Huami Magazine Charlotte Sept./Oct. 2021

C H A R LOT T E

Sept./Oct. 2021 Volume 4 Issue 3

Hill’n Hands Massage Therapy

®

Sept./Oct. 2021

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Old Ways Don’t Work On The Driving Course There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It! A Letter From The Editor It seems like such a long time ago. The moment had arrived for me to become a licensed automobile driver. I was only 16 years old. For A Letter from the Editor the most part, just a little young guy, full of ambition and excited about driving a car. I had enrolled in a driver’s education program at school.

The classes included several other soon-to-be legitimate juvenile drivers What if tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of your plans, hopes and were conducted after school for six weeks. We were all ready, but I and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if don’t think anyone was more eager than I was. everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow never There would be noseveral reasoncars to save a rainy Onhappened? the driving course, there were withfor an automatic day, and you could spare someone the trouble of making transmission. However, there was only one vehicle that contained a promises.

What(aifstick yourshift). last opportunity seemingly manual transmission As fate would have it, Iexpired was the only today?

What would you do? student familiar with a stick shift, as I had gained prior instruction and

driving experience from a few experienced drivers. I knew the gear I’ve understood been told that seemthe likeclutch I do too pattern and howI often to manage andmuch. gas paddles and I feel likeSoI am not that doing enough and I’m a firm keep Honestly, the car powered.

I chose vehicle to drive during class. believer in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything on me that I couldn’t wonder how life would I appeared to be inhandle. a leagueI sometimes of my own on the driving course be ifthe I chose sit idledrivers. and accept what the it presented to and me. I amongst othertostudent I handled curves well, didn’thave run over any of the cones.

I managed the straight paths well, and found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity looked wellthat in reverse.

I was good, at least thats what I beleived. is apretty blessing isn’t afforded to everyone.

A challenge to me is an adventure. What is the worst that can happen?

One class, the vehicle the front of the If Iday do in nothing, I fail, and Iifwas I trydriving I don’t,was butatinstead learn pack something on the driving course. jumped Relinquish out the gateyour fast,pride and that new aboutImyself. and was in my first mistake.

As I went around the curves, I used little brakes, and the return acquire life. tires on my car were screaming. “Stop!” That command was screamed throughThe thebest megaphone heldgiven by thetodriving instructor.

He made me advice ever me happened when someone park the car and get out for the remainder of the day.

I laughed it told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so off while trying to keep my cool amongst my classmates, but on the inside, I have pressed my way through doors with a key that only I was embarrassed. I would eventually drive again and completed the hope provided. I have also learned the difference between program, but it was clear that I almost jeopardized all of that from what God blesses me with and what life can burden me with happening. as well. I compare it to knowing when to be confident and to be quiet, because At the time, I didn’t realize how I hadwhen put myself and others in danger someone may get it confused by becoming arrogant and comfortable during a moment when instead I with being arrogant. should have been learning and listening.

I made the mistake of applying invalid Make tomorrow experience in a you setting where I was happen today, but most supposed to gain experience to be importantly make count. validated.

God showed meit on that Life is but a whisper andmy day that when I try to do things weuse must put ourselves in a way and information or instruction that didn’t cometofrom I am position hearHim, what it isjust an accident waiting telling us.to happen. Yet, when I do listen and obey His commands, He will qualify me to drive on the roads and highways ofTerry life. L. Watson

Editor/Founder Terry L. Watson 4

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November/December 2014

www.huamimagazine.com www.huamimagazine.com Editor In Chief Publisher Terry L Watson

Terry L. Watson Alana Allen - Deputy Editor Dorjae McClammey Writer Terry L. Watson Writers

Writer Ellen Richardson Tonya Dixon Writer Terry L. Watson Alana Allen Todd Youngblood Tamara Smith Photographer Jeuron Dove Photographer Collier Photography Santana B Photographer Photographers Perfect Lenz Photography Todd Youngblood Photography

Shaw Photography Group Still Shots Photography

Howard Photography Who Shotya Keep UpGaither With Photography Us on Facebook Huami Magazine For Charlotte Layout A Group For Followers and Mykel Media Company Supporters of Bennett Huami Magazine Linda

