Quarter 4 2020

FR E E

2

ks

Ch 21ST

ANNUAL

Best Attorney

Gerald Brooks James (Personal Injury &21ST Wrongful Chuck Death) ANNUAL

Gerald Brooks

Runner Up

Chuck James

Best Attorney

Chuck James Gerald Brooks 21ST 21ST (Personal Injury & Wrongful Death)

Locati Birming Locations In Montgomery Birmingham, Mobile &Montgomery, Lowndes Coun nal Injury & Wrongful Death) (Personal Injury & Wrongful & Lowndes County https://www.seriouslawyers.com/ ANNUAL

Runner Up

ANNUAL

Best Attorney Best Attorne Runner Up

Runner Up 1-855-SERIOUS 1-855-SERIOUS https://www.seriouslawyers.com/

No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed

AL-0000555969

is greater than the of legal services other lawyers.

No representation is quality made that the performed qualitybyof the legal services to be is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other la

Locations In Birmingham,

3

CEO/PUBLISHER Jamal Thomas, M.B.A. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Anthoney Lewis JOURNALIST Mikala McCurry GRAPHIC DESIGN/LAYOUT Joshua Clayton WEBSITE DESIGN Kenley Obas INTERNS Ross Andrews Karissa Church Wesley Dowdell James Giles Condie Pugh Lauryn Sutton

334-301-7371

ABOUT GUMPTOWN Gumptown Magazine is a free, quarterly urban business directory. We help promote local businesses and inform the community of available resources. Launched in 2011, we service Montgomery, The River Region, and surrounding areas. Our parent company Gumptown Magazine, LLC offers the following services: • Advertising • Marketing • Branding • Public Relations • Distribution • Video Production • Social Media Management • Website Management

Gumptown Magazine is published quarterly by Gumptown Magazine, LLC. Any form of reproduction of this magazine in part or whole without written permission is strictly prohibited. The opions and views expressed in Gumptown Magazine do not necessarily convey the views of the founder and staff. Gumptown Magazine, All rights reserved. Copyright 2020.

4

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

We are glad to make it to the fourth quarter. The year

COVER STORY

2020 will most definitely be a year to remember.

13

This pandemic has had

COMMUNITY

and is still having a major impact on our everyday lives. Some of us lost jobs while many have lost loved ones. Families adapted to

Jackson Professional Funeral Services: A Childhood Vision Manifested

7

Free program helps parents with pre-school children

9

ASU Grad named Branch Manager, Assistant Vice President

10

Town of Mosses Police Department partners with local agency to help victims of domestic violence

11

Executive Assistant Airport Director, Marshall J. Taggart, Jr. Inducted into Marquis Who’s Who

virtual learning and working remotely. The list goes on.

What has 2020 taught us?

As we come to the close of another year let us reflect and re-evaluate. What have

LIFESTYLE

we learned? What do we need to change? What do

38

Runway style event brings awareness about hair loss due to cancer

What truly gives us peace?

39

Sign up for Medicare Part B Online

Tell someone that you love

16 DIRECTORY

we need to improve? What have we taken for granted?

them. Show someone that you love them. Just imagine where love can take us!

Jamal Thomas, MBA

42 MONTGOMERY BLACK PAGES

SPOTLIGHT 45 GUMPTOWN Calvin Simmons 5

6

FREE PROGRAM HELPS PARENTS WITH PRESCHOOL CHILDREN

BY JAMAL THOMAS Parental involvement in education is essential, especially in the early years. Children learn to value and understand the importance of education more when they see their parents engaged. This is one reason why Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) exists.

HIPPY is a free 30-week program for parents of pre-school children ages 3 and 4. Through the program, Parent Educators visit parents once a week to provide lessons, supplies, storybooks, activity packets, and more.

The purpose of HIPPY is to help parents to build a bond with their children through education. HIPPY helps to equip parents with confidence to prepare their children for success in school in their most important role as their child’s first teacher.

