Huami Magazine Chicago Jan./Feb. 2024

CHICAGO

®

Jan./Feb. 2024 Vol. 2 Issue 3

Chris Chef

Dodson Food, Life, and Everything Else Chicago - Jan./Feb. 2024

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Prayer Is More Effective A Letter From The Editor

Happy New Year! It is truly a blessing to continue to do what God has called me to do. I am so appreciative of what Huami Magazine was able to accomplish in 2023, and I am even more excited about the things that will happen ahead. I thank each supporter, and I promise that we will allow God to be the vision and direction of this amazing publication.

This year, Mykel Media Company LLC, the parent company that publishes Huami Magazine, is back at it. We are excited to relaunch Spunq Sports Magazine. We are also amping up the production of Huami For Kids Magazine, and with each publication that is produced by our company, a newly designed line of merchandise and apparel will accompany it.

When I think about where we have come from over the previous seventeen years, my heart wells with emotion because I know we couldn’t have made it without the prayers of those who believe in what God purposed. I thank you for your prayers and for believing.

My message is for those who are questioning what is happening in your life. God is working. Oftentimes, we can’t see His hand, but He is there. Even at our lowest of lowest moments, and we have exhausted the last granule of strength to move, God is working.

We must believe that not everyone desires to see you fail. In the midst of onlookers, there are some who find comfort and strength in seeing the underdog win. Trophies are made for underdogs as well. What’s more beautiful to know is that true believers are strengthened by witnessing God work miracles in the lives of others, too!

As disciples and believers in God, we must always seek ways to be an answered prayer for someone who needs it. Long before God assigned me a purpose, I was helped out of my pits by the selfless prayers of other believers. Believers who weren’t amused or entertained by my shortcomings or faults but were excited about seeing me blossom into my fullest potential. So they prayed for me.

Prayer is the most effective thing we can do.

Terry L. Watson 4

www.huamimagazine.com Terry L Watson

Publisher

Dorjae’ McClammey Terry L. Watson Sherri Rogers Hill Monica Montgomery

Writer Writer Writer Writer

Tamara Smith

Still Shots Photography Photographer Todd Youngblood Photographer

General Inquiries Howard Gaither Photography huami.chicago@gmail.com

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CONTENTS

JAN./FEB. 2024

CHICAGO

I Am She Mentoring

Vanessa R. Caswell

On The Cover

Food, Life, and Everything Else Chef Chris Dodson

6 Gold Link Beard Co.

Emery Sumberlin

14 Terrell Bernard Steward 10 Building Up His Community

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Huami Magazine Cutest Baby

Mecca Causey

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Also Featured

Denise Lee Meet the face and founder of Broom Brush Tea Co. Learn more about she uses her teas to help others.

Phoenix, AZ

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Cedar Grove Celebrates 100 Lady Kimberly and Overseer J. Troy Blackwell lead the way as Cedar Grove Tabernacle of Praise celebrates 100 years.

Greensboro, NC

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Jazley Trouser Learn more about how she uses her experience of being a foster child to help other foster kids in her community.

Detroit, MI

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Chicago - Jan./Feb. 2024

Chris Chef

Dodson Food, Life, and Everything Else

By Sherry Rogers Hill - Photos Provided by Chris Dodson Many of us expend exuberant amounts of money and energy seeking to discover our gifts. Then occasionally, you meet the Chris Dodsons of the world who have unwrapped those gifts at an early age. While this professional chef had no clue where his youthful inquiry for cuisine would lead, Chef Chris was keenly aware that he could make magic when he stepped into a kitchen.

Twenty-plus years later, Chef Chris was the winner of the popular Food Network’s cooking competition, Chopped.

During the ‘Meals of Fortune’ episode, he was one of four competitors who raced to create original dishes from high-end ingredients. He announced, “I want to win because I’m relentlessly pursuing my dreams. I want my children to see the benefit of hard work.” Chris is the proud father of Trinity, 18; Chris III, 15; Giovanni, 12 and Oakley, 6. At the show’s conclusion, Chef Chris experienced a dream come true, walking away with the title of champion and a $10,000.00 prize.

So, who is this Chopped champion? Christopher Antonio Dodson, Jr., is the son of the late Christopher Dodson and Rosalyn Dodson. He was raised in the military town of Fayetteville, North Carolina. Fayetteville is the home of Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg).

