Huami Magazine Raleigh/Durham Dec./Jan. 2026

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Dec./Jan. 2026 Vol. 2 Issue 12

Dr. Christian Home Christian Church

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A Letter From The Editor

As 2025 comes to a close, it is customary to reflect on the events of the year.

From January to December, our experiences A Letter from the Editor have shaped us once again. Speaking for myself, there have been achievements and accomplishments, lessons learned, smiles, frowns,What and ifa tomorrow few disappointments.

I am extremely grateful didn’t arrive?Yet, All of your plans, hopes for each of them, as it’s confirming evidence God isifstill and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park that on. What working on me. everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow never happened? There would be no reason to save for a rainy day, Huami and youMagazine, could spare the trouble of making With mysomeone team and I successfully produced What if your lastinopportunity seemingly expired ourpromises.

Community Awards Gala Charlotte, NC. That event was What verytoday? fulfilling andwould madeyou my do? heart smile, as it required a huge step of faith in God. I truly appreciate God for smiling on our event been told I often from seemaround like I dothe toocountry. much. For and theI’ve hundreds ofthat attendees Honestly, feel like I am doing enough and I’m a firm of Mykel Media ICompany, wenot have produced several editions believer in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything me Huami Magazine, Huami For Kids Magazine, and SpunqonSports that I couldn’t handle. has I sometimes wonder lifewith would Magazine.

Our company grown, and it hashow come many be if I chose to sit idle and accept what it presented to me. I challenges, which have become lessons we will use moving have into found that to be very boring.

In my opinion, forward our next seasons.

I personally want to opportunity thank each is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone.

A challenge reader and supporter of the products and services that our to me is an adventure.

Whatwe is the worst can happen? company provides.

How could ever existthat without you? Your If I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn kind words, your interest, and your acknowledgments continue something new about myself. Relinquish your pride and in to help our publications accomplish the goals God has purposed return acquire life. for them.

The best advice ever given to me happened when someone What is next for you? Are you looking forward to what next told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so yearI have has inpressed store? my Areway youthrough full of positive anticipation doors with a key thatand only prepared to tackle every challenge?

You should be, because hope provided. I have also learned the difference between God haswhat givenGod everyone purpose, andwhat it is life His can will burden to see His blessesame with and mechildren with prosper.

I encourage everyone to keep pushing through, even as well. I compare it to knowing when to be confident and when it feels like things aren’t happening as you’ve planned. when to be quiet, because Remember to have many plans in place, as things often don’t someone may get it confused go as planned.

However, we with being arrogant. must remember to consult with God about any plansMake first, you because not doing so tomorrow opens us to hearing God’s humor. happen today, but most importantly make it count.

2026 is Life going to be a great and year. I am is but a whisper put ourselves in a excitedwe to must continue to learn about position to hear what it you, your businesses, families,isfaithtelling us. and stories of walks, testimonies, triumph. Thank you for continuing to allow us to be a part of your family.

Terry L. Watson Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder

Terry L Watson

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

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

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

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HUAMI MAGAZINE is published quarterly by the Mykel Media Company. Any reproduction of any portion of this publication is prohibited without written permission from the publisher prior to doing so. Mykel Media doesn’t accept responsibility for statements made by individuals featured or advertisers. Comments concerning this publication may be submitted to the editor by E-mail at terrywatson@huamimagazine.com terry.editor@yahoo.com or to Mykel Media Company, LLC P.O. Box 20102 Greensboro, NC 27420 HUAMI MAGAZINE 2014 All Rights Reserved

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RALEIGH/DURHAM

CONTENTS

TML Credit Consulting LLC

Tara Lewis

On The Cover Christian Home Christian Church

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Dr. George M. Greene

Durham, NC 2026 Black History Month Gala

Greater Durham Black COC Raleigh, NC #5th Most Popular College in NC

Shaw University Raleigh, NC Honoring Those Uplifting Community

Living Legends of Raleigh

NOV./DEC. 2025

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Books 2 The Tee

Tejanay Brown

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Alicia Mark Flowers 07 Renée Fleuranges-Valdes 20

Superior Court Appointee

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International Fiber Artist

Learn more about the amazing talented as well as gifted Artist and Ilustrator, Linda Dallas.

