Born and raised in Houston, Texas in the historic Fifth Ward, JaCola Caldwell, who goes by the name Difernt, has overcome many challenges in her life. She had a “pretty good” childhood and life was good for Difernt until she was 11 years old when she and her family became homeless. “We stayed that way for about three years, literally living two pillows to post, sleeping everywhere from cars, parks, bus stops, and shelters. At one point, we even slept at a crack house. It wasn’t until I was 14, I was secretly placed in foster care by a relative of mine.”

For the first six months of foster care, none of her family knew where she was, and she tried her hardest to get back home. She mentioned that when you’re in the system you don’t have an identify, just a number.

Difernt was placed in good foster homes, but because she wasn’t used to being in that environment it caused her to spiral out of control and sabotage anything good that came her way. This behavior would spill from her childhood years to her teenage, college, and even young adult years. “It got to the point where it just pushed me or forced me to look into the mirror and face the ugly truth about myself,” she reflected. One of the good things that came from her being in the system was the fact that her college tuition would be paid for if she aged out of the system, and that’s what she did.

She learned that whatever mental anguish and traumatic experiences she went through as a child, it wasn’t her fault due to it being out of her control. With this in mind, she knew she had to change things around. She ended up graduating from Sam Houston State University (SHSU) with her Bachelor’s in International Business. She also obtained two minors in business communication and economics. While she was at SHSU, she was able to start her own student organization called Pay It Forward. The organization was tailored to volunteering, mentoring, and educating kids that were in foster care as well as high school kids. This is where her love for motivational speaking began as she would go speak at various high schools about the importance of education. She would help many kids who were in similar situations like she was as a child.

At SHSU, during her junior year, she had the opportunity to travel to a university in South Korea and was able to see eight other countries during her time there. A few years later after graduating from SHSU, she received her Master’s in Entrepreneurship. Her travels also continued as Difernt has traveled to almost 50 countries, but her travels were put on hold due to the pandemic. When the pandemic hit, she couldn’t go anywhere or do anything, which hit her hard.

During the pandemic, she was in therapy “dismissing the notion that Black people don’t do therapy,” to help her with the trauma she experienced as a child. Her therapist recommended that she get back into one of her hobbies from high school, which was writing, and she did. Then May 25, 2020, happened, which was the day George Floyd died. “I was from Fifth Ward, and he was from Third Ward, which are right next to each other. I wanted to go and get involved in the protests and have my voice heard and even go to his funeral. However, when the time came to do so, I couldn’t. Not because I got cold feet but because I felt I wanted my voice to be heard long after this was over with.”

She started talking to God and praying for the spirit of discernment. She asked, “What is it that I can do? What talents have you blessed me with that I can use to share my opinion with the world, and something that’s going to make them think and create a possible systematic change?” Difernt also prayed to God for her to be the one in her family to break the generational curses and create generational wealth. She already broke one curse by being the first in her family to go to college and graduate.

Over time, Difernt began asking herself the question, “What if George Floyd was a White man who was killed by a Black police officer?” Those type of questions started to form little by little and she put those thoughts to work and started writing in June 2020.  Her draft was finished by December 2020 and her book, What If? A Controversial Paradigm Shift was released September 2021.

With her new book released, she now needed a business to sell her new product and in December 2021, TH3RD EYE Entertainment was born. TH3RD EYE came to be the name because she’s a spiritual tune and is also big on meditation. “When your heart and your mind are in tune, you’re allowed to see things more clearly and achieve your goals better.” TH3RD EYE Entertainment is “a business that strives to bring social awareness to society through our products and services in which we educate, inspire, and entertain.” They talk about social issues that are swept under the rug such as systematic racism and injustice. They also talk and advocate for mental health awareness especially in the Black community. They also discuss harder topics like domestic violence, women’s rights, sex trafficking, gun violence, and suicidal prevention.”

The book is told through graphic and provocative illustrations and is categorized in four main paradigm shifts, which include historical, political, precedent and hypothetical. The main point of the book is to get the ball rolling on the conversations that need to be discussed.

When speaking with Difernt on what she wants others to take away from her story is, “If I can do it, you can do it.” She wants people to take her life as an example of how God can take you from the back and put you up front. “I come from nothing…and I haven’t made it to where I want to be, but I’m nowhere where I used to be.”

