PURPOSE Magazine | Spring Issue 2024

PUBLISHER'S Perspective

There is a time and season for every purpose.

After over 16 years of publishing 150 printed issues, relaunching Purpose Magazine on a digital platform is a testament of change and transition necessary to reach today’s readers. Please catch the vision of a greater Purpose and the excitement of possibilities happening as generations merge to continue this meaningful legacy.

We wholeheartedly invite you to come go and grow with us. Navigating the terrains of truth, identity, self-discovery, spiritual maturity, mental elevation, benevolent missions, and purposeful living will be quite adventurous. It is the continuation of a uniquely progressive journey designed to inspire and impact precious lives with purpose and destiny.

After much prayer and preparation, it is my blessed pleasure as founding publisher, to embrace and present the Editorial Coordinator of Purpose, Alleceia Walker. Over the 17 years of our mentor-mentee relationship, she has emerged as a mature, compassionate, gifted, and skilled leader with the vision and competence to help advance this publication to new heights. Entities can grow and prosper now and futuristically when elder and younger generations respectfully work together, being flexible, yet firmly established in principles and values.

Purpose is now freshly presented because its light is urgently needed to shine out the darkness intruding within and lurking outside through the crumbling world system. The escalation of violence, crime, lies, scandals, wars, natural disasters, government incompetence, and other woes, avail ripe opportunities for promoting the opposites. Empowered in the Spirit, let’s use our divinely endowed AI—Authentic Intelligence.

Being decisively authentic enables us to use the technology of AI—Artificial Intelligence—with wisdom and strategies. Yes, this publication endeavors to further empower readers to think “outside of the box” and think ahead in preparation for what’s to come.

This is what Alleceia and I intentionally are doing along with the entire Purpose team.

We aim to offer our best to each reader, advertiser, subscriber, and supporter.

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For now, relax, enjoy, and be encouraged with messages to live by, on the pages that follow.

Ella Coleman “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.” -Ecclesiastes 3:1 NKJV

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WHAT’S INSIDE

11 Cover Story

by Ella Coleman

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Meet the Next Generation NOW Contributors

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Living Life on Purpose

by Adeola Atekoja

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Our Hair is Linked to Our Identity

by Morgan Holden, Next Generation NOW Contributor

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Impactful Tips for Sustainable Wellness

by Tiffany Byrd

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Building a Tribe: Cultivating Your Community

by Markeyla Henton

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Flower Girls Meet

by Vanessa Flowers

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Building Generational Wealth: How Your Actions Today Lay the Foundation for Tomorrow

by Pamela Sams

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Visit Purpose online at purposemagazine.com

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THE BRIDGE TO Purpose

Last year, I celebrated my 50th birthday. I consider myself a S.I.T., Senior-in-Training now, preparing to take my seat.

There are so many benefits to aging and learning as you grow. I must pay homage to my first teachers, my parents: Ms. Inez Jackson Jenkins and Mr. Joel Jenkins. They cultivated fertile soil in which other mentors along my journey were endowed to plant and water while God pruned and gave increase.

One of the assigned Titus 2 mentors I was blessed to inherit is our esteemed Publisher, Ms. Ella Coleman. Our paths crossed in 2007 as my purpose was taking shape in Washington, DC. God knew I would need her level of prayer; intercession, mentoring and spiritual guidance as I was being planted as a mentor to generations. In hindsight, God’s alignment was and is always impeccable. He covers everything. As I leaned into my lessons learned, my service to students at Howard University and within my sphere of influence grew. I began to collect stories highlighting my daily adventures, from insurmountable obstacles to unfathomable triumphs and everything in between. I had no idea that all of it would land me here as Editor Coordinator, holding the Purpose Legacy Torch. From this vantage point, we can provide others with life lessons, stories, and areas of expertise, linking resources to needs and making “The IMPACT Difference,” my personal divine assignment, through PURPOSE Magazine.

I take this advent editorial occasion to formally thank my mentor, Ms. Ella Coleman, for entrusting me with her vision for PURPOSE. Together we will continue building The Bridge over troubled waters for generations to come. In this purpose and vision space, it is an honor and privilege to share opportunities with other visionaries as they, too, “Pursue their Purpose with Passion.” Welcome, let us take this journey together… UBUNTU – I Am because We Are! Alleceia M. Walker | Editorial Coordinator

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Publisher Ella Coleman Editorial Coordinator Alleceia M. Walker Production & Design Brittany Wright Media Designer Imani Haupt Contributing Photographers Ira Graham III Shellee Fisher

Contributing Writers Dr. Joshua Bernard Austin, Ph.D. Adeola Atekoja Tiffany Byrd Jessica Dew Vanessa Flowers Dr. Daniel Haupt Markeyla Henton Pamela J. Sams

PURPOSE Magazine is published digitally on a quarterly basis by Ellavation Publishing LLC. and is a Trademark.

Copyright © 2024, Ellavation Publishing.

All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means in whole or in part without prior written permission of the publisher.

