Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Why This Election Means So Much To Me

Hey Gang,

Just recently on October 23-25, my husband and I had the amazing opportunity to join the National Urban League Pres./CEO Mr. Marc H. Morial, the cast from HBO's "The Wire" - Sonja Sohn (Kima), Wendell Pierce (Bunk), Clarke Peters (Det. Freamon), and Chad Coleman (Cutty), Author/Activist Kevin Powell on a three day bus tour and rally in the swing state of Virginia. Aptly titled, VOTE TO EMPOWER! "The Urban Vote Down to the Wire", I knew the plan was to encourage folks to go out and vote, to educate and inform, and to be sure that people were not tricked at the polls.

Little did I know how much this tour would mean to me as a black woman, a wife, an entrepreneur and a citizen of the United States.

I thought we'd board a bus speak a little bit and come back home. However, when we arrived there was a spirit of such unity, hope and excitement that we just joined in and blanketed the colleges, shopping malls and housing developments with pamphlets, t-shirts and voter information. I believe this is what it felt like in the 60's when those who came before us were fighting for a worthy cause. They knew the consequences, yet they went anyway. They knew the sacrifices, yet they were not deterred. They knew the price to be paid, yet they paid it in full.

THAT'S HOW WE FELT!

We were a significant part of history and last night proved it. Don't get me wrong, everyone played a HUGE role in Barack becoming our new President, but I didn't realize the historical implicatons or the magnitude that came with venturing off into Virginia. There has been no Democrat to win Virginia in over 40 years; and President Obama had a landslide win there.

My life was forever changed by this experience and you'll see what i mean when I add the photos and ideo footage.

Until next time,

ALL OF GOD's LOVE.

WE DID IT!!!!! Barak Obama is Our President!

Hey Gang,

As you can see it's been a minute since my last post. I have been soooooo busy and under the weather with a pesky cold.

However, nothing compares to how I am feeling today. History has been made and God has allowed me to be apart of it. I am elated!

Recently, my Pastor asked us during a Bible Study, besides Jesus, who we’d like to sit down with, what we’d talk about and why. Well, since I was a little girl my answer to that question has always been Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Simply because of his poise, eloquence, and most importantly his relationship with God. My answer to my Pastor remains the same. There has always been “SOMETHING" about Dr. King that made me want to be more; do more. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt that way. That is until President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. Not only do I want to be more, I know I CAN be more. The intensity of my desire to be the best that I can be; doing all that God has called me to has been exponentially increased. To know that God knew all along that this man was plucked out of millions the become a sustaining mark in history blows my mind. I am so honored to be here for such a time as this; that my Mom, my brothers, my sister -in-law, my nieces and nephews and my God-children and my friends and family are all apart of history right along with me.

Who could ask for a better day. "This is the day the Lord has made, we shall rejoice and be glad in it."

Until Next Time,

ALL GOD's LOVE.

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Vice Presidential Debate - My Thoughts

Hey Gang,

It's been a coupple of weeks since I've posted. I have been swamped in the office and have missed the opportunity to update you on so much that's been going on.


Right now, I'm watching The Vice Presidential Debate between Senator Joe Biden and Govenor Sarah Palin. Just allow me to say that and I truly do understand why it's taken so long for us to hear from Govenor Palin; she can't hold up her end of this type of conversation well. She needs to be more seasoned. Her dress rehearsal for this evening is evident. she's just not solid to me. She reminds me of a kindergarten school teacher. The faces she makes are comical, although I believe she feels they're supposed to be comforting and familiar and the voice she projects almost sounds patronizing and immature.


Admonished because she's not answering the questions, Sarah Palin says that she may not answer the proposed questions the way the moderator or Senator Biden would like her to, but that she will answer them the way the American people would like. As well she stresses how she will also make sure the American people know her track record. Well, it's 9:21pm (21 minutes into the debate) and I still don't know her track record. Oh, she did just say that she is an exert at "Energy." Yet, I still don't know her track record.


