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CONTENTS
14 TONE BELL From sitting in his seat at an Anheuser Bush office to performing stand up comedy across the nation; Tone couldn’t turn down the sound of an opportunity not taken. And even though he’s on tv, he’d still tell you he hasn’t made it.
18 DR. GEORGIANNE THOMAS Dr. Thomas knows that to empower the present generation you must properly educate them about their past. Her strength stems from surviving breast cancer, enduring equality struggles, and relaying to her students that not only does she enjoy teaching them.. She loves them.
Photography - BlackIce Bell Model - Kenya Thomas MUA - Patrice Story Hairstylist - Nina Lee 4 | INSPIRE Magazine
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KENYA THOMAS
Now days Instagram has everyone thinking they’re a model when Ms. Thomas is the model they should be modeling their wanna be modeling careers around. Her grind is relentless, she’s picking up momentum, and chances are you’ve already encountered her portfolio of beautiful brown(s).
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A Message from the Executive Editor
BlackIce Bell
executive editor
Welcome to the first issue of INSPIRE Magazine in 2013! Hope everyone is having a productive year thus far. It’s February already, and the hoopla begins with the celebration of Black History Month. To be honest, when February comes around, I’m not fazed because every month is Black History Month to me. As a people we should be curious and have a desire to learn more about ourselves and where we came from.
INSPIRE MAGAZINE • VOLUME 15
executive editor BlackIce Bell senior editor Dominique Cannon associate editor Asif Lakhani Corey Jackson
contributors
Asif Lakhani, Fanicia Howard, Corey Jackson
photographers
BlackIce Bell, Jerrica Raglin
front cover
photographer - BlackIce Bell model - Courtney Respres MUA - Patrice Story hairstylist - Nina Lee
back cover
photographer - BlackIce Bell model - Kenya Thomas MUA - Patrice Story hairstylist - Nina Lee For all inquries, contact BlackIce Bell at thecoldbutterfly@gmail.com
It saddens me that most American schools start our history with slavery. African history consists of so much more. For example, the kingdom of Songhay in West Africa already had a fully developed banking system, school system, and a complete code of laws by the 15th Century. But let the schools tell it, Africa was filled with barbarians until the European invasions began. Let’s go back even further. Some of the moral laws and banking methods we have today were borrowed from the ancient Hebrews (People of color). Ancient Egyptian history is known for its advanced civilizations, yet most movies of the past always portrayed them as white men.* Our history is so rich, and it’s a shame so many people don’t even have a clue. We have to realize it’s our responsibility to go out and research our story and our heritage. For years, our history has been watered down by lies and confusion. We must realize that even the smallest details matter. If it didn’t then people of power wouldn’t go so far to change it. Even in the Bible-- Moses, Joseph, the Apostle Paul, Jesus, and King Solomon were described as people of color.** (Of course they were. They were in Africa!) Human creation originated in Africa. The richest resources in the world are found in Africa. The world’s top three religions also originate in Africa. Just think about it. So many countries wouldn’t invade the continent if it was worthless. Even to this day, Africa has every single superpower invading its land. We are a strong and beautiful people, and I’m proud to be the man I am. Thirst for knowledge; Thirst for truth; and I’m sure the truth will reveal itself to you. It starts with your curiosity. Stay thirsty my friends... Blackice Bell BlackIce Bell
*Ever seen the movie, The Ten Commandents? The actors look nothing like the Egyptian murals. **Moses grew up in Egypt and wasn’t distinguishable from any other Egyptian, reference Exodus 2:19. The same applies to Joseph in Genesis 42:7. The Apostle Paul was also mistaken for Egyptian in Acts 21:38. Joseph hid young Jesus amongst the Egyptians until Herod died in Matthew 2:13-15. That would be hard to do if they were white.
