Exclusive Interview with Usain St Leo Bolt “Still The Fastest Man On The Planet”
August 10, 2012 by News Staff
Filed under Featured, FEATURES, International News, Interviews, People, Sports News
Special Interview by Daood aka Soul Detective, Contributor for Diversity News Magazine.
Usain Bolt lost for the first time in two years to Tyson Gay in the 100 meters and speculation has been from a nagging injury to simply not being focus. But on August 5th, The Fastest Man On The Planet defended his Olympic title in the 100 meters beating his training partner Yohan Blake.
My interview with Usain Bolt.
Daood: Beginning at what moment in your successful track career it becomes apparent, that you are on the path to becoming the fastest man on the planet?
Usain Bolt: I think the defining moment was at the IAAF World Junior T&F Championships in Kingston in 2002. I was 15 years old at the time. The competition was for athlete sunder 20. I won the gold medal in the 200m and realized that if I could beat athletes 5 years older than me I must be good.
Daood: Backtrack for us to 2002 in which you became the youngest person to win a gold medal in the 200 meters and the mental and physical preparation that brought about your victory?
Usain Bolt: Being on home soil in Kingston the meet was even bigger for us Jamaican athletes that if it had been abroad. The World Junior Champs is always big but this one was more special as it was our own people – friends and family – watching us run. I was so nervous coming out into the stadium as it was the biggest crowd I had ever run in front of. When I came into the stadium I heard a cheer and was looking round to see what the crowd was cheering at. Then I realized it was for me – It was a great feeling.
Daood: Familiarize for those of us the story of the love for cricket transitioning to track and field?
Usain Bolt: I grew up watching cricket as my dad is a big cricket fan. In Jamaica we play a lot of cricket when we were younger and I was quite good at it. It was my teacher in school that saw I was fast when I was bowling and advised me to try running. I had immediate success and haven’t looked back since.
Daood: 2008 Olympics you accomplished setting records in the 100 meters, the 200 meters, and the 4x 100 meter relay record with your Jamaican team. You’re the first man to achieve this goal. How important is for you to be a trendsetter?
Usain Bolt: I just like to win races. Everything came together in Beijing in 2008 and my three gold medals and world records will be remembered for a long time. I think it was also the first time that the world got to see my personality and maybe the way I have fun and play with the crowd before and after the race was a new trend in athletics.
Daood: Overall what changes can be made to improve the sport of track and field?
Usain Bolt: T&F is a very demanding sport and athletes have to train extremely hard to be successful. The beauty of our sport is that almost all countries are taking part – there will be around 230 countries competing in athletics in the Olympic Games newt year so it is truly a global sport. In order to keep attracting the best talent T&F needs to become more lucrative and innovative – we already tried the street meet concept and this has been successful and may be something that brings more kids into the sport.
Daood: Outdoor or Indoor stadium, what are advantages and dis-advantages when performing in one or the other?
Usain Bolt: For me it is difficult to run indoors as the track in only 200m and the straightaway is only 60m long. It suits the smaller runners. The outdoor track is 400m and the turns are not as tight.
Daood: Upon winning the 2011 World Male Athlete of the year award you stated that, “…it has motivated me even much harder and to enter this coming season with even greater fight.” Exactly, what are some of the improvements that you made for the 2012 season?
Usain Bolt: Training harder and longer. I ended the 2011 injury free.
Daood: And your motto is?
Usain Bolt: Run fast and have fun!
About Usain St Leo Bolt:
Arguably the most naturally gifted athlete the world has ever seen, Usain St Leo Bolt, confirmed his tremendous talents when he realized his dreams by winning a phenomenal three gold medals and breaking three world records at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China. Bolt became the first man in Olympic history to win both the 100m and 200m races in world record times and then as part of the 4x100m team that also smashed the world record later in the meet. For more information visit his website at http://usainbolt.com or Like him on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/usainbolt
Photos credit to: Usain Bolt
About News Staff
Interview with Sharon Mae King Author of “This is my introduction from me to you. Remember me”?
