It’s Time to Get M.A.D.E.

By: LaToyur Tisdale

Get M.A.D.E.? I know you’re wondering, “what is getting M.A.D.E.”? Make All Desire and Envy (M.A.D.E. ) Fitness is the new next-level fitness program that is taking middle Tennessee by storm. M.A.D.E. is a collaboration of personal trainers who are redefining health and fitness in Nashville and the surrounding areas. Founded in 2009 by personal trainers Omar Edward and Bronson Colbert, M.A.D.E. Fitness is introducing new creative, innovative, and challenging ways of promoting fitness by using strong physical training and intense boot camp sessions.

In 2009, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) reported that the obesity rates in the United States for adults and youth across the nation were 27.1%. This rate was an alarming 32.8 % for the state of Tennessee. Tennessee was rated as 3^rd worst-ranking state in terms of health. M.A.D.E. is now working diligently on making middle Tennessee a healthier and more active state. Their clientele is increasing as the inches and weight of their clients decrease. The results of attending personal or group sessions have left clients looking and feeling better. M.A.D.E. offers various packages from personal training sessions to partner sessions or group sessions. The individual sessions are customized workouts catered to the personal goals, pace and physical needs of the client. These sessions emphasize the precise amount of core training, cardio and weight training to get the client in the absolute best possible shape. They also offer group sessions that include a set amount of cardio, core training and strength resistance that makes the fitness experience for any community or social organization exciting, exhilarating as well as supportive.

Recent partnerships with local Nashville and Rutherford county organizations have expanded the exposure of M.A.D.E. from the gym to the community. In December 2010, M.A.D.E. co-sponsored a Christmas “Boot Camp Toy Drive” with the Urban League Young Professionals of Middle Tennessee. Getting the community in shape with maximizing the holiday experience for a child on Christmas, this is what M.A.D.E. Fitness is all about. With the obesity rate among the youth at an alarming 16.9% in Tennessee, M.A.D.E. Fitness has extended their guidance from adults to the youth, In March 2011 M.A.D.E. Fitness worked in conjunction with the Community Take Back Initiative Task Force at the Real Talk Real Teens Action Summit on bringing awareness and preventing childhood obesity. M.A.D.E Fitness facilitated the morning “Wake-Up Call” mini-workout and during lunch facilitated an interactive workshop with the youth on the importance of nutrition and healthy eating choices.

Being a native of Tennessee, I was disappointed at the statistics mentioned above. But in my own challenge to be M.A.D.E., last year I began working with personal trainer Omar Edwards of M.A.D.E. Fitness. I was (am still) considered obesed. When I first began working out with Omar, my idea of cardio was a “brisk walk” on a treadmill. I had prided myself on 2 minutes on the elliptical and was convinced that the bare minimum was good enough. My first session was 5:30 am and the warm-up consisted of 3 sets of 20 jumping jacks and 3 sets of touching my toes 12 times alternating right hand left toe, left hand right toes. This is the WARM-UP and not the exercise. Simple enough? After about 5 jumping jacks and many words I’d be ashamed to let my grandmother hear me say; I was winded and DONE!! After a month, I graduated to doing the warm-ups (without passing out) and 2 sets of workouts that consisted of cardio and weight training. 3 months in, Omar had taken a woman that was prided on brisk walks and 2 minutes on the elliptical and transformed her into an obesed woman that was up to 45 minutes on the elliptical BEFORE the training session. The training sessions not only deviated my attention from focusing on my surroundings but more importantly on my health and well being. I was instructed to keep a food journal and soon learned how to make better eating choices (fast and fried foods are never good, even if it’s a vegetable). I also learned that failure is not the lack of success but simply not trying. There were exercises he had me try that didn’t work well with me, but he introduced me to alternative workouts that would get the same results. I received the best training, 200% of positive reinforcement as well as complete honesty when he knew I was being lazy and not giving it my all. Since then, I had the pleasure of attending a boot camp session and the team work among everyone who makes up M.A.D.E. Fitness was commendable. They truly work as a team and their cohesiveness made the environment even more comfortable for their clients. So I am not only a supporter of M.A.D.E. Fitness but I have experienced first-hand the workouts and nutritional assistance. My starting weight was in the mid 300’s (closer to 400 than I ever want to be in life) and now I am in the 200’s. So when they say you are getting M.A.D.E., you really are. It’s a makeover, physically, mentally and spiritually. I had the opportunity to ask the trainers of M.A.D.E. Fitness a few questions:

YM: Who makes up M.A.D.E Fitness?

