Next Generation NOW” is a dedicated section of PURPOSE Magazine that highlights our next generation voices. This is a platform for brilliant college and high school scholars, so they can make a lasting impact and positive change in the global community.
Equity Smart is the New Cool By Dr. Robert L. Lawson — pg. 10
Your Voice is Powerful By Purvi Patel pg. 12
Family, Farming, Food, Legacy By Ella Coleman — pg. 14
Sleep Is a Big Deal By Jonathon D. Bailey, Sr. — pg. 16
Colombia Travel and Back-to-School Success By Caleb McCall pg. 18
Using AI with Wisdom and Integrity By Dr. Daniel Haupt — pg. 20
Perspective Publisher’s
Seasons have changed once again, with autumn's cool and colorful atmosphere signifying that it's time for harvest and advancing business. This should be a time for reaping the rewards for our labor, but it's a period of hardship for many.
To the uncertain farmer, concerned individuals, families, entrepreneurs, businesses, and organizations, though challenges are at hand, I admonish you to be encouraged. The ripple effect of poor leadership, unwise choices, and disregard for human life hovers over the U.S. and the world, yet there are lessons to be learned and wise actions to be taken for the sake of current and future generations.
and deliver His people out of slavery, he felt inadequate, especially with his speech impediment. But in Exodus 4:2, God asked Moses, "What's that in your hand?" Moses revealed that he had a rod. Then the Lord Yahuwah said, "Cast it on the ground." When Moses did as instructed, the rod turned into a serpent and then back into a rod, which he used later to work miracles.
Now, the question to you is: "What do you have in your hand?" In other words, what are your gifts, talents, skills, and abilities? If you know, good. If you don't know, you're reading the right magazine. The point is to begin where you are in faith and use whatever you have to move forward and toward your purpose
Now, the question to you is: "What do you have in your hand?" In other words, what are your gifts, talents, skills, and abilities? If you know, good. If you don't know, you're reading the right magazine.
So, what is your purpose in the world regarding issues, problems, and blessings? Whether suffering, prosperous, or somewhere in between, there is still a way to impact others for the better. You may see the horrendous conditions and situations facing us and feel overwhelmed or wonder, "What can I do?"
As I think about Moses' response when God told him to go to Egypt
and calling. Even if you are fearful or intimidated, move forward anyway and do what's on your heart to help someone else.
My friend, motivational speaker Les Brown, says, "Help somebody, help yourself." Les and others who have overcome tremendous odds declare, "If I can help someone along the way then my living will not be in vain." Let's make our living count.
“What is that in your hand?” Exodus 4:2,
We do have the power to impact lives. It starts with giving an encouraging word, a prayer, sharing resources, forgiving yourself and others. Research from the Mayo Clinic and UC Berkeley shows that acts of kindness and generosity uplift others and strengthen our wellbeing. As we give, we seize our power and live with greater purpose.
The smallest action is better than the greatest intention.
With Purpose, EllaColeman
NKJV
The Woman Behind the Lens:
Rujel Buggs — CEO, Author, Transformation Coach
“You are never to old to reintroduce yourself to the world.”
Inever imagined that a single idea helping women who feel uncomfortable in front of the camera would become a thriving business. As the CEO of Prestige Imagery, I began as a photo editor with a heart for transformation. I noticed that many women wanted to look professional for their brands, books, or businesses, but they didn’t have the confidence, budget, or knowhow to pull it off. They’d tell me, “I hate taking pictures,” or “I don’t look like a CEO.” I made it my mission to change that.
I started with one goal: to make women feel beautiful and powerful in front of the lens without the pressure of a high-end studio. What began as editing a few photos expanded into coaching women through every part of their visual journey posing, branding, wardrobe, and confidence. Prestige Imagery became more than a studio it became a sanctuary where women could see themselves the way the world should: powerful, polished, and poised for success. But that was just the beginning.
seasoned, and still capable of reinvention. As a tribute to my beloved mother, I published a cookbook called A Taste from My Mother’s Kitchen. It was my love letter to the recipes, memories, and healing from our family table. That book birthed a deeper desire to write, and soon after, I became an Amazon bestselling author with Becoming the Woman in the Mirror a powerful manifesto for women over 50 ready to reclaim their image, identity, and income.
