Huami Magazine Charlotte July/August 2026

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July/August 2026 Vol. 6 Issue 7

“Cooking Is A Family Tradition”

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God Does Wonders With Our Impossible There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!

A Letter From The Editor - Terry L. Watson

Recently, while listening to a sermon online, one thing that Letter from the Editor wasAspoken reminded me of the kind of discipline required for the believers in Christ. “When God wants to increase our faith, He reduces our sight,” the minister shared. He also reminded if tomorrow arrive? yourWalking plans, hopes me thatWhat we must walk bydidn’t faith and not All by of sight. by faith and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on.

What if and not by sight has always been a challenge for me, as I typically decided to put off until tomorrow never trusteverything what I canthat see.you If there is money in my bank account, then I happened? would be noIfreason save for a rainy believe that my There ends will be met. there to is food in my cupboard, and you could the trouble of Imaking thenday, I believe that I willspare eat. someone On the contrary, when have not What if your lastthose opportunity beenpromises. able to see what I need, are theseemingly momentsexpired where God today? What would you do? has asked me to trust that He will provide, and I must confess that He always has.

I’ve been told that I often seem like I do too much.

Honestly, I feel like I am not doing enough and I’m a firm “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence believer in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything on me of things not seen.” Hebrews 11.1 (NKJV). That is the written that I couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life would wordbeofifGod, and thosewhat words over my life, theyI I chose towhen sit idleI speak and accept it presented to me. become reality. it doesn’t goodopportunity during the havemy found that While to be very boring.always In myfeel opinion, trusting process with God, I have learned that it is necessary. is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone. A challenge In all things part ofWhat our lives asworst believers, Godhappen? desires to to meand is anevery adventure. is the that can be glorified.

If I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn something new about myself. Relinquish your pride and in When we are faced return acquire life. with obstacles as large as Mount Everest, and there appears to be no end in sight, God is there. He specializes in moving out, by faith,when as believers The best advice mountains ever given to meand happened someone in Christ, we have the power to move them also.

The word told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing soof GodItells to speak thethrough mountain, and it shall moved. haveuspressed myto way doors with a keybethat only “Forhope assuredly, I sayIto you, whoever to this mountain, ‘Be provided. have also learnedsays the difference between what and God be blesses me with and what life can with removed cast into the sea,’ and does notburden doubtme in his as but well.believes I compare to knowing to be heart, thatitthose thingswhen he says willconfident be done,and he will to be because have whatever he says.” Mark 11:23when (NKJV).

Byquiet, our faith in what someone By may getfaith, it confused God said He will do, situations are changed. our we can with being arrogant. overcome. By our faith, we are able to break generational curses and see Make you behalf. tomorrow God move on our happen today, but most it count.

Godimportantly specializes make in making a way Life is but a whisper and out of no way. He is also sovereign we must ourselves in awhen and does what put He desires, and position to hear what it is bless He desires to. He also wants to telling us. us, yet without faith in His word, it is impossible to please Him. Try God and allow Him to do wonders with Terry L. Watson your impossible.

Editor/Founder

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November/December 2014

Terry L Watson

Publisher

www.huamimagazine.com 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 Ashleigh Crawley 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 Who Shotya Photography Layout

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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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CHARLOTTE

CONTENTS

JESUS CHRIST On The Cover Cooking Is A Family Tradition

Grace Beyond Borders NWI, Inc.

Marcus Martin

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Experience Great Music

Charlotte Soul Fest 2026 Concord, NC 2nd Annual Conference

Women Beyond Limits

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Doreen Gardner 22 Papa’s Brittle

Shellie D’s Kitchen

Charlotte, NC

JULY/AUGUST 2026

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The EmpowerPath Initiative

Queani Johnson

Handmade Leather Goods

Matthew Haddix

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Learn more about her story of triumph, perseverance, and defiance.

Rosemary Simpson Kansas City, MO

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

His name is Kamarion Allen

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

Experience Charlotte Soul Fest 2026 September 5, 2026 - Uptown Charlotte Information obtained from www.charlottesoulfest.com

Charlotte Soul Fest returns on Saturday, September 5, 2026, to First Ward Park in Uptown Charlotte. This event will bring thousands of people together for a free celebration of music, culture, community, and opportunity. The admission is also free.

Experience a full day of live music, cultural dance, incredible Black art, delicious food, and family-friendly fun. Activities include: Explore the Festival Zones, Main Stage, Cultural Dance Stage, Health & Wellness Village, Community Empowerment Zone, Community Impact Lane, Family Fun Zone, Marketplace Village, Young Entrepreneurs Market, Soul Expressions Art Walk, and a Food Court.

Charlotte Soul Fest is where entertainment meets impact—bringing together music, arts, culture, health, education, and opportunity in one unforgettable community celebration. Follow @CharlotteSoulFest for festival updates, artist announcements, volunteer opportunities, sponsor news, and more. h

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

Women Beyond Limits 2nd Annual Conference October 03, 2026 - Concord, NC Information obtained from www.womenbeyondlimits.com

The Women Beyond Limits 2nd Annual Conference is a full day designed for Black women professionals and entrepreneurs who understand that relationships are part of the wealth strategy. Through curated conversations, structured networking, and practical experiences, attendees will build meaningful connections, exchange resources, and position themselves for new opportunities, partnerships, and long-term growth. This is not just another conference. It is a room designed for social capital to work in real time.

