canvas october 2009
THE GI N NS speak on glenville,
football, and giving back shaw hi g h school alumni weekend & battle of the bands
mike adams + best hs football + tuff luv + ohio hip-hop awards canvascleveland.com
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supporting...
local culture, community, & business in Northeast Ohio
canvas
october 2009
PUBLISHER artillerygroup llc EDITOR-IN-CHIEF jay bobo
sales+marketing
ashley taylor, damien conner
editors
latesha williams, patricia bobo
layout
goodproduce
photo
adam miclot, jay bobo, herb bias
design
goodproduce, the detroit studio, baruch design
contributors
andre cisco, arnold hines, ashley taylor, doug alford, princess henderson, jay bobo
PUBLISHED BY GOODPRODUCE / AG LLC 1360 E. 9th Street, Suite 823 Cleveland, OH 44114 canvascleveland.com Printed by HotCards.com Copyright 2009 GOODPRODUCE / ARTILLERY GROUP LLC Reproduction without written permission of artillerygroup llc is prohibited.
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contents EXTRAS 07 editors note 24 party pictures 26 event calendar 28 the list+ PEOPLE 08 mike adams
- love & relationships
09 courtney conwell
- tips for young professionals
ART&MUSIC 14 listen up: james agnew SPORTS 22 top hs football players BUSINESS 15 tuffluv
- women in sports
FEATURE 18 the ginns
- glenville, football, & giving back
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CANVAS OCTOBER 2009
4149 mayfield rd | south euclid 216-691-7777 edith | jazzie | eulonda | tinika | rickea | kelly
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canvasmagazine sponsors Toys for Tots 2009. Please drop your new and unwrapped toys to one of the following locations. Brightside Academy 10548 Saint Clair Ave Cleveland, OH 44108 (216) 268-1800 Headlines By De Franco 5160 Wilson Mills Rd Richmond Heights, Heights OH 44143 (440) 605-0500
Nulife Personal Fitness 3615 Superior Ave E Cleveland, OH 44114-4138 (216) 391-4442 Palmeros Luxe Studio 2151 Noble Rd East Cleveland, Cl OH 44112 (216) 249-2295
Next 4771 Northfield Rd Cleveland, OH 44128 (216) 581-2340
Style Lounge 1273 W.9th st Cleveland, OH 44113 (216) 664-1104
Next C 1796 Coventry Rd Cleveland Heights, OH (216) 320-9275
Villa 4071 Lee Road Lee Harvard Plaza Cleveland, OH 44128 (216)751-5656
NuLife Personal Fitness 15430 Waterloo Rd Cleveland, OH 44110 (216) 481-4446
Editor’s Note O
ne door opens, one door closes. It hasn’t been an easy trip developing this magazine. Some days are harder than others. We’re constantly second guessing ourselves. Did we make the right decision? Are we working hard enough? Will this work out in the end? My grandmama used to call it nerves. I guess I’ve inherited them from her but along the way I’ve learned to not worry about tomorrow and be content with today.
I’m fulfilled knowing that I’ve been blessed with an enormous opportunity to work for myself when many people are unable to find “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares jobs. For every challenge we face and every the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm hill we climb, there’s someone not too far you, plans to give you hope and a future.” from us dealing with and overcoming something much more difficult. -Jeremiah 29:11
Cleveland never crossed my mind after
(Courtesy of Courtney Conwell, p9) graduation but my life path brought me here
and I accept it with open arms. Canvas exists for a reason beyond my own will and for that reason despite my “nerves” I work hard and rest assured by faith. This issue would not be possible without most importantly my Creator, Mom and Dad, the Canvas Magazine staff, and our unbelieveable advertisers. See you in November! Jay Bobo
[email protected]
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| love&relationships
Three things that you notice in a woman? Face, body, and hands. I’m not a feet person but I do notice them. I don’t want her feet bigger than mine. What are some turnoffs? What are some turn-ons? Stink breath. Also, a chick that lies for no reason. If I’m keeping it real, why can’t you?
mikeadams
defensive back Bio:
Currently plays for the Cleveland Browns Status:
In a relationship
How did you meet your significant other? In college, I used to have house parties and I knew she had a boyfriend at the time. So I approached her while the R.Kelly & Jay-Z song “Somebody Girl is at This Party” and asked for her number. She said, “No, I’m in love with my man.” So I put her on ice and when I found out they weren’t together anymore, I caught her at another party and then I was in forever.
