There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!
A Letter from the Editor
Thank God for the praying mamas, grandmamas, aunties, daddies, granddaddies, uncles, and others, as without their covering, I don’t know how it would have made it. I can imagine that this can be a testament for many others, especially for us who share similar cultural backgrounds. Throughout my life’s journeys, my path has often been littered with peaks and valleys, and roads full of twists and turns. So often that it felt normal. However, I eventually learned that there was more to life than what had been presented to me, a whole lot more.
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?
On one occasion, while hanging out with some friends, I had an encounter with a total stranger that was eye-opening and changed the trajectory of my life. A stranger this person was; I had never seen or met them before, as was the case for them. They had one question for me: What am I doing here? The “here” they were speaking about was a nightclub where many people my age were partying. Though it was my first time at the club, it wasn’t my first rodeo, and I felt as if I had a sense of belonging there. I would go on to party, no excitement, nothing out of the ordinary, and make it home safely, but those few words from the stranger had done their job. My mind was opened, and the course of my life changed.
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.
Fast forward many years, and I have come to realize that it was God speaking through that stranger to reach me. God had so much more planned for me, and for His purpose to be fulfilled in my life, my approach needed a realignment. I was obedient to what God spoke to me, and over the years, my eyes and heart have been opened to doing what God has called me to do.
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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.
More than anything, God needed to get my attention, and I thank Him for his grace and mercy. Having my attention brought me back to a place where I asked God for direction and guidance in my life. As I was trekking off course, He sent an angel to remind me of my purpose.
When God spoke to me, I knew it was Him, mainly because I had established a personal relationship with Him. One of the benefits of having a personal relationship is being able to discern God’s voice amid all other noise. I encourage you to seek God and allow Him to speak in your life, because when it’s God’s voice, you will know it.
Make you tomorrow happen today, but most importantly make it count. Life is but a whisper and we must put ourselves in a position to hear what it is telling us.
Terry L. Watson
Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder
Photo by Shaw Photography Group
Tamara Smith
Terry L Watson Publisher
Dr. Marrissa Dick Writer
Terry L. Watson Writer
Monica Montgomery Writer
Ashleigh Crawley Photographer
Todd Youngblood Photographer Snuggs Photography Photographer
Wealth LLC Apostle Markita Brooks
Richmond, VA
Resident Centered Public Housing
Mayor Danny Avula
Arlington, VA
Black History Month Annual Gala
The VA Black History Month Association
Learn more about Mayor Samuel Parham, who is in charge of leading the city of Petersburg, VA. Petersburg, VA
She is Huami Magazine’s Cutest Baby. Introducing one beautiful baby. Her name is Siya Loryn Stevens
Ready to Buy
Sell? Nakia Womack
Publack Publshing Library Antonia Royal-Whitmore
The Self Inside Latania Franklin
Gratifying Smiles Shylia Henley
Mayor Samuel Parham Leads the City of Petersburg, VA
Samuel Parham, born and raised in Petersburg, Virginia, is a dedicated public servant and business professional who has made significant contributions to his community. A 1993 graduate of Petersburg High School, Parham furthered his education at Richard Bland College, where he earned an Associate of Science degree in 1996. During his time there, he demonstrated his leadership abilities by founding the Multi-Cultural Alliance, co-founding the Rotaract Club, and participating in the College Players drama club.
Parham continued his academic journey at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia, graduating in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management.
In the corporate world, Parham holds the position of Director of Business Operations at Colonial Cleaning Service, a family-owned enterprise that has been serving Petersburg since 1981.
Parham’s political career began with his election to the Petersburg City Council in November 2014. His peers on the council recognized his leadership skills and elected him Vice Mayor in January 2015. Two years later, in January 2017, he was elected Mayor by the City Council, a position he continues to hold due to repeated re-elections by the council.
In addition to his mayoral duties, Parham has held numerous leadership roles in the community. Among them are the Governor of the Petersburg Breakfast and Lunch Rotary Clubs and the Colonial Heights Rotary Club, and the President of the Petersburg Breakfast Rotary Club. He also serves as a board member for the Alliance for Building Better Medicine, the Virginia Gateway Region, the Battersea Foundation, and the VCU Alumni Association. He is the Vice Chair of the Crater Planning District Commission. In August 2023, Governor Glenn Youngkin appointed Mayor Parham to the Virginia Advisory Board on Service and Volunteerism.
Through these roles, Mayor Parham continues to influence positive change in his community.
