The Importance of Supporting Black Young Men and Men of Color: In a world that strives for equality and justice, it is essential to recognize and address the unique challenges faced by black young men and men of color. These individuals often contend with systemic disadvantages, racial discrimination, and limited access to opportunities that hinder their personal and professional growth. In this article, we explore the importance of supporting and empowering black young men and men of color, highlighting the positive impact such efforts can have on their lives, families, communities, and society as a whole.

For decades, black young men and men of color have confronted deeply rooted systemic barriers that hinder their advancement in various fields. In education, they face disproportionate disciplinary actions, limited access to quality resources, and lower graduation rates compared to their white peers. These disparities can significantly impact their future prospects and contribute to perpetuating cycles of poverty.

Similarly, in the workforce, black young men and men of color often face employment discrimination and wage gaps, preventing them from achieving economic stability and upward mobility. Additionally, the criminal justice system disproportionately targets and incarcerates men of color, perpetuating a cycle of inequality and disenfranchisement.

Supporting these individuals involves addressing systemic inequalities and advocating for policies that promote equal opportunities and fair treatment. By actively dismantling these barriers, we create an environment where black young men and men of color can thrive, contribute to society, and fulfill their potential.

The presence of positive role models is crucial in shaping the aspirations and self-esteem of black young men and men of color. Representation matters, and it is essential for them to see individuals who look like them achieving success in various fields, including education, business, arts, and politics.

By providing mentorship and exposure to successful individuals from similar backgrounds, we instill hope and confidence in young men of color, demonstrating that their dreams are achievable. Moreover, positive role models can break stereotypes, inspire resilience, and challenge negative societal perceptions.

The challenges faced by black young men and men of color can take a toll on their mental health and emotional well-being. Experiencing racial discrimination, systemic biases, and limited opportunities can lead to feelings of hopelessness and anxiety. Unfortunately, mental health is often stigmatized in communities of color, leading to a reluctance to seek help.

Supporting these men includes promoting mental health awareness, providing accessible resources, and creating safe spaces where they can openly discuss their struggles. Encouraging conversations about mental health within families, schools, and communities can normalize seeking help and destigmatize mental health challenges.

Education is a powerful tool for empowering black young men and men of color to overcome societal obstacles and achieve their goals. It is crucial to invest in educational programs that address the specific needs of these individuals and promote inclusivity and diversity in academic settings.

By providing access to quality education, scholarships, and mentorship programs, we equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed. Additionally, culturally relevant curricula that acknowledge the contributions of diverse communities can foster a sense of pride and belonging.

Supporting black young men and men of color is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic investment in creating a more equitable and just society. By breaking down systemic barriers, fostering positive role models, promoting mental health awareness, and investing in education, we can empower these individuals to thrive and contribute positively to their communities and the world. Through collective efforts, we can build a future where all individuals, regardless of their background, have equal opportunities to succeed and fulfill their potential.

Article By: AJ

If you or anyone you know knows Young Men of color ages 13-18 with a great interest in music, entertainment, fashion, and the arts and are passionate about what they do, please tell them about the INSPIRE Young Men of Color (YMOC) Campaign.

Join us by reaching out to our team. Any support (donations, gifts, or your time) will be greatly appreciated and well deserving to those Young Men of Color who dream and uses that dream to fuel their aspirations.

Go To: INSPIRE Young Men Of Color (YMOC) Campaign Presented By USL Magazine and 1PKC Media & Publishing Partners

Go To: The Origin Story: How The INSPIRE Young Men Of Color (YMOC) Campaign Started

INSPIRE Young Men of Color (YMOC) Origin Story

While growing up in the ’80s and ’90s, my siblings and I got scolded if we got bad grades in school. Not doing our homework was not an option. Getting bad grades or acting up in school got us beatings, sometimes in front of the whole class. So you can understand that I did not want to bare the shame and being teased by my classmates if our parents had to lend a hand to our backsides when we acted up in school or did not turn in our homework.

