Tag Archives: Urban dictionary

Vau've Davis (Greater Chicago) is Author, Change Agent, Entrepreneur, and Philanthropist. She is Chosen Visionary 60 in the HOT-Seat, and Anchor of Season Number Five

RECOVERY And Love – How They Trigger The Same?

58 Replies

RECOVERY And Love – How They Trigger The Same? These two terms seem to be as far from one another as possible. Those seeking recovery are looking for something that’s lost; Under normal circumstances, the notion of love is something we receive. That sounds like an oxymoron, correct?

Sometimes, though, the most difficult things that happen to us are not always something we understand. However, if you are a Chosen Visionary, you likely understand foolishness confounding the wise. In other words, what we believe, hear, and see are only partially true because of our limited perspective sees through a glass darkly. Someday, we will understand it better, or maybe not.

This week’s Chosen Visionary is one who has turned his life around significantly from riotous living including, but not limited to a baby out of wedlock, alcohol, drugs, late nights, partying and he’s even been incarcerated and shot! He gives ALL glory to God, and now is happy to share his story of grace, love and resilience in an honest and transparent way. and He’s at the Urban Academics Roundtable, as HOT-Seat Number Fifty-Eight (58), Thursday at 9:30 pm (EDT).

This is a FREE invitation for you to join us, but you should Register Here

WATCH NOW: HOT-Seat at The Roundtable, Season One

The Urban Academics HOT-Seat, Season One Featuring Twelve Chosen Visionaries in the HOT-Seat. SUBSCRIBE to Our YouTube Channel NOW & CLICK THE BELL! You Can Binge Watch by Clicking Below!

Three Books You Should Read Now

  1. Enduring The Call; A 14 Day Journey, by Jocelyn Fagan ($14.00)
  2. The ZOLA Experience: A Journey of Recovery From Loss, by Katurah A Bryant, LMFT ($14.99)
  3. When The Heart Takes Flight, by Carla Yarbrough ($9.99)

“When someone looks over my body for the last time, I want them to say I gave all I had to those in need, and sometimes to those who are not (necessarily); That I showed LOVE!”

Pastor Esau Greene, Jr.

Meet Our Next Chosen Visionary in the HOT-Seat

This Chosen Visionary, forever known as HOT-Seat Fifty-Nine (59), is Pastor at New Antioch Church (Branford, CT), and he described it as a Safe Haven of Hope for ALL. No one will be turned away for services, and he, together with his wife, Lady Tiffany, is building a legacy as we speak.

The 700 seat sanctuary is peaceful and serene, with a window view into a nature scene. The community center (ALL Purpose) and training facility have the same beauty – It sits on 10 acres of land, allowing children to run and play without fear of cars or anything else. This summer, People Involved in Motivating Our Students Higher (PIMOSH) joins in partnership delivering 2021 Arts Education & Technology Institute (one of three locations). They expect up to 100 children and youth for this year’s inaugural run from July 12 – August 18, 2021.

Pastor Esau was born and raised in New Haven, CT. When he lost his father at a young age, he lost his way. The once famous high school athlete touring with the band and organized sports found himself outside of himself. He was as a broken vessel, and that weird place, without his Dad, was unbearable – He turned to alcohol and drugs, like so many others. The difference is he can honestly speak about those times and is willing to help others overcome them.

Another program proposed for the church is the Helen Harrison House of Hope for addicted women & children working hard getting parental rights restored while simultaneously working on hurtful issues contributing to the situation. Pastor Esau is an Elder for his region and will be ordained Sunday, July 11, 2021, at New Antioch, as the first major event since COVID-19. ALL are Welcome.

As a degreed Mental Health professional, he spends his days and some nights helping the less fortunate to gain a sense of self-worth with inspiring words and a calm spirit. Pastor Esau Greene, Jr. is the Chosen Visionary Number 59, and he’s in the HOT-Seat.

Notable Accomplishments

  1. Entrepreneur: Pastor Esau Greene is a visionary, and has always been an entrepreneur
  2. Expert: Mental Health Professional with years of experience
  3. Service: New Antioch Church (Branford, CT)
  4. Service: The Helen Harrison House of Hope (for Women & Children)
  5. Service: PIMOSH Summer Intensive Arts Education & Technology Institute (K-12)

Three Things You Should Do Now

What’s More

When Pastor Esau Greene, Jr. is not out saving the world, he grabs his wife, Lady Tiffany, and they head out for a trip anywhere there is rest, relaxation, and a chance to re-kindle and reflect on what was and what’s to come. They are blessed to be a blessing to a cold and dark world.

Are You New To Urban Academics?

Who should attend? Administrators, C.E.O.s, Child Advocates, Civil Service Members, Content Creators, Educators, Entrepreneurs, First Responders, Guidance Counselors, Journalists, Mental Health Professionals, Parents, Political Figures, Students, Upward Mobile Professionals, School Systems Interested in Change, Teachers, and People Involved in Motivating Our Students Higher (PIMOSH.) Subsidiaries. GRAB a Seat HERE.

Do You Have Any Questions?

If you have comments or questions for this Chosen Visionary or Urban Academic Roundtable Co-Moderators, please post them in the comments section below. Thank you for reading, and may God continue to bless you!

The Secret of Successful RETIRED US NAVAL OFFICER

3,899 Replies

Can you imagine being smart enough to use the US government to secure your future while getting paid to attend college or university studies? Many people are aware of the many benefits of military enlistment, but there’s much more associated with that track that’s not always advertised throughout media.

This week’s Chosen Visionary is one who learned early to pursue her dreams but to do so with as little out-of-pocket expense as possible. She was smart enough to take advantage of the Armed Forces of the United States at a young age. First, the National Guard and then, as a young black woman climbed the ranks, becoming a Retired Naval Officer. This route has proven successful, and yet she is young enough to start another career on top, and she’s at the Urban Academics Roundtable, as HOT-Seat Number Fifty-Eight (58), Thursday at 9:30 pm (EDT).

