Gloss Magazine Online Articles (March 2012)

As the newest addition to VH1’s hit show Single Ladies, Terrell Tilford brings his talent, along with more excitement and suspense to the scene. With the season premiere of season two set to air on May 28, viewers may wonder if the prime time drama series could take any more intensity after the show’s first powerful season and cliffhanger finale. The L.A.-native couldn’t divulge details, but said he and the show created a great match for his character and what he will bring to the mix.

“I’m stirring up the pot a little bit and I’ll be here for a minute,” he comments. “It’s going down for real. I’m excited about Single Ladies and I hope to be a worthy contributor to the show.”

Plotting and scheming are what Terrell says he engages in rigorously, but he uses his energy for good and not evil.

“As a kid, there was always a need to express myself in some sort of way and I found something that resonated with me in acting,” Terrell admits. “It was amazing to see iconic productions like A Raisin in the Sun and the work of Sidney Poitier in Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?. Because of where I grew up in South Central, L.A., I didn’t have a choice for myself otherwise. I knew what I wanted to do and wouldn’t let anything stop me because the idea of ‘no’ always fueled me.”

Terrell earned his B.A. in African American Studies from the University of California at Berkeley, where he studied with Sanaa Lathan, Golden Brooks, and other actors and writers who were a part of the Black Theater Workshop. Two weeks before he graduated with a Masters in Fine Arts from Rutgers University, Terrell landed his first contract role on Guiding Light, where he met his wife, Victoria Platt.

“The acting profession is crazy because it’s volatile and it’s like being a gypsy because you don’t know where it’s going to take you, but I love the activity of it and I always hope the next job is different than the last,” he says. “I gravitate to the work and I feel fortunate to do it.”

The modern day gypsy landed his next major role on the Showtime series Soul Food. Throughout his career, Terrell has co-starred in several television shows and movies, including his recent stunt on the daytime soap One Life to Live and a series regular role on Lifetime Television Network’s The Protector.

Through his craft, Terrell says he needs to be expressive in other ways, other than acting and as a curator. He decided to check out the scope on the other side of the camera as a movie producer. Terrell says both Broken Roads (2012) and H4 (2013) are in the post-production stage.

“I’m constantly discovering and rediscovering things about myself,” he adds. “I spoke it into the universe and it happened. I’m activating a muscle in my body I haven’t used yet. I have a strong desire and passion for expression.”

Terrell also expressed his passion for interacting with the public and showing his appreciation to them for respecting his work.

“We’re all the same at the end of the day and it’s great to hear when my work resonates with someone,” he comments. “We live this life once and we hope to live it fairly well. It’s a privilege to do what we do and I don’t want to take this life for granted.”

Visit Terrell’s website at www.terrelltilford.com

Follow him on Twitter @TerrellTilford

Gloss Magazine Online Articles (January 2012)

Kenny “K.O.” Ollins says he doesn’t resent his experiences because he’s learned from them.

Through his pain and experiences, Kenny wants to heal and hopes others can do the same. As a relationship talk show, host who is candid about his past, he aspires to bring it into living rooms. His long-term relationship that ended a month prior to the wedding triggered thoughts of prior unhealthy relationships with women, and Kenny says he realized he needed to get it together.

“I was tired of hurting women, I’m tired of women hurting, and I wanted to know what I could do about it,” he admits.

In November 2010, Kenny decided he wanted to create a relationship forum, an idea he discussed amongst friends. It wasn’t until January 2011 that his talk show concept and relationship forum B.O.R.N. (Building Our Relationships Now) was conceived. With a mission to make women in the African American community aware that good men exist, Kenny credits his team for supporting and encouraging him.

“We as men need you and can’t do it without you,” says Kenny. “Men need to stand up and be kings so they can lead their queens. Otherwise, they’re pawns. We have to stop degrading each other and love ourselves so we can love each other.”

