Huami Magazine Triad March/April 2020

March/April 2020 - Vol. 6 Issue 6 FREE

TRIAD

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Legacy Cakes Pound By

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Triad - March/April 2020

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Where Jesus Christ is Lord And The People Are Loved

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

God Wants To Know Your Location

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

A Letter Editor A Letter Fromfrom Thethe Editor

tougher theEditor battle, the greater the reward. I have AThe Letter from the often What timesifhad to remind myself of this, especially when the tomorrow didn’t arrive?

All of your plans, hopes struggles and pains in myhave life appear Just and dreams wouldn’t a streetto tohave park no on.end.

What if as theeverything pressure intensifies, I have learned that my determination that you decided to put off until tomorrow never What if tomorrow didn’t arrive?

All of your plans, hopes should as well.There I must remember the reason why I started happened? would beano reason to save a rainy and dreams wouldn’t have street to park on. for What if and what promised for at the finish Godtomorrow has day,isand you could spare someone theuntil trouble ofpromised making everything that youme decided to put line. off neverme double for myWhat trouble. promises. if would your last happened?

There be opportunity no reason toseemingly save for aexpired rainy today? wouldspare you do? day, andWhat you could someone the trouble of making Along my life’s I have been presented withexpired several promises.

Whatjourney, if your last opportunity seemingly options and avenues.

I’ve had to carefully decide on which I’ve been that I often today?

Whattold would you do? seem like I do too much. is the better Ipath for me travel, because Honestly, feel like I amtonot doing enoughnot andevery I’m aroad firm leads to my purposed destination.

The effects of making believer in knowing that God seem wouldn’t on me I’ve been told that I often like put I do anything too much. theHonestly, wrong move can the promises ofand God. Just as that I couldn’t sometimes wonder how would I feelhandle. likeslow I amI up not doing enough I’mlife a firm a person utilizes the assistance of a navigational system be if I chose to sit idle and accept what it presented to me. believer in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything onfor me I directions while traveling a boring. vehicle, In God me to haveI found that to be very myexpects opinion, opportunity that couldn’t handle.

Iinsometimes wonder how for life would utilize the navigational system he created to direct me back is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone.

A challenge be if I chose to sit idle and accept what it presented to me.toI Him, that to I will encounter any speed to ensuring mefound is an adventure.

What is the In worst that can opportunity happen? have that be not very boring. my unnecessary opinion, bumps.

And that system can only be accessed through prayer 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 and with God. something new aboutwith myself. yourcan pride and in to me isconversations an adventure.

What is Relinquish the worst that happen? return acquire life.

If I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn God expects forabout us to seek His Relinquish direction atyour the pride start of something new myself. andour in The best advice ever given to me happened when someone days.

He wants to provide direction for our lives all throughout return acquire life. to makethe mysteps tomorrow happen Inindoing so thetold day,me ensuring and moves wetoday. take are alignment I have pressed myever way through doors with a key that only with His plan.

It can be a given very risky experience when we make The best advice to me happened when someone hopeme provided. have also learned difference between moves that notImy God-planned.

Onlythe bytoday.

Gods grace and so mercy told toare make tomorrow happen In doing God blesses me and what canatimes burden with doIwhat we survive ourmy wrong decisions, andlife often weme may have pressed waywith through doors with key that only as well.

Ipainful compare it toalso knowing be confident and encounter lessons while wewhen are offto course. hope provided.

I have learned the difference between whenlife tocan be quiet, what God blesses me with and what burdenbecause me with someone may get it confused as I compare it to knowing when to be confident and It iswell. not like He doesn’t know where I am at.

However by withaware being arrogant. when to beof quiet, becauseat checking in with God and making Him my location someone get itwhat confused all times such asmay sharing I am Make youarrogant. tomorrow with being thinking and how I am feeling, and butHim mostknow askinghappen for Histoday, help, lets make it count.

Make you tomorrow that I importantly am trusting His word.

Life is but a whisper and happen today, but most we putmake ourselves instep a importantly it count.

God is must fully aware of every position what it isand Life is buttothe a hear whisper and we take.

From beginning telling us.put in the a wherewe wemust will end.ourselves Following position to hear it is map He prepared is a what lot easier telling us. than traveling through life without Terry L. Watson it. God wants to know your location. Editor/Founder

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On The Cover

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CONTENTS

It’s Time To Shine

Dianne Lofton

On The Cover

Do you have a Sweet Tooth?

Pound By Legacy Cakes Inc.

Nashville

Black Murfreesboro Mylikia and Germayle Franklin

Atlanta

MARJ Consulting, LLC Monica Johnson

Greenville/Spartanburg

He’s A Poet, and A Whole Lot More Moody Black

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Level Up Parenting

Tamica Hughes

36 44 38

Dallas, TX

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Hampton Roads

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S2R Hair Studio Chastity Vaughn Precious G.E.M.S Devona Boone

MARCH/APRIL 2020

TRIAD EDITION

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18

Art Flows Through His Viens

Tyreik Summers

Kiings Neurological Care

Dr. Olukayode Onasanya

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Also Featured

Tiffany Draper

Meet this overcomer and survivor. She lives a life to help others defeat the odds.

Huntsville, AL

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Tawana Rowland

TSR Kids is getting prepared to host their 5th Annual Easter Egg Hunt.

Greensboro, NC

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Cutest Baby Photo She is a real beauty.

Introducing Mariah Taylor..

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TSR Kids Hosts 5th Annual Easter Egg Hunt

By Terry L. Watson - Photo by JLG Photography Tawana Rowland, the founder and director of TSR Kids is hosting their 5th Annual Easter Egg Hunt on April 4th, 2020. Tawana says the purpose of the event is to give back to the community. “All kids don’t experience happiness and you never know the struggle of a child in their home. Being able to give back give us a chance to show them there is hope and there are people who care about them,” she says.

Tawana is known throughout her community as someone who has a youthful soul and spirit. For the most part, she is just a big kid who loves to have fun.

Each year she waits patiently to do this event. “I love all of the fun and games, and seeing all the kids running around. Seeing all their happy faces inspires me to keep going and to do it again. Each year my vision for this event gets bigger and bigger. I remember the first year, all I did was throw a couple of eggs in the ground and say (1-2-3) get the eggs. The kids were so happy. Now we are at our fifth year and have 5000 Easter Eggs filled with candy.”

For this event, TSR Kids has partnered with KMD Ministry, It’s All Good Consignment, Open Heart For Kids, UndergrRich Studios, Host Automotive, PTS Support For Exceptional Children, and Characterz Unlimited.

In June, TSR Kids will start a program for kids with parents who are incarcerated. The program will help bridge the gap between the kids and their incarcerated parents by assisting the kids with writing letters and sending cards to the parents.

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Pound By

Legacy Cakes Incorporated

By Dr. Marrissa Dick Photos by Katrena Wize Artography

What is memory? Memory is the part of the brain that encodes, stores, and retrieves information. Memory serves as a record of experience for guiding your future actions. Scientist have discovered that different areas of the brain affect certain aspects of your memory. For instance, the hippocampus is connected to spatial memory and it helps the brain map the surrounding world and discover its way around a familiar place while the amygdala is linked to emotional memory. It is this emotional memory that most people long to revisit especially if the emotion takes you back to a time in your life when you felt safe, loved, and cared for.