Chris says, “I’ve always loved cooking. Some of my earliest memories include my mom and I in the kitchen cooking together.” He describes his younger version as inquisitive: “I would open the pantry and just start mixing foods together. I would smell the different spices in the cabinet to determine what I wanted to combine”. It’s easy to detect the excitement in Chris’s voice as he recalls some of his favorite cooking experiences.

However, life wasn’t always ‘sugar and spice and all things nice’ for teenage Chris. Time inside the kitchen may have been the emotional sanctuary that numbed the pain of his parent’s divorce, but outside the kitchen, Chris began rebelling. “When I went to high school, I got into trouble and got expelled. In hindsight, I didn’t have the emotional tools to cope with the divorce of my parents. As a result, I spent my 10th and 11th grades in an alternative school.”

After returning to his traditional school, Chris graduated from Westover High School in 2004. He decided that joining the military was the new beginning he needed, so he enlisted in the United States Army.

While in the army, Chris watched a documentary featuring celebrity chef Bobby Flay that changed his life. He credits the show as the inspiration that pushed him to pursue his passion of becoming a professional chef. With the support of Army Colonel Sheila Bryant, ironically a native of Fayetteville, Chris was granted early release after serving his country for nine years. He enrolled in a culinary arts school in El Paso, TX, and never looked back.

While a student, he began working three days a week at the award-winning, Cafe’ Central in El Paso. He credits his Cafe Central experience with teaching him to work fast, avoid panic, and be clean and organized. These essential traits have made Chris a champion amongst chefs in the competitive arena and allowed him entry into some of the world’s most lauded culinary spaces.

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At Cafe’ Central, Chris was introduced by way of a documentary to the exceptional Alinea, a Chicago restaurant which holds a coveted Michelin 3-star rating. “When I saw Alinea on TV, I knew that I had to be there,” he said. Chris sent a well-crafted email that allowed him to showcase his skills to the Alinea group. He flew out to Chicago and worked as an unpaid kitchen intern in hopes of receiving an offer.

After two intense work days, Chris secured his dream job as a chef at the world-renowned Alinea. In time he would be a sous chef. “I would grind for 16 hours, go home, wake up and do it all over again,” Chris shares.

Chef Chris reveals that although he was thriving professionally, his greatest challenge was balancing his professional and personal life. Because he was uber-focused on his work, he was oblivious to the impact his hectic work life was having on his family and himself. He did a priority check and found it necessary to part from Alinea.

Continuing to cook, Chris began working for less demanding establishments. Although the initial transition was tough, he felt that it was best. “Once I slowed down, I realized I felt lost and had to rediscover myself. I’ve been on that path since that time.” He attributes his partner, Tempestt Young, for helping to guide him on this newfound journey, as well as his four children, who inspire him to be the best version of himself.

Chris is currently enjoying life as a private chef for a family in Illinois, a job that he absolutely loves.

He says, “Before, I only had time to concentrate on the food, but now I’m able to create experiences, connect with, and inspire people through food.”

Those things are what Chris says he loves most about his life as a chef.

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So, what’s next for the mega-talented chef?

He is launching a podcast that promotes men’s mental wellness and developing a non-profit youth organization that offers mentoring and encourages kids to pursue their dreams. Who better to mentor others than the Dream Catcher himself? Chef Chris Dodson’s life screams dream big; work hard and capture your dream. h

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Terrell Steward

Building Up The Small Business Community of Chicago

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Terrell Bernard Steward Terrell Bernard Steward of Chicago, IL, describes himself as a selfless person who finds enjoyment in serving others.

Terrell is a graduate of Chicago Vocational High School in Chicago and later attended Northern Illinois University. His learning was interrupted as he was required to care for his mother, who became ill while he was a student.

Today, Terell is the owner of Bernard Terrell’s Cigar Shop, which is located in downtown Chicago.

He uses his business venue to give other aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners a place to showcase and promote their talents, products, and services. Some things that take place at his shop are small business events, pop-up shops, acoustic jazz sets, stepping classes, and more. “We want to bring a variety of services and opportunities to members of our business community,” he shares.

Bernard says the love for his community is entrenched in his upbringing in Chicago. “I am a native of Chicago, and I have seen firsthand the things that happen here. Because I am aware of what our community lacks, I also understand the needed change. I wanted to create a hub for our community, a positive place where people would come and enjoy themselves and also benefit from being here,” he says.

