Contributing Writers
Alecia Jones (MD)
Bobby Parker (NC)
Berkley the Artist (LA)
Minister Vandolyn Bradley (NC)
Terry Spicer (NC)
Dr. Leonard Scott (IN)
Evelyn Booker (NC)
Melvin & Lisa P. Gill, CPA (NC)
As I watched the leaves fall from the trees, I am reminded that seasons change. The leaves will regenerate into the soil, mulched, burned or thrown away. No life will appear evident but Springtime follow a cold Winter and new life will begin. We are praying for healing across the land, love instead of hate, truth instead of lies, peace and protection to replace fear and a return to normal.
Thank you for taking the time to peruse our magazine. We are offering a new interactive digital format that we hope you will enjoy. Departing from print is like pulling off my fingernails. My heartfelt thanks to Jacquelin Thomas, who accepted responsibility as Editor and Denver Wright for working so hard on the new layout.
Stories in this issue include Ministry Leadership and Surviving During the Pandemic, music and business features, plus we added a Lifestyle and Authors Section. Please share with your family, friends and interesting parties and let them know that The Connection Place (TCP) is alive and well and continues to spread the Good News. If you are interested in promoting your ministry, business or service through our online promotions, email us today.
We are dedicating this issue to the loving memory of my oldest sister First Lady Dorothy Pearl Moore and to Jacquelin Thomas’ oldest daughter, Bevin Elyse Thornton, who both recently died unrelated to COVID-19. Our hearts go out to all of you who have lost loved ones. Please visit our FACES – Online Memorial page on Facebook to share a memory of your loved one.
Peggy Tatum, Publisher 919 796-4724
NEW FEATURE:
With us now publishing digitally, be sure to click this icon on each page or story to find more information about that article, event or author!
Page 7 - Derrek Croney, new music project
Page 31 - Fitzgerald Wedding
Page 18 - Biblical Prayer Watches
Page 11 - Gospel music with Bobby Parker
Page 30 - Being Healthy with Dr. Leonard Scott
Page 24 - Dr. Mary Ferguson
Page 5 - Bishop Rance Allen dies at age 71
Page 29 - Amazing Grace Scholarship Foundation
Bishop Allen was Pastor of New Bethel Church of God COGIC in Toledo, Ohio. He was born on November 19, 1948 in Monroe, Michigan and died on October 31, 2020 due to complications from a medical procedure. He is survived by his wife, Ellen Marie Allen, two brothers, six sisters and extended family.
Rance as his fans addressed him was not only a dynamic minister of the gospel but a gospel singer known all over the world for his ability to reach all audiences. I was honored to interview Bishop Rance Allen three years before his death. This is the first time we have released the actual video. Check it out below to hear his response to mentorship, whether he was tired from ministry and what song has he recorded that best suit the nation’s current state of unrest.
For more information on Bishop Allen, visit the website at https://www.theranceallengroup.com/.
To view the Funeral Service: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYuVKQmIuGI
Thank you, Bishop Rance Allen, for being a light to the world.
Nashville-born and North Carolina-raised — Derrek Lemar Croney grew up in the middle of several worlds: his mother’s deep love of Gospel music, his father’s deep love of R&B, and his own deep love of Pop, R&B, and Jazz.
The result? A musical style born out of a beautiful fusion of Jazz, Pop, Gospel, and R&B.
Because of his skill on the keyboard/piano and his stage acumen, his peers have given him the nickname, “Maestro.” He has been compared to such musical heavyweights as George Duke and Billy Preston.
Derrek has played keys since the age of 12, starting in the Baptist church. Most recently, he spent several years with the Stanley Baird Group.
Currently, Derrek serves as Music Director for NC-based band, “Mo’ Jazz, feat. Connie
McCoy” and Assistant Music Director for show productions such as, A Motown Christmas, Three Little Birds, and Purlie.
He only recently started producing and recording his own projects. In 2018, Derrek released The Maestro Project, a collection of Jazz, Pop, and Gospel. The success of the project allowed him to raise money for Pancreatic Cancer Awareness.
With his newly released 2nd project, Journey, Derrek takes a different direction, choosing to pursue an array of Jazz, Pop, and R&B sounds and styles.
https://derrekcroney.com
The “Journey” project (Digital Downloads):
https://derreklemarcroney.bandcamp.com/album/journey
Spotify Page
https://open.spotify.com/artist/6umiiXazTcX71jkQsOclz2
YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS9edroMjrs_dJnTbG0mCoA
iTunes Page
https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/1403450347
Web | Facebook | Instagram | NEW Music - Journey
“When you read about the $1.54 million in Performance-based incentives awarded by the City of High Point, North Carolina, to [our company] Brittano Group - KNova Film Capital, you’re reading about Black business,” Karie Brittano stated. “And, that’s important; representation in community revitalization projects, of this magnitude, is vital. Otherwise, it may feel like true gentrification where Black Americans are typically ousted. Our goals are inclusive of us, by us.”