Raleigh, NC

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

His name is Dallas Hurdle

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

Linda Dallas Artist and Illustrator Information obtained from online source at www.lindadallas4art.com Linda Dallas is an artist and illustrator living and working in Raleigh, North Carolina. Her vibrant watercolors celebrate the correlations and connections found in nature and emphasize what is visually extraordinary in the ordinary things that grace our daily lives.

She has taught at schools and art centers across North Carolina including North Carolina State University, Meredith College, and Artspace. In 2014 Linda taught a six-week watercolor course in the Czech Republic for N. C. State University’s Prague Institute.

Linda was a Raleigh Arts Commissioner from 2012 - 2018. She chairs the City of Raleigh Public Art and Design Board, serves on the Collection Committee for the North Carolina Museum of Art, and is the Project Coordinator for the Envision Saint Agnes Hospital Project. Currently, she is an Assistant Professor of Visual Art for Saint Augustine’s University.

Linda has a Bachelor of Science from Howard University and a Master of Product Design from North Carolina State University.

She is a native of Detroit, Michigan.

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

Gov. Josh Stein appoints NCCU Law Alumna Alicia Marks Flowers ‘08 to Superior Court for Judicial District 14B Information obtained from online at www.nccu.edu

North Carolina Central University (NCCU) School of Law congratulates Alicia Marks Flowers ‘08, associate dean of administration and external affairs and counsel to the dean, on her appointment to the North Carolina Superior Court for Judicial District 14B, serving part of Cumberland County.

Governor Josh Stein announced the appointment on Dec. 12, 2025. Flowers fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Gail Adams ‘84.

“Alicia Marks Flowers’ appointment to the North Carolina Superior Court is a proud moment for NCCU School of Law,” said Interim Dean Donald Corbett. “Her distinguished record of public service, commitment to justice, and leadership signify the impact our graduates continue to have on the judiciary across North Carolina.”

Flowers brings extensive prosecutorial and leadership experience to the bench. Prior to joining NCCU School of Law, she served for 15 years in the Cumberland County District Attorney’s Office, earning a reputation for professionalism, integrity and commitment to justice.

At the law school Flowers has served in key leadership roles, providing strategic guidance and advancing the law school’s mission of public service and excellence.

Flowers earned a Juris Doctor from NCCU School of Law after receiving her bachelor’s degree from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.

With 168 sitting judges, the law school continues its proud legacy of producing judicial leaders who serve communities across North Carolina and beyond. h

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Dr. Christian Home Christian Church Love “ is Essential, Jesus is Lord ”

By Terry L.Watson Photos Provided by Dr. George M. Greene

Dr. George M. Greene describes himself as a young boy from Montgomery County, NC. At the age of nine, he publicly professed his faith in Christ as his Lord and Saviour and was baptized at Lilly Bridge Crossing after a revival during the second week of August 1971. Dr. Greene was reared by God-fearing parents and attended Rope Grove AME Zion Church and Snow Hill AME Zion Church in Mt. Gilead, NC,. There, he was mentored by many of the seasoned elders.

“God has favored me,” Dr. Greene professes. “I consider myself to be the least of those to be where I am today. I came through grade school and had a third-grade teacher, Almetta Armstrong, who is still living today at the age of 94. She brought me to Raleigh to attend the Barnum Bailey Circus, which was my first introduction to Raleigh. God has placed me amongst others who had greatness in their destiny. I am a servant, and have always been, and served my way into this space, and it has only been by God’s grace.”

Dr. Greene’s academic trek began in the Montgomery County Schools and continued at Shaw University in Raleigh, NC. He also attended Rutledge College, the University of Maryland (European Division), Colorado State, and Hosana College, where he received a Doctor of Ministry (DMin). “My journey of leadership is owed to the mentoring elders in Montgomery County. I have been blessed to be in some places and obtain some great opportunities to do some things,” he says. Dr. Greene is a 22 Year decorated veteran of the Army National Guard.

