tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9500056451865712932024-03-24T05:22:20.700-04:00Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-950005645186571293.post-23705054942372931452011-02-17T15:56:00.000-05:002011-02-17T15:57:11.889-05:00Driven : Words of Wisdom from Will SmithThis just motivated us so we decided to share. <br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/6anpCwPT9qA" title="YouTube video player" width="480"></iframe><br />
<br />
Plain and Simple.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-950005645186571293.post-36835000807303073762010-10-29T19:09:00.001-04:002010-10-29T19:10:34.915-04:00Socially Conscious : The Donate Love Foundation<span xmlns=""><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6U9dJg9Zs7GvkE-99hyXX-YcmazLbMgHyqAXRnSGgzW6foqkx3509osrwOPn-d7LIsvQvG_KvvoT5bwel3XmcvHEyqz36feNYMF6q7gDF78taHchz-nUHjOze4UlWKYpyEc-SC2GSWOIl/s1600/25546_376959664427_307376019427_4971411_8295797_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6U9dJg9Zs7GvkE-99hyXX-YcmazLbMgHyqAXRnSGgzW6foqkx3509osrwOPn-d7LIsvQvG_KvvoT5bwel3XmcvHEyqz36feNYMF6q7gDF78taHchz-nUHjOze4UlWKYpyEc-SC2GSWOIl/s640/25546_376959664427_307376019427_4971411_8295797_n.jpg" width="433" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>"<span xmlns="">Aspiring entrepreneurs should not be afraid of success! We all have a destiny and purpose to fulfill and we have to learn to walk by faith and not by fear"</span></b></span><br />
<br />
<div style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Donate Love Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization based in Atlanta, GA. In a relatively short amount of time, this organization has already made it's mark on the Atlanta community. Within 10 months, this non-profit organization has executed of 11 successful projects geared towards engaging youth ages 10 to 17 in community service projects throughout the area. Most recently the organization just opened its brand new office in the heart of Downtown Atlanta's financial district. We recently caught up with the organization's Founder and Executive Director Tashieka Truitt about what it's been like establishing this wonderful non-profit organization.</span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
Contriubute to the October $5 Giving Campaign HERE -> <a href="http://www.donatelovefoundation.org/">www.donatelovefoundation.org</a></span> <br />
<br />
<a href="http://urbanargyle.blogspot.com/2010/10/socially-conscious-donate-love.html"><span style="font-size: small;">CHECK OUT THE EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW HERE</span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="font-size: small;"><a name='more'></a><br />
</span></span><br />
<span xmlns=""></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRoM_rUR_w1OupEMs_rKaUW9gSGCTAkHTiltrM3NgcI2VHJoymlRLA37nZEDh3ZQEw5ydW1_I05sx2hSX_y-8ssoKgtu1Oi-wb96RbKtoEwVstocbt-yYpJP-5JMNa7RuUaRR_JqxtxJg5/s1600/25546_376945364427_307376019427_4971368_164223_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRoM_rUR_w1OupEMs_rKaUW9gSGCTAkHTiltrM3NgcI2VHJoymlRLA37nZEDh3ZQEw5ydW1_I05sx2hSX_y-8ssoKgtu1Oi-wb96RbKtoEwVstocbt-yYpJP-5JMNa7RuUaRR_JqxtxJg5/s400/25546_376945364427_307376019427_4971368_164223_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>What is the mission of Donate Love Foundation?</b> </span><br />
<div style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our Mission is in pursuit of the following principles:</span></div><div style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">· <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: white;">Encourage</span>:</span> Inciting youth through community involvement to promote service, and responsibility.</span></div><div style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">· <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: white;">Empower</span>:</span> Guiding children to improve through hands-on involvement and measuring success through efforts.</span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">· </span><span style="color: black; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: white;">Enable</span>:</span><span style="color: black;"> Providing the opportunity to participate in organized service projects throughout each year month by month</span><br />
</span><br />
<div style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b style="color: white;">What inspires you personally?</b> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0rzxzyQfM0bCphx0DeDPPmp5torUby0XhHDJw8HUK7rL5tFEnsWvzJWpaFTTT0sVy5r5EtMe0DH3B1rdASSQtzFs8Ps3N2j9DIkTm4IvcMoNp2_G2Y-PNtWlFz5DifdKxoIS25lkRm9A7/s1600/29364_450820019427_307376019427_5921406_4079656_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0rzxzyQfM0bCphx0DeDPPmp5torUby0XhHDJw8HUK7rL5tFEnsWvzJWpaFTTT0sVy5r5EtMe0DH3B1rdASSQtzFs8Ps3N2j9DIkTm4IvcMoNp2_G2Y-PNtWlFz5DifdKxoIS25lkRm9A7/s320/29364_450820019427_307376019427_5921406_4079656_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">I am inspired by the youth and their willingness to participate in these service projects each month. Their courage, their strength, and their selflessness inspires me to be a better me. Because of them I want to plan and implement greater projects so that they may reap the benefits and truly understand the importance of living to give! </span><b> </b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>What message is Donate Love sending to our younger generation?</b><br style="color: black;" /><span style="color: black;">We are sending the younger generation the message of LOVE and what it truly means to love somebody. We seek to teach them that love is what love does! The bible says 1 John 3:18 Let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and truth. The youth that participate are letting their actions be the voice of their work.</span><b> </b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>What is a typical day like within the Donate Love Foundation for volunteers?</b> </span><br />
<div style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fortunately, for our youth volunteers there is no typical day. We do service projects monthly and each of those projects are designed to be unique so that each time they can show a different way of loving. We may do manual labor projects and we may simply play games with elderly but no matter what we are always donating our love to the task or project at hand. <b> </b></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBLWUujUu1P8e-viVDQ_qmyju72U80iRp8CqmEWPE_1Ln1tU5PjrCYfkyr-drB9V1IWdEui4T-BqFBSTab0yGU0mm2fcl9c9vO4nximERckdhEKhnIQMpNx2brH7FwqcR2XVREfk2KvnLT/s1600/29364_450824329427_307376019427_5921582_7581345_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBLWUujUu1P8e-viVDQ_qmyju72U80iRp8CqmEWPE_1Ln1tU5PjrCYfkyr-drB9V1IWdEui4T-BqFBSTab0yGU0mm2fcl9c9vO4nximERckdhEKhnIQMpNx2brH7FwqcR2XVREfk2KvnLT/s200/29364_450824329427_307376019427_5921582_7581345_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Where do you see this flourishing organization in the next 5 years?</b> </span><br />
<div style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">Within the next 5 years I see DLF becoming a national non-profit organization by placing chapters in different states throughout US. We also seek to continuously expand by providing more extensive service projects where the youth can travel to other cities, states, and countries. DLF will begin to provide mentoring programs for youth boys and girls along with providing scholarships for opportunities for our graduating seniors. Ultimately, we want to provide our youth participants with the necessary tools so that they leave an impression in the hearts of people throughout the world.<b> </b></span></div><br />
<div style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b style="color: white;">What's next for Donate Love Foundation?</b> </span></div><div style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our next greatest addition is implementing the Lucy R. Mays Scholarship for graduating seniors in 2012. We are grateful to have gotten this far this fast thus whatever the future holds for us we will embrace it and continue to grow.<b> </b></span></div><br />
<div style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>What encouraging words to you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?</b> </span></div><div style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure." <br />
</span></div><div style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">Aspiring entrepreneurs should not be afraid of success! We all have a destiny and purpose to fulfill and we have to learn to walk by faith and not by fear. Liberate yourselves from doubt and develop a will power that is so strong that nothing can stop you. Ambition, integrity, interpersonal skills and tenacity will surely guide you to your destination as a leader and as an entrepreneur. <b> </b></span></div><div style="color: black;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJg1fG-jyGFTcbsW7EyZp8mXYjPb1YDmrxnKgOWmP6yuFCZNpU_dF1d3vqSfcSOoa1FvFihD-z7BdlRG_GnneBQ1QRV2ey2IyPmBmK8HP-V-vkscNatCudLzd0B9qoUy1dqr6hMIAygpGw/s1600/61120_496838374427_307376019427_7065349_90755_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJg1fG-jyGFTcbsW7EyZp8mXYjPb1YDmrxnKgOWmP6yuFCZNpU_dF1d3vqSfcSOoa1FvFihD-z7BdlRG_GnneBQ1QRV2ey2IyPmBmK8HP-V-vkscNatCudLzd0B9qoUy1dqr6hMIAygpGw/s320/61120_496838374427_307376019427_7065349_90755_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Where can viewers learn more about Donate Love and how to contribute or volunteer?!</b><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">More information can be found at</span> <a href="http://www.donatelovefoundation.org/">www.donatelovefoundation.org</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Follow on Twitter: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/DonateLoveFdtn">www.twitter.com/DonateLoveFdtn</a><br />
</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-950005645186571293.post-17472288979768764252010-10-29T19:01:00.002-04:002010-10-29T19:06:23.457-04:00Driven: Newton Dennis<span xmlns=""><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbh9kSsS6UGSdjbkVJ-1P5hi9qHxLht1tu0b2wmU1q3uEG4mal3Y_WGhf-7hmZ3mfOJ_D-MW74IFmLgcrojVFKdaggU8xcc3qVQslLeU5s6oPcOLq2DnIm6lHdnLPJLCWO9eVBZfm8mAdx/s1600/goldtie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbh9kSsS6UGSdjbkVJ-1P5hi9qHxLht1tu0b2wmU1q3uEG4mal3Y_WGhf-7hmZ3mfOJ_D-MW74IFmLgcrojVFKdaggU8xcc3qVQslLeU5s6oPcOLq2DnIm6lHdnLPJLCWO9eVBZfm8mAdx/s640/goldtie.jpg" width="456" /></a></div><br />
<b>"Greatness takes time. Don't rush any decisions and know that it takes time to build a brand".</b><br />
<br style="color: black;" /><span style="color: black;"> Newton Dennis has a drive that exemplifies determination, patience, and consistency. As Chief Operations Officer for Nxlevel Lifestyle and Entertainment Group, Newton has proven to be one of action as he has worked to help set the foundation of the Nxlevel brand even in the early stages of development alongside CEO Hercules Conway.</span><br style="color: black;" /> <br />
<span style="color: black;">Native of Washington D.C by way of Jamaica, Newton has naturally embraced the art of entrepreneurship and as a consequence he has had the opportunity to orchestrate several successful events through Nxlevel Entertainment by branching out to the "upper echelon", a distinct audience consisting of the educated, fashionable, media savvy, and culturally diverse. It is a group that demands upscale, exclusive, and unforgettable events.</span><br style="color: black;" /> <br style="color: black;" /> <span style="color: black;">This is only the beginning for Newton as he stresses the need to be forever innovative, as this leads to the ultimate form of success. "When it is all said and done, we want the record to show that Nxlevel Entertainment was ONLY the beginning".</span><br style="color: black;" /> <br style="color: black;" /> <span style="color: black;">We at Urban Argyle had the opportunity to catch up with Newton for an exclusive interview…peep it!</span><br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span xmlns=""> <a href="http://urbanargyle.blogspot.com/2010/10/driven-newton-dennis.html">***CLICK HERE FOR THE EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW***</a></span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvh6n4fb0rLvagfYCsvfmrKhefRoqnh8BCGC7BXmkwLNhr2yA-35vddWGxfIB-5LjdeKygW0m1lExuZr_12-SCuO86Q0EiSANZ5pzZ-HIzX7IS6ELUnRne1tKzwcx_SY5BIMh0Wtmr-Wxq/s1600/childjamaica.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
</a><span xmlns=""> <a name='more'></a></span><br />
<span xmlns=""></span><br />
<span xmlns=""></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDzOWqxf5Bhi07Pmi_pxWv4wdUxf5kxR7kt2Bx6mlNk86YkxuGwt8BhE8-lY0kdDEVACdD5cSwSKiZc4SLWEy3VCvcbD-9sOkRZ-zBvcjXWvqIKBEXgsHk0dPyhgI_P29aTMdUvbCcuSHO/s1600/childjamaica.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDzOWqxf5Bhi07Pmi_pxWv4wdUxf5kxR7kt2Bx6mlNk86YkxuGwt8BhE8-lY0kdDEVACdD5cSwSKiZc4SLWEy3VCvcbD-9sOkRZ-zBvcjXWvqIKBEXgsHk0dPyhgI_P29aTMdUvbCcuSHO/s200/childjamaica.jpg" width="118" /></a><span xmlns=""><br />
How did the two of you begin working together? Where did your paths cross?<br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;"> </span></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="color: black;">After Nxlevel Entertainment was formed in 2005, I worked behind the scenes helping with operations, themes, ideas, etc. In spring 2008, I officially became a member of upper management and it has been that way ever since.</span><br />
</span><br />
<span xmlns=""><br />
</span><br />
<span xmlns="">In your early development where did your inspiration come from?<br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;"> </span></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="color: black;">My inspiration came from my parents. In everything they were a part of, they gave 110%. My entrepreneurship spirit came from my father & my grandmother. They owned and operated their own business in Jamaica, a restaurant & bar.</span><br style="color: black;" /> <br />
</span><br />
<span xmlns="">What makes Nxlevel's approach to the entertainment industry unique?<br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;"> </span></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="color: black;">Our brand is unique. We cater to a specific clientele, the upper echelon. This includes but not limited to well educated, fashionable, media savvy and culturally diverse individuals who demand upscale, exclusive, and unforgettable events. Additionally, we make certain that the individuals who make up our company have those same characteristics.</span><br style="color: black;" /> <br />
</span><br />
<span xmlns="">What is your proudest Nxlevel career moment?<br />
<br style="color: black;" /><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="color: black;">I have had several proud moments over the years, from the White Party Weekend 09 to Homecoming 2009, but I would have to say my proudest moment was making our 5 year Anniversary in August of 2010. As we all know, the majority of businesses fail in their first few years so it was a proud moment for us to hit our 5 year mark. Five years of consistency, five years of spectacular events, five years of milestones… a very proud moment indeed.</span></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><br />
</span><br />
<span xmlns=""></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><center><object height="231" width="384"><param name="movie"
value="http://www.youtube.com/v/mi7gO0_Lr2o?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param
name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param
name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed
src="http://www.youtube.com/v/mi7gO0_Lr2o?fs=1&hl=en_US"
type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always"
allowfullscreen="true" width="384"
height="231"></embed></object></center></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span xmlns="">What is your favorite Nxlevel event to attend?<br />
<span style="color: black;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="color: black;">Lovers & Friends and our 21 & Up Homecoming Events are my favorite.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-vuTOInBuzVwzhNylKeOAh11EY5MZ6vVGWo-JvwBL6XwWzywJrcUyUz6DoUCbBlTf6-khERLkwSfDEQgTlMMCHiVnEFGif050zb33KzwEYiP0y-8kGkoPpVL4fEYNRz9MK2fmKhaamsHa/s1600/locs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-vuTOInBuzVwzhNylKeOAh11EY5MZ6vVGWo-JvwBL6XwWzywJrcUyUz6DoUCbBlTf6-khERLkwSfDEQgTlMMCHiVnEFGif050zb33KzwEYiP0y-8kGkoPpVL4fEYNRz9MK2fmKhaamsHa/s320/locs.jpg" width="219" /></a></div><br />
<span xmlns="">What are your personal and professional dreams?<br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;"> </span></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="color: black;">My ultimate goal is to own and operate some local business in Greensboro, NC. We have worked long & hard to set a great foundation with our Nxlevel brand and now it is time to move onto restaurants, lounges, and even some franchises. When it is all said and done, we want the record to show that Nxlevel Entertainment was ONLY the beginning.</span><br style="color: black;" /> <br />
</span><br />