Karie Brittano, wife of Julian Brittano, actively holds the role of Co-CEO of Brittano Group - KNova Film Capital, and the role of its general contractor. Julian, Expert Subject on Streaming Zones, panels alongside Appointed White House Officials on the matter of Opportunity Zone Initiatives. Julian is CEO of Brittano Group, an actor, and producer. He is recognized as “David the Bartender” in OWN’s Hit Series, “Greenleaf.” Now, with the expertise this power couple has acquired in just over one year, and the infrastructure to greatly impact the trajectory of economic revitalization, nationwide, Brittano Group-KNova Film Capital, owner of Brittano Studios, is well on their way as one of the Southeast Region’s emerging development and management firms in the United States.
On August 23, 2020, Brittano Group-KNova Film Capital accepted the Performance-based incentive of $1.54M from the City of High Point, North Carolina. With this funding, High Point is now the headquarters for the Brittano’s to launch the expansion of their Qualified Opportunity Zone Business Model; a massive project proposed at $100M. The redevelopment of the former wood kiln building at 614 W. Green
Street will span across a 2-block parcel of predominantly mixed-use real estate to add 120 jobs, and increase its impact of workforce development. The scope of this expansion includes renovation of the Brittano’s 120,000 square-foot film studio, construction of a campus of sound stages, new editing suites and production offices. Upcoming is a new 100-room boutique-styled hotel to lodge production teams and actors, short-term. Their goal is to develop a sustainable workforce in multiple markets. The creation of digital content and the development of film workforce remains its core function. Additionally, Brittano’s affordable housing for veteran and re-entry individuals will provide suitable and safe housing options.
With more than 8,700 Opportunity Zones designated across the United States, Opportunity Zone Initiatives exist to foster long term private sector investments in low-income communities. Even amid COVID-19, and since the announcement of the $1.54M award by the City of High Point, the Brittano’s have received inquiries from other funds - east coast to west - and are currently reviewing new Economic Development Opportunity Zone Proposals. “We
are now speaking with national and international investors, with like-commitments, to pour into the movement of revitalization in Black communities,” Julian shared. Their model is poised to ensure all markets of employment opportunities, small business and workforce development growth is represented.
In an interview on The Kelly Wright Show on the Black News Channel, Mr. Wright identified the Brittano’s as pioneers. They aim to create and sustain economically-integrated neighborhoods, nationwide. The Brittano’s, entrepreneurs at heart, are now at a table they’ve built and are inviting other, like minds to join them.
Alecia Jones is a contributing writer and publicist for C-Suite, Causes & Celebrities. You can connect with her on Instagram @validityentpr.
This year the Pandemic lead to Award shows being cancelled or resched uled and the emergence of Virtual Shows. My last Award Show was the 2019 Spin Awards in Atlanta, where I won Announcer of the Year and later worked the Red Carpet at the GMA Dove Awards.
The BET Awards were one of the first to go virtual, setting the bar high. More shows joined in and elevated their Productions. The CMA Academy of Country Music Awards was amazing, and the most recent Emmy Awards were excellent.
I was also blessed to be a part of a Virtual Red Carpet event with two-time Stellar Award Nominee Kim Person in Raleigh, North Carolina. It was exciting as we watched the Stellar Awards in her home, surrounded by rela tives who supported her through out the years.
I believe that taking things virtual will allow viewers to focus on the Show and let the producers focus on the real meaning with performances and handing out the trophies, instead of the glitz, glam and drama of the whole event. It’s the new normal, but I look forward to going back to the Award Shows in person. Hope to see you in 2021.
In March, amidst the state beginning to make restrictions on travel, Apostle Tonya Verbal and her husband Apostle Mark Verbal fulfilled a commitment to attend a church service in South Carolina. After returning from the trip, she became ill. She went to her primary doctor first and was diagnosed with mucus in the ear and given an antibiotic. On Sunday, she fell while in the bathroom and couldn’t get up. Her husband tried diligently to pick her up from the floor, but after 45 minutes he had to call the paramedics. Apostle Verbal had suffered a stroke.
An initial test in the ER produced negative results for COVID-19. However, after being admitted to the hospital, a second test was positive. A side effect of COVID pushed her levels up, causing fever and the stroke. This was actually her second stroke.
After two weeks in the hospital battling the disease, Apostle Verbal returned home the day before Easter. Her husband was in quarantine because he was exhibit-
Apostle Tonya Yvette Verbal Pastor of Tabernacle of Joy Ministries, Inc.
ing symptoms. They were both confined inside, nursing each other. She fell three times after returning home. The disease affected Apostle Verbal’s eyes, causing inflammation. However, God healed her husband during the process.
Apostle Verbal states, “The enemy wants to kill, steal and destroy. Your memory, physical body; it’s meant to strip you and leave you in a position of helplessness. We need to follow the rule of the land. Don’t be ignorant. Be wise and do as instructed. Some days I didn’t know what was going on. I lost track of time. Symptoms are different for everyone. I didn’t deal with coughing, but with fatigue and high fever. Throughout my ordeal, God was my hope.”
