In 2003, the ABC-TV newsmagazine 20/20 ran a story about an honorably-discharged, Navy veteran who had fallen on such hard times that he ended up homeless and struggling to survive by his wits on the streets of San Francisco. In the heartbreaking segment, Chris Gardner recounted how, after being abandoned by his wife, evicted from his apartment, having his account frozen by the IRS, and having his car repossessed, he and his five year-old son soon bottomed-out with no hope in sight. The two ended up eating at soup kitchens, sleeping in church shelters and subway stations, and bathing in public bathrooms, until the frustrated father finally figured a way to extract them from their dire circumstances. But like the hero of your typical Horatio Alger story, Gardner pulled himself up by his own bootstraps, starting out as an intern at a leading stock brokerage firm. He then parlayed that position into his own entrepreneurial venture and, as the founder of Christopher Gardner International Holdings, built the multi-million-dollar financial services empire which still bears his name today. After watching the aforementioned 20-20 episode, actor Mark Clayman approached Gardner about gaining the rights to turn his rags-to-riches tale into a major motion picture. The upshot is a crowd-pleasing production called The Pursuit of Happyness, one of those uplifting, overcoming-the-odds “miracle” movies which seem to be released every year around Christmastime. This inspirational bio-pic features Will and Jaden Smith, as Chris and Chris, Jr., respectively. The real-life father- son duo has no trouble generating screen chemistry, here, being already rather relaxed with each other, quite naturally. And as it turns out, Jaden is just as likable and as charismatic as his famous father. Thandie Newton co-stars as Chris’ fed-up ex, Linda, and the cast also includes Dan Castellaneta (the voice of Homer Simpson) as Alan Frakesh, the Dean Witter executive who gives Chris his shot at redemption, as well as Reverend Cecil Williams and Chris Gardner, himself, in cameo appearances. But make no mistake, this is a Will and Jaden Smith vehicle, their characters’ plight contrasting sharply with the array of spectacular Bay Area locales employed as backdrops. The movie takes its title, complete with misspelling, from the name of the Chinatown daycare center where Chris drops off his little boy each weekday until what little money he has left runs out. At the point of departure, we find Chris putting in long hours as a door-to-door salesman of an obsolete bone- density machine of not much interest to doctors. Meanwhile, his equally-exhausted spouse is holding down a trio of minimum-wage, part-time positions, yet the couple still can’t seem to make ends meet. Then, in short order, Chris is beset by more tests than Job in the Bible, losing everything near and dear to him except his son. Yet despite being down, he is never embittered by his predicament, even maintaining his sense of humor and quick wit during his Dean Witter interview when Mr Frakesh asks how he should explain hiring a man not wearing a shirt to superiors. “He must have had on some really nice pants,” Chris responds without missing a beat, exhibiting a charm reminiscent of the Fresh Prince of Bel Air. Expect to laugh as much as you cry during this touching tearjerker.

