Cheryl Magazine | Spring 2021 | Michele Thornton Ghee

Cheryl POLOTE-WILLIAMSON™

MAGAZINE

SPRING 2021

MIKKI TAYLOR Editor-At-Large

ESSENCE Magazine

Affirming Black Beauty: Mastering Excellence and Distinction

DEBORAH RILEY DRAPER Writer, Director

“Twenty Pearls: The Story of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated”

An American Story

LISA FREENEY

Lemons to Lemonade

The Multi-Million Dollar Brand

MICHELE THORNTON GHEE

EBONY/JET CEO Walking in Purpose and Power to Elevate Black Women P. 1 | Cheryl MAGAZINE

THE NEW BOOK ALERT ARTOF INFLUENCE COMING SOON I am excited to announce my newest book The Art of Influence launching Summer 2021!

Sign up now at bit.ly/TheArtofInfluence so we can let you know when it is available!

- Cheryl

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For tips on how to master #TheArtofInfluence, follow us on Instagram @the_art_of_influence.

FROM THE DESK OF CHERYL POLOTE WILLIAMSON

I'M FEELING MYSELF I

t’s not just allowed for celebrities, you know.

Once in a while, we are all allowed to completely immerse ourselves in our own magic. We spend a lot of time admiring, praising, and even investing in others. There are people we esteem greater than ourselves—we place on pedestals or make mentors—that’s fine. We are to find others we can mark as examples and emulate. That is supposed to happen. However, there are also times that we should toot our own horns and acknowledge the fierceness and wonder in which we are made as well as the strength of what we’ve accomplished... and it’s ok to say so!

“I’m feeling rather pleased with myself.” Say it!

Literally, say it. Open your mouth and repeat after me: • • • • • • • • • • •

“I feel pleased with myself.”

“I look good.”

“I feel good.”

“I’m proud I made it this far.”

“I’m amazed at what I have accomplished.”

“I did a great job.”

“I have conquered a lot.”

“I have contributed to the greatness of others.”

“I am a testament of my own success.”

“I am crushing my lane.”

“I’m feeling myself.”

That’s right. I’m feeling myself. Not only am I allowed to, but I am also allowed to say as much.

I invite you to do the same. My confidence is through the roof. Is yours? I am pure magic.

Are you? OF COURSE you are! Nothing can stop me; I’m all the way up! Will you join me? I certainly hope you will.

I’m feeling good about a lot of things. One thing I’m most proud of these days is Cheryl Magazine. Our team has successfully created a formidable print media source for women, about women, by women.

With the inaugural print issue happening just this past winter, it is already making a mark that cannot be erased. In this issue of Cheryl Magazine we have the pleasure of the company of seasoned industry leaders who support the women-supportingwomen ideals that Cheryl Magazine is founded upon. I am excited to have Michele Thornton Ghee, CEO of the iconic brands Ebony & Jet Magazine and creator of BETHer grace this quarter’s cover, and Mikki Taylor, Beauty and Cover expert and EditorAt-Large for ESSENCE Magazine join us for an intimate conversation. Having these ladies support Cheryl Magazine means the world to me, as with every woman that graces these pages.

While others speak on what’s not possible, I hope you will soak up this moment in time with me and help me rejoice in what is possible. Then take my moment, hold it close to your heart, and realize what is possible for you as well.

Love,

Cheryl EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

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CONTACT US CHERYL MAGAZINE

Williamson Media Group, LLC 6101 Long Prairie Road Box 744 #269 Flower Mound, TX 75028 info@cherylmagazine.com Please include your name, mailing and email addresses, and telephone number with any correspondence. Cheryl Magazine is not responsible for returning unsolicited manuscripts.

Editorial Email

editorials@cherylmagazine.com TO SELL CHERYL MAGAZINE IN YOUR STORE info@cherylmagazine.com ISSN 2766-6360 (Digital) Cheryl Magazine a lifestyle and women’s empowerment publication, is a Cheryl Polote Williamson, LLC (CPW) quarterly produced by Williamson Media Group, LLC (WMG) 6101 Long Prairie Road, Box 744 #269, Flower Mound, TX 75028. Periodicals postage paid at Flower Mound, TX and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Please send changes of address to Cheryl Magazine 6101 Long Prairie Road, Box 744 #269, Flower Mound, TX 75028. Subscribers allow 4-6 weeks for change of address to become effective.

Subscriptions ordered are non-cancellable and non-refundable unless otherwise promoted.

Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, drawings, and photographs submitted if they are to be returned, and no responsibility can be assumed for unsolicited materials. All rights in letters sent to Cheryl Magazine will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright purposes and as subject to unrestricted right to edit and to comment editorially. Request for permission to reprint should be sent to the Permissions and Reprints Department by emailing info@cherylmagazine.com and placing “Request for permission to reprint” in the subject line. The title Cheryl Magazine is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Contents copyright © 2021 by Williamson Media Group, LLC. All rights reserved. Nothing can be reprinted in whole or in part without express written permission from the publisher. Printed in the U.S.A. P. 4 | Cheryl MAGAZINE

CHERYL MAGAZINE

A lifestyle and women’s empowerment publication Editor in Chief | Cheryl Polote Williamson Managing Editor | Traci Henderson Smith Contributing Features Editor | Siobhan Davenport Contributing Editor | Charmaine Roots Castillo Contributing Editor | Tess Alexandria Financial Editor | Roni M. Benjamin Style Editor | Keri Henderson

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kerry-Ann Zamore Dr. Madge L. Barnes Jamel D. Jackson Jelia Coleman-Hepner

OPERATIONS Creative Director | Shannon Skipper-Green Business and Media Director | Kymberli Williams media@cherylmagazine.com Sales & Marketing Director | Tammy Woodard sales@cherylmagazine.com Project Director | Danette Brown

WILLIAMSON MEDIA GROUP, LLC EXECUTIVE President | Russell Williamson Chief Executive Officer | Cheryl Polote Williamson Chief Information Officer | Traci Henderson Smith

SUBSCRIPTIONS www.cherylmagazine.com 1 Year (4 Quarterly Issues) US $80 Canada $101.58 CAD | International (Digital only) 1 Year (4 Digital Downloads) US $20

Cheryl

CONTENTS media edition SPRING 2021 | ISSUE #7

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Mikki Taylor Editor-At-Large

ESSENCE Magazine Affirming Black Beauty: Mastering Excellence and Distinction

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Deborah Draper Riley Writer, Director

“Twenty Pearls: The Story of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated” An American Story

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Lisa Freeney Founder of Lisa's Lemonade

COVER STORY: Walking in Purpose & Power

Lemons to Lemonade The Multi-Million Dollar Brand

Michele Thornton Ghee EBONY/JET CEO uses her platform to help Elevate Black Women

LIFESTYLE

FEATURED ARTICLES

From Family to Finances, get insight that will help strengthen and empower your life!

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Daddy Issues with Tess Alexandria

Fear of Abandonment

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The Gentleman’s Voice

What Women Should Know

with Jamel D. Jackson What's the Big Idea?

Business, Health, Community, and the Latest in Entertainment

P.24 EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW Pearls & Purpose Cheryl Polote Williamson

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Foxxy Wizdom with Charmaine Roots Castillo The Torches We Carry

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The Power of Sisterhood Janiece Evans-Page

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How to Maximize Your Well-Being

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Mental Health Care Barriers

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Artist Spotlight Key LeBlanc

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Safety Net

How to Find Luxury Items for Less

KidzMic Founder Kira Pugh

Money Talk with Roni M. Benjamin

Style Matters with Keri Henderson

#GIRLPOWER! with Traci Henderson Smith

P.52 Five Women Who Shifted the Culture of Media & Entertainment P.56 Radical Resilience Tyreese McAllister P.60

Author’s Corner

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COVER STORY

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MICHELE THORNTON GHEE EBONY/JET Magazine CEO Walking in Purpose and Power to Elevate Black Women

by Siobhan Davenport Contributing Features Editor

During the pandemic and ensuing shutdown, many used this time for self-reflection, reordering priorities, and defining their purpose. No one knows this better than Michele Thornton Ghee, a woman of faith on a mission.

Ghee is the newly appointed CEO of the iconic EBONY & JET brands and an award-winning media industry veteran with more than 25 years of experience in corporate America and managing over a billion dollars in revenue. Most prominently, she is recognized as creating and running the first and only network for Black women, BETHer at BET Networks, and her contributions at WME, CNN, A&E, and The History Channel.

Ghee is proud to honor the rich past of the 75-yearold brands by playing a leading role in EBONY/ JET publications’ online resurgence. However, she wants to make the publications current and relevant by providing Black stories on platforms that women, men, and families enjoy.

“I love Black culture. I want to do the same as EBONY/JET publications founder, Mr. John Johnson. He was a trailblazer. I want to elevate those making significant contributions to Black people, while recognizing emerging Black journalists.”

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It’s important to Ghee not to define success by titles or by what we have accumulated. Instead, Ghee defines success on how she treats people.

She has a passion for giving back to Black women in the corporate world and personally.

“My purpose is to take care of God’s Kingdom.

Twice a week in the morning, I lead the Mississippi Prayer Call, founded by Missionary Ellen K. Clark.

This helped me to keep going, but I was not anxious for what was next. I have a testimony.

“I hire people who are marginalized. I created BETHer for Black women. I hired Black women and helped them develop professionally.”

Through her experience, Ghee believes women are innate strategists that use most of their time and focus on taking care of others. In her three books, Ghee encourages women to use a portion of that energy towards developing a personal life plan.

“I hope my readers learn to never be a victim to corporate America. I want women to focus on their brand and what is unique about them.

I have defined success on my terms. I call it Corporateneurship.” Ghee’s advice to others is: • Be self-aware • Learn to listen and not speak • Be confident to take your seat at the table • Do your research • Know there is a bigger plan for you Ghee defines herself as a Servant Leader who helps her team develop and perform at the highest level possible. Starting at 12-years-old, Ghee worked at her father’s small restaurant in Oakland, California.

She credits her father for modeling servantleadership, which has provided the foundation of her successful career.

“My father greeted every customer by name, asked about their children by name, and celebrated their every milestone. This taught me to pay attention, be a good listener, and do my research.

One thing Ghee speaks openly and passionately about is her faith and the importance of her prayer life. At the beginning of the pandemic in March of 2020, Ghee contracted Covid-19. Her former role was also eliminated. During this time, Ghee read, created, and took a class, but most significantly, she reconnected to her prayer life.

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My first book, Stratechic: Life and Career Winning Strategies for Women, sustained my family while my husband was launching his business and I was out of work. I had monthly speaking engagements that ensured we had income.”

With her busy schedule, capturing special moments with her husband and two children is an essential part of Ghee’s life. She blocks time off her calendar every day to pick up her daughter from school, make time to take her son to basketball practice, and have weekly dinner with her family.

Throughout her career, Ghee has met many fascinating people. However, Muhammad Ali stands out not for his accomplishments but the bond and love that he and his wife shared.

Ghee was enamored at their connection, as his wife interpreted for him at the hair salon since Parkinson’s disease impaired his speech.

“It’s so beautiful to see a couple so in love, especially since we don’t get to see many positive Black marriages in the media.”

Sharing the Spotlight – True to her mission to give back to Black women, Ghee welcomes and supports the launch of Cheryl Magazine.

“There are few brands that elevate Black women and Black images. I support Cheryl and love her mission of empowering women.”

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FEATURE STORY

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MIKKI TAYLOR of

Author, Speaker, Executive Producer, Editor-At-Large ESSENCE Magazine

by Siobhan Davenport, Contributing Features Editor

Imagine a time when Black beauty was invisible.

