Little Known Black History Facts

By: Ayana Bryant-Weekes 

The A Team Talk Show could not let the month of February go by without acknowledging the brilliant African Americans achievements that came before us. Enjoy these little known Black History Facts in honor of Black History Month.  

Richard Allen

Born a slave in Philadelphia on February 14, 1764 Richard Allen was an African American clergyman and founder of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. He was first Pastor of a black group that withdrew from Methodist Episcopal Church. When the AME church was organized, Richard Allen was consecrated as its first Bishop. 

Mary Elizabeth Mahoney 

In 1879 she was the first African American to study and work as a professionally trained nurse in the United States. She was also one of the first African Americans to graduate from a nursing school which is now Howard University. She also co-founded the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses which strived to lift the standard for everyday life for African American registered nurses. 

Nat "The Bush Doctor" 

He opened his first hair shop in 1963 at just 23 years old called Nat's Hair Care Clinic. Originally nicknamed The Hair Doctor, once 'The Afro' made its trending debut, he made his focus the treatment of The Fro, not just the styling of it and thus became known as  The Bush Doctor. 

Zelda Wynn Valdes 

An African American fashion/costume designer who owned and opened the first shop on Broadway in 1948 in New York City called "Chest Zelda". It was the first in this area to be owned by an African American. She became famous because of her design for the iconic Playboy Bunny costume but she has also dressed the likes of Dorothy Dandridge, Marian Anderson, Josephine Baker, Ella Fitzgerald, Joyce Bryant, Maria Cole, Edna Robinson, and Mae West. 

This is the scene of the Greenwood District "The Black Wall Street" on June 1, 1921. The wealthiest African American community in the United States was completely destroyed during the Tulsa Race Riot. 

The Fashion Week Freeze

By: Ayana Bryant-Weekes

New York Fashion Week is testing the fashion sense of Fashion’s most stylish people with bone chilling winter weather during the busiest time in fashion! Here are some answers to the question: How to survive the Fashion Week Freeze?!

The Vogue Paris Fashion Blog had this to say about the cold during NYFW “Winteris not joking here in New York!! in her sleek black Shearling coat and bulky scarf. 

BODY HEAT! Check out these Off Duty Models keeping it cute AND WARM during the freeze of Fashion week 15!! To stay warm while keeping your style in tact in this frigid weather, GET YOUR GIRLS! HUDDLE UP! & SAY CHEESE!

You wouldn’t dare leave your house without a warm hat on your head and neither would this NYFW attendee who made sure they were covered!

 Dont let the Sunshine fool you! Even though it didn’t snow the polar air still hit so hard you could cry! Prevent winter tears like this NYFW attendee who won’t be crying over cold temps!

Sometimes a scarf just doesn’t cut it! Take warmth from the neck up to a new level with a fur sash like Vanessa Hong’s @thehautepursuit . No hung heads this way!

 Protect your fly from winter residue with a wrap cape like this vintage Moroccan cape from Marrakech! Don’t let salt and water stains catch you slipping! 

Bundle or Brave? Some may sit pretty in this cold with Rihanna’s “Winter is NO match for me!” attitude and dare to brave the chilling temps still hot enough bare a little skin, but I am all here for Cassie giving us “Winter, No Thank you!” front row at NYFW, bundled warm & UNBOTHERED by the cold!

YES! It’s THAT cold! NYFW is bringing out some ice cold winter fashions because we’re all just trying to be stylish without freezing! Kelly Rowland and Editor in Chief of Lucky Magazine, Eva Chen, wore what we’ve all been thinking – it’s actually cold enough for Double Coats!

****************************************************************************************************

Then, when it gets closer to warm weather and our prayers of Spring have FINALLY been answerd, Comfy Sweatshirt it is! But, nothing says hoping for spring days more like Chunky Sweaters !! Hurry Spring!!!!!

