Sierra Leone striker Mohamed Buya Turay scores to help Djurgarden win the 2019 Swedish league title - the first silverware of his career.
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Saturday, November 2, 2019
Serial Entrepreneur Papa Joe Aviance: ‘Establish Your Brand’
Papa Joe Aviance is not most people! The serial entrepreneur always does things his way. After experiencing a 250-pound weight loss, he started seeing things differently. He’s gone on to become a recording artist, weight loss motivator, an Amazon best-selling author, and now, a creator of an animated TV series.
The successful entrepreneur took time out of his busy schedule to talk with Black Enterprise.
You took the reins of your health and steered it in a positive and uplifting way. What was the decision behind you getting to a healthy weight?
I had been obese for the majority of my life. I had resigned myself as being the “cuddly, teddy bear, fat guy with jokes.” I figured that if I just appeared happy all of the time, people wouldn’t be able to see how defeated I actually was. The following is the reason why I believe that you can be in the right place, at the right time: I was working at a video rental store when I was discovered by a producer. He liked the tone of my voice so much and asked if I would do the feature on the track “Last Night A DJ Saved My Life” with Lula. Of course, I jumped at the opportunity. We went to the studio to record the track, and then it was time to shoot the music video. I had a great time on set, portraying a security guard in the video. I felt tough. And then I saw the music video. Somehow, in my head, I did not look like the man on the screen. In my head, I was the tough, chill guy—in reality, I was the fat security guard who looked like he had trouble moving. Honestly, I saw that video and vowed to myself right then and there that I was not going to continue down that path.
I decided that walking was my easiest course of action, so I put my sneakers on and hyped myself up to go on a long walk. I made it around the block. I honestly couldn’t do anymore that first day, so I took the block and made sure that I wasn’t going to give up. The next day, I made it around the block two times. I kept at it every single day until I was up to walking 5 miles per day. I felt better. I felt more confident. I saw some of the same people every day, and they cheered me on. Meanwhile, because I didn’t have the money to eat healthy, I was sourcing The 99 Cent Only store to get my fruits and vegetables. I always knew that I was a fighter with conviction, but the task to lose the weight seemed so daunting when I started. I think I was able to be positive and uplifting because as I was doing it, I gained more and more confidence in myself. It really is true that you can only be good to others if you are first good to yourself.
Your resurgence led you to become an author. What gave you the inspiration to write?
I wrote a book titled Balancing the Scales, which encompasses my personal and professional life. Some people can separate personal and professional, but mine really do go hand in hand. If by telling others about my experiences, my downfalls and victories, my mindset to reach my goals, if I can help or motivate even one person, then I have served my purpose on this earth. I firmly believe that I have gone through everything that I have gone through in my life to get me to a place where I could help other people. My inspiration came from just sitting back and taking a look at my life. There were things that I had gone through, where if you looked at them individually you would think were quite extraordinary. When you put them all together, I felt like I didn’t have a choice. It was truly something, and I had spent a few years working with different groups in sharing my story. I was a health ambassador for the American Heart Association. I figured that beyond speaking to rooms of a few hundred, or at events with a few thousand, I would write a book that could reach anyone who wanted to hear the message.
How did you gain the type of work ethic and motivation to complete the projects you worked on?
I really have to give credit to my family. Both my grandmother and grandfather had a huge impact on me growing up. My grandfather had an incredible work ethic, and a genuine kindness toward people. I remember him telling me to treat the janitor of a company the same, or better, as I would treat the CEO. He truly believed that everyone holds worth and that with dedication and hard work I could accomplish whatever I set my mind to. I also have to give credit and gratitude to my mother. Behind every great black man, there is a strong black woman who made him that way. My mother has championed for me when I wasn’t even championing for myself. She believed in me, and that has never wavered. I am truly grateful that I had those family members as an example of work ethic, and how to treat people. I would not be where I am today without the lessons I learned from them.
What complications did you endure on your road to publishing and releasing your book?