“Eight years ago, I survived breast cancer. That life-altering moment shifted something deep within me. I knew my survival came with an assignment to inspire, uplift, and guide women into their next chapter.”
Since transformation is no longer just physical or emotional, I’ve embraced technology to support the process. I created the Prestige Elite 360 AI Studio, a first-of-itskind experience designed to gently guide women coaches into the world of automation, branding, and storytelling through the lens of AI. It’s not about replacing human connection it’s about amplifying your voice, your gifts, and your presence.
Eight years ago, I survived breast cancer. That lifealtering moment shifted something deep within me. I knew my survival came with an assignment to inspire, uplift, and guide women into their next chapter. I became not just a transformation coach but a spiritual midwife for self-discovery. I launched programs to help Gen X women tap into who they truly are bold,
Every photo, page, and program I create is rooted in one belief: you are never too old to reintroduce yourself to the world. Whether behind the camera, in the kitchen, or within your soul I'm here to help you see the woman you were always meant to be. This work is my calling and legacy. And it's only just beginning. What is yours?
Refresh, Reset, Renew: Lead With Greater Strength
By Dr. Erica Bates
Life can sometimes feel overwhelming, but you don't have to face those challenges alone. The Lord is near, ready to walk with you and give you strength through every season. Along the way, it's essential to pause and make room to refresh, reset, and renew. These moments of restoration are helpful and can impact your inner peace, health, focus, and effectiveness in who you are and what you do.
Refresh:
As leaders, we are often fiercely committed to our purpose, fueled by an unbreakable drive to succeed. We tirelessly move through the day, pushing forward, relentlessly in our pursuit. Yet, in that pursuit, it’s easy to forget the simple, vital act of pausing to breathe and drink water.
Just breathing and drinking water has a greater effect than a laser tearing through steel. Water heals and renews the heart, soul, body, and strength. Through prayer, God and His Word become divine refreshment.
Reset:
To restart is simply a return to the beginning, much like a computer restored to its default settings. However, to spiritually reset goes beyond; it carries the alterations of transformation. It signifies a profound shift, a deliberate act of redefining and recalibrating after a season has gone by. This intentional act ignites inspiration to reclaim strength while embracing change with hope and perseverance. Isaiah 43:18-19 states, “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing something new; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”
Though wounds and memories of the past may mark your life, you are not bound by them. Reset your thoughts, actions, or beliefs. Take a deep breath and initiate a small act of change today with boldness. Trust in God’s guiding hand. He will lead you every step, transforming your journey into a powerful testimony of His love and faithfulness.
Renew:
Renewal is a process of personal growth, revitalization, or a fresh start. To renew is about restoring someone or something worn or tired to the original condition, extending life, or providing a new beginning. Since God is the giver of breath and life, He is present to help in your renewal process. He longs to pour new strength, hope, and passion into your life. So, do something new. Let go of old habits and attitudes that no longer align with His perfect will and your purpose.
As you lead your family, pursue your calling, nurture your dreams, and build your business, allow God to blow fresh wind into you to refresh your spirit, reset your purpose, and renew your heart.
Dr. Erica M. Bates loves sharing her experiences and insights to encourage and inspire leaders, helping them grow stronger in their purpose and calling. Learn more about her ministry at www.desinging2inspire.org or connect with her via email at emb.teaching2inspire@gmail.com.
Kingdom Business:
Building legacy through collaboration, stewardship and discipleship
By Alleceia M. Walker
Inan age where influence often outpaces impact, Kingdomminded leaders and entrepreneurs must return to foundational principles that fuel long-term transformation spiritually, socially, and economically. Kingdom business is not just about profit margins; it's about a purpose-driven mission. It is God's way of advancing His will on earth as it is in heaven through His committed servants. Three
major Kingdom Business principles serve as cornerstones for sustainable legacy: Resource Stewardship, Collaborative Partnership, and Mentoring/ Discipleship.
