Bronx, NY-native Ebony Jasmin Lewis left a lucrative career path in finance to write, direct and star in the Web series she created, “Truth Unspoken.” She says of her former profession, her heart was never really in it.

“I actually stumbled into finance,” says the Pace University graduate. “I decided to apply for an internship at Citigroup in the Margins and Derivatives Operations.  I didn’t think I was going to get it, but I did.” Two years later, Lewis says, she was hired as a stockbroker.

“They paid me to study and take the Series 7 [exam that would qualify me to trade stocks],” she explains, “but it was not for me. I decided to change careers before I was in too deep.”  Interested in addressing the lack of diversity in film, she began assisting on movie projects and took a stab at writing and shooting her own script.

We asked Lewis how she went from fledgling writer/director to helming a cast that includes America’s Next Top Model alum Keenyah Hill, Tobias Truvillion (Blue Bloods, One Life to Live, Brooklyn’s Finest) and Liris Crosse (The Best Man, Baby Boy) — and securing a distribution deal with Maverick Entertainment Group. Come Tuesday June 11, “Truth Unspoken” is coming to a Wal-Mart, Blockbuster, REDBOX, On Demand, and Pay Per View near you.

MadameNoire: What inspired you to write and direct “Truth Unspoken?”

Ebony Jasmin Lewis: I really feel like there were not enough films out there that show real life cultural diversity. I also wanted to write a film that would have people on the edge of their seats wanting more. I wanted to show that I can really write a great script.  But when I did start writing the script, I had absolutely no idea that it would be received so well.

MN: You left a lucrative career path in finance to pursue your passion to write and direct. What was the hardest thing about making that transition?

EL: The hardest thing was learning how to budget myself. Although I changed careers, my bills did not change… I am so happy Black Enterprise magazine is sponsoring my launch party because I learned a lot about my finances by reading that magazine as well. The other hardest thing for me was losing some friends and family who didn’t believe in my dream.

If we said the name Michael Ford to you, you probably wouldn’t know who we were talking about. But if we asked if you remember the man who was glued to Keke Wyatt’s hip during the entire first season of “R&B Divas” last year because the singer was afraid he would cheat, you’d know exactly who we were referring to. Interestingly, it seems Keke may have loosened her grip just a tad this second season because her husband — and manager — Michael Ford has been given a spin-off webseries on TVOne’s website: “The World According to Michael.”

Confused? Here’s a little explanation from the news release:

Often misunderstood and usually the target of many jokes, Michael Ford became last season’s “unofficial diva” due to his 24/7 attachment to his beloved wife Keke – and he wouldn’t have it any other way.  In The World According to Michael, Michael sheds light on his hectic yet joyful life with Keke and their six children, giving viewers an exclusive look into their beautiful Atlanta home….

Each of the webisodes will feature Michael in his day-to-day duties as he switches between his roles as dad, husband, manager and business owner. From making breakfast for his kids and rousing his less-than-early-riser wife, to squeezing in tee times on the golf course and interviewing interns for his expanding entertainment company, Michael is finally getting his moment to shine.

We’re sure shine is exactly what he’s looking for as it’s become common place for the husbands of several of reality TV’s most well-known women to become just as popular and well-known as their wives. I’m just surprised Keke said yes to this. We are talking about the same woman who said her husband couldn’t even go golfing because he might stumble upon some other woman to creep with. It will definitely be interesting to see just how much she’s involved with his thing — and if she’s loosened that cray cray grip up just enough to let the main breathe.

Like “R&B Divas,” “The World According to Michael” will air every Wednesday on tvone.tv. Check out a sneak peek of the first webisode up top. What do you think?

It’s a broad question, we know, but it’s also one of the most asked  – and a question whose answer usually differs greatly between men and women. Check out what the men say is good sex to them and find out if they’re on point with what they think is good sex to a woman.

GENTLEMEN UNCENSORED

• Sneak Peek: Gentlemen Uncensored
• Episode 1: Why Get Married?
• Episode 2: Why Get Married? Part 2
• Episode 3: Sex And Patriarchy, Part 1
• Episode 4: Sex And Patriarchy, Part 2
• Episode 5: What Is Good Sex?

MEET THE CAST

• Meet Chris Kazi Rolle
• Meet Anthony ‘Tmor’ Morris
• Meet Ainsley Burrows
• Meet Carlos Walton
• Meet DJ CEO
• Meet Harold Church

Andrea Lewis

Andrea Lewis, an actress and singer, best known for her role as Hazel Aden on Degrassi: The Next Generation, has teamed up with “Awkward Black Girls’” Issa Rae to create a new web series called “Black Actress” that will premiere this summer.