June 14, 2012 by News Staff
Filed under Books, Diversity, Entertainment News, FEATURES, People
Special Interview by Daood aka Soul Detective, Contributor for Diversity News Magazine.
“This Is My Introduction From Me To You. Remember Me?”
Chapter 1 excerpt
Letter to My Dear Mother
“…I wish you were there to teach me how to cook. I wish you were there to spend many holidays with me and cook all those wonderful meals. I wish you were there for me to bring someone home for your approval. The only man you ever met was my ex-husband. I wish you were there to stand up for me and teach me how to fight for myself. I wish you were there to keep me from harm’s way. It’s a cold world out here, and only the strong will survive. The weak will soon die out. As you know, I am a survivor…”
Daood Obaid: Thanks for this opportunity. Exactly why did you write your story?
Sharon King: You’re very welcome. It is important for me to let other women know all over the world there not the only one that is going through or has gone through some things and there is nothing to be embarrass or ashamed about.
Daood Obaid: If you would talk about the coping skills that were developed as the result of being physically assaulted?
Sharon King: I went to Counseling for a long time and I hated men for a long time. I would purposely dated them and break their hearts because I felt the need to give back what was done to me. As I came to learned Hurt people also hurt other people.
Daood Obaid: How did the therapist help you to move away from a revenge mental state?
Sharon King: I had to do it myself. No matter what she did or say. I still continued to hurt. What I learned about myself was I did not love myself enough. What I did to help myself I didn’t date anyone for about 5 years or more. I knew I had some issues and I have to deal with them. I start loving myself and that was the beginning and ending of all my revenge towards men.
Daood Obaid: Evaluating the horrific event afterwards, did you feel like you brought this situation upon yourself as some victims have expressed after the ordeal?
Sharon King: I took allot of self-blame. If I had done things better maybe I would not have been in this situation. After looking back I did not know better to do better. This was all new to me and I didn’t have the support of my parents. Most of my family old mentality is to stay with your husband in your relationship no matter what. Back then because of my Pride and being ashamed I took allot of abuse. What you don’t know could really harm you and what is even worst is having no one to turn to.
Daood Obaid: Substance abuse, eating disorder became apart of your way of coping with the assault?
Sharon King: I had no Substance abuse, no eating disorder. However the assault attacked my self-esteem and trusting others. I confide in my counselor only; when I could not talk to her, I keep everything inside and share it with no one.
Daood Obaid: If you could share with us why you are a success story (Career, Marriage & children).
Sharon King: Everything began with me. I acknowledge my faults and accept them and change for the better. My life became better and I started accepting better things. By the Grace of God he kept me here and through all my battles I never lost my faith although I question God sometimes. I am bless with everything I have because of God all praises belongs to him. I have wonderful children and a wonderful husband and he is also my manager. My husband accepted me with three children and help raised them as his own. In every path of our life we put God first that is why I am so successful in my Career, My Family and God still continue blessing me. All Praises belong to God.
Chapter 13 excerpt
Letters to my three children
Jeremiah, Trevor, and Leisley
“…Thank God for blessing me with such an abundance of blessings; like you. I loved each of you from the very first time that I carried you in my womb, through the kicking, the movements, all the morning sickness—and how could I forget labor and labor pains? If I had to do it all over again, I would. I love you so much my words cannot express my love. Wherever you go in life, always remember your mother loves you. I wish nothing but Godliness, love, successes, fruitfulness, joy, peace, and the blessings of Abraham upon you. I want you to be well educated, better, smarter, and bolder. I will always be here for you, and I will always do my best to provide for you. But there are times when you will have to fend for yourself. I have sacrificed and suffered, and I know you have seen and heard me cried so many nights. I don’t want you to go through what I have been through…”
About Author Sharon King:
She was born March 8th, 1975, born in the middle class family and grew up having a maid. She is the baby in her family; at the age of thirteen she came to the United States of America. She adapt very quick to the English language through teachings and educating myself.