Meet Margaret Elaine, founder of Pound by Legacy Cakes, Inc. Her loyal customers say these pound cakes are the maps that create avenues, roads, and highways that guides them down memory lane. According to Margaret Elaine, “My late mother, Margaret Shoffner Gladney, was the first to begin making this cake in our family. She started working with this recipe in the early 1940’s. Unfortunately, we lost Mama last year, but she left us precious memories and her secret homemade pound cake recipe that many have come to know and love. We grew up in Pleasant Garden, NC and attended New Goshen United Methodist Church, Greensboro, NC.,” she says.

“I remember Mama making her pound cake for church revivals and she was always amazed that her cake would be the first dessert to go. While she was making it, I use to wish that cake would fall or crumble so she could leave it home, but it never fell. We did have the pleasure of sticking our finger in the bowl and getting some of that batter though. So, I grew up watching her make that cake then when I was old enough to be in the kitchen I started baking and cooking with her. I learned how to make that cake from scratch and over the years I perfected her recipe and tweaked it here and there and came up with the pound cake we sell today. Before she left us, Mama still tasted every cake and she would tell me if I had too much flower, or not enough milk. She could tell immediately what I needed to do while she was eating it and her critiques helped make my pound cakes even better.” Margaret Elaine has never stopped tweaking her recipe while maintaining the integrity and consistency of her light and fluffy melt-in-your-mouth pound cakes.

Consistency is important for the success of any business especially when it comes to food. The loyal customers of Pound

by Legacy Cakes, Inc. have come to expect and cherish the unique mouthwatering taste of her pound cakes. It is this expectation that has led Margaret Elaine to teach her sons, Brandon and Anthony how to master the “consistency” of the batter.

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She explains, “The consistency of the batter is important. Just like my mother taught me I have taught my sons because they are the next generation. The next generation has changed the name from The Sweet Shop to Pound by Legacy Cakes, Inc. We changed the name because this recipe is being handed down to them and hopefully to their children. The business will be theirs when I retire and it’s important that they know how to make the pound cake. My mother was the first generation; I am the second generation; and they are the third. This business is our Legacy.” Proverbs 22:6 declares, “Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.”

Caramel Pound Cake

Strawberry Pound Cake

Chocolate Cherry Covered Pound Cake

Banana Split Pound Cake

This is the reason why she has personally taught her sons how to prepare the batter and bake it to perfection.

“Both Brandon and Anthony are master bakers by my hand. You know the batter has to be perfect. The milk has to be right; the flower has to be measured right.

The eggs and butter have to be room temperature, you have to fold that mixture just right so that batter holds together perfectly. Our icing is handmade, too, it’s just right. The icing has to be consistent because of the crust on the pound cake. If it’s not right the icing will just roll off of it. Consistency is the key. My sense of smell is so heightened that I can smell a cake and know what it tastes like before I even eat it. My mother taught me and now I am teaching my sons and they will teach my grandchildren who are already interested in baking. My sons are master bakers and I am so proud of that. Our customers are accustomed to the taste and memories our pound cakes bring. They understand the importance of the consistency of the batter; they understand that our pound cakes take our customers back to their roots; and they understand the importance of fresh baked pound cakes.”

So, exactly what is the difference between a fresh baked pound cake and an ordinary cake you purchase from a store or a cake shop? Well, freshly baked means that Legacy pound cakes are prepared from scratch within a 24-hour time period and are made without added preservatives. Cakes sold in grocery stores and other bakery shops are either pre-packaged or mass produced and then frozen. Pound by Legacy Cakes, Inc. prides itself on being a fresh baked establishment.

Margaret Elaine shares, “We make our cakes daily.

These other cake stores basically mass produce their cakes. When they run out, they go to their freezer or refrigerator and pull out a cake so it can unthaw and get room temperature. That is not what we do. When we run out of cakes, we prepare fresh batter and bake more maybe two or three times a day. Yes, it takes a little more time, but we believe it’s worth it. How many times have you ever walked inside of a cake shop and actually smelled a cake baking? Thankfully, our customers are patient and they will actually wait for it to come out of the oven or purchase what’s available. Those who wait get to experience a hot cake fresh out of the oven. Now how many cake shops can testify to that?” The signature cakes that run daily are the old-fashioned vanilla pound cake, the banana pudding pound cake, the lemon glaze or cream cheese pound cake, and the chocolate butter pound cake. Though these are more traditional pound cakes they also make specialty cakes to order.

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HuamiMagazine.com Triad - March/April 2020

According to Brandon, “I’m really excited about the growth of the company. I believe the online orders can take us to places we are unable to reach physically. Getting the word out through social media is a good way to make our presence known, too. We already use Grubb Hub and that’s going well. My plan is to really expose our product in states where pound cakes are not so common. I always knew we had a good product and I know we have the potential for it to really become something special beyond the Greensboro community.

I want to see us in all ethic and European markets. How many people can say that they ate a pound cake that takes them back to a time in their lives where they have a wonderful memory of their past. This is something we hear consistently.

That in itself is worth the leg work in getting our product out so everyone can have this experience.”

The New Generation has chanced the mission and vision for the future of Legacy Cakes, Inc. Sons, Brandon and Anthony hope to franchise beyond Greensboro.

They also plan to meet the demand of the pound cakes by taking online orders. At this point they are both working hard to create an avenue for this family recipe to become a part of the restaurant and dessert industry.

They also hope to appeal to the millennials who have never consumed pound cake. They know that once people taste their pound cakes, they will want it again.

Anthony shares, “The ultimate goal is to try and get something etched in stone where we can franchise to a new location in different states so others can have the experience that we have had our entire lives. I feel it’s my mission to go out there and make it happen so the world can share in our family recipe. I never thought we would actually have a shop where people would go crazy over a fresh baked cake. I mean this is a cake we grew up on. This is something special when customers eat it and talk about how it makes them think about their grandmothers’ cake. Our pound cakes take people back to a time that gives them comfort and makes them remember where they came from. I think that’s great.

How many people do you know that have tasted a pound cake that takes them back to their roots? Those are not our words. Our customers tell us that over and over again.”

Legacy is based on the Keeping The Legacy Alive of Mrs Margaret Shoffner Gladney March 02, 1925 - February 16, 2019

Much like his brother, Brandon has aspirations to see the family business make inroads outside of North Carolina, too. He believes he can strengthen their family business using the nuances of social media.

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So, where do Margaret Elaine, Brandon, and Anthony see themselves in the future?

“The new generation has so many plans for the business like having an event center and marketing our bakeware, chef wear, a cookbook, and publishing my memoire. I’m also a professional Interior Designer and an Apparel and Wedding Dress Designer. I would love to have a small bridal boutique in the event center. I just think it all goes hand-in-hand especially since we already make beautiful and delicious wedding cakes. We want our customers to know that we are still here, our cakes are still fresh baked and mouthwatering, and we would like to thank those who have stood by us,” Margaret Elaine shares.