M.A.D.E .: M.A.D.E. Fitness consist of Victoria Cunningham (Co-founder/Personal trainer), Chasity Bell (Business Development Specialist), Cecilia Crenshaw (Business Development Specialist), Bronson Colbert (Co-founder/Personal trainer) and Omar Edward (Co-founder/Personal trainer).

YM: Where did you meet?

M.A.D.E. : Victoria, Bronson and I (Omar) met at a previous gym we used to work at. From the moment we met, we all knew we were great trainers and had a deep passion for fitness. We just had to find a way to convey our abilities and passion to the masses. That's where Ms. Bell and Ms. Crenshaw stepped in and got us on the right path to display our talents to the masses.

YM: How and why did you choose the name Make All Desire and Envy (M.A.D.E.) Fitness?

M.A.D.E. : We chose the name Make All Desire and Envy Fitness (M.A.D.E) because deep down inside nobody wants to be unhealthy. Everyone desires to be fit mentally, physically and spiritually. Although the result of working out is seen in one's outside appearance, it does far more for the mind and soul by lifting one's self esteem and making them mentally strong. If you can transform yourself into the healthiest and fittest you've ever been, it will give you the confidence to concur any obstacle. That's something to be desired and envied and we provide that.

YM: What made you both want to be physical trainers? Why is the health and wellness of others important to you?

M.A.D.E. : (Omar Edward) I've played football all my life. In college, I suffered a knee injury that forced me to challenge myself to get back in shape. Until then being healthy came naturally to me because I was a fit athlete. During my rehabilitation process is when I develop a passion for training.

M.A.D.E. : (Bronson Colbert) I've always been engaged in some form of physical activity such as football, basketball and running. After high school I attended Columbia State Junior College where I became a member of the basketball team. While there I developed a strong interest in fitness. After leaving Columbia State Junior College that passion for fitness still held a deep place in my heart. Ever since then I've been determine to turn my passion for fitness into a career.

YM: I’ve heard that a large portion of fitness is not just working out but what you eat as well? Are there “healthy” foods that people seeking to lose weight should avoid?

M.A.D.E. : Eating right is the main aspect for being healthy. It doesn't matter how hard you workout if you’re not eating right. Here are some foods that will help you reach you fitness goals and some you should avoid.

***Good Foods***
Avocado
Fish
Nuts
Grapefruit

***Bad Foods***
Simple Carbohydrates - Sweets - Candy, Cookies, Pastries etc...
Fast Food
Fried Food
Sodas and Artificial Juices

YM: For the person who is “intimidated” with a public workout, what advice or words of motivation that you have to get them past that fear or anxiety?

M.A.D.E. : For someone who fears public workouts and are intimidated by group classes, we suggest this: Think of everyone around them as a support group. We definitely understand how someone could feel that way but here at M.A.D.E. Fitness we think of each other as a team. We encourage participants of the classes and clients to get to know each other and develop friendships. If someone is having a difficult time to complete an exercise or eating healthy we can support one another. Getting in shape has to be a lifestyle change and it can be challenging at times. So if you can develop a friendship with a group of people that share your same goals in life it will make your journey to success a lot easier.

YM: What is a future goal of MADE? Where do you see M.A.D.E. Fitness in 5 years?

M.A.D.E : 5 years M.A.D.E. Fitness will have multiple gym locations across America.
Fitness DVDs will be sold nationally along with other avenues making M.A.D.E. Fitness a household name. It is our desire to start our own charity foundation, so we can always give to those who are less fortunate.

YM: Any words of advice for the YUR Magazine readers?

M.A.D.E : We want to thank YUR Magazine for believing in our dream. Also for
allowing us to speak to your readers and tell them who we are and what we stand for as an
organization. If you want to get in the best shape of your life come get made with the trainers of M.A.D.E. Fitness.

YM: The trainers of M.A.D.E. Fitness have the desire and passion to see EACH client, regardless of age or size, in the best health possible. Believe me I know from experience. So are you with me? Are you ready? Let’s get M.A.D.E. !!

For more information about M.A.D.E. Fitness or the date and times of boot camp sessions, contact MADEFitnessTN@gmail.com or visit their website at www.MADEFitness.webs.com.

Real Talk Real Teen Action Summit

Nashville, TN — Being a teenager is very exciting with being exposed to new opportunities and seeing the world with limitless possibilities. Yet for some local teens this journey is laced with obstacles like homelessness, discrimination, teen pregnancy, bullying, gang violence, teen domestic violence, self-esteem, drugs and alcohol only to name a few.

