Character Corner Radio

Love Thy Sister is a new reality show that chronicles the lives of three affluent African-American sisters from Lancaster, South Carolina. The cast includes Ruby Rucker-Cooper, Esq., who is married to Orthodontist Ford Sawyer Cooper, Ellen Rucker-Carter, ex-wife of NBA player Vince Carter and Ione Rucker-Jamison, the ex-wife of NBA veteran, Antawn Jamison.  Love Thy Sister airs Thursdays at 10 pm (EST) on WeTV cable network. The new reality sparked controversy and a boycott from D9 For Change, a Facebook created group responsible for the cancellation of VH1's Sorority Sisters, when Ruby's 10-year old daughter, Riley, was featured in an episode using profanity.  Ruby, who considers herself a "New Age Mom," condoned and encouraged her young daughter to use profanity. In light of the boycott, Love Thy Sister cast members Ruby Rucker-Cooper and Londyn Smith de Richelieu have agreed to join a roundtable discussion with Attorneymom, D9 For Change Creator Dornessa Harris and Civil Rights Activist Mharq Lankford to discuss the latest boycott of their reality show.

On Feb 26, 2014, Shamika Young asks Kahlil Malik Tatum, a janitor at the homeless shelter at the old D.C. General Hospital, to take her 8-year-old daughter, Relisha Rudd, home with him. It is the last time she sees her daughter. Later that day, Tatum and Relisha are seen walking toward a room in a Holiday Inn Express on Bladensburg Road NE, side by side holding bags and entering a room. Relisha has not been seen since.

Jeanelle M. Lanham is an Indiana native now residing in North Phoenix Arizona. As a child, her mind was being tormented daily; she'd have negative thoughts and had to learn to get them under control and she did! In high school, Jeanelle graduated with the dream of changing the world for future teens. During her junior year in high school she took the required test(s) needed to join the Army and was one of the few selected to join before she was even allowed to go to basic training. This was an honor for her as she served during the Dessert Storm/Golf War: While there she received the discipline needed to start Iron WoMan Inc® and the nonprofit Hodge Podge® - the teen cafe. Being the mother of two teenage young men and volunteering for and working with churches, schools, and in her community, she saw a need for teenagers to have a place to call their own, a place where they can feel safe to be themselves and dedicated herself to creating such a place. Dr. Jeanelle, the Founder of Hodge Podge®, attended Georgia State for Child Psychology as well as Social Services; while there she volunteered for the Emory Clinic for Families that have Children challenged with Asthma to better her involvement with teens and their families. Jeanelle is a Published Author, Certified Teen Life Coach as well as a Certified/Licensed Yoga Practitioner. She has a love of writing, creativity, the arts, and counseling others helping them find their full potential to be the best. Afterwards she received her Doctorate in Counseling and every day she continues to get educated on what teens need and want. Jeanelle is dedicated to teaching teenagers the power they have within to change their lives, the lives around them ultimately changing the world around them. For more information about Dr. Janelle Lanham, visit her website www.ironwomaninc.com or follow her on Twitter @JeanelleLanham. All teens should visit www.hdgpdg.com.

Attorney Jarrett N. Tyus is a native of Florence, Alabama. He received his undergraduate degree in Political Science from Florida A&M University in 2004 and his law degree from the University of Alabama School of Law in 2007. Since being admitted to the Alabama bar in 2008, he has practiced criminal, family, and small business law as a sole practitioner. His contributions to the University Black Law Student Association are immeasurable. Mr. Tyus has provided clinical experience to law students, advice, study aids, and provided financial support to the chapter. He was recently award the Bryan K. Fair award for these and other volunteer efforts. Follow Jarrett N. Tyus, Esq. on Twitter @TheGentlemanEsq.

Attorney Jarrett N. Tyus is a native of Florence, Alabama. He received his undergraduate degree in Political Science from Florida A&M University in 2004 and his law degree from the University of Alabama School of Law in 2007. Since being admitted to the Alabama bar in 2008, he has practiced criminal, family, and small business law as a sole practitioner. His contributions to the University Black Law Student Association are immeasurable. Mr. Tyus has provided clinical experience to law students, advice, study aids, and provided financial support to the chapter. He was recently award the Bryan K. Fair award for these and other volunteer efforts. Follow Jarrett N. Tyus, Esq. on Twitter @TheGentlemanEsq.

