Huami Magazine California June/July 2026

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June/July 2026 Vol. 2 Issue 5

Timothy Poole

Hooked on Fishing, Not On Violence Nonprofit Organization California - June/July 2026

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A Hard Head Makes A Soft Bottom There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!

A Letter From The Editor - Terry L. Watson

I recall praying and seeking God about a specific matter in my life.

I had come tofrom this place after spending a great deal of time trying A Letter the Editor to figure things out on my own, and ultimately drawing no sufficient conclusion. At this point, I had already bypassed God’s instructions to seek Him What first, and that was possibly the reason had returned if tomorrow didn’t arrive?

All ofwhy yourI plans, hopes to a place of surrender.

“God, I need you.

I need your help with this,” and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if were the words I spokethat to our then waited patiently for everything youheavenly decidedfather. to putIoff until tomorrow never an answer.

Time passed, and still nothing.

I continued to pray, and happened? There would be no reason to save for a rainy still, I didn’t hear anything. During my waiting, I would soon drift and even day, and you could spare someone the trouble of making forget about what I had asked God for. promises. What if your last opportunity seemingly expired today? What would you do?

As time passed, what I had asked God for help with was now being handled by me, or at least I thought so. While patiently waiting for God I’ve been told that I often seem like I do too much. to answer my prayer, I lost patience and jumped into the driver’s seat Honestly, I feel like I am not my doing enough and I’m a firm of my life, and got nowhere.

Using own instinct, I thought that I was believer knowing that God wouldn’t putstill anything me working thingsinout.

I was still praying every day, living inon obedience that I couldn’t handle.

I sometimes wonder how life would to the word of God (to some degree), and I was doing. Well, that be didn’t if I chose to sitand idleeventually and accept what myself it presented tothe me.same I strategy go well, I found back at have found that to be very boring.

In my opinion, opportunity place I started, and with more regret. While God’s grace prevented is aenduring blessing calamity that isn’tand afforded to everyone. challenge me from total destruction, myApoor decision of to me is an adventure.

What is the worst that can happen? moving without Him did come with consequences.

If I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn something newword about myself. your pride and in In the bible, God’s had alreadyRelinquish provided me with instructions return acquire on how to live: “Seeklife. the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Matthew 6:33 Theseek bestGod advice towait me happened when someone (NLT). I did first,ever butgiven I didn’t for Him to answer.

Because toldme, meeven to make tomorrowout happen today.myself In doing He loves whenmy I journeyed and busied with so my own I haveHis pressed my way withme, a key that only to reasoning, grace kept me. through Because doors God loves I was allowed endurehope the consequences of my decisions, but He even allowed provided. I have alsopoor learned the difference between them to work outblesses for myme good. what God with and what life can burden me with as well. I compare it to knowing when to be confident and I have learned that sometimes whenwhen I don’ttogive the opportunity be God quiet, because to answer my prayers, He will allow experience to teach me.

As a someone may get it confused young boy, my mama told me that a hard head makes a soft bottom. I with being arrogant. thought it only applied to when I was her little boy, butyou it didn’t.

As grown as I Make tomorrow am today, I will always be God’s happen today, but mostchild, and because it’s in my nature to be importantly make it count. hard headed occasion, I appreciate Life ison but a whisper and the covering He continues to provide we must put ourselves in a throughposition experience.

With a heart to hear what it isfull of appreciation, I strive each day to telling us. become the vessel that God designed me to be.

Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder

Terry L Watson

Dr. MarrissaEditor DickIn Chief Writer Terry L. Watson Writer Terry L. Watson Alana Allen - Deputy Editor Monica Montgomery Writer Writers

Tonya Dixon Terry L. Watson Journey Grace Alana Allen Photographer Tamara Smith Todd Youngblood Jeuron Dove Photographer Snuggs Photography Photographer Photographers

Perfect Lenz Photography Shaw Photography Group StillGeneral Shots Photography Inquiries

huamimagazine@gmail.com Layout (336)340-7844 Who Shotya Photography

Mykel Media Company Linda Bennett Mykel Media Company LLC

Greensboro, NC mykelmedia@yahoo.com 2026 All Rights Reserved (336) 340-7844

HUAMI MAGAZINE is published 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 terry.editor@yahoo.com or to Mykel Media Company, LLC P.O. Box 20102 Greensboro, NC 27420 HUAMI MAGAZINE 2014 All Rights Reserved

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CALIFORNIA

CONTENTS

Miss Black Colorado Springs

Jassmyn Strode

On The Cover

Hooked on Fishing Not On Violence

Timothy Poole

Fresno, CA Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Lanare Community Center Los Angeles, CA National Recognition Earned

LA County Dept. of Youth Develop.