<span xmlns="">What advice can you give to any aspiring entrepreneurs?<br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;"> </span></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="color: black;">Greatness takes time. Don't rush any decisions and know that it takes time to build a brand. There will be downfalls and bad days, but remember, perseverance is the key. DO NOT QUIT, DON'T EVER GIVE UP!</span><br style="color: black;" /> <br />
</span><br />
<span xmlns=""> Where do you see Nxlevel in the next 5 years?<br />
</span><br />
<br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="color: black;">Alive and Well. We plan to still be doing innovative events and taking Nightlife to the Nxlevel. We also want to expand to a few more cities, Atlanta and a greater presence in Washington DC is the goal.</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><br style="color: black;" /> <br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="font-size: 12pt;">For more information about Nxlevel Entertainment and all the latest events please visit<span style="color: black;">:<br />
</span></span> <br />
<span style="color: black;">Main Page: </span><a href="http://www.nxlevelent.com/">http://www.NxlevelEnt.com</a><br />
<span style="color: black;">Twitter: </span><a href="http://twitter.com/Nxlevel">http://www.twitter.com/Nxlevel</a><span style="color: blue;"> </span></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;">Fanpage on Facebook:</span> </span></span><span xmlns=""><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://twitter.com/Nxlevel">http://www.facebook.com/Nxlevel</a></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-950005645186571293.post-50372631929862626642010-08-23T19:03:00.001-04:002010-08-23T21:13:53.285-04:00Stylish: UPDATE Tiffany Okafor<span xmlns=""></span><br />
<span xmlns="">In the short time that it's been since we here at Urban Argyle interviewed Poet, Vocalist, and Model Tiffany Okafor she has consistently been on the move. She has walked in numerous shows and been featured in many shoots. A few of them are featured in this post. Continue chasing your dreams Tiffany!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibdseqoDIPjREQqb2J3NSDQd6w1aZvGMjabNqCOZLdYvykjkw_uJOIQOWJ0HaDa2X8iDDiWPNMJc6G0ryM0dUEMD7-gGfgejJI76qYVXEIRJAPZ8CHzdVX1MVr6xOdxFC5j37gPAFARPKa/s1600/bandw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="327" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibdseqoDIPjREQqb2J3NSDQd6w1aZvGMjabNqCOZLdYvykjkw_uJOIQOWJ0HaDa2X8iDDiWPNMJc6G0ryM0dUEMD7-gGfgejJI76qYVXEIRJAPZ8CHzdVX1MVr6xOdxFC5j37gPAFARPKa/s400/bandw.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span xmlns=""> Shoot with Lisa Fleet</span></div><span xmlns=""> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_gxO-UiTDA2ooPMNuONBLuHTUNte0puNatxxKSvk7QHIb3yoPOjZM_u9-moKb7r-_xVEBvYU5OxjWmxT69M25Gq2r9KdL-G5g_4jWAVGltZqbBqssyMeWE8cG4jzRoTMvtfDvjUI6VYT6/s1600/tiffany_series_11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_gxO-UiTDA2ooPMNuONBLuHTUNte0puNatxxKSvk7QHIb3yoPOjZM_u9-moKb7r-_xVEBvYU5OxjWmxT69M25Gq2r9KdL-G5g_4jWAVGltZqbBqssyMeWE8cG4jzRoTMvtfDvjUI6VYT6/s640/tiffany_series_11.jpg" width="449" /></a></div><span xmlns=""> </span><br />
<a href="http://urbanargyle.blogspot.com/2010/08/stylish-update-tiffany-okafor.html"><span xmlns="">CONTINUE READING THIS POST ----></span></a><br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiATFnDbvfO8WA5nn4cbdC5q_whtP4S187A9uTq2H4WW68GdO_aohVqOa0g5l5_bo9pF6WbvaJPsGOEiNGc31A0U_l1p5u8k-V__aO3DEPsylMStJWJB6b9FvUyk06ZxdxiQJIjcIXmpFTq/s1600/disco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiATFnDbvfO8WA5nn4cbdC5q_whtP4S187A9uTq2H4WW68GdO_aohVqOa0g5l5_bo9pF6WbvaJPsGOEiNGc31A0U_l1p5u8k-V__aO3DEPsylMStJWJB6b9FvUyk06ZxdxiQJIjcIXmpFTq/s640/disco.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><br />
<span xmlns=""> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIfziNcqr0Vk8yYm5BcmHoKK9na_M4EfjlSt56-iOXIZU8UoMQXOSosYyf9VjSRiGY_vNG9ZXUR5lrVTGoJ4-DxU-KD1GTX0IClAFM08raS8QGj_iWPZEVdD4iGF34svkR-Sq7GANpwYVx/s1600/green2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIfziNcqr0Vk8yYm5BcmHoKK9na_M4EfjlSt56-iOXIZU8UoMQXOSosYyf9VjSRiGY_vNG9ZXUR5lrVTGoJ4-DxU-KD1GTX0IClAFM08raS8QGj_iWPZEVdD4iGF34svkR-Sq7GANpwYVx/s640/green2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="color: black; text-align: center;"><span xmlns=""> Green and Gorgeous Fashion Show with Designer Zagodi Fashion</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2w4-kvz-m0JtHuElMX7Eybl1flUuyRQd6VaVgFIuevZzQTuQcMKJVH1o-JXMBspCrWZ2TwuHe1DJQa_iZ3ezWX97xCtqh8fgT_gC64tep-9xw2xdG-HYewz1Dchk6njS9lTafn_KMgAqK/s1600/reddress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2w4-kvz-m0JtHuElMX7Eybl1flUuyRQd6VaVgFIuevZzQTuQcMKJVH1o-JXMBspCrWZ2TwuHe1DJQa_iZ3ezWX97xCtqh8fgT_gC64tep-9xw2xdG-HYewz1Dchk6njS9lTafn_KMgAqK/s400/reddress.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="color: black; text-align: center;"><span xmlns="">Shoot with Lanya B</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4QsNg0T2MQ8SW7FwCVuLtqApLtwmqFWwOnLnau8PMquqEOaFKkyCso3m7V6kAaqTDP6TIkUmB7jidRUEhS9rlx1YNw4zR4hIbekJHoRYk0xvDve11dbYYqHu9Uqt0R_6ezrGbpnsEdebM/s1600/bluetiger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4QsNg0T2MQ8SW7FwCVuLtqApLtwmqFWwOnLnau8PMquqEOaFKkyCso3m7V6kAaqTDP6TIkUmB7jidRUEhS9rlx1YNw4zR4hIbekJHoRYk0xvDve11dbYYqHu9Uqt0R_6ezrGbpnsEdebM/s640/bluetiger.jpg" width="428" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyR84Pm1TD_ThUg1gKl9x001jJuWonSTGgvHaX6I9VNvUOBxgWNjN_kWqgTD01wO-zWFkY-CN7BWZ2UHNHkxc6FsEe_62X4t7KepS7wzH8dDU_yOLCrfVa2NLqgUuTzIEEK7m1U2FZBnTY/s1600/purpleleopard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyR84Pm1TD_ThUg1gKl9x001jJuWonSTGgvHaX6I9VNvUOBxgWNjN_kWqgTD01wO-zWFkY-CN7BWZ2UHNHkxc6FsEe_62X4t7KepS7wzH8dDU_yOLCrfVa2NLqgUuTzIEEK7m1U2FZBnTY/s640/purpleleopard.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span xmlns=""><span style="color: black;">Walking EmoreJ Couture's Show</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<span xmlns=""></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-950005645186571293.post-84187327265420814832010-07-15T09:19:00.001-04:002010-07-15T09:20:55.931-04:00Driven: Craig Stokes<div style="text-align: center;"><span xmlns=""></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxmaWWjRXZxqRMTrM3aA0TrL8VO__UjxEo7FOsEU_72VhIt-83_2ZwOD1Ag44qRqARHwuY7unkMQUT1WxrKo8h11nzd3o710lYdvMUpFxUq8MdpUIAps_MmeCjhlHgypiVJpTp4DRvkIF8/s1600/grayscarf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxmaWWjRXZxqRMTrM3aA0TrL8VO__UjxEo7FOsEU_72VhIt-83_2ZwOD1Ag44qRqARHwuY7unkMQUT1WxrKo8h11nzd3o710lYdvMUpFxUq8MdpUIAps_MmeCjhlHgypiVJpTp4DRvkIF8/s640/grayscarf.jpg" width="427" /></a></div><br />
<span xmlns=""><b>"You are only as great as your last accomplishment."- Craig Stokes<br />
</b></span><br />
<div style="color: black;"><span xmlns="">Craig Stokes is a CEO, Producer, TV Personality, Host, Designer, Stylist, Actor, and Leader. He is dedicated to showing people what can be achieved through his many talents. As CEO of Craig Stokes Productions, and creator and host of Style Minute, Craig continues to create a lifestyle for his viewers through his astonishing ability to connect with an audience while staying true to who he is and what he does. "I enjoy the process of having an idea and making that into a product".<br />
</span></div><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="color: black;">As someone who describes himself as never falling into trends, his drive has allowed him to form a platform of successes in which he has provided apparel for organizations, Fortune 1000 companies, events, and universities. "I'm not one who is afraid to try it, but one to do it". Craig is renowned for his "MY VOTE COUNTS" clothing line, two additional shows under the well-known show Style Minute, and Style University or Style U, a lifestyle fashion-based tour for college age men that travels to colleges and universities around the country.</span> (<a href="http://www.styleuniv.com/">www.styleuniv.com</a>)<br />
</span><br />
<div style="color: black;"><span xmlns="">Craig let us at UA know that he is just getting started! In addition to creating and designing apparel, Craig hosts events, fashion and award shows, and is a personal shopper and stylist.<br />
</span></div><div style="color: black;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span xmlns=""><span style="color: black;">Check out Craig's video bio!</span><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span xmlns=""><object height="225" width="400"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=13165093&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" /><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=13165093&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="225"></embed></object></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span xmlns=""></span><span xmlns=""><br />
</span></div><span xmlns=""><b>"I'm a regular guy on a mission to do some really extraordinary things in my lifetime. I love people, entertaining, style, technology, being creative, and expanding my "vision" so that I can "see" further today than I did yesterday. Some call me a renaissance man - you can simply call me Craig."<br style="color: white;" /> </b></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span xmlns=""><span style="color: white;"> For more info on Craig Stokes visit</span> <a href="http://www.craigstokes.com/">www.craigstokes.com</a> <span style="color: white;"> !!!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span xmlns=""><br />
</span></div><br />
<span xmlns=""><a href="http://urbanargyle.blogspot.com/2010/07/driven-craig-stokes.html"><b>CHECK OUT THE EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW>>>></b></a></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><a name='more'></a><br />
</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjZFihjyhhNcXi_yR1DP-qaNLX3Qq4Tkrps7xFHowFCWku7k1DxT6i1Um7fQJC1xFLaYtkLuem7vWBCBjUWdkbhD-GLCEoH6ieVRY7r05thFHwiyKQBlM4RdSGEsyhK2tfQbSmikWjUQrS/s1600/blacknwhiteshades.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjZFihjyhhNcXi_yR1DP-qaNLX3Qq4Tkrps7xFHowFCWku7k1DxT6i1Um7fQJC1xFLaYtkLuem7vWBCBjUWdkbhD-GLCEoH6ieVRY7r05thFHwiyKQBlM4RdSGEsyhK2tfQbSmikWjUQrS/s400/blacknwhiteshades.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span xmlns="">So Craig, where did it all begin? What inspired you to be the business entrepreneur that you are today? <br />
</span><br />
<div style="color: black;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span xmlns="">My parents had a great influence on me. I can remember starting off as an entrepreneur at a young age. My family had a children's birthday service in which I helped out a lot. I would draw up ads, accept bookings, and dress up as a Power Ranger at parties and do kicks and punches until the age of 15. As I became older I also cut hair on the side for friends and relatives. Styling and fashion has always been a big part of my life. My mother had a knack for business and fashion and I incorporated that into something I really take pleasure in. I've always enjoyed the process of having an idea and making that into a product. <b><br />
</b></span></div><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyR8SokiCMT0TFxsFO2u2dXvzp_Nf_S0-9XqD7q8bhE3DtoCpEAsMiaJOZHPN9fIm9mgPw_Zrgl2hDsxHpqLbmGTbsxDlXQa26koKG_tfuLTf1eHRw3VAOqBNZRel2pcAtHGVfNS5IEkKz/s1600/trenchvneck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyR8SokiCMT0TFxsFO2u2dXvzp_Nf_S0-9XqD7q8bhE3DtoCpEAsMiaJOZHPN9fIm9mgPw_Zrgl2hDsxHpqLbmGTbsxDlXQa26koKG_tfuLTf1eHRw3VAOqBNZRel2pcAtHGVfNS5IEkKz/s320/trenchvneck.jpg" /></a><span xmlns="">Interesting! So let's discuss Style Minute, 60 episodes, widely recognized by viewers everywhere! Season 1 just wrapped up and I'm convinced viewers are anxious for Season 2! Where did the idea for Style Minute come from and what can we expect for the next season?<br />
</span><br />
<div style="color: black;"><span xmlns="">Well, before the concept of Style Minute I noticed a lot of people using social media to really get their ideas out there. I wanted to create my own movies or videos to really capture and audience in a way that hasn't been done before. I decided to take something I'm good at and turn that into something that people enjoy and can learn from. Style and fashion is my niche, so I decided to work off that but in a minute or less to set myself apart. With the success of Style Minute on YouTube, now styleminute.com, I have been able to tap into a market that is international. I have received emails from viewers in countries like Bangkok, Japan, India, and the UK asking what to wear to work, or to their high school prom. As for Season 2, its beginning to look like Style Minute will be televised nationally. Currently I am working out the details, which I would be more than happy to follow up with you on. <br />
</span></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLkcF3RDSuZWht-PW3QU91gqjmCrtyh5RIa9aE3f7B5fXJbqemRw2pAUQPPdCJsWOlG99SA7us_tBWWl4D0sTeh4jJTLaE1Wg-C09kz0FanjzMHsGDNVoPWpdp3dQXjdo11eNjx7Eib5X3/s1600/will.i.am.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLkcF3RDSuZWht-PW3QU91gqjmCrtyh5RIa9aE3f7B5fXJbqemRw2pAUQPPdCJsWOlG99SA7us_tBWWl4D0sTeh4jJTLaE1Wg-C09kz0FanjzMHsGDNVoPWpdp3dQXjdo11eNjx7Eib5X3/s320/will.i.am.jpg" width="240" /></a><span xmlns="">Craig that's amazing that Style Minute has received such great recognition from viewers EVERYWHERE! Please keep us at Urban Argyle in the loop so that we can do a follow up feature in the near future! Ok, so let's rewind. It's 2008 and you hit the world with your genius clothing line, the "MY VOTE COUNTS" t-shirt (<a href="http://www.apparelco.net/">www.apparelco.net</a> ). When did you decide that this was something you wanted to do for the elections and what was your strategy to have America (past presidents, moguls, celebs..) wearing this popular slogan?!<br />
</span><br />
<div style="color: black;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaGY7ia-9IUgiSnvBSj2u81x-YfH5vvPV-bopzpJmrUNH8-qRqnrEmGrzUZpnVht3Z82iYT4P-fqi5VgjYoUkfCsmAmH19ePFDu627IOqGWpHpgcFWN4Zd54Xd4Oe_am4XR5fApcWpLye6/s1600/terrencej.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaGY7ia-9IUgiSnvBSj2u81x-YfH5vvPV-bopzpJmrUNH8-qRqnrEmGrzUZpnVht3Z82iYT4P-fqi5VgjYoUkfCsmAmH19ePFDu627IOqGWpHpgcFWN4Zd54Xd4Oe_am4XR5fApcWpLye6/s320/terrencej.jpg" width="256" /></a><span xmlns="">I am a very observant person. Ever since the 4<sup>th</sup> grade I have always wanted to do my own thing…no trends, no fads. So during the election I noticed a lot of people wearing the popular Obama faced t-shirts or McCain t-shirts. I decided to create a design that wouldn't be another face in the crowd. So I asked myself, "What is really important?", that My Vote Counts. From there I created this logo and played around with it. I started out with maybe 100-200 t-shirts in one color and went to a convention and people loved it! I mean older people, even kids were asking for a shirt! Shortly after, teachers and government officials took to the idea because they couldn't display their interest for a specific candidate or name however they could wear "MY VOTE COUNTS". I also began to market it with different colors geared towards your fraternities and sororities on college campuses. It also helps to surround yourself with people who believe in what you're doing. I had a friend who took some of the t-shirts to the Democratic Convention and took pictures of Bob Johnson, founder of BET Networks holding the shirt as well as Will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas. During that time I mailed Terrence, a good friend of mine from college some of the shirts. I didn't ask him to wear them however I got a call saying "Hey, Terrence is going to be wearing your shirt on 106 and Park tonight! You have to watch this!" At that point I just remember feeling like, wow, this is crazy. The next week he wore it again but in the purple and gold colors. I started to get requests for speaking events on voting and the Electoral College process and I truly had to begin to educate myself even more because I never thought the MY VOTE COUNTS brand would have led to something like that! I was happy to get my message across that no matter what your vote always counts.<br />
</span></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfxjKoi3oSfUMcwNF2ETJ0X5iIOyVfwGAJFTUPkM2ZpWfbrqMpULqGtUFHMj8xIYnduBrUcz1Dfgow-GbTcXe8vkPx5QIrzTxvCSiFuOMcPh1AzbvBfKDdv2q6NcnoyR7bhcgTiDGN816S/s1600/trenchcitybkgrnd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfxjKoi3oSfUMcwNF2ETJ0X5iIOyVfwGAJFTUPkM2ZpWfbrqMpULqGtUFHMj8xIYnduBrUcz1Dfgow-GbTcXe8vkPx5QIrzTxvCSiFuOMcPh1AzbvBfKDdv2q6NcnoyR7bhcgTiDGN816S/s320/trenchcitybkgrnd.jpg" /></a></div><span xmlns="">Yes it does! And I'm sure during 2011-2012 we will be seeing that mastermind design again! So Craig, as the originator of Craig Stokes Productions you have created a lifestyle for your viewers in a variety of ways. How important is it for others who are also "Driven" to build their own personal brand? Could you give viewers some advice?<br />
</span><br />
