For the month of July, I’m thrilled to highlight some incredible celebrities I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and share the positive vibes they’ve brought into my life. We often hear the negative and drama-filled stories, but let’s flip the script and focus on the good!
Day 20: Zaytoven
Today, I’m excited to shine a light on the talented Zaytoven! I had the chance to meet him at a fitness event, and it was pretty dope. Not only did I enjoy the event and meet some wonderful people, but meeting Zaytoven was definitely a highlight.
Zaytoven is a powerhouse in the music world. As a phenomenal producer, he has inspired countless artists and music lovers alike. His talent has earned him Grammy awards, and his influence continues to shape the music industry.
I want to give Zaytoven his flowers today and let him know how much his work means to all of us. Keep producing those amazing beats and inspiring the world with your music, Zaytoven! Great things are bound to keep coming your way.
Stay tuned as I continue to share the positive stories and celebrate the amazing people I’ve met. Let’s spread the love and focus on the good!
ATLANTA, GA.—“I believe that all women, especially Black women, Need to be nurtured, loved and to feel like they can conquer the world, says Sherry Thomas, a, life coach, film producer, author, corporate sales trainer, and well-known public speaker. “I believe it’s our responsibility to pass that story on to the next generation.” With these words borne firmly in mind, Ms. Thomas is proud to announce 24 Crowns: The Time Is Now, a groundbreaking, powerful new documentary that depicts her work with two dozen Atlanta-area Black business owners and community leaders, as she guides them along journeys of success and empowerment.
Through Ms. Thomas’ consulting firm, D.I.V.A. Transformations, which she founded nearly two decades ago, the women connected using Thomas’ yearlong roadmap, an active journal entitled 24 Crowns. This work led them on a path to achieving their goals. Coming from such diverse fields as construction, fitness, education, interior design and beauty, the group evolved their dreams into reality, brought to vivid life in 24 Crowns: The Time Is Now.
The documentary is a riveting behind-the-scenes foray into the lives of these remarkable women, how they began working with Ms. Thomas, and the many “gems” of wisdom they learned along the way. The roll call of leadership is a litany of success; appearing in the documentary are Ruth Graham, Chondra Myers, Kofi Kinney, Shauna Marie, Lamonica Green, Lakisha Knight, Lakeisha Dixon Jones, Lina Campbell, Shaylah Robinson, Yvonne Eagle, Leslie Ferguson, LaTosha Key McDade, Alexander Jeudy, and Sherry Thomas. Other women among thegroup appearing in the 24 Crowns book on which the film is based, are Iesha Mitchell, Nicole Wilson, Sonja Penson, Diadra Malone, Ivy Scott, Krista Hicks, Lynn Belvitt, Bretina Shannon, Keyshia Johnson, and Nikki Harris.
Directed by Roxe Karvell, and brought to you by Executive Producers Tommy Glover and Sherry Thomas, this New Magic Productions documentary is available for viewing now, on such major platforms as Apple TV, Tubi, and Prime and other streaming platforms. Discover this rich tapestry of entrepreneurial and executive adventure and purpose today, and be inspired by the uplifting, educational message of 24 Crowns: The Time Is Now today!
You can see the official movie trailer here. To request media inquiries or interviews, contact Ernest Jackson of MNS Media Group at mnsmediagroup@gmail.com.
Sanaa Lathan is an actress and producer who has made a name for herself in Hollywood with her talent and versatility. Born in New York City in 1971, Lathan began her acting career in the 1990s and has since become one of the most recognizable faces in the industry.
Lathan graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, with a degree in English. She then went on to study drama at the Yale School of Drama, where she honed her skills as an actress. Lathan made her acting debut in the television series “In the House” in 1995, and soon after landed a role in the movie “Miracle in the Woods.” She then appeared in several other films and television shows, including “Blade,” “The Best Man,” and “Love & Basketball.”
One of Lathan’s most notable roles was in the movie “Love & Basketball,” where she played the lead role of Monica Wright. The film was a critical and commercial success, and Lathan received praise for her performance. She also won several awards for her role, including the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture.
Lathan has also appeared in a number of other successful films, including “Brown Sugar,” “Alien vs. Predator,” and “The Perfect Guy.” In addition to her work on the big screen, Lathan has also had a successful career in television. She has appeared in several popular TV shows, including “The Cleveland Show,” “Nip/Tuck,” and “The Affair.”
Aside from her acting career, Lathan is also a philanthropist and activist. She is a vocal advocate for various causes, including women’s rights, education, and health. Lathan is also involved in several charitable organizations, including the Black AIDS Institute and the Women’s Sports Foundation.
Overall, Sanaa Lathan is a talented and accomplished actress who has made a significant impact on Hollywood. Her work both on and off the screen has earned her respect and admiration from fans and colleagues alike, and she continues to be a role model for aspiring actors and activists around the world.
Sandra Bullock is an actress and producer. She is very talented and can play any role. She has received plenty of awards and nominations, including an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award. She was named one of Time’s 100 most influential people in the world.
Sandra Bullock has starred in plenty of films. Here are a couple of the ones she starred in:
· Demolition Man
· Speed
· While You Were Sleeping
· Bird Box
· The Blind Side
And many more. She also was the executive producer on the ABC sitcom George Lopez. I got to give her roses today for all the hard work and great films she has starred in.
Make sure to check out some of the movies she starred in and tell me which one was your favorite. Also make sure to follow me @Cece.Atl
Teena Marie was a singer, songwriter, musician, composer, arranger, and producer. She did a lot with Rick James. They had a lot of music together and were great friends. Her success was in R&B and Soul music. She played rhythm guitar, keyboards, and congas. Teena Marie was a three-time Grammy Award Nominee.