DESTINY

By Dr. Daniel Haupt In the grand prophetic tapestry of life, there are two pivotal times that define our existence: the day we are born and the day we discover why. This sentiment underscores the profound truth that each of us is uniquely fashioned for a purpose and destiny beyond the confines of happenstance or coincidence. To elaborate on this theme, I urge you to delve into the depths of your being to uncover the divine blueprint that shapes your journey.

In a world fraught with distractions and uncertainties, the quest for purpose can seem like an elusive endeavor. Yet, destinies are not coincidental, but meticulously crafted plans ordained by the hand of God. Before inception, your purpose was etched into the annals of time and eternity, awaiting manifestation in the earthly realm. Embracing this truth frees us to transcend the transient, and align with the eternal, stepping boldly into our divine calling.

We are all intricately SHAPED by our Creator for a destiny infused with significance and intentionality, signaling us to accept our unique design. Accepting this original and

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personal blueprint, empowers us to stride confidently into the fulfillment of our purpose.

To unlock destiny, examine how you are SHAPED for purposeful living.

What Does it Mean to be SHAPED? Few people discover their purpose to live destiny, but there are usable tools to unveil personal qualities and characteristics that aid in identifying purpose. How one is wired; personal traits, experiences, desires, and more, reveal how he or she is SHAPED. Destiny is a destination predetermined by God that unfolds through us. The SHAPED acronym serves as a guiding light, illuminating attributes that shape individual purpose and destiny. Each meaningful letter is explained below.

S stands for an array of Special Endowments or innate gifts God has invested in us, even before birth. These inbuilt abilities and talents can be performed perfectly to solve problems and add value to the lives of those we are called to impact. God has deposited in us His

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Spirit, which inspires us to greatness. If you are unaware of your gifts, abuse of them is almost unavoidable. The first step in living a purposeful life is to discover your natural endowments, which include anointings, gifts, callings, and talents. There is a divine reason and purpose for your existence. It could be music, singing, public speaking, inventing, writing, teaching, business, technical expertise, athletics, medical and healing, caring for others, etc. Special endowments are not earned but God-given. Yet, these need to be studied, practiced, and refined. What are your special endowments? Think about it and write it down.

H stands for Heartbeat because the heart is our divine instinct and the seat of intuition, visionary intelligence, passion, inspiration, and drive that impulsively direct our steps. Also, the heart fuels the operation of gifts by heartfelt instinct. It is that part of us that carries and sustains our yearning and energy on the route toward destiny. A healthy heart is the spring of a meaningful life; but a [person] with daily defeated impulses can never win.

Proverbs 17:22 (NIV) says, “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Just as the ear serves as an organ to hear audible sounds and help maintain balance in vertebrates, the heart is the inner ear through which we can connect with God and maintain balance while going through life.

Dreams and purpose get nourished or famished in the heart. Everything we do flows from it (Proverbs 4:23). The heart operates the inward voice which provides direction and clarity on a path toward destiny that is a direct route but not a straight line.

A represents Ability, which is an essential aspect of our purpose and destiny equation.

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Ability is what one is capable of through education, training, and experiences. So, abilities are developed into skills. Unlike Special Endowments, which flow naturally from within and from God, abilities and skills do not come naturally, but must be developed through education, training, practice, and experiences. Abilities and skills enable excellent performance in purpose that complements special endowments. For example, a talented vocalist may learn to read music and teach voice lessons for a living. The voice is the special endowment while reading music and teaching voice is an ability and skill.

This could be working with children, electrical or plumbing work, nails and hair care, graphic designing, and other professional fields or hobbies. What abilities and skills have you learned and used for profitability, earnings, or to help others?

P is for Personality. Each personality opens a unique lens through which the world is viewed and responded to. It serves as a pattern, predicator or model for life and greatly influences what we are and become.

Personality expert and author, David Funder, defines personality as “a collection of relatively discrete, independent and narrow social capacities.”

It involves character, temperament, disposition, worldview, etc. The way God made your personality was determined by what He wants you to become and do. Introvert and extrovert personality types are distinctively designed by God for relating uniquely to others. However, God wired you to relate to your world with either left-brain or right-brain dominance; not both.

For example, a person who is left-brained is more logical, analytical, and practical. The right-brained individual is more holistic, artistic, innovative, and emotional. According

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to the theory of left-brain or right-brain dominance, each side of the brain controls different types of thinking. These two types of thinking are expressed in the way individuals apply their purpose and destiny to life.

E is for Experiences and Environments, which are involvements and places to build personal strengths while overcoming traits wherever we are born, grow up, attend school or church, live, work, or retire. Experiences and environments can be desirable or undesirable, challenging or easy, safe or dangerous, but there is a reason for being there, whether we like it or not. There is a learning opportunity in every experience. God, being the Potter and Maker, places us in environments that are perfect for His plans for our lives. He allows certain experiences to shape us for our destiny.

The experiences and environments in your life

are fundamental to how you are “SHAPED” and prepared for the future. The wilderness sometimes is the route to the Promised Land and the dark valley can also lead to the sunlit hill and horizon. Allow experiences teach life lessons, enhance maturity, and make you stronger while going through enjoyable and painful times. Experience can bring out the excellence in you, especially if you learn to handle situations with prayer and God’s word.

