MUSIC REVIEW: Singer Mason Ashley's STRANGERS

by Cyrus Webb

I think we have all been there. Seen that a relationship---whether it's a friendship, business associate or something more intimate---come to a place where we know it's over but no one seems to want to admit it.

I think when I first heard Mason Ashley single STRANGERS and watched the powerful video for it I knew it was something special. It was a story I have lived---and if I'm honest when it comes to some partnerships am still living---and that is what makes it a song that everyone can relate to.

Mason has a way of making you feel every word she is singing and feel the emotion behind it. What she conveys in STRANGERS is that we do ourselves a disservice by holding on to those and things that no longer do us any good. The separation might be difficult but it is necessary if we want to grow and truly be happy.

Powerfully delivered and something that is sure to touch the heart of the listener, STRANGERS is a song that reminds us not to forget ourselves for the sake of just being in a relationship.

Get this single on Amazon.com. Stay connected with Mason on Twitter at www.twitter.com/themasonashley and our website www.masonashley.com. 

Ashley D. Merritt: Proving with Hard Work and Dedication Anything Is Possible

by Cyrus Webb

She's an actress, dancer and model and a true lover of life.

When I first connected with Ashley D. Merritt* in 2016 through my friends at Grapevine PR, she had announced her being a part of what is now another hit for AMC Network, the show THE SON. Now as 2017 has unfolded she is not just celebrating that show but the film BROKEN as well.

Full of appreciation for where she is at this point in her career, Ashley doesn't take anything for granted. "It is always so hard to stop everything and say 'Oh my goodness, this really happened.' That's been the whole reaction for me," she told me during our conversation. "Everything has been so surreal to me," but she added that everything was also coming together in a way that was amazing.

Though many are just discovering that many talents that Ashley has, this is a journey that began at a young age for her. "It's been about keep moving forward, being better each and every day," she told me. "I feel going through this process this is something I've been working towards. I don't remember a time when I didn't want to be in this career. I feel really blessed to have this perspective."

Ashley told me that she has always been inspired by the creative process. "Anything that's different and unique that is what I've always been drawn to," she shared. For her whether it is acting, dancing or modeling she wants to give people a different perspective of the world you don't normally see.

When I asked where her appreciation for what she has been able to do comes from, she was quick to credit the sacrifices and encouragement of her parents. " I see their sacrifices, and that's what keeps me going."

Ashley realizes that the gifts and opportunities she has been afforded are bigger than her. "It's about leaving the world a better place," she says. She wants to encourage everyone to be themselves and to accept who they are and walk in their greatness.

Her message to us all? You can do anything! It's all about being comfortable in your own skin, learning to cherish that and wear it with pride.

Stay connected with Ashley on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ashleydmerritt and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/ashley_d_merritt.

*  Photos provided by Ashley D. Merritt

Poetry by James Gordon aka G. P. A., the Greatest Poet Alive

Sleep Watcher
by G.P.A.

As if it were a Broadway play, I watch you sleep.
Alternating soft and loud snores are melodious.
When you toss and turn, reach for more cover, or reach for me, liken to dancers adeptly, effortlessly, and powerfully expressing themselves.
If it seems interlopers called nightmares seek to interrupt a comforting hand and kiss upon your forehead.
A captive audience am I, when I watch you sleep.
Pleasant Sunday and Good Morning Gorgeous





Who Else
by G.P.A.

 Synonyms are what I look up to discover further superlatives to describe
You
Day and night, stare into the depths of the sky smiling.
You
My plate has more fruits and vegetables on it, so when I devour, nutrition and satiation arrive
You
Sip Jameson in shots and full pour like its genetic makeup gives me life
You

You are, after God, the middle and all that surrounds
You are abundance that continues to flourish
You bring joy with the idea of your existence
You are silly to believe that it is not you

Stand under the shower and soak in the calming water for the longest time
You
Run determined in inclimate weather as if it were a mere inconvenience
You
Instinctively place my thumbs to caress the air around
You
Blow kisses in every direction on a constant basis
You