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HUAMI MAGAZINE is published bimonthly quarterly by the Mykel Media Company. Any reproduction of any portion of this publication is prohibited without written permission from the publisher prior to doing so. Mykel Media doesn’t accept responsibility for statements made by individuals featured or advertisers. Comments concerning this publication may be submitted to the editor by E-mail at terrywatson@huamimagazine.com Email or Telephone terry.editor@yahoo.com terry.editor@yahoo.com or to 336-340-7844 Mykel Media Company, LLC P.O. Box 20102 2021 All Rights Reserved Greensboro, NC 27420 HUAMI MAGAZINE 2014 All Rights Reserved

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SEPT./OCT. 2021

CHARLOTTE EDITION

CONTENTS

Walk By Faith Counseling

Wendy Tucker

On The Cover

Hill’n Hands Massage LaToya Hill

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Women With Vision

Charlene Sparks

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24

Living Life Outloud

Amber Pratt

Huami Magazine Cutest Baby

Tegan Kennedy

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Also Featured

Latosha Barnes She is using her platform as a domestic violence survivor to be a voice for the voiceless.

Chicago, IL

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Kim Alexander She found hope and now shares it with others. Meet the face and founder of A Mother’s Luv. Milwaukee, WI.

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Charlotte - Sept./Oct. 2021

Todd Gilyard His life has been dedicated to serving others. Learn more about his story.

St. Louis, MO

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HuamiMagazine.com Charlotte - Sept./Oct. 2021

Hill’n Hands Massage Therapy

By Dorjae McClammey Photos by Todd Youngblood

“As a single mother starting my journey, I had some challenges to overcome. However, I was determined not to allow them to stop me.”

It all starts with her hands. There is no magic involved, nor does she have any tricks under her sleeves. It’s all in her hands. LaToya Hill describes herself as quiet and observant. She loves to make people relax laugh, two qualities that she shares without hesitation in life and with her business. However, young LaToya was a curious child who seemingly had an interest in all of her surroundings. That curiosity resulted in a few accidents involving her hands. One happened when she burned her hands as a toddler; another accident occurred when she slammed her hand in a house window while trying to help close it. Not to be outdone, her fingers somehow got jammed in the doors of an old model 80s vehicle, and she even found a way to accidentally stab the palm of her hand with a pencil while playing in middle school.

Today, LaToya is the owner and founder of Hill’n Hands Massage Therapy, a mobile massage therapy based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Their mission is to help promote a pain-free and stressfree lifestyle with its therapeutic treatment as a holistic alternative to medicine. Their ultimate goal is to build enduring and rewarding relationships with their clients and community through knowledge, wellness, and providing a world-class level of service.

Some of the services offered by Hill’n Hands are sports stretch and massage, and chair massage, which typically involves massaging the neck, shoulders, back, arms, and hands and cupping. Additionally, she provides sports massage services for amateur and professional athletes throughout Charlotte, having some players for the Carolina Panthers as clients.

LaToya was born and raised in the small town of Arapahoe, N.C., but spent her summers in Charlotte. She officially relocated to Charlotte in 2006, full of ambition and drive. She always knew she wanted to be her own boss; it just took her some time to get the hang of it. While in Charlotte, she enrolled at a community college and received an associate’s degree in General Studies focused on Criminal Justice, and set her sights on being a paralegal. She soon realized that wasn’t the right field for her, and so she returned to school and received an obtained a diploma in massage therapy from Southeastern Institute, which would eventually pave the way to Hill’n Hands Massage.

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Soon after her initial launch, LaToya began working with other massage companies while building hers. This gave her a unique opportunity to build her clientele while servicing others, many who were connected with the corporate world, high school athletes, and professionals.

While building her skills, she realized that her true passion was sports massage. That direction presented itself to be more of a challenge, mainly because it required more certification, but that didn’t stop LaToya. She faced it head-on and enrolled at Johnson C. Smith University and prepared for what would eventually come. “At Johnson C. Smith, I met some amazing teachers, mentors, and advisors, including BerNadette Lawson-Williams. I was also able to participate on panels of discussion with Serena Williams, Sarah Thomas, and even President Barack Obama,” she says.