World renowned author and purpose expert, Myles Munroe, says, “Purpose transforms mistakes into miracles and turns disappointments into testimonies.” God does not see your past mistakes the way you see them. You might see a mess, but God sees a message and platform for miracles. “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails” (Proverbs 19:21 NIV).

D is for Destiny—everything that will happen during our lifetime and in eternity, planned or unplanned. Yet, we are empowered to impact our destiny through decisions and actions.

Everything about the way we are SHAPED leads us to purpose and destiny. One thing we all have in common is being born into the world with a purpose and destiny, which is a direct route not never a straight line. Purpose is the overall reason why we are here and there is no one born without a purpose. God says in Isaiah 46:10, “I have known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’”

In conclusion, explore how you have been SHAPED for an uncommon destiny. Through introspection and exploration, we uncover the

Special Endowments, Heartbeat, Ability, Personality, Experiences and Environments, and Destiny that define our trajectory. Destiny is a destination with a purpose for which we were made, not a purpose we made for ourselves. So never try to become someone else.

You are uniquely designed for your destiny.

For in the crucible of purpose, we discover the essence of our being and the fullness of our potential. Let us heed the words of 1 Peter 2:9, recognizing our inherent nobility as a chosen generation, destined to illuminate the world with the radiance of our purpose. May we rise to the occasion, embracing our destiny with courage and conviction, knowing that we are SHAPED for such a time as this.

What God has made crooked, let no man make straight. -Ecclesiastes 7:13

MEET THE

NOW CONTRIBUTORS

About “Next Generation NOW” is a dedicated section of PURPOSE Magazine that highlights our Next Generation Voices. It is our desire to platform these high school and college scholars NOW, so they can make an impact and positive change within our Global Community that will last a lifetime.

Morgan Holden

Monique Lavoie

Hannah Grace Pritchett

James Hubert Blake High School Class of ‘24

Howard University Class of ‘27 Old Lyme, Connecticut Junior Editor

James Hubert Blake High School Class of ‘24

Contributor

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Contributor

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OUR IDENTITY NOW

By Morgan Holden, Next Generation NOW Contributor

Black girls can relate to statements like, “Your hair is messy'' and “I like it better straight. “People we barely know on the street use words like wild, thick, unprofessional, and frizzy to describe our curls.

When our hair isn’t done, a wave of insecurity can hit us, otherwise known as black girl hair depression. The term “black girl hair depression” is a phrase most black women may have felt but never had the right words to describe. There is a diminished level of confidence as the crushing weight of society hits you like a truck. Black girls are severely affected because it is important to nearly all of them to look “pretty” and feel good about themselves.

Gillian Scott-Ward, a psychologist in New York, who directed the hair and racial identity documentary, “Back to Natural” says many black girls are taught at a young age they must straighten their naturally kinky hair to be beautiful.

She says this can cause psychological harm.

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Society’s ingrained prejudices can leave a strong mark on black girls, leaving them confused and with low self-esteem. Yet, they are expected to struggle through discriminative realities that assault their true royal identity. It’s not fair and it’s not right.

The foolishness over hair texture is a social ill many black people have dealt with. Blacks of all ages have been rejected from jobs, schools and other public places because of the texture and style of their hair. Consequently, advocates for justice have battled legally to bring about change. The Crown Act, which prohibits discrimination based on an individual’s texture or style of hair, was enacted March 21, 2022, by both United States Senate and House of Representatives.

“It is not just about hair, it’s about acknowledgement of personal rights, it’s about checking biases, “say California State Senator Holly Mitchell, who wears her natural locks. The NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund Inc. has handled several cases, including one filed on behalf of two Boston-area sisters, Mya and Deanna Cook, who were forbidden to wear braid extensions to Mystic Valle Regional Charter School in 2017. That policy was rescinded.

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Through it all, we as Black girls and women should be proud of each curl and coil that comes out of our head. Curls are a beautiful thing. Beautiful is how we should feel as we let our curls out to breathe. We shouldn’t hide what we are made of.

You might not have a hairstyle lined up, but you can always rock an afro like political activist Angela Davis, model/ actress Marsha Hunt, and veteran actress Pam Grier. We don’t always have to be, as society calls it, “Put together” with slick back buns, straight hair, and looser curls.

what makes you, you. Then, make it seen heard as a statement of strength, power, and attractiveness.

Now it’s up to you. You have all the information you need. You can learn how to braid, twist, and coil your hair into different hairstyles—walking into any environment with confidence and ready for anything that’s thrown your way.

Our hair doesn’t need to fit into the social norm. Instead, let’s curate our own natural diverse styles. Then, walk into the high school or college classroom, work environment, or social event exuberating radiance and poise. Appreciate hearing the beads of young girls’ braids as they swiftly pace through a school hallway. As we take authority over our natural beaty, there is no need to subside sturdy tight or loose curls with heat damage to fit in. It’s not just our hair, it’s more.

Progress in society begins with you. Don’t feed into the stereotypes. Yeilding to them will only increase the false influences rooted in systemic racism. Instead, find

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BUILDING A TRIBE:

By Markeyla Henton Trendy entrepreneurs and gurus have turned the concept of a tribe into a mishmash of people who coincidently have paid the same price for something valued.

