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Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Literature Review- Kick Back with Ida B.


Ida B. (also known as Uptown Dreams) is one of Karen Q. Miller’s best books ever!

Ida B. is a mind-gripping, true to life novel about Brenda Carver, a young unwed mother who wished to pursue a career as a writer. Hot and sassy Rosa Rivera who has dreams of becoming a major celebrity, and Sharif Goldsby a young black activist who lives to protect his people and his privacy, especially his life as a homosexual.

In Harlem life has always been vivid in the Ida B. complex but things become shaded when three deaths occur and causes the people of Ida B. to come together and help those in need.

As Brenda and her mother work together to keep things afloat, they are shocked by a rumor that after more than twenty years, the Ida B. will be closed and the people will have to find a new place to live. The Ida B. community goes to their gracious, humble and most respected activist Sharif to get to the bottom of the rumors but in the midst of getting an answer another death occurs and the entire building in devastated.

Who could have done such a horrendous act? Did it happen in the building? Was it someone in the building? Were there any witnesses? Those were the questions that continued to rock the boat giving it a "whodunit" mystery feel.

What makes this book a great read is the amount of unity throughout the book. No matter what goes on, the people of Ida B. stick together. You tend to forget that these are people who just live in the same building because they are so much like family. It takes you back to a time when people would throw rent parties for the tenants that needed help; when communities would come together and clean the neighborhoods; when a child would get in trouble with everyone on the block before getting home to their parents. A village helping the only way it could to keep the people alive and safe from harm.

The other characters in the book were way familiar from the nosy neighbor Ms. Jackie who knew the business of everyone in the building and spread rumors. The bad boy friend Vincent who was always a stone throw away from doing hard time, and Mrs. Marcie, the older woman who kept people in check. You could love them or hate them, but they laid the bricks in building the story Ida B.

If you have this book, read it again and reminisce with Brenda and her Ida B. family. If you never read it, believe it when we say that you will never read a book more focused on togetherness than Ida B.

Get ready for Karen's soon to be released book, "Passin."


Heather Elitou-Reviewer


Harlem Book Fair 2007

While we were on a business trip in one of our favorite cities, we went to the Harlem Book Fair in NY.

We ran into a few of our closest friends. Check out the images below:

Thursday, July 26, 2007

Who is the Grandfather of Hip Hop?


Hip Hop has been around as an artistic expression for a long time however most people are clueless as to how long since documentation and records have been misconstrued. It is rarely mentioned that the first DJ/MC to make rhyme a hip and cool thing was a man named Doug “Jocko” Henderson, Sr. born March 8, 1918 in Baltimore and died July 15, 2000. Broadcast Pioneers member Gerry Wilkinson (former WDAS Operations Manager) said, "Jocko had one of the most unique and pleasant voices in the industry. He was everything legends are made of. He had class and elegance." "Hello, Daddy-O and Mommy-O, This is Jocko,” was all the rage in Philadelphia and later in New York City. He was known for rhyming words like, "eee-tiddlee-yock, this is the Jock,” or "oo-papa-doo, how do you do.” Later oo-papa-doo turned into “hip, hop, a hippy to the hip hip hop you don’t stop” which came from the Sugar Hill Gang, and the name Hip Hop stuck although it was not the original name.

In the July 2007 issue of Vibe Magazine, Polow Da Don’s stated, “I don’t feel like I need to appease the Hip Hop audience. I don’t owe them anything”. Again, the term Hip Hop is not the original name... it was originally called “Rhythm Talk”. As with all art, the actual founders and contributors are soon forgotten as some of the newcomers try not to acknowledge the contributions of the past because they were not there in the beginning, and therefore do not have the fond memories and experiences shared during those days.

Now it is being said that Hip Hop is dead or better yet, the spirit of Hip Hop is dead which is most likely because of the new additions to Hip Hop who seem more interested in making money than making music. Back in the day, when dudes like the Treacherous Three with LA, Sunshine, and Kool Mo Dee made “Body Rock” to rock music and the Sugar Hill Gang made one of their raps using a funky beat and electric guitar, it was still considered Hip Hop or Rhythm Talk. Run Dee MC made quite a few of their raps using rock music and they were all hot. The block parties were always on fire making memories that would last forever. It did not matter what kind of music was used to rap it was still rap.

