Resiliency in Every Season

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MELANIN MILSO

CONTENTS

HEALTH+CULTURE+FASHION

02 FROM THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Dr. Shaunte' McFarland Gives Her Thoughts on this Month's Issue.

05 MENTAL HEALTH It's not an easy conversation.

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EXCLUSIVE!

JUANDA R. BRYANT

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COVER STORY

14 BAWDY GOAL BADDIE LaTonya Conkleton

18 ON BEING BLACK IN AMERICA Black Women are the Standard of Beauty

27 SAVAGE ADVICE I'm Sick of My Husband's Children.

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AUTHOR SPOTLIGHTS

PHANC CORNER

Get to Know These Amazing Autors

With Stylist Cara Patrice

633 WEST 5TH ST. 26TH FLOOR LOS ANGELES, CA 90071 (213) 476-3628 WWW.MELANINMILSOMAGAZINE.COM

Letter from the Editor -inChief

"What you are is God's gift to you, what you become is your gift to God.”

That career you believe you deserve. Go get it, sis! Life is so precious and but a vapor.

Over the past decade, I have made it my goal to live intentionally. I had a clear plan of what that meant and until recently, I stuck by it. We are indeed living in unprecedented times. It's 2020. Donald Trump is president and we are facing a pandemic. It's time to stop letting the fear of others control how we live our lives.

Wisdom says that the richest soil on earth are grave sites. Not because of decomposed bodies but because of all of the people who died with their gifts. Don't be buried treasure.

Live your life to the fullest and leave a legacy above ground.

It's time to manifest destiny. That business you want to start.

Start it. That person you want to date. Shoot your shot.

I present to you one of the greatest pieces of my legacy. This magazine - Melanin Milso.

ae

Dr. T O X -

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Our Staff Editor in Chief Dr. Shaunte' McFarland, M.Ed. Creative Director Rasheda Abdullah Health Editor Jana Sanders Fashion Editor Precious L. Russell Culture Editor Rasheda Abdullah Health Writer Tia Wilson Fashion Writer Cara Patrice Savage Advice Dr. Shaunte' McFarland, M.Ed. Mama's Kitchen Folasade Okere

EDITORIAL OFFICES 633 West 5th St. 26th Floor Los Angeles, CA 90071 (213) 476-3628 Promenade II 1230 Peachtree Street, 19th Floor Atlanta, GA 30309 Mappin House Oxford Street London W1W 8HF

SUBSCRIPTIONS (213) 476-3628 633 West 5th St. 26th Floor Los Angeles, CA 90071 info@melaninmilsomagazine.com Melanin Milso Magazine is published by Magnolia Publishing House. melaninmilsomagazine.com

MELANIN MILSO Celebrating Women of Color

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Mental Health IT IS NOT AN EASY CONVERSATION

By Tia Wilson

It’s June 8th, 2020, at 5 in the evening, and my eyes crack open to beams of light reflecting on my sleeping phone screen. I grabbed my phone and began scrolling through lost notifications. One missed call from mom. “Take a deep breath.

Ground yourself in this moment,” from my daily motivation app. “I’m going to call you soon, I’m finding out a friend committed suicide,” message received at 5:14 pm.

We are not strangers to death.

Yet, uneasy shock waves ripple through our breathless bodies, as if our souls pulled away in an instant and forced to stand beside us. “I’m sorry for your loss. If you need someone to talk to, I’m

always here,” I replied.

In my friend of a friend’s case, depression was the thief of vitality.

July is Minority Mental Health Awareness month; however, mental health is no minor issue. Designated in 2008, as an effort to shed light on the unique struggles of overshadowed and underrepresented groups facing mental illness. You must understand that you cannot have health without understanding that illness exists. Mental illness | 5 has many faces.

Sadden mothers with beautiful babies and individuals refusing to understand why they cannot be happy with their bundles of joy. The glued-on smile of an educator who hides the pain of living in a dark, abusive home. The homeless man talking to himself, though, you settled on the idea that he is “crazy.” Mental illness can be disguised and overlooked.

Approximately 6.8 million Black Americans had a diagnosable mental illness, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. But only 25 percent seek treatment, compared to 40 percent of White individuals. But why? What is the big picture?