Moving Forward Together: Mayor Avula Shares
New Model for Resident-Centered Public Housing Redevelopment with RRHA Board of Commissioners
Information obtained from online source at www.rva.gov
On Wednesday, November 19, Mayor Danny Avula presented to the Richmond and Redevelopment Housing Authority (RRHA) Board of Commissioners. View the full presentation and read his reflections below:
“As Mayor, I am committed to building a future in which every resident lives in a safe, high-quality, code-compliant home in a thriving neighborhood. The future of public housing in Richmond is one of the most important responsibilities we have as a city. We have a real opportunity to build a different model - one that expands opportunity for families, strengthens our neighborhoods, and engages and supports residents every step of the way. The message I shared tonight with the RRHA Board of Commissioners was simple and heartfelt: redevelopment must be rooted in dignity, stability, and opportunity for every current resident. To achieve that, we need two key ingredients. First, a shared governance model that brings the City, RRHA, Gilpin residents, and community partners to the table as equals to guide decisions and ensure transparency. Second, a great People Plan that guarantees every family access to high-quality housing, support to remain lease-compliant, and connections to childcare, education, workforce opportunities, and health resources. If we pair shared governance and a great People Plan with the redevelopment work ahead, we can set a new standard for resident-centered public housing transformation and ensure Gilpin families remain at the heart of Gilpin’s future.” Mayor Danny Avula
The 26th Annual Virginia Black History Month Gala
The Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel
February 27-28th, 2026
Get ready for one of Virginia’s most anticipated events of the year in black excellence and culture. See historical speakers, scholarship presentations, a broom jumping ceremony, a youth orchestra, 360 videos, family portraits, and over 30 vendors.
On February 27, 2026, beginning at 4:00 pm, The Virginia Black History Month Associationwill host its Annual Black Health Fair. The goal of the Black Health Fair is to provide lifesaving information to our guests on topics such as prostate cancer, colon cancer, mental health, heart disease, breast cancer, sickle cell, HIV Awareness, diabetes, hypertension, COVID-19, lupus disease, healthcare management, and much more.
On February 28, 2026, beginning at 4:45 pm and one hour before the gala begins, VIPs enjoy an exclusive opportunity to interact with our keynote speakers, presenters, and distinguished visitors in the VIP Social. It is an opportunity to talk, ask questions, and interact with our celebrities prior to the main event. Our professional photographer will be available for pictures and the new 360 videos. Each year, the Virginia Black History Month Association provides a vendor showcase of African American businesses displaying art, clothing, and community services. On the same day as the Gala VIP Social, beginning at 5:00 pm, the vendor showcase begins 1-hour before the start of the gala and throughout the entire evening. We will also provide access to our online audience to review your products and services. For more details, contact Ms. Reedema Rock at (540) 498-7917.
Concluding the evening, The BHM (Hybrid) Gala will begin at 6:00 pm. This event will include a Youth Orchestra Performance, Dinner, Winners of the Children’s Writing Contest and Scholarships, and much more. For more details, please visit www.vabhma.org/gala
Markita Brooks Kingdom Wealth, LLC Apostle
By Terry L. Watson
Markita Brooks grew up in Hampton, VA, as an only child. She was very excited about school and involved in activities, and later graduated from Phoebus High School, ranked number seven in her class. Next she received her Bachelor’s degree in Leadership Studies from the University of Richmond, with a minor in Political Science. Markita had planned to become a civil rights attorney, but God called her to ministry and entrepreneurship. She was trained through Kad-Esh MAP Ministry’s Global Revival Messianic Apostolic Prophetic Bible School and the Messianic Yeshiva of the International Alliance of Messianic Congregations and Synagogues. Today, Markita enjoys her life with her husband, Hassan, and together they live in Richmond, VA, with their two adult children, Samaria and Joshua.
Markita is also the founder and CEO of Kingdom Wealth, LLC, a Bible-based business coaching firm. She is the founder and President of the Ari Network, Inc., a global network connecting Kingdom entrepreneurs, and co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Smith’s Epoxy Coatings, Inc., a Class-A construction company. In ministry, she serves as the founder and Ministry Leader of The Truth In The Spirit, which is focused on transformation and empowerment for individuals, ministries, businesses and communities. She also leads Congregation Or Shalom with her husband, Messianic Rabbi Hassan Brooks. “Or Shalom is a Messianic Jewish Congregation that means “Light of Peace” in Hebrew. Markita founded and led the Company of Apostles and Prophets, the Ecclesia Network of Ministries, the Nehemiah Network of business owners, the Invitation Movement and the National Kingdom Council. She has also served on seven non-profit boards of directors, the Minority Policy Priorities Task Force of the Financial Services Innovation Coalition, the Leadership Team for the Fairfield Family Circle (uniting descendants of slaves and enslavers to heal and move beyond the legacy of enslavement), as the Vice Delegate for the USA to the United Nations for Israel (UNIFY) and as the spiritual covering of many other ministries worldwide, while training business owners, pastors, rabbis and leaders in various other organizations and enterprises. Additionally, she has served as a business consultant for various other firms.