“We help parents to realize that they are their child’s first teacher” said Slyvetta Moore, HIPPY Coordinator for Montgomery Public Schools.

“The love of learning begins at home and many parents don’t know where to begin.”

HIPPY offers a curriculum that is researched-based. The curriculum includes reading, language arts, science, math, social emotional, literacy, and creative arts. “There is a plethora of things” Moore shared. “Tips are provided at the end of each lesson to help enhance children.”

HIPPY is an international program that was founded in 1965 at Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Israel. Dr. Avida Lombard launched the program with the idea that the parent is the child’s first teacher. HIPPY was bought to the United States in 1984 and HIPPY USA was established

7

in 1988. Today, HIPPY operates in 10 countries. In the U.S., HIPPY operates in 119 communities in 19 states and the District of Columbia.

Moore also tells us how HIPPY also works with families in areas outside of education. HIPPY helps with food assistance and with problems in the home such as domestic violence. “Parents feel comfortable talking to us, and we provide resources for them.”

Overall, Moore believes that HIPPY is a wonderful program that connects parents with teachers. “Education takes both the parent and the teacher and HIPPY is the link. We must work together to instill the love of learning in our children.”

HIPPY has a proven track record with parents and students. According to Moore, the program has helped many parents to realize the importance of attending PTA meetings and scheduling parent-teacher conferences. In the past, 90% of HIPPY students were accepted into magnet programs.

For more information about HIPPY visit www.hippyusa.org , follow Mps-HIPPY on Facebook, or call 334-269-3769.

8

ASU GRAD NAMED BRANCH MANAGER, ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT Renasant (NASDAQ: RNST) is pleased to announce that Kenneth Davis has been named Branch Manager and Assistant Vice President. Davis brings with him over 15 years of banking experience, and will manage the 8 Commerce Street location in Montgomery.

“We are very excited to have Ken join us as Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager of the Downtown Montgomery location. Ken has vast experience in banking and financial investment products, and will be a tremendous asset to the Bank and the communities we serve,” says Pete Knight, Market President for Montgomery.

Davis is a graduate of Alabama State University, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. He serves as a Trustee for Montgomery City of Refuge Church, where he also works with the Fishers of Men Ministry.

Renasant Corporation, a 115-year-old financial services institution, is the parent of Renasant Bank. Renasant has assets of approximately $13.0 billion and operates more than 190 banking, mortgage, financial services and insurance offices throughout Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama, Florida and Georgia. On June 15, 2020; Renasant was listed as one of Forbes’ World’s Best Banks on it’s 2020 World’s Best Bank report.

For more information please visit www.renasantbank.com or Renasant’s IR site at www.renasant.com.

9

TOWN OF MOSSES POLICE DEPARTMENT PARTNERS WITH LOCAL AGENCY TO HELP VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

BY JAMAL THOMAS The Town of Mosses Police Department announced a partnership with One Place Family Justice Center to help victims of domestic violence back in October.

“We want to make sure our community is safe when it comes to domestic violence” said Town of Mosses Police Chief DeMarcus Weems. “This partnership brings another resource to our area.”

Since being appointed to serve as police chief in June, Weems has been heavily involved in the community. He has hosted several events providing free food, face masks, voter registration, and other resources. Weems is also actively engaged with the youth, especially young males.

One Place Family Justice Center is where victims can go to plan for their safety, have an advocate, talk with a police officer, meet with a prosecutor, obtain information on shelters, and obtain sexual assault services.

Weems is looking forward to working with One Place Family Justice Center. “It feels great. This takes the police department to another level.”

For more information about One Place Family Justice Center visit www.oneplacefjc.org.

10

EXECUTIVE AIRPORT DIRECTOR, MARSHALL J. TAGGART, JR. INDUCTED INTO MARQUIS WHO’S WHO Marquis Who’s Who has inducted Marshall J. Taggart Jr., C.M. into its prestigious registry. Biographical volumes of Marquis Who’s Who profile individuals on the basis of factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field. Current reference value is also taken into account during the selection process.

