Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Silent Fire Media Consulting and Aswad Creative


Have you been looking for a quality HD video for your business, organization, event or for self-promotion? Let me know how my team can assist.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

theGrio

Black women on a budget make hair cutbacks
http://www.thegrio.com/money/black-women-on-a-budget-make-hair-cutbacks.php

50-year-old Olympic runner sprints for a new record
http://www.thegrio.com/sports/50-year-old-sprinter-runs-for-a-new-record.php

Study: Black girls reach puberty faster than others
http://www.thegrio.com/health/study-shows-black-girls-are-reaching-puberty-faster-than-whites-hispanics.php

Tyson claims he did 'The Hangover' for drug money
http://www.thegrio.com/entertainment/tyson-claims-he-did-the-hangover-for-drug-money.php

Obama prods young Africans to lead by example
http://www.thegrio.com/video/obama-prods-young-africans-to-lead-by-example.php

Black farmers want Vilsack fired, settlement approved
http://www.thegrio.com/video/black-farmers-want-vilsack-fired-still-see-no-lawsuit-funds.php

Computer intervention curbs teen violence, drinking
http://www.thegrio.com/health/computer-intervention-curbs-violence-alcohol-misuse-in-teens.php

50 Cent details dramatic weight loss for new film role
http://www.thegrio.com/entertainment/50-cent-details-his-dramatic-weight-loss.php

Viewers: Interview 'reflects poorly on the community'
http://www.thegrio.com/video/viewers-say-antonie-dodsons-interview-reflects-poorly-on-the-community.php

Exploring the 'good, bad and ugly' of blacks, environment
http://www.thegrio.com/video/finding-ways-to-reconnect-african-americans-to-the-environment.php

Police officer runs over homeless woman with car
http://www.thegrio.com/video/police-officer-kills-homeless-woman-with-car.php

Black Eyed Peas' Taboo protests AZ immigration law
http://www.thegrio.com/entertainment/black-eyed-peas-taboo-releases-video-to-protest-arizona-immigration-law.php

Urban League at 100: Focus remains on jobs, education
http://www.thegrio.com/video/urban-league-celebrates-100-years-focus-remains-on-jobs-and-education.php

Carjacker finds surprise newborn passenger
http://www.thegrio.com/video/a-carjacker-had-an-unexpected-passenger.php

NC branch of NAACP in battle over busing
http://www.thegrio.com/video/nc-naacp-busing-students-is-not-the-issue-rather-diversity.php

Remixed 80s hairstyles a cut above the competition
http://www.thegrio.com/video/remixed-80s-hairstyles-a-cut-above-the-competition.php

EMT accused of ignoring dying NYC woman is killed
http://www.thegrio.com/news/emt-accused-of-ignoring-dying-nyc-woman-is-killed.php

Slideshow: Unarmed and in danger -- alleged cases of excessive force
http://www.thegrio.com/slideshow/slideshow-unarmed-and-not-dangerous.php

Old Spice pitchman lathers up Emmy nomination
http://www.thegrio.com/entertainment/old-spice-pitchman-lathers-up-emmy-nomination.php

Olbermann calls on Oprah to 'crush' Limbaugh
http://www.thegrio.com/politics/olbermann-calls-on-oprah-to-crush-limbaugh.php

Ogletree: Gates arrest put racial profiling in spotlight
http://www.thegrio.com/video/charles-ogletree-gates-arrest-put-racial-profiling-in-the-spotlight.php

Cosby takes act to the web: 'I'm not hip, I'm married'
http://www.thegrio.com/video/cosby-takes-his-act-to-the-web-im-not-hip-im-married.php

Another oyster company falls victim to BP spill
http://www.thegrio.com/news/another-oyster-company-falls-victim-to-bp-spill.php

Buffalo schools put students at risk with suspensions
http://www.thegrio.com/news/buffalo-schools-puts-students-at-risk-with-suspensions.php

Slideshow: Fans hail 'King of Pop' all around globe
http://www.thegrio.com/entertainment/slideshow-fans-hail-king-of-pop-all-around-the-globe.php

Former NFL coach Tony Dungy puts fatherhood first
http://www.thegrio.com/sports/former-nfl-coach-tony-dungy-promotes-fatherhood.php

Louis Gossett Jr. calls for patience with Obama
http://www.thegrio.com/news/louis-gossett-jr-continues-to-support-obama.php

Slideshow: The Tuskegee Airmen's legacy still soars
http://www.thegrio.com/slideshow/slideshow-the-tuskeegee-airmens-legacy-still-soars.php

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

West Philadelphia: More than Praise, Worship and Service



Churchgoers are getting more out of church. Members of the Christian Stronghold Church do not only attend services for the sermons, but for the continuous motivation to develop their personal relationship with God through service, employment or education.