Stewardship: Linking Resources to Needs
In the Kingdom, business, financial, relational, and intellectual resources are never to be hoarded but stewarded. God entrusts us with provision not to build
empires, but to meet needs and multiply impact. The parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30 highlights the spiritual responsibility of resource management. The servant who multiplied what his master gave him heard, "Well done, good and faithful servant… I will put you in charge of many things" (Matthew 25:21).
Linking resources to needs is not charity it's Kingdom economy. It is recognizing divine alignment
between a God-given supply and a Heaven-sent need. Acts 4:34-35 illustrates this well: "There were no needy persons among them… from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them and it was distributed to anyone who had need." This action wasn't socialism; this was Spirit-led stewardship, where business owners, landowners, and skilled workers saw their gain as a channel for good.
In modern applications, Kingdomminded businesses must actively assess how their resources networks, knowledge, and finances can meet the pressing needs of others, especially within underserved communities. This proactive generosity unlocks favor and multiplies Kingdom influence.
Collaborative Partnerships: Advancing the Mission Together
No single organization or entrepreneur can complete the work of the Kingdom alone. Collaboration in the Kingdom is a divine strategy. Ecclesiastes 4:9 affirms, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.”
In Luke 5:6-7, when Peter's nets overflowed with fish due to Jesus' command, he signaled his partners in the other boat for help. The catch was too big for one boat. That's Kingdom partnership a miracle so large it demands shared success.
When we create collaborative partnerships, we pool strengths and eliminate silos. Businesses, ministries, schools, and nonprofits must embrace co-laboring to stretch capacity and avoid burnout. Shared
vision combined with diverse gifts accelerates impact. For Kingdom builders, partnership isn't just practical it's biblical.
Successful Kingdom partnerships require humility, clarity, and mutual accountability. But when aligned well, they allow for greater reach, richer creativity, and sustainable outcomes that one entity alone could never achieve.
Mentoring and Discipleship: Building Generational Sustainability
Legacy in Kingdom business is about lives, not logos. At its core, discipleship is God's method for multiplication. Jesus didn't build a brand He built people. And He commanded us to do the same: "Go and make disciples of all nations…" (Matthew 28:19). Discipleship is God's method for multiplication.
Mentorship and discipleship are how God's people transmit the Kingdom's values, principles, and practices from generation to generation. Titus 2 provides a blueprint: Older men and women are to teach the younger, modeling godliness, integrity, and wisdom. Mentorship includes spiritual, practical skills, leadership, and business acumen.
Whether through formal mentorship programs or organic relationships, Kingdom entrepreneurs and leaders must see mentoring as a vital expression of their calling. In mentoring, we pass on wisdom, avoid mistakes, and sharpen purpose.
Furthermore, when Kingdom business leaders disciple others, they ensure their mission does not die with them but lives on in those into whom they’ve invested. That is true legacy not just a lasting name but lasting fruit.
Conclusion: Purpose-Driven, Eternity-Focused
Kingdom business requires a mindset shift from ownership to stewardship, from competition to collaboration, and from temporary success to eternal significance. By linking resources to needs, forming collaborative partnerships, and embracing mentorship and discipleship, we do more than operate ethically we operate with Kingdom excellence.
Remember: "To whom much is given, much will be r quired" (Luke 12:48). May the Lord find us faithfully linking what we have with who needs it, joining forces for greater impact, and mentoring others so the work of the Kingdom will continue long after we're gone.
Your business is not just your platform it is your pulpit. Use it to preach legacy.
Alleceia M. Walker is the managing editor of PURPOSE Magazine and CEO and founder of The IMPACT Difference.
