EnVision Magazine January-March 2023

EDITOR’S NOTE

Ann C Editor-in-Chief

Happy New Year!

Here we are in 2023 I just cannot begin to thank God from the bottom of my heart for showing us the vision and the direction for Envision Radio and Magazine! The magazine will be taking off on its own soon. With over 25,000 subscribers and being read in over 77 countries! God has blessed us tremendously! The theme of this quarter is Legacies Matter! What are you leaving behind? When we pass away many leave debt, unforgiveness, brokenness. We must be sure to leave love, forgiveness, understanding & no debt.

This issue cover host are The Lewis Family of Lexington, Ky! They are the host of The AfterChurch Radio Experience which airs every Sunday at 8am EST & Replay on Tuesdays at 12noon EST. They celebrated their 1 year anniversary on Envision Radio! They have on the cover with them their beautiful daughter Chloe Amiya!!

This issue is full of wonderful articles and pics of our recent travels! We were the media sponsors for two events the Good Music & Art Festival in Huntsville, Alabama & the Louisville Literary Arts Writer’s Block Festival in Kentucky ! We had a busy 4th Quarter of 2022. We also have great guest writers tackling current issues of mental health, Deion

Sanders JSU Decision & Getting Fit & Healthy in 2023 and much more!

Thank you for reading, sharing and subscribing to Envision Magazine!

Happy New Year!

Karla

MSN, FNP-C

Devon

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; don’t rely on your own intelligence. Know him in all your paths, and he will keep your ways straight. -Proverbs 3:5-6

Why We Must Invest in Young Men of Color — And How by Robert H. Marshall Jr. Will You Leave a Godly Heritage? by Robert and Charliese Lewis Ministries, Inc. Home of The ‘After Church’ Experience

Live Your Best Life: Your Life is Your Legacy by Dr. Julia A. Royston Meet Mellisa “Meme” Patterson by Mellisa Patterson Mental Health: Awarness Into Action by Anika T. Nero Just My Opinion: On Deion & JSU by Amber Gardner Louisville Literary Arts, Inc. 2022 Writer’s

Recap by Charliese Brown Lewis, Executive Director & Jennifer Wagley, Vice President Leaving A Rich Legacy! By David L. Smith Konjac Noodles By Chef Jima

the Lewis Family

by ANN C. Editor-in-Chief

1. When did you start your ministry?

Our ministry, The 'After Church' Experience, began in September 2013 as a blog and a Facebook page, primarily focusing on online delivery. We expanded into Robert and Charliese Lewis Ministries, Inc. in June 2018 to provide ministerial services, publications, and education and outreach. Our ministry is about reaching,

teaching, and preaching outside of the four walls of the church building. It is important that we go beyond the weekly Saturday or Sunday worship to apply the Word of God to our lives 'after church' is over. We don't replace the church; we supplement the church. We work alongside the church in partnership with those who want additional support in studying the Word of God.

Photo by Coffeyhouse Media Group, AJ Coffey

2.

The 'After Church' Experience is our outreach arm of ministry. We just completed our 2022 Keep Warm Project, which provides hats, gloves, and socks to the unsheltered or transient sheltered donating through the Salvation Army, the Men's and Women's Hope Centers, and the Catholic Action Center. We've also done the Keep Comfy Project which provides pillows and blankets through those same organizations. We've donated Bibles to Natalie's Sisters ministry for women. We also have our Encouragement Card Ministry, which sends cards to encourage the sick and shut in, bereaved, and those who just need a lift in spirit. That extends beyond Kentucky and is coordinated by Min. Pamela White who lives in Philadelphia. Additionally, we provide written resources and devotionals to people as a way to support and encourage intentional, day to day study of and strength in the Word of God. We have also offered Bible studies, prayer calls, One! The Marriage Class, and women's conferences over the years.

3. How has the pandemic changed the church? Or has it changed?

The pandemic has not changed the church. It has challenged the church to be more intentional in its commitment to God’s people. Even without walls, the Word of the Lord must continue to be spread. Health, marital, financial, parental, social, and emotional issues did not stop during the pandemic. In fact,

those issues may have worsened. The need for the church to support its people, from a spiritual aspect, is still necessary. How do you do that when the safe haven of people coming together is disrupted and you are encouraged to stay away from one another, yet commanded to love one another? That is challenging for churches when you don't have the resources or capacity to be relevant in this new normal.

4. What are some of the challenges you face running your ministry? Time! We both have full-time jobs and part-time marketplace assignments. But we know that we are called to ministerial service, so we prioritize our time accordingly to serve. We were blessed early on in our ministry to be able to fund the work we do ourselves. That was nine years ago. Now, much of what we do is from the generosity of people who sow back into us as a result of the seeds we sowed early on. The other challenge our ministry faces is that our ministry model is non-traditional. At times, some people have not been welcoming or supportive of this approach because we don't sit in a pulpit regularly on Sunday mornings. Our ministry has had covering, mentoring, and accountability from the very beginning. Our pastor, at that time, understood our call. When he passed away, another pastor voluntarily stepped up to oversee our ministry without us even asking. That was God ensuring our work would continue. We believe in moving in decency and in order. We live out The Great Commission daily.

What does your ministry do in your community?

5. Your family had Covid. How did you manage your ministry at that time or did it have to stop so you could heal?

Your family had Covid. How did you manage your ministry at that time or did it have to stop so you could heal?

6. Your city is Lexington, KY. Are the faith based ministries doing well there or are churches suffering due to lack of community and city support?

For the most part, the local churches have resumed their regular schedules. A few have modified the times of services, but other than that we believe things have leveled out. The local ministry organizations have definitely seen an increase in the need for resources like food, shelter, and clothing. Even when we have driven by some of the community centers that offer food and supplies, the lines are extremely long, often wrapped around the building.

7. We see your lovely daughter. How are you teaching her about the ministry? Will she one day be over the ministry?

We have always taught Chloe about the Word of God and the importance of service. We have also tried to teach her how necessary it is to handle the business side of ministry and that all things have to be done in decency and in order. She has already let us know that she is not called into ministry the way that we are. We have expressed to her that however God leads her to continue

the ministry will be between her and God. She needs to make it fit her calling.

