Game Changers: The Conscious Culture Magazine Volume 2 Issue 7

1 - Game Changers Magazine Jul/Aug 2017

Is Your Local T V Station SCB-TV is your family, friendly local television station providing quality entertainment that everyone will love.

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Game Changers Magazine Jul/Aug 2017 - 4

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of it all is showing 12 years later.

Her story possessed the hardships of following God but also the beauty of trusting Him. As she told her story, her voice was filled with so much exuberance, hope and faith that it is easy to see that the Tabernacle of Praise

Church Int’l has only just begun.

Thank you Pastor TJ, First Lady Shunnae McBride and even your children Ashli, Andrew and Alexis McBride, for selflessness to your community and your continued faithfulness to God and his people.

12 Years of Growth

by Amaris Myles

On June 25, 2005 Pastor Timothy and First Lady Shunnae McBride, along with their three children Ashli, Andrew and Alexis started Tabernacle of Praise Church Int’l right in their living room. 12 years later, they celebrated their 12th Annual Pastoral and Church anniversary. With the commitment to their community, they have been able to defeat the odds and become one of the nation’s fastest growing churches as proclaimed by Outreach 100 Magazine in 2016.

The anniversary service had a star studded line up with Pastor Michael Turner from Turning Point Church, Pastor Spencer T. O’Neal from Global Impact Christian Ministries and Pastor Kerwin B. Lee from Berean Christian Church. Many family, friends and fellow Pastors came out to show their love and support for our Pastors accomplishing 12 years of being in ministry. The best part of the service was a surprise video of their son Andrew McBride, who is currently serving in the United States Navy, congratulate his parents on 12 years of being amazing leaders. Other video appearances included Dr. Patricia Bailey, Dr. Samuel Chand and Dr. Bill Winston as they extended felicitations to our Pastors on

being awesome leaders in our community for 12 years.

At the end of the service, the first family shared their gratitude towards their church family and First Lady Shunnae McBride shared the story of their humble beginnings. She shared how they packed up everything and moved from California to Georgia to start this ministry. Tears began to flow as she shared how she and Pastor McBride did not know what was going to happen or how they were going to make it but they trusted God and the result

Game Changers Magazine Jul/Aug 2017 - 6

Letter from the Editor

by Andreal Mallard

I would like to thank all the business owners and community organizations that contribute to this magazine.

As we celebrate 1 Year of serving our community, it give me great pleasure to work with those that are focused on changing the game! Our goal this year is to continue sharing the vision of positive and diverse growth thru social and economic awareness. Providing up to date information to the people is our primary goal.

Moving forward in the volume 2 edition we will continue to cover Atlanta South, however we will be moving toward the Metro Atlanta, Augusta, GA, Columbus, GA and Savannah, GA areas to share stories of Game Changers all over the state! We are so excited to share this journey with new members of our team!

Speaking of new members, I would like to thank all of those who have joined the GameChangers: The Conscious Culture team and look forward to working with each and everyone of you in the near future!

Special thanks to my family for sticking in there with me in the beginning! I appreciate the support and push to help me be a leader in business. Special thanks to the churches, pastors, community leaders, organizations and causes that support us as well!

Your giving and kind hearts to understand our vision does not go unnoticed. Also new business owners looking to advertised or be featured, don't be scared to reach out to me directly about questions you may have about marketing and advertising. I love helping people grow and anything we can do to help your business, organization, or vision succeed, we are one phone call or email away!

Looking forward to a big year! #WeAreGameChangers 7 - Game Changers Magazine Jul/Aug 2017

Pamper Me Pretty

Pamper Me Pretty is a sisterhood dedicated to motivating and coaching young women to be their potential. Our organization coaches women to secure a good foundation in education. We mentor our young ladies to build their unique story and know their worth in order to live the Level X Confident life they are gifted to have. This sisterhood motivates the entrepreneur spirit in our Pamper Me Pretty community to live her dream.

All of our pretty girls stand on this one common foundation that comes from Philippians 3:13: Thinking Positive Moving Forward and Never Looking Back.

**For more information about our mentoring sessions, the My Pretty Boot camp, volunteering, supporting or becoming a member of Pretty University please email us at pamper.m.pretty@gmail.com or call our office at (470) 418-3982.

A Celebration of Hope: Local Benefit Luncheon Honors Educational Efforts

by Shana Thornton out-of-school youth. The goal of the SWAG program is to identify the individual needs of young adults who maybe considered at-risk and implement methods of delivering educational, social, occupational and other support services through community partnerships.

The team at Connecting Henry, Inc, and the SWAG Program have accomplished so much throughout the area. 44 students recently graduated from the program.

The benefit lun Your award-winning cheon scheduled for Nofamily radio talk show Let's vember will offer a full Talk America with Host course luncheon and live Shana Thornton is proud to entertainment. Communipresent the 2nd Annual Cel- ty advocate and critically ebration of Hope: A Comacclaimed author Sherry munity Benefit Luncheon Graves will serve as keyon Saturday, November 4, note speaker. Michelle 2017 at 12 pm at the Hilton Amarra of SCBTV 182 will Garden Inn in McDonough.

The public event aims to bring awareness to the importance of education in all communities. Funds raised from the event will directly benefit the Students Working To Achieve Greatness Program of Connecting Henry, Inc.

The SWAG Program is designed to assist economically disadvantaged youth ages 16 to 24 to get their GED or High School Diploma. The educational program engages both in-school and

serve as Mistress of Ceremonies. All members of the community are invited to join us for this family affair.

Last year's event recognized several community leaders making an impact

on others. This year's luncheon will also honor community leaders making a difference in the lives of others. For more information on tickets, please visit www.ltaradio.com.

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Let’s Talk About the “L” Word: Life Insurance

by Kye Wilson

I am not positive why life insurance can be such a dreaded word or concept to many people, but if you know how it works and realize the numerous incredible benefits that you can take advantage of, I think that some people may think differently.

