If you want to enjoy something budget-friendly, light, quick and deliciously refreshing, try this perfect soup. This is a dish that sings with flavor!
For more information on healthy recipes visit www.incrediblechefproductions.com and “like” the Incredible Chef Productions page on Facebook to get new, innovative tips on living  a healthy lifestyle!

Makes 5-6 Servings

WHAT YOU’LL NEED
5 zucchini
1/4 cup butter
1 large white onion
1 cup of heavy whipping cream
1 bunch fresh sweet basil
2 cans of organic chicken or vegetable stock
1 tablespoon Cajun Crazy Spice
Sea salt and fresh ground pepper to taste

MAKIN’ IT
1. Slice zucchini into a 2 1/2 quart pan; add chopped onion and butter.
2. Cover and cook until tender.
3. Add heavy whipping cream, stock, spices and bring to a boil for 2 minutes.
4. Pour soup into blender and blend until smooth; add sweet basil and blend well and pour into a soup bowl.
5. Snag your favorite bread and get to dunkin’!

According to Andy Williams-Poll, Cuba compares favorably to America in terms of race.

A resident of Las Vegas for 14 years, Andy Williams-Poll is a native son of Cuba, the largest of the Caribbean islands.

As the presidential campaign reignites fierce debates over immigration and the United States’ long-standing embargo against the communist stronghold, which was ruled for decades by Fidel Castro — and now, his younger brother, Raul — Williams-Poll recently spoke to Black Image about the reality of life on the island for its millions of black citizens.

Originally from Cuba’s capital city, Williams-Poll’s strong African features are complemented, somewhat counter-intuitively, by the thickly accented Spanish brogue in which he speaks.

“I was born and raised in the city of Havana,” he said, “but I consider myself half country boy, because I grew up riding horses, climbing trees … and working the land.”

Though some history books credit Christopher Columbus with discovering the island now known as Cuba, archaeological and other evidence has shown that it had been inhabited by the neo-Taíno migrants for centuries before he arrived.

After Columbus’ arrival, Cuba became a Spanish colony, a designation that resulted in centuries of rebellion by the island’s natives. Tensions between the U.S. and Cuba simmered for years, finally boiling over in the late 19th century with the Spanish-American War. Spain withdrew from Cuba in 1898, and the island gained its independence four years later. Decades of political corruption followed, culminating in the overthrow of U.S.-backed dictator Fulgencio Batista in 1959.

The Castros have ruled the island ever since — and as Communists, have long been considered by the U.S. government to be enemies of America. The most enduring symbol of hostility between the two nations has been the U.S. trade and travel embargo — which forbids the exchange of goods, and makes it illegal for most Americans to visit Cuba.

Still, according to Williams-Poll, “Most people in Cuba were supportive of President Fidel Castro. To my understanding, he was just a president like every other president. He established things that I personally don’t agree with, as it relates to people’s freedoms, and he was very strict. But, compared to other presidents, they all have their flaws.”

Williams-Poll acknowledges that he still feels somewhat uncomfortable sharing his candid thoughts about Cuba’s government because it is forbidden in the communist country.

“The thing is that most people in Cuba have seen changes. Even though the economy is bad, it used to be worse,” he said. “Some people forget sometimes what they have been through, even if some things have changed. That is why many people supported Castro when the revolution first started — and also, if they didn’t, they might have died. Cuba at one time was doing all right, with successful businesses and opportunities, but the embargo changed what little progress we were making.

“The embargo is really hurting the people in Cuba, and it is not affecting Castro and his brother as much as it is the Cuban people,” he continued. “Some people want to blame Castro for the embargo, but the embargo is being imposed by people outside of Cuba. … It is not so much about the people and their freedom — it is a political wrestling match between governments. It’s about who’s more powerful. The sad thing is that it affects the people; so, if any country does business in Cuba, they can’t do business with the United States. They have to choose, and their choice is always the United States.

People in Cuba lose their jobs, and the economy hurts everyone. If you don’t have a job in Cuba, you can go to jail for up to four years — because the government assumes you are getting money illegally, or you have an underground business. The Cuban economy needs exchange. And even though Cuba does well with tourism,  when you cut trade … off, Cuba suffers because there is no real revenue coming into the country.”

