Huami Magazine Memphis November/December 2019

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Amber

Thandie Catering Memphis - November/December 2019

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There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!

Your Gifts, Your Plans, And What God Says There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!

A Letter Fromfrom The the Editor A Letter Editor

of from the hardest things for me to understand has been AOne Letter the Editor

if tomorrow didn’t Allofofindividual your plans, hopes what What is my purpose in life.

I’marrive? the kind who has anda dreams wouldn’t have a street park What if and seen lot and experienced a lot.

I’ve to had my on. shares of ups everything that you to put off until tomorrow never What if tomorrow didn’tbad arrive?

All While of your plans, hopes downs, both good anddecided some ones. everything has happened?

There beano reason toitsave amade rainy and dreams wouldn’t have street to park on. for What if it provided me with anwould opportunity to learn, has also day, you could spare someone thetrue trouble of making everything that you decided to putmy off until tomorrow kind of and difficult to understand what purpose is. never promises. What your last happened?

Thereif would be opportunity no reason toseemingly save for aexpired rainy today?

What would you do? day, and you could spare someone the trouble of making When I was a young child, I had dreams of being a rap artist. promises. if your last opportunity expired This was wellWhat before the emergence of Hipseemingly Hop. I remember I’ve been told that I often seem like I do too much. today?

What would you do? attending rap concerts and mimicking the performers in my Honestly, I feel like not doing enough and I’mplayer a firmfor attire and posture.

MyI am mother purchased a record believer in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything me the I’ve been told that I often seem like I do too much. me and my brother, and my dream was fed even moreon when that I couldn’t handle.

I sometimes wonder how life would Honestly, likecome I am on notthe doing enoughon and I’m anights. firm I music videosI feel would television Friday be if I chose to sit idle and accept what it presented to me. believer in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything on me I was sure that was my destiny. have found that to be very boring.

In my opinion, opportunity that I couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life would is that isn’t to everyone.

A and challenge be I chose to idle afforded and accept what presented to me. I AsaifIblessing got older, Isit began to write raps foritmyself soon to me is an adventure.

What is the worst that can happen? havemyself found investing that to beinvery Inrecording my opinion, found my boring. dream by myopportunity songs at a If I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone.

A challenge few local recording studios. That was my plan for my life. To be something new had about myself. your pride to me isbut an God adventure.

What is Relinquish the worst that can happen? a rapper, something a different in mind forand me.in return acquire life.

If I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn something newpass, aboutthe myself. pride and in As time would desireRelinquish to be a rapyour artist fizzled.

I no The best advice ever given to me happened when someone return acquire life. longer wrote songs, and my walk and attire changed as well. tolddid meI know to make myeverything tomorrowthat happen today.

In doing so Little that I applied to my rapping I have pressed mythat wayGod through doors with a placed key that only Thewere best advice ever given to intentionally me happened when someone career, jewels had in path hope provided.

I have also learned the difference between told me to make my tomorrow happen today.

In doing to be used in a whole different capacity. Instead of writingsorap blesses me and what life cana burden with Iwhat have pressed way through doorsfor with keyMagazine. thatme only songs, I God used thatmy gift towith begin articles Huami as well.

I compare it to knowing when to be confident and hope provided.

I have also learned the difference between Instead of mimicking rap artist and attending rap concerts, when tocan be quiet, what blesses me with and what burdenbecause me with I set myGod sights on being a publisher andlife entrepreneur and someone may get it confused as well.

I compare it to knowing when to be confident and conducting myself as such. with being when to bearrogant. quiet, because someone may getmy it confused What I had in mind for life as a Make you tomorrow with being arrogant. child didn’t line up with what God happen today, mostthat did. He shared somebut things importantly make it count.

Make you tomorrow I needed to learn, but He didn’t Life is but a whisper andwhile happen today, but most allow me to get complacent we putwe ourselves in a make it count. doingimportantly so.must In life, must learn position to hear what it Life is but a whisper and to seek God for confirmationison telling us. we must put dreams. ourselvesIfinit’s a all our hopes and position to hear what it is not connected to what God has tellingfor us.us, then it will be purposed

Terry L. Watson short lived.

We must always seek God’s planEditor/Founder first.

www.huamimagazine.com Editor In Chief

Terry L. Watson www.huamimagazine.com Alana Allen - Deputy Editor Editor In Chief

www.huamimagazine.com TerryWriters L. Watson Alana Allen - Deputy Tonya Dixon Editor

Terry L Watson Terry L. WatsonPublisher

Writers Alana Allen Tonya JeuronDixon Dove Writer Dawn C. Thornton Terry L. Watson Yasmine Regester Alana Allen Writer Photographers Terry L.Perfect Watson Photography Jeuron Dove Writer Lenz Shaw Photography Group Photographers AshleighStill Crawley Shots Photography Tamara Smith Photographer Perfect Lenz Photography Who Shotya Photography JLG Photography Photographer Photography Group Apollo Shaw Wonex

Photographer Still ShotsLayout Photography Who Photography MykelShotya Media Company Linda Bennett Layout Howard Gaither Photography

Mykel Media Inquiries Company General mykelmedia@yahoo.com Linda Bennett huami.memphis@gmail.com (336) 340-7844 HUAMI MAGAZINE is published bimonthly quarterly by the mykelmedia@yahoo.com Mykel Media Company. Any reproduction of any 340-7844 portion of (336) this publication is prohibited without

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Any reproduction of any for statements by individuals featured or portion of this made publication is prohibited without advertisers.