8. What are some of your ministry goals for 2023?

As mentioned earlier, we have three branches to our company: ministerial service, publications, and education and outreach. We haven't had a conference since 2019 due to the pandemic, so we think it is due season for one. We also plan to release a book this year, published by our company. Right now, we have four publication projects we are working on with our clients. We are excited about partnering with them to release their work to the world. We've served clients in Kentucky, Illinois, Kansas, Colorado, Texas, Georgia, and Alabama. Those are the large scale goals. We will continue our weekly prayer calls and monthly classes. We are also feeling a nudge to restart our marriage class to help support and strengthen covenant marriages.

9. Our theme in this issue is about Legacy. What does that word mean to you?

Legacy is about what imprint you leave behind in this world - making sure you've fulfilled your purpose in the earth. But it is also about ensuring we have sown on fertile ground so our daughter can reap the harvest. Our prayer is, along with creating generational wealth, we've also established a legacy of service and honor for the kingdom. We talk more about this in our article, "Will You Leave a Godly Heritage?"

We use various payment apps, which include the following:

PayPal: afterchurchexp@gmail.com

Venmo: @theafterchurchexperience Zelle: cbrownlewis@gmail.com

People can always reach out to us through social media platforms at The After Church Experience or through our website at www.randclewisministries.com.

And remember, it's what happens 'after church'! We pray you'll be blessed and be a blessing.

10. How can people donate or give to your ministry?

Karla’s Korner Tripledemic

by Karla Jarvis, MSN, FNP-C Host of Karla’s Korner

The tripledemic of 2022 refers to when the COVID-19 virus, seasonal influenza, and RSV will all surge at the same time. COVID-19 and the flu are certainly on the upswing, but RSV may be slowing down at this time, However, all three viruses are still continuing to cause widespread illness.

When the air is frigid, people are more likely to huddle indoors and keep their windows closed, which makes transmission of the viruses more likely. Where it’s warmer, people are more likely to spend time outdoors and open their windows. 11 states are at the highest level recorded so far, These are:

The best way for people to protect themselves amid the possibility of a tripledemic is to get the latest COVID-19 booster and a flu shot. So far, it looks like the flu vaccine this year is a good match to the strains of influenza virus currently circulating. There's no vaccine for RSV, but one could be on the horizon. Even though most people will not experience severe symptoms with RSV and the flu, we have to be aware of others when we are sick. Even though it’s not COVID-19, you probably should not go to work and get your colleagues sick. You should make sure you are washing your hands and keeping your distance. Some experts have also continued to recommend masking and opening windows at indoor, crowded events, as well as taking a rapid COVID test before holiday gatherings.

Karla Jarvis, MSN, FNP-C

Jarvis Family Medical Services & J Spa & Wellness Center

www.jarvisfamilymedicalservices.com

Spike Davis Comedian Host Actor Writer

Comedian Spike Davis, born and raised in Louisville, KY but now resides in Atlanta for the past 12 years. Over the past 30 years, Spike has toured the country with some of the hottest names in the comedy business. Most notably, he appeared with Steve Harvey, Jamie Foxx, and Ced The Entertainer just to name a few. Also, Spike has made several national television appearances on HBO, Showtime, Comedy Central, and BET. He has been rocking comedy club stages from coast to coast and now sea to shining sea. Over the past 6 years, Spike has elevated to himself one of the most requested comedians on the high seas. Working cruise lines and performing to sold-out rooms nightly. With his intelligent and witty comedic style coupled with the ability to work off the crowd, he leaves the audiences with a lot to laugh about and tons to think. His well thought out sets include humor mixed with poignant messages of hope, inspiration, healing, and inclusion all with a silly twist.

Memo To Men…

By Pastor Gregory Devon Host of the Sanctuary Envision Radio www.envision-radio.com

GENTLEMEN,

WE ARE

OUR BROTHERS KEEPER, but we have to stop keeping our struggles secret. Being strong doesn't mean you don't struggle, it means you understand that the only way to overcome a storm, is to grow through it. So many of us face trials and tribulations, but our triumph is held hostage by our inability at times to open up and be honest with our emotions. Men aren't traditionally socialized to open up and be vulnerable, but we must see the need to unlearn certain behaviors that are destroying us.

Ask yourself: who's in my circle? If you can't be vulnerable with those in your circle, you don't have a circle, you're in a cage. Surround yourself with people that have proven to be invested in your well-being. Understand that your Superman can be no greater than your Clark Kent. Sometime Superman has to take off the cape and just be a man. As men, we're flawed and sometime broken; but broken crayons still color. Allow the woman in your life the

opportunity to know when you're hurting, because she can't be to you what she had no idea you needed.

LADIES: Don't just ask your man how his day was, ask him to tell you about his day. Men give short answers sometime because they are trying to protect you from what they're dealing with. So when you ask him to tell you about his day, it's creates a feeling and also an atmosphere that you're actually interested in what transpired in his day. There are times when men need the exact same thing that women need, but sometimes our EGO won't allow us to be honest with that desire.

Ladies, give your man a platform to express the side of him that longs to have a voice, and never judge, reject, or minimize his truth. We need to be reminded that we need each other, as God created us to be interdependent. We need to stop running away from being what God designed us to be for and to one another. Gentlemen: I'm praying for you! We're under attack, but

Photo by Dorrell Tibbs on Unsplash

Letter 2 A Lady…

By Pastor Gregory Devon Host of The Sanctuary Envision Radio www.envision-radio.com

It takes a gentlemen to speak to a Lady; so please allow me the privilege of borrowing your attention. It’s a blessing to catch the eye of a Lady! There is no greater sight than a women who conducts herself with eloquence and poise! To a gentleman, a Lady is like an exquisite diamond; you have to be in position to attain one, and you do whatever you have to do in order to take care of it.

At times you seem unattainable, but one smile from you makes the pursuit worth continuing. Your countenance is more than just a pretty sight to behold; your essence exudes everything that is beautiful! Your majesty is unparalleled and your presence is breath taking; but yet you still don’t see yourself how a gentleman sees you. What is it that clouds your view of what I see? What is it that makes your perception of yourself less than the reality of what it actually is? I see perfection even in your flaws; and I

see grace even when you fall! No matter what, I still see a Lady!

