ON THE CALL with Ozzie Stewart

ZOE OKA: attended La Guardia High School of Performing Arts, then studied Theatre Arts at Ithaca College and later law at the CUNY School of Law.

Zoe loved paddle ball, yoga, the arts, the beach, the waves and the Agnes Pelton Society for transcendental painting to name a few things. She wanted schools to teach CRT or TTAAH – The Truth about American History. She loved James Baldwin, was interested in righting wrongs, the impact of slavery, the American Indian stories and participated in legislative meetings concerning Compassion and Choices. She wore her feelings closely, strongly, passionately. …………She pushed me to see FIRE SHUT UP IN YOUR BONES, aMetropolitan Opera production and adaptation of Charles M. Blow’s harrowing memoir, which follows a young Charles as he navigates adolescence and struggles to overcome a life if trauma. Something that I would have not paid attention to, but in seeing, was one of the most wonderful things I’ve experienced in the middle of a horrendous covid season.

I had not known Zoe a long time. In fact, I met her in Montauk in 2020 because of Leon Goodman’s 2020 Black Lives Matter walk from the 59th street bridge to Montauk. She drove me to have drinks with Curtis and friends after we celebrated Leon’s successful walk, then to catch the train for my return to Manhattan. But the conversation on the way was one of the most easy-flowing and interesting ones I’d had in a very long time. We shared the same age bracket and similar thoughts on things…..

We bonded over the months primarily on FaceBook for the most part, sharing, caring and learning about each other……..then she told me she had stage 4 breast cancer, with probably not more than 4-5 months to live………I was shocked, pained, worried for her…and so much more! That was at the end of 2020.

Early 2021, she began revealing some of her chemo experiences, then in July mentioned she was working on living longer…………..Zoe passed November 2021……You are missed dear, dear Zoe

NARADA KBROWN: A New Yorker, studied Political Science at Clayton State University. He moved to  Boston working on Affirmative Actions. He served on the Board of Directors for the Freedom Behind Bars Foundation, Inc which deals with mental health, education of prisoners in and out of prison, shining light and fostering humane conditions within the prisons, reducing recidivism and more. Kenneth, known as Narada, a nickname given to him by associates, opened Kara Security, Inc a private Security company in Boston working with the Massachusetts Department of Investigation, making headway that others couldn’t. He then retired to Georgia to be close to family as a father and grandfather, where he created his Racial Equity FaceBook Group, to contribute to the 1619 Project which was developed by Nikole Hannah-Jones, New York Times writer, aimed to reframe the country’s history by placing the consequences of slavery and the contributions of Black Americans firmly at the forefront of the US narrative. He is a voracious reader and loves writing articles; is deeply interested in the lives and span of history of all colored people, as well as the Dharmma Group. Kenneth wrote the book: The System vs The Law, dealing with the Justice System. He has taken parts of New York with him such as: The Knicks, Jets, Mets, Letitia James and Rachel Maddow. Check out Narada’s Racial Equity Group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/530206630831733