On Saturday March 26, 2011, the Community Take Back Initiative Task Force (CTBI) in collaboration with Nashville Community Coalition for Youth Safety (NCCYS) by IMF Peniel hosted the first annual Real Talk Real Teen Action Summit. The RTRT summit was organized the Community Take Back Initiative Task Force (CTBI), which is collaboration of individuals and local organizations and agencies from across Middle Tennessee.

This one day event brought out almost 100 youth between the ages of 13 - 18 to the Tennessee State University Avon Williams campus where this event was held. Created for youth by youth, Real Talk Real Teen Action Summit was designed to generate youth driven dialogue and provide immediate access to local resources that address some of the pressing safety issues our local youth.

The summit’s workshops, included topics like “Creative Expression through Spoken Word” facilitated by Youth Speaks Nashville, “College Readiness” hosted by the Oasis Center and “Erasing the Stigma” facilitated by Tennessee Voices for Children, and “Beyond the Influence of Gang Violence” facilitated by the Preston Taylor Boys and Girls Club.

During lunch, the youth were taught about nutrition and healthy eating choices by M.A.D.E. Fitness after which they created collages that represent how they view themselves and their peers.

Organizers later arranged for the youth to travel next door to the downtown YMCA for the “Teen Shine” talent showcase. This talent platform not only spotlighted the youth eager to display their gifts and talents but also provided an opportunity for them to bond their peers over days event. . For more information about the Real Talk Real Teen Action Summit, email CTBINasahville@gmail.com or visit the website at http://realtalkrealteens.webs.com/

Get Plugged In!

Get PLUGed in!!

PLUG (People Linked Under God), a nonprofit organization created by Bobby “lil Buddy” Boyle and his wife Temeshia Boyle, was founded in 2009 in Hardeman County of West Tennessee. This spiritual based organization was founded on the importance of family, unification and community peace. In an interview with the organization founder, Bobby “lil Buddy” Boyle, he stated “We stand behind our members. We walk along side one another, not behind or ahead. We are all brothers and sister whether we were born by blood or just in the community. We want to show what the power of God can do, once implemented back into the communities. Our community service is free of charge; there is no cost to the love of God and the love of one another. “

PLUG serves as mentors in the community. This mentorship extends from men and women to the community youth. They teach principles of self respect as well as the respect of others. Rapidly growing in numbers, this organization is surpassing county and state borders. Their message of “Fighting to do right, not fighting to do wrong” is counteracting current neighborhood violence (domestic and gang). They have already appeared on local news stations for their abundance good deeds demonstrated throughout West Tennessee. Bobbie “lil Buddy” Boyle, states “We want to change the face of the world. There is power in numbers. If criminal and violent gangs can make the history, so can we! Love conquers all! We are real regular people; therefore there is no condemnation within our group. We have standards but we are not judgmental.”

Being a native of Whiteville, Tennessee (Hardeman county), quite naturally I was thrilled to hear about the community coming together to make change. My younger brother Lorenzo Tisdale Jr. (current member of PLUG), began telling me about this organization in December 2010. The compassion and excitement he expressed when speaking about PLUG and its founders sparked my interest about this organization. I was first intrigued and now I am plugged into PLUG.

For more information about PLUG, contact 731-659-1538, 731-254-2462 (hotline), or email PeopleLinkUnderGod@yahoo.com. WEBSITE COMING SOON!!

Actor & Director Reegus Flenory

YUR Magazine sits down with Actor & Director Reegus Flenory about "Generational Curses".

YM: Why is it important for us (the community) to see this movie?

Reegus: This film is real and truthful. Each character is someone you know in any generation. The human race is struggling to find a solutions to the problems we are facing (drugs and violence) and we are hoping that our film can shed some light on the issues that we have in our community. We know that there is no one solution to 400 years of complicated issues but we hope our film can provide a visual of today’s pressing issues and the repercussions to the decisions we make. The most important structure for a child is the family. People often use the quote “It takes a village to raise a child”, I agree with that but I will add that that village begins at home. The community (village) should reinforce what’s already being tault at home. It begins at home.

YM: What do you want people to gather from this film?

