The Creators
Jamal Yusuf Speakes, Sr.
Founder, Graduate of Norfolk State University and CEO of Dreams Take a Minute Productions. The story of "PHI'LA" was given to him by being a Drama Teacher in his inner-city classroom. Gang and youth violence plagues teenagers in this country and it is something that teenagers have learned to live with. Personally loosing students to gang violence, spurred and inspired him to write this project to help other teenagers alternatively deal with this issue. Jamal and Bernadette also have a non-profit that provide effective strategies and gain progress in helping young people co-exist as they surpass social, cultural and political differences using Youth Theater and “Edutainment” to confront prejudice, sparks debate and evoke change in our inner cities. Please click on the link to see the great things they are doing....http://www.speakes4themfoundation.org
Bernadette Speakes
Chief Operating Officer of Dreams Take a Minute Productions, has been instrumental in this major project with her husband. She is currently directing the musical and lending her industry expertise in the project. This talented team are currently in the process of lining up a host of other projects to change the lives of young people. She was the co-star "Sheila" in the movie "Love Jones" with Lorenz Tate and Nia Long. She had the fortunate opportunity of being featured along side Oscar Award Winning Actor Sir Sidney Poitier in "To Sir with Love" Part 2, "Shakespeare and Friends with Charles Dutton and Taraji P. Henson. She also worked with Oscar Award Winning Jamie Foxx in "The Soloist". Her television credits are extensive and her talent on stage and on screen speaks for itself.
The Musicians
Lindsay Walker
...has worked with the best in the business. She has toured with Brenda Russell(Broadway's "Color Purple"), Smokey Robinson and "Motown 45". Brian McKnight and the "Lady of Soul" Awards and is the lead vocalist on the Lifetime show "Strong Medicine". She was featured on "Michael Jordan an American Hero" on FOX Family Network. She is classically trained from PCPA Conservatory. She is excited to be working on "PHI'LA!"
Micheal K. Jackson
...Currently, Mike J is a Grammy Nominated songwriter for El DeBarge's on his Grammy Nominated R&B Album of Year titled "Second Chance" and has scored numerous top 10 Billboard Hits including Grammy Nominated slow jams on the Quincy Jones CD "Back on the Block" and the #3 Billboard Jazz hit "AVENUE" with the Jazz Sensation Paul Taylor. He was a member of the 90's Grammy Nominated Platinum group "PORTRAIT". Still touring with the group Mike J has also had success with TV shows & movie soundtracks. The future is bright for him and he loves being a part of the "PHI'LA!" project.
Shawna Basick
...is most noted for her singing abilities in various bands and recording projects around LA, such as singing with Don Ho's daughter Hoku Ho, and touring Europe with "Leslie Paula and the Latin Soul Band". She is currently a vocal, music theory, ear training and introduction to keyboard teacher for singers at the acclaimed Musician's Institute in Hollywood CA. In the studio, she works as a guide vocalist, as well as a demo singer for producer in the entertainment industry, including Giorgio Moroder and Keith Forsey.
Damanon Moore
...has been composing music at a young age. He began as an intern at Tak Flite Entertainment.Now he is the Founder and President of Money Boyz Productions. He wants to take his talent to a higher level. "PHI'LA!"is his first major music project."Music is the soundtrack to many peoples lives!"
The Movers
Michael Gamble
...hails from Philly. He has performed with Gwendolyn Bye & Dance Del Bello. He was the only male member of the Philadelphia 76ers Dance Team. He has worked with Leela James, India Arie and R. Kelly. He is an Emmy-nominated choreographer. He produced, choreographedand work with companies such as Target, Nokia,Home Depot, Best Buy and Nike. He has also worked with dance companies around Los Angeles, Reno,Laughlin and Las Vegas. He is also producing short films based on various social topics including being "Black in America" and the History of the Evolution of Dance. He is excited about working on "PHI'LA!"
Black Thomas
Native of Miami. Black has been dancing all his life. His most recent project was "Tuck" in Disney's "Step Up 2". He has made appearances in "Dreamgirls", "Stomp the Yard" and music videos with Beyonce, Rihanna, Lil Wayne and The Pussy Cat Dolls. He is the choreographer for the new MTV hit show "Taking the Stage!" He is headlining with Wayne Brady's "The Jump Off" He is currently filming Chris Stokes "Boogie Town" starring opposite Marques Houston. He is starring in Rockmond Dunbar's "Pastor Brown". He is excited to be one of the Choreographers on with "PHI'LA!"