After his most recent relationship ended, Kenny admits he began to reflect on all of his relationships, asking himself why they all continued to fail and was forced to pinpoint the first time he was hurt in his life, which he recalls vividly from childhood.

“I remember being beat with an extension cord by my mother and her boyfriend, who was a married man,” he admits. “I was whipped until the skin was torn from my body. It was the form of discipline used if I did something wrong. One reason I was whipped was because I wet my bed. My bed wetting would occur based on Cabrini [Cabrini Green] living and other whippings. I also began stealing my mom’s boyfriend’s (who was supposedly my stepfather) money to get back at him. After a while, he caught on that I was stealing from him, so he set me up, and I was eventually caught. I was beat for it and to the point where I attempted to run, ran into a wall, and busted my head. Even though I said my head was busted, my mother continued to whip me.”

In the midst of escaping whippings and beatings from his mother and her boyfriend in his strict, single-parent household, Kenny says he dodged stray bullets and witnessed the deaths of countless people in the lightless streets of Chicago’s Cabrini Green housing projects.

“I should not be alive today,” says Kenny. “The grace of God saved me, and the stress alone should have killed me.”

Although his mother didn’t want Kenny or his sisters to play outside, he managed to escape and serve his community in various capacities throughout his childhood because he says he was always intrigued with how he could help others, which foreshadowed his future career. As a child, he aspired to become a lawyer, but his path led him to the road of a juvenile probation leader, a career where he provides opportunities and alternatives for juveniles for the betterment of the community. Growing up in a house full of females, Kenny formed a brother-like relationship with Jim Moriarity, one of his customers when he worked for the Chicago Sun Times, who taught him some of the basics in his professional career. He also joined a brotherhood when he became a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

As a student at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Ill. and an intern at an adult probation office, Kenny found and met his father, who was incarcerated at the time. Years later, Kenny says his father found him. Sadly, he passed away shortly after they reconnected.

From his relationships with his parents to his relationships with his significant others, Kenny says he was felt a pressure to protect himself and bore an imaginary “F” for “façade” on his chest. He credits the relationship with his ex-fiancé for the experiences where he was challenged and learned some of the most important life lessons, such as thinking about the future and how to love others.

Although he was saved in January 1999, Kenny says it was in January 2010 when he started to grow in his spiritual walk.

“The last two years have been when I’ve really seen God’s face,” he adds. “B.O.R.N. was conceived on January, 16 2011 by the Father and I haven’t rested since.”

Kenny filmed his pilot show in September 2011. His show focuses on building and reinforcing all relationships within the community. On his website www.bornshow.com, he candidly chronicles the different relationships in his life and lessons he’s learned and continues to absorb.

“I’m still healing and am in the process of healing with you,” he says. “If I can teach people the lessons I’ve learned, then I’ve done my part. I’m a walking billboard for the living and not the dead.”

Show your support for the B.O.R. N. Show at the Women’s Platform Launch Event at Chicago’s Park 52 on Saturday, January 21. For more information, visit www.bornshow.com. Follow Ollins on Twitter at @kobornshow.

Gloss Magazine Online Articles (January 2012)

Eddie S. Pierce says what started out as a cathartic exercise turned into a creative work of fiction that grew a life of its own and evolved into his first published novel.

Written in fiction prose, Eddie admits the novel is a compilation of reflections in his life.

“This was an outlet for many things going on in my mind, and getting things on paper was a way for me to process it and deal it,” he says. “The more I wrote, the more it took a life of its own. The more I paid attention to the world around me, I noticed how someone might need to read it.”

Originally titled A Cautionary Tale, the Chicago native’s book tells the story of a young man (Seron) who revisits his hometown after receiving news a former love interest is ill. The novel narrates the thoughts, reflections, memories and scenes from the central character’s past and present relationships with friends, family and lovers. Between the chapters, the novel features original poetry written by the author. Eddie says the emotional dialogue and a majority of the action scenes in the book are based on conversations he engaged in and events he experienced.

