9:36 June/July Issue Ft. L. Spenser Smith

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Fashion-Black History-Sports-Self Love-Entertainment-Business

Magazine

June/July 2024

Loquacious Conversations with

L. Spenser Smith

MODEL OF THE MONTH: Who is Alphonso Morton III?

EDUCATOR OF THE MONTH: Rodney Pelt Sr.

CREAM OF THE CROP: Tristan Simmons

And more…

Editor’s Note Just as 9:36 Magazine honored mothers in May, we must honor fathers in June.

I have to start with my husband, Kelvin. There is no textbook way to be a great dad, but I have watched you become a better dad everyday. The girls and I love you more than you will ever know. Happy Father’s Day!

To my dad, I didn’t understand why you were uncompromising while raising us. As a parent, I understand it more than ever. Thank you for not waivering.

You are an awesome dad and I don’t think God could have made a better choice for my siblings and me. Happy Father’s Day!

Love, Dorcas

CONTENTS

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BOSSES

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CREAM OF THE CROP

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EDUCATOR OF THE MONTH

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LOVE THYSELF

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by Romi Darling

THE RABBIT HOLE

by Kevil Time

Loquacious Conversations with L. Spenser LL Smith page 10 (Cover Photo by Gazelle Productions)

MODEL OF THE MONTH: WHO IS ALPHONSO MORTON III?

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What’s your name?

Terrance Anderson aka “Tee Anderson” What’s the name of your company?

JustTee Events What products/services do you offer?

JustTee Events offers planning services for all types of event and professional gatherings. These services enable clients to have an amazing event without the hassle and the stress of planning. We are charged with creating experiences and bringing visions to life. We specialize in providing musical, artistic, and technical services for private and business events.

Tee Anderson Photo by Rodney High

When did you decide to start this business?

JustTee Events initially started as a way for me to celebrate another year of life. As a child, I honestly cannot remember having birthday parties. I remember getting gifts, toys, money, and all the birthday wishes from family, but I cannot recall any BIG celebrations. JustTee was officially launched in 2018. However, I have been on the event planning and party scene for a while.

Back in 2011, I hosted my first “official party”.

Once I became a REAL adult (lol) I decided to celebrate “30” in a major way. I began planning what was themed my “Dirty 30” Birthday Party. It included 150 guest dressed in all white taking a 3 hour cruise up/down the river on the LEGENDARY “Bama Belle Riverboat”. After the boat retuned to the dock, we ended the night with a party at what was formerly known as Brown’s Corner.

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What inspired you to start?

As a child, I have always had a passion for music. Professionally, my career (my 9am-5pm) enables me to help individuals with developmental and mental health disabilities maximize life and learn to live despite a wide spectrum of challenges. I love all genres of music and I love helping others figure out their next steps in life. I combined my passion with my purpose and started JustTee. As a party planner/promoter, I noticed there was a need in the entertainment space for the 35 and up crowd here in Tuscaloosa, so it was critical for me to create safe, classy and fun events for the professional crowd.

How can we find your products and purchase from you?

Email: JustTeeEvents@yahoo.com Facebook: JustTee Events What’s next for you?

We generally host a summer series of music events entitled #SundayFunday for the Grown & Sexy Crowd. These events feature a live band with various artist performing and a local DJ. Our signature events here in the city include: The Princess Ball, The White Party, Island Vibes Summer Series and The Klassik Christmas Black Affair.

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Photo by Rodney High

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t f h o e C m a r op e r C Tristan Simmons

Tristan Simmons is an 18-year-old graduate of Paul W. Bryant High School. He has had several notable accomplishments during his public-school career including: • Grand Champion of the U.A Robotics Competition (2023) • Highest GPA in Computer Science • Highest GPA in 12th Grade History (Honors) • Townsquare Media Inspiring Excellence Award

Photos by Gazelle Productions

Tristan has plans to attend Alabama A&M on a Merit Scholarship. He has chosen to major in Computer Science.

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Educator 6 3 : 9 of the

Where are you from?

I was born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. I lived there until I was 12 years old. I later moved to Greene County, Alabama where I continued to grow and develop my passion for community service.

Month

Rodney Pelt Sr.

What is your title?

I am the CEO and Founder of Mind Changers Inc. How long have you been in this position?

I have proudly served in this role for 11 years. Mind Changers was founded in 2013.

What is Mind Changers?