The BIG picture With the many cases of mental illness within the African-American community, you have to wonder why. And what is preventing early treatment-

Above A variety of fresh produce

seeking? Factors that can prevent many African Americans contribute are, but are not limited from seeking or to: staying in treatment.

Limited options: Due to Stress: The American the lack of cultural Psychological Association (APA) competence, distrust, and says, “although the chronic misdiagnosis, it is no condition of stress can have surprise that many Africannegative side effects on all Americans seek help from persons, the unique psycho-social health professionals that and contextual factors, resemble them and specifically the common and understand the culture. pervasive exposure to racism Although Black or Africanand discrimination, creates an American therapists account additional daily stressor for for 5.3 percent of the African-Americans.” To simply put workforce, according to the this, cases like George Floyd, APA. Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Fear of judgment: If you Taylor are the reason. Fear that have watched the movie, you, your children, friends, or “One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s any other family member may be Nest,” you will understand next. the popular belief of mental Distrust & Misdiagnosis: illness. Locked away in a According to the National dark, dirt asylum with a Alliance on Mental Illness, crazy nurse that is out to get misdiagnoses, inadequate you, but it is far from the treatment, and lack of cultural truth. Contrary to this flick, competence by health mental illness has many professionals cause distrust and faces. Mental illness is not a

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and it does not discriminate.

However, treatment may require you to be vulnerable to unearth the source of the problem.

Tips & Advice: See a therapist: It may be difficult to find the right therapist to suit your needs, but it is not impossible.

Figure out what you are looking for in a therapist. What does their clientele look like? Do they take your insurance? What are the issues they specialize in treating? What does their overall presentation say to you? If you need a place, start, try these websites: therapyforblackgirls.com, blacktherapistsrock.com, and psychologytoday.com.

Surround Yourself With Good People: You have heard the phrase, “you are what you eat,” but consumption does not end with food. You consume sound through your ears, images through your eyes, and textures

with your touch. The interactions that you have with those around you will influence your behavior and mental well-being. Make sure that you are consuming what you wish to manifest in your life.

Value Yourself: You deserve the best, and not everyone is going to understand that.

Protect your energy, sis! If you have to cut someone off because they are toxic, do it!

If you have to quit your job because it is interfering with other aspects of your life, do it! You are a valuable asset.

Take Care of Yourself: What does taking care of yourself look like?

Eating. Taking your medication.

Or your husband watching the kids so that you can rest or do what you love. Taking care of yourself is what you define it

You have heard the phrase, “you are what you eat,” but consumption does not end with food. You consume sound through your ears, images through your eyes, and textures with your touch.

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Don’t think that you are too selfish, self-care is truly about you.

to be. Don’t think that you are too selfish, self-care is truly about you.

Even the small gestures matter.

Mental health is not just for those experiencing mental illness. It is an aspect of health that needs to be considered by all. Just as you workout to get the body of your dreams, create your monthly financial budget, or even eat yogurt over candy.

Mental health is protecting your energy. If life situations are beginning to be overbearing, please seek help. Delay in treatment can be detrimental, leading to mental breakdowns or suicide, as shown in my friend of a friend’s case.

Lose of life on any scale is heartbreaking and devastating. We must check the state of our own mental well-being and our family members. And to those who did not make it due to mental illness, you are gone, but not forgotten. Your existence lives on

through the memories of loved ones and those who had the opportunity to cross your path. I bid you farewell, and may we meet again. Happy Minority Mental Health Awareness Month! Protect your energy and keep going, family.

Sources: https://www.apa.org/pi/oema/resources/ethnicity-health/racismstress https://discoverymood.com/blog/black-history-month-africanamerican-mental-health/ https://www.thenationalcouncil.org/BH365/2019/07/08/stigmaregarding-mental-illness-among-people-of-color/ https://www.nami.org/Your-Journey/Identity-and-CulturalDimensions/Black-African-American

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JUANDA R. BRYANT RESILIENCY IN EVERY SEASON

by Shaunte' McFarland

Juanda R. Bryant is a certified educator with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Juanda has her certification in Early Childhood through 6th Grade, Gifted and Talented, and English Second Language (ESL). She is a recipient of the Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce 2018 “40 Under 40,” Sam Houston Elementary 2017 “Teacher of the Year,” and Common Cents Credit Union 2016 “Outstanding Educator Award." Juanda is a decorated military veteran who served 12 years in the United States Army as a

Transportation Coordinator (88N). She served in two campaigns: Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. During her service in the Army, she served as a Family Readiness Group Liaison. As a liaison, she discovered there was need in engaging and educating children in matters of deployment of family members. Her book “The MiniAdventures of Danny and the Deployer” is a book that will provide children an identifiable character they can relate to growing up in a military family. She continues the adventure in

Enjoy this insightful conversation with a 40 under 40 recipient making a positive impact in our community..