Equity Smart is the New Cool: Julius Cartwright’s New Book is a Blueprint for Those
Serious About Financial Wellness
By Dr. Robert L. Lawson
Julius Cartwright wears many hats, but his 38-year legacy as a real estate professional has positioned him as a trusted voice in the financial literacy industry. In his new book, Equity Smart Is the New Cool: Models for Financial Awareness and Wellness, Cartwright shares a wealth of insights, strategies, and real-world tips to help readers make smarter, more informed decisions about their money.
Investment strategies change, so adaptability is essential
In today’s economy, financial awareness is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. Whether you’re a Baby Boomer planning for retirement, a Gen Xer leveraging experience for next-level success, a Millennial balancing debt and savings, or a Gen Z professional just starting, Equity Smart Is the New Cool offers essential knowledge to help you not just survive but thrive. Cartwright emphasizes that regardless of your background or financial starting point, the key to success lies in learning how to make your money work for you. One of the book’s most memora-
ble lines underscores this mindset: “You must discipline yourself to do the things you have to do today, so that when tomorrow comes, you can do the things you want.”
For Baby Boomers, long-term investment in stocks and retirement accounts may have been the golden ticket. But for today's younger generations, the same strategies don't always apply. While budgeting, saving, and investing principles remain timeless, the tools and financial products available today are drastically different, requiring a new level of adaptability.
Long-term investment strategies can yield exponential growth
Cartwright provides a historical perspective to illustrate this shift. In the 1980s, savings accounts and bonds offered interest rates, making them attractive investment vehicles. But in today's market, those returns are a fraction of what they once were. As a result, investors must explore new opportunities, some of which were unimaginable a
for cross-border transactions) rebounded significantly after court rulings cleared the way for trading to resume, rewarding those early adopters who held on. The stock market tells a similar story. A $15,000 investment in Tesla stock 15 years ago would be worth over $4 million today. That investment amount in Nvidia would now be worth more than $9.5 million. Even outside the tech space, consistent, strategic invest-
Take investing in cryptocurrency and stocks, for example. In 2017, one Bitcoin had value around $18,000; today, in 2025, it skyrocketed to over $100,000. Even more astonishing, a $15,000 investment in Bitcoin 15 years ago would now be worth over $35 million. Similarly, despite facing regulatory challenges, cryptocurrencies like XRP (a digital asset and bridge currency
New book aims to empower new and savvy investors
Equity Smart Is the New Cool dives deep into essential financial practices: how to budget effectively, how to differentiate between good and bad debt, and how to invest strategically for the long haul.
Cartwright also demystifies credit management, emphasizing the lasting impact of your credit score on your purchasing power, loan eligibility, and overall financial freedom.
ing delivers impressive results. Domino’s Pizza stock would have turned $15,000 into approximately $570,614, and Amazon into about $575,990. These are examples of what's possible when financial literacy combines patience, timing, and a commitment to long-term strategy.
Ultimately, Cartwright's message is one of empowerment. Financial wellness isn't just about accumulating wealth; it's about having options, creating stability, and building a life you enjoy. Being "Equity Smart" means understanding money flow, using it wisely, and preparing yourself and your family for a secure future.
Cartwright also offers a companion workbook to help readers apply what they've learned. The book and workbook are available now at www.esnewcool.com or by contacting Julius at (216) 990-1501.
Dr. Robert Lawson is a noted author, lecturer, professional speaker, and seminar presenter. Contact Ella Coleman, publisher of PURPOSE Magazine, for speaking engagements or media inquiries.
Julius L. Cartwright
By Purvi Patel
Istill remember the first time I sat at the CFO's table, not as an observer or a guest, but as a newly promoted people leader expected to contribute. I had earned my seat through results, insight, and grit. But once I was in that room, surrounded by seasoned executives speaking with such ease and authority, I felt the familiar grip of imposter syndrome tighten.
Shrinking into the background, I jotted notes instead of speaking up, convincing myself that my words carried no weight. Every question or confident remark from the others only deepened my fear that they would see I didn’t belong there.
My self-doubt wasn’t just silencing me; it was short-changing the room. Every time we hold back, we shrink the impact we can make. It was never about having all the answers. It's about being present fully and willing to share, even when your voice shakes. You don’t have to be 100% confident to speak up.