Mind Changers operates school-based mentoring and outreach programs across several counties, including Greene, Wilcox, Marengo, Tuscaloosa, and Clarke.

I actively serve in all these areas to ensure we make a positive impact wherever we go.

Was this what you always wanted to do?

Absolutely. I've always been passionate about youth development. Whether it be through coaching, teaching, or mentoring, I believe this work is my true calling.

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Rodney Pelt Sr. Photographer: Unknown

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What degrees have you earned?

I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from THE Stillman College, which I earned in 2023.

What awards have you received?

I've been honored with numerous awards, including the Benjamin Barnes YMCA Trailblazer Award, the Whitney M. Young Service Award, the West Alabama Young Leaders Award, the Earnest L. Palmer Leadership Award, and many others.

What's your ultimate goal as an educator?

My goal as an educator is to positively impact every child I encounter.

Whether through mentoring, teaching, coaching, or even a simple conversation, I hope to provide them with tools and skills to better their lives and their communities.

What has been your most memorable experience?

My most memorable experiences occur annually at Mind Changers' Back to School event. Watching former mentees return as volunteers, now as teachers, doctors, lawyers, business owners, parents, and even mentors themselves, is incredibly rewarding. These moments reaffirm the impact of my work and the ripple effect it has on the community.

Mentoring the youth is a powerful way to invest in the future of our communities. By offering guidance, support, and encouragement, we can help young people navigate the challenges they face and unlock their full potential.

Every young person deserves a mentor who believes in them and is willing to walk alongside them on their journey to success. Together, we can create a brighter future for all.

"Mentoring is not just about guiding a young person through their challenges; it's about empowering them to see their own potential and inspiring them to reach for their dreams. When we invest in our youth, we are investing in the future of our communities." – Rodney T. Pelt, Sr.

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Loquacious Conversations with

Bishop Smith…first of all… what does the “L” in your name stand for?

(He laughed) Oh no…NDA. (He paused) Leonard.

That’s what my mom chose to name me.

Leonard Spencer Smith.

It’s funny. Everyone in my family-siblings, cousins- is named after someone in the family. But I am not. I have my own unique name. She actually got it from Sir Winston Leonard Spencer Churchill. They called him the “lion of England” and Leonard means “lion-strong.” She told me that’s what she wanted for me. She wanted me to be bold and courageous. I think the name fits.

Yes. It definitely fits.

Where are you from and how did you get your start?

I’m from a little place called Moncks Corner, South Carolina. It’s right outside of Charleston, SC. It’s small and quaint.

L. Spenser Smith

Did you live there until you finished high school?

Yes. I didn’t leave Moncks Corner until I went to college.

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Where’d you go?

I went to Florida A & M in Tallahassee, FL. I left home in 1989 and I had no idea how sheltered I was until I got to college. However, it was a great transition for me. At the time, Tallahassee wasn’t as big as it is now. It was more like Tuscaloosa, Al. I was in the marching band, and it just felt like I belonged there.

What instrument did you play?

Alto saxophone.

What brought you to Tuscaloosa?

Well, my wife, Patrice, was born and raised here.

Did y’all meet in college?

Yes. We met in college. We started dating Nov. 2, 1990, and that was the day her father founded New Testament Baptist Church. Because those two significant events happened on the same day, we kind of knew destiny was in our relationship.

How did you get to the point of ministry and being a pastor?

We got married in 1995, and during our first year of marriage, her dad got sick.

What’s interesting is that we were taking the twins to see Dad and while I was driving there, the Lord said to me, “You’re gonna pastor in a town that starts with the letter “T.” I was thinking Tallahassee because I had just graduated and we were living in Jackson, Fl. I told this to Dad, and he said, “Nah son. I think you will pastor in Tuscaloosa.” I asked, “Why would I pastor in Tuscaloosa?

You’re here!” So, I left that next day to head home and the day after that, my wife called to tell me that Dad had passed. He was just 41 years old. That was in July of 1996. Later that year, the church called me and asked me to be the pastor. Now, my background is Pentecostal, and this was a Baptist church. I didn’t want to do it. So, I pulled a Gideon with God. I basically told him if he did something specific, I would do it. So, I have pastored here since 1997.

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How long were you an ordained minister before pastoring?

I was ordained in 1993. When I came here to be pastor in 1997, my pastor in Charleston, came and installed me.

This might be more of a personal question. Having been a young minister, what are some of the obstacles you faced?