No stranger to digital production, Lewis has spent the last few years growing the viewership for her current Web variety show “Those Girls are Wild (TGAW)” with friend Shannon T. Boodram to more than 60,000 subscribers and 7 million views.

But she insists that while this show will have a comedic arc similar to what you’ve seen on TGAW, it will also touch on some of the very real scenarios that women of color go through in Hollywood. And with the success of Kerry Washington’s historic role as the lead in Scandal, the reignited conversation about the lack of roles available to black women in television and film provides the perfect backdrop for a show like Black Actress.

I recently caught up with Andrea Lewis to learn more about the show, her new partnership with Issa Rae, and their crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo.

MadameNoire (MN): You’ve achieved a good amount of success as an actress. So what made you decide to launch a production company and create this new series with Issa Rae? Why not just wait for your agent to call with your next big break? 

Andrea Lewis (AL): So far, I’ve had a great career and I’m very grateful. And technically I have been waiting for my agent to call with my “big break” my whole life. But I figured that if I can take control of my career instead of waiting for the gatekeepers to [pick me] or give me permission than that’s what I’m going to do.

I’ve always wanted my own production company and look up to women such as Reese Witherspoon and Drew Barrymore who’ve gone down a [similar path]. So starting my own [production company] was a no brainer for me at this point in my life, and teaming up with Issa just made sense because she read one script and saw a scene that was already shot was completely [on board with the idea].

I think she’s hilarious and we definitely get each other’s humor and quirkiness.

MN: So what is “Black Actress?”

AL: “Black Actress” is a “mockumentary” Web series about the struggles of pursuing an unconventional career and making your dreams a reality even if it hurts. The series follows the journey of Kori Bailey, the lead character, played by myself, and features interviews with actual well-known black actresses.

MN: Can you name some of the actresses who will make a cameo on the show?

AL: Yes! The show will feature interviews from actresses such as Tatyana Ali, Keke Palmer, Kim Coles, Tracee Ellis Ross and many more.

[Click through for a short clip...]

In episode 1 of Gentlemen Uncensored, it seemed marriage may not be in the cards for all of the fellas, but one thing they are all down for is sex. The question is what are their expectations of women — and themselves — in the bedroom, and how much of what they claim they need is based on true desires or simply what they’ve been taught to want. Check out part 1 of the discussion.

GENTLEMEN UNCENSORED

• Sneak Peek: Gentlemen Uncensored
• Episode 1: Why Get Married?
• Episode 2: Why Get Married? Part 2
• Episode 3: Episode 3: Sex And Patriarchy, Part 1
• Episode 4: Sex And Patriarchy, Part 2
• Episode 5: What Is Good Sex?

MEET THE CAST

• Meet Chris Kazi Rolle
• Meet Anthony ‘Tmor’ Morris
• Meet Ainsley Burrows
• Meet Carlos Walton
• Meet DJ CEO
• Meet Harold Church

Jarell Greene/DJ CEO (@djceo) has become synonymous with style and grace fostering a unique and unforgettable musical experience second to none on the New York party scene. His other interests include anything sports related and collecting gaming systems. The thing that attracted him to his girlfriend was her intelligence, sense of humor, fashion sense and her love of music.

Just like any other man I have many flaws. What I find interesting about flaws though is, depending on the context, they aren’t considered flaws. For instance, common sense isn’t normally a flaw, but when it comes to love it can be. Nothing about love is ordinary. In fact all of it is extraordinary. There lies my flaw. I apply common sense to everything and that depicts me as a cold emotionless man, which in all honesty isn’t true.

Maybe it’s because I’m an Aquarius or maybe it’s something learned from my dad who raised me. I’m a problem solver. If I’m not happy or something isn’t right I don’t cry about it, I figure out a way to fix it. The initial response for most women is an emotional one. They cry or yell and then want what has gotten them to this state of disarray fixed. Who’s right? Who’s wrong? Both. But as a man, it is my duty to comfort my woman to let her know it’s going to work out and we are in this together and sometimes that means I have to be emotional.