Women Beyond Limits is a curated network for Black women entrepreneurs and professionals who are building with intention. We create the experiences, the rooms, and the conditions for strategic relationships to form — so that the right connections, resources, and opportunities find you faster. Inside this network dollars circulate, access expands, and the women around you become some of the most valuable assets in your business.

For more information, please visit www.womenbeyondlimits.com

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Shellie D’s Kitchen “Cooking Is A Family Tradition”

By Terry L. Watson - Photos Provided by Shellie Anderson From Kansas City, MO, all the way to Charlotte, NC; Good food travels just as fast as the news.

Shellie Anderson and Latrese McKinney are a motherdaughter team behind Shellie D’s Kitchen. Originally from Kansas City, Shellie and Latrese have always had a passion for serving others and bringing people together through great food. They have combined decades of experience in education, childcare, entrepreneurship, and community service to create the warm, family-oriented atmosphere that defines Shellie D’s. “Every meal is prepared with love, using recipes rooted in family tradition and a genuine desire to bring people together,” Shellie says.

Their company is a family-owned soul food business dedicated to serving fresh, homemade meals prepared with love. They said, “We take pride in cooking every dish from scratch using quality ingredients and family recipes that have been passed down through generations, which bring comfort, tradition, and great flavor to every plate. Many of our signature dishes come from recipes created by Shellie’s mother, preserving the flavors and traditions we grew up with in Kansas City.”

The vision for Shellie D’s Kitchen began many years ago.

Shellie says that she learned how to cook at a young age by watching her mother in the kitchen in Arkansas. By the age of 13, she was already cooking and baking, developing the skills and recipes that would become the foundation of our business. Over the years, Shellie has passed many of those cooking traditions and techniques down to her daughters. She shares that the idea of starting a food truck first came about when she and her husband relocated to Charlotte. “As a family, we wanted to bring the authentic Kansas City flavor and homestyle soul food we grew up with to the Charlotte community. After much prayer, research, planning, and many family discussions, we knew it was the right time to take a leap of faith and turn our dream into reality,” she says.

As a family, we wanted to bring the authentic Kansas City flavor and homestyle soul food we grew up with to the Charlotte community.

After much prayer, research, planning, and many family discussions, we knew it was the right time to take a leap of faith and turn our dream into reality.”

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Shellie was born in Arkansas and raised in Kansas City. She has been married to Sal Anderson for 40 years, and together they have four children, 13 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. In 2019, Shellie lovingly adopted four of her grandchildren— Queda, Quincy, Quassiam, and Qayden—demonstrating the same compassion and selflessness that have guided her throughout her life. For 36 years, Shellie owned and operated a licensed daycare center in Kansas City, positively impacting the lives of countless children and families. After retiring from childcare, she relocated to Charlotte, NC, and continued to share her passion for serving others through food and hospitality.

Latrese has been married to Maurice McKinney for 18 years. She shares that they met while attending Lincoln University in Jefferson City, MO. Together, they have three beautiful children: Dinah, MJ, and Micah Ace. Latrese earned her Bachelor’s degree from Lincoln University in 2007, and before becoming a stay-at-home mother and entrepreneur, she dedicated 14 years to the Kansas City Public School District. There, she developed a deep commitment to serving families and strengthening her community.

Community service is at the heart of everything that Shellie D’s Kitchen does. Latrese says, “What we love most about what we do is serving our community, building lasting relationships, and seeing the smiles on our customers’ faces. Food has a way of bringing people together, and we enjoy being a part of life’s everyday moments and special occasions. There is no greater reward than knowing our homemade meals bring comfort, joy, and satisfaction to every customer we serve. At Shellie D’s Kitchen, we don’t just serve food, we serve people, and we treat every customer like family.”

Shellie shares that she draws inspiration from her mother, who taught her the value of cooking with love, serving others, and bringing family together around the table. Those lessons became the foundation of the recipes and traditions that continue to shape Shellie D’s Kitchen today. She says that her husband, Sal, and their son, Sal Jr., have impacted her life more than anything else. “Their unwavering encouragement and support have given me the confidence to pursue my dreams, embrace new opportunities, and turn a lifelong passion for cooking into a family business. Even more, their love, faith, and commitment to one another continue to inspire the mission of Shellie D’s Kitchen.”

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For Latrese, her greatest inspiration is her husband and parents, whose faith, strong work ethic, and dedication to family have been a guiding example throughout her life. Latrese is also inspired daily by her three children, her brother, and close friends, who all encourage and motivate her to pursue her dreams and continue building a lasting family legacy.