Comments concerning this publication written permission from the publisher prior to be Media submitted to the editorresponsibility by doing so. may Mykel doesn’t accept Email or Telephone E-mail at terrywatson@huamimagazine.com for statements made Email by individuals featured or terry.editor@yahoo.com terry.editor@yahoo.com advertisers. Comments concerning this publication 336-340-7844 or toto the editor by may be submitted Mykel Media Company, LLC E-mail at terrywatson@huamimagazine.com P.O. Box 20102 terry.editor@yahoo.com Greensboro, or toNC 27420 HUAMI MAGAZINE Mykel Company, LLC 2014 Media All Rights Reserved Box 20102 2019P.O. All Rights Reserved Greensboro, NC 27420 HUAMI MAGAZINE 2014 All Rights Reserved

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Memphis - November/December 2019

CONTENTS

NOV./DEC. 2019

MEMPHIS

Randy and Demi Howell 10

Dr. Terrence Graham

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Shanayla Sweat

The Real Power Couple

On The Cover

A. Dural Staging & Design Co. Agnes Dural

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Thandie Catering

Amber Weaver

What is on your mind?

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A Few Wood Men

Also Featured

Jay L. Harris Meet the face behind Jay L. Harris Creative Werks.

Atlanta, GA

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Ronnie Rice Author and Entrepreneur Meet the face behind R2 Enterprises, LLC Greenville, SC

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Memphis - November/December 2019

Aubrie Tate She is the cutest, and has been selected as Huami Magazine’s Cutest Baby.

Greenville, SC

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Amber

Thandie Catering

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By Terry L. Watson Photos by J. Bella Photography Good food and good time. Those are two things that are promised by Thandie Catering, LLC of Richmond, Va. Amber Weaver is a go getter and what she puts her mind to she accomplishes. She is also a young woman that has traveled a lot and learned different languages. She has took college courses and even excelled in school as a child but was still found herself lost with no idea of what she wanted to do with her life. She has a huge heart and is the kind of person that would give someone the shoes off her very own feet if they needed them.

Despite the struggles and pain she dealt with growing up, she still managed to remain humble and keep a smile. The passing of her parents made her stronger, and she regained her confidence and purpose after realizing who was really there for her during those difficult times.

Amber always had a passion for cooking and putting a smile on others faces. She has allowed her passion to evolve into a food service business, Thandie Catering LLC. Amber had been catering for friends and family for over six years until people kept asking her “Why are you doing this for free?”

In October 2017, Thandie Catering officially was born.

Thandie Catering LLC Amber says is not your typical catering company. It focuses on eating healthy, but not by cutting out foods you love. “We focus on creating a diet to fight high cholesterol, diabetes and kidney issues. We also teach you that food can be healthy and tasteful,” she shares. “We sell all freshly homemade products with produce that is locally grown and picked. We use fresh, never frozen meats and an array of low sodium herbs and spices, including non-GMO seasoning and foods along with homemade dips and sauces.

The name Thandie means “Loving One” which originally came from Thandie Incorporated, which was created by the Amber’s mother. It was a women’s self help organization for single moms but after the passing of Mrs. Weaver, the business sat dormant until it re branded into what is now Thandie Catering LLC.

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Amber shares that her business has been mostly impacted by her late mother, who was known as the “Neighborhood Mom.” “All the children came to our house. She fed everyone, every child and parent. They looked up to her. She was well respected in the community and a teacher herself.

She passed away in 2009 and people still remember the good times with her,” Amber says.

Though there have been challenges with running her business, Amber still finds enjoyment. “I love to see the smiles on people’s faces when they are pleased and happy with the service they receive. I also love being able to work for myself, set my own pace and have that one on one time with customers. I am a people person and I love meeting with people. Building this business has been a long and tedious process. A lot of blood, sweat and tears has gone into this but I would not have it any other way,” she says.

Amber says some of the biggest challenges in business has been acquiring clientele and marketing. “Eighty percent of my business comes from social media and the rest comes from word of mouth.

However my largest group of clients are Caucasians. I would love to work with more African Americans and I am currently working on ways to increase these opportunities,” she says.

