Volume 3 Issue 002 | www.urbanfaithmagazine.com | August 2011 | $3.99

Urban Faith Magazine is a Urban Faith Media publication and is a member of the Urban Gospel Alliance

International.

www.urbanfaithmagazine.com

P.O. Box 2233

Shreveport, Louisiana 71129 318-933-2484

Greetings Favorite

Readers! I am so

excited to present this issue of Urban Faith Magazine. It

has been a while

between issues

and we have re-vamped a few ar-eas. Have you

taken a look at our new website? We

hope you like it. It is user-friendly and you can find articles that you would not

find in the magazine and vice versa. There are a few other changes as well. We are also accepting applications for in-

terns. Just visit the website at www.urbanfaithmagazine.com for more

info about that. August is National Black Business Month.

We have given you a list of “31 Ways in 31 Days” to celebrate. We hope that you will continue these practices throughout

the year in supporting Black Owned busi-nesses.

If you don’t already know them, let me introduce you to forever Jones, is a

GRAMMY® nominated, Stellar Award win-ning Christian gospel group formed by husband and wife DeWitt and Kim Jones

and their five children who calls Shreve-port home. The more I listen, the more I love them. And you will too!

“The Five Heartbeats,” my favorite movie

of all time, celebrates 20 years as a cult

classic! So I had to include the MAN, Robert Townsend in this issue! If you have not seen the movie, buy it, watch it,

love it. Also, check out another Robert

Townsend Production, Diary of a Single

Mom. You will absolutely fall in love. Enjoy

STAFF

Alynetta Beck

Editor in Chief We are accepting applications for internships

in the following departments:

Writers

Layout & Graphics

Photography

We also accepting stories from contributing

writers. At this time there is no compensa-tion for your story. Please include your

name, and contact information with inquiry and story.

Send information to:

info@urbanfaithmagazine.com.

SPECIAL THANKS TO:

Robert Townsend

Pic.tv Black Money Worldwide

EMI Gospel

National Black Church Initiative

Rev. Eddie Giles

Vincent Williams

Extensions of Excellence

August is National Black Business Month. The eighth Na-

tional Black Business Month encourages consumers and institu-

tions to visit at least one black owned business on each of the

31 days of August. Following is our list of suggested ways to

support black business on each day.

MONDAY, August 1 Make a deposit in a black-owned bank

locally or online

TUESDAY, August 2 Shop online with a black-owned web

merchant

WEDNESDAY, August 3 Shop with a black-owned bookstore

or publisher

THURSDAY, August 4 Buy grocery items from a black manu-

facturer

FRIDAY, August 5 Eat at a black-owned restaurant

SATURDAY, August 6 Buy produce from a black farmer/

gardener/vintner

SUNDAY, August 7 Attend and support a black church

MONDAY, August 8 Donate to a black civil rights organization

TUESDAY, August 9 Support an historically black college and

university

WEDNESDAY, August 10 Get a quote from black contractor

THURSDAY, August 11 Visit an African-American museum

FRIDAY, August 12 Attend, subscribe to an African-American

theater

SATURDAY, August 13 Watch or rent a film by a black pro-

ducer

SUNDAY, August 14 Book lodging at a black-owned hotel

MONDAY, August 15 Encourage state, local officials to use

black vendors

TUESDAY, August 16 Subscribe to a black newspaper, maga-

zine

WEDNESDSAY, August 17 Contribute to a black political

candidate

THURSDAY, August 18 Buy black memorabilia or art

FRIDAY, August 19 Visit black beauty or barber shop

SATURDAY, August 20 Buy clothing designed by black de-

signers/labels

SUNDAY, August 21 Buy music by black producers

MONDAY, August 22 Connect students with black private

schools

TUESDAY, August 23 Visit a black retail business

WEDNESDAY, August 24 Call an African-American real es-

tate business

THURSDAY, August 25 Make appointment with black doctor,

dentist

FRIDAY, August 26 Buy stock of black publicly-traded com-

pany

SATURDAY, August 27 Make an angel investment in a black

startup

SUNDAY, August 28 Visit a black cultural event

MONDAY, August 29 Trade with a black-owned brokerage

TUESDAY, August 30 Make appointment with black insurance

firm

WEDNESDAY, August 31 Buy technology, services from

black IT company

From blackmoney.com

STAFF

Alynetta Beck

Editor in Chief We are accepting applications for internships

in the following departments:

Writers

Layout & Graphics

Photography

We also accepting stories from contributing

writers. At this time there is no compensa-tion for your story. Please include your

name, and contact information with inquiry and story.