Of course that was before rap was accepted by the big bosses of the music industry. The themes of Hip Hop were boisterous and bold, however most of them had a message. Back then, none of them talked of harming anyone but rather moving the crowd. Rakim redefined MC as “Move the Crowd” and it was on.
It was hoped that Hip Hop or Rap would lose it’s momentum but it was born in determination and creativity. Jocko held down multiple DJing jobs in both Philly and New York. He was also a music promoter and taught children about life through music. Jocko made records of himself teaching our youth everything from math to American history with rap lyrics. He also made mixed albums of talents that he had featured on his show called Jocko's Show Stoppers that contained many of the recordings he played on the air, including two narrations and his own Album called Rhythm Talk. He set up a studio in his basement where he taped the New York programs while adding Boston, St. Louis, Detriot and Miami.
As described he was quite an entrepreneur and being an entrepreneur is one of the key elements of Hip Hop which led to another element that was very important to the growing popularity of the music: to become a teacher and give back to the community through music and lyrical skills. Please refer to great artist like KRS-One.

To make the point clear, when the pioneers of rap were forgotten the spirit and accomplishments of the skill were forgotten as well. It is no different than the Doo Wop days when people like Jerry Blavit claimed that he was a part of the era and helped foster the careers of some of the well known entertainers, but according to some Doo Wop DJ’s he was too young to be involved.
Have you ever noticed that the people who gave birth to Doo Wop aren’t making money from the music that they created? If you were to do some research, you will find that the people who made money from the music are those who were once against the new sound that the teenagers loved. It is no different with Hip Hop. The Doo Wop youth are now the cooperate junkies that once opposed Hip Hop and were never true to the cause, allowing all kinds of lyrics to be produced, packaged and sold to our youth. But no matter how we look at it, it is always the fans who ultimately decide whether or not an artist will eat and be continuously played on the airwaves and the internet.

So Polow got it twisted— he does owe fans something because if the fans support his music and he is eating from it, then a little gratitude would be nice.

What do you think? Do you have something to add? Drop me a comment and let me know.

Aalim Elitou

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

What’s Up with Britain?


So they say that the British media is under a lot of pressure about faking contests thrown on its broadcasts and reporting bogus news. This is reminiscent of the whole Milli Vanilli episode don’t you think? What is it with the Brits? I love the BBC News, but damn, do we have to weed out the info that they are dishing out double time. It seems as if the concept of quality (no matter what it is) has become a thing of the past. Whatever happened to the days of good, honest, and decent work?

What’s really scary is that this fake journalism comes from what is being called paid propagandists who work for the UK government. Normally they work in a little known outfit with the acronym BFBS, which stands for British Forces Broadcasting Service. They are kind of like the men in black of broadcasting and media. Our country and its government are also accused of the same hoax both within and without her boarders. Is that interesting?

The Brits just recently began flooding the U.S. airwaves with talent contests/reality shows and at least once or twice many people have suggested that it was rigged. Think about it...

In these days and times what is really real? Has the world gotten so hollow that nothing really matters and anything goes? Do you want to have propaganda fed to you as news? Or rigged contest as entertainment?

Leave a comment and let us know what you think.


Aalim Elitou





Literary Review- Derelict by 50 Cent and Relentless Aaron



I have read a lot of books— some good and some bad. I enjoy books that stay focused because it keeps my interests. This brings me to my review of Derelict written by 50 Cent and Relentless Aaron. I was satisfied with the first two books in the G-Unit Series for the year 2007, but this one left me blank.

Derelict is about a convict named Jamel who went to jail for writing faulty checks. While serving his time, he slowly starts to make moves on a psychologist he thinks is sexy in the beginning, but he shows in the end how he truly felt about her, especially with the stories that he shares with his jail mates Box, Roy, and Twan.

