James Lisbon, Magazine Founder

The feedback on the magazine has been encouraging and surprising as the need for a publication becomes evident in the countless emails and letters we receive on a daily basis. We are humbled by its acceptance.

The Black Star News’s Phil Andrews interviews James Lisbon, Founder and Publisher AMAG, Magazine.

BSN: James, What year was AMAG founded and why was the magazine named AMAG, Inc.?
James: AMAG, Inc. was founded in 2001. The magazine was named AMAG, Inc. because we wanted to make our community aware of countless individuals who are thriving, but not receiving recognition from mainstream media.

BSN: Could you share some of your most memorable interviews over the last couple of years?
James: One of my most informative interview was with Dale Godboldo. Mr. Godboldo had keen insight on African-American images on television and media portrayal of African-Americans. I also had the opportunity to interview Makeda Smith, Jazzmyne PR, Judge Greg Mathis, Charles Barron, NYC Council Member, Danny Simmons, Omar Tyree, Nashawn Kearse (Desparate Houswife Star), Zane, and AOL Black Voices Love Columnist LaVerne N. Curtis.

BSN: What has been some of your greatest challenges in producing AMAG, Inc.?
James: Turning your passion into a business. 

BSN: That leads me to ask what is your passion?
James: My passion is to inspire people to take on challenges and fulfill their dreams, while educating the community to be active in communities.

BSN: How have you planned to do that through AMAG, Inc.?
James: We are creating a forum through the magazine where entrepreneurs can relate to others who are on their level or above so they can see gain insight into how they can grow in life and business.

BSN: What is the focus of the AMAG, Inc.?
James: Film, Art, Music, and Literature.

BSN: What makes up the different categories of the magazine?
James: Amag, Inc. has a poetry section, reading room (book review), If you don’t know, no you know section, health, fiancé, social and political commentary section.

BSN: I believe AMAG, Inc. currently has an online newsletter.  How would our reading audience subscribe to the online newsletter?
James: Our online newsletter is similar to our print publication.  The online newsletter has the same flavor, but features different slightly different content from our print version of the magazine.  Anyone can subscribe for free by emailing our editor Yolanda M. Johnson at
[email protected]

BSN: What plans do you have for the future of AMAG, Inc.?
James: We plan to have many fundraiser and gatherings to physically bring our mission to the public, which will be noted in our newsletters.

BSN: What kind of feedback are you receiving from your subscribers?
James: The feedback on the magazine has been encouraging and surprising as the need for a publication becomes evident in the countless emails and letters we receive on a daily basis. We are humbled by its acceptance.

BSN: Are there any other projects that currently working on at this time?
James: We have a complimentary music CD which recognizes poets, rappers, and gospel singer which we give out complimentary with a subscription of the magazine. We also recently opened a small bookstore named Dena’s Books and Crafts located in Queens, New York. AMAG, Inc. is the Co-Sponsor for the upcoming Power Networking Series Business Card Exchange. AMAG, Inc. will be participating in the Self-Published Authors Symposium at the Schomberg Center in Harlem. Vickie Stringer of Triple Crown Productions will be the keynote speaker for the Self-Published Authors Symposium. For more information on the upcoming Authors Symposium log on to
www.aspicomm.com, and click on the event link.

BSN: How can someone interested in AMAG, Inc. become a subscriber to the magazine?
James: You may log on to our web site at
www.awarenessmagaizne.net and click on subscribe or call us at 212.413.9554. You may contact us via email at [email protected]

BSN: The magazine industry has been through a lot of turmoil, how have you managed to survive over the last couple of years and what have you learned from those experiences?
James: We have survived through understanding to be patient, while steadily building relationships and seeking knowledge of those more experienced and making the best of the resources that we have at the moment.

The company’s website can be found on www.awarenessmagazine.net

Editor’s Note:
A Power Networking Series Business Card Exchange After Hours will be presented on February 6, 2006 at the Jamaica Market/Harvest Room located at 90-40 160 th Street, Jamaica, NY 11434. Learn to earn more, increase contacts, exchange business cards, and build Power Relationships. The Power Networking Series Business Card Exchange will begin at 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. For more Information, directions and RSVP, call 347.789.3497. For email inquiries email
[email protected] or [email protected]

Please send comments to [email protected]
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