Day-long event motivated youth to excel in academic, financial and personal responsibility

CHARLOTTE – BLACK PR WIRE  – The UNCF Empower Me Tour Presented by Wells Fargo – a free, traveling college-and-career readiness roadshow sponsored by UNCF (United Negro College Fund) featured entertainer and host of BET’s “Lift Every Voice” program Fonzworth Bentley and local media personality Tonya Rivens as co-hosts for the Charlotte tour stop this past weekend. Other participants included Tish Norman (Founder/CEO, Transforming Leaders Now, Inc.) as moderator, along with Tai Beauchamp (TV Personality/Entrepreneur), Janine Davis (Executive Director, Girl Talk Inc.), Dr. Alex O. Ellis (Motivational Speaker), Michael E. Parker (Founder, You Are A CEO) and Amir Windom (Music Executive) as speakers and workshop leaders.
The UNCF Empower Me Tour was created in partnership with Wells Fargo to prepare students to go to and through college and inspire them to take control of their future by using education as the foundation for achieving their goals and dreams.
“Wells Fargo is always excited to team up with UNCF for the Empower Me Tour,” says Gigi Dixon, Director of Strategic Partnerships for Wells Fargo. “Education is a great equalizer in our country, and it is one of our passions at Wells Fargo. We aim to ensure that students have access to higher education. This tour makes the possibility of college real to young people across the nation.”
The Charlotte tour stop featured entertainers, educators and entrepreneurs who shared their personal academic and business journeys with participating high school and college students. During the day, attendees participated in the Empower Me Tour Zone, an interactive experience for students, parents and educators. The Zone provided an opportunity to engage with college recruiters regarding scholarship and internship opportunities. The Empower Me Tour also provided students and their parents with a full day of exhibits, college and career workshops, and engaging panel discussions with special guests and celebrities.
The 6th annual UNCF Empower Me Tour has visited St. Louis, New Orleans, Dallas, The San Francisco Bay Area, Washington D.C., Los Angeles, Detroit, Memphis and Atlanta in 2013. The tour concludes in Chicago on March 21.

For more information on the UNCF Empower Me Tour go to www.EmpowerMeTour.org

Wells Fargo leaders Dewey Norwood and Georgette “Gigi” Dixon photographed with two Charlotte students who received Mack, Wells Fargo’s commemorative 160th anniversary pony during the UNCF Empower Me Tour.

Seeds Coffee House presents published authors/poets Shaunteka LaTrese and Yolonda Carter “Eternal Communicator” Saturday, March 29th!
An evening of poetic food for the soul!

Make plans to arrive early to attend a special “Meet the Authors”/Book Signing segment (6:30-7:00pm) before the show! Special discounts will be available during this segment.
Please see attached flyer for additional information and a pre-purchase option to have your book(s) in hand when you arrive!

This is a FREE event at Seeds Coffee Shop 174 Oxmoor Rd in Homewood.
Please feel free to share this information with those whom you think may enjoy! 

If you have any questions please feel to contact me for further information.
Thank you in advance for your support and we look forward to seeing you on the 29th!

Yolonda

By EURweb.com

It’s over for Keyshia Cole and “Boobie.”
The R&B star has separated from her basketball player husband Daniel Gibson after less than three years of marriage. Keyshia confirmed the split during a radio interview Thursday morning, when asked about rumors suggesting they had parted ways.
She responded, “We co-parent… He’s a great father… We good.”
Cole recently reunited with the former Cleveland Cavaliers guard to celebrate their son Daniel Jr.’s fourth birthday.
Speculation about the status of the couple’s relationship first surfaced online earlier this year after Cole took to her Twitter and Instagram pages to vent about her love life.
One post read: “Don’t fall in love with someone who says the right things… fall in love with someone who does the right thing.”
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By Esther Callens

To survive in today’s hopeless times calls for treading in your well of confidence.  This may seem arduous but help is available through Bishop Terry O. Burrell, Sr.’s new booklet.  Faith To Keep You Sitting On Top Of The World, its title, offers an encouraging word that can help you sustain during valley experiences. Divinely inspired and based upon sound biblical doctrine, Bishop Burrell’s work presents a compelling faith boost  – something all can benefit from.
Faith To Keep You provides in detail what it means to truly walk by faith. Bishop Burrell explains that through belief in Jesus Christ, divine revelation is given through the Holy Spirit.  Therefore during trials and tribulations, faith walkers experience an inner peace that allows them to rest on God’s promises. Bishop Burrell’s mini book is a valuable weapon of warfare to use against the enemy. His powerful message is a testament to what God can do.
The founder and Pastor of By Faith Ministries International, Bishop Terry O. Burrell, Sr., is a native of Leeds, Alabama. He is also a senior sales consultant at Crown Nissan in Hoover and in 2012 he was the Salesman of the Year. He was also featured in the first issue of The LISA Magazine. Bishop Terry Burrell can be heard weekly on his By Faith Radio Broadcast on WAGG 610.  Faith To Keep You Sitting On Top Of The World is his first published work.