What’s the worst experience you Location: have had with the opposite sex? Westlake I was chilling with a girl and my brother had let another girl I was School: talking to in the room. Neither of University of them was my girl, so I didn’t care.
Delaware
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CANVAS OCTOBER 2009
What’s your idea of a perfect first date? Great conversation and drinks at a nice type of lounge or jazz spot - not too loud and with a nice crowd.
ESPN & ABC: Monday Night Football & NBA
courtneyconwell
young professionals |
Age:
23 Title:
Production Assistant Location:
Shaker Heights School:
Duquesne University Degree:
BA, Public Relations & Advertising
Tell us about yourself? I am a production assistant for both ESPN during Monday Night Football and ABC during the NBA season. Describe your typical work day? No matter what sport or which network my work is usually consistent. As a production assistant I do a lot of behind the scenes work. I serve as the liaison between the Arena, production crews, CEOs, VIPs, talent and whoever else is in town affiliated with the live telecast. Why is your job important? I’m the link that helps make things run smoothly. Nobody can pull off a successful telecast alone. It takes the teams, the coaches, the camera men, the talent - everyone working together with the producers and directors. What advice do you have for people seeking a similar career path? Intern! Intern! Intern! You must get experience. Apply everywhere, that’s the only way to get your foot in the door. What is the salary range for your position? The majority of the people you see working for ESPN are freelance, there isn’t a set salary. It depends on your contracts and how many games you cover. However I can attest, the pay is good. What’s your favorite quote? “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” -Jeremiah 29:11 9
LOCATIONS
e an ey Keep or our ces out fature sau sign
5501 Warrensville Ctr 12626 Bellaire Rd 3965 Lee Rd 12700 Shaw Ave The Word Church Thistledown
Free Birthday Parties (complimentary invitations & bottle of champagne) Contact 216-870-1376 for more information
5120 Warrensville Rd Maple Heights, OH 216-332-1760
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CANVAS OCTOBER 2009
Get Dolled Up! HAIRCAFE
Come to HairCafe and get dolled up with Robin. Call 216.851.1991 to setup your appointment now!
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canvasmagazine
affordable rates, excellent photography, great interviews ask about our small business advertising rates
216.624.7212
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CANVAS OCTOBER 2009
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| listenup
JAMES AGNEW C
leveland is home to a number of great artists and musicians like the late great Gerald Levert or Bone Thugs. There are also others who are unfamiliar to most of us like James “Mook” Agnew, accomplishing greatness slightly beneath the radar. James has worked with a myriad of artists including Anthony Hamilton, Diddy, Conya Doss, and the Kindred Family Soul. Recently, he auditioned and won a spot on Sean “Diddy” Combs’ TV show, “Making His Band” on MTV which lead to his current position on tour with Sean Kingston. Born in a musical home to a classical trained singer mother and drummer father, James credits his parents for his interest in music. He says “I feel like God chose me to be a musician. I feel like at the end of the day I was chosen to make a name for the city and bring the industry standard back.”
written by Rohnesha Horne
James encourages younger musicians to not only work hard and have dedication but to keep God first. “Study and practice, everything will fall into place.”
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Though on tour and constantly traveling from one gig to the next, James will be back home words gabe crenshaw here in Cleveland on October 28th with the Sean Kingston Tour. Be sure to attend and support this local born and bred role model as he strives to accomplish his dreams and lead the way for the next generation.
CANVAS OCTOBER 2009
Find out more about James Agnew at CanvasCleveland.com
local entrepreneur | written by Andre Cisco II
TUFF LUV PROMOTIONS
Danielle Davis, Age: 25 & Patrice Horton, Age: 25
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n September 20th, 2009 when Buffalo Bills standout strong-safety, Donte Whitner, helped lead his team to victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Buffalo Bill’s Head Coach Dick Jauron wasn’t the only coach cheering Whitner on. Patrice Horton and Danielle Davis, founders of TuffLuv Productions Public and Community Relations Firm, were also cheering; only they prepare athletes like Donte Whitner for a different field. Founded in 2005, TuffLuv Productions works with athletes, entertainers, and corporations to promote positive public images through services, which include public relations, community outreach, marketing, management and event planning. At just 25 years of age, both Horton and Davis have worked with the likes of Terrell Owens, Gerald Levert, The Isley Brothers, and many other notable public figures. While their current list of clients, which already includes several prominent athletes and corporations, continues to grow, they remain committed to making TuffLuv a respected brand.