Unless you have experienced COVID, you won’t understand where Apostle Verbal is coming from. It takes a while to bounce back and get your strength. Even though she looks like a Queen now, the stroke left a condition of neuropathy (nerve damage) affecting her left side, arm and foot. Pastor Verbal does not view this as a hinderance in her strive for ministry. She is even more “Souled Out” to spread God’s word through her church ministry and her recent online launch of Aunt Francine, where she gathers and encourages men and women. Her advice to everyone to help stop the spreading of this deadly disease is Just Wear the Mask!
Apostle Tonya Yvette Verbal and Apostle Mark Verbal are pastors of Tabernacle of Joy Ministries, Inc. in Durham, NC. She recently celebrated 25 years in ministry, singing, teaching and preaching. You can join Apostle Verbal on Facebook with her Afternoon Manna and Kingdom Nuggets or visit their website at https://www.tabernacleofjoyministries.com/.
It was New Year’s Eve, mid-afternoon, when my phone began pinging unmercifully. At first, I thought something malfunctioned, but soon I realized it was the aftermath of Oprah’s latest post. When Oprah says your name out of her mouth, on Instagram, everything changes. You can be sure that your day or year for that matter is going to be epic! What a way to ring in 2020.
By mid-March I was lying on a gurney in the back of an ambulance headed to the hospital due to complications of COVID. My head was hurting so bad and my arm was being suffocated by the blood pressure cuff. Every single pothole decorating the New Orleans streets jolted a bolt of pain through my body. I quoted scriptures in my head and prepared to die. So, this is how it all ends, I thought.
Excerpts from “How I Got Over; The Red Sofa.”
March 14, 2020
I never made it to my bed. The red sofa had become a friend. My clothes were sticking to my body when I woke up the first time around one a.m. “Is this a headache? Am I awake?” My thoughts were louder than usual. Back to sleep. By two a.m., I was soaking wet and cold. No, I was HOT. My body was shivering.
Three a.m. “Why do I keep waking up every hour?” There was a failed attempt to stand. No energy. My mouth was dry, my head had an unusual hum above my left eye. Dizzily, I fell asleep and this time I had a dream. “You need to go to the hospital. Tell them to check something in your blood.” I hadn’t heard my grandmother,
Doris’, voice since Hurricane Katrina. I perked up and felt the blood rush through my face. “Was that real? Did I just see Maw Maw?” My mind was foggy, but I focused in on what she said. “My blood? Am I having a heart attack? Cancer?”
I got nervous. “Lord, should I go?”
March 24, 2020
I made it to the toilet on my hands and knees. The saliva under my tongue was becoming increasingly salty and thick. The vomit would come soon, so I positioned myself to aim in the bowl. I passed gas. My stomach was churning like a hurricane brewing over the Gulf. With my phone in my right hand and the other against the bathtub, I pushed with all my might to stand and turn around.
I made it! Sweat was dripping from my forehead onto my nose, then to my mustache. Pulling my underwear down my legs, I unlocked the phone and pressed the call key. That’s when I experienced the split between my mind, body and spirit. The mind was a boisterous, erratic voice screaming ‘Pull up, pull up!’ The way you’d hear a pilot shout in a war movie as the plane is swan diving to the ground. My body was a lifeless and heavy shell. Then my spirit spoke with clarity and supreme stillness, “Dial 911.”
March 27, 2020
With my feet planted on the brown carpet, I rubbed my eyes and shook my head. The dream felt like an answer to the question from my prayer last night. “What is this sickness about? What’s really going on with me?”
In the dream, I saw a massive hand appear in front of
me as I slept on the red sofa. Then, there was a voice that felt familiar but unwelcoming, “Oh, so you’re feeling better now, huh? Let’s try this demon on you.” Inside of this hand was a capsule. It looked like one of the Echinacea pills from Whole Foods. The fingers from his hand planted the seed through the carpet of my living room floor into the earth under my house. There was a little mound of dirt prepared to help the seed grow. Next, I saw a name appear above the mound as if a magical text box was dropped into thin air. ABADDON.
By the time I awoke, it was evening. The sun would set in two hours, so I walked out to the porch and took a seat. With my head in my hand, I prayed for help. “Lord, something is going on. I need someone to pray for me.” There were many people I could have called, but I was seriously frazzled after that last dream. Sometimes, you have to know when to be still and let God do the movement.
had to do my work. Complete my task!
Forty-two days later, I was gaining my weight back. My face didn’t look gaunt and hollow anymore. It was flushed with color and my lips were pink and kissable again. For the last month or so I had been journaling my experiences with the virus on Facebook as excerpts from the book I would eventually write. In my heart, I knew I’d get this book churned out, but procrastination spoke louder. She’s been a very familiar and unwanted guest.
I hired an editor and created a cover but ignored the book every day. The fear of rehashing my experiences, not only from the illness but also from my entire life, kept me from clicking the “publish” button on Amazon. Eventually I prayed that God would give me courage to release what He’d allow me to escape, overcome… survive.