“My grandmother didn’t make pound cake. I was never a consumer of pound cake. I had no problems walking by a pound cake. However, when I tasted Pound by Legacy Cakes, Inc. my amygdala responded. I closed my eyes and shook my index finger at Ms. Margaret Elaine as that warm fresh baked lemon pound cake melted in my mouth. Oh, my god today! I encourage you to stop by and get a slice so you can have your own personal experience.”

Dr. Marrissa Dick If you are interested in franchising Pound by Legacy Cakes, Inc. in your city please feel free to contact them. h

Pound By Legacy Cakes Inc. 3008 Spring Garden Street Greensboro, NC 27403 336-355-1371 www.poundcakesgso.com (Site is under construction and the site will be completed and running by April 1, 2020)

Follow us on Instragram and Facebook @ Pound By Legacy Cakes Inc. Store Hours Tues - Saturday (12p - 8p) Sunday (12p - 6p) Closed on Monday 12

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Tyriek Summers Art Is Life For Me

By Yasmine Regester - Photos by TMFPhotography Local painter and sketch artist, Tyreik Summers wants to create a strong connection in the community using art. As someone who has participated in and taught arts programs in the community, he wanted to find a way to give back to the community.

“I want to build a platform that brings a spotlight to local artist and give them a chance to showcase their talents. I want to bring more value to the art world in Greensboro through community projects, art shows, and pop up shops. I would also like to empower the local artists, and allow artists to grow and learn from each other,” Tyreik shares. In the future, Tyreik will be offering art classes for the youth and for adults at Studio 203 on Summit Avenue in Greensboro. Tyreik explains that he wants to take his own approach to instruction, making the classes more interactive. Youth classes will be offered to middle school/high school students and the adult classes are for college students and older. T yreik hopes to partner with community youth programs, churches and non-profits to engage art class participants.

“My main focus is to teach you effective techniques through demonstration. I don’t want to teach people to draw what I draw or to draw like me. I want to bring out the creativity in every student. I will Guide the artist as they improve their skills while giving them full control of every step in the process.”

Although he has taught arts classes before, this will be his first solo coordinated course, that will consist of multiple sessions. Tyreik says he feels strongly about sharing his story and passion for art with other people.

“Growth Starts once you leave your comfort zone. You have a right to embrace your passion. You’re your actions can change your situation. Everyone has a Story, I’m here to help you tell it,” says Tyreik.

Tyreik says he welcomes students of all levels into his classes, and the more diverse, the better. “Engaging with other artists and their styles provides different perspectives and gives more meaning to the whole movement. The different back stories, the different styles.

Even for me. I can’t draw everything. I’m always learning something new when it comes to art.”

Born and raised in Greensboro, N.C., the 26 year-old is fluent in various mediums such abstract, oil paints, watercolors, acrylic paints, graphite pencils, charcoal and pastels. Art always came natural to him, says Tyreik. Growing up, he would spend hours carefully studying the talent and drawings of his biggest inspiration –- his father.

“I was always inspired by my dad as a kid. I would watch him sketch. That inspired me to go that extra mile to really learn how to draw as well as he did,” says Tyreik. Although his father is not a professional artist, it was his father’s hobby -– a talent that he passed down to his son.

“I always had a creative mind, ideas constantly popping in my head and one day I pick up a pencil. Now I can’t stop, always challenging myself through different mediums, techniques and styles. I really just fell in love with it. It was very therapeutic to me. Something that starts as an idea in your head, then comes to life on paper, it’s an amazing sense of accomplishment,” says Tyreik. “I feel a sense of peace when I’m creating art. I feel free. It’s just my world.”

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The budding artist has also created various custom pieces from family portraits, landscapes, cartoons, sketches, and completed a wall mural at a Greensboro yoga studio.

“Portraits are special to me because they capture a moment in time. You can look back and reminisce on who was in the photo or why that portrait is special.”

He is also a student at Guilford Technical Community College studying Robotic Engineering. With his degree, he wants to design and build natural robotic appendages to aid in limb replacements. His goal is to design something that can be used all the time -- lightweight, waterproof and more importantly, affordable. “My vision for this is to allow someone to have the best quality of life they can have. And live a life without limitations despite losing a limb or being born without one,” says Tyreik.

The growing artist has big plans for his future. He wants to travel the world, immersing himself in art across the globe and painting wherever he goes. He explains that the world around him inspires him to create, as well as other artists and their different styles. He believes that the only way to get better is to work on your craft and not be afraid to explore unfamiliar genres of art. Tyreik notes that he is excited to take on new art techniques such as sculpture, mixed media, graphic art, screen printing and photography. He is also working on producing art tutorials for YouTube as well.

His art can be seen on Instagram @XTHECREATOR and on Facebook @Visionary Arts

“I really would love to be able to create my own art school that includes visual and performing arts. A program that would really provide aspiring artists the tools to get to the next level. I would love for everyone to experience the joy of art.”

Tyreik shares that the first piece of art he was really proud of was a black and white self-portrait sketch in his high school art class. It was an eye opening moment for him.

“The hardest thing you can draw is yourself. You have to really take inventory of yourself. It’s how you see yourself, mixed with how other people see you and all that you think you are or not or like or don’t like about yourself. It’s all wrapped up in there. And you have to take all that and put it into your drawing. I couldn’t change anything. I had to draw what I saw. You can’t lie.

All you can do is tell the truth,” he shares.

Tyreik says that art allows people to see the world in a different way. Sometimes what you think you see, isn’t really there. “Art shows us the what-ifs, the maybes, and the how comes, versus whether what is or isn’t. There’s more than two sides to every story.”

The list of artists he admires range from freelance artists from Instagram MikeysDrawings, IamtheartistIam, a pencil and comic book sketch artist, to notable famed artist, Bob Ross. h

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Level Up Parenting 18

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By Dawn Cauthen Thornton Photos by Still Shots Photography

Transforming the thought process of a teen or preteen girl, is at the forefront of Tamica Hughes’ mind.

Especially if they’re pregnant or expecting. They’re often broken, confused, and unsure of their future and that of their unborn child. The nonprofit organization, Level-Up Parenting, was created in 2019,

by Hughes, to tackle the daily struggles these young girls face as they’re preparing for the most important role of their lives.

“Our purpose is to do community outreach, literacy, charitable contributions, and provide educational resources that will help them as a teen parent. That includes an eight week program teaching them parenting skills, money management, computer literacy and interview preparation, breastfeeding, career and college readiness, self-care and post-partum depression, pregnancy prevention, and how to plan for the future,” Hughes explains.

The Greensboro native knows first-hand how challenging being a teen mom can be, because she was one. As a 16 year old student at Ragsdale High School in Jamestown, NC, she admittedly struggled. Although her mentor, Michelle Graves, was by her side, she didn’t have a particular person to introduce her to the resources that are readily available today. She depended on her mother often but found a small bit of relief when she began working at a day care facility as an after-school teacher at age 17. After graduation, she moved on to cosmetology school while her toddler son attended the Headstart program. Now, she offers a $1,000 scholarship to a student in her program each year that would like to further their education, just as she did. She plans to host a community fundraiser to raise more money for this effort.