When the economy is struggling, Williams-Poll said, the black population is often the most affected. “Black people used to be slaves everywhere,” he noted. “The slave trade didn’t just happen in America, it happened all over the world. Therefore, because of our history as slaves, we don’t control the economics of our country. So, even to this day, black people struggle. For example, some white people send their children to college because money has been passed down throughout the generations, (but) black people have to work hard to send their children.”

To understand how socialism works in Cuba, Williams-Poll said that while everyone receives free health care, there are also strict limits on how much money the average citizen can have.

“Everyone in Cuba has a notebook in their home, where everything that is spent is logged in,” Williams-Poll explained. “This notebook keeps track of everything that you are supposed to get from the government. For example, you might get three pounds of sugar a month and six pounds of rice a month. If you go over your allotment for the month, you don’t get any more.”

He added, “Everyone must work in Cuba, and those who don’t will get prosecuted. Only certain people who can afford to have their own businesses have them, because the government takes all the money and calls it taxes. So, to make ends meet, some people have underground businesses and they have them at their own risk. My brother once bought a 1950s Cadillac, and the government knew how much he was getting paid from his job and didn’t believe he bought the car on his own earned wages. So, they came to his home and took his 1955 car. The Cuban government is known to not only take your car, but other possessions also.  This process is similar to what happened when Castro first took over the presidency and took businesses from people, provoking owners to immigrate to Miami.

Cuba is known for its great doctors, but many do not receive the pay they desire, and they have underground businesses outside of their professions. Cuba is a victim of its circumstances, but it is paradise. Cuba is 40 years behind as it relates to technology, but it has a great educational system. The government really invests in free entertainment, music festivals and carnivals to keep the people happy. The top entertainers in Cuba might be seen at the beach doing a free concert for all. Most people utilize a bicycle or walk to get around, but these behaviors contribute to the environment. The only thing wrong with Cuba is the economy, but it is beautiful. America has money, but maybe not as much love.”
As for matters of race, Williams-Poll says Cuba compares favorably to America.

“One thing that is different is that we don’t have the same racial and social divides that exist here in the United States,” he said. “Fidel Castro is credited with making sure that all Cubans feel equal. Many of the high-ranking officials in Cuba are black. We (Cubans) are more unified as a people … because the socioeconomic distinctions don’t exist.”

Dr. Geraldine Joiner Thornton and daughter Dr. Candace Thornton-Spann.

Dr. Candace Thornton- Spann, is a Las Vegas dermatologist who comes from a long line of doctors — including her mother, Dr. Geraldine Joiner Thornton. Both women recently shared their thoughts with Black Image, reflecting on how a mother’s support — and a daughter’s love — are essential ingredients in their family’s success and devotion to one another.

Dr. Candace Spann Thornton
For as long as I can remember, I wanted to become a doctor. I was raised in Las Vegas and attended the public school system. Of course, I was modeling after my parents. My father, Dr. Joseph Thornton, is a colorectal surgeon — but that specialty was ruled out rather quickly (laughing). My mother is a dentist. Becoming a dermatologist was kind of an accident. I had no interest whatsoever in becoming a dermatologist, but actually wanted to be a pediatrician or a plastic surgeon when I was in college.

When I was close to graduating from UCLA, I was applying to medical schools and needed more clinical work experience on the medical school application. So I applied for everything I saw in our college newspaper that related to the medical field. The only offer I received was from a dermatologist, and I got the job to work in his office. I was initially disappointed, but decided I could work anywhere for just a year. The longer I worked there, many things caught my interest. It was fascinating to me that you could diagnose diabetes, hepatitis, HIV, lupus and … cancers just by examining the skin. Another big plus was how the dermatology doctor was able to go home every day at 5 p.m. — with no pager.

Another desire I had all my life is to be a mother and have a family. Becoming a dermatologist would give the flexible time to be a mother and wife. Now I am the mother of an 8-year-old daughter and a 6-year-old son. I think they would tell you, “Even though mom works, she is home with us a lot.”  When I am home … they have my undivided attention. I participate in all of my children’s school events and field trips. I have a supportive husband who is also a doctor. We met in college … attended the same medical school at Meharry Medical College, and completed our residency together in New York City. It is a blessing.