Send information to:

info@urbanfaithmagazine.com.

SPECIAL THANKS TO:

Robert Townsend

Pic.tv Black Money Worldwide

EMI Gospel

National Black Church Initiative

Rev. Eddie Giles

Vincent Williams

Extensions of Excellence

Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him (Psalm 127:3). While some may gloss over this declaration

in the book of Psalms in passing, this verse is at the very core

of the Jones family, known musically as forever JONES.

Early in their marriage, Dewitt & Kim Jones were given dev-

astating news. A bout with toxic shock syndrome at age 18 had resulted in Kim being diagnosed with Pelvic Inflamma-

tory Disease, and the young newlyweds were told they would

likely never have children. The doctor prescribed medication for Kim, but she made a decision not to take it, but rather to

completely trust God with her life and for her healing.

Now, after 31 years of marriage and miracle after miracle,

Dewitt and Kim have 5 children and recently welcomed their

first grandchild. Indeed, ―children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from Him.‖ It wasn‘t until Kim was hold-

ing her fourth newborn in her arms that she was told the con-

dition she had been diagnosed with was known to completely sterilize 99% of the women who have it. ―I looked at my

miracle Judah and my 3 other kids at that time and said,

‗God, you gave me a miracle,‖ Kim remembers. ―I didn‘t

even realize how big of a miracle it was.‖

Both growing up in the state of Washington, Dewitt and Kim come from very musical backgrounds and have been travel-

ing, writing songs together and singing Gospel music in one

form or another since their teens. Dewitt experienced early success as a songwriter when world-renowned worship leader

Ron Kenoly recorded his composition ―Use Me‖ on the land-

mark 1994 album―God Is Able.‖ Since then, that song has

gone on to become a staple in many churches around the world and has been covered numerous times, most notably by

the GRAMMY® Award winning Brooklyn Tabernacle

Choir.

A songwriter and musician most all his life, it wasn‘t until Dewitt obeyed a very specific call from the Lord that there

was a marked moment in the young family‘s life that would

notably change their path forever. ―20 years ago the Lord

gave me an invitation to spend time with Him at 9 A.M. every morning,‖ recalls Dewitt. ―I remembered the account

in 1 Chronicles, where Obed Edom had the amazing privilege

of entertaining the Ark of the Covenant, the very presence of God, in his home for 90 days. As a result, everything he had

was blessed.‖ Those 9 A.M. family devotions and worship

times have not stopped since, and continue to be the founda-tion and driving force behind the heart for worship and pas-

sion for the presence of God that forever JONES so fer-

vently embody.

It was through a long time relationship with their manager

Jeoffrey Benward that the Jones family was introduced to GRAMMY® Award winningwriter/producer Tommy

Sims. I took no time at all for Sims to take a liking to what

he heard and saw and quickly signed up to produce forever Jones‘ debut recording. ―In 20 years of being in professional

music, I‘ve never heard anything like this,‖ proclaims Sims,

himself no stranger to the very best that the music world has

to offer.

The resulting album, “Get Ready” (EMI Gospel), is a spirited and distinctive tour-de-force of pop/rock/soul Gospel that

captivates listeners from beginning to end. From the in-

stantly memorable piano-driven pop melody of “Heaven” to the swirling throw back in-the-pocket rhythm of the title

track and lush melodic song of worship “You Can Do Any-

thing”, the songs alone are remarkable selling points from

this otherwise ―debut‖ group. ―All of our songs are born out of our 9 A.M. family devotions,‖ says Dewitt. God-breathed,

indeed.