 - Ayana

Preachers of Detroit

By: Ayana Bryant-Weekes

 

So, maybe you’ve heard or maybe you haven’t, Preachers of L.A. is coming to Detroit! Not the actual preachers of L.A., but Oxygen is soon to premier the Detroit edition of the controversial reality show starring prominent local preachers. That’s right, Detroit, Mi will be the next city to feature its Pastors and other church figures…on a reality TV show. I’ll admit, I have always been leery of the church getting involved with this type of platform because of the stigma that comes with reality TV – drama, controversy, and real ratchet behavior – so when The A Team got invited to the Preachers of Detroit press dinner at  the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History this past Thursday,  Though I was hesitant to fully support the idea, I took it as an opportunity to finally get a better understanding of the show and the cast.

L to R Ayana Bryant-Weekes - Blog Manager, Brittney Robinson - Videographer, Ambrea Curry - Host

The Preachers of Detroit cast includes Bishop Charles Ellis III, Senior Pastor of Greater Grace Temple who believes “it’s one thing to pray, but when you’re done praying, you have to get up and do something.” Bishop Ellis talked passionately about how the pressure of being a 3^rd generation preacher gave him a solid foundation for a sound message despite people’s expectations for you to “become what you came from.” “Each man must minister to his own generation.”  Bishop Ellis also encouraged us to embrace our pasts but remain focused on the future. “You cannot minister to an iPad generation with an 8 track ministry… [You have to] give something for everybody, you to have some Amazing Grace and Blessed Assurance, some STOMP and some We Lift Our Hands in the Sanctuary.”

Bishop Corletta Vaughn is the Senior Pastor of The Holy Ghost Cathedral and Chief Apostle to Go Tell It Evangelistic Ministry Worldwide. Bishop Vaughn “shattered the stained glass ceiling of the church world” by becoming a female Bishop against her Baptist church’s strict rules. The message that Bishop Vaughn is extremely passionate about is women and how women are going to shape the next few generations. “I want women who have grown weary of the political, sexual battle in the church to take hope in watching a female bishop.” Her passion, she hopes, leads to remind women that, “There are options, [women] can do great things and are not limited by their gender. Gender is not a curse and women can soar and impact a generation.”

Evangelist Dorinda Clark-Cole, administrator at the Greater Emmanuel Institutional Church of God in Christ (Bishop J. Drew Sheard), member of the iconic gospel group, The Clark Sisters and three-time Grammy Award-winner who believes that as women continue to rise to prominent positions in their careers and in the church, there still remain pressures that women can’t handle that men can. During the panel discussion Evangelist Cole stayed confident and steadfast in voicing her opinion that men are better leaders, and that as women continue to be more liberated they should remain submissive to male leaders, citing her Church of God in Christ upbringing for the importance of honoring feminine roles in the church.

Pastor Don William Shelby Jr., Pastor and founder of Burning Bush International Ministries Church of God in Christ (alongside wife, Bonita Shelby) brought up a point of nostalgia as he sang the PURITY song with his children in an adorable clip from the show. Pastor Shelby shared that his responsibility as a family man comes first, “I am no better of a preacher than I am of a husband and father… It is Jesus’ business to take care of his bride [the church] and my business is to take care of mine.” Pastor Shelby shared with us the Importance of living a life that young people can follow. “I can be a much better leader to them if I show them as opposed to telling them.” As a product of Purity Class who married his wife as a virgin, it was inspiring to hear Pastor Shelby describe how he equips his 5 children to deal with the temptations of premarital sex by being an example and model, walking before them in purity and righteousness. “It is so important for my children to see me love my wife and be accountable to [my children] as it relates to sexual cleanness.” It was also hilarious listening to him describe his desire for 10 children and the compromise of Mrs. Shelby to give him 5!