“Since I used some of these resources, I’ll be able to link the teens to exactly where they need to go. I’ve also partnered with Nurse Partnership that will administer check-ups in their homes and other things they need,” Hughes says.

“Our purpose is to do community outreach, literacy, charitable contributions, and provide educational resources that will help them as a teen parent.”

Tamica Hughes

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Founder & Director 19

If Level Up Parenting sounds similar to social services, that’s because it is. But while they serve everyone in the community, this organization focuses on moms ages 10 to 19. When the babies arrive, Hughes provides essentials like, pampers, baby clothes, and women’s clothes from Niko’s Closet, an extension of Level Up Parenting. She is always accepting donations and stores the items in a storage facility that she personally pays for.

Hughes’ long-term goal is to purchase a location and provide transitional housing to the girls she helps and permanent place to store the donations she receives.

On March 28th, the visionary is planning a community day with speakers and resources as well as an intake process for girls who are in need of assistance. The organization adopted two teen moms this past Christmas and provided needed items for them and plans to do the same annually.

“I help people on a daily basis. If they call me, I’ll provide whatever I can or send them somewhere else if I can’t,” says Hughes.

Prayer Warriors For Level Up Parenting Erica Reeves, Anyua Clark, and Robin Hill-Tucker

The organizations all-female team of board members helps Hughes make the decisions to move the organization forward as her prayer team helps the teens stay faithful in their beliefs of obtaining a better life for their families.

“I want them to know that just because they’re young mothers doesn’t mean they don’t have opportunities.” She stresses to the girls that having a trade or furthering their education is key to being successful in the future.

Hughes is currently searching for volunteers to mentor the young ladies that will participate in Level Up Parenting’s upcoming 8-week session.

“They may be spending time with the girls, sitting and talking to them, and possibly purchasing a few items that they need.” She’ll soon offer internships to college students majoring in a social science as well.

“I want them to know that just because they’re young mothers doesn’t mean they don’t have opportunities.”

Tamica Hughes Founder & Director

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HuamiMagazine.com Triad - March/April 2020

Considering Hughes was a teen mom, she shed the statistic early on, that most would become victim to. She utilized many of the programs offered and created a new legacy for herself and her children. Though they’re not involved in the Level Up Parenting, her two sons and husband Christopher are her biggest supporters. Early on she saw that young women on the southside of Greensboro needed help and decided to make a change. One day she plans to serve the entire city, but for now, she’s starting small, but making a huge impact. h

Upcoming Events For Level Up Parenting TScholarship Fundraiser April 10,2020 7pm - 11pm

Teen Mom Intake March 28,2020 11am - 1pm Warnersville Recreation Center 601 Doak St. Greensboro NC 27406

Paint & Giggles With Comedian Eli Southern Jr. The Khalif Event Center 2000 Wendover Ave. Greensboro NC 27405

www.levelupptg.com lvluparenting@gmail.com 336-866-0022 P.O. Box 1851 Greensboro, NC 27402 21

By Laci Ollison Photos by Katrena Wize Artography In life, there things that happen that cause us to question what it is that we believe in.

We find ourselves in situations that can shake our faith and push us past our limits. In those moments, we may also begin to wonder why certain things have to transpire. Who or what can you trust when your world is suddenly turned upside down? While some people might put their trust in horses and chariots, Dianne Lofton has chosen to put her trust in someone much higher than herself.

Originally from Greensboro, North Carolina, Dianne is a wife, mother, associate pastor, prophet, and author. She has traveled various states as a motivational speaker, including New York, South Carolina, and Virginia. For ten years, she managed a radio broadcast called “Signs of the Times” which aired on WEAL, WQMG, and WGHP. Along with her husband, she founded Sings of the Times Evangelistic and Missionary Association. This organization serves as a training and licensing hub for pastors, evangelists, teachers, and missionaries.

Dianne has also studied at both Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina and John Wesley University in High Point, North Carolina.

But while this woman of God holds many titles, she is most proud of how God has chosen to use her to speak life into dead situations; both literally and figuratively. It was her obedience to the “still small voice” she heard that led Dianne to become an instrument for God to perform a supernatural miracle in the life of her husband.

Dianne’s husband, Pastor Johnnie T. Lofton III, was hospitalized for 112 days. He spent 84 of those days in the intensive care unit. As Pastor Lofton’s health declined, doctors gave up hope twice and advised his family to say their final goodbyes. But it was Dianne who refused to believe what the doctors said about her husband both times.

“I laid in his bed next to him and spoke to his spirit, just as Elijah did,” said Dianne.

Doctors remained hopeless, unsure of what medical treatment or course of action would even work for this man of God. In their professional medical opinion, there were no other options for Pastor Lofton. But Dianne was sure of the word and the promise that God had spoken to her. Although her husband’s situation did not look good, Dianne knew that she had to remain steadfast and unmovable in her faith.

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Dianne’s book “Shine” is available for purchase on Barnes & Noble and Amazon.

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So, while the healthcare providers did what they could, Dianne did the only thing she knew to do: she prayed.

“If we speak life to a thing,” said Dianne, “and we believe what we say, it’s going to come to pass and it’s going to happen.”

For three days, Dianne prayed and fasted. She remained by her husband’s bedside pleading with God and reminding Him of every promise that He spoke concerning her husband.

After days of praying that her husband would regain consciousness and live, Pastor Lofton opened his eyes. Even after the doctors said that it wasn’t possible, this small physical activity was God’s way of saying yes.

“Hezekiah cried to the Lord and for 15 more years of life,” Dianne recounted, “and January of this year made 15 years.”

After having to re-learn how to speak, walk, read, and use basic motor skills, Pastor Lofton and Evangelist Lofton now travel together sharing their testimony of grace and healing to people around the world. The anointed couple have a deep passion for seeing people healed, delivered, and set free. Together they have cast out many evil spirits in the Name of Jesus. Their hope is to be examples of leaders who exemplify unconditional love.

Dianne also transformed the story of her husband’s testimony, among others, in a book entitled “Shine: Unlocking the Door to Your Miracle.”

In this book, Dianne shares a collection of true short stories of miracles that are written to inspire the reader to increase their faith in God. The book talks about how her obedience to the Holy Spirit has allowed her to be a first-hand witness to numerous miracles, signs, and wonders. She also writes of a woman who was called to rescue her child out of the morgue.

In addition to being a woman of faith, Dianne is a proud mother of four and grandmother of five. She says that her family is her greatest motivation.

Before and after photos of Dianne and her husband, Pastor Johnnie Lofton, during his illness.

Dianne and her husband, Pastor Lofton, currently co-pastor Bethlehem Baptist church in High Point, North Carolina where they have been serving in ministry for 34 years.

You can also find Dianne working tirelessly in the cities of High Point and Greensboro. She is an active mentor for the Weed and Seed Project and serves in the prison and nursing home ministries.

She also has affiliations with Total Christian TV and Morning Alive in Graham, North Carolina where she acted as a prayer partner and co-host.

When Dianne isn’t doing ministry work, she loves to sing and dance, no matter who is watching. She is inspired by music of all genres. Dianne also loves to admire nature and calls it “God’s work.” The best art to her is when God paints the sky with beautifully colored hues in a cloudy day or starry night.