Suddenly, I received a text that Chadwick Boseman died. What in the hell just happened? This guy was young and driven. He seemed focused and anointed! He was in his prime, but obviously God had other plans for him. Urgency became my energy. I knew I
I reluctantly went back to the hidden internet page where the book was prepped for its release. It was time to get out of the way and finish the work God planted in my heart. The year had been a whirlwind of extremes and with each one the dust settled with me still standing. My first book, How I Got Over; The Red Sofa is more than a recounting of my battle to stay alive during the vicious Coronavirus attack. It’s my part of the Neo-Testament Bible that God is creating as I live and breathe today.
After reviewing the manuscript, a final time, I sighed and made peace with my vanity. To God be the glory; I surrendered my story to the entire world. If God ends things better than He starts them, I am certainly going to be blown away by New Year’s Eve 2021. Oprah is a pretty huge cookie to outdo, God.
Berkley the Artist is a singer, songwriter, author and contributing writer to TCP Magazine. His debut book, “How I Got Over; The Red Sofa” is available in paperback and eBook on Amazon.com. “A hipster professor survives COVID 19 and his demons, alone, while clinging to his faith and red sofa during 42 days of quarantine in New Orleans.”
This year, the question on everyone’s mind is why is all this stuff happening? The focus is mostly on COVID-19. My answer is because we have not been good watchmen and watchwomen of the world. God gave us dominion as caretakers of the planet earth.
And God said, let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. Genesis 1:26 KJV.
God gave us the right to care for everything in His stead. Just as men stood on city walls in the Bible to watch for approaching danger, God called us then and now to be watchmen and women to protect the earth and all within from all forms of danger.
It is often said, “It’s not what we know about the Bible that hinders us, but it’s what we don’t know.” The power
of prayer watches when used to its fullest potential can alleviate many woes happening within the body of Christ.
In James 5:16 KJV, we are told to pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
When we implement prayer watches in our homes, churches, and communities continuously, we are able to discern signs of impending danger. In my study and use of the Prayer Watches, I have experienced many miracles, foreseen many dangers, and grew spiritually in more ways than I could ever imagine. It is my personal desire to see more people apply this heavenly secret to their personal relationship with the Holy Trinity and life experiences.
Arise, cry out in the night: in the beginning of the watches pour out thine heart like water before the face of the Lord: lift up thy hands toward him for the life of thy young children, that faint for hunger in the top of every street. Lamentations
2:19 KJV.
Prayer watches are precise times of the day and night in which we should intercede on behalf of all the components of this earthly kingdom God created for us to love and protect. The eight watches offer us a way to cover our 24-hour day as spiritual security guards standing on the wall. Each prayer watch includes specific prayer goals and purposes. Some prayer watches can be completed alone for personal spiritual growth, but I feel we should do most as a group. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Matthew 18:20 KJV.
Have you ever wondered why you wake up at certain times of the night and feel the need to pray, praise and/or worship? It’s because we all have an internal watch. It’s that internal watch which makes you feel a need to pray at a specific time of the day or evening without understanding the reason. “The Watch of the Lord” or “Watching in Prayer.” It is God’s desire that all things could be on earth as it is in Heaven and prayer is our best tool to make it so.
FIRST WATCH | EARLY NIGHT - 6PM-9PMA TIME OF REFLECTIVE DIRECTION
SECOND WATCH | LATE NIGHT - 9PM-12AMA TIME OF THANKSGIVING AND VISITATION
THIRD WATCH | MIDNIGHT - 12AM-3AMA TIME OF SPIRITUAL WARFARE
FOURTH WATCH | DAWN/EARLY MORNING - 3AM-6AMA TIME OF DELIVERANCE AND RESURRECTION
FIFTH WATCH | 1ST WATCH OF THE DAY - 6AM-9AMA TIME OF DECLARATION AND UTTERANCE
SIXTH WATCH | 2ND WATCH OF THE DAY - 9AM-12PMA TIME OF FORGIVENESS AND HEALING
SEVENTH WATCH | SHAKING FOUNDATIONS - 12PM-3PMA TIME FOR ENTERING THE SECRET PLACE
EIGHTH WATCH | TRANSFORMATION - 3PM-6PMA TIME TO SHAPE AND CHANGE HISTORY
Minister Vandolyn Bradley would love to share more with you about The Eight Prayer Watches. To learn more, visit her Facebook page, Da’ Jesus Factory. There you will find several posts regarding the Third Prayer Watch. You can also email from the Da’ Jesus Factory Facebook page. If your church and/or faith-based school, church and/or organization would like to learn more or how to begin Prayer Watch groups email: minvan1217@gmail.com.
Sharon Dean has the voice of an angel. I once heard her say she was one of those Praise & Worship Leaders who beat up on people when they came in the door if they were not up worshipping and praising the Lord. She now has compassion to meet people where they are, which is reflective in her recorded music. My favorite is “More of You” with her son and producer Darion Ja’Von but watching the video “Surround Me” lets me know the selective lyrics reveal a love letter to God. Lyrics that if repeated by our nation could erase hate and defeat the enemy. I am looking forward to her next single that is in the works.