TUFF LUV
Event Planning & Public Relations Start-up Year: 2005 Start-up Costs: 20k (approx) Clients: Donte Whitner, James Hardy, Pacman Jones...
“Our passion overrides our pride. We stay up late, work longer and harder to make sure the TuffLuv brand is protected and Whether they are in a board meeting, backrespected.” stage, or on the sidelines, Patrice Horton and Danielle Davis use simple principles, hard work and a little bit of TuffLuv to coach their clients to success.
Read the rest of our interview with TuffLuv at CanvasCleveland.com
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CANVAS OCTOBER 2009
Fashion meets
makeover
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theGINNS
With more than 30 years of community experience, a school that bears their last name, and multiple media mentions between them both, we bring you the Ginn Men. written by Princess Henderson & Andre Cisco II
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CANVAS OCTOBER 2009
O
ften in our society the good deeds of positive black males are overshadowed by evening news reports of crime in many of our underrepresented communities. The media often paints a stereotypical image of black males that fails to give notice to the neighborhood role models that inspire us to be great and promote positivity.
feature | try to do this!” I was fortunate enough to have older cousins to show me what not to do, we need others to do the same, and we need more African Americans to give back to the community.”
Sr: “The community needs to stop sitting back and talking about the changes that need to be made. We need to be about! As adults we say it’s not our problem. We are all at Ted Ginn Sr. and Ted Ginn Jr. have long RISK. We have to understand that!” been examples of hard work and positivity in Cleveland. Recently, we sat down with What’s the best advice your dad ever gave the father and son duo to discuss their keys you? Jr. “Be respectful and have discipline. to being successful and the importance of Being respectful can get you out of situaactively serving in the African-American tions where you might be in trouble. Being disciplined is the ability to handle certain community. situations on your own. Those are the two Tell us about yourselves. Sr: “I’m Ted values in life that most young people have Ginn, the Executive Director of Ginn Acad- problems with.” emy. I have 30 years of experience working within the Glenville community as well as What’s the importance of hard work? Glenville High School. I advocate for chil- Sr: “Hard work is the key to being successdren and educate African American males ful. I believe that once you value your success, then you will realize hard work pays on being successful.” off.” Jr: “I’m Ted Ginn Jr, an alumnus of Glenville High School. I’m currently a wide re“If you don’t work as ceiver for the Miami Dolphins.” Talk about the work you’ve done for the community. Sr. “My work in the community is everyday work. It’s the example of hope. It’s a daily job having an impact on kids. I have a passion for understanding the youth and helping them pan out their individual life plan. My goal is to show them a way that they can be successful in life and be able to put them in a position to reach their full potential.” Jr: “I give back by mentoring through minicamps during the summer. I try to lead by example of what you can accomplish being that you are from an area like Glenville and the city of Cleveland.”
a young man, how are you going to be able to work when you’re thirty or forty.”
“I used to tell Ted hard work beats talent and talent doesn’t work hard. I’m a strong believer that the harder you work the luckier you can be whether its in your relationships, being a man, a father, a businessman, or an educator; you have to work hard at it. You have to understand how far it can take you, when you’re young you have all the energy in the world to work hard. You have to take advantage of your youth. While you’re young, energetic, and healthy….work hard!”