Like most small businesses, Shellie D’s Kitchen has faced its share of challenges. One has been the physical demands of operating a food truck. Another ongoing challenge is the marketing of their daily locations and attracting customers. “Some days we have a great turnout, while other days are slower than we’d like. We’ve learned that consistency, patience, and building relationships within the community are key,” Latrese says. “We continue to promote our business through social media, community events, and word of mouth, trusting that every opportunity helps us grow our customer base and strengthen our brand.”

When asked if there is anything they would change about their business journey, they both state it would be the space within their food truck. Coming from a traditional kitchen environment with plenty of room to cook and move around, adjusting to a smaller workspace, they say, has been a challenge. While they have adapted and continue to make it work, having more space would allow them to operate more efficiently and comfortably while serving their customers.

Looking ahead, Shellie D’s Kitchen’s goal is to expand by adding a second food truck. By doing so, they say it will allow them to serve even more communities. They also plan to travel throughout the surrounding areas of North Carolina, bringing their homemade, Kansas City-inspired soul food to new customers. h

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Matthew

Haddix

Matthew Haddix Premium Handmade Goods

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Matthew Haddix tthew Haddix of Nashville, TN, is the owner of Matthew Haddix Premium Handmade Goods. MH. His company specializes in making custom leather goods, and also offers premium cosmetic goods such as skincare and hair care products. In addition to grooming and premium leather products, Matthew offers Beard Balms, Beard Oils, Beard Wash, Whipped Body Butter, Leather Wallets, Leather Belts, Leather Accessories, and more.

Originally from Philadelphia, PA, Matthew grew up in New Jersey. He graduated from Vinland High School in Vineland, NJ, and followed that feat with attending a couple of colleges in Delaware as well as in Texas. Matthew learned his craft of making custom leather goods through trial and error as well as traveling the country.

Matthew is also sort of a world traveler. He has traveled to Milan, Italy, with his aunt Narissa Bradford, and shares there is where much of his vision developed. He says that his love for cosmetics and grooming can be attributed to his mother. “I would say that vision came when I was about 8 to 10 years old, when I used to travel with my aunt to Milan. I saw all of the fashion and quality of goods in the streets and the stores. I began my crafting journey when I moved to Houston, TX, when I was about 25 years old. It all happened in a one-bedroom apartment. I was working for an IT company. I would shop a lot in Houston and see the big brand companies and wondered why there were no prominent American-made brands making products, as well as African American brands available,” he says.

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When asked what he loves most about what he does, Matthew shares that it’s the opportunity he has to create, top-quality products from the best material on earth. He also loves being able to focus on premium ingredients that actually work for African Americans and other ethnicities in the world. “I have connected and learned a craft that a lot of people do not do in America,” he adds.

Matthew shares that his mother and father inspire him more than anything. He adds, “My mother is in her 60s, and she is working and on social media like she is still young. I love it. When I started my leather journey, she was the first person that received one of the first products I made, and she used to call me and tell me about ideas and make sure I pursued quality instead of quantity. My father is very tough, both mentally and emotionally. He has always made sure that my brothers and I have everything we need to succeed, and if we needed guidance, he has always been there. Even more, my family is very competitive, and we always enforce that if you are going to do something, you have to strive to be the best and make a statement in the world.”

Building his brand and business has come with an assortment of challenges. Matthew shares that one is brand awareness.

“Due to the saturation of some markets and overseas competition, it makes it very hard to create quality products and convince customers about the quality that they are receiving. I managed this by working on presentation tactics, connecting with customers face to face, and providing videos as well as explanations of why my products focus on quality more than quantity,” he says.

For other aspiring entrepreneurs who may find themselves on a path in business similar to Matthews, he offers the following advice. “When you think that things are getting too hard and nobody is paying attention to what you are doing, just remember that the individuals who became great and successful have been in the same situation. So, don’t give up if this is what you truly want to do,” Matthew says.

While he has faced a few challenges, Matthew says there isn’t much he would change about how things have happened in his business journey. “The only thing I can think to change would be the direction of capital that we have spent. I would also work more in person to connect with the customers more, rather than online.”

What is next for Matthew and his company? He shares that he wants to grow to the point that people in the United States experience the quality of handmade goods. He also wants to build his first warehouse and provide logistics and direct-toconsumer products in a fast and efficient way. “Looking ahead, I would like to be able to do more interviews and increase my brand’s awareness, and provide more handmade leather goods here in America,” he says. h

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The RosieXperience

Rosemary Simpson

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Rosemary Simpson One who perseveres and stands firm in the midst of adversity shall also overcome. That is who Rosemary Simpson is. “I want people to know that your past does not disqualify you from God’s purpose. No matter what you’ve survived, God can restore you, heal you, and use your story to help someone else. I am living proof that God still performs miracles. Everything I have today is because of His grace, and I pray that every person who hears my story leaves believing that if God did it for me, He can do it for them too.”

Born and raised in the midwestern town of Wichita, KS, Rosemary is a professed follower of Jesus Christ and is allowing her life to be used as a testament for others.