Michelle Chaisson has over 14 years working with under resourced children and families. In her new e book, When I am Learning to Love Me, she details for parents ways to identify girls who are struggling with issues of self-esteem, poor communication skills, peer pressure, and poor academic performance. Michelle Chaisson is dedicated to decreasing the teen pregnancy rate by a new initiative “The Informed Parent” which is a parent peer networking program aimed at engaging parents to encourage more dialogue between girls and their families.. Michelle received her Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Mississippi and is currently at Capella University pursuing a Masters degree in Marriage and Family Counseling. Her agency, Creative Counseling currently provides teen parenting education at several high schools in Memphis Tennessee. Her e book may be purchased at Barnes & Nobles Pubit.

Attorney Dawn Neufeld returns to Character Corner Radio to share her experience as one of the breakout stars of Season 1 of VH1's Football Wives. The Texas beauty was recently crowned Mrs. Frisco and won third runner-up in the Mrs. Texas Pageant, the official state final for the Mrs. America Pageant. Dawn Neufeld prepared for the Mrs. Texas pageant with 10 weeks of Boot Camp along with following the "Boot Camp Blaster Diet" during her journey to finish in the Top 4. For more information about Attorney Neufeld, visit her website www.dawnneufeld.com. You can also follow her on twitter at @DawnNeufeld.

Robert Littal is the CEO of BlackSportsOnline and contributor to TMZ Sports, Fox Sports, Big Lead Sports, Hoops Hype, The Washington Post and J’Adore Magazine. BlackSportsOnline is a premiere African American Sports Website and was presented as one of the 25 most influential Sports Websites in the United States. You can follow Robert Little on Twitter @blksportsonline.

Aunt Delta Dawn Host of “Bullies On Blast”, Voice America Variety Radio began this show as a method to self heal as well as to help others "BULLIED" in the Workplace heal and expose their TRUTHS of what gets covered up by corrupt Corporations and Governments that have the Gold and the evil network (Fear Factor Fraud Squad) to conceal the wickedest, dirtiest crimes. Her 5 year to date intensely painful journey (Lies, Set Ups, rogue Agents, Deceivers, HIPAA breach etc...) is enough to make one think, she stole money from the mob or drugs from a drug cartel. The infinite attempts to ruin her professionally, physically, mentally, emotionally has been life altering, but she is determined to put TRUTH to power to voice with a passionate, persistent FAITH that God has not brought her this far to leave her. She is determined to Praise in the Valley just as she praised when she was on a mountain peak. She is willing to be the sacrificial lamb if it will save just one soul from a beastly brutal viper JeffCrow in a suit that callously, deliberately and intentionally ruins lives/livelihoods JUST BECAUSE THEY CAN.

Shannon Burton is the owner of Green Tye (www.greentye.com) who holds a B.A in Mass Media Arts Communications from Morris Brown College in Atlanta, Georgia. Shannon went on to become a writer/producer/production assistant at CNN headquarters in Atlanta. As a California State employee, she used her limited spare time to complete solar energy courses at the Abraham Friedman Occupational Center in Los Angeles (www.afoc.edu) receiving a certificate in photovoltaic’s (solar energy). Shannon has opened an online solar power store to provide solar powered backpacks, ovens, lights, freezers and refrigerators. Her site also provides valuable job links and links to resource centers available to educate the World about solar power. Shannon plans to establish Green Tye Foundation, that will provide funds for the research, design, testing, and installation of photovoltaic systems at community colleges and Historically Black Colleges and Universities, making her alma mater the first candidate. She also wants to help Morris Brown College regain its accreditation and historical legacy. Shannon wants to tye the world together and go green using professional team product licensing, college bookstore inventories, a reality show, and electronic gaming.

This show will focus on the women behind the blogs. Yolanda Smith is more than an NBA player's wife. Born and raised in Bay Area of California, Yolanda received her BA in Business with a minor in Accounting from San Jose State University and an MBA (with an accounting concentration) from the University of Phoenix. She is the mother of three lovely children: ages 18, 12 and 9. Yolanda is currently in the mist of a divorce and trying to reclaim my life back. You can follow Yolanda Smith on Twitter @HeyYolanda. ~ Tamara A. Marbury, lawyer by day and blogger by night. Her blog, Blitzandglam.com, is where she writes about her two passions: football and fashion. Tamara realized that there are so many women out there who love football and also love fashion. The female football isn't just the stereotypical guy's gal in jeans, sneakers, and a one size fits all jersey going to the game with the guys. The female football fan is the chic sophisticate professional, the haute couture fashionista, and the everyday woman who just loves fashion and loves to shop. With her blog, she wants to bring the topics that we are interested in to the forefront while displaying her own style and personality that I hope women will love. You can follow Attorney Tamara A. Marbury on Twitter @BlitzAndGlam.