“Be, Know, and Do.”

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“BE, KNOW, AND DO.” "BELIEVE IN YOURSELF...KNOW YOUR WORTH....DO YOUR PURPOSE.

her second book, “Operation Care Package” as Danny and the Deployer and his friends put together a “classified” care package. Juanda is also a motivational speaker as she teaches her principals of “Be, Know, and Do.” "BElieve in yourself...KNOW your worth....DO your purpose. Juanda has also been featured in “Military Kids Life Magazine” and on Military Wife Network Podcast. Juanda is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She humbly serves her students and community while striving “to be all she can be.”

Ms. Bryant, what made you write this book? During these trainings and deployments, I noticed a critical gap in children’s understanding deployment. This inspired me to tackle the issue with my children’s book. My desire is to educate children on the topic of deployment in a kid friendly way. Sometimes parents may find it hard to initiate the topic, so my books depict a father having the discussion with his son.

What messages do you hope that children and families receive because of reading your book? I hope to connect military families that experience deployment in solidarity and use this book as a guide for their children and spouses. I also desire to give civilians a glimpse into the life of military families. What type of feedback have you received from military families after they read your book? I have received a great amount of feedback for my work with Danny the Deployer on Amazon, at book signings, and during book readings. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive such as the idea of “having the Deployer, Command Central, and diversity in book two.” Parents and children enjoy the illustrations of the book as well. For book two, I chose to pick four military families to “spotlight” at the beginning of my book so they can the opportunity to read and provide me feedback before the release of the book.

Do you have plans to write another book? If so, what is the focus of that book and when might we expect to see it? I always envision the book to be a trilogy. Book three will be an adventure but it is “classified” so stay tuned.

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You are not only passionate about empowering military children but also military spouses What are some feelings spouses experience concerning deployment? Some feelings spouses may experience concerning deployment is sadness, loneliness, and even separation anxiety. Some spouses may feel overwhelmed. I am here to say those feelings are normal. These are all initial responses to deployment taking place. It is alright to feel these feelings but do not let these feelings consume you. Take one day at a time.

What can spouses do during deployment to cope or survive while the loved one is deployed? Take this time to set goals for yourself. Do things that will give you a peace of mind like, joining a book club, exercising, painting, learning a new language, or even try site seeing the area of which you live. I encourage you to do your own self-discovery while your spouse is deployed.

What are some resources you recommend for the spouses? First, I want to recommend joining your own local Family Readiness Group within your spouse unit.

For some spouses this is new, and the information can be overwhelming but if you start within your unit, you can become more familiar as to how everything operates. While your spouse is on deployment please take the time to educate yourself and make connections. You are not alone and there is strength in numbers. Last, maybe you say you do not have the time, so I recommend online resources like: Army Wife Network Blue Star Families Military One Source Operation We Are Here Military Kids Network Military Families Learning Network Where can our listeners go to find even more empowering information about your book series and mission to encourage during deployments? Please go to www.JuandaBryant.com which is my official book publisher’s website, or you can order from Amazon and Barnes & Noble Online. Please feel free to leave reviews, tell a friend, and please tell another spouse. | 12

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LATONYA CONKLETON U.S. Army

LaTonya is a native of Gulfport, Mississippi. She is a wife and mother. LaTonya serves as Executive Assistant to J6 Director at Camp Smith.

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PhanC Corner BY

STYLIST

CARA

PATRICE

Top : H&M Jeans: FashionNova Clutch: Amazon Shoes: Gianvito Rossi Accessories: Linda Farrow, H&M

Cardigan: Net-A-Porter Shorts: FashionNova Swimsuit: Dos Gardenias Hat: Janessa Leone Shoes: Giuseppe Zanotti Bag: Saint Laurent

Dress : Missguided Clutch: Tory Burch Shoes: Tory Burch Accessories: Farfetch, Tory Burch

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ON BEING BLACK IN AMERICA "When it comes down to it, black people, especially black women, are the global standard of beauty."