But your tribe is not the people who just happen to show up in the same places as you. Your tribe is an extension of yourself.

Your tribe dictates the proverbial floors and ceilings of your life. And if you are blessed, your tribe should be a source of accountability in your world. But what exactly is a tribe?

According to Google, a tribe is a “social division in a traditional society, consisting of families or communities linked by social, economic, religious, or blood ties, with a common culture and dialect, typically having a recognized leader.” Your tribe is the people that you can rely on for help and those you are willing to help. This special group is essentially people who reflect the evidence of your fruit in the world.

The Freedom Diagram is a short and practical guide to help figure out where you should use your energy in life. This is also a guide as to what you should write your book about. The center tells you the thing that you can get the most fulfilment in life doing.

The three components of The Freedom Diagram are talent, fun, and demand. I have translated that into My Natural Talents, What I Do for Fun, and What People Need. Natural talents refers to what you just happen to be good at doing. The fun component is what you wish you could do all the time, even if you weren't paid to do it. Demand is what people in the world actually need or want, and will pay for.

To cultivate a tribe, you will need to get clarity on who you are. If you are not clear on who you are, you will show up in rooms and attract the wrong people’s interest.

You will need to understand where you

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want to go, so you can know what floors and ceilings are aligned with your future.

And lastly, you will need to leverage accountability to build strong relationships.

In my coaching with authors, I teach about the concept of Ikigai. This Japanese principle on how to have a life filled with purpose and freedom breaks down your life into compartments that denote various aspects of a full life.

Passion, profession, and mission are essential places where your natural talents, what you do for fun and what people need, overlap.

Many people are looking for fulfillment in relationships without getting clarity on themselves. It would be easy to say that community building is a numbers game.

However, it’s really about showing up authentically in places where people like you can recognize and find you. Once you are clear on your passion, profession, and mission, it will be easier to find the right tribe and cultivate community with people connected to the things important to you.

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Building Generational Wealth:

HOW YOUR ACTIONS TODAY LAY THE FOUNDATION FOR TOMORROW

By Pamela Sams Generational wealth is often viewed as a distant goal, something that requires vast sums of money or a stroke of luck.

However, the reality is that generational wealth starts with you, right here, right now. It is not solely about the money you amass but the habits, values, and decisions you cultivate that pave the way for prosperity to endure across generations.

UNDERSTANDING GENERATIONAL WEALTH Generational wealth refers to assets passed down from one generation to the next. It encompasses financial resources such as savings, investments, and property, but it also extends to intangible assets like education, values, and social capital. While financial inheritance is a part of it, the true essence of generational wealth lies in the ability to sustain and grow prosperity over time.

SHIFTING THE MINDSET One of the first steps in building generational wealth is to shift our mindset from short-term gains to long-term sustain-

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ability. It is about prioritizing delayed gratification over instant gratification, making choices that may not yield immediate benefits but will have a compounding effect over time. This could mean investing in education, starting a business, or building a solid financial foundation through saving and prudent spending.

INVESTING IN YOURSELF Investing in yourself is perhaps the most crucial aspect of building generational wealth. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills that increase your earning potential, fostering a mindset of continuous learning and growth while prioritizing your physical and mental well-being. By investing in yourself, you not only improve your own prospects but also set an example for future generations to follow.

FINANCIAL LITERACY Financial literacy is another cornerstone of generational wealth. Understanding concepts like budgeting, saving, investing, and managing debt empowers individuals to make informed financial decisions that lay

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the groundwork for long-term prosperity.

Teaching children about money management from a young age instills healthy financial habits that can last a lifetime and be passed down to subsequent generations.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND WEALTH CREATION Entrepreneurship is a powerful vehicle for creating generational wealth. By starting a business, individuals can generate income, build assets, and create a legacy that can be passed on to their descendants. Entrepreneurship also fosters innovation and resilience, qualities that are essential for navigating the ever-changing economic landscape.

SOCIAL CAPITAL AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Building generational wealth is not just about individual success but also about contributing to the prosperity of your community. Engaging with your community, whether through volunteering, mentoring, or supporting local businesses, not only strengthens social bonds but also creates opportunities for collaboration and collective advancement. By investing in the wellbeing of your community, you create a legacy of shared prosperity that can benefit future generations.

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Building generational wealth is not just about individual success but also about contributing to the prosperity of your community. Engaging with your community, whether through volunteering, mentoring, or supporting local businesses, not only strengthens social bonds but also creates opportunities for collaboration and collective advancement. By investing in the wellbeing of your community, you create a legacy of shared prosperity that can benefit future generations.

CONCLUSION Generational wealth is not a distant dream reserved for the privileged few; it is a journey that begins with you. By cultivating healthy financial habits, investing in yourself, fostering financial literacy, embracing entrepreneurship, and engaging with your community, you lay the foundation for prosperity to endure across generations. Remember, the actions you take today have the power to shape the wealth and well-being of future generations. Start building your legacy today.