Eddie says the novel doesn’t tap around, but dives into issues prevalent in the African American community such as homosexuality, self-esteem issues, depression, dealing with an HIV positive status, religion, family, but moreover, how all of these issues affect one person at the same time. The novel explores romantic love, love of one’s self, the love of one’s God and the love of one’s friends and family. All of the issues center around self-acceptance, a recurring theme throughout the novel.

“We as people put a great deal of effort to gain the acceptance and approval of others,” comments Eddie. “If we really think about it, in many cases, those perceived to have the sought after acceptance seeks to fill the same desire.”

The author admits with the proper warnings and insight on certain decisions such as unsafe sex practices that resulted in an HIV positive status, addressing the signs of chronic depression that led to suicide attempts and exploring himself as a homosexual before he embraced it and surrounded himself with a support system, he could have avoided such circumstances and others.

Growing up in a Christian household, Eddie says his sexuality was something he struggled with.

“I couldn’t deal with myself being gay because I didn’t love myself,” admits Eddie. “It wasn’t natural or normal to me.”

Following a suicide attempt during Easter weekend of 1998, Eddie says he unintentionally “came out” to his immediate family and pastor. A few years later, he opened up to friends about his sexuality. Through the recent release of the novel, Eddie says members of his church family gained a deeper understanding of him.

“It was a matter of living my dream or being scared, and I’d rather live my dream, versus continuing to hide who I am,” he adds.

Eddie says his path of self-acceptance began in the midst of his current relationship with his partner, who he has been with for over five years.

“When love is in the proper portions and perspectives, they feed into each other,” says Eddie. “You fully accept who you are and get the self-actualization while reaching your full potential. With self-acceptance, so many things can blossom.”

Eddie says there are plans for another novel, in addition to virtual and face-to-face meet and greets that discuss the central themes in his book, in efforts to reach out to the community.

“Seron hasn’t reached self-actualization yet, but he’s on the path,” says Eddie.

To get a copy of Love: Something Infinite, visit www.rainbowroompublishing.com.

Gloss Magazine Online Articles (December 2011)

It’s been a while, but R&B crooner Carl Thomas is back and returned to his rightful place on stages behind microphones and on the airwaves.

Earlier this month, supporters and music lovers gathered at Chicago’s DuSable Museum where Carl interviewed with Dedry Jones of The Music Experience, performed some of his previous hits and highlighted his new project, Conquer.

The Aurora, Ill. native returned to his roots to discuss his first memories of music and where his foundation of music existed.

“My foundation with my family paved the way for the foundation of my music,” says Carl.

As a product of the MTV revolution, Carl grew up with an eclectic taste in music, singing both Gospel and Rock/Christian music, and admiring the classics Roy Ayers, Miles Davis, Marvin Gaye and Sting.

“My music style is like a pot of gumbo and I felt God in other music other than Gospel,” he remarks. “My first musical experience was through television, where I could translate emotions and fell in love with melodies. Melody is more important than rhythm because it dictates what you’re going to say.”

Through television and support from family who saw his true talent, Carl admits he saw his destiny, but it wasn’t easy as he sacrificed his teenage years and his 20s to be a starving artist and perform at open mic nights, where Carl said doors of opportunity opened for him.

“When I watched TV, I didn’t see a different world,” he comments. “I saw something I could touch.”

It was at open mic nights where Carl said he met the late Luther Vandross, who offered encouraging words of wisdom and met Sean “Diddy” Combs of Bad Boy Entertainment. To the surprise of many, Carl admitted it was almost a year after meeting Diddy that Carl signed with Bad Boy in 1996.

“It [Bad Boy Entertainment] was the greatest college of music business I attended,” added Carl.

His first hit “I Wish”, from his first CD Emotional, was No. 1 on the R&B charts for 14 weeks. Carl says like much of his music, this particular song was personal for him and he didn’t realize how many men related to the song. The songster added this album was his outlet to express some anger and a way for him to get his emotions right. It was also a project where Carl sites the influence of the late Heavy D.