Rasheda Abdullah Culture Editor

The splendor that exists in a people does not change because others refuse to see the significance of their inherent value. As black people in America, it can almost seem like a burden to be melanated, but let not your heart be weary because the natural beauty of our many shades of blackness is not a burden. In fact, our splendor and other intrinsic talents, gifts, and attributes are revered and envied, imitated but never duplicated, because of our innate ability to thrive despite the mounting challenges presented to us by a system that is not for us. Thus, this “burden” is not a burden at all to black folks, but instead is a clear indication of our royal heritage that will one day be restored unto us.

Being black in American has taken on many meanings over the course of our trek through this country. It has changed from the kidnapped to the enslaved to the lynched to the hunted and back again. It can, at times, feel overwhelming to try and combat centuries-old, oppressive institutions that were created to "keep us in our place." But like the strong beings we are, we rise. Not only do we rise, but we also transcend the limits placed on us to become the influencers of all things in a country that loves our culture but hates our existence.

As we work to move beyond current events that seem to have set us back by decades, let us remember what makes us dope and leaders and feared. Because truthfully, the fear of every-

thing we could truly be is the greatest threat to those who question and disregard the importance of our existence. When it comes down to it, black people, especially black women, are the global standard of beauty. Our features, our finesse, our slay, frowned upon when donned by those who biologically possess them – us – are praised, celebrated, and coveted when manufactured by and on others. Think about it. From our lips to our hips to our complexions to our breasts to our walk, black women are the blueprint of beauty.

If you are a melanin-rich woman that, for whatever reason, questions your worth, know this – you are so beautiful, so envied, so sought after that women of other races spend money to get what is inherently you. But more than that, regardless if anyone ever tried to, essentially, steal your swag, the very fact that you exist is proof of your worth. Period. And you are worth everything.

So, as you go about your lives trying to navigate the world, remember that the way others treat you is not a result of anything you have or have not done. Instead, it is a clear indication of their delusional thinking and a reflection of their inability to measure up to the very thing they hate because they lack the things (melanin, grace, greatness) that they secretly wish they possessed. | 18

MEET OUR CREATIVE DIRECTOR

RASHEDA ABDULLAH

Rasheda Abdullah hails from sunny California. Born and raised mostly in 90’s Los Angeles, her city introduced her to and nurtured her love for all things writing and entertainment. Today, the writer is on a mission to take amazing stories to the world through cinema, content creative, television, and print.“I’ve always been a creative person. I knew when I was five years old that I wanted to work in entertainment.”From writing screenplays to writing thought-provoking content that speaks to her generation and the current times to serving as Creative Director of Melanin Milso, Rasheda’s ability to fuse her passion and talent is inspiring. Determined to see her desires become reality, she works tirelessly to carve out her own piece of the pie.Through her many travels, Rasheda has learned the oft-times hard lessons that come along with chasing your dreams. Working with independent production companies as well as major networks, she has also learned the importance of diligence and the power of personal influence."Don't let anyone tell you that your too... whatever. Take what they point out as a flaw, hone it into your greatest strength, and make it work for you! "With a sassy, smart, witty, and concise writing style, Rasheda's ability to make you laugh, cry, and think is refreshing. Holding to the belief that the world is at her fingertips, she is an unsung rising voice amongst the sea of black women with something to say.

Rasheda has a bachelor's in Public Relations and her master's in Corporate Communication. She lives in Atlanta, GA with her fiancé and two beagles. | 19

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MEET OUR HEALTH EDITOR

JANA SANDERS, APRN Jana Sanders, APRN, MSN, FNP joined the practice in 2018 with 17 years of nephrology experience to include acute and chronic hemodialysis.

Additionally, Jana has experience in emergency and trauma nursing. Jana completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at the University of Washington and her Master of Science in Nursing degree at Hawaii Pacific University. She is a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) and the American Nephrology Nurses Association (ANNA). Jana is also currently proudly serving her country as a flight nurse in the U.S. Air Force Reserves.

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MEET OUR HEALTH WRITER

TIA WILSON

From saving lives to craving life, Tia Wilson is a registered nurse with a passion for writing. With about five-years of nursing experience, Tia enjoys writing about health and wellness topics with a little humor and simplicity.