Pastor Tim Alden who ministers at the City of Praise Christian Church shares Pastor Shelby’s sentiment of preaching abstinence and purity and wants to, “…Open the dialogue about the issues of pop culture... we need to shape the culture the way the church is supposed to.” As a virgin in his early fifties, Pastor Tim believes “There is an honor in being unmarried and having integrity and walking in sexual purity. That’s a standard and example that’s missing in our culture today where ¼ young adults has an STD.” During the season we can look forward to seeing how his love for the presence of God detached him from his Catholic roots and led him to a life of fulfillment in the Pentecostal church, a life in worship that keeps him full and not looking for something in the world to satisfy him, “I was so attracted to the joy, passion, and presence of God [in the Pentecostal church] and I didn’t feel it in the Catholic church… Whatever they told me I had to do to experience that kind of joy I was willing to do.” Pastor Tim gravitated towards a holy lifestyle not knowing the impact or understanding the time in history that God would raise him up to chariot this cause and message, “It’s the Purity Revolution to counteract the Sexual Revolution of the 60’s.”

Bishop Clarence Langston (congratulations on being recently elevated to the office off Bishop) the Founder and Senior Pastor of Word in Action Christian Center (joined in ministry by his wife, Co-Pastor Robyn Langston) called himself a miracle as he sat on the same panel as other men and women of God who had been brought up in church and in godly homes with total families, as someone who didn’t even know his family was broken until he saw a whole family under the guidance of his spiritual father. Bishop Langston plans to promote the dynamics of a total family, the presence of Godly men and the blessing of the family in loving God.

 And the final member of the Preachers of Detroit cast includes activist and Pastor of Greater St. Matthew Baptist Church, David Bullock, who stands by what he believes to be the essence of religious impulse – action. Pastor Bullock’s “love is ministry” approach to ministry is steeped in a tradition of social, political economic action, “I don’t want to be so heavenly minded that I am no Earthly good.” As a single Pastor, along with Pastor Tim Alden, Pastor Bullock knows there is pressure on him and follows the example of the people of God that came before him and weren’t married (Jesus, Paul, Joan of Arc etc.). Pastor Bullock also knows the importance of intimacy but wants to shed a different light on the idea, “ You cannot have a successful worship experience without intimacy…if we are the bride of Christ then in some deep, spiritual sense, unless I have an understanding of intimacy, I cannot experience God to a certain caliber.” Pastor Bullock added,  “There is so much about the human experience that is erotic and requires intimacy in order for it to be valuable and significant…The church is so afraid that people are going to slip into sex that we don’t teach people that you can practice a focused, disciplined, spiritual and significant, holy intimacy that will free you and allow you to experience levels of joy and have heaven on Earth.”

Live from the Preachers of Detroit Press Dinner Red Carpet

Sounds like an amazingly well rounded cast that is sure to give us good TV and still uphold a Godly standard, which was the reason most of the cast decided to embark on a journey they collectively described as “Insightful, reflective and life changing.” Bishop Vaughn intends to “show Detroit as a part of God’s restoration plan and to show the world the most wonderful, gutsy, hopeful, Godly people.” Bishop Ellis’s hopes to shed light on “Some of the great things the churches (and pastors) are doing for the community in a much broader audience.” Pastor Don Shelby hopes his role on the show will, “Share the importance of family and walking in holiness and integrity as a man of God.” Pastor Bullock chimed in with a quintessential description of what filming the show has been like for the cast, “It was empowering to work with people with the same message but a different method. “ Listening to these great men and women of God and hearing their stories most definitely changed my preconceived notion about religious leaders and reality TV. As far as I’m concerned, the message of Christ is being broadcasted on national television through the lives of these preachers who go through the same issues as anyone else. 

“This is a reality show…. not a church service or panel discussion [but] a chance to instill significant life moments in a 45 minute episode and we want it to be exciting… it will elevate Preachers, Pastors, Bishops and congregations in a way they wouldn’t have been elevated before. Maybe someone will peep in and have a desire to be saved. [And] If the hate comes it’s coming from the saved.” 

Pastor David  Bullock. 
Preachers of Detroit will air Friday February 20, 2015 at 8 pm. 

Ayana & Ambrea on the Preachers of Detroit Red Carpet

Ambrea & Brittney

Ayana

Brittney & Ambrea in action

A Team Talk Show Host Ambrea Curry also had the opportunity to talk with the cast on the press dinner Red Carpet. To see the full interview and behind the scene footage of the entire night, subscribe to the A Team Talk Show YouTube Channel!

He Who Has A Goal!