Although God designed me male, I see the struggles that you face daily. You face the task of working in a world dominated by men, you overcome the unfair advantages of stereotypes, and you manage to handle the stress of taking care of those around you! Not only do you face these challenges with tremendous tenacity; but you overcome and provide an excellent example for younger women. For that I applaud not only your effort, but I applaud your dedication to persevering! At times you appear to be superwoman! You deserve to be reminded daily that you are beautiful! Not just in words, but also by how we as gentlemen treat you. For we know that when a woman feels special, she will turn a house into a home. As a Gentleman, we will never seek to love a million women; we desire 2 love one woman a million ways!

There isn’t enough that could be said about a Lady! With everything that’s so great about you, there still seems to be something missing that keeps you from feeling fulfilled! That thing is true love from a man. So often you allow your desire to be loved to overshadow everything that makes you uniquely you! A sense of being unfulfilled seems to follow you and keep you from being truly happy. Your belief that you are something special seems to fade as you experience heartache. You have to know that who you love is a conscious choice, so you must choose wisely. In the past you have attached yourself to those who have consistently caused you pain.

In the end you were left with the shattered pieces of your broken heart! As you continued to experience pain, your window of opportunistic belief that there was something out here better seemed to close. Your belief that you could connect with someone who spoke to your heart, mind and spirit was shattered by experience.

No matter what has happened in the past, God has a way of bringing healing and restoration! God often works through people to bring restoration to those who have been battered by the waves of time. Restoration is the act of repairing, renewing or rebuilding. So often you have given the best of yourself away to those who didn’t deserve it. God wants to bring back to you that which you lost; but you have to see the need for restoration!

Over time women have assumed that men don’t understand women. It has been stated that most men don’t house the capacity to connect and relate with women on an emotional level. Are these assumptions true, or are they just excuses to hide behind to avoid facing the reality that there are some things that you don’t understand about yourself? That question isn’t raised with any ill intention; its raised to potentially bridge the gap between men and woman. It has been said that women are hard to please. Is this really true, or are you just unsure sometime of what you really want? Nevertheless, the belief is that you are hard to please; it even seems that at times you’re not satisfied with yourself! Know that you’re fearfully and wonderfully made; you may not be perfect, but a Lady is always the perfect one for a gentleman!

It is believed that successful women are bound to be alone; facing the insurmountable task of trying to find a good man seems to be endless. Your first mistake was that its not you who should find, it’s you who should be found! When a man finds a wife, he finds a good thing and obtains favor with the Lord. Know that it takes a gentlemen being favored by God to find the blessing which is not only in you, but the blessing that is you! Learning to wait can be one of the hardest things to do; but it’s your relentless pursuit that often keeps you from being found. Its challenging to find what isn’t stationary! Sometimes your continual pursuit of the wrong things keeps the right man one step behind you.

Learning to be still just might make the difference. When we pray we are still, and look at how God connects to us through prayer! The word teaches that when we wait on God, we are renewed! In order to wait you have to be still! Know that its not your success that keeps you from a great man; gentleman are attracted to successful women! So often you wonder why those you have chosen didn’t work out; know that its you who should be chosen! A leader has vision, you should be part of a man’s vision for his life!

No matter how you feel, no matter what you have been through; know that today you can be restored! You are not what you have been through; you are more than your experiences! You’re special in the eyes of God; a gentleman, a true man of VALOR knows that and will treat you like the queen you are! Never settle for less than you deserve; God desires the best for you, but you have to know that you are worth it! Your value and virtue extend far beyond human comprehension; but there is a gentleman who desires to understand and love everything that makes you uniquely you!

Peace and Love

Pastor Gregory DeVon church is New Grassy Creek Missionary Baptist Church in Oxford, NC ! His program The Sanctuary can be heard on the Envision Radio Network (www.envision-radio.com) every Friday at 6pmEST.

Photo by Jeffery Erhunse on Unsplash

Is Medical Marijuana Finally Legal in the State of KY?

By Jeovonnii Pryor E.A. Host of Life in the Tax Lane

Envision Radio www.syndicatetax.net

Let’s dissect this carefully because I want to make it clear that you cannot purchase or sell marijuana in the state of KY however in limited circumstances you may possess a certain amount. The cannabis has to be bought in the United States of America in a state where the purchase is legal and regulated, & Kentuckians will need to keep their receipt to prove this. The amount a person can purchase and possess at any one time must not exceed 8 ounces, which is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony. However, the vagueness on this issue can, have & has serious consequences, simply because someone misunderstood the law or didn't have the correct documents while bringing medical marijuana back to Kentucky and you can get arrested and prosecuted. The costs of purchasing out

of state legal cannabis can be expensive as well as the travel time. Governor Beshear's executive order will only benefit those who can afford to make the trip.

Kentucky’s neighbors aren't making it easier since Illinois appears to be the only one where Kentucky patients can go starting Jan. 1. It'd be a hop, skip and a jump across the border for patients in Paducah, but a full day’s drive for somebody in the hills of Eastern Kentucky. Two of our neighboring states (Tennessee and Indiana), have complete prohibitions on marijuana, four have medical marijuana dispensaries but no recreational dispensaries. Ohio, West Virginia and Missouri do not allow the dispensing of medical cannabis products to individuals that do not reside, either

permanently, or temporarily, in their state. Moving forward with only a legalization framework for medical cannabis is a step in the right direction, but it still does not address prior convictions, it does not address convictions for paraphernalia, and it does not address expungement issues. A lot of Kentuckians don’t have the luxury to travel out of the state, and sadly the people that need this the most are the sickest people. They just can’t up and leave the state. So we still have a lot of work to do right here in the state of Kentucky to make it completely legal.

Photo by Matthew Brodeur on Unsplash

CREDIT CONVERSATIONS WITH SYVOSKIA

by Syvoskia Bray Pope

Host of Credit Conversations with Syvoskia Envision Radio

www.syvoskia.com

Build your Credit! Build your Future! Build it for Legacy!