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Godware Fashion & Apparel

Tishawn and Todd

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JUNE/JULY 2026

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Jacksonian Media Institute

Dorian Ducksworth

The 99th Squadron Inc

Ramone Hemphill

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Using the lessons he learned from his father, he has built a nonprofit organization to help other youth in his community Keynon Lake.

Asheville, NC

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He is Huami Magazine’s Cutest Baby. Introducing one beautiful baby.

His name is Kamorian Allen

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W hat’s H appening I n O ur C ommunity

Fresno County And Self-Help Enterprises Hosted A Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony For The Lanare Community Center - June 26, 2026 Information provided by Press Release from Fresno County Government Website

The County of Fresno and Self-Help Enterprises will hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of the newly renovated Lanare Community Center at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, June 26, 2026, at 20620 S. Grantland Avenue, Riverdale, CA 93656. Community members were invited to attend.

The celebration included leaders from Lanare Community Special District (LCSD), Leadership Counsel for Justice & Accountability, and representatives from the Fresno County Departments of Behavioral Health, Public Health and Social Services, and the California Health Collaborative.

The County of Fresno and Self-Help Enterprises, on behalf of LCSD, entered into a County agreement providing $1.6 million in American Rescue Plan Act – State Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ARPA-SLFRF) to support major improvements at the Lanare Community Center.

Before the renovation, the Center faced significant structural challenges with either outdated facilities or rooms in disrepair.

The County’s ARPA-SLFRF investment funded comprehensive upgrades to ensure the Center continues to serve as a vital community asset, support civic engagement, deliver critical resources such as food distribution, and promote community health and wellness throughout the Lanare area and neighboring unincorporated communities.

For decades, the Center has remained the only public facility in Lanare available for community meetings, recreational gatherings, social events, and food distribution efforts that support residents of Lanare and surrounding rural and disadvantaged communities.

The County of Fresno and Self-Help Enterprises encouraged residents to attend the event, explore the new upgrades, and learn more about available services and resources from the County departments and partner agencies. h

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W hat’s H appening I n O ur C ommunity

Los Angeles County Department of Youth Development Programs Earn National Recognition for Advancing Public Safety and Opportunity Information provided by Press Release from www.lacounty.gov

The National Association of Counties has honored four Los Angeles County Department of Youth Development programs with its 2026 Achievement Awards, recognizing Los Angeles County’s innovative efforts to support young people through mentorship, prevention, reentry services, and community-based care.

The awards highlight L.A. County’s emergence as a national leader in care-first approaches to youth development and public safety strategies that connect young people to opportunity while reducing involvement in the justice system.

“Young people are among Los Angeles County’s greatest assets, and they deserve every opportunity to thrive,” said DYD Director David J. Carroll. “These awards reflect the power of investing in young people’s strengths, supporting community partnerships, and challenging traditional approaches. By integrating trusted mentors with lived experience and making the most of innovative tools to support our partners, we are helping build a new blueprint for youth development that strengthens communities and creates brighter futures.”

The following DYD programs received 2026 NACo awards: Credible Messenger (Category: Criminal Justice and Public Safety): This program delivers culturally responsive mentorship within juvenile facilities using mentors with lived justice-system experience to create therapeutic environments. Through over 16,000 mentoring sessions, it has successfully increased youth engagement and strengthened connections to community-based resources.

Youth Development Networks (Category: Children and Youth): This initiative provides free, culturally responsive services through 34 local organizations to support youth ages 12–26 in communities heavily impacted by systemic inequities. Serving over 5,000 young people since June 2024, the network has significantly increased participants’ hopefulness and community connection.

Reentry Action for Youth (RAY) (Category: Criminal Justice and Public Safety): RAY transforms how justice-involved youth transition from detention back into their communities through a network of 18 community organizations. By combining peer mentorship with case management, the program has helped over 300 youth access stable housing, education, employment, and behavioral health resources.

Provider Invoice System (Category: Information Technology): This centralized, web-based platform replaces a manual, emaildriven billing process to streamline invoicing for the department’s community-based service providers. The digital transformation has drastically reduced administrative burdens, accelerated vendor reimbursements, and ensured uninterrupted continuity of youth services.

DYD advances a care-first approach to public safety through prevention, diversion, and reentry programs. Prevention efforts help young people build strong foundations through access to mentorship, education, employment, and community supports.