 

 

 

    “He who haveth a Goal

                   has a

     Future ! ”

 

2015, a new year.. a fresh start. In this life a clean slate is something we all hope and  pray for, if it were that easy. However, there are definitely some resolution critics out there. People who criticize others for having never ending resolutions, repeated resolutions or having none at all. Though never following through on any of your resolutions can be a sign of non-commitment,  I really believe that at least having the thought to advance, in some way, is a great start. So many of my peers walk around clueless and living for the moment...never taking into consideration that our todays shape our tomorrows. The choices we make have a huge impact on our later years. Sure, there is nothing wrong with being young and free but when you have something to lose its not always wise.  

 

In life there is one thing I believe helps one ignore all the noise of the world and that a is having a GOAL. A goal is one or many things the are at the forefront of your mind at all times. They'll keep you out of trouble, from hanging with the wrong crowd, and from letting relationships consume you but no goal is achieved without a plan. To plan means that you are actively involved in your own success. Planning can be in the simplest ways, and doesn't have to extravagant. Successful plans are simple and consistent steps toward your goal. Consistency is also a huge part of actually attaining you goals. People can see that you are passionate about your endeavors and it makes it that much more of an encouragement to potential supporters. Here 4 simple ways to start your path down the road to the life you've always imagined.   

1. Set your goals

 

2. Work your plan 

 

3. Stay consistent

(If you fall off, pick back up and don't get discouraged! 

Someone is watching and counting on you, and you may be the

very reason they decide to go after their dreams!) 

 

4. Watch you results

 

 

 

Check out these inspirational quotes below!

 

--Ambrea XOXO

Winter Essentials ~ Illustrious Liz

We've made it halfway through winter 2015 and THANK GOD!!  It has been a mild winter here in Michigan so far HOWEVER, we still have about 7 more weeks to go and I have my fingers crossed that the weather will continue to be above average.  Last year it felt like winter lasted forever and my winter essentials consisted of a turtleneck, leggings, long sweater, and snow boots. Here are my Winter Essentials for this year:

Shea Butter to moisturize my skin 

Petroleum Jelly- for my lips and skin

Pom Pom Hat- to keep my head & ears warm

Fingerless Mittens- to keep my hands warm, but keep my fingers free for my phone

Black Turtleneck- to wear alone with a bottom or to layer with

Sweaters- I love to simply throw on unique, chunky sweaters and go

Statement Necklace- looks great with blouses, dresses, and sweaters

Tights- I wear black tights just about everyday 

Boots-  these boots are perfect because they have a little heel and they fit my calves.

What are your Winter Essentials?

Liz

liz@illustriousliz.com 

Store: www.illustriousjewelry.com 

Blog: www.illustriousliz.com 

Twitter: @illustriousliz 

"Adding Sparkle to the World one Accessory at a Time"

I Still Have A Dream

By: Ayana Bryant-Weekes

Don’t you hate when you wake up and can’t remember a dream you were just having. How is it possible to lose an entire vision in one instant going from being asleep to being awake?! As frustrating as forgetting a dream can be, there are some dreams we can never forget. From a very young age we are encouraged to dream, to create an ideal future for ourselves in our minds. The adults around us carefully cultivated our interests and expressions so that our dreams could become attainable goals. For some of us these adults were our parents, aunties and uncles, for others these adults were teachers and sports coaches, and for 80’s and 90’s babies like me, the adults at our local community center helped develop our dreams through creativity in a fun, learning environment.

This past weekend was filled with dreams, old and new, justifiably so as the nation celebrated the legacy of one of the greatest dreamers in American history—

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His daring ability to dream, to imagine, envisioning a future far more beautiful than the present, echoed through generations and continues to rouse the dreamer in each of us.

            I got to celebrate Dr. King’s legacy of a dream by supporting the dream of another, and got to hear some good Detroit singing too! This celebration took place on Monday January 19, 2015 (Martin Luther King Day) at The Revolution Church in Southfield, Mi (such a befitting venue for the spirit of this occasion). Some of the biggest—as well as some of the newest— names in gospel singing along with other amazingly talented young people came together in concert to celebrate the dream of Dr, King as well as the dream of Kimberly Sheard, founder of Kreative Beginnings Development Center. 

