9:36 Magazine Jan/Feb Issue

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Editor’s Note

As 9:36 Magazine closes in on turning 1 year old, I am grateful. I’m grateful for each of you who have supported this vision. I’m grateful for my team and their creativity. I’m grateful for my husband who supports me in everything I do. I could go on and on but I won’t. So, Happy New Year and here’s to a bigger and even more prosperous year with 9:36 Magazine!

With Love, Dorcas Britford

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Bosses:Poppin Sisters Popcorn and Treats, LLC

Educator of the Month: Renee Hood

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Cream of the Crop: Kayori Ryan

Model of the Month: Kenyetta Cheatum

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A Story of Triumph: Blossom Rogers

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Loquacious Conversations with Lisa Knowles-Smith

Photos by: Camera Play Photography

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I’m Eric Gaines, a Tuscaloosa resident for more than 30 years. I’m a husband, a father of 7, and a dedicated granddad. I have been a local realtor since 2007, and I love helping people achieve their dream of home ownership. Prior to becoming a real estate agent, I worked as a mortgage banker with Bank of America and I was a member of the United States Army Reserve for 20 years.

I am running for City Council so I can address local concerns such as public safety, education, and economic development. I want to offer a fresh perspective on challenges that both District 6 and the rest Tuscaloosa City face. I want to shape the future of our city and address the concerns that younger voters have. I will foster transparency, accountability, and efficiency in city operations. I will build collaborative initiatives that bring people together.

Public Safety Crime has continued to increase in our city. I am a licensed bail bondsman. What I enjoy most about being a bondsman is working with law enforcement and the community at the same time. I understand public safety in our city from both sides of the issue. Public safety is not an option, it is a necessity for all Tuscaloosa citizens. The best way to reduce crime in our city is to stop it before it starts. I will advocate for the city to take more preventive measures.

Education Education is the key to building a better and brighter future in our district. I have a vested interest. Not just for my kids, but all children from K-12. We will continue to encourage dual enrollment and free community college. I am part of the Parent Teacher Leadership Academy so I know children should never be just a talking point or line item; they are the agenda. One of the first questions my clients ask when looking for a new home is the school zone. All parents want their children in a good school zone. As part of the City Council, I will continue to volunteer and work with the public schools in our district.

Economic Development/Affordable Housing My background in real estate and banking has prepared me for one of the biggest challenges our council faces. Since more than half of the city’s revenue is from taxes, I would work with existing businesses to expand and grow. Doing this would increase the city’s tax base and bring in more revenue to improve our city. I have worked with several businesses like Catch-A-Taste, Control Climate, and Green Bail Bonding and I will work to bring more restaurants and other businesses to District 6.

Affordable housing goes hand in hand with economic development. As our workforce grows, new employees will need homes. Unfortunately, everyone in our community does not earn $70,000 per year.

I, along with city developers, contractors, and government officials, will work to keep homeowner rates affordable for all Tuscaloosa residents.

To find out more about how you can get involved Electericgaines@gmail.com Or 205-292-3436

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Poppin’ Sisters Popcorn & Treats, LLC

What's your name?

Marleshia Hall and Shunetta Kirkman

What's the name of your company?

Poppin’ Sisters Popcorn & Treats, LLC What products/services do you offer?

We are a gourmet popcorn company offering over 25 flavors of savory and sweet popcorn. We also offer several treats including cinnamon roasted and chocolate covered nuts. We have a shaved ice trailer that offers Sno Biz shaved ice and flavored lemonade.

When did you decide to start this business?

Our business began in November 2020.

What inspired you to start?

For years, we would make various treats including popcorn for church events. Shunetta, decided to make a different flavor for her colleagues at the school where she teaches. She did this on several occasions until one of them suggested that she turn it into business. She finally gave in and asked me if I wanted to go into business with her. After getting prayer from our church pastor, we have been going strong ever since.

How can we find your products/services and purchase from you?

Our products are sold in multiple store locations around Tuscaloosa, online at our website, www.poppinsisterspopcorn.com, and at the Farmers Market on Saturdays. The store locations include all Piggly Wiggly stores in Tuscaloosa, Al and Northport,Al, Hotel Indigo, Pat’s Florist, Hampton Inn University, seasonally at Northport Pharmacy and Gift Gallery, and other hotels in the area. We can also be found in Bryant-Denny Stadium on The University of Alabama home football game Saturdays and in Coleman Coliseum for men’s basketball and gymnastics.

What's next for you?

Our goal is to become a national brand and have our products sold at major retailers around the country.

With God’s help, we look forward to that day.

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How we celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday in Tuscaloosa, Al

by Jasmine Hollie

January is not only the first month of the new year but also the birth month of a prominent figure in the Civil Rights Movement.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day festivities were held on Jan. 20 in recognition of Dr. King’s birthday.

