GQ for Cancer: Bernard Fogg “The Fight for His Life turned into the Foundation of his Business”
By: Mercedez McIntyre
As I sat across from Bernar Fog at my dining room table I was instantly able to recognize an amazing amount of peace n joy. Inquisitive about the man that can battle what most people fear yet with an air of humble confidence. The GQ for Cancer Founder, Bernard Fogg is extremely thankful for staying on top of his health saying it has motivated him to continue to do so, as well as motivate other men in the process. Bernard who was officially diagnosed with cancer on December 5, 2014 having visited four different specialists was officially diagnosed cancer free as of July 13th, 2015. Born in Baltimore, MD, Bernard enjoyed a glistering career in public relations as he prepared to start his own personal PR before the inception of the ailment that changed the course of his life.
The 29 year old who has a go-getter mentality believes that life and opportunities are endless having gone through the process of treatment which enabled him learn a lot about himself as a man. Bernard describes masculinity not just on the basis of strength but seeking to be healthy so as to be there for one’s family.
The ability to maintain a positive attitude towards issues played a key role to Bernard staying on top of his health having drawn strength from his mother; his role model whose encouraging words to always think first before getting emotional cannot be overemphasized. The music lover main goal is his inner peace which his life truly relies on it and he feels so good on the experience gained to combat every other battle life may throw at him. He founded The Gentlemen’s Quest for Cancer to address the impact of men under the age of 40 also fighting for better health with cancer and other major health issues that could possibly be prevented.
Bernard’s treatment served as a learning class for him in putting the care of oneself as a priority which is rare to find in young entrepreneurs today.
The support he get, the huge cut of processed foods and the amazing love showered on him tells how close Bernard Fogg is in closing his cancer chapter in 2017.
Upon probing if the handsome young entrepreneur was a Bachelor or not he has confirmed he is by choice. Being a true example of his foundation Bernard stated before he would add romantic engagement to his life he stands by his purpose of taking care of one's health first.
Our interview easily went into 3 hours. Sincere exchange of honesty and life's triumphs connected us automatically. There is so much more to this amazing Black man that we will be following his journey in Urban Freedom issues to come. So stay tuned and be sure to support him with the contact information below.
Contact Information:
Twitter: @gqforcancer
Facebook: GQ for Cancer (business); (personal) Bernard Fogg
Instagram: @gqforcancer (business); (personal) @gqtrilogy1
Website: www.gq4c.org ; Apparel: www.gq4c.org/shop
Email: info@gq4c.org
Taking the 1st Steps: Transitioning from being Managed to Self- Managing Your Own Business
By: Roosevelt Andlove
It feels good having money in your pocket, I’d like to believe everyone can attest to that. I started working when I was 15, not because I had to, but because I wanted to. It’s something about feeling money in your pocket that brought the allure to seek out a part time job.
The consistent, calculable checks you get are something like a godsend. You know what you’re going to make; they establish your per hour worth right out the gate, you know that as long as you show up and do a passing job you’re guaranteed money on payday. But what happens when that consistency is taken away.
Trial and error is the term. Having your own business, being young and black, there is a bit of a learning curve you have to achieve to be successful. Stepping away from the 40 hour work week is the first step. Stepping away from what someone has dictated what you are worth and how long you have to work seems like a clear cut choice for a lot of young budding artists wanting to be the next Basquiat or Mark Zuckerberg. That is, until reality sets in.
Some young entrepreneurs are blessed to have a mentor that has been where you are, and gone on to be where you want. So if you are in the position to have someone to show you the ropes, learn everything you can from them, then apply it for yourself. I’ve been able to have several mentor’s from the start of my career, and each one has the same underlying theme. Know your worth.
So remember, if you want to work for yourself, Trial and Error is key, know your worth, never stop learning, and never cheat yourself
As simple a statement, this is probably the hardest ideal to bring to fruition. It almost transcends the words and becomes a lifestyle. Just ponder that; you set your hours, your pay, your product, everything. This means total control. Praise when it goes right, and side eyed looks when it doesn’t. But this is where another key ideal comes into play. Never stop learning.
Especially for photographers, such as myself, out the gate you either set yourself too high, or too low. It takes time to perfect your craft, and secondly price your craft. I still adjust myself to where I feel comfortable charging, or not. This means that no matter how good, or bad you are at something, it takes time to cement yourself. With that being said, once you have everything down, as far as experience and your knowledge of you craft, this is where the final step must be applied. Never cheat yourself.