For two decades, he also worked for the US Department of Homeland Security (TSA) as a Senior Manager at Raleigh/Durham International Airport. Prior to his role with TSA, he worked for Bristol-Myers Squibb for over 16 years.

Dr. Greene shares how he arrived in Raleigh, NC. In 1979, his older brother James received a full football scholarship from NC State University. “With my brother receiving his scholarship, it was big news in Montgomery County. Shortly after, my dad would send me to the capital city to work and offer encouragement to my brother.

My dad also wanted to ensure that neither of us would return home to make a living,” Dr. Greene says. Already being a part-time soldier, Dr. Greene worked multiple blue-collar jobs in Raleigh for many years before the door, and his opportunity for higher learning opened. Dr. Greene shares his life with Kerri West Greene, a union of 16 years. Together, they have five children and four grandchildren. While Dr. Greene was serving as the Director of Evangelism at The Macedonia New Life Church in Raleigh, NC, Kerri was also teaching youth there in the same wing. He says, “There were about 1000 disciples on the campus at the time. Kerri asked me to go to a Durham Bulls game. We weren’t able to go to the game because it was rained out, and we went to dinner instead. Every day after that, we would meet for lunch or something, as our jobs were in close proximity to one another. And the rest is history,” he says.

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I wasted time, and I wish I had started earlier. I was always supposed to be on this track, but I wasted time before doing so. I should have heeded the call when I first heard it, and I would have been much further ahead.”

Today, Dr. Greene is the Lead Pastor/Teacher at Christian Home Christian Church in Apex, NC. Christian Home Christian Church has built a 161-year legacy, and is documented to be nine years older than the town of Apex. The church is one of the oldest churches in the State of North Carolina after reconstruction. It began as a brush harbor, and the structure that it currently occupies was built in 1901. The ministry has been blessed with many outstanding Pastors, men and women, who have stood for that which is right and righteous. The leaders include the late Reverend D. A. Hargrove, the late S. W. Albright, the late Reverend J. W. Burwell, the late Reverend Herman Lee, the Reverend Harvey Hargrove, and the late Reverend Dr. Walter L Gibson. The late Reverend Mary U. Davis is documented as the first woman ordained in what was then the Christian Home United Church of Christ. The Reverend Evella Beckwith is also noted for serving in ministry leadership. The current ministry team consists of Elder Dr. Rusheem Wynn who serves as the Director of Global Outreach, Virtual Church Pastor Yolanda Faith Hammond, Reverend Kia Pratt, who is the Minister of Prayer, Praise and Worship, and Elder Raynard Tyson who serves as Director of Mens Minsitry. Dr. Greene serves as Lead Pastor/Teacher and is leading the ministry by engaging in cutting-edge technology communication and electronic giving platforms. These resources have enabled Christian Home to engage disciples in many other spaces around the country. The ministry’s motto is, “Love Is Essential, Jesus is Lord.”

The call to ministry, Dr. Greene says, he avoided for 10 years. “I wasted time, and I wish I had started earlier. I was always supposed to be on this track, but I wasted time before doing so. I should have heeded the call when I first heard it, and I would have been much further ahead,” he says. Under Dr. Greene’s leadership, which began in 2009, the ministry of Christian Home has grown in many ways. When he first arrived, Dr. Greene says the mortgage on the church was nearly $300,000. He visualized and spearheaded a mortgage elimination campaign to eliminate the church’s debt. Through tithes and offerings from its faithful disciples, Christian Home Christian Church was able to eliminate its debt in 2024. “When I arrived here, I asked God if He would allow me to pay off the mortgage. It takes resources to do ministry, and while we were in debt, things were difficult. God showed and directed me on how to lead our ministry to financial freedom.”

Dr. Greene shares how Christian Home is very active in its community. “We have been advocates of affordable housing. Even more, anything that has to do with the human condition, we maintain an interest. During the COVID-19 Pandemic, we held several on-site clinics where vaccines were administered, including one to serve undocumented migrants,” he says.