As Beauty and Cover Director at ESSENCE Magazine for three decades, Mikki Taylor made it her purpose to change that. By branding the magazine’s cover with distinction and sharing the truth of Black women on the beauty pages, she saw that no one missed out on the celebration that is Black beauty.

Taylor is an author of three critically acclaimed books about lifestyle and beauty, but chose to take a new direction with her first audible book, Force of Beauty: A Newark Family Memoir.

In this intimately personal project, she took time from her busy schedule to share about her storied career as the leading authority on empowering women of color to embrace their inner and outer beauty. Set in Newark, NJ, she honors her grandmother and mother’s determination and

perseverance during the ‘50s and the civil rights movement of the ‘60s.

You have an award-winning career and many accolades to your name. Of what accomplishment are you most proud, and why?

“I’m most proud of the role I played in the lives of millions of Black women in affirming our beauty— all shades, shapes, and sizes. In my 30-year role as Beauty and Cover Director at ESSENCE Magazine, it was critical to me to hold up the mirror on Black womanhood in a society and at a time we weren’t considered the standard in beauty.”

In Force of Beauty: A Newark Family Memoir. What was most surprising or inspiring about your family and why?

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“I discovered many surprises and inspiring treasures in creating my memoir with amazing filmmaker and director Deborah Riley Draper of Coffee Bluff Pictures. I was inspired over and over again [by] the endurance and the relentless determination of my maternal grandmother. Not only as a young girl who was unwanted and faced colorism at home but by how, as a widow, she would walk over 20 miles to cook and clean white folks’ houses for a dollar a day. If that weren’t inspiration enough, those same earnings and the money she made as a seamstress allowed her to send my mother to college.”

In your Audible Original, you shared about the civil rights movement and particularly, the fires of Newark during the riots. How does that compare to the racial justice fight sparked by the murder of George Floyd? What do you hope we learn as a nation?

“Black Lives Matter, the protest of people around the world, and footage of George Floyd’s brutal murder were seen and heard on a global level.

This time around, instead of focusing on Black people as the catalyst for the rebellion and burying the lead, the persistent truth of racism became a force to deal with and that increasingly no one can hide behind a uniform when it comes to injustice. In the battle against racism, we as a nation must learn that there can be no ceasefire—that we must be transformational in our thinking and relentless in our determination to bring about change. In my mind, and in that of my generation, this is supposed to be the future we dreamed of, not a remix of the past. But here is history repeating itself, and on our watch, this cannot be so. There must come a day when there is unity and justice for all, and to realize this, we must keep working until it is done.”

With all the wisdom you have acquired, what message has now evolved that you want to share with others?

“Without question, each of us must master our purpose with distinction. God never ordered anyone that He did not intend to use for a greater P. 1P.21 2| Cheryl MAGAZINE | Cheryl MAGAZINE

purpose. It rests then with each of us to identify what God has created us to do and fulfill this divine assignment. This is the strategic intention by which we will succeed. Life is not a dress rehearsal; this is it, and I’m bent on not only being a good steward over the divine assignment He gave me but multiplying it and blessing others in the process. I say to us then, don’t put a period where you should put an exclamation mark!

Dream big and expect great success from God, because according to Jeremiah 29:11, it has already been approved whereas the word says, “For I know what plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you…” This is a mighty plan. Trust it.”

Taylor is a woman of strong faith, but it is her mother, Modina Davis Watson, who influences and inspires her. Growing up in a household of strong women, women loving and supporting one another influenced her. She shares that her mother continues to be her greatest role model when it comes to what’s possible. Ms. Davis Watson taught two edicts that influence Taylor’s work to this day and are her mainstays for everything she does: 1) If the best is possible, then good is not enough. 2) To be risk-averse is to be success-averse. Taylor lives in her purpose.

She credits her mother for impressing upon her the importance of using her voice and vision with every opportunity to empower women and see to it that they are affirmed and inspired. She is a role model for women to embrace and uplift one another.

“When one woman is affirmed, we are all affirmed.”

Mikki Taylor has worked with some of the world’s most fascinating and influential people. Among her most treasured experiences was the joy of serving as an instructor at the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa by special invitation, speaking at the 2018 De Beers Global Women’s Summit in Botswana on consumer engagement, and receiving the National Urban League Trailblazer Award in July 2019. Follow her on Facebook and Twitter: Mikki Taylor and Instagram: @IAmMikkiTaylor.

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DADDY ISSUES with Tess Alexandria

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Fear ofAbandonment Our subconscious low-key has a way of tucking away some of our greatest fears, except, those fears are not actually tucked away. They are more like, hidden in plain sight. These fears are a culmination of some of our most impactful experiences. You know, the traumas we have experienced that seemingly caused us to make an internal vow never to put ourselves in that situation again. The ones we just brushed off and “forgot.” We move on, continue living life and taking care of business, but there’s just one little problem; our subconscious never forgot those experiences and it has been acting as a protector ever since. It's not necessarily wrong attempting to move on. However, sometimes, if we do not slow down and take inventory of ourselves, the situations we’ve encountered, and how our bodies respond to similar circumstances, we can miss the opportunity to explore why we are the way we are and why we do the things we do.

I took the initiative to seek counseling. When I began unpacking some of my traumas, I realized I was subconsciously holding onto one of my biggest fears— the fear of abandonment. I further understood that this was how I was navigating through my relationships, both personal and familial. Abandonment issues can surface in a variety of ways: the desire to please others, giving too much in a relationship, an inability to trust, or, in my case, not wanting to let go and persisting in unhealthy relationships. I found myself continually wanting to make things work, whether it was with friends, family members, or significant others. Unfortunately, this was mainly to my detriment. Sitting in therapy, when I first recalled feeling abandoned, I could not believe that it had appeared to follow me my whole life. It created this

habit of trying so hard not to lose who or what I thought I needed. When we think about it, isn’t it ironic that we essentially abandon ourselves when we stick around in situations that do not serve us properly? This realization alone was a game-changer for me. Attempting to hold on to someone toxic was not going to assist me in eliminating my fears. So, I placed the responsibility for healing on myself.

The path to healing may look different for everyone, but here are seven tips I found helpful while working through my fears of abandonment.

1.

Acknowledge your hurt.

2.

Show yourself grace and compassion.

3. Practice becoming emotionally self-reliant by making it your responsibility to cheer yourself up if you’re down.

4.

Find what makes you happy and do it often.

5.

Don’t be afraid to be your most authentic self.

6. Pay attention to how you feel when around others. The people who are supposed to be in your life won’t make you feel like you have to work hard to get them to stay.

7. Lastly, in the words of Fantasia Barrino, understand that “sometimes you gotta lose to win again,” so don’t hesitate to value yourself enough to walk away.

Thank you for joining me again for Daddy Issues. Why the name? I aim to reverse the feeling women get every time we hear that phrase. There is a stigma attached to it.

It’s often used as a weapon, with the intent to make us feel like we are the problem.

Dispelling the misnomer includes providing new information on something that was named before its true nature was known. I’ll attempt to do that in each Cheryl Magazine issue as I address behaviors and characteristics that developed from our father’s lack of skill and ability to bond with, encourage, teach, or support us. To all the young girls and grown women, it was never your fault. The issue was his. And because of your daddy’s issue, you found yourself improperly navigating relationships. Let’s talk about it. For the record, Daddy Issues is an opinion column. I’m not a clinical professional or expert on the subject, I’m just a girl who needed her daddy. If you’d like to connect, follow me on Instagram: @tessalexandria_ or Facebook: Tess Alexandria. If you have questions or a topic you’d like to discuss, email me at tess@cherylmagazine.com.

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FEATURE STORY

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Deborah Riley Draper Writer and Director Twenty Pearls: The Story of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated

by Traci Henderson Smith Cheryl Magazine’s claim is that we lift the voices of capable, daring, inspiring women who spark change on the local, national, and international level. With every issue, we vow to remain on the cutting edge of magnifying the right to be heard of unsung leading ladies in business, media, arts, and philanthropy. Deborah Riley Draper, author, award-winning filmmaker and storyteller, and director of the groundbreaking documentary Twenty Pearls: The Story of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, is a talent worthy of the world’s awareness.

Born and raised in Savannah, Georgia, Draper brings a unique perspective to her work forged from her academic studies at Florida State University, her breakthrough ad campaigns as an executive with BBDO and Ogilvy, and her diligence as a researcher. Draper is a 2016 Film Independent Lab Fellow and Variety Magazine “2016 Top 10 Documakers to Watch”. Her documentary, Olympic Pride, American Prejudice, shares the untold story of eighteen African Americans who defied Hitler and Jim Crow to compete in the 1936 Berlin Summer Olympic Games. Olympic Pride, whose theme song Draper co-wrote, is a 2017 NAACP Image Awards Nominee for Outstanding Documentary Film and one of only three nominees for the 2017 Peace and Sport Award in Monaco, presented by HRH Prince Albert.

As a teenager, Draper became interested in writing. Her career began in advertising, working on commercials and longer-form content. Draper later decided to reach beyond writing brand stories and write the outline for her self-financed debut film, Versailles ’73: American Runway Revolution, which opened New York Fashion Week and Toronto Fashion Week in 2012. Versailles ’73 appeared at festivals and fashion weeks around the world. The film premiered on Logo TV in September 2015 and aired on the Aspire Network in 2017. Many museums, including Guggenheim Bilboa, have P. 1 7 | Cheryl MAGAZINE

integrated the film with their major fashion exhibitions. Fox Searchlight optioned the feature film rights.

Draper’s 2019 short film Illegal Rose, starring Jasmine Guy, was selected for fourteen film festivals, winning Best Actor at the 2019 Downtown L.A. Film Festival and Best Director and Best Actress at the 2021 Black Film Festival of New Orleans. She shot the film in three days during Guy’s Grey’s Anatomy and newcomer Lucca Rodriguez-Pedraza’s elementary school schedules. “The executive producers and the crew were so incredibly diverse,” says Draper. “I was proud to introduce filmmaking to so many first-timers in both cast and crew.” '

With the wind fast under her sails, Draper leads the charge as writer and director to once more make Alpha Kappa Alpha first, with the truly American story, Twenty Pearls: The Story of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Alpha Kappa Alpha has a history of firsts, beginning with its pioneering role as the premier intercollegiate historically African American Greek-lettered sorority. Now, with a documentary that displays the extraordinary ways Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated has helped shape positive motion in America and direct the advancement of Black America, Draper dissects the legacy of the legendary organization in homage to its Founders.

Chronicling Alpha Kappa Alpha’s impact on the country and lasting cultural significance, in Twenty Pearls, Draper conjures a vision of diplomatic achievements rooted in ‘Service to All Mankind’ during a period in America when women had little say; and Black women had virtually none. The victories modeled in this historic documentary speak to the truth that Alpha Kappa Alpha’s history is America’s history with every barrier broken and every opportunity created for African Americans that had the women of AKA at the helm. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated has improved education, influenced legislation, bettered social and economic conditions for African Americans, enhanced communities, created and guided programs like the Mississippi Health Clinic, and placed men on the moon—for the first time—bringing an end to the U.S.-Soviet Space Race. Since 1908, Alpha Kappa Alpha has been at the forefront of advancement in the U.S., including another organization first: the first female vice president, highest-ranking female official in U.S. history, first African American and first Asian American vice president, Kamala Harris, who stars in the film narrated by Phylicia Rashād.

Draper believes in taking chances. “The worse thing that can happen is you will fail forward,” she says.

She looks forward to directing episodic television and creating a television series in the future.