As if her hands weren’t already full, Markita has found time to work as a motivational speaker and has authored and published “The Road to Damascus: Transformation for the Next Level, 5 Biblical Keys to Unlocking Wealth, and Stand on the Shoulders of Multi-Million-Dollar Producing Giants Featuring Markita Brooks”.
Photos provided by Markita Brooks
“When I help people to receive a revelation that fills in the gaps for them, or discover their true identities in God, or bring their visions into reality, that makes me feel like I’ve made a significant contribution to our global community.”
Rather than just one vision for business or ministry, Markita has a broader vision for her life that has led her to create these businesses and ministries. “My life vision is to live the abundant life that Messiah died for me to have, to include an intimate relationship with God, a fulfilling marriage, healthy and successful children, thriving ministries and businesses, and making a significant difference in the lives of others all over the world. This vision drives everything I do,” she says.
Making a positive difference in the lives of individuals, Markita shares, is the best way to change the world. That is also what she loves most about what she does. She adds, “When I help people to receive a revelation that fills in the gaps for them, or discover their true identities in God, or bring their visions into reality, that makes me feel like I’ve made a significant contribution to our global community. When I’m able to help develop, transform, or sustain whole organizations, I know I’ve made a difference.” Markita also loves serving God, and says, “My relationship with God has impacted my life the most, though He had to chase me down to get me to commit to His will for my life. That’s what I love about Him; His willingness to pursue me. I believe He’s willing to pursue all of us for our own good, but we must open the door to Him.”
In Markita’s years in business and ministry, she has encountered a great deal of prejudice and discrimination. She notes how the construction industry is rife with barriers to minorities succeeding. “Consulting has been challenging, too, as some people still see women as assistants rather than leaders. However, the most disheartening challenges I have encountered have been in ministry, as I push against misinterpretations of the Bible that are used to keep women out of leadership positions. I have heard both men and women say that God only wants men in leadership, and that if a woman is in leadership, it’s just until a man steps up. I know that’s not true because when God called me to ministry leadership, He told me I was uniquely qualified for His work. This means I am His first choice to do what I do, He designed me to do it,
“My relationship with God has impacted my life the most, though He had to chase me down to get me to commit to His will for my life. That’s what I love about Him; His willingness to pursue me.”
and there is no “Plan B” for me. In God’s house, religious men misuse scripture to back up their chauvinism. However, that’s not Biblical; it’s not God’s heart. The Bible is packed with stories about women leaders throughout both the New and Old Testaments. These women were prophets, shepherds, judges over kingdoms, and evangelists. We see all these women leading, yet their stories are often ignored or misinterpreted,” Markita says.
What does the future look like for Markita? Presently, she is birthing the Impact Healing Movement, and it incorporates everything she does in business and ministry. She adds, “In the Impact Healing Movement, I am coaching people to heal deeply, and lead transformationally, and impact nations. It began on November 3rd, with free Impact Healing Shorts, videos to inspire, heal and transform leaders to make an impact right where they are. They are being shared seven days a week for seven weeks. In January, I will begin leading Impact Healing Circles for individuals in need of deep healing and leaders who want to make an impact in their businesses, ministries, or organizations. After seven weeks of group coaching with me in these Healing Circles, they will all be invited for additional coaching to become Impact Healers who transform whole nations.”
To learn more about Markita Brooks, and purchase her book, The Road to Damascus: Transformation for the Next Level, 5 Biblical Keys to Unlocking Wealth, and Stand on the Shoulders of Multi-Million-Dollar Producing Giants Featuring Markita Brooks, please visit her website.
www.markitabrooks.com h
The Self Inside Where Black Women Heal Hollistically
By Terry L. Watson
Photos Provided by Latania Franklin
Latania Franklin, of Chicago, IL, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology/ Criminology from Northern Illinois University and followed that feat with earning her Master of Social Work from Loyola University Chicago. Latania was born and raised on the North Side, while her family is from the West Side . Latania is one of three kids and the youngest born into her family. Latania currently lives on the far South Side of Chicago with her husband and their three-year-old son.
Today, Latania utilizes her gifts and talents to lead The Self Inside, a space designed for Black women to heal from intergenerational trauma and racism. At The Self Inside, education is valued, as well as support, empowerment, and healing. They also believe in creating spaces where Black women feel seen, heard, and guided toward reclaiming their wholeness. Latania shares that these values shape every interaction and decision women make. She adds, “My brand is all about making people comfortable. As a therapist, I show up as my full, authentic self. You may not catch me in very business-professional clothes, as I dress more relaxed, often in jeans and hoodies. My brand and image are about creating a space where Black women feel like they’re talking to a friend or writing in their diary. I strive to foster an environment where women can be vulnerable, open, and trust the person they’re talking to.”