Dr. Geraldine Joiner Thornton
I had a chance to have two beautiful girls, Candace and Alexis (a government events manager in Seattle, Wash.), who are both very bright, intelligent, and who were also very curious about everything as little girls. It was a lot of fun raising them, and they did very well academically. I am proud to have instilled into them good Southern family values, because I was raised in Alabama. We had a big family that worked very hard to achieve goals either as farmers or in the world of education.

Alexis Thornton, is a government events manager in Seattle.

Thornton Spann
My mother is my hero. She has given me so much, and I didn’t realize everything until I entered the real world. I remember being home sick in college, and it was Easter holiday and I received a beautiful Easter basket. She would always send care packages … and my friends and I would enjoy gumbo, jambalaya and all of my favorite foods. My mother has always given me great career and family advice. The best motherly advice she has given me is to be there for your children … sit with them to do homework, read  with them at bedtime and sing with them.

Joiner Thornton
I had five siblings who all did very well with their lives. My family’s emphasis on education was the theme of our household. Education satisfied our curiosity about life, so we always searched to find the truth through education.  Our brains were stimulated at every turn, and now there are seven doctors in my immediate family. We are not all products of advanced education, but we are all very intelligent and hardworking people contributing to the community.

I attended Howard University and Meharry Medical College, where I met my husband. I can’t say that there is a particular secret in raising one’s children. I think parents just have to talk their children’s heads off. Most parents who take the time to listen to their children usually have good children. Giving your children a stable home — whether as a single parent, in a two-parent home, or if it is another relative raising the child — will give your children a head start on life.

Communication is also very important, and it doesn’t cost a dime. We allowed our children to set their own paths for life, but were always aware that they were watching, and took initiatives to feed their minds with positive energy and knowledge. Children want to be fed information, and I talk to all children because I know that I just might influence a new path for them.

Thornton-Spann
Following the footsteps of my parents and going to the same Meharry Medical College, which is an African-American medical school, gave me so much.  Meharry gave me a sense of personal importance as a black woman. I think I am a better doctor today because I went there. I have a responsibility to the history to be better than average, because I am carrying a legacy with me.

My message to other young women desiring to pursue a career in medicine is to go for it!  The only one who can ever hold you back is yourself. Education is something no one can take away from you. Do what you have to do to get it and it will lead to a better road. This Mother’s Day, I want to say to my mother, thank you. I love you so much. I didn’t realize until I got out into the world how incredibly lucky I am to have you as my mom.

Historic Photo in Time: Josephine Baker with her adopted children from around the world.

Joiner Thornton
All children are God’s gifts. My family has always been my priority, and the details were never overlooked. I believe in traditions and making a holiday or just a family dinner something to remember. These are our moments in life and I don’t take anything for granted. I believe in staying positive and surrounding yourself with positive people. I want my girls to know that they are special children. I think the world of them and their progressive minds. They are good decision-making adults, and Candace has now blessed me with my grandchildren, who I adore. My children are the treasures of my life.

]]> http://lasvegasblackimage.com/2012/05/oral-history-like-mother-like-daughter/feed/ 0 http://lasvegasblackimage.com/2012/05/the-business-of-finding-his-biological-parents/ http://lasvegasblackimage.com/2012/05/the-business-of-finding-his-biological-parents/#comments Thu, 03 May 2012 17:56:07 +0000 Las Vegas Black Image Magazine http://lasvegasblackimage.com/?p=4749 by Kimberly Bailey-Tureaud

In the quest to find the biological parents who put him up for adoption, Clark County Commissioner Lawrence Weekly made courageous choices that changed his life.

We have all heard the phrase, “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” For adopted children and others who are not raised by biological parents, however, the search for their roots can be an arduous task. With its many facets — long hours, legal hurdles, heavy research and intense emotional strain — the process can itself become like a job.