“Lady Di,” as she is often called, believes that her mission is to “rescue the underdog.” She has a genuine drive to see others succeed. h

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By Terry L. Watson Photos by Chastity Vaughn She is an award winning stylist who owns the moment.

Chastity Vaughn of Dallas, TX first and foremost is a child of God and work-a-holic. She is also a loving mother of three wonderful kids who prides herself on being determined.

“I come from humble means. And because of that, I believe that anything is possible if you work for it. As a business owner, I strive to be the best Entrepreneur I can be by providing quality work to each and every client that I have the privilege of servicing,” she says.

Chastity is the onwer of S2R Hair Studio LLC, (Something 2 Remember). There, along with her team of professional stylist, Chastity provides an array of services including but not limited to all types of natural hair, sister locks, traditional locs, updos, silk press (blowouts), hair tape extensions, and more. She explains how important versatility is in her industry. Natural hair and Sisterlocks are definitely two of Chastity’s specialties, and what she is widely known for.

“As a hairstylist, I would not want to limit myself. I want to be able to cater to my clients, on all fronts. It is my overall objective to create new and exciting looks for today’s modern woman, while offering a 5-star experience,” she says. Her versatility has eveolved to her now offering a Sisterlock Coaching Program and a Business 101 class.

While Chastity has proven herself to be a top tier stylist, there is still more that she hopes to accomplish and add to the profession overall.

Some of these include education, excellent resources for live classes, and web-based tutorials and podcast. “I believe that self-investing in myself and my business is what has led to many doors opening up on my behalf.

The struggles that I’ve endured have also played a major role. I am truly thankful for my struggles because without them, I would have never found my strength,” she confesses.

Another important ingredient for success Chasitiy shares is to surround herself with people who are smarter than she is. “It helps to push me. I am committed to pushing myself to stay ahead of the trends by taking tons of education classes that fall in line with my profession. Remaining humble helps me to remain grounded and focused and reminds me that no matter how successful I become as an entrepreneur, there is always room for improvement.”

Being a business onwer is very important and personal for Chastity.

“It is something that I worked hard for, and no one can take it away from me. As a business woman, I wear different hats that influence my professional goals. I wear the hat of a mother first, and the hat of an entrepreneur, and mentor. As a strong business woman, I have not lost sight of the struggles and where I came from, because it was those trials that fueled me and instilled in me the drive and determination necessary to succeed,” she says. h

“I am comfortable in my own skin. I am confident in all that I do, and it’s reflected in my work. I also have a fluid personality and the ability to work with almost any type of person. I don’t dictate what services I will provide to my clients. I am open to their ideas and so when they sit in my chair, I want them to understand that it takes a team effort and colloboration to produce the look they desire,” she states.

Chastity shares that she got her start styling hair early in life. Growing up as a child in Tupelo, Mississippi, she recalls her mother, who is also a hairstylist, styling hair. While watching her over the years, she found herself infatuated with hair as well. Once old enough to do so, Chastity says she registered and attended Foster’s Cosmetology in Ripley, MS in 1998. This is where she learned everything she needed to know about styling hair and the hair industry. “It was then that I decided to turn my dreams into reality. So, I took that knowledge, packed up and moved to Dallas in 2002, because I felt I could thrive as a young and new potential business owner,” she says.

After getting settled in Dallas, she purchased her first home and would eventually open Something2Remember Salon & Boutique. The first location Chastity operated out of her garage which was converted to a salon. As her business began to flourish she was afforded with an opportunity to branch out and expand to a salon suite setting. That transition brought about even more business for her. From there she was able to venture out on her own and into her own Salon Studio.

“What I love most about my business is the opportunities if provides. I love catering to the needs of my clients and giving them a comfortable home away from home environment, with a touch of class and elegance,” she says. Being a mentor to others is also a passion for Chastity. She loves to share the knowledge she has obtained as a means to help others along their journey.

2011 N Collins Blvd Ste 803 Richardson, TX 75080 (214) 620-5708 www.s2rhairstudio.com 27

Kiings Neurological

Olukayode Oluseun Onasanya, MD FAAN

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By Dr. Marrissa Dick Photos by JLG Photography From a less than a middle class Nigerian home, father and mother, both teachers who constantly fed into the consciousness of their seven children, that with education, one can stand shoulder to shoulder with the tallest man in the world, seat and dine with the Presidents and the mighty, walk with one’s head high, comes Dr. Olukayode Oluseun Onasanya.

That teaching among other factors, resonated in him and kept him motivated to be the best husband, father and a Physician Neurologist he can ever be. His journey to becoming a doctor has a tumultuous beginning.

Dr. Onasanya shares, “I am from Nigeria and when I was seven years of age, there was an outbreak of pneumonia in my village. Many people with dying from that outbreak. I became afflicted with pneumonia also, suffering from double pneumonia. I was hospitalized in the only local hospital for treatment. The hospital was an open ward, with each bed partition from the other with a curtain. Apparently, I had been unconscious for three days while receiving treatment still. I regain consciousness by the end of the third day and all I was hearing was my mother screaming with excitement, ‘he is awake, he is awake’, and I saw a young doctor in immaculate white ward coat walked over and leaned over me, listening to my chest with his stethoscope. He was the only doctor in the village hospital and he had just saved my life. Right then, I decided I would be a physician, so I could be like that young doctor who saved my life. And years later, here I am, a Neurologist.”

At the tender age of seven, he was astute enough to understand the academic rigors and financial challenges facing him, but he was determined that those trials will not define his future.

He started his medical education in Nigeria but the catalyst for his passion in neurology again came from him experiencing another hardship. Again, he shares, “my grandfather came to live with us after my grandmother died. We were preparing to have dinner one evening when my grandfather decided to use the bathroom. He went in but did not come out within the expected time frame. So my father asked me to go and check on him. I knocked on the door but he did not answer.

We had to break the door open only to find him on the floor, unconscious with blood around his head. There was a crack in his skull. We presumed, he fell and hit his head causing the skull fracture. I ran to the nearest hospital, a privately owned one, hoping to get the doctor to come with me to see him. There is nothing like 911 in my country. I explained the situation to the doctor but he would not come to see him. Instead, he advised me my grandfather was an old man and that we should watch him overnight and bring him to the hospital if he was alive by the

following day. I came back home disappointed and crying. He was my grandfather and he dotted on me as his first grandson. Well of course, he did not make it to the following morning. We sat around him as he struggled painfully with death. I observed he was moving one side of his body, more than the other side. He died right in front of us, my father, mother and siblings. We later learned that he suffered a stroke, fell and hit his head while falling. That he suffered a stroke triggered my interest in Neurology and informed my decision to becoming a Neurologist”.

Equipped with encouragement from his academic loving parents, he set his mind on becoming a Neurologist. He had his medical education in Nigeria and was the best graduating student of his class. He met his beautiful wife, Olushanu Onasanya shortly after graduating from medical school. Like the saying “behind every successful man, is a woman”, Dr. Onasanya’s success story is not complete without his wife’s contribution. She has been very supportive and has played a significant role in their journey from Nigeria to America. They are blessed with three children.

