For information about examinations, please contact the Las Vegas All Women’s Care offices at (702) 522-9640, or visit us at 700 Shadow Lane No. 165 (1st floor) in Las Vegas.

Very often, my female patients come alone to the offices of Las Vegas All Women’s Care. This is not surprising; historically, women make their regular OB/GYN appointments without their husbands or significant others, who may not even receive a report on what was discussed or discovered during the visit.

As it relates to health care, maintaining an informational partnership can be a positive force in sustaining good health. Coping with the concerns of one’s personal health can be a stressful experience, and having the involvement of a significant other can be invaluable in terms of emotional support.

That’s why I encourage all of my patients to not only make their regular OB/GYN appointments, but to also alert their mates in time to bring them along. In particular, expectant mothers should involve the fathers of their unborn children in prenatal medical care. Questions about pregnancy are not exclusive to women; fathers-to-be may have also have important questions that only an OB/GYN can answer effectively.

Men may wonder about the effects of pregnancy on their mates — and how they should respond to the physical and psychological issues caused by the hormonal changes that come with expecting a child. Sexual intercourse is also a concern for many couples, who have serious questions about the effects of sexual activity on unborn children.

Whatever your situation, bringing a partner to your next OB/GYN appointment can make all the difference in maintaining a healthy household.

‘Music is a universal language that speaks to all people’

Earl Turner

On the occasion of Black Music Month, Las Vegas Black Image Magazine turned to Earl Turner for his take on the drumbeat that can never be silenced.

No matter its form, black music is indeed a sound from the soul, drawing emotional responses from all with a mind to not only hear the music, but allow themselves to feel it. A Las Vegas musical institution, Turner has given that feeling to sold-out audiences — in some of the Entertainment Capital’s most renowned showrooms, and on stages across the world — for years, delivering his trademark high-energy performances in a way that honors the best traditions of black music.

He will appear June 15 and 16 at the Suncoast for a show entitled “Earl Turner and Friends Unplugged.” He calls it “a great show with new twists and turns on … songs you hear on the radio, from such artists as Usher and James Taylor. There will be something for everyone.”

Here, in his own words, Turner offers his perspective on the meaning of black music — and the impact of great artists, who bare their souls to bestow cultural gifts that will endure for the ages.

“Black music comes to us in all forms: jazz, blues, pop and rock. The music itself lives on through different ‘Music is a universal language that speaks to all people’ genres. The root of the soul in all music comes from black music. Black music, to me, represents a whole lot of music and different types of artists. It is authentic.”

“The music that has often been called ‘soul,’ is music that represents oneself. Not only artistically, but politically. Artists express how they feel about themselves, mankind and the world as a whole.”

“Music is a universal language that speaks to all people, because music is our culture. It is deeply rooted in ideas and ideologies that touch people from all over the world.”

“I grew up in the ’60s and ’70s, and some of the musical artists that impacted my life include Marvin Gaye, whom I describe as soulful; Stevie Wonder, an artistic genius; Chaka Khan, an incredible woman and songstress; Sarah Vaughan, sophisticated, stylish and classy; Sammy Davis Jr., the best entertainer to ever step on the stage; Lena Horne, a pioneer of song and civil rights; Donny Hathaway, a musical master gone too soon; Barry White, a voice that is truly missed, a unique style; Frankie Beverly & Maze, still delivering great music we love, and can always be seen in New Orleans at the Essence Music Festival; and The O’Jays, one of the classic groups giving pure soul.”

“This is just a small cross-section of African-American entertainers who have given us music to last a lifetime. I hope Las Vegas’ entertainment future still embraces the one-on-one entertainment that captures people’s hearts. I hope that the glitz and glamour doesn’t replace the personal intimacy that top entertainers bring, which assures a good time for audiences.”

My Peace is my father, Dr. William H. "Bob" Bailey, to whom I dedicate this month's

Like a shield held high by a superhero, a father’s devotion can sustain and protect us through the inevitable turbulence of life.

The foundation laid by the love of a father can fill one’s heart with confidence that lasts a lifetime, and give the courage to face challenges seen and unseen. It is a special gift that bestows intellect, knowledge, honor, self-respect and clear vision. Given light and warmth by the guiding hand of a father, that seed grows tall and strong.