Lenny Kravitz posted one time in a video in which he said that Teena Marie had taken him into her home and helped him when he was struggling early in his career. Here are some of my favorite songs by her.
· Fire and Desire
· Lovegirl
· Déjà vu
· Ooo La La La
· Behind the Groove
· Wishing on a Star
Did you know that Teena Marie dedicated her album “It Must Be Magic to Martin Luther King Jr? I really enjoy her voice and songs. What are some of your most memorable moments of Teena Marie? What was your favorite song? Also make sure to Follow me @Cece.Atl
Got a chance to read this book about Timbaland and his journey and life. I enjoyed learning more about his journey and how he and Missy got together to make music. He talks about growing up and how he got into the industry. I love that he stayed consistent. I had heard years ago how one of the members of the group Jodeci was evil and made them do all kinds of crazy things. I hate that they had to go through this trying to make it. So I definitely would like to give Timbaland and Missy their flowers. No matter what you went through you made it work and got through tough times. I appreciate you for telling this side of the story. It’s not easy being in this industry. Glad that Timbaland’s parents stored God and prayer in him.
I knew Pharrell and Timbaland were great producers, but this showed how they got into the business. They found their way and had a plan. That pushes me to not give up on my business and to keep being consistent and moving in the right direction. After I read about the girl Dana and Aaliyah I wanted to give Timbaland a hug and tell him everything would be ok. I know it was hard and having that on your conscience I would not have known what to do or how to feel in a situation like that.
When Timbaland and his wife got together I was glad she was different. I always say that your best friend is your soulmate. To have someone that loves you for you and wants better for you is hard to find these days. When Timbaland finally got it together glad she was still around and took a chance. When you can talk for hours and communicate about everything it’s a great feeling.
This book was a good read, not too big and if you are a fan I would definitely read it. He tells a lot about how he hooked up with a lot of artists to make beats for them. He worked with a lot of people. I got a chance to interview V. Bozeman before and do an article on her in my magazine (Where It Begins) and I think she is a talented artist. I love her voice. Timbaland took a chance on a lot of people. You can tell he has a big heart. I love the relationship that he and Missy had. It was like they were brother and sister and didn’t leave each other behind. They helped one another get to the top.
I hope he has another book and talks about Verzuz and how it got started and why they sold it. I would also like to know what’s next in the making. Let me reach out to see if I can get an interview. I love learning about people’s journeys and how they got to where they are today. Timbaland has put in the work he and Missy deserve nothing but great things.
This was a great book, make sure to check it out. If you have already read it let me know how you liked it. Make sure to Follow me at Cece.Atl and Cece Book Club.
When we talk about Prince we talk about a legend that meant so much to the world through his music. Prince was everything: he was a singer, songwriter, musician, producer and more. His style was different and so smooth. Prince sold over 100 million records and some of his awards included Grammy President’s Merit award. The American Music award for Achievement, The Billboard Icon award, Academy award, Golden Globe award, and many more. He was also inducted twice into the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame. Some of my favorite songs by him are:
· Purple Rain
· When Doves Cry
· The Most Beautiful Girl in the World
· Raspberry Beret
· Little Red Corvette
· Kiss
· I Wanna Be Your Lover
Prince Movie Purple Rain was a classic that was one of the biggest films that no one could ever forget. The soundtrack for the film was also big. It’s another feeling and zone when you hear “Purple Rain” and “When Doves Cry”. Prince has a couple of books out. I did get a chance to read two which I learned more about his journey and Life. Did you know Prince first recorded instrumental titled “The Dawn” a thematic idea that would resurface in his work for decades. The meaning behind “The Dawn” is “A Time of Greater Consciousness and Spiritual Understanding”. Prince was a beast on that guitar.
Just watching some of his shows and going back he puts on a show. He was a genius when it came to music. He wrote music for so many people and played instruments like no other. He empowered so many people to own their uniqueness, shaping the more diverse, and accepting you for who you are. It’s so much we can say about Prince but one thing is his music speaks volumes and will forever live within us. Here are some of my favorite quotes by him:
· “Every day I feel is a blessing from God. And I consider it a new beginning. Yeah. Everything is beautiful”
· “A strong spirit transcends rules”
· “Art is about building a new foundation, not just laying something on top of what’s already there”
· “To create something from nothing is one of the greatest feelings, and I would -I don’t know, I wish it upon everybody. It’s heaven”
I can’t forget the Prince Estate; it presents Prince’s life and work. You have to look it up and get a view of what was inside. It’s worth millions. There’s so much to say about Prince and what he meant to us. He touched all of us through his music and he is one that will never be forgotten. We never know what people go through and as I said before let’s pray for one another. We have lost so many legends through addictions, depression, and the demons that live within them that they can’t fight off. Thankful for great memories and the great music he left within us. We have to continue to teach our generation what real music is.
Tell me what your favorite memory of Prince is. What was your favorite song by him? Did you check out his books? What did you think about his fashion? Comment and let me know also follow me @Cece. Atl.
Q. Thanks for interviewing with us tell us who you are and where you’re from?
A. Hey! So, I’m Terrika Foster Brasby, multimedia journalist and producer. I was born & raised on the Eastside of Detroit, MI and currently residing in New England in the great state of Connecticut. As a multimedia journalist, I provide written content on some of the best basketball has to offer, in the WNBA. And I also produce the ESPN Women’s Basketball podcast Around the Rim with Lachina Robinson.
Q. What is one fun fact about yourself?
A. I jumped out of an airplane of 13 years old. (Don’t ask! lol).
Q. Where do you see yourself in the next 3 years?
A. I certainly see myself more advanced in my career, more than likely doing some studio hosting. Three years from now I just want to be in a solid place where I’m able to continue growing in my craft and continuing to inspire other young black girls to reach the stars.