She says her spouse is her biggest inspiration and pushes her to keep going, no matter what. “He is there with me when I am tired and ready to throw in the towel,” she shares.

For those who may follow in Amber’s footsteps, she offers a bit of advice. “Don’t second guess yourself. If you are going to take the step to be a business owner, make sure you are ready to put your all into it,” she said.

Richmond, VA 804-309-8799 www.thandiecateringllc.com 8

There are plans to grow Thandie Catering, LLC in the future. Amber also hopes to offer other services such as meal prep and eventually have a space with a full team which will provide her the capability to cater to events and other parties. h

“I love to see the smiles on people’s faces when they are pleased and happy with the service they receive. “

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The Xperience Live

By Yasmine Regester Photos by Still Shots Photography

One year ago, Dr. Erika Hendrix and Pastor Betina Moffitt stepped out on faith and started their own gospel inspired radio show and they say it has been one of the most rewarding decisions they have made.

In October 2018, the ladies made history when they launched The Xperience Live with host Dr. Erika Hendrix and Co-Host Pastor Betina Moffitt, a faith-based radio show focusing on everyday topics, and were the first show, not to mention the first femaleled show, to broadcast on the 107.9 FM radio station. Now, in 2019, the hosts of The Experience Live are more excited than ever for what’s to come.

“I’m excited about this one year anniversary. It’s made me feel more confident in what God has called us to do. Knowing that we could be in this thing for a year and people are listening and following and asking us to come speak at their church. We’re right where God has led us to be,” says Pastor Moffitt.

This year’s anniversary celebration theme is “Reclaiming the Voice of the Black Church,” which Dr. Hendrix explains means sharing the word in a new and informative way that reaches beyond the four walls of the church, combined with some of the more traditional values and initiatives of the church.

“The world changes every four years. The church only changes every 20 years. So by the time we get ready to introduce something new we’re already behind. We have to be intentional about adapting to a changing world,” says Hendrix. “We are agents of change. Change is going to come whether we want it or not, but we have to embrace it.”

Advances in technology and social media have allowed people to connect globally, which is how The Experience Live model is designed to present the spiritual word to people.

“Our model was created to meet folks in the community, where they’re at, and focus on a more holistic approach to meet the needs people from all backgrounds, age groups, and walks of life. It was designed bringing a deeper understanding from an educational

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standpoint, while teaching practical life application,” says Dr. Hendrix.

Broadcasted live on the radio and Facebook Live simultaneously, each month focuses on a different issue. Topics range from marriage, divorce, and learning how to co-parent, to financial and mental health in the Black community. They also like to discuss current events in a way that brings awareness and provides a connection to scripture.

They both believe that the main key is the transparency of their individual selves.

A professor of Theology and a published author, Dr. Hendrix shares that her journey back to the church took a year after 20 years at a mega-church, therefore she understands everyone has their own path to take.

“People can relate when you can be transparent and talk about yourself. We believe in doing that we can draw a lot more people,” she says. “Not everyone is called to be a pulpit preacher. Your ministry may not be within those four walls of the church,” says Dr. Hendrix. “What God gives every individual is unique to them. My story is, what I share is either what I’ve lived through or currently living in. That’s what makes it relevant.”

Dr. Hendrix notes that she wrestled with the idea of going to radio for years, but it was after a conversation with her friend of more than 20 years, Pastor Moffitt, that really solidified the decision. Their first live discussion was “Finish What You Started,” which was intended to encourage people to finish 2018 strong and push forward to the New Year, yet it became a message both the ladies took to heart. And one year later, they are still going strong.

For November and December 2019, the topic is a focus on your vision for yourself in 2020. “In the church, we focus on the vision for the whole church moving forward, but we don’t spend enough time directing people to prepare their vision for their own lives,” says Dr. Hendrix.

For The Experience Live, 2020 is about moving beyond the walls of the church. They have plans to increase the monthly episodes and expand the topics into other aspects of life. They also want to introduce money management classes and bring in guest speakers with a variety of expertise.

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Pastor Betina Moffitt IG-restore1win1 FB-Betina Moffitt Email: be.moffittministries@yahoo.com “We like to start a conversation that people might not necessarily know how to start or put things on their mind they may not be thinking about,” says Pastor Moffitt. The dynamic hosts of The Experience Live also describe their show as a progressive platform for women in ministry. Outside of the church and the radio show, Pastor Moffitt developed her own ministry called “Sisterhood” after going through a divorce eight years ago. “As the Lord began to heal me, I realized I wasn’t the only woman going through a divorce. A lot of times, when you are in the midst of our struggle, you believe that it’s just you,” she says. “The more you seek God, the more you realize your assignment. This is what God has called me to do,” says Pastor Moffitt.