Having known for most of his life that he was adopted, Clark County Commissioner Lawrence Weekly, at the age of 47, undertook a mission to find his own birth parents. His story — which is inspiring, and in some ways, also heartbreaking — is one of courage. It is emblematic of the innate desire of all people to know, as Weekly puts it, “the history behind the blood that runs through your veins.”

Who was the mother who adopted you? Where is she now?
Her name was Mary, and she passed away in 1986.  I miss her so much and I thank God for sharing her with me.

What prompted you to search for your biological parents?
I think like any other person who has been adopted — or who is a foster child — you want to close the gap, and feel whole and complete, by knowing your genetic roots and the history behind the blood that runs through your veins.

Do you know who your biological father is?
Yes, I got a chance to meet him by phone, right after meeting my biological mother. I asked her about him, and she gave me the information on him. Shortly after hanging up the phone from speaking with her, I was scrolling through the names in my cell phone address book, and ran across a last name that was the same as my biological father’s. The name of the person in my cell phone is a good friend of mine, and I called him up and asked if he knew the name of my biological father. He indicated that the person was his uncle, who lives in Louisiana. He got my biological father on the phone to me that same day, and I got a chance to speak to him.

Two weeks prior to me going to Louisiana to personally meet him, he died. But we got a chance to talk on a regular basis, three times a week, since last August. He was sick and his sister was his caretaker. I feel good that I got a chance to have those conversations with him, and he apologized to me for not being in my life as a child. He really wanted to meet me and he asked me, “When you come to visit, can you do me a favor?” I was kind of taken aback — because here was a man that never took care of me, now asking for me to do something for him. I just said, “Yes, what is it?” He asked me to bring him an orange and an apple when I came to see him. He said he just had a taste for an apple and orange, and would appreciate it if I could bring that to him. I asked him to put his sister on the phone, and I told her, “Can you go to the grocery store and get a couple of apples and oranges, and give them to him and tell him they came from me?” She (said) that she would, and the next time I spoke to him, he stopped me in the middle of our conversation and said, “That was the best orange I have ever tasted in my life.” Which made me feel really good.

How did you locate your biological mother? Does she live here in Las Vegas?
Yes, she lives in Las Vegas, and I went through the process of a search. I hired a very young and talented African-American lawyer, who was diligent and very smart. Before I knew it, she came to me and said we had to go to Reno — because that was where my information was stored. We went through a judicial process, and a couple of months later, the information was revealed and the judge sent me all the information in the mail and I was very nervous about finally opening up the letter.

I received my original birth certificate, and was shocked that I was born April 16 — and not April 17 — (in) 1964. All of my life I had been celebrating my birthday on April 17. I saw my biological mother’s name listed on the birth certificate, and found that I was born at UMC Hospital — which was also a revelation, because I thought I was born in Reno. It was kind of ironic, because I was born at the hospital I now serve as chairman of the board.

How was it meeting your biological mother for the first time?
When I saw my biological mother’s name on my original birth certificate, I didn’t recognize it, and wondered if she was still alive. I called the coroner’s office, and asked if they had any record of this person … around 70 years of age. They indicated that they didn’t have her on record as being deceased, and I asked if they could find out if this person is alive. They said it would take a few days, and they would call me back. Well, in a matter of 30 minutes, they called me back with a phone number and address for her, and told me she was alive and living in Las Vegas. Come to find out, she only lived about a mile from my home.

I got in my car and drove to the address to see where she lived and found the house. I just sat there in my car waiting to see who would enter the home; I was almost like a stalker — watching, emotionally ripped up. I didn’t see anyone entering the home, so I went back home and just stared at the phone, contemplating whether to make a call that would change my life forever. I finally picked up the phone and dialed her number, hoping that a voicemail would pick up instead of a live person on the line.

Needless to say, a soft elderly voice answered and it was her. I just said, “Hi,” and asked to speak to her. She indicated that it was she on the phone, and I said to myself, “Wow!” Then I didn’t know what to say and she said, “Hello, are you still there?” I said, “Yes, I am sorry — I am still here.” I asked, “Are you from Louisiana?” She stated she was. She stopped in the conversation and said, “You seem to know a lot about me, but I still don’t know who I am speaking to.” So, I gave her a fictitious name, because I didn’t want her to initially know (my official position). I asked her, “Do you recall back in 1964 having a baby boy that you gave up for adoption?” Everything went silent, and,  like a bubbling volcano, all I could hear her saying was, “Oh, my God, oh, my God.” I said, “I am your biological son that you gave up for adoption.”

