November 1, 2021 - Atlanta Wire

MAD21.Org Uplifting Families and Individuals Amid Crisis and Hardships

Atlanta Wire Staff on November 1, 2021

The last year has been challenging for millions of individuals and families as the COVID-19 crisis has ushered in various economic issues, leaving millions jobless, affecting income, and impacting security at the primary level. Yet, in times like these, society needs organizations like MAD21.Org, who stand up amidst the challenge and choose to find ways to help those in need no matter how daunting the challenge might seem.

MAD21.Org is a non-profit organization that seeks to help families and children through their most challenging moments. Recently, the organization has deployed much of its time and resources into meeting one of the most basic needs that people struggle to secure today—food. Currently, the organization seeks to provide meals to many homeless, unemployed, and job security-poor individuals in Nashville, Tennessee.

An initiative started through the simple act of goodwill. “It’s a challenging time right now for a lot of individuals,” shares Wilmecia Robinson. “Millions of families, children and communities lack resources. In addition, many households are enduring increased domestic violence, and hunger needs due to the pandemic.”

The non-profit’s feeding program is only a branch of the organization’s efforts, but it has grown immensely in recent days. MAD21 launched a program called the “2gether as 1 campaign” to encourage people to donate their birthdays, anniversaries, and other celebrations to get loved ones to rally and pool funds to feed unfortunate community members. Since its launch, MAD21.Org has now been able to provide meals to thousands of people.

On top of MAD21’s efforts to provide food security, it also aims to provide literal security to family members who face domestic abuse from family members, spouses, and parents. In the United States, one out of every four men and one in every three women fall prey to abusive family members, getting beaten, raped, and verbally attacked by the people who should provide affection and security but have failed to do so.

Through its many projects and events, the organization has raised awareness and resources to rescue people from oppressors and help them rehabilitate, heal, and move on from their darkest moments in life. One of MAD21.Org’s core beliefs is that “Love does not hurt,” seeking to teach victims of domestic violence and abuse that their predicament is not their fault and that they shouldn’t have to tolerate it.

Though the issues that MAD21 faces are daunting, they are more than determined to play their part, no matter how big the problem might seem. Looking to the future, the nonprofit organization hopes to expand its operations and provide more meals and protection to families who need it most. It stands on the core value of family. It believes that healing the home is crucial for restoring the nation and world to a sense of normalcy as people try to bounce back from the great tragedies that COVID-19, domestic abuse, and economic downfalls bring. To learn more about MAD21.Org and see how you can get involved in the mission to save lives from hunger and abuse, visit its official website. Donate to the 2gether as 1 Food Project via PayPal.

Escaping the Darkness Seeks to Help Readers Find and Live With Purpose Amid Adversities

Atlanta Wire Staff on November 1, 2021

Many people could spend a lifetime finding one’s purpose. It has been one of the most pursued quests by humanity ever since the dawn of time, finding answers to why they exist and where they’re going. As bestselling author and motivational speaker Cornell Windel Bunting said, “For the one who has found his or her purpose, life is beautiful. For the one who is living devoid of purpose, life can be an intolerable hell.” Through his new book, Escaping the Darkness: Using Adversity to Find Purpose, the author hopes to help readers fill a hole in their existence.

Having a purpose leads to a more meaningful life. People facing adversity without finding purpose may find life to be pointless. On the other hand, to those who did find their purpose, every adversity has a meaning, contributing to one’s growth over time. Hence, Escaping the Darkness wanted people to see adversity as a means of finding one’s purpose. The author believes that in the midst of chaos, people can learn more about themselves. Along the way, people will find a way to reframe their adversity, no longer seeing them as stumbling blocks but as tools for success.

“Adversity comes to us all,” said Bunting. “Sometimes it comes to us in droplets—one at a time. But at other times, the floodgates open, and adversity surges over our life in a rushing river. We fear that we will be consumed, drowned, and swept away by it. Adversity is an equal opportunity destroyer. It does not care if your collar is white or blue,” he shared further.

Furthermore, Escaping the Darkness amplifies that adversity is inevitable. It has challenged people over centuries, even the world’s greatest thinkers, and pushed them out of their comfort zones. The challenge, according to the author, is to allow one’s purpose to guide him or her through adversities. Having a clear sense of purpose will keep an individual from drowning from pain, loss, and challenges. Adversity will no longer be capable of deteriorating one’s spirit, but it will lead one to discover the path written before one was even born. Escaping the Darkness seeks to remind readers that they may have been unaware of living with the divine intervention that leads them to find meaning in life.