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Christian Home Christian Church is celebrating a 161 year legacy. Built in 1901, the current location displays its historical marker, confirming it status and history.

Under Dr. George M. Greene’s leadership, the ministry has canceled it $300,000 mortgage through a debt elimination campaign that was spearheaded by him.

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I really don’t work for money. If I can help someone, I will do it. That is the greatest level of fulfillment. That is what we are endeavoring to do; to help others live up to their fullest potential. That is what does it for me.”

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Without question, Dr. Greene credits his wife, Kerri, with having the most significant impact on his life and ministry. He shares, “She is my 24-hour administrator and is able to fill any role that I would need. She can discern between the fact that I am her husband and her pastor. When I need to bounce an idea or thought off of someone, she is always there. My wife is fully vested and is always there. I believe God blessed me with her for the purpose of Kingdom Ministry. We have traveled to Africa on multiple missions with Kindness of God Integrated Health Care, one of several nonprofits that I’m able to exercise my passion and leadership to increase the human condition of others. My wife is my trusted confidant, and I would not want to do any of this without her.”

In addition to pastoring at Christian Home Christian Church, Dr. Greene is also an accomplished businessman. “I am a connector. That is one of my gifts,” he says. With his brand, Greene Pastures, Dr. Greene offers House of Worship Security Consulting and business consulting. He also focuses on property acquisition. “I bought a property in Apex, which serves as our headquarters. While it’s currently under renovation, we have plans to house some small businesses and provide lectures and instruction to small business owners,” he shares. Additionally, Dr. Greene is an Executive Assistant in the Good Shepherd Assembly of Churches, and was recently elected as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the White Oak Foundation, a thriving nonprofit in western Wake County.

700 Center Street - Apex, NC 27502 www.chcc.700.us

When asked what he loves most about what he does, both business and ministry, Dr. Greene shares it’s the opportunity to serve. “I really don’t work for money. If I can help someone, I will do it. That is the greatest level of fulfillment. That is what we are endeavoring to do; to help others live up to their fullest potential. That is what does it for me. When I see the light come on for someone, or see them step into a door that they weren’t previously able to get to, or when I see them in a place of victory or triumph, that blesses me. I believe that God gives everyone unique gifts, and our gifts will make room for us, but we must release the gift,” he says.

For others who may follow a similar path as Dr. Greene’s, he offers some clear advice that he hopes may be of some help. “If you are passionate about what you do, it will really manifest. All you have to do is remain faithful and keep working at what you are doing. Also, you must have multiple strains of income. If you are exercising good work ethics and are diligent, you will know that the seeds that you are sowing will yield a great harvest.”

Christian Home Christian Church has plans to expand as its future unfolds. “Our church has some property, and we hope to develop a multipurpose area that would allow us to serve our neighbors in some way. We would also like to enhance our historical property,” he says. To learn more about their ministry, please visit their website. h

910-758-1829 www.greenepastures.biz

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Books 2 The Tee

Tejanay Brown

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Tejanay Brown

Tejanay Brown was born in Denver, CO, yet raised in the state of Georgia, and shares that she is Southern at heart with Colorado roots. She is a wife, a mother of four, and a woman who believes deeply in faith, family, and financial empowerment. She is also the owner and founder of Books 2 The Tee, a full-service bookkeeping company that offers financial clarity support, including monthly bookkeeping, QuickBooks setup, cleanup, and rescue missions, cash flow forecasting and budgeting, payroll support, sales and state tax filings, financial organization for tax time, monthly or quarterly strategy meetings, and big-picture financial clarity coaching.

She also specializes in helping high-earning servicebased businesses and nonprofits go from “I don’t know where my money is going” to “Oh, I’m really running a business-business.”She also specializes in helping high-earning service-based businesses and nonprofits go from “I don’t know where my money is going” to “Oh, I’m really running a business-business.”