Yes, the primary benefit of life insurance is to provide financial support to a person, family or business in the unfortunate or sudden loss of income. This is the #1 and primary reason that people purchase life insurance.

Now that we have gotten that out of the way, let’s talk about some of lesser known benefits.

Here are some of the personal policy options that I have exercised:

Collateral – Recently I was approved for a business bank loan. Part of the underwriting requirements was that I had to assign a life policy over as collateral against the value of the bank loan. This means the bank would receive any outstanding owned balances on my loan from the life insurance before the remaining balance would be issued to my normally designated beneficiary i.e. spouse, kids parents etc. This is much better than signing over your house or car or another tangible assets to the bank as collateral.

Personal loans – A loan can be completed and withdrawn from your permanent life insurance policy with very easily with no questions asked.

The checks are mailed to you within 1 business day.

Conversions – If you own a temporary policy (a policy that will end on a specific date) many companies will allow you to convert all of some of the face value of that policy into a permanent product with no additional health questions or exams. That locks in your insurability against future health risks which would have made you ineligible to purchase a life insurance policy.

Tax Shelters –

This is a huge benefit that the wealthy frequently use to their advantage. Life insurance proceeds are not taxable, at least not at this time. Premiums, (the money) that you pay into your life policies, are also tax shel-

tered. Of course tax codes change all the time and you can believe that every couple of years the government makes an attempt to change the codes so that they can garnish some of these funds for their own benefit.

This list is just naming a few of the many potential uses. There are so many things that you can do to make life insurance really save you time and money and give you and your family financial ease. I have been a licensed life insurance agent for the last 16 years. I am happy to answer any questions or would be happy to sit down and talk about creating a life insurance portfolio to fit your needs and budget.

Let’s talk today.

Your child is driven to be the best on the field. But they need you to be the driver off the field. At American Family Insurance, we believe your dreams are the most valuable things you will ever own.

And we’ll help you find just the right insurance to protect them.

Kye Wilson Agency 1123 McDonough Place McDonough, GA 30253 (770) 284-2311 kwilso2@amfam.com

American Family Insurance, Mutual, Standard of OH and WI Companies, 6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783 and The General® | © 2016 012413– 7/16

Game Changers Magazine Jul/Aug 2017 - 10

AFRICANS IN AMERICA "IDENTITY CRISIS"

Written by: Shawn Raleigh

It can be said that our biggest issue in the African American community is an "IDENTITY CRISIS!" And it all began the very moment we were

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rounded up to be shipped to a foreign land forcibly and stripped of our "IDENTITY".Any attempt to maintain even a small piece of who we were resulted in harsh beatings and cruel punishments.

Eventually we found ourselves in a submissive state, giving into whatever and whoever they said we were. WE WERE BROKEN!

Let's take a look at other immigrants that are in North America, who actually came by choice and not by force.

THERE'S A DIFFERENCE! When you are choosing to leave a place of residency you have the choice to bring along anything that's yours. But when you are made to leave with force, you leave with nothing but memories. And even they fade away!

However referring back to the other groups, they all were able to bring with them their identity.

Which is vital to survival as a people.

One of the hardest things for African Americans to embrace is the fact that all other immigrants have been able to

capitalize economically at the expense of African American's.

We go to one group of immigrants for our gas. Another for our beauty products. Another for our tires. We even go to others for approval or acceptance. This is not to come against other immigrant group but to show the difference in being able to maintain your "IDENTITY" in foreign lands. Each one of these groups were able to come here and utilize skills acquired in their homeland. They systematically position themselves to give their "IDENTITY" longevity by having the opportunity available for those coming behind them to come along for the ride. This is how they solidify themselves.

Look at how the "IDENTITY" of African Americans (called today) have changed over the years. Started as Africans, then slaves, then blacks or coloreds to African Americans.

There is deep psychological confusion in this misadventure. As a result we have been scrambling around for hundreds of years

trying to find "OUR" place in this world. And the confusion of it is obvious. So obvious until in many cases we have become our own worst enemy. The confusion runs so deep that African Americans are aware of this but have become so bogged down by it until Its just easier to only be concerned with individuality rather than the "IDENTITY" of who we truly are as a people.

To sum things up the question must be raised who, what, when, where and how will the process began in finding "OUR IDENTITY" as not former slaves, colored or black, or African Americans in America, But rather as AFRICANS IN AMERICA? I have come to the conclusion that a great starting point would be to build our "IDENTITY" from a term that best fits it.

It is quite clear and obvious that we are from AFRICA residing in AMERICA. The closest I could come to identifying "OUR IDENTITY" would be to say that we are AFRICANS IN AMERICA!

The Big Picture: Bringing Quality of Living thru Economic and Community Development

by Commissioner Bruce Holmes

Commissioner Bruce Holmes is committed to the economic development of Northern Henry County as it is one of the fastest growing segments in that county. North Henry offers a high quality of life, low cost of living, revitalized easy access and proximity to downtown Atlanta and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, historical and cultural amenities, outdoor, recreational and soon the performing arts. A new $20,000,000 Performing Arts Center (PAC) will fit well within Fairview’s health and wellness community completing the overall vision for the area.

“I'm happy that Nidus and Henry County Board of Education believed in my vision to redevelop this area into a health and wellness community,” said Commissioner Bruce Holmes. “Both developments will anchor this tri-county commercial corridor and this area will be a destination for quality medical care, retail, healthy living, while benefiting our youth in the area of intellectual capital development and enrichment.

“The road infrastructure has been improved and aligned with beautification and 8' multi-use paths, Holmes

explained. “Village Park at North Henry located adjacent to this development has finally opened adding even more walkability to the area. Construction of the Fairview Rd/ Anvil Block Rd realignment was recently approved and construction has begun. This new alignment will connect Anvil Block and Fairview roads putting our health and wellness commercial corridor closer to I-675. Lastly, I’m very thankful that the Henry County Board of Education recently approved the Fairview Performing Arts Center. Along with the other investments in the area, this center with contribute to youth enrichment, youth exposure and economic development.