<div style="color: black;"><span xmlns="">Personal Branding is so important, and I am such a big fan of it! Your personal brand should be a clear consistent message that gives off an impression of yourself and what you want others to think of you. You have to decide how you want to be seen and take it from there. Own your name! I would suggest getting your own web real estate and owning a domain name. Paint a picture for yourself and of who you are! It is very important in getting people to see that consistent connection you have with yourself and what you believe in.<br />
</span></div><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaqxfmSYUjliL8wVwH0LiCUUkbObfTYTuYPq2yg9yI4-5YD55SnbIAZlIiwUltbURGY-65222ekfF8Lq0USyks2m3REro0PglnksMzp-o-ukPW67NJtbUgJe8J0wEqNxuNwQWSbQUiV-Bd/s1600/orangebkgrnd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaqxfmSYUjliL8wVwH0LiCUUkbObfTYTuYPq2yg9yI4-5YD55SnbIAZlIiwUltbURGY-65222ekfF8Lq0USyks2m3REro0PglnksMzp-o-ukPW67NJtbUgJe8J0wEqNxuNwQWSbQUiV-Bd/s320/orangebkgrnd.jpg" /></a><span xmlns="">Thanks for that advice Craig, so inspiring! So I read that you are currently booking appointments for personal shopping and styling. Nice! If you could personally style anyone for any event, who would you style, how would you style them and why? <br />
</span><br />
<div style="color: black;"><span xmlns="">Wow, that's a great question! No one has ever asked me that before! Let's see, I would have to say Trey Songz. I had the opportunity to meet him back in 2004 and gave him some shirts from when I was doing a clothing line called "Cool Classics". His style has changed over time. I would like to do something along the lines of what he is doing now but maybe make the look more tailored and add some colors that pop while on stage to give him some different options.<br />
</span></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpvRq8pbG5HSm7cprX0L8awEAqNAJ2sWngDaZv-W1d3gAwYimr10HarWjTtC04r-duMOVQGQ4vwhdd2wmqOT2iBzhFCWMX5pZlWM2WHrwYQl6U-0HVESC7L_AOknsJcGBzSD8e5RndsuHG/s1600/shadestie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpvRq8pbG5HSm7cprX0L8awEAqNAJ2sWngDaZv-W1d3gAwYimr10HarWjTtC04r-duMOVQGQ4vwhdd2wmqOT2iBzhFCWMX5pZlWM2WHrwYQl6U-0HVESC7L_AOknsJcGBzSD8e5RndsuHG/s320/shadestie.jpg" /></a></div><span xmlns="">Anything that makes Trey Songz style "pop" on stage is a winner! So I definitely would love to see you style him very soon! So Craig, what is next for you? Any current projects we should be on the lookout for?<br />
</span><br />
<div style="color: black;"><span xmlns="">Yes, I'm actually working on a couple of things. I'm continuing to add elements to my websites, preparing for Season 2 of Style Minute, and I'm currently working on a children's book series that is imaginative and educational. I want to continue to show people what is possible! I always strive to balance everything I do while remaining humble and grounded. You're only as great as your last accomplishment.<br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span xmlns="">For more info on Craig Stokes visit <a href="http://www.craigstokes.com/">www.craigstokes.com</a> !!!<br />
</span></div><span xmlns=""></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-950005645186571293.post-38144118512766105212010-06-24T07:45:00.001-04:002010-06-24T07:45:58.568-04:00Stylish/Driven: Tiffany Okafor<span xmlns=""></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga4qyMx0IGekGpHiTo5NPOsSyPVqhY19P6Uq6YQ5nYqDUxMfp37d1a_FNc0iimXCGlLGOUOahvNB5vLTEJ-b4JjHBUDQvxZsH7oi3lJgRrX6MRLYBpowye4yWjJA-W1YpzRXyK01sRWG0t/s1600/shortcutbracelets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga4qyMx0IGekGpHiTo5NPOsSyPVqhY19P6Uq6YQ5nYqDUxMfp37d1a_FNc0iimXCGlLGOUOahvNB5vLTEJ-b4JjHBUDQvxZsH7oi3lJgRrX6MRLYBpowye4yWjJA-W1YpzRXyK01sRWG0t/s640/shortcutbracelets.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div style="color: black;"><br />
</div><div style="color: black;"><br />
</div><div style="color: black;"><span xmlns="">Tiffany Okafor, a multi-faceted entertainer from North Carolina is the epitome of self-expression. Tiffany has performed at several universities across the country, venues such as the world famous Apollo Theater, and furthermore has traveled the world granting the public with her unique style and presence through poetry, song, theater arts, and modeling.</span></div><div style="color: black;"><span xmlns=""><br />
</span></div><div style="color: black;"><span xmlns="">We here at Urban Argyle had the chance to interview Tiffany and get some familiarity on some of Tiffany's projects, pieces, and views on what's important to her during the "grind" to accomplish her reality of success in the entertainment industry.</span></div><div style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_818014804"><span xmlns=""><br />
</span></a></div><span xmlns=""><a href="http://urbanargyle.blogspot.com/2010/06/stylishdriven-tiffany-okafor.html">CHECK OUT THE INTERVIEW>>>>>>>></a><br />
</span><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="color: black;">You can find Tiffany in her new home of Washington, D.C. where she hosts monthly at the well known establishment of Bus Boys & Poets and a variety of lounges and nightclubs throughout the DC area.</span><br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span xmlns="">For more on Tiffany Okafor please visit: <br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span xmlns=""><a href="http://tiffanyokafor.wordpress.com/">http://tiffanyokafor.wordpress.com</a><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span xmlns="">and<br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span xmlns=""><a href="http://reverbnation.com/tiffanyokafor">http://reverbnation.com/tiffanyokafor</a><br />
</span></div><span xmlns=""></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span xmlns=""><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_U2JdJ54LI-VWI4B0dESMlk-a2g88_0MGE3PwPxdszr6e7-taQKxaxqZYPw_21M5SMwkH9S5tGLPT6Pg9d2RgQ8IhMdY_aIFQwObOOA_g0hdyJ1gmCK8QQWmgyRKBTgYTKy_q0Iiuy65C/s1600/microphone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_U2JdJ54LI-VWI4B0dESMlk-a2g88_0MGE3PwPxdszr6e7-taQKxaxqZYPw_21M5SMwkH9S5tGLPT6Pg9d2RgQ8IhMdY_aIFQwObOOA_g0hdyJ1gmCK8QQWmgyRKBTgYTKy_q0Iiuy65C/s320/microphone.jpg" width="292" /></a></div><span xmlns="">So Tiffany, everyone has their calling in life. When and how did you know that creative arts was yours? <br />
</span><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="color: black;">A career in the arts is something I've wanted since the 3</span><sup style="color: black;">rd</sup><span style="color: black;"> grade when I wrote the lyrics to my first song! Back then, I believed that anything was possible! And somewhere along the line, I lost site of that mentality. And though I was involved in theater in high school and even majored in dramatic art in college, the idea that I could actually make a successful career out of this thing called art did not sit well with me until December of 2009. It was at that point that I finally decided, I would not be happy if I was not actively pursuing the arts! And that's what it, my calling, boils down to, what it is that makes me happy!</span><br />
</span><br />
<span xmlns=""><br />
</span><br />
<span xmlns="">You have the opportunity to express who Tiffany Okafor is to so many people through your work and personality. What is your personal definition of self expression?<br />
</span><br />
<div style="color: black;"><span xmlns="">Simply put, self expression is about not being afraid to "be who you be!" lol. We grow, we change, and we may have different ideas today than we had yesterday. Self expression is about not being afraid to express who you are today, who you were yesterday and who you'll be tomorrow. It's about embracing all the growth, beauty, and sometimes ugliness that is YOU!<br />
</span></div><span xmlns=""><br />
</span><br />
<span xmlns="">Poet, Singer/Songwriter, Emcee, Theater Artist, Model. When it comes to entertainment you're a powerhouse! How do you manage your time as you grind? Tips please! <br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq13dCr-_BWbhEkE0YcxvA89k7k64S4OgqKwgknON-hO1eERiMbznEQ7_gObIOVfbxKHEVTDoNSC5onRD-bBydGxaxARtptYLo74-AbjJIFkZGSIPbKgRnjfnqHf5DP7pb8ch4YyA53-dh/s1600/yellowshine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq13dCr-_BWbhEkE0YcxvA89k7k64S4OgqKwgknON-hO1eERiMbznEQ7_gObIOVfbxKHEVTDoNSC5onRD-bBydGxaxARtptYLo74-AbjJIFkZGSIPbKgRnjfnqHf5DP7pb8ch4YyA53-dh/s320/yellowshine.jpg" /></a></div><div style="color: black;"><span xmlns="">I keep an agenda, not one on my blackberry, cell phone, iPod, computer, or whatever else. I have a small bound paper agenda I keep at home. I schedule my days at least one day in advance, and before I confirm anything, I check my agenda to make sure I don't overextend myself. Each morning, I program meetings, photoshoots, and gigs into my phone so that a little alarm goes off as a reminder about 30 min before a gig or meeting. I am, at present, my own manager and my own secretary, so I have to stay on top of it! I even programmed "begin & complete Argyle Interview" into my phone for today!<span style="font-family: Wingdings;"></span><br />
</span></div><br />
<span xmlns="">How does one go from random impromtu comedy sketches with funny accents in your high school AP classes to rubbing elbows with a-list celebs like Lupe Fiasco? How do you stay grounded? <br />
</span><br />
<div style="color: black;"><span xmlns="">LOL! That's funny, and I wouldn't say that I've rubbed elbow with a-list celebs! I've seen and spoken with some talented people, but that's all we all are: PEOPLE! And staying grounded? Girl, I am my own manager and secretary right now! People who have secretaries and assistants, I'll leave the big-headedness to them! Lol. Besides, if my family (especially my mom) ever sensed that any bit of helium pumped my head up, she'd be sure to burst my bubble and bring me right back down to planet earth! I'm so grateful to my family for their constant support, encouragement, and just the way they always keep things real. If I ask my mom or my sisters if a photo, lyric, or melody sucks, best believe, they'll let me know it sucks! And they never forget to tell me when I do a great job either!<br />
</span></div><span xmlns=""><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijBp2clnS2zsowpkmcCLnUly11KWTxjpNQj7II8EE_k9kBLyEDLLj6FQSGpM4ktyoNgjz4jzcjjPtFWiynfm0D4VEJoCA1MPo2dZYyEOwcpONlJkFkbCzqnz1KICo4FLq008lMSfvcXuAE/s1600/redhat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijBp2clnS2zsowpkmcCLnUly11KWTxjpNQj7II8EE_k9kBLyEDLLj6FQSGpM4ktyoNgjz4jzcjjPtFWiynfm0D4VEJoCA1MPo2dZYyEOwcpONlJkFkbCzqnz1KICo4FLq008lMSfvcXuAE/s320/redhat.jpg" /></a></div><span xmlns="">Given all of your successes to date, who or what has played a part in getting you to where you are in your career?<br />
</span><br />
<div style="color: black;"><span xmlns="">The idea that I can do anything! In the moments I've chosen to believe that idea, I've done incredible things, met some incredible people and seen some incredible sights! So that idea is something I keep locked tight in my mind, and it's something I affirm myself of on a regular basis! That idea and my choice to believe in it is what's allowed me to accomplish all of what I've set out for. And best believe, there's still more to come…<br />
</span></div><span xmlns=""><br />
</span><br />
<span xmlns="">So I enjoyed your piece called "foodgasms". I personally happen to get them from time to time haha. Where does your inspiration to write come from? <br />
</span><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="color: black;">Awwww, thank you! And my inspiration simply comes from the ideas, events, and people around me. But sometimes I'm given a prompt. For example, I wrote "Foodgasms" for a festival in NYC called Globesity. The artists performing were to fast and write a creative piece about what fasting was like…lol. See, nobody knows that tidbit about "Foodgasms." They had a sista on the floor achin' for Krispy Kreme or at least some cheese and crackers…</span><br />
</span><br />
<span xmlns=""><br />
</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju_VSq09aGw5sSZKdIJwItH3UIlBb6z8HWqOUqMI24MU8jePEU0fiTEDZ61bzsYH9DdiuB1dleoE_vUTZAA5VtQ7O43ZBO1tfybX6qnZW0FtU21-axfTThyphenhyphend2cz-r5EtcuE2umUP9dIr2i/s1600/tilthat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju_VSq09aGw5sSZKdIJwItH3UIlBb6z8HWqOUqMI24MU8jePEU0fiTEDZ61bzsYH9DdiuB1dleoE_vUTZAA5VtQ7O43ZBO1tfybX6qnZW0FtU21-axfTThyphenhyphend2cz-r5EtcuE2umUP9dIr2i/s320/tilthat.jpg" width="209" /></a><span xmlns="">Care to share what your fav poetic piece is? Where can we peep that?<br />
</span><br />
<div style="color: black;"><span xmlns="">My favorite piece by another artist is "Amethyst Rocks" by Saul Williams! He's an amazing poet, brilliant theater artist, and just a cool dude! Cop Williams' THE DEAD EMCEE SCROLLS for that poem! And what's my favorite poem by Tiffany Okafor? It's a poem I don't perform much anymore entitled "The Rain Never Came." I wrote it in the 11<sup>th</sup> grade and it was a poem I became known for when I started performing in college. It's my favorite because it represents a time in my writing when every emotion was very dark but at the same time, pure and beautiful. And you can cop it in my book (coming soon, shhhh!!)<br />
</span></div><span xmlns=""><br />
</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB9IpW1WOhU9gRZ-hGwglCdwI-RlIQz_f3kHGWmDoqfD5mGYY-HPfPmU2iQXk0noxIqudTfOAIUSQRvoYVBxERLuxli78CKr7zknRUhUCJoDwKUsdZmk83NnHJN_bGBvUX4SDTMD1ffgjW/s1600/burgundy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB9IpW1WOhU9gRZ-hGwglCdwI-RlIQz_f3kHGWmDoqfD5mGYY-HPfPmU2iQXk0noxIqudTfOAIUSQRvoYVBxERLuxli78CKr7zknRUhUCJoDwKUsdZmk83NnHJN_bGBvUX4SDTMD1ffgjW/s320/burgundy.jpg" /></a></div><span xmlns="">Whether or not your in NC, DC, France, or anywhere else in the world you've traveled to (smile), I'm curious to know the feeling you get after a performance on stage.<br />
</span><br />
<div style="color: black;"><span xmlns="">I usually think "Thank God that went well!" lol. Most times, I am just excited that I played a role in making at least one person smile during the time I spent onstage yapping! I just love that! <br />
</span></div><span xmlns=""><br />
</span><br />
<span xmlns="">So Tiffany what's next for you?<br />
</span><br />
<div style="color: black;"><span xmlns="">GREATNESS! More performing, more modeling, more traveling, and hopefully more amazing and talented people to meet!<br />
</span></div><span xmlns=""><br />
</span><br />
<br />
<span xmlns="">Where can viewers go to see you in action or to read/listen to some of your work?<br />
</span><br />
<span xmlns=""><a href="http://tiffanyokafor.wordpress.com/">http://tiffanyokafor.wordpress.com</a><br />
</span><br />
<span xmlns=""><a href="http://reverbnation.com/tiffanyokafor">http://reverbnation.com/tiffanyokafor</a><br style="color: black;" /> </span><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="color: black;">Thanks so much DeLila!</span></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_cv9ulgWPsHK2M_YLqGeJ_t-wLMjwFWkXksG0ZpMPBpS7mqrOyjggU5BdrQ_L-DTPkwJy81Zldevu-jsYw1N_KUQj6h01OY2z255PiEaolNUURaYojp2ZwlKdbHVff7FdRwuKePahKGAg/s1600/chocolatedress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_cv9ulgWPsHK2M_YLqGeJ_t-wLMjwFWkXksG0ZpMPBpS7mqrOyjggU5BdrQ_L-DTPkwJy81Zldevu-jsYw1N_KUQj6h01OY2z255PiEaolNUURaYojp2ZwlKdbHVff7FdRwuKePahKGAg/s320/chocolatedress.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><span xmlns=""><br />
</span><br />
<span xmlns=""></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-950005645186571293.post-4963679955325001032010-06-03T12:56:00.002-04:002010-06-03T13:00:38.997-04:00Driven: Life Ain’t No Crystal Stair<span xmlns=""></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAKIvikgfDhNInAG6nOlmW7uPGKLZ44CwAQbYX8cYCaZYAmYopyBRehc2qiBQ6wOq9Qja4ocugH0qAqvIxEBOd5ch9ghZuCMDkQbn2aM4lr6KDjS2HDWbUnxZr4zh3X3dHpuSHx50HvBPM/s1600/IMG00005-20100602-0938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAKIvikgfDhNInAG6nOlmW7uPGKLZ44CwAQbYX8cYCaZYAmYopyBRehc2qiBQ6wOq9Qja4ocugH0qAqvIxEBOd5ch9ghZuCMDkQbn2aM4lr6KDjS2HDWbUnxZr4zh3X3dHpuSHx50HvBPM/s400/IMG00005-20100602-0938.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<blockquote style="color: black;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span xmlns="">Langston Hughes' Mother to Son</span></b> </div></blockquote><blockquote style="color: black;"><div style="color: white; text-align: center;"><span xmlns=""> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span xmlns=""><span style="color: white;">Well, son, I'll tell you:</span><br style="color: white;" /><span style="color: white;"> Life for me ain't been no crystal stair.</span><br style="color: white;" /><span style="color: white;"> It's had tacks in it,</span><br style="color: white;" /><span style="color: white;"> And splinters,</span><br style="color: white;" /><span style="color: white;"> And boards torn up,</span><br style="color: white;" /><span style="color: white;"> And places with no carpet on the floor --</span><br style="color: white;" /><span style="color: white;"> Bare.</span><br style="color: white;" /><span style="color: white;"> But all the time</span><br style="color: white;" /><span style="color: white;"> I'se been a-climbin' on,</span><br style="color: white;" /><span style="color: white;"> And reachin' landin's,</span><br style="color: white;" /><span style="color: white;"> And turnin' corners,</span><br style="color: white;" /><span style="color: white;"> And sometimes goin' in the dark</span><br style="color: white;" /><span style="color: white;"> Where there ain't been no light.</span><br style="color: white;" /><span style="color: white;"> So boy, don't you turn back.</span><br style="color: white;" /><span style="color: white;"> Don't you set down on the steps</span><br style="color: white;" /><span style="color: white;"> 'Cause you finds it's kinder hard.</span><br style="color: white;" /><span style="color: white;"> Don't you fall now --</span><br style="color: white;" /><span style="color: white;"> For I'se still goin', honey,</span><br style="color: white;" /><span style="color: white;"> I'se still climbin',</span><br style="color: white;" /><span style="color: white;"> And life for me ain't been no crystal stair.</span><br />