This is a FREE invitation for you to join us, but you can Register Here

WATCH NOW: HOT-Seat at The Roundtable, Season One

The Urban Academics HOT-Seat, Season One Featuring Twelve Chosen Visionaries in the HOT-Seat. SUBSCRIBE to Our YouTube Channel NOW & CLICK THE BELL! You Can Binge Watch by Clicking Below!

Three Books You Should Read Now

  1. Enduring The Call; A 14 Day Journey, by Jocelyn Fagan ($14.00)
  2. The ZOLA Experience: A Journey of Recovery From Loss, by Katurah A Bryant, LMFT ($14.99)
  3. When The Heart Takes Flight, by Carla Yarbrough ($9.99)

“I want my legacy to be helping others see what they are capable of – giving back to those less fortunate. That’s what I want my legacy to be.”

Trina L Martin, MBA

Meet Our Next Chosen Visionary in the HOT-Seat

This Chosen Visionary, forever known as HOT-Seat Fifty-Eight (58), featured on ABC, FOX, NBC, Houston Chronicle, and Thrive Global, is now adding the Urban Academics Roundtable to her repertoire! Here, she shares the story of shattering unimaginable hardships to finding the ultimate level of success. Still, many people only know the glory – They’ve not yet heard her story, and she’ll share it at the table. Grab a Seat Here!

Trina L. Martin was born in the greater Chicago area and is the youngest of four children. Her siblings were much older than she, and she was the only one of four to go to college, completing both bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees!

Lady Trina’s inspirational speaking opportunities help her audiences overcome adversity, develop self-determination, and discipline to accomplish any dream imaginable with heart and grit. She’s an accomplished IT professional with over 30-years as a Naval Officer in service, as mentioned earlier.

With a stellar career in the Information Technology field. As an Intelligence Officer in the U.S. Navy, a Cyber Intelligence Analyst for the FBI, and now as the owner of her technology company, Trina has pierced the glass ceiling and excelled in positions typically held only by men,

Throughout Trina’s career, setting goals and surpassing them was just the beginning. Self-motivation is the mantra! Discipline and hard work are the driving forces that helped her design a life and career she could be proud of, even with the odds stacked against her.

Notable Accomplishments

  1. Author: From a Mess to Amazing: 7 Steps to Create The Life You Deserve (17.99)
  2. Author:
  3. Entrepreneur: Trina L Martin Technology Consulting, LLC (Athens Texas)
  4. Expert: She knows Information Technology like the ack of Her Hand
  5. National Publicity: ABC, AZCENTRAL, Atlanta Business Journal, Business Innovators, Daily Herald, Digital Journal, FOX, NBC, Houston Chronicle, Market TV, and Thrive Global
  6. Service: Retired Naval Officer (30-Years)
  7. Service: Inspiring Girls of Color to Pursue STEM Opportunities

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Three Things You Should Do Now

What’s More

When Lady Trina is not wearing her cape and saving the world, she is sleeping or traveling to an exotic place, wait for it … As a spa, sleeping. She is such an inspiration

Are You New To Urban Academics?

Who should attend? Administrators, C.E.O.s, Child Advocates, Civil Service Members, Content Creators, Educators, Entrepreneurs, First Responders, Guidance Counselors, Journalists, Mental Health Professionals, Parents, Political Figures, Students, Upward Mobile Professionals, School Systems Interested in Change, Teachers, and People Involved in Motivating Our Students Higher (P.I.M.O.S.H.) Subsidiaries. GRAB a Seat HERE.

Do You Have Any Questions?

If you have comments or questions, for DC Glenn, of Tag Team, or the Urban Academics Roundtable please post them in the comments section below . Thank you for reading, and may God bless you!

Joseph Matthews is a father to many and a leader to all. Talks about hard times as a child at the Roundtable

LEADERSHIP And Love Have 4 Things In Common

1,725 Replies

LEADERSHIP And Love Have 4 Things In Common, and you will learn all about each when you grab a seat at this week’s Urban Academics Roundtable.

He is a Coach (Basketball & Football), Community Activist, Director at Westchester Bangels Booster Club, and Gullah Geechee Historian. We are more than blessed to have this king at the Urban Academics Roundtable, as HOT-Seat Number Fifty-Seven(57). This is an invitation for you to join us, but you can Register Here

WATCH NOW: HOT-Seat at The Roundtable, Season One

The Urban Academics HOT-Seat, Season One Featuring Twelve Chosen Visionaries in the HOT-Seat. You Can Binge Watch by Clicking Below! SUBSCRIBE to Our YouTube Channel NOW & CLICK THE BELL!

Three Books You Should Read Now

  1. Enduring The Call; A 14 Day Journey, by Jocelyn Fagan ($14.00)
  2. The ZOLA Experience: A Journey of Recovery From Loss, by Katurah A Bryant, LMFT ($14.99)
  3. When The Heart Takes Flight, by Carla Yarbrough ($9.99)

“I love the children of James Island and all of Charleston, so I went to the city council meeting to explain why we need a gym! They listened to me, and before I would leave, they gave me checks, money, and a promise to get it done. God is good.”