Cause and effect. I did not want to feel the belt to my rear end, so as an effect, I excelled in school. I excelled so much that I received the mayoral award for being one of two people on top of my school’s electronics program. I also received work-study in my senior year and was awarded the opportunity to participate in Morgan State University’s summer engineering program.

I was elated when I learned I was in the summer engineering program. Being in the program will allow me to see what Morgan State University’s engineering program is about and meet new and interesting people my age. Since long ago, I’ve forgotten many facts about how Morgan State ran the program, but two specific things have stayed with me all these years. The first was a creative drawing competition using Autocad (a computer-aided design and drafting software) and the awards banquet dinner at the end of the program.

Introduced to Autocad, the instructors told us how the software works and instructed us how to use it. They gave us a little nugget introduced that day as well. Whoever had the best design using the Autocad program would receive an award at the program’s closing dinner banquet. And naturally, I won the contest using Autocad to draw my favorite video game character at the time, Super Mario Bros – Mario.

Being told I had won the contest, I called my mom and told her about it and that there would be an awards dinner banquet. I begged her to come and bring the rest of the family to support me – to show up. I could have asked her until my face turned dark purple; my mother didn’t budge. She told me that she wasn’t coming.

I remember sitting at one of the banquet tables, an 18-year-old black boy, just looking at the front door, hoping someone I knew would walk through. No one showed up. Being there with all these strangers and their families, and my family is missing in action, created anxiety and embarrassment. I watched the other kids laughing and talking with their families, and I felt truly abandoned. It was a feeling I had never felt before and something I wished for no one. Growing up, I felt neglected before and unloved and cared for, but that day was the worst. Here I won a competition given by a prestigious organization and was receiving an award for being the exemplary child, for doing good, yet no one showed up. No one came to support me.

 As the banquet continued, I kept watching the door – looking and hoping someone would come and support me, but no one did. Then, finally, the hostess called my name to receive my award and give a speech; being on that stage, looking out at those families, it felt like forever. And that feeling of abandonment took root in me, and I was saddened. Walking back to my seat felt like I was being harassed and teased by many bullies. I felt so out of place and wanted to run away.

At the end of the banquet, I had to catch the bus home, and it was a grueling ride. All these thoughts began running through my head. I became upset even more. I was angry. It was the longest bus ride returning to a house where I knew no one cared about me.

“There are miracles and glory in every child. Our glory lies in empowering them to flourish their glory.” –Amit Ray

“Stay focused , go after your dreams and keep moving toward your goals.” — LL Cool J

“When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don’t adjust the goals, adjust the action steps.” — Confucius.

In the summer of 2012, I pondered some decisions I had to make about USL Magazine. I wanted to do something – to help our young black boys, so they wouldn’t have to go through what I experienced. God had me remember the summer engineering program and that feeling of abandonment. It was like the dinner banquet happened the day before. I began to tear up and felt like I was that 18-year-old- black boy all over again. Twenty-two years later, that incident still profoundly affected me as when I was 18 years old. I started thinking that no child should have to experience that feeling. So the inception of INSPIRE Young Men of Color (YMOC) came to be that day. I wanted to be a beacon of light for young boys who do not have the support at home needed to help build, grow, and nurture their aspirations. I wanted to inspire, even with a small gesture.

About INSPIRE Young Men of Color (YMOC)

INSPIRE Young Men of Color (YMOC), creates partnerships between Young Men Of Color, ages 12-18, and mentors winning in their fields. Seven (7) young men with aspirations in the music, entertainment, and fashion industries get featured in a fashion editorial, receive one-on-one podcast interviews and in-person mentorships by leading professionals, and are invited to a Meet-N-Greet DJ/Artists Session – all brought to you by USL Magazine and uslmag.com.

INSPIRE Young Men of Color (YMOC) is presented by 1PKC Media & Publishing Partners, USL Magazine and participating partners. Join us by reaching out to our team or completing the brief form below. Any support (donations, gifts, or your time) will be greatly appreciated and well deserving to those Young Men of Color who dream and uses that dream to fuel their aspirations.