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FEATURE STORY

Lisa Freeney

Lemons to Lemonade

by Traci Henderson Smith, Managing Editor

“When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” It’s an affirming

phrase we tell ourselves when we need the strength to move beyond setbacks or the pep talk we give friends when encouraging them to look on the brighter side of things. We commonly use it, but where did the phrase originate? It was inspired by the life and legacy of Marshall Wilder, who rose to fame in the mid-to-late 1800s for his story-telling skills and humorous monologues. Wilder, intentional and determined not to become a sideshow exhibit, as was typical among kyphosis-affiliated dwarves like Wilder, went on to perform for the wealthy elite, the British Royal family, and Vaudeville.

He later authored three books, “The People I Smiled With,” “The Sunnyside of the Street,” and “Smiling Around the World.” He also edited humor compendiums and acted in motion pictures. People adored him the world over—known for tipping graciously and ending all correspondence, “Merrily Yours.” By the time of his death in 1915, Wilder had gained a reputation as someone who faced life’s obstacles with a smile on his face and a song in his heart. At his memorial service, writer Elbert Hubbard said of Wilder, “He picked up the lemons that fate had sent him and started a lemonade stand.”

Lisa Freeney looks to Wilder for inspiration in all that her famed organic lemonade company, Lisa’s Lemonade, does. As a person who chooses to live on the bright side and someone who has overcome countless setbacks, Freeney picked the perfect example to follow and the idiom to embody.

After wrapping up a successful 10-year career at World Class Promotions with growing a company branch from 0 to $2.1 million in sales in its first twelve months, Freeney left to focus on raising her two children. It was during this period she conceived the idea for her company. After 15 years as a stay-at-home mom, Freeney was ready to re-enter the workforce.

Instead of resuming her career in marketing, she decided to launch Lisa’s

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Lemonade and Lisa’s Lemonade Cocktail Mixers under the brand name PIDCO--an acronym for Passion, Innovation, Determination, Caring Community, and Optimism; all values that Freeney holds dear. When her kindergarten-aged son was diagnosed with ADHD, Freeney became determined to create a variation on her homemade lemonade recipe that did not utilize cane sugar or artificial sweeteners, dyes, and flavors. The resulting lemonade became a hit among her family and friends.

the Go Texan beverage category for Texas-made products at the Texas state fair. While adoration for the nationally acclaimed brand comes easy, the climb to the company’s award-winning success did not. “At first, I thought this isn’t reasonable to have this many difficulties starting a business, but the people I talked to that had very successful businesses, that have made it have said, “No, that is how it goes.” And the people that make it in business are the ones that know how to deal with setbacks.”

In 2016, Freeney sold her house to launch PIDCO entirely debt-free, and as a single mother, embarked on a journey. “When I set out to create this product, I wanted it to be something that I would be happy for my kids to drink all day, every day. So, I spent about two years perfecting it before deciding to bring it to the marketplace.”

Lisa’s Lemonade won the People’s Choice Award in

Lisa’s tips on dealing with setbacks: 1. GET ADVICE. Build a strong advisory board.

– I have an amazing advisory board of people that have given me the gift of their time to help me when I have a problem.

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of questions you can’t answer. – When meeting with advisors or mentors, I go in with a list of questions I couldn’t answer myself, so I’m not asking things I can find online.

3. STAY IN MOTION. Take action. Setbacks can spark fear. – So often, fear makes us stop taking action and shrink. On my journey, with prayer, faith, and support from the people around me, I have found the keyword to get over fear and keep moving forward is action. Try different things. Try different approaches.

Lisa’s Lemonade is enjoying the success of a business that started debt-free. However, there did come a time when Freeney sought financing.

She offered some advice for those seeking to finance or need other resources or assistance: 1. Have income from a side job or another source. Don't just have money going out

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trying to get a company going. When getting a company off the ground, usually, a big problem, is running out of money before actually having met any financial goals.

2. Work with the Small Business Administration. Get free mentorship for small businesses. They have resources for financing and can walk you through your financial situation, guiding you to ideal lenders.

3. Put money into your business. When you seek funding from investors, it will mean a lot to them that you put your own money on the line before asking for money.

4. Have a clear plan, budget, and financial outlook. Something that helped me get financing is that I had a presentation deck that shared about the product, what was going to the marketplace with

that product, and what the plan was for the company to make money. So when I went to family members, I didn’t just say, “Hey, can you let me borrow $10,000?” I had a solid plan to show them, including budget projections, where the pilots were going to go and how the product would be marketed. Your seed-level investors will be more comfortable investing with you.

5. Utilize Legal Shield at legalshield.com.

You can get legal advice for less than $100 a month.

Freeney’s remaining goal is 600 locations in the company’s first twelve months of national distribution and a goal of impacting 40,000 people by helping them. “That means the profits of our company will go towards helping community members in their transition in life.

Someone coming off the streets or someone exiting a marriage—however, someone needs

help or transition, our passion is helping people turn their lemons into Lemonade.”

Lisa’s Lemonade wants to give back to the community by partnering with communities, organizations, clubs, schools, and churches through fundraising.

“We have set up our production facility at a kombucha manufacturer in Dallas. We are launching all seven of our products on Amazon, and in early summer, launching several fundraising campaigns for nonprofits, schools, and clubs. I want to raise money completely social media-driven. Every organization that participates in the campaign earns a dollar per bottle sold. Lisa’s Lemonade will do all the shipping. We will take care of everything.

They just share about the product online, and people order on our website with the link.

Anyone interested can reach out to me at hello@ lisaslemonade.com.”

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

&

Pearls

Twenty Pearls: The Story of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated is being called a love letter. Whether to the historic organization’s heroine founders or Black women at large, the groundbreaking documentary is a nod to Black Girl Magic that affirms and confirms the glorious nature of Black women doing the work. Cheryl Polote Williamson, an Executive Producer of the film that chronicles Alpha Kappa Alpha’s influence on America, is a prime example of leading Black women doing the work. She radiates. The effulgent visionary exudes joy and passion mingled with the distinct impression that the nationally acclaimed, multi-awardwinning author, filmmaker, executive producer, and philanthropist is far from done making an impact, changing lives, and placing her mark upon the world. After fifteen bestselling books geared towards motivation, inspiration, and allowing other deserving voices to tell their stories, ushering more than 500 individuals into successful entrepreneurship, and a long-standing role as an influential and adored media figure, anyone would call Cheryl Polote Williamson’s time on this earth a riveting success.

Williamson’s newly released, Souled Out Volume 2, hit the Amazon Hot New Releases Bestsellers List at #1 in three separate categories. On its heels is Soulful Affirmations, a powerful, thoughtprovoking transference of the transformative energy and influence of words and meditation. It offers 365 days of thoughts, words, and actions that will change the way you see yourself and

Purpose

by Traci Henderson Smith

life. Soulful Affirmations is sure to win the similar success of its “Soul Series” counterparts, as will Williamson’s first solo book project in nearly a decade, The Art of Influence. A different style of motivating from Williamson’s usual affirming, soul-stirring, self-helps: The Art of Influence gives a behind-the-scenes look at the skill of garnering and maintaining healthy personal, business, and power-laden relationships and the character required to cause hundreds of clients to choose her for personal and business development, or co-author opportunities over and over again.

While busy creating chart-busters, Cheryl Polote Williamson, creative thinker, and connected influencer, simultaneously, as Executive Producer, lent her time, expertise, connections, influence, and resources to the success of the award-winning film Illegal Rose, starring Jasmine Guy. The film was selected for fourteen film festivals, winning Best Actor, 2019 Downtown L.A. Film Festival, and Best Director and Best Actress at the 2021 Black Film Festival of New Orleans.

Williamson did not waste her art for influence, as Executive Producer on the widely appreciated, undisputed, definition of an American story, Twenty Pearls: The Story of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. With its all-star cast, this emotional, awe-inspiring film unequivocally proves that from the labor fields to the White House, to the highest courts, to the moon: Alpha Kappa Alpha history is American history.

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It shows us that much of the advancement of people of color in this country would not exist if it were not for the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.

Madam Vice President and Sorority member Kamala Harris appears in this groundbreaking film narrated by the exquisite Phylicia Rashād—whom Williamson had the distinct pleasure of personally securing for the essential role. Williamson’s significant contribution also included securing The Honorable Kimberly Esmond Adams, a reach across the pond to secure Miss Universe Ireland 2019, Fionnghuala O’Reilly, and other assists to help build the notable cast adding to the film’s out-of-the-gate success.

Impressive is that Williamson’s greatest gift to the world is her determination to create opportunities rather than any personal victory. Despite her role as a highly sought-after influencer and business leader, Williamson is a servant at heart and is driven by the work she does as CEO and Founder of Soul Reborn 501(c)(3). “Whether through education from personal and professional programs, volunteering in support of community initiatives, clothes donations, or meals, our sole and SOUL purpose is to empower the broken, disenfranchised, and often forgotten,” says Williamson. Restoring hope and dignity in women is a personal mission of Williamson. Through the non-profit charitable organization, she has served more than 5,000 under-served, disadvantaged, disenfranchised, and previously incarcerated women since launching in January of 2019 and

ILLEGAL

ROSE

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more than 10,000 meals to essential and frontline workers, and families during the 2020 pandemic.

Beyond the award-winning, life-giving reach of her philanthropic arm, in September of 2020, Cheryl Polote Williamson decided to honor her 54th birthday by issuing six $540 grants to qualifying Women in Business and Women in Media through her companies Cheryl Polote Williamson, LLC and Williamson Media Group, LLC. Moved by the applicants’ entries, Williamson chose to continue awarding monetary gifts beyond the initial six and give a $540 grant every month through September 14, 2021 to a woman-owned business.

Williamson believes in meaningful partnerships and is proud to connect with causes like the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Forth Worth (HSC) for the first-of-its-kind, Black Alzheimer’s Brain Research Study. “My grandmother died of Alzheimer’s. Hopefully, I can help other families forgo the pain and anguish my family endured watching her struggle to remember who we were, and even more so, who she was. I believe in this research study and I hope families would join.”

Cheryl Polote Williamson—motivator, innovator, and inspiration maven is dedicated and unshakable in her calling to forge mutually beneficial and lasting relationships, excel in business and leadership, intentially create

EXECUTIVE

P R O D U C E R

TWENTY PEARLS

opportunities, and advance others. “I am focused, driven, and passionate about achieving what God has purposed for me to do.

As a person of influence, you must be laserfocused, looking straight ahead, not getting distracted to the left or right if you expect to successfully finish your race.”

Because of her passion for helping women become the best version of themselves, Williamson has been recognized by the Texas Women’s Foundation who honors female leaders and trailblazers making a difference in their communities, and is a 2021 Maura Women Helping Women Award Recipient.

The T.D. Jakes Foundation is a proud sponsor of the Texas Women’s Foundation Women Leadership Forum & Awards Celebration, and recently partnered with Williamson’s foundation, Soul Reborn to provide supplies for the residents and families in the housing communities the organization services.

Meet Cheryl in her award-winning Facebook Group: Blessings, Business, and Collaborations to stay informed on opportunities, resources, and collaborative quests offered by the goal-getter Cheryl Polote Williamson. Find out more or donate to Soul Reborn at soulreborn.org. To help find solutions for Black families join the Black Alz Brain Study at blackalzbrainstudy.com.