I'm proud of the Henry County Board of Education’s decision to invest in our youth and I look forward to the completion of this beautiful facility.

Game Changers Magazine Jul/Aug 2017 - 12

Your Mental Health Is Important...Too! Dr. Kenia Johnson

In the United States, over 50 million Americans have gym memberships. Additionally, more than 12% of new gym memberships are initiated in January as people flood the numerous fitness clubs in search of physical health and fitness1.

As we work toward having better bodies and healthier eating styles, let us not forget that our mental health is an integral part of health. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) states that “health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity2. Therefore, there really is no health without mental health3.

It is important for us to consider the state of our mental health because African-Americans make up 13.3% of the U.S. population4, and are 20% more likely to experience serious mental health problems than the general population (e.g., depression, anxiety, ADHD, posttraumatic stress disorder).5 Additionally, even if a significant mental health problem is not present, 9.5% of all African-American adults ages 18 and older feel high levels of distress and that everything is an effort all of the time. This is also true for 8.9% of African-American men.6

This year, let’s make our mental health as much a priority as our physical health. Mental health is defined as a state of well-being in which we can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively in work/ school, and realize our potential.

It also encompasses our ability to make positive contributions to our family and community3.

Below are few tips for supporting good mental health: Healthy Ways to Cope with 13 - Game Changers Magazine Jul/Aug 2017

Stress • To help reduce stress and encourage relaxation take several deep breaths to calm the senses and relax the mind7.

Follow a slow count to 3 or 5 (in and out) to induce relaxation.

Additionally, progressive muscle relaxation (tensing and relaxing different areas of the body in succession) helps to relieve tension and promote a relaxed state.

• Take 5 to 7 minutes each day for yourself, without any distractions7. This “mini-mental vacation” will

allow you to escape from the stress endured earlier in the day and reset, if necessary, for the remaining responsibilities of the day. Some days you may need to take several mini-mental vacations to maintain good balance in managing stress.

• Exercising is a great way to release endorphins that make the body and mind feel good7.

• Surround yourself with trusted friends who are willing to celebrate your achievements and provide support during the bad times7.

• Forgive others often and quickly. Many times our stress is related to grievances that we have against the people in our lives and situations that

we cannot control (e.g., home, work, school). Learning to let go is essential to moving forward to happier times.

Productivity in the Work/School Environment • Creating daily or weekly “To-Do” lists are an excellent way to organize tasks that need your attention and manage time.

Keep in mind that the goal is to complete as much of the tasks as possible. Forgive yourself if you don’t get through the entire list.

Don’t dwell on it, simply tear it up and make a new one on the next day or the next week.

• Develop and write down short-term goals to accomplish within a reasonable time frame.

This provides structure and purpose to the day-to-day tasks you encounter in life. If for some reason you do not accomplish all

of your goals by the projected time frame, remember that it is okay to give yourself more time.

• Establishing balance between work time and down time is important to support productivity. Taking scheduled breaks allows the body and the brain opportunity to recharge and refocus throughout the day.

Helpful Ways to Realize Your Potential • Accepting compliments from others can be difficult for many, but it is in these kind words that you can identify your strengths that are often observed by others7.

• Spending time engaged in a hobby or volunteering can unlock interests and talents that

were once hidden7.

• Nurturing your spiritual self through prayer and service can have many health benefits7.

Actively believing in a higher power or divine being can lend itself to self-exploration and foster insight of one’s strengths and weaknesses.

Make Positive Contributions to Others 9 • Make a commitment to show kindness and tell others when they are doing well. Write simple notes of gratitude or give verbal compliments to people.

Try to be complimentary to someone each day. Giving praise makes others feel good and such positivity is naturally infectious and will make you feel good, too.

• Make time for family and friends. Invest and nurture your relationships with others7.

This will promote strong connections that are viable during times of need.

• Share your knowledge with others! To support the sustainability and growth of a community, it is important for there to be a connection between generations. Your journey can serve as a road map for others to achieve success. *Public Service Announcement: If you or someone you know is experiencing severe emotional and behavioral distress, please contact a mental health profession or call the Georgia Crisis and Access Line (GCAL) 1-800715-4225

My name is Annanethia Colzie-Hattney, but many know me as Peaches. I am truly a Georgia peach ‒ born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia.

After graduating from high school, I was blessed to marry my husband Clayburn Hattney. Together we have two children, Keenard and Claysha.

I am also the proud grandmother of a handsome young man, Keevon Hattney.

I quickly landed a job in the financial services industry shortly after high school. From there, I moved into the insurance industry where I gained the knowledge and experience to open my own agency. I am now a successful Allstate agent of 11 years in Stockbridge, Georgia.

Helping people is a big reason I got into insurance. I get to help people protect what is most important in their lives, whether it is auto and home insurance or saving for college and retirement.

Moreover, my understanding of the people in this community has been an important factor in providing the outstanding customer service local families have come to expect!

I’d love to meet you and help you with coverage decisions that fits your life. I can also help you prepare a strategy to achieve your financial goals. My mission is to help people manage the risks of everyday life, assist in recovering from the unexpected and realize their dream! You are in Good Hands!

Game Changers Magazine Jul/Aug 2017 - 14

Ronald Watts, MD

graduated from Howard University College of Medicine in 1985 and completed his fellowship at Mt. Sinai Medical Center in New York in 1991. He received Board Certification in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism from American Board of Internal Medicine.

Dr. Watts served in the United States Air Force for 8 years until his resignation in 1998 as a Lieutenant Colonel when he moved to the Atlanta area. In March 2003, he started his own private practice, Eagle’s Landing Diabetes & Endocrinology in Stockbridge, GA. His professional association include the American Association of Clinical Endocrinology, American Diabetes Association and the Endocrine Society.