Another program that takes place there is a ManTo-Man event, which is held every month. Terrell says these sessions are designed to give men a platform to open up and talk about what matters to us and what affects us. “Men look forward to these sessions.

There aren’t any pre-planned topics, and everything is organic. There is no judgment either. We create a place where men can feel comfortable to talk.”

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Every month, Terrell hosts an acoustic soul set called “Acoustic Sundays”. These are intimate settings between artists and acoustic players. Neosoul, Jazz, and old-school music are played, and these events average about 25 people in attendance.

During their stepping classes, they bring in a stepping instructor who conducts classes for two hours.

“Everything we do, we try to bring a smooth and grown vibe to the place,” he says.

Each quarter, Terrell hosts a “business refresh” that caters to the needs and interests of small business owners. During these classes, business owners can refresh their business plans and refocus on what they’re doing in an environment surrounded by other entrepreneurs.

“I have learned to just be myself and allow people to get to know me and who I truly am. You may have a good product, but when you can sell your personality, people will buy into you.”

Terrell Steward

Terrell has formed partnerships in the Chicago business community with Terrell Scott Sr. with Bronzeville Watch Company and Robiar Smith with R. B. Pest Solutions. He also hosts an annual Cigars In The Park event where he works with small businesses as vendors. Having these partnerships is beneficial to everyone in the small business community, he says.

Terrell says his vision and drive are connected to his genuine love of people. “I have always been a people person. I have been a doorman for over fifteen years.

I believe my interest to serve others comes naturally,” he says.

Like most business owners, Terrell has faced many challenges. Still, he remains determined to fulfill his purpose. “Getting consumers in the doors has been challenging. Everyone is not going to believe in your vision. I have learned to just be myself and allow people to get to know me and who I truly am. You may have a good product, but when you can sell your personality, people will buy into you. That defeats half of the battle,” Terrell shares. He has faced these challenges by getting out more into his community and connecting with his prospective clients. He has become more personable and marketable, and it has paid off.

Looking ahead, Terrell plans to continue educating others about his brand and business and find ways to give back to other business owners in his community.

For small business owners who have products and services and are looking for ways to connect with others like you, Terrell offers his services. He also offers advice to those who may follow a path similar to the one he has is very direct. “Be passionate and learn all that you can about your craft. If it is your calling, you must work towards being the very best at it. Never be afraid to learn every day, research, and do your due diligence.”

To learn more about Terrell Bernard Steward, please contact him directly. h

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I Am She Girls Mentoring

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Vanessa R. Caswell Vanessa Caswell-Rodgers of Memphis, TN, is a woman of faith, resilience, and abundant possibilities. She is the founder of I Am She Girls Mentoring, a nonprofit organization that assists young girls between the ages of (8-18) in achieving their best despite challenges they may face. Her organization also helps these young ladies deal with childhood trauma, drug abuse, peer pressure, homelessness, and low self-esteem. I Am She Girls Mentoring partners with other organizations and schools (including principals and counselors) to provide the best plan that meets the needs of the youth.

Presently, Vanessa mentors students and works with three schools in the Frayser community of Memphis.

“I Am She mentors young women by reminding all Queens who they are and how to display and portray the beauty within,” Vanessa says. “We offer various classes and workshops, including etiquette, self-esteem, self-confidence, and character building. Furthermore, we help our Queens set goals and discover their purpose.”

Vanessa was raised by her grandparents in what she describes as a large family setting.

Family is essential to Vanessa. She is the sibling of a twin sister and has many other brothers and sisters. She shares her life with her husband, Eric Rogers.

Vanessa graduated from Memphis Tech High School in 1985. She also completed her studies at Stage One Hair School, Shelby State College, and Tennessee State University. She is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

Serving her community is something that Vanessa is honored to do, and she accepts it with a great deal of responsibility. She shares, “I started serving my community in 2017 by working with my brother’s organization, Legacy Of Legends. I helped by providing wrap-around services to many children and their families.

From then on, I’ve been serving and supporting other nonprofit organizations.”

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Vanessa says, “I founded I Am She after realizing my passion and purpose for mentoring women in navigating difficult situations and pushing them to pursue their dreams and goals. I was once a woman with low self-esteem, but I learned to overcome my obstacles, stand tall, and tell my story while inspiring others.”