FOCUSED DRIVEN

&

PASSIONATE

ABOUT GOD'S

PURPOSE

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Women in Business and Women in Media Grants Sponsored by Cheryl Polote Williamson, LLC and Williamson Media Group, LLC

October 2020

Alyse Watson Alyse Marie Productions

February 2021

Kayisha Thompson De L’or Cakery Corporation

November 2020

Velyncia Mallory VC Events

Tamira Fleming Stem Connextion

March 2021

December 2020

Pamela Johnson PYJDesigns Advisory Group

Jessica Mosley Deborah’s Place

April 2021

LaTrisha McIntosh BSM Media Group LLC

January 2021

Samantha Sinclair Pathway to Purpose

Alex Delotch Davis Gallerie 88

Sherrie Barrett Verdie’s Cobblers

Tynisha Lewis Intelligence Learning Systems LLC/Intelligence Tutoring Ché Houston ChéRené Macarons & More, LLC

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BUSINESS

The Power of Sisterhood Among Black Professional Women

Janiece Evans-Page CEO, Tides Network

by Siobhan Davenport

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Celebrated as one of San Franscisco's Powerful Women of the Bay during Women’s History month, Janiece Evans-Page says building a strong sisterhood is the most important part of her success. Evans-Page began her new role as CEO of the Tides Network in January of this year. Tides’ mission is to accelerate social change by working with innovative partners to solve society’s toughest problems.

Since 1976, Tides has scaled more than 1,400 social ventures, fueled social change in 120+ countries, and mobilized over $3 billion for impact. In 2020, Tides achieved $1.3 billion in operating revenue and awarded more than $664 million to domestic and international nonprofits at the forefront of changing systems from racial, gender, and class bias. With a focus on issues like defending voting rights, closing the voter turnout gap for communities of color, young voters, and the economically disadvantaged, Evans-Page proudly embraces her role leading an organization that is a “steward for social reckoning.”

Janiece Evans-Page has an acclaimed career spanning several industries, organizations, and functions. However, she admits that she experienced and witnessed implicit and conscious bias but never allowed systemic racism and sexism to define her. She credits her sisterhood of Black professional women as inspirational to her professionally and personally. Early in her career, Evans-Page intentionally established a network of dynamic women and a few men who could provide honest and valuable feedback, as well as propel and inspire her.

This sisterhood provided support and shared best practices that helped Evans-Page successfully navigate workspaces when she was often the only Black woman in the room.

One of her sister-friends provided muchneeded advice during the recession of 2008 when Evans-Page was at a crossroads in her career. She could either remain in Corporate America or pivot to social impact work. The advice stayed with her until this day, “We

sometimes do what we have to do to do what we want to do.”

In leadership, Evans-Page is ensuring, “Black women are in the room, where it happens.”

She recognizes the difficulties of overcoming racial and sexist biases. However, EvansPage acknowledges that she is standing on the shoulders of so many great Black women, historically and present day that motivate her.

And in turn, she has and continues to mentor Black women in the workplace.

“I never use the word can’t.

Instead, I see the roadblocks and challenges that I can overcome. I never allow systemic racism and sexism to define me.”

Evans-Page guides Tides to the forefront of solutions while working to address some of the most challenging occurrences of our time: national reckoning on social justice, ravaging wildfires brought on by climate change, and Covid-19 bringing to the forefront - inequities in healthcare, education, and economic opportunity. She focuses on the effectiveness of programs that impact women and especially BPOC women. Tides is partnering with Black Lives Matter and investing in Black women-led ventures and initiatives for Black and Brown girls.

With all of her responsibilities, Evans-Page makes time for joy by spending quality time with her family, and of course, making space for her sister-friend time.

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COMMUNITY

BLM 5K and Soul Reborn Team Up to kickoff the Annual BLM 5K race series.

BLM 5K, founded in Jacksonville, Florida, hosts the kickoff to their 2021 race series at the 2nd Annual BLM 5K Jacksonville event on May 1, 2021. BLM 5K has partnered with Soul Reborn 501(c)3 non-profit charitable organization and Soul Reborn’s Founder and CEO, award-winning bestselling author, and nationally acclaimed philanthropic leader Cheryl Polote Williamson for this historic event. Soul Reborn was founded in Dallas, Texas, and has similar goals as BLM 5K regarding community outreach. BLM 5K and Soul Reborn strive to help families suffering from poverty, racial disparity and discrimination, sexual harassment or assault, and other injustices. Soul Reborn also readily supports disenfranchised, underserved, and previously incarcerated women. The organization helps communities learn about financial literacy and has a verifiable track record of equipping thousands, primarily women, with the tools needed for life and business. Because of the organization’s proven effectiveness in community outreach and impact, Soul Reborn is the preferred charitable organization of BLM 5K. BLM 5K is excited to bring the 2nd Annual BLM 5K back to Jacksonville after a successful turnout at last year’s event. Founder of BLM 5K, Tanisha Crisp says, “The year 2020 was filled with heartache, death, injustice, and mourning. More than ever, as a community, it is vital for us to unite with one another and give support to the black community after experiencing a horrific, tragic year in 2020.” BLM 5K says after the attack on Capitol Hill, they feel it is vital that BLM 5K supporters gather peacefully at the 2nd Annual BLM 5K Jacksonville event to show onlookers the correct and positive way to have your voice heard without any violence.

Because the COVID-19 pandemic remains a threat, in-person events are carefully planned by the BLM 5K team with an extra layer of safety measures to keep everyone safe. This year BLM 5K in Jacksonville, Florida, is conditionally approved to have 2,000 participants while practicing social distancing and enforcing the mask mandate. BLM 5K has a COVID-19 plan in place to ensure the safety of walkers and runners.

This year’s event is hosted by Comedian A-Train and will feature music by hometown favorite, Eric Carter, and spins by DJ Oxygen formerly of Bad Boy Entertainment. The headlining food truck is My V Spot, premiere vegan restaurant and Mackey’s Munchies out of Orange Park, FL, will bring New Orleans-style food to the event.

Participants can register for the event until 6 PM May 1, 2021 at Blm5k.com.

When participants register, they have the option to donate to Soul Reborn on the BLM 5K website, or feel free to donate directly at soulreborn.org.

For more information: Tanisha Crisp Tanisha@blm5k.com www.blm5k.com

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THE GENTLEMAN’S

WHAT WOMEN VOICE SHOULD KNOW

Jamel Dev'on Jackson,

coined the Relationship Mechanic, is a music artist, an author, and motivational speaker. He focuses on evaluating, repairing, and offering tools to maintain healthy relationships. Catch his podcast: The Value Podcast on Spotify, Google Play, and Apple.

For more on Jamel or to purchase his book, The Value Of Relationships, go to www.JamelDJackson. com. Follow him on IG, FB, Twitter, and Youtube @ jameldjackson.

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WHAT'S THE BIG IDEA? written by JAMEL D. JACKSON

When we enter an agreement, commitment and compromise are involved. A person can be committed but unwilling to compromise. Or, a person that’s willing to compromise may not be committed. Both must exist in a mutual agreement.

Even with negative connotations surrounding the word “relationship,” I discovered that relationships are not as complicated as we make them. Not to diminish likely challenges, I believe when we apply practical wisdom versus experimenting with life, we can avoid many relationship pitfalls.

The unpopular opinion:

Fear of commitment in men and the anxiousness of commitment in women is a myth.

When it comes to dating or being in a committed relationship, some women struggle to make a serious connection, whether with the man they prayed and waited for or recently met. They may only have been impressed with the idea of him. Potential and the idea of what a man could be can be fun to date. But some women get hung up on flaws or missing qualities they can’t get past, fear of failure, past setbacks, or trauma.

Either way, it prevents them from fully engaging and moving forward in a potentially great relationship.

An idea, by definition, is a thought or suggestion as to a possible course of action. For the amazing queens that find themselves in long-term casual relationships with men who want more, but you have not shown a real interest in committing, men have no desire to sit as placeholders. If you are with a good man, make a decision. A man who is interested in a commitment will only stick around as a thought or suggestion in your life for so long. Cute suggestions like, “I can see you as a great husband,” or “You’d make a great dad” sound nice but are meaningless without any form of execution.

Are you prepared to explore the idea? Are you willing to commit and compromise when an actual "Mr. Right" comes along but is missing something from your list?

Many women have a detailed description of the man they desire for their lives. They have a grand idea of his character traits and all the attributes needed to move him forward as a potential candidate in their love life.

However, when Mr. Right shows up, some women would prefer to experiment with the idea than execute reality using practical wisdom.

Today, the question of who initiates moving the relationship from platonic to romantic is an argumentative topic. I do believe men should take the initial steps to pursue women, especially when they exemplify and communicate all the signs of being ready. But regardless of where you sit on the matter of traditional gender roles, the question for every single woman remains, are you in love with the idea of perfection more than the weight and responsibility of a sensible reality that could end up being good for you?

Here are a few steps to help you go from IDEA to REALITY: Listen – Ask – Communicate 1) Listen Carefully Listening is a critical skill. A conscious effort to actively listen to a man will give you the keys to unlock his heart or unlock yours. Reality can mean moving forward into a committed relationship or, in fairness, letting the man go. Listen to obtain information, understand, and learn important facts that will help you determine if this relationship deserves your time and energy or if you are wasting his.

2) Ask Questions Ask purposeful questions. Asking a man the right questions will trigger responses to use as indicators to determine whether or not to draw him closer and shift the paradigm from a casual relationship to potentially someone to do life with or establish definitive boundaries early and not give false hope.

3) Communicate Clearly An essential tool in any relationship is communication.

Be clear, concise, and confident concerning your core values and desires. Nothing is more attractive to a man than a woman that knows what she wants and is prepared to walk it out. By the same token be clear and honest about what you don’t want. Clarity is a timesaver and presents the woman as independent, able to communicate the value of a man in her life and her reasons with assertiveness and grace.

Ladies, if you are casually dating someone interested in more, don’t let another woman come along, take your idea of the perfect mate and make him her reality because she is in execution mode while you procrastinated, believing you had more time with the idea.

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FOXXY WIZDOM

with Charmaine Roots Castillo

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The Torches We Carry If you could have dinner with anyone (alive or dead), who would it be and why?

we fall, we do not stay down, nor do we quit. We are carriers of the torch.

I've answered this question on more than one occasion, and each time my answer has been the same: Cicely Tyson. Cicely Tyson was a remarkable leader who led by example. She used her gift of acting to influence generations powerfully, and, in my opinion; she personified the everyday woman using her talent and ability to serve herself and humanity. She embraced her commitment to serve others by being the best Cicely that she could be, and as a result, she built an unforgettable legacy on a foundation of wisdom, grace, and ageless beauty. I sense the passing of the torch.

In the same way that Cicely Tyson built a legacy with her life’s work, so are we. How will we be remembered? Let us shine as an example to the generations who are watching. Let us encourage, inspire, love, and promote the peace that comes when we endeavor to be the best that we can be.

Inside of each woman is a desire to be the best version of herself. We have everything that we need to run with the torch of influence and inspiration. The stories that we are writing with our lives right now build our legacy. As we go about our lives attending to the things we deem most important, we should be aware that our life-giving energy leaves rich deposits of resilience, tenacity, and all we are bringing to the table. We are carriers of the torch.

We are the mothers nursing our newborns. We are the students of universities and the students of life. We are women mourning our losses and celebrating our wins. We are the suddenly singles and the newlyweds. We are the voices defending the voiceless, and we are the silent observers. We are tired, but we gain strength from each other. When

In the powerful inaugural presentation of her poem "The Hill We Climb," Amanda Gorman presented this inspirational sentiment: " . . . For there is always light if only we're brave enough to see it.

If only we're brave enough to be it."

When we allow our light to be the light that we want others to see, we step into our greatness—one step at a time.

As we remember the voices of our mothers, grandmothers, great aunties, and every influential woman who has ever spoken into "our" lives, we carry the torch when we share from our hearts the lessons that we have learned and the triumphs that we have enjoyed.

I surrender to the charge to share my wisdom with the world and carry the torch of grace, peace, and ageless beauty. Are y’all ready for some Foxxy Wizdom?

Contributing Editor Charmaine Roots Castillo is a model, freelance editor, best-selling author, and creative writer who promotes hope, encouragement, and brighter perspectives. Connect with her on IG: @56silverfoxx or connect at CharmaineCastillo.com.

