We are all for growth and expansion here at HeyMikeyATL, and are always elated when a great light flexes even more of her talent. That is exactly what Toni Bryce, a popular Atlanta actress, is doing with her latest venture, an independent film entitled “Best Thing I Never Had!”

Toni Bryce as “Brittany”

The film centers on the love story between a Black man and woman–with a twist. Toni states, “.. this relationship is no ordinary relationship. Dante, a Black Cis and Heterosexual identifying Man is openly dating Brittany, a Black Trans and Heterosexual identifying Woman. ‘Best Thing I Never Had’ chronicles the journey of their love story as Brittany learns to overcome her apprehension of whether Dante’s intentions are pure or evil. The story shows what it’s like for the two as they deal with raising children, reconciling friendships, and yearning for family acceptance while overcoming societal judgement and criticism. With the many challenges faced and bumps in the road, will this love last or will it all be a fairytale?”

Cast of “Best Thing I Never Had”

We have to say based on the synopsis we are highly intrigued by this story. It is out of the ordinary, and with society seemingly becoming more receptive to transgender rights and people, it makes the story timely and necessary for representation and perspective. Toni went on to reveal she wrote the film to show everyone deserves love and to experience something real. “This project was formed from an Instagram post I made where I was just speaking on my opinion that the sex work narrative is old and played out. I wanted to see something more. So, the amazing artist, Di Thomas saw my story, screenshot it and sent it to Onyx Keesha and Coley. They wanted to meet with me, we met and I told them where I was speaking from and shared my own experiences…BUT the kicker was, they wanted me write the script because it’s coming from my own experiences…then not only that, but they suggested that I star in it as well. And now a year later, we have ‘Best Thing I Never Had’ short film.”

BLOW= “Because Love Outweighs War,” the new acronym for life, and the name for Gary Lavard’s new line of hoodies! The hoodies hilariously feature Gary’s face on the front of them blowing a big bubble of gum, and come in an array of colors. However, this is not just another hoodie line, instead these new products are adding philanthropy to his already impressive resume. BLOW instead donates a percentage of its profits toward suicide prevention and awareness.

Gary came up with the idea of BLOW based on his current mood and mental health. He relayed on iHeartRadio’s The Hey Mikey Show, that he once dealt with depression and anxiety, issues that can lead to suicide and wanted to give back. “There’s no shame in me saying that I’m currently in the best shape of life mentally, physically, and emotionally and I owe that doing some work on myself and seeking professional help through therapy…Getting the help you need and talking to someone can really change or save your life…there’s such a stigma in the Black community with mental health and it needs to change, so I’m doing my part to give back…”

We have to say we are really proud of Gary and the contributions his making in combating suicide and discussing mental health. The Suicide Prevention Resource Center states the following alarming facts:

Prevention efforts should address increased suicide risk among Black males. While increased suicide risk among Black females also warrants action, rates have typically been higher among males. Depending on the age group, the male-to-female suicide rate ratio has ranged from four-to-one to as high as eight-to-one.⁵ Young Black males are most at risk, although there has been a recent rise in suicide rates among Black children of both sexes under age 13.

Mental health matters. Having a mental illness significantly increases suicide risk among Black teens and adults.^6,7 Although depression must be addressed, the strongest mental health predictor of attempted suicide in this population is anxiety. Prevention efforts should help enhance the existing psychological resources that help to buffer Black people against suicide risk, and also help protect them from sources of vulnerability. For example, Blacks who are socially connected through organized religious affiliation have a lower suicide risk.⁸ And we are learning that social stressors, such as perceived racism, exacerbate suicide risk among Blacks.

Congratulations Gary on your latest venture! You all be sure to purchase and support BLOW by getting your own hoodie by clicking here! Happy shopping!

**If you, or someone you know is contemplating suicide please contact someone at the National Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-8255.**

The good thing about the Web World is that it’s always growing. Sure we have our favorite, veteran Web Stars, but there is always love for the newbies! One newbie in particular, Ryan K. Sanders,  has big dreams, major acting chops, and even bigger dreams. What’s the trivia behind this new beau making waves on AConnectionTV? Find out in our latest edition of Web Star Watched!

1. Have you always wanted to be an actor? What’s been your favorite role?

 It was not until I began acting that I knew I wanted to do it for the rest of my life moving forward. My favorite role so far has been playing O’Neil on H.O.E. I connected so well with role because of the similarities to one of my prior relationships and some of the events that took place.

2. How do you prepare for a role?
   I prepare by learning the characters background and trying to develop how I see them speaking, walking, their mannerisms, etc.

3. Who are biggest personal influences?
   My parents and my brother. My parents each have instilled in me work ethic that won’t allow me to be mediocre while my brother has constantly reminded to be true to myself no matter what anyone says.

4. Who are your biggest professional influences?
   Issa Rae & Rome Flynn

5. How do you manage your personal and professional life?
   I’ve recently had a difficult time managing the two; I’m still working to find that true balance.

6. What do you do in your downtime? Any hobbies?
   In my downtime, I play video games, listen to music, watch movies & (my two favs) sleep and eat! I also enjoy being outdoors, playing sports or working out.

7. What is the biggest misconception people have about you?
   The biggest misconception is that I’m mean or stuck up.

8. Single, taken, or “it’s complicated?”
    Single

9. What do you think is your best physical feature?
   My lips and arms

10. Is there anything you don’t like about yourself, or feel you can work on?
    My confidence

11. Last movie you saw
    Greta

12. Your favorite web series
    Awkward Black Girl

13. Your favorite web star (you can’t pick yourself)
    Tina Christine

14. LGBTQIQA or straight?
    Gay

15. Something you can’t live without
    A peace of mind.

16. Biggest pet peeve
    Being cut off from speaking repeatedly and being ignored.

17. Tell us something you’ve never told anyone
    I really don’t have a peanut allergy

18. Age
    27

19. Sign
Capricorn

20. Quote to live by

    “To be yourself… is the greatest accomplishment”