While Vanessa serves as the Executive Director, the success of I Am She Girls Mentoring Memphis is made possible with the dedication of team members including Tiara Caswell, Allyson Jackson, Valerie Dodson, Mary Jones, Sharon Walker, Betty Lewis, Sylvia Walker, Eric Rodgers, Serita Harris, Miesha Yelder, Maudie Wilson, and Lakevia Henderson, a Junior Mentor. The Board Members of I Am She are Alfred Garrett, Elaine Baldwin, Janet Keys, Tamera Walker Tuggle, Lora Fowler, Jim Ward, and Angela Ellis.

More than anything, what Vanessa says she loves most about what she does is observing lives transformed by way of her organization. She states she is inspired by the opportunity to love on broken young ladies and help them become the best version of themselves. “Following in the footsteps of my young brother, who went from being a typical young man to becoming a family man and man of God, has impacted my life more than anything,” Vanessa said.

It is obvious Vanessa has a huge heart to serve. Leading a nonprofit that focuses on meeting the needs of young girls requires compassion and patience. Being available for others is essential and is something Vanessa had to learn to balance. “I often am asked to help, but I had to learn that saying no is OK,” she says. “My advice to others who may follow in my footsteps is to have patience and faith and surround yourself with like-minded individuals.”

Moving forward, Vanessa says she plans to continue growing her program and acquire transportation vans. Having these vehicles will allow the young ladies she serves to see other areas out of their environment and expose them to life-changing events. To learn more about I Am She Girls Mentoring, please visit their website. h

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Jazley Trosuser Equipping Youth With Tools To Succeed

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Jazzley Trouser

While the city of Detroit, MI, is well known for being an automobile powerhouse and for having a community of resilient and determined citizens, there are some other things happening that are worthy of sharing. Meet Jazley Trouser.

Jazley Trouser, a Detroit native, is the pioneer and organizer behind Life After Care (L.A.C.), a nonprofit organization that focuses on meeting the needs of foster youth by providing fundamental abilities to develop versatile properties and support. Through a 26-week educational program on central life skills, students have significantly improved in financial literacy, character, professional engagement, culinary expressions/well-being/cleanliness, mental care, and social skills. Jazley says, “If a youngster has a rich and varied foundation from varying backgrounds joined with proficient encounters, a kid is knowledgeable in context and capacity.”

The vision for Life After Care (L.A.C.) was birthed after Jazley encountered direct holes in the childcare framework. “I committed to utilizing my encounters to execute a program that would everlastingly steer youth improvement. The ‘L.A.C.’ program was established in 2021 in light of my expert information as a young, trained professional with previous cultivated care encounters. I chose to create a program with volunteers from the local area, a component that helped me thrive as a kid.”

For the most part, Jazley has constructed her life around serving others. Her love and commitment to serving are connected to her upbringing, and L.A.C. gives her a platform to make a positive impact in the lives of others.

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“My insight as a mother and the unconditional love I have for others has permitted me to fulfill the neglected areas many foster youth experience.”

She says, “In the wake of losing my mom to cancer early on, I lived with a drugdependent father during probably the most crucial seasons of young adolescence. The unbelievable conditions prompted me to experience childhood in the foster care framework. Throughout many transitional years, a village of people who wanted to see me succeed supported me as best they could.

I earned an associate’s degree in business administration and gained experience in various fields. After having my daughter and recognizing the holes foster care presented me in my upbringing, I knew it was a matter of time before my passion, experience, and will to make an impact would align. My insight as a mother and the unconditional love I have for others has permitted me to fulfill the neglected areas many foster youth experience. My lived and shared encounters have birthed an unquestionable association that separates me from anybody in the field of educating and supporting foster youth. Inside a defective framework, I saw a chance to give others the fundamental abilities I frantically needed while in foster care. Now, I battle for change in how foster youth are considered, educated, supported, acknowledged, and loved.”

Jazley says she loves teaching and pushing for foster youth who need a voice and a stage. She does this utilizing the assets and comprehension of the Detroit community.

Through her work, youth are heard, seen, and outfitted with what they need to survive and ensure they are not anchored to their conditions and traumas.

Helping others isn’t a simple task. To be quite honest, it can be quite challenging.

Jazley says that intruding on any framework with change accompanies a couple of knocks here and there. She adds that Life After Care, a ‘framework transformer,’ is entrusted with distinguishing tricky regions and positively affecting all angels. In doing so, her organization is challenged with informing its students and setting a solid foundation for their future. L.A.C. has managed these challenges by remaining focused and standing firm regarding the needs of those it serves.

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Moving forward, Jazley desires to continue to build a program that will persevere.