Jamel talks about his two girlfriends Deadra and JoJo and his two kids throughout the story. He has a few pen pals that are female convicts and of course Dr. Kay the psychologist—he is a true pimp with nothing at all.
Dr. Kay falls for Jamel hard and they have relations nearing the end of the book. When Jamel finally gets out of jail, his friend Troy picks him up and they stop at a motel. Jamel supposedly puts his pimp down to scare Dr. Kay off, but his actions only turn her on and there is no escaping her clutches.
Jamel wants to surprise his women so he and Troy sit in a truck and wait for the women to get home. While waiting, Troy tells Jamel to feel under the seat. To Jamel’s discomfort he feels a M-16 assault rifle which freaks him out because he does not want to do another bid, but Troy is on a campaign to kill Mac a famous rapper who was responsible for putting Troy on life support six years earlier.

I am truly hoping that there is a part two to this book because I was left in a total daze with too many questions about what the hell is happening. What kept me reading the book was that I was expecting him to get out of jail and take revenge on someone. What happened to the probation officer that was supposed to be watching Jamel’s every move? Who was the mysterious person that had and agenda of his own and planned to take Jamel down at any price? None of this happened!!! Jamel stayed in jail most of the time which began to get boring, and it was the last 5 or 6 pages that the caged bird was free. He got out of jail only to dump Dr. Kay and sit in a truck.

The back of the book was much more interesting then the content. My view would totally change if there is a part two to this book. Hopefully this is what 50 Cent and Relentless Aaron have in mind.

Share your thoughts...


Agasa Elitou

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Literary Review- Blow by 50 Cent and Kwan




Many authors write about the ins and outs of street life but there are very few that give the impression that they write from experience. Blow is one of those few. From beginning to end whether you were a hustler or knew the life of hustlers, 50 Cent and Kwan draw you in with the realism of the streets in your face.

Blow is a gripping tale about fours hustlers— Prince, Killa-E, Daddy-O, and Danny who work for the neighborhood drug lord Diego on the streets of Harlem. Prince and his crew run the projects selling crack and cocaine and they’re good at it: they work well together, they make good money, and with the help of Sticks and Stone, two crazy killers, they get the respect that most people take years to achieve. After a while they start to want more— more money, more respect, better product to sell, and larger territory so they go to Diego and ask him for their own spot. Prince feels that since he was good at what he did then he should move up, but Diego rejects him.
When Prince meets a heroin connect, they get what they wish for but they are also plagued with greater enemies and bigger problems. The tables turn when Diego now wants in on the deal that Prince has made, and with the shoe being on the other foot, Prince declines. Of course this means war and Diego along with his killer Manny are looking to settle the score. In addition, there is a traitor in the mist and the police are on their backs, and with Diego at their fronts they’re trapped and blood spills.

This is a straight in your face book that keeps its focus with not too many twist and turns that leave you confused. Although the ending was kind of expected any other ending would have made the book seem unreal. Blow is a good book to read if you like urban street fiction and if you don’t, read it anyway because you might be surprised and agree with me.

Share your thoughts...

Agasa Elitou- Reviewer

ASK DEDAN- When Does No Really Mean No?



Question:

I have a question about a situation that I am currently in. I have been seeing this girl for a month now and we are really feeling each other. We always have good conversations on the phone and we have gone to the movies, out to eat, walked in the park etc.


Everything was cool until the other night when things got a little out of control. We were watching a movie and one thing lead to another. The next thing I knew both of our clothes were off. We have come close to having sex before but nothing like this.


Since it seemed like it was about to go down, I went for the condom that was in my wallet. Even though she was looking right at me, she asked me what I was doing. At first I smiled, and then just ignored her. We went back to kissing and I put on the condom. I tried to put it in but she stopped me and told me not to put it in. I was a little frustrated but I respected her wishes and backed off. I start to get up but she pulled me back down on top of her. To make a long story short, after a few more minutes of kissing and touching, I tried to put it in again and this time she let me.We were doing it and all of a sudden, she starts trippin and tells me to get off her. She starts crying saying that I raped her and that she told me to stop. She threatened to call the police and tells me to leave.


