The
Exclusive Edition
October Issue 2022
C O V E R NAREB MEMPHIS REALTIST
PRESIDENT WONDA MCGOWAN
PRESIDENT- ELECT DARYL LEWIS
PASSING THE TORCH: SUSTAINING THE MISSION
"DEMOCRACY IN HOUSING"
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Support Breast Cancer Awareness Wear Pink #October
Photo Credit: Elizabeth Ashley and Co.
In this exclusive edition; I chose to feature NAREB Memphis Realtist, President Wonda McGowan passing the torch to President Elect Daryl Lewis to continue the mission for "Democracy in Housing," to ensure that there is justice for all by combatting the disparities and to bring about awareness.
This issue also highlights and promotes healthy and happy life styles, the fashion, food, beauty, arts and entertainment industry. When it comes to creating opportunities and achieving success; there is no industry like the beauty, arts, fashion, food and entertainment industry. This year has it challenges, but some of us cannot wait to see 2022 end. I’m looking forward to another great year; with continued growth, creativity and success. Are you ready to embrace a new year? To our readers, advertisers, contributors, subscribers and fans, this magazine has been published and produced with you in mind. It’s for real, a dream magazine that comes alive at your fingertips; each time you open an issue of The Cover magazine.
It is our sincere hope that you are inspired and motivated to become one of our advertisers, subscribers, fans, supporters or contributors who enjoy reading and dreaming of dreams that can be made a reality. For more information about advertising and subscribing to The Cover magazine or the Publisher and Producer, Anner J. Echols visit us at https://www.ajedreamland.co/the-cover-magazine or call (901) 650-4955.
Anner J. Echols
Why Do You Want Life Insurance? There’s this craze going around about IULs. Women Financial Power has received requests from around the country. What is it? Can I get one? High net worth individuals, bankers, executives & college coaches own them. Of course, You want one too!
Let’s discuss why you would want life insurance & what it can do for you? Every month the “life insurance man” came knocking at my grandparent’s door. Madea wanted to make sure when the good Lord called them home, their funeral & burial expenses would be taken care of. My grandparents purchased a “final expense” policy. She never missed a payment A young responsible couple with a child is concerned if one doesn’t make it home tonight or if one is diagnosed with a critical illness. What will happen to your family? Each parent bought a “30-year term” life insurance plan for the largest amount of coverage they could afford.
Entrepreneurs & employees want to save for retirement in the most tax efficient manner & have access to their money before age 59 ½, without a penalty.
They bought a permanent life insurance plan, using an IUL (indexed universal life) or WL (Whole Life) for ultimate retirement planning. A 62-year-old wants a LTC (long term care) plan without the price increasing. She bought a hybrid life insurance plan that includes chronic illness or a long-term care rider. A 66-year-old has $100k in the bank & wants to leave a legacy. If he earns 2.35% interest, in 10 years, he’ll have $126,147.
He transfers his bank funds to a single premium life insurance policy. Gets an Immediate legacy benefit of $177,703 plus still has access to his cash. Still wondering why, you would want or need life insurance? It’s been around over 400 years, its state regulated & it’s self-completing. It’s a privilege to own.
For more information contact, Sandra Quinn Bailey, Women Financial Power
901-617-1139 info@womenfinancialpower.com www.womenfinancialpower.com
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HEATHY LIFESTYLES
Turkey The Traditional Holiday Meal
Traditional foods are foods and dishes that are passed on through generations or which have been consumed for many generations. When you gather your family around the table make it classic no matter what the season! The classic Thanksgiving dinner includes old-time favorites that never change: turkey, gravy, stuffing, potatoes, veggies, and pie.
The Little Black Dress Event was a fun evening where women showcased their beautiful and stylish little black dresses with fancy accessories. The event was celebrated with a formal dinner, wine, hors d’oeuvres, as well as a silent auction of wonderful items donated from local businesses to benefit Dress for Success Memphis. DFS Memphis Board of Directors, donors, supporters, partners, families and friends enjoyed host, Comedienne Mzzz Kecia, music by Freelance Vocalist, Wyndie Oh! and DJ AO.
