Passion, Purpose, and Expiration Dates
A Letter From The Editor
There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!
A Letter from the Editor
When the moment arrives and you know that your passion doesn’t align with your purpose, it’s time to move on.
One of the great blessings that God offers to all of His children is the opportunity to choose what we want to do in life. Some may aspire to be a doctor, nurse, actor/actress, musician, teacher, dancer, etc. Whatever our hearts desire, God allows us to decide. With this freedom, I believe that God doesn’t expect us to leave Him out totally. If it’s from God, then in order to sustain it, a connection must be sustained.
What if tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of your plans, hopes and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow never happened? There would be no reason to save for a rainy day, and you could spare someone the trouble of making promises. What if your last opportunity seemingly expired today? What would you do?
The purpose of an expiration date is to let us know when something has gone bad or has become useless. Who wants to eat food that has expired? We are not supposed to drive cars with an expired driver’s license, so why would we want to show up for an assignment that has passed us by? It doesn’t make sense. Whether it’s a person, place, or thing, or even an airplane, it deserves the best from whoever is in a position to provide it.
Lately, I have noticed that a lack of compassion exists in many places. In the hospitality industry, the healthcare industry, the travel industry, and even at church, people seem to be so disinterested in the feelings of others. Of course, we can come up with a lot of reasons and excuses as to why, again, I believe that it’s due to an expiration date. If the thrill is gone, then the door becomes open to all of the bad habits to walk in.
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 believer in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything on me that I couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life would be if I chose to sit idle and accept what it presented to me. I have found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone. A challenge to me is an adventure. What is the worst that can happen? 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 return acquire life.
The best advice ever given to me happened when someone told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so I have pressed my way through doors with a key that only hope provided. I have also learned the difference between what God blesses me with and what life can burden me with as well. I compare it to knowing when to be confident and when to be quiet, because someone may get it confused with being arrogant.
I want to encourage everyone who may read this message to always approach what we are called to with love and excellence. Self-reflection is also something that can help us learn where we are in our calling and assignments. The reasons why we started don’t change; what changes is what happens along the journey, and when the moment arrives where our interests are dull and reasoning has evaporated, that’s when we should walk away. Too many people are depending on receiving the best versions of themselves, and that version may even be connected to their livelihood and survival.
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INDIANAPOLIS
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It is time to celebrate those who help make our communities better. The Huami Magazine Community Awards Gala happened in Charlotte. Charlotte, NC She is Huami Magazine’s Cutest Baby. Introducing one beautiful baby. Her name is Mina Alyssa Kennedy
The Evolution of Business - The Les Marie Firm Les Marie
Leading The City of Gary Mayor Eddie D. Melton
Phiffany & Co. Phiffany Porter
BWE Next 2025 Merry Green
New Jerusalem Cathedral Dr. Kevin A. Williams
The 6th Annual Entrepreneur & Small Business Fair is Coming Saturday, August 16, 2025
On August 16, 2025, The 6th Annual Entrepreneur & Small Business Fair will take place in Indianapolis.
Taste Indy’s culture at Food Trucks and Concessions, SHOP more than 100 small businesses offering everything from clothes, jewelry, popcorn, hair accessories, beauty products, healthcare services, children’s books and IDS, and more! Pause and enjoy smooth sounds from the LIVE DJ and more! The first 300 guests receive $50 in IUL Bucks to shop at the vendor(s) of your choice. This event is free and for all ages. Parking will be provided at no cost as well.
The Entrepreneur & Small Business Fair is presented by the Indianapolis Urban League Entrepreneurship Center and its partners. The Indianapolis Urban League (IUL) Entrepreneurship Center was launched in July 2021 to assist entrepreneurs with developing, launching, sustaining, and growing minority small businesses in Central Indiana and surrounding counties. The Entrepreneurship Center provides future and current small business owners with access to in-person and virtual workshops, short-term industry recognized training credentials, individualized coaching, and support to leverage resources, maximize revenue, reduce costs, increase profitability, and create job opportunities.
The desired impact of the IUL Entrepreneurship Center includes access to start-up costs, capital and opportunities for business expansion, identifying emerging business opportunities, contract procurement assistance, and building linkages with small business owners, industry sectors, private, public, and nonprofit resources to support entrepreneurs creating wealth and economic stability.
The Indianapolis Urban League Entrepreneurship Center Program, to date, has achieved the following since 2021: Enrolled 245 small businesses in ten (10) cohorts, awarded nearly $200,000 in IUL Helping Hand Grant Funds ($101,000 2022, $45,000 in 2023, and $50,000 in 2024), provided nearly $90,000 to 300 entrepreneurs participating in the IUL Entrepreneur & Small Business Fair in 2022, 2023, and 2024, Program participants were awarded over $398,501 in other grant and funding support, conducted over 100 small business workshops, and conducted over 3,000 total small business counseling hours. Additionally, the center has helped 20 small business owners earn industry-recognized training credentials. www.indplsul.org
Eddie D. Melton Mayor of Gary, IN
Information obtained from www.gary.gov
Eddie D. Melton is the 22nd Mayor of Gary, Indiana—a proud native son determined to lead one of America’s most iconic cities into a new era of opportunity and renewal.
Mayor Melton overcame the traumatic odds of growing up amid gang violence and poverty. Defying those challenges, he earned an athletic scholarship to Kentucky State University, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), where he played quarterback and studied business management. He later earned a degree in organizational management from Calumet College of St. Joseph. A member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Mayor Melton has always carried his hometown pride and commitment to service wherever his path led.
Melton’s career spans leadership roles in philanthropy, the nonprofit sector, and corporate America—including at NIPSCO, a NiSource Fortune 500 energy company, and the Legacy Foundation. He also served as Interim CEO of the National Black Bank Foundation, a national nonprofit dedicated to strengthening Black-owned financial institutions and underserved communities.
