All posts by ChrisAnointed

Black Women in Real Estate

3rd Annual Awards Celebration Gala Recognizing Achievements of Trailblazing Entrepreneurs

Southern NJ, In a vibrant display of empowerment and recognition, Lukeshia Walker, a trailblazing entrepreneur and CEO of LW Coaching Institute, stands at the forefront of celebrating the achievements of black women in the real estate industry. With her third annual Black Women in Real Estate Queens Gala, Walker shined a spotlight on the remarkable contributions of these women, spanning across New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Through her dedication to cultivating a sense of sisterhood and support, Walker’s gala honors and elevate these individuals who are not only making strides in their careers but also inspiring others to pursue their dreams and build legacies.

In an exclusive interview with the nation’s faith-based and professional newspaper for winners, Anointed News Journal, Lukeshia Walker explains why she is so passionate about the work she does.

Collins:
Who is Lukeshia Walker?

Walker:
Lukeshia Walker is a boss. She’s about her business, and she’s always about empowering and inspiring women to live their best life. I am also a mother of three beautiful adult children. I am a daughter, fortunate to have my mother and father still with me. And I’m the oldest of five children.

Collins:
Okay. And Lukeshia, you are also the president and CEO of your own coaching business. Tell us a little bit about what that is and what your focus is.

Walker:
So I am the CEO of LW Coaching Institute, where I provide life and business coaching to individuals, aiming to help people live out their dreams rather than following someone else’s. I’m very passionate about not only the youth but also women and the elderly. I touch on all different sectors and provide something that people need. We all need a coach.

Collins:
What is it about entrepreneurship that made you want to become your own boss and pursue an opportunity as an entrepreneur?

Walker:
As a black woman, for 18 years, I devoted myself to a career where, once upon a time, I loved what I did. However, I found myself up against my counterparts, being underpaid and undervalued despite holding higher positions. Something clicked in 2020, amidst all the events of that year. I realized that I was not living my best life; I was living someone else’s dream. By nature, I’ve always been a caregiver and someone to comfort and counsel others. I took my passion and created LW Coaching Institute.

Collins:
As an entrepreneur, we all face challenges and need motivation. Most of us have mentors and coaches. Why is it important for young entrepreneurs— not meaning in age, but in experience—to have a coach?

Walker:
I find it important because we all need someone to lean on. Sometimes, you cannot lean on family because they offer opinions rather than accountability. A coach is different; they hold you accountable. There is a need for mentorship, coaching, or even seeking guidance from a higher power, like a pastor. We need to tap into that more.

Collins:
You are also a licensed real estate professional and have accomplished a lot in the real estate industry in today’s market. It seems as if more and more African Americans are getting involved in real estate. What is your outlook on real estate as a career choice, and what words of encouragement would you give to young individuals who are interested in that?

Walker:
So, first and foremost, I’m going to kind of answer your question a little backward because one thing I want to emphasize is investing in yourself. As a black woman, and reflecting on my ancestors, home ownership and investing were not always emphasized. Some people never learn these concepts. So if someone is looking to enter the real estate industry, I’ll be their coach and cheerleader. I’ll provide them with all the necessary knowledge because there are various areas of real estate. It’s not just about selling homes; it’s about investing.

If you’re coming up and you have children, you want to leave a legacy for them. When I think about the homes and land left by our ancestors, and what happened to them after they passed, it wasn’t always handled properly. So, how do we preserve the land our grandparents built from the ground up? I’m all for teaching individuals about real estate and how they can turn a little bit of money into a gold mine.

Collins:
I’m glad to hear you say that because too often, we see properties that mom and dad or grandma and grandpa worked so hard to acquire being passed down to family members without proper information or instruction. Consequently, these properties are lost to sheriff sales or tax liens. Here we are, post-pandemic… is today a good day to get involved in the real estate market?

Walker:
Absolutely. There’s never a bad time to get involved in the real estate market. Despite what you see and hear in the news; despite interest rates, it’s always a good day to enter real estate because it’s not just about buying and selling homes; it’s about seizing opportunities. If opportunities aren’t present here, find them elsewhere. People often overlook this. Purchasing a business, creating your business—that’s real estate. There are different avenues in real estate, and it’s always a good day.

Collins:
Fantastic. There are many African American males and females, and notably more African American females, in real estate today. However, many of them go unrecognized. You did something special a few years ago to honor and recognize African American women in real estate. Tell us about this initiative and your upcoming event.

Walker:
What I found is that there are times when we as black women don’t celebrate or support each other. So when I attended a couple of events and noticed the success of black women in the room, I realized it was time for us to be celebrated. It was time to build a sisterhood. So I put together the Black Women and Real Estate Queens gala, and this is my third year doing it. I am passionate about this because I believe in celebrating and honoring black women who are doing amazing things. They’re not just mothers and wives; they are bosses running their businesses and holding down the home front. I bring these women into the room, and people don’t know what to expect, but it’s inspiring. I crown women who have been in this industry for 30, 40 plus years and never got their due recognition. We as black individuals like to get dressed up and have a good time, so why not do it while celebrating and honoring these women who are doing great things in the community?

Collins:
At some of these events you were invited to, as you looked around the room, did you see a good representation of successful black women being honored?

Walker:
No, there wasn’t a good representation of women or men who looked like us being recognized. That’s why I decided to make and create change by starting with honoring black women because I am a woman in real estate. After having the event a few times, men approached me asking, “When are you going to do the King’s event?” There are many black kings out here doing their thing too.

Collins:
We thank you for having the vision to organize an event of this magnitude. It’s extremely important. Oftentimes, as entrepreneurs, especially among African Americans, there are many success stories. However, at these big events celebrating us, it seems like we don’t always communicate with each other. What words of encouragement would you offer to African American entrepreneurs or entrepreneurs of color when it comes to communication and coming together, even among our counterparts?

Walker:
We can come into one room and speak. That’s something taught at home—respecting one another. We’re in this together. When I enter a room, you’re not my competition, and when you enter, I’m not yours. We should be masterminding together like our counterparts, figuring out how to build upon our success. It starts with a conversation, sitting at a different table with someone you’ve never met. Just open your mouth and start talking.

Collins:
So your event, again, is called the Black Women in Real Estate Queens Gala.

Walker:
Yes, it’s going to be on March 29th, 2024, at the beautiful Lucien’s Manor in Berlin, New Jersey.

Collins:
Okay. Tell us about some of your honorees this year.

Walker:
Well, you know, Chris, I got it right this year. I have seven amazing black, beautiful queens that I’ll be honoring, spanning across New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Some individuals are licensed in both states. I wanted to bring the two together because we’re so close. You know, we all watch TV, and some things you just can’t ignore. But you have shows like “Selling Sunset” in Atlanta and LA that depict black women selling real estate or just black individuals, period. But they’re showing that they’re all selling these million-dollar homes, which isn’t always the case. I wanted our event to be live and in person, showcasing real women out here making sales happen. And we’re right here in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, so if any cameras want to follow, they’re welcome.

Collins:
How can people get involved? How can they contact you to buy tickets and inquire about sponsorships?

Walker:
We want people to come out and witness these amazing women being honored, to witness this event that is put together for us but is open to everyone. You know, there’s no color to who attends the event. I just want everybody to wear black if they can. Be a sponsor, support black-owned businesses. I’m a small black-owned business, but I’m doing my thing, so come on out, support, sponsor the event. We have sponsorship opportunities available on my website, LukeshiaWalker.com. You can buy tickets there and also place an advertisement in the program if you’d like.

Collins:
Okay. And again, that’s LukeshiaWalker.com. What’s next for Lukeshia Walker?

Walker:
I can’t reveal all of my secrets, so I’m not going to spill everything. But outside of this, I am an author of three books. So I am continuously writing and promoting my books. You’re going to see a whole lot more of me.

Collins:
Well, Lukeshia, I want to thank you for giving us your time for this interview today. The Anointed News Journal has over 180,000 weekly readers. In conclusion, what do you want to say to the readers of Anointed News Journal?

Walker:
Keep believing, keep reading, and keep supporting our black businesses. We need you.

The Anointed News Journal thanks Lukeshia Walker for serving as a beacon of inspiration and empowerment for black women entrepreneurs in the real estate industry. By highlighting their achievements and building a sense of community. Walker is not only honoring these individuals but also paving the way for future generations of aspiring entrepreneurs. We love that she is committed to celebrating success and promoting unity.

Redefining Marketing Strategies for Today’s Digital Age

Meet Kimberly Inez Mays, a digital marketing enthusiast that hails from the vibrant city of New York. With a passion for simplifying the complex and mastering technology, Kimberly’s entrepreneurial journey has been as dynamic as the city she calls home. From her early days crafting websites to honing her skills in email marketing and web development, Kimberly’s trajectory led her to embark on her own entrepreneurial venture in 2016.

Today, she is a sought-after expert in marketing automation, helping coaches and speakers build out their sales and marketing strategies to attract more leads and close more sales. Her unique perspective and dedication to empowering businesses have not only earned her acclaim but also inspired her to pen her latest book, ‘Perfectly Persuasive – Marketing to Both Humans and Cats in the Digital Age,’ where she parallels the art of marketing with the nuances of training cats, offering a new spin on timeless marketing principles.

In an exclusive interview with the nation’s premier faith-based and professional newspaper for winners, Anointed News Journal, Kimberly explains her marketing philosophy.

Collins II:
Who is Kimberly Inez Mays?

Mays:
So I am a digital marketing enthusiast and a puzzle solver. And I really love making complex things simple and demystifying technology. What I do for coaches and speakers is help them build out their sales and marketing automation to attract more people, generate more leads, and close more sales. And I just love giving people aha moments when it comes to different ways they can run their business.

Collins II:
And so you live in New York, is that where you were born and raised?

Mays:
Yes.

Collins II:
What was it like growing up in New York City? I mean, you can’t grow up in any more of a city environment in America than New York City.

Mays:
Yeah, absolutely. I’ve been around, you know, I’ve seen the changes, the 80s, 90s, 2000s. So it has evolved quite a bit. As a child, you just kind of know your own neighborhood, your own blocks. You don’t have that awareness of the larger city you have. You have your block, your friends, and you don’t know what you have or don’t have. You’re just kind of there. In the summer times, I would go up to Catskill, go camping and things like that. So that was a lot of fun. That’s how I developed my love of nature and just being outside in general. But, in my teenage-hood and my young adulthood, it was actually pretty cool because there were so many resources available to us. If you wanted to go somewhere or try different food, it was just right there, available for you. So I got spoiled in that sense, you know? Having things fast, like transportation, kind of always running and things of that nature. And I kind of stayed in New York City one because my family is still here, and number two is just because of the opportunities with different companies. And I just love the fast pace of it all, but I do enjoy traveling to other places as well.

Collins II:
And so being that you said you’re a digital marketing enthusiast. Yes. What has been your entrepreneurship journey? Like, how did you get into that and what’s been the journey in total?

Mays:
So how I got into it was, I’ve always been kind of teetering or toying with the idea for years, even decades. You know, when I was in high school in the late nineties, I would create webpages and websites. So back then it wasn’t a common skill, especially in my circles for people to know how to do that. And people were always saying, “oh, you should build sites for companies.” And I thought about it and I kind of shelved it.

So throughout my years in corporate America, I worked for digital marketing companies, specifically with email marketing, and I’ve learned a whole lot. So I was able to use some of my coding skills. I was an email marketer. I actually built and coded emails. I was a web developer for a while, a database developer. And then a project manager . So throughout all that, in 2016, I kind of got the fever to create something that was mine, which was a business. And so I said, I’m already good at this web design thing, let me do that. So I did web design for about a couple of years until I decided that, a lot of these clients that I’m building websites for don’t have a backend system to their site. I’d build a website, but most people don’t return back to websites. And I tell people that it’s actually kind of like jarring.

It’s more for the owner than it is for anyone else, because the owner will go over and over to the site but most people won’t. And so there needs to be a way to capture the information of people who actually go to websites who actually, are interested. And so that’s when I started building out funnels and started building out landing pages, lead magnets and things like that, because it’s really in the repetition and the messaging do people begin to know, like, and trust the brand. So that in and of itself, I had to kind of wait until 2020 to execute on that, because I was still working at the marketing job that I was at . So right now, that is my passion. I still do web design, but I do it mostly on like a single landing page, type of level because I just decided that landing pages are very, effective and useful for conversions. That’s what I’ve been doing ever since. And now what I do is I speak and teach and coach on the same topics. So I’m actually, doing less fulfillment and more of the teaching side of things.

