Rural Leader Magazine AUGUST 2025

AUGUST 2025

Cover Story

Move It Monday: A Free, Low-Cost Wellness Tool Rooted in Rural Resilience pg. 16 GetRuralLeaderMag.com | AUGUST 2025 1

Contents

5 Women's Auxiliary Pathway to $100K Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Kuanita E. Murphy, PhD Rural Leader Magazine, LLC is a digital publication that highlights every day people doing extraordinary things nationally and abroad. www.RuralLeaderMag.com www.GetRuralLeaderMag.com

About Us

Launched in March 2014, Rural Leader Magazine, LLC is a digital publication with a mission to highlight every day people doing extraordinary things in business, education, music, community, art, sports, and leadership nationally and abroad.

Rural Leader Magazine honors exemplary individuals on a variety of levels, such as the 20 under 20 Honors, 40 under 40 Honors, Best Small Town Restaurant, Small Town America’s 100 Most Influential People, the Scholars of Collegiate Distinction, Fifty under Fifty, and the Eagle Elite Club.— Reproduction in any manner, in whole or in part, in English, or other languages, is prohibited without written consent.

Send editorial ideas to Kuanita Murphy, PhD, Editor-in-Chief editor@ruralleadermag.com Contact Us info@ruralleadermag.com editor@ruralleadermag.com ruralleadermagazine@gmail.com

2

RuralLeaderMag.com | AUGUST 2025

6 More Than a Toy: A Childhood Lesson on Vision and Value 7 Rural Leaders Roundtable 8 Barbershop Talks 360: Check Your Mental 9 Give Cancer the Boot: A Women's Wellness Event COVER STORY 10The Blueprint: Barbershop Edition Brings Joy and Resources to Over 200 Local Youth

13 Making the Connection: Leading with Authenticity and the Right Heart 14 Rev. David Hamm, Jr. Appointed Southeast Regional Vice President for GMBC of Georgia 15 HHS Announces $100M in Pilot Funding Opportunity to Eliminate Hepatitis C 17 Got Vocals? You Could Be the New Titan Idol

Tell us what you think about our publications, if you have a great idea for a story, or to just share. We may print your comments in Rural Leader Magazine. By sending us your comments, you’re giving permission to call you for an interview. Please be sure to include your name, address, email address, and phone number so we can reach you. Write to us at info@RuralLeaderMag.com—

Editor’s Note Dear Readers, Inside this issue, there are a number of great articles about leadership best practices, building positive self-esteem and productivity! We hope you enjoy this issue.

As always, I hope you enjoy this issue and continue to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Thanks again for your continual support!

Sincerely, Kuanita E. Murphy, PhD Publisher/Editor-in-Chief

What you do matters. @RuralLeaderMag

GetRuralLeaderMag.com | AUGUST 2025 3

4

RuralLeaderMag.com | AUGUST 2025

GetRuralLeaderMag.com | AUGUST 2025 5

More Than a Toy: A Childhood Lesson on Vision and Value

by Dr. Kuanita E. Murphy, Ph.D.

One of my favorite pastimes when I was a child was playing, of course. Though, I came from modest means, in hindsight, I had many toys to play with.

In fact, whenever I would frequent a store with my parents or older brothers, I insisted they buy me a toy to play with. Overtime, I amassed a handsome arsenal of Barbie dolls, baby dolls, teddy bears, miniature cars, figures, and the like. You name it; I most likely had it.

However, there was one toy in my arsenal that was most memorable. It was a Magic Etch A Sketch.

Do you remember those? The Etch A Sketch was first introduced in the United States in the 1960s and was quite popular when, I was a child in the 80s. The Etch A Sketch was shaped like a square with red trim and white knobs.

It had a stylus mounted on a pair of rectangular rods, one horizontal and the other vertical. The rods were each connected to a knob via a steel

6

RuralLeaderMag.com | AUGUST 2025

wire. Their combined motion allowed the stylus to move anywhere within its plane. The stylus scraped powder away from the glass as it moved, creating a line. The magic of the Etch A Sketch was that one could shake it to erase the image and start again.

When it was new to me, I would spend hours drawing on my Magic Etch A Sketch. Unfortunately, I was not the best artist at eight years old. The best that I could create were stick people, letters, numbers, and block buildings. After some time, I grew bored with the gadget; so, I put it aside to pursue new endeavors of frolic and sometimes mischief.

One day, a neighbor and her cousin, who was visiting from Florida for the summer, came to visit.

We were all about the same age, so we shared similar interests. We decided to play a game of Monopoly.

However, my neighbor’s cousin quickly grew bored and asked if he could play with something else.

Without hesitation, I reached for my Etch A Sketch and handed him the device, while my neighbor and I continued to play Monopoly.

Initially, I paid him no mind because, after all, I was quite acquainted with what was possible with an Etch A Sketch; or at least I thought I did. In my view, it was nothing special; it was just a simple toy to draw stick figures. My neighbor’s cousin continued to draw what seemed like ordinary lines. However, as he continued to draw, the simple lines begin to make an elaborate image.