Melton began his public service in 2015 with appointments to the Indiana Commission on the Social Status of Black Males and the Indiana State Board of Education. In 2016, he was elected to the Indiana State Senate, representing the 3rd District. There, he quickly emerged as a rising leader, becoming Assistant Senate Democratic Leader and Ranking Minority Member on the powerful Appropriations and State Budget Committees.
In 2016, he participated in a prestigious fellowship in Israel for national African American leaders through the American Israel Education Foundation (AIEF), where he focused on foreign policy and national security. From 2017 to2024, Melton also served as Deputy Chairman of the Indiana Democratic Party.
During his nearly eight years in the Senate, Melton championed major legislative wins for Gary, including restoring local control of the Gary Community School Corporation and co-authoring the transformative legislation that led to the relocation and development of the Hard Rock Casino—now Indiana’s top-grossing casino.
On January 1, 2024, Melton made history again, becoming Mayor of Gary, a position Huffington Post dubbed “one of the toughest jobs in America.” An Alumni of the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative, Mayor Melton wasted no time rallying national partners, leveraging billions in investment, and charting a bold course for one of America’s most important comeback stories.
In just two years in office, Mayor Melton has:
- Stabilized city finances, began paying off long-term debt, created a multi-million dollar rainy day fund, and restructured municipal departments for efficiency to better serve citizens.
- Secured a $100 million investment in the future Lake County Convention Center in partnership with Hard Rock and AECOM.
- Helped broker the $14 billion U.S.Steel – Nippon Steel international partnership, directly generating $3 billion in economic impact and hundreds of potential new union jobs for Gary and the region.
- Achieved a 23% reduction in homicides in 2024—the largest single-year drop in decades.
- Reversed population decline for the first time in over 50 years.
Today, Mayor Melton stands as a national voice on urban revitalization, inclusive economic development, and next-generation leadership. His bold vision is clear: to build a Greater Gary by uniting residents, reimagining public services, and making Gary the safest, cleanest, and most resilient city in the region—while expanding opportunity for all.
Les Marie The Evolution of Business
By Terry L. Watson
Jeremiah 1:5: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
Les Marie of Indianapolis, IN, is faith-led, legacy-driven, and dedicated to moving the needle in business. Les is the founder of The Les Marie Firm, which specializes in strategic planning, compliance, and helping businesses scale with confidence. Her firm’s motto is “The Evolution Of Business.”
With over a decade of experience in leadership, operations, and change management, including various roles within Fortune 500 companies, Les built a reputation for spotting gaps and delivering smart, sustainable solutions. She has a background in organizational leadership and a PROSCI Change Management Certification, and has been recognized for her results-driven leadership style.
While Les has enjoyed many successes, the one thing that is most important to her his being a mother to her two teenagers. “My drive is based on the legacy I want to leave. When I leave this world, I want to be a mother my kids can be proud of, and I want them to know I gave everything I had to provide them with a better life. I also want to show them the sky is the limit and no matter what challenges or roadblocks you face, always reach for the sky and catch every star,” she says.
At The Les Marie Firm, Les shares that her team is all about building strong foundations for success. Some of the services they offer are comprehensive business management and brand strategy consulting for businesses. Their key services include Setting Up Your Businesses, which involves helping new ventures with everything from legal formation and registration to establishing core operations. Another service is Structuring Non-Profits, where they guide passionate individuals through the complex process of forming and securing 501(c)(3) status for non-profit organizations. Next is their HR & Compliance. With this, they provide full-service Human Resources solutions, including developing policies, ensuring labor law compliance, and building strong workforces. Next is their Financial Advisory & Bookkeeping service, which provides essential financial guidance, from strategic planning to meticulous bookkeeping. Their Brand Strategy & Development service helps their clients define their unique voice, message, and identity to build a cohesive and impactful brand. Finally, there is the Business Management Services, which provides overall strategic planning, operational optimization, and guidance for sustainable growth. Les states, “Our goal is simple: to give our clients the resources and strategies they need to turn their businesses into empires.”
The Les Marie Firm officially launched in January of 2024. Les had walked away from her corporate job without a plan. She adds her vision truly evolved from years of assisting friends and colleagues with their businesses and helping them solve problems using her experience in operations and leadership. Les realized there was a real need for practical, strategic guidance for passionate entrepreneurs. Taking a leap of faith from her corporate career, she decided to channel her expertise into empowering others. “It was a clear calling to help entrepreneurs build and evolve their businesses,” Les says.
Photos Provided by Les Marie
Les shares that her testimony is one of tenacity and drive. “Nothing was given to me in this world, and the odds were stacked against me beginning at birth. I often asked God, “Why me?” I later found a scripture that said, “Why not you?” Leaving a secure career to start my own firm was a huge step, filled with moments of doubt and a lot of negative opinions from people around me. I truly believed God had a plan for me that was bigger than what anyone else had to say. My entrepreneurial journey has been anchored by my faith, teaching me to trust the process and view challenges as opportunities. It’s a testament that with belief, sacrifice, and perseverance, you can build a successful business,” Les professes.
While Les has stated the significance her kids play in her life, she also credits her for having a huge impact as well. She says, “My mother instilled a strong work ethic in me early in life. She taught me that nothing in life will be handed to me. I quickly learned that success comes at an expensive cost. The true question is, are you willing to pay the isolating cost? My faith and relationship with God has been my foundation, providing me with strength and direction.”
In the beginning, Les says that she was often faced with the challenge of fear. She shares, “Overcoming negativity and doubt was tough. The real question was, “Did I have what it takes to run my own business?” I knew I could with a corporate machine behind me, but what about by myself?”