With a Bachelor of Arts in accounting and a master’s degree in public administration with dual concentrations in public finance management and urban administration from Clark Atlanta University, Marshall J. Taggart Jr. began his public sector career working in the Chicago Mayor’s office of budget and management. Today, Mr. Taggart works as executive airport director of the Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM) in Alabama. Most recently, he was named a member of the board and chair of the Airport Minority Advisory Council’s Leadership Collective. He is also currently completing his dissertation for a Doctor of Philosophy in political science at Clark Atlanta University.

As the first African-American executive airport director at MGM, Mr. Taggart brings leadership lessons and experiences from a 20-yearlong career advancing through the industry. Mr. Taggart also serves on the Board of Directors of Airport Minority Advisory Council, making decisions alongside senior leaders from leading airports and aviation vendors. Throughout his career, he has been presented with the Southern Region Alumni Brother of the Year Award from Alpha Phi Alpha, Fraternity, Inc. and most notably, the President Lifetime Achievement Award from President Barack Obama. This honor was bestowed because he completed 450 hours of lifetime community service. Mr. Taggart also received the District Award from the Chairman Fundraising Committee for the Boy Scouts of America, and he was selected as National Alumni Association President of the Clark Atlanta University Alumni Association. Today, Mr. Taggart maintains professional affiliation with the Airport Council of Alabama, Certified Member of the American Association of Airport Executives, and is a member of the Greater Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Committee of 100.

For more information on Marquis®, publications visit the official Marquis Who’s Who® website at www.marquiswhoswho.com.

11

12

JACKSON PROFESSIONAL FUNERAL SERVICES: A CHILDHOOD VISION MANIFESTED

BY MIKALA MCCURRY Lawrence Jackson, owner of Jackson Professional Funeral Services, is best described as a 42-year dreamer. From the age of 9 years old, Jackson had a vision of owning and operating his own funeral home. He worked hard and kept pushing and pursuing until he attained it. He started off sketching buildings, sketching caskets, and reading books about embalming and funeral directing. Now, Lawrence Jackson is regarded as a “Pioneer for Excellence” in the Funeral Service Profession.

Lawrence attained his first job at a funeral home at the age of 17. While working there, the funeral home director made him spend the night in the funeral home to make sure he wasn’t afraid. “Although I was afraid, I loved it.” Jackson said. “It’s a passion, a gift, and a ministry.” After losing family and close friends, Jackson is able to use his platform to help others when they are going through grief. He has been working in the funeral home business for over 20 years.

Lawrence began his career in the funeral industry in 1996. He is licensed by the Alabama Board of Funeral Service as a Licensed Funeral Director. Along the way, he has extensively worked in administration, fulfilling many roles for various funeral establishments.

Using every experience as an opportunity to improve the industry, and ameliorate his skills, Mr. Jackson steps forward endowed with a level of dexterity, and competence unparalleled to the common standard.

He is a visionary, and strives to provide excellence, and complete satisfaction for his clients while providing funeral, and memorial options that properly compliment the lifestyle of the deceased and appease the desires of the family.

13

The process of opening his own funeral home was very tedious and heartbreaking at times. “It’s never like you plan it to be.”

Jackson said. “During the process, things change.” He had to tolerate discouragement and overcome many disappointments and naysayers; however, he continued to pray and push until he achieved his vision. Lawrence and his partners, Bishop Carl & Christine McComb, along with his mom officially opened the doors to Jackson Professional Funeral Services on April 15, 2020. Since then, he has already served many families of various backgrounds throughout the state of Alabama.

As a new business opening during the COVID-19 pandemic, Jackson commented that the launch process was difficult and scary. “We didn’t have any financial programs to help us,” Jackson said. “Right when we were getting ready to finalize, COVID hit.” Still, Jackson and his team of 15 staff members persevered and were able to open.