L-R: Rose Flenorl, Global Citizenship Manager & Rhonda Treadwell DFSM Exec. Director
River City Chapter of The Links Incorporated and Rhonda Treadwell L-R: Anne Jones Founder of DFS Memphis and Rose Flenorl
Rhonda Treadwell and Patsy Riddle
L-R: Rhonda Treadwell and Sponsors: Don Wildy, Dist. Manager and Amber Harris, Store Manager at Lane Bryant
DFS Memphis Board of Directors
DFSM Donors and Supporters
The mission of Dress for Success is to empower women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. For more information about DFSM or to make a donation, contact Dress For Success Memphis Executive Director, Rhonda Treadwell at 901.363.3100 or visit https://memphis.dressforsuccess.org/
As the 25th President of NAREB Memphis Realtist®, I accepted my oath of office on January 3, 2021, via zoom by Judge Yolanda Kight-Brown due to the Shelby County Health Department issuance of a Formal Safer at Home Health Order and Directive. Although COVID-19 has brought with it challenges, as President of this esteem organization there was work to be done and a two-year agenda to be completed.
It is my sincere intent to continue to bring “Democracy in Housing” with our primary focus being not only to increase Black Homeownership, but to increase it among people of color in general, and close the gap of homeownership and wealth disparities in Memphis, Shelby County and the tri-state areas with relativity to the National Homeownership rate in which Black Homeownership continue to lag other ethnic groups.
Democracy in Housing
NAREB Memphis Realtist Chapter hosted The State of Housing in Black America Memphis-Edition on June 9, 2022. The State of Housing in Black America report offers a comprehensive look not only at the systemic impediments to Black American dreams of homeownership, but also the necessary public policy, interventions and intricate mortgage market adjustments needed to build Black Wealth through homeownership.
Memphis Mortgage Production by Race 2021: Total Mortgages 20,617, White 9,736, Black 5,350, Hispanic 856 and Asian 820 Blacks are 64.4% of the population, but only received 25.9% of the new mortgages. Memphis Whites are 24.9% of the population and receive 47% of the new mortgages. The Black denial is more than twice that of White applicants, Black 23.23%, White 9.82%. The success rate for Black applicants is 51.04%. There were 10,844 applications. The homeownership rate for Blacks is 38.6%, Whites 64.5%. The gap is 25.9%. These statistics were provided by Mark Edward Alston, NAREB PAC Chair.
To download the 2021 State of Housing in Black America, Emerging from the COVID Pandemic Recession. https://www.nareb.com/site- iles/uploads/2021/11/2021_State_of_Housing_In_Black_America_Final_Full__WEB_11.08.21.pdf
Combating The Housing Crisis/Bringing About Awareness As President, I have participated in the Shelby County Register Community Awareness LIVE Forum. We discussed the housing crisis and fraudulent deeds filing in Shelby County on October 20, 2021, and part two with Shelby County Register of Deeds, Shelandra Y. Ford, "State of The Housing Crisis" on March 11, 2022. It has been my goal to Restore, Rebuild and Renew our commitment to our cause and raise our voices for “Democracy in Housing” with respect to the community we serve by renewing the Urban Core Neighborhoods through redevelopment ideas and encouraging Federal, State, City and County Government and lending institutions to create funding sources, loosen legislation, and provide more products that encourage redevelopment in those areas left desolate due to population shifts.
June 22, 2022, I attended the Shelby County Board of Commissioners Meeting to express the importance to withdraw the Resolution requesting that the County Mayor establish a PILOT Program using the private real estate market to market a certain percentage of the disposable County-owned real estate available for acquisition from the Land Bank. I was able to speak and share the mission of the Shelby County Land Bank to return government owned properties back into productive use as quickly as possible to preserve property values, encourage redevelopment, revitalize neighborhoods, minimize blight, maximize our tax base, and reduce tax-supported expenses. To make these properties available to the citizens of Memphis and Shelby County first, instead of out of town and state investors. The citizens of Memphis and Shelby County are interested in helping to eliminate blight in our communities, promoting the development of affordable housing and building long-term wealth. Our voices were heard, and the Resolution was withdrawn.