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A Message from the Senior Editor
Dominique Cannon senior editor
When I think of the luxuries I am blessed with today, no matter how small, I often forget the struggles from which they came. And when I complain about the hurdles I endure, I am reminded of those before me who had to navigate through the mined fields of indifference. Therefore, I will not depreciate the value of what I have, or what is to come. And I will continue the path that was so greatly cleared for me, so that others may follow. Love Always,
D. Cannon D. Cannon
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Following Historic Shoe Steps Janea Buckingham Editor-in-Chief of Shoed-In Magazine
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eing able to write about and cover shoes has its obvious advantages: access to designs before they’re seen by the masses, discount codes sent directly to my inbox, and the occasional free pair of shoes. Don’t get me wrong, those perks are fabulous, but there is a deeper reflective idea behind the shoes I cover. Mostly everyone wears them, (giving them a front row seat to life’s happenings both small and grand) and that truly moves me. In any instance you can think of, more often than not, there was a pair of shoes in the room. Many of our iconic images include nostalgic details like what was worn and the style of clothing at that moment. Think about it. You can’t march on Washington without a mass of people united behind a vision – and sturdy, reliable shoes. One cannot become the first African-American president in our nation’s history without a pair of shoes strong enough to withstand opposition and campaigning. Without a pair of bold shoes, your feet might get cold or tired trying to protest a cause or picket an organization’s policies. Every person must put on or lace up a pair of shoes before he or she goes out and faces the world, validating the “walk a mile in my shoes” statement. Of course we’ve had protection for our feet likely since man came into existence and subsequently discovered rocks. But it was William A Deitz, an African-American who first received a patent for the shoe in 1867. Since then, there have been several African-American footwear designers setting themselves apart in the competitive industry. FEVER shoes founder Natischa Harvey was able to take an internship at Bakers and turn the experience into $1.5 million in sales of her own label. The steps and shoes of many African Americans have forged paths in nearly every industry. Their ingenuity has taught generations that there is no limit to what can be achieved through dedication and perseverance.
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Naomi Sims was credited as being the first African-American supermodel and used her position and influence to write beauty books and develop a multi-million dollar wig business. Recently, we’ve watched former model and actress Tyra Banks follow the same footsteps and endeavor into other opportunities. Today, Banks continues to amass a fortune from books, television production, and other opportunities. In fashion design, Zelda Wynn Valdez was the first African American costume designer to open the doors to her own shop on Broadway in 1948. Her professional accomplishments include outfitting some of the biggest stars of the time and designing the first Playboy bunny costumes for Hugh Heffner. Her shoes and footsteps opened the doors for the millions of African American designers and store owners in business today. After a path has been made by a formidable pair of shoes there are those who chose to follow the footsteps. Some do it out of admiration; others use the path as a guide to an ending destination. It is our charge to ensure that the footsteps forged on our behalf stay visible and free of dust and debris, much like the stars found on Hollywood Boulevard. Equally important is the obligation to make sure that our shoes are ones that others would want to fill. Whose shoes are you trying to fill? Where are the footsteps you’re following taking you? What kind of story will be told by the pair of shoes you leave behind? Only you can decide.
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Photography - BlackIce Bell Model - Jessica Estes MUA - Patrice Story Hairstylist - Nina Lee 12 | INSPIRE Magazine
Photography - BlackIce Bell Model - Courtney Respres MUA - Patrice Story Hairstylist - Nina Lee 13 | visit www.thecoldbutterfly.com
No Bells, No Whistles, Just Tone Interview by Kellye Lloyd
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E
ver wondered what your prime time line up was missing? Actor and comedian Tone Bell, of course! In a matter of five years, he has managed to make his way from hometown, Decatur, GA, to hot as hades Dallas, until finally cozying up to the comedy stage in Hollywood. Bell has had re-occurring roles on the hit VH1 television show Single Ladies, starred in commercials for Miller Lite and Dodge, and continues to perform shows around the country. If there was ever a new breakout star, Tone Bell is it. Dallas is where it all began. Bell was a white collar, corporate worker for Anheuser Busch’s sales and marketing department during the day and transformed into blue-collar funny man by night. Soon realizing that his sense of humor could garner about the same revenue as his sales savvy, he turned down a promotion at Anheuser Bush, and put his quick wit and gift for gab into hilarious punch lines. “I could’ve taken a promotion, but I was making about the same money doing shows as I was with corporate,” said Bell when asked what prompted his transition into comedy. So I turned it down and they laid me off. I knew I would get fired anyway. I wasn’t performing the way I needed to.”
Bell persevered and over time great jokes and hard work garnered the attention of NBC executives. They quickly took notice and offered Bell a holding deal. The network asked Bell if he wanted to be an actor because they were looking to add a new “bartender” character to their show Whitney, so they gave Bell a shot. He auditioned to play R.J. four times before landing the role. “I thought that I tested poorly. When I got home, I cracked open a bottle of Macallan 25 and got loose.” What he didn’t know was just how well he had done. “My manager and agent called and told me that I booked the show. I broke down. People been out there twenty years and don’t get the opportunity. I had only been in L.A. a year and a half.” However, not all of his success has been pleasant. “I got my first hater tweet last week. A girl told me that I suck.” Still, Bell is basking in the experience of his first television show and anxious to see what happens next. “It still feels funny saying the word: fan,” he said humbly.
“Most people do sex or masturbation jokes ‘cause it’s easy and it gets laughs -but, I didn’t. I just did some stuff that was on my mind.”