 Before we were born and ever met
Whether we occupy personal spaces or intimate distances
The defining of the bridge from something to everything
From this life to the ones to follow
You



James Gordon, better known as G.P.A.(Greatest Poet Alive), is an international award winning author, champion storyteller, and rising actor from the South side of Chicago. He has written several books that span the genres of poetry, children's, young adult, erotica, and mystery and suspense. James can be seen on episodes of Empire, Chicago Fire,PD,Med, Justice, Shameless, and several movies as well s commercials. He can be found at his website www.iblowyourmind.net and on Twitter at gr8estpoetalive

POETRY: Two Royal Halves by Joy Elan

Two Royal Halves

Your head, shaved from your mane
It's your domain
You're Samson; you cut your own hair and still had your strength
Full of thoughts and creativity, waiting to flow through your mouth when you speak
Your eyes, a beautiful brown
A shade I can't describe
Your lips, full and powerful
They amaze people because of the things you say
And bring people closer to you because of your smile
Or make them run away because you speak the truth
Your truth brings a person's true character out of the shadows
Your face is a golden brown
So pure and beautiful
Soft yet tough, a balance in the life you live
Your hands are strong
To protect yourself and others
And also to create and bring to life the thoughts you've created
Your chest and stomach, made of steel and gentle to feel
Your legs, muscular and dashing
Altogether you're a warrior, a king
Everything about you says leader and power
To know one day that I'll be joined with you
Brings a sense of light out of me
Revelations of my destinations
Past, present and future
Attracted to you
To rewrite history in the present time
Live the life of ancient kings and queens from lifetimes ago
You're the combined person that I've dreamed of
A person I thought didn't exist
You've been in my life all along
My grandparents represented you and I
A marriage that I've always honored
The signs were all there
And I'm aware of them
Only have to bring them to life
To show I'm worthy
I know who I am
A mind quick to learn and speak the truth
A body of a warrior goddess
Eyes to reflect and deflect what I'm thinking and feeling
Hands ready to fight although I don't
My mouth, tongue twisted because
My brain processes so fast that I want to speak everything into existence
Yet I hold back in case the wrong thought comes out
But the truth is never held back
My chest, safe for my child to run to
Because she remembers the nourishment it provides
My womb, strong enough to carry a warrior and royalty
And hips and thighs to support it
My legs are muscular for running
And going the distances that I'm destined to go
My hair is a mane also, to show my royalty and attract attention
I'll be sharing the throne with you
Two powerful yet peaceful people brought into existence
To show the world that there are generous people who want to help others
And they'll listen
Because we command attention and respect
They'll bow down to us
Because we've been living amongst them
To show how people can come from nothing
And get to the highest place
Only because they were destined to.


by Joy Elan
www.authorjoyelan.com

POETRY: You Saved Me! by Regina Duggins

You Saved Me!


I am alive today because someone loved me in a very special way.
As the suicidal thoughts plagued my mind one day.
Between my ears lies my eyes
Looking through my eyes
Lies the windows to my soul
But in my head
where all the memories goes
and reoccurring storms flow
when it subsides and causes my brain waves to ignite
I had a premonition of a dreadful flight.
I was planning my consummation
Soaring off into oblivion one night.
Wanting to release myself
From this casket shaped design of a
Voluptuous Woman
Who was always critically defined
Because of the openness of her mind.
I am alive today because someone loved me
In a very special way.
I cared for the world
But often times behind my back the world
Didn’t care for me, the same.
I am an educated, strong, independent black woman
But some only allow themselves to see
My openly sexuality
I refuse to change whom I am to assimilate in your formed
Camaraderie.
And even when I’m at strongest point a tear drop falls
My head slumps low
My heart hardens and my soul cringes from deep within my core.
My mind can only accept this as a way of escaping the battle
or journey from within by ending it in a quick instant.
Wanting my soul to tiptoe across the clear blue skies
A soft voice from the outside came and whispered to my ears on the inside,
“No, Not Yet! Your life isn’t done Yet….
You have so much to share come back and come down off the edge.
I’m here, and I’ll show you that there’s more to life because I care.
I care that you are here! Your mere existence erased all of my fears.
Your strength poured into my pores and I feel that I can live once more.
How can I live my life through you? If, You aren’t here.”