“If there was no Heavy D, I wouldn’t be on this stage,” he admits.

Upon the release of other hits from his first CD and his second project Let’s Talk About It, Carl says Diddy recognized how talented Carl was, but didn’t have a musical direction for him. Carl says his second CD was the project that put him back in line. The same year of the release of his second CD, Carl’s brother was murdered in their hometown.

“I thought I got away, but it jumped up and bit my brother,” he says.

Before the release of So Much Better, Carl collaborated on other projects including the soundtrack of Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Family Reunion, which earned him a Grammy nomination and re-introduced him to the inspirational audience.

“I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t have a prayer life, and I’m happy that prayer is a part of my life.”

With the release of his fourth project with Verve Music Group, Carl’s music embodies growth and maturity, which he says is the message he wants to convey to his audience.

Get Carl’s new single “Don’t Kiss Me” and his new album Conquer on iTunes and in stores today.

Follow Carl on Twitter at @Mr_Carl_Thomas and get his updates on his Facebook fan page and website www.carlthomaslive.com.

Gloss Magazine Online Articles (November 2011)

She’s back, and with her new Christmas EP Light Up the World, songstress Jean Baylor makes her own rules and gives music lovers an original groove to holiday music. The former member of ‘90s duo Zhane says this project is a feel good holiday album with original songs, including her first single from the EP “Celebrate.” The project, co-produced by Dana Sorey, also features a duet with soulful crooner Eric Roberson, and a sampling of more to come from the artist.

After she left the group in 2000, Baylor says she took a break from the music scene and didn’t return to it until 2005 when she and her husband, Marcus, created their production team, The Baylors. In 2007, she released her first solo project, Testimony: My Life Story.

“I wanted to come into my own as a singer, writer and producer,” she admits.

Although she grew up singing in church, musicals, talent shows and glee clubs, in addition to singing professionally for seven years, Baylor says she enjoyed her time away from music.

“I was in a place of restoration, a place where I could be more grounded and have more head space to be more open and creative,” she adds.

Baylor’s creativity manifested into a solo career that continues to reveal her artistic and personal sides to her fans. She expressed excitement about what’s to come in 2012 with producer and songwriter Carvin Haggins of Carvin & Ivan (Karma Productions) on her next project.

“I want people to be inspired to live life, live it well in their everyday experiences and put positive images out there,” Baylor says.

Get Baylor’s new single “Celebrate,” along with her other music, on iTunes.

Follow Baylor on Twitter at @JeanBaylor and keep up with her on www.jeanbaylor.com.

Gloss Magazine Online Articles (November 2011)

At first glance, Frank Sinatra probably wouldn’t be a name synonymous with Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr. That is until you hear the Logan, W. Va. native sing a few chords. As last season’s “America’s Got Talent” winner and with his debut CD That’s Life released in late November, Murphy’s voice is on its way to developing into a household sound that will recapture the hearts of older generations and inspire the younger ones.

“I want to represent for the black community, pay homage to my elders who have nothing to listen to anymore, create new memories and respond to the natural side of art,” says Murphy. “You take Fred Hammond’s voice, mix it with Frank Sinatra and you get me.”

Recently, Chicago welcomed Murphy at the DuSable Museum for The Musical Experience with host and creator Dedry Jones where Murphy shared his journey from working two jobs to support his family to “America’s Got Talent.” He also gave supporters a taste from his new project. The jazz-infused singer says the theme from the television show “Married with Children” inspired him to pursue the genre he’s never been trained to sing, which surprised many before he entered the industry.

“Jazz music made me feel good about music and made me feel great about singing because I wasn’t degrading women or bragging about what I have,” Murphy comments. “It’s a powerful thing what you say on stage because people can take it and act on it.”