</span></div></blockquote><div style="color: black;"><span xmlns="">This is one of the pieces I read when I need some motivation. For those times I just need to suck it up, shut up, and keep it moving. A reminder that there are many people who have achieved <span style="color: white;">MORE</span> than what I have achieved with <span style="color: white;">MORE</span> obstacles that I may have had. It also triggered a question in me: Do we perform better when we have more obstacles?</span></div><span xmlns=""><br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span xmlns=""><a href="http://urbanargyle.blogspot.com/2010/06/driven-life-aint-no-crystal-stair.html">CONTINUE READING</a><br />
</span></div><span xmlns=""></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span xmlns=""><br />
</span><br />
<div style="color: black;"><span xmlns="">African Americans have endured and overcome a lot. It seemed that historically, every major act of oppression was met with an even stronger and more intelligent resistance. Any race that you can rip of its culture and language that are then able to learn your language, encode it, and sing the plans for escape in your face without you knowing it is miraculous. The Tuskegee Airmen had to learn how to learn how to fly EVERY airplane whereas others only had to learn one to be certified as legitimate. Even the free lunch program of today was birthed from the Free Breakfast for Children Program started by the Black Panther Party (<span style="background-color: white;">#EducateYourself</span>).</span></div><div style="color: black;"><span xmlns=""><br />
</span></div><div style="color: black;"><span xmlns="">I say all of this to say that it almost seems to me that everything's at a point where it's felt that something is owed. Now, I'm by no means saying that it's not. What I am saying is that that same "You owe me" mentality validates the ideal that someone else should or has to provide for the individual. It cripples. It instills the idea that the hand that's been dealt is too much for the person to conquer. It's like this Oliver Twist "Please saah, mey eye haave sum moooor" mentality, and it has to be overcome. Realistically, the generation of today isn't even the generation that endured the "hard part".</span></div><div style="color: black;"><span xmlns=""><br />
</span></div><div style="color: black;"><span xmlns="">There is more access to so many things and opportunities that were unheard of before, yet it seems like the dependence mentality has erased passion. It's like that the artist who drops the most talented, passionate, skillful first album but then follows up with a lackluster pointless follow-up. They've gotten to a place where success doesn't seem as inaccessible anymore, so the urgency of pushing forward with the same intensity has gone.</span></div><div style="color: black;"><span xmlns=""><br />
</span></div><div style="color: black;"><span xmlns="">Why?</span></div><div style="color: black;"><span xmlns=""><br />
</span></div><div style="color: black;"><span xmlns=""><span style="color: white;">I</span> honestly <span style="color: white;">don't know</span>.</span></div><div style="color: black;"><span xmlns=""><br />
</span></div><div style="color: black;"><span xmlns="">But I do know this. I know two people who have went through almost identical obstacles early on in life. One of them has for the most part is dealing with it and is constantly working towards achieving their goals.<br />
</span></div><div style="color: black;"><span xmlns="">The other is still a victim, still using the situation as a crutch… and an excuse… as to why they can't become powerful beyond measure.</span></div><div style="color: black;"><span xmlns=""><br />
</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span xmlns="">The pain from the splinters isn't as intense when you understand that life ain't no crystal stair.</span></div><span xmlns=""></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com59tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-950005645186571293.post-63893060005994835192010-06-03T12:35:00.007-04:002010-06-03T12:56:03.091-04:00Socially Conscious: The Dream Institute International<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdZCYmyx42fD0eltFUS8Xjlcy1RA_3n7EoL3i5H9u46DCCT0CO76F-yGHlfsIUnRneBx5xVerDxq6Y9ZBpZp4IEB3wXOA0z2hzykL80BygO4CH5T43OOalq_A1GK1RX6lN8Z4j2VKAyryp/s1600/thedreaminstitute_logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="357" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdZCYmyx42fD0eltFUS8Xjlcy1RA_3n7EoL3i5H9u46DCCT0CO76F-yGHlfsIUnRneBx5xVerDxq6Y9ZBpZp4IEB3wXOA0z2hzykL80BygO4CH5T43OOalq_A1GK1RX6lN8Z4j2VKAyryp/s400/thedreaminstitute_logo.png" width="400" /></a></div><span xmlns=""></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span xmlns=""><br />
</span><br />
<div style="color: black;"><span xmlns=""><b>Philanthropist-someone who makes charitable donations intended to increase human well-being</b><span style="font-family: Arial;">. </span></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="color: black;"><span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9pt;">As an international consultant, speaker, trainer, and executive coach, </span>Rachel Wilson is a young woman seeking to empower individuals and communities worldwide.</span></div><div style="color: black;"><span xmlns=""><br />
</span></div><div style="color: black;"><span xmlns="">As the CEO and Founder of The Dream Institute International, Ltd. , Rachel has done just that. Ranging from a variety of services from Youth Leadership Development, Strategic Planning, International Services, Women's Empowerment and Social Enterprise, Rachel exhibits remarkable character through her extraordinary efforts and actions.</span></div><div style="color: black;"><span xmlns=""><br />
</span></div><div style="color: black;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjplrEKhgXAGk-jLhjTE9eJnjSRVboKLniie0j4Ji3gmbbJyNeWPq_twdvFZzB3S5up4uArGqZCY7Eig5C_NCB8HU2edHy1Qx0-gDu83-4npbCn8JFwwRQhlzJOhwRbyGdHnP93cyBI4fol/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjplrEKhgXAGk-jLhjTE9eJnjSRVboKLniie0j4Ji3gmbbJyNeWPq_twdvFZzB3S5up4uArGqZCY7Eig5C_NCB8HU2edHy1Qx0-gDu83-4npbCn8JFwwRQhlzJOhwRbyGdHnP93cyBI4fol/s320/10.jpg" width="241" /></a><span xmlns="">In recent events, The Dream Institute put on an inspiring conference named the "DreamGirl Conference", committed to providing young girls guidance in the areas of career choices, life skills, and goal setting<span style="font-family: Arial;">.</span></span></div><div style="color: black;"><span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="color: black;"><br />
</div><div style="color: black;"><span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Every </span></span><meta content="text/html; charset=utf-8" http-equiv="Content-Type"></meta><meta content="Word.Document" name="ProgId"></meta><meta content="Microsoft Word 12" name="Generator"></meta><meta content="Microsoft Word 12" name="Originator"></meta><link href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CURBANA%7E1%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml" rel="File-List"></link><link href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CURBANA%7E1%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_themedata.thmx" rel="themeData"></link><link href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CURBANA%7E1%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_colorschememapping.xml" rel="colorSchemeMapping"></link><style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:1;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:0 0 0 0 0 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Calibri;
panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:swiss;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-520092929 1073786111 9 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-priority:1;
mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoPapDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
-->
</style><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">girl should have the opportunity to be empowered to live the life of her dreams. It's not about entertaining "fantasy". It's about cultivating her life's purpose and shaping it into a vision that can become a reality." - Rachel D. Wilson</span></div><div style="color: black;"><br />
</div><div style="color: black;"><br />
</div><div style="color: black;"><br />
</div><div style="color: black;"><br />
<span xmlns="">We also had the chance to catch up with Rachel and talk to her about what's next for The Dream Institute. </span></div><div style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1539243153"><br />
</a></div><div style="color: black; text-align: center;"><span xmlns=""><a href="http://urbanargyle.blogspot.com/2010/06/socially-conscious-dream-institute.html">CHECK OUT THE INTERVIEW</a><br />
</span></div><br />
<span xmlns=""> </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Check out the promo video!!! >>>>></span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSew7i4pqcs" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><u>http://www.youtube.com/<wbr></wbr>watch?v=wSew7i4pqcs</u></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span xmlns="">For more information visit The Dream Institute on the Web at <a href="http://www.thedream-institute.com/">www.thedream-institute.com</a> or email <a href="mailto:info@thedream-institute.com">info@thedream-institute.com</a><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span xmlns="">To contact Rachel, please email: <a href="mailto:rdwilson@thedream-institute.com">rdwilson@thedream-institute.com<br />
</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span xmlns="">To book a workshop or seminar for your business/organization email:<a href="mailto:bookings@thedream-institute.com"> bookings@thedream-institute.com</a><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span xmlns="">Also, check out Rachel's blog! <a href="http://www.thedream-institute.com/site/blog/">www.thedream-institute.com/site/blog/</a> and on Twitter @DreamInstitute <br />
</span></div><span xmlns=""> </span><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<span xmlns="">So Rachel, how did the concept and vision of The Dream Institute come about?<br />
</span><br />
<br />
<span xmlns=""><b><span style="color: black;">The concept of The Dream Institute came from the idea of empowering people and building their capacity within their communities. At The Dream Institute we teach them the skills they need, kind of like training the trainer. We do this by providing people with information, coaching, international travel, and through resource education. The Dream Institute is an academy of learning.</span><br />
</b></span><br />
<br />
<span xmlns="">Wow, so where do you see this flourishing organization in the next 5 years?<br />
</span><br />
<br />
<span xmlns=""><b><span style="color: black;">Our goal is to create vision laboratories, something similar to an office but not an office. These vision laboratories would be resources for communities, organizations, and businesses to use to affect change. In addition to that we want to continue what we are doing now and translate that into other countries and plant ourselves in communities all over the world. We are looking to continue work within the country of Gambia, and eager to visit South Africa and India in the future.</span><br />
</b></span><br />
<br />
<span xmlns="">Spoken from a true philanthropist. So let's rewind back, in recent events, what's next for The Dream Institute?<br />
</span><br />
<div style="color: black;"><br />
</div><span xmlns=""><b><span style="color: black;">We are gearing up for a program that will allow graduate students from the University of Maryland - Baltimore the opportunity to facilitate internationally. The campaign will be named "It's Monumental" and will take place in Gambia, West Africa. This is going to serve as an awareness campaign that will provide education in the community through experiential learning, youth leadership courses, learning about mental health care and additional seminars.</span><br />
</b></span><br />
<br />
<span xmlns="">This is great Rachel, Urban Argyle is excited for all the moves you're making! Is there anything else you want viewers to know about?<br />
</span><br />
<br />
<div style="color: black;"><span xmlns=""><b>Yes, our first annual DreamGirl Conference took place in Cleveland, OH and it was very successful so be on the lookout for the DreamGirl Movement! It is a separate division under The Dream Institute that will connect young girls ages 13-18 and mentors ages 21-35. We are going to continue to build bridges and give these young women the tools to empower their peers. Within the next year we plan to drive full force in different cities all over the United States.</b></span></div><span xmlns=""></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-950005645186571293.post-49428303619501509042010-05-24T09:20:00.004-04:002010-05-24T09:33:46.720-04:00Non-Conforming: The Problem with “Separate but Equal”<span xmlns=""></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX4IwfOMU-IGOyKfJ2qwhTWT_ZSp_UAyLm4vmMUyq9N04bPHZBo7CVnjHdgG4__FjQZkAnXtG3HRfIcIaKlRYfUB9utvcR5lCuHU2uswi4Ki1-hWcFB2o4tIzz8jZtsClqR6yUTKV2ctT7/s1600/IMG00187-20100416-0942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX4IwfOMU-IGOyKfJ2qwhTWT_ZSp_UAyLm4vmMUyq9N04bPHZBo7CVnjHdgG4__FjQZkAnXtG3HRfIcIaKlRYfUB9utvcR5lCuHU2uswi4Ki1-hWcFB2o4tIzz8jZtsClqR6yUTKV2ctT7/s400/IMG00187-20100416-0942.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div style="color: black;"><span xmlns="">I am an employee at the International Civil Rights Center & Museum. As a result of this, I experience a lot of things… especially long working hours. But on a more positive note, I am consistently surrounded by a rich legacy and history of people making whatever sacrifices were necessary to achieve the desired results. We're not going to get into the down sides of the job like people requesting tours of the Underground Railroad. I'll save that comedy for another post. But, I digress, let's get to the storyline of why I wrote this post <b style="color: white;">*scene change*</b></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="color: black;"><span xmlns="">I hadn't had a real day off in weeks, so I made a point to take the weekend off. For some reason I feel like completely changing atmospheres for a few days every now and then restores your mentally. So, I hopped a train, found a window seat, blasted some Badu in the headphones, and started adjusted my mindset to <span style="color: white;">#VacationMode</span>.</span></div><span xmlns=""><br />
</span><br />
<span xmlns=""><a href="http://urbanargyle.blogspot.com/2010/05/non-conforming-problem-with-separate.html">CONTINUE READING THIS POST</a><br />
</span><br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<div style="color: black;"><span xmlns="">If you've ever rode a train, you know there are no assigned seats. People come on and pick whatever seat they want. Luckily, there's something about a young black dude with locs seated in business class absorbed in a laptop, blackberry, and headphones that doesn't read "I feel like being bothered". If I saw some people headed my way that I thought would still try to disturb me I would quickly fake sleep. I thought if I couldn't bank on the being intimidated maybe I could bank on them not wanting to disturb me. Exhausted, over-worked, and losing sanity by the second… I just wasn't in the mood to be bothered. So, I zoned out deeper and deeper into New Amerykah…</span><br />
<span xmlns=""><br />
</span></div><div style="color: black;"><span xmlns="">About an hour I heard someone whispering my name across the aisle. Ignore it Tibias, is not really someone calling you. Finally, I looked up and realized that is wasn't my imagination. It was a friend I hadn't seen since junior high who was headed to a teaching conference. In trying to sleep and fake sleep we hadn't noticed we were feet away from each other for an hour. I also didn't notice that a new group was boarding. Before I could even go back into character an elderly black woman was asking anyone sitting in the seat beside me. She looked to be about sixty, still vibrant and beautiful, with an underlying authority in her smile that let you know she wouldn't hesitate to make you go get your own switch and beat you down with it if you crossed her. Before I could even formulate a lie, I reflexively blurted out a "No ma'am, have a seat"… see Grandma, you did raise me well. I even put her luggage up for her.</span><br />