Tejanay’s says her journey into accounting started long before she ever opened her business. She says, “I’ve worked in governmental accounting, nonprofit finance, and small-business bookkeeping, and I’ve always had a passion for helping people understand their money. I’m the first in my family to build a financial services company, and I carry that responsibility with pride. I started Books 2 The Tee in 2022 when I finally decided to bet on myself. The vision came from seeing so many small business owners, especially Black and Brown entrepreneurs, working hard but not having the financial clarity to match their effort. People were out here building amazing businesses with no real financial structure or support. I wanted to change that. I wanted to help folks understand their money and grow their business on purpose, not by accident.”

“The vision came from seeing so many small business owners, especially Black and Brown entrepreneurs, working hard but not having the financial clarity to match their effort. People were out here building amazing businesses with no real financial structure or support.

I wanted to change that.”

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When asked what she loves most about her company, Tejanay shares it’s the moment when a business owner finally understands their numbers.

“I love it when that lightbulb goes off, and they realize they have control over their money and their business. Watching people breathe easier, make smarter decisions, and feel confident is what keeps me going. That feeling is everything to me. I am inspired by Black entrepreneurship. Our resilience, our creativity, and our ability to build something out of nothing. Additionally, my children inspire me. I want them to see what is possible when you work with purpose and stand in your gift.”

Tejanay credits her Aunt Tawana for having the biggest impact on her life. She says that her Aunt is a hustler and a hard worker, and has never let her settle for less. “She was tough on me because she wanted me to be strong and successful,” Tejanay says. Professionally, Tejanay shares that her clients have also impacted her life. She says this includes every person who trusted her with their business.

Those opportunities have shaped her into the woman and the business owner she is today.

As a small business owner, Tejanay says she has faced a few challenges. One has been learning how to stop shrinking herself. “As a Black woman in finance, people will absolutely test your confidence.

They’ll expect you to undercharge or overwork or just be grateful. I have been able to overcome these challenges through prayer, mentorship, community, and knowing my worth. I built systems to protect my time and my peace, and I stopped apologizing for charging what my work is worth. I also learned to give myself grace as a mother and a business owner.”

For others who are interested in starting a business, such as Tejanay, she has some advice that may help. “Start before you feel ready and charge what your work is worth. Do not let anyone talk you out of your gift. Know your numbers because clarity is power. Also, surround yourself with people who believe in your growth and build your business with intention, not fear.”

What does the future look like for Books 2 The Tee? Tejanay says it involves growth. “I am excited for what is coming. I want to expand my firm, build programs, teach more financial education, and continue showing entrepreneurs, especially Black and Brown entrepreneurs, what is possible when they have true financial clarity. I am building something that will last and something my children can be proud of.” h

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Renée

Fleuranges-Valdes Internationally Acclaimed Fiber Artist Information and Photos Provided by Cherrie Woods

Celebrated fiber artist Renée Fleuranges-Valdes has released Becoming the Light, a richly layered coffee table book of her quilted wall . This deeply personal and visually stunning collection offers readers and art lovers an intimate journey through 40 of her most powerful textile works, each paired with the heartfelt stories and cultural insights that inspired their creation. With a career that spans international exhibits and critical acclaim, Fleuranges-Valdes elevates that artistry into a compelling volume that speaks to themes of identity, womanhood, and resilience in the modern world.

“Quilting has been my roadmap, my mirror, and my meditation,” says Fleuranges-Valdes in her book’s moving introduction. “Through every stitch, I’ve discovered who I am—and who I’m becoming. This book is not just about art.

It’s about choosing joy, embracing truth, and illuminating the path forward.”

The book’s cover features Swinging Willow, a vibrant, soulful quilt portraying Black women in graceful motion, their bodies swaying like willow branches under a summer sky. The piece speaks to unity, empowerment, and the beauty of collective strength.

Using both bold figurative and realistic images, each quilt in Becoming the Light invites readers into FleurangesValdes’ world—a place where fabric becomes a canvas for healing, self-expression, and cultural storytelling.

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“I believe we are all stitched together by the threads of our experiences. For me, quilting has become both an unfolding and a homecoming—a way to give voice to the artist who patiently waited her turn.