The federal holiday serves as a time to reflect on MLK’s legacy and stance on non-violent activism in the Civil Rights Movement.

A Unity march, concert, and banquet highlighted MLK Day celebrations in Tuscaloosa.

Realizing The Dream 2025 The University of Alabama held its annual “Realizing The Dream” event on Jan. 17-20. This year’s theme is “Realizing the Dream Through Struggle and Change.”

Realizing the Dream is a collaboration with Shelton State Community College, Stillman College, the Tuscaloosa chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and The University of Alabama.

Legacy Awards Banquet: On Jan. 17, at 6:30 p.m., the 16th Legacy Awards Banquet took place in Sellers Auditorium at the Bryant Conference Center on the University of Alabama campus. Award-winning broadcast journalist Judy Woodruff was the Legacy Awards Banquet speaker.

There were also several awards given to notable members of the community.

Realizing The Dream Concert: Gospel singer Le’Andria Johnson was featured in the Realizing the Dream Concert on Jan. 19. The concert began at 7:30 p.m. at UA’s Moody Music Concert Hall.

Getty Images

Unity Day According to a news release, the Tuscaloosa Southern Christian Leadership Conference sponsored Unity Day activities on Jan. 20. The celebration began at 8 a.m. with a Unity Day Breakfast at Beulah Baptist Church.

At noon, participants lined up for the Unity March, which began at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School and ended at Tuscaloosa City Hall.

Unity Day events concluded with a legacy and retirement celebration for Charles Steele Jr., president of the International Southern Leadership Conference. A Mass Rally was held at 5 p.m. at First African Baptist Church.

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What’s your name?

My name is Kayori Ryan.

How old are you?

I’m 17 years old.

What school do you attend and what grade are you in?

I am a senior at The Central High School (Tuscaloosa, Al).

Name your most valued accomplishments.

My most valued accomplishment is winning the “best teammate award.” It is not the most celebrated award, but it showed me I can be a person people can depend on.

Name any awards you have received.

I have received MVP twice, the Lady Iron Award, the Platinum ACT, and the JROTC Leadership Award.

What are your plans after high school?

I plan to attend a university. I’m not sure which one yet but after undergrad. I will continue my education by attending dental school to become a periodontist.

Who or what inspires you to be who you are?

My mother, of course, is the source of my inspiration. Her being her unapologetic self allows me to flourish.

Kayori Ryan Photo by: Gazelle Productions 9:36

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Photo by: Austin Mitchell

Kayori’s other notable achievements include: 4.1 gpa 26 ACT score IB program Captain Flag football Indoor track Outdoor track battalion Commander of JROTC Secretary of SGA FBLA Homecoming Queen Dual Enrollment at Shelton National Honor Society Spanish Honor Society And currently 500k in scholarship offers 9:36

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(Poetry Corner)

From Dragon’s Lane to Stillman’s Hill

by Kevil Tice

Just a few miles from where legendary football games were played A separate system was designed to bypass higher education and instead, obtain a lucrative trade In the heart of Alabama Where we shout praises to Yellow Hammer There was a wrinkle in time when potential bright futures were paused When children carried the burdens of a chaos they did not cause From down Dragon’s Lane to up Stillman’s Hill Some of the bravest soldiers emerged possessing a strength that would not yield They moved mountains with their voices harmonies of Liberty ringing They turned impossibilities into obtainable choices Earth and Heaven singing And despite how loud Jim Crow-ed THEY ROSE They rose up for US – ALL of us…

Those with roots on either side of the river Those who believe segregation should linger or integration be reconsidered ALL – OF – US Two roads diverged in a black and white wood Somehow combined and collided in the same neighborhood West Tuscaloosa Residing in separate but equal false foundations Set aside on the other side to escape race relations and yet those roads thrived Filled with young revolutionaries who took surrender off the table Conceding was not an option even when plans were derailed And despite how loud Jim Crow-ed THEY ROSE They ain’t let nobody turn them around 9:36

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9:36 They joined the movement that forced colored signs down Oh, there was nothing civil about getting those rights Peaceful protests left them fighting for their life Their passive resistance Somehow sparked violent opposition Forcing young adults into full grown positions Positions of Purpose marching in the crowd, standing in the gaps developing movements within the movement exposing the justice system’s cracks Those students in Tuscaloosa landed huge roles in real life playing a significant part in a National effort to secure Civil Rights FOR ALL Oh, the Civil Rights Movement had many scenes many bumps and bruises to achieve the American Dream Their determination increased the longer the nights grew And at times the task seemed too heavy for such a young troop BUT - - From down Dragon’s Lane they were moving mountains with their voices To up Stillman’s Hill they were turning impossibilities into obtainable choices And they didn’t care how loud Jim Crow-ed THEY ROSE!