I think the hardest part of writing a book was STARTING. It is incredibly intimidating to be staring at a blank screen. It was also difficult to decide what I wanted to share that would be relevant and helpful, and what might just be extra “fluff” to fill pages. I didn’t want to write something just for the sake of writing something. I wanted it to have intention and purpose. There was a lot of writing, editing, rewriting, starting from scratch, thinking that it wasn’t going to ever be finished—but then one day I blinked and it had just come together. I sent to a few close, trusted people in my circle to read, and when they gave me the thumbs up, I knew that I had done what I set out to do.
While you were recording music, how did the business aspect of the industry affect the creative process?
As with all things, there is a bit of politics to navigate in the industry. I really feel like I had it pretty easy though. I don’t have horrible stories about the business side affecting my creative process. I’ve also been lucky enough to work with some unbelievably talented producers, who curate projects with me in mind. That definitely makes all the difference. In a way, I found the perfect balance of business and creative because I merged the two. I do think that’s what successful creative types accomplish. You find a way to balance the scale. That’s where my street smarts came in. I knew who to ride with, and who to avoid. I had also spent some of my younger working years on Wall Street, so I had that business savvy attitude too. You find what works for you, what resonates with an audience, and then you stick with that. It’s the smartest thing to do, depending on where you want to go in the industry.
Tell us about your latest project, The Electric Negro.
The Electric Negro project is something that I have been cultivating for years, and the fact that it is coming to fruition is beyond what I could have hoped for. The Electric Negro is a controversial, unapologetic, thought-provoking and HILARIOUS animated black super-hero TV series, as well as a line of fan merchandise. The show is making headlines while in the final stages of distribution with letters of intent from AJ McLean (Backstreet Boys), Denzel Whitaker (Black Panther), and many more who have already signed on as voice actors for the main characters.
What advice would you give to folks who want to be a successful entrepreneur?
Really figure out what it is that you’re selling. It could be an idea, a product, an art piece, yourself; but you truly have to believe in whatever it is that you want other folks to pick up on. Establish your brand. What do you represent? Be clear about the message you’re trying to get across, and then give people a reason to remember that brand. Be good to people. I know business is business, but I am living proof that you can be successful in business without tearing other people down or exploiting them. You get what you give. And when you give positivity and honesty, you get positivity and honesty back. We also live in a time where you have to be savvy on social media. Start a grassroots operation for getting the word out to people. If you’re putting out the right message to the right people, your social numbers will reflect that. The more visibility that you can give yourself, the more opportunity you can give yourself. Last but not least, I go back to one of my first points. You can only give to others when you’re giving to yourself first, so make sure at the end of the day that you’re taking care of yourself. Trust yourself because you know what you’re capable of, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you hit a roadblock. With some hard work and dedication, you can do it!
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The successful entrepreneur took time out of his busy schedule to talk with Black Enterprise.
You took the reins of your health and steered it in a positive and uplifting way. What was the decision behind you getting to a healthy weight?
I had been obese for the majority of my life. I had resigned myself as being the “cuddly, teddy bear, fat guy with jokes.” I figured that if I just appeared happy all of the time, people wouldn’t be able to see how defeated I actually was. The following is the reason why I believe that you can be in the right place, at the right time: I was working at a video rental store when I was discovered by a producer. He liked the tone of my voice so much and asked if I would do the feature on the track “Last Night A DJ Saved My Life” with Lula. Of course, I jumped at the opportunity. We went to the studio to record the track, and then it was time to shoot the music video. I had a great time on set, portraying a security guard in the video. I felt tough. And then I saw the music video. Somehow, in my head, I did not look like the man on the screen. In my head, I was the tough, chill guy—in reality, I was the fat security guard who looked like he had trouble moving. Honestly, I saw that video and vowed to myself right then and there that I was not going to continue down that path.
I decided that walking was my easiest course of action, so I put my sneakers on and hyped myself up to go on a long walk. I made it around the block. I honestly couldn’t do anymore that first day, so I took the block and made sure that I wasn’t going to give up. The next day, I made it around the block two times. I kept at it every single day until I was up to walking 5 miles per day. I felt better. I felt more confident. I saw some of the same people every day, and they cheered me on. Meanwhile, because I didn’t have the money to eat healthy, I was sourcing The 99 Cent Only store to get my fruits and vegetables. I always knew that I was a fighter with conviction, but the task to lose the weight seemed so daunting when I started. I think I was able to be positive and uplifting because as I was doing it, I gained more and more confidence in myself. It really is true that you can only be good to others if you are first good to yourself.