ANGELO ELLERBEE: From humble beginnings with a family of 7, raised by his mother in Newark, New Jersey, who had a strict work ethic, went to work at the age of 9, and by the age of 18 he became the Office Manager for the Mayor of Newark’s Policy & Development Office. Angelo then worked as a model in Paris at the age of 19 for 2 years. Later, he launched his clothing line “De Angelo’s” which hit major department stores nationally, from Bergdorfs to Macy’s and as a multi-tasker, also hosted his show “Ellerbee’s Eye on Fashion’. In 1985 Angelo founded Double XXposure Public Relations after his entry into the world of publicity relations and artist relations via his mentor JamesMtume, super producer and jazz impresario, who he soon managed and quickly afterward was working with legends such as: Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, Dionne Warwick, Roberta Flack, reggae giants Shabba Ranks and Patra, while also shaping the careers of supermodels and burgeoning business titans and industry leaders, via his finishing school mode of operation, teaching education first, then entertainment, pulling attention to the business of show. Serving as Senior VP of Publicity for Island Def Jam Records, he brought Druhill, the R&B supergroup, Ronald Isley, of the legendary Isley Brothers, superstar Karen Clark Sheard and rap icon, DMX, to prominence. Angelo collected more than 22 million in global record sales for DMX, when he took the helm of DMX’s career as President and General Manager of Bloodline Records. Always busy, he wrote 3 best-selling books, WHAT’S YOUR EXCUSE?; ASK ANGELO-45 Years of Industry Excellence and THE SENSE OF SUCCESS. Presently, Angelo is partnering with BET Networks to produce four shows: Harlem Hall of Fame, which will honor and celebrate Billy Dee Williams, Congressman Charles Rangell, Leslie Uggams, fashion maverick Audrey Smaltz and producer/recording artist/fashion mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs. Angelo’s advocacy lies with the LGBTQ community, having served as Chairman of the Board of NYC’s Gay Men of African Descent (GMAD), hosting fundraiser shows to combat the global issue of HIV/AIDS; working with Unity Felllowship Church Movement on their 35th Anniversary Gala under the leadership of Archbishop Carl Bean, who recorded “Born This Way” during his own stellar career at Motown Records. He has been called the Sultan of Swag; The Henry Higgins of Hip Hop, The Angel of Artist Development, The Public Relations Maverick, but he sees himself as simply a man who has a great work ethic, who has lived his life following his mother’s mantra of growing from great to greatest, and helping others to realize theirs as well, staying steeped in his faith.

DR. MICHAEL ALAIA: A married father of 2 children, former athlete and saxophonist, widely considered a national expert in complex knee and shoulder surgeries, primary and revision ligament reconstruction and knee preservation surgery, is presently an Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and member of the Sports Medicine Division at NYU Langone Medical Center in New York City. A New Yorker, he was born and raised in Levittown, New York, and graduating magna cum laude from Cornell University, received his medical degree in 2007 from the New York University School of Medicine, where he was named to the Alpha Omega Alpha Society and received awards for academic and clinical excellence. He then completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at the NYU Hospital for joint diseases in 2012, and has the additional honor of being named an Executive Chief Resident during his final year of training. In 2013 he completed an additional year of fellowship training in orthopedic sports medicine at the James A. Nicholas Fellowship at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, treating patients of all ages, and studying innovative procedures dedicated to joint preservation, soft tissue repair and complex reconstruction. During this time he also treated elite athletes, working with the medical staff of the New York Jets and New York Islanders, as well as was a team physician and consultant to the U.S Ski and Snowboard team and a host of “The Orthopedic Show” on Sirius XM Radio. He frequently lectures at national and international conferences, teaches surgical techniques and has authored approx 100 peer-reviewed scientific papers, presentations and textbook chapters. Always looking for better options in the service of his patients, Dr. Alaia is presently working on the use of CBD for after-surgery treatment. What truly stands out about him is that “thing” for all his accomplishments, which encompasses: empathy, listening, kind heart, care, easy down-to-earth communication, that pulls you in, knowing you’re heard. I was so very lucky to find him and grateful for his expertise in my case, which has afforded me the best physical and mental healing after 27 years…..  WEBSITE: www.michaelalaiamd.com AND follow him here, IG: @drmichaelalaia

CLOSING EPISODE: OZZIE

Hello folks, Ozzie here, wrapping up season 6 of our On The Call series. Thank you so much for letting us into your homes and ears during these truly extraordinary times. This has been a very emotional season as it was about memorializing those five dear friends -Glenn, Leon, Jenevieve, Charlo and Zoe, who passed last fall 2021, during our 5th season interspersed by those who lifted me. And still during this season with more people transcending, it has been quite a traumatic time, even amidst the many blessings I’ve experienced: my new Best Seller book (via https://www.facebook.com/amentosweetspots my Best Actress award, top of show bookings, my new manager, my new grandson and collaboration with Voodo Fe.