Whew! Growing up, I was always around a lot of older people. So, I would try to act older to be accepted. Because of that, I lost a lot of the youthful side of myself.

They saw my maturity and put me on the fast track. Reflectively, I probably should have taken my time to be young and experience some young people things. I was preaching about things I had never experienced. Knowing what I know now, I think fast tracking young ministers can be destructive.You won’t have a voice for the generation you are trying to reach because you don’t have a connection. You can’t really relate because you have avoided everything they are currently experiencing. I think it is important for young ministers to embrace not only the preaching, but also the struggles that come with being young. Preaching is one thing, but learning how to live what you preach is necessary. I preached way beyond my life experiences.

Let’s talk about your show, Culture Call.

Where did that come from?

Let me just start at the beginning. One day my frat brother, Terry Banks, called me and said he needed me to do a radio show. I was hesitant because I was in seminary school, and we were just getting back to attending church after the Covid-19 pandemic. So, I had a lot going on. It took a little convincing, finally but I agreed to do a 2 hour show that focused on my community. I wanted to talk to my people. I didn’t know what to call it so I told my family about the opportunity. The name Culture Call came from my wife and my youngest son. I’ve really enjoyed empowering my people through this show.

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You have a vocabulary like no one else I have ever met. How did you get to this way of speaking?

When I was a child, my dad would give us a choice for our punishments: get a whipping or read/write from the dictionary. Which would you choose? (We laughed) How old were you when you first started singing?

I was 4.

Really?

Yes. My babysitter would convince me to sing by offering me plums so I started singing because it meant people will give me what I wanted at that time. My mom was an amazing singer and my dad an educated musician. I grew up around music and there was a great balance. My dad introduced me to R & B and my mom provided the Gospel. So, I had the best of both worlds. I always knew I would sing in church, but I never thought I would be the professional singer that I am. It wasn’t until my high school choir director told me that Leonard would no longer be what they call me, but L. Spenser Smith (Spenser not Spencer) would be my name, that I realized where I was headed.

Who are some artists you have worked with?

Donald Lawrence and Twinkie Clark were the ones who insisted that I be part of this industry. I’ve also worked with the Clark Sisters, Men of Standard, Kenny Smith, Hart Ramsey, Brian Courtney Wilson---and the list is still growing. I’m super excited about my future. I’m releasing new music soon and I am still writing for others so I’m enjoying being in that space.

Let’s talk a little more about the church.

Sure.

Let’s be clear. I don’t really know you. However, when I see you, I truly believe that I am looking at a man who lives what he preaches. That’s not as common as it should be. With that being said, what would you say the church needs?

Authenticity.

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“The Greatest Sermon That You Preach, Is The One Where You Don’t Use Words.”

Ok. I think we are in a culture in our time where we are dealing with a credibility gap. Many people arrantly go after perfection. Perfection is not our work.

Perfection is the work of Christ in us. Our job is authenticity. We are to learn how to live the Word and live a life of integrity that’s not measured by my flaws or my faults because those are the things that God utilizes to cause us to bump into failure. We would never know HIS grace if we don’t have weaknesses. But we are seeing in the culture now is that everyone is so busy running after perfection that it’s killing the authenticity. I would rather an individual be authentically who they are and being, in the mind of religious folks, 70 percent. I’d rather them be on the journey to becoming better than for them to masquerade some level of perfection and never being able to come and live clearly who they are before people. This is about becoming. I don’t think the church has allowed people to truly become who they are. And when we don’t do that, I think we rob people of the authenticity that God has created in all of us. Authenticity wins people quicker than the best sermon. I can be an erudite in how I preach. I can be skilled in my elocution and in the rise and fall of my voice. But after that is over---you know Saint Francis of Assisi said, “The greatest sermon that you preach, is the one where you don’t use words.” Use your life. And that is an authentic representation of who God wants us to be.

We need to be able to say that we didn’t get everything right today, but God still loves us. I’m still as anointed and as chosen as I was when I fell in the pit. I serve a God who can get me up and give me another chance. I think that is the message that the world needs that the church often negates to convey out of fear.

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I’ve never heard it said like this.

I think it is because of the way the slaves were taught theology. White evangelical fundamentalism taught black slaves to see Christianity from a moral angle. But they did not teach slaves about freedom and authenticity. So, if you go to most predominately black churches, the message is focused on right and wrong.