Your resurgence led you to become an author. What gave you the inspiration to write?
I wrote a book titled Balancing the Scales, which encompasses my personal and professional life. Some people can separate personal and professional, but mine really do go hand in hand. If by telling others about my experiences, my downfalls and victories, my mindset to reach my goals, if I can help or motivate even one person, then I have served my purpose on this earth. I firmly believe that I have gone through everything that I have gone through in my life to get me to a place where I could help other people. My inspiration came from just sitting back and taking a look at my life. There were things that I had gone through, where if you looked at them individually you would think were quite extraordinary. When you put them all together, I felt like I didn’t have a choice. It was truly something, and I had spent a few years working with different groups in sharing my story. I was a health ambassador for the American Heart Association. I figured that beyond speaking to rooms of a few hundred, or at events with a few thousand, I would write a book that could reach anyone who wanted to hear the message.
How did you gain the type of work ethic and motivation to complete the projects you worked on?
I really have to give credit to my family. Both my grandmother and grandfather had a huge impact on me growing up. My grandfather had an incredible work ethic, and a genuine kindness toward people. I remember him telling me to treat the janitor of a company the same, or better, as I would treat the CEO. He truly believed that everyone holds worth and that with dedication and hard work I could accomplish whatever I set my mind to. I also have to give credit and gratitude to my mother. Behind every great black man, there is a strong black woman who made him that way. My mother has championed for me when I wasn’t even championing for myself. She believed in me, and that has never wavered. I am truly grateful that I had those family members as an example of work ethic, and how to treat people. I would not be where I am today without the lessons I learned from them.
What complications did you endure on your road to publishing and releasing your book?
I think the hardest part of writing a book was STARTING. It is incredibly intimidating to be staring at a blank screen. It was also difficult to decide what I wanted to share that would be relevant and helpful, and what might just be extra “fluff” to fill pages. I didn’t want to write something just for the sake of writing something. I wanted it to have intention and purpose. There was a lot of writing, editing, rewriting, starting from scratch, thinking that it wasn’t going to ever be finished—but then one day I blinked and it had just come together. I sent to a few close, trusted people in my circle to read, and when they gave me the thumbs up, I knew that I had done what I set out to do.
Papa Joe Aviance
As with all things, there is a bit of politics to navigate in the industry. I really feel like I had it pretty easy though. I don’t have horrible stories about the business side affecting my creative process. I’ve also been lucky enough to work with some unbelievably talented producers, who curate projects with me in mind. That definitely makes all the difference. In a way, I found the perfect balance of business and creative because I merged the two. I do think that’s what successful creative types accomplish. You find a way to balance the scale. That’s where my street smarts came in. I knew who to ride with, and who to avoid. I had also spent some of my younger working years on Wall Street, so I had that business savvy attitude too. You find what works for you, what resonates with an audience, and then you stick with that. It’s the smartest thing to do, depending on where you want to go in the industry.
Tell us about your latest project, The Electric Negro.
The Electric Negro project is something that I have been cultivating for years, and the fact that it is coming to fruition is beyond what I could have hoped for. The Electric Negro is a controversial, unapologetic, thought-provoking and HILARIOUS animated black super-hero TV series, as well as a line of fan merchandise. The show is making headlines while in the final stages of distribution with letters of intent from AJ McLean (Backstreet Boys), Denzel Whitaker (Black Panther), and many more who have already signed on as voice actors for the main characters.
What advice would you give to folks who want to be a successful entrepreneur?
