BLAZE

With her second CD, “EXPOSED,” soaring up the charts in gospel rap, 21-year-old Ashly Miles, known to her listeners as BLAZE, is on track to becoming a hip-hop gospel sensation. Brought up in a military environment (her father is a sergeant in the army) the Richmond,VA born rapper witnessed corruption all around her growing up – from drugs and alcohol to violence. Although BLAZE wasn’t involved in the corruption personally, she says it still hit close to home – with family and friends - and could have affected her own life negatively.

“I just wasn’t expected to amount to anything, so when you’re not expected to amount to anything you kind of aim for that nothingness,” BLAZE says. But with the prayers of her mother, Donna Miles (now her manager) and a determination to succeed against the odds, BLAZE put her energy and passion into Christian rap. At 16 she began rapping about the street life she had witnessed. Instead of going down the familiar path of hip-hop street lyrics – with cursing and harsh lyrics, she put a positive twist to her raps – by telling listeners to turn to Christ.

“I got my values and my esteem from Christ,” BLAZE says with enthusiasm. “God turned my life around and I’m alive and I’m thankful to be alive to be able to preach His Gospel. I’m pumped about that.”

Being pumped might just be an understatement when it comes to BLAZE’S passion for serving Christ and spreading His Word through rap music. She sparked a buzz in the gospel industry with her first CD, “He Reigns,” and shortly thereafter, she began receiving requests to travel around the country and make appearances on TBN, JCTV, Bobby Jones Gospel, The National Gospel Announcers Guild Conference and GMWA Conferences, just to name a few. BLAZE is also the recipient of several awards including the Favorite Gospel Hip Hop Artist of The Great Northwest Award, the Gospel Extravaganza Award, and a three time recipient of the ITM Female Hip Hop Artist of the Year Award!

“But I really can’t take credit for all those accomplishments and the direction of my life,” BLAZE says humbly. “That’s really God. And my mom had been praying for me for all those years, and it worked because God answered her prayers. ”
Now with her second CD “EXPOSED,” making her the first female gospel rapper to chart on iTunes, BLAZE is taking her success all in stride. After living in Seattle for four years, BLAZE and her family will now move to South Carolina – due to her father’s military duties. But BLAZE is one to blossom wherever she resides or travels.

Sonya Jenkins (Publisher & Editor of Sonya’s Spotlight) interviewed BLAZE via phone and met with her on her recent visit to Atlanta, where she attended the Dove Awards. Below is Sonya’s interview with Blaze.

Sonya: “What’s the main message in your music?

BLAZE: “The main message in my music and in every song that I write is that there is life in Christ. That’s really what I drive home – that an amazing life can really be attained through Christ.”

Sonya: “Who inspired you to get into Christian Rap growing up?”

BLAZE: “There is a group out of Atlanta originally called the 1,1, 6. They talked about Biblical truths and it was really encouraging. They were first Christian rap artists that I had ever heard – ever.”

Sonya: “What’s most difficult about being a Christian artist in this day and time?”

BLAZE: “Honestly – we really haven’t had too much of a struggle with what we do. I think God has really set things up and He has really protected us from certain things, so I can’t complain too much about things. I believe that many other Christian artists have already set the trail for artists like myself to come along, so it’s not so much of a struggle. The ride has been amazing so far. Just to see people respond to the Gospel, period – that’s where my heart is. Not too much of a struggle. Everything has been pretty nice and pretty cool.”

Sonya: “Have you had anyone to say you’ve touched their lives in a personal way?”

BLAZE: “Yes, Ma’am. It’s the Gospel really. I really can’t take the credit for it. I’m just joined to the Bible and I’m writing songs that are based on God’s work.  He’s just using me as a vessel to convey the message. Recently when we were in North Carolina a young man was dealing with suicide. He was 14 years old and he wrote a suicide note and his mom found it. He actually did not commit suicide. He told me the only thing that got him through was listening to my first album, ‘He Reigns.’ He said that made him not want to commit suicide. There have been many occasions where people have been touched by the message or touched by what I do.”

Sonya: “How important is family to you?”

BLAZE: “I love my family. My mom is my manager, so she tours with me all the time. My dad [who came up with my name Blaze in a dream] just recently joined our team. My family is really important to me. It’s a legacy of our grandparents and of their grandparents. I give my all and anything to my family.”

Sonya: “Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?”

BLAZE: “As an artist I’ll probably be still making music, but maybe more behind the scenes – probably more into producing and writing. I actually already write now for people. I’ll be doing some acting as well.  I’ve already started acting. I’ve done some plays. I was in a play called No Ways Tired. I also did a play  called . . . I’ll be doing a lot of that. Personally I should be done with school by then. I’m looking to start school at Liberty University -On Line. I’m going to study communications.”