“Everything I do is because of Him and for His glory,” she says. A single mother of five amazing children, Rosemary has survived relationships that nearly cost her life, suffering broken ribs and a broken jaw. There were times when she didn’t know if she would make it. She has suffered sexual abuse, many years of domestic violence, even while being pregnant. She has overcome divorce and depression, addiction to marijuana and alcohol, yet somehow, she made it. “Even when I barely knew God, my mustard seed of faith in Him kept me alive. Looking back, I can see that He was carrying me through every painful season,” she says.

In 2021, Rosemary and her children lived in a domestic violence shelter. This was during a time when focused on rebuilding the lives of her family. She says that particular season became the beginning of everything God had planned for her. “While I was in the shelter, God told me to start recording my journey. I didn’t understand why, but I obeyed. Those videos became the beginning of my ministry and my platform. Today I am sober, healed, and walking in freedom because of Jesus Christ. More importantly, my story isn’t about everything I’ve survived. It’s about everything God has brought me through,” she says.

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Five years ago, Rosemary says that God led her to move to the Kansas City, MS area. Today, she resides in Blue Springs, MS, and shares that when she moved there, she didn’t know anyone. “It was just me, my children, and God. Starting over wasn’t easy. I moved to a new city where I knew no one. I was raising five children while building a business, healing from trauma, and learning how to trust God completely. I’ve had financial struggles, difficulty retaining clientele in such a competitive business, and income fluctuations along the way.

One of my biggest burdens has been struggling financially while still pushing forth God’s will for my life. Yet, every challenge taught me to depend on God; I did, and He has always made a way, even when I couldn’t see one. Looking back, I can honestly say that He has provided every step of the way,” she says.

Rosemary says that her children have always been her biggest reason for changing her life. Every time she found the strength to leave an abusive relationship, every time she chose healing over hurt, and every major decision that she’s made, her children were the focal point. “I wanted to break the cycle so my children would never have to experience the things I went through growing up or in adulthood,” she says.

“I wanted to break the cycle so my children would never have to experience the things I went through growing up or in adulthood.”

Presently, Rosemary is a multitalented, serial entrepreneur. One company that she owns is Touched

By RosieXperience. There, she works as a licensed cosmetologist with over 14 years of experience. Some of the products and services she offers are healthy hair care, color, braids, locs, sew-ins, cuts, and extensions for all hair types.

She is also the founder of The RosieXperience, where she shares her testimony through books, speaking engagements, social media, and community outreach. “I have written two books that encourage healing and faith. One shares my personal testimony, and the other is a workbook designed to help people heal without returning to the things God delivered them from,” she says. Additionally, she is the founder of the She Survived Conference, a faith-based event that helps survivors of domestic violence and trauma find healing, hope, and freedom through Jesus Christ. “No matter what title I may carry, my greatest desire is simply to point people to Jesus,” she states.

Rosemary shares that she has loved doing hair since she was a little girl, and that her purpose became much bigger after giving her life fully to Christ. “While living in that domestic violence shelter with my children, I heard God’s instruction clearly, and out of obedience, I used my phone and started sharing my healing journey and my testimony. I wasn’t trying to become an influencer. I simply wanted to obey God. Those videos opened doors I never imagined. They led to speaking opportunities, writing books, encouraging thousands of people online, and eventually creating the She Survived Conference. And just think, it all started with one simple act of obedience,” she says.

More than anything, Rosemary loves the opportunity God has provided her to see people’s lives change. Whether someone sits in her salon chair, reads one of her books, watches one of her videos, or attends her conference, her goal is to instill hope into their lives. “If God can use my story to help someone else keep going, then every painful season was worth it,” she says.

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Jesus Christ, Rosemary confesses, has impacted and changed her life more than anything else. Her children and the people God has placed in her life since moving to Missouri have also played a huge role in who Rosemary has become. “They have prayed for me, supported me, encouraged me, and reminded me that God always provides the right people at the right time.”

Through every hurdle, every challenge, and every storm, Rosemary says, a lesson was learned, and that there isn’t much she would change about the way things have happened. “The hardest seasons of my life taught me to depend on God. Without those experiences, I wouldn’t be able to help the people I serve today. God didn’t waste my pain. He turned it into purpose, and for that I am grateful.”

Looking forward, Rosemary plans to allow her thespian side to guide her into the entertainment industry for God’s will. “I want to showcase my testimony in a way that makes believers out of anyone who comes across my content,” she says. She also has plans to open her own salon and move away from booth renting. “I plan to continue growing my salon, write more books, speak across the country, create more faith-based content, and expand the She Survived Conference and reach even more people. One of my biggest dreams is to open a faith-based domestic violence shelter where women and children can find safety, healing, and hope,” she says. “Personally, I simply want to continue serving God with my children, growing in my faith, and following wherever He leads me. If my life points people to Jesus, then I know I have fulfilled my purpose.” h

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Doreen Gardner The Legacy Keeper

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Doreen Gardner

She is the keeper of the legacy.

Doreen Gardner of Kalamazoo, MI, doesn’t just talk the talk; she is a woman of action. She is a wife, mother, ordained minister, and a devout woman of God. She is also a successful businesswoman and the keeper of the legacy for Papa’s Brittle.