While everyone is welcome at The Self Inside, Latania emphasizes that the space was curated for Black women. Most of her clients are between the ages of 18 to 45, but she does accept clients who may be out of that range. Some common interventions she utilizes are Internal Family Systems (IFS), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Reiki, and other somatic approaches. Latania supports Black women by providing individual therapy, group therapy, and other holistic practices such as Reiki. She also sells spiritual tools like sage, incense, and selenite crystals, and offers The Self Inside therapy journal and merchandise featuring their logo on t-shirts.
“My brand and image are about creating a space where Black women feel like they’re talking to a friend or writing in their diary. I strive to foster an environment where women can be vulnerable, open, and trust the person they’re talking to.”
“A lot of the work I do through The Self Inside stems from my own childhood trauma and healing journey. This work is very purposeful for me, and I use my experiences to support the healing journeys of the Black women I support,” she says. “We are decolonizing therapy. We bring in conversations about our roots, our ancestors, and spirituality because doing so enhances Black women’s self-worth and personal power. It helps them tap into their purpose, gifts, and inner wisdom. We know that healing one Black woman helps heal generations both before and after her — our work is not just personal, it’s ancestral and collective.”
To accomplish the goals she’s set, Latania has hosted workshops on various topics, including how trauma can manifest as disease and disorder in Black women’s bodies. She has also discussed the benefits of earth medicine and how different herbs can aid in healing, and held discussions on love for Black women based on bell hooks’ book, All About Love. Her efforts also involve a monthly healing support group to create community among Black women on their healing journeys. “We understand that this journey can be isolating, so we aim to provide a supportive space where women can connect with like-minded individuals who are doing similar work,” she says.
“A lot of the work I do through The Self Inside stems from my own childhood trauma and healing journey. This work is very purposeful for me, and I use my experiences to support the healing journeys of the Black
women I support.”
Latania says her love for social work began at the age of five. Even as a child, she felt a strong desire to help and be kind to others who needed support. Back then, she would pretend to be a social worker, asking her mother to come to her office to fill out paperwork. This playful role-playing stemmed from witnessing how social service workers interacted with Latania’s family, she recalls, often with rudeness and disrespect, when support was what they were truly seeking. “Growing up, I developed a passion for horror films and documentaries, and I was fascinated by understanding the minds of serial killers. At the time, I thought I wanted to work within prisons and jails. This interest led me to pursue a Bachelor’s in Criminology. While I was still passionate about criminology, it was during my last year of undergrad that I completed an internship at a courthouse working with probation officers. This experience introduced me to the field of social work, which I hadn’t fully understood before. My supervisors, all Black women who were Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), informed me of the work I could do as a social worker and how it would help me understand the minds of others. This is when I decided to pursue a career in social work,” she says.
After graduating from college in 2014 with her masters degree, Latania landed her first job as a school social worker on the West Side of Chicago. Working with students who had similar experiences encouraged Latania to start her own therapy in 2015. In 2018, she decided to leave school social work due to changes in the school system and leadership, and she was left with feelings of depression, suicidal ideation, and vicarious trauma. In 2019, Latania joined an all-white practice as the only Black therapist. There she faced many microaggressions and questioned her self worth “They criticized how I talked and made comments on my hair once I decided to go natural. After three months, I decided to leave that practice. I coined this as the year I became “black”. I became more proud of who I am and showed it proudly in how I dressed, wore my hair and advocated for us,” she says. Shortly after she left the white practice, Latania had the privilege of working alongside a remarkable Black woman with her private practice. It was there that she began to build her confidence as a therapist and deepen her passion for supporting Black women. The Self Inside would soon follow.
Latania says what she loves most about what she does is seeing Black women take their lives back. “Over the five years of The Self Inside and my ten years as a therapist, I’ve seen Black women reclaim who they are. I’ve also seen Black women start businesses, take control of negative thoughts, and boldly show their full, authentic selves, demonstrating just how dope and powerful we really are. Seeing this mission come to life in the women I talk to, over the years and still today, brings so much joy to my heart. It truly feels like I am doing God’s work and fulfilling what He wants me to do.”
Latania’s personal healing journey and understanding where she comes from have impacted her life. “My healing journey has helped me understand that all the pain and hurt from my childhood, and how I have and continue to heal from it, can be used as a testimony. My healing has actually given me my purpose, and now, with a deeper understanding of my roots and family, I recognize the strength and resilience of the women in my family. Despite limited resources or the absence of husbands, they carried the entire family forward. Even when faced with adversity or being told they weren’t good enough by society, they moved forward. Knowing that these are the women I come from, I realize that I can embody that same worth,” she says.