This is where you’ll catch the most flack, but regardless of what people say, always stay your course, and don’t be afraid of losing a client because they don’t want to pay you what your worth. Have faith that your work is good enough to bring another willing client your way.
Your Body Can not be bartered for Love: New Age Relationship Business
By: Melanin Reigns
Where did the misconception that our bodies can be bartered for love begin? Perhaps it has never been a conscious thought of our own but what does our patterns and day to day habits reveal about us? . . .
Pace yourself
This is not another "one night stand" shaming blog, but in truth, how many women walk away from one night stands feeling refreshed thus looking for nothing further. . .?
NOT MANY. .
It's unnatural for divine creators to take energy from a source and not want to manifest something greater, to be shared amongst the rightful lender and broader community. However, a woman must keep in mind that just because a man (or woman taking upon the energy of a masculine vessel) beds you, it does not ensure that they are willing to co create with you on any level.
Why Does It Matter?
One word: EXPECTATIONS
Avoid them at all cost
Expectation is the first stepping stone to disappointment.
Too often sisters operate in the mindset that if they offer their vagina to someone; that person is in turn, indebted to love or even maintain communication with them.
FALSE
My advice to you is to know yourself.
Know your wants, needs, insecurities, shortcomings and your strengths.
This makes all of the difference when approaching intimate matters outside of self. Knowing the root of your urges and behaviors will help you identify if you're being led by your spirit or your wounds.
After all, the word intimacy phonetically defines itself as: IN TO ME I SEE.
Your vagina is not and will never be an offering or ticket for a man or masculine vessel to see the rest of you. I promise, sex on the first date isn't the issue. Sex as a tradeoff for the protection and provisions of a man is.
So what's your best option?
Do not expect, EXPERIENCE!
Take a deep breath, you no longer have to hold yourself hostage to the spell of emotional and mental codependency.
You are free to choose what is best for you, and I mean ALWAYS choose what is best for you.
How can you be sure?
eciprocity . .
It is no secret that new age women give too much of themselves, sexually, emotionally and financially; in hopes of acquiring what seems to be the unattainable in this generation.
Genuine, patient and consistent love.
However, what is settled for majority of the time falls short of just that. Most relationships and bonds are formed of attachment, the illusion of comfortability, and codependency. Be sure that the circulation of energy is healthy.
As receivers, we must be extremely careful what we are allowing into our space.
It's best not to compromise out of sexual starvation!
Maintaining a level of sexual discipline will keep your thinking clear.
Ask yourself, "Am I being led by my spirit or my wounds?"
"Will this interaction benefit me or will I regret it after?" "Will the person I am thinking of compromising for, value and appreciate my mind, body, and soul?" And lastly "Am I willing to share this bond with someone without possession?"
Have a conversation with your higher and lower self, in order to find your balance but most importantly; refrain from bartering your body in hopes of gaining love.
The temple of God resides within each of us.
Bridging the Gap of Upbringing: Entrepreneur Relationships
By: Julian Benjamin
Love is a beautiful thing that most of us are not equipped with knowing how to maintain, but only attain. So after you meet, date, commit to a relationship and the honeymoon stage passes you’re now introduced to each other in a brand new way. The first time you see each other beyond the rose gold lenses. We are all much more than the person in the relationship but also built by all the things before the relationship. All of life’s journeys, battles, triumphs, worries, strengths, insecurities, past relationships, family influence comes into the relationship too.
You find an attraction to all that they are. You find yourself confused just as well by all that they are, I think it’s time we start to dig deeper when dating. We ask ourselves, what does it take to really get to know all that makes the person? What makes them beyond what you think they are made for when it comes to family upbringing? I’ve learned this plays a key role in the factors we may not understand about each other. The process alone of revealing oneself probes a high amount of vulnerability. In that moment you are not only allowing someone in beyond the superficial, but getting your first glimpse of how they handle who you truly are. Do they respond with positivity? Do they want to learn more? Are they interested in knowing more? Are they bored? Have we considered reciprocity in relationships?
