[BOOK REVIEW] In JUST AS I AM Cicely Tyson shares her highs, lows and lessons that have made her who she is

 This book has so many amazing layers that allow us to see how Cicely Tyson got to be the powerful force that she is today. JUST AS I AM fills in the blanks of not just her career highs but how even life's low points help to reinforce what she could do and who she could become. 

We get a look at her beginnings, how she learned from her mother the importance of standing up for what matters. She later recounts how dealing with betrayals in her own relationships reminded her of what her parents had taught her and why it was so important to put yourself first. 

When discussing her career she allows us to see how culturally impactful works like ROOTS were bigger than just entertainment. It was a message about the importance of endurance and identity. 

Ms. Tyson also allows us to see the importance of taking care of yourself and realizing that as long as you are here you have work to do, so it's up to us to get about doing it. 

With life lessons and inspiration dripping from each chapter, JUST AS I AM shares Ms. Tyson's highs, lows and lessons that have made her who she is: a force that is impacting individuals around the world.

Get your copy of JUST AS I AM on Amazon.  

Jared Cohn: Wishing (and Acting) On a Dream

by Cyrus Webb

There are few people I have been introduced to that are as passionate about creating as Jared Cohn. He is a Writer, Producer, Director and Actor that is making a name for himself and doing the work (and telling the stories) that he is passionate about.

One of my favorite projects that he wrote, produced and starred in is called Wishing For A Dream. It tells the story that so many creative individuals can relate to: having a dream and what it takes to see that dream realized, both the good and the bad.

While I was in Los Angeles this year I had a chance to sit down with Jared to discuss his career and the film. Like our radio interview before it, our chat was inspiring and shows why he is a rising star in the industry.

JARED ON WISHING FOR A DREAM:
"It's still like an ongoing struggle.  I'm still in character. It's very real... Making the film was kind of like a documentary---but not a documentary. When I write a script I try to invoke something that makes the viewer think. I wanted to make something personal, hopefully that would resonate with some people."

JARED ON THE BUSINESS:
"If you go on the internet and you're looking for feedback, you have to have thick skin. I'm so grateful that there are people who are supportive. It's a tough business. It helps to know some of your work is received well."

"It's like a roller coaster: Some days you feel unstoppable, and other times you're like why am I doing this? It comes in moments. It's a crazy town...it's a crazy industry, but I can't do anything else. I selected this path, because I am a fan of entertainment. That's what I wanted to make my life about."

JARED ON WHAT KEEPS HIM GOING:
"You have to have that sense of this is possible and believe in that. If you don't believe in yourself no one else is going to believe in you. You have to keep going."

"It's always about the next thing. If you're just focusing on what you're doing right now when it's done you're going to be idle. I like to have multiple things going on. I'm constantly writing, looking at other projects. I'm a creator. It's all about content. At the end of the day that's all that matters."

Stay connected with Jared and Trap Light Media on Twitter at www.twitter.com/traplightmedia as well as the film Wishing For A Dream on Facebook at www.facebook.com/wishingforadream . The film can be rented or purchased on Amazon.com.

Francine Locke: Finding "Justice" On Her God-Directed Journey

by Cyrus Webb

Some things just seem to happen, but do they really? I know for me there have been instances where it seems as though things were working out so well that it was just meant to me. I've since come to realize that this is what happens when you are able to realize your own limitations and give yourself over to something larger than yourself.

Actress Francine Locke has also found this to be true. As someone who had over a decade of experience in the entertainment industry she has been involved in commercials, industrial films and modeling. Just a couple of months ago, however, she was filming a new project called A Cry For Justice (formerly Georgia Justice) that is slated for release later this year. Her own personal journey has been one of soul searching and reflection, and now she is using her gift in a way that is sure to inspire others.

"I've taken a different step forward in this industry," she told me. "I want to use what I have been given to bring light to a dark environment. I had been modeling and acting for many years, but it was really just to pay the bills." After taking a ten-year break from the business she has returned with a new outlook on her life, her gift and what she can do with it. "Today I want to use what God gave me to show something more positive."

The change that Francine has experience has a lot to do with the person she's become. "When I first started I was in a different place in my life," she explains.. "Right now I am at a different place spiritually. This has led me to accept who I am and what God wanted me to be." When referring to the entertainment world she points out the difference in the perception versus the reality. "It's not the glamour lifestyle that is depicted. It's just work. It's a job." What makes it different for her this time around, though, is her own motive towards that job. "Today the way I feel is that I am finally where I belong."

Francine role in the upcoming film A Cry For Justice is that of Jackie Carpenter, someone who is no stranger to Conversations Magazine or Conversations LIVE radio show. The project is based on Jackie's own journey of faith as outlined in her books THE BRIDGE and GEORGIA JUSTICE. "It has been such a God-directed journey," Francine told me. In fact when Jackie saw Francine her words to her "We've been praying for Jackie to show up, and it's you."

A Cry For Justice was exactly the kind of project that fit where Francine is in her life now. "It's something that I feel like I am completely suited for," she says. "When I read the script I could say that I know the feelings of frustrations of wanting to be in control and having to give it all up to God."

That is what both Francine and I believe viewers of the film will be able to take away from it: how much Jackie's journey of faith is really all of our journey.

With Francine's experiences in the industry has come invaluable advice that she is more than willing to share with others. "I feel so empowered to tell people to do what is good in your heart. You don't have to say yes to everything. It's up to you to  make the right choices. There is a reason why you are put where you are at."

For actors and actresses she share this nugget: "Do all the work you can as long as it is up to your moral standards. The right projects will 'suddenly' show up. You can continue to work in this environment to grow your craft and to grow yourself spiritually."

For more information about Francine visit http://www.francinelocke.com/ . To stay abreast of everything dealing with Georgia Justice visit http://www.acryforjusticemovie.com/.