I do have a problem with her not being able to answer the question about removing something from the table now that we're suffering economically. Let's face it people, no one president has ever been able to uphold all of their initial campaign promises. Something is bound to fall through the cracks. She blames her 5 week tenure on her inability to answer this question. however, she promises the McCain will keep all of his promises. McCain has just been hurled under the bus ya'll.


She's simply not answering th moderator's questions, instead she recreates her own questions and answers those instead. WHAT IS SHE DODGING?????



Govenor Palin will certainly be a restrained VP. McCain has not expressed his interest in having her st in on the most mportant decision malking meetings. Whereas Barack desires his VP in his meetings to keep him on track. Palin has onl been asked to monitor energy and schools. Why not foreighn policy, health care, education, economy etc?

Obama and Biden support same sex constitutional benefits as heterosexual couples. However, they do not support same sex marriage. They are not against redefining marriage; one man-one woman. This is the only point, of many, they agree upon.

Oh yeah, if she uses the word "maverick", "greed on wall St." "energy reform" and the ability to point fingers" I will most certainly need to smack someone. without these she'd have nothing to talk about.

Overall - Govenor Palin was robotic and limited in her answers, due to being over media trained. However, she's didn't fall on her face. She was ok.

Joe Biden was passionate and on point with what he wanted to stick with. He was clear and poised. He made me more of a believer.

Biden wins this one!



Saturday, September 13, 2008

APR Client Update

Hey Gang,
Did I tell you that while covering Fashion Week, screening movies, writing reviews and interviewing talent, I was planning this event for our client, Chef Jerome Brown?
Check it out. It's going to be amazing and I will certainly have photos and updates next week

Byron Cage Presents… “RSVP” with Chef Jerome!
You Are Cordially Invited to an Exclusive Celebrity and Media Tasting as “Personal Chef to the Stars” Pre-Launches Debut Cookbook and Films TV Pilot, "RSVP"

WHO: “Personal Chef to the Stars“, Chef Jerome Brown, Recording Artist Byron Cage, Grammy Winning Recording Artist Deitrick Haddon, NBA Superstars Shaquille O'Neal, Brevin Knight, Damon Jones, Grammy Award Winners , BeBe Winans & Montell Jordan, Actor, Tommy Ford, Atlanta Falcons Ovie Mughelli, Chauncey Davis, Laurent Robinson, and Former Atlanta Falcons Wide Receive Terance Mathis as well as other NFL Greats Mike Stone, Reggie Howard, Chris Slade, Shawn Robinson, TV and film talent such as (Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Atlanta), DeShawn Snow, Kim Zolciak, Lisa Wu Hartwell, NeNe Leakes, Sheree Whitfield, (BET’s College Hill), Drewski, (Tyler Perry's supervising producer), Roger Bobb, (Actress) Demetria McKinney (Tyler Perry's House of Payne), Frankie Lons (BET: Keyshia Cole: The Way It Is), Leroy McMath (Power Entertainment/Owner of World Basketball Association, Kim Elba (Celebrity Makeup Artist), Comedian Actor Tony Rock, NASCAR driver Garrett Liberty, Gerard Henry, 4X Olympic Gold Medalist Angelo Taylor, Multi-Platinum/Grammy Award Winning artist Daron Jones, Nike representatives and exclusive media outlets.


WHAT: Grammy Award Nominated and Stella Award Winner "The Prince of Praise", Byron Cage hosts “Personal Chef to the Stars“, Chef Jerome Brown as he pre launches his debut cookbook and film his TV pilot, "RSVP". Scrumptious Food, Lights & Cameras, Red Carpet interviews, Celebrity Guests and an Amazing Venue will be the scene as Cafe Circa, Downtown Atlanta's chic and swanky place to SAVOR, INDULGE and BE becomes the venue host for an spectacular evening. Guests will indulge in some of Chef Jerome's most delicious and delectable entrees, be entertained by some of today's hottest acts and honor a great friend as he journey's into another phase of his professional career.