So I began to gather my thoughts and sat “selfish” up under the stairs.
I was happy again because for that instance,
Someone showed me how much they truly cared.

by Regina Duggins
www.blackmagicpoetry.vpweb.com/

POETRY: 8 Minutes by Regina Duggins

8 Minutes

Brain cells begin to die after 1 minute without oxygen.
Serious brain damage is likely to occur 3 minutes without breathing.
But it took 2 men to hold me down, and  in less than 2 minutes my life was turned upside down.
Two times too many have I heard the stories that ended in
I’m sorry.
In 4 minutes a couple can make eye contact
Endorphins in the brain cause them to feel love, lust, a new need for the other.
The adrenaline increases the intimacy
I feel nervous,
I can’t talk,
It doesn’t feel natural,
Should I blink or will I lose the moment.
I learned the truth that you weren’t for me as I was for you.
A mere distraction, refined and anew
The longest silence in my life,
The hardest anger that I had encounter
55 months of marriage; I’ve never thought about what you were thinking.
I realized I needed you and I couldn’t imagine being with anyone else but you.
Let alone never speaking again to you.
I’ll be ready in 5 minutes is exactly as I’ll be home in 5 minutes.
Equivalent to the sum of two and three; one more than four;
My tears trickled down my face and formed puddles of pain, regret, fears, hurt, desperation, hopelessness, all your lies streamed down like a river running over the hard wood parchment floors.
Creating six ways to the days leading to seven that I’ll be able to let go and count the ways the weeks rolled into months and months into years.
You made the days stand still when you pierced my heart with all of your fears.
Finally, 8 minutes came of despair.
Eight weeks, two missed periods, the ultrasound is done but you find out the heartbeat that once moved rapidly was failing faint and then there was none.
Like the night when it all happened a three-some with two male individuals who could have been the babies daddy?
The tragedy ended but my heart has never mended.
But for eight minutes, I was reminded that a creation had descended from my body saving me from the shame and regrets from the memory that he or she could have belonged to anybody.
8 minutes of heartache without a name!

by Regina Duggins
www.blackmagicpoetry.vpweb.com/

POETRY: Footprints of Life by Ashley Love

Footprints of Life

As I stepped my feet into the sand,
 I thought about my life and how it’s been.

The struggles and pain tried to break me down,
But thanks to my faith my feet are planted firmly on the ground.

The people I trusted to stick by my side,
Withered away as the seasons flew by.

Those to whom I tried to lend a helping hand,
Turned their backs on me
And disappeared like tiny grains of sand.

The tide picked up,
And the wind grew fierce.
I couldn’t help,
But face my biggest fears.

I was out on the pier,
No shield from the wind.
The ferocious waves,
Kept crashing in.

The careless breeze,
 Filled my eyes with tears,
As I stood there in that moment,
Looking back on the years.

My struggles slowed,
As I learned to let go-
To enjoy the breeze,
And in my life put God in control.

Even as my feet hit rock bottom many days,
I refused to let the pain get in my way.

As I walked by faith and not by sight,
I peered back at my past,
Which was slowly fading out of my life.

As the eager sun shone upon my face,
I finally got to feel loves warm embrace.

As the years passed by-
My life almost complete,
I’m thankful for the memories,
 I will always keep.

From sunrise to sunset,
And all that was in between,
I learned many lessons
 And accomplished many dreams.

I stand in the ocean looking back at where I’ve been,
My footprints are still etched crisply in the sand.


by Ashley Love
www.iamashleylove.com 

POETRY: A Desert Rose by Ashley Love

A Desert Rose

A Desert Rose,
 I stand alone.
Adversity and hatred
Fill the space I once called home.

Freedom is not free.
For someone paid a price;
 Took a bullet, gave up their life.

Obsessed with self-satisfaction,
Our society is more of the problem,
Than the solution.
Many go to their graves with visions of greatness,
Never taking action.