Tuscaloosa Civil Rights Foundation 2 nd Annual Uplift Awards Honoring Druid High School and Stillman College students in the Tuscaloosa Civil Rights Movement Friday, September 13, 2024, Tuscaloosa River Market

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I am from Birmingham, Alabama. I moved to Tuscaloosa 24 years ago when I married my amazing husband. We have two sons and a bonus daughter. She is not biologically ours but she is ours. I'm a graduate of Stillman College with a degree in Business Administration.

I'm a doula and a birth assistant. I've been doing birth work for about 17 years. I was doing birth work before I even knew that's what I was doing or what it was. Family and friends would ask me to go to doctor appointments or births with them for support, and when I could I did. I've been a fulltime doula for almost 5 years and recently became a birth assistant. As a doula I provide physical, emotional, and educational support during pregnancy, labor, and early postpartum.

One of my tasks as a doula is to help educate my clients. I help educate them on how to create a birth plan not a "TikTok" plan and understand the purpose of the plan. This includes knowing that the plan is a fluid document that can change due to circumstances and educating on different comfort measures to use during labor even if getting an epidural or having a cesarean. I go into detail of the stages of labor they will encounter and how the body will transition in the process.

The education isn't just for the expectant person but their partner also. I help them to understand how they can assist their partners during that time and making sure they feel involved as much as they feel comfortable. Doulas are for dads also.

It's a family affair. Each birth experience is an amazing and memorable one. I may not remember every detail of every birth but I keep pieces of each one with me. It's hard not to. A family has entrusted you to be a part of their journey. A special and intimate journey. How can each of these experiences not be memorable?

They all stop being clients and become family.

Renee Hood

Photo by: Shaylyn Patrick

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I also create herbal tea blends. I started these blends because I was taking a lot of medication.

Anywhere between 7-10 pills a day and a couple of them 2-3 times a day for about 15 years. One day I decided I was too young to continue to live like this and decided to educate myself on the benefits of different herbs. I was already an avid tea drinker. I absolutely love tea, always have. So, I said what will it hurt other than just drinking yet another tea. I always knew that herbs have amazing benefits but didn't know the details. I started my research and mixed different herbs together that I felt would be beneficial. The first thing I wanted to tackle was inflammation and pain. Everyday I woke up in pain, went to bed in pain, and my inflammation numbers were always double what they should have been. I began with consistently drinking one cup of my blend daily. After maybe a few weeks I started noticing subtle differences. My family and friends wanted to try it as well and insisted that I start marketing it to sell and I did along with some other blends that I created. This led me to educating others on the benefits of herbs and how they could help if you are "consistent". You can’t drink it today and then wait a week or two and drink again and expect results. Nothing in life works like that. In anything you do, consistency is required if you are truly looking to make a difference. I love to educate people about my journey and how it could possibly assist them on their journey.

Being on this holistic path has benefited me more than I thought it would. I thought maybe it would help me feel a little better but I wasn't sure and I wasn't going to get my hopes up seeing that I've been on tons of medication for 15 years. However, this course has taken me from taking all those meds to NO meds at all. So, I'm not just out here pushing any product or educating people on what I heard. I am a living testimony and the number one client of my products. My "aha" moment(s) is having people try my products and tell me they know it has helped them. Clients tell me that their doctors are reducing the dosages to medicine in hopes of taking them off completely at some point.

They have the paperwork to prove it. They have the results to prove it. These are my memorable moments.

I'm asked often if the birth work or creating herbal tea blends is something I always desired to do. My answer is no, it was never on my radar. Of course I love babies, watched birth shows, and always drank tea, but that didn't equate to me as life aspirations. However, as I've been on this journey, I've realized that my plans weren't God's plan. Although it wasn't my plan I understand that it is definitely my purpose.

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Photo by: Gazelle Productions Model: Jakarya Johnson jakaryajohnson209@gmail.com 334-327-5827 9:36

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Photo by Gazelle Productions Model: Terrance Anderson

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Owner: April Sledge Tiemo tandaworldproductions@gmail.com FB: Tanda World International

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Lisa Knowles-Smith Photos by: Camera Play Photography

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9:36 Magazine sat down with four time Stellar Award winner, Lisa KnowlesSmith to discuss family, fame, and future.

When did you start singing?

Ummm…when I started singing, I was three or four. I was born into a family group and they were already singing and traveling. My mom talks about me being that age and asking, “Hey can y’all give me a mic too?” So, they would give me a mic with no cord on it and let me do my thing. I started singing with The Brown Singers when I was nine. I was the only little girl up there singing with all those grown women. I became the groups lead singer at age twelve.