She has an Associate’s Degree in Nursing, but will officially earn her BSN this Fall! Tia spends her spare time reading, having mini photoshoots, and being a Dr. Doolittle (she loves animals too). | 22

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MEET OUR FASHION EDITOR

PRECIOUS LOUISE RUSSELL Stylists aren’t just for celebrities anymore.

I’m here for the hardworking teacher, the lawyer, the stay at home mom, the executive of a company, and the person who just doesn’t have time to shop due to everyday life demands. My name is Precious, and I’m here to empower, uplift and execute. Born in Miami and raised mostly in Memphis, I've seen different cultures around the world and learned how beautifully individualized we are. My passion is not just to style people all over the world; it’s to produce a ministry of strong, zealous and confident people who know who they are and can step into their future with certainty. The feeling of knowing that I made a difference in someone’s life and that there are people right here in my city who desire help, change, or transformations creates a happiness in me that is unexplainable. Being a wardrobe stylist for over 8 years has given me a deeper understanding of why I am still actively doing what I love; it’s my passion, my purpose, and my reason for existing.

When I think about my purpose for living on this earth beyond my husband and children, I think about creating a difference in my community and being the best me that I can be. Just imagine how the world would be if you spent less time stressing over what to wear and where to shop. You could spend more time radiating confidence and executing an effortless style. Do it for yourself. Allow Precious Louise to help you discover your best you. You deserve it! | 24

MEET OUR FASHION EDITOR

CARA PATRICE Cara Patrice, the owner of PhanC Consulting, is truly a master of her craft. From virtual styling to personal shopping her work reflects her passion for fashion.This St Louis based Stylist received her BA in Journalism from Arkansas State University in 2007 and later realized that she was destined for the fashion industry. Cara’s admiration for style began at an early age influenced by her stylish grandmother who wore the best of the best and who also had her own personal stylist. Cara takes personal styling clients. Her clients include radio personalities, influencers and everyone in between. The motto of PhanC Consulting is “Be PhanC Always”. Her goal is to assist every client male or female to channel their fashion sense and exude confidence in the skin they're in. | 25

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Here's the situation..."I have a problem with my husband's ex-wife not respecting my place as his new wife. We got married a few months ago and his ex-wife needs to respect me. She has never liked me because I dated my husband while the two of them were separated. My husband and I got married two years after he finalized his divorce. My husband has twins with his ex-wife. The ex-wife is always trying to talk to him about his twins. I feel like his twins are old enough to speak for themselves. They're 15! I also think that the twins are old enough to stop coming for visits each week. My husband and I need our private time together on the weekends. The ex-wife is only sending these twins over so they can report back to her what’s going on in my household. The daughter does not like me and is mad because I make her keep her things in a suitcase when she comes over on visits. And her twin brother just follows her lead. I have told my husband that he no longer needs joint custody and these twins are old enough to stay home. My husband just gets mad and stops talking to me. He says those are his kids and our home is their home. I'm at my wits end. What should I do to get through to my husband? It’s my turn! What should I do?"

Sis, is that the type of man you wanted to marry? A deadbeat dad who would toss his kids to the side because he was in a new relationship? These are his children and they will be his children for the rest of his life. Let us not forget you are also their step-mother. These are your children as well. You see how I keep repeating that word; children? They are 15 years old.

These are not adults.They are

at an age where they need their father more than ever. It is completely childish of you to want the weekly visits to stop. I understand why your husband gets upset and distances himself from you when you have these tantrums.

How on earth can he explain to his wife that he needs to be a father to his children? Would you like it if he went over to his ex-wife's home and spent the weekend there? Yeah, let's

really start rekindling those feeling and see how you act then. Be happy that you married a man who understands his important role as a father. When the kids come over for the weekend, have something planned for them.

Spend some time getting to know them and build a relationship. If you have any intentions on having a long and fulfilling marriage, you need to accept this as your new normal.

Need Savage Advice? Send us an anonymous letter to info@melaninmilsomagazine.com and we may answer your question in the next issue. Get ready for a Savage response.

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THGILTOPS ROHTUA

Michelle D. Farrell Author Michelle D Farrell, also known to her readers as The Lady of Suspense, is an author of the Mystery/Thriller & Suspense novella series called The Melody Green Series.Author Michelle D Farrell was born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky. She is the mother of four children: Vincent (25), Selena (20), Devond (17), and Brennen (3).