“Sisterhood” was designed to bring women together in a safe place of holistic healing and to build relationships with one another. Pastor Moffitt says the Sisterhood ministry also helped her realize how her testimony could be relatable to others. She shares that it is as powerful for a young woman to see a Black woman standing in the pulpit, as it is for a young girl to see a Black women on the cover of a magazine.

“Dr. Hendrix eludes “in this day and time I believe we are working to redefine the voice of the Black church because for so long it has been predominately Black males speaking from the pulpit. We are two women who love our community and the Lord has given us the opportunity to provide a voice for women who are teachers of the word,” she says.

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Dr. Erika Hendrix IG-@drerikahendrix FB-Erika Hendrix Twitter @drerikahendrix Email: hendrixerika@gmail.com Pastor Moffitt serves as the Pastor of Overcoming Deliverance Center under the Leadership of her Father Bishop Charlie Watson.

Currently, Dr. Hendrix serves as Executive Pastor under the Pastoral Leadership of Pastor Moffitt and Bishop Watson. Dr. Hendrix currently serves as an Adjunct Professor at Hosanna Bible College. Pastor Moffitt is currently pursing her Bachelors of Theology under the Leadership of Dr. Hendrix. Pastor Moffitt serves as Dr. Hendrix pastors and Dr. Hendrix serves as her teacher which makes for a unique team.

“While this is our way of writing our history, this not about making it a woman dominated ministry, we’re here to build the whole kingdom. We encourage the men to come in and we need them to walk beside us to make this thing work,” says Pastor Moffitt and Dr. Hendrix. “The message is Christ. The message is love.”

Both women say it was important to them that while sharing the word that they were also educating. They also make it a priority to offer salvation at the end of each radio show. “Pastors and preachers don’t have all the answers, but I believe God gives us tools to help people walk this life where they are,” says Pastor Moffitt and Dr. Hendrix. h

Catch The Xperience Live on 2nd and 4th Thursdays from 1:00 -1:30pm on 107.9 FM and Facebook.

It also can be found on YouTube @ TheXperienceLive Memphis - November/December 2019

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Home Staging 101

By Terry L. Watson Photos by Agnes Aura

Agnes Aura of Dallas, TX has been creating artistic designs for over 25 years. She has a strong passion and love along with an inner gift for design. Her expertise includes a combination of Interior Decorating, Redesign, Staging, Event Design, and Floral Design. Agnes believes in a strong work ethic and a spirit of excellence is exemplified as a lifestyle.

Agnes describes herself as an Innovative thinker, initiative risk taker, and multidimensional professional with exceptional logical and analytical skills. She began manifesting her entrepreneur spirit after the death of her spouse in 2007. As a widow and single parent of three children, she was determined to provide the best life for herself and kids. Thus came A. Dural Staging and Design company was developed. “The company was founded in 2018 after realizing my true passion for design and my inner desire to help others. Property staging allows me to extend my creativity while helping my clients achieve their goal to sell their properties. It is a rewarding journey to live my passion on a daily basis,� she shares. “Our typical clients are individuals, Listing Real Estate Agents, Investors, and Builders.

A. Dural Staging & Design is a Premier Staging & Design company serving the Dallas Metroplex area. It specializes in capturing the unique details and features of a Real Estate Property by using professional staging techniques that will cause a transformation any potential buyer is sure to fall in Love with. Agnes says their goal is to help lessen days a property is on the market and maximize equity (ROI).

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Some of the services offered are Real Estate Premier Property Staging. This is the art used to maximize the architectural features of a property and transform the property into an environment that is appealing and cause an emotional connection with buyers.

The process entails a combination of merchandising and arranging of furniture, wall art, and decorative accessories. This Includes vacant, and occupied staging.

This is an attractive option for listing Real Estate Agents, Investors (flips), Builders (new construction), Individuals (for sale by owner).

There is also an interior Decorating service that is offered which involves the art of planning the decorations and furnishings of the interior of a home, building, or office. “We can customize spaces aesthetically pleasing and functional based on your specified criteria’s,” Agnes says. “This is an attractive option for those who have recently remolded their home, purchased a new home, setting up a new office, or looking to furnish a new corporate property. We offer furniture, wall art, and decorative accessories to fully help decorate your environment,” she said.

Another service is Property Consultation, which is a comprehensive, step by step, customized recommendation for preparing a property for market. There is also the Property Walk Through feature. which offers a tour of a property and provides recommendations for preparing property for market while the client takes notes. Next is Redesign. Agnes says this the art of taking that which exist (furniture, wall art, décor) and transform the look, style, and feel of a space. This is also an attractive option for those looking for a trendy style, must have seen design, or simply desire a new and fresh look.

“I love creating the prefect design plan for each property. Choosing color, style, and furnishings that enhances the major features of the property. It is such a rewarding feeling when everything comes together and results in lessening days for property on the market. My desire is to establish a successful and prominent business that I can leave to my kids and/or grand-kids is the driving force for what I do,” Agnes shares. “Success starts with the right attitude.