While mom and dad are certainly prominent figures in the group, each contributing musicians and vocalists on the pro-

ject, forever JONES‘ ―Get Ready‖ is nothing less than a full

-fledged family affair, with all 5 children adding the mix with

their respective musical gifts.

The Jones‘ eldest daughter D‘Jeniele‘ (pronounced Jineel) is not only a songwriter, vocalist and guitarist but also now a

wife and mother herself. One of the shining moments on

―Get Ready‖ is “Adoration (SoAmazing)”, which was com-posed by D‘leniele‘ and finds her rendering flawless harmo-

nious praise with her younger sister Dominique. In addition

to being one of forever Jones‘ principal songwriters, Domi-

nique is a dynamic vocalist and multi-instrumentalist in her own right, often writing complex arrangements on both the

guitar and keys. While ―Get Ready‖ is replete with ―wow‖

moments, Dominique‘s compositions “He Wants It All” (the first radio single) and “Heaven” are easily two of the most

standout tracks.

Youngest daughter Mya Joy Grace may be the latest addition

to the family but that certainly doesn‘t diminish her contribu-

tion to the family or group. In the context of the Jones fam-ily‘s testimony, there‘ssomething riveting about hearing Mya

deliver the closing line of “Time To Believe”, her favorite

song on the album.

Not to be out done by their sisters, the Jones‘ sons Dewitt IV and Judah also bring a considerable amount of musical chops

and charisma of their own to the table. Sharing both his fa-

ther‘s musical ability and heart for others, Dewitt IV is a born

leader who also happens to be quite an accomplished bass player. Kim remembers an infant Dewitt hearing his father

playing the organ and mimicking the groove he heard with his mouth. Youngest son Judah has been the group‘s drum-

mer since the age of two when pots and pans were his percus-

sive instruments of choice. An avid student of great drum-

mers for much of his life, Judah‘s God-given ability is now

the rhythmic backbone of the forever JONES sound.

While their roots are in the Northwest where they still travel

and minister, the Jones family now makes their home in

Shreveport, LA where they are all actively involved in minis-try at their church, Shreveport Community Church. ―We are

living a miracle,‖ says Kim. ―Any time I stand on any stage

with my children is an amazing moment and reminder of

God‘s faithfulness to me and my family.‖

For booking information about forever Jones, visit

http://foreverjones.emigospel.com/

Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him (Psalm 127:3). While some may gloss over this declaration

in the book of Psalms in passing, this verse is at the very core

of the Jones family, known musically as forever JONES.

Early in their marriage, Dewitt & Kim Jones were given dev-

astating news. A bout with toxic shock syndrome at age 18 had resulted in Kim being diagnosed with Pelvic Inflamma-

tory Disease, and the young newlyweds were told they would

likely never have children. The doctor prescribed medication for Kim, but she made a decision not to take it, but rather to

completely trust God with her life and for her healing.

Now, after 31 years of marriage and miracle after miracle,

Dewitt and Kim have 5 children and recently welcomed their

first grandchild. Indeed, ―children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from Him.‖ It wasn‘t until Kim was hold-

ing her fourth newborn in her arms that she was told the con-

dition she had been diagnosed with was known to completely sterilize 99% of the women who have it. ―I looked at my

miracle Judah and my 3 other kids at that time and said,

‗God, you gave me a miracle,‖ Kim remembers. ―I didn‘t

even realize how big of a miracle it was.‖

Both growing up in the state of Washington, Dewitt and Kim come from very musical backgrounds and have been travel-

ing, writing songs together and singing Gospel music in one

form or another since their teens. Dewitt experienced early success as a songwriter when world-renowned worship leader

Ron Kenoly recorded his composition ―Use Me‖ on the land-

mark 1994 album―God Is Able.‖ Since then, that song has

gone on to become a staple in many churches around the world and has been covered numerous times, most notably by

the GRAMMY® Award winning Brooklyn Tabernacle

Choir.