The Finale’/Passing the Torch I have been busy in the final quarter of 2022 to expand our reach with the Memphis Realtist® Development Collaborative which will be a subsidiary 501©3 under NAREB Memphis Realtist® whereby all donations and sponsorship dollars can be tax deductible. Also, the establishment of an Endowment for this chapter which will allow NAREB Memphis Realtist® to grow perpetual funding for our endeavors and operations. Finally, secure a headquarters for NAREB Memphis Realtist®, where we can congregate, strategize, and engage the membership and public with classes and modules from credit, financial literacy, and generational wealth management to leadership development, real estate industry business and community development. This is just a portion of what is on the horizon and will be completed with incoming President Daryl Lewis.
Achievements and Accomplishments
(L-R): Regional VII VP, LaTonya Martin (Center), Memphis President Wonda McGowan and Nashville Past President An'Gel Sims
NAREB Memphis Realtist® is proud to be recognized by The National Association of Real Estate Brokers, Inc. (NAREB) as the number #5 Chapter out of 114 for 2022. Under the leadership of President Wonda McGowan (September 15, 2022). I have been awarded the Women’s Council NAREB Memphis Leadership Award and President of the Year for Region VII 2022 in Louisville, Kentucky on June 11, 2022.
I was appointed on August 6, 2022, as Director at Large of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, Inc. This is a three-year appointment that I proudly accept.
Making a Difference
We can make a difference. It is our voice and visibility that's most important. I believe when we lead the charge to increase Black Homeownership, one of the purposes on which NAREB was founded in 1947. We will “Reverse the Curse” plaguing our communities and transform it from “Rental Based” to “Homeownership” and therefore; close the gap and become the model for best practices to increase the Homeownership rate not just in Memphis and Shelby County, but across the Nation.
Directors at Large (L-R): Karen Johnson, Marcus Brown, Wonda McGowan, Muriel Thompson-Williams and Dr. Sharon Middlebrooks
https://www.nareb.com/memphis-chapter-of-nareb/ Credits: Photos and content sources for NAREB Memphis Realtist: Courtesy of Wonda McGowan
NAREB President Wonda McGowan
In the latter part of 2019, the world was stricken with one of the most horrific pandemics in modern times - COVID. In 2020, America was faced with civil unrest following the Presidential elections. This brought light to judicial misconduct that threatened democracy and placed inequality in the forefront despite the efforts of various organizations pushing for DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION in their practices and leadership; efforts that many thought that would unify us in our humanity versus further dividing us in principle and ideology on which the United States was founded. Now, truths we once held to be self-evident seem to have become irrelevant, but not for the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) - Memphis Chapter.
Sustaining the Mission As the incoming President, it is my intention to build upon the past works and planning of President Wonda McGowan to sustain our mission to fight for "DEMOCRACY IN HOUSING." We must continue to restore, rebuild, renew and respect the principles upon which the organization was founded, and moreover to fight for "JUSTICE FOR ALL" in what we do. For this administration, Democracy in Housing is not just a principle or idea that should be upheld. It is a Call to Action in which the justice sought to identify housing as the focal point for URBAN CORE DEVELOPMENT to which we seek to provide solutions that positively impact Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) in our efforts: Economic Stability, Neighborhood& Physical Environment, Education, Food, Community Safety and Social Context, and Healthcare System.
We know that these issues are not only common to Memphis and Shelby County. The Tennessee Chapters are bonding together in action to make certain that if nowhere else in the country, that democracy and justice will prevail in Tennessee with the assistance of the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) and our partners sponsoring our causes. "Democracy in Housing and Justice for All" will ring loudly and shine brightly in Tennessee, displayed by Leadership, Integrity, Transparency, and the spirit of Excellence in our service over the next two years.