“To accomplish this, we must mix the organization with crucial standards of ethics and values. By focusing on integrity in all we do, I am confident our program will flourish while influencing and cultivating youth long into the future,” she says. h

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“Twant me, ‘twas the Lord. I always told him, ‘I trust to you. I don’t know where to go or what to do, but I expect you to lead me,’ and He always did.”

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Mecca Causey The son of Ryan Causey and Nijalon Jackson-Causey

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Broderick Emery Gold Link Beard Company

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Gold Link Beard Co.

Emery Sumberlin III and Broderick Williams have made it their purpose to make an impression in the grooming and beard care industry for men. These ambitious, business-savvy entrepreneurs reign from Fort Worth, TX, and are the founders of Gold Link Beard Co. Gold Link Beard Company started in 2018 with an online store and opened its first location during the summer of 2023 in the Parks Mall in Arlington, TX. Today, the company offers a wide range of men’s grooming products for beard and hair care.

Some products and services they provide are beard oils, beard balms, lotions, beard kits, natural woodcombs and brushes, handmade candles, and jewelry. Overall, Gold Link Beard Co. provides a comprehensive range of men’s grooming products and accessories crafted with care and designed to enhance the grooming experience while promoting healthy and stylish beards and hair.

Emery is a native of Fort Worth, Texas, and currently resides in Mansfield, Texas, with his wife and three children. He attended the University of North Texas, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology. Emery furthered his education at Amberton University, obtaining a Masters Degree in Human Relations and Business.

With over 18 years of experience in Criminal Justice, Education, and Youth Development, Emery has made a significant impact in these fields. He has worked diligently to create positive change and provide opportunities for individuals within these sectors. Emery is not only dedicated to his professional endeavors but is also an ambitious entrepreneur. He started his own carpet cleaning business, which gained recognition for its exceptional service and customer satisfaction.

Eventually, he established himself as a top real estate agent in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, helping clients find their dream homes and navigate the real estate market.

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Emery’s diverse background and extensive experience have shaped him into a well-rounded individual who is passionate about making a difference in his community. He continues to strive for excellence in all his endeavors and is committed to providing exceptional service and opportunities for others.

Gold Link Beard Co.’s co-founder, Broderick, is a multifaceted individual who has made significant contributions as an entrepreneur, educator, and community activist. Born and raised on the SouthSide Side of Fort Worth, Broderick is a proud graduate of Texas Wesleyan University. He has always been passionate about making a positive impact in his community, which led him to serve as a zoning commissioner in District 6 of Fort Worth. He is also a dedicated member of the esteemed Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., actively participating in various initiatives to empower and uplift his community. Broderick has played a pivotal role in fostering entrepreneurship and providing opportunities for aspiring business owners and community groups in his role as co-founder.

In addition to his entrepreneurial endeavors, Broderick is deeply committed to social causes. He is also the co-founder of Survive and Thrive Education, a non-profit organization that focuses on supporting student support services from high school through college. Through this initiative, Broderick aims to ensure that every student has access to the resources and guidance they need to succeed academically and professionally. With a strong belief in the power of education, Broderick has founded several educational programs aimed at providing comprehensive support to students.

“Gold Link Beard Co. encourages men to pay attention to the small details, from the hair on their faces to their smell or an accessory that may bring out a favorite outfit or suit.

Gold Link Beard Co. products are specifically made for men who take pride in their appearance and hygiene. These products are also designed to cater to the needs of men who have facial hair, whether it’s a full beard, mustache, or stubble. The company understands that men’s grooming needs and accessories are unique and different from women’s, and they have created a line of products that address these specific needs.

Gold Link’s beard oils are specially formulated to moisturize and nourish their client’s beard and skin underneath. These oils help to soften the beard, reduce itchiness, and promote healthy beard growth. They are made with natural ingredients and come in different scents to suit individual preferences. Their beard balms are similar to beard oils but have a thicker consistency. They state their beard balms provide additional hold and control for shaping and styling the beard. They also provide moisture and nourishment to keep the beard healthy and manageable.

The lotions offered by Gold Link Beard Co. are specifically designed for men’s grooming needs. These lotions are lightweight and non-greasy, providing hydration and nourishment to the skin without leaving a heavy residue. They can be used on the face, beard, and body and assist with keeping the skin moisturized and smooth. Their beard kits include a combination of beard oils, balms, and other grooming essentials and are perfect for those who want a complete set of products for their beard care routine.