A songwriter and musician most all his life, it wasn‘t until Dewitt obeyed a very specific call from the Lord that there

was a marked moment in the young family‘s life that would

notably change their path forever. ―20 years ago the Lord

gave me an invitation to spend time with Him at 9 A.M. every morning,‖ recalls Dewitt. ―I remembered the account

in 1 Chronicles, where Obed Edom had the amazing privilege

of entertaining the Ark of the Covenant, the very presence of God, in his home for 90 days. As a result, everything he had

was blessed.‖ Those 9 A.M. family devotions and worship

times have not stopped since, and continue to be the founda-tion and driving force behind the heart for worship and pas-

sion for the presence of God that forever JONES so fer-

vently embody.

It was through a long time relationship with their manager

Jeoffrey Benward that the Jones family was introduced to GRAMMY® Award winningwriter/producer Tommy

Sims. I took no time at all for Sims to take a liking to what

he heard and saw and quickly signed up to produce forever Jones‘ debut recording. ―In 20 years of being in professional

music, I‘ve never heard anything like this,‖ proclaims Sims,

himself no stranger to the very best that the music world has

to offer.

The resulting album, “Get Ready” (EMI Gospel), is a spirited and distinctive tour-de-force of pop/rock/soul Gospel that

captivates listeners from beginning to end. From the in-

stantly memorable piano-driven pop melody of “Heaven” to the swirling throw back in-the-pocket rhythm of the title

track and lush melodic song of worship “You Can Do Any-

thing”, the songs alone are remarkable selling points from

this otherwise ―debut‖ group. ―All of our songs are born out of our 9 A.M. family devotions,‖ says Dewitt. God-breathed,

indeed.

While mom and dad are certainly prominent figures in the group, each contributing musicians and vocalists on the pro-

ject, forever JONES‘ ―Get Ready‖ is nothing less than a full

-fledged family affair, with all 5 children adding the mix with

their respective musical gifts.

The Jones‘ eldest daughter D‘Jeniele‘ (pronounced Jineel) is not only a songwriter, vocalist and guitarist but also now a

wife and mother herself. One of the shining moments on

―Get Ready‖ is “Adoration (SoAmazing)”, which was com-posed by D‘leniele‘ and finds her rendering flawless harmo-

nious praise with her younger sister Dominique. In addition

to being one of forever Jones‘ principal songwriters, Domi-

nique is a dynamic vocalist and multi-instrumentalist in her own right, often writing complex arrangements on both the

guitar and keys. While ―Get Ready‖ is replete with ―wow‖

moments, Dominique‘s compositions “He Wants It All” (the first radio single) and “Heaven” are easily two of the most

standout tracks.

Youngest daughter Mya Joy Grace may be the latest addition

to the family but that certainly doesn‘t diminish her contribu-

tion to the family or group. In the context of the Jones fam-ily‘s testimony, there‘ssomething riveting about hearing Mya

deliver the closing line of “Time To Believe”, her favorite

song on the album.

Not to be out done by their sisters, the Jones‘ sons Dewitt IV and Judah also bring a considerable amount of musical chops

and charisma of their own to the table. Sharing both his fa-

ther‘s musical ability and heart for others, Dewitt IV is a born

leader who also happens to be quite an accomplished bass player. Kim remembers an infant Dewitt hearing his father

playing the organ and mimicking the groove he heard with his mouth. Youngest son Judah has been the group‘s drum-

mer since the age of two when pots and pans were his percus-

sive instruments of choice. An avid student of great drum-

mers for much of his life, Judah‘s God-given ability is now

the rhythmic backbone of the forever JONES sound.

While their roots are in the Northwest where they still travel

and minister, the Jones family now makes their home in

Shreveport, LA where they are all actively involved in minis-try at their church, Shreveport Community Church. ―We are

living a miracle,‖ says Kim. ―Any time I stand on any stage

with my children is an amazing moment and reminder of

God‘s faithfulness to me and my family.‖

For booking information about forever Jones, visit

http://foreverjones.emigospel.com/

Hard to believe that it's been 20 years since The Five Heartbeats opened in thea-tres! I have been a Robert Townsend fan from jump! From Hollywood Shuf-

fle and Partners in Crime to The Parent Hood and, yes, even Meteor Man

(LOL), I am the number one Robert Townsend fan. Most recently, I am hooked

on Diary of a Single Mom. Keep reading and I will fill you in on that wonder-ful series. If you haven't already, I suggest you check out everything he has

produced, directed, or otherwise had a hand in. Go to

www.officialroberttownsend.com.