Consistency is very important, and you must be aware of the obstacles that can either make you stronger or break you. I chose to be stronger!” h

A. Dural Staging & Design Company 817-797-3715 astagingcompany@gmail.com 18

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Jays shares that she is inspired by many things, but mostly her family. “I am fortunate to be surrounded by people who are very supportive and love me,” she says. Additionally, she admits that everything that has happened along her journey has provided her with an opportunity to learn. “If we don’t make mistakes, how can we ever expect to grow,” she said.

By Terry L. Watson Photos by Jay L Harris Jay L Harris of Atlanta, GA is an author, blogger, and shepreneur. Her works include the highly successful romance novel, Unlikely Love. She is the owner of the global brand, Jay L Harris Creative Werks, a digital branding firm that specializes in graphic design and social media management.

In the future, her plans are to eventually assemble a small staff that will allow her to help more people. She would also like to live abroad and work with entrepreneurs globally. h

Coming from a family of educators, spiritual leaders and entrepreneurs, Jay is ready to inspire others through teaching and creating workshops. She has created a series of workshops to help aspiring writers, bloggers and entrepreneurs get started on their journey as well as speak on topics such as Expanding the Bandwidth of Your Imagination, Beyond Writing, Social Media Content Writing, Personal Branding, and I Can Do That!

Jay L Harris Creative Werks started in March 2017. “It started as a fluke. I began blogging in 2013 to not much success. I felt as if people loved my social media posts and blog designs more than the enjoyed reading my blog. After a year of people asking me to manage their social media, I finally agreed to give it a go. I booked three clients in one month. However, it took me another year to feel confident enough to offer graphic design services to others,” she says.

Some of the services offered by Jay L Harris Creative Werks include Graphic Designs (Stationery, Websites, Lead Magnets) Social Media Branding/Management/Strategy, Email Marketing, and Recruitment Marketing (specializing in Non-Profit recruiting). “I typically work with restaurants, hair salons, coaches, comedians, consultants, solopreneurs, authors and creative entrepreneurs,” she says.

Jay said she loves everything about her career and business. “I love getting the opportunity to use my imagination to create beautiful things as well as help others see their vision come to life. It is nothing like seeing my clients post their new logo on social media, share their branded social media posts, or see my work in magazines.”

Most new entrepreneurs struggle with how to price their services. When Jay first started, she wasn’t very confident in herself. As a result, she underpriced her services. “I was afraid to charge too much for fear of losing my clients. I was beyond frustrated and often contemplated quitting my business. After doing some research and becoming more confident in my skills, I unapologetically raised my rates,” she says. “My advice to others may be in a similar situation is to research your industry for the current going rates and do a proper evaluation of the time it takes to perform each service. Most importantly, don’t undervalue your skills and knowledge. Don’t rush the process. Success doesn’t happen overnight and there will be plenty of times when you will not do the right thing. Don’t be discouraged but keep going.

Through much failure comes much success.”

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678-922-9482 www.jaylharris.org

Daron Sellars

National Black Professional Athletes Foundation

By Junious Smith III Photos by Still Shots Photography

Daron Sellars is a man on a mission in Greensboro.

Sellars, a graduate of Ben L. Smith, has looked to create a way for African-Americans in the city. Sellars has sat on numerous boards, including the Board of Trustees of United Way in Greensboro, along with the city’s Planning Committee and being the founding president of 100 Black Men of the Triads.

Sellars has also worked as an entrepreneur for nearly two decades after working with companies such as General Electric and Volvo. Sellars started a travel agency in 2001, and later bought a WingStop franchise and has worked as a private church consultant. Sellars, who has been the Chairman at Sweet Gum Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Mebane, said it felt like a good transition.

“I knew this was for me when I got laid off in corporate America,” Sellars said. “I had to do something because I had a family, so this was my way to get out and make it happen. I’ve been on my own since 2001 and done a lot of consulting and mentorship over the years. I meet with the mayor of Greensboro once a month and try to figure out methods to get more business for minorities.”

Now, Sellars is the chief executive officer of the National Black Professional Athletes Foundation, an organization focusing on honoring the history, legacy and accomplishments of black athletes through a global platform, empowering them to change lives through advocacy in the community.

“With the foundation, we want to focus on the athletes and then segway toward more community things and initiatives,” Sellars said. “We have three areas where we want to focus on: health and mental wellness, social responsibility and black athlete excellence.”

Currently, Sellars’ biggest project is the “Home For Legends” campaign, as the organization looks to raise $10 million for a state of the art building in Charlotte, N.C. to showcase the history of black professional athletes in all sports.