Really figure out what it is that you’re selling. It could be an idea, a product, an art piece, yourself; but you truly have to believe in whatever it is that you want other folks to pick up on. Establish your brand. What do you represent? Be clear about the message you’re trying to get across, and then give people a reason to remember that brand. Be good to people. I know business is business, but I am living proof that you can be successful in business without tearing other people down or exploiting them. You get what you give. And when you give positivity and honesty, you get positivity and honesty back. We also live in a time where you have to be savvy on social media. Start a grassroots operation for getting the word out to people. If you’re putting out the right message to the right people, your social numbers will reflect that. The more visibility that you can give yourself, the more opportunity you can give yourself. Last but not least, I go back to one of my first points. You can only give to others when you’re giving to yourself first, so make sure at the end of the day that you’re taking care of yourself. Trust yourself because you know what you’re capable of, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you hit a roadblock. With some hard work and dedication, you can do it!
from Black Enterprise https://ift.tt/2C7CrPc
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Famous Dex has seizure during nightclub show
Chicago rapper Famous Dex suffered a seizure in the middle of a club performance early Friday morning.
He was performing at 1 Oak in West Hollywood when the seizure caused him to fall to the floor. In a video obtained by TMZ, a couple of guys are seen carrying the “Pick It Up” performer by his legs and shoulders as he shakes.
READ MORE: Famous Dex stan faces probation after trying to steal plane to attend concert
The Los Angeles County Fire Department stated it received a call about a seizure that occurred inside the club just before 2 a.m., though it did not transport the patient to a medical facility. Dex was carried backstage, but there were no updates about the rapper needing or receiving medical attention, or if those who assisted him were medically trained.
A representative for the rapper issued a statement on his condition: “We wish Famous Dex a speedy recovery after his epileptic seizure last night. He is currently in good spirits and hopes to return back to finishing his new album. The thanks all his fans for their prayers and well wishes.”
Almost a year ago, fans of Dex were concerned with his health after passing out in the middle of a live Instagram session. Rap-Up reported that Dex returned to Instagram and announced giving up lean and Xanax this past April. In his announcement, the rapper cited religion and thanked supporters in his efforts to leave drugs behind.
READ MORE: Cardi B says Kulture’s first birthday party was “lit” despite NYC blackout
“I just wanna thank God,” he said then. “I don’t do xans, the lean. It’s over with, you know what I’m saying? God is good, God is great. I just wanna thank God for everything. I wanna thank my supporters. I wanna thank everyone for supporting me, everybody that knows me. God is so good. I’m relaxed, I’m chilling, I’m good . . . I’m doing it for me and my children. Get right. Dexter. Make the world get better.”
The post Famous Dex has seizure during nightclub show appeared first on theGrio.
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Mississippi judge won’t block Jim Crow era election process
A federal judge ruled Friday not to block Mississippi’s two-step process for electing statewide officeholders, which was enacted during the Jim Crow era.
The two-step process was created after the Reconstruction era in efforts to make sure white people were able to remain in power in the state’s government. No other state in the nation has the process in effect.
READ MORE: Famed Emmett Till memorial in Mississippi is now bulletproof
The Associated Press, by way of the Miami Herald, reports the ruling came from U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III, who will not progress the preliminary injunction that would stop the process from being used in the elections next week. However, the case could be reopened in the future.
“That process cannot occur before the November 2019 votes are counted or within a short time after the election. Indeed, it was already too late when this suit was filed,” Jordan wrote in his ruling. “But based on Plaintiffs’ argument during the hearing, it appears the process could be attempted before the next statewide election cycle. If not, then by that time there would presumably have been a trial on the merits, and the Court could craft its own ‘remedial plan’ if necessary.”
African-American plaintiffs sued the state this year arguing that the system is unconstitutional and violates the principle of one person, one vote. Jordan stated the argument is “their strongest claim.”
“No matter what I do, I would encourage the other side to appeal immediately,” Jordan said during an Oct. 11 hearing, according to the Clarion Legion.
According to the state’s 1890 constitution, a statewide candidate is required to win a majority of the popular vote and electoral vote. One electoral vote is awarded to the top vote-getter in each of the 122 state House districts. If no one wins, the election is decided by the House, and representatives don’t have to abide by the vote of their districts.
The lawsuit was filed May 30 against Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann, Mississippi’s top elections officer, and House Speaker Philip Gunn, who would preside if there’s a House vote. Both officials are Republican.
The post Mississippi judge won’t block Jim Crow era election process appeared first on theGrio.