“Sometimes, adversity is needed to remind us of our purpose,” shared the author. Escaping the Darkness wants readers to find clarity amid their darkness. “As the lovely Bible verse in Isaiah promises, you will discover a pathway through the wilderness and water in the desert. You will be renewed and refreshed as you see a way through the deep waters. And you will see that the fires of adversity burn up all that does not serve you. This desert imagery is rich with power and promise,” Bunting explained further.

In many works of literature, life is often compared to the deserts, rivers, and seas. The metaphors have guided people to make more sense of life through the characteristics of such earthly bodies. Escaping the Darkness takes its audience through a journey as it aims to bring people back to faith and believe that a divine power has laid out a path for each individual.

Escaping the Darkness contains ten lessons, teaching readers how to see adversity as means to illuminate their priorities, develop perseverance, uncover purpose, clear out complacency, train the soul, find the path to ascension, conquer fear, create a new path, clarify vision, and strengthen one’s foundation. The book ends with a chapter aiming to help readers reinvent their lives for the better.

To learn more about Escaping the Darkness, visit Cornell Windel Bunting’s official website.

How B.L.A.K Is Creating a Luxury Brand of Beard Products

Atlanta Wire Staff on November 1, 2021

A few years ago, Beard Like A King, or B.L.A.K. for short, was born after one man did something about the frustrating reality that there wasn’t a locally made beard product line that provided the quality fit for kings without the ridiculous price tag. Since then, B.L.A.K. products have become the epitome of beard oil and other products fit for kings and are starting to put Mississippi on the beard map.

Black-owned and operated, the company behind Beard Like a King started in the humblest form but has become a thriving business amid these new post-COVID-19 landscapes. Started by rising local entrepreneur Bud Taylor, B.L.A.K. Beard Products emphasizes three main areas—a commitment to quality beard products, the highest customer satisfaction, and a great look and feel that will give any man a “beard like a king.”

When Taylor started the brand, he had the urban market in mind. “I wanted to provide people with a confidence that only Kings understand,” shares the company owner and founder. Today, his vision is straightforward. Bud wants to provide every beard with the product they need while inspiring others in the process. “Whether you’re starting fresh, with No Shave November, or want to nurture the beard you already have, B.L.A.K. has what you need.”

As a black-owned and run company, Beard Like A King hasn’t existed without its set of challenges. Numbers are stacked against Bud Taylor and the company just as it is for other African-American entrepreneurs. Numbers show that businesses by minorities are less likely to succeed in the market. Black-owned entities are at another disadvantage, given that they are less likely to get government support or any form of help from financial institutions and other bodies.

Still, Bud Taylor remains unwavering in his passion for what he does. The B.L.A.K. product line includes three all-natural products: a beard oil, beard balm, and beard scrub. Given that beards can often trap oil, dirt, and dead skin cells underneath it all, it’s essential for men to use these kinds of products to avoid any buildup that could cause irritation and other skin and hair hygiene problems. Its scrub provides a deep-cleaning solution that acts as an exfoliating scrub that gives a soothing effect while effectively taking out contaminants from even the thickest beards.

B.L.A.K.’s beard oil has also been the talk of the beard community as it provides long-term moisture and shines to promote growth. The product also helps protect the beard’s hair follicles by strengthening them. This benefit also helps avoid letting it become brittle. The oil also leaves a lasting aroma that gives a sense of confidence and style to anyone who uses the product. The final product on its unique lineup is the balm, which keeps a beard moisturized and soft.

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Beard Like a King has pivoted gracefully and shifted into an online shop. The business also sports a line of merchandise that completes the brand experience. Bud Taylor hopes to continue growing the brand and becoming one of the premiere beard products businesses locally and even nationally.

Learn more about B.L.A.K Beard Products and check out its products by visiting its website and Instagram profile.

Young Marketing Moguls Logan Simmons and Zach Conley Take the Lead in Music Marketing with Volume Digital

Atlanta Wire Staff on November 1, 2021

Entrepreneurship is not for everyone, but there are the blessed few who naturally know their way around it. Young marketing moguls Logan Simmons and Zach Conley have fostered their entrepreneurial spirit for as long as they can remember. Together, they are now fueling some of the most significant movements in music marketing and taking the industry by storm.

Logan Simmons and Zach Conley are co-founders of the world-renowned music marketing company Volume Digital. They help music artists launch their careers and skyrocket their success through innovative “release support-based” services. The duo has continually proven that age does not define how far an entrepreneur can go in his venture. In fact, because they are both young, the business partners understand how technology and digital marketing impact success.