That’s why when we come in a lot of spaces we feel judged. That’s what they were taught. That’s another form of enslavement.Basically, we want y’all to act right but we don’t want you to push towards your freedom. We don’t ever want you to find your exodus. And because we don’t find our exodus, there is a portion of Christ that we never experience. I say that because if He is nothing else, HE is freedom. “Who the SON sets free is free indeed,” (John 8:36). But that’s not what we are allowed to pursue. So, I see in the next generation, preferably started with my generation and yours, that we begin to talk about this authenticity where we can be free. Still moral but free. Free to say today I

“If I Don’t Seek To Make You Feel Free....Then I Am Neglecting My Duty.” messed up (big or small) but I will do better tomorrow without being judged. My job is not to judge you. My job is to say, “Well come on. Let’s get back in the saddle and let’s go.” And that’s not enough of the message. We have a lot of life coaching messages- Ehhh- that leave out the Gospel. They don’t include the Word of God. I think what the church needs right now is authentic people to bridge the credibility gap. We are living in a world now where the church is elevating Donald Trump but hating Barack Obama who has never cheated on his wife, who has raised a brilliant family, who has kept his family together. But the church would rather support a man who is on his 3rd wife. The same church wants us to be moral. But they don’t want us to have freedom. No…God created me to be free. If I don’t seek to make you feel free…if you feel bound in my church or bound in my presence, then I am neglecting my duty. Because at the end of the day when you and I talk, I want you to be free to be you.

Authentically. Because how can I help you, if I don’t know who you really are.

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Photo by: Alex Rogers

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Love Thyself

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A Father’s Day Tribute: A Memory of Love and Gratitude

by Romi Darling

When I was about five or six years old, I made a phone call that would forever change my life. I dialed my mom, and asked a question that had been weighing on my heart. “Mom,” I said, “can your boyfriend be my father? Can he be my dad?” With warmth in her voice, she replied, “Yes, he can be your dad, but you have to ask him.” Nervously, I hung up the phone and dialed his number. The man on the other end, Fletcher George Jackson, picked up.

“Hello?” he said. With all the courage my young self could muster, I asked, “Would you be my daddy?” Without a moment’s hesitation, he said, “Yes.” That simple, heartfelt “yes” marked the beginning of a journey that has shaped my life in more ways than words can express. Fletcher was more than a father to me and my siblings. He was my hero, my teacher, my counselor, and a big brother all rolled into one. He introduced me to the world of entrepreneurship, revealing a mastermind when it came to numbers and business. Fletcher instilled values and knowledge in us that have continued to guide us throughout our lives. His sacrifices, often unspoken, were immense.

He provided for us not just in the home but extended his care beyond, ensuring that we always felt secure and loved. His strength, particularly when facing health challenges, was a testament to his character.

I want to take this Father’s Day to say thank you, Fletcher. Thank you for saying yes to a little child’s request. Thank you for understanding the assignment that God gave you and for answering my prayers of wanting and needing a father. You stood in a gap that I thought could never be properly filled and exceeded every expectation. You never made us feel like we didn’t belong. The memories of your love and care live on forever, and the love I have for you will carry on throughout my life. I hope I’m making you proud, Dad, because I haven’t given up. I love you, old man, and I miss you more with each passing day. You are everything a father should be and more.

Happy Father’s Day! Love, Romi

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Romi Darling Gazelle Productions

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Happy Father’s Day!!!

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My father, Donald, has always been my protector, secret keeper, debate buddy, personal grill master, and friend. Even in adulthood, he supports, encourages, and guides me. He will rescue me whether I am in a huge crisis, or need a light bulb changed. I also consider him my co-parent, as he helped raise my son as his own.

Jordan could not have had a better PawPaw. My father extended his heart to the community by coaching baseball and basketball, donating sports equipment to youth organizations, and much more. I am always overwhelmed when I hear people still call him “Coach” and tell me how he mentored them. He is the definition of a good man.

Father, Jordan and I love you “way down the road.” ~Kevil

Andre, I’ve admired and appreciated your selfless ways. Always showing up and clapping for me and the boys.

You spoiled me, then fussed because I’m spoiled. You’ve been the electrician, coach, sponsor, teacher, comedian, chef, and mechanic. I know if you didn’t have my hand, you had my back!