Building her brand has come with a few challenges. One she says, has been getting past her thoughts that tell her she’s not good enough. She counters this by setting aside time to remind herself who she is. “I sit at my altar, I pray, and I maintain a vibrant spiritual life that helps me stay grounded. Again, the work I’m doing around my healing and understanding my roots helps me remember who I am.” Another challenge is being a business owner. “Naturally, I know how to be a therapist, but I’ve had to learn, and am still learning, how to be a business owner and a leader. I’ve hired and worked with different coaches, and I currently have a wonderful business coach. I also talk to other women who own practices and other businesses that I look up to, asking them questions and seeking guidance,” she says.
As Latania continues to grow, she also has aspirations to expand he Self Inside. She’s recenlty hired a new clinician, who is currently accepting new clients. “I’m excited about filling her caseload and how her presence is allowing us to serve even more black women in Chicago,” Latania says. With all of her services virtual, she is looking to do in-person events. “We plan to collaborate and partner with other Black-owned businesses to rent their spaces and host in-person workshops and events. We are ready to build community outside of the therapy space. We have our first in-person event taking place January 17th, 2026.”
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Henley Shylia
Gratifying Smiles
By Terry L. Watson
Provided by Shylia Henley
Shylia Henley of Huntsville, AL, is a devout woman of God who decided to give God her “yes”.
She is also the owner and founder of Gratifying Smiles. Her company offers services on her social media platforms as a disciple of God’s kingdom by sharing daily Bible app scriptures for individuals to hear or see. While Gratifying Smiles has yet to officially launch, Shylia has been making preparations for what is to come. In the interim, Shylia works as a life and health insurance agent for Wellstone Mental Health facilities as needed. Shylia works as a life and health insurance agent with Aflac and Hundley Batts and Associates. In her role, she helps individuals or groups secure life and health benefits to secure a meaningful impact through health, wellness, and financial security. Rather, it helps increase the business’s bottom line, retain employee, give peace of mind, create a legacy, or simply give their loved one’s peace of mind knowing they have something in place. Addiitonally, Shylia is a PRN mental health technician for Wellstone Behavioral Health Center.
Born and raised in Iuka, Mississippi Shylia grew up in Sheffield, AL where her mother, Margaretta Henley, still resides in the nearby town of Tuscumbia, AL. Shylia is the happy mother of Areila Summerhill and Adalee Henley. Shylia also comes from a big family, having three siblings (one sister and two brothers). She also has 14 nieces and nephews.
The motto for Gratifying Smiles is Live It. Fulfill it. Experience it. Shylia refers to the following scripture and aligns it with her vision. Romans 8:28: And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
Where did the vision of Gratifying Smiles come from? Shylia says while facing the most difficult trials and tribulations of her life over again, she found herself homeless. “Having to move back home with my mom around August 2020, my mental health wasn’t always the greatest. In my free time, I would go on my daily walks, reading my daily scriptures as usual. I continued to attend church. I had good days, and bad days. At that time, I was working two jobs, and I commuted back and forth to work until around September, and my plans were to get a place back in Huntsville. I became exhausted and was losing hope. Then, the Covid pandemic began to hit hard. My niece caught Covid. I began to fall deeper into depression as my jobs began to lay off. Still, I continued to read my daily scriptures and made goals to start my own retail business, selling dental products. This is where the name Gratifying Smiles came from. One of my daily devotionals asked a question: Who can I go visit that and check on and share Gods word? I thought about a family member. I decided to visit them, and I experienced some childhood trauma that repeated over in my mind again. That day I was still happy, and in good spirits. I told them that they were forgiven,” she says.
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“I love helping others build a relationship with God. God has increased my faith and helped me to build a solid foundation and attract opportunities that are divinely oriented. I love speaking life into individuals who may have lost hope.”
Shylia would soon lose her second job. Battling depression and anxiety, she attempted to keep going. She started her teeth whitening toothpaste with no money, only a plan and a Dental Assistant certificate that she obtained in 2018. Shylia would soon acquire over 30 customers and $600 in one day. Yet, Shylia shares she still didn’t feel as if she was enough. She didn’t work for about three or four months. “Stress started messing with my physical health. Digestive system began to have issues. Started visiting a place called Simply Healthy to get natural juices, and my healing journey, eating clean, working, and walking at the TVA trail began. Things started to feel normal, and I got a new job at a manufacturing company near the end of November 202,” she says. Life was looking brighter for Shylia, and she began dating again after being celibate for two years. She would soon give birth to her three-year-old and had a spiritual awakening while working one day. “I was journaling on my breaks to write a book. God gave me the title “The Birth of Gratifying Smiles”. From that day I made it my purpose of my brand. To uplift, inspire and encourage others who may have walked in similar situations and needed help mentally.”