Guided by my global travels and a deep affection for lived stories, I use fabric and thread to express beauty, resilience, sorrow, and joy. Bold color and intricate quilting invite not just a glance, but a pause—to feel, to listen, to connect.

Quilting is my prayer, my protest, my song.

Through it, I share stories I never thought I’d tell—testaments to a life deeply felt. With each piece, I hope to bring a bit more meaning and beauty into the world—coloring your life, one quilt at a time.”

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About the Artist Renée Fleuranges-Valdes is an awardwinning fiber artist whose work has been exhibited around the globe. Known for her intricate stitching, vibrant color palette, and compelling narratives, she has taught internationally and has been featured at the Houston International Quilt Festival. After a successful career at IBM, she now creates full-time from her home studio in South Carolina.

Renée shares, “I took my first quilting class in 1999 and was instantly hooked.

What began with traditional techniques soon evolved into a deep love for fiber art—where color, texture, and meaning come together in expressive ways.

Encouraged by local guilds and shops, I found my voice in art quilting, where storytelling and soul meet in every stitch. Quilting brings me joy—not just in the tactile beauty of fabric, but in the meditative rhythm of creating. As I work, I reflect on family, nature, and the layered experiences of life. Over time, my focus has shifted from simply making beautiful pieces to creating work that reveals who I am and what I feel. Each quilt is a quiet act of discovery—exploring identity, connection, and shared emotion. After a 38-year career in software, I now live a life of creative freedom—teaching, lecturing, and speaking, while traveling with my husband and cherishing time with our children and grandchildren. My work has been exhibited internationally, receiving many awards; featured in publications and in the news; and are held as part of museum permanent collections.”

Praise for Renée Fleuranges-Valdes “Each stitch reflects hope, passion, and love—Renée’s art reminds us that life’s true meaning lies in the heart.”

— Noelle Lipscomb, Art Collector “A bold, stunning tour-de-force, Renée’s quilted stories captivate with their power, color, and message.”

— Susan Earle, Curator of European & American Art, Spencer Museum of Art “Renée Fleuranges-Valdes is a celebrated quilt artist whose intricate stitching and bold use of color and texture redefine the art form.”

— Carolyn Hunter, Art Collector h

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Tara Lewis TML Credit Consulting LLC Information and Photos Provided by Tara Lewis and TML Credit Consulting LLC

Tara Lewis of Pensacola, FL, is the CEO and owner of TML Credit Consulting LLC. Her company specializes in teaching its clients everything that is needed to know about financial literacy. Financial literacy is critical because it equips individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to manage money effectively. It’s one thing that will impact almost every aspect of one’s life, yet many people do not know they should, and even those who do often don’t share it with their children.

Tara shares that has personally reviewed thousands of consumer credit files for individual clients and businesses with over a decade of personal credit management, credit repairing, and professional experience working in the credit industry. Growing up, she experienced financial disparities and money traumas. It led her to start her credit business to help others achieve the finer things in life and true financial freedom.

TML Credit Consulting brings “real world” applications to consumers searching for practical answers to their credit questions. As part of Tara’s quest to give mortgage professionals, realtors, and consumers a better understanding of the complicated credit system: she works with financial professionals and consumers worldwide, offering “real world” advice, credit consultation, credit building/rebuilding, and budget plans. Tara takes this one step further by volunteering her services with future homebuyers, churches, and medical school programs. She recognizes the need to assist them with restarting their lives and creating a better life for themselves and their families.

Tara is certified through the Credit Consultant Association. Her certifications include boardcertified credit consultants, certified credit score consultants, and certified credit repair specialists.

These certifications show her broad spectrum of knowledge with the Fair Credit Reporting Act. She understands and interprets credit laws, how they function, and how credit bureaus use them along with other creditors and collection agencies. Tara helps lay out the best course of action consumers need to follow to achieve their financial goals.