As we move forward in 2023 what are you building. There are many reasons to think about using credit to build and maintain wealth.

Are there benefits to taking out a loan?

There are times when an effective use of credit is the best way to seize an opportunity.

As an example:

If you own substantial liquid assets, either in a business or in your investment portfolio, you might not see any reason to borrow money. Why take out a loan when you already have funds available to you?

The reality is that strategic borrowing or OPM (others people money) can help you take advantage of short-term opportunities without hindering your January-March 2023

ability to achieve long-term goals. This is especially true in a low-interest rate environment, where borrowing funds to pay for large purchases or to cover spending or investment needs may be more financially advantageous than liquidating assets.

There are a number of situations where there could be a distinct advantage to utilizing a line of credit or a mortgage, even if you have sufficient personal resources available:

●

To cover large or unexpected personal expenses

●

To help grow your business without incurring additional expenses

●

To take advantage of an investment opportunity

●

To purchase a primary home or vacation property

Though it may seem counterintuitive, borrowing can be beneficial to your overall wealth plan.

COVERING BIG EXPENSES

(source www.bnymellonwealth.com)

Are you dealing with large or unexpected expenses that can be challenging, whether you need to pay for a major tax bill, an emergency medical expense or fund an investment opportunity. Your first inclination may be to draw from your savings or sell off some investments to raise the funds. While this may seem straightforward, there can be hidden costs that aren’t immediately obvious to you.

By liquidating investments, you are likely to incur brokerage fees and may expose yourself to additional tax consequences in the form of capital gains. Right away, the transaction is costing you money. And it doesn’t end there. By liquidating investments, you also risk throwing your asset allocation off balance, which can impact your long-term wealth plan.

Studies have shown that over 90% of a portfolio’s variance of investment return can be attributed to how assets are spread across different asset classes.2 A properly tuned asset allocation ensures that you’re able to pursue the level of growth you want while exposing yourself to a level of risk you are comfortable with—and selling investments can upset that balance.

Leverage your portfolio, don't liquidate it

Rather than selling investments, you may want to consider using your portfolio as

collateral in order to finance 100% of your loan or mortgage. That way, you can borrow against your assets while allowing them to continue to generate returns, which could more than offset the overall cost of the loan given the current interest rate environment is still relatively low.

This strategy isn’t just for unexpected or obligatory expenses. You can use it to pay for major purchases, as well. For example, you may have your eye on an expensive work of art or the vacation home you’ve been dreaming about, but don’t have the cash on hand to buy it. Perhaps you’re expecting a big bonus in several months, and are worried that you’ll miss out on a unique opportunity if you wait. If that’s the case, you could leverage your portfolio to secure a bridge loan that provides the cash you need immediately, allowing you to make the purchase now and either repay the debt later when your cash flow improves, or put longer-term mortgage financing in place.

Using Credit - Borrowing for a Business

You can also take out a mortgage on your personal property or borrow against your personal investment portfolio to help your company make an acquisition, purchase equipment or buy real estate to house the firm.

Consider this scenario: Tom is an entrepreneur who has a $10 million portfolio of diversified stocks and bonds. He also owns a controlling interest in a

booming company that makes audio components. He would like to acquire another company in a complementary business that makes hardware to connect computers with stereos to play back digitally recorded music.

Tom was tempted at first to just liquidate a portion of his portfolio and buy the company outright with the resulting cash. But after crunching the numbers, he realized that this would be quite costly. For one thing, capital gains tax would be due on the profits from the sale of stock. He also worried about the cost of being out of the stock market for any length of time and missing out on potential growth.

On the other hand, if Tom’s audio

company borrowed money to make the acquisition, there would be other hurdles. Because its assets are less diversified than the investment portfolio, the company may have to pay a higher interest rate for the loan. The company would also face costly legal and accounting fees to complete the transaction.

Ultimately, Tom took out a personal loan using his $10 million investment portfolio as collateral. He was able to obtain a low interest rate and loan the proceeds to the company, which then bought the target firm. Further, if Tom were under the $1.1 million threshold for tax deductible interest expense, he could choose to replace the personal loan by taking out a new mortgage loan

Syvoskia Bray Pope www.syvoskia.com

for a larger amount, which is known as cash-out refinancing.

He now stands to earn a handsome profit as the company repays the loan. And because Tom kept his investment portfolio fully invested in the market, he was able to capitalize on the market’s recent rise.

Using Credit to Make a Cash Offer

David decides to use his line of credit to make a cash offer, which is much more efficient than going through the typical process that’s required for a commercial real estate loan. His cash offer is attractive to the seller, who can make a quick sale. The seller doesn’t have to worry about another buyer who may be waiting on financing, or the deal falling through if the loan is not approved.

Once the transaction is complete and David owns the property, he can set up a permanent financing structure. He can still secure a traditional commercial real estate loan with longer terms and a fixed interest rate, and use the loan proceeds to pay down the line of credit

With his line of credit, David was able to act quickly and capitalize on an opportunity to expand his investments.

However, combining multiple financing solutions, such as a secured line of credit and a mortgage, may yield a few benefits, such as lowering the cost of financing to maximized tax deductibility, and better control in managing the liability side of

your balance sheet. Build your credit, Build for your future and Build it for legacy.

(source data at bnymellonwealth.com)

Credit Conversations with Syvoskia 10: 00 AM-SATURDAY at ENVISON-RADIO.COM

Purchase a copy of her book: Credit Champion-A Practical Guide to leveraging your Wealth and Increasing your Purchasing Power on WWW.AMAZON.COM

WWW.SYVOSKIA.COM

MORE INFORMATION TEXT 502-416-7389

Why We Must Invest in Young Men of Color — And How

by Robert H. Marshall Jr. Guest Writer

Startling Statistics

It’s easy for many to dismiss the issues that plague our nation, but the numbers do not lie. Take a look at some of these troubling recent statistics:

The arduous year of 2020 is finally in the past. Yet, the tidal wave of consequences those fateful 12 months caused will hold implications for decades to come — especially when it comes to the already-shaky racial tensions that make up not only America but the world as a whole.

Still, all the political talk in the world cannot hide one serious, pertinent issue: young men of color are facing an uphill battle. It is our duty to grant them the equity and inclusion they deserve.