“Right then, I decided I would be a physician, so I could be like that young doctor who saved my life. And years later, here I am, a Neurologist.”

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Pictured with Dr. Olukayode Onasanya is his wife of 19 years, Olushanu.

Dr. Onasanya is aware that his neurological skillset in headaches, dementia, peripheral neuropathy, strokes, multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, epilepsy, and seizure disorders is needed in Greensboro as well as the surrounding Triad area. He also knows that his practice can meet the needs of the person who is seeking individualized quality neurological care without having to wait several months for a doctor’s visit. With Kiings Neurological Care having state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment in neurology, Dr. Onasanya can provide his patience with the latest nuances in neurological research while holding true to his mantra, “Our Commitment, Your Outstanding Care, ....Always.”

Dr. Onasanya believes that people want to know that their physician has a vested stake in their recovery. He shares, “I started my own practice because I realized the system was pressuring doctors to see a certain number of patients by the end of the day and that never set well with me.

That means you must meet a quota and you cannot spend any time really getting to know your patients. You’re in the room then you’re out. I wanted to be able to take my time and develop a one-on-one relationship with my patients. I wanted to know my patients names and I wanted them to learn how to pronounce mine. I believe that anyone who comes to see me will be more than satisfied with their care because I treat my patients very well. I believe people want doctors to speak with them and not at them. I believe people really want to be a part of their healing process.”

Kiings Neurological Care opened its’ doors in January 2017 and some of his former patients have been the first to cross the threshold of his practice. He attributes their loyalty to his individualized care and his neurological expertise. Dr. Onasanya says, “I love to see my former patients. Sometimes I cannot believe they found me but that’s because of the relationships that I’ve developed with them and the care they receive from me. I can truly say that patients are not going to be disappointed when they come here. The staff is very professional and courteous, and we offer a family environment here.”

Though the practice is geared for the adult in need of neurological services, Dr. Onasanya will accommodate selected pediatric patients from 15 through 17 years of age. h

Dr. Onasanya is proud of the fact that he has his own practice where he is not on a time clock; instead, he can concentrate on delivering superior neurological care which incorporates his empathic personality into every facet of his medical practice.

Dr. Onasanya takes great pride in his humble family upbringing and recognizes that his life experiences have been the catalyst for his interest as a neurologist. He is also grateful for the medical training he received from some of the top-notch educational institutions and medical facilities in the United States.

Dr. Onasanya performed his general neurology training at the New Jersey Neuroscience Institute. He then received specialized training at the prestigious Hospital for Special Studies Surgery at Weill Cornel Medical College (Cornel University) in Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine with a specialization in Peripheral Nerve Conduction Studies and Electromyography (EMG/NCS). As a skilled neurologist, Dr. Onasanya is board certified in Neurology, Neuromuscular Medicine, and Electrodiagnostic Medicine.

Kiings Neurological Care

3820 N. Elm Street #104 Greensboro, NC 27455 336-365-1001

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Tiffany Draper

By Terry L. Watson Photos by TIffany Draper

Tiffany offers some advice to others who may have similar experiences, “Stay humble, and don’t quit! Quitting is not an option. God will never give you an assignment if He believed that you couldn’t handle it. Stay the course and most of all, trust God,” she says. h

Tiffany Draper of Huntsville, AL is not allowing any grass to grown under her feet. This young and beautiful lady embodies the absolute meaning of what ambitious means.

In business, and especially for those who are self employed, it can be hard to get people to support you. Not having money or supporters can be tough for a business owner, however its during those tough moments, character is developed and survival is dependent upon determination. This is what Tiffany Draper is all about.

She is an entrepreneur who is passionate about generational wealth and encouraging other black women. “As a survivor of many things, I want to reach as many women in the world and encourage them to love themselves and never give up on their life or dreams. I love people and I believe that God has called me to serve His people,” she says.

One of the businesses she owns is a women’s empowerment business, Tea With Tiffany. Tea With Tiffany is a platform she started to give women hope and to empower one another.

“In 2016, I remember waking by a mirror and not recognizing myself. As a result of this I decided to write about it publicly on Facebook. Women from all backgrounds started to follow and write me. It was a coming to terms with myself kind of moment.

I believe that you must bring your whole self to the table if you want to succeed in life; your personality, your sense of humor, and most importantly, your heart. All of these elements help to build your character. And so in that same year of 2016, God gave me a vision to launch Tea With Tiffany. I started out writing posts on Facebook and trying to grow my audience through social media. Writing became second nature to me and from there the blog was birthed,” she says.

Another business owned by Tiffany is the event center, Studio 53. Opened in November 2019, It is available to meet the needs of anyone in the Huntsville area. Their spacious facility is capable of being the host location of parties, special events, and much more.

As if Tiffany hadn’t enough on her plate, she has found time to author and publish her first book, But She Didn’t Quit Though.

“I wrote my very first book in September 2018. It’s basically an open letter to myself, apologizing to myself for how I mishandled myself. I was free from bondage after that,” Tiffany shares.

While there could several reasons as to why Tiffany pushes herself to do so much, it’s pretty obvious she genuinely loves people and enjoys seeing them happy. Furthermore, she shares how the impact that her mother and kids has on her life, and the influence they have in her business. “My mom was a single parent and I remember promising myself that I would take care of her one day if I could. She sacrificed so much for my brother and I, and I knew I needed to be successful and show her that she had done a great job with us,” she says.

“As a survivor of many things, I want to reach as many women in the world and encourage them to love themselves and never give up on their life or dreams”. www.teawithtiffany.org

As a businesswoman, Tiffany draws strength from other people who have made it and reached back into their community. Like others, she hopes that will be her story as well.

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I Am A Hope Dealer

By Terry L. Watson Photos by Devona Boone Devona Boone of Hampton Roads, Va describes herself as a “Hope Dealer”. She is a country girl who is confident, powerful, anointed, caring, nurturing, and God fearing.

Besides being an author, she is the founder of the nonprofit organization, Precious G.E.M.S Inc. Her mission is to empower young girls by teaching them resilience, promote positive self- awareness, sisterhood, and the power that is within. “We know that girls who do not have positive role models and mentors are three times more likely to experience a myriad of emotional, physical, mental and spiritual delays and deficiencies. Our job is to empower the young ladies and show them the endless possibilities for their lives. Our Motto is, ‘Every young lady has a gift to offer the world,’” she says.

Devona founded her nonprofit organization at the age of 25.

As she began to empower young ladies, in return I empowered myself. Over the course of five years of telling them they can do anything and be anything they wanted, she realized she wasn’t fully living up to what she was preaching. “I knew I had a story to tell and I knew it could help many women but I was fearful of not having enough to say to even be printed in a book. However, I pressed on and in 2018, I started to write a memoir. The entire process took me five months. During that time I found my voice and courage to share my story in hopes to offer strength, healing, and hope to other women. I am a woman of grace and resilience. Many of life’s difficult moments has given me courage, strength, and healing.”