Born and raised in Dundee, Florida, Joe Briggs was a scholarship athlete at Texas Christian University earning three varsity letters as a committed student leader on campus. After working in corporate America for a few years, Mr. Briggs transitioned into education as the Special Assistant to the President of Florida A&M University while also pursuing a master’s degree at the same institution as a State University System Fellow. Once he completed his master’s degree, Mr. Briggs decided to further his education goals once again at the Florida State University College of Law earning his juris doctorate in 2006. During his time in law school, Mr. Briggs was employed as a law clerk by the top tier public finance firm Bryant Miller Olive and was also selected as a United States Senate Legal Extern. Mr. Briggs also completed two years of national leadership on the National Black Law Students Association Executive Board while also serving as a Lieutenant Governor in the ABA Law Student Division, Vice President of the Student Bar Association and as a member of his law school trial team. After the completion of his externship as a US Senate Legal Fellow, Mr. Briggs was hired by the NFL Players Association to manage their Financial Programs Department. Currently, he is the Public Policy Counsel of the NFLPA and first individual to lead the NFLPA Government Relations Department. Mr. Briggs is also a professor at Georgetown University and often speaks on subjects ranging from politics to sports and everything in between. You may contact Joe via email at joe.briggs@impact-dc.com.

Born and raised in Dundee, Florida, Joe Briggs was a scholarship athlete at Texas Christian University earning three varsity letters as a committed student leader on campus. After working in corporate America for a few years, Mr. Briggs transitioned into education as the Special Assistant to the President of Florida A&M University while also pursuing a master’s degree at the same institution as a State University System Fellow. Once he completed his master’s degree, Mr. Briggs decided to further his education goals once again at the Florida State University College of Law earning his juris doctorate in 2006. During his time in law school, Mr. Briggs was employed as a law clerk by the top tier public finance firm Bryant Miller Olive and was also selected as a United States Senate Legal Extern. Mr. Briggs also completed two years of national leadership on the National Black Law Students Association Executive Board while also serving as a Lieutenant Governor in the ABA Law Student Division, Vice President of the Student Bar Association and as a member of his law school trial team. After the completion of his externship as a US Senate Legal Fellow, Mr. Briggs was hired by the NFL Players Association to manage their Financial Programs Department. Currently, he is the Public Policy Counsel of the NFLPA and first individual to lead the NFLPA Government Relations Department. Mr. Briggs is also a professor at Georgetown University and often speaks on subjects ranging from politics to sports and everything in between. You may contact Joe via email at joe.briggs@impact-dc.com.

Attorneymom, Kristen B. Pleasant, Esq., Ursula S. Harris Langford, Esq. and Paralegal Carini will discuss the legal and social ramifications of the Steve Harvey vs. Mary Harvey lawsuit.

Zen Cooper: Woman-Child: Ghetto Genius offers a vivid, real glimpse into the life of a young, growing woman who pulses with courage and strength in the face of odds and though at times down, is never out. ZEN COOPER is known for being, different, smart, a genius even. She also lives in a precarious situation, with a mother she adores but who she isn’t sure loves her. However, her faith, books, photography and guardian angel, named ‘Crazy Charlie’ are enough to keep her smiling. Zen Cooper: Woman-Child's creator is Author extraordinaire Angelia Vernon Menchan. Angelia considers writing to be the elixir of her soul. Since learning penmanship at age four, most days have found her jotting down thoughts in a notebook. After decades of journal-keeping she decided to try her hand at writing and publishing books, from which was born her small publishing company, M.A.m.m. Productions through which she publishes her own books that she has coined, 'Fictionalized Truths, Ageless Fiction and Ramblings.' When not writing, Angelia is a wife, mother, mentor and nana who loves reading almost as much as writing. Angelia is also an Avid Blogger and posts blogs most days to her blog, RAMBLINGS at www.acvermen.blogspot.com or for Skirt Magazine at www.skirt.com/angel08. You can also follow her on Twitter @AngelMenchan. title="YouTube video player" class="youtube-player" type="text/html" width="425" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/zR2OHhNJVDE" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen>>