Most voices that shift a room do so, not because they are polished but real. They speak anyway, through nerves, beyond imposter syndrome, and despite the imaginary (or real) critics.
Make Space for Someone Else
Your voice matters. Not because
“So, stop waiting if you're in a room wondering whether you belong. Say the thing. Ask the question. Share the story. You are here for a reason. Your presence isn’t a placeholder. Lean in with intention. Show up fully and speak up. This is how the meeting space evolves and this is how you lead.”
Too often, we wait until we’ve earned permission, until our ideas feel bulletproof, or until we're sure we belong, before daring to share our perspectives.
Speak Up
After the meeting, the CFO pulled me aside. I braced for feedback. Maybe even a subtle sign that she or I had overestimated my readiness. Instead, she looked me in the eyes and said, “You’re at this table for a reason. Use your voice. Speak up.” That moment shifted something in me. I realized that waiting to feel completely ready or confident was costing me impact. Leadership isn't about occupying a seat. It's about owning your perspective and leaning into the discomfort that comes with growth.
it’s perfect, but because it’ s yours. Every time you speak, especially where silence feels easier, you make space for someone else to do the same. That is the power of your voice: it invites others in. You might not know who’s watching or quietly wondering if they’re brave enough to speak. But your voice might be the catalyst that rewrites their story.
Leadership becomes less about perfection and more about creating spaces where diverse voices are welcome. When one person speaks, others feel seen. Your voice doesn’t have to be loud. It just needs to be authentic.
Be Intentional
We could all be in rooms where speaking up feels vulnerable. But staying silent has its own cost.
When you don't use your voice, the room loses texture and insight only you can offer. The conversation continues, but it’s thinner.
So, stop waiting if you're in a room wondering whether you belong. Say the thing. Ask the question. Share the story. You are here for a reason. Your presence isn’t a placeholder. Lean in with intention. Show up fully and speak up. This is how the meeting space evolves, and this is how you lead.
Purvi Patel is a certified life coach, business consultant, and founder of Candorlytics LLC. She blends intuitive coaching with actionable strategies to help you stop second-guessing yourself, make confident decisions, and take action to build a life that gives you more time, energy, and freedom without burnout, regret, or wasted effort. Learn more at www.candorlytics.com or connect with her at candorlytics@gmail.com.
T“here is no culture without agriculture,” proclaims P.J. Haynie III, while riding his computerized tractor, quite different from his forefathers’ equipment. This innovative row-crop farmer and entrepreneur from Reedville, VA, is CEO of Arkansas River Rice and the visionary behind Haynie
By Ella Coleman
Family Foods. He holds the torch passed down through four generations of farmers. His great-greatgrandfather, coming out of slavery, was the first to purchase sixty acres of land in Northumberland County, Virginia, on September 14, 1867. Haynie still owns and farms on a large portion of that acreage. Also, he and his family expanded into Arkansas, one of
the top-ranking states in the nation for agriculture because of its fertile and moist soil.
After over 150 years of farming experience between Virginia and Arkansas, the family founded Haynie Family Foods in 2024 to bring their multigenerational legacy of high-quality grain products directly to consumers. They
operate a “minority-owned business” offering sustainably grown, delicious rice. But being able to process rice for consumers to purchase took a leap of faith.
Seizing Expansion Opportunity
A golden opportunity to buy a rice mill was presented to Haynie, and that stirred his interest. He explains, “A lady contacted me and said, ‘Hey, P.J., a rice processing plant is on the market in Pine Bluff.’ I asked, ‘Have you got any information?’ She said, ‘Yeah, I'll send you a one-pager.’ Once Haynie received it, he told his father, Phillip J. Haynie, II, and they traveled to Pine Bluff for a closer look. “We learned it was a state-of-the-art rice processing plant on the market. A group of Argentinians spent $40 million building this new plant in 2017 and operated it for 18 months before abandoning it. So, we were fortunate to purchase that rice mill."