Tree Sound Studios, Atlanta, GA, Photographer, Karlos Matthews, Producers, Christina Fernander & Patrick A. Kelly, Stylists, Producer Papa & Nigel Xavier, Models, Producer Papa & Nigel Xavier, MUA, Patrice Story

Soho/Chinatown, NYC Photoshoot Credits: Photographer, Hyun Gu Kim, Producer & Stylist, Patrick A. Kelly, Models, Donnell Morris and Lance Wilcox, Dancers, Undefeatedonez, Hair & MUA, Dani Scarcella

If you or anyone you know knows Young Men of color ages 12-18 with a great interest in music, entertainment, fashion, and the arts and are passionate about what they do, please tell them about the INSPIRE Young Men of Color (YMOC) Campaign.

Join us by reaching out to our team. Any support (donations, gifts, or your time) will be greatly appreciated and well deserving to those Young Men of Color who dream and uses that dream to fuel their aspirations.

Go To: INSPIRE Young Men Of Color (YMOC) Campaign Presented By USL Magazine and 1PKC Media & Publishing Partners

Directors: John Ogunmuyiwa, Christiana Ebohon-Green, Caleb Femi, Adeyemi Michael
Writers: Candice Carty-Williams, Ameir Brown, Isis Davis, Emma Dennis-Edwards, Edem Wornoo
Title: Champion
Distribution: BBC1 / Netflix
Release Date: July 1, 2023

Download / Stream

One-Line Review: A1 – Champion takes you back to your roots and is the true identity of the Jamaican culture. In PATROIS: Champion takes yuh back tuh yuh roots an di chuu identity of di Jamaican culture.

Comment From The Editor: Junior A Mi! Every time mi watch episode 6; it burns mi all ova again.

“While Champion is about as authentic as you can get – fusing great music and semblances of our Jamaican culture, the writer, Candice Carty-Williams, hit on some of the most touching points, especially the abandonment of Jamaican fathers and their “Papa Was A Rolling-stone” behavior that is pervasive. Because I, too, was a benefactor of a father without regard for taking care of his children or being any support, I get extremely pissed off every time I see or hear of men being deadbeat dads. Ironically, the father, Beres, played by Ray Fearon, is my favorite character. His trueness and authenticity hit the core.” – Patrick A. Kelly, Editor-In-Chief

About The Series: Champion on BBC1 and Netflix is a new series featuring new music from some of the most exciting talent around, and shows what happens when fame collides with family. The drama stars Top Boy actor Malcolm Kamulete and newcomer Déja J. Bowens as siblings Bosco and Vita Champion, whose relationship is fractured as they both try to make it in the music industry. Musician Ray BLK, known for her single MIA, is also starring alongside Nadine Marshall, Ray Fearon and Jo Martin. 

Champion is the first TV project for writer and novelist Candice Carty-Williams who says: “Champion is a celebration of black music and of a black family, however fragmented that family might be, and I can’t wait for the world to see their story. Since I knew what music was, I’ve loved grime and UK rap and neo-soul, to the point of obsession, and to bring to BBC One and iPlayer in the U.K. and Netflix globally a series that gives these genres of music life and texture is my dream, as is working with some of the best producers and songwriters making music today to create original tracks for the show.” – whattowatch.com

Op-Ed

Jamaican culture is a tapestry of traditions, values, and social norms that have shaped the lives of its people for generations. However, within this cultural fabric, there is a complex issue that demands examination: the acceptance by women and matriarchs of men being unfaithful and having children out of wedlock. This op-ed seeks to shed light on this phenomenon, exploring its roots, consequences, and the imperative need for change.

To address this issue effectively, it is essential to understand the cultural dynamics that contribute to the acceptance of infidelity and unplanned parenthood in Jamaican society. Jamaican culture, like many others, has been influenced by historical factors, including gender roles, economic disparities, and the legacy of colonization. These factors shape attitudes, expectations, and behaviors surrounding relationships, fidelity, and family dynamics.