Reegus: I hope it raises a sense of responsibility. A sense of responsibility to ourselves, our families and our community. I grew up in the Bordeaux area (North Nashville), two parent household with father who was a great example. I was fortunate enough to have a responsible, consistent example of what manhood actually is. The morals and ethics I learned at home, I took those out into my environment. It was the hood but I still took those things that my parents instilled in me, with in into my community. I want people to develop a connection to one another and step away from the mentality of “us” and “them”. Whether it is economically or socially, these are still your sisters and brothers. You can only ignore a problem for so long until your daughter begins interacting with a young man who is dealing with these issues or your son joins a gang or makes a life altering decision that impacts your family from that moment on.

YM: Truthfully, if people look deep enough in their families whether it is immediate or 2nd, 3rd, and 4th cousins, they will see that they are directly or indirectly affected.

Reegus: You can’t run from it. We are told to get our degree, get a good job but forget where you come from. But where you come from will always be a part of who you are. Your character was developed while living in that environment. It is where you spent your formative years. Your environment doesn’t define who you are, but it does have an impact on the way you see the world. In my field, I noticed the subtle difference of how you are treated in different environments. A lot of times people other people recognize our gifts and talents in ways that unfortunately our community doesn’t. But, no matter how far you go or succeed, you must never forget your family or community or where you came from.

YM: How did you come up with the idea and plot of Generational Curses?

Reegus: My background is film, television and theatre. I was in a movie with Isaac Hayes entitled “Dodge City”, that was shot and directed by Read Ridley. I had the chance to see him do his project and it inspired me. It had been on my mind for a long time. He inspired and encouraged me to begin directing films. I’ve always wanted to direct and produce. I got in my car one day and just drove around, the movement made my mind wonder and I began to think, at the same time notice little things about my surroundings that I haven’t noticed before. I began my research, reading books and talking to other directors. They gave me advice and encourage me to step out and go for it. Through this research, I now have a better understanding of the instructions given to me by previous directors while on set as an actor. I see the purpose and reason for certain camera movements more clearly. All of the things I’ve done in the past have helped prepare me for this moment. I am also at a slight advantage, due to my previous experience as an actor, I know how to communicate with my actors using terms or terminology that will click for an actor and give me the performance I’m looking for .

The plot and idea of Generational Curses came from a story I wrote about 4 guys in Nashville titled “The Legend of the 4Runnuzz”. William (producer of Generational Curses) and I had several conversations about the story. He was really helpful and he asked me did I want to expand the story. I decided to make the main character a female and this could be her story. Many urban dramas are told from a males point of view, so I thought it would be interesting to tell this story from a females perspective. A male narrates the story, but it’s still her story that’s being told. Then I began writing the story from her perspective but we needed to tie it all together, so the film is set in Bordeaux (North Nashville). I then began to think about the cycles and how many of our actions today will affect future generations. Then it hit me, Generational Curses, which is a cycle that will continue until some one makes the conscious effect to break it.

YM: The time it took to do this film, how have you seen the affects of drugs in the Nashville community? In the movie Generational Curses, there were a few scenes in the church and with a pastor. You displayed the fact that the many issues our community is suffering from (drugs and violence) does not exclude anyone or place. How do you feel about the church’s role in exposing and dealing with drugs and violence in the community?

Reegus: I first began seeing this transition in Nashville between 89 and 92. What’s interesting, this is when you began to see the transition of hip hop to the hardcore gangster rap in mainstream music. That’s when you began noticing the change in the slang and fashion (like the pants sagging). The late 1980’s and early 1990’s was the era of De La Soul, KRS One and Public Enemy, which was the more conscious rap but also the emergence of NWA (Niggas With Attitude) and other west coast rapper that were expressing another facet of the community. To me the music still resonated as conscious, because it was a blunt voice against the oppression and brutality that was going on in many inner citys across America. It was almost like the soundtrack to their lives that involved violence and drugs of the community. They were telling a story about what was going on in their or our communities across the country. Some people didn’t know but we did because we rushed home every day to watch Rap City and Yo MTV Raps. I could relate to both representations of consciousness, because I had grown up around both perspectives all my life. That made me feel like a bridge of sorts. I could relate to both audiences. That unique relationship, probably influences my writing to this day.

The church and community responsibility in this is really complex. I don’t know if many churches ever acknowledged the fact our community ever had a problem until recently when it was a must to address but again it points back to moral, ethics and the family structure. How can you have hard conversations like that, actually addressing the fact that we have a problem? How can you do that without examining all or our behavior? The congregation in most churches is majority women. They are coming to be uplifted and inspired, trying to escape to a certain degree. The leaders of the church don’t want to offend them. Then the other question is “Where are the men?” Do we really want to know why many men don’t attend church? But by not speaking about these things, will it be detrimental to our children? They need a male presence, especially now since the prisons are built upon a child failing in the 3rd grade. The ministers are in an interesting position. I am beginning to hear most churches address these issues now since it has gotten so bad we really don’t have a choice.