My favorite, of course is The Five Heartbeats. It's a classic! The film is cele-brating it's 20th anniversary this year, which I am excited about! The film is the

story of the rise and fall of a Black singing group. That's all I am going to say

about the storyline just in case you have been under a rock for the past 20 years. Great acting. Great music. Great writing. This is a must see! Must own! A defi-

nite collectors film!

I love Robert Townsend mainly because he was making it happen himself. He

started out just watching tv and acting out scenes. Then on to experimental thea-

tre and improv. Then came Cooley High. His break came while performing on various television comedy specials including "Rodney Dangerfield: It's Not

Easy Bein' Me" and "Uptown Comedy Express." Although comedy had been

his forte during the early part of his career, he knew he was destined to be on the big screen. He landed the role of a lifetime co-starring opposite Denzel

Washington in "A Soldier's Story", and appeared with Diane Lane in "Streets of

Fire" and Kevin Costner in "American Flyers".

What really made him a mentor for the rest of us is when he became an inde-

pendent filmmaker with "Hollywood Shuffle!" That was it! I was hooked. You

may check out his website for the rest of his bio and list of accomplishments.

Anyway. I couldn't stop watching "Diary of a Single Mom." It's a web based

original series that chronicles the lives and challenges of three single mothers

and their families trying to get ahead despite obstacles that all single mothers face, such as childcare, healthcare, education and finances. It stars Monica Cal-

houn (The Best Man) as Ocean Jackson, a single mother of two striving to keep

her family afloat while working to fulfill her own ambitions of finishing her

GED, going to college and opening her own business. Along her journey, she befriends and joins forces with two other single moms, Lupe (Valery Ortiz –

The N‘s ―South of Nowhere‖), a mother juggling different fathers for each of

her two children while facing health concerns that will change her life and Peggy (Janice Lynde – ―Letters to Dad‖), a once married, wealthy 50-something

who suddenly finds herself widowed, broke and guardian to her only grand-

child. Together, the three women search for support and faith as they strive to

triumph over the challenges of everyday life.

Believe me, it is well worth the watch!

The Five Heartbeats

Diary of a Single Mom—Watch on Pic.tv

For more information about Robert Townsend,

visit www.officalroberttownsend.com. To

watch all 3 seasons of Diary of a Single Mom,

go to http://pic.tv/singlemom/

"MAHALIA," A Gospel Musical by Tom Stolz will take the stage Thursday, August 11 through

Saturday August 13, 2011 at 7:30 pm each night at Shreveport Little Theatre. This joyous cele-

bration is about the life and music of the world's greatest gospel singer, including music by vari-ous gospel composers as well as hymns and

spirituals made famous by Mahalia Jackson. The musical is directed by Vincent Williams

and produced by: Shreveport Little Theatre. Admission is $10. For more infor-mation, call 318.424.4439 or visit http://www.extensionsofexcellence.org

Theatre of Performing Arts of Shreveport Yazzy Summer Morning Mix presented its summer grande finale with the theme, “The Sounds of Memphis: A Salute to Stax Records”. Stax Records was a major factor in the creation of the Southern soul and Memphis soul music styles, also releasing gospel, funk, jazz, and blues recordings. Stax Records is one of the oldest Afri-can American recording companies beginning to come back into its own with the development of The Stax Records Foundation. From Stax Records we know so many artists such as Sam and Dave; Booker T. & The MG’s; Otis Redding; The Bar-Kays; Confunkshun; The Staple Singers; Ben E. King; B.B. King; Rufus Thomas, former radio personality and his daughter Carla Thomas with her stylish song Gee Whiz which helped to get Memphis on the map as a mu-sic mecca. Yazzy will salute some of these artists musically by performing songs such as Stand By Me; (Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay; Green Onions; Hold On I’m Coming; and Soul Man. Yazzy will also pay tribute to Shreveport’s own Eddie Giles and his recording Losing Boy that at one time knocked Aretha Franklin from number 1 to number 2 on the music charts. The Yazzy students have worked hard to polish instrumental music, vocal, and dance routines. Come support their efforts in a show you don’t want to miss! Eddie Giles is currently pastor of Salem Baptist Church in Shreveport, Louisiana and Program Director at The Light 980AM KOKA. Click here to visit the website.