Nervous confidence is how he described his first open mic. The audience roared while he delivered a three-minute set of funny. “Most people do sex or masturbation jokes ‘cause it’s easy and it gets laughs but, I didn’t. I just did some stuff that was on my mind.” Bell said that it became a drug after that. He had to win. On a high, he went back the following week, but this time, the crowd was less than amused. “I bombed. I thought I was a natural and was not,” he said laughing. “I’m still working and it’s never easy because you’re only as good as your last show. However, when you lose, it makes the next win feel better.” Bell insists that most of his friends are funnier than him and that his real talent is knowing how to tell a story.
I can honestly say that what you see is what you get with this guy – no bells and no whistles. “People have said to me that it feels like I’m talking directly to them when I’m on stage; like a conversation. We connect on that level.” Indeed, his easygoing charm, abundant humor, and everlasting smile could assuage the most rigid of personalities. However, it’s his vulnerability that takes him from rising star to just Tone. “I don’t think I’ve reached it [success yet]. My dad is pretty proud right now. The dopest thing is the opportunity to spoil my parents. I bought them a washer and dryer; got up there and my card got declined. They thought it was fraud.” Bell has no intention of stopping here. His third passion is writing and he has goals to write for TV and film and even teach story telling classes. “I want to be a hot air balloon instructor,” he said jokingly. There seems to be no end to his aspirations.
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Photographer: Jerrica Raglin Model: Amanda Ego MUA: Renelle Atkinson Hair: Nina Lee 16 | INSPIRE Magazine
Photographer: Jerrica Raglin Model: LaLondra Reed-Vance MUA: Renelle Atkinson Hair: Nina Lee 17 | visit www.thecoldbutterfly.com
The Legacy of a Foot Soldier Written by: Fanicia Howard Photography by: BlackIce Bell
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n the surface, she is known to many of her students as the loveable Dr. Georgianne Thomas, and her name precedes her presence as well. As an adjunct teaching Humanities at Clark Atlanta University, Dr. Thomas is recognized and respected for her drive to impact the lives of African-American students by showing them how to appreciate their heritage, research the history of their ancestors, and acknowledge the privilege of being educated students in today’s society. Working in Atlanta’s public school system teaching French since the 70’s, there is no doubt that changing the lives of students is her calling. Dr. Thomas’s passion for teaching and mentoring students is reflected by her diligence and dedication toward her own education and obtaining her degrees. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in French from Spelman College, a Master’s degree in Education Degree from Georgia State University, and her Doctorate of Arts in Humanities from Clark Atlanta University. Dr. Thomas’s work also goes beyond the classroom. She is a woman who wears many hats in the Atlanta community. She previously worked with the City of Atlanta Municipal Court as a program manager assisting victims in domestic violence. Dr. Thomas is also noted as the first African-American to work in public relations at Delta Airlines, (a job 18 | INSPIRE Magazine
which she dedicated 15 years of excellent service to) and is founder and owner of her self-named Georgianne Skin Treats after surviving breast cancer in 2002. However, what most do not know is that Dr. Georgianne Thomas is apart of the last generation of African-Americans to experience the horrors and victories of being apart of the Civil Rights movement. She often tells her students, “You don’t have to go to the secondary sources. I’m a primary source, because I lived it, I was there.” Dr. Thomas was part of the Class of 1964 Foot Soldiers: a group of Spelman College freshmen (who were no more than 18 years of age) who chose to make the dangerous decision to involve themselves in the Atlanta Student Movement in support of civil rights for African-Americans. Dr. Thomas participated in sit-ins, kneel- ins, and picketing. She was spat upon, arrested, and insulted. She also witnessed first hand the cruelty of white oppressors as she came faceto- face with the Ku Klux Klan during her marches. She looked injustice in its ugly face. Like many of her comrades, to Dr. Thomas such an experience was unimaginable since she was from the North. Even stronger than her determination to make a change for the future of African-Americans is her selflessness in service. She stills continues to advocate for the black community and help instill in the black youth the importance of giving back to the community. “You are the reason I get up,” she says. “I marched for freedom out those gates. I walked that hill and marched with my friends from Clark College [later consolidated as Clark Atlanta University], Morehouse College, and Morris Brown College. You [students] still have to fight for things you shouldn’t have to be fighting or suffering from, and that’s the reason why at 70 I’m still out here fighting for you.”