Both men and women should know one important thing. Just because someone is a good man/woman, it doesn’t mean they are good for you. I think woman, far more than men, are quick to settle with a good man than a man is to settle with a good woman. I know I’m picky for a few reasons: 1) I have far more options to choose from. 2) I’m not easy to be with. 3) At my age, marriage is always in the question and forever is a mighty long time. Like that new Volkswagon commercial says “Choose Your Passengers Wisely”. In my experience, women have been far more focused on the idea of a relationship/marriage than picking the right traveling partner for them. That turns me off because then I don’t feel like it’s about me or us, it’s about the sentence.

Allow me to venture into a field of study I didn’t do to well in at school, math. When you create a mathematical sentence, for example 7 + x ­= 10, only one number — x– can give you that desired result. But if your mathematical sentence looks like this. n + x = 17.5, your variable can be anything to get to that result. Most folks would like to believe they follow the first example but I would stand to say most people, including myself,  follow the latter, especially women.

I’m a man who was raised by a man and woman together but learned how to be a man from a man. I know what my role and responsibilities are, but this isn’t the ’60s; it’s 2013. I want to be able to take care of my woman; however, I don’t want to have to take care of her due to her own comfort in being taken care of. I need a woman that can take care of herself and us if need be. If I get extremely ill, I need to know my woman can hold us down financially, spiritually, and emotionally. However, the best case scenario would be she’ll never have to take care of us because I will be doing it, not because I have to, but because I want to. I’m a man and I want to be a man to my woman — a protector, provider, and lover. The only time I want to be a super hero is when you need saving, not want saving. We’re partners, let’s fly together!

–CEO

GENTLEMEN UNCENSORED

• Episode 1: Why Get Married?
• Sneak Peek: Gentlemen Uncensored 

MEET THE CAST

• Meet Chris Kazi Rolle
• Meet Anthony ‘Tmor’ Morris
• Meet Ainsley Burrows
• Meet Carlos Walton
• Meet DJ CEO
• Meet Harold Church 

Carlos Walton is a former math teacher, dean, and interim principal for NYC’s Department Of Education. He holds degrees from Hampton University and Cambridge College.  For 12 years, he has served as Executive Director of APEX’s Manhood Training & College Prep Initiative, placing hundreds of youngsters in HBCUs. He enjoys speaking, community organizing, martial arts and spending time with his daughter, Selah.

Second Time Around

I never want to say the words “I am divorced”.  As happy, grateful, and blessed as I am to be divorced, it just doesn’t have a very attractive ring to it, especially to women.  It’s a blemish on my character and speaks to failure.  For this reason, and so many more, I oftentimes don’t put it out there.  To be honest, I stay so far away from that ugly time of my life that I sometimes forget that I’m a divorcee.  Out of sight, out of mind.

Without making a conscious decision to do so, it has become an excellent coping mechanism.  Being a man who lives by the principle of “constant elevation” and putting in the work to be better and do better, there’s so many other aspects of my life I’d rather highlight. However, once exploring a relationship, that divorced status inevitably becomes a conversation.  Although I take full responsibility for the demise of that relationship, from accepting a premature proposal to changing the locks on my door, who really wants to disclose times of poor decision making?  Especially in regard to something as serious and relevant as marriage.  Nevertheless, a divorced man and single father is who I am, and my head does not bow, in fact, my Soldier spirit won’t allow it.

As I get to know women now, I don’t disregard their family background.  I listen keenly to the stories and experiences that shaped their character.  I look to see the kind of people they keep close and how those people respond to them.  Show me your friends and I’ll show you who you are. I can still here my sweet granny’s words, like it was yesterday.  There’s a lot to be said about forgotten wisdom.  Although still plagued by societal ignorance, I had to sift through guidance like, “don’t bring nothing too black back here, ain’t nothing too black, too good” and “remember the four F’s…Find them, Fool them, F*** them and Forget them. There’s still some pearls that we’ve received that we forget to apply and appreciate.  I’ve learned to be patient, and more importantly, quite attentive in my process of getting to know women.

I work in youth development and work very long hours so I tend to only meet women in my field; really beautiful, intelligent and quality women at that, some of whom have gone to Ivy League schools, as well as run schools and programs of their own.  Women extremely accomplished in their pursuits, and who look extremely good on paper, but when you get into a relationship with them, there seems to be a reoccurring challenge: the fight for leadership.  Like the last woman I dated, she was a leader like myself, and often gave a brother props for being a powerful leader,  but when it came down to it, something inside of her would just not let go.  There always had to be a struggle, a confrontation, almost a battle for me to be who I was in the relationship, without her feeling some kind of way about me exerting the powerful leadership that she herself praised me to have.  To be clear, and clarity is my favorite word, I’m not talking about ego stroking or chest pounding, I’m speaking to an innate distrust, coupled with a feet planted mentality rooted in dysfunctional wisdom and nonproductive guidance.  In my opinion, this stems from the horrific ordeal of slavery and the unaddressed rippling effects that have infected our communities and relationships ever since.