As a child, Murphy split his time in Logan and in Detroit. He attributes his grandparents as instrumental influences in his life and musical career. Growing up, Murphy imitated the moves and notes of the late and great Michael Jackson with his brothers and sisters, and jammed to the sounds of Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and others who pioneered the Motown sound. As the scope of music evolved, Murphy grew to admire and respect the poetry of the Sugar Hill Gang, Run DMC, N.W.A., Snoop Dogg, Tupac, The Notorious B.I.G. and Common. With these musical influences, Murphy says some discouraged his decision to sing jazz and to audition for “America’s Got Talent,” but he created a niche for himself and a void that needed to be filled in today’s music industry.

“I faced discouragement because people tend to view and judge by what they see and not what’s on the inside,” Murphy adds. “It’s been an overwhelming experience and God has blessed me so much. I’m glad I did it because I’m in a lane of my own.”

With more than he prayed for, Murphy says he plans to continue his career how he started: to walk by faith and not by sight.

Gloss Magazine Online Articles (November 2011)

Variety is the spice of life, and actress Tamala Jones blazes the television screen as one of the stars in ABC’s hit show “Castle.” The multidimensional actress portrays Coroner Lanie Parish, a part that was originally written for a Caucasian woman and set to be a recurring role. Casting directors re-wrote Jones’ character to add her to the show with a starring role.

“I think it’s always going to be hard for black actresses and has been since we’ve been in the business,” Jones comments. “However, the business is definitely changing, and we have to find our place in this business. In the movie industry, we often find ourselves working for Tyler [Perry] or on independent films.”

The Pasadena, Calif., native began her career as a teenager in television commercials and broke into the big screen in comedies such as “Booty Call” and the dramatic comedies “The Wood,” “The Brothers” and “Two Can Play That Game,” to name a few. She also co-starred in the television shows “For Your Love” and “The Tracy Morgan Show.” The actress earned guest starring roles on “Everybody Hates Chris,” “ER” and “My Name is Earl.”

In a sex-crazed and reality TV-dominated culture, Jones says roles that reflect African American actors and actresses are less prevalent than when she started in the business. Shows such as “The Cosby Show,” “A Different World,” “Living Single” and “Martin” were the rave, and they placed a spotlight on the positive, yet realistic, dynamics of the African American community.

“Martin was funny and crazy, but he showed you what friendship meant,” she says. “Many people aren’t investing money into quality projects anymore and are not conscious of what they put on TV.”

With the projects she undertakes, Jones says she stays cognizant of the roles she portrays on television and on the big screen. Recently, Jones starred in “35 and Ticking,” a comedy about a group of childhood friends who face midlife crises with their relationships, or lack thereof. She admits her character in this film is a little close to home for her, as she gushes over babies and has conversations similar to those in the movie within her own circle of friends. In this project, Jones worked alongside some of her role models in the industry: Nicole Ari Parker, Jill Marie Jones, Kevin Hart and Dondre T. Whitfield.

“I love that the movie is friendship- and relationship-based, which we don’t see enough of on the screen,” says the actress. “It’s the kind of movie that makes you think about your life after the project.”

Jones says she values relationships and mentoring and credits this to her grandmother, who was a foster mother of more than 100 children. The actress says her grandmother introduced her to The Rosemary Children’s Services, a West Coast organization that also helps foster children. Jones adds that her family keeps her grounded, which is important to her and necessary in order to maintain the balance of working in the entertainment industry.

“My grandmother doesn’t like how open young girls are today about their sexuality,” says the actress. “She reminded me that I’m a role model. It’s my responsibility to show them something worthwhile and not conform.”

Tune in to “Castle” on Mondays at 10/9c on ABC.

Follow Tamala Jones on Twitter at @tamalajones.

Gloss Magazine Online Articles (November 2011)

With the highest obesity rate in the country, heart disease and illnesses affiliated with the pulmonary system are inevitable and prevalent in the African American community. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one-third of adults are obese (33.8 percent), and blacks have an obesity rate of 44.1 percent, the highest compared to any other ethnic group.