She is the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of SharonKingWorldWide.com in Los Angeles, California. She is the author of “This is my introduction from me to you. Remember me”? Sharon King is a member of the African American Art Museum since 2009. She was also named and recognizes VIP for Cambridge Who’s Who registry of Executives, Professionals and Entrepreneurs 2011 – 2012. In addition, she has been featured in Ellements Magazine 2011-2012. In the late nineties she did some acting in New York did allot of footage and backup in movies. Her manager back then was Actors Rep. She has a love for acting but here main focuses are her three children.
She went to Western International University where she studied Legal Studies. One of her dreams was to become a Criminal Attorney – Prosecutor. She currently works at a Law Firm in the greater Los Angeles area. She is the proud mother of Jeremiah Isaiah and Trevor Francis and Leisley Deneise. She is married to Jaime Moreno her husband and manager. She is a Mother, Wife, Author, Business Woman and Speaker. For more information about Sharon King visit her website at http://www.SharonKingWorldWide.com and follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/SharonKing777
Editor’s Note: You can purchase the book Amazon and Barnes and Noble, just click: This is My Introduction from Me to You. Remember Me?
About writer Daood aka Soul Detective: He attended Fairfax High School in Hollywood, CA and played a variety of instruments: Acoustic Bass, Saxophone and clarinet. After high school he attended a number of music conservatories, one of them being Eubanks Music Conservatory Los Angeles, California. In 2003 he got an offer to host a radio show at Oran Z’s 87.7 F.M. low powered radio station. His show “Our Voices” consisted of the best in new, independent and unsigned artists. “Our Voices” conducted interviews with Scholars, book writers, and of course music artists. He had interviewed the likes of Dr. Bill Cosby, Tavis Smiley, Marsha Ambrosius, John Legend, Producer, Actor, Photographer Dr. Mark Valinsky and others. Currently, he is writing a forthcoming book on the life story of Gene “Poo Poo Man” Anderson of Parliament Funkadelic. If you would like to contact him please email to: Obaid93070@aol.com
About News Staff
Interview with Coco Jones star of the Disney Channel Film “Let It Shine,” premieres June 15, 2012
May 30, 2012 by News Staff
Filed under Celebrities, Celebrities News, Entertainment, Feature Films, Interviews, Movies Premiere, People
Special Interview by Daood aka Soul Detective, Contributor for Diversity News Magazine
“Let it Shine,” set in the world of hip-hop, rap and gospel music, is an uplifting modern day story inspired by Cyrano de Bergerac, which follows three teens who discover the importance of staying true to oneself. A music-driven story for kids and families, the movie premieres June 15, 2012 (8:00 p.m., ET/PT) as part of the blockbuster Disney Channel Original Movie franchise, which sets the gold standard for diversity and relevant, inspiring storytelling.
The movie stars Tyler James Williams (“Everybody Hates Chris”), Hollywood Records recording artist and Radio Disney N.B.T. (“Next BIG Thing”) finalist Coco Jones, Trevor Jackson (“Eureka”), Brandon Mychal Smith (Disney Channel’s “So Random!”), Courtney B. Vance (ABC’s “Revenge”), Dawnn Lewis (“A Different World”), Alex Desert (“Becker”) and Nicole Sullivan (“MADtv”).
Coco Jones, is starring in the Disney television film “Let It Shine.” Coco Jones while only being fourteen years of age has been a regular on the Disney channel in “So Random,” and “Good Luck Charlie.” Born and raised in Lebanon Tennessee to the parents of former NFL player Mike Jones and vocalist Javonda Jones, Coco Jones is not only an actress, a singer but also a rapper.
Daood: Congratulations on staring in the Disney television film “Let It Shine;” if you could share with us your role as Roxie?”