Sharon Dean is multi-faceted not only as a recording artist but as a motivational speaker, photographer and counselor. She clarifies that her arts photography is not skill driven but coping driven. It turns out to be a storytelling opportunity and healing experience that calms her aching spirit. You can view her gallery at https:// www.instagram.com/lifeisapicturegallery/.
I first met Sharon Dean when she was a speaker at Wake Chapel Church’s Gathering At The Well, the premier Women’s Conference in the state. Her smile and graciousness were infectious. Her delivery of God’s Word was so fresh. In December 2016, Wake Chapel Church (WCC) offered her a job as Executive Pastor. In 2019 she launched The Sharon Dean Experience, a platform to change women’s lives through inspiration. Little did she know that 2020 would place her in leadership as the Interim Senior Pastor of a 121-year-old established institution
with one of the largest African American congregations in Raleigh, no less during a pandemic. During her leadership, Pastor Dean’s goal is to make sure that WCC maintains the wonderful reputation that it has built. “Wake Chapel is known for being highly involved in community partnerships and being a refuge for certain organizations. We have presence in foster care, adoption, food and feeding programs, some of which are specifically tailored to the needs of South East Raleigh. As it relates to service, we want to make sure that Wake Chapel maintain a very vibrant and helpful presence, not skipping a beat even though we’ve had a change in leadership.”
Social distancing requirements have demanded Virtual Worship for the Body of Christ. WCC has done an excellent job of bringing their online worship experience to a high-end production giving everyone who tunes in a front row seat. Closed services are now being held at the Bland Road location. Tuesday night Time of Empowerment and Sunday morning worship available for viewing and replay on Facebook, YouTube and Livestream.
“It is challenging for many churches now because we have to do it virtually, but we are having pretty good success. WCC disciples are gathering weekly across each of our platforms. My goal during this period in the life of WCC, is to maintain important components of the ministry that have already been established, while in tandem, partnering with the leadership to ensure we do not become irrelevant. Ultimately,
the church is called to fulfill (1) the great commission to make disciples and (2) the mission of WCC to be a caring community that offers hope, help and healing.”
“When you have a congregation that is 121 years old, any changes must happen thoughtfully, with God’s guidance. It’s going to take collaboration, a whole lot of prayer, and being intentional to ensure we maintain elements that need to be maintained as we reorganize to ac commodate this COVID world.”
Sharon Dean is not stuck on titles even though she has many. Her concern during this Pandemic was figuring out how to be a family that sticks together in the midst of change. “You can call me whatever makes you feel comfortable,” she says. Pastor Dean is comfortable in knowing she is a child of God and a Servant to his people . Visit Wake Chapel Church online at https:// www.wakechapel.org/.
Interview by Peggy Tatum
Dr.
Dr. Mary J. Ferguson, serves as an adjunct professor of education. Her educational journey includes Winston Salem State University B.S. (‘78), St. Mary College, (KS) M.Ed. (‘96), Fayetteville State University, (NC) M.S.A. (‘05) and Ed. D. (‘09). Her book publications include Just Thinking; A Bio-Compilation of Poetry (2010; 2014); Twenty-First Century College Commentaries of Traditional and Nontraditional College Students (2013); STEM and Cyber Culture (2017; The Hebron Cross: Book 1 (2019); STEM as An Early Start (2020). Her current primary academic interest includes autobiographical twentieth century writing, research on humanities and STEM for elementary and secondary students, community and parent involvement, and policy improvement for public schools.
Adjunct Assistant Professor of Research, K-12 Education, English, Educational Leadership, School Administration and Special Education
Community Activist
Owner Ferguson Education and Consultant Services
Author of seven books available on Barnes & Nobel, Rose Dog Bookstore and Amazon in E-Book & Hardcopy
Click on each book cover to purchase.
About the Book: This book defines minorities and the female absence in STEM jobs; it also reviews the race for our nation’s place and space in the world of cybersecurity.
About the Book: A book about STEM experiences with children, parents, administrators and community partners. When reading the information provided, leaders can build a framework for a STEM integral or daily use while teaching grades (Pre-K through 12).
About the Book. This book covers part one of the author’s life during 1956 – 2017. Her account of what she experienced, heard grown folks talk of and her love for reading allowed her a knowledge-base of history which would teach anyone a lesson; a lesson on being poor, but being very rich at the same time in life. Imagine what she does not know that her elder brothers and sisters (generations apart) may have kept to themselves while living in Bennettsville and Hebron, a rural community in Marlboro County, South Carolina.
ln an explosion of Lessons and Affirmations of life, leadership and love, Terry Williams Spicer provides strategic tools for exquisite black and brown girls in her newly pinned second book, The Small PEARL In Every Girl. Designed for PEARLS of all ages, this poignant book will help them prepare and navigate the journey of life and confidently use the power of their voices and choices to achieve dreams, goals, and vision yet to be imagined.
