Posts
This just motivated us so we decided to share.
Plain and Simple.
2.17.2011
Driven : Words of Wisdom from Will Smith
10.29.2010
Socially Conscious : The Donate Love Foundation
"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"
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.
Contriubute to the October $5 Giving Campaign HERE -> www.donatelovefoundation.org
CHECK OUT THE EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW HERE
Driven: Newton Dennis
"Greatness takes time. Don't rush any decisions and know that it takes time to build a brand".
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.
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.
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".
We at Urban Argyle had the opportunity to catch up with Newton for an exclusive interview…peep it!
8.23.2010
Stylish: UPDATE Tiffany Okafor
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!
Shoot with Lisa Fleet
CONTINUE READING THIS POST ---->
7.15.2010
Driven: Craig Stokes
"You are only as great as your last accomplishment."- Craig Stokes
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".
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. (www.styleuniv.com)
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.
Check out Craig's video bio!
For more info on Craig Stokes visit www.craigstokes.com !!!
CHECK OUT THE EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW>>>>
6.24.2010
Stylish/Driven: Tiffany Okafor
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.
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.
CHECK OUT THE INTERVIEW>>>>>>>>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.
For more on Tiffany Okafor please visit:
and
6.03.2010
Driven: Life Ain’t No Crystal Stair
Langston Hughes' Mother to Son
Well, son, I'll tell you:
Life for me ain't been no crystal stair.
It's had tacks in it,
And splinters,
And boards torn up,
And places with no carpet on the floor --
Bare.
But all the time
I'se been a-climbin' on,
And reachin' landin's,
And turnin' corners,
And sometimes goin' in the dark
Where there ain't been no light.
So boy, don't you turn back.
Don't you set down on the steps
'Cause you finds it's kinder hard.
Don't you fall now --
For I'se still goin', honey,
I'se still climbin',
And life for me ain't been no crystal stair.
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 MORE than what I have achieved with MORE obstacles that I may have had. It also triggered a question in me: Do we perform better when we have more obstacles?
Socially Conscious: The Dream Institute International
Philanthropist-someone who makes charitable donations intended to increase human well-being.
As an international consultant, speaker, trainer, and executive coach, Rachel Wilson is a young woman seeking to empower individuals and communities worldwide.
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.
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."Every 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
We also had the chance to catch up with Rachel and talk to her about what's next for The Dream Institute.
Check out the promo video!!! >>>>>http://www.youtube.com/
For more information visit The Dream Institute on the Web at www.thedream-institute.com or email info@thedream-institute.com
To contact Rachel, please email: rdwilson@thedream-institute.com
To book a workshop or seminar for your business/organization email: bookings@thedream-institute.com
Also, check out Rachel's blog! www.thedream-institute.com/site/blog/ and on Twitter @DreamInstitute
5.24.2010
Non-Conforming: The Problem with “Separate but Equal”
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 *scene change*
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 #VacationMode.
CONTINUE READING THIS POST
Driven: Darren Brand
"Laughter heals all." - Darren Brand
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.
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.
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.
When asked what triggered the desire of his current successes, Brand had this to say.
“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.”
“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.
Darren has performed shows in Charlotte, Greensboro, Raleigh and Durham North Carolina.
Check out the website! http://www.darrenbrand.com
For bookings, please email: noroommanagement@verizon.net
For some of Darren’s videos peep http://www.youtube.com/DarrenBrandTV and be sure to follow Darren on Twitter @darrenbrand.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE INTERVIEW
CLICK HERE TO READ THE INTERVIEW
4.16.2010
Non-Conforming: Trail of Dreams
"Thank you to all who have dared to believe in what many call our "insanity". – Trail of Dreams
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.
Four students from Florida, Felipe Matos, Gaby Pacheco, Carlos Roa, and Juan Rodriguez have made it their mission to walk from Florida to Washington, D.C. 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. ( http://www.trail2010.org/about/) .
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.
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 (http://www.trail2010.org/route/)
4.02.2010
Socially Conscious: Ignite Greensboro
"Be the change you wish to see in the world." - Mahatma Gandhi
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.
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. (www.yesweekly.com/article-8349-news.html),
So how can you be a part of the change? Start now! Ignite Greensboro week kicks off on Tuesday April 6th.
3.14.2010
Driven: John Holland
"…Concept of school seems so Secure? " – Kanye West
John Holland is the founder of Green Bench Productions, a company notorious for its "On the Edge" comedy through skits, commercials, shows, and videos.
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.
Check out the interview>>>>>>>
1.24.2010
Campus Scene: 4US T-shirts
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.
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.
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.
If you are interested in purchasing your own shirt to show your support you can order online HERE, proceeds are donated to The International Civil Rights Center and Museum and towards the costs of the February One Celebration events.
PICTURES FROM PREVIOUS MARCHES:
1.01.2010
Non-Conforming: The Meaning Behind February One
On February 1st, 1960, four freshman students from NORTH CAROLINA AGRICULTURAL & TECHNICAL STATE UNIVERSITY 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.
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.
12.08.2009
Educated : Just Us Books
Socially Conscious : BCEApparel
Stylish : Allan.Marco
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:
Driven : Lawrence Wiggins
Lawrence 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
(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)
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