Sonya: “What advice would you give to young ladies about self-esteem?”

BLAZE: “I would really give the advice to search out Jesus. I always point back to that because it works for me, personally. So I would just say, seek after Jesus and He’ll meet you and that your identity isn’t wrapped in any man, it’s not wrapped in any treasure – any purse and bag. It’s wrapped in Christ. You find your value and meaning and your self-esteem through Christ. And you can be whole & complete through Christ. Just search out Christ and He will meet you where you are. I got my values and my esteem from Christ. I know it works for me and I’m sure it can work for you.”

Sonya: “What do you like to do in your spare time?”
BLAZE: “In my spare time I’m chilling with my family. I’m chilling with my friends. I’m at my church . . . serving in the community.  I like to chill, I like to hoop, I like to eat good food. I’m a really laid back, relaxed type person.”

Sonya: If you had the opportunity to work with one person – who would it be?”

BLAZE: “Maaaan. It would probably be a tie between CeCe Winans & Fred Hammond. I like them a lot. I like their artistry. They have great hearts in what they do. They bring their own flavor. They have great talent.”

Sonya: “Well, Blaze, it’s been a pleasure speaking with you. Is there anything you’d like to say in summation?”

BLAZE: “I would like to encourage anybody and everybody to really press forward and to get to know who Jesus is. A lot of times we get mixed ideas or things that aren’t accurate about God, and we’re like, ‘Uh, I might want to pass.’ But just really seek after the true character of God and just watch your life turn around. Seek after God and watch Him do amazing things in your life and the lives of others.”

                      YOU HAVE NO IDEA

A Famous Daughter, Her No-Nonsense Mother,

and How They Survived Pageants, Hollywood, Love, Loss (and Each Other)

By Vanessa Williams and Helen Williams with Irene Zutell

“Sometimes, I thought Mom was being unfeeling when she stood over me while I silently begged for her affection. But in her own way, she was holding me tighter than I could really understand—she was teaching me the lesson I needed. I’m still learning. Mom has yet to say, I told you so.” – Vanessa Williams, from YOU HAVE NO IDEA

“A lot of parents think it’s important to be their child’s friend. When Vanessa was growing up, I didn’t care if she liked me. She could hate me as far as I was concerned—and sometimes I think she did. I wanted her to understand that I reacted the way I did because I knew she would continue to do things she would eventually regret.”  – Helen Williams, from YOU HAVE NO IDEA

n YOU HAVE NO IDEA: A Famous Daughter, Her No-Nonsense Mother, and How They Survived Pageants, Hollywood, Love, Loss (and Each Other) (Gotham Books, April 17, 2012) Vanessa Williams and Helen Williams give a mother-daughter take on Vanessa’s personal and professional life journey, including the obstacles they’ve overcome together and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. During Vanessa’s turbulent teenage years, mother and daughter were constantly at odds, but despite their early conflicts, Helen has always ardently protected and supported her daughter, staying in contact with the FBI about the death threats Vanessa received after being crowned the first black Miss America, and being there for Vanessa through the birth of her four children and dissolution of her two marriages.

Throughout YOU HAVE NO IDEA Vanessa recounts the trials and tribulations she has had in her life, how she reinvigorated her television career in her 40s, and how she continues to rebound after all of life’s setbacks. Nothing is off limits: including the Miss America nude photo scandal, her marriages and subsequent divorces, and a few secrets that Vanessa has never before spoken publicly about. Williams chronicles her almost 30 years in the worlds of music, Broadway, and Hollywood, as well as her time on the sets of Ugly Betty and Desperate Housewives. YOU HAVE NO IDEA also includes Helen’s thoughts on her daughter’s rollercoaster of a life, her own struggles and achievements, and her reactions to a few parts of Vanessa’s life that she didn’t even know about…until now.  From her “list” of people who have wronged her and Vanessa over the years, to her 45 year-long marriage to the love of her life, Milton, Helen is sharp, funny, acerbic and fiercely protective of her daughter and her family.

YOU HAVE NO IDEA tells the story of a daughter, a mother, and their life journey thus far. But ultimately, it’s an empowering celebration of life’s surprise twists and turns—from the tragic to the triumphant. And as for the juicy stories that Vanessa and Helen tell —well, YOU HAVE NO IDEA.

