Verbally Effective

Dr. Vernell Bennett-Fairs began her tenure as the 13th president of LeMoyne-Owen College on January 5, 2021. Dr. Bennett-Fairs is the second woman chosen to lead the only historically black college in Memphis, TN.

Dr. Bennett-Fairs’ career spans 26 years in higher education. She is a trained vocalist and orator who has served as an associate professor and college administrator. However, her most cherished role is that of student advocate. Previously, Dr. Bennett-Fairs served as the Vice President for Student Affairs at Delta State University.

A native of Lorain, Ohio, Dr. Bennett-Fairs began her postsecondary career at Kentucky State University as a non-tenure tract Instructor of Music. Dr. Bennett-Fairs’ career spanned 20 years at KSU where her final role was as the Vice President for Student Affairs.

Dr. Bennett-Fairs is a HBUC alum of Fisk University where she sang and traveled worldwide with the esteemed Jubilee Singers. She also joined the Pi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. while attending Fisk.

Take a listen as Dr. Bennett-Fairs discusses her journey as a Fisk University Jubilee Singer, leadership in higher education and her outlook both personally and professionally in the next ten years.

I had the pleasure of chopping it up with sports journalist, writer and podcaster Parish Sharkey and artist, producer and radio personality Nicole Covington today on WYXR for Verbally Effective Live. We talked all things Memphis including Grizzlies, Tigers, WWE, Music and Culture. WYXR is in the midst of the Spring Pledge Drive and we happily raised over $200 during the show. Tune in now to check out Parish, Nicole and Ena live on the radio for a good cause.

Jamal Whitlow joins Ena for a second time around live on WYXR for Verbally Effective. Jamal is the founder of Privileged brand in addition to being the creator of LOL Music Festival. Take a listen as Jamal and Ena tackles Memphis culture and politics in the beginning and ends with deets on LOL Music Festival.

Eureka McAfee is a South Memphis native who is currently the Principal at Alcy Elementary School. She is a graduate of LeMoyne Owen College and member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Eureka begins the podcast with how the two of us first met when she and Coach Nedra Brown came to Millington, TN on a volleyball recruitment visit. McAFee talks about growing up in South Memphis being very active in sports and dance. She later matriculated to LeMoyne Owen College majoring in Education while playing volleyball. After graduation, Eureka began her teaching journey at Carnes Elementary pouring into the kindergartdners. Fast forward over two decades later, Eureka is now the Principal at Alcy Elementary providing value and structure. Eureka's gift of connecting with her students and staff is evident and recognized by MSCS. She has been coined "The Rapping Principal" and her videos have gone viral over the internet. Tap in to Eureka's amazing journey and discover how she's making a difference in the Memphis education system and beyond.

Christie Taylor was born in Washington D.C., and in the early 1970’s moved with family to West Tennessee. Her early years fostered in her a strong affinity for music performance and radio. Her love of “all things artsy” led to her pursuit of a Communication Degree with concentration in Radio, TV, and Film; and later graduated with a Bachelor in Drama TV and Film Performance from Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Her radio career can be traced to her hosting an evening show on KUTA, the university’s radio station. Throughout the years, Christie has worked for radio stations from Detroit to Memphis to Birmingham to St. Louis. Whether serving as a radio personality, a radio host for a monthly entertainment show; or hosting public affairs shows, Christie, has earned the credit of being an award-winning radio personality.

Christie’s newfound love is Christie Taylor Consulting specializing in media and public speaking coaching.  Her passion for the performing and visual arts are expressed through personal creative projects; as well as showing support for local and regional talent.

Cleveland, Ohio native, Jarrett Stephens, is the Athletic Director and the Men's Head Basketball Coach at Southwest TN Community College. Jarrett shares his story of often being the only black person growing up in the suburbs of Cleveland. His senior year he and his mom attended a HBCU College Fair where he was recruited on a choir and baseball scholarship to LeMoyne Owen College. Stephens shares that there was a culture shift he adjusted to when first arriving in Memphis. He spoke about the many relationships formed and bonds created with students, staff and fraternity brothers of Omega Psi Phi while receiving his HBCU experience. It was his senior year in college when Jarrett began his basketball coaching journey in the AAU arena. Next, he gained experience coaching in high school and college environments traveling from Atlanta, Memphis and eventually landed at Florida A&M University. Jarrett even served as NBA skills trainer with IMG Academy at one point. Fast forward to 2023 where Stephens is now leading the Saluqi men's basketball team as the Head Coach and Athletic Director. Jarrett breaks down the holistic culture he's instituted within his program based on academics, athletics, mental health, community service and social awareness. One of the biggest lessons he's learned is the delicate balance of walking in his purpose when it comes to family and coaching. You'll discover why "Sweat Now, Smile Later" has been his motto throughout his life. Learn all about Jarrett's journey full of adjustments, sacrifices and divine placement.