Diversion programs connect youth to services and opportunities that address challenges before they lead to deeper involvement in the justice system. Reentry programs help young people successfully transition back to their communities with the resources, relationships, and support needed to thrive.

Together, these strategies reflect a simple belief: when young people have opportunities to succeed, communities are h stronger, safer, and more resilient.

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Timothy Poole

Hooked on Fishing, Not On Violence Nonprofit Organization

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Timothy Poole

Sacramento, CA, native and resident, Timothy Poole is the founder of Hooked on Fishing, Not On Violence, a Sacramento-based, high-impact, community-focused nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing violence, reducing justice involvement, and supporting youth ages 12–26 through relationship-based intervention, leadership development, and healing-centered support. Since 2011, the organization has helped young people reconnect with purpose, build real-world skills, and access the resources they need to thrive. Timothy shares they meet youth where they are — in the community, in crisis, and at turning points in their lives — and help them move toward stability, confidence, and opportunity.

Some of the programs offered by HOFNV are Street Outreach & Intervention, Youth Leadership & Life Skills, the Jr. CEO Entrepreneurship Program, Healing-Centered Activities, and the EGI: Ending Girls’ Incarceration Program. With the Street Outreach & Intervention, HOFNV offers an outreach team that maintains a consistent presence in the community. They also focus on mentorship, crisis response, conflict interruption, support navigating challenges, and safe, trusted relationships. With their Youth Leadership & Life Skills program, they provide workshops and hands-on sessions that build confidence, communication skills, and personal accountability. They also address conflict management, encourage goal setting, and help to prepare program participants for workforce readiness. “Youth learn to lead from within and build a healthy sense of identity,” Timothy shares.

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Timothy shares that he understands that kids need structured, safe, and fun activities that provide learning opportunities, and he has made a conscious effort to make these available to them. Some of their outdoor activities are Sport Fishing Workshops, Water Safety Classes, Leadership Group Activities, Day Fishing Outings, Camping Outings, and Fish Derbies. Additional programs include Game Nights, Skating Events, Educational Programs, Healing Circles, and more.

“I got hit five times, though I wasn’t the intended target, wrong place at the wrong time. Still, it did happen, and because of it, I have used my experience as a testament to help save others.”

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Timothy shares that the approach taken by HOFNV is to combine community culture with trauma-informed practices to create pathways away from violence and toward healing. This requires the organization to be culturally responsive, youth-led, trauma-informed, survivor-informed (CSEC), family-engaged, and community-rooted. HOFNV has served the Sacramento community for over 14 years and has maintained a consistent outreach presence in high-need neighborhoods. Because of the efforts of HOFNV, Tim shares that hundreds of youth have been diverted from justice involvement. Additionally, they’ve developed eight cohorts of youth-led businesses that were launched through Jr. CEO, and have also established strong partnerships that have expanded their reach and support.

Born the son of Frank Arthur Poole Jr. and Betty-Jean Griffith Poole, Timothy was raised in Louisiana. He has been a victim of violence, as he was shot in a drive-by shooting in 1991. “I got hit five times, though I wasn’t the intended target, wrong place at the wrong time. Still, it did happen, and because of it, I have used my experience as a testament to help save others,” he says. Before getting shot, Timothy sold drugs. He shares a conversation his grandmother had with him. “You dropped out of Southern University to sell drugs. You know what comes out of this: jail or death. If you catch death first, you will never understand your mistake. If you catch jail, you will sit down for a while and think about it. I caught both. I went to jail, but it didn’t stop me. When I was shot, that stopped me. God spared my life to save someone else’s.”

More than anything, Timothy shares that he enjoys serving others. For over 30 years, Timothy has been a voice in his community and has even been referred to as the “Mayor” there. “I’m a community activist. I show up to the murder scenes, I show up at the hospitals, and the schools. I am also a local DJ at 97.5 KDEE FM, with the handle of DJ OneGone,” he says. “I do what I do because I feel like I owe it to the youth, to ensure they do not make the same mistakes that I did.”

As a non-profit organization, HOFNV is always seeking support. Not just monetary, but in other forms. “Of course, we depend on financial assistance, but we also need individuals who can come out and teach our young men how to fish, how to change an inner tube on the tires on their bikes, and other life skills. We need more men to show up and pour into our young men and be living examples of what they can become,” he says.