Collins II:
Great. What is your take on entrepreneurship these days?

Mays:
I think it’s worthwhile for everybody to at least try something. It’s nothing like having your own stream of income, even if it’s just a little bit, even if it’s just a side thing. I believe people are most satisfied when they create and when they have something that they can truly call theirs. I think a lot of people get stuck in jobs. There’s nothing wrong with jobs of course, but sometimes people really get stuck there and they make that their identity day in and day out. Whereas if you say, “what can I contribute?” Even if it’s just a hobby. “What can I contribute? What can I own? Or what can I create?” That’s truly my brainchild that no one can take from me? No one can dictate the terms. And I feel like it’s refreshing now because the barriers of entry are lower than ever. You know, with all the information out there, all the coaching groups, it’s just so easy to get into. I think what is the downside is that it’s too easy to get into. And now, people do need to kind of sit with themselves, and think, what value can I bring to a market? And who is ready to receive what I have and who should I be targeting? So, I think those are some of the questions people should ask. But overall, I think it’s a very positive thing that a lot of people are moving in this direction.

Collins II:
So to piggyback off of that, what words of encouragement do you have for people who are looking to get into entrepreneurship, or for the ones who aren’t doing too well with it?  They’ve tried some things that haven’t really worked. Do you have any words of encouragement for them?

Mays:
Yeah, my words of encouragement are the roads and the journeys are going to be different from person to person. The worst thing you can do to self-sabotage yourself is to watch someone else’s journey and expect yours to be the same. You don’t really know what someone else has going on behind the scenes. So I would encourage people to realize that it’s not linear. It’s kind of like up and down. There are going to be days up, days down, or years up, years down. I do believe that it’s usually an upward trajectory. I do think that people should keep going and then realize too that it’s okay to change your mind. It’s okay to pivot. It’s okay to do something different if it’s no longer working. Cause I’ve done that a couple of times and I had to think about it like, okay, that really wasn’t a setback. It was just more like I evolved from that situation and now I’m doing something else.

Collins II:
Right. And as you mentioned, you are available for coaching and speaking engagements.

Mays:
Yes, I’m available for coaching, speaking, and implementation as well.

Collins II:
And so how can people reach you?

Mays:
Yeah, so the easiest way is to reach out to me through various channels, but you can find me at Kimberly Inez Mays, one word, on all platforms except for Twitter, where it’s Kim Inez Mays. But, yeah, you can find me there, friend request me, Messenger is the fastest way, or you can send me an email at [email protected] and then we can definitely schedule something from there.

Collins II:
What are a few of your tips to digital marketing success?

Mays:
So my tips are:

  • Find your strategy before you invest in software or even somebody to build it for you. It’s really important as the owner to have your vision written out. And, you know, it says make it plain. I actually make it plain. I draw boxes and I draw like step one, then draw another box and then draw step two. And just having that will have the person avoid a lot of shiny objects in a lot of different directions.
  • Build an email list, however that may look. You can collect an email address in any situation, whether it is a lead magnet, a webinar, even an event. Even if you’re vending at a table, always have some way to contact them back, because most people don’t revisit websites. They just don’t.
  • When you feel like you are overwhelmed with repetitive tasks, definitely look into marketing automation. This can be as simple as sending email follow-ups to people you haven’t engaged with in a while, or just sending emails to people who have engaged, who have reached out or downloaded something.

So, you know, I would encourage people to think about what it would look like for their business and to reach out to somebody who can help them out.

Collins II:
And then you mentioned your book. Can you go into the details of your book?

Mays:
It’s called, ‘Perfectly Persuasive, Marketing to both Humans and Cats in the Digital Age. And it’s really about the parallels between owning a cat and training a cat and getting that cat to do what you want. And doing the same for humans with marketing. And I always say, because unlike a dog, a cat won’t roll over to ask for a belly rub. Their time, attention and trust need to be earned just like humans. And it’s a very simple take on evergreen marketing principles presented in a way that doesn’t feel overwhelming and stressful. So I go through several marketing philosophies and I parallel that with stories of when I had certain cats; stories of like, me training them, frustrations, and adoptions that didn’t work out. And I blend all of that together to make a complex thing kind of simple.

Collins II:
In a final word, what would you like to say to the readers of the Anointed?

Mays:
I would like to say that it took me a while to get where I am. And I’m not saying it from a financial success perspective, I’m talking about as a human being. You know, when we first start, like I said before, it’s really hard when you’re watching other people, when you’re using other people’s metrics and definitions of success. And I think, whatever anyone’s faith is, it’s important to have a partnership with God in your business because it’s so hard to do it without. It’s like something I didn’t tap into until maybe a year ago, and I think everything has changed. I’m not saying that everything has gone the way that I wanted it to go, but I’m at peace and I found a peace that I didn’t have before. So that’s what I would encourage everybody to do. Just find your peace and define your own success, whatever that looks like.

 

The nation’s premier faith-based and professional newspaper for winners, Anointed News Journal wishes Kimberly Inez Mays the best as she continues to climb as an entrepreneur and digital marketing expert. Her success is a testament to embracing innovation and authenticity in business. You can find her book, ‘Perfectly Persuasive, Marketing to both Humans and Cats in the Digital Age, on Amazon.

By Christopher Collins II

https://www.purrrfectlypersuasive.com/

Camden Contemporary Dance Theatre takes Center Stage

Experience the Resurrection While Seeing Artistic Excellence

Camden, NJ In the vibrant city of Camden, a beacon of faith and artistic expression shines brightly through the captivating performances of the Camden Contemporary Dance Theatre. Led by the dynamic duo of Takreeya Hawkins and Omar-Frederick Pratt, this dance company weaves together the powerful messages of gospel music with the graceful movements of dance. With roots embedded in the local community, both Hawkins and Pratt draw upon their upbringing in church and their professional training to create performances that resonate with audiences. From their production, “The Resurrection,” to their ongoing commitment to showcasing local talent and spreading the message of hope, Camden Contemporary Dance Theater stands as a testament to the transformative power of faith and the boundless possibilities of artistic expression.

Collins:
Who is Takreeya Hawkins?

Hawkins:
Takreeya Hawkins is an ambitious woman of God, born and raised in Camden, New Jersey. She loves dance and enjoys touching people’s lives through it. She is also a homebody who cherishes being herself and embracing all that God has poured into her. Following the passing of my mother, I’ve learned to appreciate life’s moments and strive for positivity in every aspect. Peace holds significant importance to me, and I gravitate towards anything positive, joyful, or loving. Whether teaching dance or working as a substitute teacher, I find fulfillment in leaving a positive and lasting impact on others.

Collins:
Who is Omar-Frederick Pratt?

Pratt:
Omar-Frederick Pratt is a native of Camden, New Jersey, who graduated from Creative Arts High School, majoring in dance. I continued my education at the University of the Arts, focusing on ballet performance. I became a minister of music at Parkside United Methodist at a young age and later served in similar roles at various churches, developing a deep love for music and dance early in life. I believe in using my talents to glorify God and reach people beyond the church walls. I’m passionate about community involvement and giving back, currently working at Creative Arts as an educator. Witnessing the passion of young students of color in the arts and education bring me immense fulfillment.

Collins:
Okay, now both of you have a strong entrepreneurial spirit within your respective areas of discipline. Freddy, you’re not only a gospel recording artist but also lead a gospel group called Devotion. Takreeya, you are a minister of the gospel and also hold popularity in the praise dance scene. Let’s delve into that a bit. What motivated you to pursue these areas of discipline?

Hawkins:
Regarding my journey to becoming a minister, it started within my church community. Growing up, there were moments when I struggled to grasp the teachings, but it all changed when I heard Atiba Rose, my youth pastor, break down the scriptures in a way that resonated deeply with me. I aspired to do the same and gradually found myself involved in Sunday school teaching and leading Bible study sessions. It felt like a natural progression, although I was initially hesitant due to feeling unqualified. However, once I embraced the calling, I realized that God would equip me for the task. It was a scary leap of faith, but witnessing the impact of my sermons on both young and old within the community reassured me that I was fulfilling my purpose.

Takreeya Hawkins

As for praise dancing, it was a profound experience from the start. Unlike traditional performances where the focus is on perfection or pleasing the audience, I felt the Spirit moving through me when I praise danced. Whether it’s at weddings, funerals, or other events, I am eager to serve and use this platform to reach souls with God’s message.

Collins:
So, as both of you know, and Freddy, we’ll come back to you shortly, but I have to mention that 40 years ago, 50 pounds ago, I too was a dancer.

Pratt:
I remember you mentioning that at our show.

Collins:
I’ve observed numerous praise dancers over the years, and watching you both, I can discern the professional techniques stemming from your dance backgrounds. How gratifying is it to blend your professional training into the praise movements?

Hawkins:
It’s a beautiful synergy, bringing them both together. It feels like offering God our absolute best. It’s not just about improvising movements; it’s about incorporating everything I’ve learned. I spent two years at the University of the Arts, similar to Freddy. So, having all that knowledge poured into my ministry of dance is incredibly gratifying. The combination of spirit and technique elevates it, making it stand out as a complete package.

Collins:
Absolutely. Omar, could you tell us about Devotion? What inspired you to take it to the next level and establish Devotion?

Pratt:
Similar to Takreeya’s experience, I grew up in church, struggling at times to fully grasp the message from our pastor, Reverend Woods; It wasn’t that he didn’t teach clearly, I was just young. However, I discovered my deep connection to God through music. I realized that when God’s word came through song, it would instantly resonate with me. Before Devotion, we were the Parkside Youth Choir. When the opportunity arose for me to lead, despite my initial fear at age 14, I accepted. Transitioning from the choir to Devotion, I began writing songs. Initially, I hid my authorship out of fear of rejection, but witnessing the impact of my compositions on others encouraged me to embrace this new calling in songwriting. It took some time before I felt compelled to record, but eventually, the urging of the spirit led me to realize the broader reach my music could have. Witnessing firsthand the reactions of people to our songs and understanding that I’m merely a vessel for God’s message reaffirms my faith and purpose in music ministry.

Omar-Frederick Pratt

Collins:
And you’re also incredibly talented on the piano and as a musician.

Pratt:
Thank you. Even before formally studying music, it was ingrained in me from growing up in church. As a church kid, I was always surrounded by music, whether it was Bible study, praise dance rehearsal, choir rehearsal, or Sunday school. Music was everywhere. Even at home, I would hear melodies in my head and rush to my little keyboard to recreate them. When I got a bit older, my parents enrolled me in Settlement School of Music, where I learned to read music and further developed my skills. But the foundation was laid in church.

Collins:
So, Omar, many gospel choirs are mass choirs, yet you’ve chosen to keep your group small and tight-knit. What led to this decision?

Pratt:
What I adore about our group is the intimacy and power we possess. While I appreciate the grandeur of mass choirs, there’s something special about a small group of powerhouses. When we sing, it feels like a room filled with voices, despite our compact size. Working in smaller groups allows for greater flexibility, considering everyone’s busy schedules. We can easily assemble a handful of singers for events without the conflicts that often arise with larger choirs. It was nice however, during our reunion concert last June, with around 40 members present, it struck me how impactful our group has been. Seeing them all together for the first time was a testament to the community we’ve built. Although I prefer smaller groups for logistical reasons, witnessing our collective strength as one cohesive unit was truly remarkable.

Collins:
They often say when you mix a cold front and a hot front, you get a powerful weather reaction: thunder and lightning. Omar Frederick Pratt & Takreeya Hawkins. How did you two find each other? How did this powerful collaboration come to fruition?

Hawkins:
Well, we initially crossed paths in the same jazz class at Halliday Dance Studio. Then, later in high school, we met again. Freddy was a year younger than me; he was in the class of ’09, while I was in ’08. Throughout high school, we danced in various productions and musicals. After college, where I attended U Arts after Freddy, we reunited while working at Dare 2 Dance. The idea of starting a dance company in Camden had been circulating for years among dancers from the area. However, it remained just an idea until Freddy took the initiative one year and said he’d do it. With the encouragement of Nyema Gillespie, we took the plunge and started Camden Contemporary Dance Theatre at Dare 2 Dance. It was open to anyone who had danced before or aspired to pursue a dance career but lacked opportunities locally. We kicked off right before the Covid shutdown in 2020, had two rehearsals, and then had to pause for months. We resumed in 2021 and held our first production with a group of about 12 dancers. Since then, it’s been an annual endeavor to keep it going.