WHERE: Café Circa
464 Edgewood Ave SE
Atlanta, GA 30312
(404) 477-0009


WHEN: Thursday, September 18, 2008 TIME: 8:00pm-1:00am

Fashion Week Rundown

Well Gang,

I did it!!!! I survived Fashion Week. Whow, it was seriously brutal. It began so crazy. It's very rare that I attend the first day, but so much has been going on and I became so consumed with work that I missed my online registration deadline. The penalty - on-site registration. I expected a hidious line and annoying people so early in the morning. But, I was pleasantly surprised. Registration was smooth and quick.

Oddly, the sights, sounds and smells of Fashion Week have not changed from where I sat in Bryant Park that early morning. As well, something about Sixth Ave. on that beautiful Friday morning seemed a little remote; almost non-New York-ish. I am seriously optimistic that over the next week the excitement of the fashion world will awaken 6th Ave and 40th St.

Regardless, I am still stoked!!!!!!!!





September 8, 2008

It's Monday morning and I have a pretty full day. Currently, I'm headed to Fashion Week. have an issue with my pass, so I'm arriving early in order to rectify the situation. I'll be here until about 2:00pm.

Believe me, it sounds like a short day, but it's truly intense and fast paced. At 2:30pm I'm headed over to the Empire Hotel to interview Alfre Woodard, Sanaa Lathan and Taraji Henson from tyler Perry's new film, "The Family that Preys." I screened it a week and a half ago. The cast is amazing, the film is great and this is a new area for Mr. Perry, however, he pulls it off.

When I got to the Empire Hotel, I was escorted to a sexy rooftop area where the interviews were held. Very classy!!!!!!!

Oh yeah, of course, Fashion Week usually doesn't seem to go off without a hiccup of controversy - animal activists are flanked in the front of the tents smeared in blood, wearing fake animal skin and carry photos of skinned animals.

It was pretty gross, but highly effective.





September 10, 2008

Hey Gang,

No Fashion Week today. Another exciting gig popped up. We will film a day in the life of Gospel recording artist, Deitrick Haddon. I will fill you in on all the details once we've uploaded the footage. Truly superb madness! You are so going to love it.

I'll keep you posted.

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Spike Lee's New Joint - FIYA!!!!!

Hey Gang,

In as much as I would love to tell you about this film, "Miracle at St. Anna", I am bound by journalist confidentiality until the film is nearer to it's release date. What I will say is, "Don't miss this film. You have never seen Spike like this before. Don't expect the Spike Lee of past. He has expanded!"

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Fashion Week is Here!!!!!!

Ok Gang,

For those of you who don't know, I look forward to Fashion Week twice a year - February and September like a kid waiting by the Christmas tree on Christmas morning. As a little girl, it was my dream to go to F.I.T. - Fashion Institute of Technology, but my mom who was a single parent just couldn't afford it. Fashion has always had a healthy hold on me. I guess the desire is still in me because for the past 5 years, I have gone to Fashion Week faithfully - in the front row. It's fast-paced and exciting and sometimes the swag bags are amazing.

It's difficult, but when you get the opportunity to go back stage, watch out 'cause, "It's a Different World." Oftentimes, it was work and I would take clients, expose them to the experience, and also introduce them to some of the reporters, designers, photographers and models.

Well, this year I am going as press. I'm the Gospel Entertainment writer for a business/entertaninment/entrepreneur magazine, however, the same publisher has just appointed me Editor-in-Chief of her new fashion magazine. Unfortunately, I can't share the name with you just yet, but it s FIYA and definitely needed in the industry.

Fashion Week runs from September 5-12, so check back with me as I share some tid-bits of the the days exciting events. Believe me something is always going on; things not shown on TV. I'll try to give you scoop without giving away my story for the magazine.

Also, If you go and want to share your experiences, please feel free.

Saturday, August 30, 2008

Affinity Public Relations Finally Creates Company Blogspot

Hello Friends,

It took a while, but I finally did it! I've launched my company's blogspot. I guess it took so long because life just seemed so hectic; I didn't believe that I'd have enough time to sit still and just write; something I really love to do. That is, not until I began blogging with some wonderful friends of mine several months back. You know, now I'm hooked.

So, I invite you to come back as often as you'd like to to follow my life as a PR Strategist, writer and aspiring author. You will not only share in my daily business life, but you will be a significnat part of my entertainment life as well. I have the exciting task of being a movie, music and literary reviewer and writer for GospelCity.com, the largest Gospel web portal in the world.