Photo Cred: YRS Photog raphy

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1 IN 2

BLACK HOUSEHOLDS are impacted by ALZHEIMER'S or some form of dementia.

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EDITORIAL

HSC LAUNCHES FIRST-OF-ITS KIND BLACK ALZHEIMER’S BRAIN STUDY Sybil Wilkes and community leaders support groundbreaking efforts to help find answers for Black families. DFW residents encouraged to join today.

O

n the heels of its announcement to invest $7 million in the first-ever Black Alzheimer’s (ALZ) Brain Study, The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth (HSC) has launched an outreach campaign throughout DFW. As part of its historic Health & Aging Brain Study, the effort seeks to find answers to why Alzheimer’s disproportionately impacts Black families. Media personality Sybil Wilkes, as well as community, civic, and faith-based leaders have joined the effort to help increase awareness and encourage Black residents in DFW to join the study.

“My life’s mission is to super-serve our people and affect positive change. I’m grateful for the opportunity to help bring attention to this important study and encourage others to join,” said Sybil Wilkes, media veteran, formerly of the Tom Joyner Morning Show. “Alzheimer’s is a terrible disease that, unfortunately, has hit Black families the hardest.

Please do it for Big Mama… join this study to help change our future.”

Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible brain disease that slowly destroys memory skills, thinking skills and eventually the ability to carry out daily activities.

Today, an estimated 2.2 million African Americans have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

In fact, 1 in 2 Black households is impacted by Alzheimer’s or some form of dementia. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, among people 65 and older, African Americans have the highest prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease, followed by Hispanics and non-Latino whites. While there are many theories about why African Americans are at a greater biological risk of Alzheimer’s disease, medical researchers do not know why.

Through targeted, culturally sensitive outreach, HSC’s team of doctors, scientists and educators are working to build confidence in the groundbreaking study. In addition to engaging well-respected voices in the Black community, the integrated campaign includes hyper-localized radio, digital and social media.

HSC’s Black ALZ Brain Study will leverage state-of-the-art imaging and robotics to analyze brain protein markers. Led by the preeminent researchers, the study does not require injections nor the administration of prescription drugs.

Participants will undergo free comprehensive interviews, functional exams, blood draw, a brain MRI and a PET scan, and will earn compensation for their time. The research study is funded by a grant from the National Institute on Aging, part of the National Institutes of Health.

Many Black Americans remain skeptical about medical research, much of which is rooted in history.

Testimonials from DFW residents and caregivers who have been impacted by Alzheimer’s are also prominently featured.

“Simply stated, transparency and trust will be key components of the Black ALZ Brain Study’s success— and we’re all in,” said Dr. Leigh Johnson, Associate Director of the Institute for Translational Research. “I’ve not only dedicated my career to helping others through science, but I also live in the DFW metroplex and love this community. There’s nothing more rewarding than doing meaningful work in my own backyard.”

Research has shown that factors such as stress, poverty and socioeconomic disadvantages are associated with cognitive problems in midlife and dementia later in life. African Americans also suffer from a high burden of medical risk factors for P. 3 9 | Cheryl MAGAZINE

Alzheimer’s such as high cholesterol, hypertension, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.

“Every three seconds someone in the world develops dementia, with Alzheimer’s being the most prevalent,” said Dr. Sid O’Bryant, professor and Executive Director of the HSC Institute for Translational Research. “With this number set to rise, there has never been a more urgent time to gain a better understanding of this disease, especially its impact on Black families.”

For information, helpful resources and to join the Black ALZ Brain study, visit blackalzbrainstudy.com or call 817-735-2963.

About the Black ALZ Brain Study The Black ALZ Brain Study seeks to recruit 1,000 North Texas-based residents, ages 50 and older, to research why African Americans are at a greater biological risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Long-term, the goal is to develop new treatments that can prevent the deadly disease. The first-of-its kind research is co- led by Dr. Sid O’Bryant and Dr. Leigh Johnson.

O’Bryant is the Executive Director of the Institute for Translational Research, which is dedicated to precision medicine in Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative diseases, including

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Down syndrome, Lewy Body disease, Parkinson’s disease, and traumatic brain injury, among others.

Johnson is the Associate Director of the Institute for Translational Research and an associate professor in the Departments of Pharmacology and Neuroscience and Family Medicine.

About UNTHSC ITR The UNTHSC ITR is dedicated to understanding and eliminating health disparities in Alzheimer’s disease among underserved communities. The Health & Aging Brain Study – Health Disparities (HABS-HD) is the most comprehensive study of Alzheimer’s among diverse communities ever conducted. The team studies the biology of disease within the context of social, environmental and behavioral factors because a “who you are,” “where you are from,” and “your environment” are important to how you age.

Media Contacts: Pat Bailey pbailey@pbaileygroup.com Lalohni (LA) Campbell info@blackalzbrainstudy.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Navigating Through the Perfect Storm How to Maximize Your Well-Being

by Dr. Madge L. Barnes, MD; FAAFPCEO, Barone Health and Medical Advisory About twenty years ago, the movie “The Perfect Storm” starring George Clooney told the story of courageous men and women when faced with sudden and unexpected changes in weather conditions. Multiple storms, brewing at once that collide to create one massive storm—the perfect storm. I never thought this title would apply to me, but it did. I now share this story to stress the importance of well-being and self-care. It is also a cautionary tale to mitigate the likelihood of experiencing such a storm.

Alternative health providers believe lifestyle choices such as poor nutrition, lack of sleep, excessive coffee, overexertion, or lack of physical activity may cause the syndrome. These behaviors can cause the adrenal gland to produce excessive amounts of cortisol and lesser amounts of the other hormones.

Because mainstream medicine does not recognize

I was offered a position at a well-known health entity in May of 2018. I was the only doctor, which meant me taking calls twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. I was busy being a community advocate, giving presentations, and writing health articles for local and national magazines. I stayed up late and got up early.

In August of 2018, my oldest sister was diagnosed with Thymus Cancer, which is extremely rare. I arranged to have her seen at MD Anderson Hospital in Houston. I was traveling out of the country and unable to be with her but kept in touch while away.

By the end of January 2019, I noticed that I was sleeping only four or five hours, which caused daytime fatigue, and my short-term memory was adversely affected. I took a few days off to rest, but the symptoms did not improve, so I decided to take an extended leave. I was unsure of the diagnosis, but with research discovered the term for the symptoms I experienced. It was Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome. This term is not as well-recognized in medical literature as Alternative Medicine/Health.

Adrenal fatigue occurs when the adrenal gland fails to produce adequate quantities of epinephrine, norepinephrine, and cortisol hormones. Long-term stress and excessive activity play a factor in this condition resulting in chronic fatigue that affects blood pressure, blood sugar, and sleep rhythm.

Symptoms of adrenal fatigue include low energy, chronic tiredness, insomnia, depression, headaches, muscle pain, low blood sugar, restless leg syndrome, digestive problems, low blood pressure, and hair loss Blood work will not detect changes in cortisol levels.

Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome, alternative health care practitioners recommend assessment, nutritional and herbal supplementation. Increased physical activity is vital to [alleviating] the effects of longterm cortisol excess secretion.

After an evaluation from my primary care physician, I saw an herbal naturopathic specialist. I underwent a body scan to check the cellular status of my organ systems and learn about supplements that

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will improve deficiencies. Transforming my eating habits by eating less processed food and more raw vegetables, [and drinking] more distilled water was a proven game-changer. Spending more time in meditation and prayer was also vital. I began to have more energy, better sleep, and a better mood after a few months.

Every person is unique and should have an assessment by a primary care and a naturopathic provider [to determine their path toward well-being and self-care]. My transformation involved retiring from medicine and developing my writing and speaking passions.

Four Tips for Maximizing Your Well-being: 1. Do not become a collector of “red flags.” The first red flag is enough for change.

2. Take the “S” off your chest. Superwoman is fictional. Use the “S” for surrender. Surrender to [not] having it all together; accept assistance.

3. Be your advocate. Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome is not depression, but symptoms are similar; if your doctor is unfamiliar with this condition, research other reputable sources.

4. Strengthen your spiritual resolve to be your best authentic self.

Dr. Madge L. Barnes, MD, FAAFP, CEO of Barone Health and Medical Advisory, and Amazon Best-selling Co-author of Soulful Prayers and Souled Out, is a Community Advocate; who has practiced Family Medicine for 30 years. Dr. Barnes resides in the Dallas-Ft. Worth Metroplex. For more, contact info@baronehma.net.

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Mental Health Care Barriers for the Strong Black Woman

by Kerr y-Ann Zamore, LCSW, MSeD, LPC At the top of her career with a beautiful family and an influential social circle, from the outside, it appeared that she had everything. She should have been one of the happiest women anywhere, yet she struggled every day to get out of bed. It had been that way as long as she could remember. There was always a sense of sadness, loneliness, and isolation, even in a crowded room. Her smile never seemed to meet her eyes. [Instead,] it hovered teasingly at the edge of her lips just long enough to keep questions about her happiness at bay. It was exhausting, but she had to maintain the routine. She was a “strong Black woman”—a strong Black woman who struggled with depression. [Who is she? Insert the name of any six out of ten Black women in the US.] Every day, women face many different stressors in both their personal and professional lives.

Feeling sad, lonely, and scared are normal reactions. However, for individuals diagnosed with depression, these feelings tend to be more severe as they persist. Women are 2-3 times more likely than men to develop depression, more so with African American women. In the California Black Women’s Project, a study of African American mental health, 60% of African American women experience symptoms of depression; yet less than 20% sought professional help. Barriers like stigma, community disapproval, disbelief in receiving treatment from the dominant healthcare system, and disapproval of psychotropic medications prevent the professional treatment of depressive disorders also solidifies the lack of interest in seeking services.

Historically, therapy and the use of mental health services have been a taboo in African American communities. Events like the "Tuskegee [Syphilis] Experiment" and the case of Henrietta Lack are hypothesized contributors to many African Americans' negative attitudes about seeking health care services. For African American women, sociopolitical history might play a [substantial] role in fostering cultural mistrust toward the health care system. [Alternatively,] the use of informal coping mechanisms such as family, friends, and church are common. Families maintain strong beliefs that “family problems” should not be discussed outside of the family--particularly mental health.

Cultural beliefs affect coping behaviors as well. In particular, the stress and anxiety of maintaining an image reinforced by the cultural community can have [damaging] effects on coping behaviors. In the case of the cultural stereotype of the “strong Black woman,” maintaining the image of the self-reliant Black woman might delay or hinder treatment seeking among African American women.

Changing the narrative includes critical steps like normalizing mental health disorders, seeking services, and contributing to the solution by investing in Black mental health care providers.

Additionally, dismantling the stigma of the strong Black woman who can handle any pain is also critical. A simple step in the normalization is self-care. Self-care includes giving one another permission and encouragement to share and release trauma and emotional baggage. Teach the next generation about self-care. Start at an early age and stop cycles of shame and resistance to mental health care.

Kerry-Ann Zamore, LCSW, MSeD, LPC CEO of KZamore Enterprise, LLC, The Zamore Foundation, and KZamore Entertainment is a professor, and clinical social worker, and certified counselor. For more on Kery-Ann, visit kzamore.com or follow her on IG: @kzamore_ent FB:Kerry-Ann Zamore.

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MONEY TALK with Roni M. Benjamin

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SAFETYNET What is your plan to handle your next inevitable crisis? Create a safety net with your emergency fund. For years, I did not value the benefits and resources money could afford my family and me. I will admit I mismanaged my income by overspending on entertainment, eating out, groceries, clothing, etc. I avoided thinking about or planning for the unexpected. This behavior cost me greatly. I missed out on lucrative business opportunities, paid higher interest on loans, and was not a good source of relief for my family in need. Humans are creatures of habit.