What are you’re thoughts on the community? Jr: “We need black males to mentor Jr: “As long as you’re working hard on the young guys and tell them “tdon’t do this, something, it can turn around and work out 19
| feature for you. You have to do it everyday. Academic wise I wasn’t the best, but with hard work and dedication things worked out great for me in the long run.” “From my experience with the game of football I learned the significance of dedication. You have to learn how to play the game. The game doesn’t change, but the terminology does. If you don’t know how to come in and hit the weights and learn your playbook when your coach is not around, then you might not be able to succeed. You have to give your all and do things your way.” What advice would you give to young athletes? Both: “Athletics is only a vehicle we use being an athlete opens up your world. At Glenville High School there is always more than one plan. Take Travis Freeman for example, he has four careers. Don’t put your eggs in one basket, have other alternatives. At Glenville we have a program where we continue to push kids to create a life plan. “ What are some tips for young men in general? “Have an education, have a dream and pursue it, have the courage to be different, have discipline, set goals, and be respectful.“ What’s next for the Ginn family? Sr: “What’s next for Ted Ginn Jr.? Well, that he will have a great career and continue to set an example for kids, not just Glenville but for the entire nation. For the future of Ginn Academy, we plan to continue to provide housing for people in the community and touch the lives of people around the country.” What are some questions you think we should have asked you? Sr: “People have the wrong perception about me, my son, and family. There’s a story of how we got here. People never ask you how you feel, when you are in the business of being an advocate.” Read the rest of our interview with The Ginns at CanvasCleveland.com
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CANVAS OCTOBER 2009
Victory is right around the corner.
&UI4U -BEJFTDPNF WJTJUVTGPS 1BNQFS.F 1MFBTF5IVSTEBZT DPOUBDUVTGPS NPSFJOGP
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HS FOOTBALL SPOTLIGHT
I
t’s football season so we decided to round up some of the best local high school players from around the city. Some of these guys like Tyrone Williams (Shaw) and Darryl Baldwin (Solon) have already declared the university of their choosing, while others are still a bit unsure. Keep an eye out for these future college all-stars! Nate Morris #3 Receiver Senior Warrensville Heights HS Schools considering: Akron, Toledo, Kansas Nate caught 42 passes for 532 yards and seven touchdowns. On the defensive side, he had 90 tackles and four sacks last year.
Dominic Flewellyn #52 Left Tackle Senior Maple Heights HS Schools considering: BGSU, Ball State, Kansas, & Northern Illinois Dominic is regarded as one of the top run blockers in the city. He is 29th in the Plain Dealer’s Top 40 HS football players.
Latwan Anderson #1 Defensive Back, Safety Senior Glenville HS Schools considering: West Virginia, Cincinnati, Georgia, & Ohio State Junior year, Latwan made 2nd team All-Ohio with 50 tackles, five interceptions and six touchdowns in 2008.
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CANVAS OCTOBER 2009
feature |
Tyrone Williams #18 Receiver Senior Shaw HS Schools considering: Ohio State As a sophomore, Tyrone made 1st Team All-League, 1st Team All-District, 2nd Team All-County, and 2nd Team All-State in his first year ever playing football.
Christian Bryant #2 Cornerback / Receiver Senior Glenville HS Schools considering: Ohio State, Michigan State, UVA, & North Carolina Ranked the 13th best cornerback in the nation, Christian had 41 tackles, two sacks, and three touchdowns last season.
Darryl Baldwin #85 Defensive End Senior Solon HS Schools considering: Ohio State Darryl had 37 tackles last season, 19 for losses. He caught eight passes for 109 yards and three touchdowns. He is ranked 21st best strongside DE in the nation.
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| event pictures
Shaw High School: Alumni Weekend September 6, 2009 - The alumni of Shaw High School held their annual All-Alumni Weekend barbecue. The event was held at Forest Hills Park. photos by jbobo - canvascleveland.com
Shaw High School: Battle of the Bands September 19, 2009 - Music Through the Streets held their annual band competition. The event was hosted by Shaw HS and held at the CSU Wolstein Center.
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| event pictures
“Ohio Hip-Hop Awards” September 19, 2009 - ITW Marketing & ESP Enterprises presented their annual music award show at the Cleveland Convention Center.
photos by jbobo - canvascleveland.com
dj lance (yo gabba gabba)
“Lux Saturdays at Lust” September 19, 2009 - Word of Mouth & Cleveland365.com present their new weekly event at Lust Nightclub in downtown Cleveland.