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Terrie Williams, the highly sought after lecturer and public relations extraordinaire and Founder and President of The Stay Strong Foundation, a national non-profit organization designed to educate and encourage American youth gave an extraordinary presentation. It was instant love between Terrie and the children at the December, 2006 Teen Awareness Day program. Ms. Williams’ openness and welcoming spirit was an immediate winner with the children. Rather than to do a conventional stand up lecture, talking to or at the kids, Ms. Williams chose to sit on the steps leading up to the P.S. 46 Auditorium stage, maintaining a comfortable eye-level while just chatting with the kids. Williams’ interactive style and genuine love and appreciation for the kids turned into a mutual lovefest. Admittedly, for a moment, some of the children re- focused their attention in another direction and started talking over Terrie to a point that she had to interrupt her presentation. But the manner in which Terrie restored the order was inspiring and a lesson that all parents should have the privilege to learn. Rather than having a battle of the voices; yelling or calling for assistance in maintaining the order, Terrie involved the kids interactively by asking, “What would you do in my situation?” Once the kids began to reverse the situation and put themselves in Terrie’s shoes, there was complete order. I say this with no exaggeration – the relationship between Williams and the kids was as sheep flocking to a shepherd. I’m not sure the children grasped the value of the lessons they learned from Terrie Williams that day, but as they grow and develop, they will remember what Williams shared and her words will help mold them into successful men and women – people with strong values, self-love and much more. In plain, but uncondescending language, Ms. Williams told the children about her new book, “Black Pain: It Just Looks Like We’re Not Hurting: Depression, Hope, and Healing in Black American Life,” which will be published by Scribner, coming out in 2007. Williams’ book talks about African-Americans who suffer in silence from depression and discusses her own chronic and crippling depression which she revealed in the June 2005 issue of ESSENCE magazine. The strength and courage Ms. Williams executed to get out there and take care of “her” children is the mark of a queen and a hero. Ms. Williams persevered through her own affliction and has found more than enough power inside herself – despite her challenges - - to come out and meet the needs of children and youth who need us. The kids were intrigue as Williams told them the story of a young man she now mentors who came to her when he was in trouble with a well-known street gang he wanted to get out of. Ms. Williams looked beyond her own challenges and turned this young man’s life around and he is now living a productive life of hope. Williams had an interactive discussion with the kids about the “game face” and what it means to them. It was a very stimulating experience for all who attended. I expect Ms. Williams’ book “Black Pain: It Just Looks Like We’re Not Hurting: Depression, Hope, and Healing in Black American Life,” will help a lot of people who suffer in silence from depression, and those who are unaware that they even have the condition – that can very well the most dangerous form of depression, and can eat up your life. I admit, I get a little ruffled and struggle to understand how someone with so much riches and good fortune can be depressed. That is why I and anyone who has a similar thought process, should be first on line when “Black Pain: It Just Looks Like We’re Not Hurting: Depression, Hope, and Healing in Black American Life,” hits the shelves in 2007. One of Terrie’s favorite phrases is, “There are no ‘other peoples’ children. Children – our children – are our future.”

Cancer is becoming more prevelant in the African American Community. Everyone seems to know someone that is battling cancer, died from cancer or is a cancer survivor. God can and will deliver you to perfect health offering His Grace and Mercy abundantly. For it says in Jeremiah 30:17 ~ “For I will restore health unto you, and I will heal you of your wounds, saith the Lord”. So take the time to be informed. Always speak life to those you encounter. Help a friend by talking about cancer and having regular cancer screenings. What is cancer? Cancer is a group of diseases that occur when cells become abnormal and divide without control or order. Each organ in the body is made up of various kinds of cells. Cells normally divide in an orderly way to produce more cells only when they are needed. This process helps keep the body healthy. If cells divide when new cells are not needed, they form too much tissue. This extra tissue, called a tumor, can be benign or malignant. Benign tumors are not cancer. 