His special area of interest includes intensive management of diabetes including insulin pump therapy, continuous glucose monitoring and new drug therapy options for diabetics.

In his free time, Dr. Watts enjoys spending time with his wife and kids. He also enjoys bowling, tennis, and golf.

Telicia Scott, PA-C,MMS is a nationally certified physician assistant and has been practicing for over 10 years. Telicia grew up in Atlanta, GA and in 2001 attended college at the State University of West Georgia where she received her Bachelor of Science degree.

Shortly afterwards, she began work at Grady Health Sys-

Kianna Lawson,

PA-C received her physician

assistant degree from Howard University in Washington D.C. and completed her undergraduate studies at Spelman College with a major in English and minor in Biology. She received her board certification from the National Association of Physician Assistant in 2006 where she obtained the knowledge to handle a variety of medical illnesses.

Mrs. Lawson has worked in the Primary Care, Family Practice, Psychiatry and Endocrinology setting. She also contracts to the military ensuring that the country's military soldiers are ready for deployment both mentally and physically.

Mrs. Lawson believes that her patients are a vital part of the healthcare system and

is adamant about giving excellent service. She has been nominated and received numerous awards for her services in the healthcare industry.

In her spare time she enjoys traveling, shopping, exercising, and being with her family. She resides in the metro Atlanta area with her husband and two kids. Mrs. Lawson welcomes all new patients and referrals.

Tracy Perry, NP-C

received her Masters of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Family Practice from Georgia State University in Atlanta, GA and received her Bachelors of Science in Nursing from Georgia State as well.

She received her certification from the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.

Ms. Perry has worked as a registered nurse at Southern Regional Medical Center in the medical-surgical unit.

tems in Atlanta, GA in the Teen Clinic as she took special interest in teen centered healthcare. She worked alongside other healthcare professionals to provide health and lifestyle coaching that gave teens the opportunity to make healthy informed decisions. She then went to obtain her Master’s degree in Physician Assistant studies from Midwestern University in Downers Grove, Illinois in 2004. She also served in the National Health Service Corp in 2008.

Her interest in diabetes led her to pursue a career with Eagles Landing Diabetes and Endocrinology in Stockbridge, GA under Ronald Watts, MD. She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling and reading.

Mrs. Scott welcomes all new patients and referrals.

Ms. Perry has also worked at Dekalb Medical Center Hillandale in telemetry.

Her professional affiliations include the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and the United Advanced Practice Nurses of Georgia.

Her focus includes preventive care treatment of diabetes and other endocrine disorders. She believes in treating her patients with the same compassion and care she would treat a family member, and understands that a patient centered partnership is essential in improving patient outcomes.

During her free time, Ms. Perry enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She also enjoys cooking, bowling, reading, and tennis. Ms. Perry welcomes all new patients and referrals.

1050 Eagles Landing Pkwy. Suite 302 - Stockbridge, GA 30281 Office: (770) 389-9494 / Fax: (770) 357-2511 Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. / Friday: 8 a.m.-12 p.m.

Game Changers Magazine May/Jun 2017 - 16

Commissioner Dometrice Dee Clemmons: A Force for Change in South Atlanta Past: The Foundation of a powerful woman is the powerful woman and tribe who raised her.

Ashonté: Where are you from?

Tell us about what it was like growing up with your family.

Commissioner Clemmons: I was born in Atlanta and raised in Dekalb. I was raised primarily by my mother and a very great Stepdad. I grew up like a typical kid who was expected to go to school and get good grades.

(On Facebook Dee paid tribute to her father saying “Wishing you were still here with me. He was a man that loved me unconditionally. I’m thankful you were here to show me that love for 39 years of my life. #daddysgirl”) Ashonté: When did you first get the call to service and what did it mean to you?

Commissioner Clemmons: The call for me came very early in life at the age of 13, when I worked the whole summer for $50, as a youth counselor in training. My responsibility was to be a mentor to other younger girls in the camp.

Ashonté: So, when you got that call you did not shrink from it, you rose to the challenge?

Commissioner Clemmons: I rose to it. The camp was for young boys and girls ages 8 to 12 and I had gone all 5 years. When I turned 12 years of age it being my last year of camp, not only was I sad but the whole staff was sad. So, they created the position of counselor in training so I could come back. Since then I have not missed a summer of running a camp. That is one reason I am here (the Broadway Performing Arts studio) at 0645 in the morning, because I just 17 - Game Changers Magazine Jul/Aug 2017

put 16 girls on a van to Warner Robbins and I am waiting for 40 more to come in.

Ashonté: You were a middle school teacher. Would you agree the transition from childhood to adolescence makes that the toughest group to teach?

What subjects did you teach?

Commissioner Clemmons: I’d agree, but teaching students in this age range was somewhat less challenging for me, I was well prepared by the 4 years I spent while in college (at Spelman University) serving as the Learning Center Director for the then Boys Clubs of Atlanta. I was responsible for getting the boys to come in from playing basketball and settle down in the learning center environment. That was a bigger challenge than teaching was later.

I created programs that would make it motivating for them to come in and study. I was a Language Arts and Literature major, so I taught Reading, Writing, and Grammar.

Ashonté: What were some of your experiences as a teacher or learning center director?

Commissioner Clemmons: As a learning center director, I often engaged the students at Spelman to create community service projects for the boys at the center. I started a fun run against drug and alcohol abuse to bring awareness to these young boys about the troubles that could arise from substance abuse; which was a rapidly growing epidemic. Also, while at Spelman, I became this External Affairs Board President, which is a community service post. That made it easy to merge the service opportunities that I needed to create for Spelman students with the students I served at the Boys Club. With so many

students at my disposal we were able to provide public service to the community for women’s shelters, the boys and girls clubs, and many other entities. This led to me being selected as the only student on the Points of Light Foundation Board, which was the White House’s foundation. In this role, I traveled all over the US talking to college students about being engaged in public service.