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At twelve? Wow… was that pressure?

Whew! I didn’t know that it was pressure. When you are born into something that is already established and that they are already doing, you kinda just do it. I didn’t feel any pressure until I was grown. I was just a little kid that was singing until my grandmama said, “Ok, that’s enough.” (She laughed) Did you ever picture you being the big name you are now?

Absolutely not…absolutely not. This was never the plan. Even now, I’m still surprised. I never would’ve picked this for myself. I was just doing what I was born into. When you are born into a family of football lovers, you will probably love football. I was born into a family of musicians and singers so, I sing. I just didn’t realize that I would have a career in music.

I will say that you are very humble. We hear about Gospel artists who aren’t humble, and they can be very mean. However, you are very nice and humble. I appreciate that. Ummmm…Is there ever a time that you feel people take advantage of that?

Absolutely. All the time. I would say six in one hand and six in the other hand. I don’t want to ever think the gift is about me because it’s not about me. But at the same time, I don’t want people taking advantage of the gift. But I think God has allowed me to have discernment to the point where I can look at folks and say, “Ok. I know what this is.” But I don’t allow it to stop me from being humble and from loving on people. It doesn’t stop me from going the extra mile so people will see God and not the gift.

I know you are busy and on the road a lot with shows and tours. A lot of Gospel singers don’t have that much time to sing at church. Do you still sing at church?

Yes. I prefer to. I’m actually the Pastor of Worship right now at Cornerstone Full Gospel Baptist Church.

Even though I’m not there to sing every Sunday, I teach the team. I’m not there for fame or fortune. I’m there to serve. I get paid everywhere else. At home, I serve.

And servanthood is so important. It’s probably why you are where you are in the music industry.

Let’s talk about home life. You’re married with children. How’d you meet your husband?

I actually met my husband when we were teenagers. I was about seventeen or eighteen years old. He sings quartet as well so I met him through singing and being on the road. I NEVER would’ve guessed that I would marry this man. I came down here for his niece’s high school graduation. They actually asked her what she wanted for graduation, and she said, “I want Lisa Knowles to come to my graduation.” So I came to the graduation and at that graduation was my husband. Although I had known who he was for a while, all of a sudden he was kinda cute.

(We laughed.)

My best friend was with me and I was like, “Yo! Did you see Crystal’s uncle?” and she said, “Who are you talking about?” She had no clue I was talking about him. So for a moment the room stopped and I didn’t see anyone else there but him. I looked at him and he looked at me and I thought, “Hmmmm…that ain’t never happened before.” And here we are. Nine years later.

And you have how many children at home?

We have together a total of four children. Ages 21, 14, 10 and 8.

Is your house always full of music? Is everyone always singing?

All day every day.

So, it’s like a musical at your house?

Yes. I’m jealous. (We laughed) 9:36

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Photo by: Unknown

So, you don’t have to poke and prod your children to sing, do you?

Oh no, we do it all the time. Someone told me one time that they appreciate me for training my children in that way, but it really isn’t training. That’s how I grew up too. It’s a natural thing to us. I just tell everyone to find their part and that’s what they do. I love singing and I love music. I play the piano so I will pull the piano out and we will have a whole concert at 9 AM on a Saturday morning.

That sounds like so much fun! What would you say is your biggest accomplishment in music?

I think winning the Stellar Awards. We have been nominated nine times and blessed to win four of those nominations. That’s a big deal. Especially, because we aren’t part of a major label. Everything I have done has been independent. I have my own label. And to see my hard work pay off in a tangible way alongside artist who have major labels backing them, is amazing.

Major congratulations to you on that!

Thank you!

How does that feel? I mean, when you step on stage in front of all those people to accept such a major award, are you nervous to give your speech?

Absolutely. However, when I’m in front of a crowd, it’s like a switch automatically comes on. Being nervous is okay. My granddaddy once told me to keep that feeling. He said that if I am ever at a point that I’m not nervous, we have a problem. So yes, I’m always nervous. But at the same time, I’m honored. I think the honor shows through authenticity. I’m just grateful. I’m glad to be here. I’m glad to be here with you.

Awwww man…that makes me excited! I mean you could have said no or that you don’t have time, but you didn’t hesitate to say yes. I really appreciate that.

Before we started this interview, you mentioned having to do a photoshoot for an album. What’s the name of this album?

The Brown Sisters are going to record live in Dallas, TX. It’s the first time that we have ever recorded anything outside of our hometown, Memphis, so I’m super excited. I think it’s gonna be really, really good.

It’s simply called “Live in Dallas.”

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How can we see it?

We are going to record it live that night and it will release in late February or early March. It’s gonna be a video and an audio recording. I’m super excited about this. 2024 was an amazing year for The Brown Sisters and for me so we want to stay consistent with creating content.