More than the positive influence,
We are focused on the pursuance of acceptance
And preventing rejection.

So with hesitation,
we fear standing alone.
We don’t dare go against the popular vote,
 for what society says goes.

We divide ourselves into groups like we don’t belong,
 Instead of coming together as one to end the divide
They have had us buying into all alone.

We were born as one race,
We all bleed red,
 Then society get ahold of our beliefs
And tells us a whole nother story instead.

Your skin color determines your worth,
Your gender determines your ability,
Your size determines what you can and can’t do.
You age says you’re not smart enough;
You’re too young or too old.
Your childhood determines how far in life you will go.

We are living in a glass box,
 That society has placed around up.
They feed us all their lies and in this so-called FREE world,
 they’ve captured us.

Divided we go on living
Just as they figured we would,
Thinking we can’t change things ourselves,
Hoping one day someone else could.

It’s going to take more than a president
 To turn things around
It’s going to take us coming together as one
To silence societies unrelentingly hateful sound.

As A Desert Rose, I stand alone.
Lost in a word who says by their standard,
One person’s value is worth more than another.
My kids are looked at as less than me
Because of their skin color.

Are we seriously going to let this hoax continue on
For another day, year or decade?
Or are we going to come together
And stand up against the hate?

Oh the violence and pain we inflict upon ourselves,
That's just what they are hoping for.

We’ve created our own hell,
Right here on Earth,
Under societies watch.
We have become the problem,
Masking their intentions,
Their negativity penetrating our thoughts.

Our world is no longer,
Until we take control
Spreading light, life, love and laughter as far as it can go.

It takes tragedy to draw us near one another,
Instead we should daily be supporting
And caring for one another.

We are all her trying to make it day to day.
We don’t know what the future holds for each of us,
But we have got to get out of our own way.

So me,
A Desert Rose
I am not afraid to stand alone,
Through the adversities that are corrupting my home.

I stand here with the intention
To do something different,
To love all and do my part to impact lives
 Even when results aren’t instant.

I ask you today,
Are you going to be part of the solution?
Or stay part of the problem?

Will you take action
Or be part of the distraction?
Stand up with me
And be A Desert Rose.


by Ashley Love
www.iamashleylove.com

TO YOU, FROM ME: The Power of Letting Go

We've all been there: holding on to something that is either weighing us down or keeping us stagnant. It's not easy to pull yourself away from individuals or circumstances that have become comfortable for us, especially if feelings have gotten involved.

What I have learned, however, is that we do everyone involved a disservice by staying in a place where no good is being served. In my own life I have had to sever ties with individuals and things that I realized were keeping me from the place I was supposed to be.

Here is the truth: Each one of us have to be willing to do what is best for US. It might sound selfish, but how can we be any good to anyone if we are not able to perform at our best? It could be a job that no longer satisfies us, a relationship that has us feeling empty or a geographic location where we feel as though things have gone as far as it can go. Is it scary to move forward, leaving the comfortable behind? Yes! Is it necessary to do so? Absolutely!

How do you know if a change is needed? Be honest with yourself. Make a mental checklist or even write down where you are, where you want to be and what you can do to get from one place to another. Is it about your attitude, and something you have to mentally let go of? Is it actually someone or something around you? If you can ask the questions that will lead you in the direction you need to go.

No matter what that thing is for you that might be keeping you stuck the important thing to remember is that you have the power. You can make the change. You can make things better. You can set yourself free if you are willing to unload that thing that is holding you back.


Until next time,




Cyrus Webb, Editor-In-Chief
Conversations Magazine

Model/Singer LeVelle Williams: Pursuing His Passion While Standing In His Purpose

Model and singer LeVelle Zachary Williams has seen success in his life because he has made the decision that his goals and dreams are worth pursuing. As he reflected over what he has accomplished he told Conversations recently that "It's been a blessing," to reflect on all that he has been able to do and what is ahead of him. "I never would have dreamed or imagined being here," he added, admitting the difficulties he has faced---but he feels fortunate to still be standing.