So, for the next 10 minutes there were a lot of tears flowing. We ended up meeting about two weeks later after I got myself together.

Was this a resolution?
I feel the accomplishment of just knowing who they were and what happened.  … The emotional side of it I wasn’t 100 percent ready for it — and still not ready for it all. She had five children and I was the only one given up for adoption. That was tough to find out. I think to myself, “Why was I the one?” On the flip side, I think people who adopt should really understand that if they are able to provide a loving and nurturing environment to a child, they are truly God’s gifts on this Earth.

How would you describe a mother’s love?
Oh man, it is just like that of a lioness protecting her offspring. The loving way she looks at her children — and the relentlessness to always be there for her children, no matter what happens. My experience is a little tough, because I didn’t have the opportunity to have direct contact or emotional contact with my biological mother. I have to start from scratch, and when you look at someone who is my age, meeting their biological mother for the first time, it is almost like meeting a complete stranger or a new constituent who you are trying to get to know. It will all come in time.

Happy Mother’s Day and many blessings and love to you all!

"My mom is my best friend, Mothers Day means everything to me." Evelyn Beals and Janice Johnson

"I love you Mom!" Elisa Lawhorn and Wanda Lawhorn

"We love you Mom!" Kim Tari Fortson, Bettye Fortson and Tonya Fortson

Anna Louise Bailey will be honored May 24 by the Rainbow Dreams Educational Foundation during its annual Movement Program to be held at the West Las Vegas Library Theatre. According to the academy, "We have been blessed by the Bailey family's generosity to have this event named after their matriarch, Anna Louise Bailey. There will be a special presentation to Mrs. Bailey for her contributions to the performing arts as a professional dancer and in recognition of the Baileys' support to the Rainbow Dreams Academy." For more information, call (702) 255-3001.

]]> http://lasvegasblackimage.com/2012/05/community-05-2012/feed/ 0 http://lasvegasblackimage.com/2012/05/vanessa-williams-and-mother-celebrate-mothers-day-with-new-book/ http://lasvegasblackimage.com/2012/05/vanessa-williams-and-mother-celebrate-mothers-day-with-new-book/#comments Thu, 03 May 2012 17:03:35 +0000 Las Vegas Black Image Magazine http://lasvegasblackimage.com/?p=4735 by Kimberly Bailey-Tureaud

Mother’s Day is a time to reflect on how our lives have been positively impacted by our mothers and other special women who took on the responsibility of providing us with motherly guidance and care.

This special relationship is one of the dominant themes in “You Have No Idea,” a newly published memoir by Hollywood star Vanessa Williams. It is co-written with her mother, Helen.

Having sustained a successful Hollywood career since the mid-1980s, Williams is no stranger to controversy. Her first tell-all is a candid chronicle of all of the ups and downs in her eventful life.

“The title of my book, ‘You Have No Idea,’ refers to how people make assumptions,” said Williams. “You never know what the real story is, or who the real person is. This is a phrase that my mother and I share. The book is about recollections of my life, and my mother discusses the experiences as well. It is not a back-and-forth dialogue between my mother and I, but it gives insight into my life, and my mother’s response to it, in different chapters and sections. The more we got into writing the book, the more we realized how similar we are as women.”

After being crowned the first black Miss America in 1984, Williams was forced to relinquish the title after a collection of controversial photographs of her found their way into the public square. Since then, rather than slink away into obscurity, Williams became a major force in the entertainment industry. She is a Grammy-winning singer, sensation on Broadway, star of the television series “Ugly Betty” and “Desperate Housewives” and an accomplished film actress.