There is freedom in the old-school soundtrack that accompanies Daddy’s rhythmic glide through life, a pride that launches your soul and allows you to take flight. The light follows his steps, allowing everyone to feel the spirit of a man who can make anyone feel special.

Making a way for all, fathers provide fertile ground by providing for their families and instilling accountability. With a tender touch reserved for the love of his life, his example always summons the peace to be found in the care of a father.

In a candid exchange, two friends examine the nature of the ties that bind them

BY BATELHIM BELETE-JOHNSON AND D’ANA SMITH

D’Ana: I think this would all be a farce if we didn’t start off by saying it took time and effort to get to the place we are today in our friendship. We can both stand up with confidence and say that we truly are a blessing to one another. Our differences make us stronger, yet those differences are exactly what tie us together.

Our friendship is a balancing act. Though we may not always like it, the other is sure to be there when the other begins to slip, and a much-needed pull is given to get back on track.

You can often find us bickering about the simplest things, but supporting each other at the most poignant moments, because that is what it is all about.

I often feel that it is Bate’s strength In a candid exchange, two friends examine the nature of the ties that bind them that is most inspiring. She has experienced many obstacles in her life and she continuously prevails. It is much more than that though; she exudes a strength that spills over onto others. We have been friends since freshman year, and just like our friendship has changed, so have we as individuals.

Batelhim Belete-Johnson, left, and D'Ana Smith attend Las Vegas Academy.

Bate has a constant fire that burns from within, and she uses that to better those around her. She has pushed me, and then pushed me some more; but I can say that it works out to my benefit. The one thing about her that is most touching is her loyalty. I guarantee you she will fight for her friends until she just has no fight left. All of these qualities have contributed to our grace together, and our occasional fall — but I know that it only makes us better as a whole.

Batelhim: I admire D’Ana’s positive energy, which lifts up everyone around her. She will always nd the good in people, and the great in what may seem like the most unfortunate situations. Just being around her makes me strive to have the same outlook. Everyone who knows D’Ana well knows that she is a good friend to all, and continuously tries to help anyone in a time of need. She genuinely cares for others, and has a kind heart — which is rare in friendships nowadays.

One thing I find so intriguing about her is her discipline. The girl would rather stay home on a Friday night to work on an essay than go to the premiere of a new movie. She pushes herself to excel above and beyond expectations, and with excitement to learn new things. When asked why she acts with so much conviction, she replies simply, “I need to get into college.” As well as pushing herself, she never forgets to push her friends to prioritize what is necessary for a successful future.

D’Ana: We will always be there to balance the other out, to correct one another when we are wrong, and to, most importantly, support each other. Bate complements me just as much as I complement her. Our friendship has evolved like a budding rose. We started off so fragile, but now we stand tall and beautiful; and just like every rose, we have our thorns, but rest assured they are only to protect the beauty of anyone who would mess with the other. We guide each other in ways we could have never imagined.

We are better friends to one another because of each other.

Belete-Johnson and Smith are students at Las Vegas Academy High School.

Dr. Timothy Wilson with his 2013 Audi R8, left, and 2013 Maserati.

For a pair of highly successful businessmen, exotic car ownership is an indulgence too exciting to pass up.

It took quite a bit of extra speed for Las Vegas Black Image Magazine to catch up with two of the fastest people in town: Dr. Timothy Wilson, owner of Star Smiles Dentistry, and Vivix Credit Solutions CEO Gabriel Brown.

Highly successful, both men possess a tremendous work ethic — for which they have rewarded themselves with the uncommon but exciting indulgence of exotic car ownership.

Wilson is the proud owner of three cars: a Maserati Granturismo; an Audi R8; and a Mercedes-Benz S550. “Cars are not only a status symbol, but also fun,” he said. “Fast cars are enjoyable, and can be compared to having that great toy. A man’s love of fast cars can be compared to women’s love for designer handbags and shoes. It is in our DNA.”

The proud owner of a Lamborghini, Range Rover and a Porsche Panamera, Brown said, “I was one of the have-nots when I was growing up, and I a love for cars when I was a child playing with my Hot Wheels. I never thought that I would one day acquire cars that I wanted. But now … I am in my second childhood. I made a quest, and said I would work hard to get the vehicles that I wanted.”

