When QUEENS Drop Knowledge: What All Women Can Learn from Beyoncé’s FORMATION

The sheer genius and detail that went into the release of #Formation by the reigning Queen B was nothing less than perfection. As soon as you heard “What happened at the New Orleans” and realized that we are smack dab in the middle of Mardi Gras season the light bulb went off: OH! She did this on PURPOSE……and of course she did. Within the first 2 minutes of the song she answered questions and responded to years of blogs, meme’s and assumptions. She addressed Illuminati rumors, the hairstyles of Blue Ivy and her love of her own African-American culture. Not to mention February is Black History Month and today  Beyoncé Knowles Carter will grace the stage at Super bowl 50’s halftime performance.

While there are many women that refuse to give her props siting vulgarity and conceit I would challenge women of every color to take a closer look at this song and the message that we can all walk away with. So many days we fight against our environments that try to bully us into producing looks that they deem acceptable and we respond. We respond by running on treadmills and getting but injections only to still be unsatisfied and work tirelessly to improve the things that others see as flaws.

If there is no other example that Beyoncé leads in comparison to other would be role models is that you do not have to respond to ANY battle that you are invited to you. You are empowered as women on this day and every day to use your power wisely. The choice of others to refute your life and its contents does not require any response whether positive or negative.

In the final analysis people will always find a reason to have an opinion; But as Bey left us with the final lyics of #Formation “Always stay gracious best revenge is your paper”

If you haven’t seen the video check it out here:

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyWt8ANJ4Wc

From the PACT I made to the PACK I follow: All Churched Out to Redeemed

A few years ago I did a show titled “All Churched out and nowhere to run so I ran to You”. The “You” was referencing God. I spoke into the microphone quivering through tears and emotions with a studio full of guests.  I gave my testimony of how I had come to a point in which I was done with the church. A powerful statement coming from an individual that has two parents in ministry and had grown up under organized religion. From the hymns of the Catholics, the by-laws of the Baptists and the cultism of the mega-church I was exhausted.

The next two years of my life I spent searching…for God, for understanding and for a church home. My zeal for God never diminishedeven though the mega church led me to believe that I would soon fall deep into sin without it’s guiding, I still pressed forward. On the contrary I wanted a deeper more meaningful relationship with Christ that would quench the thirst I had to change the world. I needed a place to guide me to my destiny that I so desperately sought after. I needed a game-changing ministry.

A career changeand a young man with a kind smile and kindred spirit led me to visit Bridge Builders International Church under the leadership of then Pastor Johnasen L. Pack. A quaint little ministry nestled in Arlington, TX that caught me off guard. At first glance the dancing and shouting led me to believe that I was entering familiar mundane territory where you turned around three times and expected your whole life to change.  The more prodding I did-visiting on a weekly basis, the more sensitive I became. I needed this place, and this leadership. It became apparent through each week’s teaching that this was this missing puzzle piece to me discovering my destiny.

Dr. Pack, now ordained as an Apostle due to his planting many successful ministries introduced me to many life-changing principles. Since joining #TeamBBIC my life has completely transformed. The connections that have come through being under his leadership are indicative of the message that is the foundation of the ministry: Helping People Rediscover their original God Given Purpose.

The vision of the ministry: God’s people walking in wholeness and living on purpose is confirmed in my own testimony. Now a successful entrepreneur, writer for multiple publications and media maven my life has taken a drastic turn for the better. Still a work in progress I look forward to weekly teachings and supporting the vision of the humble leader that more than supports us all.

In two years I had my own Damascus road experience. God removed the scales from my eyes through simulation Lasik surgery-my surgeon was Apostle Johnasen L. Pack. I’m just one member with a story. While I understand that you are unique as well as your purpose I can guarantee you that one visit at Bridge Builders will change your perspective if not your life forever.

For more information visit:

https://www.facebook.com/BridgeBuildersInternationalChurch/
https://www.facebook.com/johnasen.pack?fref=ts
https://www.facebook.com/Johnasen-L-Pack-Ministries-323684015041/?fref=ts
 

IG: @johnasen_pack
IG: @teamBBIC

IG: @JLPMconnects

Twitter: @JLPMConnects

Twitter: @teamBBIC

Life After Death: The Birth of BeatMaster Productions

Not many of us get a second chance at life. Typically we all come into this world and we get one shot at it. Some live their whole lives chasing something that they never achieve while others leave the Earth prematurely and leave loved ones to mourn their loss. Then God created Derrick Bradshaw…

I was rocking in VIP to the tunes of Young Jeezy when I saw two gentlemen walking my way. They looked lost and like they didn’t belong. Intrigued I approached them. One of the gentlemen introduced himself as D Shaw. He had the kindest eyes that revealed a deeper story within. I gave him my card and advised that we should do business. Little did I know what was about to unfold.