I want to thank my guests who granted me their time and helped me through this tough season: multimedia artist Voodo Fe, the creative, edgy, apparel designer, painter, musician, producer, and writer, who just designed a fashion and art collection with the Miles Davis estate at https://www.thespotforart.com/ His art is in the homes of Janelle Monae, Tiger Woods, Dave Chappelle, Talib, and others. Look out for his next icon’s creations; the fabulous fashion model. Thank you VOODO FE, for the collaboration and custom hat for our holiday book giveaway……..Pat Tracey @pat.tracey and @mayaro.pat who walked the major runways national and internationally back from the 80s on and is still working constantly for some of the biggest names in the commercial world…….Narada kBrown who served on the Board of Directors for the Freedom Behind Bars Foundation, Inc dealing with mental health, education of prisoners in and out of prison, shining light and fostering humane conditions within the prisons, reducing recidivism – to his own private security company and now his passion – the lives and span of history of all colored people https://www.facebook.com/groups/530206630831733 ; legendary Angelo Ellerbee………founder of Double XXposure Public Relations also to legends such as: Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, Dionne Warwick, Roberta Flack, Alicia Keyes, Mary J Blige and so many more and advocates for the LGBTQ community @doublexxposurenyc and https://www.dxxnyc.com/ and ………Dr. Michael Alaia, considered a national expert in complex knee and shoulder surgeries, primary and revision ligament reconstruction and knee preservation surgery, is an Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and member of the Sports Medicine Division at NYU Langone Medical Center in New York City. So very blessed to have him as my surgeon last fall to end my year @drmichaelalaia and https://www.michaelalaiamd.com

Last but not least, I thank you, Antorne aka Dominus Vir, my right hand and partner for all you have done these past few years; Sheryl Davies, also my agents, IG & FB supporters and staunch friends and family, even those experiences that had been negative, as they are lessons.

So until March 2023, before we are quickly forgotten in the dust heap of history, LIVE life NOT minimally, but remember life without limits is life without significance. So, reach out to others, give thanks daily for the first breath of the day, find those things and people that uplift you and stretch your spine. APPRECIATE! Thank those in your life before it’s too late and for the little and big gifts. Safe and Happy New Year and stay on the sunny side of the street. Cheers!

• TED LANGE: Born Theodore William Lange III to parents who both worked in theater and television, Ted majored in drama at the San Francisco City College, then gave up a scholarship from the University of Colorado Shakespeare Festival, for the prestigious London Royal Academy, from which he graduated as a trained Shakespearean actor. He gained attention for his performance in the original Broadway production of the musical “Hair”, which led to starring roles in “Black Belt Jones” and on the sitcom “That’s My Mama.” Ted Lange became a professor at the University of California, then became Isaac Washington on ABC’s Love Boat from 1977-1986, for 250 episodes, never receiving residuals to date. He wrote 6 episodes and directed 17 and created a Love Boat screenplay, amongst the dozen he has written. On May 10, 2018, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and directed 28 TV series and movies (including Moesha, The Wayan Bros, Fantasy Island, Passing Through – the movie and more). In 1997 he was appointed the Co-Chairman of the African American Steering Committee for the Directors Guild of America (DGA) and was one of the forces of the Directors Guild Fellowship Program, instituted to develop job opportunities for Women and Ethnic Minorities, He was named adjunct associate professor at the School of Cinema/Television at USC. Ted’s theatrical acting spans over 50 plays, has written to date 26 plays and for his theatrical directing, received the NAACP’s Renaissance Man Theatre Award; won an NAACP Best Play Award in 1997 for his play “Four Queens -NO Trump” the Heroes and Legends HAL Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Dramalogue Award. He has been the recipient of the James Cagney Directing Fellow Scholarship Award from the American Film Institute (AFI) along with the Paul Robeson Award from the Oakland’s Ensemble Theatre; the Artistic Director Achievement Award as Director of an Original Play for his comedy “Lemon Meringue Facade”; the Dramalogue Award for outstanding directing of “The Visit”. His ode to the jazz world came by the way of “The Heart of Biddy Mason, a jazz musical he co-wrote with noted jazz musician Gerald Trottman”; and the film score for the movie he co-wrote, “Passing Through” was arranged by Horace Tapscott, featuring Eric Dolphy music by Eric Dolphy, Charlie, John Coltrane and Sun Ra. Ted has written the following BOOKS: Shakespeare Over My Shoulder Trilogy: Three Shakespearean Themed Plays; Lady Patriot; The Footnote Historian’S Trilogy: George Washington’s Boy, the Journals of Osborne P. Anderson, Lady Patriot  between 2013-2021….sold on Amazon! Presently1 Ted is working on 3 plays at the same time, happily traveling around the country directing plays and at times internationally, content in truly living his passion.                                     Say hello to him on his IG: @3langeted