(Points of Light, founded by President George H. W. Bush, today transcends politics and borders to inspire millions of volunteers worldwide. Their mission is to inspire, equip and mobilize people to take action that changes the world. http://www.pointsoflight.org/facts) Ashonté: As a business woman and community leader, what things did you do to affect change before becoming the first African American woman elected to the Henry County Board of Commissioners (BOC)?

Commissioner Clemmons: I consider myself a Social Entrepreneur which means that I created businesses that would meet the needs of communities. I saw that in living in Henry Coun-

ty, that there were no programs that were gender based. None to provide guidance or empower young girls, and being the mother of two daughters and going to college at an all-women’s school this was very important to me.

I believe that a girl’s future, her struggle or thriving, depends on the women that are mentors in her life. I started the only all girls gender program in Henry County that would become an academic and behavioral intervention program.

Ashonté: What’s happening with those programs today?

Commissioner Clemmons: I am known to start a program, be the catalyst and then step back and act as a consultant. These programs still exist; however, my role has now changed to outreach and partnership director. I look for partnerships and try to create funding for the programs. This led me to the nonprofit part of it because it has always been

Game Changers Magazine Jul/Aug 2017 - 18

about service and not about the business.

Backing up, after teaching I operated and helped open camps, daycare centers, and programs in communities for 23 years, not just in Atlanta and but as far south as Bainbridge, GA. In Clayton County, I was an advocate for boys who were being sent to the Juvenile Justice System, and created a pre-trial intervention program to get young men into an after-school program as opposed to placing them into the justice system. I was instrumental in obtaining a mentoring grant with the Department of Education. A team of people – educators, probation officers, etc. worked in concert to put these young men on the right path. The students who graduated from this program are very much a part of my life, now in their early 30s and doing well. Many students I taught while a middle school teacher now have their children in my programs, so it’s just been generation after generation.

All these years of service really prepared me to run for office which was just another level of service. I felt I had the passion and skill set to help the community. I come from a place of how can I serve not how does this benefit me.

Present: Leadership/Mentorship/ Service & Work-Life Balance Ashonté: You’ve said that you saw a need to serve in a different capacity. How did you come to the decision to serve as Henry County District 2 Commissioner?

Commissioner Clemmons: This was never something that was on the radar for me. In meeting with elected officials around the county and state I saw I had a different passion for the community than did they. I felt to serve well you must be service-driven.

Someone who has become a great mentor to me, said “you 19 - Game Changers Magazine Jul/Aug 2017

know if you really want to see change then, maybe you should put yourself in the position to make those changes instead of asking someone else to do it.”

For me it was about having the ability to make those changes from within.

Ashonté: What was the journey to Commissioner like? I imagine the political process can be quite taunting to even the most well-meaning person.

Commissioner Clemmons: In the process of running there was a lot of self-discovery. I spent years teaching women and children to believe in themselves and to work hard, I got to actually put into action and see this outcome. My winning became a testimony that I could use in the service of edifying and uplifting women and children. I was the underdog, it was history-making, it was stressful because it took away from me performing the grassroots service that I was doing.

I turned it into an opportunity to serve. I spent every available opportunity, teaching about politics, so whether I won or not I would at least have educated the community about the political process.

It wasn’t about the victory at the end, it was journey as service.

So, I felt good about having spent that year educating. Many politicians I think get so caught up in winning, they lose sight of the reachable milestones during the journey.

Ashonté: Tell the readers about what you have been able to accomplish thus far.

Commissioner Clemmons: I credit myself with getting that support from the Board and the community to find the funding

to build a fire station that was very much needed. It had been promised for over 15 years, the station was 30 years old, it was closed down, the community was experiencing delayed fire emergency response times and no one was addressing that issue.

Secondly, we have an airport in Henry County and I have done extensive research on the economic impact that aviation travel has had on the city of Atlanta. We have the largest, busiest airport in the world and Henry County, 17 miles from the international airport, doesn’t get any of that service. So, rebranding our airport, building a new

terminal building on the airport, creating a new website and marketing the airport to potential executive travelers were things my team and I made a priority. We got the name trademarked and changed to the Atlanta Speedway Airport, I thought it was a no-brainer to brand yourself next to a lucrative economic engine like the Speedway with whom we share the property. The staff and I are working very closely with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the CEOs of the Atlanta Motor Speedway, and their board members whose vote we needed to make this happen.

I’ve been blessed to have had the support of the BOC in taking Henry County’s District 2 to another level. I ran on a plat-

form of public safety, economic development, and quality of life, to that end we have thus far made strides toward fulfilling these promises with the fire station, the airport, and turning Nash Farms Park into a park that will be inclusive and welcoming to the entire community. I also said I would be transparent, which means I owe my constituents that those who are operating business and making profit in our county are paying their fair share in taxes to do so.

Ashonté: You demonstrated to me personally and throughout this conversation to be a

strong, outspoken advocate for the empowerment of young women, what pushed you to strengthen young girls personally?

Commissioner Clemmons: I think it really starts from my rearing, I’m my mom’s only child, my mom was a single-mom for a very long time and I can remember as a child my mom working 12 hour shifts. Often, she would pick me up from school, take me back to work with her, and I’d have to sit there until she got off from work. I am also had very strong grandparents, who were also self-employed (one of my grandmothers stayed home). I’ve

always had strong women in my life, and of course at Spelman we were taught it is our job as a woman to be that leader. I’ve never had to be that person up front, I’ve always been fed more by serving and seeing the results of the work. I guess just from my rearing, they just instilled in me that I could do anything. I have had my trials and struggles; I was married then I was divorced and became a single-mom, you can’t allow life to stop. I think that strength comes from within; if I can breathe inner strength into another woman to me my mission is accomplished.