Les was also faced with the challenge of balancing the demands of growing a business with her responsibilities as a mother. “What does it matter if I’m successful at business if I fail at the most important job of being a mother? That is a question I often ask myself,” she states. Les has overcome her challenges through unwavering faith and a solid support system. She has also had to learn that not everyone is her client. “I’m determined to succeed. I’ve also become intentional about work-life balance, setting clear boundaries and prioritizing what matters. My results speak for themselves. I have a proven track record of results, which allows me to build trust, educate, and help my clients see the long-term value of a strong business foundation and strategic planning.”
Looking ahead, Les has her eyes set on expansion. She plans to reach more entrepreneurs across diverse industries, developing new programs and resources for every stage of business growth. She also would like to create a wrap-around program to build a stronger community among entrepreneurs through more resources, workshops, and networking. “Ultimately, I want to solidify The Les Marie Firm’s reputation as the leading force in business and operations management. I want my firm to be known for empowering dreamers, evolving one business at a time.” h
Merry Green
Love. Legacy. Legendary
By Terry L. Watson
Photos Provided by Merry Green
For the last 30 years, Merry Green of Chicago, IL, has dedicated her life to helping and serving others. She is the founder and visionary of the Black Women’s Expo, an annual event that draws thousands of black women and others to Chicago with the sole purpose of empowerment. This year, on Friday, August 1st through Sunday, August 3rd, McCormick Place in Chicago will serve as the host venue for thousands of women from around the United States. This year’s performers include Raheem Devaughn and Marvin Sapp. There will also be a Youth Summit, a fashion show, and seminars featuring Budgetnista, Tiffany Aliche, Sexual Health Expert Ashley Cobb, Community and Sexual Wellness Strategist, Dr. Hareder McDowell, and much more.
In 1993, then named “An Expo for Today’s Black Woman,” the Black Women’s Expo (BWe) was primarily focused on providing an annual event where small businesses and major corporations alike could showcase their products and services to African American consumers in the Chicagoland area. Over the years, BWe, also known as BWe NEXT, has blossomed into an event where Black women and their families can be educated, entertained, and emboldened. The three-day-long exposition is comprised of small and large activations that address the needs of Black women and their families via topical seminars and general sessions presented by subject matter experts, themed pavilions, an Exhibitor’s Marketplace, and corporate activations.
As the nation’s longest-running, intergenerational exposition for Black women and their families, BWe is proud to cultivate a space where ideas are shared, solutions are discussed, entrepreneurs gain insights on growing their businesses, and corporate brands speak directly to brand-loyal consumers.
A native of Nashville, TN, Merry is a mother, entrepreneur, event planner, and in a lot of ways, an activist. She moved to Rochester, NY, at a young age. In Rochester, Merry’s journey began fighting television and radio stations that weren’t hiring blacks. Seeing an injustice take place, she put her gloves on. Her fight would ultimately open doors of opportunity in these industries for Merry. Those experiences would also pave the way to event planning, forming an event planning company.
In Rochester, Merry worked for an ABC affiliate, and in her early thirties, she moved to Chicago, where she began working for NBC in television. Shortly thereafter, she was invited to work in radio, which included promotional and marketing opportunities and event and Expo planning, leading to the creation of her own event planning company. “I didn’t study anything in particular. I was just moved around and that is how I arrived at where I am at now,” Merry says.
In 1995, Merry approached her bosses at the radio station where she worked with the idea of producing an event that focused on African American Women, which made up 60% of the station’s listeners at the time. She put together a team of women that comprised community and health organizations, as well as sponsors and advertisers of the radio station. They began at McCormick’s Place, one of the biggest convention centers in the United States, and have been there ever since.
In the past, the three-day event has drawn attendees and vendors to Chicago from around the United States, including Atlanta, Ohio, New York, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, and more. The Black Women’s Expo is the nation’s longest-running and respected women’s expo. For a period of time, the expo was held in other cities, including Detroit, Orlando, Atlanta, and Biloxi (Mississippi), but Chicago remains its true home. Last year, Merry applied for and was awarded a tourism grant, which allowed her to market and promote the expo in other markets. Their marketing efforts were successful as they saw attendees present from the markets they advertised in.
It’s obvious that Merry is living in her purpose. Even more, the words “community” and “serve” are synonymous with her name. Merry says, “I have always been concerned about the treatment, needs, and concerns of African American women. The Expo was built around that, to create a platform centered around those concerns, which would allow us to showcase our products and services, and have a place to discuss issues that were happening in our communities. As a Black woman, I am committed to the fight for Black women. Even as others try to erase our history or forget what we have created, I will never stop because being a Black woman will never change. Our fight will and must continue,” Merry shares.
When asked what she loves most about her work, Merry says it’s seeing things come together. “The planning of this year’s expo has been a whirlwind of emotions as I reminisce on the thousands of women who have come through our doors, launching and showcasing their businesses as exhibitors while realizing their dreams. I close my eyes and think of icons Oprah, Winnie Mandela and Maya Angelou, and countless entertainers who embraced our vision through their presence at the Black Women’s Expo over the past three decades. Recently, during a staff meeting, I shared with my team that execution starts now. No more ideas, no more creativity. Especially for those who are working with us for the first time, now it’s time to pull it all together and execute on all levels. Seeing a line at 10:00 am on Friday morning when the doors open makes it all worth it. Seeing generations of women in attendance, teenagers, young children, and even seniors. It’s amazing and really touches my heart to see entire families of women in attendance,” she says.
While she has produced the event for the last 30 years, Merry has always tried to maintain a low profile and asserts that actions are always intended for the benefit of others. She also states that this year’s event has a lot of meaning for her. “It took this year to fully understand the impact the Expo has on my community. I’ve had a chance to process the support of countless supporters over the years, all of whom make the event possible. As we faced hurdles, including the loss of funding due to our determination not to be inclusive, we persevered. The reason we have the Expo is that we were not included,” she says.