“This is really being done as a way to give a platform to athletes, especially the ones of color,” Sellars said. “We want to educate the masses when it comes to black history, and not just talk about the usual players like Dwyane Wade, Russell Westbrook, Russell Wilson and Tiger Woods. There are so many great black athletes from the beginning, who did work on and off the court, so the purpose is to show how they changed sports forever. People like Arthur Ashe, Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain were instrumental and we want to also showcase unity while bringing in awareness — whether it’s basketball, football, hockey, track or any sport, we want to put them on display.”

Sellars said he really wants to see the endeavor successful for next year because of a monumental milestone in the NFL. “One of the things happening is that the NFL is celebrating 100 years since the integration of the league, with Fritz Pollard and Bobby Marshall playing,” Sellars said. “We want to commemorate their history across the country with current and former athletes. Also, the NBA integrated in the 1950 season, so it would also be 70 years since that happened, which is exciting. We’ve met with the NBA and NFL Moms, h and they’re also excited in getting the message out.”

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LSheaK esa Cox Writes With Love 22

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By Terry L. Watson Photos by Lakesa Cox

LaKesa Cox of Richmond, Va is a wife of 26 years, mother of three, daughter, sister and a self-proclaimed “superwoman”. She is also fond of long summer days and Caribbean vacations. She graduated from Strayer University with an Associate’s Degree in Marketing and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. In September 2019, While utilizing the gifts that God has blessed her with, LaKesa is serves an author, screenwriter, and content creator. She recently retired from her career that spanned 22 years in corporate America, to pursue writing full-time.

“I love writing dramatic and true to life stories filled with realistic and interesting characters,” she says. “I am definitely a drama queen when it comes to writing. I’m a multigenre writer. I write adult, young adult, and children’s books. I write something for everyone!”

The journey for LaKesa as a writer hasn’t always been smooth.

In 2018, she was at a crossroads. I was working a corporate job that paid well but she was no longer happy. “My passion had always been writing and when given the opportunity to take a buy-out, I prayed about it. I wanted to make the right decision for me and my family. I could’ve stayed at my corporate job for eight more years or I could take the buy-out and follow my dreams. Then, out of the blue, I received a random email titled ‘Take The Leap’. I felt like God was telling me to step out on faith to follow my dreams, and that’s what I did,” she says.

As a child, LaKesa says she was one of those kids who loved reading, so much so that her family members would give her books as gifts for birthdays and holidays. As a teen, her taste in reading grew as she became interested in books by Jackie Collins and Danielle Steel. “When I discovered authors Terry McMillan and Eric Jerome Dickey, I was fascinated. Mainly because they wrote stories about characters who looked like me. It was then I realized it was time for me to put my pen to paper and start creating my own stories,” she says.

LaKesa started writing her first book in 1993, right around the time she got married. However, she put the book down for a while because life got in the way. She was working full-time and had two small children, in addition to taking college courses. “I watched as the African-American literary world exploded. In 2002, I finally published my first novel, After the Storm. A year later, I followed up with my sophomore title, Water in My Eyes,” she says.

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also selected for the 2017 Atlanta Comedy Film Festival. LaKesa’s second feature screenplay, social drama Black and Blue (title change pending) was recently selected for the Beautiful Soul Film Festival screenwriting competition, and was selected as a semifinalist in the 2019 WeScreenplay Diverse Voices screenwriting competition. It was selected as one of the top 50 finalist for the 2019 Your Script Produced screenplay competition. She recently completed her third and fourth feature- length screenplays, a romantic comedy titled, Christmas Hiatus and a drama titled, Purple Roses. She has completed another 30-minute comedy TV pilot titled, Oh Brother!

She was named one of the top 100 African-American authors of 2017

by UBAWA.org.

LaKesa shares her love for writing in rooted in her ability to bring characters to life. “As a writer, I battle with the characters who take up space in my head. Often times, it keeps me up at night. I have a vivid imagination and one word or thought could spark a story idea,” she shares. She also loves talking to her readers and discussing her books with them. “It’s humbling when a person who’s never met you reaches out to you on social media to tell you how much they enjoyed your work. My readers give me the motivation to keep writing.”

As an author, LaKesa shares that she faces various challenges.

“Writing a book is the easy part for me. The hardest part is marketing. Getting my books into the hands of my targeted audience is the biggest challenge. I have learned to remain committed by pushing my work on every social media platform, relying solely on the impact of word of mouth. I also and attend book festivals as a means to assist with marketing,” she says.

Another challenge is writers block. However, she understands that writing is a self-motivating job, therefore she sets writing goals weekly, and works diligently to meeting these goals.

A few years passed before LaKesa met and befriended author Nikki Turner. She offered LaKesa an opportunity to collaborate with some amazing authors for an anthology titled, Street Chronicles: Girls in the Game. It became a New York Times Best seller and was featured in Essence magazine.

Throughout the years, she wrote another short story in another anthology under the Nikki Turner Presents banner and completed her third full-length novel, Fetish for a Blue Skyy. She became an award winning author as a result of a short story she wrote in an anthology, The Ex Chronicles, was published by Brown Girls Publishing. It would receive the 2016 African American Literary Award for best anthology.