Ashonté: We're meeting today in the Broadway Performing Arts studio you began in Stockbridge, were you fueled to open these doors for similar reasons?

Commissioner Clemmons: This was double fold, yes for the empowerment of young women, but also, I have a daughter who was in college for a theater degree; the entertainment industry can be filled with rejections, I wanted to make sure that when my daugh-

ter completed college she had a business where she could utilize her skills but that those skills would also serve the community. I knew that if they came in because of her then I could pour into them, that empowerment.

It was two-fold with me coming from an education and mentoring stand point and she is coming from an Arts as therapy view; we can truly help these girls become well-rounded powerful women. This is a therapeutic arts program, it is so much more than dance studio, it is a family, I work very hard on making sure it remains a positive environment, where they can come to fully express and explore themselves; a chance to be free.

We say “Dance for Life”, this place pushes me to make sure Henry County is a place they can thrive. We must make sure that economic opportunities exist for them here otherwise all this work will go to benefit another community they move on to.

(You can learn more about Broadway Performing Arts Studio on their website at http://

broadwayperformingartsga. com/) Ashonté: Tell us about your work with She STEAMS. What is She STEAMS? Commissioner Clemmons: She STEAMS means Science Technology Engineering Arts Mathematics and Service. It is a non-profit organization who aims to empower young women through the service and philanthropic efforts of women owned businesses. We create intervention programs to intervene with girls academically and behaviorally with modification programs for girls. The goal is to show them paths to success and other avenues to careers that they may not otherwise be exposed to. The women involved in the administering of these opportunities to these girls also get the benefit of business mentors and networking opportunities to accelerate their

business to the next level. We target women owned businesses to help raise funds to support our programs. Above all this is about service, I tell women if you’re not willing to roll up your sleeves and get some work done this is not the right organization for you.

One of the quotes that I grew up on in college is from Marian Wright Edelman, a fellow Spelman graduate, who said “you must lift as you climb”. I had everyone who volunteered with me in college to have this printed on their shirt, that is something that resonated with me. I don’t care how wealthy a woman is or how good her business is, if she isn’t giving back, she is nonexistent.

(Marian Wright Edelman is an American activist for the rights of children and disadvantaged Americans. She is the president and founder of the Children’s Defense Fund. You can learn more about this organization and its founder at http://www.childrensdefense.org/about/leadership/ marian-wright-edelman/.)

(She STEAMS is a coalition of women entrepreneurs striving to educate, empower, and enlighten the next generation. She STEAMS is comprised of leaders from the most senior levels of business, government, academia, and the non-profit sector; members of the board serve as key supporters and ambassadors to women and girls. Learn more and get involved at http:// shesteams.org/.)

Ashonté: With all things balance is key. How have you been able to balance your business, service commitment, and charitable efforts with your family, spiritual life, and personal goals?

Commissioner Clemmons: Planning. The only thing I must ensure is worked into my schedule is personal and family time, because everything else works together, the spiritual, business, and charity can all be lumped into the service component. But I schedule activities with my family, when I go home I shut it off, once I cross that threshold or when they do it is our time together. I keep in mind that if I’m not alright then I cannot serve. My family is rejuvenating for me because the rest does take a lot out of me. When I need to recharge it is family time.

Ashonté: Recently there has been some controversy concerning the use of County property to operate a business without license or payment of taxes within your district.

Could you briefly expound on that and its resolution?

Commissioner Clemmons: It was 21 - Game Changers Magazine Jul/Aug 2017

a difficult challenge for me honestly. What I want people to know is that the real issue was the illegal and fiscally irresponsible use of Henry County property by private operators, on government owned property with no oversight, no legal ownership, no written permission to be on said property.

The removal of the personal property (the Confederate flag) from County owned property and their voluntary closing was never the real issue, however, I stand firm on making sure I address every concern of all my constituents and some concerns were raised such as the flag and business operating there.

When I addressed the issues, it enticed hate. We have gotten through that, and I ask that my constituents to continue to believe that I will be transparent.

This particular issue has been resolved, but this has opened the BOC eyes to the fact that we must be better stewards of the taxpayers’ money.

Future: On the Horizon - Continued Service & Goals Ashonté: What do you hope to achieve for your constituents in the coming months?

Commissioner Clemmons: We are moving forward on the design and construction of the new terminal building for the Atlanta Motor Speedway Airport and will put up a modular building in the interim. We’ll continue to work on the master plan for the Nash Farms Park and bringing quality services to the community. We now have the funds to build the new fire station so it is just a matter of executing the plans. I will continue for the next 2 ½ years of my term to delivered on the platform on which I ran.

Ashonté: You've said you fully intend to finish your term, will you possibly run for another term or a different position?

Commissioner Clemmons: I don’t get to say whether or not I get to stay in office, the voters get do, so, I will leave that up to my constituents. Part of the challenge when the flag issue came up was a group of people called for my resignation. The support I got from my constituents and the fact that I’m committed to service, there is no one that could make me leave this first term! At the end of my term the decision to run again will be based on what my constituents want.

Ashonté: Any advice for women or men who are getting the call to serve?

Commissioner Clemmons: If I could give any advice, I would say to them what someone said to me: “Never listen to anyone who has not won a campaign!”.

I would ask them what is their plan, what will they do to make change, and are they willing to invest in themselves? These are always my questions; a lot of times people want to run for office and they don’t understand the position or how to utilize it to make change.

Commissioner Dometrice Dee Clemmons is a dynamic woman, with an amazing heart for service, a passion for the community, and her call to duty is certainly service before self.

She is a true force for change in South Atlanta.

By Ashonté S. Lyles

Our Community Matters! Moving McDonough Forward with Councilwoman Sandra Vincent

There is a great deal of false information being generated concerning the McDonough Caribbean Festival. The City of McDonough will be issuing a statement later today.