Haynie and his partners made history with the acquisition, becoming
the first and only Black farmers to own a rice mill in the United States Arkansas River Rice (ARR) in Pine Bluff. After summoning his four sisters to come and help, they joined his team, along with his father and 15 men and women who manage and work for AAR today. In December 2021, ARR opened and started milling rice in May 2021.
The rice mill enables Haynie and his team to make a greater difference with people needing food. He explains, "As a commodity farmer, I could never offer you any of my products to take home and feed your family because we sold only to companies like Tyson's and Smithfield Foods to feed chickens and pigs. Purdue Farms on the East Coast grounds up our corn and feeds it to the chickens. The rice mill allows me to grow rice, process it, and people can take it home to feed their families.”
Preserving Heritage & Legacy
Haynie understands the importance of moving forward with the legacy he inherited, especially with the decrease of Black farmers in the U.S. from 15% a hundred years ago to less than 2% today. Government discrimination has cost African American farmers nearly 80% of their land, and many are fighting to hold on to what's left. With the mission “to improve the efficiency, productivity, and sustainability of Black row crop farmers,” in 2010 Haynie and a group of Black row crop farmers established the National Black Growers Council.
Reaching and involving younger generations in farming is an important goal, Haynie says he plans to achieve. While teaching his daughter, Collette, about their family farming business, she taught him the power of social media to reach youths. "One day, when Collette was in the field with me, she said, ‘Hey, Dad, I want you to stand beside your pickup truck so I can take a picture.’ She posted the photo, called it Black Farmer TikTok, and it got a hundred thousand views within a week. This made me know I need a platform to showcase how cool farming is and let youths and the world know that although I’m in an industry inundated by ‘good old boys’ for the last hundred years, it’ s still ripe for picking as a career by agriculture students.”
In preparation for future food shortages, it makes sense to support P. J. Haynie and other Black farmers need more funds and resources to continue producing healthy crops and restore land lost to future generations.
To learn more about Arkansas River Rice and Haynie Family Foods, visit HaynieFailyFoods.com or email pjhaynie@hayniefarms.com
P.J. Haynie, III, CEO
Sleep
Big Deal:
By Jonathon D. Bailey, Sr., M.A.
“
I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me” (Psalm 3:5).
Did you know that we spend almost one‐third of our lives in bed? Typically, people sleep about eight hours a day. Over a year, that adds to roughly 122 full days spent asleep. How do you rest in bed? Are you sleepless? Do you get quality sleep? What really happens when you sleep? Sleep is a big deal and it's essential to understand it.
daily wear and tear.
The best sleeping effects can be experienced in the prone or lying down position since gravity is removed. In this posture, the heart does not have to work as hard to pump blood into the brain and body. Prolonged belly-sleeping, however, can strain the spine and contribute to back pain. Experts recommend sleeping on your back or side, with knees slightly bent and, if sidesleeping, a small pillow under your waist to keep the spine aligned.
Rest is not just a biological necessity but also a spiritual gift. Science and Biblical revelation affirm that good sleep renews the spirit and restores body and soul. “I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.” (Psalm 3:5)
God has designed our bodies to achieve three vital needs during sleep: 1) Rest all the body’s systems, 2) Make repairs, and 3) Restore energy.
Your brain is active during sleep, not idle. Sleep activates the glymphatic system, which helps flush toxins and waste products from the brain. During deep sleep, the brain consolidates memories, transferring information from short-term to long-term storage. In addition, sleep supports cellular repair, even helping DNA recover from
Your sleep environment matters too. A mediumfirm mattress is generally considered best for supporting spinal alignment while relieving pressure points. Rotating your mattress every few months helps prevent sagging that can throw your body out of alignment.
So, what can we do to ensure we gain additional benefits from sleep? Short naps in the afternoon are highly effective. A 20–30 minute nap can improve alertness, performance, and mood without causing grogginess.