 About the Authors

Vanessa Williams is one of the most respected and multi-faceted performers in entertainment. Her critically-acclaimed work in film, television, music and the Broadway stage has earned numerous awards and honors. She has sold over 20 million albums worldwide and her numerous hit singles include The Right Stuff, The Comfort Zone, Save the Best for Last, and Colors of the Wind, the Golden Globe and Academy Award- winning theme from Disney’s animated feature, “Pocahontas.” She has starred on Broadway in “Kiss of the Spider Woman” and “Into the Woods” and her many film credits include “Eraser,” “Dance With Me” and “Soul Food.” She has appeared in numerous mini-series and movies for television and has starred most recently on ABC’s “Ugly Betty” and “Desperate Housewives.” Williams has four children and divides her time betweenLos Angeles andWestchester County,New York.

Helen Williams retired in 1998 after 37 years in the Ossining Public Schools as a vocal music educator and former adjunct professor at Manhattanville College School of Education. Mrs. Williams was the recipient of the March of Dimes Mother of the Year Award in 2001 and was named a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow in 2006. She was also the recipient of the 2010 Jessie Hillman Award For Excellence from SUNY Fredonia and received the Uncommon Heights Award from the National Council of Negro Women in 2011. Mrs. Williams has two children, Vanessa and Chris, and four grandchildren. She lives inWestchester County,New York.

Irene Zutell is a journalist, author, and television producer. She is the author of Pieces of Happily Ever After, They’re Not Your Friends, and “I’ll Never Have Sex With You Again…Tales From the Delivery Room. Zutell is a featured contributor to the NBC website Lifegoesstrong.com, and her cover stories and first person essays have been featured in People, Us Weekly, The New York Times, USA Today, The Huffington Post, and the Associated Press. She lives inLos Angeles with her husband and two children.

PRAISE FOR YOU HAVE NO IDEA  

“Vanessa Williams is a beautiful human being with a fascinating story—one of dignity in the face of adversity, determination leading to triumph. She is a wonderful mother, a devoted daughter, a gifted actress, a brilliant performer, and a dedicated friend who has always shown up for me—and so many others—when it mattered most.”—Maria Shriver

“Vanessa Williams is such an inspiration, and her mother, Helen, is a dynamo. You Have No Idea is a book that will make you laugh, cry, and will ultimately leave you empowered to face whatever challenges life throws at you with grace and poise—just like these ladies have.”—Kristen Chenoweth

“I have known Vanessa for many years and have had the great pleasure of working with her in the past.  She is a strong, dynamic, and truly remarkable woman and her story is one for the ages.  You Have No Idea is a must read!”—Diahann Carroll

“Vanessa Williams is one of the most beautiful, talented, elegant and complex women I have ever come to know. Her story is sure to be an inspiration and a path for many who find themselves challenged but determined to succeed against all odds.” - Debbie Allen

“It’s about time Vanessa Williams wrote a book about her life. Few have triumphed in as many aspects of show business and few have survived as much personal adversity. I promise you will be entertained, touched and inspired by this wonderful woman’s story. (And if it sounds like I have a crush on her, I totally do.)”—Marc Cherry, Creator and Executive Producer of Desperate Housewives

Vanessa Williams photo- from www.vanessawilliams.com

www.vanessawilliams.com

@vwofficial

@gagawilliams

NOTABLE FINANCIAL ADVISOR LEE JENKINS STARTS NEW CHURCH IN GEORGIA

Nationally recognized business man, investment advisor, best-selling author and minister Lee Jenkins, one of the top financial advisers in the industry, according to On Wall Street magazine, premiered his first sermon as Senior Pastor of Eagle’s Nest Church September 18 at the Doubletree Hotel in Roswell, Ga. Jenkins spoke about soaring like an eagle in tough economic times in front of a congregation of almost 200 supporters.

“The eagle symbolizes courage, strength and leadership and at Eagle’s Nest Church we specialize in developing and equipping leaders for the work of the ministry and the marketplace,” Jenkins stated. “I’m so excited about this new phase of ministry in my life, but I’m even more excited about all the lives that will be changed through this ministry.”

Jenkins, who has penned three books about finance − his latest, Lee Jenkins on Money: Real Solutions to Financial Challenges − was ordained as a minister in 1991 but decided to submit to the ministry full time as Pastor Lee just recently. The eloquent teacher of finance and biblical principles, who obtained a business degree at the University of Tennessee, where he was a standout cornerback and later drafted by the National Football League, says he will always have a penchant for helping the masses shed financial debt and invest money appropriately. But Eagle’s Nest Church is now his bigger passion.

“At Eagle’s Nest Church we want to stir the calling in people so that they can go out and do something great for God.” Jenkins said.