Being able to produce an event, consistently, year after year, is a testament to who Merry Green is and her determination and commitment to help others. The community of Chicago appreciates her. The country appreciates her, and Black Women are greatly empowered because of her obedience to what she has been called to do. “If anyone had predicted my journey of producing the Black Women’s Expo would last this long — a venerable institution marking a three-decade milestone — I likely would not have believed them. However, poised to celebrate our 30th anniversary as the nation’s largest and longest-running Expo for Black women, I remain immensely grateful for this journey, for every milepost of our story, and chapters yet to be written,” Merry says.
Looking forward, Merry plans to continue to do what God has called her to do, which is to be a pillar and valuable resource for her community and other communities around the country. In addition to the BWE Next, Merry and her team have also established a non-profit entity titled the “Black Women’s Entrepreneurial Fund” to support women who aspire to start and grow their businesses and follow their dreams. With the funds creation, the legacy of the Black Women’s Expo will live on for generations, which aligns perfectly with their theme, “The Legacy Continues.” Merry adds, “Whether as an exhibitor, sponsor, presenter, performer or attendee, I hope you will come and experience this monumental event produced by Black women, for Black women.”
Charlotte, NC
Photos Provided by Still Shots Photography
2025 Huami Magazine Community Awards Honorees
Business Leaders Honorees
Community Leaders Honorees
Dr.KevinWilliams MotherFlorenceWilliams
50 Years of God’s Grace New Jerusalem Cathedral 1975-2025
While most may believe that it all started in 1975, the foundation of New Jerusalem was well in the making long before. To be honest, the stars were aligned and in full beam on the streets of Philadelphia way back when. There was a young fellow who went by the name of Frank. Ambitious, confident, and modest in some ways, Frank possessed promise and purpose, and as time would reveal, through obedience and by faith, he would leave a lasting impact on the world. Fast forward to 2025, and Frank’s presence and persona are as resounding as they ever were.
Florence Plummer Williams, also known as Mother Williams, recalls when the late Bishop Frank Williams visited his father in Philadelphia. She lived across the street from Bishop Williams’ father, and a connection was made, and life began to move fast for the young couple. In 1963, Frank moved to Greensboro, NC. After proposing to Florence, she came to Greensboro, NC. When Florence moved to NC, they got married a month after sharing their nuptials in April. Florence was pregnant in May, and Bishop was called to Pastor in June at Mount Zion Baptist Church, which was on Bingham Street at the time. “It was a small wooden church with an outside baptismal pool. We had a small membership of about 50 or 60 people. We stayed there for about five years. Through fundraising efforts, the church relocated from Bingham Street to Spencer Street. At some point, my husband was called to do something different. We decided to start our own ministry, and New Jerusalem Cathedral began in the YWCA building on the corner of Pearson Street and Murrow Boulevard. That was in 1975. We stayed there until a building became available. That happened when New Light Baptist Church, now located on Willow Road, changed its location. We purchased their previous location on McConnell Road and remained there for several years. Due to the city of Greensboro’s expansion, we were forced to relocate from that location. We then rented space at the Greensboro Coliseum until our eventual location at 1606 Phillips Avenue became available,” Mother Williams shares.
When speaking of her late husband, Mother Williams’ smile is very generous. She lost her husband in 1998 and remains unmarried today. As she describes their union, it becomes evident that she understood her purpose then and remains fully committed to it now. “God had blessed my husband with an amazing gift. That became apparent to me very early. I wasn’t raised in the church and meeting him was a whole new world for me. We dated in Philly, and he asked me if I would marry him. Of course, I was young and in love, and I told him I would go wherever you go. After the first month, I was pregnant with my first son, Michael. We were a young couple, and many of our members were a lot older than we were, and they were very supportive and helped me and Bishop Williams along our journey,” she says.
New Jerusalem Cathedral (1975-2025)
September 14, 1975
New Jerusalem Baptist Church - (Pearson Street YWCA)
Church name changed to New Jerusalem Cathedral
New Jerusalem Churches of Sound Doctrine
New Jerusalem Cathedral - Greensboro, NC (Mother Church)
November 1984
January 26, 1998 1992 2005 2024
July 6th, 2025 1977 1983
Purchased building sold by New Light Baptist Church 1860 McConnell Road - Greensboro, NC
Greensboro Coliseum Town Hall Auditorium
New Jerusalem Cathedral Moved 1606 Phillips Avenue - Greensboro, NC
Monument of Praise Ministries Began High Point, NC
Bishop Frank Williams called home to be with God
New Jerusalem Moved 1822 Sharpe Road - Greensboro, NC
Frank and Florence Conference & Sports Center Opened 1824 Sharpe Road - Greensboro, NC
Dr. Kevin A. Williams became King of Development of Adukrom, Ghana
Monument of Praise Ministries - High Point, NC
Church of Redemption - High Point, NC
New Jerusalem Cathedral West - Winston Salem, NC
Hope Church International - Durham, NC
Refuge Temple Bridging The Gap - Clinton, NC
Amazing Grace International Church - East London, South Africa
Embassy of Faith Worldwide - Nairobi, Kenya
Grace & Priase Kingdom Assembly
Harmony Community Church
Greater Fellowship Worship Center
Greater Connectors Church of Sound Doctrine
Phillips Avenue Annex - Greensboro, NC
Sharpe Road Location - Greensboro, NC
Monument of Praise Ministries - High Point, NC
The Frank and Florence Williams Conference & Sports Center
The young Bishop Frank Williams was a very busy minister. In addition to leading the members of New Jerusalem, he served in many other capacities. Mother Williams shares that Bishop Frank Williams had a lot of energy and a remarkable vision. He gleaned insights from the various places he visited, and he knew exactly what he wanted to do. Reverend Williams organized the Poor People’s March here in Greensboro, NC, and a March on Washington that impacted the disenfranchised. He also caused laws to change. Because of Bishop Williams, the Privileged Communication Law was established. During that time, Protestant pastors were required to testify in court about things shared with them in confidence, while Catholic priests were not. Due to Bishop Williams efforts in changing this law, Protestant pastors are now also protected from having to testify. The Mayor also instituted Frank Williams Day.