LaToya also gained the chance to work with retired NFL player Antoine Bethea. “It was funny because I didn’t know what to expect, but his family was so nice. His five-year-old son was even watching what I was doing and waited for his dad to finish so he could get on the table,” she shares. She loves working with the families as a whole

Hill’n Hands primarily provides mobile massage services on-site at their client’s request. Hill’n Hands also conducts weekly sessions at Pure Grind Fitness on Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

These sessions LaToya says do not offer the same privacy that in-home sessions do. At first LaToya was slightly nervous about being at a location, but she’s seen an increase in booking which has kept her busy at the gym.

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“I can do whatever I want to do. I can set my schedule to my liking, which is important because it keeps me from overworking myself and still be available to meet the needs of my daughter as much as possible.”

When asked what she loves most about her company, the answer was simple; freedom. “I can do whatever I want to do.

I can set my schedule to my liking, which is important because it keeps me from overworking myself and still be available to meet the needs of my daughter as much as possible,” she says. “I’m proud to have established the clients I have because it allows me to take my daughter with me to appointments. My daughter is very quiet but quite helpful. She carries supplies, and clean cups and other utensils used during a session.”

Some of services offered by

Hill’n Hands Massage Sports Massage Cupping Chair Massage

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While freedom is her main drive, she has made it known that she has such a huge team that pushes her every day. “As a single mother starting my journey, I had some challenges to overcome. However, I was determined not to allow them to stop me,” she says.

Even more, LaToya shares she is inspired by the opportunity she has to be a role model to her younger clients. She recalls how one of her client/athletes wished her happy birthday and thanked her for all of the conversations they’ve had, and everything she’s done and continued to do for him.

“Being able to help young athletes grow and have such an effect on them makes this all worth it,” she says.

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As for anyone planning to follow in her footsteps, LaToya offers the following advice. “Follow your heart. While you’re in school training, start building there.

The steps you make towards becoming an entrepreneur begin where you develop a passion for it. Dream bigger and never discount yourself. In the world we live in now, there is the pressure of wanting to be better than the next person, or not feeling like you’re where you’re supposed to be or knowing why you’re not there yet. All of that can weigh heavily on you and affect your mental state. So please train and discipline yourself to remain positive and remind yourself that you will get there one day.

LaToya is currently in her second semester at JCSU, interning in the Esports and sports compliance departments. She is also working on becoming a transition coach for different athletes from high school to college and from college to pro.

She is also working on opening a brickand-mortar location to house her business and give other therapists a space to work. With her determination and drive, we can expect this to come sooner than expected.

In addition to being the face and force of Hill’n Hands, LaToya also serves as an associate chair for Entrepreneu(HER) in the City, a non-profit women’s networking organization designed to highlight and unite local women in business. She still offers notary public services and styles hair, and designs t-shirts in her free time.

To learn more about LaToya Hill and Hill’n Hands Massage, please visit their website. h

Hill’n Hands Massage Therapy LLC Hillnhandsmassage@Gmail.Com www.hillnhandsmassage.com

(980) 999-0480 15

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Amber Pratt

Embracing My C.OR.E. Out Loud

By Ayana Bryant Photos by Amber Bryant

Inner beauty and self-confidence are something that Amber Pratt manages very well. She is an overcomer and someone who doesn’t shy away from letting her voice be heard.

The Temple Hills, Maryland native and resident is also a full figured model and creator of the lifestyle platform “Live Your C.O.R.E Out Loud”.

Amber is not taking a back seat to anything or even conforming to what society says she should be. Instead, she is creating a lane of her own to empower and uplift women of all sizes.

A recent contestant in the Ms. Full Figured DMV Pageant 2021, Amber established a community of support and sisterhood by embarking on this life changing experience. The Ms. Full Figured DMV Pageant was initially launched in 2017 as a subdivision of the “Ms. Full-Figured USA” Pageants, LLC. The Ms. Full-Figured USA Pageant was founded by Theresa “Sparkle” Randolph and is the longest running and first beauty pageant system solely dedicated to promoting empowerment for full-figured women.