Launched in 2021, Papa’s Brittle is one of the besttasting peanut brittle brands available, and on this side of heaven. Founded by Doreen, who also serves as the company’s CEO, Papa’s Brittle is truly a family affair, with Doreen’s sister, niece, grandson, and granddaughter all playing key roles in keeping their incredible brittle in the family for yet another generation. “Together, we are preserving our family tradition and creating something special that we can pass on, ensuring that the love and care in every batch endure for years to come,” Doreen says.

Doreen’s family tradition of making peanut brittle has spanned more than 64 years. Doreen shares, “Every holiday, we were in the kitchen as young kids, helping my mother make peanut brittle to give to family and friends. Her list was for over 200 people, and they would start calling her in August to place their orders for the holidays.” In 2020, Doreen’s mother got sick, and Doreen was voluntold she had the responsibility of continuing the tradition of making peanut brittle for their family and friends. Doreen refused initially, but that didn’t last long.

Her mother talked to Doreen’s daddy, and his response was, “You’re going to help your mama!” That was that, and the rest of the story, well…….. here we are today.

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When Doreen started out delivering her peanut brittle, she was often asked why she wasn’t selling it. She had a conversation with her mother, and she was adamant about not selling the brittle. Doreen shares that something got into her, and claims that it had to be God. “I awoke one morning around 2:00 am and posted something about selling peanut brittle on Facebook. The response was positive and confirming. “I had over 250 orders within three days of posting on Facebook. I took the post down, and I made a promise that I would never make another batch of brittle as long as I live,” she says.

Soon after the experience with the Facebook post, Doreen’s father became terminally ill. Doreen was invited to be in the first cohort of the Black Entrepreneur Training Academy in Kalamazoo. It was there that the name of her company was conceived. “I couldn’t come up with a name, and one of the girls in the cohort suggested that I call it Papa’s Brittle, as my father was always in the kitchen with my mother while she made her brittle. That connected with me, as my father’s dying words to me were that he always wanted to leave a legacy. I reminded him that he did leave a legacy. He was a great provider, and he truly loved his family,” she says. Doreen continued to build the business, and in 2022, she won the Catalyst Maker’s Mart competition and received the prestigious NAACP Powershift Grant, giving her $25,000 and mentorship from Shark Tank’s Daymond John. Papa’s continues to win awards. Michigan Women’s Foward, Battle Creek Reimagine, and MMSDC awarded Doreen a scholarship to attend Tuck Executive Education Program at Dartmouth.

“When I was 16 years old, someone told me that I would never amount to anything. It was an adult, and I will never forget them telling me that. Yet, my life has been anything but what they spoke. I am actually grateful for them, and I have used that as a reminder. I know who I am. I am a winner and survivor, and I do not lose, I learn. More importantly, I love God, I love myself, and I love people,” she says. Doreen shares that she has been surrounded by Godliness her entire life. Her grandmother, mother, and father all lived their lives in service to God. She shares that it was their examples that had the biggest impression upon her, and is something she continues in her life today.

“At Papa’s Peanut Brittle, we specialize in crafting the finest, old-fashioned peanut brittle made with love and the highest quality ingredients,” Doreen says. In addition to Peanut Brittle, they also offer Cashew Brittle and Pecan Brittle, all of which are available in various sizes and bundle options, gift boxes, and fundraisers, and ship nationwide.

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It’s a legacy of love, where legacy and love connect. My mother and father set the standard for my siblings and me. They were good role models for us and were always giving back to their community.”

When asked what she loves most about what she does, Doreen says it is the opportunity to be the legacy keeper for her family. “It’s a legacy of love, where legacy and love connect. My mother and father set the standard for my siblings and me. They were good role models for us and were always giving back to their community.

They also established righteousness in our household and stressed the importance of living a righteous life. I also want to give back as they did, but also build a facility in the community where I grew up, which is the North Side of Kalamazoo. I want to help the marginalized and overlooked by creating a place they can work and develop skills. I also want to help them with getting adequate childcare, as well as become college graduates and homeowners. Ultimately, my goal is to assist others with obtaining a fresh start in life,” she says.

In addition to her parents, Doreen credits a few others for inspiring and having a positive impact on her life. This includes her husband, Clarence, her daughters, Dr. Deveta Gardner, and Deyette Gardner, her circle of family and friends, and her pastor and first lady. “My husband has been a great supporter of everything that I do. Under my pastor’s leadership, I discovered who I am. He is a great leader, and many of the leadership skills that I have learned under him, I also model in business,” she says.

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When I started, things took off like fire. I didn’t see where the business was going, but my pastor saw what I couldn’t see. He told me that I couldn’t continue to work at the church and do brittle, and within six months of starting my company, I submitted my resignation.

Pictured with Doreen is her husband, Clarence Understandably, while building her company, Doreen has faced her share of challenges. One, she says, with being a black, minority female, we don’t always know where to get access to the necessary resources to start, run, and maintain a business. I have navigated and pushed my way through those spaces with the hope of opening doors for others who look like me,” she says.