By Esther Callens

First impressions are always the hardest. But things progress flawlessly when an exceptional introduction is made. Such is the case with 303, the exciting new release from drummer and composer Rudy Royston.  Presenting 10 original compositions along with two interpretations, 303 proves to be an act of musical brilliancy.
Royston is an amazing young drummer and a remarkable talent. He is showcased at the helm of 303 (named after Denver’s area code) as it is his debut album as a leader.  Having already taken the New York jazz scene by surprise, now he has progressed further by composing and releasing this magnificent, stellar project.
“Mimi Sunrise” is first up in this collection. It opens with roughly two minutes of an avant-garde reverberation that progresses into a mid-tempo mellow groove. “Miles to Go” (Sunset Road) is pure funk with the bass laying down a rhythm that Royston and friends dance around. Royston’s play on Mozart’s Ave Verum Corpus is absolutely breathtaking. An intimate side of Royston is shown on “Goodnight Kinyah.” It is a beautiful cradle song he wrote for his daughter.  The set would not be complete without Royston showing his mad skills.  He is scorching on “Bownze.”  Royston is a man of many talents. Fans would love to hear much more of him on future projects.
Rudy Royston was born in Texas and reared in Colorado.  The youngest of five siblings, he began playing drums in church.  He has performed with a plethora of talent that includes J. D. Allen, Bill Frisell, Jennifer Holiday, Ron Miles and others. 303 is released through Greenleaf Music.
Album listing:  Mimi Sunrise; Play on Words; Prayer (for the People); Goodnight Kinyah; Gangs of New York; High and Dry; Miles to Go (Sunset Road); 303; Ave Verum Corpus; Bownze; Prayer (for the Earth).

Album personnel:  Rudy Royston: drums, percussion; Sam Harris: piano; Yasushi Nakamura: bass; Mimi Jones: bass; Jon Irabagon: saxophones; Nadja Noordhuis: trumpet; Nir Felder: guitar.