● The suicide rate among African American children aged 5 to 11 years almost doubles that of white children, signaling a severe scarcity of self-esteem.

● Middle- and high school-aged young men of color have the highest rates of suspension and expulsion from school and education, often without a sufficient number of resources to turn to for aid.

I help boys & men overcome adverse childhood and traumatic life experiences.

Photo by Elizeu Dias on Unsplash

● Black and Hispanic adolescents and young adults are more likely to be exposed to violence compared to white youth.

As frightening as these statements may seem, it’s important to note that they are not written in stone. Encouraging equity and inclusion is never an easy journey. Though, with enough guidance, it can become a reality.

Here are some steps society should follow to facilitate education regarding these issues:

Increase Focus on Positive Messages

It’s no secret that media plays an enormous role in the way our society operates.

Unfortunately, media consumption poses a risk to youth of color: Research reveals that prolonged television exposure reduces self-esteem for Black and Brown boys yet increases that of white boys. If we truly want a society that empowers equity and inclusion, this gap must be bridged.

Major industries like Hollywood have already made attempts to encourage Black and Brown youth with recent hits like Moonlight and Black Panther, but there is still much work to be done. To ensure children see themselves in a healthy light, society will need to wholeheartedly support positive media representation — like diverse movies, for instance — that nurture their hopes and dreams.

January-March 2023

Provide and Improve Resources

It is easy for many to feel hopeless in the face of these issues, yet there is still much an individual can accomplish in the push for equity and inclusion within the education system.

Some schools have already implemented outreach programs for youth of color, but it is clear the majority of educational establishments are ill-equipped to deal with these students.

Fortunately, this is something we can change.

For starters, anyone who wishes to improve the self-esteem of young men of color nationwide needs to do one thing: Be active. The simple act of calling a principal or school district leader to discuss their cultural competency can be an effective method; volunteering in outreach programs or investing in the business of color; voting in elections and supporting national policy is even more powerful.

Only by banding together can change be made: Change that ensures the next generation of young men of color grows up recognizing their worth — and flourishing because of it.

Original article published in 2/1/21

Photo by Kingsley Osei-Abrah on Unsplash

MUSIC & ART FESTIVAL

On air personality/ Producer AnnC, Producer & Musician J. Goodwin & Author, Host & Publisher Dr. Julia Royston.

Lisa Johnson, Dr. Vernet Nettles, Spike Davis, AnnC, Dr. Zelda Kitt, Brian Royston, Dr. Julia Royston, President H.L.Cannon, Alfred & Jesse Brinkley, Lillie Watson.

GOOD MUSIC & ART FESTIVAL

Comedian Spike Davis was one of the performers at the festival !

Setting up that morning was exciting we love Our tshirt. They are always the first to go !

President of Envision Multimedia Services, LLC H. L. Cannon was in attendance.

The performances were great and community Of Huntsville came out to support the festival.

BK ROYSTON Publishing always has a great Selection of books to choose from .

Dr. Julia Royston booth was very busy during the festival.

ACHIEVEMENT

Special Congratulations to Our Favorite Nurse Practitioner Karla Jarvis (Jarvis Family Medical Services) of Louisville, Ky & host of Karla’s Korner! She recently won the The Well Minority Incubator Pitch Competition .Here is the picture of Karla receiving her certificate from Visionary & Founder of The Well Minority Incubator and Coworking space, Kena Samuels Stith!

Founded in 2022 in the heart of Louisville, Ky West End, The Well Incubator & Coworking Space provides local entrepreneurs and leaders with unmatched access to top technical tools and teams. At The Well Incubator & Coworking Space , Louisville’s Black entrepreneurs launch new businesses and Black business owners adopt new models to reach the next major milestones along their business journey. The Well Minority Incubator Pitch Competition had 65 attendees. Karla received the $1,000 prize. For more information go to https://thewelllouisville.com

Will You Leave a Godly Heritage?

By Robert and Charliese Lewis Ministries, Inc. Home of The 'After Church' Experience Envision Radio www.envision-radio.com

A heritage is defined as what you leave as an inheritance, legacy, or tradition after you have gone. Most people only view it in terms of possessions - either monetary or tangibles. Very few people would consider this in the spiritual manner - something intangible yet far more valuable. Even fewer people would consider the negative things people leave behind too - like debt, not having a will, and bad generational practices. Our desire is to be able to leave our daughter both tangibles and intangibles. We have recognized that it is our godly responsibility and purpose to leave a heritage that will allow her to experience the most as she navigates through life - with or without us - but most importantly in and with the Lord. Jacob's lineage and the heritage of his sons and grandsons is a key example of this.

15And he blessed Joseph, and said: “God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, The God who has fed me all my life long to this day,

16 The Angel who has redeemed me from all evil, Bless the lads; Let my name be named upon them, And the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; And let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.” (Genesis 48 )

A good man leaves an inheritance [of moral stability and goodness] to his children’s children. (Proverbs 13:22 AMP)

In considering a godly heritage, we always think about how Jacob, as he was dying, blessed each of his sons with a heritage, which resulted in the 12 tribes of Israel. But when it came to

Program Manager and serves as the Executive Director of Louisville Literary Arts. They reside in Lexington, Ky. with their daughter. Visit www.randclewisministries.com and follow on all social media platforms.@theafterchurchexperience and @charlieseblewis. Email and PayPal at afterchurchexp@gmail.com.

Joseph, he did something different. He blessed both of Joseph's sons, Manasseh and Ephraim. In other words, he gave Joseph a double portion of blessings through his sons (Genesis 48). Joseph got double for his trouble. Jacob was mindful of the trials that Joseph had endured after his brothers sold him into slavery! Jacob left a heritage for his children and his grandchildren.

As we've pondered this topic, we believe there are three main things that are very important for us to leave behind for children as part of their godly heritage.

1. We leave a godly heritage by teaching our children the importance of spiritual covering and discipleship. It is imperative that we teach our children that praying for other people, ministering to others through the Word of God, and showing spiritual concern for the lost is discipleship at its best. That is what we are called to do. After all, it was Jesus' charge to His disciples in the Great Commission. In the words of Jesus himself, "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."