As the Co-Founder of The SISI, a 501(c)3 that provides Transportation Assistance to Cancer Patients, she is also Founder of the mentoring initiative, The SISI Small PEARLS Apprentice Program, now in its seventh year. Terry has taught leadership development and life-enhancing skill sets that have helped her Small PEARLS, her girls, and women to find the fullness of their tremendous gifts and stand in flat-footed confidence, owning and knowing who they are and who God made them to become. The Small PEARL In Every Girl is the extension of this dynamic Program that has graduated eight high school seniors, gifting each with a Small PEARLS Scholarship at the institution of higher learning of their choosing.
Terry invited her CIRCLE of PEARLS™, stellar and accomplished women who are Mothers, Grandmothers, “two Centenarians,” Global and Community Leaders, Corporate Executives, College Presidents, College Athletic Administrators, Physicians, Attorneys, Educators, Emmy Award Winners, News Reporters, News Producers, Entrepreneurs, Magazine Publishers, Writers, Artists and Retirees from across the nation to write Love Letters of Affirmation and Legacy to share their wisdom and remarkable experiences to educate, empower and help propel our girls forward. Included are Congresswoman Eva Clayton, the first African American woman to represent North Carolina; Chief Justice Cheri Beasley, the first African American woman to serve as the North Carolina Supreme Court Justice; Ms. Katherine Ferrell, a 107-year-old Centenarian who was the valedictorian of her high school Class of 1931; Mrs. Hortense McClinton, a 101-year-old Centenarian who was the first African American professor at UNC-Chapel; my Mother, Juanita Wise and so many other trailblazers!
Proceeds from the Book will directly benefit the work of The SISI, her nonprofit that provides Transportation Assistance to cancer patients. They have helped 1,288 patients to date in seven years in 16 states! PREORDER AUTOGRAPHED PAPERBACK AND HARD COVER COPIES for EVERY SMALL PEARL, EVERY GIRL around the world at www.thesmallpearlineverygirl.com. It will be available November 2020 and is published by Brown Girls Books.
Terry’s Lessons and each Love Letter of Affirmation will help young girls everywhere embrace and lift the trajectory of their lives to powerful today’s and stellar tomorrows.
WE AFFIRM THEM!
Amazing Grace Etiquette, Inc. has awarded $2,500 in scholarships to three young ladies who began the Fall Semester at William Peace University, North Carolina Central and Pace University. These young ladies range from Freshmen to Seniors and all have been instrumental in Amazing Grace Etiquette’s activities, training and served as Ms. Amazing Grace Etiquette.
The scholarships were awarded on behalf of the newly established Mary E. Corbett Scholarship Foundation. Mary Corbett, mother of Executive Director Dr. Donna E. Corbett, died on June 21, 2020 from complications of kidney disease. She was an Honorary Member of the Board of Directors and avid supporter of Amazing Grace Etiquette.
My name is Dr. Leonard Scott, a dentist who wrote a book on holistic health entitled The Ultimate Boost from Within, 31 Days to Health, Wealth, Wholeness, and Happiness. I have practiced dentistry for over 40 years in Indianapolis, Indiana. For nearly half of those years, I hosted an hourly radio broadcast called Medically Speaking sponsored by the Marion County Public Health Department. During those programs, I interviewed health professionals from many medical disciplines. From these broadcasts I gleaned a plethora of information concerning being healthy.
Through the years I have witnessed too many friends and even some family members dying before their time. We all must leave this planet at some point, and you can be in perfect health and be in a terrible accident and lose your life prematurely. But it is quite another thing to lose your life early because of bad habits you acquired such as smoking or using other tobacco products, excessive alcohol use, consuming too much sugar and salt, and living a sedentary lifestyle.
Along with hosting the radio program, I interviewed and asked qualified professionals if they thought the things we do affected our lives and health. Dr. Brian McCarley, a chiropractor said, “By making certain lifestyle changes we can see degenerative processes reverse. We have become a culture of saying, ‘fix my problem, you are the professional, fix me,’ rather than saying, ‘help me stay well.’”
Pastor Jeffrey A. Johnson, Sr., Pastor of Eastern Star Church and a cancer survivor said, “My body is the temple of God’s Spirit. The parts of our being are so closely related that they catch each other’s diseases. You can think yourself into a physical sickness. Or your body can be so messed up physically that it can cause you to be depressed.”
Dr. Jerome Adams was the State Health Commissioner in Indiana at the time I interviewed him. Since then he has become the Surgeon General of the United States. He believes change will come with the implementation of MACRA, which is the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act. Dr. Adams stated, “MACRA shifts Medicare reimbursement from paying for procedures and individual care encounters, to paying providers for keeping people healthy.”
Dr. Kenneth Ackles, who was a practicing chiropractic physician for many years said, “You only see the doctor a small percent of the time so an individual should try to eat healthy, keep their weight down, and have a very good attitude. Stress and strain cause most of our diseases. If a person has a good immune system, he can handle about any disease.”