Another challenge has been funding. “I used a portion of my 401K retirement plan to fund my business, but having access to additional funding would have helped me, and I know that other entrepreneurs need it also. That is why I remain committed to helping others by sharing my experiences and what I learn.”

While she has faced a few obstacles, Doreen says there isn’t much she would change about the way things have happened since launching her company in 2021. “When I started, things took off like fire. I didn’t see where the business was going, but my pastor saw what I didn’t see. He told me that I couldn’t continue to work at the church and do brittle, and within six months of starting my company, I submitted my resignation.

Additionally, I wish I had prepared for rapid growth. In the beginning, I didn’t have all of the necessary systems and foundation in place, such as bookkeeping, finance, and others. If I could do anything different, I would get everything structurally set from the beginning,” she says.

Looking ahead, Doreen plans to continue to find ways to manage the rapid growth of her company.

“I have so many business opportunities, and that is something that keeps me awake at night. There are many stores and markets requesting our products, but I need more help to produce enough to meet that need,” she says. Under Doreen’s leadership, Papa’s Brittle remains committed to providing exceptional service and quality. They are always seeking ways to partner with others.

For those who are interested in being a trusted supplier of Papa’s Brittle, please reachout to them to learn how to sweeten your shelves with Papa’s delicious peanut brittle. “Whether you’re a retailer, specialty shop, or event planner, our wholesale program offers the perfect opportunity to bring a classic treat to your customers.” h

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Queani Johnson The EmpowerPath Initiative

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Queani Johnson Who is Queani Johnson? Well, If you ask her that question, she probably won’t begin by talking about her accomplishments. She wouldn’t start with the internships, the awards, or even her future plans.

While those are all meaningful parts of her journey, they aren’t what define her. Instead, Queani defines herself by one simple image—a lotus flower. Queani shares that the lotus has become the symbol of her life, mainly because it grows in muddy water. It begins beneath the surface, surrounded by darkness, yet somehow it rises above everything around it and blooms into something beautiful. “Most people admire the flower without ever thinking about what it had to push through just to reach the light. Every time I see a lotus, I see my own story. My life hasn’t been free of hardship, disappointment, or moments of uncertainty, but I’ve learned that difficult seasons don’t have to determine your destination. Sometimes the places that seem the darkest produce the greatest growth,” Queani says.

Queani was born and raised in Franklinton, North Carolina, a small town that taught her some of life’s biggest lessons. It was there that she learned the value of hard work, faith, humility, and community. Her parents taught her that success isn’t measured by what you have, but by how you treat people and how willing you are to serve others. Those values have remained the foundation of everything she does. “Growing up, I often questioned whether I belonged. I was the quiet girl who observed more than she spoke.

People sometimes mistook my quietness for weakness, but over time I realized there is strength in listening. Listening allows you to understand people before judging them, and it allows you to see what others often overlook. That ability to truly listen has shaped the leader I am becoming and the attorney I hope to be one day.”

Presently, Queani is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and African American Studies with a minor in Criminal Justice at Virginia Commonwealth University. She also aspires to become the first person in her family to attend law school. “That dream is bigger than earning another degree. It represents generations of sacrifice, perseverance, and hope. It represents every person who believed in me before I fully believed in myself,” she says. At her core, Queani is simply someone who wants people to know they matter. Whether through law, mentorship, leadership, or community service, she desires to see every person that she encounters leave feeling seen, heard, and valued.

Queani’s greatest accomplishment has been becoming the woman she once doubted she could be. Professionally, she’s had the privilege of interning with the United States District Court Eastern District of Virginia and the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia. Those experiences gave me her inside look at our legal system and strengthened her desire to pursue a career rooted in justice and service. They also introduced Queani to judges, attorneys, probation officers, and public servants who demonstrated that leadership is about integrity, humility, and treating every person with dignity. She shares that at Virginia Commonwealth University, she was honored to serve as Freshman Noblity Homecoming Court and Miss 1906. “Those recognitions meant much more than receiving a crown. To me, they represented growth. They reminded me that the quiet young woman who once questioned whether she belonged had grown into someone trusted to represent an entire community. It wasn’t about popularity; it was about purpose.”

Queani has received numerous scholarships throughout her academic journey, experiences that she says have reminded her that hard

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work, perseverance, and faith never go unnoticed. More importantly, they reinforced her responsibility to continue opening doors for others. Queani says the accomplishment that means the most to her is co-founding the EmpowerPath Initiative with her mother. “Building an organization dedicated to empowering youth and strengthening families has allowed me to transform my own experiences into opportunities for someone else’s growth. Watching young people begin to believe in themselves reminds me why we started this work in the first place,” she says.

“My testimony is one of God’s grace, healing, and purpose. There was a season in my life when I faced significant mental health challenges and struggled to recognize my own worth. From the outside, life appeared to be moving forward, but internally I was carrying burdens that very few people knew about. I questioned my purpose, battled self-doubt, and wondered whether I truly belonged in this world. Looking back, I now understand that God never stopped working, even when I couldn’t see it. While I was questioning my future, He was preparing it. Every opportunity, every mentor, every encouraging conversation, and every open door became another reminder that my story was not over,” she shares.