I got my stuff and left. My question to you is based on my version of the story was I wrong for my actions, in your opinion, did I rape her or was she just playing games?


My Advice:

You really need to be careful in situations where sex is involved. Your friend could have easily pressed charges against you and there would have been nothing you could have done about it. The thing about rape is that its her word against your word and the jury usually tends to believe the woman.In your defense, many women play games where they say no when they really mean yes. For some reason, women think that its cute or sexy to tease men with sex, so when the time comes when they really mean no, many men do not take them seriously.

My advice to you would be to always play it safe when a woman says no. Just stop whatever it is that you are doing and remove yourself from the situation. Rape is a serious charge and no woman is worth losing your freedom over.

Anyone who reads my column on a regular basis knows that I keep it real and call it like I see it, whether the man or the woman is right.In your situation, I do not see you as being wrong. Your girl sat there and watched you go into your wallet to get the condom and then put it on. If she was not cool with what was about to go down, that would have been the time to tell you to stop. Instead, she waited until you were actually inside of her to say no.

A good rule of thumb for all relationships is to have good communication with each other. When dating someone, you need to be fully aware of their views regarding sex. Some women make it known that they want to wait until marriage to be intimate. Other women say they have to be in a committed relationship. And then there are the women who let you know that its going down right after you get home from TGI Fridays on thefirst date.

Normally, if a woman is willing to sleep with you, she makes it known in one form or another. But in the event that she does not make her intentions clear, you need to realize that no always means no. Never assume that her no means yes or maybe. A split second could change your life forever. Just ask Mike Tyson.

Hopefully, I shed some light on this subject for you.


Check out Dedan at: http://www.dedantolbert.com/


New book Ask Dedan: Sex, Dating &>Relationships - Volume I (available July 27th).

Thursday, July 12, 2007

Miasha the Writing Diva does it Again with her Third Novel Mommy's Angel



Don’t be fooled by what you see. Miasha is truly fabulous; a hair is never out of place and she is more than a pretty face. Although you may question whether she is approachable, believe us when we say that Miasha is one of the realest people that you will ever meet. She always expresses her appreciation to those that have shown her support. Yes, she is glamorous from head to toe, but shallow she is not. This sistah is always open to share her story of success and how she beat the odds, not allowing society to place a label on her life and condemning her to hardship which could have easily been her fate. Miasha is truly a realest and a go-getta that is proving she has what it takes to be at the top with her third book that has been released only a year after her first two books. Furthermore, she has become the face of Infinite Mag for our one year anniversary.

Her latest book Mommy’s Angel is yet another controversial book to hit the shelves. Mommy’s Angel is set in Brooklyn, NY and based on a young girl named Angel who rapidly becomes a woman after her mother’s breakdown over her son’s death which causes her to turn to drugs in order to ease her pain. Angel then realizes that it all up to her to take care of herself and younger siblings so she turns to a family friend for help. The friend then gives her a number that is suppose to be a fast way out of her poor condition but she then realizes that although the real world spins at a rate not felt by man, she is now caught in the gravity of a fast life that never slows down.

What makes this book so profound is that Miasha has loosely based it on aspects of her life growing up with parents that were addicted to drugs. We had the opportunity to chat with Miasha about her dynamic novel and how it affected her life and others.

Last year you dropped 2 books Secret Society and Dairy of a Mistress. What have you been up to this year?
My latest novel was just released titled, Mommy’s Angel. I’ve been busy promoting it and trying to run home the message in the book.

Tell us about you latest novel Mommy’s Angel.
Mommy’s Angel is about fifteen-year-old Angel’s struggle to survive after her older brother is killed and her mom becomes addicted to heroin. It’s a powerful story about addiction and what it does to the family. It’s a tragedy to the reader but triumph to the character.

Where did you get your inspiration for this book?
A lot of it derived from the emotions and mentality I had growing up with both of my parents addicted to drugs. I also found inspiration in other young people who I’ve come encounter with who suffer the same plight.