Looking ahead, Timothy says he is focusing on passing the torch while the fire is hot. “I am looking to bring others into the program who can help carry the program forward,” he says. To learn more about Hooked on Fishing Not On Violence, please visit their website. h

www.hofnov.org

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Jassmyn Strode Miss Black Colorado Springs 2026

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Jassmyn Strode

Jassmyn Strode is somewhat of a world traveler. Born in Misawa, Japan, as a young girl, she lived the life of a military brat. Jassmyn has strong roots in Houston, TX, and now calls Colorado Springs, CO, home. With ambition and determination both being her signature trademarks, Jassym is a mother, advocate, community leader, and lifelong learner, and has allowed the work that she does to speak for her.

Jassmyn earned her Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education and Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Grand Canyon University. She is presently pursuing her Master of Social Work while working as an Early Intervention Service Coordinator. Jassmyn shares that her passion lies with helping children and families thrive by connecting them to the resources and support they need during the earliest years of development.

Utilizing her accomplishments and accolades, Jassmyn has eloquently served as Miss Black Colorado Springs 2026, something she describes as one of the most rewarding experiences of her life. “The title of Miss Black Colorado Springs 2026 has given me a platform to educate, advocate, and serve my community in meaningful ways. I’ve had the opportunity to connect with families, participate in community events, speak about early childhood development, and represent women who may not always see themselves reflected in leadership roles. The experience has strengthened my confidence, expanded my impact, and reminded me that true leadership is about service,” she says.

Jassmyn shares that her vision for pageantry came from a desire to create change while representing something larger than herself. “I wanted to show that pageant queens are not just about crowns and gowns, they are advocates, leaders, and change makers. I decided to run for Miss Black Colorado Springs because I saw an opportunity to amplify my voice, increase awareness around early intervention, and inspire others to pursue their purpose unapologetically,” she says. Even more, the title aligned perfectly with Jassmyn’s passion for service and community impact.

Without question, Jassmyn possesses a genuine love for community service and helping others. She works as an Early Intervention Case Manager. She says that helping people feel seen, heard, and supported is what she loves most about what she does. “Whether I am working with families through early intervention, speaking at community events, or mentoring others, I enjoy knowing that my work can make a lasting difference. There is nothing more rewarding than empowering someone with knowledge, resources, or encouragement that helps them move forward with confidence.”

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Jassmyn’s platform as MSCS 2026 focuses on early childhood development and early intervention awareness, particularly for children, ages birth to three. With Seen Early, an additional tool within her platform, she educates families about child development, connects them with resources, volunteers at community events, reads to children, and partners with local organizations to promote early intervention and literacy. “My goal is to ensure every child and family feels seen, supported, and empowered; My vision is to ensure that families, especially those in underserved communities, understand developmental milestones, recognize early signs of delay, and know how to access support services.”

As MSCS 2026, Jassmyn says her primary focus is to bridge the gap between awareness and action by educating families, advocating for children, and creating conversations that help every child reach their full potential. “I am inspired by the journey that has shaped me into the woman I am today. Like many people, I have faced challenges, setbacks, and moments where I questioned my own strength, but those experiences taught me resilience, perseverance, and the importance of purpose. As a mother, advocate, and community leader, I am motivated by the desire to leave a positive impact on the lives of others.” Jassmyn adds that she is also inspired by the children and families she serves every day. Watching these groups of individuals overcome obstacles and celebrate even the smallest victories reminds her that growth is possible for everyone. “Their strength fuels my passion and encourages me to continue using my voice, platform, and experiences to uplift others.”

commUNITY

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Jassmyn is not only representing the community of Colorado Springs, but her life is a testament to her love for God and the faith she has in Him. She says, “The biggest influence in my life has been God. My faith is the foundation of who I am and has taught me to trust His plan, even when I couldn’t see where He was leading me. I truly believe He has called me to serve others, and that calling is what led me to social work and early intervention.” She also credits her family for instilling in her strong values and a love for God. Jassmyn professes that her family has always encouraged her to work hard and to believe in herself. “My son has given my purpose an even deeper meaning, inspiring my passion for advocating for children and families. I’m also thankful for my girlfriend, who continually supports me, challenges me to grow, and encourages me to keep pursuing the purpose God has placed on my life. Together, my faith and the people I love inspire me to serve others and become the best version of myself every day.”

Looking ahead, Jassmyn shares will continue to grow her platform, Seen Early. She also plans to become a licensed clinical social worker and advocate for children and families. “I want to expand my impact through community outreach, education, and policy. Above all, I want to continue following God’s purpose for my life and use every opportunity to serve others with compassion and integrity,” she says. h

“The biggest influence in my life has been God. My faith is the foundation of who I am and has taught me to trust His plan, even when I couldn’t see where He was leading me.”