Your brain is active during sleep, not idle. Sleep activates the glymphatic system, which helps flush toxins and waste products from the brain. During deep sleep, the brain consolidates memories, transferring information from short-term to longterm storage. In addition, sleep supports cellular repair, even helping DNA recover from daily wear and tear.
Longer midday naps, however, can push you into deep sleep cycles and interfere with your ability to rest at night. If you nap more than two hours, you may struggle to sleep during your regular nighttime hours.
You may be fooling yourself if you believe you can function well on five to six hours of sleep per night. Research suggests that adults need about 7–9 hours of sleep for optimal health. Large -scale studies show that getting less than seven hours is associated with higher risks of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even early mortality. On the other hand, research confirms that consistently sleeping more than nine hours may also carry increased health risks, creating a Ushaped relationship between sleep and longevity.
Rest is not just a biological necessity but also a spiritual gift. Science and Biblical revelation affirm that good sleep renews the spirit and restores body and soul. “I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.” (Psalm 3:5)
Jonathon D. Bailey, Sr. is a medical Administration, Health Specialist and retired Colonel from the United States Army.
My trip was GREAT, but now it’s time to get back to “real life!”
If you’re a student trying to transition from vacation to studies, the following tips should help.
By Caleb McCall
Life this autumn is richer because my summer was full of exciting experiences. I worked, spent time with friends, returned to Howard University, and even had the chance to travel. One of the highlights of my summer was visiting Cartagena, Colombia. I snorkeled for the first time, explored the historic walled city, and learned about the culture.
However, my favorite excursion was to Palenque. Established in 1603 by escaped enslaved people, Palenque was the first free African town in the Americas. The people there have preserved their African traditions, including a creole language with roots in Bantu. I learned about their powerful history and witnessed a vibrant cultural performance that brought their heritage to life.
It was inspiring to be in a place where people fought for their freedom centuries ago and still honor their African identity today. It reminded me of the strength and resilience of my ancestors and gave me a deeper appreciation for the importance of preserving culture and history. My trip to Palenque was a lesson in legacy, pride, and community.
This summer gave me fun memories, and it allowed me to connect with history and gain experiences I'll carry forever. And while it was fun, I knew that transitioning to my “real life” of studies wouldn’t be easy. I’m using the following tips to help me. They might help you too!
Reestablish a Routine Early
A week before classes or work start, try to reset your sleep schedule, mealtimes, and daily habits. This will help your body and mind adjust, so the first week doesn't feel like a shock.
Get Organized
Make a to-do list or planner for upcoming assignments, deadlines, or work projects. Setting clear goals for the first month keeps you focused and prevents feeling overwhelmed.
Ease Back Into Productivity
Start doing light study, reading, or work-related tasks before your schedule ramps up. This will warm up your brain and make the transition less abrupt.
Prioritize Self-Care
Summer often feels more relaxed, so carry that balance into your school or work life. Get enough sleep, exercise, and carve out time for friends or hobbies.
Stay Positive and Motivated
Instead of focusing on the end of vacation, frame the new season as a fresh start. Think about opportunities for growth, upcoming projects, and what you’re excited to accomplish.
Success in life requires steadfast faith, persistent effort, and relentless focus.
Student travel can give you a fresh perspective and appreciation for life.
It was inspiring to be in a place where people fought for their freedom centuries ago and still honor their African identity today. It reminded me of the strength and resilience of my ancestors and gave me a deeper appreciation for the importance of preserving culture and history.
doctor.
Caleb McCall is a junior biology major at Howard University in Charlotte, North Carolina His fut attending medical school to become a pathology
Using AI with Wisdom and Integrity to Extend the Life of the Dollar
How artificial intelligence, when applied with strategy can help African American communities reclaim economic power and create sustainable wealth.
By Dr. Daniel Haupt
In today’s digital economy, artificial intelligence (AI) is not just a technology it’s a multiplier of wealth and opportunity. While the conversation around AI often focuses on automation and job loss, there is another side to this story.