We thank you for your anticipated involvement and financial support. In the Grip of His Grace, I am, Daryl Lewis, President NAREB Memphis Realtist
DARYL LEWIS, PRESIDENT-ELECT
Daryl Lewis, is the Principal and Founder of Infinity Group Realtors, Inc. and is the President-Elect of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB Memphis Realtist). He began his career as an Affiliate Broker in 1996, and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Architectural Engineering & Technology. His vision for the firm has led to opportunities in I ndustrial / Commercial Retail Facility and Office Management, specialty listings and sales of worship facilities, nonprofit housing & community housing development opportunities, and acquisition of land for the HUD Resiliency Project: South Cypress Creek and fiber optic cable installation through the city of Memphis which is a multimillion-dollar industry. He has been certified as a Project Management Professional with the Project Management Institute (PMI), Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, and has earned his designation as a Right of Way Associate Generalist (RWA-GN) with the International Right of Way Association (IRWA). This designation has afforded him the opportunity to consult on Federal and State of Tennessee Department of Transportation / Infrastructure projects, such as the upcoming MATA Innovation Corridor and Holmes Rd. (Tchulahoma to Millbranch). Infinity Group Realtors, Inc. endeavors to remain dynamic and ever evolving with our skills and expertise to remain relevant in an ever-changing market with training, education, and development of the firm's agents and the general public. With over 26 years of knowledge and experience in the industry, his approach is methodical and geared towards finding “time value” solutions to maximize profit for his clients, while keeping Social Determinants of Health as the basis for his office's Continuum of Care in their services.
"Democracy in Housing and Justice For All"
Standing L-R: Tina Andrade, Ludora Cooper, Rebecca Taylor, Stephanie Bobo, Trelise Guest, and Reginald Harris. Sitting L-R: President-Elect Daryl Lewis and President Wonda McGowan
BET celebrated the impact of Hip Hop and brought together the hottest names in Hip Hop music for an unforgettable night of explosive performances and culture-defining moments across platforms.
Celebrity News Isabelle Doll Media Group Photo Credit: Isabelle Doll Ngcobo
Friday, September 30, 2022the annual celebration brought together the hottest names in hip hop to pay homage to the year’s best in hip hop culture. Armani White, Clipse, Fivio Foreign, Jeezy, King Combs, Kodak Black, Lil Tjay, joined previously announced performers French Montana, Joey Bada$$, N.O.R.E, Pusha T, Armani White, Bleu, EST Gee, GloRilla, Moneybagg Yo, and an all-star tribute to iconic LOUD Records and pioneering founder Steve Rifkind. Performers who honored the legendary label included David Banner featuring Lil’ Flip, Dead Prez, Fat Joe, Mobb Deep with Lil’ Kim, M.O.P., Remy Ma, Three 6 Mafia, and Wu-Tang Clan. Hosted by GRAMMY®-nominated recording artist, actor, entrepreneur, and media personality Fat Joe, Baby Tate, Big Boss Vette, Deetranada, Guapdad 4000, Jayson Cash, Ray Vaughn, Reuben Vincent, Sa-Roc, Sauce Walka and Topaz Jones, Armani Caesar, Kentheman, Nana, Navelle Hice, OT The Real, Yung Pooda and many more rising stars attended.
Steph and Frank’s Love Story The Cover: Frank, How did you meet Steph? What can I say about Stephanie Lynn Ingram, better known to me as Belle! She's an amazing woman who I've been acquainted with since some time in 2018 by way of a Facebook fitness group. The purpose of the group is to motivate people to become healthier & more active by encouraging others & making posts along your journey! When she would post, I'd flirt a little through my encouraging, but I never knew anything could blossom from that. On one particular post, she was all dolled up at a dance/ball/party, etc. posing for a picture with a very nice & elegant dress with flowers on it and had her leg kicked up in the back like a flamingo. From that point forward, I knew she was super special, but still knew we couldn't be together! As time went along, we would exchange niceties with one another and then one day she hit me up in the DM and I knew it was a wrap! She asked me to patronize her business, Amplified Fitness, and I did without hesitation. We began to message each other more and more, but I could still not see how this would work out because she was in another state. I saw her phone number and thought it was a 910 (North Carolina) area code, but it was 901 (Tennessee), so I was like oh well, I'll just keep flirting. We created some memories over time that have drawn us closer & closer to one another. We were engaged June 16, 2022. I can't imagine life without her! Here's to forever Baeby!
