New Orleans Pianist & NOLAKEYS CEO Senais Edwards III releases a children's book to impact youth mental health

Today, I’d like to introduce you to New Orleans Pianist, Non-Profit Owner, and High School Music Director Senais Edwards III.

Ross: What made you want to write a book?

Senais: There were many reasons why I wanted to write this book, but if I had to narrow it down to one, it would be to expand the impact of my non-profit through our motto, “Guns Down, Instruments Up.” Now, it’s “Guns Down, Instruments and Books Up.”

In New Orleans, we’ve given out hundreds of instruments, but I wanted to expand my impact beyond music and my city. With this book, children have another positive and tangible object to pick up instead of destructive items that are tearing down communities. Also, mental health and exposure are important to me. Being exposed to music helped my mental health throughout each stage of my life, so I am just thankful to be in the position to introduce children to music and a book that will help their mental health.

Ross: Why is music such an intricate part of your life?

Senais: Music is such an intricate part of my life because I wouldn’t be able to live without it. Living in New Orleans, there are many things that people are going through and have gone through. From what we experienced with Katrina to what people across the world faced with the pandemic, music served as a great escape from both collective and personal tribulations. Even hundreds of years ago, music helped our ancestors get through so much.

Music opened many doors for me, including the one toward better mental health as a child. In my book, you will see some of the challenges I experienced as a child. I wouldn’t have been able to get through those obstacles without music. Music is also an intricate part of people’s lives across the world, regardless of age. Its importance can’t be overstated. What would life be without music?” Better yet, what would New Orleans be without music? Yes, the food is great, and New Orleanians are great, but would New Orleans be New Orleans without music?

Ross: What are some of the biggest lessons you teach your students?

Senais: Some of the biggest lessons I teach my kids through music are about discipline, integrity, character, and consistency. There is more to music than the art of it. Music instills patience, creative thinking, teamwork, discipline, and problem-solving skills in individuals. That’s why a lot of parents like to enroll their kids in music classes because it teaches lifelong lessons they can apply to many other aspects of life.

Another important thing I teach them is the ability to deliver under pressure. Pressure could either bust pipes or create diamonds. We are in the business of creating diamonds. I tell my kids that once you find out you have a special gift, that’s your opportunity to shine bright like a diamond.

Ross: Could you please discuss the significance of Black male teachers and leaders in the school system?

Senais: It is vital to have black male teachers and leaders in the school system because a lot of our kids are suffering from not having their fathers active and present in their everyday lives. So, the next place that the kids come to the most, besides home, is school. The kids are here at the institution Monday through Friday, sometimes 8 to 10 hours a day. Plus, after-school programs and extracurriculars, so it is valuable to have well-educated men here who are present to help the kids with learning about discipline, integrity, and character from a black male’s perspective.

Despite black male students accounting for a large percentage of public school students, black male teachers and leaders are scarce throughout the system. Young boys need positive adult male guidance so they can see first-hard how to grow up and become men in their community and households. Our young girls benefit from having black male teachers and leaders in the building. Not all young girls have male guidance at home, either. Even if they do have a father or father figure in the household, it’s great to have reinforcement at school. Our kids are learning a lot of great things at school, not just academics. They are also learning how to become great citizens, so they make our world a better place.

Regis Prograis Returns To Savannah Boxing Club To Host Book Signing

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Boxing isn’t called the loneliest sport because it’s an individual competition based on one man or woman’s skill and will against another. It’s because most boxers’ work is done alone, and their lifestyle isolates them from the people and activities they love the most aside from boxing.

Boxing Gym owners often serve as father figures, disciplinarians, confidants, and extended family who extend the dreams and hopes of their fighters. Coach Willie Savannah was the epitome of that. Despite all that I learned about the late legendary boxing gym owner who established a staple gymnasium with his wife in Houston, one of his protégés, Regis Prograis, would be the perfect person to tell you about him.

Regis walked into the Savannah boxing club in 2006 as an evacuee from Hurricane Katrina. He emerged through the boxing world as a two-time champion on a relentless quest to become a three-time champion. Before returning to the gym where it all began for him in Houston, to host a book signing, Regis reflects on the impact Coach Savannah had on his career and life.

What were your favorite memories with Coach Savannah?

Mainly him being out there visible in the gym every day. You could really tell he loved boxing, and not just that - he loved the kids more than anything.

When I first started training there as a teenager in high school, my sessions were held in the evening. Then, as I progressed and got older, I trained with the pros in the morning, and I could see the difference between him being with the pros and him being with the kids.

As far as memories, the main one was when he took me in after Hurricane Katrina. He didn’t have any inkling that I would become a world champion. He did that out of the kindness of his heart. Another favorite one was when he took me on a boat. That time showed me how far hard work can get you. I admired the lifestyle he created for himself and others close to him.