Emmy Award Winning AIDS Activist Rae Lewis-Thornton rose to national acclaim when she told her story of living with AIDS in a cover story for Essence Magazine. She has been living with HIV for 28 years and AIDS for 20. In the last eighteen years Rae has traveled worldwide in an unending crusade challenging stereotypes and myths around HIV/AIDS. In addition to the December 1994 cover story for Essence magazine, Rae has been featured in countless magazines and newspapers : Ebony, Jet, Emerge, O- The Oprah Magazine, Glamour, WOW, Poz, Lifelines and HIV Plus magazines, the Chicago Tribune Chicago Sun-Times, Washington Post and Dayton Daily News newspapers, to name a few. Rae Lewis-Thornton has made her mark in Social Media in less then a year. She is the receipt of the British Academy Golden Tweet Award in Public Service for 2010. She uses Twitter effectively to continue her crusade to educate, reduce the spread of HIV, as well as, challenge stigma and shame around HIV/AIDS. In March 2011, Rae Launched her first-person Diva Living With AIDS Blog. The blog has unprescedent success, with almost 85,000 visit in just ten months. Her blog is transparent, candid and educational and the response has been phenomenal . The Diva Living With AIDS Blog is syndicated both on The Body.Com, the largest HIV/AIDS on-line resource in the country and Black Doctor.Org, the largest African-American on-line medical resource in the country. Recently, she launched the Tea With Rae Project on her Diva blog, where she blogs about tea and tea products once a week. Tea calms and comforts Rae in her chaotic life of living with AIDS, thus, the Tea With Rae project is wellness for the body, mind and spirit. Already tea companies such as, Mighty Leaf, Teavana and Tea of Republic have joined her Tea With Rae Project. For more information about Rae Lewis-Thornton, please visit her website at www.raelewisthornton.com or follow her on Twitter at @raelt.

Attorney Ursula S. Harris Langford is a wife and mom who holds a BA from the University of Georgia and her JD from Michigan State University College of Law. Attorney Harris-Langford began her distinguished career in the entertainment industry eleven years ago in Dallas, Texas, where she served as Promotions Manager for both a Jazz and Gospel radio station for the world’s largest media corporation. Corporate downsizing forced her to bridge her two passions, the law and entertainment, thus she enrolled in Michigan State University College of Law. After only one year of law school under her belt, Ursula landed a position as law clerk to Gregory J. Reed of Detroit, Michigan, who is considered one of the pioneers of the practice of entertainment law. Under Mr. Reed’s direction, Ursula worked on royalty recovery, copyright infringement, defamation, right to publicity, breach of contract cases for A and B list celebrities. Today, Attorney Harris-Langford is the owner of HARRIS LAW LLC, which is a boutique Entertainment and Family Law firm located in Atlanta, Georgia. Her firm has an established clientele list of recording artists, musicians, producers, songwriters, managers, actors, script and screen-play writers, playwrights, animators, choreographers, literary authors, and artists. The firm has also successfully represented clients in middle to high asset Divorces, Child Custody, Child Support, Visitation, Modifications, Prenuptial Agreements, and contempt actions. The firm routinely handles cases involving complex retirement accounts and their availability as it relates to domestic law, particularly those cases involving National Football Player (NFL) retirement accounts. For more information about Attorney Ursula Harris-Langford, please visit www.harrislawllc.com or follow her on Twitter @UrsulaESQ.

Christie Taylor, who is most recently known as the screen writer for the independent film, N-Secure, which hit the box offices in October 2009, and her mother, Dorothy Taylor, will share their journey of returning to college after the age of 40. Hopefully, their story will inspire you to pursue your dreams without any further excuses. For more information about Christie Taylor www.christietayloronline.blogspot.com or follow her on Twitter @christietaylor.

Mercedes Nelson is recently known for being a part of the original cast of Vh1's “Football Wives,” but this Suriname, South America native has managed to make a lasting impression on various forums. In 2004 and 2005, Mercedes first made her mark in the music industry as a member of Dame Four, a female group, signed with Universal Records. In 2007 Mercedes hosted the BET awards red carpet for Black Tree TV. She also interviewed the cast of the movie “The Mummy” as part of the Black Tree TV team. In 2009 & 2010, Mercedes played the lead in an independent movie "The Other Way" co-starring Scott Colomby & Jack Conley. The movie directed by Malcolm Abbey & produced by Calvin Van DerBeek will hit festivals in 2011. In 2010, Mercedes graduated Summa Cum-Laude from Woodbury University receiving awards for the highest scholastic achievement, outstanding achievement in research, and the certificate for academic excellence. She is pursuing her Master’s and Doctorate degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Pepperdine University. Mercedes is currently part of Elise Neal & The Assorted Flavors, whose recent performance was at the All Star Weekend in Phoenix, AZ. With her exotic looks, she is currently pursuing a career in modeling and acting. She is also developing her own Fashion Clothing Line: Merci-Belle. For more information about Mercedes Nelson, visit www.mercedesnelson.com or follow her on Twitter at @Justmercedes.

Melani Ismail is one of the stars on the hit reality show Football Wives on Vh1. Melani is married to retired National Football League (NFL) player, Raghib “Rocket” Ismail. They are the proud parents of four children ages ranging from 7 – 14. On this season of Football Wives, Melani is looking to revitalize her once-promising music career which she had put on hold to raise a family. She is assisting her husband with adjusting to life after pro football and the effects of a long career in professional football on his body. For more information about Melani Ismail, visit her website at www.melaniismail.com.