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Steph Curry’s broken hand to sideline him for at least three months
A bad start to the NBA season for the Golden State Warriors got worse with the news of superstar guard Steph Curry being out for at least three months in recovery from surgery on his broken left hand.
The team announced the time off for the two-time league MVP on Friday. Curry was injured Wednesday after driving to the rim against the Phoenix Suns.
READ MORE: HBCUs hope gift from NBA star Steph Curry sparks a golf resurgence
According to CBS Sports, the Warriors said Curry “underwent successful surgery” at Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute in Los Angeles. The surgery was to repair a “broken left hand/second metacarpal” with full recovery. The status of Curry will be updated after the initial three month period.
Curry sustained his injury when driving for a layup during the third quarter of the 121-110 loss to the Suns. He would collide with Suns’ forward Kelly Oubre Jr. and use his hands to brace himself in the fall. Once he hit the floor, Suns’ center Aron Baynes landed on top of his left hand.
The injury for Curry puts the Warriors at a crossroads. The team was off to a shaky start after the departures of key players Kevin Durant and Andre Iguodala, injuries to Klay Thompson and newcomers Alec Burks and Willie Cauley-Stein, and the retirement of Shaun Livingston. Now, many analysts are suggesting the Warriors should tank and aim for the draft lottery, which team officials scoff at.
“The objectives don’t change. The object is still to win. It’s still to prepare. It’s still to compete,” said Warriors coach Steve Kerr prior to The East Bay Times. “The expectations change. I think there’s an awareness of where we are.”
Kerr will be cautious of the use of Draymond Green, the team’s last healthy all-star and champion.
“We have to maintain a good schedule minutes-wise and games-wise. If he’s banged up, we have to make sure to take care of him,” Kerr said.
In the Friday night loss to the Spurs, Green played 34 minutes, which is believed to be dialed back in an effort to preserve his health. The focal point of the team will now be a newcomer and all-star D’Angelo Russell, who scored 23 points last night.
The post Steph Curry’s broken hand to sideline him for at least three months appeared first on theGrio.
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Brown Girls Do Invest Launches Financial Education Tour for Black Women
There is a noticeable void in the financial industry to address the wealth gap of African American women. Many organizations teach women the power of investing. However, these organizations do not address the unique financial and cultural challenges of African American women. Brown Girls Do Invest is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower and change the financial position of African American women and girls.
Often women of color are sitting in front of people who do not look like them. As a result, African American women do not get information that resonates or addresses their financial dilemmas. Since its founding in 2016, Brown Girls Do Invest has educated thousands of African American women. It teaches women how to invest in the stock market and real estate, as well as how to acquire multiple streams of income.
“I am passionate about African American women feeling inclusive in the wealth conversation. It is important that we understand ways we impact the economy. African American women have a voice and want to be heard. Our stories are different, yet the goal for financial freedom is just as important as anyone else,” explains Bahiyah Shabazz, founder of Brown Girls Do Invest.
Shabazz decided to offer the first-ever investing tour for African American women. Along with three other financial experts, Courtney Richardson, Esq. of The Ivy Investor, Danielle Pierce of Women, Wealth and Real Estate, and Joanna Jane Bartholomew, she is traveling the United States to educate women of color about how to invest.
The tour covers necessary aspects of wealth, including closing the wealth gap, investment and retirement strategies, and more. It features speakers and a panel discussion of local financial experts.
“I discuss the wealth disparity and how to close the gap. Courtney Richardson teaches investment and retirement strategies. Danielle Pierce teaches how to start real estate investing through tax liens and property preservation. Joanna Jane Bartholomew teaches principles of wealth creation,” shares Shabazz.
The tour has included major cities, such as Atlanta, Chicago, Philadelphia, New York, Houston, Charlotte, and Miami. It hopes to educate as many women and girls as possible in African American communities across the country.