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by Ella Coleman When Rhonda Downs Robinson pressed ahead to act on her childhood dream of having a major community event, the Ohio Black Expo resulted. Her burning desire to create a large exposition, showcasing Black businesses, was ignited at age five while accompanying her father, a member of an allBlack police force, to a big event in Cincinnati’s Lincoln Heights. It was the bustling home of R&B artists, The Isley Brothers, renowned poet, Niki Giovonni, other famous people, and of course, Robinson. “I was excited and mesmerized by all the beautiful people that looked like me, colorful sites, and joyous social interaction. I told my dad, ‘I’m going to do an event like this.’ I never forgot it, nor lost hope for realizing my dream.”

Fast forward to Robinson’s post Ohio State University college years. It was 1980 when she started the Columbus Black Expo with 20 exhibitors, which grew to 60, then to 200 in eight years at the historic Mt. Vernon Plaza Focal Point. Consequently, she took it indoors to Columbus’ Veterans Memorial, featuring over 250 exhibitors through 1991, with an average of 30,000 tickets sold per event. Then two years later, she took it to the Dayton and Cincinnati Convention Centers, featuring a hundred exhibitors and many celebrities, including Susan Taylor, former editor-in-chief of Essence, Earl Graves, publisher of Black Enterprise, Fred Shuttlesworth, the legendary civil rights activist, and others. Also, Robinson was interviewed by Tony Brown of “Tony Photo Above: Ohio Black Expo founder, Rhonda Robinson, passes torch to Butch & Sherri Hamilton.

(Photo by Ira Graham III)

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Brown’s Journal,” which aired nationally on PBS. There were family activists, clergy, educators, government agencies, and media participation, which drew a huge attendance.

A lot of social and technical changes evolved between the first Expo and the one today. Early on, with the support of her parents, friends, professionals, and many others, it was a tremendous undertaking for Robinson. “We have a great appreciation for all the sacrifice and hard work Ms. Rhonda put in to making the Expo happen all those years. There was no internet, Zoom, or social media when she did it.

People don’t realize how many hours it takes to get all the tasks, management, leadership, coordination, budget, and planning done to host an event of this magnitude,” Butch and Sherri explained.

After the passing of her parents, then battling and overcoming breast cancer, the relaunching and continuation of the Expo seemed all but lost until Robinson saw power couple Lawerence “Butch” and Sherri Hamilton. Their destiny encounter occurred at a Black Friday Film Festival (to promote generational wealth in the Black community), hosted by the Hamiltons at the King Arts Complex in Columbus, Ohio. “The event took place in 2015, right after Thanksgiving, to counteract the commercial Black Friday savings craze with which large corporations lure consumers, including Blacks, to spend excessively, causing dollars needed by Black businesses to leave our community,” Sherri explained. Pro-Black economists, strategic

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leaders, and filmmakers, attracted a large audience of conscious grassroot people, including Robinson.

After the program, amidst photo shoots, handshaking, hugs and the crowd’s elevated chatter, Robinson greeted Butch and Sherri. “Hi! I’m Rhonda Robinson, founder of the Ohio Black Expo, and I want you two to help me bring it back,” Robinson declared. Both affirmed their joy in meeting her, yet somewhat startled by her confident statement concerning them.

Then and there, a seed was planted that would sprout and grow in the next several years into a booming and bigger annual Expo. But understand, it didn’t happen quickly.

For three years, Robinson, Sherri, and Butch held meetings and communicated frequently to build trust and understanding before making their combined commitment to relaunching the Ohio Black Expo.

“Sitting and talking with Ms. Rhonda helped us to learn more about Ohio Black Expo’s great history, both challenges and triumphs.” Also, there were newspaper articles, radio, and TV programs that documented Expo’s former success. “We had become fond of Ms. Rhonda. We realized what she sacrificed as a young woman to make Ohio Black Expo happen. Butch and I agreed, ‘This may be a good opportunity to impact the community.’”

While preparing for the Expo’s return, Sherri assisted Robinson in planning and hosting several community health events to help Black women, including The Black Women’s Think Tank, which Robinson credits Fran Frazier, founder of the Black Girl Rising and Women’s Day of Prayer, for encouraging her. “With Sherri’s help, we held the women events at two large churches, Rhema Christian Center and New Birth Christian Ministries,” said Robinson. In addition, she hosted an online forum to address health disparities in the Black community. These activities, in 2017 and 2018, enabled Robinson and Sherri to work together before agreeing to launch the first Expo in 2020. Butch and Sherri worked together to create a new version of the Expo, then shared it with Robinson.

After much prayer and contemplation, Robinson says she was pleased with the couple’s plan. She affirmed, “It’s time to

pass the torch.” In full agreement, in 2020, she released the business leadership and management of the Expo to Butch and Sherri, passing the torch to the dynamic duo, husband and wife, who are now the next generation Expo leaders.” Currently, Sherri is Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Butch is Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the nonprofit. “Black Expollence” is the new motto. Robinson is still active as the Expo’s Executive Board president and a participant on the advisory board. Thus, she is engaged in planning meetings and activities to make the event better. Butch and Sherri affirms, “We commend Ms. Rhonda for entrusting us with the Expo because it was her ‘baby’ and an extension of her vision for current and future generations.”