Coach Matthews

Meet Our Next Chosen Visionary in the HOT-Seat

Recently featured in the fun Auto Insurance Commercial for Geico, the 90s classic Reel School HIP HOP  due TAG TEAM is back on TOP. Bursting onto the scene with their TOP OF THE POPS hit and automatically became one of those songs that stick in your head. “Whoomp! (There It Is).” The track quickly climbed to #1 on the Billboard Hot R&B charts in just 14 days. The song continues to appeal to admirers raised in the ‘90s and appeals to new enthusiasts of every era as it is recognized as a true symbol of the time. “Whoomp! (There It Is)” has been showcased in world-class nationwide ad campaigns as well as in Hollywood hit motion pictures and television series

  • Joseph Matthews is a father to many and a leader to all. Talks about hard times as a child at the Roundtable

Joseph Matthews was born and raised in Charleston South Carolina, and grew up in he middle of the transformation “After Freedom.” His memories bring him back to the plantation, but how is that possible when he’s not old enough to have experienced certain dates in history.

Some people don’t know that there are folks in Charleston who chose to stay on the plantation after freedom because they had no other options. They were not learned, and all they knew was where they found themselves.

Hear the story of a true historian who is not too far removed from the real truth about black folks’ passage to American soil – And those who remain.

Here are four things that set King Joseph Matthews apart from the others: (1) Love for Children; Love for the family; (3) Love for God; and (4) Love for Life.

Notable Accomplishments

  1. Service: Food Distribution to the Needy Weekly
  2. Service: Director – Westchester Parks & Recreation
  3. Service: Director – Westchester Bengals Booster Club

Three Things You Should Do Now

What’s More

When DC “The Brain Supreme” Glenn is not outperforming around the world as a “Tag Team” partner, he is extremely excited about technology and is a MASTER at Search Engine Optimization (SEO).

Are You New To Urban Academics?

Who should attend? Administrators, C.E.O.s, Child Advocates, Civil Service Members, Content Creators, Educators, Entrepreneurs, First Responders, Guidance Counselors, Journalists, Mental Health Professionals, Parents, Political Figures, Students, Upward Mobile Professionals, School Systems Interested in Change, Teachers, and People Involved in Motivating Our Students Higher (P.I.M.O.S.H.) Subsidiaries. GRAB a Seat HERE.

Do You Have Any Questions?

If you have comments or questions, for DC Glenn, of Tag Team, or the Urban Academics Roundtable please post them in the comments section below . Thank you for reading, and may God bless you!

DC The Brain Supreme Glenn of the Duo Tag-Team! Whoomp! There it Is.

To People That Want To Start RAP MUSIC INDUSTRY But Are Afraid To Get Started

328 Replies

The 90’s was a critical time for black and brown folks in America, especially black, brown and poor folks! There was a surge of crack cocaine reaching into the inner city neighborhoods, and Rap music had made it to mainstream radio – Even MTV, which had a problem even promoting music from Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, or Luther Vandross on their channel.

One song that made these two community realities was “Whoomp! There it Is,” the 90’s party anthem, and a popular song at Rick’s Cafe (the Cliff)! We are blessed to have one-half of the Tag Team Duo at the Urban Academics Roundtable. This is an invitation for you to join us, but you can Register Here

: https://bit.ly/UranAcademicsRoundtableSeat

WATCH NOW: HOT-Seat at The Roundtable, Season One

The Urban Academics HOT-Seat, Season One Featuring Twelve Chosen Visionaries in the HOT-Seat. You Can Binge Watch by Clicking Below! SUBSCRIBE to Our YouTube Channel NOW & CLICK THE BELL!

Three Books You Should Read Now

  1. Enduring The Call; A 14 Day Journey, by Jocelyn Fagan ($14.00)
  2. The ZOLA Experience: A Journey of Recovery From Loss, by Katurah A Bryant, LMFT ($14.99)
  3. When The Heart Takes Flight, by Carla Yarbrough ($9.99)

“I share everything I have because I love what I do and want to make sure others have the same opportunities I have or even more.”

DC “The Brain Supreme” Glenn

Meet Our Next Chosen Visionary in the HOT-Seat

Recently featured in the fun Auto Insurance Commercial for Geico, the 90s classic Reel School HIP HOP  due TAG TEAM is back on TOP. Bursting onto the scene with their TOP OF THE POPS hit and automatically became one of those songs that stick in your head. “Whoomp! (There It Is).” The track quickly climbed to #1 on the Billboard Hot R&B charts in just 14 days. The song continues to appeal to admirers raised in the ‘90s and appeals to new enthusiasts of every era as it is recognized as a true symbol of the time. “Whoomp! (There It Is)” has been showcased in world-class nationwide ad campaigns as well as in Hollywood hit motion pictures and television series

DC The Brain Supreme Glenn of the Duo Tag-Team! Whoomp! There it Is.
Tanisha King, Ph.D., Chosen Visionary in HOT-Seat 55 (Athens OH)

Other top songs from their hit album  Whoomp! (There It Is)  includes “Freestyle” and “U Go Girl.”  Spanning the spectrum from TV and Radio Adverts, programs, films, and sporting events, TAG TEAM’s music has risen to be the defining 90’s Hip Hop Melodic Voice.  The big hit “Whoomp!” remains highly relevant, and those ranging in age from 8 to 108 continue to groove and boogie down to the exceptional tune.

With ‘90s hip-hop more recognizable than ever, venues worldwide are energized to watch Tag Team live and in action. Social media has also supplied a new avenue for converting music enthusiasts into “Whoomp!” fans. DC Glenn and Steve thrive on hooking up with brand new fans who have discovered them via viral Facebook posts and appreciate seeing their blissful faces when listening to the song performed live.

Notable Accomplishments

  1. Agency: ThePeople Store Agency
  2. Artist: Rap/Hip Hop Icon of the Tag-Team
  3. Artist: Professional Voice Over Artists
  4. Commercial: Geico Auto Insurance
  5. Song: Whoomp! There it Is
  6. Speaker: On the International stage
  7. Trainer: Music Training Seminars at law colleges, Universities and entertianment industry events

Tag Team pioneers DC The Brain Supreme and Steve Rolen stay dedicated to entertaining fans and delivering an old-school hip-hop blowout to hotspots worldwide. Audiences for Tag Team events vary in age from the very young to the ‘old fools from the old school,’ and “Whoomp!” delivers the ‘90s experience like no other. DC Glenn and Steve love the powerful experience of looking over a jam-packed arena and comprehending how much their simple song has inspired the lives of countless millions throughout the world.