KEN SCHIFF: A native New Yorker, Ken was moved to study photography after becoming fascinated by the way images materialized in the dark room. Not long after studying a the School of Visual Arts, he moved to London after which he lived and worked around the world: the Far East, Kathmandu, the Himalayas, Malaysia, all in his early 20’s, developing his craft, expertise, style and body of work, which grew into photo-journalism which he considered his roots. Ken shot for magazines, ad agencies, publishers and fashion and beauty clients in London, New York, and South Beach such as: Miami Magazine, Cover Girl, Women’s Wear Daily, Cotton Inc, Bazaar and American Express, to name a few. In the process he launched the career of supermodel Christy Turlington, who became one of the original “Big Five” -the 1990s supermodel group consisting of: Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangalista, Crawford, Patitz and Turlington. Ken was comfortable shooting in all formats, as he was on motorcycles, loving photography and cinematography, for which he made his mark in the print and television commercial arenas. Throughout his career, he loved to make his clients and those he photographed feel good, always wanting to give something back, as he felt he was taking or getting something from them. Really great stories! A fun, funny and in depth recounting!!! 

This episode is sponsored by: @Sugarcamp_films an award-winning full-service NYC based production company that offers shooting and editing packages customized to highlight clients products, boldly position companies and memorably capture events. https://www.sugarcampfilms.com/

Art on Flyer by: @voodofe

DAVID GULICK: gained  his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering Villanova University, became a Creative Finance Investor and a Licensed Real Estate Agent in 2000, which allows for his comfortable lifestyle of surfing, traveling and enjoying life. He had found success in real estate, he lost everything during the recession of 2008. He filed for bankruptcy in 2010, left the real estate world, became a bartender at exclusive bars and restaurants throughout New York and the Hamptons and then Covid caused another loss. Although Gulick has built his wealth through real estate twice, he is not driven by money and success. He believes anyone that is looking to find fulfillment in life should focus on two things: Quality of life and relationships. “A job is just what you do to get paid. “Real estate is hard and I enjoy it, but I do it so I can pay for the things that make me happy.” Whether he was serving as a bartender or as an agent, he looked to build meaningful relationships with everyone that he talked to. The result was that he has built a network of clients and partners that he can do business with. David Gulick, aka mediumwavedave, can be followed @mediumwavedave ……This episode is sponsored by: ETIB, (Even Though I’m BLind) which creates a voice for legally blind and visually impaired creatives, raising awareness of extraordinary lives lived in the face of difficulty. ETIB is found at: https://www.eventhoughimblind.com/

Art on flyer by Voodo Fe.

DWAYNE LEWIS: Inspired by Karl Kani, at the time a pioneering success in urban apparel, co-founded Dada Supreme apparel and footwear in May 1995, while in his 20s, making a stamp in the athletic arena in 2001. The Dada umbrella consisted of licensees in men’s big and tall, young men’s, women’s, juniors, men’s and women’s footwear with distribution in the United States, Europe. The name Dada has the Yoruba meaning of “Destiny”, which in turn is the name of his daughter. The clothing company sold worldwide, then the basketball category, introduced in 2001, added The “Spree’s,” named after company endorser and Minnesota Timberwolve Latrell Sprewell, as well as unique and functional sports and casual shoes aimed at urban basketball players and quickly caught on with the target audience, as well as celebrities such as Drake. Then the patent leather “DADA SUPREME”  sneaker was introduced and erupted in and excited the industry. In 2019, after having another successful run in the metro-sexual clothing arena,  Dwayne founded Digital Dada Web Design and Full Service Marketing Agency Digital Dada Web Design and Full Service Marketing Agency, while in talks to bring back the Dada apparel and footwear line to market. Check Dwayne at: https://dada-card.com and https://digital-dada.com/ and while Dada products are still being sold in the Orient.