Nevertheless, bringing back the Expo presented some hurdles to overcome.

Naysayers and obstacles confronted the Ohio Black Expo team. “Some people said, ‘How do you expect to do all of that?’

Then, starting in 2019, we spent almost a year trying to find a venue appropriate for the Expo event, which had to be centrally located. After looking at the pros and cons of various places, we decided to have it at Genoa Park, in the downtown area of Columbus. So, we signed the contract to secure it annually,” Sherri expounded.

Unfortunately, while they were planning the launch, COVID struck. Even the internationally acclaimed Arnold Sports Festival was cancelled. However, this would not stop the tech-savvy couple.

Sherri declared, “I quickly said, ‘We’re going to do the Expo online.’”

For three years, Robinson, Sherri, and Butch held meetings and communicated frequently to build trust and understanding before making their combined commitment to relaunching the Ohio Black Expo.

“Sitting and talking with Ms. Rhonda helped us to learn more about Ohio Black Expo’s great history, both challenges and triumphs.” Also, there were newspaper articles, radio, and TV programs that documented Expo’s former success. “We had become fond of Ms. Rhonda. We realized what she sacrificed as a young woman to make Ohio Black Expo happen. Butch and I agreed, ‘This may be a good opportunity to impact the community.’”

While preparing for the Expo’s return, Sherri assisted Robinson in planning and hosting several community health events to help Black women, including The Black Women’s Think Tank, which Robinson credits Fran Frazier, founder of the Black Girl Rising and Women’s Day of Prayer, for encouraging her. “With Sherri’s help, we held the women events at two large churches, Rhema Christian Center and New Birth Christian Ministries,” said Robinson. In addition, she hosted an online forum to address health disparities in the Black community. These activities, in 2017 and 2018, enabled Robinson and Sherri to work together before agreeing to launch the first Expo in 2020. Butch and Sherri worked together to create a new version of the Expo, then shared it with Robinson.

After much prayer and contemplation, Robinson says she was pleased with the couple’s plan. She affirmed, “It’s time to

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pass the torch.” In full agreement, in 2020, she released the business leadership and management of the Expo to Butch and Sherri, passing the torch to the dynamic duo, husband and wife, who are now the next generation Expo leaders.” Currently, Sherri is Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Butch is Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the nonprofit. “Black Expollence” is the new motto. Robinson is still active as the Expo’s Executive Board president and a participant on the advisory board. Thus, she is engaged in planning meetings and activities to make the event better. Butch and Sherri affirms, “We commend Ms. Rhonda for entrusting us with the Expo because it was her ‘baby’ and an extension of her vision for current and future generations.”

Nevertheless, bringing back the Expo presented some hurdles to overcome.

Naysayers and obstacles confronted the Ohio Black Expo team. “Some people said, ‘How do you expect to do all of that?’

Then, starting in 2019, we spent almost a year trying to find a venue appropriate for the Expo event, which had to be centrally located. After looking at the pros and cons of various places, we decided to have it at Genoa Park, in the downtown area of Columbus. So, we signed the contract to secure it annually,” Sherri expounded.

Unfortunately, while they were planning the launch, COVID struck. Even the internationally acclaimed Arnold Sports Festival was cancelled. However, this would not stop the tech-savvy couple.

Sherri declared, “I quickly said, ‘We’re going to do the Expo online.’”

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Their plan B virtual Ohio Black Expo Business Conference was a success, featuring Black-owned businesses, health, financial, and community organizations with over 1300 attendees in 2020. Sherri expounded, “The actual online Expo on that Saturday drew thousands of people as we streamed live from our website, OhioBlackExpo.com. When another round of COVID hit in 2021, the Expo held its second virtual event, which increased greater than the prior year.”

Considering so many shootings and killings across the country, security was a valid concern. Butch elaborated, “We invested in top security and checked every person entering the Expo. Our aim was to maintain a safe yet friendly environment for everyone. The police officers and other security were equipped and prepared in case of an emergency, yet warm and courteous to the people. The feedback was extremely positive. People said they felt safe and comfortable, which was our goal.”

The next two years made a bold statement as the Expo exploded with growth and expansion. The first in-person Expo since the ‘90s, the Riverfront Cultural Festival, happened in 2022. It included over one hundred venders and exhibitors, continuous entertainment, food, and many other activities, attracting over ten thousand attendees. An even bigger and better Expo followed in 2023 with a twoday convention at the Greater Columbus Convention Center and the addition of a parade, featuring over 350 youth. The main Festival on the Riverfront had over12 thousand attendees.

Butch, Sherri, Robinson, and the Ohio Black Expo team are preparing for another great event, Memorial Day Weekend, May 23-26, 2024. People are coming not only from Ohio and the regional area, but from 33 states across the nation. For more information, visit OhioBlackExpo.com and follow @BlackExpollence on all social media platforms.

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PURPOSE

By Adeola Atekoja

It is either false humility, identity crisis or just a clear-cut case of lack of self-awareness when we operate under capacity, as in, below your freely given natural endowments. We live in a world where everyone has the potential to make a difference, but this is yet to be the reality of all. Let’s discuss one of the most important subjects in life, purpose. This is an inference from my book, “Connecting the Dots.” I know a lot has been said concerning this subject and perhaps you might have heard it a million times. So, the subject is not new.