Healing, Queani says, taught her that faith doesn’t always remove the storm, but it gives you the strength to walk through it. “I learned that asking for help is not weakness, it is courage. I learned that healing is not a destination but a lifelong journey of choosing hope, choosing faith, and choosing to believe that your life still has purpose. Today, I share my testimony because I know there are people quietly carrying burdens they believe no one understands. I want them to know they are not alone.

My story is not about the pain I experienced, it is about the purpose I discovered because of it. I believe God allowed me to walk through those difficult seasons so I could remind someone else that healing is possible, hope is real, and your current circumstances do not determine your future.”

I learned that asking for help is not weakness, it is courage. I learned that healing is not a destination but a lifelong journey of choosing hope, choosing faith, and choosing to believe that your life still has purpose.”

Queani credits her parents with having the greatest impact on her life. She adds, “Long before I understood sacrifice, they were living it every single day. As a young student, I knew they worked hard, but I didn’t fully understand the weight of those sacrifices until I became older. Looking back now, I realize every extra shift, every long day, and every sacrifice they made was an investment in my future. They chose to carry additional burdens so I could focus on building the life they dreamed for me. Their example taught me that success is never achieved alone. Every accomplishment I celebrate belongs to them just as much as it belongs to me.”Queani’s experiences within the federal court system, she states, transformed the way she viewed leadership and justice. Working alongside judges, attorneys, probation officers, and legal professionals showed her that justice is about far more than laws and courtrooms. It is about protecting people’s dignity, advocating for fairness, and ensuring every individual has the opportunity to be heard. One individual who left a lasting impression on Queani was Chief Judge Roger L. Gregory. Watching his humility, wisdom, and compassion, she shared, demonstrated that leadership is measured not by power but by service. His example reaffirmed her desire to pursue a career in law rooted in integrity, empathy, and justice.

The EmpowerPath Initiative is more than a nonprofit organization, it is a reflection of Queani’s purpose and the heart behind everything I hope to accomplish. Founded by her mother and Queani, EmpowerPath is rooted in family, faith, service, and community. Together, they recognized that empowering youth means supporting the entire family. Queani says that it was founded on the belief that every young person deserves the opportunity to discover their potential, regardless of where they come from or the obstacles they face. “Growing up in a rural community, I experienced firsthand how limited access to resources, mentorship, and opportunities can influence a young person’s future. Too often, talented young people don’t lack ability, they lack exposure, guidance, and someone who believes in them. EmpowerPath was created to help change Charlotte - July/August 2026

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that narrative. That’s why our work extends beyond mentorship to include advocacy, health literacy, family wellness, leadership development, workforce readiness, youth justice, and educational programming. We want to equip young people and their families with the knowledge, confidence, and resources they need to build stronger futures. Our mission is simple but powerful: to empower every voice, strengthen every path, and help young people recognize that their circumstances do not define their potential. We believe that when youth are supported, families become stronger, and when families become stronger, entire communities thrive. More than anything, I want every child who encounters EmpowerPath to leave knowing they are seen, valued, capable, and created with purpose,” she says.

The vision for EmpowerPath didn’t begin with a business plan, it began with lived experience. As Queani reflected on her own journey, she realized that many of the challenges she faced could have been easier to navigate if she had greater access to mentorship, resources, and opportunities. She often thought about the young people growing up in communities like the one she grew up in, and wondered how many of them were carrying incredible potential without anyone helping them recognize it. That question stayed with Queani. She says that she and her mother began talking about what it would look like to create something that not only encouraged young people but also strengthened families and communities. Those conversations eventually became EmpowerPath. In November 2025, they officially launched the organization with a vision of creating stronger pathways for youth and families, particularly in rural communities where opportunities can often feel out of reach. “We wanted to build an organization that addressed more than one need. We wanted to create a place where advocacy, education, leadership, health and wellness, workforce development, and mentorship could come together to help people build lasting futures,” she says.

As the future unfolds, Queani says the next chapter of her journey is one that she has dreamed about for years, and one that she approaches with excitement, gratitude, and humility.

“Right now, my primary focus is preparing for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and applying to law schools as I continue pursuing my lifelong goal of becoming an attorney. I know this next season will require discipline, sacrifice, and perseverance, but every step brings me closer to the purpose I believe God has placed on my life. My hope is to earn my Juris Doctor, pass the bar examination, and dedicate my career to advocating for justice, serving communities whose voices have too often been overlooked, and ensuring that every individual is treated with dignity, fairness, and compassion. I want to use the law not only as a profession, but as a tool to create meaningful change and expand opportunities for others. Alongside my legal journey, I remain deeply committed to growing the EmpowerPath Initiative. My vision is to expand our impact by creating more opportunities for youth and families through mentorship, leadership development, educational programming, workforce readiness, health and wellness initiatives, and community partnerships. I believe meaningful change doesn’t begin only inside a courtroom, it begins within our homes, schools, neighborhoods, and communities. As I reflect on this chapter of my life, I also want to express my sincere gratitude to the Virginia Commonwealth University community. VCU has been more than a university; it has been a place where I have grown academically, professionally, and personally. I am especially thankful to the professors who challenged me to think critically, encouraged me to believe in my abilities, and invested in my success both inside and outside the classroom. Their mentorship, guidance, and belief in my potential have played an important role in shaping the leader I am becoming. I am equally grateful to the judges, attorneys, probation officers, mentors, classmates, family, and friends who have poured into my journey.