Most of us come from different backgrounds. You’re either the first born, middle child, the baby or maybe the only child. You may come from a one parent home, two parents, or even step-parent home. You may have been adopted, searching for the other parent, or raised by grandparents. All of these elements play a part in who we are as well. The roles we’ve played most of our lives are a reflection of the roles we play today. We all grow constantly and heal continuously but there is a reason your partner learned a lesson the way they did. There may be a reason they are more defensive in certain areas and patient in others. Before coming from a place of not understanding in frustration, it's time we take a look to understand past what our eyes see and our egos walk away from.
As we have entered in explaining to others that “Black Lives Matter”, how deep do we go with this concept in our own homes? We must really protect the mental and emotional experiences of our partners as we wish to protect the physical safety of others. This is how we truly bond, repair, build and find what most think no longer exists with authentic love. There is no exact science to building the right relationship foundation. However, we can make sure we utilize the tools that are right in front of us to create bonds that allow you to grow together, no matter the status of the relationships we experience throughout life.
Are Alpha-Females Doomed to be Single?
By Melanin Reigns
Absolutely NOT,
I mean after all is there anything actually negative about being single?
We have ourselves, family, close friends, pets and friends with benefits that we can call when we are in need of romantic intimacy; so doomed is certainly an inaccurate word to describe the situation.
However, the truth of the matter is that Alpha females are attracted to Alpha Males but most Alpha Males are attracted to beta females.
Two major problems here, alpha males are about 1 out of every 100 men and that statistic may even be too generous in today's world.
The average man is already outnumbered by women, so the rarity of an alpha male is even more strenuous on the alpha female.
Secondly, the attraction Alpha-females feel for the Alpha-males is often one sided because he seeks Beta-Females.
Why is this?
The Alpha Male's drive is based upon the need to be needed, whereas the A.F's is based upon the need to acquire collective "self sustainability".
Also, Alpha Females appear too masculine to Alpha Males which repels them from seeking a lasting partnership with them apart from consensual sex, or business relations. This is the same energy that attracts beta males to the Alpha Female.
However, what all men should keep in mind is that because masculine energy is outwardly exerted, and feminine energy is about depth.
A single Alpha Female must tap into survival mode, in order to protect herself and she will seem overbearing in her masculine energy when doing so because it is an honored part of her essence that is not glorified or accepted in conformed society.
t's also the reason she is balanced at the head and heart. Make no mistake about it, she is a flourishing and evolving feminine vessel, as well and at her best when her complementary partner can take the weight of protection, production and provision off of her shoulders.
If you look around, most Alpha females are beginning to date other Alpha females because beta males are not sufficient and alpha males simply aren't attracted to them.
So what is an Alpha female anyway?
How does a woman know when she is one, how do you become one?
Honestly, YOU ARE BORN ONE!
Working a 9-5, having a car and a house are always a plus but it does not indicate that you are an Alpha-Female.
Models- Entrepreneurs Tracie Washington & Cle Mooring (Urban Freedom Black Wall St Photo shoot)
Three important things define an Alpha Female
Balanced Head & Heart / Masculine & feminine energies
Vision
Drive
Characteristics Alpha Females radiate:
Leader, straightforward about her needs vs wants, balanced in masculine and feminine energies, unconditional lover, master manifester, go getter, goal oriented, divine nurturer, community nourisher etc.
Her key phrases are:
"I AM" and "I WILL"
DO NOT confuse Alpha Females with the "I don't need a man" type of women.
They are more so the "I have a vision that I refuse to let go to waste by any means necessary" type.
She is willing to take on masculine energy of her own to put her vision into action because she knows it is vital to her well being and more importantly her community and future lineage.
She knows her strength is in vision so she truly seeks a protector and provider that will ensure it is fulfilled.
Uncovered secrets:
All polygamous and polyamorous relationships of the past were headed by Alpha-Males and Alpha-Females.
Alpha + Alpha relationships can easily turn into competition.
Which is why both parties must divinely know themselves.
It's most likely that these individuals will take on multiple partners at a time, not for sexual conquest or demeaning purposes (unless established out of the ego) but because their energy will take multiple betas to complement it.
It is highly unlikely that two alphas will find it necessary to add other partners to their Union, because both auras emerged become larger than life itself.
To be continued . . .Stay tuned to our next issue.
Notes: Female and Woman were used interchangeably by CHOICE!
A.F= Alpha Female A.M = Alpha Male