As well, I am a woman who is deeply in love with God, her husband and her family. There's no telling what you'll find when you come back.

Oh, and did I mention that that we have amazng, interesting and passionate clients?


Read below to find out a bit more about me.


I am a Public Relations professional with 18 years of extensive and polished experience in public relations, marketing, communications and media relations. Her diverse skills cover all aspects of the entertainment, community and non-profit industry. She has effectively used her knowledge of public relations techniques to support branding strategies and specific client goals, from repositioning products and services to new product introductions and market expansion.

I have held positions ranging from PR Coordinator, PR Consultant to her current position as the Pres./CEO of Affinity Public Relations. As well, she is a Business and Relationship Coach. Among the clients she has represented in her stellar career are, industry notables such as Actress Ericka Alexander from “The Cosby Show”, from Fox’s “Living Single”, Vanessa Middleton’s feature film, “30 years to Life” and most recently, SHO’s “Street Time”, Will Calhoun, drummer for the band “In Living Colour”, Fashion designers, Blood, Sweat and Tears, Celebrity Stylist, Milado, Inc., Mark Breland, boxer, Gold Medalist, trainer and actor, Drs. Ella Bell and Dr. Stella M. Nkomo, authors of ”Our Separate Ways: Black & White Women and the Struggle for Professional Identity”, “1016 Films, Inc”. Harlem’s premiere Black, Latino, Asian and urban film production company, Lenny Green from New York’s 98.7 KISS-FM’s “Kissing After Dark”, Ernie Paniccioli, photographer, historian, lecturer and author of “Who Shot Ya?” Hip-Hop’s first-ever pictorial chronicling the Hip-Hop culture for the past the decades, Corey Red and Precise, hip-hop’s dynamic duo bringing God’s word with fat beats and hard core-intelligent lyrics, Lifestyle Publication, Xii Magazine; Renaissance man John Gray; Internationally known Christian entertainer, Carman, Promise Communications, LLC, an independent Christian Record Label, home of MDD and Teresa Brown, Powerhouse Gospel Entertainment Attorney James L. Walker, ACID/ALKALI Clothing Line, Rev. Run’s Words of Wisdom: Daily Affirmations of Faith, Inspired by... The Bible Experience Audio Bible - #1 Selling Audio Bible in HISTORYNational Urban League 2007 St. Louis Conference, A Prayer 4 Hip-Hop 7-City Tour, All in the Name of God , a documentary chronicling the extensive abuse that has become pervasive in the church, ACE Film Festival, Gospel Music Channel NYC Roundtables, Mr. Roland Martin - Listening to the Spirit Within - 50 Perspectives on Faith Book - CNN Political Analyst and Essence.com Contributor, Kenny Lattimore and Chante Moore Marriage Conferences, Chef Jerome Brown - Personal Chef to the Stars, GospelCity.com - Largest Gospel Web Portal in the World to name a few.

As a media specialist, I have been notably successful in placing major client stories with a broad spectrum of key media outlets including The New York Times, ABC Channel 7 News, Channel 12 News, UPN 9 News, The Staten Island Times, The Bronx Times, The Journal News, Am New York, The Taipei Journal, Relevant Magazine, Today’s Black Man, Sister 2 Sister Magazine, Vibe Magazine, Xii Magazine, Feed Magazine, Reti Italian Television, Channel 4 News, Lion Television, Bobby Jones Gospel, Gospel Superfest, HD News, NBC Weekend Today Show, The Word Network, BET Celebration of Gospel, Newsday, Upshot Magazine, BeliefNetBloomberg Urban Radio, Essence Magazine, Ebony Magazine, Jet Magazine, Gospel Synergy,Gospel EUR, EUR Web, RadioScope, Urban Network Magazine, 700 Club, Family Net TVand landmark venues, namely, The Pentagon, The White House and The Hammerstein Ballroom as well as well as coverage in a variety of trade, print and broadcast media.

Also, I am an accomplished counselor in strategic communications, crisis and issues management, community relations and media training.