<span xmlns=""><br />
</span></div><div style="color: black;"><span xmlns="">I love and respect elderly blacks to the utmost. They've done, experienced, and overcome so much. But, I knew today I did not have it in me. I just wanted to be alone. As she reached for her cell phone I came up with a solution: zone out. I reached for my headphones and just as I was about to hit play she says into her cell phone "Yes, I'm safe, and I'm sitting beside a VERY handsome young man" and smiled. There's nothing like perfectly timed compliment. I smiled back and tried to play it off with an "I hear this all the time" grin but I'm sure I she could see the little Rudolph running around in my head yelling "She thinks I'm cuuuute!!!".<br />
</span></div><div style="color: black;"><br />
<span xmlns="">This led to a conversation. She told me about how she was traveling to Philadelphia, very articulate. Then she asked about me. I kept it broad: Greensboro. Civil Rights Museum. Visiting home. Aggie (always have to slip that in). That led to dialogue about the importance of our story being passed down, generational mindset gaps, etc. Interestingly enough, right after she informed me that she was Allstate's first black employee in Charlotte she made a comment that stuck with me:<br />
</span></div><blockquote style="color: black;"><span xmlns=""><i>"People fail to realize that the problem with 'Separate but Equal' wasn't the part about 'Separate'. We were doctors, lawyers, teachers, and business owners well before integration… and still are, but you can't expect the media to tell our story for us. We had a strong sense of community. The problem was the 'Equal'."<br />
</i></span></blockquote><div style="color: black; text-align: center;"><span xmlns=""><span style="color: white;">*if you don't know about Plessy v. Ferguson please go #EducateYourself now*</span><br />
</span></div><div style="color: black;"><br />
<span xmlns="">Now I don't believe for one second that she meant that integration was bad. I do believe that the point she was making is that the reason "Separate but Equal" was deemed unconstitutional was because the varying conditions weren't equal. Somewhere along the way the focus was dedicated so much to eliminating the separate portion that leveling out the equal aspect got disregarded. But what do you think? Was there a problem with separate but equal? If so, was it fixed? Additionally, how does it affect life today? Has the purpose of things like HBCUs, black organizations like NSBE, Miss Black America, etc., changed?<br />
</span></div><div style="color: black;"><br />
<span xmlns="">…is it possible that on certain levels the pursuit of access and acceptance to things and situations where we were once denied led to a loss of those aspects that made us unique in the first place?</span></div><span xmlns=""></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-950005645186571293.post-25772446443862933232010-05-24T09:14:00.002-04:002010-05-24T09:18:56.672-04:00Driven: Darren Brand<meta content="text/html; charset=utf-8" http-equiv="Content-Type"></meta><meta content="Word.Document" name="ProgId"></meta><meta content="Microsoft Word 12" name="Generator"></meta><meta content="Microsoft Word 12" name="Originator"></meta><link href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CURBANA%7E1%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml" rel="File-List"></link><link href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CURBANA%7E1%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_themedata.thmx" rel="themeData"></link><link href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CURBANA%7E1%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_colorschememapping.xml" rel="colorSchemeMapping"></link><style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:1;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:0 0 0 0 0 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Calibri;
panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:swiss;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-520092929 1073786111 9 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
a:link, span.MsoHyperlink
{mso-style-priority:99;
color:blue;
mso-themecolor:hyperlink;
text-decoration:underline;
text-underline:single;}
a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed
{mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
color:purple;
mso-themecolor:followedhyperlink;
text-decoration:underline;
text-underline:single;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoPapDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
line-height:115%;}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
-->
</style> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1yxikxEn9TE1Q08C6KNhMaWkUq7CltxGRa6QiKNeJgky3-CDQeJP7n302PWzfReZx0wtS8lpi0cKJmJC_o5UoexbTzT3Yh5ae8CobKRgvQC-NMWaRUh4zGMlL5WZ_xGKUPa1rVRLpoUqz/s1600/19373_608852851953_11203642_34207090_1307264_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1yxikxEn9TE1Q08C6KNhMaWkUq7CltxGRa6QiKNeJgky3-CDQeJP7n302PWzfReZx0wtS8lpi0cKJmJC_o5UoexbTzT3Yh5ae8CobKRgvQC-NMWaRUh4zGMlL5WZ_xGKUPa1rVRLpoUqz/s400/19373_608852851953_11203642_34207090_1307264_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">"Laughter heals all." - Darren Brand</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">Darren Brand is known for his personality, passion, and distinct comedy style delivery. For anyone who has come in contact Darren, it’s easily learned that his natural aura is just as authentic and original as his comedic delivery. From the outside, it’s easy to assume that you have a general understanding of a person’s background and how they got to where they are. The bad part about this is 9 times out of 10 we’re usually wrong. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">Outside of being an outlet to thousands of people through his experience in event planning, motivational speaking, hosting, and comedy, Darren Brand has a story behind his successes. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">As a native of Southern Pines, North Carolina, Darren has had occurrences within his life that could easily cause one to detour on a path of negativity or cause a lack in enthusiasm. These two things are definitely not defined in Darren’s dictionary. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">When asked what triggered the desire of his current successes, Brand had this to say. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">“Being able to tell my story, coming up with a hard upbringing, and proving you can go to school and not quit. I use laughter to hide what I go through and it’s therapy so why not pass that along.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://urbanargyle.blogspot.com/2010/05/driven-darren-brand_24.html">CHECK OUT THE EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW!!!</a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">“Failure is not an option.” one of the quotes that Darren has used throughout his life has proven to be true as he continues on the ladder to success and pursues his dream of being a rising star.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">Darren has performed shows in Charlotte, Greensboro, Raleigh and Durham North Carolina. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Check out the website! <a href="http://www.darrenbrand.com/">http://www.darrenbrand.com</a> </div><div class="MsoNormal">For bookings, please email: <a href="mailto:noroommanagement@verizon.net">noroommanagement@verizon.net</a> </div><div class="MsoNormal">For some of Darren’s videos peep <a href="http://www.youtube.com/DarrenBrandTV">http://www.youtube.com/DarrenBrandTV</a> and be sure to follow Darren on Twitter @darrenbrand.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://urbanargyle.blogspot.com/2010/05/driven-darren-brand_24.html">CLICK HERE TO READ THE INTERVIEW</a> </div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><a name='more'></a> <meta content="text/html; charset=utf-8" http-equiv="Content-Type"></meta><meta content="Word.Document" name="ProgId"></meta><meta content="Microsoft Word 12" name="Generator"></meta><meta content="Microsoft Word 12" name="Originator"></meta><link href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CURBANA%7E1%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml" rel="File-List"></link><link href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CURBANA%7E1%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_themedata.thmx" rel="themeData"></link><link href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CURBANA%7E1%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_colorschememapping.xml" rel="colorSchemeMapping"></link><style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:1;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:0 0 0 0 0 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Calibri;
panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:swiss;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-520092929 1073786111 9 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
a:link, span.MsoHyperlink
{mso-style-priority:99;
color:blue;
mso-themecolor:hyperlink;
text-decoration:underline;
text-underline:single;}
a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed
{mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
color:purple;
mso-themecolor:followedhyperlink;
text-decoration:underline;
text-underline:single;}
p.MsoNoSpacing, li.MsoNoSpacing, div.MsoNoSpacing
{mso-style-priority:1;
mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoPapDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
line-height:115%;}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
-->
</style> <br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>So Darren, what triggered your desire for your successes so far?<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTPO87fVX-j8XhlOVhy3WKnCx7AjXtH4Z396GY060H2xe4WQbp0ZiSyXr06u1AZCzadcp2PCATVm5zjY1zRMR7vOo3aqQFC_A7Ur5lCsMSUNufmHupbLB7GcdsY8JX9E9j3o5OV9H8gUW4/s1600/19373_608857078483_11203642_34207317_4115342_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTPO87fVX-j8XhlOVhy3WKnCx7AjXtH4Z396GY060H2xe4WQbp0ZiSyXr06u1AZCzadcp2PCATVm5zjY1zRMR7vOo3aqQFC_A7Ur5lCsMSUNufmHupbLB7GcdsY8JX9E9j3o5OV9H8gUW4/s320/19373_608857078483_11203642_34207317_4115342_n.jpg" /></a><span style="color: black;">Being able to tell my story, coming with hard upbringing, and proving you can go to school and not quit. I use laughter to hide what I go through, and it’s therapy, so why not pass that along. Laughter heals all. </span><b><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>You mentioned a hard upbringing, what was your home life like growing up?<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="color: black;">Ummm… hard. My family had financial struggles. My real father used drugs. At home I had a lot of verbal abuse and drama. Even though things got out of hand, my mom instilled the idea that college was the </span><b style="color: black;">ONLY</b><span style="color: black;"> choice. Music and tv sitcoms also played a big role as my outlet. </span><b><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>What advice do you have for people who went thru what you went thru?<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: black;">One quote that got me thru it all was "failure is not an option" because I was on my own in undergrad. If I didn't finish school and find a job, I had nowhere to go. I moved out my parent’s house for good when I left for college. You also have to understand that everything isn't going to go your way. It’s going to go His way. So pray and push till you can't anymore.</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>So what made you want to chase the dream of being a comedian?<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: black;">I've always had a love for the stage. I pay a lot of respect to past comedians such as Eddie Murphy, Richard Pryor, The Wayans, Martin, and Cedric. Of course the new school: Kevin Hart, Kat Williams, Redd, Dan Cook. I've felt like I've always have had the energy and the blessings to do this. Also, with comedy, I can tap and touch a lot more people and hopefully uplift and give them guidance to go out and chase their own dreams.</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>What’s the hardest thing you've had to overcome or endure? How did you do it?<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: black;">Getting through school financially and finding out who I was. It took me 21 yrs to understand how different I am, and how I look at past experiences. I got over it by not quitting school or falling into the typical standards of a “young black man”. I also give big thanks for my support team in undergrad. Without those positive influences I wouldn't have finished.</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicbzNJZQ628VpBvp_c8EMfusypZ9PlaokBjbfTair0weQnlj7NNb4RJkRGr6Nr8-7xiW4eyZ04GVsrWgSNoFbtKuCplSHZ5P9aaX2H77qyCaQFAFU12cY4hTojkyKqABvpJPb8VZs3aSn7/s1600/19373_609392764963_11203642_34218796_7554804_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicbzNJZQ628VpBvp_c8EMfusypZ9PlaokBjbfTair0weQnlj7NNb4RJkRGr6Nr8-7xiW4eyZ04GVsrWgSNoFbtKuCplSHZ5P9aaX2H77qyCaQFAFU12cY4hTojkyKqABvpJPb8VZs3aSn7/s320/19373_609392764963_11203642_34218796_7554804_n.jpg" /></a><b>Speaking of support systems, how important do you think they are?<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: black;">You can't make it on your own. When I grew tired or fed up, my support system was there to push me when I couldn't do it alone. It is always good to have that person, or people, there to bring you back to reality, to lift you up, and just keep it real about your dream, your craft, or you as a person individually.</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>Where can people check out Darren Brand?<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="http://www.darrenbrand.com/">www.darrenbrand.com</a>, follow me on Twitter @darrenbrand , and darrenbrandtv on YouTube.</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>Could you give us a list of everything you were involved in while at North Carolina A&T State University? Just to give us an idea of how flexible you were during the hard times as a student there.<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: black;">Campus Life Mentors, Aggie Maniacs , Orientation Counselor, Student Government-Vice President of External Affairs, “Unofficial” Mr. Aggie, President of 910 Club-Hometown Organization, Couture Productions Member</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>Whew, wow that was a lot! So Darren, what's next for you?<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: black;">Wherever my God and my dream take me</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>Next show?<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: black;">June 20th at The Comedy Zone in Greensboro, NC</div><br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-950005645186571293.post-65809125086543962142010-04-16T20:15:00.004-04:002010-04-16T20:28:52.585-04:00Non-Conforming: Trail of Dreams<div style="text-align: center;"><span xmlns=""><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i672.photobucket.com/albums/vv85/ataggie08/trailofdreamsarticle-1.jpg" /></span></div><div style="color: black;"></div><div style="color: #073763;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #073763; text-align: justify;"><span xmlns="">"<span style="color: white;">Thank you</span> to all who have dared to believe in what many call our "insanity". – <span style="color: white;">Trail of Dreams</span><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #073763; text-align: justify;"><br />
<span xmlns="">Let's talk about dreams. Some people dream about hitting the lottery, some want to make it big in the entertainment industry, and others just want to live a normal life, a life of equality. We all know it takes action for our dreams to become a reality. </span></div><div style="color: #073763; text-align: justify;"><span xmlns=""><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span xmlns=""><span style="color: #073763;">Four students from Florida, <span style="color: #f1c232;">Felipe Matos</span>, <span style="color: #f1c232;">Gaby Pacheco</span>, <span style="color: #f1c232;">Carlos Roa</span>, and <span style="color: #f1c232;">Juan Rodriguez</span> have made it their mission to walk<span style="color: white;"> from Florida to Washington, D.C.</span> to fend for the right of U.S. Citizenship. The walk is named the "Trail of Dreams". All four have had the opportunity to attend college, gain exceptional insight to what motivates them but will never have the chance to share that because of their not being a U.S. Citizen.</span> ( <a href="http://www.trail2010.org/about/">http://www.trail2010.org/about/</a>) .</span></div><div style="color: #073763; text-align: justify;"><span xmlns=""><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #073763; text-align: justify;"><span xmlns="">I had the opportunity to spend a whole day with them when they came to Greensboro. They went on a tour of the International Civil Rights Center & Museum and were moved by how much the struggles of the civil rights movement paralleled their struggle. As an added bonus, I took them to the campus of North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University to show them the statue and bullet holes in the wall.</span><br />