In our fast-paced world, in which rapidly advancing technology allows virtually everything to operate faster and faster, it is no wonder that so many people have developed a need for speed. “The fastest I have driven is about 160 miles per hour,” said Wilson, “but I don’t recommend this to others. You have to keep in mind that you can enjoy your car, but be aware and safe. When you drive an exotic car, people are always watching you, and you have to be aware of your surroundings. A lot of police also target people in nice cars — and when you have a lot of power behind the wheel, you have to be careful not to get speeding tickets.”

Gabriel Brown with his 2013 Porsche Panamera, Range Rover and 2013 Lamborghini Gallardo.

For Brown, the journey toward the kind of wealth that enables him to own the automobiles of his dreams has been a “spiritual finding.”

“When I arrived in Las Vegas from the East Coast, I was homeless,” he said. “Not by default, but by design. I had a spiritual awakening, and I wanted to change my life, (so I) left everything I had on the East Coast behind, and sought a fresh start in Las Vegas. I lived on the streets for about four-and-a-half months, and educated myself about all things spiritual. I stayed in the Barnes and Noble bookstore, searching for answers to questions that I needed to work out in my own head.”

He added: “To become enlightened is to actually answer all the questions you have that you ask of yourself. It’s not the answers people teach into you, it’s from the inside of yourself to know that what you have learned is true and accurate. So, I spent three years gathering information, which helped me establish my career and success. I am a workaholic; and when others in business go to the gym to release stress, I take a ride in my Lamborghini.”

Azaan Ali

Azaan Ali: “I currently attend A-Tech High School because I want to have a higher education if my plans to play in Major League Baseball don’t work out. I haven’t witnessed any of my male friends becoming fathers in their teens, but I have seen some young girls at school become mothers. The way I avoid becoming a father too soon is to think about my long-term goals, and consider how becoming a father in my teens — or before I am mentally and financially prepared — will affect my dreams. I don’t have a job, or any money coming in, so my life would be drastically affected. I keep myself busy with playing sports and doing many other things. I want to be a good father — when the time is right and I have completed my higher educational plans. But right now, I stay away from it.”

Walter Johnson

Walter Johnson: “I love living in Las Vegas and playing baseball. I attend West Prep High School, and my favorite subject in school is government; I find learning about laws interesting and I look forward to going to college. I am aware of one of my friends who just became a father. I also have a girlfriend, but I avoid the situation of becoming a young father by staying busy with sports. I play baseball, but when our team isn’t meeting, I will play basketball. I keep myself occupied, because I see many of my friends becoming fathers who are just teenagers. I am not thinking about becoming a father until I am 25 and have completed college and my career pursuits.”

William Fountain, center, with daughter Marcia Washington and son Ernest Fountain.

Marcia Washington (community activist): “My father, William Fountain Sr., had five children: Marcia, Debra, Ernest, Ava and William Jr. Our father was such a hardworking man. He was committed to his family, and worked two jobs for years to provide for our family. When me and my siblings graduated from high school in the ’70s, my Dad was so proud and bought all of us cars. We never lost sight of how important our education was. I love him so much for being a real man, and loving and providing for us.”

Pastor Sam Roberson and his daughter Valerie.

Valerie Roberson (businesswoman): My dad, Pastor Sam Roberson, is the best dad of all time. He has been married for more than 50 years to my mother, and has been pastoring for more than 30 years at Community Baptist Church. He is a mentor, visionary, entrepreneur, teacher, provider, and a caring and loving father, grandfather and greatgrandfather. He is also a community father to many pastors and his church members. My dad is a man of his word. Growing up, if he said he would do something for our family, he would make it happen. He leads by example, and is God-fearing and law-abiding. A great provider, he always gave the family what we needed — with extra surprises. He is a very supportive father, and always offers positive words of advice. He taught me and my siblings how to survive, and how to save money for a rainy day. My dad is my hero, my heart and my heartbeat.”

Orlando Mayes, center, with son Torrey and daughter Melaney.