80% of all breast tumors are benign. They can usually be removed, and, in most cases, they don't come back. Benign breast tumors are not a threat to life. Malignant tumors are cancer. The cancer cells grow and divide out of control, invading and damaging nearby tissues and organs. Cancer cells can also break away from the original tumor and enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system. This is how breast cancer spreads and forms secondary tumors in other parts of the body. This spread of cancer is called metastasis. It is important to be aware of risk factors. Having one or two of these risk factors doesn't mean a woman will develop breast cancer. But knowing her personal risk factor profile and understanding what it means will help her and her doctor plan a course of action that may reduce her chances of ever getting the disease or, at least, to detect it in its earliest, most treatable stages. Age. The risk of breast cancer increases as a woman grows older. The risk is especially high for women age 60 and older. There is some evidence to suggest young African American women are at greater risk for breast cancer than young white women. Personal History. Women who have had breast cancer and women with a history of breast disease (not cancer, but a condition that may predispose them to cancer) may develop it again. Family History. The risk of getting breast cancer increases for a woman whose mother, sister, daughter, or two or more close relatives have had the disease. It is important to know how old they were at the time they were diagnosed. The next 5 risk factors all involve estrogen, a hormone that naturally occurs in every woman. At the time menstruation begins, women start to produce larger amounts of estrogen and will continue to do so until they reach menopause. Estrogen appears to play a key role in breast cancer. Although estrogen doesn't actually cause breast cancer, it may stimulate the growth of cancer cells. Estrogen- related risk factors are: Having an early first period. Women who begin menstruating before age 12 are at increased risk of developing breast cancer. The more menstrual cycles a woman has over her lifetime, the more likely she is to get the disease. Having a first pregnancy after age 25 or 35. Although early pregnancies may help lower the chances of getting breast cancer, particularly before the age of 25, these same hormonal changes after age 35 may contribute to the incidence of breast cancer. Having no children. Women who experience continuous menstrual cycles until menopause are at a higher than average risk. Use of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). Based on the Women's Health Initiative Study (2002), women do appear to have an increased risk of breast cancer while they are on HRT and a short time thereafter, compared to those who have never used postmenopausal HRT. Use of Oral Contraceptives (OCs) and Breast Cancer. Current or former use of OCs among women ages 35 to 64 did not significantly increase the risk of breast cancer. Other risk factors - and lifestyle choices to avoid. Common to all women are daily lifestyle decisions that may affect breast cancer risk. These day-to- day choices involve factors such as poor diet, insufficient physical activity, alcohol use, and smoking. Besides possibly reducing breast cancer risk, lifestyle improvements represent smart steps for a healthier life, since they can help prevent heart disease, diabetes, and many other chronic, life- threatening conditions. · Decrease your daily fat intake - especially saturated or hydrogenated fats. · Increase fiber in your diet. Fiber is found in whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. This type of diet is beneficial for your heart and can help prevent other cancers such as colon cancer. · Eat fresh fruits and vegetables. In addition to their fiber content, fruits and vegetables have antioxidant properties and micronutrients that may help prevent some cancers. · Limit alcohol. Evidence suggests that a small increase in risk exists for women who average two or more drinks per day (beer, wine, and distilled liquor). · Stay active. The U.S. Surgeon General has recently reported that you can help prevent many health problems by engaging in a moderate amount of physical activity (such as taking a brisk, 30-minute walk) on most days of the week. Strive to maintain the body weight recommended by a health professional, since excess fat may stimulate estrogen production. · Don't smoke. Although smoking doesn't cause breast cancer, it can increase the chance of blood clots, heart disease, and other cancers that may spread to the breast. For additional information on risk factors, access the American Cancer Society Website, Breast Cancer Facts and Figures, 2006.