LaKesa’s highly acclaimed young adult/teen novel, Mulatto Girl Aggie, 13: Name on the Ledger, was released in 2017 and her children’s picture book, Shirleen and the Shoes, was released in the spring of 2019. She hopes to release her next adult novel titled, Is Love Enough very soon.

In 2015, LaKesa decided to expand her creativity by crossing over into screenwriting. Her first feature film, I Love You to Pieces was selected for several screenwriting festivals including the 2017 Urban Mediamakers Film Festival and the 2017 International Houston Black Film Festival. Her comedy TV pilot script, Wait a Minute Mr. Postman won 1st place in the Best Spec/TV Script at the 2017 Urban Mediamakers Festival, and was selected as a quarter-finalist in the 2017 WeScreenplay TV Pilot Screenplay competition and was

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LaKesa says she inspired mostly by her family and a small circle of close friends, of which are her biggest cheerleaders and supporters.

She is also inspired by other writers. “I love the art of storytelling and I know that as long as people are still buying books, there’s still room for more of my stories,” she says.

LaKesa advises others to don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. “Being comfortable won’t get you anywhere. Ever since I decided to step out on faith and become a full-time writer, so many doors have started to open for me and I’ve met some amazing people. As an extreme introvert, it’s a struggle talking to strangers and meeting new people but the Lord has put me in rooms with people who had the power to change my life. The one thing I can’t stress enough is you have to get uncomfortable to make progress.

I’ve done a lot of that this year and it has paid off tremendously,” LaKesa shares.

Going forward, LaKesa plans to write the movie scripts for her current books while continuing to release new material. Along with being an author, she has written several feature-length movie scripts. She is in the process of pitching them to networks and streaming platforms while also searching for funding to produce and direct one of the movies herself. Her goal is to see all of her books on the big screen while continuing to create more content.

In her spare time, she serves a mentor to 4th and 5th grade. The mentorship program she shares provides a variety of activities that promote healthy physical, social, and emotional development to young girls. h

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www.LaKesaCox.com

Aubrie Tate MAGAZINE

Cutest Baby

The daughter of Aleta Tate and Darrell Tate Photo by Stacey Gardin

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

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By Terry L. Watson Photos by Shanalya Sweat For the gentleman who take value and pride in having a good timepiece, this one is for you. Shanayla Sweat of Nashville, TN has launched a watch company that is quite unique but very brawn. A Few Wood Men. Shanayla describes herself as a creative, technology advocate, world traveler, and consultant who is dedicated to serving others through training, education, and representation. She also happens to be the owner and creator of A Few Wood Men. Shanayla has a Master’s in Organizational Leadership, a Bachelor’s in Human Resources and Management, is a Certified ScrumMaster in the technology spectrum.

A Few Wood Men is a wooden watch collection designed and created for Men of Distinction. It was created as a sounding board for black men who are striving to break down barriers, break curses, push boundaries, overcome strongholds, discover strength, come into self-love, and maintain peace while becoming fathers, husbands, leaders, commanders, and pillars within their community.

A Few Wood Men wants black men to remember that they are needed, wanted, are attractive, are desirable, and are worthy.

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A Few Wood Men started as early as 2017. “The idea of me selling watches was not a thing until I began to receive random requests for watches through Facebook.

A Few Wood Men began as a gift idea for my grandfather. I wanted to provide a gift that had meaning, and I knew that he loved watches. I stumbled upon many models, but it was the wooden watch that stood out. From there, A Few Wood Men was born,” Shanayla says.

A Few Wood Men provides wooden watches and accessories for men. Every watch contains a wooden element, hence the name A Few Wood Men. Their accessories are also unisex and, in most cases, compliment the wooden watches that accompany them.

Shanayla says her inspiration comes from the strong belief of being a lifelong learner and always having the opportunity to grow and expand. “There’s always room for improvement and that is my constant inspiration,” she says. “Furthermore, technology has played a huge role in my development. I absolutely love everything about technology, and It has helped mold my business and it constantly keeps me on my toes. Technology is also an area where I want to see more African Americans dominating as we are drivers for most technology-based products.”

Shanayla says what she loves most about being an entrepreneur is being able to satisfy her customers. “I love to hear customers say how the watches make them feel. I’ve been told our watches make our customers happy and create a feeling of desire,” she says.

In the future, she has plans to scale. “We want to have our products in stores as well as expand our current collection. We want to provide more than wooden watches and accessories, eventually we want to expand to apparel. h

www.afewwoodmen.com

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Ronnie Rice R2 Enterprises, LLC

By Terry L. Watson Photos by Apollo Wonex Greenville, SC resident Ronnie Rice wears many hats. He is a husband, father, entrepreneur, and Human Resource Professional. He holds a M.A. in Management and Leadership from Webster University George Herbert Walker School of Business & Technology. Additionally he is a published author, and his work ‘When Phoenix Rise: Life lessons for effective leadership®’ is available Amazon and Barnes and Noble for purchase.