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Dorian Ducksworth Jacksonian Media Institute

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Dorian Ducksworth Dorian Ducksworth is an entrepreneur, filmmaker, nonprofit leader, and community advocate. The Jackson, MS, native is also the founder and CEO of Jacksonian Media and the founder of Jacksonian Media Institute, a nonprofit organization. Launched in 2019, Jacksonian Media provides media production, storytelling, branding, content creation, communications strategy, and creative consulting services. Dorian says, “I founded Jackson Media with a vision to use storytelling and media as tools for connection, impact, and economic opportunity. Cassio Batteast helped change how I viewed myself and my brand, while Richard Bradley taught me valuable lessons about positioning and nonprofit leadership.

Friends, including Johnathon Bounds and Anthony Lewis, along with my family and significant other, helped me stay focused on the mission.”

Jacksonian Media Institute, which was launched in 2023, is a STEAM enrichment program offering beginner-friendly, hands-on courses that prepare students with real-world creative and professional skills. The program focuses on education, workforce development, entrepreneurship, and community enrichment. Additionally, an Adventure Camp is held each Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and offers programs to participants such as Maternal Health, Agriculture, Nonprofit Capacity Building, Braiding and Styling, Filmmaking, Makeup Artistry, Lash Application, and Urban Construction.

“I founded Jackson Media with a vision to use storytelling and media as tools for connection, impact, and economic opportunity.”

Dorian says his passion has always been creating opportunities, telling stories, and helping people discover their potential. While media and filmmaking have been major parts of his journey, he confesses that his purpose extends beyond content creation. “It is about creating pathways for education, workforce development, and community transformation.”

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Dorian says that what he loves most about what he does is being the change that he wants to see in his community. He also shares that he is most inspired by everyday people who have every reason to give up but choose resilience instead. To be the change that he wants to see doesn’t happen without Dorian facing several obstacles and hurdles along the way. One challenge he points out is that of being able to build meaningful organizations, such as the Jacksonian Media Institute. Another one has been operating with limited resources and during uncertainty.

He shares that he has been able to focus on the mission, learn from setbacks, and rely on a strong support system.

www.jacksonian.org

In addition to the friends that were mentioned earlier, Dorian’s support system is made up of his family and his significant other. Each, he says, has played an important role in helping shape his journey and success.

In the future, Dorian shares that he plans to expand the S.T.E.A.M. education initiatives, workforce development programs, community partnerships, and entrepreneurship opportunities offered at Jacksonian Media Institute while continuing to use media as a tool for empowerment and transformation.

To learn more about Jacksonian Media and Jacksonian Media Institute, please visit their website. h

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Todd & Tishawn GodWare - Faith Based Apparel & Merchandise

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Tishawn Brown-Hatchett Tishawn Brown-Hatchett and Todd Hatchett Sr. of Irvington, NJ, are the faces and founders of Godware Inspirational Communication, LLP. Their company is an E-Commerce business and offers a wide variety of faith-inspired apparel, accessories, home decor, and office essentials. Some of their products include t-shirts, hoodies, hats, socks, tote bags, throw pillows, blankets, mugs, tumblers, bath towels, mouse pads, journals, note pads, and more.

The couple shares that the Godware brand began in August 2021, and was birthed from intense spiritual meditation and prayer times during one of the lowest and darkest points in Tishawn’s life. They say, “The vision behind Godware and its contents have been created for the sole purpose of everyday, perpetual encouragement, inspiration, enlightenment, uplifting, and God awareness in and around us all. Our goal is to inspire the consumer to not only look good wearing or using the merchandise, but to feel good inwardly and to embody God’s presence, His ableness, and who they believe God is to them. It is to unashamedly, unapologetically, promote and make known some of the many attributes of a limitless, merciful, and loving God.” Tishawn and Todd have been married for 30 years, and together they have two children, Teraye and Todd Jr. Tishawn, who loves to worship and study the things of God, was born and raised in Newark, NJ. She is a graduate of Arts High School and the Institute of Business & Technology (IBT) in Newark, NJ. She has been employed with Rutgers, The State University, Business School Division for 35 years and is looking forward to retirement later this year. Additionally, Tishawn has served as an Evangelist for over 30 years and is a current member of Bethlehem Judah Christian Church in Elizabeth, NJ. She loves creating eclectic things from scratch, which comes in very handy with their company. “Seeing that spiritual fire ignite in others or that hope come alive in them when they purchase, wear, or own a piece of Godware. It is the ultimate reward and makes me love what I do,” she says.