After a year of hesitation to join the pageant world, Amber finally decided to submit her application for Ms. Full Figured DMV Pageant.

“Throughout the application and interview process, I wasn’t sure that I would make the cut, but in April 2021, I was selected to be a part of the pageants royal court,” she shares. Throughout a series of pageant workshops, Amber says the experience helped her better understand some things within herself and for what was to come. “I was able to grow with a group of like-minded women who supported me from the very beginning of the process and until the end. This growth experience made all of the difference, and at the conclusion of the pageant, I placed 1st runner up.”

“Throughout the application and interview process, I wasn’t sure that I would make the cut, but in April 2021, I was selected to be a part of the pageants royal court.”

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MS Exquisite Full Figured DMV Court 2021 Crowned Queen Neekia Brooks (Center) 1st runner up Amber Pratt (Left) 2nd runner up Chanda Aristaud (Right) Ms Congeniality Julie Brooks (Not Pictured) Charlotte - Sept./Oct. 2021

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“I had to say, okay… I’m pretty, period! You can think what you want to think about me, but I’m going to do what I need to do for me. That didn’t mean I was perfect but how I was able to get to where I am today was by doing what my platform states.”

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As a young girl, Amber often struggled with issues surrounding her confidence and self-image. The opinions of others made her feel as if she was less while being plus size and that she would only ever be second best. It wasn’t until she was able to immerse herself into a new environment by going to college that she began loving herself more. “I had to say, okay… I’m pretty, period! You can think what you want to think about me, but I’m going to do what I need to do for me.

That didn’t mean I was perfect but how I was able to get to where I am today was by doing what my platform states,” she says.

While competing in the Ms. Full Figured DMV Pageant, Amber created a lifestyle platform to run on. That platform is “Live Your C.O.R.E. Out Loud”. Core is an acronym for “Confidence, Overcoming Resilience, and Exercise”. This platform was established to help people at any age step into their full potential and show the world their authentic selves. These are the things that Amber has taken from her personal journey of triumph and used them to help others who might be struggling the same way she had. h

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“Throughout my journey in life, I have put God first, and my counseling sessions have been no different. I seek God for wisdom and allow His presence to set the atmosphere to help each client.”

By Jalessa Rogers Photos by Wendy Tucker

The Lord orders the steps of a good man. That is a scripture from the Bible that clinical mental health counselors such as author Wendy Tucker use for guidance in life, education, and careers.

In the black community, counseling and therapy have been frowned upon for many years, but recently mental health has become a big topic of importance. Tucker has created two different avenues that she has successfully counseled and mentored the African American community with her company, Walk by Faith Counseling, and book series, Pennie Mae Learns.

Born and raised in Indianapolis, IN, Tucker was the second oldest of five children in a single parent household. She shares, “Family members told me ‘Wendy you won’t live to see the age of sixteen, you won’t live to see twenty-one. According to my family, I shouldn’t be here, but God had another plan for me,” stated Tucker.

Despite being what she called a “little girl that grew up in the projects,” Tucker was the first person in her family to graduate high school, the first to go to college and receive an Associates degree, Bachelors degree, and Masters degree. “I accomplished this through no goodness of my own. I felt like God ordered my steps in a way that allowed me to continue to move forward in my education,” stated Tucker.

She had dreams of becoming a judge as a child because she wanted to lock up the bad people, but she never imagined being a clinical health counselor. She also wanted to be an author but thought that dream was impossible. However, what she thought was impossible, God made it possible.

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After working in the behavioral health field for twelve years, Tucker thought she had seen and learned a lot. Remember, she was raised in the inner city, and has worked with inner city children, and she has a strong desire to help her community, but there was more for her to experience. Her mission is to give back to the community and break the stigma of mental health in the black community, and on July 31, 2020, Walk by Faith Counseling was created.

Walk By Faith Counseling’s first sessions were conducted virtually because of the Covid 19 pandemic. Tucker adjusted and has since grown to provide face-to-face counseling sessions, allowing her clients to engage and feel safe; she says “as if God is in the building”.