LeVelle came to the attention of Conversations' Cyrus Webb through Instagram where he has been just not sharing snapshots of his work but inspirational messages as well. When asked why the motivational messages were so important for him to share, LeVelle says that encouraging people "is the fuel that ignites my fire. Life is about encouraging other people, picking other people up when they are down."

While he understands the importance of building his brand online and showcasing his work he feels as though platforms like Instagram and Facebook have a larger purpose. "I use social media to uplift and inspire," he told Webb. "I try to use it as a tool to encourage. Social media has the ability to connect with people all over the world. I try to keep that in mind and go off what my heart feels."

Being honest, open and growing into his own skin has had other benefits for LeVelle.  "It has opened so many doors," he explained, helping him to connect with so many people. "It has helped me to grow as a human being." He told Webb he reminds himself that you have to keep it real, no one is perfect. He says as long as he keeps striving to be his best, however, he knows he is on the right track.

Stay connected with LeVelle on Instagram at www.istagram.com/levelle_zachary.williams.

After 30 Years In the Business Singer Johnny Gill Continues to be a GAME CHANGER

by Cyrus Webb

Timeless. That is just one way to describe Grammy nominated recording artist Johnny Gill.

With the recent BET mini-series on the group New Edition there has been renewed appreciation for what artists like him bring to the table. Many have gotten to know him for his hit singles like "My, My, My","Rub You the Right Way" and "Where Do We Go from Here" (with Stacy Lattisaw) as well as his involvement with the popular groups New Edition and LSG, however, there seems to be no substitute for the man himself.

With his last full length album GAME CHANGER, Johnny Gill fed his fans insatiable appetite for new music, and on January 27th he re-released the single 5000 Miles featuring another R&B crooner Jaheim.

"I have been blessed with a gift from God that is magical. You can't design it," Johnny told me in our conversation together. "I think about my career and how my music has touched people. It is beyond a miracle and a blessing. To have people to connect with you is a gift."

Like many other soulful singers before him Johnny Gill began singing in the church and blossomed from there. He believes the main reason he is still able to do what he loves is because he understands the importance of staying consistent. "I stay true to me and my music," he says. "If you look at my body of work you'll see that I'm open to trying new things. At the end of the day my biggest goal is to always stay focused and be careful that I don't lose who I am. I set out to make great music, songs I can identify with and connect with and do it justice." Remaining true has given him the confidence to say that in spite of it all, he has put his heart and soul into each and every project. "I have something to hold my head up about and be proud," he says. That comes from walking in his musical truth. 

His beginnings were not so full of pride. Johnny relayed to me how when he first started in the business at the age of 15 he was not always the best of himself. "There was no blueprint about how you are supposed to be and act," he told me. "All the things you have to learn growing up in this business---the ups and downs that come with it---now make me blessed that I have my fans there for support." He understands that it is all a process, a machine that brings it all to life. The process that gets his music to the masses is something he feels more connected with, and he knows it's important not to take any of it lightly. 

To his fans, Johnny says this: "Thank you. Know that I don't take you or my success for granted. I couldn't have done this without you. "

Johnny Gill's GAME CHANGER is available on Amazon. Stay in contact with him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/realjohnnygill. His website is  www.johnnygill.com. 

Keith Sweat: Celebrating a Musical Legacy that Will Last Forever

On Tuesday, January 17th R&B legend Keith Sweat began a new chapter in his award-winning career: a residency at the Flamingo in Las Vegas. The singer who has brought the world great songs like MAKE IT LAST FOREVER, TWISTED, HOW DEEP IS YOUR LOVE and NOBODY will be able to spend time with his fans, sharing music that they have come to enjoy for almost 3 decades.

"I helped a lot of people grow in terms of their relationships and growing up with me musically," Keith Sweat told Conversations' Cyrus Webb during a recent interview. "A lot of people don't get that opportunity."

With the songs that he has released have also come powerful stories and videos that have seem to connect with the listener, bringing them into each verse. Sweat says it's easy for him to do the videos because "I have it in my mind when I'm in the studio."