<span xmlns=""><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span xmlns=""><span style="color: #073763;">These students are making moves! They are gaining a buzz amongst the media and making their presence known. Who knows, you may spot them and want to join the movement! Check out the route of the trail here </span>(<a href="http://www.trail2010.org/route/">http://www.trail2010.org/route/</a>) <br />
</span></div><span xmlns=""></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-950005645186571293.post-37735195690951443412010-04-02T16:03:00.005-04:002010-04-02T16:13:06.957-04:00Socially Conscious: Ignite Greensboro<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i672.photobucket.com/albums/vv85/ataggie08/ignitegreensboro.jpg" /></div><div style="color: black;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="color: white; text-align: justify;"><b><span xmlns=""><br />
</span></b></div><div style="color: white; text-align: justify;"><b><span xmlns=""><b>"Be the change you wish to see in the world." - Mahatma Gandhi<br />
</b></span><b></b></b></div><div style="color: white; text-align: justify;"><b><b><br />
</b></b></div><div style="color: white; text-align: justify;"><b><b><span xmlns="">Ignite Greensboro is an organization dedicated to a vision of change. Known for its efforts of bridging the gap between college students and the community of Greensboro, NC, Ignite Greensboro has made it a goal to actively craft student awareness in the culture and history of the city of Greensboro. <br />
</span></b></b></div><div style="color: white; text-align: justify;"><b><b><br />
</b></b></div><div style="color: white; text-align: justify;"><b><b><span xmlns="">Service, scholarship, and speaking engagements are on this dynamic organizations agenda. You may spot Ignite doing exhibitions on your college campus and even catch them in the press. Check out this article on how Ignite and others saved a community $60,000 dollars in energy costs. (<a href="http://www.yesweekly.com/article-8349-news.html"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">www.yesweekly.com/article-8349-news.html</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">), <br />
</span></span></b></b></div><div style="color: white; text-align: justify;"><b><b><br />
</b></b></div><div style="color: white; text-align: justify;"><b><span xmlns=""><b>So how can you be a part of the change? Start now! Ignite Greensboro week kicks off on Tuesday April 6<sup>th</sup>. </b><br />
</span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span xmlns=""><br />
</span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><b><a href="http://urbanargyle.blogspot.com/2010/04/socially-conscious-ignite-greensboro.html"><span xmlns="">CONTINUE READING THIS ARTICLE --------------------------------------------------->>>>></span></a></b></b></div><b><span xmlns=""><br />
</span></b><br />
<b><span xmlns=""></span></b><span xmlns=""><br />
</span><br />
<span xmlns=""></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span xmlns=""><b>Ignite Greensboro WEEK 2010 (April 6-9)<br />
</b></span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span xmlns=""><b><span style="color: #262626;">Tuesday, April 6th: </span><br />
</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span xmlns=""><span style="color: #262626;"><b>City-Wide Voter Registration:</b> 11am-2pm on the campuses of Guilford College, UNCG, and NCAT and <b>Ignite Greensboro goes to the International Civil Rights Center and Museum</b>- 4 pm</span><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span xmlns=""><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span xmlns=""><span style="color: #262626;">Voter Registration is for the upcoming primaries on May 4, 2010. We are partnering with Voter Advocacy Now, Project Haiti of A&T and C.H.A.N.G.E. of Guilford College.<br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span xmlns=""><span style="color: #262626;">Come out and help register people to vote or get registered yourself!<br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span xmlns=""><span style="color: #262626;"><b>Contacts for each College/University:<br />
</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span xmlns=""><span style="color: #262626;">Scolvin-jones@ignitegreensboro.org -UNCG<br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span xmlns=""><a href="mailto:cbrown@ignitegreensboro.org"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">cbrown@ignitegreensboro.org</span></a><span style="color: #262626;"> -NCAT<br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span xmlns=""><a href="mailto:woodjh@guilford.edu"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">woodjh@guilford.edu</span></a><span style="color: #262626;"> -Guilford</span><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span xmlns=""><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span xmlns=""><i><span style="color: #262626;">Later in the day we will be visiting the International Civil Rights Museum!</span><br />
</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span xmlns=""> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span xmlns=""><span style="color: #262626;">Have you ever wanted to visit the museum?<br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span xmlns=""><span style="color: #262626;">Now, here is your chance…<br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span xmlns=""><span style="color: #262626;">Bring $5 and an open mind!<br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span xmlns=""><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span xmlns=""><span style="color: #262626;">The International Civil Rights Center & Museum is an archival center, collecting museum and teaching facility devoted to the international struggle for civil and human rights. The Museum celebrates the nonviolent protests of the 1960 Greensboro sit-ins, which served as a catalyst in the civil rights movement.<br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span xmlns=""> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span xmlns=""><span style="color: #262626;">The Museum complex includes 30,000 square feet of exhibit space and is located in the historic 1929 F.W. Woolworth building in Greensboro, N.C. We will meet DOWNTOWN at the museum-- 134 S. Elm Street<br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span xmlns=""><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span xmlns=""><b><span style="color: #262626;">Wednesday, April 7, 2010: </span><br />
</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span xmlns=""><span style="color: #262626;"><b>Ignite Greensboro Presents: 9500 Liberty, The Documentary</b></span><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span xmlns=""> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span xmlns=""><span style="color: #262626;">A MUST SEE DOCUMENTARY.<br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span xmlns=""><span style="color: #262626;">Prince William County, Virginia becomes ground zero in America's explosive battle over immigration policy when elected officials adopt a law requiring police officers to question anyone they have "probable cause" to suspect is an undocumented immigrant.<br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span xmlns=""><span style="color: #262626;">9500 Liberty reveals the startling vulnerability of a local government, targeted by national anti-immigration networks using the Internet to frighten and intimidate lawmakers and citizens. Alarmed by a climate of fear and racial division, residents form a resistance using YouTube videos and virtual town halls, setting up a real-life showdown in the seat of county government.<br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span xmlns=""> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span xmlns=""><span style="color: #262626;">If you want to learn about how such a law was implemented in PW County and be inspired by the people who fought back, this is a must-attend event for you!!<br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span xmlns=""> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span xmlns=""><span style="color: #262626;">FOOD WILL BE SERVED.</span><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span xmlns=""> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span xmlns=""><b><span style="color: #262626;">Thursday, April 8:</span><br />
</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span xmlns=""><span style="color: #262626;"><b>Photography in the City: The Black Marker Project- 11am-2 pm</b><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span xmlns=""> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span xmlns=""><span style="color: #262626;">Do you have a camera?<br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span xmlns=""><span style="color: #262626;">Are you photogenic?<br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span xmlns=""><span style="color: #262626;">Would you like to meet new people?<br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span xmlns=""> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span xmlns=""><span style="color: #262626;">The Black Marker Project is a visually expressive project where participants will be asked to answer one of the following questions:<br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span xmlns=""><span style="color: #262626;">1) What does ownership mean to you?<br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span xmlns=""><span style="color: #262626;">2) What does knowledge mean to you?<br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span xmlns=""> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span xmlns=""><span style="color: #262626;">They will then take the dry erase board and the black marker provided and in two words or less, write what their chosen question means to them. We will have two locations for this project. Please meet at one of these locations:.<br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span xmlns=""> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span xmlns=""><span style="color: #262626;">1.NCA&T Memorial Union; Contact: Rachel Propst (rpropst@ignitegreensboro.org)<br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span xmlns=""><span style="color: #262626;">2.Center City Park; Contact: Cherrell Brown (cbrown@ignitegreensboro.org)</span><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span xmlns=""> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span xmlns=""><b><span style="color: #262626;">Friday, April 9:</span><br />
</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span xmlns=""><b><span style="color: #262626;">Ignite Greensboro Multi-Issue Flash Mob-4 p.m.</span><br />
</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span xmlns=""> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span xmlns=""><span style="color: #262626;">A flash mob is a fun social experiment that raises awareness about a particular issue. It can also be completely random.<br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span xmlns=""> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span xmlns=""><span style="color: #262626;">We will be freezing, (and moving) to raise awareness about issues such as: The White Street Landfill, Student Loan Reform and Racial Profiling.<br />
</span></span></div><span xmlns=""><br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span xmlns=""><span style="color: #262626;">Come out and participate in what promises to be an AMAZING experience! We will take the four corners of a downtown intersection and assign an issue to each corner.<br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span xmlns=""> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span xmlns=""><span style="color: #262626;">Props needed: Caps and Gowns, trash bags, gym clothes and<br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span xmlns=""><span style="color: #262626;">laboratory gloves and masks.<br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span xmlns=""> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span xmlns=""><span style="color: #262626;">We will meet at the intersection of Elm Street and Friendly Avenue, Downtown Greensboro.<br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span xmlns=""><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span xmlns=""><span style="color: #262626;">Bring a friend!<br />
</span></span></div><span xmlns=""> </span><br />
<span xmlns=""><i><span style="color: #262626;">(Ignite Greensboro Week content courtesy of <a href="http://www.ignitegreensboro.org/"></a></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://www.ignitegreensboro.org/">www.ignitegreensboro.org<span style="color: #262626;"> ) <br />
</span></a></span><a href="http://www.ignitegreensboro.org/"></a></i></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><br />
</span><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">So how can you get involved? Visit:</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span><a href="http://www.ignitegreensboro.org/"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">www.ignitegreensboro.org</span></a> or contact Zim Ugochukwu at <a href="mailto:ignitegreensboro@gmail.com"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">ignitegreensboro@gmail.com</span></a></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span xmlns="">Zim Ugochukwu has been a driving force for Ignite Greensboro from its early stages in 2009 to present day. (Check out Zim's interview!!) </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span xmlns=""><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span xmlns=""><object height="385" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/6uCxpYcZHhY&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/6uCxpYcZHhY&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="450" height="300"></embed></object><br />
</span></div><span xmlns=""><br />
</span><br />
<span xmlns=""></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-950005645186571293.post-18811239587787108592010-03-14T22:40:00.013-04:002010-03-15T11:44:56.952-04:00Driven: John Holland<div style="text-align: center;"><span xmlns=""><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i672.photobucket.com/albums/vv85/ataggie08/HEEADER2-1.jpg" /></span></div><span xmlns=""><br />
</span><br />
<span xmlns=""><b>"…Concept of school seems so Secure? " – Kanye West<br />
</b></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span xmlns="">John Holland is the founder of Green Bench Productions, a company notorious for its "On the Edge" comedy through skits, commercials, shows, and videos. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span xmlns=""><br />
</span></div><span xmlns="">Starting out as a Business major at North Carolina A&T State University, Holland was soon to find out his passion was in Broadcast Production. Shortly after his sketch "The Blocker" Green Bench started to create a major buzz amongst its audience leading to a variety of more side-splitting and highly amusing productions.</span><br />
<span xmlns=""><br />
</span><br />
<span xmlns="">Today the Green Bench crew has proposed their work to cable networks such as BET, MTV, and Comedy Central. At the present time Holland and the Green Bench team have set aside the norm of pursuing a career by moving to Los Angeles, CA where they continue to pursue their dream.<br />
</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://urbanargyle.blogspot.com/2010/03/driven-john-holland.html"><span xmlns=""><b>Check out the interview>>>>>>></b></span></a><br />
<span xmlns=""><b></b></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span xmlns=""><b></b></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><b>What is the name of your company and how long have you been in the business?<br />
</b></span><br />
<div style="color: black;"><span xmlns="">My company is called Green Bench Productions, inspired by the green bench I used to sit on in high school and write commercials with my friend, Jamal Whitted, for the morning news show. The first project we did was a memorial video for 9/11 a few days after it happened, and that kicked off the Green Bench "movement".<br />
</span></div><br />
<span xmlns=""><b>What was your inspiration or motivation for starting?<br />
</b></span><br />
<div style="color: black;"><span xmlns="">My motivation stems from my love for creativity. I've always been involved in the arts, from painting to music, but video allowed me to mix it all and it really took off from there. Plus, I'm not a fan of the 9-5 work thing, and part of me wanted to have control of my own work, so after college I set out to just be able to work for myself comfortably out of my house. <br />
</span></div><br />
<span xmlns=""><b>How did the concept of your company come about?<br />
</b></span><br />