My neighbor and I were so fascinated by his creation that we paused our game. It was at that moment that I wanted my Etch A Sketch back!

Despite my previous unsuccessful efforts in learning how to use it effectively, after I had witnessed its potential, I wanted to try for myself.

I shared this instance because upon reflection, I realized that I learned a valuable lesson that day. I learned that often when people, places, and things become familiar, we fail to see their worth. It is

only when someone else comes along to validate who or what we have do we sometimes realize an individual’s potential or a thing’s value.

Throughout my tenure, I have seen this occurrence often within community and in organizations.

Sometimes we fail to see the gems in front of us because we have become too familiar with them.

Once, a level of perceived familiarity is achieved, people, places, and things that once intrigued us become common.

The challenge, hence, for each of us, especially leaders, is to have not only sight but also vision.

Vision allows one to imagine beyond that which is common to think outside the box to find solutions.

So, I challenge you to take a second look at those people, places, and things that have become common to you. I am almost certain that you too will have a realization that who and what you need has been hidden in plain sight. --

GetRuralLeaderMag.com | AUGUST 2025 7

8

RuralLeaderMag.com | AUGUST 2025

GetRuralLeaderMag.com | AUGUST 2025 9

COVER STORY

The Blueprint: Barbershop Edition Brings Joy and Resources to Over 200 Local Youth

CUTHBERT, GA — On the warm summer evening of Monday, July 14, the community came together in a powerful show of unity and generosity at Unique Images Barbershop in Cuthbert for the very first Blueprint: Barbershop Edition — and what a resounding success it was! With music in the air and hope on every face, more than 200 children and their families were served with back-to-school supplies, meals, health resources, and encouragement to start the academic year strong.

The event, hosted just off the Town Square, was led

by Randolph County Family Connection and Unique Images Barbershop, in partnership with South Georgia Starz Academy of Albany. Together, these organizations created a welcoming space for families to gather, connect, and receive the tools and care needed to thrive. The energy was high, the smiles were wide, and the spirit of service echoed through every interaction.

A major highlight of the evening was the generosity of South Georgia Starz Academy of Albany, who not only served as a key partner but also provided a large portion of the school supplies and food. Their dedication to empowering youth was front and center throughout the event.

10

RuralLeaderMag.com | AUGUST 2025

Feeding the Valley made sure every guest was nourished with specially prepared sub meals and drinks. DJ Ray J set the tone with energetic music that kept the atmosphere festive and uplifting for all ages.

Families also received critical health support, thanks to Plan A Health, which brought its mobile unit on-site to provide free health screenings for parents and guardians. From blood pressure checks to wellness information, their services added a vital and appreciated resource for caregivers who often put themselves last.

None of this could have happened without the caring hands that served each meal with a smile.

We offer a heartfelt thank you to our food service volunteers — Ms. Queen Jackson, Mrs. Betty Starling, Mrs. Aljosie Murphy, and Mrs. Patsy Jones — for their time, energy, and commitment.

We simply could not have fed over 200 youth and families without their generous help.

Additional support came from outstanding community sponsors, including Brumby IGA in Shellman, Piggly Wiggly in Cuthbert, Peach State Health, BHFit, Morehouse School of Medicine, and New Horizons. Their contributions helped extend

the reach of the event and ensured families received both essential supplies and a reminder that their community cares deeply.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to Darnell Harvey, Founder and CEO of Reconstructing Youth Foundation, for his generous donation and belief in the mission. We also offer special thanks to Sherell Lemon, whose donation of book bags provided a finishing touch of preparedness for the students we served. And we are especially grateful to Mayor Bobby T. Jenkins and the City of Cuthbert for their visible support and commitment to uplifting local families.

As the sun set over Cuthbert, The Blueprint: Barbershop Edition proved to be more than just an event — it was a symbol of what’s possible when people work together in love and leadership. In towns like ours, we build strong futures — one student, one family, one gathering at a time.— , not just when it’s convenient.—

GetRuralLeaderMag.com | AUGUST 2025 11

12

RuralLeaderMag.com | AUGUST 2025

Making the Connection: Leading with Authenticity and the Right Heart

by Dr. Kuanita E. Murphy, PhD.

You can fake charisma. You can rehearse your talking points. But you can’t fake heart.

And in leadership—especially the kind rooted in small communities and real people—heart is everything.

After 25 years as an executive director, I’ve learned that leadership doesn’t begin with a microphone or a meeting. It begins with motive. Why are you showing up? For recognition, or for impact? For applause, or to serve?

Authentic leadership is a daily choice. It’s about being the same person in public that you are in private. It’s about showing up early—even when no one else does. It’s showing up with a little budget, or no budget at all, because the mission still matters. It’s keeping your word when it’s hard, not just when it’s convenient.

Discipline and consistency are the bricks that build credibility. They’re not flashy, but they’re faithful.

And in leadership, faithfulness is often underrated.

Too many are chasing platforms when they should be cultivating posture—the posture of humility, empathy, and obedience to a purpose bigger than self.

That’s where the correct heart posture comes in. If your “why” is rooted in ego, people may follow you temporarily—but they won’t trust you deeply. True

leadership isn’t about how loud you are; it’s about how aligned you are—with your values, with your calling, and with the people you’re called to serve.

