Lewis T. Powell

A Conversation with Filmmaker and Actor Lewis T. Powell About His Career, Life and Critically-Acclaimed Film’ Padlock Men

Lewis T. Powell’s short film, Padlock Men, of which he wrote, starred, directed, and produced has to date netted 28 ‘Official’ Film Festival selections with 17 wins and nominations for its depiction of the historically secret band of vigilante civil rights soldiers. Doubling throughout the years as a master barber, filmmaker and musician with coast to coast experience from Washington, DC to South Los Angeles, Powell is proud to celebrate 15 years in Hollywood. He is one of the most diverse talents in the entertainment industry. Lewis, known as “Lew” to his friends is also a musician and artist, producing and releasing under his independent record company Col’Beast Entertainment as, “Big Lew.” He has worked with a plethora of artists like E-40, Too Short, Scarface, Born Jamerican Edley Shine, B-Legit and Nonchalant. “Big Lew,” the recording artist stage name of actor Lewis T. Powell has also reached a No. 2 on the Billboard’s Hot Rap Singles charts for over 18 weeks with his hit, “How We Do,” as “Big Lew BKA Popeye Reds featuring Nonchalant” in 2001.


A good portion of our interview with Lewis T. Powell allowed us to get to know him on a deeper level. When asked about what he has taken for granted in life, he responded with such a great answer.
Lewis T. Powell goes on to say that he feels everyone in this world at some point has taken something for granted in life, there are multiple stages in life with plenty of opportunities where something can get taken for granted. He feels that people oftentimes have a choice to make once they are educated on the outcome of a situation based on their action. People are ignorant by default when they start in life, but at some point, enough experience is gained to understand the choice they are making. In general, he feels we as humans take life for granted often, life can end at any given moment, with lots of unfinished work by individuals. Lewis experienced a tragic event at age 13 when he found out his friend was murdered at a young age; he can count 40 people who got murdered from age 13 to age 27. Lewis remembers feeling depressed while enduring the fact that so many people were getting murdered during his childhood. Growing up in an environment full of negativity stuns your growth, and Lewis can attest to these unique circumstances where we felt he could not share much of how he felt without getting judged. Lewis was able to break the chains of negativity by identifying his weakness, but he quickly turned it into a strength. Each day he got older, he often would use past experiences to fuel his motivation. Today, Lewis’s appreciation for life allows him to enjoy every bit of each moment. Lewis calls it, living on borrowed time.

Lewis T. Powell Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lewistpowell/

Pick up a copy here: http://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/1657171

Jay Hunter

Jay Hunter is the charismatic actor who stars as “Ian” on the OWN television drama series Tyler Perry’s If Loving You Is Wrong. He is also known for his physical,“tough guy” roles in films like Max Payne and Animal II, as well as television series like Nikita and The Bridge.

Jay has since become a much sought after and versatile actor. In March 2018, he appeared in the feature film Acrimony, working once again with Perry and playing opposite Empire sensation Taraji P. Henson. He was also a co-star on the superhero action series Marvel’s Agents of SHIELD.

The Buffalo, NY native’s big break in show business was while playing professionally for the Arena Football League. He was a natural for the role of “Beals” in the ESPN original series Playmakers. Today, Jay is expanding his career by producing films and television shows focusing on historical figures in African-American culture. In addition to acting, Jay is a former high school English and history teacher working for the Los Angeles Public School System. Although no longer teaching, community development is a significant cause to him, especially when it concerns the needs of children. He continues to actively explore philanthropic activities in education and athletics geared towards supporting underprivileged youth.

Jay Hunter is a Boss Mann who takes initiative, he is a Boss Mann who has made many sacrifices. His dating life is one affected as it is hard to maintain relationships with women while staying on his grind. When talking about obstacles in his industry, he mentions that creative and business sides continuously clash, his advice to our readers is to have clear goals for your brand. Focusing on having a clear brand identity will allow passion to take precedence over everything. Like a Boss, his darkest moment came from being homeless for over two years. He was able to overcome his difficult times by believing in his purpose; he kept striving and pushing through every obstacle. He is extremely grateful for being able to overcome that time in his life. When speaking of taking things for granted, he let us know that “being young” is what he feels he took for granted. When he was younger, he felt invincible, but as he got older, he noticed his body does not respond the same way.