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Photography - BlackIce Bell Model - Terri Hodge MUA - Patrice Story Hairstylist - Nina Lee 21 | visit www.thecoldbutterfly.com
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A Trip Through Kenya Thomas’s Mind
Interview by Asif Lakhani Photography by BlackIce Bell MUA - Patrice Story Hairstylist - Nina Lee Wig - Javon Pinellas
“I studied any fashion magazine I could get my hands on. I did everything that I possibly could to lay a strong foundation and educate myself about the industry.”
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ou may not know her name (yet), but chances are you’ve probably seen her work. She was in Zombieland, and other TV shows (see below); has been on the cover of magazines at your local grocery store; and in the last year has been the anchor for Organic Root Stimulator’s Curls Unleashed worldwide ad campaign. I spoke with the professional model during one of her always-busy weeks and extracted the gems that follow. Asif:Tell me about your upbringing and who or what inspires you? Kenya: My upbringing had absolutely nothing to do with modeling ironically. I grew up in New York, and I wasn’t the most popular kid in school. I kind of stayed to myself. I was in band since fourth grade, so I guess that’s one activity I had going on. I played the flute and had a real normal childhood. I wasn’t the popular kid in school. Oh, and I’ve always been good at drawing and painting since I was like 4 years old. I learned how to draw before I could even spell my middle name. I’ve always had those two things: drawing and painting.
When I turned eighteen I caught a fashion show on TV. I thought it was interesting, and I just kept on watching it. I thought it was fun to look at, so I tried to catch different shows. I was a secret person; not into heels, and not even really that girly. Then it started traveling over into modeling shows. I caught America’s Next Top Model, and watched every single episode of every season. I was like, “Oh my gosh, that’s dope.” Then I started watching Make Me a Supermodel with Tyson Beckford, and then Model Latina. I was like, “You know what? It would be a fun hobby. I’ll try it.” I’m not 5’ 10”, and I’m not a size 2, but I know I can do whatever I set my mind to. I went out, got an agent, and of course nobody supported me. They said, “Yeah, you’re not skinny.” I’ve always been a loner. I am rebellious and I didn’t really care. I like making people look stupid, so I got with an agent and shot with as many photographers as I could. Then I enrolled in many modeling classes, acting classes, and workshop conventions. I studied any fashion magazine I could get my hands on. I did everything that I possibly could to lay a strong foundation and educate myself about the industry.
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Asif: In just a few words, describe your style. Kenya: I like to make a statement with everything that I do. My statement is mostly…I don’t want to say family oriented, but I like to prove the fact that I’m a beast at what I do, and I don’t have to take my clothes off to do it. Asif: You’ve been on TV (T.I. and Tiny, Sophomores), in movies (Zombieland), in magazines and more. What’s next? Kenya: I’m taking the goals I’ve already accomplished and just taking them to the next step. It always makes you nervous because you don’t want to fail. I’ve always believed if your goals don’t make you nervous, even just a little bit, then you’re not setting them high enough. I’ve already been on the cover of magazines, and I’ve pretty much been in every ethnic magazine. (Whether it’s nationally, internationally, locally, or features.) So now I want to cross over into non-ethnic magazines. That’s one of my big goals-- like Lucky, Cosmo, Harper’s Bazaar, Marie Claire. As far as TV shows, I’ve played different parts in different shows where I’ve made guest appearances. However, now I want to aim for recurring roles. I definitely want to spend more time overseas; which is the main reason I got an agent. Asif: When did you realize this could be a very real profession for you? Kenya: The first agency I ever signed with was in Valdosta, Ga. They were the ones that chopped my hair off. [Back then]I always wore my hair long, pink, blue...all crazy colors. I felt like I was a little Jackson boy. I was upset, crying, and was really discouraged about it. But as I was practicing with different photographers, Nifty Magazine actually contacted me via MySpace. They’re an international aspiring model magazine publication. They told me, “We’re having a model search. We’re looking to feature some models, but we can’t promise you it’s going to happen. But you’re so adorable! We would love for you to give it a try.” So I went for it, and I was one of the few models that got a full-page spread. I didn’t make the cover, but I got my first print spread. This was a couple of months after I started modeling. I was so stoked. Asif: You touched on this earlier, but what’s your hidden talent? Kenya: Definitely drawing and painting, and I’m