Coco Jones: Roxie has two sides, at the beginning of the movie she’s this bigger than life pop star; and what’s different about her and what nobody else can tell, is she doesn’t have a lot of confidence in herself. So, she’s trying to please everybody and make them happy, instead of standing up for what she believes in and what makes her happy. It is only until she goes back to her hometown of Atlanta, GA to host a competition and she sees all these people who remember her as the little girl with the big voice. Only then, does she realizes that she can be anybody that she wants to be and that she doesn’t have to please everybody else; that she can be herself and everything will work out.
Daood: And the young man who plays opposite of you Tyler James Williams?
Coco Jones: His role in the movie is Cyrus Debarge and he also has to deal with the fact that he doesn’t have a lot of confidence in himself. He wants to be a rap star but he’s a pastor’s kid and he doesn’t have the confidence to tell his parents because he’s not sure if they will support him in his quest. So, one of the many great things about this movie is that, kids have to learn to stand up for what they believe in and parents have to learn to support their children.
Daood: Not only are you a talented actress but there has been talk of you being in a recording studio here recent recording a song?
Coco Jones: I just signed with Hollywood Records and I’ve been in the studio literally almost every day since signing with them which has been great! Hopefully my album will come out shortly after the movie premieres. I’m really excited for everybody to hear it because it’s awesome music!
Daood: Coco Jones when you’re not acting or in a recording studio, talk to us about your hobbies?
Coco Jones: I like to sew. It’s a real cool hobby of mine. I’m trying to finish a sundress since it’s the summer time but I haven’t had the time to work on it, so it looks like a bunch of fabric right now. (we both laugh).
Daood: Going back to ”Let It Shine which will air June 15, 2012 on the Disney Channel were you given the opportunity to actually sing instead of lip syncing?
Coco Jones: I sing the original songs that are in the movie; they were prerecorded in the studio.
Daood: Talk about your relationship to parents Mike Jones and Javonda Jones?
Coco Jones: I have a good relationships with my parents; they have supported and believed in me and if they didn’t I probably would be sitting somewhere in Tennessee. So I want to say thanks to my parents who have been awesome. They always taught me to “Run My Own Race,” and I’m here today doing what I really love.
Daood: June 15 will you be watching “Let It Shine,” with family and friends?
Coco Jones: I think I’m going to have a viewing party in Tennessee. One of the great things about Tennessee is that the community is totally supportive; principals, friends they are super happy for me. So, probably I will have a viewing at my house and my dad will cook and it’ll be fun.
Daood: Future goals and aspirations?
Coco Jones: I want to go on a number of singing tours; it’s funny that you should ask that question because we were just watching the move “Charlie’s Angel’s,” in the car. One of my dream roles is to be a part of an action movie like “Charlie’s Angels,” and have the cute outfits. We both chuckled, and she had another interview to conduct as our conversation ended.
”My dad always told me, to always perform like it was my last time performing. You never know who’s watching you.” said Coco Jones. For more information about Coco Jones visit her website at http://cocosings.com/
Source: The Lippin Group & Shannon Barr Public Relations
Photo credit to: BOB D’AMICO/DISNEY CHANNEL, Disney | ABC Television Group, ABC Medianet, Shannon Barr Public Relations.
Video courtesy of: DisneyABCvideo.com
Editor’s Note: About writer Daood aka Soul Detective: This is his first contribution article interview to Diversity News Magazine. He attended Fairfax High School in Hollywood, CA and played a variety of instruments: Acoustic Bass, Saxophone and clarinet. After high school he attended a number of music conservatories, one of them being Eubanks Music Conservatory Los Angeles, California. In 2003 he got an offer to host a radio show at Oran Z’s 87.7 F.M. low powered radio station. His show “Our Voices” consisted of the best in new, independent and unsigned artists. “Our Voices” conducted interviews with Scholars, book writers, and of course music artists. He had interviewed the likes of Dr. Bill Cosby, Tavis Smiley, Marsha Ambrosius, John Legend, Producer, Actor, Photographer Dr. Mark Valinsky and others. Currently, he is writing a forthcoming book on the life story of Gene “Poo Poo Man” Anderson of Parliament Funkadelic. If you would like to contact him please email to: Obaid93070@aol.com