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The Natural WoodCombs and Brushes are highquality combs and brushes made from natural wood.

They are designed to detangle and style the beard without causing any damage, help distribute their products evenly, and promote healthy beard growth.

For those interested in creating a relaxing and inviting atmosphere while enjoying their grooming routine, the Handmade Candles they offer will help achieve that experience. Their candles are made with natural ingredients and come in various scents. Their selection of handmade jewelry, including bracelets, necklaces, and rings, is made with high-quality materials and complements the modern man’s style.

Emery and Broderick share they love providing a product and service that caters to men’s personal appearance. “We believe that men should take care of themselves, so they can continue to be pillars in the community and in their family. Gold Link Beard Co. encourages men to pay attention to the small details, from the hair on their faces to their smell or an accessory that may bring out a favorite outfit or suit,” they said.

The duo also says they are inspired by serving their community. “Growing up in an area that did not afford many opportunities, we have been blessed to receive love and support from those in our local community.

This support has kept our businesses afloat and provided us opportunities to give back to them through Survive and Thrive Education,” they shared.

Like most businesses, Emery and Broderick have faced some challenges. Having a limited budget and not seeing a significant return on their investment has been one. “Another challenge is that the grooming industry is highly competitive, with many established brands already catering to the market. Standing out and differentiating from competitors is challenging,” they said. Marketing can be costly for small businesses, but it’s a must-have, and Emery and Broderick have been creative and resourceful to stay ahead of the game, utilizing their marketing dollars very wisely.

Gold Link Beard Co. has partnered with the program, Partner to Empower, which gives them the opportunity to expand their business into other malls across the country. “Our goal for 2024 is to open up another location in Texas and to also increase our online presence. We also plan to expand by getting our products in stores such as Macy’s, Dillards, or Target,” they shared. h

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Denise Lee Broom Brush Tea Co.

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Denise Lee Denise Lee of Phoenix, AZ, knew as a young girl what her purpose in life would involve: Teas. She says, “Teas were my purpose all along; I just didn’t know. As a young girl, my mom had her garden, and I loved rushing home from school to see what was growing. I have always loved plants, and when my hands are in the dirt, it’s a connection that feels right.”

Denise is the daughter of Carrie Hamilton (Parker) and was given a gift from an ancestor to create herbal medicine. As a child, she attended Jorgenson Elementary and grew up in South Phoenix. In her mother’s garden, Denise developed a love of plants and teas.

Today, Denise is the owner of Broom Brush Teas.

“The name Broom Bush is mentioned in Ezekiel in the bible. If you read Bush Medicine of the Bahamas, you will learn about this bush. Another name for this herb in the Bahamas is seaside thyme. They use the leafy stems or the entire plant. The Broom Bush is used to cure jaundice and failed liver. It also must be administered by a Bush Doctor,” she says. “I don’t use this in any of my teas, but my dream is to become a master Bush Doctor and work with this bush. It’s very powerful.”

With her company, Denise offers consultations regarding herbal teas to aid in the body’s ability to heal itself from different alignments. She also sells herbal teas for individuals who choose a holistic lifestyle. “The first tea that I created was the Khealing Tea. It was during the onset of Covid 19. It was very effective and sought after during that period mainly due to the 43 immunity-boosting herbs it possesses,” she says.

The journey of starting her company began for Denise many years ago. It was in 2014 and was during that time that her mother passed away. Denise and her siblings were cleaning out her mom’s home when they came across a book filled with herbs. Denise chose to read it. “When COVID hit, something told me to get that book. I took all the herbs that support immunity and created the Khealing Tea. I passed this tea out to family and friends. A family member had a friend get sick, and she dropped the tea at the doorstep of their home. The family took the tea and was over COVID in four Chicago - Jan./Feb. 2024

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days. They later called me because their aunt ended up in the hospital with COVID. They took the tea to the hospital and gave it to her daily, and she was home by the end of the week.

Later, someone posted my address on Facebook, calling my tea the COVID Killer, and people started coming to my house for it. I later asked if they could take my address down and meet me at the Laveen Farmers Market to get the tea. At this point, I didn’t have a business; I was only selling the Khealing Tea for $15. I didn’t understand that making it cost me more than $15, so I was losing money. The tea was selling so fast, and I called my sister and asked her for money. She wanted to know if what I was doing was a hobby or a business. If I would make it a business, she would help, and that is how I started Broom Bush Tea,” Denise says.

