be found by visiting www.americanpromise.org.

WISE MAGAZINE FEATURE STORY • AMERICAN PROMISE (CONTINUED)

INGREDIENTS2 pouches (2.6 oz.) StarKist® Yellowfin Tuna in Extra Virgin

Olive Oil

¼ cup drained and chopped marinated artichoke hearts

¼ cup small diced tomatoes

1 Tbsp capers, drained

1 Tbsp chopped red onion

24 Melba Toast Crackers or thinly sliced, toasted pieces of

French bread

DIRECTIONSMix first 5 ingredients in small bowl.

Place on top of crackers or French bread

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WISEMAGAZINE.ORG

OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2012

VOLUME 2 ISSUE 4

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The Savvy Art of

Global

Conversation

Are You Dancing?

Living in Awe of God

Fall

Skincare Regimen

CHARLOTTE'S

Cake Makin

Sisters

JANUARY - MARCH 2012 VOLUME 2 ISSUE 1

WWW.WISEMGAZINE.ORG Knowledge is Power: Celebrate Black HIstory Month

Getting Started to a Healthy Lifestyle

Bless Me Indeed

A Leaders Request

From the PulpitEmbrace

his grace

What is lupus?

Wise Women Awards

2nd Annual

Letting Go of Poisonous People

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APRIL-JUNE 2012Volume 2 Issue 2

WWW.WISEMGAZINE.ORG WISE MonEy: 5 Money Saving Tips for Single Parents

Take back your life!

Break the Silence

Men of GodA Young Womans Tribute

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10

happy marriage

tips for a

The Signs of a Great ManBeautiful Spring

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CHARLOTTE, N.C., Nov. 6, 2013 – Charlotte-based singer JME BROWN (pronounced Jamie) will debut his single, “Today”, on the radio waves. The single, which hails from the same titled debut album scheduled to release this winter, is an up-tempo track that inspires. Brown’s melodic tone delivers a new anthem for ‘message music’.

“Today” is Brown’s first studio project with KHA Entertainment, a North Carolina based music firm. The quality songwriting, singing style and YouTube presence of this self-taught musician is what caught the attention of KHA executives.

“We are extremely excited about the opportunity to advance JME’s music to a national audience,” said Ken Harris, CEO of KHA Entertainment. “JME is an inspirational artist. His music production is profound and his message will certainly resonate with everyone who faces challenges in life.”

With so many diverse musical influences, it’s hard to place Brown in a genre box. His sound appeals to any music lover, from R&B,

to hip-hop, to rock. When questioned about his inspiration behind his songwriting, Brown responded, “I just write from life… and what I think about. I just want everybody to get something from my music.”

To find out more about JME BROWN and to listen to his debut single “Today”, visit www.jmebrownexperience.com/media.

About JME BROWNWith a style that embodies his gospel roots, blended with a contemporary Christian music sound, coupled with an urban swagger for a delivery, JME BROWN is definitely a next generation artist.

Placed in foster care at the young age of five, the Rock Hill, N.C. native found solace in music. As a teen, JME began crafting his talents as a musician through songwriting and playing the guitar. Being intrigued by different genres and music compositions, JME sought to learn more about music production as he got older.

For years he performed in the Charlotte, N.C music scene, while pursuing his dream

jme brown and charlotteEmerging Artist Debuts Single, “Today”

JME BROWN introduces himself to Charlotte and the world

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: J. Hill, Director of Media Relations

704-287-6998, (cell)

704-343-2620, (office)

[email protected]


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of becoming a national recording artist. He honed in his talents as a singer, songwriter and producer, blending musical styles of hip-hop, rock, pop and contemporary Christian music to create his sound.

For more information visit www.jmebrownexperience.com

About KHA EntertainmentKHA Entertainment, LLC is

a premiere entertainment company based in Charlotte, NC. The company produces first class events and entertainment projects. As a full service entertainment company, KHA Entertainment, LLC, houses several entities. Those entities include KHA Films and KHA Records.

KHA Entertainment, LLC is owned by attorney Ken Harris. Mr. Harris has represented or joint ventured with many celebrity clients or partners such as Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Matthew Knowles, Nephew Tommy, Jamal Woolard, Adina Howard, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, Roy Jones Jr., Kenny Thomas and many others.

For more information, visit: www.khaentertainment.com

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the complexity of life’s

lessons and applied them

to the many moving

parts that make up this

incredible journey of

being a human, which has

afforded him serviceman

to many; and an example

to being great.

This interview

encapsulated, impressions

of what it is to be good

natured, foundationally

secured. Mr. Canty’s

interview provided a look

into the mind of a man

who lives by humbleness,

servitude, a positioned

first; self-leader than

Leader to the community.

His plight, he takes

to heart and remains

accountable to being

used for the greater good.

All the while Mr. Canty

put’s God first!

WISE MAGAZINE THE GROOVE (CONTINUED) (Interview continued)

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(Interview continued)

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INGREDIENTS1 pouch (11 oz.) StarKist® Chunk Light Tuna in Water

6 peppers, red and green

1 cup chopped onions

1 clove garlic, minced

1 tbsp. Olive Oil

½ tsp. oregano

1 tsp. parsley

1 - ¼ cups cooked brown rice

Salt and pepper

1 cup cheddar cheese

WISE MAGAZINE WELCOME TO THE TABLE

DIRECTIONSPreheat oven to 350°F.

Cut tops off the peppers and clean out the

interiors. Slice the top of the pepper around the

stem (discard the stem) and cut the pepper into

small dices.

Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium heat. Stir

in onions, garlic and diced pepper and cook until

onions and peppers are soft, about 5 minutes. Add

oregano, parsley, salt and pepper, tuna and rice.

Mix to blend well.

Stuff peppers with mixture. Place in 8 x8 square

baking dish.

Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes. Top with

cheese and bake for 5 additional minutes to melt

the cheese.

TUNA STUFFED PEPPERS

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Happy New Year's!

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