Melaney Mayes: “My father is many things. He is determined, wise and hysterical. He pushes me to new heights, and believes in me even when I do not believe in myself. Everything he does is driven by a desire to do what is best for my brother and I. Ever since we were children, my father would buy games, puzzles, books — anything he thought would better us. One of my earliest memories is my dad forcing my brother, Torrey, and I to practice writing the letter “S” after school every day. He knew how important legible handwriting was.
Torrey Mayes: It’s hard to find the words to describe a man so special to me as my father and also so reliable and dependable. I can’t remember a time that he was not at a sporting event or an award ceremony because he made it a focus to attend and support anything my sister or I was in. My father has always been a constant flow of lessons that, when I was younger, did not make sense and seemed pointless. It was not until I left for college that I truly realized how influential and important and the lessons really were in living life outside of my home. Knowing that I will always have someone so loving and smart in my corner is definitely one of the best feelings in the world. Thank you dad for everything you have done for me and for everything I know you will continue to do for me. Love you dad.

Attorney Fred Green and his family.

Tre Green (13-years-old): “My father, Fred Green, is a great dad. He is very respectful and loving. I love the respect he shows our family — and I show him the same in return. He is amazing, and even with his busy schedule as the attorney for the Internal Revenue Service, he still finds time for us. I can talk to my dad about anything, and he never gets upset with me when I tell the truth. I love when we do fatherand-son stuff. I like him to watch me play basketball and video games. Whenever I have a sickle cell crisis, my dad is there to rush me to the hospital in the middle of the night, or when something bad happens. l would like to tell him ‘Happy Father’s Day,’ and that I love him. You are an amazing dad, and this Father’s Day you should get everything you want for all your kindness and the great things you do.”
Mikayla Green (20-years-old): “Fred Green is a great father, and will do anything in his power to make me happy. He does what he can to help me without questioning me. He shows so much love, and words can’t express how great he is. He has always been there for me and our family — and when I was diagnosed with sickle cell anemia when I was 5 years old, he never left my side at the hospital. He would only leave to get a change of clothes. He has been there for me and my brother, Tre, physically and mentally whenever we have needed him.
He is so easygoing, and great to have a conversation with. He understands, and is also goofy sometimes, making all laugh and relax. He has taught me and my brother how to take care of ourselves with our daily medications and staying hydrated. This Father’s Day, I am treating my dad to a pedicure and a day at the spa. He is always working and being there for our whole family — and I want him to know how much I love and appreciate the great man and father that he is.”

Cherish Wheeler, Leo Hibbert and Vanessa Rivera at Caesars' pool.

Dr. Artchie Perry's family in Maui, Hawaii. (from left), Vickie Clark, Alma Perry, Armand Perry, Samira Perry, Tosha Perry, Max Perry, Dr. Artchie Perry, Tre Perry and Alex Perry

Andre and Charmaine Lawson during their Hollywood-themed wedding ceremony at Emerald at Queensridge in Summerlin.

Recently, Pastor Almary Gaston was honored by CCSD with the renaming of Kit Carson College Preparatory Academy's multipurpose room to the "Pastor Almary Gaston Multipurpose Room" for her outstanding accomplishments in the state of Nevada. Pictured (from left): Dr. Beverly Mathis, Pastor Almary Gaston and Dr. Linda Young.

]]> http://lasvegasblackimage.com/2013/06/in-the-community-with-charles-tureaud-summer-is-here/feed/ 0 http://lasvegasblackimage.com/2013/06/putting-their-education-first/ http://lasvegasblackimage.com/2013/06/putting-their-education-first/#comments Wed, 05 Jun 2013 20:05:23 +0000 Las Vegas Black Image Magazine http://lasvegasblackimage.com/?p=7577 BY KIMBERLY BAILEY-TUREAUD

Roy Hammond, left, with Miami Heat star LeBron James.

When Roy Hammond played for the Los Angeles Clippers and Golden State Warriors, he faced some of the world’s toughest competition on the court.

It is hard not to believe that the mental toughness needed to succeed at that level helped prepare him for the most significant challenge of his life: single fatherhood.

In a candid conversation, the onetime NBA star shares the lessons he has learned while raising his children (15-year-old Marcus, and 10-year-old Naomi), the unique challenges that face parents in Las Vegas and overcoming stigmas about black fathers.

How long have you been a single father?