In reference to the film, at one of our premiers, some people expressed that they felt that we were airing “our dirty laundry” but for the most part, we have received a lot of support from churches and ministers. We are connecting with numerous community groups and churches that are seeking to have a film viewing for their youth and members. Though the movie has an R rating, these leaders feel that the issues need to be addresses and the dialogue need to began now. At the screenings, I was somewhat nervous because I didn’t know what the reaction from the community would be. At one of the first screenings there was a room full of ministers, when the QA portion came and we opened the floor for discussion, we received good feedback. I feel that people needed to get a visual of the affects of drugs in the community.

YM: The movie ended kinda like “Lord of the Rings”, it left us wanting more. When can we expect to see part 2?

Reegus: I am currently in the process of editing part 2. Before the release of part 2 we would like to give people to see part 1. We are submitting Generational Curses to several film festivals across the country.

YM: What can we expect from you in the future and where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Reegus: I plan to direct, produce and write more films I also plan to continue acting of course. I would also like to become executive producer over more projects. This would give other people an opportunity to see their vision come to life. I would love to create a network of directors and productions with Flenory Productions. I also see myself training and instructing those seeking a career in this industry, Teaching the dos and don’ts. How to act on set or at auditions, the things that are detrimental at the beginning of their career, and the determination needed to stay relevant and sharp. If an actor is humble yet confident, that attitude can open more doors than coming on set with a “I’ve already arrived” attitude. Your craft and skill may get you the job but your attitude will open more doors. You never know who you may be in the presence of and it’s important to have the right attitude all of the time. I have been on auditions with several mainstream actors and there is a sense of comrodory and support, we are all trying to succeed. With hard work and commitment Flenory Productions will expand. Nashville is wide open, there’s amazing talent and resources here. It doesn’t matter where you are, It’s all about how you establish yourself in that area, whether it is in film, theatre or music. You have to build your resume, your brand, and build your business. You are your business and you have to treat it as such.


**** For more information on Generational Curses and Flenory Productions, contact the websites below. ****
www.imdb.com (Keyword search Reegus Flenory)
www.facebook.com (Keyword search Reegus Flenory)
www.goole.com (Keyword search Reegus Flenory)
www.generationalcursesthemovie.ning.com

Behind the Mask of One Man’s Mind

Behind the Mask of One Man’s Mind

When I sat down with poet John Mask, I really didn’t know who to expect. This author, poet, and motivational speaker has one of the kindest spirits that I have ever come across. Originally from Gary, Indiana now residing in West Tennessee, John Mask has been traveling the country spreading messages of faith and healing with the active promotion of his new collection of poems entitled “One Man’s Mind”. John has been speaking everywhere from the churches to the local open mics. He has taken this book of poetry and created a platform to inspire and motivate men and women throughout the nation.



One of his poems that speak volumes is the piece entitled “I Hear the Screams”. This poem is brimming with compassion of a person reaching out to a victim of domestic violence. Mask’s poetry covers topics from faith, spiritual hypocrisy to ups and downs in relationships. Poems like “Mother “and “My Heart Cries” speak to the soul of the reader and express the vulnerability of real emotions.

My Heart Cries

The More I look into the mirror
Nothing seems any clearer,
Why do I cry from all the pain inside?
When I’m happy, that’s when I’m sad.
When I’m upset, that’s when I’m glad.
Things are all mixed-up; yet I can’t fix them up.
My heart still cries,
Trying to pick up and start all over,
The more I try to stand up straight,
The more I bend my shoulders,
Why oh Why does my heart still cry?
The more I try to stop the pain, the more I die inside.
I pray everyday for the pain to go away
But I can’t lie, nor would I deny; the more I pray
The more my heart still cries.
By John J. Mask © 2009

Transparent in his message and on paper and person, John is genuine with his readers and fans. In a conversation with YUR Magazine earlier this year John stated that he never imagined his poetry would impact people the way that it has. He has been contacted by both men and women who’ve been moved by his words. This may be “One Man’s Mind but his message is reaching the masses. In November 2011, Mask is due to release another book entitled “Revealing the Mask”. His readers are anxiously waiting the revealing of this new work of revelation and enlightenment that all began with one man’s mind.



Both books will be available for purchase at Amazon.com.