It makes me think back to when I was at Cambridge College pursuing my master’s degree and took a class called “A Black Women’s Notebook.”  Being one of three men in a class packed to capacity, it was a learning, and extremely insightful, experience.  The course focused on women’s roles in society and how history has affected what we see in modern relationships.  Three  Black female PhDs taught the class, and one particular professor spoke about the backlash of Black women having been forced to step beyond their roles because a man wasn’t there.  She introduced to us the idea of nature versus nurture, which is the idea that who we naturally are can be altered by conditioning.  According to her, and I totally agree, women have had to be bread-winners, disciplinarians, protectors and basically head of households all over America, but especially in the Black community; which is the pool in which I fish…feel me?  This has trickled into the minds of young girls who watched mommy “hold everything down”  Once becoming women themselves, and thinking this responsibility is theirs too to secure, there begins the recycling of the “I don’t need no man” attitude, which significantly minimizing the role, power and impact of the man in the home and in the relationship.  Today, that same woman, who men like me often date, has an extremely difficult time falling back and allowing their men to resume his rightful place as, dare I say it, king.

I need a sister ready to put the work in to address, heal and re-educate ourselves.  Someone who is honest, and willing to identify the areas that need work, and address them; whether it be within me, or herself.  I am constantly working on me and I want a woman who has a similar approach to personal growth and development.  A woman who challenges the status quo and limiting ideas handed down to us from society.  A woman who believes that men and women are not the same, and is okay with that; not to appease me but because it’s true.  I believe in being a provider and a protector. I believe that our nature and physiological makeup are earmarks to how God wants us to be in this world.  Unfortunately, some may let their emotions supersede logic and perceive what I’m saying as sexist or chauvinistic, but the truth of the matter is, I’m just a real chivalrous type of brother, with a strong respect for culture and value, who absolutely loves Black women.  I raise the bar high not just for the one I’m with, but for myself first and foremost.  Isn’t that what we’re all supposed to do?  Just imagine, what a thriving people we can once again be, if we would live by the principle of constant elevation.

– Carlos

GENTLEMEN UNCENSORED

• Episode 1: Why Get Married?
• Sneak Peek: Gentlemen Uncensored 

MEET THE CAST

• Meet Chris Kazi Rolle
• Meet Anthony ‘Tmor’ Morris
• Meet Ainsley Burrows
• Meet Carlos Walton
• Meet DJ CEO
• Meet Harold Church 

She Wants It Too 

-Ainsley

GENTLEMEN UNCENSORED

• Sneak Peek: Gentlemen Uncensored
• Episode 1: Why Get Married?
• Episode 2: Why Get Married? Part 2
• Episode 3: Sex And Patriarchy, Part 1
• Episode 4: Sex And Patriarchy, Part 2
• Episode 5: What Is Good Sex?
  

MEET THE CAST

• Meet Chris Kazi Rolle
• Meet Anthony ‘Tmor’ Morris
• Meet Ainsley Burrows
• Meet Carlos Walton
• Meet DJ CEO
• Meet Harold Church 

The rules of communication as a married man

If you enjoyed Ask a Black Man, you’re going to love “Gentlemen Uncensored,” because this time we’re taking us out of the picture. Most times — most – men alter what they say about women and relationships when women are actually around, but we want to know what grown men really think. So, we left the room.

In this new series, we’re letting you all be casual observers of the real guy talk men have about marriage, cheating, monogamy, and perhaps the most important one on their list — good sex.

Check out the sneak peek of the series above and check back in every Sunday for new episodes. This week we’re going to introduce you to the fellas.

GENTLEMEN UNCENSORED

• Sneak Peek: Gentlemen Uncensored
• Episode 1: Why Get Married?
• Episode 2: Why Get Married? Part 2
• Episode 3: Sex And Patriarchy, Part 1
• Episode 4: Sex And Patriarchy, Part 2
• Episode 5: What Is Good Sex?
  

MEET THE CAST

• Meet Chris Kazi Rolle
• Meet Anthony ‘Tmor’ Morris
• Meet Ainsley Burrows
• Meet Carlos Walton
• Meet DJ CEO
• Meet Harold Church