2. We leave a godly heritage by sharing our testimonies about how God has remained true to His promises, shown us His grace and mercy, and sacrificed His son for us. It is important for our

children to know that God gave His own son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Also, God's promises never return void and His mercies are new every morning. Our children need to know that there will never be a time that God will turn His back on us, even in a lowly state. In the words of gospel singer J. Moss, "You loved me through my good. You loved me through my bad. You didn't erase my future because of my past. You loved me through my good and my bad."

3. We leave a godly heritage by teaching our children how to love others as Jesus taught His disciples. It is one thing to love our neighbors as ourselves, but it is on another level to love others as Jesus has loved us. In the words of Lionel Richie and the Commodores, "Jesus is love."

A few years ago, we watched an interview between Steve Harvey and Bishop T.D. Jakes. Steve said that he was not going to leave much of his possessions and money behind for his kids, they would need to work to earn their living. Bishop Jakes responded, "It's not what you leave to them; it's what you leave in them that matters most."

Leaving a godly heritage behind for our daughter - the things of God - speaks to the legacy we have established for the kingdom of God through service, but also how we set

her up for service and success when we are no longer here.

We will not keep them from our children; we will tell the next generation about the Lord’s power and his great deeds and the wonderful things he has done.

(Psalms 78:4 GNB)

Live Your Best Life: Your Life is Your Legacy

by Dr. Julia A. Royston

Host of The Book Business Boss Show Host of Live Your Best Life Envision Radio www.juliaroyston.net

Legacy is defined as “Law, a gift of property, especially personal property, as money, by will; a bequest. anything handed down from the past, as from an ancestor or predecessor.” (www.dictionary.com)

What are you handing down to the next generation? Some people will be fortunate enough to bequeath large amounts of money, property and heirlooms to their children and generations after. This is wonderful and much appreciated but besides material things what will your true legacy be? What will the legacy associated with truly living your best life be? I want mine to be consistent of the following but review for yourself and see if you agree.

A Calling: When we think of a calling we normally associate that with a religious call to preach or teach but I believe that it is much more than just these vocations. I believe that we are all called to do, be, create, inspire and live in this life. A call is something that gets us up out of the bed when you don’t feel like it. It is an inner drive, ability and need to accomplish and do in spite of the situation, circumstances or who is watching. What are you called to do?

Great Competence: It’s not that you know it all but you are willing to give yourself over to learning as much about what you’re called to do, love to do and need to do as possible. You want people to see you as a resource on a topic of interest from the effort you spent researching, learning and putting into practice what was learned. Competence happens over time and can be acquired by

Julia Royston is a speaker, author, publisher, writing coach and business consultant. Julia and her husband, Brian K. Royston oversee the operation of BK Royston Publishing, LLC www.bkroystonpublishing.com & Royal Media and Publishing to provide high quality materials that inform, inspire and entertain. Listen every Sunday to her radio program Live Your Best Life on Envision Radio Network @ 10am EST at www.envision-radio.com and also her other program Book Business Boss Show that airs every Tuesday on Envision Radio Network at 10:30am

something that you read, hear, see and/or experience. Build your competence capacity every day.

Compassion for Others: Compassion for others looks different for everyone but I believe that seeing a need and having a willingness to assist is key to compassion. It doesn’t have to be money but some people need an ear of wisdom, a shoulder to cry on and direction to get to the help that they need. How compassionate are you?

Unwavering Consistency: Consistency is to be steady, on course and to keep progressing and/or working at your gift, talent, job, call or purpose no matter the season of life. Each day is not easy. Each season brings about unexpected changes and challenges. Each opportunity to live and give of oneself is a true gift from God.

Be true to your call, give yourself over to becoming competent, have compassion for others while being consistent, these are just some of the keys to a great legacy while Living Your Best Life.

Photo by Claudio Schwarz on Unsplash

Meet Mellisa “Meme” Patterson

By Mellisa Patterson Guest Writer

Jamaican/Canadian native, Mellisa Patterson is a fitness coach,Christian talk show host and a financial consultant.

She started the fitness brand “Black Girl Big God Fit”out of the desire to shed a few pounds. Little did I know God had other plans.

I began a journey to a healthy lifestyle, when my weight went up to 184,at the time I felt like I was losing myself. I knew it was time to take action,through education, diet and exercise. That was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. My life and health has changed tremendously. I started to hold myself accountable, by posting my workout videos, it was then others started reaching out for help after seeing my

results and following my fitness journey.

I believe that our health is tied to our mental & spiritual health. 3rd John 2 confirms this to be true. “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in good health, even as thy soul prospereth.

Which is why I will be launching my very own fitness program and meal plan starting February 2023.

Let’s talk Exercise, Fitness and some of the benefits.

Exercise is one of those things that people either enjoy, or dislike. Regardless of which one you choose,in my opinion, exercise is so much more than just physical activity.

What can improve your mood, boost your immune system and lower your risk for heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and cancer? The answer is REGULAR EXERCISE. Numerous studies have demonstrate that exercise helps you feel better and live longer.

Physical fitness should be important for everyone. All ages need’s some type of physical activity on a daily basis.

Here are 7 benefits of exercise and fitness.

high blood pressure, heart attack, cancer and much more.

● Physical activity raises your metabolism and helps you lose weight more easily

● Physical activity helps reduce stress, anxiety, and depression and improve your mood.

● Physical activity helps with digestion.

● Physical activity increases bone density.

● Physical activity helps you age more gracefully.

● Physical activity improves your sleep quality.

A gym membership is always cheaper than a hospital bill, you have the choice to pay for your health upfront now, by taking 30 minutes a day to do some form of physical activity, or pay for it later. I strongly encourage the first option.

Contact

Photo by Emiliano Vittoriosi on Unsplash

MENTAL HEALTH: AWARENESS INTO ACTION

By Anika T. Nero Guest Writer

Mental health illness is a serious issue that affects people of all ages and backgrounds. Being aware of the symptoms of depression can help identify potential issues in yourself and those around you and knowing the solutions to address mental health concerns can be invaluable.