Denise shares that her teas are designed for the person who is sick of the adverse side effects of medicine and is willing to lose weight, eat better, exercise, and drink herbal teas. “My teas are created to inspire the healing journey, giving the power back to the person and the earth,” she says.

When asked what she loves most about what she does, Denise says it is being available for her customers. “I love it when my customers visit the Farmers Market and share their healing stories with me after taking my teas. Sometimes, I am amazed by how fast they work. I recall one customer whose husband previously had testicle cancer. She had been trying to have another baby with her husband for years without success. The doctors said her husband’s sperm count was low and IVF would be the route path to take. I sold them my “His All Nighter Tea” and “IVF Tea”. The customer came back to the market three months later and shared they were expecting. I was in shock that the teas worked that fast.

God gives us plants that have been on the Earth longer than man. Plants heal and they heal quickly. Like a dying plant, if you give it water and sunlight, it will sprout a green leaf out of nowhere, healing itself and bringing new leaves quickly,” Denise says.

Building her business has been challenging, and having the capital to sustain its growth is one that Denise has faced headon. Still, she is resilient and committed to helping others with her teas. Her advice to other aspiring entrepreneurs is to start by structuring your business properly, studying long and hard, and ensuring you are committed to your work. Even when the money isn’t there, you have to love what you’re doing.

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Looking ahead, Denise dreams of making her teas accessible to others in stores such as Sprouts. “I have a dream to get my teas in Sprouts, even if it’s just the Sprouts in my neighborhood,” she says. “I would also like to get my teas in other stores such as AJ’s, Walgreens, and CVS. More than anything, I plan to continue to listen to my community and provide high-quality products to support a healthy lifestyle,” she says. h

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Cedar Grove

Tabernacle of Praise Overseer J.Troy Blackwell

Celebrating 100 Years of Serving God And Our Community

By Monica Montgomery Photos Provided by Still Shots Photography and Snuggs Photography Understanding our history helps to guide us into the future. History is tied to the local church for most African American communities. In 1923, eight people from the Terra Cotta community of Greensboro, North Carolina, gathered to discuss the establishment of a church. In 2023, Cedar Grove Tabernacle of Praise proudly celebrated its centennial year.

In a time when the world is changing with the click of a button, the historic Cedar Grove Tabernacle of Praise is going strong as a beacon of hope, light, love, and faith in the Terra Cotta community. Terra Cotta, named after the brownish-red clay, was explicitly founded to segregate the African American workers who, from the 1880s to the 1970s, made the clay pipes that ran beneath the city.

Since that fateful gathering of the founding eight members, Cedar Grove has become a pillar of stability in its community.

Displaying strength and wisdom from the past while lighting a path of hope for the future. Over the one hundred years the church has been in service, it has only had five pastors. The current senior pastor of almost eight years is Overseer J. Troy Blackwell. When the previous senior pastor of CGTOP selected him, Blackwell was pastoring the church he founded.

“I’ve only been the pastor of CGTOP for eight years. My connection to the church goes back to 2004. I knew of Cedar Grove Tabernacle of Praise through our Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship affiliations, and I would eventually understand my purpose. My predecessor, Dr. James A Johnson, hand-selected me for the senior pastor position once he retired,” he explains.

Overseer Blackwell received his call to the gospel while on active duty in the US Navy. He was licensed in the ministry of the gospel in 1991. He retired from the Navy in 2002, and God led him to plant a church, that being, Freedom For Living Ministries which he founded in the basement of his home.

“Before starting Freedom For Living Ministries, a fellow pastor and friend reached out to me and asked me to do a sermon series at his church while he went on a short sabbatical. Once I started my church, my friend invited me to go with him to a Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship conference in Arizona in 2004. That year, I became part of the Full Gospel Church Fellowship,” he explained.

In the following years, Blackwell, armed with his love for God and his passion for teaching God’s word, received recognition in the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship community. “I was appointed to West Central District Director of Christian Education.

Next, I served as the state Director of Christian Education for the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship of the State of North Carolina. In 2008, I was elevated to the District Overseer of the Central District Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship of North Carolina,” he says.

The different district positions allowed Blackwell to fellowship with several churches, including CGTOP. Blackwell says, “Dr. Johnson brought me in several times to do workshops and things like that. So, he and I had a strong relationship, and the church and I were very familiar with each other.”