Through Volume Digital, Logan Simmons and Zach Conley have changed countless lives, a testament to how they are using entrepreneurship to uplift others. The founders have worked with prominent artists, record labels, and brands within the music industry. They specialize in helping artists enhance their digital footprint and connect with audiences in such a way that their name, music, and reputation will be remembered for generations to come.

Volume Digital allows artists to get whatever they need to successfully start their journey in the music industry, and Logan Simmons and Zach Conley ensure that they are provided with nothing but the best services.

Logan Simmons first began taking an interest in becoming an entrepreneur when he was just 15 years old. “I was traveling the country with an uncle of mine making antique toy sales. Essentially, I’d travel and help host ‘toy-buying events,’ where we would buy inventory from locals in the cities across America and then list them on eBay,” he shared. “These early experiences taught me the basics of both sales and online marketing. Additionally, I learned the life-changing possibilities of working for yourself and entrepreneurship as a whole,” Logan added.

On the other hand, Zach Conley started his journey at 21, working for major record labels as a digital marketing expert and helping signed artists kickstart their digital footprint. Zach was able to help his clients create a stable online presence across social media platforms and build a buzz around their community. His experiences served as the early foundation and later on propelled him to become the co-founder of Volume Digital.

With both experts leading the ship, Volume Digital is set for an excellent course ahead. Furthermore, Logan Simmons shared that now is one of the best times for entrepreneurship, especially for those aspiring to leverage the digital space.

“It has never been easier to start a digital business and/or be an independent artist. We have great accessibility to reach mass audiences and a customer base compared to any generation prior to us,” Logan Simmons said. Always ready to grab opportunities, face challenges head-on, and maximize the strengths of modern technology, the business partners are indeed reflections of today’s game-changing entrepreneurs. To learn more about dynamic music marketing duo Logan Simmons and Zach Conly, visit their website

Memphis Comedian Oscar P Brings Laughter and Good Times

Atlanta Wire Staff on November 1, 2021

“Laughter is the best medicine,” the well-known phrase goes. No one has capitalized on this like Oscar P, one of the top comedians in Memphis. Despite the changing times and the current state of the world, Oscar P remains one of the few comics who keep thriving and pushing the envelope.

Oscar P has had a long career in comedy. He began his comedy journey in November 2012 by performing in open-mic gigs at a small bar and grill called Loose Goose. He kept working and honing his craft until he eventually rose to the ranks. He went on to do open mics at Funny Bone, where he met actor and comedian Lester Bibbs. Oscar P’s career kept moving forward, and he became a host at the club until Chuckle Comedy House opened.

Whenever Oscar P talks about his journey with his comedy career, he recalls taking the opportunities that presented themselves. He said, “Whenever a lane opened up, I always pursued it. I seize the opportunity, and I never look back.”

Oscar P has been opening for great comedians for years. This comedian credits his success to his work ethic. “From a young age, I was taught that I needed to work hard and be disciplined if I wanted to get results,” he shared, “This habit became ingrained into my personality, and it has become one of my character traits as an adult.”

While audiences may have different tastes and various senses of humor, Oscar P has a rare gift for bringing laughter wherever he goes. He believes that this is partly due to how relatable his material is. Often inspired by conversations with his friends and family, the comedian also draws from his life situations as a family man and business owner to create material for his shows. He said, “Fresh material is everywhere. You just have to know where to look.”

Every comedian creates a unique style and persona, and Oscar P is no different. He has been dubbed the polite jerk, as his style calls for a little spice of rudeness. However, he finds humor in almost everything, and his incredible comedic skills always transform them into pieces that give audiences the time of their lives.

Aside from performing on stages and comedy clubs, Oscar P also takes private bookings. He has served up his own brand of humor in many private events, and his audience always appreciates his work. This comedian can liven up any event and have guests tear up in laughter.

Oscar P also has the honor of hosting the longest-running comedy show in Memphis at the Slice of Soul Pizza Lounge. He is focused on making it to bigger stages and events and reaching a wider audience. One day, he hopes to create content for television and work on various shows.

While comedy seems to have taken a hit, Oscar P continues to thrive. “Laughter is healing. It lifts people up, and they can forget their problems for a little while,” Oscar P shared, “Comedy is my passion, and I am glad that it gives a smile on people’s faces whenever they come to my shows.”

Oscar P is a comedian based in Memphis, Tennessee. For updates on his upcoming shows and events, you can find him on Facebook.