Pratt:
Takreeya is a force to be reckoned with. She doesn’t take as much credit as she should because of her humility, but Camden Contemporary Dance Theatre wouldn’t exist without her. While I handle much of the choreography and show planning, Takreeya’s organizational skills are unparalleled. She can take my creative chaos and turn it into a clear vision. Her communication with the dancers is exceptional, keeping them motivated and on track. She handles numerous tasks, from scheduling rehearsals to ordering costumes, effortlessly. She ensures everyone is prepared and even arranges for videographers for our shows, a detail I might overlook. This division of labor allows me to focus on artistic aspects like choreography and show design. Our complementary strengths and mutual support make the company run smoothly, and I’m incredibly grateful for our partnership.

Collins:
So, a few years back, you debuted with “The Resurrection,” and it’s been a continuous hit since. Can you tell us more about “The Resurrection” and what the audience can expect?

Pratt:
“The Resurrection” is a production that chronicles the life of Jesus, from his baptism by John the Baptist to his crucifixion and resurrection. It’s an incredibly powerful show, featuring dynamic movement from the dancers, live singing by my music ministry Devotion, and compelling narration that guides the audience through the story. While many of us are familiar with the biblical accounts, seeing it visually depicted on stage offers a new perspective on Christ’s sacrifice. Every year we perform it, I feel immensely blessed to be a part of it, and my hope is that the audience feels the same. Our mission with “The Resurrection” extends beyond the church walls, aiming to reach people from all walks of life. Art has the power to meet people where they are, and through this production, we aim to spread the gospel in a meaningful and impactful way, inspiring those who may not know Christ to seek further understanding.

Collins:
You both have earned the respect of some significant figures in the industry, such as Halliday Dance and Dare 2 Dance, including the legendary Ben White Jr.; How does it feel when your peers come to support and encourage you?

Hawkins:
It’s incredibly fulfilling, especially considering the full circle journey we’ve experienced. Being students at Halliday Dance and participating in productions paying tribute to Mr. White, then later working at Dare 2 Dance with Nyemah, where we began our company—it’s all come together in a meaningful way. It’s important to note that we don’t view ourselves as competitors but as another group highlighting and celebrating the arts. “The Resurrection” isn’t just about dance; it incorporates music, narration, and more. When our peers show support and appreciation, it means everything to us. We believe in sharing these moments with as many people as possible, which is why we’ve invited Dare 2 Dance and Halliday Dance to be part of this year’s production. Together, as a dance community, we are stronger, and it’s all about spreading love and unity.

Collins:
It’s remarkable to see that both of you prioritize showcasing local talent. Could you elaborate on the importance of featuring your peers and local talent?

Pratt:
It’s incredibly significant for me. As Takreeya mentioned earlier, many of us come from Creative Arts High School. However, when it comes to performing professionally or at a college level, we often have to venture into Philly or elsewhere. Having a platform right here in our community is crucial, allowing local talent to shine without having to travel far. While we welcome talent from everywhere, it’s particularly meaningful for those of us who call this area home. South Jersey doesn’t have the same abundance of dance opportunities as Philly does, so providing a local space for expression is invaluable. This accessibility can inspire others who may not have realized their passion for dance otherwise. Personally, I remember being in Lion Dance Theater’s junior company and aspiring to join the professional company one day. Now, I hope we can serve as that inspiration for the next generation of dancers.

Collins:
March 22nd and March 23rd are approaching, with performances at Camden High School. Can you provide details about these dates and how people can attend?

Hawkins:
On March 22nd and March 23rd, we’ll be performing at Camden High School. You can visit our Instagram page @Camden_Contemporary to purchase tickets online. Alternatively, tickets will be available at the door for $25, slightly more than the online price. Feel free to reach out to Freddy, myself, or any dance company member for assistance with ticket access. We’ve also distributed flyers with QR codes for easy sharing. Our opening night is on Friday at 6 p.m., followed by a matinee performance on Saturday at 1 p.m., and an evening show at 6 p.m. We’re eagerly anticipating these shows and hope to see a packed house—looking forward to a sold-out event!

Collins:
Alright, and once again, this is the performance of “The Resurrection” by Camden Contemporary Dance Theatre. Tickets are priced at $20 online or in advance, and $25 at the door. For those interested in sponsorship opportunities, not only for the upcoming production on March 22nd and 23rd but also for supporting the dance company overall, how can they get in touch?

Hawkins:
They can reach out to us at [email protected]. We would greatly appreciate any donations or funds as we aim to compensate our dancers, singers, tech crew, and everyone involved. Recognizing the hard work of our team is essential to us, ensuring they receive fair compensation for their efforts.

Collins:
Is Camden Contemporary Dance Theatre currently a nonprofit or 501(c)(3)?

Pratt:
Currently, we are an LLC. However, we are in the process of transitioning to become a nonprofit organization, specifically a 501(c)(3). While we initially chose the LLC structure, we’ve realized that transitioning to a nonprofit status will better suit our goals in seeking grants and financial aid.

Collins:
Alright. And what’s next for Camden Contemporary Dance Theatre?

Pratt:
Following “The Resurrection,” we will hold auditions for our second season, typically around August. Additionally, we’ve been invited to participate in an exciting event—an initiative led by Lamar Baylor and Nyemah Gillespie, both alumni of Creative Arts High School. They’re organizing a dance conference here in Camden, New Jersey, with Misty Copeland slated as the keynote speaker. We’ve been asked to perform at this conference in mid-June. After that, we’ll begin preparations for our next season, including our annual February show, which combines Black history with a fundraising performance, followed by “The Resurrection” next Easter.

Collins:
The Anointed News Journal has over 180,000 readers weekly. And conclusion. What do you want to say to the readers of Anointed News Journal?

Hawkins:
I would like to express our deep appreciation for any support or resonance you may have felt with our message. If you’re connected to dance through personal experiences or know someone who is, please understand that attending or investing in any of our productions contributes to the ongoing legacy of spreading the gospel message and the art of dance, not only in Camden but also beyond. Your support in any form is truly valued, and we are sincerely grateful for it.

Pratt:
I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported us, whether by attending our past productions or offering any form of support. Your generosity means the world to us, and we do not take it for granted. We understand that you could have chosen to spend your time elsewhere, so your decision to support our talented dancers and singers fills us with immense gratitude. If you’re encountering us for the first time through this article, welcome! We’re thrilled at the prospect of meeting you at one of our shows soon. Our hope is that our performances will not only bless you but also inspire you to share the experience with others.

The Anointed News Journal supports the Camden Contemporary Dance Theatre. It has emerged as a standard of hope and artistic innovation, blending the spiritual richness of gospel music with the fluidity of contemporary dance. Led by these passionate visionaries Takreeya Hawkins and Omar-Frederick Pratt, the company’s commitment to showcasing local talent and spreading the message of faith resonates deeply with audiences. Furthermore, they are continuing to shape the cultural landscape of Camden.

By Chris Collins

You can get your tickets at: https://ccdt.ticketlocity.com/events/61517

Leading the Fight Against Recidivism by Empowering Ex-Offenders

Leading the Fight Against Recidivism by Empowering Ex-Offenders

CAMDEN, NJ In a society often quick to judge, Jamaal Brown’s story serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the potential for transformative change. From his roots in Camden, New Jersey, Jamaal’s journey has been marked by adversity, including nearly 15 years spent within the confines of the New Jersey Department of Corrections. However, rather than succumbing to the challenges of reintegration, Jamaal emerged with a steadfast determination to rewrite the narrative for himself and others like him. As the CEO and founder of the Prison Pipeline to Prosperity foundation, Jamaal’s mission is clear: to provide a lifeline of opportunity and empowerment for those reentering society post-incarceration. 

In an exclusive interview with the nation’s premier faith-based and professional newspaper for winners, Anointed News Journal, Jamaal explains how he seeks not only to address the systemic barriers to employment, but also how he plans to foster a broader movement of advocacy and reform. 

Collins:
Who is Jamaal A. Brown?

Brown:
Jamaal Brown is a resident of Camden, New Jersey, born and raised in the city. I attended Forest Hill Elementary School and Hatch Middle School in Camden, New Jersey. I a father of four and a grandfather of four. I am self-employed.

Collins:
And you’re also the CEO and Founder of PPP Prison Pipeline to Prosperity. Tell us, first of all, what motivated you to start this nonprofit and what is the mission?

Brown:
My motivation for the nonprofit stems from my own experience. Unfortunately, I spent 15 years in the New Jersey Department of Corrections. After returning home, I encountered numerous obstacles in securing stable employment that could sustain a decent way of life. These challenges often lead individuals to revert to behaviors that led to incarceration in the first place. The mission of the nonprofit, Prison Pipeline to Prosperity, is to establish a system where citizens reentering society have opportunities for decent employment upon release from prison, providing them with a game plan to navigate life post-incarceration, especially concerning financial responsibilities like supporting dependents. The pressure faced by those returning from incarceration is immense, and our goal is to alleviate some of that pressure through meaningful employment opportunities.

Collins:
Your organization is a registered 501(c)(3). How important is it for returning citizens to have a support system such as what you provide?

Brown:
It’s incredibly important, especially considering the circumstances many of us face, where systemic factors such as the education system and community environments contribute to a pipeline to prison. We aim to counter this trend by offering support and resources to empower individuals to rebuild their lives after incarceration.

Collins:
Let’s talk about some of your partners and why it’s necessary to refer people to other agencies.

Brown:
Yes, the plan is to get involved with other nonprofits based in the city. OEO, for example, Volunteers of America, and the Center for Family Services. I want to partner up with every nonprofit that’s helping the community in some way, shape, or form. And to my knowledge, there’s really not a program specifically catered towards those in that position. So I want to provide that. So guys returning home can have a place where they can go and do job research and so forth. Also, I plan on having minority companies registered with the pipeline. So when individuals research the pipeline, they could see certain jobs or companies that are willing to give them an opportunity. And we know that many agencies like Volunteers of America, Camden County OEO, and the Center for Family Services have resources to help ex-offenders.

Collins:
Whether it’s job readiness training or benefits for additional training offered by the Department of Labor, individuals have the opportunity to improve their skills and make themselves more marketable for employment. There are also incentives that the state offers to employers who hire ex-offenders. Running a nonprofit also requires funding. How are you funded, and are you open to receiving donations to help run your program?

Brown:
Yes, I’m definitely always open to receiving help wherever it may come from. As of now, I fund everything through my for-profit company, L & C Alliance Company, which specializes in landscaping, cleaning, and floor care. The revenue I receive from that goes towards the nonprofit.

Collins:
You mentioned you’re open to other agencies or nonprofits reaching out to partner with you, such as VOA and Camden County OEO. Tell us about your for-profit company, where you take the lead in hiring ex-offenders and providing work opportunities for them.

Brown:
Sure. The name of the company is L & C Alliance Company, which stands for Landscaping and Cleaning Alliance. We specialize in floor care services such as carpet extraction, stripping and waxing vinyl floors, as well as window cleaning, pressure washing, and daily housekeeping.

Collins:
And how can people contact you to acquire your services?

Brown:
I can be reached at (856) 349-2525 or by email at [email protected].

Collins:
You’ve also taken the initiative and motivated many of your employees to get involved in the Camden community. You’ve participated in the mayor’s cleanups. What was that experience like for you as the leader and for some of your employees?

Brown:
That experience was very humbling. Just knowing that bringing the community together in that way, as great or small as it may have been, was impactful. I wasn’t able to have as many people there as I would have liked, but bringing civilians back into society, working together with the mayor’s office to clean and ensure the community’s safety was very humbling. I appreciated the mayor offering us the opportunity to come out every week.

Collins:
You have a lot of experience in many different things. You spoke about some of the struggles that one might go through in school and growing up in the urban community. What words of encouragement would you give to a young man or woman when it comes to pursuing their dreams or staying focused to accomplish their goals?

Brown:
The one piece of advice that I would give is to keep your goal in mind. Regardless of how far away it may seem, it’s always a step-by-step process. Even though it may seem like there are many small steps to take, as long as you stay on that path, you’ll get there. It’s important to avoid distractions that can veer you off course.

Collins:
You talked about some of the roadblocks that individuals face when they come home from incarceration, particularly concerning employment opportunities. You’ve also discussed entrepreneurship and how you were able to establish your company and provide opportunities for individuals. How does it feel to overcome those challenges and start your own business? How does it feel to become an entrepreneur and give back?