AI as a Modern Economic Tool
AI can be a wealth-building engine for communities that adopt it wisely. For African American communities where the dollar currently circulates for less than 6 hours AI presents a chance to extend the economic life of money by strengthening entrepreneurship, local commerce, and innovation.
Dr. Jawanza Kunjufu, in his seminal book, Black Economics, emphasizes that wealth retention and ownership are critical for economic experiment. His message still resonates: “We must
shift from being consumers to being creators.” AI technology, when used with wisdom and integrity, can accelerate this shift by equipping Black entrepreneurs with tools to compete in global markets, streamline operations, and reach customers more effectively.
The Economic Gap and the AI Advantage
The racial wealth gap is a reality and it’s by systematic design, but technology is leveling certain playing fields. AI-driven platforms can automate marketing, analyze consumer behavior, and provide cost-effective solutions for small businesses that historically lacked access to major capital. For example:
• Predictive analytics helps local stores track what products are in demand, ensuring smarter inventory management and reducing waste.
• AI chatbots and virtual assistants allow small businesses to provide 24/7 customer service without additional staff costs.
AI-powered e-commerce tools help Blackowned businesses compete with larger corporations, keeping dollars within the community for longer periods.
Tell your story...
By embracing these 5 tools, businesses can create sustainable revenue streams that build wealth locally, mirroring the Cooperative Economics principle of the Nguzo Saba that Kunjufu advocates.
1. AI-Powered Local Directories Create searchable, AI-driven directories of Black-owned businesses to encourage intentional spending within the community.
2. Smart Marketing for Small Business—Use AI tools (like ChatGPT or Jasper) to develop low-cost, professional marketing campaigns.
3. AI-Enhanced Financial Literacy—Deploy AI apps that teach budgeting, investment strategies, and business planning tailored for youth and families.
4. Community AI Co-ops Establish tech hubs where entrepreneurs share AI tools and training to grow their enterprises.
5. E-Commerce Expansion—Use AI-based platforms (Shopify, Wix AI) to build online stores that expand reach beyond local neighborhoods while keeping revenue tied to the community
Keep in mind, to use these tools effectively, we must prepare to be ready. Let’s use the Wisdom Principle of the Ant in Proverbs 6:6-8. “There are four things that are small on the earth, but they are exceedingly wise: The ants are not a strong people, yet they prepare their food in the summer” (AMP). The lesson of the ant is foresight and preparation exactly what AI offers when used strategically. Communities that leverage
AI to forecast trends, automate processes, and build digital resilience can prepare for economic seasons ahead and keep wealth circulating in their families and communities.
AI and Integrity
The power of AI demands integrity. Communities must ensure that AI adoption aligns with values of fairness, inclusivity, and economic empowerment. Dr. Kunjufu’s message about collective progress applies here: the technology must serve the community, not extract from it.
This means training young innovators, creating digital marketplaces for Black-owned products, and building AI literacy programs to avoid being left behind.
Conclusion
Artificial intelligence is not a replacement for hard work, vision, or collaboration it’s a tool to enhance them. Just as Kunjufu challenges us to own the businesses we support, we must also own and master the technologies that shape the future. When used with wisdom and integrity, AI can help extend the life of the dollar, support local entrepreneurs, and build the generational wealth Kunjufu envisioned.
“Technology should be our servant, not our master,” and when we use AI intentionally, we can transform our communities from consumers to creators—one dollar, one business, and one innovation at a time.
Dr. Daniel Haupt, EdD Min and MBA, is a Life Destiny Strategist and Director of the Denver Destiny Center, founder/vision pastor of Voice Of Destiny Ministries and PrayFastDaily.org, a strategic praying, fasting, and teaching ministry. Also, he is author of “SHAPED for Destiny” and other books. Visit DenverDestinyCenter.org
GodhasaNamethatministerstoeveryseasonofyourlife, nomatterwhoyouareorwhereyouareintheworld. OurcallingistopointyoutoHisName. For anniversary and conference gifts, ministry outreach and more, visit www.thistreasure.com.