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Before being asked to become senior pastor of CGTOP, Overseer Blackwell says the Lord showed him a vision.

“God told me that I would have two churches. One would be in a rural area, and one in the city. God showed me specific dynamics and areas where each church had major strengths and weaknesses. My role was understanding how to merge the two,” Blackwell continues. “The rural church is smaller and family-focused. It is truly a community church. The issue is the rural church is often steeped in traditions and resistant to change. The urban church is organized and progressive, but the intimacy and connectivity can sometimes be lost if we’re not careful.

My assignment is to bridge the gap between the two ideologies.”

Blackwell sought God’s wisdom, thinking that God was calling him to plant a second church. Not long after, he received a call from Dr. Johnson, the then-current senior pastor, telling him he planned to retire. “Dr. Johnson called and said that he was retiring in a year and wanted me to take over as senior pastor at CGTOP,” Blackwell said with a laugh. “I didn’t see it coming, to be honest. I asked him if he was sure, and he said yes. At that point, God’s vision became clear. I would be merging two churches. Freedom for Living, a small rural community church, and CGTOP, a larger urban church.”

In the one hundred years that CGTOP has existed, it has done so because of forward-thinking leadership and community support. Each pastor was instrumental in the growth of the church and its congregation. Initially a Baptist church, Dr. James A. Johnson, in his twenty-six years as senior pastor of Cedar Grove, helped to connect it to the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship.

Pictured above are members of The Reunion Choir

Cedar Grove Tabernacle of Praise is an essential cornerstone of the Terra Cotta community and its rich history. As Overseer Blackwell goes into his eight years of service, he understands the importance of securing the church’s relevance to the people of this historic Greensboro community and those who will come after him.

“Dr. Johnson had done an amazing job of teaching Kingdom principles. The people understood what it meant to be Kingdom-minded, what that application looked like, and the importance of being consistent with the community. All I did was come in and build on that firmly established foundation. My assignment is to take the ministry to the next level in God,” Blackwell explained.

“When a pastor retires, it’s usually because they have taken the ministry as far as they could, and it is time for them to release it so that the person God has prepared can move the vision forward. My goal is, with the leading of God, to move the ministry forward, giving it everything I have.

Then, when I pass the mantle, the incoming leadership will have the same graceful transition Dr. Johnson gave me.”

Pictured above are lifelong members of Cedar Grove TOP

Taking on a church with the historical significance and communal value that Cedar Grove has could be a bit daunting. Still, Overseer Blackwell is armed with vision and passion for seeing the church and the community’s people grow spiritually and civically. Blackwell plans to do this in three five-year phases.

The first five-year phase was growing the church and paying off the building. “As I said before, Cedar Grove was already a great church. The three keys to growth in any church are genuine love, trust, and mutual respect. That’s from the top to the bottom,” Blackwell said pointedly. “If you have authentic love, genuine trust, and mutual respect as your base, you create an atmosphere conducive to actual growth and not a swell of interest. That’s what is happening at Cedar Grove.”

In the second five-year phase, Blackwell intends to get the church back to its position at the center of the community. “Shortly before transitioning to CGTOP, Freedom for Living had purchased a plot of land. We hadn’t decided how to develop it at the time.

The goal was a community center, but it wouldn’t make sense because the land is so far away from the people we are trying to serve,” he explained. “The church is meant to be a resource for the community—a place where people can get more than just their spiritual needs met.”

The third and final five-year phase of the current goal is civic awareness. In the last twenty years, churches and religious organizations have backed away from engaging in politics for fear of being seen as biased. Historically, the black church was where the community came to be informed of what was happening in the world and how they could play an essential role in securing their rights and the rights of those who would come after them. Overseer Blackwell believes it’s time for the church to step up. “To help our communities, we must become more informed of what is happening in politics. How can we make things better if we choose not to become aware of our communities’ social and economic issues? If historic communities like Terra Cotta are to survive, we have to engage in the politics that affect us,” Blackwell said passionately.

“Encouraging people to take an interest in how their city and town is run is important. Getting the information out so people can be informed voters gives them the power to advocate for themselves. This is the only way communities like ours will survive. I know empowering the people of God to help make the laws that govern them is God-ordained,” Blackwell says. While it has only been seven years for Blackwell as the Pastor of Cedar Grove, he knows what legacy he wants to leave behind. “My desired effect on this church and community is simple. I want my legacy to be that we honored God and used his wisdom to build the community up one family at a time.” h

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