One of Tucker’s goals is for people to feel that she is genuine, sincere, and understand how she is following the direction of God with her practice. “Throughout my journey in life, I have put God first, and my counseling sessions have been no different. I seek God for wisdom and allow His presence to set the atmosphere to help each client,” she shares.

In 2011 Tucker came up with the idea for the children’s book series, Pennie Mae, designed to help children learn life lessons. In July 2020, Pennie Mae Learns was birthed. On the same day that Walk by Faith came to life, Tucker created the Pennie Mae Learns interactive book series, website, and YouTube videos. The interactive series starts with the main character, Pennie Mae, going through life lessons from age three until ten years old.

“I developed The Pennie Mae book series to provide life lessons and biblical principles for kids tocarry with them. The series is designed to help train our young readers up in the way they should go, and when they’re old they won’t depart from it. That is written in the word of God,” stated Tucker.

Pennie Mae Learns Book Series www.penniemaelearns.com

www.wbfcounseling.com 317-300-4181 The books and the website include interactive games, coloring, knowledge tests, as well as educational stories. These stories have been utilized as a therapeutic form of counseling to interact and talk with children. The success of this series has garnered attention from the PGN television station in Cincinnati, OH, which is now airing the Pennie Mae YouTube channel every Saturday morning. They have even offered Tucker a talk show which will allow her to share mental health tips.

The future is looking very bright for Tucker, and her next big goal is to open a counseling center for her church. She desires to help individuals and families and offer group therapy with future therapists, case managers, and life coaches.

To learn more about Walk By Faith Counseling and the Pennie Mae Book Series, please visit their websites.

h

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It’s all about Embracing, Empowering, and Elevating each other. As a member of Women with Vision Inc. NC, you have selected to connect with women who are rich in spirit. You will have the opportunity to bless others while pursuing your personal journey and gain opportunities for professional growth and development.

Elite Membership Includes Quarterly Self Care Empowerment Events (Live & Virtual) Monthly Self Care Empowerment Webinars Speaker Opportunities for Quarterly Events/Webinars Group Coaching & Mentoring Support Services for Entrepreneurs/Caregivers Featured in Women With Vision Inc (NC) Annual Resource Directory Free E-Book- “Step Up Step Out & Reclaim” Charlene M Sparks, Author Caregivers Education & Support Services Caregivers Elite Service Plan Available Join Us For These Amazing Extras Discounts on all branding resources offered to Women With Vision to support your journey.

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MAGAZINE

Cutest Baby

Tegan Kennedy The son of McKenzie and Chris Kennedy

To submit photographs to be placed in the Huami Magazine Cutest Baby feature, please send a detailed email to huami.cutestbaby@gmail.com

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Kim Alexander A Mother’s Luv

By Ayana Bryant Photos by Kim Alexander Often times there isn’t much that can be done to prevent a miscarriage from happening, but have we ever considered how women and families are to recover from such loss? According to the US nonprofit “March of Dimes”, approximately 10-15% of detected pregnancies end in miscarriage, and about 1 in 100 women experience repeat miscarriages. March of Dimes is an organization committed to the work of improving maternal and infant health.

Kim Alexander has positioned herself to answer this question.

She is the founder of A Mother’s Luv Inc., a nonprofit organization that supports women and couples who have suffered a miscarriage.

Born and raised in Milwaukee, WI, Kim understood early on that her calling would be to help people. With aspirations of becoming an attorney, she attended Xavier University in New Orleans, LA, and studied political science. After deciding to continue her education, she returned home to Wisconsin to receive her master’s degree from Marquette University in Public Service and Administration of Justice. Kim is also a very proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc and has been for the last 15 years.

Ultimately her career goals shifted, and Kim went on to become a law enforcement officer. She truly loves what she does and feels honored to be able to protect and serve the people in the city of Milwaukee and all over the world.

It brings Kim great joy to help others, and she knows first hand how emotionally challenging it can be to experience a miscarriage.

“My husband and I had no idea that we would have a hard time growing our family, nor suffer numerous miscarriages. However, after several miscarriages. This devastation revealed something to us that was missing from the health industry; there was nothing given to women to help start their journey of healing,” she says.