Happy Father’s Day -Crystal

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David Jr. -Big-Timer aka Uncle D your acceptance of me and the boys into your family has meant so much to us! Your presence for the boys’ events is top tier to me.

You’ve embraced us as family and inspired me to be a better person. Your support means more than you’ll ever know.

Happy Father’s Day. ~Corlandra W. Henry Weaver Jr. 06/20/196701/28/2024

Weaver, a man with no children, played a major role in the lives of his nieces and nephews. My uncle made sure he called me, talked about me, talked about my kids and said he loved us!!

Helping me and worrying me is what he did best!!

Weeeaaaaa Weeeaaaa Happy Father’s Day ~ Crystal

My daddy Morris Polion is the greatest!! He’s not only the best father but he’s a police officer, karate expert, and also has the biggest heart I know.

My daddy never meets a stranger and never misses an opportunity to make anyone laugh!!! I love him so much and will forever be a daddy’s girl!!!

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e ol

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A Father of the Community

by Kevil Tice

Well, hello National Safety Month, Caribbean American Heritage Month, Pride Month, and National Iced Tea Month! HELLO JUNE!!

In June, several celebrations and awareness efforts take place the entire month. June is also loaded with specific days like World Environment Day, Juneteenth, Friends Day, and Peanut Butter Cookie Day. And, if I forget to mention Father’s Day, you can just scrap this entire article.

Speaking of fathers, I want to highlight a father who made his mark in Black History. That father is Theophilus Yelverton “T.Y.” Rogers, Jr. The reason for me giving him a Father’s Day shout out has nothing to do with him fathering children. See, when I think of the title “Father,” I immediately picture someone who protects and provides.

Protector and Provider…Father of the Community…that was the definition of T.Y. T.Y. relocated from his hometown to Tuscaloosa, Alabama in the mid 60’s to become the pastor for First African Baptist Church. He quickly found himself heading efforts to dissolve racial injustices within the city. Not even six months after his arrival, T.Y. organized a march that would forever be known as Bloody Tuesday. Add that to your list of June events, because it took place on the 9th in 1964. Bloody Tuesday was an effort to desegregate bathrooms and water fountains at the Tuscaloosa County Courthouse. The plan was to march peacefully from First African Baptist Church to the courthouse, but ended violently as the protestors were brutally attacked. Although the effort was delayed, the outcome was not denied, because by the end of that month, a Federal Judge ordered Tuscaloosa County to remove the segregation signs and they were taken down.

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Photo Credits: The Tuscaloosa News

T.Y. was not active in Tuscaloosa long, as he lost his life in a car accident in 1971, but his impact on the community he left behind still lingers. I can only imagine the great things he would have done had he lived several more years. He stood for everything that a father should stand for. He demanded respect and equal opportunities for everyone in his community. He worked tirelessly to provide peaceful platforms (although police and Klu Klux Klan members made them violent) by way of marches and protests to expose inequality. And he also took blows and was arrested on behalf of others.

Salute to you, T.Y.! You were a true Father of the Community!

To all the Protectors and Providers…to all men who are Fathers of the Community…We love and appreciate you.

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Kevil Tice Photo by: Zombie Fame

Model: Devayas Crucial Stylist: D.J. Alexander Photographer: Gazelle Productions 9:36

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Model of the Month

Who is Alphonzo Morton III?

What made you want to model?

I’ve always had an eye for fashion. I loved designing women’s clothing. As I got older, I decided that I wanted to model too.

Did you go through a coaching process?

Yes. I actually met Rodney High when I was working out at the gym, and I shared my dream of modeling with him.

He started helping me reach my goals.

What else do you do?

My career is in education. I’m currently the interim principal at Aliceville High School in Pickens County, AL. I’m looking forward to going from interim to being an official principal one day.

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Do your students know their principal is a model?

No. I don’t think so. My current students don’t know but my former high school students were aware of my modeling career. I introduced some of them to modeling too. I’ve even modeled at the school several times.

I love your taste in clothes. Do you dress like that at work too?

I dress like this all the time. What’s funny is my mom is my inspiration. When my mom would get dressed, everything would match. Even her undergarments.

Whatever she had on would match her clothes. And I’m the same way.

I match everything. My mom always dressed nice. When I started going to middle school and matriculating into high school, I would be sure to look good because I never knew who might see me and want to use my designs.

Not only are you a model, a principal, and an educator, you’re also a husband and a father. Is your family part of the modeling world too? Are they fashionable or do you tell them what to wear so they don’t make you look bad?