Outside of releasing music, Keith Sweat has also taken to the airwaves as a radio personality and the other of a book about relationships. All of which have been eagerly welcomed by his male and female fans. "I can't really say I'm the doctor of love," he told Webb with a life. What he does say is that he tries to let his audience know that when it comes to relationships "it takes time and it take understanding because no two people are the same." He also added "Every relationship takes work and needs work," and both parties have to be willing to do the work necessary for it to last.

Along with helping others appreciate what it takes to make a relationship last, as he celebrates his 30the anniversary in a competitive industry Keith Sweat is showing other artists what it takes to have longevity. "It's great to be the godfather for other artists," he told Webb. Talking about those who have been inspired by him he says it shows other artists that they can have just as long of a career. "The key to it all is to stay ahead and do as well as you can musically," he says. "For me to open doors for other artists and them to appreciate that means a lot."

Regarding his Vegas residency, Keith has called it the "second act" of his career. When asked to elaborate on that he told Webb: "I've done everything else. When you're going into a whole new arena it creates another journey. Going into Vegas for the first time in the residency is like going to Broadway. It's a new step in my career. It's a new platform that I have to step on. I've learned a long time ago that anything worth having is worth working for. I'm hoping this is something that my fans will be glad I have done."

Stay connected with Keith at www.keithsweat.com.

Listen to Keith Sweat's entire interview with Conversations' Cyrus Webb below:

Anthony C. Johns: Walking In Confidence Towards His Goals & Dreams

by Cyrus Webb

Model and actor Anthony C. Johns* is all about challenging himself to set goals, move past obstacles and showing others what is possible. He has traveled the world, worked with some of the best photographers in the industry, walked runways and amassed fans from around the world---and he is only just getting started.

When I caught up with him he was in the States taking a break from his whirlwind career and able to reflect a bit on the life he has been able to live. "I would say that my progress has been based on a spiritual foundation," he told me. On of the things that has helped him was the book THE PURPOSE-DRIVEN LIFE. "It really changed my aspect on what I can do, when I can do it and believing in myself."

The road has not always been easy though, but Anthony is no stranger to overcoming difficult situations. "I've been able to accomplish my goals through hard work and patience and going through rejection," he says. "It has made me a better person."

Anthony became interested in modeling and acting when he was just a kid. He says he has always seen the two as "a reflection of life." The emotional reaction that was generated appealed to him and seeing what you can create became a motivator. With the reward, however, has come the obvious challenge of just being thought of by how you look. "That's when it becomes pretty difficult for me," he admits, "when the titles come, and you have to live up to it." Though he says the compliments about his body can fuel the ego, he says he works hard to stay humble at the same time realizing how soon it can all be gone.

As with any art Anthony has come to see his body as his canvas, and that means he has to take care of it in order to be the best he can be in his industry. That also means being comfortable in his own skin and realize what he has to offer. "That was a major obstacle when I first wanted to do the business of modeling," he told me. "I was at a point in my life when I was comparing myself to other models. I learned to create my own self-representation by working on my mind, body and soul. "

Today he says he believes in confidence that begins within, and that confidence is what comes across in the work that he does. "My progress came through seeing myself improving in the way I lived, eat and balance life.  I saw myself grow by getting out of the box, doing jobs that are challenging, pretty much confronting what was an obstacle for me."

What Anthony has achieved is not just noticed by those who admire his work. He has become an inspiration for others, too. "I am a role model," he declared. "I am a person who has power," and he realizes that power is not just for him. "I wanted to use my gifts to help others. Those people have become my recipe to keep it going. I am making a difference. It's really not about me. It's a calling I must fulfill. If I'm doing this and I'm not helping other people then I am doing something wrong."

Stay connected with Anthony and his career on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ajthemodel and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/modeling4mylife.

* Photography by Ricky Day

Poet/Author Joy Elan: Sharing Her Words and Inspiration with the World

Award-winning poet/author Joy Elan is a force to be reckoned with.