The legendary tune and dynamic high school friends captivate those of every generation as their style speaks to folks who remember when hip-hop was truly hip-hop. The degree of anticipation at a Tag Team concert is almost palpable as fans wait in delight for the high-energy party that’s to come. 

Listen to their top hit and more 

Three Things You Should Do Now

What’s More

When DC “The Brain Supreme” Glenn is not outperforming around the world as a “Tag Team” partner, he is extremely excited about technology and is a MASTER at Search Engine Optimization (SEO).

Are You New To Urban Academics?

Who should attend? Administrators, C.E.O.s, Child Advocates, Civil Service Members, Content Creators, Educators, Entrepreneurs, First Responders, Guidance Counselors, Journalists, Mental Health Professionals, Parents, Political Figures, Students, Upward Mobile Professionals, School Systems Interested in Change, Teachers, and People Involved in Motivating Our Students Higher (P.I.M.O.S.H.) Subsidiaries. GRAB a Seat HERE.

Do You Have Any Questions?

If you have comments or questions, for DC Glenn, of Tag Team, or the Urban Academics Roundtable please post them in the comments section below . Thank you for reading, and may God bless you!

Ph.D. Knows How To Teach Education Revival Better Than Anyone Else – In the HOT-Seat

1,069 Replies

Education in America has been hard, especially for African American (black and brown) children. It appears that we can no longer ignore the truth – If others control the overall societal narrative, eventually, you’ll have no choice but to fight for what’s yours.

I’m well aware of the fact that we’ve been fighting for education, police and voter reforms, and so many other injustices long enough. However, here’s a quote by a great woman who was filled with wisdom, laying her life down for the dream she shared with her husband …

“Struggle is a never-ending process. Freedom is never really won. You earn it and win it in every generation.”

Coretta Scott-King, Author and Civil Rights Icon

WATCH NOW: HOT-Seat at The Roundtable, Season One

The Urban Academics HOT-Seat, Season One Featuring Twelve Chosen Visionaries in the HOT-Seat. You Can Binge Watch by Clicking Below! SUBSCRIBE to Our YouTube Channel NOW & CLICK THE BELL!

Three Books You Should Read Now

  1. Enduring The Call; A 14 Day Journey, by Jocelyn Fagan ($14.00)
  2. The ZOLA Experience: A Journey of Recovery From Loss, by Katurah A Bryant, LMFT ($14.99)
  3. When The Heart Takes Flight, by Carla Yarbrough ($9.99)

Meet Our Next Chosen Visionary in the HOT-Seat

This week’s Chosen Visionary is an author, consultant, public speaker from Athens. OH. Dr. King currently serves as the Chief Inclusion Officer for the Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine at Ohio University. She is also an Adjunct Professor
in the Department of Social Medicine. Additionally, she is an Adjunct Professor at Southern New Hampshire University, where she teaches a Ph.D. level social change course.

Previously, Dr. King has taught at the undergraduate and graduate levels at the University of Illinois and Fordham University and served her communities through volunteerism as members of various boards of directors.

Dr. Tanisha King currently serves as the Chief Inclusion Officer for the Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine at Ohio University. She is also an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Social Medicine.

Tanisha King, Ph.D., Chosen Visionary in HOT-Seat 55 (Athens OH)
Tanisha King, Ph.D., Chosen Visionary in HOT-Seat 55 (Athens OH)

Her inaugural book “Out of Battle into Freedom“ was featured at an NAACP author pavilion and described on Amazon as a “must-read.” Dr. King is the Founder of Dr. King Speaks, LLC, where she helps organizations move from performative to transformative diversity, equity, and inclusion practices and empowers women to defy odds and overcome obstacles through radical self-love.

Dr. Tanisha combines her education as a Master’s Level Social Worker with a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership – She’s at the Urban Academics Roundtable as Chosen visionary in HOT-Seat 55. This is an invitation for you to join us, but you need to register here; It’s FREE!

Notable Accomplishments

  1. Author: Out of Battle Into Freedom by Tanisha King, Ph.D. ($9.99)
  2. Education: A three-time alumna of the University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign
  3. Entrepreneur: Founder, Dr. King Speaks, LLC
  4. Political Seat: Member of the Champaign County Board
  5. Producer: The Tanisha King Show (Podcast)
  6. Speaker/Lecturer: Discussing Politics, Social Justice, Women Empowerment +
  7. Teaching Professor: Fordham University, Ohio University, University of Illinois
  8. Theatre: Virginia Theater Performance “That’s What She Said”

Three Things You Should Do Now

What’s More

When Dr. Tanisha is not out saving the world, she finds relaxation in the form of a weekly bubble bath! If she does not get her bath, it’s a severe problem. We should all take better care of ourselves; Pampering is just the beginning.

Are You New To Urban Academics?

Who should attend? Administrators, C.E.O.s, Child Advocates, Civil Service Members, Content Creators, Educators, Entrepreneurs, First Responders, Guidance Counselors, Journalists, Mental Health Professionals, Parents, Political Figures, Students, Upward Mobile Professionals, School Systems Interested in Change, Teachers, and People Involved in Motivating Our Students Higher (P.I.M.O.S.H.) Subsidiaries. GRAB a Seat HERE.

Do You Have Any Questions?

Please post them in the comments section below if you have questions for Dr. Tanisha King or the Urban Academics Roundtable. Thank you for reading, and may God bless you!