pretty sweet at dancing too. But I never dance in public ironically.What most impresses me would definitely be drawing. It’s kind of like the icing on the cake when people see me draw a portrait or paint some type of landscape and they’re like, “I never would have imagined...”. Asif: Where are you at with the New Year’s Resolutions? How are those going? Kenya: Every year I always set a goal, and I realize that I always accomplish it within the first couple of months. When I first moved to Atlanta in 2010 I didn’t have much experience at all. I was just like, you know, I just want to be on TV. I just wanted something really exciting to happen. In December I was on The Monique Show, and I was modeling for Beyonce’s mom’s clothing line. In 2011, I wanted to be the face on the cover of a magazine. Come March, I was on the cover of a magazine, and then in April I was on the cover of another magazine. In 2012 I just wanted to take it further. I wanted to be a part of a campaign. In December I shot for a hair company, and now I’m the face of that campaign. It was for Organic Growth Stimulator. I never like to worry how it’s going to happen, I just focus on what I want, and I just trust that the universe is going to guide me there.This time around I really want to focus on just going wherever the universe takes me. I feel like if I put a limit on what I do, I might be setting my sights too low. Asif: Do you have anything else you would like to add? Kenya: Everyone always asks me what advice I would give if they wanted to model or get into the industry so I’d like to say this: I’m not 5’10”, and I’m not a size 2. If anything, I’m relatively curvy on top of that. Yet I walk into castings and audition against girls that are 5’11” and are a size 2, 115 pounds. Don’t focus on what you don’t have. God and the universe gave you what you have because you have a particular journey that you need those things for. Your journey is going to be way different than the next person’s. Embrace what you have because if you live out the journey the universe put in your heart, nothing will ever go wrong. Don’t focus on how to get there. Just align your actions, your words, and your thoughts, and the universe will take you there. -Asif
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THE DREAM CHASER (LUNCH BEAK POETRY) Corey Jackson
Some have the nerve to ask me what I know about chasing dreams What I speak isn’t tangible so some tend to doubt me But to have faith is to believe in the unseen Guess they also can’t see the fresh pair of sneakers I sport on my feet In 2013 I’m trading in my Saucony’s for Tailwinds So whenever you feel the breeze that means I’m picking up speed Very few will choose to run on the road that is least traveled The path of a dreamer is enduring and uphill Every day is a personal battle Truly a war of the worlds Minus Tom Cruise and the little girl Will you speak your dream into existence? Or when adversity comes will it become ignored? Continue to press forward With knees buckling and feet blistered The race is not swiftly given Many stop short of their dreams only to proclaim they’ve missed them Endurance builds a strong core From within the abdomen springs strength Your pace is not what’s important Your perseverance through pessimism is
the picture If one dream is attached to another the result yields positive ventures Enough of those strung together And you’ll inevitably gather the attention of others You see, our dreams are like germs…… Plenty circulate but nobody trusts them Dream chasing is a choice You can choose to follow the crowd Or you could follow your heart, mane [Lion]. Daniel was thrown in a den for his dream In my parents den is where I began writing fire Yet y are most afraid to chase their dreams? Because dreams don’t necessarily pay the bills And we risk losing so much trying But you’ll never know what will happen until you try Colonel Sanders was 60 something before success with his 11 herbs and spices Like my man KP say, it’s a new day And we all aint getting any younger There’s a reason why protein’s ideal for hunger It’s the perfect fuel for a runner. C*
Like I’ve said before The pursuit of self-propulsion is priceless Along my marathon of miles run I’ve come across other dreamers that share my crisis Shout out to Christopher Bell When we first met We talked about our dreams over Waffle House and 3,000’s nicest One day we won’t be sippin on Andre’ no more* It’ll be that expensive champagne flown in from secluded islands His hustle inspires mine and vice versa now C* 26 | INSPIRE Magazine
STANDING BY THE DEEP END Fanicia Howard When dark covers the sky and the moon sits high, And you find yourself blessed with little spare time, Would it be much if we meet and find some place? To exchange intellectual conversation face to face? No worries, no pressure, no sexual intention, No expense, no scam, just paying one another attention. Deep thought and deep talks are a rarity these days, And I wouldn’t mind drowning in either one I must say Let’s become saturated with topics of the great philosophers and artists, Some DaVinci, add Machiavelli, and a dash of Descartes. We can talk about math- my shortcomings are division and subtraction, You love physics? You love theory? Do you believe in laws of attraction? What’s your spiritual beliefs on God and The Creation? When He made Adam and then made Eve. Which one do you hold responsible for human’s incessant flaws? --Oh, if only they never looked at that tree! Please don’t be scared to go there; And don’t be scared to follow me either. This is a no- machismo and no- sexism zone, So don’t be intimidated if I’m the leader. I’ll throw you the life jacket if I come on too strong. Every man’s not ready to take this dive. Some men try to submerge head first into the abyss of the sea of knowledge The Mariana’s Trench of the mind.
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Photography - BlackIce Bell Model - Courtney Respres MUA - Patrice Story Hairstylist - Nina Lee
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Photography - BlackIce Bell Model - Jessica Estes MUA - Patrice Story Hairstylist - Nina Lee
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