More than anything, Shylia loves being a servant. She adds, “I love helping others build a relationship with God. God has increased my faith and helped me to build a solid foundation and attract opportunities that are divinely oriented. I love speaking life into individuals who may have lost hope. I also love being an example to my children and family,” she says.
In her young life and career, Shylia has acquired a lot of experience. With her gaining, her heart continues to pour out love to others. She also offers advice to others who may find themselves in a similar situation in life. She says, “I would tell them to do what God is calling you to do. There is purpose for your pain. Walk in excellence and expectation.” As Shylia continues to prepare for the launch of Gratifying Smiles, she remains committed to doing what God’s work. “My plans are to continue to walk in obedience and connect with individuals to see how I can be a servant. I also plan to collaborate, recommend resources for the community, and share my story. More than anything, I will continue to put God first.
NakiaWomack
NC Realtor EXP Realty
By Terry L. Watson
Provided by Nakia Womack
For Nakia Womack, the holiday season has always been about more than gifts under a tree and the meals shared around the table. She says, it’s more about the people we love and the spaces we gather in. The accomplished Realtor says her focus isn’t simply on closings or commissions—it’s on helping individuals and families find a place where memories are made and traditions are created.
Nakia is a licensed real estate agent in North Carolina, working with EXP Realty. Her journey in real estate began with one of her best friends and business partner, Kedrian Blackmon. Nakia says, “One day Kedrian reached out and told me she was thinking about pursuing her real estate license and suggested we do it together. It just made sense. We’ve always shared a passion for business and community, and we’ve partnered on many other ventures. Taking this next step side by side felt natural.”
Real Estate aligned perfectly with the work Nakia was already doing- serving families, supporting stability, and helping people build better lives. She has served as the Executive Director of Lutheran Services Carolinas (LSC), a faith-based health and human services nonprofit organization. Their focus is to serve children, families, and seniors in North and South Carolina. In her role, she oversees children’s services, including traditional, transitional, and intensive foster care programs, and adoptions.
In reality, Real Estate offered Nakia another way to make an impact, not just by helping clients buy or sell a home, but by helping them take meaningful steps toward generational growth and security. “What started as a shared goal between friends has grown into a vision rooted in community, connection, and empowerment,” she says. “When I sit across from a client, I don’t just see a buyer or a seller; I see a story unfolding. Whether it’s a young family searching for their first home, a retiree downsizing, or a couple investing in their future, my goal is to walk with them through each step. I am here for the people, to help them achieve their dreams of homeownership. I also appreciate the relationships we build along the way.”
In addition to being a Realtor, Nakia is the Co-Owner of an athletic wear company called FitZ Apparel & Accessories LLC. They provide quality, fashionable, and affordable “FitZ” that are designed to be suitable for exercise and everyday wear. She is also the Co-Founder of FitZ Wellness Network Inc, a 501-c3, whose mission is to help as many members in its communities as possible achieve the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. This is done by creating access to resources and offering a wide variety of services to achieve overall well-being in a safe, convenient, and fun environment. As if Nakia’s plate wasn’t already full, she finds time to work as an ACE Certified Personal Fitness Trainer. “Fitness is a big part of my life, and I enjoy working out with my CrossFit family and staying active,” she says.
More than anything else, Nakia enjoys spending time with her family. She is married and has two adult children, and three bonus children, and strives to relay equal compassion to others that she serves. Nakia also has a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, a Master’s degree in Professional Counseling, and is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). She adds, “Outside of work, I truly value spending quality time with my family and friends. Yet, Faith and fellowship are important to me, and I enjoy attending church and staying grounded spiritually. I also love traveling, exploring new restaurants, and finding new experiences wherever I go.”
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Whether it’s a child finding stability through foster care, a family achieving the dream of homeownership, or someone taking the first step toward a healthier lifestyle through one of my wellness initiatives, seeing others grow and thrive keeps me motivated every day.”
As someone who thrives on connection, Nakia says she believes the impact she makes in others’ lives is what truly lasts. “The smiles at the closing table, the tears of joy when a family gets their keys, and the phone calls months later sharing how they’ve settled in—those are the rewards that keep me going,” she says. “At my core, I am warm, approachable, and deeply committed to serving with excellence. I bring my leadership, empathy, and entrepreneurial spirit into every client relationship, and they know they have someone who is knowledgeable, dependable, and dedicated to seeing them succeed, not just in the market but in life.”