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Budgeting Saving Investing Understanding Credit/ Managing Debt

Paying Bills

Tara shares that her most important role is being a mother to her four children, and being involved in their lives. Tara lost her son in 2012 due to cancer, so she thrives every day for her children to leave behind a legacy and solid financial habits for their future. Additionally, Tara has a nonprofit, Transitioning thru Trauma to Triumph, which focuses on domestic violence victims with credit, finances, and living expenses so they can regain control of their lives.

Tara believes that credibility in the credit industry is a must. She shares knowledge of false, misleading, and unverifiable claims frequently made by third-party companies. For example, collections agencies, credit companies, and creditors lure consumers to their services through basic credit education. As a trustworthy and credible credit “Expert,” Tara teaches consumers to seek the truth in all areas of their financial dealings.

TML Credit Consulting offers education about financial literacy and what it entails. Lets begin with Budgeting. Creating a budget and living within your means is one of the most fundamental aspects of staying on top of your finances. Budgeting is planning out how one’s monthly resources get allocated. Effective budgeting promotes accountability and increases awareness of spending patterns, thus minimizing excessive or unnecessary spending.

Then there is saving. Saving is one of the most important aspects of maintaining a healthy financial situation. Most of the lofty goals Americans have in life involve big financial purchases. Buying a house, having a family, and traveling are just a few examples of common goals in life, but accomplishing these things is much more difficult without saving.

Investing is also very important. Successful investing requires learning how to make your resources work for you to achieve your financial goals. To invest effectively, you must understand how to invest (e.g., stocks, bonds, commodities), the inherent risk/reward, and the importance of diversification.

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Understanding credit and managing debt is just as important. Your credit score is your financial shadow. It follows you around throughout life like a six-week-old puppy and can haunt or help you, depending on your history. Effectively managing debt is as crucial to establishing a good credit score as understanding the difference between good and bad debt. Although seemingly rudimentary, it’s essential to have a routine established to pay your bills, and pay them on time.

One of the products offered by TML Credit is the 100K in 100 Days: The Ultimate Business Credit Guide. This is a step by step guide to building $100k in business credit in 100 days! This guide will walk you through building your business credibility, understanding the fundamentals of business credit, and how to use the different tiers to secure $100K in 100 days. Bonus: Vendors for all four tiers you can start working with today! Building business credit will help you use OPM to leverage your TURO business, Airbnb Business, and much more!

Another one is the Transition Your Credit: DIY Credit Repair Guide which is a step by step guide to understanding your credit report then taking the steps needed to repair it on your own. Not only do you receive my expert DIY guide to credit repair but the same letters I send for all my clients who have seen significant increases in their credit repair.

Included in the guide is an Understanding of how your credit profile is set up, a Step by Step Guide to Repairing your credit, 17 Converting Letters to send to bureaus. This is a guide and not an offer of credit repair services.

To learn more about TML Credti Consulting LLC, please visit their website. h

www.tmlcreditconsulting.com

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Dallas Hurdle

The son of Donte and Jennifer Hurdle

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

The 2026 Black History Month Conference & Black Business Gala - Durham, NC Information obtained from online Press Release On February 14, 2026, the Greater Durham Black Chamber of Commerce invites you to join us at our Annual Black Business Gala as we celebrate the outstanding and continuous history of Black business achievement in Durham, NC. The 2026 Black Business Gala will honor the 2026 Woman of the Year, Teri Canada, and the 2026 Man of the Year, Dorian Bolden.

The GDBCC will also award three businesses at the Black Business Gala, our 2026 Emerging Business of the Year (Bright Black Candles), our 2026 Longstanding Business of the Year (Perkins Orchard), and our 2026 Community Organization of the Year (Empowered Parents in Community - EPIC).

The 2026 Black Business Gala will also provide us an opportunity to announce the winners of the 2026 Connia Watson Scholarship Awards to two outstanding high school seniors, powered by the EPICenter (Entrepreneurial Production & Innovation Center).