Brown:
I feel worthy to myself and my family, but I also feel humbled. I know that many others have been in my shoes and have paved the way through example for me to learn from. But what’s even more significant than doing it myself is putting myself in a position to help others who may not have had the same opportunities to learn. It’s about making others aware that they can achieve similar things.

Collins:
So, what’s next for Jamaal Brown?

Brown:
What’s next for me? As far as I can see right now, is the nonprofit foundation, Prison Pipeline to Prosperity. Although it’s based in Camden, I eventually want to take it to other counties like Newark, New Jersey, Trenton, and other states as well. I want to try to make this into a movement that can spread across the entire country, like a national model.

Collins:
Some of the services that you offer as part of your curriculum are what?

Brown:
           1. Empowered Lives: A world where individuals emerging from the criminal justice system are   empowered with the tools. guidance, and opportunities to rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose

  1. Community Transformation: Communities where the stigma associated with past incarceration is replaced by a spirit of understanding, acceptance, and collaboration, fostering an environment where everyone has the chance to contribute positively. 
  2. Lasting Change: A sustainable shift in the narrative of re-entry with systemic changes that address the root causes of incarceration, leading to reduced recidivism and a more just and equitable society.
  3. Inclusive Collaboration: Partnerships and collaborations among individuals, businesses, and communities that transcend barriers creating a seamless pathway for those transitioning from prison to prosperity.
  4. Advocacy for Reform: A commitment to advocating for criminal justice reforms that emphasize rehabilitation reintegration, and equitable opportunities, ensuring that the prison pipeline is dismantled at its core.
  5. Inspiration for Others: A source of inspiration for individuals, organizations, and communities worldwide to join the movement, recognizing the potential for positive change in the lives of those who seek redemption.

One of my personal experiences that made me really face the barriers of coming home from incarceration was when I personally served 13 years and nine months. I lost trial for sexual assault, which, as relevant or irrelevant as it may be, put multiple barriers in trying to get my life together and back on track. That’s honestly one of the reasons why I became self-employed. Obtaining decent employment is very hard due to the screening process, although necessary, because there are situations where you can hire the wrong person. Understanding that the screening process is necessary, it’s still somewhat of a demeaning experience that everyone has to go through. But having other options and opportunities to invest in myself brought me to become self-employed and create and come up with a cleaning company.

Collins:
And we certainly appreciate you sharing that information and your journey. When it comes to many people coming out of incarceration, there often exists a stereotype. However, as you mentioned, systemic racism or injustice means not everybody incarcerated is guilty. Many find themselves in situations where they take plea agreements, doing what they feel is best for them at the time. So, thank you for sharing. 

The Anointed News Journal reaches over 180,000 readers weekly. In conclusion, what would you like to say to the readers of The Anointed News Journal?

Brown:
I just want to express my gratitude for taking the time to learn about what I’m trying to accomplish with the Prison Pipeline to Prosperity foundation. We’re open to anyone who believes in reducing the recidivism rate and would like to support our cause. May God be with us all.

Collins:
And again, they can reach out to you.

Brown:
Certainly. My contact information for the nonprofit foundation is [email protected], and for the cleaning company, it’s [email protected]. You can also reach the business at (856) 349-2525, or my cell phone at (856) 261-9762.

 

Jamaal Brown’s journey from incarceration to entrepreneurship exemplifies the power of perseverance and the potential for redemption. Through his nonprofit, the Prison Pipeline to Prosperity foundation, Jamaal has dedicated himself to breaking down barriers and providing second chances for individuals reentering society after incarceration. As he expands his efforts beyond Camden, Jamaal’s vision of a nationwide movement for prison reform offers hope for a more just and equitable future for all.

“Our vision is not just a distant goal; it’s a guiding light that propels us forward in our mission to break the cycle of incarceration and pave the way for a future where everyone has the chance to thrive. Together we envision a society where the pipeline to prosperity replaces the path of imprisonment creating a legacy of hope and transformation for generations to come.” ~Jamaal A. Brown

By Chris Collins

The House of Queen Company has a Vision of Being a Unique Presence in Camden

Bringing a Vision to Life Starts with Stepping Out on Faith

During an exclusive interview with the editor of the nation’s faith based and professional newspaper for winners, Anointed News Journal, Tina Kupolati shares her vision for a new store in the city.

Collins:
We are here in interview with Ms. Tina Kupolati. Share with us, who is Tina Kupolati?

Kupolati:
I’m really from a little town in New Jersey called Jericho; which is really Wenonah. I was born down there and I loved being in the country. But one given day, my dad died. From there, my mom moved us to Camden. And when we moved to Camden, we settled on Erie Street. Camden is my place and I love it; I’m still living here.

I also do service in the community helping people however I can. I help people who are incarcerated and have no support from their family. Additionally, at one time decided I wanted to do business. So, I did research and then decided to do this business that I’m interested in now.

Collins:
You’re also a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother as well. As an entrepreneur, you decided to venture off into the health & haircare cosmetology industry. Tell us a little bit about your journey and what it is that you’re looking to do.

Kupolati:
Well, first of all, what got me interested was my granddaughter, she’s also from Camden. She was doing her hair like every two or three days, and she was changing the style each time. And I thought, “wow, that is really too much.” And then one day she was kind of lost in finding her way. And I told her, “Why don’t you go to school for it?” So, she went to school and as I was picking her up and dropping her off to make sure she finished that class. I began to see all kinds of ladies come in and out of there with all of these hairstyles and different kinds of things. So, I began to research it, and when I did, I ran into a company which was called “Beauty Supply Institute”, out of Mapleton, Georgia. I found out that all over YouTube there were videos on how they were helping over 200 different sets of black people open up beauty supply stores. At that point, I felt as though that was what I wanted to do, especially because of the money that was involved. The Asians that own these beauty supply stores in Camden are not bringing the money back to the neighborhood; so this is a way for me to make my mark.

Collins:
Do you see a need in the black community for a beauty supply store?

Kupolati:
Definitely. The need is there. And again, as we look over the Camden area, there are a few stores here. I would say five or six scattered over the city, but at the same time, they don’t represent us. So, I’m feeling fantastic about it because once this thing comes into fruition, it’s going to be a wonderful thing, especially with all the revitalization that’s going on in the city. To see a black person step up and make it happen will be great.

Collins:
What can a consumer expect walking into your beauty supply store?

Kupolati:
Well, first of all, what’s going on with the ladies now is all of them want to do their hair. At this point in my business, I want to be able to do something different for the community instead of just being able to sell them something and let them leave. I want to have good customer service, talk to them and be able to have that a relationship with them.

Since I have and am still going through the cancer situation. I think that when a woman loses her hair, sometimes she’s going through a traumatic situation. During that time, I did all kinds of different things to embellish myself, to really feel good within my situation. So, sometimes people need that support; I also have some connections already to be able to hook into the cancer society. I can help the ladies beautify themselves, and give them some other stuff as well, to let them know that as they’re going through that journey, they can still feel good about themselves.

Collins:
Okay. And I must say that you look remarkable, and yet you are still in your recovery with your fight against cancer. Through your research in the beauty supply industry, what were some things that you discovered that helped you make progress with your entrepreneurship journey.

Kupolati:
I got a lot of information that other people might have to struggle to get. When I hooked up with the Beauty Supply Institute, I found out it’s more than just wanting to be an entrepreneur. There are all kinds of things involved in getting started and a lot of learning to do just to gather a base.

Collins:
There are a lot of people that make excuses for not being progressive and not pursuing their destiny. You had some major challenges along the way. You also previously worked in other industries. Most impressively, most people at your age would look into retirement, but you decided to pursue your own dream as a business owner. What words of encouragement would you give to someone that wants to pursue their destiny?

Kupolati:
I would tell people just to jump out and do it. It took me a long time to get to this point of wanting to be an entrepreneur; I wish I had done it earlier because I would’ve instilled it in my kids. I have productive kids that are doing good things. They have good jobs and all, but I wish that I would have decided this as a young person so that I could have instilled to them some of the business skills that I have learned along the way. Also, it is good to have generational wealth; a lot of times when parents or family members die, there is very little or nothing to leave the kids… My kids were questioning me, “why are you doing this at this time of life?” But I feel that I still want to be able to be a productive person. I still have grandchildren and I want to do this to make them even more proud of me. It would be nice to leave wealth to them and to be able to make a difference in my city, and be able to hire people and provide jobs.

Collins:
What is the name of your company?

Kupolati:
The name of the company is called, The House of Queen. When I talk about it, I get kind of emotional because my great-grandmother was born into slavery. And one day when I was walking through the graveyard, visiting the grave, the headstone was almost washed away. And it looked like cave stone. The stone was chiseled and it just had her name on it, no date of birth or anything. And I promised myself that when I got some money, I was going to put a nice stone there. I was able to do that this year and it brought tears to my eyes. What I put on the head of that stone is, “Our Queen”. Her name was Passion Yelldel. She is the queen and everyone under her, which is all my family is in the house. And they come under that heading, which is the House of Queen. And it brings tears to my eyes, my great-grandmother…

Collins:
Fantastic! And tell us about the products that you offer.

Kupolati:
The products are dealing with beauty & health. The beauty supply store is all kinds of hair, eye lashes, and products with ingredients that salons would use. We’ll have all kinds of stuff for the body like clothes too. My plan is to build out the beauty supply store and have a beauty salon present in the back of the store. The Muslim ladies like to stay gorgeous as well, so we will have products to accommodate them too. I’ve been out interviewing people and getting new ideas. So, it’s going to be a multitude of things where the community can be involved.

Collins:
Currently, you do not have a storefront, but people can still get your products by calling you or reaching out to you online. The store is something that’s up and coming. How can people get your products now?

Kupolati:
Right now, we are located at 1126 Lake Shore drive, right here in Camden. Most of the products I have are for the hair. So far, people have been coming directly there and buying the products. I’m in the process of looking for someone to do the online stuff, to put it online so that all the products will actually be on there. I’m also working on a spot at the Berlin Farmers Market.

Collins:
What is it that excites you most about this new journey of owning your own beauty supply company?

Kupolati:
I’m really, really excited about it. I have been out in the neighborhood spreading the word and I’ve been investing money into my business. I step out in faith everyday, believing that God is going to provide, even if He’s dropping pennies from heaven, I’m looking for them. So, what I did is I went out and I talked to all the business people and told them that I’m coming and the people are all excited about it. I worked at a family store, a small retail store here in Camden, and people are coming into the store and they’re asking me, “when is the store going to be open?” They’re all excited. I talk about it everywhere. If I’m in the hospital, I’m talking about it. So, I’m excited about it. And the day that that store opens in Camden, by me, as a black woman; oh, it’s going to be a grand opening. I’m waiting for it.

Collins:
Do you have a projected timetable for a grand opening?

Kupolati:
I wanted it to be last year, but again, I’m waiting for that last money to come about so that I can make this move. I really want it to be done before this summer is over.

Collins:
You’re still looking for some additional resources, have you identified a location and are you looking for possible investors?

Kupolati:
Yeah. Investors and a location would really be a good thing. There is one place that I have my eye on and it’s been vacant for a while. I’m hoping it will stay there until this money comes about. But I believe God will make a way for me. I’m going to knock on doors and kick down doors, whatever it takes in order for that to happen. And I believe that.

Collins:
Why is it important for grassroot beauty salons and barbers to patronize your company?

Kupolati:
I think it’s good to patronize my company because at the same time I know the value of how important it is to me that I patronize them. We need to support each other. In my travels I have went around to all the black shops and talked with them; They’re glad to see me on the scene initiating this. And as I look in this city and see all the businesses that are open, I see Spanish people, I see Asian people.  I’m encouraging black to step up as well. I know it can be frightening to do it. When I spent that first money to invest into this business, I said, “Oh my goodness. Do I really want to do this?” My kids were also urging me to retire and enjoy the money that I had. But I thought about it, and I jumped out on faith and started my business. And so even though those finances are still needed, I’m going to stay and hang in here until the end; somebody is going to open some doors.

I think that it is just important for black people to see it. I’ve heard that there have been small stores that have opened, but this store is supposed to be a major store, big enough to take up some space where you can see it. People can come in and have an experience rather than just buying some hair and leaving; and basically that’s what the other shops do. I want to be able to make a difference in this community. I just believe in Camden, there’s a lot of stuff that we see that’s positively happening in this place. Oh my God. I just believe in the black beauty supply store. When this thing hits, it’s going to be all that. And I’m ready for it.