She also wanted to stress that people should take care of their mental health and wellness. “It’s okay to not be okay, but just don’t sit there and not be okay. Go get help, go talk with someone.”

During the interview, Difernt said rest in peace to her mother Elle. She dedicates every interview to her mom. “Everything I do is for her. She died in my arms last year, the day after Christmas. And so, with me, that’s why I also try to advocate for mental health. I’m struggling and going through depression myself, but I’m dealing with it in a healthy manner and talking with my therapist and I have things to keep me going,” she concluded.

For more information about Difernt and her book, you can visit her website at https://diferntsworld.net/.

 

 

October 16, 2023, HOUSTON, TX – Congressional Candidate Amanda Edwards has raised over $1 million in less than 4 months, a substantial sum that helps bolster the frontrunner status of the former At-Large Houston City Council Member in her bid for U.S. Congress. Edwards raised over $433,000 in Q3 of 2023. This strong Q3 report expands on a successful Q2 where Edwards announced just 11 days after declaring her candidacy that she had raised over $600,000. With over $829,000 in cash-on-hand at the end of the September 30th financial reporting period, Edwards proves again that she is the clear frontrunner in the race. “I am beyond grateful for the strong outpouring of support that will help me to win this race and serve the incredible people of the 18th Congressional District,” said Edwards. “We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s trajectory, and we need to send servant leaders to Congress who can deliver the results the community deserves. The strong support from our supporters will help us to cultivate an 18th Congressional District where everyone in it can thrive.” Edwards said. “Amanda understands the challenges that the hard-working folks of the 18th Congressional District face because she has never lost sight of who she is or where she comes from; she was born and raised right here in the 18th Congressional District of Houston,” said Kathryn McNiel, spokesperson for Edwards’ campaign. Edwards has been endorsed by Higher Heights PAC, Collective PAC, Krimson PAC, and the Brady PAC. She has also been supported by Beto O’Rourke, among many others. About Amanda: Amanda is a native Houstonian, attorney and former At-Large Houston City Council Member. Amanda is a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Aldine ISD. Edwards earned a B.A. from Emory University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Edwards practiced law at Vinson & Elkins LLP and Bracewell LLP before entering public service. Edwards is a life-long member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Acres Homes. For more information, please visit www.edwardsforhouston.com

As September 13th rolls around, we extend our warmest birthday wishes to the creative powerhouse, Tyler Perry, a man whose indomitable spirit and groundbreaking work have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. With his multifaceted talents as an actor, playwright, screenwriter, producer, and director, Tyler Perry has not only entertained but also inspired audiences worldwide, particularly within the African-American community, where his influence and role have been nothing short of powerful. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1969, Tyler Perry’s journey to stardom was a path riddled with adversity. Raised in a turbulent household, he found refuge in writing, using it as a therapeutic outlet. This period of introspection gave rise to one of his most iconic creations, Madea, a vivacious, no-nonsense grandmother who would later become a beloved figure in Perry’s works, offering a unique blend of humor and profound life lessons. Despite facing numerous challenges, including rejection and financial struggles, Perry’s determination and unwavering belief in his abilities propelled him forward. In 1992, he staged his first play, “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” which, although met with limited success, was a pivotal moment in his career. Unfazed by initial setbacks, Perry continued to hone his craft, and by 1998, he had successfully produced a string of stage plays that showcased his storytelling prowess.

Calling all teenage student-athletes! If you have dreams of playing college soccer and wish to represent an HBCU, the HBCU ID Camp is your golden opportunity. From 8 am to 5 pm on November 11-12, Houston Sports Park will transform into a hub for aspiring male and female soccer players. Coaches from HBCUs across the nation will be present to evaluate, scout, and offer valuable feedback. Moreover, they might even spot the next soccer prodigy to join their collegiate soccer programs. This camp is not just about honing your soccer skills but also a chance to connect with the HBCU soccer community. You’ll learn the ins and outs of what it takes to excel on the field and in the classroom, which is crucial for a college athlete. The HBCU ID Camp is an excellent platform to network with coaches, learn from experienced athletes, and take the first steps toward your college soccer journey. To secure your spot at this incredible event, don’t forget to register [here](insert registration link). Space is limited to 120 participants, so make sure to reserve your place before it’s too late. It’s time to turn your dreams of playing college soccer into a reality.

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