The same report reflects non-Hispanic black girls are significantly more likely to be obese than non-Hispanic white girls. Roquell E. Wyche, MD, chairman of the Advocacy Committee of the Association of Black Cardiologists and a cardiologist at the Washington Hospital Center in D.C., says there has recently been a generational shift in obesity rates, in which numbers of young adults are becoming obese at younger ages.

“Obesity rates have doubled among adults and tripled among children in the U.S. over the past 20 years,” Wyche comments, “Because African Americans are getting heavier in their lives and carrying the extra weight for longer periods of time, the risk of chronic diseases is significantly increased and life expectancy is projected to be significantly worse. This is the first time our youth may not outlive our generation because of obesity and diabetes.”

Initiatives such as First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! campaign support the fight against childhood obesity and work to educate and promote healthy living to youth and adults. In a society and culture where big hips and thighs are celebrated, Wyche says African Americans possess different cultural views on what is considered a “healthy weight.” She adds obesity is calculated by a ratio of the weight to the height, which is the body mass index (BMI), and a BMI of more than 25 in adults is classified as overweight and over 30 is obese. Therefore, the higher the BMI, the more you are at risk of conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and heart disease, which can cause strokes.

Although age and family history are factors one can’t control, Wyche says blood pressure (which includes reducing your sodium intake to 500 mg a day), cholesterol level, diabetes, tobacco use, excess stress, sedentary lifestyle and obesity are risk factors a person can control to decrease his or her chances of heart disease.

“Within the African American community, we need to readjust our healthy weight ideals, with a concerted focus on a healthy diet and regular exercise,” Wyche says. “Heart disease can be completely avoided by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which is particularly important for the African American community, in which heart disease is the number one cause of death, surpassing all other causes combined.”

Gloss Magazine Online Articles (November 2011)

What do you get when you combine great cuisine and art?

Chicago natives Alicia August-Wright and Patrice Perkins collaborated to create a one-of-a kind recipe in their town. For a city that is well known for its street festivals, Perkins says the two wanted to merge performing arts and food to produce a unique venue.

“This is our hometown, and we like things that are off the beaten path,” says Patrice.

More than 400 food and art lovers gathered this summer at the founders’ first StreetFood Artistry event where various non-profit organizations, musicians, artists and restaurants were showcased.

“We wanted to spotlight artists who aren’t mainstream and also showcase art culture,” adds Patrice.

An attorney and founder of My Lifestyle Zen, Patrice says the concept of the event developed from the food trucks that appeared in the city. In her lifestyle blog, she advocates a work-life balance and the blog features a guide of suggestions of various activities to explore in Chicago. StreetFood Artistry is one of her signature events for her clients, in addition to another venture that followers of her blog could attend.

Alicia, creator of the event planning company A’vents by August, said this affair utilized and showcased her talents in her field. As an event planner, Alicia adds her creative touch as she designs and plans for weddings, parties, fundraiser, and other gatherings.

Chicago Street Musicians, Common Threads and the University of Chicago Charter Schools (Donoghue Campus) were the non-profit organizations that were highlighted at this year’s event. A plethora of local food venues were featured, such as Bistro One West, Dawali Mediterranean Kitchen, E. Leaven Food Company, English, Porkchop and Wow Bao. Some of the city’s food trucks provided tasty meals for the guests. Treasury Wine Estates Americas Company also sponsored a wine tasting for attendees to enjoy.

Patrice says the event featured guests from all over the country in order to garner support and to place a national spotlight on this event.

Other featured activities included a guest mixologist from the Blackbird Restaurant and a cooking class for children with Chef Eric Paul. Guests enjoyed the sights and sounds of other performing artists, such as M.A.D.D. Rhythms and The Real Connection.

Alicia says more unique activities will be added as they work to plan the theme for next year’s event because each year will look different than the others.

“We were pleased with the turnout of the event,” says Patrice. “We’re looking for growth, looking to keep it fresh and keeping people on their toes.”