Urban Grandstand Digital Issue 8 | Page 3

editor’s notes Greetings everyone! It is with great pleasure we present this issue to you. It has definitely been a long time coming. With us publishing every other month, the time seems so long in between. That being said, we definitely have a jam-packed issue in store for you. You’ll notice our cover artist, Ro Brooks, for his phenomenal work on Tyler Perry’s The Haves and The Have Nots. It was an absolute honor speaking with Mr. Brooks, and in our cover story, he definitely drops some jewels on us. He gives us the run down on the show, as well as the many things he has going on in his life and career. He’s also doing some amazing things to give back to youth within the urban communities, and we definitely talk about that. Also making their way to cover mentions are singer and songwriter Brave Williams who also stars on TV One’s R&B Divas: L.A., Toi & Rouvaun Walker of the Bravo reality series Newlyweds: The First Year, Marsha Blake of Netflix’s Orange is the New Black, Author Antwuan Jackson, the beautiful Teedra Moses, Teenear, Neffe & Soullow of BET’s Frankie & Neffe, and Nu Life Fitness. These fatures are only the half of it, as you’ll see as you flip the plages. We have so much more going on with this issue in terms of features and exclusives, and we’re so happy to bring it to you. The one message I want to leave and impress upon our viewers is one of following your dreams. UGD is by far a dream come true not only for myself, but everyone involved. We work so hard to bring our issues to you, and if nothing else, we just want to be able to show those aspiring to do the same thing that it can be done with hard work and dedication. Always follow your dreams, regardless of what anyone tells you. If you can dream it, then it can surely happen. We hope that you truly enjoy the issue, and we’ll definitely keep the features coming your way!