In 2018, after suffering the loss of her twins due to a miscarriage, she began to question why weren’t there any support resources offered for people experiencing this? That thought brewed in her mind for about two years until 2020, when she suffered another miscarriage and sadly lost her son. Despite her pain, she knew that something needed to be done. She refocused her energy on creating a nonprofit that would help women cope with this kind of loss and provide information for those who were uninformed on miscarriages. Thus, A Mother’s Luve Inc.

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Kim launched A Mother’s Luv Inc. in June 2020.

This nonprofit organization’s work is centered around donating homemade care packages to local Milwaukee hospitals for women and families who have experienced a miscarriage. Each care package is full of self-healing products, including aromatherapies, candles, and spiritual and self-help books.

In addition to the nonprofit, Kim has started her own podcast, also entitled “A Mother’s Luv” after her organization. This first episode of the podcast discusses a deeper look into her personal journey dealing with miscarriage. The subsequent episodes discuss other women’s journeys of loss and mental health post-miscarriage, the benefits of having a doula, and coming in September, an episode featuring a maternal-fetal medicine doctor.

Kim is no stranger to resilience, and this is a testament to her support system. When asked what inspires her, she answers, “My family. I have a great support system behind A Mother’s Luv. I may be the face of it, but behind the scenes, my husband does it all. Whether he’s editing podcast episodes or making my flyers, he continues to motivate me and cheer me on.” She also says that her mother is another source of inspiration, “My mom is the definition of a mother’s love, her wisdom, her prayer, her strength is incredible. Although all her children are adults, she still finds time to do her motherly duties. She inspires me the most.”

The part that Kim says she enjoys the most from her nonprofit work is the feedback that she receives from hospital workers who see first-hand the impact of these care packages. “When I donate these packages to the local hospitals, some of the nurses are saying that this is a great thing to be able to give to the women who do miscarry and a great way to support the fathers as well.”

A word of advice that Kim would offer to anyone who may be dealing with infertility is to never give up. She says to “keep the faith” despite how hard things may get to “trust the process”. She encourages women to do whatever is necessary to keep their spirits lifted and cast out any negativity that may try to sneak its way in.

www.amothersluvincwi.com Facebook @ A Mother’s Luv Inc. IG @ amothersluvwi

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A Mother’s Luv Inc. is looking to expand its outreach by the top of next year to serve the local hospitals of Milwaukee and branch out through the entire state of Wisconsin. Eventually, Kim hopes to see her organization in hospitals throughout the country. Another goal she has set is to start a conference regarding miscarriage and infertility to provide information and necessary resources to those in need. h

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Todd Gilyard A Life Dedicated To Service

By Gamal Williams Photos by Todd Gilyard According to the 2019 Annual Business Survey, racial minorities owned 18.3% of all businesses in America. Those numbers begin to look bleaker when one understands that all non-White business owners fall into that 18.3%. 2019 U.S. Census data shows that the White population comprised 76.3% of America yet owned 81.7% of all businesses. To put it another way, minorities comprised 23.7% of America yet owned less than 1/5th of all businesses. Many factors have hindered business development and economic growth amongst minorities: racial bias preventing opportunities to government and private sector contracts, lack of access to capital, lack of business financial literacy, but none more important than mentorship and support. What these businesses have lacked is a champion, someone that is willing to not only extend a helping hand, but to speak up for them, support them, guide them on their path to success.

Enter Todd Gilyard.

Todd Gilyard formed his consulting firm, The Gilyard Group, LLC, in 2010, after previously serving as the Assistant Project Lead/ Job Developer for the St. Louis Housing Authority’s Job Plus Program, and Community Outreach Director at the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis. He now serves as the Project Director at the Missouri Branch of the Minority Business Development Agency.

Originally established as the Minority Business Enterprise in 1969 by President Richard Nixon, the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) mission is “to promote the growth of minority owned businesses through the mobilization and advancement of public and private sector programs, policy, and research. MBDA has accomplished this mission by funding a network of centers that provide Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) a variety of business assistance services.”* Yet, Todd didn’t see himself in his current position. In fact, prior to his appointment, even owning his own business wasn’t in the cards.