Let’s do a quick name drop. Who have you worked with?

Jesus! (She laughed) Just do your best.

Whoo! Everybody from Fantasia to Erica Campbell. I’ve worked with PJ Morton, Bishop Morton, The Williams Brothers, John P. Kee…I think I’m featured on over sixty records.

Wow! And I love all the artists you just named.

There are a bunch more. I would really have to sit down and think about it to named them all. I have been so blessed. Every time I get a call, I think, “They wanna do what, with who?” I mean I feel like to a certain degree that I am an underdog in this industry. I am an artist who has been featured on so many major records, but I have never had a major solo record of my own. And that is unheard of.

Photos by: Unknown

That’s totally amazing.

You’re not just a singer. You are a writer.

I’m a writer and a producer.

Do you have a certain process when you write and produce?

I call them downloads.

Downloads?

Yes. I feel like God just downloads it. Whatever I need to sing, it just comes out of nowhere. Of course, when finishing the song, I want it to be biblically based and lyrically correct, but God downloads the concept. I have written all our songs. I have never had anyone write for me. I’ve never recorded anyone else’s music. I’m actually considering changing that and taking song submissions in the near future.

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Where is the weirdest place you have been when a song came to you?

I was on a roller coaster.

So, you were riding a roller coaster, and this song comes to you. Does it just stick with you?

So, for the most part I just started singing it while I was on the roller coaster. I was clowning around and before I knew it, a song was created.

What’s the worst experience you have had in this business?

Whew! I think the worst experience I had is when I posted about being in Dallas, TX and the church wouldn’t let me plug my Sprinter up. It wasn’t the fact that he wouldn’t let me plug it up. It was about how he dealt with me as a person who is supposed to represent God. I left there and went to an RV park that I shouldn’t have been able to get in. I needed to plug the RV up because everything in the back of my Sprinter is electric. It runs on a battery. I can’t turn the air on, and I can’t take care of my band if I don’t charge it. The church wouldn’t let me plug it up and he was really ugly about it. Anyway, I get to the RV park and the gate, that should’ve been closed, was open. I get inside and even though they were closed, a woman was still in the office. When I walked in I told her that I just needed to plug my RV up and that I could get an Uber back to the venue if she just let me leave it there to charge. That lady started crying. She was in tears because I was in tears. She said, “You mean to tell me the church turned you away?” I said, “Absolutely.” This lady told me that the gate is never open and that she was only there because she had left her keys. She said that she felt like God had sent me there. So, I started encouraging her and sharing my music with her. She didn’t know me from a can of paint, but she helped me when I was in need.

Sometimes my worst experiences come from people who are supposed to be displaying God’s love, but they don’t. That’s why I am adamant about making sure that I don’t hide behind the gift. A lot of people are really ugly. We love their gifts, but we hate them as people. I don’t want to be that person.

That’s a beautiful story.

What’s something that you haven’t done that you really want to do?

There isn’t anything.

Ok… Like I’m good. I’ve been trying to retire for the last five or six years. I mean, I have done everything I ever wanted to do. I don’t have any other aspirations. Right now, it’s whatever is in the will of God. Whatever He wants me to do, I’ll do. But I’m good.

So, when you do retire, what are you planning to do?

Be a wife and a mama. That’s what I love. I love my kids. My daughter is now starting her own career, and I want to be able to be for her what I wished I had at her age. I’ve been doing this for more than thirty years now. I haven’t worked a “job” in 20 years. A lot of mistakes were made. A lot of money was blown. My son plays basketball. I want to be able to go to his games. He’s in the 9th grade and he wants to play in college; possibly go pro. I want to be there for him. I just want to live.

(Derrick from Camera Play Photography had a few questions) Has there ever been a situation where egos got in the way of group progress?

Never. We have been together for over twenty years and not one argument. Everyone just knows their place and we have a strong core.

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9:36 Have you ever wanted to quit?

Yes. Every month. Every year. It gets hard. The hardest part about doing this and doing it for the Lord is that people forget we are human. That we are people. We have feelings. When I was younger, I learned not to read the comments on YouTube because people can be nasty. I had two of my kids out of wedlock and Facebook used to have this thing where you could send anonymous messages. People would send anonymous messages saying that I was a heathen and that I didn’t need to be singing. I was even called a whore. You just learn that people can be so cruel. So I teach my daughter, who just released her first single, to not forget that the people who cried, “Hosana!” also cried, “Crucify Him!” I want to teach her early in her career, to not out her trust in people. Because people will like you today and hate you tomorrow.

For someone who is wanting a career in music…what’s your advice to them?