<div style="color: black;"><span xmlns="">My high school had a very advanced television program, and I was part of the team that created the morning commercials. They were essentially the beginning stages of my sketch comedy writing. Our schools colors were green and gold, so subsequently everything was painted that way. Outside of our television studio was a Green Bench that we'd break too when we wanted to brain storm ideas. Green Bench became the label we called ourselves. </span><br />
<span xmlns=""><br />
</span></div><div style="color: black;"><span xmlns="">I never thought of making it a company until later down the road; however the name was so catchy, that when I started experimenting with video after high school, it was the first name I wanted to use. <br />
</span></div><div style="color: black;"><span xmlns="">Originally I just wanted to make sketches, but then people started asking me to do other things like music videos and commercials…and they wanted to pay! I realized I could get paid to do what I would have already done for free, and thus my business mind began growing.<br />
</span></div><br />
<span xmlns=""><b>How's life in Los Angeles and what made you decide to pick up and move there? Has it created a weird work/sleep schedule?<br />
</b></span><br />
<div style="color: black;"><span xmlns="">Life in Los Angeles is good now. For a while it was pretty rough and almost discouraging. You'll hear a lot of hopeless stories from people and see a lot of things that make you feel like you're in the wrong place. It's definitely a lot different from North Carolina! I had always wanted to live in LA and originally wanted to do it right after college, but when business took off, I decided to stay in NC for a while. Then in September of 2008, I went to LA to pitch our TV show and knew right after that I need to be in LA if I was ever going to take the next step, so one day in December, I was hanging with my business partners and just randomly blurted out, "I'm moving to LA", and they were like "Cool, us too", and that night we picked a date to move and began planning.<br />
</span></div><div style="color: black;"><br />
<span xmlns="">To make it out here definitely means you have to step outside of your comfort zone. I'm used to being financially stable and handling my obligations, but LA got me to the point where I contemplated going back home. Of course things are a lot better, but you can't let any of the situations deter you from the big picture. </span><br />
<br />
<span xmlns="">Everyone says it takes about 6 months of hell before you finally stabilize out here, but after that it's just a matter of putting yourself out here and doing what you have to do in order to do what you want to do. Right now I freelance in video, but I'm also working two jobs, one at The Gap and the other at the W Hotel. It's a very humbling experience to going from a cozy, entrepreneurship lifestyle to working a regular job where the pay may not be good and the hours are long, but I have to do it in order to keep the dream going, even if that means working from 11pm to 7am and then going to my second job from 10am to 4pm. Sleep when you're dead is what they always say!<br />
</span></div><br />
<span xmlns=""><b>Where do you see yourself in 5 years?<br />
</b></span><br />
<div style="color: black;"><span xmlns="">In 5 years I hope to have my business flourishing triple what it was back in NC. I hope that Green Bench would have had at least one run on a television network, even if it's just one season and then canceled. I'd like to have established some respect for us as comedians in the world of comedy. I'm not in it for the fame or the money, just the love of doing it, and being able to hang out with my best friends for a living. Whether it's $50,000 year or $5,000,000 a year, I'll be content with it as long as I'm doing my own thing!<br />
</span></div><br />
<span xmlns=""><b>What encouraging words do you have for other's that would like to chase their dream job, but are too nervous to take the first step?<br />
</b></span><br />
<div style="color: black;"><span xmlns="">I always tell people that you don't want to be 50 years old wondering what would have happened if you had followed through with your dream. Never fear the unknown! If you dream to do something, then go for it! A lot of people are afraid of failure, but we're young! We're supposed to fall down and get back up. That's the human experience. If it doesn't work out, figure out why and go after it again. A dream should never stop. If tomorrow I woke up with no money, no clothes, and somehow my apartment disappeared, I would just come back home, restock my money and do it all over again! <br />
</span></div><div style="color: black;"><br />
<span xmlns="">Don't be afraid to leave your comfort zone or even make a sacrifice. I live in a studio apartment with 5 other grown men on air mattresses, which is a complete 180 from my master bedroom, queen bed and big screen TV back home. It's all worth it in the end (and makes a great Oprah story). Nothing is ever below you when it comes down to it. <br />
</span></div><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="color: black;">Lastly, find people who believe in you. Some will tell you that you shouldn't, while others may say you can't. Find at least that one person who believes in you and build from there. Even if you're parents, girlfriend, wife, brother, whoever says no! Go for it! It's your life and you write the story for it!</span><br />
</span><br />
<br />
<span xmlns=""><b>Where can readers go to see your recent and past production pieces?<br />
</b></span><br />
<div style="color: black;"><span xmlns="">You can see our comedy sketches and shows at www.greenbench.tv and our music video and commercial work at <a href="http://www.youtube.com/greenbench">www.youtube.com/greenbench</a>.<br />
</span></div><div style="color: black;"><br />
<span xmlns="">Also, we are avid tweeters (@GreenbenchTV) and feel free to look us up on Facebook and ask any questions! I love to educate the masses!<br />
</span></div><br />
<span xmlns="">Green Bench TV | lol @ Greenbench.tv|www.greenbench.tv<br />
</span><br />
<br />
<span xmlns="">AS SEEN ON TV: Clippers starting point guard, Baron Davis, sells the key to his swagger: HIS BEARD! Take advantage of this limited time offer to own your own BOOMS BEARD! ACT NOW!</span><br />
<span xmlns=""><br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span xmlns=""><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/jwmtgD7DW_0&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/jwmtgD7DW_0&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br />
</span></div><span xmlns=""></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-950005645186571293.post-6545645827852626912010-01-24T22:47:00.001-05:002010-01-24T22:49:56.308-05:00Campus Scene: 4US T-shirts<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i672.photobucket.com/albums/vv85/ataggie08/4UStshirt.jpg" /><br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: justify;">On February 1, 1960 four NCA&T freshman committed an act that served as a catalyst for the non-violent protests of the civil rights movement. Four decades later… we are still reaping the benefits.<br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: justify;">In 2006, the Student Government Association members decided there needed to be some type of commemorative initiative that was completely student-driven. It was decided that different products would be created with a logo that symbolized a conscious acknowledgement and thank you to anyone who’d made a sacrifice during the civil rights movement. The logo that was created was the “4US” logo, and proceeds from sells of the different items were donated to The International Civil Rights Center and Museum. Additionally, there would be a student march from the A&T Four statue on campus to the site of the sit-ins.<br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: justify;">Now 2010, four years into the initiative, The International Civil Rights Center and Museum is opening its doors. A five-day long celebration leading to the opening culminates, appropriately, with this same student march.<br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: justify;">If you are interested in purchasing your own shirt to show your support you can order online <a href="http://urbanargyle.bigcartel.com/"><b>HERE</b></a>, proceeds are donated to The International Civil Rights Center and Museum and towards the costs of the February One Celebration events.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>PICTURES FROM PREVIOUS MARCHES:</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i672.photobucket.com/albums/vv85/ataggie08/crowd.jpg" /><br />
<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i672.photobucket.com/albums/vv85/ataggie08/leavingdudley.jpg" /><br />
<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i672.photobucket.com/albums/vv85/ataggie08/museumopen.jpg" /><br />
<br />
<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i672.photobucket.com/albums/vv85/ataggie08/deltas.jpg" /><br />
<br />
<br />
<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i672.photobucket.com/albums/vv85/ataggie08/sargejackson.jpg" /><br />
<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i672.photobucket.com/albums/vv85/ataggie08/strolloff.jpg" /><br />
<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i672.photobucket.com/albums/vv85/ataggie08/thornethomasmicrophone.jpg" /><br />
<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i672.photobucket.com/albums/vv85/ataggie08/yolanda.jpg" /><br />
<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-950005645186571293.post-39324072059030867792010-01-01T19:09:00.018-05:002010-01-03T20:42:55.359-05:00Non-Conforming: The Meaning Behind February One<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i672.photobucket.com/albums/vv85/ataggie08/feb1banner.jpg" /><br />
</div><br />
<div style="color: #444444;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">On February 1st, 1960, four freshman students from </span><b style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">NORTH CAROLINA AGRICULTURAL & TECHNICAL STATE UNIVERSITY</b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> started what would be the most successful non-violent protest. These four students started what would be referred to as the Sit-In Movement by sitting at the segregated counters of F.W. Woolworth building and refusing to move until they were served. This is the story in it's simplest form... I encourage you to do individual research to learn more about this great story.</span><br />
</div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
</div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Fifty years to the date, the International Civil Rights Center & Museum (ICRCM) will have it's grand opening on February 1st, 2010 in the exact same building.</span><br />
</div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: justify;"><b><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1262402459270"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></a></b><br />
</div><div style="color: black; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://urbanargyle.blogspot.com/2010/01/non-conforming-meaning-behind-febrary.html">READ MORE ABOUT THE MUSEUM AND GRAND OPENING ACTIVITIES ---></a></span></b><br />
</div><div style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
</div><div style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span><br />
</div><a name='more'></a><div style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
</div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It has been a long struggle to get the museum up and running. Everything from potential demolish, infrastructure problems, and hefty funding issues have plagued the progress of this museum. However, just as the members of the Civil Rights Movement, the museum has overcome. The ICRCM has developed into a 43,000 square foot facility featuring the original stools where The Four sat, 14 signature exhibits, a state of the art auditorium and much more (see <a href="http://www.sitinmovement.org/files/ICRCM-Fact-Sheet.pdf">here</a>). </span><br />
</div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
</div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The grand opening of this museum will be the most profound moment in American history since the inauguration of President Barack Obama, featuring an unprecedented 5-day long celebration leading up to February One which will be covered by international media outlets.</span><br />
</div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
</div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The following is a brief overview of the events that The International Civil Rights Museum, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Guildford County Schools, The City of Greensboro, and Bennett College have partnered together to execute. For more information you can visit <a href="http://www.ncat.edu/">NCA&T's</a> or <a href="http://www.sitinmovement.org/">ICRCM's</a> websites.</span><br />
</div><div style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
</div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>January 28, 2010</b></span><br />
</div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">6pm: NCA&T Alumni Events Center<br />
</span><br />
</div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Town Hall Meeting</span><br />
</div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">21st Century Activism & Protests: The State of the Civil Rights Movement</span><br />
</div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Confirmed featured Panelists Include:</span><br />
</div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Moderator: Ed Gordon</span><br />
</div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Rev. Jesse Jackson (President, Rainbow Push)</span><br />
</div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Rev. Al Sharpotn (President, National Action Network)</span><br />
</div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Dr. Benjamin Chavis (President and CEO, Hip Hop Action Network)</span><br />
</div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Dr. Julianne Malveaux (President, Bennett College)</span><br />
</div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Warren Ballentine, Political Activist and Radio Talk Show Host</span><br />
</div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Stephen A Smith, Media Personality</span><br />
</div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">**various collegiate leaders</span><br />
</div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
</div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>January 29, 2010</b></span><br />
</div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">7pm: Harrison Auditorium (NCA&TSU)</span><br />
</div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The Emmitt Till Story</span><br />
</div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
</div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>January 30, 2010</b></span><br />
</div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">7pm: The Joseph F. Koury Convention Center (Guilford Ballroom)</span><br />
</div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b> </b><br />
</span><br />
</div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b> </b>Award Recipient Julian Bond (Chairman of the National NAACP)</span><br />
</div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Award Recipient Tom Joyner</span><br />
</div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">**Extensive list of former award recipients for induction ceremony including Dr. Maya Angelou, Cicely Tyson, Harry Belafonte, and many more renowned leaders.</span><br />
</div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
</div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">***FYI: Downtown Greensboro shuts down Sunday night and will not reopen until the Commemorative march is completed Monday Afternoon, plan accordingly.</span><br />
</div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
</div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
</div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>January 31, 2010</b></span><br />
</div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">6pm: A Celebration of Unity Ecumenical Service</span><br />
</div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b> </b>Greensboro Coliseum</span><br />
</div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
</div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">With performances by Award-winning gospel singer Yolanda Adams and a mass collegiate/community choir.</span><br />
</div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
</div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Also messages from nationally renowned ministers (Jamal Bryant, Fred Goodman, Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson, and more)</span><br />
</div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
</div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>February 1, 2010</b></span><br />
</div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">5:30am: Sit-In Anniversary Breakfast</span><br />