A Beautifully Refreshing Perspective On ARTS EDUCATION AND THE THEATRE

222 Replies

The arts in education and theater are not new to the world; each of these phenomenons is expressive models that most people desire. The ability to express oneself does come in many forms. Still, the theatre is not recorded, nor is it edited, and therefore needs skilled performers and talent for ticketed guests to experience something they’ll remember and tell others about.

When we look at black and brown folks in the theatre, it’s not widely a choice for performing artists; Black folks tend to go towards film/movies or rap/sing. This week at the Urban Academics Roundtable, Chosen Visionary Number Fifty-One (51) will share the climate in the theatre when he was a student and graduate from Howard University Drama Department, and whether that distinguished degree made the playing field easy or not?

What does the climate look like today in the theatre for black folks, and what can we do to ensure the next generation of talented young people find their way to the most fruitful opportunities?

WATCH NOW – The HOT-Seat at Urban Academics, Season One

The term “Black Theatre” combines plays and musicals directed, performed, produced, or written by African-Americans (Blacks) over the past 200 years.

The Harlem Renaissance of the late ’20s and ’30s was mostly responsible for causing the blow-up that paved the way for hidden skilled performers and talented acts. There is so much that came out of this era that remains, but what was once there that is no more? Find out at the Urban Academics Roundtable, Thursday at 9:30 pm (EDT). You are invited to join us; It’s FREE; GRAB a Seat HERE.

Three Books You Should Read NOW

  1. Enduring The Call; A 14 Day Journey, by Jocelyn Fagan ($14.00)
  2. The ZOLA Experience: A Journey of Recovery From Loss, by Katurah A Bryant, LMFT ($14.99)
  3. When The Heart Takes Flight, by Carla Yarbrough ($9.99)

This Week In The HOT-Seat

a graduate of Howard University’s Department of Drama. He Mr. Holtz is a writer, actor, director and teacher with an extensive background in theater, film/video and stand-up comedy.  He teaches theater in the Newark (NJ) Public Schools.

Gregory Holtz, Sr, is HOT-Seat Number 51 - Artistic Director, Actor, Publisher, and Writer Dines With Us At the Urban Academics Roundtable, Thursday at 9:30 PM (EDT)

Notable Accomplishments

  • Film and TV Projects: Chicken Special
  • Film and TV Projects: Field Your Way Through It,
  • Film and TV Projects: The Mission
  • Sitcoms: Beacon Place
  • Sitcoms: South Africans-Americans
  • School Project: Mind Builders-Positive Youth Troupe
  • School Project: NJPAC, Writer’s Theater of New Jersey
  • School Project: New Jersey State Council for the Arts, NJPAC
  • School Project: New York Shakespeare Festival’s Playwriting in the Schools program
  • School Project: NYU’s Creative Arts Team
  • School Project: The Children’s Art Carnival
  • School Project: Theater for the Forgotten’s Changing Scenes
  • Service: Cultural Envoy to South Africa through U.S. Department of State as a playwright
  • Writing Credits: A Christ Mass Story
  • Writing Credits: Ali…From Cassius Clay To Bomaye
  • Writing Credits: Black Codes From The Underground, (produced by Lincoln Center’s Directors Lab 1999)
  • Writing Credits: Grandma’s Hands
  • Writing Credits: Lifeline
  • Writing Credits: The Anansi X-5000
  • Writing Credits: Trip This
  • Writing Credits: Where’s Bobby?

Three Things You Should Do NOW

What’s More?

Mr. Holtz currently serves as Writer/Producer with Think Young, LLC developing docuseries on the life of Andrew Young. If you have any questions for King Holtz, please use the comments section below – We will make sure he gets your message and respond accordingly.

Are You New To Urban Academics?

Who should attend? Administrators, CEOs, Child Advocates, Civil Service Members, Content Creators, Educators, Entrepreneurs, First Responders, Guidance Counselors, Journalists, Mental Health Professionals, Parents, Political Figures, Students, Upward Mobile Professionals, School Systems Interested in Change, Teachers, and People Involved in Motivating Our Students Higher (P.I.M.O.S.H.) Subsidiaries. GRAB a Seat HERE.

Do You Have Any Questions?

Please post your comments or questions in the comments section below for any HOT-Seat Chosen Visionary, or for Members of Urban Academics Online. More information is HERE! Thank you for reading, and may God bless you!

If You Want To Be A Winner, Change YOUR BELIEF IN YOURSELF Philosophy Now

239 Replies

Believing in your dreams and that of others is not as easy as it sounds, but doable on all accounts if you only believe. You can do anything you will do in this life, but it’s difficult to drown out the background noise and stay focused on the goal ahead. Chosen Visionaries are born out of

People come in all shapes, sizes, and colors and can be tricky at best. It’s up to the visionary to see what God has purposed in their hearts and then move to that end with the fear present, taking courage in moving forward. Why do some make it while others give up, falling flat on their face more often than not?

WATCH NOW: HOT-Seat at The Roundtable, Season One

The Urban Academics HOT-Seat, Season One Featuring Twelve Chosen Visionaries in the HOT-Seat. You Can Binge Watch by Clicking Below! SUBSCRIBE to Our YouTube Channel NOW & CLICK THE BELL!

Three Books You Should Read Now

  1. Enduring The Call; A 14 Day Journey, by Jocelyn Fagan ($14.00)
  2. The ZOLA Experience: A Journey of Recovery From Loss, by Katurah A Bryant, LMFT ($14.99)
  3. When The Heart Takes Flight, by Carla Yarbrough ($9.99)

Meet Our Next Chosen Visionary in the HOT-Seat

His week’s Chosen Visionary began a professional life of acting and singing after moving to NYC from Chicago and landing her debut role as a breakout star in the movie MO’ Better Blues (A Spike Lee Joint) and several other movies over the years. What’s so neat was that her role called for a female singer/vocalist; She got the job, and her featured song, Harlem Blues, climbed up the R&B Billboard charts to number one (see the video to her chart-topper below).