The church encourages its members to participate in serve activities as a way to honor God and develop spiritual friendships. Traditionally, a church
member’s function is to offer their skills to a particular ministry. However, deciding the right area of service might be challenging. Passion for the activity, devoted time commitment and faithfulness to the ministry are variables in successful ministry service. Many church members do not look at serving as strenuous work, but rather reverence to God.

Amanda Davis sings soprano on the Christian Sounds Choir—one of six musical ministries. As a young adult, singing on the choir is more than a monotonous Sunday morning routine.

“It’s important for me to serve in ministry because it’s an opportunity for me to give back to God the gifts that He has given me. At the same time, it blesses other people,” Davis said.

There are over fifty active ministries in CSC. African American Cultural Awareness, Audio Visual, Bookstore Workers, Children’s Church, Community Action Council, Evangelism Ministry, Job and Career Management, Men’s Discipleship, Photography Ministry, Singles Ministry and the Youth Ministry are many of the operating ministries in the church.

Another opportunity for church members is to receive employment from the church. There are numerous administrative positions that keep CSC well organized. Tenora Rogers, information processor and graphic artist, designs all flyers and banners for various ministry events and creates the weekly Sunday church bulletins—generally six to ten pages in length. As a recent Temple University alumna,
Rogers uses her advertisement degree for the service in the church.

April 30th, 2010 will celebrate Roger’s tenth year as member of CSC. Over the years, she has been involved with the Singles Ministry and served as a youth worker for the Youth Ministry. She smiles at the many years of service and enjoys her new position.

“I am able to use my natural gift of art for God’s people,” Rogers said.

When pastors are not preaching, hymns are still being song and the Bible remains open Monday through Friday for spiritual growth and academic progress. CSC serves as a Christian school. Both Creative World Learning Center—teaching six months to five years old and Destiny Learning Academy—teaching kindergarten to sixth grade—provide Christian education. The schools are apart of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).

Established in 1992, both schools’ vision focuses on the “shared responsibility for [a] child’s growth and development.” According to school records, students who graduate from these programs are generally two grades above national levels and are in the top ten percent in area charter middle schools.

Executive director, Reginald Dunston, has managed the schools for the past three years. His experience with the schools are rewarding because the outreach to the African American community has been a success.

“My favorite part is the impact we have on young people’s lives spiritually and academically,” Dunston said.

The vision to increase membership yearly, create new church ministries and advance the Christian schools academic standards was given to Rev. Dr. Willie Richardson, senior pastor at CSC. In 1966, Richardson received the call to pastor over a church—this refers to the belief that God spoke to him with the spiritual vision.

Forty-four years ago, Christian Stronghold Church’s (CSC) membership started at six people. Now, there are over 4,000 active members.

According to the 1st Quarterly Report of 2010—January 1st to March 31st—total membership in CSC was 4,058 people. Men made up 1,338 and 33 percent of the members. With larger numbers, there were 2,061 women who accounted for 51 percent membership. The youth, between 12 to 17 years old, accounted for 11 percent. Lastly, there were 214 younger children. This was approximately 5 percent of membership.

Compared to the last quarter of 2009—October 1st to December 31st, 2010—the membership was 3,977. Since then, 81 people received membership. These growing rates could contribute to the mental refreshment of a person’s spirituality—the idea of starting off right for the new year.

Yet, CBC members are more than a statistical number. Despite the large congregation, CSC calls its members the “church family” because there is a close community among the members.

Richardson expanded CSC to others by preaching, teaching, and counseling locally, nationally and throughout the world. His workshops, seminars, sermons and lectures at college seminary campuses, are focused on reaching “families of all ethic backgrounds.” CSC has been a blessing in many lives in many communities.

His works were even recognized by former President George W. Bush—who invited Richardson to the White House to help organize “Faith Base Initiatives.”

In 2000, Richardson began to create a new plan to cater to the needs of his large and growing congregation. CSC became a cell church by “glorifying Christ, amplifying the Bible and edifying people.” Through his leadership, members meet at other member’s homes weekly for fellowship, prayer groups and Bible study lessons.

Richardson’s life scripture is Acts 26:18 which says, “To open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by that is in me.”

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Walnut Hill: Sassy Club Swings


Step back, step front, switch the hip, side step and feet together. This is one dancing sequence taught at the Teen Ballroom class at Take the Lead Dancing Studios located on 4701 Pine Street.

Shuffling their feet across the floor, these 7th grade students have been dancing since 5th grade in the Dancing Classroom Philly Saturday Scholarship.


Dance instructor, Kate Rast, has been teaching ballroom dance for about five years. Yet, Rast has been dancing ballet and modern dance since she was three years old.