Jennifer Elaine (Jenn) is a Professional Fine Artist blessing homes and offices with aesthetically dope Black art around the world. Originally from Louisville, KY, Jennifer she relocated to Memphis, TN in 2010 and has embraced the city with her creativity and ambition.

God revealed her passion and natural talent of painting in the summer of 2015 after her ankle was fractured in three places making her immobile for 8 weeks. While she was healing, she decided to teach herself how to paint and develop her craft. Jenn creates phenomenal paintings that display Black women in a positive light, embracing their natural kinks and curls graced with melanin-rich skin. Her art is internally driven, like a gateway to the soul. illustrating the beauty, power, dopeness, and resilience of Black women. She loves big, natural Afrocentric hair and bright engaging colors, so most of her artwork displays black women with kinky curly hair accompanied by a vibrant, colorful background.

Take a listen as we explore Jennifer's journey that includes how she defied the odds of teenage pregnancy, being the only Woman, Black Owned Art Gallery in Cordova, TN and giving exposure and opportunities to other artists. You'll also discover the magic behind Orijennal Art Gallery, how important it has been for Jenn to set boundaries and some pertinent advice for creatives.

Get into this DEEP CUT with the President of UNAPOLOGETIC Label, Kid Maestro. Learn more about the journey of this phenomenal creative and how the new OUTERSPACEMANE studio was formed.

Born and raised in the south suburbs of Chicago, Kid Maestro moved to Memphis and planted himself deep into the creative community of the city. A few years later, Kid joined IMAKEMADBEATS as he formed Unapologetic and is still a proud member of the Unapologetic family.

As a music producer and sound artist, Kid’s style could be described as curious and imaginative. Every beat, every vocal recording, every sound design choice is a small attempt to discover more of himself and all the Universe he lives in. And while music is Maestro’s primary medium of self-expression and discovery, it has also been the thing that has opened up that exploratory creativity in other areas of his life. Whether it be in the studio, on stage, behind the scenes, or in the kitchen, the

practice of passionate and uninhibited creative exploration has been the vehicle to allow Kid Maestro to slowly break free of societal and self-imposed “boxes” in his life.

Keenan Shotwell is a native Memphian and believes in the power of music to make people realize and celebrate all that they have in common with other people. He began playing music at a young age and

practiced music at the Jackson Studios during the early 90s. Keenan mastered the piano and organ while a student at the University of Memphis. As his skills grew and his talent flourished, he began making a name for himself as a captivating musician in his hometown. The music he creates does not stick to any one genre. Instead, he prefers to make songs that bridge the gap between different styles,

making for a more enriching experience. He is a two-time winner of the “Verizon Wireless How Sweet the Sound” competition and has shared the stage with renowned artists such as Melba Moore, DeDe Bridgewater, Bebe Winans, Karen Clark Sheard, Oleta Adams, Tye Tribbett, and Kirk Whalum. His music was also featured in the 2010 film The Grace Card. Check out Keenan’s latest single “Touch the Sky” with Memphis favorite Jerome Chism.

Those seeking to enjoy live musical entertainment on February 14th can join Notez&Flow: The Love Edition at Memphis Botanic Gardens. This vibrant evening of exceptional talent will be led by producer/songwriter/musician Keenan Shotwell and feature popular vocalists Karen Brown, J. Buck, and comedian Memphis Will. DJ Tim Bachus will keep the party going before, during, and after the show. Memphis Botanic Garden is located at 750 Cherry Rd. The show will begin at 7 p.m. Get your tickets now on Eventbrite!

Byhalia, MS native Tori Thompson is the Queen of Conversation and Host of Tea Time with Tori. Thompson has always had a love for writing, poetry and singing as she navigated through Southwind High School. She later matriculated to the University of Memphis as a Communications major where she began talk show Tea Time with Tori. Her show became a huge success with attendees discussing taboo topics not normally up for debate. Tori talks about why the show is now on pause finding time to regroup and reflect. We discuss the need for veterans in the media space to make room for new talent, some of the faux pas with new sponsors and how she is currently doing the inner work with self love. You can find Tori co-hosting the third annual Galentines Day 901 on February 11th.