The historical legacy of male dominance and the influence of patriarchal norms have played a significant role in shaping the acceptance of infidelity and unplanned parenthood. The traditional gender roles assigned to women, which emphasize submission and the preservation of family unity, may inadvertently perpetuate a culture of silence and tolerance surrounding men’s indiscretions.

The socio-economic realities faced by many Jamaican families can contribute to the acceptance of infidelity and unplanned parenthood. Economic disparities and limited opportunities can create pressure on men to seek validation and control through multiple relationships. Women, on the other hand, may feel compelled to accept their partner’s infidelity due to financial dependence or the fear of being stigmatized as single mothers.

The acceptance of infidelity and unplanned parenthood in Jamaican culture exacts a heavy toll on women and families. Women often bear the emotional and financial burdens associated with these circumstances, experiencing heightened stress, emotional trauma, and diminished self-worth. The children born out of wedlock may face challenges, including a lack of paternal support, fragmented family structures, and a sense of identity crisis.

To challenge this pervasive acceptance, a multi-faceted approach is necessary, addressing the underlying causes and promoting societal change. Education plays a crucial role in dismantling traditional gender roles and fostering healthy relationship dynamics. Comprehensive sex education, relationship counseling, and parenting programs can empower individuals with the tools and knowledge to build equitable and respectful partnerships.

Empowering women is central to transforming the acceptance of infidelity and unplanned parenthood. This includes providing access to education, economic opportunities, and legal protections. Efforts should focus on promoting financial independence, building support networks, and offering counseling services that help women heal from the emotional trauma caused by infidelity.

Changing attitudes and behaviors requires engaging men and matriarchs in open dialogue. Addressing the cultural norms that perpetuate acceptance is crucial. Promoting respectful communication, teaching healthy conflict resolution skills, and challenging harmful expectations are essential steps in shifting the paradigm of relationships and family dynamics.

The media and popular culture play a significant role in shaping societal attitudes and values. By promoting alternative narratives that challenge the acceptance of infidelity and unplanned parenthood, media outlets can contribute to a cultural shift. Media campaigns, television programs, and films that depict healthy relationships and responsible fatherhood can help reshape social norms and expectations.

Enacting and enforcing laws that protect women’s rights, ensure equitable distribution of resources, and hold individuals accountable for their actions is crucial. Strengthening legal frameworks surrounding child support, marital rights, and domestic violence can provide a foundation for change, offering women and families the necessary protection and support they deserve.

The acceptance of infidelity and unplanned parenthood by women and matriarchs in Jamaican culture is a complex issue with deep-rooted historical, cultural, and socio-economic underpinnings. Addressing this issue requires a multi-faceted approach that involves education, empowerment, cultural change, and legal reforms. By challenging harmful norms, empowering women, and engaging men and matriarchs in transformative dialogues, Jamaican society can break free from the cycle of acceptance. Let us envision a future where fidelity, respect, and healthy family dynamics are valued, fostering a society that promotes gender equity, emotional well-being, and the holistic development of individuals and families.

Op-Ed By: AJ
Photo Credit: BBC

“The road leading to success can sometimes be long and arduous. Everything that can go wrong will. All of your primary support systems will fall by the wayside like it was planned sabotage.” – Patrick A. Kelly

First off, who is Patrick Kelly?