Sunday Best Season 3 Winner LeAndria Johnson has re-lease her new CD! Actually, it’s a 5-track EP. In June 2010, Le’Andria was crowned Sunday Best winner , with over 2 million votes and now the wait is finally over! Le’Andria has dropped her first official single, “Jesus.” “Jesus” was produced by Grammy award winning producer Chuck Harmony (Rihanna, Fantasia, Christette Mi-chelle). The single is pulled from Le’Andria’s highly antici-pated CD , “The Awakening of Le’Andria Johnson,” available September 6 on Music World Gospel. Check out the brand new single and let us know what you think. Click here to listen. Click here to comment.

13

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For advertising opportunities, call 318.933.2484 or

email us at info@urbanfaithmagazine.com

National Kick-Off on Sunday, September 25, 2011

The National Black Church Initiative, in partnership

with major black religious leaders and denominations

nationwide, believe that African American men have

nowhere to go but back to church. In a press statement,

the NBCI said "given the serious issues facing African

American men, including rising levels of incarceration,

drug use and unwed fatherhood - we can no longer stand

by while our men openly defy God's word. "

Rev. Anthony Evans, President of NBCI says, "NBCI

has no other greater mission than to reestablish God's

order - the first step being to call our men back to

church. We are committed to devoting a half a million

dollars and a million hours of evangelism to get black

men back into our pews. There is something missing

from the heart of the black church - the presence of our

black brothers will heal hearts, minds and families."

African Americans represent the strongest church atten-

dance and affliciation amongst all ethnicities in the

United States. According to the Pew Forum 2007 sur-

vey, people of black ethnicity were most likely to be

part of a formal religion, with 85% being Chris-

tians. However, according to the Barna Research

Group, a Christian research firm based in Ventura,

Calif., more than 90% of American men believe in God,

and 5 out of 6 call themselves Christian. But only 2 out

of 6 attend church on any given Sunday. This means

that in America, 60% of church attendees are women.

Black women overwhelmingly outnumber black men in

regular church attendance. While black men may believe

in God, in most cases it ends with belief. If single black

women are attending church regularly and following the

guidelines that the church has put in place and the black

men are not, what does this say about the future of the

black family?

Our focus is to open our doors, arms and hearts to un-

derstand the complex sociological and psychological

factors that prohibit African American men from being

consistent churchgoers, better fathers, less abusive

spouses and better members of society. As a religious

leader in the African American community for the past

twenty years, we take our position as a moral authority

very seriously. NBCI believes that the first step for our

African American brothers is to return to church - aton-

ing for their sins and reestablishing their relationship

with God through Christ. Over the next ten years we

will develop comprehensive ministries to sustain this

initiative and commit African American men to the path

of righteousness.

We invite you to encourage our African American men

to join us as we reunite as a whole on Sunday, Septem-

ber 25th, 2011 - welcoming black men back to church

for the first of many Sundays.

The National Black Church Initiative (NBCI) is a faith-

based coalition of 34,000 churches comprised of 15 de-

nominations and 15.7 million African Americans is

committed to bringing African American men back to

church.

About NBCI The National Black Church Initiative (NBCI) is a coali-

tion of 34,000 African American and Latino churches

working to eradicate racial disparities in healthcare,

technology, education, housing, and the environment.

NBCI's mission is to provide critical wellness informa-

tion to all of its members, congregants, churches and the

public. The National Black Church Initiative's method-

ology is utilizing faith and sound health science. NBCI

offers faith-based, out-of-the-box and cutting edge solu-

tions to stubborn economic and social issues. Visit our

website at www.naltblackchurch.com.