Change, however, is inevitable. Whether it is a pandemic, job loss, or changes in the market that impact your ability to create income, life without an emergency fund is risky. There is great relief and safety in having a financial plan, but more importantly, a strategy. Start with a budget. There are digital tools available, or you can go old school like me and use an excel budget sheet.

You may be wondering how much should I set aside for a safety net? Ideally, you want to set aside enough emergency cash in your checking or savings account to cover six months of your income or your living expenses. A twelve-month cushion may be more sensible for small business owners or those working in highly unpredictable industries. The simplest way to get started is to put aside an exact amount each month into a separate account. Nickname the account “emergency fund” if you must. Now, if you are interested in accelerating the process, consider depositing all or a portion of your tax refund and employment bonus into this account. Typically, this is money that doesn’t fall inside your regular monthly budget, and it is often much easier to save these bonuses without feeling deprived.

On the other hand, you may be able to use the built-up cash value in a whole life or universal life insurance policy as a source of funds in an emergency. A policy’s cash value accumulates over time, and unlike a bank loan, you do not have to pay back a loan against the cash value, and withdrawals are tax-free. Understand that when you borrow against your policy’s cash value, it will reduce the death benefit your loved ones receive.

Another suggestion would be to establish a personal line of credit or a home equity line of credit. These are not for everyday purposes, of course, but in case of a true financial emergency. Be responsible if this is your choice.

Pay on time and use less than 30 percent of the available credit to maintain a great credit score.

Credit experts will concur.

Do not wait until it is too late and an emergency presents itself. Procrastination is the enemy of success. Success is having a well-thoughtout financial plan for the unforeseen. By having enough funds set aside for immediate but unexpected cash needs, you’ll be in a much better position to weather short-term financial turmoil and market volatility while remaining on track toward your long-term goals and objectives.

As a Financial Professional, I am committed to helping individuals and business owners build a solid financial house one phase at a time.

Regardless of your location in the country, if anything you read resonates with you or incites you to move to action, I encourage you to reach out to me. Together let’s create a plan specific to your needs.

I am a financial services professional committed to helping individuals and businesses build a solid financial house and leave a legacy for their children’s children. I don’t know where you’re located in the world, but if anything mentioned resonates with you or incites you to move to action, I encourage you to reach out to me. Together, let’s create a plan for you and your family specific to your needs.

Roni M. Benjamin

Licensed New York Life Insurance Company Agent Financial Editor, Author, Speaker, Entrepreneur, and winner of Dr. Boyce Watkins’ 2020 #BlackOwnedBusiness Pitch Competition (770) 685-5532

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ONLY YOUR DNA! There will never be another you, and YOU are designed to IMPACT. Cut your doubting.

Check your mindset.

Improve your skillset.

I use to ask myself how I could make an impact and do it well, with strength, and little frustration. Now I train leaders all over the world.

If you’re a mission-driven leader feeling frustrated, fearful, or you lack focus, it’s time to move forward and step into the new YOU. New doors are open and opportunities await. It’s time to strategize!

P4 Coaching Institute provides an accredited International Coaching Federation (ICF) Certified Life Coach training program for leaders. I am called to assist ministry and nonprofit leaders plan, process, and produce with their divine purpose to create legacies globally.

As a leader, if you doubt that you can make an impact, or wonder how you can make a mark, let’s chat.

Tilda

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HOW TO FIND LUXURY ITEMS FOR LESS Many people are using the time since Covid to revamp and elevate their personal look. I have worked with clients who see the adjustment to the new normal as an opportunity to invest in themselves and create a style that makes them feel confident, providing a true reflection of how they want to represent themselves online and in person. After all, the pandemic won’t last forever, and when it’s time again to meet in person, travel, or speak in front of audiences, why not be prepared?

I teach clients how to extend the life of their wardrobe. One of the ways to do that is to invest in higher-quality pieces. Always invest in the highest quality you can afford. If you want to add a few designer pieces to your wardrobe without having to pay full price, below are three great places to shop to find luxury for less.

| ONE |

SAMPLE SALES

Because brands have so much inventory to move, you will find items at sample sales available at deeply discounted prices. If you want to enjoy extra savings, wait until the last few days of the sale to shop. Often you will be able to shop and receive additional percentages off your purchase like "save an extra 20% off," "buy 2 get 20% off," "buy 3 get 30% off," etc.

For years, most sample sales were in person only in major cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Miami.

These days, you can now shop sample sales in person in cities all over and online. 260 Sample Sale and Eclipse are the leading companies that host weekly sample sales for major brands. You can visit their websites and join their email list to get notified when sample sales are happening.

| TWO |

DISCOUNT STORES

Nordstrom Rack, Saks Off Fifth, Gilt, Last Call Neiman Marcus, and The Outnet are just a few great discount stores to shop luxury for less. I needed a new leather jacket after retiring the one I had for twelve years. I found a new luxury jacket online at Nordstrom Rack for under $200!

When it comes to these types of stores, there is a lot of inventory, so you will need to have patience when shopping. Before scrolling through online or going rack-byrack in a store, have a list of the specific items you want. A list will help you filter your selections online or guide you to departments when shopping in person in stores. These discount stores offer great deals, but they can be overwhelming if you are not prepared.

| THREE |

CONSIGNMENT

These days, there are as many consignment shops available online as in local communities.

The Real Real and Luxury Garage Sale are two popular online consignment stores that you can use to shop for pre-owned designer clothing and accessories or to sell designer items that you no longer want to keep.

What’s great about consignment shops is that they have luxury items you probably would not find anywhere else. You can expect to find high-end brands like Chanel, Gucci, and so much more. The pieces sold at consignment shops are verified authentic, so when shopping, you will know with assurance that you are walking away with genuine, high-quality items.

If you are ready to add luxury items to your closet, these are great places to start. You will not only extend the life of your wardrobe, but you’ll save yourself time and money.

Get amazing tips, hacks, essentials and more all at KeriHenderson.com! Keri Henderson is an L. A . based personal fashion st ylist who works with client s in-person and vir tually. Follow her on IG at @kerilhenderson and #St yledbyKeri, and on Facebook at Keri Henderson.

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STYLE MATTERS with Keri Henderson

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Key LeBlanc

Creating Music for the Soul

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ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

Talented independent artist Key LeBlanc is taking Dallas/Fort Worth by storm. The singer/ songwriter, self-taught guitarist, and published author began her career in 2019 with the release of her first song, “Happy” an inspirational anthem about overcoming and remaining positive throughout life’s challenges.

LeBlanc began teaching herself to play guitar in 2018 by learning to play cover songs from YouTube tutorials. Her creative display of self-love coupled with the upbeat melodies of her acoustic guitar caught the attention of iHeart Radio. She was selected as the winner of iHeartRadio and Golden Road Brewing’s “California Inspired Music Contest” and was given the opportunity to perform live at their Made in L.A. Festival, one of Los Angeles’s largest annual music festivals. She has since appeared on Good Morning Texas and Good Day Fox 4, and performed at the House of Blues (Dallas), The Black Academy of Arts & Letters and other major events and venues across Dallas, New York and Los Angeles.

Key LeBlanc is committed to inspiring others with her music. Her sound is often described as sultry yet warm and airy soul-pop.

She writes her own lyrics and co-produces all of her songs. She is currently working on her debut EP, which is a fusion of pop, R&B & Afro-beat elements. Every song reminds listeners of their strength and encourages them to remember that through every obstacle they are growing. “The goal of this EP was to inspire, encourage and empower listeners. I wanted people to feel happy and to feel like they aren’t alone when they’re listening. I hope my songs inspire people to believe in themselves and to never give up hope.” As she embarks on her journey, she encourages her listeners to remember that Love is Key. Love of self, love of others, and love of God. LeBlanc plans to release new music all year. Her latest single “Dive Into Ya” dropped February 19th on her birthday. Follow and support her on all social media platforms @keyleblancmusic.

You can listen to Key LeBlanc on Tidal, Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music, Pandora, iTunes, and all other music-streaming services. www.keyleblanc.com for booking@keyleblanc.com P. 5 1 | Cheryl MAGAZINE

ENTERTAINMENT

BLACK

WOMEN IN ENTERTAINMENT 2021

Five Women Who Shifted the Culture of Media and Entertainment

T

hroughout the decades, black women in the entertainment industry have faced plenty of obstacles from sexism, racism, and economic inequality. Despite these matters, women have made their way to the forefront, changing the game and taking no prisoners. Trailblazing influencers such as Oprah Winfrey, Rihanna, Ava Duvernay, Queen Latifah, and Beyoncé are achieving new heights and have inspired women worldwide to create their legacies.

RIHANNA Rihanna is one of the highest-paid Black women on Forbes’ list and the 60th highest-paid celebrity overall. Forbes reports that Rihanna made $600 million in 2020 from her Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty businesses. Despite her successful music career, Forbes said that she made the “bulk” of her income in 2020 from her makeup brand, Fenty Beauty.

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by Jelia Coleman-Hepner

QUEEN LATIFAH Queen Latifah was born Dana Elaine Owens. She received her start as a leading-edge rapper and star of the early 90’s sitcom Living Single. It was easy to see that this Queen was bound to become a cultural icon. Since her debut, Queen Latifah has racked up an Emmy Award, Grammy Award, and an Academy Award nomination.

OPRAH WINFREY Now a mogul with a multibillion-dollar fortune, Oprah Winfrey came from Kosciusko, Mississippi.

Winfrey got her start [in television at 19 as a local anchor, but became known] with the legendary Oprah Winfrey Show and has since gone on to earn multiple Academy Award nominations for her fantastic acting performances in films like The Color Purple and Selma. In 2011, Winfrey launched her TV network, the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN).

AVA DUVERNAY Winner of the Emmy, BAFTA, and Peabody Awards, Academy Award nominee Ava DuVernay is a writer, director, producer, and film distributor. She was the first black female director to have a film nominated for a Best Picture Oscar and receive a Golden Globe nomination. She is also the writer and director of the four-part Netflix miniseries When They See Us, a story based on five New York City teenagers wrongfully convicted of the 1989 rape and assault of a Central Park jogger. When They See Us collected several Emmy nominations, winning for outstanding lead actor in a limited series.

BEYONCÉ Mother, writer, producer, actress, model, musician, and cultural icon, Beyoncé is arguably the most influential celebrity of her generation. She’s scored the most Grammy nominations of any female artist, winning 28 times, and has sold more than 160 million records as a solo artist and member of R&B group Destiny’s Child. Her charities have given over 500 million dollars and have helped hundreds of families in need through the years. She is one of the most decorated female artists in history.

Many women of color, whose talents and gifts benefit the world, are paving the way for others—radio personality Angela Yee, actress Viola Davis, television host Tamron Hall are a few of my personal favorites.

These and other women use their entertainment platform to bring awareness to social injustice, speak their truth, and give back to the community. Black women [are] the [overlooked] backbone of America. We have a way to go when it comes to more recognition and equal pay, but we always come out on top.

Resources Wikipedia contributors. (2021, March 28). Rihanna. Wikipedia. www.rihannanow.com Wikipedia contributors. (2002, November 19). Queen Latifah. Wikipedia.

Wikipedia contributors. (2021b, April 1). Oprah Winfrey. Wikipedia. www.Oprah.com Wikipedia contributors. (2021b, April 1). Ava DuVernay. Wikipedia.www.avaduvernay.com Wikipedia contributors. (2021c, April 1). Beyoncé. Wikipedia. www.beyonce.com

Jelia Coleman- Hepner

graduated from Fayetteville State University with a degree in Mass Communication and a minor in journalism. As a former radio personality and a writer, she loves blogging/ writing, which is her way of giving information or entertaining the community.