One Man’s Mind (ISBN 978-0-9818956-3-5) was published through Curry Brother’s Marketing and Publishing . http://www.currybrotherspublishing.com/



Revealing the Mask was published through Feel Me Inc. Publishing Division. http://www.feelmepublishing.com/

**** For more information on John Mask, contact the websites below. ****
http://www.facebook.com/ (Keyword search John Mask)
http://www.google.com/ (Keyword search John Mask or John J. Mask)

What Am I Going To Do?

I was talking on the phone with a friend with my friend (poet and author) Raziya, and she made the statement "When will shooting at a high school graduation becomes inappropriate?". I had to wonder to my self "When did it become appropriate?".

Recently there was a shooting at a local high school graduation. The people involved were not students yet adults. It was said that it was gang related, others say it was from a previous altercation at a club, regardless of it conception, why was the situation handled at a high school graduation? A time when students should be reflecting on their past academic experiences and the future that they are about to embark upon, they should not be running and ducking bullets. I recall last year, a friend of mind was attending a high school commencement ceremony and caught site of rival gangs exchanging words, her "inner voice" told her to gather her things, her mother, grandmother and exit the premises. Shortly after she left, the young men erupted into a fight and later shooting.

My question is "What do WE do as a generation?"What can we do? These are out young men and women ( our children and future) affected by this. I am not blaming the young men, young women, parents, grandparnets, public officials or school systems. I want to know what can I do as an individual to help regain our community and young people.

I have seen the statement "If You are Not Apart of the solution, You are apart of the problem?" Can someone tell me the equation, question.... anything? What can we do as one unit, one community, one people to solve or alleviate this problem?

I mentioned to Raziya that we are all aware ( well some people) that this is more spiritual that physical. I mention maybe the people who are seeking change and a better tomorrow should first fast, pray, and seek direct from God and to work on one accord for our people.

Whatever it is, the time is now to do it. Most of us are at an age when leaders during the civil right era were peaking. It seems like most of us are stuck. An elder told me that marching and sit ins worked for his era but WE need to think of new tactics. With the technology today, we have the world at our finger tips. Don't get me wrong, we have a activists ( known and unknown) in 2009 taking on this battle one person at a time, but taking on the world's burden is too much for a handful of people.

Somebody Help Me.

YUR 2008

So many things happened in 2007 (the start of YUR Magazine *smile*) but this year (2008) is a breathe of fresh air. This year is a year of renewal. Some us of are tackling fears, over coming obstacles and even stepping out on faith to kick start our dreams and visions.

On news year’s eve I was sick and I mean broke down for real. Dragging to work (several jobs), running errands, everything. Yes I know I need a whooping. I attended my church’s early watch night service (flu and all…yes I’m special for real), so I am sitting there in church with my scarf around my nose and mouth and coat fully zipped (I looked “special” too) and the pastor began speaking about 2008 and new beginnings. I was all fired up and excited thinking it is about time!!!! I left church and heard songs on new beginnings, turned on the TV and commercials on new beginnings, so I am thinking everyone is feeling the same across the board about this new beginning thing. So I am really excited now (but with 103 temperature and cold sweats…but it was a new beginning). So what happened to me during the very first days of 2008 …my body broke completely down to where I was in bed for almost a week. But during that down time (in and out of consciousness) I began to put all of the things and activities I was involved in perspective. What was important? What was not important? What deserved my money and time what does not? Whose voice I should and should not be listening to? Where do I see my dream and vision in 5, 10, 15, 20 years in contrast to those around me? I was sick but I now know it was a time where “He MADE me lay down in the green pastures” and meditate and really put some thoughts into my life, His purpose and His promise for me. So now I know for sure that 2008 is a year of New and continuous beginnings.


You all Be Special

La’Toyur

Barak's comments on Jena

Bet you thought Barak and other politicians weren't paying attention to Jena huh? Well, my man Barak was AND he aint ashame to make it known!!!!

The man does NOT miss a beat!
Check out Barak's comments

Bell's case overturned!

Bell's last conviction, aggravated battery, has been dismissed by the appealet court. There will be NO sentencing Thursday, September 20 2007. HOWEVER, the ralley will still continue for the priciple and the justice of our other 5 brothers in this terrible injustice.

SEPTEMBER 20 BLACK OUT IS STILL ON!!!

We must be in prayer, fasting, and meditation for our brothers and their families. Pray for the judges, lawyers, officers, and even the victims. God will prevail. This is our fight, but God's battle.

We must do what we can and the Lord will do the rest.

Time is closing in on us and we need to take heed. :-)

~peace and blessings~