Collins:
The anointed journal has over 180,000 readers weekly. In conclusion, what do you want to say to the readers of Anointed?

Kupolati:
I’m in this process, I’ve made it so far, but I’m and still looking to acquire more finances to make this vision culminate. I’m almost there, but not there yet. I’m about $24,000 away. Investors would be great; and maybe somebody within the business community would be willing to put some money back into the neighborhood by investing in this opportunity.

Collins:
And I just want to be clear to the readers, although the physical storefront is not up and running yet, they can still come to your location and purchase your products.

Kupolati:
Yes, it is 1126 Lake Shore.  And an online store will be up soon. 

We wish Tina Kupolati success with fully launching her vision of the House of Queen store. Her story is certainly one of inspiration. We look forward to seeing more black-owned and women-owned businesses in the city of Camden.

How Mentorship Can Shape a Young Man’s Life, Riccardo D

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Free All Minds Academy: Developing Tomorrow's Leaders, Interview with Founder Riccardo Dale

Camden, NJ Imagine growing up without a father, having a mother who struggled with an addiction, facing abuse, losing loved ones, and struggling academically…all as a young teenager; that is what Riccardo Dale’s daily experience was as a young teen. He was going down the wrong path as a result… but he was able to turn things around with the help of numerous mentors; Mentorship gave him knowledge and a new perspective on life. People like his basketball coach Seigha Omuso and the Pettis’s (a family that allowed him to live with them) exposed him to opportunities that would change his life forever. While turning his life around, he began to think about all the kids just like him who never truly got an opportunity to better education or a better life. He realized how much mentorship can change someone’s life regardless of the current path they are on. He wanted to become that person he needed all his life. Riccardo eventually started Free All Minds Academy while he was a sophomore in college.

In an exclusive interview with the nation’s premier faith based and professional newspaper for winners, Anointed News Journal, Councilman Riccardo Dale tells us about his impactful endeavors to save Camden’s youth through his academy.

Collins:
In an interview with Councilman Riccardo Dale of Beverley, New Jersey.

Dale:
I would say, above anything else, Ricardo Dale is a man of service, and that stems from my upbringing and me really needing somebody to come into my life and guide me. So, I always thought to myself, when I grow up, I will be that person for somebody else… the person I needed. So, growing up, I struggled financially, I did poorly academically, and I had a lot of losses from my friends to my father figure who passed away when I was in ninth grade. All these losses and circumstances sent me on the wrong path. It was because of some great men that came into my life and mentored me that I was able to turn things around. I always thought to myself that one day when I have the opportunity, I will do that as well.

Collins:
Councilmen, you also have a nonprofit that you champion, tell us about the nonprofit, and what motivated you to start the non-profit.

Dale:
My nonprofit is called Free All Minds Academy. It is a mentoring program for boys of color in the city of Camden. We work with students to prepare them for college, and we have a 100% acceptance rate into college for all our students. We prepare our students for college in numerous ways: From a professional point of view, we help them be prepared from how to dress, to how to tie a tie, to how to put together a resume, or how to even be interviewed from

an educational point of view. We prepare them academically through tutoring sessions, taking them on college tours and exposing them to different career fields. We also have a basketball program through our Academy, that keeps the kids committed and a little bit more disciplined to showing up to some of our academic programs because of their love for basketball. Through this program, we’re able to travel everywhere from Pennsylvania to New York to South Carolina and take these kids out of their environment. The reason I started this program is because I felt that this was what I needed when I was growing up. Also, the guidance and leadership that I did receive later on in my teen years helped me to turn my life around. If those people didn’t come into my life, if I wasn’t exposed to these different career fields, I wouldn’t be here today.

Collins:
So let me ask you, as a young man in high school, what were some of your challenges and what were some of the outcomes at that time?

Dale:
So, while I was in high school, my biggest barrier was a lack of guidance with my father figure that had passed away my freshman year and my mother who, dealt with an addiction for most of her life. She wasn’t extremely active during those years. So, as a young man, I was really just figuring it out on my own, and I kind of felt sorry for myself a lot of times. As a result, I was kind of just throwing my life away.

Collins:
Having that type of attitude, did that lead you to a disorderly lifestyle? I know I see that in young people today that may be in similar situations.

Dale:
Yeah, I had an attitude where I just didn’t care anymore. It led me down the wrong path; I stopped showing up to classes, and eventually I dropped out of high school. I really didn’t care about my own success or my own wellbeing because I felt as though nobody really cared for me. And I see a lot of young kids like that out there that just feel they’re hopeless, they feel like they don’t have anybody on their side. I’ve watched them go down the wrong path and make bad decisions, but it’s not because they’re bad kids, I realize that there’s not always great choices for them to make due to their circumstances.

Collins:
Today you are Councilman Riccardo Dale; at what point in your life did the change come that you pivoted and made a change in your life for the better?

Dale:
I think I was 16 years old, going on 17. I left my first high school and I got accepted into a private school. I was supposed to be a junior in my first high school. But when I went to this private school, I became a sophomore again. So, that sophomore year, which is my second sophomore year, it really turned around for me. I just stayed back because I wasn’t doing what I needed to do academically. So now I’m telling myself I don’t like school, but now I just made myself go to school longer because I wasn’t doing what I needed to do. I started to realize I’m the only person that I’m hurting by failing these classes; I’m the only person that I’m hurting by not doing what I needed to do. So, I think that when I transferred schools, that was a wakeup call for me because I had to get it together. I had another chance and I was around kids at this new school that were expected to succeed. I think that was the difference, having those students and mentors in my life. It was a shift in culture because I’m in a place where I am now expected to succeed; my mentors are telling me all these things and all these career paths that I can do. The students around me are talking about going to Ivy league schools, and it was just enlightening for me. I think that really changed my life because I realized what I could be.

Collins:
You went from becoming a high school dropout to getting yourself back in school and becoming successful. Tell us about that transition and what it was like getting back into school and moving forward.

Dale:
After leaving my first school, I reached out to a basketball coach at another school and told them that I would love to come to the school, I would love to play for him, but I would also like just the opportunity to turn my life around. After being given that opportunity, which I’m going to be honest, I didn’t even think he was going to be able to give me the opportunity due to my poor academics, I knew I had to take advantage of it. So, from that moment, I turned things around. I was more focused in class and I was talking to my teachers and getting extra help. I was telling myself, “I’m going to turn my life around and I’m not going to be a victim of my circumstance anymore.” That was the biggest thing for me; because I had a mentor that told me that he doesn’t feel sorry for me. I think that was major for me. He’s said, “you keep telling yourself that you’re a failure because your father is not here. You keep telling yourself you’re a failure because your mother is an addict. Your father is not coming back, so if you keep saying you’re a failure because he’s not here, you’re always going to be a failure. But as a man, one of these days, you’re going to have to take accountability for yourself.”

I really didn’t like hearing that at the time, but I think it was honest. I think that was a defining moment for me, realizing that I just have to take accountability. So, when I got the opportunity to go to this new school, it was a complete shift. I was a different person. What was interesting was I was still living in my friend’s basement, I was still the same kid, I was still broke, but I was a totally new person; my mindset had changed. Even though I was in that “same circumstance”, I knew that I was going to be successful, and I knew college was an option for me. I knew that I would go on to do great things. That was the difference, me making a decision that my life is going to be different.

Collins:
In the past, you may have been considered a young person that society may not have looked at in a positive light. Today, you are certainly an extremely positive member of the community. What words of encouragement would you give to a teenager that might be in a negative lifestyle that has a desire to turn their life around?

Dale:
I would definitely tell them that your past and your circumstances are not going to define you. You’re so young; you have so much time. So, regardless of what you did in the past, regardless of what circumstance you’re in right now, that doesn’t have to define the rest of your life. The things that you’re passionate about, the things that you love, the things that you want to do, it’s realistic that it can happen.

Collins:
Okay. You decided that you were going to take your focus and your leadership abilities to create change in your community. You also decided to run for elective office. What motivated a young man, such as yourself to run for elected office?

Dale:
Naturally, I felt as though I was always a leader and as I got older and I really saw how disadvantaged so many people are in my community and just in the country as a whole. It kind of sparked my interest in getting involved. Is it possible that I could be the person that can give somebody a fair chance at life? Is it possible that I can be the person to put things in place to help somebody else succeed? Is it possible that I could be the person that somebody can look at and feel as though that they do have representation that understands them?

My want for giving people a fair chance at life and my want for being able to represent populations that are failing to be represented was kind of my driving force for wanting to get into a life of service. That started in college, I was a single representative on the board of trustees where I acted as a voting member of our university’s board as a student of 17,000 students. That’s really where it started, and I was a leader then, and I was able to do some great things at my university and I plan to continue to do great things for the rest of my life.

Collins:
Let’s go back to your nonprofit organization. You currently serve 22 students, you have a waiting list of about 40 waiting to get into your program. Why is a program such as this necessary?

Dale:
This program is extremely necessary because education opens doors for these young men, especially poverty. Education is the gateway between you being in poverty and you living a life of success. It’s not easy to get students that are in tough situations to care about their education. Because at this point in life, when you’re 13-14 years old, you can’t always see the future. So, our program is extremely important, not only because we push the education portion, but because we can get students that aren’t interested in education to now become interested in education. It’s one thing to educate students who want to be educated, but it’s another thing to go out and find those students who don’t care, and be able to change their

mindset. And I think that’s what really makes our program unique is we specifically want to find a kid that does not care, that does not want to show up to school, that does not want to go to college because he thinks it’s not realistic for himself. We want to be able to expose him to different career fields and expose him to different opportunities that now allow him to believe, “I can do this. I can go to college.” And that’s exactly what we’re doing.

On a recent survey that we did in our organization with boys coming into the program, only 35% of our students said it was realistic for them to go to college; our last survey we conducted, 100% of our students said that college is a realistic goal for them now. And that right there is the shift that we’re shooting for.

Collins:
As a young man, how are you and your team of professionals received by the participants in your program?

Dale:
It’s family, it’s fun. I don’t feel like it’s work at all. When I’m working with my students, they’re like my little brothers, we’re laughing, we’re joking. But there’s such a level of respect that we have for each other. Not just the respect they have for me and my staff, but the respect that our staff has for them, because I have so much respect for the young man as well that wants to be in this position and turn his life around. So, because we have that relationship and we have that equal respect for each other, I think it’s family and it’s a beautiful thing that we have here and every time we’re together, it’s enjoyable. They want to be there. I want to be there. I never have a day where I don’t want to show up to this program or I don’t feel like doing this program. There are times when I’m not having the greatest week and this program is the highlight of my week. I know that I can go see my kids and no matter what is going on in my life, they’re always going to think highly of me. They’re always going to be happy to see me.

Collins:
Currently you’re in a collaboration or a community partnership with Mastery school. Many of your participants are coming out of Mastery, but you’re open to city-wide youth. With all organizations, it takes funding and resources. How are you able to maintain? What is it that the community can do or the business community can do to help support what you’re doing?

Dale:
I think one of the biggest things is donations. That’s how small grassroots non-profits stay afloat is donations from community members, leaders in the community and businesses that believe in our cause because sometimes it is harder for smaller organizations to receive some of these major grants. I’ve even ran into grants that have requirements on years or number of participants or a certain amount of years in the field to even apply for the grant. Sometimes it can be hard to start organizations that don’t have that, or maybe aren’t even prepared to give that documentation. So, the small donations from community members and from businesses are essential to staying afloat.

Collins:
And this is a 501C3 organization, which means that all contributions can be written off. For those that may want to contribute, what is the best way and how can they get in contact with you?

Dale:
So anybody interested in contributing, they can email me @[email protected]. The best way is making a donation to our office at 11 West Broad Street, Burlington New Jersey 08016.

Collins:
Is there a contact number?

Dale:
A number that they can reach me at is 856-269-7729.

Collins:
What are some of the things that you need currently in addition to monetary support. You mentioned the game of basketball is used to draw these young men, so staff-wise you need what?

Dale:
Staff wise, we are looking for another basketball coach that is available to give their time, ideally somebody who has pretty flexible hours, after four o’clock and weekends. That would be the ideal person that really wants to get involved because it’s more than just teaching them basketball, or coaching basketball, and having games. It has to be somebody who is interested in building a relationship with these students and being a mentor as well as a coach.