Missy Bown:I know everyone asks you this question but it's just doesn't seem like an interview unless I ask you as an author what caught your eye and got you to writing? Renee Jones Brown: Good question, every time I hear it, I laugh to myself. Being that I'm an avid reader, and I have to thank my daughter for that. She would bring home about two to three books a week from African American authors, some that I never heard of before. After she would read the books she would give them to me, then I got hooked on the books. So getting back to your question, I felt that this was something I could do, so one day I sat at my computer and started typing away, four months later I actually had a book, but after writing and re- writing, I kind of put the book down, I couldn't read it anymore. Tell us a little about your newest release and what you want your readers to get from this book? My newest and first release is about a young woman who was with the same man for seven years, she suddenly feels that she just doesn't love him like she used to, the relationship was starting to feel stale and she just felt she needed a break (which many people sometimes feel). She wasn't looking to start another relationship, but she ended up meeting this guy named Tony the same evening that she broke up with her man. This guy just swept her off her feet, but unbeknownst to Nia, Tony has a dark side. The message I want to get across is and old cliché the grass is not always greener on the other side and to Also Be careful who you love! Here's another one of those questions that people ask a lot but I will ask because I know it's a lot of inspiring authors trying to catch a break out there. How did you know when it was time to let your baby (the manuscript) go and how do you deal with the editors when they seem to take it apart and want you to piece it back together their way? Well, I let my sister and one of my best friends read the manuscript first, but before I gave it to them, I told them if they weren't going to give me their honest opinion about the manuscript then don't read it. I'd rather you be honest, if you didn't like it, or you thought something didn't make sense, then let me know, this way I have time to work on it and make it better. As far as editing goes, I welcome the constructive criticism. I felt my editor Susan Herriot did an outstanding job, and if it wasn't for her, who knows what my book would sound like. I feel she played a huge part in it. Are your characters based off people you know or fictional people? The characters in the book are all fictional, but I know a lot of people can relate to each one of the characters, especially Nia. I had a few customers who after reading the synopsis tell me that this is their life right now or they've been through it or know of someone going through it. How do you deal with adversity and failures? My motto has always been, there's always a better tomorrow, so with that, I do not let it hold me back nor do I dwell on it. Everyone fails at something at one point in their life, but it's up to you to learn from that failure and I believe it makes you a stronger person. Okay final question. What do you to stay grounded and maintain a well balance life? To stay grounded you always have to remain humble, you have to always remember to give back and remember to always have fun! Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to chat with me now I will let you close out with anything I may not have ask you so that you can get back to the grind of writing. My closing thoughts are to enjoy what you do, don't ever let anyone tell you “you can't,” don't sweat the small stuff and stay stress free. I would also like to thank everyone who played a part in me getting my book done, I would like to thank all those who purchased the book and sent me their feedback and I would also like to thank you AMAG for giving me the interview!

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Because the ratio of black females to black males has been steadily increasing in African-American communities all across the country, many folks have begun to wonder, “Where have all the brothers gone?” This thought also occurred to director Hisani DuBose who decided to pose the same question to a variety of experts and ordinary people from all walks of life to see whether they’ve noticed the trend towards extinction and what they make of it. The upshot of DuBose’s efforts is The Vanishing Black Male, a thought-provoking documentary essentially comprised of a series of informative interviews on the subject. What makes this movie so valuable is that each contributor brings a different set of life experiences to the table, and addresses the issue in a heartfelt manner from his or her own particular perspective. Refreshingly honest in tone, don’t expect any candy-coated aphorisms or simplistic solutions here. Among the picture’s memorable contributors are politicians, a shrink, a social worker, a pastor, firefighters, educators and students, and more. The diverse panel’s standouts include Sgt. Delacy D. Davis of the Black Police Officers Against Brutality and Dr. Duane Dyson, M.D., Executive Director of The Violence Prevention Institute. Davis speaks eloquently about the negative effects of advertising, the breakdown of the black family and about his organization’s effort to support single-moms and their kids in an effective manner. Dyson, meanwhile, stresses the importance of elementary school education while indicting the suicidal nature of the ghetto gangsta’ mentality. For, as an emergency room physician in an inner-city hospital, he has witnessed, first-hand, gunshot victims on a daily basis. And he soberly informs us that all of the wounded and dying young males arrive stripped of their macho veneers by the time they end up on his operating table. Overall, along the way, we learn that guns, the street, failing schools, drugs, the criminal justice system, absentee fathers, suicide, unemployment and a host of other factors are all contributing to the phenomenon of black male extinction. And while the daunting dilemma does appear to be overwhelming, the concern exhibited in the conversations do provide considerable reason for hope. For it is inspiring to hear the sage reflections of so many who share a dedication and determination to alleviating the same pressing problem. Designed with every demographic in mind, The Vanishing Black Male is a remarkable movie not to be missed by young or old, by male or female, by black or white or anyone with an interest in a frank discussion of the future of African-American men. This critic’s pick for the Best Documentary of 2005.