Upon our initial conversations we discussed business and what services I could offer. A past and present music producer looking to get his name in the wind that had been to L.A., sat in green rooms with R&B sensations such as Tyrese, and received accolades from Rock & Soul Legend Little Richard. All roads led to victory until one day he was headed to an album release party in Bastrop, LA his hometown-life took an ominous turn. The victorious individual that sat before me with such joy had taken a severe unplanned detour.

The moment in time when he lay on the opposite side of the freeway than he was traveling with his wife and son and whispered to God to spare his life so that he could make music was when his life took a massive turn.

The next season of his life includes him overcoming being a quadriplegic, starting several successful businesses and returning to his first love: Music.

Well versed in writing and producing BeatMaster Productions launched by Mr. Shaw who likes to remain in the shadows is positioned in an upward motion towards stardom. With the tenacity of an overcomer BMP uses all of its past experience and industry connections to create melodic tunes that bring a needed addition in today’s realm of auto-tunes and short-lived one hit wonders.

For more information about BeatMaster Productions visit the website www.abeatmasterproduction.com

NBC Brings the Broadway Classic “The Wiz” Live to Prime Time Television

Emerald Green has doused our timelines and is now covering billboards all over town building the anticipation for the holiday classic “The Wiz”. While most are familiar with the rendition that starred Diana Ross and the late great Michael Jackson, this LIVE viewing has been casted with this generations A-Listers.

Reproducing a Broadway Musical that has won seven Tony Awards would seem to be an enormous feat to turn this classic into a modern day hit. With an all-star cast featuring Queen Latifah as The Wiz and Cirque De Soleil theatrical team adding the finishing touches audiences will have an entertaining masterpiece that is sure to leave the whole family inspired.

The cherry on top may be the melodic voices of Mary J. Blige, Common, Ne-Yo and Stephanie Mills who are all casted in major roles. Uzo Aduba will not be in her typical orange jumpsuit as she plays the role of Glinda and 19 year old newcomer Shanice Williams will keep us on the edge of our seats as she graces us with her first major performance as Dorothy.

Easing on down the road as the Cowardly Lion is funny man David Alan Grier, Elijah Kelley as Scarecrow and Amber Riley as Adaperle. The Executive Producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron have methodically placed each cast member in an intricate place that promises to give The Wiz LIVE a new place in the hearts of fans that have been watching this classic for years.

NBC is setting the bar high for Holiday Classics and has ensured that the family will have an awesome way to start their December to Remember.

Make sure to tune in December 3,2015 at 8/7 C on NBC.

For more information about the show and the cast visit www.nbc.com/The-Wiz-Live‎

While You Were Sleeping LegnA Media Was Born: Meet Shamar Willis

Scorching heat in the dead of summer swept me into the Dallas Entrepreneur Center to cover a story. I was eager to see the panel line-up for the event Moguls in the Making which consisted of several duly noted heavy hitters in the game. The event was informative and unique. It was just quaint enough to network yet occupied enough to be considered a success.

Only a few months later I found myself traveling 30 miles in what seemed to be a monsoon to attend Ludafrisco-a concert held at the Dr. Pepper Arena in Frisco, TX that featured rapper Ludacris but most importantly shed the spotlight on upcoming local artists PBZE and Shy Speaks. All of the artists had their own arrangements and styles which kept the multi-cultural crowd engaged. A very different scene for the city and its surrounding areas. I had to know who was behind this mastery.

An Oak Cliff native that was born with a love for music and a creative spirit took a leap of faith and ignited a company-LegnA Media. Shamar Willis, who is trailblazing the Dallas scene has taken the opportunity to meet a need for unity amongst the communities.

To define him would be to confine a gift that cannot be limited. His love for God and people overrides his drive for monetary gain. His message is portrayed through his integral approach to bring entertainment and connect people on levels from different walks of life.

His dreams are coming into fruition more rapidly than he could have imagined thus he relies on his team that he has hand-picked to also grab hold of his vision-To reach dimensions that have not previously been attained.

What’s next for Mr. Willis and LegnA Media? Join the party November 29, 2015 as they bringYoung Jeezy to town to perform live at Gas Monkey Live on Thanksgiving Weekend and several opening acts. More importantly keep your eyes on the “Diddy of Dallas”

AngeL spelled backwards….what a befitting name for a movement that was birthed by a man who is not far from angelic himself.

For more information about LegnA Media, Shamar Willis or any events visit their website:

http://www.legnamediagroup.com/
IG: @Shamar_atlas
IG: @legnamedia

When Being Black Goes WRONG: One MAN, Two MOTHERS, ONE MISSION

As I scrolled through my timeline on Facebook early Sunday morning I saw a video being posted over and over again of an event that somehow turned into a media frenzy. Black teens in McKinney, TX being manhandled by police. I watched a minute of the video and then I scrolled on. Another city-same issue. . Simultaneously I also noticed that a true warrior and now our angel Khyrstin (Kyssi) Andrews had transitioned from this Earth to Heaven after fighting a battle with cancer. I did not know her personally but thousands of us were rooting for her and praying for her recovery. My heart sank as a mother. One mother is grieving the loss of her precious daughter as another has to re-live the moment that her daughter was improperly handled by police publicly.

