WHEN I THINK OF HOME

By ADAM


      Young entreprenuer Julian Watson's dream give away home contest 'Win & Move In' www.winandmovein.com, is alive and thriving!  Helping to judge the essay part of contest are stage and television celebrities LEVENSKY SMITH and MICHAEL K. WILLIAMS from"The Color Purple" and "The Wire," respectively, and visionary/Founder of the African American Media Network, ANDREAUS 13.

      Singer, dancer, actor, gymnast, Levensky Smith, currently appearing on Broadway in "The Color Purple," credits much of his early inspiration for doing the "unheardofs" to his sister, Lucinda Jenkin.  "She was  the one that got me interested in gymnastics. She was always doing these stretching exercises around the house and that got me interested in tumbling and  flipping. Then I started  watching the olympics on television. Kurt Thomas, the originator of the 'Thomas Flair,' really started the passion in me to want to be an olympian. Unheard of for a young Black kid from Youngstown, Ohio.  When that dream did not pan out, eventually I got into singing professionally, dancing and acting; and my world has never been the same. I've traveled all over the world doing things I used to only dream about.  And now I'm appearing on Broadway in Oprah's 'The Color Purple.'  GOD is good!

        "When I think of home I think of growing up in the church, singing in the choir. I used to teach the neighborhood kids how to flip. We were poor but we got by. Life, at times, was tumultuous, but I made it. I got through it all. I care about people---I want to do so much more for my family!  I wanted to be a part of this contest because I want people to know, even when life can be less than agreeable, great opportunities are out there!  It is available!  Never give up, keep believing, and have faith!"  

         Michael K. Williams, plays 'Omar' on television's 'The Wire.'  "Omar," Williams shares, "he is what he is: homo-thug/gangster. Yes, he kills people and he (expletive) boys. I'm an actor and when this role was presented to me, I thought to myself, 'what a great opportunity to do somthing awesome and unique.'  These kind of people exists; I would  have been a fool not to do it.

         "When I think of home I think of big momma's house, my momma, because right now I don't have a foundation to call my own with traveling and working so much.  But growing up in east Flatbush, Brooklyn (New York), it was truly a village. Great family life, comraderie, having  respect for ones elders.  It was great times with a Black cultural diversity that was intense and like none other.  I am so very happy to be a part of this contest.  Anything I can do to help someone else achieve the goal of becoming a home owner.  That's truly a wonderful thing."  

            Andreaus 13, on a dare from his friend and Long Island neighbor, Chuck D, to report the news using a bike and a hand-camera; what started as a joke has turned into a serious news division of epic proportions and potential known as the African American Media Network (AAMN) www.rooseveltlongisland.org.  With financial support from Public Enemy, this accomplished rapper and musician is now on his way of creating a multi-telecommunications industry on cable that will give broadcast journalism a fresh, innovative approach of reporting the news from the  African-American perspective. 

               "My parents taught me to speak up when I believed Iwas right," Andreaus reflects, "and when I was wrong, to keep still. That type of wisdom has stayed with me always. And that is why reporting the news in this fashion has become such a passion for me.  It is not right the way Black  people have been portrayed in the media. We are dipicted in mostly negative, stereotypical ways.  My ultimate vision is to create a Black News chain, a Black News channel that will give a most honest and realistic approach of presenting my people! I will do my part and I believe GOD will do HIS.

               "When I think of home, I think of an environment where one can be nurtured. To develop into your own personality, thereby creating a value system where you will be safe.  Safe enough where you can grow and be all that you can possibly be."       
   
    
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