In 2016 alone she was able to showcase her skills as an award-winning poet by winning national awards and even released her first novel LIFE IS A CANVAS.

"It was amazing, and some of it I couldn't believe that I accomplished," she said to host Cyrus Webb during their conversation together on Conversations LIVE.

Part of what made 2016 such a great year for her was that she was able to introduce her poetry to a younger audience by making some slight adjustments. "I knew I needed to clean up the language and the content to reach another audience," she said. "That helped me propel and take off even more." Realizing that she could still deliver powerful messages, Joy said that she realized she was limiting her audience before. It all began by speaking honestly to herself. "I'm supposed to be an educator. Why do I have all this foul language in my writing? Time for me to grow up a little. I wanted something that everyone could read." The big lesson that this changed revealed? "It made me realize that in order to be marketable you have to be accessible."

During the conversation Webb shifted the attention to how Joy has been able to do what she has and not allowed the fear of failure or the outcome stop her. "I'm my own determining factor," she told him. Life is a very interesting thing. You either believe you can do it or you can't. I don't wait for other people to tell me. I go based on when I'm ready. It's all based on my inspiration and motivation. I've always been like this as a person," she said. "Once I put my mind to something I do it. I have to believe in myself. I can't wait on anybody else."

Another motivation for Joy is her daughter. "She's part of the reason why I do what I do," she said during her interview. "I don't want to just tell her to go after her dreams. I want her to see me doing it. She sees me working around the clock. This is hard work and takes dedication. Things come when you put time and energy to it."

That is the message she wants everyone to get. "I want to be an example of someone who can have a goal or dream and see it come true. When I leave this earth my words will live on forever. I don't care where you're from or what kind of situation you are in, you have the power to make things happen for yourself. It might be hard, but if you really believe in something you will pursue it."

Stay connected with Joy Elan at her website at www.authorjoyelan.com.

Brian Cooks: Enjoying the Benefits of Hard Work, Dedication and Faith

by Cyrus Webb

It's been a crazy couple of years for 27 year old model/actor/fitness trainer Brian Cooks. He is not just living his own dreams but showing others by example what is possible with hard work, dedication and faith.

"Seeing how everything is unfolding is mind-blowing," says Cooks. "I spoke out on my dreams, had the faith and did the work." And that work is definitely paying off in a big way.

This year he has already participated in his second competition and is gearing up for the Mr. United States Pageant where he will be competing as Mr. South Carolina. He told me that he is "nervous but excited" about the opportunities coming his way.

When asked how he has been able to stay focused, Brian says "I always had the mentality not to stop until I get what I wanted. Perseverance is what has kept me going." That perseverance and confidence has helped him not just in his own life but as he has been able to help others as well.

At the end of 2016 he took to social media to announce the latest accomplishment in what's been an amazing year for him: being featured as part of the Weight 2 Wear apparel campaign. Cooks told Conversations Magazine that he entered a competition by Krave Magazine which led to the honor. “It feels very good," he said. "I'm now a published model. I know this is going to open up so many opportunities for me. I'm excited to see what is going to happen next.”

The Hartsville, SC native now calls Shreveport, LA home.  His advice for anyone out there looking to see their dreams come true? "Put God first will open so many doors for you," he says, and adds: "Patience is key."

Stay connected with Brian's journey on social media below:
www.instagram.com/thebriancooks
www.twitter.com/thebriancooks

Conversations' Cyrus Webb Hosts Project Recognizing Yazoo City Radio Legends

On Saturday, September 9th Yazoo City’s own WYAD Max 94.1 FM will celebrate its 3rd anniversary on the air with a special presentation recognizing Yazoo Legends in Radio that paved the way for the DJs of today.

The brainchild of Joseph C. Thomas, Sr. of Bountiful Blessings Broadcasting, Inc, (Elizabeth W. Thomas, President), the project “Celebrating the History of Black DJs in Yazoo City” honors the contributions of trailblazers in radio that influenced radio and music in Yazoo City and throughout the state.