I have been divorced over 10 years. I initially had sole custody of my two children, and now I have joint custody with my ex-wife. I received sole custody of my children when my daughter was 5-months-old and my son was 5-yearsold. I know that there were many hurdles to overcome while you were in the NBA.

How do they compare to being a single father?

I don’t consider my choice to be a single father a hurdle that had to be conquered. It was just the right thing to do. I think being a father is a privilege. My children and I have grown together. I know a lot of people consider parenthood a challenge, but I don’t. I would be lying if I said it was easy, but the right thing to do is to get up in the morning, feed them breakfast and to go to work — and do what I am supposed to do.

How old were you when you became a single father?

I am 41 years old now, and single fatherhood came upon me in my thirties.

How do you feel about some of the stigmas placed upon black fathers?

There have been some bad stigmas placed upon us because we are not known to stick around and raise our children. I was raised by my father and mother, so that is all I ever known. My father always told me, “I never left you,” so it was second nature for me to be there for my children. When my ex-wife and I split up, I told her that I appreciated how she was there throughout my college and professional basketball career, and I would take care of our children while she pursued some of her career dreams.

How is your relationship now with your ex-wife?

We really have a good relationship, and she has moved on and now has 11-month-old twins. We recently celebrated our daughter’s National Honor Society Award ceremony, and I was there holding the two twins. It’s just a happy place for me now. My stepfather raised me and my siblings, and one thing I can say about being raised by a stepfather is that he treated me like I was his biological child. I didn’t get to know my real dad until I became an adult.

Do you think some of the stigmas about black fathers are warranted?

I know that my situation is rare. I coach basketball within the Clark County schools, and I see a lot of black men not doing what they need to do for their children. Some stigmas are (based on something) real, and some fathers aren’t there for their children.

Why?

During my generation, experienced grandmas help their daughters raise their children. Now, since young men and women are having children earlier, the grandmothers are only in their thirties and fathers have gotten a hall pass.

Do you also hold single mothers accountable?

Yes, it takes two — both a mother and a father — to raise healthy children. Recently, I had to do my daughter’s hair for a … ceremony and I did a great job. I have always had a hunger to learn so that my children never felt they were missing anything. So, I learned how to do my daughter’s hair.

How do you fulfill your children emotionally?

I make sure that I spend one-on-one time with both of them. Their five-year age difference gives me an opportunity to spend special time with them individually. I take my son to school at a certain time in the morning, and I make it a point to ask him how he is doing and whether there is anything he needs. I hug and kiss both my children daily, and share one-on-one conversations with them.

What has been one of the most awkward times as a single father?

The awkward part for me in the beginning was to understand that I had to be there both physically and mentally for my children. I initially wanted to go out, date and find that significant other. I discovered that I was going in a wrong direction, and my priority had to be my children. That was the hardest part for me, because if the mother is not doing her part, and the father is not doing his part — then the children are the ones who lose. I had to be mature enough to understand that, and make sure that my two little people were good.

When did you decide to date?

I dated early on after my divorce, but decided not to let my children see it until they got older. Now they understand better because I have been able to mold them. My son is a freshman in high school with all honors classes and at the top of his class. My daughter is in the honor society, and my children are excelling because I put their education first.

Where are other parents going wrong with their children?

They are not putting the time in. Many are walking around worrying about the next concert or the next party. I hear it from people in the community, and they are just focusing on themselves. I was exposed to traveling and achieving success at an early age, and I know that it is all about my children now. Many are still trying to   find themselves and their dreams, and selfishly put that before raising their children.

What would you say to young black men in their teens about becoming a father?

I would tell them I don’t recommend it at all. Nevertheless, I see it much too often with many of the young teens I coach in basketball. It never fails — once they get out of school they have nowhere to go, because they aren’t prepared. A year later, it’s predictable that they have two children with a young lady 18 or 19 years old. They become fathers too soon, and or they are in jail with no education to survive.

Where is Vegas going wrong as it relates to our children?

Vegas is still segregated. If your child is attending school in the northwest, parts of the southwest, Summerlin or in Henderson — they have a chance. All other schools located within the inner communities are lacking and those children are suffering. It can be socioeconomic, but no one is really addressing the issues. If you tell a child, they will forget it. If you teach a child, they will remember it. If you involve a child, they will learn it.