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Tishawn’s journey in life hasn’t always been pleasant; in fact, it has come with trauma and difficulties. From childhood to adulthood, she shares that she has faced many hardships and circumstances. “I’ve been a victim of childhood molestation, attempted rape several times, carjacking, assault, and robbery twice. I’ve overcome severe depression and have attempted suicide. I have defeated uterine cancer. I have walked away from ministry. I have lost at least nine immediate family members and close friends during COVID 19, including my father, but amazingly, I have survived COVID twice. Though I was recently diagnosed with double autoimmune disorders, I continue to fight,” she says.

Todd was born in Plainfield, NJ, and raised in Long Branch, NJ. He is a graduate of the East Orange school system and has been a Production Supervisor with Cintas Corporation for over 22 years. Like Tishawn, he has served as an Elder/ Minister for over 30 years and is a current member of Bethlehem Judah Christian Church.

When it comes to sports, Todd loves everything that the New York sports world has to offer: the New York Giants, New York Knicks, and New York Yankees. Along with Tishawn, Todd uses his gifts to uplift the name of God and spread His love through the Godware brand.

As business owners, Tishawn and Todd have faced a few challenges, but with faith, they have persevered. They say, “All of our challenges are interconnected but from one sole source Funding. We are self-funded. No business loans, grants, or sponsorships. We have benefited from a little business credit with a small amount of credit. We realize that funding is needed for marketing, promoting the business, and to achieve top-tier website functionality. Not having the financial resources that’s needed keeps us in a limited position. We’ve been managing this area of the business as best as we can by promoting and creating content organically on social media platforms rather than it being done professionally by a hired professional service. We also exhibit and vend at events to raise funds. This has allowed us to expand and improve our brand the best way we know how.”

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Our goal is to inspire the consumer to not only

look good wearing or using the merchandise, but to feel good inwardly and to embody God’s presence,

His ableness, and who they believe God is to them.”

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Tishawn says she is inspired by anyone who has the humility, tenacity, and boldness to allow themselves to be used by God to help others in any capacity, and do it without hesitation, limitation, or validation. She credits Pastor Darius Daniels, Bishop TD Jakes, and Prophet Lovy Elias for being the sounding boards in her and Todd’s lives. “They poured into us, pushed us, prayed for us, mentored us, and caused us to move forward spiritually and in business,” she says. They’ve attended courses, conferences, seminars, and services that were conducted by these awesome vessels of God and share that they have benefited greatly from doing so. Additionally, they have benefited from the endless support from several family members and very close friends who have served as a constant and consistent banner of support.

For others who may follow a path in life similar to Tishawn and Todd, they offer the following advice. “Please make sure you are ready to commit to starting and maintaining a business, and please take your time. Connect with someone who is already successful in the area of business you want to pursue so that they can guide you correctly and soundly.

Lastly, if you believe in God, please make sure to nurture your prayer life and keep your connection with Him as a priority.”

Tishawn and Todd recently became grandparents for the first time and are hoping to leave a legacy for the next generations and the generations to come. Moving forward, Tishawn and Todd are building towards having a fully paid-for brick-and-mortar store. A physical place, where people can come and purchase in person, they shared. “We are also looking to have a better online presence and expand the brand globally so that the message is spread abroad. We would love to partner with religious or other non-profit organizations to create services or become sponsors ourselves as part of a give back to the h community incentive.”

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Godware Inspirational Communication, LLP www.godwareins.com

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Ramone D. Hemphill The 99th Squadron, Inc.

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Ramone Hemphill

The 99th Squadron continues to make a huge impact in the lives of youth who are interested in aviation and more. Founded by Ramone Hemphill, the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization focuses on exposing youth to the vast opportunities of the aviation industry, starting with the most basic fundamentals of flight for middle school and high school students. They work in collaboration with other local organizations, primarily in Brevard County, Florida, to pull in resources and reduce operating costs. The execution of their ground curriculum, flight time, as well as the continuing opportunities for students thereafter, are provided by donations and sponsors. Additionally, their free youth ground school scratches the surface of all major topics that pilots study to obtain their initial certifications. These topics segue into the related fields while practicing general study habits that can benefit their everyday lives.