“I overcome challenges in my life by being flexible and challenging myself,” said Williams, who is twice divorced. “It is also important to have a great work ethic, and to be prepared when opportunities come your way. I strive to be a good person, and a person others want to work with, in order to maintain a long and successful career. Being valued in whatever you do, continuing to learn, and developing a skill set for whatever you love will keep you moving in a positive and progressive career direction.”

Helen Williams says that her daughter has always exhibited uncommon discipline when setting goals.

“We (herself and Vanessa’s father, who died unexpectedly six years ago) didn’t necessarily have a career plan for our two children,” she said, referring to Vanessa and her brother, Christopher. “We wanted our children to make their own life plans and establish goals for what they wanted to do and be in their lives. We never ever focused on how Vanessa looked. She was a very pretty little girl, and now an attractive woman — but that was never a focus. In our family, education was the priority — and it was also a requirement that our children selected a musical instrument to play by fourth grade. My husband and I were both music teachers. We took notice of Vanessa’s talent when we went to her school play, ‘Little Mary Sunshine,’ during her seventh year in school — and saw her vast talent in acting, dancing and singing.”

Added Vanessa: “My mother would tell me that I have to be better than everyone else just to be considered equal, because of growing up black in a predominately white school system. I adapted to that very early in elementary school, knowing that I had to overachieve just to be seen. That was one of the most important things I learned very early on.”

A native of Buffalo, N.Y., Helen is a strong believer that parents must be firm and remember to first be parents — not friends — to their children while raising them.  These convictions, she says, have caused her relationship with Vanessa to evolve over time.

“We understand each other more now as adults,” said the elder Williams, who wasn’t raised by her own biological mother but nonetheless formed a bond with her while in college. “I will always be a parent, but I think I have become more of a friend with her now that she is an adult. The friendship has developed a lot, and I can relate to her more as a parent now that she has four children of her own. I will always be an adviser and her friend. Both of my children know that if they ask me a question — even today — I will give them my honest opinion.”

Today, Vanessa is enjoying her family and maintaining an active career. She is working on several projects, including a television pilot and a new album.

“People ask me sometimes, ‘How do you balance everything?’ I think if you try to balance everything in your life, you will be disappointed by the expectations,” she said. “You work when you work, and when you are off, you enjoy. My children grew up knowing that I am very passionate about my career. The children become extremely adaptable. I do an album every three years. I hope to continue acting … and produce and direct in years to come. When I am asked to give advice to other young women desiring to get into this business, I say that you must find your passion and get educated. There is no ‘n’ in success. You might receive notoriety overnight, but if you don’t have talent or skills to back it up, it’s worthless. If you want to be an actor, start taking acting classes and participate in productions. If you want to be a singer, take singing lessons and learn how to use your voice properly so you don’t destroy it. I hope that mothers and daughters read the book that me and my mother wrote, and understand the sacrifices that mothers make for their children and the amount of protection that goes into being a mom. One should never take a mother’s love for granted and should cherish (this) special bond.”

Helen says she wants readers to know that her daughter “is a very, very dedicated parent who is very kind and trusting. While writing the book together — I wrote my segments of the book separately from Vanessa — there were parts that were very amusing, heartfelt, emotional and shocking. I was unaware of a lot of things that Vanessa decided to put into the book and I said, ‘No, she didn’t. I don’t believe she did that. She did what?’ My response was, ‘Oh, boy!’ So, really, you have no idea.”

Local Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity members pay a visit to the home of fellow Alpha brother Dr. William H. Bob Bailey, center, on a Saturday afternoon. Pictured from left: Keith Rogers; Ashley S. Richardson, Theta Pi Lambda chapter president; Bailey; Johnny Galbert, Nevada area director; Michael John Franklin, chaplain; and Rodney Jordan.

]]> http://lasvegasblackimage.com/2012/03/community/feed/ 0 http://lasvegasblackimage.com/2012/03/peace-trayvon/ http://lasvegasblackimage.com/2012/03/peace-trayvon/#comments Fri, 30 Mar 2012 23:15:44 +0000 Las Vegas Black Image Magazine http://lasvegasblackimage.com/?p=4715

With the recent killing of our young brother, Trayvon Martin, it has been hard to find peace. God makes room in eternity when tragedy strikes, but the pain on Earth lingers, and we struggle to make sense of it all.