“On our first service at New Jerusalem, we had almost 150 people who joined the church that Sunday. Some of our present members from then are still members now, supporting our ministry in some capacity, she says.
While building their ministry, there was a keen set of eyes always focused on whatever his father was doing. The young Kevin Williams is a true “daddy’s boy”. He loved his late father with his whole heart, and whatever he saw his dad do, he wanted to do the same. Dr. Kevin A. Williams credits his father with shaping and molding him into the person he is today. At the young age of four, Dr. Williams was called to preach, but his father wouldn’t allow him to preach. “His father’s response was how would you tell anyone about life, and you do not know anything yourself?” At the age of 10, he gave his life to Christ, an experience that his mother describes as emotional and equally inspiring. Dr. Williams preached his initial sermon at the age of 15, and the rest is history.
Dr. Williams recalls the experience of giving his trial sermon. “Before then, I was my father’s drummer. I was only 15, and I hadn’t spent much time in the pulpit. I was terrified. There were three of us scheduled to give our trial sermon that day, and I had to go first. The church was packed out with many of my father’s friends. I did ok, and for four years, I wasn’t a great preacher. My father told me that I would never become a great preacher until I lose my first love for a new love. My first love was drumming. I was great at it. I had to break up with my girlfriend (drums) in order to pursue this relationship. Preaching is not just a calling, it’s a relationship,” he says.
Dr. Kevin Williams graduated from Southeast High School in Greensboro, NC. He later attended Shaw University (satellite campus) in High Point, NC, the Overcoming School of Religion in South Carolina, and the Institute of Christian Works in Seattle, WA. He also worked in the patient accounting department at Cone Hospital in Greensboro. He would later work at John Hancock Insurance (later bought out by Unicare).
In 1998, Bishop Frank Williams was called home to be with the Lord. Before his passing, he had suffered from several health ailments, including a massive stroke. That ordeal left him disabled on his right side and affected his speech. Yet, he remained defiant and continued to attend church and preach to the best of his ability. As Bishop Williams’ health declined, his ministry was adversely impacted. “We lost members, and as a result, we struggled to pay many of the church bills. Yet, we were determined to make it. I sold plates of food and did whatever we could to make it, and God saw us through,” she says.
Pictured above and below if Bishop Frank Williams
Pictured above is Mother Florence and Bishop Frank Williams
Dr. Kevin A. Williams
“My father told me that you are a good preacher, but you can also be versatile in any environment. If you are stuck in one style, you are not a good preacher; you should be able to go into an environment where no one knows the Bible at all, and shift your style to grip them.”
In 1992, Dr. Williams, along with Mother Williams, began a new ministry, Monument of Praise Ministries. Leading his ministry, Dr. Williams served in dual roles: Senior Pastor of Monument of Praise in High Point, NC, and Vice Bishop of New Jerusalem alongside his father. As one can imagine, he maintained a fairly hectic schedule, traveling between the two churches and preaching two sermons on any given Sunday, all while working at Unicare full-time. After losing his father, Dr. Williams took the role as Senior Pastor of New Jerusalem Cathedral on Phillips Avenue and became the pastor of both ministries. In 2005, they moved to a newly constructed location on Sharpe Road in Greensboro. Under his leadership, the ministry continued to flourish, and membership increased. In 2024, they moved into the newest location, the Frank and Florence Williams Conference & Sports Center. This remarkable edifice is multifunctional and can seat up to 2500 people.
New Jerusalem Cathedral is a nondenominational, multi-cultural, independent church whose primary mission is to pursue evangelism as structured in the book of Acts in order to help resolve homelessness, first in Guilford County, and then in the uttermost parts of the world. The church has grown and expanded over the years, but its purpose has remained steadfast: to exalt God, to edify the Body of Christ, and to evangelize the world.
Losing his father left a void in Dr. Williams’ life. That was his best friend, his mentor, his pastor. He taught Kevin how to fish, how to play chess, and other intricate things for a man to know, and made sure he took care of his mom. “My father died on Monday, January 26, 1998. He was funeralized the following Saturday. I preached his funeral at Power House of Deliverance Church. I had a small recorder, and it held a recording of my father reading a scripture. I played the recording and then proceeded to preach. I stood in my father’s pulpit the next day, and I have been in it ever since. My father was a great man of vision, and he was 30 years before his time. Many of the things that are happening today, my father was talking about in 1982 and 1983. Because of what he shared with me, I have already been prepared for this moment, and he is still fathering me because I still hear his voice,” he says.
Without question, Dr. Kevin Williams loves his parents, and fulfilling their legacy is his most important priority. “My responsibility is to cover and protect my mom and make sure she is honored as co-founder of everything that we have done. When I do ministry, I do it based on everything my parents have taught me to do. This is my family’s legacy and livelihood. My job is to protect my family,” Dr. Williams says.
While Dr. Williams is walking in the image of his mother and father, he also credits a few other ministers for having a profound impact and lasting impression on his life and ministry. These include Bishop Noel Jones, Willie James Campbell, Caesar Clark, CL Franklin, and Jasper Williams. “My father told me that you are a good preacher, but you can also be versatile in any environment. If you are stuck in one style, you are not a good preacher; you should be able to go into an environment where no one knows the Bible at all and shift your style to grip them. The scripture says that “I became all things to all men for the saving of some,” he says.
The future for Dr. Kevin Williams and Mother Williams looks very bright. Today, Dr. Williams celebrates 41 years of preaching sound doctrine. In September, New Jerusalem Cathedral will celebrate 50 Years of Ministry. Earlier this month, Dr. Williams traveled to the continent of Africa and was crowned as King by a King in Ghana. Under his leadership, New Jerusalem Cathedral, Monument of Praise, and The Church of Sound Doctrine continue to soar. Why? It is because Dr. Williams is a man with great vision and determination.