Cynda sings professionally for film and the stage. She sings Jazz, Americana, and R&B/Hip Hop Fusion with THe WES Group, Michael Martin Band, and The C & Ronnie G’s Band.

Lady Cynda is also a weekly co-host with DJ Kid Disco on “The Morning Melanated Show” from 10 am-12 pm Wednesday. Catch the Show Here!

Cynda WIlliams, Actress, Author, Singer, Speaker at Pink Pantie Confessions PPC Productions from Greater Chicago on Keeping The Faith

Notable Accomplishments

  1. Author: Pink Pantie Confessions (P.P.C.) by Cynda Williams ($9.99)
  2. Film/Movies: 72-Hours, by Christopher Nolan
  3. Film/Movies: A Change in The World, by Mark Vadik
  4. Film/Movies: Caught Up by Darin Scott
  5. Film/Movies: Kings Of LA by Van Elder
  6. Film/Movies: Life Aint Like The Movies, by Robert Butler
  7. Film/Movies: Mad As Hell by Robert Parham
  8. Film/Movies: MO’ Better Blues, A Spike Lee Joint
  9. Film/Movies: Pieces of David, by Lawrence D Wallace
  10. Film/Movies: Ray Meets Helen, by Alan Rudolph
  11. Producer: Pending Series Podcast on the Anchor Platform
  12. Producer: PPC RADIO SHOW
  13. Television Appearances: ABC – Oprah’s Mini-Series, The Wedding
  14. Television Appearances: BET’s Hidden Blessings
  15. Television Appearances: HBO’s Dorothy Dandridge
  16. Television Appearances: PBS’s Tales of The City
  17. Writer: Creator of Books, Musicals, and Screenplays

WATCH NOW: Cynda Williams “Harlem Blues” Performance

Three Things You Should Do Now

What’s More

Cynda has always liked to volunteer, and when she’s not helping others, she’s working on her many projects. She especially loves the Guiding Light, Inc. out of Muncie, India, where Cynda serves as the nonprofit’s consultant for the arts. Ms. Williams continues to sing and accepts quality roles in film, television, theatre, and she’s here at the Urban Academics Roundtable.

Are You New To Urban Academics?

Who should attend? Administrators, CEOs, Child Advocates, Civil Service Members, Content Creators, Educators, Entrepreneurs, First Responders, Guidance Counselors, Journalists, Mental Health Professionals, Parents, Political Figures, Students, Upward Mobile Professionals, School Systems Interested in Change, Teachers, and People Involved in Motivating Our Students Higher (P.I.M.O.S.H.) Subsidiaries. GRAB a Seat HERE.

Do You Have Any Questions?

Please post them in the comments section below if you have questions for Lady Cynda Williams or Urban Academics. Thank you for reading, and may God bless you!

Why Did Slaves Grow Up In The Southern Colonies

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If you’re alive right now, it seems as if the thought of slavery is a thing of the past, like hundreds and hundreds of years ago; And while that is true, it really is not! The truth continues to point to these truths: Not every man is created equal and as petty as it may sound, that truth includes the fact that most folks in the United States have been trained to hate on some level causing many black and brown people to be mistreated.

On the surface, it may appear that we as a people are out of control; or simply have lost the way. Here’s the question: If we are not sure where we came from, how shall we ever return to a place where we know the truth. It seems impossible at best to believe we can ever truly experience what the actual slaves lived within the United States, but it goes down in history as having the largest groups of cash crops in the world.

The “experience” as it were, and its lingering effects are considered horrific, yes, but what would be more horrible is if we do not accurately account for these experiences in our voice as documentalists or story-tellers. But that all ends now with this week’s Urban Academics HOT-Seat Chosen Visionary. She spends her days interpreting the experience of 75-100 slaves who lived and died at the McLeod Plantation in Charleston South Carolina.

Three Books You Should Read

  1. Enduring The Call; A 14 Day Journey, by Jocelyn Fagan ($14.00)
  2. The ZOLA Experience: A Journey of Recovery From Loss, by Katurah A Bryant, LMFT ($14.99)
  3. When The Heart Takes Flight, by Carla Yarbrough ($9.99)

Who’s In This Week’s HOT-Seat

Reverend Toby Smith was born in Charleston, South Carolina, but grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She’s a graduate of USC, Columbia, and has done graduate work at American University and Colorado Christian University. Toby began her professional career at the Central Intelligence Agency, where she served domestically and abroad.

After eight years with the Federal Government, she returned home and began working at the Charleston County School District as the Public Relations Officer under the leadership of the late Superintendent, Sydney “Chip” Zullinger, who selected her to coordinate the district’s first bond campaign dedicated to repairing old dilapidated schools. That campaign led to politics and, her passion for the political process.

Rev. Smith’s biggest and boldest adventure to date: Commemoration 400, Charleston’s, year-long reflection on the experience of the enslaved and their descendants.  Today, Toby is the Lead Interpretive Aide at McLeod Plantation Historic Site; One of two cultural locations in the US presenting slavery issues from the enslaved perspective. In this role, Toby interacts with guests and visitors from all over the world while telling compelling stories of the 74-100 enslaved people who lived and died at McLeod Plantation.