His murder — and the manner in which his life was taken — gives the world another window into the everyday realities faced by young black men. Misplaced suspicion, mistaken identity and the prevalence of guns create a deadly cocktail that cuts short too many lives.

The slate, in fact, is not clean. Activism has risen to the point where even President Barack Obama (“If I had a son, he’d look like Trayvon”) has taken his figurative hoodie out of the closet. A collective of righteous outrage is formed; and in our grief, we work to sew more tightly the fabric of a nation riven by racial profiling. Knowledge is the key to overcoming the ignorance behind this newest form of institutionalized racism, and it takes work to find the answers we seek.

History has demonstrated the power of educating one another and changing the system. Trayvon’s death has reawakened the nation, and black people have again been summoned to take the lead in calling attention to injustice. A gathering has been called, and our voices roll like chimes, in rhythm with the hymns and spirituals that helped guide our ancestors out of bondage.
All people are being mobilized to the gateway of a future where we stand as one. Together, we say never again. No more. In those cries, we can find peace.

Spring is here, and freshness is most definitely in high demand! This recipe for fish tacos is sure to have you coming back for more. Not only are they a delicious seasonal favorite, they make for a very healthy meal. The secret: Instead of deep-frying, put the fish on a grill after coating it with flavor-packed herbs and spices.

For more information on this healthy, flavorful recipe, and many others, visit www.incrediblechefproductions.com

Makes 3-4 Servings

WHAT YOU’LL NEED
6 fresh tilapia filets
2 tablespoons dried cilantro
2 tablespoons Crazy Cajun spice
2 tablespoons dried thyme
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

ACCOMPANIMENTS
Fresh cilantro
Corn or whole grain tortillas
Diced white onions
Sliced avocados
Thinly sliced cabbage
Thinly sliced carrots
Fresh lime wedges
Your favorite salsa

MAKIN’ IT
1. Mix up the taco seasonings and keep it in a shaker jar with a tight lid.
2. Sprinkle the seasoning over the fish, tossing to coat.
3. Make sure the grill is hot and well-oiled before grilling.
4. Grill fish for 3 minutes and flip and grill for another 3 minutes until the fish is cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes.
5. To assemble each taco, add fish to tortillas, top with accompaniments and enjoy! Be sure to squeeze the fresh lime wedges on the tacos for that extra pop of spring flavor.

Reva Rice is starring in “Vegas! The Show” at the Saxe Theater in Miracle Miles Shops at Planet Hollywood.

Invariably, the words Las Vegas conjure up images of the Strip and the entertainment that can be found there every day of the year.

African-American entertainers — legendary names like Sammy Davis Jr., Lena Horne, Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Redd Foxx, George Kirby, Barbara McNair, Josephine Baker, The Treniers, Dorothy Dandridge and The Nicholas Brothers come to mind — were essential to not only building its reputation as the world’s entertainment capital, but helping set a standard for the advancement of equal rights.

Today, a new generation of black performers are on stages all over the Strip, playing a central role in attracting an estimated 2.5 million visitors to Las Vegas each year.

“I think Las Vegas is the ‘West Coast Broadway’ and has the same status,” said Boonville, Mo., native Skye Dee Miles, a singer/entertainer who performs weekends at the Tropicana hotel. “When I was growing up, I always heard about the great black performers who performed here. Now, as a performer on the Las Vegas Strip, I feel a part of that history.”

With the advent of modernized hotel properties and other amenities, the Strip’s growing reputation as an “adult Disneyland” has brought a growing number of people to the city in search of a good time. But in the eyes of some, the explosion of venues has resulted in a sometimes negative impact on black performers.

“When I first moved here five years ago, there was an abundance of live bands and black performers on the Strip, and entertainers made a good living,” Miles said. “Now, there is a lack of live music and (fewer) African-American performers in the lounges. I am so glad that the management at the Tropicana decided to bring live music back to their lounge, which has given me the opportunity to do what I love. I don’t think that there are many African-American entertainers working on the Strip at all anymore. I think the hotels decided to put more of an emphasis on opening nightclubs, to reach a younger demographic. Some of the young music producers today don’t even use live music in their songs. The … tourists are underestimated in my opinion. Sometimes they do want to sit down and listen to good live music and be entertained.”