“I worked for the Urban League of St. Louis,” he explained. “In that role, anything that the Urban League gave away to the community, I was in charge of; toy giveaways, food giveaways, energy assistance, any special programs, I was basically in charge of.

Being in that role, it helped me build relationships with city and state government officials, as well as CEOs of major corporations.

People began to come to me asking for help with funding or to make a business connection.”

“One day, a woman approached me that had a home healthcare franchise out of Florida. I explained to her that she should be working with the churches. The churches should get back being to that resource for the community like they were in the 50’s and 60’s. I told her I knew the President of the National Baptist Convention-Midwest. I reached out to him and discussed her presenting her business to the minister’s union. I explained to him that churches were missing that community connection; if you needed a doctor, you went to the church; if you needed a lawyer, you went to the church; if you needed a handyman, you went to the church. I presented the woman’s business and after my presentation, he encouraged me to form my own business.”

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Todd formed The Gilyard Group shortly after, and while it was a business, at its heart, it was Todd’s desire to help, to reconnect the community that shined through. These traits were instilled in him by two strong, powerful, and beautiful women: his mother, Schatoun Gilyard, and his grandmother, Francis Jean Gilyard.

“I grew up in Kinloch, MO. My grandmother was heavily involved in many grassroots efforts devoted to social justice issues, improving educational rights for children, food programs…she was committed to making sure the community was fed, not just with food, but fed with knowledge. I grew up in the church, thanks to my grandmother. I am now a minister, and God has put it in my heart to want to see everyone made whole. I want to see everybody live their best life. If I’m in a position to help somebody, I think that is an honor that God gives certain people. Since a child, through my adult life and professional career, I’ve been a position to help people. Jobs of service. Its because of how I was raised by my grandmother.”

When asked to elaborate one the impact his mother had on his life, Todd becomes reflective and emotional. “My mom…man, my mom is someone that inspires me because of how she made sacrifices for my brother and me. Even though those sacrifices hurt her, now that I am older, I see what she did for her. And she is still like that. She will give people the shirt off her back or if she hears that someone is in need, she’s right there to say ‘I got it!’ Anything to see people comfortable. Even in the church, she was always serving others. It just stuck in me.”

Todd’s reputation as a selfless, devoted, and knowledgeable leader, led to his current position at MBDA. When the position for Project Director became available in late 2020, Todd’s name was submitted by people that knew him for his years of dedicated service. Once the position was offered to Todd, his actions displayed the virtues of service and selflessness he was raised with. Knowing that in this new position he could impact more people, he folded the highly successful Gilyard Group and accepted the higher calling.

“I tell my current staff all the time, we are in a blessed position. If we make a phone call for someone or a business, we have an opportunity to do something that could change their lives. That can really change the way they feed their families.

That is tremendous for me. I get a paycheck, but more than the money, it’s the joy I feel that I was able to help these companies. I am so happy to be a part of that, that I had a little bit to do with it. That gives me such joy.” h

“I tell my current staff all the time, we are in a blessed position.

If we make a phone call for someone or a business, we have an opportunity to do something that could change their lives. That can really change the way they feed their families.”

Todd Gilyard

Minority Business Development Agency Center - Missouri 3www.mbdac.com

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A Voice For The Voiceless

By Terry L. Watson Photos by Latasha Barnes

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope – Romans 5:34 (New International Version).

When trying to envision the bigger picture of your life or career, I imagine that few of you see yourself going through pain and feeling hopeless before becoming an accomplished professional. Although most of us would prefer that we coast through life on easy street, the truth is that no one accomplishes anything in this world without the scars to prove it. This is definitely the case for inspirational domestic violence advocate Latosha Barnes.

The founder and director of Patricia’s Place domestic violence shelter, serving Chicago’s west side and south suburban communities, knows firsthand what it is like to endure the pain and scars of domestic violence.

“My first experience with abuse occurred when I was a young girl, who experienced my mother Patricia being beaten and introduced to drugs by her ex-husband,” said Barnes.

“Despite my grandmother attempting to shield me from this violence, it would not take long before I realized what was going on.”