A witness to the event in McKinney, TX and a personal friend Jerry Benet Embry is a resident of the neighborhood and recanted what he saw and gave his personal take on what occurred.  His story has now gained national recognition. Notably I am biased because I know him on a personal level but I also only defend individuals whom I can attest for their character.

So in a 24 hour span a man who lives in a community and also happens to be a BLACK man that witnessed the events and spoke his truth is now receiving hatred from people that chant BLACK LIVES MATTER. I’m starting to believe that this only pertains to the individuals that we deem as “necessary” to the cause that we are ranting about at that time.

While I am just as grievous about the black men’s lives that have been lost over a short span of time by police that clearly overuse power and downright should not be in authority I cannot say that BLACK LIVES MATTER when we take out time to spew hateful words and thoughts towards another black life that also matters.

This incident as many others is not clearly defined in black and white. We see videos and we instantly jump on bandwagons without knowing the full story. It is obvious that the police officer with his knee in the back of a 14 year old girl should not be in a position if he is unable to refrain from using force that is unnecessary but it does not give us the ammunition to direct our anger towards another black life that matters.

Benet Embry is a tough guy so the threats and words won’t pierce him. He is an educated radio show host, community activist and voice for the uninformed.  I am grateful to know that a voice that is being heard will be one that speaks the complete truth and not just the truth as we would like to hear it. As a black woman I have never been comfortable dealing with race relations and I would love to pretend that we live in a world where these things don’t affect us on a daily basis. I would also love to live in a world and within a race that doesn't constantly criticize, belittle and hate on its own but that is my reality.

So the same individuals that supported our sweet angel Kyssi used their energy to lash out at one of our own. It’s a beautiful day to be BLACK and PROUD or nah?

The Evolution of JUMPCAT: Busybodies Take Heed

GS06….man I remember it like it was yesterday! Four sassy sisters that would later call themselves “The Wolf Pack” dominated the streets of Dallas, TX. Not yet reaching their 30’s their youthful bliss swept them through every new club and party as they searched for independence after divorce, religion and naivety. “GROWN AND SEXY 2006” They had themed that year after the Babyface classic and they lived up to every word.

Another firecracker ran with the group….she carried a clutch purse that contained lead and was the most loyal individual on the planet. She was always there in the time of need even if that meant opening up that clutch and handling whatever business needed to be handled.

I distinctly remember the day that she earned the name “Jump Cat”. It was a Saturday morning and two of us received a call…she needed a ride. So we picked her up to go retrieve her car from a dead beat….the next weekend she went missing for two days then showed up at Sunday dinner fresh out from a weekend stay in the County. Please don’t be misunderstood….this was a very well-kept, classy lady that was searching for love in all the wrong places, trusting too easily and had not yet learned to sit herself down-hence the name “Jump Cat”

Now almost 10 years later she is married to the love of her life, raising a beautiful step daughter, an accomplished business woman and still the same loyal friend that she always was. See she learned to swap her title of “Jump Cat” for “Grown Woman”. While this is true for her I see so many women that have not learned this one great feat.

My heart sinks to witness so many “Busybodies” dressed in red bottoms and silk closures that go from one idea, man, career, geographical location to the next sometimes in less than 30 days. You know the ladies that are in love this week and posting selfies…then they go silent for a month only to post scriptures that support a “happily single” phase and in the next breath posting wedding pics. They never pause to listen to the advice of those that encourage them to slow down, take a breather-pray THEN listen for an answer…..there are no rules or regulations, just emotional actions. Unfortunately the aftermath is too costly.

Classy ladies that could be great leaders and outstanding help meets have reduced themselves to acting on impulses. How do we reach a generation of ladies that are only attracted to what can give them immediate results? Instantaneous combustions of joy similar to a powerful orgasm-which we know usually fizzles after a moment and the memory only lasts as long as the act keep women seeking love and approval in bondage. We are selling ourselves short and at a rapid pace, leaving ourselves vulnerable to manipulative men that prey on the thirsty and the admirable ones running in the other direction.

Now the “Wolf Pack” didn’t escape “GS06” unscathed….babies were conceived, men came and went and religion? Let’s just say they found rest for the weary on the other side of Jordan. They learned from the time of their youth and now they seek God for direction and make decisions from a place of maturity and even lead other women in their journeys. If our dear “Jump Cat” can evolve you can also. It just starts with a moment of truth and a decision to want better then what you have ever experienced.