But perhaps I will show a new approach to it in this write-up. No matter how we put it, the subject of purpose is one that needs to be understood. Why? Because that is what the entire life is all about. If there is no purpose for our existence, we have nothing to do here. People who have discovered their purpose and are living it are the ones living a true life. People who have not are just about to find their own life. Perhaps, it’s other lives they are living.

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The objective today is to unveil how purpose can be discovered, understood, and lived. Like Robert Byrne once said, “the purpose of life is the life of purpose.” Yes, this powerful phrase is extremely important – the purpose of life and the life of purpose.

To understand the purpose of life is to realize why it must be lived purposefully.

And that is where joy and fulfillment come from.

For anyone who is looking for lasting happiness, finding and living purpose is the secret. This is where happiness lies; continually living only for the reason why you were created and sent to this earth.

There is no need dillydallying or giving false hope about having lots of achievements without fulfillment.

Regardless of the number of your possessions, if there is no fulfillment, it is a big waste of life. Your life is only meaningful when it’s being fulfilled.

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HOW DO YOU DISCOVER YOUR PURPOSE? If you don’t know what to spend your life on, then follow the PATH.

The most important step to being successful in life and acting on your potential is to simply get started, remain consistent, and pursue success with a purpose at heart.

Believe it or not, at this moment, you have the potential and ability to accomplish extraordinary things in your lifetime.

GO with purpose and work out your success today!

Adeola Atekoja can be reached at Adeola@lodetaconsulting.com; adeolaatekoja.com and adeolaatekoja.com/book.

PASSIONS Follow your interest.

ABILITIES (UNIQUE) Spend more time using your unique abilities.

TENACITY Stand firm; be persistent.

What don’t you give up on? Focus on it.

HELPFULNESS Be more service oriented towards family, relationships, etc.

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Faith and the Family:

THERE IS STILL HOPE!

By Dr. Joshua Bernard Austin, Ph.D. Singers Roberts Flack and Donny Hathaway once sang a song that asked a simple question: “Where is the Love?” I’ve been a pastor and educator for a quite a few years, and in both capacities, I have seen the resilience of the most underprivileged in the face of adversity. In the 80’s and early 90’s, divorce rates soared, and prayer was taken out of schools. The nuclear family unit had been broken up with drugs, mass incarceration, as well as a lack of commitment to traditional family structures. Rendering us a society with single mothers raising children without

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help, grandparents, aunts, and uncles taking responsibility, and raising second and third generations. If you were to ask anyone why they were willing to take on these burdens, without question, they would respond, “the Love of God,” and because, “this is what we do.”

In many cases, all these different family units intersect at one of two spaces—school and church. In these spaces, family was taught faith, found hope, experienced love, and walked in their purpose. For me, growing up in church, I experienced the

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love of God because we were intentional about being a loving church family. I carried this mindset into my own leadership spaces. As an academic and ministry leader, I have learned the need to provide healthy spaces that enable individuals to rid themselves of toxic connections while also finding true relationships built on the word of God. Now 19 years in education and 17 years in ministry, I have never been more optimistic about the family. I’m learning through my connection to churches across the Midwest and South, that there has been a major upswing in male attendance and membership to church.

We are seeing growing interest in marriage, more fathers showing up to school for parent-teacher conferences. Plus, social

media is showing us more and more families purchasing homes. We are in a unique position to recapture a generation of young people who are hungry for answers, desire to see truth, and experience real change. The body of Christ (the Church) must work to openly share the Love of God, and act as witnesses of the Love He extended to us. We are finding the scripture, 1Corinthians 13:13 KJV, to be true, “And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”

Dr. Joshua Bernard Austin, Ph.D. is Executive Director of City Life Center NWI, 225 W. 5th, Gary, IN 46402, (773) 691-5389, drjosh@citylifenwi.org.

IMPACTFUL TIPS

for Sustainable Wellness

By Tiffany Byrd Embracing wellness involves consciously adopting health-promoting habits to enhance overall life quality. Spiritual, Mental, Physical, and Social Fitness are the four fundamental dimensions of wellness. Maintaining a balance across these dimensions is crucial for sustained well-being.

The Illness-Wellness Continuum Model shows how an individual can progress through the stages of awareness, education, and growth on their way to optimal health. Neglecting any dimension over time can have adverse effects on health and life satisfaction. Achieving fitness goals is a pivotal step in optimizing overall health. Below are practical fitness tips that can significantly impact your journey to high-level wellness:

Spiritual:

Dedicate a minimum of five uninterrupted minutes daily to pray and meditate.

Engage in daily journaling to record victories and blessings.

Spiritual: Physical:

Consume at least half your body weight in ounces of water each day.

Commit to stretching three times a day (morning, afternoon, and before bedtime). lationships.

Physical: Mental: Mental: Social:

Social:

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Take breaks outdoors, go for a walk, listen to music, or play a game.

Prioritize a good night's sleep by putting away electronic devices before bedtime.