Michelle D Farrell discovered a love for writing at the very young age of 8, where she participated in the Young Authors competition and won first place for her stories up to the age of 16. She would spend her spare time as a teen writing stories for her friends for fun, who had encouraged her to have her short stories published. As an adult with older children, she decided to pick up the pen write again.

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Michelle is also a Professional Member of The Sisters in Crime Writers Society.

Michelle D Farrell's life-calling is getting her stories and imagination out into the world. Her literary motto is: Step Inside A World That Intrigues the Mind and she means that. Her creativity will take one into another land, and they can see what Melody sees and more. One thing that Michelle D Farrell would tell her teen self is:Do not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. You will hear some say that you are wasting your time. You will hear others say that you aren't good enough.

When you hear those words, do not stop writing. Keep pushing and never put the pen down until you feel as if your venture has truly ended. Believe in yourself and search for positive support and be a positive support for others.

Her literary works include:Melody Green: Merciful ShockMelody Green: Narcissistic TranceMelody Green: Firefly's ReprisalAva Rose: Phantasmagoria The Melody Green Series consists of four books so far that follow a young African American woman named Melody Nicole Green. Melody is, as she describes herself, as an everyday, run of the mill woman. She has a best friend of 25 years named Denzel Roberts. She has a 9 to 5 job, loves to talk to people, and hates to cook. Melody's life changes after witnessing a horrific accident in front of her home one evening.

Her adventure leads her to figure out how three deaths are connected, escaping an evil antagonist that is only known by the name of The Life Clipper. Melody Green discovers a family secret that she never knew about just as her teen friend named Ava Rose Hernandez uncovers it in front of her eyes. This read is an escape from reality and lands the reader to see things through Melody's eyes.

To learn more details about the series, please visit authormichelledfarrell.com Author Michelle D Farrell's works are geared with a diverse cast of POC characters that show that women of color can hang with the big dogs of mystery! The Melody Green Series is available in Paperback and Kindle. Audiobooks are available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes.To learn more about Author Michelle D Farrell and her work, please visit her Author Pages at: Authormichelledfarrell.com and facebook.com/accidentalsleuth

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THGILTOPS ROHTUA

Shawnita Chevis Shawnita Chevis, a military wife who resides in Jacksonville, NC reveals her latest childrenʼs book, RadClaire: The Symphony Mouse. Written as an early reader chapter book, published by Reimann Books, it tells the inspirational story of Rad-Claire, a mouse who has a dream of playing music and conducting her own orchestra. However, music has been forbidden in the mouse kingdom ever since Rad-Claireʼs mother disappeared. Now it is up to Rad-Claire to make her father see her point of view as she embarks on a quest to bring music back to the mouse world by listening to her heart and following her dreams.

Boasting 40 pages of adventure and dazzling illustrations by Ashlyn Smith, the tale of RadClaire is garnering 4* reviews and critical acclaim from around the world. “I wrote the original manuscript while living in Japan. Following a reading for a group of local children, a Mother ran up to me, got my attention and told me how much she adored the book! It appears that readers young and old are falling in love with RadClaire” says Chevis. She continues, “I created her to become a warm-hearted character that people could relate to, trust in and pass down through their generations. The initial response has been more than I could have ever asked for.” Due to the mouseʼs popularity, Chevis has recently announced that the world can look forward to a series of books featuring Rad-Claire. “Keep your eyes and ears peeled as there is a lot more to come from the mouse world!” she concludes.

To find out more information about Rad-Claire: The Symphony Mouse, or to order a copy today, visit: http://www.reimannbooks.com or http://www.amazon.com | 30

THGILTOPS ROHTUA

Amelia Rucker

Amelia Rucker is a self-published author of six books. Amelia is also currently serving in the United States Army. When Amelia is not writing, Amelia is using her author status to fight against discrimination against the three communities she advocates for, LGBT, Interracial families, and women. She is also enjoys giving words of encouragement to others. Does your business support women? If so, in what ways? If not, how can that be implemented? Of course! I am a feminist, which means I am advocating for women of all ages, ethnicities, or sexual preferences. There are messages in my stories for women, for each book carries strong women in it. My life calling is spreading the Gospel even in my books. What stuns people I worked with in my last company is the fact I am a Christian. I do have plans of cross genre for at least three or four books. At the end of the day, I don't know what my readers go through in their personal lives. I write under the three Es, educate, entertain, and most importantly, encourage. What motivated you to do the work you do?