Additionally, Dr. Williams has been focused on doing things differently from his father. One in particular is structure. “I call it “Christian Etiquette Structure”. My father did not allow women to wear pants in the sanctuary. If he came back right now, he
would get me. I have learned and accepted there are certain things you will have to advance in if you are to stay relevant in this culture,” he shares. “My journey has really been a walk of faith. One of the scariest things is that we don’t have enough visionaries. Our assignment is to challenge the mindsets of this generation and to help them know the true Savior of the world. We should also focus on reaching more people and preparing them for the coming of the Lord and for what is happening next.
In closing, Dr. Williams continues to express his appreciation for the privilege of serving the members of his ministry. He is also grateful for having his mother present to see him do what he does. “In my own way, I believe that with my mother seeing what I do, my father can see it also. Her smile is coupled with my father’s. If she says that is good, then I believe I am being a good carrier of the Williams’ family legacy,” he says. h
Phiffany & Co.
By Terry L. Watson - Photos Provided by Corrie Wilson
It’s not how you start, but how you finish.
For North Little Rock, AR, native and resident, Phiffany Porter, that adage is resounding and of great significance. As the owner and face of Phiffany & Co., Phiffany has made quite a name for herself in the real estate industry. She’s young and ambitious, and those qualities have fueled her fire. Yet, there is so much more that drives her passion, but at her core, Phiffany is answering a call of purpose planted into her as a young child.
“My life began with humble beginnings,” Phiffany shares. “I grew up in the East Gate Public Housing community. It was me, my mother, uncles, and cousins, all housed in a two-bedroom duplex. We stayed there until my grandmother purchased her first house, which was also a two-bedroom. While we may have been classified as a low-income family, it never felt like it, because there was so much love around. Of course, while at school, I noticed that some of the other kids had things that I didn’t, but still, I never felt like I was missing out. Living with my grandmother, Phyllis Porter, I absorbed many of her qualities. While my mother, Lucianna was there, I was really a “granny’s baby”. Sitting under her and watching the shows she watched on television, I learned a whole lot, including how to cook.”
Phiffany is a graduate of Sylvan Hills High School in Sherwood, AR. After high school, Phiffany tried several different careers, but entrepreneurship was always in her heart. Soon she moved to San Antonio, TX, and enrolled in Real Estate School. She would make her way back to North Little Rock and continue her studies in Real Estate, and eventually obtain her license to be a realtor. Phiffany also attended Shorter College and graduated with an Associates Degree in Arts and Science in 2017.
Interestingly enough, Phiffany didn’t immediately jump into real estate full-time after obtaining her license. She continued to work for the federal government, but realized that life was very stagnant and she wanted more. After giving birth to her daughter, she jumped into real estate full-time, and her impact was immediately recognized. “In my first year of being a realtor, I volumed half a million dollars in sales in only six months. My first full year 3.5 million dollars. I tell people all of the time that it was nothing but God. I used to tell my grandmother all of the time that I would make my first million before I am thirty-five. Sadly, while I was pregnant, I lost my grandmother. I never really grieved her, and now she is my purpose. I told her what I was going to do, and I want to fulfill that affirmation,” Phiffany says. Fulfilling that promise appears to have been an easy task, as Phiffany has accomplished multimillion-dollar sales each year since beginning in 2021.
When asked what she loves most about what she does, Phiffany shares it’s the opportunity to help families. “I love to see people’s dreams come true. I feel like every client I have helped has become a part of my family. Every transaction has taught me something. I love to help others see their dreams come true. As African Americans, we don’t always get the opportunity to purchase property. When I purchased my first home, I also built my first home. It was a custom build as well. That was a major feat for me, and is an experience that I want to share and make possible for others,” she says.
In her quest to help and serve others, Phiffany has been blessed with memories she shares that will last a lifetime. “My first sale is my most memorable sale. It was a listing in Maumelle, AR. I was so nervous. I had to sell myself and let my client know that I was the right person to help them sell their property. I was ready and I had a plan. I had my pitch prepared, as well as the comparative market analysis, and my client stopped me from talking mid-sentence and told me they believed that I would do everything that I said I would,” she says. Phiffany would go on to sell her client’s home $30,000 over value. That experience, she says, was very scary, but it equipped her with a new level of confidence. “I cried like a baby after closing because I was very proud of myself.”
Being raised by her grandmother, it’s quite understandable that she is the one who has impacted her life the most. Phiffany says she is the person who molded her and shaped her as a God-fearing woman. “My grandmother always told me that I must be a lady first in everything that I do. When I walk into a room, I want others to feel my presence. That is something that my grandmother taught me. She moved that way. She left her grace in every room that she stepped into. I am a hustler at heart, and I hustle with grace and purpose. My grandmother taught me that, too. That is her legacy, and I want to ensure that her legacy continues.”
In my first year of being a realtor, I volumed half a million dollars in sales in only six months. My first full year 3.5 million dollars. I tell people all of the time that it was nothing but God.”
Phiffany also credits her son, Kobe, and daughter, Khori, with impacting her life, and has already involved them in her business. Her son, who is 13, sits in construction meetings with her, which exposes him to the inner workings of business. “I want my kids to see firsthand what confidence looks like and learn what it takes to succeed from my perspective. I don’t want just to tell them, I allow for them to see it firsthand,” she says.
In the field of real estate, there are some challenges that Phiffany has faced. One that she happily admits is getting out of her own way. She adds, “I wasn’t confident in the beginning. I knew I had the skills and the ability, but I wasn’t very confident. Where I come from, I have never seen someone doing what I do. Still today, I am scared because I have so many people looking at me. My kids are watching me, and family and friends that I grew up with are watching me. I don’t want to let them down.”