Ummm…a little bit of both. Of course, I’m married to Dr. Shante’ Morton who is also an educator. Sometimes she will ask my opinion on her wardrobe and sometimes I give my opinion without being asked. But she has her own style. My boys are athletes, so their style is typical of most athletes. You know…Crocs and joggers. Now when we go somewhere that may require dressing up, I like to put something together for them.

Being a man who is as fashionable as you are is not common. You aren’t an overly masculine man either. Does that ever lead to any struggles?

I don’t really have any struggles. I came into this industry knowing who I am.

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What advice would you offer someone who is just getting started as a model?

I would tell them to study the craft first and be prepared. Study poses and other models. Get a photographer and study the pictures they take of you so you can improve your poses and your facial expressions. Look for agencies that will accept your look and don’t be discouraged when an agency says no. Your look may not be the look for them, but it is the look for someone. One yes is all you need.

Photographer: Elvis Piedra Stylist: AMIII

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All that playoff hype…

by Shawna D. Moore For the first time in years, the Golden State Warriors didn’t make the playoffs. For a team who has managed to win four championships in eight seasons, this was a huge shock to the world of NBA. Many people feel like they are mourning the loss of an era. What’s going to happen to Klay Thompson? Will he return? Will the Fabulous 3, Steph, Klay, and Dray, who have played 12 seasons together, be able to get healthy return for a 13th season and try to regain their glory?

The 2023 reigning champions, the Denver Nuggets, got eliminated from the playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves in game 7, coming back from a 20 point deficit and squashing all hopes of a repeat. Superstar Nikola Jokic was quoted as saying “The teams are more hungry, better, more talented than last year.”

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How about them Lakers? The Lakers couldn’t get past the Denver Nuggets and were eliminated in game 5 of the playoffs. Although Lebron James scored 30 points, went 11-21 from the field, had 9 rebounds, and 11 assists, they still fell short and got sent packing.

Now the big question is, will Lebron return for his 22nd season where he will turn 40 years old? He is definitely capable based on the numbers he continuously puts up, but he has nothing to prove because he has accomplished it all.

I would be remised if I didn’t mention the fact that this is the first time since 2005, the post season’s second round didn’t include Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, and Lebron James. After all, they are considered three of the greatest players of all time. The game is changing and these guys are all over 35. Is Steph Curry finally ready to retire that mouthpiece? Is Kevin Durant and Lebron James ready to focus more on developing the perfect hair care product for hard to manage hair? Or do they all have at least one more season in them? I hope they all choose to come back because they all still have a lot left to give.

The Boston Celtics led by Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum will face off with the Dallas Mavericks led by Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. This match-up is what basketball fans all over the world look forward to. The Dallas Mavericks have not been to the finals since the 2010-2011 season where they won their only NBA Championship. The Boston Celtics last made their appearance in the finals in 2022 where they were defeated by The Warriors. Game 1 will start on Thursday, June 6th.

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Shawna D. Moore

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! ! ! t 6 I 3 n 9: ak O e p S

When both spouses (man & woman) work/pay pills, what should the man expect from his wife when it comes to household duties? What should the wife expect from her husband?

Alexis As a wife, I have no problem taking care of the house, which includes doing the dishes, laundry, cooking and the cleaning. My husband is responsible for the yard work, any home repairs, and of course keeping the car washed… and FULL OF GAS .

Ora When both have outside jobs, both share responsibilities whatever they are.

48 years on marriages and love. It worked for us.

Wandretta My husband washes, and I cook. If I don’t feel like cooking, he buys us something. We both clean or get the kids do it.

Michelle I take care of most of the house duties except taking out the trash, mopping, and any outside things. We both cook or just eat out. He pays the majority of the bills. And I buy the groceries and the household items. It's been working for over 20 years.

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Stacey My husband and I have a perfect understanding…. It’s called teamwork!! We help each other with household chores. Only thing, he doesn’t cook a lot. That’s usually left up to me. But he says yard work balances it out… lol! I don’t do yard work. I will blow my patio off. That’s about it!!!

Shar Whatever makes the home runs smoothly. It’s no right or wrong answer because every home is different.

Jennifer Each other should operate in their strength. If he cooks the best than do so. If the wife cleans the best than do so.

Jeff It's a partnership. Expectations and boundaries have to be discussed. Who's doing what and on what day, etc.