Don’t try to start a career. I think God ordains our paths. A lot of times, when people try to make it, it doesn’t work. I don’t have a formula for that. Be obedient to God and do what he wants you to do. I think the Bible is clear when it says that God will exalt he who humbles himself. I created a company that helps independent artists. But I always tell them to serve in their local church. Go somewhere and get fed (spiritually) and learn. That way when you get on the road or when you get an opportunity, your character will help you stay there. I’ve done it for thirty years because that ain’t my focus. I didn’t go looking for it. I’m just blessed to be able to do it. I always tell my kids, “We ain’t trying to be superstars. We’re trying to make God famous.” And if He decides to bless us during this process, that’s on Him.

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Should there be a time limit on family issues that stemmed from childhood?

Is it necessary to talk/fight it out before moving forward?

Quisha: IMO there's not a time limit on anything that has created a negative shift in feelings. You can't start to fix things if you don't talk about them! HEALTHY dialog would fix a lot of issues. Key word HEALTHY...

Fixing doesn't necessarily mean everything goes back to normal. Mutually understanding and respecting one’s feelings is timeless!

Ash: Not necessarily a time limit, but a well thought-out approach. If it happened in childhood, it takes time to grow to reflect on the true issue. It depends on who and what the issue is to decide if putting hands on someone or just talking it out is necessary! Some people are just not emotionally intelligent to have the conversation with. I have met people who can talk out family issues, but continue to hold on to the past. No matter the severity of the issue. I believe it depends on the individual person, and how long they want to allow that issue to control their ability to be mentally free.

Tavares: Whew that is a loaded question. My feedback is ‘no’ there is not a time limit. Unresolved issues from childhood can fester/linger often carrying over into a person’s teenage and adult years. A lot of things can effect people mentally and emotionally due to not resolving matters from their past. That can continue be problematic in their future relationships with themselves, families, or others. I feel that when people are able to speak on past experiences (especially in childhood) that it can open up a gateway to reconciliation. Even if the situation isn’t resolved to satisfaction, there is peace and healing that may release burdens that one who never addressed childhood issues that caused relationships strain. It definitely takes maturity to be be able to speak on resolving conflicts in a healthy manner because the emotional toil of it can cause a person often goes unnoticed but the behavior /reaction is normally always seen and judge. If anything, I say a person owes it to themself to be able to speak their peace in efforts for them to put things behind them and move on through life to their greatest potential and best version of themself.

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Model of the Month

Kenyetta Cheatum

Where are you from?

I’m from Northport, Al. Really? I didn’t know that.

Yeah. Born and raised.

What made you start modeling?

I started modeling when I started my mentoring program, Big Sistas with Purpose, in 2011. That was inspired from my oldest daughter being bullied in school for being a plus size girl. So, I wanted to show her that no matter your size, you can still look like a model and be a girlie girl. I was also able to go out and speak to others who had similar confidence issues. I didn’t know it would help my confidence at the same time. I became a brand ambassador for a boutique owned by a Huntsville, Al woman named Shceronda Thompson. She took me under her wing in the modeling and the pageant world.

So, in helping your daughter, you helped yourself.

Does your daughter model too?

She used too. Many of the mentees in Big Sistas with Purpose modeled. We did shows for about 10 ½ years until the pandemic hit and we had to take a step back.

I will say that the kids miss it so I plan to relaunch in the near future.

What else do you do?

Oh wow…(she laughed). I’m a woman of many hats. I don’t just model. I’m a model coach. I help those who want to be introduced to the industry meet others in the industry who can help further their careers. I have mentored in the public school system. I’m a certified EMT. And I have written three books so that makes me an author.

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9:36 What are the names of your books?

My first book is called, If These Walls Could Talk. It includes ten women, plus me, giving a narrative of our lives and how we each overcame adversity to reach where we currently are in our lives. The second book is titled, Look at Me Now. It’s also a collaboration of 20-30 authors discussing their walks of life during the pandemic. I published my third book, You Are More Than Enough: A Queen’s Cry, on my own.

In this book, I talk about how I was sexually assaulted and my healing journey. I am currently working on my fourth book, A Woman of Perseverance, which reflects all I have been through to get to where I am today.

Congratulations on such accomplishments!

Thank you!

So, you are a mentor, model, EMT, and published author. Let’s talk more about your education. What is your educational background?

I have earned a bachelor’s in business management and a master’s in public administration. When I originally started school, I wanted to focus on the business side of things so I actually open up a building that not only housed Big Sistas with Purpose but would house other programs too. I still want to do that so I can teach people how to prepare for life situations and job interviews. I also want to give kids a place to go when parents aren’t home, so they aren’t fending for themselves.

That would be great. From where did you earn your education?

I earned both degrees from the University of Phoenix.

Let’s talk about the pageants. You have won multiple crowns. When did you start participating in pageants?