In the last few years mental health hasbeen discussed more openly in forums and Mental Health awareness has been all the buzz in our society, workplace and social media spaces. Although we may have seen a decline in stigma, in 2022 there’s been an increase in the suicide rate year over year from 2020-2021 according to the CDC.

So why is Suicide the 2nd leading cause of death in the world for those aged 15-24?

It may have something to do with the fact that in 2022 Depression affected almost 1 in 10 Americans and as hopeful and faith filled as I am, I would even venture to say that we are entering into 2023 in a “Mental State of Emergency”, pun intended.

It has become evident that awareness only addresses part of the problem. We have to adjust the wide lens of awareness from being just Global, but to become aware of others in closer proximity to us as well as

Self-awareness, if we are going to realize true solutions to Mental Health. The signs of depression are often hard to spot in others or even recognize in ourselves, because we live in a world where we are so used to masking, ignoring and just “pushing through” and only sharing the “best” highlights of our lives on social media. Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the signs and symptoms associated with mental health issues such as depression or suicidal ideation.

Here are some of the most common signs and symptoms of Depression and or other Mental Illness:

● A persistent feeling of sadness,

● Lack of energy or motivation,

● Changes in appetite or sleep patterns

● Feelings of guilt or worthlessness

● Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

● Thoughts of suicide or death

Other signs may include withdrawing from social activities or having difficulty concentrating on tasks.

Being aware of your own mental state and being mindful about the emotions of others can be extremely beneficial.

If you recognize any of these signs in yourself or someone else, it's important to seek help as soon as possible.

So, what are the solutions?

Therapy is often recommended as a way to work through difficult emotions and thoughts in a safe environment while gaining insight into how they can better manage their mental state going forward. Faith-based individuals might also find solace in talking with a pastor or spiritual leader about their struggles and exploring ways that faith could help them cope and heal from within. Additionally, forming healthy relationships with friends and family members who are supportive and understanding can provide an invaluable source of support during tough times. Finally, self-care practices like regular exercise, journaling, creating healthy boundaries, prayer/meditation, healthy eating habits, getting enough sleep, engaging in hobbies you enjoy can all contribute to improved mental wellness over time.

The benefits of addressing mental well-being cannot be overstated; good mental health leads to improved overall physical health as well as more fulfilling relationships both personally and professionally. People who have addressed their mental health issues have reported feeling happier overall due to being able to better handle stressors that come up during day-to-day life. Improved mood also leads to increased motivation; those who have taken steps towards improving their mental well-being have found themselves feeling more energetic which translates into greater productivity at work or school resulting in higher job satisfaction levels,

increased self-esteem and an overall increased feeling of fulfillment.

Taking care of your own mental well-being should always be top priority; it’s essential for living a healthy life both mentally and physically. For this same reason the Flight Attendants instructs passengers in the event of aircraft failure to, “place the oxygen mask on yourself FIRST...” before you help someone else!

In 2023, we stand to see many more state and local governments pushing and prioritizing Mental health resources, training and funding.

If we are going to make the kind of impact necessary to significantly minimize the number of deaths by suicide and people affected by Mental illness not receiving adequate support, we will have to develop a more proactive approach towards ourselves and others. Let’s normalize actively checking in with friends and families and not delaying seeking help.

It is important to discover what solutions will work best for the situation at hand. It may be therapy, faith-based practices and support groups, healthy relationships and self-care practices or a combination. Keep an open mind.

Let's equip ourselves to take action in 2023 towards Mental health improvement and bring hope and help for those that feel hopeless. January-March 2023

If you think you may need help dealing with your own struggles do not hesitate to reach out for help today!

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 988

When you/or someone you know is having a Mental Health Crisis Text MHA to 741741 to connect with a trained Crisis Counselor from Crisis Text Line. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

To find Local Mental Health support you can always contact your Local Department of Health or Local Behavioral Health Authority

Anika T Nero was born and raised in Jamaica, Queens Ny. She moved to Richmond, VA in 1999 where she currently resides along with her 2 adult daughters and young son. She is a Licensed Minister and Corporate Learning and Development Facilitator. Anika is a Mental health advocate. She is a published writer publishing her first Childrens book “LJ Prays all day”. Anika is a Motivational Speaker, Mindset Coach, Entrepreneur, and Podcast host. She is the Founder of Kingdom Culture Collective, a digital company that provides content, products and services like, coaching, mentorships, courses, merchandise and consulting designed to promote a Kingdom mindset in others as they navigate through all that culture and society may throw at them and still be able to position themselves according to God”s purpose and achieve His best out of life, relationships and business.

Anika is a passionate developer of minds and believes a Kingdom Mindset is vital in life simply because we are in this world, but we are not meant to live and operate as the world. She is on a mission to help as many people as she can understand this fully and successfully.

Follow her to learn more on IG: @iamanikatnero. Podcast: Kingdom Culture Co. Is available wherever you listen to Podcasts. Apple, Google, Spotify, Anchor etc.

Just My Opinion: On Deion & JSU

by Amber Gardner Guest Writer

would be leaving Jackson State to head the Buffaloes at the University of Colorado.

These words were spoken by the living legend Deion Sanders aka Prime Time during his 2011 induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

After 14 seasons in the NFL, 9 seasons playing professional baseball, 2 Super Bowl titles, and an appearance in the World Series, many would say Sanders had done enough for professional sports. That is why people were shocked by his decision to take the head football coaching position at Jackson State University in 2020.

From going viral on social media with sounds like, “Give me my theme music!” to winning back-to-back SWAC titles to leading the Tigers to their first undefeated season, Sanders has left his mark on college football & HBCUs in a short amount of time.

That is why many were heartbroken & torn when news broke that Sanders

Some were happy for Sanders and congratulated him on being able to market himself in a way where a PWI would want him to be the head of their football program.