Basically, I would say family and friends. I am an aunt and godmother, so I have little ones that are looking up at me. This even goes for my younger cousins as well. My immediate family are my fans.

What advice would you give the younger you? Princess, everything you are experiencing will be understood when you are older. Love yourself, but make sure you love and seek God more. Listen to your parents, for they have once been in your shoes. Focus on your goals, for there is a lot in store for you. Come out from your shell, for the world needs a Queen like you. Leave the young boy alone, for He is not predestined by God to be your future husband. You have already climbed a mountain, but sooner or later, you shall swim the deepest oceans and seas. You have a voice, so use it!

Overcome fear, for there will be a lot of accomplishments. Never follow the crowd, for you were born to stand out. Never change your personality or mannerism, for they are the keys to getting you where you shall go. You weren't put on this earth by accident, for you were created on purpose for a purpose. There is a fighter inside of you. Never give up, for quitting is the easy way out. Hold your  |  31 head up, Queen and look to the One, who never gave up on you.

THGILTOPS ROHTUA

Brenda Sawyer

Brenda Sawyer was born and raised in New York City and currently resides in Philadelphia. Her strong spiritual foundation acknowledges that she is a Woman of God who believes that she can do all things through Christ who strengthens her. As a young child, Brenda has always had a passion for teaching and imparting her knowledge. After graduating Hunter College with a dual major in Psychology and Early Childhood Education, she taught elementary school for twenty-six years for the School District of Philadelphia. Brenda holds a second Master's degree in elementary education, from Cabrini College. In addition to being a published author of Encouraging Words For The Mind, Spirit And Soul, Brenda is also the Founder and CEO of GIRLS WALKING WITH INTEGRITY EMPOWERING FOR DESTINY (GWWI), a Christian mentoring ministry empowering young ladies between the ages of eight and eighteen to become all that God has called them to be. Brenda Sawyer has been featured in Divine Connections Magazine, His Favor Magazine and has written articles for Good Deeds Magazine. She has also been interviewed on numerous radio talk shows as well as The Stan Matthews Broadcast TV Empower Hour Talk Show. Just recently, Ms. Sawyer was selected to be one of the Master Facilitators for the Jewel Tankard's Millionairess Conference in Detroit, MI and has been nominated as one of the finalists for the 2019 Indie Author Legacy Awards.

Brenda Sawyer is also one of the Collaborating Authors for The Purposed Woman 365 Devotional, The Daily Dose of Declarations, The Joys of Living Great, The Joys of Living Affirmations, Grateful Every Day and Can Any Good Thing Come From The USA?, which are now all Best Sellers on Amazon. Last but not least, Brenda is also an Amazon Influencer. So, it's really not over until God says it's over. Brenda believes that retirement is not the end, but just the beginning of new things to come. She encourages anyone to set goals, pursue and follow your dreams with a passion. "Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he." Proverbs 29:18 | 32

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Judith DumorneyMcDaniel

JUDITH DUMORNEY-MCDANIEL Executive Director and Founder of Teenagers In Charge Founder of Make Literacy Dope Author’s Brunch © Spa Owner and Innovator of A Man’s Cave-A Spa for Men, LLC © Judith Dumorney-McDaniel is an Author, Community Activist, Entrepreneur and Humanitarian who has over twenty (20) years of wide-ranging hands-on experience in areas of Youth Development, Mentoring, After School, Education, Fundraising and Community Organizing.

She is the Founder and Executive Director of Teenagers In Charge, a nonprofit organization for and about teens with a teen agenda established in 1995 whose mission is to help teens build their self-esteem, heighten their cultural and community awareness and most importantly provide them with resources so that they can learn how to take charge of their lives.

She is passionate about serving youth and others see her as a devoted community advocate, educator and mentor. Judith Dumorney-McDaniel is an author of Teenagers In Charge: A Blueprint to Unmasking the Greatness In You. A story about teenagers who share their personal journey about the challenges that plague the community and how a mentor helped them along the way to unmask their greatness. This venture helped her to launch Make Literacy Dope Author’s Brunch, an event with a purpose that’s twofold: To gather and network with authors and aspired authors while raising awareness about the importance of literacy for youth in shelter. Books are collected by authors to create libraries in shelters. | 33

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