Although Barnes hoped never to endure the kind of life that her mother, whose namesake is now a beacon of hope to the hurting women of Chicago, chose to overcome, it would not take long before her family’s history caught up to her. At the age of 20, four months after marrying her first husband and now a mother of two young children, Barnes began to experience the traumatic experience of spousal abuse.

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“I had started some classes at a local junior college in South Holland and had to ask a male friend of mine, who I went to high school with, to give me a ride home,” said Barnes. “Although I told this jealous man that I took the bus home, he apparently saw me get out of this guy’s car, and when he realized that I was fearfully lying to him, he slapped me for the first time.”

Despite her ex-husband’s mother and grandmother sitting close by, neither woman decided to do anything. After attempting to walk away before the abuse got worse, Barnes would run to the woman who was always there for her growing up.

“My grandmother was very strict, but she has always been there for me, that is until that fateful night,” said Barnes.

“Although I showed up to her house with my two children and carrying a third and fourth at 2:00 a.m., she told me that I had to go home – back to him and the abuse – because I was married now. This experience actually stuck with me for decades before she finally told me that she was also a victim of domestic violence.”

“I realized that I was stuck in a pattern started by my grandmother, and now seeing one of my kids endure her first form of abuse, God made it clear that it was time for me to walk away.”

Barnes tries to explain how she, her mother, and grandmother stuck out relationships that would lead to broken bones, hospital stays, and multiple calls to local police. She even watched her ex-husband go after one of her daughters as she attempted to protect Barnes from yet another attack. Enough became enough, and Barnes finally got the courage to file for divorce.

“I knew that this was going to be the hardest thing I had ever done. I realized that I was stuck in a pattern started by my grandmother, and now seeing one of my kids endure her first form of abuse, God made it clear that it was time for me to walk away,” said Barnes.

After walking away, Barnes’s future of success would begin to take shape. Beginning with a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies, and master’s degrees in both criminal justice and addiction studies, Barnes also started to put her efforts into helping other women, men, and children escape abusive situations. “Before opening our brick-and-mortar shelter, my 501C3 community-based organization would begin as a referral source for those who were leaving abusive situations in 2016,” said Barnes. “While I dreamed of owning a shelter to help women escape abuse, for several years, it wasn’t until last year that my new husband and I were able to open an emergency shelter for up to 10 women, children, and their small pets. This temporary haven provides not only a safe place to stay but also provides clothing, food, legal counsel, and other supportive services to those who need someone to care and help them through this traumatic experience.”

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Along with opening the kind of safe home that she and her family had always dreamed of, Barnes is quickly becoming a voice for the voiceless through her recently published a book, Un-Veil: Surviving Domestic Violence, a memoir and 10-step self-help activity and resource guide for surviving spousal abuse.

She is also in the process of publishing her second book entitled, Pieces of My Childhood, which will share an in-depth journey of her life and will be available through She Publishing, LLC in the next few months.

“Through Patricia’s Place I have begun several domestic violence teaching and counseling programs such as the S.T.A.R. Program (Surviving Traumatic Abusive Relationships) and Purple Power. These tools allow women to learn what resources and support are available for them,” said Barnes. “We have also started a program for kids who have lived in a family of domestic violence. My goal is for women to feel the love and respect that I did not receive when I was going through this.”

This empowered woman has also begun doing her part to have local politicians pay more attention to this ongoing issue. “I have recently approached a well-known councilman about the possibility of moving National Domestic Violence Awareness Month to another month so that this cause is not lost in the celebration of another important cause.”

We are so proud of Latosha Barnes for finding her way out of the ashes of abuse and using her newly empowered voice to help others find the strength and victory necessary to overcome abuse.

To learn more about Patricia’s Place and Barnes goal to work towards the elimination of Domestic Violence against female victims, please visit their website. h

Latosha D. Barnes Patricia’s Place

20200 Governors Drive Unit 203 Olympia Fields, IL 60461 www.patriciasplace.org 773-900-3301 773-996-4900 Charlotte - Sept./Oct. 2021

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Ryan & Cherri Cherri Dixon

336.500.4187 Cherri.TheDixonGroup@gmail.com

Ryan Dixon

253.414.3785 Ryan.TheDixonGroup@gmail.com

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