Black Enterprise Contributors Network
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Friday, November 1, 2019
Brian Harris: Creating Sons of Freedom Through Dance
BE Modern Man: Brian Harris
Educator, author, choreographer, minister; 37; Artistic Director, Sons of Freedom Dance Institute
Twitter: @DancingSons1; Instagram: @Iambkh2
For 12 years, I have been the artistic director of the Sons of Freedom Dance Institute. This organization is committed to nurturing character development, increasing social awareness, and building the spirituality of boys of color through classical and contemporary styles of dance and movement. I have been an educator for 15 years, serving as a first and third-grade teacher, vice-principal, and dance teacher in the DC Metropolitan area. I am currently receiving a doctorate in public theology and working on bridging the gap between spirituality and justice in urban education. I preach and facilitate workshops throughout the country focusing on awakening the spirituality of black boys, helping them to experience God through the lenses of love and discussing the importance of dance and movement as a response to the impact of trauma in the black church and community.
The impact my work has on black and brown boys is best described as life-changing. I have watched my boys develop a greater sense of purpose, become more confident, and begin to excel in school and in life. I have watched boys begin my program broken, but leave the program with joy, inner-peace, and the ability to know their place and purpose in the world. This year, I watched my first group of boys in Sons of Freedom, who have been with me for 10 years, graduate from high school. All eight will be attending college, four pursuing degrees in dance, visual arts, and theater.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF IN LIFE?
I am proud of the opportunities I have been afforded to make a difference in the lives of boys and the support I have gained over the years from doing this work. I am most proud of being able to see so many boys develop a greater sense of purpose and learn to live authentically, pushing themselves each day to become more creative.
HOW HAVE YOU TURNED STRUGGLE INTO SUCCESS?
Throughout my life, I have struggled with esteem issues. From not feeling good enough to looking to others to define who I was, it was a heavy weight to bear throughout the years. I used my own issues with esteem to develop opportunities for black and brown boys whose esteem and confidence needed to be built and in many cases repaired. I used my own personal struggle to create success for boys.
WHO WAS YOUR GREATEST MALE ROLE MODEL AND WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM HIM?
My greatest male role model was my father, Brian K. Harris Sr. As I was growing up, he never allowed me to settle for mediocrity, but always pushed me to become my better self. He taught me the essence of hard work, fortitude, tenacity, and courage. From him, I learned to be unapologetic in my creativity, sensitivity, and uniqueness. I learned to fly into freedom.
WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?
The best advice I’ve ever been given was, “As you keep doing the work to save lives of black boys, God will continue to bless, protect, and provide you with all the resources needed to make things happen!”
HOW ARE YOU PAYING IT FORWARD TO SUPPORT OTHER BLACK MALES?
Sons of Freedom Dance Institute has been providing a platform for black and brown boys to express themselves, their thoughts about the world, and the issues in their communities through dance for 12 years. I also do several seminars and classes throughout Washington, DC Public Schools empowering middle and high school boys of color through culture and poetry. My book, Freedom’s Design: 20 days of Empowering Black Kings, is a three-volume compilation focusing on boys understanding their African heritage and history, the importance of self-love and their role as community activists, through 20 days of poetry, affirmations, reflection questions, and activities.
HOW DO YOU DEFINE MANHOOD?
Manhood is the ability to see an obstacle and develop a strategy to overcome it. It is the ability to use those obstacles and setbacks as stepping stones for success. Manhood is the ability to see the areas in your life which are broken and seek ways to heal and nurture those broken places in order to become an example of wholeness, wellness, and love for your community and those you encounter.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT BEING A BLACK MAN?
I love the creative power I and other black men have to change our communities and our world. Being a black man means you have a chance to be a symbol of strength and courage, while also projecting a sense of sensitivity and love.
BE Modern Man is an online and social media campaign designed to celebrate black men making valuable contributions in every profession, industry, community, and area of endeavor. Each year, we solicit nominations in order to select men of color for inclusion in the 100 Black Enterprise Modern Men of Distinction. Our goal is to recognize men who epitomize the BEMM credo “Extraordinary is our normal” in their day-to-day lives, presenting authentic examples of the typical black man rarely seen in mainstream media. The BE Modern Men of Distinction are celebrated annually at Black Men XCEL (www.blackenterprise.com/blackmenxcel/). Click this link to submit a nomination for BE Modern Man: https://www.blackenterprise.com/nominate/. Follow BE Modern Man on Twitter: @bemodernman and Instagram: @be_modernman.
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