I’m an optimist. I’m the guy who isn’t afraid to take risks, win, lose, or draw. I’m that friend to people I know, and I’m an associate to people I come to know, but I’m always smiling, have an encouraging word to say, and want everyone to progress. Despite what some people may think, Patrick Kelly is the guy most people see and say, “He’s charming. He appears to be not too much on his game, so let’s see what I can get from him.” The funny thing is, since I was 12 years old, I realized what my gifts were, and often times I play the not-so-intuned guy just to flush out people’s personalities, motives, and purpose. I see everything. I observe people and notice things they may not know or care to know about themselves. Whether they want to or not, the truth always comes out, and I only rely on body language and my personal interactions with people. That is how I genuinely get to know them. I consider what most people say as 90% fluff (lies, deceit, agenda, camouflage, and game). So, in a nutshell, I am that guy who will help anybody, the guy that will give you 120% because he expects 120% in return – the guy when his name is on the line comes through. Earning your way, hard work, and follow through gets my respect. I do not appreciate or tolerate laziness, people who think they are above the rules, or some sort of entitled maniac. And I have zero tolerance when it comes to violence and disrespect.

So you’ve been getting a lot of flak from people you know about being a hard-ass, especially regarding your passion. What do you say to that?

I can only say that you live, and you learn. Many people want to mold you into something they can manage (control), but I’ve always been strong-headed and confident even when it didn’t appear. I’m sorry that certain people may feel intimidated by me, but that’s life. There are leaders, and then there are followers, and clearly, I’m a leader; I always have been, but I can follow too. Yes, I agree that I can be stubborn sometimes, but I’m also that guy who is man enough to apologize when I’m wrong. You must remember that when you find people who disapprove of you as a personality, you remind them of something they’re hiding from or striving to become.

You’ve been in Atlanta for what, 20+ years now? What are some of your accomplishments in music and entertainment, and who are some of the people you have helped along the way?

Yes, I have been in Atlanta now for 20+ years. I moved to Atlanta after my horrible spring semester at Towson State University in Maryland. I relocated here in the summer of 95, a time I will never forget because it was the first time I felt homeless. It’s not a pretty feeling at all. When I moved to Atlanta, I was supposed to transfer to Clark Atlanta University while working at Stouffer Hotel and live with my aunt and uncle in Decatur, none of which worked out. I didn’t like Clark, and my new job transfer and living situation fell through, so I was left to go on faith. I remember driving by Spring and 14th with tears in my eyes because I knew I wasn’t gonna go back home; I wasn’t gonna just give up after a few setbacks. By the grace of God, there was a guy I met while being in Atlanta for Freak Nik that year named Kevin Bryant, who introduced me to my first roommate, Craig. If you don’t know who Kevin Bryant is, he’s a soul/dance artist here in Atlanta who garnered his first hit dance single by remaking Chaka Khan’s single “Any Love.” As far as my accomplishments, I did a lot of modeling and TV work during my first few years in Atlanta and got a new job through one of Kevin’s friends Eddie Young who happened to be the manager of The Evergreen Conference Center and Resort at the time.

Throughout the years, I formed relationships and co-founded a clothing line called Whatever Wear, which Kevin and Lentheus Chaney were a part of. From there, I and an ex-friend Chuck Dobey founded SEID Entertainment and Production. I also was a part of Beautiful People, Megavibes, and The Urban Spotlight, a local talent show we did with DJ T-Wrex and DJ Tron of Urban Legends DJs, which ran for 13 months at the infamous Shark Bar Restaurant and Lounge. As far as people I’ve helped, I was Kevin Bryant’s graphic artist for over 12 years, which means I was in charge of all his street promotions and designs. We developed artists through SEID Entertainment and Productions and educated many artists on the music business, including signing our first gospel rap group, Reign Down (Carlos Jones and Tony B). Through our clothing line Whatever Wear, we did Morehouse Fashion Shows, The Black Expo, For Sister Only, Tribeca Clothing and Straight From The Apple, and Upscale Magazine, and we also worked with celebrity photographers Shawn Dowdell and Umari. Models who started with us and have made a name for themselves are Teck Holmes (“MTV’s The Real World Hawaii” & “Van Wilder”), Black Men Magazine Cover Model, Sincily, Ryan Neal, and others.

What is your passion for the music/entertainment business, and why start USL Magazine?