When asked what inspires her, Nakia boldly states it’s the opportunity she has to serve. She says, “Whether it’s a child finding stability through foster care, a family achieving the dream of homeownership, or someone taking the first step toward a healthier lifestyle through one of my wellness initiatives, seeing others grow and thrive keeps me motivated every day.” Besides her own family, as previously mentioned, her faith deeply inspires Nakia, and the strong circle of men and women who surround her and who constantly push her to dream bigger. “Their encouragement reminds me that purpose and services can go hand in hand, and that every role I hold is part of a greater mission to uplift and empower others.”
Balancing her responsibilities as a dual-career professional is one of the biggest challenges Nakia has faced. “It can be demanding to juggle multiple roles that all require time, focus, and passion. Yes, I do serve in multiple roles, but my commitment to my clients is full-time in structure and focus. Having a diversified career strengthens what I bring to real estate: wide networks, deep community knowledge, access to resources, and a big-picture mindset that supports your best interests, not just a transaction. Ultimately, when you hire me, you’re getting someone who integrates real estate into the broader purpose of serving you, your family, and your future.” Nakia has been able to manage her challenges utilizing strong time management, intentional planning, and staying grounded in her “why”. She adds, “Every role I hold is centered around service. All these areas connect back to my purpose, and I’m able to stay focused and energized. I’ve learned to delegate, stay organized, and give myself grace while still delivering excellence. I have a dedicated schedule and team support so that my client’s buying or selling needs are handled promptly, whether that means evenings, weekends, or when most convenient for them. I am very intentional about prioritizing client service. From our first meeting through closing, you’ll always know what step we’re on, what’s coming next, and how I’ advocating on your behalf. The balance isn’t always easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding to know that I’m making an impact in multiple ways.”
For others who may follow in a similar path as Nakia, she offers the following advice. “Lead with purpose and not just profit. If you focus on serving people first, success will follow. From a financial perspective, be prepared and patient. Real estate is a commission-based business, so it’s important to have savings or another income source as you build your client base. Also, treat your real estate career like a true business- budget for marketing, education, and continued professional development. Invest in systems that help you stay organized and responsive because your reputation and consistency will be your greatest asset. Lastly, stay teachable and surround yourself with mentors, and collaborate with others. Real estate, like life, rewards those who stay grounded, persistent, and people centered.”
Looking ahead, Nakia has set her sights on expansion and having a deeper impact. She also plans to continue growing in real estate by helping more families become homeowners and by building stronger partnerships that connect housing, wellness, and community resources. She says, “I am personally interested in expanding into real estate investing. I see it as a next step in creating long-term stability, building generational wealth, and continuing to impact the communities I serve. My goal is to invest not only in personal growth but also in creating quality, affordable housing opportunities for families and individuals who deserve a safe place to call home. Ultimately, my next chapter is about alignment- bringing all my passions together under one purpose: to create opportunities, build stability, and empower people to live well in every aspect of their lives.”
In closing, Nakia has prepared some services geared to the upcoming holiday season. Nakia says, “This coming holiday season, I am reminded once again that a house is simply walls and a roof—but a home is where laughter echoes, love grows, and hope takes root. Helping people find that kind of space is more meaningful to me than any paycheck. As we gather this season, may we all remember that home is not just where we live, it’s where we belong. For me, being able to help someone else find theirs is the greatest gift of all. If you’re considering buying or selling a home, or if you simply need guidance on your real estate journey, I would be honored to walk alongside you. Reach out today. I’m here to help you find your place to call home.” h
Publack Library Publishing Antonia Royal-Whitmore
By Terry L. Watson
“As a child, I was reserved and quiet, distracted by my thoughts, observations, and questions of the world. Despite my reservation, I inherited my forwardness and bluntness from my Grandfather and spoke up for causes I believed in, or spoke against things I disagreed with.”
Photos Provided by Antonia Royal-Whitmore
Reading is soaring to new heights in the city of Chicago, IL.
Publack Library Publishing is home of complete representative literature; publications written by African American authors that feature African American characters, for African American Readers. At Publack Library Publishing, they write and publish inclusive media that showcase Black culture in an authentic and accurate manner. Their catalog consists of projects for children, young adults, and adults. They also help other African American writers publish their work.
Publack Library Publishing was conceived by Antonia Royal-Whitmore. Born and raised in Rockford, IL, and surrounded by a village of love and support, Antonia shares that her environment modeled to her the importance of family, faith, and loyalty. “As a child, I was reserved and quiet, distracted by my thoughts, observations, and questions of the world. Despite my reservation, I inherited my forwardness and bluntness from my Grandfather and spoke up for causes I believed in, or spoke against things I disagreed with. Early on, I was introduced to various forms of creativity. Ellis Arts Academy introduced me to theater, dance, art, and music. I studied tap dance, jazz, ballet, sang Broadway musical pieces, explored artists like Andy Warhol, and performed in dance concerts for an audience full of students, teachers, and families,” Antonia says.