As a news reporter, she has covered many events from news to politics and won the ACHI magazine 2018 award for journalist of the year.

key leblanc dive into ya keyleblanc.com

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#GIRLPOWER

with Traci Henderson Smith

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There is Still Positivity in the World KidzMic Founder Kira Pugh Bringing you another young female change-maker, Cheryl Magazine is excited to highlight up-and-coming mogul Kira Pugh, born into a family filled with music professionals and Black History firsts. For nearly half of Kira’s life, her mom has been on GRAMMY-winner Anthony Hamilton’s management team. Her maternal grandfather was a drummer for The Isley Brothers. Her great grandfather, Franklin Seay, a member of the first Black high school basketball championship team, uncle William “Billy” Harvey Goines, first Black Navy SEAL, and great great grandfather, Dr. Charles Turner, first Black dentist in Ohio, are all in the Smithsonian Museum.

Surrounded by barrier breakers, whether family or other influential leaders and artists, Kira learned to notice their effect on people. With encouragement from her great grandmother Beverly Seay to “lean into her abilities,” Kira decided that other kids should have access to the powerful positivity she experiences, so she co-founded KidzMic. “KidzMic helps show kids like us some of the best-kept success secrets from GRAMMY-winning musicians, world leaders, rising stars, and leading professionals in the arts and entertainment industry,” says Kira. “We show kids like us that there is still positivity in the world and that one of the most impactful ways that kids can make a positive mark is through arts and sciences.”

Kira, media host, author, speaker, and entrepreneur, started KidzMic because of the negativity she saw in the world and the music heard on the radio. “I originally wanted a music CD of all my favorite songs. I took that idea and decided to share positive songs with the world.”

KidzMic is a STEAM, music, media, and lifestyle brand for kids. Their leadership skill-boosting CD Kidz Mic: Act 1 is full of hit songs by Alicia Keys, Bruno Mars, Lauryn Hill, Kirk Franklin, and more, sung by kids and mixed with self-affirmations and positive peer pressure. In addition to on-location interviews at concerts and events with celebrities and leaders willing to share tips to help kids succeed, Kira is also the co-host of MusicLeaderz Podcast with her brother, co-founder, Skye Pugh. “My brother is the science of

our duo. He helps with YouTube video ideas. It’s fun to work with your sibling because they are always there to talk about ideas.”

The two aim to create positive media experiences for kids while continuing to develop their brand. They love science and have led STEAM demonstrations for libraries, Atlanta Public School System, girls’ organizations, and more. They are code-happy science mavens but embrace the A (art) in STEAM through music. Kira and Skye have a natural knack for music.

Their dad was a DJ for Kirk Franklin and asked to serve as DJ on the elite teaching staff for Jam Master Jay's Los Angeles SCRATCH Academy. By including art and music, Kira and Skye help kids unlock their love for STEAM and leadership. Leadership is another passion of the dynamic duo. These young leaders have voted on the U.S. House floor. Kira was a judge alongside billionaire Paul Judge and NBA Champion J. Powell for the West Side StartUp Hackathon by Experian and Washington D.C.’s The Opportunity Hub. The two were joint speakers and “Let’s Move” dance session hosts for the C.H.O.I.C.E.S. Atlanta Winter Children's Festival. They also performed and were featured artists for #IAM: Designing My Freedom at the Georgia International Convention Center. Both have spoken at various events before tens of thousands and have also led several successful fundraisers to help others.

Kira Pugh is what Girl Power is all about. She is just beginning to make her mark, and Cheryl Magazine is here for it!

"It means a lot to me to be selected as the #GirlPower feature. I love the magazine and its goal. I hope I can help inspire other girls who want to start a business or who need to see more positivity in the world as fuel to help them keep reaching higher and higher and break barriers. You never know who might need whatever you will do after you conquer your fear.”

Kira looks forward to college someday, but in the meantime she concentrates on growing the KidzMic brand. Connect with KidzMic on all social media outlets @KidzMic. To purchase KidzMic merchandise, go to kidzmic.com. Shop Amazon and other retailers for their #1 bestselling book, "Future So Bright" by Kidz Mic.

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Radical Resilience

by Traci Henderson Smith, Managing Editor

O

n the surface, it appears that Tyreese R. McAllister, like any life counselor or coach, helps clients overcome life’s challenges. In reality, she disrupts negative maladaptive patterns of behaviors and thoughts that interrupt lives, and she teaches individuals to live radically resilient lifestyles despite life’s challenges. Besides a profession as a mental wellness expert and advocate, the motivational speaker, bestselling author, and podcast host is also an anti-gun violence advocate. In 2017, McAllister’s 18-year-old daughter, Ayana Jazmyn, was killed by gun violence. While many marveled at her ability to forgive the assailant, McAllister knew it was necessary. A 25-year career in emergency mental health and a stern mental health and wellness routine had shown two things: how to be resilient in the face of trauma and that unforgiveness would not serve her.

McAllister wanted to quit when her daughter got killed, but every lesson and ounce of wisdom she shared with clients and her children stared her squarely in the face. She regrouped quickly and came back with a vengeance. Immediately, she and her husband Anthony co-founded the Ayana J. McAllister

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Legacy Foundation. The 501(c)(3) paperwork for the foundation was complete before Ayana’s funeral. The foundation addresses the everyday gun violence that goes unnoticed in the Black community. It teaches communities of color how to advocate for safer surroundings and work with lawmakers to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous individuals. The Ayana J. McAllister Legacy Foundation not only focuses on homicides but also includes suicides, domestic violence, and police brutality.

Following Ayana’s untimely death at the hands of another, McAllister sought a children’s book to aid in explaining their tragic loss to younger family members. Her experience as a life skills teacher and counselor at her daughter’s elementary school and more than two decades as a trauma clinician and mental health first responder supported using a social story as a means to share the information.

When she could not find such a book, McAllister decided to write one. Is My Lollipop in Heaven? is McAllister’s way of helping young victims of merciless

loss understand and cope. Lollipop was Ayana’s nickname. The book, accompanied by a Caregiver Guide to assist adults in supporting grief-stricken children, touches on school and police shootings, suicide, and not returning from combat. McAllister cautions that the book is not a bedtime story and should only be used as a tool by a responsible adult.

Understanding the impact of traumatic events on mental health, Tyreese McAllister quickly moved to maintain the children’s well-being in her family with Is My Lollipop in Heaven? Others’ need for immediate, reliable solutions not always readily available drives this type of action in McAllister.

Realizing that not everyone goes to therapy but still needs quality mental health resources, support, and encouragement, McAllister created a mental health podcast to share information on mental stability and wellness. “3rd Thursday Therapy” is a monthly podcast that airs on the third Thursday of each month and covers a range of topics related to mental health and freedom. She encourages intentionality and the pursuit of mental wellness with routines. “The world we live in is extremely stressful and sometimes cruel,” says McAllister, “you have to be mentally prepared so that the troubles of this world won’t take you out.

You do not get to pick the problems you have,” she continues, “but you do get to choose how you respond to them. You can only positively respond when you’ve done the work.”

Tyreese R. McAllister, Chief Clinical Officer, and her husband Anthony J. McAllister, Chief Operating Officer, are the owners of Clinical Forensic Associates, a private practice and consulting firm serving the Washington, DC metropolitan area.

She and her husband provide training to private, corporate, and local government agencies on mental wellness. McAllister is also a DC Behavioral Health Agency Director, and she has developed self-care go-bags for anxiety, depression, grief, and general self-care. Customized bags each encouraging selfcare may include custom therapy cards, healing teas, a custom teacup, an essential oil blend, an adult coloring book, colored pencils or a journal and a pen.

Also to her credit is Soul Talk Vol. 3, a co-authored anthology that afforded McAllister high praise for her healing, overcomer’s testimony, and Mind Over Matter: Dealing with Society, Stigma, and Self, an anthology revealing the successes and challenges of having a mental health diagnosis, the raw emotion of symptoms, side effects of medication, and stigma.

Tyreese McAllister Author, Public Speaker, Life Counselor

Book Tyreese R. McAllister, LPC, CCTP or to purchase her books: Is My Lollipop in Heaven, Soul Talk, Vol. 3, Mind Over Matter, Dealing with Society Stigma and Self (May 2021 release), and Father's Matter: Changing the Narrative for Black Fathers (June 2021 release) w w w.t yreesemcallister.org | Facebook: Tyreese McAllister Instagram: @t yreesemcallister | Twit ter: @TR _ McAllister Linkedin: Tyreese McAllister

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SHOP SELL CULTIVATE A Marketplace for Us by Us.

SHESGOTAHABIT.COM

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There’s not a day that goes by that I do not speak power and love into myself by speaking affirmations.

The one that I boldly say and write down in a journal EVERY DAY is “I believe in Me!” It took me a while to say it and longer to feel it, but through my friend Cheryl, my daily meditation and affirmations, and my Faith in God, I know I’m equipped with all I need to succeed at whatever God has put on my mind and in my heart to do. I am worthy and I don’t have to prove that to anyone. I am the gift.

Just like you are. Strengthen your minds and spirits by saying the daily affirmations in Soulful Affirmations. See how the words pour into your greatness EVERY DAY! Wit h Love,

~Terri J. Vaughn

Visionary Cheryl Polote Williamson C ontributing A ut hors

Alesha Brown Alicia L. Hemphill Angela Thomas Anissa Green Dotson Anitra N. Green Bishop Richard S. Johnson Charlene E. Day Chartonna CeCe Woodley Contessah Irene Davis

Cynthia Drummond Andrews, MBA

Cynthia Fox Everett Danette M. Brown Danielle McGruder Deborah A. Smith Denise Polote-Kelly Dr. Angela Kinnel Dr. Eric L. Holmes Dr. Madeline J. Anderson Thomas Dr. Madge L. Barnes Dr. Peggie Etheredge Johnson Dr. Sheila Bunton Dr. Sonya Wade Johnson Fatima Williams Frances Ann Bailey Heidi Lewis Janie Lacy

Shaundre Emmerson Shawntelle Y. Jones Sherry Wurgler Sonya M. Hall-Brown Tammy L. Woodard Tangie Barkley Robinson Tanya M. Turner Tara Johnson Taylor Spells Tiffany Mayfield Traci Henderson Smith Vivian Grafton Yumica Thompson Yvette #theEXCHANGE McGill

Jenette Allen, EdS Joyce Brown Juanita Payne L. Lorraine Hale-Cooper Lashunda Denby LaToya Adams Lynder E. Scott, MBA Marie Hart Marsha Taylor Melissa Powell-Harrell Melissa Shiver Sumpter Meyett Lavalais Michelle Franklin Michelle Winfield Fuqua Minister Kiesha L. Peterson Myoshi Robinson Thomas Natasha M. Harris Necole Martinez Nina Gaddie Howard Renee Denise Fowler Roni Benjamin Royleta Foster Ruby Jeanine Batiste Russell M. Williamson Sandra Reese Jolla Shameka D. Johnson

New Release Now Available at CHERYLPWILLIAMSON.COM P. 5 9 | Cheryl MAGAZINE

Author’s

CORNER

MY JOURNEY TOWARDS A NEW ME By: Dr. Estrelita Bruce

The hour had finally come, and the wedding ceremony began. First, our bridesmaids and groomsmen walked the aisle of this beautiful, Mediterranean-style facility.

Then, I made my grand entrance. The eyes of our guests were focused on my bridal glam. I had on a beautifully fitted wedding gown draped with cream-colored lace and pearl beadings, which extended to the train. My make-up was flawless. My hair was pulled up and adorned with a sparkling crowned hairpiece, which matched my beautiful bouquet. I greeted my soon-to-be husband with a smile.