Well, my passion for life is to help people. I realized that during one of our Urban Spotlight shows, DJ Cowboy and E.T. (The Dirty Boyz and 107.9) attended. An artist approached me while standing at the soundboard and said, “Mr. Kelly, we really appreciate what you all are doing for us indie artists.” It wasn’t until then that I really realized my calling in music. Since I was a youngster, I’ve always been inspired by music, TV, and the movie industry. However, starting USL Magazine was brought up by Darryl, a colleague who happened to be working with us while we were taping the Ultimate Spotlight CMV TV Show. The TV show spawned USL, which I took from the show’s name. Starting USL Magazine was the next reasonable step with everything I had created before now.

What are you hoping to accomplish with the magazine, and who is your target audience?

The magazine speaks for itself. It’s a diversity of music and musical artists in conjunction with entertainment, fashion, lifestyle, and some satire. USL Magazine is primarily an online magazine, with print-on-demand quarterly. Regarding the demographic we’re trying to reach, they were obtained during our male model casting for the first issue. And we’re talking about young men and women of many races and cultures between the ages of 17 and 25 who are diverse, fashionable, and open-minded. We are also beginning to see a trend, especially with the hip-hop and dance community. In a nutshell, USL Magazine gives you a real-life attitude fused with music and entertainment with fashionable attire for the young and viable.

You’re doing sex stories and a past issue concerning 3-way relationships. Why did you choose to do a story on 3-way connections?

The whole idea for this piece was because I have either had scenarios of the sort presented to me or have heard of them, so I wanted to not only say my part on the subject but also find couples who have experienced it. It’s none of my business what people do in the privacy of their own homes. Their privacy is exactly what it means; their own privacy. But if you’re in a relationship, is it fair to say you love someone and you’ve given them your heart, yet you don’t really know them? This piece aims to help couples and people thinking about going into relationships to really think about who they are and what they want from it. We all know everybody lies, and you should usually worry about the ones protesting the most and the loudest.

So what was it like interviewing Day 26, and why did you choose them to be a part of the magazine?

We were actually solicited by Day 26’s publicist to get them in the magazine. With all the traffic on Facebook alone, they had gotten wind of the magazine and wanted to be a part of it. While interviewing the men of Day 26, I realized they were still real people, and their fame and prosperity had not changed them. Mike, in particular, was a bit standoffish at first, but he later warmed up to me. I gathered from the interview that these young men are trying to find their place in the business while still trying to make good music for their fans.

Tell us a little about the photo shoot you all did at The Atlanta Decorative Arts Center (ADAC). How was it all arranged?

Going to ADAC was a fluke because we were initially looking to do the shoot at The Aurum Lounge. After playing phone tag a few times with the owner, I called ADAC and spoke to Katherine about the magazine and what we wanted to do for a shoot there. Two days later, Anna Hajiyev (Art Director of USL Magazine) and I went for a tour, and we were introduced to the showroom owners who became a part of the shoot. Everyone at ADAC was very inviting except for one showroom, which will remain nameless in my book. Overall the shoot lasted for 8 hours. Anna shot 7 girls (Kotera, Kenya, Deanna, Tiana, Brynne, Kierra & Elena) and 2 dogs (Gracie & Coda) in 5 showrooms (J Nelson, August Avery, Moattar, Innovations USA & Smith Grubbs Associate) with 2 make-up artists (Patrice Story & Letitia), 2 hairstylists (Tamiko Burk & CJ), 2 wardrobe stylist (Nera B & Tomiko Couture), a clothing designer (Crystal of Nya Nya Couture) and 3 assistants (Papa, Manny & Ashley Dniece).

From what I’ve read, the magazine initially had a release date of Sept 2011. What changed the release date to some three months later?