The project “Celebrating the History of Black DJs in Yazoo City” is narrated and Executive-Produced by media personality and Mississippi native Cyrus Webb. It includes exclusive interviews with Eddie “Ace” Smith, Vanassa Conston, Bobby Little, Randy “Wild Man” Brown, George Winford, John “Mighty J” Meeks, Frank “Scrap Iron” Robinson, Leroy Davis and tributes to the late Kenzie Moore (with his brother Sidney Lloyd) as well as the late Sharron Johnson Reed (with her sister Addie Tart) who was a longtime female DJ in Yazoo City.  Eddie “Ace” Smith served as Project Manager for the project and assisted in setting up the interviews.

The honorees will be recognized on Saturday September 9th in Yazoo City when WYAD Max FM 94.1 FM celebrates its anniversary, but the interviews with these distinguished individuals can be heard here: https://www.spreaker.com/show/2587802


The “Celebrating the History of Black DJs in Yazoo City” project is sponsored by WYAD 94.1 FM, the Mississippi Humanities Council through a grant from the Mississippi Development Authority and the National Endowment for the Humanities as well as The Yazoo County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

For more information about the project and the upcoming anniversary celebration contact Mr. Joseph Thomas at 662.571.2987 or by email at josephcthomas06@yahoo.com. Stay connected with Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com, 601.896.5616 and his website www.cyruswebb.com.

Cyrus Webb Presents... Conversations' 25 Summer Reads for 2017

It is one of Conversations' favorite list to reveal each year: Editor-In-Chief Cyrus Webb's 25 Summer Reads for Adults!

"This year's lists was one of my favorites to do, because it was so challenging," says Webb. "There are so many great books out there that it was hard to narrow it down. These 25 that made the list are probably some of my favorites to read this year, and are definitely early contenders for our Top 100 Books of 2017 that will be released in November."

Below you will find the titles along with the publisher to make them easier for you to search online. Enjoy this year's Summer Reading list, and make sure to comment on which books you have read or will be enjoying yourself this year!

CONVERSATIONS' 25 SUMMER READS for 2017 (for adults)

NON-FICTION TITLES (Listed in no particular order)

1. This Is Just My Face: Try Not to Stare by Gabourey Sidibe (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt)
2. Have A Thing For You by Greatest Poet Alive (GPA Media)
3. Love Thy Neighbor by Linda Bello-Ruiz (Mariah Publishing)
4. Before Empire by Andria Mayberry (The TMG Firm)
5. Inspiration for Teachers by Chicken Soup for the Soul (Chicken Soup for the Soul)
6. Off The Cliff by Becky Aikman (Penguin Press)
7. Find Your Soul's Purpose by Janet Conner (Conari Press)
8. Live. Love. Explore. by Leon Logothetis (Reader's Digest)
9. Reading with Patrick by Michelle Kuo (Random House)

FICTION TITLES (Listed in no particular order)

1. The Night She Won Miss America by Michael Callahan (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt)
2. Copycat by Kimberla Lawson Roby (Grand Central Publishing)
3. The Burial Hour by Jeffery Deaver (Grand Central Publishing)
4. Don't Close Your Eyes by Holly Seddon (Ballantine Books)
5. Idol by Keri D. Singleton (Inkscriptions Publishing)
6. Dead Certain by Adam Mitzner (Thomas & Mercer)
7. A Fragile Hope by Cynthia Ruchti (Abingdon Press)
8. Ashes by Steven Manchester (The Story Plant)
9. Her Secret Life by Tiffany L. Warren (Dafina)
10. The Fix by David Baldacci (Grand Central Publishing)
11. All By Myself, Alone by Mary Higgins Clark (Simon & Schuster)
12. Legacy by Jacquelin Thomas (Sapphire Books)
13. Yesterday Was a Long Time Ago by Selena Haskins (Calidream Publishing)
14. Mothers and Other Strangers by Gina Sorell (Prospect Park Books)
15. And The There Was Me by Sadeqa Johnson (Thomas Dunne Books/St. Martin's Press)
16. I Liked My Life by Abby Fabiaschi (St. Martin's Press)