Why did you decide to write on the issues of drugs, the fast life, death and deceit?
Well, drug addiction is such a universal subject. It affects every household worldwide in one way or another. And with it being such a driving force in the production of self-destructive youth, I had to write about it. So many people are trying to figure out why our children are so violent and socially withdrawn. A lot of it has to do with what they’ve seen and been through having parents who were or still are addicts. As far as the fast life, death, and deceit, those all come with the territory.

This book is different then you’re other novels, why did you base it in NY this time?
I didn’t make a conscious decision to base it in NY. It was just something that naturally occurred. But, I like the fact that I was able to explore another city. It allowed me to tap into another realm of being a novelist, which is being a researcher.

You are very open about your past, how did this book affect you?
The book basically allowed me to vent. It allowed me to put it all out on the table without negatively affecting anyone. At the same time, it gave me the opportunity to shed light on the situations of youth who may be dealing with the issues that are raised in the book. Hopefully it will make people want to open their hearts and their minds to these children and do something to help. At the least, I hope it stops people from judging others without first asking themselves what is that person’s story.

How close does this book relate to your life?
Closely in that it depicts the emotional pain I’ve suffered over the years dealing with my parents’ addictions. It also depicts the lifestyle I lived at points in my life where we lacked food or where we really became desperate to survive.

Why was this book important to you? Did you see a need for this?
It was actually a book I wrote at a much younger age and I always wanted it to get to the masses. I think it began as a book that showed the truth behind addictions based on what I’ve seen and heard growing up, and then it wounded up being a mission statement. The need to get it out of my system was there from the beginning, but the need for the public to gain insight on this epidemic actually derived once the public read it. Basically, I did it for me at first, then it wounded up making people want to reach out and help. So all in all the book is important to me in that it may evoke change.

What issues do you think should be discussed or contemplated after reading this book?
The issues of parenting, mentoring, community involvement and rehabilitation programs for families as oppose to just for the addict. There needs to be resources, outlets, people, and places for youth to go to who find themselves in circumstances like Angel’s.

How do you think this book will help others?
I think it will open people’s hearts. I mean, addiction is seen everyday so people’s eyes are already open to it. But what goes on behind closed doors and how the addiction affects the children are what people don’t get to see out in the open. So this book will show that and thus, I think it will actually cause for people to want to do something for those children who they know are living this way.

You mentioned that people expected you to be like Angel; how did you beat the odds?
I, fortunately, had a strong, supportive, and close-knit family who stepped in when things got to their worst point. In the beginning it was my grandmother who introduced me to the belief in God and who also instilled values and morals in me that I would take with me throughout my life. Then, when she passed away, I had aunts and uncles who were positive influences on me and who showed me life outside of addiction. I think having those lifelines were what saved me.

What advice would you give to girls who may be like Angel?
First and foremost, develop a relationship with God. Believe and have faith even during the worst of times. God will pull you through the darkest of situations if only you believe. Second, I would say seek help from somebody, whether that be a relative, friend, community leader, school official, or religious figure. The fact of the matter is, you can’t survive this situation on your own. That is why Angel wounded up losing the battle. She tried to do it on her own. As a child, you are not equipped to take care of yourself and you shouldn’t have to. Seek help, and when you get it, appreciate it and accept it as if it were the only thing keeping you from experiencing a life of hardship, pain, and misery.

Did you surprise yourself with this novel?
I don’t think it was the novel I surprised myself with. I think it was the responses I’ve gotten from it that were surprising. People are calling this book better than my first two. Even Black Expressions called it my most captivating novel yet. And for it to be just a story that came straight from my heart, I am surprised to see just how powerful it came across. Pleasantly surprised, I might add.

What is some of the feedback that you have gotten on the book?
Aside from what I’ve mentioned above, I’ve been getting great feedback on Mommy’s Angel including a review from a woman in a feminist group where she said, “after completing the novel in one sitting combined with a stunning ending that left me staring, non-blinking at the ceiling, Mommy’s Angel will haunt your conversations and linger in your personal thoughts for days after the last page is turned.” Her review was so heart-felt it made me realize just how hard I hit with this book. I’m just in awe by what people are saying.