Empathy, then, is not optional—it’s essential.

People remember how you made them feel far more than what you told them to do. When you lead with empathy and compassion, you create space for transformation, not just transaction.

Whether you’re leading in a nonprofit, a school, a faith-based ministry, or your own household, the question is the same: Are you leading to be seen—or are you leading to serve?

I’ve failed. I’ve grown. I’ve made tough decisions in quiet rooms and celebrated small wins no one else noticed. But every step of the way, I’ve come back to this truth: leadership that lasts flows from a heart that’s aligned.

Let me leave you with this: “Man sees what you do, but God knows why you do it.” Motives matter. Heart posture matters. And how you show up—especially when it’s hard—defines the kind of leader you truly are.

So keep showing up. With heart. With humility.

With honor. The world is watching. But more importantly—God knows why you’re doing it.— GetRuralLeaderMag.com | AUGUST 2025 13

Rev. David Hamm, Jr. Appointed Southeast Regional Vice President for GMBC of Georgia CUTHBERT, GA – The General Missionary Baptist Convention of Georgia, Inc. (GMBC) proudly announces the appointment of Rev. David Selvin Hamm, Jr. as Southeast Regional Vice President. In this new leadership role, Rev. Hamm will serve Districts 2 and 12, bringing with him a wealth of ministerial experience, grassroots leadership, and a deeply rooted commitment to the mission of GMBC. Rev. Hamm’s appointment was confirmed by GMBC President Rev. Corey J. Neal in an official transition announcement following the passing of GMBC’s beloved President, Rev. Dr. Anthony Q. Corbett.

President Neal praised Hamm’s proven track record: “Pastor Hamm has demonstrated creative and effective leadership as 3rd District President and in other capacities within our Convention. I look forward to the work he shall do in this new assignment.”

A native of Brooklyn, New York, and raised in Leary, Georgia, Rev. Hamm has served as the 3rd

14

RuralLeaderMag.com | AUGUST 2025

District President since 2021. He has faithfully pastored Piney Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Cuthbert, Georgia for the past twenty years, one of the oldest African American congregations in Randolph County. He also serves as the longtime pastor of Perry Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Leslie, Georgia, where his consistent leadership and heart for community have continued to bear fruit.

Rev. Hamm first accepted his call to ministry in 2004 and has since become a cornerstone of rural faith leadership in Southwest Georgia. He previously pastored Sander’s Gift Missionary Baptist Church in Sasser, Georgia, and has earned the respect of both clergy and community alike for his down-to-earth style and results-driven leadership. —

HHS Announces $100M in Pilot Funding Opportunity to Eliminate Hepatitis C

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced a $100M pilot funding opportunity to prevent, test for, treat, and cure Hepatitis C (HCV) in individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) and/or serious mental illness (SMI).

This program is designed to support communities severely affected by homelessness and to gain insights on effective ways to identify patients, complete treatment, cure infections, and reduce reinfection by Hepatitis C (a liver disease caused by the Hepatitis C virus).

“HHS is delivering on our promise to the American people for a healthier, brighter future,” said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “Through this pilot program, we are launching a comprehensive, integrated care model that not only cures HCV but also tackles critical risk factors like substance use, mental health challenges, and homelessness head-on.”

The Hepatitis C Elimination Initiative Pilot was developed and will be administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The pilot is a significant accomplishment in President Trump’s agenda to Make America Healthy Again. This upfront investment is a common-sense and scientifically driven initiative projected to both save lives and save community health care costs in the long run. State and community-based organizations are among the entities eligible to apply for the program.

“SAMHSA is committed to Make America Healthy Again by delivering holistic treatment to each person with our belief that no one is too sick to recover,” said Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Art Kleinschmidt. “SAMHSA envisions that the selected demonstration sites will advance HHS’s gold stan-

dard in provision of effective treatment while developing best practices and successful models that can be applied to additional communities.”

“Hepatitis C affects over 2 million Americans and claims thousands of lives every year. Curing hepatitis C makes Americans healthy again while saving taxpayers billions by eliminating the need for chronic care,” said Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA). “I thank President Trump and Secretary Kennedy for their leadership, and I look forward to working with them to eliminate hepatitis C.” Hepatitis C is a chronic disease that often intersects with other major health complications, especially addiction, mental illness, and homelessness.

Untreated hepatitis C can result in the development of additional chronic diseases including cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer. Highly effective oral medications can now be provided to patients that result in high HCV cure rates following 8-12 weeks of treatment.

Credentialed media outlets may send their requests for comment.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation. SAMHSA’s mission is to lead public health and service delivery efforts that promote mental health, prevent substance misuse, and provide treatments and supports to foster recovery while ensuring access and better outcomes for all.— Source: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) | 07/28/2025 | https://www.samhsa.gov/

GetRuralLeaderMag.com | AUGUST 2025 15

16

RuralLeaderMag.com | AUGUST 2025

GetRuralLeaderMag.com | AUGUST 2025 17

18

RuralLeaderMag.com | AUGUST 2025