Laughter can also contribute to your better health. The Scriptures say that a merry heart does good like a medicine. It has been said that you can add years to your life and life to your years by smiling, laughing and being joyful. Laughter decreases stress hormones, increases immune cells and triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of wellbeing and can even temporarily relieve pain.
To summarize, we boomers can increase our state of healthiness by improving our dietary habits, increasing our exercising habits, having a good attitude and doing a lot of good belly laughing. That’s a really good step toward being healthy.
were united in Holy Matrimony on Saturday, October 3, at The Remnant Church in Danville, Virginia. Their pastor, Bishop Hezekiah Walker, officiated the wedding. The bride wore a strapless sweetheart wedding dress adorned with sequined-lace appliques with a bejeweled belt complimented with a trumpet tail. The groom wore an all-white tuxedo with a satin shirt and bow tie, accessorized with a chained king’s crown lapel pin.
The bridal party included 17 groomsmen, 17 bridesmaids, 3 matrons, 3 best men dressed in hues of pink and burgundy. The 4 flowers girls and ring bearer complimented the bride and groom dressed in white.
A full band accompanied some of Danville & North Carolina’s best singers included Rita Adams, Bijan Walden, Terance Poteat, Lauryn Talley and national recording Evangelist Timiney Figerora from Brooklyn, NY.
Over 800 guests traveled from New York, Baltimore, Atlanta, Florida, and across Virginia and North Carolina to attend the wedding. Three receptions were available with a Cocktail Hour at 5 p.m. The Family Reception at 6 p.m. and the After Hours Social at 8 p.m.
LaTasha & Antonio saw each other at a few church events. One service in particular, Pastor Fitzgerald laid hands on her as he was exiting the sanctuary and there was an immediate connection. They communicated via social media after church, and the immediate connection grew stronger and stronger. They continued to respectfully date. In early 2020 Pastor Fitzgerald was faced with a life-threatening diagnosis and he believes Lady LaTasha loved him back to LIFE. As she planned him a surprise 35th birthday celebration, he secretly planned her a surprise proposal. As she helped him open up gifts, she eventually helped him open his last gift, which was cake in a box that said, “Will you marry me?”
The wedding planning began and within six months of planning during a global pandemic, LaTasha Davis became Lady LaTasha Fitzgerald. She is currently working virtually as a Mortgage Loan Officer and enjoys walking beside her husband, serving in ministry wherever needed.
Pastor Antonio is a full-time pastor/establishmentarian of The Remnant Church of Power for the past five years and a full-time barber - #AlfTheBarber. He is also an author, graphic designer and founder of the 500 Youth-N-Black Movement, which has been active the past 18 years.
If you were to ask any mom to describe her ideal son, the name Alcindor Hankins would immediately come to mind.
Alcindor Hankins, aka LaSalle LaSalle, wears many hats:
1. A God-fearing man - you can tell by his Facebook posts that he credits God with all that he has
2. A phenomenal son - his admiration, adoration and love he had/has for his mom is simply incredible.
3. A spectacular sibling - the respect and love they exemplify is marvelous. It was obvious from family gatherings and displayed beautifully at Al’s 50th birthday celebration.
4. Generous giver - always sharing his blessings with others... planting flowers, buying necessities for seniors.
5. Heart for the elderly - from giving gorgeous suits to high ticket items such as stoves, freezers while expecting nothing in return.
6. Gardener - take a look at the Facebook posts of his yard – magazine quality. People ride by to take pictures of his magnificent range of flowers. He can use anything, from tires to tea pots to display his works of art.
7. God’s comedian - Al performs all over… churches, class reunions, family reunions, homecomings, special milestone birthdays – pure, clean comedy!
8. Minister - he can share an anointed, powerful sermon and deliver a relevant word to the masses.
9. My husband, Lee and I have adopted Alcindor as our “Godson.” He has helped us as “seasoned seniors” with numerous projects which include planting flowers, dropping off basics since the pandemic began (articles that were difficult to find) and inviting us to be a part of special events.
People from cities and states, near and far, often comment on Alcindor’s posts. His daily write-ups, speak volumes about who he is, and whose he is. Parents often comment that they wish their sons would show half the love and care that Alcindor shows his mom… in remembrance of and while she was alive. People want to smell their flowers while they are above ground.
On all of the pictures of Al and his mom, they are both smiling, and dressed in the same colors. He showered her with gifts on special occasions and often, “just because.” During her illness, Al would take off on Thursday to drive to Wilmington to take his mom for her treatments… now that’s love.
His posts are both inspirational and motivational. They reach people from across the board, all races, young and old, male and female. As a result, people bring him gifts of love and appreciation on birthdays/holidays, just to say, “thank you.”
Alcindor’s core values are exceptional, remarkable, and extraordinary. If only this world had more people with these attributes—what a world this would be.”