Ronnie’s book was largely inspired by a cousin who asked him, “How did you get out of the Southside of Waukegan, Illinois when so many others you grew up with did not?

How did you make it with so much adversity and negative distractions all around you? In essence, his cousin wanted to know what made Ronnie different. “I attempted to answer his questions by sharing my life’s journey, the good, bad, and otherwise choices that helped shape me as a person as well as how it all helped me meander my way through corporate America to a level of success that I am proud of today,” he says.

Ronnie is also the founder of R2 Enterprises, LLC. Pronounced “R squared” his company specializes in offering Motivational Speaking services. He is also a developer of an after-school program entitled, ‘The Raising Corne® Program Seminars,’ which is recognized as one of the longest running programs in the state of South Carolina’s Low-country. Ronnie is also the designer of his own t-shirt apparel brand named R.I.S.E. ® (Reach In-Side for Excellence) Motivational Wear that currently offers two designs available for purchase on Amazon.

Rice expects four more designs to be available by the approach of the new year.

“I look forward to the day when I will see a stranger donning one of my tees. Even better, seeing a star athlete or entertainer wearing my apparel providing me with great free marketing would be a huge plus.”

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Ronnie initially started R2 Enterprises LLC in 2002 after leaving a 17 year career in corporate America at Abbott Labs.

His first project was the after-school program, and then motivational speaking. He served as a member the NCAA Speakers Registry for a few years and spoke to students and student-athletes at various colleges and universities. “For a long time, I envisioned having my own apparel brand similar to a Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, versus making t-shirts for others. Of course, it’s much more difficult to penetrate the apparel industry the way that I am trying to do it, but I really wanted to have my own brand with my motivational slogans,” he says. “I look forward to the day when I will see a stranger donning one of my tees. Even better, seeing a star athlete or entertainer wearing my apparel providing me with great free marketing would be a huge plus.”

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What Ronnie says he loves most about what he does is the ability to influence others to move from Point A to Point B in their lives, or in their careers. “I am often overwhelmed from the feedback many give to me on how I made a difference in their career trajectory, or their decision to avoid negative pitfalls of life by making better-informed choices from something I may have said. I have a passion for assessing challenges and for motivating change in order to improve the process, whether in business or in society,” he says.

Ronnie says he is inspired by his wife, his family, Altruism, and people. He is also moved by the actions of individuals such as Robert E. Smith who recently donated millions of dollars to pay off the school debt of many young men attending Morehouse College Atlanta. “In spite of all the evil that takes place in the world, I am still encouraged by and believe the human spirit of most people will prevail over evil. I find inspirations in individuals who change our world including Warren Buffet, Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Reginald F. Lewis, OPRAH, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Ghandi, Bezos, Alex Zuckerberg, Muhammad Ali, and Colin Kapernick. These are the risk takers who provide an intoxicating approach to not being afraid to “think-outside-the-box’ in order to move the needle forward,” says Ronnie.

He also finds inspiration in millennials. “They are revolutionary in their thinking and what is occurring in society and in business across the country today is a phenomenon.

They offer a refreshing approach to business because they are not afraid to challenge the status-quo and they are making sure their voices will be heard. They all inspire me daily and confirm there is still reason to believe in the progression forward of the human race,” he says.

Some of the challenges that Ronnie has faced in business are the struggles of maintaining a small business during the 2008 recession. With real-estate and having one of my properties being located in Atlanta, GA. I did not have a mentor to help navigate me through the areas of business and for unforeseen challenges,” he says.

Ronnie’s book, “When Phoenix Rise” is available online at Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble for purchase.

Ronnie Rice R2 Enterprises, LLC 864-561-0233 www.r2entreprises.com

When asked if he would change anything about his journey, Ronnie shares a few points. “I would like to have a judicial system that lived up to and honored the image of what “Lady Justice” represents, where justice is truly blind to power, corruption, and negative influence. We need more effective internal controls in government and big business as well as measurable external ‘checks and balances’ to ensure we do not repeat another Enron, economic meltdown or Bernie Madoff-type situation in this country,” he says..

In the future, Ronnie shares that he would like to occupy a position in leadership that would allow him to have more autonomy to use his work experience, education, and creativity to better influence an organizations’ culture. This is something Ronnie describes similar to what Matthew McConaughey did for his alma mater, the University of Texas by offering an acting class in an effort to bridge the gap between education and the workforce to help ease the transition from school to the real world. “I would like to propose a life-skills class using my book to interested colleges to be incorporated into its curriculum as an elective. One day when I retire, my ultimate goal is to make my money work h while I sleep,” he says.

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