What is Kreative Beginnings? Kreative Beginnings is an early childhood development center, “A Place Where Learning and Creativity Are One” as the slogan reads. The founder, Kim Sheard, has been in the early childhood development field for 10 years and has always valued creativity as a tool to expand the minds of children in the beginning stages of their development, hence the name Kreative Beginnings.

The I Still Have A Dream Benefit Concert honored Dr. King’s dream and simultaneously offered support for Kim Sheard in the continuation of that dream in the lives of our own children, and the line up was MAJOR—ChozenTeens Youth Choir of Second Ebenezer Church (Pastor Edgar L. Vann), Staccato Dance Works (Hazel Park), Shelby 5 (Ypsilanti), Marc Jay & Jay Crew(Detroit), Kierra Sheard and Shana Wilson-Williams! Along with other young, Detroit bred entrepreneurs in attendance, we celebrated and encouraged Kimberly Sheard and her dream, which has now become a reality.  I cannot forget to mention this was a FREE event!

Kierra Sheard

Shana Wilson -Williams

ChozenTeens - Second Ebenezer Church

Staccato Dance Works

Staccato Dance Works

Marc Jay & Jay Crew

Shelby 5

Shelb 5

Detroit Entrepreneurs present Kim Sheard with Honorable Plaque.

               Kim Sheard is so passionate about children that even when her first attempt at a child development center didn’t happen, she didn’t let a lack of financial resources stop her from stepping out on faith a second time, “My main [obstacle] was to just start…and to believe that one day it will become the big dream that I have.” At the end of the concert (which was more of a worship experience than a concert) as Kim took the stage to say her thanks she announced “A Kreative Summer”, the Kreative Beginnings Summer Program, despite difficulty finding infrastructure, and despite what seemed like a lack of financial resources. Inspired by Kim’s accomplishment, I quietly said a prayer for the success of every person sitting in the room with a dream, that their faith would be increased to take the first step without seeing the full staircase and that their passion be fueled by their God given purpose. “We don’t realize how much we learned as a child…I want to be the part of society that says disregard what ‘they’ say, you can be anything… especially for African American children.”

                                                                              

A Kreative Summer starts June 15, 2015 - August 28, 2015 for ages 4-12 and offers weekly field trips, academic reinforcement, tutoring Zumba and MUCH more! To find out more information about Kreative Beginnings or to register your child/children for A Kreative Summer:

Kreative Beginnings Development Center

13737 Curtis Ave. Detroit, Michigan 48235

248-325-8129

Instagram @KreativeBeginnings

KreativeBeginnings14@gmail.com

Intelligence plus character — that is the goal of true education.

            -Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

****To see the FULL interview with Ambrea Curry (A Team Host) and Kimberly Sheard, Founder of Kreative Beginnings, Subscribe to The ATeam Talk Show YouTube Channel!!!

Be Our Guest

You may recognize some of the faces in the picture above. These, are the faces of young men and women like you who are leaving an imprint of themselves on the world in their own way. The A Team's motto is "All About Advancement" and we make it point to let another emerging game-changer tell their story, share a lesson they've learned or promote a business they've started with our audience as a guest blogger. The A Team Talk show has been blessed to have had some AMAZING guest bloggers each month and in case you're just tuning in to The A Team or somehow missed a guest feature, take a second look at our guest bloggers from the past!! 

Louise Ogadinma

 Determination Allowed My Lifestyle To Change 

Chanelle Ward

 I LUV My Mani/Pedi But.... 

LaToya Early  

Patience During The Process 

Jasmine Rivers 

Now Think On That 

Lisa Cook  

Domestic Violence And Social Media 

 Damaris 

The Importance Of Dating Yourself 

Arthur Cartwright 

Keep Making Noise  

Cali Monae  

Unwrap your gift: Discovering The Real You 

**If you're interested in becoming a guest blogger for The A Team Talk Show email: theateamtalkshow@gmail.com