Ramone grew up in Charlotte, N.C., and developed an interest in aviation at an early age. He earned his Bachelor’s in Computer Science from North Carolina A&T State University and began his career at Rockwell Collins in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, as a Systems Engineer in Avionics. After completing a free ground school course in 2007, he took some introductory flight lessons while working on integration teams that were developing new flight decks for commercial aviation customers, including Boeing, Bombardier, Airbus, and Embraer. As a career investment, Ramone earned his pilot’s license after joining the Honda Aircraft Company while progressing their premier HondaJet program into production. He continued building flight experience throughout the subsequent career moves, from Part 23 Flight Testing at BendixKing/Honeywell (Albuquerque), to Flight Control Actuation Systems at Moog Aircraft Group (Buffalo) for military drones. He’s been a Scrum Master for flight display applications, a Project Engineer for airborne transponders, a Product Owner in flight deck integration, and a manager for over 40 engineers at Northrop Grumman before landing his current role as one of the leading Technical Program Managers at Otto Aerospace.

As of 2026, The 99th Squadron continues to soar. In 2025, they impacted 3,123 kids and adults. Since the program’s inception, 554 passengers have flown, and 10 aerospace events have been conducted annually.

Even more, $36K was disbursed in external scholarships, medical certs, and camp admissions last year.

For Ramone, he says the experience of being a part of The 99th Squadron has been a worthy challenge, especially with navigating the current anti-DE&I landscape. However, he admits, that same landscape has been all the evidence needed to justify their cause. “There have been countless examples of exposure and educational opportunities that have diminished over shifts in federal policies and mandates. Ironically, these same attempts at exclusion have motivated volunteers of all races, ethnicities, and backgrounds to support our mission, which continues to renew my own enthusiasm to keep it going,” he shares.

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Ramone shares that he remains passionately committed to pouring into the lives of young people. He also continues to enjoy getting students through the door to pursue their passions, whether it’s through flight training scholarships, networking with aviation maintenance schools for enrollment, or touring aerospace facilities. “These students are boosting their resumes of demonstrated interest by simply devoting the time, without the typical cost barrier to entry.

Helping them is what I love most about what I do,” he says.

Presently, Ramone and his team are intentional on answering the question of “What more can they do for their cohort,” which grows by ten students each year, and later tapers off through their high school graduates who age out during the same period. Rather than expanding the cohort beyond its current growth rate, Ramone says they realize that it’s not a race or a numbers game; it’s all about quality. “Students who show the most interest are afforded opportunities they couldn’t imagine, but the ultimate challenge is bridging the gap between their given interests and entry into the workforce, while connecting all the dots to help them reach their goals.”

Ramone shares that their program continues to exist thanks to the continued outpour of support from their community, not just within Florida, but nationwide. “Our primary sources of revenue stem from grassroots donations, as opposed to large government grants and contracts, which makes us a bit more bulletproof when there are shifts in government policies and priorities. This means that our supporters are contributing purely as a result of the work they see in our organization, its output, and its ultimate outcomes, regardless of political influences,” he says.

501(c)(3) - EIN: 86-1429610 1720 Malabar Road #480 Malabar, FL 32950

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Looking ahead, the goals and plans for The 99th Squadron are to continue strengthening its portfolio of exposure opportunities and programs to provide more for our cohort. These include boosting virtual enrollments for continuing education (beyond their 5-week program) to existing aerospace education programs by 50%, increasing in-house scholarship funds to $10K annually, providing students annually for their flight training partnership with Rocket Air, doubling its annual allocation for fulfilling Youth Discovery Flight requests nationwide, and developing pipelines to at least five more workforce development organizations over the next two years. Their goal is to also streamline allocations via their database for pilot medical certificates as students become age-eligible, continue its discovery flight commitments for other organizations in Gainesville, Tallahassee, Tampa, and Jacksonville, and connect with the statewide Step Up For Students program, increasing exposure to over 4,000 students annually.

As The 99th Squadron continues to do its part, they also face constant needs, both locally and nationally. Nationally, these include materials and equipment, and Pipelines and Priority Consideration for related scholarships. Locally, they are seeking connections for aerospace tours, such as schools and facilities. There is a need for Pilot Volunteers in the Melbourne, FL, area for both Simulators and Aircraft, as well as Flight Plan Exercise Volunteers. Donations are also welcome and can be submitted online at the organization’s website listed below. An Amazon Wishlist is available online at h amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/XVPRXP1XVIJH?ref_=wl_share

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Keynon Lake KL Training Solutions

“My father was a locally famous legend. Everybody knew who he was, and because of that, I had little chance to get into any trouble.”

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Keynon Lake Keynon Lake was born and raised in Asheville, NC, being the only child of Bennie and Robin Lake. He is a graduate of Asheville High School. He later attended the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, before later transferring to North Carolina Central University in Durham, NC, where he obtained a Bachelors Degree in Sports Medicine. After college, he returned to Asheville, his home and roots, to serve the members of his community.