Born and raised in Atlanta, Jenkins accepted Christ and was baptized at a young age, but it wasn’t until he was an 18-year-old freshman at the University of Tennessee (UT), Knoxville, that he fully committed his life to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and to serving in the ministry.

While at UT, Jenkins was the president of Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). Under his leadership FCA grew prodigiously, becoming the largest ministry on campus where hundreds of students came to know the Lord. After graduating from UT with a business degree, Jenkins was drafted by the New York Giant of the National Football League (NFL) as a defensive back. When his football career was cut short by injuries, he entered the music industry where he served as the road manager for the Grammy Award-winning gospel group The Winans. He has also served as business advisor for gospel great Kirk Franklin.

After his time in the music business, Jenkins entered the financial services industry where he had a stellar 24-year career and is presently a managing partner of investment firm Atlanta Capital Group, which manages a half-billion dollars in client assets. His financial advice has been featured numerous times on local television stations and in newspapers, as well as in Money magazine, on CNN and in Gospel Today magazine, where he was featured on its cover as one of 10 “New Kingdom Voices.”

Jenkins is a family man who takes pride in his three children, Kristin, Martin, and Ryan. Martica, his wife and First Lady for almost 24 years, has played a supportive role in his life and in his decision to become a pastor.

The next service is Sunday, March 4, 2012 at 10:30am - Country Club of Roswell - 2500 Club Springs Drive Roswell, GA 30076. Go to www.eaglesnestchurch.org for more information.

LEE JENKINS – THE BUSINESS MAN

Jenkins’ investment career began in the 1980’s as one of 150 students in a stockbroker training class at the World Trade Center where his intellect, integrity, insight, and tenacity earned him the title “Most Likely To Succeed.” Lee’s fellow Wall Street trainees weren’t the only ones impressed with his potential; after graduating, a Wall Street firm made him the youngest African-American stockbroker ever hired by the company’s Atlanta office. .As an investment advisor, Lee flourished, rising to the position of Vice President of Investments at two major firms; Morgan Stanley Smith Barney and Raymond James & Associates. Lee’s success was also evident by his induction into the prestigious President’s Club – first at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney and later at Raymond James & Associates. In 1998 Lee received the Circle of Life Award at Raymond James for applying his financial expertise to impact his community. At the turn of the century, Lee broke new ground by founding Jenkins Wealth Advisors, LLC. As the guiding force behind this independent advisory firm, Lee provided advice and managed investments for multi-millionaires, business executives, entrepreneurs, celebrities, religious leaders and educational institutions. Nine years later, in 2009, his firm merged with Atlanta Capital Group, combining client assets of more than $500 million.

Lee was a guest panelist on the 2009 CNN Prime Time Special In God We Trust: Faith & Money in America and has been a guest commentator on CNN’s popular financial show Your Bottom Line with host Gerri Willis. He has also appeared on ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox network affiliate programs, as well as on Christian networks like TBN, and The 700 Club on CBN. Before appearing on TV and radio, Lee was introduced to households across the country as the author of Taking Care of Business: Establishing a Financial Legacy for the African American Family, published in 2001 by Moody Publishing/Lift Every Voice. Within a year Taking Care of Business was a recommended reading at the Harvard Divinity School’s Summer Leadership Institute (SLI) and on the Black Expressions Book Club list.The warm reception of his first book encouraged Lee to write two additional user-friendly books: What to Do When Your Money is Funny: Real Solutions to Financial Challenges (2007), and Lee Jenkins on Money (2009), which in 2010 made the Black Christian Bestseller’s List along with notable authors like T.D. Jakes, Colin Powell, Tony Dungy, Bill Cosby, George Foreman, and Tony Evans.

Lee Jenkins does not fit the dry, boring stereotype many people have of a financial advisor. His personable, witty, and sincere demeanor helps him deliver engaging and informative seminars and sermons that have enriched the lives of more than a half-million people. Once a small group leader, trainer, and seminar leader for Crown Financial Ministries, Lee has grown to develop his own series of financial lessons that are requested by corporations, churches, and schools around the country. Lee’s eye-opening seminars, sermons, and workshops have been attended by crowds up to 65,000 people. Promise Keepers Men’s Conferences and Maximum Man Men’s Conferences have used Lee as a plenary speaker on numerous occasions. In the corporate, educational, and sports world, companies like Ernst & Young, Chick-Fil-A Inc, University of Virginia, University of Tennessee, Clark-Atlanta University, Miami Dolphins, Philadelphia Eagles, Atlanta Falcons and the Atlanta Hawks have all benefited from Lee’s power-packed presentations.