A major symbol representing Jackson’s business is an eagle. “The eagle has always been a symbol of strength and power. “Jackson said. “My favorite scripture is Isaiah 40:31 that says, ‘but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.’(NIV).” While most funeral homes utilize a dove, praying hands, or a wreath as symbols, Jackson wanted a symbol of strength.

The mission of Jackson Professional Funeral Services is to provide excellence, integrity, and compassion at the heart of every service.

“Every single family we serve, I place myself in the mourners’ place for every client,” Jackson said. “No matter who it is. From start to finish, even during the aftercare with the families, I put myself in their positions. Everything that we do here is as if we are sitting on that front row.” To Jackson and his staff, this authentic empathy comes naturally. With a decline in professionalism and customer service in the service industry, Jackson wants his clients to ultimately be satisfied and have the best experience possible.

When it comes to integrity, Jackson believes in being honest and transparent with his clients in what they can expect and what not to expect. “Although we are equipped to do more than most funeral homes, we want to make sure that they [clients] don’t ever feel deceived in their price or level of service they have expected to receive,” Jackson said. “In fact, we strive to exceed every expectation.”

14

Jackson and his team do not see their work at Jackson Professional Funeral Services as a job. Having lost loved ones before, each team member is empathetic and compassionate to the services they offer.

Before they start each service, Jackson and his team get together and pray to make sure that they are able to give each family what God would have them to give, meet the needs of the family, and leave an impression with unmatched class. “I just believe there is not a level of service locally that can provide what we provide,” Jackson said. “In here, you don’t have to accept the status quo. Whatever you think or dream of, we want to reflect the life of your loved one and your wishes.”

Jackson Professional Funeral Services has a 9,000 square-foot facility and offers several all-inclusive services with affordable pricing, including pre-planning, graveside services, cremation options, many funeral service options, traditional services, and nontraditional services. They are equipped to accommodate funerals outdoors and more than one funeral at any given time. All services and products, including caskets, are completely customizable.

They also have cremation jewelry, fingerprint technology, and free notary services. They also assist people with voting. Jackson Professional Funeral Services is a bilingual organization able to service the Spanish-speaking community. They also perform in-home arrangements, socially-distanced arrangements at the facility, or online arrangements through zoom. They have the ability to provide live-streaming, drone services, and horse and carriage escorting.

Veterans, military, and officers receive a 20% discount on services.

They also offer grief counseling services. “We’re not your average funeral home,” Jackson said. “We offer the complete package.”

To learn more about Jackson Professional Funeral Services, visit www.JacksonProfessionalFS.com or search Jackson Professional Funeral Services on Facebook.

15

DIRECTORY 17

Attorneys

27

Fitness

16

Automotive

28

Health & Wellness

16

Banks

30

Insurance

18

Bakery

32

Nonprofits

19

Church

19

Pre-Needs

37

Comics

33

Printing

20

Credit Repair

34

Promotions

21

Cyber Security

34

Property Management

22

Dentists

35

Real Estate

23

Education Services

36

Restaurant

26

Event Venue

37

Security

41

Financial Services

Federally insured by NCUA. │ NMLS #653874

Brighter Futures Begin with HOPE. www.hopecu.org 1-866-321-HOPE (4673) Visit Us at Our Montgomery branches!

Arba Street Branch 400 Arba Street Montgomery, AL 36104 (334)834-7483 M - TH: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM F: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM

16

McGehee Road Branch 3421 McGehee Road Montgomery, AL 36111 (334)604-4110 M - TH: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM F: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM

Shahid & Hosea LLC is a minority law firm owned by LaKesha B. Shahid and Vania L. Hosea.