She enjoys watching the student’s progress with their dancing and comfort levels increase with one another. Their giggles and shyness is expected at the beginning, but the young dancers are gaining confidence in their moves.

“It’s tough for Fee-Fee being the only gentleman. Ladies have it easier,” Rast said.

Despite their initial fears, the young dancers are active in class and asking for help when needed. At times, they got tined up learning the waltz.


“Waltz is like your floating. You don’t want to make it sharp,” Rast said.

The last class for the spring semester is Saturday, May 8th. The students will show the simple two-step, graceful waltz and sassy club swings to their parents.

Trenae McDuffie, Walnut Hill

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Walnut Hill: Reality of Rough Times





Making a critical decision to get a hair cut or pay a bill leaves many under close watch of how their money is spent. Current economic conditions are getting worse. Money has become tight for many people of Walnut Hill, but others have managed to find ways to modify budgets and create other economic opportunities.

Adam Mack works full time for the Johnson Security Co. The average age of a security guard at his company is 30 years old with a family to support. As contracts float away, downsizing within the company is evident.

“[Employees] are trying to make it. It’s a struggle for everybody. We don’t know [if] we are coming out this recession,” Mack said.

Mack acknowledged recuperation from this continually declining economy is not easy. He predicted recovery will take awhile.

“What are they going to do, sell cookies,” Mack said.

Baltimore Pet Shop owner, Courtney Tripp, has found a sweet solution within the tremendous economic gloom of the neighborhood. According to Tripp, since the store’s opening in November 2009, the shore has had great business.

“People thought I was crazy [to start a new business], but people love their pets,” Tripp said.

Nevertheless, Walnut Hill residents hope for relief.

Trenae McDuffie, Walnut Hill

Monday, April 12, 2010

Walnut Hill: Keeps Classics Fresh

Dizzy Gillespie, Steppenwolf, John Coltrane and Led Zeppelin records are pilled high at the Beautiful World Syndicate (BWS). This neighborhood records shop—located on 48th and Pine Streets—sells, buys and trades classic jazz, hip-hop, rhythm and blues and rock music. Prices range from $7 up to $19.99, but there is a selection of CDs that only cost $2.

In her collection of Salt-n-Pepa, Red Hot Chile Peppers, Rod Stewart and KISS, Mirra Watkins loves her bargains.

“They have reasonable prices. I would never [pay] regular price,” Watkins said.

John Yates, shop manager, wants to keep a flea market feel to the store.

“It’s easier to sell cheap stuff and make happy customers,” Yates said.

BWS has been opened for two and a half years. There is a sister shop in South Philadelphia located at 1619 East Passyunk Aveue—which has existed for almost a half a decade. Even though this location has been opened longer, Yates has more fun with the friendly customers of Walnut Hill.

Earth, Wind and Fire, Curtis Mayfield’s SuperFly and Santana posters cover the lime green walls. The shop organizes music as New Arrivals, Hip Hop Under tables, Jazz, R&B, Rock and Dance genres.

If you’re into Billy Preston, Doors and Elvis Costello shop by the shop Wednesdays to Sundays to grab some timeless tunes.

“This store is for college kids…and old ladies who are looking for jazz.”

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Walnut Hill Gets a Sweet Visit


The rainbow sprinkles painted on the exterior of the white truck reminded me of an ice cream truck, but I did not hear the corny carnival songs.

The Buttercream Cupcake Company made a stop on Baltimore and Springfield Avenue.

The owner, Kate Carrera
, known as the Cupcake Lady, used to be an attorney. She gathered up friends, bought an old mail truck and began to bake out of kitchens in Northern Liberties and in Manayunk.

One of her friends from San Francisco, Jamie Maser, has known Carrera for 12 years and his wife and daughter help with the baking.

"We enjoy bringing the cupcakes to the neighborhoods and my daughter is learning to take the money and break the change," Maser said.

Menu items include the Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, Yellow Cake with Chocolate Ganache, Chocolate Cake with Peanut Butter Buttercream and the famous Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting.

So what attracted the Cupcake Truck to Walnut Hill?

Maser told me about a month ago, there were young sword fighters who played in Clark Park located on 43rd and Baltimore Avenue. These energetic warriors told Maser to bring the truck down on Saturdays for the weekly produce markets.

If people miss the truck in Walnut Hill, the truck makes stops all around Philadelphia. On Mondays the truck stops at Drexel University, Tuesdays at Jefferson Hospital, Wednesdays at University of Pennsylvania, Thursdays at Temple University and spends Fridays in Center City Philadelphia.

Do not worry about high prices either because all cupcakes cost $2. What a great deal for a fancy treat!

Trenae McDuffie, Group 35, Walnut Hill