Rev. Toby Smith, Cultural Interpreter and Licensed Ordained Minister, HOT-Seat Visionary Number 41, Charleston SC
Rev. Toby Smith, Cultural Interpreter and Licensed Ordained Minister, HOT-Seat Visionary Number 41, Charleston SC

Notable Accomplishments

  • FIRSTS: City of Charleston Mayoral Candidate on Racial Reconciliation and engaging communities in need
  • FIRSTS: Charleston Metro Credit Union’s First African-American Director of the Affairs Group
  • MINISTRY: Licensed Ordained Minister at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church (Rev. Willis Glover, Sr., Pastor)
  • SERVICE: Assists the Food and Clothing Ministry
  • SERVICE: Executive Director of Midland Park Community Ministries
  • SERVICE: Expanded food pantry and clothes closet programming and services to Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester Counties
  • SERVICE: Non-Profit Grants development and strategy funding
  • SERVICE: Non-Profit Grant Reviewer for the Compassion Capital Fund
  • SERVICE: Taught financial literacy, first-time homebuyer, pre-and post-bankruptcy, and mortgage default classes throughout the state of South Carolina
  • SERVICE: Weekly Bible study, and Sunday School Classes
  • SERVICE: Worked with Youth and Women’s Ministries
  • Writer: IMARA Woman magazine (Columbia, SC), covering education and financial literacy

Three Things You Should DO

Are You New To The Weekly Roundtable

Who should attend? Administrators, Educators, Child Advocates, Entrepreneurs, Guidance Counselors, Mental Health Professionals, Parents, Political Figures, Students, Upward Mobile Professionals, School Systems Interested in Change, Teachers, and People Involved in Motivating Our Students Higher (P.I.M.O.S.H.) Subsidiaries. GRAB a Seat HERE.

Do You Have Questions?

Use the Comments Section Below to ask questions or get in touch with this HOT-Seat Chosen Visionary or the Urban Academics staff. Ask away, and she will get to your questions and quickly as possible.

Everything You Wanted to Know About GULLAH GEECHEE PEOPLE and Were Too Embarrassed to Ask

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We celebrate BLACKNESS every day, but across the world, February is a constant reminder of how far we’ve come as a people; Look @ Us! Closing out Black History Month 2021 COVID-19 Edition is a historian caught in the “Twilight Zone.” Someone who can remember “Before Freedom!”


My mother was born and raised in a tiny little place in South Carolina, not even on the map, one of twelve siblings, yet I’ve never heard her refer to the term “Geechee Gullah, nor Gullah Geechee, but why? Learning of this cultural and wealthy legacy has changed my life, and I pray it changes yours as you travel through time with a tour guide who uses the term “After Freedom.”


Black History month may be coming to a close based on the world’s calendar, but Being black in America will always be a mixed-bag of emotionally charged questions from one generation to the next. However, today is the dawning of a new day where the truth shall make us free. Change has come. Let us not miss this moment.

Gullah

Gullah is a combination of Creolized language taking root through customs, traditions, and awful circumstances resulting from slavery in the US. This “Gullah” language was spoken by slaves settling in both South Carolina and Georgia. It’s not written language; It’s the passage and patios of the Lowcountry.


A good pot of GUMBO passed down over time might sum it up? African, English, and any adaptations, expressions, and words – Even foreign languages picked up, based on slave owner’s nationality.

The word “Gullah” might be a mixture of the African word Gora or Gola (names of tribes living in Sierra Leone). Some believe the Gala or Gallinas are the African connection for the Gullah people in the Sea Islands.

Three Books You Should Read:

  1. Enduring The Call; A 14 Day Journey, by Jocelyn Fagan ($14.00)
  2. The ZOLA Experience: A Journey of Recovery From Loss, by Katurah A Bryant, LMFT ($14.99)
  3. When The Heart Takes Flight, by Carla Yarbrough ($9.99)

Who’s In The HOT-Seat

Alphonso Brown, Author, Entrepreneur and Famous Historian of Gullah Geechee Culture in the HOR-Seat at Urban Academics Thursdays at 9:30 pm EST: https://bit.ly/UranAcademicsRoundtableSeat
Alphonso Brown, Author, Entrepreneur and Famous Historian of Gullah Geechee Culture in the HOR-Seat at Urban Academics Thursdays at 9:30 pm EST: https://bit.ly/UranAcademicsRoundtableSeat

Alphonso Brown was born and reared in Rantowles, SC, a rural area about 12 miles south of Charleston. He graduated from Baptist Hill High School. He received a BS Degree from S. C. State University in Music and a Masters’s from Southern Illinois University. Other Graduate studies in music include The University of SC, Charleston University, and The Citadel.

Notable Accomplishments

Author: A Gullah Guide To Charleston, by Alphonso Brown – BUY THE BOOK NOW

A Gullah Guide To Charleston, by Alphonso Brown ($5.01)

Professional Affiliations, and Memberships

  • Entrepreneur: Owner & Operator, Gullah Tours
  • Lecturer: The Gullah Language & Black History of Charleston
  • Licensed Tour Guide | City of Charleston, SC
  • National Educators Association
  • Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.
  • SC Band Directors Association
  • SC Music Educators Association
  • The American Hymn Society

What’s More?

King Alonso is a member and the organist/choirmaster of Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church in Charleston. His concert choir participates in community events throughout the Southeast at colleges, churches, Fortune 500 conventions, and the Kellogg Foundation convention. And the annual Piccolo Spoleto Festival of Churches, where they do an all-Negro Spiritual Concert, looks forward. Also, every other year, the Choir performs the Dubois’ “Seven Last Words of Christ. During Christmas, they fulfill several selections from Handel’s Messiah.


Mr. Brown is a retired Band Director from The Charleston County School District, where he worked at Rivers High/Middle School for many years. He and his late wife, Laquines, are the proud parents of three sons: Howard, Terrence, and Joel, three daughters-in-law, and presently, eight grandchildren.

New To The Weekly Roundtable?

Who should attend? Administrators, Educators, Child Advocates, Entrepreneurs, Guidance Counselors, Mental Health Professionals, Parents, Political Figures, Students, Upward Mobile Professionals, School Systems Interested in Change, Teachers, and People Involved in Motivating Our Students Higher (P.I.M.O.S.H.) Subsidiaries. GRAB a Seat HERE.