</div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Empire Ballroom and Regency Room</span><br />
</div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">8:00am: Ribbon Cutting Ceremony</span><br />
</div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The International Civil Rights Center & Museum</span><br />
</div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
</div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">12:00pm: Commemorative March</span><br />
</div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Assembly at A&T Four Statue</span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b style="color: #444444;">**more information about the march COMING SOON</b><br />
</span><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-950005645186571293.post-15465339910614017762009-12-08T20:58:00.010-05:002010-01-02T18:03:16.760-05:00Educated : Just Us Books<div style="text-align: center;"><c><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i672.photobucket.com/albums/vv85/ataggie08/justusbanner.jpg" /></c><br />
</div><br />
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><t><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">t wasn't until I was older that I could fully appreciate seeing black mothers doing thing like making sure they bought their daughters black barbies. I didn't realize how powerful subliminal messages about beauty, inferiority, image, and everything in between could so easily be ingrained in the mild of a child. Now I know better... and that's the reason why I am feel so good about writing this post.</span></span></t><br />
</div><div style="color: #073763; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><t><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </t></span><br />
</div><div style="color: #073763; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><t><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Just Us Books is a publishing company dedicated to </span></t></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">producing positive, vibrant Black-interest books. This company was started and is ran by the husband and wife team Wade and Cheryl Hudson. Check out their site for more info at www.justusbooks.com, it's the perfect gift for a younger sibling, cousin, niece, nephew, friend, neighbor, or anybody.</span></span><br />
</span></span><br />
</div><div style="color: #073763; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
</div><div style="color: #073763; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1260323940891"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://urbanargyle.blogspot.com/2009/12/educated-just-us-books.html"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>...VIEW SOME OF THE TITLES --></b></span></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b></b></span><br />
</div><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b></b></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b></b></span><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Some of their titles include:</b></span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Afro-Bets Kids</b></span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b><img alt="AFRO-BETS: Coloring and Activity Book by Dwayne Ferguson" src="http://www.justusbooks.com/modules/shop/images/ABK-Activity-Book.jpg" /></b></span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Bright Eyes, Brown Skin</b></span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b> <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-weight: normal;"><img alt="Bright Eyes, Brown Skin by Cheryl W. Hudson (Paper Back)" height="200" src="http://www.justusbooks.com/modules/shop/images/Bright-Eyes-Brown-Skin.jpg" width="200" /></span></b></span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #073763;">Baby Jesus Like my Brother</span></b></span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Baby Jesus Like my Brother by Margery Brown(Paper Back)" height="154" src="http://www.justusbooks.com/modules/shop/images/Baby-Jesus.jpg" width="200" /><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The Secret Olivia Told Me</span></b></span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="The Secret Olivia Told Me by N. Joy" src="http://www.justusbooks.com/modules/shop/images/The-Secret-Olivia-Told-Me.jpg" /><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #073763;"><b>Kid Caramel</b></span></span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Kid Caramel: The Werewolf Of PS 40 by Dwayne Ferguson" height="200" src="http://www.justusbooks.com/modules/shop/images/Kid-Caramel_The-Werewolf-of-PS-40.jpg" width="200" /><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #073763;">New Guys Around the Block</span></b></span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="New Guys Around the Block by Rosa Guy" height="200" src="http://www.justusbooks.com/modules/shop/images/Rosie-Guy_New-Guys.jpg" width="200" /><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-950005645186571293.post-44938243951077726772009-12-08T20:53:00.010-05:002010-01-03T20:38:01.389-05:00Socially Conscious : BCEApparel<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i672.photobucket.com/albums/vv85/ataggie08/bcebanner.jpg" /><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><b></b></span><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMZFsNosei_cfyM81kchdAvuN1llVC_0bFhOxuH1JTCBGJvaz1qXWn_D2x9t3oCotErYZVwsmny5aC971HlEV4x8wP6ZHLOu-FwlFHjp3zpfbfz-AUf3_q_2lf-NbOSEby_3keSF8n2eQE/s1600-h/Sealw_Tagline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #073763;"><b></b></span></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><b> </b></span><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><t><span style="color: #073763;">I</span><span style="color: #073763;">n a world where it's the norm amongst the masses to equate "minority" to "inferiority", the examples of quality promotion or pride in differences are few and far between. Every blue moon our community comes upon an entity that completes the process of transforming a dream or idea into stable, tangible, and even legal form. Black College Expressons, </span><span style="color: #073763;">Inc</span><span style="color: #073763;">. [@BCEApparel] creates clothing that illustrates the Pride their consumers possess for their respective HBCUs, sororities, and fraternities. The company stands on the principles of "Pride", "Style", and "Swagger". Visit their website for more details at http://www.blackcollegeexpressions.com/</span></t><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><t><span style="color: #073763;">We also got a chance to catch up with the owner of BCE Apparel, read the interview below:</span></t><br />
<br />
<br />
<t><span style="color: #073763;"><b><a href="http://urbanargyle.blogspot.com/2009/12/socially-conscious-bceapparel.html">READ THE INTERVIEW ---></a> </b></span></t><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><t><span style="color: #073763;"><b><br />
</b></span></t><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><t><span style="color: #073763;"><b> </b></span></t><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="color: #073763;"><b> </b></span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><t><span style="color: #073763;"><b></b></span></t><t><span style="color: #073763;"><b></b></span></t><br />
</div><div class="im"><div>What is the name of your company?<br />
</div><div style="background-color: white;"><br />
</div></div><div style="background-color: #073763; color: white;">Optimal Investment Strategists & Black College Expressions, Inc.<br />
<br />
</div><div class="im"><div><br />
<br />
</div></div><div class="im"><div>What was your motivation behind starting?<br />
</div><div><br />
</div></div><div style="background-color: #073763; color: white;">Optimal Investment Strategists - My love for investing Black College Expressions, Inc. - The constant disrespect and disregard towards individuals that received their education from black colleges by Anglo-saxon counterparts that attended "glory" schools. <br />
<br />
</div><div class="im"><div><br />
<br />
</div><div>How long have you been in business?<br />
</div><div><br />
</div></div><div style="background-color: #073763; color: white;">Optimal Investment Strategists - 2 1/2 years<br />
</div><div style="background-color: #073763; color: white;">Black College Expressions, Inc. - 6 months<br />
<br />
</div><div class="im"><div><br />
</div><div>What are some things you will be doing in the future?<br />
</div><div><br />
</div></div><div><span style="color: red;"><span style="background-color: #073763; color: white;">Optimal Investment Strategists - Buying a screen print company to take advantage of economies of scale for Black College Expressions. Black College Expressions, Inc. - Doing a grassroots style campaign at HBCUs in an attempt to raise the awareness of the demise our universities are facing and how Black College Expressions is working to maintain the legacy of our HBCUs. </span><br />
</span><br />
</div><div class="im"><div><br />
<br />
</div><div>What advice do you have for any other young, black entrepreneurs?<br />
</div><div><br />
</div></div><div style="background-color: #073763; color: white;">Dream big, and execute to that level. The same amount of energy it takes to dream small, it takes to dream big.<br />
</div><div style="background-color: #073763; color: white;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: #073763; color: white;">Obstacles are inevitable. They are there to test your appetite for being an entrepreneur and to teach you to resolve complex problems that will and do arise. Further establishing and maintaining your faith in God will take you further than any place you can dream of; don't second guess Him...trust Him.<br />
</div><span style="background-color: #073763; color: #073763;"> </span><br />
<t><span style="color: #073763;"> <br />
</span></t><br />
<t><span style="color: #073763;"> <b><br />
</b></span></t><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-950005645186571293.post-72436230543618883702009-12-08T20:46:00.014-05:002010-01-02T18:02:26.814-05:00Stylish : Allan.Marco<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i672.photobucket.com/albums/vv85/ataggie08/allanmarcobanner.jpg" /><br />
</div><br />
<div style="color: #073763; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Allan.Marco is an up and coming clothing line created by Marcus Cobb. A line that caters to the "Urban Sophisticate" with a mission of creating ready to wear fashions for men and women, not only to make them look their best, but to project self-acceptance and enhance confidence. The product line includes bow ties, vests, graphic tees, and customized pieces. Check out a few pieces</span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">:</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://urbanargyle.blogspot.com/2009/12/stylish-allanmarco.html"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">VIEW PIECES</span>----></b></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<br />
</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3AZyRiRV9CRlMtsyBIzzUxmwdYHUWjplUXB6CYH0VlMkxOsxgFz8-jeV-BNIc7U3KN87GIGsplxMBh0kEZmDsvB5Okaafb-GmxMMQjqTfkzvstuixP6dmh9VZMU96lkusUiHhNrXBRvXk/s1600-h/am1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3AZyRiRV9CRlMtsyBIzzUxmwdYHUWjplUXB6CYH0VlMkxOsxgFz8-jeV-BNIc7U3KN87GIGsplxMBh0kEZmDsvB5Okaafb-GmxMMQjqTfkzvstuixP6dmh9VZMU96lkusUiHhNrXBRvXk/s320/am1.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8VdjSMLXuRFbffg-flYmSYlDw-y3dMvXGjqKbkJUxp2EK2LsO6JGhi0IPbnWVziexHP6QZXJ3X5xjWpQ9vHaVf_NcRrs6_mtYa0HDpR9euQPM2iPT4aI1hzhsdTvZfPCoS7BQHUsgc2ha/s1600-h/am2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8VdjSMLXuRFbffg-flYmSYlDw-y3dMvXGjqKbkJUxp2EK2LsO6JGhi0IPbnWVziexHP6QZXJ3X5xjWpQ9vHaVf_NcRrs6_mtYa0HDpR9euQPM2iPT4aI1hzhsdTvZfPCoS7BQHUsgc2ha/s320/am2.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbpoJZzeNd05H1fPHdQt1CpE4eq5DZu293Arfz434IXRoauEEKLEEOJi3e44RrB7IeTGG_N6Qknbbm2cKbonMoKSsSLDVDhh3bB_rKmwLB4R3OekJHTDs306LLe_RhhyphenhyphenIfHcp5Eq71Hg2x/s1600-h/am3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbpoJZzeNd05H1fPHdQt1CpE4eq5DZu293Arfz434IXRoauEEKLEEOJi3e44RrB7IeTGG_N6Qknbbm2cKbonMoKSsSLDVDhh3bB_rKmwLB4R3OekJHTDs306LLe_RhhyphenhyphenIfHcp5Eq71Hg2x/s320/am3.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM96OBwwnSjeNuLZKY3MxbEqIoEZptfdbbTU7ojAazZeVjvKlFUe9O89lpjCARHLyfIAlaUiXA_C17osjgbaYs5F9FbKbMKd5E5H7SUZOYGGtf-ZsAJfl_PPbg8-0F7s0d1JDqYGuy_zyn/s1600-h/am4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM96OBwwnSjeNuLZKY3MxbEqIoEZptfdbbTU7ojAazZeVjvKlFUe9O89lpjCARHLyfIAlaUiXA_C17osjgbaYs5F9FbKbMKd5E5H7SUZOYGGtf-ZsAJfl_PPbg8-0F7s0d1JDqYGuy_zyn/s320/am4.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #073763;">For more information or requests, you can email Allan.Marco84@gmail.com</span></span><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-950005645186571293.post-8832058567708038112009-12-08T20:40:00.018-05:002010-01-03T23:50:07.342-05:00Driven : Lawrence Wiggins<div style="text-align: center;"><c><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i672.photobucket.com/albums/vv85/ataggie08/wigginsbanner.jpg" /></c><br />
</div><br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: justify;">L<span style="color: #073763;">awrence Wiggins is a is 24-year old producer out of North Carolina. Widely-known for his ability to produce creative remixes, he is set to take the music industry by storm. Be sure to visit www.lawrencewiggins.net<br />
</span><br />
</div><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="background-color: #666666;"><span style="color: orange;">(WARNING: This post is strictly dedicated to lovers of real music... all bandwagon, bubble gum rap, leaner and rockers need not proceed reading from this point. Thanks)</span><br />
</div><br />
<div style="color: #bf9000; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://urbanargyle.blogspot.com/2009/12/driven-lawrence-wiggins.html">...LISTEN TO SOME TRACKS ---></a></span></b><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a name='more'></a><br />
</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">These tracks are the type of music I personally love because it makes me think of a CD like The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill... it's a product that you can actively listen to, or let play in the background as you go about completing your tasks and still have an equal appreciation for it.</span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1260322940831"> </a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Originally I was only going to highlight one track, but he has a style that's way too diverse to be caught in one example. For more information visit <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lawrence-Wiggins/99145901370#/pages/Lawrence-Wiggins/99145901370?v=info">here.</a><br />
</span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijcXw4DBjoUCZeJ4JFy0_ICZPBp-tEOiNvPcv-_w0GMI8ftAT9AhDOqX8oKcPdqkUhvIyPQI9FoQQKNE_-vGfQsLiaCreg5H-nt-YqgVBlF-pPJO-Oy4ahc9nPwOftFqSErrkpjX7RGa9y/s1600-h/wiggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijcXw4DBjoUCZeJ4JFy0_ICZPBp-tEOiNvPcv-_w0GMI8ftAT9AhDOqX8oKcPdqkUhvIyPQI9FoQQKNE_-vGfQsLiaCreg5H-nt-YqgVBlF-pPJO-Oy4ahc9nPwOftFqSErrkpjX7RGa9y/s320/wiggs.jpg" /></a><br />
</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><object height="285" width="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/3Z6DoCO5LPU&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/3Z6DoCO5LPU&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="340" height="285"></embed></object><br />
</div><br />
<div><br />
</div><c></c><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><object height="285" width="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/yLdmMgzh_e8&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/yLdmMgzh_e8&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="340" height="285"></embed></object><br />
</div><c><c><br />
</c></c><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><object height="285" width="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/6VbRPTvEcaA&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/6VbRPTvEcaA&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="340" height="285"></embed></object><br />
</div><br />
<div style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: justify;">To hear more of Lawrence's tracks, or possible have your own made Visit: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/LawrenceWigginsTV">http://www.youtube.com/user/LawrenceWigginsTV</a> for more songs and/or contact info.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<br />
<br />
<object height="285" width="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/GnLxzr68mNQ&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/GnLxzr68mNQ&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="340" height="285"></embed></object><br />
</div><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><object height="285" width="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Am4IR13JjSg&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Am4IR13JjSg&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="340" height="285"></embed></object><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0