While this firm has been in existence since July 2010, LaKesha and Vania have been practicing law for 15 years. Our earnest goal to our clients is that their matters will receive top priority. We specialize in the following areas: Domestic/ Family Law Juvenile Criminal Defense Social Security Disability Estate Planning

Employment Law Personal Injury Worker’s Compensation General Civil Law Appeals

Shahid & Hosea LLC 1709 Taliaferro Trail Montgomery, AL 36117 Tel: 334-279-5399 Fax: 334-356-5310 LaKesha@shahidhosea.com Vania@shahidhosea.com www.shahidhosea.com

17

18

19

20

21

22

Hyper Individualized Education Design Hi.Ed is a product of Walker Enterprises ALA, LLC. Hi.Ed is an educational tool developed to impact schools by bridging the gaps to obtain success. This is a web-based automated software that thrives on system integrity which eliminates manual labor. Hi.Ed is changing the dynamics of education around the State of Alabama and beyond. This software serves over 80% of the individuals that makes up a school system (Administration, Faculty, Students/Parents). Hi.Ed currently serves 17 schools in the state.

•

• • • • • • •

hied@walkerenterprisesala.com | www.hi-ed.walkerenterprisesala.com

23

24

25

26

27

FOR ALL YOUR DESIGN NEEDS.

205.834.3235 reachjclayton@gmail.com

Are You Experiencing Any Of The Following Symptoms?

H eadaches J o int & Muscle Pa in I n f lammation A n xiety Tr ouble S leeping C r amps o r H ot F lashes D igestive I ssues et c....

Th en CBD Might Be Right F or You! T he C BD P lace Montgomery stocks over 9 0 different C B D products - F lowers, Wraps, Vapes, Oils, Waxes, L o tions, S oaps, G ummies, Tea, Coffee, C BD A lkaline Water, Pet treats and m uch more.

S top by 3 6 65 Debby Drive Montgomery, Al 3 6116. MonS at. 1 0-6.

3 3 4 -647-1569 w w w.thecbd-place.com

28

29

BenCFlyer

6/3/08

11:57 AM

Page 1

Stacia Robinson is the CEO of the BeneChoice Companies LLC, which specializes in benefits enrollment, benefits communication and group health & supplemental insurance.

The BeneChoice Companies is an insurance, financial, and employee benefits provider.We extend services to both employers and employees.We:

Memberships Leadership Montgomery and Leadership Alabama Board of Directors of the Business Council of Alabama Leadership Council of National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB)

• Provide insurance to employees and their families.We offer a broad line of insurance products including disability, accident, life, health, cancer, critical illness, hospital confinement and long-term care.

Board o f Directors of the Central Alabama Communnity Foundation

• Identify and fill the gaps for people whose insurance plans leave them vulnerable.We can assist in restoring peace of mind through insurance and financial products that complete their coverage.

Board of Directors of the Montgomery Chamber of Commerce

• Conduct employee education and communication on their benefits packages at no extra cost to employers.

• Assist employers in managing the cost of effective employee benefits packages.

• Provide state-of-the-art Wellness Programs that improve employee health and reduce healthcare costs

Citizen's Advisory Commission of the Pre-Trial Diversion Program for the 15th Judicial Court National Association of Women Business Owners

Some of the government and business organizations we serve Cities/States School systems and college and universities Federal government organizations Hospitals Nursing homes

Assisted living facilities Doctor offices and clinics Construction companies Trucking companies Manufacturing companies

Do you have the right employee benefits? The success of your business depends on your choices!

Let The BeneChoice Companies help you choose wisely.

30

6008 E. Shirley Lane Suite F Montgomery, AL 36117 334.356.0243 cell 334.669.1002 stacia@benechoicecompanies.com www.benechoicecompanies.com

Be sure you can rebuild your home.

We’re just one of a few insurance companies that offers an Additional Replacement Cost policy that helps you rebuild your home if it’s destroyed by a covered loss — even if the cost to rebuild is more than the limits on your policy*.

Call me to chat about Additional Replacement Cost. If disaster strikes, I want to help you make sure you’re covered.