The COVER: Steph, what was you first impression after meeting Frank? The first time I saw his picture, I thought he was handsome, and I loved his smile. He looked warm and inviting. We met in a fitness group. I was always impressed by his positive motivating attitude. We would exchange some pleasantries back and forth and for a few years we lost contact.
We reconnected in 2020 when I started my business Amplified Fitness. He was one of the first to wear my shirt and help me promote my business. A few months later, I was asked to write a magazine article-I asked him to proof read it. I wanted honest feedback and he gave it to me. I learned in that moment about his character...he takes things to heart, he has integrity, he keeps his word, and he makes time for people. I was impressed by him. I wanted to know more about him.
I finally found the nerve to call him, I am so glad I did! I can still see the look of surprise on his face. I just remember seeing the kindest eyes, hearing his deep calm voice, and seeing the sexiest smile. I didn't care where he was, I just wanted him! Frank is the most AMAZING man I have ever met in my life! I love him, admire him, and adore him. His peaceful presence, laughter, sense of adventure, and loving manner makes me feel so safe, secure and cherished. I am grateful and thankful for his love every day.
The COVER: Frank and Steph were married on September 9, 2022. Photos: Courtesy of Steph and Frank
A NIGHT OF CELEBRATING BLACK EXCELLENCE!!
Power 30 is a black-tie award and reception recognizing influential figures in Memphis, TN. Congratulations to all the successful CGI 2nd Annual Power 30 honorees for their philanthropy and attributions they made to the City of Memphis. The honorees represented black excellence in style, class and dignity. AJE Dream team and The Cover Magazine would like to thank Producer, Curtis Givens, Brandon Benson and his fantastic, amazing team for allowing us this grand opportunity to witness this momentous event. Photos: Courtesy of CGI Entertainment
https://www.cgientertainment.com/
One of the most exciting all white affairs held in Memphis, TN is produced annually by Curtis Givens, CGI Entertainment founder. An estimated 2,500 to 3,500 attended the all white affair on Saturday, July 16, 2022 on Mud Island River Park. People fly into the city from all around the world. They turned up and turned out!
https://www.cgientertainment.com/
My Life My name is Sherry Adams-Thurman, originally from White Plains, New York. I relocated to Memphis, TN when I was 22 years old. I have two adult children and four beautiful grandchildren. Typing has always been a passion of mine, starting from the first day of typing class in junior high school. In high school my classes were definitely geared towards working in an office. I took business math accounting, book- keeping, and computer classes. During the second half of my senior year, I opted to be a secretary in the W.I.S.E. program which allowed seniors to do internships in the career field of choice and present an oral presentation for a final grade towards graduation. Beyond a shadow of a doubt, working in an office was my destiny. My first paying job was Cashier at Caldor, a retail store. While working as a cashier I learned patience and how to deal with customers in a professional manner. It was a great learning experience. After graduating high school, I attended The Simmons Business School for secretarial studies for approximately two years. That was the beginning of my journey, learning the foundation of becoming a “secretary.” I was given the opportunity as a student to do an internship with IBM. I learned organizational skills, phone etiquette and other professional work ethics which help mold me to become who I am today.
I have worked in the administrative and customer service field for over 40 years. I’ve been blessed to have worn many different hats such as; Actress, Writer, Fashion Show Host, Job Readiness Instructor for individuals with intellectual and physical challenges, Customer Relations, Administrator/Receptionist, Life/Health Insurance Producer, Sales Associate in retail, and a Certified Medical Billing Coding Specialist. All of which I am proud to have accomplished by allowing myself to explore outside the box.