Michael Balko, a sports journalist, and podcaster, stated, “The city of Jackson never supported Deion Sanders…(He) made 300K/yr at Jackson St - makes 5M/yr at Colorado. Don’t hate the player, hate the game.” (Michael Balko, @MichaelBalkoJr)

Others see the move as a betrayal and representation of how black culture/communities have continuously been robbed of great talent just for it to be given to mainstream institutions. They feel that JSU was made to look less than and Sanders “painted himself to be this Black savior of HBCU sports…Meanwhile, JSU was the only…football program to give him a head coaching opportunity.” (Christopher Sylvain, @ChrisSylvain)

“If your dream ain’t bigger than you, there’s a problem with your dream.” - Deion Sanders

I feel that in the end, it will all come down to how Sanders treats JSU once it is all said and done. As it says, “To remember where you come from is part of where you’re going.” (Antony Burgess)

2022 Writer’s Block Festival Recap

by Charliese Brown Lewis, Executive Director & Jennifer Wagley, Vice President

After a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, Louisville Literary Arts hosted the 10th Writer’s Block Festival at Ivy Tech Community College in Sellersburg, IN this past November. Boasting the theme, “Back to the Block,” the event featured writing workshops, a panel discussion, InKY readings, a writers resource fair, and keynote speaker Claudia Love Mair of the Kentucky Black Writers Collaborative at the Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning. Mair is the critically acclaimed author of the Amanda Bell Brown Mysteries, the Exorsistah series, and the Christy Award-nominated Zora and Nicky: A Novel in Black and White. She has written 11 books, both fiction and nonfiction, and is currently finishing a young adult novel.

Eight one-hour workshops were held including:

● Creating Your Author Brand Tanya White

● Finding Affrilachia: Writing About Place, Lineage, and Identity Bernard Clay

● Navigating Your Writing Journey: Working Through Writer’s Block Eugenia Johnson-Smith

● Romance Writing 101 Jessica Minyard

● Writing Comedy for the Stage and Page: Panel Discussion

Toni Acree, Teri Foltz, Tim Smith and Jennifer Wagley

● Submit, Submit, Submit: The Literary Submission Process from the Ground Up Tyrel Kessinger

●

Creating Vivid Characters Ellen Birkett Morris

● Writing Young Adult Fiction 101 Lynn Slaughter

The monthly InKy Reading Series was hosted as part of the Writer’s Block Festival program. Writers who read their work included Ellen Birkett Morris, Lynnell Edwards, Eugenia Johnson-Smith, Tyrel Kessinger, Lynn Slaughter, Tim Smith, Tanya White and Ron Whitehead. Vendors included publishers, presses, authors, poets and writing organizations and programs from Kentucky and Indiana.

Event sponsors and community partners included Holland Brown Books, Furman Nilsen & Oyler PLLC, Guide Realty,

Robert and Charliese Lewis Ministries, Inc., Shape & Flow Writing Instruction, South Arts, Kentucky Arts Council, Ivy Tech Community College, The Naslund-Mann Schools of Writing at Spalding University, Louisville Book Festival, and James Peterworth of Kentucky Select Properties. EnVision Radio & Magazine served as the Media Sponsor.

LLA will host the next Writer’s Block Festival in Summer 2023.

About Louisville Literary Arts (LLA) Louisville Literary Arts is a nonprofit literary organization dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive and accessible community that inspires, encourages, educates and supports writers and readers of all levels and genres. For information about its InKY Reading Series, Writer Meet-Ups, Wordshops, Writer’s Block Festival and more, visit www.LouisvilleLiteraryArts.org.

Photos by Robert J. Lewis

The Book Korner: with Justin

Justin Terel Washington

Leaving A Rich Legacy!

By David L. Smith Senior Pastor

New Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church www.newbethlehem.org

We at New Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, as believers in Christ Jesus, our legacy should be one of incredible generosity of our time, talents, and treasures. We are promised by God that He will supply all our needs and grant our desires according to His will. Philippians 4:19 tells us “ But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Many of us grow up believing that people love us when we do something worthy of their affection. However, God has called us to love unconditionally as He has loved us. (John 13:34-35) Through His grace, the legacy of agape love can reach throughout many generations of family, friends and communities.

If there was only one legacy we could leave it would be the hope we have in Christ for eternal life. Every day we must live as if we were the last one on

this earth considering the question; “What would I bring to heaven?” The answer: Nothing except what I did in the name of Jesus leading towards heavenly riches!” Matthew 6:19-21 reads; 19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Everybody leaves a legacy whether they plan to or not. Everything we say or do leaves the imprint of our lives on those around us. As long as there is breath in your bodies, there’s an opportunity to leave a rich legacy of hope. Start your legacy today and begin to live in the fulness that God created you to experience. New Bethlehem Missionary

Baptist Church of Houston has been dedicated to building families in Christ. Our mission is to support our community not just rooted in their spiritual life but in their overall being. And that is the “Legacy” we’re working toward leaving everyday. May the Lord richly Bless you and your family.

Happy New Year!

Konjac Noodles

BY CHEF JIMA Haute Conversations & Cuisine

www.hauteplatehospitalitygroup.com

INGREDIENTS

4 cups Konjac Noodles

4 cloves of Garlic (minced)

2/3 cup of Chicken Boone Broth

2/3 Heavy Cream

1/2 Grated Parmesan Cheese

Sea Salt (to taste)

Black Pepper (to taste)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Rinse the noodles in a colander under cool water

2. Heat a large non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and stir constantly for about 1 minute.

3. Add your noodles and stir for about 1 and a half minutes.

4. Remove noodles from the pan and set aside.

5. Add the broth and the cream. Increase the heat and bring the liquid to a simmer for about 5 minutes unit the volume is reduced by half.

6. Reduce to low and gradually stir in the parmesan cheese unit the mixture is smooth.

7. Add the noodles back into the skillet and stir to coat the noodles with the sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until warmed through.

8. Season with salt & pepper to taste if needed.

Manga!

TIP:

If you want a spin on that recipe.

1. Prepare the noodles as above

2. Sauté Shiitake mushrooms, red and yellow bell pepper stings, minced garlic, sliced onions, and broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes.

3. Remove and set aside

4. Sauté a protein (chicken, beef, or shrimp) in olive oil

5. Add the sautéed vegetables and then the noodles to the pan and stir to incorporate all the ingredients.

6. Add 1/2 cup of chicken bone broth

7. Add 2 TB butter

8. Stir and cook until warmed through

ENJOY!!