Troy Hughes Financial Representative 7020 Vaughn Road Montgomery, AL 36116 www.countryfinancial.com/troy.hughes troy.hughes@countryfinancial.com

*Coverage limits apply in the following states: AL, GA, TN. Please see your rep for more details.

Home insurance policies issued by COUNTRY Mutual Insurance Company®, COUNTRY Preferred Insurance Company® or COUNTRY Casualty Insurance Company®, Bloomington, IL.

(334)271-1933

0819-500HC-23686-09/27/2019

A good neighbor has your back.

Life’s a combination of good days and bad. I have your back for both.

And who has my back? The company more people have trusted for 90 years.

CALL ME TODAY.

Cedric R Bradford, Agent 420 South Lawrence Street Montgomery, AL 36104 Bus: 334-262-5100 Fax: 334-264-3223 cedric@cedricbradford.com

1606040

State Farm, Bloomington, IL

31

32

33

R Tyus Consultants & Promotions LLC

CELL 334-558-8572

34

35

36

TO BETTER SERVE OUR CUSTOMERS, WE NOW OFFER THE FOLLOWING SERVICES: Advertising, Branding, Distribution, Marketing, Public Relations, and Video Production.

37

RUNWAY STYLE EVENT BRINGS AWARENESS ABOUT HAIR LOSS DUE TO CANCER

By Jamal Thomas

On November 2, 2020, families gathered at the Davis Theater for The Ki Release 2020. The event was held to bring awareness to the community about hair loss due to cancer and alopecia.

“We are touching lives” said Ki Edwards, Visionary of The Ki Release and Co-owner of Salon Wygs. “We want to support those who are affected by hair loss.”

The Ki Release is a runway hair show produced by Salon Wygs, a salon located in Birmingham, Alabama. This runway style event caters to both men and women undergoing hair loss due to chemotherapy, alopecia, or terminal illness. The purpose of The Ki Release is to change lives through makeovers, laughter, fun, music, vendors and more. Salon Wygs is owned by husband and wife duo Shannon and Ki Edwards.

Program participants were able to receive makeovers and experience walking the runway.

Actor Palmer Williams Jr. from Tyler Perry’s House of Payne and Love Thy Neighbor hosted the event. He kicked off the show with a feature of the Alabama State University Honeybees. Williams is a native of Camden, Alabama.

There were several special guests including National Recording Artist Valerie T. Smith and Trichologist Kizzy Broaden.

The event ended with a performance by gospel recording artist Zacardi Cortez. Vendors for the event were Tours of Montgomery, Anew U, Primerica, Shalom VDesignz, Lincoln Heritage Life Insurance Company, and ZetRoC. For more information about The Ki Release and Salon Wygs visit www.salonwygs.com or call (205) 419-7244.

38

SIGN UP FOR MEDICARE PART B ONLINE

By Kylle’ D. McKinney, Alabama Social Security Public Affairs Specialist

For many people, signing up for Medicare Part B doesn’t require you to leave the comfort of home. Please visit our Medicare Part B webpage at secure.ssa.gov/acu/ophandler/loginSuccess if:

· You’re enrolled in Medicare Part A. · You would like to enroll in Part B during the Special Enrollment Period.

You can complete form CMS-40B (Application for Enrollment in Medicare – Part B [Medical Insurance]) at www.cms.gov/Medicare/ CMS-Forms/CMS-Forms/CMS-Forms-Items/CMS017339 and CMS-L564 at www.cms.gov/Medicare/CMS-Forms/CMS-Forms/Downloads/CMSL564E.pdf (Request for Employment Information) online.

You can also fax the CMS-40B and CMS-L564 to 1-833-914-2016; or return forms by mail to your local Social Security office. Please contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) if you have any questions.