Precious G.E.M.S offers three programs. First is the My Life Foundation which promotes the importance of positive self-image and respect for self and others. It also prepares young girls to succeed by teaching them decision making and problem solving skills and helps young ladies make independent life decisions to overcome past mistakes that altered their lives. Next is Community Service Learning. This tool provides young ladies with meaningful community service and incorporates instruction and reflection. It also teaches girls civic responsibility and the importance of strengthening their community. The third product is Natalie’s Closet. It provides clothing, shoes, accessories and outerwear and more to girls at discounted prices. The goal is to inspire girls to care about their appearance but also educates them on how to work with budgets to obtain the things they desire.

Devona’s book, “A Precious Gem: The Journey of My Shaping” is a direct compliment to her organization.

It is her story, and her testimony of how she made it through some of the traumatizing times of her life from childhood to present day. “As an author, I found my voice. I found my strength. I found a new purpose. Writing my story gave me a sense of freedom which made me fearless. I began to

encourage, motivate, and inspire people by being transparent and sharing my life lessons. I became the me I always wanted to be,” she shared.

Devona says her mother, Eunice Boone is the reason she has such a passion for serving others. “At the age of 10 I witnessed my mom’s murder at the hands of her abusive boyfriend. That tragedy shaped my life in so many ways, and when I became an adult, I knew I had to make an impact with our young girls and women in order to create a change with the statistics of domestic violence,” she said. She also draws inspiration through obedience to God’s will for her life and through her mother’s death. “In my life I am intentional in making sure I am in alignment with what is purposed for me. I do not want my mother’s death to be in vain. Her life will leave a legacy.” h

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Black

Murfreesboro

By Terry L. Watson Photos by Black Murfreesboro

“Not seeing events, businesses and topics that are important to the black community can leave a feeling of void and isolation. A sense of community and belonging is essential to the soul and that’s just what we are focused on,” she says.

Black Culture Connected (dba) Black Murfreesboro is a non-profit organization located in Nashville, TN. Their mission is to connect people to businesses, events, and topics centered around black lifestyle. In essence, they hope to be the one-stop-shop for learning what is going on in the black community within Murfreesboro, TN and surrounding areas.

The success of Black Murfreesboro is directly connected to the actions of its leaders. Mylikia’s is somewhat of a social butterfly and according to her husband, she will talk down a wall if giving the chance. She has a love for small business and is inspired by I am inspired by other entrepreneurs. “Watching people work on their craft is fascinating.

The fact they can turn their passion into a business and thrive is nothing short of amazing,” she shares.

Black Murfreesboro was founded by power couple Mylikia Franklin and Germayle Franklin. The group’s administrators in addition to Mylikia and Germayle includes Corell Oglesby.

She credits her mother Carolyn Ross, “The Shea Butter Lady”, for impacting her life and business the most. “She has owned businesses every since I can remember. Even today she owns African Shea Butter, Etc. She taught me how to run our family-owned Pet Shop in Detroit, MI when I was just eight years old. I watched her succeed, fail, and get

How they couple met and became one is by no means an accident. Germayle Franklin moved from Waycross, GA to Murfreesboro in 2001 on a full football scholarship from Middle Tennessee State University. Mylikia moved to Murfreesboro in 2005 from Detroit, MI. That is where they were acquainted. They both fell in love with Murfreesboro. Not long after he graduated they were married and purchased their home in Murfreesboro. “We knew it was a great place to raise our four children and start a business,” they said.

Corell Oglesby grew up in Jackson, TN and came to Murfreesboro to attend MTSU. She is married to Jonas Oglesby and they have two children. Their family recently chose Murfreesboro as home after living in surrounding cities.

Black Murfreesboro started in May 2019 while Germayle and I were working in their business, Franklin’s Fruit Tea. “We were on the square in downtown Murfreesboro vending and there weren’t many people at this particular festival. At a previous event, I had success posting our location on Facebook in various groups, so I told Germayle I was about to do just that. I went to Facebook groups and began to post. I then went to Black Nashville, then typed in Black Murfreesboro. Seeing we were in Murfreesboro, it just made sense. To my surprise, there was no group called Black Murfreesboro. So right there on the Square of Murfreesboro, I created the group. It wasn’t until around October and while talking to Corell did we start inviting members to the group. To all of our surprise, the group began to grow at a fascinating rate,” Mylikia shares.

The focus of Black Murfreesboro is to be a source for people wanting to connect or simply find out what’s going on in the black community. The city of Murfreesboro’s population is more than 141 thousand residents with African Americans making up 19% of its total population or nearly 26,790 black residents, and not including the surrounding areas. Mylikia says that unfortunately, when she opens a newspaper or look at local events, there’s not much highlighted that aligns with black culture.

right back up and succeed again. Her spirit of entrepreneurship has helped me in each business I have owned. Her perseverance taught me to remove fear and step out on faith. Her motto is, ‘A scared man can’t win! Nothing beats a failure but a try!’ In other words, you will never know what you can do until you try,” she says.

Mylikia advises others who may follow in her footsteps to do what you love. “Stay true to your morals and core values. It’s easy to be persuaded by others but be sure you always keep your personal brand in perspective. Win or fail, if you stay true to yourself you have succeeded,” she says.

In the future the Black Murfreesboro group would like to have more events on an even larger scale. They are looking to create a membership site for people who would like to be sponsors and are aligned with the mission of Black Murfreesboro. “We are excited to meet the challenge of promoting Black Culture Connected!” they shared. h

37 Want To Advertise?

Please call 336-340-7844 Triad - January/February 2020 HuamiMagazine.com 37

Moody Black I Manifest, I Inspire,

I Motivate

By Terry L. Watson Photos by Ian Curcio Aunt Nora’s House Photography and John Gallager He is something like a homegrown talent that hails from Spartanburg, S.C. Moody Black is the face and founder of Moody Black Enterprises. He is also a TEDx performer that brings a whole lot more to the table. He is a national Award-Winning Poet and host, a Smart Arts Teaching Artist, Motivational Speaker, SpokenWord and Visual Artist, Actor/Voice Over Artist, Chess Instructor, Story Teller, and Comedian.

Moody Black has been a performing artist since the age of eleven. “ I found a book on my mom’s shelf in the hallway of our house entitled “This Time Called Life” by Walter Rinder. It was about being young and free. The book spoke to me.

It allowed me to go back and appreciate the greats (Maya Angelou, Nikki Giovanni, Langston Hughes, Walt Whitman, etc).

After that, I began writing more in school and entering contests. In junior high school, the students would ridicule me for reading out loud and sharing poems.

However, by high school poetry all of sudden became cool. Guys would ask me to write poems for their girlfriends.

That’s how I learned to enterprise. I would charge money to write poems. I felt like I had won in the end. And here I am now, doing poetry for a living,” he shares.

He has become a prominent force across the nation through his enthusiastic live shows and strong work ethic.

Currently residing in Greenville, S.C. Moody Black focus is to electrify audiences across the country with his original poems and energetic performances. Fusing a blend of Hip-Hop, Soul, and Poetry, the talented artist delivers a unique rhythmic message in which each new listener finds common ground.