Macedonia Baptist Church shaped her spirituality and provided leadership skills. She took on roles on the usher board, choir, praise dance team, and as the Sunday school treasurer. Antonia also excelled in school, graduating a year early from Auburn High School and going straight to Highland Community College on a bowling scholarship. At Highland, she studied Psychology, and would later attend Midland University in Fremont, NE. There, she continued to bowl and study psychology, graduating in 2017 with a Bachelors in Business and Psychology. Antonia says initially her goal was to earn her Master’s degree to become a therapist, however life had other plans. “Luckily, anytime people are involved, psychology is present. Psychology also presents in business rather it’s marketing (persuasion), understanding the body language of buyers, or classically conditioning your customers to salivate when they see a big yellow arch, convincing them to order a Happy Meal,” she said.
So how did Publack Library Publishing get started? Antonia provides a very vivid recollection. “I had a dream, no Martin Luther King, back in 2016, that I was an author. In this dream, there was a long line of people waiting for me to sign their books. This particular dream seemed out of place because being an author wasn’t on my Pinterest board; it never even crossed my mind. Partly because English was my least favorite subject and I struggled with spelling and grammar. However, this dream was so vivid and memorable, I started writing my first book, that morning. I didn’t know what I was doing but I knew I had to do it. I eventually wrote the first draft to an urban fiction novella, Nine Inches, which collected dust in my hard drive for three years.In those three years, I switched gears and explored children’s literature and published three projects (You Are: Tu Eres, Thanksgiving with the Bully, and Boys Wash Their Hands Too: ). By the end of 2019, I published five projects, including Nine Inches. Nine Inches was revised and republished December 2024 and has been the most sold book in our catalog, ranking top ten for Urban Erotica and Romantic Erotica on Amazon, for consecutive weeks.”
As of 2025, there are sixteen in house books in Publack Library Publishing’s catalog, written by Antonia Royal Whitmore. Publack Library Publishing has also helped dozens of African American authors through their publishing process.When asked what she loves most about what she does, Antonia’s response aligns with the change that she has sought to bring to publishing. She says, “The literary industry has had a particular look for a while, as only 5% of published authors are African American. In addition, there are seven times more children’s books that feature animals than Black children. I love that I’m able to disrupt the monotony of the current literary industry and add more inclusive and representative literature to readers. I love seeing the faces of my readers light up when they realize our books were made for them, by them. I also love watching the lightbulb turn on for individuals who may have had a book idea but needed confirmation or resources that I could provide. Learning myself through my business and seeing my continuous progress brings me great joy as well.”
Antonia draws inspiration from her spirit and her environment. One word, song, color, or sound can trigger an entire project for her. She also draws inspiration from different modalities, whether it be fashion, education, art, or music. Her family, she says has truly impacted Antonia’s life and been constant supporters. “My parents, Tiffiny and Christopher Whitmore kept me on track as a child and showed me how to navigate life as an adult. My grandparents, Morris and Gloria Royal, generously funded my first
book and remained a constant investor in all of my endeavors. My Grandfather, Morris Royal, spoke life into me as a child. He reminded me over and over that I was important, that I was going to be abundant and prosperous in life, that with the right mindset, anything was possible,” she says.
Antonia says she honestly believes reading is a basic necessity, like food and water, and should be free to children, and funded by the government. She also realizes children’s literature isn’t a priority. “One would think distributing children’s literature would be easy but it has been quite the opposite. Reading and comprehension have been overlooked by busy parents and overworked teachers, and replaced because of book bans and technology. One way I have been able to fight back against this is by allowing individuals, organizations, and businesses to donate to help fund books for classrooms, schools, and even entire neighborhoods,” she says.
For other aspiring authors who may follow in a path similar to Antonia, she offers the following advice and encouragement. “There are no rules to this thing. Of course there are a few grammar rules you may have to follow as a writer, but other than that, it’s free game. I’ll spare you your first author heartbreak; not everyone is your target audience, and not everyone will like your work. Now that that’s out of the way, do what feels good, what feels right. Create and write for yourself and share it with the world how you see fit. Release the need to be perceived, release the fear of judgment, and give yourself permission to evolve.”
Antonia has set her sights on the future. She says the next few years involve her mastering her pen game as an autnor and eventually transitioning into screenwriting. “I believe my work will land better on the big screen through TV shows, commercials, and movies. I would love to work with legends like Tyler Perry, Issa Rae, and Quinta Brunson,” she says. h
The daughter of Sydney Hildreth & David Stevens
Charlton Hildreth & Laurinda Hildreth (Grandparents)
David Deener & Teresa Stevens (Grandparents)
Siya Loryn Stevens