None of your books are the same how do you keep your style fresh?
I write because I like to expose people to new things, ideas, lifestyles, etc. So in order to fulfill my pleasures I have to present people with different stories. Otherwise, I’d get bored myself. I think it’s a natural obsession to open people’s eyes and give them something more to think about.

Tell us about the other projects you are working on and people you are working with?
Eight months from now, my new book, Sistah for Sale will hit stores followed by the highly anticipated sequel to my first book, Secret Society three months after that. As you can see, I am very excited about these upcoming novels. As well, I can’t wait for the premier of Secret Society the stage play, which is scheduled for early next year. In addition, I have an anthology with authors Daaimah S. Poole, T. Styles, and Deja King, titled The Diamond Playgirls scheduled to be released early next year, too. I’m starring in a movie called Burners, which is in post-production. And I’m establishing a clothing line called Senza Pari. I am extremely busy, but loving everything I’m doing. And I have a big year ahead of me so please keep a look out for me.

Where will people see you next?
I’m just about finished touring with two more stops, Harlem Book Fair on July 21st and The National Black Arts Festival in Atlanta on July 28th. I will be on a panel in New York on August 2nd among powerful women in the entertainment industry discussing how to succeed in the business. After that, you can catch me at the Black Film Festival in September and The Chicago Book Bazaar in October. Then it’ll be time to tour all over again for my new releases next year. So I’m sure you’ll see me somewhere.

What are the last few words you would like to leave with I-Mag readers?
I want you all to know how thankful I am to have your support. I write because it is my passion, but I am a success because of you. Thank you sincerely.


Heather Elitou-Reviewer


Living in Color- Jeantrix Fashion Show

On June 23rd 2007, we were promised to see a performance that we would never forget… it was cancelled. We learned that there was a new location. We were totally confused.

July 1, 2007 was a very busy day for us because we were on a crazy back to back schedule, but alas we arrived at Polaris Nightclub to finally experience the colorful theatrical modeling of Fatboy Hype Prod. There was no need to rush because it began an hour late. “I am surprised that they are late,” says one eager fashionista, “but their shows are off the hook and usually start on time.” Well, since it was our first time and we wanted to see if these new, young Philly designers would bring it to the fashion runway. When the doors finally opened, everyone rushed to their seats.

Host Kerry Scott, the Fatboy himself opened the evening with a contest. “I am offering money out of my pocket for the most colorful person in the audience”. It was hard to tell who that would be since nearly every young person there was dressed in nothing but colors, hence the theme “In Living Color” which was adapted from the old, favorite 90’s television show created by Keenan Ivory Wayans which featured the Fly Girl dancers and many hilarious characters like “Wanda”, the gay critics, and the nosy Miss Jenkins. The young lady that did win proved that colors had no boundaries when it came to artistic expression.

The evening of color and fashion was in full effect when the models came strutting down the runway in bright and bold colors artistically created by the designers such as Babylon, Bang Bang, D67, Eno, Jeantrix, RPM, Tarantula, and Wise Guy. The theatrical themes that were performed by the models where tightly executed with flare and excitement which didn’t disappoint the audience in the least.

The evening was not complete until the designers of the evening (Jeantrix) showed off their latest creation with a theme that was like the bride of Frankenstein. It was the finale and it was fantastic.

What makes Fatboy one of Philly’s new and hottest fashion productions on the roster is the work that is put in by the choreographers and the models that make the evening worth every penny. Each and every model in the production caught the attention of the audience no matter what they were wearing, not to mention, some of their models have been seen in other productions.

The next show is coming in October and according to Kerry Scott, “This is going to be one of our biggest and best productions to come, and we promise to start on time.”

We look forward to what new fashions they will bring for the Fall collection and we’re sure that it will be fierce!!!



Heater Elitou-Reviewer

Wednesday, July 4, 2007

Who Was Sayre’s Next Top Model?



We at Infinite Magazine walked into the school auditorium not knowing what to expect, but we were definitely in for a surprise. We were nicely entertained by recording artists Lil Rick of Def Jam Records and Shon of Sony Records as we waited for the models.