 Believe it or not, we had been working so hard to have a release for September, but as you know, sometimes your plan doesn’t co-align with God’s plan. It’s hellish writing a magazine, especially when you want it to be perfect. Everyone contributing has to follow the plan and timetable set to accomplish everything if you hope to launch on time. We had three main problems which sidelined the launch of the magazine. One was getting the writers and transcriptionists to finish up with the interviews and editing, and then we had a late shoot because I wanted to include a local boutique in the premiere issue. Finally, the mother of all mothers happened; I began losing sight. I had been having problems focusing my eyes a month earlier, but I thought it was because I wasn’t getting enough sleep in school full-time and working on two magazines simultaneously. Then one morning, I woke up and saw doubles, and my eyes were going in and out of focus. You are talking about a scary situation. This went on for over 6 weeks, even after seeing the optometrist, who said I had a lot of CVS (computer vision syndrome) from being on the computer. Everything suffered from that point because I needed my eyes for everything I had to do. I got a 3.0 last semester because I could not spend hours on the computer. Now over two months later, I still have eye problems occasionally, but it’s not as severe as initially.

So you’re finally launching USL Magazine, a January/February issue; what do you all have planned for the spring and summer issues?

For the Spring issue, which will come out sometime between March and April, Celebrity DJ/Model Sky Nellor will be on the cover. We want feature interviews from Anthony Q (formerly of Day 26), Frank Ski, Miss Sophia, Diana Degarmo, prominent DJs in LA, some TV stars, and many others. A well-known rapper will be on the cover for the summer issue, plus we will be heading to Miami soon, where we will be shooting models for our summer swimsuit fashion spread. That’s all I’m going to say for now.

I hear you have a few online contests you’re about to launch. Can you give us some insight into the Fashion Sense Contest and what that entails?

The Fashion Sense Contest is definitely a signature brand of USL Magazine. I initially created it so that the readers could participate and be a part of the magazine, whether they were actual models or not. The Fashion Sense Contest is a process where we look for people for their everyday fashion inspiration. So, you can look for many different Fashion Sense Contests to come in which we will be giving away more electronics and teaming up with clothing designers, boutiques, and online retailers for co-branding purposes. USL Magazine has also teamed up with Anna Hajiyev Photography for a monthly “One Look Make Over Contest,” and it’s exactly as it says.

As a magazine editor, you basically control every aspect of the publication. When you are choosing models, what do you look for?

 Since I’ve been in the fashion scene for years, beginning my modeling career at 17, I’m more interested in a model’s personality than how shapely or cut their bodies are. Yes, I want a good-looking model that can sell a product, but if they are unique or possess a great vibe, they will draw me to them quicker.

Let’s talk about your cover model for the premiere issue. Kotera? Why her? What did you see in her to say; she’s the one for my magazine?

Believe it or not, when I saw Kotera from the photos during the model contest on Facebook, I wasn’t impressed at first. It was only when I invited her and the other female models to our first fashion shoot at ADAC that I realized the talents she possessed. Kotera is a natural. During the shoot, she required the most minor direction; her poses were on-point as if she could communicate to the camera telepathically. Anna only shot her once because she had to leave early for school, but that shot in the chair spoke volumes. If Kotera stays focused, keeps her business intact, and stays hungry, she will go far in the modeling world.

There are many magazines out there. Why start a magazine now, and what does USL Magazine possess that will make it stand out from the rest?

USL Magazine isn’t about recreating the wheel. However, it is about offering exciting and compelling stories, features, and hot topics people only think about and dare not say. The Atlanta market needs a magazine for an industry showing rapid growth. The music/entertainment industry here in Atlanta is buzzing because of the new tax breaks offered to new businesses. Being a magazine for artists and entertainers on the cusp of their careers is definitely needed, so that’s why USL Magazine is formatted the way it is. Plus, the magazine has favored. And when you have favor from God, that is all you need. I am genuinely humbled by the talent God has blessed me to work with thus far, and this is not even the tip of the iceberg. Refreshingly free-spirited is a moniker I want people to remember about the magazine and that we will always be honest about our business and continue to give people opportunities as long as I, my affiliates, and USL Magazine are appreciated.

Introduction Article By Patrick A. Kelly
Interview By Percy Howard