Establish accountability by connecting with someone who challenges and supports you.

Build a community of people with whom you can share laughter, tears, and genuine relationships.

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Every quarter, we will focus on a specific aspect of health and fitness, offering simple yet effective ways to maximize your time and efforts. Welcome to the first day of your journey toward mindful wellness for a lifetime.

BUILDING WEALTH THROUGH LIFE INSURANCE:

By Jessica Dew Welcome to a journey where we'll explore how life insurance can be a powerful tool for building wealth and securing your financial future. Let's dive into the world of Index Universal Life insurance (IUL) and Infinite Banking to understand how these strategies can help you achieve your financial goals.

One of the key benefits of IUL is its flexibility regarding premium payments, death benefit options, cash value growth, and accessibility to cash value tax-free, at any age! Whether you're saving for retirement, building a business, or planning for your family's future, IULs can be tailored to meet your specific needs and goals.

Index Universal Life insurance (IUL) is a type of life insurance policy that combines a death benefit with the potential for cash value growth linked to the performance of market indexes. They offer a unique approach to wealth accumulation by allow-ing policyholders to allocate a portion of their premiums into indexed accounts. These accounts track market indexes like the S&P 500, providing the potential for growth while protecting against market downturns.

Basically, you’ll never have to worry about losing money in a down market.

Infinite Banking, also known as Becoming Your Own Banker or Bank On Yourself, is a financial strategy that involves using a specially designed life insurance policy, such as indexed universal life insurance, as a personal banking sys-tem. This concept allows policyholders to use the cash value within their IUL policies as a source of liquidity. By borrowing against the cash value, you would be able to access funds for various purposes while maintaining control and flexibility over your financial transactions.

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With IUL and Infinite Banking, you can access cash value accumulations taxfree, providing a valuable source of liquidity without triggering taxable events.

Additionally, the concept of using the same dollar twice allows policyholders to maximize the efficiency of their funds, ultimately optimizing their wealth-building potential.

BUILDING GENERATIONAL WEALTH:

their prosperity for generations to come.

Max Funded IUL is a strategy that involves fully funding policies to maximize cash value growth and policy performance, plus the proper way to set up an IUL for building generational wealth. By taking advantage of Infinite Banking principles and strategic premium allocation, individuals can accelerate their wealth accumul-ation and lay the foundation for long-term financial security.

In conclusion, life insurance, particularly through the use of IUL and Infinite Banking strategies, offers a pathway to building wealth and achieving financial security. By understanding these concepts and working with a knowledgeable financial advisor such as myself, you can create a customized plan to meet your financial goals and secure your future, while also leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.

But here's where it gets really exciting – With the combination of IUL and Infinite Banking, you're not just building wealth for yourself; you're setting the stage for generational prosperity. By leveraging the tax-free growth and borrowing capabilities of Infinite Banking, you can pass on a legacy of financial stability and security to your children and grandchildren. Imagine the impact of providing your loved ones with a financial safety net that extends far into the future, ensuring

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MEET

By Vanessa Flowers Hi! I’m Vanessa Flowers, a social entrepreneur focused on mental health and wellness. I’m working to address key issues relating to women’s mental health and wellness. The first is a lack of community, given the crucial role it plays in healing from trauma. Community is essential to one’s growth because when you understand you aren’t alone in your struggles, you feel seen and empowered to keep going on.

Given the loneliness epidemic which has given rise to depression and anxiety in our postpandemic world, we need community now more than ever.

hormone levels in my blood) and holistic approaches (managing stress through diet, community, herbs, and exercise) to manage my condition.

The second major issue I’m addressing is the

In 2015, I created Flower Girls Meet to build a foundation for other women seeking to improve their well-being. Flower Girls Meet allows women to connect with others from different backgrounds while learning new ways to take better care of themselves with expert therapists and wellness practitioners. This helps women to feel less alone in their struggles. Our events started out humble, with intimate

lack of understanding around how effective different modalities and holistic approaches can be in helping us better address mental health. I’ve personally struggled with hormonal issues which impacted my mental

gatherings of fewer than 10 women. Since then, we’ve been gaining traction and growing with current events in which we may host as many as 50 women and multiple guest speakers! In addition, we

and physical health. To heal, I worked with doctors, nutritionists, and therapists to figure

have begun partnering with big names like Kendra Scott, Lululemon, and Eventbrite

out how to best address my issues. I learned about a combination of medical (monitoring

to bring even better-quality programming to our community.

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Finally, in 2023, I launched Bring Flowers to Work, a corporate wellness project, offering community events aimed at supporting people at work with their mental health and well-being. While it remains in its early days, we are already booked to host events for major corporations!

Through my struggles, I’ve learned it’s important to get out of the funk you’re in, seek community, and leverage your experience into greater resilience and grace.

Vanessa Flowers is the founder of Flower Girls Meet, a community organization for mental health and wellness events that promote the well-being of women.

To follow Vanessa, visit: linkedin.com/in/vanessalflowers instagram.com/vanessalflowers

For more information: https://www.instagram.com/flowergirlsmeet/ https://flowergirlsmeet.com/