In the meantime, this initiative is a joint partnership between the City of McDonough and the Caribbean Association of Georgia.

The City continues to partner with organizations like CAG, the Lions Club (Geranium Festival) and others to bring culture, entertainment, the arts, business promotion, and humanitarian efforts to the McDonough community.

The damage to the ball fields was unfortunate. City of McDonough staff was on site, assessed the situation, and made what was felt to be the best decision in bringing on heavy equipment for the removal of the sound system.

This event has continued to highlight and celebrate the local Caribbean citizens, and businesses, within our community.

With over 26 nations represented at this annual event, we are proud to highlight the diverse cultures

within McDonough.

I am thankful that the leaders of McDonough have continued to support CAG by approving the partnership at our annual City Council retreat.

As a city event, the city has started the process of repairing the field and we look forward to completion.

There have been rumors of fireworks, trash, and illegal dumping none of which are true.

City staff worked directly with volunteers during the event to manage trash disposal.

Trucks Cargo Vans Trailers

This event followed the proper permitting with City Administration and Police and no wrong doing has occurred on the part of anyone.

We will continue to work with CAG, MYA, the Lions Club, and other organization who share the common mission of making our City great!

For those of you who value arts and culture, I suggest that we continue our commitment to creating spaces within McDonough which allow for these activities and others.

Please share with those who have questions.

Sandra Vincent, District 2 City of McDonough

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Game Changers Magazine Jul/Aug 2017 - 22

Writers and Contributors Andreal Mallard Editor and Chief

Shana Thornton Let's Talk America Radio

Xavier Johnson Leadership Training and Business Coach

Kameelah Montgomery Writer/Poet

Andre Allen Graphic Arts & Layout Designs Ashonte Lyles Feature Story

23 - Game Changers Magazine Jul/Aug 2017

Herman "Chip" Hammonds Jr. VP of Henry Cty Dem. Party Amaris Myles Journalist Dr. Kenia Johnson Psychologist

Jamal Burt Education Builds Oppurtunity, EBO

Shawn Raleigh Community Activist

Dr. Edward Womack We Rise Media

Kye Wilson Business Owner

Game Changers Magazine Jul/Aug 2017 - 24

It's Mirror Time

by Dr. Edward Womack You look in the mirror. Who is that man? What happened to the man with the plan, the loaded wallet, the hot chick, and all those dreams of success? Somehow you lost everything you ever hoped for. It’s gone. Everywhere you turn, there’s a wall. You don’t look so hot either. There must be an easier way. Maybe you tried to recover what you lost through some addiction or some illegal shortcut. What a mess.

What a complicated knot. Shit.

What’s the point? It’s too late, too hard. I’ll never be the man I was.

Wrong. I know. I was broken too. I looked in the mirror and saw the same thing: failure, despair, a man with no future.

Not now, my friend. I’m BACK FROM BROKEN (attach the url to buy the book or the location on your website with info to get it). I’m Dr. Ed Womack and I’m here to help you find your path back to those dreams. I’m scarred like you, but free. I know what it is to fight loss, addiction, and pain. Like it says in God’s Word, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.” I’ve been rich; I’ve been poor. I thought success was how much money I made, how cool I looked, and how many people worked for me. I found a secret though, a way to be content and succeed. “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living 25 - Game Changers Magazine Jul/Aug 2017

in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:12-13). You want to be happy again, regain your freedom from everything that’s got you tied in that knot? Okay...let’s do it.

Go back to the mirror. We’re going to start with you and where you’re at right now. This is called the Mirror Test. Study that guy.

You’ve known him since the beginning. Review everything that created what you see: your life, the scars, and the events that led to what you see now. Go deep beneath the physical and search what’s in your soul. Michael Jackson said, “I’m starting with the man in the mirror...take a look at yourself and make a change.” You ready to change?

This is what is required for the Mirror Test. Study what has been and what is now and tell that person in the mirror you’re ready to be free from everything that hurts. Take your time and be honest with yourself. Ready to pass the test? That means you accept everything about you, good and bad, and you’re ready to change so you can “do all things,” become the man you truly desire. You can’t do it alone. Ask God to help you take the first step.

What’s next? Well, I’m here to guide you through the process. Tell me how you did on the Mirror Test. Read my book and learn how I recovered. Stay tuned for Entry #2.

DISCLAIMER

The articles and thoughts expressed in this publication are the sole opinions of the individual author or group that expresses them and do not necessarily reflect the views of this publication.

By all means, we welcome comments from out readers,.

To send material to be included in this publication,

email us at streetzofgentlemen@gmail.com Be sure to include a name and area of residence. Please not, we maintain the right to edit for brevity and clarity. All submitted articles become property of GameChangers Magazine and may be used by us at any time and by any of our affiliates.

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Game Changers Magazine Nov/Dec 2016 - 28

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Georgia’s First Performance-Based Chamber of Commerce Helps Small Businesses Win Government Contracts and Land Work in the Entertainment Industry

Henry County is preparing to play host to the first ever performance-based chamber of commerce. Spearheaded by Commissioners Bruce Holmes and Dee Clemmons, the Southern Crescent Small Business Chamber of Commerce was created to help small businesses strengthen their market positions and expand their reach locally, regionally, nationally and globally through business develop and relationship-building.

The Southern Crescent Chamber, which will officially open its doors in August 2017, provides small, minority-owned, women-owned veteran and RURAL owned businesses the opportunity to identify and facilitate relationships and partnerships throughout the Southeastern Region of the United States and with fellow Chamber members.

While the Chamber will serve small businesses across multiple sectors, the organization's newly-appointed president, Linda Chatmon, wants the Southern Crescent Chamber to focus on preparing its members to make inroads into three key markets – government contracting (local, state and federal), entertainment, and the movie/film industry.

The launch of the Southern Crescent Chamber marks the first time a chamber of commerce will help its members build relationships based on an internal performance rating structure. The organization’s performance-based membership will enable businesses to choose teaming partners using the Chamber’s objective, third-party assessment of each company’s past performance and present capabilities.