Every opportunity I’ve received has been possible because someone took the time to encourage me, teach me, or open a door. No matter where life leads me next, my mission will remain the same: to honor God, serve others with humility, advocate for justice with integrity, and leave every place I enter better than I found it. I truly believe the best chapters of my story are still being written, and I look forward to embracing every opportunity that lies ahead with faith, purpose, and a heart committed to making a difference,” she says. h

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The daughter of Sydney Hildreth & David Stevens

Kamarion Allen The son of Monica Allen

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Marcus Martin

Grace Beyond Borders NWI, Inc.

A Legacy of Service

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Marcus Martin Marcus Martin of East Chicago, IN, is the face and founder of Grace Beyond Borders NWI, Inc. Founded in 2013, Grace Beyond Borders NWI, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization that meets the physical and spiritual needs of those impacted by homelessness and drug addiction.

They accomplish this by providing food, long-term housing, and a safe space to help neighbors get back on their feet. They also provide resources for a hand up and not a handout. As a program to end homelessness, life-changing services are given to transform and restore lives. The program’s mission is to offer hope, love, care, and the Good News of Jesus Christ.

“I come from a very humble beginning. I grew up in a melting pot, diverse community. Most of the opportunities available for the youth involved sports.

There was limited transportation, and we became accustomed to walking to get to where we wanted to go. As a young boy, I delivered newspapers,” he says.

After graduating from high school in East Chicago, Marcus graduated from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, TX. He later returned to East Chicago and worked part-time in the public school system. That experience, he says, he learned a lot about working with young people and individuals. He would also work with the Boys and Girls Club of America for twenty plus years, before choosing to work with the homeless population in his community.

“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the lord, and he will repay him for his deed.”

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In the beginning, Marcus worked with the Homeless Outreach Ministry at his church. “At first, I thought I would stand behind a table, serve food, and help clean up. I found that it was much more,” he says.

After working with the Homeless Outreach Ministry, Marcus says he began to feel a calling to work with the homeless population. That was around 2010. “I remember being at a leadership retreat at our church.

It was being held at a major shopping mall, and I recall having a free afternoon. That was when I heard a voice telling me to do what I was called to do, which was work with the homeless population.” When Marcus returned to work on Monday, he says that he was offered a chance to resign from his job with the Boys and Girls Club. By that Friday, he accepted a severance package and stepped out into what he called the “unknown”.

Soon, Marcus would launch Grace Beyond Borders.

It began on the streets, appropriately, as the issues they strive to address are found there, being the homeless population. In his first year, Marcus came in contact with nearly 100 homeless individuals, primarily in East Chicago, but also in neighboring communities such as Gary, Hammond, Amarville, and others.

“Being outdoors, and being on the front line, I was able to learn that not all homelessness is connected to substance abuse. I learned that some people are homeless for various reasons, many of which can be reversed,” he says. Fast forward to 2018, through news broadcasts and radio promotions, Marcus announced that he would be staying out 30 different nights in 30 different locations where the homeless population was known to inhabit. Marcus shares that it was during the winter months, and these were some harsh conditions that people were living in, and it was extremely difficult for him. On the bright side, that event was very successful for Marcus and the homeless community, as he was able to raise over $70,000. He used the money to purchase a building that is now a Women’s and Children’s Mission, located in East Chicago, IL. While the main focus is to assist the homeless population, Grace Beyond Borders does a lot more.

“We take every call that comes in. We work with families in getting placement. I recall working with a mother with six daughters, ranging in age of one and eleven. She was in a domestic violence situation with her kid’s father. We helped her get a hotel and food. We were also able to get her out of danger, and ultimately assist her with reestablishing her family.

That is the kind of work that our organization does,” he says.

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I remember being at a leadership retreat at our church........ That was when I heard a voice telling me to do what I was called to do, which was work with the homeless population.”

When asked what he loves most about what he does, Marcus says it’s the opportunity to work with the homeless population and help to meet their needs. Looking ahead, Grace Beyond Borders is seeking to partner with organizations and others who are interested in investing in the program. With helping the homeless population find permanent shelter being their ultimate goal, he says they want to ensure that need is met. “My vision is a larger expansion of where we are, that will allow us to take in more families with children, and then move into housing.

We have to expand to meet these needs and it requires funding. We want to have everything in place to show our supporters that they are making a difference and impacting the lives of others. We don’t want children who are presently in a homeless situation to repeat the cycle. That is why our work is so important,” he says. h

Grace Beyond Borders NWI, Inc. P.O. Box 927 East Chicago, IN 46312 219-392-9932 www.gracebeyondborders.org​ 37

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