Coach Savannah, Regis Prograis, & Ray Prograis

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What were your favorite memories from his gym?

I feel like my favorite memories were just the gym as a whole. Everybody in there was working for a dream. When I was training in the evenings, it was mostly with the kids, but we had dedicated and passionate coaches who wanted to see people make it. Many people were working toward the same goals. When I reflect, I still I can’t believe I made it out. Some of my favorite memories were things as simple as walking into the gym every evening and seeing others grinding toward the same goals.

What do you remember about your first session at Savannah Boxing Gym?

I remember Mr. and Mrs. Savannah being so welcoming to me and realizing that I would have to earn my respect and acceptance in the gym.

What were your toughest memories at the gym?

Trying to adapt accounted for some of the toughest memories, but another incident comes to mind. I was still in high school, but I wanted to train with the pros one weekend. When I got in the ring with one of them, he beat the *hit out of me. It ended up being a good thing though because I made some adjustments after that. I knew using only athleticism wouldn’t get me that far.

Could you imagine the trajectory of your career if you had never started training at Savannah?

I wouldn’t be where I am now if it weren’t for Savannah Gym. That experience was priceless. It was an eye-opener to be an amateur and witness how high-level pros trained and lived outside the spotlight. Before training alongside boxers, I admired on TV, I’d lose sight of the fact that my idols were human just like me and that I had an opportunity to become successful like them. Being around Holyfield was monumental for me too. He beat my favorite fighter twice. It was surreal training next to him. Being in the presence of champions as an amateur at Savannah gym did something to me. It made me want to become a World Champion who inspires other people also.

Therapist & International Public Speaker Releases Children's Book & Shares Public Speaking Tips

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Grandparents are valuable vessels to connect their grandchildren with previous generations. International public speaker and therapist Dayle Malen’s bond with her grandchildren inspired her to create a unique children’s book that’s the first of its kind. Weeks before adding published author to her lengthy list of superlatives, I spoke with Dayle Malen to discuss her journey of becoming an author.

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Ross: When did you first get the idea to write a book?

Dayle: When I would visit my grandchildren, they would ask me to make up a story on the spot using the characters they would give me. Since my granddaughter had just started reading chapter books, one day after telling a story, my daughter suggested I tell them Chapter 2 at the next visit. So the idea for a chapter book came from her. At the same time, I had an idea that it would be fun if there was a coloring page at the end of each chapter. They would then have a chapter book with their own interpretive color illustration to read again and again.

Ross: What were the biggest challenges with completing your book?

Dayle: Creating the story was easy compared to finding an illustrator that could capture the characters and scenes I had created in my head so perfectly. I was very fortunate to find Chandi and Jagath. They were so flexible and responded in a very reasonable timeframe. I plan on using them again.

Ross: What advice would you give to someone trying to publish their first book?

Dayle: I suggest they do the research to find the perfect team. I was intimidated (and still am) by self-publishing. While I was visiting my nephew and his family, I was shown a children’s book that had been written by one of their nannies and published by a friend in the business. What a gift Ross has been. I took my time finding an illustrator and saw many illustrations from many illustrators. Ross, Chandi and Jagath are my perfect team.

Ross: Which books inspired you to become an author?

Dayle: I have too many books to count! I am inspired by authors that inspire others to develop their own talents, such as Dr. Wayne Dyer’s “Don’t Let The Music Die Inside You”. Since I have published numerous articles for various magazines, I acknowledge the love of writing. I have already started writing a book based on one of the seminars I present – “How To Be Angry Better.” After many seminar participants asked me where they could find a book on the material and since the material was of my own design, I thought I should write a book.

Ross: Public speaking is one of the most desired ventures for authors and you have done public speaking internationally. What advice would you give to others trying to break into the public speaking realm?

Dayle: Practice in front of small crowds first, even if that means a gathering of friends and family. Your audience is there because they are interested in your topic. Remember, you are the expert on the topic and you get to choose the information you want to present. In other words, you know more than them.Unless you are a good storyteller, and know what to say and when, keep the information succinct. Your audience will lose interest if you ramble or give non-pertinent information. Last but not least, HAVE A GOOD TIME!

Ross: What do you have planned next for your literary career?

Dayle: I’ll continue writing the book “How To Be Angry Better.” I’ve indicated in “The Treasure in the Ocean” that there will be a sequel, so I’ll have to start that at some point. In addition, I promised my grandson I’d write a book with his preferred characters as well.

What are the main takeaways you want readers to have from your book?

I want the children to know that they had a part in creating a book that they can keep forever. There are also subtle lessons for the children within the book which I hope they pick up as well. And of course, I want this book to inspire the children to keep reading.

Link To Order "The Treasure In The Ocean"