First of all, I was never the pageant girl type. I have always been tomboyish so wearing a t-shirt and jeans works just fine for me. I was introduced to the pageant world through modeling. I was doing a show here and Shirhonda, who I mentioned earlier was competing in a pageant called Plus America.

She thought it would be a good platform for me to build my brand. That’s how it all started. It’s been very rewarding.

Would you say that built your “girly confidence”?

Yes. It definitely did.

Your daughter, who is the reason you started all of this, is now an adult. What drives you to continue this modeling and mentoring journey?

Well, social media and TV have such an influence on girls and young women now. Everyone is half naked. I want to show them something different. You can cover your body, be classy, and still be sexy. I want to show them that. That’s my focus right now. If I can help somebody and build them up, I’d rather do that. There are many who need the help, but if I can change one, I know I have done a good job.

With helping everyone and being so active as a mentor, how do you relax? What do you do for you?

I relax by getting my hair done and I sometimes have a spa day. Music relaxes me too.

You have clearly done a lot in your life. What is one thing that you really desire to do or accomplish?

I gotta go to Jamaica. That’s somewhere I have always wanted to go. I would also love to visit Africa.

Sometimes we work so hard, and we forget to enjoy life, so this is something I am really looking forward to doing.

When you think back on the younger version of you, even the teenage you, what would you change about yourself?

Nothing. I was blessed. I knew my mom cared about me. She worked hard and I wanted for nothing, and I was able to do things and go places. I’m grateful for that.

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9:36 https://www.facebook.com/kenyetta.cheatum.9 https://www.instagram.com/ceokenyetta/profilecard/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenyetta-cheatum-292881@5?utm

Photos by: Memorable Moments 9:36

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s s e n ad 9:36 M s t r o p S

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by Shawna Moore

NFL Playoff Contenders

We have made it to Week 18 and the final game of the regular season of the NFL! Where did the time go?

Just five weeks ago, we were so excited about the start of a brand new season of the game we love! Now we’re trying to see if our favorite team has earned a right to continue their season in the playoffs! The Kansas City Chiefs, who have only lost 1 game, are the favorite for a 3PEAT as Superbowl Champions as they have clinched the best record in the AFC and have secured a first round bye. The Detroit Lions are not far behind, favored to represent the NFC. Who’s lurking closely behind? None other than the Buffalo Bills, The Philadelphia Eagles, and The Baltimore Ravens with the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers, Washington Commanders, The Pittsburgh Steelers, The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Houston Texans, and the Denver Broncos still making some noise fighting to prove that they are Contenders. The Atlanta Falcons lost all hope to continue their season as they fell short to The Carolina Panthers. After defeating Pittsburg, The Cincinnati Bengals are sitting on pens and needles waiting to see if both Miami and Denver lose so they can make the playoffs. Well, there’s good news and bad news: Tua Tagovailoa is out, due to injury, and it’s more likely for them to lose without him than it is with him. Patrick Maholmes is also out today. The chance that Denver is going to lose without him on the field is slim to none. Only time with tell. There are a lot of teams performing well but in my humble opinion, the Chiefs, the Eagles, and the Lions are definitely the teams to beat!

▪︎The NFL 2025 Playoffs kick off on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 1pm(ET) •The Superbowl will be held on Sunday, February 9, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana at 6:30 P.M.(ET)

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Blossom Rogers: A Story of Triumph

9:36 Magazine caught up with 3-time author and drug awareness activist, Blossom Rogers, to discuss her journey to becoming sober and how she wants to help others who suffer as she once did.

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Photo by: Gazelle Productions

9:36 First of all, is Blossom your real name?

Real name. Blossom Rogers.

That’s a beautiful name. You’re originally from where?

North Miami.

Tell us…how did you get started on drugs? How were you introduced to them.

Well…I believe there was always a generational curse. On both my dad’s side and my mom’s side, there was addiction. I started drinking beer at the age of 5. My great-grandmother was raised that if a child has a ringworm, you give them beer. Now what lead me to crack cocaine was my experience with being molested by my stepfather.

Ok… Ummmm…a lot of African Americans don’t like to talk about molestation. They want to sweep it up under the rug. But we have to realize that hurt people hurt people. I had to forgive my stepfather because he didn’t grow up saying that he wanted to molest a child. And then God taught me how to forgive myself because I did a lot of things that I had no business doing. I mean…I used to think that if a man didn’t beat you, he didn’t love you. I got into an abusive relationship that also involved drug use and I decided that since I couldn’t beat him, I would join him. So, I made him teach me how to use.

Photo by: Gazelle Productions

Wow… You see, when you go through molestation, your childhood is taken away. I didn’t know where I belonged, and I became a people pleaser. I still struggle with that today and it allows people to take my kindness for weakness. So, I had to learn to please God and not man because people will take advantage of you.