Collins:
Okay. And currently you are utilizing Mastery, one of their facilities. Are you also interested or looking for a local facility that you can run your programs out of as well?

Dale:
Yes, we are still open to facilities, especially gym spaces. We’re still looking to get extra gym time because when schedules are booked for our current gym, we still do need access to basketball gyms for both of our teams, because we have two different teams, and they practice separately. So we are still looking for gym space for them.

Collins:
What’s next for Councilman Riccardo Dale?

Dale:
My next step is building out this program to the best of its ability and really establishing this organization here in the city of Camden. That’s my primary focus right now. That’s the goal. I

would love to be able to expand our program. I want to be able to bring in another group of students. So that’s our focus. We would like to expand.

Collins:
And with that in mind, you would also consider collaborations such as you have with Mastery, like faith-based organizations, athletic organizations, or any organization that has the capacity to maybe accommodate possibly as many as 60 students or participants at one time.

Dale:
Yes.

Collins:
So Councilman, the Anointed News Journal has over 180,000 readers weekly. In conclusion, what do you want to say to the readers of Anointed?

Dale:
I would say that this program is going to change the city of Camden and we need the people of the city. We need the people who love this city to get involved and to reach out and to continue to support. I’ve got a lot of support here in the city of Camden and we need to continue to support this program because these kids’ lives literally depend on it.

The Anointed News Journal thanks Councilman Riccardo Dale for his time and his insight on how instrumental mentorship can be to someone’s life. We wish him the best with his future endeavors, and we know he will accomplish so much, as he already has in his young life.

Visit www.freeallmindsacademy.org for more information about this wonderful program. If you know a young person who is struggling in life, please consider mentoring them or directing them to someone who can. That young person just needs some love and direction; don’t underestimate the impact you can have on their lives.

Change the Narrative: Change Your Outlook by Putting on a New Suit

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Needle & Threads Custom Tailor Shop Located on the Legendary Broadway Strip is Dressing Men and Women for Success

Camden NJ,
The city of Camden has a lot of rich history to share; one of the famous
streets in Camden is Broadway, which used to be a Mecca for retail and
entertainment. Chip Grimes, a Camden native, has kept the retail alive by
continuing the tradition of running a tailor shop that has been there for many
years. Now called Needle and Threads, this is the place for men to come
get the clothing that will make them look good and feel much more confident when
they put in on.

During an exclusive interview with the editor of the nation’s faith based and professional newspaper for winners, Anointed News Journal, Chip Grimes explains what motivated him to own this tailor shop and why he feels this work is vital to the community.

Collins:
In an interview with Mr. Chip Grimes, of Needle and Threads. Who is chip Grimes

Grimes:
That’s a tough question. I try to be all different types of a person. I guess like a chameleon; what I do is, I strive to build my self-esteem and I try to build others self-esteem, through image. I try to change the narrative of people’s images; in order to do that, I have to change my own. So, I’m always trying to learn and continue to thrive and strive to be the best version of myself. 

Collins:
You are here at Needle and Threads, which has a history here in the city of Camden. Tell us about Needle and Threads.

Grimes:
Needles and Threads has been here for roughly 10 to 15 years, but beforehand, everybody knew this building as being Tony’s… Tony the tailor. Back in the day, Tony, an Italian guy, really put the tailoring business in this area on the map. This building’s been here for over a hundred years. In between, it’s had I think three owners and they’ve all been tailors. So, this place is well known as being a tailor shop. Here at the store, we have Rick Johnson, one of our sales reps, and Mr. Lymon, our tailor.

Collins:
You are carrying on a tradition of tailoring, but you also have full-service retail. Tell us a little bit about that.

Grimes:
Of course. Well, generations change and people change, so everybody doesn’t dress the same. So, to accommodate some of the younger generation, we have full-service retail. We have shirts, jeans, jackets, socks, ties, and more. Right now, we’re getting to more of the linen for the summer and for vacations and stuff like that.

Collins:
So Chip, let’s go back a little bit. Camden is very familiar with Chip Grimes. What was it about the fashion industry or a tailor industry that motivated you to pursue a career in this field? 

Grimes:
One thing about me, the people who really know me, have seen me wear shoes and suits often, even in my elementary days because my mother was a seamstress. I guess seeing her and noticing the attention and perception of someone and how they are addressed when they are dressed for success, really stood out to me. That’s one of the reasons why I always felt good in a suit; I always felt good dressing and I think that motivated me to become the man I am in terms of getting into the fashion industry. I’m trying to change the narrative of the younger generation and how they dress. Some young kids have never put on a suit, so they don’t know the dynamics, how it feels and how they’re perceived. I want to change that narrative and allow them to at least get the opportunity, so we try to allow them to do that.

Collins:
Okay. Not long ago, I saw a photo of you on social media and I made a comment, “You look good in blue”.  You had on a very nice blue suit on, and you were looking very sharp. What is it about a suit? When a man puts on a suit, how does that make him feel?

Grimes:
I think I’m going back to the days of the caveman. I mean, a lot of things we do, most of the time we do it for women. When I put on a suit, the way it makes me feel is almost like a mirror. I see how females and other people look at me. A lot of times I get immediate respect, people call me “Mister” or “Sir” because of the way I’m dressed. That is one of the reasons why I do it and I feel comfortable with it.

Collins:
Tell us about the team here at Needle and Threads. You have a salesperson, you have a tailor, and you’re also doing outreach to get your name out more in Camden city and surrounding areas. Explain how important it is for all the components to come together.

Grimes:
I think right now we have a good mesh of individuals with the team. We have somebody like Rick Johnson, he’s one of the more, avid persons with the fashion. He’s more up on the different retail. I think I’m more business minded in terms of doing more of the promoting; like you said, I put a suit on, and somebody sees me on social media or in person, and a lot of times they’ll ask me about the clothes. And then Mr. Lymon, he’s more behind the scenes, but he’s more involved with alterations and the suits in general, the customizing and the molding or shaping of suits for individuals.

Collins:
At one time, this location and this strip of Broadway was like the Mecca for fashion, for men’s fashion. Throughout the years, we have not had as much retail shops here as we would like. Needle and Threads is still here to serve the residents of the city of Camden and surrounding areas. What message do you want to say to the people about Needle and Threads?

Grimes:
I would like to say that being in the heart of Camden, being on the strip on Broadway, we really want to stress that they can come back. When you talk about custom dressing, looking good, feeling good, increasing self-esteem…we want to be a hub for those things. People can come in and they can talk, whether it be fashion, community affairs, new fashion… everyone can leave with a clean and healthy self-esteem. When we go back out in the public and the community, we’ll take that with us.

Collins:
Your mother started you and your brother out early in fashion, wearing suits, as you were in school. When it comes to your target market, what age groups do you service? Do you have things for the young kids or just the adults?

Grimes:
Yes, we have fashion for all ages. We want to accommodate everyone. With the children, we want them to understand that through their dress, through fashion comes high self-esteem. We want to show them that fashion can take you a long way. A good friend of mine just told me he was working over at the airport, and someone gave him a tool belt. He threw a tool belt on and he felt like he was the maintenance man. So whatever you put on, it’s just like the Bible says, “you are what you perceive yourself as”.

Collins:
The team here is also very much community oriented. You you’ve done a lot in the Camden community. You’ve made lot of contributions. Why is it important for Needle and Threads to give back to the Camden community?

Grimes:
Well, when you’re in the hub of Camden, and you’ve not only grown up in this area since day one, but have family and friends here, you’re really vested in the area. I think it’s automatically a reason to give back. I like to see everyone’s self-esteem rise; you know, I think a lot of us go through identity crisis, and once we find out who we are & who we can be, I think it really helps the community as a whole. So, it’s really a must that we give back to the community. It’s not that we feel like we have to, but we want to.

Collins:
Now, when I think of your location, there were some legends that had shops up along this location. Where there any that inspired you or that motivated you to continue the legacy.

Grimes:
Yes, my grandma, she lived on little 8th street. My cousins and I would always come over to her house. We would come down the strip on Broadway, and I remember Joe’s and I remember Famous; We would go in and look at the retail and look at some of the newer fashion. I think they had a profound impact on my decision going forward.

Collins:
Tell us about your location here and how accessible it is.

Grimes:
I think right now the accessibility is better than it’s ever been, because now we’re considered on a corner. The shop is bright and because it’s always been known as a tailor shop, or a clothing shop, people know this is a spot where you can come and get some good retail. We are down the street from the Downtown transportation center in Camden. We are 603 Broadway in between Royden and Line. Broadway is coming back. It’s always been a Mecca, and now it’s getting more attention because of some of the buildings like the Cooper center and some of these other buildings. I think this is an ideal spot, especially if you want to deal with the community.

Collins:
You’re very accessible; the public transportation lets you off right in front of the store.

All right. Let’s talk about your custom suits. What’s the difference between wearing a custom suit as opposed to just buying a suit off the rack at a department store?

Grimes:
I think it’s almost like any relationship you have with a person. If you’re really into fashion, you have a relationship with your clothing. If you really feel that type of relationship, you want to go custom; you want something that fits you as perfect as possible. We want the material to be super quality material. You want your linings and stitches to be high end material. There’s nothing wrong with getting something off the rack, but you’re going to run into situations where it’s not going to give you the same type of fit and relationship that you have with your custom suit. When you’re wearing something that is custom, with high quality material, it really boosts your self-esteem.

Collins:
And again, you are located at?

Grimes:
603 Broadway.

Collins:
What are your hours of operation here?

Grimes:
Currently, we’re working from 11am to 5pm, Wednesday through Saturday. We may change hours to fit our business flow in the future if needed.

Collins:
When it comes to price points, what can people expect when they come into Needle and Threads?

Grimes:
I think they can expect an array of prices. Like I said, we want to be accessible for everyone in the community. So, we have items to fit many budgets. Your budget may be something on the rack, or your budget may be creating a custom suit with higher quality materials that would be a lot more expensive, depending on the materials.  

Collins:
Okay. Is there anything that you want to talk about that I have not asked you?

Grimes:
I’d like to give my wife a shout out. My wife, Michelle Grimes really gives me the drive. She really understands my goals and my vision. She was right by my side. Ironically, she runs a salon; she was in Camden for a long time with the salon. Now she’s in

Collingswood, right on the outskirts. My children and everybody in my circle appreciates and understands the goal and why I do what I do.

Collins:
The Anointed News Journal has over 180,000 readers, weekly. In conclusion, what do you want to say to the readers of Anointed?

Grimes:
I would say, stay anointed. I want to commend you on the job that you do. Needle and Threads is here, 603 Broadway, Camden, NJ. Don’t be afraid to come down and check us out. We don’t just have custom high-end, but we also have retail. We’re making sure that we are able to accommodate everyone.

Collins:
And we know a lot of people in this geographical market do a lot of events and a lot of fashion shows. Is that something that Needle and Threads will be open to? Do you do workshops or participate in some shows? If so, how can people contact you?

Grimes:
Yes. In terms of workshops, we’ve been discussing that possibility. We have some young, highly motivated, fashionable individuals who come in and want to partake. They want to get some knowledge about the fashion industry. So we’re working on doing some workshops. The way you can get in touch with us is through me, Chip Grimes; my number is 856-986-7705. That’s a little more personal to keep those lines of communication open. We’re always trying to get involved with a lot of the different events. Anybody doing an event, we’d like you to come and visit us, and discuss the possibilities. In terms of promoting and marketing, we’re always open to any ideas.

The Anointed News Journal thanks Chip Grimes for his time and we support his efforts to continue establishing a business that helps men look good and feel good, so that they can be confident as they take on challenges and provide for their families. Go check out Needle and Threads today! They have something for every man.

Tamyra Miner – Born 2 Charm

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A Designer Making Fashion and Art Display a One-in-the-Same Experience

Camden, NJ What if you could wear clothing and display art at the same time? A local fashion designer & artist has created custom clothing pieces that satisfy great fashion & one-of-a-kind looks that you cannot find anywhere else. Tamyra Miner shows that using your creativity for arts goes way beyond a canvas.

During an exclusive interview with the Editor of the nation’s faith based and professional newspaper for winners, Anointed News Journal, Tamyra Miner, the owner of Born 2 Charm talks about her creative process and her motivation for becoming an entrepreneur.

Collins:
Here in an interview with Ms. Tamyra Miner. Who is Tamyra Miner?