Moody Black has performed at several elementary, junior and senior high schools, universities, and colleges. He is a Poetry Slam Master and Coach Poem with works published in Still Home (Book of Spartanburg Poets). He has been a featured artist at dozens of festivals including the Travelers Rest Arts Commission annual Arts Festival, North Charleston Arts Festival, Stone Soup Story Telling Festival in Woodruff, S.C., the Annual Piccolo Spoleto Festival, the Peace Day Festival in Charleston, S.C., the annual Chautaugua Festival, and the 3rd Annual Millican Festival in Sumter, S.C. Even more, Moody Black has opened up for multi-platinum recording artists Trey Songz and Lyfe Jennings.

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Moody shares what she loves most about his chosen path is the ability to create for a living. “I get a rush when I perform and people connect. Then, I love the grind. The whole process is exciting. It can be nail biting at times and somewhat nervewracking, but I love the result. I know the out come is going to be positive,” he says.

“Life inspires me, every aspect of it. The good, the bad, and the ugly. Everything is my muse!” Moody says his biggest inspirations are his parents. “My father was a boxer, and my mom worked and was into theater. Everything they’ve been through (divorce, not accomplishing their dreams) somehow they instilled in me to fight and create. Even though they’re from a different time where doing what I do is insanity to them, I continue to look at them for motivation. I want to take off from where they felt they couldn’t continue. I’m going to show them I can make it happen.”

Some of the challenges Moody has faced is filling up his calendar. “It’s a constant grind of having to knock on virtual doors.

Hoping to get booked to teach poetry in as many schools as I can is also challenging. The summer time is rough since school is out.

So, I spend a lot of time on the road touring which means a lot of time away from my family,” he says.

In the future, Moody has plans is to apply his arts integration across the globe. In addition, he wants to perform his art everywhere. He also hopes to finish his Hip-Hop project “Manifest”, a compilation of personal stories and inspiration and eventually establish a business where I can make money while I sleep. And not to mention his aspirations to serve as a professor at a university, teaching poetry.

Finally, Moody Black is a brand ambassador for Empire Limited (Men’s Consignment Store) in Greer, SC. He was recently nominated for “Best Male Model” and “Best Male Entrepreneur” for the South Carolina Music Awards. He was also nominated as the “Smart Arts Teacher of the Year” for the Smart Arts Program through the Metropolitan Arts Council of Greenville. h

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Follow the “This Is Who I Am” Podcast on Facebook and Instagram

www.mykelmedia.com

Mariah Taylor

MAGAZINE

Cutest Baby

The daughter of D’lantia and Shoneka Taylor

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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Monica Johnson MARJ Consulting LLC

Monica Johnson, MA, LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor), of Atlanta, Georgia is a dynamic professional speaker, published author, lecturer and expert in mental health and leadership. She has worked in the behavioral health field for over 24 years, including working in a variety of executive leadership roles within state government and a variety of settings in private, for profit and non-profit organizations.

In addition, she’s a seasoned executive leader with a proven track record of success. Over the last couple of decades Monica has led several high-profile large scale change initiatives, chaired several collaborations, and served as board members for a variety of governing boards. “I have had success creating and leading projects that others thought would fail and brought people together with different perspectives to work towards common goals to accomplish complex initiatives,” she says. “I am most passionate about developing and empowering women leaders and educating the community on mental health wellness; ultimately reducing the stigma associated with mental illness for healthier lives.”

In 2019, Monica wrote and independently published her first book, Fab 30: Critical Leadership for Women which focuses on providing the opportunity to bring women leaders forward to make lasting impact on our communities and ultimately the world. Her impeccable record reflects a deep determination to succeed. She has earned an undergraduate degree in Psychology (minor in Communications) from Kennesaw

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State University and a graduate degree in Professional Counseling/Psychology at Argosy University. She is a proud Alumnus of the Georgetown University Leadership Academy and a recipient of the Intensive Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Schizophrenia Certification at the Aaron T. Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior Therapy in Philadelphia.

Currently, Monica operates MARJ Consulting LLC in Atlanta. Her firm provides three primary services and products that include Women’s Leadership Development, which involves the Fab 30: Critical Leadership Lessons for Women book designed to reach larger audiences to serve as a reference guide on successfully navigating their leadership path. There is also the Fab 30 Women’s Leadership Masterclass, which is a live version of her book. It is conducted in an intimate class setting designed to bring the principles of the book to life through interactive discussion, exercises, and lecture.

The amazing experience helps to bring women leaders together, to be stronger, better, and empowered. The Masterclass is offered up to three times per year in the Atlanta metropolitan area. The third product is the Fab 30 Workshops for Businesses, a modified version of the Masterclass specifically tailored to corporations, nonprofits, public entities, community organizations, etc.

“Many organizations have women leadership groups or other similar names with the goal of uplifting and empowering their women workforce. I target these organizations to provide the workshops at their site locations,” she says.

superheroes that when empowered make magic happen. I began to think if I could use my experiences and lessons to help new leaders as well as seasoned leaders feel empowered to do more they would. I did not have any idea at the time that a plan and outline for a workshop would evolve into anything more.”

She completed the curriculum in a couple of months and started facilitating workshops from the curriculum. She learned quickly by talking and listening to more and more women that the information being shared was indeed inspiring and empowering women of different ages, races, nationality and experience levels.

Monica shares that she is inspired by different things, at different times. She is also inspired mostly by her dad, Joseph Saxby who is also a writer and lifelong coach and

Some additional products and services offered by MARJ Consulting LLC are Specialized Workshops & Keynote Speaking. With this, Monica is able to develop unique workshops and seminars on a wide range of topics related to leadership development and mental health wellness based on the needs of an organization.

These are usually co-ed, and more broad than the Fab 30 series. Similarly she also provides keynote speaking for conferences based on the needs of the organization.

Monica is also a Mental Health Expert and is available for speaking needs for organizations, special events, conferences, and any media outlet. Particular areas of interest as it relates to mental health wellness center around reducing the stigma of mental illness in the Black/ African-American community, reducing stigma of mental health overall, promoting mental health wellness for all ages, promotion of mental health wellness for women.

MARJ Consulting LLC began about three years ago as a result of Monica’s frustration about the lack of leadership that existed in our country. “That sentiment is not about just one person, but lots of people in high profile leadership roles that are supposed to lead but are not doing that. Instead of continuing to scream at the TV, or be irritated by strangers on social media, I decided to do something more productive,” she shares.

“Be the change you want to see. I started drafting the Fab 30 Critical Leadership Lessons for women as a workshop curriculum. That was my initial goal, develop the workshop and start talking to women. I started with women on purpose. I felt that often times women fill the void of pretty much everything. We are every day

captain for #teamMonica. “He pushes me to be better than I think I can be and when I reach the goal, he pushes for the next level. I recently saw the movie Harriet and was inspired by it. Ellen DeGeneres also inspires me. I love that she is relatable, lived in her truth at a time that was not convenient and came through it on top eventually.

But I am honestly inspired by every day things around me. I see inspiration in hearing my kids talk to each other about how someone they know may have mental health issues but it is not a joke and they are seriously talking about how the person should get help. I see inspiration in my husband who taps more and more into is natural leadership skills, owns his past mistakes, and is dedicated to being a good husband and father. I am inspired that years ago he said he didn’t think a woman could be president but now he thinks I could be,” she says. h

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