FROM THE
PUBLISHER
Welcome to Radiantly Black tm Orlando, a new lifestyle magazine that celebrates the people, businesses, places, and events of the greater Orlando African American community. We look forward to shining a light on the seldom seen wonderful aspects of our community. This publication will also connect residents as we celebrate weddings, anniversaries, new jobs, etc., of greater Orlando. But first, let me give you a little background. To escape the snow and cold weather of Ohio, my family moved to an Orlando suburb seven years ago. We were delighted to find a thriving, robust Black community filled with the sights, sounds, and foods we so greatly enjoy. We rejoiced in the fact that entertainment options were endless. So, imagine our dismay when we noticed a lack of cohesiveness as we interacted with Black people from different communities and different cultures. This was the catalyst for Radiantly Black tm Orlando. Our objectives are to:
SUMMER 2023 VOLUME 1 | ISSUE 1
PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF J. Lajuana Miller ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Michael A. Miller COPY EDITOR
Alayna Riggins ART DIRECTOR Heather Loomis SALES EXECUTIVES James Benjamin • Lewis Nimmons PHOTOGRAPHERS Leslie Gray Photography Chris Lindsay Photography CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Stephanie Brinkley, Esq. Cheryl Spradley Brown • Mariah Brown Dr. Reyna Gilmore-Gordon, MD Michael A. Miller • Deputy Trekelle Perkins Kimberley Whittaker FOR ALL CORRESPONDENCE Radiantly Black P.O. Box 470311, Lake Monroe, FL 32747 407-840-6813 Info@RadiantlyBlack.com VISIT US ONLINE AT RADIANTLYBLACK.COM All information and advertising content contained herein is provided as a service to our readers and is not endorsed by the publisher or staff. Radiantly Black magazine is not responsible for statements made by advertisers or writers. The publisher assumes no responsibility for errors or misprints in copy or in any customer approved advertising copy. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. We reserve the right to refuse advertising space at our discretion.
a. foster collective appreciation for the beauty inside the Black communities of this region, b. introduce our brothers and sisters of other cultures to the richness of who we are and what we contribute to the betterment of their lives, and c. create a forum for lively discussion of matters that concern all of us. In 1984, Tina Turner, the recently deceased singer, dancer, actress, and entertainer extraordinaire asked the question – What’s love got to do with it? And nearly 40 years later, many people throughout the world are still asking that question. So, in our first issue, themed Black Love, Health, and Safety, we wanted to provide some local answers to that question. See the cover story, where the Russells of Winter Garden explain their particular brand of magic. Then be sure to read “Enduring Love” to learn how local couples who have been married for 50-plus years have kept it strong … for so long. If you’re thinking about looking for that special person through online dating apps, hear what our experienced online daters had to say in “Online Dating: A Love Story or a Horror Story?” Ladies if you’re still looking for love, make it a point to read “Black Men Talking About Love!” Lastly, take our “Self-Love Quiz” to find out if you’re truly ready for love. Child Psychiatrist Dr. Reyna Gilmore-Gordon shares a heartwarming story to help us with removing the stigmas associated with seeking/receiving help for mental illness in “Surviving A Dark Place.” Addressing safety is Sanford Deputy Chief of Police Trekelle Perkins who “brings it home” with unexpected candor in “What to Do During a Traffic Stop.” Since 2021, Juneteenth (June 19) has been celebrated as a federal holiday. Juneteenth is considered the longest-running African American holiday. View photos we have from several local celebrations. The following pages contain just a taste of what we have planned for you. We intend to celebrate the Soul of greater Orlando. We want you to See someone you know (or might like to know) in every issue. We want to celebrate Central Florida’s Black Social Scene . We want you to be Surprised and Delighted
by local Black excellence. So, help us cover – and uncover – area happenings and events. Let us hear from you at www.radiantlyblack.com/contact. And in the words of Soul Train’s original dynamic host, Don Cornelius, I wish you LOVE, PEACE, AND SOUL! Sincerely,
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Lajuana
J. Lajuana Miller | Publisher & Editor-in-Chief
IF YOU HAVE A STORY YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE visit RadiantlyBlack.com, call 407-840-6813, or email lmiller@RadiantlyBlack.com.
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