Do You Have Questions?

Use the Comments Section Below to ask questions or get in touch with this HOT-Seat Chosen Visionary or the Urban Academics staff. Ask away, and she will get to your questions and quickly as possible.

Urban Academics Online, Home of the "HOT-Seat" at the Weekly Roundtable. Thursdays at 9:30 PM (EST): https://bit.ly/RoundTabeReservation

“What Everyone Must Know About The Magic In Music – Raymond Sanders On Clout, Money, And Power

278 Replies

Music is the one universal language everyone can speak – Even without words. It’s the purest form of magic, and its POWER has transcended attitude, mood, apace, and time; Hearing a particular song can bring you back to a specific place and time = Magic! Can you imagine what life would be like without music?


The words song and melody appear in the Bible (combined) between 150 and 200 times, which means Go himself is fascinated with music, more specifically songs. There are all kinds of passages pointing to worship, and there’s not one Church that would dare to start Sunday morning service without the timbrel and dance. We ALL need music, and the spoken word fits nicely inside of it.

Read HOT-Seat #31 Press Release on Raymond Sanders

Grab a Seat: DIAL: 605.472.5272, Pin#: 836692 

Three Books You Should Read:

  1. A Promised Land by Barack Obama ($24.99)
  2. Embracing The Call by Minister Jocelyn Fagan ($14.99)
  3. The ZOLA Experience: A Journey of Recovery From Loss by Katurah A Bryant, LMFT ($14.99)

What’s magical about the moment we are in is that Christmas’s spirit always seems to rise above what folks are feeling, or at least it looks that way as of Cyber Monday. 

“Roughly 186 million shoppers purchased something online or in-store from Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday, down from 190 million a year ago, the National Retail Federation said Tuesday. Shoppers spent an average of $312, a 14 percent drop from $362 in 2019.2 days ago.”

Abha Bhattaral, Washington Post (Retail Contributor)

Look at the overall consumption of everyday consumers, many of whom are out of work or barely getting by but find ways to shop when they believe there’s a sale or some kind of value proposition. Music, oh yes, the topic of this week’s roundtable segment. So you can make the connection to Music and Magic, I had to help you see numbers you understand. For this example, I will use rap music (we are urban here). Hip-Hop, R&B, and Rap are dominating in the streaming world – Topping every other medium. There’s never been a more profitable time for actual artists in music. For years the BIG money was reserved for writers and music producers, with vocalists glorified worker bees for hire.

“In 2017, Goldman found live music, publishing, and recorded songs made $26 billion, $6 billion, and $30 billion respectively. The firm estimates by 2030 these categories will reach $38 billion for live music, $12.5 billion for publishing; With biggest gains seen in recorded songs at $80 billion.”

Kori Hale, Forbes Magazine (Contributor)

In other words, this chosen visionary in the HOT-Seat is a child prodigy who can play any instrument on a dime without any traditional music lessons or schools. He can hear and identify any sound and repeat it, even with his voice. He is a rare breed who can only turn the gift on when prompted by a higher power. Grab a seat and pull up to the table- This is going to be good.

This Week’s HOT-Seat Chosen Visionary

This week, in the HOT-Seat, we are coming together to be wowed by this week’s chosen visionary, King Raymond Sanders – Child Prodigy, who traveled the world with his famous father and grandfather were both in the music business. Raymond is blessed to have lived this lifestyle throughout his life. Although connected to compelling people, he remains humble and kindly serves whenever and wherever he can.

Raymond Sanders HOT-Seat Chosen Visionary Number 31 on Music and Magic. Using your gifts to fund your dreams. Thursdays at 9:30 PM (EST): DIAL In: 605.472.5272 + Pin#: 836692
Raymond Sanders HOT-Seat Chosen Visionary Number 31 on Music and Magic. Using your gifts to fund your dreams. Thursdays at 9:30 PM (EST): DIAL In: 605.472.5272 + Pin#: 836692

And he has toured with Michael Bolton overseas through the City Kids New Haven, CT initiative. Raymond, in short, can and will sing you silly if the spirit hits him just right. A gift, straight from the throne of grace. Although gifts don’t come with repentance, they come with haters and folks that will exploit and misuse; Mr. Snders has these memories too, and his story is one of overcoming many obstacles while clinging to the music, which always leads him back to the magic.

Notable Accomplishments

  • Award: City of New Haven Healthy Start Program
  • Award: Fatherhood Initiative (City of New Haven)
  • Michael Bolton Protege’
  • Public School Music Teacher (Middle School Al Mamata)
  • Public Speaker
  • Training Facilitator & Teacher

Three Things You To Consider NOW!

  1. Life Insurance Policy (It’s one of few insurances that really pay-out)!
  2. Real Estate Investment – OR – Small Home-Based Business
  3. Visiting with your parents at least once per week

What’s More?

King Raymond Sanders spends all of his time making folks smile, we could learn so much from this conversation. He lives in New Haven and is available through the Speaker’s Bureau at Urban Academics.

New to The RoundTable?

Pull up a Seat and Eat:

The Urban Academics Roundtable, Thursdays at 9:30 PM (EDT)

DIAL-In: 605.472.5272 | Pin#: 836692

The Urban Academics Roundtable convenes discussions on various subjects and topics around academics and education and issues affecting each one today. It’s an urban intellectual talk with Q & A around black, brown, and poor folks living the inner-city urban experience – For Your Business, Home, and School. 

The coveted “HOT-Seat,” is reserved for forward-thinking folks who have resources and tools readily available to discuss issues in our communities needing change now, one family/person/topic at a time. We need solutions, not more problems, for today’s questions. These conversations are necessary and RAW, often too “HOT” to stop. You can recommend someone, a colleague, or other professional – Contact Patrina S Reddick by Clicking HERE.

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