While there have been challenges, Phiffany says that she appreciates the way things have happened. She also states there isn’t much that she would change, other than not listening to the words and advice of non-believers. Over the course of her career, her strength and confidence have grown because of her faith in God and her belief in His purpose for her life.
In addition to being a realtor and managing her own company, Phiffany & Co., she owns a construction company ERA Development. Phiffany is also a member of the highly successful realtor team with Plush Homes and has her hands involved in a few other things, including serving as a Client Relations Manager for Bisutomodo Entertainment.
For others who may follow a path in life similar to hers, Phiffany offers some sound advice. “You can do whatever you set your heart to, but make sure that it’s your passion, because if it’s your passion, it doesn’t feel like work. I love what I do; the real estate, the music industry, and construction development. I love them all. Things are going to change, but you must be open to that. You have to hustle every day and always have faith,” she says.
Phiffany has accomplished a lot in her young life. Looking ahead, her goals are to do even more, much of which involves helping others. “I want to develop neighborhoods and communities for minorities to live luxuriously but at an affordable cost. I want to be an all-around powerhouse to help people, all people. I grew up with no stability, and I didn’t get my first bed to sleep in until I moved out on my own after graduating from high school. I want to provide those opportunities to others who may be in a similar situation,” Phiffany shares. Using her life’s experiences, Phiffany has plans to publish her first book, There is Purpose with Pain, which is scheduled to be released in 2026.
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Mina Alyssa Kennedy
The daughter of Christopher and MacKenzie Kennedy
Alchemy Business Consulting Stacey M. Cole
By Terry L. Watson
Photos Provided by Jhoel Astazia
Stacey M. Cole is best described as an unwavering business consultant driven by a profound dedication to empowering local businesses. With an abundance of experience and expertise under her belt, Stacey’s primary focus lies in offering indispensable guidance and unwavering support to small enterprises, equipping them with the necessary tools and strategic frameworks to navigate the intricacies of today’s fiercely competitive landscape.
Currently residing in Cincinnati, OH, Stacey is a proud native of the South Side of Chicago. With humble beginnings, she was raised in a workingclass community that shaped her resilience and determination. Though her roots were modest, she never let that stop her from dreaming big and pushing forward with purpose. Stacey graduated from Jones Commercial High School in Chicago, a historically prestigious finishing school that had transitioned into a magnet school. Students were still required to wear traditional business attire— skirts, heels, hats, and gloves—which helped instill a professional mindset early on. She majored in accounting and gained her first exposure to working with professionals through internships, including at the Leadership Council on housing discrimination and Kentucky Fried Chicken.
After high school, Stacey’s life took a new direction as she embraced motherhood and the responsibility that came with it. Determined to create a better life, she enrolled at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, IL, earning a Bachelor of Science in Communication. She later returned to Chicago, where she supported her mother and earned her Master’s Degree in Business Administration. This advanced education further solidified her knowledge in business operations, leadership, and people development, allowing her to bring even more depth and structure to the consulting services she offers today.
“At Alchemy Business Consulting, we believe in the value of people and are dedicated to your success. Together, we will work to equip you with the knowledge, resources, and know-how necessary to grow the organizations you want.”
In 2018, Stacey launched her own brand, Alchemy Business Consulting. “My focus was to help small and medium-sized businesses scale and grow,” she says. “At Alchemy Business Consulting, we believe in the value of people and are dedicated to your success. Together, we will work to equip you with the knowledge, resources, and know-how necessary to grow the organizations you want.” In addition to scaling support, Alchemy Business Consulting offers operational development, legacy building, life and health insurance, retirement rollovers, and business continuity planning.
Unfortunately, while in New York, Stacey was the victim of sexual assault. This wasn’t the first time she had experienced such trauma—Stacey was victimized twice before as a young girl. As one can imagine, the ordeal left her deeply impacted. Encouraged by her grandmother, Stacey relocated to Nashville, TN, in 2019, shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the world. Their time together was precious and unforgettable, especially as they witnessed the first woman and first Black American being sworn in as Vice President of the United States. As the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted traditional business operations, Stacey saw an urgent need to shift her focus. “During COVID, no one was thinking about scaling; they were thinking about survival,” she says. “I pivoted toward financial literacy, employee benefits, and helping people feel valued beyond what a paycheck provides.”
During this period, Stacey also became involved in an ongoing criminal case, advocating for women who had experienced sexual assault. Drawing from her personal journey as a survivor, she used her voice to speak out, offering hope and healing. “Healing requires air,” she says. “For Black women especially, we’ve been conditioned to be silent. I want to break that pattern.”
“Sustainability isn’t just about money; it’s about preserving stories, values, and businesses for future generations. I’m passionate about bridging that gap and ensuring our culture builds, protects, and passes down wealth and wisdom.”
When asked what she loves most about her work, Stacey shares that it’s helping others sustain the building of their legacy. “Legacy means sustainability within our culture. In my lifetime, I’ve seen grandparents and first-generation business owners attempt to build something meaningful—only for it to be sold, closed, or shut down due to a lack of planning and knowledge transfer. Sustainability isn’t just about money; it’s about preserving stories, values, and businesses for future generations. I’m passionate about bridging that gap and ensuring our culture builds, protects, and passes down wealth and wisdom.”
For success to occur—whether in life or business—one must have access to a reliable support system. For Stacey, that support comes in the form of her daughter. “When she was a child, my daughter was the reason I got up every day. I endured everything the world threw at me because of her. Now that she’s an adult, she is responsible for building her own legacy, and I’m focused on building for her children, and her children’s children.”
Of course, there are challenges in building a brand and business. Stacey reflects that she wouldn’t have made it this far without God’s grace and favor. “Being a woman—more specifically, a Black woman—and working alongside men, that was a challenge in itself. I had to establish myself and demand respect. I had a praying grandmother, and I’ve carried my Bible through every season,” she says.