calendar - october 2009 Would you like to add your event to the our calendar? Email us at
[email protected] for more information
CONCERTS//
EVENTS//
@ House of Blues
by Cleveland’s First Fridays & Sunset Fridays @ Sunset Lounge
10/10 BB King 10/10 Dwele
w/ DJ Krate Digga @ Stage Door (University of Akron)
10/15 BET’s 106th & Park Tour w/ Trey Songz & Mario @ House of Blues
10/17 Rickey Smiley & Fantasia
w/ Tye Tribbett, Kirk Franklin, & Marvin Sapp @ State Theatre
10/17 Blueprint
w/ Edotkom, Rime Royal, Phatburner, Mr. 44 @ Grog Shop
10/22 Jay-Z
@ CSU Wolstein Center
10/24 Wiz Khalifa
w/ Keyel, Fam Famous @ Grog Shop
10/28 Sean Kingston
w/ Tye Tribbett, Kirk Franklin, & Marvin Sapp @ State Theatre
11/21 Conya Doss
w/ DJ Krate Digga @ Stage Door (University of Akron)
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CANVAS OCTOBER 2009
10/02 McCafe Experience
10/04 Hair Addict
@ Headlines by DeFranco Contact 440-605-0500 for more information.
10/08 Laughter is Medicine
w/ Rob Allen, Al Jackson, & Gregorio @ Bogey’s Comedy Club, 28060 Chardon Rd Contact 440-944-9000 for more information.
10/09 The Mixer
w/ DJ EV & DJ Pana @ Lust, 1303 W. 6th St.d Visit livinlegendsllc.com for more info.
10/31 Twelfth Annual Fall Caberet presented by Greater Cleveland Chapter of Blacks in Government. @ Solon Valley Party Center Contact William Young (440) 567-7487
COMMUNITY//
10/09 BPACF Awards Dinner
The Black Professionals Association Charitable Foundation Scholarship and Awards Dinner @ Renaissance Cleveland Hotel, 6pm Visit bpacf.org for tickets and more info
10/09 “Putting America Back to Work” The Great Cleveland Job Fair (FREE) @ IX Center, 9am -3pm Contact Terri Wynne (440) 863-2334)
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the list + Would you like to add your business to the list? Contact us now to advertise your information, email us at
[email protected]
SHOP// brigade
1785 coventry rd 932-0700
next coventry
1800 coventry rd 371-0777
style lounge
1273 w. 9th st 664-1104
heart&sole
1781 coventry rd 397-2923
athletes foot
2545 e. 55th st 361-2223
villa
4071 lee rd 751-5656
powterpuff
2671 w. 14th st 274-1220
jeanology
2110 s. taylor 932-5326
EATS//
sergio sarava
13225 shaker sq 295-1200
el taino
3038 scranton 621-4888
1649 lee road 932-4845
flawless
xo primesteaks
all-starz
bluepointe grille
major league
taste of jamaica
supastarz
mr. wonderfuls
SALONS//
777 starkweather ave 622-7773 500 w. saint clair 621-5652 700 w. saint clair 875-7827
3936 mayfield rd 382-3936 5354 lee rd. 475-9233
bodega
1854 coventry 932-3050 5501 warrensville ctr 475-8720
mallorca
1390 w. 9th st 687-9494
CANVAS OCTOBER 2009
supreme clientele
luckys cafe
b&m barbeque
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BARBERS//
7812 superior ave 391-4166 12619 larchmere blvd 231-7827 2541 e. 55th 361-1381 2541 e. 55th 361-1381
headlines
5160 wilson mills rd 440-605-0500
bangs
4149 mayfield 691-7777
hair cafe
3964 mayfield rd 291-0799
transformers
4110 mayfield 382-8200
listings |
BARS//
HEALTH//
4066 mayfield rd 381-4995
3615 superior ave 481-4446
madisons
nulife fitness
winners
jumpstart fitness
20/20 martini
fit challenge
visions
urban active
770 e. 185 383-9300
call for more information 905-7591
2020 center st 776-0202
5225 northfield 662-7830
5120 warrensville ctr 332-1760
thenail&toe boutik
131 market st 440-892-4653
manicures.pedicures.acrylics .gels.MINXcertified.partypackages.giftcards .retail.boutik-on-the-go
3964 mayfield, inside of hair cafe contact: 216.323.5687 31
ladies denim is now in!
coventry + beachwood place ruleofnext.com