“Traditionally, chambers of commerce and similar member-driven trade organizations have focused on membership

growth as their only performance metric, not the market strength of their members," says Chatmon.

"But that's not our focus. I have 22 years of experience growing businesses other than my own and it makes sense to me that my value as a leader is to help our members grow their businesses.

That's the metric by which I plan to measure the performance and effectiveness of Southern Crescent: If we can accelerate the success of local businesses, we are successful as a business organization. Then and only then can I say we have served our members.”

The President hopes that having a system by which companies can measure the performance of the other members, will make businesses and contracting officers more likely to confidently “in-source” partners and suppliers from within the Southern Crescent Chamber’s region-wide membership before outsourcing to companies outside the region or country.

Chatmon intends to leverage her existing relationships to help bridge the gap that exists between Southern Crescent's small business members, small business liaisons, and government contracting officers. She wants them to know Southern Crescent understands the role performance metrics play in filling mandated small business requirements.

Metro Atlanta companies and organizations interested in learning more about the benefits of becoming members of the Southern Crescent Chamber of Commerce can visit the

Chamber’s website at www.southerncrescentchamber. org/ Linda Chatmon is the founder and CEO of Contracts and Grants, LLC. For more than two decades, Chatmon and her team have provided proposal, program and contract support services for local government, federal and defense contracts. A Subject Matter Expert in Federal and Defense Acquisitions, Chatmon and the Contracts and Grants team have been responsible for more than $12.2 billion in contracts and grant

negotiations since 2011, of which $360 million were awarded.

Game Changers Magazine Jul/Aug 2017- 30

City of McDonough Partners with Shiloh-McDonough Community Outreach Center for Summer Camp Program

by Kameelah Montgomery

Shiloh Baptist Church, where E. W. Lee, is Pastor, has historically operated summer day camps throughout the years.

So this summer, the decision to operate one wasn’t anything new for them. But this year would be different, being it was the first time they’ve operated in their new Family Life Center. The new building gave them lots of additional space in order to be more creative. It also provided a safe and caring environment to work with the kids, and in turn, the parents felt good about leaving their youngsters in this type of setting. With the camp being housed in the Family Life Center, named after Jason Heyworth, who was a major donor, the newness of it surely guaranteed participation. During the summer, the total number of children

escalated with each new week. It began with about 30 children, but by the third week, the numbers skyrocketed to 80. Some of the programs and activities included a computer lab with 12 computers. The facility also has a large stage which allowed the children an opportunity to try out their acting skills and consequently they had a chance to perform a stage play a few weeks ago. But, what the camp is most proud of, would be the S.T.E.A.M. program, which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math. This program is geared toward reminding the children what they learned during the school year and hopefully wouldn’t forget it during the summer months. Arts, Crafts and Youth Sports are ongoing and the field trips are always great, which

of course, the children loved.

Throughout the summer the children went to High Falls Park for swimming, which is approximately 30 miles south of Henry County. This was indeed the highlight of the camp.

They also went to Andy Young YMCA, to art museums and the local bowling alley as well.

Shiloh Baptist Church has a partnership with the City of McDonough, which also operated a summer camp throughout the years. The city’s camp lasted for three weeks and targeted children 14 and above. The various programs focused on character development and creating new relationships with others in the community. Shiloh served about 50 of their kids for three weeks.

One additional program of the camp was Aquaphonics. This

program was birthed through the Andy Young Foundation. It is where the children built greenhouses and had containers of water underneath for growing fish.

The greenhouse and the tanks yielded four to five harvests per year. The camp felt that teaching the kids how to farm was not only fun in this day and age, but very necessary. In turn, the children were very fascinated with this new program and surprisingly, they all wanted to participate.

The camp ran for 8 weeks from May 30th through July 21st and accepted children from ages 5-17. Hours of operation were 9:00am until 4:00pm. They served breakfast, hot lunches and snacks every day. Fees for the camp were $35 registration and $110 per week. Some financial assistance was provided.

I Just Voted For Local Henry County Democrats, What Do I Do Next?

By Herman “Chip” Hammonds Jr, Vice Chair Henry County Democratic Party

First – You must be aware of the district you live in and understand how your district fits into the whole Henry County political landscape. Henry County has five districts. There is always work to do, even if you live in a strong Democratic district. A strong district must support a weaker district to help make them stronger. There is an old saying, “ Politics is not a sprint, it’s a marathon.”

For years, Henry County was a Republican controlled county. Their motto was “Let’s keep it a bedroom community.”

In the past, Henry County commissioners never paid attention to the in Metro Atlanta South, which included Henry County. It was viewed as if Henry County was not part of Metro Atlanta.

Well, it’s a new day and growth is coming south of Atlanta to Henry County.

Democrats in Henry County have to cross district lines within the county to support fellow Democrats running for office and support re-election of current office holders.

When you attend a Board of Commissioners meeting, there is a lot of partisan voting. Some issues are non-partisan. It’s simple just do what’s right for Henry County citizens.

We would like to see more negotiation on all boards throughout the county. When you have a bipartisan board, where is the give and take? Henry County has outgrown the gentlemen’s handshake. One party can’t always be wrong and the other party can’t always be right just because you have the majority vote. After you cast your vote, you must keep yourself informed on what is going on in your county.

The Henry County school board recently passed a major budget bill with no transparency. The school board never has open bids on contracts for a school district that is 70% African-American. This is why you have to be involved to keep them honest.

If you live in one of the local cities in Henry County, you have an extra vote in the elections. Your local municipalities need to work with the county and vice versa. As citizens, we must keep up with what is going on with our local government, which affects us before the federal government.

I posed the question in the title “What do I do next?”

Answer: Get involved! Stay involved! And always remember - it’s a marathon, not a sprint.