This episode is sponsored by: Shanny Herrera and her Girls Quest 2-week sleep-away camp -OH-NEH-TAH from July 10-22 in the Catskills, at: https://www.girlsquest.org, 

Art on Flyer by Voodo Fe @voodofe

Music by: JLC Media @jacylamarcampbell

DR. CAROL LACHAPELLE: holds a PhD from UTT and Master of Arts from the University of the West Indies. She is a graduate of The London College of Dance and Drama, Dartford College of Education, University of London. Artistic Director of the La Chapelle Dance Company of Trinidad and Tobago. The first Trinidadian to gain Honours in the Royal Academy Ballet Examinations and an exhibition winner. and received her early dance training from Helen Mary Kay. Awarded an Island Scholarship she studied dance in the UK, graduating with the Progress Cup and distinctions in Dance, Drama and Education.

She has collaborated with Nobel Laureate, Derek Walcott and artists like Galt Mc Dermot, composer of Hair, Roscoe Lee Brown, US, Andre Tanker, Le Roi Clarke, Greg Doran of the Royal Shakespeare Company, Elizabeth Bergmann, dance director at Harvard University and top local artists Choo Kong, Spencer, Manwarren, Machel Montano and Noble Douglas. In the UK she has worked with Greta Mendez in The Man Who Lit up the World at the Hacknet Empire and the film A Hard Rain. Choreographed the Trinidad High Commission Awards, the UK Arts production -Vodou Nation for Haiti’s 200 year Independence in Haiti and at the Hackney Empire, London. Associate director and choreographer for Carnival Messiah (theatre production and film), she performed at West Yorkshire Playhouse, Harewood, Queens Hall, Royal Albert Hall, the HRH Prince Charles Charity, at the Theatre Royal, London and West Yorkshire Playhouse Galas. Artistic Director of the La Chapelle-Douglas Dance Company she presented Seasons of dance for stage and television with dancers like Natalie Rogers, (Bucket USA), Andre Largen (Alvin Ailey), Nadine Mose (Ballet Hispaniola) and Allison Brown (Carnival Queen) Diane Harvey (Forces of Nature) Mary Barnett (Alvin Ailey) Nina De Shane Gill (Grand Ballet, Canada) Bob Marley, Karen Kain, Melba Moore and Jose Feliciano. As La Chapelle Dance Company, she opened the Derek Walcott Theatre St. Lucia, performed at Florida International and she taught at Harvard as artist in Residence. Her company has toured many ineternational countries. She has worked with Peter Minshall’s -Paradise Lost, River and the Atlanta Olympics and for the Opening ceremony of the Summit of the Americas with Brian McFarlane, POS. 

Carol is a producer, dance educator, and presenter of seminars and workshops on dance in the Caribbean, USA and Europe and has served as an executive and term President of the National Dance Association, and as Dance Examiner (TT/Martinique), on The Foundation for the Arts (Cabinet Appointed Committee), VAPA Curriculum Design Team and is on the Board of Management of Queen’s Hall.

Awards include Outstanding Choreography in Theatre, 2003 for Carnival Messiah and Best Actress for Testimony, 1991. She is the Winner of five Cassique awards for Choreography in theatre, the President’s Award for Excellence in the Arts, The National Dance Association Emeritus Award and International Women Award for Pioneering Women. In 2012 she received the NWAC award for Outstanding Contribution to development in the Arts. In 2019 she was honoured by The Rotary club & as a Cultural Legend by The Ministry of Culture. 2020 saw her honoured by Queens Hall on International Teachers Day. Dr. La Chapelle served as Arts coordinator and Assistant Professor in dance at UTT until 2018. She served on the VAPA team for the Diploma in Ed at UWI in 2019 and is currently MA supervisor at APA, UTT. La Chapelle has presented Zoom sessions on ‘Dancing the Mas’ in London, Canada & the Caribbean…More details can be found at: https://www.facebook.com/carol.lachapelle2/

Check out full chat at: ozziestewart.com/onthecallpodcast
Episode sponsored by: Emancipation Support Committee of Trinidad & Tobago @tt_esc