BY MEREDITH COOPER

THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL
Rick found Brooke passed out in Eric’s living room and became livid when he realized why his mother had been drinking. Thorne returned from Paris and became concerned when Aly confided in him that she’s speaking to her dead mother, Darla. Thorne cautiously attempted to convince Aly to become more accepting of Wyatt and Hope. While in bed, Wyatt pitched Hope his idea for the newest HFTF line and told her that he’s going to present it to the team. Wyatt brought in a life-size cutout of Hope as he presented his newest concept to the team at Forrester Creations. Aly became outraged at Wyatt’s newest pitch and called Hope out on her participation. Brooke voiced her regrets about the past and the present to Donna. Pam recounted to Liam the story of how Aly’s mother died. She also tipped him off about what’s currently happening in the Forrester CEO office. Rick, Eric, Caroline, Quinn, Carter and Maya discussed the possible ramifications of changing the message of HFTF. Hope put her foot down with Aly and told her that the decision about the line is hers, not Aly’s, to make. While Aly and Hope discussed the situation, Liam and Wyatt argued about which way Hope will go and who knows her better.  Later, Quinn watched as Liam surprised Hope with an unexpected gesture of his love.  Rick filled Hope in on what happened with Brooke earlier at Eric’s house.  He then put in a good word for Bill to his mom.  Liam gave his father sound advice when Bill asked him to help him win Brooke back.  Quinn told Wyatt that she isn’t threatened by Brooke, that she’s not the right person for him.  Bill surprised Brooke when he showed up at her front door.  Bill attempted to convince Brooke to allow him back into her heart and into her bed.  THIS WEEK: Wyatt and Hope share a romantic evening.  Bill receives two surprise visitors, one welcome and one unwelcome, in one night.
DAYS OF OUR LIVES
Nick uncovered Kate’s secret!  Sami warned Kate not to fall for Stefano again. John tried to get Theresa out of Brady’s life. Rafe had a violent reaction to finding Jordan with Ben. Sonny and Will asked Marlena for a special favor regarding their upcoming wedding.  Kate stirred up trouble for EJ and Sami. Abigail lashed out at EJ. Rafe learned the truth about Jordan and Ben’s relationship. Eric got disappointing news about his future with Nicole. Theresa had a shocking realization about Liam. After a blowup with Maggie, Brady sought out information about Theresa from Jennifer. Nick tried to plant seeds of doubt in Will’s mind about Sonny.  Theresa made a surprising choice when she learned Liam’s true intentions.  Marlena reached out to Nicole – who questioned her sincerity. John tried to reach through to Brady. JJ was thrown when he learned Paige knows a lot more about him than he realized. Nicole decided to dispose of the shredded evidence for good – but someone caught her in the act! Things heated up between Brady and Theresa, and they took things to the next level. When Aiden charmed Kayla, she asked Hope for the scoop on the new lawyer in town.
THIS WEEK: Hope is cautious about what she says to Kayla. Theresa makes assumptions about Brady that might be problematic.
GENERAL HOSPITAL
The drama intensified throughout Wyndemere, as Nikolas and Britt’s engagement party was in full force. Elizabeth had her own way of handling the baby Ben revelation, while Dr. Obrecht threatened Brad if he exposes the truth. Alexis confronted Ric about being in cahoots with Julian. Dante tried to be sensitive to Lulu’s maternal feelings. Tracy walked in on a covert meeting with Luke. Lulu stunned the engagement party with a wild assertion that broke up the party. Sonny questioned Luke about the Jeromes and hinted that he believes that Ric’s tied to Julian. Julian was so offended by Alexis’s interrogation about Ric that it led to a heated argument. Silas and Sam were surprised to find his apartment ransacked and suspected who might be responsible. Dante and Lulu were appalled by Dr. Obrecht’s latest scheme involving Ben. While Britt tried to plead her case, an enraged Nikolas condemned her behavior.  Lucas had hard questions for Brad about his part in Britt’s cover-up.  Ric attempted to woo Elizabeth by trying to get her to forget about Nikolas. Silas and Sam called in Nathan to determine the motive behind Silas’s trashed apartment. In the interim, Nathan learned disturbing news about Nina. Kiki caught Ava ready to enter AJ’s room and updated her so-called concerned mother about his condition. Carly approached Kiki and Ava, causing Ava to taunt Carly. Dante prodded Britt about the Ben situation and apologized to Lulu. Nikolas was heartbroken over Britt’s actions. Silas made a startling admission to Sam about Nina while Anna pressed. As AJ fought for his life, Carly discovered who shot him. Dante and Britt made contact with Orbrecht and tried to convince her to divulge her latest ploy. Michael and Kiki were at odds over Ava’s involvement with AJ.
THIS WEEK: Monica lays into Sonny about his treatment of AJ over the years. A guilty Nikolas visits Elizabeth at home, but he is unaware that danger was lurking nearby.
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
When Ian Ward’s ex-wife Willa stopped by the coffee house, she informed Dylan and Avery that there’s more to know about Ian, but first she needed to know that there was something in it for her. Dylan and Avery suspected that Ian put her up to this and told her they’re not interested in anything she has to say. Dylan worried that Willa might try and get money from Nikki. Meanwhile, Nikki told Paul that Dylan sent Willa packing. Chelsea told Victor about the blocked phone call she received and that Billy wants her to stop looking for Adam. Victor called his P.I. to look into Chelsea’s phone records and also asked for Billy to be investigated until they find out exactly what happened to Adam.  Meanwhile, Detective Harding and Paul met with the homeless man who was at the accident site. Leslie and Neil bumped into each other as he prepared to head out of town. When Leslie suspected that he’s already seeing someone else, she hurried off before Neil had a chance to clarify that he’s only going out of town on business with Hilary. While in Los Angeles, Neil and Hilary visited The Price is Right!  Jack demanded answers as to why Victor had been checking up on Phyllis. Victor told Jack that he’s concerned for Summer and that he doesn’t want her believing that her mother will wake up if she isn’t really going to. Victor suspected that Jack set him up and was really behind the sale of the tainted drugs. When Colin pressured Cane about wanting to get back into the corporate world, Cane insisted that he’s not interested in getting his job back or proving himself to Victor. Cane insisted that he’s only interested in who wanted to tarnish Chancellor’s good name by manipulating him into buying Bonaventure. Lauren and Lily met with Chelsea and Chloe about the new Fenmore’s boutique that’s opening up at the club and shared that they would like to carry Chelsea’s new line. Victoria and Reed ran into Stitch at Crimson Lights.  THIS WEEK: Abby arranges for Tyler and Victor to get better acquainted. Billy asks Victoria if she was ever going to tell him she was back in town.