In addition to attending the event, you may support the GDBCC, our honorees, awardees, and scholarship recipients by purchasing an ad for our Souvenir Booklet, being a partner/sponsor, or making a donation. For more details on pricing and size requirements for ads/marketing and for sponsorship/partnership opportunities, please take a look at our 2026 Black History Month & Black Business Gala Partnership Deck. The submission deadline for ads to place in the souvenir booklet is 5pm on December 31, 2025. h

Shaw University Ranked #5 Most Popular College Information obtained from online Press Release in North Carolina Shaw University (ShawU), one of the nation’s most storied historically Black institutions, has earned a significant distinction in the newly released 2026 Research.com rankings, securing its place among the Top 5 Most Popular Colleges in North Carolina. The recognition marks an important moment for the university as student interest, enrollment momentum, and statewide visibility continue to rise.

Emerging in the top tier of the state’s most sought-after institutions signals a shift in the higher-education landscape—and a renewed attention on ShawU’s historic and contemporary relevance. President Paulette R. Dillard called the recognition “a powerful affirmation of ShawU’s mission, its legacy, and the incredible momentum we are building,” noting that the university’s increasing appeal is grounded in academic purpose, student-centered support, and a community-driven identity.

Research.com, a respected academic data and analytics platform, evaluates thousands of colleges nationwide before narrowing the field to more than 1,700 institutions that meet its standards for comprehensive scoring. ShawU appears prominently in the final North Carolina list following an extensive analysis of 400+ data points, including application trends, enrollment activity, financial aid engagement, graduation patterns, and projected alumni outcomes.

ShawU’s presence in the top five also reflects the broader profile highlighted in the Research.com dataset. Institutions listed at the top share strong demand indicators, and ShawU’s inclusion demonstrates a competitive interest among prospective students seeking access, tradition, and opportunity in the heart of Raleigh. Updated academic offerings, strengthened student support initiatives, and a deepened connection to local and regional communities continue to shape the ShawU experience for new generations.

For ShawU alumni, students, and supporters, the ranking offers a moment of celebration—a reminder of the university’s enduring impact and visibility. And for North Carolina’s educational sector, it signals the continued strength and relevance of HBCUs in shaping student opportunity and community advancement. As ShawU prepares for continued growth, its designation as one of North Carolina’s most popular colleges represents both a milestone and a springboard. It captures the enthusiasm of the present moment while pointing toward a promising and expansive future for Bear Nation. h

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Living Legends: C.A.R.V.E. into Black Raleigh Honoring Those Who are Uplifting the Black Community Now Information obtained from online at www.raleighnc.gov Panel Discussion: “Living Legends of Raleigh” Dr. Paul Baker - Art / Education/ Community, Dr. James T. Roberson Jr - Religion/ Education / Community / Veteran Frances Lonnette Williams - Education/ Community, Rozalyn Blair-Sanders - Education / Community, SGT Patricia Harris - Veteran / Community, and SFC Elree Smith - Veteran / Community An unforgettable evening as we honor the living legends of Raleigh, North Carolina—visionaries, trailblazers, and community champions whose work has shaped the cultural, social, and economic landscape of the Black community. This powerful panel discussion will spotlight the individuals who have not only witnessed history but made history.

This celebration is a moment to give them their flowers, celebrate their resilience, and acknowledge the impact of their decades of service. Through conversation, storytelling, and shared wisdom, these icons will reflect on their journeys, the challenges they’ve overcome, and the legacy they continue to build.

Discussion Themes: Roots & Rise: The Origin Stories of Raleigh’s Community Leaders Breaking Barriers: How They Created Opportunities Where None Existed Building The Future: Their Hopes, Advice, and Continued Vision For The Next Generation Legacy & Love: Honoring Their Commitment, Sacrifice, and Leadership Why This Matters In A World That Often Waits To Honor People After They’re Gone, We Choose To Celebrate Them Now—In Their Presence, With Gratitude, Respect, and Joy. Location: John P. “Top” Green African American Cultural Center Date: Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026 - Time: 3:00pm - 5:00 p.m.

Ages: All - Cost: Free - No Registration is Required h

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Targeted Support and Encouragement Through Years of Experience Rev. Dr. George M. Greene President, Co-Founder

House of Worship Security Consulting Business Consulting Property Acquisition

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