Looking ahead, Stacey envisions a future where she speaks both domestically and globally to small and large organizations— both for-profit and nonprofit—including churches, businesses, and community groups. Her goal is to inspire conversations about the power of financial literacy, how money works, resilience, healing, and becoming. “If I could write the next chapter, it would be filled with meaningful conversations—about overcoming, about building lasting wealth, and about reclaiming our narratives,” she shares. “More than anything, I want to stay aligned with what God has for me—whether that’s through travel, speaking, or guiding others.”
Linese Washington ACA Event Solutions
“God is a God of Restoration”
By Terry L. Watson
Photos Provided by Still Shots Photography
Linease Washington of Greensboro, NC, is a child of God, a minister, and a devoted mother. She is also the owner of ACA Event Solutions, a full-service event and planning company that offers a comprehensive range of products and services. These include rentals, floral arrangements, music, décor, catering, entertainment, transportation, and more.
Originally from Alabama, Linease began her journey in 2010 as A Cream Affair Events. In 2019, she rebranded her company to ACA Event Solutions to better reflect her full-service approach. “For us, event planning goes far beyond managing logistics and checking off to-do lists. It’s about building meaningful relationships with our clients—becoming their trusted partner, confidant, and even a calming presence during what can be a stressful process. We listen deeply, inspire creativity, offer guidance, and celebrate the joy of each moment right alongside our clients. Our dedication begins with the initial conception and extends to the final presentation. Whether it’s a corporate luncheon, an intimate gathering, or a black-tie gala, we approach each event as the beginning of a lasting partnership—not a one-time service,” Linease says.
Linease describes herself as a resilient woman whose life story is rooted in strength, perseverance, and unwavering faith. Born in the small town of Koenton, as the fourth of twelve siblings, Linease was raised by remarkable parents who instilled in her faith, the values of hard work, respect, and unconditional love. After graduating from high school, she married her then high school sweetheart, a union that was marked with domestic violence. As her first marriage dissolved, Linease focused on making a fresh
start for herself and her children. As a single mother, she juggled three jobs and spent countless evenings doing homework with her children. “I have always wanted to show my children that education is the key to opportunity and success,” she says.
Determined to rewrite her story, Linease earned her degrees despite the odds stacked against her. She doesn’t boast of the numerous awards and accolades or her doctoral degree, and at heart, she’s simply Linease. Her journey from adversity to achievement is not only a testimony of personal triumph but also a source of inspiration. Her passion for excellence, creativity, and meaningful celebrations continues to flourish. Today, she is married to the love of her life, Gareth, and together they share a beautiful, blended family of four children, ten grandchildren, and one precious great-granddaughter.
Linease shares that all of her events hold a special place in her heart. Yet, if she had to choose just one, it would be the Celebrating Life Jazz Brunch. She adds, “This event is significant because it honors overcomers—individuals who have faced and conquered unimaginable challenges like cancer, domestic violence, incarceration, and hopelessness. It also brings together changemakers, trailblazers, and everyday heroes who have overcome challenges and continue to make a difference in their families, communities, and beyond. It’s a moment to give them their flowers while they can still smell them.” At the brunch, family and friends gather with expressions of love and support, along with stunning décor, uplifting live music, delicious food, and special presentations. “It’s more than an event—it’s a celebration of resilience, courage, and the beauty of second chances,” she says.
The Celebrating Life Jazz Brunch began in 2011 as a heartfelt, inspirational, and educational Saturday morning breakfast in honor of one of Linease’s dear friends who embodied grace, strength, and a love for music and elegance. Following her passing in 2014, the gathering evolved into a soulful Sunday jazz brunch—a tribute that reflected the very essence of who she was. Since then, it has blossomed into an elegant and uplifting event and most recently, and held its annual event in June of this year. “The Celebrating Life Jazz Brunch was intentionally named as a living tribute— because too often, we wait until someone has passed to honor their life, calling it a “Celebration of Life.” However, we choose to celebrate life now—while the honorees can hear the words, feel the love, and see the difference they are making in the world,” says Linease.
In April 2026, Linease and her team will celebrate 15 years of producing the Celebrating Life Jazz Brunch. She adds, “Over the years, we’ve had the honor of hosting this experience in High Point, NC; Charlotte, NC; Tampa, FL; and Greensboro, NC, meeting countless survivors, thrivers, and everyday heroes along the way. As we step into our Crystal Year, a symbol of clarity, strength, and transformation, we’re filled with gratitude and excitement. This isn’t just a celebration of the past—it’s a declaration that we are just getting started. The best is truly yet to come!”
Linease shares that she draws inspiration from her mother, Ida Lee Dixon. “I’m especially inspired by her strength, faith, and unwavering love, which taught me the true power of perseverance and compassion. She had a deep love for planning, baking, cooking, and creating joyful moments for others. She once owned Ida’s Bakery in St. Petersburg, Florida, where her cakes were as unforgettable as the care she poured into
everything she did. Before her passing, it was her dream that her children would one day become a one-stop shop for events. I am carrying on her legacy of creativity, excellence, and service, and it brings tears to my eyes to know that I’m now walking in her vision. Her passion lives on in everything I do, and honoring her legacy inspires me every single day,” Linease says.
With all that Linease does, oftentimes she is faced with a few challenges, but she doesn’t allow adversity to deter her from her purpose. She also says there isn’t much she would change about the way things have happened along her journey. “Every challenge has shaped me and strengthened the foundation of ACA Event Solutions. The challenges taught me to be flexible, creative, and solution-driven. They’ve pushed me to grow as a leader, build an incredible team, and deepen my commitment to serving with excellence. Each obstacle became an opportunity to innovate, and I’m grateful for every step that led us to where we are today,” she says.