While the huge room started to fill up with proud parents, close friends, happy children, and eager photographers the DJ played some of the newest hits which made the crowd dance in their seats.

As the lights turned down the red curtain opened and we all eagerly awaited the divas of the evening. The first scene “D.I.T. (Diva’s In Training)” was an awesome performance by young women dressed in white button down blouses and school girl skirts showing that they were truly divas in training. They danced to the music of Fergie’s Glamorous Life. Everyone screamed joyfully to see their friend, daughter, or sister giving their best.

Renewing the Mind Dance Ministry performed a very well choreographed praise dance which the crowd totally enjoyed. It was uplifting.

The “An Urban Flare Has Arisen” was another scene that had everyone’s attention. Twelve girls stood on the stage with colorful masks and glitter on their faces. They were wearing urban outfits like tights and other colorful pieces of attire. The young diva moved around the stage like zombies to the tune of Madonna’s Hung Up as if they were under a fashion spell.

After all the performances the question was still in the air “Who will be Sayre’s next top model?” It was time for the 16 girls and guy to rip the runway and show off their stuff. The first walk was judged on personality and the second was on straight runway. After everyone walked, it was time to deliberate.

While the judges were debating the models walked showing off their 80’s style clothing while dancing the Soul Train Line. Everyone expressed amusement when the girls danced to Freak Out by Chic. When the fun was over, the girls lined up in a straight line waiting for the judges to tell us who Sayre’s next top model for 2007 would be.

It was a tense moment for the models as all of them held each others hands tightly Shanay Ball, Miss Black Pennsylvania 2006; Erica Kane, Radio Personality Power 99FM; Antwain D. Hill, Distinct Le’ Couture Agency; William Brown, Dark Tower Records Affiliate; and Edwina Justice, Urbanea had finally came up with the results.

Erica Kane walked onto the stage and said, “The winner of Sayre’s top model is Felecia C.!” They crowd went wild. She had won the trophy, $100 dollars cash, a photo shoot, and as a bonus she got the contract with Distinct Le’ Couture Clothing Co. and agency.

You could hear the parents and friends scream with delight. They gave her the trophy and the microphone but Felecia could barely say anything she was nearly crying with joy but she did manage a humble, “thank you.”

Something tells me that Felcia C. will be a diva to look out for in the near future.

We would like to thank Jovanna Townsend and Lisa Townsend for the invitation and look forward to next year. The production was awesome and very well put together.

Be sure to check me out in the “In Living Color” Fashion Show by Fatboy Productions and Jeantrix clips right here.

Erica Kane (Power 99 fm) Tweety Elitou

We always have a story so keep reading!!!

Tweety E.

Tuesday, July 3, 2007

A Native Celebration of Art

I-Mag spent time celebrating the art of culture which began close to home with the Native American culture. As many know, we are very proud descendants of the Lenni Lenabe Nation and we had the chance to celebrate with our friends at the 4th Annual Children’s Festival Powwow which took place at The Rotunda in Philly, PA.


The Native Nations Dance Theater founded by Vaughnda Hilton and family have preformed for thousands and been featured in many theatrical productions including the 500 Nations and The Ancient Circle of Life.

We had a full day of entertainment, which began with Grand Entry where all of the Native Americans came in dressed in their best handmade regalia. Drummers played music that awakened the Spirits and welcomed them into the circle of friends.

Lakota Son played his melodic flute which he explained was used to soothe a crying baby and to call a woman for marriage. He also performed the Hopi Hoop Dance which displayed a close resemblance to Mother Earth and the children that come from her womb.

The audience enjoyed participating in the Snake Dance in which each person held hands and followed the head of the line in snake formation. We also enjoyed the performance of the Blackfeet Chicken Dance which was also a very colorful, prideful and artistic dance which is used for the calling of a mate.



At closing a concert by Akisha Wi and Songbird (who by the way have a CD soon to be released) welcomed the evening perfectly.

We eagerly anticipated the coming of their next event and hope that you do not miss it.

To learn more about the Native Nation Dance Theater visit:

http://http://http//http://www.nndt.homestead.com/



Heather Elitou-Reviewer