Alcindor lost his dad at an early age, and his mom reared 14 children all by herself (Alcindor is the 9th child). You can clearly understand why there is such a connection, bond, love that exists in the Hankins family. Al is such a blessing to so many. We’d like to wish God’s continued blessings to Alcindor Hankins.
For some wholesome, hearty laughs, visit https://www.facebook.com/GospelComedainLaSalleLaSalle
Evelyn Smith Booker is a Deaconess at New Providence Baptist Church, Fuquay-Varina, NC where LaSalle LaSalle has performed. She is also a doting grandmother, freelance writer and retired Capitol Broadcasting Sales Executive. Her book “A Winner…In Spite Of” is scheduled to be released in January.
As Pastors, Business Owners and Taxpayers, how do we know, yet understand what’s accurate information, misinformation or disinformation?
Let’s get an understanding of wisdom. An understanding is the ability to perceive and discern a situation in order to apply wisdom. Today, all of us receive an overwhelming amount of information from many sources; sources, known and unknown.
Over many years of educating, equipping and empowering churches, tax exempt entities, small businesses and individual/family tax clients, we have experienced too often the application of misinformation and disinformation leading to a financial crisis, especially as it relates to the federal and state income taxes for businesses and individuals.
Our CPA firm and its Staff are educated, trained, experienced and gifted to differentiate the varying types of information received and to apply the “accurate information” to the accounting and tax processes and procedures which ensures compliance with federal and state tax codes and the issuance of accurate financial data and information. Ultimately, we focus on the Pastors, Business Owners and Taxpayers being educated, equipped and empowered which provides a high level of compliance and alleviates letters, contacts and visits from regulatory authorities.
Following, we provide “accurate information” from the Internal Revenue Code and Federal and State Programs for your preparedness with your 2020 federal and state taxes.
Based on eligibility, during 2020, the federal government approved and issued $1,200 or $2,400, if married filing jointly. In addition, $500 was added for each eligible child.
These payments are considered a federal tax rebate/ credit for the tax year 2020. You are not required to repay the tax rebate/credit and it will not increase your 2020 taxable income. However, the IRS “Draft” 2020 Form 1040 revealed the tax rebate/credit will be reported on your 2020 tax return, but again, it will not impact your taxable income and you are not required to repay.
Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) check of $600
The weekly Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) check of $600 that Congress authorized as part of the CARES Act is considered to be taxable
income. States must include the FPUC payments when preparing Form 1099-Gs for 2020.
State Unemployment Compensation
Monies received from the State as an unemployment benefit is considered by the IRS to be “taxable income.” As income, it is subject to the same income tax requirements as regular income from a job. Also, the State of North Carolina requires state taxes on unemployment benefits. Check your State of residence to determine if you must pay State taxes for unemployment compensation.
The question is asked, what is the importance of April 15th? We all lift our voices to say tax returns and tax payments, if applicable, are due (As a note, the tax return due dates may differ for tax exempt, partnerships, and corporations)! While we know the due date, some choose not to file tax returns. Our responsibility is to communicate to your understanding the severe consequences and tremendous financial obligations evolving from a decision not to file tax returns timely.
Whether you owe money, or you are entitled to a refund of taxes you paid, there are consequences for failing to file an income tax return.
✓ You will be liable for penalties.
Late filing penalties. If you file more than 60 days after the due date of the tax return, the penalty can be up to a maximum of 25% of the unpaid tax.
Late payment penalties. Filing an extension to file your return does not extend the due date for the payment of taxes. Late payment penalties accrue at a rate of 5% of the unpaid taxes per month, up to a maximum of 25% of the unpaid tax.
✓ You could be charged with a crime.
Failing to file a tax return can be classified as a federal crime punishable as a misdemeanor or a felony. Will-
ful failure to file a tax return is a misdemeanor pursuant to IRC 7203. If an overt act of evasion occurred, willful failure to file may be elevated to a felony under IRC 7201. If you are charged with a criminal tax violation, the punishment can be severe and may include fines and imprisonment.
✓ The statute of limitations does not start until a tax return is filed.
Generally, the IRS has three (3) years from the filing of a return to audit a tax return and propose an assessment. Once assessed, the IRS generally has ten (10) years from the date of that assessment to collect on an outstanding tax bill. While these periods can be extended under certain circumstances, neither of these periods of limitation start until a tax return is filed resulting in the IRS assessing and collecting on the tax many years later.
✓ The IRS can prepare a tax return for you.
Every tax year, the IRS receives income information reported by third parties via Form W-2, Form 1099 and related forms. The IRS can use this information to prepare a tax return for you meaning they will not include your exemptions, deductions and credits which results in a higher tax liability.
✓ You could lose your refund.
Generally, you are not penalized for filing late if you are due a refund. However, you only have three (3) years from the due date to file the tax return and claim your refund. After the three (3) year period, any unclaimed refund is automatically turned over to the government. Further, if your late filed tax return is subsequently audited resulting in an underpayment of tax, the late filing and late payment penalties will be applied.