Adding to the angst, many Strip performers now work without contracts — meaning they often work on a day-to-day basis. Miles says the situation has resulted in an atmosphere where the competition is fierce among entertainers hungry for consistent work.

“It is a constant hustle being an entertainer these days,” she said. “Most of us don’t get long contracts anymore, unless you are in a big show. I am an independent contractor working for myself, and from the moment I wake up, I will be on the phone or the computer promoting myself and looking for another opportunity. Attending auditions is also an ongoing process, because you are constantly in the (mode) of finding work. Especially now, because … work is so scarce now because of the economy. And after I perform at the Tropicana, I am usually hanging out — not partying, but networking and socializing. That is how I have gotten most of my work in Vegas.”

Originally from Toledo, Ohio, Reva Rice has performed around the country. She arrived in Las Vegas in 1994 to star in the show “Starlight Express.”

“I was actually going to move to Los Angeles after performing in London, and then I was asked by (the) ‘Starlight Express’ producers if I wanted to be the lead in the Vegas show,” Rice recalled. “I accepted, and when I came to Vegas I fell in love with it.”

Today, she is a headliner in the well-received “Vegas! The Show” at the Saxe Theater in Planet Hollywood’s Miracle Mile Shops. The show pays tribute to such renowned entertainers as Sammy Davis Jr., Tina Turner and Gladys Knight.

“It is a wonderful show that talks about the history of Vegas, traditional showgirls and (it features) something that is not seen any more in Vegas — a full 11-piece orchestra. There are 30 performers that will take you back in the day,” said Rice.

Asked about the hectic lifestyle of a Las Vegas entertainer, Rice described a typical day.

“’Vegas! The Show’ usually ends at 10:30 p.m., and I am in bed between 1:30 a.m. and 2 a.m. Nevertheless, I always wake up (by) 8:30 a.m. or 9 a.m. When I am not working, I am usually promoting myself and I am very excited about my new CD called, ‘What is Love?’ I am shooting a video and releasing my first single, ‘I’ve Got You Under My Skin,’ which is a classic made famous by Frank Sinatra. I am a very diverse performer and sing in five different languages. I have my own lounge band and we perform Top 40 hits as well as classics.”

Performing in Las Vegas can also be a family affair. Kip Mungin and his fiancée, Anika Ellis, have established the KAM Entertainment Co., which is comprised of such bands as Yellow Funk and 3.0. The energetic couple performs both original songs and covers, with Nungin serving as a lead vocalist and drummer in the ensemble.

“When I first came to Las Vegas, I was performing with a band called Isis, at The Mirage hotel in the lounge,” recalled Mungin, who composed a song about Hurricane Katrina shortly after arriving here from Biloxi, Miss. “It was very exciting and was the launching pad for me to go on and perform with such artists as Barry Manilow, Prince and a show at the Las Vegas Hilton called ‘The Sunset Strip.’ Things have changed some since then, and if you are a performer, you, have to evolve. It is a hustle and bustle as an entertainer … very competitive. There used to be a lot of black performers on the Strip, but then came (what is called) the ‘black out.’ That is when many black performers, such as Darcus Speed and Gi-Gi, were cancelled. When things like this happen, you look around for black ownership to come in to give you options. But there is no black ownership on the Las Vegas Strip, so you have to conform and innovate other options,” says Mungin.

A trained dancer who attended New York University, performed with Alvin Ailey and appears regularly with K.C. and the Sunshine Band, Ellis faces challenges with a spirit of optimism.

“I feel — as an artist, musician, performer — every day is an opportunity to create and get your voice out there,” she says. “Whether it is through performing with a band, recording or exposing your music on YouTube, you are keeping your feelers out there for someone … who can make a difference in your career. There is no break in this industry — even when you are not performing, we are writing music, recording and listening to other music for inspiration. Coming from New York, Las Vegas is very different. But you must adapt and take it for what it is. I strongly believe that if you believe and love what you do, you can make it anywhere.”