On the outside, everything was picture perfect. Inwardly, I was a wreck. The truth about this relationship was hidden behind my façade of a smile. This was supposed to be a joyous occasion, but it wasn’t. This wedding felt like a bad dream. In this dream, everyone around me appeared happy… except me. Instead, I was faced with a nightmare of my reality. I desperately tried not to emotionally crumble in front of our special guests.

Then, something unexpectedly happened. I felt an inward shout from my spirit, “WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!”

-Excerpt from My Journey Towards A NEW ME: A Memoir of How I Turned Trauma & Loss Into Opportunities and How You Can, Too "| Chapter 6 Remarriage...God's Timing?

Dr. Estrelita Bruce ("Dr. E") is a life coach, Christian counselor, author, TEDx and international speaker. She's the founder of A NEW ME Counseling & Consulting, LLC, a private practice in the Dallas/Fort Worth area that provides counseling, life coaching, & consulting services that help individuals experience and maintain mental, emotional, and spiritual transformation and success.

Dr. E has been counseling since 2005 and is passionate about helping others transform traumas and losses into opportunities for personal growth, healing, and purpose.

You can purchase her books at: anewmedre.com/books.

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THE HEART OF GOD By: Allison Denise

And while your parents may have been great, it was God who formed you in your mother’s womb (Jeremiah 1:5). Queen, He took the time and effort to count the hairs on your head (Luke 12:7). When I consider this for myself, all I can say is, “God, you did all of this for me?!?!” And I hear Him replying. “Yes ma’am. You mean that much to me. So much so, that I prepared all of this for you!”

Can you see all that God has prepared for you? Look past the pain, disappointment, shame, hurt, and see the purpose and preparation in your life. God didn’t go through all He did to bring you here for nothing. All things work together for good. “As it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9 KJV) Will you let Him show you what He has prepared for you? And when He does, will you receive it?

-Excerpt from Heart of God for Her, pgs 38-39 Allison Denise is the Visionary Author of bestselling book The Heart of God for Her: Revealing God’s Love for His Leading Ladies and several other best sellers.

Request for autographed copies can be made at bit. ly/heartofgodforher Connect with Allison @ImAllisonDenise on Facebook and Instagram.

IOLA'S DAUGHTER By: Dretona Maddox

Iola entered the house and went into her bedroom.

Iola's bedroom was always very dark. She kept the curtains closed, and her bedroom door shut whenever she felt sad. Iola's daughter heard her mother crying, and she felt so sorry for her. She wondered, what was so wrong with her mother wanting to go to this place called Heaven? It seemed like a pretty cool idea to live in God's home. And if it didn't make her mom sad anymore, she wanted her to go.

Iola's daughter missed her mom so much. She cried every day, praying to God and wishing that her mom would come back to live with her on Earth. Her mom's early departure to Heaven left a space in her heart.

-Excerpt from Iola’s Daughter, a children’s book Dretona Maddox, RN, PHN, LCSW is an author, entrepreneur, and co-host with her husband Keith of Maddox Marriage TV on YouTube, who helps former teen parents, through Purposely Chosen non-profit organization, heal from psychological and emotional trauma by teaching them how to repurpose pain into products for profit.

To purchase her book, go to www.iolasdaughter. com. Connect with Dretona on instagram, FB, and LinkedIn @dretonamaddox.

H.E.A.L.T.H. It 's Not Rocket Science By: Bridget McCray

One day, my husband mentioned that he could hear my breathing from across the room. I had not just finished anything strenuous, so this was certainly not normal. We discovered that my resting heart rate (RHR) was 100 beats per minute (bpm).

Also, after a recent headache, he suggested that I check my blood pressure. It had always been fine when I went to the doctor. However, this time, it was 188/100. Whoa!

Between the RHR and blood pressure readings, it was crystal clear that the time to make some changes had come! My husband said, “WE are going to start walking.”

My heart rate had dropped from 100 bpm to 70 bpm in roughly five months.

However, I felt a sense of disappointment that my blood pressure had not decreased. I even allowed a doctor to prescribe medication for me, and I took that for a short time. Consequently, after he adjusted the dosage, his nurse practitioner told me that some people have to take blood pressure medicine for the rest of their lives.

-Excerpt from the book, H.E.A.L.T.H.: It’s Not Rocket Science, pgs. 4-5 Bridget McCray is the author of the book, H.E.A.L.T.H.: It’s Not Rocket Science (My Journey to a Healthier Me) and Younger than Yesterday: A Fitness Journal; host of Model P31 Wellness podcast on Apple and Google Podcasts; and songwriter and artist of Fine for Life, now streaming on Apple Music, Spotify, Pandora, and more. Visit modelp31fit.com to order your autographed products.

Connect with her across social media platforms: @modelp31fit.

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Author’s

CORNER

MAKE IT HAPPEN: Moving Towards your Best You (A Journey Towards Wholeness) By: Minsiter Felica Lucas

It was a clear and sunny day, and my family and I were on our summer vacation. We chose a full day at a theme park. Theme parks have all sorts of rides and adventures for the entire family. Standing in a long line in the hot July heat was well worth the thrill that the ride provided me. On this vacation, my husband suggested that we ride one of the low-level thrill attractions. So he and I stood in line for a few minutes, and, at the appropriate time, proceeded to our seats to begin the ride. He instantly gets into his seat, buckles up, and waits for the ride to begin. I go to my seat, sit down, grab the seat belt, and guess what, I can’t get it to clasp. I pull and pull, but I can’t get it to budge. It didn’t clasp because….

-Excerpt from book, Make it Happen: Moving Towards your Best You (A Journey Towards Wholeness) Minister Felicia Lucas is a #1 international bestselling author of 16 literary works, motivational speaker, publisher, and certified health coach. She is the CEO/Founder of three thriving businesses, His Glory Creations Publishing LLC, Move to Your Best U Coaching Solutions, and His Glory Creations Christian Store. Additional information about Felicia and her books can be found on her website: www.felicialucas.com.

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SOULED OUT VOL. 2 By: Danette Brown

When my daughter became sick, I was in disarray and in denial. I could not believe this was happening to my energetic dream chaser—motivating, talented, beautiful, loving child of mine. She has a heart of gold.

She always wants to help people, with no judgment.

She has the biggest smile that lights up the world and everyone loves her because of who she is as a person.

She was declining right before my eyes. While I was suffering on the inside because I did not know what to do and I was still in disbelief, she was suffering because she had no idea what was going on with her.

All she knew was that life was changing from what she once knew. I have made a lot of sacrifices to be a good mother to my children, and have gone above and beyond to make sure I give them a good example to follow. That is why I did not understand why God was allowing this to happen to her, or us.

- Excerpt from Souled Out Volume 2 Danette Brown, CEO of Calabey Enterprise, LLC, a dynamic Professional Project Management resource company that empowers organizations to their next level of success, and enables them to soar, is co-author of the bestselling anthology, Souled Out Volume 2.

Purchase the book for $28 at paypal.me/ danettebrown1. Connect with Danette on IG: @danettemariebrown.

NO MORE!

WHEN BEING A VICTIM OF SEXUAL ABUSE IS NO LONGER AN OPTION By: Lynn Meyer

When you hear people say, Daddy's Little Girl, it is usually a term of endearment. The term describes a little girl who is adored and often spoiled by her father. The little girl is vehemently protected by her father who takes pride in guarding her very being with his own life. I wish I could say this was true for me, but it was just the total opposite. The first experience I remember was my sister washing me up in the bathroom sink. I was probably 3-5 years old, and I thought even then, Why is she washing my butt in the sink? I vividly remember my mom bathing me in the same manner. It happened so frequently that I thought this was the way to take a bath. At this early age, I didn't know what was really going on, but I knew something wasn't right.

I also remember my dad would appear right before or immediately after I had been "washed up". It wasn't until my teenage years when I realized that my mom and sister were cleaning me to get me "ready" for my dad, or he had already touched me and they were cleaning me up.

-Excerpt from the book No More pg. 5 Lynn Meyer, emotional healing coach and licensed professional counselor, is the author of the book No More, available on Amazon. Connect with her on Facebook: Lynn Meyer Instagram: @thehrtcoach.

SOUL TALK

Chapter: God is My Husband!

By: Jacqueline L. Shaw In my adult years, I had long sensed and experienced God being right beside me. This was through experiences, tears of joy and pain, and times of moaning and praying.

My personal experience with Him was so great, but to a certain extent I really didn’t know how great of an experience it was. Nor did I convey this to my children.

The not-so-funny thing was I didn’t understand what the Bible was saying. Little did I know that I was not paying full attention to the red lines of writing being God the Son speaking in His wisdom. I was just reading along with others in church or in Bible Study without true attentiveness. Imagine, every week my three beautiful daughters and I would pick up our individual Bibles on Sunday before heading out the door like clockwork. Also, like clockwork, we would return home, place the Bibles in their respective spots, only to repeat the process every Sunday. This regimen was about to be changed, as I was not prepared for the moment when something was about to go wrong.

I was married to my husband for seventeen years. We would experience a rough patch every so often, as most if not all marriages do. In the seventeenth year, here’s where the unthinkable happened. There were no warning signs or hints of what was to come.

-Excerpt from Soul Talk Volume 3, Chapter, God is My Husband!

This incredible book collaboration with six powerful women of Faith is life changing. Her co-authors are Ashley McNeill, Crystal Adair, Catherine Jones, Inga Robinson, Tammeca Riley, and Stacy Bradner.

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Author’s

CORNER

SOULFUL PRAYERS

By: Sonya M. Hall-Brown You are my comforter, my redeemer, and You are the great I Am, and for that I’m GRATEFUL and THANKFUL. Now that I have found myself again in You, recreate in me a clean heart and renew Your Spirit in me so that I can continue to minister and let thy will be done. I have allowed tragedies to steal my joy. These last few months, I have seen countless rainbows.

I know You allowed me to see those rainbows as a reminder because Your promises are yes and amen. You and You alone gave me the love and joy that I needed to endure each storm. God, thank You for reminding me to stop looking at the actions of people and to refocus on Your works. God, thank You for directing my path because Your Word says if I seek Your kingdom first and Your righteousness, everything I need will be given to me. I am allowing You to continue to direct my path and thanking You in advance for my overflow. Amen.

- Excerpt from book Soulful Prayers Volume l pages 63-64 Sonya M. Hall-Brown is the co-author of four bestselling books: Beyond Her Reflections, Soulful Prayers Vol l & Vol 2, and Soulful Affirmations. She is the Founder and Owner of Dusting Destiny LLC. Autographed book purchase can be sent to PayPal at bit.ly/Sonyabook for $25. Connect with Sonya on Facebook: Sonya Hall-Brown P. 6 4 | Cheryl MAGAZINE

CHRISTIANITY OR INSANITY By: Lynn Renee Means

The Big R – REJECTION – is painful to deal with. Like most, I have also had my struggles with rejection.

But the truth is we often reject ourselves through the perspectives of what other people think or do. When rejection hits, we should reject IT because we hold the power to do so.

It took me many years to stand up to rejection.

Several times, it paralyzed and shamed me. I tried so much to please people so they would not reject me, none of which worked.

I dimmed my light and made many sacrifices, all to avoid rejection, don’t allow this false sense of power to diminish your person. Rejection can be disguised as humility or pride and has many other covers.

Rejection started early in my life, around the age of four. As a little girl, I was rejected for being me, with my dark skin, bright eyes, loving to smile, and just being innocent and happy.

I was broken because...

- Excerpt from the book, Christianity or Insanity page 36 Lynn Means, author of Christianity or Insanity: Finding Your Truth to Freedom is a certified life coach and transformational speaker. This life-changing book can be purchased on Amazon.com or coachlynnrenee.com.

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