Keynon shares that growing up in Asheville, it provided him with a unique experience. As a child, he was sheltered and blessed. Keynon’s parents both worked for the Juvenile Evaluation Center, which dealt with delinquent youth and teens. His father also played with the original Harlem Globe Trotters from 1968-1972 alongside legends such as Curly Neal and Meadowlark Lemon. “My father was a locally famous legend.

Everybody knew who he was, and because of that, I had little chance to get into any trouble,” he says.

KL Training Solutions is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 2012 by Keynon. The program is dedicated to equipping young people with the tools, support, and opportunities they need to thrive. They are committed to creating safe, affirming spaces where youth feel seen, supported, and encouraged to grow into their full potential. Through mentorship, academic enrichment, and community engagement, they help young people build confidence, develop leadership skills, and create meaningful pathways to success in school, in their communities, and in life.

The mission of KL Training Solutions is to support youth, families, and the community through advocacy, education, and mentorship. We surround youth and families with wraparound services and resources that empower them to achieve their goals and dreams. Their vision is shaped around a dream of a world where every young person has access to strong role models, quality education, and the support they need to reach their full potential.

Keynon shares that after returning to Asheville after college, life began to happen for him. He got a job at Mountain Neurological. He would remain there for about a year before obtaining employment with Buncombe County as an Income Maintenance Caseworker. He would later become a Social Worker, specifically a Child Protective Social Worker dealing with neglected, abused kids. While in that role for about nine years, Keynon’s dad would pass away in 2010. Keynon submitted an article to the local newspaper in memory of his dad. His writing caught the attention of a good friend of his family, who happened to own a publishing company, and told Keynon that if he added a few thousand words, he could turn his writing into a book. He did, and produced “My Daddy Taught Me That”.

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Keynon says that his book not only memorialized his dad, but it also educated and informed men on a big issue that exists in our country, which is single-parent homes. The book would later spawn a non-profit organization, KL Training Solutions.

Keynon shares that he has witnessed too many young people navigating life without consistent mentorship, advocacy, or access to supportive resources. He recognized a growing need for spaces where youth, especially those from historically underserved communities, could be guided, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. What began as a mentorship program for boys has since grown into three core initiatives: a boys’ mentoring program, a girls’ mentoring program, and KL Impact Academy, a co-ed academic enrichment initiative that includes both afterschool and summer programming. Over the years, KL Training Solutions has worked with hundreds of young people, walking alongside them as they discover their strengths, overcome challenges, and build confidence in themselves and their futures. Many of these young people have gone on to become leaders in their schools, families, and communities, giving back in ways that reflect the support they once received. “Each success reinforces what we believe at our core: when young people are supported, families are strengthened, and entire communities grow stronger,” Keynon says.

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Some of the programs offered by KL Training Solutions are My Daddy Taught Me That, My Sistah Taught Me That, and The KL Impact Academy. My Daddy Taught Me That (the program) is a mentorship program for boys ages 5–19 focused on academic support, character development, and leadership through consistent guidance and positive role models. My Sistah Taught Me That is an afterschool mentorship program for girls ages 12–19 centered on academic support, leadership development, and building self-confidence.

The KL Impact Academy is a co-ed academic enrichment program for students in grades K–12 offering afterschool and summer support in reading, math, and enrichment activities.

The ultimate scope of this book has evolved into a work intended to inform, educate, and enlighten readers on issues concerning youth in our society. The central focus has been placed on the MAN’s role in the home and his influence in shaping his children, families, and our society as a whole.

KL Training Solutions 3 Hunt Hill Place Asheville, NC 28801 828-582-2261 www.mydaddytaughtmethat.org 36

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With all the things that Keynon has his hands involved with, of course, there will be a few hurdles and obstacles to encounter. Some of the things he shares have been finding people who are equally as committed and passionate to the cause as he is. Additional challenges are obtaining funding for their programs.

“In Western North Carolina, there are more non-profit organizations available than in any other area in the state. This means that there is a lot of competition amongst nonprofits for funding here. One thing that my dad taught me is that we never run from our problems; we run to them. We are facing our challenges head-on, and are constantly seeking funding opportunities to ensure that we can continue to meet the needs of our program participants,” Keynon says.

What is next for Keynon and KL Training Solutions? He says the goal is to continue their program locally and also on a national level.

There are plans for Greenville, SC, as well as Atlanta, GA. More than anything, Keynon will continue to walk in the legacy that his parents built, which is to serve his community. To learn more about KL Training Solutions, please visit their website. h

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The daughter of Sydney Hildreth & David Stevens

Komarian Allen

The son of Monica Allen

California

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