 

Jay Hunter is the charismatic actor who stars as “Ian” on the OWN television drama series Tyler Perry’s If Loving You Is Wrong. He is also known for his physical, “tough guy” roles in films like Max Payne and Animal II, as well as television series like Nikita and The Bridge. Jay has since become a much sought after and versatile actor. In March 2018, he appeared in the feature film Acrimony, working once again with Perry and playing opposite Empire sensation Taraji P. Henson. He was also a co-star on the superhero action series Marvel’s Agents of SHIELD. The Buffalo, NY native’s big break in show business was while playing professionally for the Arena Football League. He was a natural for the role of “Beals” in the ESPN original series Playmakers. Today, Jay is expanding his career by producing films and television shows focusing on historical figures in African-American culture. In addition to acting, Jay is a former high school English and history teacher working for the Los Angeles Public School System. Although no longer teaching, community development is a significant cause to him, especially when it concerns the needs of children. He continues to actively explore philanthropic activities in education and athletics geared towards supporting underprivileged youth. Jay Hunter is a Boss Mann who takes initiative, he is a Boss Mann who has made many sacrifices. His dating life is one affected as it is hard to maintain relationships with women while staying on his grind. When talking about obstacles in his industry, he mentions that creative and business sides continuously clash, his advice to our readers is to have clear goals for your brand. Focusing on having a clear brand identity will allow passion to take precedence over everything. Like a Boss, his darkest moment came from being homeless for over two years. He was able to overcome his difficult times by believing in his purpose; he kept striving and pushing through every obstacle. He is extremely grateful for being able to overcome that time in his life. When speaking of taking things for granted, he let us know that “being young” is what he feels he took for granted. When he was younger, he felt invincible, but as he got older, he noticed his body does not respond the same way.

BM: To Break the Chains? What comes to mind when you hear that?

Jay Hunter: Overcoming oppression is breaking the chain. People of color have been oppressed for centuries. I think we overcome by deciding to break those chains and doing everything in our power to affect change in our own lives without solely blaming other people. Oppression is real! However, we have to do everything in our power to overcome it.

BM: What are your most significant accomplishments so far?

Jay Hunter: Staying in the acting game for as long as I have, sustaining a career. Also becoming a leading man on a television series.

BM: How do you recharge?

Jay Hunter: I usually focus on some of my other loves like my philanthropic work with kids or community development.

BM: What is next for you?

Jay Hunter: Continue to develop my craft as an actor and explore opportunities outside of acting in the entertainment industry.

 

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Wise Words

Wise words

All we get in life is the choice of what to do with the time that is given to us, there are no wrong or right decisions, only new perspectives. Everything starts with how we see ourselves, the greatest journey that will ever exist is the one within.

– Jordan Taylor Wright

Parris Harris

Where can a passion for fashion lead? It led Parris Harris to develop a fashion network of people with extraordinary passion in order to create a method by which that passion can continue to breed and pop. It also led Parris Harris down the runway and up the steps of the royal house of fashion, and there, he lived happily ever after. Parris Harris embodies a love for the entire fashion process. That process includes “everything”, and I mean everything. Boss Mann has been lucky to have attended Fashion shows where a heavy Parris Harris fashion influence is unmistakably found. That pretty much describes putting together a Fabulous show from start to finish. Managed Chaos is the best way to describe a fashion show, and that is where Parris comes in as a subject matter expert. Having to deal with a room full of egos while attempting to prepare for a fashion show is virtually impossible. However, nothing is impossible for Parris, coordinating model search auditions, to show rehearsals and executing all planned events, he thrives on the challenge and loves every minute of it.

Whether it is the hugs and kisses at the end of a designer’s very first show or more importantly searching for a needle in a shag carpet at 4 a.m because a show needs it by 8 am and coffee is no longer doing the trick. Whether it is working for two days without sleep and probably little food, the grind never stops for Parris. We experienced this first hand as some of our meetings went well into the late hours of the night. Time flew by as we got to learn more about his fantastic story. Parris’s passion led him to create A PASSION PHASHION production. This Fashionista has coordinated countless shows in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, Las Vegas, & San Diego. The East Coast is no stranger to Parris Harris either. Parris Harris is a fashion coordinator, runway coach, designer, casting director, celebrity runway coach, stylist, and all things fashion. It is safe to say he is Mr. Fashion 24/7 or Mr. Fashion 365 days a year. The Parris Harris fashion experience and branding includes everybody. From plus size to petite size, from toddlers to adults, from every shape, and every color. Mr. Harris makes himself available to every aspect of a client’s fashion projects and needs. A client will receive 100% attention and dedication. The need to interpret, to be effective, in whatever position mandated be it choreographing and training of the models and dancers, casting, creation of show themes, flyer design and overall general consultation, contacts with agents and managers, researching areas, venues, and events and even assist in publicist and promoting duties. Mr. Harris works tirelessly to create a working and cohesive environment.

Additionally, Parris has experiences in casting events outside of the fashion circle such as commercials, music videos, plays, dance projects, singer showcases, DJs for night club events. His roster of talent includes tall diva’s as well as the all-American fire eater that may be just the thing to put a fashion event over the top. His casting experiences include models as well as dancers, photographers, designers and whatever else is needed.Mr. Harris draws upon his many years of experience in the modeling industry, acting, designing, casting and scouting to put on a FABULOUS Show!