Miner:
Tamyra Miner is a mother of two sons. I’m an entrepreneur and I’m the owner of Born 2 Charm boutique. I’m a cancer survivor; I’m a hard worker that is determined and consistent to be in the community. My passion is art and design and I love to give back. I love to help others.

Collins:
So you are the owner of Born 2 Charm. What is Born 2 Charm and what motivated you to start this business

Miner:
Born 2 Charm is an online clothing boutique where I resell clothes, but the part that separates Born 2 Charm from the average boutique is that I create wearable art; it is handmade. What inspired me start Born 2 Charm was my illness. I got sick; I am a cancer survivor and I realized that I was at “dis-ease” because I needed to a heal and I needed to pursue my passions.  

I started Born 2 Charm because it allowed me to share the creative side of Tamyra Miner with the world. During my journey of healing, I became even more in tune spiritually. So, a lot of the things that I create through my wearable art with Born 2 Charm is about consciousness and being conscious spiritual beings. Those are the main reasons that I started Born 2 Charm.

Collins:
You’ve worked in corporate America, and you’ve raised two amazing young men. Eventually, you decided that corporate America wasn’t for you, and you decided to pursue the journey of becoming an entrepreneur. What do you like about entrepreneurship?

Miner:
What I love about entrepreneurship is the fact that I get to be there for my sons, for my family. I love the flexibility, but I also love the reward after putting your heart and soul into something and seeing what you’ve achieved. It’s something that’s indescribable. It’s something that you wouldn’t feel in a corporate setting.

Collins:
And you mentioned that Born 2 Charm is an online boutique. How can people go to your site and what can they expect when they get there?

Miner:
Born 2 Charm can be found online at my site www.born2charm.com

What you can expect is a very nice, well put together site, with fashion forward wear as well as my custom made, handmade pieces.  

Collins:
You classified your custom pieces as wearable art. I’m looking at you with some dynamic, lovely earrings. Are these an example of your wearable art? 

Miner:
No, these are by another artisan, and these were handmade by her. So, this is just me supporting that artisan. My t-shirt is something that I designed on the computer and then had it printed out. This is an example of my custom designs, and graphic designs. An example of my wearable art would be some of my hand painted jackets. You’ll also find some tie pieces that I did myself. And I like to say that all my pieces are made consciously with love.

Collins:
What words of encouragement would you give to a young man or young woman that wants to pursue entrepreneurship?

Miner:
I would encourage every young man and woman that would like to pursue entrepreneurship to just do it. Sometimes we overthink it and we think that we have to have everything perfect, and we don’t. You just really have to have the desire and the willingness to learn along the way. I would also encourage any young man and woman to pursue a mentor because people that have already done it will be a great to help to guide you. But the most important thing that I would like to say is to never give up… Never give up. I read this book called Think and Grow Rich; it’s a book of different stories. It explained that most of the time, people give up when they are really close to getting to that fruit. They’re out on the limb where the fruit is and don’t realize how close they are to success. So, I would say never give up, even if no one else believes in your dreams. You continue to see them.

Collins:
What are some of the price points and the advantages of someone shopping with your online boutique as opposed to going into a chain store?

Miner:
My price points start at affordable and then they progress to a little more on the expensive side, if it’s handmade. But one of the advantages of that is it’s one-of-a-kind, because if it’s handmade, I can’t recreate that again. So, you have a one-of-a-kind piece that no one else will have. That is an advantage, and it’s made with love. 

Collins:
So what’s next for Tamyra Miner?

Miner:
Wow. That’s a great question. I’m looking to continue to grow Born 2 Charm, but I also would love to get out into the community and help encourage other young entrepreneurs and provide them with some of the information that I had to teach myself along my journey. I’m thinking of being a life coach.

Collins:
With that said, how has your experience of being a cancer survivor motivated you in business? 

Miner:
Well, I learned that I’m a fighter. It really touched me deep down. I just felt a sense of protection and love. I can’t waste that on doing something that I don’t enjoy. I feel like being a cancer survivor really helped me push forward in my business when things got tough as an entrepreneur; I just used that determination to live and to fight for my business.

Collins:
Do you take speaking engagements? Do you do workshops if a group or organization were to contact you to do a show or something? If so, how can people reach you

Miner:
I have not done that, but I’m very willing to do that. If an organization wants me to speak, I’m available through email. I can be reached at [email protected].

Collins:
You also mentioned that you do canvas work. Do you have art gallery type items for sale or, or is that part of your site?

Miner:
Great question. I am looking to turn Born 2 Charm into a boutique gallery where I do add some of my canvas pieces that I’ve created. Those pieces are pretty cool because they include art and nature. So, I’m looking forward to adding those one-of-a-kind pieces as well.

Collins:
The Anointed News Journal has over 180,000 readers, weekly. In conclusion, what do you want to say to the readers of Anointed?

Miner:
I would like to thank Chris for having me, and I hope that this story finds and touches someone’s heart; I hope it encourages any reader or entrepreneur on their journey to keep pushing, to keep going.

My social media pages are Facebook at Born 2 Charm & Instagram at Born.2.Charm.

The Anointed News Journal thanks Tamyra Miner for her time. Her handmade artwork was beautiful, and we encourage our readers to support her custom clothing designs, jewelry, and art pieces. The clothing and jewelry designs are a work of art in themselves. They display character, power, love, and spiritual consciousness.

Thomas E. May: The Life and Legacy

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Camden, NJ – The weekend of May 21st & 22nd, 2022 the City of Camden celebrated the life of Thomas E. May, Founder of May Funeral Homes.  Thomas E. May and the May Funeral Homes serves as a business icon in the city of Camden for decades.

 

Beginning in 1975 with the first May Funeral Home in Camden, followed by an additional five in New Jersey; Pennsauken, Willingboro, Vineland, Sicklerville and one in Philadelphia, PA.

 

What made the May Funeral Homes special was that it has been family owned and operated since the beginning.  Thomas E. May each day had worked alongside his wife Hazel and his children.

 

During the early days of May Funeral Homes, they were key in serving the Hispanic community.  As time progressed and the community at large became more familiar, May Funeral Homes became a household name with all cultures in Camden and surrounding municipalities. Their stellar signature to every service provided is the singing of, “There’s Not A Friend Like the Lowly Jesus, No Not One-No Not One.”  And no one could sing that song as well as Thomas E. May himself.  This was done after the eulogy as the deceased was being prepared for the final viewing or to be escorted to the final resting place.  The other signature staple to a service provided by May Funeral Homes is the releasing of the doves.  This is done after the deceased has been committed to the ground.  The funeral organizers would quote the Holy Scripture Psalm 55:6 “Oh that I had wings like a dove for then would I fly away and be at rest.”  They would then release one or two doves at the gravesite.

 

Thomas E. May was a truly a philanthropist in Camden and supported many causes and programs.  The May family in whole found great joy in giving out turkeys and meals during the Thanksgiving / Christmas season.  His contributions to the community were so amazing that he even received the honor of serving as the Grand marshal for the San Juan Bautista Parada (Puerto Rican Parade) a few years ago. 

 

Thomas E. May also believed in entrepreneurship.  He participated in several business ventures and helped to give young entrepreneurs their start in business. Some were even fortunate enough to start their own funeral business.  Thomas E. May was an unselfish man who loved and gave his support to everyone.

 

Camden loved Thomas E. May and the May family.  They have served and done Camden well. We are forever grateful.

 

 

About Thomas May:

Thomas E. May was born in Camden, New Jersey on March 1, 1946, the youngest child of the late Samuel May, Jr and Lucy May. He departed this life peacefully at his home in Somerdale, NJ on May 8, 2022, surrounded by his family.

 

Tommy was educated in the Cherry Hill School System. He graduated from Cherry Hill High School in 1964 where he excelled in athletics as a four-year varsity player in football, wrestling, and baseball. He was a member of the 1960 undefeated football team and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1994.

 

His athletic ability awarded him a scholarship to Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York, where he graduated in 1969 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.  He then attended American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service, graduating in 1969.

 

Tommy entered the United States Army as a 2nd Lieutenant in 1969. He was stationed in Germany and served as the Operations Officer for Mortuaries in Europe. He was honorably discharged as a Captain in 1972.

 

In a dentist office in 1965, Tommy met the love of his life, the former Hazel W. Williams. They were joined in Holy Matrimony on April 5, 1969. From their union of over 53 years, they were blessed with five children, Tyrone Sr, Tonya, Terri, Tina, and Toni. Hazel was the love of his life. They traveled all over the world, and especially loved cruising with family and friends.

 

His children were his pride and joy. He passed on his athletic abilities as they followed in his footsteps and all played sports – football, wrestling, baseball, softball, basketball, field hockey, and track and field. He supported each of them, faithfully attending games, often in his funeral suit, yelling and cheering them on. Many times, his kids didn’t know whether to follow his instructions or their coaches.

 

Tommy was mentored by and worked for Carl Miller from 1964 until starting his own business. He opened the May Funeral Home in 1975 in Camden, NJ. He especially loved working alongside his children Tyrone, Tina, and Toni. Over the years he opened additional homes, and now operates in Camden, NJ, Pennsauken, NJ, Vineland, NJ, Willingboro, NJ, Sicklerville, NJ and Philadelphia, PA. May Funeral Homes, Inc. continues to be a family owned and operated business.

 

Tommy served as a Coroner for the Camden County Medical Examiner’s Office and was a member of the National Funeral Directors and Morticians Association, the National Funeral Directors Association, the New Jersey State Funeral Directors Association, and the Garden State Funeral Directors Association.

 

Tommy was raised in Mt. Olivet Baptist Church in Haddonfield, NJ, and was baptized at an early age. As an adult, he heard a message entitled “Sold Out” by Charles Craig in Germany and accepted Jesus into his life. Upon returning to the United States, he and Hazel joined First Christway in Camden, NJ, under the leadership of Derrick Cooper. He also played the piano for the Sunday School choir at Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Magnolia, NJ.

 

Tommy joined the Tabernacle of Faith Inc. Church of God in Christ (COGIC) in 1981 under the leadership of Pastor Elvin Ezekiel. He served faithfully for over 40 years and led the initiative for the purchase of the historic property on 5th and Cooper Streets in Camden, NJ. Over the years, he served as a Praise and Worship Leader, Chairman of Pastor’s Anniversary Celebration, Church Anniversary Chairman, Building Fund Committee Chairman, President of Sanctuary Choir, Founder of Morning Glory Choir, Director of Music Ministry, Early Morning Prayer Leader, Director of Married Couples’ Ministry, Treasurer, Church Administrator, Vice Chairman of Board of Trustees, Chairman of Board of Trustees, Minister, Elder, Second Assistant to the Pastor, and First Assistant to the Pastor. He was appointed Senior Pastor on June 5, 2015, by General Board Member Bishop Frank O. White, a fellow Hofstra graduate, and installed on October 18th, 2015.

 

Pastor May was a member of the South Jersey Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of the COGIC since its inception. Pastor May served faithfully under the leadership of Bishop Curley Guidry as the Expeditor, and then under Bishop Hillmon Moses, and most recently under Bishop Tyrone McCombs. He served as the Treasurer of the International Council of Pastors and Elders of the Church of God in Christ for 8 years and served on the Executive Board for over 12 years.

 

Tommy and Hazel regularly participated in philanthropic endeavors to various organizations and churches in Camden and the surrounding areas. They also funded scholarships given through San Juan Baptista, Lindenwold High School, Refreshing Springs COGIC in Riversdale, Maryland and Bethany Baptist Church in Lindenwold, NJ to name a few. In 2009, they pledged a ten-year gift of $10,000 per year to Rowan University to assist underprivileged students pursuing a degree education. They also sponsored an orphanage in the Dominican Republic.    

 

Tommy loved to fish, play golf, and travel with his family, he traveled to over 70 countries and 6 continents. He loved taking his family to the zoo, circus, and amusement parks. He loved the annual trips he took to Mexico, Walt Disney World, and Wildwood with his children and grandchildren. He also enjoyed taking his grandchildren to Philadelphia Phillies and Sixers games, buying them whatever they asked for, much to their parents’ dismay.

 

Tommy was well known for his singing voice, often leading praise and worship services. He was often requested to sing The Lord’s Prayer at weddings and Sovereign at funerals.