That’s true.

I became a mother at the age of 16. I thought the baby would keep the man. Then I married him thinking the same thing. I have written a few books. In my second book, I talk about my time in prison. My prison number is 589931. I explain how I was delivered from a homosexual lifestyle. Because I was raped, I thought being with women was the better choice. But I decided that isn’t for me. I’ve had a man to leave me for another man. I was also involved with a man who didn’t tell me he had HIV. However, it’s been 20 years and I’m clean. I don’t have HIV. I don’t have AIDS.

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9:36 Hallelujah.

People have told me that it’s because I have a strong immune system. No. It was the blood of Jesus! And it still covers me. I’m not perfect, but when I fall, I know I can always go back to him. Back then, I didn’t know that. I just kept waddling and waddling. And I was worried about what people were going to say.

That’s what kept me up under that bridge. I was on crack cocaine for nineteen years. But God! I have been clean for twenty years.

I tell people that I had to keep doing what I needed to do for Blossom. This is my ex-husband’s hometown. We got a divorce due to love. You ask, “Love?” Yeah. He loved women and brought another woman in my home. And I was the kind of crackhead that if a bird got hit, I was gonna get high. So, I really had to pray and ask God what to do because I had the most seasoned saints telling me, “Baby, stay with him.” But for a split second, I thought about suicide. That’s when I knew I had to get out of that marriage. I lost my home, my car, and I couldn’t pay my bills. But I didn’t go back to getting high.

What a testimony. What is your desire now?

My desire is to help people get off the streets. To help them have a roof over their heads. I’ve been homeless with a child, and I know about sleeping in a tent in the woods. I never sexually or physically abused my sons, but mentally, I put them through a lot. They never should have seen their mama like that. A boy’s first “girlfriend” is his mama, so I used to beat myself up for what happened in the past.

However, I have learned that once we apologize, we don’t have to continue saying the same thing over and over. I know my boys are proud of me in their own way and I want to leave a legacy for them and my thirteen grandchildren. I’m not just talking money. I wanna leave them wisdom. I wanna let them know that it doesn’t matter where and how you start. It matters where and how you end.

Where is Blossom now?

I work at the University of Alabama College of Nursing. I deal with the drugs and alcohol research. I have my own non-profit called From Under a Bridge Safe Haven Home for Women and my documentary came out in November and won “Best Documentary”. I’ve also been traveling and telling my story.

Is this a book documentary or is it a video?

It’s a video.

How can we find it?

It’s on YouTube. The title of it is From Under A Bridge: The Blossom Rogers Story.

God has opened many doors. I even had my own TV show. So, I have to let people know that just because you are under a bridge now, that doesn’t mean that’s where you are going to stay. My favorite scripture is Jeremiah 29:11 because it says that God know the thoughts and the plans He has for us. His plans are not our plans. Twenty years ago, I thought I would die a crackhead. But as I said before, I’m not perfect, but I serve a perfect God. What was your breaking point?

I was facing nine years of incarceration. I had been violated. I was not going to report to them, and I wasn’t going to pay those people. I went back to court, and it was a Caucasian dude sitting in the jury box. The judge that day was the same judge who had previously sent me to prison. He was looking for a reason to send me back to prison. The state attorneys were flipping pages to find a reason. But the judge looked at the man, and that man just nodded his head. I walked out a free woman. So, I started going to church. I saw how people were so happy praising God, and I backslid. You know, once you backslide, it’s seven times worse. And it got bad. I was out robbing people. I was the getaway driver. It was bad and I knew I was gonna die out there. So, this one night, I was sitting in a crack house. I was wearing the clothes that are in the pictures we took. I also had a piece of paper in my purse. I started writing a letter to God. 9:36

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9:36 People have asked me, “You were smoking and talking to God?” Well, He already knew where I was. If He waited for the woman at the well, He was waiting for me. When the girl came in to give me another hit of crack, I told her, “When you see me again, I’ll be clean and sober.” She laughed at me. I kept smoking but I couldn’t get high that night. I kept on writing. I took that last hit. I put the letter in my purse. Put the purse on my shoulder, and I walked out of the crack house. I checked myself into a mental hospital like I had done before. But this time I begged them to not let me go until they found a place for me. I could feel death. So, God sent me to Miami to get clean and sober. I knew I couldn’t play the games there that I did in Daytona because they would kill me in Miami. So, I just…surrendered.

What would you tell someone who says they want to get out of that situation? What would you say to them?

Deal with your issues. Or your issues will keep dealing with you. We can’t heal from the outside in. We heal from the inside out. You are going to have to hurt to heal. The hurt is going to push you to the next level.

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