Note: When completing the forms: · State, “I want Part B coverage to begin (MM/YY)” in the remarks section of the CMS-40B form or online application. · If your employer is unable to complete Section B, please complete that portion as best you can on behalf of your employer without your employer’s signature. · Submit one of the following types of secondary evidence by uploading it from a saved document on your computer:

· Income tax returns that show health insurance premiums paid. · W-2s reflecting pre-tax medical contributions. · Pay stubs that reflect health insurance premium deductions. · Health insurance cards with a policy effective date. · Explanations of benefits paid by the GHP or LGHP. · Statements or receipts that reflect payment of health insurance premiums.

Please let your friends and loved ones know about this online, mail, or fax option.

39

40

SERVICES • • • • • • • •

Life Insurance Disability Insurance Retirement Planning Business Solutions 401K and IRA Rollovers College Funding Long Term Care Insurance Employee Benefits TO L O IV L

LE AB RK N U WO O T

E NG O

L TO E AVE O SO O N

es frst” ays com w l “Wh a t ere the clien

JoShua M. CaMPBELL President

334.593.9433 www.firstplacefinancialgroup.com

41

42

43

44

GUMPTOWN SPOTLIGHT:

CALVIN SIMMONS

BY MIKALA MCCURRY

Calvin Simmons, a native of Montgomery, Alabama, and a lover of comics, graduated from Jefferson Davis High School and attended Savannah College of Art and Design where he majored in Comics and Sequential Art. Directly after graduating, he went into graphic design for a political party.

Over the next 12 years, Simmons worked in graphic design in various places, including Disney and Herff Jones Yearbooks Company. Still, he desired to get back to his first passion: comics.

He ended up working for Montgomery Public Schools, where he currently serves as a Visual Arts teacher. “I love it. It’s an opportunity to be a mentor to kids.” Simmons said. “They’re into it [comics], too.

They like the Manga, a Japanese version of comics.” In his free time, Simmons also gets a chance to work on his personal comic books.

Simmons believes that teachers are responsible for more than just teaching. “You’re somebody’s mentor, somebody’s uncle, somebody’s big brother, somebody’s coach,” Simmons said.

Simmons prides himself on being able to relate to his art students.

He knows what it is like to be treated differently for dressing or thinking a certain way, and he reinforces with his students that it’s okay to be different and to be themselves. He helps students prepare for jobs as graphic designers and artists. He also gives them hands-on experience with clients.

His most recent published work is Shepherd, a 3-page web comic that is published online once a week. “Shepherd is a character that

45

I’ve been working on since my junior year of college and never got the chance to take off the ground,” Simmons said. Without easy access to the internet, printing and publishing comics was nearly impossible without working for a mainstream publisher or comic company. It was during that time that Simmons decided that he had to create his own path.

Simmons decided to create a web series for the ease of access for consumers. According to Simmons, Shepherd is about a superhero whose father was a police officer and was unjustly killed.

In the comic, Shepherd finds a superhero costume in his attic and takes after his dad, who he saw as a superhero, by going out and fighting crime. “He [Shepherd] is instilled with this great sense of justice and doing the right thing,” Simmons said. “At the same time, he feels like the justice system is failing. Otherwise, he would have become a police officer himself.”

The Shepherd webcomic is available at no cost through Webtoon, Tapas, Instagram, and Facebook. In addition to the comic, Simmons also shares interviews, discussion boards, and drawing tips through these online outlets.

Simmons hopes that people will be able to relate to his comics.

“Anytime someone looks at a movie or a comic, they want to see someone that resembles themselves. It could be the way a person looks, their gender, or their worldview,” Simmons commented. As a kid, Simmons desired to see more African American characters.

He wants children and adults to look at the Shepherd comic and say “Hey, that’s me!”. He believes that every person should be able to find a character that they relate to. The main message Simmons wants people to get from his comics is this: “You can do something to change your community. You can have a positive impact.”

Aside from teaching and creating comics, Simmons enjoys spending time with his wife and 5-year old son.

46

47

If you want a career in law enforcement join our family

www.montgomerysheriff.com Deputy Sheriff (334) 832-1680 corrections (334) 832-7167