 

Tommy touched countless lives through the ministry of his funeral homes. He was honored to serve the families that entrusted their loved ones to his care. He took pride in offering his ministry of comfort to families in their time of bereavement. He took his business very seriously – if you were ever around him during a business call, you KNEW to be quiet and not make any noise! He will always be remembered as a generous, kind, and caring man. If he knew you were in need, he would do whatever he could to help.

 

Tommy was preceded in death by his son, Tyrone E. May, Sr, his parents Samuel Jr. and Lucy May, his brothers Harland, William, and Samuel May, and his sister Roberta Guy.

    

Tommy leaves to cherish his precious memory: his wife Hazel; daughters, Tonya May Avent, Terri Levy, Tina May and Toni May-Jervey; grandchildren, Jasmyne May, Tyrone May Jr., Tiffany May, Kennedi Avent, William Levy, Tarralyn Berry, Kassadi Avent ,Whitney Levy, Tyler Jervey, and Taylor Ezekiel; great-grandchildren, Jalen Merritt, Julian Merritt, Josiah May, and Kylie May-Hunter; sons in-law, Kenneth Avent, Will Levy, and Tyrone Jervey; sisters, Bessie Howell and Violet Wheeler; brother, Payton May; sisters-in-law, Christine Williams and Phyllis May, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

 

A word from the Editor-in-Chief, Chris Collins

Elder Thomas May was a great example for young men of faith, family, and entrepreneurship to follow.  As a man of faith, Elder Thomas May led by example preaching and teaching God’s word.  As a family man, he certainly laid the foundation for others to follow. Family gatherings, family cruises, golf outings, and vacations were always exciting to see. It motivated me and others to enjoy family time. As a business leader and entrepreneur, Elder Thomas May set the stage. Having his wife, children and grandchildren share in building the successful May Funeral Homes is paramount. He believed in giving young aspiring entrepreneurs an opportunity to build businesses.

 

In 1995, Elder Thomas May was one of the first person to take a chance on me by taking out an advertisement that made it possible for the very first edition of the Anointed News Journal to be published.  Our relationship in business has been established for over 28 years. We are forever grateful to Elder Thomas E. May and the May family for their support and unselfish care to the Collins Family, the Anointed News Journal and to the many Families they’ve served throughout the years.

 

“His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” Matthew 25:21

 

 

By Chris Collins

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Jamar Talley

Camden’s Boxing Gold Medalist & Future of Boxing: Jamar “No Mercy” Talley

Camden, NJ Jamar Talley is fresh off an AMBC Gold Medal, and is ranked top 5 in the world as an amateur boxer. Many are projecting Jamar to be the face of his division in boxing for many years to come. Camden has produced many great fighters, and Jamar has distinguished himself as being the first boxer in the history of Camden to win a gold medal. During an exclusive interview with the editor of the nation’s faith based and professional newspaper for winners, Anointed News Journal, Jamar Talley tells us about his development as a boxing champion and his upbringing in the city of Camden. 

Collins:
In an interview with Mr. Jamar Talley. Share with us who is Jamar Talley?|

Talley:
Jamar Talley is a young kid, ambitious man, headed to the top. I’m motivated and driven to be one of the best people in the sport of boxing that we have right now in this generation.
Collins:
You’re a young man from the city of Camden, 22 years old. And you are a boxer, an amateur fighter. What weight category are you in?
Talley:
I’m a heavyweight, 92 kilograms. I got about 35 fights and I’m on the Olympic team right now, trying to go to the Olympics in 2024, in Paris.
Collins:
So let me ask you Jamar, what motivated you to go into the sport of boxing? 

Talley:
The origin of where it started was my father. He had got me into the sport around six years old. Every time we would be doing pad work or anything like that, his friends would say “this kid is talented…he’s got a future in the sport…” I finally got into the gym around 11 years old and the trainers there would say the same thing. So, I always wanted to take it to the next level, to see how true it was. That’s what made me stick with it. And once I started accomplishing things and having fights, it made me want more.

Collins:
There’s a lot of people who train in boxing just for the love of the sport and for the conditioning aspect of it. What was it like for you when you had your first amateur bout? 

Talley:
The origin of where it started was my father. He had got me into the sport around six years old. Every time we would be doing pad work or anything like that, his friends would say “this kid is talented…he’s got a future in the sport…” I finally got into the gym around 11 years old and the trainers there would say the same thing. So, I always wanted to take it to the next level, to see how true it was. That’s what made me stick with it. And once I started accomplishing things and having fights, it made me want more.

Collins:
There’s a lot of people who train in boxing just for the love of the sport and for the conditioning aspect of it. What was it like for you when you had your first amateur bout?

Talley:
When I had my first amateur bout, it was crazy, man. I have coach Chris with me right here, my trainer; it was crazy man. It was a dog fight, I wanted to get the kid out of there. I really wasn’t trying to use my skills. I just went in there and I took him out, dropped him and they stopped the fight.

Collins:
When did you realize that this was a sport that you could take seriously and try to get to the next level?

Talley:
Once I won 2017 State Golden Gloves, I was novice. We knew when you turn open class, that’s having 10 fights, then you go to nationals. So, I wanted to go to that next level; I wanted to go to nationals and go to team USA. Around that time, I found out about the international tournament. I just wanted to see how far I could take it. 

Collins:
Oftentimes times moms don’t necessarily like their young sons to participate in what they may consider violent or heavy contact sports. What was it like for you as far as having a support system from home?

Talley:
The support system from home is great. They want me to go out there and do the best I can do and take it straight to the top. That’s what I plan on doing. They’re all there for me; my mom is there for me. She’s never been scared; she wants me to go out there and go to work. When I call her, I call her up right before my fight. I’m like mom, “you know what time it is?” She’s like, “go to work. Hey, go to work Jamar.”

Collins:
That’s good stuff. So, you’re from the city of Camden. Camden produces a lot of professionals in athletics and in all walks of life. Some are not as fortunate; they get caught up by the streets. What words of encouragement would you give to your peers to stay on a positive track and pursue their dream?

Talley:
Find something that you love and have a passion for and stick with it. You may have friends and things like that, and they may try to steer you away, to parties or other things; that’s always going to be there. But you being the best you can be with your craft is only for a short amount of time, especially with youth on your side. So, you have to push to use your time to do that now, while you have it.

Collins:
You received a call that you were on your way to represent team USA. You’ve already done Golden Gloves, but now you are on your way to the Olympics. What was it like when you received a phone call knowing that you were heading to the Olympics?

Talley:
Well, the Olympic qualifiers would be next year. But for me, finding out that I’m on the team is a great feeling because I’m representing my country and where I come from, Camden, New Jersey. It’s showing people that it’s more out here to life, and it’s given me the opportunity to travel the world. A lot of people don’t get the chance to do that. So, I feel great.

Collins:
Now, currently you’re in a heavyweight division. You’re extremely tall, not a lot of weight to you. What do you see as your future in that division? Do you look to stay in that division or possibly a cruiser division? 

Talley:
For when I turn pro, I would say I might have to just go straight into the heavyweight division, because it’s not a market out there for the cruiser weight. I would definitely want to be a multi-division champion, but at the same time, it’s not a market. The big bucks are in the heavyweight division.

Collins:
It’s great that you also understand the business side of the sport. Tell me about your team, your corner coaches. Tell me a little about how they impact your daily routine.

Talley:
Well, honestly, coach Chris here, I’ve been with him for about six years.  When I was younger, he would always tell me, “Jamar, you got the talent and charisma and everything to be a champion, a legend in this sport.” Again, hearing things like that, I wanted to keep going and see how far I could take it, and I’m well on my way. I definitely have a good corner. My uncle Sean here, I trained with him too, since I was younger. There is definitely a lot of encouraging words and stuff like that. Everything helped groom me to be the man that I am today.

Collins:
It’s to my understanding that, you are the first gold medal winner from Camden.

Talley:
Yes, to my understanding the first in the city of Camden. This gold medal is from being the Continental Champion of the American Boxing Confederation; I won that in South America, Ecuador. I’m also top five in the world coming from the world championships in Serbia.

Collins:
The city of Camden is no stranger to champions in the sport of boxing. Are there any that you admire or had the opportunity to have conversation with about your future in this sport? 

Talley:
Derrick Webster and Prince Badi, we all came from the same gym; Those were the people around me and I sparred these guys. They would tell me, “You definitely are on your way. You got what it takes.”

Collins:
So Jamar, you’re in great shape. What is your work ethic like? What is your workout like? How do you train to be as great as you are?

Talley:
Honestly, I’ve been going to a lot of different training camps. At this point in time in my life, I’ve been traveling around trying to get a lot of work in order to be the best I can be, looking for different looks and styles. I’ll be in a lot of different training camps, working out with different guys and adding to my toolbox.

Collins:
You are also a very intelligent young man, and well educated. How important is that in understanding your role as a boxer?

Talley:
That plays a good role because you don’t want to just be a boxer. You want to be an entrepreneur. You want to be able to be in any room with anybody and be able to communicate with them. So, it definitely plays a big role. You want to know the background, and the overall business of boxing, not just the art of boxing, but all aspects of the game.

Collins:
Like knowing contracts…

Talley:
Right. You don’t want anybody to get over on you. So, it plays a huge role.

Collins:
And you speak extremely well. That’s important for professional athletes as well, because after every boxing match, I’m sure there’s opportunity for you to speak.

Talley:
Yes. We want to stay sharp at all times.

Collins:
Let’s talk about some of your mentors on the educational side. As you grew up in the city of Camden, you are a product of the Camden city school district. You went to Creative Arts. Were there any educators that have mentored you when it comes to your self-confidence?

Talley:
Honestly, in school I just stayed to myself. But a lot of my confidence comes from my father. He instilled a lot of that in me to be the man I am today. I’ve got to give a lot of thanks to my dad, Omar Talley.

Collins:
Also, give us your coach’s name.

Talley:
Coach Chris Williams.

Collins:
What about a fan base? How can people follow you? Do you have social media?

Talley:
Yes, I’m on Facebook as “Jamar Talley” and Instagram as “Jamar.xl”. 

Collins:
So Coach…Chris Williams…Tell me about Jamar. 

Williams:
Jamar “No Mercy” Talley; That’s the ring name we gave him. He’s the future of boxing, trust and believe. He doesn’t believe there’s a market at light heavyweight and the cruiserweight… But I believe there’s a market, because this is the future and he will dominate the light heavyweights. He will dominate the cruiserweight. And when he turns of age and matures into 28 and the 30’s, he will become a heavyweight because when he first started, he was 230 pounds. He was a super heavyweight. We brought him down from out of that division to the heavyweight, where he dominates in that division. As he turns professional, he won’t have that weight on him for super heavyweight. He’ll come down a little bit, get to the light-heavyweight and dominate that division. Then he will move up into the cruiserweight where he’s at now and dominate that division. And then like I said, as he turns 28 and then into the 30’s, he’ll become a heavyweight because he’ll be more mature, and then he will dominate that division. 

He is in the right era. All the giants that are in the heavyweight division now will be gone. All those 6’7” 280-pound guys like Wilder and Fury will be gone at that time. He’s in the right era to dominate the heavyweight division. This is your future. This is your legend. Once he wins the gold at the Olympics representing the United States, it’ll be special. There hasn’t been a gold medalist in United States to win the heavyweight in 35 years. The last one that won the heavyweight was Tyrell Biggs. So, once he dominates that division and wins the gold, he’s history. No Mercy Talley!

Collins:
Jamar, the Anointed News Journal has over 180,000 readers, weekly. In conclusion, what do you want to say to the readers of Anointed?

Talley:
I want to say, stay tuned. Be on the lookout for Jamar Talley and stay blessed. Continue to be the best you that you can be.

Collins:
You are also a young man of faith. How important is your God relationship when it comes to you succeeding in this sport?

Talley:
Everything goes to God. Glory be to God… All glory be to God.

The Anointed News Journal thanks Jamar for his time. It was a pleasure to talk with this charismatic young man, and future boxing legend. Look out for this 22 year-old, as he will certainly become one of the faces of professional boxing one day.

Name: Jamar Talley

Sport: Boxing

Classification: 91 kg

Weight: Heavyweight

DOB: 2/2/2000

Hometown: Camden, N.J.

Team/Club: Camden Boxing Academy

World Championship Experience

  • 2021 Elite Men’s World Championships – 5th

Other Career Highlights

  • 2022 AMBC Elite Championships – 1st
  • 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Boxing – 2nd
  • 2019 Western Elite Qualifier – 2nd
  • 2018 Elite National Championships – 3rd