Osielia Regardless of who works outside the home, everyone who lives in the home should contribute to the upkeep of the home. There are not any gender specific roles only skills and abilities to complete task. Before I left my parents home, I was taught to fully care for my home and myself. From cleaning to yard work to basic auto maintenance. The same skills were taught to my spouse in his childhood home. With that, we work to our strengths.

Jay Often times we as men work the crap out of our women. Some not intentionally though. Some just don’t care. Some of us think that women should cook , clean , work a full time job and take care of the kids based on gender roles which is so wrong. It breaks our women down mentally ,physically and emotionally. We should be building her up. WE ARE A TEAM!! Our time is what we try to value most in our household. So we hire people to do certain tasks. As men/ leaders we must try to lighten up the load for the person that we say we love.

Terri Mayes Thomas You are a team. Stick to whatever is agreed upon when it comes to sharing the responsibilities. Make it work!

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Shuga We don't have set roles when it comes to household duties.

We've learned (I'm still learning) to do what we can in the time we have and hire someone to help with what becomes overwhelming or forces us to sacrifice time for US!!!.

Tamar They should expect what ever is agreed upon. My husband does most of the cooking. In the last few years, I did a good bit of the cleaning (when it gets done) but he would handle the laundry. I was also in school, so he covered more than he probably will have to the remainder of the year. If I need more help, I ask. If he needs more help, or just wants me to handle the meals, he'll ask.

Rodney He should expect to do just as many household duties as his wife. This is a team effort.

Dear Tina B.

Every morning, at 5:30 AM, my man is up texting another man. For some reason he never talks to him on the phone. Should I be alarmed by this? Are they just friends or is it possible that my man is in a relationship with a man?

Sincerely, A concerned girlfriend

Dear Concerned Girlfriend, Unless your boyfriend has given you a reason to think he is interested in men, don’t make assumptions. Now, if he has a history of being a cheater, don’t throw out the possibility that he could be chatting with a woman whose number is saved under a man’s name. At the end of the day. Neither you nor your man should have friends that you have to keep a secret from each other. Talk to your man and proceed accordingly.

Love, Tina B.

Photo by: Michael Shelton

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The First Juneteenth

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On June 19, 1865, nearly two years after President Abraham Lincoln emancipated enslaved Africans in America, Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas with news of freedom. More than 250,000 African Americans embraced freedom by executive decree in what became known as Juneteenth or Freedom Day. Celebrate Juneteenth in Northport, AL June 21-22

Juneteenth Today

In 2021, Juneteenth was established as a federal holiday, opening it to symbolic and global interpretation and providing a better understanding of the evolution of our nation and its people. Juneteenth celebrations then, like now, recognize the ongoing fight for human rights and equality and are commemorated through family cookouts, faith services, musical performances and storytelling. Today, Juneteenth celebrates African American resilience and achievement while aiding in the preservation of those historical narratives that promoted racial and personal advancement since Freedom Day. Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture 9:36

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9:36

Boss Kids

What's your name?

Kingston Burrell

Kings Nade

What's the name of your company?

Kings Nade

What products/services do you offer?

We offer 18 different flavors of homemade lemonade.

When did you decide to start this business?

My business started in 2019 shortly after I participated in Tuscaloosa’s Lemonade Day. What inspired you to start?

We did the first ever Tuscaloosa lemonade day it was based on little kids. Well our lemonade was such a hit that people was still requesting it after lemonade day was over. So we betted on ourselves went and got a business license and opened up Kings Nade.

How can we find your products and purchase from you?

You can follow our Facebook business page (Kings Nade).

There you will find any events we are doing as well as the flavor list and price list. You may also reach us at (205)887-8514.

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Kingston Burrell and the Kings Nade Crew Photo by: Gazelle Productions

9:36 What's next for you?

If it’s God’s will, we plan to keep this business going and flourishing. Hopefully, we will have our lemonade packaged and in stores next year.

Kings Nade is a business that was birthed in Tuscaloosa, Alabama

by Cheryl Burrell-Smith. The name of the business came from Kingston Burrell (Cheryl’s grandson). Cheryl said that she prayed and started this business because she always wanted something that was family owned and something that her kids could always call their own. Never did we imagine that something so small would ever be this big but when you keep God first and bet on yourself you’ll always win. We have obtained our business licensed our LLC/patent for this Kings Nade. We hope and pray that we continue to thrive.

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