This is the career I have chosen. Some may say “you're just an Administrative Assistant.” Not so, this job title is one of the most important positions from the biggest to the smallest company. We are the key components that support the company president, the CFO and various levels of management, etc. It takes knowledge, experience and skills to be able to hold it down successfully. Recently, I was humbled to be nominated by my coworkers and won the Choice Award in the administrative category at Porter-Leath of Memphis. I am very passionate about my job and love being an Administrative Assistant as it allows me to help others, on so many levels. It's rewarding when your work ethics are acknowledged by those you support.
Sherry A. Thurman Photos courtesy of Sherry A. Thurman
The 8th Annual JMA Music Awards
Celebrating at the Grand Ole Opry House, Nashville, TN October 23, 2022
Photo Credit: Dreamland Productions/The Cover Magazine
CELEBRATING 60 YEARS OF GREEN ONIONS AT STAX MUSEUM
Legendary Booker T. Jones performed at Studio A on September 14, 2022 in honor of 60 years of "Green Onions," and 20 years of the Stax Museum. Jones was also interview by He was also interviewed on stage by WYXR DJ and author Jared Boyd about Stax in general and this year’s 60th anniversary of the release of their 1962 smash hit, “Green Onions.”
Jones is an American musician, songwriter, record producer and arranger, best known as the frontman of the band Booker T. & the M.G.'s. He has also worked in the studios with many well-known artists of the 20th and 21st centuries, earning him a Grammy Award for lifetime achievement. While still in high school, Jones co-wrote the group's classic instrumental "Green Onions," which was a massive hit in 1962. Photo Credit: Crystal Harris
During the week of celebration Al Bell Presents received the Jack Emerson Lifetime Achievement Award for Executive. Congratulations Al Bell, cheers to 20 more years of sharing the Stax Records Memphis story of talent, hustle and SOUL!
Al Bell Presents
Kicking off the ceremony with a knock out performance, SMA students and alumni performed a rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Following their performance was legendary Booker T. Jones. Jones engaged the VIP invitation only audience and Press with a standing ovation private concert, wowing the audience with “Green Onions, in commemoration of its 60th anniversary. SMA alumni students, Chris, Jamal and Sam Franklin performed with Booker T. Jones, of Booker T. & The M.G's. The trio would not have been complete without their brother Jamal who is currently on tour with Tamela Mann.
CEO and President of the Soulsville Foundation, Pat-Mitchell-Worley announced plans for 2023 in celebration of their 20th Anniversary. On the scene reporting was Anner J. Echols, Producer and Publisher of The Cover Magazine and her assistant, Catherine Doggett-Hernandez.
Legendary Booker T. Jones and VIP guest were presented with a custom designed souvenir, "Green Onions" Single Hop Pale Ale beverage from the Soul and Spirits Brewery Staff. Photo Credit: Crystal Harris
PAALA
PAN AFRICAN AMERICAN LEADERSHIP AWARDS
Congratulations! Media Queen, Isabelle Doll Ngcobo, CEO of ISABELLE DOLL MEDIA GROUP, LLC A native of Johannesburg, South Africa, Isabelle Doll Ngcobo made her initial debut on South Africa TV (SABC) as a pioneering Black dancer.
Annually, ISABELLE DOLL MEDIA GROUP provides coverage for the King Center's Salute to Greatness Awards, The UNCF Atlanta Mayor's Masked Ball, Rev. Jesse Jackson’s Rainbow Push Coalition, and the International Women's Forum with former South African president Thabo Mbeki's wife, Mrs. Zanele Mbeki. Ms. Doll’s specialty is the coordination of redcarpet interviews at award shows including the MTV Movie Awards, Dove Awards, BET Honors, BET Hip Hop Awards, BET Black Girls Rock, Essence Festival, Trumpet Awards, Steve Harvey Neighborhood Awards, NAACP Image Awards, Stellar Awards, and the Bronze Lens Film Festival. She’s also the founder and President of Africa TV One and the International Media Correspondence for The Cover Magazine. Contact Isabelle Doll Media Group via FB: https://www.facebook.com/idollngcobo (Photos: Courtesy of Isabelle Doll Media Group, LLC)
2022
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